Water Margin

Poem: 

In the cycle of seasons, summer departs and winter arrives; Spring and autumn pass, as the sun sets in the west, and water flows east. 

Wealth and fortune come with fate; poverty and hardship also have their reasons. 

Seize opportunities when they arise, but when success comes, it’s time to be cautious. 

Where is the general’s warhorse now? Wildflowers and grass grow in sorrow over the land.

As the story goes, Shi Jin pondered, “What should we do now?” Zhu Wu and the other two leaders knelt and said, “Brother, you are a clean and honorable man. Don’t get involved with us and bring trouble upon yourself. Tie us up and turn us in for a reward; that way, you won’t suffer any repercussions.” Shi Jin replied, “How could I do that? It would make me look like I lured you here to capture you and claim the reward, which would make people laugh at me. If we are to die, we die together; if we live, we live together. Get up and don’t worry; let me find out the reason for this.” 

Shi Jin climbed up the ladder and asked, “Why have you come to raid my manor in the middle of the night?” One of the constables replied, “Shi Jin, don’t deny it. Here is the accuser, Li Ji.” Shi Jin shouted, “Li Ji, why are you falsely accusing an innocent man?” Li Ji responded, “I found Wang Si’s reply letter in the forest and took it to the county office, which led to this.” Shi Jin called Wang Si and asked, “You said there was no reply letter; how is there now a letter?” Wang Si stammered, “I was drunk and forgot about the letter.” Shi Jin roared, “You wretch! What now?” 

The constables and soldiers, fearing Shi Jin’s prowess, did not dare to enter the manor. The three leaders gestured to Shi Jin to handle the situation. Shi Jin understood and called out from the ladder, “Constables, don’t cause a commotion. Step back, and I will bind and bring them out myself.” The constables, afraid of Shi Jin, agreed, “We will wait here. Bind them and bring them out for the reward.” 

Shi Jin climbed down and called Wang Si, taking him to the rear garden and killing him with a single stroke. He then ordered the servants to pack up all valuable items and set fire to the manor. Shi Jin, Zhu Wu, Yang Chun, and Chen Da armed themselves, wearing full armor, and each carried a waist knife and a broadsword. They set the grass huts at the back of the manor on fire. The servants packed their belongings, lit thirty or forty torches, and the constables and soldiers rushed to the back of the manor upon seeing the fire. 

Shi Jin set the central hall on fire and opened the manor gates, shouting and charging out. Shi Jin led the charge, Zhu Wu and Yang Chun were in the middle, and Chen Da was at the rear. They fought their way out, killing and wounding as they went. Shi Jin, a fierce fighter, led the way, and the rear fire blazed, opening a path for escape. They encountered the two constables and Li Ji. Shi Jin, enraged, killed Li Ji with a single stroke. The two constables tried to flee but were killed by Chen Da and Yang Chun. The county officer, terrified, fled on horseback. The soldiers scattered, fleeing for their lives. Shi Jin led his group, fighting and fleeing until they reached Shaohua Mountain. They sat down to catch their breath, and Zhu Wu ordered the slaughter of cattle and horses to celebrate their escape. 

After a few days, Shi Jin thought, “I had to burn my manor to save these three. Though I saved some valuables, most of my wealth is gone.” Feeling unsettled, he said to Zhu Wu and the others, “My master, Instructor Wang, works in the military governor’s office in the west. I need to find him. My father’s death prevented me from going before. Now, my manor is gone, and I must seek him out.” Zhu Wu and the others tried to persuade him, “Brother, stay with us for a while. We can rebuild your manor and live as honest men again once things settle down.” Shi Jin replied, “Though I appreciate your kindness, my heart is set on finding my master. I cannot stay here and let my parents’ honor be tainted by joining the bandits.” 

