Lei Heng had come upon the great hulking fellow sleeping on the offering table in the Numinous Officials' hall, and his men had bound him with rope and hauled him out into the pale light of the fifth watch. "Let's take this rogue to Squire Chao's farmstead for a bite to eat before we deliver him to the county," Lei Heng said. And so they all made their way toward the squire's estate.

Now the warden of East Creek Village was named Chao Gai, and he came from a wealthy local family. All his life he had been generous with his money, scattering silver like chaff, and he delighted in befriending bold men from every corner of the realm. Whoever came to seek shelter with him—worthy or worthless alike—was given lodging at his estate. And when they chose to leave, he pressed silver into their hands to speed them on their way. He loved spearplay and cudgel work, kept himself strong and vigorous, and had never taken a wife, spending his days instead in hardening his body and honing his skills.

Within the jurisdiction of Yuncheng County, just beyond the eastern gate, there were two villages—East Creek and West Creek—separated by a single broad stream. In those days West Creek was plagued by ghosts that rose from the water in broad daylight to drag folk down beneath the current, and no one could do a thing about it. Then one day a wandering monk passed through, and when the villagers told him of their troubles, he pointed to a spot and bade them carve a pagoda from blue stone and set it at that place to suppress the evil spirits along the bank. And so they did, and all the ghosts of West Creek were driven across the water into East Creek.

When Chao Gai learned of this, he flew into a rage. He waded straight across the stream, seized the stone pagoda with his own two hands, carried it back to East Creek, and set it down there. From that day forth men called him "Pagoda-Shifting Heavenly King," and he held sway over the village, his name known throughout the rivers and lakes.

By now Lei Heng and his soldiers had reached the farmstead gate and were hammering on it. The servants hurried to report to their master. Chao Gai was not yet risen, but when he heard that Constable Lei had arrived, he quickly ordered the gate thrown open. The soldiers first hung the captive in the gatehouse, then Lei Heng led a dozen of his senior men into the main hall and took seats. Chao Gai rose to receive him.

"What business brings the constable here?" Chao Gai asked.

"I come on orders from the magistrate," Lei Heng replied. "He commanded Officer Zhu Tong and myself to take our men and sweep through the countryside in search of bandits. I grew weary along the road, so I thought to rest a while—I hope I haven't disturbed your sleep."

"Not at all!" Chao Gai said, and he ordered his servants to prepare food and wine. While they were waiting, he asked, "Have you netted any thieves in our village?"

"Why, just now we found a great fellow sleeping in the Numinous Officials' hall ahead," Lei Heng said. "He didn't look like an honest man—must have been drunk, for he was lying there dead asleep. We bound him with rope and meant to deliver him straight to the county, but first it seemed too early, and second I thought you should know about it. If the magistrate asks later, you'll be able to answer. He's hanging in your gatehouse now."

Chao Gai took note of this and thanked him warmly. Soon the servants brought out platters of food and jars of wine. Chao Gai raised his voice: "It's hard to talk here—let's move to the rear pavilion for a bit." He ordered lanterns lit within, and led the constable inside to drink. Chao Gai took the host's seat, Lei Heng the guest's. The servants laid out fruit, pickled dishes, vegetables, and fine fare, and poured wine without pause. Chao Gai also called for liquor for the soldiers, and the servants invited them all to the side corridors, where they feasted on great platters of meat and drank their fill.

Chao Gai sat with Lei Heng drinking cup after cup, but his mind was working: "What petty thief has he caught in my village? I'd better see who it is myself." After five or seven cups, he called for one of his stewards. "Keep the constable company a while—I'm going to wash my hands and will be back directly."

The steward sat with Lei Heng over their wine, while Chao Gai took up a lantern and went straight to the gatehouse. The soldiers were all off drinking; not one stood guard. He asked the gateman: "Where's the thief the constable brought in?"

"He's shut up in the gate room," the man said.

Chao Gai pushed open the door and looked in. There hung the fellow, hoisted high, showing a body of black flesh—two hairy, dusky legs bound at the ankles, bare feet dangling. Chao Gai held up his lantern to see the face: a broad, swarthy countenance with a crimson birthmark at the temple, tufted over with a patch of black and yellow hair.

