第三十五回

第三十五回 石将军村店寄书 小李广梁山射雁

诗曰：

行短亏心只是贫，休生奸计害他人。

天公自有安排处，失却便宜损自身。

十分惺惺使五分，留取五分与儿孙。

若是十分都使尽，后代儿孙不如人。

当下秦明、黄信两个到栅门外看时，望见两路来的军马，却好都到。一路是宋江、花荣，一路是燕顺、王矮虎，各带一百五十馀人。黄信便叫寨兵放下吊桥，大开栅门，迎接两路人马都到镇上。宋江早传下号令：休要害一个百姓，休伤一个寨兵。叫先打入南寨，把刘高一家老小尽都杀了。王矮虎自先夺了那个妇人。小喽啰尽把应有家私，金银财物宝货之资，都装上车子，再有马匹牛羊，尽数牵了。花荣自到家中，将应有的财物等项，装载上车，搬取妻小妹子。内有清风镇上人数，都发还了。众多好汉收拾已了，一行人马离了清风镇，都回到山寨里来。

车辆人马都到山寨，向聚义厅上相会。黄信与众好汉讲礼罢，坐于花荣肩下。宋江叫把花荣老小安顿一所歇处，将刘高财物分赏与众小喽啰。王矮虎拿得那妇人，将去藏在自己房内。燕顺便问道：“刘高的妻今在何处？”王矮虎答道：“今番须与小弟做个押寨夫人。”燕顺道：“与却与你，且唤他出来，我有一句话说。”宋江便道：“我正要问他。”王矮虎便唤到厅前，那婆娘哭着告饶。宋江喝道：“你这泼妇！我好意救你下山，念你是个命官的恭人，你如何反将冤报？今日擒来，有何理说？”燕顺跳起身来便道：“这等淫妇，问他则甚！”拔出腰刀，一刀挥为两段。王矮虎见砍了这妇人，心中大怒，夺过一把朴刀，便要和燕顺交并。宋江等起身来劝住。宋江便道：“燕顺杀了这妇人也是。兄弟，你看我这等一力救了他下山，教他夫妻团圆完聚，尚兀自转过脸来叫丈夫害我。贤弟你留在身边，久后有损无益。宋江日后别娶一个好的，教贤弟满意。”燕顺道：“兄弟便是这等寻思，不杀了要他何用？久后必被他害了。”王矮虎被众人劝了，默默无言。燕顺喝叫小喽啰打扫过尸首血迹，且排筵席庆贺。

次日，宋江和黄信主婚，燕顺、王矮虎、郑天寿做媒说合，要花荣把妹子嫁与秦明。一应礼物，都是宋江和燕顺出备。吃了三五日筵席。自成亲之后，又过了五七日，小喽啰探得事情，上山来报道：“打听得青州慕容知府申将文书去中书省，奏说反了花荣、秦明、黄信，要起大军来征剿扫荡清风山。”众好汉听罢，商量道：“此间小寨，不是久恋之地。倘或大军到来，四面围住，又无退步，如何迎敌？若再无粮草，必是难逃。可以计较个常便。”宋江道：“小可有一计，不知中得诸位心否？”当下众好汉都道：“愿闻良策，望兄长指教。”宋江道：“自这南方有个去处，地名唤做梁山泊，方圆八百馀里，中间宛子城、蓼儿洼。晁天王聚集着三五千军马，把住着水泊，官兵捕盗，不敢正眼觑他。我等何不收拾起人马，去那里入伙？”秦明道：“既然有这个去处，却是十分好。只是没人引进，他如何肯便纳我们？”宋江大笑，却把这打劫生辰纲金银一事，直说到刘唐寄书，将金子谢我，因此上杀了阎婆惜，逃走在江湖上。秦明听了，大喜道：“恁地，兄长正是他那里大恩人。事不宜迟，可以收拾起快去。”只就当日商量定了，便打并起十数辆车子，把老小并金银财物衣服行李等件，都装载车子上。共有三二百匹好马。小喽啰们有不愿去的，赍发他些银两，任从他下山去投别主；有愿去的编入队里，就和秦明带来的军汉，通有三五百人。宋江教分作三起下山，只做去收捕梁山泊的官军。山上都收拾的停当，装上车子，放起火来，把山寨烧做光地，分为三队下山。宋江便与花荣先引着四五十人，三五十骑马，簇拥着五七辆车子老小队仗先行；秦明、黄信引领八九十匹马和这应用车子作第二起；后面便是燕顺、王矮虎、郑天寿三个引着四五十匹马，一二百人。离了清风山，取路投梁山泊来。于路中见了这许多军马，旗号上又明明写着“收捕草寇官军”，因此无人敢来阻当。在路行五七日，离得青州远了。

且说宋江、花荣两个骑马在前头，背后车辆载着老小，与后面人马只隔着二十来里远近。前面到一个去处，地名唤对影山，两边两座高山，一般形势，中间却是一条大阔驿路。两个在马上正行之间，只听得前山里锣鸣鼓响。花荣便道：“前面必有强人。”把枪带住，取弓箭来整顿得端正，再插放飞鱼袋内。一面叫骑马的军士，催趱后面两起军马上来，且把车辆人马扎住了。宋江和花荣两个引了二十馀骑军马，向前探路。至前面半里多路，早见一簇人马，约有一百馀人，前面簇拥着一个骑马的年少壮士。怎生打扮？但见：

头上三叉冠，金圈玉钿；身上百花袍，锦织团花。甲披千道火龙鳞，带束一条红玛瑙。骑一匹胭脂抹就如龙马，使一条朱红画杆方天戟。背后小校，尽是红衣红甲。

那个壮士穿一身红，骑一匹赤马，立在山坡前，大叫道：“今日我和你比试，分个胜败，见个输赢。”只见对过山冈子背后，早拥出一队人马来，也有百十馀人，前面也捧着一个年少骑马的壮士。怎生模样？但见：

头上三叉冠，顶一团瑞雪；身上镔铁甲，披千点寒霜。素罗袍光射太阳，银花带色欺明月。坐下骑一匹征玉兽，手中轮一枝寒戟银蛟。背后小校，都是白衣白甲。

这个壮士穿一身白，骑一匹白马，手中也使一枝方天画戟。这一边都是素白旗号，那壁都是绛红旗号。只见两边红白旗摇，震地花腔鼓擂。那两个壮士更不打话，各挺手中画戟，纵坐下马，两个就中间大阔路上交锋，比试胜败。花荣和宋江见了，勒住马看时，果然是一对好厮杀。正是：

