第六十七回

第六十七回 宋江赏马步三军 关胜降水火二将

词曰：

申哙庄公臂断截，灵辄车轮亦能折。

专诸鱼肠数寸锋，姬光座上流将血。

路旁手发千钧锤，秦王副车烟尘飞。

春秋壮士何可比，泰山一死如毛羽。

豫让酬恩荆轲烈，分尸碎骨如何说。

吴国要离刺庆忌，赤心赴刃亦何丑。

得人小恩施大义，剜心刎颈那回首。

丈夫取义能舍生，岂学儿曹夸大口。

话说当下梁中书、李成、闻达慌速寻得败残军马，投南便走。正行之间，又撞着两队伏兵，前后掩杀。李成当先，闻达在后，护着梁中书，并力死战，撞透重围，脱得大难。头盔不整，衣甲飘零，虽是折了人马，且喜三人逃得性命，投西去了。樊瑞引项充、李衮乘势追赶不上，自与雷横、施恩、穆春等同回北京城内听令。

再说军师吴用在城中传下将令，一面出榜安民，一面救灭了火。梁中书、李成、闻达、王太守各家老小，杀的杀了，走的走了，也不来追究。便把大名府库藏打开，应有金银宝物，段匹绫锦，都装载上车了。又开仓廒，将粮米俵济满城百姓了，馀者亦装载上车，将回梁山泊仓用。号令众头领人马，都皆完备，把李固、贾氏钉在陷车内，将军马摽拨作三队，回梁山泊来。正是：鞍上将敲金镫响，步军齐唱凯歌回。却叫戴宗先去报宋公明。

宋江会集诸将下山迎接，都到忠义堂上。宋江见了卢俊义，纳头便拜。卢俊义慌忙答礼。宋江道：“我等众人，欲请员外上山，同聚大义，不想却遭此难，几被倾送，寸心如割！皇天垂祐，今日再得相见，大慰平生。”卢俊义拜谢道：“上托兄长虎威，深感众头领之德，齐心并力，救拔贱体，肝胆涂地，难以报答！”便请蔡庆、蔡福拜见宋江，言说：“在下若非此二人，安得残生到此！”称谢不尽。当下宋江要卢员外为尊，卢俊义拜道：“卢某是何等之人，敢为山寨之主！若得与兄长执鞭坠镫，愿为一卒，报答救命之恩，实为万幸。”宋江再三拜请，卢俊义那里肯坐。只见李逵道：“哥哥若让别人做山寨之主，我便杀将起来！”武松道：“哥哥只管让来让去，让得弟兄们心肠冷了！”宋江大喝道：“汝等省得甚么！不得多言！”卢俊义慌忙拜道：“若是兄长苦苦相让，着卢某安身不牢。”李逵叫道：“今朝都没事了，哥哥便做皇帝，教卢员外做丞相，我们都做大官，杀去东京，夺了鸟位子，却不强似在这里鸟乱！”宋江大怒，喝骂李逵。吴用劝道：“且教卢员外东边耳房安歇，宾客相待。等日后有功，却再让位。”宋江方才欢喜，就叫燕青一处安歇。另拨房屋叫蔡福、蔡庆安顿老小。关胜家眷，薛永已取到山寨。

宋江便叫大设筵宴，犒赏马、步、水三军，令大小头目，并众喽啰军健，各自成团作队去吃酒。忠义堂上设宴庆贺，大小头领相谦相让，饮酒作乐。卢俊义起身道：“淫妇奸夫擒捉在此，听候发落。”宋江笑道：“我正忘了，叫他两个过来！”众军把陷车打开，拖出堂前。李固绑在左边将军柱上，贾氏绑在右边将军柱上。宋江道：“休问这厮罪恶，请员外自行发落。”卢俊义得令，手拿短刀，自下堂来，大骂泼妇贼奴，就将二人割腹剜心，凌迟处死，抛弃尸首，上堂来拜谢众人。众头领尽皆作贺，称赞不已。

且不说梁山泊大设筵宴，犒赏马、步、水三军，却说梁中书探听得梁山泊军马退去，再和李成、闻达引领败残军马入城来，看觑老小时，十损八九，众皆嚎哭不已。比及邻近取军追赶梁山泊人马时，已自去得远了，且教各自收军。梁中书的夫人躲得在后花园中，逃得性命，便教丈夫写表申奏朝廷，写书教太师知道，早早调兵遣将，剿除贼寇报仇。抄写民间被杀死者五千馀人，中伤者不计其数。各部军马，总折却三万有馀。首将赍了奏文密书上路，不则一日，来到东京太师府前下马。门吏转报，太师教唤入来。首将直至节堂下拜见了，呈上密书申奏，诉说打破北京，贼寇浩大，难以抵敌。蔡京见了大怒，且教首将退去。

次日五更，景阳钟响，待漏院众集文武群臣。蔡太师为首，直临玉阶，面奏道君皇帝。天子览奏大惊，与众臣曰：“此寇累造大恶，克当何如？”有谏议大夫赵鼎出班奏道：“前者差蒲东关胜领兵征剿，收捕不全，累至失陷。往往调兵征发，皆折兵将，盖因失其地利，以至如此。以臣愚意，不若降敕赦罪招安，诏取赴阙，命作良臣，以防边境之害，此为上策。”蔡京听了大怒，喝叱道：“汝为谏议大夫，反灭朝廷纲纪，猖獗小人，罪合赐死！”天子曰：“如此，目下便令出朝，无宣不得入朝！”当日革了赵鼎官爵，罢为庶人。当朝谁敢再奏。有诗为证：

玺书招抚是良谋，赵鼎名言孰与俦。

堪笑蔡京多误国，反疏忠直快私仇。

天子又问蔡京曰：“似此贼人猖獗，可遣谁人剿捕此寇？”蔡太师奏曰：“臣量这等山野草贼，安用大军。臣举凌州有二将：一人姓单名廷圭，一人姓魏名定国，见任本州团练使。伏乞陛下圣旨，星夜差人调此一枝军马，克日扫清水泊。”天子大喜，随即降写敕符，着枢密院调遣。天子驾起，百官退朝，众官暗笑。次日，蔡京会省院差官，赍捧圣旨敕符投凌州来。

