Chapter 117

Chapter 117

It should be told that Song Jiang, seeking to rescue the corpses of Jie Zhen and Jie Bao, had advanced to the foot of Black Dragon Ridge, where he fell right into Shi Bao's ambush. Hidden troops rose up on all sides—Shi Bao's soldiers before him, and Deng Yuanjue cutting off the retreat behind. Shi Bao cried out in a fierce voice: "Song Jiang, if you do not dismount and surrender, when will you do so?" Guan Sheng, greatly enraged, spurred his horse and brandished his blade to fight Shi Bao. Before the two generals had settled their engagement, shouts rose again from behind. From the back of the head came four Navy Commanders, who landed their forces together and joined Wang Ji and Chao Zhong in charging down from the ridge. Hua Rong hastily rode out to check the rear formation and engaged Wang Ji in combat. After several exchanges, Hua Rong feigned retreat. Wang Ji and Chao Zhong pressed forward in pursuit, but Hua Rong turned in his saddle and swiftly fired two rapid-succession arrows, striking both generals, who tumbled from their horses. The soldiers cried out in alarm, dared not advance, and fell back in retreat. The four Navy Commanders, seeing Wang Ji and Chao Zhong shot dead in quick succession, dared not push forward, and so Hua Rong was able to hold them off.

Then from an oblique direction two more columns of troops burst forth: one contingent led by Commander Bai Qin, the other by Commander Jing De. From Song Jiang's formation, two generals rode out together—Lü Fang went to meet Bai Qin in battle, while Guo Sheng engaged Jing De. On all sides the fighting broke into separate engagements, the opposing sides locked in mortal combat. Just as Song Jiang was in the midst of panic and confusion, he heard behind the Southern army a continuous roar of killing, and the soldiers scattering in flight. It turned out that Li Kui had led two shield-bearing warriors—Xiang Chong and Li Gun—and a thousand foot soldiers, charging into Shi Bao's cavalry from behind. Deng Yuanjue was leading his troops to respond when, from behind him, Lu Zhishen and Wu Song burst through—their two monk's sabers slashing horizontally and cleaving vertically, their iron monk's staffs thrusting and piercing—and with a thousand foot soldiers each, they drove straight in. Then came Qin Ming, Li Ying, Zhu Tong, Yan Shun, Ma Lin, Fan Rui, the One-Zhang Green, and the Short Wang, each leading cavalry and foot soldiers, throwing themselves into the slaughter. The Song forces on all four sides scattered Shi Bao and Deng Yuanjue's troops and rescued Song Jiang and the others back to Tonglu County. Shi Bao likewise withdrew his forces up the ridge. In the camp, Song Jiang thanked the generals: "Had you brothers not come to my rescue, Song Jiang would have joined Jie Zhen and Jie Bao as a ghost beneath the springs." Wu Yong said: "It was precisely because my elder brother went forth against my foolish counsel—I feared some mishap might occur—that I dispatched the generals to reinforce you." Song Jiang expressed his thanks unceasingly.

