by Shi Nai-An
Four brave men of Eastern Stream
Captured jewels with bold scheme;
As earthly spirits they did their feat,
As heavenly gods they came to meet.
In the next chapter we will narrate what this village was that inspector Lei Heng went to.
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CHAPTER 13
THE RED-HAIRED DEVIL HAS A DRUNKEN SLEEP
AT THE LING KWAN TEMPLE; CH'AO KAI,THE
HEAVENLY KING, ADMINISTERS JUSTICE
AT THE TUNG CHI VILLAGE
AS we have said, when Lei Heng reached the Ling Kwan Temple he saw a big man sleeping on the altar table,whom the soldiers bound with ropes.
Lei Heng said, "I will take this fellow to the alderman (Pao Cheng) Ch'ao, and ask for a meal there, and then will take him on to the district magistrate to be examined." So the party came to the alderman's village.
The alderman of the village was named Ch'ao Kai, whose ancestors had been wealthy men. He was generous and hospitable, and was particularly fond of making friends with heroes from all parts of the empire. He offered hospitality to whomsoever came to his village, no matter of what character the strangers were, and if they wanted to leave they were given money and assistance. Ch'ao Kai was very fond of exercising with the spear and cudgel, so that his body was very strong. He had no wife, and he spent all his time in developing his muscles.
On the east side of Yun Cheng Hsien were two villages -- Tung Chi and Hsi Chi and they were separated by a stream. Formerly at the Hsi Chi Village there were devils who decoyed men into the stream, and once there, there was no help for them. But one day a priest happened to pass that way, and the people of the village told him all about the devils. He selected a place, and told them to erect there a pagoda of gray stone, and it would protect them from the devils in the stream. When this had been done the devils went to the Tung Chi Village, and Ch'ao Kai was very angry about this. So he picked up the pagoda and carried it across the river. Because of this the people called him, Ch'ao Kai, the "Heavenly King" who can carry a pagoda
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on the palm of his hand. He had great influence over those villages and was well known among the bandits.
On the day referred to Lei Heng, with his, militia and their prisoner arrived at the village, and knocked at the gate. The gatekeepers heard this, and reported the matter to the alderman. At the time Ch'ao Kai was still in bed, but when he heard that inspector Lei Heng had arrived he gave orders for the gate to be opened immediately. The gatekeepers did this, and the soldiers took the prisoner to the guardroom near the gate and tied him up there. Lei Heng took about ten of his best men, to the guest hall where they sat down.
When Ch'ao Kai entered he received them with the usual inquiries, and then asked on what public business they had come there.
Lei Heng replied, "The magistrate gave orders to myself and Chu Tung to take soldiers to the villages and arrest any bandits we found. We have traveled a good distance, and feeling tired we came to your village for a rest. I am afraid that we have disturbed the sweet dreams of the alderman
Ch'ao Kai said that that did not matter. He then ordered the servants to prepare food and wine. He then asked whether Lei Heng had succeeded in arresting any brigand in that village.
Lei Heng replied, "I found a man at the Ling Kwan Temple, and as he appeared to be in a drunken sleep, and not of good character, I arrested him. I brought him here so that you might know all about the affair, as I was afraid that it would be inconvenient for you not to know of the matter when the district magistrate tries the case. He is now tied up in the guardroom near the gate."
Ch'ao Kai bore this remark in mind and thanked him for reporting the matter. In a short time the servants brought in the food and wine. Ch'ao Kai said, "This room is not a good place to discuss matters in, and therefore we had better go into a hall at the back of this." He then ordered the servants to light the lamps in another room, and requested the inspector to go and have a drink there.
On arrival there Ch'ao Kai took his seat in the position as a host, while Lei Heng sat down as a guest. The servants brought in the fruit, wine, vegetable, and other food, and
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then stood at the side serving the wine. Ch'ao Kai sent the servants with some wine for the soldiers. The servants did this, and also asked the soldiers to go to another room outside where the servant attended to their wants, bringing them a large tray of meat and a large bowl of wine.
