第六十八回

第六十八回 宋公明夜打曾头市 卢俊义活捉史文恭

诗曰：

恢恢天网实无端，消息盈虚未易观。

不向公家尊礼度，却从平地筑峰峦。

宋江水浒心初遂，晁盖泉台死亦安。

天道好还非谬语，身亡家破不胜叹。

话说当时段景住跑来，对林冲等说道：“我与杨林、石勇前往北地买马。小弟到彼，选得壮窜有筋力好毛片骏马，买了二百馀匹。回至青州地面，被一伙强人，为头一个唤做险道神郁保四，聚集二百馀人，尽数把马劫夺，解送曾头市去了。石勇、杨林不知去向。小弟连夜逃来报知，可差人去讨马回山。”

关胜见说，教且回山寨与哥哥相见了，却商议此事。众人且过渡来，都到忠义堂上，见了宋江。关胜引单廷圭、魏定国与大小头领俱各相见了。李逵把下山杀了韩伯龙，遇见焦挺、鲍旭，同去打破凌州之事说了一遍。宋江听罢，又添四个好汉，正在欢喜。

段景住备说夺马一事，宋江听了，大怒道：“前者夺我马匹，今又如此无礼！晁天王的冤仇未曾报得，旦夕不乐。若不去报此仇，惹人耻笑！”吴用道：“即目春暖，正好厮杀。前者进兵失其地利，如今必用智取。”宋江道：“此仇深入骨髓，不报得誓不还山！”吴用道：“且教时迁，他会飞檐走壁，可去探听消息一遭，回来却作商量。”时迁听命去了。无三二日，只见杨林、石勇逃得回寨，备说曾头市史文恭口出大言，要与梁山泊势不两立。宋江见说，便要起兵。吴用道：“再待时迁回报，却去未迟。”宋江怒气填胸，要报此仇，片时忍耐不住，又使戴宗飞去打听，立等回报。不过数日，却是戴宗先回来说：“这曾头市要与凌州报仇，欲起军马。见今曾头市口扎下大寨，又在法华寺内做中军帐，五百里遍插旌旗，不知何路可进。”次日，时迁回寨报说：“小弟直到曾头市里面，探知备细。见今扎下五个寨栅，曾头市前面，二千馀人守住村口。总寨内是教师史文恭执掌，北寨是曾涂与副教师苏定，南寨内是次子曾参，西寨内是三子曾索，东寨内是四子曾魁，中寨内是第五子曾升与父亲曾弄守把。这个青州郁保四，身长一丈，腰阔数围，绰号险道神，将这夺的许多马匹都喂养在法华寺内。”

吴用听罢，便教会集诸将，一同商议：“既然他设五个寨栅，我这里分调五支军将，可作五路去打他五个寨栅。”卢俊义便起身道：“卢某得蒙救命上山，未能报效，今愿尽命向前，未知尊意若何？”宋江大喜，便道：“员外如肯下山，便为前部。”吴用谏道：“员外初到山寨，未经战阵，山岭崎岖，乘马不便，不可为前部先锋。别引一支军马，前去平川埋伏，只听中军炮响，便来接应。”吴用主意只恐卢俊义捉得史文恭，宋江不负晁盖之遗言，让位与他，因此不允。宋江大意只要卢俊义建功，乘此机会，教他为山寨之主，不负晁盖遗言。吴用不肯，立主叫卢员外带同燕青，引领五百步军，平川小路听号。再分调五路军马：曾头市正南大寨，差马军头领霹雳火秦明、小李广花荣，副将马麟、邓飞，引军三千攻打；曾头市正东大寨，差步军头领花和尚鲁智深、行者武松，副将孔明、孔亮，引军三千攻打；曾头市正北大寨，差马军头领青面兽杨志、九纹龙史进，副将杨春、陈达，引军三千攻打；曾头市正西大寨，差步军头领美髯公朱仝，插翅虎雷横，副将邹渊、邹润，引军三千攻打；曾头市正中总寨，都头领宋公明，军师吴用、公孙胜，随行副将吕方、郭盛、解珍、解宝、戴宗、时迁，领军五千攻打。合后步军头领黑旋风李逵、混世魔王樊瑞，副将项充、李衮，引马步军兵五千。其馀头领各守山寨。怎见得五军进发？但见：

梁山泊五军先锋，马军遇水叠桥；水浒寨六丁神将，步卒逢山开路。七星旗带，飘飘散天上乌云；八卦阵图，隐隐动山前虎豹。鞍上将齐披铁铠，坐下马都带铜铃。九洞妖魔离海内，十方神将降人间。

当下宋江部领五军兵将大进，正是枪刀流水急，人马撮风行。且说曾头市探事人探知备细，报入寨中。曾长官听了，便请教师史文恭、苏定商议军情重事。史文恭道：“梁山泊军马来时，只是多使陷坑，方才捉得他强兵猛将。这伙草寇，须是这条计，以为上策。”曾长官便差庄客人等，将了锄头、铁锹，去村口掘下陷坑数十处，上面虚浮土盖，四下里埋伏了军兵，只等敌军来到。又去曾头市北路，也掘下十数处陷坑。比及宋江军马起行时，吴用预先暗使时迁又去打听。数日之间，时迁回来报说：“曾头市寨南寨北尽都掘下陷坑，不计其数，只等俺军马到来。”吴用见说，大笑道：“不足为奇！”引军前进，来到曾头市相近。此时日午时分，前队望见一骑马来，项带铜铃，尾拴雉尾，马上一人，青巾白袍，手执短枪。前队望见，便要追赶。吴用止住，便教军马就此下寨，四面掘了濠堑，下了铁蒺藜。传令下去，教五军各自分投下寨，一般掘下濠堑，下了蒺藜。

