第三十二回
第三十二回 武行者醉打孔亮 锦毛虎义释宋江
诗曰：
风波世事不堪言，莫把行藏信手拈。
投药救人翻致恨，当场排难每生嫌。
婵娟负德终遭辱，谲诈行凶独被歼。
列宿相逢同聚会，大施恩惠及闾阎。
当时两个斗了十数合，那先生被武行者卖个破绽，让那先生两口剑砍将入来，被武行者转过身来，看得亲切，只一戒刀，那先生的头滚落在一边，尸首倒在石上。武行者大叫：“庵里婆娘出来！我不杀你，只问你个缘故。”只见庵里走出那个妇人来，倒地便拜。武行者道：“你休拜我。你且说这里是甚么去处？那先生却是你的甚么人？”那妇人哭着道：“奴是这岭下张太公家女儿。这庵是奴家祖上坟庵。这先生不知是那里人，来我家里投宿，言说善习阴阳，能识风水。我家爹娘不合留他在庄上，因请他来这里坟上观看地理，被他说诱，又留他住了几日。那厮一日见了奴家，便不肯去了。住了三两个月，把奴家爹娘哥嫂都害了性命，却把奴家强骗在此坟庵里住。这个道童也是别处掳掠来的。这岭唤做蜈蚣岭。这先生见这条岭好风水，以此他便自号飞天蜈蚣王道人。”武行者道：“你还有亲眷么？”那妇人道：“亲戚自有几家，都是庄农之人，谁敢和他争论。”武行者道：“这厮有些财帛么？”妇人道：“他已积蓄得一二百两金银。”武行者道：“有时，你快去收拾，我便要放火烧庵也。”那妇人问道：“师父，你要酒肉吃么？”武行者道：“有时，将来请我。”那妇人道：“请师父进庵里去吃。”武行者道：“怕别有人暗算我么？”那妇人道：“奴有几颗头，敢赚得师父！”武行者随那妇人入到庵里，见小窗边桌子上摆着酒肉。武行者讨大碗吃了一回。那妇人收拾得金银财帛已了，武行者便就里面放起火来。那妇人捧着一包金银，献与武行者乞性命。武行者道：“我不要你的，你自将去养身。快走，快走！”那妇人拜谢了，自下岭去。武行者把那两个尸首，都撺在火里烧了，插了戒刀，连夜自过岭来。迤逦取路，免不得饥餐渴饮，夜宿晓行，望着青州地面来。
又行了十数日，但遇村房道店，市镇乡城，果然都有榜文张挂在彼处，捕获武松。到处虽有榜文，武松已自做了行者，于路却没人盘诘他。时遇十一月间，天色好生严寒。当日武松一路上买酒买肉吃，只是敌不过寒威。上得一条土冈，早望见前面有一座高山，生得十分险峻。武行者下土冈子来，走得三五里路，早见一个酒店，门前一道清溪，屋后都是颠石乱山。看那酒店时，却是个村落小酒肆。但见：
门迎溪涧，山映茅茨。疏篱畔梅开玉蕊，小窗前松偃苍龙。乌皮桌椅，尽列着瓦钵磁瓯；黄泥墙壁，都画着酒仙诗客。一条青旆舞寒风，两句诗词招过客。端的是：走骠骑闻香须住马，使风帆知味也停舟。
武行者过得那土冈子来，径奔入那村酒店里坐下，便叫道：“酒店主人家，先打两角酒来，肉便买些来吃。”店主人应道：“实不瞒师父说，酒却有些茅柴白酒，肉却都卖没了。”武行者道：“且把酒来荡寒。”店主人便去打两角酒，大碗价筛来，教武行者吃，将一碟熟菜与他过口。片时间吃尽了两角酒，又叫再打两角酒来。店主人又打了两角酒，大碗筛来。武行者只顾吃。比及过冈子时，先有三五分酒了，一发吃过这四角酒，又被朔风一吹，酒却涌上。武松却大呼小叫道：“主人家，你真个没东西卖，你便自家吃的肉食，也回些与我吃了，一发还你银子！”店主人笑道：“也不曾见这个出家人，酒和肉只顾要吃，却那里去取？师父，你也只好罢休！”武行者道：“我又不白吃你的，如何不卖与我？”店主人道：“我和你说过，只有这些白酒，那得别的东西卖！”正在店里论口，只见外面走入一条大汉，引着三四个人入店里来。武行者看那大汉时，但见：
顶上头巾鱼尾赤，身上战袍鸭头绿。脚穿一对踢土靴，腰系数尺红搭膊。面圆耳大，唇阔口方。长七尺以上身材，有二十四五年纪。相貌堂堂强壮士，未侵女色少年郎。
那条大汉引着众人入进店里，主人笑容可掬，迎着道：“大郎请坐。”那汉道：“我分付你的，安排也未？”店主人答道：“鸡与肉都已煮熟了，只等大郎来。”那汉道：“我那青花瓮酒在那里？”店主人道：“有在这里。”那汉引了众人，便向武行者对席上头坐了。那同来的三四人却坐在肩下。店主人却捧出一尊青花瓮酒来，开了泥头，倾在一个大白盆里。武行者偷眼看时，却是一瓮窨下的[1]好酒，被风吹过酒的香味来。武行者闻了那酒香味，喉咙痒将起来，恨不得钻过来抢吃。只见店主人又去厨下把盘子托出一对熟鸡、一大盘精肉来，放在那汉面前，便摆下菜蔬，用杓子舀酒去盪。武行者看了自己面前，只是一碟儿熟菜，不由的不气。正是眼饱肚中饥，武行者酒又发作，恨不得一拳打碎了那桌子，大叫道：“主人家，你来！你这厮好欺负客人！岂我不还你钱？”店主人连忙来问道：“师父休要焦躁，要酒便好说。”武行者睁着双眼喝道：“你这厮好不晓道理！这青花瓮酒和鸡肉之类如何不卖与我？我也一般还你银子！”店主人道：“青花瓮酒和鸡肉都是那大郎家里自将来的，只借我店里坐地吃酒。”武行者心中要吃，那里听他分说，一片声喝道：“放屁，放屁！”店主人道：“也不曾见你这个出家人恁地蛮法！”武行者喝道：“怎地是老爷蛮法？我白吃你的？”那店主人道：“我倒不曾见出家人自称‘老爷’！”武行者听了，跳起身来，叉开五指，望店主人脸上只一掌，把那店主人打个踉跄，直撞过那边去。
那对席的大汉见了大怒。看那店主人时，打的半边脸都肿了，半日挣扎不起。那大汉跳起身来，指定武松道：“你这个鸟头陀好不依本分，却怎地便动手动脚的！却不道是出家人勿起嗔心！”武行者道：“我自打他，干你甚事！”那大汉怒道：“我好意劝你，你这鸟头陀敢把言语伤我！”武行者听得大怒，便把桌子推开，走出来喝道：“你那厮说谁？”那大汉笑道：“你这鸟头陀要和我厮打，正是来太岁头上动土！”那大汉便点手[2]叫道：“你这贼行者出来！和你说话！”武行者喝道：“你道我怕你，不敢打你？”一抢抢到门边。那大汉便闪出门外去。武行者赶到门外，那大汉见武松长壮，那里敢轻敌，便做个门户等着他。武行者抢入去，接住那汉手。那大汉却待用力跌武松，怎禁得他千百斤神力，就手一扯，扯入怀来，只一拨，拨将去，恰似放翻小孩儿的一般，那里做得半分手脚。那三四个村汉看了，手颤脚麻，那里敢上前来。武行者踏住那大汉，提起拳头来，只打实落处，打了二三十拳，就地下提起来，望门外溪里只一丢。那三四个村汉叫声苦，不知高低，都下溪里来救起那大汉，就搀扶着投南去了。这店主人吃了这一掌，打得麻了，动掸不得，自入屋后去躲避了。
武行者道：“好呀！你们都去了，老爷却吃酒肉！”把个碗去白盆内舀那酒来只顾吃。桌子上那对鸡、一盘子肉，都未曾吃动，武行者且不用箸，双手扯来任意吃。没半个时辰，把这酒肉和鸡都吃个八分。武行者醉饱了，把直裰袖结在背上，便出店门，沿溪而走。却被那北风卷将起来，武行者捉脚不住，一路上抢将来。离那酒店走不得四五里路，旁边土墙里走出一只黄狗，看着武松叫。武行者看时，一只大黄狗赶着吠。武行者大醉，正要寻事，恨那只狗赶着他只管吠，便将左手鞘里掣出一口戒刀来，大踏步赶。那只黄狗绕着溪岸叫，武行者一刀砍将去，却砍个空，使得力猛，头重脚轻，翻筋斗倒撞下溪里去，却起不来。冬月天道，溪水正涸，虽是只有一二尺深浅的水，却寒冷的当不得。扒起来，淋淋的一身水，却见那口戒刀浸在溪里，武行者便低头去捞那刀时，扑地又落下去了，只在那溪水里滚。
岸上侧首墙边转出一伙人来，当先一个大汉，头戴毡笠子，身穿鹅黄丝衲袄，手里拿着一条梢棒，背后十数个人跟着，都拿木杷白棍。数内一个指道：“这溪里的贼行者，便是打了小哥哥的。如今小哥哥寻不见大哥哥，自引了二三十个庄客径奔酒店里捉他去了，他却来到这里！”说犹未了，只见远远地那个吃打的汉子，换了一身衣服，手里提着一条朴刀，背后引着三二十个庄客，都是有名的汉子。怎见的？正是叫做：
长王三，矮李四，急三千，慢八百，笆上粪，屎里蛆，米中虫，饭内屁，鸟上刺，沙小生，木伴哥，牛筋等。
这一二十个尽是为头的庄客，馀者皆是村中捣子，都拖枪拽棒，跟着那个大汉吹风胡哨来寻武松。赶到墙边见了，那汉指着武松，对那穿鹅黄袄子的大汉道：“这个贼头陀正是打兄弟的。”那个大汉道：“且捉这厮，去庄里细细拷打。”那汉喝声：“下手！”三四十人一发上。可怜武松醉了，挣扎不得，急要爬起来，被众人一齐下手，横拖倒拽，捉上溪来。转过侧首墙边，一所大庄院，两个都是高墙粉壁，垂柳乔松，围绕着墙院。众人把武松推抢入去，剥了衣裳，夺了戒刀、包裹，揪过来绑在大柳树上，教取一束藤条来，细细的打那厮。
