Volume One, Chapter Two: Jun Han's Playful Praise of the Lovers

Strictly speaking, the earliest gathering place of Zhai Rang and his followers was not at Mount Dapi, but in a place called Wagang Village within Nanwei City of Weinan County. Wagang Village was a marshy area, with undulating sand dunes, dense trees, and vast reeds, sparsely populated and therefore an ideal hideout. However, the area was not very large, so as the number of his men grew, Zhai Rang led them into Mount Dapi.

The Yellow River flowed along the eastern foothills of Mount Dapi.

Between the river lay two islands, one named Zijin, the other Phoenix. These two islands were originally small mountains, but after the Yellow River changed course and flowed here, the mountains became islands. The two islands and the foothills of Mount Dapi on the west bank and the eastern bank of the Yellow River were connected not only by boats but also by floating bridges.

Li Shandao and others crossed the Yellow River via the floating bridges to reach Mount Dapi.

To the southwest of Mount Dapi were mountains such as Tong Mountain, Baishi Mountain, and Shanhua Mountain.

Here, to the east was the great river; to the southwest, the cluster of mountains; a broad road led to the heavens; north lay Liyang, east entered Dong County; west was the Yongji Canal, south overlooked the Tongji Canal. Like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, it led in all directions. Holding the natural fortress of the Yellow River, a single man could defend the pass. From the terrain alone, this mountain was indeed a suitable refuge for bandits, comparable to the famous Liangshan Marsh about two or three hundred miles to the east.

Before rising up, Zhai Rang was a legal official in Dong County, responsible for criminal law. He often dealt with the powerful, chivalrous rogues, and bandits of Dong County. If Wagang was likened to Liangshan Marsh, then Zhai Rang bore some resemblance to Song Jiang. Among these chivalrous rogues and bandits, he was renowned. Since he started his rebellion three or four years ago, many heroes and youths from Dong County and even outside counties, either owing to past favors or attracted by his reputation, had come to join him. His forces had already grown to over ten thousand.

With such numbers, the defenses inside and outside the camp were formidable.

Patrols and guards were stationed along the river, at the mountain foot, and the mountain path leading to the camp gate.

Yet, for Li Shandao, without holding a letter from the Xu family, it would have been very difficult to enter the mountain!

Even so, bearing the Xu family letter, upon reaching the camp gate, Li Shandao still had to wait a while before it opened.

Seven or eight burly men carrying swords flanked a tall man dressed in brocade, who emerged from the gate.

Approaching Li Shandao, the brocade-clad man sized him up and asked in the Dong County dialect, "Are you here to deliver a letter to Master Xu?"

Li Shandao dismounted and bowed, saying, "Yes, I am Li Shandao from Weinan County, acquainted with Master Xu since childhood—we are from the same hometown." Judging by the man's dignified bearing and luxurious attire, even the sword sheath was inlaid with gold and jade, Li guessed he was one of the camp leaders and politely asked, "You must be one of the chief leaders of the camp, judging by your commanding presence?"

The man smiled slightly, rubbing his belly, and said, "Chief leader? I’m just assigned by Lord Zhai to guard the gate."

Someone beside him said, "This is Huang Gong, respectfully named Shangjun Hanjin. You fellows should show your respects quickly."

Coincidentally, this man was Huang Junhan, who had once saved Zhai Rang from prison. After Zhai Rang escaped and took to the mountains, Huang Junhan, due to secretly releasing him, could no longer stay in the county and had come to Wagang as well.

He had a life-saving debt to Zhai Rang and was trusted as a confidant, entrusted with the crucial task of guarding the camp gate.

Li Shandao bowed again, speaking admiringly, "I have long heard of your great name, Huang Gong, reverberating like thunder! You risked your life to rescue Lord Zhai, a debt of righteousness that inspires us all! I have longed to see your bearing in person. Today’s meeting proves your fame well deserved." He called to Gao Chounu and others, saying, "Haven’t you all been eager to see Huang Gong’s presence? Now that Huang Gong is here, hurry and pay respects!" Leading the group, he bowed with hands crossed, and the others followed suit enthusiastically.

Huang Junhan told him to rise and glanced at Gao Chounu, remarking, "You came to deliver a family letter to Master Xu. Why did you bring so many companions?" He laughed, "Could it be that in Weinan’s territory, there are brazen bandits who would dare to seize Master Xu’s letter?"

