Chapter 14: The Red-Haired Devil Lies Drunk in the Temple of the Guardian Spirit; Chao Gai Becomes a Sworn Brother in Eastern Creek Village

CHAPTER 14

The Red-Haired Devil Lies Drunk in the Hall of the Lingguan God; Chao the Heavenly King Acknowledges Kinship in East Brook Village

The story tells how Lei Heng arrived at the Hall of the Lingguan God and saw that big fellow lying asleep on the altar table. The soldiers stepped forward, tied him up with a rope, and took him away from the hall. It was still early, just the fifth watch. Lei Heng said, “Let’s take this rogue to Squire Chao’s farmstead to get some refreshments, then we’ll escort him to the county office for questioning.” The whole group headed straight for the squire’s farmstead.

Now, the village head of East Brook Village was named Chao, his given name Gai. His family had been wealthy landowners in the county and township for generations. All his life he was chivalrous and generous with his wealth, delighting in making friends with bold heroes far and wide. Whenever anyone came to seek refuge with him, good or bad, he would keep them at his farmstead. If they wanted to leave, he would give them silver to help them on their way. He loved to practice with spear and staff, and was himself strong and robust. He never took a wife, but spent his days hardening his sinews and bones. Under Yuncheng County’s jurisdiction, east of the gate, there were two villages: East Brook Village and West Brook Village, separated only by a large stream. In earlier times, West Brook Village was often haunted by ghosts that lured people into the stream in broad daylight, and no one could do anything about it. Then one day a monk passed through, and the villagers told him the whole story. The monk pointed out a spot and told them to carve a pagoda from green stone and place it there, to suppress the ghosts by the stream. At that time, all the ghosts of West Brook Village were driven over to East Brook Village. When Chao Gai learned of this, he was furious. He waded across the stream, seized the green stone pagoda single-handedly, and brought it back to East Brook Village, setting it down there. Because of this, everyone called him “Heavenly King Who Lifts the Pagoda.” Chao Gai dominated that village, and his name was known throughout the rivers and lakes.

Soon Lei Heng and the soldiers, escorting the man, arrived at the front of the farmstead and knocked on the gate. The farmhands inside heard the noise and reported it to the village head. At this time Chao Gai had not yet risen. When he heard that it was Constable Lei who had come, he hastily ordered the gate opened. The farmhands opened the farm gate, and the soldiers first hung the man in the gatehouse. Lei Heng himself led a dozen or so of the leaders into the hall and sat down. Chao Gai got up to receive them and asked, “Constable, what official business brings you here?” Lei Heng replied, “By order of the county magistrate: he instructed Zhu Tong and me to lead our troops and patrol the various villages and hamlets, searching for thieves and bandits. We have become weary from walking and wanted to rest a while, so we came directly to your honorable farmstead to take a brief respite. We hope we have not disturbed your sleep, Squire.” Chao Gai said, “What harm is there in that!” He immediately ordered the farmhands to prepare wine and food, and first served them soup. Chao Gai then asked, “Has our village captured any petty thieves?” Lei Heng said, “Just now, at the Hall of the Lingguan God ahead, there was a big fellow sleeping there. I could see he was no upright gentleman—he must have been drunk and simply fallen asleep. We bound him with ropes. Originally we intended to take him straight to the county for judgment, but first, it was a bit too early, and second, we thought we should let you know, Squire, so that if the magistrate asks you about it later, you will be able to answer. Right now he is hung up in your farmstead’s gatehouse.” Chao Gai heard this and filed it away in his mind. He thanked him, saying, “I am much obliged to you, Constable, for informing me.” Shortly after, the farmhands brought out platters of food and wine. Chao Gai said, “It’s not convenient to talk here; let’s go to the rear hall pavilion for a while.” He told the farmhands to light candles and lamps inside and invited the constable to drink a few cups in the inner quarters. Chao Gai took the host’s seat, and Lei Heng the guest’s seat. When both were seated, the farmhands laid out fruits, appetizers, vegetables, and dishes. While the farmhands poured wine, Chao Gai also ordered wine bought for the soldiers to drink. The farmhands invited all the men to the corridor guest rooms to be entertained, and large quantities of wine and meat were served to them. As Chao Gai entertained Lei Heng with wine, he thought to himself, “What petty thief has he caught in the village? I’d better go see who it is.” After drinking five or seven cups with him, he called for a steward from the household to come out: “Keep the constable company for a while; I’ll go wash my hands and be right back.”