却才打得三五下，只见庄里走出一个人来，问道：“你兄弟两个又打甚么人？”只见这两个大汉叉手道：“师父听禀：兄弟今日和邻庄三四个相识，去前面小路店里吃三杯酒，叵耐这个贼行者到来寻闹，把兄弟痛打了一顿，又将来撺在水里，头脸都磕破了，险不冻死，却得相识救了回来。归家换了衣服，带了人再去寻他。那厮把我酒肉都吃了，却大醉倒在门前溪里，因此捉拿在这里，细细地拷打。看起这贼头陀来，也不是出家人，脸上见刺着两个金印，这贼却把头发披下来遮了，必是个避罪在逃的囚徒。问出那厮根原，解送官司理论。”这个吃打伤的大汉道：“问他做甚么！这秃贼打得我一身伤损，不着一两个月将息不起。不如把这秃贼一顿打死了，一把火烧了罢，才与我消得这口恨气！”说罢，拿起藤条，恰待又打。只见出来的那人说道：“贤弟且休打，待我看他一看。这人也像是一个好汉。”
此时武行者心中，已自酒醒了，理会得，只把眼来闭了，由他打，只不做声。那个人先去背上看了杖疮，便道：“作怪！这模样想是决断不多时的疤痕。”转过面前看了，便将手把武松头发揪起来，定睛看了，叫道：“这个不是我兄弟武二郎？”武行者方才闪开双眼，看了那人道：“你不是我哥哥？”那人喝叫：“快与我解下来！这是我的兄弟。”那穿鹅黄袄子的并吃打的尽皆吃惊，连忙问道：“这个行者如何却是师父的兄弟？”那人便道：“他便是我时常和你们说的，那景阳冈上打虎的武松。我也不知他如今怎地做了行者。”那弟兄两个听了，慌忙解下武松来，便讨几件干衣服与他穿了，便扶入草堂里来。武松便要下拜，那个人惊喜相半，扶住武松道：“兄弟酒还未醒，且坐一坐说话。”武松见了那人，欢喜上来，酒早醒了五分；讨些汤水洗漱了，吃些醒酒之物，便来拜了那人，相叙旧话。
那人不是别人，正是郓城县人氏，姓宋名江，表字公明。武行者道：“只想哥哥在柴大官人庄上，却如何来在这里？兄弟莫不是和哥哥梦中相会么？”宋江道：“我自从和你在柴大官人庄上分别之后，我却在那里住得半年。不知家中如何，恐父亲烦恼，先发付兄弟宋清归去。后却收拾得家中书信，说道：‘官司一事，全得朱、雷二都头气力，已自家中无事，只要缉捕正身。因此已动了个海捕文书，各处追获。’这事已自慢了。却有这里孔太公屡次使人去庄上问信，后见宋清回家，说道宋江在柴大官人庄上，因此特地使人直来柴大官人庄上取我在这里。此间便是白虎山，这庄便是孔太公庄上。恰才和兄弟相打的便是孔太公小儿子，因他性急，好与人厮闹，到处叫他做独火星孔亮。这个穿鹅黄袄子的便是孔太公大儿子，人都叫他做毛头星孔明。因他两个好习枪棒，却是我点拨他些个，以此叫我做师父。我在此间住半年了。我如今正欲要上清风寨走一遭，这两日方欲起身。我在柴大官人庄上时，只听得人传说道，兄弟在景阳冈上打了大虫；又听知你在阳谷县做了都头；又闻斗杀了西门庆。向后不知你配到何处去。兄弟如何做了行者？”武松答道：“小弟自从柴大官人庄上别了哥哥去，到得景阳冈上打了大虫，送去阳谷县，知县就抬举我做了都头。后因嫂嫂不仁，与西门庆通奸，药死了我先兄武大，被武松把两个都杀了，自首告到本县，转发东平府。后得陈府尹一力救济，断配孟州。……”至十字坡怎生遇见张青、孙二娘；到孟州怎地会施恩，怎地打了蒋门神，如何杀了张都监一十五口，又逃在张青家，母夜叉孙二娘教我做了头陀行者的缘故；过蜈蚣岭，试刀杀了王道人；至村店吃酒，醉打了孔兄。把自家的事，从头备细告诉了宋江一遍。
孔明、孔亮两个听了大惊，扑翻身便拜。武松慌忙答礼道：“却才甚是冲撞，休怪，休怪！”孔明、孔亮道：“我弟兄两个有眼不识泰山，万望恕罪！”武行者道：“既然二位相觑武松时，却是与我烘焙度牒书信，并行李衣服，不可失落了那两口戒刀，这串数珠。”孔明道：“这个不须足下挂心，小弟已自着人收拾去了，整顿端正拜还。”武行者拜谢了。宋江请出孔太公，都相见了。孔太公置酒设席管待，不在话下。
当晚宋江邀武松同榻，叙说一年有馀的事，宋江心内喜悦。武松次日天明起来，都洗漱罢，出到中堂，相会吃早饭。孔明自在那里相陪；孔亮捱着疼痛，也来管待。孔太公便叫杀羊宰猪，安排筵宴。是日，村中有几家街坊亲戚都来相探，又有几个门下人亦来谒见。宋江心中大喜。当日筵宴散了，宋江问武松道：“二哥今欲要往何处去安身立命？”武松道：“昨日已对哥哥说了，菜园子张青写书与我，着兄弟投二龙山宝珠寺花和尚鲁智深那里入伙。他也随后便上山来。”宋江道：“也好。我不瞒你说，我家近日有书来，说道清风寨知寨小李广花荣他知道我杀了阎婆惜，每每寄书来与我，千万教我去寨里住几时。此间又离清风寨不远，我这两日正待要起身去，因见天气阴晴不定，未曾起程。早晚要去那里走一遭，不若和你同往，如何？”武松道：“哥哥怕不是好情分，带携兄弟投那里去住几时。只是武松做下的罪犯至重，遇赦不宥，因此发心只是投二龙山落草避难。亦且我又做了头陀，难以和哥哥同往，路上被人设疑。便是跟着哥哥去，倘或有些决撒了，须连累了哥哥。便是哥哥与兄弟同死同生，也须累及了花荣山寨不好。只是由兄弟投二龙山去了罢。天可怜见，异日不死，受了招安，那时却来寻访哥哥未迟。”宋江道：“兄弟既有此心归顺朝廷，皇天必祐。若如此行，不可苦谏，你只相陪我住几日了去。”
自此两个在孔太公庄上，一住过了十日之上。宋江与武松要行，相辞孔太公父子，孔明、孔亮那里肯放。又留住了三五日，宋江坚执要行，孔太公苦留不住，只得安排筵席送行了。次日，将出新做的一套行者衣服，皂布直裰，并带来的度牒、书信、戒箍、数珠、戒刀、金银之类，交还武松。又各送银五十两，权为路费。宋江推却不受，孔太公父子那里肯，只顾将来拴缚在包裹里。宋江整顿了衣服、器械，武松依前穿了行者的衣裳，带上铁戒箍，挂了人顶骨数珠，跨了两口戒刀，收拾了包裹，拴在腰里。宋江提了朴刀，悬口腰刀，带上毡笠子，辞别了孔太公。孔明、孔亮叫庄客背了行李，弟兄二人直送了二十馀里路，拜辞了宋江、武行者两个。宋江自把包裹背了，说道：“不须庄客远送，我自和武兄弟去。”孔明、孔亮相别，自和庄客归家，不在话下。
只说宋江和武松两个在路上行着，于路说些闲话，走到晚，歇了一宵。次日早起，打伙又行。两个吃罢饭，又走了四五十里，却来到一市镇上，地名唤做瑞龙镇，却是个三岔路口。宋江借问那里人道：“小人们欲投二龙山、清风寨上，不知从那条路去？”那镇上人答道：“这两处不是一条路去了。这里要投二龙山去，只是投西落路；若要投清风镇去，须用投东落路，过了清风山便是。”宋江听了备细，便道：“兄弟，我和你今日分手，就这里吃三杯相别。”词寄《浣溪沙》，单题别意：
握手临期话别难，山林景物正阑珊，壮怀寂寞客衣单。
旅次愁来魂欲断，邮亭宿处铗空弹，独怜长夜苦漫漫。
武行者道：“我送哥哥一程了却回来。”宋江道：“不须如此。自古道：送君千里，终有一别。兄弟，你只顾自己前程万里，早早的到了彼处。入伙之后，少戒酒性。如得朝廷招安，你便可撺掇鲁智深、杨志投降了，日后但是去边上，一枪一刀，博得个封妻荫子，久后青史上留得一个好名，也不枉了为人一世。我自百无一能，虽有忠心，不能得进步。兄弟，你如此英雄，决定得做大官。可以记心，听愚兄之言，图个日后相见。”武行者听了。酒店上饮了数杯，还了酒钱，二人出得店来，行到市镇梢头三岔路口，武行者下了四拜。宋江洒泪，不忍分别，又分付武松道：“兄弟，休忘愚兄之言，少戒酒性。保重，保重！”武行者自投西去了。看官牢记话头，武行者自来二龙山投鲁智深、杨志入伙了，不在话下。
且说宋江自别了武松，转身投东，望清风山路上来，于路只忆武行者。又自行了几日，却早远远的望见清风山。看那山村，但见：
八面嵯峨，四围险峻。古怪乔松盘翠盖，杈枒老树挂藤萝。瀑布飞流，寒气逼人毛发冷；巅崖直下，清光射目梦魂惊。涧水时听，樵人斧响；峰峦倒卓，山鸟声哀。麋鹿成群，狐狸结党，穿荆棘往来跳跃，寻野食前后呼号。伫立草坡，一望并无商旅店；行来山坳，周回尽是死尸坑。若非佛祖修行处，定是强人打劫场。
宋江看了前面那座高山生得古怪，树木稠密，心中欢喜，观之不足，贪走了几程，不曾问的宿头。看看天色晚了，宋江内心惊慌，肚里寻思道：“若是夏月天道，胡乱在林子里歇一夜。却恨又是仲冬天气，风霜正冽，夜间寒冷，难以打熬。倘或走出一个毒虫虎豹来时，如何抵当，却不害了性命！”只顾望东小路里撞将去，约莫走了也是一更时分，心里越慌，看不见地下，跴了一条绊脚索。树林里铜铃响，走出十四五个伏路小喽啰来，发声喊，把宋江捉翻，一条麻索缚了，夺了朴刀、包裹，吹起火把，将宋江解上山来。宋江只得叫苦。却早押到山寨里。宋江在火光下看时，四下里都是木栅，当中一座草厅，厅上放着三把虎皮交椅，后面有百十间草房。小喽啰把宋江捆做粽子相似，将来绑在将军柱上。有几个在厅上的小喽啰说道：“大王方才睡，且不要去报。等大王酒醒时，却请起来，剖这牛子心肝做醒酒汤，我们大家吃块新鲜肉。”宋江被绑在将军柱上，心里寻思道：“我的造物只如此偃蹇[3]！只为杀了一个烟花妇人，变出得如此之苦！谁想这把骨头却落在这里，断送了残生性命。”只见小喽啰点起灯烛荧煌。宋江已自冻得身体麻木了，动掸不得，只把眼来四下里张望，低了头叹气。
