第二十二回

第二十二回 阎婆大闹郓城县 朱仝义释宋公明

诗曰：

为恋烟花起祸端，阎婆口状去经官。

若非侠士行仁爱，定使圜扉锁凤鸾。

四海英雄思慷慨，一腔忠义动衣冠。

九原难忘朱仝德，千古高名逼斗寒。

话说当时众做公的拿住唐牛儿，解进县里来。知县听得有杀人的事，慌忙出来升厅。众做公的把这唐牛儿簇拥在厅前。知县看时，只见一个婆子跪在左边，一个汉子跪在右边。知县问道：“甚么杀人公事？”婆子告道：“老身姓阎，有个女儿唤做婆惜，典与宋押司做外宅。昨夜晚间，我女儿和宋江一处吃酒，这个唐牛儿一径来寻闹，叫骂出门，邻里尽知。今早宋江出去走了一遭回来，把我女儿杀了。老身结扭到县前，这唐二又把宋江打夺了去。告相公做主。”知县道：“你这厮怎敢打夺了凶身？”唐牛儿告道：“小人不知前后因依[1]。只因昨夜去寻宋江搪碗酒吃，被这阎婆叉小人出来。今早小人自出来卖糟姜，遇见阎婆结扭宋押司在县前。小人见了，不合去劝他，他便走了。却不知他杀死他女儿的缘由。”知县喝道：“胡说！宋江是个君子诚实的人，如何肯造次杀人！这人命之事，必然在你身上。左右在那里？”便唤当厅公吏。当下转上押司张文远来，看了，见说阎婆告宋江杀了他女儿，“正是我的表子。”随即取了各人口词，就替阎婆写了状子，叠了一宗案，便唤当地方仵作行人，并地厢、里正、邻佑一干人等，来到阎婆家，开了门，取尸首登场检验了。身边放着行凶刀子一把。当日再三看验得，系是生前项上被刀勒死。众人登场了当，尸首把棺木盛了，寄放寺院里，将一干人带到县里。

知县却和宋江最好，有心要出脱他，只把唐牛儿来再三推问。唐牛儿供道：“小人并不知前后。”知县道：“你这厮如何隔夜去他家闹？以定是你杀了。”唐牛儿告道：“小人一时撞去，搪碗酒吃。”知县道：“胡说！且把这厮捆翻了，打这厮！”左右两边狼虎一般公人，把这唐牛儿一索捆翻了，打到三五十，前后语言一般。知县明知他不知情，一心要救宋江，只把他来勘问。且叫取一面枷来钉了，禁在牢里。那张文远上厅来禀道：“虽然如此，见有刀子是宋江的压衣刀，可以去拿宋江来对问，便有下落。”知县吃他三回五次来禀，遮掩不住，只得差人去宋江下处捉拿。宋江已自在逃去了，只拿得几家邻人来回话：“凶身宋江在逃，不知去向。”张文远又禀道：“犯人宋江逃去，他父亲宋太公并兄弟宋清，见在宋家村居住，可以勾追到官，责限比捕，跟寻宋江到官理问。”知县本不肯行移，只要朦胧做在唐牛儿身上，日后自慢慢地出[2]他。怎当这张文远立主文案，唆使阎婆上厅，只管来告。知县情知阻当不住，只得押纸公文，差三两个做公的，去宋家庄勾追宋太公并兄弟宋清。

公人领了公文，来到宋家村宋太公庄上。太公出来迎接，至草厅上坐定。公人将出文书，递与太公看了。宋太公道：“上下请坐，容老汉告禀。老汉祖代务农，守此田园过活。不孝之子宋江，自小忤逆，不肯本分生理，要去做吏，百般说他不从。因此老汉数年前本县官长处告了他忤逆，出了他籍，不在老汉户内人数。他自在县里住居，老汉自和孩儿宋清在此荒村，守些田亩过活。他与老汉水米无交[3]，并无干涉[4]。老汉也怕他做出事来，连累不便，因此在前官手里告了执凭文帖，在此存照。老汉取来教上下看。”众公人都是和宋江好的，明知道这个是预先开的门路，苦死不肯做冤家。众人回说道：“太公既有执凭，把将来我们看，抄去县里回话。”太公随即宰杀些鸡鹅，置酒管待了众人，赍发了十数两银子，取出执凭公文，教他众人抄了。众公人相辞了宋太公，自回县去回知县的话，说道：“宋太公三年前出了宋江的籍，告了执凭文帖。见有抄白[5]在此，难以勾捉。”知县又是要出脱宋江的，便道：“既有执凭公文，他又别无亲族，可以出一千贯赏钱，行移诸处海捕[6]捉拿便了。”

那张三又挑唆阎婆去厅上披头散发来告道：“宋江实是宋清隐藏在家，不令出官。相公如何不与老身做主，去拿宋江？”知县喝道：“他父亲已自三年前告了他忤逆在官，出了他籍，见有执凭公文存照，如何拿得他父亲兄弟来比捕？”阎婆告道：“相公，谁不知道他叫做孝义黑三郎！这执凭是个假的，只是相公做主则个。”知县道：“胡说！前官手里押的印信公文，如何是假的！”阎婆在厅下叫屈叫苦，哽哽咽咽地假哭，告相公道：“人命大如天，若不肯与老身做主时，只得去州里告状。只是我女儿死得甚苦！”那张三又上厅来替他禀道：“相公不与他行移拿人时，这阎婆上司去告状，倒是利害。详议得本县有弊，倘或来提问时，小吏难去回话。”知县情知有理，只得押了一纸公文，便差朱仝、雷横二都头当厅发落：“你等可带多人，去宋家村宋大户庄上，搜捉犯人宋江来。”

