Water Margin Volume Two Read online

  Yen Shun and the Stone General seized hold of him, but Sung Chiang continued to wail in a dazed condition and it was for some time before he could come to himself.

  Yen Shun said, "Elder brother, do not give way to your grief so much."

  "My affections cannot be restrained," said Sung Chiang. "I cannot forget about my father. He is no longer alive so I must depart this very night to my home. You must go to the mountain without me."

  "Brother, your father is no more," said Yen Shun. "But even if you return home at once you will never see him again.

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  In this world parents do not live forever. So please make your mind easy, and again lead us to the mountain. When that matter is settled you can return home without any delay, and attend to funeral matters. I will accompany you there. There is an ancient saying 'A snake without a head cannot go forward.' You are our head, and if you do not go with us they will not receive us."

  “I cannot agree," said Sung Chiang, "because in going to the mountain you will delay me too much time. So I will write a letter stating all the details, and you can take the letter to Ch'ao Kai, and he will then receive the whole company. If I had not known about my father's death I would have gone with you, but as Heaven has given me the information, every day will be like a year in length, and it is imperative that I should return at once. I need neither horse nor companion but must start off straightway through the night."

  Yen Shun, and the Stone General could do nothing further to change his mind. Sung Chiang asked the waiter for pen and paper, and while writing, he was weeping all the time. He wrote most emphatically that the company must be allowed to join the bandits. The letter was not sealed and was handed to Yen Shun. Sung Chiang was now ready to go, but Yen Shun asked him not to leave until Hwa Jung, Chin Ming, and the other leaders arrived. But Sung Chiang would not wait even for that, and instructed Stone General to explain the whole situation to the other leaders. He then set off.

  Yen Shun and Stone General paid for the food and wine, and the latter then mounted Sung Chiang's horse, and took the men about two miles further along the road to another inn where they stopped. About 7 a.m. the following day the main body of the bandits arrived, and Yen Shun explained what had happened.

  The other leaders were annoyed, and asked why Yen Shun had not asked Sung Chiang to wait.

  Stone General explained that Sung Chiang was completely upset by the sad news, and in fact would have committed suicide, and would not agree to stay until they all arrived. He had hurried off at once to return to his home.

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  He had left a letter behind which would induce Ch'ao Kai to receive them.

  Hwa Jung and Chin Ming read the letter, and then said to the leaders, "We are in a dilemma, as there will be difficulty whether we proceed or retire. We cannot go back, or separate our forces so we had better go forward. We will now seal the letter lap as we have all read it, and go on our way. If we are not received at the mountain then we can discuss some other plan."

  So these nine heroes all set off again, and in due course reached Liang Shan Po. As they were proceeding amidst reeds and rushes they heard drums and gongs beaten on the lake and many flags were visible on the mountain. On the lake were two speedy boats. On the first was Lin Chung with about fifty men, and on the next Liu Tang, the Red Hair Devil with also fifty men.

  "Who are you?" called out Lin Ch'ung. "Whose troops are you? How dare you come here to arrest us! We would kill the whole lot of you. You ought to know the reputation of us on Liang Shan Po."

  The leaders dismounted at the side of the lake, and replied, "We are not government soldiers, but have come here to join you bandits. We have here a letter from Sung Chiang, the Welcome Rain."

  Lin Ch'ung said, "You had better take the letter to that inn over there where you will find our leader Chu Kwei."

  A blue flag was waved on Lin Ch'ung's boat, and a boat with three fishermen came out of the reeds and upon reaching the bank two of them disembarked, and told the strangers to follow them. On the first boat a white flag was now waved, and gongs were sounded and both boats returned.

  When Hwa Jung saw the way in which the brigands promptly obeyed orders he remarked, "It is no wonder that the government troops keep away from this place. How can our stronghold compare with theirs?" He and his company followed the two fishermen to the inn.

