第三十三回

第三十三回 宋江夜看小鳌山 花荣大闹清风寨

诗曰：

花开不择贫家第，月照山河到处明。

世间只有人心恶，万事还须天养人。

盲聋喑哑家豪富，智慧聪明却受贫。

年月日时该载定，算来由命不由人。

话说这清风山离青州不远，只隔得百里来路。这清风寨却在青州三岔路口，地名清风镇。因为这三岔路上通三处恶山，因此特设这清风寨在这清风镇上。那里也有三五千人家，却离这清风山只有一站多路。当日三位头领自上山去了。

只说宋公明独自一个，背着些包裹，迤逦来到清风镇上，便借问花知寨住处。那镇上人答道：“这清风寨衙门在镇市中间。南边有个小寨，是文官刘知寨住宅；北边那个小寨，正是武官花知寨住宅。”宋江听罢，谢了那人，便投北寨来。到得门首，见有几个把门军汉，问了姓名，入去通报。只见寨里走出那个年少的军官来，拖住宋江便拜。那人生得如何，但见：

齿白唇红双眼俊，两眉入鬓常清。细腰宽膀似猿形。能骑乖劣马，爱放海东青。百步穿杨神臂健，弓开秋月分明。雕翎箭发迸寒星。人称小李广，将种是花荣。

出来的年少将军不是别人，正是清风寨武知寨小李广花荣。宋江见了，看那花荣，怎生打扮？但见：

身上战袍金翠绣，腰间玉带嵌山犀。

渗青巾帻双环小，文武花靴抹绿低。

花荣见宋江，拜罢，喝叫军汉接了包裹、朴刀、腰刀，扶住宋江，直至正厅上，便请宋江当中凉床上坐了。花荣又纳头拜了四拜，起身道：“自从别了兄长之后，屈指又早五六年矣，常常念想。听得兄长杀了一个泼烟花，官司行文书各处追捕。小弟闻得，如坐针毡，连连写了十数封书去贵庄问信，不知曾到也否？今日天赐，幸得哥哥到此，相见一面，大称平生渴仰之思。”说罢又拜。宋江扶住道：“贤弟休只顾讲礼，请坐了，听在下告诉。”花荣斜坐着。宋江把杀阎婆惜一事和投奔柴大官人并孔太公庄上遇见武松、清风山上被捉遇燕顺等事，细细地都说了一遍。花荣听罢，答道：“兄长如此多磨难！今日幸得仁兄到此，且住数年，却又理会。”宋江道：“若非兄弟宋清寄书来孔太公庄上时，在下也特地要来贤弟这里走一遭。”花荣道：“前次连连奉书去拜问兄长，不见回音。后闻知令弟说，兄长在白虎山孔太公庄上，也特地要差人请兄长来此间住几时。今蒙仁兄不弃到此，只恨无甚罕物管待。”便请宋江去后堂里坐，唤出浑家崔氏来拜伯伯。拜罢，花荣又叫妹子出来拜了哥哥。便请宋江更换衣裳鞋袜，香汤沐浴，在后堂安排筵席洗尘。

当日筵宴上，宋江把救了刘知寨恭人的事，备细对花荣说了一遍。花荣听罢，皱了双眉说道：“兄长没来由救那妇人做甚么！正好教灭这厮的口。”宋江道：“却又作怪！我听得说是清风寨知寨的恭人，因此把做贤弟同僚面上，特地不顾王矮虎相怪，一力要救他下山。你却如何恁的说？”花荣道：“兄长不知。不是小弟说口，这清风寨还是青州紧要去处，若还是小弟独自在这里守把时，远近强人怎敢把青州搅得粉碎！近日除[2]将这个穷酸饿醋来做个正知寨，这厮又是文官，又没本事，自从到任，把此乡间些少上户诈骗，乱行法度，无所不为。小弟是个武官副知寨，每每被这厮呕气，恨不得杀了这滥污贼禽兽！兄长却如何救了这厮的妇人？打紧这婆娘极不贤，只要调拨他丈夫行不仁的事，残害良民，贪图贿赂。正好叫那贱人受些玷辱。兄长错救了这等不才的人。”宋江听了，便劝道：“贤弟差矣。自古道：冤仇可解不可结。他和你是同僚官，又不合活生世[3]。亦且他是个文墨的人，你如何不谏他？他虽有些过失，你可隐恶而扬善。贤弟休如此浅见。”花荣道：“兄长见得极明。来日公廨内见刘知寨时，与他说过救了他老小之事。”宋江道：“贤弟若如此，见常也显你的好处。”花荣夫妻几口儿，朝暮精精致致供茶献酒供食，伏侍宋江。当时就晚，安排床帐在后堂轩下，请宋江安歇。次日，又备酒食筵宴管待。

话休絮烦。宋江自到花荣寨里，吃了四五日酒。花荣手下有几个梯己人，一日换一个，拨些碎银子在他身边，每日教相陪宋江去清风镇街上观看市井喧哗，村落宫观寺院，闲走乐情。自那日为始，这梯己人相陪着闲走，邀宋江去市井上闲玩。那清风镇上也有几座小勾栏并茶房酒肆，自不必说得。当日宋江与这梯己人在小勾栏里闲看了一回，又去近村寺院道家宫观游赏一回，请去市镇上酒肆中饮酒。临起身时，那梯己人取银两还酒钱。宋江那里肯要他还钱，却自取碎银还了。宋江归来，又不对花荣说。那个同去的人欢喜，又落得银子，又得身闲。自此，每日拨一个相陪，和宋江缓步闲游，又只是宋江使钱。自从到寨里，无一个不敬他的。宋江在花荣寨里住了将及一月有馀，看看腊尽春回，又早元宵节近。

