第五十回
第五十回 吴学究双用连环计 宋公明三打祝家庄
格言曰：
乾坤宏大，日月照鉴分明。宇宙宽洪，天地不容奸党。
使心用幸，果报只在今生。积善存仁，获福休言后世。
千般巧计，不如本分为人。万种强为，争奈随缘俭用。
心慈行孝，何须努力看经。意恶损人，空读如来一藏。
话说当时军师吴用启烦戴宗道：“贤弟可与我回山寨去取铁面孔目裴宣，圣手书生萧让，通臂猿侯健，玉臂匠金大坚。可教此四人带了如此行头，连夜下山来，我自有用他处。”戴宗去了。
只见寨外军士来报：“西村扈家庄上扈成，牵牛担酒，特来求见。”宋江叫请入来。扈成来到中军帐前，再拜恳告道：“小妹一时粗卤，年幼不省人事，误犯威颜，今者被擒，望乞将军宽恕。奈缘小妹原许祝家庄上，小妹不合奋一时之勇，陷于缧绁。如蒙将军饶放，但用之物，当依命拜奉。”宋江道：“且请坐说话。祝家庄那厮好生无礼，平白欺负俺山寨，因此行兵报仇，须与你扈家无冤。只是令妹引人捉了我王矮虎，因此还礼，拿了令妹。你把王矮虎放回还我，我便把令妹还你。”扈成答道：“不期已被祝家庄拿了这个好汉去。”吴学究便道：“我这王矮虎今在何处？”扈成道：“如今擒锁在祝家庄上，小人怎敢去取？”宋江道：“你不去取得王矮虎来还我，如何能勾得你令妹回去？”吴学究道：“兄长休如此说。只依小生一言：今后早晚祝家庄上但有些响亮，你的庄上切不可令人来救护；倘或祝家庄上有人投奔你处，你可就缚在彼。若是捉下得人时，那时送还令妹到贵庄。只是如今不在本寨，前日已使人送上山寨，奉养在宋太公处。你且放心回去，我这里自有个道理。”扈成道：“今番断然不敢去救应他。若是他庄上果有人来投我时，定缚来奉献将军麾下。”宋江道：“你若是如此，便强似送我金帛。”扈成拜谢了去。
且说孙立却把旗号上改换作“登州兵马提辖孙立”，领了一行人马，都来到祝家庄后门前。庄上墙里望见是登州旗号，报入庄里去。栾廷玉听得是登州孙提辖到来相望，说与祝氏三杰道：“这孙提辖是我弟兄，自幼与他同师学艺。今日不知如何到此？”带了二十馀人马，开了庄门，放下吊桥，出来迎接。孙立一行人都下了马。众人讲礼已罢，栾廷玉问道：“贤弟在登州守把，如何到此？”孙立答道：“总兵府行下文书，对调我来此间郓州守把城池，提防梁山泊强寇。便道经过，闻知仁兄在此祝家庄，特来相探。本待从前门来，因见村口庄前俱屯下许多军马，不敢过来，特地寻觅村里，从小路问道庄后，入来拜望仁兄。”栾廷玉道：“便是这几时连日与梁山泊强寇厮杀，已拿得他几个头领在庄里了，只要捉了宋江贼首，一并解官。天幸今得贤弟来此间镇守，正如锦上添花，旱苗得雨。”孙立笑道：“小弟不才，且看相助捉拿这厮们，成全兄长之功。”
栾廷玉大喜，当下都引一行人进庄里来，再拽起了吊桥，关上了庄门。孙立一行人安顿车仗人马，更换衣裳，都出前厅来相见。祝朝奉与祝龙、祝虎、祝彪三杰都相见了。一家儿都在厅前相接，栾廷玉引孙立等上到厅上相见。讲礼已罢，便对祝朝奉说道：“我这个贤弟孙立，绰号病尉迟，任登州兵马提辖。今奉总兵府对调他来镇守此间郓州。”祝朝奉道：“老夫亦是治下。”孙立道：“卑小之职，何足道哉。早晚也要望朝奉提携指教。”祝氏三杰相请众位尊坐。孙立动问道：“连日相杀，征阵劳神。”祝龙答道：“也未见胜败。众位尊兄鞍马劳神不易。”孙立便叫顾大嫂引了乐大娘子叔伯姆两个，去后堂拜见宅眷。唤过孙新、解珍、解宝参见了，说道：“这三个是我兄弟。”指着乐和便道：“这位是此间郓州差来取的公吏。”指着邹渊、邹润道：“这两个是登州送来的军官。”祝朝奉并三子虽是聪明，却见他又有老小并许多行李车仗人马，又是栾廷玉教师的兄弟，那里有疑心？只顾杀牛宰马，做筵席管待众人，且饮酒食。
