第六十九回
第六十九回 东平府误陷九纹龙 宋公明义释双枪将
诗曰：
神龙失势滞飞升，得遇风雷便不情。
豪杰相逢鱼得水，英雄际会弟投兄。
千金伪买花娘俏，一让能成俊义名。
水战火攻人罕敌，绿林头领宋公明。
话说当下梁山泊忠义堂上，宋江打了曾头市，卢俊义捉得史文恭，祭献晁天王已了，宋江不负晁盖遗言，要把主位让与卢员外，众人不服。宋江又道：“如此众志不定，于心不安。目今山寨钱粮缺少，梁山泊东有两个州府，却有钱粮：一处是东平府，一处是东昌府。我们自来不曾搅扰他那里百姓，今去问他借粮，公然不肯。今写下两个阄儿，我和卢员外各拈一处，如先打破城子的，便做梁山泊主，如何？”吴用道：“也好，听从天命。”卢俊义道：“休如此说，只是哥哥为梁山泊之主，某听从差遣。”此时不由卢俊义，当下便唤铁面孔目裴宣写下两个阄儿，焚香对天祈祷已罢，各拈一个。宋江拈着东平府，卢俊义拈着东昌府。众皆无语。
当日设筵，饮酒中间，宋江传令调拨人马。宋江部下：林冲、花荣、刘唐、史进、徐宁、燕顺、吕方、郭盛、韩滔、彭玘、孔明、孔亮、解珍、解宝、王矮虎、一丈青、张青、孙二娘、孙新、顾大嫂、石勇、郁保四、王定六、段景住，大小头领二十五员，马步军兵一万；水军头领三员，阮小二、阮小五、阮小七，领水军驾船接应。卢俊义部下：吴用、公孙胜、呼延灼、朱仝、雷横，索超、关胜、杨志、单廷圭、魏定国、宣赞、郝思文、燕青、杨林、欧鹏、凌振、马麟、邓飞、施恩、樊瑞、项充、李衮、时迁、白胜，大小头领二十五员，马步军兵一万；水军头领三员，李俊、童威、童猛，引水手驾船策应。其馀头领并中伤者，看守寨栅。宋江分俵已定。此是一时进兵，去打两处州郡。有诗为证：
尧舜推贤万古无，禹汤传后亦良图。
谁知聚啸山林者，揖让谦恭有盛谟。
且说宋江与众头领去打东平府，卢俊义与众头领去打东昌府，众多头领各自下山。此是三月初一日的话。日暖风和，草青沙软，正好厮杀。
却说宋江领兵前到东平府，离城只有四十里路，地名安山镇，扎住军马。宋江道：“东平府太守程万里和一个兵马都监，乃是河东上党郡人氏。此人姓董名平，善使双枪，人皆称为双枪将，有万夫不当之勇。虽然去打他城子，也和他通些礼数，差两个人，赍一封战书去那里下。若肯归降，免致动兵；若不听从，那时大行杀戮，使人无怨。谁敢与我先去下书？”只见部下走过一人，身长一丈，腰阔数围。那人是谁？有诗为证：
不好资财惟好义，貌似金刚离古寺。
身长唤做险道神，此是青州郁保四。
郁保四道：“小人认得董平，情愿赍书去下。”又见部下转过一人，瘦小身材，叫道：“我帮他去。”那人是谁？有诗为证：
蚱蜢头尖光眼目，鹭鹚瘦腿全无肉。
路遥行走疾如飞，扬子江边王定六。
这两个便道：“我们不曾与山寨中出得些气力，今情愿去走一遭。”宋江大喜，随即写了战书，与郁保四、王定六两个去下。书上只说借粮一事。
且说东平府程太守，闻知宋江起军马到了安山镇住扎，便请本州兵马都监双枪将董平商议军情重事。正坐间，门人报道：“宋江差人下战书。”程太守教唤至。郁保四、王定六当府厮见了，将书呈上。程万里看罢来书，对董都监说道：“要借本府钱粮，此事如何？”董平听了大怒，叫推出去即便斩首。程太守谏道：“不可！自古两国争战，不斩来使，于礼不当。只将二人各打二十讯棍，发回原寨，看他如何。”董平怒气未息，喝把郁保四、王定六一索捆翻，打得皮开肉绽，推出城去。两个回到大寨，哭告宋江说：“董平那厮无理，好生眇视大寨！”
宋江见打了两个，怒气填胸，便要平吞州郡。先叫郁保四、王定六上车，回山将息。只见九纹龙史进起身说道：“小弟旧在东平府时，与院子里一个娼妓有染，唤做李瑞兰，往来情熟。我如今多将些金银，潜地入城，借他家里安歇。约定时日，哥哥可打城池。只等董平出来交战，我便扒去更鼓楼上放起火来，里应外合，可成大事。”宋江道：“最好！”史进随即收拾金银，安在包袱里，身边藏了暗器，拜辞起身。宋江道：“兄弟善觑方便，我且顿兵不动。”
且说史进转入城中，径到西瓦子李瑞兰家。大伯见是史进，吃了一惊，接入里面，叫女儿出来厮见。李瑞兰生的甚是标格出尖。有诗为证：
万种风流不可当，梨花带雨玉生香。
翠禽啼醒罗浮梦，疑是梅花靓晓妆。
