第五十九回

第五十九回 吴用赚金铃吊挂 宋江闹西岳华山

诗曰：

堪叹梁山智术优，舍身捐命报冤仇。

神机运处良平惧，妙算行时鬼魅愁。

平地已疏英士狱，青山先斩佞臣头。

可怜天使真尸位，坐阅危亡自不羞。

话说贺太守把鲁智深赚到后堂内，喝声：“拿下！”众多做公的把鲁智深捉住，却似皂雕追紫燕，犹如猛虎啖羊羔。众做公的把鲁智深簇拥到厅阶下，贺太守喝道：“你这秃驴从那里来？”鲁智深应道：“洒家有甚罪犯？”太守道：“你只实说，谁教你来刺我？”鲁智深道：“俺是出家人，你却如何问俺这话？”太守喝道：“恰才见你这秃驴意欲要把禅杖打我轿子，却又思量不敢下手。你这秃驴好好招了！”鲁智深道：“洒家又不曾杀你，你如何拿住洒家，妄指平人？”太守喝骂：“几曾见出家人自称‘洒家’？这秃驴必是个关西五路打家劫舍的强贼，来与史进那厮报仇，不打如何肯招。左右，好生加力打那秃驴！”鲁智深大叫道：“不要打伤老爷！我说与你：俺是梁山泊好汉花和尚鲁智深。我死倒不打紧，洒家的哥哥宋公明得知，下山来时，你这颗驴头趁早儿都砍了送去。”贺太守听了大怒，把鲁智深拷打了一回，教取面大枷来钉了，押下死囚牢里去。一面申闻都省，乞请明降如何。禅杖、戒刀，封入府堂里去了。

此时哄动了华州一府。小喽啰得了这个消息，飞报上山来。武松大惊道：“我两个来华州干事，折了一个，怎地回去见众头领？”正没理会处，只见山下小喽啰报道：“有个梁山泊差来的头领，唤作神行太保戴宗，见在山下。”武松慌忙下来，迎接上山，和朱武等三人都相见了，诉说鲁智深不听谏劝失陷一事。戴宗听了大惊，道：“我不可久停久住了，就便回梁山泊报与哥哥知道，早遣兵将前来救取。”武松道：“小弟在这里专等，万望兄长早去，急来救应则可。”

戴宗吃了些素食，作起神行法去了，再回梁山泊来。三日之间，已到山寨。见了晁、宋二头领，具说鲁智深因救史进，要刺贺太守被陷一事。宋江听罢，失惊道：“既然两个兄弟有难，如何不救！我等不可担阁，便须点起人马，作三队而行。”前军点五员先锋：花荣、秦明、林冲、杨志、呼延灼，引领一千甲马，二千步军先行，逢山开路，遇水叠桥。中军领兵主将宋公明，军师吴用，朱仝、徐宁、解珍、解宝，共是六个头领，马步军兵二千。后军主掌粮草，李应、杨雄、石秀、李俊、张顺，共是五个头领押后，马步军兵二千。共计七千人马，离了梁山泊，端的是枪刀流水急，人马撮风行，直取华州来。在路趱行，不止一日，早过了半路，先使戴宗去报少华山上。朱武等三人安排下猪羊牛马，酝造下好酒等候。有诗为证：

智深雄猛不淹留，便向州中去报仇。

计拙不能成大事，反遭枷锁入幽囚。

再说宋江军马三队都到少华山下，武松引了朱武、陈达、杨春三人，又下山拜请宋江、吴用并众头领，都到山寨里坐下。宋江备问城中之事，朱武道：“两个头领已被贺太守监在牢里，只等朝廷明降发落。”宋江与吴用说道：“怎地定计去救史进、鲁智深？”朱武说道：“华州城郭广阔，濠沟深远，急切难打。只除非得里应外合，方可取得。”吴学究道：“明日且去城边看那城池，如何用计，却再商量。”宋江饮酒到晚，巴不得天明，要去看城。吴用谏道：“城中监着两只大虫在牢里，如何不做提备？白日未可去看。今夜月色必然明朗，申牌前后下山，一更时分可到那里窥望。”当日捱到午后，宋江、吴用、花荣、秦明、朱仝，共是五骑马下山，迤逦前行。初更时分，已到华州城外。在山坡高处，立马望华州城里时，正是二月中旬天气，月华如昼，天上无一片云彩。看见华州周围有数座城门，城高地壮，堑濠深阔。看了半晌，远远地望见那西岳华山时，端的是好座名镇高山！怎见得？但见：

峰名仙掌，观隐云台。上连玉女洗头盆，下接天河分派水。乾坤皆秀，尖峰仿佛接云根；山岳惟尊，怪石巍峨侵斗柄。青如泼黛，碧若浮蓝。张僧繇妙笔画难成，李龙眠天机描不就。深沉洞府，月光飞万道金霞；崒嵂岩崖，日影动千条紫焰。傍人遥指，云池深内藕如船；故老传闻，玉井水中花十丈。巨灵神忿怒，劈开山顶逞神通；陈处士清高，结就茅庵来盹睡。千古传名推华岳，万年香火祀金天。

