Chapter 120: Song Jiang's Spirit Gathers at Liao'erwa; Emperor Huizong Dreams of Liangshan Marsh

Chapter 120: Song Jiang’s Spirit Gathers at Liao’er Wa; Emperor Huizong Dreams of Liangshan Marsh

It is said that Song Jiang, returning to his hometown in glory, came back to the Eastern Capital and met with his sworn brothers, letting them each pack their belongings and proceed to their appointed posts. At that time, the "Marvelous Traveler" Dai Zong came to visit Song Jiang, and the two sat chatting. Then Dai Zong stood up and said, "Your younger brother has received the imperial favor and been appointed as Military Governor of Yanzhou, but now I willingly return my official commission and wish to go to the Yue Temple in Tai’an Prefecture to serve as an attendant, seeking only to end this life; this is truly my greatest fortune." Song Jiang asked, "Worthy brother, why do you have this thought?" Dai Zong said, "Last night, I dreamed that Lord Cui summoned me, and thus I have conceived this good intention." Song Jiang said, "Your origins, since you are the 'Marvelous Traveler,' will surely make you a spirit of intelligence in the Yue Temple in the future." After this parting, Dai Zong returned his official commission, went to the Yue Temple in Tai’an Prefecture, became an attendant and left the household life, diligently offering incense to the Holy Emperor day after day, with unwavering devotion. After several months, one night in perfect peace, he invited all his fellow devotees to bid farewell, laughed aloud, and passed away. Later, he manifested his spirit many times in the Yue Temple, and the prefectural people and the temple keeper immediately had a statue of Dai Zong enshrined in the temple, with his actual body as the core.

There was also Ruan Xiaoqi, who, having received his commission, bid farewell to Song Jiang and had already gone to the post of Military Governor at Gaijun. Within a few months, the generals Wang Bing and Zhao Tan, harboring old grudges from being insulted at Bangyuan Cave, repeatedly spoke before Privy Councilor Tong of Ruan Xiaoqi’s faults, saying that he had once worn Fang La’s ochre-yellow robe and dragon-embroidered sash and jade belt; though it was a momentary jest, it ultimately showed a malicious heart. Moreover, Gaijun was a remote and barbarous place, and he would surely rebel. Tong Guan informed Cai Jing of this, who memorialized the Son of Heaven, requesting an imperial decree. An official document was sent there, stripping Ruan Xiaoqi of his official commission and reducing him back to commoner status. When Ruan Xiaoqi saw this, he was pleased in his heart, took his aged mother, returned to the Stone Tablet Village at Liangshan Marsh, resumed fishing for a living, supported his mother until the end of her natural years, and later died at the age of sixty.

Now, the "Small Whirlwind" Chai Jin, while in the capital, saw Dai Zong return his official commission and seek a life of leisure. He also heard that the court had stripped Ruan Xiaoqi of his commission because he had improperly worn Fang La’s Peace-Crown, dragon robe, and jade belt, intending to emulate his rebellion, and was punished as a commoner. He thought to himself: I too once served as a consort in Fang La’s camp. If later the treacherous ministers learn of this and slander me before the Son of Heaven, and I am pursued, stripped of my commission, would that not be a disgrace? It is better to recognize the times and avoid humiliation. So he feigned an attack of wind paralysis, saying it struck frequently and made him unfit for duty, and willingly returned his commission, seeking a life of leisure as a farmer. He bid farewell to all the officials and returned to his home in Henghai Commandery, Cangzhou, as a commoner, living freely. One day, he died without illness.

Li Ying accepted the post of Military Governor of Zhongshan Prefecture. After half a year in office, he heard that Chai Jin had sought a life of leisure. He thought to himself and also feigned wind paralysis, claiming he could no longer serve. He reported to the Provincial Court, surrendered his commission, and returned to his native village of Duluogang to live. Later, together with Du Xing, he became a wealthy man, and both died peaceful deaths.

Guan Sheng served as Commander-in-Chief of the troops in the Northern Capital, Daming Prefecture, winning the hearts of the soldiers, and all admired and respected him. One day, after training the cavalry and returning, he was heavily drunk, lost his footing, fell from his horse, fell ill, and died.

Huan Yanzhuo accepted the post of Imperial Camp Commander, training and guarding the emperor daily. Later, he led a large army, defeated the Fourth Prince Wuzhu of the Great Jin, and advanced to battle, killing and reaching west of the Huai River, where he fell in battle.

Only Zhu Tong, who had merit in commanding troops at Baoding Prefecture, later followed Liu Guangshi in defeating the Great Jin and eventually rose to the post of Military Commissioner of Taiping Prefecture.

Hua Rong, bringing his wife and younger sister, proceeded to his post at Yingtian Prefecture.

Wu Yong, always single, brought only a young attendant and went to his post at Wusheng Commandery.

Li Kui also, alone with two servants, went to his post at Runzhou.

Now, why is it that only these three men are mentioned as taking up their posts, while the final outcomes of the others have all been told? It is because these seven principal generals will never meet again, so their endings are stated first. The following five principal generals—Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Hua Rong, Wu Yong, and Li Kui—still have a place where they will gather, so their endings are not told here; they will be seen later.

