Water Margin

Poem: 

In life, one may strive to live to seventy, 

But why tire oneself with endless worries? 

Worldly matters, in the end, are fleeting, 

Like fleeting blossoms, never truly real. 

Poverty and wealth are the will of Heaven, 

Achievements and fame are like dust in the wind. 

Do not rejoice over temporary gains, 

For they are as distant as future generations, yet close as one's own life.

— 

The story continues with the thirty or so ruffians outside the Sour Jujube Gate, led by two main figures: Zhang San, known as “Street Rat,” and Li Si, known as “Green Snake.” These two led the group and approached Lu Zhishen near the cesspit. The group didn’t move, standing by the pit, and said in unison, “We’ve come to celebrate the new monk.” Lu Zhishen responded, “Since you’re all neighbors, come and sit inside the monastery.” Zhang San and Li Si bowed low to the ground, not getting up, hoping the monk would help them so they could attack. Seeing this, Lu Zhishen became suspicious, thinking, “These people are acting strangely and won’t come closer. Are they planning to trick me? They’re really bold, trying to provoke me. Let’s see how they handle my strength.” 

Lu Zhishen strode forward, approaching the group. Zhang San and Li Si said, “We, brothers, have come to pay our respects to the master.” As they spoke, they lunged forward, each grabbing one of Lu Zhishen’s legs. However, Lu Zhishen quickly lifted his right leg, kicking Li Si into the cesspit. As Zhang San tried to escape, Lu Zhishen raised his left leg, kicking him into the pit as well. The other ruffians stood in shock, staring blankly, ready to flee. Lu Zhishen shouted, “If one of you tries to run, you’ll go in too! If two run, two go in!” None of the ruffians dared to move. Zhang San and Li Si, covered in filth and crawling with maggots, emerged from the cesspit and begged, “Master, please forgive us!” Lu Zhishen ordered, “You lot, quickly help them out, and I might spare you.” The ruffians quickly pulled them out and led them to the garden pool, as they were too filthy to approach. Lu Zhishen laughed heartily and said, “You fools! Go wash up in the garden pool, and then we’ll talk.” After washing up, the ruffians lent them clean clothes. 

Lu Zhishen called out, “Everyone, come inside and let’s talk.” He sat in the center, pointing at the group and said, “What are you guys up to, trying to mess with me?” Zhang San, Li Si, and the others knelt down together and said, “We’ve lived here for generations, making a living through gambling. This vegetable garden is our livelihood, and even the Grand Xiangguo Monastery couldn’t stop us. Master, where are you from? You’re so formidable! We’ve never seen a monk like you at Xiangguo Monastery. Today, we sincerely pledge our loyalty.”  

Lu Zhishen replied, “I am Lu Da, a former military officer under the command of General Zhong in Yan’an Prefecture. I became a monk after killing too many people, and came to Wutai Mountain, then here. My secular name is Lu, and my monastic name is Zhishen. I’m not afraid of you thirty ruffians; I can fight my way in and out of a thousand-man army!” The ruffians bowed and thanked him, then left. Lu Zhishen returned to his room in the monastery to rest. 

The next day, the ruffians gathered some money, bought ten bottles of wine, and brought a pig to invite Lu Zhishen. They arranged everything at the monastery, with Lu Zhishen sitting in the center and the ruffians seated around him, drinking. Lu Zhishen said, “Why did you spend money on this?” The ruffians replied, “We are fortunate to have you, master, here to lead us.” Lu Zhishen was pleased. As they drank, some sang, some talked, some clapped, and some laughed. In the midst of the noise, they heard crows cawing outside. Some of the ruffians knocked on their teeth and said, “Red mouths to heaven, white tongues to the ground.” Lu Zhishen asked, “What nonsense is this?” The ruffians replied, “The crows are cawing; it’s a bad omen.” Lu Zhishen dismissed it, saying, “Where did you get that idea?” A gardener laughed and said, “A new crow’s nest has appeared in the green willow tree by the wall, and they caw all day.” The ruffians suggested, “Let’s get a ladder and take down the nest.” Some said, “We’ll go.” Lu Zhishen, fueled by the wine, went outside with them. They saw the nest in the green willow tree, and someone said, “Let’s take it down for some peace and quiet.” Li Si offered, “I’ll climb up without a ladder.”  

