第二十回

第二十回 梁山泊义士尊晁盖 郓城县月夜走刘唐

诗曰：

豪杰英雄聚义间，罡星煞曜降尘寰。

王伦奸诈遭诛戮，晁盖仁明主将班。

魂逐断云寒冉冉，恨随流水夜潺潺。

林冲火并真高谊，凛凛清风不可攀。

话说林冲杀了王伦，手拿尖刀，指着众人说道：“据林冲虽系禁军，遭配到此，今日为众豪杰至此相聚，争奈王伦心胸狭隘，嫉贤妒能，推故不纳，因此火并了这厮，非林冲要图此位。据着我胸襟胆气，焉敢拒敌官军，剪除君侧元凶首恶？今有晁兄，仗义疏财，智勇足备，方今天下，人闻其名，无有不伏。我今日以义气为重，立他为山寨之主，好么？”众人道：“头领言之极当。”晁盖道：“不可！自古强兵不压主。晁盖强杀，只是个远来新到的人，安敢便来占上。”林冲把手向前，将晁盖推在交椅上，叫道：“今日事已到头，请勿推却。若有不从者，将此王伦为例！”再三再四扶晁盖坐了。林冲喝道：“众人就于亭前参拜了。”一面使小喽啰去大寨里摆下筵席；一面叫人抬过了王伦尸首；一面又着人去山前山后，唤众多小头目，都来大寨里聚义。

林冲等一行人请晁盖上了轿马，都投大寨里来。到得聚义厅前，下了马，都上厅来。众人扶晁天王去正中第一位交椅上坐定，中间焚起一炉香来。林冲向前道：“小可林冲，只是个粗卤匹夫，不过只会些枪棒而已，无学无才，无智无术。今日山寨天幸得众豪杰相聚，大义既明，非比往日苟且。学究先生在此，便请做军师，执掌兵权，调用将校，须坐第二位。”吴用答道：“吴某村中学究，胸次又无经纶济世之才，虽只读些孙吴兵法，未曾有半粒微功，怎敢占上。”林冲道：“事已到头，不必谦让。”吴用只得坐了第二位。林冲道：“公孙先生请坐第三位。”晁盖道：“却使不得。若是这等推让之时，晁盖必须退位。”林冲道：“晁兄差矣！公孙先生名闻江湖，善能用兵，有鬼神不测之机，呼风唤雨之法，谁能及也。”公孙胜道：“虽有些小之法，亦无济世之才，如何便敢占上。还是头领请坐。”林冲道：“今番克敌制胜，谁人及得先生良法。正是鼎分三足，缺一不可，先生不必推却。”公孙胜只得坐了第三位。林冲再要让时，晁盖、吴用、公孙胜都不肯。三人俱道：“适蒙头领所说，鼎分三足，以此不敢违命，我三人占上。头领再要让人时，晁盖等只得告退。”三人扶住林冲，只得坐了第四位。晁盖道：“今番须请宋、杜二头领来坐。”那杜迁、宋万见杀了王伦，寻思道：“自身本事低微，如何近的他们？不若做个人情。”苦苦地请刘唐坐了第五位，阮小二坐了第六位，阮小五坐了第七位，阮小七坐了第八位，杜迁坐了第九位，宋万坐了第十位，朱贵坐了第十一位。梁山泊自此是十一位好汉坐定。山前山后共有七八百人，都来厅前参拜了，分立在两下。

晁盖道：“你等众人在此，今日林教头扶我做山寨之主，吴学究做军师，公孙胜同掌兵权，林教头等共管山寨。汝等众人各依旧职，管领山前山后事务，守备寨栅滩头，休教有失。各人务要竭力同心，共聚大义。”再教收拾两边房屋，安顿了阮家老小，便教取出打劫得的生辰纲金珠宝贝，并自家庄上过活的金银财帛，就当厅赏赐众小头目并众多小喽啰。当下椎牛宰马，祭祀天地神明，庆贺重新聚义。众头领饮酒至半夜方散。次日又办筵宴庆会，一连吃了数日筵席。晁盖与吴用等众头领计议：整点仓廒，修理寨栅，打造军器，枪刀弓箭，衣甲头盔，准备迎敌官军；安排大小船只，教演人兵水手，上船厮杀，好做提备，不在话下。自此梁山泊十一位头领聚义，真乃是交情浑似股肱，义气如同骨肉。有诗为证：

古人交谊断黄金，心若同时谊亦深。

水浒请看忠义士，死生能守岁寒心。

因此，林冲见晁盖作事宽洪，疏财仗义，安顿各家老小在山，蓦然思念妻子在京师，存亡未保，遂将心腹备细诉与晁盖道：“小人自从上山之后，欲要搬取妻子上山来。因见王伦心术不定，难以过活，一向蹉跎过了。流落东京，不知死活。”晁盖道：“贤弟既有宝眷在京，如何不去取来完聚？你快写书，便教人下山去，星夜搬取上山来，以绝心念，多少是好。”林冲当下写了一封书，叫两个自身边心腹小喽啰下山去了。不过两个月回来，小喽啰还寨说道：“直至东京城内殿帅府前，寻到张教头家，闻说娘子被高太尉威逼亲事，自缢身死，已故半载。张教头亦为忧疑，半月之前染患身故。止剩得女使锦儿，已招赘丈夫在家过活。访问邻里，亦是如此说。打听得真实，回来报与头领。”林冲见说了，潸然泪下，自此杜绝了心中挂念。晁盖等见说了，怅然嗟叹。山寨中自此无话，每日只是操练人兵，准备拒敌官军。

忽一日，众头领正在聚义厅上商议事务，只见小喽啰报上山来，说道：“济州府差拨军官，带领约有一千人马，乘驾大小船四五百只，见在石碣村湖荡里屯住，特来报知。”晁盖大惊，便请军师吴用商议道：“官军将至，如何迎敌？”吴用笑道：“不须兄长挂心，吴某自有措置。自古道：水来土掩，兵到将迎。此乃兵家常事。”随即唤阮氏三雄，附耳低言道如此如此；又唤林冲、刘唐受计道，你两个便这般这般；再叫杜迁、宋万也分付了。正是：西迎项羽三千阵，今日先施第一功。

