Chapter 94

Chapter 94

It is said that at Gaizhou, Song Jiang divided the troops into two armies, writing the assignments on slips of paper, and he and Lu Junyi burned incense and prayed. When Song Jiang drew a slip and looked at it, it read "eastern route," while Lu Juniyi drew the western route—this need not be elaborated upon. They awaited only the clearing of the snow before setting out. They left Hua Rong, Dong Ping, Shi En, and Du Xing with twenty thousand troops to garrison Gaizhou.

On the sixth day, an auspicious date, Song Jiang and Lu Junyi prepared to march. Suddenly a report came: the soldiers and civilians of Yangcheng and Qinshui, two counties under Gaizhou, had long suffered at the hands of Tian Hu and had submitted against their will. Now learning that the imperial army had arrived, the soldiers and civilians had seized the defenders of Yangcheng, Kou Fu, and of Qinshui, Chen Kai, and delivered them to the army's vanguard. The elders of the two counties, leading the people, brought sheep and wine to offer the cities. Marshal Song was greatly pleased and richly rewarded the soldiers and civilians of both places, issuing proclamations to comfort them, restoring them to the status of law-abiding citizens. Marshal Song ordered that since Kou Fu and Chen Kai, upon learning of the imperial army's arrival, had failed to promptly submit, they were to be beheaded and their blood offered to the battle standard as a warning to the rebels. On that day, both armies marched out through the north gate, and Hua Rong and the others held a farewell feast. Song Jiang raised his cup to Hua Rong and said, "Your valor, worthy brother, has struck fear into the rebel army; you are well suited to be the bulwark of this city. This city is threatened only on its northern side. Should rebel troops come, employ cunning tactics to strike them, so as to break their courage and make them dare not look southward." Hua Rong and the others respectfully received the order. Song Jiang then raised his cup to Lu Junyi and said, "Today, as we march, we have the joy of receiving the surrenders of Yangcheng and Qinshui along with their captives. With these two places now pacified, worthy brother, you can drive straight to Jining, achieve great merit early, capture the rebel chieftain Tian Hu alive, repay the court's grace, and share in wealth and honor." Lu Junyi said, "Relying on your prestige, elder brother, the two places submitted without a fight. Having received your stern command, how dare I not devote all my strength?" Song Jiang then took the scroll that Xiao Rang had copied a few days earlier from Xu Guanzhong's map and presented it to Lu Junyi for his use. Then Vanguard Marshal Song Jiang issued orders to divide the troops into three columns: Lin Chong, Suo Chao, Xu Ning, and Zhang Qing led ten thousand men as the forward column; Sun Li, Zhu Tong, Yan Shun, Ma Lin, Shan Tinggui, Wei Dingguo, Tang Long, and Li Yun led ten thousand men as the rear column; Song Jiang and Wu Yong, commanding the remaining officers, led thirty thousand men as the central army. The three columns, totaling fifty thousand troops, advanced toward the northeast. Deputy Vanguard Lu Junyi took leave of Song Jiang, Hua Rong, and the others, leading forty officers and fifty thousand troops toward the west.

Hua Rong, Dong Ping, Shi En, and Du Xing escorted Song Jiang and Lu Junyi into the city and saw them off. Hua Rong gave orders to establish two camps five li north of the city. Shi En and Du Xing each led five thousand men, stationing strong bows, crossbows, and various firearms there to meet the enemy's vanguard. Ambush forces were also set up on the eastern and western routes—no more need be said of this. Gaoping was guarded by Shi Jin and Mu Hong; Lingchuan by Li Ying and Chai Jin; Weizhou by Gongsun Yiqing, Guan Sheng, and Huyan Zhuo—each attending to his own defense. Let the reader keep these details in mind.

Now let us speak of Marshal Song's three columns of troops. Having traveled some thirty li from Gaizhou, Song Jiang, riding on horseback, saw in the distance ahead a mountain ridge. After some time, they gradually approached the base of the mountains, which lay to the right of their horses' heads. Song Jiang observed the mountain's appearance—it was unlike other mountains. He saw:

Layer upon layer of misty peaks, densely arrayed like scales;

Several peaks standing in a row, like wild cranes in formation.

The cliffs atop the ramparts were like city walls,

And the cloud-piercing trees stretched into boundless green.

