第七十回
第七十回 没羽箭飞石打英雄 宋公明弃粮擒壮士
诗曰：
龙虎山中降敕宣，锁魔殿上散霄烟。
致令煞曜离金阙，故使罡星下九天。
战马频嘶杨柳岸，征旗布满藕花船。
只因肝胆存忠义，留得清名万古传。
话说宋江打了东平府，收军回到安山镇，正待要回山寨，只见白胜前来报说：“卢俊义去打东昌府，连输了两阵。城中有个猛将，姓张名清，原是彰德府人，虎骑出身，善会飞石打人，百发百中，人呼为没羽箭。手下两员副将：一个唤做花项虎龚旺，浑身上刺着虎斑，脖项上吞着虎头，马上会使飞枪；一个唤做中箭虎丁得孙，面颊连项都有疤痕，马上会使飞叉。卢员外提兵临境，一连十日，不出厮杀。前日张清出城交锋，郝思文出马迎敌，战无数合，张清便走，郝思文赶去，被他额角上打中一石子，跌下马来。却得燕青一弩箭，射中张清战马，因此救得郝思文性命。输了一阵。次日，混世魔王樊瑞引项充、李衮，舞牌去迎，不期被丁得孙从肋窝里飞出标叉，正中项充，因此又输了一阵。二人见在船中养病。军师特令小弟来请哥哥早去救应。”宋江见说了，叹曰：“卢俊义直如此无缘！特地教吴学究、公孙胜帮他，只想要他见阵成功，山寨中也好眉目，谁想又逢敌手。既然如此，我等众弟兄引兵都去救应。”当时传令，便起三军。诸将上马，跟随宋江直到东昌境界。卢俊义等接着，具说前事，权且下寨。
正商议间，小军来报：“没羽箭张清搦战。”宋江领众便起，向平川旷野摆开阵势。大小头领一齐上马，随到门旗下。宋江在马上看对阵时，阵排一字，旗分五色。三通鼓罢，没羽箭张清出马。怎生打扮？有一篇《水调歌》，赞张清的英勇：
头巾掩映茜红缨，狼腰猿臂体彪形。锦衣绣袄，袍中微露透深青。雕鞍侧坐，青骢玉勒马轻迎。葵花宝镫，振响熟铜铃。倒拖雉尾，飞走四蹄轻。金环摇动，飘飘玉蟒撒朱缨。锦袋石子，轻轻飞动似流星。不用强弓硬弩，何须打弹飞铃。但着处，命归空。东昌马骑将，没羽箭张清。
宋江在门旗下见了喝采。张清在马上荡起征尘，往来驰走。门旗左边闪出那个花项虎龚旺。有诗为证：
手执标枪惯飞舞，盖世英雄诚未睹。
斑烂锦体兽吞头，龚旺名为花项虎。
又见张清阵内门旗影里，右边闪出这个中箭虎丁得孙。亦有诗为证：
虎骑奔波出阵门，双腮连项露疤痕。
到处人称中箭虎，手搦飞叉丁得孙。
三骑马来到阵前，张清手指宋江骂道：“水洼草贼，愿决一阵！”宋江问道：“谁可去战张清？”傍边恼犯这个英雄，忿怒跃马，手舞钩镰枪，出到阵前。宋江看时，乃是金枪手徐宁。宋江暗喜，便道：“此人正是对手！”徐宁飞马直取张清，两马相交，双枪并举。斗不到五合，张清便走，徐宁去赶。张清把左手虚提长枪，右手便向锦袋中摸出石子，扭回身，觑得徐宁面门较近，只一石子，可怜悍勇徐宁，石子眉心早中，翻身落马。龚旺、丁得孙便来捉人。宋江阵上人多，早有吕方、郭盛，两骑马，两枝戟，救回本阵。宋江等大惊，尽皆失色。再问：“那个头领接着厮杀？”宋江言未尽，马后一将飞出，看时，却是锦毛虎燕顺。宋江却待阻当，那骑马已自去了。燕顺接住张清，斗无数合，遮拦不住，拨回马便走。张清望后赶来，手取石子，看燕顺后心一掷，打在镗甲护镜上，铮然有声，伏鞍而走。宋江阵上一人大叫：“匹夫何足惧哉！”拍马提槊飞出阵去。宋江看时，乃是百胜将韩滔，不打话便战张清。两马方交，喊声大举，韩滔要在宋江面前显能，抖擞精神，大战张清。不到十合，张清便走。韩滔疑他飞石打来，不去追赶。张清回头不见赶来，翻身勒马便转。韩滔却待挺槊来迎，被张清暗藏石子，手起，望韩滔鼻凹里打中，只见鲜血迸流，逃回本阵。彭玘见了大怒：“量这等小辈，何足惧哉！”不等宋公明将令，手舞三尖两刃刀，飞马直取张清。两个未曾交马，被张清暗藏石子在手，手起，正中彭玘面额，丢了三尖两刃刀，奔马回阵。
宋江见输了数将，心内惊惶，便要将军马收转。只见卢俊义背后一人大叫：“今日将威折了，来日怎地厮杀！且看石子打得我么！”宋江看时，乃是丑郡马宣赞，拍马舞刀，直奔张清。张清便道：“一个来，一个走！两个来，两个逃！你知我飞石手段么？”宣赞道：“你打得别人，怎近得我！”说言未了，张清手起一石子，正中宣赞嘴边，翻身落马。龚旺、丁得孙却待来捉，怎当宋江阵上人多，众将救了回阵。
