第三十四回

第三十四回 镇三山大闹青州道 霹雳火夜走瓦砾场

诗曰：

妙药难医冤业病，横财不富命穷人。

亏心折尽平生福，行短天教一世贫。

生事事生君莫怨，害人人害汝休嗔。

得便宜处休欢喜，远在儿孙近在身。

话说那黄信上马，手中横着这口丧门剑。刘知寨也骑着马，身上披挂些戎衣，手中拿一把叉。那一百四五十军汉、寨兵，各执着缨枪棍棒，腰下都带短刀利剑。两下鼓，一声锣，解宋江和花荣望青州来。众人都离了清风寨，行不过三四十里路头，前面见一座大林子。正来到那山嘴边，前头寨兵指道：“林子里有人窥望。”都立住了脚。黄信在马上问道：“为甚不行？”军汉答道：“前面林子里有人窥看。”黄信喝道：“休采他，只顾走！”看看渐近林子前，只听得当当的二三十面大锣一齐响起来，那寨兵人等都慌了手脚，只待要走。黄信喝道：“且住！都与我摆开！”叫道：“刘知寨，你压着囚车。”刘高在马上答应不得，只口里念道：“救苦救难天尊！便许下十万卷经，三百座寺，救一救！”惊的脸如成精的东瓜，青一回，黄一回。

这黄信是个武官，终有些胆量，便拍马向前看时，只见林子西边，齐齐的分过三五百个小喽啰来，一个个身长力壮，都是面恶眼凶，头裹红巾，身穿衲袄，腰悬利剑，手执长枪，早把一行人围住。林子中跳出三个好汉来，一个穿青，一个穿绿，一个穿红，都戴着一顶销金万字头巾，各跨一口腰刀，又使一把朴刀，当住去路。中间是锦毛虎燕顺，上首是矮脚虎王英，下首是白面郎君郑天寿。三个好汉大喝道：“来往的到此当住脚！留下三千两买路黄金，任从过去。”黄信在马上大喝道：“你那厮们不得无礼，镇三山在此！”三个好汉睁着眼大喝道：“你便是镇万山，也要三千两买路黄金！没时，不放你过去。”黄信说道：“我是上司取公事的都监，有甚么买路钱与你？”那三个好汉笑道：“莫说你是上司一个都监，便是赵官家驾过，也要三千贯买路钱。若是没有，且把公事人[1]当[2]在这里，待你取钱来赎。”黄信大怒，骂道：“强贼怎敢如此无礼！”喝叫左右擂鼓鸣锣，黄信拍马舞剑直奔燕顺。三个好汉一齐挺起朴刀，来战黄信。黄信见三个好汉都来并他，奋力在马上斗了十合，怎地当得他三个住。亦且刘高是个文官，又向前不得，见了这般头势，只待要走。黄信怕吃他三个拿了，坏了名声，只得一骑马扑剌剌跑回旧路。三个头领挺着朴刀赶将来。黄信那里顾的众人，独自飞马奔回清风镇去了。

众军见黄信回马时，已自发声喊，撇了囚车，都四散走了。只剩得刘高，见头势不好，慌忙勒转马头，连打三鞭。那马正待跑时，被那小喽啰拽起绊马索，早把刘高的马掀翻，倒撞下来。众小喽啰一发向前，拿了刘高，抢了囚车，打开车辆。花荣已把自己的囚车掀开了，便跳出来，将这缚索都挣断了，却打碎那个囚车，救出宋江来。自有那几个小喽啰已自绑了刘高，又向前去抢得他骑的马，亦有三匹驾车的马。却剥了刘高的衣服，与宋江穿了，把马先送上山去。这三个好汉一同花荣并小喽啰，把刘高赤条条的绑了，押回山寨来。原来这三位好汉，为因不见宋江回来，差几个能干的小喽啰下山，直来清风镇上探听，闻人说道：“都监黄信掷盏为号，拿了花知寨并宋江，陷车囚了，解投青州来。”因此报与三个好汉得知，带了人马，大宽转兜出大路来，预先截住去路。小路里亦差人伺候。因此救了两个，拿得刘高，都回山寨里来。

当晚上的山时，已是二更时分，都到聚义厅上相会。请宋江、花荣当中坐定，三个好汉对席相陪，一面且备酒食管待。燕顺分付：“叫孩儿们各自都去吃酒。”花荣在厅上称谢三个好汉，说道：“花荣与哥哥皆得三位壮士救了性命，报了冤仇，此恩难报。只是花荣还有妻小妹子在清风寨中，必然被黄信擒捉，却是怎生救得？”燕顺道：“知寨放心，料应黄信不敢便拿恭人，若拿时也须从这条路里经过。我明日弟兄三个下山去取恭人和令妹还知寨。”便差小喽啰下山，先去探听。花荣谢道：“深感壮士大恩！”宋江便道：“且与我拿过刘高那厮来。”燕顺便道：“把他绑在将军柱上割腹取心，与哥哥庆喜。”花荣道：“我亲自下手割这厮！”宋江骂道：“你这厮！我与你往日无冤，近日无仇，你如何听信那不贤的妇人害我？今日擒来，有何理说？”花荣道：“哥哥问他则甚！”把刀去刘高心窝里只一剜，那颗心献在宋江面前。小喽啰自把尸首拖于一边。宋江道：“今日虽杀了这厮滥污匹夫，只有那个淫妇不曾杀得，出那口怨气！”王矮虎便道：“哥哥放心，我明日自下山去拿那妇人，今番还我受用。”众皆大笑。当夜饮酒罢，各自歇息。次日起来，商议打清风寨一事。燕顺道：“昨日孩儿们走得辛苦了，今日歇他一日，明日早下山去也未迟。”宋江道：“也见得是。正要将息人强马壮，用兵正是如此，不在促忙。”

