الفصل الرابع والستون

الفصل الرابع والستون

Now, this man Guan Sheng of Pudong was accustomed to wielding a great broadsword, a hero whose prowess surpassed all others, whose courage and righteousness exceeded the common run. On the day he took his leave of the Grand Preceptor, he led forth fifteen thousand troops divided into three columns, departing from the Eastern Capital and making his way toward Liangshan Marsh.

The narrative branches in two directions. Let us speak of Song Jiang and the other generals, who day after day attacked the city walls of Dizhou to no avail. Li Cheng and Wang Da did not dare come out to give battle. Chao Chao's arrow wound was deep and grave, and he had still not recovered—there was no one else to take the field. Song Jiang saw that the city would not fall despite the assault, and his heart was troubled. They had left the mountain some time ago, yet still no victory or defeat had been decided. That night he sat brooding in the central command tent. He lit the candles and took out the *Heavenly Book of the Dark Maiden*; as he was reading it, it suddenly occurred to him that the siege had dragged on so long, yet no reinforcements had appeared to aid them. Dai Zong had gone back and still had not returned. In silence he felt his spirits grow clouded and his mind unsettled, unable to sleep or eat. Then a junior officer reported: "The Military Adviser requests an audience." Wu Yong arrived at the central command tent and said to Song Jiang, "Our troops have besieged the city for so long—how can it be that no reinforcements have come to their aid, and those within the city do not come out to fight? Some time ago, three horsemen rode out of the city—most likely Liang Zhongshu has sent men to the capital to report the emergency. His father-in-law, Grand Preceptor Cai, will certainly hasten to dispatch troops, and among them there will be a capable commander. If he employs the strategy of 'besieging Wei to save Zhao'—rather than relieving the danger here, instead striking at our stronghold at Liangshan Marsh—what then? You cannot fail to consider this, elder brother. Let us have our soldiers make preparations first; we should not all withdraw at once." Even as they spoke, the "Marvelous Traveller" Dai Zong arrived and reported: "The Grand Preceptor Cai of the Eastern Capital has invited the descendant of Lord Guan the Sage, Guan Sheng of Pudong, known as 'Great-Blade' Guan, to lead a body of troops in a swift march toward Liangshan Marsh. The chieftains at the stronghold cannot decide what course to take. They ask that you and the Military Adviser return with the troops as soon as possible to relieve the difficulty at the mountain fortress." Wu Yong said: "Even so, we must not rush back. Tonight let the infantry go ahead first, while we leave two detachments of troops to lie in ambush on both sides of Flying Tiger Valley. When those in the city learn that our army is withdrawing, they will certainly pursue. If we do not do this, our own troops will fall into disorder first." Song Jiang said: "The Military Adviser speaks most fittingly." He issued orders and sent "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong with five hundred troops to lie in ambush on the left side of Flying Tiger Valley. "Leopard Head" Lin Chong with five hundred troops was sent to lie in ambush on the right side of Flying Tiger Valley. Then "Double-Sticks" Huyan Zhuo was ordered to lead twenty-five cavalrymen, together with Ling Zhen, carrying fire bombs and the like, to a position ten *li* or so from the city. Whenever pursuing troops were spotted, he was to fire the signal bombs at once, directing the two ambush forces to fall upon and slaughter the pursuers. At the same time, orders were given to the vanguard to begin withdrawing—dragging their banners, sounding no war drums, scattering like rain and drifting like clouds, engaging no enemy troops, and retreating slowly. The infantry rose at midnight and proceeded in stages. It was not until around the *si* hour of the following day that they had all withdrawn.

