第三十六回
第三十六回 梁山泊吴用举戴宗 揭阳岭宋江逢李俊
箴曰：
上临之以天鉴，下察之以地祇。
明有王法相继，暗有鬼神相随。
忠直可存于心，喜怒戒之在气。
为不节而亡家，因不廉而失位。
劝君自警平生，可叹可惊可畏。
话说当时宋太公掇个梯子上墙头来看时，只见火把丛中约有一百馀人。当头两个便是郓城县新添的都头，却是弟兄两个：一个叫做赵能，一个叫做赵得。两个便叫道：“宋太公！你若是晓事的，便把儿子宋江献出来，我们自将就他；若是隐藏不发教他出官时，和你这老子一发捉了去！”宋太公道：“宋江几时回来？”赵能道：“你便休胡说！有人在村口见他从张社长家店里吃了酒归来，亦有人跟到这里。你如何说得过！”宋江在梯子边说道：“父亲，你和他论甚口！孩儿便挺身出了官，县里府上都有相识，明日便吃官司也不妨。已经赦宥的事了，必当减罪。求告这厮们做甚么！赵家那厮是个刁徒，如今暴得做个都头，知道甚么义理！他又和孩儿没人情，空自求他，不如出官，免得受这厮腌气。”宋太公哭道：“是我苦了孩儿！”宋江道：“父亲休烦恼，官司见了，倒是有幸。明日孩儿躲在江湖上，撞了一班儿杀人放火的弟兄们，打在网里，如何能勾见父亲面。便断配在他州外府，也须有程限，日后归来务农时，也得早晚伏侍父亲终身。”宋太公道：“既是孩儿恁地说时，我自来上下使用，买个好去处。”
宋江便上梯来叫道：“你们且不要闹。我的罪犯又不该死，今已赦宥，必已减等。且请二位都头进敝庄少叙三杯，明日一同见官。”赵能道：“你休使见识赚我入来！”宋江道：“我如何连累父亲兄弟。你们只顾进家里来。”宋江便下梯子来，开了庄门，请两个都头到庄里堂上坐下，连夜杀鸡宰鹅，置酒相待。那一百土兵人等，都与酒食管待，送些钱物之类。取二十两花银，把来送与两位都头做好看钱。当夜，两个都头在宋江庄上歇了。次早五更，同到县前下处。等待天明，解到县里来时，知县才出升堂。只见都头赵能、赵得押解宋江出官，知县时文彬见了大喜，责令宋江供状。当下宋江一笔供招：“不合于前年秋间，典赡到阎婆惜为妾。为因不良，一时恃酒，争论斗殴，致被误杀身死，一向避罪在逃。今蒙缉捕到官，取勘前情，所供甘罪无词。”知县看罢，且叫收禁牢里监候。
满县人见说拿得宋江，谁不爱惜他，都替他去知县处告说讨饶，备说宋江平日的好处，“亦且阎婆惜家又没了苦主，只是相公方便他则个”。知县自心里也有八分出豁他，当时依准了供状，免上长枷手杻，只散禁在牢里。宋太公自来买上告下，使用钱帛。那时阎婆已自身故了半年，这张三又没了粉头，不来做甚冤家。县里叠成文案，待六十日限满，结解上济州听断。本州府尹看了申解情由，赦前恩宥之事，已成减罪，拟定得罪犯，将宋江脊杖二十，刺配江州牢城。本州官吏亦有认得宋江的，更兼他又有钱帛使用，名唤做断杖刺配，又无苦主执证，众人维持下来，都不甚深重。当厅带上行枷，押了一道牒文，差两个防送公人，无非是张千、李万。
当下两个公人领了公文，监押宋江到州衙前。宋江的父亲宋太公同兄弟宋清都在那里等候，置酒相请，管待两个公人，赍发了些银两与他放宽。教宋江换了衣服，打拴了包裹，穿上麻鞋。宋太公唤宋江到僻静处叮嘱道：“我知江州是个好地面，鱼米之乡，特地使钱买将那里去。你可宽心守奈，我自使四郎来望你，盘缠有便人常常寄来。你如今此去，正从梁山泊过，倘或他们下山来劫夺你入伙，切不可依随他，教人骂做不忠不孝。此一节牢记于心。孩儿，路上慢慢地去，天可怜见，早得回来，父子团圆，弟兄完聚！”宋江洒泪拜辞了父亲。兄弟宋清送一程路。宋江临别时嘱付兄弟道：“我的官司此去不要你们忧心。只有父亲年纪高大，我又不能尽人子之道，累被官司缠扰，背井离乡而去。兄弟，你早晚只在家侍奉，休要为我来江州来，弃撇父亲，无人看顾。我自江湖上相识多，见的那一个不相助，盘缠自有对付处。天若见怜，有一日归来也。”宋清洒泪拜辞了，自回家中去侍奉父亲宋太公，不在话下。有诗为证：
杀人亡命匿家山，暮夜追兵欲避难。
自此便从缧绁去，江州行见展云翰。
只说宋江自和两个公人上路。那张千、李万已得了宋江家中银两，又因他是个好汉，因此于路上只是伏侍宋江。三个人上路，行了一日，到晚投客店安歇了，打火做些饭吃，又买些酒肉请两个公人。宋江对他说道：“实不瞒你两个说，我们明日此去，正从梁山泊边过。山寨上有几个好汉，闻我的名字，怕他下山来夺我，枉惊了你们。我和你两个明日早起些，只拣小路里过去，宁可多走几里不妨。”两个公人道：“押司，你不说，俺们如何得知。我等自认得小路过去，定不得撞着他们。”当夜计议定了。次日，起个五更来打火。两个公人和宋江离了客店，只从小路里走。约莫也走了三十里路，只见前面山坡背后转出一伙人来，宋江看了，只叫得苦。来的不是别人，为头的好汉正是赤发鬼刘唐，将领着三五十人，便来杀那两个公人。这张千、李万唬做一堆儿，跪在地下。宋江叫道：“兄弟！你要杀谁？”刘唐道：“哥哥！不杀了这两个男女，等甚么！”宋江道：“不要你污了手，把刀来我杀便了。”两个人只叫得苦：“今番倒不好了！”刘唐把刀递与宋江，宋江接过，问刘唐道：“你杀公人何意？”刘唐答道：“奉山上哥哥将令，特使人打听得哥哥吃官司，直要来郓城县劫牢，却知道哥哥不曾在牢里，不曾受苦。今番打听得断配江州，只怕路上错了路道，教大小头领分付去四路等候，迎接哥哥，便请上山。这两个公人不杀了如何？”宋江道：“这个不是你们弟兄抬举宋江，倒要陷我于不忠不孝之地，万劫沉埋。若是如此来挟我，只是逼宋江性命，我自不如死了！”把刀望喉下自刎。刘唐慌忙攀住胳膊道：“哥哥，且慢慢地商量！”就手里夺了刀。宋江道：“你弟兄们若是可怜见宋江时，容我去江州牢城，听候限满回来，那时却得与你们相会。”刘唐道：“哥哥，小弟这话不敢主张。前面大路上有军师吴学究同花知寨在那里专等，迎迓哥哥，容小弟着小校请来商议。”宋江道：“我只是这句话，由你们怎地商量。”