过了一两日，到第三日，庄兵报道：“宋江又调军马杀奔庄上来了。”祝彪道：“我自去上马拿此贼。”便出庄门，放下吊桥，引一百馀骑马军杀将出来。早迎见一彪军马，约有五百来人，当先拥出那个头领，弯弓插箭，拍马轮枪，乃是小李广花荣。祝彪见了，跃马挺枪，向前来斗，花荣也纵马来战祝彪。两个在独龙冈前，约斗了十数合，不分胜败。花荣卖了个破绽，拨回马便走，引他赶来。祝彪正待要纵马追去，背后有认得的说道：“将军休要去赶，恐防暗器，此人深好弓箭。”祝彪听罢，便勒转马来不赶，领回人马，投庄上来，拽起吊桥。看花荣时，也引军马回去了。祝彪直到厅前下马，进后堂来饮酒。孙立动问道：“小将军今日拿得甚贼？”祝彪道：“这厮们伙里有个甚么小李广花荣，枪法好生了得。斗了五十馀合，那厮走了。我却待要赶去追他，军人们道那厮好弓箭，因此各自收兵回来。”孙立道：“来日看小弟不才，拿他几个。”当日筵席上叫乐和唱曲，众人皆喜。至晚席散，又歇了一夜。
到第四日午牌，忽有庄兵报道：“宋江军马又来在庄前了。”当下祝龙、祝虎、祝彪三子都披挂了，出到庄前门外，远远地望见，早听得鸣锣擂鼓，呐喊摇旗，对面早摆成阵势。这里祝朝奉坐在庄门上，左边栾廷玉，右边孙提辖，祝家三杰并孙立带来的许多人伴，都摆在两边。早见宋江阵上豹子头林冲高声叫骂，祝龙焦躁，喝叫放下吊桥，绰枪上马，引一二百人马，大喊一声，直奔林冲阵上。庄门下擂起鼓来，两边各把弓弩射住阵脚。林冲挺起丈八蛇矛，和祝龙交战，连斗到三十馀合，不分胜败。两边鸣锣，各回了马。祝虎大怒，提刀上马，跑到阵前高声大叫：“宋江决战！”说言未了，宋江阵上早有一将出马，乃是没遮拦穆弘，来战祝虎。两个斗了三十馀合，又没胜败。祝彪见了大怒，便绰枪飞身上马，引二百馀骑奔到阵前。宋江队里病关索杨雄，一骑马，一条枪，飞抢出来战祝彪。孙立看见两队儿在阵前厮杀，心中忍耐不住，便唤孙新：“取我的鞭枪来，就将我的衣甲头盔袍袄把来。”披挂了，牵过自己马来，这骑马号乌骓马，鞴上鞍子，扣了三条肚带，腕上悬了虎眼钢鞭，绰枪上马。祝家庄上一声锣响，孙立出马在阵前。宋江阵上林冲、穆弘、杨雄都勒住马，立于阵前。孙立早跑马出来，说道：“看小可捉这厮们。”孙立把马兜住，喝问道：“你那贼兵阵上有好厮杀的，出来与我决战！”宋江阵内鸾铃响处，一骑马跑将出来，众人看时，乃是拚命三郎石秀，来战孙立。两马相交，双枪并举，四条臂膊纵横，八只马蹄撩乱。两个斗到五十合，孙立卖个破绽，让石秀一枪搠入来，虚闪一个过，把石秀轻轻的从马上捉过来，直挟到庄前撇下，喝道：“把来缚了！”祝家三子把宋江军马一搅，都赶散了。
三子收军，回到门楼下，见了孙立，众皆拱手钦伏。孙立便问道：“共是捉得几个贼人？”祝朝奉道：“起初先捉得一个时迁，次后拿得一个细作杨林，又捉得一个黄信。扈家庄一丈青捉得一个王矮虎。阵上拿得两个，秦明、邓飞。今番将军又捉得这个石秀，这厮正是烧了我店屋的。共是七个了。”孙立道：“一个也不要坏他，快做七辆囚车装了，与些酒饭，将养身体，休教饿损了他，不好看。他日拿了宋江，一并解上东京去，教天下传名，说这个祝家庄三子。”祝朝奉谢道：“多幸得提辖相助，想是这梁山泊当灭也。”邀请孙立到后堂筵宴。石秀自把囚车装了。
看官听说：石秀的武艺不低似孙立，要赚祝家庄人，故意教孙立捉了，使他庄上人一发信他。孙立又暗暗地使邹渊、邹润、乐和去后房里把门户都看了出入的路数。杨林、邓飞见了邹渊、邹润，心中暗喜。乐和张看得没人，便透个消息与众人知了。顾大嫂与乐大娘子在里面，已看了房户出入的门径。话休絮繁。一是祝家庄当败，二乃恶贯满盈，早是祝家庄坦然不疑。