李瑞兰引去楼上坐了，遂问史进道：“一向如何不见你头影[1]？听的你在梁山泊做了大王，官司出榜捉你。这两日街上乱哄哄地说宋江要来打城借粮，你如何却到这里？”史进道：“我实不瞒你说：我如今在梁山泊做了头领，不曾有功。如今哥哥要来打城借粮，我把你家备细说了。如今我特地来做细作，有一包金银相送与你，切不可走透了消息。明日事完，一发带你一家上山快活。”李瑞兰葫芦提应承，收了金银，且安排些酒肉相待，却来和大娘商量道：“他往常做客时，是个好人，在我家出入不妨。如今他做了歹人，倘或事发，不是耍处。”大伯说道：“梁山泊宋江这伙好汉，不是好惹的，但打城池，无有不破。若还出了言语，他们有日打破城子入来，和我们不干罢！”虔婆便骂道：“老蠢物！你省得甚么人事！自古道：蜂刺入怀，解衣去赶。天下通例，自首者即免本罪。你快去东平府里首告，拿了他去，省得日后负累不好。”李公道：“他把许多金银与我家，不与他担些干系，买我们做甚么？”虔婆骂道：“老畜生！你这般说，却似放屁！我这行院人家，坑陷了千千万万的人，岂争他一个！你若不去首告，我亲自去衙前叫屈，和你也说在里面！”李公道：“你不要性发，且教女儿款住他，休得打草惊蛇，吃他走了。待我去报与做公的，先来拿了，却去首告。”
且说史进见这李瑞兰上楼来，觉得面色红白不定。史进便问道：“你家莫不有甚事，这般失惊打怪？”李瑞兰道：“却才上胡梯踏了个空，争些儿吃了一跤，因此心慌撩乱。”史进虽是英勇，又吃他瞒过了，更不猜疑。有诗为证：
可叹虔婆伎俩多，粉头无奈苦教唆。
早知暗里施奸狡，错用黄金买笑歌。
当下李瑞兰相叙间阔之情。争不过一个时辰，只听得胡梯边脚步响，有人奔上来。窗外呐声喊，数十个做公的抢到楼上，史进措手不及，正如鹰拿野雀，弹打斑鸠，把史进似抱头狮子绑将下楼来，径解到东平府里厅上。程太守看了大骂道：“你这厮胆包身体，怎敢独自个来做细作！若不是李瑞兰父亲首告，误了我一府良民。快招你的情由，宋江教你来怎地？”史进只不言语。董平便道：“两边公吏狱卒牢子，这等贼骨头，不打如何肯招！”程太守喝道：“与我加力打这厮！”又将冷水来喷，两边腿上各打一百大棍。史进由他拷打，不招实情。董平道：“且把这厮长枷木杻，送在死囚牢里，等拿了宋江，一并解京施行。”
却说宋江自从史进去了，备细写书与吴用知道。吴用看了宋公明来书，说史进去娼妓李瑞兰家做细作，大惊。急与卢俊义说知，连夜来见宋江，问道：“谁叫史进去来？”宋江道：“他自愿去。说这李行首是他旧日的表子，好生情重，因此前去。”吴用道：“兄长欠这些主张。若吴某在此，决不叫去。常言道：娼妓之家，讳‘者扯丐漏走’五个字。得便熟闲，迎新送旧，陷了多少才人。更兼水性，无定准之意，纵有恩情，也难出虔婆之手。此人今去，必然吃亏。”宋江便问吴用请计。吴用便叫顾大嫂：“劳烦你去走一遭。可扮做贫婆，潜入城中，只做求乞的。若有些动静，火急便回。若是史进陷在牢中，你可去告狱卒，只说有旧情恩念，我要与他送一口饭。捵入牢中，暗与史进说知：‘我们月尽[2]夜黄昏前后，必来打城。你可就水火之处，安排脱身之计。’月尽夜，你就城中放火为号，此间进兵，方好成事。兄长可先打汶上县，百姓必然都奔东平府。却叫顾大嫂杂在数内，乘势入城，便无人知觉。”吴用设计已罢，上马便回东昌府去了。宋江点起解珍、解宝，引五百馀人攻打汶上县。果然百姓扶老挈幼，鼠窜狼奔，都奔东平府来。有诗为证：
史进怆惶已就擒，当官拷掠究来音。
若非顾媪通消息，怎救圜中万死身。
欲避兵戈，逃生匿迹，合城纷扰，都不在话下。却说顾大嫂头髻蓬松，衣服蓝缕，杂在众人里面，捵入城来，绕街求乞。到于衙前，打听得果然史进陷在牢中，方知吴用智亮如神。次日，提着饭罐，只在司狱司前往来伺候。见一个年老公人从牢里出来，顾大嫂看着便拜，泪下如雨。那年老公人问道：“你这贫婆哭做甚么？”顾大嫂道：“牢中监的史大郎，是我旧的主人，自从离了，又早十年。只说道在江湖上做买卖，不知为甚事陷在牢里。眼见得无人送饭，老身叫化得这一口儿饭，特要与他充饥。哥哥怎生可怜见，引进则个，强如造七层宝塔。”那公人道：“他是梁山泊强人，犯着该死的罪，谁敢带你入去。”顾大嫂道：“便是一刀一剐，自教他瞑目而受。只可怜见引老身入去送这口儿饭，也显得旧日之情。”说罢又哭。那老公人寻思道：“若是个男子汉，难带他入去。一个妇人家有甚利害？”当时引顾大嫂直入牢中来，看见史进项带沉枷，腰缠铁索。史进见了顾大嫂，吃了一惊，则声不得。顾大嫂一头假啼哭，一头喂饭。别的节级便来喝道：“这是该死的歹人！狱不通风，谁放你来送饭？即忙出去，饶你两棍！”顾大嫂见监牢内人多，难说备细，只说得：“月尽夜打城，叫你牢中自挣扎。”史进再要问时，顾大嫂被小节级打出牢门。史进只记得“月尽夜”。
