第六十三回

第六十三回 宋江兵打北京城 关胜议取梁山泊

诗曰：

北京留守多雄伟，四面高城崛然起。

西风飒飒骏马鸣，此日冤囚当受死。

俊义之冤谁雪洗，时刻便为刀下鬼。

纷纷戈剑乱如麻，后拥前遮集如蚁。

英雄忿怒举青锋，翻身直下如飞龙。

步兵骑士悉奔走，凛凛杀气生寒风。

六街三市尽回首，尸横骸卧如猪狗。

可怜力寡难抵当，将身就缚如摧朽。

他时奋出囹圄中，胆气英英大如斗。

话说当时石秀和卢俊义两个，在城内走头没路，四下里人马合来，众做公的把挠钩搭住，套索绊翻。可怜悍勇英雄，方信寡不敌众，两个当下尽被捉了。解到梁中书面前，叫押过劫法场的贼来。石秀押在厅下，睁圆怪眼，高声大骂：“你这败坏国家，害百姓的贼！我听着哥哥将令，早晚便引军来，打你城子，踏为平地，把你砍做三截。先教老爷来和你们说知。”石秀在厅前千贼万贼价骂，厅上众人都唬呆了。梁中书听了，沉吟半晌，叫取大枷来，且把二人枷了，监放死囚牢里，分付蔡福在意看管，休教有失。蔡福要结识梁山泊好汉，把他两个做一处牢里关着，每日好酒好肉，与他两个吃，因此不曾吃苦，倒将养得好了。

却说梁中书唤本州新任王太守，当厅发落，就城中计点被伤人数，杀死的有七八十个，跌伤头面、磕损皮肤、撞折腿脚者，不计其数。报名在官，梁中书支给官钱，医治、烧化了当。次日，城里城外报说将来，收得梁山泊没头帖子数十张，不敢隐瞒，只得呈上。梁中书看了，吓得魂飞天外，魄散九霄。帖上写道：

“梁山泊义士宋江，仰示大名府，布告天下：今为大宋朝滥官当道，污吏专权，殴死良民，涂炭万姓。北京卢俊义，乃豪杰之士，今者启请上山，一同替天行道。特令石秀先来报知，不期俱被擒捉。如是存得二人性命，献出淫妇奸夫，吾无侵扰；倘若误伤羽翼，屈坏股肱，拔寨兴兵，同心雪恨，人兵到处，玉石俱焚。天地咸扶，鬼神共佑。剿除奸诈，殄灭愚顽，谈笑入城，并无轻恕。义夫节妇，孝子顺孙，好义良民，清慎官吏，切勿惊惶，各安职业。谕众知悉。”

当时梁中书看了没头告示，便唤王太守到来，商议此事如何剖决。王太守是个善懦之人，听得说了这话，便禀梁中书道：“梁山泊这一伙，朝廷几次尚且收捕他不得，何况我这里孤城小处。倘若这亡命之徒引兵到来，朝廷救兵不迭，那时悔之晚矣！若论小官愚意，且姑存此二人性命，一面写表申奏朝廷，二乃奉书呈上蔡太师恩相知道，三者可教本处军马出城下寨，提备不虞。如此可保北京无事，军民不伤。若将这两个一时杀坏，仍恐寇兵临城，一者无兵解救，二者朝廷见怪，三乃百姓惊慌，城中扰乱，深为未便。”梁中书听了道：“知府言之极当。”先唤押牢节级蔡福发放道：“这两个贼徒，非同小可。你若是拘束得紧，诚恐丧命；若教你宽松，又怕他走了。你弟兄两个，早早晚晚，可紧可慢，在意坚固管候发落，休得时刻怠慢。”蔡福听了，心中暗喜，如此发放，正中下怀。领了钧旨，自去牢中安慰他两个，不在话下。

只说梁中书便唤兵马都监大刀闻达、天王李成两个，都到厅前商议。梁中书备说梁山泊没头告示，王太守所言之事。两个都监听罢，李成便道：“量这伙草寇，如何肯擅离巢穴，相公何必有劳神思。李某不才，食禄多矣，无功报德，愿施犬马之劳，统领军卒，离城下寨。草寇不来，别作商议；如若那伙强寇年衰命尽，擅离巢穴，领众前来，不是小将夸其大言，定令此贼片甲不回。上报国家俸禄之恩，下伸平生所学之志，肝胆涂地，并无异心。”梁中书听了大喜，随即取金碗绣段，赏劳二将。两个辞谢，别了梁中书，各回营寨安歇。

次日，李成升帐，唤大小官军上帐商议。傍边走过一人，威风凛凛，相貌堂堂，姓索名超，绰号急先锋，惯使两把金蘸斧。李成传令道：“宋江草寇，早晚临城，要来打俺北京。你可点本部军兵，离城三十五里下寨。我随后却领军来。”索超得了将令，次日点起本部军兵，至三十五里地名飞虎峪，靠山下了寨栅。次日，李成引领正偏将，离城二十五里地名槐树坡，下了寨栅。周围密布枪刀，四下深藏鹿角，三面掘下陷坑。众军磨拳擦手，诸将协力同心，只等梁山泊军马到来，便要建功。有诗为证：