宋江等看了西岳华山，见城池厚壮，形势坚牢，无计可施。吴用道：“且回寨里去，再作商议。”五骑马连夜回到少华山上。宋江眉头不展，面带忧容。吴学究道：“且差十数个精细小喽啰下山，去远近探听消息。”三日之间，忽有一人上山来报道：“如今朝廷差个殿司太尉，将领御赐金铃吊挂来西岳降香，从黄河入渭河而来。”吴用听了便道：“哥哥休忧，计在这里了。”便叫李俊、张顺：“你两个与我如此如此而行。”李俊道：“只是无人，不识地境，得一个引领路道最好。”白花蛇杨春便道：“小弟相帮同去如何？”宋江大喜。三个下山去了。次日，吴学究请宋江、李应、朱仝、呼延灼、花荣、秦明、徐宁，共八个人，悄悄止带五百馀人下山，径到渭河渡口，李俊、张顺、杨春已夺下十馀只大船在彼。吴用便教花荣、秦明、徐宁、呼延灼四个埋伏在岸上，宋江、吴用、朱仝、李应下在船里，李俊、张顺、杨春把船都去滩头藏了。众人等候了一夜。

次日天明，听得远远地锣鸣鼓响，三只官船到来，船上插着一面黄旗，上写“钦奉圣旨西岳降香太尉宿元景”。宋江看了，心中暗喜道：“昔日玄女有言：‘遇宿重重喜。’今日既见此人，必有主意。”太尉官船将近河口，朱仝、李应各执长枪，立在宋江、吴用背后。太尉船到，当港截住。船里走出紫衫银带虞候二十馀人，喝道：“你等甚么船只，敢当港拦截住大臣？”宋江执着骨朵，躬身声喏。吴学究立在船头上，说道：“梁山泊义士宋江，谨参祗候。”船上客帐司出来答道：“此是朝廷太尉，奉圣旨去西岳降香。汝等是梁山泊义士，何故拦截？”吴用道：“俺们义士，只要求见太尉尊颜，有告复的事。”客帐司道：“你等是甚么人，造次要见太尉！”两边虞候喝道：“低声！”宋江说道：“暂请太尉到岸上，自有商量的事。”客帐司道：“休胡说！太尉是朝廷命臣，如何与你商量！”宋江道：“太尉不肯相见，只怕孩儿们惊了太尉。”朱仝把枪上小号旗只一招动，岸上花荣、秦明、徐宁、呼延灼引出马军来，一齐搭上弓箭，都到河口，摆列在岸上。那船上梢公都惊得钻入梢里去了。

客帐司人慌了，只得入去禀复。宿太尉只得出到船头上坐定。宋江躬身唱喏道：“宋江等不敢造次。”宿太尉道：“义士何故如此邀截船只？”宋江道：“某等怎敢邀截太尉，只欲求请太尉上岸，别有禀复。”宿太尉道：“我今特奉圣旨，自去西岳降香，与义士有何商议？朝廷大臣如何轻易登岸！”宋江道：“太尉不肯时，只恐下面伴当亦不相容。”李应把号带枪一招，李俊、张顺、杨春一齐撑出船来。宿太尉看见大惊。李俊、张顺明晃晃掣出尖刀在手，早跳过船来，手起，先把两个虞候下水里去。宋江连忙喝道：“休得胡做，惊了贵人！”李俊、张顺扑地也跳下水去，早把两个虞候又送上船来。张顺、李俊在水面上如登平地，托地又跳上船来，吓得宿太尉魂不着体。宋江喝道：“孩儿们且退去，休得惊着太尉贵人。俺自慢慢地请太尉登岸。”宿太尉道：“义士有甚事，就此说不妨。”宋江道：“这里不是说话处，谨请太尉到山寨告禀，并无损害之心。若怀此念，西岳神灵诛灭。”到此时候，不容太尉不上岸。宿太尉只得离船上了岸，众人牵过一匹马来，扶策太尉上了马，不得已随众同行。有诗为证：

玉节龙旗出帝乡，云台观里去烧香。

却怜水寨神谋捷，暂假威名救困亡。

宋江先叫花荣、秦明陪奉太尉上山。宋江随后也上了马，分付教把船上一应人等并御香、祭物、金铃吊挂，齐齐收拾上山，只留下李俊、张顺带领一百馀人看船。一行众头领都到山上。宋江下马入寨，把宿太尉扶在聚义厅上当中坐定，众头领两边侍立着。宋江下了四拜，跪在面前，告复道：“宋江原是郓城县小吏，为被官司所逼，不得已哨聚山林，权借梁山水泊避难，专等朝廷招安，与国家出力。今有两个兄弟，无事被贺太守生事陷害，下在牢里。欲借太尉御香仪从，并金铃吊挂去赚华州，事毕拜还，于太尉身上并无侵犯。乞太尉钧鉴。”宿太尉道：“不争你将了御香等物去，明日事露，须连累下官。”宋江道：“太尉回京，都推在宋江身上便了。”