朱、雷二都头领了公文，便来点起土兵四十馀人，径奔宋家庄上来。宋太公得知，慌忙出来迎接。朱仝、雷横二人说道：“太公休怪，我们上司差遣，盖不由己。你的儿子押司，见在何处？”宋太公道：“两位都头在上，我这逆子宋江，他和老汉并无干涉。前官手里已告开了他，见告的执凭在此。已与宋江三年多各户另籍，不同老汉一家过活。亦不曾回庄上来。”朱仝道：“然虽如此，我们凭书请客，奉帖勾人，难凭你说不在庄上。你等我们搜一搜看，好去回话。”便叫土兵三四十人围了庄院。“我自把定前门。雷都头，你先入去搜。”雷横便入进里面，庄前庄后，搜了一遍，出来对朱仝说道：“端的不在庄里。”朱仝道：“我只是放心不下。雷都头，你和众弟兄把了门，我亲自细细地搜一遍。”宋太公道：“老汉是识法度的人，如何敢藏在庄里。”朱仝道：“这个是人命的公事，你却嗔怪我们不得。”太公道：“都头尊便，自细细地去搜。”朱仝道：“雷都头，你监着太公在这里，休教他走动。”朱仝自进庄里，把朴刀倚在壁边，把门来拴了，走入佛堂内，去把供床拖在一边，揭起那片地板来。板底下有条索头，将索子头只一拽，铜铃一声响，宋江从地窨子里钻将出来，见了朱仝，吃那一惊。朱仝道：“公明哥哥，休怪小弟今来捉你。闲常时和你最好，有的事都不相瞒。一日酒中，兄长曾说道：‘我家佛座底下有个地窨子，上面放着三世佛，佛堂内有片地板盖着，上面设着供床。你有些紧急之事，可来那里躲避。’小弟那时听说，记在心里。今日本县知县差我和雷横两个来时，无奈何，要瞒生人眼目。相公也有觑兄长之心，只是被张三和这婆子在厅上发言发语，道本县不做主时，定要在州里告状，因此上又差我两个来搜你庄上。我只怕雷横执着，不会周全人，倘或见了兄长，没个做圆活处。因此小弟赚他在庄前，一径自来和兄长说话。此地虽好，也不是安身之处。倘或有人知得，来这里搜着，如之奈何？”宋江道：“我也自这般寻思。若不是贤兄如此周全，宋江定遭缧绁之厄。”朱仝道：“休如此说。兄长却投何处去好？”宋江道：“小可寻思，有三个安身之处：一是沧州横海郡小旋风柴进庄上；二乃是青州清风寨小李广花荣处；三者是白虎山孔太公庄上，他有两个孩儿，长男叫做毛头星孔明，次子叫做独火星孔亮，多曾来县里相会。那三处在这里踌躇未定，不知投何处去好。”朱仝道：“兄长可以作急寻思，当行即行，今晚便可动身，勿请迟延自误。”宋江道：“上下官司之事，全望兄长维持。金帛使用，只顾来取。”朱仝道：“这事放心，都在我身上。兄长只顾安排去路。”宋江谢了朱仝，再入地窨子去。

朱仝依旧把地板盖上，还将供床压了，开门拿朴刀出来，说道：“真个没在庄里。”叫道：“雷都头，我们只拿了宋太公去如何？”雷横见说要拿宋太公去，寻思：“朱仝那人和宋江最好，他怎地颠倒要拿宋太公？这话以定是反说。他若再提起，我落得做人情。”朱仝、雷横叫拢土兵，都入草堂上来。宋太公慌忙置酒管待众人。朱仝道：“休要安排酒食，且请太公和四郎同到本县里走一遭。”雷横道：“四郎如何不见？”宋太公道：“老汉使他去近村打些农器，不在庄里。宋江那厮，自三年已前把这逆子告出了户，见有一纸执凭公文，在此存照。”朱仝道：“如何说得过。我两个奉着知县台旨，叫拿你父子二人自去县里回话。”雷横道：“朱都头，你听我说。宋押司他犯罪过，其中必有缘故。杀了这个婆娘，也未便该死罪。既然太公已有执凭公文，系是印信官文书，又不是假的，我们看宋押司日前交往之面，权且担负他些个，只抄了执凭去回话便了。”朱仝寻思道：“我自反说，要他不疑。”朱仝道：“既然兄弟这般说了，我没来由做甚么恶人。”宋太公谢了道：“深相感二位都头相觑。”随即排下酒食，犒赏众人。将出二十两银子，送与两位都头。朱仝、雷横坚执不受，把来散与众人，四十个土兵分了。抄了一张执凭公文，相别了宋太公，离了宋家村。朱、雷二位都头，自引了一行人回县去了。

县里知县正值升厅，见朱仝、雷横回来了，便问缘由。两个禀道：“庄前庄后，四围村坊，搜遍了二次，其实没这个人。宋太公卧病在床，不能动止，早晚临危。宋清已自前月出外未回。因此只把执凭抄白在此。”知县道：“既然如此……”一面申呈本府，一面动了一纸海捕文书，不在话下。

县里有那一等和宋江好的相交之人，都替宋江去张三处说开。那张三也耐不过众人面皮，因此也只得罢了。朱仝自凑些钱物把与阎婆，教不要去州里告状。这婆子也得了些钱物，没奈何只得依允了。朱仝又将若干银两，教人上州里去使用，文书不要驳将下来。又得知县一力主张，出一千贯赏钱，行移开了一个海捕文书。只把唐牛儿问做成个故纵凶身在逃，脊杖二十，刺配五百里外。干连的人，尽数保放宁家[7]。这是后话。有诗为证：