金鼓喧天大寨中，人如貔虎马如龙。

一心忠赤无余事，只要当朝建大功。

话分两头。原来这没头帖子，却是神行太保戴宗打听得卢员外、石秀都被擒捉，因此虚写告示，向没人处撇下，及桥梁道路上贴放，只要保全卢俊义、石秀二人性命。回到梁山泊寨内，把上项事备细与众头领说知。宋江听罢大惊，就忠义堂上打鼓集众，大小头领各依次序而坐。宋江开话对吴学究道：“当初军师好意，启请卢员外上山来聚义。今日不想却教他受苦，又陷了石秀兄弟。当用何计可救？”吴用道：“兄长放心。小生不才，愿献一计，乘此机会，就取北京钱粮，以供山寨之用。明日是个吉辰，请兄长分一半头领，把守山寨，其馀尽随我等去打城池。”宋江道：“军师之言极当。”便唤铁面孔目裴宣，派拨大小军兵，来日起程。黑旋风李逵便道：“我这两把大斧，多时不曾发市。听得打州劫县，我也在厅边欢喜。哥哥拨与我五百小喽啰，抢到北京，把梁中书砍做肉泥，拿住李固和那婆娘碎尸万段，救取卢员外、石秀二人性命，是我心愿。”宋江道：“兄弟虽然勇猛，这北京非比别处州府。且梁中书又是蔡太师女婿，更兼手下有李成、闻达，都有万夫不当之勇，不可轻敌。”李逵大叫道：“哥哥这般长别人志气，灭自己威风！且看兄弟去如何，若还输了，誓不回山。”吴用道：“既然你要去，便教做先锋，点与五百好汉相随，就充头阵，来日下山。”

当晚宋江和吴用商议，拨定了人数。裴宣写了告示，送到各寨，各依拨次施行，不得时刻有误。此时秋末冬初天气，征夫容易披挂，战马易得肥满。军卒久不临阵，皆生战斗之心；各恨不平，尽想报仇之念。得蒙差遣，欢天喜地，收拾枪刀，拴束鞍马，磨拳擦掌，时刻下山。第一拨，当先哨路黑旋风李逵，部领小喽啰五百。第二拨，两头蛇解珍、双尾蝎解宝、毛头星孔明、独火星孔亮，部领小喽啰一千。第三拨，女头领一丈青扈三娘，副将母夜叉孙二娘、母大虫顾大嫂，部领小喽啰一千。第四拨，扑天雕李应，副将九纹龙史进、小尉迟孙新，部领小喽啰一千。中军主将都头领宋江，军师吴用。簇帐头领四员：小温侯吕方、赛仁贵郭盛、病尉迟孙立、镇三山黄信。前军头领霹雳火秦明，副将百胜将韩滔、天目将彭玘。后军头领豹子头林冲，副将铁笛仙马麟、火眼狻猊邓飞。左军头领双鞭将呼延灼，副将摩云金翅欧鹏、锦毛虎燕顺。右军头领小李广花荣，副将跳涧虎陈达、白花蛇杨春。并带炮手轰天雷凌振。接应粮草头领一员，神行太保戴宗。军兵分拨已定，平明，各头领依次而行，当日进发。只留下副军师公孙胜并刘唐、朱仝、穆弘四个头领，统领马步军兵守把山寨三关。水寨中自有李俊等守把，不在话下。有诗为证：

石秀无端闹法场，圜扉枷杻苦遭殃。

梁山大举鹰扬旅，水陆横行孰敢当。

却说索超正在飞虎峪寨中坐地，只见流星报马前来，报说宋江军马大小人兵不计其数，离寨约有二三十里，将近到来。索超听的，飞报李成槐树坡寨内。李成听了，一面报马入城，一面自备了战马，直到前寨。索超接着，说了备细。次日五更造饭，平明拔寨都起，前到庾家疃，列成阵势，摆开一万五千人马。李成、索超全副披挂，门旗下勒住战马。平东一望，远远地尘土起处，约有五百馀人，飞奔前来。李成鞭梢一指，军健脚踏硬弩，手拽强弓。梁山泊好汉，在庾家疃一字儿摆成阵势。只见：

人人都带茜红巾，个个齐穿绯衲袄。鹭鸶腿紧系脚绷，虎狼腰牢拴裹肚。三股叉直迸寒光，四棱简横拖冷雾。柳叶枪、火尖枪，密密如麻；青铜刀、偃月刀，纷纷似雪。满地红旗飘火焰，半空赤帜耀霞光。

东阵上只见一员好汉当前出马，乃是黑旋风李逵，手掿双斧，睁圆怪眼，咬碎钢牙，高声大叫：“认得梁山泊好汉黑旋风么！”李成在马上看了，与索超大笑道：“每日只说梁山泊好汉，原来只是这等腌草寇，何足为道！先锋，你看么，何不先捉此贼！”索超笑道：“割鸡焉用牛刀。自有战将建功，不必主将挂念。”言未绝，索超马后一员首将，姓王名定，手拈长枪，引领部下一百马军，飞奔冲将过来。李逵胆勇过人，虽是带甲遮护，怎当军马一冲，当时四下奔走。索超引军直赶过庾家疃来。只见山坡背后锣鼓喧天，早撞出两彪军马，左有解珍、孔亮，右有孔明、解宝，各领五百小喽啰冲杀将来。索超见他有接应军马，方才吃惊，不来追赶，勒马便回。李成问道：“如何不拿贼来？”索超道：“赶过山去，正要拿他，原来这厮们倒有接应人马，伏兵齐起，难以下手。”李成道：“这等草寇，何足惧哉！”将引前部军兵，尽数杀过庾家疃来。只见前面摇旗呐喊，擂鼓鸣锣，又是一彪军马。当先一骑马上，却是一员女将，结束得十分标致。有《念奴娇》为证：

