第六十六回
第六十六回 时迁火烧翠云楼 吴用智取大名府
诗曰：
野战攻城事不通，神谋鬼计运奇功。
星桥铁锁悠悠展，火树银花处处同。
大府忽为金璧碎，高楼翻作祝融红。
龙群虎队真难制，可愧中书智力穷。
话说吴用对宋江道：“今日幸喜得兄长无事，又得安太医在寨中看视贵疾，此是梁山泊万千之幸。比及兄长卧病之时，小生累累使人去北京探听消息，梁中书昼夜忧惊，只恐俺军马临城。又使人直往北京城里城外市井去处，遍贴无头告示，晓谕居民，勿得疑虑：冤各有头，债各有主，大军到郡，自有对头。因此梁中书越怀鬼胎。东京蔡太师见说降了关胜，天子之前，更不敢题，只是主张招安，大家无事。因此累累寄书与梁中书，教道且留卢俊义、石秀二人性命，好做脚手。”宋江见说，便要催趱军马下山，去打北京。吴用道：“即今冬尽春初，早晚元宵节近，北京年例大张灯火。我欲乘此机会，先令城中埋伏，外面驱兵大进，里应外合，可以救难破城。”宋江道：“若要如此调兵，便请军师发落。”吴用道：“为头最要紧的是城中放火为号。你众弟兄中谁敢与我先去城中放火？”只见阶下走过一人道：“小弟愿往！”众人看时，却是鼓上蚤时迁。时迁道：“小弟幼年间曾到北京。城内有座楼，唤做翠云楼，楼上楼下大小有百十个阁子。眼见得元宵之夜，必然喧哄，乘空潜地入城。正月十五日夜，盘去翠云楼上，放起火来为号，军师可自调人马劫牢，此为上计。”吴用道：“我心正待如此。你明日天晓，先下山去，只在元宵夜一更时候，楼上放起火来，便是你的功劳。”时迁应允，听令去了。吴用次日却调解珍、解宝扮做猎户，去北京城内官员府里献纳野味。正月十五日夜间，只看火起为号，便去留守司前截住报事官兵。两个听令去了。再调杜迁、宋万扮做粜米客人，推辆车子去城中宿歇，元宵夜只看号火起时，却来先夺东门：“此是你两个功劳。”两个听令去了。再调孔明、孔亮扮做仆者，去北京城内闹市里房檐下宿歇，只看楼前火起，便去往来接应。两个听令去了。再调李应、史进扮做客人，去北京东门外安歇，只看城中号火起时，先斩把门军士，夺下东门，好做出路。两个听令去了。再调鲁智深、武松扮做行脚僧行，去北京城外庵院挂搭，只看城中号火起时，便去南门外截住大军，冲击去路。两个听令去了。再调邹渊、邹润扮做卖灯客人，直往北京城中寻客店安歇，只看楼中火起，便去司狱司前策应。两个听令去了。再调刘唐、杨雄扮作公人，直去北京州衙前宿歇，只看号火起时，便去截住一应报事人员，令他首尾不能救应。两个听令去了。再调公孙胜先生扮做云游道士，却教凌振扮做道童跟着，将带风火轰天等炮数百个，直去北京城内净处守待，只看号火起时施放。两个听令去了。再调张顺跟随燕青从水门里入城，径奔卢员外家，单捉淫妇奸夫。再调王矮虎、孙新、张青、扈三娘、顾大嫂、孙二娘扮作三对村里夫妻入城看灯，寻至卢俊义家中放火。再调柴进带同乐和扮做军官，直去蔡节级家中，要保救二人性命。调拨已定，众头领俱各听令去了。各各遵依军令，不可有误。此是正月初头。不说梁山泊好汉依次各各下山进发。有诗为证：
卢生石秀久幽囚，豪杰分头去复仇。
只待上元灯火夜，一时焚却翠云楼。
且说北京梁中书唤过李成、闻达、王太守等一干官员，商议放灯一事。梁中书道：“年例北京大张灯火，庆赏元宵，与民同乐，全似东京体例。如今被梁山泊贼人两次侵境，只恐放灯因而惹祸。下官意欲住歇放灯，你众官心下如何计议？”闻达便道：“想此贼人潜地退去，没头告示乱贴，此计是穷，必无主意，相公何必多虑。若还今年不放灯时，这厮们细作探知，必然被他耻笑。可以传下钧旨，晓示居民：比上年多设花灯，添扮社火，市心中添搭两座鳌山，照依东京体例，通宵不禁，十三至十七放灯五夜。教府尹点视居民，勿令缺少。相公亲自行春[1]，务要与民同乐。闻某亲领一彪军马出城去飞虎峪驻扎，以防贼人奸计。再着李都监亲引铁骑马军，绕城巡逻，勿令居民惊忧。”梁中书见说大喜。众官商议已定，随即出榜晓谕居民。
