Yan Qing Cleverly Throws the Pillar Supporting Heaven;   Li Kui Pretends to Hold Court in Shouzhang

An old-style poem says: The Heavenly Spirits flew out from the southeast, scattering and drifting, filling the vast heaven and earth. In the years of Emperor Huizong of Song many heroes arose, and a band of brothers gathered at Liangshan Marsh. Among them was one named Yan Qing, his whole body tattooed in bright, shining patterns. His tattoos showed phoenixes treading on exquisite jade, and peacocks paired with scattered, layered flowers. His handsome looks drew praise, and no one could match his elegant, dashing air. He took first place in the Brocade Body Society, and went to the Eastern Peak Temple to compete in wrestling. When the deed was done, he knew how to withdraw and avoid suspicion; his mind was nimble, and in any matter he never erred. Nothing in the world could compare with him; before the autumn wind blew, the cicada had already sensed it. This poem speaks especially of Yan Qing. Although he ranked last among the thirty-six Heavenly Spirits, his mind was quick, his experience broad, and his understanding penetrating—greater than that of the other......