第五十一回

第五十一回 插翅虎枷打白秀英 美髯公误失小衙内

诗曰：

龙虎山中走煞罡，英雄豪杰起多方。

魁罡飞入山东界，挺挺黄金架海梁。

幼读经书明礼义，长为吏道志轩昂。

名扬四海称时雨，岁岁朝阳集凤凰。

运蹇时乖遭迭配，如龙失水困泥冈。

曾将玄女天书受，漫向梁山水浒藏。

报冤率众临曾市，挟恨兴兵破祝庄。

谈笑西陲屯甲胄，等闲东府列刀枪。

两赢童贯排天阵，三败高俅在水乡。

施功紫塞辽兵退，报国清溪方腊亡。

行道合天呼保义，高名留得万年扬。

话说梁山泊聚义厅上，晁盖、宋江并众头领与扑天雕李应陪话，敲牛宰马，做庆喜筵席，犒赏三军，并众大小喽啰筵宴，置备礼物酬谢。孙立、孙新、解珍、解宝、邹渊、邹润、乐和、顾大嫂俱各拨房安顿。次日，又作席面，会请众头领作主张。宋江唤王矮虎来说道：“我当初在清风山时，许下你一头亲事，悬悬挂在心中，不曾完得此愿。今日我父亲有个女儿，招你为婿。”宋江自去请出宋太公来，引着一丈青扈三娘到筵前。宋江亲自与他陪话，说道：“我这兄弟王英，虽有武艺，不及贤妹。是我当初曾许下他一头亲事，一向未曾成得。今日贤妹你认义我父亲了，众头领都是媒人，今朝是个良辰吉日，贤妹与王英结为夫妇。”一丈青见宋江义气深重，推却不得，两口儿只得拜谢了。晁盖等众人皆喜，都称贺宋公明真乃有德有义之士。当日尽皆筵宴，饮酒庆贺。

正饮宴间，只见朱贵酒店里使人上山来报道：“林子前大路上一伙客人经过，小喽啰出去拦截，数内一个称是郓城县都头雷横。朱头领邀请住了，见在店里饮分例酒食，先使小校报知。”晁盖、宋江听了大喜，随即与同军师吴用三个下山迎接。朱贵早把船送至金沙滩上岸，宋江见了，慌忙下拜道：“久别尊颜，常切云树之思。今日缘何经过贱处？”雷横连忙答礼道：“小弟蒙本县差遣，往东昌府公干，回来经过路口，小喽啰拦讨买路钱，小弟提起贱名，因此朱兄坚意留住。”宋江道：“天与之幸！”请到大寨，教众头领都相见了，置酒管待。一连住了五日，每日与宋江闲话。晁盖动问朱仝消息，雷横答道：“朱仝见今参做本县当牢节级，新任知县好生欣喜。”宋江宛曲把话来说雷横上山入伙，雷横推辞：“老母年高，不能相从。待小弟送母终年之后，却来相投。”雷横当下拜辞了下山，宋江等再三苦留不住。众头领各以金帛相赠，宋江、晁盖自不必说。雷横得了一大包金银下山，众头领都送至路口作别，把船渡过大路，自回郓城县去了，不在话下。

且说晁盖、宋江回至大寨聚义厅上，起请军师吴学究定议山寨职事。吴用已与宋公明商议已定，次日会合众头领听号令。先拨外面守店头领。宋江道：“孙新、顾大嫂原是开酒店之家，着令夫妇二人替回童威、童猛别用。再令时迁去帮助石勇，乐和去帮助朱贵，郑天寿去帮助李立。东南西北四座店内，卖酒卖肉，招接四方入伙好汉，每店内设两个头领。一丈青、王矮虎后山下寨，监督马匹。金沙滩小寨，童威、童猛弟兄两个守把。鸭嘴滩小寨，邹渊、邹润叔侄两个守把。山前大路，黄信、燕顺部领马军下寨守护。解珍、解宝守把山前第一关。杜迁、宋万守把宛子城第二关。刘唐、穆弘守把大寨口第三关。阮家三雄守把山南水寨。孟康仍前监造战船。李应、杜兴、蒋敬总管山寨钱粮金帛。陶宗旺、薛永监筑梁山泊内城垣雁台。侯健专管监造衣袍、铠甲、旌旗、战袄。朱富、宋清提调筵宴。穆春、李云监造屋宇寨栅。萧让、金大坚掌管一应宾客书信公文。裴宣专管军政司，赏功罚罪。其馀吕方、郭盛、孙立、欧鹏、马麟、邓飞、杨林、白胜，分调大寨八面安歇。晁盖、宋江、吴用居于山顶寨内。花荣、秦明居于山左寨内。林冲、戴宗居于山右寨内。李俊、李逵居于山前。张横、张顺居于山后。杨雄、石秀守护聚义厅两侧。”一班头领分拨已定，每日轮流一位头领做筵席庆贺。山寨体统，甚是齐整。有诗为证：

巍巍高寨水中央，列职分头任所长。

从此山东遭扰攘，难禁地煞与天罡。

再说雷横离了梁山泊，背了包裹，提了朴刀，取路回到郓城县。到家参见老母，更换些衣服，赍了回文，径投县里来，拜见了知县，回了话，销缴公文批帖，且自归家暂歇。依旧每日县中书画卯酉，听候差使。因一日行到县衙东首，只听得背后有人叫道：“都头几时回来？”雷横回过脸来看时，却是本县一个帮闲的李小二。雷横答道：“我却才前日来家。”李小二道：“都头出去了许多时，不知此处近日有个东京新来打踅[1]的行院，色艺双绝，叫做白秀英。那妮子来参都头，却值公差出外不在。如今见在勾栏里，说唱诸般品调。每日有那一般打散[2]，或有戏舞，或有吹弹，或有歌唱，赚得那人山人海价看。都头如何不去睃一睃？端的是好个粉头。”

