Water Margin

Poem: 

Departing the monastery, he enters another, where meeting a true friend forges a bond as strong as gold. 

With his might, he terrifies the thieves; with profound wisdom, he delights the hearts of monks. 

He is famously known as the Flowery Monk, but his real name is Lu Zhishen. 

Though his worldly wishes are fulfilled, he finds himself without true companions.

One day, the venerable Master Zhizhen said, “Zhishen, you can no longer stay here. I have a junior brother, Master Zhiqing, who is the abbot at the Grand Xiangguo Monastery in Dongjing. I will give you a letter to him; you can seek a position as a monk there. I contemplated deeply last night and offer you these four lines of wisdom to guide you throughout your life. Remember my words today.” Zhishen knelt down and said, “I am willing to hear the words of wisdom.” The abbot then recited: 

“Rise when you encounter forests, prosper when you encounter mountains, thrive when you encounter water, and settle when you encounter rivers.” 

Lu Zhishen listened to the four lines of wisdom, bowed to the abbot nine times, packed his belongings, including his waist and belly wraps, and hid the letter. He then bid farewell to the abbot and the monks, leaving Mount Wutai. He went to the guesthouse next to the blacksmith’s shop and waited for his monk’s staff and precept knife to be finished. Once everything was ready, he would be on his way. The monks in the monastery were all happy to see him go. The abbot instructed the temple workers to clean up and repair the damaged statue of the Guardian King and the pavilion. Within a few days, Master Zhao personally brought the necessary funds to Mount Wutai to restore the statue and rebuild the pavilion, without further ado. 

Let’s talk about Lu Zhishen again. He stayed at the guesthouse for a few days, waiting for the two items to be finished. Once the scabbard was made and the precept knife was placed inside, and the monk’s staff was lacquered, he gave some small silver pieces to the blacksmith as a reward. He packed his belongings, strapped on the precept knife, and carried the monk’s staff. He then bid farewell to the guesthouse owner and the blacksmith and set off on his journey. Passersby who saw him could tell that he was indeed a rough-and-tumble monk. He looked like this: 

Wearing a black monk’s robe with sleeves sewn in, a blue sash tied at the waist. The precept knife, gleaming like spring ice, was hidden in its scabbard; the monk’s staff, resembling a jade serpent, was carried on his shoulder. His legs, like those of an egret, were tightly wrapped, and his stomach, like a spider’s, was securely fastened with a sash. His face, scarred by countless battles, showed he was not a mere scripture-reciting monk. 

Lu Zhishen, after leaving Wenshu Monastery at Mount Wutai, journeyed towards Dongjing, traveling for more than half a month. Along the way, he avoided monasteries, instead staying at inns, and during the day, he bought food and drink at taverns. He ate when he was hungry and drank when he was thirsty, resting at night and traveling at dawn. One day, as he was walking, captivated by the beauty of the mountains and rivers, he didn’t realize it was getting late. The scenery was: 

The mountains cast deep shadows, the mulberry trees gradually disappeared. In the shade of green willows, birds could be heard returning to their nests; in the village of red apricot trees, cows and sheep were seen entering their pens. As the sun set, smoke and mist filled the air, the remnants of clouds scattered red light over the water. By the creek, fishermen moved their boats, while in the fields, children rode oxen home. 

Lu Zhishen, entranced by the beauty, walked half the day, unable to find a place to stay. The road was empty with no companions, making it hard to find lodging. He traveled another thirty miles, crossed a plank bridge, and saw a courtyard shimmering in the setting sun among the trees, with a series of hills behind it. Lu Zhishen said, “I must seek lodging at that manor.” He walked up to the manor and saw dozens of people hurriedly moving things around. He leaned on his staff and greeted the manor servants. One of them asked, “Monk, what are you doing here so late?” Zhishen replied, “I couldn’t reach my lodging in time. I wish to stay at your manor for the night and leave early in the morning.” The servant said, “We have business tonight, you cannot stay here.” Zhishen insisted, “Please let me stay for one night. I will leave at dawn.” The servant said, “Leave now, don’t seek death here.” Zhishen angrily retorted, “It’s strange! Staying one night shouldn’t be a problem. Why do you say it’s seeking death?” The servant said, “Leave or we’ll bind you here.” Zhishen, enraged, said, “You rude villagers! I haven’t done anything wrong, yet you want to bind me?” Some villagers cursed him, others tried to persuade him. Zhishen raised his staff, ready to act. Just then, an elderly man emerged from the manor, appearing as:  

With a beard like snow, hair like frost. He walked with a stooped shoulder and bowed head, and when seated, he was deaf and half-blind. He wore a three-peaked warm hat and four-seam wide boots. Around his waist was a blue sash with Buddha heads, and he wore a white robe that resembled fish belly. He looked like a local earth god, or an old dragon king from the sea. 

