第四十七回

第四十七回 扑天雕双修生死书 宋公明一打祝家庄

诗曰：

聪明遭折挫，狡狯失便宜。

损人终有报，倚势必遭危。

良善为身福，刚强是祸基。

直饶三杰勇，难犯宋江威。

话说当时杨雄扶起那人来，叫与石秀相见。石秀便问道：“这位兄长是谁？”杨雄道：“这个兄弟姓杜名兴，祖贯是中山府人氏。因为他面颜生得粗莽，以此人都唤他做鬼脸儿。上年间做买卖来到蓟州，因一口气上打死了同伙的客人，吃官司监在蓟州府里。杨雄见他说起拳棒都省得，一力维持，救了他，不想今日在此相会。”杜兴便问道：“恩人为何公干来到这里？”杨雄附耳低言道：“我在蓟州杀了人命，欲要投梁山泊去入伙。昨晚在祝家店投宿，因同一个来的伙伴时迁偷了他店里报晓鸡吃，一时与店小二闹将起来，性起把他店屋放火都烧了。我三个连夜逃走，不提防背后赶来。我弟兄两个杀翻了他几个，不想乱草中间舒出两把挠钩，把时迁搭了去。我两个乱撞到此，正要问路，不想遇见贤弟。”杜兴道：“恩人不要慌，我教放时迁还你。”杨雄道：“贤弟少坐，同饮一杯。”三人坐下。当时饮酒，杜兴便道：“小弟自从离了蓟州，多得恩人的恩惠，来到这里。感承此间一个大官人见爱，收录小弟在家中做个主管，每日拨万论千，尽托付杜兴身上，以此不想回乡去。”杨雄道：“此间大官人是谁？”杜兴道：“此间独龙冈前面有三座山冈，列着三个村坊：中间是祝家庄，西边是扈家庄，东边是李家庄。这三处庄上，三村里算来总有一二万军马人等。惟有祝家庄最豪杰，为头家长唤做祝朝奉，有三个儿子，名为祝氏三杰：长子祝龙，次子祝虎，三子祝彪。又有一个教师，唤做铁棒栾廷玉，此人有万夫不当之勇。庄上自有一二千了得的庄客。西边有个扈家庄，庄主扈太公，有个儿子唤做飞天虎扈成，也十分了得。惟有一个女儿最英雄，名唤一丈青扈三娘，使两口日月双刀，马上如法了得。这里东村庄上，却是杜兴的主人，姓李名应，能使一条浑铁点钢枪，背藏飞刀五口，百步取人，神出鬼没。这三村结下生死誓愿，同心共意，但有吉凶，递相救应。惟恐梁山泊好汉过来借粮，因此三村准备下抵敌他。如今小弟引二位到庄上见了李大官人，求书去搭救时迁。”杨雄又问道：“你那李大官人，莫不是江湖上唤扑天雕的李应？”杜兴道：“正是他。”石秀道：“江湖上只听得说独龙冈有个扑天雕李应是好汉，却原来在这里。多闻他真个了得，是好男子，我们去走一遭。”杨雄便唤酒保计算酒钱。杜兴那里肯要他还，便自招了酒钱。三个离了村店，便引杨雄、石秀来到李家庄上。杨雄看时，真个好大庄院。外面周回一遭阔港，粉墙傍岸，有数百株合抱不交的大柳树，门外一座吊桥，接着庄门。入得门来到厅前，两边有二十馀座枪架，明晃晃的都插满军器。杜兴道：“两位哥哥在此少等，待小弟入去报知，请大官人出来相见。”杜兴入去不多时，只见李应从里面出来。杨雄、石秀看时，果然好表人物。有《临江仙》词为证：

鹘眼鹰睛头似虎，燕颔猿臂狼腰。疏财仗义结英豪。爱骑雪白马，喜着绛红袍。 背上飞刀藏五把，点钢枪斜嵌银条。性刚谁敢犯分毫。李应真壮士，名号扑天雕。

当时李应出到厅前，杜兴引杨雄、石秀上厅拜见。李应连忙答礼，便教上厅请坐。杨雄、石秀再三谦让，方才坐了。李应便叫取酒来且相待。杨雄、石秀两个再拜道：“望乞大官人致书与祝家庄，求救时迁性命，生死不敢有忘。”李应教请门馆先生来商议，修了一封书缄，填写名讳，使个图书印记，便差一个副主管赍了，备一匹快马，星火去祝家庄取这个人来。那副主管领了东人书札，上马去了。杨雄、石秀拜谢罢，李应道：“二位壮士放心，小人书去，便当放来。”杨雄、石秀又谢了。李应道：“且请去后堂，少叙三杯等待。”两个随进里面，就具早膳相待。饭罢，吃了茶，李应问些枪法，见杨雄、石秀说的有理，心中甚喜。

巳牌时分，那个副主管回来，李应唤到后堂问道：“去取的这人在那里？”主管答道：“小人亲见朝奉下了书，倒有放还之心。后来走出祝氏三杰，反焦躁起来，书也不回，人也不放，定要解上州去。”李应失惊道：“他和我三家村里结生死之交，书到便当依允，如何恁地起来？必是你说得不好，以致如此！杜兴，你须自去走一遭，亲见祝朝奉，说个仔细缘由。”杜兴道：“小人愿去。只求东人亲笔书缄，到那里方才肯放。”李应道：“说得是。”急取一幅花笺纸来，李应亲自写了书札，封皮面上使一个讳字图书，把与杜兴接了。后槽牵过一匹快马，备上鞍辔，拿了鞭子，便出庄门，上马加鞭，奔祝家庄去了。李应道：“二位放心，我这封亲笔书去，少刻定当放还兄弟相见。”杨雄、石秀深谢了，留在后堂，饮酒等待。