为诛红粉便逋逃，地窨藏身计亦高。

不是朱家施意气，英雄准拟入天牢。

且说宋江他是个庄农之家，如何有这地窨子？原来故宋时为官容易，做吏最难。为甚的为官容易？皆因只是那时朝廷奸臣当道，谗佞专权，非亲不用，非财不取。为甚做吏最难？那时做押司的，但犯罪责，轻则刺配远恶军州，重则抄扎家产，结果了残生性命。以此预先安排下这般去处躲身。又恐连累父母，教爹娘告了忤逆，出了籍册，各户另居，官给执凭公文存照，不相来往，却做家私在屋里。宋时多有这般算的。

且说宋江从地窨子出来，和父亲兄弟商议：“今番不是朱仝相觑，须吃官司，此恩不可忘报。如今我和兄弟两个，且去逃难。天可怜见，若遇宽恩大赦，那时回来父子相见，安家乐业。父亲可使人暗暗地送些金银去与朱仝处，央他上下使用，及资助阎婆些少，免得他上司去告扰官府。”太公道：“这事不用你忧心，你自和兄弟宋清在路小心。若到了彼处，那里使个得托的人，寄封信来。”宋江、宋清收拾了动身。原来这宋清，满县人都叫他做铁扇子。当晚弟兄两个拴束包裹，到四更时分起来，洗漱罢，吃了早饭，两个打扮动身。宋江戴着白范阳毡笠儿，上穿白段子衫，系一条梅红纵线绦，下面缠脚，衬着多耳麻鞋。宋清做伴当打扮，背了包裹。都出草厅前，拜辞了父亲宋太公。三人洒泪不住。太公分付道：“你两个前程万里，休得烦恼。”宋江、宋清却分付大小庄客：“小心看家，早晚殷勤伏侍太公，休教饮食有缺。”弟兄两个各跨了一口腰刀，都拿了一条朴刀，径出离了宋家村。两个取路登程，五里单牌，十里双牌，都不在话下。正遇着秋末冬初天气，但见：

柄柄芰荷枯，叶叶梧桐坠。

蛩吟腐草中，雁落平沙地。

细雨湿枫林，霜重寒天气。

不是路行人，怎谙秋滋味。

话说宋江弟兄两个行了数程，在路上思量道：“我们却投奔兀谁的是？”宋清答道：“我只闻江湖上人传说沧州横海郡柴大官人名字，说他是大周皇帝嫡派子孙，只不曾拜识，何不只去投奔他？人都说仗义疏财，专一结识天下好汉，救助遭配的人，是个见世的孟尝君。我两个只投奔他去。”宋江道：“我也心里是这般思想。他虽和我常常书信来往，无缘分上，不曾得会。”两个商量了，径望沧州路上来。途中免不得饥餐渴饮，夜住晓行，登山涉水，过府冲州。但凡客商在路，早晚安歇，有两件事免不得：吃癞碗，睡死人床。且把闲话提过，只说正话。宋江弟兄两个，不则一日，来到沧州界分，问人道：“柴大官人庄在何处？”问了地名，一径投庄前来，便问庄客：“柴大官人在庄上也不？”庄客答道：“大官人在东庄上收租米，不在庄上。”宋江便问：“此间到东庄有多少路？”庄客道：“有四十馀里。”宋江道：“从何处落路[8]去？”庄客道：“不敢动问二位官人高姓？”宋江道：“我是郓城县宋江的便是。”庄客道：“莫不是及时雨宋押司么？”宋江道：“便是。”庄客道：“大官人如常说大名，只怨怅不能相会。既是宋押司时，小人领去。”庄客慌忙便领了宋江、宋清，径投东庄来。没三个时辰，早来到东庄。宋江看时，端的好一所庄院，十分幽雅。但见：

门迎阔港，后靠高峰。数千株槐柳疏林，三五处招贤客馆。深院内牛羊骡马，芳塘中凫鸭鸡鹅。仙鹤庭前戏跃，文禽院内优游。疏财仗义，人间今见孟尝君；济困扶倾，赛过当时孙武子。正是：家有馀粮鸡犬饱，户无差役子孙闲。

