Chapter 49: Xie Zhen and Xie Bao Escape from Prison Together; Sun Li and Sun Xin Stage a Major Jailbreak

Chapter 49: Xie Zhen and Xie Bao Escape from Prison; Sun Li and Sun Xin Raid the Jail

It is told that at that time, Wu Yong said to Song Jiang, “Today there is an opportunity. A man coming to join us through Shi Yong’s introduction, who is also on the best terms with Luan Tingyu, and a close friend of Yang Lin and Deng Fei. He knows that you, brother, are having trouble attacking the Zhu Family Village, so he has specially offered this plan to join our band, as a token of gratitude for being accepted. He will arrive shortly. Within five days, we can put this plan into action. What do you think?” Song Jiang, overjoyed, said, “Excellent!” Then his face lit up with a smile.

Now, what was this plan? It will be revealed shortly. The reader should keep this thread in mind. It turns out that this matter arose at the same time as Song Jiang’s first attack on the Zhu Family Village. But it would be awkward to speak of one thing here and another there, so we will temporarily set aside the tale of the two attacks on Zhu Village and first tell the story of the man who came to join the band, seizing the opportunity. We will then continue with the subsequent events.

It so happened that on the coast of Shandong there was a prefecture called Dengzhou. Outside the city of Dengzhou stood a mountain, where many wolves, leopards, and tigers roamed, coming out to harm people. Therefore, the prefect of Dengzhou summoned the hunters and issued them official warrants, ordering them to capture the tigers on the mountain. He also ordered the village heads both in front of and behind the mountain to submit documents pledging to catch the tigers. Anyone failing to deliver the tigers to the authorities within the time limit would be severely beaten and put in the cangue without mercy.

Let us speak of a family of hunters living at the foot of Mount Dengzhou. They were two brothers: the elder was called Xie Zhen, and the younger Xie Bao. Both brothers wielded iron-tipped steel pitchforks and possessed astonishing martial skills. Among the hunters of the prefecture, they were ranked first. Xie Zhen had the nickname “Two-Headed Snake,” and Xie Bao was called “Double-Tailed Scorpion.” Their parents had both died, and neither brother was married. The elder brother stood over seven feet tall, with a purple-brown complexion, a slender waist, and broad shoulders. The younger brother, Xie Bao, was even more formidable. He also stood over seven feet tall, with a round face and dark skin. On both his legs were tattooed two Flying Yakshas. When his temper flared, he wished he could soar to the sky or shake the earth, uproot trees, and topple mountains. There is a poem to the tune of “Moon on the West River” that sings solely of the brothers’ virtues:

Hunters from Dengzhou by birth,

Born brave and heroic.

They leap over mountains and cross ridges like monkeys,

Startled deer fall at the sight.

In hand, they wield iron-tipped lotus spears;

At their waist, they hang willow-leaf sharp knives.

Leopard-skin trousers and tiger-sinew belts—

The two Xie brothers, young and bold.

The two brothers received the official warrants and returned home. They prepared hidden crossbows, poison-tipped arrows, crossbows, and pitchforks. Dressed in leopard-skin trousers and tiger-skin outer garments, and carrying their iron pitchforks, they headed straight for Mount Dengzhou. They set the hidden crossbows and waited in the trees for a full day, but without success. They gathered their equipment and went down. The next day, they brought dry provisions and went up the mountain again to wait. As evening approached, the brothers set the hidden crossbows once more and climbed the trees, waiting until the fifth watch, but still nothing stirred. They moved the crossbows to the foot of the western mountain and sat there until dawn, but again without success. Growing anxious, they said, “We are required to hand over a tiger within three days. If we are late, we will be beaten. What can we do?”

On the third night, they lay in ambush until the fourth watch, but could not help growing drowsy. They leaned back-to-back to rest, but before they could close their eyes, they heard the hidden crossbow spring. They leaped up, grabbed their steel pitchforks, and looked around. They saw a large tiger, struck by a poison arrow, rolling on the ground. Gripping their pitchforks, they advanced. When the tiger saw them, it fled with the arrow still in it. The two gave chase. Before they had gone halfway up the mountain, the poison took effect. The tiger could not hold on; it gave a roar and rolled with a clatter down the mountain. Xie Bao said, “Good! I recognize this mountain. It’s behind Squire Mao’s estate. Let’s go down and ask him for the tiger.”

