第二十三回

第二十三回 横海郡柴进留宾 景阳冈武松打虎

诗曰：

延士声华似孟尝，有如东阁纳贤良。

武松雄猛千夫惧，柴进风流四海扬。

自信一身能杀虎，浪言三碗不过冈。

报兄诛嫂真奇特，赢得高名万古香。

话说宋江因躲一杯酒，去净手了，转出廊下来，跐了火锨柄，引得那汉焦躁，跳将起来，就欲要打宋江。柴进赶将出来，偶叫起宋押司，因此露出姓名来。那大汉听得是宋江，跪在地下，那里肯起，说道：“小人有眼不识泰山，一时冒渎兄长，望乞恕罪！”宋江扶起那汉，问道：“足下是谁？高姓大名？”柴进指着道：“这人是清河县人氏，姓武名松，排行第二。今在此间一年也。”宋江道：“江湖上多闻说武二郎名字，不期今日却在这里相会。多幸，多幸！”柴进道：“偶然豪杰相聚，实是难得，就请同做一席说话。”宋江大喜，携住武松的手，一同到后堂席上，便唤宋清与武松相见。柴进便邀武松坐地。宋江连忙让他一同在上面坐，武松那里肯坐，谦了半晌，武松坐了第三位。柴进教再整杯盘，来劝三人痛饮。宋江在灯下看那武松时，果然是一条好汉。但见：

身躯凛凛，相貌堂堂。一双眼光射寒星，两弯眉浑如刷漆。胸脯横阔，有万夫难敌之威风；语话轩昂，吐千丈凌云之志气。心雄胆大，似撼天狮子下云端；骨健筋强，如摇地貔貅临座上。如同天上降魔主，真是人间太岁神。

当下宋江看了武松这表人物，心中甚喜，便问武松道：“二郎因何在此？”武松答道：“小弟在清河县，因酒后醉了，与本处机密[1]相争，一时间怒起，只一拳打得那厮昏沉。小弟只道他死了，因此一径地逃来，投奔大官人处躲灾避难，今已一年有馀。后来打听得那厮却不曾死，救得活了。今欲正要回乡去寻哥哥，不想染患疟疾，不能勾动身回去。却才正发寒冷，在那廊下向火，被兄长跐了锨柄，吃了那一惊，惊出一身冷汗，觉得这病好了。”宋江听了大喜，当夜饮至三更。酒罢，宋江就留武松在西轩下做一处安歇。次日起来，柴进安排席面，杀羊宰猪，管待宋江，不在话下。

过了数日，宋江将出些银两来，与武松做衣裳。柴进知道，那里肯要他坏钱，自取出一箱段匹绸绢，门下自有针工，便教做三人的称体衣裳。说话的，柴进因何不喜武松？原来武松初来投奔柴进时，也一般接纳管待。次后在庄上，但吃醉了酒，性气刚，庄客有些顾管不到处，他便要下拳打他们，因此满庄里庄客没一个道他好。众人只是嫌他，都去柴进面前告诉他许多不是处。柴进虽然不赶他，只是相待得他慢了。却得宋江每日带挈他一处饮酒相陪，武松的前病都不发了。相伴宋江住了十数日，武松思乡，要回清河县看望哥哥。柴进、宋江两个，都留他再住几时，武松道：“小弟的哥哥多时不通信息，因此要去望他。”宋江道：“实是二郎要去，不敢苦留。如若得闲时，再来相会几时。”武松相谢了宋江。柴进取出些金银送与武松，武松谢道：“实是多多相扰了大官人。”武松缚了包裹，拴了梢棒要行，柴进又治酒食送路。武松穿了一领新衲红绸袄，戴着个白范阳毡笠儿，背上包裹，提了杆棒，相辞了便行。宋江道：“弟兄之情，贤弟少等一等。”回到自己房内，取了些银两，赶出到庄门前来，说道：“我送兄弟一程。”宋江和兄弟宋清两个送武松，待他辞了柴大官人，宋江也道：“大官人，暂别了便来。”三个离了柴进东庄，行了五七里路，武松作别道：“尊兄，远了，请回。柴大官人必然专望。”宋江道：“何妨再送几步。”路上说些闲话，不觉又过了三二里。武松挽住宋江说道：“尊兄不必远送，常言道：送君千里，终须一别。”宋江指着道：“容我再行几步。兀那官道上有个小酒店，我们吃三锺了作别。”三个来到酒店里，宋江上首坐了，武松倚了梢棒，下席坐了，宋清横头坐定。便叫酒保打酒来，且买些盘馔果品菜蔬之类，都搬来摆在桌子上。三个人饮了几杯，看看红日平西，武松便道：“天色将晚，哥哥不弃武二时，就此受武二四拜，拜为义兄。”宋江大喜，武松纳头拜了四拜。宋江叫宋清身边取出一锭十两银子，送与武松。武松那里肯受，说道：“哥哥客中自用盘费。”宋江道：“贤弟不必多虑。你若推却，我便不认你做兄弟。”武松只得拜受了，收放缠袋里。宋江取些碎银子，还了酒钱，武松拿了梢棒，三个出酒店前来作别。武松堕泪，拜辞了自去。宋江和宋清立在酒店门前，望武松不见了，方才转身回来。行不到五里路头，只见柴大官人骑着马，背后牵着两匹空马来接。宋江望见了大喜，一同上马回庄上来。下了马，请入后堂饮酒。宋江弟兄两个，自此只在柴大官人庄上。话分两头，有诗为证：