至第五日，孙立等众人都在庄上闲行。当日辰牌时候，早饭已罢，只见庄兵报道：“今日宋江分兵做四路来打本庄。”孙立道：“分十路待怎地！你手下人且不要慌，早作准备便了。先安排些挠钩套索，须要活捉，拿死的也不算！”庄上人都披挂了。祝朝奉亲自也引着一班儿上门楼来看时，见正东上一彪人马，当先一个头领乃是豹子头林冲，背后便是李俊、阮小二，约有五百以上人马在此；正西上又有五百来人马，当先一个头领乃是小李广花荣，随背后是张横、张顺；正南门楼上望时，也有五百来人马，当先三个头领乃是没遮拦穆弘，病关索杨雄，黑旋风李逵。四面都是兵马，战鼓齐鸣，喊声大举。栾廷玉听了道：“今日这厮们厮杀，不可轻敌。我引了一队人马出后门杀这正西北上的人马。”祝龙道：“我出前门杀这正东上的人马贼兵。”祝虎道：“我也出后门杀那正南上的人马。”祝彪道：“我也出前门捉宋江，是要紧的贼首。”祝朝奉大喜，都赏了酒。各人上马，尽带了三百馀骑奔出庄门。其馀的都守庄院，门楼前呐喊。此时邹渊、邹润已藏了大斧，只守在监门左侧。解珍、解宝藏了暗器，不离后门。孙新、乐和已守定前门左右。顾大嫂先拨人兵保护乐大娘子，却自拿了两把双刀在堂前踅。只听风声，便乃下手。
且说祝家庄上擂了三通战鼓，放了一个炮，把前后门都开，放了吊桥，一齐杀将出来。四路军兵出了门，四下里分投去厮杀。临后孙立带了十数个军兵，立在吊桥上。门里孙新便把原带来的旗号插起在门楼上。乐和便提着枪直唱将入来。邹渊、邹润听得乐和唱，便唿哨了几声，轮动大斧，早把守监房的庄兵砍翻了数十个，便开了陷车，放出七个大虫来，各各寻了器械，一声喊起。顾大嫂掣出两把刀，直奔入房里，把应有妇人，一刀一个尽都杀了。祝朝奉见头势不好了，却待要投井时，早被石秀一刀剁翻，割了首级。那十数个好汉分投来杀庄兵。后门头解珍、解宝便去马草堆里放起把火，黑焰冲天而起。四路人马见庄上火起，并力向前。祝虎见庄里火起，先奔回来。孙立守在吊桥上，大喝一声：“你那厮那里去！”拦住吊桥。祝虎省口，便拨转马头，再奔宋江阵上来。这里吕方、郭盛，两戟齐举，早把祝虎和人连马搠翻在地，众军乱上，剁做肉泥。前军四散奔走。孙立、孙新迎接宋公明入庄。且说东路祝龙斗林冲不住，飞马望庄后而来。到得吊桥边，见后门头解珍、解宝把庄客的尸首一个个撺将下来。火焰里祝龙急回马望北而走，猛然撞着黑旋风，踊身便到，轮动双斧，早砍翻马脚。祝龙措手不及，倒撞下来，被李逵只一斧，把头劈翻在地。祝彪见庄兵走来报知，不敢回，直望扈家庄投奔，被扈成叫庄客捉了，绑缚下。正解将来见宋江，恰好遇着李逵，只一斧，砍翻祝彪头来。庄客都四散走了。李逵再轮起双斧，便看着扈成砍来。扈成见局面不好，拍马落荒而走，弃家逃命，投延安府去了。后来中兴内也做了个军官武将。且说李逵正杀得手顺，直抢入扈家庄里，把扈太公一门老幼尽数杀了，不留一个。叫小喽啰牵了有的马匹，把庄里一应有的财赋，捎搭[1]有四五十驮，将庄院门一把火烧了，却回来献纳。
再说宋江已在祝家庄上正厅坐下，众头领都来献功，生擒得四五百人，夺得好马五百馀匹，活捉牛羊不记其数。宋江看了，大喜道：“只可惜杀了栾廷玉那个好汉。”正嗟叹间，闻人报道：“黑旋风烧了扈家庄，砍得头来献纳。”宋江便道：“前日扈成已来投降，谁教他杀了此人？如何烧了他庄院？”只见黑旋风一身血污，腰里插着两把板斧，直到宋江面前唱个大喏，说道：“祝龙是兄弟杀了，祝彪也是兄弟砍了，扈成那厮走了，扈太公一家都杀得干干净净，兄弟特来请功。”宋江喝道：“祝龙曾有人见你杀了，别的怎地是你杀了？”黑旋风道：“我砍得手顺，望扈家庄赶去，正撞见一丈青的哥哥解那祝彪出来，被我一斧砍了，只可惜走了扈成那厮。他家庄上被我杀得一个也没了。”