Now it should be told that on Black Dragon Ridge, the two marshals Shi Bao and Deng Yuanjue deliberated together in their camp, saying: "At present, Song Jiang's soldiers and horses are encamped at Tonglu County. If he should secretly cross the small paths and get past the ridge, Muzhou would be in imminent danger. It would be better if the Imperial Preceptor goes in person to the Great Palace at Qingxi, appears before the Son of Heaven, and memorializes him to dispatch additional troops to guard this ridge pass, so that it may be held for the long term." Deng Yuanjue said: "The Marshal's words are most fitting; this monk shall go at once." Deng Yuanjue thereupon mounted his horse and went first to Muzhou, where he met the Right Prime Minister Zu Shiyuan and said: "Song Jiang's soldiers are fierce and his men are savage—their momentum cannot be withstood. His army sweeps onward like a mat unrolled, and I truly fear some mishap. This monk has come specially to request the dispatch of additional troops and generals to defend the passes." Having heard him, Zu Shiyuan rode with Deng Yuanjue, departed from Muzhou, and together they went to Qingxi County to Bangyuan Cave, where they first met the Prime Minister of the Left, Lou Minzhong, and spoke with him, requesting the dispatch of additional troops. The next morning at the morning court session, Fang La ascended the throne. The two prime ministers, together with Deng Yuanjue, presented themselves at court and completed the ritual of obeisance. Deng Yuanjue stepped forward to pay respects to the Ten-Thousand-Year Lord and then memorialized him: "This monk Yuanjue received the sacred edict to defend Hangzhou together with the Crown Prince. We did not expect Song Jiang's soldiers and horses—with fierce troops and brave generals—to sweep forward with such force that they could be opposed. We were deceived by Yuan the Evaluator into admitting them into the city, and so Hangzhou was lost. The Crown Prince, greedy for battle, sallied forth and perished. Now Yuanjue and Marshal Shi Bao have withdrawn to defend the Black Dragon Ridge pass. Recently we have beheaded four of Song Jiang's generals in succession, and our prestige is quite strong. At present Song Jiang has advanced and encamped at Tonglu, and I truly fear that sooner or later the enemy will secretly cross the small paths and penetrate through the pass—the ridge will be difficult to hold. I beg Your Majesty to select worthy generals early on and dispatch elite troops to jointly defend the Black Dragon Ridge pass, so as to drive back the bandits and recover the cities." Fang La said: "The troops in every region have already been fully deployed. Recently, because the pass at Yuling Ridge in Shezhou is under severe pressure, several tens of thousands of troops were diverted there. Only the Imperial Guard troops remain—We require them to protect the Great Palace. How can they be dispersed in every direction?" Deng Yuanjue memorialized again: "If Your Majesty does not send reinforcements, this monk is powerless. If Song Jiang's soldiers get past the ridge, how can Muzhou be held?" The Prime Minister of the Left, Lou Minzhong, stepped forward from his ranks and memorialized: "This Black Dragon Ridge pass is also a place of vital importance. Your servant knows that the Imperial Guard troops number thirty thousand in total—ten thousand of them may be detached to accompany the Imperial Preceptor to defend the pass. I beg Your Sacred Majesty's consideration." Fang La would not heed Lou Minzhong's words and stubbornly refused to dispatch Imperial Guard troops to relieve Black Dragon Ridge. That day the court session ended, and the officials departed from the palace. The Prime Minister Lou deliberated with the other officials and had only the Prime Minister Zu of Muzhou assign one general and detach five thousand troops to accompany the Imperial Preceptor to defend Black Dragon Ridge. Thereupon, Deng Yuanjue returned with Zu Shiyuan to Muzhou, where they selected five thousand elite troops and a vanguard general named Xia Houcheng, and returned to the Black Dragon Ridge camp, where they informed Shi Bao of the matter. Shi Bao said: "Since the court will not dispatch the Imperial Guard troops, let us for now hold the pass firmly and not ride out to battle. Command the four Navy Commanders to guard the beach and riverbank securely—whenever boats appear, go and drive them back; do not advance our own forces."

Leaving aside the "Precious Light National Teacher" and Shi Bai, Bai Jing, Jing De, and Xia Hou Cheng, who were guarding the pass at Wulong Ridge, let us now turn to Song Jiang. Since losing his officers, Song Jiang had stationed his forces at Tonglu County and did not advance. He remained there for over twenty days without engaging in battle. Suddenly a scout reported: "The court has again dispatched the Tongmizhong with rewards, and he has already reached Hangzhou. It is understood that he has divided his forces into two routes. The Tongmizhong has ordered General Wang Bing to carry a portion of the rewards forward to Army Commander Lu at Yuling Pass. The Tongmizhong himself will arrive shortly, bringing the rewards in person." When Song Jiang received this report, he and Wu Yong and the other officers left the county twenty li to greet him. They came to the county seat and opened the imperial edict, then distributed the rewards among the officers. Song Jiang and his men paid their respects to the Tongmizhong and immediately held a feast in his honor. The Tongmizhong asked: "During the advance, I have heard much about the loss of officers." Song Jiang, with tears streaming down his face, reported: "In former years, when I followed Grand Marshal Zhao on the northern campaign against the Liao barbarians, the troops won a complete victory—not a single officer was lost. But ever since we received the imperial decree to campaign against Fang La, before we even left the capital, Gongsun Sheng departed first, and several more men were retained at the imperial headquarters. After crossing the river with our advancing troops, wherever we arrived, we inevitably lost several men. Recently, eight or nine more officers have fallen ill in Hangzhou, and their fates remain uncertain. In the fighting at Wulong Ridge, we have lost several more officers. The reason is that the mountains are treacherous and the waters swift, making it difficult to engage the enemy, and we cannot break through the pass quickly. We were in the midst of anxiety and distress when Your Excellency fortunately arrived." The Tongmizhong said: "The Emperor is well aware that the vanguard has established great merit, and upon hearing of the losses among the officers, he specially dispatched me to lead Generals Wang Bing and Zhao Tan to come reinforce you. Wang Bing has already been sent with rewards to Army Commander Lu, to distribute among the officers there." He then summoned Zhao Tan to meet Song Jiang and the others, and they all stationed themselves at Tonglu County. The feast and entertainment concluded.