且说这清风寨镇上居民商量放灯一事，准备庆赏元宵，科敛钱物，去土地大王庙前扎缚起一座小鳌山，上面结采悬花，张挂五七百碗花灯。土地大王庙内，逞应诸般社火[4]。家家门前扎起灯棚，赛悬灯火。市镇上，诸行百艺都有。虽然比不得京师，只此也是人间天上。当下宋江在寨里和花荣饮酒，不觉又早是元宵节到。至日，晴明得好。花荣到巳牌前后，上马去公廨内点起数百个军士，教晚间去市镇上弹压；又点差许多军汉，分头去四下里守把栅门。未牌时分，回寨来邀宋江吃点心。宋江对花荣说道：“听闻此间市镇上今晚点放花灯，我欲去观看观看。”花荣答道：“小弟本欲陪侍兄长去看灯，正当其理。只是奈缘我职役在身，不能勾自在闲步同往。今夜兄长自与家间二三人去看灯，早早的便回。小弟在家专待，家宴三杯，以庆佳节。”宋江道：“最好。”却早天色向晚，东边推出那轮明月上来。正是：

玉漏铜壶且莫催，星桥火树彻明开。

鳌山高耸青云上，何处游人不看来。

当晚，宋江和花荣家亲随梯己人两三个，跟随着宋江缓步徐行。到这清风镇上看灯时，只见家家门前搭起灯棚，悬挂花灯，不记其数。灯上画着许多故事，也有剪采飞白牡丹花灯，并荷花芙蓉异样灯火。四五个人手厮挽着，来到土地大王庙前，看那小鳌山时，怎见的好灯？但见：

山石穿双龙戏水，云霞映独鹤朝天。金莲灯，玉梅灯，晃一片琉璃；荷花灯，芙蓉灯，散千团锦绣。银蛾斗采，双双随绣带香球；雪柳争辉，缕缕拂华幡翠幕。村歌社鼓，花灯影里竞喧阗；织女蚕奴，画烛光中同赏玩。虽无佳丽风流曲，尽贺丰登大有年。

当下宋江等四人在鳌山前看了一回，迤逦投南看灯。走不过五七百步，只见前面灯烛荧煌，一伙人围住在一个大墙院门首热闹，锣声响处，众人喝采。宋江看时，却是一伙舞鲍老[5]的。宋江矮矬，人背后看不见。那相陪的梯己人却认得社火队里，便教分开众人，让宋江看。那跳鲍老的，身躯扭得村村势势[6]的。宋江看了，呵呵大笑。只见这墙院里面，却是刘知寨夫妻两口儿和几个婆娘在里面看。听得宋江笑声，那刘知寨的老婆于灯下却认的宋江，便指与丈夫道：“兀那个黄矮汉子，便是前日清风山抢掳下我的贼头！”刘知寨听了，吃一惊，便唤亲随六七人，叫捉那个笑的黑汉子。宋江听得，回身便走。走不过十馀家，众军汉赶上，把宋江捉住，拿了来。却似皂雕追紫燕，正如猛虎啖羊羔。拿到寨里，用四条麻索绑了，押至厅前。那三个梯己人见捉了宋江去，自跑回来报与花荣知道。

且说刘知寨坐在厅上，叫解过那厮来。众人把宋江簇拥在厅前跪下。刘知寨喝道：“你这厮是清风山打劫强贼，如何敢擅自来看灯！今被擒获，你有何理说？”宋江告道：“小人自是郓城县客人张三，与花知寨是故友，来此间多日了，从不曾在清风山打劫。”刘知寨老婆却从屏风背后转将出来，喝道：“你这厮兀自赖哩！你记得教我叫你做大王时？”宋江告道：“恭人差矣。那时小人不对恭人说来：小人自是郓城县客人，亦被掳掠在此间，不能勾下山去。”刘知寨道：“你既是客人被掳劫在那里，今日如何能勾下山来，却到我这里看灯？”那妇人便说道：“你这厮在山上时，大落落的坐在中间交椅上，由我叫大王，那里采人！”宋江道：“恭人全不记我一力救你下山，如何今日倒把我强扭做贼？”那妇人听了大怒，指着宋江骂道：“这等顽皮赖骨，不打如何肯招！”刘知寨道：“说得是！”喝叫：“取过批头来打那厮！”一连打了两料[7]，打得宋江皮开肉绽，鲜血迸流。便叫：“把铁锁锁了，明日合个囚车，把郓城虎张三解上州里去。”

却说相陪宋江的梯己人慌忙奔回来报知花荣。花荣听罢大惊，连忙写一封书，差两个能干亲随人去刘知寨处取。亲随人赍了书，急忙到刘知寨门前。把门军士入去报复道：“花知寨差人在门前下书。”刘高叫唤至当厅。那亲随人将书呈上，刘高拆开封皮，读道：

“花荣拜上僚兄相公座前：所有薄亲刘丈，近日从济州来，因看灯火，误犯尊威，万乞情恕放免，自当造谢。草字不恭，烦乞照察。不宣。”

