by Shi Nai-An
Yang Chih replied, "You are still talking without coming to the point. I did not ask you to come here to buy the sword, and I am not a person with whom you can pick a quarrel."
"Very well," said Niu Erh, "perhaps you had better kill me!"
"I had no quarrel with you before," said Yang Chih, "and now our bargaining has been fruitless, so why should I kill you?"
Niu Erh took hold of Yang Chih and said, "I most certainly want to buy your sword."
"If you want to buy then bring the money," said Yang Chih.
"I have no money," said Niu Erh.
"As you are without money why do you hold me like this?"
"Because I want your sword."
"Then I won't give it to you."
"As you are a brave man you may give me a cut with the sword," said Niu Erh in a provocative voice.
Yang Chih became angry at this, and pushed Niu Erh down on the ground. Niu Erh got up and butted his head against Yang Chih's breast.
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Yang Chih then addressed the surrounding crowd, "Neighbors, you have witnessed what has happened. I have no money, and want to sell this sword. This bully is determined to have it and has assaulted me, and wants to fight."
The neighbors were all afraid of Niu Erh, and therefore nobody stepped forward to mediate in the quarrel.
Niu Erh shouted, "You say that I have assaulted you, so if I do hit you it won't matter, I suppose." So saying he lifted up his right hand to strike Yang Chih. But Yang Chih drew back, seized his sword, and thrust the point of it into the neck of Niu Erh who fell down. Yang Chih stepped forward, and thrust his sword twice into the breast of Niu Erh. The blood gushed out, and the latter was soon dead.
Yang Chih spoke to the crowd of people, "I have killed this rascal, and I do not want any of you to be blamed for it. As he is quite dead now I want you to come with me to the yamen, and report voluntarily as to how it was done."
The bystanders came forward, and accompanied Yang Chih to the yamen to give evidence. Upon arrival they found that the governor was in the court so they all crowded in and knelt down. Yang Chih placed the sword before the governor, and said, "I was previously a lieutenant in the imperial bodyguard but was dismissed owing to having lost a cargo of marble. As I had no money I took my sword to the street with the object of selling it. While I was there a blackguard named Niu Erh came and tried to take the sword from me by force and also assaulted me. Because of this I got angry, and killed him. All these men saw what happened."
The bystanders confirmed this statement with many details.
The governor said that as Yang Chih had come forward and confessed the crime he would not inflict the usual punishment of beating with the bamboo. He then instructed the coroner with two recorders to go and hold a post-mortem examination of the body. A cangue was put on Yang Chih who, with all the bystanders, departed with the coroner to the Tien Han Chou Bridge. Upon their arrival a careful examination of the body took place, and after having recorded the inquisition they returned to the yamen where the
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evidence of the bystanders was recorded, and duly attested by them. They were then released by bail and Yang Chih was sent to prison.
In the prison the superintendent, jailers, and turkeys did not ask Yang Chih to give them money this time, but instead they took pity on him, and treated him well, because they heard that he had killed for the people the Hairless Brute, Niu Erh. Moreover the neighbors near the Tien Han Chou Bridge collected money; some of which they gave to Yang Chih, and with another part they purchased food and sent it to him, and another part was given to the prison officials with a request that they should treat Yang Chih well. The judge who considered the case saw that Yang Chih was a good man, and had rid the capital of a great bully. As no relatives or mourners had come forward from Niu Erh's family, the judge decided to give a very light sentence. At several cross examinations Yang Chih besides confessing the crime, made it clear that he had done it unintentionally, and in a fit of temper. After keeping Yang Chih in prison for sixty days without any thing further turning up, the judge reported to the governor that the prisoner Yang Chih had been given twenty blows with the bamboo, the cangue had been removed, he had been branded on both sides of his face and he recommended that he be banished to the Northern Capital (Ta Ming Fu). The sword was ordered to be confiscated.