The next day, the Tongmizhong assembled his troops, intending to attack the pass at Wulong Ridge. Wu Yong remonstrated: "Your Excellency must not act rashly. Send Yan Shun and Ma Lin along secluded paths by the streams to find local villagers and inquire about the way, seeking another path to cross beyond the pass. If we attack from both sides, the enemy will be unable to attend to both fronts, and this pass will be taken as easily as spitting into one's hand." Song Jiang said: "This advice is excellent." He at once dispatched Ma Lin and Yan Shun with several dozen soldiers to search the villages and ask the people about the road. They went for a full day and returned in the evening, bringing an old man to see Song Jiang. Song Jiang asked: "Who is this old man?" Ma Lin replied: "He is a native of this region and knows all the paths and mountains here." Song Jiang said: "Old sir, can you show me a path to cross over Wulong Ridge? I will richly reward you." The old man said: "This old man's family has lived here for generations. The people have suffered terribly at the hands of Fang La and had nowhere to flee. Fortunately, the imperial troops have arrived, and all the people will enjoy good fortune and see peace once more. This old man can point out a small path: cross over Wulong Ridge, and you will reach Dongguan. From there it is not far to Muzhou. Go to the north gate, then pass around to the west gate, and you will be at Wulong Ridge." Song Jiang was overjoyed. He immediately had silver and goods brought to reward the old guide, kept him in the camp, and ordered that he be given wine and food. The next day, Song Jiang requested that the Tongmizhong guard Tonglu County while he himself led twelve principal and subordinate officers to advance along the small path. The twelve were Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, Dai Zong, Li Kui, Fan Rui, Wang Ying, Hu Sanxiang, Xiang Chong, Li Gun, and Ling Zhen. With them marched ten thousand cavalry and infantry, following the old guide. The horses' bells were removed, and the soldiers advanced swiftly with gags in their mouths. When they reached Xiaoniuliu Ridge, a body of soldiers blocked the road. Song Jiang ordered Li Kui, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun to charge. There were some three or five hundred bandit soldiers guarding the road, all of whom were killed by Li Kui and the others. Around the fourth watch, they reached Dongguan. The defending general there, Wu Yingxing, upon hearing that Song Jiang's troops had already passed through Dongguan, considered that he had only two thousand men with which to resist—how could they hold out? His forces scattered and fled at once. They went straight back to Muzhou to report to Grand Marshal Zu and the others: "Song Jiang's troops have secretly crossed by the small path and passed beyond Wulong Ridge, reaching Dongguan in full force." Zu Shiyuan was greatly alarmed and hastily gathered his officers to deliberate. Song Jiang had already ordered the bombardier Ling Zhen to fire a chain of cannon shots. Shi Bai and the others in the camp atop Wulong Ridge were greatly alarmed and hastily sent Commander Bai Jing with troops to investigate. He saw Song Jiang's banners everywhere, covering the mountains and forests. He hurried back to the camp on the ridge and reported to Shi Bai and the others. Shi Bai said: "If the court does not send reinforcements, we must simply hold the pass firmly and not go to their rescue." Deng Yuanjue said: "Marshal, you are wrong. If we do not now dispatch troops to relieve Muzhou, that is our own affair—but if the inner palace is lost, we too cannot be spared. If you will not go, I myself will go to relieve Muzhou." Shi Bai urgently tried to dissuade him but could not stop him. Deng Yuanjue mustered five thousand men, took up his staff, and led Xia Hou Cheng down the ridge.

Now it must be said that Song Jiang led his army to Dongguan. Instead of attacking Muzhou at once, he first came to seize the pass at Wulong Ridge, where he happened to run directly into Deng Yuanjue. As the armies drew near and the two forces faced each other, Deng Yuanjue rode out ahead to issue a challenge. Hua Rong saw this and whispered softly into Song Jiang's ear, "This man can only be captured by doing thus and so." Song Jiang nodded his approval! He then gave instructions to Qin Ming, and both generals understood the plan. Qin Ming rode out first and engaged Deng Yuanjue in combat. After five or six exchanges, Qin Ming turned his horse and fled, and the soldiers scattered in all directions. Seeing that Qin Ming had been defeated, Deng Yuanjue abandoned him and charged straight for Song Jiang. But Hua Rong had already prepared himself to protect Song Jiang. He waited until Deng Yuanjue came closer, then drew his bow to its fullest, took careful aim, and loosed an arrow straight at Deng Yuanjue's face. The bow opened like a full moon, the arrow flew like a shooting star—it struck Deng Yuanjue squarely in the face, and he fell from his horse and was killed by the soldiers. The troops then swept forward in a mass assault, and the southern forces were utterly routed. Xia Houcheng could not withstand them and fled toward Muzhou. The Song soldiers pressed all the way up to Wulong Ridge, but rolling logs and catapult stones rained down upon them, and they could not advance. The Song forces turned back and attacked Muzhou instead.