雷横听了，又遇心闲，便和那李小二径到勾栏里来看，只见门首挂着许多金字帐额，旗杆吊着等身靠背。入到里面，便去青龙[3]头上第一位坐了。看戏台上却做笑乐院本[4]。那李小二人丛里撇了雷横，自出外面赶碗头脑[5]去了。院本下来，只见一个老儿裹着磕脑儿头巾，穿着一领茶褐罗衫，系一条皂绦，拿把扇子，上来开呵道：“老汉是东京人氏白玉乔的便是。如今年迈，只凭女儿秀英歌舞吹弹，普天下伏侍看官。”锣声响处，那白秀英早上戏台，参拜四方，拈起锣棒，如撒豆般点动，拍下一声界方，念了四句七言诗，便说道：“今日秀英招牌上明写着这场话本[6]，是一段风流酝藉的格范，唤做‘豫章城双渐赶苏卿’。”说了开话[7]又唱，唱了又说，合棚价众人喝采不绝。雷横坐在上面，看那妇人时，果然是色艺双绝。但见：

罗衣叠雪，宝髻堆云。樱桃口杏脸桃腮，杨柳腰兰心蕙性。歌喉宛转，声如枝上莺啼；舞态蹁跹，影似花间凤转。腔依古调，音出天然。舞回明月坠秦楼，歌遏行云遮楚馆。高低紧慢，按宫商吐雪喷珠；轻重疾徐，依格范铿金戛玉。笛吹紫竹篇篇锦，板拍红牙字字新。

那白秀英唱到务头[8]，这白玉乔按喝道：“虽无买马博金艺，要动聪明鉴事人。看官喝采道是过去了，我儿且回一回，下来便是衬交鼓儿的院本。”白秀英拿起盘子指着道：“财门上起，利地上住，吉地上过，旺地上行。手到面前，休教空过。”白玉乔道：“我儿且走一遭，看官都待赏你。”白秀英托着盘子，先到雷横面前。雷横便去身边袋里摸时，不想并无一文。雷横道：“今日忘了，不曾带得些出来，明日一发赏你。”白秀英笑道：“头醋不酽彻底薄。官人坐当其位，可出个标首[9]。”雷横通红了面皮道：“我一时不曾带得出来，非是我舍不得。”白秀英道：“官人既是来听唱，如何不记得带钱出来？”雷横道：“我赏你三五两银子也不打紧，却恨今日忘记带来。”白秀英道：“官人今日见一文也无，提甚三五两银子。正是教俺望梅止渴，画饼充饥。”白玉乔叫道：“我儿，你自没眼。不看城里人村里人，只顾问他讨甚么。且过去自问晓事的恩官告个标首。”雷横道：“我怎地不是晓事的？”白玉乔道：“你若省得这子弟门庭[10]时，狗头上生角。”众人齐和起来。雷横大怒，便骂道：“这忤奴怎敢辱我！”白玉乔道：“便骂你这三家村使牛的，打甚么紧！”有认得的喝道：“使不得！这个是本县雷都头。”白玉乔道：“只怕是驴筋头。”雷横那里忍耐得住，从坐椅上直跳下戏台来，揪住白玉乔，一拳一脚，便打得唇绽齿落。众人见打得凶，都来解拆开了，又劝雷横自回去了。勾栏里人一哄尽散了。

原来这白秀英却和那新任知县旧在东京两个来往，今日特地在郓城县开勾栏。那娼妓见父亲被雷横打了，又带重伤，叫一乘轿子，径到知县衙内诉告：“雷横殴打父亲，搅散勾栏，意在欺骗奴家。”知县听了，大怒道：“快写状来！”这个唤做枕边灵。便教白玉乔写了状子，验了伤痕，指定证见。本处县里有人都和雷横好的，替他去知县处打关节。怎当那婆娘守定在衙内，撒娇撒痴，不由知县不行，立等知县差人把雷横捉拿到官，当厅责打，取了招状，将具枷来枷了，押出去号令示众。那婆娘要逞好手，又去知县行说了，定要把雷横号令在勾栏门首。第二日那婆娘再去做场，知县却教把雷横号令在勾栏门首。这一班禁子人等，都是和雷横一般的公人，如何肯掤扒[11]他。这婆娘寻思一会：“既是出名奈何了他，只是一怪。”走出勾栏门，去茶坊里坐下，叫禁子过去，发话道：“你们都和他有首尾，却放他自在。知县相公教你们掤扒他，你倒做人情！少刻我对知县说了，看道奈何得你们也不！”禁子道：“娘子不必发怒，我们自去掤扒他便了。”白秀英道：“恁地时，我自将钱赏你。”禁子们只得来对雷横说道：“兄长，没奈何且胡乱掤一掤。”把雷横掤扒在街上。

人闹里，却好雷横的母亲正来送饭，看见儿子吃他掤扒在那里，便哭起来，骂那禁子们道：“你众人也和我儿一般在衙门里出入的人，钱财直这般好使？谁保的常没事！”禁子答道：“我那老娘，听我说，我们却也要容情，怎禁被原告人监定在这里要掤，我们也没做道理处。不时便要去和知县说，苦害我们，因此上做不的面皮。”那婆婆道：“几曾见原告人自监着被告号令的道理。”禁子们又低低道：“老娘，他和知县来往得好，一句话便送了我们，因此两难。”那婆婆一面自去解索，一头口里骂道：“这个贼贱人直恁的倚势！我且解了这索子，看他如今怎的！”白秀英却在茶房里听得，走将过来，便道：“你那老婢子却才道甚么？”那婆婆那里有好气，便指着骂道：“你这千人骑、万人压、乱人入的贱母狗！做甚么倒骂我！”白秀英听得，柳眉倒竖，星眼圆睁，大骂道：“老咬虫，吃贫婆！贱人怎敢骂我！”婆婆道：“我骂你待怎的！你须不是郓城县知县。”白秀英大怒，抢向前只一掌，把那婆婆打个踉跄。那婆婆却待挣扎，白秀英再赶入去，老大耳光子只顾打。这雷横是个大孝的人，见了母亲吃打，一时怒从心发，扯起枷来，望着白秀英脑盖上打将下来。那一枷梢打个正着，劈开了脑盖，扑地倒了。众人看时，那白秀英打得脑浆迸流，眼珠突出，动掸不得，情知死了。有诗为证：

