第四十八回
第四十八回 一丈青单捉王矮虎 宋公明两打祝家庄
诗曰：
虎噬狼吞满四方，三庄人马势无双。
天王绰号惟晁盖，时雨高名羡宋江。
可笑金睛王矮虎，翻输红粉扈三娘。
他年同聚梁山泊，女辈英华独擅场。
话说当下宋江在马上看时，四下里都有埋伏军马，且教小喽啰只往大路杀将去，只听得五军屯塞住了，众人都叫苦起来。宋江问道：“怎么叫苦？”众军都道：“前面都是盘陀路，走了一遭，又转到这里。”宋江道：“教军马望火把亮处有房屋人家，取路出去。”又走不多时，只见前军又发起喊来，叫道：“才得望火把亮处取路，又有苦竹签、铁蒺藜遍地撒满，鹿角[1]都塞了路口！”宋江道：“莫非天丧我也！”
正在慌急之际，只听得左军中间，穆弘队里闹动。报来说道：“石秀来了！”宋江看时，见石秀拈着口刀，奔到马前道：“哥哥休慌，兄弟已知路了。暗传下将令，教五军只看有白杨树便转湾走去，不要管他路阔路狭。”宋江催趱人马，只看有白杨树便转。宋江去约走过五六里路，只见前面人马越添得多了。宋江疑忌，便唤石秀问道：“兄弟，怎么前面贼兵众广？”石秀道：“他有烛灯为号，且寻烛灯便走。”花荣在马上看见，把手指与宋江道：“哥哥，你看见那树影里这碗烛灯么？只看我等投东，他便把那烛灯望东扯；若是我们投西，他便把那烛灯望西扯。只那些儿想来便是号令。”宋江道：“怎地奈何的他那碗灯？”花荣道：“有何难哉！”便拈弓搭箭，纵马向前，望着影中只一箭，不端不正，恰好把那碗红灯射将下来。四下里埋伏军兵，不见了那碗红灯，便都自乱撺起来。宋江叫石秀引路，且杀出村口去。只听得前面喊声连天，一带火把纵横撩乱，宋江教前军扎住，且使石秀领路去探。不多时，回来报道：“是山寨中第二拨军马到了接应，杀散伏兵。”宋江听罢，进兵夹攻，夺路奔出村口并杀。祝家庄人马四散去了。
会合着林冲、秦明等，众人军马同在村口驻扎。却好天明，去高阜处下了寨栅，整点人马，数内不见了镇三山黄信。宋江大惊，询问缘故，有昨夜跟去的军人见的来说道：“黄头领听着哥哥将令，前去探路，不提防芦苇丛中舒出两把挠钩，拖翻马脚，被五七个人活捉去了，救护不得。”宋江听罢大怒，要杀随行军汉：“如何不早报来？”林冲、花荣劝住。宋江众人纳闷道：“庄又不曾打得，倒折了两个兄弟。似此怎生奈何？”杨雄道：“此间有三个村坊结并。所有东村李大官人，前日已被祝彪那厮射了一箭，见今在庄上养疾，哥哥何不去与他计议？”宋江道：“我正忘了也。他便知本处地理虚实。”分付教取一对段匹羊酒，选一骑好马并鞍辔，亲自上门去求见。林冲、秦明权守栅寨。宋江带同花荣、杨雄、石秀，上了马，随行三百马军，取路投李家庄来。
到得庄前，早见门楼紧闭，吊桥高拽起了，墙里摆着许多庄兵人马。门楼上早擂起鼓来。宋江在马上叫道：“俺是梁山泊义士宋江，特来谒见大官人，别无他意，休要提备。”庄门上杜兴看见有杨雄、石秀在彼，慌忙开了庄门，放只小船过来，与宋江声喏。宋江连忙下马来答礼。杨雄、石秀近前禀道：“这位兄弟便是引小弟两个投李大官人的，唤做鬼脸儿杜兴。”宋江道：“原来是杜主管。相烦足下对李大官人说：俺梁山泊宋江久闻大官人大名，无缘不曾拜会。今因祝家庄要和俺们做对头，经过此间，特献采段名马羊酒薄礼，只求一见，别无他意。”杜兴领了言语，再渡过庄来，直到厅前。李应带伤披被坐在床上，杜兴把宋江要求见的言语说了。李应道：“他是梁山泊造反的人，我如何与他厮见？无私有意。你可回他话道，只说我卧病在床，动止不得，难以相见，改日却得拜会。礼物重蒙所赐，不敢祗受。”