At that moment, the brothers, carrying their steel pitchforks, went straight down the mountain and knocked on the gate of Squire Mao’s estate. It was just dawn. They knocked, and the gate was opened. A servant reported to the squire. After a while, Squire Mao came out. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao put down their steel pitchforks, made a respectful bow, and said, “Uncle, we haven’t seen you for a long time. Today we’ve come to trouble you.” Squire Mao said, “Nephews, why have you come so early? What business do you have?” Xie Zhen said, “We wouldn’t dare disturb your sleep for no reason. But now, because the authorities have issued a warrant, we must capture a tiger. We waited for three days straight. This morning, at the fifth watch, we shot one, but it rolled down the back mountain into your garden, uncle. We beg you to lend us a path so we can retrieve the tiger.” Squire Mao said, “No problem. Since it fell into my garden, you two take a seat. You must be hungry. Have some breakfast before you go.” He ordered a servant to prepare a morning meal. He urged the two to eat and drink. After they finished, Xie Zhen and Xie Bao rose to thank him: “We are grateful for your kindness, uncle. Please lead us to retrieve the tiger and return it to us.” Squire Mao said, “Since it’s in my back garden, what’s there to fear? Sit and have some tea first. There’s no rush to fetch it.” Xie Zhen and Xie Bao dared not disobey, so they sat down again. A servant brought tea, which they drank. Squire Mao said, “Now, let’s go with you, nephews, to get the tiger.” Xie Zhen and Xie Bao said, “Many thanks, uncle.”

Squire Mao led the two into the back of the estate and told a servant to fetch the key to unlock the garden gate. But no matter what they did, they could not open it. Squire Mao said, “This garden hasn’t been opened in a long time. The lock must be rusted. Go get a hammer to break it open.” The servant brought a hammer, broke the lock, and everyone entered the garden. They searched all along the hillside but found nothing. Squire Mao said, “Nephews, could you have misjudged? Perhaps you weren’t paying close attention? It might not have fallen into my garden after all.” Xie Zhen said, “How could we have misjudged? We were born and raised here—how could we not recognize it?” Squire Mao said, “Search for yourselves, then. If you find it, take it.” Xie Bao said, “Brother, come and look. Here the grass is flattened and trampled, and there are bloodstains. How can you say it’s not here? Your servants must have carried it off.” Squire Mao said, “Don’t talk like that. How would my servants know there was a tiger in the garden to carry it off? You saw me break the lock just now and came in with me to search. How can you say such things!” Xie Zhen said, “Uncle, you must return this tiger to us so we can hand it over to the authorities.” Squire Mao said, “You two are utterly unreasonable! I kindly invited you to eat and drink, and now you falsely accuse me of taking your tiger.” Xie Bao said, “What false accusation! Your household serves as village head, and the authorities have issued a warrant to you as well. But you lack the skill to catch one yourself, so you take advantage of our work. You want to claim the credit, while we brothers suffer the beating.” Squire Mao said, “Your beating is none of my concern.” Xie Zhen and Xie Bao glared at him and said, “Do you dare let us search?” Squire Mao said, “My household and yours have their own boundaries. Look at these two beggars, being so rude!” Xie Bao rushed into the hall but found nothing. His anger flared, and he began smashing things in the hall. Xie Zhen also broke off the railing in the hall and charged inward. Squire Mao shouted, “Xie Zhen and Xie Bao are robbing in broad daylight!” The two smashed the chairs and tables in the hall, but seeing that the estate was prepared, they stepped out the door and shouted back, pointing at the estate, “You’ve stolen our tiger! We’ll settle this in court!”

Xie’s deep schemes caught the prey;

Mao’s cunning plot trapped them away.

That day, over a tiger they fought;

Later, two dragons would hold sway.