玉雪肌肤，芙蓉模样，有天然标格。金铠辉煌鳞甲动，银渗红罗抹额。玉手纤纤，双持宝刃，恁英雄煊赫。眼溜秋波，万种妖娆堪摘。 谩驰宝马当前，霜刃如风，要把官军斩馘。粉面尘飞，征袍汗湿，杀气腾胸腋。战士消魂，敌人丧胆，女将中间奇特。得胜归来，隐隐笑生双颊。

且说这扈三娘引军红旗上，金书大字“女将一丈青”，左有顾大嫂，右有孙二娘，引一千馀军马，都是七长八短汉，四山五岳人。李成看了道：“这等军人，作何用处！索超与我向前迎敌，我却分兵勒捕四下草寇。”索超领了将令，手掿金蘸斧，拍坐下马，杀奔前来。一丈青勒马回头，望山凹里便走。李成分开人马，四下里赶杀。正赶之间，只听的喊声震地，雾气遮天，一彪人马飞也似追来。李成急急退兵十四五里，首尾不能管顾。急退入庾家疃时，左冲出解珍、孔亮，部领人马，赶杀将来；右冲出孔明、解宝，部领人马，又杀到来；三员女将，拨转马头，随后杀来，赶的李成军马四分五落。急待回寨，黑旋风李逵当先拦住。李成、索超冲开人马，夺路而去。比及回寨，大折一阵。宋江军马也不追赶，一面收兵暂歇，扎下营寨。

且说李成、索超慌忙入城报知，梁中书连夜再差闻达速领本部军马，前来助战。李成接着，就槐树坡寨内商议退兵之策。闻达笑道：“疥癞之疾，何足挂意！闻某不才，来日愿决一阵，势不相负。”当夜商议定了，传令与军士得知。四更造饭，五更披挂，平明进兵。战鼓三通，拔寨都起，前到庾家疃，早见宋江军马，拨风也似价来。但见：

征云冉冉飞晴空，征尘漠漠迷西东。

十万貔貅声振地，车厢火炮如雷轰。

鼙鼓咚咚撼山谷，旌旗猎猎摇天风。

枪影摇空翻玉蟒，剑光耀日飞苍龙。

六师鹰扬鬼神泣，三军英勇貅虎同。

罡星煞曜降凡世，天蓬丁甲离青穹。

银盔金甲濯冰雪，强弓劲弩真难攻。

人人只欲尽忠义，擒王斩将非邀功。

索超李成悉败走，有如脱兔潜葭蓬。

败军残卒各逃命，陆路恐惧心怔忡。

大刀闻达不知量，狂言逞技真雕虫。

四面伏兵一齐发，蜂兵蚁聚村疃中。

乱兵俘获竟难免，聚义堂上重相逢。

当日大刀闻达，便教将军马摆开，强弓硬弩，射住阵脚。花腔鼍鼓擂，杂彩绣旗摇。宋江阵中，当先捧出一员大将，红旗银字，大书“霹雳火秦明”。怎生打扮？

头上朱红漆笠，身穿绛色袍鲜。连环铠甲兽吞肩，抹绿战靴云嵌。凤翅明盔耀日，狮蛮宝带腰悬。狼牙混棍手中拈，凛凛英雄罕见。

秦明勒马，应声高叫：“北京滥官污吏听着！多时要打你这城子，诚恐害了百姓良民。好好将卢俊义、石秀送将过来，淫妇奸夫一同解出，我便退兵罢战，誓不相侵。若是执迷不悟，便教昆仑火起，玉石俱焚，只在目前。有话早说，休得俄延！”话犹未了，闻达大怒，便问首将：“谁与我力擒此贼？”话言未了，脑后鸾铃响处，一员大将当先出马。怎生打扮？

耀日兜鍪晃晃，连环铁甲重重。团花点翠锦袍红，金带鈒成双凤。鹊画弓藏袋内，狼牙箭插壶中。雕鞍稳定五花龙，大斧手中摩弄。

这个是北京上将，姓索名超，因为此人性急，人皆呼他为急先锋。出到阵前高声喝道：“你这厮是朝廷命官，国家有何负你？你好人不做，却去落草为贼！我今日拿住你时，碎尸万段，死有馀辜！”这个秦明，又是一个性急的人，听了这话，正是炉中添炭，火上浇油，拍马向前，轮动狼牙棍，直奔将来。索超纵马直挺秦明。二匹劣马相交，两般军器并举，众军呐喊，斗到二十馀合，不分胜败。宋江军中，先锋队里转过韩滔，就马上拈弓搭箭，觑的索超较亲，飕地只一箭，正中索超左臂，撇了大斧，回马望本阵便走。宋江鞭梢一指，大小三军一齐卷杀过来，杀的尸横遍野，流血成河，大败亏输。直追过庾家疃，随即夺了槐树坡小寨。当晚闻达直奔飞虎峪，计点军兵，三停去一。宋江就槐树坡寨内屯扎。吴用道：“军兵败走，心中必怯。若不乘势追赶，诚恐养成勇气，急忙难得。”宋江道：“军师言之极当。”随即传令，当晚就将精锐得胜军将分作四路，连夜进发，杀奔城来。