宿太尉看了那一班人模样，怎生推托得，只得应允了。宋江执盏擎杯，设筵拜谢。就把太尉带来的人穿的衣服都借穿了。于小喽啰数内，选拣一个俊俏的，剃了髭须，穿了太尉的衣服，扮做宿元景；宋江、吴用扮做客帐司；解珍、解宝、杨雄、石秀扮做虞候；小喽啰都是紫衫银带，执着旌节、旗幡、仪仗、法物，擎抬了御香、祭礼、金铃吊挂；花荣、徐宁、朱仝、李应扮做四个衙兵。朱武、陈达、杨春款住太尉并跟随一应人等，置酒管待。却教秦明、呼延灼引一队人马，林冲、杨志引一队人马，分作两路取城；教武松预先去西岳门下伺候，只听号起行事。戴宗先去报知。

话休絮繁。且说一行人等离了山寨，径到河口下船而行，不去报与华州太守，一径奔西岳庙来。戴宗报知云台观观主并庙里职事人等，直至船边，迎接上岸。香花灯烛，幢幡宝盖，摆列在前。先请御香上了香亭，庙里人夫扛抬了，导引金铃吊挂前行。观主见太尉，吴学究道：“太尉一路染病不快，且把轿子来。”左右人等扶策太尉上轿，径到岳庙里官厅内歇下。客帐司吴学究对观主道：“这是特奉圣旨，赍捧御香、金铃吊挂来与圣帝供养。缘何本州官员轻慢，不来迎接？”观主答道：“已使人去报了，敢是便到。”

说犹未了，本州先使一员推官，带领做公的五七十人，将着酒果，来见太尉。原来那扮太尉的小喽啰，虽然模样相似，却言语发放不得，因此只教装做染病，把靠褥围定在床上坐。推官看了，见来的旌节、门旗、牙仗等物，都是东京来的，内府制造出的，如何不信。客帐司假意出入禀复了两遭，却引推官入去，远远地阶下参拜了。那假太尉只把手指，并不听得说甚么。吴用引到面前，埋怨推官道：“太尉是天子前近幸大臣，不辞千里之遥，特奉圣旨到此降香，不想于路染病未痊。本州众官如何不来远接？”推官答道：“前路官司虽有文书到州，不见近报，因此有失迎迓，不期太尉先到庙里。本是太守便来，奈缘少华山贼人纠合梁山泊草寇要打城池，每日在彼提防，以此不敢擅离，特差小官先来贡献酒礼。太守随后便来参见大臣。”吴学究道：“太尉涓滴不饮，只叫太守来商议行礼。”推官随即教取酒来，与客帐司亲随人把盏了。吴学究又入去禀一遭，将了钥匙出来，引着推官去看金铃吊挂。开了锁，就香帛袋中取出那御赐金铃吊挂来，叫推官看。便把条竹竿叉起看时，果然是制造得无比。但见：

浑金打就，五彩装成。双悬缨络金铃，上挂珠玑宝盖。黄罗密布，中间八爪玉龙盘；紫带低垂，外壁双飞金凤绕。对嵌珊瑚玛瑙，重围琥珀珍珠。碧琉璃掩映绛纱灯，红菡萏参差青翠叶。堪宜金屋琼楼挂，雅称瑶台宝殿悬。

这一对金铃吊挂，乃是东京内府作分[1]高手匠人做成的，浑是七宝珍珠嵌造，中间点着碗红纱灯笼。乃是圣帝殿上正中挂的，不是内府降来，民间如何做得。吴用叫推官看了，再收入柜匣内锁了；又将出中书省许多公文，付与推官，便叫太守来商议拣日祭祀。推官和众多做公的都见了许多物件文凭，便辞了客帐司，径回到华州府里来报贺太守。却说宋江暗暗地喝采道：“这厮虽然奸猾，也骗得他眼花心乱了。”此时武松已在庙门下了。吴学究又使石秀藏了尖刀，也来庙门下相帮武松行事；却又叫戴宗扮虞候。云台观主进献素斋，一面教执事人等安排铺陈岳庙。宋江闲步看那西岳庙时，果然是盖造的好，殿宇非凡，真乃人间天上。怎见得？

金门玉殿，碧瓦朱甍。山河扶绣户，日月近雕梁。悬虾须织锦栊帘，列龟背硃红亮槅。廊庑下磨砖花间缝，殿台边墙壁捣椒泥。帐设黄罗，供案畔列九卿四相；扇开丹凤，御榻边摆玉女金童。堂堂庙貌肃威仪，赫赫神灵常祭享。

宋江来到正殿上拈香再拜，暗暗祈祷已罢，回至官厅前。门人报道：“贺太守来也。”宋江便叫花荣、徐宁、朱仝、李应四个衙兵，各执着器械，分列在两边；解珍、解宝、杨雄、戴宗各带暗器，侍立在左右。却说贺太守将带三百馀人，来到庙前下马，簇拥入来。假客帐司吴学究、宋江见贺太守带着三百馀人，都是带刀公吏人等入来，吴学究喝道：“朝廷太尉在此，闲杂人不许近前！”众人立住了脚，贺太守亲自进前来拜见太尉。客帐司道：“太尉教请太守入来厮见。”贺太守入到官厅前，望着假太尉便拜。吴学究道：“太守，你知罪么？”太守道：“贺某不知太尉到来，伏乞恕罪。”吴学究道：“太尉奉敕到此西岳降香，如何不来远接？”太守答道：“不曾有近报到州，有失迎迓。”吴学究喝声：“拿下！”解珍、解宝弟兄两个身边早掣出短刀来，一脚把贺太守踢翻，便割了头。宋江喝道：“兄弟们动手！”早把那跟来的人三百馀个惊得呆了，正走不动。花荣等一发向前，把那一干人算子般都倒在地下。有一半抢出，庙门下武松、石秀舞刀杀将入来，小喽啰四下赶杀，三百馀人不剩一个回去。续后到庙里的，都被张顺、李俊杀了。