再说宋江水浒寨内，将北京所得的府库金宝财物，给赏与马、步、水三军；连日杀牛宰马，大排筵宴，庆贺卢员外，虽无炮凤烹龙，端的肉山酒海。众头领酒至半酣，吴用对宋江等说道：“今为卢员外，打破北京，杀损人民，劫掠府库，赶得梁中书等离城逃奔，他岂不写表申奏朝廷？况他丈人是当朝太师，怎肯干罢？必然起军发马，前来征讨。”宋江道：“军师所虑，最为得理。何不使人连夜去北京探听虚实，我这里好做准备。”吴用笑道：“小弟已差人去了，将次回也。”正在筵会之间，商议未了，只见原差探事人到来，报说：“北京梁中书果然申奏朝廷，要调兵征剿。有谏议大夫赵鼎奏请招安，致被蔡京喝骂，削了赵鼎官职。如今奏过天子，差人赍捧敕符，往凌州调遣单廷圭、魏定国两个团练使，起本州军马前来征讨。”宋江便道：“似此如何迎敌？”吴用道：“等他来时，一发捉了。”关胜起身对宋江、吴用道：“关某自从上山，深感仁兄重待，不曾出得半分气力。单廷圭、魏定国，蒲城多曾相会。久知单廷圭那厮，善能用水浸兵之法，人皆称为圣水将军；魏定国这厮，熟精火攻兵法，上阵专能用火器取人，因此呼为神火将军。凌州是本境，兼管本州兵马，取此二人为部下。小弟不才，愿借五千军兵，不等他二将起行，先往凌州路上接住。他若肯降时，带上山来；若不肯投降，必当擒来奉献。兄长亦不须用众头领张弓挟矢，费力劳神。不知尊意若何？”宋江大喜，便叫宣赞、郝思文二将，就跟着一同前去。关胜带了五千军马，来日下山。次早，宋江与众头领在金沙滩寨前饯行，关胜三人引兵去了。

众头领回到忠义堂上，吴用便对宋江说道：“关胜此去，未保其心。可以再差良将随后监督，就行接应。”宋江道：“吾看关胜义气凛然，始终如一，军师不必见疑。”吴用道：“只恐他心不似兄长之心。可再叫林冲、杨志领兵，孙立、黄信为副将，带领五千人马，随即下山。”李逵便道：“我也去走一遭。”宋江道：“此一去用你不着，自有良将建功。”李逵道：“兄弟若闲便要生病。若不叫我去时，独自也要去走一遭。”宋江喝道：“你若不听我的军令，割了你头！”李逵见说，闷闷不已，下堂去了。

不说林冲、杨志领兵下山接应关胜。次日，只见小军来报：“黑旋风李逵，昨夜二更，拿了两把板斧，不知那里去了。”宋江见报，只叫得苦：“是我夜来冲撞了他这几句言语，多管是投别处去了。”吴用道：“兄长非也！他虽粗卤，义气倒重，不到得投别处去。多管是过两日便来，兄长放心！”宋江心慌，先使戴宗去赶，后着时迁、李云、乐和、王定六四个首将，分四路去寻。有诗为证：

李逵斗胆人难及，便要随军报不平。

只为宋江军令肃，手持双斧夜深行。

且说李逵是夜提着两把板斧下山，抄小路径投凌州去，一路上自寻思道：“这两个鸟将军，何消得许多军马去征他！我且抢入城中，一斧一个，都砍杀了，也教哥哥吃一惊，也和他们争得一口气。”走了半日，走得肚饥，原来贪慌下山，又不曾带得盘缠。多时不做这买卖，寻思道：“只得寻个鸟出气的。”正走之间，看见路旁一个村酒店，李逵便入去里面坐下，连打了三角酒，二斤肉吃了，起身便走。酒保拦住讨钱，李逵道：“待我前头去寻得些买卖，却把来还你。”说罢，便动身。只见外面走入个彪形大汉来，喝道：“你这黑厮好大胆！谁开的酒店，你来白吃不肯还钱！”李逵睁着眼道：“老爷不拣那里，只是白吃。”韩伯龙道：“我对你说时，惊得你尿流屁滚！老爷是梁山泊好汉韩伯龙的便是，本钱都是宋江哥哥的。”李逵听了暗笑：“我山寨里那里认的这个鸟人！”原来韩伯龙曾在江湖上打家劫舍，要来上梁山泊入伙，却投奔了旱地忽律朱贵，要他引见宋江。因是宋公明生发背疮在寨中，又调兵遣将，多忙少闲，不曾见得，朱贵权且教他在村中卖酒。当时李逵去腰间拔出一把板斧，看着韩伯龙道：“把斧头为当。”韩伯龙不知是计，舒手来接，被李逵手起，望面门上只一斧，肐地砍着。可怜韩伯龙做了半世强人，死在李逵之手。两三个火家，只恨爷娘少生了两只脚，望深村里走了。李逵就地下掳掠了盘缠，放火烧了草屋，望凌州去了。