当下庄客引领宋江来至东庄，便道：“二位官人且在此亭上坐一坐，待小人去通报大官人出来相接。”宋江道：“好。”自和宋清在山亭上，倚了朴刀，解下腰刀，歇了包裹，坐在亭子上。那庄客入去不多时，只见那座中间庄门大开，柴大官人引着三五个伴当，慌忙跑将出来，亭子上与宋江相见。柴大官人见了宋江，拜在地下，口称道：“端的想杀柴进！天幸今日甚风吹得到此，大慰平生渴仰之念。多幸，多幸！”宋江也拜在地下，答道：“宋江疏顽小吏，今日特来相投。”柴进扶起宋江来，口里说道：“昨夜灯花报，今早喜鹊噪，不想却是贵兄来。”满脸堆下笑来。宋江见柴进接得意重，心里甚喜，便唤兄弟宋清也来相见了。柴进喝叫伴当：“收拾了宋押司行李，在后堂西轩下歇处。”柴进携住宋江的手，入到里面正厅上，分宾主坐定。柴进道：“不敢动问，闻知兄长在郓城县勾当，如何得暇，来到荒村敝处？”宋江答道：“久闻大官人大名，如雷灌耳。虽然节次收得华翰，只恨贱役无闲，不能勾相会。今日宋江不才，做出一件没出豁[9]的事来。弟兄二人寻思无处安身，思起大官人仗义疏财，特来投奔。”柴进听罢笑道：“兄长放心！遮莫做下十恶大罪，既到敝庄，但不用忧心。不是柴进夸口，任他捕盗官军，不敢正眼儿觑着小庄。”宋江便把杀了阎婆惜的事，一一告诉了一遍。柴进笑将起来，说道：“兄长放心，便杀了朝廷的命官，劫了府库的财物，柴进也敢藏在庄里。”说罢，便请宋江弟兄两个洗浴。随即将出两套衣服、巾帻、丝鞋、净袜，教宋江弟兄两个换了出浴的旧衣裳。两个洗了浴，都穿了新衣服。庄客自把宋江弟兄的旧衣裳送在歇宿处。柴进邀宋江去后堂深处，已安排下酒食了。便请宋江正面坐地，柴进对席，宋清有宋江在上，侧首坐了。三人坐定，有十数个近上的[10]庄客，并几个主管，轮替着把盏，伏侍劝酒。柴进再三劝宋江弟兄宽怀饮几杯，宋江称谢不已。酒至半酣，三人各诉胸中朝夕相爱之念。看看天色晚了，点起灯烛。宋江辞道：“酒止。”柴进那里肯放，直吃到初更左侧。宋江起身去净手，柴进唤一个庄客，点一碗灯，引领宋江东廊尽头处去净手，便道：“我且躲杯酒。”大宽转[11]穿出前面廊下来，俄延走着，却转到东廊前面。

宋江已有八分酒，脚步趄了，只顾踏去。那廊下有一个大汉，因害疟疾，当不住那寒冷，把一锨火在那里向。宋江仰着脸，只顾踏将去，正跐[12]着火锨柄上，把那火锨里炭火，都掀在那汉脸上。那汉吃了一惊，——惊出一身汗来，自此疟疾好了——那汉气将起来，把宋江劈胸揪住，大喝道：“你是什么鸟人，敢来消遣我！”宋江也吃一惊。正分说不得，那个提灯笼的庄客慌忙叫道：“不得无礼！这位是大官人的亲戚客官。”那汉道：“客官，客官！我初来时也是客官，也曾相待的厚。如今却听庄客搬口，便疏慢了我。正是人无千日好，花无摘下红。”却待要打宋江，那庄客撇了灯笼，便向前来劝。正劝不开，只见两三碗灯笼，飞也似来。柴大官人亲赶到说：“我接不着押司，如何却在这里闹？”那庄客便把跐了火锨的事说一遍。柴进笑道：“大汉，你不认的这位奢遮的押司？”那汉道：“奢遮，奢遮！他敢比不得郓城宋押司少些儿！”柴进大笑道：“大汉，你认的宋押司不？”那汉道：“我虽不曾认的，江湖上久闻他是个及时雨宋公明。且又仗义疏财，扶危济困，是个天下闻名的好汉。”柴进问道：“如何见的他是天下闻名的好汉？”那汉道：“却才说不了，他便是真大丈夫，有头有尾，有始有终。我如今只等病好时，便去投奔他。”柴进道：“你要见他么？”那汉道：“我可知要见他哩。”柴进便道：“大汉，远便十万八千，近便在面前。”柴进指着宋江便道：“此位便是及时雨宋公明。”那汉道：“真个也不是？”宋江道：“小可便是宋江。”那汉定睛看了看，纳头便拜，说道：“我不是梦里么？与兄长相见！”宋江道：“何故如此错爱？”那汉道：“却才甚是无礼，万乞恕罪！有眼不识泰山！”跪在地下，那里肯起来。宋江慌忙扶住道：“足下高姓大名？”

柴进指着那汉，说出他姓名，叫甚讳字。有分教：山中猛虎，见时魄散魂离；林下强人，撞着心惊胆裂。正是：说开星月无光彩，道破江山水倒流。毕竟柴大官人说出那汉还是何人，且听下回分解。

[1] 因依——经过、缘由。

[2] 出——出脱、释放的意思。后文第四十回“到处看出人”的出，却是杀的意思。

[3] 水米无交——指生活上毫无往来。

[4] 干涉——这里作牵连、关系解释。

[5] 抄白——官厅文书、告示的副本。

[6] 海捕——通缉。

[7] 宁家——回家。

[8] 落路——上路。从何处落路，犹如说从哪里走。

[9] 出豁——有办法。有时也作出息或出脱解释。

[10] 近上的——接近上面的，就是上等的。

[11] 大宽转——绕着路走，用在军事上就是指的大迂回。

[12] 跐（cǐ）——踩、踹。

CHAPTER 21. Madame Yan Makes a Scene in the Magistrate’s Court; Zhu Tong Righteously Allows Song Jiang to Escape

THE police having arrested Tang Niu-er took him into the yamen, and as soon as the magistrate heard that there was a murder case to be heard he immediately took his seat on the bench. The magistrate saw the prisoner kneeling on the right, and a woman kneeling on his left. He inquired what the case was about, and the woman replied: “My name is Yan. I had a daughter Poxi who was kept by Song Jiang. Last night my daughter and Song Jiang were drinking wine together when this man Tang Niu-er came and made trouble. When he left the house he was cursing so that the neighbors all heard him. Early this morning Song Jiang went out but came back and murdered my daughter. I took hold of Song Jiang, but when we were in front of your yamen this man Tang Niu-er interfered and so Song Jiang got away.”

Addressing the prisoner the magistrate asked, “How dare you assist a murderer to escape?”

