الفصل السبعون

الفصل السبعون

Here is the translation:

When Song Jiang had taken Dongping Prefecture, he led his army back to Anshan Town. Just as he was preparing to return to the stronghold, Bai Sheng came forward to report: "Lu Junyi has attacked Changchung Prefecture and lost two battles in a row. In the city there is a fierce general, surnamed Zhang, given name Qing, a native of Zhangde Prefecture, originally a cavalryman. He is skilled at hurling stones at his enemies, hitting his target every single time, and men call him 'Arrowless.' He has two lieutenants under him: one is called 'Flowery-necked Tiger' Gong Wang, whose whole body is tattooed leopard-spots, with a tiger's head tattooed upon his neck, and who can use flying spears on horseback; the other is called 'Arrow-struck Tiger' Dingsun, whose face and neck are covered with scars, and who can use flying tridents on horseback. When Master Lu's troops arrived at the border, for ten straight days he did not come out to give battle. The other day Zhang Qing rode out to engage them, and Hao Siwen rode out to meet him. After an exchange of several bouts, Zhang Qing turned to flee. Hao Siwen gave him chase, but Zhang Qing struck him on the forehead with a stone, knocking him from his horse. Fortunately, Yan Qing loosed a crossbow bolt that struck Zhang Qing's horse, thereby saving Hao Siwen's life—but they lost the battle. The next day, the 'Demon King of Chaos' Fan Rui led Xiang Chong and Li Gun, brandishing shields, to meet the enemy. Unexpectedly Dingsun flew a trident from beneath his arm, striking Xiang Chong squarely in the ribs, and so they lost another battle. Both men are now recovering on a boat. The Military Adviser specially ordered me to come and beg you, Brother, to go quickly to their aid."

When Song Jiang heard this, he sighed and said: "So Lu Junyi truly lacks his fortune! I specially sent Wu Yunsheng and Gongsun Sheng to assist him, wanting him to achieve success in battle, so that he would also have standing among the brothers on the stronghold. Who could have expected he would meet such a worthy foe? Since this is the case, let all our brothers lead our troops to go to his aid." He then issued orders and set the three armies in motion. The generals mounted their horses and followed Song Jiang all the way to the border of Changchung. Lu Junyi and the others met them and related all that had happened. They set up camp for the time being.

Even as they were deliberating, a soldier came to report that "Arrowless" Zhang Qing was challenging them to battle. Song Jiang led the army out and, on a broad and level plain, they drew up their formations. The chieftains, great and small, all mounted their horses and gathered beneath the gate standard. From his horse, Song Jiang observed the enemy formation: the troops were drawn up in a single line, their banners of five colors. After three rolls of the drum, "Arrowless" Zhang Qing rode out. How was he attired? There is a song to the tune of "Water Melody" praising Zhang Qing's valor:

His kerchief framed by crimson tassels,

A wolf's waist, an arms of an ape, a body fierce and bold.

He wore a robe of brocade and embroidery,

Beneath which showed a robe of deepest green.

He sat upon his carved saddle sideways,

His gray-green horse with jade bit came lightly forward.

Stirrups like sunflowers,

With burnished copper bells that rang.

His pheasant-tail plume trailed behind him,

His four hooves flew swift and light.

Golden rings swayed,

And the jade-patterned dragon spread its crimson tassels.

In his brocade pouch, stones,

That flew as lightly as shooting stars.

He needed no strong bow or hard crossbow,

No sling or pellet or flying bell—

Wherever he struck, life must be forfeited.

The cavalry general of Changchung,

"Arrowless" Zhang Qing.

Beneath the gate standard, Song Jiang could not help but call out in admiration. Zhang Qing rode his horse, stirring up the dust of battle, galloping back and forth. From the shadow of the gate standard, on the left appeared the "Flowery-necked Tiger" Gong Wang, and on the right appeared the "Arrow-struck Tiger" Dingsun. The three horsemen rode to the front of the formation. Zhang Qing pointed his finger at Song Jiang and cursed: "Water-marsh bandit, I challenge you to a battle!"

