Chapter 89

Chapter 89

It is said that Song Jiang, having received the methods of the Celestial Maiden of the Nine Heavens in a dream, forgot not a single word. He then consulted with the military advisor Wu Yong to finalize the plan and reported it to Vice Marshal Zhao. In the stronghold, they constructed twenty-four Thunder Chariots, all made from painted planks and iron plates nailed together, with oil and firewood loaded below and cannons mounted above. They worked day and night to hasten their completion. When they discussed the battle formation and assembled the various generals and their troops, Song Jiang issued orders and assigned each to their respective tasks: He deployed the army clad in yellow robes corresponding to the "Center, Earth, Wu-Ji" element to attack the Liao "Mercury" formation, with the senior general "Twin-Spear General" Dong Ping as commander, to break through the seven gates of the Black Banner Army on both sides, supported by seven assistant generals: Zhu Tong, Shi Jin, Ou Peng, Deng Fei, Yan Shun, Ma Lin, and Mu Chun. Next, he deployed the army in white robes corresponding to the "West, Metal, Geng-Xin" element to attack the Liao "Jupiter" formation, with the senior general "Leopard-Headed" Lin Chong as commander, to break through the seven gates of the Green Banner Army on both sides, supported by seven assistant generals: Xu Ning, Mu Hong, Huang Xin, Sun Li, Yang Chun, Chen Da, and Yang Lin. Next, he deployed the army in red robes corresponding to the "South, Fire, Bing-Ding" element to attack the Liao "Venus" formation, with the senior general "Raging Fire" Qin Ming as commander, to break through the seven gates of the White Banner Army on both sides, supported by seven assistant generals: Liu Tang, Lei Heng, Shan Yan'gui, Wei Dingguo, Zhou Tong, Gong Wang, and Ding Desun. Next, he deployed the army in black robes corresponding to the "North, Water, Ren-Gui" element to attack the Liao "Mars" formation, with the senior general "Double-Whip" Huyan Zhuo as commander, to break through the seven gates of the Red Banner Army on both sides, supported by seven assistant generals: Yang Zhi, Suo Chao, Han Tao, Peng Qi, Kong Ming, Zou Yuan, and Zou Run. Next, he deployed the army in green robes corresponding to the "East, Wood, Jia-Yi" element to attack the Liao "Saturn" main general's formation, with the senior general "Great Blade" Guan Sheng as commander, to break through the Yellow Banner main army at the center on both sides, supported by eight assistant generals: Hua Rong, Zhang Qing, Li Ying, Chai Jin, Xuan Zan, Hao Siwen, Shi En, and Xue Yong. He then deployed a brocade-banner, flower-robed army to attack the Liao "Sun" left flank formation, with seven senior generals: Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, Yang Xiong, Shi Xiu, Jiao Tang, Tang Long, and Cai Fu. He deployed another plain-robed, silver-armored army to attack the Liao "Moon" right flank formation, with seven senior generals: Hu San'gu, Gu Dasao, Sun Erniang, Wang Ying, Sun Xin, Zhang Qing, and Cai Qing. He deployed yet another fierce and brave force to strike directly at the Liao sovereign, with six senior generals: Lu Junyi, Yan Qing, Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, Jie Zhen, and Jie Bao. He also assigned five senior generals to escort the Thunder Chariots to the center: Li Gui, Fan Rui, Bao Xu, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun. The remaining leaders of the naval forces and all other personnel were ordered to the front to assist in breaking the formation. Before the front line, five-directional banners and eight sides were established, personnel were assigned, and the "Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams" formation was arranged. After Song Jiang had issued all his orders, each general obeyed accordingly. Meanwhile, the Thunder Chariots were completed, loaded with ritual implements, and pushed to the front. Truly, the plan was devised to startle Heaven and Earth, the stratagem formed to crush ghosts and spirits.