三祝英雄不可干，便将羊酒事高谈。
李应倨傲情辞伪，紧闭重门不放参。
杜兴再渡过来见宋江，禀道：“俺东人再三拜上头领：本欲亲身迎迓，奈缘中伤，患躯在床不能相见，容日专当拜会。重蒙所赐厚礼，并不敢祗受。”宋江道：“我知你东人的意了。我因打祝家庄失利，欲求相见则个。他恐祝家庄见怪，不肯出来相见。”杜兴道：“非是如此，委实患病。小人虽是中山人氏，到此多年了，颇知此间虚实事情：中间是祝家庄，东是俺李家庄，西是扈家庄。这三村庄上誓愿结生死之交，有事互相救应。今番恶了俺东人，自不去救应，只恐西村扈家庄上要来相助。他庄上别的不打紧，只有一个女将，唤做一丈青扈三娘，使两口日月刀，好生了得。却是祝家庄第三子祝彪定为妻室，早晚要娶。若是将军要打祝家庄时，不须提备东边，只要紧防西路。祝家庄上前后有两座庄门，一座在独龙冈前，一座在独龙冈后。若打前门，却不济事；若是两面夹攻，方可得破。前门打紧，路杂难认，一遭都是盘陀路径，阔狭不等。但有白杨树，便可转湾，方是活路；如无此树，便是死路。”石秀道：“他如今都把白杨树木砍伐去了，将何为记？”杜兴道：“虽然砍伐了树，如何起得根尽，也须有树根在彼。只宜白日进兵去攻打，黑夜不可进去。”
宋江听罢，谢了杜兴，一行人马却回寨里来，林冲等接着，都到大寨里坐下。宋江把李应不肯相见并杜兴说的话对众头领说了。李逵便插口道：“好意送礼与他，那厮不肯出来迎接哥哥。我自引三百人去，打开鸟庄，脑揪这厮出来拜见哥哥！”宋江道：“兄弟，你不省得，他是富贵良民，惧怕官府，如何造次肯与我们相见？”李逵笑道：“那厮想是个小孩子，怕见。”众人一齐都笑起来。宋江道：“虽然如此说了，两个兄弟陷了，不知性命存亡。你众兄弟可竭力向前，跟我再去攻打祝家庄。”众人都起身说道：“哥哥将令，谁敢不听。不知教谁前去？”黑旋风李逵说道：“你们怕小孩子，我便前去。”宋江道：“你做先锋不利，今番用你不着。”李逵低了头忍气。宋江便点马麟、邓飞、欧鹏、王矮虎四个：“跟我亲自做先锋去。”第二点戴宗、秦明、杨雄、石秀、李俊、张横、张顺、白胜，准备下水路用人。第三点林冲、花荣、穆弘、李逵，分作两路，策应众军。标拨已定，都饱食了，披挂上马。
且说宋江亲自要去做先锋，攻打头阵，前面打着一面大红“帅”字旗，引着四个头领，一百五十骑马军，一千步军，直杀奔祝家庄来。于路着人探路，直来到独龙冈前。宋江勒马，看那祝家庄时，果然雄壮。古人有篇诗赞，便见祝家庄气象。但见：
独龙山前独龙冈，独龙冈上祝家庄。
绕冈一带长流水，周遭环匝皆垂杨。
墙内森森罗剑戟，门前密密排刀枪。
飘扬旗帜惊鸟雀，纷纭矛盾生光芒。
强弩硬弓当要路，灰瓶炮石护垣墙。
对敌尽皆雄壮士，当锋多是少年郎。
祝龙出阵真难敌，祝虎交锋莫可当。
更有祝彪多武艺，咤叱喑呜比霸王。
朝奉祝公谋略广，金银罗绮有千箱。
樽酒常时延好客，山林镇日会豪强。
久共三村盟誓约，扫清强寇保村坊。
白旗一对门前立，上面明书字两行：
填平水泊擒晁盖，踏破梁山捉宋江。
当下宋江在马上看了祝家庄那两面旗，心中大怒，设誓道：“我若打不得祝家庄，永不回梁山泊！”众头领看了，一齐都怒起来。宋江听得后面人马都到了，留下第二拨头领攻打前门。宋江自引了前部人马，转过独龙冈后面来看祝家庄时，后面都是铜墙铁壁，把得严整。正看之间，只见直西一彪军马，呐着喊，从后杀来。宋江留下马麟、邓飞把住祝家庄后门，自带了欧鹏、王矮虎，分一半人马，前来迎接。山坡下来军约有二三十骑马军，当中簇拥着一员女将。怎生结束？但见：
