Water Margin

Song: 

Heavenly warriors rage, overturning the silver sea, scattering the pearl curtain. 

Six-petaled snowflakes fly and fill the mountain valleys. 

White tigers rampage, white unicorns run wild, breaking the pearl chains. 

Jade dragons battle fiercely, scales and armor falling from the sky. 

Who remembers the distant borders, where soldiers stand stiff, white bands on their flagpoles. 

Colors reflect on spears and swords, murderous intent fills the military tents. 

Heroes and tigers, bold and brave, discuss military strategies. 

We must drink to the sky, and see the vast expanse of blue.

This song, named “Hundred Word Command,” was written by Wanyan Liang of the Jin Dynasty, and it is about the great snow, which amplifies the killing intent in his heart. It relates to the hero from Dongjing, named Lin Chong, nicknamed Leopard Head, who nearly lost his life due to a great snowfall. That night, Lin Chong, drunk, fell in the snow and couldn’t get up. He was tied up by some villagers and taken to a manor. A villager came out of the manor and said, “The master hasn’t risen yet.” They hung Lin Chong up at the gatehouse. As dawn broke, Lin Chong woke up, realizing he was in a grand manor. He shouted, “Who dares to hang me here?” A villager, holding a firewood stick, came out and shouted, “You still dare to talk!” An old villager with burnt whiskers said, “Don’t ask questions, just beat him. We’ll interrogate him when the master wakes up.” The villagers started beating Lin Chong, who could only shout, “Don’t worry, I have a way to explain.” Just then, a villager shouted, “The master is coming.” Lin Chong saw a man walking out with his hands behind his back and recognized him as Chai Jin. Hastily, Lin Chong called out, “Master Chai, save me!” Chai Jin asked, “Teacher Lin, why are you here, being humiliated by these villagers?” Lin Chong replied, “It’s a long story.” They went inside and Lin Chong explained the incident of the burnt fodder field in detail. Chai Jin sighed and said, “Brother, your fate is unfortunate. But do not worry, this is my eastern estate. Stay here for a while, and we will discuss further.” Chai Jin called for clothes, asked Lin Chong to change, and invited him to a warm room with food and drink. Lin Chong stayed at Chai Jin’s eastern estate for five to seven days. 

Meanwhile, the Cangzhou camp warden reported that Lin Chong killed the bailiff, Lu Qian, and Fu An, and set fire to the military fodder field. The magistrate was shocked and issued orders to capture Lin Chong, offering a reward of 3,000 strings of cash for his arrest. This made the search very intense, and all the villages were mobilized. 

Lin Chong, hearing this news at Chai Jin’s estate, felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. When Chai Jin returned, Lin Chong said, “It’s not that I don’t want to stay, but the officials are searching intensely. If they find me here, it will bring trouble to you. Please lend me some money so I can flee and find a safe place. If I survive, I will repay you like a dog or horse.” Chai Jin replied, “If you must go, I know a place. I will write a letter for you.” 

Heroes’ luck is delayed, trapped wherever they go. 

Without Chai Jin’s recommendation, how could he become famous in the Water Margin? 

Lin Chong said, “If you help me, I will be able to survive, but where should I go?” Chai Jin said, “Go to Liangshan Marsh in Shandong, a water village under Jizhou jurisdiction. It spans over 800 miles, with Wan Zi City and Liao Er Valley in the middle. Three heroes are currently stationed there: the leader, White-Robed Scholar Wang Lun, and his deputies, Heaven-Toucher Du Qian and Cloud-Dragon Song Wan. These three heroes, along with 700-800 followers, have committed many crimes and seek refuge there. They welcome anyone escaping disaster or seeking refuge. I am on good terms with them and will write a letter for you to join them. How does that sound?” Lin Chong replied, “If you can recommend me, that would be great. Thank you, Master Chai.” Chai Jin said, “The officials have posted notices at the entrance to Cangzhou and sent two officers to inspect everyone passing by. You will have to go through there.” Chai Jin thought for a moment and said, “I have a plan to get you through.” Lin Chong replied, “If you can help me, I will never forget it.” Chai Jin sent a servant ahead with Lin Chong’s belongings and prepared 20-30 horses, equipped with bows, flags, and guns. They dressed Lin Chong as one of their party and headed for the checkpoint. 

