Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Now, the story goes that the Military Commissioner Tong Guan received from the Emperor the appointment of Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and proceeded directly to the Military Affairs Bureau, where he issued orders and military tallies to conscript troops. He commanded each of the eight military prefectures under the Eastern Capital to raise ten thousand soldiers, to be led by the local military commandants. He also selected twenty thousand men from the Imperial Guard in the capital to defend the central camp. All remaining affairs of the Military Affairs Bureau were entrusted to the Vice Military Commissioner. From the imperial camp, two fine generals were chosen to serve as the Left and Right Wings. The orders had been issued, and within ten days all preparations were complete. The continuous supply of provisions was arranged by Commander Gao with his own men.

The eight military prefectures and their commandants were:

- Peng Ju, Military Commandant of Suizhou

- Chen Zhu, Military Commandant of Zhengzhou

- Wu Bingyi, Military Commandant of Chenzhou

- Han Tianlin, Military Commandant of Tangzhou

- Li Ming, Military Commandant of Dengzhou

- Wang Yi, Military Commandant of Dengzhou

- Ma Wanli, Military Commandant of Ruzhou

- Zhou Xin, Military Commandant of Songzhou

From the imperial camp, two fine generals were chosen as the Left and Right Wings of the central army. These two were:

- Feng Mei, Imperial Dragon General

- Bi Sheng, Imperial Tiger General

Tong Guan took command of the central army as the supreme commander, and the entire force of great and small units was assembled. Arms were drawn from the military arsenal, and an auspicious day was chosen for the expedition to set out. Commanders Gao and Yang hosted a farewell banquet, and the court ordered the Central Secretariat to provide rewards for the troops.

Now, Tong Guan, having received his generals, sent the vanguard out of the city the following day. Then he took leave of the Emperor, mounted his horse with a flying leap, and rode out through the New Cao Gate to the Five-Li Pavilion. There he found Commanders Gao and Yang, together with a host of officials, already waiting for him. Tong Guan dismounted. Commander Gao raised a cup and said to him, "Your Excellency, on this expedition you will certainly achieve great merit for the Court and return in triumph with songs of victory. These bandits lurk among the marshes—you need only cut off their supplies on all sides, strengthen your stockades, and lure the rebels down from the mountains. Then advance your troops, and you will capture them one by one, alive and whole. Thus you will not fail the trust the Court has placed in you." Tong Guan replied, "I am deeply grateful for your instruction. I shall not forget it." After they had drunk, Commander Yang also came forward with a cup and said to Tong Guan, "Your Excellency has long studied military texts and possesses a deep knowledge of strategy. To exterminate these bandits will be as easy as turning over your hand. It is only that they are hidden in the marshes, and the terrain is not favorable. When you arrive, you will certainly have an excellent plan." Tong Guan replied, "When I reach that place, I will act according to circumstances and follow my own methods." Commanders Gao and Yang together offered a toast and said, "Beyond the capital gates, we look eagerly for your triumphant return." After bidding farewell, they each mounted their horses. Officials from various offices who came to see them off were beyond counting—some accompanying them a short distance, others a longer way—before returning to the capital in turn; of this, no more need be said.

The entire army, great and small, advanced together, each following its own formation in strict order. The vanguard had four divisions, led by the chief commander of the march. The rear guard had four divisions, supervised by the rear general. The eight army groups on the left and right acted as wings, urged forward by signal bearers. Tong Guan held the central camp in his grasp, commanding in total twenty thousand cavalry and infantry of the Imperial Guard, all chosen men from the imperial camp. Tong Guan wielded his whip and directed the troops forward. How magnificent the military array! Behold:

The troops were divided in nine divisions, the banners arrayed in five directions.

Green-lance steel-tipped spears, crow-horned spears—their points gleamed across the fields;

Green Dragon swords, Crescent Moon swords, Wild Goose Feather swords—they gave forth a killing air that filled the sky.

Sparrow-painted bows, iron-bodied bows, jeweled-carved bows—all tucked into flying-fish pouches;

Tiger-shooting arrows, wolf-fang arrows, willow-leaf arrows—packed together in lion quivers.

Birch crossbows, lacquered crossbows, foot-drawn crossbows—ranked in full rows before the vanguard;

Mountain-splitting axes, crescent axes, decorated axes—following close behind the central force.

Bamboo-section whips, tiger-eye whips, water-polished whips—hung from every elbow;

Meteor hammers, heart-shaped hammers, flying-claw hammers—carried at every side.

Square Heaven halberds, their panther tails fluttering;

Eight-foot spears, their tassels of pearls tangled and swaying.

Dragon-patterned swords drew forth a pool of autumn water; tiger-head tablets were painted with wisps of spring cloud.