The elderly man, over sixty years old, walked with a staff taller than himself. He asked the servants, “What are you all fussing about?” The servant replied, “This monk wants to fight us.” Zhishen said, “I am a monk from Mount Wutai on my way to Dongjing. I couldn’t reach my lodging and wished to stay at your manor for the night, but these rude people want to bind me.” The elderly man said, “Since you are a monk from Mount Wutai, follow me inside.” Zhishen followed the old man to the main hall, where they sat down. The old man said, “Don’t blame the servants. They didn’t realize you are a revered monk. I have always respected the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Although we have business tonight, you can stay here for the night.” Zhishen thanked him and said, “Thank you, benefactor. May I ask your honorable name?” The old man replied, “My name is Liu, and this place is called Peach Blossom Village. The locals call me Peach Blossom Village Elder Liu. May I ask the monk’s secular name?” Zhishen said, “My master, Abbot Zhizhen, gave me the religious name Zhishen because my secular surname is Lu. I am called Lu Zhishen.” The elder said, “Monk, please have some dinner. Do you eat meat?” Zhishen replied, “I don’t abstain from meat or wine. I’ll eat whatever is available.” The elder said, “Since you don’t abstain, let the servants bring some wine and meat.” Soon, the servants brought a table with a plate of beef, three or four dishes, and a pair of chopsticks, placing them before Zhishen. Zhishen removed his waist and belly wraps and sat down. The servant brought a jug of wine and a cup, pouring it for Zhishen. Zhishen, without hesitation or politeness, quickly finished the wine and meat. The elder watched in amazement. The servant then brought rice, which Zhishen also ate. 

After moving the table, Master Liu instructed, “Just let the master stay in the outer room for the night. If things get lively outside, don’t come out to look.” Lu Zhishen asked, “May I ask what event is happening at your estate tonight?” Master Liu replied, “It’s not something a monk should concern himself with.” Lu Zhishen said, “Master Liu, why do you seem unhappy? Do you think my stay here is troublesome? Tomorrow, I will pay for the room.” Master Liu responded, “Master, let me explain. My family regularly provides food and shelter for monks; you are not a burden. It’s just that my daughter is getting married tonight, which is causing me distress.” Lu Zhishen laughed, “Men and women marry; it’s a major event in life. Why are you distressed?” Master Liu replied, “Master, you don’t understand. This marriage isn’t by choice.” Lu Zhishen laughed again, “Master Liu, you are quite foolish. If it’s not by choice, why accept him as a son-in-law?” Master Liu explained, “I have only this one daughter, who is 19 years old. There are two bandit chiefs on Peach Blossom Mountain nearby who have gathered five to seven hundred followers, robbing and plundering. The local Qingzhou officials can’t stop them. They came to my estate, saw my daughter, left twenty taels of gold and a piece of red silk as a betrothal gift, and chose tonight as the wedding night. We can’t oppose them, so I had to agree, hence my distress. It’s not because of you.”  

Hearing this, Lu Zhishen said, “I see. I have a plan to make him change his mind about marrying your daughter.” Master Liu asked, “He’s a ruthless killer. How can you make him change his mind?” Lu Zhishen replied, “I learned from my master at Wutai Mountain how to speak persuasively. Even the most stubborn person can be moved. Tonight, hide your daughter elsewhere, and I will stay in her room to persuade him to change his mind.” Master Liu said, “That’s good, but be careful not to provoke him.” Lu Zhishen said, “Is my life not worth it? Just follow my plan and don’t mention that I am here.” Master Liu agreed, “That would be wonderful. We are fortunate to have a living Buddha visit us!” The servants were astonished upon hearing this. 