Shi Jin stayed a few more days but eventually prepared to leave. Zhu Wu and the others couldn’t persuade him to stay. Shi Jin left his servants in the stronghold and packed only a few silver coins, leaving the rest with Zhu Wu. Wearing a white felt hat with a red tassel, a blue headscarf, a yellow silk neckband, a white silk battle robe, a red silk belt, and hemp shoes, he carried a broadsword and a bag, and bid farewell to Zhu Wu and the others. The bandits saw him off with tears, and Shi Jin departed. 

Shi Jin took the road west to Yan’an Prefecture. The journey was rugged and lonely: 

Over rugged mountains, through desolate villages. He traveled through the night, resting in the wild, and in the morning, climbed perilous paths. At dusk, he heard dogs barking; early frost made the chickens crow. The mountain shadows faded, the willows vanished. The evening glow reflected on the water, turning red; as night fell, green mist rose. Fishermen returned to their villages, and woodcutters carried heavy loads home. 

Shi Jin traveled alone, eating and drinking along the way, resting at night and walking by day. After more than half a month, he arrived in Weizhou. “Could my master, Instructor Wang, be here?” Shi Jin wondered. He entered the city and found it bustling with six streets and three markets. He saw a small teahouse at the roadside and entered, choosing a seat. The tea master asked, “What tea would you like, sir?” Shi Jin replied, “A pot of tea, please.” The tea master brought a pot and set it before Shi Jin. He asked, “Where is the military governor’s office?” The tea master replied, “Just ahead.” Shi Jin asked, “Is there an instructor named Wang Jin from the capital in the office?” The tea master said, “There are many instructors with the surname Wang. I’m not sure which one is Wang Jin.” As he spoke, a large man walked into the teahouse. Shi Jin saw that he looked like a military officer. His appearance was as follows: 

He wore a sesame-patterned headscarf with golden rings at the back, a parrot-green silk battle robe, and a double-layered blue belt. His feet were clad in eagle-claw leather boots. He had a round face, large ears, a straight nose, and a square mouth, with a raccoon-like beard on his cheeks. He stood eight feet tall and had a waist ten spans wide. 

The man entered the teahouse and sat down. The tea master said, “Sir, if you’re looking for Instructor Wang, just ask this constable; he knows everyone.” Shi Jin quickly stood up, greeted him, and said, “Sir, please have some tea.” The man, seeing Shi Jin’s tall and robust figure, returned the greeting and sat down. Shi Jin said, “I hope I’m not being too forward. May I ask your honorable name?” The man replied, “I am Constable Lu of the military governor’s office, also known as Lu Da. And you, brother, what is your name?” Shi Jin replied, “I am Shi Jin from Huayin County in Huazhou. I am looking for my master, Wang Jin, who was an instructor for the Eighty Thousand Imperial Guards in the capital. Do you know if he is here at the military governor’s office?” Lu Da replied, “Brother, are you the Nine-Patterned Dragon, Shi Dalang from Shi Family Village?” Shi Jin bowed and said, “Yes, that is me.” Lu Da quickly returned the bow and said, “Your reputation precedes you; meeting you in person is even better. Are you looking for Instructor Wang Jin, who had trouble with High Constable Gao in the capital?” Shi Jin said, “That’s him.” Lu Da replied, “I have heard of him. But he is not here; he is with the old governor-general in Yan’an Prefecture. We are under the young governor-general here in Weizhou. Since you are Shi Dalang, whose name I have often heard, let’s go have a drink.” Lu Da took Shi Jin’s arm and led him out of the teahouse. Turning back, Lu Da said, “I’ll cover the tea bill.” The tea master replied, “Don’t worry, Constable, just enjoy your time.” 