别意悠悠去路长，挺身直上景阳冈。

醉来打杀山中虎，扬得声名满四方。

只说武松自与宋江分别之后，当晚投客店歇了。次日早起来，打火吃了饭，还了房钱，拴束包裹，提了梢棒，便走上路。寻思道：“江湖上只闻说及时雨宋公明，果然不虚。结识得这般弟兄，也不枉了。”武松在路上行了几日，来到阳谷县地面。此去离县治还远。当日晌午时分，走得肚中饥渴，望见前面有一个酒店，挑着一面招旗在门前，上头写着五个字道：“三碗不过冈”。武松入到里面坐下，把梢棒倚了，叫道：“主人家，快把酒来吃。”只见店主人把三只碗、一双箸、一碟热菜，放在武松面前，满满筛一碗酒来。武松拿起碗，一饮而尽，叫道：“这酒好生有气力！主人家，有饱肚的买些吃酒。”酒家道：“只有熟牛肉。”武松道：“好的切二三斤来吃酒。”店家去里面切出二斤熟牛肉，做一大盘子将来，放在武松面前，随即再筛一碗酒。武松吃了道：“好酒！”又筛下一碗，恰好吃了三碗酒，再也不来筛。武松敲着桌子叫道：“主人家，怎的不来筛酒？”酒家道：“客官要肉便添来。”武松道：“我也要酒，也再切些肉来。”酒家道：“肉便切来，添与客官吃，酒却不添了。”武松道：“却又作怪。”便问主人家道：“你如何不肯卖酒与我吃？”酒家道：“客官，你须见我门前招旗，上面明明写道‘三碗不过冈’。”武松道：“怎地唤做三碗不过冈？”酒家道：“俺家的酒，虽是村酒，却比老酒的滋味。但凡客人来我店中吃了三碗的，便醉了，过不得前面的山冈去。因此唤做‘三碗不过冈’。若是过往客人到此，只吃三碗，更不再问。”武松笑道：“原来恁地。我却吃了三碗，如何不醉？”酒家道：“我这酒叫做‘透瓶香’，又唤做‘出门倒’。初入口时，醇好吃，少刻时便倒。”武松道：“休要胡说。没地[2]不还你钱，再筛三碗来我吃。”酒家见武松全然不动，又筛三碗。武松吃道：“端的好酒！主人家，我吃一碗，还你一碗钱，只顾筛来。”酒家道：“客官休只管要饮，这酒端的要醉倒人，没药医。”武松道：“休得胡鸟说！便是你使蒙汗药在里面，我也有鼻子。”店家被他发话不过，一连又筛了三碗。武松道：“肉便再把二斤来吃。”酒家又切了二斤熟牛肉，再筛了三碗酒。武松吃得口滑，只顾要吃，去身边取出些碎银子，叫道：“主人家，你且来看我银子，还你酒肉钱勾么？”酒家看了道：“有馀，还有些贴钱[3]与你。”武松道：“不要你贴钱，只将酒来筛。”酒家道：“客官，你要吃酒时，还有五六碗酒哩，只怕你吃不的了。”武松道：“就有五六碗多时，你尽数筛将来。”酒家道：“你这条长汉，倘或醉倒了时，怎扶的你住？”武松答道：“要你扶的不算好汉。”酒家那里肯将酒来筛。武松焦躁道：“我又不白吃你的，休要引老爹性发，通教你屋里粉碎，把你这鸟店子倒翻转来！”酒家道：“这厮醉了，休惹他。”再筛了六碗酒与武松吃了。前后共吃了十五碗，绰了梢棒，立起身来道：“我却又不曾醉。”走出门前来，笑道：“却不说‘三碗不过冈’！”手提梢棒便走。

酒家赶出来叫道：“客官那里去？”武松立住了，问道：“叫我做甚么？我又不少你酒钱，唤我怎地？”酒家叫道：“我是好意。你且回来我家看官司榜文。”武松道：“甚么榜文？”酒家道：“如今前面景阳冈上，有只吊睛白额大虫，晚了出来伤人，坏了三二十条大汉性命。官司如今杖限打猎捕户，擒捉发落。冈子路口两边人民，都有榜文。可教往来客人，结伙成队，于巳、午、未三个时辰过冈，其馀寅、卯、申、酉、戌、亥六个时辰，不许过冈。更兼单身客人，不许白日过冈，务要等伴结伙而过。这早晚正是未末申初时分，我见你走都不问人，枉送了自家性命。不如就我此间歇了，等明日慢慢凑的三二十人，一齐好过冈子。”武松听了，笑道：“我是清河县人氏，这条景阳冈上少也走过了一二十遭，几时见说有大虫！你休说这般鸟话来吓我！便有大虫，我也不怕。”酒家道：“我是好意救你。你不信我时，进来看官司榜文。”武松道：“你鸟子声！便真个有虎，老爷也不怕。你留我在家里歇，莫不半夜三更要谋我财，害我性命，却把鸟大虫唬吓我？”酒家道：“你看么！我是一片好心，反做恶意，倒落得你恁地说。你不信我时，请尊便自行。”正是：

前车倒了千千辆，后车过了亦如然。

分明指与平川路，却把忠言当恶言。

那酒店里主人摇着头，自进店里去了。这武松提了梢棒，大着步自过景阳冈来。约行了四五里路，来到冈子下，见一大树，刮去了皮，一片白，上写两行字。武松也颇识几字，抬头看时，上面写道：“近因景阳冈大虫伤人，但有过往客商，可于巳、午、未三个时辰，结伙成队过冈。请勿自误。”武松看了，笑道：“这是酒家诡诈，惊吓那等客人，便去那厮家里宿歇。我却怕甚么鸟！”横拖着梢棒，便上冈子来。那时已有申牌时分，这轮红日，厌厌地相傍下山。武松乘着酒兴，只管走上冈子来。走不到半里多路，见一个败落的山神庙。行到庙前，见这庙门上贴着一张印信榜文，武松住了脚读时，上面写道：

