Chapter 35: General Shi Sends a Letter from a Village Inn; Li the Little Archer Shoots a Wild Goose at Liangshan

Chapter 35: The Stone General Sends a Letter from a Village Inn; Li the Little Broadcaster Shoots a Wild Goose on Liangshan

At that moment, Qin Ming and Huang Xin went outside the stockade gate and looked, seeing that the two columns of troops approaching had both arrived just then. One column was led by Song Jiang and Hua Rong, the other by Yan Shun and Wang the Dwarf Tiger, each bringing over 150 men. Huang Xin ordered the stockade soldiers to lower the drawbridge and throw open the stockade gates, welcoming both columns into the town. Song Jiang quickly passed down orders: Do not harm a single commoner, do not injure a single stockade soldier. He ordered the first attack into the southern stockade, where Liu Gao’s entire family, old and young, were all killed. Wang the Dwarf Tiger was the first to seize that woman. The junior brigands loaded all the household property—gold, silver, valuables, and precious goods—onto carts. All the horses, cattle, and sheep were also taken. Hua Rong went to his own home, loaded his belongings onto carts, and moved his wife, children, and younger sister. Whatever property belonged to the people of Qingfeng Town was returned to them. After the many chieftains had finished their preparations, the column of men and horses left Qingfeng Town and returned to the mountain stronghold.

The carts, horses, and men all reached the stronghold. Zheng Tianshou welcomed them, and they gathered in the Assembly Hall for a meeting. After Huang Xin had exchanged courtesies with the chieftains, he sat next to Hua Rong. Song Jiang ordered that Hua Rong’s family be settled in a proper dwelling, and Liu Gao’s belongings were distributed as rewards to the junior brigands. Wang the Dwarf Tiger took the woman he had captured and hid her in his own quarters. Yan Shun then asked, “Where is Liu Gao’s wife now?” Wang the Dwarf Tiger replied, “This time she must become my wife, the chieftain’s lady.” Yan Shun said, “If you want her, you can have her; but call her out here, I have something to say.” Song Jiang said, “I was just about to question her.” Wang the Dwarf Tiger then summoned her to the front of the hall. The woman wept and begged for mercy. Song Jiang shouted, “You vile woman! Out of good intentions I rescued you and brought you down the mountain, thinking you were the honored wife of an official. But how could you repay kindness with enmity? Now that you have been captured, what do you have to say for yourself?” Yan Shun leaped to his feet and said, “What’s the use of interrogating such a wanton woman?” He drew his waist knife and with one slash cut her in two. When Wang the Dwarf Tiger saw the woman killed, he flew into a rage, snatched a broadsword, and was about to fight Yan Shun. Song Jiang and the others stood up to restrain him. Song Jiang then said, “Yan Shun was right to kill this woman. Brother, look—I did my utmost to rescue her down the mountain, to reunite her with her husband, and yet she still turned her face away and had her husband try to harm me. Worthy brother, if you kept her by your side, in the long run it would bring harm, not good. Later, Song Jiang will find you a fine woman, one to satisfy you completely.” Yan Shun said, “Brother, that’s exactly what I was thinking. If I hadn’t killed her, she’d be useless, and sooner or later she would have done us harm.” Wang the Dwarf Tiger, calmed by the others’ persuasion, remained silent. Yan Shun ordered the junior brigands to clean up the corpse and bloodstains, and then a feast was laid to celebrate.