刘高看了大怒，把书扯的粉碎，大骂道：“花荣这厮无礼！你是朝廷命官，如何却与强贼通同，也来瞒我！这贼已招是郓城县张三，你却如何写道是刘丈？俺须不是你侮弄的！你写他姓刘，是和我同姓，恁地我便放了他？”喝令左右把下书人推抢出去。那亲随人被赶出寨门，急急归来禀复花荣知道。花荣听了，只叫得：“苦了哥哥！快备我的马来！”花荣披挂，拴束了弓箭，绰枪上马，带了三五十名军汉，都拖枪拽棒，直奔到刘高寨里来。把门军人见了，那里敢拦当；见花荣头势不好，尽皆吃惊，都四散走了。花荣抢到厅前，下了马，手中拿着枪，那三五十人都两摆在厅前。花荣口里叫道：“请刘知寨说话！”刘高听得，见花荣头势不好，惊的魂飞魄散，惧怕花荣是个武官，那里敢出来相见。花荣见刘高不出来，立了一回，喝叫左右去两边耳房里搜人。那三五十军汉一齐去搜时，早从廊下耳房里寻见宋江，被麻索高吊起在梁上，又使铁索锁着两腿，打得肉绽。几个军汉便把绳索割断，铁锁打开，救出宋江。花荣便叫军士先送回家里去。花荣上了马，绰枪在手，口里发语道：“刘知寨！你便是个正知寨，待怎的奈何了花荣！谁家没个亲眷，你却甚么意思？我的一个表兄，直拿在家里，强扭做贼，好欺负人！明日和你说话，却再理会！”花荣带了众人，自回到寨里来看视宋江。

却说刘知寨见花荣救了人去，急忙点起一二百人，也叫来花荣寨夺人。那二百人内，新有两个教头，为首的教头虽然了得些枪刀，终不及花荣武艺，不敢不从刘高，只得引了众人奔花荣寨里来。把门军士入去报知花荣。此时天色未甚明亮，那二百来人拥在门首，谁敢先入去，都惧怕花荣了得。看看天大明了，却见两扇大门不关，只见花知寨在正厅上坐着，左手拿着弓，右手拿着箭。众人都拥在门前。花荣竖起弓，大喝道：“你这军士们，不知冤各有头，债各有主？刘高差你来，休要替他出色[8]。你那两个新参教头，还未见花知寨的武艺。今日先教你众人看花知寨弓箭，然后你那厮们要替刘高出色，不怕的入来。看我先射大门上左边门神的骨朵头。”搭上箭，拽满弓，只一箭，喝声道：“着！”正射中门神骨朵头。众人看了，都吃一惊。花荣又取第二枝箭，大叫道：“你们众人再看我这第二枝箭，要射右边门神的头盔上朱缨。”飕的又一箭，不偏不斜，正中缨头上。那两枝箭却射定在两扇门上。花荣再取第三枝箭，喝道：“你众人看我第三枝箭，要射你那队里穿白的教头心窝。”那人叫声：“哎呀！”便转身先走。众人发声喊，一齐都走了。

花荣且教闭上寨门，却来后堂看觑宋江。花荣说道：“小弟误了哥哥，受此之苦。”宋江答道：“我却不妨。只恐刘高那厮不肯和你干休，我们也要计较个常便[9]。”花荣道：“小弟舍着弃了这道官诰[10]，和那厮理会。”宋江道：“不想那妇人将恩作怨，教丈夫打我这一顿。我本待自说出真名姓来，却又怕阎婆惜事发，因此只说郓城客人张三。叵耐刘高无礼，要把我做郓城虎张三解上州去，合个囚车盛我。要做清风山贼首时，顷刻便是一刀一剐。不得贤弟自来力救，便有铜唇铁舌，也和他分辩不得。”花荣道：“小弟寻思，只想他是读书人，须念同姓之亲，因此写了刘丈，便是忘了忌讳这一句话。如今既已救了来家，且却又理会。”宋江道：“贤弟差矣。既然仗你豪势，救了人来，凡事三思而后行，再思可矣。自古道：吃饭防噎，行路防跌。他被你公然夺了人来，急使人来抢，又被你一吓，尽都散了。我想他如何肯干罢，必然要和你动文书。今晚我先走上清风山去躲避，你明日却好和他白赖，终久只是文武不和相殴的官司。我若再被他拿出去时，你便和他分说不过。”花荣道：“小弟只是一勇之夫，却无兄长的高明远见。只恐兄长伤重了，走不动。”宋江道：“不妨。事急难以担阁，我自捱到山下便了。”当时敷贴了膏药，吃了些酒肉，把包裹都寄在花荣处。黄昏时分，便使两个军汉送出栅外去了。宋江自连夜捱去，不在话下。

再说刘知寨见军士一个个都散回寨里来说道：“花知寨十分英勇了得，谁敢去近前当他弓箭！”两个教头道：“着他一箭时，射个透明窟窿，却是都去不得！”刘高那厮终是个文官，还有些谋略算计。花荣虽然勇猛豪杰，不及刘高的智量。正是将在谋而不在勇。当下刘高寻思起来：“想他这一夺去，必然连夜放他上清风山去了，明日却来和我白赖。便争竞到上司，也只是文武不和斗殴之事，我却如何奈何的他？我今夜差二三十军汉，去五里路头等候。倘若天幸捉着时，将来悄悄的关在家里，却暗地使人连夜去州里报知军官下来取，就和花荣一发拿了，都害了他性命。那时我独自霸着这清风寨，省得受这厮们的气。”当晚点了二十馀人，各执枪棒，就夜去了。约莫有二更时候，去的军汉背剪绑得宋江到来。刘知寨见了，大喜道：“不出吾之所料！且与我囚在后院里，休教一个人得知。”连夜便写了实封申状，差两个心腹之人星夜来青州府飞报。次日，花荣只道宋江上清风山去了，坐视在家，心里自道：“我且看他怎的。”竟不来采着。刘高也只做不知。两下都不说着。

且说青州府知府正值升厅坐公座。那知府复姓慕容，双名彦达，是今上徽宗天子慕容贵妃之兄，倚托妹子的势要，在青州横行，残害良民，欺罔僚友，无所不为。正欲回后堂退食，只见左右公人接上刘知寨申状，飞报贼情公事。知府接来，看了刘高的文书，吃了一惊，便道：“花荣是个功臣之子，如何结连清风山强贼？这罪犯非小，未委虚的。”便教唤那本州兵马都监来到厅上，分付他去。