Song Jiang asked: "Who will go to fight Zhang Qing?" Beside him, a hero was stirred to fury; in anger he spurred his horse forward, flourishing his hooked spear, and rode out to the front of the formation. Song Jiang looked and saw that it was Xu Ning, the Gold Spear Hand. Song Jiang secretly rejoiced and said: "This man is precisely his match." Xu Xu galloped straight at Zhang Qing. The two horses crossed and the two spears were raised together. They had fought no more than five bouts when Zhang Qing turned to flee. Xu Ning went in pursuit. Zhang Qing raised his left hand as if to hold his long spear, while his right hand reached into his brocade pouch and drew out a stone. He turned his body around, gauged that Xu Ning's face was close enough, and with a single stone—alas for that fierce and valiant hero!—struck him squarely on the brow, and he tumbled from his horse. Gong Wang and Dingsun came to seize him. But Song Jiang's formation had many men, and at once Lü Fang and Guo Sheng, two horsemen with two halberds, rode out and brought him back to their own lines. Song Jiang and the others were greatly alarmed and turned pale. They asked again: "Which chieftain will take up the spear and fight?" Before Song Jiang had finished speaking, a general behind him flew forth on horseback. They looked and saw it was Yan Shun, the "Brocade-pelted Tiger." Song Jiang tried to stop him, but the horse was already gone. Yan Shun met Zhang Qing and they fought several bouts, but Yan Shun could not withstand him. He wheeled his horse and fled. Zhang Qing came after him, took a stone in his hand, and aiming at Yan Shun's back, hurled it. It struck the mirror of his armor guard with a clang, and Yan Shun clung to his horse's neck and fled. A man from Song Jiang's formation shouted: "What is there to fear from such a fellow!" He slapped his horse, raised his spear, and flew out of the formation. Song Jiang looked and saw it was Han Tao, the "Ever-Victorious General." Without a word of dialogue, he engaged Zhang Qing. The two horses had barely met when the shouting rose mightily. Han Tao wished to show his prowess before Song Jiang, so he summoned all his spirit and fought fiercely against Zhang Qing. Before ten bouts had passed, Zhang Qing turned to flee. Han Tao suspected he would hurl a stone, so he did not give chase. Zhang Qing looked back and saw no one pursuing him. He reined in his horse and turned around. Han Tao was about to level his spear to meet him, when Zhang Qing, who had hidden a stone in his hand, let it fly and struck Han Tao full on the bridge of the nose. Blood gushed forth and Han Tao fled back to his own lines. Peng Qi was greatly enraged. Without waiting for Song Jiang's command, he flourished his three-pointed, two-edged sword, and galloped straight at Zhang Qing. Before the two horses had even met, Zhang Qing, who had a stone hidden in his hand, let it fly and struck Peng Qi squarely on the cheek. Peng Qi dropped his three-pointed, two-edged sword and galloped his horse back to the formation.

Finding himself defeated in several engagements, Song Jiang grew anxious and was about to withdraw his troops. Suddenly, a man behind Lu Junyi shouted, "Today our prestige is crushed—how shall we fight tomorrow? Do you think your pebbles can hit me?" Song Jiang looked and saw it was Xuan Zan, the "Ugly Imperial Son-in-Law," spurring his horse and brandishing his saber, charging straight at Zhang Qing. Zhang Qing said, "One comes, one flees; two come, two run. Do you know my flying-stone technique?" Xuan Zan replied, "You may hit others, but you'll never get near me!" Before he finished speaking, Zhang Qing's hand shot out, and a stone struck Xuan Zan square on the mouth, toppling him from his horse. Gong Wang and Dang Desun rushed to seize him, but Song Jiang's forces were too numerous, and their generals rescued him back to the ranks. Song Jiang, seeing this, was consumed with fury. He drew his sword, cut a strip from his robe, and swore an oath: "If I do not capture this man, I swear I shall not return to camp!" Huyan Zhuo, seeing Song Jiang swear this oath, said, "Brother, what use are we if you speak this way?" He spurred his "Snow Kickers" black steed and rode straight to the front of the line, shouting at Zhang Qing: "Spoiled brat, relying on a single skill and reckless courage—do you know the great general Huyan Zhuo?" Zhang Qing retorted, "A disgraced, defeated general—you too shall fall to my venomous hand!" Before he finished speaking, a stone came flying. Huyan Zhuo, seeing the stone approach, hastily raised his whip to block it, but it struck his wrist. The blow landed hard, and he could no longer wield his steel whip, retreating back to his own lines.