宋江见了，怒气在心，掣剑在手，割袍为誓：“我若不拿得此人，誓不回军！”呼延灼见宋江说誓，便道：“兄长此言，要我们弟兄何用！”就拍踢雪乌骓，直临阵前，大骂张清：“小儿得宠，一力一勇！认得大将呼延灼么？”张清便道：“辱国败将之人，也遭我毒手！”言未绝，一石子飞来。呼延灼见石子飞来，急把鞭来隔时，却中在手腕上，早着一下，便使不动钢鞭，回归本阵。
宋江道：“马军头领，都被损伤。步军头领，谁敢捉这张清？”只见部下刘唐手拈朴刀，挺身出阵。张清见了大笑，骂道：“你那败将，马军尚且输了，何况步卒！”刘唐大怒，径奔张清。张清不战，跑马归阵。刘唐赶去，人马相迎。刘唐手疾，一朴刀砍去，却砍着张清战马。那马后蹄直踢起来，刘唐面门上扫着马尾，双眼生花，早被张清只一石子，打倒在地。急待挣扎，阵中走出军来，横拖倒拽，拿入阵中去了。宋江大叫：“那个去救刘唐？”只见青面兽杨志便舞刀直取张清。张清虚把枪来迎。杨志一刀刺去，张清镫里藏身，杨志却砍了个空。张清手拿石子，喝声道：“着！”石子从肋罗里飞将过去。张清又一石子，铮的打在盔上，吓得杨志胆丧心寒，伏鞍归阵。宋江看了，转转寻思：“若是今番输了锐气，怎生回梁山泊！谁与我出得这口气？”朱仝听得，目视雷横说道：“捉了刘唐去，却值甚的！一个不济事，我两个同去夹攻。”朱仝居左，雷横居右，两条朴刀，杀出阵前。张清笑道：“一个不济，又添一个！由你十个，更待如何！”全无惧色，在马上藏两个石子在手。雷横先到，张清手起，势如招宝七郎，石子来时，面门上怎生躲避，急待抬头看时，额上早中一石子，扑然倒地。朱仝急来快救，脖项上又一石子打着。关胜在阵上看见中伤，大挺神威，轮起青龙刀，纵开赤兔马，来救朱仝、雷横。刚抢得两个奔走还阵，张清又一石子打来，关胜急把刀一隔，正打着刀口，迸出火光。关胜无心恋战，勒马便回。
双枪将董平见了，心中暗忖：“吾今新降宋江，若不显我些武艺，上山去必无光彩。”手提双枪，飞马出阵。张清看见，大骂董平：“我和你邻近州府，唇齿之邦，共同灭贼，正当其理。你今缘何反背朝廷？岂不自羞！”董平大怒，直取张清。两马相交，军器并举。两条枪阵上交加，四双臂环中撩乱。约斗五七合，张清拨马便走。董平道：“别人中你石子，怎近得我！”张清带住枪杆，去锦袋中摸出一个石子，手起处真如流星掣电，石子来吓得鬼哭神惊。董平眼明手快，拨过了石子。张清见打不着，再取第二个石子，又打将去，董平又闪过了。两个石子打不着，张清却早心慌。那马尾相衔，张清走到阵门左侧，董平望后心刺一枪来。张清一闪，镫里藏身，董平却搠了空，那条枪却搠将过来。董平的马和张清的马两厮并着，张清便撇了枪，双手把董平和枪连臂膊只一拖，却拖不动，两个搅做一块。宋江阵上索超望见，轮动大斧，便来解救。对阵龚旺、丁得孙两骑马齐出，截住索超厮杀。张清、董平又分拆不开，索超、龚旺、丁得孙三匹马搅做一团。林冲、花荣、吕方、郭盛四将，一齐尽出，两条枪、两枝戟来救董平、索超。张清见不是头，弃了董平，跑马入阵。董平不舍，直撞入去，却忘了提备石子。张清见董平追来，暗藏石子在手，待他马近，喝声道：“着！”董平急躲，那石子抹耳根上擦过去了。董平便回。索超撇了龚旺、丁得孙，也赶入阵来。张清停住枪，轻取石子，望索超打来。索超急躲不迭，打在脸上，鲜血迸流，提斧回阵。
却说林冲、花荣把龚旺截住在一边，吕方、郭盛把丁得孙也截住在一边。龚旺心慌，便把飞枪摽将来，却摽不着花荣、林冲。龚旺先没了军器，被林冲、花荣活捉归阵。这边丁得孙不敢弃叉，死命抵敌吕方、郭盛，不提防浪子燕青在阵门里看见，暗忖道：“我这里被他片时连打了一十五员大将！”手中弃了杆棒，身边取出弩弓，搭上弦，放一箭去，一声响，正中了丁得孙马蹄，那马便倒，却被吕方、郭盛捉过阵来。张清要来救时，寡不敌众，只得拿了刘唐，且回东昌府去。太守在城上看见张清前后打了梁山泊一十五员大将，虽然折了龚旺、丁得孙，也拿得这个刘唐，回到州衙，先把刘唐长枷送狱，却再商议。
张清神手拨天关，暗里能将石子攀。
一十五人都打坏，脚瘸手跛奔梁山。