Now, Commander Wanyan Tongjun had seen for days that Song Jiang did not come out to fight, so he sent forward pressuring troops to scout as far as Song Jiang's stronghold. Song Jiang had spent the days completing preparations and chose a date. That evening, he set out to engage the Liao forces. The battle line was drawn up in a single row, with powerful crossbows and hard bows placed at the front to hold the line, waiting only for the sky to darken. At dusk on the left side, the north wind blew bitterly, and thick clouds covered and enveloped heaven and earth; it grew dark before evening had even fallen. Song Jiang ordered all the soldiers to cut reeds to make whistles, hold them in their mouths, and use them as signals. That night, he first dispatched four columns of troops, leaving only the Yellow-Robed Army drawn up before the front. These four columns of troops chased and killed the Liao scouting troops, circling around the flanks of the formation and driving them to flee north.

At the first watch of the night, the cannons in Song Jiang's army fired in rapid succession. Huyan Zhuo opened the gates of the formation and charged into the rear army, heading straight for "Mars." Guan Sheng immediately charged into the center army, heading straight for the "Saturn" main general. Lin Chong led his troops into the left flank formation, heading straight for "Jupiter." Qin Ming led his army into the right flank formation, heading straight for "Venus." Dong Ping then adjusted his forces to attack the vanguard, heading straight for "Mercury." Gongsun Sheng brandished his sword in the army to perform magic, treading the stars and pacing the Dipper, and commanded the Five Thunders to rise. That night, a great south wind arose, bending tree branches to the ground, whirling stones and flying sand. The twenty-four Thunder Chariots were all ignited at once. Li Gui, Fan Rui, Bao Xu, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun led five hundred shield-bearers and fierce soldiers to escort the Thunder Chariots, pushing them into the Liao army's formation. "Tall Hu San'gu" led her troops straight into the Liao "Moon" formation; "Flowery Monk" Lu Zhishen led his troops straight into the Liao "Sun" formation. "Jade Qilin" Lu Junyi led a force of troops, following the Thunder Chariots, straight toward the center army. Each went to find their own opponent to fight. That night, the Thunder Chariots burst into flames, and thunderbolts crossed in the sky. Truly, the battle was fought so fiercely that the stars shifted and the constellations turned, the sun and light were obscured, ghosts wept and spirits wailed, and soldiers and men were thrown into chaos.

Now, Commander Wanyan Tongjun was in the center army dispatching his generals when he heard the cries of battle rising on all sides and fighting in every direction. He hastily mounted his horse, but by then the Thunder Chariots had already reached the center army. Flames rose to the sky, and the roar of cannons shook the earth. Guan Sheng's army had already reached the tent. Wanyan Tongjun hastily seized his crescent-moon halberd and engaged Guan Sheng in a great battle. But how could he withstand "Featherless Arrow" Zhang Qing, who took stones and hurled them wildly into the air, striking the border generals on all sides, many of whom were wounded and fled for their lives. Li Ying, Chai Jin, Xuan Zan, and Hao Siwen galloped on horseback, slaying military officers left and right. Wanyan Tongjun saw that he had no supporters left around him and turned his horse to flee north. Guan Sheng gave chase on horseback. Truly, even if you could ascend to the highest heaven, with clouds beneath your feet, you would still be caught.

Seeing Yuan Yan Zongjun had been defeated, Hua Rong charged from behind on horseback, quickly nocking an arrow and letting fly at Yuan Yan Zongjun. The arrow struck him squarely in the back, and with a clang, sparks flew—it had hit his armored chest plate. Hua Rong was about to fire again when Guan Sheng caught up, raising his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and swinging it down at Yuan Yan Zongjun's head. Yuan Yan Zongjun wore three layers of armor: an inner suit of interlocking copper and iron plate, a middle layer of sea-beast hide, and an outer coat of golden chain mail. Guan Sheng's blade cut through two layers. He struck again, but Yuan Yan Zongjun slipped aside within the arc of the blade, reined in his horse, and leveled his halberd to meet the attack. The two fought another three or four bouts. Hua Rong caught up, took aim at Yuan Yan Zongjun's face, and loosed another arrow. Yuan Yan Zongjun ducked in haste, but the shaft pierced through his winged golden crown at the ear. Yuan Yan Zongjun fled, and Zhang Qing spurred his horse in pursuit, flicked a stone at his head, and struck him. Yuan Yan Zongjun slumped forward on his horse, dragging his painted halberd as he fled. Guan Sheng closed in and struck again with all his might. The Green Dragon Blade fell and cut through Yuan Yan Zongjun at the waist and through the neck, tumbling him from his horse. Hua Rong rushed forward and first seized the fine horse. Zhang Qing arrived and thrust once more with his spear. Alas, Yuan Yan Zongjun, a hero of his age, met his end by one blade and one spear. A poem bears witness:

Li Jing's "Six Flowers" all know of,

Zhuge Liang's "Eight Trigrams" the world should recall.