The bold and valiant vanguard led crack troops who could move mountains and open roads;

The heroic commander commanded stout men who could drink rivers dry and break bridges.

The Left Army Commander, the Right Army Commander—magnificent in their daring and vision;

The far scouts, the near scouts—galloping with fearsome might.

The war drums that shook the mountains and hills; the banners that blotted out the sun and made ghosts and spirits flee.

That day, Tong Guan left the Eastern Capital and advanced along the way. In a day or two, he reached the borders of Jizhou. Prefect Zhang Shuye came out of the city to welcome him, and the great army camped outside the walls. Tong Guan entered the city with a small cavalry escort and dismounted before the prefecture office. Zhang Shuye invited him into the hall. After the customary greetings were finished, Zhang stood waiting before him.

The Military Commissioner Tong said, "These bandits of the marshes harm good people, rob merchants and travelers, and commit countless crimes. Again and again they have been attacked, but always because the wrong men were sent, allowing them to spread unchecked. Now I command a great army of a hundred thousand, with a hundred generals, and I will sweep clear of their mountain stronghold and capture all the rebels within days, to bring peace to the people." Zhang Shuye replied, "Your Excellency, these bandits lurk in the marshes. Although they are wild brigands of the mountains, among them are many men of wisdom and courage. Let not Your Excellency stir yourself to rage and lead your army in a headlong rush. You must employ wise strategy, and then you will achieve success." Tong Guan flew into a great rage and cursed, "All you are good for is to be cowardly weaklings, dreading the sword, greedy for life, afraid to die, who have failed the great affairs of the state and allowed the bandits to grow strong. Now that I am here, what have I to fear?" Zhang Shuye dared say no more, and merely prepared food and drink for the commander. The Military Commissioner Tong then returned to the city walls and the following day led the army forward, making camp near the stronghold of Liangshan Marsh.

Here is the translation:

Now it must be said that Song Jiang and his men had had spies gathering intelligence for many days. Song Jiang and Wu Yong had already laid their plans as tight as an iron bucket, simply waiting for the great army to arrive. They issued orders to all the generals, each of whom must follow them without error.

Now again, Tong Dianmi had mustered the troops. He appointed Duan Pengju, the military commissioner of Suizhou, as vanguard commander, Chen Zhu, the military commissioner of Zhengzhou, as vice vanguard commander, Wu Bingyi, the military commissioner of Chenzhou, as rear guard commander, Li Ming, the military commissioner of Xuzhou, as vice rear guard commander, Han Tianlin, the military commissioner of Tangzhou, and Wang Yi, the military commissioner of Dengzhou, as left flank commanders, Ma Wanli, the military commissioner of Ruzhou, and Zhou Xin, the military commissioner of Songzhou, as right flank commanders, and the Dragon and Tiger Generals, Feng Mei and Bi Sheng, as the central army's wings. Tong Guan served as marshal, commanding the great army in full armor, personally supervising the troops. When the war drums had sounded thrice, all the armies set forth. They had marched no more than ten li when, where the dust rose, enemy scouts were already approaching. Where the saddle bells rang, some thirty or more mounted scouts appeared, all wearing blue kerchiefs and green battle jackets, with red tassels tied to their horses, and dozens of copper bells hanging on either side, a pheasant tail plume mounted behind, wielding silver-inlaid fine-shafted long spears, light bows, and short arrows. Who was the general at their head? How was he arrayed? Behold:

His spear crossed, its stock black as a crow's horn;

His sword sheathed in snakeskin.

His gold-trimmed cap was Buddhist-head blue;

His embroidered battle robe was parrot green.

Around his waist he wore a true purple cord;

On his feet were soft-scented leather boots.

Behind his carved saddle hung a broidered pouch

Containing stones to strike down generals.

On his battle steed copper bells were tightly strung,

And behind, a wind-summoning pheasant tail.

The "Featherless Arrow," Zhang Qing, boldest scout,

Rode foremost in the patrol.

The general riding there had written plainly on his banner: "Chief of Patrols, 'Featherless Arrow' Zhang Qing." To his left was Gong Wang, to his right Dingsun, and they scouted straight up to Tong Guan's army. When they were not far off—only a hundred paces or so—they reined in their horses and turned back. The two vanguard generals in the forward army, having no orders, dared not move rashly. They reported to the central army, and the commander-in-chief Tong Guan rode to the front to observe. Before he had finished watching, Zhang Qing came scouting again. Tong Guan was about to send men to pursue and engage him, but those around him said, "Behind this man's saddle hangs a broidered pouch full of stones, and he never misses when he hurls them. He must not be pursued." Zhang Qing scouted three times in all, but seeing that Tong Guan would not advance, he returned. They had gone no more than five li when, from behind the mountain, the sound of gongs was heard, and five hundred foot soldiers emerged. The four leading foot soldiers were "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui, "Demon King of Chaos" Fan Rui, "Eight-Armed Nezha" Xiang Chong, and "Great Flying Saint" Li Gun, charging straight forward. Behold:

Every man had a tiger's frame, every one a leopard's form.