Now it must be said that Prime Minister Zu saw his vanguard general Xia Houcheng come in flight and report: "The Song army has crossed Dongguan and killed the National Preceptor Deng. They will attack Muzhou any day now." Upon hearing this, Zu Shiyuan immediately sent a man together with Xia Houcheng to the great palace at Qingxi to invite Prime Minister Lou to come to court and submit a memorial: "The Song army has now come by a side road through Dongguan and is attacking Muzhou with great urgency. We beg our king to dispatch troops at once to relieve us. Any delay will surely result in our loss." Fang La was greatly alarmed. He hastily summoned the Grand Marshal of the Palace Guard, Zheng Biao, and assigned him fifteen thousand imperial guard cavalry to rush to Muzhou's relief by night. Zheng Biao memorialized: "Your subject accepts the sacred edict. I beg to invite the Celestial Master to accompany me as support, so that we may oppose Song Jiang." Fang La granted the request and summoned the Celestial Master of Spiritual Response, Bao Daoyi. The edict was issued at once, and the Celestial Master came before the throne to face his sovereign. Bao Daoyi pressed his palms together in salute. Fang La conveyed his decree: "Now the troops of Song Jiang are encroaching upon my territory, and time and again they have captured my cities and soldiers. At present the Song forces have all reached Muzhou. I look to the Celestial Master to manifest the power of the Tao, protect the nation, and save the people, so as to preserve the altars of state." The Celestial Master Bao memorialized: "Let Your Majesty be at ease. Though this humble priest is unworthy, relying upon the knowledge in my breast and upon Your Majesty's great fortune, I shall sweep away the army of Song Jiang in one stroke." Fang La was greatly pleased. He granted Bao a seat and held a banquet to entertain him. When the feast was over, Bao Daoyi took his leave of the emperor and departed from court. The Celestial Master then discussed with Zheng Biao and Xia Houcheng the raising of an army. Now this Bao Daoyi's ancestors had been from Jinhua Mountain. He had left home as a young man and studied the methods of the left-hand path. Later he followed Fang La in rebellion. Whenever he joined battle, he was sure to employ sorcery to harm his enemies. He possessed a precious sword called the Mysterious Primordial Chaos Sword, which could fly a hundred paces to take a man's life. He aided Fang La in his unrighteous deeds, and for this he was honored with the title Celestial Master of Spiritual Response. As for Zheng Biao, he had originally been a constable of Lanxi County in Wuzhou. From youth he had been skilled in the use of spear and staff. He met with good fortune through Fang La and rose to the rank of Grand Marshal of the Palace Guard. He was devoted to the Taoist arts and took Bao Daoyi as his master, learning many of his magical skills. Whenever he joined battle, clouds and vapors were sure to accompany him. For this reason, people called him the Demon Lord Zheng. This Xia Houcheng was also a man from the mountains of Wuzhou. He had originally been a hunter by trade, well accustomed to using a steel trident. He had long served under Prime Minister Zu in the administration of Muzhou. On that day, the three men discussed the raising of an army at the Grand Marshal's headquarters, when a gate official reported: "The Palace Astronomer, Pu Wenying, has come to see you." The Celestial Master asked the reason for his visit. Pu Wenying said: "I have heard that the Celestial Master, the Grand Marshal, and the General are leading troops to fight the Song army. I have observed the celestial signs by night. The general stars of the south are all without light, while half of the general stars of Song Jiang and his men are still bright. Though this expedition of yours may seem well-conceived, I fear it will be unfortunate. Why not return and advise Your Majesty that surrender is the best course, so as to deliver the nation from this calamity?" The Celestial Master Bao flew into a rage. He drew his Mysterious Primordial Chaos Sword and cut Pu Wenying in two with a single stroke. He then hastily dispatched a written report to Fang La, but that is not part of our tale. A historian has written a poem on this:

The royal aura of the southeast is already fading fast,

Yet sorcery and demons are still employed to the last.

Wenying had recognized Heaven's true decree—

Why then did he give his life to a false dynasty?

At once Zheng Biao was sent as vanguard, and the forward troops were dispatched out of the city to advance. The Celestial Master Bao formed the main army, and Xia Houcheng brought up the rear. The army set out to relieve Muzhou.