Further, regarding Song Jiang and Lu Junyi in the capital, they had allocated rewards to all the generals and sent each off to their posts. For those who died in the king’s service, their family members were given money, silk, gold, and silver as grace rewards, and each was sent back to their hometowns, to follow their own wishes. As for the fifteen associate generals still in the capital, aside from Song Jiang’s brother Song Qing returning to his village as a farmer, Du Xing had already followed Li Ying back to his village; Huang Xin still served at Qingzhou; Sun Li, with his brother Sun Xin, Gu Dasao, and their families, remained in service at Dengzhou; Zou Run had no wish to be an official and returned to Dengyun Mountain; Cai Qing followed Guan Sheng and returned to the Northern Capital as a commoner; Pei Xuan discussed with Yang Lin and decided to return to Yinma River, seeking a life of leisure after receiving his post; Jiang Jing missed his hometown and wished to return to Tanzhou as a commoner; Zhu Wu had always followed Fan Rui to study Daoist arts, and the two became Perfect Man priests, wandering the rivers and lakes, seeking Gongsun Sheng to leave the household life, ending their natural years; Mu Chun returned to his home in Jieyang Town and resumed being a good citizen; Ling Zhen, an extraordinary artilleryman, remained in service at the Imperial Firearms Bureau. The five associate generals formerly in the capital: An Daoquan was summoned back to the capital by imperial order and became a Gold-and-Purple Medical Officer in the Imperial Hospital; Huangfu Duan remained as the Grand Director of the Imperial Horse Administration; Jin Dajian served in the Imperial Treasury Seal Bureau; Xiao Rang served in the household of Grand Preceptor Cai as a tutor; Yue He spent his life in leisure and happiness in the household of Prince Consort Wang, and that is no more to be said.

Now, Song Jiang, after parting with Lu Junyi, each proceeded to his post. Lu Junyi, also without family, brought a few attending servants and went to Luzhou. Song Jiang thanked the emperor, took leave of the court, bid farewell to all the officials at the Provincial Court, and, with several family servants, proceeded to his post at Chuzhou. From then on, they parted ways, each scattering, and that is no more to be said.

Now, it is said that in the Song dynasty, from the time when Taizong passed the throne to Taizu, a vow was made, which led to a dynasty plagued by treacherous ministers. At this time, Emperor Huizong, though supremely sagely and enlightened, was unexpectedly surrounded by treacherous officials wielding power, slandering the worthy, and harming the loyal—a deeply pitiable state. At this juncture, the four villainous ministers—Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian—were corrupting the realm, ruining the state, the family, and the people. At that time, Grand Marshal Gao Qiu and Yang Jian of the Palace Command, seeing that the emperor had treated Song Jiang and his band of officers with great favor and rich rewards, were deeply displeased. The two discussed privately: "This Song Jiang and Lu Junyi are both our enemies. Now, instead, they have become meritorious ministers, receiving such imperial grace, and are allowed to command troops on horseback and govern the people on foot. How can we, the bureaucrats of the Provincial Court, avoid being ridiculed? From ancient times it is said: 'He who hates too little is no gentleman; he who is not ruthless is no true man!'" Yang Jian said, "I have a plan: first deal with Lu Junyi, and that will cut off one of Song Jiang’s arms. This man is extremely brave. If we deal with Song Jiang first, and he learns of it, he will surely cause trouble, stirring up a bad situation." Gao Qiu said, "I would gladly hear your excellent plan." Yang Jian said, "We will arrange for a few soldiers from Luzhou to come to the Provincial Court and denounce Lu, the Pacification Commissioner, for recruiting troops, buying horses, and stockpiling grain and fodder, with the intention of rebelling. Then we will report it to the Grand Preceptor’s mansion for a memorial, keeping even Grand Preceptor Cai in the dark. When the Grand Preceptor memorializes the Son of Heaven and requests a decree to decide the matter, we will send someone to trick him to the capital. When the Emperor bestows imperial food upon him, we will put some mercury in it, which will damage his kidneys and loins, rendering him useless and unable to accomplish great matters. Then we will send an imperial envoy to give imperial wine to Song Jiang to drink, also putting a slow poison in it. Within half a month, he will surely be beyond saving." Gao Qiu said, "This plan is excellent!" There is a poem to mock:

From ancient times, powerful villains have harmed the good,

Not allowing loyalty and righteousness to establish a state.

If Heaven were willing to repay clearly,

Men would become actors, women prostitutes.

The two treacherous ministers settled their plan, sent trusted men to find two locals from Luzhou, had a complaint written, and ordered them to go to the Privy Council to accuse Lu Anfu of recruiting soldiers, amassing grain and forage, and plotting rebellion in Luzhou. They also sent men to frequently go to Chuzhou to collude with the Pacification Commissioner Song Jiang, exchanging intelligence and conspiring to raise an uprising. At that time, the Privy Council was under the control of Tong Guan, who also held a grudge against Song Jiang and his men. He immediately accepted the plaintiffs' complaint and directly submitted it to the Grand Preceptor's office for memorial presentation. When Cai Jing saw the submitted document, he summoned officials for deliberation. Gao Qiu and Yang Jian were also present at that time. The four treacherous ministers devised a scheme, brought the plaintiffs into the palace, and memorialized the Son of Heaven. The emperor said, "I think that Song Jiang and Lu Junyi, when pacifying the rebel bandits across the four quarters, commanded a hundred thousand troops, yet harbored no evil intentions. Now that they have reformed and returned to righteousness, how could they be willing to rebel? I have never treated them poorly; how would they dare to betray the court? ... There may be deception in this; I cannot tell truth from falsehood and find it hard to believe." At that time, Gao Qiu and Yang Jian, standing nearby, memorialized, "Your Majesty's reasoning is correct, but the human heart is difficult to fathom. It is likely that Lu Junyi resented his low official rank, felt discontent, and again conceived rebellious intentions, unfortunately being discovered by others." The emperor said, "We can summon him here, and I will interrogate him personally, making him confess the truth himself." Cai Jing and Tong Guan further memorialized, "Lu Junyi is like a fierce beast; it is hard to guarantee his intentions. If he is alarmed, he will surely flee, which would be greatly disadvantageous and difficult to apprehend later. We should only lure him to the capital. Your Majesty can personally bestow imperial cuisine and imperial wine upon him, use sage words to comfort and admonish him, and observe his true intentions and movements. If there are no rebellious inclinations, then there is no need to pursue the matter, which would also show Your Majesty's intention not to wrong meritorious officials." The emperor approved the memorial and immediately issued an imperial decree, sending an envoy directly to Luzhou to summon Lu Junyi back to court, stating that there were important matters requiring his service.

