第五十四回
第五十四回 入云龙斗法破高廉 黑旋风探穴救柴进
诗曰：
奉辞伐罪号天兵，主将须将正道行。
自谓魔君能破敌，岂知正法更专精。
行仁柴进还存命，无德高廉早丧生。
试把兴亡重检点，西风搔首不胜情。
话说当下罗真人道：“弟子，你往日学的法术，却与高廉的一般。吾今传授与汝五雷天罡正法，依此而行，可救宋江，保国安民，替天行道。休被人欲所缚，误了大事，专精从前学道之心。你的老母，我自使人早晚看视，勿得忧念。汝应上界天闲星，以此容汝去助宋公明。吾有八个字，汝当记取，休得临期有误。”罗真人说那八个字，道是：“逢幽而止，遇汴而还。”公孙胜拜受了诀法，便和戴宗、李逵三人拜辞了罗真人，别了众道伴下山。归到家中，收拾了道衣，宝剑二口，并铁冠，如意等物了当，拜辞了老母，离山上路。
行过了三四十里路程，戴宗道：“小可先去报知哥哥，先生和李逵大路上来，却得再来相接。”公孙胜道：“正好。贤弟先往报知，吾亦趱行来也。”戴宗分付李逵道：“于路小心伏侍先生，但有些差池，教你受苦！”李逵答道：“他和罗真人一般的法术，我如何敢轻慢了他！”戴宗拴上甲马，作起神行法来，预先去了。
却说公孙胜和李逵两个离了二仙山九宫县，取大路而行，到晚寻店安歇。李逵惧怕罗真人法术，十分小心扶侍公孙胜，那里敢使性。两个行了三日，来到一个去处，地名唤做武冈镇，只见街市人烟辏集。公孙胜道：“这两日于路走的困倦，买碗素酒素面吃了行。”李逵道：“也好。”却见驿道旁边一个小酒店，两个入来店里坐下。公孙胜坐了上首，李逵解了腰包，下首坐了。叫过卖一面打酒，就安排些素馔来与二人吃。公孙胜道：“你这里有甚素点心卖？”过卖道：“我店里只卖酒肉，没有素点心。市口人家有枣糕卖。”李逵道：“我去买些来。”便去包内取了铜钱，径投市镇上来，买了一包枣糕。
欲待回来，只听得路旁侧首有人喝采道：“好气力！”李逵看时，一伙人围定一个大汉，把铁瓜锤在那里使，众人看了喝采他。李逵看那大汉时，七尺以上身材，面皮有麻，鼻子上一条大路。李逵看那铁锤时，约有三十来斤。那汉使的发了，一瓜锤正打在压街石上，把那石头打做粉碎，众人喝采。李逵忍不住，便把枣糕揣在怀中，便来拿那铁锤。那汉喝道：“你是甚么鸟人，敢来拿我的锤！”李逵道：“你使的甚么鸟好，教众人喝采？看了倒污眼！你看老爷使一回教众人看。”那汉道：“我借与你，你若使不动时，且吃我一顿脖子拳了去！”李逵接过瓜锤，如弄弹丸一般，使了一回，轻轻放下，面又不红，心头不跳，口内不喘。那汉看了，倒身便拜，说道：“愿求哥哥大名。”李逵道：“你家在那里住？”那汉道：“只在前面便是。”引了李逵到一个所在，见一把锁锁着门。那汉把钥匙开了门，请李逵到里面坐地。
李逵看他屋里都是铁砧、铁锤、火炉、钳、凿家火，寻思道：“这人必是个打铁匠人，山寨里正用得着，何不叫他也去入伙？”李逵又道：“汉子，你通个姓名，教我知道。”那汉道：“小人姓汤名隆。父亲原是延安府知寨官来，因为打铁上遭际老种经略相公，帐前叙用。近年父亲在任亡故，小人贪赌，流落在江湖上，因此权在此间打铁度日。入骨好使枪棒，为是自家浑身有麻点，人都叫小人做金钱豹子。敢问哥哥高姓大名？”李逵道：“我便是梁山泊好汉黑旋风李逵。”汤隆听了，再拜道：“多闻哥哥威名，谁想今日偶然得遇。”李逵道：“你在这里几时得发迹！不如跟我上梁山泊入伙，教你也做个头领。”汤隆道：“若得哥哥不弃，肯带携兄弟时，愿随鞭镫。”就拜李逵为兄。有四句诗单题着汤隆好处：
铜筋铁骨身躯健，炉冶钳锤每用功。
原是延安知寨后，金钱豹子是汤隆。
当时李逵认汤隆为弟。汤隆道：“我又无家人伴当，同哥哥去市镇上吃三杯淡酒，表结拜之意。今晚歇一夜，明日早行。”李逵道：“我有个师父在前面酒店里，等我买枣糕去吃了便行。担阁不得，只可如今便行。”汤隆道：“如何这般要紧？”李逵道：“你不知，宋公明哥哥见今在高唐州界首厮杀，只等我这师父到来救应。”汤隆道：“这个师父是谁？”李逵道：“你且休问，快收拾了去。”汤隆急急拴了包裹盘缠银两，戴上毡笠儿，跨了口腰刀，提条朴刀，弃了家中破房旧屋、粗重家火，跟了李逵，直到酒店里来见公孙胜。
公孙胜埋怨道：“李逵，你如何去了许多时！再来迟些，我依前回去了。”李逵不敢做声回话，引过汤隆拜了公孙胜，备说结义一事。公孙胜见说他是打铁出身，心中也喜。李逵取出枣糕，叫过卖将去整理。三个一同饮了几杯酒，吃了枣糕，算还了酒钱。李逵、汤隆各背上包裹，与公孙胜离了武冈镇，迤逦望高唐州来。