宋江急叫收了御香、吊挂下船。都赶到华州时，早见城中两路火起，一齐杀将入来。先去牢中救了史进、鲁智深，就打开库藏，取了财帛，装载上车。一行人离了华州，上船回到少华山上，都来拜见宿太尉，纳还了御香、金铃吊挂、旌节、门旗、仪仗等物，拜谢了太尉恩相。宋江教取一盘金银，相送太尉；随从人等，不分高低，都与了金银。就山寨里做了个送路筵席，谢承太尉。众头领直送下山，到河口交割了一应什物船只，一些不肯少了，还了来的人等。宋江谢了宿太尉，回到少华山上，便与四筹好汉商议，收拾山寨钱粮，放火烧了寨栅。一行人等，军马粮草，都望梁山泊来。有诗为证：

蚓结蛇蟠合计偕，便驱人马下山来。

虽然救得花和尚，太守何辜独被灾。

且说宿太尉下船，来到华州城中，已知被梁山泊贼人杀死军兵人马，劫了府库钱粮，城中杀死军校一百馀人，马匹尽皆虏去，西岳庙中又杀了许多人性命。便叫本州推官动文书申达中书省起奏，都做“宋江先在途中劫了御香、吊挂，因此赚知府到庙，杀害性命”。宿太尉到庙内焚了御香，把这金铃吊挂分付与了云台观主，星夜急急自回京师，奏知此事，不在话下。

再说宋江救了史进、鲁智深，带了少华山四个好汉，仍旧作三队分俵人马，回梁山泊来，所过州县，秋毫无犯。先使戴宗前来上山报知。晁盖并众头领下山迎接宋江等，一同到山寨里聚义厅上，都相见已罢，一面做庆喜筵席。次日，史进、朱武、陈达、杨春各以己财做筵宴，拜谢晁、宋二公并众头领。过了数日。

话休絮烦。忽一日，有旱地忽律朱贵上山报说：“徐州沛县芒砀山中，新有一伙强人，聚集着三千人马。为头一个先生，姓樊名瑞，绰号混世魔王，能呼风唤雨，用兵如神。手下两个副将：一个姓项，名充，绰号八臂那吒，能使一面团牌，牌上插飞刀二十四把，手中仗一条铁标枪；又有一个姓李名衮，绰号飞天大圣，也使一面团牌，牌上插标枪二十四根，手中仗一口宝剑。这三个结为兄弟，占住芒砀山，打家劫舍。三个商量了，要来吞并俺梁山泊大寨。小弟听得说，不得不报。”宋江听了大怒道：“这贼怎敢如此无礼！我便再下山走一遭。”只见九纹龙史进便起身道：“小弟等四个初到大寨，无半米之功，情愿引本部人马，前去收捕这伙强人。”宋江大喜。

当下史进点起本部人马，与同朱武、陈达、杨春都披挂了，来辞宋江下山。把船渡过金沙滩，上路径奔芒砀山来。三日之内，早望见那座山，乃是昔日汉高祖斩蛇起义之处。三军人马，来到山下，早有伏路小喽啰上山报知。且说史进把少华山带来的人马摆开，史进全身披挂，骑一匹火炭赤马，当先出阵。怎见得史进的英雄？但见：

久在华州城外住，旧时原是庄农。学成武艺惯心胸。三尖刀似雪，浑赤马如龙。体挂连环铁铠，战袍风颭猩红。雕青镌玉更玲珑。江湖称史进，绰号九纹龙。

当时史进首先出马，手中横着三尖两刃刀。背后三个头领，中间的便是神机军师朱武。那人原是定远县人氏，平生足智多谋，亦能使两口双刀，出到阵前。亦有八句诗，单道朱武好处：

道服裁棕叶，云冠剪鹿皮。

脸红双眼俊，面白细髯垂。

智可张良比，才将范蠡欺。

军中人尽伏，朱武号神机。

上首马上坐着一筹好汉，手中横着一条出白点钢枪，绰号跳涧虎陈达，原是邺城人氏。当时提枪跃马，出到阵前。也有一首诗，单道着陈达好处：

生居邺郡上华胥，惯使长枪伏众威。

跳涧虎称多膂力，却将陈达比姜维。

下首马上坐着一筹好汉，手中使一口大杆刀，绰号白花蛇杨春，原是解良县蒲城人氏。当下挺刀立马，守住阵门。也有一首诗，单题杨春的好处：

蒲州生长最奢遮，会使钢刀赛左车。

瘦臂长腰真勇汉，杨春绰号白花蛇。

四个好汉勒马在阵前，望不多时，只见芒砀山上飞下一彪人马来。当先两个好汉，为头那一个便是徐州沛县人氏，姓项名充，绰号八臂那吒，使一面团牌，背插飞刀二十四把，百步取人，无有不中，右手仗一条标枪，后面打着一面认军旗，上书“八臂那吒”，步行下山。有八句诗，单题项充：