再说闻达奔到飞虎峪，忙忙似丧家之犬，急急如漏网之鱼。正在寨中商议计策，小校来报，近山上一带火起。闻达带领军兵，上马看时，只见东边山上，火把不知其数，照的遍山遍野通红。闻达便引军兵迎敌。山后又是马军来到，当先首将小李广花荣，引副将杨春、陈达横杀将来。闻达措手不及，领兵便回飞虎峪。西边山上，火把不知其数，当先首将双鞭呼延灼，引副将欧鹏、燕顺冲击将来。后面喊声又起，却是首将霹雳火秦明，引副将韩滔、彭玘并力杀来。闻达军马大乱，拔寨都起。只见前面喊声又起，火光晃耀，却是轰天雷凌振，将带副手，从小路直转飞虎峪那边，放起炮来。闻达引军夺路，奔城而去。只见前面鼓声响处，早有一彪军马拦路，火光丛中，闪出首将豹子头林冲，引副将马麟、邓飞截住归路。四下里战鼓齐鸣，烈火竞起，众军乱撺，各自逃生。闻达手舞大刀，杀开条路走，正撞着李成，合兵一处，且战且走。战到天明，已至城下。梁中书听的这个消息，惊的三魂荡荡，七魄幽幽，连忙点军出城，接应败残人马，紧闭城门，坚守不出。次日，宋江军马追来，直抵东门下寨，准备攻城，急于风火。有诗为证：

梁山兵马势鹰扬，杀气英风不可当。

城内军民俱被困，便须写表告君王。

且说梁中书在留守司聚众商议，难以解救。李成道：“贼兵临城，事在告急，若是迟延，必至失陷。相公可修告急家书，差心腹之人，星夜赶上京师，报与蔡太师知道，早奏朝廷，调遣精兵，前来救应，此是上策。第二，作紧行文关报邻近府县，亦教早早调兵接应。第三，北京城内着仰大名府起差民夫上城，同心协助，守护城池，准备擂木炮石，踏弩硬弓，灰瓶金汁，晓夜提备。如此可保无虞。”梁中书道：“家书随便修下，谁人去走一遭？”当日差下首将王定，全副披挂，又差数个马军，领了密书，放开城门吊桥，望东京飞报声息，及关报邻近府分，发兵救应。先仰王太守起集民夫上城守护，不在话下。

且说宋江分调众将，引军围城，东西北三面下寨，只空南门不围，每日引军攻打。李成、闻达连日提兵出城交战，不能取胜。索超箭疮将息，未得痊可。

不说宋江军兵打城，且说首将王定赍领密书，三骑马直到东京太师府前下马。门吏转报入去，太师教唤王定进来，直到后堂，拜罢，呈上密书。蔡太师拆开封皮看了，大惊，问其备细。王定把卢俊义的事一一说了，“如今宋江领了兵围城，贼寇浩大，不可抵敌。”庾家疃、槐树坡、飞虎峪三处厮杀，尽皆说罢。蔡京道：“鞍马劳困，你且去馆驿内安下，待我会官商议。”王定又禀道：“太师恩相，北京危如累卵，破在旦夕，倘或失陷，河北县郡如之奈何？望太师恩相早早遣兵剿除。”蔡京道：“不必多说，你且退去。”王定去了。太师随即差当日府干，请枢密官急来商议军情重事。不移时，东厅枢密使童贯，引三衙太尉都到节堂参见太师。蔡京把北京危急之事，备细说了一遍：“如今将甚计策，用何良将，可退贼兵，以保城郭？”说罢，众官互相厮觑，各有惧色。只见那步司太尉背后，转出一人，乃是衙门防御保义使，姓宣名赞，掌管兵马。此人生的面如锅底，鼻孔朝天，卷发赤须，彪形八尺，使口钢刀，武艺出众。先前在王府曾做郡马，人呼为丑郡马。因对连珠箭赢了番将，郡王招做女婿。谁想郡主嫌他丑陋，怀恨而亡，因此不得重用，只做得个兵马保义使。童贯是个阿谀谄佞之徒，与他不能相下，常有嫌疑之心。当时此人忍不住，出班来禀太师道：“小将当初在乡中，有个相识。此人乃是汉末三分义勇武安王[1]嫡派子孙，姓关名胜，生的规模与祖上云长相似，使一口青龙偃月刀，人称为大刀关胜。见做蒲东巡检，屈在下僚。此人幼读兵书，深通武艺，有万夫不当之勇。若以礼币请他，拜为上将，可以扫清水寨，殄灭狂徒。保国安民，开疆展土，端在此人。乞取钧旨。”蔡京听罢大喜，就差宣赞为使，赍了文书鞍马，连夜星火前往蒲东，礼请关胜赴京计议。众官皆退。