Now Song Jiang's forces were attacking Muzhou, with no decisive outcome in sight, when a scout rushed back to report that reinforcements from Qingxi had arrived. Upon hearing this, Song Jiang dispatched Wang Ying, the Dwarf Tiger, and Hu Sanniang, the Ten-Foot Blue, to go out as skirmishers and meet the enemy. The husband and wife led three thousand cavalry toward the road to Qingxi. They met Zheng Biao head-on, who rode out first and engaged Wang Ying in combat. Without a word spoken between them, they formed their ranks and crossed their steeds. After only eight or nine exchanges, Zheng Biao began muttering incantations under his breath, then shouted, "Quick!" A stream of black vapor poured from the top of his helmet. Within that black vapor stood a golden-armored celestial warrior, holding a demon-subduing pestle, which descended from midair to strike down. Wang Ying saw this, was struck with alarm, became flustered and confused, lost all form in his spear technique, and was unhorsed by a single thrust from the Demon Lord Zheng. When Hu Sanniang saw her husband fall from his horse, she brandished her twin blades and rushed to his aid, but Zheng Biao turned to meet her. After barely one exchange, Zheng Biao wheeled his horse and fled. Hu Sanniang, desperate to avenge her husband, gave chase in hot pursuit. The Demon Lord Zheng halted his iron spear, reached freely into the quiver at his side, pulled out a gold-plated copper brick, turned around, and hurled it squarely at Hu Sanniang's face. It struck her and knocked her from her horse, dead. Alas, that valiant heroine—it all ended like a fleeting spring dream. The Demon Lord Zheng wheeled his troops about and pursued Song Jiang's soldiers. Song Jiang's forces were routed and returned to Song Jiang, reporting that both Wang Ying and Hu Sanniang had been killed by Zheng Biao's spear and brick, and that more than half their troops had been lost. When Song Jiang heard that he had lost Wang Ying and Hu Sanniang as well, his heart burned with fury. He quickly mustered his forces and led Li逵, Xiang Cong, and Li Gun, taking five thousand men to advance and meet the enemy. They soon saw that the Demon Lord Zheng's troops had already arrived. Song Jiang, his chest brimming with rage, rode out ahead and roared at Zheng Biao, "Rebel villain, how dare you slay two of my generals!" Zheng Biao raised his spear and rode out to engage Song Jiang. Li逵 flew into a rage, drew his two broad axes, and charged forth at a gallop. Xiang Cong and Li Gun hastily waved their shields for cover, and the three of them charged straight into Zheng Biao's formation. The Demon Lord Zheng turned his horse and fled, and the three pursued him deep into the Southern army's ranks. Song Jiang, fearing Li逵 might be lost, urgently called up his five thousand men to join in a combined assault. The Southern troops scattered and fled in all directions. Song Jiang then ordered the gongs sounded to recall the troops. As the two shield-bearers escorted Li逵 back, they saw dark clouds gathering on all sides and black vapor filling the sky, so that north, south, east, and west could not be distinguished, and the bright day became as dark as night. Song Jiang's army found no path forward. They saw:

Four-cornered dark clouds gathering, black fog shrouding the heavens.

A torrent of wind and rain poured down, several peals of fierce thunder roared.

Mountains and rivers shook, high and low as if the sky were collapsing;

Streams and gullies raged madly, left and right as if the earth were caving in.

Mournful ghosts wept, thundering gods howled.

Staring hard, one could not make out the slightest shape; filling one's ears was only the sound of a thousand trees crashing.

Song Jiang's troops, caught by the Demon Lord Zheng's sorcery, found heaven and earth darkened, their tracks lost, their way obscured. They stumbled into a place where all was pitch black and nothing could be seen, and Song Jiang's own forces fell into chaos. Song Jiang looked up to heaven and sighed, "Could it be that I am fated to die here?" From the si hour until the beginning of the wei period, the black fog finally dispersed and a faint light appeared, revealing golden-armored warriors surrounding them on all sides. Song Jiang saw this, collapsed to the ground in terror, and cried out, "Grant me a quick death!" He dared not raise his face, hearing only the sound of wind and rain in his ears. His generals and soldiers, one and all, prostrated themselves to await death, waiting for the blades to fall. In a moment, after the wind and rain had passed, Song Jiang saw that no blades came. Someone reached out to help him up, saying, "Please rise!" Song Jiang raised his head and looked up to see a scholar-official helping him to his feet. How was this man dressed? He wore:

A black gauze soft-cornered Tang turban on his head, a white silk round-collared cool-season robe on his body,

A black rhinocero-hide golden-buckled sash at his waist, and four-seamed dry court boots on his feet.