看看天色待晚，不见杜兴回来。李应心中疑惑，再教人去接，只见庄客报道：“杜主管回来了。”李应问道：“几个人回来？”庄客道：“只是主管独自一个跑马回来。”李应摇着头道：“却又作怪！往常这厮不是这等兜搭，今日缘何恁地？”杨雄、石秀都跟出前厅来看时，只见杜兴下了马，入得庄门，见他模样，气得紫涨了面皮，半晌说不的话。杜兴怒气时，有诗为证：

怪眼圆睁谁敢近，神眉剔竖果难当。

生来长在中山府，鬼脸英雄性最刚。

李应出到前厅，连忙问道：“你且说备细缘故，怎么地来？”杜兴道：“小人赍了东人书呈，到他那里第三重门下，却好遇见祝龙、祝虎、祝彪弟兄三个坐在那里。小人声了三个喏，祝彪喝道：‘你又来做甚么？’小人躬身禀道：‘东人有书在此拜上。’祝彪那厮变了脸，骂道：‘你那主人恁地不晓人事！早晌使个泼男女来这里下书，要讨那个梁山泊贼人时迁。如今我正要解上州里去，又来怎地？’小人说道：‘这个时迁不是梁山泊人数，他自是蓟州来的客人，今投敝庄东人。不想误烧了官人店屋，明日东人自当依旧盖还。万望高抬贵手，宽恕宽恕。’祝家三个都叫道：‘不还，不还！’小人又道：‘官人请看，东人书札在此。’祝彪那厮接过书去，也不拆开来看，就手扯的粉碎，喝叫把小人直叉出庄门。祝彪、祝虎发话道：‘休要惹老爷们性发，把你那李应捉来，也做梁山泊强寇解了去。’小人本不敢尽言，实被那三个畜生无礼，把东人百般秽骂，便喝叫庄客来拿小人，被小人飞马走了。于路上气死小人！叵耐那厮，枉与他许多年结生死之交，今日全无些仁义！”

那李应听罢，怒从心上起，恶向胆边生，心头那把无明业火高举三千丈，按纳不下，大呼庄客：“快备我那马来！”杨雄、石秀谏道：“大官人息怒。休为小人们坏了贵处义气。”李应那里肯听，便去房中披上一副黄金锁子甲，前后兽面掩心，穿一领大红袍，背胯边插着飞刀五把，拿了点钢枪，戴上凤翅盔，出到庄前，点起三百悍勇庄客。杜兴也披一副甲，持把枪上马，带领二十馀骑马军。杨雄、石秀也抓扎起，挺着朴刀，跟着李应的马，径奔祝家庄来。日渐衔山时分，早到独龙冈前，但将人马排开。原来祝家庄又盖得好，占着这座独龙山冈，四下一遭阔港。那庄正造在冈上，有三层城墙，都是顽石垒砌的，约高二丈。前后两座庄门，两条吊桥。墙里四边都盖窝铺[1]，四下里遍插着枪刀军器，门楼上排着战鼓铜锣。李应勒马在庄前大骂：“祝家三子，怎敢毁谤老爷！”只见庄门开处，拥出五六十骑马来。当先一骑似火炭赤的马上，坐着祝朝奉第三子祝彪出马。怎生打扮？

头戴缕金凤翅荷叶盔，身穿连环锁子梅花甲。腰悬一副弓和箭，手执二件刀与枪。马额下红缨如血染，宝镫边气焰似云霞。

当下李应见了祝彪，指着大骂道：“你这厮口边奶腥未退，头上胎发犹存。你爷与我结生死之交，誓愿同心共意，保护村坊。你家但有事情要取人时，早来早放，要取物件，无有不奉。我今一个平人，二次修书来讨，你如何扯了我的书札，耻辱我名，是何道理？”祝彪道：“俺家虽和你结生死之交，誓愿同心协意，共捉梁山泊反贼，扫清山寨。你如何却结连反贼，意在谋叛？”李应喝道：“你说他是梁山泊甚人？你这厮却冤平人做贼，当得何罪！”祝彪道：“贼人时迁已自招了，你休要在这里胡说乱道，遮掩不过！你去便去，不去时，连你捉了也做贼人解送。”李应大怒，拍坐下马，挺手中枪，便奔祝彪。两边擂起鼓来。祝彪纵马去战李应。两个就独龙冈前，一来一往，一上一下，斗了十七八合。祝彪战李应不过，拨回马便走，李应纵马赶将去。祝彪把枪横担在马上，左手拈弓，右手取箭，搭上箭，拽满弓，觑得较亲，背翻身一箭，李应急躲时，臂上早着。李应翻筋斗坠下马来，祝彪便勒转马来抢人。杨雄、石秀见了，大喝一声，拈两条朴刀，直奔祝彪马前杀将来。祝彪抵当不住，急勒回马便走，早被杨雄一朴刀戳在马后股上。那马负疼，壁直立起来，险些儿把祝彪掀在马下，却得随从马上的人都搭上箭射将来。杨雄、石秀见了，自思又无衣甲遮身，只得退回不赶。杜兴也自把李应救起，上马先去了。杨雄、石秀跟了众庄客也走了。祝家庄人马赶了二三里路，见天色晚来，也自回去了。

杜兴扶着李应，回到庄前，下了马，同入后堂坐，众宅眷都出来看视。拔了箭矢，伏侍卸了衣甲，便把金疮药敷了疮口，连夜在后堂商议。杨雄、石秀说道：“既是大官人被那厮无礼，又中了箭。非不效力，时迁亦不能勾出来。我弟兄两个，只得上梁山泊去恳告晁、宋二公并众头领，来与大官人报仇，就救时迁。”李应道：“非是我不用心，实出无奈。两位壮士，只得休怪！”叫杜兴取些金银相赠，杨雄、石秀那里肯受。李应道：“江湖之上，二位不必推却。”两个方才收受，拜辞了李应。杜兴送出村口，指与大路。杜兴作别了，自回李家庄，不在话下。