原来那个三月却是大尽。到二十九，史进在牢中与两个节级说话，问道：“今朝是几时？”那个小节级却错记了，回说道：“今朝是月尽夜，晚些买贴孤魂纸[3]来烧。”史进得了这话，巴不得晚。一个小节级吃的半醉，带史进到水火坑边。史进哄小节级道：“背后的是谁？”赚得他回头，挣脱了枷，只一枷梢，把那小节级面上正着一下，打倒在地。就拾砖头敲开木杻，睁着鹘眼，抢到亭心里。几个公人都酒醉了，被史进迎头打着，死的死了，走的走了。拔开牢门，只等外面救应。又把牢中应有罪人尽数放了，总有五六十人，就在牢内发喊起来，一齐走了。有人报知太守，程万里惊得面如土色，连忙便请兵马都监商议。董平道：“城中必有细作，且差多人围困了这贼！我却乘此机会，领军出城去捉宋江。相公便紧守城池，差数十个人围定牢门，休教走了。”董平上马点军去了。程太守便点起一应节级、虞候、押番，各执枪棒，去大牢前呐喊。史进在牢里不敢轻出，外厢的人又不敢进去。顾大嫂只叫得苦。
却说都监董平，点起兵马，四更上马，杀奔宋江寨来。伏路小军报知宋江。宋江道：“此必是顾大嫂在城中又吃亏了。他既杀来，准备迎敌！”号令一下，诸军都起。当时天色方明，却好接着董平军马，两下摆开阵势。董平出马，真乃英雄盖世，谋勇过人。有诗为证：
两面旗牌耀日月，简银铁铠似霜凝。
水磨凤翅头盔白，锦绣麒麟战袄青。
一对白龙争上下，两条银蟒递飞腾。
河东英勇风流将，能使双枪是董平。
原来董平心灵机巧，三教九流，无所不通，品竹调弦，无有不会，山东、河北皆号他为风流双枪将。宋江在阵前，看了董平这表人品，一见便喜。又见他箭壶中插一面小旗，上写一联道：“英勇双枪将，风流万户侯”。宋江随即遣韩滔出马迎敌。韩滔得令，手执铁槊，直取董平。董平那对铁枪，神出鬼没，人不可当。宋江再教金枪手徐宁，仗钩镰枪前去交战，替回韩滔。徐宁得令，飞马便出，接住董平厮杀。两个在征尘影里，杀气丛中，斗到五十馀合，不分胜败。交战良久，宋江恐怕徐宁有失，便教鸣金收军。徐宁勒马回来，董平手举双枪，直追杀入阵来。宋江鞭梢一展，四下军兵一齐围住。宋江勒马，上高阜处看望，只见董平围在阵内。他若投东，宋江便把号旗望东指，军马向东来围他；他若投西，号旗便望西指，军马便向西来围他。董平在阵中横冲直撞，两枝枪，直杀到申牌已后，冲开条路，杀出去了。宋江不赶董平，驱兵大进。董平因见交战不胜，当晚收军回城去了。宋江连夜起兵，直抵城下，团团调兵围住。顾大嫂在城中未敢放火，史进又不得出来，两下拒住。
原来程太守有个女儿，十分大有颜色；董平无妻，累累使人去求为亲，程万里不允，因此日常间有些言和意不和。董平当晚领军入城，其日，使个就里的人，乘势来问这头亲事。程太守回说：“我是文官，他是武官，相赘为婿，正当其理。只是如今贼寇临城，事在危急，若还便许，被人耻笑。待得退了贼兵，保护城池无事，那时议亲，未为晚矣。”那人把这话却回复董平，董平虽是口里应道：“说得是。”只是心中踌躇，不十分欢喜，恐怕他日后不肯。
这里宋江连夜攻城得紧，太守催请出战。董平大怒，披挂上马，带领三军出城交战。宋江亲在阵前门旗下喝道：“量你这个寡将[4]，怎敢当吾！岂不闻古人有言：大厦将倾，非一木可支。你看我手下雄兵十万，猛将千员，替天行道，济困扶危。早来就降，免受一死。”董平大怒，回道：“文面小吏，该死狂徒，怎敢乱言！”说罢，手举双枪，直奔宋江。左有林冲，右有花荣，两将齐出，各使军器，来战董平。约斗数合，两将便走，宋江军马佯败，四散而奔。董平要逞功劳，拍马赶来。宋江等却好退到寿张县界。宋江前面走，董平后面追，离城有十数里，前至一个村镇，两边都是草屋，中间一条驿道。董平不知是计，只顾纵马赶来。宋江因见董平了得，隔夜已使王矮虎、一丈青、张青、孙二娘四个，带一百馀人，先在草屋两边埋伏，却拴数条绊马索在路上，又用薄土遮盖，只等来时鸣锣为号，绊马索齐起，准备捉这董平。董平正赶之间，来到那里，只听得背后孔明、孔亮大叫：“勿伤吾主！”恰好到草屋前，一声锣响，两边门扇齐开，拽起绳索。那马却待回头，背后绊马索齐起，将马绊倒，董平落马。左边撞出一丈青、王矮虎，右边走出张青、孙二娘，一齐都上，把董平捉了。头盔、衣甲、双枪、只马，尽数夺了。两个女头领，将董平捉住，用麻绳背剪绑了。两个女将各执钢刀，监押董平来见宋江。