原来那个都监姓黄名信，为他本身武艺高强，威镇青州，因此称他为镇三山。那青州地面所管下有三座恶山，第一便是清风山，第二便是二龙山，第三便是桃花山。这三处都是强人草寇出没的去处。黄信却自夸要捉尽三山人马，因此唤做镇三山。那人生的如何？但见：

相貌端方如虎豹，身躯长大似蛟龙。

平生惯使丧门剑，威镇三山立大功。

这兵马都监黄信上厅来领了知府的言语出来，点起五十个壮健军汉，披挂了衣甲，马上擎着那口丧门剑，连夜便下清风寨来，径到刘高寨前下马。刘知寨出来接着，请到后堂，叙礼罢，一面安排酒食管待，一面犒赏军士。后面取出宋江来，教黄信看了。黄信道：“这个不必问了。连夜合个囚车，把这厮盛在里面。”头上抹了红绢，插一个纸旗，上写着“清风山贼首郓城虎张三”。宋江那里敢分辩，只得由他们安排。黄信再问刘高道：“你拿得张三时，花荣知也不知？”刘高道：“小官夜来二更拿了他，悄悄提得来藏在家里。花荣只知道张三去了，自坐视在家。”黄信道：“既是恁地，却容易。明日天明，安排一副羊酒去大寨里公厅上摆着，却教四下里埋伏下二三十人预备着。我却自去花荣家请得他来，只推道慕容知府听得你文武不和，因此特差我来置酒劝谕。赚到公厅，只看我掷盏为号，就下手拿住了，一同解上州里去。此计如何？”刘高喝采道：“还是相公高见！此计大妙，却似瓮中捉鳖，手到拿来！”

当夜定了计策。次日天晓，先去大寨左右两边帐幕里，预先埋伏了军士，厅上虚设着酒食筵宴。早饭前后，黄信上了马，只带三两个从人，来到花荣寨前。军人入去传报，花荣问道：“来做甚么？”军汉答道：“只听得教报道：黄都监特来相探。”花荣听罢，便出来迎接。黄信下马，花荣请至厅上，叙礼罢，便问道：“都监相公有何公干到此？”黄信道：“下官蒙知府呼唤，发落道：为是你清风寨内文武官僚不和，未知为甚缘由。知府诚恐二官因私仇而误其公事，特差黄某赍到羊酒，前来与你二官讲和。已安排在大寨公厅上，便请足下上马同往。”花荣笑道：“花荣如何敢欺罔刘高，他又是个正知寨，只是本人累累要寻花荣的过失。不想惊动知府，有劳都监下临草寨，花荣将何以报？”黄信附耳低言道：“知府只为足下一人。倘有些刀兵动时，他是文官，做得何用。你只依着我行。”花荣道：“深谢都监过爱。”黄信便邀花荣同出门首上马。花荣道：“且请都监少叙三杯了去。”黄信道：“待说开了，畅饮何妨。”花荣只得叫备马。

当时两个并马而行，直来到大寨，下了马。黄信携着花荣的手，同上公厅来，只见刘高已自先在公厅上。三个人都相见了，黄信叫取酒来。从人已先自把花荣的马牵将出去，闭了寨门。花荣不知是计，只想黄信是一般武官，必无歹意。黄信擎一盏酒来，先劝刘高道：“知府为因听得你文武二官同僚不和，好生忧心。今日特委黄信到来，与你二公陪话。烦望只以报答朝廷为重，再后有事，和同商议。”刘高答道：“量刘高不才，颇识些理法，何足道哉，直教知府恩相如此挂心。我二人也无甚言语争执，此是外人妄传。”黄信大笑道：“妙哉！”刘高饮过酒，黄信又斟第二杯酒来劝花荣道：“虽然是刘知寨如此说了，想必是闲人妄传，故是如此。且请饮一杯。”花荣接过酒吃了。刘高拿副台盏，斟一盏酒，回劝黄信道：“动劳都监相公降临敝地，满饮此杯。”

黄信接过酒来，拿在手里，把眼四下一看，有十数个军汉簇上厅来。黄信把酒盏望地下一掷，只听得后堂一声喊起，两边帐幕里走出三五十个壮健军汉，一发上，把花荣拿倒在厅前。黄信喝道：“绑了！”花荣一片声叫道：“我得何罪？”黄信大笑，喝道：“你兀自敢叫哩！你结连清风山强贼，一同背反朝廷，当得何罪？我念你往日面皮，不去惊动拿你家老小。”花荣道：“相公也有个证见。”黄信道：“还你一个证见，教你看真赃正贼，我不屈你。左右，与我推得来！”无移时，一辆囚车，一个纸旗儿，一条红抹额，从外面推将入来。花荣看了，见是宋江陷着，目睁口呆，面面厮觑，做声不得。黄信喝道：“这须不干我事，见有告人刘高在此。”花荣道：“不妨，不妨。这是我的亲眷，他自是郓城县人。你要强扭他做贼，到上司自有分辩处。”黄信道：“你既然如此说时，我只解你上州里，你自去分辩。”便叫刘知寨点起一百寨兵防送：“就要你同去，便解投青州。此是知府相公立等回报的公事，不可耽迟。”花荣便对黄信说道：“都监赚我来，虽然捉了我，便到朝廷，和他还有分辩。可看我和都监一般武职官面，休去我衣服，容我坐在囚车里。”黄信道：“这几件容易，便都依你。就叫刘知寨一同去州里折辩明白，休要枉害人性命。”当时黄信与刘高都上了马，监押着两辆囚车，并带三五十军士、一百寨兵，簇拥着车子，取路奔青州府来。