玉貌花颜俏粉头，当场歌舞擅风流。

只因窘辱雷横母，裂脑横尸一命休。

众人见打死了白秀英，就押带了雷横，一发来县里首告，见知县备诉前事。知县随即差人押雷横下来，会集相官，拘唤里正邻佑人等，对尸检验已了，都押回县来。雷横一面都招承了，并无难意。他娘自保领回家听候。禁子都监下了。把雷横枷了，下在牢里。当牢节级却是美髯公朱仝，见发下雷横来，也没做奈何处，只得安排些酒食管待，教小牢子打扫一间净房，安顿了雷横。少间，她娘来牢里送饭，哭着哀告朱仝道：“老身年纪六旬之上，眼睁地只看着这个孩儿。望烦节级哥哥可看日常间弟兄面上，可怜见我这个孩儿，看觑看觑。”朱仝道：“老娘自请放心归去。今后饭食不必来送，小人自管待他。倘有方便处，可以救之。”雷横娘道：“哥哥救得孩儿，却是重生父母。若孩儿有些好歹，老身性命也便休了！”朱仝道：“小人专记在心，老娘不必挂念。”那婆婆拜谢去了。朱仝寻思了一日，没做道理救他处。朱仝自央人去知县处打关节，上下替他使用人情。那知县虽然爱朱仝，只是恨这雷横打死了他表子白秀英，也容不得他说了，又怎奈白玉乔那厮，催并叠成文案，要知县断教雷横偿命。因在牢里六十日限满断结，解上济州，主案押司抱了文卷先行，却教朱仝解送雷横。

朱仝引了十数个小牢子，监押雷横，离了郓城县。约行了十数里地，见个酒店，朱仝道：“我等众人就此吃两碗酒去。”众人都到店里吃酒。朱仝独自带过雷横，只做水火[12]，乘后面僻净处开了枷，放了雷横，分付道：“贤弟自回，快去家里取了老母，星夜去别处逃难。这里我自替你吃官司。”雷横道：“小弟走了自不妨，必须要连累了哥哥，恐怕罪犯深重。”朱仝道：“兄弟，你不知。知县怪你打死了他表子，把这文案却做死了，解到州里，必是要你偿命。我放了你，我须不该死罪。况兼我又无父母挂念，家私尽可赔偿。你顾前程万里自去。”雷横拜谢了，便从后门小路奔回家里，收拾了细软包裹，引了老母，星夜自投梁山泊入伙去了，不在话下。

却说朱仝拿着空枷，撺在草里，却出来对众小牢子说道：“吃雷横走了，却是怎地好？”众人道：“我们赶快去他家里捉！”朱仝故意延迟了半日，料着雷横去得远了，却引众人来县里出首。朱仝告道：“小人自不小心，路上被雷横走了，在逃无获，情愿甘罪无辞。”知县本爱朱仝，有心将就出脱他，被白玉乔要赴上司陈告朱仝故意脱放雷横，知县只得把朱仝所犯情由申将济州去。朱仝家中自着人去上州里使钱透了，却解朱仝到济州来。当厅审录明白，断了二十脊杖，刺配沧州牢城。朱仝只得带上行枷，两个防送公人领了文案，押送朱仝上路。家间人自有送衣服盘缠，先赍发了两个公人。当下离了郓城县，迤逦望沧州横海郡来，于路无话。

到得沧州，入进城中，投州衙里来，正值知府升厅。两个公人押朱仝在厅阶下，呈上公文。知府看了，见朱仝一表非俗，貌如重枣，美髯过腹，知府先有八分欢喜，便教：“这个犯人休发下牢城营里，只留在本府听候使唤。”当下除了行枷，便与了回文，两个公人相辞了自回。

只说朱仝自在府中，每日只在厅前伺候呼唤。那沧州府里押番、虞候、门子、承局、节级、牢子，都送了些人情，又见朱仝和气，因此上都欢喜他。忽一日，本官知府正在厅上坐堂，朱仝在阶侍立。知府唤朱仝上厅问道：“你缘何放了雷横，自遭配在这里？”朱仝禀道：“小人怎敢故放了雷横，只是一时间不小心，被他走了。”知府道：“你如何得此重罪？”朱仝道：“被原告人执定要小人如此招做故放，以此问得重了。”知府道：“雷横为何打死了那娼妓？”朱仝却把雷横上项的事备细说了一遍。知府道：“你敢见他孝道，为义气上放了他？”朱仝道：“小人怎敢欺公罔上。”正问之间，只见屏风背后转出一个小衙内来，方年四岁，生得端严美貌，乃是知府亲子，知府爱惜如金似玉。那小衙内见了朱仝，径走过来便要他抱。朱仝只得抱起小衙内在怀里。那小衙内双手扯住朱仝长髯，说道：“我只要这胡子抱。”知府道：“孩儿快放了手，休要啰唣。”小衙内又道：“我只要这胡子抱，和我去耍。”朱仝禀道：“小人抱衙内去府前闲走，耍一回了来。”知府道：“孩儿既是要你抱，你和他去耍一回子来。”朱仝抱了小衙内，出府衙前来，买些细糖果子与他吃，转了一遭，再抱入府里来。知府看见，问衙内道：“孩儿那里去来？”小衙内道：“这胡子和我街上看耍，又买糖和果子请我吃。”知府说道：“你那里得钱买物事与孩儿吃？”朱仝禀道：“微表小人孝顺之心，何足挂齿。”知府教取酒来与朱仝吃。府里侍婢捧着银瓶果盒，筛酒连与朱仝吃了三大赏锺。知府道：“早晚孩儿要你耍时，你可自行去抱他耍去。”朱仝道：“恩相台旨，怎敢有违。”自此为始，每日来和小衙内上街闲耍。朱仝囊箧又有，只要本官见喜，小衙内面上抵自赔费。