一住三日，不出交战。吴用再使时迁扮作伏路小军，去曾头市寨中探听他不出何意；所有陷坑，暗暗地记着有几处，离寨多少路远，总有几处。时迁去了一日，都知备细，暗地使了记号，回报军师。次日，吴用传令，教前队步军各执铁锄，分作两队，又把粮车一百有馀，装载芦苇干柴，藏在中军。当晚传令与各寨诸军头领：来日巳牌，只听东西两路步军先去打寨。再教攻打曾头市北寨的杨志、史进，把马军一字儿摆开。如若那边擂鼓摇旗，虚张声势，切不可进。吴用传令已了。

再说曾头市史文恭只要引宋江军马打寨，便着他陷坑，寨前路狭，待走那里去！次日巳牌，只听得寨前炮响，追兵大队都到南门。次后只见东寨边来报道：“一个和尚轮着铁禅杖，一个行者舞起双戒刀，攻打前后。”史文恭道：“这两个必是梁山泊鲁智深、武松。”犹恐有失，便分人去帮助曾魁。只见西寨边又来报道：“一个长髯大汉，一个虎面贼人，旗号上写着美髯公朱仝、插翅虎雷横，前来攻打甚急。”史文恭听了，又分拨人去帮助曾索。又听得寨前炮响，史文恭按兵不动，只要等他入来塌了陷坑，山后伏兵齐起，接应捉人。这里吴用却调马军，从山背后两路抄到寨前。前面步军只顾看寨，又不敢去；两边伏兵都摆在寨前，背后吴用军马赶来，尽数逼下坑去。史文恭却待出来，吴用鞭梢一指，军寨中锣响，一齐推出百馀辆车子来，尽数把火点着，上面芦苇、干柴、硫黄、焰硝一齐着起，烟火迷天。比及史文恭军马出来，尽被火车横拦当住，只得回避，急待退军。公孙胜早在阵中挥剑作法，借起大风，刮得火焰卷入南门，早把敌楼、排栅尽行烧毁。已自得胜，鸣金收军，四下里入寨，当晚权歇。史文恭连夜修整寨门，两下当住。

次日，曾涂对史文恭计议道：“若不先斩贼首，难以追灭。”分付教师史文恭牢守寨栅。曾涂率领军兵，披挂上马，出阵搦战。怎生打扮？

头戴金盔，身披铁铠，腰系绒绦，坐骑快马。

弯弓插箭，体挂绯袍，脚踏宝镫，手拈钢枪。

当日曾涂上马，飞出阵来。宋江在中军闻知曾涂搦战，带领吕方、郭盛相随，出到前军。门旗影里看见曾涂，心怀旧恨，用鞭指道：“谁与我先捉这厮，报往日之仇，消向者之恨？”小温侯吕方拍坐下马，挺手中方天画戟，直取曾涂。两马交锋，军器并举，斗到三十合已上，郭盛在门旗下，看见两个中间将及输了一个。原来吕方本事迭不得[1]曾涂，三十合已前，兀自抵敌得住，三十合已后，戟法乱了，只办得遮架躲闪。郭盛只恐吕方有失，便骤坐下马，拈手中方天画戟，飞出阵来，夹攻曾涂。三骑马在阵前绞做一团。原来两枝戟上都拴着金钱豹尾，吕方、郭盛要捉曾涂，两枝戟齐举。曾涂眼明，便用枪只一拨，却被两条豹尾搅住朱缨，夺扯不开。三个各要掣出军器使用。小李广花荣在阵中看见，恐怕输了两个，便纵马出来，左手拈起雕弓，右手急取箭[2]，搭上箭，拽满弓，望着曾涂射来。这曾涂却好掣出枪来，那两枝戟兀自搅做一团。说时迟，那时疾，曾涂掣枪，便望吕方项根搠来，花荣箭早先到，正中曾涂左臂，翻身落马，头盔倒卓，两脚蹬空。吕方、郭盛双戟并施，曾涂死于非命。十数骑马军飞奔回来，报知史文恭，转报中寨。曾长官听得大哭。有诗为证：

拍马横枪要出尖，当场挑战势翩翩。

不知暗中雕翎箭，一命悠悠赴九泉。

只见旁边恼犯了一个壮士曾升，武艺绝高，使两口飞刀，人莫敢近。当时听了大怒，咬牙切齿，喝教：“备我马来，要与哥哥报仇！”曾长官拦当不住，全身披挂，绰刀上马，直奔前寨。史文恭接着，劝道：“小将军不可轻敌，宋江军中智勇猛将极多。若论史某愚意，只宜坚守五寨，暗地使人前往凌州，便教飞奏朝廷，调兵选将，多拨官军，分作两处征剿，一打梁山泊，一保曾头市，令贼无心恋战，必欲退兵急奔回山。那时史某不才，与汝弟兄一同追杀，必获大功。”说言未了，北寨副教师苏定到来，见说坚守一节，便道：“梁山泊吴用那厮，诡计多谋，不可轻敌。只宜退守，待救兵到来，从长商议。”曾升叫道：“杀我亲兄，此冤不报，更待何时！直等养成贼势，退敌则难。”史文恭、苏定阻当不住，曾升上马，带领数十骑马军，飞奔出寨搦战。

宋江闻知，传令前军迎敌。当时秦明得令，舞起狼牙棍，正要出阵斗这曾升，只见黑旋风李逵手搦板斧，直奔军前，不问事由，抢出垓心。对阵有人认的，说道：“这个是梁山泊黑旋风李逵。”曾升见了，便叫放箭。原来李逵但是上阵，便要脱膊，全得项充、李衮蛮牌遮护。此时独自抢来，被曾升一箭，腿上正着，身如泰山倒在地下。曾升背后马军齐抢过来，宋江阵上秦明、花荣飞马向前死救，背后马麟、邓飞、吕方、郭盛一齐接应归阵。曾升见了宋江阵上人多，不敢再战，以此领兵还寨。宋江也自收军驻扎。次日，史文恭、苏定只是主张不要对阵，怎禁得曾升催并道：“要报兄仇。”史文恭无奈，只得披挂上马。那匹马便是先前夺的段景住的千里龙驹照夜玉狮子马。宋江引诸将摆开阵势迎敌。对阵史文恭出马。怎生打扮？