“阳谷县示：为这景阳冈上新有一只大虫，近来伤害人命，见今杖限各乡里正并猎户人等，打捕未获。如有过往客商人等，可于巳、午、未三个时辰，结伴过冈。其馀时分及单身客人，白日不许过冈，恐被伤害性命不便。各宜知悉。”

武松读了印信榜文，方知端的有虎。欲待发步再回酒店里来，寻思道：“我回去时，须吃他耻笑，不是好汉，难以转去。”存想了一回，说道：“怕甚么鸟！且只顾上去，看怎地！”武松正走，看看酒涌上来，便把毡笠儿背在脊梁上，将梢棒绾在肋下，一步步上那冈子来。回头看这日色时，渐渐地坠下去了。此时正是十月间天气，日短夜长，容易得晚。武松自言自说道：“那得甚么大虫！人自怕了，不敢上山。”武松走了一直，酒力发作，焦热起来，一只手提着梢棒，一只手把胸膛前袒开，踉踉跄跄，直奔过乱树林来。见一块光挞挞大青石，把那梢棒倚在一边，放翻身体，却待要睡，只见发起一阵狂风来。看那风时，但见：

无形无影透人怀，四季能吹万物开。

就树撮将黄叶去，入山推出白云来。

原来但凡世上云生从龙，风生从虎。那一阵风过处，只听得乱树背后扑地一声响，跳出一只吊睛白额大虫来。武松见了，叫声：“呵呀！”从青石上翻将下来，便拿那条梢棒在手里，闪在青石边。那个大虫又饥又渴，把两只爪在地下略按一按，和身望上一扑，从半空里撺将下来。武松被那一惊，酒都做冷汗出了。说时迟，那时快，武松见大虫扑来，只一闪，闪在大虫背后。那大虫背后看人最难，便把前爪搭在地下，把腰胯一掀，掀将起来。武松只一躲，躲在一边。大虫见掀他不着，吼一声，却似半天里起个霹雳，振得那山冈也动；把这铁棒也似虎尾倒竖起来，只一剪，武松却又闪在一边。原来那大虫拿人，只是一扑，一掀，一剪，三般提不着时，气性先自没了一半。那大虫又剪不着，再吼了一声，一兜兜将回来。武松见那大虫复翻身回来，双手轮起梢棒，尽平生气力，只一棒，从半空劈将下来。只听得一声响，簌簌地将那树连枝带叶劈脸打将下来。定睛看时，一棒劈不着大虫。原来慌了，正打在枯树上，把那条梢棒折做两截，只拿得一半在手里。那大虫咆哮，性发起来，翻身又只一扑，扑将来。武松又只一跳，却退了十步远，那大虫却好把两只前爪搭在武松面前。武松将半截棒丢在一边，两只手就势把大虫顶花皮肐地[4]揪住，一按按将下来。那只大虫急要挣扎，早没了气力，被武松尽气力纳定，那里肯放半点儿松宽。武松把只脚望大虫面门上、眼睛里只顾乱踢。那大虫咆哮起来，把身底下扒起两堆黄泥，做了一个土坑。武松把那大虫嘴直按下黄泥坑里去，那大虫吃武松奈何得没了些气力。武松把左手紧紧地揪住顶花皮，偷出右手来，提起铁锤般大小拳头，尽平生之力，只顾打。打得五七十拳，那大虫眼里、口里、鼻子里、耳朵里都迸出鲜血来。那武松尽平昔神威，仗胸中武艺，半歇儿把大虫打做一堆，却似躺着一个锦布袋。有一篇古风，单道景阳冈武松打虎。但见：

景阳冈头风正狂，万里阴云霾日光。

焰焰满川枫叶赤，纷纷遍地草芽黄。

触目晚霞挂林薮，侵人冷雾满穹苍。

忽闻一声霹雳响，山腰飞出兽中王。

昂头踊跃逞牙爪，谷口麋鹿皆奔忙。

山中狐兔潜踪迹，涧内獐猿惊且慌。

卞庄见后魂魄丧，存孝遇时心胆强。

清河壮士酒未醒，忽在冈头偶相迎。

上下寻人虎饥渴，撞着狰狞来扑人。

虎来扑人似山倒，人去迎虎如岩倾。

臂腕落时坠飞炮，爪牙爬处成泥坑。

拳头脚尖如雨点，淋漓两手鲜血染。

秽污腥风满松林，散乱毛须坠山奄。

近看千钧势未休，远观八面威风敛。

身横野草锦斑销，紧闭双睛光不闪。

当下景阳冈上那只猛虎，被武松没顿饭之间，一顿拳脚，打得那大虫动掸不得，使得口里兀自气喘。武松放了手，来松树边寻那打折的棒橛，拿在手里，只怕大虫不死，把棒橛又打了一回。那大虫气都没了。武松再寻思道：“我就地拖得这死大虫下冈子去。”就血泊里双手来提时，那里提得动！原来使尽了气力，手脚都疏软了，动掸不得。