雾鬓云鬟娇女将，凤头鞋宝镫斜踏。黄金坚甲衬红纱，狮蛮带柳腰端跨。霜刀把雄兵乱砍，玉纤手将猛将生拿。天然美貌海棠花，一丈青当先出马。
那来军正是扈家庄女将一丈青扈三娘，一骑青鬃马上，轮两口日月双刀，引着三五百庄客，前来祝家庄策应。宋江道：“刚说扈家庄有这个女将好生了得，想来正是此人。谁敢与他迎敌？”说犹未了，只见这王矮虎是个好色之徒，听得说是个女将，指望一合便捉得过来。当时喊了一声，骤马向前，挺手中枪便出迎敌一丈青。两军呐喊，那扈三娘拍马舞刀来战王矮虎。一个双刀的熟闲，一个单枪的出众，两个斗敌十数合之上，宋江在马上看时，见王矮虎枪法架隔不住。原来王矮虎初见一丈青，恨不得便捉过来，谁想斗过十合之上，看看的手颤脚麻，枪法便都乱了。不是两个性命相扑时，王矮虎却要做光起来。那一丈青是个乖觉的人，心中道：“这厮无理！”便将两把双刀，直上直下，砍将入来。这王矮虎如何敌得过，拨回马却待要走，被一丈青纵马赶上，把右手刀挂了，轻舒猿臂，将王矮虎提离雕鞍，活捉去了。众庄客齐上，把王矮虎横拖倒拽捉了去。
欧鹏见折了王英，便提起刀来救。一丈青纵马跨刀，接着欧鹏，两个便斗。原来欧鹏祖是军班子弟出身，使得好大滚刀，宋江看了，暗暗的喝采。怎的一个欧鹏刀法精熟，也敌不得那女将半点便宜。邓飞在远远处看见捉了王矮虎，欧鹏又战那女将不下，跑着马，提了铁枪，大发喊赶将来。祝家庄上已看多时，诚恐一丈青有失，慌忙放下吊桥，开了庄门，祝龙亲自引了三百馀人，骤马提枪来捉宋江。马麟看见，一骑马使起双刀，来迎住祝龙厮杀。邓飞恐宋江有失，不离左右，看他两边厮杀，喊声迭起。宋江见马麟斗祝龙不过，欧鹏斗一丈青不下，正慌哩，只见一彪军马从刺斜里杀将来。宋江看时，大喜，却是霹雳火秦明，听得庄后厮杀，前来救应。宋江大叫：“秦统制，你可替马麟！”秦明是个急性的人，更兼祝家庄捉了他徒弟黄信，正没好气，拍马飞起狼牙棍，便来直取祝龙。祝龙也挺枪来敌秦明。马麟引了人却夺王矮虎。那一丈青看见了马麟来夺人，便撇了欧鹏，却来接住马麟厮杀。两个都会使双刀，马上相迎着，正如这风飘玉屑，雪撒琼花，宋江看得眼也花了。
这边秦明和祝龙斗到十合之上，祝龙如何敌得秦明过。庄门里面那教师栾廷玉，带了铁锤，上马挺枪，杀将出来。欧鹏便来迎住栾廷玉厮杀。栾廷玉也不来交马，带住枪时，刺斜里便走。欧鹏赶将去，被栾廷玉一飞锤正打着，翻筋斗下马去。邓飞大叫：“孩儿们救人！”上马飞着铁枪，径奔栾廷玉。宋江急唤小喽啰救得欧鹏上马。那祝龙当敌秦明不住，拍马便走。栾廷玉也撇了邓飞，却来战秦明。两个斗了一二十合，不分胜败，栾廷玉卖个破绽，落荒即走。秦明舞棍径赶将去，栾廷玉便望荒草之中跑马入去。秦明不知是计，也追入去。原来祝家庄那等去处，都有人埋伏，见秦明马到，拽起绊马索来，连人和马都绊翻了，发声喊，捉住了秦明。邓飞见秦明坠马，慌忙来救，急见绊马索拽，却待回身，两下里叫声：“着！”挠钩似乱麻一般搭来，就马上活捉了去。宋江看见，只叫得苦，止救得欧鹏上马。