且说宋江收军回寨，把龚旺、丁得孙先送上梁山泊。宋江再与卢俊义、吴用道：“我闻五代时，大梁王彦章，日不移影，连打唐将三十六员。今日张清无一时连打我一十五员大将，真是不在此人之下，也当是个猛将。”众人无语。宋江又道：“我看此人，全仗龚旺、丁得孙为羽翼。如今手足羽翼被擒，可用良策捉获此人。”吴用道：“兄长放心，小生见了此将出没，已自安排定了。虽然如此，且把中伤头领送回山寨，却教鲁智深、武松、孙立、黄信、李立，尽数引领水军，安排车仗船只，水陆并进，船骑相迎，赚出张清，便成大事。”吴用分拨已定。
再说张清在城内与太守商议道：“虽是赢得，贼势根本未除，暗使人去探听虚实，却作道理。”只见探事人来回报：“寨后西北上，不知那里将许多粮米，有百十辆车子，河内又有粮草船，大小约有五百馀只。水陆并进，船马同来，沿路有几头领监管。”太守道：“这厮们莫非有计？恐遭他毒手。再差人去打听，端的果是粮草也不是。”次日，小军回报说：“车上都是粮，尚且撒下米来。水中船只，虽是遮盖着，尽有米布袋露出将来。”张清道：“今晚出城，先截岸上车子，后去取他水中船只。太守助战，一鼓而得。”太守道：“此计甚妙，只可善觑方便。”叫军汉饱餐酒食，尽行披挂，捎驮锦袋。张清手执长枪，引一千军兵，悄悄地出城。
是夜月色微明，星光满天。行不到十里，望见一簇车子，旗上明写“水浒寨忠义粮”。张清看了，见鲁智深担着禅杖，皂直裰拽扎起来，当头先走。张清道：“这秃驴脑袋上着我一下石子！”鲁智深担着禅杖，此时自望见了，只做不知，大踏步只顾走，却忘了提防他石子。正走之间，张清在马上喝声：“着！”一石子正飞在鲁智深头上，打得鲜血迸流，望后便倒。张清军马一齐呐喊，都抢将来。武松急挺两口戒刀，死去救回鲁智深，撇了粮车便走。张清夺得粮车，见果是粮米，心中欢喜，不来追赶鲁智深，且押送粮车，推入城来。太守见了大喜，自行收管。张清道：“再抢河中粮船。”太守道：“将军善觑方便。”张清上马，转到南门，此时望见河港内粮船不计其数。张清便叫开城门，一齐呐喊，抢到河边。只见阴云布满，黑雾遮天，马步军兵回头看时，你我对面不见。此是公孙胜行持[1]道法。张清看见，心慌眼暗，却待要回，进退无路，四下里喊声乱起，正不知军兵从那里来。林冲引铁骑军兵，将张清连人和马都赶下水去了。河内却是李俊、张横、张顺、三阮、两童八个水军头领，一字儿摆在那里。张清便有三头六臂，也怎生挣扎得脱，被阮氏三雄捉住，绳缠索绑，送入寨中。
水军头领飞报宋江，吴用便催大小头领连夜打城。太守独自一个怎生支持得住，听得城外四面炮响，城门开了，吓得太守无路可逃。宋江军马杀入城中，先救了刘唐，次后便开仓库，就将钱粮一分发送梁山泊，一分给散居民。太守平日清廉，饶了不杀。
宋江等都在州衙里聚集，众人会面，只见水军头领早把张清解来。众多兄弟都被他打伤，咬牙切齿，尽要来杀张清。宋江见解将来，亲自直下堂阶迎接，便陪话道：“误犯虎威，请勿挂意。”邀上厅来。说言未了，只见阶下鲁智深，使手帕包着头，拿着铁禅杖，径奔来要打张清。宋江隔住，连声喝退：“怎肯教你下手！”张清见宋江如此义气，叩头下拜受降。宋江取酒奠地[2]，折箭为誓：“众弟兄若要如此报仇，皇天不祐，死于刀剑之下！”众人听了，谁敢再言。也是天罡星合当聚会，自然义气相投。昔日老郎有一篇言语，赞张清道：
祖代英雄播英武，义胆忠肝咸若古。
披坚自可为干城，佐郡应须是公辅。
东昌骁将名张清，豪气凌霄真可数。
阵云冉冉飘征旗，劲气英英若痴虎。
龙鳞铁甲披凤毛，宫锦花袍明绣补。
坐骑一匹大宛驹，袖中暗器真难睹。
非鞭非简亦非枪，阵上陨石如星舞。
飞来猛将不能逃，中处应令倒旗鼓。
感人义气成大恩，此日归心甘受虏。
天降罡星大泊中，烨烨英声传水浒。
宋江在东昌府州衙堂上折箭盟誓已罢：“众弟兄勿得伤情！”众皆大笑。人各听令，尽皆欢喜，收拾军马，都要回山。只见张清在宋公明面前举荐：“东昌府一个兽医，复姓皇甫，名端。此人善能相马，知得头口寒暑病症，下药用针，无不痊可，真有伯乐[3]之才。原是幽州人氏，为他碧眼黄须，貌若番人[4]，以此人称为紫髯伯。梁山泊亦有用他处。可唤此人带引妻小，一同上山。乞取钧旨。”宋江闻言大喜：“我虽在中原，不晓其理。若果皇甫端肯去相聚，大称予怀。”张清见宋江相爱甚厚，随即便去唤到兽医皇甫端来，拜见宋江并众头领。大小众将看了，尽皆欢喜。有篇七言古风诗，道皇甫端医术：
