第四十二回

第四十二回 还道村受三卷天书 宋公明遇九天玄女

诗曰：

为人当以孝为先，定省须教效圣贤。

一念不差方合义，寸心无愧可通天。

路通还道非侥幸，神授天书岂偶然。

遇宿逢高先降谶，宋江元是大罗仙。

话说当下宋江在筵上对众好汉道：“小可宋江，自蒙救护上山，到此连日饮宴，甚是快乐。不知老父在家，正是如何。即目江州申奏京师，必然行移济州，着落郓城县追捉家属，比捕正犯。此事恐老父受惊，性命存亡不保。宋江想念：‘哀哀父母，生我劬劳。欲报深恩，昊天罔极。’因老父生育之恩难报，暂离山寨，欲往敝乡，去家中搬取老父上山，昏定晨省，以尽孝敬，以绝挂念。不知众弟兄还肯容否？”晁盖道：“贤弟，这件是人伦中大事，养生送死，人子之道。不成我和你受用快乐，倒教家中老父吃苦！如何不依贤弟。只是众兄弟们连日辛苦，寨中人马未定。再停两日，点起山寨些少人马，一径去取了来。”宋江道：“仁兄，再过几日不妨。只恐江州行移到济州，追捉家属，这一件不好。以此事不宜迟，也不须点多人去，只宋江潜地自去，和兄弟宋清搬取老父，连夜上山来。那时使乡中神不知，鬼不觉。若还多带了人伴去时，必然惊吓乡里，反招不便。”晁盖道：“贤弟，路中倘有疏失，无人可救。”宋江道：“若为父亲，死而无怨。”当日苦留不住。宋江坚执要行，便取个毡笠戴了，提条短棒，腰带利刃，便下山去。众头领送过金沙滩自回。

且说宋江过了渡，到朱贵酒店里上岸，出大路投郓城县来。路上少不得饥餐渴饮，夜住晓行。一日，奔宋家村晚了，到不得，且投客店歇了。次日，趱行到宋家村时却早，且在林子里伏了，等待到晚，却投庄上来敲后门。庄里听得，只见宋清出来开门，见了哥哥，吃那一惊，慌忙道：“哥哥，你回家来怎地？”宋江道：“我特来家取父亲和你。”宋清道：“哥哥，你在江州做了的事，如今这里都知道了。本县差下这两个赵都头，每日来勾取，管定了我们不得转动。只等江州文书到来，便要捉我们父子二人，下在牢里监禁，听候拿你。日里夜间，一二百土兵巡绰。你不宜迟，快去梁山泊请下众头领来，救父亲并兄弟。”宋江听了，惊得一身冷汗，不敢进门，转身便走，奔梁山泊路上来。是夜月色朦胧，路不分明。宋江只顾拣僻净小路去处走，约莫也走了一个更次，只听得背后有人发喊起来。宋江回头听时，只隔一二里路，看见一簇火把照亮，只听得叫道：“宋江休走！早来纳降！”宋江一头走，一面肚里寻思：“不听晁盖之言，果有今日之祸。皇天可怜，垂救宋江！”远远望见一个去处，只顾走。少间，风扫薄云，现出那轮明月，宋江方才认得仔细，叫声苦，不知高低。看了那个去处，有名唤做还道村。原来团团都是高山峻岭，山下一遭涧水，中间单单只一条路。入来这村，左来右去走，只是这条路，更没第二条路。宋江认的这个村口，欲待回身，却被背后赶来的人已把住了路口，火把照耀如同白日。宋江只得奔入村里来，寻路躲避。抹过一座林子，早看见一所古庙。但见：

墙垣颓损，殿宇倾斜。两廊画壁长青苔，满地花砖生碧草。门前小鬼，折臂膊不显狰狞；殿上判官，无幞头不成礼数。供床上蜘蛛结网，香炉内蝼蚁营窠。狐狸常睡纸炉中，蝙蝠不离神帐里。料想经年无客过，也知尽日有云来。

宋江只得推开庙门，乘着月光，入进庙里来，寻个躲避处。前殿后殿，相了一回，安不的身，心里越慌。只听的外面有人道：“多管只走在这庙里。”宋江听时，是赵能声音，急没躲处。见这殿上一所神厨，宋江揭起帐幔，望里面探身便钻入神厨里，安了短棒，做一堆儿伏在厨内，气也不敢喘，屁也不敢放。只听的外面拿着火把，照将入来。宋江在神厨里偷眼看时，赵能、赵得引着四五十人，拿着火把，各到处照，看看照上殿来。宋江道：“我今番走了死路，望阴灵遮护则个！神明庇佑！”一个个都走过了，没人看着神厨里。宋江道：“却不是天幸！”只见赵得将火把来神厨内照一照。宋江道：“我这番端的受缚！”赵得一只手将朴刀杆挑起神帐，上下把火只一照，火烟冲将起来，冲下一片屋尘来，正落在赵得眼里，眯了眼。便将火把丢在地下，一脚踏灭了，走出殿门外来，对土兵们道：“这厮不在庙里，别又无路，却走向那里去了？”土兵众人答道：“多是这厮走入村中树林里去了。这里不怕他走到那里去，这个村唤做还道村，只有这条路出入，里面虽有高山林木，却无路上的去，亦不怕他走了。都头只把住村口，他便会插翅飞上天去，也走不脱了。待天明，村里去细细搜捉。”赵能、赵得道：“也是。”引了土兵，下殿去了。宋江道：“却不是神明护佑！若还得了性命，必当重修庙宇，再建祠堂。阴灵保佑则个！”说犹未了，只听的有几个土兵在于庙门前叫道：“都头，在这里了。”赵能、赵得和众人一伙抢入来。宋江道：“却不又是晦气！这遭必被擒捉！”赵能到庙前问时：“在那里？”土兵道：“都头你来看，庙门上两个尘手迹，以定是却才推开庙门，闪在里面去了。”赵能道：“说的是，再仔细搜一搜看。”这伙人再入庙里来搜看。宋江道：“我命运这般蹇拙，今番必是休了！”那伙人去殿前殿后搜遍，只不曾翻过砖来。众人又搜了一回，火把看看照上殿来。赵能道：“多是只在神厨里。却才兄弟看不仔细，我自照一照看。”一个土兵拿着火把，赵能一手揭起帐幔，五七个人伸头来看。不看万事俱休，才看一看，只见神厨里卷起一阵恶风，将那火把都吹灭了，黑腾腾罩了庙宇，对面不见。赵能道：“却又作怪，平地里卷起这阵恶风来！想是神明在里面，定嗔怪我们只管来照，因此起这阵恶风显应。我们且去罢休。只守住村口，待天明再来寻获。”赵得道：“只是神厨里不曾看得仔细，再把枪去搠一搠。”赵能道：“也是。”两个却待向前，只听的殿后又卷起一阵怪风，吹的飞砂走石，滚将下来，摇的那殿宇吸吸地动，罩下一阵黑云，布合了上下，冷气侵人，毛发竖立。赵能情知不好，叫了赵得道：“兄弟快走，神明不乐！”众人一哄都奔下殿来，望庙门外跑走。有几个翻了的，也有闪肭[1]了腿的，扒的起来奔命。走出庙门，只听的庙里有人叫：“饶恕我们！”赵能再入来看时，两三个土兵跌倒在龙墀里，被树根钩住了衣服，死也挣不脱，手里丢了朴刀，扯着衣裳叫饶。宋江在神厨里听了，忍不住笑。赵能把土兵衣服解脱了，领出庙门去。有几个在前面的土兵说道：“我说这神道最灵，你们只管在里面缠障，引的小鬼发作起来！我们只去守住了村口等他，须不吃他飞了去。”赵能、赵得道：“说得是。只消村口四下里守定。”众人都望村口去了。