不说山寨整点兵马起程，且说都监黄信一骑马奔回清风镇上大寨内，便点寨兵人马，紧守四边栅门。黄信写了申状，叫两个教军头目飞马报与慕容知府。知府听得飞报军情紧急公务，连夜升厅，看了黄信申状：“反了花荣，结连清风山强盗，时刻清风寨不保。事在告急，早遣良将，保守地方。”知府看了大惊，便差人去请青州指挥司总管本州兵马秦统制，急来商议军情重事。那人原是山后开州人氏，姓秦，讳个明字。因他性格急躁，声若雷霆，以此人都呼他做霹雳火秦明。祖是军官出身。使一条狼牙棒，有万夫不当之勇。那人听得知府请唤，径到府里来见知府。各施礼罢，那慕容知府将出那黄信的飞报申状来，教秦统制看了。秦明大怒道：“红头子[3]敢如此无礼！不须公祖忧心，不才便起军马，不拿了这贼，誓不再见公祖！”慕容知府道：“将军若是迟慢，恐这厮们去打清风寨。”秦明答道：“此事如何敢迟误，只今连夜便去点起人马，来日早行。”知府大喜，忙叫安排酒肉干粮，先去城外等候赏军。秦明见说反了花荣，便怒从心上起，恶向胆边生，气忿忿地上马，奔到指挥司里，便点起一百马军、四百步军，先教出城去取齐，摆布了起身。

却说慕容知府先在城外寺院里蒸下馒头，摆了大碗，盪下酒。每一个人三碗酒，两个馒头，一斤熟肉。方才备办得了，却望见军马出城。看那军马时，摆得整齐。但见：

列列旌旗似火，森森戈戟如麻。阵分八卦摆长蛇，委实神惊鬼怕。枪晃绿沉紫焰，旗飘绣带红霞，马蹄来往乱交加。乾坤生杀气，成败属谁家。

当日清早，秦明摆布军马，出城取齐，引军红旗上大书“兵马总管秦统制”，领兵起行。慕容知府看见秦明全副披挂了出城来，果是英雄无比。但见：

盔上红缨飘烈焰，锦袍血染猩猩。狮蛮宝带束金鞓。云根靴抹绿，龟背铠堆银。坐下马如同獬豸，狼牙棒密嵌铜钉。怒时两目便圆睁。性如霹雳火，虎将是秦明。

当下霹雳火秦明在马上出城来，见慕容知府在城外赏军，慌忙叫军汉接了军器，下马来和知府相见。施礼罢，知府把了盏，将些言语嘱付总管道：“善觑方便，早奏凯歌。”赏军已罢，放起信炮。秦明辞了知府，飞身上马，摆开队伍，催趱军兵，大刀阔斧，径奔清风寨来。原来这清风镇却在青州东南上，从正南取清风山较近，可早到山北小路。

却说清风山寨里这小喽啰们探知备细，报上山来。山寨里众好汉正待要打清风寨去，只听的报道：“秦明引兵马到来！”都面面厮觑，俱各骇然。花荣便道：“你众位且不要慌。自古兵临告急，必须死敌。教小喽啰饱吃了酒饭，只依着我行。先须力敌，后用智取，如此如此，好么？”宋江道：“好计！正是如此行。”当时宋江、花荣先定了计策，便叫小喽啰各自去准备。花荣自选了一骑好马，一副衣甲，弓箭铁枪都收拾了等候。

再说秦明领兵来到清风山下，离山十里下了寨栅。次日五更造饭了，军士吃罢，放起一个信炮，直奔清风山来，拣空阔去处，摆开人马，发起擂鼓。只听见山上锣声震天响，飞下一彪人马出来。秦明勒住马，横着狼牙棒，睁着眼看时，却见众小喽啰簇拥着小李广花荣下山来。到得山坡前，一声锣响，列成阵势。花荣在马上擎着铁枪，朝秦明声个喏。秦明大喝道：“花荣，你祖代是将门之子，朝廷命官，教你做个知寨，掌握一境地方，食禄于国，有何亏你处，却去结连贼寇，背反朝廷？我今特来捉你，会事的下马受缚，免得腥手污脚。量你何足道哉！”花荣陪着笑道：“总管容复听禀：量花荣如何肯背反朝廷？实被刘高这厮无中生有，官报私仇，逼迫得花荣有家难奔，有国难投，权且躲避在此。望总管详察救解。”秦明道：“你兀自不下马受缚，更待何时？地巧言令色，煽惑军心。”喝叫左右两边擂鼓，秦明轮动狼牙棒，直奔花荣。花荣大笑，喝道：“秦明，你这厮原来不识好人饶让。我念你是个上司官，你道俺真个怕你！”便纵马挺枪，来战秦明。两个就清风山下厮杀，真乃是棋逢敌手难藏幸，将遇良才好用功。这两个将军比试，但见：

一对南山猛虎，两条北海苍龙。龙怒时头角峥嵘，虎斗处爪牙狞恶。爪牙狞恶，似银钩不离锦毛团；头角峥嵘，如铜叶振摇金色树。翻翻复复，点钢枪没半米放闲；往往来来，狼牙棒有千般解数。狼牙棒当头劈下，离顶门只隔分毫；点钢枪用力刺来，望心坎微争半指。使点钢枪的壮士，威风上逼斗牛寒；舞狼牙棒的将军，怒气起如雷电发。一个是扶持社稷天蓬将，一个是整顿江山黑煞神。

当下秦明和花荣两个交手，斗到四五十合，不分胜败。花荣连斗了许多合，卖个破绽，拨回马望山下小路便走。秦明大怒，赶将来。花荣把枪去了事环上带住，把马勒个定，左手拈起弓，右手去拔箭，拽满弓，扭过身躯，望秦明盔顶上只一箭，正中盔上，射落斗来大那颗红缨，却似报个信与他。秦明吃了一惊，不敢向前追赶，霍地拨回马，恰待赶杀，众小喽啰一哄地都上山去了。花荣自从别路也转上山寨去了。

秦明见他都走散了，心中越怒道：“叵耐这草寇无礼！”喝叫鸣锣擂鼓，取路上山。众军齐声呐喊，步军先上山来。转过三两个山头，只见上面擂木、炮石、灰瓶、金汁，从险峻处打将下来。向前的退步不迭，早打倒三五十个，只得再退下山来。秦明是个性急的人，心头火起，那里按纳得住，带领军马，绕山下来寻路上山。寻到午牌时分，只见西北边锣响，树林丛中闪出一队红旗军来。秦明引了人马赶将去时，锣也不响，红旗都不见了。秦明看那路时，又没正路，都只是几条砍柴的小路，却把乱树折木交叉当了路口，又不能上去得。正待差军汉开路，只见军汉来报道：“东山边锣响，一队红旗军出来。”秦明引了人马，飞也似奔过东山边来看时，锣也不鸣，红旗也不见了。秦明纵马去四下里寻路时，都是乱树折木塞断了砍柴的路径。只见探事的又来报道：“西边山上锣又响，红旗军又出来了。”秦明拍马再奔来西山边看时，又不见一个人，红旗也没了。秦明是个急性的人，恨不得把牙齿都咬碎了。正在西山边气忿忿的，又听得东山边锣声震地价响，急带了人马又赶过来东山边看时，又不见有一个贼汉，红旗都不见了。秦明气满胸脯，又要赶军汉上山寻路，只听得西山边又发起喊来。秦明怒气冲天，大驱兵马投西山边来，山上山下看时，并不见一个人。秦明喝叫军汉两边寻路上山。数内有一个军人禀说道：“这里都不是正路，只除非东南上有一条大路，可以上去。若是只在这里寻路上去时，惟恐有失。”秦明听了，便道：“既有那条大路时，连夜赶将去。”便驱一行军马奔东南角上来。