三个于路三停中走了二停多路，那日早却好迎着戴宗来接。公孙胜见了大喜，连忙问道：“近日相战如何？”戴宗道：“高廉那厮近日箭疮平复，每日领兵来搦战。哥哥坚守不敢出敌，只等先生到来。”公孙胜道：“这个容易。”李逵引着汤隆，拜见戴宗，说了备细，四人一处奔高唐州来。离寨五里远，早有吕方、郭盛引一百馀骑军马迎接着。四人都上了马，一同到寨，宋江、吴用等出寨迎接。各施礼罢，摆了接风酒，叙问间阔之情，请入中军帐内，众头领亦来作庆。李逵引过汤隆来参见宋江、吴用，并众头领等，讲礼已罢，寨中且做庆贺筵席。
次日，中军帐上宋江、吴用、公孙胜商议破高廉一事。公孙胜道：“主将传令，且着拔寨都起，看敌军如何，贫道自有区处。”当日宋江传令，各寨一齐引军起身，直抵高唐州城壕，下寨已定。次日早五更造饭，军人都披挂衣甲。宋公明、吴学究、公孙胜三骑马直到军前，摇旗擂鼓，呐喊筛锣，杀到城下来。
再说知府高廉在城中箭疮已痊，隔夜小军来报知宋江军马又到，早晨都披挂了衣甲，便开了城门，放下吊桥，将引三百神兵并大小将校出城迎敌。两军渐近，旗鼓相望，各摆开阵势。两阵里花腔鼍鼓擂，杂彩绣旗摇。宋江阵门开处，分十骑马来雁翅般摆开在两边。左手下五将：花荣、秦明、朱仝、欧鹏、吕方；右手下五将是林冲、孙立、邓飞、马麟、郭盛。中间三骑马上，为头是主将宋公明。怎生打扮？
头顶茜红巾，腰系狮蛮带。锦征袍大红贴背，水银盔彩凤飞檐。抹绿靴斜踏宝镫，黄金甲光动龙鳞。描金随定紫丝鞭，锦鞍鞯稳称桃花马。
左边那骑马上，坐着的便是梁山泊掌握兵权军师吴学究。怎生打扮？
五明扇齐攒白羽，九纶巾巧簇乌纱。素罗袍香皂沿边，碧玉环丝绦束定。凫舄稳踏葵花镫，银鞍不离紫丝缰。两条铜链挂腰间，一骑青骢出战场。
右边那骑马上，坐着的便是梁山泊掌握行兵布阵副军师公孙胜。怎生打扮？
星冠耀日，神剑飞霜。九霞衣服绣春云，六甲风雷藏宝诀。腰间系杂色短须绦，背上悬松文古定剑。穿一双云头点翠皂朝靴，骑一匹分鬃昂首黄花马。名标蕊笈玄功著，身列仙班道行高。
三个总军主将，三骑马出到阵前。看对阵金鼓齐鸣，门旗开处，也有二三十个军官簇拥着高唐州知府高廉出在阵前，立马于门旗下。怎生结束？但见：
束发冠珍珠镶嵌，绛红袍锦绣攒成。连环铠甲耀黄金，双翅银盔飞彩凤。足穿云缝吊墩靴，腰系狮蛮金鞓带。手内剑横三尺水，阵前马跨一条龙。
那知府高廉出到阵前，厉声高叫，喝骂道：“你那水洼草贼，既有心要来厮杀，定要分个胜败，见个输赢，走的不是好汉！”宋江听罢，问一声：“谁人出马立斩此贼？”小李广花荣挺枪跃马，直至垓心。高廉见了，喝问道：“谁与我直取此贼去？”那统制官队里转出一员上将，唤做薛元辉，使两口双刀，骑一匹劣马，飞出垓心，来战花荣。两个在阵前斗了数合，花荣拨回马望本阵便走。薛元辉不知是计，纵马舞刀，尽力来赶。花荣略带住了马，拈弓取箭，扭转身躯，只一箭，把薛元辉头重脚轻射下马去。两军齐呐声喊。
高廉在马上见了，大怒，急去马鞍前鞒取下那面聚兽铜牌，把剑去击。那里敲得三下，只见神兵队里，卷起一阵黄砂来，罩的天昏地暗，日色无光。喊声起处，豺狼虎豹怪兽毒虫，就这黄砂内卷将出来。众军恰待都走，公孙胜在马上早掣出那一把松文古定剑来，指着敌军，口中念念有词，喝声道：“疾！”只见一道金光射去，那伙怪兽毒虫，都就黄砂中乱纷纷坠于阵前。众军人看时，却都是白纸剪的虎豹走兽，黄砂尽皆荡散不起。宋江看了，鞭梢一指，大小三军一齐掩杀过去。但见人亡马倒，旗鼓交横。高廉急把神兵退走入城。宋江军马赶到城下，城上急拽起吊桥，闭上城门，擂木炮石，如雨般打将下来。宋江叫且鸣金，收聚军马下寨，整点人数，各获大胜。回帐称谢公孙先生神功道德，随即赏劳三军。
次日，分兵四面围城，尽力攻打。公孙胜对宋江、吴用道：“昨夜虽是杀败敌军大半，眼见得那三百神兵退入城中去了。若是今日攻击得紧，那厮今夜必来偷营劫寨。今晚可收军一处，直至夜深，分去四面埋伏。这里虚扎寨栅，夜间教众将只听霹雳响，看寨中火起，一齐进兵。”传令已了，当日攻城至未牌时分，都收四面军兵还寨，却在营中大吹大擂饮酒。看看天色渐晚，众头领暗暗分拨开去，四面埋伏已定。