While Ch'ao Kai was pressing Lei Heng to take some wine he was thinking who the man could be who had been arrested, and how he could go to see who it was. When they had drunk about seven cups of wine Ch'ao Kai summoned a steward, and told him to stay with the guest while he went to the toilet. Ch'ao Kai then got a lamp, and going outside saw that there was no one about as all the soldiers had gone to drink wine. He went to the gatekeeper, and asked where the thief brought there by inspector Lei Heng was tied up.
The gatekeeper said that the thief was imprisoned in the guardroom near the gate. Ch'ao Kai went to the guardroom, and upon pushing open the door saw inside a man hanging from a great height. He saw that his flesh was dark, and also that his feet were bare, and were covered with black hair. Holding up his lamp he saw that his face was very broad and also discolored. Near his temple was a red birthmark with black and yellow hair growing from it.
Ch'ao Kai asked him, "Where do you come from? I have not seen you at this village before."
The man replied, "I came from a distant place to look for a man here, and was arrested as a thief, but I can give a full explanation."
Ch'ao Kai asked, "Whom did you come to find in this village?
The man said, "I came here to find a hero."
"What was the name of the hero?"
The man replied that he had come to find an alderman called Ch'ao.
"What business had you with him that you were trying to find him?"
The man replied, "He is famous everywhere as a hero. Just now I have a matter that may result in riches or influence, and that is what I want to talk with him about."
Ch'ao Kai said, "You need not say anything more. I am the alderman, Ch'ao Kai. The way I can help you,
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is that you recognize me when inspector Lei Heng leaves here, as your maternal uncle and I will also recognize you as my nephew. You can say that you left here when you were only about five years old, and in returning to find me you forgot the place where I lived."
The man replied, "If in this matter you assist me I shall never forget your kindness. I request you to help me."
Ch'ao Kai picked up the lantern, and leaving the guard room, closed the door after him. Going to the room where Lei Heng was seated, he said to him, "I must apologize for leaving you alone so long."
Lei Heng politely replied, "I have not been right in giving you so much trouble."
They drank together several cups of wine before they saw the rays of early dawn entering through the window. Lei Heng then remarked that it was already dawn and that he must go as he had to report in the magistrate's yamen by dawn.
Ch'ao Kai said, "As you are on official business I cannot, of course detain you. But should you at any time have any business near this village I hope that you will pay me a visit."
Lei Heng said, "I will certainly pay you a visit, but I request that you will not now accompany me."
Ch'ao Kai said, "Very good, I will only go a short distance to the gate of this farm."
They both went outside. The soldiers had finished their wine and food, and now taking their spears and cudgels they went to the guardroom and released the prisoner, tied his hands behind his back, and then took him outside the gate. When Ch'ao Kai saw the prisoner, he said, "What a big man!"
Lei Heng said, "This is the man who was arrested as a thief at the Ling Kwan Temple." He had hardly finished speaking when the prisoner called out, "Uncle! Save me."
Chao Kai pretended to look at him carefully, and shouted, "He
llo! Can this be Wang Hsiao-san?"
The man replied, "I am. Uncle; save me!"
All the men were surprised. Lei Heng asked Ch'ao Kai: "Who is this man? How is it that he recognizes you?"
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Ch'ao Kai said, "Oh! That is my nephew called Wang Hsiao-san. But how was it that he took rest in a temple? He is my sister's son, and previously lived here. When he was about five years old he went with his parents to Nanking, and ten years later he paid us a visit here. A man from Nanking came with him to buy some things, but since that time I have not seen Wang Hsiao-san. From other men I heard that he had become a useless individual. But why has he come here now? At first I did not know him, but now I recognize him because of the birthmark on his temple." Then turning to the prisoner he asked "Hsiao-san! Why did you not come to see me in a straightforward way instead of arriving as a thief?"
The man replied, "Uncle, I am not a thief."