Master Liu asked Lu Zhishen, “Do you want more food?” Lu Zhishen replied, “No more food, but bring some more wine.” Master Liu said, “Of course, of course.” He immediately instructed a servant to bring a cooked goose and a large bowl of wine. Lu Zhishen drank freely, consuming thirty bowls of wine and eating the entire goose. Master Liu then instructed the servants to prepare a room, placing Lu Zhishen’s belongings inside. Lu Zhishen asked, “Master Liu, have you hidden your daughter?” Master Liu replied, “Yes, I have sent her to a neighbor’s estate.” Lu Zhishen said, “Take me to the bride’s room.” Master Liu led him to the room and said, “Here it is.” Lu Zhishen said, “You all should hide now.” Master Liu and the servants went outside to prepare for the feast. Lu Zhishen moved a chair and table inside the room, placed his precept knife by the bed, leaned his monk’s staff against the bed, lowered the golden bed curtain, and undressed completely before jumping onto the bed to sit. 

As night fell, Master Liu instructed the servants to light the lamps and place a table with offerings of flowers and candles in the courtyard. They set a large platter of meat and a large jug of warm wine. Around the first watch of the night, they heard drums and gongs from the mountain. Liu Taigong, with a heavy heart, and the servants, all sweating with anxiety, went outside to see. In the distance, they saw fifty torches illuminating the night like daylight, and a group of men and horses rushed towards the estate. It looked like: 

In the shadows of the misty green mountains, a group of fierce spirits emerged; through the smoke by the green woods, several rows of hungry ghosts appeared. Each man looked fierce and grim. Their headbands were bright red, their coats like maple leaves. Lances were raised high, carried by small demons with malicious hearts; cudgels were brandished, handled by true tyrants. Loudly they shouted congratulations to the groom, as the tiger of the mountain descended from his horse. 

Seeing this, Master Liu ordered the servants to open the gates and welcome them. The procession of bandits was filled with bright weapons and colorful flags, with wildflowers tucked into their headbands. In front, red silk lanterns illuminated the leader on horseback. His attire was: 

A pointed red headscarf, a silk flower pinned in his hair, a green robe embroidered with golden tigers, a red silk sash around his waist, and he wore a pair of black boots. He rode a tall, curly-haired white horse. 

The bandit leader dismounted, and the bandits shouted, “Tonight, the groom shines bright! The clothes fit tight; tonight, he’s the bride’s delight.” Master Liu hurriedly presented a cup of good wine, kneeling on the ground with all the servants. The bandit leader helped him up, saying, “You are my father-in-law; no need to kneel.” Master Liu replied, “Please, do not say that. I am merely a servant under your rule.” The bandit leader, already quite drunk, laughed, “Being your son-in-law is no loss to you. Your daughter matches me well. My brother, the chief, couldn’t come down the mountain but sends his regards.” Liu Taigong offered the wine, and they went to the courtyard where the offerings were. The bandit leader said, “Father-in-law, there’s no need for such formalities.” After drinking three more cups, he went to the hall and ordered the servants to tie his horse to a green willow tree. The bandits started playing music. The leader sat in the hall, saying, “Father-in-law, where is my bride?” Liu Taigong replied, “She is shy and hasn’t come out yet.” The leader laughed, “Bring wine, and I’ll toast to my father-in-law.” He drank a cup and said, “Let me meet my bride first, and then we’ll drink more.” Liu Taigong, anxious for the monk to persuade him, said, “Let me lead you there.” Holding a candle, he led the bandit leader to the bride’s room, pointed to it, and said, “Here it is. Please, go in.” Liu Taigong then quickly left. What will happen next is uncertain; he was prepared to escape. 