小喽啰去报，不多时，只见吴用、花荣两骑马在前，后面数十骑马跟着，飞到面前下马。叙礼罢，花荣便道：“如何不与兄长开了枷？”宋江道：“贤弟，是甚么话！此是国家法度，如何敢擅动！”吴学究笑道：“我知兄长的意了。这个容易，只不留兄长在山寨便了。晁头领多时不曾得与仁兄相会，今次也正要和兄长说几句心腹的话。略请到山寨少叙片时，便送登程。”宋江听了道：“只有先生便知道宋江的意。”扶起两个公人来，宋江道：“要他两个放心，宁可我死，不可害他。”两个公人道：“全靠押司救命！”
一行人都离了大路，来到芦苇岸边，已有船只在彼。当时载过山前大路，却把山轿教人抬了，直到断金亭上歇了。叫小喽啰四下里去报请众头领都来聚会，迎接上山，到聚义厅上相见。晁盖谢道：“自从郓城救了性命，弟兄们到此，无日不想大恩。前者又蒙引荐诸位豪杰上山，光辉草寨，恩报无门。”宋江答道：“小可自从别后，杀死淫妇，逃在江湖上，去了年半。本欲上山相探兄长一面，偶然村店里遇得石勇，捎寄家书，只说父亲弃世，不想却是父亲恐怕宋江随众好汉入伙去了，因此诈写书来唤我回家。虽然明吃官司，多得上下之人看觑，不曾重伤。今配江州，亦是好处。适蒙呼唤，不敢不至。今来既见了尊颜，奈我限期相逼，不敢久住，只此告辞。”诗曰：
方枷铁锁并临头，坐守行监不少休。
天与英雄逢水浒，劫囚行见出江州。
晁盖道：“直如此忙？且请少坐。”两个中间坐了。宋江便叫两个公人只在交椅后坐，与他寸步不离。晁盖叫许多头领都来参拜了宋江，都两行坐下，小头目一面斟酒上来。先是晁盖把盏了，向后军师吴学究、公孙胜起，至白胜把盏下来。酒至数巡，宋江起身相谢道：“足见弟兄们众位相爱之情！宋江是个得罪囚人，不敢久停，只此告辞。”晁盖道：“仁兄直如此见怪？虽然贤兄不肯要坏两个公人，多与他些金银，发付他回去，只说我梁山泊抢掳了去，不道得治罪于他。”宋江道：“哥哥，你这话休题！这等不是抬举宋江，明明的是苦我。家中上有老父在堂，宋江不曾孝敬得一日，如何敢违了他的教训，负累了他？前者一时乘兴，与众位来相投，天幸使令石勇在村店里撞见在下，指引回家。父亲说出这个缘故，情愿教小可明吃了官司，急断配出来，又频频嘱付；临行之时，又千叮万嘱，教我休为快乐，苦害家中，免累老父怆惶惊恐。因此父亲明明训教宋江，小可不争随顺了哥哥，便是上逆天理，下违父教，做了不忠不孝的人在世，虽生何益。如哥哥不肯放宋江下山，情愿只就兄长手里乞死。”说罢，泪如雨下，便拜倒在地。晁盖、吴用、公孙胜一齐扶起。众人道：“既是哥哥坚意要往江州，今日且请宽心住一日，明日早送下山。”三回五次，留得宋江就山寨里吃了一日酒。教去了枷，也不肯除，只和两个公人同起同坐。当晚住了一夜，次日早起来，坚心要行。吴学究道：“兄长听禀：吴用有个至爱相识，见在江州充做两院押牢节级，姓戴名宗，本处人称为戴院长。为他有道术，一日能行八百里，人都唤他做神行太保。此人十分仗义疏财。夜来小生修下一封书在此，与兄长去，到彼时可和本人做个相识。但有甚事，可教众兄弟知道。”众头领挽留不住，安排筵宴送行，取出一盘金银送与宋江，又将二十两银子送与两个公人。就与宋江挑了包裹，都送下山来，一个个都作别了。吴学究和花荣直送过渡，到大路二十里外，众头领回上山去。
只说宋江自和两个防送公人取路投江州来。那个公人见了山寨里许多人马，众头领一个个都拜宋江，又得他那里若干银两，一路上只是小心伏侍宋江。三个人在路，免不得饥餐渴饮，夜住晓行。在路约行了半月之上，早来到一个去处，望见前面一座高岭。两个公人说道：“好了！过得这条揭阳岭，便是浔阳江，到江州却是水路，相去不远。”宋江道：“天色暄热，趁早凉过岭去，寻个宿头。”公人道：“押司说得是。”三个人厮赶着，奔过岭来。行了半日，巴过岭头，早看见岭脚边一个酒店，背靠颠崖，门临怪树，前后都是草房，去那树阴之下挑出一个酒旆儿来。宋江见了，心中欢喜，便与公人道：“我们肚里正饥渴哩，原来这岭上有个酒店，我们且买碗酒吃去了便走。”
三个人入酒店来，两个公人把行李歇了，将水火棍靠在壁上。宋江让他两个公人上首坐定，宋江下首坐了。半个时辰，不见一个人出来，宋江叫道：“怎地不见主人家？”只听得里面应道：“来也，来也！”侧首屋下走出一个大汉来。宋江看这汉子时，怎生模样？但见：
赤色虬须乱撒，红丝虎眼睁圆。
揭岭杀人魔祟，酆都催命判官。
那人出来，头上一顶破头巾，身穿一领布背心，露着两臂，下面围一条布手巾，看着宋江三个人唱个喏道：“拜揖！客人打多少酒？”宋江道：“我们走得肚饥，你这里有甚么肉卖？”那人道：“只有熟牛肉和浑白酒。”宋江道：“最好。你先切二斤熟牛肉来，打一角酒来。”那人道：“客人休怪说，我这里岭上卖酒，只是先交了钱，方才吃酒。”宋江道：“这个何妨，倒是先还了钱吃酒，我也欢喜。等我先取银子与你。”那人道：“恁地最好。”宋江便去打开包裹，取出些碎银子。那人立在侧边偷眼睃着，见他包裹沉重，有些油水，心内自有八分欢喜。接了宋江的银子，便去里面舀一桶酒，切一盘牛肉出来。放下三只大碗，三双箸，一面筛酒。三个人一头吃，一面口里说道：“如今江湖上歹人多，有万千好汉着了道儿的。酒肉里下了蒙汗药，麻翻了，劫了财物，人肉把来做馒头馅子。我只是不信，那里有这话！”那卖酒的人笑道：“你三个说了，不要吃。我这酒和肉里面，都有了麻药。”宋江笑道：“这个大哥，瞧见我们说着麻药，便来取笑。”两个公人道：“大哥，热吃一碗也好。”那人道：“你们要热吃，我便将去盪来。”那人盪热了将来，筛做三碗。正是饥渴之中，酒肉到口，如何不吃。三人各吃了一碗下去。只见两个公人瞪了双眼，口角边流下涎水来，你揪我扯，望后便倒。宋江跳起来道：“你两个怎地吃得三碗便恁醉了？”向前来扶他，不觉自家也头晕眼花，扑地倒了。光着眼，都面面厮觑，麻木了动掸不得。酒店里那人道：“惭愧！好几日没买卖，今日天送这三头行货来与我。”先把宋江倒拖了入去，山崖边人肉作房里，放在剥人凳上，又来把这两个公人也拖了入去。那人再来，却把包裹行李都提在后屋内，解开看时，都是金银。那人自道：“我开了许多年酒店，不曾遇着这等一个囚徒！量这等一个罪人，怎地有许多财物，却不是从天降下，赐与我的。”