Tang Niu-er replied, “I did not know what had happened. Last night I went to find Song Jiang and ask him for a drink of wine, and this old woman took hold of me and turned me out of the house. Early this morning I set out to sell some preserved ginger, and in front of your yamen I saw this woman take hold of Song Jiang. I went to try and stop the trouble and Song Jiang got away. I do not know any reason why he should have killed the girl.”

“Nonsense!” said the magistrate, “Song Jiang was a very honest man, so how could he recklessly kill anyone? You must have done this yourself. Where is the clerk of the court?”

The clerk of the court Zhang Wenyuan came forward. He knew that it referred to the death of his sweetheart and took a record of the evidence. He also wrote out an accusation for Madame Yan. The coroner was then sent together with the neighborhood chief and the neighbors and upon arriving at the house opened the door. Taking the corpse outside he closely examined it and found the dagger near the body, and after a careful investigation came to the conclusion that the dagger had been used to murder the girl. He then allowed the people to place the body in a coffin, and deposit it in the courtyard of a monastery. They then all returned to the yamen.

Now the magistrate had a good opinion of Song Jiang, and wanted to prove him to be innocent so he cross-examined Tang Niu-er with many questions. But Tang Niu-er said that he did not know what had preceded or followed the murder.

“But why did you go last night to the house and create a disturbance?” asked the magistrate. “You certainly are implicated.”

“I just happened to go there for a cup of wine,” replied Tang Niu-er.

“Nonsense!” said the magistrate. “Beat him!”

The police seized the prisoner, bound him with a rope, and gave him about fifty blows with the bamboo. But the prisoner still made the same statement as before. The magistrate was apparently aware that the prisoner really did not know anything about the murder, but as he wanted to rescue Song Jiang, he could not set Tang Niu-er free, so he gave an order that he was to have a cangue fixed round his neck, and be sent to the prison for further detention.

Zhang Wenyuan, the clerk of the court, then spoke to the magistrate. “But the knife found belonged to Song Jiang, and he used it to keep down his loose gown. If we brought him here we might get some information from him.”

The magistrate wished to screen Song Jiang, but after Zhang Wenyuan’s frequent pleading he at last agreed to send a man to arrest Song Jiang. Upon reaching Song Jiang’s home the police found that he had escaped so they detained a number of the neighbors for questioning. But on arrival at the yamen the neighbors all protested that they did not know where the murderer Song Jiang had gone to.

Zhang Wenyuan now urged that the father and brother of Song Jiang should be arrested, and cross-examined under torture as to where Song Jiang was. But the magistrate was averse to taking such extreme measures and preferred to throw all the blame on Tang Niu-er. He considered that by and by he could set Tang Niu-er free.

So Zhang Wenyuan then went to Madame Yan and advised her to go to the yamen and repeat her accusation. She did this, and the magistrate saw that he could not hush the case up any further so he at last issued a warrant for the arrest of the father and brother of Song Jiang. Upon reaching the Song Family Village the police were received by Song Jiang’s father and taken by him into a room. They then handed him the warrant, and when he had read it he said, “Please be seated, and listen to what I have to say. For many generations my ancestors have cultivated the soil here, and have been models of propriety. But Song Jiang has been an unfilial son and disobedient since childhood, and although we urged him also to take up agriculture yet he would always insist on becoming an official. When he at last went to the yamen as a clerk I complained to the magistrate about his lack of filial piety and disobedience and disowned him, and he has nothing to do with me now. He lives in the town, and his brother Song Qing stays with me here cultivating the fields for a living. We have lived quite independently of each other so that I now know nothing whatever of his affairs. I was afraid that he would do some bad thing so I did not care to have anything to do with him, and so informed the magistrate a long time ago. The magistrate gave me an official document confirming that arrangement, and I will go to get it, and show it to you.”

The policemen were all on good terms with Song Jiang and were well aware that such a document had been issued in anticipation of such a situation in order to prevent harming him. They did not wish to offend Song Jiang so they asked Old Song to let them make a copy of the document which they could then produce at the yamen.

Old Song agreed to this, and gave them the document to copy. While this was being done he ordered a meal with chicken, and duck, and wine for them, and also presented them with more than ten taels of silver.

When the policemen got back to the yamen they reported to the magistrate that they had not arrested Old Song because of the document he held, of which they presented a copy. To this the magistrate replied, “As there is such a document, and as Song Jiang has no other relatives, the only thing I can do is to offer a reward for his arrest.”

Zhang Wenyuan however went to Madame Yan and told her of this, and advised her to go again to the court with disheveled hair, and state that Song Jiang was really hidden at home by his brother Song Qing. She was also to ask why the magistrate had not had Song Jiang arrested for her. She did this.

The magistrate replied that three years ago, Song Jiang had been officially disowned by his father so that it was not possible to hold them as in any way responsible for what had happened.

Madame Yan stated, “But does not everybody know that he was called the ‘Filial and Just Son’? The document must be false, and I request that you have them arrested.”

“Nonsense!” said the magistrate. “The document was duly issued by my predecessor so how can it be false?”

Madame Yan sobbed, and cried for being wronged. She exclaimed, “Murder is a crime as high as the Heaven! If you will not administer justice then I must appeal to the Prefectural court. I am in great sorrow through the murder of my daughter.”

At this point the clerk of the court, Zhang Wenyuan, spoke to the magistrate, “If you do not issue the warrants Madame Yan may appeal to the Prefectural court, and if she does so it will be awkward. When the Prefectural officials go seriously into the matter I do not know what replies I can give to their questions.”

The magistrate was aware of the reasonableness of this argument, and at once ordered a warrant to be issued for the arrest of Song Jiang. He summoned the two Inspectors Zhu Tong and Lei Heng, and spoke to them, “I want you to take many men to the Song Family Village, and arrest Song Jiang there.”