宋江喝道：“你这厮！谁叫你去来！你也须知扈成前日牵牛担酒前来投降了，如何不听得我的言语，擅自去杀他一家，故违了我的将令！”李逵道：“你便忘记了，我须不忘记！那厮前日教那个鸟婆娘赶着哥哥要杀，你今却又做人情。你又不曾和他妹子成亲，便又思量阿舅、丈人。”宋江喝道：“你这铁牛，休得胡说！我如何肯要这妇人？我自有个处置。你这黑厮拿得活的有几个？”李逵答道：“谁鸟奈烦！见着活的便砍了。”宋江道：“你这厮违了我的军令，本合斩首，且把杀祝龙、祝彪的功劳折过了。下次违令，定行不饶！”黑旋风笑道：“虽然没了功劳，也吃我杀得快活！”
只见军师吴学究引着一行人马，都到庄上来与宋江把盏贺喜。宋江与吴用商议道，要把这祝家庄村坊洗荡了。石秀禀说起：“这锺离老人仁德之人，指路之力，救济大恩，也有此等善心良民在内，亦不可屈坏了这等好人。”宋江听罢，叫石秀去寻那老人来。石秀去不多时，引着那个锺离老人来到庄上，拜见宋江、吴学究。宋江取一包金帛赏与老人，永为乡民：“不是你这个老人面上有恩，把你这个村坊尽数洗荡了，不留一家。因为你一家为善，以此饶了你这一境村坊人民。”那锺离老人只是下拜。宋江又道：“我连日在此搅扰你们百姓，今日打破了祝家庄，与你村中除害，所有各家，赐粮米一石，以表人心。”就着锺离老人为头给散。一面把祝家庄多馀粮米，尽数装载上车。金银财赋，犒赏三军众将。其馀牛羊骡马等物，将去山中支用。打破祝家庄得粮五千万石，宋江大喜。大小头领将军马收拾起身。又得若干新到头领，孙立、孙新、解珍、解宝、邹渊、邹润、乐和、顾大嫂，并救出七个好汉。孙立等将自己马也捎带了自己的财赋，同老小乐大娘子，跟随了大队军马上山。当有村坊乡民扶老挈幼，香花灯烛，于路拜谢。宋江等众将一齐上马，将军兵分作三队摆开，前面鞭敲金镫，后军齐唱凯歌。但见：
云开见日，雾散天清。旱苗得时雨重生，枯树遇春风再活。一鞭喜色，如龙骏马赴梁山；满面笑容，似虎雄兵归大寨。车上满装粮草，军中尽是降兵。风卷旌旗，将将齐敲金镫响；春风宇宙，人人都唱凯歌回。
宋江把这祝家庄兵都收在部下，一行军马尽出村口。乡民百姓，自把祝家庄村坊拆作白地。
话分两头。且说扑天雕李应恰才将息得箭疮平复，闭门在庄上不出，暗地使人常常去探听祝家庄消息，已知被宋江打破了，惊喜相半。只见庄客入来报说：“有本州知府带领三五十部汉到庄，便问祝家庄事情。”李应慌忙叫杜兴开了庄门，放下吊桥，迎接入庄。李应把条白绢搭膊络着手，出来迎迓，邀请进庄里前厅。知府下了马，来到厅上，居中坐了。侧首坐着孔目，下面一个押番，几个虞候，阶下尽是许多节级牢子。李应拜罢，立在厅前。知府问道：“祝家庄被杀一事如何？”李应答道：“小人因被祝彪射了一箭，有伤左臂，一向闭门，不敢出去，不知其实。”知府道：“胡说！祝家庄见有状子告你结连梁山泊强寇，引诱他军马打破了庄，前日又受他鞍马羊酒，采段金银，你如何赖得过？知情是你！”李应告道：“小人是知法度的人，如何敢受他的东西。”知府道：“难信你说。且提去府里，你自与他对理明白。”喝叫狱卒牢子捉了：“带他州里去与祝家分辨。”两下押番、虞候把李应缚了，众人簇拥知府上了马。知府又问道：“那个是杜主管杜兴？”杜兴道：“小人便是。”知府道：“状上也有你名。一同带去，也与他锁了。”一行人都出庄门。当时拿了李应、杜兴，离了李家庄，脚不停地解来。