In front stood two fierce star-spirits,

Behind followed two true killing luminaries.

Li Kui wielded twin axes, Fan Rui bore at his waist the Dragon Spring sword;

Xiang Chong's shield was painted with a jade-clawed suanni,

Li Gun's shield was traced with a golden xiezhi.

Five hundred men in crimson robes and red jackets,

A company of red banners and scarlet plumes.

From the green mountains a host of demons came forth;

From the green woods burst the samadhi fire.

Those five hundred foot soldiers formed a line at the foot of the slope, and on both sides the round shields were planted in formation. Tong Guan, leading the army, saw them ahead and waved his jade horsehair whisk. The great body of troops charged forward. Li Kui and Fan Rui led the foot soldiers, splitting into two routes, each raising their shields and retreating around the foot of the mountain.

Tong Guan's great army pursued them past the mountain mouth, where they saw a stretch of flat open plain. They formed into battle array and looked out toward Li Kui and Fan Rui crossing the ridge and passing through the woods, but they were nowhere to be seen. Tong Guan, in the central army, had a wooden observation platform erected and ordered two officers of military law to ascend it, waving flags left and right, rising and falling, to form a Four Gates array. The formation had just been completed when cannon fire was heard from behind the mountain, and a force of cavalry flew out from the rear of the mountain.

Tong Guan ordered those around him to hold the war horses steady. Mounting the platform himself, he saw a column of troops surging out from the east side of the mountain: the first company bore red banners, the second company mixed-colored banners, the third company blue banners, and the fourth company again mixed-colored banners. Then he saw men and horses also surging from the west side of the mountain: the first company bore mixed-colored banners, the second company white banners, the third company again mixed-colored banners, and the fourth company black banners. Behind the banners all were yellow banners. The main body of troops rushed forward first, seizing the center, and within they formed into battle array. From afar it was not yet clear, but from nearby it could be distinctly seen.

The force on the south was entirely of flame-red banners, red armor, red robes, red horse tassels, and red horses. In front was a leading red banner, above which the Six Stars of the Southern Dipper were embroidered in gold, and below which the Vermilion Bird was embroidered. Where that banner unfurled, a great general surged forth from the red banners. How was he arrayed? Behold:

On his helmet's top a single red plume floated;

On his cinnabar robe a thousand flowers bloomed.

A lion-shaped belt bound a purple jade clasp;

His suanni armor revealed golden locks.

His wolf-toothed wooden staff was lined with iron nails;

His dragon steed was swathed all over in rouge.

The red banners unfurled like half the sky in crimson clouds—

He truly corresponded to the Fire of the South, Bing and Ding.

The banner read plainly: "Vanguard General, 'Thunderbolt' Qin Ming." Two vice-generals flanked him: on the left was "Sacred Water General" Shan Tinggui, on the right "Divine Fire General" Wei Dingguo. The three great generals, hands on their weapons, all rode red horses and stood before the formation.

The force on the east wall was entirely of blue banners, blue armor, blue robes, blue tassels, and blue horses. In front was a leading blue banner, above which the Four Stars of the Eastern Dipper were embroidered in gold, and below which the Green Dragon was embroidered. Where that banner unfurled, a great general surged forth from the blue banners. How was he arrayed? Behold:

A dark blue head-wrap dazzled the eyes;

An emerald battle robe bloomed with flowers.

His armor was linked with beast-head rings;

His precious blade flashed like a dragon swallowing jade.

The dappled green horse was dappled all over with flower-like splashes of white; the battle jacket shielding his body was parrot green.

The blue cloud banner stirred, making the distant mountains gleam—it corresponded precisely to the East, to Jia and Yi, to Wood.

The command banner read clearly: "Left Army Commander: 'Great Blade' Guan Sheng." Flanking him were two lieutenant-generals—on his left, "Ugly Imperial Son-in-Law" Xuan Zan; on his right, "Well-Ridgepole" Hao Siwen. The three commanders, weapons in hand, all mounted on green horses, stood before the array.

On the western side, a column of troops bore white banners, white armor, white robes, white plumes, white horses. At their head flew a white guiding banner, its upper portion wrought in gold with the Western Dipper's five stars, below embroidered with the image of a white tiger. As that banner unfurled and stirred, from the white flags there surged forth a great commander. How was he accoutered? Behold:

Heavy, chill clouds guard the Great Yin; ten thousand pear blossoms pile in layered treasure.

His pale silk robe gleams and sparkles; his burnished silver armor is cold and grim.