却说宋江、吴用、公孙胜、花荣、秦明、吕方、郭盛上土坡等候。是夜，高廉果然点起三百神兵，背上各带铁葫芦，于内藏着硫黄焰硝、烟火药料，各人俱执钩刃铁扫帚，口内都衔芦哨。二更前后，大开城门，放下吊桥，高廉当先，驱领神兵前进，背后却带三千馀骑奔杀前来。离寨渐近，高廉在马上作起妖法，却早黑气冲天，狂风大作，飞砂走石，播土扬尘。三百神兵各取火种，去那葫芦口上点着，一声芦哨齐响，黑气中间，火光罩身，大刀阔斧滚入寨里来。高埠处，公孙胜仗剑作法，就空寨中平地上刮剌剌起个霹雳。三百神兵急待退步，只见那空寨中火起，光焰乱飞，上下通红，无路可出。四面伏兵齐赶，围定寨栅，黑处偏见，三百神兵不曾走得一个，都被杀在寨里。高廉急引了三十馀骑，奔走回城。背后一枝军马追赶将来，乃是豹子头林冲。看看赶上，急叫得放下吊桥，高廉只带得八九骑入城，其馀尽被林冲和人连马生擒活捉了去。高廉进到城中，尽点百姓上城守护。高廉军马神兵，被宋江、林冲杀个尽绝。有诗为证：
虎略龙韬说宋江，高廉神术更无双。
一时杀戮无噍类，不日开门就纳降。
次日，宋江又引军马四面围城甚急。高廉寻思：“我数年学得术法，不想今日被他破了，似此如之奈何？”只得使人去邻近州府求救，急急修书二封，教去东昌、寇州：“二处离此不远，这两个知府都是我哥哥抬举的人，教星夜起兵来接应。”差了两个帐前统制官，赍擎书信，放开西门，杀将出来，投西夺路去了。众将却待去追赶，吴用传令：“且放他去，可以将计就计。”宋江问道：“军师如何作用？”吴学究道：“城中兵微将寡，所以他去求救。我这里可使两枝人马，诈作救应军兵，于路混战，高廉必然开门助战。乘势一面取城，把高廉引入小路，必然擒获。”宋江听了大喜，令戴宗回梁山泊另取两枝军马，分作两路而来。
且说高廉每夜在城中空阔处堆积柴草，竟天价放火为号，城上只望救兵到来。过了数日，守城军兵望见宋江阵中不战自乱，急忙报知。高廉听了，连忙披挂上城瞻望，只见两路人马，战尘蔽日，喊杀连天，冲奔前来，四面围城军马，四散奔走。高廉知是两路救军到了，尽点在城军马，大开城门，分投掩杀出去。
且说高廉撞到宋江阵前，看见宋江引着花荣、秦明，三骑马望小路而走。高廉引了人马，急去追赶。急听得山坡后连珠炮响，心中疑惑，便收转人马回来。两边锣响，左手下吕方，右手下郭盛，各引五百人马冲将出来。高廉急夺路走时，部下军马折其大半，奔走脱得垓心时，望见城上已都是梁山泊旗号。举眼再看，无一处是救应军马，只得引着些败卒残兵，投山僻小路而走。行不到十里之外，山背后撞出一彪人马，当先拥出病尉迟孙立，拦住去路，厉声高叫：“我等你多时，好好下马受缚！”高廉引军便回，背后早有一彪人马截住去路，当先马上却是美髯公朱仝。两头夹攻将来，四面截了去路，高廉便弃了坐下马，便走上山。四下里步军一齐赶上山去。高廉慌忙口中念念有词，喝声道：“起！”驾一片黑云，冉冉腾空，直上山顶。只见山坡边转出公孙胜来，见了，便把剑在马上望空作用，口中也念念有词，喝声道：“疾！”将剑望空一指，只见高廉从云中倒撞下来。侧首抢过插翅虎雷横，一朴刀把高廉挥做两段。可怜半世英雄汉，化作南柯梦里人。有诗为证：
五马诸侯贵匪轻，自将妖术弄魔兵。
到头难敌公孙胜，致使阴陵一命倾。
且说雷横提了首级，都下山来，先使人去飞报主帅。宋江已知杀了高廉，收军进高唐州城内，先传下将令：“休得伤害百姓。”一面出榜安民，秋毫无犯；且去大牢中救出柴大官人来。那时当牢节级、押狱禁子已都走了，止有三五十个罪囚，尽数开了枷锁释放。数中只不见柴大官人一个，宋江心中忧闷。寻到一处监房内，却监着柴皇城一家老小；又一座牢内，监着沧州提捉到柴进一家老小，同监在彼。为是连日厮杀，未曾取问发落，只是没寻柴大官人处。吴学究教唤集高唐州押狱禁子跟问时，数内有一个禀道：“小人是当牢节级蔺仁。前日蒙知府高廉所委，专一牢固监守柴进，不得有失。又分付道：‘但有凶吉，你可便下手。’三日之前，知府高廉要取柴进出来施刑。小人为见本人是个好男子，不忍下手，只推道本人病至八分，不必下手。后又催并得紧，小人回称柴进已死。因是连日厮杀，知府不闲，却差人下来看视。小人恐见罪责，昨日引柴进去后面枯井边，开了枷锁，推放里面躲避，如今不知存亡。”
