Water Margin: The Tale of Li Erlang of Guankou

"Since Master Lu and Brother Cao Zheng are both preparing to join our Liangshan, we are brothers, so there's nothing we can't say. We've come here specifically to seize the birthday gifts."

Before Li Han's joke had even finished, Lu Zhishen shouted, "Good! That old scoundrel Cai Jing is a scourge to the country and its people; let's rob his birthday gifts!"

Li Han smiled and nodded, "That's right. I came to take the birthday gifts because I know they are ill-gotten gains, all the hard-earned money of the people. I plan to keep half for the mountain stronghold's daily use and use the rest to help the people. What is taken from the people should be used for the people."

After hearing this, Lu Zhishen immediately and boldly embraced Li Hanxiao, saying, "It was the right decision for me to join Liangshan. It's rare to find someone as chivalrous as you, Li Erlang. You're just my type. How about I accompany you on this trip to retrieve the birthday gifts?"

Lu Zhishen is the most well-known chivalrous person in "Water Margin". He is chivalrous, helps the weak and distressed, and draws his sword to help those in need. How could he not participate in the righteous act of robbing the birthday gifts?

"With Master Lu's help, we have a better chance of winning. How about this: let Brother Cao Zheng take his family to Liangshan Marsh first, and Master Lu can come with us to retrieve the birthday gifts?"

Li Hanxiao turned his questioning gaze to Cao Zheng, the "knife-wielding ghost." Cao Zheng hesitated for a moment, then bowed and said, "Brother Chief, I joined Liangshan but have not made any contribution. This time, I have made a great contribution by robbing the birthday tribute. I can go with you to make some contribution so that I can join the mountain. As for my family, they can find their own way to Liangshan."

Li Hanxiao understood that Cao Zheng felt that he had been recommended to Liangshan by Lin Chong, but had not yet made any contributions. He was afraid that it would be displeasing to his master if he went up the mountain, so he also wanted to go and earn some credit.

“Brother Cao Zheng has this intention, and I cannot refuse. However, the world is not peaceful, and your family members cannot be left unprotected on the road. How about this, Brother Ma Bian, I will trouble you to make this trip and escort Brother Cao Zheng’s family members back to the mountain. In return, I will give this opportunity to make a contribution to Brother Cao Zheng. What do you think?”

Li Hanxiao didn't want to discourage Cao Zheng's eagerness to make a name for himself, so he asked Ma Bian.

"I will obey the chieftain's orders."

After Ma Bian joined Li Hanxiao and others at Liangshan, he didn't have any other thoughts. He worked hard without complaint, didn't try to take credit, and didn't covet power. For him, he had done too many unjust things as an assassin in the first half of his life, and was later manipulated by Cai Jing. Now, at Liangshan, he could do some chivalrous things.

For him, it was a kind of redemption...

So, Ma Bian escorted Cao Zheng's family to Liangshan Marsh, giving Cao Zheng the opportunity to go along. Li Hanxiao and the others entered the village, found a small country shop, and ate something.

"Shopkeeper, bring out a large barrel of wine, and pork, mutton, and dog meat, whatever you have, bring them up!"

Upon arriving at the hotel, Lu Zhishen immediately started ordering food, clearly indicating he was truly hungry.

"By the way, could you please introduce all of you heroes to me, Li Erlang?"

Lu Zhishen inquired and introduced himself to everyone. Li Hanxiao introduced them one by one. Lu Zhishen was greatly shocked to find that so many heroes had gathered at Liangshan Marsh.

"Because of the pursuit of that old scoundrel Gao Qiu, I fled to this Jianghu. Recently, I arrived in Qingzhou. I originally had two acquaintances in Qingzhou, namely Li Zhong, the 'Tiger Slayer' of Peach Blossom Mountain, and Zhou Tong, the 'Little Overlord'. However, the two of them are stingy and do not get along with my nature, so I did not go to see them. Later, while drinking at a tavern in the village, I met Brother Cao Zheng and learned about Brother Lin Chong's affairs. Only then did we travel together."

When Lu Zhishen recounted his experiences, Li Hanxiao couldn't help but defend Li Zhong and Zhou Tong, saying, "I've also heard that these two seem to have a reputation for being stingy. However, they both come from humble backgrounds, unlike the Commander who was once an official and doesn't lack money. I heard that Li Zhong was a street performer who wielded weapons and performed for a living. He was used to being poor and didn't know where his next meal would come from, so it's no wonder he's stingy. As for Zhou Tong, I heard that he forcibly married a woman and was taught a lesson by you, Master Lu. After breaking an arrow and swearing an oath, I haven't heard of him committing any similar crimes again. This shows that he is a man who keeps his oath. I think they are two people who can be friends."

Lu Zhishen listened and thought it made sense. He said, "That's right. When I saved Old Man Jin and his daughter in Weizhou City, Brother Li Zhong gave me two taels of silver. I thought it was too little and that he was stingy. Now that I hear what you've said, I'm sure he didn't have many copper coins on him. He did his best. It was my fault."

