Water Margin, Volume One

by Shi Nai-An

  "Have you any relative about here?"

  "I have several relatives, but none of them dared say anything to this man."

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  "Had he any money?" asked Wu Sung.

  "Yes, he had accumulated about two hundred ounces of silver."

  "You go and pack it up. I am going to bum this temple down."

  The girl asked Wu Sung whether he wanted to eat or drink.

  "You can bring the food here," replied Wu Sung.

  "Please come inside and dine there."

  "I am afraid there may be other men who might plot to kill me."

  The girl said, "I have only one head, so how dare I attempt to cheat you?"

  Wu Sung followed the girl inside, and saw near the window a table loaded with food and wine. While he had drunk for a time, the girl brought in the silver and offered it to Wu Sung. He would not accept it, and told the girl to take it for herself. The girl knelt, saluted, and taking the silver departed down the mountain.

  Wu Sung set the place on fire, and threw the two corpses in the flames. He then sheathed his sword, and followed the road across the mountain towards Chin Chou Fu.

  During the next ten days he passed through many villages, hamlets, and towns, and noticed that the proclamation about himself was posted upon the walls. But on account of his disguise as a priest nobody suspected him.

  It was now the month of December, and the weather was getting quite cold. One day as he ascended a small ridge he saw in the distance a high mountain which appeared to be steep and difficult to cross. After going about two miles further he came to an inn. It was built under a cliff, and in front of the door was a pure mountain stream. Near the inn were a few houses. He entered and called for wine and meat.

  The innkeeper replied, "I will not deceive you, master, I have no meat left, and I have only plain vegetables and wine."

  The innkeeper brought a bowl of wine, and some cooked vegetables. Wu Sung had soon finished the wine, and asked for some more. On the road he had already had some wine so when he had taken this he began to feel tipsy. He called out, "Waiter, have you nothing else for me?

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  If you have any meat left for your own family, please give me a part to eat, and I will pay you for it." The innkeeper laughed and said, "Strange! You are a priest yet you ask for wine and meat. But I have no meat, so I cannot help you."

  "I do not want it on credit so why don't you let me have it?" asked Wu Sung.

  "I have already told you that I have no meat, and only wine. I have nothing else."

  Just then a big man entered the inn followed by four villagers, and the innkeeper welcomed them with a smiling face, and asked them to be seated.

  "Have you done what I told you?" asked the man.

  The innkeeper replied, "The chickens and meat are already cooked, and prepared for you."

  "And where is the special wine I ordered?" asked the man.

  "It is also here."

  The man and his followers sat down at a table facing Wu Sung. The innkeeper brought in a jar of wine, and removing the clay with which it was sealed, he poured out the wine into a jug. Wu Sung saw that the wine jar had been kept in store for mellowing a long time, and the flavor of it was wafted towards him. He felt a great desire to taste the liquor. Just then the innkeeper brought in a tray loaded with roasted chicken, and another tray of lean cooked meat. He placed these before the men, and began to serve them with the wine. Turning to the small quantity of vegetables on his own table, Wu Sung could not avoid being angry. Seeing such a big spread of food, and feeling very hungry he brought his fist down on the table and called out, "Waiter! Here! Why you insult your guest?"

  "Master! do not worry," said the innkeeper (hurrying to him). "If you want more wine you need not make such a noise."

  Wu Sung glared at him, and shouted, "How unreasonable you able Why don't you allow me to buy some of the wine and meat? I can pay for it."

  "The wine and meat was sent here by this man himself, and they only come here to dine."

  But Wu Sung would not listen to this as he wanted something to eat, so he swore at the man. The waiter replied,

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  "Your manners are very rude seeing that you are a priest."

  "Why do you talk about manners when I have already offered to pay for what I eat." He then slapped the waiter's face, who staggered to one side.

  The man at the other table seeing this was angry. He saw that the waiter could not get up. He pointed at Wu Sung and said, "You are a priest, but you do not carry out your principles well. Why do you hit people in this way? A priest ought not to display temper in this way."

  "I hit him, it has nothing to do with you," replied Wu Sung.