The checkpoint officers recognized Chai Jin as he approached. Before becoming officers, they had visited Chai Jin’s estate and knew him well. The officers greeted Chai Jin, “Master Chai, going hunting again?” Chai Jin dismounted and asked, “Why are you here?” The officer replied, “The magistrate issued an order to capture Lin Chong. We are here to inspect everyone passing through.” Chai Jin laughed and said, “What if I have Lin Chong among my party? Can’t you recognize him?” The officers laughed and replied, “Master Chai follows the law. You wouldn’t smuggle him out. Please proceed.” Chai Jin said, “I’ll bring you some game on my way back.” They parted ways, and Chai Jin’s group passed through the checkpoint. After traveling 14-15 miles, they met the servant with Lin Chong’s belongings. Lin Chong changed into his clothes, armed himself with a waist knife, and prepared to leave. 

Chai Jin and his party continued hunting and returned at dusk, bringing some game to the officers before heading back to the estate. 

After parting ways with Master Chai, Lin Chong journeyed for over ten days. It was late winter, the sky covered with thick clouds, and a cold northern wind was blowing. Soon, a heavy snowfall began, covering the ground in white. He hadn’t traveled more than twenty miles when the land appeared silver-covered. The scene was: 

In the deep winter, it’s truly cold, 

The dark path hard to tread. 

The sky is clear and bright, 

Snow gleams, burying distant mountains. 

The wind stirs the snowflakes, 

Lightly dotting the hills and ridges. 

The tea smoke dampens, the boat is covered, 

Silver presses on rooftops, jade dragons coil in pine valleys. 

The pines’ hair turns white, 

Stars gather around, coral-like. 

The branches seem distant, 

A lone boat fishes amid the snow. 

The village feels desolate, 

Sad and devoid of joy. 

Lin Chong walked through the snow, feeling the growing cold as evening approached. In the distance, he saw an inn by a stream and lake, covered in snow. It looked like: 

The grass hut gleamed with silver, 

The thatched eaves reflected in jade. 

Dozens of old trees twisted, 

Several small windows tightly shut. 

Sparse thorn fences lightly dusted, 

Yellow earth walls spread with lead. 

Thousands of willow fluffs filled the curtains, 

Tens of thousands of goose feathers danced around the wine flag. 

Seeing this, Lin Chong hurried into the inn. He lifted the reed curtain and stepped inside. He chose a seat in a corner, placed his blade down, untied his bundle, took off his felt hat, and hung his waist knife. A waiter approached and asked, “How much wine would you like?” Lin Chong replied, “Bring me two horns of wine first.” The waiter brought a small bucket, poured two horns of wine, and placed it on the table. Lin Chong asked, “What do you have to go with the wine?” The waiter replied, “We have beef, fat goose, and tender chicken.” Lin Chong said, “First, bring me two pounds of cooked beef.” The waiter soon returned with a large plate of beef and several dishes, placing them in front of Lin Chong and pouring the wine. After drinking three or four bowls, Lin Chong saw a man standing at the door, looking at the snow. The man asked the waiter, “Who is drinking here?” Lin Chong saw that the man was wearing a deep-brimmed warm hat, a sable fur coat, and deerskin boots. He was tall and strong, with a broad face and a three-pronged yellow beard, looking out at the snow. 

Lin Chong called for the waiter to keep pouring wine and said, “Waiter, come and have a bowl with me.” The waiter drank a bowl. Lin Chong asked, “How far is it to Liangshan Marsh from here?” The waiter replied, “From here to Liangshan Marsh, though only a few miles, is all water route, with no dry path. If you want to go, you must take a boat to cross over.” Lin Chong said, “Can you find me a boat?” The waiter replied, “In such heavy snow and late hour, where can I find a boat?” Lin Chong said, “I’ll give you some money, please find a boat to take me across.” The waiter replied, “It’s impossible.” Lin Chong thought, “What should I do?” He drank a few more bowls of wine, feeling melancholic. Suddenly, he thought, “Back in the capital, I was a military instructor, enjoying the city’s pleasures every day. Who knew that scoundrel Gao Qiu would frame me, tattoo my face, and send me here. Now I can’t go home or serve my country, living in this desolation.” Overwhelmed with emotion, he borrowed a brush and ink from the waiter and, in a moment of drunken inspiration, wrote an eight-line five-character poem on the whitewashed wall. It read: 

“Righteous Lin Chong, 

A man most loyal and true. 

Known throughout the rivers and lakes, 

Generous, gathering heroes. 

Life is like floating driftwood, 

Fame is like a spinning thistle. 

If I achieve my aspirations one day, 

I will bring peace to Mount Tai!” 