只说宋江在神厨里，口称惭愧道：“虽不被这厮们拿了，却怎能勾出村口去？”正在厨内寻思，百般无计，只听的后面廊下有人出来。宋江道：“却又是苦也！早是不钻出去。”只见两个青衣童子，径到厨边，举口道：“小童奉娘娘法旨，请星主说话。”宋江那里敢做声答应。外面童子又道：“娘娘有请，星主可行。”宋江也不敢答应。外面童子又道：“宋星主休得迟疑，娘娘久等！”宋江听的莺声燕语，不是男子之音，便从椅子底下钻将出来看时，却是两个青衣女童，侍立在此床边。宋江吃了一惊，却是两个泥神。只听的外面又说道：“宋星主，娘娘有请。”宋江分开帐幔，钻将出来，只见是两个青衣螺髻[2]女童，齐齐躬身，各打个稽首。宋江看那女童时，但见：

朱颜绿发，皓齿明眸。飘飘不染尘埃，耿耿天仙风韵。螺蛳髻山峰堆拥，凤头鞋莲瓣轻盈。领抹深青，一色织成银缕；带飞真紫，双环结就金霞。依稀阆苑董双成，仿佛蓬莱花鸟使。

当下宋江问道：“二位仙童，自何而来？”青衣道：“奉娘娘法旨，有请星主赴宫。”宋江道：“仙童差矣！我自姓宋名江，不是甚么星主。”青衣道：“如何差了。请星主便行，娘娘久等！”宋江道：“甚么娘娘？亦不曾拜识，如何敢去？”青衣道：“星主到彼便知，不必询问。”宋江道：“娘娘在何处？”青衣道：“只在后面宫中。”

青衣前引便行，宋江随后跟下殿来。转过后殿侧首一座子墙角门，青衣道：“宋星主，从此间进来。”宋江跟入角门来看时，星月满天，香风拂拂，四下里都是茂林修竹。宋江寻思道：“原来这庙后又有这个去处。早知如此，却不来这里躲避，不受那许多惊恐！”宋江行着，觉道两边松树，香坞两行，夹种着都是合抱不交的大松树，中间平坦一条龟背大街。宋江看了，暗暗寻思道：“我倒不想古庙后有这般好路径。”跟着青衣，行不过一里来路，听得潺潺的涧水响。看前面时，一座青石桥，两边都是朱栏杆。岸上栽种奇花异草，苍松茂竹，翠柳夭桃；桥下翻银滚雪般的水，流从石洞里去。过的桥基看时，两行奇树，中间一座大朱红棂星门。宋江入的棂星门看时，抬头见一所宫殿。但见：

金钉朱户，碧瓦雕檐。飞龙盘柱戏明珠，双凤帏屏鸣晓日。红泥墙壁，纷纷御柳间宫花；翠霭楼台，淡淡祥光笼瑞影。窗横龟背，香风冉冉透黄纱；帘卷虾须，皓月团团悬紫绮。若非天上神仙府，定是人间帝主家。

宋江见了，寻思道：“我生居郓城县，不曾听的说有这个去处。”心中惊恐，不敢动脚。青衣催促：“请星主行。”一引，引入门内，有个龙墀，两廊下尽是朱红亭柱，都挂着绣帘，正中一所大殿，殿上灯烛荧煌。青衣从龙墀内一步步引到月台上，听得殿上阶前又有几个青衣道：“娘娘有请星主进来。”

宋江到大殿上，不觉肌肤战栗，毛发倒竖。下面都是龙凤砖阶。青衣入帘内奏道：“请至宋星主在阶前。”宋江到帘前御阶之下，躬身再拜，俯伏在地，口称：“臣乃下浊庶民，不识圣上。伏望天慈，俯赐怜悯！”御帘内传旨：“教请星主坐。”宋江那里敢抬头。教四个青衣扶上锦墩坐，宋江只得勉强坐下。殿上喝声“卷帘”，数个青衣早把朱帘卷起，搭在金钩上。娘娘问道：“星主别来无恙？”宋江起身再拜道：“臣乃庶民，不敢面觑圣容。”娘娘道：“星主既然至此，不必多礼。”宋江恰才敢抬头舒眼，看见殿上金碧交辉，点着龙灯凤烛，两边都是青衣女童，执笏捧圭，执旌擎扇侍从；正中七宝九龙床上，坐着那个娘娘。宋江看时，但见：