时过半月之后，便是七月十五日盂兰盆大斋之日，年例各处点放河灯，修设好事。当日天晚，堂里侍婢奶子叫道：“朱都头，小衙内今夜要去看河灯，夫人分付，你可抱他去看一看。”朱仝道：“小人抱去。”那小衙内穿一领绿纱衫儿，头上角儿拴两条珠子头须，从里面走出来。朱仝驮在肩头上，转出府衙内前来，望地藏寺里去看点放河灯。那时恰才是初更时分，但见：

钟声杳霭，幡影招摇。炉中焚百和名香，盘内贮诸般素食。僧持金杵，诵真言荐拔幽魂；人列银钱，挂孝服超升滞魄。合堂功德，画阴司八难三涂；绕寺庄严，列地狱四生六道。杨柳枝头分净水，莲花池内放明灯。

当时朱仝肩背着小衙内，绕寺看了一遭，却来水陆堂放生池边看放河灯。那小衙内爬在栏干上，看了笑耍。只见背后有人拽朱仝袖子道：“哥哥借一步说话。”朱仝回头看时，却是雷横，吃了一惊，便道：“小衙内且下来，坐在这里，我去买糖来与你吃，切不要走动。”小衙内道：“你快来，我要去桥上看河灯。”朱仝道：“我便来也。”转身却与雷横说话。

朱仝道：“贤弟因何到此？”雷横扯朱仝到静处，拜道：“自从哥哥救了性命，和老母无处归着，只得上梁山泊投奔了宋公明入伙。小弟说哥哥恩德，宋公明亦然思想哥哥旧日放他的恩念，晁天王和众头领皆感激不浅，因此特地教吴军师同兄弟前来相探。”朱仝道：“吴先生见在何处？”背后转过吴学究道：“吴用在此。”言罢便拜。朱仝慌忙答礼道：“多时不见，先生一向安乐？”吴学究道：“山寨里众头领多多拜意，今番教吴用和雷都头特来相请足下上山，同聚大义。到此多日了，不敢相见。今夜伺候得着，望仁兄便那尊步，同赴山寨，以满晁、宋二公之意。”朱仝听罢，半晌答应不得，便道：“先生差矣。这话休题，恐被外人听了不好。雷横兄弟他自犯了该死的罪，我因义气放了他，上山入伙，出身不得。我亦为他配在这里。天可怜见，一年半载挣扎还乡，复为良民。我却如何肯做这等的事！你二位便可请回，休在此间，惹口面[13]不好。”雷横道：“哥哥在此，无非只是在人之下，伏侍他人，非大丈夫男子汉的勾当。不是小弟裹合上山，端的晁、宋二公仰望哥哥久矣，休得迟延自误。”朱仝道：“兄弟，你是甚么言语！你不想我为你母老家寒上放了你去，今日你倒来陷我为不义。”吴学究道：“既然都头不肯去时，我们自告退，相辞了去休。”朱仝道：“说我贱名，上复众位头领。”一同出来。

朱仝回来，不见了小衙内，叫起苦来，两头没路去寻。雷横扯住朱仝：“哥哥休寻，多管是我带来的两个伴当听得哥哥不肯去，因此倒抱了小衙内去了，我们一处去寻。”朱仝道：“兄弟，不是耍处。这个小衙内是知府相公的性命，分付在我身上。”雷横道：“哥哥且跟我来。”朱仝帮住雷横、吴用，三个离了地藏寺，径出城外。朱仝心慌，便问道：“你的伴当抱小衙内在那里？”雷横道：“哥哥且走到我下处，包还你小衙内。”朱仝道：“迟了时，恐知府相公见怪。”吴用道：“我那带来的两个伴当是个没分晓的，以定直抱到我们的下处去了。”朱仝道：“你那伴当姓甚名谁？”雷横答道：“我也不认得，只听闻叫做黑旋风李逵。”朱仝失惊道：“莫不是江州杀人的李逵么？”吴用道：“便是此人。”朱仝跌脚叫苦，慌忙便赶。离城走下到二十里，只见李逵在前面叫道：“我在这里。”朱仝抢近前来问道：“小衙内放在那里？”李逵唱个喏道：“拜揖节级哥哥，小衙内有在这里。”朱仝道：“你好好的抱出小衙内还我。”李逵指着头上道：“小衙内头须儿却在我头上。”朱仝看了，又问：“小衙内正在何处？”李逵道：“被我把些麻药抹在口里，直驮出城来，如今睡在林子里，你自请去看。”朱仝乘着月色明朗，径抢入林子里寻时，只见小衙内倒在地上。朱仝便把手去扶时，只见头劈做两半个，已死在那里。有诗为证：

远从萧寺看花灯，偶遇雷横便请行。

只为坚心悭入伙，更将婴孺劈天灵。

当时朱仝心下大怒，奔出林子来，早不见了三个人。四下里望时，只见黑旋风远远地拍着双斧叫道：“来，来，来！和你斗二三十合。”朱仝性起，奋不顾身，拽扎起布衫，大踏步赶将来。李逵回身便走，背后朱仝赶来。这李逵却是穿山度岭惯走的人，朱仝如何赶得上，先自喘做一块。李逵却在前面，又叫：“来，来，来！和你并个你死我活。”朱仝恨不得一口气吞了他，只是赶他不上。赶来赶去，天色渐明。李逵在前面，急赶急走，慢赶慢行，不赶不走，看看赶入一个大庄院里去了。朱仝看了道：“那厮既有下落，我和他干休不得！”朱仝直赶入庄院内厅前去，见里面两边都插着许多军器。朱仝道：“想必也是个官宦之家。”立住了脚，高声叫道：“庄里有人么？”只见屏风背后转出一人来。那人是谁？正是：