From atop the city walls, the soldiers saw Song Jiang's troops dragging their banners and pennants, shouldering their swords and axes, streaming away in great waves, striking their encampments wholesale—it had every appearance of a retreat to the mountain. Those on the walls observed carefully and reported to Liang Zhongshu: "The Liangshan Marsh troops have all withdrawn their forces today and gone back." When Liang Zhongshu heard this, he summoned Li Cheng and Wang Da to deliberate. Wang Da said: "It must be that reinforcements from the capital have gone to seize Liangshan Marsh. These bandits, fearing they will lose their lair, have hurried back in haste. We can press the advantage and pursue them—we will certainly capture Song Jiang." He had not yet finished speaking when a courier from outside the city arrived, bearing a dispatch from the Eastern Capital, requesting that troops be sent to seize the bandits' lair. "If they are retreating, they can be pursued at once." Liang Zhongshu then ordered Li Cheng and Wang Da each to lead a body of troops in pursuit of Song Jiang's army, one by the eastern road and one by the western road.

Now then, Song Jiang led his troops in retreat and, seeing the city dispatch soldiers in pursuit, fled for his life. He retreated all the way to Flying Tiger Valley, when from behind he heard the bombs firing in unison. Li Cheng and Wang Da were startled. They reined in their horses and looked back—behind them they saw only banners crossing and war drums clamoring in confusion. Li Cheng and Wang Da hastily turned their troops about, but from the left burst forth "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong, and from the right burst forth "Leopard Head" Lin Chong, each leading five thousand troops who fell upon them from both sides. Caught off guard, they realized they had fallen into a wicked trap and swiftly turned their troops to retreat. But ahead of them Huyan Zhuo appeared, leading a body of cavalry, and gave them a great slaughter. Li Cheng and Wang Da were beaten so badly their golden helmets were knocked askew and their armor hung in tatters. They retreated into the city and barred the gates, venturing out no more. Song Jiang's troops withdrew in orderly fashion. By the time they had rounded the edge of Liangshan Marsh, they happened upon "Ugly Marquis" Huan Zan blocking the road. Song Jiang halted his troops and made camp for the time being. In secret he sent men by a little-known path to go by water up the mountain and report, arranging for both the naval and land forces to come to their aid from two directions.

Meanwhile, aboard the river stronghold, the chieftain known as "Boat Flame" Zhang Heng and his younger brother "White Streak in the Waves" Zhang Shun were in conference. "Ever since we two brothers joined this stronghold," Zhang Heng said, "we have never distinguished ourselves with a notable deed. We have only watched others boast of their talents and abilities, and swallowed their contempt. Now the 'Great Sword' Guan Sheng from Pudong has dispatched forces along three routes to attack our palisade. Why don't the two of us go first and raid his camp, capture Guan Sheng, and win this great merit? Then before all our brothers, we can hold our heads high."

Zhang Shun replied, "Elder Brother, you and I command only the water troops. If no reinforcements come, we will only invite mockery."

"If you are so cautious," Zhang Heng said, "in what year and month will we ever distinguish ourselves? If you won't go, I shall go tonight myself."

Zhang Shun urged him against it in vain, but Zhang Heng would not listen. That very night Zhang Heng assembled over fifty small boats, each carrying only three to five men. They all wore soft armor and carried bamboo spears and knotweed leaf blades. Taking advantage of the faint moonlight and the stillness of the cold dew, they steered their boats straight toward the dry land. It was about the second watch of the night.

Meanwhile, Guan Sheng was in his central command tent, reading a book by lamplight. A scout on the lookout crept in quietly and reported: "In the reed marshes, there appear to be some forty or fifty small boats, every man carrying a long spear. They have all concealed themselves among the reeds on both sides. Their intentions are unknown. I have come to report."

When Guan Sheng heard this, he smiled faintly. He silently issued orders for the troops to prepare accordingly. The soldiers received the command and each hid in concealment.

Now Zhang Heng led some two or three hundred men, threading their way through the reeds in stealth until they reached the edge of the camp. They pulled aside the abatis barriers and rushed straight for the command tent. They saw the tent ablaze with lamplight and candle glow, and Guan Sheng sitting there stroking his beard and reading his military text. Zhang Heng rejoiced inwardly. He leveled his long spear and charged into the tent.