传家艺术无人敌，安骥年来有神力。
回生起死妙难言，拯惫扶危更多益。
鄂公乌骓人尽夸，郭公来渥洼。
吐蕃枣骝号神驳，北地又羡拳毛。
骧皆经见，衔橛背鞍亦多变。
天闲十二旧驰名，手到病除能应验。
古人已往名不刊，只今又见皇甫端。
解治四百零八病，双瞳炯炯珠走盘。
天集忠良真有意，张清鹗荐诚良计。
梁山泊内添一人，号名紫髯伯乐裔。
宋江看了皇甫端一表非俗，碧眼重瞳，虬须过腹。皇甫端见了宋江如此义气，心中甚喜，愿从大义。宋江大喜。
抚谕已了，传下号令，诸多头领，收拾车仗、粮食、金银，一齐进发。鞍上将鞭敲金镫响，步下卒齐唱凯歌声。把这两府钱粮，运回山寨。前后诸军都起，于路无话，早回到梁山泊忠义堂上。宋江叫放出龚旺、丁得孙来，亦用好言抚慰，二人叩首拜降。又添了皇甫端，在山寨专工医兽。董平、张清亦为山寨头领。宋江欢喜，忙叫排宴庆贺，都在忠义堂上，各依次席而坐。宋江看了众多头领，却好一百单八员。宋江开言说道：“我等弟兄，自从上山相聚，但到处并无疏失，皆是上天护佑，非人之能。今来扶我为尊，皆托众弟兄英勇。一者合当聚义，二乃我再有句言语，烦你众兄弟共听。”吴用便道：“愿请兄长约束，共听号令。”
宋江对着众头领，开口说这个主意下来。正是，有分教：三十六天罡临化地，七十二地煞闹中原。毕竟宋公明说出甚么主意，且听下回分解。
[1] 行持——这里是使用的意思。
[2] 奠地——发誓的时候，把酒泼在地面，以酒祭地，以示郑重。
[3] 伯乐——春秋时人，姓孙名阳，以善于相马著称。
[4] 番人——旧时指少数民族或外国人。
CHAPTER 69. The Featherless Arrow Throws Stones at the Heroes; Song Jiang Abandons Grains to Capture a Brave Man
WHILE the brigands were on their way to Liangshan Marsh, Bai Sheng arrived and reported to Song Jiang, “Lu Junyi attacked Dongchang Prefecture twice, but was twice defeated. In that town there is a very fierce general named Zhang Qing who is a Zhangte Prefecture man, and is a very skillful horseman. He is unexcelled at throwing stones, and hits his mark every time. He is nicknamed, ‘Featherless Arrow.’ He has two capable adjutants: Gong Wang, nicknamed ‘Flowery Necked Tiger’ because his skin is all tattooed like the tigers. He wears a tiger’s head, and on horseback throws his spear with great speed and precision. The other adjutant is called Ding Desun nicknamed ‘Arrow Struck Tiger.’ Both his face and neck are scarred. On horseback he throws his three-pronged trident.