看看天色晚了，又走得人困马乏，巴得到那山下时，正欲下寨造饭，只见山上火把乱起，锣鼓乱鸣。秦明转怒，引领四五十马军，跑上山来。只见山上树林内，乱箭射将下来，又射伤了些军士。秦明只得回马下山，且教军士只顾造饭。却才举得火着，只见山上有八九十把火光，呼风唿哨下来。秦明急待引军赶时，火把一齐都灭了。当夜虽有月光，亦被阴云笼罩，不甚明朗。秦明怒不可当，便叫军士点起火把，烧那树木。只听得山嘴上鼓笛之声吹响。秦明纵马上来看时，见山顶上点着十馀个火把，照见花荣陪侍着宋江，在上面饮酒。秦明看了，心中没出气处，勒着马在山下大骂。花荣回言道：“秦统制，你不必焦躁，且回去将息着。我明日和你并个你死我活的输赢便罢。”秦明大叫道：“反贼，你便下来！我如今和你并个三百合，却再做理会！”花荣笑道：“秦总管，你今日劳困了，我便赢得你，也不为强。你且回去，明日却来。”秦明越怒，只管在山下骂。本待寻路上山，却又怕花荣的弓箭，因此只在山坡下骂。正叫骂之间，只听得本部下军马发起喊来。秦明急回到山下看时，只见这边山上，火炮、火箭一发烧将下来。背后二三十个小喽啰做一群，把弓弩在黑影里射人。众军马发喊一声，都拥过那边山侧深坑里去躲。此时已有三更时分。众军马正躲得弩箭时，只叫得苦，上溜头滚下水来，一行人马却都在溪里，各自挣扎性命。扒得上岸的，尽被小喽啰挠钩搭住，活捉上山去了；扒不上岸的，尽淹死在溪里。

且说秦明此时怒气冲天，脑门粉碎。却见一条小路在侧边，秦明把马一拨，抢上山来。走不到三五十步，和人连马下陷坑里去。两边埋伏下五十个挠钩手，把秦明搭将起来，剥了浑身战袄衣甲，头盔军器，拿条绳索绑了，把马也救起来，都解上清风山来。原来这般圈套，都是花荣和宋江的计策。先使小喽啰，或在东，或在西，引诱的秦明人困马乏，策立不定。预先又把这土布袋填住两溪的水，等候夜深，却把人马逼赶溪里去，上面却放下水来，那急流的水都结果了军马。你道秦明带出的五百人马如何？一大半淹死在水中，都送了性命；生擒活捉得一百五七十人，夺了七八十匹好马，不曾逃得一个回去。次后陷马坑里，活捉了秦明。

当下一行小喽啰捉秦明到山寨里，早是天明时候。五位好汉坐在聚义厅上，小喽啰缚绑秦明，解在厅前。花荣见了，连忙跳离交椅，接下厅来，亲自解了绳索，扶上厅来，纳头拜在地下。秦明慌忙答礼，便道：“我是被擒之人，由你们碎尸而死，何故却来拜我？”花荣跪下道：“小喽啰不识尊卑，误有冒渎，切乞恕罪！”随即便取衣服与秦明穿了。秦明问花荣道：“这位为头的好汉却是甚人？这清风山不曾见有。”花荣道：“这位是花荣的哥哥，郓城县宋押司宋江的便是。这三位是山寨之主，燕顺、王英、郑天寿。”秦明道：“这三位我自认得。这宋押司莫不是唤做山东及时雨宋公明么？”宋江答道：“小人便是。”秦明连忙下拜道：“闻名久矣，不想今日得会义士！”宋江慌忙答礼不迭。秦明见宋江腿脚不便，问道：“兄长如何贵足不便？”宋江却把自离郓城县起头，直至刘知寨拷打的事故，从头对秦明说了一遍。秦明只把头来摇道：“若听一面之词，误了多少缘故！容秦明回州去对慕容知府说知此事。”燕顺相留且住数日，随即便叫杀牛宰马，安排筵席饮宴。拿上山的军汉，都藏在山后房里，也与他酒食管待。秦明吃了数杯，起身道：“众位壮士，既是你们的好情分，不杀秦明，还了我盔甲、马匹、军器回州去。”燕顺道：“总管差矣。你既是引了青州五百兵马都没了，如何回得州去？慕容知府如何不见你罪责？不如权在荒山草寨住几时。本不堪歇马，权就此间落草，论秤分金银，整套穿衣服，不强似受那大头巾的气？”秦明听罢，便下厅道：“秦明生是大宋人，死为大宋鬼。朝廷教我做到兵马总管，兼受统制使官职，又不曾亏了秦明，我如何肯做强人，背反朝廷？你们众位要杀时便杀了我，休想我随顺你们。”花荣赶下厅来拖住道：“秦兄长息怒，听小弟一言。我也是朝廷命官之子，无可奈何，被逼迫的如此。总管既是不肯落草，如何相逼得你随顺？只且请少坐，席终了时，小弟讨衣甲、头盔、鞍马、军器还兄长去。”秦明那里肯坐。花荣又劝道：“总管夜来劳神费力了一日一夜，人也尚自当不得，那匹马如何不喂得他饱了去？”秦明听了，肚内寻思：“他说得是。”再上厅来，坐了饮酒。那五位好汉轮番把盏，陪话劝酒。秦明一则软困，二乃吃众好汉劝不过，开怀吃得醉了，扶入帐房睡了。这里众人自去行事，不在话下。