The steward sat with Lei Heng and drank, while Chao Gai went inside, took a lantern, and went straight to the gate tower to look. The soldiers had all gone to drink, and not one was outside. Chao Gai asked the farmhand at the gate, “Where is the thief the constable caught hung up?” The farmhand said, “He’s locked in the gatehouse.” Chao Gai pushed open the door and looked inside. There he saw the man hung up high, revealing a body of black flesh, with two hairy black legs tied up below and bare feet. When Chao Gai shone the lamp on the man’s face, he saw a broad, purple-black face, with a patch of cinnabar-red birthmark at the temple, on which grew a tuft of black and yellow hair. Chao Gai asked, “Fellow, where are you from? I’ve never seen you in our village.” The man said, “I am a traveler from a distant region. I came here to seek out someone, but they’ve taken me for a thief. I have a way to explain myself.” Chao Gai said, “Who have you come to this village to seek out?” The man said, “I came to this village to seek out a good fellow.” Chao Gai said, “What is this good fellow’s name?” The man said, “He is called Squire Chao.” Chao Gai said, “And what business do you have with him?” The man said, “He is a righteous and chivalrous man known throughout the land. I have a fortune to discuss with him, and that is why I have come.” Chao Gai said, “Wait. I am Squire Chao myself. If you want me to save you, you must acknowledge me as your maternal uncle. In a little while, when I escort Constable Lei and his men out, you will call me ‘Uncle,’ and I will call you ‘nephew.’ You will say that you left here when you were four or five years old and have come back now to find your uncle, so you are not recognized.” The man said, “If you save me like this, I will be deeply grateful for your great kindness. Please help me, righteous man!” Indeed:

In the ancient temple, on a pillow of dark sleep,

Caught and hung high in the thatched hut to the east.

Heaven would not shield a million in stolen goods;

Chao Gai’s clever rescue worked a wondrous feat.

At that time, Chao Gai picked up his lantern and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him. He hurried back to the rear hall to see Lei Heng and said, “I’m afraid I’ve been a poor host.” Lei Heng said, “We have troubled you far too much; it is most improper.” They drank a few more cups of wine. Then they saw daylight streaming in through the window. Lei Heng said, “The east is growing light. I beg leave to go, so that I may report at the county office.” Chao Gai said, “Constable, you are on official duty, so I dare not keep you long. If you ever come to our village on business again, please do visit us.” Lei Heng said, “I will certainly come to pay my respects again; there is no need for you to instruct me, Squire. Please do not trouble yourself to see me out.” Chao Gai said, “Very well, I will at least see you to the farm gate.”

The two walked out together. The group of soldiers had all received their wine and food and were well-fed. Each took up his spear and staff, went to the gatehouse to untie the man, and led him out the gate with his hands bound behind his back. When Chao Gai saw him, he said, “What a fine big fellow!” Lei Heng said, “This rogue is the thief we caught in the Lingguan Temple.”