马麟撇了一丈青，急奔来保护宋江，望南而走。背后栾廷玉、祝龙、一丈青分投赶将来。看看没路，正待受缚，只见正南上一伙好汉飞马而来，背后随从约有五百人马。宋江看时，乃是没遮拦穆弘。东南上也有三百馀人，两个好汉飞奔前来，一个是病关索杨雄，一个是拚命三郎石秀。东北上又一个好汉，高声大叫：“留下人着！”宋江看时，乃是小李广花荣。三路人马一齐都到，宋江心下大喜，一发并力来战栾廷玉、祝龙。庄上望见，恐怕两个吃亏，且教祝虎守把住庄门，小郎君祝彪骑一匹劣马，使一条长枪，自引五百馀人马，从庄后杀将出来，一齐混战。庄前李俊、张横、张顺下水过来，被庄上乱箭射来，不能下手。戴宗、白胜只在对岸呐喊。宋江见天色晚了，急叫马麟先保护欧鹏出村口去。宋江又教小喽啰筛锣，聚拢众好汉，且战且走。宋江自拍马到处寻了看，只恐弟兄们迷了路。
正行之间，只见一丈青飞马回来，宋江措手不及，便拍马望东而走。背后一丈青紧追着，八个马蹄翻盏撒钹相似，赶投深村处来。一丈青正赶上宋江，待要下手，只听得山坡上有人大叫道：“那鸟婆娘赶我哥哥那里去！”宋江看时，却是黑旋风李逵，轮两把板斧，引着七八十个小喽啰，大踏步赶将来。一丈青便勒转马，望这树林边去。宋江也勒住马看时，只见树林边转出十数骑马军来，当先簇拥着一个壮士。怎生结束？但见：
嵌宝头盔稳戴，磨银铠甲重披。素罗袍上绣花枝，狮蛮带琼瑶密砌。丈八蛇矛紧挺，霜花骏马频嘶。满山都唤小张飞，豹子头林冲便是。
那来军正是豹子头林冲，在马上大喝道：“兀那婆娘走那里去！”一丈青飞刀纵马，直奔林冲，林冲挺丈八蛇矛迎敌。两个斗不到十合，林冲卖个破绽，放一丈青两口刀砍入来，林冲把蛇矛逼个住，两口刀逼斜了，赶拢去，轻舒猿臂，款扭狼腰，把一丈青只一拽，活挟过马来。宋江看见，喝声采，不知高低。林冲叫军士绑了，骤马来问道：“不曾伤犯了哥哥？”宋江道：“不曾伤着。”便叫李逵：“快走！村中接应众好汉，且教来村口商议。天色已晚，不可恋战。”黑旋风领本部人马去了。林冲保护宋江，押着一丈青在马上，取路出村口来。当晚众头领不得便宜，急急都赶出村口来。祝家庄人马，也收回庄上去了。满村中杀死的人，不计其数。祝龙教把捉到的人，都将来陷车囚了，一发拿了宋江，却解上东京去请功。扈家庄已把王矮虎解送到祝家庄去了。
且说宋江收回大队人马，到村口下了寨栅。先教将一丈青过来，唤二十个老成的小喽啰，着四个头领，骑四匹快马，把一丈青拴了双手，也骑一匹马：“连夜与我送上梁山泊去，交与我父亲宋太公收管，便来回话。待我回山寨，自有发落。”众头领都只道宋江自要这个女子，尽皆小心送去。就把一辆车儿教欧鹏上山去将息。一行人都领了将令，连夜去了。宋江其夜在帐中纳闷，一夜不睡，坐而待旦。
次日，只见探事人报来说：“军师吴学究，引将三阮头领，并吕方、郭盛，带五百人马到来！”宋江听了，出寨迎接了军师吴用，到中军帐里坐下。吴学究带将酒食来与宋江把盏贺喜，一面犒赏三军众将。吴用道：“山寨里晁头领多听得哥哥先次进兵不利，特地使将吴用并五个头领来助战。不知近日胜败如何？”宋江道：“一言难尽！叵耐祝家那厮，他庄门上立两面白旗，写道：‘填平水泊擒晁盖，踏破梁山捉宋江。’这厮无礼！先一遭进兵攻打，因为失其地利，折了杨林、黄信。夜来进兵，又被一丈青捉了王矮虎，栾廷玉锤打伤了欧鹏，绊马索拖翻捉了秦明、邓飞。如此失利，若不得林教头恰活捉得一丈青时，折尽锐气。今来似此，如之奈何？若是宋江打不得祝家庄破，救不出这几个兄弟来，情愿自死于此地，也无面目回去见得晁盖哥哥。”吴学究笑道：“这个祝家庄也是合当天败，却好有此这个机会。吴用想来，唾手而得，事在旦夕可破。”宋江听罢大惊，连忙问道：“军师神机妙策，人不敢及。请问先生，这祝家庄如何旦夕可破？机会自何而来？”
