第三十回

第三十回 施恩三入死囚牢 武松大闹飞云浦

诗曰：

一切诸烦恼，皆从不忍生。

见机而耐性，妙悟生光明。

佛语戒无论，儒书贵莫争。

好条快活路，只是少人行。

话说当时武松踏住蒋门神在地下，指定面门道：“若要我饶你性命，只依我三件事便罢！”蒋门神便道：“好汉但说，蒋忠都依。”武松道：“第一件，要你便离了快活林回乡去，将一应家火什物，随即交还原主金眼彪施恩。谁教你强夺他的？”蒋门神慌忙应道：“依得，依得！”武松道：“第二件，我如今饶了你起来，你便去央请快活林为头为脑的英雄豪杰，都来与施恩陪话。”蒋门神道：“小人也依得。”武松道：“第三件，你从今日交割还了，便要你离了这快活林，连夜回乡去，不许你在孟州住。在这里不回去时，我见一遍打你一遍，我见十遍打十遍。轻则打你半死，重则结果了你命！你依得么？”蒋门神听了，要挣扎性命，连声应道：“依得，依得！蒋忠都依！”武松就地下提起蒋门神来看时，打得脸青嘴肿，脖子歪在半边，额角头流出鲜血来。武松指着蒋门神说道：“休言你这厮鸟蠢汉，景阳冈上那只大虫，也只打三拳两脚，我兀自打死了。量你这个值得甚的！快交割还他！但迟了些个，再是一顿，便一发结果了你这厮！”蒋门神此时方才知是武松，只得喏喏连声告饶。

正说之间，只见施恩早到，带领着三二十个悍勇军健，都来相帮。却见武松赢了蒋门神，不胜之喜，团团拥定武松。武松指着蒋门神道：“本主已自在这里了，你一面便搬，一面快去请人来陪话。”蒋门神答道：“好汉，且请去店里坐地。”武松带一行人都到店里看时，满地尽是酒浆。这两个鸟男女正在缸里扶墙摸壁扎挣。那妇人方才从缸里爬得出来，头脸都吃磕破了，下半截淋淋漓漓都拖着酒浆。那几个火家酒保走得不见影了。

武松与众人入到店里坐下，喝道：“你等快收拾起身！”一面安排车子，收拾行李，先送那妇人去了；一面叫不着伤的酒保，去镇上请十数个为头的豪杰之士，都来店里替蒋门神与施恩陪话。尽把好酒开了，有的是按酒，都摆列了桌面，请众人坐地。武松叫施恩在蒋门神上首坐定。各人面前放只大碗，叫酒保只顾筛来。酒至数碗，武松开话道：“众位高邻都在这里。小人武松，自从阳谷县杀了人，配在这里，闻听得人说道：快活林这座酒店，原是小施管营造的屋宇等项买卖，被这蒋门神倚势豪强，公然夺了，白白地占了他的衣饭。你众人休猜道是我的主人，我和他并无干涉。我从来只要打天下这等不明道德的人！我若路见不平，真乃拔刀相助，我便死了不怕！今日我本待把蒋家这厮一顿拳脚就打死，除了一害，且看你众高邻面上，权寄下这厮一条性命。则今晚便教他投外府去。若不离了此间，再撞见我时，景阳冈上大虫便是模样！”众人才知道他是景阳冈打虎的武都头，都起身替蒋门神陪话道：“好汉息怒。教他便搬了去，奉还本主。”那蒋门神吃他一吓，那里敢再做声。施恩便点了家火什物，交割了店肆。蒋门神羞惭满面，相谢了众人，自唤了一辆车儿去了，就装了行李起身，不在话下。且说武松邀众高邻直吃得尽醉方休。至晚，众人散了，武松一觉直睡到次日辰牌方醒。

却说施老管营听得儿子施恩重霸得快活林酒店，自骑了马直来店里相谢武松，连日在店内饮酒作贺。快活林一境之人都知武松了得，那一个不来拜见武松。自此，重整店面，开张酒肆。老管营自回安平寨理事。施恩使人打听蒋门神带了家小不知去向，这里只顾自做买卖，且不去理他，就留武松在店里居住。自此，施恩的买卖比往常加增三五分利息，各店家并各赌坊、兑坊，加利倍送闲钱来与施恩。施恩得武松争了这口气，把武松似爷娘一般敬重。施恩自此重霸得孟州道快活林，不在话下。正是：

恶人自有恶人磨，报了冤仇是若何。

从此施恩心下喜，武松终日醉颜酡。

荏苒光阴，早过了一月之上。炎威渐退，玉露生凉，金风去暑，已及深秋。有话即长，无话即短。当日施恩正和武松在店里闲坐说话，论些拳棒枪法，只见店门前两三个军汉，牵着一匹马，来店里寻问主人道：“那个是打虎的武都头？”施恩却认得是孟州守御兵马都监张蒙方衙内亲随人。施恩便向前问道：“你等寻武都头则甚？”那军汉说道：“奉都监相公钧旨，闻知武都头是个好男子，特地差我们将马来取他。相公有钧帖在此。”施恩看了，寻思道：“这张都监是我父亲的上司官，属他调遣；今者武松又是配来的囚徒，亦属他管下，只得教他去。”施恩便对武松道：“兄长，这几位郎中，是张都监相公处差来取你。他既着人牵马来，哥哥心下如何？”武松是个一勇之夫，终无计较，便道：“他既是取我，只得走一遭，看他有甚话说。”随即换了衣裳巾帻，带了个小伴当，上了马，一同众人投孟州城里来。到得张都监宅前，下了马，跟着那军汉直到厅前参见张都监。