约有二三更天气，只见厅背后走出三五个小喽啰来，叫道：“大王起来了！”便去把厅上灯烛剔得明亮。宋江偷眼看时，见那个出来的大王，头上绾着鹅梨角儿，一条红绢帕裹着，身上披着一领枣红丝衲袄，便来坐在当中虎皮交椅上。看那大王时，生得如何？但见：
赤发黄须双眼圆，臂长腰阔气冲天。
江湖称作锦毛虎，好汉原来却姓燕。
那个好汉祖贯山东莱州人氏，姓燕名顺，别号锦毛虎。原是贩羊马客人出身，因为消折了本钱，流落在绿林丛内打劫。那燕顺酒醒起来，坐在中间交椅上，问道：“孩儿们那里拿得这个牛子？”小喽啰答道：“孩儿们正在后山伏路，只听得树林里铜铃响。原来这个牛子独自个背些包裹，撞了绳索，一跤绊翻，因此拿得来献与大王做醒酒汤。”燕顺道：“正好。快去与我请得二位大王来同吃。”小喽啰去不多时，只见厅侧两边走出两个好汉来。左边一个五短身材，一双光眼。怎生打扮？但见：
驼褐衲袄锦绣补，形貌峥嵘性粗卤。
贪财好色最强梁，放火杀人王矮虎。
这个好汉祖贯两淮人氏，姓王名英。为他五短身材，江湖上叫他做矮脚虎。原是车家出身，为因半路里见财起意，就势劫了客人，事发到官，越狱走了，上清风山，和燕顺占住此山，打家劫舍。左边这个生的白净面皮，三牙掩口髭须，瘦长膀阔，清秀模样，也裹着顶绛红头巾。怎地结束？但见：
绿衲袄圈金翡翠，锦征袍满缕红云。
江湖上英雄好汉，郑天寿白面郎君。
这个好汉祖贯浙西苏州人氏，姓郑，双名天寿。为他生得白净俊俏，人都号他做白面郎君。原是打银为生，因他自小好习枪棒，流落在江湖上，因来清风山过，撞着王矮虎，和他斗了五六十合，不分胜败。因此燕顺见他好手段，留在山上，坐了第三把交椅。
当下三个头领坐下，王矮虎便道：“孩儿们，正好做醒酒汤。快动手取下这牛子心肝来，造三分醒酒酸辣汤来。”只见一个小喽啰掇一大铜盆水来，放在宋江面前；又一个小喽啰卷起袖子，手中明晃晃拿着一把剜心尖刀。那个掇水的小喽啰便把双手泼起水来，浇那宋江心窝里。原来但凡人心都是热血裹着，把这冷水泼散了热血，取出心肝来时，便脆了好吃。那小喽啰把水直泼到宋江脸上，宋江叹口气道：“可惜宋江死在这里！”燕顺亲耳听得“宋江”两字，便喝住小喽啰道：“且不要泼水！”燕顺问道：“他那厮说甚么‘宋江’？”小喽啰答道：“这厮口里说道：‘可惜宋江死在这里！’”燕顺便起身来问道：“兀那汉子，你认得宋江？”宋江道：“只我便是宋江。”燕顺走近跟前又问道：“你是那里的宋江？”宋江答道：“我是济州郓城县做押司的宋江。”燕顺道：“你莫不是山东及时雨宋公明，杀了阎婆惜，逃出在江湖上的宋江么？”宋江道：“你怎得知？我正是宋三郎。”燕顺听罢，吃了一惊，便夺过小喽啰手内尖刀，把麻索都割断了，便把自身上披的枣红丝衲袄脱下来，裹在宋江身上，抱在中间虎皮交椅上，唤起王矮虎、郑天寿快下来，三人纳头便拜。
宋江滚下来答礼，问道：“三位壮士何故不杀小人，反行重礼？此意如何？”亦拜在地。那三个好汉一齐跪下。燕顺道：“小弟只要把尖刀剜了自己的眼睛！原来不识好人，一时间见不到处，少问个缘由，争些儿坏了义士。若非天幸，使令仁兄自说出大名来，我等如何得知仔细！小弟在江湖上绿林丛中走了十数年，也只久闻得贤兄仗义疏财、济困扶危的大名，只恨缘分浅薄，不能拜识尊颜。今日天使相会，真乃称心满意。”宋江答道：“量宋江有何德能，教足下如此挂心错爱。”燕顺道：“仁兄礼贤下士，结纳豪强，名闻寰海，谁不钦敬！梁山泊近来如此兴旺，四海皆闻，曾有人说道，尽出仁兄之赐。不知仁兄独自何来，今却到此？”宋江把这救晁盖一节，杀阎婆惜一节，却投柴进，向孔太公许多时，并今次要往清风寨寻小李广花荣这几件事，一一备细说了。三个头领大喜，随即取套衣服与宋江穿了。一面叫杀牛宰马，连夜筵席。当夜直吃到五更，叫小喽啰伏侍宋江歇了。次日辰牌起来，诉说路上许多事务，又说武松如此英雄了得，三个头领拊髀长叹道：“我们无缘！若得他来这里，十分是好。却恨他投那里去了！”话休絮繁。宋江自到清风山住了五七日，每日好酒好食管待，不在话下。
当时腊月初旬，山东人年例，腊日上坟。只见小喽啰山下报上来说道：“大路上有一乘轿子，七八个人跟着，挑着两个盒子去坟头化纸。”王矮虎是个好色之徒，见报了，想此轿子必是个妇人，便点起三五十小喽啰，便要下山。宋江、燕顺那里拦当得住。绰了枪刀，敲一棒铜锣，下山去了。宋江、燕顺、郑天寿三人自在寨中饮酒。那王矮虎去了约有三两个时辰，远探小喽啰报将来说道：“王头领直赶到半路里，七八个军汉都走了，拿得轿子里抬着的一个妇人。只有一个银香盒，别无物件财帛。”燕顺问道：“那妇人如今抬在那里？”小喽啰道：“王头领已自抬在山后房中去了。”燕顺大笑。宋江道：“原来王英兄弟要贪女色，不是好汉的勾当。”燕顺道：“这个兄弟诸般都肯向前，只是有这些毛病。”宋江道：“二位和我同去劝他。”燕顺、郑天寿便引了宋江，直来到后山王矮虎房中。推开房门，只见王矮虎正搂住那妇人求欢。见了三位入来，慌忙推开那妇人，让三位坐。宋江看那妇人时，但见：
身穿缟素，腰系孝裙。不施脂粉，自然体态妖娆；懒染铅华，生定天姿秀丽。云鬟半整，有沉鱼落雁之容；星眼含愁，有闭月羞花之貌。恰似嫦娥离月殿，浑如织女下瑶池。
宋江看见那妇人，便问道：“娘子，你是谁家宅眷？这般时节出来闲走，有甚么要紧？”那妇人含羞向前，深深地道了三个万福，便答道：“侍儿是清风寨知寨的浑家。为因母亲弃世，今得小祥[4]，特来坟前化纸，那里敢无事出来闲走。告大王垂救性命！”宋江听罢，吃了一惊，肚里寻思道：“我正来投奔花知寨，莫不是花荣之妻？我如何不救！”宋江问道：“你丈夫花知寨如何不同你出来上坟？”那妇人道：“告大王，侍儿不是花知寨的浑家。”宋江道：“你恰才说是清风寨知寨的恭人。”那妇人道：“大王不知，这清风寨如今有两个知寨，一文一武。武官便是知寨花荣，文官便是侍儿的丈夫知寨刘高。”宋江寻思道：“他丈夫既是和花荣同僚，我不救时，明日到那里须不好看。”宋江便对王矮虎说道：“小人有句话说，不知你肯依么？”王英道：“哥哥有话，但说不妨。”宋江道：“但凡好汉，犯了‘溜骨髓’[5]三个字的，好生惹人耻笑。我看这娘子说来，是个朝廷命官的恭人[6]。怎生看在下薄面并江湖上大义两字，放他下山回去，教他夫妻完聚如何？”王英道：“哥哥听禀。王英自来没个押寨夫人做伴，况兼如今世上都是那大头巾[7]弄得歹了，哥哥管他则甚！胡乱容小弟这些个。”宋江便跪一跪道：“贤弟若要压寨夫人时，日后宋江拣一个停当好的，在下纳财进礼，娶一个伏侍贤弟。只是这个娘子，是小人友人同僚正官之妻，怎地做得人情，放了他则个。”燕顺、郑天寿一齐扶住宋江道：“哥哥且请起来，这个容易。”宋江又谢道：“恁地时，重承不阻。”燕顺见宋江坚意要救这妇人，因此不顾王矮虎肯与不肯，燕顺喝令轿夫抬了去。那妇人听了这话，插烛也似拜谢宋江，一口一声叫道：“谢大王！”宋江道：“恭人，你休谢我。我不是山寨里大王，我自是郓城县客人。”那妇人拜谢了下山，两个轿夫也得了性命，抬着那妇人下山来，飞也似走，只恨爷娘少生了两只脚。
这王矮虎又羞又闷，只不做声，被宋江拖出前厅，劝道：“兄弟，你不要焦躁。宋江日后好歹要与兄弟完娶一个，教你欢喜便了。小人并不失信。”燕顺、郑天寿都笑起来。王矮虎一时被宋江以礼义缚了，虽不满意，敢怒而不敢言，只得陪笑，自同宋江在山寨中吃筵席，不在话下。