He rides a frost-rivaling steed, a lion among horses; he grips a white-bladed long spear, dark-green at its core.

A cluster of pennons trails like ropes of snow—corresponding precisely to the West, to Geng and Xin, to Metal.

The command banner read clearly: "Right Army Commander: 'Leopard Head' Lin Chong." Flanking him were two lieutenant-generals—on his left, "Mountain-Tripping" Huang Xin; on his right, "Garrison Captain" Sun Li. The three commanders, weapons in hand, all mounted on white horses, stood before the array. Behind them was a cluster of troops bearing black banners, black armor, black robes, black plumes, black horses. At their head flew a black guiding banner, its upper portion wrought in gold with the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, below embroidered with the image of the Dark Warrior. As that banner unfurled and stirred, from the black flags there surged forth a great commander. How was he arrayed? Behold:

Solemnly, the dark clouds roll up from the ground; iron cavalry and powerful bows—none can match their might.

A black silk robe clothes his dragon-tiger frame; black lacquer armor hangs upon his jackal-wolf form.

His two whips are like grasping black dragons; his horse runs a thousand miles like splashed ink.

The seven-star banner stirs and the Dark Warrior trembles—corresponding precisely to the North, to Ren and Gui, to Water.

The command banner read clearly: "Rear Guard Commander: 'Double Whips' Huyan Zhuo." Flanking him were two lieutenant-generals—on his left, "Ever-Victorious" Han Tao; on his right, "Heavenly-Eyed" Peng Qi. The three commanders, weapons in hand, all mounted on black horses, stood before the array.

From the southeastern gate, amid the shadows of the banners, came a column of troops—green banners, red armor. At their head flew an embroidered guiding banner, its upper portion wrought in gold with the trigram Xun, below embroidered with a soaring dragon. As that banner unfurled and stirred, there was ushered forth a great commander. How was he accoutered? Behold:

Armored in mail and robed for battle, he holds two spears in his hands.

A carved bow with phoenix-and-lotus motif is tucked in his quiver; a treasured sword rests within its shark-skin scabbard.

His mist-gathering robe trails yellow silk sashes; his sky-soaring steed wears purple silk reins.

Green banners and red flames writhe like dragons and snakes—he stands alone in the southeast, guarding the Xun quarter.

The command banner read clearly: "Tiger Army Commander: 'Double-Spear General' Dong Ping." Flanking him were two lieutenant-generals—on his left, "Cloud-Brushing Golden Wing" Ou Peng; on his right, "Fire-Eyed Lion" Deng Fei. Weapons in hand, all mounted on war horses, they stood before the array.

From the southwestern gate, amid the shadows of the banners, came a column of troops—red banners, white armor. At their head flew an embroidered guiding banner, its upper portion wrought in gold with the trigram Kun, below embroidered with a soaring bear. As that banner unfurled and stirred, there was ushered forth a great commander. How was he arrayed? Behold

Surging forth, the heroic general—his awesome bearing adds majesty to the scene.

Fish-scale iron armor closely shields his body; a phoenix-winged golden helm guards his neck.

His wave-charging war horse is shaped like a dragon; his mountain-splitting great axe is curved like a bow.

Red banners and white armor fly like fiery clouds—he occupies the southwest, the Kun position.

The command banner read clearly: "Swift Cavalry Commander: 'Rushing Vanguard' Suo Chao." Flanking him were two lieutenant-generals—on his left, "Brocade Tiger" Yan Shun; on his right, "Iron Flute Immortal" Ma Lin. The three commanders, weapons in hand, all mounted on war horses, stood before the array.

From the northeastern gate, amid the shadows of the banners, came a column of troops—black banners, green armor. At their head flew an embroidered guiding banner, its upper portion wrought in gold with the trigram Gen, below embroidered with a soaring leopard. As that banner unfurled and stirred, there was ushered forth a great commander. How was he accoutered? Behold:

Tall and seated in his carved saddle, his courage soars; his bent bow and planted arrows make even ghosts tremble.

Red plumes and silver cover shield the blade's face; knotted gold bells are fastened beside the horse.

His helm's crown is adorned with crimson flowers in scattered splendor; his armor is woven of willow-leaf green, concealing all.

Amid dust and smoke, black banners and green armor—he guards the northeast, the Gen quarter of Heaven's mountain.

The command banner read clearly: "Swift Cavalry Commander: 'Nine-Dragon' Shi Jin." Flanking him were two lieutenant-generals—on his left, "Grove-Leaping Tiger" Chen Da; on his right, "White-Flower Snake" Yang Chun. The three commanders, weapons in hand, all mounted on war horses, stood before the array.