Before he had finished speaking, the man called out, “Uncle, save me!” Chao Gai pretended to take a good look at him and shouted, “Isn’t this fellow Wang Xiaosan?” The man said, “I am he. Uncle, save me.” Everyone was startled. Lei Heng asked Chao Gai, “Who is this man? How is it that you recognize him, Squire?” Chao Gai said, “He is actually my nephew, Wang Xiaosan. How did this fellow come to be sleeping in the temple? He is the child of my elder sister. He lived here when he was small. When he was four or five, he followed my brother-in-law and sister to the capital, Nanjing, to live, and he was gone for over ten years. This fellow came back once when he was fourteen or fifteen, following a merchant from the capital to do some trading here, and I have not seen him since. I have heard many people say that he has turned out badly. How did he end up here? I couldn’t really recognize him myself, but because of that patch of cinnabar-red birthmark on his temple, I had a vague idea.” Chao Gai shouted, “Xiaosan, why didn’t you come straight to see me? Why go stealing in the village!” The man cried out, “Uncle, I have not been stealing.” Chao Gai yelled, “If you haven’t been stealing, why are you being held here?” He snatched a club from one of the soldiers and began to strike him about the head and face. Lei Heng and the others urged him, “Don’t hit him yet; let him speak.” The man said, “Uncle, calm your anger and listen to me. Since I came that time when I was fourteen or fifteen, hasn’t it been ten years now? Last night on the road I drank a cup too many and didn’t dare come to see you, Uncle. I went to the temple to sleep it off, intending to come see you when I woke. I never expected that these men would seize me without asking the reason. I have not been stealing.” Chao Gai raised his club again to strike, cursing, “You beast! Why didn’t you come straight to me, but instead stopped on the road to guzzle that cheap liquor? Don’t I have enough to give you at home? You disgrace me to death!” Lei Heng urged, “Squire, calm your anger. Your nephew truly has not been stealing. We saw such a big fellow sleeping in the temple in a suspicious manner, and since he was a stranger and we didn’t know him, we suspected him and brought him here. If we had known earlier that he was your nephew, we certainly would not have taken him.” He called to the soldiers to quickly untie the ropes and release him back to the squire. The soldiers immediately freed the man. Lei Heng said, “Squire, do not be offended. Had we known he was your nephew, we would not have treated him this way. We are very sorry. We will take our leave now.” Chao Gai said, “Constable, please wait. Come back into my farmstead; I have more to say.”

Lei Heng released the man, and they all went back into the thatched hall together. Chao Gai took out ten taels of fine silver and gave it to Lei Heng, saying, "Captain, don't mind the modest gift; I hope you'll do me the honor of accepting it." Lei Heng said, "This is hardly proper." Chao Gai said, "If you refuse to take it, it means you're displeased with me." Lei Heng said, "Since it's your generous intent, I'll accept it for now and repay you another day." Chao Gai told the man to bow and thank Lei Heng, then Chao Gai also took out some silver and rewarded the soldiers, after which he escorted them out of the estate gate. Lei Heng took his leave and led the soldiers away.

Chao Gai then went with the man to the rear pavilion, gave him some clothes to change into, and put a headscarf on him. He asked the man his surname, given name, and where he was from. The man said, "My surname is Liu, given name Tang, and I'm originally from East Luzhou Prefecture. Because of this cinnabar mark on my temple, everyone calls me Red-Haired Devil. I've come specially to present a fortune to you, Elder Brother Bao. Last night it was late, and I got drunk and fell asleep in the temple, never expecting those fellows to catch me and tie me up. Truly, 'Fate brings together those fated to meet from a thousand li apart; those without fate miss each other though face to face.' Today, in my good fortune, I'm here. Please sit, Elder Brother, and allow me, Liu Tang, to bow four times." After he bowed, Chao Gai said, "Tell me, this fortune you speak of presenting to me—where is it now?"

Liu Tang said, "I've drifted through the rivers and lakes since childhood, traveled many roads, and have always delighted in befriending bold men. I've often heard of your great name, Elder Brother, and little did I expect to meet you by fate. I've seen merchants from Shandong and Hebei who deal in private goods, and many have come to seek refuge with you, Elder Brother. That's why I, Liu Tang, dare to speak these words. Since there are no outsiders here, I can pour out my heart to you." Chao Gai said, "These are all my trusted men; speak freely, no harm done."