  "I give you some good advice," said the man. "Why do you reply in this bellicose manner?"

  Now Wu Sung was highly excited, overturned the table, and stepping forward shouted, "What do you say?"

  The man laughed, and said, "Do you want to fight with me -- the invincible. He beckoned with his hand. "You thief parading as a priest. Come here, and talk with me." "Do you think I am afraid of you? " asked Wu Sung, and straightway went toward the door. The man stepped out of the door, followed by Wu Sung. When Wu Sung came outside the man noticed that he was of big build and not to be despised. Wu Sung advanced in a fighting attitude. The man tried to kick at Wu Sung who however was too quick, and avoiding the kick he seized hold of the man's hand, and pulled him forward. He then pulled him sideways and pushed him down just as though he was a small boy. The man's companions were looking on at this, but did not dare to interfere, and stood there trembling. Wu Sung placed his foot on the man, and then hit him about forty times with his fist in unimportant places. He then lifted him up, and threw him into the brook. The companions rushed into the water, and rescued him. They brought him to the bank, and then they all walked off along the road.

  The innkeeper was still holding his sore head in a room at the back. Wu Sung entered and said to himself, "Well, they have all gone, so I will now have a drink." He took the jug of wine, and had a good drink. He then seized the two chickens, and without using chopsticks ate them with his fingers. He had nearly finished all the food and wine in an hour and being quite full he left the inn, and went on his way by the side of the brook. But there was now a

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  very strong head wind so that he found it difficult to walk against it. He struggled on about two miles when he came to an earth wall where a yellow dog rushed out and began barking at him. Wu Sung was partly drunk, and felt annoyed at the dog barking, so he took his sword from his belt and attempted to hit the dog with it. But the dog always escaped his blows, and pursuing it to the bank of the stream Wu Sung struck another blow, missed his footing and fell into the water, not being able to get up. The dog stood still on the bank, barking at him, but he could not get on his legs again. It was winter-time, and although the water was only about two feet deep it was very cold. At last he struggled up, and stood with the water dripping from his clothes. His sword was lying in the water and it seemed to be very bright and clear. He stooped down to pick it up, but fell into the water again, and could not get up. While he was tumbling there a number of men came out of the house, and stood on the bank. With them was a very big man, wearing a felt cap, and a yellow silk jacket. In his hand was a stick, and about ten men, who were with him, were also armed in the same way. When they saw Wu Sung, they cried out, "Here is the thief who attacked our young master who has just gone to the inn with thirty men to capture him." Just then they heard whistles being blown, and the band of thirty men joined the others on the bank. A big man spoke to the man in the yellow silk jacket, "This is the very priest who attacked me." The man spoken to was his brother, and replied, "Arrest him and bring him into our farmyard where we will punish him."

  The men seized Wu Sung and dragged him out of the stream and went along. Now Wu Sung was really drunk and could not struggle. They took him into the yard of a big farmstead w
hich had high whitewashed walls surrouned by fir and willow trees. They stripped him of his clothes, and then beaten him severely with a bundle of rattan canes. When they had beaten him about five blows a man came on the scene, and asked, "'Whom are you beating?" The brother explained and added, "We suspect that he is really not a priest. He is branded on his face with two line of characters, which had been hidden by his hair. He is evidently an escaped convict. We will ask him

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  where he comes from, and then send him under arrest to the officials."

  The younger brother interposed, "We won't ask any questions. He hurt me severely, and it will be at least a month before I can recover. It would be better to beat him to death, and then burn his body. Then I shall feel that I have had my revenge." He seized the bundle of canes to continue the beating, but the stranger interposed saying, "Sir, please wait until I have had a look at him. He looks like a fine fellow."

  Now Wu Sung had heard all this, and understood it, but he did not utter a word, and kept his eyes closed.

  The stranger examined Wu Sung's back, and saw there the scars from the previous beating. "How strange! These stripes must be from a punishment he has recently received." He then went to the front, and lifting up Wu Sung's long hair had a good look at his face. He exclaimed, "Is this not my younger brother Wu Sung?"

  Wu Sung now opened his eyes and replied, "Are you not my elder brother?"