且说清风寨军人一时间被掳了恭人去，只得回来，到寨里报与刘知寨，说道：“恭人被清风山强人掳去了。”刘高听了大怒，喝骂去的军人不了事，“如何撇了恭人！”大棍打那去的军汉。众人分说道：“我们只有五七个，他那里三四十人，如何与他敌得？”刘高喝道：“胡说！你们若不去夺得恭人回来时，我都把你们下在牢里问罪！”那几个军人吃逼不过，没奈何只得央浼本寨内军健七八十人，各执枪棒，用意来夺。不想来到半路，正撞见两个轿夫抬得恭人飞也似来了。众军汉接见恭人，问道：“怎地能勾下山？”那妇人道：“那厮捉我到山寨里，见我说道是刘知寨的夫人，唬得那厮慌忙拜我，便叫轿夫送我下山来。”众军汉道：“恭人可怜见我们，只对相公说我们打夺得恭人回来，权救我众人这顿打。”那妇人道：“我自有道理说便了。”众军汉拜谢了，簇拥着轿子便行。众人见轿夫走得快，便说道：“你两个闲常在镇上抬轿时，只是鹅行鸭步，如今却怎地这等走的快？”那两个轿夫应道：“本是走不动，却被背后老大栗暴打将来。”众人笑道：“你莫不见鬼？背后那得人。”轿夫方才敢回头，看了道：“哎也！是我走的慌了，脚后跟只打着脑杓子。”众人都笑，簇着轿子，回到寨中。刘知寨见了大喜，便问恭人道：“你得谁人救了你回来？”那妇人道：“便是那厮们掳我去，不从奸骗，正要杀我，见我说是知寨的恭人，不敢下手，慌忙拜我，却得这许多人来抢夺得我回来。”刘高听了这话，便叫取十瓶酒、一口猪赏了众人，不在话下。
且说宋江自救了那妇人下山，又在山寨中住了五七日，思量要来投奔花知寨，当时作别要下山。三个头领苦留不住，做了送路筵席饯行，各送些金宝与宋江，打缚在包裹里。当日宋江早起来，洗漱罢，吃了早饭，拴束了行李，作别了三位头领下山。那三个好汉将了酒果肴馔，直送到山下二十馀里官道旁边，把酒分别。三人不舍，叮嘱道：“哥哥去清风寨回来，是必再到山寨相会几时。”宋江背上包裹，提了朴刀，说道：“再得相见。”唱个大喏，分手去了。若是说话的同时生，并肩长，拦腰抱住，把臂拖回。宋公明只因要来投奔花知寨，险些儿死无葬身之地。只教：青州城外，出几筹好汉英雄；清风寨中，聚六个丈夫豪杰。正是：遭逢龙虎皆天数，际会风云岂偶然。毕竟宋江来寻花知寨撞着甚人，且听下回分解。
[1] 窨（yìn）下的——在地窨（地窖）里收藏的。
[2] 点手——招手。
[3] 造物偃蹇（yàn jiǎn）——造物，指运气、造化。造物偃蹇，就是运气不好、造化低；犹如说倒霉。
[4] 小祥——死人的周年祭。
[5] 溜骨髓——“好色”的隐语。
[6] 恭人——皇帝给官吏老婆封号的一种，一般用作对妇人的一种尊称。
[7] 大头巾——指做官的。
CHAPTER 31. While Drunk Wu Song Beats Kong Liang; the Elegant Tiger Releases Song Jiang
WHILE the two men were fighting Wu Song suddenly made a feint, and his opponent lunged forward. Wu Song stepped to one side avoiding the blow, and at the same moment brought down his sword, and cut off his opponent’s head. He shouted, “You, woman, inside there come here! I will not kill you. I only want to ask you a few questions.”
The woman came forward and kneeling down saluted Wu Song.
“You need not salute me,” said Wu Song. “What is this place called? Who is this man?”
The woman cried, “I am the daughter of Old Zhang who lives at the foot of the hill. This temple is in our ancestral graveyard. I do not know where this man came from, but he came to our house and asked us to let him stay there for the night. He said that he was skilled in the arts of feng shui, and had good knowledge of telling fortunes. My father and mother did not want him to stay with us, so they asked him to come to this temple and examine the spiritual nature of the surroundings. One day he saw me, and so was unwilling to depart. He stayed here for three months, and killed my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law. He then coerced me to stay here with him. The boy here was kidnapped by him from some other place. These hills are the Wugong Ridge. This man thought that the land situation here was auspicious. He said his name was Wang, a Taoist priest, and gave himself the nickname, ‘The Flying Centipede.’”
“Have you any relatives about here?”
“I have several relatives, but none of them dared say anything to this man.”
“Had he any money?” asked Wu Song.
“Yes, he had accumulated about two hundred taels of silver.”
“You go and pack it up. I am going to burn this temple down.”
The girl asked Wu Song whether he wanted to eat or drink.
“You can bring the food here,” replied Wu Song.
“Please come inside and dine there.”
“I am afraid there may be other men who might plot to kill me.”
The girl said, “I have only one head, so how dare I attempt to cheat you?”
Wu Song followed the girl inside, and saw near the window a table loaded with food and wine. While he had drunk for a time, the girl brought in the silver and offered it to Wu Song. He would not accept it, and told the girl to take it for herself. The girl knelt, saluted, and taking the silver departed down the mountain.
Wu Song set the place on fire, and threw the two corpses in the flames. He then sheathed his swords, and followed the road across the mountain towards Qingzhou prefecture.