棋逢敌手，将遇良才。但见绛霞影里，卷一道冻地冰霜；白雪光中，起几缕冲天火焰。故园冬暮，山茶和梅蕊争辉；上苑春浓，李粉共桃脂斗彩。这个按南方丙丁火，似焰摩天上走丹炉；那个按西方庚辛金，如泰华峰头翻玉井。宋无忌忿怒，骑火骡子飞走到人间；冯夷神生嗔，跨玉狻猊纵横临世上。左右红云侵白气，往来白雾间红霞。

当时两个壮士，各使方天画戟，斗到三十馀合，不分胜败。花荣和宋江两个在马上看了喝采。花荣一步步趱马向前看时，只见那两个壮士斗到间深里，这两枝戟上，一枝是金钱豹子尾，一枝是金钱五色幡，却搅做一团，上面绒绦结住了，那里分拆得开。花荣在马上看见了，便把马带住，左手去飞鱼袋内取弓，右手向走兽壶中拔箭，搭上箭，拽满弓，觑着豹尾绒绦较亲处，飕的一箭，恰好正把绒绦射断。只见两枝画戟分开做两下，那二百馀人一齐喝声采。

那两个壮士便不斗，都纵马跑来，直到宋江、花荣马前，就马上欠身声喏，都道：“愿求神箭将军大名。”花荣在马上答道：“我这个义兄，乃是郓城县押司山东及时雨宋公明。我便是清风镇知寨小李广花荣。”那两个壮士听罢，扎住了戟，便下马，推金山，倒玉柱，都拜道：“闻名久矣。”宋江、花荣慌忙下马，扶起那两位壮士道：“介胄在身，未可讲礼。且请问二位壮士高姓大名。”那个穿红的说道：“小人姓吕名方，祖贯潭州人氏。平昔爱学吕布为人，因此习学这枝方天画戟，人都唤小人做小温侯吕方。因贩生药到山东，消折了本钱，不能勾还乡，权且占住这对影山，打家劫舍。近日走这个壮士来，要夺吕方的山寨，和他各分一山，他又不肯，因此每日下山厮杀。不想原来缘法注定，今日得遇及时雨尊颜，又遇得花将军，名不虚传。专听二公指教。”宋江又问这穿白的壮士高姓。那人答道：“小人姓郭名盛，祖贯西川嘉陵人氏，因贩水银货卖，黄河里遭风翻了船，回乡不得。原在嘉陵学得本处兵马张提辖的方天戟，向后使得精熟，人都称小人做赛仁贵郭盛。江湖上听得说对影山有个使戟的占住了山头，打家劫舍，因此一径来比并[1]戟法夺山。连连战了十数日，不分胜败。不期今日得遇二公，天与之幸。”宋江把上件事都告诉了，“就与二位劝和如何？”二位壮士大喜，都依允了。后队人马已都到了，一个个都引着相见了。吕方先请上山，杀牛宰马筵会。次日却是郭盛置酒设席筵宴。宋江就说他两个撞筹入伙，凑队上梁山泊去，投奔晁盖聚义。那两个欢天喜地，都依允了，便将两山人马点起，收拾了财物，待要起身。宋江便道：“且住，非是如此去。假如我这里有三五百人马投梁山泊去，他那里亦有探细的人在四十里探听。倘或只道我们来收捕他，不是耍处。等我和燕顺先去报知了，你们随后却来，还作三起而行。”花荣、秦明道：“兄长高见。正是如此计较，陆续进程。兄长先行半日，我等催督人马，随后起身来。”

且不说对影山人马陆续登程，只说宋江和燕顺各骑了马，带领随行十数人，先投梁山泊来。在路上行了两日，当日行到晌午时分，正走之间，只见官道傍边一个大酒店。宋江看了道：“孩儿们走得困乏，都叫买些酒吃了过去。”当时宋江和燕顺下了马，入酒店里来，叫孩儿们松了马肚带，都入酒店里坐。宋江和燕顺先入店里来看时，只有三副大座头，小座头不多几副。只见一副大座头上，先有一个在那里占了。宋江看那人时，怎生打扮？但见：

裹一顶猪嘴头巾，脑后两个太原府金不换纽丝铜环。上穿一领皂绸衫，腰系一条白搭膊，下面腿絣护膝，八搭麻鞋。桌子边倚着根短棒，横头上放着个衣包。

那人生得八尺来长，淡黄骨查脸，一双鲜眼，没根髭髯。宋江便叫酒保过来，说道：“我的伴当人多，我两个借你里面坐一坐。你叫那个客人移换那副大座头与我伴当们坐地吃些酒。”酒保应道：“小人理会得。”宋江与燕顺里面坐了，先叫酒保打酒来：“大碗先叫伴当一人三碗，有肉便买些来与他众人吃，却来我这里斟酒。”酒保又见伴当们都立满在垆边，酒保却去看着那个公人模样的客人道：“有劳上下，那借这副大座头与里面两个官人的伴当坐一坐。”那汉嗔怪呼他做“上下”，便焦躁道：“也有个先来后到！甚么官人的伴当要换座头，老爷不换！”燕顺听了，对宋江道：“你看他无礼么？”宋江道：“由他便了，你也和他一般见识。”却把燕顺按住了。只见那汉转头看了宋江、燕顺冷笑。酒保又陪小心道：“上下，周全小人的买卖，换一换有何妨？”那汉大怒，拍着桌子道：“你这鸟男女好不识人！欺负老爷独自一个，要换座头。便是赵官家，老爷也鳖鸟不换！高则声，大脖子拳不认得你！”酒保道：“小人又不曾说甚么。”那汉喝道：“量你这厮敢说甚么！”燕顺听了，那里忍耐得住，便说道：“兀那汉子，你也鸟强！不换便罢，没可得鸟吓他。”那汉便跳起来，绰了短棒在手里，便应道：“我自骂他，要你多管！老爷天下只让得两个人，其馀的都把来做脚底下的泥！”燕顺焦躁，便提起板凳，却待要打将去。宋江因见那人出语不俗，横身在里面劝解：“且都不要闹。我且请问你，你天下只让的那两个人？”那汉道：“我说与你，惊得你呆了！”宋江道：“愿闻那两个好汉大名。”那汉道：“一个是沧州横海郡柴世宗的孙子，唤做小旋风柴进柴大官人。”宋江暗暗的点头，又问道：“那一个是谁？”那汉道：“这一个又奢遮，是郓城县押司山东及时雨呼保义宋公明。”宋江看了燕顺暗笑。燕顺早把板凳放下了。那汉又道：“老爷只除了这两个，便是大宋皇帝，也不怕他！”宋江道：“你且住，我问你。你既说起这两个人，我却都认得。柴大官人、宋江，你在那里与他两个厮会？”那汉道：“你既认得，我不说谎。三年前在柴大官人庄上住了四个月有馀，只不曾见得宋公明。”宋江道：“你曾认得黑三郎么？”那汉道：“你既说起，我如今正要去寻他。”宋江问道：“谁教你寻他？”那汉道：“他的亲兄弟铁扇子宋清，教我寄家书去寻他。”