The "Heaven-Conquering" formation thought none could withstand it—

Yet even divine stratagems may be broken after all.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhishen led Wu Song and five other chieftains, with all the troops shouting a battle cry, charging into the Liao army's "Sun" formation. Yelu Dezhong tried to flee, but Wu Song swung his monk's saber, severed his horse's head, and sent him crashing to the ground. He seized him by the hair and took his head with one stroke, scattering the "Sun" formation. Lu Zhishen said, "Let us now go to the central army and capture the Liao emperor—then our task is done!"

In the Liao army's "Moon" formation, Princess Tian Shou heard the clamor of battle rising on all sides. She hastily gathered her weapons, mounted her horse, and led her female soldiers in readiness. Then "One-Zhang Green" flourished her double sabers, galloped in with Gu Dasao and five other chieftains, and charged straight into the tent, engaging Princess Tian Shou in combat. After countless bouts, "One-Zhang Green" dropped her sabers, lunged into the princess's embrace, seized her by the chest, and the two grappled on horseback, twisting and entangling together. Wang Aihu rushed forward and captured Princess Tian Shou alive. Gu Dasao and Sun Erniang cut down the female soldiers within the formation, while Sun Xin, Zhang Qing, and Cai Qing attacked from outside. Alas, a princess of jade leaves and golden branches—now reduced to a bound captive who surrenders.

Meanwhile, Junyi's troops stormed the central army. Jie Zhen and Jie Bao were first to topple the commander's banner, then fell upon the Tartar soldiers and generals in a frenzy. The imperial guard ministers and numerous officers of the tooth guard hastily surrounded the Liao emperor's carriage and fled north. Within the formation, the two imperial nephews Luo and Yuebo were both stabbed to death on horseback; the imperial nephew Jidu was captured alive on his horse; the imperial nephew Zi's whereabouts were unknown. The great army surrounded them completely and fought until the fourth watch before they ceased, slaughtering over two hundred thousand Liao soldiers, who suffered seven or eight casualties out of every ten.

As dawn approached, the all returned. Song Jiang sounded the gong to recall the troops and encamped. He gave orders that all who had captured prisoners or taken trophies should present their achievements. "One-Zhang Green" presented Princess Tian Shou, the "Moon Star." Lu Junyi presented the "Jidu Star," imperial nephew Yelu Dehua. Zhu Tong presented "Water Star" Qu Liquqing. Ouyang, Deng Fei, and Ma Lin presented "Doumu Xie" Xiao Daguang. Yang Lin and Chen Da presented "Xinyuehu" Pei Zhi. Shan Tinggui and Wei Dingguo presented "Weitu Gao Biao." Han Tao and Peng Qi presented "Liutulei" Lei Chun and "Yihuoshe" Di Sheng. The generals presented an incalculable number of severed heads. Song Jiang had the eight captured generals sent under guard to Commissioner Zhao's central army for confinement. The horses taken were distributed among the generals for riding.

As for the Liao emperor, he retreated in panic into Yanjing and hastily issued an edict to firmly close the four gates and strictly defend the city, refusing to engage in battle. When Song Jiang learned that the Liao emperor had retreated into Yanjing, he ordered the army to break camp and advance straight to the city, surrounding it completely. He sent for Commissioner Zhao to come to the rear camp to oversee the assault on the city. Song Jiang gave orders to erect cloud ladders and catapults all around the outside of Yanjing, set up camp fortifications, and prepare to storm the city.