这北京大名府是河北头一个大郡，冲要去处。却有诸路买卖，云屯雾集，只听放灯，都来赶趁。在城坊隅巷陌，该管厢官每日点视，只得装扮社火。豪富之家，各自去赛花灯，远者三二百里去买，近者也过百十里之外，便有客商年年将灯到城货卖。家家门前扎起灯棚，都要赛挂好灯，巧样烟火。户内缚起山棚，摆放五色屏风炮灯，四边都挂名人画片并奇异古董玩器之物。在城大街小巷，家家都要点灯。大名府留守司州桥边搭起一座鳌山，上面盘红黄纸龙两条，每片鳞甲上点灯一盏，口喷净水。去州桥河内周围上下，点灯不计其数。铜佛寺前扎起一座鳌山，上面盘青龙一条，周回也有千百盏花灯。翠云楼前也扎起一座鳌山，上面盘着一条白龙，四面灯火不计其数。原来这座酒楼，名贯河北，号为第一。上有三檐滴水[2]，雕梁绣柱，极是造得好；楼上楼下，有百十处阁子，终朝鼓乐喧天，每日笙歌聒耳。城中各处宫观寺院佛殿法堂中，各设灯火，庆赏丰年。三瓦两舍，更不必说。
那梁山泊探细人得了这个消息，报上山来。吴用得知大喜，去对宋江说知备细，宋江便要亲自领兵去打北京。安道全谏道：“将军疮口未完，切不可轻动。稍若怒气相侵，实难痊可。”吴用道：“小生替哥哥走一遭。”随即与铁面孔目裴宣点拨八路军马：第一队，双鞭呼延灼引领韩滔、彭玘为前部，镇三山黄信在后策应，都是马军。前者呼延灼阵上打了的是假的，故意要赚关胜，故设此计。第二队，豹子头林冲引领马麟、邓飞为前部，小李广花荣在后策应，都是马军。第三队，大刀关胜引领宣赞、郝思文为前部，病尉迟孙立在后策应，都是马军。第四队，霹雳火秦明引领欧鹏、燕顺为前部，青面兽杨志在后策应，都是马军。第五队，却调步军头领没遮拦穆弘，将引杜兴、郑天寿。第六队，步军头领黑旋风李逵将引李立、曹正。第七队，步军头领插翅虎雷横将引施恩、穆春。第八队，步军头领混世魔王樊瑞将引项充、李衮。这八路马步军兵，各自取路，即今便要起行，毋得时刻有误。正月十五日二更为期，都要到北京城下。马军、步军一齐进发。那八路人马依令下山，其馀头领尽跟宋江保守山寨。有诗为证：
八路军兵似虎狼，横天杀气更鹰扬。
安排盖地遮天技，要使鳌山变杀场。
且说时迁是个飞檐走壁的人，不从正路入城，夜间越墙而过。城中客店内却不着单身客人，他自白日在街上闲走，到晚来东岳庙内神座底下安身。正月十三日，却在城中往来观看居民百姓搭缚灯棚，悬挂灯火。正看之间，只见解珍、解宝挑着野味在城中往来观看，又撞见杜迁、宋万两个从瓦子里走将出来。时迁当日先去翠云楼上打一个踅，只见孔明披着头发，身穿羊裘破衣，右手拄一条杖子，左手拿个碗，腌腌在那里求乞。见了时迁，打抹他去背后说话。时迁道：“哥哥，你这般一个汉子，红红白白面皮，不象叫化的。北京做公的多，倘或被他看破，须误了大事，哥哥可以躲闪回避。”说不了，又见个丐者从墙边来，看时，却是孔亮。时迁道：“哥哥，你又露出雪也似白面来，亦不象忍饥受饿的人。这般模样，必然决撒。”却才道罢，背后两个劈角儿揪住喝道：“你三个做得好事！”回头看时，却是杨雄、刘唐。时迁道：“你惊杀我也！”杨雄道：“都跟我来。”带去僻静处埋冤道：“你三个好没分晓！却怎地在那里说话？倒是我两个看见，倘若被他眼明手快的公人看破，却不误了哥哥大事！我两个都已见了弟兄们，不必再上街去。”孔明道：“邹渊、邹润自在街上卖灯，鲁智深、武松已在城外庵里。再不必多说，只顾临期各自行事。”五个说了，都出到一个寺前，正撞见一个先生从寺里出来，喝道：“你五个在此做甚事？”众人抬头看时，却是入云龙公孙胜，背后凌振扮做道童跟着。七个人都颐指气使，点头会意，各自去了。
看看相近上元，梁中书先令闻大刀闻达将引军马出城，去飞虎峪驻扎，以防贼寇。十四日，却令李天王李成亲引铁骑马军五百，全副披挂，绕城巡视。次日，正是正月十五日上元佳节，好生晴明。黄昏月上，六街三市，各处坊隅巷陌，点放花灯，大街小巷，都有社火。值此元宵，有诗为证：
北京三五风光好，膏雨初晴春意早。
银花火树不夜城，陆地拥出蓬莱岛。
烛龙衔照夜光寒，人民歌舞欣时安。
五凤羽扶双贝阙，六鳌背驾三神山。
红妆女立朱帘下，白面郎骑紫骝马。
笙箫嘹亮入青云，月光清射鸳鸯瓦。
翠云楼高侵碧天，嬉游来往多婵娟。
灯球灿烂若锦绣，王孙公子真神仙。
游人尚未绝，高楼顷刻生云烟。