行不得一日，正走之间，官道旁边只见走过一条大汉，直上直下相李逵。李逵见那人看他，便道：“你那厮看老爷怎地？”那汉便答道：“你是谁的老爷？”李逵便抢将入来。那汉子手起一拳，打个搭墩[1]。李逵寻思：“这汉子倒使得好拳！”坐在地下，仰着脸问道：“你这汉子姓甚名谁？”那汉道：“老爷没姓，要厮打便和你厮打。你敢起来？”李逵大怒，正待跳将起来，被那汉子肋罗里又只一脚，踢了一跤。李逵叫道：“赢他不得！”扒将起来便走。那汉叫住，问道：“这黑汉子，你姓甚名谁？那里人氏？”李逵道：“我说与你，休要吃惊。我是梁山泊黑旋风李逵的便是。”那汉道：“你端的是不是？不要说谎。”李逵道：“你不信，只看我这两把板斧。”那汉道：“你既是梁山泊好汉，独自一个投那里去？”李逵道：“我和哥哥鳖口气，要投凌州去杀那姓单姓魏的两个。”那汉道：“我听得你梁山泊已有军马去了。你且说是谁？”李逵道：“先是大刀关胜领兵，随后便是豹子头林冲、青面兽杨志领军策应。”那汉听了，纳头便拜。李逵道：“你端的姓甚名谁？”那汉道：“小人原是中山府人氏，祖传三代相扑为生。却才手脚，父子相传，不教徒弟。平生最无面目[2]，到处投人不着，山东、河北都叫我做没面目焦挺。近日打听得寇州地面有座山，名为枯树山，山上有个强人，平生只好杀人，世人把他比做丧门神，姓鲍名旭。他在那山里打家劫舍，我如今待要去那里入伙。”李逵道：“你有这等本事，如何不来投奔俺哥哥宋公明？”焦挺道：“我多时要投奔大寨入伙，却没条门路。今日得遇兄长，愿随哥哥。”李逵道：“我却要和宋公明哥哥争口气了，下山来，不杀得一个人，空着双手怎地回去？你和我去枯树山，说了鲍旭，同去凌州，杀得单、魏二将，便好回山。”焦挺道：“凌州一府城池，许多军马在彼，我和你只两个，便有十分本事，也不济事，枉送了性命。不如且去枯树山，说了鲍旭，都去大寨入伙，此为上计。”两个正说之间，背后时迁赶将来，叫道：“哥哥忧得你苦！便请回山。如今分四路去赶你也。”李逵引着焦挺，且教与时迁厮见了。时迁劝李逵回山：“宋公明哥哥等你。”李逵道：“你且住！我和焦挺商量定了，先去枯树山说了鲍旭，方才回来。”时迁道：“使不得。哥哥等你，即便回寨。”李逵道：“你若不跟我去，你自先回山寨，报与哥哥知道，我便回也。”时迁惧怕李逵，自回山寨去了。焦挺却和李逵自投寇州来，望枯树山去了。

话分两头，却说关胜与同宣赞、郝思文，引领五千军马接来，相近凌州。且说凌州太守接得东京调兵的敕旨，并蔡太师札付，便请兵马团练单廷圭、魏定国商议。二将受了札付，随即选点军兵，关领军器，拴束鞍马，整顿粮草，指日起行。忽闻报说：“蒲东大刀关胜，引军到来，侵犯本州。”单廷圭、魏定国听得大怒，便收拾军马出城迎敌。两军相近，旗鼓相望。门旗下关胜出马。那边阵内鼓声响处，圣水将军出马。怎生打扮？

戴一顶浑铁打就四方铁帽，顶上撒一颗斗来大小黑缨，披一副熊皮砌就嵌缝沿边乌油铠甲，穿一领皂罗绣就点翠团花秃袖征袍，着一双斜皮踢镫嵌线云跟靴，系一条碧鞓钉就叠胜狮蛮带，一张弓，一壶箭，骑一匹深乌马，使一条黑杆枪。

前面打一把引军按北方皂纛旗，上书七个银字：“圣水将军单廷圭”。又见这边鸾铃响处，转出这员神火将军魏定国来出马。怎生打扮？

戴一顶朱红缀嵌点金束发盔，顶上撒一把扫帚长短赤缨，披一副摆连环吞兽面猊铠，穿一领绣云霞飞怪兽绛红袍，着一双刺麒麟间翡翠云缝锦跟靴，带一张描金雀画宝雕弓，悬一壶凤翎凿山狼牙箭，骑坐一匹胭脂马，手使一口熟铜刀。

前面打一把引军按南方红绣旗，上书七个银字：“神火将军魏定国”。两员虎将一齐出到阵前。关胜见了，在马上说道：“二位将军，别来久矣！”单廷圭、魏定国大笑，指着关胜骂道：“无才关胜，背反狂夫，上负朝廷之恩，下辱祖宗名目，不知死活，引军到来，有何理说？”关胜答道：“你二将差矣！目今主上昏昧，奸臣弄权，非亲不用，非仇不谈。兄长宋公明仁德施恩，替天行道，特令关某等到来，招请二位将军。倘蒙不弃，便请过来，同归山寨。”单、魏二将听得大怒，骤马齐出。一个似北方一朵乌云，一个如南方一团烈火，飞出阵前。关胜却待去迎敌，左手下飞出宣赞，右手下奔出郝思文，两对儿在阵前厮杀。刀对刀，迸万道寒光；枪对枪，起一天杀气。关胜遥见神火将越斗越精神，圣水将无半点惧色。正斗之间，两将拨转马头，望本阵便走。郝思文、宣赞随即追赶，冲入阵中。只见魏定国转入左边，单廷圭转过右边，随后宣赞赶着魏定国，郝思文追住单廷圭。

且说宣赞正赶之间，只见四五百步军，都是红旗红甲，一字儿围裹将来，挠钩齐下，套索飞来，和人连马活捉去了。再说郝思文追赶单廷圭到右边，只见五百来步军，尽是黑旗黑甲，一字儿裹转来，脑后众军齐上，把郝思文生擒活捉去了。可怜二将英雄，到此翻成画饼。一面把人解入凌州，各领五百精兵，杀出阵门，却似乌云卷地，犹如烈火飞来。众军卷杀过对阵，关胜举手无措，大败输亏，望后便退。随即单廷圭、魏定国拍马在背后追来。关胜正走之间，只见前面冲出二将。关胜看时，左有林冲，右有杨志，从两肋罗里撞将出来，杀散凌州军马。关胜收住本部残兵，与林冲、杨志相见，合兵一处。随后孙立、黄信，一同见了，权且下寨。

却说水火二将捉得宣赞、郝思文，得胜回到城中。张太守接着，置酒作贺。一面教人做造陷车，装了二人，差一员偏将，带领三百步军，连夜解上东京，申达朝廷。

且说偏将带领三百人马，监押宣赞、郝思文上东京来，迤逦前行，来到一个去处，只见满山枯树，遍地芦芽。一声锣响，撞出一伙强人，当先一个，手搦双斧，声喝如雷，正是梁山泊黑旋风李逵。随即后面带着这个好汉，端的是谁？正是：