不是黄信、刘高解宋江、花荣望青州来，有分教：火焰堆里，送数百间屋宇人家；刀斧丛中，杀一二千残生性命。且教大闹了青州，纵横山寨。直使玉屏风上题名字，丹凤门中降赦书。毕竟解宋江投青州来怎地脱身，且听下回分解。

[1] 鳌山——把灯彩堆座山，搭成传说中的鳌鱼形状。

[2] 除——任命。

[3] 生世——这里是一生一世、一辈子的意思。

[4] 社火——这里是指各种游艺节目。后文第五十八回“必然是社火中人故旧交友”的社火，指同行、同业的行会组织。

[5] 鲍老——一种戴面具的滑稽舞。

[6] 村村势势——犹如现在说土头土脑。

[7] 料——量词。打了两料，就是打了两遍。

[8] 出色——卖力。

[9] 常便——长远而稳妥的打算。后文第四十回中“问你个常便备细”，是原委的意思。也写作“长便”。

[10] 官诰——皇帝给予官吏的文凭、证件。

CHAPTER 32. Song Jiang Visits a Lanterns’ Display During the Night; Hua Rong Makes a Row at Qingfeng Town

THE Qingfeng Mountain was only about thirty li from the Qingzhou Prefecture. In the prefecture was Qingfeng Town which had three roads leading to it from three wild mountains, and for which reason a military station was established there. The town had about five thousand families.

Song Jiang traveled along one of these roads by himself, and upon reaching the town he inquired for the residence of Colonel Hua Rong. He was told that the yamen was in the center of the town. The residence of the military officer was on the north side, and that of the civil official on the south side of the main road. Song Jiang went to the military residence, and found several soldiers at the entrance. They asked for his name, and one then went inside to report his arrival. In a short time Hua Rong came out and led Song Jiang to a hall where he asked Song Jiang to be seated on a divan and gave four salutes with the hands.

He then said, “I think it must be about six years since we separated, and during that period I have often thought of you. I heard that you had killed a loose woman, and the officials issued the usual proclamation for your arrest. When I heard of the case, I felt very uneasy and although I wrote several letters to your home I do not know whether you have received them. Now today I have the pleasure of meeting you, and am exceedingly delighted, and my anxiety has vanished.”

Song Jiang asked the magistrate Hua Rong to be seated, and offer no further obeisance. He then told him all about his affairs, and how he had been detained at the Qingfeng Mountain.

“Elder brother,” said Hua Rong, “you have experienced many difficulties. I am much pleased that you have come here. You can stay here for a few years with safety.”

“While I was living with Old Kong I received a letter from my younger brother telling me to come here. But even had I not received such a letter I would have come all the same.”

Hua Rong asked Song Jiang to come into his private apartments where he introduced him to his wife—Cui. He then introduced his sister also. After this Song Jiang was asked to take a bath and to change his dress for dinner. During the meal Song Jiang told Hua Rong all the details of how he had assisted the wife of Magistrate Liu to escape from the bandits, stronghold.

“It would have been much better if you had not interfered,” said Hua Rong frowningly.

“Is that not rather strange?” asked Song Jiang. “When I heard that she was the wife of your colleague I thought it better to restrain ‘Stunted Tiger,’ and allow the woman to escape. Why do you now speak like this?”

“You do not understand. I am not boasting, but this is a very important place. If I were in sole charge here the brigands, near or far, would not dare to disturb the district. But recently this very stupid fellow was appointed to take the senior post. He was a civil official but illiterate, and as soon as he arrived he started to extort money from all the wealthy people. He never observed the Imperial laws. As I was his assistant, he took every opportunity of insulting me, so that at times I felt much regret that I could not have killed him. Oh! Why did you save his wife from ill-treatment? That woman has not a noble character and is always egging on her husband to do wicked things, to injure the people, and to squeeze money. It would have been much better had you allowed the bandits to rape her. You made a mistake in rescuing such a bad woman.”

“I think you are wrong,” said Song Jiang. “There is an ancient saying, ‘If enmity is not settled amicably there is no end to it.’ He is your colleague so if he has a small fault you should overlook it, and dwell more on his good points.”

“Elder brother,” said Hua Rong, “your exposition is very clear. When I meet Magistrate Liu in his yamen, I will explain to him how you saved his wife.”

“If you do that it will show your goodness to him.”

After that for some time Hua Rong and his wife entertained Song Jiang at many feasts. Hua Rong had several confidential servants, and every day one of these was appointed to attend to Song Jiang’s needs. Hua Rong gave them money, and they conducted him for strolls round the town to see the temples and sights. Song Jiang did not want them to pay for any wine, etc. they had, and he always paid these expenses himself, but he never told Hua Rong that he had done this. The companions liked this arrangement as they could keep for themselves the money advanced by Hua Rong, so they respected Song Jiang and loved him much. Song Jiang had stayed with Hua Rong for about a month when it happened to be the Lantern Festival. It was on the 15th of the first month of the year and the people subscribed money, and erected an imitation mountain in front of the temple dedicated to the God of the Earth. The scenery was covered with festoons, and was illuminated by about seven hundred lanterns. There were also lanterns exhibited at every house, and inside the temple were all kinds of amusements. The whole town was gay with festivities. Though this place could not be compared with the Capital City, yet it was considered the Heaven on Earth in that vicinity.

At this feast, Song Jiang had dined with Hua Rong. It was a very fine day, and about 11 A.M. Hua Rong mounted his horse, and went to his yamen. He gave orders that in the evening a hundred soldiers should patrol the streets, and preserve order, and that other soldiers should guard the barriers outside the town. About 3 P.M. he returned home, and dined with Song Jiang. The latter mentioned that he wished to have a look of the display of lanterns in the town that evening. Hua Rong stated he would have liked to accompany him, but his official duty would not allow him to do that. He would, however, depute two or three men to go with Song Jiang. He would wait for his early return for dinner.