且说杨雄、石秀取路投梁山泊来，早望见远远一处新造的酒店，那酒旗儿直挑出来。两个入到店里买些酒吃，就问路程。这酒店却是梁山泊新添设做眼的酒店，正是石勇掌管。两个一面吃酒，一头动问酒保上梁山泊路程。石勇见他两个非常，便来答应道：“你两位客人从那里来？要问上山去怎地？”杨雄道：“我们从蓟州来。”石勇猛可想起道：“莫非足下是石秀么？”杨雄道：“我乃是杨雄，这个兄弟是石秀。大哥如何得知石秀名？”石勇慌忙道：“小子不认得。前者戴宗哥哥到蓟州回来，多曾称说兄长，闻名久矣。今得上山，且喜，且喜！”三个叙礼罢，杨雄、石秀把上件事都对石勇说了。石勇随即叫酒保置办分例酒来相待，推开后面水亭上窗子，拽起弓，放了一枝响箭。只见对港芦苇丛中，早有小喽啰摇过船来。石勇便邀二位上船，直送到鸭嘴滩上岸。石勇已自先使人上山去报知，早见戴宗、杨林下山来迎接，俱各叙礼罢，一同上至大寨里。

众头领知道有好汉上山，都来聚会，大寨坐下。戴宗、杨林引杨雄、石秀上厅参见晁盖、宋江并众头领。相见已罢，晁盖细问两个踪迹。杨雄、石秀把本身武艺、投托入伙先说了，众人大喜，让位而坐。杨雄渐渐说到：“有个来投托大寨同入伙的时迁，不合偷了祝家店里报晓鸡，一时争闹起来，石秀放火烧了他店屋，时迁被捉。李应二次修书去讨，怎当祝家三子坚执不放，誓愿要捉山寨里好汉，且又千般辱骂。叵耐那厮十分无礼！”不说万事皆休，才然说罢，晁盖大怒，喝叫：“孩儿们！将这两个与我斩讫报来！”正是：

杨雄石秀诉衷肠，可笑时迁行不臧。

惹得群雄齐发怒，兴兵三打祝家庄。

宋江慌忙劝道：“哥哥息怒！两个壮士不远千里而来，同心协助，如何却要斩他？”晁盖道：“俺梁山泊好汉，自从火并王伦之后，便以忠义为主，全施仁德于民。一个个兄弟下山去，不曾折了锐气。新旧上山的兄弟们，各各都有豪杰的光彩。这厮两个把梁山泊好汉的名目去偷鸡吃，因此连累我等受辱。今日先斩了这两个，将这厮首级去那里号令，便起军马去，就洗荡了那个村坊，不要输了锐气。如何？孩儿们，快斩了报来！”宋江劝住道：“不然！哥哥不听这两位贤弟却才所说，那个鼓上蚤时迁，他原是此等人，以致惹起祝家那厮来，岂是这二位贤弟要玷辱山寨。我也每每听得有人说，祝家庄那厮要和俺山寨敌对。即目山寨人马数多，钱粮缺少，非是我等要去寻他，那厮倒来吹毛求疵，因而正好乘势去拿那厮。若打得此庄，倒有三五年粮食。非是我们生事害他，其实那厮无礼。哥哥权且息怒，小可不才，亲领一支军马，启请几位贤弟们下山去打祝家庄。若不洗荡得那个村坊，誓不还山。一是与山寨报仇，不折了锐气；二乃免此小辈，被他耻辱；三则得许多粮食，以供山寨之用；四者就请李应上山入伙。”吴学究道：“兄长之言最好，岂可山寨自斩手足之人？”戴宗便道：“宁可斩了小弟，不可绝了贤路。”众头领力劝，晁盖方才免了二人。杨雄、石秀也自谢罪。宋江抚谕道：“贤弟休生异心！此是山寨号令，不得不如此。便是宋江，倘有过失，也须斩首，不敢容情。如今新近又立了铁面孔目裴宣做军政司，赏功罚罪，已有定例。贤弟只得恕罪，恕罪。”杨雄、石秀拜罢，谢罪已了，晁盖叫去坐于杨林之下。山寨里都唤小喽啰来参贺新头领已毕，一面杀牛宰马，且做庆喜筵席。拨定两所房屋，教杨雄、石秀安歇，每人拨十个小喽啰伏侍。

当晚席散。次日，再备筵席，会众商量议事。宋江教唤铁面孔目裴宣计较下山人数，启请诸位头领，同宋江去打祝家庄，定要洗荡了那个村坊。商议已定，除晁盖头领镇守山寨不动外，留下吴学究、刘唐并阮家三弟兄、吕方、郭盛护持大寨。原拨定守滩、守关、守店有职事人员，俱各不动。又拨新到头领孟康管造船只，顶替马麟监督战船。写下告示，将下山打祝家庄头领分作两起：头一拨宋江、花荣、李俊、穆弘、李逵、杨雄、石秀、黄信、欧鹏、杨林，带领三千小喽啰，三百马军，披挂已了，下山前进；第二拨便是林冲、秦明、戴宗、张横、张顺、马麟、邓飞、王矮虎、白胜，也带领三千小喽啰，三百马军，随后接应。再着金沙滩、鸭嘴滩二处小寨，只教宋万、郑天寿守把，就行接应粮草。晁盖送路已了，自回山寨。