吴学究笑着，不慌不忙，叠两个指头，说出这个机会来，有分教：祝家庄上，杀数百个壮汉村夫；梁山泊中，添八九个英雄好汉。正是：空中伸出拿云手[2]，救出天罗地网人。毕竟军师吴用对宋江说出甚么机会来，且听下回分解。
[1] 鹿角——打仗时阻止敌人兵马前进的障碍物之又一种：把带枝树木削尖，摆在营寨门前或者交通路口。
[2] 拿云手——比喻本领高强的人。
CHAPTER 47. Ten Feet of Green Arrests Wang Ying; Song Jiang Attacks the Zhu Family Village
WHEN Song Jiang gave the orders for retreat there soon arose from his men many cries, and when he inquired the reason he was told that the roads were like a maze, and although they had retreated they had all got back to where they started from. He then gave orders that they were to advance to those places where there were torches displayed. Very soon further cries were heard, and he was then informed that his men had tried to get to the lighted torches, but had found the roads studded with bamboo spikes and iron pricks so that they could not advance.
Song Jiang was very much distressed and had no plans. Just then, however, a cry arose in the left wing of his armed men, “Shi Xiu has returned!” Very soon Shi Xiu appeared, and spoke to Song Jiang, “Keep cool, sir! I know the road. Tell our men to follow the road, and when they come to white poplars they must turn there, and not at any other place.”
Orders were given accordingly, and when the men had gone about two li they found themselves face to face with a large body of armed villagers.
Song Jiang asked Shi Xiu about the position.
They have a lamp as a signal,” replied Shi Xiu.