且说秦明一觉直睡到次日辰牌方醒，跳将起来，洗漱罢，便欲下山。众好汉都来相留道：“总管，且吃早饭动身，送下山去。”秦明性急的人，便要下山。众人慌忙安排些酒食管待了，取出头盔、衣甲与秦明披挂了，牵过那匹马来，并狼牙棒，先叫人在山下伺候。五位好汉都送秦明下山来，相别了，交还马匹、军器。秦明上了马，拿着狼牙棒，趁天色大明，离了清风山，取路飞奔青州来。到得十里路头，恰好巳牌前后，远远地望见烟尘乱起，并无一个人来往。秦明见了，心中自有八分疑忌。到得城外看时，原来旧有数百人家，却都被火烧做白地，一片瓦砾场上，横七竖八，杀死的男子妇人，不记其数。秦明看了大惊。打那匹马在瓦砾场上跑到城边，大叫开门时，只见门边吊桥高拽起了，都摆列着军士旌旗，擂木炮石。秦明勒着马，大叫：“城上放下吊桥，度我入城。”城上早有人看见是秦明，便擂起鼓来，呐着喊。秦明叫道：“我是秦总管，如何不放我入城？”只见慕容知府立在城上女墙边，大喝道：“反贼！你如何不识羞耻！昨夜引人马来打城子，把许多好百姓杀了，又把许多房屋烧了，今日兀自又来赚哄城门。朝廷须不曾亏负了你，你这厮倒如何行此不仁！已自差人奏闻朝廷去了，早晚拿住你时，把你这厮碎尸万段！”秦明大叫道：“公祖差矣。秦明因折了人马，又被这厮们捉了上山去，方才得脱，昨夜何曾来打城子？”知府喝道：“我如何不认的你这厮的马匹、衣甲、军器、头盔！城上众人明明地见你指拨红头子杀人放火，你如何赖得过！便做你输了被擒，如何五百军人没一个逃得回来报信？你如今指望赚开城门取老小，你的妻子今早已都杀了。你若不信，与你头看。”军士把枪将秦明妻子首级挑起在枪上，教秦明看。秦明是个性急的人，看了浑家首级，气破胸脯，分说不得，只叫得苦屈。城上弩箭如雨点般射将下来，秦明只得回避。看见遍野处火焰尚兀自未灭。

秦明回马在瓦砾场上，恨不得寻个死处。肚里寻思了半晌，纵马再回旧路。行不得十来里，只见林子里转出一伙人马来，当先五匹马上，五个好汉，不是别人，宋江、花荣、燕顺、王英、郑天寿，随从一二百小喽啰。宋江在马上欠身道：“总管何不回青州，独自一骑投何处去？”秦明见问，怒气道：“不知是那个天不盖、地不载、该剐的贼，装做我去打了城子，坏了百姓人家房屋，杀害良民，倒结果了我一家老小，闪得我如今有家难奔，有国难投，着我上天无路，入地无门！我若寻见那人时，直打碎这条狼牙棒便罢！”宋江便道：“总管息怒。既然没了夫人，不妨，小人自当与总管做媒。我有个好见识，请总管回去，这里难说，且请到山寨里告禀。一同便往。”秦明只得随顺，再回清风山来。

于路无话，早到山亭前下马。众人一齐都进山寨内，小喽啰已安排酒果肴馔在聚义厅上。五个好汉邀请秦明上厅，都让他中间坐定。五个好汉齐齐跪下，秦明连忙答礼，也跪在地。宋江开话道：“总管休怪。昨日因留总管在山，坚意不肯，却是宋江定出这条计来：叫小卒似总管模样的，却穿了足下的衣甲、头盔，骑着那马，横着狼牙棒，直奔青州城下，点拨红头子杀人；燕顺、王矮虎带领五十馀人助战，只做总管去家中取老小。因此杀人放火，先绝了总管归路的念头。今日众人特地请罪！”秦明见说了，怒气于心，欲待要和宋江等厮并，却又自肚里寻思。一则是上界星辰契合；二乃被他们软困，以礼待之；三则又怕斗他们不过，因此只得纳了这口气。便说道：“你们弟兄虽是好意要留秦明，只是害得我忒毒些个，断送了我妻小一家人口！”宋江答道：“不恁地时，兄长如何肯死心塌地。虽然没了嫂嫂夫人，宋江恰知得花知寨有一妹，甚是贤慧，宋江情愿主婚，陪备财礼，与总管为室，若何？”秦明见众人如此相敬相爱，方才放心归顺。众人都让宋江在居中坐了，秦明上首，花荣肩下，三个好汉依次而坐，大吹大擂饮酒，商议打清风寨一事。秦明道：“这事容易，不须众弟兄费心。黄信那人亦是治下，二者是秦明教他的武艺，三乃和我过的最好。明日我便先去叫开栅门，一席话说他入伙投降，就取了花知寨宝眷，拿了刘高的泼妇，与仁兄报仇雪恨，作进见之礼，如何？”宋江大喜道：“若得总管如此慨然相许，却是多幸多幸！”当日筵席散了，各自歇息。次日早起来，吃了早膳，都各各披挂了。秦明上马，先下山来，拿了狼牙棒，飞奔清风镇来。

却说黄信自到清风镇上，发放镇上军民，点起寨兵，晓夜提防，牢守栅门，又不敢出战，累累使人探听，不见青州调兵策应。当日只听得报道：“栅外有秦统制独自一骑马到来，叫开栅门。”黄信听了，便上马飞奔门边看时，果是一人一骑，又无伴当。黄信便叫开栅门，放下吊桥，迎接秦总管入来，直到大寨公厅前下马。请上厅来叙礼罢，黄信便问道：“总管缘何单骑到此？”秦明当下先说了损折军马，后说：“山东及时雨宋公明疏财仗义，结识天下好汉，谁不钦敬。他如今见在清风山上，我今次也在山寨入了伙。你又无老小，何不听我言语，也去山寨入伙，免受那文官的气？”黄信答道：“既然恩官在彼，黄信安敢不从。只是不曾听得说有宋公明在山上，今次却说及时雨宋公明，自何而来在山寨？”秦明笑道：“便是你前日解去的郓城虎张三便是。他怕说出真名姓，惹起自己的官司，以此只认说是张三。”黄信听了跌脚道：“若是小弟得知是宋公明时，路上也是放了他！一时见不到处，只听了刘高一面之词，险些坏了他性命。”秦明、黄信两个正在公廨内商量起身，只见寨兵报道：“有两路军马鸣锣擂鼓，杀奔镇上来。”秦明、黄信听得，都上了马，前来迎敌军马。到得栅门边望时，只见尘土蔽日，杀气遮天。正是：两路军兵投镇上，一行人马下山来。毕竟秦明、黄信怎地迎敌来军，且听下回分解。