The imperial envoy, bearing the decree, arrived in Luzhou. All officials, high and low, came out of the city to welcome him. They proceeded to the prefectural office, where the imperial decree was read aloud. Let us skip idle talk. Upon hearing the imperial decree summoning him back to court, Lu Junyi departed from Luzhou with the envoy, and together they rode post horses to the capital. The journey was uneventful, and they soon arrived in the Eastern Capital. They rested before the Imperial City Watch Office. The next day, early in the morning, they went to the East Flowery Gate to await the morning audience. At that time, Grand Preceptor Cai Jing, Privy Council Director Tong Guan, and Grand Marshals Gao Qiu and Yang Jian led Lu Junyi into a side hall to have an audience with the emperor. After performing the rites, the Son of Heaven said, "I wished to see you in person." He then asked, "Is Luzhou a suitable place to reside?" Lu Junyi kowtowed again and memorialized, "Relying on Your Majesty's boundless favor, the military and civilians there are all settled and at peace." The emperor then asked some casual questions, delaying until noon. The imperial kitchen official memorialized, "The imperial meal is prepared and ready. I dare not present it without Your Majesty's command." At that time, Gao Qiu and Yang Jian had already secretly placed mercury within it and set it upon the imperial table. The emperor personally bestowed the meal upon Lu Junyi. Lu Junyi kowtowed, accepted it, and ate. The emperor comforted and admonished him, saying, "When you go to Luzhou, you must be diligent, care for and nurture the soldiers, and do not give rise to any other thoughts." Lu Junyi kowtowed in gratitude for the favor and left the court to return to Luzhou, completely unaware of the scheme the four treacherous ministers had devised to harm him. Gao Qiu and Yang Jian said to each other, "The great matter is now settled!"

Let us speak no more of that. That evening, Lu Junyi set off back to Luzhou. He felt pain in his lower back and kidneys, could not move, and was unable to ride a horse, so he returned by boat. When he reached the Huai River at Sizhou, his allotted span was nearly at an end, and events naturally arose. That night, because he was drunk, he wanted to stand at the prow of the boat to relieve his boredom. Unexpectedly, the mercury had sunk to his waist and hip bones and into his marrow, making him unsteady on his feet. Combined with his drunkenness, he missed his step and fell into the deep waters of the Huai River and drowned. Alas, that "Jade Qilin" of Hebei had become an unjustly slain ghost in the water. His attendants retrieved the corpse, prepared a coffin, and buried him in a deep, high place on the plains of Sizhou. The local officials wrote a report and submitted it to the provincial and court authorities; we need not go into detail.

Let us now speak of Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian. The four treacherous ministers, having deliberated and settled their plan, brought the report submitted by Sizhou to the morning audience and memorialized the Son of Heaven, saying, "Sizhou has reported that Pacification Commissioner Lu, while traveling on the Huai River, fell into the water drunk and drowned. We, the provincial and court authorities, dare not fail to report this. Now that Lu Junyi is dead, we only fear that Song Jiang may become suspicious and give rise to other incidents. We request Your Majesty's sage judgment. You may send an imperial envoy bearing imperial wine to Chuzhou to bestow as a reward, so as to pacify his mind." The emperor pondered for a long time, wanting to refuse but not knowing Song Jiang's thoughts; wanting to approve but fearing there might be treachery involved. The emperor had no choice. In the end, he was befuddled by the slanderous words and flattering speech of the treacherous ministers; their glib tongues and flowery phrases, their covert actions, were all heeded. So he bestowed two jars of imperial wine and sent an imperial envoy to carry them to Chuzhou, with an order to depart immediately. It was evident that this envoy was also a trusted man in the service of the treacherous villains Gao Qiu and Yang Jian. It was ordained by fate that Song Jiang's life was to end. It never occurred to him that these treacherous ministers had placed a slow-acting poison within the imperial wine. The envoy then carried it and went directly to Chuzhou.

Let us now speak of Song Jiang. Ever since he had assumed the post of Pacification Commissioner of Chuzhou, concurrently in charge of commanding the troops, after arriving at his post, he cherished the soldiers and loved the common people. The common people respected him as a father and mother; the military officers and soldiers admired him as a god. The courtroom was solemn and quiet; all government affairs were handled properly. The people's hearts were already won over; the military and civilians respected and admired him. In his spare time from official duties, Song Jiang often went outside the city to amuse himself. It turned out that south of the outer gate of Chuzhou, there was a place called the Liao'er Marsh. The mountain there was surrounded on all sides by waterways, and in the middle stood a high peak. The mountain was beautiful, with dense groves of pines and cypresses, and excellent geomantic omens. Although it was a small place, within it mountain peaks encircled each other, coiled like a dragon and crouched like a tiger; the ridges and peaks twisted and turned, with layers of terraces and steps. In all directions, tributaries of the harbor crisscrossed, and before and behind, lakes and marshes were linked together, exactly resembling the appearance of the Liangshan Marsh water stronghold. When Song Jiang saw it, he was overjoyed in his heart and thought to himself, "If I die here, I can use it as my burial place." Whenever he had leisure, he would go there to amuse himself and indulge his pleasure. Let us skip idle talk. From the time Song Jiang took office, nearly half a year had passed. It was the early summer of the sixth year of the Xuanhe reign, in the first ten-day period, when he suddenly heard that the court had sent an imperial envoy bearing imperial wine. He went out of the city with all the officials to welcome him. They entered the official residence. After the imperial decree was read aloud, the imperial envoy presented the imperial wine and ordered Pacification Commissioner Song to drink it. Song Jiang also took the imperial wine and urged the imperial envoy to drink in return, but the envoy declined, saying he had never been a drinker. When the banquet with the imperial wine was over, the imperial envoy returned to the capital. Song Jiang prepared gifts to present to the imperial envoy, but the envoy did not accept them and left.