那张蒙方在厅上，见了武松来，大喜道：“教进前来相见。”武松到厅下，拜了张都监，叉手立在侧边。张都监便对武松道：“我闻知你是个大丈夫，男子汉，英雄无敌，敢与人同死同生。我帐前见缺恁地一个人，不知你肯与我做亲随梯己人么？”武松跪下称谢道：“小人是个牢城营内囚徒，若蒙恩相抬举，小人当以执鞭坠镫，伏侍恩相。”张都监大喜，便叫取果盒酒出来。张都监亲自赐了酒，叫武松吃的大醉，就前厅廊下收拾一间耳房与武松安歇。次日，又差人去施恩处取了行李来，只在张都监家宿歇。早晚都监相公不住地唤武松进后堂，与酒与食，放他穿房入户，把做亲人一般看待；又叫裁缝与武松彻里彻外做秋衣。武松见了，也自欢喜，心内寻思道：“难得这个都监相公，一力要抬举我！自从到这里住了，寸步不离，又没工夫去快活林与施恩说话。虽是他频频使人来相看我，多管是不能勾入宅里来。”武松自从在张都监宅里，相公见爱，但是人有些公事来央浼他的，武松对都监相公说了，无有不依。外人都送些金银、财帛、段匹等件，武松买个柳藤箱子，把这送的东西都锁在里面，不在话下。

时光迅速，却早又是八月中秋。怎见得中秋好景？但见：

玉露泠泠，金风淅淅。井畔梧桐落叶，池中菡萏成房。新雁初鸣，南楼上动人愁惨；寒蛩韵急，旅馆中孤客忧怀。舞风杨柳半摧残，带雨芙蓉逞妖艳。秋色平分催节序，月轮端正照山河。

当时，张都监向后堂深处鸳鸯楼下安排筵宴，庆赏中秋，叫唤武松到里面饮酒。武松见夫人宅眷都在席上，吃了一杯，便待转身出来。张都监唤住武松问道：“你那里去？”武松答道：“恩相在上，夫人宅眷在此饮宴，小人理合回避。”张都监大笑道：“差了，我敬你是个义士，特地请将你来一处饮酒，如自家一般，何故却要回避？你是我心腹人，何碍？便一处饮酒不妨。”武松道：“小人是个囚徒，如何敢与恩相坐地！”张都监道：“义士，你如何见外？此间又无外人，便坐不妨。”武松三回五次谦让告辞，张都监那里肯放，定要武松一处坐地。武松只得唱个无礼喏，远远地斜着身坐了。张都监着丫嬛、养娘斟酒，相劝一杯两盏。看看饮过五七杯酒，张都监叫抬上果桌饮酒，又进了一两套。食次说些闲话，问了些枪法。张都监道：“大丈夫饮酒，何用小杯！”叫：“取大银赏锺斟酒与义士吃。”连珠箭劝了武松几锺。看看月明，光彩照入东窗，武松吃的半醉，却都忘了礼数，只顾痛饮。张都监叫唤一个心爱的养娘，叫做玉兰，出来唱曲。那玉兰生得如何？但见：

脸如莲萼，唇似樱桃。两弯眉画远山青，一对眼明秋水润。纤腰袅娜，绿罗裙掩映金莲；素体馨香，绛纱袖轻笼玉笋。凤钗斜插笼云髻，象板高擎立玳筵。

那张都监指着玉兰道：“这里别无外人，只有我心腹之人武都头在此。你可唱个中秋对月时景的曲儿，教我们听则个。”玉兰执着象板，向前各道个万福，顿开喉咙，唱一支东坡学士中秋《水调歌》。唱道是：

“明月几时有？把酒问青天。不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年？我欲乘风归去，只恐琼楼玉宇，高处不胜寒。起舞弄清影，何似在人间。 高卷珠帘，低绮户，照无眠。不应有恨，何事常向别时圆？人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，此事古难全。但愿人长久，万里共婵娟。”

这玉兰唱罢，放下象板，又各道了一个万福，立在一边。张都监又道：“玉兰，你可把一巡酒。”这玉兰应了，便拿了一副劝杯，丫嬛斟酒，先递了相公，次劝了夫人，第三便劝武松饮酒。张都监叫斟满着。武松那里敢抬头，起身远远地接过酒来，唱了相公、夫人两个大喏，拿起酒来一饮而尽，便还了盏子。张都监指着玉兰，对武松道：“此女颇有些聪明伶俐，善知音律，极能针指。如你不嫌低微，数日之间，择了良辰，将来与你做个妻室。”武松起身再拜道：“量小人何者之人，怎敢望恩相宅眷为妻？枉自折武松的草料！”张都监笑道：“我既出了此言，必要与你。你休推故阻，我必不负约。”当时一连又饮了十数杯酒。约莫酒涌上来，恐怕失了礼节，便起身拜谢了相公、夫人，出到厅前廊下房门前。开了门，觉道酒食在腹，未能便睡，去房里脱了衣裳，除下巾帻，拿条梢棒，来厅心里月明下使几回棒，打了几个轮头。仰面看天时，约有三更时分。

武松进到房里，却待脱衣去睡，只听得后堂里一片声叫起“有贼”来。武松听得道：“都监相公如此爱我，又把花枝也似个女儿许我，他后堂内里有贼，我如何不去救护？”武松献勤，提了一条梢棒径抢入后堂里来。只见那个唱的玉兰，慌慌张张走出来指道：“一个贼奔入后花园里去了！”武松听得这话，提着梢棒，大踏步直赶入花园里去寻时，一周遭不见。复翻身却奔出来，不提防黑影里撇出一条板凳，把武松一跤绊翻，走出七八个军汉，叫一声：“捉贼！”就地下把武松一条麻索绑了。武松急叫道：“是我！”那众军汉那里容他分说。只见堂里灯烛荧煌，张都监坐在厅上，一片声叫道：“拿将来！”