武松再来青石坐了半歇，寻思道：“天色看看黑了，倘或又跳出一只大虫来时，我却怎地斗得他过？且挣扎下冈子去，明早却来理会。”就石头边寻了毡笠儿，转过乱树林边，一步步捱下冈子来。走不到半里多路，只见枯草丛中钻出两只大虫来。武松道：“呵呀，我今番死也！性命罢了！”只见那两个大虫于黑影里直立起来，武松定睛看时，却是两个人，把虎皮缝做衣裳，紧紧拼在身上。那两个人手里各拿着一条五股叉，见了武松，吃一惊道：“你那人吃了心，豹子肝，狮子腿，胆倒包着身躯！如何敢独自一个，昏黑将夜，又没器械，走过冈子来！不知你是人？是鬼？”武松道：“你两个是甚么人？”那个人道：“我们是本处猎户。”武松道：“你们上岭来做甚么？”两个猎户失惊道：“你兀自不知哩！如今景阳冈上有一只极大的大虫，夜夜出来伤人。只我们猎户，也折了七八个；过往客人，不记其数，都被这畜生吃了。本县知县着落当乡里正和我们猎户人等捕捉。那业畜势大，难近得他，谁敢向前！我们为他正不知吃了多少限棒，只捉他不得。今夜又该我们两个捕猎，和十数个乡夫在此，上上下下放了窝弓[5]药箭等他。正在这里埋伏，却见你大剌剌地从冈子上走将下来，我两个吃了一惊。你却正是甚人？曾见大虫么？”武松道：“我是清河县人氏，姓武，排行第二。却才冈子上乱树林边，正撞着那大虫，被我一顿拳脚打死了。”两个猎户听得痴呆了，说道：“怕没这话！”武松道：“你不信时，只看我身上兀自有血迹。”两个道：“怎地打来？”武松把那打大虫的本事，再说了一遍。两个猎户听了，又惊又喜，叫拢那十个乡夫来。只见这十个乡夫，都拿着钢叉、踏弩、刀枪，随即拢来。武松问道：“他们众人如何不随着你两个上山？”猎户道：“便是那畜生利害，他们如何敢上来！”一伙十数个人，都在面前。两个猎户把武松打杀大虫的事，说向众人，众人都不肯信。武松道：“你众人不肯信时，我和你去看便了。”众人身边都有火刀、火石，随即发出火来，点起五七个火把。众人都跟着武松，一同再上冈子来，看见那大虫做一堆儿死在那里。众人见了大喜，先叫一个去报知本县里正，并该管上户。这里五七个乡夫，自把大虫缚了，抬下冈子来。到得岭下，早有七八十人都哄将来，先把死大虫抬在前面，将一乘兜轿，抬了武松，径投本处一个上户家来。那上户、里正都在庄前迎接，把这大虫抬到草厅上。却有本乡上户、本乡猎户三二十人，都来相探武松。众人问道：“壮士高姓大名？贵乡何处？”武松道：“小人是此间邻郡清河县人氏，姓武名松，排行第二。因从沧州回乡来，昨晚在冈子那边酒店吃得大醉了，上冈子来，正撞见这畜生。”把那打虎的身分拳脚，细说了一遍。众上户道：“真乃英雄好汉！”众猎户先把野味将来与武松把杯。武松因打大虫困乏了，要睡，大户便教庄客打并客房，且教武松歇息。到天明，上户先使人去县里报知，一面合具虎床，安排端正，迎送县里去。

天明，武松起来洗漱罢，众多上户牵一腔羊，挑一担酒，都在厅前伺候。武松穿了衣裳，整顿巾帻，出到前面，与众人相见。众上户把盏说道：“被这个畜生正不知害了多少人性命，连累猎户吃了几顿限棒。今日幸得壮士来到，除了这个大害。第一乡中人民有福，第二客侣通行，实出壮士之赐。”武松谢道：“非小子之能，托赖众长上福荫。”众人都来作贺。吃了一早晨酒食，抬出大虫，放在虎床上。众乡村上户都把段匹花红来挂与武松。武松有些行李包裹，寄在庄上，一齐都出庄门前来。早有阳谷县知县相公使人来接武松，都相见了。叫四个庄客，将乘凉轿来抬了武松，把那大虫扛在前面，挂着花红段匹，迎到阳谷县里来。

那阳谷县人民听得说一个壮士打死了景阳冈上大虫，迎喝将来，尽皆出来看，哄动了那个县治。武松在轿上看时，只见亚肩叠背[6]，闹闹穰穰，屯街塞巷，都来看迎大虫。到县前衙门口，知县已在厅上专等。武松下了轿，扛着大虫，都到厅前，放在甬道上。知县看了武松这般模样，又见了这个老大锦毛大虫，心中自忖道：“不是这个汉，怎地打的这个猛虎！”便唤武松上厅来。武松去厅前声了喏，知县问道：“你那打虎的壮士，你却说怎生打了这个大虫。”武松就厅前将打虎的本事，说了一遍。厅上厅下众多人等，都惊的呆了。知县就厅上赐了几杯酒，将出上户凑的赏赐钱一千贯，赏赐与武松。武松禀道：“小人托赖相公的福荫，偶然侥幸，打死了这个大虫。非小人之能，如何敢受赏赐。小人闻知这众猎户因这个大虫受了相公责罚，何不就把这一千贯给散与众人去用？”知县道：“既是如此，任从壮士。”

武松就把这赏钱在厅上散与众人猎户。知县见他忠厚仁德，有心要抬举他，便道：“虽你原是清河县人氏，与我这阳谷县只在咫尺。我今日就参你在本县做个都头，如何？”武松跪谢道：“若蒙恩相抬举，小人终身受赐。”知县随即唤押司立了文案，当日便参武松做了步兵都头。众上户都来与武松作贺庆喜，连连吃了三五日酒。武松自心中想道：“我本要回清河县去看望哥哥，谁想倒来做了阳谷县都头！”自此上官见爱，乡里闻名。又过了三二日，那一日，武松心闲，走出县前来闲玩。只听得背后一个人叫声：“武都头，你今日发迹了，如何不看觑我则个？”武松回过头来看了，叫声：“阿也！你如何却在这里？”

不是武松见了这个人，有分教：阳谷县里，尸横血染。直教钢刀响处人头滚，宝剑挥时热血流。正是：只因酒色忘家国，几见诗书误好人。毕竟叫唤武都头的正是甚人，且听下回分解。