宋江听了，慌忙着蔺仁引入。直到后牢枯井边望时，见里面黑洞洞地，不知多少深浅。上面叫时，那得人应。把索子放下去探时，约有八九丈深。宋江道：“柴大官人眼见得多是没了！”宋江垂泪。吴学究道：“主帅且休烦恼，谁人敢下去探看一遭，便见有无。”说犹未了，转过黑旋风李逵来，大叫道：“等我下去！”宋江道：“正好。当初也是你送了他，今日正宜报本。”李逵笑道：“我下去不怕，你们莫要割断了绳索。”吴学究道：“你却也忒奸猾！”且取一个大篾箩，把索子抓了，接长索头，扎起一个架子，把索抓在上面。李逵脱得赤条条的，手拿两把板斧，坐在箩里，却放下井里去，索上缚两个铜铃。渐渐放到底下，李逵却从箩里爬将出来，去井底下摸时，摸着一堆，却是骸骨。李逵道：“爷娘，甚鸟东西在这里！”又去这边摸时，底下湿漉漉的，没下脚处。李逵把双斧拔放箩里，两手去摸底下，四边却宽。一摸摸着一个人，做一堆儿墩在水坑里。李逵叫一声：“柴大官人！”那里见动。把手去摸时，只觉口内微微声唤。李逵道：“谢天地，恁的时还有救性！”随即爬在箩里，摇动铜铃，众人扯将上来。
李逵说下面的事，宋江道：“你可再下去，先把柴大官人放在箩里，先发上来，却再放箩下来取你。”李逵道：“哥哥不知，我去蓟州着了两道儿，今番休撞第三遍！”宋江笑道：“我如何肯弄你！你快下去。”李逵只得再坐箩里，又下井去。到得底下，李逵爬将出箩去，却把柴大官人抱在箩里，摇动索上铜铃。上面听得，早扯起来到上面，众人看了大喜。宋江见柴进头破额裂，两腿皮肉打烂，眼目略开又闭。宋江心中甚是凄惨，叫请医士调治。李逵却在井底下发喊大叫。宋江听得，急叫把箩放将下去，取他上来。李逵到得上面，发作道：“你们也不是好人！便不把箩放下去救我。”宋江道：“我们只顾看顾柴大官人，因此忘了你，休怪。”宋江就令众人把柴进扛扶上车睡了，先把两家老小并夺转许多家财，共有二十馀辆车子，叫李逵、雷横先护送上梁山泊去。却把高廉一家老小良贱三四十口，处斩于市。再把应有家私并府库财帛、仓廒粮米，尽数装载上山。
大小将校，离了高唐州，得胜回梁山泊，所过州县，秋毫无犯。鞭敲金镫响，齐唱凯歌回。在路已经数日，回到大寨。柴进扶病起来，称谢晁、宋二公并众头领。晁盖教请柴大官人就山顶宋公明歇所，另建一所房子，与柴进并家眷安歇。晁盖、宋江等众皆大喜。自高唐州回来，又添得柴进、汤隆两个头领，且作庆贺筵席，不在话下。
再说东昌、寇州两处，已知高唐州杀了高廉，失陷了城池，只得写表，差人申奏朝廷。又有高唐州逃难官员，都到京师说知真实。高太尉听了，知道杀死他兄弟高廉。次日五更，在待漏院中，专等景阳钟响，百官各具公服，直临丹墀，伺候朝见，道君皇帝设朝。正是：
鸡鸣紫陌曙光寒，莺啭皇州春色阑。
金阙晓钟开万户，玉阶仙仗列千官。
花迎剑佩星初落，柳拂旌旗露未干。
独有凤凰池上客，阳春一曲和皆难。
当日五更三点，道君皇帝升殿。净鞭三下响，文武两班齐。天子驾坐，殿头官喝道：“有事出班启奏，无事卷帘退朝。”高太尉出班奏曰：“今有济州梁山泊贼首晁盖、宋江，累造大恶，打劫城池，抢掳仓廒，聚集凶徒恶党。见在济州杀害官军，闹了江州、无为军，今又将高唐州官民杀戮一空，仓廒库藏，尽被掳去。此是心腹大患，若不早行诛戮剿除，他日养成贼势，甚于北边强虏敌国。微臣不胜惶惧，伏乞我皇圣断。”天子闻奏大惊，随即降下圣旨，就委高太尉选将调兵，前去剿捕，务要扫清水泊，杀绝种类。高太尉又奏道：“量此草寇，不必兴举大兵。臣保一人，可去收复。”天子道：“卿若举用，必无差错。即令起行，飞捷报功，加官赐赏，高迁任用。”高太尉奏道：“此人乃开国之初，河东名将呼延赞嫡派子孙，单名呼个灼字。使两条铜鞭，有万夫不当之勇。见受汝宁郡都统制，手下多有精兵勇将。臣举保此人，可以征剿梁山泊。可授兵马指挥使，领马步精锐军士，克日扫清山寨，班师还朝。”天子准奏，降下圣旨：着枢密院即便差人赍敕前往汝宁州星夜宣取。当日朝罢，高太尉就于帅府着枢密院拨一员军官，赍擎圣旨，前去宣取。当日起行，限时定日，要呼延灼赴京听命。
却说呼延灼在汝宁州统军司坐衙，听得门人报道：“有圣旨特来宣取将军赴京，有委用的事。”呼延灼与本州官员出郭迎接到统军司。开读已罢，设筵管待使臣。火急收拾了头盔衣甲，鞍马器械，带引三四十从人，一同使命[1]，离了汝宁州，星夜赴京。于路无话，早到京师城内殿司府前下马，来见高太尉。
当日高俅正在殿帅府坐衙，门吏报道：“汝宁州宣到呼延灼，见在门外。”高太尉大喜，叫唤进来参见了。看那呼延灼一表非俗，正是：