且说济州府尹点差团练使黄安，并本府捕盗官一员，带领一千馀人，拘刷[1]本处船只，就石碣村湖荡调拨，分开船只，作两路来取泊子。

且说团练使黄安带领人马上船，摇旗呐喊，杀奔金沙滩来。看看渐近滩头，只听得水面上呜呜咽咽吹将起来。黄安道：“这不是画角之声？”且把船来分作两路，去那芦花荡中湾住看时，只见水面上远远地三只船来。看那船时，每只船上只有五个人，四个人摇着双橹，船头上立着一个人，头带绛红巾，都一样身穿红罗绣袄，手里各拿着留客住，三只船上人都一般打扮。于内有人认得的，便对黄安说道：“这三只船上三个人，一个是阮小二，一个是阮小五，一个是阮小七。”黄安道：“你众人与我一齐并力向前，拿这三个人。”两边有四五十只船，一齐发着喊，杀奔前去。那三只船唿哨了一声，一齐便回。黄团练把手内枪拈搭动，向前来叫道：“只顾杀这贼，我自有重赏！”

那三只船前面走，背后官军船上把箭射将去。那三阮去船舱里各拿起一片青狐皮来，遮那箭矢。后面船只只顾赶，赶不过三二里水港，黄安背后一只小船，飞也似划来报道：“且不要赶！我们那一条杀入去的船只，都被他杀下水里去后，把船都夺去了。”黄安问道：“怎的着了那厮的手？”小船上人答道：“我们正行船时，只见远远地两只船来，每船上各有五个人。我们并力杀去赶他，赶不过三四里水面，四下里小港钻出七八只小船来，船上弩箭似飞蝗一般射将来。我们急把船回时，来到窄狭港口，只见岸上约有二三十人，两头牵一条大篦索，横截在水面上。却待向前看索时，又被他岸上灰瓶石子如雨点一般打将来，众官军只得弃了船只，下水逃命。我众人逃得出来，到旱路边看时，那岸上人马皆不见了。马也被他牵去了，看马的军人都杀死在水里。我们芦花荡边寻得这只小船儿，径来报与团练。”

黄安听得说了，叫苦不迭。便把白旗招动，教众船不要去赶，且一发回来。那众船才拨得转头，未曾行动，只见背后那三只船又引着十数只船，都只是这三五个人，把红旗摇着，口里吹着胡哨，飞也似赶来。黄安却待把船摆开迎敌时，只听得芦苇丛中炮响。黄安看时，四下里都是红旗摆满，慌了手脚。后面赶来的船上叫道：“黄安，留下了首级回去！”黄安把船尽力摇过芦苇岸边，却被两边小港里钻出四五十只小船来，船上弩箭如雨点射将来。黄安就箭林里夺路时，只剩得三四只小船了。黄安便跳过快船内，回头看时，只见后面的人一个个都扑桶的跳下水里去了。有和船被拖去的，大半都被杀死。黄安驾着小快船，正走之间，只见芦花荡边一只船上立着刘唐，一挠钩搭住黄安的船，托地跳将过来，只一把，拦腰提住，喝道：“不要挣扎！”别的军人能识水者，水里被箭射死；不敢下水的，就船里都活捉了。

黄安被刘唐扯到岸边，上了岸。远远的晁盖、公孙胜山边骑着马，挺着刀，引五六十人，三二十匹马，齐来接应。一行人生擒活捉得一二百人，夺的船只，尽数都收在山南水寨里安顿了。大小头领一齐都到山寨。晁盖下了马，来到聚义厅上坐定。众头领各去了戎装军器，团团坐下。捉那黄安绑在将军柱上，取过金银段匹，赏了小喽啰。点检共夺得六百馀匹好马，这是林冲的功劳；东港是杜迁、宋万的功劳；西港是阮氏三雄的功劳；捉得黄安是刘唐的功劳。众头领大喜，杀牛宰马，山寨里筵会。自酝的好酒，水泊里出的新鲜莲藕，山南树上自有时新的桃、杏、梅、李、枇杷、山枣、柿、栗之类，鱼、肉、鹅、鸡品物，不必细说。众头领只顾庆赏。新到山寨，得获全胜，非同小可。有诗为证：

水浒英锋不可当，黄安捕捉太张。

战船人马俱亏折，更把何颜见故乡。

正饮酒之间，只见小喽啰报道：“山下朱头领使人到寨。”晁盖便唤来问道：“有甚么事？”小喽啰说道：“朱头领探听得有一起客商，约有十数人结联一处，今夜晚间必从旱路经过，特来报知。”晁盖道：“正没金帛使用，谁可领人去走一遭？”三阮道：“我弟兄们去。”晁盖道：“好兄弟，小心在意，速去早来。我使刘唐随后来策应你们。”三阮便下厅去，换了衣裳，跨了腰刀，拿了朴刀、叉、留客住，点起一百馀人，上厅来别了众头领，便下山去，就金沙滩把船载过朱贵酒店里去了。晁盖恐三阮担负不下，又使刘唐点起一百馀人，教领了下山去接应，又分付道：“只可善取金帛财物，切不可伤害客商性命。”刘唐去了。晁盖到三更不见回报，又使杜迁、宋万引五十馀人下山接应。

晁盖与吴用、公孙胜、林冲饮酒至天明，只见小喽啰报喜道：“三阮头领得了二十馀辆车子金银财物，并四五十匹驴骡头口。”晁盖又问道：“不曾杀人么？”小喽啰答道：“那许多客人见我们来得势头猛了，都撇下车子、头口、行李，逃命去了，并不曾伤害他一个。”晁盖见说大喜：“我等初到山寨，不可伤害于人。”取一锭白银，赏了小喽啰。四个将了酒果下山来，直接到金沙滩上，见众头领尽把车辆扛上岸来，再叫撑船去载头口马匹。众头领大喜。把盏已毕，教人去请朱贵上山来筵宴。晁盖等众头领都上到山寨聚义厅上，簸箕掌、栲栳圈[2]坐定。叫小喽啰扛抬过许多财物，在厅上一包包打开，将彩帛衣服堆在一边，行货等物堆在一边，金银宝贝堆在正面。众头领看了打劫得许多财物，心中欢喜。便叫掌库的小头目，每样取一半收贮在库，听候支用；这一半分做两分，厅上十一位头领均分一分，山上山下众人均分一分。把这新拿到的军健，脸上刺了字号，选壮浪的分拨去各寨喂马砍柴，软弱的各处看车切草。黄安锁在后寨监房内。