Huang Junhan had seen many such scenes and nodded knowingly, saying, "Our camp does not accept just anyone. We only welcome loyal friends and renowned heroes. But since you are from the same county as Master Xu, and your black-faced companions are quite sturdy, it’s not impossible for you to join our camp. Lord Zhai trusts Master Xu most. If you have Master Xu’s approval, you may join us." He returned the letter from the Xu family to Li Shandao and said, "You may enter and meet Master Xu first." Pausing, he added, "Those you brought with you cannot enter the camp for now."

His eyes lingered on Gao Chounu, praising, "What a sturdy, black-faced man!" The dozen or so men who came with Li Shandao were indeed strong and agile, as Li had said, all could be called formidable warriors. Gao Chounu stood nearly seven feet tall—over two meters by modern measurement—towering even among them.

It was only natural; no one would admit a group of strangers just because of a letter. Li Shandao understood this and quickly agreed but did not enter immediately. Hesitating for a moment, he smiled and asked, "I am new here and do not know where Master Xu resides. Could you kindly assign someone to guide me?" He took out two or three gold coins and respectfully offered them to Huang Junhan.

A man named Zhang Yeyi, a trusted aide of Huang Junhan, promised to escort him. After Huang Junhan and others returned to the camp and after Li Shandao instructed Gao Chounu and his men to wait outside, Zhang Yeyi led Li Shandao into the camp.

Wagang camp had two gates, one to the north and one to the south.

The main gate was to the south, which was where Li Shandao had arrived.

The main buildings of the camp—such as the barracks where most of the men lived, the “old camp” where families resided, the training grounds, and storage facilities—were mostly on the level ground cleared at the mountaintop and along the southern, eastern, and western slopes and valleys.

The residences of important leaders like Zhai Rang and Xu Shiji were mostly on the northern slope of the mountain.

Following the winding mountain path veiled by vines and leaves, Zhang Yeyi led the way. The two ascended to the mountaintop, then descended toward the northern slope.

Upon reaching the summit, Li Shandao glanced around.

Beyond a thicket of trees, he saw a large stone pavilion atop a high ground, with a tall yellow banner beside it. Though there were characters on the banner, it was too far to read clearly, nor could he tell if it bore the phrase “Uphold Heaven’s Justice.”

Surrounding the pavilion was a cleared open space, upon which, either built against the cliff or on flat ground, stood numerous houses and shanties—mostly shanties with a few houses. At first glance, they seemed endless.

Countless men were scattered among the dwellings—some drinking, some gambling, some fighting gamecocks, some twirling knives and practicing martial arts, others tossing stone locks to build strength, some lying sprawled in the sun scratching lice, while some roughly herded ragged men and women, pushing them aside amid laughter and shouting. The atmosphere was raw and unruly.

Where were the rest of Zhai Rang’s men?

Li Shandao pondered briefly and understood.

When crossing the Yellow River, he had seen Zhai Rang’s men rowing boats; at the mountain foot, he’d seen more and was even questioned by them.

The rest of the men must be stationed either at the mountain foot or on the two islands in the river’s east bank.

Zhang Yeyi seemed to guess Li Shandao’s thoughts and said while leading the way, “Our camp’s own men number only two or three thousand. The rest are stationed on the river islands, in the southwestern mountains, or at the mountain foot. Didn’t you see our men below the mountain when you came?”

So, the forces were not only on the river islands but also in the southwestern mountains!

“I did see them, and they even questioned me,” Li Shandao replied.

The Xu family was wealthy and well-known in the county for generosity and valor. Xu Shiji was clever and generous, and after joining Zhai Rang, he was highly trusted, holding an important position in Wagang camp.

Claiming to be childhood friends with Xu Shiji and here to deliver a family letter, Li Shandao was treated with some deference by Zhang Yeyi, who laughed and said, “Master Xu says many of us from Dong County don’t prey on our own territory. Instead, we rob in neighboring Xingyang and Liang counties, one or two hundred li southeast, near the Bian River and Tongji Canal, where many merchants pass through. This supplies us with resources. He suggested Lord Zhai send more men to loot in Xingyang, Liang, and along the Yongji Canal to the west. Besides those stationed in the mountains and islands, some are making a fortune in those counties nearby!”

Talking about robbery so casually, as if it were natural and justified!