头上金盔耀日光，身披铠甲赛冰霜。

坐骑千里龙驹马，手执朱缨丈二枪。

斯时史文恭出马，横杀过来。宋江阵上秦明要夺头功，飞奔坐下马来迎。二骑相交，军器并举，约斗二十馀合，秦明力怯，望本阵便走。史文恭奋勇赶来，神枪到处，秦明后腿股上早着，倒下马来。吕方、郭盛、马麟、邓飞四将齐出，死命来救。虽然救得秦明，军兵折了一阵，收回败军，离寨十里驻扎。宋江叫把车子载了秦明，一面使人送回山寨将息，再与吴用商量，教取大刀关胜、金枪手徐宁，并要单廷圭、魏定国，四位下山，同来协助。

宋江自己焚香祈祷，占卜一课。吴用看了卦象，便道：“虽然此处可破，今夜必主有贼兵入寨。”宋江道：“可以早作准备。”吴用道：“请兄长放心，只顾传下号令。”先去报与三寨头领，今夜起，东西二寨，便教解珍在左，解宝在右，其馀军马，各于四下里埋伏已定。是夜，天晴月白，风静云闲。史文恭在寨中对曾升道：“贼兵今日输了两将，必然惧怯，乘虚正好劫寨。”曾升见说，便教请北寨苏定、南寨曾参、西寨曾索引兵前来，一同劫寨。二更左侧，潜地出哨，马摘鸾铃，人披软战，直到宋江中军寨内。见四下无人，劫着空寨，急叫中计，转身便走。左手下撞出两头蛇解珍，右手下撞出双尾蝎解宝，后面便是小李广花荣，一发赶上。曾索在黑地里被解珍一钢叉搠于马下。放起火来，后寨发喊，东西两边，进兵攻打寨栅，混战了半夜。史文恭夺路得回。

曾长官又见折了曾索，烦恼倍增。次日，请史文恭写书投降。史文恭也有八分惧怯，随即写书，速差一人赍擎，直到宋江大寨。小校报知曾头市有人下书，宋江传令，教唤入来。小校将书呈上，宋江拆开看时，写道：

“曾头市主曾弄顿首再拜宋公明统军头领麾下：日昨小男倚仗一时之勇，误有冒犯虎威。向日天王率众到来，理合就当归附。奈何无端部卒施放冷箭，更兼夺马之罪，虽百口何辞！原之实非本意。今顽犬已亡，遣使讲和。如蒙罢战休兵，将原夺马匹尽数纳还，更赍金帛犒劳三军。此非虚情，免致两伤。谨此奉书，伏乞照察。”

宋江看罢来书，心中大怒，扯书骂道：“杀我兄长，焉肯干休！只待洗荡村坊，是我本愿。”下书人俯伏在地，凛颤不已。吴用慌忙劝道：“兄长差矣！我等相争，皆为气耳。既是曾家差人下书讲和，岂为一时之忿，以失大义。”随即便写回书，取银十两赏了来使。回还本寨，将书呈上。曾长官与史文恭拆开看时，上面写道：

“梁山泊主将宋江手书回复曾头市主曾弄帐前：国以信而治天下，将以勇而镇外邦。人无礼而何为，财非义而不取。梁山泊与曾头市自来无仇，各守边界。奈缘尔将行一时之恶，惹数载之冤。若要讲和，便须发还二次原夺马匹，并要夺马凶徒郁保四，犒劳军士金帛。忠诚既笃，礼数休轻。如或更变，别有定夺。草草具陈，情照不宣。”

曾长官与史文恭看了，俱各惊忧。次日，曾长官又使人到来言说：“若肯讲和，各请一人质当。”宋江不肯，吴用便道：“无伤！”随即便差时迁、李逵、樊瑞、项充、李衮五人前去为信。临行时，吴用叫过时迁，附耳低言：“如此如此，休得有误。”不说五人去了，却说关胜、徐宁、单廷圭、魏定国到了，当时见了众人，就在中军扎驻。

且说时迁引四个好汉来见曾长官。时迁向前说道：“奉哥哥将令，差时迁引李逵等四人前来讲和。”史文恭道：“吴用差遣五个人来，必然有谋。”李逵大怒，揪住史文恭便打，曾长官慌忙劝住。时迁道：“李逵虽然粗卤，却是俺宋公明哥哥心腹之人，特使他来，休得疑惑。”曾长官中心只要讲和，不听史文恭之言，便叫置酒相待，请去法华寺寨中安歇，拨五百军人前后围住，却使曾升带同郁保四来宋江大寨讲和。二人到中军相见了，随后将原夺二次马匹并金帛一车送到大寨。宋江看罢道：“这马都是后次夺的，正有先前段景住送来那匹千里白龙驹照夜玉狮子马，如何不见将来？”曾升道：“是师父史文恭乘坐着，以此不曾将来。”宋江道：“你疾忙快写书去，教早早牵那匹马来还我！”曾升便写书，叫从人还寨讨这匹马来。史文恭听得，回道：“别的马将去不吝，这匹马却不与他！”从人往复走了几遭，宋江定死要这匹马。史文恭使人来说道：“若还定要我这匹马时，着他即便退军，我便送来还他。”