After Song Jiang drank the imperial wine, he felt pain in his abdomen and became suspicious, guessing that poison had been placed in the wine. He quickly sent an attendant to inquire about the envoy, who, on the road at the post station, had drunk wine. Song Jiang knew then that he had fallen victim to a treacherous scheme and that the villainous ministers must have put poison in the wine. He sighed and said, "I studied Confucianism from my youth, and in adulthood, I understood government affairs. Unfortunately, I fell into the company of criminals, but I never committed half a disloyal act. Now the Son of Heaven, heeding slanderous words and flattering speech, bestows poison wine upon me. What crime have I committed? My death is not worth regretting, but there is only Li Kui, who is now serving as Commander-in-Chief in Runzhou. If he hears that the court has carried out such treacherous deeds, he will surely gather in the mountains and forests again, destroying the pure reputation of loyalty and righteousness that we have built up over our lifetimes. Only by doing this can it be prevented." That very night, he sent a man to Runzhou to summon Li Kui to come to Chuzhou with all possible speed, as there were other matters to discuss.

Let us now speak of Li Kui. After he arrived at Runzhou to serve as Commander-in-Chief, he was constantly gloomy and unhappy, spending his days drinking with everyone, loving only the cup. When he heard that Song Jiang had sent someone to invite him, Li Kui said, "Brother calling me—there must be something he wants to discuss." So he boarded the boat with the messenger and went straight to Chuzhou, entering the prefectural office directly. After paying his respects to Song Jiang, Song Jiang said, "Brother, since we parted, I have thought of you all day and night. Military Advisor Wu Yong is far away in Wushengjun, and Garrison Commander Hua Rong in Yingtianfu—I have heard no news of them. Only you, brother, in Runzhou, Zhenjiang, are somewhat closer, so I specially summoned you to discuss a great matter." Li Kui said, "Brother, what great matter?" Song Jiang said, "First, drink!" Song Jiang invited him into the rear hall, where cups and dishes were already laid out, and feasted Li Kui, eating and drinking for a good while. When they were half drunk, Song Jiang said, "Worthy brother, you do not know—I have heard that the court has sent someone with poisoned wine to give me to drink. If I die, what then is to be done?" Li Kui gave a great shout: "Brother, rebel!" Song Jiang said, "Brother, the troops and horses are all gone; the brothers are scattered far and wide—how can we rebel successfully?" Li Kui said, "I have three thousand troops and horses in Zhenjiang. Your troops and horses here in Chuzhou—muster them all, together with these common people, and raise them all. Join forces, recruit soldiers, buy horses, and charge forth! It would be far more enjoyable to go back to Liangshan Marsh! That would be better than suffering under these treacherous ministers!" Song Jiang said, "Brother, slow down—let us consider it further." Now, in that welcoming feast wine, a slow-acting poison had already been placed. That night, Li Kui drank the wine. The next day, he prepared a boat for departure. Li Kui said, "Brother, when will you raise the righteous army? I will raise troops there and come to support you." Song Jiang said, "Brother, do not blame me! The other day, the court sent an envoy to give me poisoned wine to drink. My death is imminent. In my life, I have only upheld the two words 'loyalty and righteousness,' never once deceiving my heart. Now that the court puts me to death without cause, I would rather the court be ungrateful to me than I be disloyal to the court. After I die, I fear you might rebel and ruin the righteous reputation of Liangshan Marsh's 'Enforcing Heaven's Way' with loyalty and righteousness. Therefore, I summoned you to see you one last time. Yesterday, in the wine, I gave you a slow-acting poison. When you return to Runzhou, you will surely die. After you die, come here—outside the South Gate of Chuzhou, there is a place called Liao'er Wa, whose scenery is entirely no different from Liangshan Marsh—and there our souls shall gather. After I die, my corpse will certainly be buried there; I have already chosen the spot!" When he finished speaking, tears fell like rain. Li Kui, hearing this, also wept and said, "Enough, enough, enough! Serving you in life, I am merely a minor ghost under you in death!" After speaking, tears fell, and he felt his body growing heavy. At that moment, shedding tears, he bowed and took leave of Song Jiang, then boarded the boat. When he returned to Runzhou, the poison indeed took effect, and he died. At the moment of his death, Li Kui instructed his attendants: "After I die, by all means send my coffin to Liao'er Wa outside the South Gate of Chuzhou, and bury me together with my brother." After giving these instructions, he died. His attendants prepared a coffin, encoffined him, and, not betraying his words, escorted his coffin there.