The two linked arms and walked down the street. After three to five dozen steps, they saw a crowd gathered around something on the ground. Shi Jin said, “Brother, let’s take a look.” They pushed through the crowd and saw a man with about ten staves spread out on the ground, selling plasters. Recognizing him, Shi Jin called out, “Master, long time no see!” Li Zhong, the man selling the plasters, replied, “Brother, what brings you here?” Lu Da said, “Since you are Shi Dalang’s master, let’s have a drink together.” Li Zhong replied, “Let me sell my plasters and collect my money first, then I’ll join you.” Lu Da said, “Why wait? Let’s go now.” Li Zhong replied, “This is my livelihood. Let me finish, and I’ll join you shortly.” Lu Da, impatient, pushed the crowd away and said, “Get lost, or I’ll start hitting!” The crowd, recognizing Lu Da, quickly dispersed. Li Zhong, seeing Lu Da’s fierceness, did not dare to protest and said, “Such an impatient man.” He packed up his things, left his staves at a safe place, and the three of them headed to a famous tavern under the city bridge. Outside, a sign with a flag fluttered in the wind. It was a good tavern: 

Li Bai would nod in approval, Tao Yuanming would beckon you inside. A poem describes it: 

Wind blows the smoke, the beautiful flag flutters, In peaceful times, the days are long. 

It strengthens a hero’s courage, and alleviates a lady’s sorrow. 

Beneath the willow at dawn, a pole leans against the apricot blossoms. 

A man who hasn’t achieved his dreams should enjoy his life with a song and a drink. 

The three went upstairs to the Pan family’s tavern and chose a nice private room. Lu Da took the main seat, Li Zhong sat opposite, and Shi Jin sat at the lower seat. The waiter recognized Lu Da and asked, “Constable, how much wine would you like?” Lu Da replied, “Bring four pints first.” The waiter set out the dishes and wine and asked, “What would you like to eat?” Lu Da replied, “Whatever you have, just bring it. Don’t bother us with questions!” The waiter brought the wine and food, filling the table. After a few cups of wine and some idle conversation about martial arts, they heard someone crying in the next room. Lu Da, irritated, threw his dish on the floor. The waiter rushed over and asked, “What do you need, sir?” Lu Da said, “I don’t need anything! Who is crying next door and disturbing our drinking? I have paid for my wine!” The waiter replied, “Sir, forgive me. It’s a father and daughter who sing for their supper. They didn’t know you were here.” Lu Da said, “Call them over.” The waiter called them, and soon, a young woman about eighteen or nineteen and an old man about fifty or sixty came in, the man holding a pair of clappers. The young woman, although not very beautiful, had a certain charm: 

Her loose cloud-like hair was adorned with a jade hairpin; her slender waist was wrapped in a red silk skirt. She wore an old white blouse over her pale body, with soft yellow socks and small shoes. Her eyebrows were tightly knit, and tears fell like pearls; her pale face was lowered, her delicate skin like jade. If not for her melancholy, she would still have her youthful grace, even without makeup. 

The young woman wiped her tears and bowed deeply. The old man also greeted them. Lu Da asked, “Where are you from, and why are you crying?” The young woman replied, “Sir, let me explain. We are from the capital. We came to Weizhou to seek relatives, but they moved to Nanjing. My mother fell ill and died at the inn. My father and I are now destitute. A wealthy man named Zheng the butcher, also known as Zhen Guanxi, saw me and forced me to become his concubine. He paid three thousand strings of coins for me. But his wife was jealous and beat me, driving me out. Now we are in debt to the innkeeper for three thousand coins. My father is weak and can’t fight him. We have no money to repay, so I sing to earn money. We owe most of it to him and keep a little for our expenses. These past few days, business has been slow, and we couldn’t make the payment. We were crying out of despair and didn’t mean to disturb you. Please forgive us.” Lu Da asked, “What are your names, and where are you staying?” The old man replied, “My name is Jin, and my daughter’s name is Cuilian. Zheng the butcher lives by the Scholar Bridge. We are staying at the Lu family inn in the east gate.” Lu Da said, “I thought he was some high official, but he’s just a butcher! This filthy scoundrel works under our young governor-general’s office and runs a butcher shop, yet he dares to bully people!” Turning to Li Zhong and Shi Jin, he said, “Wait here while I go kill that scoundrel.” Shi Jin and Li Zhong held him back, saying, “Brother, calm down. We can deal with this tomorrow.” After three or four attempts, they managed to calm him down. 