那人看罢包裹，却再包了，且去门前望几个火家归来开剥。立在门前看了一回，不见一个男女归来，只见岭下这边三个人奔上岭来。那人恰认得，慌忙迎接道：“大哥，那里去来？”那三个内一个大汉应道：“我们特地上岭来接一个人，料道是来的程途日期了。我每日出来，只在岭下等候，不见到，正不知在那里担阁了。”那人道：“大哥却是等谁？”那大汉道：“等个奢遮的好男子。”那人问道：“甚么奢遮的好男子？”那大汉答道：“你敢也闻他的大名，便是济州郓城县宋押司宋江。”那人道：“莫不是江湖上说的山东及时雨宋公明？”那大汉道：“正是此人。”那人又问道：“他却因甚打这里过？”那大汉道：“我本不知。近日有个相识，从济州来，说道：‘郓城县宋押司宋江，不知为甚么事发在济州府，断配江州牢城。’我料想他必从这里过来，别处又无路过去。他在郓城县时，我尚且要去和他厮会；今次正从这里经过，如何不结识他，因此在岭下连日等候。接了他四五日，并不见有一个囚徒过来。我今日同这两个兄弟，信步踱上岭，来你这里买碗酒吃，就望你一望。近日你店里买卖如何？”那人道：“不瞒大哥说，这几个月里好生没买卖。今日谢天地，捉得三个行货，又有些东西。”那大汉慌忙问道：“三个甚样人？”那人道：“两个公人和一个罪人。”那汉失惊道：“这囚徒莫不是黑矮肥胖的人？”那人应道：“真个不十分长大，面貌紫棠色。”那大汉连忙问道：“不曾动手么？”那人答道：“方才抱进作房去，等火家未回，不曾开剥。”那大汉道：“等我认他一认！”
当下四个人进山崖边人肉作房里，只见剥人凳上挺着宋江和两个公人，颠倒头放在地下。那大汉看见宋江，却又不认得；相他脸上金印，又不分晓。没可寻思处，猛想起道：“且取公人的包裹来，我看他公文便知。”那人道：“说得是。”便去房里取过公人的包裹打开，见了一锭大银，尚有若干散碎银两。解开文书袋来，看了差批，众人只叫得“惭愧”。那大汉便道：“天使令我今日上岭来，早是不曾动手，争些儿误了我哥哥性命。”正是：
冤仇还报难回避，机会遭逢莫远图。
踏破铁鞋无觅处，得来全不费工夫。
那大汉便叫那人：“快讨解药来，先救起我哥哥。”那人也慌了，连忙调了解药，便和那大汉去作房里，先开了枷，扶将起来，把这解药灌将下去。四个人将宋江扛出前面客位里，那大汉扶住着，渐渐醒来，光着眼，看了众人立在面前，又不认得。只见那大汉教两个兄弟扶住了宋江，纳头便拜。宋江问道：“是谁？我不是梦中么？”只见卖酒的那人也拜。宋江答礼道：“两位大哥请起。这里正是那里？不敢动问二位高姓？”那大汉道：“小弟姓李名俊，祖贯庐州人氏。专在扬子江中撑船梢公为生，能识水性，人都呼小弟做混江龙李俊便是。这个卖酒的是此间揭阳岭人，只靠做私商道路，人尽呼他做催命判官李立。这两个兄弟是此间浔阳江边人，专贩私盐来这里货卖，却是投奔李俊家安身；大江中伏得水，驾得船，是弟兄两个：一个唤做出洞蛟童威，一个叫做翻江蜃童猛。”两个也拜了宋江四拜。宋江问道：“却才麻翻了宋江，如何却知我姓名？”李俊道：“小弟有个相识，近日做买卖从济州回来，说道哥哥大名，为事发在江州牢城来。李俊未得拜识尊颜，往常思念，只要去贵县拜识哥哥，只为缘分浅薄，不能勾去。今闻仁兄来江州，必从这里经过。小弟连连在岭下等接仁兄五七日了，不见来。今日无心，天幸使令李俊同两个弟兄上岭来，就买杯酒吃，遇见李立，说将起来。因此小弟大惊，慌忙去作房里看了，却又不认得哥哥。猛可思量起来，取讨公文看了，才知道是哥哥。不敢拜问仁兄，闻知在郓城县做押司，不知为何事配来江州？”宋江把这杀了阎婆惜，直至石勇村店寄书，回家事发，今次配来江州，备细说了一遍，四人称叹不已。李立道：“哥哥何不只在此间住了，休上江州牢城去受苦？”宋江答道：“梁山泊苦死相留，我尚兀自不肯住，恐怕连累家中老父。此间如何住得！”李俊道：“哥哥义士，必不肯胡行，你快救起那两个公人来。”李立连忙叫了火家，已都归来了，便把公人扛出前面客位里来，把解药灌将下去。救得两个公人起来，面面厮觑，你看我，我看你，都对宋江说道：“此间店里恁么好酒，我们又吃不多，便恁醉了！记着他家，我们回来还在这里买吃。”众人听了都笑。
当晚李立置酒管待众人，在家里过了一夜。次日，又安排了酒食管待了，送出包裹，还了宋江并两个公人。当时相别了，宋江自和李俊、童威、童猛、两个公人下岭来，径到李俊家歇下。置备酒食，殷勤相待，结拜宋江为兄，留住家里。过了数日，宋江要行，李俊留不住，取些银两赍发两个公人。宋江再带上行枷，收拾了包裹行李，辞别李俊、童威、童猛，离了揭阳岭下，取路望江州来。