The next day, Song Jiang and Huang Xin served as the wedding hosts, while Yan Shun, Wang the Dwarf Tiger, and Zheng Tianshou acted as matchmakers, arranging for Hua Rong to give his younger sister in marriage to Qin Ming. All the betrothal gifts were provided by Song Jiang and Yan Shun. Feasting continued for three or five days. After the wedding, another five to seven days passed when a junior brigand, having gathered intelligence, came up the mountain to report: “I have learned that Prefect Murong of Qingzhou has submitted a report to the Central Secretariat, stating that Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Huang Xin have rebelled. He is requesting a large army to come and suppress them, to wipe out Qingfeng Mountain.” Upon hearing this, the chieftains discussed the matter and said, “This small stronghold of ours is no place for a long stay. If a large army arrives and surrounds us on all sides, how can we resist?” Song Jiang said, “I have a plan, but I don’t know if it will meet with your approval.” All the chieftains present said, “We would like to hear your excellent strategy.” Song Jiang said, “To the south there is a place called Liangshan Marsh, eight hundred li in circumference. In the middle are Wancheng and Liaocrwa, where Chief Chao Gai has gathered three to five thousand troops and horses, holding the water stronghold. Government troops and constables dare not even glance at him. Why don’t we pack up our men and horses and go there to join his band?” Qin Ming said, “Since such a place exists, it is excellent. But without an introduction, how can we be sure he will accept us?” Song Jiang laughed heartily, and then told the story of the hijacking of the Birthday Gifts, all the way to Liu Tang sending the letter and offering him gold in thanks, which led to his killing Yan Poxi and fleeing into the rivers and lakes. Qin Ming was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, “In that case, elder brother, you are his great benefactor. We must not delay; we can pack up and leave quickly.” That very day they settled the plan, and prepared over ten carts, loading onto them the families, gold, silver, valuables, clothing, and luggage. They also had two to three hundred fine horses. As for the junior brigands, those unwilling to go were given some silver and allowed to go down the mountain to serve other masters; those willing to go were organized into squads, and together with the soldiers Qin Ming had brought, they numbered three to five hundred men. Song Jiang ordered them to descend the mountain in three groups, pretending to be government troops on their way to capture Liangshan. After everything on the mountain was packed and loaded onto the carts, they set fire and burned the stronghold to the ground, then descended the mountain in two columns. Song Jiang, together with Hua Rong, led forty to fifty men and thirty to fifty horses, escorting five to seven carts, with the families and retinue in the lead; Qin Ming and Huang Xin led eighty to ninety horses and the necessary carts as the second group; behind them, Yan Shun, Wang the Dwarf Tiger, and Zheng Tianshou led forty to fifty horses and one to two hundred men. They left Qingfeng Mountain and took the road toward Liangshan. Along the way, seeing so many troops and horses, with banners clearly marked as government forces capturing bandits, no one dared to stop them. After traveling for five to seven days, they were far from Qingzhou.

Now, Song Jiang and Hua Rong were riding at the front on horseback, with carts carrying the families behind them, about twenty li ahead of the rear troops. Ahead they came to a place called Duiying Mountain, flanked by two high peaks of similar shape, with a broad post road running between them. As the two were riding along, they suddenly heard the sound of gongs and drums from the mountain ahead. Hua Rong said, “There must be strongmen ahead.” He reined in his spear, took out his bow and arrows and readied them, then placed them back in his embroidered quiver. Meanwhile, he ordered the mounted soldiers to urge the two rear columns to hurry forward, and had the carts, horses, and men halt. Song Jiang and Hua Rong, leading over twenty mounted troops, rode forward to reconnoiter.

About half a li ahead, they soon saw a cluster of men, around a hundred or more, at the front of which was a young warrior. How was he dressed? Behold:

On his head, a three-pronged cap adorned with gold rings and jade; on his body, a robe of a hundred flowers, embroidered with brocade and floral patterns. Armor covered with a thousand scales like fiery dragon scales; a belt bound with red agate. He rode a horse the color of rouge, like a dragon, and wielded a square-pointed halberd with a vermilion shaft. Behind him, junior officers were all in red robes and red armor.

That warrior, halberd held crosswise, stood his horse on the mountain slope and shouted loudly, “Today we fight to decide victory or defeat, to see who wins and who loses!” Then, from behind the ridge opposite, another troop of men emerged, also a hundred or more, at the front of which was a young warrior dressed in white. What was his appearance? Behold:

On his head, a three-pronged cap topped with a cluster of auspicious snow; on his body, iron armor covered with a thousand specks of frost. A plain white silk robe that shone in the sunlight, a silver-flowered belt whose color rivaled the moon. Beneath him, a steed like a jade beast from a campaign; in his hand, a cold halberd wound with silver. Behind him, junior officers were all in white robes and white armor.

This warrior also wielded a square-pointed halberd. One side had plain white banners, the other crimson red banners. The red and white banners fluttered, and the decorated drums beat with earth-shaking thunder. The two warriors, without a word, each thrust forward their halberds, spurred their horses, and clashed on the broad post road between them to decide victory. When Hua Rong and Song Jiang saw this, they reined in their horses to watch. Indeed, it was a splendid duel. Behold:

The banners circled and whirled; battle robes fluttered in the wind. Amid the crimson clouds, several patches of flying clouds swept the ground; in the snowy white light, several balls of prairie fire rolled. In a late winter garden, the mountain tea and plum blossoms vied in brightness; in the deep spring of the imperial park, the white plum and peach blossoms contended in color. This one, aligned with the fire of the south (bingding), seemed like a furnace of flames from the Burning Heaven; that one, aligned with the metal of the west (gengxin), seemed like a jade well overturned on the peak of Mount Taihua. The wrathful god Song Wuji, riding a fiery mule, dashed through the frosty forest; the angry river god Feng Yi, mounted on a jade lion, rampaged through the flower realm.