却说宋江过了草房，勒住马，立在绿杨树下，迎见这两个女头领解着董平。宋江随即喝退两个女将：“我教你去相请董将军，谁教你们绑缚他来！”二女将喏喏而退。宋江慌忙下马，自来解其绳索，便脱护甲锦袍与董平穿着，纳头便拜。董平慌忙答礼。宋江道：“倘蒙将军不弃微贱，就为山寨之主。”董平答道：“小将被擒之人，万死犹轻。若得容恕安身，实为万幸！”宋江道：“敝寨地连水泊，素无扰害。今为缺少粮食，特来东平府借粮，别无他意。”董平道：“程万里那厮，原是童贯门下门馆先生，得此美任，安得不害百姓。若是兄长肯容董平，今去赚开城门，杀入城中，共取钱粮，以为报效。”宋江大喜，便令一行人将过盔甲枪马，还了董平，披挂上马。董平在前，宋江军马在后，卷起旗幡，都到东平城下。董平军马在前，大叫：“城上快开城门！”把门军士将火把照时，认得是董都监，随即大开城门，放下吊桥。董平拍马先入，砍断铁锁，背后宋江等长驱人马杀入城来。都到东平府里，急传将令，不许杀害百姓、放火烧人房屋。董平径奔私衙，杀了程太守一家人口，夺了这女儿。宋江先叫开放大牢，救出史进。便开府库，尽数取了金银财帛，大开仓廒，装载粮米上车，先使人护送去梁山泊金沙滩，交割与三阮头领，接递上山。史进自引人去西瓦子里李瑞兰家，把虔婆老幼，一门大小，碎尸万段。宋江将太守家私，俵散居民，仍给沿街告示，晓谕百姓：“害民州官，已自杀戮。汝等良民，各安生理。”告示已罢，收拾回军。
大小将校再到安山镇，只见白日鼠白胜飞奔前来，报说东昌府交战之事，虚实胜败。宋江听罢，神眉剔竖，怪眼圆睁，大叫：“众多兄弟，不要回山，且跟我来，再去这个去处降兵捉将！”正是：再施忠义轻舒手，复夺资储锦绣城。毕竟宋江再引军马投何处来，且听下回分解。
[1] 头影——犹今之所言“人影儿”、“面影”。
[2] 月尽——指旧历每月的最后一天。
[3] 孤魂纸——为死去的人烧化的纸钱。
[4] 寡将——单人匹马，别无助手的意思。
CHAPTER 68. Shi Jin Is Imprisoned at Dongping Prefecture; Song Jiang Releases Dong Ping
THE leaders would not agree to Song Jiang’s handing over the command to Lu Junyi, and Song Jiang did not like to disobey Chao Gai’s dying wish so he addressed them, “Just now we are short of money and rice, but there is a good supply of those things at the cities to the east of Liangshan Marsh. The cities I refer to are Dongping and Dongchang Prefectures. We have never troubled those towns, so I think we may go there now, and borrow some rice from them. We will write the two names on slips of paper, and Lu Junyi and myself will draw lots. Whoever takes his city first will take command here.”