[1] 公事人——这里指的犯人。

[2] 当（dànɡ）——抵押。

[3] 红头子——强盗。参见第十七回“红巾”注。

CHAPTER 33. The Suppressor of the Three Mountains Makes a Great Stir in the Qingzhou Prefecture; the Thunderer Wanders in the Dark Amidst the Devastated Village

THE soldiers escorting the prisoners were armed with spears, cudgels, halberds, and swords, and were morally supported further by a band of drums and gongs. They had barely covered fourteen li when as they were approaching a big forest the soldiers in the advance halted and reported that they saw spies among the trees. But the unconvinced Huang Xin merely growled at the column for having stopped, and ordered that they should march on, and take no further notice of the supposed spying. The column had to obey, and the wood was now close at hand when suddenly about thirty gongs were sounded simultaneously among the trees, with the natural consequence that the soldiers were frightened out of their wits, and began to scatter. Huang Xin’s shout, however, stopped them. “Stand firm! Fall into ranks! Magistrate Liu! You guard the prisoners.”

Already, Magistrate Liu on his horse had got the wind up, and exclaimed, “May we be saved by the Goddess of Mercy from a calamity! Ai Ya! Ai Ya! I will offer a a hundred thousand scriptures, at thirty altars for the benefit of those in the afterlife. Save us! Save us!” His face became the color of a green pumpkin, and then turned yellow.

Huang Xin, being a military officer, had no fear. He whipped his horse, and dashed to the front. There he could see that there were about five hundred brigands among the trees. They were all tall, and had fierce appearances. They all wore red turbans, and short jackets, and had swords in their belts, and long spears in their hands. They had by this time surrounded his column. Then three big men sprang out of the forest. Their dress was blue, green, and red respectively, and on their turbans was the “Wan” swastika in gold. They each carried a big sword and a halberd in hand—barring the road. These were the bandit chiefs, namely ‘Elegant Tiger,’ ‘Stunted Tiger,’ and the ‘White Faced Squire.’ They bellowed out, “You can go no further unless you give us three thousand taels of gold.”

Colonel Huang Xin shouted, “You fellows are not going to treat us in this way. The ‘Supressor of Three Mountains’ is here.”

The three bandit chiefs glared at him, and shouted, “Even if you guarded ten thousand mountains you would have to pay just the same. You shall not pass here without payment.”

“I am a Colonel on official business, so why should you expect me to pay the money?”

The chiefs laughed, “Even if the Emperor himself came this way, he would have to pay the toll. If you have no money, then you can leave the man who transacts official business as ransom with us until you raise the cash.”

Huang Xin was highly infuriated by such insolence, shouted back, “You brigands! How dare you be so impudent!” Ordering the drums and gongs to be beaten so as to have a martial air, he whipped his horse and charged with his sword in hand. The chiefs defended themselves, but although Huang Xin used all his available skill and strategy he could not hold himself against the three even after ten bouts.

Magistrate Liu was at the back shivering in his shoes, and instead of helping he was seriously thinking of running away.

Huang Xin at last realized that he was in danger of being captured by these men; so turning his horse, galloped back to his soldiers with the three brigand chiefs following at his heels.

Huang Xin had no time to care for his own soldiers, but rode off by himself towards the town whence they had just come. When the soldiers saw Huang Xin leaving them there was confusion, and they left the prisoner’s cart, and scattered in all directions. Magistrate Liu was soon left by himself, and seeing the hopeless position of affairs whipped his horse, and followed the rabble. But some of the brigands seeing Magistrate Liu escaping drew a rope across his track-brought his horse down, and took him prisoner.

Having released Hua Rong and Song Jiang from the cage on the cart, they stripped the clothes from Magistrate Liu and gave them to Song Jiang. The band then set out for their stronghold on the mountain with the horses as their booty, and the magistrate as their prisoner.

Now before this conflict the brigands had sent spies into Qingfeng Town, and they had duly reported that Hua Rong had been arrested, and that Huang Xin had captured Song Jiang on the road. So every road had been watched, and the ambush cleverly arranged.

The bandits reached their camp about 10 P.M. that evening, and the chiefs assembled in the hall to discuss matters. They all sat down to take dinner with Song Jiang and Hua Rong in the central seats of honor.

“I and my elder brother Song are deeply indebted to you for saving our lives and revenging our wrong. In the town however are my wife and my sister, and I am afraid that Huang Xin will now arrest them. How can we save them?”

“Colonel Hua, do not worry about that,” said Yan Shun. “I think that Colonel Huang Xin will not dare touch your family. We know that even if he does, he will still have to pass along this road again. We three will go tomorrow, and bring your family here.” He then ordered some of his men to go into the town, and spy what was being done there.

Hua Rong expressed his gratitude for this action.

“Let us now have the prisoner Liu Gao here,” said Song Jiang.

“He is bound to a pillar on the veranda,” said Yan Shun. “We will cut open his chest, and present you with his heart.”

“I will do that myself,” said Hua Rong.

They all went outside to the veranda. There Song Jiang reviled Liu Gao. “Previously I had no quarrel with you, so why did you foolishly listen to your wife’s false statements. Now that we have caught you, what have you to say?”

“Don’t ask him any questions,” said Hua Rong. He opened the prisoner’s breast with his sword, and cutting out the heart presented it to Song Jiang. The soldiers took away the corpse.

“We have disposed of this vile scoundrel,” said Song Jiang, “but as we have not yet got his whore of a wife. My hatred of her still exists.”

“Never mind, brother,” said ‘Stunted Tiger,’ “I will go tomorrow, and get her, and she will then belong to me.”

They all laughed at this. They soon finished their feast, and went to sleep.

Early the next morning they again discussed an attack on Qingfeng Town. Yan Shun said, “Our men are all tired out after yesterday’s work so we had better let them rest today.”

They all agreed to this as there was no particular urgency about the proposed actions.

Upon reaching Qingfeng Town Colonel Huang Xin issued an order that foot soldiers and cavalry should strengthen the guards at the four barriers outside the town. It was not a walled town. He also wrote a dispatch to Prefect Murong, and sent two express messengers with it. They reached the prefectural town during the night, but when the Prefect was informed that an urgent dispatch had arrived he at once went to the yamen to receive it. The dispatch read: “Hua Rong has rebelled, and joined the bandits on Qingfeng Mountain. It is extremely important that reinforcements should be dispatched at once to safeguard the town.”