三个人行了半日，早是未牌时分。行到一个去处，只见人烟辏集，市井喧哗。正来到市镇上，只见那里一伙人围住着看。宋江分开人丛，也挨入去看时，却原是一个使枪棒卖膏药的。宋江和两个公人立住了脚，看他使了一回枪棒。那教头放下了手中枪棒，又使了一回拳。宋江喝采道：“好枪棒拳脚！”那人却拿起一个盘子来，口里开呵道：“小人远方来的人，投贵地特来就事。虽无惊人的本事，全靠恩官作成，远处夸称，近方卖弄。如要筋重膏，当下取赎；如不用膏药，可烦赐些银两铜钱，赍发咱家，休教空过了盘子。”那教头盘子掠了一遭，没一个出钱与他。那汉又道：“看官高抬贵手！”又掠了一遭，众人都白着眼看，又没一个出钱赏他。宋江见他惶恐，掠了两遭没人出钱，便叫公人取出五两银子来。宋江叫道：“教头，我是个犯罪的人，没甚与你。这五两白银权表薄意，休嫌轻微。”那汉子得了这五两白银，托在手里，便收呵道：“恁地一个有名的揭阳镇上，没一个晓事的好汉抬举咱家！难得这位恩官，本身见自为事在官，又是过往此间，颠倒赍发五两白银！正是：‘当年却笑郑元和，只向青楼[1]买笑歌。惯使不论家豪富，风流不在着衣多。’这五两银子强似别的五十两，自家拜揖，愿求恩官高姓大名，使小人天下传扬。”宋江答道：“教师，量这些东西直得几多，不须致谢。”
正说之间，只见人丛里一条大汉分开人众，抢近前来，大喝道：“兀那厮是甚么鸟汉！那里来的囚徒，敢来灭俺揭阳镇上威风！教头这厮，那里学得这些枪棒，来我这里逞强！俺已都分付了众人，不许赍发他，如何敢来出尖！”搦着双拳来打宋江。不因此起处相争，有分教：浔阳江上，聚数筹搅海苍龙的好汉；梁山泊中，添一伙巴山猛虎的英雄。直教杀人路口人头滚，聚义场中热血流。毕竟来打宋江的是甚么样人，且听下回分解。
[1] 青楼——妓院。
CHAPTER 35. Wu Yong Recommends Dai Zong; Song Jiang Meets Li Jun on Jieyang Mountain
OLD SONG put a ladder against the wall, and looking over saw about a hundred men in the light of torches. In front of them were the two Inspectors who had been recently appointed at Yuncheng County. They were brothers, called Zhao Neng and Zhao De, and they called out, “Old Song! You will know our business, and we hope that you will surrender your son Song Jiang. We will treat him well. If he does not surrender we shall have to arrest you, his father.”
“When did Song Jiang return?” asked Old Song.
“Do not talk nonsense,” said Inspector Zhao Neng. “A man saw him this afternoon at Zhang’s wine shop, and followed him here. You need not try to hide him.”
Song Jiang was standing at the foot of the ladder, and said, “Father, do not talk with them any further. I will surrender as I have many friends at the yamen, and I have already been pardoned. Why plead with these fellows? They are both wellknown to be rascals. They have suddenly been made Inspectors, but what do they know about reason. There is no good feeling between them and me, so it is a waste of time to talk with them.”
“I have brought you trouble,” said Old Song to his son.
“Do not let that upset you. If they go into my case it cannot do any harm. If I escape now I should be arrested eventually, and should have no further chance of seeing you. If I am now arrested, and even banished to some other district I shall at least eventually return, and meet you again. I should be able to be with you at your last moments.”
“As you look upon it like this,” said Old Song, “I will myself bribe the officials concerned, and see that you have every advantage.”