Song Jiang said, "Our cavalry commanders have all been wounded. Which of our infantry commanders dares to capture this Zhang Qing?" At once Liu Tang stepped forward from the ranks, gripping his broad saber, and strode out to battle. Zhang Qing saw him and laughed loudly, cursing, "You defeated general—even the cavalry has lost, much less foot soldiers!" Liu Tang flew into a rage and charged straight at Zhang Qing. Zhang Qing did not engage but spurred his horse back to his formation. Liu Tang gave chase, and as the horses met, Liu Tang's hand was swift—he swung his saber, but it struck Zhang Qing's warhorse instead. The horse kicked back viciously, its tail sweeping across Liu Tang's face, blinding him with stars. Zhang Qing immediately hurled a single stone, knocking Liu Tang to the ground. Liu Tang struggled to rise, but soldiers rushed out from the enemy ranks, dragged him off, and hauled him into their camp. Song Jiang cried out, "Who will go to rescue Liu Qing?" Yang Zhi, the Blue-Faced Beast, spurred his horse and charged at Zhang Qing, saber in hand. Zhang Qing pretended to meet him with his spear, but as Yang Zhi's saber came down, Zhang Qing hid himself in his saddle, and Yang Zhi's blow fell on empty air. Zhang Qing, stone in hand, shouted "Take this!" and the stone flew from beneath his ribs. Another stone struck Yang Zhi's helmet with a clang, terrifying him so badly that he fled back to his lines, bent over his saddle. Song Jiang watched and thought anxiously, "If we lose our fighting spirit this time, how can we ever return to Liangshan? Who will help me vent this anger?"

Zhu Tong heard this and exchanged a glance with Lei Heng. "One man isn't enough—let the two of us attack together from both flanks." Zhu Tong took the left, Lei Heng the right, and the two charged out of the line, sabers in hand. Zhang Qing laughed and said, "One wasn't enough, so they send another! Even if you send ten, what then?" Showing no fear at all, he hid two stones in his hand while on horseback. Lei Heng arrived first. Zhang Qing's hand shot out with the force of the "Seven Treasures Envoy"—the stone came so fast that Lei Heng could no longer avoid it to his face. He tried to lift his head, but the stone had already struck him on the forehead, and he crashed to the ground. Zhu Tong rushed to his aid, but another stone struck him on the neck. Guan Sheng, watching from the ranks, saw them both wounded. Summoning his mighty spirit, he raised his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and rode forth on his Red Hare horse to rescue Zhu Tong and Lei Heng. He barely managed to escort the two back to the lines when Zhang Qing hurled another stone. Guan Sheng hastily raised his blade to block it, and the stone struck the blade's edge, sending sparks flying. Guan Sheng had no heart for further battle and reined his horse around to retreat.

Dong Ping, the Double-Speared General, watched all this and thought to myself, "I have just surrendered to Song Jiang. If I do not display some martial skill, I shall have no glory when I go up to the mountain." Gripping his twin spears, he galloped out to the front. Zhang Qing saw him and cursed: "We are from neighboring prefectures, lips and teeth to one another—we should be working together to destroy the bandits, as is right and proper! Why have you turned against the court? Have you no shame?" Dong Ping flew into a rage and charged at Zhang Qing. The two horses met, and their weapons clashed. The two spears tangled in the air, their four arms whirling in chaos. After about five or seven exchanges, Zhang Qing turned his horse and fled. Dong Ping shouted, "Others may fall to your stones, but you'll never get near me!" Zhang Qing halted his spear and reached into his brocade pouch to draw a stone. When his hand flew out, it was truly like a shooting star or a flash of lightning—the stone came with a force that would make ghosts weep and gods tremble. Dong Ping, with keen eyes and quick hands, deflected the stone. Zhang Qing, seeing he had missed, took a second stone and hurled it again, but Dong Ping dodged it once more. Two stones missed, and Zhang Qing grew flustered. The horses' tails nearly touched as Zhang Qing rode to the left of his battle line. Dong Ping thrust his spear at his back. Zhang Qing ducked and hid in his saddle, and Dong Ping's spear thrust fell on empty air. The spear continued forward, and Dong Ping's horse and Zhang Qing's horse pressed side by side. Zhang Qing dropped his spear, grabbed Dong Ping, spear and arms together with both hands, and tried to drag him over—but he could not budge him, and the two became entangled in a tangled knot.