  They were introduced, and sat down to a meal with wine. After Chu Kwei, the Speedy Courier, had read the letter he went to the arbor on the bank, and shot a whistling arrow across the lake. Instantly a fast boat emerged from the reeds and came along. He told the boatman to take the

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  letter to the leaders on the mountain, and then ordered pigs and sheep to be killed, and a feast prepared for the nine guests. He also ordered that all the men should encamp about there for the present.

  The following day about 7 a.m. Wu Yung came to the inn, and was duly introduced and they talked the matter over. He and Chu Kwei then invited the leaders to embark, and all the baggage, etc. was loaded on the fleet of about twenty boats that was placed at their disposal. Upon reaching the Golden Strand they all disembarked, and were met by Ch'ao Kai and many of the bandits. They then all went up the mountain, and gathered in the assembly hall. All the eleven leaders with Ch'ao Kai were seated along the left side of the hall. (Among them was Pai Sheng, the Daylight Rat who had escaped a few months ago from the prison at Chi Chou Fu.) On the right-hand side of the hall were seated the new nine leaders with Hwa Jung.

  In the center was burning an incense urn over which they all took the oath. All the newcomers were then sworn in. They were all given quarters, and then there was general feasting for everybody. Over the wine Hwa Jung and general Chin Ming spoke highly of Sung Chiang, and gave full details of his adventures. They also described their meeting with Lu Fang and Kuo Sheng, and how Hwa Jung had cut the tangled streamers with an arrow. To all this Ch'ao Kai listened, and commented, but in his heart he doubted some of the statements made. He said, "To-morrow, I hope that you will give us an exhibition of your skill as an archer."

  The following day the leaders agreed to go for a stroll and view the scenery round the mountain. They had passed the third barrier when they heard overhead the cries of a flock of wild geese which was flying in single file.

  Hwa Jung thought that as Ch'ao Kai did not seem to be convinced the previous day as to his skill in archery, so he would now show him a specimen of his shooting, and so gain Ch'ao Kai's respect. So he asked one of the archers to lend him his bow and arrow, and then turning to Ch'ao Kai he spoke, "When I said that I cut the streamers binding the two halberds together I thought that perhaps some of you did not believe me. Now you see that flock of wild geese overhead. I do not wish to boast, but I

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  will bring down the third bird in the column with this arrow sticking in its head. If I miss I hope that you will not laugh at me." He fitted the arrow, and pulling the bow to its full limit released the arrow which flew overhead and brought down the third bird. A man was sent to bring the goose, and upon his return it was seen that the arrow had gone through its head. When they saw this Ch'ao Kai and the other leaders were deeply impressed, and called Hwa Jung "The general with an uncanny arm."

  Wu Yung said, "After this we cannot call you Small Li Kwang, because even Yang Yu-chi was not as good as you. We really are very fortunate to have such a man as you here." There was not a man on Liang Shan Po who did not respect him after that.

  The next day they had a celebration feast in the great hall, and elected Hwa Jung to the fifth position. Chin Ming was married to Hwa Jung's sister and was elected the sixth leader. The position of the other leaders were also arranged, Liu Tang the seventh, Huang Hsin, the eight, and so on. The bandits were detailed to build boats, make arms and ammunitions, erect buildings, etc. but we need not go into the many details.

  Sung Chiang traveled through the night, and the day following his departure, he reached his native village about 4 a.m. in the afternoon. He stopped at an inn kept by Chang, the elder of the village, for a rest. Chang was on good terms with all the members of Sung Chiang's family. He saw that Sung Chiang had been crying so he asked, "You have been away from home for nearly a year and half, and it is good for you to return now. But how is it that you seem to be in trouble? What is the matter? Your crime has been mitigated."

  "Old Uncle, what you say about my affairs is quite right, but as my father has died how can I rejoice?"

  Chang laughed, and said, "Is this one of your jokes? Your father was here only a short time ago, drinking wine, and has just gone back home an hour ago. Why do you talk like this?"

  "Uncle, please do not jest with me." Sung Chiang then produced the letter he had received. "You will see from this that my younger brother, Sung Ching, states

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  that my father died in the first month of this year, and is waiting for me to return home for the funeral."