During the next ten days he passed through many villages, hamlets, and towns, and noticed that the proclamation about himself was posted upon the walls. But on account of his disguise as a monk nobody suspected him.
It was now the eleventh lunar month, and the weather was getting quite cold. One day as he ascended a small ridge he saw in the distance a high mountain which appeared to be steep and difficult to cross. After going about two li further he came to an inn. It was built under a cliff, and in front of the door was a pure mountain stream. Near the inn were a few houses. He entered and called for wine and meat.
The innkeeper replied, “I will not deceive you, Reverend, I have no meat left, and I have only plain vegetables and wine.”
The innkeeper brought a bowl of wine, and some cooked vegetables. Wu Song had soon finished the wine, and asked for some more. On the road he had already had some wine so when he had taken this he began to feel tipsy. He called out, “Waiter, have you nothing else for me? If you have any meat left for your own family, please give me a part to eat, and I will pay you for it.”
The innkeeper laughed and said, “Strange! You are a monk yet you ask for wine and meat. But I have no meat, so I cannot help you.”
“I do not want it on credit so why don’t you let me have it?” asked Wu Song.
“I have already told you that I have no meat, and only wine. I have nothing else.”
Just then a big man entered the inn followed by four villagers, and the innkeeper welcomed them with a smiling face, and asked them to be seated.
“Have you done what I told you?” asked the man.
The innkeeper replied, “The chickens and meat are already cooked, and prepared for you.”
“And where is the special wine I ordered?” asked the man.
“It is also here.”
The man and his followers sat down at a table facing Wu Song. The innkeeper brought in a jar of wine, and removing the clay with which it was sealed, he poured out the wine into a jug. Wu Song saw that the wine jar had been kept in store for mellowing a long time, and the flavor of it was wafted towards him. He felt a great desire to taste the liquor. Just then the innkeeper brought in a tray loaded with roasted chicken, and another tray of lean cooked meat. He placed these before the men, and began to serve them with the wine. Turning to the small quantity of vegetables on his own table, Wu Song could not avoid being angry. Seeing such a big spread of food, and feeling very hungry he brought his fist down on the table and called out, “Waiter! Here! Why you insult your guest?”
“Reverend! do not worry,” said the innkeeper (hurrying to him). “If you want more wine you need not make such a noise.”
Wu Song glared at him, and shouted, “How unreasonable you are! Why don’t you allow me to buy some of the wine and meat? I can pay for it.”
“The wine and meat was sent here by this man himself, and they only come here to dine.”
But Wu Song would not listen to this as he wanted something to eat, so he swore at the man; “Farts! Farts! You’re giving me farts!” The waiter replied, “Your manners are very rude seeing that you are a monk.”
“Why do you talk about manners when I have already offered to pay for what I eat.” He then slapped the waiter’s face, who staggered to one side.
The man at the other table, seeing this, was angry. He saw that the waiter could not get up. He pointed at Wu Song and said, “You are a damned monk, but you do not carry out your principles well. Why do you hit people in this way? A monk ought not to display temper in this way.”