At once a gong clanged from the side, and the troops raised a great shout—like the sky collapsing and the earth splitting, like mountains toppling and rivers overturning. Zhang Heng was so frightened that he dropped his spear, turned, and fled. Ambush troops rose on all sides. Pitiful Zhang Heng, who was so skilled in the water—how could he escape this net on dry land? Not one of the two or three hundred men got away. They were all bound and pushed before the tent.

Guan Sheng looked at them and laughed in contempt: "Worthless outlaw grass, how dare you insult me!" He had Zhang Heng placed in a prisoner's cage, and the rest were all locked up. "We will wait until we have captured Song Jiang, and then send you all to the capital together."

Leaving aside the matter of Guan Sheng capturing Zhang Heng, let us return to the river stronghold, where the three Ruan chieftains were in conference in the camp. They had sent someone to receive orders from Brother Song Jiang when Zhang Shun arrived and reported: "My elder brother, refusing to heed my earnest counsel, went to raid Guan Sheng's camp. As I feared, he has been captured and is locked in a prisoner's cage."

When Ruan Xiaoqi heard this, he shouted, "We brothers share life and death, and aid one another in fortune and misfortune. He is your own flesh-and-blood brother—how could you let him go alone and get captured? If you won't save him, we three brothers will go save him ourselves."

Zhang Shun said, "I have received no orders from our chief, and I dare not act rashly."

"If we wait for orders," Ruan Xiaoqi said, "your brother will be chopped into eight pieces by then."

Ruan Xiaoer and Ruan Xiaowu both said, "He is right."

Zhang Shun could not prevail against the three of them and had to agree. That night, at the fourth watch, they assembled the chieftains of the large and small water camps, each man embarking on one hundred or more boats, and together they charged toward Guan Sheng's camp. The soldiers on shore saw the warships on the water swarming like ants along the bank and rushed in alarm to report to their commander.

Guan Sheng laughed. "These witless bandit slaves—what is there to worry about?" He immediately summoned his leading general and whispered in his ear, "Do thus and thus."

Now the three Ruan brothers advanced in front, with Zhang Shun behind them. With a great battle cry they stormed into the camp, only to find spears and swords standing upright and banners still flying, but not a single man in sight. The three Ruans were greatly alarmed and turned to flee. A gong sounded before the tent, and from the left and right, cavalry and infantry emerged in eight columns, surrounding them in a great encircling mass, layer upon layer.

Zhang Shun saw the situation was hopeless and plunged straight into the water. The three Ruans fought their way toward the riverbank, but the pursuing troops caught up with them. Grappling hooks flew down and nooses whirled through the air. They caught "Living Yama" Ruan Xiaoqi, hauled him up, and dragged him away captive. Ruan Xiaoer, Ruan Xiaowu, and Zhang Shun were saved only because "Dragon in the Muddy Waters" Li Jun, along with Tong Wei and Tong Meng, fought desperately to rescue them.

Leaving aside the matter of Ruan Xiaoqi being captured and locked in a prisoner's cage, let us turn to the water troops who brought the news to Liangshan Marsh. Liu Tang at once sent Zhang Shun by water route straight to Song Jiang's camp to deliver this report.

Song Jiang consulted with Wu Yong about how to drive back Guan Sheng. Wu Yong said, "Let us meet them in pitched battle tomorrow and see how it goes."

He had scarcely finished speaking when war drums suddenly thundered all at once. It was Chuma Xuanzan, the "Ugly Son-in-Law," leading the three armies straight to the main camp. Song Jiang led all his forces out to meet them. He saw Xuanzan reining in his horse beneath the gate banner and called out, "Which leading general will ride out first and capture this fellow?"