众军汉把武松一步一棍打到厅前，武松叫道：“我不是贼，是武松。”张都监看了大怒，变了面皮，喝骂道：“你这个贼配军，本是个强盗，贼心贼肝的人！我倒要抬举你一力成人，不曾亏负了你半点儿。却才教你一处吃酒，同席坐地。我指望要抬举与你个官，你如何却做这等的勾当？”武松大叫道：“相公，非干我事！我来捉贼，如何倒把我捉了做贼？武松是个顶天立地的好汉，不做这般的事！”张都监喝道：“你这厮休赖！且把他押去他房里，搜看有无赃物！”众军汉把武松押着，径到他房里，打开他那柳藤箱子看时，上面都是些衣服，下面却是些银酒器皿，约有一二百两赃物。武松见了，也自目睁口呆，只得叫屈。众军汉把箱子抬出厅前，张都监看了，大骂道：“贼配军，如此无礼！赃物正在你箱子里搜出来，如何赖得过！常言道：众生好度人难度。原来你这厮外貌像人，倒有这等贼心贼肝。既然赃证明白，没话说了！”连夜便把赃物封了，且叫：“送去机密房里监收，天明却和这厮说话！”武松大叫冤屈，那里肯容他分说。众军汉扛了赃物，将武松送到机密房里收管了。张都监连夜使人去对知府说了，押司孔目上下都使用了钱。

次日天明，知府方才坐厅，左右缉捕观察把武松押至当厅，赃物都扛在厅上。张都监家心腹人赍着张都监被盗的文书，呈上知府看了。那知府喝令左右把武松一索捆翻。牢子节级将一束问事狱具放在面前。武松却待开口分说，知府喝道：“这厮原是远流配军，如何不做贼，以定是一时见财起意。既是赃证明白，休听这厮胡说，只顾与我加力打这厮！”那牢子狱卒拿起批头竹片，雨点地打下来。武松情知不是话头，只得屈招做：“本月十五日，一时见本官衙内许多银酒器皿，因而起意，至夜乘势窃取入己。”与了招状。知府道：“这厮正是见财起意，不必说了。且取枷来钉了监下。”牢子将过长枷，把武松枷了，押下死囚牢里监禁了。正是：

都监贪污重可嗟，得人金帛售奸邪。

假将歌女为婚配，却把忠良做贼拿。

且说武松下在大牢里，寻思道：“叵耐张都监那厮安排这般圈套坑陷我，我若能勾挣得性命出去时，却又理会！”牢子狱卒把武松押在大牢里，将他一双脚昼夜匣着[1]，又把木杻钉住双手，那里容他些松宽。

话里却说施恩已有人报知此事，慌忙入城来和父亲商议。老管营道：“眼见得是张团练替蒋门神报仇，买嘱张都监，却设出这条计策陷害武松。必然是他着人去上下都使了钱，受了人情贿赂，众人以此不由他分说，必然要害他性命。我如今寻思起来，他须不该死罪。只是买求两院押牢节级便好，可以存他性命，在外却又别作商议。”施恩道：“见今当牢节级姓康的，和孩儿最过得好。只得去求浼他如何？”老管营道：“他是为你吃官司，你不去救他，更待何时。”

施恩将了一二百两银子，径投康节级，却在牢未回。施恩叫他家着人去牢里说知。不多时，康节级归来，与施恩相见。施恩把上件事一一告诉了一遍，康节级答道：“不瞒兄长说，此一件事，皆是张都监和张团练两个同姓结义做弟兄，见今蒋门神躲在张团练家里，却央张团练买嘱这张都监，商量设出这条计来。一应上下之人，都是蒋门神用贿赂，我们都接了他钱。厅上知府一力与他做主，定要结果武松性命。只有当案一个叶孔目不肯，因此不敢害他。这人忠直仗义，不肯要害平人，亦不贪爱金宝，只有他不肯要钱，以此武松还不吃亏。今听施兄所说了，牢中之事尽是我自维持。如今便去宽他，今后不教他吃半点儿苦。你却快央人去，只买叶孔目，要求他早断出去，便可救得他性命。”施恩取一百两银子与康节级，康节级那里肯受，再三推辞，方才收了。

施恩相别出门来，径回营里，又寻一个和叶孔目知契的人，送一百两银子与他，只求早早紧急决断。那叶孔目已知武松是个好汉，亦自有心周全他，已把那文案做得活着。只被这知府受了张都监贿赂嘱托，不肯从轻勘来。武松窃取人财，又不得死罪，因此互相延挨，只要牢里谋他性命。今来又得了这一百两银子，亦知是屈陷武松，却把这文案都改得轻了，尽出豁了武松，只待限满决断。有诗为证：

赃吏纷纷据要津，公然白日受黄金。

西厅孔目心如水，海内清廉播德音。

且说施恩于次日安排了许多酒馔，甚是齐备，来央康节级引领，直进大牢里看视武松，见面送饭。此时武松已自得康节级看觑，将这刑禁都放宽了。施恩又取三二十两银子分俵[2]与众小牢子，取酒食叫武松吃了。施恩附耳低言道：“这场官司明明是都监替蒋门神报仇，陷害哥哥。你且宽心，不要忧念，我已央人和叶孔目说通了，甚有周全你的好意。且待限满断决你出去，却再理会。”此时武松得松宽了，已有越狱之心，听得施恩说罢，却放了那片心。施恩在牢里安慰了武松，归到营中。过了两日，施恩再备些酒食钱财，又央康节级引领，入牢里与武松说话。相见了，将酒食管待，又分俵了些零碎银子与众人做酒钱。回归家来，又央浼人上下去使用，催趱打点文书。过得数日，施恩再备了酒肉，做了几件衣裳，再央康节级维持，相引将来牢里请众人吃酒，买求看觑武松。叫他更换了些衣服，吃了酒食。

出入情熟，一连数日，施恩来了大牢里三次。却不提防被张团练家心腹人见了，回去报知。那张团练便去对张都监说了其事。张都监却再使人送金帛来与知府，就说与此事。那知府是个赃官，接受了贿赂，便差人常常下牢里来闸看，但见闲人便要拿问。施恩得知了，那里敢再去看觑。武松却自得康节级和众牢子自照管他。施恩自此早晚只去得康节级家里讨信，得知长短，都不在话下。