The two warriors, each wielding a square-pointed halberd, fought for over thirty rounds without either gaining the upper hand. Hua Rong and Song Jiang, watching from horseback, cheered in admiration. Hua Rong gradually urged his horse forward to get a closer look, and saw that the two warriors were locked in a deep ravine. On the two halberds, one had a leopard-tail tassel and the other a multicolored pennant, which had become entangled in a single knot. The silk cords were twisted together, and they could not pull them apart. Seeing this from horseback, Hua Rong reined in his horse, took his bow from the embroidered quiver with his left hand, and with his right hand drew an arrow from the beast-shaped quiver. He nocked the arrow, drew the bow to its full extent, aimed at the spot where the leopard-tail tassels and silk cords were closely tangled, and with a swish, shot the arrow right through the cord, severing it. The two halberds then separated, and the two hundred men all cheered in unison.

The two stalwarts stopped fighting and both galloped over until they were in front of Song Jiang and Hua Rong. They bowed from horseback and said, “We wish to learn the great name of the Archer God.” Hua Rong replied from his horse, “This elder brother of mine is the from Shandong, the ‘Timely Rain’ Song Jiang. I am the, ‘Little Li Guang’ Hua Rong.” When the two stalwarts heard this, they halted their square-headed halberds, dismounted, and knelt as if toppling a golden mountain or an inverted jade pillar, saying, “We have long heard of your great names.” Song Jiang and Hua Rong swiftly dismounted, helped the two stalwarts to their feet, and said, “May we first ask the two stalwarts’ exalted names and surnames?” The one in red said, “My surname is Lü, single given name Fang, from Tanzhou. I have always admired Lü Bu’s conduct, so I learned to use this square-headed halberd, and people call me ‘Little Wenhou’ Lü Fang. Because I was selling raw medicines in Shandong, I lost my capital and couldn’t return home, so I temporarily occupied this Duiying Mountain to rob travelers. Recently this stalwart came, wanting to take my stronghold and divide the mountain with me, but I refused, so we fight daily down the mountain. I didn’t expect fate to be so ordained that today I meet your honored faces.” Song Jiang then asked the stalwart in white his exalted name. The man replied, “My surname is Guo, single given name Sheng, from Jialing in Xichuan. Because I was selling mercury goods, my boat capsized in the Yellow River during a storm, and I couldn’t go home. I originally learned the square-headed halberd from the local military instructor Zhang of Jialing, and later became highly skilled, so people call me ‘Sai Rengui’ Guo Sheng. On the rivers and lakes, I heard that on Duiying Mountain there was a halberd user occupying the peak and robbing, so I came straight here to compete in halberd technique. We’ve fought for over ten days without deciding a victor. I didn’t expect to meet you two lords today—truly heaven’s good fortune.”

Song Jiang told them all that had happened before and said, “Since we have the fortune to meet, how about I reconcile you two?” The two stalwarts were overjoyed and agreed. A poem says:

To reconcile with bronze chains was easy enough,

To reconcile with arrow tips is even more rare.

Know that when heroes’ hearts unite,

A sharp blade can cut hard gold without doubt.

The rear troops had all arrived, and each was introduced. Lü Fang first invited them up the mountain, killed cattle and horses, and prepared a feast. The next day, Guo Sheng held a banquet in return. Song Jiang then persuaded them to join forces and go together to Liangshan Marsh to join Chao Gai’s assembly. The two were overjoyed and agreed. They gathered the troops from both mountains, packed the goods, and were about to set out when Song Jiang said, “Wait a moment. We can’t go like this. If three to five hundred of us head to Liangshan, they have scouts everywhere. If they think we’re coming to capture them, it would be no joke. Let Yan Shun and me go first to report, then you follow later, and we must divide into three groups.” Hua Rong and Qin Ming said, “Elder brother’s insight is correct; this plan of proceeding in stages is good. Elder brother goes half a day ahead, and we will urge the troops forward afterward.”