At once "Little Li Guang," Hua Rong, spurred his horse forward with spear in hand, riding straight at Xuanzan. Xuanzan whipped out his saber to meet him. Back and forth, up and down they fought, and after ten exchanges Hua Rong feigned an opening and turned his horse to flee. Xuanzan gave chase. Hua Rong fastened his steel spear to his saddle ring, took up his bow and nocked an arrow, sat sideways on his carved saddle, drew the bow with the ease of a stretching ape arm, and turned to loose a shot. Xuanzan heard the bowstring sing, and just as the arrow came, he raised his saber to block it—a clear ringing sound—and the arrow struck the blade. Hua Rong saw his first arrow had missed, so he took a second and, taking careful aim, shot at Xuanzan's chest from closer range. Xuanzan ducked low in his stirrups and dodged it again.

Seeing how skilled Hua Rong was with the bow, Xuanzan dared not pursue. He abruptly reined in his horse and galloped back to his own lines. When Hua Rong saw that he was not being chased, he quickly turned his horse around and pursued Xuanzan. He took a third arrow, took aim at Xuanzan's back from very close range, and loosed another shot. A clang rang out—the arrow struck squarely on the mirror of armor protecting his back. Xuanzan hastily spurred his horse into the ranks and sent a messenger to report to Guan Sheng.

When Guan Sheng learned of this, he summoned his page: "Quick, lead my war horse over!" That horse measured ten chi from head to tail, stood eight chi high from hoof to spine, and was covered in pure, unbroken red, like burning charcoal from head to hoof. It was fitted with a leather breastplate and secured with three belly straps. Guan Sheng donned his full armor, took up his saber, and mounted his horse, riding straight to the front of the line. As the banner gate opened, he rode forth. A *Xijiang Yue* poem attests to this:

A descendant of a Han kingdom's worthy minister,

Grandson of a celebrated general from the Three Kingdoms.

His embroidered banner stirred the heavenly troops,

His golden armor matched his green robe.

The Red Rabbit steed soared amid purple mist,

The Dragon Crescent Blade gleamed like biting ice.

A hero born in Pudong Commandery—

The Righteous and Brave Great Blade Guan Sheng.

Song Jiang looked upon Guan Sheng and saw a man of extraordinary bearing. He and Wu Yong exchanged a quiet word of praise. Turning to his many valiant generals, he said, "This general is a true hero—his reputation is no idle talk!" Before he had finished speaking, Lin Chong, burning with fury, declared: "Since our brothers gathered at Liangshan Marsh, we have fought some fifty or seventy battles large and small, and never once has our fighting spirit been broken. Why does the Military Adviser seek to diminish our own prestige?" With that, he leveled his spear, rode out, and charged straight for Guan Sheng. Guan Sheng bellowed: "Water-marsh bandits! How dare you turn your backs on the court! I challenge only Song Jiang to single combat!" Song Jiang, beneath the banner gate, called Lin Chong back and rode out himself into the formation. He leaned forward and saluted Guan Sheng, saying: "Song Jiang, a minor official of Yuncheng, comes to pay his respects. I await the general's censure." Guan Sheng said: "You are a mere petty clerk—how dare you rebel against the court?" Song Jiang replied: "It is only because the court has lost its way, tolerating treacherous ministers who hold power and sycophants who monopolize authority, appointing corrupt and abusive officials who bring calamity upon the people of the realm. Song Jiang and his men act on Heaven's behalf—we harbor no ulterior motives." Guan Sheng roared: "The imperial army has arrived, and yet you still resist! With your smooth words and fair pretenses, how dare you try to deceive me! If you do not dismount and surrender, I will grind your bones to powder and crush your flesh to dust!" Qin Ming, the "Thunderbolt," heard this and flew into a rage. Wielding his wolf-toothed mace, he spurred his horse forward and charged straight in. Guan Sheng likewise rode out to meet him, and the two clashed. Lin Chong, fearing that Qin Ming would claim the greatest merit, suddenly dashed forward as well, rushing straight toward Guan Sheng. The three horsemen fought amid clouds of battle dust, wheeling about each other like revolving lanterns. Song Jiang, watching, feared that Guan Sheng might be harmed, and ordered the gongs sounded to recall the troops. Lin Chong and Qin Ming rode back to the front and said: "We were just about to capture this fellow—why did you, elder brother, call off the fight?" Song Jiang replied: "Brothers, we hold fast to loyalty and righteousness. To bully the weak with strength is not our wish. Even if we captured him on the battlefield, this man would not submit, and it would only invite others to mock us. I see Guan Sheng as a valiant general, a man loyal by birth, whose ancestor is deified. If we could win this man to our mountain, Song Jiang would gladly yield my place to him." Neither Lin Chong nor Qin Ming was pleased. That day, both sides withdrew their forces.