Lu Zhishen examined the tree, then took off his robe, bent down, grabbed the base with his left hand, and uprooted the entire tree. The ruffians were astonished, bowing down and exclaiming, “The master is no ordinary person; he’s a true Arhat! How could anyone with less than a thousand pounds of strength do that?” Lu Zhishen said, “It’s nothing! Tomorrow, I’ll show you my martial arts and weapons skills.” The ruffians dispersed for the night. From then on, the thirty ruffians, thoroughly impressed with Lu Zhishen’s strength, brought him food and wine daily to watch him practice martial arts. 

After a few days, Lu Zhishen thought, “I’ve been enjoying their food and wine every day; today, I’ll return the favor.” He ordered the monks to go to the city and buy some fruit, two or three barrels of wine, a pig, and a sheep. It was the end of March, and the weather was hot. Lu Zhishen said, “It’s hot!” He had the monks set up mats under the green locust tree and invited the group of ruffians to sit in a circle. Large bowls of wine were poured, and large pieces of meat were served, and everyone ate their fill. Afterward, they brought out fruit to accompany more wine, and everyone was getting quite drunk. The ruffians said, “We’ve seen your strength these past few days, Master, but we’ve never seen you use any weapons. Could you show us?” Lu Zhishen replied, “Good idea.” He went inside and brought out his iron monk’s staff, which was five feet long and weighed sixty-two pounds. The group was astonished and exclaimed, “You’d need the strength of a water buffalo to wield that!” Lu Zhishen took the staff and began swinging it around skillfully, his movements perfectly controlled. The group watched in awe and cheered. 

Just as Lu Zhishen was showing off his skills, a man outside the wall saw him and cheered, “Excellent weapon skills!” Lu Zhishen stopped and looked to see a man standing by the broken wall. The man was dressed in: 

A green silk battle robe with circular patterns, a silver belt with a double-tasseled tail, and black boots with pointed toes. He wore a green gauze headscarf with white jade rings at the back of his head, and he held a folded paper fan in his hand. 

The man had a leopard-like face, round eyes, a swallow chin, a tiger-like beard, was about eight feet tall, and appeared to be around thirty-four or thirty-five years old. He said, “This monk is truly exceptional; such impressive weapon skills!” The ruffians said, “This esteemed gentleman’s praise must mean something.” Lu Zhishen asked, “Who is that officer?” The group replied, “That is the martial arts instructor of the eighty-thousand-strong Imperial Guard, Master Lin, known as Lin Chong.” Lu Zhishen said, “Why not invite him in for a meeting?” Lin Chong then jumped over the wall, and the two met under the locust tree, where they sat together. Lin Chong asked, “Where are you from, Brother? What is your monastic name?” Lu Zhishen replied, “I am Lu Da from the west. I became a monk after killing many people. In my youth, I visited Dongjing and knew the esteemed Inspector Lin.” Lin Chong was delighted and immediately recognized Lu Zhishen as his brother. Lu Zhishen asked, “What brings you here today, Inspector?” Lin Chong replied, “I came with my wife to fulfill a vow at the nearby Yue Temple. When I heard the sounds of weapon practice, I couldn’t resist watching. I left my servant Jin’er and my wife at the temple while I waited here. Unexpectedly, I met you, Brother.” Lu Zhishen said, “I’ve just arrived here and don’t know many people. These good fellows have been keeping me company every day. Now that I’ve met you, Inspector, and you’ve accepted me as a brother, it’s even better.” He then called for more wine to entertain Lin Chong. 

Just as they were drinking their third cup of wine, Lin Chong’s maid, Jin’er, rushed in, her face flushed with worry, and called from the gap in the wall, “Master, don’t sit here! Madam is being harassed at the temple!” Lin Chong quickly asked, “Where?” Jin’er replied, “It’s happening at the Five Peaks Pavilion. A scoundrel has cornered her and won’t let her go.” Lin Chong hurriedly excused himself, saying, “I have to go, Brother. Please forgive me.” He then jumped over the wall and ran with Jin’er to the Yue Temple. When they reached the Five Peaks Pavilion, they saw a group of people with slingshots and sticky poles standing around the railings. A young man was standing on the steps, blocking Lin Chong’s wife and saying, “Come up and talk with me.” Lin Chong’s wife, her face red with anger, said, “In such a peaceful world, how can you behave like this, harassing a good woman!” Lin Chong arrived and grabbed the young man’s shoulder, shouting, “What crime do you think this is, harassing another man’s wife?” Just as he was about to strike, he realized it was Gao Qiu’s adopted son, young master Gao. Gao Qiu had risen to power recently and, having no biological sons, adopted this nephew, young master Gao, as his own. Young master Gao, relying on his powerful adoptive father, was notorious in the capital for his lecherous behavior, targeting women. The people of the city feared his influence and dared not confront him, calling him the “Playboy Tyrant.” 