累代金枝玉叶，先朝凤子龙孙。丹书铁券护家门，万里招贤名振。待客一团和气，挥金满面阳春。能文会武孟尝君，小旋风聪明柴进。

出来的正是小旋风柴进，问道：“兀是谁？”朱仝见那人人物轩昂，资质秀丽，慌忙施礼，答道：“小人是郓城县当牢节级朱仝，犯罪刺配到此。昨晚因和知府的小衙内出来看放河灯，被黑旋风杀害小衙内，见今走在贵庄，望烦添力捉拿送官。”柴进道：“既是美髯公，且请坐。”朱仝道：“小人不敢拜问官人高姓？”柴进答道：“小生姓柴名进，小旋风便是。”朱仝道：“久闻大名。”连忙下拜，又道：“不期今日得识尊颜。”柴进说道：“美髯公亦久闻名，且请后堂说话。”

朱仝随着柴进直到里面。朱仝道：“黑旋风那厮如何却敢径入贵庄躲避？”柴进道：“容复：小可平生专爱结识江湖上好汉，为是家间祖上有陈桥让位之功，先朝曾敕赐丹书铁券，但有做下不是的人，停藏在家，无人敢搜。近间有个爱友，和足下亦是旧交，目今见在梁山泊做头领，名唤及时雨宋公明，写一封密书，令吴学究、雷横、黑旋风俱在敝庄安歇，礼请足下上山，同聚大义。因见足下推阻不从，故意教李逵杀害了小衙内，先绝了足下归路，只得上山坐把交椅。吴先生、雷兄，如何不出来陪话？”只见吴用、雷横从侧首阁子里出来，望着朱仝便拜，说道：“兄长，望乞恕罪！皆是宋公明哥哥将令分付如此。若到山寨，自有分晓。”朱仝道：“是则是你们弟兄好情意，只是忒毒些个！”柴进一力相劝。朱仝道：“我去则去，只教我见黑旋风面罢。”柴进道：“李大哥，你快出来陪话。”李逵也从侧首出来，唱个大喏。朱仝见了，心头一把无明业火高三千丈，按纳不下，起身抢近前来，要和李逵性命相搏。柴进、雷横、吴用三个苦死劝住。朱仝道：“若要我上山时，依得我一件事，我便去。”吴用道：“休说一件事，遮莫几十件也都依你。愿闻那一件事？”

不争朱仝说出这件事来，有分教：大闹高唐州，惹动梁山泊。直教招贤国戚遭刑法，好客皇亲丧土坑。毕竟朱仝对柴进等说出甚么事来，且听下回分解。

[1] 打踅（xué）——走江湖、跑码头。

[2] 打散——犹如现在的曲艺、杂技之类，就是文中戏舞、吹弹、歌唱等的总称。

[3] 青龙——这里是指左边。古时行军以画有鸟兽的旗帜来表示方位：前朱雀（鸟），后玄武（龟），左青龙，右白虎。青龙本是东方星宿名，故以青龙旗表示东方；古时以东为左，故又以青龙指左边。

[4] 笑乐院本——正戏以前的玩笑趣剧。

[5] 赶碗头脑——古人有一种泡酒，名叫头脑酒；赶碗头脑，意思说找碗酒吃。

[6] 话本——说唱故事的脚本。

[7] 开话——开场白。

[8] 务头——说唱到重要的关口，或是唱腔和故事情节最精彩的地方。

[9] 标首——领头出的赏钱。又叫“标手钱”。

[10] 子弟门庭——风流子弟玩的门道。

[11] 掤（bēnɡ）扒——剥去衣服，捆绑起来。

[12] 水火——犹如现在说解手。后文第六十九回的“水火之处”，就是厕所。

[13] 惹口面——引起口舌、招惹是非的意思。

CHAPTER 50. The Winged Tiger Hits Bai Xiuying with a Cangue; the Handsome Whiskers Misses the Son of an Official

THE messenger stated that a few days ago they had stopped some travelers near a forest, and among them was Inspector Lei Heng of Yuncheng County, who was recognized by Zhu Gui, and the latter had got the former to stay at the inn. Song Jiang and Chao Gai were much pleased to hear this, and they went with Wu Yong to receive Inspector Lei Heng, and bring him to the headquarters.

Upon meeting, Song Jiang said, “I have been thinking of you very often, and it is with great pleasure that I now meet you here. But what has brought you this way?”

Lei Heng after a deep bow said, “I was deputed by our magistrate to go to Dongchang Prefecture, and I am now on my way back. I was however recognized by Zhu Gui when our party was held up by your people.”

“Heaven fortunately arranged that,” said Song Jiang. He then took Lei Heng to headquarters where he was entertained for about five days. Chao Gai happened to ask for news about Inspector Zhu Tong, and was informed that he was a head jailer of the prison at Yuncheng County. He was held in high esteem by the newly appointed magistrate.

Song Jiang gradually brought the conversation round, and suggested that Inspector Lei Heng join them, but the inspector rejected the idea. His mother was very old, and could not stay alone, but when she died he could join them. When at last he left the mountain they gave him many presents. Upon reaching Yuncheng County Inspector Lei Heng duly delivered the dispatches he was carrying, and reported to the magistrate the results of his journey. One day as he was on his way to the yamen he heard someone behind call out, “Inspector, when did you get back?” Upon turning round he recognized an idler named Li the Second, and replied, “I came back some days ago.”