看看前后将及两月，有这当案叶孔目一力主张，知府处早晚说开就里。那知府方才知得张都监接受了蒋门神若干银子，通同张团练设计排陷武松，自心里想道：“你倒赚了银两，教我与你害人！”因此心都懒了，不来管看。捱到六十日限满，牢中取出武松，当厅开了枷。当案叶孔目读了招状，定拟下罪名，脊杖二十，刺配恩州牢城，原盗赃物给还本主。张都监只得着家人当官领了赃物。当厅把武松断了二十脊杖，刺了金印，取一面七斤半铁叶盘头枷钉了，押一纸公文，差两个壮健公人防送武松，限了时日要起身。那两个公人领了牒文，押解了武松出孟州衙门便行。有诗为证：

孔目推详秉至公，武松垂死又疏通。

今朝远戍恩州去，病草凄凄遇暖风。

且说叶孔目从公拟断，决配了武松。原来武松吃断棒之时，却得老管营使钱通了，叶孔目又看觑他，知府亦知他被陷害，不十分来打重，因此断得棒轻。武松忍着那口气，带上行枷，出得城来，两个公人监在后面。约行得一里多路，只见官道旁边酒店里钻出施恩来，看着武松道：“小弟在此专等。”武松看施恩时，又包着头，络着手臂。武松问道：“我好几时不见你，如何又做恁地模样？”施恩答道：“实不相瞒哥哥说，小弟自从牢里三番相见之后，知府得知了，不时差人下来牢里点闸，那张都监又差人在牢门口左近两边寻看着，因此小弟不能勾再进大牢里来看望兄长，只在得康节级家里讨信。半月之前，小弟正在快活林中店里，只见蒋门神那厮又领着一伙军汉到来厮打。小弟被他又痛打一顿，也要小弟央浼人陪话，却被他仍复夺了店面，依旧交还了许多家火什物。小弟在家将息未起，今日听得哥哥断配恩州，特有两件绵衣送与哥哥路上穿着，煮得两只熟鹅在此，请哥哥吃两块了去。”施恩便邀两个公人，请他入酒肆。那两个公人那里肯进酒店里去，便发言发语道：“武松这厮，他是个贼汉！不争我们吃你的酒食，明日官府上须惹口舌。你若怕打，快走开去！”施恩见不是话头，便取十来两银子送与他两个公人。那厮两个那里肯接，恼忿忿地只要催促武松上路。施恩讨两碗酒叫武松吃了，把一个包裹拴在武松腰里，把这两只熟鹅挂在武松行枷上。施恩附耳低言道：“包裹里有两件绵衣，一帕子散碎银子，路上好做盘缠，也有两双八搭麻鞋在里面。只是要路上仔细提防，这两个贼男女不怀好意！”武松点头道：“不须分付，我已省得了，再着两个来也不惧他。你自回去将息，且请放心，我自有措置。”施恩拜辞了武松，哭着去了，不在话下。有诗为证：

朝磨暮折走天涯，坐趱行催重可嗟。

多谢施恩深馈送，棱棱义气实堪夸。

武松和两个公人上路，行不数里之上，两个公人悄悄地商议道：“不见那两个来？”武松听了，自暗暗地寻思，冷笑道：“没你娘鸟兴，那厮倒来扑复老爷！”武松右手却吃钉住在行枷上，左手却散着。武松就枷上取下那熟鹅来，只顾自吃，也不采那两个公人。又行了一二里路，再把这只熟鹅除来，右手扯着，把左手撕来只顾自吃。行不过五里路，把这两只熟鹅都吃尽了。

约莫离城也有八九里多路，只见前面路边先有两个人，提着朴刀，各跨口腰刀，先在那里等候。见了公人监押武松到来，便帮着做一路走。武松又见这两个公人与那两个提朴刀的挤眉弄眼，打些暗号。武松早睃见，自瞧了八分尴尬，只安在肚里，却且只做不见。又走不过数里多路，只见前面来到一处济济荡荡鱼浦，四面都是野港阔河。五个人行至浦边，一条阔板桥，一座牌楼，上有牌额，写着道“飞云浦”三字。武松见了，假意问道：“这里地名唤做甚么去处？”两个公人应道：“你又不眼瞎，须见桥边牌额上写道‘飞云浦’！”

武松踅住道：“我要净手则个。”那一个公人走近一步，却被武松叫声：“下去！”一飞脚早踢中，翻筋斗踢下水里去。这一个急待转身，武松右脚早起，扑咚地也踢下水里去。那两个提朴刀的汉子望桥下便走。武松喝一声：“那里去！”把枷只一扭，折做两半个，扯开封皮，将来撇在水里，赶将下桥来。那两个先自惊倒了一个。武松奔上前去，望那一个走的后心上只一拳打翻，便夺过朴刀来，搠上几朴刀，死在地上。却转身回来，这个才挣得起，正待要走。武松追着，劈头揪住，喝道：“你这厮实说，我便饶你性命！”那人道：“小人两个是蒋门神徒弟。今被师父和张团练定计，使小人两个来相帮防送公人，一处来害好汉。”武松道：“你师父蒋门神今在何处？”那人道：“小人临来时，和张团练都在张都监家里后堂鸳鸯楼上吃酒，专等小人回报。”武松道：“原来恁地，却饶你不得！”手起刀落，也把这人杀了。解下他腰刀来，拣好的带了一把。将两个尸首都撺在浦里。又怕那两个公人不死，提起朴刀，每人身上搠了几朴刀。立在桥上看了一回，思量道：“虽然杀了这四个贼男女，不杀得张都监、张团练、蒋门神，如何出得这口恨气！”提着朴刀，踌躇了半晌，一个念头，竟奔回孟州城里来。

不是这个武松投孟州城里来要杀张都监，有分教：画堂深处，尸横厅事阶前；红烛光中，血满彩楼阁内。哄动乾坤，大闹寰宇。正是：两只大虫分胜败，一双恶兽并输赢。毕竟武松再奔回孟州城里来怎地结末，且听下回分解。

[1] 匣着——夹住、套住的意思。

[2] 分俵——分散、分配的意思。有时也写作“俵分”。

CHAPTER 29. Shi En Three Times Enters a Death Cell; Wu Song Creates a Disturbance at Feiyun Pool

“THE first thing,” said Wu Song, “is that you immediately restore all the household goods and furniture to Shi En, the ‘Golden Eyed Tiger Cub.’”