From the northwestern gate, amid the shadows of the banners, came a column of troops—white banners, black armor. At their head flew a guiding banner, its upper portion wrought in gold with the trigram Qian, below embroidered with a soaring tiger. As that banner unfurled and stirred, there was ushered forth a great commander. How was he arrayed? Behold:

A carved saddle and jade-bit reins—his horse neighs in the wind; his layered armor is veiled in black mist.

In his leopard-tailed quiver are silver-tipped arrows; in his flying-fish satchel is a heavy iron bow.

Along his armor's border, green threads thread through paired phoenixes; on the blade's face, golden flowers inlay small dragons.

A cluster of white banners trails over black armor—the Heavenly Gate in the northwest is the Palace of Qian.

The banner read clearly: "Cavalry General 'Blue-Faced Beast' Yang Zhi." His two lieutenants flanked him—on the left, "Brocade Leopard" Yang Lin; on the right, "Little Overlord" Zhou Tong. These three great generals, weapons in hand, all mounted on warhorses, stood before the ranks. The eight sides were drawn up tight as an iron barrel. Within the formation gates, cavalry followed cavalry and infantry followed infantry, each clutching broadswords, great axes, broad-bladed swords, and long spears. Banners and pennons were arrayed in perfect order, the ranks majestic and stern.

At the center of the eight formations, all around, were apricot-yellow banners, interspersed with sixty-four long pennants bearing the sixty-four hexagrams embroidered in gold, also divided into four gates. The south gate was all cavalry. In the shadow of the yellow banners to the true south emerged two great generals, identically attired. Behold:

　　Bronze gongs and flower-voiced drums intermingled,

　　Clustered and crowded, the ranks arrayed.

　　Gilded armor and ochre robes,

　　Velvet battle-jackets, sunflower-patterned.

　　Two chargers at the center, like dragons;

　　A pair within the formation, like tigers.

　　Encircled on all sides by apricot-yellow banners,

　　In strict accordance with the central position of Earth.

The two leading generals both rode yellow horses. The upper one was "Beautiful Beard" Zhu Tong; the lower one was "Winged Tiger" Lei Heng. The entire body of men and horses bore yellow banners, yellow robes, copper armor, yellow steeds, and yellow tassels. The four gates of the central formation: the east gate was "Golden-Eyed Tiger" Shi En; the west gate was "White-Faced Gentleman" Zheng Tianshou; the south gate was "Diamond in the Clouds" Song Wan; the north gate was "Sick Great Worm" Xue Yong.

In the center of the yellow banners stood that apricot-yellow banner reading "Act in Heaven's Name." Four cords were tied to its staff, held steady by four tall, sturdy soldiers. In the middle, mounted on horseback, was the stout fellow who guarded the banner. What manner of man was he? Behold:

　　His cap's fish-tail hairpin circled with golden thread,

　　His armor creased like dragon scales, guarding brocade robes.

　　Awe-inspiring, his body ten feet tall,

　　Guarding the apricot-yellow banner at the army's heart.

This stout banner-guard was "Road-Blocking God" Yu Baosi. Behind the cluster of yellow banners stood a battery of cannon, with the artillerist "Thunderclap" Ling Zhen and some twenty assistants surrounding the cannon frames. Behind the frames, a row of grappling hooks and snares was laid out—the instruments for capturing enemy generals. Behind the hook-men flew a mass of variegated banners and pennons, and in a ring stood seven layers of bodyguards, with twenty-eight embroidered banners on the four sides, their surfaces worked in gold with the twenty-eight constellations. In the center stood a commander's banner of piled velvet embroidery, with a true pearl border, golden bells at its hem, a pheasant tail at its crest, and the goose-yellow character for "Commander."

What manner of man was this stout banner-guard? Behold:

　　His armor hung slanting with sea-beat hide,

　　Crimson silk headscarf with a flower in his hair.

　　Aura of slaughter skyward, none dared approach,

　　Guarding the commander's banner at the army's heart.

This stout banner-guard was "No-Face" Jiao Ting. Beside the commander's banner stood two banner-protecting officers, both mounted on warhorses, identically attired, holding steel spears and wearing sharp swords at their waists. One was "Hairy Star" Kong Ming, the other "Lone Fire" Kong Liang. Before and behind the horses stood twenty-four armored soldiers with wolf-tooth staves. Behind them flew two leading battle-banners, with twenty-four halberds arranged on either side. Among the twelve halberds on the left stood a valiant general. How was he arrayed? Behold:

　　Turreted on his saddle, steed poised in heaven's wind,

　　His armor blazing with a glorious light.

　　A girdle of kylin cinching his wolfish waist,

　　A breastplate of the truth-beast guarding his tiger frame.

　　A bright morning star set in his cap's pearl,

　　A precious sword sheathed like autumn waters.

　　His halberd of Fangtian, cold as frost and snow,

　　The wind stirring the golden leopard-tail pennant.

