Volume One, Chapter Fifteen: The Stern Discipline of the Mountain Code

“It’s like encountering thieves”—such words were hardly fitting in Wagang Village, known far and wide as the “nest of great thieves.”

Yet no one paid much attention to the remark.

Li Shandao rose and, with Qin Jingsi, Gao Chounu, Wang Xuda, and others, hurried toward the valley entrance.

About twenty steps behind Li Shandao, the one supporting another began shouting, “Second Brother, damn it! Zhang Si was beaten! The wine and meat were robbed too!”

The one shouting was Cheng Da, nicknamed Limping Cheng—known as “the lame man” by Yao Aguai. Though not actually lame, he bore the name “Limping” as a moniker.

The one he supported was Zhang Si, whose full name was Zhang Fusheng.

As Li Shandao approached, he called to Gao Chounu and the others to take Zhang Fusheng down. The man’s face was bruised and swollen, with two dark black eyes, his left eyelid puffed up. Blood stained his upper lip and mouth corners; his clothes were covered in dust and his sleeves torn.

Gao Chounu was a bit rough handing him over, accidentally touching Zhang’s ribs where he seemed hurt as well, causing Zhang to let out pained groans.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” Li Shandao asked without disdain, carefully unfastening Zhang’s robe to examine him.

Luckily, no bleeding wounds were found; only the left ribs were reddened and scraped.

“Don’t, don’t…” Zhang stammered repeatedly, unable to continue—not because of the severity of his injuries but due to his stutter.

Limping Cheng spoke for him: “Elsewhere is fine, but look at his face, Second Brother! His cap’s been knocked off, his hair all in disarray like a chicken’s nest. His face looks like a palette! Truly pitiful—too awful to bear.”

Zhang Fusheng muttered, “Pit-pitiful…”

Cheng added, “Yes, yes, pitiful indeed. Second Brother, you must avenge him!”

Still supporting Zhang, Cheng was pushed away by an angry Zhang, whose face flushed red as he finally spat out curses: “Pit-pitiful, your mother! You, you… you dog, dog…”

Everyone already knew what he was about to say before he could finish “dog.”

Jiao Yanlang couldn’t hold back and said for him, “Dog thing.”

Zhang continued, “They ran, ran… ran pretty fast! And they… also…”

Jiao said, “And didn’t lend you a hand!”

Zhang nodded gratefully, clutching Li Shandao’s sleeve: “Lame, lame, lame man’s no loyalty!”

Limping Cheng protested: “Seven or eight of them surrounded us. We were unarmed. How could we fight? You ran slow; how can you blame me?”

Jiao sneered, “You lame man run faster than Fourth Brother!”

Since Zhang’s only serious wounds were on his face and flesh, Li Shandao relaxed. He ordered Gao Chounu to assist Limping Cheng in helping Zhang inside, then asked, “What happened?”

Cheng recounted, “Damn it, Second Brother. We bought wine and meat and hurried back to the valley. Just as we came down from the hilltop, a few bird-snatching thieves surrounded us. Without a word, they tried to seize the wine and meat. When I tried to argue before even telling them your name, those crooks started throwing punches like clay pots. We had no choice but to drop the goods and flee. Zhang Si’s legs are slow; he couldn’t escape and got beaten. Second Brother, what kind of business is this? We can’t just swallow this loss. We must get revenge!”

Li Shandao asked, “What did these people look like? Did they say where they came from?”

Cheng said, “No introductions, and we couldn’t see their faces—they all had masks on. Judging by their accents, they spoke the Dongjun dialect.”

That was as good as nothing; thousands of bandits in the mountains were mostly from Dongjun.

Frowning, Li Shandao asked, “You didn’t see their faces? Any other distinguishing marks?”

Cheng thought for a moment: “No special marks. Either short brown clothes or red-crotch pants, just like the others in the village.”

Wang Xuda said, “Second Brother, no faces, no marks—among thousands here, it’ll be like finding a needle in a haystack.”

Li Shandao, half angry, half amused, cursed under his breath: “Damn it. I was careless, didn’t expect this mountain…”

He paused, then changed the subject: “From now on, when going to the market, take more people with you! Always carry swords and clubs.”

Qin Jingsi, Wang Xuda, and the others exchanged looks and all agreed.

Wang’s words were true: with thousands of bandits masked and indistinguishable, catching them was nearly impossible. This unfair loss had to be swallowed.

They helped Zhang Fusheng to a hut outside. Jiao Yanlang went in and fetched a felt mat, spread it outside the shelter, and Gao Chounu with Limping Cheng helped Zhang sit.

Li Shandao said, “Chounu, go find Xu Dalang. He should have some medicine to treat Zhang Si’s wounds.”

Gao Chounu agreed and left.

Li Shandao asked, “Cheng Da, Zhang Si, was the market closed yet?”

Cheng replied, “When we came down, it hadn’t closed.”

Li Shandao instructed Qin Jingsi, “Third Brother, take more men and buy more wine and meat.”

Qin Jingsi called on Jiao Yanlang and others, all gripping swords and clubs, and went to the market again.