宋江听了大喜，向前拖住道：“有缘千里来相会，无缘对面不相逢！只我便是黑三郎宋江。”那汉相了一面，便拜道：“天幸使令小弟得遇哥哥，争些儿错过，空去孔太公那里走一遭。”宋江便把那汉拖入里面，问道：“家中近日没甚事？”那汉道：“哥哥听禀：小人姓石名勇，原是大名府人氏。日常只靠放赌为生，本乡起小人一个异名，唤做石将军。为因赌博上一拳打死了个人，逃走在柴大官人庄上。多听得往来江湖上人说哥哥大名，因此特去郓城县投奔哥哥，却又听得说道为事在逃。因见四郎，听得小人说起柴大官人来，却说哥哥在白虎山孔太公庄上，因此又令小弟要拜识哥哥。四郎特写这封家书与小人寄来孔太公庄上，如寻见哥哥时，‘可叫兄长作急回来’。”宋江见说，心中疑忌，便问道：“你到我庄上住了几日，曾见我父亲么？”石勇道：“小人在彼只住的一夜便来了，不曾得见太公。”宋江把上梁山泊一节都对石勇说了。石勇道：“小人自离了柴大官人庄上，江湖中也只闻得哥哥大名，疏财仗义，济困扶危。如今哥哥既去那里入伙，是必携带。”宋江道：“这个不必你说，何争你一个人。且来和燕顺厮见。”叫酒保：“一面这里斟酒，莫要别处去。”三杯酒罢，石勇便去包裹内取出家书，慌忙递与宋江。宋江接来看时，封皮逆封着，又没平安二字。宋江心内越是疑惑，连忙扯开封皮，从头读至一半，后面写道：

“父亲于今年正月初头，因病身故，见今停丧在家，专等哥哥来家迁葬。千万，千万！切不可误！宋清泣血奉书。”

宋江读罢，叫声苦，不知高低，自把胸脯捶将起来，自骂道：“不孝逆子，做下非为，老父身亡，不能尽人子之道，畜生何异！”自把头去壁上磕撞，大哭起来。燕顺、石勇抱住。宋江哭得昏迷，半晌方才苏醒。燕顺、石勇两个劝道：“哥哥且省烦恼。”宋江便分付燕顺道：“不是我寡情薄意，其实只有这个老父记挂。今已殁了，只得星夜赶归去奔丧，教兄弟们自上山则个。”燕顺劝道：“哥哥，太公既已殁了，便到家时，也不得见了。世上人无有不死的父母。且请宽心，引我们弟兄去了，那时小弟却陪侍哥哥归去奔丧，未为晚矣。自古道：蛇无头而不行。若无仁兄去时，他那里如何肯收留我们？”宋江道：“若等我送你们上山去时，误了我多少日期，却是使不得。我只写一封备细书札，都说在内，就带了石勇一发入伙，等他们一处上山。我如今不知便罢，既是天教我知了，正是度日如年，烧眉之急。我马也不要，从人也不带，一个连夜自赶回家。”燕顺、石勇那里留得住。

宋江问酒保借笔砚，讨了一幅纸，一头哭着，一面写书，再三叮咛在上面。写了，封皮不粘，交与燕顺收了。讨石勇的八搭麻鞋穿上，取了些银两藏放在身边，跨了一口腰刀，就拿了石勇的短棒，酒食都不肯沾唇，便出门要走。燕顺道：“哥哥也等秦总管、花知寨都来相见一面了，去也未迟。”宋江道：“我不等了，我的书去，并无阻滞。石家贤弟自说备细缘故，可为我上复众兄弟们，可怜见宋江奔丧之急，休怪则个。”宋江恨不得一步跨到家中，飞也似独自一个去了。

且说燕顺同石勇只就那店里吃了些酒食点心，还了酒钱，却教石勇骑了宋江的马，带了从人，只离酒店三五里路，寻个大客店，歇了等候。次日辰牌时分，全伙都到。燕顺、石勇接着，备细说宋江哥哥奔丧去了。众人都埋怨燕顺道：“你如何不留他一留？”石勇分说道：“他闻得父亲殁了，恨不得自也寻死，如何肯停脚，巴不得飞到家里。写了一封备细书札在此，教我们只顾去，他那里看了书，并无阻滞。”花荣与秦明看了书，与众人商议道：“事在途中，进退两难，回又不得，散了又不成，只顾且去。还把书来封了，都到山上看，那里不容，却别作道理。”九个好汉并作一伙，带了三五百人马，渐近梁山泊来，寻大路上山。一行人马正在芦苇中过，只见水面上锣鼓振响。众人看时，漫山遍野，都是杂彩旗幡，水泊中棹出两只快船来。当先一只船上，摆着三五十个小喽啰，船头上中间坐着一个头领，乃是豹子头林冲。背后那只哨船上，也是三五十个小喽啰，船头上也坐着一个头领，乃是赤发鬼刘唐。前面林冲在船上喝问道：“汝等是甚么人？那里的官军？敢来收捕我们！教你人人皆死，个个不留，你也须知俺梁山泊的大名！”花荣、秦明等都下马立在岸边，答应道：“我等众人非是官军，有山东及时雨宋公明哥哥书札在此，特来相投大寨入伙。”林冲听了道：“既有宋公明兄长的书札，且请过前面，到朱贵酒店里，先请书来看了，却来相请厮会。”船上把青旗只一招，芦苇里棹出一只小船，上有三个渔人，一个看船，两个上岸来说道：“你们众位将军都跟我来。”水面上见两只哨船，一只船上把白旗招动，铜锣响处，两只哨船一齐去了。一行众人看了，都惊呆了，说道：“端的此处，官军谁敢侵傍！我等山寨如何及得！”