Liu Tang said, "I've learned that in the Northern Capital, Daming Prefecture, Governor Liang has purchased one hundred thousand strings' worth of gold, pearls, jewels, rare treasures, and playthings to send to the Eastern Capital as a birthday gift for his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Cai. Last year, he also sent one hundred thousand strings' worth of gold and jewels, but halfway there, someone robbed them—no one knows who—and to this day, the culprits haven't been caught. This year, he's again bought one hundred thousand strings' worth of gold and jewels and will soon arrange for their departure to make it by the fifteenth day of the sixth month, his birthday. I think this is ill-gotten wealth—why not take it! We can figure out a plan to seize it on the road. Heaven knows it's not a crime. I've heard of your great name, Elder Brother; you're a true man with martial skills surpassing others. Though I'm untalented, I've learned some skills. Not just three or five men—even in a troop of one or two thousand cavalry, with a spear in hand, I wouldn't fear them. If you, Elder Brother, don't disdain me, I offer this fortune. What do you think?" Chao Gai said, "Magnificent! Let's discuss it further. Since you've come here, you must have endured some hardship. Go to the guest room to rest and recover. I'll consider it carefully, and we'll talk tomorrow." Chao Gai told a servant to lead Liu Tang to the guest room in the corridor to rest. The servant took him to the room and then went about his own business.

Meanwhile, Liu Tang thought in his room, "What cause have I to suffer this trouble? Thanks to Chao Gai, I've been freed from this affair. But I hate that scoundrel Lei Heng for swindling ten taels of silver from Elder Brother Chao and hanging me up all night. He can't have gone far. I'll take a staff, catch up to him, knock down those bastards, take back the silver, and return it to Chao Gai—that'll vent my anger. This plan is brilliant." Liu Tang left the room, grabbed a long-handled saber from the weapon rack, went out of the estate gate, and strode southward. By then, the sky was light, and one could see:

The Big Dipper just slanting, the east about to dawn. The sky's first light at the horizon, the lingering stars by the sea's edge fading. The golden cock crows thrice, summoning beauties to powder and rouge; precious horses neigh repeatedly, urging travelers to strive for fame and profit. A few strands of rosy clouds strew the blue sky; a round red sun rises over Fusang.

This "Red-Haired Devil," Liu Tang, brandishing his saber, had chased for five or six li when he soon saw Lei Heng leading the soldiers, walking slowly ahead. Liu Tang caught up and shouted, "Hey, Captain, don't run!"

Lei Heng was startled and turned his head to see Liu Tang rushing at him with the saber. Lei Heng hastily snatched a saber from one of the soldiers, holding it, and yelled, "What are you chasing me for?" Liu Tang said, "If you know what's good for you, leave those ten taels of silver and I'll spare you!" Lei Heng said, "Your uncle gave them to me—what's it to you? If I didn't consider your uncle's face, I'd have finished you off right then. Now you dare ask me for silver?" Liu Tang said, "I'm no thief, yet you hung me all night and swindled ten taels from my uncle. If you're smart, give them back, and we'll part on good terms. If you don't, I'll make you bleed before your eyes!" Lei Heng flew into a rage, pointed at Liu Tang, and cursed, "You disgraced, lying thief—how dare you be so insolent!" Liu Tang said, "You filthy scoundrel who cheats the people—how dare you curse me!" Lei Heng cursed again, "Thief-faced, thief-boned, you'll surely drag Chao Gai into trouble! With such a thief's heart and liver, you won't get away with it here!" Liu Tang raged, "I'll settle this with you, win or lose." Gripping his saber, he charged straight at Lei Heng. Seeing Liu Tang coming, Lei Heng laughed loudly and raised his saber to meet him. The two fought on the main road, and one could see:

Back and forth, like phoenixes turning; crashing and charging, like eagles spreading wings. One thrusts with perfect technique; the other blocks with natural insight. One takes the T-step to close in; the other shifts stance to strike deep. Two lines say: Though not worthy of the Lingyan Pavilion, this scene could be painted in a picture.