“A good plan,” said Wu Yong.
“That will not do,” said Lu Junyi. “Song Jiang is our commander, and I prefer to obey his order only.”
But the assembled heroes would not agree to Lu Junyi’s suggestion. The slips of paper were written out, and after offering incense to the spirits, the lots were drawn. Lu Junyi drew Dongchang while Song Jiang drew Dongping. That evening Song Jiang divided the leaders and men. He took Lin Chong and twenty-four other leaders and altogether ten thousand men. Lu Junyi took Wu Yong and an equal number of leaders and men.
Everything was soon ready, and both forces left the mountain on the first day of the third month. The weather was warm with a refreshing wind blowing, and the fresh grass was of brilliant green color. The prospects for a campaign could not have been better.
Song Jiang led his force to within thirteen li of Dongping, and encamped there at a town called Anshan. Song Jiang addressed his leaders, “I know that the Prefect here is Cheng Wanli, and that with him is a great warrior who can face ten thousand men without defeat. He is called Dong Ping, and his nickname is the ‘Two Spears General,’ because he can use two spears at the same time. If we attack his town we must be polite, and inform him of our intention, so I will now write such a letter and send it to him. If he is willing to surrender, then all the fighting will be avoided. But if he is unwilling, then he cannot complain about the results. Who will take the letter?”
Yu Baosi stepped forward and said, “I know the Lieutenant General Dong Ping, and am willing to take the letter to him.”
But Wang Dingliu also stepped forward and said, “I am a newcomer, and so far have not done anything to show my merits. So I should like to go on this mission.”
This was agreed to, and after the letter had been written asking for the loan of some rice, the two men departed.
In Dongping the Prefect discussed with the Lieutenant General upon hearing of the arrival of the brigands at Anshan. While they were conferring, the letter from Song Jiang arrived, and the messengers were called in. Yu Baosi and Wang Dingliu duly presented the letter. The Prefect read the letter, and then spoke to the Lieutenant General, “The brigands want to borrow some rice. What do you think about it?”
The General was very angry, and ordered that the two messengers be taken outside and executed.
But the Prefect objected to this. He said, “There is an ancient rule, ‘When two countries are at war, the delegates must not be killed.’ That is only proper. The most we could do would be to give them ten blows each with the bamboo and send them back.”
The Lieutenant General was still angry, but he agreed to this, and gave orders accordingly.
When the two messengers returned and reported the matter with tears Song Jiang was very angry. Shi Jin came forward and said, “When I lived in Dongping Prefecture I was on very intimate terms with a woman there named Li Shuilan. Now I can take some money to the town and stay at that woman’s house. When you are ready you can attack the town, and I will set fire to the Drum Tower inside the town. By working together, both inside and outside, we can accomplish our object.”
Song Jiang approved of this plan. Money was given to Shi Jin, and he left that day for the town. He duly reached the house of Li Shuilan, and she asked Shi Jin, “I have not seen you for a long time. I heard that the magistrate wanted to arrest you, and that you had escaped to Liangshan Marsh where you became a leader among the brigands. These two days there has been a great stirring on the streets because the brigands are coming to attack us. Why have you come here?”