相扑丛中人尽伏，拽拳飞脚如刀毒。

劣性发时似山倒，焦挺从来没面目。

李逵、焦挺两个好汉，引着小喽啰拦住去路，也不打话，便抢陷车。偏将急待要走，背后又撞出一个好汉。正是：

狰狞鬼脸如锅底，双睛叠暴露狼唇。

放火杀人提阔剑，鲍旭名唤丧门神。

这个好汉正是丧门神鲍旭，向前把偏将手起剑落，砍下马来。其馀人等，撇下陷车尽皆逃命去了。

李逵看时，却是宣赞、郝思文，便问了备细来由。宣赞见李逵，亦问：“你怎生在此？”李逵说道：“为是哥哥不肯教我来厮杀，独自一个走下山来。先杀了韩伯龙，后撞见焦挺，引我在此。鲍旭一见如故，便和亲兄弟一般接待。却才商议，正欲去打凌州，只见小喽啰山头上望见这伙人马，监押陷车到来。只道是官兵捕盗，不想却是你二位。”鲍旭邀请到寨内，杀羊置酒相待。郝思文道：“兄弟既然有心上梁山泊入伙，不若将引本部人马，就同去凌州，并力攻打，此为上策。”鲍旭道：“小可与李兄正如此商议。足下之言，说的最是。我山寨之中，也有三二百匹好马。”带领五七百小喽啰，五筹好汉，一齐来打凌州。

却说逃难军士奔回来报与张太守说道：“半路里有强人夺了陷车，杀了首将。”单廷圭、魏定国听得大怒，便道：“这番拿着，便在这里施刑。”只听得城外关胜引兵搦战。单廷圭争先出马，开城门放下吊桥，引一千军马出城迎敌。门旗中飞出五百玄甲军来，到于阵前，走出一员大将，争先出马，乃是圣水将军。端的好表人物。怎生打扮？有诗为证：

凤目卧蚕眉，虬髯黑面皮。

锦袍笼獬豸，宝甲嵌狻猊。

马跨东洋兽，人擎北斗旗。

凌州圣水将，英雄单廷圭。

当下单廷圭出马，大骂关胜道：“辱国败将，何不就死！”关胜听了，舞刀拍马。两个斗不到二十馀合，关胜勒转马头，慌忙便走。单廷圭随即赶将来，约赶十馀里，关胜回头喝道：“你这厮不下马受降，更待何时！”单廷圭挺枪直取关胜后心。关胜使出神威，拖起刀背，只一拍，喝一声：“下去！”单廷圭落马。关胜下马，向前扶起，叫道：“将军恕罪。”单廷圭惶恐伏礼，乞命受降。关胜道：“某与宋公明哥哥面前，多曾举你。特来相招二位将军，同聚大义。”单廷圭答道：“不才愿施犬马之力，同共替天行道。”两个说罢，并马而行出来。林冲接见二人并马而行，便问其故。关胜不说输赢，答道：“山僻之内，诉旧论新，招请归降。”林冲等众皆大喜。单廷圭回至阵前，大叫一声，五百玄甲军兵一哄过来。其馀人马，奔入城中去了，连忙报知太守。

魏定国听了大怒。次日，领起军马出城交战。单廷圭与同关胜、林冲，直临阵前。只见门旗开处，神火将军出马。怎生打扮？有诗为证：

朗朗明星露双目，团团虎面如紫玉。

锦袍花绣荔枝红，衬袄云铺鹦鹉绿。

行来好似火千团，部领绛衣军一簇。

世间人号神火将，此是凌州魏定国。

当时魏定国出马，见了单廷圭顺了关胜，大骂：“忘恩背主，负义匹夫！”关胜大怒，拍马向前迎敌。二马相交，军器并举，两将斗不到十合，魏定国望本阵便走。关胜却欲要追，单廷圭大叫道：“将军不可去赶！”关胜连忙勒住战马。说犹未了，凌州阵内早飞出五百火兵，身穿绛衣，手执火器，前后拥出有五十辆火车，车上都满装芦苇引火之物。军人背上，各拴铁葫芦一个，内藏硫黄焰硝五色烟药，一齐点着，飞抢出来。人近人倒，马遇马伤。关胜军兵四散奔走，退四十馀里扎住。

魏定国收转军马回城，看见本州烘烘火起，烈烈烟生。原来却是黑旋风李逵与同焦挺、鲍旭，带领枯树山人马，都去凌州背后，打破北门，杀入城中，放起火来，劫掳仓库钱粮。魏定国知了，不敢入城，慌速回军。被关胜随后赶上追杀，首尾不能相顾。凌州已失，魏定国只得退走，奔中陵县屯驻。关胜引军，把县四下围住，便令诸将调兵攻打。魏定国闭门不出。

单廷圭便对关胜、林冲等众位说道：“此人是一勇之夫，攻击得紧，他宁死而不辱。事宽即完，急难成效。小弟愿往县中，不避刀斧，用好言招抚此人，束手来降，免动干戈。”关胜见说大喜，随即叫单廷圭单人匹马到县。小校报知，魏定国出来相见了，邀请上厅而坐。单廷圭用好言说道：“如今朝廷不明，天下大乱，天子昏昧，奸臣弄权。我等归顺宋公明，且归水泊。久后奸臣退位，那时临朝，去邪归正，未为晚矣。”魏定国听罢，沉吟半晌，说道：“若是要我归顺，须是关胜亲自来请，我便投降。他若是不来，我宁死而不辱。”单廷圭即便上马回来，报与关胜。关胜见说，便道：“大丈夫作事，何故疑惑。”便与单廷圭匹马单刀而去。林冲谏道：“兄长，人心难忖，三思而行。”关胜道：“好汉作事无妨。”直到县衙。魏定国接着大喜，愿拜投降，同叙旧情，设宴管待。当日带领五百火兵，都来大寨，与林冲、杨志并众头领俱各相见已了，即便收军回梁山泊来。宋江早使戴宗接着，对李逵说道：“只为你偷走下山，空教众兄弟赶了许多路。如今时迁、乐和、李云、王定六四个先回山去了。我如今先去报知哥哥，免至悬望。”