The banner read clearly: "Little Marquis of Wen" Lü Fang. Among the twelve halberds on the right stood likewise a valiant general. How was he arrayed? Behold:

　　A three-pronged jeweled crown, resplendent and bright,

　　Two pheasant tails brocade-patterned and gleaming.

　　A persimmon-red battle-jacket covering silvered mirror-armor,

　　Willow-green campaign skirt pressing on embroidered saddle.

　　His girdle crossed with otter-tail clasps,

　　His breast-guard hung with small chain-links.

　　He held the painted Fangtian halberd,

　　The golden five-color pennant fluttering.

The banner read clearly: "Rival of Ren Guo" Guo Sheng. Each general held his halberd, mounted on either side. Between the halberds stood a cluster of steel tridents, with two valiant infantry generals, identically attired. Behold:

　　Leopard-skin headpiece and leopard-skin breeches,

　　Lined armor and mail of fine-woven gold.

　　Steel tridents flashing in their hands,

　　Sharp swords cold at their waists.

One was "Two-Headed Snake" Xie Zhen, the other "Double-Tailed Scorpion" Xie Bao. These two brothers, each gripping a three-pronged lotus trident, led a line of foot soldiers guarding the central army. Behind them, on two brocade-saddled horses, sat two scholars—the men who managed rewards and punishments. The one on the left, in a black gauze cap and white silk robe, his chest full of learning and his brush swift as dragons, was the Liangshan marsh's chief of documents, the scholar "Sage Scribe" Xiao Rang. The one on the right, in a green silk headscarf and black silk robe, his spirit piercing the rainbow and his heart still as autumn waters, was the Liangshan marsh's chief of administration, the hero "Iron-Faced Magistrate" Xuan Pei. Behind these two horsemen stood men in purple robes holding imperial tablets—twenty-four blocking the road, grasping twenty-four hemp-handled knives. Amid the forest of knives stood two scarlet-robed executioners of the three processions. How were they attired? A *Xijiang Yue* poem attests:

　　One with a red-leather waist-band clustered and wrought,

　　One with a silk ankle-strap of many colors made.

　　One with a double-ringed beast-slaying blade gleaming gold,

　　One with a flower by his temple shading his headscarf.

　　One in a white silk shirt brocade body concealed,

　　One in a black short sleeve half exposing dark-blue.

One man strained to free his execution blade that could slay ghosts; another held fast his water-and-fire staff in hand.

The man on the left was "Iron Arms" Cai Fu; the man on the right was "Flower Blossom" Cai Qing. The two brothers stood before the battle line, flanked on all sides by men gripping blades. Behind them, arrayed on both sides, stood twenty-four gold-spear and silver-spear bearers, with a great general commanding each side. In the twelve-man gold-spear formation on the left, a fierce general sat astride his warhorse, holding a gold spear, seated sideways on his mount. What was his appearance? Observe:

A brocade saddle on a steed with purple silk reins,

Golden and emerald flowers pressed beside his temples.

A sparrow-painted bow hung like a crescent moon,

A Dragon-spring sword sheathed in autumn frost.

His embroidered robe was fashioned in parrot-green,

His battle dress cut from willow-leaf yellow.

The tassel on his helmet blazed crimson-red,

His hands gripped a iron-barbed gilded spear.

This fierce general was the "Golden Spear" Xu Ning of Liangshan Marsh. In the twelve-man silver-spear formation on the right, a fierce general sat astride his fine horse, holding a silver spear, also seated sideways on his mount. What was his armor? Observe:

Shu brocade saddle and precious stirrups gleaming,

A five-brightness steed adorned with jade pendants.

Tiger-sinew strings on a hard-carved bow,

Swallowtail notches stacked with long arrow feathers.

A green brocade robe bright with golden peacocks,

A red silk belt bound with purple mandarin ducks.

His golden armor half revealed in layered folds,

His hands gripped a silver-wired iron-barbed spear.

This fierce general was the "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong of Liangshan Marsh. Beneath both formations stood these two generals, dashing and fierce. The golden spearman and the silver spearman each wore a black silk kerchief, with emerald-leaf golden flowers tucked beside their temples. The twelve gold-spear bearers on the left wore green; the twelve silver-spear bearers on the right wore purple. Behind them, embroidered jackets paired and paired, flowered caps in twos, robes in clusters, brocade coats in rows. On both sides stood emerald banners and green canopies, red pennants and black canopies, yellow axes and white yak-tail plumes, blue swords and purple lightning bolts. Two rows of twenty-four battle-axes, twenty-four pairs of whips and maces. In the center, in a line, three gold-embroidered canopies, three brocade-saddled steeds. Before the central horse stood two heroes. The warrior on the left was truly of peerless bearing, unmatched in all the world. A "Xijiangyue" verse attests:

A pheasant feather tilted at the side of his kerchief,

Four copper bells tied beneath his waist.