While those two were cursing each other, they saw two or three horses gallop up to the manor, followed by a group of attendants. Xie Zhen recognized them as Mao Zhongyi, the son of Squire Mao, and went up to him saying, "Your manor's retainers took my tiger, and your father won't give it back, but instead wants to beat us two brothers." Mao Zhongyi said, "These country folk don't understand propriety. My father must have been deceived by them. Don't you two be angry; come with me to the house, and I'll get it back for you." Xie Zhen and Xie Bao thanked Mao Zhongyi, had the manor gate opened, and let the two of them in. Once Xie Zhen and Xie Bao had entered, Mao Zhongyi ordered the gate closed and shouted, "Seize them!" From the corridors on both sides, twenty or thirty retainers emerged, along with those who had followed the horses—all of them were constables. The two brothers were caught off guard, and the crowd surged forward, binding Xie Zhen and Xie Bao. Mao Zhongyi said, "My family shot a tiger ourselves last night; how dare you falsely claim it? Taking the opportunity to plunder my household property and smash my household utensils—what crime is that? Escort them to the prefecture, and we'll rid the prefecture of a pest." It turned out that Mao Zhongyi had already sent the tiger to the prefecture at the fifth watch, and had brought many constables to arrest Xie Zhen and Xie Bao. They never expected these two to be unaware of the situation, and they fell right into their trap, unable to defend themselves. Squire Mao had someone bring their steel forks and a bundle of stolen goods, along with many smashed furniture and utensils. They stripped Xie Zhen and Xie Bao naked, bound their hands behind their backs, and escorted them to the prefecture.

In this prefecture there was a clerk of the six offices, surnamed Wang, named Zheng, who was Mao Taigong's son-in-law. He had already gone ahead to report to the prefect. As soon as Xie Zhen and Xie Bao were brought before the hall, without any discussion, they were thrown down and beaten, forced to confess to falsely claiming the tiger, each using steel forks, and thereby plundering property. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao could not bear the torture, so they confessed as demanded. The prefect ordered two twenty-five-catty cangues to be put on them, locked them, and sent them to the main prison. Squire Mao and Mao Zhongyi returned to the manor to discuss: "These two fellows cannot be let go. It would be better to finish them off together, to avoid leaving future trouble." At that time, father and son personally went to the prefecture and instructed Clerk Wang Zheng: "For me, root out the weeds and leave no sprouts. I will take care of the prefect's connections myself."

Now, Xie Zhen and Xie Bao were taken to the death-row prison and brought to the pavilion center to see the warden. The chief officer, surnamed Bao, named Ji, had already received Silver from Mao Taigong and, heeding Clerk Wang's words, intended to take their lives. He sat down in the pavilion center. The junior jailer said to them, "Come quickly and kneel before the pavilion." Warden Bao shouted, "Are you two the so-called 'Two-Headed Snake' and 'Double-Tailed Scorpion'?" Xie Zhen said, "Though others call us these nicknames, we have never actually harmed any good person." Warden Bao shouted, "You two beasts, now that you're in my hands, I'll make your two-headed snake a one-headed snake, and your double-tailed scorpion a single-tailed scorpion. Take them to the main prison first."

A junior jailer led them into the prison. When he saw no one else around, the young jailer said, "Do you two recognize me? I am your elder brother's brother-in-law." Xie Zhen said, "I only have my own two brothers; I have no other elder brother." The junior jailer said, "You two should be the brothers of Captain Sun." Xie Zhen said, "Captain Sun is my cousin on my mother's side, but I have never met you before. Sir, could you be Yue He?" The junior jailer said, "Exactly. I am surnamed Yue, named He, a native of Maozhou. My ancestors brought the family here, and married my elder sister to Captain Sun. I serve here in the prefecture as a small jailer. Because I sing well, everyone calls me 'Iron Whistle' Yue He. My brother-in-law, seeing my martial skill, taught me several spear techniques." How was this? A poem bears witness:

With a clever mind and proper attire, a handsome heart and clear speech.

Able to sing, called "Iron Whistle," Yue He's wisdom came from birth.

This Yue He was a clever and agile fellow, understanding all kinds of musical instruments, and learning them at first try; he could see the beginning and know the end of any matter. He loved spear and staff martial arts like sugar and honey. Because he saw that Xie Zhen and Xie Bao were heroes, he had a mind to save them, but a single thread cannot form a cord, and one hand cannot clap; he could only send them a message. Yue He said, "Let me tell you two plainly: now Warden Bao has taken Mao Taigong's money, and he will certainly try to kill you two. So what will you do?" Xie Zhen said, "If you hadn't mentioned Captain Sun, it would be fine; but since you have, I only ask you to deliver a message." Yue He said, "But to whom would you have me deliver it?" Xie Zhen said, "I have an elder sister, on my father's side, who married Captain Sun's younger brother, and now lives at ten-mile marker outside the east gate. She is my cousin, called 'Fierce Tigress' Gu Dasao, and runs a tavern, also slaughtering cattle and running a gambling house. That sister of mine can't be touched by twenty or thirty men; even my brother-in-law Sun Xin, with all his skill, can't beat her. Only that sister is closest to us two brothers. Sun Xin and Sun Li's aunt is my mother, so they are also my cousins on my mother's side. I beg you to secretly send a message to her, telling her of my situation. That sister will surely come to save me herself."