The Liao emperor, alarmed, assembled his ministers to deliberate. They all said, "The situation is critical. There is no better plan than to surrender to Great Song." The Liao emperor followed their counsel. A white flag of surrender was soon raised on the city walls, and an envoy was sent to the Song camp to petition: "We shall present cattle and horses every year and offer pearls and treasures every year, and dare not trespass against China again." Song Jiang led the envoy to the rear camp to pay respects to Commissioner Zhao and communicate the matter of surrender. Commissioner Zhao replied, "This is a matter of national importance; the decision must come from the Emperor himself. I dare not make any decision on my own authority. If your Liao kingdom sincerely wishes to surrender, you must send an appropriate minister to travel to the Eastern Capital and have an audience with the Son of Heaven. Only when the Imperial Edict accepts your Liao kingdom's memorial of surrender and issues a decree of pardon may we withdraw our troops and cease fighting."

The messenger received these words and returned to the city to report to the lord. At once the sovereign assembled his civil and military officials to deliberate on the matter. The Right Chancellor and Grand Tutor, Chu Jian, stepped forward from the ranks and memorialized: "At present our state has few troops and scarce generals, with no men or horses to speak of. How can we face the enemy? In my humble opinion, your minister should personally go to the camp of the Song vanguard commander and promise him generous bribes. On the one hand, order him to halt his troops and cease fighting; on the other, prepare gifts and go directly to the Eastern Capital to bureaus and ministries, persuading them to speak favorably before the Son of Heaven and handle the matter through proper channels. At present in the Middle Kingdom, the four treacherous ministers Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian hold monopoly over power. The young emperor follows their counsel. We can offer gold and silk as bribes to these four men, purchase their advocacy for peace, and an imperial edict of amnesty will surely be issued, recalling the troops and ending the war." The lord approved the memorial.

The following day, Chancellor Chu Jian left the city and went straight to the camp of the Song vanguard commander. Song Jiang received him in his tent and inquired about the purpose of his visit. Chu Jian first spoke of the lord's intention to surrender, then promised Song Jiang gold, silk, and precious curios. Song Jiang listened and said to Chancellor Chu Jian: "We have been attacking your city for days. It is no concern of ours whether we break this city or not—we would simply uproot you completely so that no shoots might sprout again. Seeing the surrender flag raised on your walls, we have therefore halted our troops and ceased fighting. When two states clash, it has been the way since ancient times for a state to surrender. We accept your submission and surrender, and for this reason we have held our troops in check, allowing you to go to the court to plead your guilt and present your tribute. Yet now you come offering bribes—what manner of man do you take Song Jiang to be? Speak no more of this!" Chu Jian was terrified. Song Jiang continued: "We will allow you to prepare a memorial to the court and await the decision from above. We shall hold our troops in check. Go quickly and return swiftly—do not delay!"

Chu Jian bowed in thanks to Song Jiang, took his leave of the camp, mounted his horse, and returned to Yanjing to report to the lord. After the ministers had deliberated and reached a decision, on the following day the Liao sovereign and his assembled officials prepared precious curios, gold and silver treasures, colored silks, and pearls, loaded them onto carts, and dispatched Chancellor Chu Jian together with fifteen Liao officials to the imperial capital. With over thirty horses and a memorial pleading guilt, they departed Yanjing and arrived at Song Jiang's camp. They paid their respects to Song Jiang, who then led Chu Jian to see Military Commissioner Zhao and informed him of the matter: "The Liao state has now sent Chancellor Chu Jian in person to the imperial capital to have an audience and plead guilt and surrender." Military Commissioner Zhao detained Chu Jian and treated him with courtesy. He then went himself to deliberate with Song Jiang and also dispatched documents to the Son of Heaven. He sent Chai Jin and Xiao Rang to carry the memorial, along with military dispatches to be delivered to the ministries, to accompany Chancellor Chu Jian to the Eastern Capital.

After several days on the road, they arrived early at the capital. The ten carts of tribute gold, treasures, and gifts, along with the escorts, were lodged at the official hostel. Chai Jin and Xiao Rang, bearing the military dispatches, went first to the ministries and reported: "Our troops have surrounded Yanjing and can break it at any moment. The Liao lord has raised the surrender flag on the city walls. He has now sent Chancellor Chu Jian to present a memorial, plead guilt and surrender, request amnesty, and cease hostilities. We did not dare to act on our own authority and have come to seek the imperial edict." The ministry officials said: "Let them rest temporarily at the official hostel while we deliberate at length here."