Let us leave aside the troops from Duiying Mountain setting out in succession. We speak only of Song Jiang and Yan Shun, each riding a horse, leading a dozen followers, heading first to Liangshan Marsh. After two days on the road, at noon, they were walking along when they saw a large tavern by the official road. Song Jiang looked and said, “The lads are tired. Let’s have them buy some wine to drink before moving on.” Then Song Jiang and Yan Shun dismounted, entered the tavern, and told the lads to loosen the horses’ bellybands and all come inside to sit.

When Song Jiang and Yan Shun first entered the tavern to look around, there were only three large seats and a few small ones. On one large seat, a man was already sitting. When Song Jiang looked at this man, what was his attire? As seen:

He wore a pig-snout headcloth, with two Taiyuan Prefecture “gold-not-for-exchange” twisted copper rings at the back of his head. On his upper body, a black-sleeved shirt; around his waist, a white cloth belt. On his legs, knee guards bound; on his feet, eight-strapped hemp sandals. Beside the table leaned a short staff; at the table’s edge lay a bundle of clothes. The man was over eight feet tall, with a pale, bony face, bright eyes, and no beard.

Song Jiang called the waiter over and said, “My companions are many. Let the two of us borrow a seat inside. Have that customer move to another large seat so my companions can sit and drink some wine.” The waiter replied, “I understand.” Song Jiang and Yan Shun sat inside, and first told the waiter to pour wine, giving large bowls to the companions, three bowls each, and buy some meat if available, to feed them all, then come to pour for us.” The waiter saw the companions crowding the counter, so he went to the man who looked like a government servant and said, “Begging your pardon, sir, could you move to the other large seat so the two gentlemen’s companions can sit?” The man, annoyed at being called “sir,” said irritably, “There’s a first-come, first-served rule. What gentlemen’s companions want to switch seats? I won’t switch!” Yan Shun heard this and said to Song Jiang, “See how rude he is!” Song Jiang said, “Let him be. Why argue with him?” He held Yan Shun back. The man turned his head, looked at Song Jiang and Yan Shun, and sneered. The waiter apologized again, saying, “Sir, do me a favor in my trade. What harm is there in switching?” The man flew into a rage, slapped the table, and said, “You bastard, you have no sense. You bully me because I’m alone, wanting me to switch seats. Even if it were the Zhao emperor, I wouldn’t switch. Speak louder, and my big fist won’t know you.” The waiter said, “I didn’t say anything!” The man roared, “As if you’d dare say anything!” Yan Shun, unable to restrain himself, said, “Hey, you fellow, you’re pretty arrogant. If you won’t switch, fine, but don’t bully him.” The man jumped up, grabbed his short staff, and replied, “I was cursing him. What business is it of yours? I only yield to two men in this world; the rest I treat as mud under my feet.” Yan Shun grew angry, lifted a bench, and was about to strike. Song Jiang, seeing the man’s unusual speech, stepped in to mediate: “Stop the fuss for now. Let me ask you: who are the two men you yield to?” The man said, “I’ll tell you, and you’ll be stunned.” Song Jiang said, “I’d like to hear the names of those two heroes.” The man said, “One is Chai Jin, the ‘Little Whirlwind,’ descendant of the Chai clan of Cangzhou’s Heng hai Commandery.” Song Jiang nodded quietly and asked, “Who’s the other?” The man said, “This one’s even greater—the from Shandong, the ‘Timely Rain’ and ‘Protector of Righteousness,’ Song Jiang.” Song Jiang looked at Yan Shun and smiled secretly; Yan Shun had already put down the bench. The man continued, “Besides these two, I fear even the Great Song emperor.” Song Jiang said, “Wait a moment. Let me ask you: since you mention these two, I know them both. Where did you meet them?” The man said, “Since you know them, I won’t lie. I stayed at Lord Chai’s manor for over four months three years ago, but I never met Song Jiang.” Song Jiang said, “Do you want to meet Blackie?” The man said, “I’m on my way to find him now.” Song Jiang asked, “Who told you to find him?” The man said, “His own brother, ‘Iron Fan’ Song Qing, sent me to deliver a family letter to find him.”