是夜，节级蔡福分付教兄弟蔡庆看守着大牢：“我自回家看看便来。”方才进得家门，只见两个人闪将入来，前面那个军官打扮，后面仆者模样。灯光之下看时，蔡福认得是小旋风柴进，后面的已自是铁叫子乐和。蔡节级只认得柴进，便请入里面去，见成杯盘，随即管待。柴进道：“不必赐酒，在下到此有件紧事相央。卢员外、石秀全得足下相觑，称谢难尽。今晚小子欲就大牢里，趁此元宵热闹，看望一遭，望你相烦引进，休得推却。”蔡福是个公人，早猜了八分。欲待不依，诚恐打破城池，都不见了好处，又陷了老小一家人口性命。只得担着血海的干系，便取些旧衣裳教他两个换了，也扮做公人，换了巾帻，带柴进、乐和径奔牢中去了。
初更左右，王矮虎、一丈青、孙新、顾大嫂、张青、孙二娘三对儿村里夫妻，乔乔画画[3]，装扮做乡村人，挨入在人丛里，便入东门去了。公孙胜带同凌振，挑着荆篓去城隍庙里廊下坐地。这城隍庙只在州衙侧边。邹渊、邹润挑着灯，在城中闲走。杜迁、宋万各推一辆车子，径到梁中书衙前，闪在人闹处。原来梁中书衙，只在东门里大街住。刘唐、杨雄各提着水火棍，身边都自有暗器，来州桥上两边坐定。燕青领了张顺，自从水门里入城，静处埋伏。都不在话下。
不移时，楼上鼓打二更。却说时迁挟着一个篮儿，里面都是硫黄、焰硝，放火的药头，篮儿上插几朵闹鹅儿[4]，踅入翠云楼后，走上楼去。只见阁子内吹笙箫，动鼓板，掀云闹社，子弟们闹闹穰穰，都在楼上打哄赏灯。时迁上到楼上，只做卖闹鹅儿的，各处阁子里去看。撞见解珍、解宝拖着钢叉，叉上挂着兔儿，在阁子前踅。时迁便道：“更次到了，怎生不见外面动掸？”解珍道：“我两个方才在楼前，见探马过去，多管兵马到了。你只顾去行事。”
言犹未了，只见楼前都发起喊来，说道：“梁山泊军马到了西门外。”解珍分付时迁：“你自快去，我自去留守司前接应。”奔到留守司前，只见败残军马，一齐奔入城来，说道：“闻大刀吃劫了寨也。梁山泊贼寇引军都赶到城下。”李成正在城上巡逻，听见说了，飞马来到留守司前，教点军兵，分付闭上城门，守护本州。
却说王太守亲引随从百馀人，长枷铁锁，在街镇压，听得报说这话，慌忙回留守司前。却说梁中书正在衙前闲坐，初听报说，尚自不甚慌；次后没半个更次，流星探马接连报来，吓得魂不附体，慌忙快叫备马。
说言未了，时迁就在翠云楼上点着硫黄焰硝，放一把火来。那火烈焰冲天，火光夺月，十分浩大。梁中书见了，急上得马，却待要去看时，只见两条大汉，推两辆车子，放在当路，便去取碗挂的灯来，望车子上点着，随即火起。梁中书要出东门时，两条大汉口称：“李应、史进在此！”手拈扑刀，大踏步杀来。把门官军吓得走了，手边的伤了十数个。杜迁、宋万却好接着出来，四个合做一处，把住东门。梁中书见不是头势，带领随行伴当，飞奔南门。南门传说道：“一个胖大和尚轮动铁禅杖，一个虎面行者掣出双戒刀，发喊杀入城来。”梁中书回马，再到留守司前，只见解珍、解宝手拈钢叉，在那里东撞西撞，急待回州衙，不敢近前。王太守却好过来，刘唐、杨雄两条水火棍齐下，打得脑浆迸流，眼珠突出，死于街前。虞候、押番各逃残生去了。梁中书急急回马奔西门，只听得城隍庙里火炮齐响，轰天震地。邹渊、邹润手拿竹竿，只顾就房檐下放起火来。南瓦子前，王矮虎、一丈青杀将来；孙新、顾大嫂身边掣出暗器，就那里协助。铜佛寺前，张青、孙二娘入去，扒上鳌山，放起火来。此时北京城内，百姓黎民，一个个鼠窜狼奔，一家家神号鬼哭，四下里十数处火光亘天，四方不辨。有诗为证：
回禄施威特降灾，熏天烈焰涨红埃。
黄童白叟皆惊惧，又被雄兵混杀来。
却说梁中书奔到西门，接着李成军马，急到南门城上，勒住马在鼓楼上看时，只见城下兵马摆满，旗号上写着“大将呼延灼”，火焰光中，抖擞精神，施逞骁勇，左有韩滔，右有彭玘，黄信在后，催动人马，雁翅一般横杀将来，随到门下。梁中书出不得城去，和李成躲在北门城下，望见火光明亮，军马不知其数，却是豹子头林冲，跃马横枪，左有马麟，右有邓飞，花荣在后催动人马，飞奔将来。再转东门，一连火把丛中，只见没遮拦穆弘，左有杜兴，右有郑天寿，三筹步军好汉当先，手拈扑刀，引领一千馀人，杀入城来。梁中书径奔南门，舍命夺路而走。吊桥边火把齐明，只见黑旋风李逵，左有李立，右有曹正，李逵浑身脱剥，睁圆怪眼，咬定牙根，手搦双斧，从城濠里飞杀过来。李立、曹正，一齐俱到。李成当先，杀开条血路，奔出城来，护着梁中书便走。只见左手下杀声震响，火把丛中军马无数，却是大刀关胜，拍动赤兔马，手舞青龙刀，径抢梁中书。李成手举双刀，前来迎敌。那时李成无心恋战，拨马便走。左有宣赞，右有郝思文，两肋里撞来，孙立在后催动人马，并力杀来。正斗间，背后赶上小李广花荣，拈弓搭箭，射中李成副将，翻身落马。李成见了，飞马奔走。未及半箭之地，只见右手下锣鼓乱鸣，火光夺目，却是霹雳火秦明，跃马舞棍，引着燕顺、欧鹏，背后杨志，又杀将来。李成且战且走，折军大半，护着梁中书，冲路走脱。