Lu Zhishen was such a person; he could recognize his mistakes, correct them, admit them, and kneel down to reflect on his actions. He was a person with great wisdom.

“Indeed, there is a force on Peach Blossom Mountain, but Peach Blossom Mountain is in Qingzhou. The Qingzhou government is powerful, and the military commander, ‘Thunderbolt’ Qin Ming, is highly skilled in martial arts. ‘Little Li Guang’ Hua Rong of Qingfeng Village is an exceptional archer. I’m afraid they won’t be able to hold their stronghold in Qingzhou sooner or later. Since Master Lu has a relationship with these two, why don’t you go and persuade them to join Liangshan?”

Li Hanxiao had originally planned to use his connection with "Flowery Monk" Lu Zhishen to subdue Peach Blossom Mountain, and now he could finally achieve that goal.

"Alright, since Li Erlang has this idea, I might as well go and persuade the two of them to join me at Liangshan Marsh."

Lu Zhishen was a fiery and impulsive man; once he made up his mind, he would do it. Li Han smiled and thought that there were already quite a few experts who could rob the birthday gifts, so there shouldn't be any problem. He didn't need Lu Zhishen; he could let him persuade Li Zhong and Zhou Tong to come and join him first.

"It takes one or two days to get to Peach Blossom Mountain. Master, you should hurry. You will return around the fourth day of the sixth month, which is the time to rob the birthday tribute. If Li Zhong and Zhou Tong are willing to lead their troops, the chances of victory will be even greater."

Lu Zhishen's return will likely coincide with the official robbery of the birthday gifts on the fourth day of the sixth lunar month. By then, Huangni Ridge will probably be in complete chaos.

At that time, with the addition of fresh forces from Peach Blossom Mountain, it will be an even better outcome.

"Alright! Without further ado, I'll pack some food and leave right away!"

As Lu Zhishen spoke, he picked up a chicken that had just been served, tore off a chicken leg and put it in his mouth, and then went to get a bowl to drink a couple of sips of wine.

"Master, drink this, it's fine wine!"

Upon seeing this, Li Hanxiao handed Lu Zhishen the wine gourd he carried with him. Li Hanxiao knew that Lu Zhishen was a heavy drinker, and the wine gourd contained the strong liquor he had brought down from Liangshan Marsh.

Lu Zhishen stretched out his oily hands, took the wine gourd, uncorked it, and smelled it. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "Indeed, fine wine! With this fine wine, I can gain a bit more strength in my steps. I'm going to drink this!"

Lu Zhishen tilted his head back, took a big gulp of wine, put the gourd on his monk's staff, tore a chicken apart with his left hand to eat, and carried the monk's staff horizontally with his right hand, and strode towards Peach Blossom Mountain.

Looking at Lu Zhishen's figure, Wang Yin couldn't help but say, "I've long heard of the Flower Monk's great name. Seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved. That staff must weigh at least sixty pounds!"

"Lu Zhishen has a free and easy spirit, truly extraordinary!"

Wu Song also praised him, saying that in the original story, he and Lu Zhishen were partners, the highest level of infantry leaders in Liangshan, and they were bound to be compatible.

"Haha, Master Lu is certainly no ordinary man. Quick, let's have some food and drink so we can get going!"

Li Han smiled and told everyone to eat their fill before continuing their journey. After two days, on the day before the fourth day of the sixth lunar month, several groups met up at Huangnigang towards Baishawu.

"Iron Flute Immortal" Ma Lin and "Brocade Leopard" Yang Lin had also arrived. Li Hanxiao asked them about the situation on their side, and they told Li Hanxiao that "Golden-Eyed Tiger" Deng Long and "Sea Yaksha" Sun Yuan had personally led their troops to set off.

Meanwhile, Liu Tang, the "Red-Haired Devil" whom Li Hanxiao had sent out to investigate the transportation of the birthday gifts, also found the place at dusk.

“Brother Chieftain, since I found the birthday tribute, I have been very careful. Yang Zhi is indeed careful. Yang Zhi and his party want to take the birthday tribute on the fifteenth of June, so they have to travel on the road. Since leaving Beijing five or seven days ago, they have only been getting up at dawn, traveling when it is cool in the morning, and resting when it is hot in the middle of the day. After five or seven days, there are fewer people and fewer roads. Every stop is a mountain road. Yang Zhi still wants to get up at dawn and rest at dusk. The eleven guards of the Imperial Guard have heavy loads, none of them are light. They cannot travel when it is hot. Yang Zhi beats and scolds them at the slightest provocation. From the chief steward and the officers of Liang Zhongshu to the soldiers, there is no one who does not complain about him. Now they are resting less than fifty miles away from here. They will definitely arrive by noon tomorrow.”

"Okay, did you see any other mountain strongholds on the way?"

Li Hanxiao continued to ask.