晁盖道：“我等今日初到山寨，当初只指望逃灾避难，投托王伦帐下为一小头目。多感林教头贤弟推让我为尊，不想连得了两场喜事：第一赢得官军，收得许多人马船只，捉了黄安；二乃又得了若干财物金银。此不是皆托众弟兄的才能？”众头领道：“皆托得大哥哥的福荫，以此得采。”晁盖再与吴用道：“俺们七人弟兄的性命，皆出于宋押司、朱都头两个。古人道：知恩不报，非为人也。今日富贵安乐从何而来？早晚将些金银，可使人亲到郓城县走一遭，此是第一件要紧的事务。再有白胜陷在济州大牢里，我们必须要去救他出来。”吴用道：“兄长不必忧心，小生自有划[3]。宋押司处酬谢之恩，早晚必用一个兄弟自去。白胜的事，可教蓦生人去那里使钱，买上嘱下，松宽他便好脱身。我等且商量屯粮造船，制办军器，安排寨栅城垣，添造房屋，整顿衣袍铠甲，打造刀枪弓箭，防备迎敌官军。”晁盖道：“既然如此，全仗军师妙策指教。”吴用当下调拔众头领，分派去办，不在话下。

且不说梁山泊自从晁盖上山，好生兴旺。却说济州府太守，见黄安手下逃回的军人，备说梁山泊杀死官军、生擒黄安一事；又说梁山泊好汉十分英雄了得，无人近傍得他，难以收捕；抑且水路难认，港汊多杂，以此不能取胜。府尹听了，只叫得苦，向太师府干办说道：“何涛先折了许多人马，独自一个逃得性命回来，已被割了两个耳朵，自回家将息，至今不能痊。去的五百人，无一个回来。因此又差团练使黄安并本府捕盗官，带领军兵前去追捉，亦皆失陷。黄安已被活捉上山，杀死官军不知其数，又不能取胜，怎生是好？”太守肚里正怀着鬼胎，没个道理处，只见承局来报说：“东门接官亭上有新官到来，飞报到此。”太守慌忙上马，来到东门外接官亭上，望见尘土起处，新官已到亭子前下马。府尹接上亭子，相见已了，那新官取出中书省更替文书来度与府尹。太守看罢，随即和新官到州衙里交割牌印、一应府库钱粮等项。当下安排筵席管待新官。旧太守备说梁山泊贼盗浩大，杀死官军一节。说罢，新官面如土色，心中思忖道：“蔡太师将这件勾当抬举我，却是此等地面，这般府分。又没强兵猛将，如何收捕得这伙强人？倘或这厮们来城里借粮时，却怎生奈何？”旧官太守次日收拾了衣装行李，自回东京听罪。不在话下。

且说新官宗府尹到任之后，请将一员新调来镇守济州的军官来，当下商议招军买马，集草屯粮，招募悍勇民夫，智谋贤士，准备收捕梁山泊好汉。一面申呈中书省，转行牌仰附近州郡，并力剿捕；一面自行下文书所属州县，知会收剿，及仰属县着令守御本境。这个都不在话下。

且说本州孔目，差人赍一纸公文，行下所属郓城县，教守御本境，防备梁山泊贼人。郓城县知县看了公文，教宋江迭成文案，行下各乡村，一体守备。正是：

一纸文书火急催，官司严督势如雷。

只因造下迷天罪，何日金鸡放赦回？

且说宋江见了公文，心内寻思道：“晁盖等众人不想做下这般大事，犯了大罪，劫了生辰纲，杀了做公的，伤了何观察，又损害了许多官军人马，又把黄安活捉上山。如此之罪，是灭九族的勾当！虽是被人逼迫，事非得已，于法度上却饶不得。倘有疏失，如之奈何？”自己一个心中纳闷，分付贴书后司张文远，将此文书立成文案，行下各乡各保，自理会文卷。

宋江却信步走出县来，去对过茶房里坐定吃茶。只见一个大汉，头戴白范阳毡笠儿，身穿一领黑绿罗袄，下面腿絣护膝，八搭麻鞋，腰里跨着一口腰刀，背着一个大包，走得汗雨通流，气急喘促，把脸别转着看那县里。宋江见了这个大汉走得跷蹊，慌忙起身赶出茶坊来，跟着那汉走。约走了二三十步，那汉回过头来看了宋江，却不认得。宋江见了这人，略有些面熟：“莫不是那里曾厮会来？”心中一时思量不起。那汉见宋江，看了一回，也有些认得，立住了脚，定睛看那宋江，又不敢问。宋江寻思道：“这个人好作怪，却怎地只顾看我？”宋江亦不敢问他。

只见那汉去路边一个篦头铺里问道：“大哥，前面那个押司是谁？”篦头待诏应道：“这位正是宋押司。”那汉提着朴刀，走到面前，唱个大喏，说道：“押司认得小弟么？”宋江道：“足下有些面善。”那汉道：“可借一步说话。”宋江便和那汉入一条僻静小巷。那汉道：“这个酒店里好说话。”两个上到酒楼，拣个僻静阁儿里坐下。那汉倚了朴刀，解下包裹，撇在桌子底下。那汉扑翻身便拜，宋江慌忙答礼道：“不敢拜问足下高姓？”那人道：“大恩人如何忘了小弟？”宋江道：“兄长是谁？真个有些面熟，小人失忘了。”那汉道：“小弟便是晁保正庄上曾拜识尊颜、蒙恩救了性命的赤发鬼刘唐便是。”宋江听了大惊，说道：“贤弟，你好大胆！早是没做公的看见，险些儿惹出事来！”刘唐道：“感承大恩，不惧怕死，特地来酬谢大恩。”宋江道：“晁保正弟兄们近日如何？兄弟，谁教你来？”刘唐道：“晁头领哥哥再三拜上大恩人，得蒙救了性命，如何不报。见今做了梁山泊主都头领，吴学究做了军师，公孙胜同掌兵权。林冲一力维持，火并了王伦。山寨里原有杜迁、宋万、朱贵，和俺弟兄七个，共是十一个头领。见今山寨里聚集得七八百人，粮食不计其数。只想兄长大恩，无可报答，特使刘唐赍书一封，并黄金一百两相谢押司，并朱、雷二都头。”刘唐便打开包裹，取出书来递与。宋江看罢，拽起褶子前襟，摸出招文袋。打开包儿时，刘唐取出金子放在桌上。宋江把那封书——就取了一条金子，和这书包了——插在招文袋内，放下衣襟，便道：“贤弟将此金子依旧包了，还放桌上。且坐。”随即便唤量酒的打酒来，叫大块切一盘肉来，铺下些菜蔬果子之类，叫量酒的筛酒与刘唐吃。看看天色晚了，刘唐吃了酒，把桌上金子包打开，要取出来。宋江慌忙拦住道：“贤弟，你听我说：你们七个弟兄，初到山寨，正要金银使用。宋江家中颇有些过活，且放在你山寨里，等宋江缺少盘缠时，却教兄弟宋清来取。今日非是宋江见外，于内受了一条。朱仝那人也有些家私，不用与他，我自与他说知人情便了。雷横这人，又不知我报与保正，况兼这人贪赌，倘或将些出去赌时，他便惹出事来，不当稳便，金子切不可与他。贤弟，我不敢留你相请去家中住，倘或有人认得时，不是耍处。今夜月色必然明朗，你便可回山寨去，莫在此担阁。宋江再三申意众头领，不能前来庆贺，切乞恕罪。”刘唐道：“哥哥大恩，无可报答，特令小弟送些人情来与押司，微表孝顺之心。保正哥哥今做头领，学究军师号令，非比旧日，小弟怎敢将回去？到山寨中必然受责。”宋江道：“既是号令严明，我便写一封回书，与你将去便了。”刘唐苦苦相央宋江收受，宋江那里肯接，随即取一幅纸来，借酒家笔砚，备细写了一封回书，与刘唐收在包内。刘唐是个直性的人，见宋江如此推却，想是不肯受了，便将金子依前包了。