At that moment, Lin Chong, recognizing young master Gao, hesitated. Young master Gao, unaware that she was Lin Chong’s wife, arrogantly said, “Lin Chong, what’s it to you? Why are you interfering?” The onlookers, seeing the commotion, stepped in to mediate, saying, “Instructor, don’t be angry. Young master Gao didn’t know and meant no offense.” Though still angry, Lin Chong held back, glaring at young master Gao, who, along with the other idlers, left the temple and mounted his horse. 

Lin Chong then led his wife and Jin’er out of the corridor. Just then, Lu Zhishen, wielding his iron staff and accompanied by the thirty ruffians, stormed into the temple. Seeing this, Lin Chong called out, “Brother, where are you going?” Lu Zhishen replied, “I’m here to help you fight!” Lin Chong explained, “It was young master Gao, the adopted son of Grand Marshal Gao. He didn’t recognize my wife and was rude. I wanted to give him a beating, but I must consider the Marshal’s status. As the saying goes, ‘It’s not the official you fear, but the connections.’ I had to let it go this time.” Lu Zhishen, still agitated, said, “You fear the Grand Marshal, but I fear nothing! If I had met that scoundrel, I’d have given him a beating with my staff.” Seeing Lu Zhishen was drunk, Lin Chong replied, “You’re right, Brother. I was persuaded to let it go this time.” Lu Zhishen said, “If there’s ever trouble, call me, and I’ll help you.” The ruffians, seeing Lu Zhishen drunk, supported him, saying, “Master, let’s go for now. We can meet again tomorrow.” Lu Zhishen, holding his staff, said, “Sister-in-law, please forgive me. Brother, we’ll meet again tomorrow.” He then bid farewell and left with the ruffians. Lin Chong, still troubled, led his wife and Jin’er back home, feeling heavy-hearted. 

The story continues with Young Master Gao and his group of hangers-on, who were troubled after being thwarted by Lin Chong’s wife. Young Master Gao was particularly disturbed and became increasingly infatuated with Lin Chong’s wife, feeling restless and unhappy. A few days later, his group gathered, but seeing Young Master Gao’s downcast mood, they eventually left. One of them, a sycophant named Fu An, sensed Young Master Gao’s thoughts and stayed behind to talk to him. He approached Young Master Gao in the study and said, “Young Master, you seem troubled lately, as if something is bothering you.” Young Master Gao responded, “How did you guess?” Fu An replied, “I have a good guess.” Young Master Gao asked, “What do you think is bothering me?” Fu An replied, “Young Master, you must be thinking about that ‘Double Wood.’ Am I right?” Young Master Gao laughed and admitted, “You guessed correctly. I just can’t think of a way to get her.” Fu An then suggested, “It’s not difficult! You worry about Lin Chong because he’s a capable man, but remember, he’s under the command of the Imperial Guard and cannot offend the Commander. At worst, we can exile him or even kill him. I have a plan that will allow you to get what you want.” Young Master Gao eagerly asked, “Since I first saw her, I’ve been infatuated, feeling restless and unhappy. What is your plan? If it works, I’ll reward you handsomely.” Fu An explained, “The Young Master knows that Lin Chong is good friends with the Guard Officer Lu Qian. Tomorrow, we can arrange for you to hide in Lu Qian’s house and prepare some wine and food. Then, have Lu Qian invite Lin Chong over for drinks. Once Lin Chong is there, I’ll go to his house and tell his wife that her husband is unwell after drinking with Lu Qian and needs her help. When she arrives, you can charm her with your words and appearance, and she will surely be swayed.” Young Master Gao praised the plan and immediately sent for Lu Qian to arrange it. Lu Qian, knowing Young Master Gao’s influence and power, reluctantly agreed to the scheme. 