The two Inspectors took more than forty policemen, and soon reached the village. They were received by Old Song who invited them inside. The two Inspectors said they hoped that he would not be offended at their arrival. It was not their own intention, and they were only obeying orders. They asked where his son Song Jiang was.

“You Inspectors, please listen to me,” said Old Song, “I have disowned my unfilial son, Song Jiang, and this was duly registered by the former magistrate. During the last three years we have lived separately, and he never came here.”

Inspector Zhu Tong said, “Notwithstanding what you say, our order is quite definite, and we cannot go back before we have carefully searched everywhere.” He then ordered the policemen to conduct a close search for the accused. He said, “I will stand at the front door and guard it. You, Inspector Lei Heng, go inside with a search party.”

Inspector Lei Heng went inside and after searching in all directions came back and said to Inspector Zhu Tong, “He is certainly not here.”

“I do not believe that,” said Inspector Zhu Tong. “You stay here while I go and have a very careful search.”

“As you know,” said Old Song, “I am familiar with the laws of the court, so how dare I hide any criminal?”

“You need not be offended with our search,” said Inspector Zhu Tong, “because it is a serious murder case.”

“You may do as you wish,” said Old Song. “Please go and make a careful search.”

“Inspector Lei Heng will look after Old Song, and see that he does not leave here,” said Inspector Zhu Tong.

Inspector Zhu Tong then placed his halberd on one side and after entering the house fastened the door behind him. Then going into the ancestral shrine he pushed the altar to one side. In the ground under the altar he found a loose board which he raised. Underneath was the entrance to a cellar and hanging there was the end of a rope which Zhu Tong pulled and heard a bell ring down below. Presently he saw Song Jiang emerge from the celler who startled when he saw the inspector.

“Do not be surprised at my being sent here to arrest you,” said Inspector Zhu Tong. In the past we have always been on good terms with each other, and you confided in me with everything. You will perhaps remember that once when we were drinking wine together you told me of this hidden cellar with the entrance under the altar in front of the shrine. You also said that if I got into trouble I could always find a safe refuge there. When the magistrate ordered me and Inspector Lei Heng to come here and arrest you I remembered what you had told me before, but I took care not to let anyone know about it. The magistrate himself wanted to hush the matter up but Madame Yan and the clerk of the court Zhang Wenyuan both threatened to appeal to the Prefectural court if something definite was not done and therefore the magistrate reluctantly issued this warrant for your arrest. I was afraid that Inspector Lei Heng would not have the tact to let you go when he sees you but would arrest you according to the literal meaning of the warrant. So I induced him to stay at the front gate while I could come here, and have a talk with you. This cellar is a good hiding place, but not quite safe enough for you. If any one knows about it, and come here to search for you what escape have you?”

“I have been thinking about that myself,” said Song Jiang. “If it had not been for your great tact I should have been arrested, and bound as a prisoner.”

“You should not talk like that,” said Zhu Tong. “But have you thought of any place where you can go to?”

“I have thought of three places which would be safe for me to go to,” said Song Jiang. “The first would be at Chai Jin, the ‘Small Whirlwind’s’ house at Henghai County, in Cangzhou. The second would be with Hua Rong, nicknamed ‘Little Li Guang’ at the Qingfeng Fortress on a mountain in Qingzhou. The third would be at Old Grandfather Kong’s village near the Baihu Mountain. He has two sons—the eldest called Kong Ming, nicknamed ‘Restless Star,’ and the second called Kong Liang, nicknamed ‘Fiery Star’—and I once met both of them in the town. Of these three places I cannot make up my mind which to go to.”

“Then you must make up your mind at once,” said Zhu Tong, “because you must get away from here this night.”

“I hope that you will do your best to settle the case for me,” said Song Jiang. “You can come here again, and take whatever money you require for making arrangement with the officials.”

“You need not worry about that,” said Zhu Tong, “because I will be responsible for everything. You had better now get things ready for your departure.”

Song Jiang thanked Zhu Tong, and then descended into the cellar.

Zhu Tong replaced the board over the entrance, put back the altar in its former position, opened the door, took up his halberd, and said, “He is not in the farmhouse. How would it be if we arrest Old Song instead?”

Inspector Lei Heng thought, “How is it that he wants to arrest Old Song when he is on very good terms with Song Jiang? He evidently means the contrary. So if he says that again I shall speak in favor of Song Jiang.” The two Inspectors then summoned the soldiers and went to the main hall. Old Song prepared the wine and served all the men. But Inspector Zhu Tong said, “Do not serve us with wine and food, but instead I think it would be better if you and your son Song Qing would have a visit with us to the yamen.”

“But why have we not seen Song Qing?” asked Inspector Lei Heng.

“I sent him to a neighboring village to get an agricultural implement made,” said Old Song. “As you know, I have the official document confirming that I disowned my son, Song Jiang, three years ago.”

“What is the use of telling us that again?” asked Inspector Zhu Tong. “We have to carry out the orders from the yamen, and we must therefore arrest both you and your son Song Qing.”

“Inspector Zhu,” said Lei Heng, “listen to me! It is very probable that Song Jiang had some reason for murdering the girl, and his punishment may not necessarily be death. Now we have the undoubted official document that Song Jiang was disowned by his father, and we both knew Song Jiang very well, we should not be so strict in our duty but should make a copy of the official document, and report the matter at the yamen.”

“That is my own idea,” thought Zhu Tong, “but I do not want him to suspect it.” He therefore said, “As you like that I shall have to let you have your own way.”