Lu Da said, “Old man, take this money and return to the capital tomorrow.” The father and daughter bowed and said, “If you help us return home, we will be forever grateful. But the innkeeper won’t let us go without Zheng’s money.” Lu Da said, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” He took out five taels of silver and put them on the table, then turned to Shi Jin and said, “I didn’t bring much money today. Lend me some, and I’ll repay you tomorrow.” Shi Jin said, “Don’t worry about repayment.” He took out a ten-tael silver ingot and put it on the table. Lu Da looked at Li Zhong and said, “You lend some too.” Li Zhong took out two taels. Lu Da said, “You’re not very generous.” He gave the fifteen taels of silver to Old Jin and said, “Use this for your travel expenses. Pack your things tonight, and I’ll see you off tomorrow morning. Let’s see if the innkeeper dares to stop you.” Old Jin and his daughter thanked him and left. 

Lu Da threw the two taels of silver back to Li Zhong. The three of them drank two more cups of wine, then went downstairs. Lu Da called out, “Innkeeper, I’ll pay the bill tomorrow.” The innkeeper replied, “Constable, don’t worry about it. Just enjoy your drinks. I’m not afraid you won’t come back.” The three men left the Pan family tavern and parted ways on the street. Shi Jin and Li Zhong each went to their respective inns. Lu Da returned to his quarters at the military governor’s residence, went to his room, skipped dinner, and angrily went to bed. The innkeeper didn’t dare to ask him any questions. 

Meanwhile, Old Jin took the fifteen taels of silver back to the inn, settled his daughter, went outside the city to hire a cart, returned to pack their belongings, paid the lodging fee, and cleared the bill for firewood and rice. They waited for dawn. The night passed uneventfully. At the crack of dawn, father and daughter got up, cooked breakfast, ate, and finished packing. As the sky began to lighten, Lu Da strode into the inn and shouted, “Innkeeper, where is Old Jin staying?” The innkeeper replied, “Old Jin, the constable is here to see you.” Old Jin opened the door and invited Lu Da in, saying, “Constable, please come in and sit.” Lu Da replied, “Sit for what? It’s time to leave!” Old Jin, carrying his daughter and their belongings, thanked Lu Da and was about to leave when the innkeeper blocked the way, saying, “Old Jin, where are you going?” Lu Da asked, “Does he owe you lodging fees?” The innkeeper replied, “He paid the lodging fees last night, but he still owes Master Zheng the three thousand strings of cash, and it’s my responsibility to collect it.” Lu Da said, “I’ll pay Zheng the butcher’s money. Let this old man go home.” The innkeeper refused. Lu Da, enraged, spread his five fingers and slapped the innkeeper’s face, causing him to spit blood. With another punch, he knocked out two of the innkeeper’s teeth. The innkeeper scrambled away in fear. The owner of the inn didn’t dare to intervene. Old Jin and his daughter hurriedly left the inn and went to find the cart they had arranged the previous day. 

Lu Da, worried that the innkeeper might chase after them, sat on a bench in the inn for two hours. After calculating that Old Jin must be far away, he got up and headed to Scholar Bridge.  

Meanwhile, Zheng the butcher was running his shop, which had two open stalls with three to five pieces of pork hanging. He sat behind the counter, overseeing ten assistants who were selling meat. Lu Da approached and called out, “Zheng the butcher!” Zheng, seeing that it was Lu Da, hurriedly came out and greeted him, saying, “Constable, forgive me.” He called for an assistant to bring a bench, saying, “Constable, please sit.” Lu Da said, “By the governor-general’s orders, I need ten catties of lean meat, chopped finely, without any fat.” Zheng replied, “Sure, pick out the best and chop ten catties.” Lu Da said, “I don’t want those filthy hands touching it; you chop it yourself.” Zheng replied, “Alright, I’ll do it myself.” He went to the meat counter, picked out ten catties of lean meat, and carefully chopped it into mince. As he was doing this, the innkeeper, with a cloth wrapped around his head, came to report the incident with Old Jin but, seeing Lu Da sitting at the door, didn’t dare approach and stood far away, watching. 