话休絮繁。宣赞领了文书，上马进发，带将三五个从人，不则一日，来到蒲东巡检司前下马。当日关胜正和郝思文在衙内论说古今兴废之事，只闻见说东京有使命至，关胜忙与郝思文出来迎接。各施礼罢，请到厅上坐地。关胜问道：“故人久不相见，今日何事远劳亲自到此？”宣赞回言：“为因梁山泊草寇攻打北京，宣某在太师跟前，一力保举兄长有安邦定国之策，降兵斩将之才，特奉朝廷敕旨，太师钧命，彩币鞍马，礼请起行。兄长勿得推却，便请收拾赴京。”关胜听罢大喜，与宣赞说道：“这个兄弟姓郝，双名思文，是我拜义弟兄。当初他母亲梦井木犴投胎，因而有孕，后生此人，因此人唤他做井木犴郝思文。这兄弟十八般武艺，无有不能。得蒙太师呼唤，一同前去，用功报国，有何不可。”宣赞喜诺，就行催请登程。

当下关胜分付老小，一同郝思文将引关西汉十数个人，收拾刀马盔甲行李，跟随宣赞连夜起程。来到东京，径投太师府前下马。门吏转报蔡太师得知，教唤进。宣赞引关胜、郝思文直到节堂，拜见已罢，立在阶下。蔡京看了关胜，端的好表人材，堂堂八尺五六身躯，细细三柳髭髯，两眉入鬓，凤眼朝天，面如重枣，唇若涂朱。太师大喜，便问：“将军青春多少？”关胜答道：“小将三旬有二。”蔡太师道：“梁山泊草寇围困北京城郭，请问良将，愿施妙策，以解其围。”关胜禀道：“久闻草寇占住水洼，侵害黎民，劫掳城池。此贼擅离巢穴，自取其祸。若救北京，虚劳神力。乞假精兵数万，先取梁山，后拿贼寇，教他首尾不能相顾。”太师见说大喜，与宣赞道：“此乃围魏救赵之计[2]，正合吾心。”随即唤枢密院官调拨山东、河北精锐军兵一万五千，教郝思文为先锋，宣赞为合后，关胜为领兵指挥使，步军太尉段常接应粮草。犒赏三军，限日下起行，大刀阔斧，杀奔梁山泊来。直教龙离大海，不能驾雾腾云；虎到平川，怎地张牙露爪。正是：贪观天上中秋月，失却盘中照殿珠。毕竟宋江军马怎地结末，且听下回分解。

[1] 义勇武安王——宋时对关羽追加封赠的爵号。

[2] 围魏救赵之计——公元前353年，魏国围攻赵国都城邯郸。齐国王命令田忌、孙膑率军救赵。孙膑认为魏国的精锐部队在赵，内部空虚，乃引兵攻魏。魏军回救本国，齐军乘其疲惫，在桂陵（今山东省菏泽县东北）一战，大败魏军，赵国之围遂解。以后中国的军事家就用“围魏救赵”来说明一切类似的战法。

CHAPTER 62. Song Jiang’s Men Attack Daming Prefecture; Guan Sheng Discusses the Capture of Liangshan Marsh

IT was not long before the police found Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu, and took them bound to the yamen. Having been brought before Grand Secretary Liang, Shi Xiu glared at him and abused him, “You are a crook that does the work of the slave’s slave. But very soon my elder brother will arrive here with troops, attack and destroy the whole town. You will then be cut into three parts. He asked me to come here and inform you of your fate.”

Many of the yamen officials were afraid, as Shi Xiu said this several times. When Grand Secretary Liang heard of this he could not speak for some time. He then ordered that large cangues be placed on the prisoners, and that they be sent into the prison for those about to be executed. He also instructed Cai Fu to guard them well as they must not escape again. Now Cai Fu wished to be on good terms with Liangshan Marsh so he placed the prisoners in quite decent cells, and gave them excellent food, so that they had nothing to complain of.

Grand Secretary Liang also instructed his assistant to suitably compensate the relatives of the persons who had been killed by Shi Xiu. There were at least seventy men who had been killed. A great many had been injured. They were given medical attendance and medicine free.

The next day the people found that anonymous placards had been secretly posted all over the town so they at once took some to the Grand Secretary who found them read as follows: “I, Song Jiang, commander-in-chief, at Liangshan Marsh hereby proclaim to all the officials at Daming Prefecture that Lu Junyi is the most honorable man in the land. I invited him to come to see me, and act with me in accordance with the Will of Heaven. How dare you, corrupt officials, accept secret bribes and oppress the people. I sent Shi Xiu to report this to you, but you have also arrested him. You must not execute those two prisoners, but at once arrest the adulterer and the adulteress who have caused this trouble. Should you execute my brothers, I shall come with large armies and take full revenge on you. I shall make no discrimination, but kill everybody. I will root out the lawbreakers, and Heaven and Earth will approve of my administration of justice. I chat and smile at this small affair, but I will come dancing to the beating of drums. Just men and decent women, filial sons and obedient grandsons, orderly citizens, and honest officials need have no fear of us. I issue this for your information.”