Ch'ao Kai asked, "If you are not a thief, what were you arrested for?" Saying this he took a cudgel from a soldier and struck the man on his head and face.
Lei Heng urged Ch'ao Kai not to beat the man, but to wait and hear what he had to say.
The man said, "Uncle! Do not be angry, but listen to me. When I came here I was only fifteen years old, and is that not ten years ago? Yesterday I drank much wine on the way, so that. I was not in a condition to visit you. When these soldiers came to arrest me they did not ask me any questions. I am certainly not a thief."
Ch'ao Kai again raised the cudgel to beat him, and reviled him; saying, "You beast! Instead of coming straightforwardly to visit me you indulged your vile appetite for the 'yellow soup' (wine). If you had come to me would I not have given you wine to drink? What a disgrace!"
Lei Heng 'said, "Alderman! Do not got angry. Your nephew may not be a thief. We saw him sleeping in a strange way in a temple, and as we did not know him we were suspicious, and arrested him. If we had known that he was your nephew we would not have arrested him." He then ordered his soldiers to untie the ropes, and deliver the prisoner to the alderman. The soldiers did so, and released the prisoner. Lei Heng then spoke to Ch'ao Kai, "You must not blame me. If I had known before that he is your nephew I would not have committed such a serious mistake. We must now go back to the town."
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Ch'ao Kai said, "Inspector, do not go yet. Please come inside as I have something to say to you."
They both then went into the guest's chamber where Ch'ao Kai gave Lei Heng ten ounces of silver, and then said, "Inspector, this is only a small present but I trust that you will accept it."
"There is no need for such things."
"If you do not accept it you must feel unsatisfied with it.”
Lei Heng said, "As you are so generous, I will accept it, but I will recompense you later on."
Ch'ao Kai told the prisoner to salute Lei Heng; then he gave some money to the soldiers, and accompanied Lei Heng to the gate. Lei Heng saluted Ch'ao Kai, and departed with his men.
Ch'ao Kai took the prisoner into a room, and gave him clothes and a cap. He then asked him for his name, and where he came from.
The man said, "My name is Liu Tang, and I am a native of Tunglu Chou. But people call me the "Red-Haired Devil" because of my birthmark. I came here to tell you about a matter of great importance. Yesterday evening I stayed in the temple and got drunk I did not expect to be arrested by these men, and to be brought here as a prisoner. But fortunately to-day I am here. Elder brother, please be seated, and agree to receive my salute four times."
This being done Ch'ao Kai said, "You now tell me where is the thing that will give me wealth and influence."
Liu Tang said, "Since I was a boy I have rambled about everywhere, and have been particularly fond of making friends with heroes. I always heard of your fame, but never had a chance to come and see you. I also knew some merchants who did illegal buying and selling in both Shantung and Hopei provinces. I also heard that many of them sought refuge with you, and therefore I decided to mention this important matter to you and if there is no stranger here, I can now tell you everything."
Ch'ao Kai said, "All the people here are my confidants so there is no need for any further delay in your speaking to me."
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Liu Tang said, "I have heard that Grand Secretary Liang, the commander in chief at Ta Ming Fu, the Northern Capital, has bought gold articles, pearls, and other valuables to the value of one hundred thousand strings of cash, which he will send to the Eastern Capital for presentation as a birthday gift to his father-in-law, Ts'ai, the royal tutor for the heir apparent. Last year he also sent similar presents, but they were stolen by bandits, and so far the culprits have not been arrested. It has not been fixed on what date this year's presents will be dispatched, but they should reach their destination before the birthday which is the 15th day of the sixth month.
"I think this is ill-gotten money so why should we not take it? We had better think of some plan of seizing these presents on the road. Even if Heaven knows of the matter our act will not be regarded as a crime. I have heard of your fame, and think that your military training will insure success to the scheme. I have no skill but I know something of fighting. It is needless to mention only three or five men, because if there were two thousand mounted soldiers I would not be afraid of them even if I had only one spear. But if you think that my skill is not of much use, I shall be willing to assist you if you will take me. What do you think of the matter?"