Let us now speak of Song Jiang. After parting with Li Kui, his heart was filled with grief, and he longed to see Wu Yong and Hua Rong, but could not meet them. That night, as the poison took effect and he neared death, he instructed his trusted attendants: "Follow my words—bury my coffin in the deep high ground of Liao'er Wa outside the South Gate of this place. You will surely be repaid for your kindness. … Please obey my instructions." After speaking, he died. Song Jiang's attendants prepared a coffin and held the funeral according to rites. The officials of Chuzhou heeded his words and, not betraying his dying wish, together with his trusted attendants and the local clerks, young and old, escorted Song Jiang's coffin and buried it at Liao'er Wa. Several days later, Li Kui's coffin also arrived from Runzhou and was buried beside Song Jiang's grave. No more need be said of this.

Let us now speak of Song Qing, who was ill at home. When he heard that a family member had returned and reported that his elder brother Song Jiang had died in Chuzhou, he was confined to bed by illness in Yuncheng and could not come to attend the funeral. Later, he heard that the burial was at Liao'er Wa outside the South Gate of that prefecture. He only sent family members to come and offer sacrifices, to inspect the grave mound, and to complete its repair. They then reported back to Song Qing. No more need be said of this.

Now, Military Advisor Wu Yong, the Commissioner of Wushengjun, had been constantly unhappy since assuming his post, and often thought of the loving bond he shared with Song Jiang. Suddenly, one day, his mind became confused, and he could not sleep peacefully. That night, he dreamed that Song Jiang and Li Kui seized his clothes and said, "Military Advisor, we took loyalty and righteousness as our foundation, enforcing Heaven's Way, and never in our hearts betrayed the Emperor. Now the court has given us poisoned wine to drink, and we die innocent. After our deaths, we have been buried deep in Liao'er Wa outside the South Gate of Chuzhou. If the Military Advisor remembers our former friendship, you may come to the grave mound and visit us in person." Wu Yong wanted to ask for details, but suddenly woke with a start—it was but a dream of the Southern Branch. Wu Yong's tears fell like rain, and he sat waiting until dawn. After having this dream, he could neither eat nor sleep in peace.

The next day, he packed his luggage and went straight to Chuzhou. He brought no attendants, traveling alone. When he arrived at Chuzhou, he found that Song Jiang was indeed dead, and heard the people there all sighing in grief. Wu Yong arranged for sacrificial offerings and went straight to Liao'er Wa outside the South Gate. Finding the grave mound, he set out offerings for Song Jiang and Li Kui. Then, before the grave, he struck the tomb mound with his hand and wept, saying, "Elder brother, your heroic spirit is not extinguished; I beg you to understand my sincerity. Wu Yong was but a village scholar. At first, I followed Chao Gai, then later met you, elder brother, who saved my life and allowed me to enjoy glory and wealth. For over ten years now, I have relied entirely on your grace and virtue. Now that you have died for the state, you have appeared to me in a dream to reveal your spirit. Your younger brother has no way to repay you; I wish to offer this wretched life of mine to join you, elder brother, in the Nine Springs below." After speaking, he wept bitterly.

Just as he was about to hang himself, he saw Hua Rong rushing from the boat to the grave. When they saw each other, both were startled. Wu Yong asked, "Worthy brother, you serve as an official in Yingtianfu—how did you learn of elder brother Song's death?" Hua Rong said, "Since we parted and I assumed my post, I have not had a single day of peace in body or mind, constantly longing for the bonds of friendship with you all. Because one night I had an extraordinary dream, in which I saw elder brother Song Jiang and Li Kui come and seize me, telling me that the court had given them poisoned wine to drink and poisoned them to death, and that they were now buried on the high ground of Liao'er Wa outside the South Gate of Chuzhou. 'Brother, if you do not abandon our old friendship, you may come to the grave and visit us.' Therefore, your younger brother abandoned his family, did not avoid the hardships of travel, and came here posthaste." Wu Yong said, "The extraordinary dream I had was exactly the same, no different from yours, worthy brother. That is why I came. Now that you, worthy brother, have arrived here, it is best. In my heart, I cannot bear to part with Song Jiang's grace and loyalty, and I cannot repay my bond with him. I was just about to hang myself here, so that my soul may gather with our elder brother in one place. My affairs after death—I entrust to you, worthy brother." Hua Rong said, "Since the Military Advisor has this intention, your younger brother will follow you, and also return to the same place with our elder brother." Truly, such is the perfect harmony of life and death! There is a poem to witness:

In Red Smartweed Hollow, the dream stretched long;

Hua Rong and Wu Yong each grieved strong.

One heart of righteous blood was shared—

How could they bear Tian Heng alone be spared?

Wu Yong said, "I had hoped that after you saw me die, you would bury me here. How can you do this thing as well?" Hua Rong said, "Your younger brother ponders that elder brother Song's benevolence and righteousness are hard to abandon, and his grace and affection unforgettable. When we were on Liangshan Marsh, we were already men guilty of great crimes, fortunate not to have died. Grateful that the Emperor pardoned our crimes and accepted our submission, we campaigned north and south, establishing merit. Now we have made our names known, and all under heaven knows of us. Since the court has already grown suspicious, it will surely seek some pretext to find fault. If we fall into their treacherous schemes and suffer punishment wrongly, regret would then be too late. Now to follow our elder brother in death at the Yellow Springs leaves a pure reputation in the world, and our bodies will surely return to the grave mound!" Wu Yong said, "Worthy brother, listen to me. I am single, without a family—what harm is there in dying? You still have young children and a delicate wife—on whom will they rely?" Hua Rong said, "This matter is no trouble; I have chests of belongings enough to sustain them. My wife and family will also have someone to manage them." The two wept bitterly for a long time, then both hung themselves on a tree and died. The boat attendants waited long, but when their master did not come out, they all went to the grave to look. There they saw Wu Yong and Hua Rong dead by hanging. They hastily reported to the officials of the prefecture, who prepared coffins and buried them beside Song Jiang's grave at Liao'er Wa. Neatly, four grave mounds stood east and west. The people of Chuzhou, moved by Song Jiang's benevolence and virtue, and his completeness in loyalty and righteousness, built a shrine, offering sacrifices in all four seasons. The villagers prayed there, and their requests were never unanswered.