“I shall be greatly indebted to you two Inspectors for your generous treatment,” said Old Song. He then spread food and wine on the table, and invited all present to partake of a meal. He also got twenty taels of silver, and presented them to the Inspectors. But the Inspectors refused to accept the money, and gave it to be divided among the forty soldiers.

When they had made a copy of the document referred to, the two Inspectors took leave of Old Song, and returned to the yamen with their soldiers.

The magistrate was sitting on the bench when they arrived, and he asked them at once for the result of their search.

The Inspectors reported that they had made two searches in every part of the house and also the village without finding any trace of the criminal. Old Song was seriously ill on his bed and could not get up. His son, Song Qing, had gone last month to some other place, and had not returned yet. Therefore they had made this copy of an official document.

Having heard this, the magistrate wrote a dispatch to his superior official reporting the case, and giving all particulars. He also issued orders to all in his district to arrest Song Jiang.

Now Song Jiang had many friends, and they called on Zhang Wenyuan, and urged him to let the matter drop. Yan Poxi was dead and Zhang Wenyuan remembered that Song Jiang had previously helped him in many ways, and now that many people pressed him to let the matter drop, he at last agreed to do so.

Inspector Zhu Tong also collected together quite a lot, of money and things and presenting them to Madame Yan asked her not to appeal to the Prefectural court, but to let the matter drop. To which Madame Yan at last agreed as she saw nothing would be gained by proceeding further. Inspector Zhu Tong also got a lot of money and sent it by one of his men to Jizhou Prefecture to bribe the officials there to allow the case to pass.

The magistrate also offered a reward of a thousand strings of cash for the arrest of Song Jiang and then delivered his judgment that Tang Niu-er had committed a serious offense in helping Song Jiang to escape, and ordered that he should receive twenty blows with the bamboo, should be branded, and banished to some place more than one hundred and fifty li from his home. He then released all the witnesses.

Now why had they the hidden cellar at the Song family residence? During the Song Dynasty (A. D. 960–1127) the official duties were easy, but the clerical work in the yamens was accompanied with difficulties. Why were the official duties easy? This was because the Emperor’s ministers were corrupt, villainous, and crafty. If an official had no friend at court and was poor, there was no prospect of promotion.

But why were the clerical duties so difficult? Because for the slightest fault one was to be branded, and banished to distant military post. If the crime was serious not only was the man executed, but all his family’s property would be confiscated. Because of this many yamen clerks had such hiding places for refuge from the officials. Being afraid that some fault of the sons at the yamen might bring disaster on the whole family it was a common practice for parents to disown their sons who were clerks in the yamens. But although the clerk lived by himself he always kept his money secretly at home.

When Song Jiang at last emerged from his hiding place he spoke to his father and brother, “If it had not been for the protection of Inspector Zhu Tong I should have been arrested. We must not forget to repay him for his benevolent action. I must now escape and take my brother with me. If Heaven is gracious perhaps the Emperor will grant an amnesty, and then we can return home to meet our father again. I hope, father, that you will secretly send money to Zhu Tong, and ask him to bribe all the yamen officials to let the matter drop, and also send smaller amounts to Madame Yan and suggest that it would be better for her to withdraw the accusation.”

“You need not be anxious about such matters,” said Old Song. “You and your brother Song Qing must be careful when traveling. When you reach your destination you must find a reliable man to bring a letter here.”

The two brothers packed up what they wished to carry with them, and arising from their beds about 3 A.M. they washed their mouths and faces, took breakfast, and prepared to start. Song Jiang wore a broad brimmed felt hat, a white silk gown, a plum-colored girdle, puttees round his calves, and hempen shoes. Song Qing was dressed as a servant, and carried the bundles for both. Upon leaving the grass hut they saluted their father.

Old Song burst into tears unceasingly, and he said, “You two have now a very long road in front of you, but you must not grieve on the way.”

Song Jiang and Song Qing addressed the farm servants, “You must always diligently attend to our father, and see that he always has plenty to eat and drink.” They then placed swords in their belts, and carrying halberds in their hands they left the Song Family Village. The two brothers then started. Now it was just between the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. When they had traveled some distance Song Jiang asked, “From whom shall we find refuge?”

“I have heard people say that Chai Jin, of Henghai County in Cangzhou, is a descendant of an Emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty, but we do not know him. Yet I see no reason why we should not go and seek refuge with him. Everybody says that he distributes wealth in good cause and is always assisting good men from all over the empire. He even assists criminals and is very similar to Meng Changjun (B. C. 279). We had better go and seek refuge with him.”

“I have also had that idea,” said Song Jiang. “I kept up correspondence with him, yet I had no opportunity of meeting him before.”

They therefore took the road to Cangzhou. They traveled through prefectures and districts; traversed mountains and waded through rivers. They rested at inns on the way, but there were two objectionable things which they, as well as other travelers, had to put up with—they had to use cups and bowls that might have been also used by lepers, and second they sometimes had to sleep on beds where some person might have died some time before.

The brothers however at last reached the border of Cangzhou where they inquired where Squire Chai lived. Upon arriving at Chai’s village, they inquired if Squire Chai was at home, and were informed that he was at the eastern estate collecting some grain rents. They were also informed that the eastern estate was thirteen li from there. When Song Jiang asked to be shown the way the informant inquired for his “elevated” name.

“I am Song Jiang and come from Yuncheng County,” he replied.

“Are you the Chief Clerk known as the ‘Welcome Rain’?” inquired the servant.