After Lin Chong finished writing his poem, he set down the brush and ordered more wine. As he drank, a man approached him, grabbing him around the waist and saying, “You’re bold! You committed a heinous crime in Cangzhou and are still here. The authorities have posted a reward of three thousand strings of cash for your capture. What do you have to say?” Lin Chong replied, “Who do you think I am?” The man said, “Aren’t you Lin Chong?” Lin Chong said, “My surname is Zhang.” The man laughed, “Don’t lie. You wrote your name on the wall. Your face bears the tattooed mark. How can you deny it?” Lin Chong asked, “Are you really going to arrest me?” The man laughed, “Why would I arrest you? Come with me, and we’ll talk inside.” He released Lin Chong, who followed him to a waterside pavilion. The man ordered the waiter to light a lamp, and they exchanged greetings and sat opposite each other. 

The man asked, “I heard you inquiring about the route to Liangshan Marsh and seeking a boat to go there. That’s a bandit stronghold. What are you planning to do there?” Lin Chong replied, “To be honest, the authorities are hunting me down, and I have nowhere to hide. I want to join the heroes in that stronghold.” The man said, “Even so, you must have someone to recommend you to join them.” Lin Chong said, “An old friend from Henghai County in Cangzhou recommended me.” The man asked, “Could it be Chai Jin?” Lin Chong said, “How do you know?” The man replied, “Master Chai is well-connected with the leaders of the stronghold and often corresponds with them.” 

It turned out that when Wang Lun failed his exams, he and Du Qian sought refuge with Chai Jin, who hosted them for a while and provided them with travel money when they left. Lin Chong then bowed and said, “I did not recognize a great person. May I know your name?” The man quickly returned the courtesy and said, “I am Zhu Gui, originally from Yishui County in Yizhou. The stronghold tasked me to run this inn to gather information on travelers. Those with wealth are reported back to the stronghold. Lone travelers without money are allowed to pass, while wealthy ones are drugged or killed, their flesh made into jerky, and their fat used for lamps. I saw you asking about the route to Liangshan Marsh, so I didn’t act. Later, I saw your name and remembered hearing about your heroic deeds. Since you have a recommendation from Chai Jin, our leader will surely value you.” He then ordered the waiter to prepare a special meal. 

Lin Chong said, “Why such a grand meal? I am not worthy of this.” Zhu Gui replied, “The stronghold keeps this special meal for any hero passing through. Since you are joining us, it’s my duty to treat you well.” Soon, dishes of fish and meat were brought, and they drank until midnight. Lin Chong asked, “How can I get a boat to cross over?” Zhu Gui said, “There are boats available here. Rest for the night, and we’ll leave at the fifth watch.” 

That night, they went to sleep. At the fifth watch, Zhu Gui woke Lin Chong, and after washing up, they had three to five more cups of wine and some meat. It was still dark when Zhu Gui opened the pavilion window, took out a bow, and shot a signal arrow into the reeds across the river. Lin Chong asked, “What does this mean?” Zhu Gui said, “This is the stronghold’s signal arrow. A boat will come shortly.” Soon, three to five men in a boat came from the reeds. Zhu Gui took Lin Chong, along with his weapons and baggage, to the boat. The men rowed towards Liangshan Marsh, heading for the Golden Sands Beach. Lin Chong saw the eight hundred miles of water and marshes, indeed a formidable place. It looked like: 

Mountains lined with huge waves, waters stretching to the sky. 

Endless reeds, like spears and swords, strange trees like layers of blades. 

Defenses made from human bones, bowls and cups from skulls. 

Human skins cover war drums, hair used for reins. 

Blockades of dead-end paths and secret lanes. 

Pebbles piled like mountains, sharp bamboo like rain. 

Warships moving stealthily, hidden among the reeds. 

Secluded harbors, surrounded by dense vegetation. 

Worries arise at the Broken Gold Pavilion, killing intent at the Gathering Justice Hall. 

The henchmen rowed the boat to the shore of Golden Sands Beach. Zhu Gui and Lin Chong disembarked, with the henchmen carrying their bags and weapons. Zhu Gui and Lin Chong started up the mountain towards the stronghold, while the henchmen rowed the boat back to a small harbor. As Lin Chong looked around the shore, he saw large trees on either side and a pavilion halfway up the mountain called the Broken Gold Pavilion. Moving further up, they reached a main gate. In front of the gate were arranged swords, spears, bows, crossbows, halberds, and siege stones. The henchmen went ahead to report their arrival. Zhu Gui and Lin Chong entered the gate and saw rows of flags and troops lined up along the path. After passing through two more gates, they arrived at the main entrance of the stronghold. 