铁帽深遮顶，铜环半掩腮。

傍牌悬兽面，飞刃插龙胎。

脚到如风火，身先降祸灾。

那吒号八臂，此是项充来。

次后那个好汉，便是邳县人氏，姓李名衮，绰号飞天大圣，会使一面团牌，背插二十四把标枪，亦能百步取人，左手挽牌，右手仗剑，后面打着一面认军旗，上书“飞天大圣”，出到阵前。有八句诗，单道李衮：

缨盖盔兜项，袍遮铁掩襟。

胸藏拖地胆，毛盖杀人心。

飞刃齐攒玉，蛮牌满画金。

飞天号大圣，李衮众人钦。

当下项充、李衮见了对阵史进、朱武、陈达、杨春四骑马在阵前，并不打话。小喽啰筛起锣来，两个好汉舞动团牌齐上，直滚入阵来。史进等拦当不住，后军先走。史进前军抵敌，朱武等中军呐喊，各自逃生。宋军被他杀的人亡马倒，败退六七十里。史进险些儿中了飞刀；杨春转身得迟，被一飞刀，战马着伤，弃了马，逃命走了。

史进点军，折了一半，和朱武等商议，欲要差人往梁山泊求救。正忧疑之间，只见军士来报：“北边大路上，尘头起处，约有二千军马到来。”史进等直迎来时，却是梁山泊旗号。当先马上两员上将，一个是小李广花荣，一个是金枪手徐宁。史进接着，备说项充、李衮蛮牌滚动，军马遮拦不住。花荣道：“宋公明哥哥见兄长来了，放心不下，好生懊悔，特差我两个到来帮助。”史进等大喜，合兵一处下寨。次日天晓，正欲起兵对敌，军士报道：“北边大路上又有军马到来。”花荣、徐宁、史进一齐上马接时，却是宋公明亲自和军师吴学究、公孙胜、柴进、朱仝、呼延灼、穆弘、孙立、黄信、吕方、郭盛，带领三千人马来到。史进备说项充、李衮飞刀标枪滚牌难近，折了人马一事，宋江失惊。吴用道：“且把军马扎下寨栅，别作商议。”宋江性急，便要起兵剿捕，直到山下。此时天色已晚，望见芒砀山上都是青色灯笼。公孙胜看了便道：“这一伙人必有妖法。此寨中青色灯笼，必是个会行妖法之人在内。我等且把军马退去，来日贫道献一个阵法，要捉此二人。”宋江大喜，传令教军马且退二十里，扎住营寨。

次日清晨，公孙胜献出这个阵法，有分教：飞天大圣，拱手来上梁山；八臂那吒，延颈便归水泊。正是：计就魔王须下拜，阵圆神将怎施为？毕竟公孙胜对宋江献出甚么阵法来，且听下回分解。

[1] 作分——作坊。

CHAPTER 58. Wu Yong’s Deception in the Golden Bell Affair; Song Jiang Makes a Row at Mount Hua

LU DA was very angry at being arrested in the yamen, and said, “I am a monk that has renounced the world! I am a peaceful man! How dare you arrest me! I wish to die along with Shi Jin. I shall not mind that. Only Song Jiang will punish you for my death. I will tell you something. No enmity cannot be abolished. If you hand over to me Shi Jin, and the daughter of Wang Yi, and then you resign from your position then our enmity will vanish. I see from your face that you are lustful, and have no right to be a Prefect. If you do these three things, however, Buddha will look upon you with mercy, but if you miss this opportunity you will live to regret it. Now let me go to see Shi Jin, and then give me an answer.”

The Prefect was very angry at this, and said, “As I suspected, you came to assassinate me like Shi Jin. That fellow! You want to see him! Take this fellow to prison, have him beaten and I will deal with him later on. He is evidently a bird of the same feather with Shi Jin. Put a strong cangue on him, and see that he is well locked up.” This was done, and the Prefect wrote a dispatch to the provincial governor asking for instructions.

This affair was soon known all over the town, and one of the brigand spies hearing of it, rushed off at once to Mount Shaohua to report it. Wu Song was surprised at the news and said, “How can I now face the other leaders when Lu Da has been taken prisoner?” While he was thinking the matter over another spy arrived, and reported that a leader named Dai Zong had just come from Liangshan Marsh, and was waiting at the foot of the mountain to see Wu Song. The latter immediately went down the mountain, and conducted Dai Zong up to their stronghold where he introduced him to Zhu Wu.

Dai Zong was surprised to hear the news about Lu Da and Shi Jin, and said. “I must not stop here! I will go back at once to Liangshan Marsh, and ask Song Jiang to send his men to rescue the two brothers.”

“I will wait here until you return,” said Wu Song. “Please come back quickly with assistance.”