看看天色晚来，刘唐道：“既然兄长有了回书，小弟连夜便去。”宋江道：“贤弟，不及相留，以心相照。”刘唐又下了四拜。宋江唤量酒人来道：“有此位官人留下白银一两在此，你且权收了，我明日却自来算。”刘唐背上包裹，拿了朴刀，跟着宋江下楼来。离了酒楼，出到巷口，天色昏黄，是八月半天气，月轮上来。宋江携住刘唐的手，分付道：“贤弟保重，再不可来。此间做公的多，不是耍处。我更不远送，只此相别。”刘唐见月色明朗，拽开脚步，望西路便走，连夜回梁山泊来。

再说宋江与刘唐别了，自慢慢行回下处来。一头走，一面肚里寻思道：“早是没做公的看见，争些儿惹出一场大事来！”一头想：“那晁盖倒去落了草，直如此大弄！”转不过两个湾，只听得背后有人叫一声：“押司，那里去来？老身甚处不寻遍了！”

不是这个人来寻宋押司，有分教：宋江小胆翻为大胆，善心变为恶心。正是：言谈好似钩和线，从头钓出是非来。毕竟来叫宋押司的是甚么人，且听下回分解。

[1] 拘刷——收缴，征用。

[2] 簸箕掌、栲栳圈——圆的形象，表示团团地围着。

[3] （bāi）划——处置、安排、计划。

CHAPTER 19. The Heroes at Liangshan Marsh Elect Chao Gai as Their Chief; Liu Tang in the Moonlight Goes to Yuncheng County

AFTER killing Wang Lun, Lin Chong pointed his broad sword towards the men and said, “I was previously an officer in the army but had been banished. Today these heroes came to join our band, but Wang Lun was narrow-minded, and jealous of them so that he wished them to go away. Therefore I killed him, and I did this not because I wanted to be your chief. But if in the future you wish to fight the army and those vile ministers at the capital I am afraid that my courage and strength will not be of much use. Now we have Chao Gai whose wisdom and bravery are known all over the empire. Today I fought for our rights, and now propose that he should be our chief. Do you agree to that?”

“What you say is quite right,” said the men.

“That won’t do,” said Chao Gai. “An ancient proverb says, ‘However strong the guest should not try to overthrow his host.’ As I have just come from a distant place how could I be your chief?”

Lin Chong gently pushed Chao Gai into the chair, and said, “Our business is now finished so do not decline the offer. If there are any men who oppose us we shall treat them in the same way as we treated Wang Lun.” After much pressing he got Chao Gai to take the seat. He then shouted out that everybody must assemble outside and make obeisance to Chao Gai. After doing this the bandits went to prepare a feast. He then told some of the men to remove Wang Lun’s body. He also sent some men to summon all the minor leaders to meet at the assembly hall. Lin Chong and the others asked Chao Gai to mount his horse, and the whole company then mounted horses or rode in sedan chairs to the assembly hall. Upon entering the hall they got Chao Gai to take the seat of honor, and then brought in an incense urn which they placed in the center of the hall.

Lin Chong came forward and said, “I am only a coarse fellow with a little knowledge of how to use the cudgel and lance. I am without learning or ability. Very luckily these heroes have come to our mountain stronghold today. We now all understand the justice of our cause, and therefore we must improve on what has been done here before. As we have Wu Yong here I suggest that we make him the second-in-command, and assign him the duties of adviser controlling both troops and their officers, and also arranging plans of strategy.”

“I was only a teacher in a village,” said Wu Yong, “and I am afraid that I have not the ability to assist you in military affairs. Although I have some knowledge of the strategems of Sunzi’s and Wuzi’s Art of War (B.C. 4th and 6th century) I yet have done nothing great so how can I become second in command?”

“Our business is now complete,” said Lin Chong, “so do not let us be too polite.”

Wu Yong thereupon took the seat of the second-in-command.

“Now Gongsun Sheng must take the position of third-in-command,” said Lin Chong.

“This will not do,” said Chao Gai. “If there is any more of this politeness I shall resign from the leadership.”

“You are wrong,” said Lin Chong. “Gongsun Sheng is capable in commanding soldiers, and even the spirits do not know his plans. Where is there a man who can control the wind and rain as he does?”

“I have only a few small tricks,” said Gongsun Sheng, “and they are not of much help so how dare I become the third-in-command? You ought to occupy that position.”

“We have just beaten our enemies,” said Lin Chong, “but we know that it was due to your excellent plan. An incense urn has three legs and is useless without the third, so I hope that you will accept the position of the third-in-command.”

Gongsun Sheng took his seat as the third-in-command.

“Lin Chong then started to urge another man to take the fourth seat, but the three leaders objected and said, “You pointed out that an incense urn should have three legs, and therefore we accepted the three highest positions, and if you persist in urging for a fourth we shall retire from office.” They induced Lin Chong to accept the position of fourth-in-command. They then invited Song Wan and Du Qian to take the next positions. But both men were not willing to accept. After a great deal of talk it was agreed, at last, that Liu Tang should be fifth; Ruan the Second, the sixth; Ruan the Fifth, the seventh; Ruan the Seventh, the eighth; Du Qian the ninth; Song Wan the tenth; and Zhu Gui the eleventh. This was how the eleven commands at Liangshan Marsh were arranged. At that place there were about eight hundred bandits, and they assembled in two large bodies and saluted their new leaders.