宋江听得这话，便与吴用商议。尚然未决，忽有人来报道：“青州、凌州两路有军马到来。”宋江道：“那厮们知得，必然变卦！”暗传下号令，就差关胜、单廷圭、魏定国去迎青州军马，花荣、马麟、邓飞去迎凌州军马。暗地叫出郁保四来，用好言抚恤他，十分恩义相待，说道：“你若肯建这场功劳，山寨里也教你做个头领，夺马之仇，折箭为誓，一齐都罢；你若不从，曾头市破在旦夕。任从你心。”郁保四听言，情愿投拜，从命帐下。吴用授计与郁保四道：“你只做私逃还寨，与史文恭说道：‘我和曾升去宋江寨中讲和，打听得真实了。如今宋江大意，只要赚这匹千里马，实无心讲和，若还与了他，必然翻变。如今听得青州、凌州两路救兵到了，十分心慌，正好乘势用计，不可有误。’他若信从了，我自有处置。”郁保四领了言语，直到史文恭寨里，把前事具说一遍。史文恭引了郁保四来见曾长官，备说宋江无心讲和，可以乘势劫他寨栅。曾长官道：“我那曾升当在那里，若还翻变，必然被他杀害。”史文恭道：“打破他寨，好歹救了。今晚传令与各寨，尽数都起，先劫宋江大寨。如断去蛇首，众贼无用，回来却杀李逵等五人未迟。”曾长官道：“教师可以善用良计。”当下传令与北寨苏定、东寨曾魁、南寨曾参，一同劫寨。郁保四却闪来法华寺大寨内，看了李逵等五人，暗与时迁走透这个消息。

再说宋江同吴用说道：“未知此计若何？”吴用道：“如是郁保四不回，便是中俺之计。他若今晚来劫我寨，我等退伏两边，却教鲁智深、武松引步军杀入他东寨，朱仝、雷横引步军杀入他西寨，却令杨志、史进引马军截杀北寨。此名番犬伏窝之计[3]，百发百中。”

当晚却说史文恭带了苏定、曾参、曾魁，尽数起发。是夜，月色朦胧，星辰昏暗。史文恭、苏定当先，曾参、曾魁押后，马摘鸾铃，人披软战，尽都来到宋江总寨。只见寨门不关，寨内并无一人，又不见些动静，情知中计。即便回身，急望本寨去时，只见曾头市里锣鸣炮响，却是时迁爬去法华寺钟楼上撞起钟来。声响为号，东西两门火炮齐响，喊声大举，正不知多少军马杀将入来。却说法华寺中李逵、樊瑞、项充、李衮一齐发作，杀将出来。史文恭等急回到寨时，寻路不见。曾长官见寨中大闹，又听得梁山泊大军两路杀将入来，就在寨里自缢而死。曾参径奔西寨，被朱仝一朴刀搠死。曾魁要奔东寨时，乱军中马踏为泥。苏定死命奔出北门，却有无数陷坑，背后鲁智深、武松赶杀将来，前逢杨志、史进，乱箭射死苏定。后头撞来的人马都入陷坑中去，重重叠叠，陷死不知其数。宋江众将得胜，在曾头市卷杀八面残兵，掳掠财物。有诗为证：

可怪曾家事不谐，投降特地贡书来。

宋江要雪天王恨，半夜驱兵卷杀来。

且说史文恭得这千里马行得快，杀出西门，落荒而走。此时黑雾遮天，不分南北，约行了二十馀里，不知何处。只听得树林背后一声锣响，撞出四五百军来。当先一将，手提杆棒，望马脚便打。那匹马是千里龙驹，见棒来时，从头上跳过去了。史文恭正走之间，只见阴云冉冉，冷气飕飕，黑雾漫漫，狂风飒飒，虚空中一人当住去路。史文恭疑是神兵，勒马便回。东西南北四边，都是晁盖阴魂缠住。史文恭再回旧路，却撞着浪子燕青，又转过玉麒麟卢俊义来，喝一声：“强贼待走那里去！”腿股上只一朴刀，搠下马来，便把绳索绑了，解投曾头市来。燕青牵了那匹千里龙驹，径到大寨。宋江看了大喜。仇人相见，分外眼明。心中一喜一怒：喜者得卢员外见功；怒者恨史文恭射杀晁天王，冤仇未曾报得。先把曾升就本处斩首，曾家一门老少，尽数不留。抄掳到金银财宝、米麦粮食，尽行装载上车，回梁山泊给散各部头领，犒赏三军。

且说关胜领军杀退青州军马，花荣领兵杀散凌州军马，都回来了。大小头领不缺一个，又得了这匹千里龙驹照夜玉狮子马，其馀物件尽不必说。陷车内囚了史文恭，便收拾军马，回梁山泊来。所过州县村坊，并无侵扰。