[1] 机密——这里指看机密房的人。

[2] 没地——难道、莫非的意思。

[3] 贴钱——找补的零钱。

[4] 肐（ɡē　dɑ）地——这里是一下、一把的意思。

[5] 窝弓——一种伏弩，埋在草丛或浮土中间，踹着机关的就要中箭。猎人捉猛兽用的重要武器。

[6] 亚肩叠背——“亚”同“压”。身子挤着身子的意思。

CHAPTER 22. Squire Chai Jin Detains a Guest; Wu Song Kills a Tiger

WE have already related how Song Jiang, in order to avoid drinking more wine, went outside to the toilet and while on the veranda he upset the charcoal brazier, and burnt a man, and how this resulted in Song Jiang’s name being disclosed to the man. When the man heard Song Jiang’s name how could he get up after kowtowing? He said, “I failed to recognize your eminence and I hope that you will forgive me for that blunder.”

Song Jiang raised him up and asked who he was.

“This man,” said Chai Jin, “is Wu Song of Qinghe County, and he is a second son. He has lived here for a year.”

“I have often heard of Wu the Second, but I did not expect to meet him here today. What a good luck!” said Song Jiang.

“It is very unusual for heroes to meet in this way. I request you both to come and have some wine with me,” said Chai Jin.

Song Jiang was much pleased at this and taking Wu Song by the hand conducted him to the hall where he summoned Song Qing and introduced him to Wu Song. Chai Jin then invited Wu Song to be seated, and Song Jiang strongly urged him to take the premier position at the table. But Wu Song was unwilling to take the place of honor, and after politely declining for a long time he at last took his seat in the third position. Chai Jin ordered the servants to spread a feast with wine, and when ready he strongly pressed his guests to partake the same.

Song Jiang was exceedingly pleased with the manner and bearing of Wu Song, and at last he asked him why he was staying there.

“While I was at Qinghe County I got drunk and had a fight with some official. I struck him with my fist while I was in a very hot temper, and knocked him nearly insensible. I thought I had killed him, so in order to avoid being arrested I ran away to this place for refuge where I have stayed for more than a year. Afterwards I heard that the man I had struck had not died—he was still alive. I would have liked to return home and find my elder brother, but I felt ill and was unable to go. When you overturned the charcoal brazier on the veranda I was very much alarmed, and had a heavy cold perspiration, but I think that had cured my sickness.”

Song Jiang was much pleased upon hearing this. The feast lasted till nearly midnight. Then Song Jiang took Wu Song to a very comfortable room on the west side where they both slept that night. The next day Chai Jin arranged another feast at which a sheep and a pig were served.

After a few days Song Jiang gave Wu Song some money to buy clothing. When Chai Jin heard of this he wondered how he could let it be done. So he took some rolls of silk and satin, and told his own family tailor to make three suits for them. But Chai Jin had not made such a present before so why did he do it now?

The reason was that when Wu Song first came there for refuge he had been treated as a guest, but he was often drunk. Whenever the servants did not treat him well he would become angry and beat them, and therefore there was not a single servant who had a good word for him. They all hated him, and often complained to Chai Jin about his conduct. But Chai Jin would not speak to him about this and only became more distant in his manner towards his guest. When Song Jiang came he sought out Wu Song, and they used to drink wine in each other’s company every day. Soon Wu Song’s bad temper had vanished. After about ten days of this mutual friendship Wu Song thought of returning to Qinghe County to visit his elder brother. He was pressed not to go by Chai Jin and Song Jiang, but after a little time he spoke to them saying,” I have not heard from my elder brother for a long time so I must go and see him.”

“As you want to go,” said Song Jiang, “we do not wish to upset you by detaining you. But I hope that we shall meet again at some future date.”

Wu Song expressed his thanks, and Chai Jin gave him some gold and silver. Wu Song again expressed his thanks, and regretted that he had given them so much trouble. After a parting cup Wu Song made up his bundle, and slung it on his back. He wore a red silk-quilted coat similar to those worn by monks, and had a white felt cap which was made in broad brimmed style. He carried a cudgel in his hand.

Just as he was about to depart Song Jiang asked him to wait a bit, and then went into his own room, and taking some silver met Wu Song at the gate saying, “I will accompany you for a short distance.” Song Qing also came with his brother Song Jiang and as the three were taking leave of Chai Jin, Song Jiang said, “Sir, I shall be gone only for a short distance.”

When the three had traveled about a couple of li Wu Song urged the brothers to return as Chai Jin would undoubtedly be getting anxious.

“What objection can there be for us to go a few steps further?” said Song Jiang.

So they went on for about a li more chatting on the way, and then Wu Song took Song Jiang by the hand and said, “You must not come any further. People often say, ‘Even if you accompany a guest three hundred li you must at last come to the parting place.’”

“I will go a few steps further,” said Song Jiang. “Just over there, there is a small inn where we can drink a few cups of wine before parting.”

When they reached the inn Song Jiang took the seat of honor, and Wu Song took the lower position after placing his cudgel by his chair. Song Qing sat at the side of the table. They told the waiter to bring fruit and vegetables which were duly supplied. After they had been drinking wine for some time they noticed the red hues of sunset, and Wu Song said, “It is getting late and we had better separate and I will give you four salutations as my adopted elder brother.” Song Jiang was much pleased. Wu Song kowtowed four times, and Song Jiang then told his brother Song Qing to take ten taels of silver and presented it to Wu Song. But Wu Song declined to accept it, and asked them to reserve it for they themselves were guests at another’s home.

“You must not be so anxious about us, younger brother,” said Song Jiang. “If you decline it I cannot recognize you as my younger brother.”