Let us not speak for now of Song Jiang’s repeated manifestations at Liao’erwa, where every prayer was immediately answered. But let us speak of Emperor Huizong, who, within the imperial palace in the Eastern Capital, had harbored growing suspicion ever since he bestowed the imperial wine upon Song Jiang. Not knowing Song Jiang’s fate, he constantly fretted over him. Each day, he was beguiled by the extravagant and pleasure-seeking talk of Gao Qiu and Yang Jian, thinking only of blocking the path of worthy men and plotting against loyal and good officials. Suddenly one day, while strolling idly in the rear palace, the Supreme Emperor thought of Li Shishi. Through the underground passage, accompanied by two young eunuchs, he went straight to her rear garden and pulled the bell cord. Li Shishi hastily welcomed the imperial carriage and, once inside her bedchamber, they sat down. The Supreme Emperor ordered the front and rear doors closed. Li Shishi, fully adorned, stepped forward and performed her obeisance. The Son of Heaven said, “I have recently been afflicted with a minor ailment; I have had the ‘Divine Physician’ An Daozhen attend me, and for several tens of days I have not been able to meet with you, my beloved, and I have missed you greatly! Now that I see you, my heart is filled with joy!” Li Shishi replied, “I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s gracious affection; this humble slave is overcome with shame and gratitude beyond words!” A feast of wine and dishes was laid out in the room, and they drank and amused themselves together. They had only drunk a few cups when the Supreme Emperor’s spirit grew weary. The lamps and candles burned bright and brilliant, when suddenly a chill wind arose from within the room, and the Supreme Emperor saw a man in yellow garments standing before him. The Supreme Emperor started up and asked, “Who are you, that you dare come directly here?” The man in yellow replied, “Your subject is Dai Zong, the ‘Magic Messenger,’ formerly of Song Jiang’s band at Liangshan.” The Supreme Emperor said, “Why have you come here?” Dai Zong replied, “My elder brother Song Jiang is near at hand; I beg Your Majesty’s carriage to accompany me.” The Supreme Emperor said, “Where would you lightly move my carriage to go?” Dai Zong said, “There is a pure and lovely place; I beg Your Majesty to go sightseeing there.” Upon hearing this, the Supreme Emperor rose and followed Dai Zong out of the rear courtyard. He saw that horses and carriages were already prepared; Dai Zong asked the Supreme Emperor to ride. He felt as if amidst clouds and mist, hearing the sound of wind and rain in his ears, until they arrived at a place. What was seen was:

Boundless misty waters, faint cloudy mountains. No light of sun or moon was visible, only water and sky of one color. Red and brilliant, the reeds filled the eyes; green and lush, the sedge leaves covered an isle. Pairs of wild geese cried mournfully on the sandbars and rocky banks; couples of wagtails wearily roosted by the withered lotus on the riverbank. Frosty maples clustered thickly, like the tear-stained waves of a grieving traveler; wind-blown willows were sparse, like the furrowed brows of a resentful wife. The scene of a long night with pale moon and cold stars, the season of deep autumn with cool wind and chilly dew.