回到山寨忠义堂上，都来参见晁盖之灵。宋江传令，教圣手书生萧让作了祭文，令大小头领人人挂孝，个个举哀，将史文恭剖腹剜心，享祭晁盖已罢。宋江就忠义堂上与众弟兄商议立梁山泊之主。吴用便道：“兄长为尊，卢员外为次，其馀众弟兄各依旧位。”宋江道：“向者晁天王遗言：‘但有人捉得史文恭者，不拣是谁，便为梁山泊之主。’今日卢员外生擒此贼，赴山祭献晁兄，报仇雪恨，正当为尊，不必多说。”卢俊义道：“小弟德薄才疏，怎敢承当此位！若得居末，尚自过分。”宋江道：“非宋某多谦，有三件不如员外处：第一件，宋江身材黑矮，貌拙才疏；员外堂堂一表，凛凛一躯，有贵人之相。第二件，宋江出身小吏，犯罪在逃，感蒙众弟兄不弃，暂居尊位；员外出身豪杰之子，又无至恶之名，虽然有些凶险，累蒙天祐，以免此祸。第三件，宋江文不能安邦，武又不能附众，手无缚鸡之力，身无寸箭之功；员外力敌万人，通今博古，天下谁不望风而降。尊兄有如此才德，正当为山寨之主。他时归顺朝廷，建功立业，官爵升迁，能使弟兄们尽生光彩。宋江主张已定，休得推托。”卢俊义恭谦拜于地下，说道：“兄长枉自多谈，卢某宁死，实难从命。”吴用劝道：“兄长为尊，卢员外为次，人皆所伏。兄长若如是再三推让，恐冷了众人之心。”原来吴用已把眼视众人，故出此语。只见黑旋风李逵大叫道：“我在江州，舍身拚命，跟将你来，众人都饶让你一步。我自天也不怕，你只管让来让去做甚鸟！我便杀将起来，各自散火！”武松见吴用以目示人，也发作叫道：“哥哥手下许多军官，受朝廷诰命的，也只是让哥哥，他如何肯从别人？”刘唐便道：“我们起初七个上山，那时便有让哥哥为尊之意。今日却要让别人！”鲁智深大叫道：“若还兄长推让别人，洒家们各自都散！”宋江道：“你众人不必多说，我自有个道理，尽天意看是如何，方才可定。”吴用道：“有何高见，便请一言。”宋江道：“有两件事。”正是：教梁山泊内重添两个英雄，东平府中又惹一场灾祸。直教天罡尽数投忠义，地煞齐临水浒来。毕竟宋江说出那两件事来，且听下回分解。

[1] 迭不得——比不上。迭，及。

[2] （pī）箭——箭头较薄而阔、箭杆较长的一种箭。

[3] 番犬伏窝之计——古代传说：外番有一种犬，猎物时常伏到野兽的窝里，等野兽回窝时，就把它咬住。

CHAPTER 67. Song Jiang Conducts a Night Attack on Zengtou; Lu Junyi Takes Shi Wengong as Prisoner

COLONEL WEI and his men had reached Liangshan Marsh, and were making arrangements for the men to cross the lake when Lin Chong saw one of their leaders, Duan Jingzhu, also arrive, and asked him where he had been.

Duan Jingzhu replied, “I went with Yang Lin and Shi Yong to the north to buy some horses. We bought two hundred very fine animals, and were bringing them here when we were stopped near Qingzhou by some brigands under the leadership of Yu Baosi, whose nickname is the ‘Dangerous Road Spirit.’ They seized all our horses and took them off to Zengtou, the Zeng Family Village. Yang Lin and Shi Yong went away somewhere I did not know, so I hurriedly came here by myself to report the matter.”

Lin Chong saw the importance of the matter, and at once took Duan Jingzhu across the lake to the stronghold to report matter to Song Jiang. The two Colonels from Lingzhou were also introduced to Song Jiang and the other leaders. Li Kui also introduced Bao Xu and his men from the Kushu Mountain.

Song Jiang was very angry at the horses having been stolen, and said, “It is these thieves who shot Chao Gai to death, and so far no punishment has been inflicted upon them. As they have now robbed our horses again we shall be disgraced if we do not take our revenge.”

“As it is now springtime,” said Wu Yong, “and we have not much to do, we can arrange to attack them. When Chao Gai was fighting, he lost the advantageous position, but this time we must use some strategy. Shi Qian is excellent in scaling walls so we can send him as a spy, to detect the position inside Zengtou.” This was agreed to, and Shi Qian took his departure. In a few days Yang Lin and Shi Yong returned to Liangshan Marsh, and reported that at Zengtou, Shi Wengong was very boastful, and declared that they would not live under the same Heaven with the brigands at Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang upon hearing this wanted to dispatch his men to attack Zengtou, but Wu Yong objected, and urged that they must wait until Shi Qian came back. Song Jiang, however, was in a towering rage at this insult, and wanted immediate revenge. He sent Dai Zong to go there and quickly return with the latest news.

In a few days Dai Zong returned, and reported, “The leading family at Zengtou are preparing for an attack on Liangshan Marsh, and have established a big encampment at the Fahua Monastery.”

The following day Shi Qian arrived and reported, “I got inside the village and made careful inquiries. The villagers are divided into five companies under the command of Shi Wengong. Yu Baosi keeps our horses in the Fahua Monastery.”

Upon hearing this Wu Yong held general conference of all the leaders and addressed them, “As these men are divided into five companies so we can divide our forces in the same way, and proceed to the village by five different roads.”

Lu Junyi stood up, and said, “You saved my life, but since then I have had no opportunity of recompensing you. I am willing to risk my life on this expedition, but I don’t know what is your opinion.”

Song Jiang asked Wu Yong whether he could agree to Lu Junyi doing this, and Wu Yong replied, “The roads between here and Zengtou are very rugged and wild, and we could not allow Lu Junyi to lead the vanguard. He had better lead a body of men in ambush on the open field, and when he hears the sound of our bombs, he can come and join in the fight.”

Song Jiang instructed Lu Junyi to act in this way. The other leaders were then divided into five detachments, and altogether 22,000 men were placed under their charge. They were given full instructions.

In the village of Zengtou the scouts duly reported the approach of the brigands, the headman of Zengtou sent for Shi Wengong and Su Ding, the two military instructors, for a discussion. Shi Wengong said, “We must dig pits and traps for these brigands.” The head of the village ordered all the people to make pits in the different places and cover them over with soil. The village guard was to be stationed near these traps.

Before the Liangshan Marsh brigands drew near the village, Shi Qian was sent in advance as a spy. He found out the whereabouts of these hidden pitfalls, and duly reported the matter to Song Jiang.

Upon hearing this Wu Yong laughed and said, “That is not important.” He gave orders for the men to move forward, and they soon reached the outskirts of the village. It was about noon, and a horse galloped towards them with copper bells tinkling, and with a long plume on its tail. Its rider had white clothes and a black hat, and carried a short spear. The brigands wanted to rush forward and fight with him, but Wu Yong forbade this, and ordered encampment there. He also ordered that trenches were to be dug all around their position, and these were to be protected by iron palisades. He instructed the five detachments raise defensive works accordingly around their separate camps.