开国功臣后裔，先朝良将玄孙。家传鞭法最通神，英武惯经战阵。仗剑能探虎穴，弯弓解射雕群。将军出世定乾坤，呼延灼威名大振。
当下高太尉问慰已毕，与了赏赐。次日早朝，引见道君皇帝。徽宗天子看了呼延灼一表非俗，喜动天颜，就赐踢雪乌骓一匹。那马浑身墨锭似黑，四蹄雪练价白，因此名为踢雪乌骓马，日行千里。圣旨赐与呼延灼骑坐。呼延灼就谢恩已罢，随高太尉再到殿帅府，商议起军剿捕梁山泊一事。呼延灼禀复：“恩相，小人观探梁山泊兵多将广，武艺高强，不可轻敌小觑。小人乞保二将为先锋，同提军马到彼，必获大功。若是误举，甘当重罪。”高太尉听罢大喜，问道：“将军所保谁人，可为前部先锋？”
不争呼延灼举保此二将，有分教：宛子城重添羽翼，梁山泊大破官军。且教功名未上凌烟阁，身体先登聚义厅。毕竟呼延灼对高太尉保出谁来，且听下回分解。
[1] 使命——使臣、使者。
CHAPTER 53. Gongsun Sheng by a Magic Trick Defeats Gao Lian; the Black Whirlwind Descends into a Well to Rescue Chai Jin
“DISCIPLE,” said True Man Luo the Immortal, the spell you have learned is the same as Gao Lian, but I will now disclose to you the means of controlling thunder so that you can help Song Jiang to guard the country and pacify the people as an agent appointed by Heaven. You need not be anxious about your mother as I will see that she is well looked after. You are one of the stars of the constellation and therefore I let you go for some time. You must remember what I told you of the divine principles, and avoid being deceived by human desire, as this will upset your plans.”
Gongsun Sheng kowtowed, and received the method for controlling thunder. He, Li Kui, and Dai Zong saluted Luo and the other priests there. They then went to Gongsun Sheng’s home where he put on his traveling dress, took his double-edged sword, and after bidding adieu to his mother they all departed.
When they had walked about ten li Dai Zong said he would go in advance to Gaotang Prefecture, and announce their approach. Gongsun Sheng agreed to this, and promised that they would follow behind.
“On the road I want you to wait upon Gongsun Sheng,” said Dai Zong to Li Kui. “You must also be careful to avoid all further trouble.”
“He has the same magic power as Luo, so how dare I deceive him?” asked Li Kui.