"Yes, there are some men hiding in the woods north of Huangnigang. I didn't go forward, but I could hear them speaking with a Hebei accent. They are probably not bandits from Hebei, but perhaps from Zijin Mountain. On the western ridge, there are men from Erlong Mountain. They have been stationed there for half a day. Further away, there is another group of men. I don't know which army they are."

Li Han smiled as he listened to what "Red-Haired Devil" Liu Tang said. He understood that the participants had gradually arrived. In order to rob the birthday gifts, these people were quite careful and well hidden. They were just waiting for Yang Zhi and his group to arrive at Huangni Ridge before making their move.

It's likely that "Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King" Chao Gai and "Strategist" Wu Yong and their group have arrived nearby and are hiding somewhere.

Li Hanxiao gave the order for everyone to be on high alert and keep watch, and to rest for the time being. However, no fires were to be lit at night. They were there to prepare for the final harvest, and their target and identity could not be exposed too early. A fire, with its smoke and light, would be too conspicuous.

This was also a required course for Li Hanxiao and his fellow special forces soldiers in their previous lives, where they had to learn how to conduct covert operations. Many times, even though you could make a fire by rubbing sticks together, you had to give up on starting a fire in order not to expose your whereabouts, and in the end, you could only eat the meat raw.

The next day at noon, Yang Zhi and his men set foot on Huangni Ridge. Just like in the original novel "Water Margin", the sky was cloudless and the sun was shining brightly. It was a rare sight, even in the smog-filled weather of later generations.

The weather was sweltering, with dust swirling in our faces. The vast expanse of land was like a giant cauldron, and the sun blazed down. Even Li Hanxiao and his men, who were ambushed in the forest, felt like they were in a sauna, let alone Yang Zhi and his men who had to hurry on their way carrying their loads.

So when they saw that there were trees on the hill where they could take shelter, the soldiers, who were almost dehydrated, rushed into the woods one by one, put down their bundles, and lay down on the ground.

"You bastard! Get up! Get up! Do you know where you are?"

"Blue-faced Beast" Yang Zhi, wielding a rattan cane, rushed forward and mercilessly lashed them.

However, these soldiers were too exhausted to get up. They thought Yang Zhi was just tickling them and shouted in unison, "Even if you chop us into mincemeat, we still won't be able to get up!"

"You murderous bastards! Don't you know this place is teeming with bandits? What am I supposed to do if we run into thieves? If any of you don't get up, I'll chop you up!"

Yang Zhi, now enraged, brandished his broadsword. The two officers beside him, who had helped the old steward over, were startled by Yang Zhi's appearance.

The old steward shouted, "Captain Yang, stop! Listen to me!"

Yang Zhi, seeing that it was the old steward, knew he was the wet nurse of the Grand Tutor's mansion and couldn't be easily offended, so he turned around. Seeing that Yang Zhi was giving him face, the old man started to act arrogantly, "Let's not even talk about how, when I was the wet nurse in the Grand Tutor's mansion in Dongjing, the soldiers under my command, numbering in the thousands, all bowed and scraped before me. I'm not trying to be mean, but you're just a soldier who's been killed. The Grand Tutor took pity on you and promoted you to a minor officer position, a rank as small as a mustard seed. Is it worth it to act so arrogantly? Even if I were the steward of the Grand Tutor's mansion, even an old man in the village would have to listen to my advice. You just kept beating them. What do you think of that? They were carrying loads of a hundred or so pounds, and it was hot outside. Unlike you, who was walking empty-handed. How could you have such a heart of stone?"

Yang Zhi regarded escorting the birthday tribute as his chance to turn his life around, so he risked his life to ensure that the tribute was not damaged in the slightest. He said anxiously, "Old Steward, you are a city dweller, raised in the Prime Minister's mansion. How would you know the difficulties on the road? Those bandits are not afraid of thieves stealing, but of thieves plotting. You don't understand."

Seeing Yang Zhi's rebuttal, the old steward felt he had lost face. Instead of arguing with Yang Zhi, he became aggressive and, with a heart set on finding fault, he said to Yang Zhi in a huff, "Bah! I've lived to such an old age, and I've never been far from home! Back in the day, I accompanied the Grand Tutor on official business, and I've been to Sichuan, Guangdong and Guangxi, and even Jiaozhi. Those are foreign lands, and I've seen many people, but I've never seen anyone as pretentious as you."

"My lord, things are not as peaceful as they are now..."

Yang Zhi just wanted to resolve the argument quickly, but unexpectedly the old steward seized on the verbal disagreement and wouldn't let it go.

"You deserve to have your mouth ripped out and your tongue cut out for saying such things! Is the world really that unsettled these days? Speak! Speak! You are slandering the emperor and father, and you have malicious intentions! When we get to the Grand Tutor's residence in Tokyo, I will file a complaint against you!"

"Old Steward! Yang Zhi has no such intention!"

Yang Zhi was furious, but dared not argue with him. Unexpectedly, at that moment, a sharp arrow pierced the old steward's chest, and he fell backward.