On Song Jiang's side of the line, Chao Chao caught sight of the situation and swung his great axe, riding to the rescue. From the opposing formation, Gong Wang and Ding Desun charged forth together on horseback, intercepting Chao Chao and engaging him in combat. Zhang Qing and Dong Ping were still locked in their own struggle and could not disengage. Chao Chao, Gong Wang, and Ding Desun—three horses tangled into a single knot of fighting. Lin Chong, Hua Rong, Lü Fang, and Guo Sheng all rode out at once, two spears and two halberds, coming to aid Dong Ping and Chao Chao. Zhang Qing saw things were going badly and, abandoning Dong Ping, galloped back into his own formation. Dong Ping would not let him go and charged straight in after him, forgetting to guard against the stones. Zhang Qing saw Dong Ping in pursuit, concealed a stone in his hand, and when Dong Ping's horse drew near, he shouted, "Take this!" Dong Ping ducked in haste, and the stone grazed past his ear. Dong Ping turned back. Chao Chao broke away from Gong Wang and Ding Desun and also rode into the formation. Zhang Qing halted his spear, took up a stone lightly, and hurled it at Chao Chao. Chao Chao could not dodge in time—it struck his face, blood gushing forth, and he raised his axe and retreated to his own lines.

Meanwhile, Lin Chong and Hua Rong had cornered Gong Wang on one side, while Lü Fang and Guo Sheng had cornered Ding Desun on the other. Gong Wang, flustered, flung his flying spear—but it missed both Hua Rong and Lin Chong. Having lost his weapon, Gong Wang was taken alive by Lin Chong and Hua Rong and carried back to their lines. On the other side, Ding Desun brandished his flying fork, desperately resisting Lü Fang and Guo Sheng, when he failed to notice the "Prodigal" Yan Qing watching from the gate of the formation. Yan Qing thought to himself, "They've beaten fifteen of our top commanders in the time it takes to blink—if I can't capture even one of their lieutenants, what face do I have left!" He set aside his staff, took out a crossbow from his side, strung it, and loosed an arrow. With a crack, it struck Ding Desun's horse squarely on the hoof. The horse went down, and Lü Fang and Guo Sheng seized Ding Desun and carried him back across the lines. Zhang Qing tried to come to their aid, but he was outnumbered. He had no choice but to take Liu Tang with him and withdraw back to Dongchang Prefecture. The prefect, watching from the city wall, had seen Zhang Qing strike down fifteen of Liangshan Marsh's top commanders in succession. Though he had lost Gong Wang and Ding Desun, he had at least captured this Liu Tang. Back at the prefectural office, they first put Liu Tang in heavy cangue and sent him to prison, then took counsel on what to do next.

Song Jiang, meanwhile, called back his troops and sent Gong Wang and Ding Desun on ahead to Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang then said to Lu Junyi and Wu Yong: "I have heard that in the Five Dynasties period, Wang Yanzhao of the Great Liang struck down thirty-six Tang generals without the shadow moving from its place. Today Zhang Qing has beaten fifteen of my top commanders in no time at all. Even if he does not surpass that man, he must be counted a fierce general." The others had nothing to say. Song Jiang continued: "I observe that this man relies entirely on Gong Wang and Ding Desun as his wings and claws. Now that his hands and feet, his wings and claws, have been captured, we can use a good stratagem to seize him." Wu Yong said: "Elder brother, set your mind at rest. I have already observed this commander's movements and have a plan in place. Even so, let us send the wounded leaders back to the mountain stronghold, and have Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, Sun Li, Huang Xin, and Li Li lead the water forces in full strength, arranging carts and boats, advancing by both water and land, with boats to meet us on the waterways—and so lure Zhang Qing out. Then the great deed will be accomplished." Wu Yong made his dispositions.