不说戴宗争先去了，且说关胜等军马回到金沙滩边，水军头领棹船接济军马，陆续过渡，只见一个人气急败坏跑将来。众人看时，却是金毛犬段景住。林冲便问道：“你和杨林、石勇去北地里买马，如何这等慌速跑来？”

段景住言无数句，话不一席，有分教：宋江调拨军兵，来打这个去处。重报旧仇，再雪前恨。正是：情知语是钩和线，从头钓出是非来。毕竟段景住对林冲等说出甚言语来，且听下回分解。

[1] 搭墩——屁股着地摔了一跤。

[2] 无面目——六亲不认、不讲交情的意思。

CHAPTER 66. Song Jiang Rewards His Men: Guan Sheng Makes Two Generals Surrender

WHEN the Grand Secretary and his Generals and their followers found themselves surrounded by brigands they desperately fought their way out and escaped towards the West. The brigand leaders could not catch them so they returned to Daming Prefecture to await further orders.

In the town Wu Yong had ordered his men to help put out the fires. He also had the treasury opened, and had all the loot loaded up. The public grain stores were all opened, and much rice was given to the people, and the remainder was loaded up and sent to Liangshan Marsh. Li Gu and Lu Junyi’s former wife were confined in prisoner’s carts to be conveyed to the mountain stronghold. The brigands then were formed into three bodies, and so returned to Liangshan Marsh. Dai Zong having already been dispatched to inform Song Jiang of their complete victory.

Upon reaching their stronghold the brigand leaders were welcomed by Song Jiang and all assembled in the Loyalty and Justice Hall. When he saw Lu Junyi, Song Jiang kowtowed, and Lu Junyi did likewise.

“I was very careless,” said Song Jiang, “when I requested you to stay at Liangshan Marsh. I did not think that it would cause so much misery to you. The hardships you underwent made me feel as though a sword had pierced my heart. But Heaven helped us, and so today we can see you here again.”

Lu Junyi saluted and replied, “I am indebted to you for your powerful assistance, and am grateful to all the leaders for their heroism. Your united strength has rescued me from death. Even if my brains and kidney were rubbed on the ground I could not recompense you for your kindness.” He then introduced Cai Fu and Cai Qing, and continued.

“I owe a great deal to these jailers who kept me alive and treated me so well.”

Song Jiang then offered to abdicate his position to Lu Junyi who was surprised, and said, “What am I to accept your offer? I am only fit to hold your whip and stirrup, and act as an ordinary retainer.”

Song Jiang however insisted upon his offer being accepted.

“Brother, you are not straightforward,” interposed Li Kui. “You previously consented to occupy this position, but now you want to yield to another man. This chair must be made of real gold that you always regard it as a present. If you keep on yielding it, you will make me resort to my knife.”

“You, fellow!” shouted Song Jiang.

Lu Junyi hurriedly saluted, and said, “If you still press me to take the position I must leave here.”

“If Song Jiang became Emperor,” said Li Kui, “and Lu Junyi the Prime Minister and all of us were now sitting in the gold palace it would be worthwhile for us to act in these polite ways. But as a matter of fact we are only brigands, so it is better for us to conduct ourselves as such.”

Wu Yong interposed, “Would it not be better if we treated Lu Junyi as a guest, and ask him to live temporarily in the rooms on the east side. When he has done some meritorious deed we could then press him to accept the position of commander-in-chief.”

Song Jiang agreed to this. He then ordered a feast to be prepared for all the men. The leaders had their feast in the Loyalty and Justice Hall where they all enjoyed themselves. During the feast Lu Junyi stood up, and addressed Song Jiang, “The adulterer and the adulteress are our prisoners here and await your disposal.”

Song Jiang laughed and replied, “I had forgotten about them. Let the prisoners be brought in.”

The prisoners were taken out of the cart, and tied up to posts in front of the hall.

Song Jiang then said, “There is no need to question them as to their crime. We can leave Lu Junyi to deal with them.”

Lu Junyi took a sword, and going outside he cut both of them open and took out their hearts. He then hacked their bodies into small pieces.

When Grand Secretary Liang heard the news that the brigands had gone back to Liangshan Marsh he went back to Daming with his General and their few remaining soldiers. There they found what enormous damage had been done, and how their own families and property had been wiped out. He wrote a dispatch to the Prime Minister at the Eastern Capital giving particulars of the disaster, and requesting that troops be at once dispatched to safeguard the district. Of the civilians about five thousand, and of the soldiers about thirty thousand, had been killed.

Upon reaching the Eastern Capital the messenger delivered the dispatch. When first considering the matter the Prime Minister thought that it would be a good plan to induce the brigands to join the Imperial army as Grand Secretary Liang’s success would have reflected favorably on himself. But on second thoughts after the debacle at Daming, he realized that that was now impossible as the brigands had gained such a victory, and as everybody would soon know about it. Therefore he was determined to attack the brigands and reestablish the name of the Imperial army as well as his own.

The following morning when the Emperor had his usual audience with his ministers at daybreak, Prime Minister Cai presented a memorial about this disaster. When the Emperor read the same he was shocked. The Councillor Zhao Ding stepped forward, and addressed the throne, “Many troops have been dispatched, but they have all been defeated. The brigands have the advantageous positions and so are invincible. My humble opinion is that Your Majesty issue an edict pardoning them for their crimes, and conferring upon their leaders official ranks, if they will reform, and help you to restore order in the country.”

Prime Minister Cai was very angry at this, and spoke, “The Councillor’s suggestion would endanger the moral dignity of the Emperor. Your crazy proposal makes you worthy of death!”

“In that case,” said the Emperor, “he will retire from the court.”

The Councillor withdrew, and was duly deprived of his office. After that who would dare to offer any suggestion or reproof about the case?

The Emperor then asked Prime Minister Cai Jing, “As these brigands are so truculent, who can be deputed to subdue them?”