且说宋江并众头领径奔祝家庄来，于路无话，早来到独龙山前，尚有一里多路，前军下了寨栅。宋江在中军帐里坐下，便和花荣商议道：“我听得说，祝家庄里路径甚杂，未可进兵。且先使两个入去探听路途曲折，然后进去。知得顺逆路程，却才进去与他敌对。”李逵便道：“哥哥，兄弟闲了多时，不曾杀得一个人，我便先去走一遭。”宋江道：“兄弟，你去不得。若破阵冲敌，用着你先去。这是做细作[2]的勾当，用你不着。”李逵笑道：“量这个鸟庄，何须哥哥费力！只兄弟自带了三二百个孩儿们杀将去，把这个鸟庄上人都砍了，何须要人先去打听！”宋江喝道：“你这厮休胡说！且一壁厢去，叫你便来。”李逵走开去了，自说道：“打死几个苍蝇，也何须大惊小怪！”宋江便唤石秀来，说道：“兄弟曾到彼处，可和杨林走一遭。”石秀便道：“如今哥哥许多人马到这里，他庄上如何不提备？我们扮做甚么样人入去好？”杨林便道：“我自打扮了解魔的法师[3]去，身边藏了短刀，手里擎着法环，于路摇将入去。你只听我法环响，不要离了我前后。”石秀道：“我在蓟州，原曾卖柴，我只是挑一担柴进去卖便了。身边藏了暗器，有些缓急，扁担也用得着。”杨林道：“好，好！我和你计较了，今夜打点，五更起来便行。”宋江听了，心中也喜。有诗为证：

攘鸡无赖笑时迁，被捉遭刑不可言。

搔动宋江诸煞曜，三庄迅扫作平川。

且说石秀挑着柴担先入去，行不到二十来里，只见路径曲折多杂，四下里湾环相似，树木丛密，难认路头。石秀便歇下柴担不走。听得背后法环响得渐近，石秀看时，却见杨林头戴一个破笠子，身穿一领旧法衣，手里擎着法环，于路摇将进来。石秀见没人，叫住杨林说道：“看见路径湾杂难认，不知那里是我前日跟随李应来时的路。天色已晚，他们众人都是熟路，正看不仔细。”杨林道：“不要管他路径曲直，只顾拣大路走便了。”石秀又挑了柴，只顾望大路先走。见前面一村人家，数处酒店肉店，石秀挑着柴，便望酒店门前歇了。只见店内把朴刀、枪又插在门前，每人身上穿一领黄背心，写个大“祝”字。往来的人，亦各如此。石秀见了，便看着一个年老的人，唱个喏，拜揖道：“丈人，请问此间是何风俗，为甚都把刀枪插在当门？”那老人道：“你是那里来的客人？原来不知，只可快走。”石秀道：“小人是山东贩枣子的客人，消折了本钱，回乡不得，因此担柴来这里卖，不知此间乡俗地理。”老人道：“客人，只可快走，别处躲避，这里早晚要大厮杀也。”石秀道：“此间这等好村坊去处，怎地了大厮杀？”老人道：“客人，你敢真个不知！我说与你：俺这里唤做祝家庄，村冈上便是祝朝奉衙里。如今恶了梁山泊好汉，见今引领军马在村口，要来厮杀。却怕我这村里路杂，未敢入来，见今驻扎在外面。如今祝家庄上行号令下来，每户人家，要我们精壮后生准备着，但有令传来，便要去策应。”石秀道：“丈人，村中总有多少人家？”老人道：“只我这祝家村，也有一二万人家。东西还有两村人接应：东村唤做扑天雕李应李大官人；西村唤扈太公庄，有个女儿，唤做扈三娘，绰号一丈青，十分了得。”石秀道：“似此如何却怕梁山泊做甚么！”那老人道：“若是我们初来时，不知路的，也要吃捉了。”石秀道：“丈人，怎地初来要吃捉了？”老人道：“我这村里的路，有首诗说道：‘好个祝家庄，尽是盘陀路。容易入得来，只是出不去。’”石秀听罢，便哭起来，扑翻身便拜，向那老人道：“小人是个江湖上折了本钱归乡不得的人，倘或卖了柴出去，撞见厮杀走不脱，却不是苦！爷爷，怎地可怜见小人！情愿把这担柴相送爷爷，只指与小人出去的路罢。”那老人道：“我如何白要你的柴？我就买你的。你且入来，请你吃些酒饭。”石秀拜谢了，挑着柴，跟那老人入到屋里。那老人筛下两碗白酒，盛一碗糕糜，叫石秀吃了。石秀再拜谢道：“爷爷，指教出去的路径。”那老人道：“你便从村里走去，只看有白杨树便可转湾。不问路道阔狭，但有白杨树的转湾便是活路，没那树时都是死路。如有别的树木转湾，也不是活路。若还走差了，左来右去，只走不出去。更兼死路里，地下埋藏着竹签、铁蒺藜[4]，若是走差了，踏着飞签，准定吃捉了，待走那里去？”石秀拜谢了，便问：“爷爷高姓？”那老人道：“这村里姓祝的最多，惟有我复姓锺离，土居在此。”石秀道：“酒饭小人都吃勾了，即当厚报。”