The governor thereupon issued an order that two runners, named Chang Lung and Chao Hu, were to escort Yang Chih, and that the prisoner was to have only a light cangue weighing ten pounds.
The wealthy people in the neighborhood of the Tien Han Chou Bridge collected money to present to Yang Chih, and then waited there for him and his escort to pass. Upon their arrival they were asked to adjourn to an inn for some food and wine. There they presented some silver to the escort, and said, "We think that Yang Chih is a good man, and has rescued us from much danger and trouble, and we therefore hope that you will look after him well on the road to Ta Ming Fu."
Chang Lung and Chao Hu said, "We are already aware that he is a good man so you need not give us any orders and may rest assured that we will treat him well."
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After the people had also given Yang Chih plenty of money to cover his traveling expenses they all departed.
Yang Chih then got his escort to take him to the inn where he had previously stayed, and there he invited them to take food and wine with him. He paid the money owing for the room he had occupied, got together his clothes and also bought some plasters which he applied to the sores left on him as a result of the bamboo he had been beaten with. All three then started off on the road towards Ta Ming Fu. On the road there was a single stone every five li, and two stones every ten li. At every town and city Yang Chih bought meat and wine which he asked his escort also to partake of. They walked during the day, and slept at inns for the night. In a short time they duly reached Ta Ming Fu. Upon arriving there they found an inn at which they stayed. At that time the commander in chief had his headquarters at the Northern Capital (Ta Ming Fu) where he had great power, and authority as he not only controlled the army but in addition governed the people. The commander in chief was Grand Secretary Liang with a personal name, Shih-chieh. He was son-in-law of the Secretary of State Tsai Ching.
It was the nineth day of the second month when the escort arrived with Yang Chih, and they delivered the report to that commander in chief who was at the headquarters at that time. Now it happened that Grand Secretary Liang had known Yang Chih at the time he was stationed in the Eastern Capital. Upon reading the report he at once asked how it had happened that he had left the army.
Yang Chih explained how he had been dismissed from the army by Kao, the Minister for War, and how he had spent all his money in bribing officers to get him reinstated. How he had tried to sell his sword on the street, and during a fit of temper had killed Niu Erh. He told him every detail of his affairs.
When Grand Secretary Liang heard it all he was much pleased. He gave orders for the cangue to be removed, and that Yang Chih was to be employed at headquarters. The reply for the Eastern Capital was sent off by the escort.
At Liang's headquarters Yang Chih was very diligent and attentive at his duties. The commander in chief
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noticed this, and decided to give him a commission in the army with a salary attached to it. But as he was afraid of some opposition to this from the other officers he issued a general order that all ranks should proceed to the drill ground at the Eastern Suburb (two miles from the city) where there would be a general parade and inspection of the troops.
On the evening of the same day when he issued this order Grand Secretary Liang sent for Yang Chih to come and see him. Upon his arrival he spoke to him: "I have thought of giving you a commission in the army with a suitable salary. But I do not know what training or skill you have in military matters."
"I previously passed a military examination, and obtained a commission. I, in fact, learned the e
ighteen military practices when I was quite young. I am much obliged to you for your mentioning this, and this seems to me as the emerging of the sun from among the clouds. Should I be promoted I shall be only too glad if I had the opportunity of doing some services to you."
Grand Secretary Liang was much pleased upon hearing this, and presented him with an officer's uniform and mail armor.
