Water Margin: The Tale of Li Erlang of Guankou

"Heroes! Fellow warriors, hold your fire! I have come here to find your chieftain and his two companions. I have some confidential information to tell you!"

Wu Yong's approach did indeed work; after he finished speaking, the henchmen armed with knives and spears did not dare to make a move against him.

"Go and invite the Second King!"

Before long, the henchmen brought over a man who was short and stocky, with a pair of lecherous, shifty eyes. He wore a sky-blue patched robe with embroidered brocade, and had a rugged and coarse appearance. He had a large begonia flower on his side and was holding a gun. He was looking at Wu Yong.

"You're the one known in the martial arts world as 'The Wise One'?"

When the man asked, Wu Yong saw that the man was short and stocky and recognized him as Wang Ying, the "Short-legged Tiger" of Qingfeng Mountain. He then cupped his hands and said, "It is indeed I, greetings to Chief Wang Ying!"

"Huh? You recognize me?"

Wang Ying was quite surprised.

"I have long heard of the three heroes of Qingfeng Mountain. Now that I am here, how could I not recognize them? Chief Wang, I have come here specifically to meet the three heroes of Qingfeng Mountain. I have some confidential matters to tell you. Would you be so kind as to introduce me?"

Wu Yong's words were appropriate and reasonable, and given his reputation for resourcefulness in the martial arts world, Wang Ying laughed heartily. "Sir, you are too kind. Since you have come here, how can we brothers not show you hospitality? Wang Er, go and call the First Chief and the Third Chief to come and see Mr. Wu Yong together!"

So, Wang Ying, the "Short-legged Tiger," led Wu Yong, the "Strategist," up Qingfeng Mountain and invited him to the Hall of Righteousness to meet the other two. They found that a banquet had already been prepared in the hall.

There were three chairs in the center. In the very center was a tiger-skin chair, where a burly man sat with red hair, a yellow beard, round eyes, long arms, and a broad waist. His hair was tied up in a pear-shaped bun, wrapped in a red silk handkerchief, and he wore a maroon silk robe. He sat in the tiger-skin chair in the center. He must be the chief of the stronghold, "Jinmaohu" Yan Shun.

On the right-hand chair sat a fair-skinned and handsome young man, dressed in a patchwork robe with gold embroidery and a red brocade skirt tied around his waist. He was none other than the Third Chieftain, "White-Faced Gentleman" Zheng Tianshou.

"I am Wu Yong, and I greet you two chieftains!"

"So it's the famous Mr. Wu Yong who has come to our Qingfeng Mountain. We brothers love making friends. Since Brother Wu Yong has come here, we should do our best to be his host. But, sir, you said you have some secrets. What are they?"

After everyone greeted each other and took their seats, Yan Shun placed a piece of mutton on Wu Yong's plate and asked him a question.

"Haha, Chieftain, you're so generous! I won't be shy either. Are you all familiar with the Birthday Gifts?"

Wu Yong got straight to the point. Seeing that the three chieftains nodded, he continued, "I am not very talented, but I have found out the details of this year's birthday tribute for Liang Zhongshu. There are 100,000 strings of gold and silver jewelry being transported to Tokyo, escorted by 'Blue-Faced Beast' Yang Zhi. Compared to previous years, this time they have changed their approach. They say they don't need carriages, but instead pack these gifts into more than ten loads, disguised as goods for guests. They have some Imperial Guards disguise themselves as porters and carry them to Tokyo overnight."

The three men looked at each other for a moment, and then Wang Ying spoke up, "What you're saying, sir, has to do with us brothers?"

The "fair-faced young man" Zheng Tianshou nodded, "Yes, although the journey from Daming Prefecture to Tokyo involves crossing Tokyo's territory, it's via..."

"Purple Mountain, Erlong Mountain, Peach Blossom Mountain, Umbrella Mountain, Huangni Ridge, Baishawu, Yeyun Ferry, and Red Pine Forest do not pass by the foot of our Qingfeng Mountain. What do you mean by this, sir?"

Seeing that the two men had no idea what he meant, Wu Yong was about to explain when the chieftain, "Jinmaohu" Yan Shun, spoke up, "Could it be that you mean to tell us brothers to go and retrieve the birthday tribute?"

Wu Yong nodded. "I have long heard that the three heroes of Qingfeng Mountain are public-spirited, righteous, and helpful to those in distress. They are the most heroic. This birthday tribute is ill-gotten gains. After receiving the news, I have been working day and night, unable to eat or sleep properly. Shouldn't such ill-gotten gains be taken? That's why I've come here to ask the three heroes to take it and show those treacherous officials the power of us Jianghu people!"

Yan Shun, nicknamed "The Brocade-Haired Tiger," sneered, "Sir, aren't you offering me that official post as a favor? Everyone knows it's a birthday gift for Grand Tutor Cai. If it's discovered, wouldn't it invite a crackdown from the court and bring trouble upon yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yong stood up with a laugh and said, "Chief, I have to say something in response to your words. If we are found out, we will naturally be implicated, but what if we are not found out? Last year and the year before, the birthday tribute was also lost, and we still haven't found out where it went or who took it."