As the Grand Secretary read this, his color changed, and he was quite nonplused to know what to do. He, however, sent for his assistant Wang to discuss the matter with him. Wang was a weak person, and when he had heard the details he said, “The imperial troops have tried several times to exterminate those brigands at Liangshan Marsh, but have failed every time, so what can we do as we are so weak? If the brigands attack us there will be no time to get more troops, and we shall soon be defeated. So I think it would be wiser for us not to execute the prisoners. Then we must report the matter at once to Prime Minister Cai and secondly we must assemble our troops outside the town so as to be prepared against the attack. If we do this I do not think there will be much danger, and the people will not suffer from an attack outside the town.”

Grand Secretary Liang agreed to this and sent for the head jailer, Cai Fu. When he arrived the Grand Secretary said to him, “Those two prisoners are evidently very important persons, and I am afraid that if roughly treated by you they might die. You must therefore treat them well.”

When Cai Fu heard this he was much pleased as it agreed with what he had already done. He returned to the jail and told his brother about the new order.

Grand Secretary Liang next sent for his two Generals to discuss matters with them. When they heard the news General Li Cheng said, “I think this place is too far from Liangshan Marsh, and the brigands will never get here. So why should you worry about this impudent notice? I have not much ability, but still I hold this important post. I have received imperial favors, but so far have not been able to show my gratitude in a practical way. I am willing to do my utmost for my master, and will take the troops and encamp outside the town. If the brigands come I will never let them go back alive.”

The Grand Secretary was much pleased at this, and presented the General with much silk and gold.

The following day General Li Cheng held a conference of all his officers, and there one of his officers, Suo Chao, the “Urgent Vanguard,” stepped forward. Li Cheng addressed him, “Song Jiang and his brigands will soon be here to attack Daming Prefecture. I want you to take command of some troops, and establish a camp about twelve li from the town. I will come and join you there with more men.”

Suo Chao having received his orders took his troops the following day to a place called Feihu Gully, and there established a camp. General Li Cheng established another camp about three li nearer the town at a village called Huaishu Mound. Around these camps hidden pits and traps were made, so that the positions seemed impregnable. The officers and men felt quite secure, and calmly awaited the arrival of the brigands.

The proclamation issued from Liangshan Marsh was composed by Wu Yong, and was posted on every bridge and on every road. Dai Zong kept the leaders at Liangshan Marsh well informed as to the developments at Daming Prefecture. At a conference of leaders Song Jiang spoke to Wu Yong, “You had a good plan to inveigle Lu Junyi to our hold, but now he is in trouble. Our strong brother Shi Xiu has also been arrested. Have you any suggestion as to how we can save their lives?”

“Brother, do not worry,” said Wu Yong. “If we embrace the present opportunities, we can not only save those two lives, but also seize much loot at Daming. Tomorrow is a very auspicious day, and I want you to give me half of our forces to proceed to Daming.”

This was agreed to, and men were appointed for the coming expedition. But Li Kui interposed, “It is a long time since my two axes joined in a fray, and as they have just heard of this expedition they are naturally very glad. So please let me lead five hundred men in this expedition. I’ll take Daming, chop Grand Secretary Liang to mincemeat, hack apart Li Gu and his old bag, rescue Li Junyi and Shi Xiu! Previously I was told to remain dumb on an expedition, but now I want to vent my anger.”

“Younger brother,” said Song Jiang, “this is a very serious and important affair, and we must not forget that Grand Secretary Liang, is the son-in-law of Prime Minister Cai. The government troops will be in charge of two great Generals, Li Cheng and Wen Da, who are brave and the equal of ten thousand men. We cannot treat them lightly, although I do not doubt your bravery and fierceness.”

“Elder brother, you know that I am outspoken so you expected me to be silent,” said Li Kui. “Now I should be only too pleased to kill our enemies, so why not let me go?”

“In that case,” said Wu Yong, “you had better go in advance. You can lead a vanguard of five hundred men and conduct your own fighting. You can start tomorrow.”

That evening Song Jiang talked over the details of the expedition with Wu Yong, and Pei Xuan wrote out the various orders, and dispatched them to the various leaders.

It was just the end of autumn, and the country was very suitable for campaigning. The horses were well fed and were in good condition. The men had rested for some time, and were quite ready for some more fighting. They got their arms, saddled the horses, and left the mountain in four divisions the next day.

Suo Chao at his camp near the Feihu Gully received a report from his scout that the brigands were now only ten li away, and were quickly advancing. He sent the news to General Li Cheng who sent all his cavalry to support Suo Chao. They were duly placed in position by Suo Chao.

The following day breakfast was taken at daybreak, and then they all went to meet the brigands. The brigands were approaching, and as they got near it was seen that Li Kui was in front of them. When near, he shouted, “Do you recognize your lord, ‘Black Whirlwind’ the hero of Liangshan Marsh?”

General Li Cheng on his horse laughed at this, and spoke to Suo Chao, “I have heard of the men of Liangshan Marsh, but this is a very dirty lot, and we need not take any notice of them. Now General, let us take that fellow.”

Suo Chao also laughed, and replied, “It is beneath me. There is somebody else!”

Near them was a Lieutenant named Wang Ding who heard this, and without waiting for an order he galloped forward to fight with Li Kui, and was followed by his hundred cavalrymen. When Li Kui’s foot soldiers saw the cavalry they turned and fled in all directions. As the cavalry pursued the men Suo Chao saw a large body of brigands advancing on both flanks so he signaled an order for the cavalry to retire.

General Li Cheng however asked, “Why not let them capture those brigands?”