They encamped there for three days but the soldiers in the village did not show themselves. So Wu Yong instructed Shi Qian to enter the village again as a spy, and to find out what was happening. He was also to locate exactly where the hidden pits were. Shi Qian did this, and within a day had found out all about the hidden pits, and duly reported the details to Wu Yong.

This information was made known to all the leaders, and Wu Yong then ordered that a body of men was to be armed with hoes, and that a hundred carts were to be loaded with grass and reeds, and all these were to be concealed in the center of the camp. This was done, and then Wu Yong issued orders that at 10 A.M. the next day an attack would be made on the village on the west and east sides by foot soldiers only. On the north side, however, other mounted men were to be on parade with flags flying and drums beating, but they were not to move forward.

The following day Shi Wengong heard the noise of bombs and was informed of the approaching of the brigands on all four sides, but he held his men back waiting for the brigands to advance and fall into the hidden pits. But Wu Yong gave orders for his men to attack the soldiers at the South Gate from two sides instead of a frontal attack. This was done, and they not only avoided the hidden pits, but actually drove the soldiers into their own traps.

Shi Wengong upon seeing this brought soldiers to the South Gate to repel the attack, but Wu Yong had given orders for all the carts to advance avoiding the pits, and when near the gates the dry grass and reeds were all set on fire. The flames spread to the gate tower, and so set that on fire, and Gongsun Sheng having control of the wind caused a south wind to blow, which carried the flames into the village.

When Wu Yong saw this desired result he withdrew his men to their camp while Shi Wengong inside the village had the fires put out, and during the following night endeavored to repair the damage done at the South Gate.

The following day a son of the village head Zeng Tu expressed his opinion to Shi Wengong that if they did not capture the chief leader of the brigands they would have no chance in defeating them. He therefore proposed to take some men to fight outside, while Shi Wengong guarded the South Gate. This was agreed to.

When Song Jiang was informed that Zeng Tu had come out to fight he accepted the challenge, and rode forth accompanied by Lu Fang and Guo Sheng. When he saw Zeng Tu he was angry, and pointing at him with his whip called out, “Who will fight with that fellow and revenge the death of our late commander?”

Upon hearing this Lu Fang whipped his horse and galloped forward. The two men fought for about thirty bouts. Guo Sheng then noticed that Lu Fang would be defeated as his opponent proved more skillful. Lu Fang was showing weakness, and was making mistakes. He was acting entirely on the defensive. So Guo Sheng whipped his horse, and galloped forward with his halberd in hand to engage Zeng Tu. Both of the two brigands had leopard tails fastened to the end of their halberds, and as they both lunged at Zeng Tu he, in a flash, took his spear to ward off the halberds.

But the spear happened to catch the two leopard tails and so the three weapons were entangled. All three men pulled in order to free their weapons without success. Hua Rong seeing this realized that Zeng Tu had the advantage so taking his bow he shot an arrow which hit Zeng Tu in the shoulder and sent him off his horse. Lu Fang and Guo Sheng now drove their halberds into Zeng Tu, and killed him immediately.

This fatality was reported to the village and when the village head heard of his son’s death he cried. But a younger son, Zeng Sheng, was very angry, and called for his horse, and shouted out that he would avenge the death of his elder brother. Zeng Sheng would not heed his father’s objections, and rode out to the South Gate. There he met Shi Wengong who said, “You must not treat these men too lightly, as they are very talented and skillful warriors.”

But Zeng Sheng was determined. “They have killed my brother, and I must have revenge.” He rode forward accompanied by about ten men on horseback.

Qin Ming was in charge of the brigands’ advance post, and he was ready to accept the challenge when he saw that Li Kui with his axes had already gone forth. The Zeng troops recognized Li Kui, and Zeng Sheng ordered his archers to shoot at him. An arrow hit Li Kui on the leg, and he fell down. Zeng Sheng ordered his cavalry to capture Li Kui, but the brigand leaders Qin Ming, Hua Rong, and four others, also moved forward at the same time to rescue him. Zeng Sheng seeing so many opponents ordered his cavalry to retire, and so Li Kui was rescued.

The following day Shi Wengong again was opposed to any offensive, but Zeng Sheng was still keen on having revenge, so at last Shi Wengong put on his uniform and mounted his horse. The brigands were ready for action, and Qin Ming rode forward to fight with Shi Wengong. But after about twenty bouts Qin Ming felt being overcome, and turned his horse to retire, but Shi Wengong was too quick for him, and wounded Qin Ming in his leg, so the latter fell off his horse. Four brigand leaders, however, rushed to his rescue, and took him back to the camp. The defeated brigands retreated about three li where they encamped. Qin Ming was placed in a cart and sent back to Liangshan Marsh. Reinforcements under Guan Sheng and three other leaders were at the same time called for from the mountain stronghold.

Song Jiang burnt incense and prayed to the spirits, and secretly caste lots to divine the further proceeding of the battle. Wu Yong read the indication of the lots and said to him, “Congratulations, as there is no need for fear. This night I am sure the villagers will again press their attack. We must warn our leaders of this, and divide our men into two camps to the east and west of this place. The mounted men must be stationed all around, and wait for orders.” This was done accordingly.

