by Shi Nai-An
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go and hide in some other place. Should I not die I will certainly recompense you, and serve you in any capacity." Ch'ai Chin said, "As you, elder brother, wish to go I will write letter, and you can take it to a place I know of. How will that do?"
"As you Squire," said Lin Ch'ung, "will assist me in that way I will go and live in that place. But I do not know where you want me to got"
It is a village surrounded by water, called Liang Shan Po with a fortress in the center called Wan Tzu Cheng and also Liao Erh Wa. The village has a circumference of over eight hundred li. Just now there are three fine fellows living there. The chief is Wang Lun nicknamed White Clothes Scholar; the second man is Tu Chien nicknamed Sky Feeler; and the third man is Sung Wan nicknamed Diamond in the Clouds. Those men have about eight hundred brigands who plunder the people. Most of them are men who are wanted by the officials for some serious crime or other, and they have fled to that place as a refuge. The three leaders just mentioned are fine men, and as I am intimate with them, they frequently send me letters. I will write a letter for you to take there, and you can join their band. How will that do?"
"If it is as you say," said Lin Ch'ung, "it will do very well."
Squire Ch'ai Chin said, "The officials have posted two military officers at the pass to cross-examine all persons who leave on enter Tsangchou, and have posted up the notice about you there where you will have to go." Ch'ai Chin bowed his head in thought, and then continued, "But I have a plan to enable you to pass them."
Lin Ch'ung said, ".If you assist me in this matter I shall never forget your benevolence."
The squire instructed a servant to take Lin Chung's bundle beyond the barrier erected on the road, and wait there for him. He then summoned about thirty horsemen arrayed in their hunting dress; carrying bows, arrows, flags, and spears; with falcons on their arms, and bunting dogs in leash. He placed Lin Ch'ung in the middle of the company. They an mounted, and left together for the barrier. Upon arrival there the military officers recognized Ch'ai Chin and his men. These officers had been to Ch'ai Chin's village before they
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were commissioned. They now got up from their seats and asked, "Sir, are you going to have some sport again?"
Ch'ai Chin dismounted and asked them, "What are you doing here?"
They replied, "The governor of Tsangchou has issued an order, that the criminal Lin Ch'ung must be arrested, and we have been specially appointed to watch this place. We have to closely question all travelers and merchants who pass this way before letting them pass."
Ch'ai Chin laughed and said, 'I am smuggling Lin Ch'ung through among this company of men, so why don't you recognize him?"
The officers laughed. "Your Excellency knows the law so well that you would not do any smuggling. Please, sir, mount your horse again."
Ch'ai Chin again laughed and said, "That being the case I will get along, and should I kill some game I will make you a present of it." So bidding them adieu Ch'ai Chin and also his followers mounted their horses, and rode off. After riding about five miles they came to the place where the farm laborer was waiting for them with Lin Ch'ung's bundle. Ch'ai Chin told Lin Ch'ung to dismount; took off the hunting dress and put on his own clothes that the farm laborer had brought along. This he did, then buckled on his sword, put on his felt cap with the red tassel, shouldered his bundle, and holding his long sword in his hand, he saluted Ch'ai Chin, and departed.
The hunters then mounted their horses, and after the day's sport they presented some of the game to the officers, and then returned to their village.