行不过三十馀里，只见林子边撞出宋江、林冲、花荣、杨雄、石秀一班人马，拦住去路。林冲大喝道：“梁山泊好汉合伙在此！”那知府人等不敢抵敌，撇了李应、杜兴，逃命去了。宋江喝叫：“赶上！”众人赶了一程回来，说道：“我们若赶上时，也把这个鸟知府杀了。但自不知去向。”便与李应、杜兴解了缚索，开了锁，便牵两匹马过来，与他两个骑了。宋江便道：“且请大官人上梁山泊躲几时如何？”李应道：“却是使不得。知府是你们杀了，不干我事。”宋江笑道：“官司里怎肯与你如此分辨？我们去了，必然要负累了你。既是大官人不肯落草，且在山寨消停几日，打听得没事了时，再下山来不迟。”当下不由李应、杜兴不行，大队军马中间如何回得来。一行三军人马，迤逦回到梁山泊了。
寨里头领晁盖等众人擂鼓吹笛，下山来迎接，把了接风酒，都上到大寨里聚义厅上扇圈也似坐下。请上李应与众头领都相见了。两个讲礼已罢，李应禀宋江道：“小可两个已送将军到大寨了，既与众头领亦都相见了。在此趋侍不妨，只不知家中老小如何，可教小人下山则个。”吴学究笑道：“大官人差矣。宝眷已都取到山寨了，贵庄一把火已都烧做白地，大官人却回那里去？”李应不信。早见车仗人马，队队上山来。李应看时，却见是自家的庄客并老小人等。李应连忙来问时，妻子说道：“你被知府捉了来，随后又有两个巡检引着四个都头，带领二百来土兵，到来抄扎家私。把我们好好地教上车子，将家里一应箱笼、牛羊、马匹、驴骡等项，都拿了去，又把庄院放起火来都烧了。”李应听罢，只叫得苦。晁盖、宋江都下厅伏罪道：“我等弟兄们端的久闻大官人好处，因此行出这条计来，万望大官人情恕！”李应见了如此言语，只得随顺了。宋江道：“且请宅眷后厅耳房中安歇。”李应又见厅前厅后这许多头领，亦有家眷老小在彼，便与妻子道：“只得依允他过。”宋江等当时请至厅前叙说闲话，众皆大喜。宋江便取笑道：“大官人，你看我叫过两个巡检并那知府过来。”扮知府的是萧让，扮巡检的两个是戴宗、杨林，扮孔目的是裴宣，扮虞候的是金大坚、侯健。又叫唤那四个都头，却是李俊、张横、马麟、白胜。李应都见了，目睁口呆，言语不得。
宋江喝叫小头目快杀牛宰马与大官人陪话，庆贺新上山的十二位头领，乃是李应、孙立、孙新、解珍、解宝、邹渊、邹润、杜兴、乐和、时迁；女头领扈三娘、顾大嫂同乐大娘子、李应宅眷，另做一席在后堂饮酒。正厅上大吹大擂，众多好汉饮酒至晚方散。
次日又作席面，宋江主张，一丈青与王矮虎作配，结为夫妇。众头领都称赞宋公明仁德之士。正饮宴间，只见山下有人来报道：“朱贵头领酒店里有个郓城县人在那里，要来见头领。”晁盖、宋江听得报了，大喜道：“既是这恩人上山来入伙，足遂平生之愿。”
不知那个人来，有分教：枷梢起处，打翻路柳墙花；大斧落时，杀倒幼童稚子。皆是两筹好汉恩逢义，一个军师智隐情。毕竟来的是郓城县甚么人，且听下回分解。
[1] 捎搭——装载。
CHAPTER 49. Wu Yong Completes His Plans; Song Jiang Again Attacks the Zhu Family Village
WU YONG sent Dai Zong to Liangshan Marsh to bring four other leaders to the camp.
That day Hu Cheng, brother of the girl Hu San Niang, the “Ten Feet of Green,” arrived in the camp, and addressed Song Jiang, “My sister was very stupid in provoking your anger, and she deserved to be captured by you. I hope, however, that you will forgive her for her youthful rashness.”