Jiang immediately agreed to do this.

“Secondly, that as soon as I allow you to get up you will summon all the brave heroes of this Kuaihuo Forest to come and give obeisance to Shi En.”

Jiang also agreed to do this.

“Thirdly, that as soon as you have done these two things you will leave this district, and not return to it again. If I see you here again I will again beat you. And if you come ten times, I will beat you ten times. If I treat you lightly you will be nearly dead, but if I beat you thoroughly you will certainly be killed. Do you also agree to this condition?”

Jiang wanted to preserve his life so as soon as he heard this he also agreed.

Wu Song picked him up, and saw that his face was bruised and that his lips were swollen already. His head was wrested to one side, and blood was flowing from a wound in his temple. Wu Song pointed his finger at Jiang the ‘Door God,’ and abused him, “What a small thing you are! When I killed the tiger I only gave three blows of my fist and a couple of kicks. Be quick and hand over those plunderings. If you are a little slow I shall beat you again.”

Jiang the ‘Door God,’ now knew that his opponent was Wu Song, and he signified his submission. While they were talking thus Shi En arrived with about twenty armed men to settle the issue by force if necessary. They were exceedingly delighted to see that Wu Song had been victorious, and they all gathered round him.

Wu Song pointing his finger at Jiang the ‘Door God,’ said, “The original proprietor of the shop has now arrived so now send for the men to make obeisance to him.”

Jiang asked them all to go and sit down in the inn. Wu Song took them all to the inn, where they found the floor was all flooded with wine. The men and the girl had managed to get out of the jars but their faces were badly besmeared, and their clothes were dripping with wine. All the other waiters had run away. Wu Song and his followers entered the inn and sat down. He told Jiang to get his things packed, ready, and put the baggage on a cart, and send them and the girl off in advance. The waiters were sent off to bring the heroes of the village to the inn to pay respects to Shi En. When they arrived they were all asked to take their seats at the tables on which was a bountiful supply of the best wine.

Wu Song told Shi En to take the seat of honor, and Jiang the ‘Door God,’ to sit by his side. Each man had a large cup, and after they had all drunk several cups of warm wine Wu Song spoke, “Honorable neighbors, I, Wu Song, committed murder at Yanggu County, and was banished to this place. Upon arrival here I heard people say that this inn in the Kuaihuo Forest formerly belonged to Shi En, and that it was taken from him by force, and without payment, by Jiang the ‘Door God.’ But you must not suppose that Shi En is my master or that I have any thing to do with him. I have always tried to punish those who are unfair to their fellow men. In my travels I would draw out my sword whenever I see any injustice. I have never been afraid of death. Today I would have given Jiang the ‘Door God,’ a very severe thrashing, and rid this village of an evil but out of due regard to you honorable neighbors I spare his life, on the condition that he must go to some other district this very evening. If however I ever see him return to this place I will deal with him in the same way that I treated the tiger on Jingyang Ridge.”

Upon hearing this all the neighbors knew that he was Wu Song, and they now stood up and spoke in favor of Jiang the ‘Door God,’ “Good sir, please appease your anger. We will see that he goes, and restores the property to Shi En.”

Jiang dared not say a word, but duly handed over the property to Shi En. He saluted the neighbors, put his baggage on a cart, and departed.

Wu Song drank wine with the neighbors until they were all drunk. They left in the evening when Wu Song went to sleep, and did not get up until the following morning about 9 A.M.

When Shi, the old warden, heard that his son had again got control of the Kuaihuo Forest, he rode a horse, and upon reaching the inn he thanked Wu Song for what he had done. During the following days they had bountiful feasts for celebration. In the Kuaihuo Forest there was not a single man who did not hear of Wu Song and come to congratulate him. The inn was renovated, and reopened. Shi, the old warden, returned home, but Wu Song stayed at the inn where the business was more prosperous than before. All the gambling dens and exchange shops sent greater sums to Shi En, so that he was now making double profits. Shi En paid great respects to Wu Song, and looked upon him as a parent.

After more than a month the weather got cooler, and pleasant breezes introduced the beginning of autumn. We might write a lot about this pleasant period, but we must desist. One day Shi En was discussing with Wu Song the art of fencing and hand combat, when they saw three soldiers leading a horse stop in front of the inn, and ask for the proprietor, and then also asked whether “that tiger slayer, Wu Song, was also there.”

Shi En recognized the soldiers as the adjutants of Colonel Zhang Mengfang at Mengzhou. So he went outside and asked what they wanted Wu Song for.

“Our commander has ordered us to come here to invite Wu Song,” said a soldier. “Here is our written order.”

Shi En read the order and thought, “This Colonel Zhang is my father’s superior, and my father is at his disposal. As Wu Song is a banished convict and also under his control so that he will have to go.” So Shi En went inside and told Wu Song that these soldiers had an order from Colonel Zhang to take him to see that officer, that they had brought a horse for him to ride. And he asked what did he think about it?

Wu Song was a straightforward man, and at once replied, “As the Colonel wants me, I must go and see what he has to say.”

So Wu Song went at once to change his dress, and taking a servant with him, mounted the horse, and set off for Mengzhou. Upon arrival at Colonel Zhang’s house he dismounted, and followed a soldier inside.

When Zhang saw Wu Song he was much pleased, and told him to come forward. Wu Song saluted, and clasping both hands stood with attention at one side.

Zhang spoke, “I have heard that you are a great man, without equal in bravery, and are firm and constant with your companions whether in life or death. For some time I have been looking out for such a man as you, but do not know whether you would care to act as my confidential personal guard.”

Wu Song knelt down and said, “I am a criminal. If I am to be favored by such a promotion I would, of course, like to be your servant, and wait upon Your Excellency.”

Zhang was much pleased at this, and ordered a servant to bring some fruit and wine. When it arrived he poured out the wine himself, and offered it to Wu Song. Wu Song drank much wine. He also arranged for him a room quite close to his own quarter.