Upon leaving Ch'ai Chin, Lin Ch'ung traveled for about ten days. It was almost the end of the winter, and there were heavy clouds in the sky. A cold north wind was blowing which scattered snowflakes over the country side. He plodded along through the snow without stepping anywhere. One very cold day when it was just getting dark, he saw in the distance an inn almost buried in the deep snow. It was close to a lake and on the bank of a stream. Upon arriving there he lifted the reed curtain hanging over the door, and hurriedly entered. Looking round he saw that there were many tables and stools. He took his seat, leant his
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long sword against a table; hung up his short sword, set down his bundle and took off his felt cap. A waiter came forward and asked him how much wine he wanted. Lin Ch'ung ordered two jars of wine. The waiter brought, and placed them on the table. Lin Ch'ung then inquired what food he could have. The waiter said they had beef both cooked and raw; a fat goose; and a tender chicken. Lin Ch'ung ordered three pounds of beef for a beginning. The waiter very soon brought this in on a big tray with several kinds of vegetables. While Lin Ch'ung was drinking about four bowls of wine he noticed a man walking about with his hands behind his back, and occasionally going to the door to look at the falling snow. Presently the man asked the waiter who the other man was who was drinking wine. Lin Ch'ung saw that he wore a fur cap with a deep rim; a rich gown lined with sable; his boots were made of deer skin, and were neatly made; he was tall, and had a commanding appearance; he had prominent cheek bones, a mustache; and a small beard.
Lin Ch'ung called for some more wine, and upon it being served he asked the waiter to have a bowl of wine with him. After the waiter had drunk his wine Lin Ch'ung asked him how far it was to Liang Shan Po. The waiter said that although it was only about a mile away there was only one way and that was by water. Lin Chung asked him if he could get a boat for him. The waiter said that as there was so much snow, and also it was getting dark he could not find a boat that day.
"If you can find me a boat at once I will give you plenty of money," said Lin Ch'ung.
The waiter said that there was no place there where he could find a boat.
Lin Ch'ung wondered what he must do under these circumstances. But after drinking a few cups of wine he became more perplexed. Previously when he was drill inspector at the Eastern Capital he had drunk wine and had a good time, but who would have thought that Kao Chiu injured and branded him, and then forced him into his present predicament. "I am," he thought, "a castaway; although I have a family I cannot go home; a country and yet cannot visit it. It is enough to break one's
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heart." Being so much chagrined he asked the waiter to bring a pen and ink, and wrote a poem on the white wall:
Justice he loved; loyalty his glory,
For these his fame was sung;
And far and wide they knew the hero,
The man of deeds, Lin Ch'ung.
But now he sail on a sea of trouble,
Drifts like a reed -- and where?
But powerful east of Mountain Tai,
With luck he shall rule there.
This written he put down the pen, and had another drink. As he was drinking the man with the fur-lined gown came forward and embraced him saying, "What a brave man! You committed a great crime at Tsangchou, and yet you come here! The officials have offered a reward of three thousand strings of cash for your arrest so what is your object now?"
"Do you know me then?" asked Lin Ch'ung.
"Are you not Lin Ch'ung, the Leopard's Head?"
Lin Ch'ung said, "My name is Chang."
The man laughed at this, and said, "You need not talk so absurdly. You have just written your name on the wall, and also your face is branded so that it is quite clear who you are."
"So are you really going to arrest me?" asked Lin Ch'ung.
The man again laughed and said, "Why should I arrest you?" He then requested Lin Ch'ung to come with him to an arbor at the back of the inn, where he told the waiter to take a lamp and some wine. Upon arrival there he gave him respectful salutation, and then they sat down face to face.
The man said, "I just heard you inquiring about the road to Liang Shan Po, and about engaging a boat. That is a stronghold of some robbers, so why are you going there?"
"I will tell you all about it," said Lin Ch'ung. "The officials are doing their utmost to captur
e me, and as I have no safe place to go to, I am going to join the band of the fine fellows at that mountain stronghold."
"As matters are like this," said the man, "there will certainly be a man who will recommend you to the robbers."
Lin Ch'ung said, "A friend of mine at Tsangchou in the Hung Hai Prefecture has given me an introduction."
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"Perhaps he is Ch'ai Chin, Small Whirlwind?"
"How do you know that?"
"Ch'ai Chin is on friendly terms with the chief of the bandits at the mountain stronghold, and correspondence has been continually passing between them," said the man. "Previously when Wang Lun failed to pass an examination he went with Tu Chien to Ch'ai Chin's village, and lived there for several days. When they left Ch'ai Chin gave them money to cover their traveling expenses, and so they are beholden to him."