Dai Zong then put on his enchanted puttees and vanished from sight.
Gongsun Sheng and Li Kui continued their way, and towards evening stopped at an inn. Li Kui had felt the great powers of Luo the Immortal and therefore he dared not display his temper, but waited upon Gongsun Sheng with every attention. On the third day they came to the town of Wugang where the streets were very crowded. As they were both tired Gongsun Sheng said they would get some vegetarian food at that market town. They entered a small inn at the side of the street, sat down, and ordered food from the waiter.
“What kind of vegetarian cakes have you?” asked Gongsun Sheng.
“We have only wine and meat,” replied the waiter. “But at the entrance of the street you can get cakes made with dates.”
“I will go and buy the cakes,” said Li Kui. He went and after purchasing the food was on his way back to the inn when he heard the applause, “How strong!” Looking round Li Kui saw a big crowd round a very big man who was holding a heavy iron hammer with a head as big as a watermelon. His face was pock-marked. The hammer, Li Kui thought, must have weighed about thirty jin. The man swung it round, and brought it down on a stone in the street, and broke the latter into small bits. The crowd applauded this exhibition of strength, but Li Kui did not think it amounted to much. So putting the cakes in his breast he stepped forward, and took hold of the hammer.
“What are you doing? Who are you?” asked the owner.
“These people applaud you, but what for?” asked Li Kui. “It does not seem very wonderful. You just watch me do it.”
“You may try,” said the man, “but if you fail the penalty will be a blow from my fist.”
Li Kui lifted the hammer, and after whirling it round his head brought it down on the ground lightly and with ease. His face was not red, his heart did not palpitate, and his breathing was regular. He looked quite cool and collected.
The tall man seeing this, saluted, and asked for his name.
“Where do you come from?” asked Li Kui.
“I live just opposite,” replied the man. He then conducted Li Kui to his home, and upon reaching the house he unlocked the door, and asked Li Kui to be seated. Li Kui noticed that the room contained all kinds of implements of a blacksmith, a hammer, a stove, tongs, steel punches, and so on. He thought that the man must be a blacksmith, and as they had no such person at their stronghold it would be a good thing to invite this man to join them. He asked the man his name.
“I am Tang Long, and my father was a military official at Yanan Prefecture, Shaanxi province. This year my father died, and through gambling I have lost all the money. I work here as a blacksmith, and like to practice the use of lance and stick. Because of my pock-marked face the people call me the ‘Cash Marked Leopard.’ I beg to ask for your honorable name.”
Li Kui told him, and also that he came from Liangshan Marsh. Upon hearing this the man saluted, and said he had heard of Li Kui’s fame, and was very fortunate to meet such a hero. Then Li Kui suggested that he should go with him to Liangshan Marsh, and join the bandits there. The man agreed to this at once. Li Kui then asked him to go with him to the inn to be introduced to Gongsun Sheng. The man got a few things together, and left his house to follow Li Kui.
Upon reaching the inn Li Kui duly introduced the new partner, and explained fully how they had met. After a meal together they three all started on their journey. When near their destination they met Dai Zong, and Gongsun Sheng inquired whether there had been any more fighting.
“Gao Lian’s wound is nearly healed now,” replied Dai Zong, “and every day there is fighting. Song Jiang has been acting merely on the defensive awaiting your arrival.”
The four men then went on their way to Gaotang Prefecture, and soon reached the bandits’ camp. There Tang Long was introduced, and duly joined the brigands. They were all pleased to see Gongsun Sheng.
The next day there was a general council held of all the leaders to discuss their future plans. Gongsun Sheng said that orders could be issued for a general advance on Gaotang Prefecture. He would go and see what the opposing army was doing. The next day the bandits all moved forward fully equipped, with flying banners, rolling of drums, and clash of gongs. Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and Gongsun Sheng rode in the front.
Gao Lian had been informed of the approach of the bandits, ordered his army to leave the town. The two bodies of fighting men soon met, and stood in ranks. There was a great display of banners, and a great noise of drums and gongs. Song Jiang and the two leaders advanced. Gao Lian was seated on his horse surrounded by about thirty officers with a large flag. As Song Jiang approached Gao Lian shouted, “You thieves! As you come here to fight I hope you won’t run away this time when you are defeated. Running away does not look nice.”
Song Jiang turned, and asked who would volunteer for a single combat. Hua Rong immediately set spurs to his horse, and dashed forward without saying a word.
Gao Lian also asked for a champion to meet Hua Rong and Xue Yuanhui dashed forward.
These two fought for a long time, and then Hua Rong retired. Immediately Xue Yuanhui pursued him, flourishing his sword. Hua Rong, however, got his bow, and turning round in his saddle shot an arrow which wounded Xue who fell off his horse. The troops applauded.