At this time, Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian, along with all the minor officials of the ministries, were men who coveted profit. Now Chancellor Chu Jian and his party first sought out connections and visited Grand Tutor Cai Jing and the other four great ministers, then proceeded to bribe the various officials of the ministries, each receiving gifts through the proper channels. The following morning, after the dawn court ceremony of congratulations and obeisance was completed, Military Commissioner Tong Guan stepped forward from the ranks and memorialized: "Vanguard Commander Song Jiang has routed the Liao forces and advanced all the way to Yanjing, besieging the city under attack—it can be broken at any moment. Now the Liao lord has long since raised the surrender flag and willingly desires to surrender. He has sent Chancellor Chu Jian as envoy, bearing a memorial in which he acknowledges his vassal status, presents his submission and guilt, requests amnesty and peace, and begs for an imperial order to withdraw troops and cease hostilities. He pledges yearly tribute and dares not disobey. We humbly await Your Majesty's wisdom." The Son of Heaven said: "In this matter of making peace and ceasing hostilities, how do you ministers deliberate?" At his side, Grand Tutor Cai Jing stepped forward and memorialized: "We ministers have all deliberated. From ancient times to the present, the four barbarian peoples have never been utterly destroyed. In our humble opinion, the Liao state may be preserved as a barrier to the north. Yearly tribute payments would benefit the state. It is fitting to accept their surrender and plea for guilt, cease hostilities and end the war, and issue an edict recalling the troops to guard the capital. We ministers do not dare to act on our own authority and beg Your Majesty's sacred decision." The Son of Heaven approved the memorial and issued a sacred edict commanding the Liao envoys to appear before the throne. The palace usher transmitted the order, summoning Chu Jian and the entire party of envoys to the Golden Hall, where they prostrated themselves in the dust, performed the ritual obeisance, and called out "Long live the Emperor" three times. A court attendant presented the memorial, which was unrolled upon the imperial desk. The Reader of Memorials read aloud in a loud voice:

"The lord of the Liao state, subject Ye Lü Hui, bows and bows, and with a hundred obeisances addresses the throne: Your subject was born in the northern deserts and grew up among the barbarian tribes. He is unacquainted with the classics of the sages and has not studied the principles of proper conduct. His letters are fraudulent and his martial arts false; those around him are mostly men with the hearts of wolves and the conduct of dogs. They love bribes and covet wealth; before and behind are men with the eyes of rats and the heads of roe deer. Your petty minister is benighted, and his assembled multitudes are reckless. They have invaded your borders, bringing upon themselves the punishment of Heaven's troops; they have rashly driven forth their native horses, causing the royal house to raise an army. How can ants hope to shake Mount Tai? All waters must inevitably flow to the great sea. Now we specially send our minister Chu Jian to venture before Heaven's majesty and present our land in plea for guilt. If the sacred sovereign in his mercy regards these tiny and insignificant lives and does not abandon the legacy of our ancestors, pardoning our past faults and opening a new path, we shall retreat to guard the barbarian lands of the north and forever serve as a barrier to the Celestial Dynasty. Old and young alike shall truly receive a second life; sons and grandsons for generations to come shall be endlessly grateful. We shall present yearly tribute and dare not disobey! Your subjects tremble in fear and anxiety beyond measure! We respectfully present this memorial to inform the throne.

Winter month, fourth year of the Xuanhe era. Memorial from the lord of the Liao state, subject Ye Lü Hui."