  "Release him at once," said the stranger. "This is my younger brother."

  The brothers were surprised at this turn of events, and asked, "How can this fellow be a brother of yours?"

  The stranger replied, "Have I not told you many times about Wu Sung who killed a tiger on Ching Yang Ridge? This is he. I do not understand yet how he has got into this situation."

  The brothers released Wu Sung at once, gave him his clothes, and then they all went into the hall. Wu Sung attempted to kneel down to give a kotow, but the stranger stepped forward and prevented this, saying, "Younger brother, the wine is still upsetting you. Please sit down, and we will talk together." Wu Sung was much pleased at seeing this man, and as he still felt slightly tipsy, he asked for some cold water to wash his hands and face in, and also rinse his mouth. After this he felt better, and after saluting his friend he sat down.

  The man was no other than Sung Chiang of Yun Cheng Hsien.

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  "I thought you were living with Squire Ch'ai," said Wu Sung. "How is it that you are here? It seems like a dream to see you now."

  "After your leaving us," said Sung Chiang, "I stayed with Squire Ch'ai for about half a year. I did not know how affairs were at home, and as my father might be anxious on account of our long absence, I at last decided to send my brother Sung Ching home. After this, a letter arrived from home stating that due to the good care of inspectors Chu and Lei there was no more trouble at my home, and only I myself was wanted. An official proclamation had been issued to all places urging my arrest. The case, however, was now almost forgotten. Sire Kung had however often made inquiries about me at my home and upon my brother's return, had found out where I was. He therefore sent for me from Squire Ch'ai's home to this place. This is called 'White Tiger Mountain,' and this farmstead belongs to Sire Kung. The man you fought with is Sire Kung's second son. He is very hot tempered, and has the nickname 'Fiery Planet,' his name is Kung Liang. The other man with the yellow silk jacket is Kung Ming, the eldest son of Sire Kung, and has the nickname 'Restless Star.' They were both very eager to learn fencing, so they asked me to be their teacher." I have been here for about six months. I would like to go to the Pure Wind Pass and have been thinking of starting the last two days. While I was with Squire Ch'ai, I heard about your killing the tiger on Ching Yang Ridge, and that you became a drill inspector at Yang Ku Hsien, and that you killed Westgate there. But afterwards, I could not find out your whereabouts. How is it that you are now wearing a priest's dress?"

  Wu Sung then told what had happened to him since leaving Squire Ch'ai's home, and how he had killed so many people. How he had adopted the disguise of a priest's dress, and had fought with Sire Kung's son. When Kung Liang and Kung Ming heard the account of the adventures of Wu Sung, they both were surprised and kotowed to him. Wu Sung at once raised them up, and said, "It is my fault that I attacked you."

  The brothers replied, "We were at fault for not recognizing your eminence. We ask for your pardon."

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  "Now that you know me, I hope that you will help me in drying my priest's certificate and letters, recovering all my baggage, swords, clothes, etc.,"said Wu Sung.

  Kung Ming replied, "I will attend to that, and see that you get them all back."

  We need not say how they all went to explain matters to Sire Kung, and were entertained by that gentleman.

  That evening Sung Chiang invited Wu Sung to sleep with him, and during the night they talked about the affairs of the previous year. Wu Sung rose early the next morning, and after washing his face and mouth went into the hall for his breakfast. Kung Ming was there, and dined with Wu Sung. Kung Liang was also there, and although he was not recovered from his pain, yet he waited upon Wu Sung.

  Sire Kung gave orders for a pig and goat to be killed, and prepared a feast. That day many of the relatives of the family, and also the neighbors, visited and paid respects to Wu Sung.

  That evening after the feast Sung Chiang asked Wu Sung where he intended to find refuge. Wu Sung explained that he had a letter from Chang Ch'ing introducing him to Lu Ta at the Two Dragons Mountain, and that he wished to join the brigands there.

  Sung Chiang thought that was all right. He said, "I have to-day received a letter from Hwa Jung, commander magistrate of Pure Wind Pass, stating that he knew that I had killed Miss Yen, and urging me to seek refuge at his town. This place is not far from Pure Wind Pass, and I am thinking of going there. But as the weather has been trying these few days, I have not set out on the journey. How would it be if we went there together?"