The bandit leader opened the door to find it pitch dark inside. He said, “My father-in-law is quite thrifty, not even lighting a lamp for my bride who sits in the dark. Tomorrow, I’ll bring a barrel of good oil from the mountain for him.” Lu Zhishen, hearing this, held back his laughter. The bandit leader stumbled into the room, calling out, “Wife, why aren’t you coming to greet me? Don’t be shy; tomorrow, you’ll be my bride.” He groped around until he touched the golden bed curtain, lifted it, and reached in, feeling Lu Zhishen’s belly. Lu Zhishen grabbed him by the headscarf, pulled him down, and struck him. The bandit leader cried out, “Why are you hitting me?” Lu Zhishen shouted, “I’ll teach you to recognize your wife!” He dragged him to the bed, punching and kicking him. The bandit leader screamed for help. Liu Taigong, thinking the monk was persuading him, heard the screams and rushed in with the servants. They saw a large, naked monk beating the bandit leader. The head bandit shouted, “Everyone, come save the boss!” The bandits rushed in with weapons, but Lu Zhishen picked up his monk’s staff and charged at them, scattering them. The leader crawled out, grabbed his horse, but in his haste, forgot to untie it. He cursed, broke the reins, and fled on horseback, shouting, “Old Liu, you won’t escape!” He rode back to the mountain. 

Liu Taigong, grabbing Lu Zhishen, said, “Monk, you’ve doomed my family.” Lu Zhishen replied, “Don’t be rude. Get me my clothes.” The servants brought his clothes, and he dressed. Taigong said, “I hoped you would persuade him, but you beat him instead. Now he’ll bring the mountain bandits to kill us.” Lu Zhishen said, “Don’t worry. I’m not just a monk. I’m a former military officer who became a monk after killing someone. Even if a thousand soldiers come, I won’t be afraid. If you don’t believe me, try lifting my staff.” The servants couldn’t lift it, but Lu Zhishen wielded it easily. Taigong said, “Master, please protect us.” Lu Zhishen said, “Don’t worry. I won’t leave.” Taigong said, “Bring wine for the master, but don’t let him get too drunk.” Lu Zhishen replied, “The more I drink, the stronger I get.” Taigong said, “That’s perfect. We have plenty of wine and meat. Eat as much as you like.”  

Meanwhile, on Peach Blossom Mountain, the chief bandit leader was in the stronghold, about to send someone to check on his second-in-command, who had gone to marry the girl. Suddenly, a few bandits rushed in, shouting, “It’s terrible, terrible!” The chief asked, “What’s the matter? Why are you in such a panic?” The bandits replied, “Second Brother was badly beaten.” The chief was shocked and was about to ask for details when they announced, “Second Brother is here.” The chief looked and saw the second-in-command, his red headscarf gone, his green robe torn to shreds. He dismounted and fell in front of the hall, saying, “Brother, save me.” The chief asked, “What happened?” The second-in-command replied, “I went to the estate and entered the room. That old man had hidden his daughter and placed a fat monk in her bed. I wasn’t expecting it and, when I lifted the curtain and reached in, the monk grabbed me and beat me badly. When our men came to help, he let me go, grabbed his monk’s staff, and fought them off. That’s how I managed to escape. Brother, you must avenge me.” The chief said, “I see. Go to your room and rest. I’ll capture that monk myself.” He ordered, “Prepare my horse! All men, follow me.” The chief mounted his horse, grabbed his spear, and led the bandits down the mountain. 

Back at the estate, Lu Zhishen was still drinking when a servant reported, “The chief bandit and all his men are here.” Lu Zhishen said, “Don’t panic. I’ll fight them. If I knock them down, you tie them up and take them to the authorities for a reward. Bring me my precept knife.” Lu Zhishen took off his robe, tied up his clothes, strapped on his precept knife, grabbed his monk’s staff, and walked out to the courtyard. The chief bandit, surrounded by torches, rode up and shouted, “Where is that bald monk? Come out and fight!” Lu Zhishen, enraged, shouted back, “You filthy scoundrel! I’ll teach you to respect me.” He swung his monk’s staff and advanced. The chief bandit, holding his spear, shouted, “Wait, monk! Your voice sounds familiar. State your name.” Lu Zhishen replied, “I am none other than Lu Da, the former commandant under General Zhong. Now I am a monk called Lu Zhishen.” The chief bandit laughed and dismounted, threw down his spear, and knelt, saying, “Brother, I didn’t know it was you. Did you know you beat my second-in-command?” Lu Zhishen, thinking it was a trick, jumped back and raised his staff, but then recognized the man in the torchlight. It was none other than Li Zhong, the martial arts instructor who used to sell medicine and teach combat skills. In the underworld, bandits never used the words “kneel” or “bow” because they were considered inauspicious; instead, they used “cut and brush,” which was more auspicious. Li Zhong stood up, helped Lu Zhishen, and said, “Brother, why did you become a monk?” Lu Zhishen replied, “Come inside, and I’ll tell you.” Seeing this, Master Liu sighed, “The monk is one of them.” 