“I am afraid there may be an ambush, and our cavalry might fall into a trap,” replied Suo Chao.

But General Li Cheng did not agree with this, and ordered the soldiers to advance. As General Li Cheng advanced he saw that the main body of the brigands was led by a girl on horseback. On the flag he read the name of the commander, “Woman General, the ‘Ten Feet of Green.’” The men were of all sizes—some big and some small, so that they looked disorderly.

Li Cheng turned to Suo Chao, “What is the use of this ill-assorted rabble? You take some men to fight that lot, while I will capture some of the other brigands.”

Suo Chao whipped his horse and dashed forward. When the girl Hu San Niang, the “Ten Feet of Green” saw him coming she turned her horse round, and galloped off, followed by her men and her lady lieutenants, Gu Dasao and Sun Er Niang. General Li Cheng ordered his men to spread out and attack the retreating brigands. He had not gone far when he saw large bodies of brigands approaching, shouting and waving their arms. He therefore ordered a retreat, but when this movement was being done, he found brigands on both his flanks. Hu San Niang and her followers returned, and were now attacking his army in the rear. His men could not stand the attack on three sides, and they soon broke into disorder, and galloped off in all directions. As he neared his camp he found his way blocked by Li Kui and his men. General Li Cheng signaled for a charge, and his men bore down on Li Kui’s body of men, and dividing it cut their way through. Upon reaching their camp he realized that he had lost a good number of his men. The brigands however did not advance any further, and so the battle came to a halt.

When Grand Secretary Liang heard of the defeat he immediately ordered General Wen Da to take the reserve of soldiers to support General Li Cheng. Upon reaching the camp Li Cheng met Wen Da, and after discussing the position asked for the latter’s opinion.

General Wen Da laughed and replied, “It is only like a painful sore, and is of no importance.” They however discussed their plans for the following day, and came to an agreement.

Early the next morning rations were served to the troops, and after breakfast orders were issued for a general advance, and they had just got moving when the brigands appeared in the distance also marching towards them. General Wen Da gave orders for the troops to halt, and open out, and for bows and arrows and spears to be ready. The brigands also halted, but a horseman rode forth with a red flag bearing the characters “Qin Ming the Thunderer.” He pulled up his horse just in front of the Imperial troops, and shouted out, “Let covetous and corrupt officers from Daming Prefecture listen to me! For a long time I have planned to attack your town, but deferred doing so because I did not wish to injure the common people there. But if you will now release Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu, and hand over the adulterer and adulteress we will at once retire, without any further fighting. If, however, you are stubborn and will not listen to this proposal then tell me so at once.”

General Wen Da was angry at this, and turning round to his men asked, “Who will volunteer to go out and attack that fellow?”

Before he had finished saying this Suo Chao galloped forward to fight. Halting he called out to Qin Ming, “You were previously in the Imperial army, and you were not ill-treated. So why are you now a brigand instead of being a loyal man? Today I will capture you, and cut you up into small pieces.”

At this Qin Ming was wild with rage, and raising his spiked mace, dashed forward. Suo Chao did likewise. Their horses took their riders, temper, and were also keen for the fray. The assembled troops cheered at the sight. The two fought for about twenty bouts without either gaining any advantage. Among the brigands was the leader Han Tao who shot an arrow which struck Suo Chao in the shoulder, and as the latter could no longer wield his battle-axe he turned his horse and retreated.

Song Jiang seeing this signaled the order for a general advance, and then began a great battle. Blood was flowing over the ground like water. The Imperial troops gave way, and being again defeated retreated to their camp. They further retreated to the second camp at the Feihu Gully. There Wen Da found that he had lost about one third of his men.

Song Jiang halted his men at the first camp, and discussed matters with Wu Yong who said, “The troops have been defeated a second time so that their morale will be weak just now. We must seize this opportunity for a further attack, before they have had time to recover.” Song Jiang agreed to this, and issued orders at once for a general attack that very night.

General Wen Da was resting, and meditating in his tent that night when a soldier reported to him that there was a big fire on the east. General Wen Da immediately mounted his horse, and riding forward he saw all the hills and plains to the east were lit up. Looking round he now saw that to the west of his camp it was also ablaze with lights. He returned to camp, and saw that the brigands were advancing on both sides. He was very much upset, and had no definite plan of defense. The brigands approached with great noise. The Imperial troops were restless, and were evidently on the point of decamping, but they were now quite surrounded. General Wen Da had decided to cut a way through with his men, but just then the brigands opened fire upon them. He could not control his men any longer as they were in great disorder. He therefore spoke to General Li Cheng to get a few men together, and then with a sudden rush they broke through the cordon of brigands, and so escaped. This remnant of the Imperial troops reached Daming just after daybreak.

When Grand Secretary Liang heard of the disaster he felt as though he had lost two of his three souls. He hurriedly ordered all the remainder of his troops to rescue. When the defeated troops had all entered the town he ordered that all the gates be closed, and the wall strongly defended.

The following day the brigands approached and encamped outside the East Gate.