Song Jiang now mounted the ladder, and called out, “Do not make such a noise. My crime has been pardoned so that I cannot be executed. Will you two Inspectors come inside our humble farmhouse, and drink wine with me? Tomorrow I will go with you to the yamen.”
“You need not attempt to entice us into your trap,” said inspector Zhao Neng.
“Why should I implicate my father and brother by such a trick? You can come inside without any suspicion,” said Song Jiang. He then descended the ladder, opened the farmyard gate, and invited the two Inspectors indoors. They were entertained to wine, chicken, and goose. The soldiers were provided with food, and also money. Old Song presented the two Inspectors with twenty taels of silver. That night they all slept at the farmhouse. At dawn the following day the party started out for the town. When they reached the yamen it was broad daylight, and the magistrate occupied the bench. He asked Song Jiang to state his case, and listened to the following statement. “I did a great wrong to take Yan Poxi as my concubine, and once we quarreled after taking too much wine, and I happened to kill her quite unintentionally. I escaped but have now surrendered for justice, and will confess the crime as stated.”
The magistrate ordered that the prisoner be detained in the jail. All the yamen employees were sorry to see Song Jiang as a prisoner. Many of them spoke to the magistrate of the good things Song Jiang had done in the past, and begged him to show mercy to the prisoner. The magistrate was inclined to be lenient, and he gave orders that the prisoner should have no cangue or be chained up in the prison. Old Song bribed all the officials concerned. Madame Yan had died about six months ago so that there was now no one to press the accusation of murder. As Yan Poxi was also dead her old lover Zhang Wenyuan had now no enmity against Song Jiang. So after sixty days the case was referred to Jizhou Prefecture for a sentence. The Prefect considered the case as reported by dispatch, and in view of the Emperor’s decree he passed a light sentence. Song Jiang was to receive twenty blows with a bamboo, be branded, and transferred to a prison at Jiangzhou. But as the officials at Jizhou had all been bribed, they reported that the sentence had been carried out although nothing was done to Song Jiang.