Meanwhile, Lin Chong had been feeling down and avoided going out. Around midday, he heard someone calling from the door, “Is the Instructor at home?” When Lin Chong came out, he saw that it was Guard Officer Lu Qian. Surprised, he greeted him, “Brother Lu, what brings you here?” Lu Qian replied, “I came to visit. Why haven’t I seen you around lately?” Lin Chong explained, “I’ve been feeling down and haven’t been out much.” Lu Qian suggested, “Let’s go have a few drinks to lift your spirits.” Lin Chong invited him in for tea, and they chatted for a while. Lu Qian then said, “Sister-in-law, I’m taking Brother Lin to my place for some drinks.” Lin Chong’s wife called after them, “Come back early and don’t drink too much.” 

Lin Chong and Lu Qian left the house and wandered the streets for a while. Lu Qian suggested, “Brother Lin, instead of going home, let’s have a few drinks at the Fan Tower.” They went to the Fan Tower, found a private room, and ordered two bottles of fine wine and some rare snacks. As they chatted, Lin Chong sighed. Lu Qian asked, “Brother, why the sigh?” Lin Chong replied, “You wouldn’t understand, brother. It’s frustrating to have skills but no opportunity to use them, stuck under less capable people and having to endure such indignities!” Lu Qian said, “But in the Imperial Guard, few can match your skills, and the Commandant holds you in high regard. Who could make you feel this way?” Lin Chong then recounted the recent incident with Young Master Gao. Lu Qian assured him, “Young Master Gao probably didn’t recognize your wife. It’s not a big deal; don’t let it bother you. Just enjoy the wine.” Lin Chong, after drinking eight or nine cups, excused himself to relieve himself, saying, “I’ll be right back.” 

He left the room, exited the inn, and went to a side alley to relieve himself. As he returned, he was met by his maidservant, Jin’er, who hurriedly said, “Master, I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Mistress ran into trouble at the temple.” Lin Chong, alarmed, asked, “What happened?” Jin’er explained, “While you were out drinking with Lu Qian, a man came rushing to our house, telling Mistress that you had passed out from drinking too much and needed her help. Mistress quickly went with him, leaving the neighbor, Auntie Wang, to watch the house. When we arrived at the place, there was no one there except for a table set with wine and food. As Mistress was about to leave, the young man who accosted her at the temple appeared and blocked her way, saying, ‘Please wait, your husband will be here soon.’ Mistress screamed, ‘Murder!’ so I ran to find you. I bumped into Mr. Zhang, the herbalist, who told me he saw you go into the Fan Tower with someone. So I came here as quickly as I could. Master, hurry and go!” 

Lin Chong was shocked by what Jin’er said and immediately rushed to Lu Qian’s house, ignoring her. When he arrived, the door to the upper floor was closed. Inside, he heard his wife shouting, “How can you lock me, a virtuous woman, in here in such a peaceful world!” He also heard Young Master Gao pleading, “Please, madam, have mercy on me! Even a heart of stone can be moved!” Standing outside, Lin Chong shouted, “Wife, open the door!” Recognizing her husband’s voice, his wife quickly opened the door. Startled, Young Master Gao opened a window and escaped by jumping over the wall. Lin Chong rushed upstairs, found no sign of Young Master Gao, and anxiously asked his wife, “Did that scoundrel harm you?” She replied, “No, he didn’t.” Lin Chong then smashed everything in Lu Qian’s house before taking his wife downstairs. Outside, the neighbors had all shut their doors. Jin’er met them, and the three of them went home together. 

Lin Chong, carrying a sharp knife, went straight to the Fan Tower to look for Lu Qian, but he wasn’t there. He waited outside Lu Qian’s house all night, but Lu Qian never showed up. Lin Chong went home, where his wife tried to calm him, saying, “Nothing happened to me. Don’t do anything rash.” Lin Chong angrily retorted, “Damn that beast Lu Qian! I treated him like a brother, and he betrayed me! If I hadn’t caught Young Master Gao, I would have dealt with him too.” Despite his wife’s pleas, Lin Chong couldn’t calm down and wanted to go out. Meanwhile, Lu Qian was hiding in the Commandant’s mansion, too afraid to return home. Lin Chong waited for three days without seeing him. People at the Commandant’s mansion noticed Lin Chong’s unhappy demeanor, but no one dared ask him about it. 