众人跟着两个渔人，从大宽转直到旱地忽律朱贵酒店里。朱贵见说了，迎接众人都相见了，便叫放翻两头黄牛，散了分例酒食。讨书札看了，先向水亭上放一枝响箭，射过对岸，芦苇中早摇过一只快船来。朱贵便唤小喽啰分付罢，叫把书先赍上山去报知。一面店里杀宰猪羊，管待九个好汉，把军马屯住，在四散歇了。第二日辰牌时分，只见军师吴学究自来朱贵酒店里迎接众人，一个个都相见了。叙礼罢，动问备细，早有二三十只大白棹船来接。吴用、朱贵邀请九位好汉下船，老小车辆人马行李亦各自都搬在各船上，前望金沙滩来。上得岸，松树径里，众多好汉随着晁头领，全副鼓乐来接。晁盖为头，与九个好汉相见了，迎上关来，各自乘马坐轿，直到聚义厅上，一对对讲礼罢。左边一带交椅上，却是晁盖、吴用、公孙胜、林冲、刘唐、阮小二、阮小五、阮小七、杜迁、宋万、朱贵、白胜。那时白日鼠白胜，数月之前，已从济州大牢里越狱，逃得到了山上入伙。皆是吴学究使人去用度，救得白胜脱身。右边一带交椅上，却是花荣、秦明、黄信、燕顺、王英、郑天寿、吕方、郭盛、石勇。列两行坐下，共是二十一位好汉。中间焚起一炉香来，各设了誓。当日大吹大擂，杀牛宰马筵席。一面叫新到火伴，厅下参拜了，自和小头目管待筵席。收拾了后山房舍，教搬老小家眷都安顿了。秦明、花荣在席上称赞宋公明许多好处，清风山报冤相杀一事，众头领听了大喜。后说吕方、郭盛两个比试戟法，花荣一箭射断绒绦，分开画戟。晁盖听罢，意思不信，口里含糊应道：“直如此射得亲切，改日却看比箭。”当日酒至半酣，食供数品，众头领都道：“且去山前闲玩一回，再来赴席。”当下二十一位头领相谦相让，下阶闲步乐情，观看山景。行至寨前第三关上，只听得空中数行宾鸿[2]嘹喨。花荣寻思道：“晁盖却才意思，不信我射断绒绦。何不今日就此施逞些手段，教他们众人看，日后敬伏我？”把眼一观，随行人伴数内却有带弓箭的。花荣便问他讨过一张弓来，在手看时，却是一张泥金鹊画细弓，正中花荣意。急取过一枝好箭，便对晁盖道：“恰才兄长见说花荣射断绒绦，众头领似有不信之意。远远的有一行雁来，花荣未敢夸口，小弟这枝箭，要射雁行内第三只雁的头上。射不中时，众头领休笑。”花荣搭上箭，拽满弓，觑得亲切，望空中只一箭射去。看时，但见：

鹊画弓弯开秋月，雕翎箭发迸寒星。塞雁排空，八字纵横不乱；将军拈箭，一发端的不差。孤影向云中倒坠，数声在草内哀鸣。血模糊半涴绿梢翎，大寨下众人齐喝采。

当下花荣一箭，果然正中雁行内第三只，直坠落山坡下。急叫军士取来看时，那枝箭正穿在雁头上。晁盖和众头领看了，尽皆骇然，都称花荣做“神臂将军”。吴学究称赞道：“休言将军比小李广，便是养由基也不及神手，真乃是山寨有幸。”自此梁山泊无一个不钦敬花荣。众头领再回厅上筵会，到晚各自歇息。

次日，山寨中再备筵席，议定坐次。本是秦明才及花荣，因为花荣是秦明大舅，众人推让花荣在林冲肩下坐了第五位，秦明第六位，刘唐坐了第七位，黄信坐第八位，三阮之下，便是燕顺、王矮虎、吕方、郭盛、郑天寿、石勇、杜迁、宋万、朱贵、白胜，一行共是二十一个头领坐定。庆贺筵宴已毕，义聚梁山泊。山寨里添造大船屋宇，车辆什物，打造枪刀军器，铠甲头盔，整顿旌旗袍袄，弓弩箭矢，准备抵捕官军，不在话下。

却说宋江自离了村店，连夜赶归。当日申牌时候，奔到本乡村口张社长酒店里暂歇一歇。那张社长却和宋江家来往得好。张社长见了宋江容颜不乐，眼泪暗流。张社长动问道：“押司有年半来不到家中，今日且喜归来，如何尊颜有些烦恼，心中为甚不乐？且喜官事已遇赦了，必是减罪了。”宋江答道：“老叔自说得是。家中官事且靠后，只有一个生身老父殁了，如何不烦恼！”张社长大笑道：“押司真个也是作耍？令尊太公却才在我这里吃酒了回去，只有半个时辰来去，如何却说这话？”宋江道：“老叔休要取笑小侄。”便取出家书，教张社长看了：“兄弟宋清明明写道：父亲于今年正月初头殁了，专等我归来奔丧。”张社长看罢，说道：“呸，那得这般事！只午时前后和东村王太公在我这里吃酒了去，我如何肯说谎？”宋江听了，心中疑影，没做道理处。寻思了半晌，只等天晚，别了社长，便奔归家。入得庄门看时，没些动静。庄客见了宋江，都来参拜。宋江便问道：“我父亲和四郎有么？”庄客道：“太公每日望得押司眼穿，今得归来，却是欢喜。方才和东村里王社长，在村口张社长店里吃酒了回来，睡在里面房内。”宋江听了大惊，撇了短棒，径入草堂上来。只见宋清迎着哥哥便拜。宋江见了兄弟不戴孝，心中十分大怒，便指着宋清骂道：“你这忤逆畜生，是何道理！父亲见今在堂，如何却写书来戏弄我？教我两三遍自寻死处，一哭一个昏迷。你做这等不孝之子！”宋清恰待分说，只见屏风背后转出宋太公来，叫道：“我儿不要焦躁。这个不干你兄弟之事，是我每日思量要见你一面，因此教宋清只写道我殁了，你便归来得快。我又听得人说，白虎山地面多有强人，又怕你一时被人撺掇落草去了，做个不忠不孝的人，为此急急寄书去唤你归家。又得柴大官人那里来的石勇寄书去与你。这件事尽都是我主意，不干四郎之事，你休埋怨他。我恰才在张社长店里回来，睡在房里，听得是你归来了。”宋江听罢，纳头便拜太公，忧喜相伴。宋江又问父亲道：“不知近日官司如何？已经赦宥，必然减罪，适间张社长也这般说了。”宋太公道：“你兄弟宋清未回之时，多得朱仝、雷横的气力，向后只动了一个海捕文书，再也不曾来勾扰。我如今为何唤你归来？近闻朝廷册立皇太子，已降下一道赦书，应有民间犯了大罪，尽减一等科断，俱已行开各处施行。便是发露到官，也只该个徒流之罪，不道得害了性命。且由他，却又别作道理。”宋江又问道：“朱、雷二都头曾来庄上么？”宋清说道：“我前日听得说来，这两个都差出去了。朱仝差往东京去，雷横不知差到那里去了。如今县里却是新添两个姓赵的勾摄公事。”宋太公道：“我儿远路风尘，且去房里将息几时。”合家欢喜，不在话下。