Now, Guan Sheng returned to his camp, dismounted, and removed his armor. In his heart he pondered: "I fought two of them and could not prevail—I was on the verge of defeat. Yet Song Jiang recalled his troops. What can his intention be?" He ordered his men to bring out Zhang Heng and Ruan Xiaoqi from the prisoner carts and asked: "Song Jiang is merely a minor clerk of Yuncheng—how is it that you fellows submit to him?" Ruan Xiaoqi answered: "My brother is famous throughout Shandong and Hebei—all know him as 'Timely Rain, Protector of Righteousness,' Song Gongming. You, who know nothing of propriety or duty—how could you understand?" Guan Sheng lowered his head and said nothing. He had the prisoner carts pushed aside.

That night, troubled in spirit and unable to rest, he walked out of his tent into the middle of the camp to look about. The moonlight filled the sky, frost blanketed the ground, and he sighed without end. A scout came to report: "There is a bearded general, riding alone with only a single whip, who requests an audience with the Marshal." Guan Sheng said: "Did you not ask who he is?" The scout replied: "He has no armor or weapons, and refuses to give his name. He only says he wishes to see the Marshal." Guan Sheng said: "In that case, bring him to me." Before long, the man arrived at the tent and bowed before Guan Sheng. Guan Sheng looked at him and thought his face seemed familiar; by the lamplight, he could just make him out, and asked who he was. The man said: "Please dismiss those around you." Guan Sheng said: "There is no need." The man said: "I am Huyan Zhuo. I once commanded the Linked-Horse Cavalry for the court in an expedition against Liangshan Marsh. Who could have known we would fall into the bandits' treacherous scheme and lose the campaign, unable to return home? When I heard the general had arrived, my joy knew no bounds. Earlier, on the battlefield, Lin Chong and Qin Ming were about to capture you, but Song Jiang urgently recalled his troops—truly, he feared you might be harmed. This man has long harbored the desire to submit to the court, only the other bandits refuse to follow him. He has been secretly conferring with me, seeking to bring all the others to surrender. If the general is willing to listen, tomorrow night, with light bows and short arrows, riding swift horses, we will enter the bandit camp by the back roads, capture Lin Chong and the other outlaws alive, and escort them to the capital to share in meritorious service." Guan Sheng was overjoyed to hear this and invited him into the tent, where he set out wine to receive him. Huyan Zhuo explained at length that Song Jiang was devoted solely to loyalty and righteousness, and that his joining the bandits was an undeserved misfortune. The two men laid bare their innermost feelings to one another, harboring no suspicion.

The following day, Song Jiang led his forces out to challenge the enemy to battle. Guan Sheng and Hu Yanzhu deliberated together, saying, "Today we can first defeat their leading general, and tonight we can put our plan into action."

Now, Hu Yanzhu had borrowed a set of armor and put it on. Each man mounted his horse, and they rode out to the front of the formation. On Song Jiang's side, someone loudly cursed Hu Yanzhu, saying, "The mountain stronghold has not treated you the least bit wrong—why did you sneak away in the dead of night?" Hu Yanzhu retorted, "You bandits—what great enterprise can you ever accomplish?" Song Jiang then ordered Huang Zhen, styled "Suppressing the Three Mountains," to ride out. Wielding his mourning-gate sword and spurring his horse, he charged straight at Hu Yanzhu. The two horses met, but before they had fought ten bouts, Hu Yanzhu raised his whip and struck Huang Zhen from his saddle. Song Jiang's soldiers rushed forward, carried him away, and retreated with him.