The following day was the middle of the second month, and the weather was warm with a little breeze. After breakfast Grand Secretary Liang and Yang Chih mounted their horses, and with a bodyguard both in front and behind proceeded to the Eastern Suburb. Upon their arrival at the parade ground, the large number of troops and officers stood to attention. They proceeded to the inspection platform where they dismounted, and Grand Secretary Liang took his seat in a chair ornamented with silver. On either side of him stood the officers: staff officers, drill masters, generals, commanders, adjutant-generals, captains, and lieutenants. Before and behind were numerous minor officers. Near his chair stood his two chief commanders Li Cheng nicknamed Li, the King of Heaven, and Wen Ta nicknamed Wen, the Big Knife. These two were the most skilled in military exercises. They led their foot and cavalry troops before the platform for inspection, and they all saluted Liang by calling out "ngo" three times. A yellow flag was floating over the platform, and on both
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sides were about fifty drums and trumpets which kept up a rhythm of sounds three times each alternately. Everything else was very quiet. A large white flag was then unfurled on the platform, and all the troops stood to attention upon seeing this. A red signaling flag was next unfurled, and the drums and trumpets burst forth to draw attention to it, and immediately five hundred soldiers wheeled round into two sections, holding their swords in their hands.
A small white signaling flag was next waved, and all the officers on horseback assembled in front of the platform, and there reined their steeds in. Grand Secretary Liang summoned Lieutenant Chou Chin, and that officer galloped forward, dismounted in front of the platform, stuck his spear in the ground, stood to attention, and at the same moment replied in a loud voice "ngo."
Grand Secretary Liang then told him to go through his fencing drill. Upon hearing this order Lieutenant Chou Chin took his spear, mounted, and went through a display of cavalry horsemanship and sword drill in front of the platform, and was applauded by the troops.
Grand Secretary Liang then summoned Yang Chih, and upon that officer's arrival he spoke to him: "Yang Chih, I know that previously you were an officer at the Eastern Capital, but have been banished here because of some fault. Just now the bandits are giving a lot of trouble, and the government must employ men to suppress them. Now are you willing to have a bout with Chou Chin so that I can see your skill and whether you are suitable for a commission? If you defeat Chou Chin you can have his rank and duties."
"As you, my benefactor, ask me to do this I must do it," said Yang Chih.
Grand Secretary Liang then gave orders for a mail suit of armor, suitable arms, and a horse to be placed at Yang Chih's disposal, while he was fencing with Chou Chin. Yang Chih went to the rear of the platform, and put on the armor and helmet which had been presented to him the night previously. He took a bow, an arrow, and with a sword at his side, and a spear in his hand, he mounted a horse and rode forth.
Grand Secretary Liang then gave orders that Yang Chih and Chou Chin must fence first with spears only.
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Upon hearing this Chou Chin was angry, and said, "This banished thief! He dares to fence with me!"
Who could know that Yang Chih was also extremely angry at having to fence with Chou Chin.
At the tourney Yang Chih was famous,
Soon in army none so dangerous.
We will now relate how this fencing match turned out.
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CHAPTER 12
THE HASTY SCOUT STRIVES FOR MERIT AT THE
EASTERN SUBURB; THE SALLOW FACED BRUTE
TAKES PART IN THE MILITARY SPORTS
YANG CHIH and Chou Chin were mounted on their horses, but while waiting at the foot of the flagpole for the signal to start the staff officer Wen Ta shouted out, "Wait a bit!" He then went to Grand Secretary Liang on the platform and said to him, "Sir, we do not yet know what skill these two men have in military sports, but their arms are dangerous weapons suitable for killing thieves, and exterminating bandits. I am afraid that to-day somebody may be seriously wounded -- a slight blow might cripple a man for life whereas a serious blow might kill a man, and that would not be for the good of the army. So I beg to suggest that the spikes should be removed from the spears, and replaced on by the felt. Then they should both wear black dress. The felt knobs on the spears should then be rubbed in lime dust so that they would leave a mark on the clothing for each hit, and the man who has the most white marks will be the loser."
"That is a sensible proposal," said the Grand Secretary Liang. Orders were given accordingly.
Upon receiving the order the two horsemen retired behind the platform, where the spikes were removed from their spears and replaced on by the knobs of felt. They rubbed these knobs well with lime dust, and put on some black clothing. When this had been done they remounted, and rode round to the drill ground.