天色看看将晚，玉兔东生。约有一更时分，庄上人都睡了，只听得前后门发喊起来。看时，四下里都是火把，团团围住宋家庄，一片声叫道：“不要走了宋江！”太公听了，连声叫苦。不因此起，有分教：大江岸上，聚集好汉英雄；闹市丛中，来显忠肝义胆。天罡有分皆相会，地煞同心尽协从。毕竟宋公明在庄上怎地脱身，且听下回分解。

[1] 比并——比试、拼斗。

[2] 宾鸿——鸿雁。鸿雁是候鸟，秋来春去，并不长住，像宾客一样，所以叫做宾鸿。

CHAPTER 34. Stone General Delivers a Letter at a Village Inn; Hua Rong Shoots a Wild Goose at Liangshan Marsh

WHEN General Qin Ming and Colonel Huang Xin surveyed the outskirts of the town they saw that Song Jiang and Hua Rong led one group of bandits, while “Stunted Tiger” and Yan Shun led another. They had about one hundred fifty men each.

Huang Xin gave orders that the drawbridge be lowered, and the bandits be allowed to enter the town. Song Jiang had previously issued an order that his men were not to kill even one person in the town, that they were first to reach the southern side of the town to exterminate the family of Magistrate Liu Gao. “Stunted Tiger” however took his men to Magistrate Liu Gao’s house and seized the magistrate’s wife for himself. The magistrate’s house was looted, and all the valuables, horses, cattle, etc. were taken away. Hua Rong took his men to his own house where he took all his family and their possessions on carts. He announced that any of the men at his yamen might remain in their homes, or go with the bandits to the mountain, just as they wished. When all this had been done the bandits returned to the mountain with their loot, etc. Zheng Tianshou had remained behind in charge of the stronghold, and when he saw the bandits returning with cartloads of loot he welcomed them to the main hall. After Hua Rong had introduced Huang Xin and the new comrades they all sat down.

Song Jiang gave orders that Hua Rong’s family should be given proper quarters, and that the loot from Magistrate Liu Gao’s house should be equally divided among the bandits. “Stunted Tiger” had taken the captured woman to his own rooms.

In the main hall Yan Shun asked where Magistrate Liu Gao’s wife was and “Stunted Tiger” replied, “You must now let me keep her to be my wife.”

“You may keep her,” said Yan Shun, “but first she must come here as I have something to say to her.”

“I also want to ask her a question or two,” said Song Jiang.

“Stunted Tiger” sent a man, who soon brought in Madame Liu Gao who was weeping and begging pardon.

“You vixen!” said Song Jiang, “I saved your life on this mountain because you were the wife of the magistrate, but why did you return evil for my good? Now that you have been arrested what have you got to say for yourself?”

Yan Shun jumped up and said, “Why do you ask questions of this slut?” So saying he drew his sword, and killed the woman on the spot. When “Stunted Tiger” saw this he seized a sword, and advanced to fight with Yan Shun. Song Jiang and the others however also arose, and intervened. Song Jiang said, “Yan Shun has done the right thing in killing this woman. I saved her life, and sent her down the mountain to rejoin her husband, and yet she caused her husband to injure me. If you keep her it would only end in trouble. I will get you a wife later on, and you will then be satisfied.”

“I am of the same opinion,” said Yan Shun. “If we do not kill her she would do us further injury.”

“Stunted Tiger” listened to all this, and remained silent. Yan Shun ordered the servants to remove the corpse, and then spread out a feast for celebration.

The next day Hua Rong prepared the marriage of his sister to General Qin Ming under the auspices of Song Jiang and Huang Xin, Yan Shun, “Stunted Tiger,” and Zheng Tianshou acting as go-between. All the dowry was prepared by Hua Rong.

All this was done, and after the wedding there was general feasting for about five days.

About ten days after the wedding one of the bandit’s scouts came up the mountain and reported that Prefect Murong at Qingzhou Prefecture had sent a memorial to the Imperial Court denouncing Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Huang Xin as rebels, and petitioning that a large army be sent to quell the rebels and the bandits.

Upon receiving this news, they held a general discussion and all agreed that their position on that mountain was not too secure and that if a large army had them surrounded, they could not avoid being captured.

“I have a plan,” said Song Jiang, “but I do not know whether you, my brethren, would approve of it.”

“Let us hear it,” they all cried.

“To the south of this place there is Liangshan Marsh with a circumference of two hundred li, and in that area are the towns Wanzi Fortress and Liao-er Hollow. That district is now controlled by about five thousand bandits under the command of Chao Gai, and the government troops dare not look them in the face. How would it be if we take all our men there, and join that gang?”

“As there is such a place,” said General Qin Ming, “your proposal is admirable. But as we have nobody to recommend us would they be willing to admit us?”

Song Jiang laughed aloud, and related the whole story from the seizure of the birthday presents unto the sending of a letter to him through Liu Tang and how he killed the woman Yan Poxi, and later joined the highwaymen.

Qin Ming was pleased at hearing this, and said, “So you are their benefactor! In that case there is no need for any delay, and we can go there at once.”

That day all the details were discussed and arrangements made. All the women and children, valuables, clothes, stores, etc. were loaded on about ten carts. There were about three hundred horses available. All those men who did not want to go to Liangshan Marsh were paid off, and allowed to go their own way. There were altogether about five hundred who agreed to go. These were divided into three companies, and they left the mountain separately, disguised as troops going to fight against Liangshan Marsh. When everything was ready for departure all the buildings on the mountain were destroyed and set on fire. Song Jiang and Hua Rong took command of the leading company. They had flags on which was written: “Government troops for the arrest of brigands.” So that on the way no one attempted to impede the progress of such a considerable force.

Song Jiang and Hua Rong rode at the head of their column; next to them were the carts containing the women, children, stores, etc., and bringing up the rear was the main force. They had gone about seven li when they came to a place called Mount Duiying—having, two equally high and shaped mountains on both sides of a broad-way. As they were proceeding they heard drums and gongs on the mountains.

Hua Rong said, “There are evidently brigands in front,” and so saying he buckled his spear, got his bow and arrows ready for action. He gave orders that the main force should move forward, and stay with the carts in one body. The two leaders then took about twenty of the mounted bandits to make reconnaissance. They had only gone half a li when they saw about a hundred mounted men, following a youth, all in red. Balancing a halberd in his hand, he gave a challenge, “I will fight with you today, and see who must be the winner.”