“I think these brigands have not much power,” replied Cai Jing, “and therefore we need not dispatch a very big army against them. At Lingzhou there are two men—one is Colonel Shan Tinggui and the other is Colonel Wei Dingguo. I recommend that Your Majesty issue an edict ordering them to take command of an expedition against Liangshan Marsh.”

The Emperor was pleased at this, and had the edict written at once. He then left the court, and all the officials dispersed. Many of them regarded this event as a laughingstock among themselves. The following day the edict was duly dispatched to Lingzhou to summon the two Colonels.

At the stronghold on Liangshan Marsh the brigands continued their feasting in celebration of their victory. One day during the feast Wu Yong spoke to Song Jiang, “As we have done great damage at Daming Prefecture you may be sure that the Grand Secretary must write a dispatch to the Eastern Capital so that we cannot treat the matter as entirely settled. I expect that it will not be long before we are again attacked by the Imperial troops.”

“I quite agree with your view,” said Song Jiang. “Why don’t we send spies to Daming Prefecture to find out what is being done, and prepare our men here for the coming attack?”

Wu Yong laughed and said, “I have already sent a spy, and he will soon be back.” Duly as they were speaking before the feast was over the spy arrived, and reported that Grand Secretary Liang had sent a dispatch to the Eastern Capital asking for reinforcements. He also told them what had occurred at court, and how troops at Lingzhou had been ordered to attack Liangshan Marsh.

“What shall we do?” asked Song Jiang.

“Let them come,” said Wu Yong. “We shall arrest them all.”

Here Guan Sheng stood up and addressed them, “Since I arrived at Liangshan Marsh I have done nothing yet. I know both of these Colonels who are in command of the expedition against us. Colonel Shan Tinggui is fond of flooding the enemies camp by breaking the dams of rivers. For this reason people call him the ‘Water God General.’ Colonel Wei Dingguo is skillful at the use of fire attack, and therefore is nicknamed the ‘Fire God General.’ If you will let me have five thousand men I will go and meet them on their way from Lingzhou before they can reach here. If they will surrender, that would be all right. If they do not surrender, I will bring them to you as captives. I do not need any other leaders to assist me in this matter as I can manage it myself.”

Song Jiang was pleased at this offer, and instructed Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen to accompany Guan Sheng under whom they had previously served. The following day they left with five thousand men.

When they had left, the leaders again assembled in the Loyalty and Justice Hall, and there Wu Yong said to Song Jiang, “Guan Sheng has gone, but you cannot guarantee his loyalty so we had better send a reliable man to watch his movements, but ostensibly to assist him.”

“As I know,” said Song Jiang, “Guan Sheng is quite loyal to us. From first to last he is always the same. You need not harbor any suspicion of him.”

“I am afraid that he is not of the same mind as you,” said Wu Yong. “I suggest that we dispatch another five thousand men in charge of Lin Chong and three other leaders to follow Guan Sheng.”

“I also want to go,” interposed Li Kui.

“We do not need you this time,” said Song Jiang, “as we have capable leaders for this work.”

“If I am idle I shall soon be sick,” said Li Kui. “If you do not let me go, then I will go myself.”

“If you disobey my order,” said Song Jiang, “I will have your head cut off.”

Li Kui did not reply to this, but left the hall with a very downhearted spirit.

The men under Lin Chong duly left the next day, and when they had gone a menial reported that the previous night Li Kui had left the mountain by himself with his two axes. Song Jiang was annoyed at this. He said, “Yesterday I injured his feeling and he must have gone somewhere else.”

“Though he is a rough fellow,” said Wu Yong, “yet he is very faithful, and I do not think he will desert us. You need not worry, he will return in a few days.” But Song Jiang was anxious, and sent Dai Zong to find out where he had gone to. In addition he sent Shi Qian and three other leaders to look for him.

Li Kui had as a matter of fact taken the direct road to Lingzhou, and on the way he thought, “Those two Colonels are only minor officers, and I cannot understand why we should send so many men to attack them. I will go myself into the town of Lingzhou, and kill those officers with my axes, one axe for each man, and that will surprise my brother Song Jiang. Then I shall be able to argue the point with him to my advantage.” He walked for half day, and then felt very hungry. He had left the mountain without any money. He soliloquized, “I must look out for a traveler and kill him.” Soon he came to an inn, and entering he ordered a jug of wine and three jin of meat. He sat down and having eaten the food walked out. But the waiter demanded payment, and Li Kui said, “I have some business to transact, and when I come back I will pay you for the food.” Just then he saw a big man approaching who shouted to him, “You black thief, you have some cheek! You eat our food, and won’t pay for it. To whom do you think this inn belongs?”

Li Kui glared at the man, and replied, “Wherever I go I never pay for my food.”

“If I tell you who I am you would be pissing and farting in terror,” said the man. “I am Han Bolong of Liangshan Marsh, and this inn is provided by Song Jiang.”

Li Kui was amused at the man’s impudence and thought, “I do not know this damned fellow at our stronghold.” The fact was that this man had tried to join them at Liangshan Marsh, but as Song Jiang was sick at the time he could not see him. Therefore, Zhu Gui told him to open an inn at this point, and await further instructions. Li Kui took an axe out of his belt, and said, “I will leave this in pawn with you for payment.” Han Bolong thought this was a genuine offer, and held out his hand for the axe, but Li Kui lifted it up and cleaved open his head. When the waiters saw this they ran away.

Li Kui went into the inn, and took all the cash about there. He then set fire to the inn which was only made of straw matting. He went on his way, and the following day he met a big man who looked him over very minutely.

Li Kui asked him, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Who are you?” asked the man.

Li Kui did not reply, but went forward to attack the man. The man avoided the blow, and hit Li Kui with his fist so that the latter was knocked to his backside. Li Kui had felt the great strength of the man, so he sat down, and looking upwards asked, “What is your name?”

The man standing over him replied, “I have no name, but if you want to fight I’ll fight with you. Dare you get up?”

Li Kui was angry at this, and jumped up, but at the same moment received a kick in the stomach which sent him sprawling on the ground.

“I cannot overcome you,” said Li Kui, and getting up was walking off. But the man stopped him, calling out,. “What is your name and where do you come from?”