The Son of Heaven, Emperor Huizong, having finished reviewing the memorial, received congratulations from the officials assembled below the steps. The Son of Heaven commanded that imperial wine be brought and bestowed upon the envoys. Chancellor Chu Jian and his companions then presented the gold, silk, and annual tribute before the court. The Son of Heaven ordered the Imperial Treasury to receive and store them, and further set aside the annual tribute of cattle and horses and other goods. The Son of Heaven bestowed in return bolts of brocade and gifts both inward and outward, and the Court of Imperial Entertainment provided a feast. He then ordered Chancellor Chu Jian and his party to return first; he would dispatch his own officials to deliver the edict in due course. Chu Jian and his companions expressed their gratitude, made their obeisance, and departed the court, retiring to the guest house. When the court was dismissed that day, Chu Jian sent men once more to the gates of various high officials, pressing their interests vigorously. Cai Jing promised with full authority that the Chancellor might return home; all would be handled by the four of us. Chu Jian thanked the Grand Tutor and returned to the Liao state.

Now let us speak of Grand Tutor Cai, who on the following day led the hundred officials into court to memorialize the Son of Heaven, requesting that an edict be issued and sent down to the Liao state. The Son of Heaven granted the memorial and urgently commanded a Hanlin Academician to draft an edict. Before the throne, he forthwith commissioned Grand Marshal Su Yuanjing to bear the vermillion edict and proceed directly to the Liao state to proclaim it. He further commanded Zhao, the Military Affairs Commissioner, to order Song Jiang, the Vanguard Commander, to cease hostilities, withdraw his forces, and lead the army back to the capital. All persons who had been captured were to be released and returned to their state. The cities originally seized were to be restored to Liao administration. The contents of treasuries and storehouses were to be handed over to the Liao for management. The Son of Heaven retired from court, and the hundred officials dispersed. The next day, the officials of the various departments all called upon the Grand Marshal's residence, fixing a day to see him off.

Let us further relate that Grand Marshal Su, having received the edict and mandate, dared not delay long. He prepared litters, horses, and attendants, took leave of the Son of Heaven, and bade farewell to the departmental officials. Together with Chai Jin and Xiao Rang, he set out for the Liao state. They left the capital and made for Chenqiao Post Station, heading toward the frontier. As they traveled, it was the depth of winter—dense clouds spread across the sky, auspicious snow lay flat upon the ground, a thousand forests were sculpted in white powder, and ten thousand leagues were robed in silver. Grand Marshal Su and his party braved the snowy wind and advanced along the winding road. The snow had not yet melted when they gradually drew near the frontier. Chai Jin and Xiao Rang first sent out scouting horsemen to inform Commissioner Zhao, who went ahead to notify Vanguard Commander Song Jiang. When Song Jiang saw the scouts galloping in with the news, he brought wine and gifts and led his men out fifty li to lie along the road in welcome. They met Grand Marshal Su, and when the formal greetings were concluded, they drank the welcoming wine, and all the officials were pleased. They were invited to the camp, where a banquet was prepared, and together they discussed matters of the court. Grand Marshal Su spoke of the departmental officials—Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian—all of whom had received bribes from the Liao state and had strenuously urged the matter before the Son of Heaven, securing his approval to accept the Liao's surrender, cease hostilities, and recall the army to defend the capital. When Song Jiang heard this, he sighed, "It is not that Song harbors resentment against the court, but that our meritorious labors to this point have come to nothing." Grand Marshal Su said, "Let not the Vanguard Commander grieve! When Yuanjing returns to court, I will surely make earnest representations before the Son of Heaven." Commissioner Zhao further said, "With this official present as witness, how could I allow the general's great merit to be spent in vain?" Song Jiang replied, "We, the one hundred and eight of us, have exerted every strength to serve our country, with no disloyal hearts and no desire for undeserved favors. It would be a great fortune if we could all share in the toil and hardship together. If the Commissioner will speak on our behalf, we are deeply grateful for your great kindness." That day they drank and feasted, and all were joyful, not dispersing until late at night. Messengers were at once dispatched to inform the Liao state, so that they might prepare to receive the edict.