His face was as if powdered, his lips as if painted vermilion,

A full seven feet tall, a graceful man of about thirty.

If not an immortal official from the upper realm, surely a jinshi scholar from the Ninth Heaven.

Song Jiang was startled. He rose and exchanged greetings with the scholar, then asked his name and title. The scholar replied, "My name is Shao Jun, and I am a native of this place. I have come especially to inform you, brave sir, that Fang Thirteen's days are numbered—within ten days he can be defeated. I have often lent my strength to your cause. Though you are now beset, reinforcements have arrived. Did you know this?" Song Jiang asked again, "Master, when can Fang Thirteen be captured?" Shao the scholar pushed out his hand with a wave, and Song Jiang suddenly started awake—it had all been a dream from start to finish.

When he looked around, he saw that the big men surrounding him were in fact a circle of pine trees. Song Jiang called loudly to his officers to rise and find a way out. By then the clouds had cleared and the mist had dispersed; the sky was bright and the air was pure. From beyond the pines came the sound of battle cries drawing near. Song Jiang led his troops to charge out from within, and from afar he saw Lu Zhishen and Wu Song cutting their way through the enemy, locked in combat with Zheng Biao. The sorcerer Bao, mounted on horseback, saw Wu Song wielding a pair of monks' sabers on foot as he advanced straight for Zheng Biao. Bao Daoyi drew from its scabbard his dark and mysterious Heaven-Mixing Sword, sent it flying through the air, and it struck Wu Song squarely on his left arm. Blood gushed forth and he collapsed. But Lu Zhishen drove forward with his iron staff with all his might and rescued Wu Song—though his left arm had been hacked so badly it was nearly severed. Wu Song, however, managed to seize that Heaven-Mixing Sword. When Wu Song regained consciousness and saw that his left arm was broken and hanging by a thread, he took one of his monks' sabers and cut it off himself. Song Jiang at once ordered military escorts to carry him back to the camp to recuperate.

Lu Zhishen then charged into the enemy's rear formation and encountered Xiahou Cheng in battle. After a few exchanges, Xiahou Cheng broke and fled. Lu Zhishen pressed the attack with his iron staff, and the southern troops scattered in all directions. Xiahou Cheng made for the mountain forest and fled. Lu Zhishen would not let him go and pursued him deep into the mountains.

Now the Demon Lord Zheng led his forces in pursuit. Among Song Jiang's ranks, Li Kui, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun, seeing the enemy approach, raised their round shields and flew at them with throwing knives, javelins, and board axes, charging in together. The Demon Lord Zheng could not withstand them and fled across ridges and streams. The three, unfamiliar with the terrain and eager only for glory, pressed on across the stream in a mad pursuit of Zheng Biao. On the western bank, three thousand soldiers suddenly emerged and cut off the Song forces. Xiang Chong turned back in haste but was intercepted by two officers on the shore. When he called for Li Kui and Li Gun, they had already crossed the stream in pursuit of Zheng Biao. But ahead the stream ran deep, and Li Gun stumbled and fell into the river, where southern troops rained arrows upon him and killed him. Xiang Chong scrambled down to the bank, but was tripped by ropes. He struggled to rise, but the soldiers swarmed over him and hacked him to pieces. Pitiful were Li Gun and Xiang Chong—what use was heroism here? Only Li Kui, alone, pursued the enemy deep into the mountain forest. The troops along the stream followed in pursuit. Before they had gone half a li, a great shout rose behind them—it was Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Fan Rui leading three columns of troops to the rescue. They scattered the southern army, pursued into the mountains, and brought Li Kui back. But Lu Zhishen was nowhere to be seen.

The officers all came to report to Song Jiang, recounting how they had pursued the Demon Lord Zheng, crossed the stream, and fought—losing Xiang Chong and Li Gun, and only managing to rescue Li Kui. When Song Jiang heard this, he wept without cease. He took a muster of the troops and found that a full tenth had been lost. Moreover, Lu Zhishen was missing, and Wu Song had lost his left arm.

While Song Jiang was still weeping, a scout reported: "Military Adviser Wu Yong, together with Guan Sheng, Li Ying, Zhu Tong, Yan Shun, and Ma Lin, leads ten thousand troops, arriving by water." Song Jiang went to meet Wu Yong and the others and asked how matters stood. Wu Yong replied, "Commander Tong has his own accompanying forces, along with the great generals Wang Bing and Zhao Tan. Commander Liu Guangshi also has troops, and they have already reached the foot of Wulong Ridge. Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, Pei Xuan, Jiang Jing, Cai Fu, Cai Qing, Du Xing, and Yu Baosi were left behind, along with the naval leaders Li Jun, Ruan Xiaowu, Ruan Xiaoqi, Tong Wei, and Tong Meng—thirteen men in all. The rest have followed me here to coordinate the attack."

