The Red-Haired Demon Sleeps Drunk in the Lingguan Temple; Chao the Heavenly King Acknowledges a Kinsman in East Creek Village

The Red-Haired Demon Sleeps Drunk in the Lingguan Temple; Chao the Heavenly King Acknowledges a Kinsman in East Creek Village

A poem says:

The brave and fiery Liu Tang had ill fortune;  
At night he wandered in the Lingguan Temple.  
By chance he met patrolling soldiers,  
Was bound and captured, a hero trapped in the countryside.  
The rash Lei Heng fell into a trap;  
The kind-hearted Chao Gai cherished talent.  
Those gold and silver treasures of the birthday gifts  
Were all delivered to his door by this man.

Now Lei Heng entered the Lingguan Temple hall and saw the big man sleeping on the offering table. The soldiers came forward, tied him with ropes, and led him out of the temple. It was still early, just the fifth watch. Lei Heng said, “Let us first take this fellow to Squire Chao’s manor, find some refreshment, and then take him to the county for questioning.” The whole party hurried toward the headman’s manor.

Now the headman of East Creek Village was named Chao Gai. His ancestors were rich local landowners in the county. All his life he was righteous and generous, and he especially loved to befriend heroes from all under heaven. Whenever someone came to him, good or bad, he kept him at the manor. If the visitor wanted to leave, he gave him silver for travel money. Chao Gai loved spear and staff. He was strong and powerful, and he never married, spending all his days training his body. Outside the east gate of Yuncheng County were two villages, East Creek Village and West Creek Village, separated only by a great river. In earlier days West Creek Village was often troubled by ghosts. In broad daylight they would bewitch people into the stream and drown them. The villagers could do nothing. One day a monk passed by, and the villagers told him the whole story. The monk pointed out a place and told them to carve a green stone pagoda and set it there to suppress the stream. After the pagoda was set, all the ghosts of West Creek Village were driven to East Creek Village. When Chao Gai heard this, he was furious. He waded across the great stream and single-handedly dragged the green stone pagoda over and set it on the bank of East Creek. So everyone called him the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King. Chao Gai had great prestige in the region, and everyone in the rivers and lakes had heard his name.

Soon Lei Heng and his soldiers brought the big man to the front of the manor and knocked. The farmhands inside heard and reported to the headman. Chao Gai had not yet risen. Hearing that Captain Lei had come, he quickly had the gate opened. The farmhands opened the main gate, and the soldiers first hung the big man up inside the gatehouse. Lei Heng and a dozen leading men went to the thatched hall and sat down. Chao Gai rose to receive them and asked, “Captain, what official business brings you here?” Lei Heng answered, “By order of the magistrate, Zhu Tong and I each led soldiers to patrol the villages and arrest bandits. We walked until we were tired and wanted to rest here a while. I am bold to disturb your rest, Headman.” Chao Gai said, “It is nothing.” He called the farmhands to prepare wine and food, and first brought tea. Chao Gai asked, “Have you caught a thief in our village?” Lei Heng said, “Just now in the Lingguan Temple ahead, a big man was sleeping inside. I saw he did not look like a good man. He must have been drunk and fallen asleep there. We tied him with ropes. I meant to take him straight to the county to see the magistrate, but it was too early, and I also wanted to let you know, Headman, so that if the magistrate asks later, you can answer. The man is now hanging in your gatehouse.” Chao Gai heard this and took note. He thanked him and said, “Thank you, Captain, for telling me.” After a moment the farmhands brought wine and food. Chao Gai said, “It is not convenient to talk here. Let us sit in the rear hall corridor.” He told the farmhands to light lamps and candles and invited Captain Lei inside to drink. Chao Gai sat in the host’s seat, Lei Heng in the guest seat. When they were seated, the farmhands set out fruit and side dishes. As the farmhands poured wine, Chao Gai told them to bring wine and meat for the soldiers. The farmhands took the soldiers to seats in the corridor and entertained them, bringing big plates of wine and meat for them to eat freely.