话分两头，却说城中之事。杜迁、宋万去杀梁中书老小一门良贱。刘唐、杨雄去杀王太守一家老小。孔明、孔亮已从司狱司后墙爬将入去。邹渊、邹润却在司狱司前接住往来之人。大牢里柴进、乐和看见号火起了，便对蔡福、蔡庆道：“你弟兄两个见也不见？更待几时？”蔡庆在门边守时，邹渊、邹润早撞开牢门，大叫道：“梁山泊好汉全伙在此！好好送出卢员外、石秀哥哥来！”蔡庆慌忙报蔡福时，孔明、孔亮早从牢屋上跳将下来。不由他弟兄两个肯与不肯，柴进身边取出器械，便去开枷，放了卢俊义、石秀。柴进说与蔡福：“你快跟我去家中保护老小。”一齐都出牢门来。邹渊、邹润接着，合做一处。蔡福、蔡庆跟随柴进，来家中保全老小。卢俊义将引石秀、孔明、孔亮、邹渊、邹润五个弟兄，径奔家中来捉李固、贾氏。
却说李固听得梁山泊好汉引军马入城，又见四下里火起，正在家中有些眼跳，便和贾氏商量，收拾了一包金珠细软背了，便出门奔走。只听得排门一带都倒，正不知多少人抢将入来。李固和贾氏慌忙回身，便望里面开了后门，踅过墙边，径投河下来寻自家躲避处。只见岸上张顺大叫：“那婆娘走那里去！”李固心慌，便跳下船中去躲。却待攒入舱里，只见一个人伸出手来，劈角儿揪住，喝道：“李固，你认得我么？”李固听得是燕青的声音，慌忙叫道：“小乙哥！我不曾和你有甚冤仇，你休得揪我上岸！”岸上张顺早把那婆娘挟在肋下，拖到船边。燕青拿了李固，都望东门来了。
再说卢俊义奔到家中，不见了李固和那婆娘，且叫众人把应有家私金银财宝，都搬来装在车子上，往梁山泊给散。
却说柴进和蔡福到家中收拾家资老小，同上山寨。蔡福道：“大官人可救一城百姓，休教残害。”柴进见说，便去寻军师吴用。比及柴进寻着吴用，急传下号令去，休教杀害良民时，城中将及伤损一半。但见：
烟迷城市，火燎楼台。千门万户受灾危，三市六街遭患难。鳌山倒塌，红光影里碎琉璃；屋宇崩摧，烈焰火中烧翡翠。前街傀儡，顾不得面是背非；后巷清音，尽丢坏龙笙凤管。班毛老子，猖狂燎尽白髭须；绿发儿郎，奔走不收华盖伞。耍和尚烧得头焦额烂，麻婆子赶得屁滚尿流。踏竹马的暗中刀枪，舞鲍老的难免刃槊。如花仕女，人丛中金坠玉崩；玩景佳人，片时间星飞云散。瓦砾藏埋金万斛，楼台变作祝融墟。可惜千年歌舞地，翻成一片战争场。
当时天色大明，吴用、柴进在城内鸣金收军。众头领却接着卢员外并石秀，都到留守司相见，备说牢中多亏了蔡福、蔡庆弟兄两个看管，已逃得残生。燕青、张顺早把这李固、贾氏解来。卢俊义见了，且教燕青监下，自行看管，听候发落，不在话下。
再说李成保护梁中书出城逃难，又撞着闻达领着败残军马回来，合兵一处，投南便走。正走之间，前军发起喊来，却是混世魔王樊瑞，左有项充，右有李衮，三筹步军好汉，舞动飞刀飞枪，直杀将来。背后又是插翅虎雷横，将引施恩、穆春，各引一千步军，前来截住退路。却似虾儿逢巨浪，兔子遇豺狼。正是：狱囚遇赦重回禁，病客逢医又上床。毕竟梁中书一行人马怎地计结，且听下回分解。
[1] 行春——官员春天到乡间察看农桑，叫行春。这里指察看灯火。
[2] 三檐滴水——滴水檐有三层，代指高大的楼房。
[3] 乔乔画画——装模做样的样子。
[4] 闹鹅儿——妇女插在头上的一种彩花。
CHAPTER 65. Shi Qian Sets Fire to the Blue Cloud Tower; Wu Yong Takes Damning with a Subtle Plan