“I will tell you the truth,” replied Shi Jin. “I am a leader of the brigands, but so far I have done no meritorious deed. Just now they have come to borrow some rice from the town, and I have told them all about you. I come here really as a spy and here is a parcel of money for you. You must not let anybody know of my arrival. When the thing is finished, I will bring you to the mountain stronghold to enjoy pleasures.
The woman assented, and received the money. She then entertained Shi Jin with wine. During the meal she went down below, and spoke to the pimp, “This man was previously a good visitor here, and so we admitted him. But he has now become a bad man, and is wanted by the authorities, I think we may be implicated by his coming here.”
The man said, “These brigands are very fierce, and never failed to take the town they attacked. If we betray this Shi Jin, they will kill us when they enter the town.”
The madam of the brothel said, “How stupid you are! You do not know very much! An old proverb says, ‘If a bee is on the breast, loosen the clothes immediately.’ This is a rule. If we inform the authorities about this man, then we are free from blame. You had better go to the yamen at once, and tell them about this man. They will arrest him, and so we shall avoid any trouble.”
The man said, “But he has given us plenty of money so we cannot treat him that way.”
The woman abused him, “You brute! You’re just talking farts! Our business here injures a countless number of men, not to say a single man. If you do not do as I tell you, then I will go to the yamen myself, and inform against you as well.”
The pimp said, “Do not be so hasty. Shuilan must entertain and keep him here. We must not beat the grass to drive away the snake. I will go to the yamen, and inform them to have him arrested.”
When Li Shuilan came upstairs again after this conversation Shi Jin noticed her face was changing colors so he asked her, “What has upset you like this?”
The girl replied, “I am somewhat upset because in coming up the staircase I missed my footing, and nearly fell down.”
They had hardly had time to drink a cup of tea, when they heard the noise of men down below. About ten policemen entered the room, and seized Shi Jin, bound him with cords, and took him to the yamen.
When the Prefect saw Shi Jin he abused him, “Your courage appears to be bigger than your body. You come here as a spy all by yourself. If the father of the girl Li Shuilan had not informed against you, you might have done much injury to the people. Tell us quickly what you have to say in defense. What instructions did Song Jiang give you?”
Shi Jin did not speak, so the Lieutenant General said, “This kind of thief will not confess without a sound beating.” The Prefect ordered that the prisoner be beaten. The attendants brought a pail of cold water, and after pouring it over the legs of the prisoner they gave him about a hundred blows on the same parts.
But still Shi Jin would not speak. Lieutenant General Dong Ping therefore, ordered that the prisoner be taken to the jail.
When Shi Jin had left for the town Song Jiang wrote a letter to Wu Yong informing him what had been done. When Wu Yong read the letter he was very surprised, and told Lu Junyi that he would go at once to see Song Jiang. This was agreed to, and Wu Yong traveled all that night. When he reached Song Jiang’s camp Wu Yong asked him who had given the order for Shi Jin to go as a spy.
“He was willing to go, and made the proposal himself,” replied Song Jiang. “He was previously very friendly with a girl Li Shuilan there.”
“Brother, you have not thought the matter over,” said Wu Yong. “If I had been here he would not have gone. Those girls injure many good men, and prefer new to old acquaintances. They have dispositions as changeable as water, and are quite controlled by their pimps. I am sure that Shi Jin will have met trouble there.”
Song Jiang asked Wu Yong whether he had any plans to rescue Shi Jin. Wu Yong sent for Gu Dasao and spoke to her, “There is a troublesome affair which I want you to take in hand. I want you to dress as an old woman, and stealthily get into the town as a beggar. You must get the latest news there, and quickly return with it. If Shi Jin is already in prison, then go and speak to the jailer that the prisoner helped you sometime before, and therefore you want to bring him some food. When you are allowed to see Shi Jin you must tell him secretly that at the end of the month we shall come during the night and attack the town. He must find a place where he can afterwards escape that night. He must set fire to the buildings as a beacon for us to attack the town. Turning to Song Jiang he said, “You, brother, must take your men, and attack Wenshang, a town near-by, and the people there will escape to Dongping Prefecture. Gu Dasao will easily enter the town as one of the refugees without any suspicion being aroused. Then you can do what I have already told you.”
When this plan had been arranged Wu Yong mounted his horse and returned to Dongchang Prefecture. Song Jiang then gathered his men together and marched on Wenshang. The people in that town fled to Dongping for protection as anticipated.
Gu Dasao joined the refugees as an old woman with hair and dress in great disorder. Upon entering Dongping with the others she began to beg for food on the streets. She soon found out that Shi Jin was in prison. The next day she got a basket of food, and went to the entrance of the prison. Soon a jailer came out, and Gu Dasao weeping bitterly saluted him, and the jailer asked her what she was crying about.