“Then you cannot have seen that beautiful girl Bai Xiuying who had just arrived here from the Eastern Capital. She was inquiring for you, but you were away at the time. She sings splendidly, acts well, plays the lute feelingly, and is very popular with all the men. Would you care to see her? She is one of the best singsong girls.”

Inspector Lei Heng was off duty at the time so he agreed to go with Li the Second. At the door he noticed many announcements in golden characters. He entered, and took the first seat. There was an actress performing on the small stage. Li the Second, disappeared as soon as Lei Heng was seated. When girl’s song finished an old man came on the stage holding a fan in his hand and he spoke, “I am Bai Yuqiao and I come from the Eastern Capital. I am getting very old, and have to depend upon my daughter Bai Xiuying for a living.” A gong was then sounded, and his daughter came on the stage, and bowed to the audience. She went through a few tricks with a small gong, and then sang the following song:

The young birds chirp; the old ones come;

Old goats lean, but kids are fat;

In life how hard to get a crumb,

Let alone a little clothing;

In love our men are frolicsome,

So diff’rent to the mandarin duck.

Lei Heng applauded. The girl spoke, “Today you will have noticed a bill at the door announcing that I would sing the gay and amorous song, ‘At Yuzhang City, Su Qing was twice expelled.’” Her song was received with general applause. She sang some more verses of the above song, and then her father spoke, “Our repertoire is very select, but particularly suited for an intelligent audience like this. Now that the applause is over I will ask my daughter to go round, and collect your donations.” The girl took up a tray, and said, “I begin with the wealthy, and stop with the profitable pass the lucky spots, and go to the prosperous places. I hope you will all give something.”

“They will all contribute,” said her father.

She first came to Lei Heng when he felt in all his belts and pockets, but could not find a single cash. He said, “I have forgotten to bring my purse, but I will come again tomorrow and reward you.”

“If you don’t contribute the others will follow your example,” said the girl. “You are sitting in the best seat.”

Lei Heng blushed, and said, “When I left home I had no idea of coming here so I did not carry a purse.”

The girl laughed, “You came here, and listened to my singing so why did you not bring some money?”

“Never mind! I will give you three taels of silver tomorrow. Just now I have not a single cash.”

“As you have no cash today you need not talk about giving silver tomorrow,” said Bai Xiuying. “It seems as though you were showing me a plum to quench my thirst and a painted cake to satisfy my hunger.”

Her father also added, “My daughter! Have you no eyes? You ask people without looking whether they are likely to have money. You had better pass him by and ask more generous people for money.”

“Do you wish her to infer that I am ungenerous?” asked Inspector Lei Heng.

“It would be easier for a dog to grow horns than for you to be generous,” said the father, Bai Yuqiao.

The audience all laughed at this joke. Inspector Lei Heng was angry, and said, “You foolish slave! How dare you insult me?”

“To insult a village cowboy is a small matter,” replied Bai Yuqiao.

A bystander interposed, “Don’t talk like that. This is Inspector Lei Heng.”

“This is a donkey dick,” replied Bai Yuqiao.

Lei Heng could stand no more of this. He jumped on to the stage, and gave Bai Yuqiao a blow on the jaw which knocked some teeth out. Many bystanders intervened, and prevented further blows, and induced Lei Heng to leave.

Now the girl had been on intimate terms with the county magistrate when he was previously in the Eastern Capital. When the daughter saw how badly her father had been mauled she took a sedan chair at once, and went to call on the magistrate. She told him how her father had been treated in the tea-house. The magistrate was angry, and asked her to write out an accusation at once. This was done. The girl was so determined that she would not leave the magistrate’s yamen, but stayed there crying. This prevented Lei Heng’s many friends from seeing the magistrate and settling the matter in favor of Lei Heng. Lei Heng was arrested, and upon being brought into court was beaten with a bamboo. The magistrate also ordered that he wear a cangue, and be paraded on the street with it.

The girl wished to further display her influence with the magistrate so she again spoke to him, and asked him to order that Inspector Lei Heng be paraded in front of the tea-house. The magistrate gave this order.

The men in the yamen were all friendly to Lei Heng, and would not do him any harm. The girl knew this so she went into a tea shop just near, and called out to his attendant to come inside. She said to him, “The magistrate wants to punish Lei Heng, but I know that you are the prisoner’s friend and treat him well. I will go to tell the magistrate, and see what he will do.”

“Please do not get angry,” said the attendant; “I will punish him.”

“In that case I will reward you for your service,” replied the girl.

The attendant went to Lei Heng, and told him what the girl had said. Then he began to execute the punishment. There was a big crowd all round looking on, and soon Lei Heng’s mother arrived with some food for him. When she saw her son was being abused she cursed the attendant: “You are a friend of my son like all the others in the yamen, but how much money did you get for doing this dirty work? Who will stand for you when it is your turn to be charged?”

“Madam, please listen to me,” replied the attendant. “The plaintiff insisted upon your son being sent to be bound up here as the orders issued. So what else can I do? If we disobey orders, the plaintiff would complain to the magistrate, and we would be punished. I have no means of saving his ‘face.’”

“What right has the plaintiff,” said Lei Heng’s mother, “to ask for details of the punishment to be executed in this way?”

The attendant whispered to Madame Lei, “The plaintiff is very friendly with the magistrate, and a word from her goes a long way.”

Madame Lei went up to her son, and began to untie the fastenings while she was cursing, “That girl must be a real slut to use her influence in this way. I will untie these ropes myself, and then see what she will do.”

The girl Bai Xiuying in the tea shop had heard all this, and she now came out on the street, and spoke to Madame Lei, “What did the old woman say just now?”

Madame Lei was annoyed at this, and pointing at the girl she replied, “You’ve been mounted and squeezed by thousands, you’d screw any man, you bitch! How dare you abuse me?”

The girl raising her eyebrows, and staring replied, “You old pimp! Beggar-woman! How dare you insult me!”

“I have insulted you! Well, what then? You are not the magistrate of this district!”