When Song Jiang heard this, he was overjoyed. Stepping forward to grab him, he said, “‘Fate brings together those who are destined to meet, even from a thousand li away; those not destined to meet remain strangers though they cross paths.’ I am Blacki Third Lang, Song Jiang.” The man scrutinized him carefully, then bowed and said, “Heaven has blessed me to encounter you, elder brother; I nearly missed you and went to Squire Kong’s place for nothing.” Song Jiang pulled the man inside and asked, “Has there been any trouble at home lately?” The man replied, “Listen to me, elder brother: I am surnamed Shi, named Yong, originally from Daming Prefecture, and I make my living by running a gambling house. My fellow townsmen gave me the nickname ‘General Shi.’ Because I killed a man with a single punch during a gambling quarrel, I fled to Squire Chai’s manor. Hearing often of your great fame from travelers on the rivers and lakes, I went specially to Yuncheng County to seek you out, but I heard you were away due to a lawsuit. Later I met Fourth Lang Song Qing, and when I mentioned Squire Chai, he said you were at Squire Kong’s manor on White Tiger Mountain. Since I wished to pay respects to you, elder brother, Fourth Lang wrote this family letter and asked me to deliver it to Squire Kong’s manor. If I found you, I was to tell you to return home as quickly as possible.” Hearing this, Song Jiang grew suspicious and asked, “How many days did you stay at my manor? Did you see my father?” Shi Yong said, “I only stayed one night there before coming; I did not meet the venerable sir.” Song Jiang told Shi Yong everything about going to Liangshan Marsh. Shi Yong said, “Since leaving Squire Chai’s manor, I have only heard of your great fame on the rivers and lakes—how you are generous and righteous, relieving the poor and aiding the distressed. Now that you are going to join that band, you must take me along.” Song Jiang replied, “There’s no need for you to speak of that; what does one more man matter? First, come and meet Yan Shun.” He called for the tavern keeper to pour three cups of wine. After drinking, Shi Yong went to his bundle, took out the family letter, and hastily handed it to Song Jiang.

Song Jiang took it and looked it over. The envelope was sealed upside down, and there were no characters for “peace” on it. His suspicion deepened. He tore open the envelope and read from the beginning halfway through, where it said: “Father passed away from illness at the beginning of the first month this year. The coffin is still at home, awaiting your return for burial. A thousand times, a thousand times—do not delay! Song Qing, weeping blood, presents this letter.”

When Song Jiang finished reading, he cried out in anguish, utterly at a loss. He beat his chest and cursed himself, saying, “Unfilial wretch! I have done evil, and while my old father died, I could not fulfill my duty as a son. What difference is there between me and a beast?” He dashed his head against the wall and wailed loudly. Yan Shun and Shi Yong held him back. Song Jiang wept until he fainted, and only after a long time did he revive. The two men urged him, saying, “Elder brother, do not grieve for now.” Song Jiang then instructed Yan Shun, “Do not think me heartless or ungrateful, but I have only this old father to worry about. Now that he is gone, I must return home without delay. Let the brothers proceed to the mountain on their own.” Yan Shun advised, “Elder brother, since the venerable sir has already passed away, even if you go home, you will not see him. No one in the world has parents who do not die. Please take comfort and first lead us brothers there. Afterwards, I will accompany you back to observe the mourning rites—it will not be too late. As the old saying goes, ‘Without a head, a snake cannot move.’ If you do not go, how will they be willing to take us in?” Song Jiang said, “If I wait to escort you all up the mountain, it will waste too many days—that won’t do. I will only write a detailed letter explaining everything, and take Shi Yong along to join the band, so that they can all go up the mountain together. If I had not known, it would be one thing; but now that Heaven has let me know, each day feels like a year, and it is like a fire singeing my eyebrows. I will take no horse and no attendant. I will go home alone, traveling day and night.” Neither Yan Shun nor Shi Yong could persuade him to stay.

Song Jiang borrowed a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone from the tavern keeper, asked for a sheet of paper, and wrote the letter while weeping, repeatedly exhorting them in it. When he finished, he left the envelope unsealed, handed it to Yan Shun for safekeeping. He also asked for Shi Yong’s eight-knot hemp sandals and put them on, took some silver and hid it on his person, slung a waist sword over his shoulder, and picked up Shi Yong’s short staff. He refused to touch any food or drink, and went out the door to leave. Yan Shun said, “Elder brother, at least wait until Commander Qin and Captain Hua come to see you before you go.” Song Jiang said, “I will not wait. Once my letter arrives, there will be no obstacles. Brother Shi, you will naturally explain the details. Please convey my regards to the other brothers; pity me in my haste to attend to the mourning—do not blame me.” Song Jiang wished he could cover the distance home in a single step. Like a bird in flight, he went off alone.