The Prefect was surprised at the news, and at once sent for General Qin Ming, commander-in-chief of the troops in the Prefecture. Now the General was a native of Kaizhou in Zhili province, and had an excitable nature. He always spoke in a very loud voice, and therefore he got the nickname, “The Thunderer.”

For two generations his forefathers had been in the army. He was skilled in the use of the mace with which he could overcome even ten thousand soldiers. When he heard the Prefect’s summon he at once went to the yamen. After they had exchanged the usual salutations the Prefect handed him the dispatch to read. General Qin Ming was very angry, and said, “How dare the fellow do such a thing! Your Excellency need not worry. I will send soldiers at once. I swear that if I do not arrest those bandits I will not see you again.”

“I am afraid,” said Prefect Murong, “that if we delay the bandits will attack Qingfeng Town.”

“I will see that action is taken immediately,” replied General Qin Ming. “I will give orders this very night, and the soldiers will march off early in the morning.”

The Prefect was much pleased, and at once gave orders that wine and rations for the troops should be sent outside the town, and distributed to the soldiers the following morning.

General Qin Ming went to his headquarters, and issued orders mustering one hundred horsemen and four hundred infantry for the expedition the following morning outside the town.

The Prefect went himself to a monastery outside the city, and there supervised the distribution for each soldier of two steamed buns, one jin of meat, and three bowls of wine. When this had been prepared he saw the soldiers leaving the town with a red flag bearing the name, “General Qin Commander-in-chief of Infantry and Cavalry.” General Qin was with them, wearing his helmet and armor. His appearance indeed was a fine spectacle. As soon as he saw the Prefect he rode forward, and dismounted. After the usual ceremony of saluting, the Prefect presented the General with a cup of wine, and said, “Take due precautions, and quickly return with victories.”

When the rations had been distributed to the troops a signal cannon was fired, and they marched off on the road to Qingfeng Town.

The bandits on Qingfeng Mountain were duly informed by their scouts of the departure of these troops, and were rather surprised at this sudden move. Hua Rong said, “Gentlemen, don’t worry. There is an ancient saying, ‘Urgent report of the arrival of troops demands a determination to face them even unto death.’ We had better order our men to take enough food and wine, and afterwards act according to my instructions. We must first use force, and then outwit them with guile.” He then whispered his plan.

“Your plan is good,” said Song Jiang. “Let it be carried out.”

“The men were ordered accordingly, and that day Song Jiang and Hua Rong arranged their plan. Hua Rong selected one of the best horses for himself, and put on his mailed armor and helmet. He also got in good condition his bow, arrows, and spears.

Now General Qin Ming, “the Thunderer,” marched with his army until he was a few li from Qingfeng Mountain where he encamped for the night. When his troops had had their meal about 4 A.M. next morning, he ordered a cannon to be fired as a signal for a forward march. He selected an open space where the troops were spread out accompanied by the rolling of drums. Just then, however, he heard gongs being sounded on the mountain, and saw a large body of mounted bandits galloping down the mountain path. He recognized Hua Rong among the brigands, and pulling up his horse he seized his “Wolves Teeth Mace.” Upon reaching the foot of the mountain a gong was again sounded, and all the mounted bandits formed themselves into ranks. Hua Rong on his horse saluted “the Thunderer.”

“Hua Rong,” shouted “the Thunderer,” “your ancestors were military officers, and you yourself received your commission from the Emperor. You were given a salary, and commanded to guard this county, so where have you got dissatisfied? Now you join these bandits, and openly rebel against the government. I have come here to arrest you. If you are intelligent, just dismount, and be bound by ropes, and so a dirty business may be avoided.”

Hua Rong laughed at this, and said, “Sir, please listen! How dare I rebel? Magistrate Liu Gao has concocted false charges against me. As he was persecuting me I had no other place for refuge than this. I request that you personally investigate the charges, and so help to clear me of the accusation.”

“How long will it be before you dismount?” asked “the Thunderer.” “You have made a sophisticated speech in order to demoralize my troops.” He ordered the drums to be sounded, and raising his mace he advanced towards Hua Rong.

Hua Rong laughed again, “Qin Ming! Do you not understand the forbearance of a decent man? I have treated you as my superior officer, but please do not think that I am afraid of you.” Thereupon he urged his horse forward, and held his spear ready for action.

They both engaged in conflict, but after about fifty rounds neither of them gained any advantage. So Hua Rong decided to make a feint, and turning his horse he galloped away down the road. “The Thunderer” was very angry at this and pursued him. Hua Rong put his spear aside, took his bow, and reined in his horse. Turning round in the saddle he shot an arrow which severed the tassel on the “Thunderer’s” helmet, and it fell to the ground. This served as a warning, and “the Thunderer” being startled dared not go any further. He pulled up his horse, and turned round with the idea of dealing with the followers who had come with Hua Rong. But the bandits had all turned, and were in retreat up the mountain. Hua Rong had also now turned off the road, and was also heading for the mountain by another path.

This escape of the enemy made General Qin Ming, “the Thunderer,” more angry, and he said, “These rascals are detestable.” He at once gave orders for a general advance up the mountain, and the drums and gongs were beaten accordingly. The soldiers shouted as they advanced. They had not gone very far when they were assailed from above by chamber pots, bottles of lime, large boulders, and logs of wood rolled down the slope. About fifty men were killed at once, and the rest realizing their danger turned and fled. General Qin Ming was now extremely angry, but also had to retreat. About noon many gongs were beaten on another hill to the west, and he saw there another body of bandits with red flags. He led a number of his cavalry in that direction, but when they got there they could not see the flags and brigands. There was only a small track there for woodcutters, and even that was obstructed by a heap of timber and bushes. He gave order that the trees be removed, but just as his soldiers were going to do this, they heard gongs sounded on another hill to the east side, and looking across they saw bandits there with red flags.

General Qin Ming immediately rushed his cavalry to the eastern hill, but upon arriving there, there were no bandits or red flags. Again there was only a small track obstructed by loose trees and bushes. Just then a scout reported to him that there were bandits with red flags again on the western hill. General Qin Ming again galloped his cavalry to the western hill, but upon arriving there there was not a single bandit to be seen. “The Thunderer” was now mad with rage, and ground his teeth with passion. Again he heard the brigands sounding their gongs on the eastern hill, but upon going there again there was only the same result. He gave orders that a road up the mountain must be found, and one of his soldiers stepped forward, and spoke respectfully, “There is evidently no proper road here, but on the southeast side there is a good road up the mountain. If we try to find a way here I am afraid we shall be entrapped.”