His yellow silk shirt shimmering with gold,

His embroidered sash and skirt in perfect match.

His socks were small, his hemp shoes tender white,

His leg wrappings and knee guards deep blue.

His banner bore the word "Swift"—the divine runner,

A hundred li reached in an instant.

This was the Liangshan Marsh chieftain who could walk with supernatural speed, "Divine Traveler" Dai Zong. He held aloft an embroidered goose-yellow banner bearing the word "Orders," charged solely with carrying military dispatches back and forth through the great army, deploying troops and generals, and all such affairs. The warrior opposite him on the right was dressed with extraordinary distinction, rarely seen among men. A "Xijiangyue" verse attests:

His coarse monk's jacket lined with brocade throughout,

His green-wrapped headband traced with gold across his body.

A delicate emerald flower tucked beside his temples,

His jade ring gleaming bright.

His red embroidered sash bound his belly,

His white silk waistband encircled him.

A raw-skin crossbow rested on his shoulder,

Most striking amid a hundred thousand troops.

This was the dashing young gallant of Liangshan Marsh, the chieftain skilled in secret affairs, "Prodigal Son" Yan Qing. He carried a strong bow on his back, sharp arrows at his waist, and held a staff level with his brow, assigned solely to guard the central army. Gazing toward the central army, beneath the gold-embroidered green canopy on the right, upon a brocade-saddled horse, sat that virtuous sage, the renowned master. What was his appearance? A "Xijiangyue" verse attests:

A wish-granting crown with a jade hairpin and emerald writing brush,

A crimson silk robe where cranes danced amid golden mist.

Fire-god peach-blossom shoes reflecting their glow,

His jade pendants hanging with a chime.

Twin swords, male and female, upon his back,

A faint radiance seeping from their scabbards.

A green canopy bore his high standard,

A purple stallion beneath him, steady on his carved saddle.

This was the man of Liangshan Marsh who could summon wind and rain, command spirits and ghosts, the true master of magic arts, "Dragon in the Clouds" Gongsun Sheng. Upon his back he carried two precious swords, his hands holding the purple silk reins. Beneath the gold-embroidered green canopy on the left, upon a brocade-saddled horse, sat that man of abundant wisdom and cunning, the ever-victorious Military Counselor Wu Yong. What was his appearance? A "Xijiangyue" verse attests:

A white Taoist robe with black silk trim,

A purple silk cord with jade hook and ring.

His feather fan in hand stirred the heavenly passes,

His silk headcloth slightly tilted at the rim.

Beneath, he secretly wore silver armor,

At the heart of the field he sat firm on his carved saddle.

A pair of bronze chains hung at his waist,

A model of both civil and military excellence.

This was the man of Liangshan Marsh who mastered strategy and excelled in the arts of war, the sage counselor "Bright Star" Wu Xuezhi. In his hand he raised his feather fan, at his waist hung two bronze chains. Beneath the great gold-embroidered crimson canopy in the center, upon the saddle of the Night-Shining Jade Lion steed, sat that commander-in-chief of benevolence and righteousness. What was his appearance? Observe:

A phoenix-wing helmet heaped with gold and gems,

A pure gold armor closely fitted with dragon scales.

An embroidered campaign robe clustered with spring blossoms,

A gleaming sword at his waist, light bursting forth.

His embroidered leg wrappings ringed with kingfisher feathers,

His jade belt bound with a qilin pattern.

His pearl-spangled canopy spread red clouds—

The first of the Heavenly Generals rode to battle.

This was none other than the chief of Liangshan Marsh, a native of Yuncheng County in Jizhou—Song Jiang of Shandong, known as "Timely Rain" and "Protector of Righteousness." Fully armed, he carried the Kunwu precious sword himself and rode a white horse with a golden saddle, standing amid the formations to oversee the battle and command the central army. Behind his horse, halberds and long spears stood at attention; saddles of brocade and steeds of fine stock—thirty or fifty officers of the guard, all mounted on warhorses, holding long spears, fully armed with bows and arrows. Behind the horses were placed twenty-four painted horns and an array of military drums and grand music. Behind the main formation were two columns of mobile troops, concealed on either side to serve as protection. The wings of the central army: on the left was Mu Hong, "No Obstacle," leading his brother Mu Chun, "Little Obstacle," in command of one thousand five hundred horse and foot soldiers; on the right was Liu Tang, "Red-Haired Devil," leading Tao Zongwang, "Nine-Tailed Tortoise," in command of one thousand five hundred horse and foot soldiers, concealed on both flanks. The rear formation was a company of shadow troops surrounding three female chieftains mounted on horseback. In the middle was Hu Sanniang, "Ten-Foot Green Snake"; on the left was Gu Dasao, "Female Great Tiger"; on the right was Sun Erniang, "Female Yaksha." Bringing up the rear as the rearguard were their three husbands. In the middle was Wang Ying, "Short-Legged Tiger"; on the left was Sun Xin, "Little Commandant"; on the right was Zhang Qing, "Gardener," in overall command of three thousand horse and foot soldiers. That formation was no ordinary sight, and this was how it appeared:

Clearly divided into Eight Trigrams, darkly conforming to the Nine Palaces.