The following day he sent a messenger to Shi En to get Wu Song’s things as the latter was going to stay at the Colonel’s residence. After that Zhang often had Wu Song in his private apartments at meals, and treated him as a member of his family. A tailor was ordered to make suits of clothes for him for the autumn season. Wu Song was much pleased at these indications of good will, and knew that it was very unusual for such a high official to treat men in this way. “Since I came here I have not been a few steps away from His Excellency so that I have had no opportunity of going to the Kuaihuo Forest to visit Shi En. But he has several times sent men to see me, but they have never been allowed to come inside here.”

In the yamen Colonel Zhang and Wu Song became more and more intimate as time went on. Whatever Wu Song spoke in favor of any man who had confided in him with any important affair Colonel Zhang would agree to. Therefore people gave Wu Song much silver, money, silk, etc. which he stored away in a ratten basket.

Time passed quickly, and it was soon the middle of autumn. Colonel Zhang prepared a feast in his inner apartments to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, and invited Wu Song to join him. When Wu Song arrived he saw the wife and family of Zhang were there, so after drinking one cup of wine he prepared to depart, but Zhang asked where he was going. Wu Song replied, “As your wife and family are here I must act in a polite way and not stay.”

Zhang laughed, but was pleased to hear this. He said, “You make a mistake! I respect you as a hero. I particularly asked you to come, and dine with me, so what difference does it make that my wife and family are also here? Please sit down.”

“But I am a criminal,” replied Wu Song. “So how dare I sit down in your company.”

“Hero,” said Chang, “why should you not associate with us? There are no strangers here, so why not sit down?”

Wu Song still wanted to go, but Zhang repeatedly pressed him to stay. At last he agreed to stop, and sat down on the edge of the chair in accordance with etiquette. A maidservant filled their cups with wine, and their conversation was about military skill. At last Zhang asked him why he drank so little wine, and he told the girl attendant to bring large silver cups for the wine. He then gave Wu Song plenty of wine, and one cup quickly followed another. The bright moonlight was streaming through the eastern window. Wu Song was now drinking to excess, and being half drunk threw decorum to the wind, and forgot his manners. Zhang sent for a young maidservant named Yulan, whom Zhang liked very much because of her singing. When she arrived he said to her, “There is nobody here except my personal bodyguard Wu Song. You can sing to us that song about the Mid-Autumn Moonlight.” Yulan took her ivory castanets, and saluted. She then sang the poem by Su Dongpo:

THE AUTUMN MOON

I cannot sleep a bit tonight,

The sky’s so clear with moonlight;

I roll up jeweled blinds and gaze,

On scene so vast and lovely.

The moon has light, and shadows black,

Now full, but soon a crescent;

But why not always full and round,

And perfect—never changing?

All men have pleasures—sorrows too,

And friendship mixed with hatred;

I hope for future manifest,

With beauty, virtue constant.

Bright moon sails th’ empyrean blue,

And knows the ways of Heaven;

It’s breast unstirred by feelings vile,

A piece of jade quite flawless.

I wish to mount the wind and fly,

To those far heights so dizzy;

And climb the pure, cold towers of jade,

And gaze on jeweled heavens.

But all! I should a shadow cast,

Upon the scene below me;

I am but human and of clay,

Must leave those heights for Chang’e.

(“Chang’e” is the goddess in the moon.)

When Yulan had finished, she gave a woman’s salute; put down her ivory castanets, and stood at one side.

Colonel Zhang spoke to her, “Yulan, you can fill up our cups with wine.” She took a tray with wine, and a maidservant accompanied her filling the cups. She first served the Colonel, then his wife, and then Wu Song. When Wu Song was receiving his wine he bowed his head slightly as a sign of compliments. He saluted both Colonel Zhang and his wife, and then drank the wine at one draft, and returned the cup to the girl.

Colonel Zhang pointed to Yulan and said to Wu Song, “This girl is very clever. She is skilled not only in music, but is very capable at needlework. If she finds favor in your eye we could select a lucky day, and marry her to you.”

Wu Song saluted and replied, “I am hardly worthy of marrying a woman from your household. Would it not also injure my prospects of a livelihood here?”

The Colonel laughed, “As I have said I must give her to you, so do not decline my proposal.”

Wu Song felt that he had taken too much wine and was afraid that he might lose his manners. He got up, saluted everybody, and left. Upon entering his own room he felt that he could not sleep on account of the wine so he took off his upper garments and unwound his turban. Taking a cudgel he went out into the yard. There was bright moonlight, and he went through a few exercises. Noticing the position of the moon and stars he knew that it was about 1 A.M. So going indoors again he was just on the point of undressing when he heard cries in the inner apartments that thieves had got in. Wu Song thought that as the Colonel had treated him so well it was his duty to go and rescue him from the thieves. So seizing his cudgel he hurried off to the inner apartments, and there met Yulan in an agitated state. She shouted out, “A thief has entered the garden.” So he went into the flower garden, and searched for the thief without finding him. At last he gave up the search, and was carelessly returning when in a shadow he fell over a stool that had been left there. Immediately about eight soldiers rushed forward shouting, “Here’s the thief!” They seized him, and bound his hands behind his back with a rope.

Wu Song called out, “It is not I!” but the soldiers were not going to listen to anything he said. Wu Song saw that Colonel Zhang was seated in a room where there was a bright light from a large candle. Zhang called out, “Bring the thief here!”

The soldiers beat Wu Song at each step as they took him into the room where he called out, “I am Wu Song. I am not a thief.” Upon looking at him Zhang was very angry, and abused him, saying, “You banished thief! You previously had the eyes, eyebrows, heart, and liver of a thief. Yet I treated you well, asked you to dine with me, and had the intention of making you an official. So how is it that you have now done this vile thing?”

“Sir, I came to try and arrest the thief,” said Wu Song, “and they have arrested me by mistake. I am a most respectable person so how could I commit a theft?”

“You rascal need not offer any excuse,” said Zhang. “Take him to his room, and see if there are any stolen goods there.”