“I hit him, it has damned nothing to do with you,” replied Wu Song.
“I give you some good advice,” said the man. “Why do you reply in this bellicose manner?”
Now Wu Song was highly excited, overturned the table, and stepping forward shouted, “What did you say?”
The man laughed, and said, “Do you want to fight with me, you stupid monk?” He beckoned with his hand. “You crook. Come here, and talk with me.” “Do you think I am afraid of you?” asked Wu Song, and straightway went toward the door. The man stepped out of the door, followed by Wu Song. When Wu Song came outside the man noticed that he was of big build and not to be despised. Wu Song advanced in a fighting attitude. The man tried to kick at Wu Song who however was too quick, and avoiding the kick he seized hold of the man’s hand, and pulled him forward. He then pulled him sideways and pushed him down just as though he was a small boy. The man’s companions were looking on at this, but did not dare to interfere, and stood there trembling. Wu Song placed his foot on the man, and then hit him about forty times with his fist in unimportant places. He then lifted him up, and threw him into the brook. The companions rushed into the water, and rescued him. They brought him to the bank, and then they all walked off along the road.
The innkeeper was still holding his sore head in a room at the back. Wu Song entered and said to himself, “Well, they have all gone, so I will now have a drink.” He took the jug of wine, and had a good drink. He then seized the two chickens, and without using chopsticks ate them with his fingers. He had nearly finished all the food and wine in an hour and being quite full he left the inn, and went on his way by the side of the brook. But there was now a very strong head wind so that he found it difficult to walk against it. He struggled on about two li when he came to an earth wall where a yellow dog rushed out and began barking at him. Wu Song was partly drunk, and felt annoyed at the dog barking, so he took his sword from his belt and attempted to hit the dog with it. But the dog always escaped his blows, and pursuing it to the bank of the stream Wu Song struck another blow, missed his footing and fell into the water, not being able to get up. The dog stood still on the bank, barking at him, but he could not get on his legs again. It was winter-time, and although the water was only about two feet deep it was very cold. At last he struggled up, and stood with the water dripping from his clothes. His sword was lying in the water and it seemed to be very bright and clear. He stooped down to pick it up, but fell into the water again, and could not get up. While he was tumbling there a number of men came out of the house, and stood on the bank. With them was a very big man, wearing a felt cap, and a yellow silk jacket. In his hand was a stick, and about ten men, who were with him, were also armed in the same way. When they saw Wu Song, they cried out, “Here is the crook who attacked our young master who has just gone to the inn with thirty men to capture him.” Just then they heard whistles being blown, and the band of thirty men joined the others on the bank. A big man spoke to the man in the yellow silk jacket, “This is the very monk who attacked me.” The man spoken to was his brother, and replied, “Arrest him and bring him into our farmyard where we will punish him.”
The men seized Wu Song and dragged him out of the stream and went along. Now Wu Song was really drunk and could not struggle. They took him into the yard of a big farmstead which had high whitewashed walls surrounded by fir and willow trees. They stripped him of his clothes, and then beat him severely with a bundle of rattan canes. When they had beaten him about five blows a man came on the scene, and asked, “Whom are you beating?” The brother explained and added, “We suspect that he is really not a monk. He is branded on his face with two lines of characters, which had been hidden by his hair. He is evidently an escaped convict. We will ask him where he comes from, and then send him under arrest to the officials.”
The younger brother interposed, “We won’t ask any questions. He hurt me severely, and it will be at least a month before I can recover. It would be better to beat him to death, and then burn his body. Then I shall feel that I have had my revenge.” He seized the bundle of canes to continue the beating, but the stranger interposed saying, “Sir, please wait until I have had a look at him. He looks like a fine fellow.”
Now Wu Song had heard all this, and understood it, but he did not utter a word, and kept his eyes closed.
The stranger examined Wu Song’s back, and saw there the scars from the previous beating. “How strange! These stripes must be from a punishment he has recently received.” He then went to the front, and lifting up Wu Song’s long hair had a good look at his face. He exclaimed, “Is this not my younger brother Wu Song?”
Wu Song now opened his eyes and replied, “Are you not my elder brother?”
“Release him at once,” said the stranger. “This is my younger brother.”
The brothers were surprised at this turn of events, and asked, “How can this fellow be a brother of yours?”
The stranger replied, “Have I not told you many times about Wu Song who killed a tiger on Jingyang Ridge? This is he. I do not understand yet how he has got into this situation.”
The brothers released Wu Song at once, gave him his clothes, and then they all went into the hall. Wu Song attempted to kneel down to give a kowtow, but the stranger stepped forward and prevented this, saying, “Younger brother, the wine is still upsetting you. Please sit down, and we will talk together.” Wu Song was much pleased at seeing this man, and as he still felt slightly tipsy, he asked for some cold water to wash his hands and face in, and also rinse his mouth. After this he felt better, and after saluting his friend he sat down.
The man was no other than Song Jiang of Yuncheng County.
“I thought you were living with Squire Chai,” said Wu Song. “How is it that you are here? It seems like a dream to see you now.”
“After your leaving us,” said Song Jiang, “I stayed with Squire Chai for about half a year. I did not know how affairs were at home, and as my father might be anxious on account of our long absence, I at last decided to send my brother Song Qing home. After this, a letter arrived from home stating that due to the good care of Inspectors Zhu and Lei there was no more trouble at my home, and only I myself was wanted. An official proclamation had been issued to all places urging my arrest. The case, however, was now almost forgotten. Old Kong had however often made inquiries about me at my home and upon my brother’s return, had found out where I was. He therefore sent for me from Squire Chai’s home to this place. This is called ‘Baihu Mountain,’ and this farmstead belongs to Old Kong. The man you fought with is Old Kong’s second son. He is very hot tempered, and has the nickname ‘Fiery Star,’ his name is Kong Liang. The other man with the yellow silk jacket is Kong Ming, the eldest son of Old Kong, and has the nickname ‘Restless Star.’ They were both very eager to learn fencing, so they asked me to be their teacher. I have been here for about six months. I would like to go to the Qingfeng Fortress and have been thinking of starting the last two days. While I was with Squire Chai, I heard about your killing the tiger on Jingyang Ridge, and that you became a Drill Instructor at Yanggu County, and that you killed Ximen Qing there. But afterwards, I could not find out your whereabouts. How is it that you are now wearing a monk’s dress?”
Wu Song then told what had happened to him since leaving Squire Chai’s home, and how he had killed so many people. How he had adopted the disguise of a monk’s dress, and had fought with Old Kong’s son. When Kong Liang and Kong Ming heard the account of the adventures of Wu Song, they both were surprised and kowtowed to him. Wu Song at once raised them up, and said, “It is my fault that I attacked you.”
The brothers replied, “We were at fault for not recognizing your eminence. We ask for your pardon.”
“Now that you know me, I hope that you will help me in drying my monk’s certificate and letters, recovering all my baggage, swords, clothes, etc.,” said Wu Song.
Kong Ming replied, “I will attend to that, and see that you get them all back.”
We need not say how they all went to explain matters to Old Kong, and were entertained by that gentleman.
That evening Song Jiang invited Wu Song to share his room, and during the night they talked about the affairs of the previous year. Wu Song rose early the next morning, and after washing his face and mouth went into the hall for his breakfast. Kong Ming was there, and dined with Wu Song. Kong Liang was also there, and although he was not recovered from his pain, yet he waited upon Wu Song.
Old Kong gave orders for a pig and goat to be killed, and prepared a feast. That day many of the relatives of the family, and also the neighbors, visited and paid respects to Wu Song.
That evening after the feast Song Jiang asked Wu Song where he intended to find refuge. Wu Song explained that he had a letter from Zhang Qing introducing him to Lu Da at the Lianglong Mountain, and that he wished to join the brigands there.
Song Jiang thought that was all right. He said, “I have today received a letter from Hua Rong, commander of Qingfeng Fortress, stating that he knew that I had killed Yan Poxi, and urging me to seek refuge at his town. This place is not far from Qingfeng Fortress, and I am thinking of going there. But as the weather has been trying these few days, I have not set out on the journey. How would it be if we went there together?”