Now Zhang Qing, inside the city, was conferring with the prefect. "Although we have won this round, the root of the rebel force has not been removed. Send men in secret to find out their true situation, and then we shall decide what to do." A scout came back and reported: "Behind the rebel camp, to the northwest, someone is bringing a great quantity of grain—over a hundred carts. On the river there are also grain boats, more than five hundred large and small. They are advancing by both water and land, boats and horses coming together, with several leaders overseeing them along the way." The prefect said: "Could these rebels have some scheme? I fear we may fall into their trap. Send men again to find out—is it truly grain and fodder, or not?" The next day, the soldiers reported back: "The carts are all full of grain—they've even spilled rice along the way. The boats on the water are covered, but rice sacks are sticking out everywhere." Zhang Qing said: "Tonight we shall go out of the city, first seize the carts on the shore, then take their boats on the water. The prefect shall aid me in battle, and we shall win them all in one stroke." The prefect said: "An excellent plan. Only be sure to watch for the right moment." He ordered the soldiers to eat and drink their fill, put on their armor in full, and load the brocade bags. Zhang Qing took up his long spear and led a thousand soldiers out of the city in secret.

That night the moonlight was faint and the sky was full of stars. They had not gone ten li when they saw a cluster of carts, the banners clearly inscribed "Liangshan Marsh Loyalty and Righteousness Grain." Zhang Qing looked and saw Lu Zhishen carrying his staff, his monk's robe hitched up, leading the way at the front. Zhang Qing said: "That bald donkey—let him have a stone right on his head." Lu Zhishen carried his staff and, though he had already spotted him, pretended not to notice, striding forward without a care—and forgot to guard against the stone. As they marched along, Zhang Qing shouted from horseback, "Take this!" A stone flew straight and struck Lu Zhishen on the head. Blood gushed forth, and he toppled backward. Zhang Qing's soldiers raised a great shout and all rushed forward to seize the carts. Wu Song hastily raised his two monk's knives and fought desperately to rescue Lu Zhishen. Abandoning the grain carts, they fled. Zhang Qing captured the grain carts and, seeing that they were indeed full of rice, was overjoyed. He did not pursue Lu Zhishen but instead escorted the grain carts and had them pushed into the city. The prefect was greatly pleased and took charge of them himself. Zhang Qing said: "Now let us seize the grain boats on the river." The prefect said: "General, watch for the right moment."

Zhang Qing mounted his horse and rode around to the South Gate. At this point he saw that the river harbor was packed with grain boats beyond counting. Zhang Qing then ordered the city gates opened, and with a great rush of shouting they charged to the riverbank—but dark clouds gathered everywhere and black fog blotted out the sky. When the cavalry and infantry turned to look, they could not see the men beside them. This was Gongsun Sheng exercising his Taoist arts. Zhang Qing saw this and his heart faltered and his eyes dimmed. He tried to turn back, but there was no way forward or behind. From all around, shouts erupted in chaos, and he had no idea from which direction the soldiers were coming. Lin Chong led his iron cavalry and drove Zhang Qing, horse and all, into the water. In the river were Li Jun, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, the three Ruan brothers, and the two Tong brothers—eight naval chieftains lined up in a row. Even if Zhang Qing had three heads and six arms, how could he possibly break free? He was seized by the three Ruan brothers, bound with ropes and cords, and sent into the stronghold. The naval chieftains flew with the news to Song Jiang. Wu Yong then urged all the chieftains, great and small, to attack the city through the night.

The prefect, all alone, could no longer hold out. Hearing cannon fire on all four sides outside the city and the gates thrown open, the prefect was terrified and had nowhere to flee. Song Jiang's army poured into the city. They rescued Liu Tang first, then opened the storehouses and distributed the money and grain—one portion sent to Liangshan Marsh, the other portion given out among the townspeople. The prefect had been honest and clean in his daily governance, so they spared his life and did not kill him.

Song Jiang and the others gathered at the prefectural hall to meet with all the men. They saw that the naval chieftains had already brought Zhang Qing in bound. Many of the brothers had been wounded by him, and gnashing their teeth, they all wanted to kill Zhang Qing. When Song Jiang saw him being brought in, he personally descended from the hall to meet him and spoke words of apology: "We have offended your tiger-like might—please do not hold it against us." He invited him up to the hall. Before he had finished speaking, they saw Lu Zhishen below the steps, his head wrapped in a cloth, gripping his iron staff, charging straight at Zhang Qing to strike him. Song Jiang blocked him and shouted repeatedly to drive him back: "How could I ever allow you to lay a hand on him?" Zhang Qing saw that Song Jiang acted with such righteousness, he kowtowed and submitted, accepting his surrender. Song Jiang poured a libation of wine onto the ground and broke an arrow to swear an oath: "If any of you brothers seek such vengeance, may Heaven not protect you and may you die beneath blade and sword." When the men heard this, who dared say another word? It was also a case of the Heavenly Stars being destined to gather, and of righteousness drawing them together naturally. When Song Jiang had finished his oath, he said: "None of you brothers must bear grudges." Everyone laughed, and all rejoiced. They gathered their horses and troops, preparing to return to the mountain.