“We must go at once by that road,” said the general. The troops were rushed in that direction, but when they reached their objective it was growing dusk so they encamped there, and went to prepare their evening meal. Just then they happened to see lighted torches upon the hill, and many gongs were being beaten.

General Qin Ming was so angry that he led about fifty cavalrymen up the mountain. They were met by a storm of arrows, and several of his men were wounded. He returned to the camp, and ordered his soldiers to get the evening meal finished as quickly as possible. The cooking fires had just been lighted when they saw about ninety bandits on the mountain who had many torches, and were blowing whistles. General Qin Ming quickly got some of his soldiers ready, and was on the point of starting when the bandits extinguished their torches. It was a cloudy night so that there was not much moonlight. General Qin Ming was still angry, and he now gave his officers orders to set the forest on fire. But before this could be done there was a sound of flutes and drums, and he saw about ten torches blazing on the top of a hill. Mounting his horse he went towards the light, and there saw Hua Rong and Song Jiang seated at a table eating and drinking. General Qin Ming reined in his horse, and shouted insults to them.

Hua Rong laughed, and said, “General Qin, you need not be so hot-tempered. Go back and rest yourself. Tomorrow we will fight again, and either you or I will be victorious.”

“Rebellious bandit!” thundered General Qin Ming. “Come down, here! I will have a few hundred bouts with you now and afterwards we can discuss matters.”

Hua Rong laughed, and said, “General Qin, you must be tired after today’s exertions, so if I defeat you now it would not be much to my credit. Go back, and come again tomorrow.”

General Qin was angrier than ever, and continued to insult them. He would have gone to look for a road up the mountain but for the fear of the arrows from Hua Rong’s bow. While he was still cursing them, however, he heard a noise in his camp below. He turned his horse, and galloped back to his camp, but upon reaching there he saw that the bandits were attacking the camp with fireballs and fire arrows. In the shadows at the rear of the camp many brigands let fly a shower of crossbows. His soldiers seeing their danger were leaving the camp, and seeking shelter in the deep ditches.

It was now about 1 A.M. While his men were hiding in all kinds of hollow there was a rush of water, and they were in danger of being drowned in a mountain torrent. The bandits occupied the banks of the stream, seized the soldiers by iron hooks, and many of the latter were drowned in the water. General Qin Ming was almost crazy with anger at this, but just then he noticed a small footpath. He turned his horse into it, and went forward. He had not gone more than about fifty paces when his horse stumbled and fell into a pit. Immediately about fifty brigands armed with iron hooks appeared, and lifted up the General. They stripped him off his mail, helmet, and weapons, and binding him with ropes took him up the mountain.

All this was in accordance with the plans of Hua Rong. He had divided his men so as to entice General Qin to gallop backwards and forwards, and so exhaust his men and horses without obtaining any result. He had filled bags with earth, and dammed up the mountain stream, and then during the night forced the enemy into the stream and then released the water. Of General Qin Ming’s troops about half were drowned in this way, and about two hundred were captured alive. Also about eighty fine horses were seized.

When the bandits reached their stronghold with Qeneral Qin Ming, day was just breaking. The five leaders were already seated in the main building when the brigands arrived, and brought General Qin to the hall. Hua Rong immediately jumped up from his seat, and leaving the hall went and untied the ropes binding the General. He conducted “the Thunderer” into the hall, and there kowtowed to him. The General returned the courtesy, and questioned, “I am your prisoner and you may now kill me. But why do you treat me like this?”

Hua Rong knelt down, and said, “Our men did not recognize your eminence, and have ill-treated you, we ask for your forgiveness.”

General Qin Ming was presented with new uniform, and he then asked Hua Rong, “Who is this leader of these heroes?”

“This is Song Jiang, formerly a clerk in the magistrate’s yamen at Yuncheng County. These other three are the leaders of this stronghold—Yan Shun, Wang Ying, and Zheng Tianshou.’”

“I know these three gentlemen,” said General Qin Ming. “Is Song Jiang also known in Shandong province as ‘Welcome Rain’?”

“That is I,” interposed Song Jiang.

General Qin Ming saluted, and said, “I have heard of your illustrious name for a long time, but I never anticipated meeting you here today.”

Song Jiang quickly returned the salute, but in his doing so General Qin Ming noticed that he limped a little so he asked what was the cause of it. Thereupon Song Jiang told him in detail his adventures from the time he lived at Yuncheng County.

General Qin Ming wagged his head, and said, “What a great many mistakes are made by listening to only one side of a case! Let me get back and tell the Prefect Murong all about this affair.”

Yan Shun requested the General to stay with them for a few days. Now they at once started feasting with goat and horse meat. After a few rounds of drinking, the General arose and said, “Gentlemen and heroes, as you are so good as not to kill me I now request you to return to me my helmet, and mail, my horse, and sword, and allow me to go back to Qingzhou Prefecture.”

“You are mistaken, sir,” said Yan Shun. “You must remember that you have lost all your soldiers so how can you return to Qingzhou Prefecture? Would not the Prefect bring an accusation against you? It would be better if you stayed here for a few days. It is true that the accommodation at this wild spot is rather rough, but we will divide our gold and silver with you, and give you whatever clothes you require, and you will be quite safe here from the wrath of your superior officer.”

General Qin Ming stepped out of the hall, and said, “While living, I am a subject of the Great Song Empire, and when dead I shall be a ghost of it. I received my commission as a General from the Emperor, and as I have been well and fairly treated how can I become a bandit, and rebel against the Emperor? You gentlemen can kill me at any time that suits your convenience.”

Yan Shun came forward and persuaded general Qin Ming, “Elder brother, please listen to what I say, I am also the son of an official who received his appointment direct from the Court, but have been forced by circumstances to become a bandit. As you are unwilling to join us we request you to stay with us at least for a little time until the feast is over. I will return to you the armor, helmet, your horse and arms, and you can then go if you like.”

General Qin Ming was unwilling to stay, so Hua Rong again spoke to him, “When you arrived, you were extremely tired with your previous exertions, and your horse was also wearied so that you must at least give it time to eat its fodder before you depart.”

General Qin Ming thought that this was quite true, so he sat down at the feast. The five men acted as hosts, and saw that he was well supplied with wine. They treated General Qin Ming so well that it was not long before he was drunk, and they then conducted him to a room where he lay down to sleep.