As Chao Gai drank with Lei Heng, he thought to himself, “What sort of thief was caught in the village? Let me go see who he is.” After drinking five or six cups with Lei Heng, he called the household steward and said, “You sit with the captain a while. I am going to the privy and will be back.” The steward stayed to drink with Lei Heng. Chao Gai took a lantern and went straight to the gate tower. The soldiers had all gone to eat, and there was no one guarding outside. Chao Gai asked the gate farmhand, “Where is the thief the captain caught hanging?” The farmhand said, “He is locked in the gatehouse.” Chao Gai pushed open the door and looked by lamplight. The big man was hanging high inside, his body dark and muscular, two hairy black legs showing, bare feet. Chao Gai held the lamp to his face. He had a broad, dark purple face, and at his temple was a red birthmark with a tuft of black-yellow hair growing from it. Chao Gai asked, “Man, where are you from? I have never seen you in our village.” The big man said, “I am a traveler from far away. I came here to seek a man, but was taken for a thief. I have words to clear myself.” Chao Gai asked, “Whom did you come to our village to seek?” The big man said, “I came to find a hero.” Chao Gai asked, “What is the hero’s name?” The big man said, “His name is Squire Chao.” Chao Gai asked, “What business do you have with him?” The big man said, “He is a righteous man known throughout the world. I have a matter of great wealth and honor to tell him.” Chao Gai said, “Listen to me first. I am Squire Chao. I want to save you. You must acknowledge me as your uncle. When I see Captain Lei out later, you call me Uncle. I will acknowledge you as my nephew. Say you left here at four or five years old and have returned to find your uncle, so we do not recognize each other.” The big man said, “If you can save me from danger, I will never forget your great kindness. Thank you, righteous man, for saving me!”

Truly:

He slept soundly in the ancient temple,  
Was captured and hung east of the manor.  
Liu Tang was not fated to die;  
Chao Gai used a clever plan to set him free.

Chao Gai took the lantern, went out, closed the door, and hurried back to the rear hall to see Lei Heng. He said, “Forgive my poor hospitality.” Lei Heng said, “I have already troubled you too much. I am truly embarrassed.” The two drank a few more cups, and the sky outside gradually brightened. Lei Heng said, “It is almost dawn. I must take my leave and return to the county office to sign in.” Chao Gai said, “The captain has official duties. I dare not keep you long. When you come to the village on business again, please come sit with me.” Lei Heng said, “I will certainly visit again. Headman, there is no need to see me off.” Chao Gai said, “It is no trouble. I will see you to the manor gate.” The two walked out together. The soldiers, full of wine and food, took up their spears and staffs, went to the gatehouse, untied the big man, and led him out with his hands bound behind him. Chao Gai saw him and said, “What a sturdy fellow!” Lei Heng said, “This is the thief caught in the temple.” Before he finished speaking, the big man shouted, “Uncle, save me!” Chao Gai pretended to look closely and shouted, “Is this not Wang Xiaosan?” The big man said, “It is I, Uncle, save me!” Everyone was startled. Lei Heng asked Chao Gai, “Who is this man? How do you know him, Headman?” Chao Gai said, “He is my nephew Wang Xiaosan. How did he come to be sleeping in the temple? He is my sister’s child. When he was small he lived here. At four or five he went with my sister and brother-in-law to Nanjing. It has been more than ten years. When he was fourteen or fifteen he came once with Nanjing merchants to sell dates here, and after that I never saw him again. I have long heard he was good for nothing, but I never expected to find him here. I would not have recognized him either, except for this red birthmark at his temple. That is how I barely recognized him.”

Chao Gai scolded, “Xiaosan! Why did you not come see me, but instead play the thief in the village?” The big man cried, “Uncle! I am not a thief!” Chao Gai shouted, “If you are not a thief, why were you caught here?” He snatched a staff from a soldier and raised it to strike the big man. Lei Heng and the others quickly urged, “Do not strike yet. Let him explain.” The big man said, “Uncle, calm your anger and hear me. Since I came once at fourteen or fifteen, ten years have passed. Last night I drank too much on the road and did not dare come see you directly. I meant to sleep it off in the temple first and then find you. I never expected them to seize me without asking. I am truly not a thief.” Chao Gai raised the staff again and cursed, “Beast! You did not come see me, but drank greedily on the road. Is there no wine in my house for you? You bring shame on me!” Lei Heng urged, “Headman, calm down. Your nephew is not a thief. We saw such a big man sleeping in the temple, a stranger and suspicious, so we arrested him. Had we known he was your nephew, we would never have touched him.” He at once ordered the soldiers, “Untie him quickly and return him to the headman.” The soldiers immediately loosened the ropes. Lei Heng said, “Forgive me, Headman! Had I known he was your nephew, this would not have happened. I have given offense. We will take our leave.” Chao Gai said, “Captain, do not go yet. Come back into the manor. I have something to say.”