But he was given a small cangue, and sent to Jiangzhou under the escort of two men—Zhang Qian, and Li Wan. Old Song and his son Song Qing were waiting outside the yamen for the escort, and invited them to take a final meal at an inn there. Money was presented to the escort, and Song Jiang was given new clothes, new hempen shoes, and a bundle of useful articles. Old Song took Song Jiang to one side and there said to him, “I know that at Jiangzhou there is plenty of rice and fish, and I will bribe the officials there to supply you with food. I shall send your brother there with money, and he will see you often. On your way you will pass close to Liangshan Marsh, but if the brigands there capture you I hope that you will not join them as people would abuse your name and say that you were both disloyal and unfilial. This point you must not forget. Make no haste on the way. Heaven will watch over you, and you will soon return home, and be reunited to your father and younger brother.”
Song Jiang was much affected and burst into tears and thus took leave of his father. Song Qing accompanied him for the first stage of the road. When they separated at last Song Jiang said to his brother, “I am now a prisoner, and while I am away I want you to look after our father, and never mind coming to Jiangzhou to see me. I know a great many bandits, and they will help me. I can easily get all the money I want. If Heaven takes pity, I shall return home some day.”
When they took leave of each other Song Qing wept bitterly. He returned home, and looked after his father in accordance with Song Jiang’s wish.
The escort and Song Jiang continued their journey and because Song Jiang had given them plenty of money, they treated him well. One evening when they were at an inn Song Jiang said, “I will not deceive you. We shall pass quite close to Liangshan Marsh, where there are many brave men, and when they hear that I am passing they will perhaps try to liberate me. So tomorrow it would be better for us to start early, and travel by small side roads even though they take us a little out of our way.”
“Sir, if you do not tell us we should not know it. But we know the side roads, and shall not meet those men.” They discussed their plans, and the next morning they got up about 4 A.M. After breakfast they set out, and went by a side road. They had traveled about ten li when they saw a company of men coming round a mountain just in front. Song Jiang said it meant trouble; as he recognized among them Liu Tang, the Red Haired Demon. The escort was afraid, and knelt down.
“Younger brother,” said Song Jiang, “whom do you want to kill?”
“Elder brother,” replied Liu Tang, “had we not better kill those two fellows at once?”
“You need not soil your hands in that way,” said Song Jiang. “Give me your sword, and I will kill them myself.”
Liu Tang handed him the sword, and Song Jiang then asked, ‘Why do you wish to kill them?”
“I am acting according to the orders of our chief on the mountain who knew all about your case. We wanted to go to Yuncheng County and rescue you from prison, but we then heard that you were not in prison, and were being well treated. Afterwards we heard that you were to be escorted to Jiangzhou so we guarded all the roads so that we could take you to our mountain. Why not kill these two men?”
“This is the way you will disgrace me, as I shall thereby lose my reputation of loyalty. I would much rather die myself than suffer disgrace.” So saying he took the sword to cut his own throat. Liu Tang sprang forward, and caught him by the arms saying, “Elder brother, do not be hasty. Let us discuss matters.” He took the sword from Song Jiang who said, “Younger brother, if you respect me please let me go to the prison at Jiangzhou, and when I have served my sentence I will certainly visit you, and discuss matters with you.”
“I cannot take the responsibility for such a course,” said Liu Tang. “On the main road there are Wu Yong and Hua Rong whom I will ask to come here to decide this matter.”
“I am quite determined whatever you do.”
One of the brigands was dispatched, and in a short time Wu Yong and Hua Rong came galloping up. They both dismounted, and after the usual salutations Hua Rong asked, “Why has your cangue not been removed?”
“That is a legal procedure with prisoners. Who would dare to infringe the regulations?” asked Song Jiang.
Wu Yong laughed and said, “I understand your idea. It is easy for us to let you proceed on your way, but our chief Chao Gai has not met you for a long time, and he would like to have a confidential talk with you. So I request you to come with us up the mountain, and after the interview you can go your own way.”
“You have grasped my idea,” said Song Jiang. “In case however I die I hope that you will not punish my escort. I want them to be at ease.”
“Sir, we depend on you saving our lives,” said the two men.
They all then set out, and soon came to the lake where they found a boat waiting for them. They crossed the lake, and found sedan chairs waiting and were carried up the mountain. Men were sent in all directions to summon all the leaders to the assembly hall for a conference. When they had assembled Song Jiang was conducted to the hall where Chao Gai addressed him. “Formerly you saved our lives at Yuncheng County, and we escaped to this place, and we have been thinking of your generosity ever since. Since we arrived here many gallant heroes have joined us on your esteemed recommendation. This has added luster to our straw sheds, but we have had no opportunity of repaying your benevolence.”