“I am very glad that you are getting better,” said Wu Yong to Song Jiang. “While you have been sick I have sent many spies to Daming, and they have reported that Grand Secretary Liang is still very anxious and afraid that we will soon renew our attack. I have also had anonymous posters secretly put up in the city and the surrounding villages assuring the people that ‘they need not be afraid when the Liangshan Marsh heroes appear again. Our hatred is directed against our enemy only, and the creditor will only collect the debt from the debtor. Our army is only for our enemies.’ Liang has got our posters, which have upset him very much. At the Eastern Capital the Prime Minister feels much disgrace because of the disaster to the Imperial troops under General Guan Sheng. Many letters have been sent to the Grand Secretary ordering him not to execute the two prisoners Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu and that he must endeavor to placate us at Liangshan Marsh that we may come over on friendly terms to their side.”
Song Jiang upon hearing this urged Wu Yong to depart at once to attack Daming Prefecture.
“Now the winter is over and spring is drawing near,” said Wu Yong. “It will soon be the Lunar New Year and during the Lantern Festival that month will be a great display of lanterns in Daming. I am going to embrace the opportunity of the festival to get many of our men in disguise into the city, and then they can cooperate when our men attack the city from outside.”
“A splendid plan!” said Song Jiang, “I wish you success.”
“It is of first importance,” said Wu Yong, “that many buildings should be set on fire inside the town as a signal to our men outside. Who is willing to go inside the town and set the place ablaze?”