Dai Zong put on his charmed puttees, and flew off. It took him three days to travel from Shaanxi province to Liangshan Marsh in Shandong. When Chao Gai and Song Jiang got the news, arrangements were made for 7,000 cavalry and infantry to depart at once with sixteen leaders under the command of Song Jiang. Dai Zong was sent off to report to Mount Shaohua in Shaanxi province that help was coming. The bandits duly reached their destination, and the leaders were taken up the mountain to discuss matters. Zhu Wu reported that Lu Da and Shi Jin were still in prison, and the Prefect was now waiting a decree authorizing him to execute the prisoners.

Song Jiang asked whether there was any proposal as to how the prisoners could be rescued.

Zhu Wu said, “Huazhou is a very big town, and the moat is very deep. It is a difficult town to take. If there is a coup d’état inside the town we might succeed.”

“Tomorrow we must go and inspect the town and its defenses,” said Wu Yong. “Then we can discuss matters. We must not however go in the daytime because the prefect will take care, and will be on the lookout for us. We must start tomorrow afternoon so as to reach the town after sunset. There will be a full moon tomorrow.”

This was agreed, and the next afternoon the five leaders started off on horseback, and reached the town about 8 P.M. They dismounted near a hillock where they could overlook the town. It was a bright moonlight night, with a cloudless sky. In the distance they could clearly see the Western Sacred Mountain, Mount Hua. Song Jiang saw that the town was well situated for defense, and was also well protected.

Wu Yong suggested that they should return to their headquarters, and discuss matters again. They all remounted, and rode off. Song Jiang felt very depressed at the prospect. Wu Yong suggested that they should have scouts around the town to spy, and notice what was going on, and this was done.

Two days later one of these scouts arrived at Mount Shaohua, and reported that there was an official who was coming from the capital conveying a bell for the temple on Mount Hua as offered by the Emperor. He had crossed the Yellow River, and was now traveling along the Wei River towards Huazhou.

“Elder brother, do not be disappointed,” said Wu Yong. “I think we can make something out of this.” He then summoned Li Jun and Zhang Shun, and told them his plans.

Li Jun, however, pointed out that they did not know the district well, and therefore must have a guide to go with them. Yang Chun offered to accompany them. This was agreed to, and the three men left the mountain.

The following day Song Jiang with seven leaders and about five hundred men also left the mountain. Upon reaching the ferry across the Wei River they had got ten boats there, Wu Yong divided the leaders placing Hua Rong and three others on the bank with the men, while Song Jiang, Zhu Tong, Li Ying, and himself were on the boats. Li Jun, Zhang Shun, and Yang Chun were in hiding near the landing place. They waited there all that night, but early the next morning they heard the sound of gongs and drums, and soon an official boat hove in sight. It was flying a yellow flag on which was written that the official named Marshal Su was proceeding by Imperial Order to Mount Hua to burn incense and offer sacrifices.

Li Ying and Zhu Tong took their spears, and stood behind Song Jiang, while Wu Yong sat on the bow of his boat. Their boats blocked the river so that the official’s boat had to stop. The men on the boat shouted, “Who are you? How dare you obstruct the river, and delay a Minister?”

Song Jiang held out an official ivory tablet such as is used by men on imperial business, and bowed. Wu Yong on his boat called out, “The hero Song Jiang from Liangshan Marsh wishes to interview Marshal Su.”

An officer came forward on the boat, and replied, “This is a boat conveying Imperial Envoy Marshal Su to Mount Hua to offer sacrifices and burn incense. How can you bandits stop our passage?”

Song Jiang still retained his stooping posture, while Wu Yong spoke, “Our hero wishes to state a case to His Excellency.”

The officer replied, “What kind of man are you? How dare you be so reckless as to wish to speak to His Excellency Su!” The men on both sides of him, however, asked the officer not to speak so loudly.

Song Jiang still retained his attitude while Wu Yong spoke, “We request your official to disembark here, and we will discuss an important matter on the bank.”

“Stupid talk! His Excellency is on imperial business. How can he talk with the likes of you?”

Song Jiang now stood up and said, “If His Excellency will not meet me I am afraid that my men will have to give a surprise!”

Zhu Tong now took his spear at the top of which was a flag, and he waved this. Hua Rong and the other leaders seeing this signal brought all their men to the river bank. The sailors on the boat seeing this took cover, and the officer went into the cabin, and reported the matter to Marshal Su who came on deck and took his seat there.

Song Jiang again saluted, “I am afraid that I have been very disrespectful.”

“Why have you stopped my boat in this way?” asked Marshal Su.

“We dare not hinder you,” replied Song Jiang, “but I request you to disembark here, when I will disclose an important matter.”

“I am on a special mission from the Emperor,” said Marshal Su, “and have nothing to say to you. How can a high dignitary do as you wish?”

“If Your Excellency will not disembark,” said Wu Yong, “I am afraid that our men will come here to fetch you.”

Li Ying now waved a flag at the top of his spear, and immediately Yang Chun, Li Jun, and Zhang Shun rowed their boats towards the official boat. The Marshal was surprised at this. Li Jun and Zhang Shun unsheathed their swords and as the boats got near they leapt across, seized two of the minor officers and threw them into the river.