正说之间，只听得外面吵闹。石秀听得道“拿了一个细作”。石秀吃了一惊，跟那老人出来看时，只见七八十个军人背绑着一个人过来。石秀看时，却是杨林，剥得赤条条的，索子绑着。石秀看了，只暗暗地叫苦，悄悄假问老人道：“这个拿了的是甚么人？为甚事绑了他？”那老人道：“你不见说他是宋江那里来的细作？”石秀又问道：“怎地吃他拿了？”那老人道：“说这厮也好大胆，独自一个来做细作，打扮做个解魔法师，闪入村里来。却又不认这路，只拣大路走了，左来右去，只走了死路，又不晓的白杨树转湾抹角的消息[5]。人见他走得差了，来路跷蹊，报与庄上大官来捉他。这厮方才又掣出刀来，手起伤了四五个人，当不住这里人多，一发上去，因此吃拿了。有人认得他，从来是贼，叫做锦豹子杨林。”说言未了，只听得前面喝道，说是庄上三官人巡绰过来。石秀在壁缝里张时，看见前面摆着二十对缨枪，后面四五个人骑战马，都弯弓插箭。又有三五对青白哨马，中间拥着一个年少的壮士，坐在一匹雪白马上，全副披挂了弓箭，手执一条银枪。石秀自认得他，特地问老人道：“过去相公是谁？”那老人道：“这官人正是祝朝奉第三子，唤做祝彪，定着西村扈家庄一丈青为妻。弟兄三个，只有他第一了得。”石秀拜谢道：“老爷爷，指点寻路出去。”那老人道：“今日晚了，前面倘或厮杀，枉送了你性命。”石秀道：“爷爷，可救一命则个！”那老人道：“你且在我家歇一夜，明日打听得没事，便可出去。”石秀拜谢了，坐在他家。只听得门前四五替报马报将来，排门分付道：“你那百姓，今夜只看红灯为号，齐心并力，捉拿梁山泊贼人解官请赏。”叫过去了。石秀问道：“这个人是谁？”那老人道：“这个官人是本处捕盗巡检，今夜约会要捉宋江。”石秀见说，心中自忖了一回，讨个火把，叫了安置，自去屋后草窝里睡了。

却说宋江军马在村口屯驻，不见杨林、石秀出来回报，随后又使欧鹏去到村口，出来回报道：“听得那里讲动，说道捉了一个细作。小弟见路径又杂，难认，不敢深入重地。”宋江听罢，忿怒道：“如何等得回报了进兵！又吃拿了一个细作，必然陷了两个兄弟。我们今夜只顾进兵杀将入去，也要救他两个兄弟，未知你众头领意下如何？”只见李逵便道：“我先杀入去，看是如何。”宋江听得，随即便传将令，教军士都披挂了。李逵、杨雄前一队做先锋，使李俊等引军做合后，穆弘居左，黄信在右，宋江、花荣、欧鹏等中军头领，摇旗呐喊，擂鼓鸣锣，大刀阔斧，杀奔祝家庄来。

比及杀到独龙冈上，是黄昏时分，宋江催趱前军打庄。先锋李逵脱得赤条条的，挥两把夹钢板斧，火剌剌地杀向前来。到得庄前看时，已把吊桥高高地拽起了，庄门里不见一点火，李逵便要下水过去。杨雄扯住道：“使不得！关闭庄门，必有计策。待哥哥来，别有商议。”李逵那里忍得住，拍着双斧，隔岸大骂道：“那鸟祝太公老贼！你出来，黑旋风爷爷在这里！”庄上只是不应。宋江中军人马到来，杨雄接着，报说庄上并不见人马，亦无动静。宋江勒马看时，庄上不见刀枪军马，心中疑忌，猛省道：“我的不是了。天书上明明戒说：‘临敌休急暴。’是我一时见不到，只要救两个兄弟，以此连夜起兵。不期深入重地，直到了他庄前，不见敌军，他必有计策，快教三军且退。”李逵叫道：“哥哥，军马到这里了，休要退兵！我与你先杀过去，你都跟我来。”

说犹未了，庄上早知。只听得祝家庄里一个号炮，直飞起半天里去。那独龙冈上，千百把火把一齐点着，那门楼上弩箭如雨点般射将来。宋江道：“取旧路回军。”只见后军头领李俊人马先发起喊来，说道：“来的旧路都阻塞了，必有埋伏。”宋江教军兵四下里寻路走。李逵挥起双斧，往来寻人厮杀，不见一个敌军。只见独龙冈上山顶，又放一个炮来。响声未绝，四下里喊声震地，惊的宋公明目睁口呆，罔知所措。你便有文韬武略，怎逃出地网天罗？直饶班马才能，难脱龙潭虎穴。正是：安排缚虎擒龙计，要捉惊天动地人。毕竟宋公明并众将军马怎地脱身，且听下回分解。

[1] 窝铺——临时搭起防护、警备用的草棚，现在叫做窝棚。

[2] 细作——间谍、暗探。

[3] 解魔的法师——一个人神经错乱，迷信的说法，这是被鬼迷住了，叫做“魔”；要念咒赶鬼，才能恢复清醒，不再被迷住。解魔的法师就是以念咒赶鬼为职业的人。

[4] 铁蒺藜——打仗时阻止敌人兵马前进的障碍物之一种：把铁铸成尖刺的菱角形，用绳子连起来，一串一串抛撒在阵地上。

[5] 消息——这里是暗号、记号的意思。

CHAPTER 46. The Striking Hawk Twice Writes a Letter; Song Jiang First Attacks the Zhu Family Village

YANG XIONG raised the man and then introduced him to Shi Xiu as Du Xing of Zhongshan Prefecture. He had a fierce face, and therefore people called him the “Demon Face.” Previously he had come to Jizhou Prefecture, and had entered into business with some other men. During a quarrel with his partner he had lost his temper and killed him. He had been arrested and tried, but Yang Xiong, knowing that he was very skillful with the cudgel and lance, had saved his life by getting a light sentence passed.

The man asked, “On what official business do you come here, my benefactor?”

Yang Xiong whispered in his ear, “I committed murder at Jizhou, and am now escaping to Liangshan Marsh, where I shall join the brigands.” He then told him about all the trouble at the inn and how Shi Qian had been captured.

“You need not worry about that matter,” said Du Xing, “because I can arrange for Shi Qian to be released.”