At that time, Lei Heng and Liu Tang fought on the road for over fifty rounds without a clear victor. The soldiers saw that Lei Heng couldn't beat Liu Tang and were about to join in together to overwhelm him. Just then, from the side, a wicker gate opened, and a man emerged holding two bronze chains, shouting, "You two heroes, stop fighting! I've been watching for a while. Rest a moment—I have something to say." He separated them with the bronze chains, and both men withdrew their sabers, leaped out of the circle, and stood still. Gazing at the man, he appeared dressed like a scholar: wearing a bucket-shaped headscarf covering his eyebrows, a hemp-cloth wide robe with black edges, a tea-brown belt with ornaments; below, silk shoes and clean socks. He had clear brows and bright eyes, a fair face, and a long beard. This man was "Wise Star" Wu Yong, styled Xuejiu, with the Daoist name Master Jia Liang, a native of this area. A poem to the tune of "Immortal by the River" once praised Wu Yong's virtues:

Ten thousand volumes of classics he'd read, with a shrewd and clever heart; the Six Arts and Three Strategies he'd mastered well. Within his breast, he harbored generals; hidden in his belly, he had fierce troops. His schemes dared to surpass Zhuge Liang; Chen Ping's talents could not match his. With a slight trick, he'd startle gods and ghosts. By name, he was called Wu Xuejiu; by title, "Wise Star."

At that moment, Wu Yong, holding his bronze chain, pointed at Liu Tang and called out: "You there, stop. What is the reason for your quarrel with the constable?" Liu Tang glared at Wu Yong and said: "This is none of your business, scholar!" Lei Heng then said: "Professor, you don't know—this fellow was sleeping stark naked in the Temple of the Guardian Spirit last night. We caught him and brought him to Squire Chao's estate. It turned out he was the squire's nephew, so out of respect for his uncle, we released him. Lord Chao invited us for wine and gave me some gifts. This fellow, hiding it from his uncle, chased me all the way here to demand the gifts back. Tell me, isn't he audacious?" Wu Yong thought to himself: "I've known Chao Gai since childhood; whenever anything comes up, he consults me. I know all his relatives and acquaintances, and I've never seen this 'nephew' before. Besides, their ages don't match—there must be something fishy. Let me first break up this fight, then question him." Wu Yong then said: "Big fellow, don't be stubborn. Your uncle is a close friend of mine, and he gets along well with this constable too. If he gave some gift to the constable, coming to demand it back would only embarrass your uncle. Do it for my sake—I'll speak to your uncle myself." Liu Tang said: "Scholar, you don't understand. My uncle didn't give it willingly; this man tricked him out of the silver. If he doesn't return it, I swear I won't go back." Lei Heng said: "Unless Squire Chao himself comes to take it, I'll return it to him, but not to you." Liu Tang said: "You falsely accused someone of being a thief and swindled the silver—why won't you return it?" Lei Heng said: "It's not your silver. I won't return it! I won't!" Liu Tang said: "If you won't return it, then you'll have to settle it with my saber!" Wu Yong interjected again: "You two have been fighting for half a day without a victor. How long will you keep this up?" Liu Tang said: "If he doesn't return my silver, I'll fight him to the death!" Lei Heng, enraged, said: "If I feared you, I'd call more soldiers to gang up on you, but that wouldn't make me a true hero. I'll take you down myself!" Liu Tang, furious, slapped his chest and shouted: "I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid!" and charged forward. Lei Heng, gesturing wildly, also rushed in. The two were about to clash again. Wu Yong stepped between them to mediate, but he couldn't stop them. Liu Tang gripped his saber, ready to strike. Lei Heng, cursing "thief" repeatedly, raised his saber to fight. Just then, the soldiers pointed and said: "The squire is coming."