When Yue He heard this, he instructed, "Dear relatives, you two relax your minds." He first went to hide some cakes and meat, then came to the prison, opened the door, and gave them to Xie Zhen and Xie Bao to eat. Pretending to have business, he locked the prison door, told another junior jailer to guard the door, and headed straight to the east gate, toward the ten-mile marker. Soon he saw a tavern, with beef and mutton hanging in front, and a crowd gambling under the rear eaves. Yue He saw a woman sitting at the counter in the tavern, who looked like:

Thick eyebrows and large eyes, a plump face and a sturdy waist.

Stuck with all sorts of unusual hairpins, revealing two fashionable bracelets.

Sometimes angry, she'd pick up a well-curb and hit her husband's head;

Suddenly impatient, she'd take a stone pestle and break a farmhand's leg.

Born never to touch needle and thread, she wielded clubs and spears as her woman's work.

Yue He entered the tavern, looked at Gu Dasao, and greeted her with a bow, saying, "Is this the Sun family?" Gu Dasao hastily replied, "It is. Sir, do you want wine, or meat? If you want to gamble, please sit in the back." Yue He said, "I am Captain Sun's wife's younger brother, Yue He." Gu Dasao laughed and said, "So it's Brother-in-law Yue He. No wonder your face resembles my sister-in-law's. Please come inside for tea." Yue He followed her into the inner guest room and sat down. Gu Dasao then asked, "I hear my brother-in-law serves in the prefecture. I've been busy at home and rarely at leisure, so we've never met. What wind blows you here today?" Yue He replied, "I wouldn't dare disturb you for nothing. Today, by chance, two criminals were brought into the hall. Though I've never met them, I've long heard their fame. One is 'Two-Headed Snake' Xie Zhen, the other is 'Double-Tailed Scorpion' Xie Bao." Gu Dasao said, "Those two are my brothers. What crime have they committed to be put in prison?" Yue He said, "They shot a tiger, and a local rich man, Squire Mao, cheated them out of it. He also forced them into being branded thieves, plundering his property, and had them escorted to the prefecture. He has bribed everyone high and low, and soon he'll have Warden Bao kill them in prison. Seeing injustice on the road, I alone could not save them. But I thought, first, we are related by marriage, and second, loyalty and honor are important, so I specially came to inform them. They said, 'Only our sister can save us.' If you don't exert yourself early, it will be hard to rescue them."

When Gu Dasao heard this, she cried out in distress. She told the waiter, "Quickly go find Second Brother and have him come home to talk." A few waiters left, and before long, found Sun Xin and brought him back. He met with Yue He. What was good about Sun Xin? A poem bears witness:

A talented young man of the military ranks, with brows and eyes showing power.

Dwelling in Penglai's realm, his family moved from the Qiong Sea.

Hiding the ambition of a swan, just matched with a tiger-wolf wife.

His whip raised, dragons appear in pairs; his spear thrust, a python flies alone.

Young as the youthful Sun Ce, he was called "Little Yuchi."

It turned out that this Sun Xin’s ancestors were natives of Qiongzhou, descendants of military officers. Because they had been transferred to garrison Dengzhou, the two brothers settled there. Sun Xin was tall and strong, having fully learned his elder brother’s skills, and was adept with several forms of spear and whip. For this reason, many people compared the two brothers to Yuchi Gong and called him “Little Yuchi.” Gu Dasao told Sun Xin about the matter. Sun Xin said, “In that case, let Uncle Le He go back first. Those two are already in prison and I rely entirely on Uncle to look after them. My wife and I will work out a long-term, reliable plan, and then come to seek you out.” Le He said, “As long as there is any use for me, I will do my utmost to help.” Gu Dasao set out wine and food to entertain him, then took out a package of and handed it to Le He: “I ask you, Uncle, to take this to the prison and distribute it among the jailers and petty wardens, so they will treat those two brothers well.” Le He thanked her, accepted the silver, and returned to the prison to use it as needed. No more of that.