At that moment, the Supreme Emperor, still on horseback, could not finish his viewing and asked Dai Zong, “What place is this? Why have you brought me here?” Dai Zong pointed to a pass on the mountain and said, “I beg Your Majesty to go forward; you will know when you get there.” The Supreme Emperor spurred his horse up the mountain. After passing through three passes, before the third pass he saw over a hundred men prostrate on the ground, all clad in robes and armor, in martial attire with leather belts, gold helmets, and golden armor. The Supreme Emperor was greatly startled and asked repeatedly, “Who are all of you?” The foremost among them, wearing a phoenix-winged golden helmet and a brocade robe over golden armor, stepped forward and said, “Your subject is Song Jiang of Liangshan.” The Supreme Emperor said, “I have already appointed you as Pacification Commissioner of Chuzhou; why are you here?” Song Jiang replied, “We, your subjects, respectfully invite Your Majesty to the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, so that I may recount in detail the grievances of my heart and the injustice of my wrongful death.” The Supreme Emperor dismounted before the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, entered the hall, and sat down. When he looked down from the hall, he saw many people prostrating themselves in the mist. The Supreme Emperor was uncertain. Then the foremost, Song Jiang, ascended the steps, knelt forward, and with tears streaming, began to speak. The Supreme Emperor said, “Why do you weep, my minister?” Song Jiang replied, “Although we once resisted the Heavenly Army, we have always upheld loyalty and righteousness, without the slightest trace of a rebellious heart. Since receiving Your Majesty’s gracious decree of amnesty and recruitment, we first drove back the Liao armies, then pacified the three rebels; of our sworn brothers, eight out of ten have already perished. Your subject was honored by Your Majesty’s command to guard Chuzhou. Since taking office, I have not harmed the people or soldiers in the slightest—Heaven and Earth bear witness. Now Your Majesty has bestowed poisoned wine upon me and had me drink it; I die without regret. But I feared that Li Kui, harboring resentment, might suddenly raise a rebellion; I purposely sent someone to Runzhou to summon Li Kui, and personally poisoned him with the wine. Wu Yong and Hua Rong also came out of loyalty and righteousness and hanged themselves at my grave. We four are buried together at Liao’erwa, outside the south gate of Chuzhou. The villagers, taking pity on us, built a shrine before our graves. Now our souls have not dispersed, and we have all gathered here to appeal to Your Majesty, to tell of the lifelong sincerity of our hearts, which remained constant from beginning to end. I beg Your Majesty’s holy judgment.” The Supreme Emperor, greatly shocked, said, “I personally dispatched an imperial envoy and personally bestowed the yellow-sealed imperial wine; I do not know who substituted poisoned wine and gave it to you.” Song Jiang replied, “Your Majesty may ask the envoy, and then you will know where the treachery lies.” The Supreme Emperor, seeing the three passes and stockades so imposing, asked sadly, “What place is this, that you all gather here?” Song Jiang replied, “This is Liangshan Marsh, where we formerly assembled in righteousness.” The Supreme Emperor said, “You have all died; you should go and be reborn. Why do you gather here?” Song Jiang replied, “The Heavenly Emperor, pitying our loyalty and righteousness, has received a decree from the Jade Emperor, appointing us as the local guardian spirits of Liangshan Marsh. All the generals have gathered here. Having grievances difficult to voice, we specially ordered Dai Zong to trouble the lord of ten thousand chariots to come in person to this watery marsh, to earnestly tell of the lifelong feelings of our hearts.” The Supreme Emperor said, “Why did you not come to the nine-fold deep palace and clearly inform me?” Song Jiang replied, “Your subject is but a yin and dusky soul; how could I enter the Phoenix Tower or Dragon Palace? Now that Your Majesty has left the palace precincts, we have presumptuously invited you here.” The Supreme Emperor said, “May I look around and take pleasure in this place?” Song Jiang and the others again bowed in gratitude for the favor. The Supreme Emperor descended from the hall and turned back to look at the plaque above, on which was inscribed in large characters the three words “Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.” The Supreme Emperor nodded and descended the steps. Suddenly, from behind Song Jiang, Li Kui stepped forward, holding a pair of axes in his hands, and shouted in a harsh voice, “Emperor! Emperor! How could you listen to the slander of those four traitorous ministers and wrongfully destroy our lives? Now that we have met, it is the perfect time for revenge!” As the Black Whirlwind finished speaking, he whirled his axes and charged straight at the Supreme Emperor.

The Son of Heaven, startled by this, suddenly awoke—it was but a dream, like the Southern Branch of a hollow tree. His whole body was drenched in cold sweat. Opening his eyes, he saw the lamps and candles bright and brilliant; Li Shishi had not yet gone to sleep. The Supreme Emperor asked, “Where did I just go?” Li Shishi replied, “Your Majesty was just now resting your head on the pillow and sleeping.” The Supreme Emperor then told Li Shishi the strange events of his dream, one by one. Li Shishi further replied, “Any upright person is sure to become a god. Could it be that Song Jiang has indeed died, and that he intentionally manifested his spirit to send Your Majesty a dream?” The Supreme Emperor said, “Tomorrow I must look into this matter. If he is indeed dead, I must have a temple built for him and confer upon him the title of a marquis.” Li Shishi replied, “If Your Majesty indeed grants such an honor, it will shine forth Your Majesty’s virtue of not forgetting your meritorious ministers.” That night, the Supreme Emperor sighed without ceasing.

The next day, at the morning court, an imperial decree was issued, and all the ministers were assembled in the side hall. At that time, Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, Yang Jian, and others, fearing only that the Supreme Emperor would ask about Song Jiang, had already left the palace. Only Grand Marshal Su and a few other great ministers were in attendance. The Supreme Emperor then asked Su Yuanjing, “Do you know any news of Song Jiang, the Pacification Commissioner of Chuzhou?” Grand Marshal Su replied, “Although I have long known nothing of Song Jiang’s news, last night I had a strange dream, quite remarkable.” The Supreme Emperor said, “If you had a strange dream, you may report it to me.” Grand Marshal Su replied, “I dreamed that Song Jiang himself came to my private residence, fully armed in armor and helmet. He saw me and told me that Your Majesty had given him poisoned wine to drink, causing his death. The people of Chu, pitying his loyalty and righteousness, buried him within Liao’erwa, outside the south gate of Chuzhou, and built a shrine, offering sacrifices in the four seasons.” Upon hearing this, the Supreme Emperor nodded and said, “This is truly a strange affair, the same as my dream.” He then instructed Su Yuanjing, “You may send a trusted person to Chuzhou to investigate this matter. Whether it is true or not, report back quickly.” Grand Marshal Su said, “Yes.” He then received the imperial decree and left the palace. Returning to his private residence, he dispatched a trusted person to go to Chuzhou to inquire about Song Jiang’s fate. Of this, no more need be said.

The next day, the Supreme Emperor took his seat in the Hall of Literary Virtue. Seeing Gao Qiu and Yang Jian at his side, he asked by imperial decree, “You in the provincial court—do you know any news of Song Jiang of Chuzhou recently?” The two did not dare to reply, each saying they knew nothing. The Supreme Emperor’s suspicion grew, and his dragon countenance showed displeasure.