Ch'ao Kai said, "Bravo? We must discuss the matter. But I am afraid that you have experienced much suffering on your way here so better go to the guest chamber where you can rest, and to-morrow we will discuss the matter."
Ch'ao Kai then ordered the servant to conduct Liu Tang to the guest chamber.
In the guest chamber Liu Tang meditated. "Why did I come here and so experience all this misery? If it had not been for the intervention of Ch'ao Kai I should not have been released. I do not like Lei Heng who falsely accused me of being a thief, and caused me to be hung here for the night. As he cannot have gone very far I will get a stick, and pursue him. When I catch up to them I will knock them all down and get back the silver. This will avenge my wrong. This is an excellent plan!" He then went outside, and got a sword out of the rack. Leaving by the gate he went along the southern read with big strides. The day
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was quite bright, and very soon he saw in the distance Lei Heng and his men, and soon caught up to them. Upon reaching them Liu Tang shouted out, "Hei, inspector, you need not try to get away."
Lei Heng was surprised at hearing this, and turning round he saw Liu Tang armed with a sword. He quickly took a sword from one of his men, and shouted, "What are you following us for?"
Liu Tang said, "You understand the matter. You must give me those ten ounces of silver, and then I won't attack you."
Lei Heng said, "The money was given to me by your uncle so what have you got to do with it? I would have certainly killed you but for your uncle. And yet you ask me for the money."
"I am not a thief, and yet you hanged me for one night," said Liu Tang. "You deceived my uncle of the ten ounces of silver. You know this is the case, and you had better give me the money when I will regard your past deeds with leniency. But if you do not give me the money I will spill some of your blood."
Lei Heng was very angry, and pointing at Liu Tang he cursed him saying, "You lying thief, who brings disgrace and ruin to your family. You have no decency, but how dare you talk like this?"
Liu Tang replied, "You deceiver of the people with your vile skill. How dare you curse me?"
Lei Heng continued his cursing. "You are a wanton thief from your head to the soles of your feet! You are certainly implicating Ch'ao Kai. You have a thief's disposition, but this kind of thing I will not allow."
Liu Tang was also angry, and he shouted out, "I came here to give you a good hiding." He seized his sword, and advanced towards Lei Heng. Lei Heng only laughed at him,
and also advanced with his sword. They met at the side of the road where they fought for a long time, without either getting an advantage. When the soldiers saw that Lei Heng had not defeated Liu Tang, and were on the point of coming to his assistance when a gate in a bamboo fence was opened, and a man came out carrying in his hand two copper wires. The man said, "You two are fine men, and must not fight any more. I have been watching you fight
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for a long time. You take a rest, and listen to what I have to say." So saying he placed the wires between the two men. The latter withdrew, and stood a little distance away from each other. They looked at the man, and saw that he was dressed as a scholar. He was wearing a cap low down on his brow; a large loose-fitting gown of hempen cloth with a black border; an official belt of the color of tea; silk shoes, and clean socks. His eyebrows and eyes had an elegant appearance; his mustache was long and his face white. His name was Wu Yung, and his nickname was "Clever Star;" his fancy name was "The Inquisitive or Critical Student;" his Taoist name was "Much Brighter." His grandfather was a native of that place.
Taking the copper wires in his hand he pointed at Liu Tang and said, "You stop a bit! Why are you fighting with that inspector?"
Liu Tang looked closely at Wu Yung and said, "It has nothing to do with you, Hsiu Tsai (a scholar)."
Lei Heng said, "You, sir, do not know. That fellow slept in a temple without wearing any clothes last night. I arrested him, and took him to the village of the alderman, Ch'ao Kai. There we found that he was a nephew of Ch'ao Kai, and I then released him because of what his uncle said. Ch'ao Kai invited me to drink wine with him, and then presented me with some silver. This fellow evidently did not know about that, and came here to get the money back. Do you think that he is brave?"