They asked him to join them at the wine. Du Xing then explained that at that village he was entrusted by the headman with important matters, and he had great influence there. There were three villages in close alliance, and altogether they supported an armed force of about 20,000 men. The most influential man was Zhu Chaofeng who had three valiant sons named “Dragon,” “Tiger,” and “Tiger’s Cub.” They had a drill instructor named Luan Tingyu, nicknamed “Iron Staff,” who was invincible. In the western village was a headman who had a son called Hu Cheng, nicknamed “Flying Tiger,” who was very courageous. His sister, Hu San Niang, nicknamed “Ten Feet of Green,” was a skilled rider, and could fight with a sword in each hand. At the village on the east side was a man Li Ying, nicknamed “Striking Hawk,” who was his master who always carried five thowing knives on his back, and could throw these a hundred paces, and kill men at that distance. These villages supported each other whatever the risk or danger, and were prepared to fight gainst the brigands of Liangshan Marsh when they came to command the grain. Du Xing offered to take them to Li Ying and get him to release Shi Qian.

They accepted this offer, and settled their accounts with the innkeeper. They then followed Du Xing to the Li Family Village. Yang Xiong noticed that it was a big village, with a moat all round. The banks of the moat were very high, and on the top were many hundreds of large willows. They crossed a drawbridge and passed through a gate in a wall. They came to the principal hall in front of which were over twenty racks filled with spears, swords, etc., all of which were polished bright and in good order.

Du Xing asked the other two to wait outside while he went inside to announce their arrival. It was not long before Li Ying came out, and after being introduced invited Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu to come inside. When they had had some wine Yang Xiong explained the object of their visit, and as a result Li Ying told his scribe to write a letter asking for the release of Shi Qian, and sent a mounted messenger with it to the neighboring Zhu Family Village. It was not long before the messenger returned and reported that the headman had at first been willing to release Shi Qian. But when his three sons heard of it they objected, and insisted upon Shi Qian being sent to the magistrate for trial.

Li Ying was surprised at this, and wondered what was the use of the alliance when even his urgent letter had been ignored. He asked Du Xing to go there himself, and try to secure the release.

Du Xing agreed to go, but asked Li Ying to write a letter by his own hand which he would take with him. This was done, and mounting a horse Du Xing galloped off.

It was almost night time before Du Xing returned. As he dismounted they saw that he was in a towering rage. His face was red with passion, and as he raised his lips he showed the tightly set teeth. For some time he could not speak.

“Take your time and tell us all about it,” said Li Ying at last.

Du Xing slowly repressed his anger, and then spoke, “I took your letter to the village and dismounted at the third gate where the three sons of Zhu Chaofeng were seated. I saluted them separately and then ‘Tiger’s Cub’ called out, ‘Well, what do you come here for?’

“I replied in a respectful manner, ‘I have here a letter from my master.’ I presented it. ‘Tiger’s Cub’ showed annoyance as he replied, ‘Why does your master not understand human affairs? Early this afternoon he sent some fellow here with a letter asking for that brigand Shi Qian to be released. Just now we are going to send him to the magistrate so why have you come here?’

“I replied that Shi Qian was not a bandit, but was a guest on his way to visit my master. He made a mistake in setting fire to his inn. That you would go tomorrow and make full compensation for the damage done, and hoped that they would overlook the offense and accept a full apology.

“Then all replied, ‘That cannot be done.’ So I requested them to kindly read your letter, but ‘Tiger’s Cub’ simply took it from me, and tore it into bits without reading it. He then ordered me to get out of their village at once. They also warned me not to incite them to anger any further or they would … I would not dare to speak their exact words—they were really crude—but they said they would arrest you, sir, also as a bandit of the Liangshan Marsh, and send you to the yamen. They told their servants to seize me but I jumped on the horse and galloped off. It is evident that the sworn alliance between our villages is no longer of any value, as those fellows are quite unreasonable.”

While Li Ying listened to this he became more and more annoyed, and at last called out, “You men! Quickly get my horse ready.”

Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu asked him to keep cool as they did not wish to see the peaceful relations between the villages disturbed by what they had done. But Li Ying took no notice of this, went indoors, put on his armor, with a large silk gown over it, put his five throwing knives on his back, and took a spear in his hand; put on his iron helmet; and summoned three hundred men to accompany him. Du Xing also put on his armor, and got twenty horsemen to follow him. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu took their halberds, and also followed.

It was late in the afternoon when they reached the other village, and there the men stood in ranks. The village was situated on raised ground and had three protecting walls, one inside the other. The walls were built of stone, and were about twenty feet high. The village was surrounded by a moat, over which were two drawbridges in front of the north and south gates. In the towers at the gates were drums, gongs, etc. for summoning the men to fight.

Li Ying reined in his horse before the bridge, and shouted, “Why have you three sons of the Zhu family defamed me?” At once the gate of the village was opened, and a body of about fifty horsemen galloped out. In front rode the third son, “Tiger’s Cub,” on a roan-colored horse.

Li Ying pointing at him shouted, “You fellow still have your milk teeth and childhood’s tufts of hair. Your father entered into a sworn alliance with me to defend these villages. If your family had trouble we would render unlimited assistance, or if short of something we would supply it. Today I sent a letter which you tore up. Why did you insult my messenger in that way? Have you no decency?”

“Tiger’s Cub” replied, “Our family entered into an alliance with you so that we could together resist the encroachments of the bandits at Liangshan Marsh. But now you have become intimate with them and intended open rebellion.”

“Why do you say that I am intimate with bandits? Why have you arrested an ordinary man, and falsely accused him?” “The prisoner has already confessed that he is a thief so why do you talk in this wild disorderly manner? You cannot hide his crime. You clear off at once, or I will arrest you also.”