So Wu Song took the money. He then shouldered his bundle, and taking his cudgel the three walked hand in hand to the door where they separated with tears in the eyes. The brothers stood at the door of the inn until Wu Song could no longer be seen, and then they departed for home. When they had gone less than two li they met Chai Jin riding a horse, and leading two spare ones to welcome them home. They were highly delighted at this, and mounted. They soon reached the village. Upon dismounting they all went into a hall at the back where they drank wine, and after this the two brothers stayed with Chai Jin.

When Wu Song left the brothers he traveled some distance, and then rested for the night at an inn. The next morning after an early breakfast he started on the road again. As he walked he ruminated that all men had said that the ‘Welcome Rain,’ Song Jiang, was truly a fine man, and he had certainly been well treated by him. After a few days he was approaching Yanggu County about noon when he felt very hungry and thirsty.

Just then he happened to see an inn with a signboard over the door with five characters, meaning, “If you drink three cups of our wine you will be unable to cross the mountain ridge.”

Wu Song entered the inn, took his seat, placed his cudgel by his side, and called the proprietor to bring some wine. The proprietor put before him three cups, a tray with some cooked vegetables, and a pair of chopsticks. The proprietor then slowly fill a cup with wine. Wu Song picked up the cup and drank the wine off saying, “This wine is very strong. I wish to have some food, to take with more wine.”

“I have some roast beef,” said the proprietor.

“That is fine. Bring me about three jin of beef.”

The proprietor soon brought in a plate of beef and setting it before Wu Song, he again poured out a cup of wine. Wu Song drank the wine and again praised it. The proprietor filled another cup, and then left him.

As the proprietor had not returned Wu Song banged the table and called out. “Proprietor, why do you not serve more wine?”

“If you want more beef I can let you have some,” said the man.

“I want wine as well as beef.”

“I can give you beef, but no more wine,” said the man.

“That is strange!” said Wu Song. “Why don’t you give me wine while I can pay for it?”

“Did you not see the signboard over the door of this inn?” asked the man.

“What is the idea of such a signboard?” asked Wu Song.

“Although our wine is made here yet it has a very delicate flavor,” said the man. “Whenever a guest arrives and drinks three cups of this wine he always gets drunk so that he cannot go over the mountain ridge, and that is why I put up that signboard. When guests stop here they never ask for more than three cups of wine.”

“That is the case,” said Wu Song laughingly. “But how is it that I am not drunk after three cups?”

“Our wine is called ‘The Aroma Penetrates The Bottle,’ and also has another name, which means ‘Upon Leaving The Door You Will Fall Down.’ While drinking, it has a fine flavor, but in a short time afterwards you will fall down.”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” said Wu Song. “I won’t cheat you; I’ll pay you, so bring me three more cups of wine.”

The proprietor saw that he was not in the least affected by the wine so he filled three more cups.

After drinking Wu Song said, “It is really very fine. I want you to keep on pouring out the wine, and I will pay you for each cup I drink.”

“Sir, please give up the idea of drinking any more or you will undoubtedly be drunk, and there is no medicine to prevent it.”

“You need not speak such rubbish,” said Wu Song. “If you put some drug in the wine I should soon detect it.”

The innkeeper could find no answer to this so he poured out three more cups of wine.

Wu Song ordered a further three jin of beef. The innkeeper brought in the cold beef and again poured out three cups of wine. Wu Song drank the wine, but still wanted more. So he took out his silver and showing it to the innkeeper asked, “Look at this. Is it enough for your wine and beef?”

“More than enough!” said the innkeeper. “Let me have it and I will give you the balance.”

“I do not want any change,” said Wu Song. “You can pay me the balance in wine.”

“Sir,” said the innkeeper, “you have had a lot of wine, but I still have five or six cups full left. But I am afraid that you will not be able to drink so much.”

“As you have about five cups of wine more you can let me have the whole lot,” said Wu Song.

“You are a very big man,” said the innkeeper, “and how am I going to lift you up when you fall down dead drunk?”

“I should not be a man, should I want you to help me up,” said Wu Song.

But the innkeeper was unwilling to pour and any more wine, so Wu Song spoke in an angry tone, “Have I not paid you for the wine! Do not provoke me to anger or I shall smash the whole room to pieces, and turn your inn upside down.”

The innkeeper saw that Wu Song was drunk so he decided not to oppose him and poured out all the six cups of wine. Altogether Wu Song drank eighteen cups of wine, and then picking up his cudgel he got up and said, “I am not drunk yet!” He walked to the door laughing, and proceeded on his way.

The innkeeper however called after him, “Sir, where are you going?”

“Why do you call me?” replied Wu Song. “Have I not paid you for the wine?”

“I have a good intention for you,” said the innkeeper. “I want you o come to my home and look at a copy of an official proclamation.”

“What is the proclamation about?” asked Wu Song.

“Just now there is, on Jingyang Ridge, a large animal with a white forehead and protruding eyes. It comes out in the evening, and has already killed about thirty men, and injured many others. The magistrate has enjoined upon the hunters to catch the animal by a certain time. At all crossroads there is a notice warning travelers of the danger, and ordering them to band themselves together when crossing the ridge. Travelers must cross the ridge only between the hours of 9 A.M. and 3 P.M. and not at any other time. So that, as you are by yourself you must wait and join with some other travelers before you can cross the ridge. It is now well past three o’clock and yet I see you walking off without asking anyone to go with you, and evidently you are running the risk of your life. It will be better if you stay here for the night, and go over the ridge tomorrow in the company of about thirty men.”

“I am a Qinghe County man,” laughed Wu Song, “and although I have been across the Jingyang Ridge about twenty times I have never seen or heard of a big animal there. So you need not say shit like this just to frighten me. And even if there is a beast I am not afraid of it.”