“Since I left you,” said Song Jiang, “I killed a bad woman, and escaped to the wilds where I have been wandering for about six months. I have often wished to come here to pay my respects to you, and on the way here I met a man named Shi Yong in a village inn who had a letter for me stating that my father had died. But it was my father’s desire that I should not enter your band, and when I received the letter I at once returned home. As to my case I was well treated by the officials, and was not punished severely. I was banished to Jiangzhou which is not a bad place. When I heard of your orders I dare not decline to come here, and now that I have met you I cannot stay here, but must proceed on my way as the time limit is nearly up.”
“Why be in such a hurry?” said Chao Gai. “Please take a seat.”
So they all sat down, and Song Jiang asked his escort to stand behind his chair. Chao Gai asked all the leaders to approach and salute Song Jiang, and after this they all took their seats. After they had been drinking wine for some time Song Jiang at last arose and said, “It is obvious that you regard me with respect, but as I am a criminal I cannot stay here and must now take my leave of you.”
“Why feel so estranged?” asked Chao Gai. “As you do not wish your escort to be injured we will give the men money, and they can then return, and report that we bandits at Liangshan Marsh have captured you, and so they will not be blamed.”
“Do not talk like that,” said Song Jiang. “Such a procedure would not be to my credit, but would bring trouble. I must be filial, and respect my father’s wishes, or otherwise he will be implicated. It was Heaven’s will that I should meet Shi Yong and return home. If now I stay here I shall be opposing Heaven, and disobeying my father, and shall have a bad reputation. If you will not agree to let me depart it would be better if you kill me at once.” He then burst into tears, and knelt down on the ground.
The leaders raised him up and said, “As you are determined to go to Jiangzhou, we ask you to stay here for the night only, and early tomorrow morning you can depart.” They wanted to take off his cangue, but he would not let them do so. They all sat down to drink more wine.
The following morning when he was preparing to leave Wu Yong spoke to him, “Please listen to me now. I have a very good friend at Jiangzhou who is superintendent of the two prisons there. He is called Dai Zong. He knows Taoist magics, and can travel about two hundred fifty li in one day so that people call him the Divine Traveler. He distributes wealth in good cause. Last night I wrote a letter to him which I am going to give you, and when you reach your destination you must make his acquaintance. Whatever happens you can make him your confident.”
A feast had been prepared for Song Jiang, and the leaders also presented him with money. They also gave the escort twenty taels of silver. The leaders accompanied Song Jiang down the mountain. Wu Yong and Hua Rong crossed the lake, and went with him about eight li along the road before they bade him good-by.
Song Jiang and his escort continued on their way to Jiangzhou, and they had been traveling for about two weeks when they came to a place where there was a high mountain. The escort said that the mountain was called Jieyang and after crossing it they would come to the Xunyang River where they could get a boat to take them for the remainder of the journey to Jiangzhou.
“As the weather is fine just now,” said Song Jiang, “let us now cross the mountain and find a place to rest on the other side.”
The escort agreed to this, and they all set out. It was almost noon when they reached the summit, and from there they saw an inn at the foot of the mountain. In front of the inn were several large trees, and many grass huts were around it. In the shade of the trees was a flag flying. Song Jiang was much pleased and said, “We will stop at the inn for some refreshment, and then push on.”
When they reached the inn they all entered, and the escort put their sticks against the wall. They all sat down at a table with Song Jiang in the inferior seat. They waited for a long time, but nobody came to attend to their wants. So Song Jiang called out, “Is there nobody in charge here?”
From an inner room a voice answered, “Coming! Coming!” and a very big man came out of a side room. He had a red complexion with bushy whiskers, and his eyes were bloodshot and as fierce as a tiger’s. On his head was a tattered turban, and his gown was without sleeves. Around his waist was a large cummerbund. He called out, “How much wine do you want?”
“We are very hungry,” said Song Jiang. “What kind of meat have you got?”
“I have some beef and strong liquor.”
“That is fine. Bring us two jin of beef and a horn of wine,” ordered Song Jiang.
“Do not think me strange, but I make it a rule to have the money paid in advance with the order.”
“That is all right. I will pay you first. Wait a bit, and I will get the money.” Song Jiang opened his bundle, and took out some money. The man stealthily looked at the bundle, and saw that it was very heavy at which he was much pleased as he knew there must be plenty of silver there. He took the silver from Song Jiang, and went into another room, and soon returned with the beef and wine. The three men dined together, and their conversation was about the bandits abroad, who would sell drugged food and wine to travelers and rob them of all their wealth and make pies out of their flesh. One of them said he did not believe such tales.
The proprietor of the inn heard this and laughingly said, “You had better be careful because this food and wine may be drugged.”
Song Jiang laughed and said, “So you are ridiculing us for talking about drugged food.”
“Elder brother, a cup of warm wine would be much better,” said one of the escort.
“I will go and get some warmed wine for you.” The man then went, and soon returned with three cups of hot wine. The three guests were hungry, and when they saw the food and wine they only thought of eating and drinking same. They soon emptied their cups, and almost immediately the escort fell back with saliva running from their mouths. Upon seeing this Song Jiang jumped up, and said, “What is the matter with you two? Are you drunk after drinking only two cups of wine?” He stepped forward to raise them up, but he was also feeling faint, and fell down. As they all lay there they all looked at each other, but not one of them could move or get up.