Lei Heng released the big man, and everyone returned to the thatched hall. Chao Gai took out ten taels of silver and gave them to Lei Heng. “A small gift. Please accept it.” Lei Heng said, “I should not accept it.” Chao Gai said, “If you refuse, you are blaming me.” Lei Heng said, “Since the headman is so kind, I will accept it for now and repay you later.” Chao Gai told the big man to bow and thank Lei Heng. He also gave silver to the soldiers and saw them out the manor gate. Lei Heng took his leave and left with his soldiers.

Chao Gai took the big man to the rear corridor, gave him clothes to change into, and a headwrap to put on. He asked his name and native place. The big man said, “My name is Liu Tang. My home is Donglu Prefecture. Because of this red birthmark at my temple, people call me the Red-Haired Demon. I came specially to bring you a matter of wealth, Brother Headman. Last night it was late, and I was drunk and fell asleep in the temple. I never expected to be caught and tied up. Truly, if fated, a thousand li apart, we meet; if not fated, face to face we miss. Today I am fortunate to meet you, brother. Please sit, and receive four bows from Liu Tang.” After bowing, Chao Gai said, “You said you have wealth to give me. What is it?” Liu Tang said, “I have wandered the rivers and lakes since childhood, traveling everywhere, befriending heroes. I often heard your great name and never expected to meet you. Many private merchants of Shandong and Hebei have sought you, so I dare speak of this great matter. There are no outsiders here. I can tell you everything in my heart.” Chao Gai said, “These are all my trusted men. Speak freely.” Liu Tang said, “I have learned that Grand Secretary Liang of Daming Prefecture in the Northern Capital has gathered one hundred thousand strings of gold, silver, jewels, antiques, and precious objects to send to the capital as birthday gifts for his father-in-law, Grand Preceptor Cai. Last year he also sent one hundred thousand strings of treasures, but they were robbed on the road by someone unknown, and the thieves have still not been caught. This year he has prepared another one hundred thousand strings and will soon set out to arrive by the fifteenth of the sixth month, the birthday. I think this is ill-gotten wealth, and taking it would do no harm. We can plan to intercept it on the road. Even if Heaven knows, it would not be counted a crime. I have long heard you are a great man of high martial skill. I too have learned some skill. Do not speak of three or five men; even among a thousand or two thousand troops, I would not fear with a spear in hand. If you do not disdain me, I offer this plan for wealth. What do you think, brother?” Chao Gai said, “What courage! We will discuss this matter slowly. You have had a hard journey. Go rest in the guest room first. We will plan carefully and talk tomorrow.” Chao Gai told a farmhand to take Liu Tang to the guest room in the corridor. The farmhand settled him and went about other business.

Liu Tang thought in his room, “I nearly met disaster this time. Thanks to Chao Gai, I was saved. But I hate Lei Heng. He took ten taels of silver from Headman Chao for nothing and hung me up all night. Lei Heng has not gone far. I will take a broadsword, catch up, knock them down, take back the silver, and return it to Chao Gai. He will surely respect me. This is a good plan.” Liu Tang went out, took a broadsword from the weapon rack, left the manor gate, and strode south after them. The sky was already bright.

The Northern Dipper gradually tilted; the east grew faintly white.  
Dawn showed at the horizon; the last stars slowly faded.  
A few cock crows woke women to dress;  
Warhorses neighed without stop, urging travelers to chase fame and profit.  
Cowherds and woodcutters left the village; cattle and sheep came out of their pens.  
A few streaks of morning clouds crossed the blue sky;  
A red sun rose in the east.