Wu Song replied, “I am afraid that it would not do for us to live there because as you know I am a convicted criminal. I must avoid trouble by joining the brigands at the Lianglong Mountain. Moreover, as I am now a monk it would not look well for you to travel in my company. It would only arouse suspicions, and you might also get involved. We shall be true to each other till death shall separate us, but I should not like to get you into trouble with the commander of Qingfeng Fortress. I had better go by myself to the Lianglong Mountain. If Heaven takes pity on me I may escape death, and if I am afterwards given an official post, then we may be reunited.”
“As you have those ideas,” said Song Jiang, “you will eventually return to the Emperor’s court, and Heaven will watch over you. I will not attempt to dissuade you, but we can spend a few days here in each other’s company.”
These two friends stayed about ten days at Old Kong’s farmstead. At the end of that period, however, Old Kong was unwilling to let them go, so they stayed about three days more. Then as they were decided to go, Old Kong prepared a feast. He gave Wu Song a new suit of monk’s clothes, and also fifty taels of silver. He also presented Song Jiang with the same but as the latter refused to accept them, Old Kong put them in his baggage. Upon their departure Old Kong sent servants to carry their baggage for some distance, and both Kong Ming and Kong Liang also accompanied them for about seven li on their way. Song Jiang at last asked the two brothers to come no further, but return home. This they did, and the servant also returned.
Wu Song and Song Jiang traveled together, and the following day when they had gone about twenty li, they came to a market town called Ruilong, where the road divided. So Song Jiang asked a man, “We are going to the Lianglong Mountain and also Qingfeng Fort. Which of these roads must we take?” The man replied that the western road would lead to the Lianglong Mountain, while the eastern road lead to Qingfeng Fort.
“Young brother,” said Song Jiang, “we must separate here, but before we go let us take a parting cup of wine.”
“I will come with you for a day’s journey on your road,” said Wu Song, “and then come back here.” “That will not do,” said Song Jiang. “There is an ancient saying, ‘Accompany a person three hundred li, and yet there is bound to be a parting at last.’ You had better go your own way from here. When you become a brigand, try avoid drinking too much wine. I hope you will urge and advise Lu Da to surrender to the Emperor’s official, if there is such an opportunity. Later on, if you are sent to the frontier you can accomplish meritorious deeds for the Emperor and thus get your wife and children rewarded by heritage. You can get a good name, and have your actions recorded in history, and so your life would not be lived in vain. I have no ability, and although I am loyal there is no hope of promotion for me. You are a brave hero, and can do great things yet, but please do not forget me.”
They then went into an inn and drank a parting cup. They proceeded to the place where the road divided, and there they took leave of each other. Song Jiang could not avoid weeping when they parted. He again asked Wu Song not to forget what he had just said—avoid drinking too much wine.
Song Jiang traveled along the eastern road, and within a few days, he approached the Qingfeng Mountain. It was odd looking, covered with dense forest. He enjoyed the scenery very much, and was so engrossed that he did not even inquire about a resting place. But when evening was drawing nigh, he began to feel anxious and thought, “If it were summer, I could sleep in the forest, but as it is now midwinter, the nights are exceedingly cold, and I must find some shelter. Moreover, here there will be wild animals, poisonous snakes, and tigers, so that I shall be in danger of death.” He continued on his way, but after about two hours more, it was so dark that he could not see the road, and soon he fell into a trap which caused a bell to ring. Very soon about fifteen men came on the scene, and arrested him. They took his halberd and bundle, lit a torch, and took Song Jiang up the mountain to their stronghold. Looking round, he saw that the place was protected by a wooden fence, with a large straw shed in the middle. Inside the shed were three chairs covered with tiger skin. On all sides were smaller straw sheds. The soldiers tied him up to a post. Several soldiers in the big hut called out, “Our chief is asleep so that you cannot see him just now. When he awakes, we can take this fellow’s liver and heart and make an excellent soup. We shall soon have some fresh meat.”
Song Jiang thought, “I am a most unfortunate fellow! I killed a girl, and am now in this awkward predicament. But who would have expected me to die in such a place as this.” The soldiers now began to light the lamps. Song Jiang was exceedingly cold, and sighed at his bad fate. About midnight three or four soldiers came from behind the big shed and said, “Our chief has now got up.” They went to the lamps, and trimmed the candles. The chief soon came, and Song Jiang stealthily looked at him. His hair was dressed in a knob on the top of his head, and was covered in a red silk turban. His gown was of bright red silk. He sat down in one of the chairs covered with a tiger skin. His name was Yan Shun, and his nickname was ‘Elegant Tiger.’ His family was at Laizhou in Shandong province. Previously he had been a horse dealer, but had lost all his money and so had become a bandit.
“Where did you capture this fellow?” he asked. The soldiers told him how this had happened.
“That is good,” said Yan Shun. “Go and tell the other two chiefs to come here, and partake of this fellow.”
A soldier went, and in a short time the two chiefs arrived. One of them was a dwarf, but had very brilliant eyes. His name was Wang Ying, and his nickname was ‘Stunted Tiger.’ He was a Lianghuai man, and had previously been a porter. He had once been arrested and imprisoned because he had killed a passenger on the road and robbed him of his property. But later he had escaped from the jail. He had joined Yan Shun at the Qingfeng Mountain, and taken to brigandage.
The other chief had a white face, with a beard and mustache. He was broad shouldered but rather lanky. He wore a brown silk turban, and had a distinguished appearance. He was a Suzhou man. His name was Zheng Tianshou, and his nickname was ‘White Faced Squire.’ Previously he had been a silversmith, and from his youth had been skillful with the cudgels, and had always been fond of strolling about. Once he had happened to meet Wang Ying, the ‘Stunted Tiger,’ and they had fought for about fifty bouts without either being victorious. Yan Shun had been watching this fight, and had admired Zheng’s skill so he invited him to come and join them as brigands.
The three chiefs sat down, and ‘Stunted Tiger’ spoke, “Be quick, and let us have this fellow’s liver made into sour soup for us three.”
A soldier brought a large bowl of water, and placed it in front of Song Jiang. Another soldier rolled up his sleeves, and took a knife for cutting out the heart. The first named soldier opened Song Jiang’s dress, and poured cold water over his bosom. The water was used to force the hot blood from the heart, and make the heart and liver tender when taken out. The cold water was splashed in Song Jiang’s face so that he gasped, and cried out, “What a pity that Song Jiang should die like this!”
When Yan Shun heard the name Song Jiang, he at once told the soldier to stop splashing the water on the man. He then asked, “What did that man say?” When the soldier repeated it, Yan Shun got up and asked, “Do you know Song Jiang?”
“I am Song Jiang.”
“Which Song Jiang do you mean?” asked Yan Shun.
“I am Song Jiang who was a clerk in the yamen at Yuncheng County.”
“Are you the Song Jiang sometimes called ‘Welcome Rain’ who killed Yan Poxi, and then escaped?”
“How do you know that?” asked Song Jiang. “I certainly am that person.”
Yan Shun was astonished. He took the knife from the soldier, and cut the ropes binding Song Jiang. He then took the bright red silk gown he was wearing, and put it on Song Jiang. He lifted him up, and seated him in his own chair. He then summoned the other two chiefs, and they all three went down on their knees and kowtowed to Song Jiang.
Song Jiang arose and also gave them a kowtow. He asked, “Why have you gentlemen not killed me? Why do you pay such respects to me?”
“I feel that I ought to gouge out my own eyes because they failed to recognize you,” said Yan Shun. “I did not even ask you any questions so that I was almost on the point of killing a hero. If Heaven had not luckily moved you to say your name we should not have found out who you are. I have acted as a brigand for ten years, and during my travels I have heard that you distributed money in good cause and assisted people in distress. Only I have been so unfortunate that I could not pay you the respects earlier. Now I am contented that Heaven has arranged for us to meet today.”