Li Ying was now very angry, and whipping his horse he galloped forward. “Tiger’s Cub” crossed the bridge, and did the same. They met in combat, and charged each other about eighteen times. As the “Tiger’s Cub” could not overcome Li Ying he at last turned his horse round and retreated. Placing his spear on the horse he took his bow and arrow, and turning his body shot at Li Ying who was following close behind. Li Ying tried to avoid the arrow, but it struck him in the shoulder, and he fell off his horse. “Tiger’s Cub” pulled his horse round, and rushed forward to seize Li Ying.

Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu seeing the danger of Li Ying shouted, seized their halberds, and rushed towards “Tiger’s Cub,” who seeing that the odds were against him retreated. As the horse turned, however, Yang Xiong struck it, and the animal reared with the pain. “Tiger’s Cub” was almost thrown off, but kept his seat. The villagers now rushed forward, and as Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu were not wearing their armor they now retreated along with Du Xing, Li Ying, and their followers. They were pursued for about a li when the villagers returned to the village as it was getting dark.

Upon reaching their village Li Ying had his wound dressed, and then the four men discussed the position. Yang Xiong expressed regret that all this trouble had arisen through their affairs, and considered that there was no way of obtaining the release of Shi Qian. They thought that the best thing was for them to proceed to Liangshan Marsh, where they would petition Chao Gai to send an expedition to avenge the insult to Li Ying.

Li Ying agreed to this, and pressed the two men to accept some silver to cover their expenses. At last they accepted the money and left at once for Liangshan Marsh. Li Ying and Du Xing remained behind.

Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu soon reached the neighborhood of Liangshan Marsh, and stayed at the inn kept by Shi Yong as an outpost. When they inquired about the road to Liangshan Marsh, Shi Yong asked where they came from, and what business they had at the stronghold. When Yang Xiong said they came from Jizhou, Shi Yong immediately asked if his name was Shi Xiu, and when they had all been introduced Shi Yong explained that he had heard all about Shi Xiu from Dai Zong who had just returned, and was staying at the stronghold. Shi Yong then shot a whistling arrow across the lake, and soon a party of bandits appeared in boats. They crossed the lake, and were taken up to the stronghold where they were duly introduced to all the leaders. They explained fully all that had occurred at the Zhu Family Village, and how Li Ying had been grossly insulted.

When Chao Gai had heard all the details he was angry, and said, “We have gathered here many loyal and brave men, and have bestowed much benefit on the people in the surrounding country. When we go on any expedition we are never deficient in valor. All our brothers here are great heroes. But these two men have been implicated in a petty theft of a chicken, and if we associate with them we shall lose our great reputation. So we must kill these two men, and send their heads to the village to show the people that we have nothing to do with robbers. Then as the people in the village have reviled us we must go there and destroy their village. Thus we shall preserve our reputation for valor.”

Song Jiang however spoke, “That will not do. These two men did not take part in the theft as that was the affair of Shi Qian who was traveling with them. What they have done was not disgraceful. We have heard several times that the Zhu Family Village has been unfriendly to us. Elder brother, restrain your anger. We have not got a big stock of grain or money, but let us not make too much of that. As they however have insulted us we can go and punish them for that. If we defeat them we shall have food supplies for at least five years. You cannot go yourself because you are our leader, but I will go and command the punitive expedition. If I fail then I will not return. I finally propose that Li Ying be admitted to our numbers.”

“What you say is extremely proper,” said Wu Yong. “It would not do to kill our brothers who are willing to join us.”

“It would be better if you kill me instead of these men,” said Dai Zong.

All the other leaders expressed their support of these views, and Chao Gai agreed. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu expressed their apologies.

The following day Song Jiang took three thousand bandits, three hundred mounted men, and nine other leaders. He also placed a similar number of men in charge of Lin Chong and nine other leaders, and these were to be his reserves. They soon reached the neighborhood of the Zhu Family Village and encamped. A tent was erected for Song Jiang, and there he discussed matters with Hua Rong. “I have heard that round this village there are numerous small roads so that it would not be advisable to send our men there at present. We must first send two spies to find out all about the roads, and then we can advance with greater security.”

Li Kui offered to go as a spy, as he said he had not killed a man for a long time.

“You must not go now,” said Song Jiang, “because we shall want you when the fighting commences.”

Li Kui laughed at this. “There is no need to send spies. If you let me have two hundred men I could enter the village, and settle this matter quite easily.”

“Don’t talk nonsense!” shouted Song Jiang. “You can wait outside until I call for you.”

As he went out however Li Kui called out, “Those villagers are only like flies. Why are you so nervous?”

Song Jiang summoned Shi Xiu, and instructed him to go into the village with Yang Lin.

“The people will already be on the qui vive as your men are here,” said Shi Xiu. “How can we enter the village without being seen?”

“I can get into the village disguised as a monk,” said Yang Lin. “I will carry the prayer rings, and shake them as I go along. You can follow me some distance behind.”

“At Jizhou I sold firewood,” said Shi Xiu, “and I think that I may get in the village with a load of firewood.”

Yang Lin thought this a good idea, and they both agreed to start off that evening. They started off about 5 P.M. and had about three li to go. They noticed the numerous paths and roads on all sides, and that the country was well covered with dense trees. Shi Xiu put down his load, and spoke to Yang Lin as there was no one about. “There are so many footpaths about that I have not yet recognized the road I was on with Li Ying. As it is now getting dark we cannot make out our way very clearly.”

“We need not worry about that,” replied Yang Lin. “Let us follow what appears to be the main road.”

They continued their way, and soon came to a place where there were shops and inns, and Shi Xiu stopped in front of an inn. There were many men there with uniforms bearing the character “Zhu.” He spoke to an old man, “Sir, what is the reason for these swords being stacked at every door?”