Guan Sheng was overjoyed and ordered the entire army, great and small, to charge and attack. Hu Yanzhu said, "Do not pursue them. That fellow Wu Yong is full of cunning stratagems. If we press the attack, I fear the bandits have a trick in store." Guan Sheng heeded his words and hastily recalled the troops, returning everyone to their own encampment. In the central command tent, they set out wine and feasted, and Guan Sheng inquired about the matter of Huang Zhen, styled "Suppressing the Three Mountains." Hu Yanzhu said, "This man was originally an appointed official of the court, a garrison commander of Qingzhou. He took to the grasslands at the same time as Qin Ming and Hua Rong. If we kill this bandit today, it will crush their spirit. Tonight, when we raid their camp, success is assured." Guan Sheng was greatly pleased and issued orders, commanding Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen to support him from two routes. He himself led five hundred cavalry with light bows and short arrows, with Hu Yanzhu guiding the way. They set out at the second watch of the night, and around the third watch, they made straight for Song Jiang's camp. Cannon fire would be the signal for an attack from within and without, striking together as one force.

That night, the moonlight was bright as daylight. At dusk, the soldiers had donned their armor, removed the bells from the horses' necks, wrapped themselves in soft battle dress, and with gags in their mouths, they moved swiftly and mounted their horses. Hu Yanzhu led the way at the front, and the others followed. After winding along the mountain path for about half a watch, they ran into thirty or fifty scouts lying in ambush ahead, who asked in low voices, "Isn't that General Commander Hu? Song Gongqing sent us here to greet you." Hu Yanzhu shouted, "No talking—follow behind my horse!" Hu Yanzhu spurred his horse forward, with Guan Sheng riding behind. After rounding another mountain spur, they saw Hu Yanzhu point the tip of his spear, and in the distance, a single red lantern. Guan Sheng reined in his horse and asked, "Where is the place with the red lantern?" Hu Yanzhu said, "That is Song Gongqing's central command." He urged his men forward. As they neared the red lantern, suddenly a cannon blast rang out. The soldiers followed Guan Sheng and charged ahead. But when they reached the spot beneath the red lantern, they saw not a single person. When they called for Hu Yanzhu, he too was nowhere to be seen. Guan Sheng was greatly alarmed—he knew he had fallen into a trap. He hastily turned his horse, only to hear drums and gongs sounding from all sides upon the mountains. In their panic and confusion, the soldiers fled for their lives. Guan Sheng wheeled his horse around in haste, but only a handful of cavalry remained with him. As they emerged from the mountain pass, a cannon shot rang out from the woods behind them, and grappling hooks flew out from all sides, dragging Guan Sheng from his decorated saddle. His saber and horse were seized, his armor stripped away, and he was pushed and pulled along, carried off to the main stronghold.

Now, Lin Chong and Hua Rong had led a detachment of troops to intercept Hao Siwen, turning back to engage him in battle. Beneath the moonlight, they saw Hao Siwen from afar. What was his appearance? A *Xijue* verse bears witness:

*A thousand fathoms of soaring heroic spirit,*

*A single mass of sinew and bone alive with vigor.*

*He brandishes his spear and gallops his horse through the dust of war—*

*The heroes of the four seas cannot draw near to him.*

*He wears a brocade battle-robe,*

*And seven-star armor draped with dragon scales.*

*This is none other than Hao Siwen, a heavenly warrior,*

*Riding forth to the front of the battle line.*

Lin Chong bellowed, "Your commander Guan Sheng has fallen into our trap and been captured. You nameless petty officer, why not dismount and submit?" Hao Siwen flew into a rage and charged straight at Lin Chong. The two horses met, and they fought countless bouts. Hua Rong leveled his spear and joined the fray. Hao Siwen could not match their combined strength and turned his horse to flee. From behind his flank burst forth the woman general "Ten Feet of Blue" Hu San-niang, who flung her red silk lasso and dragged Hao Siwen from his horse. The foot soldiers rushed forward, seized him together, bound him, and carried him off to the main stronghold.