“Don’t do such silly things,” called out Song Jiang. “His Excellency will be upset.”

Li Jun and Zhang Shun upon hearing this dived into the water, rescued the two men, and brought them safely on to the boat again.

“You two go away as you have frightened His Excellency,” said Song Jiang. “We will talk matters over, and request His Excellency to disembark.”

“Hero!” said Marshal Su. “What have you to say? You can tell me here.”

“This is not a place to discuss matters,” said Wu Yong. “We should prefer that you come to our stronghold on the mountain. We have no bad intentions, and if we deceive you, may the spirits of the Western Sacred Mountain Mount Hua punish us.”

As Marshal Su saw no way of escape, he left his boat and went up the river bank. A man came from the forest with a horse, and Marshal Su mounted it. The leaders also mounted, and they all set off for Mount Shaohua. The incense, bell, etc. were taken off the official boat, and conveyed up the mountain. Li Jun and Zhang Shun with about a hundred men were left in charge of the boats.

Upon reaching the stronghold the leaders assembled in the main hall on both sides with Marshal Su in the seat of honor in the center. Song Jiang gave four salutations to the Marshal, knelt down, and said, “Previously I was a clerk in the magistrate’s yamen at Yuncheng County, but I was persecuted, and compelled to escape to Liangshan Marsh where I joined the heroes there. We are quite ready and willing to help the Emperor when needed. Just now two of our leaders have been unjustly sent to prison by the Prefect of Huazhou. We wish to borrow the incense, bell, etc. and so get entrance into the town. We will relieve you of all responsibility in this trick. We hope that you will agree to our proposal.”

“If you use my things in this way,” replied Marshal Su, “I shall be blamed.”

“When you return to the capital you may throw all the blame on me,” said Song Jiang.

Marshal Su glanced round at the armed bandit leaders, and saw that there was no means of escape so he agreed.

Song Jiang again saluted, and offered wine to the Marshal. The leaders then exchanged clothing with Marshal Su and his official party. When all had been satisfactorily arranged the bandits in their new disguise left the mountain, and embarked on the official boat. But instead of going towards Huazhou they proceeded towards Mount Hua. Dai Zong went in advance to the temple on the mountain, and informed the head priest of the arrival of an “Imperial Commissioner.” The priests came down the mountain, and met the boat upon arrival. The presents were carried in front, many being carried by the priests’ servants to the temple. Wu Yong said that “the Marshal” had not been well on the journey so a closed sedan chair was provided in which the false commissioner was carried up the mountain. He was assisted out of the chair upon reaching the temple.

Wu Yong again spoke to the head priest, “We have brought many presents from the Emperor which are for the spirits of this mountain. But how is it that the Prefect of Huazhou is not here to receive us respectfully?”

“I will send a man to report your arrival,” said the head priest, “and he will soon be here.”

Soon after this, however, a deputy from the Prefect arrived with about seventy soldiers, and much fruit and wine for the “Imperial Commissioner.”

The bandit who was acting the part of the “Imperial Commissioner” had certain likeness, but he had not the intelligence and learning, and therefore could not speak like an educated mandarin. Therefore he pretended to be sick so as to avoid conversation, and sat silently on the bed. But the Prefect’s deputy saw all the genuine imperial presents and the official dresses, and had no suspicion. When introduced to the Marshall, he could not hear what the false commissioner was saying. But Wu Yong asked why the Prefect had not come personally, and the deputy explained how the brigands had been attacking the town, and how the Prefect were afraid of leaving the town, and had sent him as deputy. He said however, the Prefect would come later on. The deputy then ordered wine to be served to all the men who had brought the presents.

Wu Yong went, and got the key, and opened the box containing the bell. He took the bell out, and hung it on a framework. It was made by the best workmen at the capital, and looked very fine with its precious stones inlaid. Underneath the bell was a lamp with a red silk shade. It was intended that this bell should be hung in the center of the Imperial temple. It was a fine piece of craftsmanship such as only the Emperor could obtain.

After inspection by the deputy and the priests Wu Yong locked it up again in the box. He then took out the official letters, and handing these to the deputy asked him to convey them to the Prefect who could fix an auspicious time for his visit to the temple to offer the sacrifices.

The deputy and his followers then took their leave and returned to Huazhou to report the matter to the Prefect.

“What a cute plan,” thought Song Jiang. “The Prefect is sure to be deceived.” As there was nothing else to do he took a stroll round the temple admiring the building which really was of exceptional rarity and beauty. As he returned to the main hall he was informed that the Prefect was coming. He told Hua Rong, Xu Ning, Zhu Tong, and Li Ying (now dressed as Imperial soldiers) to take up their positions on both sides of the hall, and four other leaders with Dai Zong to take up their positions on both sides of the supposed Imperial Commissioner.

The Prefect brought with him about three hundred soldiers as an escort. They dismounted at the temple gate and entered. Song Jiang and Wu Yong saw that all the men were armed so Wu Yong called out, “As an Imperial Commissioner is here these soldiers must not come inside.” The soldiers therefore halted, and the Prefect went forward by himself. Wu Yong then said, “His Excellency requests the Prefect to go into his room for an interview.” The Prefect entered the room, and saluted the brigand on the bed in the disguise of an Imperial Commissioner.