Chao Gai addressed them saying, “I have been invited by Drill Instructor Lin Chong to occupy the position of commander of your stronghold, with Wu Yong as strategist, and Gongsun Sheng as adjutant. Lin Chong and the other leaders control the affairs of this place, and you men must carry on your affairs as before, guarding the barriers and banks. We must now be all united and with one mind, and must maintain our cause of justice.” He then gave orders for the houses to be repaired, and arranged for the use of the families they had brought there. He instructed some of the bandits to fetch the birthday presents seized at the Huangni Ridge and also the valuables from his own village and he divided them among the bandits and their leaders as rewards.

Cows and horses were killed to provide meat for an offering to the spirits of Heaven and Earth, and celebrate their success. They all had a feast, and the leaders only separated until well after midnight.

The celebrations and feasting continued for several days.

Chao Gai, Wu Yong, and the other leaders then held conferences to consider their food supplies in the granaries, repairs to the defense works and embankments, the making of all kinds of accoutrements including spears, swords, bows and arrows, mailed armor, and helmets, so as to be prepared for an attack from the army. They also got their fleet of boats in order, and drilled the men in fighting on water.

One day Lin Chong saw that Chao Gai was so generous in making arrangements for the families brought to the mountain and happened to think of whether his wife at the Eastern Capital was living or not so he decided to tell his affairs to Chao Gai. He said to him, “Ever since I have been here I have had a desire to bring my wife to this place, but as Wang Lun’s disposition made our future uncertain I hesitated to carry out my plan until now. I do not even know whether she at the Eastern Capital is alive or not.”

“Then why not go to the Eastern Capital and bring her here?” said Chao Gai. “You write a letter, and I will at once send a messenger with it.”

Lin Chong wrote a letter the same day, and selecting two reliable men he dispatched them with it. In less than two months the men returned and said to Lin Chong, “We arrived at the Eastern Capital, and near the commander-in-chief’s headquarters we found the home of Drill Instructor Zhang where we inquired about your wife, and were informed that Marshal Gao Qiu had arranged a marriage with her by force. She had committed suicide about half a year ago. Drill Instructor Zhang had grieved so much that he became sick and also died about half a month ago. The maidservant Jin Er being left alone had married a man, and they now lived at that house. We got all this confirmed by our close inquiries of the neighbors. Being satisfied as to the reliability of these statements we came back here to report to you.”

Upon hearing this Lin Chong wept. Chao Gai and the other leaders were very sorry for Lin Chong when they heard the news.

We need not say anything further about the stronghold except that every day the soldiers were drilled, and got ready to resist an attack from the army.

It happened however that on a certain day while the leaders were discussing matters in the assembly hall, a bandit came and reported that about two thousand soldiers had arrived from Jizhou Prefecture, and were encamped at the Shijie Village where they had about five hundred boats.

Chao Gai was startled upon hearing this, and turning to Wu Yong, his military strategist, asked him, “As the army has arrived how do you suggest that we should meet them?”

The Prefect at Jizhou had instructed the garrison commander Huang An together with the Inspector to take a thousand soldiers, and collect boats from all over the district which were to proceed from the lake of the Shijie Village to Liangshan Marsh by two main routes. Huang An embarked his soldiers and horses on the boats, and with much shouting and fluttering of flags set out for the Jinsha Bank. When approaching that place they heard strange sounds coming from the water. Huang An asked, “Is not that sound from battle horns? Stop the boats!” Looking around they saw in the distance three boats coming towards them. On each boat were four men pulling at two large sculls, and one man standing alone. The man standing wore dark crimson caps, and had red gauze coats, and they each were armed with a spear having a hook behind the head. The men who were sculling were all dressed alike. A man recognized the three men and told Huang An that they were the three brothers Ruan.

“You men must all work together and arrest those three men,” ordered Huang An.

About fifty boats started off to arrest the brothers, the soldiers making a great noise. But a whistle was heard and immediately the three boats turned round. Huang An was standing on the leading boat twirling his spear and cried out, “Kill these thieves! I will reward you handsomely!”

The three boats in front received a shower of arrows from the boats behind. The three men descended into the holds of their boats, and brought forth a fox skin which they placed at the sterns of the boats as shields. The boats behind kept chasing after them. When they had gone about a li a small fast boat overtook Huang An’s boat, and reported, “We must not pursue! The boats that were following the other route have all been seized, and the men killed.”

“How is it that our men were entrapped by those thieves?” asked Huang An.

The man on the swift boat replied, “While we were proceeding with our boats we saw two boats in the distance with five men on each. We pursued them. When we had gone about a li we saw about eight small boats emerge from anchorages on four sides of us. The boats were armed with crossbows, and fired arrows like a cloud of locusts. Our boats turned and retreated but when we got to the narrow mouth of the creek we found about thirty men on each bank, and they had fastened a split bamboo rope across the entrance. When we got up to the rope the men on the bank threw a shower of bottles of lime and stones at us. Our men realizing the dangerous position they were in. all jumped into the water. We reached the bank, and could see neither horses nor men there. All the men in charge of the horses had been killed in the water. Among the reeds we found a small boat so we hurried here to report the matter to you.’

Huang An was upset when he heard this, and taking the white flag signaled to his fleet to stop the pursuit and return. All the boats turned. But before retreating, they saw that accompanying the three boats were now more than ten others with about five men on each who displayed a red flag, and whistled with their fingers, and were approaching at great speed. Huang An was thinking of meeting the attack by spreading out his boats, but just then he heard in the reeds on the bank the sound of explosives being fired. He then noticed that on the banks on every side were red flags, and he became much agitated.

The pursuing boats were now close and a voice from them called out, “Huang An, leave us your head before you go.”

Huang An took the scull, and forced the boat to the bank. Just then about fifty boats emerged from the small creeks on either hand. They were armed with crossbows, which discharged a hail of arrows. In this shower of arrows Huang An was trying to find a way of escape. He had only about four boats left. He jumped into a small fast boat and looking round saw that his men one by one plunged into the water. His boats were seized, and more than half of the men who were aboard them were killed. Huang An was sculling his boat, but he had not gone far when he saw near the bank a boat on which was Liu Tang who reached out a hook to draw Huang An’s boat and alighted upon it. He seized Huang An by the waist, and shouted out, “Don’t struggle!” The soldiers who could swim had now all been killed by the arrows from the crossbows and those who could not swim had been captured alive aboard. Liu Tang dragged Huang An to the bank. In the distance they saw Chao Gai and Gongsun Sheng mounted on horses, armed with swords, leading a party of about sixty men and thirty horses, in reserve at the foot of the hill. About two hundred of Huang An’s men were captured alive and these with the boats seized were now taken to the stronghold on the south side of the mountain. All the bandit leaders now came to the headquarters.