A man stepped forward and said he was willing to go. This man was Shi Qian, the “Flea on the Drum.” He said, “When I was young I lived in Daming. In the city is a tower called the Blue Cloud Tower, and there are over a hundred rooms there. At the Lantern Festival the city will be crowded, and on that night I will set fire to the Tower, and then our men outside can march in, and take the city.”
This was agreed to, and it was arranged for Shi Qian to leave the following day. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao were ordered to be dressed up as hunters, carrying games to Daming, to be presented to the officials at the yamen. They had orders that at the Lantern Festival when they saw the Cuiyun Tower burst into flames they must station themselves near the entrance to the yamen to prevent any messenger from conveying the news to the officials inside.
Wu Yong also ordered Du Qian and Song Wan to be disguised as merchants with a cart of rice to go into the city, and to stay at an inn. When they saw the fire they were to go to the East Gate, kill the guard there, and take their place.
He also instructed Kong Ming and Kong Liang to go to the city as servants. They were to act as messengers.
Li Ying and Shi Jin were to go as travelers, and stay at an inn outside the East Gate. They were to assist in capturing the East Gate.
Lu Da and Wu Song were to be dressed as monks, and were to stay at a monastery outside the city. When the fire broke out they were to go to the Southern Gate, and prevent the soldiers from leaving the town by that way.
Zou Yuan and Zou Run were to stay at an inn inside the town as merchants selling lamps, and when the fire broke out they were to go to the prison.
Liu Tang and Yang Xiong were to go as minor officials, and stay at an inn close to the yamen. On the night of the fire they were to prevent messengers from conveying orders from the yamen.
Gongsun Sheng was to enter the town as a mendicant Taoist with Ling Zhen as his assistant, and to stay at some quiet spot. They were to carry fireworks with them, and when the fire broke out they were to burn the fireworks and make as much noise as possible.
Zhang Shun and Yan Qing were to enter the town by the water gate, and when they saw the signal they were to kill Li Gu and the adulterous wife of Lu Junyi.
Wang Ying and his wife, Hu San Niang, Sun Xin and his wife Gu Dasao, Zhang Qing and his wife Sun Er Niang, were to go into the town as country folks who went to view the sights. They were to set fire to Lu Junyi’s house.
Squire Chai Jin and Yue He were to enter the town as military officers, and when the fire took place they were to go to the house of the head jailer Cai and arrange for the safety of the two prisoners.
All these arrangements having been made by Wu Yong the leaders mentioned above took their leave.
In Daming Prefecture, Grand Secretary Liang had called a conference of Generals Li Cheng, Wen Da, and Daming’s Prefect Wang to discuss the celebration of the Lantern Festival. He said, “It is a custom that lanterns are in display to celebrate the occasion in the same as they do in the Eastern Capital. By this we let the people enjoy themselves with us. But this year there are exceptional circumstances. The bandits of Liangshan Marsh have attacked us twice, and I am afraid that they are only waiting for an opportunity to attack us again. I therefore think it would be better if we postpone this festival this year.”
“I think,” said General Wen Da, “that the brigands have all gone back to Liangshan Marsh, and although they have secretly posted up notices, yet I think they have no plan of attack, and that we need not worry about them. If we prohibit the lantern show on the 15th of the first month, the brigands, upon hearing of this, will laugh at us and conclude that we are afraid of them. I think we may issue an order that this year the people are encouraged to display lanterns and discharge fireworks. That we allow them five whole nights for this, from the 13th to the 17th, without interruption and that at the crossroads two additional large mountains of lanterns may be built up. The Prefect must see to it that this order is observed. You yourself will also celebrate the occasion in order to share the happiness with the people. As a precautionary measure against the bandits I will lead a squadron of cavalry out of the city to the Feihu Gully in order to guard the town on that side. General Li Cheng may have his men marching about the town to quell any disturbance.”
The Grand Secretary was very much pleased at this proposal, and after further discussion General Wen Da’s plans were adopted and put into execution.
On the north of the Yellow River, Daming was the most important prefecture. Daming itself was also a great metropolis and was the center for all government and trade activities. Therefore it was expected that many people from the surrounding country would come to enjoy the festivities of the Lantern Festival. The neighborhood chief in every part of the town supervised the preparations that were being made. The people entered into the spirit of the festival and there was keen rivalry as to who should have the best display. Mat sheds were erected at all the big houses with festoons of curiously shaped lanterns. Door screens were covered with lanterns of all varieties of colors. There were hung large numbers of scrolls of calligraphy and drawings by famous hands. At the Prefect’s yamen there was a mountain of lanterns, with two red and yellow dragons with lanterns representing the scales, and arrangements for ejecting water into the river. Lanterns were innumerable, and covered the entire paper mountain. In front of the Tong Fu Monastery there was an erection covered with a thousand lanterns. In front of the Cuiyun Tower was another erection of lanterns with a white dragon similar to the others.