Wang Xuda volunteered, bringing four or five capable men, joining the expedition.

This incident made Li Shandao think about the valley’s safety. He realized: “Though Xu Dalang set ten mountain rules for the village, including ‘those who bully their own must be executed,’ thousands of killers and arsonists gathered here. Some reckless souls won’t heed any rules. From now on, whether day or night, we must have guards on watch.”

He set the watch system in motion that very day.

He decided to implement it upon Qin Jingsi and Wang Xuda’s return.

When Xu Shiji delivered bedding and furniture to him, he also brought the ten mountain rules.

Busy at the time, Li Shandao hadn’t examined them closely. After settling Zhang Fusheng, he retrieved the rules.

Reading carefully, he found the ten rules prescribed: death for betrayers; death for those who defy orders; death for deserters; death for traitors; death for guides to the enemy; death for embezzlers; death for bullies among comrades; death for those who insult women; rewards for battlefield merit; rewards for expanding the mountain’s affairs.

Rather than “ten rules,” these were “eight death edicts and two rewards.”

Each “death” was chilling.

Li Shandao thought silently, “Xu Dalang is enforcing military law here.”

He read the rules aloud to the men: “These ten mountain rules were personally set by Xu Dalang under Lord Zhai’s guidance. You must remember them well. First, if others rob us, we can boldly fight back under these rules. Second, I heard from Xu Dalang that the village has law enforcers dedicated to these rules, led by Zhai Mohou, Lord Zhai’s cousin. Anyone caught breaking the rules will be executed without mercy. We must obey these ten rules.”

All agreed.

Li Shandao put away the rules and then looked at the Hu man who had accompanied Limping Cheng and Zhang Fusheng.

The Hu man stood humbly by, not a stranger—he was the Hu merchant Kang Sanzang, the one captured a few days earlier.

“Why have you come?” Li Shandao asked.

Kang Sanzang smiled broadly, bowing respectfully: “Lord Xu ordered this humble servant to serve you, Master.”

“Speak plainly. Why exactly are you here?”

Kang Sanzang replied, “Yes, yes. Today Lord Xu had leisure and inquired about heroes Du Fuwei, Li Zitong, and others. After asking, he sent me to find you, Master, and ordered me to stay here.”

It turned out Xu Shiji had questioned Kang Sanzang but, for some reason, neither released nor killed him. With no place to keep him, he sent him to Li Shandao.

Li Shandao nodded, noticing no guards accompanied him—only Kang and his small servant. He smiled, “Why not escape while you had the chance? But you’re so obedient. Truly here on Lord Xu’s orders?”

Kang Sanzang laughed nervously: “Please don’t joke, Master. Though a merchant, I value loyalty. Lord Xu spared my life with great kindness. I am still repaying that grace; how could I flee without saying goodbye?”

“You old Hu, your words are untrustworthy.”

Both inside and outside the mountain, all were Wagang troops. With a single gate and several checkpoints, escape was nearly impossible. Even if Kang wanted to flee, he couldn’t. Thus, Xu Shiji trusted him alone with Li Shandao.

Kang Sanzang, a merchant traveling from Jiangnan to the north, had seen many places. Li Shandao wanted to ask about the rebel situation elsewhere but, after teasing him briefly, said no more and ordered, “Very well, since Lord Xu commands, you may stay in my valley. But we’ve just tidied up here; no proper lodging for you. I must trouble such a great merchant to endure.”

Kang said respectfully, “Master, your heroism is unmatched. The warrior who killed Zhang Tiecha—Gu Zhi and Zhang! To hold your horse’s stirrup is a blessing I do not deserve. No need for fine lodging. Rain or snow, I am willing to serve until dawn.”

“Truly a great merchant, quick-witted. But you’re right about rain and snow; tonight you’ll have to sleep outdoors.”

The huts and shacks were built according to people’s numbers. Every shelter was already assigned. Kang and his servant would have to spend the night outside in the valley. Compared to life, this was minor. Kang reassured, “When traveling, I often slept in the open. Master, please rest assured—I can sleep anywhere.”

After waiting a while, Gao Chounu returned—not alone, but with two others.

One was Liu Hu’er, the other a stranger.

Liu Hu’er introduced the stranger to Li Shandao as a doctor.

He sent the doctor to treat Zhang Fusheng’s wounds, then asked Li Shandao, “Second Brother, Lord Xu heard your goods were robbed and is very angry. He sent me to ask if you know who did it?”

Li Shandao recounted what he had learned: “It’s probably hard to find out who.”

Liu Hu’er noted this and said, “They dare rob our stuff! What guts! Whether we can find them or not, we must try. Lord Xu told me to tell you: you’re new here and many of the men don’t recognize you yet, so they act boldly. If you meet such reckless thieves again, just report Lord Xu’s name and have them arrested and sent to the law hall.”

Liu Hu’er glanced at Kang Sanzang, who bowed deeply, and said, “Second Brother, this old Hu told you, right? Lord Xu ordered him to stay with you first.”

“Yes, I assured Lord Xu I’d look after him well.”