“Where do you come from?” asked the old man. “As you do not know you had better go on your way.”

“I am from Shandong, and having no money I brought this firewood into the village to sell it. I do not know the customs of this place.”

“You had better get away at once and seek refuge,” said the old man. “It will not be long before there is big fighting here.”

“What will the fighting be about?”

“You evidently do not know, but I will tell you. This village hates the bandits of Liangshan Marsh, but they are now encamped just outside the village. Our chief has summoned all the men to assemble here.”

“And how many men are there in this village?”

“In this village there are about ten thousand men, but the other village would also join us in any fighting.”

“Why are you afraid of Liangshan Marsh brigands when you have so many men?”

“Even I myself was nearly seized when I first came here. There is an old saying that the roads round this place are so well arranged that men might enter the village, but they could not get out.”

Shi Xiu burst into tears, and bowing said, “What hard lines for me! I cannot go back even if I sell my firewood. So I will give you this firewood if you will tell me how I can get away.”

“I cannot accept your offer, but I do not mind buying the firewood from you. Please come inside my house, and take a meal before returning.”

Shi Xiu thanked him for this, and followed the old man into the house. After partaking of the congee offered, Shi Xiu again asked to be shown the way out.

“You just go your way in the village until you come to a poplar tree where you can turn. You must not turn if there is no poplar tree, or there would be death. No other trees will do—take no notice of them. If you make one mistake your position will be hopeless, as on the other roads there are hidden pointed stakes and hooks.”

Shi Xiu thanked him for the information, and asked for his name. The man’s name was Zhongli. Shi Xiu then departed promising to reward him for the food, and wine some other day. Just then there was a great uproar outside, and voices were calling out, “A spy is seized!” Looking out Shi Xiu saw about eighty armed men with a prisoner whom he recognized as Yang Lin. Shi Xiu was much surprised, and turning to the old man asked, “Who is the man? Why have they bound him?”

“Have you not heard them say that he is a spy? He has evidently got in the village in the disguise of a monk, and not knowing the roads he has taken the wrong road and has been captured. Somebody has recognized him as the bandit, Yang Lin.” Just then a patrol of about fifty men came up in charge of a young man on a white horse. Shi Xiu recognized him, but asked the old man who he was.

“That is the third son of Old Zhu, our village chief, and is named ‘Tiger’s Cub.’ The girl ‘Ten Feet of Green’ is betrothed to him.”

Shi Xiu again thanked him, and asked to be shown the road. The man urged him not to go that day, as there was great danger and it was getting dark. After further pressing, Shi Xiu again went indoors. Shortly afterwards there was knocking at the street door, and a voice called out, “The red lamp will be the signal tonight, and when you people see it, you must join the attack on the brigands.” When the man had gone Shi Xiu asked who he was, and was informed that he was the local police inspector and that that night he hoped to arrest Song Jiang. Shi Xiu thought matters over, and then taking a fire, he bade the old man good night and went to the room at the back, and sleep there.

Song Jiang was waiting in his tent for a long time, and at last as Shi Xiu and Yang Lin had not returned he sent out Ou Peng to see whether he could get any news. When he returned he reported that he had heard cries in the village about a spy. The paths were so numerous and complicated that he dared not go any farther.

Upon hearing this Song Jiang was very angry. “Evidently they have captured our two brothers so why should we wait here any longer as we cannot get any inside information. We must attack at once, and try to save the lives of our brothers. What do you think of that?” he asked the other leaders.

“I will fall on slaughtering,” offered Li Kui.

Song Jiang issued orders that all the men should prepare for an immediate advance. Li Kui and Yang Xiong were to be in charge of the vanguard; Li Jun in charge of the rear guard; Mu Hong on the left wing; Huang Xin on the right wing, while Song Jiang, Hua Rong, and Ou Peng took charge of the main body. There was at once a great hubbub, waving of flags, beating of drums and gongs, and a great display of swords and axes. It was evening. Upon reaching the Zhu Family Village Li Kui found that the bridge had been drawn up, and as there were no lights showing in the village he thought of going through the water. But Yang Xiong held him back, and said, “As the village gates are closed it may be only a plot or trap for us. We will wait until the other leaders arrive, and then we will discuss matters.”

Li Kui could not endure any delay so lifting aloft his two axes he yelled, “Old Zhu you damned crook! You come out! The ‘Black Whirlwind’ is waiting here for you.”

No reply came from the village to this challenge. Just then Song Jiang and the other leaders came up, and were told of the position. Song Jiang was surprised not to see even a single man on the other side, and also became suspicious. Suddenly he remarked, “I have made a mistake. In the three Heavenly Books I received it was stated quite clearly, ‘In warfare make no undue haste.’ I forgot about this in my haste to save the lives of our comrade and have brought troops here without proper plans for entering the village. Now that I am here the enemy hides. There is evidently a plot, and I must at once give orders for a retreat.”

Li Kui said, “But as we have come so far we cannot retreat without doing something. I will go forward, and you can follow me.”

While he was speaking a skyrocket went up from the village, and instantly on all the hills surrounding the village there were numerous lights from torches. From the tower above the village gate came a shower of arrows. Song Jiang gave the orders for retreat, but Li Jun, leader of the rear guard, came and said, “The road we arrived by is now all obstructed, and there is probably an ambush.” Song Jiang gave an order for a number of horsemen to try and find some other road. Just then another skyrocket went up on one of the surrounding hills, followed by loud shouts from all sides. Song Jiang was quite perplexed.

Even the strategist with the most elaborate plans could not avoid getting into a tight corner?

Plans to catch a tiger,

Or a dragon in its den,

Are ready to capture,

The extraordinary men.