The soldiers took Wu Song to his quarters, and opened his boxes. At the top was his clothing, but underneath were silver drinking cups and vessels, which were worth about two hundred taels of silver. Upon seeing these Wu Song stared with astonishment as they were not his things. The soldiers took all the valuables to Zhang who said, “Banished thief! So impertinent you are! These things have been found in your boxes so what excuse can you make? There is a saying, ‘It is easier to get animals reincarnated, but the souls of men never change.’ Outwardly you have a honest man’s appearance, but it is evident that you have the heart of a criminal.” Turning to the soldiers he said, “Take the stolen things, and after sealing them up place them in the treasury for the night and tomorrow we will cross-examine this villain.”

Wu Song called out, “I am being wrongly accused.” But the soldiers would not allow him to say anything more. They took Wu Song away, and locked him up in a cell. Zhang sent a messenger that same night to report the affair to the Prefect, and also offered bribes to all the lower officials. Early the next morning the Prefect took his seat on the bench, and was surrounded by all the minor officials, yamen aides, and policemen. Wu Song was brought into court under arrest, and the sealed packages of the stolen goods were also brought in. A confidential secretary of Colonel Zhang handed to the Prefect a dispatch stating the details of the case agaist Wu Song. The jailers placed before Wu Song the instruments for punishment, but before Wu Song could utter a single word, the Prefect said, “This fellow was banished from a distant place, and how could he help becoming a thief. He has evidently seen valuables about, and so has harbored evil thoughts. Since the booty has been discovered in his possession so that there is no need for us to listen to his stupid talk, and we will give him a severe beating.”

The jailer took the split bamboo, and dealt Wu Song a perfect downpour of blows. Wu Song knew that there was something underhand in all this, but as he saw no means of escape he confessed as follows: “On the fifteenth day of this month I saw many silver drinking cups in the yamen, and that was when I got the idea of stealing them.” This forced confession was duly recorded, and handed to the Prefect who said, “This fellow was evidently led astray upon seeing so many valuables, but we won’t go into that. Bring the cangue here, nail it on his neck, and take him to prison for execution. The jailer fastened on Wu Song an oblong cangue, and took him off to the jail where prisoners await execution. Upon arriving there Wu Song thought matters over. He could see no other explanation, but that Colonel Zhang had arranged this trick to get him into trouble. He thought however if he could survive this infliction he would take the matter in hand and look for revenge. In the prison both Wu Song’s legs and hands were locked with chains so that he could hardly move at all.

Now Shi En heard of this affair and went to discuss it with his father. His father said, “Evidently this is the revenge of Jiang the ‘Door God,’ who must have heavily bribed Colonel Zhang, and then both of them have arranged this plot. They must have bribed everybody so that no one wants to hear his defense, but all hope to kill him. I think that he is not so guilty as deserving of death so we had better send money and bribe the jailers. They may alleviate the punishments, and allow him to live. Besides we must find other ways to save him.”

“There is a minor officer in the prison named Kang who is my intimate friend,” said Shi En, “so I have to go and talk to him.”

“You are under an obligation to Wu Song so if you do not go who else would go?” said his father.

So Shi En took about two hundred taels of silver, and went to Kang’s house, but the jailer had not returned from the prison. Shi En sent a servant to the prison, and in a short time Kang arrived. Shi En told him all about Wu Song.

Kang replied, “The matter has really been arranged between Colonel Zhang and his friend Captain Zhang. Jiang the ‘Door God,’ has been staying with Captain Zhang and requested him to bribe his friend Colonel Zhang for him to do this vile thing. Every official concerned has been bribed as well. In the prison every jailer has been paid to do this. The Prefect is willing to take the responsibility for the killing of Wu Song, but Chief Clerk Ye does not agree. Ye is a very honest and upright man, and would not punish innocent persons, so Wu Song is in no danger at present. Now that I have heard your version of the case I will see that Wu Song is well treated in the prison. You had better however send someone to explain the case to Chief Clerk Ye, and ask him to arrange for Wu Song’s release.”

Shi En gave Kang one hundred taels of silver, and after some declination Kang accepted it. Shi En then returned home, and found a man who was a personal friend of Chief Clerk Ye. He explained the matter, and gave him one hundred taels of silver to approach Ye about the matter.

Now Chief Clerk Ye already knew that Wu Song was a hero, and he had already a mind to save him although the Prefect had personally given him instructions to deal with the prisoner harshly. Examining the accusations he saw that even if Wu Song had stolen goods he was not deserving of death. Taking everything into consideration he decided to exempt Wu Song from the crime, especially as he had now received one hundred taels of silver through a friend of the prisoner.

The next day Shi En took a large quantity of wine and food to the prison, and was allowed by Kang to give it personally to Wu Song. Shi En also gave the jailers about thirty taels of silver and they loosened the chains binding Wu Song. Shi En told Wu Song that he had spoken to Chief Clerk Ye about his case, and he would be treated much better and that when the sentence had been served he would be released. At that time Wu Song’s bonds had not been so tight so that he had even begun to think of escaping from the prison, but now that Shi En had held out hope of other arrangements he gave up that idea. Shi En spoke many comforting words to Wu Song before he left for home.

Two days later Shi En took a further supply of wine, food, and money to the prison, and after seeing the jailer Kang he was allowed to interview Wu Song again. Upon returning home he engaged a man again to visit the officials concerned, and urged them to settle the case of Wu Song as soon as possible. After a few days more Shi En again visited the prison and distributed more money, wine, and food to the jailers, and begged them still to treat Wu Song with leniency. He also brought new clothes for Wu Song to change. Altogether Shi En visited the prison three times in this way.

Now it happened that a confidential servant of Captain Zhang saw Shi En visiting the prison, and reported the matter to his master. Captain Zhang conveyed this information to his friend Colonel Zhang who passed it to the Prefect with a present of money. The Prefect was a corrupt official, and received the bribe. He deputed a man to visit the prison, and keep a watch there as to what was happening. Whenever the spy saw an outsider there he would arrest him. But Shi En got to know of this so he kept away for some time. The jailers continued to treat Wu Song well. Shi En now had to visit the home of Kang, the prison official, where he got all the necessary news.