The Red-Haired Demon Liu Tang held his broadsword and chased for five or six li. Far ahead he saw Lei Heng and his soldiers walking slowly. Liu Tang quickly caught up and shouted, “Captain, stop!” Lei Heng was startled. He turned and saw Liu Tang coming with a broadsword. Lei Heng quickly snatched a broadsword from a soldier and shouted, “Why are you chasing us?” Liu Tang said, “If you are smart, give me back that ten taels of silver, and I will spare you.” Lei Heng said, “Your uncle gave it to me. What business is it of yours? If not for your uncle’s face, I would have killed you outright. Instead you come asking me for silver!” Liu Tang said, “I am not a thief. You hung me up all night and cheated my uncle out of ten taels of silver. Hand it over quickly, and we will part peacefully. If not, today you will bleed.” Lei Heng flew into a rage, pointed at Liu Tang, and cursed, “Lying thief, how dare you be so rude!” Liu Tang said, “You bully of the people, how dare you curse me!” Lei Heng continued, “You have the face of a born thief. You will surely drag Chao Gai down. Your thieving schemes will not work with me!” Liu Tang’s anger rose. “I will fight you and see who wins!” He raised his broadsword and charged Lei Heng. Lei Heng saw him coming, sneered, and raised his broadsword to meet him. The two fought on the main road.

Green grass and trees in the hills, dew like pearls on the grass.  
The sky had just brightened; morning mist drifted by the village.  
Back and forth like phoenixes in flight;  
Charging and colliding like eagles spreading wings.  
One attacked with proper technique; one parried with clever force.  
With T-shaped steps they advanced and changed moves.  
Though not fit for a portrait of heroes,  
This fight was enough to be painted.

Lei Heng and Liu Tang fought more than fifty bouts on the road without victory. The soldiers saw Lei Heng could not beat Liu Tang and were about to join in and surround him. Suddenly a fence gate nearby opened, and a man holding two copper chains shouted, “Two good men, stop! I have watched for a long time. Stop for now. I have something to say.” He separated the two with his copper chains. The two put away their broadswords, jumped out of the fight, and stood still. They looked at the man. He was dressed as a scholar: a barrel-shaped headwrap, a black-edged hemp robe, a tea-brown belt, silk shoes, and white socks. He had clear brows and fine eyes, a fair face, and a long beard. This scholar was Wu Yong, the Resourceful Star, courtesy name Xuejiu, Daoist name Jialiang, a local man. A ci poem to the tune “Immortals by the River” praises Wu Yong:

He had read ten thousand volumes of classics and histories;  
He was born with a clever mind.  
He was skilled in the six secret teachings and three strategies.  
In his breast were hidden generals; in his belly were ambushed troops.  
His wisdom surpassed Zhuge Liang;  
Even Chen Ping’s talent could not match him.  
With a small plan he could startle ghosts and gods.  
His name was Wu Xuejiu; people called him the Resourceful Star.

Wu Yong held his copper chains and shouted to Liu Tang, “Man, stop! Why are you quarreling with the captain?” Liu Tang glared at Wu Yong. “This is none of your business, scholar.” Lei Heng said, “Sir, you do not know. Last night this man was sleeping naked in the Lingguan Temple. We caught him and took him to Squire Chao’s manor. He turned out to be the headman’s nephew. We released him for his uncle’s sake. Chao the Heavenly King treated us to wine and gave me a gift. This man hid it from his uncle and chased us to demand the silver. Is that not bold?” Wu Yong thought to himself, “I have been friends with Chao Gai since childhood. He discusses everything with me. I know all his relatives. He has never had such a nephew, and the age does not match. There is something strange here. I will first stop this fight and then inquire carefully.” Wu Yong said, “Big man, do not be stubborn. Your uncle and I are close friends, and he is also on good terms with this captain. He gave the captain a gift. If you force him to return it, you will damage your uncle’s face. For my sake, I will speak to your uncle.” Liu Tang said, “Scholar, you do not understand. It was not my uncle’s free gift. He cheated the silver out of him. If he does not return it, I will not go back.” Lei Heng said, “Unless the headman comes himself to get it, I will not return it. Not to you.” Liu Tang said, “You falsely accused me of being a thief and cheated him out of silver. How can you not return it?” Lei Heng said, “The silver is not yours. I will not return it. Never!” Liu Tang said, “If you do not return it, ask this broadsword in my hand.” Wu Yong urged again, “You two have fought half a day without victory. How long will you fight?” Liu Tang said, “If he does not return the silver, I will fight him to the death.” Lei Heng was furious. “If I feared you, I would call my soldiers to attack together. That would not be a hero. I will beat you myself.” Liu Tang was furious. He struck his chest and shouted, “I am not afraid, not afraid!” He raised his sword and charged. Lei Heng raised his sword to meet him. The two were about to fight again. Wu Yong stood between them, urging peace, but could not stop them.