Song Jiang asked him to be seated, and then said, “The people of the Zhu Family Village have no sense of decency, and have repeatedly tried to deceive us. Therefore we have had to fight them yet we are on good terms with your village. Your sister had one of our leaders arrested so we had to treat her in the same way. We might exchange the prisoners, and so settle accounts.”
“But our prisoner has already been taken away to the Zhu Family Village,” said Hu Cheng. “I have no means of getting them to hand over the prisoner to you.”
“In that case,” said Song Jiang, “how can we release your sister?”
“There is another way,” said Wu Yong, addressing Hu Cheng. “Your village must decline further assistance to the Zhu Family Village, and when they send a messenger to call for help you can arrest that man. If you do this then you can exchange that prisoner with us for your sister. You can now return and need not worry about her.”
“We will never help them again,” said Hu Cheng. He then departed.
Major Sun displayed a flag bearing his late official position, and duly arrived at the gate of the Zhu Family Village with his retinue. His arrival was duly reported, and Luan Tingyu at once recognized his old schoolmate. He went to the gate, had it opened, and welcomed Major Sun. They all entered the village.
Luan Tingyu asked how Major Sun came there at such a time, and the latter explained, “I have just been appointed to take command of the troops at Yunzhou, and guard the district against the brigands at Liangshan Marsh. As I was passing quite close to your village I thought that I would call and visit you.”
Luan Tingyu then explained that the brigands had been attacking his village for several days, and that he was trying to capture the leader Song Jiang. The arrival of Major Sun was very opportune, like rain for dry grass.
Major Sun laughed, and said that he had no special ability, but he would help them in capturing the brigands. He made arrangements for quarters for his men and the horses and carts, and then changed his dress, and went to see old Zhu.
After the introduction and the usual salutations Major Sun said that as the village was in his district he would specially look to the advice and assistance of Old Zhu. He then inquired how their fighting against the brigands had resulted.
“We have not been very successful,” said Dragon Zhu.
Major Sun then arranged for the ladies Gu Dasao and Yue to be introduced to the women’s apartments. He then introduced Sun Xin, Xie Zhen, and Xie Bao as his younger brothers who were traveling with him. He introduced Yue He as a clerk of his yamen, and Zou Yuan and Zou Run as minor army officers.
Upon the third day after this an outpost reported that Song Jiang’s troops were moving for another attack upon the village.
“Tiger’s Cub” Zhu said he would go, and arrest the brigand’s chief. He took about a hundred mounted men, and lowering the drawbridge left the village. He soon met a body of about five hundred brigands. He halted his men, and went forward alone. Hua Rong also advanced by himself to engage in combat. They met, but after about fifty bouts neither had any advantage. Hua Rong tried a ruse, and retired as though defeated. “Tiger’s Cub” turned to pursue him when one of his men called out, “Do not pursue him as he may have some secret trap for you. Your opponent is a skilled bowman.” “Tiger’s Cub” listened to this advice, and stopped to pursue, but instead ordered a retreat into the village. Hua Rong also withdrew his men.
Upon reaching headquarters, “Tiger’s Cub” told Major Sun about the fight, and how both had retired. They then all feasted together until well into the night.
The next day about noon Song Jiang’s men were again advancing for an attack, and the three brothers Zhu all went with their men to repel the attack. There was a great noise of gongs and drums and a big display of flags. Zhu Chaofeng, the village chief, went on the gate tower, and sat down there with Luan Tingyu and Major Sun. Very soon they saw Lin Chong ride out from the brigands, and coming near the village gate he cursed loudly.
“Dragon” Zhu was annoyed at this, and mounted his horse. The drawbridge being lowered, he went across supported by a loud crashing of gongs and drums. He engaged in combat with Lin Chong, but after about thirty bouts neither had any advantage, and they both retired.
“Tiger” Zhu now mounted and dashed over the drawbridge. He was met by Mu Hong, and they had about thirty bouts without any definite result.
“Tiger’s Cub” Zhu now took to the saddle, and was met by Yang Xiong, but again there was a draw.
Major Sun now called for his spear, and armor, and mounted his horse. He rode out to the bandits troop, and challenged the best man to come out and fight against him. Very soon Shi Xiu came out on horseback, and they had about fifty bouts. Then Major Sun by a trick let Shi Xiu thrust in with his spear, and by evading it, Major Sun suddenly seized hold of his opponent, dragged him off his horse, and carried him to the village gate. He was greeted by all the men as a great conqueror. Major Sun asked how many men had been captured so far, and was informed that this made the seventh. He said they must treat the prisoners well, because when they got Song Jiang they would send the whole lot in carts to the district city.