Upon hearing this, the three agreed. With such a fine example before them, as long as they performed the job well and no one knew who had robbed them, they could still keep the money safely in their hands.

"But the birthday tribute doesn't pass through our area!"

Zheng Tianshou, the "fair-faced gentleman," was still emphasizing his earlier argument.

Wu Yong slammed his fist on the table, getting anxious. "It's better not to go through the area, so as not to arouse suspicion! If we robbed these valuables right at our own doorstep, wouldn't the authorities be the first to come after the three of you?"

Yan Shun and Wang Ying nodded in agreement. Even if they committed crimes, they would know to stay as far away from their own territory around Qingfeng Mountain as possible.

"Furthermore, if the birthday tribute is seized on someone else's territory, the blame can be shifted to another person. For example, if the birthday tribute is seized near Erlong Mountain, the government will first suspect Deng Long of Erlong Mountain, thus diverting the blame!"

Wu Yong's words gave the three chieftains of Qingfeng Mountain a pleasant surprise.

This idea of ​​"shifting the blame eastward" somewhat aligns with their inner thoughts.

They have little connection with Erlong Mountain and Taohua Mountain, but quite a lot with this Sangai Mountain.

The old man known as "Sea Demon" Sun Yuan had a grudge against them. Once, "Short-legged Tiger" Wang Ying robbed a group of merchants, but they ran into the old man known as "Sea Demon" Sun Yuan, who was also out with his men. Sun Yuan insisted on breaking the rules of the underworld and tried to steal Wang Ying's goods.

Wang Ying naturally couldn't stand it, so a fight broke out. Wang Ying couldn't beat the old man and even got a forked leg pierced by him. He fled in defeat and from then on, he became good friends with the old man.

Later, the two sides fought many more battles, both openly and covertly, resulting in casualties on both sides. In the end, the conflict escalated to the point of no return.

Wu Yong's words just now inspired them. Yes, they could use the birthday tribute incident to frame them!

"Then, sir, where would be the best place for us to seize this birthday tribute?"

Yan Shun wanted to hear Wu Yong's thoughts.

"They should be able to reach Huangnigang by the third or fourth day of the sixth lunar month!"

Wu Yong said.

This location also coincided with Yan Shun's idea, because if they made their move on Huangni Ridge, the nearest mountain would be Umbrella Mountain, and Huangni Ridge was also within the temporary plundering range of Umbrella Mountain. Therefore, this location was exactly what Yan Shun had in mind.

Qingfeng Mountain was actually in a bad situation because they were right next to Qingfeng Village, owned by "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong. Hua Rong was a formidable figure, and they couldn't afford to offend him.

However, these three bandit leaders were still greedy people. When they heard that the birthday tribute was worth 100,000 strings of cash, how could they not be tempted?

However, they didn't have much capital, so they had to be careful.

“That Yang Zhi is no simple man. If the three of us brothers are to go, at least two of us should go together, and we should bring more henchmen.”

Wang Ying knew Yang Zhi's reputation and was afraid that if he sent too few men, they wouldn't be able to deal with him.

"If the three chieftains are determined, they must make preparations quickly and head to Huangni Ridge!"

Seeing that the three of them were already interested, Wu Yong urged them on.

Yan Shun nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Wu Yong, for telling me such a confidential matter. May I ask if Mr. Wu Yong desires anything?"

Yan Shun's implication was that since Wu Yong had provided them with such valuable intelligence, they should offer some form of financial assistance as a token of their gratitude.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yong quickly said, "I did not come for wealth and riches. I simply cannot stand those treacherous officials who, when they attain enlightenment, elevate their entire families and extort money from the people. I only wish to vent my anger and have no other desires. If the chieftain says such things, he is looking down on me!"

Wu Yong even feigned anger, intending to dissuade the three chieftains from suspecting anything. Upon seeing this, Yan Shun repeatedly apologized, "Sir, please don't be offended. It was my fault. Since you are so noble, why not join our stronghold and unite us in righteousness?"

Yan Shun felt that this incident already revealed the difference in intelligence between Wu Yong and the other three. Wu Yong's mind was indeed sharper than theirs, and his wisdom would be very useful to them.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Chief Chief, but Wu Yong still has family at home. If I go up the mountain, it will surely implicate them. If the three chiefs are determined, I urge you to act quickly and without hesitation. I have come here for this matter only. Farewell!"

Wu Yong had already achieved his goal, so he had no intention of staying here any longer. He just wanted to go back as soon as possible to make preparations with Chao Gai.

"Sir, please stay for the banquet before you leave!"

Yan Shun tried to persuade him to stay.

"No need. It's dark and the road is difficult to travel. I'll take my leave now. I wish you three great fortune and a place in history!"

"In that case, we three brothers will not insist that you stay any longer, sir!"