Inside, Lu Zhishen put his robe back on, and he and Li Zhong sat in the hall to catch up. Lu Zhishen called Master Liu over. The old man was afraid but came forward. Lu Zhishen said, “Don’t be afraid, Master Liu. He is my brother.” Li Zhong sat in the second seat, and Master Liu sat in the third. Lu Zhishen said, “Here’s what happened. After I killed Zhen Guanxi with three punches in Weizhou, I fled to Yanmen County in Daizhou. There I met Jin Laosi, whom I had helped before. He hadn’t returned to the capital but stayed with an acquaintance in Yanmen. His daughter married a wealthy local, Master Zhao, who treated me well. However, the authorities were after me, so Master Zhao paid to send me to Wutai Mountain, where I became a monk under Master Zhizhen. After two incidents of drunkenness and causing trouble in the temple, my master gave me a letter to take to Abbot Zhijing in the Grand Xiangguo Monastery in the capital. Since it was late, I sought lodging at this estate and met you. Who was that man I beat, and why are you here?” Li Zhong replied, “After we parted in Weizhou, I heard you had killed Zheng Tofu and fled. I looked for Shi Jin, but he had disappeared. I feared being captured, so I fled and ended up at Peach Blossom Mountain. The man you beat is Xiao Bawang Zhou Tong, who had established a stronghold there. We fought, and I defeated him, becoming the chief. I’ve been living here since.” Lu Zhishen said, “Since you are here, Master Liu’s daughter’s marriage should not proceed. She is his only daughter and needs to care for him in his old age. Taking her away would leave him without support.” Master Liu was overjoyed and prepared a feast for them. The bandits each received two buns, two pieces of meat, and a large bowl of wine. Master Liu brought out the gold and silk originally intended for the betrothal gift. Lu Zhishen said, “Brother Li Zhong, you take it. This matter is now in your hands.” Li Zhong said, “That’s no problem. Please come to the mountain stronghold and stay for a while, and Master Liu can visit as well.” Master Liu arranged a sedan chair for Lu Zhishen, who brought his monk’s staff, precept knife, and belongings. Li Zhong mounted his horse, and Master Liu also took a small sedan chair. 

At dawn, they arrived at the mountain. Lu Zhishen and Master Liu got out of their sedan chairs, and Li Zhong dismounted and invited them into the stronghold. They sat in the main hall, and Li Zhong called for Zhou Tong. Seeing the monk, Zhou Tong was furious, “Why invite him here instead of avenging me?” Li Zhong said, “Do you recognize this monk?” Zhou Tong replied, “If I did, I wouldn’t have been beaten by him.” Li Zhong laughed, “This monk is the one I’ve often told you about, the one who killed Zhen Guanxi with three punches.” Zhou Tong rubbed his head and exclaimed, “Oh!” He knelt and saluted Lu Zhishen, who returned the gesture, saying, “Forgive my rudeness.” The three of them sat down, with Master Liu standing before them. Lu Zhishen said, “Brother Zhou, listen to me. Master Liu’s daughter’s marriage shouldn’t proceed. She is his only daughter and needs to care for him. Taking her would leave him without support, and he wouldn’t be willing. Please let it go and choose another bride. The gold and silk are here. What do you think?” Zhou Tong replied, “I will do as you say, brother. I won’t trouble them again.” Lu Zhishen said, “A true man doesn’t go back on his word.” Zhou Tong broke an arrow as a vow. Master Liu thanked him, reclaimed the gold and silk, and returned home. 