Zheng took half an hour to chop the meat, wrapped it in a lotus leaf, and asked, “Shall I send it over?” Lu Da replied, “Send it where? Wait, I need another ten catties of pure fat, no lean meat, also chopped finely.” Zheng replied, “I thought the lean meat was for making wontons. What do you need the fat for?” Lu Da glared and said, “The governor-general ordered it; who dares question him?” Zheng replied, “Alright, I’ll chop it.” He selected ten catties of fat, finely minced it, and wrapped it in a lotus leaf. By the time he finished, it was time for lunch. The innkeeper didn’t dare come over, and even the regular customers were afraid to approach. Zheng said, “Let someone take it to the governor-general’s residence.” Lu Da replied, “Now I need ten catties of soft bones, chopped finely, without any meat.” Zheng laughed and said, “Aren’t you just trying to make fun of me?” Lu Da jumped up, holding the two packages of minced meat, glared at Zheng, and said, “I am making fun of you!” He threw the meat at Zheng’s face, making it look like it was raining meat. Zheng, enraged, felt his anger rise from his feet to his head. Unable to contain his rage, he grabbed a sharp boning knife and jumped down from the counter. Lu Da had already moved to the middle of the street. The neighbors and the assistants didn’t dare intervene, and passersby stopped to watch in fear. 

Zheng, holding the knife in his right hand, tried to grab Lu Da with his left. Lu Da grabbed Zheng’s left hand, pushed him back, and kicked him in the stomach, knocking him to the ground. Lu Da stepped on Zheng’s chest, raised his fist, and said, “I serve the old governor-general and hold the rank of Inspector of the Five Routes in the Northwest. I’m not called Zhen Guanxi for nothing. You, a mere butcher, dare call yourself Zhen Guanxi! How dare you bully Jin Cuilian!” He punched Zheng in the nose, causing blood to spurt and his nose to bend. It looked like a condiment shop had opened: salty, sour, and spicy. Zheng couldn’t get up, and his knife fell to the side. He could only say, “Good hit!” Lu Da cursed, “You damned scoundrel! Still talking back?” He punched Zheng in the eye, causing it to swell and bleed, looking like a fabric shop: red, black, and purple. The onlookers were terrified of Lu Da and didn’t dare intervene. Zheng begged for mercy, but Lu Da said, “You lowlife! If you had fought back, I might have spared you. But since you’re begging, I won’t!” He punched Zheng in the temple, making a sound like a temple full of bells and gongs. Lu Da saw that Zheng was lying motionless, only breathing out but not in. Realizing he had accidentally killed Zheng with three punches, Lu Da thought, “I only wanted to beat him up, but I didn’t mean to kill him. If I stay, I’ll have to face a lawsuit and won’t have anyone to bring me food. I’d better leave quickly.” He got up, pointed at Zheng’s body, and said, “You can pretend to be dead, but I’ll deal with you later.” He stormed off. The neighbors and Zheng’s assistants didn’t dare stop him. 

Lu Da returned to his quarters, quickly packed his belongings and some silver, leaving behind old clothes and heavy items. He took a short staff and ran out the south gate, disappearing like a gust of wind. 