The Grand Secretary summoned a conference of all officials to discuss means of defending the town. At the meeting General Li Cheng spoke, “The brigands are just outside the town, and we are in great danger. If we are not careful the town will soon be taken. Sir, you should write a personal note to Prime Minister Cai, explaining our position, and asking for immediate relief. Send this by a very trusty and confidential courier this very night. Secondly, you should dispatch urgent letters to all the surrounding towns asking for support. Thirdly, you should issue a proclamation in this town appealing to every man to join in the defense of the town. They must prepare logs of wood and stone to hurl at the enemy; arm themselves with crossbows and stiff bows; get bottles of powder and lime dust, vile smelling manure; and take guard both night and day. If we do this at once we may be able to hold out for some time.”

“I can write all the dispatches you refer to,” said the Grand Secretary, “but who can face the danger outside and get through?”

Lieutenant Wang Ding volunteered to do this, and that night he left with the confidential dispatches. He was successful, and reaching the nearest town he delivered the messages, and had them sent to all the surrounding towns. He himself went on to the Eastern Capital with the important dispatch.

On the other hand, Song Jiang divided his men and besieged the town on three sides, but he left the South Gate open intentionally. He also ordered for supplies to be sent from Liangshan Marsh as he was uncertain how long the attack would last. He was however determined to continue his attack until both Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu were rescued.

Every day General Li Cheng and Wen Da led some of his soldiers outside the town to skirmish with the brigands but could not succeed.

Wang Ding quickly reached the Eastern Capital and delivered the confidential dispatches to Prime Minister Cai. The latter was astonished at the news, and questioned Wang Ding closely. Wang Ding told the whole story of Lu Junyi, and explained in detail how the Imperial troops had been defeated by the brigands.

The Prime Minister then told him to go and take rest after his tiresome journey, while he would discuss the matter with the other ministers. Prime Minister Cai Jing then summoned all the ministers to assemble in the Grand Council to discuss urgent matters. It was not long before all were assembled, and then Prime Minister Cai Jing, explained what had happened at the Northern Capital. He asked “What can be done to relieve the town and defeat the brigands?”

The ministers looked at each other in a helpless air, but nobody spoke. A man however stepped forward from behind the seat occupied by the commander of the infantry. He was Xuan Zan, a Captain of the Imperial Guard. His face was dark, and had a snub nose. His hair was curly, and his moustache was red. He was very tall, and was armed with a steel sword. During a war against a Mongol tribe he had distinguished himself as a skillful bowman, and the prince was so pleased with his skill that he had been given the prince’s daughter in marriage. But the girl had not loved him, and as she had died after a short term of married life he had fallen into disfavor with the prince who had given him a minor military position as Captain in a cavalry regiment. For this reason he gained the nickname of “Disgraceful Son-in-law.” He now addressed Prime Minister Cai Jing, “When I lived at home I knew a man named Guan Sheng, who is a descendant of the famous General of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Gong. His manner and form carries a close resemblance to his ancestor and he always carries a great halberd like Guan Gong. Because of this he is called, Guan Sheng, the ‘Great Halberd.’ He is in charge of a police force at Pudong in Shaanxi province, and is well known for his military skill. Nobody can beat him, and he is quite fearless. If presents were made to him and he was promoted to some responsible position in the army, I think he could exterminate the brigands and make the country safe.”

Cai Jing was much pleased at this suggestion, and at once commissioned Xuan Zan, the “Disgraceful Son-in-law,” to send a dispatch to Guan Sheng and bring him to the Eastern Capital, Kaifeng without delay.

We need not go into many details, but will just say that Xuan Zan duly carried out his orders, and quickly reached Pudong. He was gladly welcomed by Guan Sheng who had not seen him for a long time. When Xuan Zan had delivered his message Guan Sheng was highly delighted at the news. He then introduced him to his best friend, Hao Siwen, and told him the story of Hao’s birth. “Hao Siwen’s mother dreamt that a star, Jing Mu An descended and entered her womb. Soon afterwards a son was born and he was called Hao Siwen, with the nickname ‘Jing Mu An.’ He is well skilled in military drill, but so far has no opportunity of proving his ability, and lives an insignificant life here.” Guan Sheng proposed to take Hao Siwen with him to fight against the brigands. This was agreed to, and they set out that night for the Eastern Capital. Their arrival was reported to Prime Minister Cai Jing, who invited them to enter. They all three entered the hall and saluted. Cai Jing was pleased with Guan Sheng’s appearance, and asked for his age. Guan Sheng replied that he was thirty-two years old. Cai Jing then explained the position at the Northern Capital, Daming Prefecture and asked if he had any suggestions to make.

“I have long heard,” said Guan Sheng, “that those brigands occupy Liangshan Marsh and make disturbances in the surrounding country. For the first time, however, they now leave their base far behind so I think we can easily defeat them. However, it would be useless to rescue Daming Prefecture with a large force. I beg you to give me ten thousand soldiers to capture Liangshan Marsh first, and by cutting off their base we can early arrest the brigands.

Cai Jing was very much pleased at this, and said, “That is the same method that was used in rescuing the Kingdom of Zhao by besieging the capital of the Kingdom of Wei. I agree with your plans.” He then summoned the Grand Councilors, and explaining the plan got three armies placed under the command of Guan Sheng. An immediate start took place, and the armies went straight to Liangshan Marsh

When dragons leave their home i’th sea;

They cannot fly i’th clouds;

When tigers come down to the plain,

Of what use are their claws;

While yearning for the autumn moon,

The pearls in the tray are stolen.