“I only wanted to save your life,” said the innkeeper “If you do not believe what I say then come inside and read the official proclamation.”

“Bullshit,” said Wu Song. “Even if there is a tiger I shall not be afraid. I suppose if I pass the night at your inn you may try to get my money during the night, and perhaps kill me. That is why you now make up this story to frighten me and keep me here.”

“Look here!” said the innkeeper. “I am taking good care of you, yet you think I have bad intention. If you do not believe what I say then go your own way.” While saying this he shook his head with regret, and entered his inn.

Wu Song picked up his cudgel and started off for the Jingyang Ridge. After walking about two li he reached the foot of the ridge, and there he saw a large tree which had had its bark taken away, and on the white timber were two columns of characters written. It was to the same effect as the official proclamation.

On reading it Wu Song laughed and said, “That innkeeper is a clever one. Frighten travelers so that they will stay at his inn. But I am not afraid of that shit.” Dragging his cudgel along the ground he proceeded on his way. It was about four o’clock, and the sun was slowly sinking behind the ridge, setting the sky in a red evening glow. The large quantities of wine he had drunk had driven all fear away so he proceeded on his way. He had only gone a little distance when he saw a ruined temple, and on the door was another notice so he went forward and read it. It warned travelers of the danger of crossing the ridge.

So Wu Song at last realized that there was a tiger to be faced, and his first thought was to return to the inn. But he saw in that case the innkeeper would only laugh at him, and regard him as a coward—so that would not do. But after a second thought, he said to himself, “Why be afraid? Why not face the danger?” He went on, but soon vomited the wine he had taken. He then took his cap, and pushed it on his back suspended by the tapes. He put his cudgel under his arm, and slowly ascended the ridge. Turning his head he saw that the sun had now sunk to the west. It was now the tenth lunar month so that the autumn days were short, the nights long, and the sunset was soon followed by darkness.

He soliloquized, “Where is that tiger that men are so afraid of that they dare not cross the ridge?’’ He went a little further, and now felt the effect of the wine. So taking the cudgel in one hand he unloosened his coat with the other hand. Staggering along he entered the forest. He came across a large block of smooth green stone against which he put his cudgel. He then reclined on the stone with the intention of sleeping there. Just then a strong wind sprang up, and he heard a sound among the trees, and at the same moment a large tiger sprang out. With an exclamation he rolled off the stone, seized his cudgel, and slipped to one side of the stone. The tiger was both hungry and thirsty, and crouched on the ground ready for a spring. As the tiger sprang forward Wu Song was startled, and was covered with a cold sweat, but slipping to one side he escaped. The tiger immediately turned round, and roared like thunder, so that the ridge almost quaked.

The tiger’s tail was erect and stiff as a poker, and was lashed from side to side in rage. Wu Song did not keep still, but kept moving about irregularly. In fact the tiger had only three methods of killing men, a crouch, a leap, and a blow with its tail. If these three failed, the tiger at once lost all courage or spirit. In such cases it always turned round, and gave a loud roar. When Wu Song saw it turning round he seized his cudgel with both hands, and using the utmost of his strength he whirled it aloft, and brought it down with a crash. There was a great noise followed by a fall of leaves and twigs from the dense undergrowth. Wu Song saw that he had missed the tiger, and simply in his haste had hit the undergrowth. As his long cudgel was broken in half, he threw a part away. The tiger roared again, crouched, and again leapt at Wu Song. Wu Song again swiftly stepped to one side. The tiger whirled round and came just in front of Wu Song and planted its forepaws on the ground. Wu Song threw the remaining half of the cudgel away, and seized the tiger’s forehead skin with both hands, and pressed the tiger down on the ground. The tiger struggled to get up, but Wu Song exerted all his strength, and would not let it go the least bit. He kicked it in the eyes. This made the tiger roar, and scoop out holes in the yellow soil with its front paws. Wu Song now pressed the tiger’s snout into the hole in the ground, and it had to endure this disgrace as it was losing its strength. Wu Song now grasped the loose skin on the tiger’s head in his left hand, and taking his right fist hit the tiger severely. After about seventy blows blood streamed out of the tiger’s eyes, mouth, nose, and ears, and the beast lay panting for breath. Wu Song left it for a moment, and went to get a part of his cudgel. As he was afraid that the tiger was not yet dead he dealt the tiger some blows for some time until he saw evidently that it was no longer alive. He thereupon threw away his cudgel and wondered whether he should drag the tiger down the mountain. The body lay in a pool of blood, and using both hands he tried to move it, but he found that it was too heavy. He had used up all his strength so that he now felt weak in hand and foot. So he sat down on the green smooth stone for a short rest, and meditated that the night was quite dark now, and what could he do if another tiger were to attack him. So he decided to leave the ridge and return the following day for the tiger’s body. He looked around and found his felt cap, and then started down the mountain.

He had not gone far when he saw two tigers emerging from the dry grass. “Ai Ya!” he said. “That’s all gone now.” But he noticed that the two tigers now stood up on their hind legs, and looking closely he saw that they were two men who had fastened tiger skins very closely on their bodies, and carried in their hands five-pronged forks.

They were surprised at seeing Wu Song, and said, “You. . . you . . . you. . . , you must have eaten the heart of a wolf, the gall bladder of a leopard, and the legs of a lion so that your whole body becomes a mass of courage. How dare you to cross the ridge during the night without a single weapon in your hand. You. . . . you. . . . you. . . . are you a man or a demon?”

“But who are you?” asked Wu Song.

“We are hunters,” replied the men.

“And what are you doing on this mountain?” asked Wu Song.