Seizing the workings of Heaven and Earth, capturing the atmosphere of wind and cloud.

In front and rear, arrayed in the shape of the Tortoise and Snake; on left and right, divided into the forms of Dragon and Tiger.

Bing and Ding advancing in front, like ten thousand flames burning the mountains;

Ren and Gui following behind, like a mass of dark clouds covering the earth.

On the left, a green qi coiled and spread below; on the right, a white light pierced through.

Golden radiance filled the center entirely; the Yellow Path rested wholly upon Wu and Ji.

The four directions bore the divisions of the twenty-eight constellations; the whole circuit held the transformations of the sixty-four hexagrams.

Winding and twisting, amid disorder the ranks became a serpent;

Perfectly aligned, in stillness the awesome presence crouched like a tiger.

The cavalry charged and struck in turn; the foot soldiers fell back or pushed forward.

Let no one boast of the Eight Formations' success, nor prattle of the Six Tactics' victory.

Zhuge Liang deployed his wondrous stratagems; Li Jing spread his divine machinations.

Grand Marshal Tong Guan, on the command platform in the formation, fixed his eyes on the Liangshan Marsh troops. In no time at all, they had arrayed themselves into this Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams formation—soldiers and warriors, officers and heroes all—and he was so terrified that his soul flew and his spirit scattered, his heart and gall both sinking. He could not stop himself from saying: "No wonder the government armies that have come here to suppress them have returned in such defeat—they are indeed this formidable!" After watching for a long while, he heard nothing but the ceaseless beating of gongs and drums for battle from Song Jiang's army. Tong Guan descended from the command platform, mounted his warhorse, and rode out to the generals of the front line to ask: "Who among you dares to go out and parry words?" From the vanguard company, a fierce general turned his horse and leaped out, leaning forward from his mount to report to Tong Guan: "This officer volunteers—I beg to receive your orders." It was Chen Zhu, the prefectural supervisor of Zhengzhou, in a white robe and silver armor, riding a red-maned green horse, wielding a great long-handled saber, serving as deputy vanguard. Tong Guan then ordered that under the drums and banners of the army, three rolls of the drums be beaten, and from the command platform the red flag be waved to signal the troops. Chen Zhu galloped out from beneath the gate banner, and both armies raised a great shout. Chen Zhu reined in his horse, leveled his saber, and roared fiercely: "Lawless bandits! Rebellious wretches! The heavenly army has arrived, and you still do not surrender. Will you wait until your flesh and bones turn to mud? It will be too late for regret!" From the vanguard of Song Jiang's southern formation, the tiger-general Qin Ming flew out on horseback. Without a word, he brandished his wolf-toothed mace and went straight for Chen Zhu. The two horses crossed; the weapons rose together. One swung his mace down from overhead; the other slashed his saber across the face. The two generals came and went, turned and turned again, fighting for more than twenty exchanges. Qin Ming feigned a gap and let Chen Zhu charge in, but the saber struck only empty air. Seizing the moment, Qin Ming raised his mace and brought it down, hitting Chen Zhu squarely on the crown of his helmet, right on his skull. Chen Zhu tumbled dead from his horse. Qin Ming's two vice-commanders, Shan Tinggui and Wei Dingguo, galloped straight out of the formation, first seizing that fine horse, and went to support and withdraw Qin Ming. From the gate banners in the southeast, the tiger-general Dong Ping, "Double-Speared General," seeing that Qin Ming had won the first victory, thought to himself from horseback: "The great army has already roused its fierce spirit—if we do not push forward from here and capture Tong Guan, when else will we do it?" With a great shout like a thunderclap before the formation, he gripped a spear in each hand, struck his horse, and charged straight across the formation. Tong Guan saw him and pulled his horse back toward the central army. From the gate banners in the southwest, the swift cavalry general Su Chao, "Urgent Vanguard," also shouted: "If we do not capture Tong Guan from here, when else will we do it!" He swung his great battle-axe and charged across the formation. In the center, when Qin Ming saw both sides rushing in to attack, he also signaled his own company of red-bannered troops, and they all surged into the formation together to seize Tong Guan. It was as though several black hawks pursued a purple swallow, or a pack of fierce tigers devoured a lamb. What became of Grand Marshal Tong Guan's life—that will be told in the next chapter.