头绾九龙飞凤髻，身穿金缕绛绡衣。蓝田玉带曳长裾，白玉圭璋擎彩袖。脸如莲萼，天然眉目映云环；唇似樱桃，自在规模端雪体。犹如王母宴蟠桃，却似嫦娥居月殿。正大仙容描不就，威严形像画难成。

那娘娘坐于九龙床上，手执白玉圭璋，口中说道：“请星主到此。”命童子献酒。两下青衣女童执着奇花金瓶，捧酒过来斟在玉杯内。一个为首的女童，执玉杯递酒来劝宋江。宋江起身，不敢推辞，接过玉杯，朝娘娘跪饮了一杯。宋江觉道这酒馨香馥郁，如醍醐灌顶，甘露洒心。又是一个青衣捧过一盘仙枣，上劝宋江。宋江战战兢兢，怕失了体面，尖着指头拿了一枚，就而食之，怀核在手。青衣又斟过一杯酒来劝宋江，宋江又一饮而尽。娘娘法旨：“教再劝一杯。”青衣再斟一杯酒过来劝宋江，宋江又饮了。仙女托过仙枣，又食了两枚。共饮过三杯仙酒，三枚仙枣。宋江便觉道春色微醺，又怕酒后醉失体面，再拜道：“臣不胜酒量，望乞娘娘免赐。”殿上法旨道：“既是星主不能饮，酒可止。教取那三卷天书，赐与星主。”青衣去屏风背后，玉盘中托出黄罗袱子，包着三卷天书，度与宋江。宋江拜受看时，可长五寸，阔三寸，厚三寸。不敢开看，再拜祗受[3]，藏于袖中。娘娘法旨道：“宋星主，传汝三卷天书，汝可替天行道，为主全忠仗义，为臣辅国安民。去邪归正，他日功成果满，作为上卿。吾有四句天言，汝当记取，终身佩受，勿忘于心，勿泄于世。”宋江再拜：“愿受天言，臣不敢轻泄于世人。”娘娘法旨道：

“遇宿重重喜，逢高不是凶。

北幽南至睦，两处见奇功。”

宋江听毕，再拜谨受。娘娘法旨道：“玉帝因为星主魔心未断，道行未完，暂罚下方，不久重登紫府[4]，切不可分毫失忘。若是他日罪下酆都，吾亦不能救汝。此三卷之书，可以善观熟视。只可与天机星同观，其他皆不可见。功成之后，便可焚之，勿留在世。所嘱之言，汝当记取。目今天凡相隔，难以久留，汝当速回。”便令童子急送星主回去，“他日琼楼金阙，再当重会。”宋江便谢了娘娘，跟随青衣女童，下得殿庭来。出得棂星门，送至石桥边，青衣道：“恰才星主受惊，不是娘娘护佑，已被擒拿。天明时，自然脱离了此难。星主，看石桥下水里二龙相戏。”宋江凭栏看时，果见二龙戏水。二青衣望下一推，宋江大叫一声，却撞在神厨内，觉来乃是南柯一梦。

宋江扒将起来看时，月影正午，料是三更时分。宋江把袖子里摸时，手里枣核三个，袖里帕子包着天书。摸将出来看时，果是三卷天书，又只觉口里酒香。宋江想道：“这一梦真乃奇异，似梦非梦！若把做梦来，如何有这天书在袖子里，口中又酒香，枣核在手里，说与我的言语都记得，不曾忘了一句？不把做梦来，我自分明在神厨里，一跤将出来。有甚难见处，想是此间神圣最灵，显化如此。只是不知是何神明？”揭起帐幔看时，九龙椅上坐着一个娘娘，正和梦中一般。宋江寻思道：“这娘娘呼我做星主，想我前生非等闲人也。这三卷天书必然有用，分付我的四句天言，不曾忘了。青衣女童道：‘天明时，自然脱离此村之厄。’如今天色渐明，我却出去。”便探手去厨里摸了短棒，把衣服拂拭了，一步步下殿来。便从左廊下转出庙前，仰面看时，旧牌额上刻着四个金字道：“玄女之庙”。宋江以手加额称谢道：“惭愧！原来是九天玄女娘娘，传受与我三卷天书，又救了我的性命！如若能勾再见天日之面，必当来此重修庙宇，再建殿庭。伏望圣慈，俯垂护佑！”称谢已毕。有诗为证：

还道村中夜避灾，荒凉古庙侧身来。

只因一念通溟漠，方得天书降上台。

宋江只得望着村口，悄悄出来。离庙未远，只听得前面远远地喊声连天。宋江寻思道：“又不济了！”立住了脚，“且未可出去。我若到他前面，定吃他拿了。不如且在这里路傍树背后躲一躲。”却才闪得入树背后去，只见数个土兵急急走得喘做一堆，把刀枪拄着，一步步将入来，口里声声都只叫道：“神圣救命则个！”宋江在树背后看了，寻思道：“却又作怪！他们把着村口，等我出来拿我，却又怎地众人抢入来？”再看时，赵能也抢入来，口里叫道：“我们都是死也！”宋江道：“那厮如何恁地慌？”却见背后一条大汉追将入来。那大汉上半截不着一丝，露出鬼怪般肉，手里拿着两把夹钢板斧，口里喝道：“含鸟休走！”远观不睹，近看分明，正是黑旋风李逵。宋江想道：“莫非是梦里么？”不敢走出去。那赵能正走到庙前，被松树根只一绊，一跤在地下。李逵赶上，就势一脚，踏住脊背，手起大斧却待要砍。背后又是两筹好汉赶上来，把毡笠儿掀在脊梁上，各挺一条朴刀，上首的是欧鹏，下首的是陶宗旺。李逵见他两个赶来，恐怕争功坏了义气，就手把赵能一斧，砍做两半，连胸膛都砍开了，跳将起来，把土兵赶杀四散走了。宋江兀自不敢便走出来。背后只见又赶上三筹好汉，也杀将来，前面赤发鬼刘唐，第二石将军石勇，第三催命判官李立。这六筹好汉说道：“这厮们都杀散了，只寻不见哥哥，却怎生是好？”石勇叫道：“兀那松树背后一个人立在那里。”宋江方才敢挺身出来，说道：“感谢众兄弟们，又来救我性命，将何以报大恩？”六筹好汉见了宋江，大喜道：“哥哥有了！快去报与晁头领得知。”石勇、李立分投去了。