Liu Tang turned around and saw Chao Gai, wearing his robe with the front open, rushing down the main road, shouting: "You beast! How dare you be so rude!" Wu Yong laughed heartily and said: "It took the squire himself to end this brawl." Chao Gai, panting from the rush, asked: "Why did you come here to fight with sabers?" Lei Heng said: "Your nephew chased me here with his saber, demanding silver. I said: 'I won't return it to you; I'll give it back to the squire himself—this doesn't concern you.' He fought me for fifty rounds, and the Professor was here mediating." Chao Gai said: "This beast—I knew nothing of this. Constable, do it for my sake and go back. I'll come to your door another day to apologize." Lei Heng said: "I know this fellow was acting foolishly. I won't stoop to his level. I'm sorry to have troubled you to come all this way." He took his leave and departed, and we say no more of him.

Wu Yong then said to Chao Gai: "If you hadn't come yourself, a great disaster would have nearly occurred. This nephew of yours is truly extraordinary—he has excellent martial skills. I watched from behind the hedge. Even the famous saber-wielding Constable Lei could only parry and block. If they had fought a few more rounds, Lei Heng's life would have been in danger, so I hurried out to separate them. Where did this nephew come from? I've never seen him at your estate before." Chao Gai said: "I was just about to invite you to my estate to discuss something. I was about to send someone, but I couldn't find him, and the saber was missing from the rack. Then a herdsboy reported that a big fellow with a saber had chased southward. I hurried after him, and thanks to your mediation, the fight was stopped. Please come with me to my estate—I have something to discuss." Wu Yong returned to his study, hung the bronze chain on the wall, and told the master of the house: "When my students come, tell them their teacher has business today and will take the day off." There is a poem to prove it: His literary talent matched his martial skill, / With bronze chain he could halt a saber's will. / He loved bold talk with righteous men, / Not dull days with children in a den. / He freed the caged birds to the sky, / Letting frogs in the field leap high. / The teacher loved action, the students were glad, / While the master of the house grew mad.

Wu Yong locked the study door and went with Chao Gai and Liu Tang to the Chao estate. Chao Gai led them directly to the inner hall and seated them as host and guest. Wu Yong asked: "Squire, who is this man?" Chao Gai said: "A gallant hero of the rivers and lakes. His surname is Liu, his given name Tang, and he is from Dongluzhou. He has come to me with news of a fortune. Last night, drunk, he slept in the Temple of the Guardian Spirit and was caught by Lei Heng. He was brought to my estate, and I claimed him as my nephew to secure his release. He said: 'Liang Zhongshu, the prefect of Daming Prefecture in Beijing, is buying ten thousand strings worth of gold, pearls, and treasures to send to the Eastern Capital as a birthday gift for his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Cai. It will pass by here soon. Such ill-gotten wealth—why not take it?' His coming exactly fulfills a dream I had. Last night, I dreamed of the Northern Dipper's seven stars falling directly onto my roof ridge, with a small star on the handle turning into a white light and vanishing. I thought, 'The stars shine on my household—how could it be unlucky?' This morning, I was about to invite you to discuss this matter. What do you think?" Wu Yong smiled and said: "When I saw Brother Liu chasing after you so strangely, I already guessed seven or eight parts of it. This matter is good, but there's one problem: too many people can't do it, and too few can't either. Your estate has many servants, but none can be used. Now, it's only you, Brother Liu, and me—three people. How can we manage this? Even if you and Brother Liu are extremely capable, you can't handle it alone. This job requires seven or eight good men; more than that is useless." Chao Gai said: "Shouldn't it match the number of stars in the dream?" Wu Yong said: "Your dream is no small matter. Perhaps more helpers will come from the north?" Wu Yong thought for a long moment, furrowed his brow, and a plan came to him. He said: "I have it! I have it!" Chao Gai said: "Since you have trusted heroes in mind, you can go and invite them to accomplish this task."

Wu Yong, unhurriedly, raised two fingers and spoke these words. As a result, the righteous men of East Creek Village turned into outlaws; the fishing boats of Stone Tablet Village served as warships. Truly: He who could talk heaven and earth with his glib tongue / Came to lure those who would churn the rivers and seas.

Who was it that "Wise Star" Wu Yong proposed? Listen to the next chapter for the answer.