Let’s talk about the people at Zheng Tu’s house. They tried to save him for half a day but to no avail; he was dead. The family and neighbors went straight to the prefectural office to file a complaint. The upright magistrate was in the hall when he received the complaint. After reading it, he said, “Lu Da is a constable at the military governor’s office. I cannot arrest him on my own authority.” The magistrate immediately got into his sedan chair and went to the military governor’s office. He got off the sedan chair, and the guards at the gate went inside to report. When the military governor heard this, he ordered the magistrate to be invited into the hall. After the magistrate and the governor exchanged greetings, the governor asked, “What brings you here?” The magistrate replied, “I must inform you, sir, that Constable Lu Da from your office has, without cause, beaten a butcher named Zheng to death in the market. I did not dare to arrest him without informing you first.” The military governor was shocked and thought, “Although Lu Da is skilled in martial arts, he has a rough temperament. Now that he has committed murder, how can I protect him? He must be interrogated according to the law.” The governor then told the magistrate, “Lu Da was originally an officer under my father, the old governor. I had assigned him as a constable because I had no one else to assist me. Since he has committed murder, you may arrest him and interrogate him according to the law. Once he confesses, let me know before you pass the final judgment. If my father needs him in the future, it would be inappropriate to refuse.” The magistrate replied, “I will interrogate him and report the findings to the old governor before making a final decision.” The magistrate then left the governor, returned to the prefectural office, and summoned the constables to issue an arrest warrant for Lu Da. 

At that time, Inspector Wang received the warrant and took about twenty officials to Lu Da’s quarters. The landlord said, “He just left with some packages and a short staff. I thought he was on official business, so I didn’t question him.” Inspector Wang ordered the landlord to open Lu Da’s room, finding only some old clothes and bedding inside. The inspector took the landlord and searched all over the city, from south to north, but they couldn’t find Lu Da. They arrested two neighbors and the landlord and took them back to the prefectural office, reporting, “Lu Da has escaped and is nowhere to be found. We only managed to bring the landlord and two neighbors.” The magistrate ordered them to be detained and then summoned Zheng Tu’s family and neighbors for further questioning. The coroner and local officials examined the body, and Zheng Tu’s family prepared a coffin and placed it in a temple. The case file was completed, and an arrest warrant was issued for Lu Da, with a bounty of one thousand strings of cash. Notices with Lu Da’s description and details were posted everywhere. The neighbors and landlord were released after being reprimanded. Zheng Tu’s family performed the mourning rituals, but we won’t elaborate on that. 

Meanwhile, Lu Da, having fled Wei Prefecture, wandered east and west, like: 

A lone goose, separated from the flock, flying under the moonlight; a fish that escaped the net, leaping through the waves. He traveled without regard for distance, height, or direction, knocking into people on the road, running as swiftly as a warhorse. 

Lu Da, in a hurry, like a dog that lost its home or a fish that slipped through the net, passed through several prefectures. He fled wherever he could find refuge. As the saying goes: When starving, one doesn’t choose food; when cold, one doesn’t choose clothes; when panicking, one doesn’t choose the road; when poor, one doesn’t choose a wife. Lu Da, anxious and running, didn’t know where he was headed. After more than half a month, he reached Yanmen County in Dai Prefecture. Entering the bustling city, he saw a lively market with people and carriages everywhere, more prosperous than many larger cities. While walking, he saw a crowd gathered at a crossroads, reading a notice. He saw: 

People crowded together, shoulder to shoulder, head to head. It was hard to tell the wise from the foolish, the noble from the humble. Zhang San, the illiterate, just shook his head; Li Si, the short and squat, stepped on others’ feet. White-haired old men leaned on their canes, while young scholars with black hair copied the notice. 

Lu Da squeezed into the crowd to listen, as he couldn’t read. He heard people reading, “In accordance with the Taoyuan Prefectural Office’s directive, this notice from Wei Prefecture orders the capture of Lu Da, a constable at the military governor’s office, who beat a butcher named Zheng to death. Anyone harboring him will be punished equally. A reward of one thousand strings of cash will be given to those who capture or report him.” As Lu Da listened, he suddenly felt someone grab him from behind and shout, “Brother Zhang, what are you doing here?” The person dragged him away. 

If not for this person recognizing him and forcibly dragging him away, it would have led to: 

Lu Da shaving his head, changing his name, angering the gods, and monks opening the dangerous path with their staffs and killing all the unjust with their knives. 

Who was it that grabbed Lu Da? Find out in the next installment.