Liu Tang held his broadsword and prepared to charge. Lei Heng cursed without stopping and raised his broadsword to fight again. Suddenly a soldier pointed into the distance and shouted, “The headman is coming!” Liu Tang turned and saw Chao Gai, draped in clothes with his collar open, hurrying down the main road. He shouted, “Beast, no rudeness!” Wu Yong laughed loudly. “Only the headman himself can settle this fight.” Chao Gai, panting, asked, “Why did you chase here and fight with swords?” Lei Heng said, “Your nephew chased me with a broadsword demanding the silver. I said I would not give it to you, but would return it to the headman. It was none of your business. We fought fifty bouts. Thanks to the scholar here urging peace.” Chao Gai said, “This beast is making trouble. I knew nothing of it. Captain, for my sake, please go back. Another day I will come apologize.” Lei Heng said, “I also know he acted rashly. I will not argue with him. I am sorry to make you run so far, Headman.” He said farewell and left. We need not speak further.

Wu Yong said to Chao Gai, “If you had come a step later, Headman, there would almost have been a death. Your nephew has extraordinary skill. His martial arts are excellent. I watched from inside the fence for a long time. Even Captain Lei, who is skilled with the broadsword, could only barely block him. In a few more bouts, Lei Heng would surely have lost his life. That is why I hurried out to separate them. Where does this nephew come from? I have never seen him at your manor before.” Chao Gai said, “I was just about to invite you to the manor to discuss a great matter. I sent for you, but you were gone, and the broadsword was missing from the weapon rack. A cowherd reported that a big man had taken a broadsword and chased south. I hurried after him and was lucky you stopped him. Please come back to the manor with me. I have important matters to discuss.”

Wu Yong returned to his study, hung up his copper chains, and told his landlord, “If any students come, say the teacher has business today and is taking a holiday.” He locked the study door and went with Chao Gai and Liu Tang to Chao Gai’s manor. Chao Gai invited them into the depths of the rear hall, and host and guests sat down. Wu Yong asked, “Headman, who is this man?” Chao Gai said, “A hero of the rivers and lakes, surnamed Liu, named Tang, from Donglu Prefecture. He has come specially to bring me a matter of great wealth. Last night he was drunk and slept in the Lingguan Temple. Lei Heng caught him and brought him to my manor. I acknowledged him as my nephew and saved him. He says Grand Secretary Liang of Daming Prefecture in the Northern Capital has prepared one hundred thousand strings of gold, silver, and treasures to send to the capital for Grand Preceptor Cai’s birthday. They will soon pass through here. This is ill-gotten wealth. What harm is there in taking it? What he says matches a dream I had last night. I dreamed that the seven stars of the Northern Dipper fell upon my roof, and on the handle there was a small star that turned into white light and flew away. I thought the stars shining on my house must be an auspicious sign. This morning I meant to invite you to discuss it, and this matter came up. What do you think?”

Wu Yong laughed. “When I saw Liu Tang chase after them, I guessed seven or eight parts. This matter can be done. But one thing: too many people is not good, and too few cannot do it. None of the farmhands at the manor can be used. Now there are only the headman, Brother Liu, and me. How can three men do this great thing? Even if the headman and Brother Liu are highly skilled, you cannot carry it alone. We need seven or eight heroes, and no more.” Chao Gai said, “Could it be that this exactly matches the number of stars in my dream?” Wu Yong said, “Brother, this dream is extraordinary. Perhaps there are heroes in the north who can help.” Wu Yong thought for a long time, then his eyebrows rose as a plan came to him. He said, “I have it, I have it!” Chao Gai said, “If you have trusted heroes in mind, Scholar, go invite them, and we will do this great thing together.”

Wu Yong, unhurried, stretched out two fingers and said a few words, which led to a story: warships would be moored in the reeds, disguised as fishing boats; heroes would gather in the lotus waters, and a great deed would be accomplished. Truly: with a tongue that could talk of heaven and earth, he would recruit heroes of great skill. Whom did the Resourceful Star Wu Yong name? Listen to the next chapter for the answer.