"Fellow," Chao Gai said, "where are you from? I've never seen your like in my village."

"I'm a traveler from far away," the man replied. "I came here to seek someone out, but they've taken me for a thief. I have an explanation!"

"Who did you come here seeking?"

"A bold hero of these parts."

"And what is this hero called?"

"He goes by Squire Chao."

"What business do you have with him?"

"He's a righteous man known across the world. I've brought word of a fortune to share with him—that's why I came."

"Hold on," Chao Gai said. "I am that very squire. If you want me to save you, then claim kinship with me as your uncle by marriage. When I send Constable Lei out of here, call me 'uncle,' and I'll acknowledge you as my nephew—say you left this place at four or five years old and have only now come back looking for me, so no one recognized you."

"If you save me like that," the man said, "I'll owe you a debt I can never repay. Truly you are a righteous patron!"

As the verse has it:

One black, sweet sleep in an ancient shrine;
Caught and strung up at a cottage's east.
A fortune of ill-gotten goods—heaven turned blind;
But Chao Gai's cunning freed him from the beast.

Chao Gai took his lantern and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him. He hurried back to the rear hall where Lei Heng sat.

"My apologies for neglecting you," Chao Gai said.

"Not at all—I'm much obliged as it is."

They drank several more cups until light began to show through the window lattice. "The east is stirring," Lei Heng said. "I'd best be off to make my report at the county office."

"You're on official duty, so I won't keep you," Chao Gai said. "But if your rounds ever bring you back this way, do stop by again."

"I'll be sure to pay my respects—no need for you to see me off."

"Nonsense," said Chao Gai. "I'll walk you to the gate."

The two went out together. The soldiers, all well fed and drunk on good wine, had fetched their spears and clubs and untied the captive from the gatehouse, binding his arms behind him before leading him outside.

"A fine big fellow!" Chao Gai remarked.

"This is the thief we caught in the temple," Lei Heng said.

No sooner were the words out than the man cried: "Uncle! Save me!"

Chao Gai pretended to peer at him. "Isn't this Wang Xiao-san?" he demanded.

"I am! Uncle, save me!"

The soldiers all started. Lei Heng turned to Chao Gai. "Who is this? How does he know you?"

"Why, this is my nephew, Wang Xiao-san," Chao Gai said. "How did the rascal end up sleeping in that temple? He's my elder sister's son—he lived here as a boy, then at four or five went off with his parents to the southern capital. Ten years and more he was gone. When he was fourteen or fifteen he passed through once, trailing some merchant from the capital on a trading trip, but after that I never saw him again. I'd heard plenty of talk that the lad had gone bad—but what's he doing here? To be honest, I wouldn't have known him myself except for that crimson mark at his temple; by that I half recognized him."

Then Chao Gai raised his voice: "Xiao-san! Why didn't you come straight to me? What are you doing out stealing in the village?"

"Uncle," the man wailed, "I never stole anything!"

"If you didn't steal, why did they seize you?" Chao Gai snatched a cudgel from one of the soldiers and began beating him about the head and shoulders.

Lei Heng and his men rushed to stop him. "Don't beat him yet—hear what he has to say."

"Uncle, calm down," the man said. "Listen: since I came through at fourteen or fifteen, isn't it ten years now? Last night on the road I had a cup too many, and didn't dare come see you in that state, so I thought I'd sleep it off in the temple and look for you when I woke. But these fellows grabbed me without asking a word—I never stole anything."

Chao Gai raised the cudgel again. "Beast!" he cursed. "Why not come straight to me? Out on the road guzzling your swill—haven't I got anything to drink at home? You shame our family!"

Lei Heng interposed: "Squire, calm yourself! Your nephew truly committed no theft. We saw a great hulking fellow sleeping in the temple, which seemed suspicious, and his face was unfamiliar—so we took him on suspicion. Had we known he was your kin, we'd never have laid hands on him." He called to his men: "Untie him at once! Release him to the squire."

The soldiers quickly loosed the man. Lei Heng said, "Squire, forgive us—had we known he was your nephew it would never have come to this. We humbly take our leave."

"Constable, wait," Chao Gai said. "Come back into my humble home—I have something more to say."

