The False Li Kui Robs a Lone Traveler on the Road; Black Whirlwind Kills Four Tigers at Yiling

There is a poem: My home lies east of the green ridges of Yizhou; I kill and burn and give free rein to violence. Because I eat tiger meat, my body grows strong; because I love human hearts, my two eyes are red. At leisure I grind my great axe by the stream; when bored I chop tall pines by the cliff. If anyone asks my name and surname, I am Black Whirlwind, who shakes the earth and sky. Now Li Kui said, “Brother, tell me the three things first. I agree to them all.” Song Jiang said, “You are going to Yishui County in Yizhou to fetch your old mother. First, go straight there and back, and on the road you are not allowed to drink wine. Second, you are hot-tempered, and no one is willing to go with you, so go quietly alone and bring your mother back. Third, do not take those two battle-axes of yours. Be careful on the road, go early and return early.” Li Kui said, “What is so hard about these three things! Rest easy, brother. I will set out today and not linger on the mountain.” Then Li Kui packed quickly and lightly. He took only a waist knife, a polearm, one large......