“Lu Junyi arrived in Dongchang with his men, but for the first ten days the troops in the town did not come outside. Two days ago, however, General Zhang Qing came out with his army, and was challenged by Hao Siwen but after a few bouts Zhang Qing was going to retire into the town. Hao Siwen pursued him on horseback, but Zhang Qing threw a stone which knocked Hao Siwen off his horse. But Yan Qing had also followed them, and he now shot an arrow which wounded Zhang Qing’s horse, and so saved Hao Siwen’s life.
“The next day Xiang Chong and two others of our leaders went out to challenge combat, and adjutant Ding Desun came out to fight them, but he threw his three-pronged trident, and wounded Xiang Chong in the back. Xiang Chong then retired, and that was our second defeat.
“Those two wounded leaders are being attended to on our boats. Wu Yong however told me to come and request you to bring all your men to Dongchang to help him.”
When Song Jiang heard this he was sad, and exclaimed, “Lu Junyi has had bad luck! I never anticipated this! We must all go and help him.” He at once gave orders for all his men to march to Dongchang Prefecture.
The two forces were soon united, but while the leaders were discussing the situation a scout arrived and reported that General Zhang Qing and his soldiers had again left the town for a fight. The leaders at once mounted their horses and proceeded to an open field. The two forces faced each other with drums beating. General Zhang Qing was attended by his adjutants Ding Desun and Gong Wang. All three rode forward, and when they halted General Zhang Qing pointed at Song Jiang and said, “You thief from the swamp! Shall we have a fight?”