The following day, Song Jiang assigned ten great generals to escort Grand Marshal Su into the Liao state to proclaim the edict, all in brocade robes and golden armor, in full military dress with leather belts. Those ten chief generals—Guan Sheng, Lin Chong, Qin Ming, Huyan Zhuo, Hua Rong, Dong Ping, Li Ying, Chai Jin, Lü Fang, and Guo Sheng—led three thousand horse and foot soldiers to guard the Grand Marshal, surrounding him before and behind, and they entered the city in formation. The people of Yanjing, who had not seen the military splendor of the Middle Kingdom for several hundred years, heard of the Grand Marshal's arrival and were all overjoyed, lining the streets with fragrant flowers, lanterns, and candles. The Liao ruler personally led his civil and military officials, all in ceremonial dress and mounted on horses, out through the southern gate to welcome the edict, proceeding all the way to the Golden Throne Hall. The ten great generals stood to the left and right; Grand Marshal Su stood to the left of the Dragon Pavilion; the ruler of the state and his officials knelt before the hall. The master of ceremonies called for obeisance, and the ruler and his civil and military officials made their bows. A Liao vice minister received the edict and opened it to read aloud in the hall. The edict said:

"By the August Emperor of the Great Song: The Three Sovereigns established their stations, and the Five Emperors transmitted their rule. Though the Central Realm has its rightful sovereign, do the barbarian lands lack a ruler? You, the Liao state, have not heeded Heaven's mandate and have repeatedly violated our borders—your common folk could be swept away with a single drumbeat. I have now reviewed your words of submission, pitied the depth of your supplication, and taken compassion on your desolate and helpless state. I cannot bear to add further punishment and therefore preserve your kingdom. Upon the arrival of this edict, immediately release all generals previously captured and send them back in full. Restore all cities originally seized to the administration of their own state. Do not neglect the tribute you are to provide. Ah! Serve the great state with reverence, stand in awe of Heaven and Earth—this is the duty of a vassal screen. Take heed!

The winter month of the fourth year of the Xuanhe era"

When the Liao vice minister had finished reading the edict, the ruler and his officials bowed again in gratitude. After the rites between ruler and subject were completed, the Dragon Table bearing the edict was carried away, and the ruler then met with Grand Marshal Su. When the formal courtesies were concluded, they were invited into the inner palace, where a magnificent feast was prepared, with offerings from both land and water. Barbarian officials presented wine, and martial generals passed the cups. Song and dance filled the banquet hall; the nomadic pipes grated upon the ear. Liao maidens of great beauty each performed barbarian music; drums of the Jie people and reed pipes played, and whirling barbarian dances turned slowly. When the banquet was concluded, Grand Marshal Su and the generals were escorted to the guest house to rest. That day, all who had accompanied them received rewards for their labor.

The next day, Prime Minister Chu Jian was sent by the sovereign of the kingdom out of the camp to invite Zhao the Privy Councillor and Song the Vanguard Commander to enter Yanjing for a banquet together. Song Jiang consulted with the Strategist Wu Yong and decided not to go; only Zhao the Privy Councillor was invited into the city to keep Grand Marshal Su company at the feast. That day, the Lord of the Liao hosted a grand banquet, entertaining the imperial envoys with matured wine poured from silver jars and fine yellow mutton heaped on golden plates; exotic fruits were piled on the mats, and rare flowers shed their splendour. As the feast drew to a close, the sovereign brought out from golden plates curios and treasures as gifts, presenting them to Grand Marshal Su and Zhao the Privy Councillor. They drank until deep into the night before dispersing. On the third day, the Liao sovereign assembled all civil and military officials, and with barbarian music, escorted the Grand Marshal and the Privy Councillor out of the city back to the camp. He then ordered Prime Minister Chu Jian to bring gifts of cattle, sheep, horses, gold, silver, and coloured silks directly to Song Jiang's camp, where a grand feast was held to reward the army and bestow generous gifts upon the officers.

Song Jiang issued orders to release Princess Tian Shou and the rest of her retinue, sending them back to their own country, and restored to the Liao the captured prefectures of Tanzhou, Jizhou, Bazhou, and Youzhou for them to administer once more. At the same time, he first sent Grand Marshal Su back to the capital, and then proceeded to organise the officers, soldiers, carts, and men, dividing them into groups, and dispatching the central army first to escort Zhao the Privy Councillor on his way. In his own camp, Song Jiang held a banquet, rewarding the naval commanders before ordering them to take the ships and return by water to Dongjing to await further orders.