  Wu Sung replied, "I am afraid that it would not do for us to live there because as you know I am a convicted criminal. I must avoid trouble by joining the brigands at the Two Dragons Mountains. Moreover, as I am now a priest it would not look well for you to travel in my company. It would only arouse suspicions, and you might also get involved. We shall be true to each other till death shall separate us, but I should not like to get you into trouble with the commander of Pure Wind Pass. I had better go by myself to the Two Dragons Mountain. If Heaven takes pity

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  on me I may escape death, and if I am afterwards given an official post, then we may be reunited."

  "As you have those ideas," said Sung Chiang, "you will eventually return to the emperor's court, and Heaven will watch over you. I will not attempt to dissuade you, but we can spend a few days here in each other's company."

  These two friends stayed about ten days at Sire Kung's farmstead. At the end of that period, however, Sire Kung was unwilling to let them go, so they stayed about three days more. Then as they were decided to go, Sire Kung prepared a feast. He gave Wu Sung a new suit of priest's clothes, and also fifty ounces of silver. He also presented Sung Chiang with the same but as the latter refused to accept them, Sire Kung put them in his baggage. Upon their departure Sire Kung sent servants to carry their baggage for some distance, and both Kung Ming and Kung Liang also accompanied them for about seven miles on their way. Sung Chiang at last asked the two brothers to come no further, but return home. This they did, and the servant also returned.

  Wu Sung and Sung Chiang traveled together, and the following day when they had gone about twenty miles, they came to a market village called Jui Lung Chen, where the road divided. So Sung Chiang asked a man, "We are going to the Two Dragons Mountain and also Pure Wind Village. Which of these roads must we take?" The man replied that the western road would lead to the Two Dragons Mountain, while the eastern road lead to Pure Wind Village.

  "Young brother," said Sung Chiang
, "we must separate here, but before we go let us take a parting cup of wine."

  "I will come with you for a day's journey on your road," said Wu Sung, "and then come back here." "That will not do," said Sung Chiang. "There is an ancient saying, 'Accompany a person three hundred miles, and yet there is bound to be a parting at last.' You had better go your own way from here. When you become a brigand, try avoid drinking too much wine. I hope you will urge and advise Lu Ta to surrender to the emperor's official, if there is such an opportunity. Later on, if you are sent to the frontier you can accomplish meritorious deeds for the emperor

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  and thus get your wife and children rewarded by heritage. You can get a good name, and have your actions recorded in history, and so your life would not live in vain. I have no ability, and although I am loyal there is no hope of promotion for me. You are a brave hero, and can do great things yet, but please do not forget me."

  They then went into an inn and drank a parting cup. They proceeded to the place where the road divided, and there they took leave of each other. Sung Chiang could not avoid weeping when they parted. He again asked Wu Sung not to forget what he had just said -- avoid drinking too much wine.

  Sung Chiang traveled along the eastern road, and within a few days, he approached the Pure Wind Mountain. It was odd looking, covered with dense forest. He enjoyed the scenery very much, and was so engrossed that he did not even inquire about a resting place. But when evening was drawing nigh, he began to feel anxious and thought, "If it were summer, I could sleep in the forest, but as it is now midwinter, the nights are exceedingly cold, and I must find some shelter. Moreover, here there will be wild animals, poisonous snakes, and tigers, so that I shall be in danger of death." He continued on his way, but after about two hours more, it was so dark that he could not see the road, and soon he fell into a trap which caused a ben to ring. Very soon about fifteen men came on the scene, and arrested him. They took his sword and bundle, lit a torch, and took Sung Chiang up the mountain to their stronghold. Looking round, he saw that the place was protected by a wooden fence, with a large straw shed in the middle. Inside the shed were three chairs covered with tiger skin. On all sides were smaller straw sheds. The soldiers tied him up to a post. Several soldiers in the big hut called out, "Our chieftain is asleep so that you cannot see him just now. When he awakes, we can take this fellow's liver and heart and make an excellent soup. We shall soon have some fresh meat."