“Who will fight this man?” asked Song Jiang to his leaders.
Immediately one of his heroes dashed forward armed with a hooked spear, and Song Jiang saw that it was Xu Ning, the “Spear Expert.” Song Jiang was pleased as he knew that this man would be a suitable match for General Zhang Qing.
The two men fought, but after about five bouts General Zhang Qing retired. Xu Ning chased him on horseback, but General Zhang Qing put his spear to his left hand and held a stone in his right hand, and when Xu Ning drew near he turned in his saddle and threw the stone which struck Xu Ning in the face and knocked him off his horse. Both the adjutants galloped forward to capture Xu Ning, but at the same time Lu Fang and Guo Sheng also rode forward, and they succeeded in reaching Xu Ning first, and rescuing him, carried him back on their horses.
Song Jiang now asked for another volunteer, and at once another horseman dashed forward. He was Yan Shun, the “Elegant Tiger.” He fought with General Zhang Qing for several bouts, but then realizing that he had no chance of winning he withdrew. General Zhang Qing pursued him, and threw a stone which struck Yan Shun in the back so hard that the latter rode with pain. A man shouted, “Who is afraid of this man?” and rode forward holding his long mace. This was Han Tao, the “Ever Victorious General.” Han Tao wished to display his skill before Song Jiang so he did his best. After about ten bouts General Zhang Qing withdrew. Han Tao did not pursue him as he suspected that Zhang Qing would throw a stone as before. General Zhang Qing did turn round, but seeing that his opponent was not following him he wheeled his horse round and returned. But just as he neared he threw a stone which hit Han Tao on the nose, and caused blood to flow, so that Han Tao hurriedly retreated.
Upon seeing this Peng Qi, without waiting for orders, dashed forward, but before the two could fight General Zhang Qing suddenly threw another stone which struck Peng Qi right in the face, and made him drop his sword and ride back to the brigands’ranks.
Song Jiang was rather annoyed at these repeated repulses, and was inclined to withdraw all his men. But just then a man called out from behind, If we were repelled today, how can we fight tomorrow? Will he hit me with a stone as well?”
General Song Jiang saw that it was Xuan Zan, the “Disgraced Son-in-law.” General Zhang Qing called out, “They come, and go, one by one, but it would be just the same if they come in pairs. Do you know how I throw stones?”
“You have hit others, but you cannot hit me,” said Xuan Zan.
He had not finished saying this when he was struck in the mouth by a stone, and fell off his horse. The adjutants Gong Wang and Ding Desun were going to take him prisoner but they were outnumbered by the brigands who rushed forward and took Xuan Zan back.
Song Jiang was very angry at this, and drawing his sword he swore an oath, “If I do not capture this man I will not return.”
Huyan Zhuo interposed, “If you take this oath of what use are we?” He at once whipped his horse, and galloped forward. He called out, “You proud one! You have strength without wisdom. Do you recognize the great General Huyan Zhuo?”
“You are a disgrace to our country and a deserter! You want also to suffer at my hand!” replied General Zhang Qing. So saying he again suddenly threw a stone, but Huyan Zhuo put up his whip and received the stone on his wrist. His whip fell to the ground, so he wheeled his horse and retired.
Song Jiang called out, “All our mounted men have been repulsed, so now a foot-soldier had better have a try.”
Liu Tang now stepped forward armed with a halberd, but General Zhang Qing laughed at him, and said, “You, defeated bandits, your horsemen have suffered at my hand, not to say you a footman.”
Liu Tang was very angry and advanced, but General Zhang Qing declined to fight with him and turned back to his army. But Liu Tang ran forward, and struck the general’s horse with his halberd. The horse kicked Liu Tang, and knocked him down while General Zhang Qing threw another stone. Liu Tang was arrested and taken prisoner.
“Who will rescue Liu Tang?” shouted Song Jiang. Yang Zhi now dashed forward on horseback, and General Zhang Qing pretended to defend himself with his spear, but as Yang Zhi thrust with his halberd General Zhang Qing merely evaded the blow. Before Yang Zhi could recover his position he was struck on the head by a stone, and he quickly retreated.
Zhu Tong now turned to Lei Heng, and said, “Men are beaten singly, but we two might succeed.”