They returned together to the main hall, and Chao Gai brought out ten taels of fine silver, which he offered to Lei Heng. "It's a trifle, constable, but I hope you'll accept it as a token."

"That's too generous," Lei Heng protested.

"If you refuse, I'll take it as an insult."

"Since the squire insists, I'll accept it for now—and repay the kindness another day."

Chao Gai made the man kneel and thank Lei Heng, then gave silver to all the soldiers as well. He escorted them out through the gate, where Lei Heng took his leave and led his men away.

Once they were gone, Chao Gai brought the fellow back to the rear pavilion, had him change into fresh clothes, and set a cap upon his head. Then he asked who he was and whence he came.

"My name is Liu Tang," the man said, "and my family roots are in East Luzhou. Because of this crimson mark at my temple, men call me the Red-Haired Demon. I've come to bring you a fortune, brother squire. Last night it grew late, and I fell drunk in that temple—little did I think those curs would seize me and drag me here. Truly: those fated to meet will cross a thousand miles; those not fated will pass face to face unseen. But today fortune smiles on me. Sit yourself down, brother, and receive four bows from Liu Tang."

After he had bowed, Chao Gai said, "You spoke of bringing me a fortune—where is it?"

Liu Tang replied: "I've wandered the rivers and lakes since childhood, traveling far and wide, and I've always delighted in making friends among bold men. Your fame has reached my ears many times over—what luck to meet you at last! I've seen private merchants from Shandong and Hebei come seeking your patronage, so I dare speak plainly now." He glanced about. "There's no outsider here, so I can open my heart to you."

"These are all trusted men," Chao Gai said. "Speak freely."

Liu Tang leaned in. "I've learned that Magistrate Liang of the Northern Capital, Daming Prefecture, has purchased a hundred thousand strings' worth of gold, pearls, treasures, and rare curios to send to the Eastern Capital as a birthday gift for his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Cai. Last year he sent the same amount, but somewhere along the road it was robbed—no one knows by whom, and no trace has ever been found. This year he's bought another hundred thousand strings' worth, and soon he'll be sending it off to arrive in time for the fifteenth day of the sixth month. Now this is ill-gotten wealth, brother—what harm in taking it? We can lay a plan to seize it on the road. Heaven itself will not condemn us. I've heard your name everywhere, brother: you're a true man, with martial skill beyond compare. And though I'm nothing much myself, I've learned a trick or two. A handful of men means nothing to me—put me in the midst of a thousand cavalry and I'll take them on with a spear alone. If my brother doesn't think me worthless, then let me lay this fortune at your feet. What say you?"

"Bold words!" Chao Gai said. "But we must plan carefully. You've had a rough night—go rest in the guest quarters for now. I'll think it over at length, and we'll talk tomorrow."

He called for a servant to lead Liu Tang to the side corridor's guest room. The man showed him in and left him there.

Alone in his room, Liu Tang brooded: "What did I do to deserve this misery? Thanks to Chao Gai I've escaped that trouble. But that Lei Heng—he cheated Squire Chao out of ten taels of silver for nothing, and strung me up all night! He can't have gone far. If I take a staff and catch up with him, knock those curs flat, snatch back the silver, and return it to Chao Gai—that would vent my anger nicely. A fine plan!"

He slipped out of his room, took a long saber from the weapons rack, passed through the farm gate, and set off southward with great strides. The sky was bright now:

The Dipper slants low, the east grows pale;
Dawn spreads at heaven's edge, fading stars sink over the sea.
The golden cock crows thrice, rousing beauties to their powder and paint;
Horses neigh and stamp, urging strivers on in the race for fame.
Streaks of crimson cloud span the blue vault;
A red sun climbs the mulberry tree.

Thus the Red-Haired Demon Liu Tang, brandishing his saber, ran five or six li before he spied Lei Heng leading his soldiers at an easy pace. He caught up and bellowed: "Constable! Don't run!"

Lei Heng started, spun around, and saw Liu Tang charging with his blade. He snatched a saber from one of his men and held it ready. "What do you want, dog?"

"Know what's good for you," Liu Tang said. "Leave those ten taels behind and I'll let you go."

"That silver was given me by your uncle! What business is it of yours? If not for respect to him, I'd cut you down where you stand—and still you dare ask me for money?"