Song Jiang then sent someone into the city to invite the two prime ministers to come to the camp for a meeting. The Lord of the Liao instructed Left Prime Minister Youxi Bojin and Right Prime Minister Grand Tutor Chu Jian to go to Song Jiang's camp and meet him at the headquarters. Song Jiang invited them into the tent and they sat as host and guest. Song Jiang opened the discussion: "Our military forces reached the city walls and were about to cross the moat; a great victory was at hand, and we would not have allowed you to surrender. To break the city and annihilate you all would have been only right. Our commander-in-chief listened and allowed you to send a petition to the court. The Emperor, moved by pity and compassion, did not wish to pursue you relentlessly and accepted your surrender and submission of a confession of guilt. Now that the royal business is finished, we are preparing to return to the capital. Do not think that Song Jiang and his men cannot defeat you and rebel again. Pay tribute every year without fail. We are now returning to our country with our troops; you should guard your territory carefully and not offend again! If the heavenly army returns, there will be no mercy!" The two prime ministers kowtowed, acknowledged their guilt, and bowed in thanks. Song Jiang spoke further words of admonition, and the two prime ministers departed gratefully.

Song Jiang then dispatched a detachment of soldiers, with the female warrior "Ten Foot Green Snake" and others going ahead first. He then ordered the stonemasons accompanying the army to quarry a stone for a stele; Xiao Rang was asked to compose the text to record the events, and Jin Dajian completed the engraving. The stele was erected at Mao Mountain, fifteen li east of Yongqing County, and the ancient relic remains to this day. There is a poem as proof:

Whenever I heard of the barbarian horses crossing Yinshan,

I resented the treaty at Chanyuan that let the captives return.

Who created the record of merit at Mao Mountain?

Even Lord Kou, beneath the springs, would smile with joy.

Song Jiang then divided his army into five groups and set a date to depart. Suddenly, Lu Zhishen came to the tent, joined his palms, bowed, and said to Song Jiang: "Ever since your younger brother killed 'the Garrison Commander of the West,' I fled to Daizhou, Yanmen County, where Squire Zhao sent me up to Mount Wutai to pay respects to the Venerable Master Zhi Zhen and take the tonsure as a monk. I did not expect to cause disturbances in the monastery twice when drunk. My master sent me to the Great Xiangguo Temple in Dongjing, where I sought refuge under the Chan Master Zhi Qing and obtained a position as a serving monk. The Xiangguo Temple assigned me to look after the vegetable garden. To save Lin Chong, I incurred the enmity of Grand Marshal Gao and thus became an outlaw. I met you, elder brother, and have followed you for many years. I have long wished to pay respects to my original master but have never done so. I often recall my master saying that although I have a nature of killing and burning, I will eventually attain the true body of the Buddha. Now that peace reigns, your brother begs leave for a few days to go to Mount Wutai to pay respects to my original master. I will give away all the gold and silk I have accumulated as alms, and further ask my master about my future. You, elder brother, proceed with the army; your younger brother will catch up afterwards!" Song Jiang was stunned upon hearing this, and after a moment's thought, he said: "Since you have such a living Buddha there, why did you not say so earlier? We could have gone together to pay respects and inquire about our futures." He then discussed it with the others, and all wished to go except Gongsun Sheng, whose Taoist faith did not permit it. Song Jiang consulted further with the Strategist: "We will leave Jin Dajian, Huangfu Duan, Xiao Rang, and Yue He, entrusting them to Deputy Commander Lu Junyi to lead the army forward in succession. We will take only a thousand men, and with our brothers, follow Lu Zhishen to pay respects to the Venerable Master Zhi Zhen." Song Jiang and the others then left the camp. They gathered famous incense, coloured silks, clothing, gold, and silver, and went up to Mount Wutai. Indeed, they temporarily laid aside their golden armour and war horses to visit the forests of the monastic world. By the Rain Flower Terrace, they came to seek the virtuous monk of the Way; before the Hall of Good Dharma, they wished to see the ancient Buddha Dipamkara. A single phrase would open the path of fame and gain; a few words would kick through the gate of life and death. How did Song Jiang and Lu Zhishen practise Zen? Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.