Lin Chong observed the high mountains and the three imposing gates that surrounded the stronghold, enclosing a flat area in the middle about three to five hundred yards wide. The main entrance was at the mountain pass, flanked by side rooms. Zhu Gui led Lin Chong to the Gathering Justice Hall. In the center sat Wang Lun, with Du Qian on his left and Song Wan on his right. Zhu Gui and Lin Chong stepped forward and saluted. Lin Chong stood beside Zhu Gui. Zhu Gui introduced, “This is Lin Chong, the Imperial Guard instructor from Dongjing. Framed by Marshal Gao Qiu, he was exiled to Cangzhou, where the army’s grass depot was burned. He killed three people and fled to Chai Jin’s house, who treated him with great respect. Chai Jin wrote a letter recommending him to join us.” Lin Chong took out the letter from his sleeve and handed it over. Wang Lun opened and read it, then invited Lin Chong to sit in the fourth chair, with Zhu Gui in the fifth. Wang Lun called for wine, and after three rounds, inquired about Chai Jin’s well-being. Lin Chong replied, “He spends his days hunting and enjoying himself in the countryside.” 

Wang Lun inquired for a while, then suddenly thought, “I am merely a failed scholar who took to the woods with Du Qian out of frustration. Later, Song Wan joined us, and we gathered these people together. I don’t have great skills, and Du Qian and Song Wan’s martial arts are just average. Now, adding this person, who is an instructor of the Imperial Guards from Dongjing, means he must be highly skilled. If he discovers our weaknesses, he will surely dominate us. How can we defend against him? It is better to find an excuse to send him away to avoid future trouble. But considering Chai Jin’s recommendation, it would be ungrateful and disrespectful to disregard the favor he has done for us. Nevertheless, we can’t accommodate him now.” A poem attests to this: 

The brave and honorable Lin Chong is unmatched, recommended by Chai Jin. 

Wang Lun’s petty mind cannot contain him, and he refuses to accept, pushing him away. 

Wang Lun then ordered the henchmen to prepare food and arrange a banquet, inviting Lin Chong to join. All the heroes ate and drank together. As the banquet was ending, Wang Lun called the henchmen to bring a tray with fifty taels of silver and two bolts of silk. Wang Lun stood up and said, “Master Chai recommended you to join our humble stronghold, but unfortunately, we lack sufficient food, our shelters are inadequate, and our manpower is thin. I fear we might not be able to properly support you and it wouldn’t look good. Here is a small gift, please accept it and seek a larger stronghold to settle in. I hope you don’t take offense.”   

Lin Chong replied, “Leaders, please allow me to explain. I have traveled thousands of miles to join you, relying on Master Chai’s recommendation. Although I lack talent, I hope you will accept me. I am willing to risk my life and serve faithfully. I did not come for money, but for the opportunity. Please reconsider.”  

Wang Lun said, “This is a small place, how can we accommodate you? No offense intended.”  

Zhu Gui then intervened, “Brother, don’t take offense to my words. Although we have little food in the stronghold, we can borrow from nearby villages and towns. We have ample timber to build more houses. Master Chai himself recommended him, how can we turn him away? Master Chai has done many favors for us; if he finds out we didn’t accept his recommendation, it will reflect poorly on us. Moreover, this man is skilled and will surely contribute.”  

Du Qian added, “What harm is there in accepting him? If we don’t, Master Chai will be displeased, and it will seem like we are ungrateful. We have benefited from his help many times, and now we push away someone he recommends?” 

Song Wan also persuaded, “For Master Chai’s sake, we should accept him as a leader here. Otherwise, it will seem like we have no spirit of camaraderie, and we will be ridiculed by other heroes.”  

Wang Lun said, “You don’t understand. Though he has committed great crimes in Cangzhou, we don’t know his true intentions. What if he is here to spy on us? What then?”  

Lin Chong said, “I have committed serious crimes and came here to join you. Why would you doubt me?”  

Wang Lun said, “If you are sincere in joining, you must provide proof of your loyalty.”  

Lin Chong responded, “I am literate, give me paper and a brush, and I will write it.”  

Zhu Gui laughed, “Instructor, you misunderstand. When a hero joins us, they must submit a pledge. This means going down the mountain to kill someone and bringing back their head as proof of loyalty. This is the pledge.”  

Lin Chong said, “That’s not difficult. I’ll go down and wait, but I fear there won’t be anyone to kill.”  

Wang Lun said, “You have three days. If you bring back the pledge within three days, you can join us. If not, don’t blame us.”  