In the evening the moon rose in the east, and it was a full moon. Song Jiang started off for a stroll accompanied by three confidential servants. There was a brilliant display of lanterns in the form of peonies, mimosas, and lotus flowers of all sizes cut out of paper. They visited the God of the Earth’s temple, saw the imitation mountain with its illuminations, and then strolled off towards the south side of the town. They had only gone about 700 paces, when they came to a house with a big display of lanterns, and a big crowd of people outside the front gate. Gongs were sounding, and the crowd was applauding. Song Jiang saw that there was a masquerade inside the courtyard, but as he was of short stature the crowd in front obstructed his view. His companions however asked the people to make room, and so Song Jiang got a good view. The actors displayed awkward manners, and Song Jiang could not avoid laughing at the exhibition. Now it happened that the magistrate and his wife were inside the courtyard with some other women watching the show, and when Song Jiang laughed, Madame Liu looked in his direction, and at once recognized him. She pointed at Song Jiang and said to her husband, “That dwarf fellow who is laughing is the chief of the bandits who seized me on the Qingfeng Mountain.” Magistrate Liu was surprised at this, and ordered about seven of his attendants to arrest the small man who was laughing at the gate. Song Jiang had however heard the order, and went away at once. He had not gone far, when the soldiers caught up to him, and seizing him took him inside the courtyard where they bound his arms with ropes. When his companions saw that he had been arrested they hurried off, and reported it to commander Hua Rong.

Magistrate Liu took his seat on the bench at once, and Song Jiang was brought in, and made to kneel.

“You are one of the bandits from Qingfeng Mountain,” said Magistrate Liu. “But how dare you come here to look at the show of lanterns? Now that you have been captured what have you got to say?”

“I am a native of Yuncheng County,” said Song Jiang. “My name is Zhang San, and I am a friend of Colonel Hua Rong. I have been here for several days, and I am not a bandit on the Qingfeng Mountain.”

The magistrate’s wife was standing behind a screen at the back of her husband, and when she heard this she came forward, and spoke to Song Jiang herself. “You cannot get out of it. Have you forgotten how I addressed you as the chief?”

“Lady, you are mistaken. At that time did I not tell you that I had been captured by the bandits, and could not leave the mountain?”

“If you were a traveler, and were captured, how could you leave the mountain and come here to look at the lanterns?” asked Magistrate Liu.

“When you were in your stronghold,” interjected Madame Liu, “you sat on the middle chair, and had an ostentatious manner. When I addressed you as the chief you paid no attention at all.”

“Lady,” replied Song Jiang, “have you forgotten that I did my best, and obtained your release? Why do you now accuse me of being a bandit?”

Madame Liu was angry at this, and pointing at Song Jiang she cursed him, “You prevaricator! You will not admit it unless you are thrashed.’

The magistrate agreed to this, and at once gave orders for Song Jiang to be beaten with the split bamboo. This was done, and Song Jiang was severely beaten so that he was soon covered with blood. He was then bound with chains, ready to be conveyed in a prisoner’s cart to the Prefectural Town under the name: “Zhang San, The Tiger, from Yuncheng County.”

Colonel Hua Rong was upset when he got the report of the arrest of Song Jiang. He immediately wrote a note to his colleague Magistrate Liu, and sent a confidential servant with it. The letter was duly delivered and read by Magistrate Liu as follows: “I, Hua Rong, have a relative named Liu Zhang who arrived from Jizhou a few days ago. He went to see the lanterns, and may have offended you. I beg you, sir, forgive him and release him, and I will come to express my regrets in person. Moreover, I wish you to excuse me for this improvident note as no disrespect is intended.”

Magistrate Liu was very angry upon reading this, and tore the letter into pieces. He said, “Colonel Hua Rong is entirely wrong. He is an official appointed by the court, and yet he associates with bandits, and also tries to deceive me. The prisoner said himself that his name was Zhang San and that he came from Yuncheng County, whereas this letter names him Liu Zhang, and says he came from Jizhou. But he will not deceive me. He thinks that I will be inclined to let the man go because he uses my name Liu.” After saying this, he dismissed the messenger without an answer.

When Hua Rong heard of this, he was very much excited, and ordered his horse to be got ready. He changed his dress, and armed himself with a bow and arrows. He summoned about fifty soldiers armed with cudgels to accompany him and set out to visit his colleague. Upon reaching the yamen the guard at the gate saw that Hua Rong was very angry, and being afraid ran away. Hua Rong dismounted in front of the hall, and his soldiers drew up on both sides. He held a spear in his hand, and called out, “I request Magistrate Liu to come here, and speak with me.”

Magistrate Liu hearing this, was panic-stricken. He was afraid to go outside to meet Hua Rong who was a military officer. Hua Rong waited a little time, and then he ordered his soldiers to search the buildings on both sides for Song Jiang. They soon found him tied to a beam, with both feet fastened with chains, and his legs showing traces of the beating he had had. The soldiers broke the chains, and released Song Jiang. After mounting his horse again, Hua Rong called out, “Magistrate Liu, what are you going to do? Where is there a family without some relatives? What is your idea in keeping my relative in your home and falsely accuse him of being a bandit? That is a great insult to me! I will talk to you tomorrow.” He then departed with Song Jiang and his soldiers.