The tale now divides into two threads. Meanwhile, Qin Ming and Sun Lie had led a detachment of troops to capture Xuan Zan, and they encountered him right on the road. What was Xuan Zan's appearance? A *Xijue* verse bears witness:

*Curled and tufted short yellow whiskers and hair,*

*Sunken and hollow dark ink-black face.*

*His fierce eyes gaped like a pair of rings,*

*His nostrils pointed skyward to the heavens.*

*A gleaming snow-bright steel saber in his hands,*

*Chain-link armor protecting his body.*

*On a red-maned steed with a brocade saddle and girths—*

*The commandery prince, the hero Xuan Zan.

At that moment, Xuan Zan spurred his horse forward and shouted in rage: "You vulgar bandit! Those who stand against me shall die; those who flee from me shall live!" Qin Ming was furious. He leaped on his horse and brandished his wolf-tooth club, charging straight at Xuan Zan. The two horses crossed paths, and they fought for several bouts. Sun Li came at him from the side. Xuan Zan grew flustered, his swordplay fell out of proper form, and with one thrust of Qin Ming's club, he was knocked from his horse. The three armies let out a shout together and rushed forward to seize him. Then "Swooping Sky Eagle" Li Ying, leading his soldiers large and small, rushed into Guan Sheng's camp. They first rescued Zhang Heng, Ruan Xiaoqi, and the captured sailors, and took back all the grain, fodder, and horses. Then they went to rally the scattered and defeated troops from all sides. Song Jiang gathered the forces and went up the mountain. By now the east was growing bright. In the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, the seats were arranged, and Guan Sheng, Xuan Zan, and Hao Siwen were brought in one by one in bonds. Song Jiang saw them and hastily descended from the hall, ordering the soldiers to withdraw. He personally loosened their bonds, helped Guan Sheng into the central chair, bowed his head and kowtowed, confessing his guilt: "A reckless fugitive who has offended your tiger-like might—I beg your forgiveness!" Guan Sheng quickly returned the salute, but said nothing, at a loss what to do with his hands and feet. Huanyan Zhuo also came forward to confess: "This humble one received your orders and dared not disobey. I only hope the general will forgive me for the crime of deceit." Guan Sheng looked over the assembled chieftains—their loyalty and righteousness ran deep—and turned back to Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen. "We have been captured here. What is to be done?" The two replied, "We await your orders." Guan Sheng said, "We have no face to return to the capital. Let the three of us be granted an early death!" Song Jiang said, "Why speak so? If the general would not scorn our lowly station, join us in carrying out the Way on Heaven's behalf. If you are unwilling, we dare not detain you—we will send you back to the capital today." Song Jiang said: "They call Song Gongming loyal and righteous—the words are not false. Today we three have homes we cannot return to and a country we cannot serve. We wish to be common soldiers under your banner." Song Jiang was overjoyed. That very day a feast was prepared to celebrate, while envoys were sent to rally the scattered and defeated troops, gaining another five or seven thousand men and horses. Those among the army who were old or young were given silver and released to go home. Xue Yong was dispatched with a letter to Pu Dong to bring Guan Sheng's family—but no more of that.

As Song Jiang sat at the feast, he fell silent, thinking of Elder Lu and Shi Xiu imprisoned in Beijing, and tears streamed down his face. Wu Yong said: "Brother, do not worry. Wu Yong has a plan. Just wait until tonight, and tomorrow we will raise our army again and attack Beijing—success is certain!" Guan Sheng rose and said: "This humble general has no way to repay the crime of not having been killed. I volunteer to lead the vanguard." Song Jiang was overjoyed. The next morning orders were issued: Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen were to take back their former troops and serve as the vanguard commanders. All the original chieftains assigned to the Beijing campaign were present without exception. Then Li Jun and Zhang Shun were sent with water-war armor to follow, and the army advanced toward Beijing in order.