  "Ah! But nothing of the kind has happened. Your father came here with a man to drink wine this morning. How could I talk lies about such a matter?"

  Sung Chiang now doubted the letter, although the matter was not clear yet. He thought over the matter but found no explanation, and then at last decided to go home and clear the matter up. When he entered the gate of the homestead he saw no signs of mourning. When the servants recognized him they saluted, and he asked, "Where are my father and Sung Ching?"

  "Your father has been expecting you every day. He will be much pleased to see you. He has just come back from drinking with a friend, and is asleep inside."

  Sung Chiang was surprised at this, and throwing down his cudgel, he entered the house. His brother Sung Ching upon seeing him kotowed and he was not wearing mourni
ng. Sung Chiang was now angry, and abused his brother. "You undutiful beast! My father is at home, so why did you write me that letter saying that he was dead. I was so upset that besides crying I tried to kill myself. So unfilial you are!"

  Sung Ching was on the point of replying to this when his father emerged from behind the screen in the room. "My son, do not get angry," he said. "That was not your brother's fault. I wanted very much to see you again, so I told your brother to write the letter stating that I was dead, and urging you to return home at once. I heard that you were at White Tiger Mountain where there are many brigands, and I was afraid that you might join them, and become both disloyal and unfilial. The letter was given to a man Shih Yung who had just come from Squire Ch'ai's place looking for you. The whole scheme was arranged by me so that you must not feel any resentment to your brother for carrying out my orders. I had just now returned from elder Chang's inn, and was going to sleep when I heard your voice.

  Sung Chiang kotowed to his father, and was much pleased at this unlooked-for climax. He asked, "How about my affair here? I have heard that my crime has been pardoned."

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  "At first they troubled us a great deal," said Sire Sung, "but afterwards inspectors Chu Tung and Lei Hung used their influence so they made no more trouble here. On the coronation of the crown prince the emperor issued a decree reducing all sentences by one degree, and abolishing the sentence of death from a number of crimes. Even if your return home was known to the yamen, you would not receive the capital punishment but be banished to a distant district. So we can leave the matter alone."

  "Do those two inspectors ever come here now?" asked Sung Chiang.

  "I heard sometime ago," said Sung Ching, "that they had been transferred to some other places."

  Sire Sung however insisted that his son must be tired, and they must all retire, and this was done.

  It was now dusk, and the moon was rising in the east. About 9 p.m. as they were all asleep there was a big noise outside the front and back gates. They then saw that the premises were surrounded by men who held burning torches. They called out, "Don't let Sung Chiang escape!" On hearing this his father was upset.

  A crowded street; a compact throng,

  Loyalty and justice seen.

  A river's bank, the scene where strong

  Heroes meet and disagree.

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  CHAPTER 35

  WU YUNG RECOMMENDS TAI TSUNG; SUNG CHIANG MEETS Ll CHUN ON CHIEH YANG MOUNTAIN

  Sire Sung put a ladder against the wall, and looking over saw about a hundred men in the light of torches. In front of them were the two inspectors who had been recently appointed at Yun Cheng Hsien. They were brothers, called Chao Neng and Chao Te, and they called out, "Sire Sung! You will know our business, and we hope that you will surrender your son Sung Chiang. We will treat him well. If he does not surrender we shall have to arrest you, his father."

  "When did Sung Chiang return?" asked Sire Sung.

  "Do not talk nonsense," said inspector Chao Neng. "A man saw him this afternoon at Mr. Chang's wine shop, and followed him here. You need not try to hide him."

  Sung Chiang was standing at the foot of the ladder, and said, "Father, do not talk with them any further. I will surrender as I have many friends at the yamen, and I have already been pardoned. Why plead with these fellows? They are both, well known to be rascals. They have suddenly been made inspectors, but what do they know about reason. There is no good feeling between them and me, so it is a waste of time to talk with them."

  "I have brought you trouble," said Sire Sung to his son.