The tower was the most famous inn to the north of the Yellow River. It had threefold eaves, and all the beams were engraved with fancy designs in bright colors. There were over a hundred rooms for guests, and every day there was the sound of music and laughter in the building.
The spies from Liangshan Marsh duly reported this to the stronghold. Wu Yong was much pleased at the prospects, and discussed matters minutely with Song Jiang. The latter was very keen on going to Daming Prefecture to direct the attack but Dr. An would not allow this, so Wu Yong offered to go in his stead. Arrangements were made for most of the men to leave Liangshan Marsh and travel to the town by eight different routes, and they were all to reach the town on the time of the Lantern Festival.
Shi Qian duly arrived at Daming on his mission, but as the inns would not admit single individuals he contented himself with walking about during the daytime, and slept at a temple for the night. During the next few days he came across seven of the leaders from Liangshan Marsh who were in the town on secret service.
When the Lantern Festival was near at hand, Grand Secretary Liang issued an order for General Wen Da to take soldiers to the Feihu Gully and establish an outpost there. On the day before the Festival, General Li Cheng assembled five hundred soldiers, and marched them about the town. The festival day broke with splendid weather, and the Grand Secretary was quite happy and contented. In the evening there was the full moon in a clear sky, and the bright moonlight made the city look as though it was made of silver and gold. On the streets were crowds of men and women of all ages strolling about; fireworks were burnt on all sides; and everybody was enjoying the sights which were the best they had ever seen.
In the city jail the head jailer Cai Fu told his brother Cai Qing to take charge as he wanted to go home. When he had been at his home a few minutes two men came—one dressed as a military officer and the other as his orderly. Upon looking closely he recognized the first as Squire Chai Jin, and the orderly was Yue He whom Cai Fu did not know. Cai Fu requested them to come into a room where refreshments were already spread out, and there he offered them wine and cakes.
“We need not partake of wine,” said Squire Chai Jin. “I have come here today to discuss an important matter with you. You have treated very well both Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu, and I wish to thank you for this. As this is the Lantern Festival I should particularly like to go inside the jail and see my friends there. I hope that you will agree with us.”
Cai Fu was a government official, and he at once understood that there would be some trouble, and the lives of all his family would be endangered if he refused to do as they wished. So he got some old clothes, and gave them to the two men so that they could disguise themselves as members of the prison staff. He then conducted them to the prison.
When the drum in the tower sounded the second watch, Shi Qian took a basket filled with brimstone and saltpeter covered with paper flowers, and entered the Blue Cloud Tower. He saw that in the rooms were parties of people singing and chatting, while flutes and stringed instruments filled the night with a melody of music. He went upstairs stopping at various rooms as a hawker trying to sell paper flowers and butterflies. He soon met Xie Zhen and Xie Bao who were dressed as hunters, and carried hares stuck on the end of forks over their shoulders. He spoke to them, “The time is now due. Have you seen anything outside?”
“Just now while we were looking outside we saw some scouts going to the yamen. We expect they are reporting the arrival of our troops. You had better get your work done at once.”
Just then they heard great noise in front of the Tower, and they heard people shouting, “The brigands from Liangshan Marsh are outside the West Gate.”
“Hurry up!” said Xie Zhen to Shi Qian. “Let us go to the yamen now and do our bit there.” Upon reaching the yamen they found the defeated troops of General Wen Da had entered the city in disorder. They said, “The brigands attacked our camp, and drove us out. They followed us to the gate of the city.”
General Li Cheng had heard the news, and had already dispatched his soldiers to guard the gates. Prefect Wang had taken one hundred soldiers to quell any disorder on the streets, and to arrest anybody attempting to make trouble. When he heard the news he returned to the yamen.
In the yamen Grand Secretary Liang had been drinking, and was slightly intoxicated. When he heard the news he treated it lightly. When the defeated cavalry began to arrive he became dumbfounded, but at last ordered his horse to be got ready. Just then the Blue Cloud Tower burst into flames, and lit up the whole town in a blaze of light. He quickly mounted his horse and started off. When he reached the street, however, two big men tried to stop him, but he avoided them and galloped towards the East Gate which, however, was guarded by Li Ying and Shi Jin.