Li Shandao was no longer the reckless youth he once was; he had undergone a profound transformation. Though he had prepared himself mentally before joining Wagang, hearing Zhang Yeyi’s words made his heart tremble involuntarily.

No matter how much mental preparation he had done before deciding to join, that was just psychological. Now, he was truly inside a “bandit’s nest”!

And one with more than ten thousand men, though renowned in later times as a righteous army, at present it was just a large bandit stronghold, engaging in robbery hundreds of miles around!

As for Zhang Yeyi, who smiled kindly now, who could say if his hands were stained with blood? If his men had taken lives? What would they be like when they raided? The ragged men and women pushed along the mountaintop—though unknown who they were—were certainly hostages or captives!

Li Shandao swallowed hard, reminding himself silently, “The world has changed. This is not the peaceful era of the future but a chaotic time where human life is cheap! To survive, I cannot change this world… damn it, I can only change myself!”

Sometimes, a curse can be self-mocking; sometimes it can bolster courage.

Descending the northern slope, after a short walk, several houses built unevenly next to a lush, green boulder came into view.

Zhang Yeyi pointed and said, “Master Li, those houses under the rock are where Master Xu and some other leaders reside. Wait here, I’ll go inform them.”

Li Shandao replied, “Good, thank you for informing them.”

Zhang Yeyi swiftly walked to the houses.

Between the houses were fences, and outside each fence stood sword-bearing guards.

Li Shandao watched intently as Zhang Yeyi approached one house.

He saw Zhang Yeyi speak briefly with the guard captain outside, then enter. After a short while, he came out.

Anxiously, Li Shandao forced a relaxed smile and asked, “Brother, is Master Xu here?”

Fortunately, Zhang Yeyi showed no surprise.

He answered, “He is here. I’ve informed him on your behalf. Master Xu invites you in.”

Unlike Huang Junhan, Zhang Yeyi did not refuse the gold but accepted it straightforwardly, politely saying, “With Master Xu’s introduction, it won’t be hard for you to join us. From now on, we’re family; no need to be so formal.”

“Yes, yes. As a newcomer, I will certainly need your guidance.”

Zhang Yeyi laughed, “Guidance is too much to say. From now on, we’ll feast with Lord Zhai, drink heartily, and live freely.” He added, “I must return to report to Huang Gong, so I won’t accompany you to meet Master Xu.”

Li Shandao saluted him, and Zhang Yeyi returned the same way.

After watching Zhang Yeyi leave, Li Shandao adjusted his robes, quickly rehearsed the words he had prepared for meeting Xu Shiji, then headed toward the house Zhang Yeyi had entered.

Near noon, the sunlight was just right. The house’s interior was bright and clean. By the window stood two men.

One was younger than Li Shandao, in his twenties, wearing a scholar’s robe, but unlike the usual delicate scholar, he was robust, with a full beard despite his youth, looking imposing. This was Xu Shiji.

The other was older, around thirty, dressed informally in a golden embroidered sleeveless vest resembling a modern-day vest, showing muscular black arms like forged iron. This was Shan Xiongxin.

Shan Xiongxin, also from Dong County, was an old acquaintance of Zhai Rang. When Zhai first gathered followers, Shan had brought a group of young men and joined them. He was fierce and brave, skilled with the spear, with unmatched courage. He and Xu Shiji complemented each other—one martial, one scholarly—and were both highly valued by Zhai Rang. They had sworn brotherhood.

Before Zhang Yeyi’s arrival, Xu Shiji and Shan Xiongxin had been discussing an important matter but paused when told a letter from Xu Shiji’s father had arrived. They awaited Li Shandao’s entry.

The city’s chivalrous rogues were divided into many ranks: the noble who valued righteousness over life, and the ruthless who fought for dominance. The earlier Li Shandao belonged to the latter. With Xu Shiji’s perspective, he naturally looked down on him. Yet Xu Shiji, though young and imposing, was cautious and never gossiped behind others, so he merely stated that he and Li Shandao had no acquaintance and left it at that, not elaborating further.

Shan Xiongxin, rough in nature and missing the implied meaning, laughed, "Whether they know each other or not, coming all this way to deliver a family letter is a gesture of goodwill. We should present him with some gold and silver as thanks."

Xu Shiji remained thoughtful and did not respond directly to Shan’s words, wondering, "Why would Father send this Li Shandao with the letter to me?"

His doubts were soon resolved after Li Shandao entered the room.