As the three chieftains of Qingfeng Mountain watched Wu Yong descend the mountain, they couldn't help but sigh, marveling at the noble and pure spirit that scholars possess!

Little did they know, they had already been sold out, and were even helping the seller count the money!

After Wu Yong left, the three of them discussed it. At first, they were afraid that they couldn't defeat Yang Zhi, so they said that the three of them would go and deal with him together. But then they thought that if the three of them left, without leaving anyone in charge to guard the stronghold, and if the government troops came, they would be in big trouble!

So they finally decided that two of them would go and rob the birthday tribute, while one of them would stay behind to guard the mountain. "Golden-haired Tiger" Yan Shun and "Dwarf Tiger" Wang Ying would go and rob the birthday tribute, while "White-faced Gentleman" Zheng Tianshou would stay behind to guard the mountain stronghold and lead five hundred henchmen down the mountain to rob the birthday tribute.

Meanwhile, at Erlong Mountain and Sangai Mountain, "Iron Flute Immortal" Ma Lin and "Brocade Leopard" Yang Lin had already arrived. Using the methods taught to them by Wen Huanzhang, they persuaded "Golden-Eyed Tiger" Deng Long and "Sea Yaksha" Sun Yuan to retrieve the birthday gifts.

"Golden-Eyed Tiger" Deng Long was to lead 300 soldiers, while "Sea Yaksha" Sun Yuan was to lead 500 men.

It is foreseeable that Huangni Ridge will be turned into a battlefield on the third or fourth day of the sixth lunar month. It is likely that more than half of the leaders and henchmen of the various mountain strongholds who went to rob the birthday tribute will not be able to return.

Meanwhile, Wu Yong, the "wise strategist," spurred his horse and galloped back to Jizhou Prefecture, taking another three days and nights to travel.

When Wu Yong arrived at Dongxi Village, he told Chao Gai about the plans of both Zijin Mountain and Qingfeng Mountain to rob the birthday gifts at Huangnigang. Chao Gai, the "Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King," was overjoyed to hear this.

"Brother, you did a fantastic job! But I haven't been idle either; I've recruited quite a few heroes!"

Chao Gai summoned all the people he had recruited in the past few days and showed them to Wu Yong.

"This guy, 'Faceless' Jiao Ting, is a sumo wrestling master. Even I am no match for him!"

Jiao Ting stepped forward and said, "Jiao Ting greets you, sir!"

Jiao Ting was a native of Zhongshan Prefecture, born into a sumo wrestling family. Later, he wandered the world. His family had made a living from sumo wrestling for three generations. Because he could not find anyone to help him, he was most shameless in his life, hence the nickname "Faceless".

In the original story, Li Kui joined the Liangshan bandits after befriending Li Kui. When Shan Tinggui and Wei Dingguo were ordered to conquer Liangshan, Li Kui went down the mountain alone, intending to kill the two generals in Lingzhou. On his way, he encountered Jiao Ting, who was heading to Kushu Mountain. Jiao Ting kept staring at Li Kui, which angered him, and the two began to fight. Jiao Ting used his family's sumo wrestling skills, throwing Li Kui twice. Later, Jiao Ting and Li Kui went to Kushu Mountain and invited the "God of Death," Bao Xu, to help them seize Lingzhou.

In terms of unarmed combat prowess, Jiao Ting, the "faceless" man, was among the best in Liangshan. Unfortunately, he only had this one opportunity to demonstrate his martial arts skills, and he never showed them again.

Events like Ren Yuan, the "Pillar of Heaven," competing in sumo wrestling with Gao Qiu in Tai'an Prefecture, were all handled by another sumo expert—"The Prodigal" Yan Qing. It seems that Jiao Ting's sumo skills have been forgotten...

Later, he fought in numerous battles, but he didn't achieve any outstanding victories, and eventually died in the campaign against Fang La...

"it is good!"

Wu Yong glanced at Jiao Ting, a burly man of considerable height with an intimidating presence, who certainly seemed capable.

"This man, 'General Shi' Shi Yong, is also from Daming Prefecture."

"Shi Yong greets you, sir!"

Shi Yong was also one of the Earthly Fiends. He killed someone while gambling and fled to Chai Jin's manor for refuge.

In the original story, he wanted to go and seek refuge with Song Jiang, but learned that Song Jiang was on the run. Song Taigong entrusted him to deliver a message to Song Jiang. However, this time, because Li Hanxiao and his group went to Chai Jin's manor and took away four strongmen and Wu Song, it triggered a chain reaction. Many of the manor's servants felt that some of the managers under Chai Jin were abusing their power and treating the servants unfairly, so many left. Shi Yong was one of them.

He originally intended to seek refuge with Song Jiang, but Song Jiang was away on official business and he did not meet him. Shi Yong then heard that "Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King" Chao Gai was also nearby, so he came to seek refuge with Chao Gai.

However, this man's martial arts skills were really poor. In the original story, when he encountered Wang Yin during his campaign against Fang La, he was almost killed in a single encounter...