Major Sun sent Zou Yuan and Zou Run to visit the prisoners, and secretly told them of the plans for the coming struggle.
On the fifth day Song Jiang again had his men advancing for an attack. Major Sun now suggested that the defenders be not excited but be prepared to take prisoners instead of trying to kill the enemy. This was agreed to and arranged. Zhu Chaofeng again took his seat at the observation post on the tower above the gate. He saw large bodies of men on all sides, and it looked as though this was to be the final mass attack. The three brothers and also Luan Tingyu were ready to take their men out of the four gates to meet the bandits.
The war drums were beaten, and a rocket fired in the village, the four gates were opened, the drawbridge lowered, and the armed men rushed out of the gates. Major Sun had charge of his own men, and took up his position on the bridge in front of the main gate. His brother Sun Xin took the official flag, and stuck it on the tower over the gate. Upon a signal from Yue He the other leaders of the bandits inside the village blew whistles and attacked the villagers who were guarding the prison van. They soon broke open the van, released the seven brigands, and armed them. Gu Dasao seized two swords, and went into the rooms of Old Zhu, killing any woman she met. Zhu Chaofeng saw all this on the tower over the gate, but before he could raise an alarm he was killed by Shi Xiu. The brigands under Major Sun now attacked the villagers at the gate. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao went to the stables, and set fire to the fodder storage. The brigands under Song Jiang seeing the great fire pressed onward their attack.
“Tiger” Zhu seeing the fire, galloped back towards the village, but was stopped at the gate by Major Sun. He realized the treachery, and beat a hasty retreat. But he was confronted by Lu Fang and Guo Sheng who soon overcame him and killed him. The villagers, seeing their leaders killed, scattered in all directions. The bandits under Song Jiang now had a clear road, and advancing on the main entrance were admitted by Major Sun and his men.
At the other gate, “Dragon” Zhu had also failed to defeat Lin Chong in personal combat, and seeing the fire at the rear gate had also galloped back to the village. At the gate he saw Xie Zhen and Xie Bao throwing the dead bodies of villagers from the wall, and he retreated. He then met Li Kui with his two axes, and in a short encounter was soon overcome, and killed.
“Tiger’s Cub” Zhu got reports of the treachery in his rear, and realizing that it was useless to retreat he led his men in the direction of the Hu Family Village. Upon arriving there he was arrested by Hu Cheng who intended to send him bound as a prisoner to Song Jiang. Shortly afterwards, however, Li Kui appeared and he at once took the “Tiger’s Cub” and killed him on the spot. The villagers seeing this all scattered. Li Kui now advanced to attack Hu Cheng who mounted his horse, and galloped off. Li Kui continued his way through the Hu Family Village killing the whole family of Old Hu. Li Kui and his men looted the farmstead, and then set fire to it.
The leaders of the bandits assembled in the main hall. Song Jiang was highly elated at the victory, but expressed his regret at the death of Luan Tingyu. When he heard that the Hu Family Village had been looted and burnt, he asked why that had been done seeing that the chief Hu Cheng had been friendly towards them only a few days ago. Li Kui stepped forward. He was covered with blood, and had his two axes stuck in his belt. He said, “I killed the ‘Dragon,’ and ‘Tiger’s Cub,’ but Hu Cheng got away on horseback. I made a clean sweep of the whole family of Old Hu. I now report my meritorious conduct.”
“It has been reported already that you have killed ‘Dragon’ Zhu, but nobody has confirmed your other statements,” said Song Jiang.
Li Kui then gave details of what he had done.
“But why did you do such a thing in defiance of my order that Hu Cheng and his village should be spared.”
“You forget, but I remember,” said Li Kui. “The ‘Ten Feet of Green,’ Hu San Niang was sister of Hu Cheng, and she wanted to goddamn kill you a few days ago. You must not expect to make her your wife.”
“‘Iron Ox,’ you should not talk such nonsense,” said Song Jiang. “Why should I want her as a wife when I have other plans for her? How many prisoners did you take alive?”
“None. If I saw one alive I killed him at once.”
“You do not observe my orders. I ought to have you executed for that, but this time I will excuse you because you killed ‘Dragon’ Zhu, and ‘Tiger’s Cub’ Zhu, and many others. In future, however, if you do not carry out my orders I shall certainly have you executed.”
Li Kui laughed and said, “I may have no merit, but I certainly have had the pleasure of killing people.”