宋江问刘唐道：“你们如何得知，来这里救我？”刘唐答道：“哥哥前脚下得山来，晁头领与吴军师放心不下，便叫戴院长随即下来探听哥哥下落。晁头领又自己放心不下，再着我等众人前来接应，只恐哥哥倘有些疏失。半路里撞见戴宗道：‘两个贼驴追赶捕捉哥哥。’晁头领大怒，分付戴宗去山寨，只教留下吴军师、公孙胜、阮家三弟兄、吕方、郭盛 、朱贵、白胜看守寨栅，其馀兄弟都教来此间寻赶哥哥。听得人说道：‘赶宋江入还道村去了。’村口守把的这厮们尽数杀了，不留一个，只有这几个奔进村里来。随即李大哥追来，我等都赶入来。不想哥哥在这里！”说犹未了，石勇引将晁盖、花荣、秦明、黄信、薛永、蒋敬、马麟到来，李立引将李俊、穆弘、张横、张顺、穆春、侯健、萧让、金大坚一行，众多好汉都相见了。宋江作谢众位头领。晁盖道：“我叫贤弟不须亲自下山，不听愚兄之言，险些儿又做出来。”宋江道：“小可兄弟只为父亲这一事，悬肠挂肚，坐卧不安，不由宋江不来取。”晁盖道：“好教贤弟欢喜，令尊并令弟家眷，我先叫戴宗引杜迁、宋万、王矮虎、郑天寿、童威、童猛送去，已到山寨中了。”宋江听得大喜，拜谢晁盖道：“若得仁兄如此施恩，宋江死亦无怨。”晁盖、宋江俱各欢喜，与众头领各各上马，离了还道村口。宋江在马上以手加额，望空顶礼，称谢：“神明庇佑之力，容日专当拜还心愿。”有诗为证：

且喜馀生得命归，剥床深喜脱灾非。

仰天祝谢仁晁盖，暗把家园载得回。

且说一行人马离了还道村，径回梁山泊来。吴学究领了守山头领，直到金沙滩，都来迎接着。到得大寨聚义厅上，众好汉都相见了。宋江问道：“老父何在？”晁盖便叫：“请宋太公出来。”不多时，铁扇子宋清策着一乘山轿，抬着宋太公到来。众人扶策下轿，上厅来。宋江见了，喜从天降，笑逐颜开。宋江再拜道：“老父惊恐！宋江做了不孝之子，负累了父亲吃惊受怕！”宋太公道：“叵耐赵能那厮弟兄两个，每日拨人来守定了我们，只待江州公文到来，便要捉取我父子二人解送官司。听得你在庄后敲门，此时已有八九个土兵在前面草厅上，续后不见了，不知怎地赶出去了。到三更时候，又有二百馀人把庄门开了，将我搭扶上轿抬了，教你兄弟四郎收拾了箱笼，放火烧了庄院。那时不由我问个缘由，径来到这里。”宋江道：“今日父子团圆相见，皆赖众兄弟之力也！”叫兄弟宋清拜谢了众头领。晁盖众人都来参见宋太公已毕，一面杀牛宰马，且做庆喜筵席，作贺宋公明父子团圆。当日尽醉方散，次日又排筵宴贺喜，大小头领尽皆欢喜。

第三日，又做筵席，庆贺宋江父子完聚。忽然感动公孙胜一个念头，思忆老母在蓟州，离家日久，未知如何。众人饮酒之时，只见公孙胜起身对众头领说道：“感蒙众位豪杰相带贫道许多时，恩同骨肉。只是小道自从跟随着晁头领到山，逐日宴乐，一向不曾还乡。蓟州老母在彼，亦恐我真人本师悬望，欲待回乡省视一遭。暂别众头领，三五个月再回来相见，以满小道之愿，免致老母挂念悬望之心。”晁盖道：“向日已闻先生所言，令堂在北方无人侍奉。今既如此说时，难以阻当，只是不忍分别。虽然要行，只是来日相送。”公孙胜谢了，当日尽醉方散，各自归帐内安歇。次日早，就关下排了筵席，与公孙胜饯行。其日众头领都在关下送路。

且说公孙胜依旧做云游道士打扮了，腰里腰包、肚包，背上雌雄宝剑，肩胛上挂着棕笠，手中拿把鳖壳扇，便下山来。众头领接住，就关下筵席，各各把盏送别。饯行已遍，晁盖道：“一清先生，此去难留，却不可失信。本是不容先生去，只是老尊堂在上，不敢阻当。百日之外，专望鹤驾降临，切不可爽约。”公孙胜道：“重蒙列位头领看待许久，小道岂敢失信。回家参过本师真人，安顿了老母，便回山寨。”宋江道：“先生何不将带几个人去，一发就搬取老尊堂上山，早晚也得侍奉。”公孙胜道：“老母平生只爱清幽，吃不得惊唬，因此不敢取来。家中自有田产山庄，老母自能料理。小道只去省视一遭便来，再得聚义。”宋江道：“既然如此，专听尊命。只望早早降临为幸！”晁盖取出一盘黄白之资相送。公孙胜道：“不消许多，但只要三分足矣。”晁盖定教收了一半，打拴在腰包里，打个稽首，别了众人，过金沙滩便行，望蓟州去了。