“You have beaten me,” said Li Kui, “and I do not care to tell you my name. Seeing that you are a fine fellow, however, I will not deceive you. I am Li Kui, from Liangshan Marsh.”

“Are you speaking the truth now?” asked the man. “You need not lie to me.”

“You may not believe me,” said Li Kui, “but you can see these two axes.”

“As you are from Liangshan Marsh where are you going alone like this?” asked the man.

“I had a dispute with our commander-in-chief, because I wanted to go to Lingzhou to kill those two officers, Shan and Wei.”

“I have heard that some men have already left Liangshan Marsh. Can you say the name of the leader in charge of them?” asked the man.

“Guan Sheng is in charge of the first body of men, and Lin Chong is supporting him with another body of men.”

Upon hearing this the man saluted Li Kui, who then asked, “Will you not tell me your name now?”

The man said, “I am a Zhongshan Prefecture man, and my great grandfather was a great wrestler. My father trained me to fight with the fists, and we have never adopted a pupil. My name is Jiao Ting but I am called the ‘Disliked One.’ A few days ago I heard that at Kushu Mountain in Kouzhou there is a strong brigand named Bao Xu, nicknamed ‘God of Death,’ who is very fond of killing people. I was thinking of going there and joining him.”

“But instead of that,” said Li Kui, “why not go to Liangshan Marsh, and assist Song Jiang.”

“I have thought of that too,” said Jiao Ting, “but I do not know anybody there who would introduce me. But today as I have met you I am willing to accompany you.”

“I left the mountain in an angry dispute with Song Jiang,” said Li Kui, “and as I have not yet killed those army officers I cannot very well go back with you. I suggest that we now go to the Kushu Mountain and get Bao Xu to join us in killing those two Colonels, Shan and Wei, and then, we can go to Liangshan Marsh.”

“At Lingzhou there is a large army,” said Jiao Ting, “and we two by ourselves can do nothing. It would be suicidal for us to go there alone. The best plan is for us to go to the Kushu Mountain and get Bao Xu to join us at Liangshan Marsh.”

Just then they were interrupted by Shi Qian who came up and spoke to Li Kui, “Our commander, Song Jiang, was very anxious about your disappearing, and sent us in all directions to look for you, and bring you back to Liangshan Marsh.”

Li Kui introduced Jiao Ting to Shi Qian. He then told Shi Qian of his plan, and said he would first go with Jiao Ting to Kushu Mountain. Shi Qian could not get Li Kui to change his mind, and so at last he went back to Liangshan Marsh to report the matter while the other two continued on their way.

Guan Sheng and his five thousand men duly reached Lingzhou. Inside the town Colonels Shan and Wei had received their orders from the Prefect, and had made all arrangements for a march on Liangshan Marsh. When they heard of the arrival of the brigands they were angry, and marched out their soldiers to oppose them. When the two armies met Guan Sheng rode forth. Immediately a man also rode out from the Imperial army. He wore a square iron helmet surmounted by a large plume, his armor was of bearskin covered with iron plates; under which was a black silk gown embroidered with kingfisher-blue flowers; he wore a pair of leather shoes decorated with a design in white; and a leather belt studded with metal plates engraved with lions. He rode a coal-black horse, and was armed with a bow and quiver full of arrows, and a spear. Behind him was a soldier carrying a black flag on which were seven characters in silver, “Shan Tinggui, the ‘Water God General.’”

Another officer also rode forth from the imperial troops, and he wore a vermilion-colored helmet with a design in gold surmounted by a red plume; armor decorated with rings in which were animals done in metals, and under that a red silk gown embroidered with animals and clouds in colors; his leather boots were decorated with a Qilin in kingfisher blue. He was armed with a bow, arrows, and a sword, and rode a roan-colored horse. In front of him marched a soldier bearing a red flag on which were seven characters in silver, “Wei Dingguo, the ‘Fire God General.’”

Guan Sheng sitting on his horse addressed these two Colonels, “It is a long time since we parted.”

The two Colonels laughed, and abused him saying, “You inefficient upstart and rebellious profligate! You have been ungrateful to the Emperor’s benevolence, and your ancestors would be ashamed of you. You have no modesty. You bring these armed men here now. What have you to say?”

“You two commanders are mistaken,” replied Guan Sheng. “At present the Emperor is a weakling, traitorous ministers are in power, only relatives are employed, and officials are impeached for petty personal enmity. Our commander Song Jiang is benevolent, just, loyal, and sincere, and is acting according to the Will of Heaven. He has instructed me to come here and invite both of you to join him at Liangshan Marsh.”

Both Colonels were very angry at this speech, and dashed forward to attack him. They looked like a black cloud and a red cloud threatening a storm. Before they came near Hao Siwen and Xuan Zan rode forth from both sides of Guan Sheng and engaged the opposing men. Sword clashed with sword and spear clanked with spear so that there seemed to be chilly flashes of bloody struggle. Guan Sheng looked on, and admired the great skill displayed by all the combatants. During the fight, however, both Colonels turned their horses at the same time, and withdrew. Hao Siwen pursued Shan Tinggui right into the army where the latter turned to the left. Xuan Zan pursued Wei Dingguo who turned to the right. When they had nearly caught up to the Colonels they suddenly found themselves surrounded by soldiers armed with hooked poles who closed in, pulled them off their horses, and made them prisoners. The prisoners were at once dispatched to Lingzhou, while the main body of soldiers moved forward to attack the brigands. Guan Sheng was surprised at the quick defeat and ordered his men to retreat. But they had only gone a short distance when Guan Sheng saw another body of brigands in charge of Lin Chong, and they joined in the fight against the Imperial troops, who soon retreated to their camp.

The two prisoners were placed in a cart, and dispatched at once to the Eastern Capital while the two Colonels were rewarded for the success attained. The prisoners were escorted by three hundred soldiers, and on the way they passed close to the Kushu Mountain. There they were attacked by brigands in front of whom was their new leader Li Kui with his two axes, and close behind him was Jiao Ting. Turning round to escape the captain of the escort found that in their rear was a big man with a complexion like a copper kettle—no other than Bao Xu—armed with a double-edged sword. Bao Xu hacked the Captain on the spot and the escort all began to run away, and in a minute there was nobody left with the prisoner’s cart.