Lin Chong agreed and returned to his room, deeply troubled. He pondered: 

Worries and sorrow fill my heart, Wang Lun’s tricks are truly hateful. 

Tomorrow I’ll search the mountain paths, not knowing who will send a head my way. 

That night, after the banquet ended, Zhu Gui bid farewell and went down the mountain to guard the inn. Lin Chong, armed with his knife and carrying his belongings, was led by a henchman to a guest room to rest for the night. The next morning, after having some tea and food, he strapped on his waist knife, took his broadsword, and had a henchman lead him down the mountain. They took a boat across the water and waited on a secluded path for passing travelers. From morning till dusk, they waited the entire day, but no solitary traveler passed by. Lin Chong, feeling dejected, returned with the henchman across the water to the stronghold. 

Wang Lun asked, “Where is the pledge of loyalty?” Lin Chong replied, “No travelers passed by today, so I could not obtain it.” Wang Lun said, “If you do not bring a pledge of loyalty tomorrow, it will be difficult for you to stay here.” Lin Chong dared not respond further, feeling unhappy. He went to his room, had some food, and rested for another night. 

The next morning, after breakfast with the henchman, Lin Chong took his broadsword and went down the mountain again. The henchman said, “Today, let’s wait on the southern mountain path.” They hid in the woods, but no travelers passed by until midday when a group of over three hundred travelers passed by in a convoy. Lin Chong dared not act and let them pass. As the day grew late, no other travelers appeared. Lin Chong said to the henchman, “I have such bad luck. I’ve waited two days and haven’t seen a solitary traveler. What should I do?” The henchman said, “Brother, don’t worry. We still have one more day. Let’s wait on the eastern mountain path tomorrow.” That night, they returned to the mountain. Wang Lun asked, “What about the pledge of loyalty today?” Lin Chong did not dare respond and sighed. Wang Lun laughed, “It seems there was nothing again today. I gave you three days, and two have already passed. If you have nothing tomorrow, don’t bother meeting me; just leave the mountain and find another place.” Lin Chong returned to his room, deeply troubled. 

A poem named “Immortals by the River” captures his feelings: 

Worries cloud my heart like a dragon from the sea, distress confines me like a tiger in a barren field. 

Tears flow like those of Song Yu lamenting autumn, the writer’s brush now gone, the conqueror’s regret without a boat. 

Emperor Gaozu faced hardships in Xingyang, Wu Xiang suffered at Zhao Pass, Cao Cao’s Red Cliffs burned like the sky. 

From Li Ling’s terrace, looking towards Su Wu trapped in the far north. 

That night, Lin Chong sighed to the heavens, “I never expected that after Gao Qiu framed me, I would end up in such a dire situation!” The next morning, he ate breakfast, packed his belongings, and strapped on his waist knife. He took his broadsword and went down the mountain with the henchman, crossing the water to the eastern mountain path. Lin Chong said, “If I cannot obtain a pledge of loyalty today, I will have to find another place to settle.” They hid in the forest and waited. As noon approached, no one appeared. The sun shone brightly on the melting snow. Lin Chong, holding his broadsword, said to the henchman, “It seems this isn’t going to work. We should leave early, gather our belongings, and find another place.” The henchman pointed and said, “Look, isn’t that someone coming?” Lin Chong saw and exclaimed, “Finally!” A man was walking up the path. When he got closer, Lin Chong swung his broadsword and jumped out. The man saw Lin Chong and shouted, “Ah!” He dropped his load and ran. Lin Chong chased after him but couldn’t catch up. The man disappeared over the ridge. Lin Chong said, “What bad luck! I waited three days and finally see someone, but he runs away.” The henchman said, “Although we didn’t kill anyone, this load of goods can suffice.” Lin Chong said, “You take it up the mountain first, and I’ll wait a bit longer.” The henchman carried the load up the mountain. Just then, a burly man appeared from behind the ridge. Lin Chong saw him and said, “Heaven is helping me!” The man brandished his broadsword and roared thunderously, “You scoundrels, unending bandits! Where are you taking my belongings? I was just hunting you down, and now you come to pluck the tiger’s whiskers!” He leapt forward with great speed. Seeing the man’s fierce approach, Lin Chong also stepped forward to confront him. 

If it weren’t this person coming to fight Lin Chong, it could be foretold: 

A fearsome white tiger to the Liangshan ranks, and fierce golden-eyed beasts to the Water Margin stronghold. 

Ready to turn the world upside down and mend the heavens with their might. 

Who exactly was this man who came to fight Lin Chong? That will be revealed in the next chapter.