Instantly another young warrior in white holding another halberd also led about a hundred mounted men, clad in white, down a small mound, to meet the challenge. Each side had its respective red and white flags. The roll of drums seemed to shake the very rocks. Grimly both warrirors gave reins to their steeds, and engaged in a deadly combat. After about thirty bouts neither leader gained any advantage.

Song Jiang and Hua Rong witnessed this contest from a distance and applauded the skill that was displayed. Hua Rong urged his horse forward slowly until he was quite close to the combatants. He then noticed that one man had a leopard’s tail on his halberd whereas the other had a spotted streamer of five colors, and during the contest these had become entwined so that the two weapons could not be separated. Hua Rong reined in his horse, seized his bow, and shot an arrow, cutting the tangle and releasing the two halberds at the same moment. At this feat a shout of applause involuntarily broke from the throats of the two bodies of mounted men.

The two young men stopped fighting, and advanced to Hua Rong and Song Jiang with a salute, “We request the name of the marvelous archer.”

Returning the salute Hua Rong answered, “This is Song Jiang, my adopted brother. I am Hua Rong, military Prefect of the Qingfeng Town.”

The two young men dismounted, thrusted their halberds in the ground, and bowed down. “We have heard of your fame for a long time.”

Hua Rong and Song Jiang quickly dismounted, and raised the two men to their feet. “We ask for your worthy names,” they said.

The young warrior in red replied, “I am Lu Fang, of Tanzhou. I am a great admirer of the Marquis Lu Bu of the Three Kingdoms period, and therefore I learned the skill with the halberd. People have given me the same nickname as Lu Bu, the ‘Little Marquis of Wen.’ Some time ago I took some unprepared medicine to Shandong, but lost all my capital in that venture, and I could not go back to my native village. Temporarily I took charge of the bandits here at Mount Duiying. A few days ago this worthy came, and wanted to take my stronghold by force. I proposed to let him occupy one mountain while I held the other one, but he would not agree to that. So every day we met, and fought about that matter. By an act of Heaven our fighting has resulted in our fortunately meeting you.”

Turning to the warrior in white Song Jiang asked for his name.

That person replied, “My unworthy name is Guo Sheng, and I am from Jialing in Sichuan province. I was a trader in quicksilver, but one day a strong wind upset my boat on the Yellow River so that I could not return to my native town. Formerly at Jialing I was trained in the use of the halberd by a Major Zhang, and I became so skillful that people gave me the nickname ‘Rival of Rengui.’ I heard that at Mount Duiying there was a man who had held that place against all comers by the use of the halberd so I came here to have a trial of strength with him. We have been fighting for about ten days without either of us winning. We did not anticipate meeting you, but Heaven has evidently favored us.”

Then Song Jiang told them about his affairs, and he suggested that they should come to amicable terms. Both men agreed to this, and all were pleased. By this time all the three contingents of the brigands had arrived, and Song Jiang introduced the leaders. Lu Fang invited them all to go to his stronghold up the mountain, where he provided a banquet. On the following day Guo Sheng invited the bandits leaders to come to his mountain, and there they had another feast.

Song Jiang suggested that they should both go with them and join the brigands under Chao Gai at Liangshan Marsh. Gladly they agreed to this, and prepared their effects for an early departure. But Song Jiang said that as they had now more than five hundred strong men their movements would be duly reported to Liangshan Marsh by spies or scouts, and there they might suspect some hostile intention. So he suggested that he would go in advance with Yan Shun, and announce their proposal. They could come along afterwards, but not in one body, but divided into three contingents. The other leaders agreed to this plan as much better, and it was arranged that Song Jiang and Yan Shun should have a start of a half-day.

These two were accompanied by about ten men when they departed for Liangshan Marsh. On the third day of their journey about noon they came to an inn, and as they were all tired Song Jiang decided to stop there for food and wine. He gave orders that the horse’s girths were to be slackened, and when this had been done they all adjourned to the inn. Song Jiang saw that there were only three large tables and a few smaller ones. One of the big tables was already occupied by a man. He noticed that the man wore a turban in the shape of a pig’s snout, at the back of which were two finely wrought copper rings of Taiyuan make. He wore a black silk gown with a white waist sash; had puttees and hempen shoes. Leaning against the table was a short cudgel, and on the table was a bundle of clothes. The man was about eight feet high; had a sallow complexion with prominent cheekbones; the eyes were clear, there was neither mustache nor beard.

Song Jiang spoke to the waiter, “We have a large party, but we two will sit in your inner room. Will you ask that customer to be so good as to change to another table and let my men dine on that big one.” To this proposal the waiter assented.

Wine was ordered; each man to have three big cups. Food was also placed on the tables. As several of Song Jiang’s men could not find seats the waiter went to the guest before mentioned, who looked like a junior officer, and said:

“May I trouble you, my officer; but would you mind moving to another table so that the followers of these other honored guests may have a seat as we are short of room?”

The man was annoyed at being addressed in this way, and replied, “I was here first, I don’t care who wants me to move—I won’t move.”

“You see he is so rude,’’ remarked Yan Shun to Song Jiang.

“Leave him alone,” said Song Jiang. “We must not follow his bad example.”

Just then the man turned round, and seeing the two leaders, he laughed sneeringly.

The waiter said to him, “Sir, you may render a favor to our business here, and change tables.”

The man banged the table and with an angry voice shouted, “You prick! You insult me because I am by myself, but even if the Emperor himself came here I would not shift. You do not know me, but you will soon make the acquaintance of my fist.”

“Why are you so angry?” said the waiter. “I have not said any thing to insult you.”

“You dare not say any thing to me,” the man roared.

Yan Shun could not endure this, and called out, “Fellow, you don’t have to act so stinking tough. You don’t want to move, that’s fine, but why threaten the poor waiter?”

The man jumped up, and seizing his cudgel said, “I may have insulted him, but that is not your business. There are only two persons I give way to, and all others I treat like mud.”

Yan Shun was excited, and seized a stool to use as a weapon. But Song Jiang intervened as he saw that the man was not a common vulgar person. “Let us not have a row about this,’’ he said, and addressing the man he asked, “I request you to tell me who are the two men whom you would give way to?”

“If I tell you that, you would be stupefied.”

“But still I would like to know their names,” insisted Song Jiang.

“Well, one is Chai Jin, the ‘Small Whirlwind.’”