众头领席散，却待上山，只见黑旋风李逵就关下放声大哭起来。宋江连忙问道：“兄弟，你如何烦恼？”李逵哭道：“干鸟气么！这个也去取爷，那个也去望娘，偏铁牛是土掘坑里钻出来的！”晁盖便问道：“你如今待要怎地？”李逵道：“我只有一个老娘在家里，我的哥哥又在别人家做长工，如何养得我娘快乐？我要去取他来这里，快乐几时也好。”晁盖道：“李逵说的是。我差几个人同你去取了上山来，也是十分好事。”宋江便道：“使不得！李家兄弟生性不好，回乡去必然有失。若是教人和他去，亦是不好。况且他性如烈火，到路上必有冲撞。他又在江州杀了许多人，那个不认得他是黑旋风。这几时官司如何不行移文书到那里了？必然原籍追捕。你又形貌凶恶，倘有疏失，路程遥远，如何得知。你且过几时，打听得平静了，去取未迟。”李逵焦躁，叫道：“哥哥，你也是个不平心的人！你的爷便要取上山来快活，我的娘由他在村里受苦。兀的不是气破了铁牛的肚子！”宋江道：“兄弟，你不要焦躁。既是要去取娘，只依我三件事，便放你去。”李逵道：“你且说那三件事？”

宋江点两个指头，说出这三件事来。有分教：李逵去高山顶上，杀一窝猛兽毒虫；沂水县中，损几个生灵性命。直使施为撼地摇天手，来斗巴山跳涧虫。毕竟宋江对李逵说出那三件事来，且听下回分解。

[1] 肭（nǜ）——同“朒”。扭伤，折伤。

[2] 螺髻——螺蛳形的发髻。

[3] 祗（zhī）受——恭敬的接受。

[4] 紫府——神话传说：神仙住的地方，叫做紫府。后文的“琼楼金阙”，义同。

CHAPTER 41. Heavenly Books Received at Huan Dao Village; Song Jiang Meets the Mystic Goddess of Heaven

WHILE dining one day Song Jiang addressed the bandit leaders as follows: “I am greatly indebted to you for saving my life and receiving me on your mountain. We have been feasting merrily here now for several days, but I do not know how my father is feeling at home. As a result of the affair at Jiangzhou, I expect that instructions have been sent to Yuncheng County for the arrest of my father and family. In that case the worst may happen to him, but I have no information here about it. I think I had better bring my father here, and then I shall no longer be anxious about him. Would you gentlemen allow me to go on that important business?”

“This is an important matter relating to the affection between son and father,” said Chao Gai. “We are all enjoying ourselves here so how could we allow your father to be in misery at home? Of course we must allow you to go home. But we have recently had a busy time, and we have not yet quite fixed up our quarters here. Within two days, however, we can summon a band of soldiers to go to bring your father here.”

“It sounds all right to wait for a few days,” said Song Jiang, “but I am afraid that a summons has already been dispatched from Jiangzhou for the arrest of my father. The sooner I go the better it will be. There is no need for many men to go with me, because I can go secretly, and bring my father here without a single person getting to know about it. If I took many men on such an expedition the people would be startled, and afraid, and it would be difficult to do the business.”

“Brother, if you travel alone you would have no assistance in case of trouble,” said Chao Gai.

“Shall I die for my father’s sake I would not regret it,” said Song Jiang.

They would not agree to let him go that day, but as Song Jiang was determined they at last gave him a felt hat, a sword, and a stick, and accompanied him down the mountain where he departed by himself.

He crossed the lake, and started on the road to Yuncheng County, and when not far from that place he stayed one night at an inn. The next morning he arose early, and arrived at the village quite early. But as it was daylight he hid in a wood for the nightfall when he went to his village. When he knocked at the door of his father’s home the door was opened by his brother Song Qing who was startled to see him and hurriedly spoke, “Elder brother, why have you returned?”

“I have come to take both you and my father away,” replied Song Jiang.

“Everybody here knows of your affair at Jiangzhou,” said Song Qing. “The magistrate sends two Inspectors here every day to see that we do not leave, and as soon as a dispatch arrives from Jiangzhou we shall be arrested, and locked up in prison. We shall wait there until you are arrested. Both day and night there are about two hundred soldiers patrolling near our house. You must go at once to Liangshan Marsh, and ask the brigands to come here immediately to rescue our father.”

When Song Jiang heard this he was startled, and had a cold sweat all over his body. He dared not enter the house, but at once departed on the road to Liangshan Marsh. That night the moon gave a dim light, and it was not easy to see the footpath. He decided to travel by small bypaths on his way back. He had only been walking for about two hours when he heard behind him the noise of many men. He turned round, and saw many torchlights about half a li away, and even heard one man shout, “Don’t let Song Jiang escape.” He went on his way and thought, “I am in trouble now because I did not listen to Chao Gai’s advice. May Heaven have pity on me and rescue me.” Just then the wind blew the clouds away, and there was bright moonlight. He recognized the place which he was approaching. It was a small village called Huan Dao, and was surrounded by high mountains which made it difficult in traveling. Below the mountain there was a stream, and a footpath which was the only way, wherever one approached the village. He wanted to avoid this place, and turned to find another way, but the men close behind prevented him from returning as near them the fields were well illuminated by the torchlights. He therefore went forward, now looking for a spot where he could hide. He came to a wood in which he noticed a temple, so he went there pushed open the door, and looked round inside for a hiding place. He could not find a suitable place in the buildings either at the front or the rear of the temple, and he was getting quite anxious. Just then he heard a man outside call out, “We must all go inside this temple,” and he recognized the voice of Inspector Zhao Neng. In the room where he happened to be was a shrine so he raised the curtain and went inside the niche. There he crouched, trembling with fear. The men were now inside the temple, and were searching in the rooms with their torchlights. Song Jiang thought, “I am evidently in a tight corner, and must pray to the gods for protection.” He did this and the men went away one after the other, without looking in his hiding place. “Heaven has had pity on me!” he thought, but Inspector Zhao De had not yet left the room, and he now raised the curtain, and looked inside the niche. Song Jiang was terrified. However there was so much smoke from the torchlights and dust on the curtain that Zhao De got some in his eyes, and he could not see clearly. He threw his torch on the ground, stamped out the flame, and then going outside said to his men, “The fellow is not in the temple. But where can he have got to as there is no other path?”

“He must be hiding in the woods,” said a soldier. “He cannot escape from this place, and he cannot go up the mountain. We had better guard the road, and even he can fly he cannot get away. We can wait until daybreak, and then make a thorough search.”

Inspector Zhao De agreed to this, and led his soldiers out of the temple.