Song Jiang recounted, "We have lost officers. Wu Song is now a crippled man, and Lu Zhishen's whereabouts are unknown. How can I not be grieved?" Wu Yong counseled him, "Elder brother, take heart. The time has come to capture Fang La. Consider only the great affairs of the state, and do not let sorrow harm your precious person."

Song Jiang pointed to the many pine trees and told the military adviser of his dream. Wu Yong said, "Since this dream has proven so prophetic, could there be a shrine or temple in this quarter with a spirit of power, who has come to protect you?" Song Jiang said, "Your insight is exactly right. Let us go into the mountains together to seek it out."

Wu Yong then walked with Song Jiang into the mountain forest. Before they had gone half an arrow's flight, they saw a temple among the pine trees, with a golden placard inscribed with the words "Temple of the Black Dragon God." When Song Jiang and Wu Yong entered the temple and ascended the hall, they were struck with amazement. The dragon lord's sacred image on the hall was identical in every respect to the one Song Jiang had seen in his dream. Song Jiang bowed twice and gave earnest thanks: "We are deeply indebted to the Black Dragon God for his grace in protecting us. We have not yet been able to repay this kindness. We pray that the divine spirit lend us his might. When Fang La is subdued, I will personally petition the court to rebuild this temple and bestow an honorary title upon the god."

When Song Jiang and Wu Yong had finished their prayers and descended the steps, they examined the stone stele. The god had been a scholar of the Tang dynasty named Shao Jun, who had failed the imperial examinations and drowned in the river. The Heavenly Emperor, moved by his loyalty and integrity, appointed him a Dragon God. The local people prayed for wind and received wind, prayed for rain and received rain. For this reason the temple was established, and sacrifices were offered in all four seasons. Song Jiang read this and immediately ordered pigs and sheep brought for the sacrifice. When the rites were complete, they left the temple and examined the surroundings more closely. The transformation of the pine trees was truly a wonder.

To this day, outside the north gate of Yanzhou, there stands the Temple of the Great Black Dragon King, also called the Forest of Ten Thousand Pines. The ancient site still remains, and a poem bears witness:

*A single loyal heart the spirits know—*

*In darkness they uphold you, this is true.*

*If you would learn the Dragon Lord's true name,*

*Read the worn stele beneath the ten-thousand-pine grove.*

Meanwhile, Song Jiang, having thanked the Dragon King for his protection, left the temple, mounted his horse, and returned to the central army camp. There he consulted with Wu Yong on the strategy for attacking Muzhou. They sat discussing until past midnight, when Song Jiang felt his spirits weary. He rested his head on the table and dozed off. Suddenly he heard a voice announce: "Scholar Shao has come to pay a visit."

Song Jiang quickly rose and went out of the tent to greet his guest. He saw the Dragon King Shao bowing to him with hands clasped and said: "Had it not been for my protection yesterday, the righteous one would have fallen victim to Bao Daoshi's dark sorcery—the pine tree transformed into a man and would have captured you. I was deeply moved by the sacrificial rites you offered and have come especially to express my gratitude. I also come to inform you that Muzhou can be taken tomorrow, and Fang La himself can be captured within ten days."

Song Jiang was about to invite him into the tent to ask further questions when suddenly a gust of wind disturbed the scene, and he started awake with a start—it had been yet another dream.

Song Jiang quickly summoned the Military Adviser to interpret the dream and told him what had happened. Wu Yong said: "Since the Dragon King has manifested himself so miraculously, we can advance our troops tomorrow and attack Muzhou." Song Jiang said: "Most excellent advice!"

By daybreak, the military orders were issued, and the main force was assembled to attack Muzhou. Yan Shun and Ma Lin were sent to guard the main road at Wulong Ridge. Four principal generals—Guan Sheng, Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Zhu Tong—were ordered to lead the advance against Muzhou, attacking from the north gate. Ling Zhen was directed to fire the Nine-Compartment Mother-and-Child cannons straight into the city. The cannonballs soared into the sky with such force that the heavens seemed to split and the earth to quake; mountains trembled and peaks shook. The soldiers and horses in the city were so terrified that their souls nearly fled from their bodies—they fell into chaos without even being attacked.