Chief Clerk Ye, who had the case in hand, had already made up his mind as to what should be done and reported to the Prefect all the underhand management of the two Zhangs. The Prefect himself was now well aware that Colonel Zhang and his friend Captain Zhang had received plenty of money from Jiang the ‘Door God,’ and that was why they both were trying to injure Wu Song. The Prefect thought, “Those fellows have got the money, and expect me to do the dirty work.” Accordingly he was determined not to press the case any further. At the end of the second month Wu Song was taken before the Prefect who ordered the cangue be removed. Chief Clerk Ye read out the confessions of Wu Song’s guilt, and the Prefect gave judgment that he be given twenty blows with the bamboo, and be sent to the prison at Enzhou. The stolen goods were to be restored to the owner, and they were duly delivered to the messenger from Colonel Zhang. The blows were duly inflicted on Wu Song, then his face was branded with characters, and a cangue weighing about ten pounds was fastened round his neck. A dispatch was written, and handed to two strong men who had been selected to convey Wu Song to En Chow.

Now Shi En’s father had bribed the men not to give heavy blows. Both the Prefect and Chief Clerk Ye knew that Wu Song was wronged and so condoned the punishment.

Wu Song suppressed his anger. After the punishment the escort set off with Wu Song walking in front. They had not gone a quarter of a li when they passed an inn at the side of the road where Shi En came out and spoke to Wu Song: “I have been waiting here for some time in order to see you before you go.”

Wu Song saw that Shi En had a bandage round his head, and his hand was suspended from his neck. So he asked, “I have not seen you for a long time, but how is it that you dress like this?”

“After I visited you in the prison the third time the Prefect got to know it, and sent a spy to keep watch in the prison, and Colonel Zhang also had another spy outside the prison to watch my movements. Therefore it was not advisable for me to visit you again in the prison. So I only went to the jailer Kang’s house to get news.

“About a month ago Jiang the ‘Door God,’ accompanied by a number of men, came to the inn at the Kuaihuo Forest and assaulted me. They also insisted upon me paying obeisance to Jiang the ‘Door God,’ in the presence of mediators. He then took the inn and the furniture from me again. Today I heard that you are to be banished to Enzhou, so I bring two suits of cotton clothes here so that I can give them to you personally. I have also prepared two roasted geese which I hope you will partake of before starting on your long journey.” He also invited the escort to enter the inn, and dine with them. But the two men declined because Wu Song was a thief, and if the officials got to know of this affair they would be complicated. They continued that if Shi En did not want a beating he must get away at once. Shi En did not like this talk so he offered the escort ten taels of silver. They angrily declined the money, and pressed Wu Song to start. Shi En bought two cups of wine, and offered them to Wu Song. He also strapped the bundle of clothing round his waist, and fastened the two roasted geese to his cangue. He then whispered to Wu Song, “Inside the bundle are some bits of silver which you can use for your expenses on the journey. There are also two pairs of hempen shoes for you. On the way you must beware of these two ruffians.’

“You need not say anything more,” said Wu Song. “I understand. Even if there were four such men I should not be afraid. You go back now, and don’t worry about me. I already have a plan.”

Shi En wept as he departed.

Wu Song and his escort resumed their journey, but they had gone only a few li when the two soldiers conversed in an undertone, “Those two men have not arrived yet.” But Wu Song heard this remark, and laughed to himself and thought, “Those two fellows evidently will be unfortunate if they come and fight with me. One of Wu Song’s hands was fastened to the cangue, but the other hand was free. With the free hand he took the roasted geese off the cangue, and ate them as he walked. He had eaten both of them before they had gone a couple of li more. They were barely three li from the town when he saw two men at the side of the road. They both had halberds in their hands, and swords in their belts. As the escort came up they fell in behind without saying a word. But as they went along Wu Song noticed that they were winking to each other, and he almost got their meaning. They had hardly traveled another li before they came to a rapid flowing river with a large pool.

There was a broad wooden bridge across the river with an gate arch at one end on which were three characters, “Feiyun Pool.” Pretending not to see this he asked his escort, “What is this place called?”

The two men replied, “As you are not blind you ought to be able to see the characters on the gate arch that this is the Feiyun Pool.”

Wu Song stopped on the bridge, and said, “I need to pee here.”

The two armed with halberds had barely come one step nearer when Wu Song cried out “down you go!” and with one kick he knocked one into the water. The other turned to escape, but Wu Song kicked him in the back, and he turned a somersault into the water as well. The two other men escorting him were excited at this, and turned to get off the bridge, but Wu Song shouted out, “Where are you going?” At the same time he wrenched the cangue into two parts, and pursued the men. On leaving the bridge one man fell, but Wu Song ignored him and catching up to the other one hit him with his fist, and knocked him down. One of the halberds had not fallen in the water so Wu Song got this, and killed both men. Both of the men whom he had kicked into the river had by now swum to the bank, but Wu Song overtook them, and killed one of them at once. He seized hold of the other, and said, “If you tell me the truth I will not kill you.”

The man said, “We are both followers of Jiang the ‘Door God.’ He and Colonel Zhang sent us to accompany your escort, and to kill you at the first opportunity.”

“Where is Jiang the Door God, just now?”

“When we started off he was with Captain Zhang at Colonel Zhang’s house, drinking wine in the Yuanyang Tower, and they told us to go there, and report the result of the plot.”

“Under these circumstances I cannot forgive you,” said Wu Song, and taking the halberd he killed that man also. He selected the best of the weapons, and threw the men’s bodies into the river. He stayed on the bridge for some time looking round, and thought, “I have killed these four men, but I shall not be satisfied until I have also killed Colonel Zhang, Jiang the ‘Door God,’ and Captain Zhang.”

He at last started off to return to Mengzhou.

Red lamp shines in drawing-room,

Sudden death has stained the floor.

We will now relate what occurred when Wu Song reached Mengzhou.