Liu Hu’er laughed, “Escape? He won’t get far inside the village. Don’t bother watching him; just let him be.”

Zhang Fusheng, overwhelmed by four hands against his two fists, did not resist during the beating. After robbing the wine and meat, the thieves fled. His injuries were not serious.

The doctor quickly examined Zhang, applied medicine to his face and left ribs, gave a few herbal packs, and explained their use.

Limping Cheng took notes.

With the treatment done, Liu Hu’er bowed and left with the doctor to report Li Shandao’s words to Xu Shiji.

Night fell. Shortly after Liu Hu’er’s departure, under a starry sky, Qin Jingsi, Wang Xuda, and others returned, carrying wine and meat.

The fire was already blazing. Luo Zhong and others took the wine and meat; some washed the meat for cooking, others opened wine and fetched bowls.

Along the way, Wang Xuda picked some wild berries from the roadside—a wild plum tree’s fruit was not yet ripe. They washed the berries and served a plate to Li Shandao for tasting.

Li Shandao shared his earlier decision that from today on, the valley would have constant watchmen. He spoke to Qin Jingsi and others, setting the rule with authority. Qin Jingsi was assigned overall responsibility. The watchers would be selected from among the various groups. Qin Jingsi, Wang Xuda, Chen Jing’er, and Luo Zhong all promised to follow orders.

With arrangements complete, Li Shandao invited everyone to sit.

About a hundred men had formed over a dozen groups, sitting in circles of seven to ten on the ground.

Each group lit a bonfire to provide light. The several fires illuminated the valley brightly.

Wine was distributed first. Earlier, while clearing brush, they had caught a few muntjacs, rabbits, and snakes. Leftover midday food was also shared as a modest appetizer. Fish caught from a mountain stream had been prepared as sashimi and distributed.

Each group had dishes and a full cup of wine.

Li Shandao raised his cup, looked around, and declared loudly: “There is a saying: ‘Meeting brothers means shared loyalty; life and death are one command.’ We were strangers before, but now we are brothers. From this day forward, loyalty must lead us. Share fortune together and hardships together! I am Li Shandao, and I formally salute all you brothers! This cup of wine, I drink first!” He drained his cup in one gulp.

What wine could there be in a mountain market? It burned the throat fiercely.

Li Shandao stifled a cough, inverted his cup, and showed it empty without spilling a drop.

The hundred or so men roared in agreement, shouting, “The lord’s spirit!” They raised their cups and drank as well.

Li Shandao drank three cups in a row; the others followed suit.

After three cups, Wang Xuda, Chen Jing’er, and Luo Zhong led their groups to toast Li Shandao one after another.

Li Shandao accepted all, drinking ten more cups swiftly; his eyes brightened with no sign of drunkenness.

Wang Xuda and the others praised him, “The lord’s generosity is boundless!”

Soon, the meat was cooked. Large steaming pieces, fragrant, were distributed to each group under Luo Zhong’s supervision.

With meat and wine, the revelry grew livelier.

When the drinking reached its peak, Li Shandao stood again and quoted Shan Xiongxin: “Good brothers gather to drink and must have entertainment.” Though lacking Shan’s spear skills, he said to Gao Chounu, “Chounu, dance with your iron maces to raise the brothers’ spirits.”

This had been arranged beforehand. Gao Chounu nodded and picked up his two iron maces, beginning to dance in the clearing.

Watching him was like seeing a bear or tiger; the maces seemed like black pythons. His hands moved, the pythons appeared to swallow the bright moon; when the maces struck, it was like a storm and thunder.

Nearby bonfires flickered as the wind from his maces stirred the flames; the ground trembled slightly beneath his steps.

Not far off stood a large stone. As Gao Chounu grew more spirited, he roared and smashed his mace down, scattering stone fragments and breaking it into pieces!

From Wang Xuda, Chen Jing’er, Luo Zhong to their men, all were astounded, breathing sharply.

Kang Sanzang, serving food and pouring wine with his small servant, touched his head in disbelief. If a stone couldn’t withstand Gao Chounu’s blow, how could Zhang Tiecha’s head?

After that night, Li Shandao asked Qin Jingsi and others to buy wine and meat daily. For four or five days, he spent daytime at Xu Shiji’s orders. When free, he returned to the valley to wrestle with Wang Xuda and others, gamble, or watch the men with martial talents tossing stone rings and testing strength. Chen Jing’er brought suitable stones, polishing them into rings. At night, they drank continuously.

The first night’s drinking was bearable; the second, still fine.

By the third night, most of the hundred men, including Wang Xuda, relaxed fully—playing guessing games, forcing drinks, boasting, or falling asleep drunk. Their usual drinking tempers were no longer hidden.

On the fourth night, two drunken men tried to toast Li Shandao but complained that Kang Sanzang poured too little wine. Staggering, they refused to stop until Li Shandao drank another bowl. Gao Chounu was ready to shoo them away, but Li Shandao stopped him with a smile and drank the extra bowl himself.

He took their complaints lightly.

The fifth night they continued eating and drinking.

But that night’s drinking was cut short halfway when Liu Hu’er arrived with several items, causing great surprise among the men.