Upon hearing this Lin Ch'ung saluted, and said, "Although I have eyes I do not recognize your eminence. I request your name."
The man again saluted before replying, "I am an agent of the robber chief Wang. My name is Chu Kwei, but the robbers call me Speedy Courier. My native place is I Shui Hsien in I Chou. I had an order from the mountain stronghold to open a wine shop here so that I could spy and listen to the conversation of the merchants and others who pass this way. If I hear of any valuables I go and report them to the headquarters on the mountain. If the traveler has no valuables I let him go. But if he has money I either hypnotize him or kill him outright, then cut up the flesh and salt it, and boil the fat into oil for use in the lamps.
I heard you inquiring the road to Liang Shan Po so I did not treat you in that way. Also I saw you write your name on the wall, and I had heard of you as a great hero from the men who had passed this way from the Eastern Capital, but I had not expected to meet you. An introduction from Squire Ch'ai combined with your wide-spread reputation will insure you having a responsible position under our chieftain Wang." He then prepared some fish, meat, and other food, and entertained Lin Ch'ung. Both of them sat in the arbor at the side of the lake drinking and eating until midnight.
Lin Ch'ung asked whether they could get a boat to take them across. Chu Kwei assured him that he could get a boat, and he need not worry. They could stay there until daybreak, and then depart. So they both went to their rooms for a sleep.
At daybreak Chu Kwei called Lin Ch'ung, and after washing they had their breakfast consisting of wine and meat.
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It was not yet very bright. Chu Kwei opened the windows of the arbor, and taking a bow (decorated with magpies) be shot an arrow, which had a whistle attached, across the water to a spot where the reeds were flat with the ground.
Lin Ch'ung asked what was the purpose of shooting the arrow.
"That is a signal to the stronghold," said Chu Kwei. "A boat will be sent very soon."
In a short time they saw about five bandits in a boat emerge from the reeds on the other side, and they quickly rowed the boat across to the arbor. Lin Ch'ung picked up his baggage and sword, and was conducted on to the boat by Chu Kwei. The bandits rowed the boat across to the other side, and brought it to the Golden Sand Bank. Upon touching the bank Chu Kwei conducted Lin Ch'ung ashore. The robbers carried Lin Ch'ung's baggage and sword, and the party started off to ascend a hill that was there. On both sides of the road Lin Ch'ung noticed that there were large trees of enormous girth, and halfway up the hill they passed an arbor which was lavishly gilded. Upon turning a comer they came to a barrier where there were arranged many spears, swords, two edged swords, halberds, bows, crossbows, short spears, and all around were round logs, and bowlders for rolling down the hill against an ascending foe. The bandits went inside to report their arrival. The two men, Chu Kwei and Lin Ch'ung entered the stronghold, and advanced between two rows of armed bandits who had their flag flying. After passing through two more barriers they came to the gate of the stronghold. Lin Ch'ung saw that there was a drilling ground as flat as a looking-glass and with a circumference of about 1958 yards and surrounding the spot on all sides were lofty, majestic cliffs. On two sides were small buildings, and in front was the principal entrance. Chu Kwei conducted Lin Ch'ung to the Assembly Hall where in the principal seat was Wang Lun, at his right hand sat Tu Chien (Sky Feeler), and on his left sat Sung Wan.
Chu Kwei and Lin Ch'ung both stepped forward, saluted and called out "ngo" to attract attention, and the latter took up his position slightly at one side and behind Chu Kwei, who introduced him, "This is drill inspector Lin Ch'ung of the imperial guards from the Eastern Capital,
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commonly known as Leopard's Head. Because of the enmity of Kao, Minister for War, he was branded and banished to Tsangchou, and while there the army fodder depot in his charge was burnt down. Because he had killed three men he fled to Squire Ch'ai, with whom he is on very friendly terms. The latter has written a letter of introduction for you."
Lin Ch'ung took the letter out of his breast pocket, and handed it to Wang Lun who requested him to be seated on the fourth chair, and Chu Kwei to be seated on the fifth chair. Wang Lun then ordered wine to be brought, and after they had drunk three cups each he asked about the health of Squire Ch'ai.