The inn proprietor said, “I am sorry. For many days I have found no business, but today Heaven has sent me these three.” He first seized Song Jiang and dragged him into a room at the back where he placed him on the block of wood where men were usually cut up. He then dragged the other two men to the same place. He also took their baggage, and put it in another room, where he opened it and found the silver. He said, “I have kept this inn for many years, but have never before seen a prisoner with so much money. What is the reason for this? It must be a gift from Heaven for me!” He then fastened up the baggage, and went to the door of the inn to look for his assistants. But although he glanced in all directions he could not see a single one anywhere. He however saw three travelers coming up the road towards the inn. He recognized them, and went forward to meet them. He asked ‘Elder brothers, where are you going?”
One of the tall men replied, “We are going up the mountain to meet a certain person, and he ought to be here today. We have been waiting for several days, and cannot understand what has delayed him.”
“Who is the man you are waiting for?”
“He is a certain famous man.”
“What is his name?”
“I think you know him. He is Song Jiang of Yuncheng County and is coming from Jizhou Prefecture.”
“I have heard of him, but what is he traveling this way for?”
“I did not know before, but today a friend of mine has arrived from Jizhou, and he said that Song Jiang has been banished to the prison at Jiangzhou, but he did not know for what reason. I think he must come this way. I have often thought of going to Yuncheng County to make his acquaintance, but as he is passing this way now I must meet him. That is why I come here today with my two friends. How has business been with you this last month?”
“I will be frank with you,” replied the inn proprietor. “During the last few months I have done no business, but today Heaven has sent me three men with many things.”
“What kind of men?” hurriedly asked the man.
“Two men escorting a prisoner.”
“Is the prisoner a little fat man with a dark complexion?”
“He is not very tall and has a swarthy complexion.”
“Have you killed him?” hurriedly asked the visitor.
“I dragged him into the room, but have not cut him up as my assistants are absent.”
“Let me have a look at him.”
The four men went into the room, and there were the three men lying on the cutting-up-block. But they did not recognize Song Jiang so the visitor said they would examine the baggage, and read the official dispatch. When this had been done the man reading the dispatch said, “Heaven has directed me to come here today. If I had been even a little late my elder brother would have been cut up.” He gave orders for an anti-drug to be administered to revive Song Jiang. This was quickly done, and he was carried into the other room and seated in a chair. Soon he opened his eyes, and looked around. The visitor saluted him, and Song Jiang asked, “Who are you? Am I not still dreaming? What is this place? What is your name?”
The visitor replied, “I am Li Jun of Luzhou, and I am captain of a boat that sails on the Yangtze River. I have a good knowledge of currents, etc., and so people call me the ‘Muddy Water Dragon.’ This man is the innkeeper and he robs travelers who come this way. His name is Li Li, and his nickname is ‘Hell’s Judge.’”
They then explained how the event had happened, and Song Jiang told them all about his adventures. They pressed Song Jiang to stay there instead of going to prison, but again he stood firm and declined their offers. They administered restoratives to the escort, and they soon recovered. When they came round they said, “We are very unlucky as we got drunk so easily.”
At this the others all laughed. That night they all slept at the inn. The next day they were invited to Li Jun’s house where they stayed for a few days then Song Jiang and his escort set out on their journey again.
The three men traveled until about 11 A.M. when they came to a market town. The street was very crowded, and they saw a crowd forming a ring round some object. Song Jiang forced his way through the men, and saw in the ring a man with a stave who was selling medicine. He watched the man performing with his stick, and when that was finished Song Jiang applauded his skill. The man took a tray, and addressed the crowd, “I come from a distant place, for certain business. I am perhaps not well skilled in military arts, but I hope that you will praise me to your friends so that they will buy my drugs. If you want the medicine you can buy some now, but if you do not care for the medicine then please contribute a small amount of money, and not let my tray be quite empty.” He passed the tray round the crowd, but nobody gave money. “I hope you gentlemen will be generous in assisting me.” He again walked round with the tray, but nobody contributed even a copper.
Song Jiang seeing this asked his escort to let him have five taels of silver, and offering it to the man said, “I am a criminal, and cannot give you much. This small amount will however indicate that I hold you in respect.”
The man held the money aloft on the palm of his hand, and said, “It is strange that in this town of Jieyang Town there is not one man who appreciates my skill. This benefactor in passing through the town however presents me with this money. In the words of the poet
‘Men laughed at Zheng Yuanhe,
Who lavishly spent his money;
Such men are not always rich,
Or dressed in the best of clothes.’
“This silver is equal to ten times the amount from a wealthy man. I salute you my benefactor, and request your name so that I can spread your fame abroad.”
“Sir, do not talk about it, as my gift is so trifling,” said Song Jiang.
While this was happening a big man had pushed his way through the crowd, and he now said to Song Jiang, “What fellow are you? Where do you come from? How dare you come here, and try to cast our town in the shade by offering money? He raised his fists to strike Song Jiang.
Dragons now were stirred to fury,
But they found their destiny.