Yanzi Li San: The Complete Saga - (7) Swallow Flies South of the Yangtze

(7) Swallow Flies South of the Yangtze

This is the seventh volume in the graphic novel series "The Legend of Swallo Li San," based on the novel "The Legend of the Great Thief Li San." In this installment, Li San decides to roam the land, performing chivalrous acts and committing robberies. He boards a train heading south to Jiangnan (a region south of the Yangtze River). His journey first takes him to Nanjing, where he pulls off several major heists, including stealing a precious jewel necklace from Kong Xiangxi's second daughter and even leaving a mischievous "mark" on Chiang Kai-shek's desk, causing widespread panic among Nanjing officials. He then travels to the bustling international city of Shanghai, and later ventures west to Wuhan's three cities. Unfortunately, he is captured. While imprisoned, he coincidentally meets Jiang Youliang, a Communist Party member. Using his extraordinary skills, Li San helps Jiang Youliang successfully escape, guiding him to the outskirts of the city. He then returns to prison, where, thanks to a muddle-headed judge, he is released and makes his way back to Beijing.

It is said that Li San, known as "Swallow Li San" for his agility, used his unique bone-shrinking technique to escape from the "Model Prison." That very day, news of Li San spread throughout Beijing. Sensational newspaper extras vividly reported the flying thief's bizarre exploits, providing endless fodder for after-dinner conversations.

2. This was a turbulent time in China. Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang forces were heavily engaged in "encirclement and suppression" campaigns against the Communist Soviets in the Hubei-Jiangxi region, while the Japanese Kwantung Army had attacked Shenyang. Yet, news of Li San's prison break and his subsequent looting of the Wanfa pawnshop sent shivers down the spines of gentry, merchants, warlords, and officials, leaving them constantly on edge.

3. That winter was exceptionally harsh, with howling winds and freezing temperatures. With warrants out for his arrest, Li San found himself without a place to stay. Although many locations could serve as temporary shelters, none offered a long-term solution, and the long, cold nights were particularly unbearable.

4. "Oh well! China is vast; if one place won't have me, another will!" Li San mused, lying on the Dragon Bed in the Forbidden City's Hall of Heavenly Purity, where emperors once slept. He pondered his future plans, deciding it was time to leave Beijing far behind.

5. At dawn the next day, he rose early and slipped out of a suspended window.

6. Carrying a small satchel and with gold and jewels wrapped around his waist, he walked along the stone paths of the Forbidden City for a while. He then scaled the city walls, crossed the tightly frozen moat (known as the Tongzi River), and emerged onto the quiet main road in front of the Forbidden City.

7. Although the long street was deserted at this early hour, rickshaw pullers, known as "yangche," were already soliciting fares for the morning rush. He hired a rickshaw with a blue cloth canopy, agreeing to be taken directly to Dongbianmen.

8. In those days, Dongbianmen was a train station. Li San disembarked and paid the rickshaw puller double the agreed price. The driver, showering him with thanks, departed.