Magistrate Liu was very angry at this, and ordered two hundred soldiers to proceed to Hua Rong’s quarters, and bring the prisoner back. The Drill Instructors in charge were skilled with the spear and sword, but were not the equal of Colonel Hua Rong. Although they did not like the job, yet they dared not decline to go. The soldiers reached Hua Rong’s yamen while it was still dark. They paraded in front of the gate, but no one dared to enter. They were all afraid of Hua Rong. Now as the day was breaking, they saw that the gates were open, and upon looking inside they could make out Hua Rong seated in the main hall. In his left hand, he held a bow, with an arrow in his right hand. He saw the soldiers standing outside the gate, and lifting the bow he shouted to them, “You soldiers are not concerned in this quarrel. I will settle it with Magistrate Liu himself. He sent you here, but you need not fight for him. You two Drill Instructors have been newly appointed, and you do not yet know my military skill. Today, I will give you a display of that, and afterwards if there is any man who wishes to fight with me he may enter without fear. I will now shoot an arrow at the cheek of the God drawn on the door.” Thereupon he lifted the arrow to the string; stretched the bow to the full extent; called out “Go!” and the arrow flew and struck the drawing of the Door God in the exact spot as predicted. The soldiers were struck with awe.

Hua Rong took another arrow, and shouted out again, “Soldiers! Now watch an arrow hit the tassel on the helmet of the Door God on the right-hand side of the door.” The arrow whistled through the air and struck the exact spot. The two arrows were still sticking in the leaves of the door, Hua Rong shouted again, “Soldiers! Now watch my third arrow strike the breast of your Drill Instructor who is dressed in white uniform.” The man referred to, called out “Ai Ya!” and turning, ran away. Upon seeing this the soldiers took to flight likewise.

Hua Rong gave an order for the gates to be closed, and went to see Song Jiang in the room at the back. He said, “Elder brother, you have suffered too much owing to a fault on my part.”

“It does not matter to me,” said Song Jiang; “I am only afraid that he will not put up with you. We must devise some scheme to get out of this trouble.”

“I no longer wish to be an official,” said Hua Rong; “I must settle this dispute with that fellow.”

“I did not expect that woman to return my generous act with enmity,” said Song Jiang, “and she even asked her husband to beat me. I did think of giving my true name, but I did not do so because I was afraid that he would then remember the murder of Yan Poxi. I did not anticipate that Liu Gao would be so unreasonable as to arrest me, and put me in a prisoner’s cart. He wanted to charge me with being the chief of the bandits so that I might be executed. If you had not rescued me, I should have been tongue-tied, and could not have said anything.”

“I wrote your name as Liu,” said Hua Rong, “because that was also his name, and as a scholar, he might let you go on that account. I never thought he turned out to have no feelings. Now that I have rescued you I will settle the dispute with him by and by.”

“You are wrong,” said Song Jiang. “Now owing to your influence, I was rescued. There is an ancient saying, ‘When eating food, beware of choking; when going a journey beware of stumbling.’ You rescued me by force, so he sent soldiers to arrest me again, and as that failed the matter cannot rest as it is. He will certainly report it to his superior. So this evening I must escape to Qingfeng Mountain, and remain in hiding there. You can pretend to have no knowledge of the event, and ‘bury the case in a pigeonhole.’ They have no proof if I escape now, and the higher official will ascribe the case to a petty personal quarrel between civil and military authorities.”

“I am only a soldier,” said Hua Rong, “and am without your farsightedness. I am afraid that you are so severely injured that you cannot walk far.”

“Never mind that. As matters are urgent there can be no delay. I will walk slowly towards the bandits’ retreat.” He had his wounds dressed, left his things with Hua Rong, and set off at once.

When Magistrate Liu’s soldiers returned he heard them report what a terrible fellow Hua Rong was and that nobody dared to go and face his arrows. Both the Drill Instructors also said, “Who did that would soon have a hole in his body. We are not keen on that.”

Magistrate Liu was a civil official so he could consider things from other phases. He anticipated that Hua Rong would allow Song Jiang to escape to the mountain, and then come to discuss matters. “I have not sufficient evidence so that it will only end in a wrangle between us. Tonight I will dispatch about twenty soldiers to a place about two li on the road to the mountain, and keep a lookout there. If we succeed in capturing him he must be brought here secretly and imprisoned. Then I will report the matter to the Prefect, and ask him to send soldiers to take charge of both Song Jiang and Hua Rong. Then I shall have sole control of this county, with no more molestation from those fellows.”

That evening he dispatched about twenty soldiers to lie in wait on the road. Two hours before midnight, the soldiers returned having arrested Song Jiang. Magistrate Liu was very pleased at the success of his plans, and said, “I was quite correct in my estimate of what he would do. Place him in the jail at the back of my quarters, and see that not a single person gets to know of this.” That night, he wrote a dispatch, and sent it with two confidential servants to Qingzhou Prefecture.

The next day Hua Rong thought that Song Jiang would have arrived at the mountain stronghold and took no more care of Liu Gao.

The Prefect of Qingzhou was Murong Yanda, and his sister was a concubine of the Emperor Huizong. Relying on his sister’s influence at the court he did outrageous things at Qingzhou Prefecture. He injured the people, and insulted his colleagues. On this day he had sat at an early court, and was just on the point of going to breakfast when the urgent messengers from Magistrate Liu arrived. He read the dispatch, and was surprised. He said, “Hua Rong is the son of a meritorious minister so how is it that he associates now with bandits? It is a very serious crime, but how can I know whether the charge is true or not?” He sent for Colonel Huang Xin who was highly skilled in military drill. He was in charge of the defenses of Qingzhou Prefecture, and had got the nickname of ‘Supressor of Three Mountains.’ These three mountains were in that prefecture, and were the Qingfeng Mountain, Lianglong Mountain, and Taohua Mountain. These three mountains were the resorts of bandits. He had boasted that he would capture all the bandits, and that was how he got his nickname.