Grand Secretary Su's messenger, having returned from his investigation in Chuzhou, reported in detail that Song Jiang had died by drinking the poisoned wine bestowed by imperial decree. After his death, the people of Chu were moved by his loyalty and righteousness, and he was buried on the high mountain at Liao'erwa in Chuzhou. Moreover, Wu Yong, Hua Rong, and Li Kui were buried together in the same place. The common folk, in their grief, built a shrine before the graves, offering sacrifices in spring and autumn with sincere devotion. Scholars and commoners prayed there, and it proved highly efficacious. Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary Su hastily led the messenger into the palace and reported the matter in detail to the Emperor. When the Emperor heard this, he was overwhelmed with sorrow. At the morning court the next day, the Emperor flew into a rage and, before the assembled officials, rebuked Gao Qiu and Yang Jian, saying, "You traitors who ruin the state, you have destroyed my realm!" The two men prostrated themselves on the ground, knocking their heads in apology. Cai Jing and Tong Guan also stepped forward to memorialize, saying, "Life and death are all determined by fate. The provincial court had no official dispatch, so we dared not submit a rash report. Only last night did a document from Chuzhou arrive at the court; we ministers were just about to present it..." In the end, the Emperor, deceived by the four villains' clever words, did not punish them. He immediately dismissed Gao Qiu and Yang Jian with a reprimand and then ordered the pursuit of the original imperial envoy who had delivered the poisoned wine. Unexpectedly, that envoy, having left Chuzhou on his return to the capital, had already died on the road.

The next day, when Grand Secretary Su had an audience with the Emperor in the side hall, he again memorialized to the Son of Heaven about the manifestation of Song Jiang's loyal spirit. The Emperor approved the summoning of Song Jiang's younger brother, Song Qing, to inherit Song Jiang's title. Unexpectedly, Song Qing was already afflicted with a wind-stroke (paralysis) and was physically unable to hold office. He submitted a memorial declining the honor, expressing his wish only to farm in Yuncheng. The Emperor, pitying his filial piety, granted him one hundred thousand strings of cash and three thousand mu of land to support his household. When he had descendants, the court would then consider them for official positions. Later, Song Qing had a son named Song Anping, who passed the imperial examinations and rose to the rank of Secretary Academician; this is a story for later.

Next, according to Grand Secretary Su's memorial, the Emperor personally wrote an imperial edict, conferring upon Song Jiang the posthumous title of "Loyal and Righteous, Beneficent and Responsive Marquis." He also ordered funds to be granted to build a temple at Liangshan Marsh, construct a grand shrine on a large scale, and install painted statues of Song Jiang and the many generals who had died for the state. He ordered a plaque for the main hall, personally inscribing it with the words "Temple of Pure Loyalty." Jizhou, following the imperial decree, built the temple at Liangshan Marsh, and it appeared as follows:

Cinnabar-red gates studded with golden nails, pillars of white jade and silver door leaves; painted rafters and carved beams, vermilion eaves and green tiles. Green railings lowly encircle the latticed windows, embroidered curtains hang high from precious balustrades. In the five main halls, the golden-plaque bestowed by imperial decree hung in the center; along the side corridors, scenes of generals leaving court and ministers entering court were painted. Amid the green locust trees' shadows, the Lingxing Gate soared straight into the blue clouds; in the cool shade of emerald willows, the Temple of Pure Loyalty pierced the heavens. Within the golden hall, statues of Song Jiang and the other thirty-six Heavenly Spirits chief generals were enshrined; along the side corridors, the seventy-two Earthly Fiend generals, headed by Zhu Wu, were arrayed. The attendants before the gates had ferocious expressions, and the divine soldiers under their command were exceedingly valiant. The paper furnace was skillfully built by craftsmen into a tower, for burning paper money throughout the four seasons. Tall masts were erected to hang long streamers, and the villagers from both communes offered sacrifices. The common people reverently paid homage to the righteous deities, and the sacrificial rites honored the Loyal and Righteous Emperor. For ten thousand years, incense offerings would never cease; for a thousand years, their merits would be recorded in history.

There was also a quatrain, which read:

The Heavenly Spirits have all returned to the Celestial Realm,

The Earthly Fiends should likewise enter the Earth.

For a thousand ages, as spirits, they enjoy temple offerings,

For ten thousand years, their heroism is sung in the annals.

Later, Song Jiang frequently manifested his spirit, and the people offered sacrifices to him continuously through the four seasons. Within Liangshan Marsh, if one prayed for wind, wind came; if one prayed for rain, rain fell. At Liao'erwa in Chuzhou, he also showed his efficacy. The people there rebuilt the main hall, added side corridors, and petitioned the court for a bestowing plaque. They installed thirty-six statues of the deities in the main hall, and in the side corridors, they again sculpted the seventy-two generals. Year after year, they enjoyed sacrifices, and the myriad people bowed in worship. To this day, the ancient site still exists. The court historian composed two Tang-style elegiac poems to mourn him, which read:

Do not conceal your deeds and blame Heaven;

The extermination of Han Xin and Peng Yue was already pitiable.

In the days of serving the state with a single heart, breaking the enemy's vanguard,

In the years of a hundred battles, capturing the Liao and defeating the La.

The baleful stars and celestial luminaries are now no more,

Yet the slanderous ministers and treacherous villains still remain!

Had I known I would drink poison and be buried in yellow earth,

Better to have learned from Fan Li and sailed away in a swan-skin boat.

Another poem:

Living, he enjoyed the tripod's fare; dead, he was enfeoffed as a marquis—

A man's life's ambition was thus fulfilled.

Iron horses neighed in the night as the mountain moon rose;

Black gibbons cried in autumn as the evening clouds thickened.

Need not seek true traces from his origins,

But delight in loyalty and righteousness as topics for discourse.

For a thousand ages, Liao'erwa is where jade is buried,

Falling flowers and crying birds always stir deep sorrow.