“Prefect, are you not conscious of your fault?” asked Wu Yong.

“I did not know that His Excellency had arrived, and beg him to excuse me,” replied the Prefect. “After the first dispatch from the government about these presents I got no further dispatch as to when you would arrive.”

“Seize him,” ordered Wu Yong, and immediately the four leaders standing at the side unsheathed their swords, and seizing the Prefect cut off his head.

“Proceed with your work,” called out Song Jiang, and immediately all his men attacked the Prefect’s escort. They were taken by surprise, and most of them were killed on the spot. Some tried to escape but were met at the gate by other bandits and were soon finished. Not a single man of the three hundred soldiers escaped death. Even civilians who had followed the soldiers to see the ceremony were also killed.

Song Jiang had all the Imperial presents transferred to the boat, and set off for the town. He saw that fire had broken out in several parts of the town, as his men had got inside. He himself went straight to the jail, and released Lu Da and Shi Jin. Lu Da got his monk’s staff, and joined in the uprising. The daughter of Wang Yi had previously committed suicide by jumping into a well. The brigands secured much loot, and conveyed this on carts to their boats. When all was ready they returned to Mount Shaohua.

The offerings were duly handed over again to Marshal Su. Song Jiang also presented him with much gold and silver, and gave much also to his guard. After a feast Marshal Su and his men went down the mountain, and again embarked on their boat.

Marshal Su proceeded to Huazhou, and there he saw the enormous amount of damage that the bandits had done. He also went to Mount Hua, and saw the large number of dead bodies lying about. He then got the recorder in the town to write a full account of the disaster, throwing the full blame on Song Jiang and his brigands. He then returned to the capital to report the affair.

The bandits and leaders at Mount Shaohua agreed to join those under Song Jiang at Liangshan Marsh. They all left for that place where they celebrated their victory and alliance by the usual feast.

After this, however, there was a dinner provided by Shi Jin and three other leaders. At that dinner Chao Gai spoke, “I have something to tell you about what happened while Song Jiang and his men were at Huazhou. One day Zhu Gui came, and reported that at Mount Mangdan in Xuzhou Prefecture there are about three thousand brigands under the leadership of a man named Fan Rui, nicknamed the ‘Demon King of Disorder.’ He can control the wind and rain, and uses his men with great skill and strategy. He has two assistants—Xiang Chong and Li Gun, who are famous for throwing knives which would kill men at a hundred paces. These three are sworn brothers, and they have the intention of attacking Liangshan Marsh and getting control here. When I heard of this I was very angry.”

Song Jiang was also annoyed at this report and said, “How dare they be so impudent? I must go and settle the matter.”

At this point Shi Jin stood up and said, “We four brothers from Mount Shaohua have so far done no meritorious deed here, although we have been admitted to your band. We are willing to take our men to attack these robbers.”

Song Jiang was much pleased at this offer, and it was agreed to. The men and horses were got ready, and they left the mountain with Shi Jin, Zhu Wu, Chen Ta, and Yang Chun.

It took them three days to reach Mount Mangdan. When Shi Jin saw the place he remembered that it was near there that Liu Bang who became first Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty had killed a snake. They soon reached the foot of the mountain, and an outpost went to report their arrival. Shi Jin arranged his men in ranks. He donned his armor, and rode to the front on a brown horse. He was armed with a sword with a double-edged blade. He was accompanied by the other three leaders.

They had not waited long when they saw a large number of men descending the mountain with two leaders in front—Xiang Chong and Li Gun. When they had arranged their men in ranks these two leaders without any parley rode forward to attack Shi Jin. They threw their flying knives, and Shi Jin found that he could not get near his two opponents so he gradually fell back. The other leaders also retreated about ten li. Yang Chun’s horse was wounded and abandoned. Half of their men had deserted. Shi Jin held a conference with his comrades, and they all agreed that help must be requested from Liangshan Marsh. While they were talking, one of their scouts arrived, and reported that on the northern road there was a large body of cavalry coming towards them. Shi Jin galloped forward to see who they were, and recognized the flags of Liangshan Marsh. In front rode Hua Rong and Xu Ning, and Shi Jin rode forward to meet them. He told them how Xiang Chong, and Li Gun threw flying knives, and had driven him back without being able to even strike a blow. That day the Liangshan Marsh forces encamped in the same spot with Shi Jin’s forces.

The next morning they were all ready for marching forward when another scout arrived and reported that there was a large body of cavalry coming along the north road. Shi Jin and the other leaders rode forward to reconnoiter, and were pleased to find that they were about three thousand brigands under the leadership of Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and Gongsun Sheng.

They then had a discussion, and Wu Yong was in favor of them remaining in camp that day. Song Jiang was impatient, and wished an immediate attack. Gongsun Sheng pointed out that on the mountain there were blue lanterns and he thought that this indicated that the bandits there used magical spells. He advocated that they should withdraw all their men to some distance, and he would find a plan to capture the three leaders Xiang Chong, Li Gun, and Fan Rui.

This was agreed to and all the men withdrew about six li.

The king of devils joins the bandits;

The wounded chief surrenders to Liangshan Marsh.