The girl, Bai Xiuying, rushed forward, and slapped Madame Lei’s face. She followed this up with a vigorous assault of slaps and blows. Lei Heng saw all this, and could not stand it. He was boiling with rage, and seizing the cangue, he broke it in two pieces, then seizing it he hit the girl’s head with it, and broke her skull. She fell down dead, with her brains leaking out and her eyes bulging.

The bystanders seized Lei Heng, took him to the yamen, and made a full statement to the magistrate. The magistrate ordered the coroner and the neihbourhood chief to take Lei Heng to the spot, inspect the corpse, and make their report. Lei Heng confessed fully, and was sent to prison. His mother was released on bail. The jailer was Zhu Tong, the “Beautiful Whiskers.” He gave his friend Lei Heng a good room, and supplied food and drink.

Zhu Tong thought of finding a means of allowing Lei Heng to escape, but for a day he could not find a plan. He however arranged for a friend to interview the magistrate, and explain the case. The magistrate had some esteem for Zhu Tong, but would not listen to any proposal made as he was still angry that his sweetheart had been killed. The girl’s father was pressing the magistrate for prompt action, and wanted Lei Heng executed at once. After sixty days of detention in the prison Lei Heng was sent to the Prefect at Jizhou for trial. Zhu Tong was placed in charge of the escort. When they had gone about four li from Yuncheng County, Zhu Tong ordered a halt at an inn by the roadside. While the escort was drinking wine Zhu Tong took Lei Heng to a quiet spot at the back of the inn. He took off the prisoner’s cangue, and said, “Younger brother, you are free. Go at once, and get your mother and then both of you can escape. I will face the case at the yamen.”

Lei Heng replied, “I do not object to escape but it would only get you into trouble.”

“Younger brother, you do not understand. The magistrate was angry because you killed his sweetheart, and has worded the report so that you will be executed upon your arrival at Jizhou. If I allow you to escape I shall not be executed for that crime. I have no parents now or even relatives, and can use whatever money I have for my own case. Go at once, and be more careful in the future.”

Lei Heng argued no more, but escaped. He took his mother, and went to Liangshan Marsh.

Zhu Tong came inside the inn again and said, “Lei Heng has escaped. What can we do?”

“Let us go at once to his home, and arrest him, as he is sure to go there,” replied the escort.

Zhu Tong, however, remained undecided for a long time, and then took the escort back to the yamen.

He reported to the magistrate that owing to his own carelessness Lei Heng had escaped, and he held himself responsible for the misfortune.

The magistrate was inclined to save Zhu Tong, but Bai Yuqiao would not let the matter drop. So he sent Zhu Tong to Jizhou Prefecture, for trial. Zhu Tong sent a man in advance with plenty of money to arrange matters with the officials. After his trial he received twenty blows with the bamboo, and was then sent to the prison at Cangzhou, Zhili province. He was put under the escort of two men. Upon arrival at Cangzhou the escort was dismissed, and sent back. The Prefect liked the appearance of Zhu Tong, and instead of sending him to prison gave him a post as a menial official in his yamen.

The minor officials treated Zhu Tong with respect, as they soon saw that he had a very good easy disposition. One day while the Prefect was sitting in court listening to a case he summoned Zhu Tong, and asked him, “For what reason did you assist Lei Heng in escaping?”

“I had no intention of allowing him to escape,” said Zhu Tong, “and he only got away owing to my carelessness.”

“Then your fault was not very serious,” said the Prefect.

“But the plaintiff claimed that I had done it purposely, and demanded severe punishment.”

“Why did Lei Heng kill the singsong girl?”

Zhu Tong then explained all the details of the murder.

The Prefect considered that under the circumstances as Lei Heng had acted from strong sense of filial piety, Zhu Tong had done the right thing in allowing the prisoner to escape.

Zhu Tong told the Prefect that he would not dare to deceive him so as to gain such a good reputation. Just then a son of the Prefect about four years of age entered the court. The Prefect regarded his child as a jewel of the greatest value. The boy approached Zhu Tong, and wanted to be lifted up. Zhu Tong took him in his arms. The child stroked Zhu Tong’s beard and said, “I like men with beards.”

The Prefect told his son not to annoy Zhu Tong by pulling his beard.

“I want him to come and play with me,” replied the child.

“I will just go, and play with him outside, but will soon come back,” said Zhu Tong.

The Prefect agreed to this, and the pair left the court. Zhu bought some sugared fruit in the street for the child, and then returned to the court with the boy still in his arms.

“Where did you go, my son?” asked the Prefect.

“This old beard took me to the street, and bought for me some sugared fruit which I ate,” replied the little boy.

“Where did you get the money from to buy such sweets?” asked the Prefect to Zhu Tong.

“Do not mention it,” replied Zhu Tong. “It is merely to express my reverence to you.”

The Prefect ordered a servant to bring some wine for Zhu Tong. A woman servant soon brought it in, and offered Zhu Tong three large bowls of wine. The Prefect asked Zhu Tong to look after the boy and play with him in future.

“Your orders shall be closely observed,” said Zhu Tong. After this Zhu Tong was always with the child, playing with him, and always spent sums of money to buy things for him.

In another fortnight was the Festival of Departed Spirits (15th of the 7th month), and many lamps were floated on the rivers for the spirits. A woman servant came to Zhu Tong, and told him that the boy wanted to go in the evening, and see the lamps floating on the river. The Prefect’s wife had agreed to let him go with Zhu Tong. The boy was dressed in green silk, and wore a cap with imitation beards on each side. Zhu Tong carried him on his shoulder through the yamen gate to the Dizang Temple where they could get a good view of the river. It was about 9 P.M., and Zhu Tong carried the little boy round the temple to the Releasing Life Pool.77 The boy leaned on the rail, and enjoyed watching the lamps floating on the water.