Gu Dasao replied, “My old master, Shi Jin, has been imprisoned; I have not seen him now for ten years. I heard that he was living as merchant, and do not know how he came to get imprisoned. I see that nobody gives him anything to eat, so I have brought him some food. I beg you to allow me to present this gift. By doing this your merit will be enormous.”
“That man is a brigand from Liangshan Marsh,” said the jailer, “and his crime deserves his execution. Who would dare allow you to see him?”
“If he has committed such a crime then he must answer for it,” said Gu Dasao. “I pray you have pity on me and allow me offer him this food to show my gratitude to him.” So saying she began to weep again.
The jailer thought, “If this were a man I would not dare to take him into the prison, but as it is only an old woman perhaps I might do it.” So he told her to follow him, and took Gu Dasao to the cell where Shi Jin was chained up. Shi Jin recognized her, but although surprised dared not say a word. Gu Dasao burst into tears again, and gave Shi Jin some food. Other attendants seeing this called out, “That is a bad man waiting for execution. Why give him food? Get out of this place at once, or we will beat you with the bamboo.” As Gu Dasao saw no means of staying, so she whispered to Shi Jin, to struggle by the night of the end of the month. Gu Dasao was then jostled out of the prison so that Shi Jin could not ask for further information as he had only caught the three words, “The night of the end of the month.” It was the third month, and had 30 days, but on the 29th day he heard two jailers talking, and one asked, “What is the date?” The other man evidently made a mistake for he replied, “Today is the last day of the month, and I must buy some paper money and sacrifice to the spirits.”
Shi Jin was not aware of the mistake in the date, and for the rest of the day was anxiously waiting for the coming of the night. That evening the jailer was half drunk, and when he took Shi Jin to the place where the paper money was to be burnt Shi Jin called out, “Who are those men at your back?” The jailer looked round to see, and Shi Jin seized his cangue, tore it off his neck, and knocked the jailer down with it. He then seized a stone, and broke the wooden fetters fastened to his feet. He then rushed into the guardroom where many of the jailers happened to be drunk, and using his wooden cangue he killed a number of them while some ran out of the room. He opened the prison gate expecting the brigands to be somewhere near at hand, but as nobody was there he entered the prison and released about sixty prisoners. There was now a great uproar from the released brutes.
When the Prefect heard of the disturbance in the jail he summoned General Dong Ping who expressed his opinion that the trouble must have been caused by a spy who had got into the town. He immediately issued an order for the soldiers to turn out and capture the spy. He also ordered other soldiers to march out of the town and attack the brigands. He asked the Prefect to defend the town and dispatch guards to the prison to prevent the prisoners from escaping.
The prison was soon surrounded, and Shi Jin was still inside, daring not to venture out. Gu Dasao was outside, and was sad because she could not get in.
The Lieutenant General and his soldiers marched out to attack the brigands’ camp about 3 A.M. When Song Jiang heard the news he assumed that Gu Dasao must have been arrested and their plans discovered. He however ordered all his men to get ready for the coming attack.
It was the hour just before dawn. The two forces soon met and halted, when General Dong Ping rode forth. He was very intellectual and was well acquainted with the three religions of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and also the nine schools of philosophy. He was also a skilled musician. Song Jiang noticed his stylish manner, and was very glad to meet such a man. He noticed that his quiver was full of arrows, and from it was also sticking out a small flag with the characters, “Heroic Two Spears General, Marquis over 10,000 families.” Song Jiang ordered Han Tao to give battle to the challenger.
Han Tao was armed with a long handled mace, while Dong Ping used his iron spears with great skill. After they had been fighting for some time Song Jiang thought that Han Tao stood no chance of victory so he ordered Xu Ning to relieve Han Tao. This was done, but after Xu Ning had fought about fifty bouts he had not gained any advantage. So Song Jiang being afraid that Xu Ning might be defeated ordered a gong to be sounded as a signal for him to return.
Upon seeing this Dong Ping raised both spears, and dashed after Xu Ning right into the brigands. Song Jiang signaled for his men to surround the foe, while he himself took his position on a mound so as to overlook the conflict. If Dong Ping tried to escape to the east Song Jiang signaled for his men to block that route and the same if Dong Ping tried another way. But Dong Ping used his spears with deadly effect every time, so that he could not be captured. After fighting like a rat in a trap he at last found a means of escape, and cut his way through the brigands. He had had enough fighting for that day so he ordered his soldiers to retire to the town.
But that evening Song Jiang ordered an advance on the town according to his original plan. They surrounded the town, but Gu Dasao, although she saw this, dared not set fire to any building. Shi Jin also had no courage to venture out.