Lei Hong agreed, and they both advanced on foot, armed with halberds. General Zhang Qing laughed when he saw them, and said, “One alone was useless so an extra one is added. But why don’t they play for safety and send ten?” He secretly got two stones in his hand, and suddenly threw one at Lei Heng whom it hit on the forehead and knocked him down. Zhu Tong ran to assist Lei Heng, but another stone hit the former. In the ranks of the brigands Guan Sheng was angry when he saw this further repulse, and whipping his horse he galloped forward to rescue the two leaders. As he got near, however, General Zhang Qing threw a stone, but Guan Sheng received it on his sword so that it fell to the ground. Guan Sheng rescued the two leaders, and took them back into safety.
Dong Ping, the “Two Spears General,” thought, “I have only recently joined these brigands, and it is now a suitable opportunity to show my skill. If I don’t do something here, I shall have no distinction at the mountain stronghold.” So he rode forth and charged General Zhang Qing who called out to him, “We were in command in neighboring towns, and assisted each other in a common cause. Why do you now oppose me? You are a disgrace!”
Dong Ping was annoyed at this, and they fought. The four arms and three spears whirled around and flashed, as numerous lunges were made. After about seven bouts however General Zhang Qing retired.
“You threw stones at the others,” said Dong Ping, “so why not at me?”
General Zhang Qing put his spear in its buckle, and taking a stone threw it at his opponent. But Dong Ping knocked the stone to one side with the shaft of his spear. The general threw another stone, but this time Dong Ping crouched and avoided it. This rather disappointed the general, and made him afraid as Dong Ping was now quite close. Dong Ping lunged with his spear as the two horses galloped one behind the other, but General Zhang Qing evaded the blow. The two horses were now level, so General Zhang Qing seized Dong Ping with both arms, but failed to pull Dong Ping off his horse. The two men and two horses were now close together in one mass.
Suo Chao seeing this dashed forward with his axe to help Dong Ping, but on the other side the adjutants Gong Wang and Ding Desun also galloped forward to intercept the fresh opponents. Now there were two separate groups of fighters. Among the brigands Lin Chong and three other leaders rode forth. Upon seeing that he was outnumbered General Zhang Qing released his hold on Dong Ping and retreated. But Dong Ping pursued him right among the soldiers, having forgotten at the moment about the stones. General Zhang Qing reigned in his horse, and when Dong Ping was near he suddenly threw a stone. But Dong Ping saw the move, ducked, evaded the stone, wheeled his horse, and galloped away in safety. The general now threw a stone at Suo Chao which struck that man in the face, so that he at once wheeled his horse and retreated.
The other six horsemen were still fighting in two groups. At last Gong Wang was captured by Lin Chong while Yan Qing on the brigands’ side took his crossbow and shot an arrow which wounded adjutant Ding Desun’s horse, and he was immediately made prisoner. General Zhang Qing would have liked to rescue his adjutants, but decided not to do so as the opposing force was greater than his. So he ordered his army to return to Dongchang. Upon reaching the town the prisoner Liu Tang was sent to prison, and the Prefect entertained General Zhang Qing at a feast.
On the other side adjutants Ding Desun and Gong Wang were sent to Liangshan Marsh as prisoners.
Song Jiang was conferring with Wu Yong and Lu Junyi when he said, ‘ I have read that during the Five Dynasties (A.D. 907) there was a man named Wang Yanzhang who defeated thirty-six generals in about an hour. Today this General Zhang Qing has done almost the same thing, having defeated fifteen of our leaders in about the same time. He is undoubtedly a doughty warrior. But it is evident that he depends a great deal on the assistance of his two adjutants, but as we have captured them we can capture him with some strategy.”
“You need not worry about him,” said Wu Yong. “I have carefully noticed his method of fighting; I have long had a plan to capture him. We must now send all our wounded leaders back to Liangshan Marsh and then order Lu Da and four other leaders to arrange carts and boats to proceed by land and water to induce Zhang Qing into our trap.
In the town General Zhang Qing said to the Prefect, “Although we have twice defeated the brigands yet we have not entirely crippled their activities. We must send spies to find out what they are doing.”