Gao Lian was very angry at this, and taking his copper plate from his saddle he beat it with his sword. Immediately a yellow cloud of dust arose, and obliterating the sunlight made the field quite dark. Out of the cloud now emerged all kinds of strange animals, tigers, leopards, and insects. The troops shouted and moved forward. Gongsun Sheng however on his horse took his sword, and waving it towards the approaching troops called out, “Go!” A flash of light emerged from his sword, and meeting the weird animals they all fell down. The assembled troops now saw that these animals had only been made of paper as they were all consumed by the flame. The yellow cloud of dust also disappeared.
Song Jiang now ordered his men to charge, and they meeting the opposing troops entered into conflict. It was soon over and Gao Lian and his troops retreated into the town. When Song Jiang came up they found the bridge drawn up, and the town gate closed, and the troops on the wall shower stones and blocks of wood on them. Song Jiang then gave the signal for his men to withdraw, and slowly they returned to their camping ground. The men were rewarded for the victory and Gongsun Sheng was loudly praised.
The next day the bandits surrounded the town on all sides. Gongsun Sheng said to Song Jiang and Wu Yong, “Yesterday we defeated more than half of the opposing army, hut we did not touch the bodyguard of Gao Lian. Today we must attack with great force. Tonight they will probably attack our camp so we will leave the camp deserted, and station our troops at other points all round. We must instruct our men to remain quiet until they hear a clap of thunder and see a large flame in the camp when they must rush towards the camp.”
Orders were given accordingly, and in the afternoon the brigands were withdrawn from the town, and were given a good feed in the camp. When it was dark the men were divided under their various leaders and all left the camp. Song Jiang, Gongsun Sheng, and several other leaders took up a position on a mound near the camp.
That night Gao Lian provided his bodyguard with iron gourds filled with saltpeter and gunpowder. Each man also had a hooked sickle, an iron broom, and a whistle. Near midnight the town gate was opened, and his men marched out. Gao Lian was on horseback, and used his magic spells. A strong wind sprung up which whirled stones and dust in all directions. The soldiers soon lit their gunpowder, blew their whistles, and advanced in the great confusion.
Gongsun Sheng now used his magic, and in the deserted camp there was a clap of thunder with many flashes of lightning. Gao Lian’s troops saw that the camp was deserted, and being frightened by the spectacle they all tried to retreat. But they now found their way blocked by the bandits who attacked fiercely, and in the end not a single one of the three hundred troops was left alive. Gao Lian, however, had been able to get back to the town with about nine of his bodyguard of thirty men. Upon entering the gate he gave orders for the drawbridge to be raised and the gate closed. He then ordered all the people in the town to mount guard on the walls.
The next day Song Jiang surrounded the town with his bandits. Gao Lian considered that all his study of magic was of no avail as he had been thoroughly defeated. What could he do? He decided that the only thing left was to send to the surrounding districts, and ask for help. He wrote two letters accordingly and sent messengers with them. Both of the Prefects concerned had been appointed by his elder brother in the capital so he thought they could not refuse assistance.
Wu Yong saw the two messengers leave the town, but said, “We must not stop them, but let them go. We can make use of their plot to defeat them.”
“What is your plan?” asked Song Jiang.
“Evidently there are very few soldiers in the town now,” said Wu Yong, “and they are sending for reinforcements. We must get two squadrons of cavalry, and delude the people in the town that they are reinforcements for them. We must arrange for a sham battle, and let the supposed reinforcements win. Then Gao Lian will open the town gate and welcome them. When however he finds out his mistake he will probably try to leave the town by some means, and we must look out for him and capture him.”
Song Jiang applauded this plot, and sent Dai Zong to Liangshan Marsh to bring two squadrons of cavalry.
Gao Lian had gathered a great deal of straw and grass to a vacant spot on the wall with the idea of burning this at night so as to guide the reenforcements should they arrive after dusk.
A few days afterwards the outposts reported to Gao Lian that the bandits were fighting against some troops. Gao Lian went to the observation post, and saw a large body of cavalry fighting against the brigands. Many bandits were on the grounds, and others were running away. Gao Lian considered that these were the reenforcements so he mustered his soldiers, had the city gates opened, and marched out his soldiers to attack the bandits. He saw Song Jiang, Hua Rong, and Qin Ming leaving the battlefield by a small side road. He advanced to pursue them but just then many gongs were sounded on a hill some distance away, and suspecting some trap he ordered a retreat. As he retreated he found that he was surrounded by brigands on his left and right who were closing in. He hastened his retreat, but about half of his men were cut off and taken prisoners. Looking towards the town he saw the brigands’ flags flying there. He looked round for the supposed reinforcements, but could not see a single man. He, therefore, led his men towards a small hill to escape, but when near he saw a large body of brigands already there. He turned to try to find another way, but saw bandits on all sides. He dismounted his horse with the idea of going up the hillside on foot. He soon realized that he was being hemmed in again, and reciting a spell he caused a black cloud on which he mounted himself and ascended into the sky. Gongsun Sheng had however seen this, and uttering a spell he caused the cloud to descend bringing Gao Lian to the ground. There Gao Lian was attacked by Inspector Lei Heng who soon killed him. Upon receiving news of the death of Prefect Gao Lian, Song Jiang entered the town with his men, and issued an order that the people were not to be disturbed by his men nor anything looted. He then went to the city prison to release the prisoners, and found that all the jailers had left their posts and run away. He released about fifty prisoners without however finding any trace of Squire Chai Jin. In one cell, however, he found the family of Chai Jin’s uncle, and then in another cell found all the family of Squire Chai Jin. As Gao Lian had very little spare time he had postponed cross-examining them until a later time. But Wu Yong had come across a turnkey in the prison who told him that some days ago before Prefect Gao Lian had given him the special duty of attending to the prisoner Squire Chai Jin, and had ordered him that in case of any disorder in the town he must kill Chai Jin at once. Three days before, Prefect Gao Lian had sent to the prison for Chai Jin to be executed. This turnkey thought Squire Chai Jin a fine type of man, and declined to carry out the order. But he sent a reply that Chai Jin had been killed. As he was afraid that further inquiry might be made he smuggled Squire Chai Jin out of the prison, and lowered him into a dry well. Upon hearing this Song Jiang went with the turnkey to the well. He looked down, but as it was quite dark he had no idea how deep it was. He called out, but got no reply. He then got a rope about 30 feet long and lowered it down the well. Again there was no result. Song Jiang considered that Squire Chai Jin was not there, and burst into tears. “Do not cry,” said Wu Yong. ‘In order to make sure we must lower a man down the well.”