Chao Gai dismounted and proceeding up the hill took his seat in the assembly hall. The leaders of the bandits assembled there, and laying down their arms took their seats all around the hall. Huang An was brought in, and tied up to a pillar of the building. A lot of gold, silver, and silk was brought in and divided among the bandits as a reward for their victory. It was reported that Lin Chong had seized altogether about six hundred good horses; that Du Qian and Song Wan had performed good services on the eastern side of the hill; that the three brothers Ruan had done meritorious service on the west side; and that Liu Tang had captured Huang An. The leaders were all much pleased, and orders were given that cows and sheep should be slaughtered, and a feast prepared. There was wine prepared on the mountain by themselves; lotus roots and fresh fish from the lake; fresh peaches, apricots, plums, pears, loquats, dates, persimmons, chestnuts, and other fruits which grew on trees near the lake. Chickens, pigs, geese, ducks, and such fowls which were kept on the hill. We need not go to the details, but a fine huge feast was given immediately in celebration of the great victory they had accomplished.

During the feast one of the brigands arrived and reported that a man had been sent there by their leader Zhu Gui. Chao Gai inquired as to his business and the man replied that a large party of travelers would arrive that evening and so he wished to report the matter.

“We are just now short of money for expenses so who will go on this expedition?” asked Chao Gai.

The brothers Ruan offered to go.

“Good brothers,” said Chao Gai, “you go quickly and come back soon, but be careful.”

The brothers Ruan left the hall at once, and changing their clothes, armed themselves with swords, halberds, the arresting-fork (with pliable prongs to fasten on legs, arms, or neck), the spear with a hook behind the head, and selected one hundred men to go with them. They reported their departure to the leaders in the hall, and then descending the hill to the Jinsha Bank where they embarked and crossed over to Zhu Gui’s wine shop.

But Chao Gai thought that the three brothers were not capable enough to undertake this enterprise so he ordered Liu Tang to follow them with another hundred men as a reenforcement. He then said to Liu Tang, “It will be very fine if you capture the gold and valuables, but I do not want you to kill or injure the travelers.” Liu Tang then departed with his men.

Up to midnight no report had been received as to how matters were progressing, so Chao Gai sent Du Qian and Song Wan to take fifty more men as a further reenforcement.

Chao Gai, Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, and Lin Chong drank wine together till daybreak, and then a soldier arrived who reported that Zhu Gui had captured more than twenty carts loaded with gold, silver, and other valuables, besides fifty donkeys and mules.

“Have they killed any men?” asked Chao Gai.

The soldier replied, “When they saw our threatening aspect they all escaped and left everything behind so that not a single man was killed.”

Chao Gai was much pleased at hearing this and said, “Hereafter we must not injure people.” He then took an ingot of silver and gave it to the messenger. He gave orders that wine and fruit should be taken down to the Jinsha Bank for the victorious leaders. The leaders also went down the hill, and took the carts carrying the loot on the bank and they instructed boats to be punted across for the horses. All the leaders were much pleased. After drinking some wine a messenger was dispatched to request Zhu Gui to attend a feast at the mountain stronghold.

Chao Gai and the other leaders then went up the mountain to the assembly hall where they took their seats in the spacious easy chairs. He then told the brigands to bring in the booty, and spread it out in the hall. All the silks were piled up in one place; the inferior goods in another place; the gold and silver valuables in the center. He then instructed the treasurer to take charge of half of the booty, and keep it in the treasury for future use. The other half was to be again divided in half; one part for the leaders and the remainder for the brigands.

Huang An was to be locked up in the prison, but all his soldiers were to be branded, and the best men selected to attend to the horses, and gather and cut firewood. The others were to look after the carts, and cut grass for the horses.

Chao Gai said, “Previously we were escaping from danger, and fled to this mountain with the hope of occupying some small rank under Wang Lun, but owing to the gracious favor of my worthy brother Lin Chong we were pressed to occupy our present exalted positions. We did not expect so soon to have two such grand affairs, as defeating the army, and seizing a large quantity of men, horses, and boats; and arresting Huang An; and then capturing such a large amount of valuable booty. But was this not due to the fine work of you all?”

The leaders all replied, “It was due entirely to you, our elder brother’s good luck.”

Chao Gai said to Wu Yong, “All us seven owe our lives to the exertions of Song Jiang and Zhu Tong. The ancients had a saying, ‘It is inhuman to forget a generous act.’ But where has our present happiness and pleasure come from? We have now plenty of money so I think we ought to send some of it to Song Jiang at Yuncheng County. Again we ought to send a man to Jizhou Prefecture to rescue Bai Sheng from his imprisonment there.”

“Sir, do not be anxious,” said Wu Yong, “I have a plan. Song Jiang is a just and benevolent man, and he certainly will not expect us to reward him for his services. But we must not be deficient in politeness. We can wait until all the affairs of our mountain stronghold are settled, and then we can send one of our brothers to do the business. In the case of Bai Sheng we can send a man with money to bribe both the higher and lower officials and arrange for his escape from prison. We can now discuss our store of grain; the making of boats; the preparation of more arms; repairing our barriers and defense works; and the building of more houses. We shall put in order our clothes, outer-coats, armor, and make some more spears, swords, bows, and arrows in readiness for another attack from the army.”

“All these shall depend on your wise instructions,” said Chao Gai.

But we need not go into the question as to what orders Wu Yong gave to all the minor leaders.

We need not mention further how everything prospered at Liangshan Marsh since Chao Gai became the chief there, but we will now relate how those soldiers of Huang An who had escaped reported to the Prefect at Jizhou how the army had been defeated and exterminated; and how Huang An had been taken prisoner. They also reported how brave and fierce were the men at Liangshan Marsh; and how difficult it would be to capture them; how difficult it was on the lake to find the way on account of the numerous creeks and anchorages; all this making it impossible for them to be victorious.

The Prefect was distressed upon hearing this, and spoke to the officer from the Prime Minister, “He Tao lost a great many men and horses, and only himself escaped with the loss of both ears. I sent him home to recuperate, but so far he has not recovered. I sent five hundred men, but they were all lost. I then dispatched garrison commander Huang An with an Inspector and many men, but they also have been all lost. We do not know exactly how many have been killed, but they could not defeat the bandits, who took Huang An captive.”

The Prefect felt so much perplexed and could see no solution of the difficulty. But just then a messenger came in and reported, “There is a new official approaching the town, who will be at the reception hall at the Eastern Gate in a few minutes.”