Upon reaching the hall, the Prefect told him about the report, and gave him orders. Colonel Huang Xin put on his mailed coat, and took his sword; mounted a horse and set out at once with about fifty soldiers for Qingfeng Town. Upon arriving there, he was well received by Magistrate Liu who entertained him in his own private quarters. The prisoner Song Jiang was sent for so that Huang Xin should see him.

“I do not want to ask him any questions,” said Huang Xin. “Have a cart prepared, and put the prisoner inside it.” This was duly done, and Song Jiang had not said a word.

“Does Hua Rong know that you have arrested Song Jiang?” asked Huang Xin.

“He was arrested during the night,” replied Magistrate Liu, “and has been kept secretly in prison since then. Hua Rong is at home, and thinks Song Jiang has got to the mountain.”

“That makes our task easy,” replied Huang Xin. “We must prepare a feast at the headquarters, and invite him to partake of it with us. We will lay around the hall an ambush of fifty soldiers. When he comes I will give a signal by throwing my wine cup on the floor, and the soldiers then come forth and seize him. What do you think of that plot?”

“That will do splendidly,” replied Magistrate Liu. “It reminds me of catching a turtle in a jar.”

The next day, the hall was prepared for feast, and tents were erected on both sides of the hall for the ambush. After breakfast Huang Xin mounted his horse, and accompanied by about three men went to visit Hua Rong. Upon the servant reporting the arrival of Huang Xin, Hua Rong asked what Huang Xin had come there for, and the servant replied that it was a friendly visit. Hua Rong went outside, saluted Huang Xin, and when they had taken their seats in the hall Hua Rong asked, “Upon what official business have you come to see me?”

“The Prefect ordered me to come to see you because he had heard that the relations between you and the civil administrator here were not amicable. So he told me to prepare a feast, and invite both of you to conciliate you.”

“How can I dare to cheat Magistrate Liu?” asked Hua Rong. “He is my superior officer, but he has frequently tried to find fault with me. I never thought that the Prefect would know about it. How can I thank you for troubling to come all this distance?” Huang Xin leaned forward, and whispered to Hua Rong, “The Prefect is quite well aware that you are the better, and more useful man, and he thinks that the magistrate here is not up too much. It will be all right if you come along with me now.”

“It is very kind of you to say that,” said Hua Rong. “But before we go, let me offer you some wine.”

“It would be better if we drink wine after you two have talked matters over.”

Hua Rong agreed to this, and they both mounted their horses and went off. Upon reaching the headquarters they dismounted, and Huang Xin taking Hua Rong by the hand led him into the hall. Magistrate Liu was there waiting for them. Huang Xin ordered a servant to bring the wine. The servants outside had taken Hua Rong’s horse to the stable, and had shut the gate of the yamen. Hua Rong had no suspicion of a plot, and trusted Huang Xin because he was also a military officer.

When the wine was served Huang Xin took a cup, and offering it to Magistrate Liu said, “The Prefect feels uneasy to hear that you two officials here do not see eye to eye, so he instructed me to come here as mediator. We must always understand that Imperial affairs are of the first importance, and discuss matters amicably.”

“I have not much ability,” said Magistrate Liu, “but I understand a little of the rules of propriety. It is my fault indeed, if I have given the prefect any cause for anxiety. We two have had no disputes, so somebody must have circulated false statements about us.”

“Splendid!” said Colonel Huang Xin.

Magistrate Liu drank his wine, and Colonel Huang Xin then handed another cup of wine to Hua Rong, and said, “As Magistrate Liu says this there must be somebody that have made these false reports. In that case, please drink this wine.”

Hua Rong took the wine, and drank it. Magistrate Liu then poured out some wine, and offered it to Huang Xin saying, “I am sorry to have troubled you to come so far to this our humble place. Please drink this wine.”

Colonel Huang Xin took the cup, and looked around. Instantly several soldiers came to the hall. He threw the cup on the floor, and at once there arose a shout. Soldiers from all sides entered the hall, and arrested Hua Rong. Colonel Huang Xin ordered them to bind Hua Rong’s hands, and the latter called out, “What is the charge against me?”

Colonel Huang Xin laughed, and said, “You need not shout! You have joined the bandits of Qingfeng Mountain to plot rebellion against the Imperial Court. You know what the charge will be. But because of our previous acquaintance, I will not implicate your family.”

“But where is the proof of what you say?” asked Hua Rong.

“You shall see the proof,” said Colonel Huang Xin. “I will not be unjust to you.” Turning round, he ordered, “Bring the man here!” In a short time, a prisoner’s cart was wheeled into the hall, and Hua Rong saw Song Jiang therein. Hua Rong was startled, and could not say another word.

“This has nothing to do with me,” called out Huang Xin. “Magistrate Liu made the accusation against you.”

“Never mind!” said Hua Rong. “This man is a relative of mine. He is a native of Yuncheng County. You accuse him of being a bandit, so he will answer that charge in the proper court where there will be discrimination.”

“I am going to take you both to Qingzhou Prefecture,” said Huang Xin, “and there the matter will be thoroughly gone into.” He then asked Magistrate Liu to provide an escort of a hundred soldiers.

Hua Rong spoke to Colonel Huang Xin, “Colonel, you tricked me to come here, and have me arrested, but I may even at the Imperial Court have explanation about this matter. I must ask you to allow me to retain my military uniform while I am being conveyed in the prisoner’s cart.”

“I can easily agree to that,” said Huang Xin. He then told Magistrate Liu that he also had to proceed to Qingzhou, and state his accusation there. The two then mounted their horses, set out for Qingzhou, accompanying the two prisoners in two captive carts, and with an escort of about a hundred and fifty soldiers.

As you have prepared the bed,

You must lie on it contented.

We will now relate how this affair caused a hundred houses to be burnt down, and two thousand people to be killed in an armed conflict.