Let us now speak of Gu Dasao and Sun Xin deliberating. She said, “What plan do you have to rescue my two brothers?” Sun Xin replied, “That fellow Mao Taigong has money and influence. He is afraid your two brothers will get out, so he will certainly not stop until he has done them in. This being the case, they will surely die at his hands. If we do not storm the prison, no other plan can save them.” Gu Dasao said, “Then you and I will go tonight.” Sun Xin laughed and said, “You are too rash. You and I must also think of a long-term plan. After we storm the prison, we need a place to go. If we cannot get my elder brother and those two men, we cannot accomplish this.” Gu Dasao asked, “Who are those two?” Sun Xin said, “They are the uncle and nephew, Zou Yuan and Zou Run, who are the worst gamblers. Right now they are on Mount Dengyun, in Taigu, gathering people to rob. They are my best friends. If we can get them to help, this matter will succeed.” Gu Dasao said, “Mount Dengyun is not far from here. You can go tonight and invite the uncle and nephew to come discuss.” Sun Xin said, “I will go now. You prepare good wine and food and dishes. I will surely bring them back.” Gu Dasao instructed a servant to butcher a pig and set out several plates of fruit and wine, and arrange a table.

As dusk fell, Sun Xin was seen returning with two bold men. The leader was surnamed Zou, named Yuan. He was a native of Laizhou, and from youth had been fond of gambling. He was a loafer by origin, but honest and generous in character. Moreover, he possessed fine martial skills, a fierce temper, and would not tolerate others. In the rivers and lakes, he was called by the nickname “Forest-Dragon.” The second bold man was named Zou Run, his nephew. His age was about the same as his uncle’s, the two not far apart. He was tall and large, and born with a strange appearance: a fleshy tumor on the back of his head, for which everyone called him “Single-Horned Dragon.” Usually, when Zou Run quarreled with others, if his temper flared, he would charge with his head. Once, he charged and broke a pine tree beside a ravine, stunning all who saw it. There is a poem to the zheguyue tune that describes the uncle and nephew’s virtues:

In brawls they take the lead; among gamblers they are heroes. Born with loyal, upright spirit like a rainbow, their martial arts are astonishing and surpass the common. They set up camp on Mount Dengyun, their fame spreads throughout Shandong. Like twin dragons overturning rivers and seas, how could they be content to play in a pond?

When Gu Dasao saw them, she invited them into the back room to sit down. She told them the whole matter, and then discussed the plan to storm the prison. Zou Yuan said, “Although I have eighty or ninety men there, only about twenty are trusted confidants. If we do this deed tomorrow, we will not be able to stay here. But I have a place in mind, and I have wanted to go there for some time. I just don’t know if you, husband and wife, are willing to go.” Gu Dasao said, “No matter what place, I will go with you, as long as we rescue my two brothers.” Zou Yuan said, “Now Liangshan Marsh is very prosperous. Song Gongming is very willing to recruit talented and worthy men. He has three acquaintances of mine under his command: ‘Leopard with the Brocade Hide’ Yang Lin, ‘Blazing Eyes, Maned Lion’ Deng Fei, and ‘Stone General’ Shi Yong. They have all been in the band for some time. After we rescue your two brothers, let’s all go together to Liangshan Marsh to join the band. How about that?” Gu Dasao said, “Excellent. If there is one who does not go, I will stab him to death with my spear.”

Zou Run said, “There is one more thing. If we get the men, I fear that some troops from Dengzhou might pursue us. What then?” Sun Xin said, “My elder brother is currently the military inspector of this prefecture. Now in Dengzhou, he is the only capable one. Several times when bandits approached the city, he scattered and killed them, and his fame is known everywhere. Tomorrow I will go myself to invite him, and get him to agree.” Zou Yuan said, “I’m afraid he won’t be willing to become an outlaw.” Sun Xin said, “I have my own good plan.”

That night they drank until late, and rested until dawn. The two bold men were left at home, and Sun Xin sent a servant with one or two others, pushing a cart, to quickly go to the camp in the city, to invite his elder brother, Inspector Sun, and his sister-in-law, Dame Le. The message was: “Your sister-in-law at home is critically ill; please come quickly to see her.” Gu Dasao instructed the servant: “Just say that I am gravely ill and near death, and have a few important words to say. She must come quickly, as we may only have a few more times to meet and give instructions.” The servant pushed the cart and left. Sun Xin waited at the gate, ready to receive his brother. Around mealtime, they saw the cart coming from afar, carrying Dame Le. Behind, Sun, the Inspector, rode a horse, followed by a dozen soldiers, heading toward Shilipai. Sun Xin went inside to report to Gu Dasao: “Brother and sister-in-law are coming.” Gu Dasao instructed: “Just do as I tell you.” Sun Xin went out to greet his brother and sister-in-law, helped his sister-in-law down from the cart, and together they went into the room to see the sick wife.