Then Zhang Qing, before Song Jiang's face, recommended a veterinary physician from Dongchang Prefecture, surnamed Huangfu, given name Duan. "This man is skilled at judging horses and understands the ailments of livestock caused by cold or heat. Whether prescribing medicine or applying acupuncture, there is nothing he cannot cure—he truly possesses the talent of a Bole! He is originally a man of Youzhou. Because his eyes are blue and his beard is yellow, and his appearance resembles that of a foreigner, people call him 'the Purple-Bearded Earl.' Liangshan Marsh also has use for such a man. You can summon this person to bring his wife and children and come up to the mountain together." Song Jiang was overjoyed when he heard this: "If Huangfu Duan is willing to join us, it would be a great satisfaction to my heart." Zhang Qing, seeing that Song Jiang held him in such high regard, immediately went to summon the animal doctor Huangfu Duan to come and pay his respects to Song Jiang and all the chieftains. There is an old-style seven-character poem that speaks of Huangfu Duan's medical arts:

His hereditary art has no rival,

In pacifying steeds, his power grows year by year.

Bringing back the dead and reviving the dying—wondrous beyond words,

Saving the exhausted and aiding the imperiled—his benefits are manifold.

The Duke of E's black steed was praised by all,

Guo's Lu-er came from Wo Wa.

The Turfan date-colored stallion was called the Divine Dappled,

And the Northland admired the curly-maned Quanya.

All the finest breeds he has seen,

And many a horse that bit the bit or bore a saddle poorly.

The twelve famous steeds of the Imperial Stables,

In the past, their cures were hard to verify.

The ancients are gone, their names unalterable,

And now we see Huangfu Duan once more.

He treats four hundred and eight ailments,

His twin pupils shine bright, like pearls rolling on a plate.

Heaven assembles the loyal and good with true purpose,

Zhang Qing's eagle-like recommendation is a wise plan.

Liangshan Marsh gains one more man,

Named the Purple-Bearded Earl, descendant of Bole.

Song Jiang saw that Huangfu Duan had an extraordinary appearance—blue eyes with double pupils, and a bushy beard that hung past his belly—and praised him without end. Huangfu Duan, seeing that Song Jiang acted with such righteousness, was greatly pleased in his heart and wished to follow the great cause. Song Jiang was overjoyed. After offering comfort and reassurance, he issued orders for all the chieftains to gather their carts, grain, and gold and silver, and set out together. They transported the money and grain from the two prefectures back to the mountain stronghold. All the officers set out, both those ahead and those behind. Nothing further occurred along the way, and they soon arrived at the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness on Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang had Gong Wang and Ding Desun brought out and also spoke comforting words to them. The two men kowtowed and submitted, accepting their surrender. Huangfu Duan was also added to the mountain stronghold, specializing in the treatment of animals. Dong Ping and Zhang Qing also became chieftains of the stronghold. Song Jiang was delighted and quickly ordered a feast to celebrate. They all sat in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, each taking his proper seat. Song Jiang looked over the assembled chieftains—there were now exactly one hundred and eight. Song Jiang opened his mouth and said: "Ever since we brothers have gathered on this mountain, wherever we have gone there has been no mishap—all of this has been Heaven's protection, not the doing of men. Now you have raised me to the position of honor, relying on the bravery of all you brothers. For one thing, it is right that we gather in righteousness; for two, I have a few more words that I ask all you brothers to hear together." Wu Yong said: "We await your instructions, brother." Song Jiang faced all the chieftains and spoke his intention. And so it came to pass—the thirty-six Heavenly Stars descended to transform the earth, and the seventy-two Earthly Demons stirred up the Central Plains. What exactly did Song Jiang say? Listen to the next chapter.