The Prefect immediately mounted his horses, and upon arriving at the East Gate where the reception hall for officials was situated he saw the man dismounting in a cloud of dust. The Prefect dismounted, and entering the arbor saluted the visitor who handed him an appointment from the Imperial government testifying himself to be a new Prefect. He conducted his successor to his yamen where he handed him his seal of office, and then gave him particulars of revenues in the treasury, and food on hand.

He then invited the new Prefect to a feast where he explained how strong the bandits were at Liangshan Marsh, and how his soldiers had been defeated and killed.

When the new Prefect heard this statement of affairs, he turned pale, and without speaking he meditated, “When the Prime Minister Cai, promoted me to Prefect I did not think the position was like this. Here there are no efficient troops, or capable generals so how can I capture these brigands? Should they come here to borrow some grain what could I do?”

The next day the old Prefect was ready with his baggage and left for the Eastern Capital to answer the charges made against him.

Soon after the new Prefect had been at his post he invited a military officer who had just been appointed to take charge of the garrison at Jizhou Prefecture. He then gave orders that the army must be brought up to strength, and the bravest and boldest men must be recruited; horses and grain purchased, and preparations made for another attack upon Liangshan Marsh. He also wrote dispatches to the capital asking them to instruct the surrounding villages to join him in this attack. He also ordered the county magistrates in his prefecture to assist in capturing the brigands, and to suppress any disorder in their districts.

The recording secretary sent the Prefect’s dispatch to the magistrate at Yuncheng County instructing the latter to get his defenses ready in case of an attack from the bandits at Liangshan Marsh. The magistrate after reading the dispatch gave it to his secretary Song Jiang with an order to write dispatches to all the villages to get their defenses ready. When Song Jiang read the dispatch he thought that he never expected Chao Gai and his six followers would do such a big thing as the capture of the birthday presents, killing many soldiers; branding He Tao; imprisoning Huang An, and capturing many soldiers and horses. For such an act their families were liable to be decapitated according to the law. Although they were compelled to do this yet according to the law they could not be pardoned. “If they are not careful what hope is there for them?” He was very sorry but told his clerk Zhang Wenyuan to write the dispatches to all the villages as ordered. When the dispatches had been dispatched Song Jiang left the yamen, but he had not gone more than thirty steps when he heard someone behind calling to him. Looking round he saw a matchmaker, Grandma Wang who was accompanied by another old woman who wished to speak to him. Grandma Wang said to her companion, “Now you are lucky, as the clerk who does benevolent things is coming, and you can tell him your business.” Song Jiang turning round asked what she had to say to him.

Grandma Wang, however, told the other woman called Madame Yan to keep quiet, and she herself spoke to Song Jiang: “This woman has just come from Eastern Capital, and with herself there were three in the family—her husband and a girl called Yan Poxi. Her husband could sing very well, and taught his daughter Poxi to sing also with him. She is eighteen years old, and has a good color. They came to Shandong to find a certain gentleman, but after wandering about a lot they have failed to find him. Although they can both sing they have not found men of pleasure in this district, and they now live for the time being in an alleyway just behind the yamen. Yesterday her husband was seized with cholera, and died suddenly. She has no money to even bury the corpse so she asked me to help her, and arrange a marriage for her daughter. But I told her that I could not find a suitable man all at once. We were wondering how to borrow some money, when I saw you, so we followed you to ask whether you would provide a coffin for them.”

“Follow me to the inn in the alleyway,” said Song Jiang, “and there I will give you a letter to Old Chen to provide a coffin for her. But what are you going to do after that?”

“I will not deceive you,” said Madame Yan, “I have no means of any kind.”

“I will give you ten taels of silver,” said Song Jiang.

“You are as generous as a father or mother to us,” said Madame Yan, “and we shall have to requite you in some way.”

“You need not talk like that,” said Song Jiang. So saying he took the silver and gave it to her, and then withdrew and went home.

Madame Yan took the note given to her by Song Jiang, and got a coffin from Chen Sanlang. After the funeral she still had about five taels of silver left to cover further expenses.

Upon a certain morning Madame Yan called at Song Jiang’s house to thank him for his kindness, and she noticed that there was no woman in the house so she asked Grandma Wang, the matchmaker, whether Song Jiang had a wife or not.

Grandma Wang replied that Song Jiang’s people lived at the Song Family Village, but she had not heard that he had a wife. He was the Chief Clerk at the yamen, and lived by himself. She was always hearing that he assisted poor people with coffins, medicine, and food. She thought that he had no wife.

“My daughter is very good-looking,” said Madame Yan, “and also sings well and is proficient in amusements. When we lived at the Eastern Capital she was young and she often visited the houses of prostitution where she was much liked. Some heads of these brothels very often asked that my daughter be allowed to join them, but I would not agree. Because if we had let her go we should have had nobody to look after us. We did not expect that we should have such misery which has already ruined her future. A few days ago I saw that Song Jiang had no wife in his house so I should be glad if you would tell him that if he would like a wife I should be willing to give him my daughter. We have no means of recompensing him for his kind assistance, but I would like to make him a relative of mine.

The next day Grandma Wang went to see Song Jiang, and talked this matter over with him. At first Song Jiang was averse to marrying the girl but with Grandma Wang’s strong advocacy of the match, he at last agreed to live with the girl. He then rented a house in an alleyway on the west of the yamen, and furnished it, and then asked Madame Yan and her daughter to go and live there. In less than a fortnight he gave the girl Yan Poxi many ornaments for the head, and clothed her in rich silks. The mother also had good clothing and there was nothing lacking in the way of luxuriant life.

At that time Song Jiang slept with Yan Poxi every night, but gradually he became a less frequent visitor. Now why was this? Previously Song Jiang had been very keen on practicing with spears and cudgels, and prefered this to the pleasures of sex. Yan Poxi was about nineteen years of age, and like all girls of that age was fond of sexual enjoyment. Therefore she grew dissatisfied with Song Jiang.

One day Song Jiang made a mistake in bringing his assistant Zhang Wenyuan to Yan Poxi’s house to drink wine. Zhang Wenyuan had beautiful eyes, white teeth, red lips, and spent his leisure idly. He was quite a dandy and was also quite a good player on string and wood instruments. When Yan Poxi saw Zhang Wenyuan she was much pleased with him and noticed him carefully. Zhang Wenyuan being quite the cad, noticed the effect he had produced. He also noticed the sly movements of her eyes and eyebrows, and knew there was something behind them, which he accordingly bore in mind.