That night the moon shone brightly. There was neither wind nor cloud. Shi Wengong spoke to Zeng Sheng, “We have wounded two of the brigand leaders today, and as they have retired after being defeated they will be afraid of us now, so we must press forward our attack.” Orders were given for a march that night. Horses were not to carry bells, and all was to be done in silence. About 11 P.M. they started off, but upon reaching the place where the brigands had stopped, they found nobody there. Suspecting some trick, Shi Wengong gave orders for all to return to the village. But they had not gone far when they were attacked from both sides. Fires were set up by the brigands on all sides, and the fighting went on till midnight when Shi Wengong got back to the village and wrote a note to Song Jiang admitting defeat, and offering to surrender. It read as follows:

“Zeng Nong, head of the Zengtou village, sends greetings to Song Jiang, commander of the army. Previously my son seized your horses, and offended you by his ignorance. When Chao Gai came here we ought to have surrendered to him. Unfortunately one of our soldiers sent a stray shot which wounded Chao Gai, and we recognize the seriousness of that offense, and can offer no excuse for same. Allowance may however be made of the fact that it was done without orders. My two sons have been killed, and I plead with you for peace. If you will withdraw your men I will return to you all the horses. I will also send you money, for distribution among your men. By peace we shall avoid further bloodshed. I write this with all due respects, and hope for your kind consideration.”

When Song Jiang read this letter he seemed to he angry and tore it into pieces. He said to Wu Yong, “How can we settle things in this way when they have killed our leader? We must wipe them out.”

The messenger heard this, and trembled on the ground in fear.

Wu Yong exhorted Song Jiang, “I think you may be wrong. In this fight both sides were merely in a display of temper. Now that they desire peace we should be in the wrong if we refuse to consider their proposal.” After further discussion he wrote at once a reply, and handed it to the messenger with ten taels of silver.

The messenger duly returned, and handed the reply to Shi Wengong and Zeng Nong who read it as follows:

“Song Jiang, commander at Liangshan Marsh, replies to Zeng Nong, head of the Zengtou. It has always been a fact that a country without confidence among the people must become extinct in the end; without propriety soon become of no account. Unjust gains must be robbed, Generals without bravery must soon be defeated. These are definite laws. Liangshan Marsh and your village had no enmity before, and we both guarded our own domains respectively. But recently you did a wicked thing, and so we are now enemies. If, however, you wish to have peace then you must return to us the horses you stole, and also hand over to us Yu Baosi who stole the horses. You must also give money to our men. If you are sincere you must not treat lightly the proper procedure.”

When they read this both men were surprised. But the following day they sent a messenger to talk with Song Jiang that if Yu Baosi was handed over to the brigands they must also hand over a man in exchange.

When Song Jiang received this message he agreed, and sent not one man, but five of his leaders to be exchanged for Yu Baosi. Shi Qian and Li Kui were two of the five, and before they left Wu Yong gave Shi Qian secret instructions what to do in case of treachery.

When they reached the village they were taken before Zeng Nong and Shi Qian said to him that they had come to arrange peace. But Shi Wengong replied, “As Wu Yong has sent you five men to arrange peace I think he must have some trick.”

Li Kui was very angry at this, and seized hold of Shi Wengong to fight, but Zeng Nong interposed.

Shi Qian also spoke, “This man, Li Kui, is very rough but he is a personal friend of Song Jiang. You need not suspect him as Song Jiang specially sent him here.”

Zeng Nong wanted peace, and would not listen to Shi Wengong’s remarks. He ordered a meal for the five men from the brigands and provided them a room in the Hahua Monastery, and placed a guard of 500 soldiers to look after them.

Zeng Sheng and Yu Baosi were duly dispatched to discuss peace with Song Jiang. They took with them all the stolen horses, and also a cartload of silver and embroidered cloth. When Song Jiang saw the horses he noticed that the splendid white race horse presented to Liangshan Marsh by Duan Jingzhu was not among them and therefore asked why it had not been returned also.

“That horse is now ridden by Shi Wengong,” replied Zeng Sheng.

“Then you quickly write a letter at once demanding the immediate return of that horse,” said Song Jiang.

Zeng Sheng did this, and sent the letter off by a messenger. When Shi Wengong read the letter he spoke to the messenger, “I will not return the horse, but am quite willing to send another horse instead of it.”

The messenger went back with this message, but was soon back again with the word that the identical horse must be returned. Shi Wengong then spoke, “As Song Jiang insists upon the horse being returned, I will return it, but only on the condition that he first withdraws his men from the environs of our village.”

When this message was delivered to Song Jiang he consulted Wu Yong, and while they were talking a scout arrived, and reported that Imperial troops were approaching by two roads from Qingzhou and Lingzhou. Song Jiang said, “If Shi Wengong gets to know this he will probably change his mind, so we must keep the matter secret.” He then divided his men into two bodies, and gave orders that they were to march along the two roads to oppose the coming troops on the way. He then summoned Yu Baosi and said, “We have a very important commission for you to carry through, and if you succeed I will promote you to a position as leader at Liangshan Marsh. I will take a solemn oath by this arrow that I will bear no more grudge to your taking my horse. But if you do not agree I shall recommence the attack on Zengtou.”

Yu Baosi agreed to do what he was requested. Wu Yong then said to him: “You must enter the village quietly as though you have secretly left us, and tell Shi Wengong that you think we do not really desire peace, but that Song Jiang will try to get back the white race horse by some deception. That as soon as he gets the horse, his attitude towards the village will change. That as troops are approaching here from Qingzhou and Lingzhou, the brigands are in great terror and the villagers may now embrace the opportunity to attack Song Jiang.”

Yu Baosi left with these orders, and duly came back to Zengtou. When Shi Wengong heard the news he decided to recommence his attack on the brigands. Zeng Nong however objected to a renewed attack as it would endanger the life of his son Zeng Sheng who was then staying with the brigands. But Shi Wengong said that when they had seized the brigands’ camp Zeng Sheng would be saved. Shi Wengong then gave orders for all the men to be ready for an attack that very night.

Yu Baosi knowing all this went secretly to the Fahua Monastery, and told Shi Qian and the other leaders there what had been arranged.