While there a man pulled at Zhu Tong’s sleeve and said, “Elder brother, please come here as I have something to say.” Turning, Zhu Tong was surprised to see Lei Heng. He told the boy to sit down at that spot while he went to buy some sugared fruit for him. He must not go away.

“Please come back quickly,” replied the boy, “because I want to go to the bridge and see the floating lamps there.”

Zhu Tong agreed, and then went off to Lei Heng. He asked why Lei Heng had come there.

Lei Heng drew Zhu Tong to one side where there was no one about. Then Lei Heng explained that he had taken his mother to Liangshan Marsh and joined the bandits. But Chao Gai and also Song Jiang were so much indebted to the splendid assistance of Zhu Tong that they had specially instructed Wu Yong to come with Lei Heng, and convey their deep gratitude to him.

“Where is Wu Yong now?” asked Zhu Tong.

A voice behind him said, “Here I am!” and turning he saw Wu Yong.

After the usual exchange of salutations Wu Yong invited Zhu Tong to accompany them to Liangshan Marsh. He urged him to go with them that night.

For some time Zhu Tong could think of nothing to say, but at last he replied, “You are wrong. I am afraid that somebody will hear what you say. Lei Heng has committed a murder. I let him escape, and am now an exile here for his sake. After about half a year more I can return home, and see my people again. I cannot join your band. You had better return at once, and not get into trouble by staying about here.”

“You have a job here,” said Lei Heng, “but it is hardly suitable for a hero like you. It is not my idea to take you away, but I come because both Song Jiang and Chao Gai would like very much to see you, and thank you personally for what you have done.”

“I do not understand you,” replied Zhu Tong. “I helped you to escape, and also to take your old mother away. But why do you come today, and endeavor to involve me in some trouble?”

“As you do not care to come with us,” said Wu Yong, “we shall of course have to return without troubling you any further.”

“Then please convey to our friends at Liangshan Marsh my kind regards,” said Zhu Tong.

Upon returning to the spot where he had left the small boy, Zhu Tong could not find him anywhere, and became alarmed. Lei Heng seeing the position said that his companion had taken the boy, and that Zhu Tong should not worry so much.

“But this is a very serious matter for me,” replied Zhu Tong. “If the boy has any misfortune the life of the Prefect will be in danger.”

Lei Heng and Wu Yong got Zhu Tong to go with them outside the town.

“Where are your companions who have taken the child away?” asked Zhu Tong.

“Just come to our rooms and there we will give you the small boy,” replied Lei Heng.

“Time is passing quickly,” said Zhu Tong, “and I am afraid that the Prefect will blame me.”

“Our companions are rather stupid, and will probably have taken the child to our rooms,” said Wu Yong.

“What is the name of your companion?” asked Zhu Tong, and was informed that he was Li Kui. At this Zhu Tong was very much upset, and hurried forward. They had gone about a li when they met Li Kui and Zhu Tong asked him where the boy was.

After saluting Li Kui replied that the boy was there, and Zhu Tong wanted to see him at once. Li Kui said the boy was sleeping in the wood. Zhu Tong went to the place indicated, and there saw the boy lying on the ground. Upon going to pick the boy up Zhu Tong saw that he was dead—his skull having been cleft in two. At this Zhu Tong was boiling with rage, and he rushed out of the wood. The three men had disappeared, but looking round Zhu Tong saw Li Kui some distance away, and ran after him. On the way he stripped his clothing ready for a fight. Li Kui was a fast runner, and Zhu Tong could not overtake him, and was soon out of breath. It was now dark except for the moonlight, and Li Kui had no difficulty in keeping well in front. Soon they came to a farmhouse, and Li Kui went inside. “Now,” thought Zhu Tong, “I will capture him, and kill him.” Upon entering the farmyard Zhu Tong noticed many military weapons arranged in front of the main building. He thought this place must belong to some official so he shouted out, “Is there anybody inside?” In response a man came out and asked, “Who are you?”

“I am Zhu Tong, jailer from the prison, at Yuncheng County, and I am in pursuit of a criminal who entered this farmyard. He is named Li Kui and he has murdered the son of the Prefect of Jizhou. Please help me to capture him.”

The man asked him to wait a little, but Zhu Tong would not do so, and asked for his name.

“I am Chai Jin, ‘Small Whirlwind,’” replied the man. Zhu Tong had heard of his reputation, and after salutations Squire Chai Jin asked him to go into the house, and talk matters over. They entered and Zhu Tong then asked how such a man as Li Kui could use that farm as a hiding place.

“I welcome all kinds of wanderers here,” replied Squire Chai Jin. “As I have a special iron tablet bestowed by the Emperor to my ancestor as a distinction for great merit, no criminal may be arrested at my house. I received a special note from Song Jiang, a friend of ours, asking me to allow Lei Heng, Wu Yong, and Li Kui to stay at my house for a few days. They were on their way to request you to join them at Liangshan Marsh. As you refused to join them, Li Kui kidnaped the boy, and killed him, so that you could not return to the yamen and face his father.”

Just then Lei Heng and Wu Yong entered the room, and after saluting Zhu Tong they said, “Please forgive us for the crime committed. We did it only by order of our chief, Song Jiang. If you come with us to Liangshan Marsh all will be explained to you.”

“Your asking me to go to Liangshan Marsh was all right,” replied Zhu Tong, “but your method of inducing me to go was exceedingly cruel. I will go with you now, but I must first see Li Kui.”

Squire Chai Jin agreed to this, and called in Li Kui to make a full apology to Zhu Tong. When Li Kui entered he gave Zhu Tong a kotow, Zhu Tong was enraged at seeing the man, and rushing forward seized him to kill him on the spot. The other three men however intervened and held Zhu Tong.

“Before I go with you,” said Zhu Tong, “I have something to say.”

Battle axes break the law;

Offspring of the Emperor dies.

Footnote

77 A pool where fish were to be released, as a symbol of saving life.