Whenever Song Jiang was away, Zhang Wenyuan seized the opportunity to go to the house to presumably visit him. Yan Poxi used to invite him to drink tea or wine, and after some talk they became lovers. She never gave a thought of Song Jiang, and when he came she always insulted him. Song Jiang was not a woman chaser and thenceforth he went to the house once every ten days. But Zhang Wenyuan and Yan Poxi stuck together like glue and varnish. He went there at night and left the following morning, and all the neighbors knew this.

Consequently Song Jiang heard rumors, and half believing them, he thought that since his parents had not selected the girl for him, which meant that she was merely a concubine and not a wife, there was no reason for him to lose his temper about her. He would simply stay away from the house. So he did not go there for several months. Madame Yan many times sent a man to invite Song Jiang to come to the house, but he always sent a reply that he was too busy.

It happened one day that Song Jiang went into a tea-house just opposite the entrance to the yamen, and sat down to drink tea. He there noticed a big man wearing a white broad brimmed felt hat, a black and green silk wadded coat, puttees wound round his calves, hempen shoes with eight rows of laces, a sword at his side; he carried a bundle on his back, and was perspiring heavily, and panting for breath. He looked inside the yamen as he passed. He was stumbling along, and Song Jiang seeing this, left the tea-house, and followed the man. When they had walked about thirty steps the man looked round, but seeing Song Jiang did not recognize him. But Song Jiang saw something in the man’s face which seemed familiar, yet he could not remember where he had met him before. He thought a little without finding a clue. The man stopped, and looking carefully at Song Jiang thought that he also knew him, but not being certain he did not care to speak.

Song Jiang thought, “This is somewhat strange, but why does the man look at me like that?” He also did not like to speak to the man. The man crossed the road, and entering a hairdressing saloon asked, “Who is that clerk over there?” The shopkeeper said that he was Song Jiang. The man taking hold of his sword, and stepping forward saluted Song Jiang by the sound “nuo,” and then asked, “Do you not recognize me?”

“I think I know your face,” said Song Jiang.

“Let us go to another place, and have a talk,” said the man.

They then went into a small quiet alleyway where the man suggested that they go into an inn there. They did so, and finding a secluded cabinet upstairs they sat down there. The man took off his sword, placed his bundle under the table, and then suddenly stooped down and kowtowed. Song Jiang did the same and said, “Do not do that. May I know your name?”

“Benefactor! How is that you forget me?” asked the man.

“But who are you?” asked Song Jiang. “I seem to know your face, but I quite forget your name.”

“I met you before,” said the man, “at the village of Chao Gai, where you saved our lives. I am Liu Tang, the Red Haired Demon.”

Song Jiang was startled at this, and said, “How brave you are! I am afraid that if the yamen people see you you would be in danger.”

“I do not care a damn,” said Liu Tang. “I have specially come here to thank you for your assistance in the past.”

“And how is Chao Gai and his followers?” asked Song Jiang. “Who told you to come here?”

“Chao Gai himself told me to come here to thank our benefactor,” said Liu Tang. “He is now commander of the bandits at Liangshan Marsh, and Wu Yong is the second-in-command. Gongsun Sheng is third-in-command. Lin Chong manages everything, and he killed Wang Lun. Du Qian, Song Wan, Zhu Gui, and Lin Chong, the old leaders at Liangshan Marsh together with our seven make a total of eleven leaders now. At our stronghold there are altogether about eight hundred men, and large supplies of grain. They have not forgotten your kindness, and have sent me to present a letter to you, and also one hundred taels of gold. Then I must find Zhu Tong, and also thank him for what he did.” He opened his bundle, and taking out a letter handed it to Song Jiang. The latter after reading it lifted up the front part of his long gown, and brought out his letter case. While he was doing this Liu Tang had placed the gold on the table, and Song Jiang picked up one piece and put it into his letter case along with the letter. He then asked Liu Tang to put the remainder of the gold back in his bundle, and ordered the waiter to bring wine, a large piece of meat, vegetables, and fruit for Liu Tang to eat. It was getting evening by the time Liu Tang had finished his food and wine, and the servant had left them. Liu Tang then wanted again to open the bundle, and give the gold to Song Jiang but the latter prevented him from doing so and said, “Younger brother, please listen to me! You seven leaders at the mountain stronghold will be in need of money. I have enough money at home to meet my needs, so I request you to keep this gold at your stronghold, and when I am in need of it I will call for it. I am not polite because I have taken a piece of the gold. Zhu Tong has also got enough money at home, so that you need not send him any money. I will explain the matter to him when I meet him next time. Younger brother, I cannot invite you to come and stay at my house because if anyone saw you it would be very awkward. Tonight there will be bright moonlight and you had better then depart, and get back to your mountain stronghold. Please convey my compliments to your leaders, and ask them to excuse me for not going personally to see them.”

“Elder brother and benefactor,” said Liu Tang, “I was told to come here, and make a small recompense for your kindness. I have to obey the orders of my leaders Chao Gai and Wu Yong and as I have not done as they required how dare I go back? If I go back like this I shall be punished for dereliction of duty.”

“As your commanders are so severe,” said Song Jiang, “I will write a letter explaining the matter and give it to you.”

Liu Tang pleaded hard for Song Jiang to take the present, but the latter was still unwilling to do so. Song Jiang borrowed a pen and ink from the wine shop proprietor, and wrote a letter, and gave it to Liu Tang. Liu Tang was an honest man, and seeing that Song Jiang would not accept the gold he put it back in his bundle. Seeing that it was dark Liu Tang said that he would go, and Song Jiang said that he would not detain him because they knew each other so well. Liu Tang saluted four times, and Song Jiang then called the innkeeper and said to him, “This gentleman leaves here a tael of silver, and I will come tomorrow, and settle your account.” Liu Tang then put his bundle on his back, took up his sword, and went out with Song Jiang. It was quite late, but there was a full moon as it was then the middle of the eighth month.

Song Jiang took Liu Tang by the hand and said, “Younger brother, please be careful. Do not come here again, as it is a dangerous place for you as there are so many policemen about. I cannot go with you any further so I will now take leave of you.”

So Liu Tang took his departure by the west road towards Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang walked home, and on the way he thought, “If a policeman had noticed our meeting what a row there might have been? So Chao Gai has ‘fallen into the grass’ and is now a bandit. It will surely develop into a great affair.”

He had just turned about two corners when he heard a person behind him calling out, “Chief Clerk! Where are you going? I have not seen you for these last few days.” Turning round Song Jiang was startled.`Song Jiang was now made fierce,

His good heart turned to anger.

We will now see who the person was.