The men were surprised at such a question and asked, “Do you mean to say that you do not know? On this mountain there is a dangerous tiger which attacks men at night, and has already injured eight hunters, and numerous travelers have been killed. The county magistrate has ordered us, and also the village chief, to come here to catch the tiger. But its strength is so great that it is difficult to come near it. Who dare face it? The magistrate has beaten us repeatedly for not catching the tiger, but it makes no difference. Tonight we have come here, accompanied by ten men from the villages, and we are all over the mountain, armed with poisoned arrows, waiting for the tiger. Just here we lay in ambush when we saw you coming from the mountain as bold as brass, and it gave us quite a start. Who are you? Have you seen the tiger?”

“I am a Qinghe County man, and my name is Wu Song. When I got up the mountain I met the tiger, and killed it with my fist and foot.”

“It is impossible,” said the hunters aghastly.

“You do not believe,” said Wu Song. “But do you see the bloodstains on my clothes?”

“But how did you kill it?”

Wu Song then gave them all the details of his fighting with the tiger.

The hunters were both amazed and amused, and then summoned the ten villagers. The villagers soon arrived and armed with pronged forks, crossbows, broad swords, and spears.

“How is it that these men did not stay with you here?” asked Wu Song.

The hunters said, “The animal was very fierce, so how could they dare to come on the mountain?”

When the villagers had all assembled in front of them, the hunters asked Wu Song to recite to them how he had killed the tiger. He did so, but they did not believe what he said.

“Well,” said Wu Song, “if you do not believe then I will go, and show you the dead animal.”

The villagers had flint and steel, and they then used them to strike lights and ignite torches. They went with Wu Song, and soon came to the top of the ridge where they were shown the dead tiger. They were highly delighted, and immediately sent men to report the matter to the chief of the district. The men who were left behind, tied up the carcass, and carried it on their shoulders down the mountain. At the foot of the mountain there were already about eighty men waiting for them, and they made an uproar when they saw the dead tiger. They carried the tiger in front and put Wu Song in a sedan chair. The whole party then started off to the nearest village reporting to the headman there.

Upon arriving there, there were two village heads waiting outside the village to welcome them. The party was conducted to the main room of a cottage where the other hunters of the village and about thirty other men all came to have an interview with Wu Song. He then told them in detail his recent adventure.

They all declared that he was a very brave hero, and brought him some food and wine. But Wu Song was very tired, and wanted to rest. So the servants were told to prepare a bedroom for him where he slept that night.

The next morning a messenger was dispatched to report the matter to the county magistrate and a litter was prepared to carry the tiger’s body to the town.

When Wu Song got up and had washed his face, he found in front of the building a large number of men bringing a sheep and a jar of wine which they offered to him as their gifts. They said, “We do not know exactly how many people that beast has killed, or how many bamboo blows our hunters have received, but now you have killed the tiger, and our trouble has come an end. We are very happy indeed. Moreover, the travelers can go without danger, and all this is due to your bounteous action.”

“It was not due to my skill but was owing to your fortune,” replied Wu Song.

The people all saluted him. After an exhilarating feast which lasted all the morning they placed the tiger’s body on the litter which was ready. They made garland of silk and red flowers for Wu Song. They were about to start off from the village. A deputy of the county magistrate had already arrived to conduct Wu Song to the court. Four men were sent with a cool sedan chair to convey Wu Song to the court. The litter with the tiger’s carcass was in front of the procession and it was also decorated with red flowers and pieces of silk. When the people of the town heard of the great hero who had killed a tiger on the mountain they all crowded to see him, and made such a noise that it could be heard all over the district. Wu Song in his chair saw all the streets were blocked with noisy crowds which were eager to have a look at the tiger. Upon reaching the yamen gate, he saw the county magistrate waiting in the hall. The litter and the sedan chair were carried to the court, and laid in the corridor in front of the door.

The magistrate noticed the manner of Wu Song, and also the size of the tiger. He thought that Wu Song was the only person who could kill such a tiger. He summoned Wu Song to come forward. Wu Song approached and called out “nuo.” The magistrate invited him inside where Wu Song recited his adventure. There was a large crowd of men both inside and outside the hall. They all listened to Wu Song and were greatly astonished. The magistrate offered several cups of wine to Wu Song, and also a gift of one thousand strings of cash which had been subscribed by the wealthy families of the district.

“I am grateful to you for this blessing, sir,” said Wu Song. “I was fortunate in killing the tiger, and as it was not due to my own abilities, how dare I accept such generous presents? I have heard that these hunters have been beaten with the bamboo, so why not compensate them with these strings of cash?”

“As you, the hero, suggest this, it can be done as you wish,” said the magistrate.

So Wu Song took the strings of cash, and distributed them among the hunters.

When the magistrate saw the noble, virtuous, and benevolent character of Wu Song he wished to recommend him for an official post. So he said to him, “You are a Qinghe County man, and as that place is quite close here I offer you the position of Inpector in this yamen. What do you say about that?”

Wu Song knelt down and said, “As you wish to reward me in this way I shall be obliged to you for my life.”

The magistrate instructed his secretary to make out the necessary papers, and Wu Song received his commission in the police as an Inspector.

The rich families saluted him, and offered their congratulations, and during the following five days they continually entertained him with wine.

Wu Song meditated that, at first, he had the idea to find his elder brother, but it was detained by being made a Inspector at this place. The magistrate liked him, and his fame was widespread in every village.

One day when he was strolling outside the yamen he heard a voice behind him calling, “Inspector Wu! As you are an official now, can you not assist me?”

“Ai Ya!” exclaimed Wu Song when he turned round. “What are you doing here?”

If these heroes had not met,

Many men would not have died;

Swords would not have chopped off heads,

Nor blood have flown like water.

We will now see who that man was who had stopped Wu Song.