This was done, and it was not long before a scout returned and reported, “On the northwest side there are about a hundred carts and about fifty boats on the river. They are evidently all loaded with rice, but I do not know where they came from—but they are approaching the town.”
“I am afraid that this is some plot of those brigands,” said the Prefect. “We had better send a spy to find out whether it is really rice or not.’’
This was done, and the following day the scout returned and reported, “The carts are covered with straw, but I saw some grain fell from the cart, and found that it was rice. The boats have covers over the hatches, but I could see the sacks inside evidently filled with rice.”
“I will take soldiers tonight, and capture both those carts and boats,” said General Zhang Qing.
The Prefect agreed to this, and arrangements were made accordingly. That night a thousand soldiers left the town very quietly. There was not much moonlight, but the sky was clear of clouds and the stars were numerous. After going about three li the advance guard saw a train of carts bearing a flag, “Grain for the Loyalty and Justice Hall at Liangshan Marsh,” General Zhang Qing saw Lu Da walking in front with his monk’s staff over his shoulder. Lu Da pretended not to be aware of the arrival of General Zhang Qing, and for the moment had forgotten about the stone that was to be expected. General Zhang Qing suddenly threw a stone, which struck Lu Da on the head, made a serious wound, and knocked him down. The soldiers now all shouted and rushed forward. Wu Song was there with a halberd, and abandoned the carts, and rushed to rescue Lu Da. General Zhang Qing seized the carts and was much pleased to find that they really contained rice, so he did not pursue Lu Da, but took the carts into the town with his men. He then left with his army for the South Gate, where from the wall he saw many boats on the river loaded with rice.
He ordered the gate to be opened, and when they marched out they found there was a thick dark mist obscuring their view so that the men could hardly see each other. This was conjured up by Gongsun Sheng. General Zhang Qing decided to return, but was now uncertain as to which way to go. Just then there came loud shouts from the brigands, but he could not know where the brigands were. In trying to evade the brigands he found himself in the water, and was surrounded by brigand leaders who soon arrested him, and took him as prisoner to their camp. When this news was reported to Song Jiang he ordered a vigorous attack on the town.
The Prefect found himself helpless. The city gate was open, and there was sound of bombs outside the town. The brigands were soon in the town, and at once took the prison and released Liu Tang. They also looted the public granary and treasury, and sent half of the rice and money to Liangshan Marsh on carts—the other half being distributed among the people. As the brigands had no fault to find with the Prefect they did not touch him. The leaders assembled in the yamen and General Zhang Qing was brought there as prisoner. Many of the leaders showed their anger at the General who had wounded many of their friends, and wished to have him executed. But Song Jiang advanced, and saluted him saying, “We offended you unintentionally, we ask you to forgive us.” He then conducted him to the hall. He had no sooner entered the hall than Lu Da with his head bandaged up, stepped forward with his monk’s staff to get his revenge. But Song Jiang intervened, and protected General Zhang Qing, who, seeing this exhibition of kindness to a defeated defenseless man, at once saluted Song Jiang and agreed to join the brigands.
Song Jiang now took an oath, broke an arrow, and scattered a cup of wine on the ground, and said. “If we seek revenge Heaven will not support us.”
Nobody could say a word against this, and they all agreed to abandon all ideas of revenge. There was soon general rejoicing at this auspicious climax. The next day they all departed for Liangshan Marsh.
Before departing, however, General Zhang Qing introduced to Song Jiang a famous veterinary surgeon who had a double surname Huangfu and a personal name Duan. He knew all diseases of horses, and could cure any sickness by either medicine or needle. He was a Yuzhou man, and had green eyes and light colored beard. He looked like a barbarian, and had got the nickname, “Purple Bearded Uncle.” There was need for such a man at Liangshan Marsh, and he was duly enrolled. He took his family with him to the bandits’ stronghold.
Upon reaching Liangshan Marsh an assembly was held in the Loyalty and Justice Hall, and there Song Jiang talked very friendly with the two adjutants who were prisoners, and they also agreed to join the band. The new recruits were made leaders, and this brought the total number of the leaders to 108. We will now recount the speech made to the assembled leaders by Song Jiang.
Three dozen heavenly heroes replete,
With earthly dozens six complete.