Chou Chin urged his horse forward to fight with Yang Chih, and the latter did the same. They both dashed past each other, returned again, backwards and forwards many times, thrusting and parrying as they passed. After about fifty of these passages at arms Chou Chin had so many white spots on his clothes that he looked as though somebody
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had thrown curd at him whereas Yang Chih had only one single white spot under his left shoulder.
Grand Secretary Liang was much pleased at this, and summoning Chou Chin he spoke to him: "My predecessor gave you a commission as lieutenant, but I think your military skill is of poor quality as you have been beaten in this way. So how can you fight anywhere and continue to receive a lieutenant's salary?" He then summoned Yang Chih, and gave him the position of Chou Chin.
Just then staff officer Li Cheng arrived on the platform and reported to Liang Chung-shu that Chou Chin's use of the spear was very poor, but as a mounted archer he was excellent. For that reason he must not be dismissed from his position, as the troops would be dissatisfied ii that was done. Perhaps it would be better if Chou Chin and Yang Chih now contested as archers.
Grand Secretary Liang thought that a good idea, and gave instructions accordingly.
Upon receiving this order Chou Chin and Yang Chih both stuck their spears in the ground, and armed themselves with bows and arrows. Yang Chih took the bow out of its case, adjusted the string, then raising it aloft he mounted his horse, and rode to the front of the platform where he saluted the Grand Secretary Liang by rising in his stirrups and said, "I am afraid, sir, that one of us way, be wounded by an arrow, and I ask for your instructions in the matter."
Grand Secretary Liang said, "In military sports one should not display anxiety about wounds. If someone is killed by an arrow we shall not hold a court-martial."
Yang Chih returned to the parade ground, and the staff officer Li Cheng then gave an order that each combatant should bear a rattan shield to protect his body from the arrows being shot.
Both combatants took a shield and hung it on his shoulder. Yang Chill then told his opponent that he could have three shots at him, and he would follow with three shots.
Chou Chin upon hearing this only wished that he could shoot an arrow that would go right through Yang Chih's body.
On the other hand Yang Chih saw that Chou Chin had no skill, and was not afraid of him.
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Just then the purple signaling flag was waved from the platform, and Yang Chih urged his horse forward, and rode towards the south side. Chou Chin followed him, and dropped the reins on the saddle. With the bow in his left hand, he took an arrow in his right hand aimed at Yang Chih's back and pulling the bow to its full extent
and let fly the arrow.
Yang Chih heard the twang of the bowstring, and immediately swung his body down resting entirely on one stirrup. The arrow flew past without touching him. Upon seeing that the arrow had missed its mark Chou Chin was very much upset. He immediately took a second arrow out of his quiver, fitted it to his bow, took a steady aim at Yang Chih's back, and again let fly the arrow.
Yang Chih heard the arrow flying through the air, and taking his bow, turned round, and parried the arrow by a stroke of his bow. The arrow turned several somersaults ere it reached the ground.
This made Chou Chin more annoyed than ever. As Yang Chih had now reached the extreme limit of the parade ground he wheeled his horse round, and galloped back to the platform. Chou Chin also galloped back to the same spot, and there the two horses pranced about impatiently. Chou Chin now took his third arrow from his quiver, fixed it carefully to the bowstring, and exerting his full strength, drew the bow to its full extent and shot the arrow again at Yang Chih' s back. But Yang Chih again heard the twang of the bowstring, and turning round in his saddle he caught the arrow with his hand as it flew past him. Then urging his horse forward he galloped to the front of the inspection platform and there threw the arrow on the ground.
Upon seeing this feat of skill Grand Secretary Liang was much pleased, and gave an order that Yang Chih must now shoot three arrows at Chou Chin. The purple flag was again waved to signal that the sport was to continue.
Chou Chin threw down his bow, and taking his shield in his hand he urged his horse forward, and rode towards the southern part of the parade ground. Yang Chih stooping forward in his saddle, urged hit horse in the same direction. He then drew the string of his bow (without placing an arrow there) and let the bowstring, go. Chou Chin