Upon reaching the East Gate, Liang was attacked by four big men Li Ying, Shi Jin, Du Qian, and Sun Wan, and realizing that his soldiers there had been overcome he turned his horse and galloped off towards the South Gate. On the way however he heard people shouting that a big fat monk armed with an iron monk’s staff had got in through the South Gate and was killing people on the way. The Grand Secretary therefore again turned his horse towards the yamen, but when near that place he saw two big men were running amuck on the street so that he could not pass. Just then he saw the Prefect Wang attacked by two brigand leaders Yang Xiong and Liu Tang who struck Wang on the head with a pole with such force that his brains splattered and killed him on the spot.
The Grand Secretary turned his horse again, and raced off towards the West Gate. On the way however he heard a loud explosion in the Temple of the City God. There the two brigand leaders Zou Yuan and Zou Run had long bamboo poles with torches on the ends, and were quickly setting fire to the houses about there. There was general confusion in the town, and the people were shrieking and crying with fear. There were fires in all parts of the town.
Near the West Gate the Grand Secretary happened to meet General Li Cheng, who rushed with him to the South Gate. Upon reaching there they ascended the city wall and went to the gate tower. From there they saw that there were many brigands on the streets with banners bearing the characters “General Guan Sheng, the ‘Great Halberd.’” In the blaze of light they could see Guan Sheng mounted on a horse in a defiant attitude. He was supported by other leaders on horseback and they were fighting and killing as they came towards the gate. Grand Secretary Liang and General Li Cheng seeing the weakness of their position descended from the Gate Tower, mounted their horses, and went towards the North Gate. Upon getting near that place they saw so many brigands in charge of Lin Chong that they again turned, and went towards the East Gate. But that was no better as there were about a thousand brigands entering the city in charge of Mu Hong. So they turned to the South Gate. But on the way they met Li Kui and a number of other leaders, and when Li Kui saw them he ran forward wielding his two axes. General Li Cheng went in front with the Grand Secretary behind, and together they cut their way through the brigands. They, however, were attacked from the left by a large number of brigands led by Huyan Zhuo. General Li Cheng fought with Huyan Zhuo, but after about two bouts Li Cheng retreated as he realized that fighting was useless because other leaders were arriving. Among them was Hua Rong who shot an arrow which wounded the adjutant of General Li Cheng. General Li Cheng seeing his adjutant fall galloped off, but soon ran into another party of brigands under Qin Ming.
Li Cheng and the Grand Secretary, however, succeeded in getting through the South Gate, having killed so many men that they and their horses were covered with blood. Thus they rode off.
We will now return and see what was happening inside the city. In the jail Squire Chai Jin and Yue He, seeing the fires breaking out, spoke to the head jailer Cai Fu, “Do you see those fires? What time are you waiting for?” The main entrance of the jail just then was smashed in, and a crowd of brigands entered shouting. Chai Jin drew out his weapon, and breaking the cangues released Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu without waiting for the head jailer. Then he told Cai Fu, “You had better take me to your home, where I will protect your family.” This was done.
Li Gu was at Lu Junyi’s home, and seeing the fires and hearing the uproar on the streets he discussed escape with the late wife of Lu Junyi. They quickly made up bundles containing jewelry and valuables, with the idea of escaping, but they could not leave by the front gate as there was much noise and uproar there. So they went to the back door, and getting out, turned round corners, and at last reached the bank of the river. But Zhang Shun was there, and upon seeing them he shouted out, “Where is that woman going?” Li Gu did not reply, but jumped on a boat. A man on the boat, however, caught hold of him, and called out, “Li Gu! Do you recognize me?” Li Gu recognized Yan Qing by his voice, and replied, “Younger brother, we are not enemies. Let me go!”
But Yan Qing did not reply. He took Li Gu, and Zhang Shun took the woman, to the East Gate as prisoners.
This had just happened when Lu Junyi arrived at his home. As he could not find Li Gu and his wife at once, he gave orders that all his movable wealth was to be packed and placed on carts to be conveyed to Liangshan Marsh.
Head jailer Cai Fu also packed up his things and got his family ready to start for Liangshan Marsh. He then addressed Squire Chai Jin, “I request you to use your influence to spare the lives of the people in the city.” Squire Chai Jin agreed to this, and went to see Wu Yong about it. Wu Yong concurred and issued orders to that effect but a great many people had already been killed or wounded.
It was now daybreak, and Wu Yong gave the signal for his men to assemble.
Grand Secretary Liang and General Li Cheng happened to meet with General Wen Da as they fled from the town. They had not gone far, however, before their progress was stopped by a party of brigands blocking their way.
Pardoned man again arrested.
Vile disease returns again.