Now, Bao Tianshi and Zheng Mohan's rear forces had already been routed by Lu Zhishen, who was pursuing Xia Hecheng—his whereabouts were unknown. By then they had already withdrawn their troops into the city to encamp. They consulted with Right Prime Minister Zu Shiyuan, Councilor Shen Shou, Secretary Huan Yi, Marshal Tan Gao, and Garrison Commander Wu Yingxing: "The Song army has arrived. How shall we relieve this crisis?"

Zu Shiyuan said: "Since ancient times, when an army reaches the city walls and approaches the moat, how can the situation be resolved without fighting to the death? If the city is breached, we will surely be captured. The situation is critical—we must all press forward!"

At this, Zheng Mohan led Tan Gao, Wu Yingxing, and a dozen officers, commanding ten thousand elite soldiers, opened the city gates, and advanced to face Song Jiang. Song Jiang ordered his troops to withdraw about half an arrow's flight distance to allow the enemy forces to emerge and form their battle lines. Bao Daoshi took a folding chair and sat upon the city wall. Prime Minister Zu, Councilor Shen, and Secretary Huan all watched from the watchtower.

Zheng Mohan leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and charged out of the formation. From Song Jiang's ranks, the Great Blade Guan Sheng rode forth, sword in hand, to engage Zheng Biao. The two warriors met and exchanged only a few blows before Zheng Biao could no longer withstand Guan Sheng—he could only parry, block, and dodge left and right.

Bao Daoshi, watching from atop the city wall, then began his sorcery. He muttered incantations, cried out "Swift!" and, chanting the aiding spell, blew a breath toward Zheng Mohan. From above Zheng Mohan's head rolled a column of black vapor, and within that black vapor appeared a golden-armored divine warrior wielding a demon-subduing pestle, which struck down from the sky. Over the southern army rose a dark and murky black cloud.

Song Jiang saw this and called the Demon King of Chaos Fan Rui to come observe, urgently ordering him to perform his own magic. Song Jiang himself recited the secret incantations from the Heavenly Book for summoning wind and dispelling darkness. At once, above Guan Sheng's helmet appeared a white cloud, and within that white cloud was also revealed a divine general—red-haired, blue-faced, with jade-green eyes and fangs bared—riding a black dragon and wielding an iron hammer. This warrior rode forth to battle the golden-armored divine warrior above Zheng Mohan's head.

Below, both armies shouted; the two generals clashed. After countless exchanges, the heavenly general riding the black dragon drove back the golden-armored divine warrior. Below, Guan Sheng swung his blade and struck Zheng Mohan from his horse.

Bao Daoshi saw wind and thunder rising from the Song army and was about to rise from his seat when Ling Zhen fired a Heaven-Shaking Cannon. A fireball struck Bao Tianshi squarely—his head and body were smashed to pieces.

The southern forces were utterly routed. The Song army pressed their advantage and poured into Muzhou. Zhu Tong drove his spear through Marshal Tan Gao, pinning him beneath his horse. Li Ying's flying blade killed Garrison Commander Wu Yingxing. Below the walls of Muzhou, where the cannon had struck Bao Tianshi's body, the southern soldiers all tumbled from the walls. Song Jiang's troops had already entered the city. The generals pressed forward as one, capturing alive Prime Minister Zu, Councilor Shen, and Secretary Huan. The remaining officers, regardless of name, were all put to death by Song Jiang's soldiers.

After entering the city, Song Jiang first ordered Fang La's palace to be set ablaze. All the gold and silk were distributed as rewards to the officers and men of the three armies. Proclamations were issued to reassure the common people. Before the troops had even been fully counted, a scout came galloping with urgent news: "At Wulong Ridge on the west gate, Ma Lin was struck down by a thrown spear from Bai Qin. Shi Bao pursued him and struck again with his sword, cutting Ma Lin in two. Yan Shun saw this and charged forward to engage him, but that villain Shi Bao struck him dead with a meteor hammer. Having won the victory, Shi Bao immediately led his troops to press their advantage and advance."

Upon hearing that Yan Shun and Ma Lin had fallen, Song Jiang clutched his wrist and wept bitterly without end. He hastily dispatched the four principal generals—Guan Sheng, Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Zhu Tong—to meet Shi Bao and Bai Qin in battle and seize the pass at Wulong Ridge.

It was not simply that these four generals went to fight at Wulong Ridge. As the fates would have it: in Qingxi County, the bandit forces were annihilated; in the Cave of Bangyuan, the Grass-Head Emperor was captured alive. And so Song Jiang and his men earned fame recorded in the annals of history for a thousand years, and their merit was celebrated throughout the ages.

But how exactly did Song Jiang and his men meet the enemy? Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.