Now we turn to Liang Shizhong, who in the city was drinking wine with Su Chao as he recovered from his illness. A scout rode in and reported: "Guan Sheng, Xuan Zan, Hao Siwen, and all their troops have been captured by Song Jiang and have joined the bandits. The Liangshan Marsh army has now arrived." When Liang Shizhong heard this, he was so terrified his eyes stared blankly and he did not know what to do with his hands and feet. Su Chao stepped forward and said: "Before, I fell to the bandits' arrow. Now let me avenge that grudge." Liang Shizhong at once rewarded Su Chao and ordered him to lead his troops out of the city to meet the enemy. Li Cheng and Wen Da followed with reinforcements. It was midwinter, bitterly cold, with thick clouds massing for days and the north wind howling wildly. When Song Jiang's forces arrived, Su Chao went straight to Feihu Valley and made camp. The next day he led his troops out to engage. Song Jiang brought Fang Lü and Guo Sheng, the vanguard commanders, up to a high ridge to watch Guan Sheng do battle. After three rounds of war drums, Guan Sheng rode out. On the opposite side, Su Chao emerged on horseback. When Su Chao saw Guan Sheng, he did not recognize him. A soldier in the ranks said: "This one who has come is the newly turned traitor, Saber Guan Sheng." Su Chao heard this but said nothing. He charged straight at Guan Sheng. Guan Sheng also spurred his horse and swung his saber to meet him. They fought fewer than ten bouts. Li Cheng, in the central army, saw that Su Chao's axe was faltering and that he could not overcome Guan Sheng. He drew his pair of sabers and rode out himself to attack Guan Sheng from both sides. On Guan Sheng's side, Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen saw this, each took up his weapon, and came forward to join the fight. The five horsemen tangled together in a mass. Song Jiang, watching from the high ridge, pointed with his whip, and the great army swept forward to attack. Li Cheng's forces were utterly routed, cut to pieces, and retreated into the city that very night, shutting the gates tight and refusing to come out. Song Jiang pressed his army right up to the city walls and encamped. The next day, Su Chao personally led a force out of the city to break through. Wu Yong saw this and ordered the soldiers to engage in mock battle: "If he pursues, retreat as if taking advantage of the situation." This time Su Chao won the engagement and returned to the city in high spirits.

That evening the clouds closed in from all sides and snow began to fall thickly. Wu Yong already had his plan. He secretly sent foot soldiers to a narrow spot by the river road outside Beijing, near the mountain, and had them dig concealed pits, covering them with earth. That night the snow fell fiercely and the wind was bitter. In the morning, the snow was about two feet deep. On the city walls, the soldiers looking out at Song Jiang's army all wore frightened expressions, shifting uneasily at the east and west stockades. Su Chao saw this and immediately mustered three hundred troops and rode out of the city in pursuit. Song Jiang's forces scattered and fled in all directions. Then the naval chieftains Li Jun and Zhang Shun, clad in light battle armor, reined in their horses and leveled their spears to meet the enemy. But the moment they crossed paths with Su Chao, they dropped their spears and fled, deliberately luring Su Chao toward the edge of the pit. Su Chao was a man of rash temper—he paid no heed. On one side was the road; on the other was the ravine. Li Jun abandoned his horse and leaped into the ravine, calling out toward the front: "Brother Song Gongming, flee quickly!" Su Chao heard this and, giving no thought to himself, spurred his horse forward in a dash across the battlefield. A cannon boomed from behind the mountain, and Su Chao, horse and all, plunged down into the pit.

Then the hidden troops rose up on all sides. Even if Suo Chao had three heads and six arms, he would have been seven parts wounded and eight parts battered. It was like a covering of gleaming silver that concealed a snare, like a level pavement of crushed jade that masked a pitfall. What will become of the Vanguard Fierce General Suo Chao's life? Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.