“What virtuous acts have I done that you should now regard me in this manner?” asked Song Jiang.
“Elder brother, you befriend great heroes,” said Yan Shun. “Your name resounds in all parts, and where is the man who would not respect you? Just now matters at Liangshan Marsh are prospering, and that is known in all quarters. It has been said that all the prosperity there has been due to your assistance. I did not expect you to turn up at this spot.”
Song Jiang then told all the details of his adventures with Chao Gai, his murdering of Yan Poxi, and how he was now on his way to the Qingfeng Mountain to find Hua Rong. All the chiefs were very glad to hear all this, and gave Song Jiang clothes to put on. They had a sheep and a pig killed, and that night they entertained Song Jiang to a feast. The next day Song told them all about Wu Song, and what that brave hero had done. The chiefs felt much regret that Wu Song had gone to somewhere else without calling at their place.
It was the custom in Shandong province to visit the family graves during the first ten days of the last month of the year. One day a soldier reported that in the valley below there was a sedan chair followed by about eight men, who were carrying two boxes, and they were evidently going to a grave to offer sacrifices. ‘Stunted Tiger’ was a lecher, and when he heard this report, he at once assumed that there might be a woman in the sedan chair. He summoned about fifty soldiers to follow him down the mountain. Song Jiang and Yan Shun were opposed to this expedition, but could not stop it. The bandits seized their weapons, and striking a gong they set off down the mountain. The other three were left behind, drinking wine.
About three hours later, a scout reported to Yan Shun that ‘Stunted Tiger’ had attacked the eight soldiers who had all run away, leaving the sedan chair in which was a woman. There were only incense sticks in the silver box.
“Where has the woman been taken to?” asked Yan Shun. “‘Stunted Tiger’ has taken her into his own room,” was the reply. Yan Shun laughed. “Then our brother Wang Ying must be lustful, which is not creditable to a hero,” said Song Jiang.
“He is very brave on all occasions,” said Yan Shun, “but he has just that one fault.” “Let us go, and give him some good advice,” said Song Jiang. So they all three went to ‘Stunted Tiger’s’ quarters, and upon pushing open the door they saw that he was embracing a woman, and was making solicitations. When he saw his friends he pushed the woman away from him, and asked them to be seated.
“Lady, what family do you belong to?” asked Song Jiang. “What urgent business have you that brings you to this place?”
The woman blushed, and gave three feminine salutes. “I am of the family of the commander of Qingfeng Fortress. My mother is dead so I seized this opportunity to visit her grave, and offer sacrifice to her spirit. I would not think of coming here on an idle trip. I beg you to save my life!”
Song Jiang was startled on hearing this, and thought, “I was going to seek refuge with Colonel Hua Rong, the commander of Qingfeng Fortress and this woman perhaps is his wife. Why should I not save her?” So he again asked, “If you are the wife of Hua Rong how is it that he did not accompany you to the grave?”
“I will tell you,” said the woman. “I am not his wife.”
“But just now you said you were the wife of the magistrate,” said Song Jiang.
“You do not understand,” said the woman. “At Qingfeng Fortress there are now two chiefs—one military and the other civil. The military commander is Colonel Hua Rong. The civil magistrate is Liu Gao, who is my husband.”
Song Jiang thought, “Her husband is a fellow officer of Hua Rong. If I do not help her it will not look well for me to go and see my friend Hua Rong.” He turned to ‘Stunted Tiger,’ and said, “I have something to say to you, but I do not know whether you will like it or not.”
‘Stunted Tiger’ said, “Elder brother, please say what you have to say.”
“If a hero commits debauchery everybody is ashamed of him,” said Song Jiang. “This woman says she is the wife of an official appointed by the Imperial Court. What do you think if you take into account my friendly advice and the rules of common decency, and let her go to rejoin her husband?”
“Brother, listen to me,” said ‘Stunted Tiger,’ “I have not a wife to accompany me at the stronghold, moreover in the present generation, many wives are monopolized by one person. Better leave this matter alone, and let me have this woman.”
Song Jiang knelt down and kowtowed. He said, “Sir, if you want a wife, I will look round, and find you a very good one. I will endow her with wedding presents, and you can marry her. But this woman is the wife of an official, who is a comrade of my friend, so we must have some consideration of his feelings, and let this woman go.”
Yan Shun and Zheng Tianshou both raised Song Jiang up, and said, “Elder brother, please get up. This matter will be easily arranged.”
Song Jiang said, “Thank you for not standing in the way of this being done.”
Yan Shun saw that Song Jiang was determined so without asking ‘Stunted Tiger’ whether he agreed or not, he ordered the captive sedan chair bearers to take the woman away at once.
The woman upon hearing this order saluted Song Jiang, and expressed her thanks many times.
“Lady,” said Song Jiang, “do not thank me. I am not a leader at this stronghold, but merely a guest from Yuncheng County.”
The woman again expressed her thanks, and then entering the sedan chair, she was quickly borne down the mountain by the two bearers whose lives had been spared. They almost flew down the mountain as though they had very many legs.
‘Stunted Tiger’ was disappointed, and also ashamed.
Song Jiang took him to the front hall telling him not to worry. “I will certainly get you a wife later on, and then you will be able to enjoy yourself. You can depend upon me keeping my promise.”
Upon this both Yan Shun and Zheng Tianshou laughed.
‘Stunted Tiger’ had been balked of his prey by the rules of decorum, but although he was angry he dared not say a word.
The soldiers reported the seizure of his wife to the Magistrate Liu Gao. He was very angry, and abused them for their dereliction of duty. He had them beaten as punishment.
They stated that they were outnumbered as there were about forty of the bandits.
“Nonsense!” said the magistrate. “If you do not now go and recapture my wife, I will have you all put in prison.”
The men had no escape so they asked other soldiers to join them, and altogether about eighty soldiers started off to rescue the magistrate’s wife. They had not gone half the distance on the return journey when they met the two bearers carrying the sedan chair with the lady inside.
“How did you get away from the mountain?” asked they.
“Those fellows who seized me,” said the lady, “were quite upset when I told them that I am the wife of Magistrate Liu, and they at once ordered the chair bearers to take me down the mountain again.”
The soldiers replied, “Lady, we pray you to say that we rescued you, and so save us from further punishments.”
“I know how to speak to the magistrate,” she said.
They all saluted and expressed their thanks. They all escorted the chair and went along. But the chair bearers still walked very quickly so the soldiers asked them, “In ordinary days you walked like ducks or geese, so how is it you hurry so much now?”
“We really cannot walk fast,” said the chair bearers, “but we are afraid that those terrible fellows will catch us up and give us a beating.”
The escort laughed and said, “Have you seen a demon? Where are the men following you?”
The chair bearers now dared to look round, and seeing nobody pursuing them they exclaimed, “Ai Ya! We have had no time to look behind before, because our heels were kicking our backs as we raced along.”
When they reached the yamen the magistrate was very much pleased to see his wife again, and asked her who had rescued her.
“When those bandits seized me they made vile solicitations, but I did not listen to them, and they were going to kill me. When they heard however that I was your wife they were immediately startled and saluted me. When all these soldiers arrived on the scene, they rescued me, and brought me back.”
When the magistrate heard this he ordered ten jugs of wine and a roasted pig to be given to the soldiers as a reward for their efforts.
After the woman had left the mountain Song Jiang stayed there about ten days, and then expressed his desire to visit Colonel Hua Rong. The three chiefs of the bandits did not want him to go, but at last they prepared a feast, and made him presents of much silver.
Song Jiang bid them good bye. The three chiefs accompanied him down the mountain for about seven li where they drank the parting cups of wine, and before separating they urged Song Jiang to come and visit them again on the mountain when he left the magistrate’s protection. This, Song Jiang promised to do. If the author were living at that time, he would not have allowed Song Jiang to depart and face death again in the Hua Rong’s service.
Why should people look for trouble,
Which is not like changing clouds?