Now the Prefect Cheng had a daughter who was very beautiful, and General Dong Ping being single had several times sent a matchmaker to try and arrange a marriage. But his offers had always been rejected by the Prefect. For this reason the General secretly did not like the Prefect, although openly they were friends. When Dong Ping got back to the town that evening he remembered this old grudge and sent a matchmaker to reopen negotiations for the marriage.
Prefect Cheng replied that the proposal was an excellent one, but on account of the present dangerous crisis he could not agree to the marriage as people would only be amazed and jump to wrong conclusions. But he would be pleased to discuss the matter when the brigands were driven away from the town.
The matchmaker reported this to Dong Ping, who ostensibly accepted the Prefect’s idea but in his heart he was really dissatisfied as he was afraid that the Prefect would eventually decline his offer.
That night, however, the brigands attacked the town and the Prefect again ordered Dong Ping to defend the town. General Dong Ping was very angry at this renewed attack, and taking three regiments of soldiers he left the town.
Song Jiang was on horseback in front of his men, and when he saw Dong Ping he called out, “How dare you a lone General fight me with my overwhelming strength? If you submit I may spare your life.”
Dong Ping was angry, and shouted, “You were only a petty clerk, so how dare you talk to me like this!” So saying he whipped his horse and dashed towards Song Jiang. But Hua Rong and Lin Chong were on both sides of Song Jiang, and they both galloped forward to fight with Dong Ping. After several bouts the two brigand leaders suddenly galloped away as if defeated, and in accordance with Song Jiang’s previous orders the bandits upon seeing this scattered in all directions. Seeing this Dong Ping was elated, and wished to show off his abilities further, and whipping his horse galloped after the now retreating bandits under Song Jiang. After racing for about three li like this they came to a village with a single road between two rows of straw huts. Across the road the brigands had laid several ropes covered with a thin layer of earth to catch the enemy’s horse. As Dong Ping dashed up the street a gong was sounded, the doors opened, and the ropes were stretched across the road as soon as he was going to pass. Dong Ping had hardly rushed forward, but his horse was tripped by the rope, and fell. The brigands leapt out of the huts, and seizing Dong Ping bound him with ropes. He was disarmed, and taken before Song Jiang who had pulled up his horse under a poplar tree. When Dong Ping came up Song Jiang pretended to be angry, and shouted, “I told you to invite General Dong Ping to come, why have you tied him with ropes like this?” He hurriedly dismounted, released the prisoner, and then saluted him. Dong Ping also saluted in response. Song Jiang then spoke to him, “If you do not disdain us we shall be pleased to receive you as a commander of our stronghold.”
Dong Ping replied, “I am your prisoner, and deserve nothing more than death, but if you will forgive me, then I shall be very fortunate. But as you ask me to become your leader it makes me astonished.”
“In our stronghold we are short of grain, and came to Dongping Prefecture to borrow some, and had no other intention,” replied Song Jiang.
“That fellow, Prefect Cheng Wanli,” said Dong Ping, “was previously a tutor in the family of His Excellency Tong Guan, and that was how he got the office of Prefect at Dongping. If you like I could return to Dongping, and by false pretenses get the gate of the town opened so that your men could enter, and so get all you require.”
Song Jiang was very pleased at this offer and accepted same. He ordered the prisoner’s arms, armor, and helmet to be returned to him. They mounted their horses with Dong Ping riding in front, and soon reached the town. Dong Ping called out for the gate to be opened. It was still dark, and the gatekeeper lit a torch to see who it was, and when he saw Dong Ping he at once opened the gate, and lowered the drawbridge. Dong Ping entered and killed the gatekeeper, and Song Jiang and his brigands nocked through the open gate, and were soon in control of the town. Song Jiang ordered his men not to kill the civilians, or set fire to the houses. Dong Ping went to the yamen, and killed the Prefect and all his family with the exception of the daughter whom he kept for himself. Song Jiang ordered the jail to be opened, and rescued Shi Jin. He also seized the treasury, and looted the gold and silver there. The town granary was also looted, and the grain was sent to Liangshan Marsh. Shi Jin took the men to the house of the woman Li Shuilan and killed everybody there. Song Jiang distributed all the goods in the Prefect’s house among the people. He also issued a proclamation, “We have killed the officials who injured you people, so that now you may continue your avocations without fear.” He then ordered his men to leave the town and return to Liangshan Marsh. When they were on the way however, Bai Sheng arrived with news as to how the expedition to Dongchang Prefecture had progressed.
Generals throwing stones which hit
Quite another target.