He awoke about 9 A.M. the next morning, and after toilet he wished again to leave the mountain. After breakfast they gave him his armor and helmet. Men were also sent down the mountain with his arms and horse with instructions to wait there for him. The five brigand chiefs accompanied him down the mountain, and before leaving, handed him his arms and horse. General Qin Ming mounted, and rode off at great speed towards Qingzhou Prefecture.

He was only about four li from his destination, and it was about 11 A.M. when he saw clouds of smoke and dust in the distance. When he saw this he became suspicious as he had not met a single person on the road. As he approached the town of Qingzhou Prefecture, he saw that the suburbs were in flame. The houses were all in ruins, and among the débris were the corpses of men, women, and children.

He made his way through the ruins, but when he reached the city gate he found that the drawbridge was up, and that there were numerous soldiers on the wall armed with logs and huge boulders. He reined in his horse, and shouted, “Let down the bridge as I wish to enter the city.”

The soldiers had seen him coming, and recognizing him they raised a shout, and beat their drums.

The Thunderer shouted, “I am General Qin Ming. Why do you not let me into the city?” Just then he noticed the Prefect Murong was standing at the breastwork of the wall gazing at him, and saying, “Rebellious bandit! Why are you not ashamed of yourself? Last night you came here with soldiers and attacked our town; killed many innocent people, and burnt many houses. And yet today you come again, and by deception try to get the gates opened. The Emperor has treated you well, but now you act in this ungrateful way. I have however written a memorial to the Court about your affair. Sooner or later you will be arrested, and cut into pieces.”

“Your worship,” shouted General Qin Ming, “I took soldiers to attack the bandits, but was defeated, and taken up the mountain as prisoner. I have just been released so how could I be here and attack the city last night?”

“Do you think that I did not recognize you by your armor, your arms, your helmet, and your horse? All the men here saw you last night directing the bandits to kill the people and burn the houses. So why do you prevaricate now? Even if you were defeated how is it that not a single one of your men returned to report the matter? Do you try to deceive my men and get the gate open so that you can see your family again? If so let me tell you that your wife and all your family were killed this morning. If you do not believe this I will have your wife’s head brought here for you to look at.”

The soldiers immediately putting the head on a spear held it aloft for General Qin Ming to gaze at. He was a hot-tempered man and the depth of his misery made him unable to utter a word. The archers now commenced to shoot a shower of arrows at him so he turned his horse and retreated for safety. As he returned the houses all around were still burning, and amid all this destruction he could not find a place where he could put an end to his own life. He was buried in deep thought as he rode along. He had not gone more than four li when he saw a troop of cavalry emerging from a forest, and they were led by five heroes in front. He recognized them as the five chiefs of the bandits.

Song Jiang rose in his stirrups, and saluting said, “Why do you return from Qingzhou Prefecture, sir? You are by yourself, but where are you going?”

General Qin Ming was very angry at this, and said, “I should like to know who has been in my disguise in an attack on the town, and had so many people killed, so many houses destroyed, and my own family wiped out. He is deserving of death. He has made my situation so terrible that I cannot find a way in heaven or earth to end my misery. If I find that man I will smash him into pieces with my mace.”

“Sir, do not be angry,” said Song Jiang. “I have a proposal to make, but this is not a suitable place to discuss it. I request you to accompany us to our mountain stronghold where I can explain it to you.”

General Qin Ming saw no other way but to follow them. They said nothing on the road, but when they reached the stronghold they all dismounted, and entered the main hall where a feast was soon spread. The chiefs requested General Qin Ming to take the seat of honor. They then knelt down before him, but he immediately did the same to them.

“Sir, please excuse us,” said Song Jiang. “Yesterday we tried to detain you on our mountain. But as you were determined to go so we thought of a plan, and dressed one of our bandits in your armor and helmet, gave him your mace and horse, and instructed him to lead our men to attack Qingzhou Prefecture, and kill the people there. These men were reinforced by Yan Shun and ‘Stunted Tiger’ who each led about fifty men, and acted as if you yourself wanted to get your wife and family out of Qingzhou Prefecture. The object of this destruction was to put an end to your desire to go back. We now confess our faults.”

Upon hearing this General Qin Ming boiled with rage. He would have liked to fight with Song Jiang at once, but on second thoughts he knew that he was destined by fate to join them. Further he could not fight when they were all in such a submissive attitude, and again he was entirely by himself, and was powerless against so many. Therefore he suppressed his anger, and replied, “Though it was kind of you to detain me here yet it resulted in a great injury to me as all the members of my family were killed.”

“If we had not done that,” said Song Jiang, “you would not have been willing to give up all thought of returning to your family. As, however, you have no wife, now Hua Rong is willing to marry his younger sister, who would make an excellent wife, to you. What do you say to that?”

General Qin Ming was persuaded as he saw that they all meant so much respect and care for him.

They then all sat down with Song Jiang in the place of honor, and partook of the feast provided. During the meal they discussed their plans for an attack on Qingfeng Town.

General Qin Ming said, “It will be an easy task, and you need not worry about it. Huang Xin is my subordinate, and I trained him in all military matters. Also we are on good terms with each other. So tomorrow I will go, and get the town barriers opened. I will talk matters over with him, and induce him to come with me and join your band. I will bring all Hua Rong’s family here, and will also arrest Magistrate Liu Gao’s wife so that you will be revenged for what she did to you.”

“That will be most excellent,” said Song Jiang.

The following morning General Qin Ming mounted his horse, and taking his mace, went down the mountain to Qingfeng Town.

At the town the barricades were well and strongly guarded by soldiers and although many scouts had been sent out, yet no news arrived of any reinforcement from Qingzhou Prefecture. When General Qin Ming arrived and demanded admittance a messenger was sent to Huang Xin who mounted his horse and hurried to the barricade. There he saw General Qin Ming by himself without even an orderly. He at once gave orders for the drawbridge to be lowered, and when General Qin Ming rode over it Huang Xin conducted him to his quarters. After the usual salutations Huang Xin asked how it happened that the General had returned by himself and unaccompanied.

The General then told him how he had been defeated, and that he had now joined the bandits who were led by Song Jiang of whom he spoke very highly. He argued strongly that Huang Xin should also join the bandits, and so avoid the abuse of the civil authorities.

“As you my benefactor have joined the bandits,” said Huang Xin, “I will go with you.”

They discussed the whole situation, and were on the point of rising when a soldier reported that large bodies of men and horses were marching upon the town. Qin Ming and Huang Xin immediately mounted their steeds, and galloped to the barricades where they saw the cloud of dust raised by the movement of large troops.

The town is invaded with troops,

While four chiefs descend a mountain.