“The gods have protected me. If they save my life this time I will certainly rebuild the temple and images,” said Song Jiang to himself. He heard a soldier outside said, “He must be here.” Zhao Neng, Zhao De, and the soldiers again entered the temple. Song Jiang was again trembling with fear.

“Where is he?” asked inspector Zhao Neng to the soldier.

“Inspector,” replied the soldier, “look at these marks of hands on the door. They were made by somebody who pushed open the door to get into the temple.”

“That is so,” said inspector Zhao Neng. “We must make another careful search.”

The soldiers again went all over the temple looking carefully, but without any result. The men then made a search in the room where Song Jiang was, but when they lifted the curtain in front of the niche there arose a big wind which blew out their torches, and made everything as black as night.

“What a strange thing!” exclaimed inspector Zhao Neng. “The spirit of the Goddess must be here, and she rebukes us in this way for searching in her temple. We must go away at once. We will guard the road till daybreak and then come back.”

“But that is the only place in the whole temple that has not been properly searched,” said Inspector Zhao De. He took a spear, and was stepping forward when there was a great gust of wind outside the temple which shook the building, and hurled stones about. A dark cloud now filled the room. It was very cold, and hair stood on end. They were horror-stricken. Inspector Zhao Neng gave the order for all to leave as the Goddess was offended. The men all left hurriedly, and when outside the temple they ran for their lives.

Song Jiang, although still afraid, could not avoid laughing at this. But he realized his position. “Those fellows have failed to find me, but they still guard the path.” While he was still thinking he heard the steps of people approaching from behind. “Further trouble!” he thought. “I cannot get away!” Looking round the curtain he saw two little figures dressed in blue clothes who said, “We have been commissioned by the Goddess to invite you.” Song Jiang dared not speak, and the figures continued, “You may now proceed.” Song Jiang dared not move, and the figures repeated, “Star Lord Song, you need have no further suspicion. The Goddess has waited a long time for you.”

Song Jiang knew by the tender tone of the voices that these must not be males so he emerged from under the chair of the idol, and looking out he was astonished to see that they were two young maids with blue clothing, resembling the two images made of mud. He heard a voice outside say, “Star Lord Song, the Goddess calls for you.” He pulled the curtain to one side, and then saw that the two figures had hair twisted round on the tops of their head; they were standing in a proper, respectful attitude, and had their hands raised in saluting position. He asked, “Where are you two fairies from?”

“We have been sent here by the Mystic Goddess to invite you Star Lord to come to the Heavenly Palace,” said Little Blue Clothes.

“There must be some mistake. My name is Song Jiang, I am not a ‘Star Lord.’”

Little Blue Clothes replied, “Why mistake? You may now go. The Goddess has waited for you a long time.”

“What Goddess?” asked Song Jiang. “I have not worshiped and known before so how dare I go now?”

“If you go there you will soon know her. You need not inquire any further about her,” said Little Blue Clothes.

“Where does the Goddess live?” asked Song Jiang.

“In a palace at the back of this temple,” replied Little Blue Clothes. The two figures moved off, and Song Jiang followed them. They left the temple, and turning a corner they came to a door in a wall. “Star Lord Song, you may enter through this door,” said Little Blue Clothes. They entered, and Song Jiang looked round. The sky was studded with stars, and the breeze was fragrant. There were many trees and bamboos on all sides. He thought, “If I had known of this place before I would have come here to hide, and not have faced all those dangers in the temple.” As he advanced he noticed that there were fragrant flowers on both sides of the path, with fir trees of huge dimensions. The path was very smooth, and bore markings like those on the back of a tortoise. He thought, “I did not expect to find such a delightful place behind the old temple.” They had not gone very far when he heard the sound of flowing water, and soon came to a bridge made of blue stone, with red balustrades. They crossed this, and on both banks of the stream were numerous strange flowers and grasses; deep green firs; luxuriant bamboos; weeping willows; peach trees with red flowers. The water below was as pure as silver and snow, and evidently flowed from a cave in the rocks. Across the bridge was a long avenue of strange trees leading to a vermilion red starred gate. Upon entering that Song Jiang looked upward, and saw a palace. He thought, “I was born and brought up at Yuncheng County, but I never heard of this place.” He was rather afraid, and dared not go any further. Little Blue Clothes urged him to go forward, and they entered the gate. There was a path, now, with dragons carved on the stones, and this led to the hall with large vermilion red pillars on the veranda and richly embroidered curtains hanging between the pillars. In the hall were many lanterns which gave a very brilliant light. Little Blue Clothes went up the dragon carved stone slope, on to the veranda where there were many other Little Blue Clothes who said, “The Goddess requests the Star Lord to enter.” Song Jiang was now trembling with fear, and his hair was standing on end. The flags of the floor bore imperial designs of dragons and phoenixes.

Little Blue Clothes went inside the curtain and announced, “Star Lord Song Jiang has arrived, and is waiting outside.” Song Jiang bowed his head and saluting said, “I am only a mortal from the earth and have not made the acquaintance of the gods. I pray for your pity, and that you will bestow grace upon me.”

A voice inside the screen called out, “Request Song Jiang to be seated.” He dared not raise his head. The four little blue-clothed maids brought an embroidered cushion, and he had to sit down quite uneasily. The voice inside again called out, “Roll up the curtain.” The Little Blue Clothes did this, and hooked the curtain up.

The Goddess spoke, “Star Lord, have you been well since we parted?”

Song Jiang replied, “I am only a mortal, and dare not even look at your divine person.”