  "Do not let that upset you. If they go into my case it cannot do any harm. If I escape now I should be arrested eventually, and should have no further chance of seeing you. If I am now arrested, and even banished to some other district I shall at least eventually return, and meet you again. I should be able to be with you at your last moments."

  "As you look upon it like this," said Sire Sung, "I will myself bribe the officials concerned, and see that you have every advantage."

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  Sung Chiang now mounted the ladder, and called out, "Do not make such a noise. My crime has been pardoned so that I cannot be executed. Will you two inspectors come inside our petty farmhouse, and drink wine with me? To-morrow I will go with you to the yamen."

  You need not attempt to entice us into your trap," said inspector Chao Neng.

  "Why should I implicate my father and brother by such a trick? You can come inside without any suspicion," said Sung Chiang. He then descended the ladder, opened the farmyard gate, and invited the two inspectors indoors. They were entertained to wine, chicken, and goose. The soldiers were provided with food, and also money. Sire Sung presented the two inspectors with twenty ounces of silver. That night they all slept at the farmhouse. At dawn the following day the party started out for the town. When they reached the yamen it was broad daylight, and the magistrate occupied the bench. He asked Sung Chiang to state his base, and listened to the following statement. "I did a great wrong to take Yen Po-hsi as my concubine, and once we quarreled after taking too much wine, and I happened to kill her quite unintentionally. I escaped but have now surrendered for justice, and will confess the crime as stated."

  The magistrate ordered that the prisoner be detained in the jail. All the yamen employees were sorry to see Sung Chiang as a prisoner. Many of them spoke to the magistrate of the good things Sung Chiang had done in the past, and begged him to show mercy to the prisoner. The magistrate was inclined to be lenient, and he gave orders that the prisoner should have no cangue or be chained up in the prison. Sire Sung bribed all the officials concerned. Mrs. Yen had died about six months ago so that there was now no one to press the accusation of murder. As Yen Po-hsi was also dead her old lover Chang San had now no enmity against Sung Chiang. So after sixty days the case was referred to Chi Chou for a sentence. The governor considered the case as reported by dispatch, and in view of the emperor's decree he passed a light sentence. Sung Chiang was to receive twenty blows with a bamboo, be branded and transferred to a prison at Chiang Chou. But as the officials at Chi Chou had all been bribed, they reported that the

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  sentence had been carried out although nothing was done to Sung Chiang.

  But he was given a small cangue, and sent to Chiang Chou under the escort of two men -- Chang Chien, and Li Wan. Sire Sung and his son Sung Ching were waiting outside the yamen for the escort and invited them to take a final meal at an inn there. Money was presented to the escort, and Sung Chiang was given new clothes, new hempen shoes, and a bundle of useful articles. Sire Sung took Sung Chiang to one side and there said to him "I know that at Chiang Chou there is plenty of rice and fish, and I will bribe the officials there to supply you with food. I shall send your brother there with money, and he will see you often. On your way you will pass close to Liang Shan Po, but if the brigands there capture you I hope that you will not join them as people would abuse your name and say that you were both disloyal and unfilial. This point you must not forget. Make no haste on the way. Heaven will watch over you, and you will soon return home, and be reunited to your father and younger brother."

  Sung Chiang was much affected and burst into tears and thus took leave of his father. Sung Ching accompanied him for the first stage of the road. When they separated at last Sung Chiang said to his brother, "I am now a prisoner, and while I am away I want you to look after our father, and never mind coming to Chiang Chou to see me. I know a great many bandits, and they will help me. I can easily get all the money I want. If Heaven takes pity, I shall return home some day."

  When they took leave of each other Sung Ching weeped bitterly. He returned home, and looked after his father in accordance with Sung Chiang's wish.

  The escort said Sung Chiang continued their journey and because Sung Chiang had given them plenty of money, they treated him well. One evening when they were at an inn Sung Chiang said, "I will not deceive you. We shall pass quite close to Liang Shan Po, where there are many brave men, and when they hear that I am passing they will perhaps try to liberate me. So to-morrow it would be better for us to start early, and travel by small side roads even though they take us a little out of our way."