Song Jiang nodded approvingly at this and asked who was the other one.

“He is even greater. His name is Song Jiang of Shandong. He is called ‘Welcome Rain.’”

A wink passed between Song Jiang and Yan Shun at this, and the latter put down the bench.

The man continued, “Those two men I would give way to, but I fear nobody else.”

“Stop, I know both of them,” said Song Jiang. “But where did you meet them?”

“As you know them I will tell you the truth. About three years ago I stayed for more than four months at Chai Jin’s house, but never met Song Jiang there.”

“Do you want to know him now?”

“I am in fact now trying to find him.”

“Who set you to do this?”

“His own brother.”

Song Jiang shook the man by the hands, and rejoiced. “As decreed by Heaven, you have met him, you might have failed although you traveled a hundred li. I am Song Jiang.”

The man looked at him closely and saluted. “Heaven has favored me by this fortunate meeting with you. I might have easily passed you by and travel to look for you in vain at Old Kong’s place.”

Song Jiang took the man into the inner room, and asked, “Tell me the home news.”

“Ah, Elder brother, let me tell you, my name is Shi Yong and I am a native of Daming Prefecture, Zhili province, and I was given the nickname of “Stone General.” Once I made a row with a person at a gambling den and killed him with my fist. I escaped to Squire Chai’s home for refuge. While staying there I heard so much of your fame that I set out for your home at Yuncheng County to make your acquaintance. There your younger brother informed me that you had gone to Old Kong’s home at the Baihu Mountain. As I decided to go there, your brother gave me a letter for you; and he said that if I met you, I must tell you to go back home as quickly as possible.”

Song Jiang had a misgiving when he heard this, and asked, “How long did you stay at my home? Did you meet my father?”

“I only stayed there one night,” said Shi Yong, “and did not see your father.”

Song Jiang then told him all about their plans of going to Liangshan Marsh. The other suggested that he might be allowed to join them. Song Jiang readily agreed to this, and then introduced him to Yan Shun. More wine was ordered as they all sat down.

Shi Yong soon got out the letter from his bundle, and handed it to Song Jiang. It could be at once noticed it had been addressed in an unusual way—indicating trouble. The two characters “with peace,” ordinarily used had also been omitted. Song Jiang now had a great misgiving. Quickly he tore the letter out of the envelope, and read these in the latter part—“Father was taken ill and died in the first month of this year. The coffin is still in the house, and we wait until you return to bury him. Return at once with all speed. I, your younger brother shedding tears and blood from my eyes in writing this letter.”

Now Song Jiang burst into lamentations, and striking his breast he exclaimed, “Unfilial son! A wrongdoer! My father dies, and I have not done my duty. I am like an animal.” He thus cried with a flood of tears, and banged his head against the wall in utter despair.

Yan Shun and the “Stone General” seized hold of him, but Song Jiang continued to wail in a dazed condition and it was for some time before he could come to himself.

Yan Shun said, “Elder brother, do not give way to your grief so much.”

“My affections cannot be restrained,” said Song Jiang. “I cannot forget about my father. He is no longer alive so I must depart this very night to my home. You must go to the mountain without me.”

“Brother, your father is no more,” said Yan Shun. “But even if you return home at once you will never see him again. In this world parents do not live forever. So please make your mind easy, and again lead us to the mountain. When that matter is settled you can return home without any delay, and attend to funeral matters. I will accompany you there. There is an ancient saying, ‘A snake without a head cannot go forward.’ You are our head, and if you do not go with us they will not receive us.”

“I cannot agree,” said Song Jiang, “because in going to the mountain you will delay me too much time. So I will write a letter stating all the details, and you can take the letter to Chao Gai, and he will then receive the whole company. If I had not known about my father’s death I would have gone with you, but as Heaven has given me the information, every day will be like a year in length, and it is imperative that I should return at once. I need neither horse nor companion but must start off straightway through the night.”

Yan Shun, and the “Stone General” could do nothing further to change his mind. Song Jiang asked the waiter for pen and paper, and while writing, he was weeping all the time. He wrote most emphatically that the company must be allowed to join the bandits. The letter was not sealed and was handed to Yan Shun. Song Jiang was now ready to go, but Yan Shun asked him not to leave until Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and the other leaders arrived. But Song Jiang would not wait even for that, and instructed “Stone General” to explain the whole situation to the other leaders. He then set off.

Yan Shun and “Stone General” paid for the food and wine, and the latter then mounted Song Jiang’s horse, and took the men about two li further along the road to another inn where they stopped. About 7 A.M. the following day the main body of the bandits arrived, and Yan Shun explained what had happened.

The other leaders were annoyed, and asked why Yan Shun had not asked Song Jiang to wait.

“Stone General” explained that Song Jiang was completely upset by the sad news, and in fact would have committed suicide, and would not agree to stay until they all arrived. He had hurried off at once to return to his home. He had left a letter behind which would induce Chao Gai to receive them.

Hua Rong and Qin Ming read the letter, and then said to the leaders, “We are in a dilemma, as there will be difficulty whether we proceed or retire. We cannot go back, or separate our forces, so we had better go forward. We will now seal the letter up as we have all read it, and go on our way. If we are not received at the mountain then we can discuss some other plan.”

So these nine heroes all set off again, and in due course reached Liangshan Marsh. As they were proceeding amidst reeds and rushes they heard drums and gongs beaten on the lake and many flags were visible on the mountain. On the lake were two speedy boats. On the first was Lin Chong with about fifty men, and on the next Liu Tang, the Red Haired Demon, with also fifty men.

‘‘Who are you?” called out Lin Chong. “Whose troops are you? How dare you come here to arrest us! We would kill the whole lot of you. You ought to know the reputation of us on Liangshan Marsh.”

The leaders dismounted at the side of the lake, and replied, “We are not government soldiers, but have come here to join you bandits. We have here a letter from Song Jiang, the ‘Welcome Rain.’”

Lin Chong said, “You had better take the letter to that inn over there where you will find our leader Zhu Gui.”

A blue flag was waved on Lin Chong’s boat, and a boat with three fishermen came out of the reeds, and upon reaching the bank two of them disembarked, and told the strangers to follow them. On the first boat a white flag was now waved, and gongs were sounded and both boats returned.

When Hua Rong saw the way in which the brigands promptly obeyed orders he remarked, “It is no wonder that the government troops keep away from this place. How can our stronghold compare with theirs?” He and his company followed the two fishermen to the inn.