Meanwhile, Yan Shun and Shi Yong ate some food, wine, and snacks at the tavern, paid the bill, then had Shi Yong ride Song Jiang’s horse. Bringing the attendants, they left the tavern and traveled three or five li before finding a large inn to stay in and wait. Around chen hour (7–9 a.m.) the next day, the entire company arrived. Yan Shun and Shi Yong greeted them and explained in detail that Elder Brother Song Jiang had gone home for mourning. All blamed Yan Shun, saying, “Why didn’t you detain him?” Shi Yong explained, “When he heard his father had died, he wished he could kill himself. How could he be persuaded to stop? He was eager to fly home. He wrote a detailed letter here, telling us to go straight ahead. When they see the letter there, there will be no trouble.” Hua Rong and Qin Ming read the letter and discussed it with the others, saying, “Since we are already on the way, it is hard to advance or retreat: returning is not good, and disbanding is no good either. Let us just go ahead. We will seal the letter and take it to the mountain. If they do not accept us, we can make other plans then.”

The nine heroes formed one group, leading three to five hundred men and horses, and gradually approached Liangshan Marsh, seeking the main road up the mountain. As the procession passed through the reeds, they heard gongs and drums from the water. Looking up, they saw colorful banners covering the hills and plains, and two fast boats rowing out from the lake. On the leading boat were thirty to fifty lesser bandits, and in the middle of the prow sat a chieftain—it was “Leopard’s Head” Lin Chong. On the following scout boat were also thirty to fifty lesser bandits, with a chieftain at the prow—it was “Red-Haired Devil” Liu Tang. Lin Chong shouted from the boat, “Who are you? What government troops are these? Do you dare to come and capture us? I’ll make every one of you die, not a single survivor. You should know the great name of our Liangshan Marsh!” Hua Rong and Qin Ming all dismounted, stood on the bank, and replied, “We are not government troops. We have a letter here from ‘Timely Rain’ Song Gongming of Shandong, and we have come specially to join your stronghold.” When Lin Chong heard this, he said, “Since you have a letter from Elder Brother Song Gongming, please go ahead to Zhu Gui’s tavern. First let me see the letter, then I will invite you to meet.” A green banner was waved from the boat, and a small boat emerged from the reeds, carrying three fishermen. One stayed in the boat, while the other two came ashore and said, “All you generals, follow me.” On the water, two scout boats were seen; on one, a white banner was waved, and with the sound of bronze gongs, both scout boats departed together.

All the company watched, stunned, and said, “Truly this is the place. What government troops would dare approach? How can our mountain stronghold compare?” The group followed the two fishermen on a wide detour until they reached “Dry-Land Crocodile” Zhu Gui’s tavern. When Zhu Gui heard of their arrival, he welcomed them, and they all met. He ordered two yellow oxen slaughtered, distributed the customary wine and food, and looked at the letter. First, he shot a whistling arrow from the water pavilion to the reeds on the opposite shore, and soon a fast boat rowed over. Zhu Gui instructed the lesser bandits, then sent someone with the letter to report to the mountain. Meanwhile, at the tavern, he had pigs and sheep killed to feast the nine heroes, and the troops and horses were dispersed to rest in the surrounding area.