Song Jiang then discussed with Wu Yong as to whether they should kill everybody in the village, and make a clean sweep of their enemies. But Shi Xiu pointed out that there were some good and innocent people in the village, and mentioned, as an instance, Old Zhongli who had shown him the roads in the village. Song Jiang asked Shi Xiu to go, and find the man, and bring him there. In a short time Shi Xiu returned with Old Zhongli who saluted Song Jiang and Wu Yong. Song Jiang presented him with some silver and said, “Because of your benevolent assistance to one of our leaders I show mercy to all the people in this village. We have thought of exterminating everybody, but on account of your great virtue we will spare their lives. We have been victorious, and have killed all those who were really opposed to us. We will even give each family in this village a picul of rice, in order to show our good intentions. We will entrust the distribution of the rice to you, as you are a good upright man.”
All the valuables in the village and also the cows, sheep, and horses were sent to Liangshan Marsh. After the rice had been distributed as promised there was still about 50,000 piculs left which were also sent to Liangshan Marsh. The new recruits with Major Sun were duly admitted to the band, and all then went to Liangshan Marsh.
Now Li Ying had been wounded by an arrow, and he did not take part in all this. He remained in his village, and had messengers who reported to him all that had taken place in the Zhu Family Village. When the bandits had all gone a messenger reported to him one day that the Prefect had arrived in the village, and was making an investigation. Li Ying dressed up in his best silks, and went to meet the Prefect. The Prefect was seated in the main hall of his farmstead. With him were a recorder, a clerk, several servants, and many jailers. Li Ying saluted, and stood to attention. The Prefect asked him what he knew of the attack on the village.
“I was wounded by an arrow shot at me by ‘Tiger’s Cub’ Zhu. I was confined indoors, and did not know the fighting.”
“Nonsense!” remarked the Prefect. “I received a petition from the Zhu Family Village stating that you had brought the brigands from Liangshan Marsh to attack that village. They looted the village and you received their presents, but how is it that you did not go back with them?”
“I know the law in such matters,” said Li Ying, “how dare I receive bribery from the bandits?”
“It is hard to believe what you say,” said the Prefect. “I must arrest you, send you to the court where you can answer the charges made against you by the villagers.” Li Ying was arrested, and bound, Du Xing was also arrested, and then they all mounted their horses, and set off.
They had gone only about ten li when they were stopped in a forest by Song Jiang and four other leaders. With the brigands was Lin Chong who shouted out, “We are from Liangshan Marsh,” and the Prefect and his escort upon hearing this galloped away leaving the prisoners behind. Song Jiang ordered a party to pursue the men, who soon returned and reported that they had all escaped. The two prisoners were released, and given horses to ride on.
Song Jiang suggested to Li Ying and Du Xing, the prisoners, that it would be better if they both took refuge at Liangshan Marsh.
“That will not do,” said Li Ying, “because you tried to kill the Prefect, and I had nothing to do with it.”
Song Jiang laughed, “The court will not discriminate as to who among us killed the Prefect. If we go and leave you the officials will arrest you as being implicated. If you do not care to join our band, then you can leave us after staying at Liangshan Marsh until things settle down.”
The two men saw no means of declining this offer as they were completely in the hands of the bandits so they fell in with the proposal, and accompanied them to the mountain. Upon arriving there they were duly introduced to all the leaders. Li Ying then asked that a man be sent to the village to find out how his people were faring as he was rather anxious about them.
Wu Yong laughed at this and said, “All your people are already here, and as the whole village has been burnt down what is the use for you to go back?”
Li Ying did not believe this until he saw many of his villagers about. Among the prisoners he even saw his wife who told him, “When you had left with the Prefect and inspectors about three hundred soldiers came to the village, and arrested us. They took all the cattle, and set fire to the houses and buildings.” Li Ying was very much upset. Chao Gai and Song Jiang however bowed to Li Ying, and said, “We brought you all here because we heard that you are a good man. We hope that you will excuse us for taking such liberties.”
Li Ying agreed to let matters remain as they were.
Song Jiang then explained that the Prefect, inspectors, and soldiers who had taken him and Du Xing as prisoners, and had taken all the villagers to Liangshan Marsh were his own followers who had acted the part of officials. When the men were pointed out to Li Ying he recognized them, and was astounded at the way in which he and his people had been duped.
Song Jiang spoke to the “Ten Feet of Green,” Hu San Niang, and suggested that she should marry Wang Ying. She agreed to this, and the marriage took place soon afterwards.
A few days afterwards a messenger arrived from Zhu Gui, and said that there was a guest staying at the inn who wished to meet Song Jiang. Song Jiang was pleased to hear this, and was willing to receive the man.
Black and white all people know,
Bandits know their enemies.