Sun, the Inspector, dismounted from his horse and entered the gate. He was truly a fine big man: a pale yellow complexion, a bushy beard, tall, over eight feet. His surname was Sun, named Li, and his nickname was “Sick Yuchi.” He could draw a stiff bow, ride a spirited horse, wield a long spear, and on his wrist hung a tiger-eye jointed steel whip. Along the coast, when people saw him, they would surrender at the sight of his prestige. There is a poem to prove it:

His beard drifted like black mist, his temper was swift as a shooting star. Spear and whip he handled most skillfully; bow and arrow he constantly practiced. His broad face seemed painted with gold; his two eyes were like dots of lacquer. Famous in the army, “Sick Yuchi” Sun Li.

At that moment, "Sickly General" Sun Li dismounted, entered the gate, and asked, "Brother, what illness has Aunt contracted?" Sun Xin replied, "Her illness is peculiar; please come inside to discuss it." Sun Li then went in. Sun Xin instructed the attendant to let the mounted soldiers go to the shop across the street for wine. He then had the attendant lead the horse away and invited Sun Li inside to sit down. After a good while, Sun Xin said, "Please, brother and sister-in-law, come into the room to see the patient." Sun Li and Lady Le entered the room and saw no patient. Sun Li asked, "Which room is Aunt’s illness in?" Just then, Gu Dasao walked in from outside, with Zou Yuan and Zou Run following behind. Sun Li said, "Aunt, what illness are you actually suffering from?" Gu Dasao said, "Greetings, elder brother. I am suffering from the illness of rescuing my brothers." Sun Li said, "How strange—rescuing which brothers?" Gu Dasao said, "Elder brother, do not play deaf and dumb. You are in the city; surely you know that those two are my brothers, but are they not also your brothers?" Sun Li said, "I do not know the details. Which two brothers?" Gu Dasao said, "Elder brother, the matter is urgent today, so I must speak bluntly. These two, Xie Zhen and Xie Bao, have been falsely accused by Squire Mao and Clerk Wang at the foot of Dengyun Mountain, and they are plotting to take their lives soon. I have now discussed this with these two good men and decided to go into the city to storm the prison, rescue those two brothers, and then all go to join Liangshan Marsh. I fear that if things are exposed tomorrow, you will be implicated first. Therefore, I pretended to be ill to invite you and sister-in-law here to discuss a long-term plan. If you are unwilling to go, we will go to Liangshan ourselves. What clarity is there in the court now? Those who flee are safe, while those who stay at home face lawsuits. As the saying goes, ‘Those near the fire burn first.’ Elder brother, you would then be tried and imprisoned for us, and no one would bring you food to save you. What do you think, elder brother?" Sun Li said, "I am an officer of Dengzhou; how dare I do such a thing!" Gu Dasao said, "Since you are unwilling, elder brother, today we will first fight to the death with you." Gu Dasao immediately drew two knives from her side, and Zou Yuan and Zou Run each pulled out short daggers. Sun Li cried out, "Aunt, wait! Do not be hasty! Let me consider carefully and discuss slowly." Lady Le was so frightened she could not speak for a long time. Gu Dasao continued, "Since you are unwilling, elder brother, we will send sister-in-law ahead first, and we will take action ourselves." Sun Li said, "Even if we must do this, let me first go home to pack my bundles and see the actual situation before we act." Gu Dasao said, "Elder brother, your brother-in-law Le has already tipped us off. It will not be too late to storm the prison and fetch your luggage at the same time." Sun Li sighed and said, "Since you all are acting this way, how can I refuse? Would I later face lawsuits for you instead? Enough, enough, enough—let us all discuss and act together." He first sent Zou Yuan to Dengyun Mountain stronghold to gather their belongings and men, bringing those twenty trusted followers to meet at the shop. Zou Yuan left. He also sent Sun Xin into the city to find Le He, gather information, and arrange a meeting to secretly relay the message to Xie Zhen and Xie Bao. The next day, Zou Yuan finished gathering the gold and silver at Dengyun Mountain stronghold and came with his men to assist. At Sun Xin’s home, there were seven or eight trusted servants, plus over a dozen soldiers brought by Sun Li, totaling more than forty people. Sun Xin slaughtered two pigs and a sheep, and everyone ate their fill. Gu Dasao concealed a sharp dagger close to her body, disguised herself as a woman bringing food, and went first. Sun Xin followed Sun Li, Zou Yuan brought Zou Run, and each led their men, splitting into two groups to enter. Truly:

Plotting to capture a tiger instead brought the tiger’s harm;

Tiger officials and tiger clerks schemed in vain.