On the fourth day, during lunch, Lu Zhishen came to visit Lin Chong and asked, “Why haven’t I seen you around, Captain?” Lin Chong replied, “I’ve been preoccupied and couldn’t visit you. Since you’ve come to my humble home, we should have a drink, but I’m not prepared. How about we go out and have a drink together?” Lu Zhishen agreed, “Sounds good.” The two went out and drank together for a day, planning to meet again the next day. From then on, Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen went out drinking every day, gradually putting the incident behind them. 

Meanwhile, Young Master Gao, since fleeing from the scare at Lu Qian’s house, had been feigning illness at the Commandant’s mansion. Lu Qian and Fu An visited him and noticed his haggard appearance. Lu Qian asked, “Young Master Gao, why do you look so unwell?” Young Master Gao replied, “To be honest, I’m infatuated with Lin Chong’s wife. After failing to win her twice and getting scared that day, my condition has worsened. At this rate, I won’t survive long.” The two reassured him, “Don’t worry, Young Master Gao. We’ll find a way for you to be with her, even if it means she must die.” As they were discussing, the old steward of the mansion came to check on Young Master Gao. The symptoms were clear: 

No itching or pain, but alternating chills and fever; neither chaotic nor orderly, with a full stomach that felt empty. He couldn’t eat during the day, nor sleep at night. How could he express his sorrow to his parents, and how could he hide his shame from acquaintances? His seven souls seemed to wander, waiting to enter the gates of the underworld; his three spirits were unsettled, preparing for a sudden death. 

Lu Qian and Fu An, seeing the old steward coming to check on Young Master Gao’s illness, discussed their plan. They waited until the old steward finished his examination and then invited him to a quiet spot. They said, “If Young Master Gao is to recover, we must inform the Commandant and have Lin Chong killed. Only then can he be with Lin Chong’s wife, and his illness will be cured. Otherwise, Young Master Gao’s life is at risk.” The old steward replied, “That’s easy. I’ll inform the Commandant tonight.” They said, “We already have a plan, just waiting for your response.” 

That evening, the old steward met with Commandant Gao Qiu and said, “Young Master Gao’s illness isn’t caused by anything else; it’s because of Lin Chong’s wife.” Gao Qiu asked, “When did he meet her?” The steward replied, “It was on the 28th of last month, at the Yue Temple. It’s been over a month now.” He then detailed the plan that Lu Qian had devised. Gao Qiu said, “If this is because of his infatuation with Lin Chong’s wife, how can we allow this to harm him? If we don’t act, my son’s life is at risk.” The steward replied, “Lu Qian and Fu An have a plan.” Gao Qiu said, “In that case, summon them to discuss it.” The old steward immediately called for Lu Qian and Fu An, who entered the hall and saluted. Gao Qiu asked, “What plan do you have for my son’s situation? If you can save him, I will reward you both.” Lu Qian stepped forward and said, “Your Excellency, we have a plan that will work.” Gao Qiu, hearing the plan, exclaimed, “Good plan! You two will carry it out tomorrow.” And so the matter was settled. 

Meanwhile, Lin Chong had been drinking daily with Lu Zhishen, putting the whole incident out of his mind. One day, as they were walking together near the Military Training Grounds, they saw a large man wearing a cap with horns and an old battle robe. He held a treasured sword with a grass label attached and stood in the street muttering to himself, “It’s such a shame that no one appreciates this fine sword!” Lin Chong paid no attention and continued talking with Lu Zhishen as they walked. The man followed behind them, repeating, “Such a fine sword, but no one appreciates it!” Lin Chong ignored him, engrossed in conversation with Lu Zhishen. The man continued, “In such a big city, not a single person knows weapons!” Finally, Lin Chong turned around, and the man drew the sword, its blade gleaming brightly, dazzling everyone’s eyes. As if fate had led him, Lin Chong said, “Let me see!” The man handed over the sword. Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen examined it and saw: 

Its bright sheen dazzled the eyes, and its cold aura was chilling. From afar, it looked like spring ice in a jade pond; up close, it resembled auspicious snow on a jade terrace. The intricate patterns were fearsome even to ghosts and spirits; its formidable appearance struck terror into traitors. It could rival the great swords Tai’a and Juque, and even the legendary Ganjiang and Moye seemed ordinary by comparison. 