Lin Ch'ung replied that Ch'ai went hunting every day.
After asking the question Wang Lun thought of the time when he was only a poor scholar, and being without luck, he had come there with Tu Chien to join the bandits. Afterwards they had been joined by Sung Wan, with many men and horses. He had no special ability, and Tu Chien and Sung Wan had only common military skill. This man had been a drill inspector and he must have great military skill. If they admitted him he would soon see their weakness, and take advantage of it, and in case of a fight how could they overcome him? Should they decline to receive him he would be angry. But if they offered ered excuse, then he would go away and they would avoid any trouble. But that would look as though they had forgotten the kind treatment they had from Squire Ch'ai. However under the present circumstances they could not allow him to stay here. He therefore told his followers to prepare a feast, and invited Lin Ch'ung to take part in it. All the five men dined together, and when they had finished Wang Lun told the servants to bring a tray with fifty ounces of silver, and two rolls of coarse silk cloth. Upon their arrival he stood up and said: "Squire Ch'ai has written us a letter introducing you, and recommending that you should join our band, but unfortunately we are short of rations, and the rooms are in disorder; our followers are very few; and I am afraid that your prospect would be spoiled by staying here. We hope you will not laugh at our small presents or be offended but we hope that you will be able to find a bigger stronghold than this where you can stay."
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Lin Ch'ung replied, "I request you to listen to what I have to say now. I heard of your great reputation over three hundred miles away, and I have come a long distance to find a refuge under your roof. Relying on the influence of Squire Ch'ai I fled to your stronghold to join your band. Although I have no ability I hope that you will allow me to stay here as without flattering I can say that I am willing to die in case of danger. I did not come here for money, and therefore I hope the chief will take my request into favorable consideration."
This is only a small place, and we cannot afford to keep you here," said Wang Lun. "Don't think we have any other reason,"
Chu Kwei remonstrated with Wang Lun, "Elder brother, please allow me to speak on this matter. If our supply of food is small we can borrow some from the neighboring villages and distant market towns; as for dwelling, there is enough timber on this mountain and the surrounding land to build a thousand houses. This man has come here with an introduction from Squire Ch'ai so how can we ask him to go to another place? Moreover Squire Ch'ai previously treated us well, so if we do not receive this man here it will look bad. This man has great skill, and will use it to our advantage."
Tu Chien said, "I do not think that it is right to say that the admittance of this one man will be too much for our st
ronghold? But I say that if we do not receive this man, Squire Ch'ai will be offended and will think that we are very ungrateful. As he helped us so much in the past how can we turn this man away?"
Sung Wan offered his advice, "In view of the great influence of Squire Ch'ai I suggest that we keep Lin Ch'ung here, and make him one of our leaders. On the other hand, if we do not employ him all the other outlaws like ourselves will laugh at our lack of gratitude."
"You are overlooking something," said Wang Lun. "Although this man committed a great crime at Tsangchou, but you do not know yet what his real intention was in coming here. If he has bad intentions what will you do?"
Lin Ch'ung said, "I fled to this place to join your band because I had committed a crime. Why do you suspect me?"
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"In that case, if you really want to join us, you should make a formal application (Tou Ming Chuang)," said Wang Lun.
"I know something about writing 'characters,'" said Lin Ch'ung, "please let me have ink and paper to write it out."
"Drill inspector," said Chu Kwei, "you do not understand. When anybody joins our band, he must present an application. That means that he must go down the mountain, and kill a man. Then when he returns and presents a man's head, the chief will be satisfied. That is what we call 'presenting an application.'"
Lin Ch'ung said, "That won't be difficult, and I will go at once, and get it done. But I am afraid it will be some time before anyone comes along."
Wang Lun said, "Very well, I will allow you three days, and if you present your application (i.e., the head) in that time you can join us, but if you fail to do so then do not blame me if I don't admit you."