Relying solely on the iron call to open the gate,

Only then could the iron prison fortress be breached.

Now in the Dengzhou prefectural prison, Jailer Bao had received money and goods from Squire Mao and was determined to take the lives of Xie Zhen and Xie Bao. That day, Le He stood at the lion’s mouth inside the prison gate, holding his water-and-fire staff, when he heard the bell ring. Le He said, "Who is it?" Gu Dasao replied, "A woman bringing food." Le He had already seen clearly, so he opened the gate, let Gu Dasao in, and then closed it again. As they passed under the corridor, Jailer Bao was in the pavilion center. Seeing them, he shouted, "Who is this woman? How dare she enter the prison to bring food? Since ancient times, prisons have been airtight." Le He said, "This is the sister of Xie Zhen and Xie Bao, coming to deliver food." Jailer Bao shouted, "Do not let her in; just take the food to them yourself." Le He took the food, then opened the prison cell door and handed it to the two. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao asked, "Uncle, what about the matter you mentioned last night?" Le He said, "Your sister has come; we are only waiting for support from front and back." Le He then unlocked their rack. Just then, a minor jailer ran in and reported, "Captain Sun is knocking at the gate and wants to come in." Jailer Bao said, "He is just a garrison officer; what business does he have in my prison? Do not open the gate!" Gu Dasao turned and walked to the edge of the pavilion center. Outside, another call came: "Captain Sun is growing impatient and is beating the gate." Jailer Bao grew angry and came down from the pavilion center. Gu Dasao shouted loudly, "Where are my brothers?" From her side, she drew two gleaming sharp daggers. Seeing the situation was amiss, Jailer Bao tried to flee from the pavilion center. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao lifted their cangues and crawled out of the cell opening, just as they met Jailer Bao. Caught off guard, Jailer Bao was struck by Xie Bao with the end of his cangue, smashing his skull to pieces. At the same time, Gu Dasao raised her hand and quickly stabbed three or five minor jailers. They all shouted and burst out of the prison. Sun Li and Sun Xin blocked the way, and seeing the four come out, they all headed straight for the prefectural office. Zou Yuan and Zou Run had already brought out the head of Clerk Wang from the prefectural office. The people in the streets cried out loudly and first rushed out of the city. Captain Sun, riding his horse, bent his bow, nocked an arrow, and brought up the rear. The households on the street all closed their doors and dared not come out. The officers in the prefecture recognized Captain Sun; who dared to stop him? The crowd, clustered around Sun Li, rushed out of the city gate, heading straight for Ten-Mile Inn, where they helped Lady Le into a cart. Gu Dasao mounted a horse and assisted in the march. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao said to the crowd, "How can we not take revenge on that hateful old scoundrel Squire Mao?" Sun Li said, "You are right." He then ordered his brother Sun Xin and Uncle Le He to first escort the cart ahead, while they followed later. Sun Xin and Le He, escorting the cart, went ahead.

Sun Li, leading Xie Zhen, Xie Bao, Zou Yuan, Zou Run, and their followers, went straight to Squire Mao’s estate. It happened that Mao Zhongyi and the squire were celebrating a birthday feast with wine in the manor, and they were not on guard. The band of good men shouted a war cry and charged in. They killed Squire Mao, Mao Zhongyi, and the entire household, leaving not one alive. In the bedroom, they searched out over a dozen bundles of gold, silver, and valuables; from the back courtyard, they led out seven or eight good horses, using four to carry the goods. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao selected some fine clothes to wear, then set the manor house on fire and burned it down. Each mounted a horse, leading a line of people, and within less than thirty li, they had caught up with the cart and others, and the whole group traveled together on the road. Along the way, they seized another three or five good horses from village households. Traveling day and night, they rushed to Liangshan Marsh. There is a poem to the West River Moon as testimony:

Loyalty and righteousness are the foundation of one’s character;

Treachery and evil are the beginning of a state’s ruin.