In the brigands camp Song Jiang asked Wu Yong whether their plan would be carried out.

“If he does not return,” said Wu Yong, “then we can assume that Shi Wengong suspects us. We may expect them to attack us this night, but we will not oppose them, but retreat and lay in ambush on both sides of their road. At the same time we may dispatch our men to their village while it is depleted of soldiers, and so we can establish ourselves there. That plan is called, ‘Drawing the wild dog from its hole.’ It generally succeeds.”

That night Shi Wengong got his men together, and marched out of the village. There was little moonlight. When they reached the brigands’ camp they were surprised to find the gate open and the place quite deserted. Shi Wengong now suspected a plot and ordered a retreat. But they had not gone far when they heard bombs being fired in their village, and also heard the large bell in the Fahua Monastery booming. From the noise it seemed that the brigands had got into the village.

In the Fahua Monastery, Li Kui and the other three leaders were armed, and rushing out with swords in their hands. When the headman, Zeng Nong, heard that the brigands had got into the village he committed suicide by hanging himself. His son, Zeng Mi, was killed in resisting the brigands on the west side of the village. Another son, Zeng Kii, was also killed in the confused fighting on the east side. Su Ding was killed near the North Gate where he found himself opposed by Lu Da and three other leaders. Many of the villagers met their death by falling into the traps while trying to escape from the village.

Shi Wengong being mounted on the white race horse reached the village before any of his soldiers, but seeing the confused mass of fighting in the streets he immediately left by the West Gate. There was a great deal of mist that night, and in the dark and confusion he was soon uncertain where he actually was. He had gone about two li when he heard a gong sounded in a forest, and soon he saw a body of about five hundred men. In front of them was their leader armed with a cudgel. He ran up to Shi Wengong and struck his horse with the cudgel. But the horse leapt over his head and carried Shi Wengong off. The mist here however was extremely thick, and it was blown about by a very strong cold wind. He thought he saw the spirit of Chao Gai everywhere in the mist, so he turned his horse and went back by the same road. He soon met Yan Qing, the servant of Lu Junyi. He then met Lu Junyi himself who called out, “Thief! Where are you going?” So saying he wounded Shi Wengong in the leg with his sword. The latter fell off his horse, was immediately seized, bound with ropes, and taken back to Zengtou as a prisoner. The coveted horse had also been captured and brought to the village.

Song Jiang was excited to get the horse again. He gave orders that every member of the Zeng family must be executed, including Zeng Sheng who was a prisoner. The whole village was then looted, all valuables and rice being loaded on carts, and transported to Liangshan Marsh.

The troops from Qingzhou and Lingzhou were attacked and defeated, and then all the brigands returned to Liangshan Marsh. In the Loyalty and Justice Hall all the leaders assembled, dressed in mourning, and held a memorial service to the spirit of Chao Gai. A prayer was written addressed to Chao Gai, and then burnt as a sacrifice. Shi Wengong was executed, and his heart was also offered as a sacrifice.

After this Song Jiang raised the question for discussion as to who should now be the commander-in-chief at Liangshan Marsh.

“You should remain in that position,” said Wu Yong, “and Lu Junyi should be your assistant. All the other leaders can remain as before.”

“But we must not forget the will of Chao Gai,” said Song Jiang. “He said that whoever should capture Shi Wengong should be our commander-in-chief, no matter who he was. As Lu Junyi captured that thief and avenged the injury to Chao Gai, he must be our head without any question.”

“My virtue is insignificant, and my ability is meager, so how dare I accept the position? Even if I occupy the lowest position my abilities would hardly be enough for that work,” said Lu Junyi.

“It is not for the sake of modesty that I decline the honor,” said Song Jiang, “but because Lu Junyi is superior to me in three things. First, I am of smaller stature and have a sallow complexion, while he has a majestic bearing, and nobody can be compared to him. Secondly, I was once only a petty official and became your head only through the generosity and kindness of the brothers here; while he was a very wealthy and important person and was famous for his heroism. Thirdly, I had no influence in pacifying the country and am without military knowledge. I could not even capture a chicken. In my body there is not even an inch of merit, while he has the power to oppose ten thousand men, and is very well versed in both ancient and modern affairs. Having these abilities he is very suitable for the job. If the Emperor wants us to return, and help him to achieve meritorious deeds then we shall he honored, and shall be able to gain promotion in official rank. These are my firm convictions, and I hope that you will raise no objections.”

Lu Junyi kowtowed, and said, “Your talk is useless, because even if you threaten to kill me I cannot accept the position.”

“We all recognized you, brother, as our leader,” said Wu Yong, “with Lu Junyi as your assistant. If you do not accept this, I am afraid that our men will regard you as being cold-hearted.” So saying he glanced round inviting the approval of all the others.

Li Kui instantly called out, “I risked my life at Jiangzhou in your service and we all admitted you as our commander. You issued all the orders, so it is now useless for you to be hypocritical as to abdicate your post in another’s favor. Why do you keep trying to give up the damned command? If there is any change I shall create a disturbance, so that everybody has to leave.”

Wu Song had noticed Wu Yong appealing for support, so he now stood up and said, “We have many ex-military officers, and I am sure they all wish you to remain as our commander-in-chief. We are unwilling to have any other man in that position.”

Liu Tang then spoke, “When we first came here, there were only seven brothers, and we unanimously elected you as our chief. Why do you now think of another man for that position?”

Lu Da spoke in a loud voice, “If you, brother, still stand on politeness we must disband.”

“You need not say anything else,” said Song Jiang; “I have an alternative. We must discover the Will of Heaven in this matter, and follow that.”

“What is your own exalted view?” asked Wu Yong. “Please tell us.”

“There are two things to be done,” said Song Jiang.

Liangshan Marsh gains two more heroes.

Dongping Prefecture becomes scene of remorse.