Just then Li Kui came on the scene and offered to go down the well.
“‘As you have involved him in trouble,” said Song Jiang, “you must make recompense for him.”
“I will go down. I am not afraid,” said Li Kui laughingly, “but don’t cut the rope.”
“That is a villainous thought,” said Wu Yong. “Of course we shall not cut the rope.”
A basket was obtained, and fastened to the end of the rope, a three-legged derrick was erected over the well with the rope running over the top. Li Kui got in the basket, and was slowly lowered down. Upon reaching the bottom Li Kui got out of the basket, and began to feel around in the dark. He felt some bones, and was rather upset by this. He however felt around, but found nothing. It was all mud and water. He again searched round and found a small hole in the side of the well, and there he felt a man. “Squire Chai Jin,” he called out, but got no reply. He took hold of the man who was still breathing. “Thanks to Heaven and Earth, I have saved your life,” said Li Kui. He took his seat in the basket; and rang a small bell that was fastened to the rope. The basket was pulled up, and upon reaching the top he explained that Squire Chai Jin had been found.
“Then you must go down again, and send Squire Chai Jin up first,” said Song Jiang.
“When I went to Jizhou I was deceived twice, so that today I do not want to be fooled again,” said Li Kui.
“We certainly will not fool you,” said Song Jiang. “You quickly go down.”
Li Kui went down again, placed Squire Chai Jin in the basket, and rang the bell on the rope. The basket was pulled up, and everybody was pleased to see Squire Chai Jin again. He was almost unconscious, had big wounds on his thigh and head. A doctor was sent for at once.
Li Kui thought they had forgotten him, and shouted loudly. Song Jiang hearing this, had the basket lowered and they soon brought Li Kui up in the basket. Upon getting to the top, Li Kui was angry. He said, “You people are bad! Why didn’t you lower the basket for me at once?”
“We saw that Squire Chai Jin was very badly wounded, and for the moment forgot about you. Please excuse us,” said Song Jiang.
A cart was obtained and Squire Chai Jin was laid down in it. Others were obtained for Chai Jin’s relatives and altogether about twenty carts, set off for Liangshan Marsh. On the way the bandits did not trouble the people. Within a few days Squire Chai Jin recovered and was given quarters near Song Jiang’s at Liangshan Marsh.
The victory of the bandits under Song Jiang was duly reported by the Prefects of Dongchang and Kouzhou to the minister at the Eastern Capital. Marshal Gao Qiu of the Imperial Guard learned that his cousin Prefect Gao Lian had been defeated and killed by the bandits. Early the next morning before dawn, he went to the palace to have an audience with the Emperor. There were many ministers and high officials also waiting for the audience. About half past 4 A.M. the Emperor appeared, and took his seat on the throne. An official called out, “Those who have business may now speak. If there is no business His Imperial Majesty will retire.”
Gao Qiu stepped out of the ranks of the standing officials, and addressed the throne: “At Liangshan Marsh in Jizhou there is a strong company of bandits under Song Jiang and Chao Gai. They have ravaged the surrounding country, and done great damage to the people and their property. This is a vile state of affairs. If they are not suppressed I am afraid the province will be in danger. I await Your Majesty’s order.”
The Emperor was surprised at the news, and issued a decree that Gao Qiu use all the necessary military forces to suppress the bandits at once.
Marshal Gao Qiu decided to send to Runing Prefecture in Henan province for a famous general named Huyan Zhuo to take charge of the expedition, and the Imperial edict was issued accordingly. Upon that man’s arrival the Emperor presented him with a black horse. Gao Qiu and Huyan Zhuo then discussed details and the latter recommended two other generals to assist him.
Merit should be comprehended,
Virtue entered honors list.