The next day, around the hour of Chen, the military counselor Wu Xuejiu personally came to Zhu Gui’s inn to welcome the group, and they all met one another. After the formal greetings, they inquired about the details, and soon more than twenty large white boats arrived to pick them up. Wu Yong and Zhu Gui invited the nine heroes to board the boats; the elderly, children, carts, horses, and luggage were all loaded onto the various vessels, and they proceeded toward the Golden Sand Beach. Upon disembarking, they followed the pine-shaded path, where many heroes, led by Chao Gai, came to greet them with full drums and music. Chao Gai took the lead and exchanged greetings with the nine heroes, then escorted them up to the stronghold. Each rode a horse or sat in a sedan chair until they reached the Assembly Hall, where they paid their respects in pairs. On the left side of the row of chairs sat Chao Gai, Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, Lin Chong, Liu Tang, Ruan Xiao’er, Ruan Xiaowu, Ruan Xiaoqi, Du Qian, Song Wan, Zhu Gui, and Bai Sheng—at that time, the “Daytime Rat” Bai Sheng, a few months earlier, had escaped from the Jizhou prison and joined the group at Liangshan, all thanks to Wu Xuejiu sending people to bribe and arrange for Bai Sheng’s release. On the right side of the row of chairs sat Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Huang Xin, Yan Shun, Wang Ying, Zheng Tianshou, Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, and Shi Yong. They sat in two rows, lit a censer of incense in the middle, and each swore an oath. That day, there was a great fanfare, with cattle slaughtered and horses butchered for a feast. They also ordered the new arrivals to pay homage below the hall, while the leaders and junior officers hosted the banquet. The rear mountain lodgings were tidied up, and the families of the elderly and children were all settled in. Qin Ming and Hua Rong at the feast praised Song Jiang’s many virtues and recounted the incident of seeking vengeance at Qingfeng Mountain, which greatly delighted the assembled leaders. Later, they spoke of Lü Fang and Guo Sheng’s contest with halberds, where Hua Rong shot an arrow to sever the silk cord and separate the weapons. Chao Gai was somewhat skeptical upon hearing this and replied vaguely, “To shoot with such precision—another day we’ll have to see an archery contest again.”

That day, the drinking reached half-intoxication, and several courses of food were served. The leaders all said, “Let’s take a stroll before the mountain for a while, then return to the feast.” So they deferentially made way for one another, descended the steps, and strolled for pleasure, viewing the mountain scenery. When they reached the third pass before the stronghold, they heard several lines of wild geese calling loudly in the sky. Hua Rong thought to himself, “Chao Gai’s earlier attitude showed he didn’t believe my arrow severed the silk cord—why not display my skill here today to let them all see, so that in the future they will respect me.” He looked up and noticed that among the attendants, there was one carrying a bow and arrows. Hua Rong asked him for a bow. When he took it in hand, it was a fine painted bow with golden eagles, just to his liking. He quickly selected a good arrow and said to Chao Gai, “Just now, brother, when you heard me speak of severing the silk cord, the leaders seemed not to believe it. Far off, a line of wild geese is flying. I dare not boast, but this arrow will hit the head of the third goose in the formation. If I miss, let the leaders not mock me.” Hua Rong nocked the arrow, drew the bow to its full curve, took careful aim, and shot into the sky. It was seen:

The painted bow curved like a full moon, the feathered arrow flew like a shooting star. The draw was strong and forceful, the release swift and urgent. The geese in the sky were like set targets, the man’s arrow like an extended glue-pole. The shadow fell amid the clouds, the sound reached the grass. The celestial line of geese was startled and broken, the heroes’ ranks rejoiced in union.

At that moment, Hua Rong’s arrow indeed struck the third goose in the formation, which plummeted straight down to the hillside. He quickly ordered soldiers to retrieve it and see—the arrow was pierced through the head goose. Chao Gai and all the leaders were astonished and hailed Hua Rong as the “Divine Archer General.” Wu Xuejiu praised him, saying, “Not only does the general rival ‘Li Guang the Younger,’ but even Yang Youji couldn’t match this divine hand—truly a blessing for the stronghold!” From then on, there was no one at Liangshan Marsh who did not admire and respect Hua Rong.

The leaders returned to the hall to continue the feast, and by evening, each retired. The next day, another banquet was prepared at the stronghold to determine the seating order. Originally, Qin Ming was just below Hua Rong, but because Hua Rong was Qin Ming’s brother-in-law, the group deferred to Hua Rong, seating him below Lin Chong in the fifth position, Qin Ming in the sixth, Liu Tang in the seventh, Huang Xin in the eighth, and below the three Ruans came Yan Shun, Wang Aihu, Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, Zheng Tianshou, Shi Yong, Du Qian, Song Wan, Zhu Gui, and Bai Sheng, making a total of twenty-one leaders. Once seated, the celebratory feast concluded. The stronghold then began building more boats, houses, carts, and miscellaneous items, forging spears, knives, weapons, armor, and helmets, and organizing banners, robes, crossbows, and arrows, preparing to resist government troops—but of this, we shall say no more for now.