“Do you see that lamp among the trees? I have noticed that as we go eastward that lamp also moves eastward, and if we go westward the lamp moves in the same direction. That is evidently done to indicate our directions and movements,” said Hua Rong.
“How can we stop this movement of the lamp?” asked Song Jiang.
“That is quite easy,” said Hua Rong. Running forward in front of the vanguard he shot an arrow at the lamp and brought it down. The village guard not seeing the lamp any longer did not know where to go, and were soon in confusion. Song Jiang gave orders for a speedy advance. Shortly there was a great uproar in front, and the torchlights were moving in all directions. Song Jiang called a halt, and sent Shi Xiu to find out the position. He soon returned, and reported that the relief party from Liangshan Marsh had now arrived, and was attacking the village guard in front. Song Jiang ordered an attack so that the village guard was soon between two fires. The villagers soon gave way, and scattered. The united bandits now halted, and encamped on some high ground to await the dawn. The roll was called, and they discovered that Huang Xin was missing. His men said that during the night attack they had got on the wrong road, and Huang Xin had been dragged off his horse by hooks from tall grass.
Song Jiang was very angry with the men because they had not duly reported this, and threatened to kill those responsible for this dereliction of duty.
Yang Xiong tried to pacify Song Jiang, “There are three villages in alliance here, but Li Ying’s village is now free from that alliance. Why not go there and talk matters over with Li Ying?”
Song Jiang admitted that he had forgotten about Li Ying, and at once decided to go to see him. He left Lin Chong and Qin Ming in charge of the temporary camp. Song Jiang took three other leaders and about three hundred cavalry with him. Upon reaching the village they found the drawbridge raised and the gates closed. A drum was sounded on the tower over the gate. Song Jiang called out, “I am Song Jiang from Liangshan Marsh, and have come here only to pay a visit to your chief Li Ying.”
Du Xing was on the tower, and he recognized some of the leaders. He at once had the gate opened, and taking a boat came across the moat. Upon landing he saluted Song Jiang, and was introduced by Hua Rong and Shi Xiu. Their object in visiting the village was explained, and Du Xing agreed to go back, and report the matter to the chief, Li Ying. When he reached the village hall he found Li Ying seated on a bed with a blanket over his shoulders nursing his wound. When Du Xing had delivered his message Li Ying replied, “Song Jiang is a bandit of Liangshan Marsh so I cannot agree to receive him here. I am above disloyalty, but if I saw him, people would suspect a double game. You can go back, and tell him that I am sick, and as I cannot leave my bed I cannot meet him now, but may see him at some future date. I request him to take back his presents, as I cannot receive them.”
Du Xing returned, and duly conveyed this message to Song Jiang who understood Li Ying’s meaning. Du Xing then told Song Jiang of the girl Hu San Niang who was betrothed to “Tiger’s Cub,” and was famous as a great warrior. She lived in the Hu Family Village, and that was the place that Song Jiang must be on guard against as Li Ying would remain neutral on account of having been wounded and discourteously treated by the Zhu Family Village. The last-named village had two gates, and to succeed he must attack both gates at the same time. To attack one gate only would lead to disaster. The roads near the front or main gate had been specially made to confuse strangers, but the clue was in following the poplar trees.
Here Shi Xiu interrupted, “But those poplar trees have all been cut down now, so that clue will be missing.”
“Even if they have cut them down there will still be the stumps left,” replied Du Xing, “so that there would be no difficulty in broad daylight.”
Song Jiang thanked Du Xing for the information, and then rode back with his cavalry to the temporary camp. There the leaders had a conference, and heard the news. They all agreed to join in an attack on the Zhu Family Village. Li Kui was very keen on again going in front of the attack, but Song Jiang ordered him to stay behind which rather upset Li Kui, and he sat with head bowed down. Song Jiang selected Ma Lin and three other leaders to accompany him in the vanguard. Dai Zong and eight other leaders were to take men by the moat. While Lin Chong, Hua Rong, and two other leaders were to bring the reserves by two separate roads.