Li Zhong and Zhou Tong slaughtered cattle and sheep and prepared a feast for several days, showing Lu Zhishen the scenic views around the mountain. Peach Blossom Mountain was a formidable place, with only one path leading up and surrounded by wild grass. Lu Zhishen remarked, “This is indeed a dangerous place.” After a few days, Lu Zhishen saw that Li Zhong and Zhou Tong were not generous and were rather stingy. He wanted to leave, but they insisted he stay, to which he replied, “I am now a monk and cannot live as a bandit.” Li Zhong and Zhou Tong said, “If you must leave, we’ll escort you down the mountain and give you some travel money.” The next day, the bandits killed sheep and pigs for a farewell feast, placing gold and silver wine vessels on the table. Just as they were about to start the banquet, a bandit reported, “Two carts and a dozen people are coming up the mountain.” Li Zhong and Zhou Tong gathered their men, leaving only a few to serve Lu Zhishen, and said, “Brother, please enjoy your wine. We’ll go down and get some spoils for your journey.” With that, they led their men down. 

Now, Lu Zhishen was thinking, “These two are quite stingy. They have so much gold and silver, yet they won’t give me any. They want to rob others and then give that to me. This isn’t treating me fairly; they’re just causing trouble for others. I’ll give them a scare.” He called the few small bandits over to drink wine with him. After drinking two cups, he suddenly jumped up, punched two of the bandits, tied them up, and stuffed their mouths with hemp seeds. Then, he opened his bag, discarded anything unimportant, and took only the gold and silver wine vessels from the table, tying them into his bundle. He tucked Master Zhizhen’s letter into his chest pocket, strapped on his precept knife, grabbed his monk’s staff, shouldered his bundle, and left the stronghold. 

Looking around the back of the mountain, he saw it was all steep terrain with no thick grass for hiding. “If I go down the front, they’ll definitely spot me. Better to roll down from here.” He first threw his precept knife and bundle down the mountain, then tossed his monk’s staff, and finally rolled himself down, tumbling to the foot of the mountain without injury. Lu Zhishen got up, found his bundle, strapped on the precept knife, grabbed his monk’s staff, and headed towards Dongjing. 

Meanwhile, Li Zhong and Zhou Tong, having reached the base of the mountain, encountered the group of about ten people, all armed. Li Zhong and Zhou Tong readied their spears as the bandits shouted, “Hey, travelers, leave some money for the toll!” One of the travelers wielded a saber and fought Li Zhong. They exchanged blows for over ten rounds without a clear victor. Zhou Tong, furious, charged forward with a shout, and the bandits attacked together. The travelers couldn’t withstand the assault and turned to flee, but seven or eight slower ones were killed. The bandits looted the carts and returned to the mountain, singing their victory songs.  

Back at the stronghold, they found two bandits tied up at the pavilion post and all the gold and silver wine vessels gone. Zhou Tong untied the bandits and asked, “Where’s Lu Zhishen?” The bandits said, “He beat us up, tied us up, and took all the valuables.” Zhou Tong said, “That rascal isn’t a good person; he tricked us. Where did he go?” They searched around and saw a trail of flattened grass leading down the steep mountainside. Zhou Tong said, “That rascal is quite cunning, rolling down this treacherous path.” Li Zhong said, “Let’s catch up and demand our things back; it’ll shame him.” Zhou Tong said, “Forget it! The thief is gone; no use chasing. Even if we catch up, we can’t force him to return the items. If things go wrong, we can’t fight him either, and it’ll be harder to face him later. Better to drop it and keep things amicable.” They divided the loot from the carts into three shares: one for each of them and one for the bandits. Li Zhong said, “It’s my fault for bringing him here and causing you to lose so much. Take my share as well.” Zhou Tong said, “Brother, we’re in this together, no need to be so particular.” Li Zhong and Zhou Tong continued their banditry on Peach Blossom Mountain. 

Let’s return to Lu Zhishen, who left Peach Blossom Mountain and walked from morning until afternoon, covering about fifty or sixty miles. Hungry and with nowhere to get food, he thought, “I was so focused on walking that I didn’t eat anything. Where should I go now?” Looking around, he suddenly heard the distant sound of bells. “Great! It must be a temple or monastery. The wind is carrying the sound of bells hanging from the eaves. I’ll go there to ask for food.” 

 It wasn’t by chance that Lu Zhishen went to that place. Fate had a hand in it: 

There, he would end more than a dozen lives and set fire to the famous ancient temple. Flames would rise from the golden hall, and black smoke would billow in front of the jade-green pavilion. 

To find out which temple Lu Zhishen went to and what happened next, stay tuned for the next chapter.