Meanwhile, Song Jiang, since leaving the village inn, had traveled home day and night. That day, at the hour of Shen, he rushed to the village entrance and stopped briefly at innkeeper Zhang’s shop. Zhang and Song Jiang’s family had always been on good terms. Seeing Song Jiang’s gloomy expression and tears welling up, Zhang asked, “Magistrate, you haven’t been home for a year and a half. It’s good to see you back today, but why do you look troubled? What’s bothering you? It’s fortunate that the case has been pardoned—it must reduce your sentence.” Song Jiang replied, “Elder, you’re right. Let’s set aside the family case for now. My own father has passed away—how can I not be troubled?” Zhang laughed heartily and said, “Are you serious, Magistrate, or joking? Your father, the elder, was just here drinking with me and left only about half an hour ago—how can you say such a thing?” Song Jiang said, “Elder, don’t mock me, nephew.” He then took out the family letter and showed it to Zhang. “My brother Song Qing clearly writes that our father died at the beginning of this year, specifically waiting for me to return for the funeral.” After reading it, Zhang said, “Bah, how could this be! Only around noon, he went drinking with Squire Wang of the east village—why would I lie?” Song Jiang was puzzled and couldn’t figure it out. He pondered for a long while, waited until dark, then bid farewell to Zhang and hurried home.

Entering the gate of the manor, he saw nothing unusual. The servants, seeing Song Jiang, came to pay respects. Song Jiang asked, “Are my father and Fourth Brother here?” The servants replied, “The elder has been eagerly awaiting your return every day. Now that you’ve come back, he’s overjoyed. Just now, he returned from drinking with Squire Wang of the east village at innkeeper Zhang’s shop and is sleeping in the inner room.” Hearing this, Song Jiang was greatly startled. He cast aside his short staff and strode straight into the thatched hall, where Song Qing greeted his brother with a bow. Seeing that his brother was not wearing mourning clothes, Song Jiang flew into a rage and pointed at Song Qing, cursing, “You unfilial beast, what’s the meaning of this! Our father is still alive—how dare you write a letter to mock me? You’ve made me seek death two or three times, weeping myself into a stupor. You are such an unfilial son!”

Just as Song Qing was about to explain, Song Taigong emerged from behind the screen and called out, “My son, don’t be upset. This has nothing to do with your brother. It was I, missing you every day and longing to see you, who told Fourth Brother to write that I had died, so you’d return quickly. I also heard people say that the White Tiger Mountain area is full of bandits, and I feared you might be led astray to become an outlaw, turning into an unfaithful and unfilial person. That’s why I urgently sent the letter to call you home. I also got the letter sent to you through Shi Yong, who came from Squire Chai’s place. This was entirely my idea—it has nothing to do with Fourth Brother. Don’t blame him. I just returned from innkeeper Zhang’s shop, hearing that you were back.”

After hearing this, Song Jiang kowtowed and bowed to his father, his heart filled with both worry and joy. Song Jiang then asked his father, “I wonder how things stand with the lawsuit recently? Since there’s been a pardon, the sentence must be reduced. Elder Zhang said the same just now.” Song Taigong said, “Before your brother Song Qing returned, Zhu Tong and Lei Heng put in a lot of effort to plead for leniency. Later, they only issued a general warrant for your arrest and never bothered us again. Why did I call you back now? Lately, I heard that the imperial court has appointed a crown prince and issued a pardon decree—for all major crimes among the people, sentences are reduced by one degree, and this has been circulated everywhere. Even if you’re caught by the authorities, you’d only face a sentence of penal servitude or exile, nothing that would cost you your life. Let it be for now—we’ll figure out another plan later.” Song Jiang then asked, “Have the two constables, Zhu and Lei, been to the manor?” Song Qing said, “The other day, I heard that both of them have been assigned elsewhere. Zhu Tong was sent to the Eastern Capital, and I don’t know where Lei Heng was sent. Now in the county, there are two new fellows named Zhao handling official business.” Song Taigong said, “My son, you’ve come a long way—go rest in your room for a few days.” The whole family was overjoyed—but of this, we shall say no more.

The sky was growing dark, and the moon had risen in the east, about the time of the first watch. All the people in the manor had gone to sleep, when suddenly shouts arose from the front and back gates. Looking around, they saw torches everywhere, completely surrounding the Song family manor, and a chorus of voices cried out: "Don't let Song Jiang escape!" When the old squire heard this, he groaned repeatedly in dismay. Had it not been for this incident, it would not have led to: heroes and gallants gathering on the banks of the great river; loyal hearts and righteous spirits displaying themselves in the bustling marketplace. In the end, how would Song Gongming manage to escape from the manor? Hear the explanation in the next chapter.