After all the men had had their food Song Jiang started off displaying a large red flag with the character “shuai,” i.e., commander-in-chief. Upon reaching the Zhu Family Village, Song Jiang halted his men, and noticed that over the gate were two white flags bearing the announcement, “We will fill up the lake and capture Chao Gai. We will tear down the hill at Liangshan Marsh and seize Song Jiang.” Song Jiang was very angry upon reading this, and swore, “If I do not raze this village to the ground I will never go back to Liangshan Marsh.” The other leaders were also angry. Song Jiang waited until he saw that all his men had arrived, and that the two reserve bodies were there, and then gave the order for a general assault on the front gate. He then led part of his men to the other gate. The rear gate was strongly guarded. Approaching from the west, outside the village wall, was a large body of armed men who were shouting and making a great noise. Song Jiang ordered Ma Lin and Deng Fei to take half the men and guard the gate while he took the other half under Ou Peng and Wang Ying to oppose the advancing force. As the force came round a small mound it was seen that it consisted of about thirty horsemen under the command of a young girl—the “Ten Feet of Green”—who rode in front, and carried a sword in each hand. This body was followed by about five hundred armed men on foot.
“I suppose this must be the powerful daughter of the Hu family we have heard so much about,” said Song Jiang. “Who is willing to meet her in single combat?”
Wang Ying came forward and shouted, “I will go,” and spurring his horse he dashed forward. Now this man had a weakness for women, and when he saw this girl his only desire was to make her his prisoner.
Hu San Niang, the “Ten Feet of Green” whipped her horse, and rushed forward for a fight. She was very skillful with the sword, whereas Wang Ying was a superior spearman. They met and after about ten bouts Song Jiang perceived that Wang Ying could not overcome the girl. Wang Ying had thought that he would seize her at once, and at first had only played with his spear. But when he realized that he could not take her easily, he began to use his extreme strength and skill, but found that she was nonplused.
The girl was quite well educated and intelligent. She thought, “This fellow is very crude, and treats me too lightly,” so she attacked him very strongly. Wang Ying could not stand this, and he pulled his horse round to retreat.
The girl was however too quick for him. Placing her sword in a rest she raced her horse after Wang Ying, and seizing hold of him pulled him out of his saddle. The villagers rushed forward, and seizing him led him away as a prisoner. Ou Peng seeing this galloped forward to try to save Wang Ying, but found himself in mortal combat with the girl. Ou Peng was the son of a military officer who had instructed him in the use of the lance with which he was very skillful. Song Jiang watched the fight with secret satisfaction. But in spite of his skill Ou Peng could not overcome the girl, he had met his equal. Deng Fei considering the position critical now rushed forward armed with an iron chain. Zhu, the ‘Dragon,’ in command of the Zhu family villagers now rushed forward to assist Hu San Niang by capturing Song Jiang, but was met by Ma Liu with whom he fought. Seeing this Deng Fei returned to protect Song Jiang. Song Jiang seeing these two deadly combats was nonplused, but just then a detachment of horsemen came in view led by Qin Ming who hearing the noise of combat had brought up the reserves. Song Jiang called out, “Qin Ming, you take the place of Ma Lin in this fight!” Now Qin Ming was very hasty, and was already irritated because these people had arrested Huang Xin who had been one of his pupils. Seizing his mace he whipped his horse, and rushed forward to attack Zhu, the ‘Dragon.’ Ma Lin seeing Qin Ming retired, and went off to try to rescue Wang Ying. The girl Hu San Niang, the “Ten Feet of Green” seeing this movement left Ou Peng, and rushed to attack Ma Lin. These two were armed with two swords each, and now there was a brilliant flash of steel as the four swords were lashed, and thrust backwards and forwards. Song Jiang could not distinguish any particular sword as they were so quickly crossed and withdrawn. Qin Ming and Dragon Zhu fought about ten bouts without either gaining an advantage. There now came on the scene another combatant—Drill Instructor Luan Tingyu, who emerged from the village gate on horseback, armed with a lance and a heavy iron mace. Ou Peng was free, and advanced to fight this new man. Luan Tingyu retreated, and Ou Peng galloped after him. Luan Tingyu seeing his opponent near at hand flung the iron mace and knocked Ou Peng off his horse. Seeing this Deng Fei called out, “To the rescue!” and galloped up to engage Luan Tingyu. Song Jiang ordered his men to go and rescue Ou Peng. “Dragon” Zhu had retreated as he could not overcome Qin Ming, and that individual now charged forward also to attack Luan Tingyu. After about twenty bouts with Qin Ming, Luan Tingyu watched his opportunity and also retreated. As Qin Ming was pursuing, Luan Tingyu went into a place where the grass and reeds were very tall and dense. Qin Ming followed him, never suspecting that he was merely going into a trap. Suddenly his horse was pulled down by a lasso, and as he fell he was seized by men who had been waiting in ambush. Deng Fei had seen Qin Ming disappear from his horse, and galloping into the tall grass to rescue him met the same fate, and was also made a prisoner. Song Jiang seeing this, called off Ou Peng and Ma Lin as he saw that they could not overcome their opponents. The three leaders then galloped off in retreat followed by their men. They were pursued by “Dragon” Zhu, Luan Tingyu, and Hu San Niang the “Ten Feet of Green.”
Song Jiang saw in the distance a horseman approaching followed by about five hundred men. He soon recognized him as Mu Hong. There was also another large body of men to the east of these who he saw were led by Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu. He also was pleased to see another body of men approaching in charge of Hua Rong. Song Jiang gave orders for his men to fight a rearward action, but not to delay their retreat too much as it was getting dusk. Song Jiang was in advance finding the proper road, and while by himself he found that Hu San Niang was chasing him to cut him off from his men. Not being a match or her, Song Jiang retreated, and now there was a very speedy race between the two. Just as they reached a small hillock a man appeared who called out. “Why is that woman pursuing my elder brother?’’ He was none other than Li Kui. The girl seeing this rescue party turned her horse towards a wood near at hand. Just then Lin Chong also appeared accompanied by about ten horsemen. Lin Chong shouted, and the girl without hesitation galloped towards him waving her two swords. They fought for about ten bouts, and then Lin Chong saw her weakness. He allowed her to strike at him with both swords, and warding off the blows with his spear he at the same moment dropped his spear and seized hold of the girl with both hands. He held her firmly, and soon had her bound by his men with ropes. Song Jiang issued an order for all the men to fall back to the place they had started from, and sent Li Kui to carry this order to all the leaders.
It was now evening. Song Jiang and Lin Chong with their men and prisoner soon reached the rendezvous. The villagers had all withdrawn into the village for the night.
Song Jiang summoned four sergeants, and about twenty men, all mounted, and gave them instructions to take the girl Hu San Niang to Liangshan Marsh, and hand her over in the custody of his father. Most of the leaders concluded from this that Song Jiang wanted the girl for himself, but they said nothing.
The following morning a scout came to the camp, and reported that another body of about five hundred men under the commander of Wu Yong was approaching. Song Jiang went out of the camp to receive Wu Yong. Wu Yong had brought a large quantity of rations for the troops.
Wu Yong said, “Chao Gai heard that you had not been successful yesterday, so he dispatched me with these men, and rations to help you. How did the fight get along these days?”
“That is a long story,” replied Song Jiang. He then explained what had taken place the previous day. He added that he had no plans but that if he could not succeed in defeating those villagers and rescuing the four comrades he would prefer to die at that place instead of returning to Liangshan Marsh. He dared not face Chao Gai after being in such disgrace.
Wu Yong laughed at this, and said, “The Zhu Family Village ought of course to be defeated. Just now we have a fortunate opportunity and we can succeed very soon.”
“But how can we defeat those people?” asked Song Jiang surprisingly.
Wu Yong still laughed, and took his time to explain matters. Holding up two fingers he explained the position.
A hand stretching forth to seize a cloud,
Just helped a man enmeshed in net.