“As you are here you need not stand on any ceremony,” said the Goddess. So Song Jiang raised his head, and saw a large hall filled with glittering articles of gold and jade, with lanterns of dragon and phoenix designs (i.e., imperial symbols). On both sides were Little Blue Clothes with audience tablets in their hands, and holding aloft banners, umbrellas, and fans. In the center of the hall was a couch ornamented with dragon designs and precious stones, and there sat the Goddess. She wore a dark crimson silk robe embroidered with golden threads, and was holding a jade scepter. She had admirable eyes, and a general fairy-like appearance. She said, “Star Lord, you are here by my invitation.” She then gave an order for wine to be served, and Little Blue Clothes at once brought it in a precious porcelain vase ornamented with lotus flowers. The chief of the Little Blue Clothes offered a cup of wine to Song Jiang, who dared not refuse it. He arose, took the cup, and facing the Mystic Goddess he drank the wine. The wine was very fragrant, and he had the sensation of his heart being sprinkled with pure dew. Another Little Blue Clothes came forward with a tray of dates, and offered them to him. He was afraid of committing a breach of etiquette, so he tremblingly took just one single date off the tray, munched it slowly, and kept the stone in his hand when finished. Another cup of wine was now offered to him, and he again drank. The Mystic Goddess ordered that more wine be offered, and he drank the third cup. He also partook of two more dates in the same way as before. He now felt slightly intoxicated, and being more afraid of committing a breach of etiquette, he kowtowed, and said, “I do not drink much wine usually, and I request that you do not press me further with your delicious fragrant nectar.”

The Mystic Goddess issued an order, “As the Star Lord does not want any more wine, do not offer it. Let the Three Heavenly Books be bestowed on him.”

A Little Blue Clothes went behind a screen, and returned with a tray on which was a bundle made of imperial yellow silk containing the Three Heavenly Books which were offered to Song Jiang. The bundle was about five by three inches, and Song Jiang bowed in accepting it, and placed it in his sleeve.

The Mystic Goddess said, “Star Lord Song, I have given you three volumes of the Heavenly Books, and in future you can act as the agent of Heaven. In all affairs be honest and upright. In official affairs support the Emperor and bring peace to the people. When affairs are wrong rectify them. Do not forget this, but do not disclose the source of it to anyone.”

Song Jiang bowed, and signified his obedience to these orders. The Mystic Goddess continued, “Because your mind is still depraved, and you have not yet completed the journey fit for your soul, the Jade Emperor has decreed that you must continue your life on the earth. Now live there a good life, and in a short time you will go to Heaven. If you do evil things you will go to Hell, and I cannot save you from that. Read, mark, and inwardly digest the truths contained in those three Heavenly Books. Nobody but the Secret Star may ever see those books. When you have completed your meritorious duties then burn the books so that those who come after you may not get them. Heaven and Earth are wide apart, and as you cannot stay here long you had better return to earth at once.” She then ordered the Little Blue Clothes to conduct him back to the earth. Her last sentence was: “We shall meet again at the Imperial Palace in Heaven some other day.”

Song Jiang thanked her, and then followed two Little Blue Clothes out of the Star Gate of the Palace. When they reached the blue stone bridge the Little Blue Clothes said, “You have had a shocking experience, but you were protected by the Mystic Goddess so that you were not arrested by the soldiers. It will soon be daybreak when all the danger will have passed with the darkness. Star Lord, look over the balustrades, and watch the two dragons playing in the water.”

Song Jiang did this, and saw the dragons. While he was doing so the two Little Blue Clothes pushed him over the balustrades into the water and he suddenly awakened as though from a dream.

Looking round he saw that he was back in the temple and from the position of the moon that it was after midnight. He noticed that he had three date stones in his hand, and feeling inside his sleeve found the Three Heavenly Books there. He had a distinct flavor in his mouth of the fragrant wine. He thought, “What a strange dream! But was it a dream, or the real thing? If it was a dream, how about these books, date stones, and the flavor of wine? I remember so clearly all that she said, and can never forget it. But if I have been asleep all this time in the temple this idol must have great spiritual powers. What is the name of this idol, I wonder?” He raised the curtain, and looked at the idol. It was the image of a beautiful woman just like the Mystic Goddess he had seen. “As the Mystic Goddess called me ‘Star Lord,’ it is evident that in my former life I was a very important person. I must make use of these Heavenly Books, and not forget what I was told so clearly. The Little Blue Clothes said there would be no danger after daybreak, and as it is quite daylight now, I will go and look round.” He stretched his hand into the niche, and took his short stick. He brushed the dust off his clothes, and then slowly walked on to the veranda of the temple. Looking upwards he saw a board over the door with the characters: “Taoist Temple of the Mystic Goddess.” He saluted with both hands raised, and exclaimed, “What a pity! But as the Mystic Goddess of Heaven has saved my life and presented me with these Heavenly Books, I will certainly return here when I have made my fortune and will put all things in good condition. I hope that the Goddess will condescend to protect me in the future.” This done he cautiously left the temple and made his way towards the entrance to the village. He had not gone far when he heard a great noise in the distance. He thought, “Another calamity! I will stay here. If I go forward they will arrest me. I had better hide in these bushes at the side of the road.” He did this, and then saw a great many soldiers hurrying into the wood along the road out of breath, and calling out, “May the Gods spare our lives!” Hiding behind the trunk of a tree, he thought this was very strange. “Why have they come here to arrest me instead of waiting at the entrance to the village as they said they would?” Looking again, he saw inspector Zhao Neng who was also exclaiming, “Ye Gods! Ye Gods! Save me!” Song Jiang thought, “But why are they hurrying along and making such a noise?” Just then he noticed a big man in the rear who was evidently chasing the soldiers. His breast was bare, and he carried an axe in each hand. He called out, “Stop you damned pricks!” As he came nearer, Song Jiang recognized him as Li Kui, “Black Whirlwind.” Song Jiang thought, “Is not this another dream? I cannot leave this spot however.” Just then he saw that Inspector Zhao Neng had tripped over the root of a fir tree, and had fallen to the ground. Li Kui rushed forward, and planted his foot on inspector Zhao Neng. He raised his axe to deal the death blow. Just at that moment he saw two men after him—Ou Peng and Tao Zongwang—who were armed with halberds, and being afraid that they were coming to get credit for killing his prisoner he at once brought his axe down and chopped Inspector Zhao Neng in half. The soldiers seeing this scattered in all directions. Yet Song Jiang did not dare to leave his hiding place. He saw three other big men coming along, and when they were closer he recognized Liu Tang, Shi Yong, and Li Li. One of them said, “We have scattered the troops, but where is Song Jiang? What shall we do now?”

Shi Yong exclaimed, “Look! There is a man hiding behind that tree.”

Song Jiang came out, and said, “I am much obliged to you brothers for again saving my life. How can I ever repay you?”