When he admitted this the servant said, “Squire Chai often talked about your great reputation, and was very sorry that he had never had the opportunity of meeting you. But as you have now arrived I myself will conduct you to Squire Chai at the other estate.” They all three started off at once, and in about six hours reached the eastern estate. The servant asked the two brothers to sit down in an arbor while he went to announce their arrival. The servant had not been gone long when the central gate of the farmstead was opened, and the squire emerged accompanied by about five servants. They hurried to the arbor and saluted the two brothers.

“I have thought of you a very great deal,” said Chai. “But what favorable wind has blown you here. I am exceedingly pleased to meet you. What great luck! How fortunate!”

Song Jiang kowtowed and replied, “I am only a common clerk, and I have come to seek a refuge with you.”

Chai Jin raised up Song Jiang, and spoke softly, “Last night the lamplight was bright, and this morning the magpies were calling, but it never occurred to me that you were so near.” While he said this his face was wreathed with smiles.

Song Jiang saw that Chai Jin wished to treat him very liberally, and was much pleased at this. He then introduced his brother.

Chai Jin then ordered the servants to prepare a guest chamber for the brothers, and take their baggage there. Then taking Song Jiang by the hand he conducted him to the hall where they sat down as host and guest. Chai Jin then said, “I do not wish to appear impertinent, but what has led you to leave your duties, and come to such a desolate place as this?”

“Your fame has long resounded in my ears like thunder,’’ replied Song Jiang. “I was the mean recipient of your letters, but I never had the leisure to come and visit you. I have no ability, but I did a thing which caused me to come here with my brother. We hope to find a shelter here as we have heard that you distribute wealth in good cause.”

“Sir, never mind that,” laughed Chai Jin. “You need not be sorry. But what was this great crime which forced you to flee to this place? I will not boast, but whatever official Inspector comes here he dare not act as a spy.”

Song Jiang then told Chai Jin all the particulars of his murder of Yan Poxi.

Upon hearing this Chai Jin laughed and said, “Never mind, sir. Because even if a man has killed a high official, or stolen things from the Imperial treasury I would dare to conceal him here.” He then invited both brothers to take a bath, and also presented them with two new suits of clothes, new caps, new silken shoes, and new socks, and asked them to leave their old clothes in the bathhouse. They did this, and the bath attendant sent their old clothes to their room. This done, Chai Jin asked the brothers to dine with him in a private room at the back, and they took their seats there according to the rules of etiquette. At the meal the three were waited upon by about ten of the chief stewards who kept them supplied with wine and food. Chai Jin many times pressed Song Jiang to take wine, and the latter thanked him repeatedly. All three expressed their pleasure at meeting, and stated how many times they had looked forward to this.

When it was getting dark Song Jiang pointed out that they had drunk enough wine, but Chai Jin would not agree to this. So they went on until it was about 8 P.M. when Song Jiang withdrew to the toilet. Chai Jin sent a man with him bearing a lamp. But as Song Jiang had had quite enough wine he intentionally walked very slowly, and went by the longest way. He was nearly tipsy and walked unsteadily. He was going to the eastern veranda, but there was a man there who had the ague, and being afraid of cold, had a charcoal brazier to keep him warm. The man was stooping over the fire, and as Song Jiang staggered along the veranda he trampled upon the handle of the brazier and this threw the burning charcoal in the face of the sick man. The man was startled, and perspired freely. He was very angry, and seizing hold of Song Jiang’s collar shouted out, “You son of a bitch! But who are you trying to play with?” Song Jiang too, was surprised and fuddled to speak, but the servant carrying the lamp spoke to the man, “You must not talk like that as this gentleman is the honored guest of our master.”

The man replied, “Honored guest! Honored guest! And wasn’t I also an honored guest at one time? Our master treated me well then, but now he listens to all the tittle-tattle of the servants who have turned him against me. The saying puts it, ‘Men cannot be friends for very long.’ The man attempted to strike Song Jiang, but the servant threw down his lamp and interposed. He did not succeed in separating the two men, but just then three lamps came flying along the veranda. They accompanied Chai Jin who rushing up asked what the row was about. The servant explained how Song Jiang had accidentally trodden over the charcoal brazier, and this made Chai Jin laugh. He said, “Man, don’t you know this celebrated chief clerk?”

“A celebrated chief clerk, hey?” replied the man. “Then perhaps you will ask him how he compares with Song Jiang, the magistrate’s secretary, at Yuncheng County?”

“Do you know Song Jiang?” asked Chai Jin laughingly.

“I have not met him,” said the man, “but all people talk about him, and call him Song Gongming, the ‘Welcome Rain.’ He is the most famous man in the whole country.”

“But how do you know he is a good man?’ asked Chai Jin.

“I cannot recite all the details,” said the man. “but he is a celebrated person because everything he does is well done from start to finish. When I am better I intend to go and seek refuge with him.”

“Would you like to see him then?” asked Chai Jin.

“If I did not want to see him why should I talk like this?” said the man.

“Man,” said Chai Jin, “instead of being six hundred li away, he is here now.” He pointed at Song Jiang and said, “This is Song Gongming, the ‘Welcome Rain.’”

“Is this really true?” asked the man.

“I am that man,” replied Song Jiang.

The man looked at him closely, and then kowtowed and saluted saying, “I did not expect to meet you, my elder brother, today.”

“You must have made a mistake in holding such an opinion about me,” said Song Jiang.

“I have blundered seriously,” said the man, “and must ask for your forgiveness. Although I have eyes yet I failed to recognize a great man.” Thereupon he knelt on the ground, and would not get up.

Song Jiang hurried to raise him up saying, “‘Honored sir, what is your name?”

A man who frightened tigers

Made brigands’ hearts to throb.

If this man’s name was mentioned,

The stars and moon grew dim.

If only seen in distance,

The rivers changed their course.

We will now see who this man was.