"I'm no thief!" Liu Tang spat. "You strung me up all night and swindled ten taels from my uncle. Give them back and we'll part as friends. Refuse, and you'll bleed before this day is out!"

Lei Heng flew into a rage, pointing at him: "Shameless little liar! How dare you act so bold?"

"You filthy oppressor of the people!" Liu Tang shot back. "How dare you curse me!"

"Thief-faced, thief-hearted, thieving bone!" Lei Heng roared. "You'll bring ruin on Chao Gai yet! You can play your tricks elsewhere—not with me!"

"I'll show you who wins!" Liu Tang rushed forward, saber leveled.

Lei Heng laughed aloud and met him. The two clashed there on the broad road:

Back and forth like phoenixes turning;
Burst and charge like eagles spreading wings.
One thrusts—every move a textbook stroke;
The other parries with a born instinct.
This one steps in with his T-shaped stance;
That one circles, changes guard, drives forward.
Two lines say it well:
Though neither will be painted on the Meritorious Pavilion,
Their duel deserves a portrait.

They fought more than fifty bouts without either gaining the upper hand. The soldiers saw that Lei Heng could not best his foe and were about to rush in together, when from beside the road a wicker gate opened and a man came out with two iron chains in hand.

"Hold! You two fine fellows—stop fighting! I've been watching a while now. Catch your breath, both of you; I have something to say."

He thrust one of his chains between them, and both men pulled back their sabers and leaped clear, standing panting. They looked at him: he was dressed like a scholar, with a bucket-shaped headcloth drawn over his brows, a wide hempen gown bordered in black, a russet leather belt at his waist, hempen shoes and clean stockings. His brows were fine, his eyes clear, his face pale, and his beard long.

This was Wu Yong the Multi-Starred Strategist—courtesy name Xuejiu, religious sobriquet Master Jia Liang—a native of those parts. A lyric once praised him:

Ten thousand scrolls he's read; his mind is keen,
The Six Arts and Three Strategies mastered clean.
Within his breast he hides a marshal's plan,
His belly holds an army to a man.
His schemes could shame Zhuge Liang of old—
Even Chen Ping's craft would seem cold.
A little trick and ghosts themselves take fright:
Wu the Tutor, called Multi-Starred in his might.

"Hold there!" Wu Yong called to Liu Tang, pointing with his chain. "Why are you quarreling with the constable?"

Liu Tang glared at him. "This is none of a bookworm's business!"

Lei Heng spoke up: "Tutor, you don't know—last night this fellow was lying stark naked in the Numinous Officials' temple. We seized him and brought him to Squire Chao's place, where he turned out to be the squire's nephew. For his uncle's sake we let him go. Lord Chao feasted us and gave me gifts besides. But this rogue slipped away behind his uncle's back, chased us all the way here, and demands the silver back! Tell me if that's not audacity!"

Wu Yong mused: "I've known Chao Gai since childhood—he always consults me when anything comes up. I know all his kin and acquaintances, and I've never seen this nephew of his. Their ages don't even match. There's something odd here. Let me break up this fight and question him later." Aloud he said: "Fellow, don't be stubborn! Your uncle is a dear friend of mine, and he gets along well with the constable too. If he chose to give gifts, then asking for them back will only shame your uncle. Do it for my sake—I'll speak to him myself."

"Scholar, you don't understand," Liu Tang said. "My uncle didn't give that silver willingly—the man extorted it from him! If he won't return it, I swear I won't go home."

"I'd give it back only to Squire Chao himself," Lei Heng said, "not to you."

"You wronged an innocent man and swindled his silver—why won't you give it back?"

"It's not your silver. No! No!"

"Then you'll have to ask my saber here whether it agrees!"

Wu Yong tried again: "You two have fought half the day without a winner. How long will you keep this up?"

"If he doesn't return the silver, I'll fight him to the death!"

Lei Heng grew furious in turn. "If I needed soldiers to back me against you, I'd be no man at all! I'll cut you down myself!"

"Come on then!" Liu Tang slapped his chest and charged.