They were all much pleased at seeing him, and immediately Li Li and Shi Yong went off to inform Chao Gai.

“How did you know that I had come this way?” asked Song Jiang.

Liu Tang replied, “When you had left the mountain Chao Gai and Wu Yong were much worried about you and dispatched Dai Zong to find out what way you had gone. But even then Chao Gai was still anxious, and dispatched us to support Dai Zong in case you were in any danger. On the way we met Dai Zong who said that there were two Inspectors who were trying to arrest you. When Chao Gai heard this he was very angry and sent Dai Zong to Liangshan Marsh to get a large body of men to come and rescue you. When near here a man on the road told us that you had gone to this village. So we came here, and met the soldiers whom we attacked, and killed many of them. Li Kui chased many soldiers in this direction and we followed him. We had no idea that you were here.”

Just then Shi Yong returned with about seven of the leaders and Chao Gai who were all pleased te see Song Jiang.

Chao Gai said, “You would not listen to my advice, but left the mountain unattended. If we had not arrived you would have been in a dangerous position.”

“As I was anxious about my father’s safety,” said Song Jiang, “I could not stay.”

“I will tell you now some good news,” said Chao Gai. “I gave orders for Dai Zong and other leaders to get your father and brother, and they have escorted them to Liangshan Marsh.”

Song Jiang was exceedingly pleased at hearing this, and saluted Chao Gai, “Sir, you have done me a great favor, and I shall never forget it in my life.”

They then all mounted their horses, and returned from the Huan Dao Village. Song Jiang rode with his hands in a praying position as he was expressing thanks to the gods for his marvelous escape, and promising that he would make sacrifice later as a thank offering. They all duly reached Liangshan Marsh without any further incident. Upon reaching the stronghold Song Jiang met his father and brother at the main hall, and was exceedingly pleased to see them again. He said, “Father, I have been an unfilial son and caused so much trouble to you.”

“That hateful fellow Zhao Neng came every day to see that we did not escape,” said Old Song. “He was only waiting for a letter to arrive from Jiangzhou then he would have arrested us and taken us to prison. When I heard you knocking at the back door I knew that there were about nine soldiers in front of the house. But they disappeared afterwards. At midnight there came about a hundred men who forced open the gate of our farmyard. They forced me to enter a sedan chair, and told your brother to take with us some things. They then set the farmyard on fire. They took us here without allowing me to inquire who they were or where they were going.”

“Today we are all united together again,” said Song Jiang, “owing to the exertions of our brothers at this place.” He then told his younger brother to salute and thank Chao Gai and the other leaders for their timely action. After this, Chao Gai and the leaders all paid their respects to Old Song. They then all sat down to a great feast to celebrate the union of the father and the son.

On the third day of this feasting Gongsun Sheng recollected that his mother was still at Jizhou in Zhili province, and that he had not heard from her for a long time. During a feast Gongsun Sheng stood up, and addressed the assembly, “I am grateful to you heroes for your kind treatment to me. Since my arrival here we have had many glorious feasts and much pleasure, but all this time I have never once been home to see my mother. I am afraid that my old Taoist teacher will be anxiously thinking of me so I request that you will allow me to leave you for five months so that I can go and see how things are at home.”

“I have heard you say before that your mother was in the North,” said Chao Gai, “but as you mention this matter today we cannot stand in your way. If you will wait till tomorrow we will arrange matters for your departure.”

Gongsun Sheng thanked Chao Gai for granting leave. The next day a special farewell meal was arranged in honor of him. He wore his old Taoist priest robe, with a palm hat. On his back were two swords, and in his hand he carried a fly brush. All the leaders were assembled, and they all drank him toast.

Chao Gai finally spoke to him, “Do not break your promise about returning to us. We would rather not allow you go and we are only allowing you to go because of your anxiety about your mother. After a hundred days we shall be looking forward to your return.”

“How dare I break my promise to you when you have treated me so liberally?” said Gongsun Sheng. “When I have visited my Taoist teacher and made proper arrangement for my mother I will return here at once.”

“Would it not be better if you took some men with you so that you could bring your mother to our mountain here?” asked Song Jiang.

“My mother likes to live a quiet life,” said Gongsun Sheng, “and hates any bustle. She won’t agree to come here. We have fields and houses, and my mother prefers to stay and attend to those matters. I will just visit them, and then rejoin you here.”

“In that case we will do as you wish,” said Song Jiang. “We hope that it will not be long before we see you again.”

Chao Gai presented Gongsun Sheng with a quantity of gold and silver to cover his traveling expenses, and the latter said, “I do not want so much.” He only took half, and placed it in his belt. He then took his leave and departed.

He had just left when Li Kui, the “Black Whirlwind,” entered the main gate crying loudly. “What is the trouble about?” asked Song Jiang.

“I am very angry,” said Li Kui. “People bring their fathers here, while others go to see their mothers. I didn’t come out from under the damned earth without father and mother!”

“Well, what is your idea?” asked Chao Gai.

“I have a mother at home,” said Li Kui. “My elder brother works as a servant at another house, and cannot do much to support my mother. If I bring her here to enjoy her life I should feel much more contented.”

“You are right,” said Chao Gai, “I will let you have some men to go with you and bring your mother here.”

“That won’t do,” said Song Jiang. “Li Kui has a bad temper, and should he return to his native village it would cause some trouble. If you sent men with Li Kui that would also not do as he has a fiery disposition, and would make some disturbance on the way. He killed many men at Jiangzhou, and everybody knows that he is the ‘Black Whirlwind.’ There will be a warrant out for his arrest. To look at his face would be enough to arouse suspicions anywhere. He would have a long way to go, and in case of danger how could we help him? You had better stay here until matters have settled down a bit, and then perhaps you could go in safety.”

Li Kui was vexed at this, and said, “Elder brother, you are most unfair. You got your father to come here for safety, while my mother is to remain at home in misery. It makes me so angry that my stomach is quite upset.”

“Younger brother, do not get vexed,” said Song Jiang. “You can go if you will comply with three conditions.”

The hand that shook mountains

Fought tigers with boldness.