Lin Chong examined the sword and was taken aback by its quality. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a fine sword! How much are you asking for it?” The man replied, “The asking price is three thousand strings of cash, but the real price is two thousand.” Lin Chong said, “It’s worth two thousand, but there’s no one who appreciates it. If you’re willing to sell it for one thousand strings, I’ll buy it.” The man said, “I’m in urgent need of money. If you’re serious about buying, I’ll give you a discount of five hundred strings, so the final price is one thousand five hundred strings.” Lin Chong insisted, “I’ll only pay one thousand strings.” The man sighed, “It’s like selling gold as scrap iron. Fine, fine! But not a single coin less.” Lin Chong said, “Come to my house to get the money.” He then turned to Lu Zhishen and said, “Brother, please wait in the tea house for a while; I’ll be back soon.” Lu Zhishen replied, “I’ll head back; we can meet again tomorrow.” Lin Chong parted ways with Lu Zhishen and took the man selling the sword to his house to pay him. After converting the silver into strings of cash, he paid the man and asked, “Where did you get this sword?” The man replied, “It was passed down from my ancestors. Due to our family’s financial difficulties, I had no choice but to sell it.” Lin Chong asked, “Who was your ancestor?” The man said, “It would be disrespectful to mention them.” Lin Chong didn’t press further, and the man left with the money. Lin Chong admired the sword, flipping it over and over, and praised, “What a truly fine sword! There’s a treasured sword in the Commandant’s mansion that they refuse to show anyone. I’ve asked to see it many times, but they wouldn’t bring it out. Now that I’ve bought this fine sword, I can compare it with theirs.” Lin Chong spent the entire evening admiring the sword and couldn’t wait until morning to look at it again. 

The next day, around mid-morning, two messengers arrived at Lin Chong’s door, calling out, “Instructor Lin, the Commandant has ordered that you bring the fine sword you bought to the mansion for comparison. The Commandant is waiting.” Lin Chong thought, “Who could have reported this?” The two messengers urged him to get dressed, and Lin Chong took the sword and followed them. Along the way, Lin Chong said, “I don’t recognize you from the mansion.” They replied, “We are recent hires.” They soon arrived at the mansion and led Lin Chong to the hall. They said, “The Commandant is waiting in the back hall.” They led him through several rooms until they reached a place surrounded by green railings. The two messengers then said, “Instructor, please wait here while we report to the Commandant.” 

Lin Chong stood holding the sword, waiting under the eaves, while the two messengers went inside. After a long wait, Lin Chong grew suspicious and peeked inside, seeing four green characters above the entrance: “White Tiger Hall.” Lin Chong suddenly realized, “This hall is for discussing military affairs; how dare I enter without authorization? It’s against protocol!” Just as he was about to turn back, he heard footsteps approaching and saw that it was Commandant Gao himself. Lin Chong stepped forward, holding the sword, and saluted. Gao shouted, “Lin Chong! How dare you enter the White Tiger Hall without being summoned! Do you not know the rules? You’re holding a weapon; are you here to assassinate me? Someone told me you were loitering with a sword in front of the mansion two or three days ago, clearly with ill intent.” Lin Chong bowed and said, “Your Excellency, I was called here by two messengers to compare swords.” Gao shouted, “Where are these messengers?” Lin Chong replied, “Your Excellency, they went inside the hall.” Gao said, “Nonsense! No messenger would dare enter my hall. Guards, seize him!” Before he finished speaking, over twenty men rushed out from the side rooms, knocking Lin Chong down and dragging him away, like hawks pouncing on prey, or tigers on a lamb. Commandant Gao, enraged, said, “You’re a military instructor and yet ignorant of the rules. Why did you enter the hall with a weapon, intending to assassinate me?” He ordered the guards to take Lin Chong away, leaving his fate uncertain. 

This event led to: 

A great disturbance in the Central Plains, chaos across the land. Farmers carried burdens on their backs, while fishermen planted flags on their boats. 

What will happen to Lin Chong? We will find out in the next chapter.