Wolf-hearted, dog-natured men improperly hold office,

Causing heroes to gnash their wrists in frustration.

The scheme to seize the tiger was detestable,

But the plan to storm the prison was worthy of note.

The city of Dengzhou was filled with sorrow and grief,

In an instant, corpses lay strewn everywhere.

Within a day or two, they arrived at Shi Yong’s tavern. Zou Yuan met with him and asked about Yang Lin and Deng Fei. Shi Yong replied, saying that when Song Gongming went to attack the Zhu Family Manor, both of them had followed him. After two defeats, a messenger reported that Yang Lin and Deng Fei were trapped there, and their fate was unknown. He had heard in detail that the three sons of the Zhu family were heroes, and with the help of the instructor "Iron Rod" Luan Tingyu, the manor had not been breached in two attempts. Sun Li listened and laughed heartily, saying, "We have come to join the stronghold and enter the brotherhood without a single merit. If we offer this plan to break the Zhu Family Manor as a token of gratitude for our admission, how would that be?" Shi Yong was overjoyed and said, "I would be glad to hear this excellent plan." Sun Li said, "That fellow Luan Tingyu and I learned martial arts under the same master. I know all the spear and sword techniques he knows, and he knows all the martial skills I know. Today, we will pretend to be transferred from Dengzhou to guard Yunzhou, passing by here to visit him. He will surely come out to welcome us. Once we enter inside, we can coordinate from within and without, and great deeds will surely be accomplished. What do you think of this plan?" As they were discussing the plan without finishing, a minor officer reported, "Military Counselor Wu has come down from the mountain and is heading to the Zhu Family Manor to provide relief." Shi Yong heard this and immediately ordered the officer to quickly report to the military counselor, asking him to come here for a meeting. Before the words were finished, troops and horses arrived in front of the tavern. It was Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, and the three Ruan brothers, followed by Military Counselor Wu Yong leading five hundred men. Shi Yong welcomed them into the tavern, introduced all these people to meet each other, and explained in detail the matter of joining the stronghold and offering the plan. Wu Yong listened and was greatly delighted, saying, "Since all the gallant men are willing to help the mountain stronghold, for now, do not go up the mountain. Instead, I would trouble you all to go to the Zhu Family Manor to handle this matter and achieve this merit. How about that?" Sun Li and the others were all very pleased and agreed in unison. Wu Yong said, "I will go ahead now and arrange the battle formation. My troops will march in front, and you gallant men will follow afterward."

After Wu Xuejiu finished his deliberations, he first arrived at Song Jiang’s camp. Seeing Song Gongming with furrowed brows and a worried expression, Wu Yong set out wine to cheer Song Jiang up and recounted in detail how Shi Yong, Yang Lin, and Deng Fei’s acquaintances—the Dengzhou garrison commander "Sick Yuchi" Sun Li and the Zhu Family Manor’s instructor Luan Tingyu—had studied under the same master. Now, eight men had come to join the stronghold, specially offering this plan as a token of gratitude for their admission. The plan was already set: to coordinate from within and without and act accordingly. They would soon come to pay their respects to the elder brother. When Song Jiang heard this, he was overjoyed and cast all his worries to the winds. He quickly ordered the camp to prepare a feast and arrange a banquet to await their arrival.

Meanwhile, Sun Li ordered his retinue and the accompanying wagons and horses to find a place to rest. He brought only Xie Zhen, Xie Bao, Zou Yuan, Zou Run, Sun Xin, Gu Dasao, and Le He—eight men in total—to pay respects to Song Jiang. After they performed their bows, Song Jiang set out wine and a banquet to entertain them, and for the time being, no more is said. Wu Xuejiu secretly transmitted orders to everyone, instructing them to act in such a way on the third day and in another way on the fifth day. After the instructions were given, Sun Li and the others received the plan, and the group took their wagons and horses and headed toward the Zhu Family Manor to carry out their mission.

Furthermore, Wu Xuejiu said, "I trouble Captain Dai to make a trip to the stronghold and quickly bring these four leaders to me. I have a use for them." If Dai Zong had not been sent that very night to fetch these four men, it would not have led to: the watery marshes gaining new wings, and the mountain manor losing its old vestments. In the end, whom did Wu Xuejiu fetch? Let us hear the explanation in the next chapter.