They closed again, and Wu Yong threw himself between them, but he could not hold them apart. Liu Tang leveled his saber, ready to drive forward; Lei Heng cursed him with every "thief" in the book and raised his own blade for the clash. Then one of the soldiers pointed: "The squire's coming!"

Liu Tang turned. Chao Gai came running up the road, coat thrown over his shoulders and hanging open, shouting: "Beast! How dare you act so rude!"

Wu Yong laughed. "It takes the squire himself to break this up."

Chao Gai arrived, panting. "What are you doing chasing him down with a saber?"

"Your nephew came after me demanding silver," Lei Heng said. "I told him: 'I won't give it to you—I'll return it to the squire myself. It's none of your affair.' Then he fought me fifty bouts, and the tutor here stepped in."

"This beast!" Chao Gai said. "I knew nothing of it. Constable, for my sake please go on your way. I'll call on you another day to make amends."

"I know he acts a fool," Lei Heng said. "I won't take it personally—and I'm sorry to have troubled the squire to come all this way." He took his leave and went off with his men.

Wu Yong turned to Chao Gai: "If you hadn't come yourself, there might have been a disaster. That nephew of yours is no ordinary man—his martial skill is remarkable! I watched from behind the hedge. Even Lei Heng, that famous saber fighter, could only parry and dodge; if they'd gone on a few rounds more, he'd surely have lost his life. That's why I rushed out to separate them. Where did this nephew come from? I've never seen him at your place before."

"I was just about to send for you," Chao Gai said. "I meant to call you over to discuss something—I'd sent a man, but he couldn't find you, and my saber from the rack had gone missing. Then a shepherd boy told me a great fellow with a blade had run off southward, so I hurried after him. Good thing the tutor stopped them! Come back with me to my humble home—there's something we need to talk over."

Wu Yong returned to his study, hung his chains on the wall, and told his landlord: "If any students come, say the teacher has business today—they may take the day off." As a verse says:

His learning matched his martial might;
Chains could stop a saber's flight.
He loved to talk with righteous men,
Not sit with schoolboys in a pen.
The birds he freed from cages wide,
Let frogs leap where they would abide.
So restless was the tutor's soul—
Students rejoiced, the master paid the toll.

Wu Yong locked his study and went with Chao Gai and Liu Tang back to the farmstead. Chao Gai led them deep into the rear hall and seated them as host and guests.

"Who is this?" Wu Yong asked.

"A bold man of the rivers and lakes," Chao Gai said. "Liu Tang by name, from East Luzhou. He's brought word of a fortune and come seeking me out. Last night he slept drunk in the temple, was seized by Lei Heng, and brought here to my place—I claimed him as my nephew to get him free. He tells me that Magistrate Liang of Daming Prefecture has bought a hundred thousand strings' worth of gold, pearls, and treasures to send to the Eastern Capital for his father-in-law Cai's birthday, and it will pass by here soon enough. Ill-gotten wealth—what harm in taking it? And his coming answers a dream I had. Last night I dreamed seven stars of the Big Dipper fell straight onto my roof beam, and one small star beside the handle turned to white light and flew away. The stars shone on my house—how could that bode ill? This morning I was about to send for you to discuss it. What do you think?"

Wu Yong smiled. "When I saw this fellow Liu chasing after Lei Heng so strangely, I guessed seven or eight parts of it already. This affair is a fine one—but there's a catch: too few men won't do, and too many are useless. You have plenty of servants here, but not one of them can be used. That leaves only you, Liu Tang, and myself. How can three men manage such a thing? Even if you two are the best of fighters, you can't carry it alone. This needs seven or eight good men—no more, no less."

"You mean to match the stars in my dream?"

"That dream of yours is no small matter," Wu Yong said. "Perhaps heaven will send us help from the north." He thought for a long moment, his brow furrowed, then suddenly brightened. "I have it! I have it!"

"If you know such bold men," Chao Gai said, "go fetch them at once and we'll see this thing done."

Wu Yong unhurriedly raised two fingers and spoke—and by those words, the righteous band of East Creek Village would turn to brigands, and the fishing boats of Stone Tablet Village would become warships. As it is written:

With a mouth that talks of heaven and earth,
He summons men who will churn the seas.

What man did Wu Yong the Multi-Starred Strategist name? Hear it in the next chapter.