Li Kui released the prisoners, and asked for an explanation of their having been captured. Xuan Zan also asked Li Kui how he had come that way and Li Kui told them how he had made friends with Bao Xu at the Kushu Mountain, and now came down the mountain to attack the the escort of Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen.

Bao Xu invited them all to come to his stronghold on the mountain where he provided a feast. During the festivities Hao Siwen said that as Bao Xu and his men were willing to join with the brigands at Liangshan Marsh they should first join in the attack on Lingzhou. Bao Xu agreed to this, and arrangements were made accordingly.

When the news of the disaster to the escort reached Lingzhou Colonel Shan Tinggui was angry, and said, “If we arrest those two men this time, we must execute them here, and not send them to the Eastern Capital.” Just then another report came that Guan Sheng was advancing to attack the town. Immediately Colonel Shan Tinggui mounted his horse, and led his five hundred soldiers outside the town. When near the brigands, the flags separated; and Colonel Shan rode forward by himself, and shouted at Guan Sheng, “You disgrace to your country! You defeated general. You are deserving death!”

Guan Sheng hearing this urged his horse forward, whirling his sword aloft. After about fifty bouts Guan Sheng turned his horse, and galloped off followed closely by Colonel Shan Tinggui.

Guan Sheng led Colonel Shan a long distance away from his troops, and then turning his head he called out, “Why not dismount and submit now? What time are you waiting for?” But instead of doing this Colonel Shan attempted to stab Guan Sheng in the back with his spear, but Guan Sheng seeing the movement shouted “Down you go!” and cut the spear with his sword, and this upset the balance of Colonel Shan who fell off his horse. Guan Sheng sprang from his horse, and ran to raise his enemy and said, “Please forgive me!” Colonel Shan replied, “I humbly submit to you.”

“When I was at Liangshan Marsh,” said Guan Sheng, “I very often spoke highly of you to Song Jiang. So I have specially come here to request both of you to join us in the cause of justice.”

“I am willing to do my best and cooperate with you in carrying out the Will of Heaven,”said Colonel Shan.

They then mounted their horses, and rode off abreast. When Lin Chong saw them riding together like this he asked for an explanation.

Now Guan Sheng did not want to say anything about the defeating of Colonel Shan so he replied, “In this secluded spot, we talk about our old friendship and I will try to induce him to join us.”

They were all pleased at this, Colonel Shan then went back to his troops, and waving his hand called out, “Let all my men come over here,” and his five hundred black jackets all joined the brigands. Those who did not wish to do so returned to the town, and reported this matter to the Prefect.

In the town Colonel Wei Dingguo was exceedingly angry when he heard of this desertion, and the following day he led his men outside the town and challenged the brigands to battle. In front of the brigands he saw Colonel Shan Tinggui and Guan Sheng and Lin Chong so he rode forward, and shouted at them, “You have forgotten the graciousness of our ruler, and have become mean rebels.”

At this Guan Sheng only laughed, and whipping his horse dashed forward, and fought with Colonel Wei Dingguo. After about ten bouts Colonel Wei turned his horse, and ran away followed by Guan Sheng. But Colonel Shan called out, “Do not pursue him!” and immediately Guan Sheng stopped his horse. Just then the ranks of the soldiers opened and about fifty carts rushed out. These were piled up with burning reeds and grass. They were pushed by soldiers who carried on their backs iron cauldrons containing sulphur emitting large volumes of smoke. As they came near the brigands, all fell down on all sides, men and horses. Guan Sheng seeing this gave orders for a general retreat, and after withdrawing his men for about three li he called a halt.

Colonel Wei seeing the brigands retreating marched his soldiers back to the town. But as he drew near he was surprised to see the town on fire in various parts.

This was because when Colonel Wei left the town with his soldiers another body of brigands from the Kushu Mountain in charge of Bao Xu and Li Kui entered the town by the north gate, and started to loot and set fire to the houses.

Colonel Wei dared not enter the town, and just as he was going to withdraw Guan Sheng and his brigands had come upon him. So he decided to retreat to the neighboring town of Zhongling County which he duly reached. Guan Sheng had however closely followed him, and surrounded the town with his brigands. But Colonel Wei did not offer to fight, and kept the gates carefully defended and guarded.

Seeing this Colonel Shan spoke to Guan Sheng and Lin Chong, “This man is very brave, and would rather die than submit to a defeat. We must therefore take a broad view of the position and not press him too closely. Instead of fighting I will go by myself into the town, and persuade him to join us. I can talk him over and induce him to submit to you without fighting.”

Guan Sheng was much pleased, and agreed to the proposal.

Shan Tinggui went into the town alone, and was duly announced, and taken in to see Colonel Wei Dingguo. He said, “Just now the court is misguided, and stupid ministers are in power. So it would be better for us both join Song Jiang at Liangshan Marsh, and there wait until corrupt officials retire when we may change our course and surrender to the court.”

Wei Dingguo was turning this over in his mind for some time before he spoke. “If they really wish me to surrender Guan Sheng himself should come here and make the proposal. If he does not come I would rather die than go.”

Shan Tinggui then took his leave, and duly reported the conversation to Guan Sheng, who said, “I am not an important person, but he holds me in such a wrong esteem.” He at once mounted his horse and was ready to go to the town.

But Lin Chong remonstrated with them, “It is hard to know men’s intentions, and you had better think the matter over carefully before acting.”

“He is my old friend so you need not suspect anything,” said Guan Sheng.

So he set off, and when Colonel Wei saw him he was much pleased, and at once agreed to submit and go with them. He invited him to dine and during the meal they talked about old times when they were colleagues. That evening Colonel Wei left the town with his five hundred soldiers, and surrendered to the brigands. The next day they all set out for Liangshan Marsh.

We will now relate what important news had reached Liangshan Marsh.

Our feelings know that language fine,

Is subtle; like a hook on lint;

The hook is cast, and soon the man,

Is captured by the courtesan.