They were introduced, and sat down to a meal with wine. After Zhu Gui, the “Dry Land Crocodile,” had read the letter he went to the arbor on the bank, and shot a whistling arrow across the lake. Instantly a fast boat emerged from the reeds and came along. He told the boatman to take the letter to the leaders on the mountain, and then ordered pigs and sheep to be killed, and a feast prepared for the nine guests. He also ordered that all the men should encamp about there for the present.

The following day about 7 A.M. Wu Yong came to the inn, and was duly introduced and they talked the matter over. He and Zhu Gui then invited the leaders to embark, and all the baggage, etc. was loaded on the fleet of about twenty boats that was placed at their disposal. Upon reaching the Golden Strand they all disembarked, and were met by Chao Gai and many of the bandits. They then all went up the mountain, and gathered in the assembly hall. All the eleven leaders with Chao Gai were seated along the left side of the hall. Among them was Bai Sheng, the “Daylight Rat” who had escaped a few months ago from the prison at Jizhou Prefecture. On the right-hand side of the hall were seated the new nine leaders with Hua Rong.

In the center was burning an incense urn over which they all took the oath. All the newcomers were then sworn in. They were all given quarters, and then there was general feasting for everybody. Over the wine Hua Rong and General Qin Ming spoke highly of Song Jiang, and gave full details of his adventures. They also described their meeting with Lu Fang and Guo Sheng, and how Hua Rong had cut the tangled streamers with an arrow. To all this Chao Gai listened, and commented, but in his heart he doubted some of the statements made. He said, “Tomorrow, I hope that you will give us an exhibition of your skill as an archer.”

The following day the leaders agreed to go for a stroll, and view the scenery round the mountain. They had passed the third barrier when they heard overhead the cries of a flock of wild geese which was flying in single file.

Hua Rong thought that as Chao Gai did not seem to be convinced the previous day as to his skill in archery, so he would now show him a specimen of his shooting, and so gain Chao Gai’s respect. So he asked one of the archers to lend him his bow and arrow, and then turning to Chao Gai he spoke, “When I said that I cut the streamers binding the two halberds together I thought that perhaps some of you did not believe me. Now you see that flock of wild geese overhead. I do not wish to boast, but I will bring down the third bird in the column with this arrow sticking in its head. If I miss I hope that you will not laugh at me.” He fitted the arrow, and pulling the bow to its full limit released the arrow which flew overhead and brought down the third bird. A man was sent to bring the goose, and upon his return it was seen that the arrow had gone through its head. When they saw this Chao Gai and the other leaders were deeply impressed, and called Hua Rong “The General with an uncanny arm.”

Wu Yong said, “After this we cannot call you ‘Little Li Guang,’ because even Yang Youji was not as good as you.72 We really are very fortunate to have such a man as you here.” There was not a man on Liangshan Marsh who did not respect him after that.

The next day they had a celebration feast in the great hall, and elected Hua Rong to the fifth position. Qin Ming was married to Hua Rong’s sister and was elected the sixth leader. The position of the other leaders were also arranged. Liu Tang the seventh, Huang Xin, the eighth, and so on. The bandits were detailed to build boats, make arms and ammunitions, erect buildings, etc. but we need not go into the many details.

Song Jiang traveled through the night, and the day following his departure, he reached his native village about 4 A.M. in the afternoon. He stopped at an inn kept by Zhang, the village chief, for a rest. Zhang was on good terms with all the members of Song Jiang’s family. He saw that Song Jiang had been crying so he asked, “You have been away from home for nearly a year and half, and it is good for you to return now. But how is it that you seem to be in trouble? What is the matter? Your crime has been mitigated.”

“Old Uncle, what you say about my affairs is quite right, but as my father has died how can I rejoice?”

Zhang laughed, and said, “Is this one of your jokes? Your father was here only a short time ago drinking wine, and has just gone back home an hour ago. Why do you talk like this?”

“Uncle, please do not jest with me.” Song Jiang then produced the letter he had received. “You will see from this that my younger brother, Song Qing, states that my father died in the first month of this year, and is waiting for me to return home for the funeral.”

“Ah! But nothing of the kind has happened. Your father came here with a man to drink wine this morning. How could I talk lies about such a matter?”

Song Jiang now doubted the letter, although the matter was not clear yet. He thought over the matter but found no explanation, and then at last decided to go home and clear the matter up. When he entered the gate of the homestead he saw no signs of mourning. When the servants recognized him they saluted, and he asked, “Where are my father and Song Qing?”

“Your father has been expecting you every day. He will be much pleased to see you. He has just come back from drinking with a friend, and is asleep inside.”

Song Jiang was surprised at this, and throwing down his cudgel, he entered the house. His brother Song Qing upon seeing him kowtowed, and he was not wearing mourning. Song Jiang was now angry, and abused his brother. “You undutiful beast! My father is at home, so why did you write me that letter saying that he was dead. I was so upset that besides crying I tried to kill myself. So unfilial you are!”

Song Qing was on the point of replying to this when his father emerged from behind the screen in the room. “My son, do not get angry,” he said. “That was not your brother’s fault. I wanted very much to see you again, so I told your brother to write the letter stating that I was dead, and urging you to return home at once. I heard that you were at Baihu Mountain where there are many brigands, and I was afraid that you might join them, and become both disloyal and unfilial. The letter was given to a man Shi Yong who had just come from Squire Chai’s place looking for you. The whole scheme was arranged by me so that you must not feel any resentment to your brother for carrying out my orders. I had just now returned from Zhang’s inn, and was going to sleep when I heard your voice.”

Song Jiang kowtowed to his father, and was much pleased at this unlooked-for climax. He asked, “How about my affair here? I have heard that my crime has been pardoned.”

“At first they troubled us a great deal,” said Old Sung, “but afterwards Inspectors Zhu Tong and Lei Hong used their influence so they made no more trouble here. On the appointment of the Crown Prince the Emperor issued a decree reducing all sentences by one degree, and abolishing the sentence of death from a number of crimes. Even if your return home was known to the yamen, you would not receive the capital punishment but be banished to a distant district. So we can leave the matter alone.”

“Do those two Inspectors ever come here now?” asked Song Jiang.

“I heard sometime ago,” said Song Qing, “that they had been transferred to some other places.”

Old Song however insisted that his son must be tired, and they must all retire, and this was done.

It was now dusk, and the moon was rising in the east. About 9 p.m. as they were all asleep there was a big noise outside the front and back gates. They then saw that the premises were surrounded by men who held burning torches. They called out, “Don’t let Song Jiang escape!” On hearing this his father was upset.

A crowded street; a compact throng,

Loyalty and justice seen.

A river’s bank, the scene where strong

Heroes meet and disagree.

Footnote

72 Famous archers of history.