As Song Jiang was admiring the mountain scenery, Li Kui came forward and pointed, saying, "Brother, this mountain's appearance is no different from what I saw in my dream the other day." Song Jiang at once summoned the surrendered general Gong Gong and asked, "You have been here long; you must know this mountain's history. According to Xu Guanzhong's map, Fang Mountain lies east of the prefectural city—this should be called Tianchi Ridge." Li Kui said, "The scholar in my dream did say Tianchi Ridge—I had forgotten." Gong Gong said, "This mountain is indeed Tianchi Ridge. The stone cliffs atop it are like city walls, and in former times people took refuge here from warfare. Recently, the locals say the ridge is supernatural: at night, red light often shines from the stone cliffs, and woodsmen who come to the cliff's edge are met with a strange fragrance." Song Jiang, upon hearing this, said, "So it matches Li Kui's dream after all." That day the army marched sixty li and made camp, encountering nothing of note along the way. In due course, they arrived south of Huguan, five li from the pass, and encamped.

Now, Huguan Pass originally lay at the eastern foot of the mountain. The mountain was shaped like a gourd, and the Han dynasty first established a pass here, hence the name Huguan. To the east of the mountain was Baodu Mountain, connected to the foot of Huguan. Huguan sat between the two mountains, eighty li south of Zhaode City—it was the strategic barrier of Zhaode. Tian Hu's eight fierce generals and thirty thousand elite troops garrisoned it. Those eight fierce generals were:

Shan Qishi, Lu Hui, Shi Ding, Wu Cheng,

Zhong Liang, Yun Zongwu, Wu Su, and Zhu Jing.

Now, Shan Qishi was originally the son of a wealthy family in Qinzhou. His strength was extraordinary, and he was fond of using spears and staves. Having killed a man and fearing punishment, he joined Tian Hu's forces. Having distinguished himself in battle, he was fraudently appointed Director of Troops and Horses. He habitually used a forty-catty iron rod, and his martial skills were highly refined. When Tian Hu learned that the court had dispatched Song Jiang and his army, he specially sent him to Zhaode, where he selected ten thousand elite troops to garrison Huguan alongside Lu Hui and the others. All military arrangements there were left to his discretion, without need to report to higher authority.

Shan Shigi arrived at Huguan and learned that Gaizhou had fallen. He reckoned that the Song army would certainly come to seize the pass, so he drilled his troops and fed his horses daily, preparing to meet the enemy. Suddenly a report came that the Song army had already camped five li south of the pass. Shan Shigi marshaled ten thousand cavalry, and together with Shi Ding, Zhu Jing, and Zhong Liang, each donned their armor and mounted their horses. They led their forces out of the pass to meet the enemy and formed up opposite the Song army.

Both sides arrayed their forces and used powerful crossbows and heavy bolts to secure the lines of their formations. Inside both camps, drums with painted drumheads of crocodilian hide were beaten, and embroidered banners of many colors fluttered. Where the gate-banner of the northern formation opened, a general took his horse and rode to the front. Observe how he was attired:

A bright helmet with phoenix-wing crests firmly worn,

Scale-mail armor layered heavily upon him.

A brocade crimson robe embroidered with floral patterns,

A lion-decorated belt studded with precious stones densely set.

A pure iron staff held stiffly upright,

A horse with black mane whinnied incessantly.

The newly arrived Grand General of Huguan—

This was Shan Shigi, the Mountain Commandant.

Shan Shigi shouted loudly: "Water-weald bandits, how dare you invade our frontier!" On the other side, "Leopard-Head" Lin Chong spurred his horse out of formation and roared: "Brute who aids tyranny! Heaven's army has arrived, yet you still resist!" He grasped his spear, drove his horse forward, and charged straight at Shigi. The two generals reached the heart of the battlefield, both armies shouted, the two riders crossed, four arms swung in all directions, eight horse-hooves flew in chaos. They fought for over fifty bouts with neither gaining the upper hand. Lin Chong secretly applauded. When Zhu Jing saw that Shiliqi could not prevail, he urged his horse forward with his saber to join the fray. On the other side, "Feather Arrow" Zhang Qing flew forth on horseback to meet him. Four horses on the battlefield fought in two pairs. Zhang Qing battled Zhu Jing for over twenty bouts, then Zhang Qing's strength began to falter, and he turned his horse to flee. Zhu Jing spurred his horse in pursuit. Zhang Qing reined in his flowered spear, reached into his brocade bag and took out a stone, twisted his body around, aimed at Zhu Jing's face, and let a stone fly, shouting: "Take this!" It struck Zhu Jing squarely in the hollow of his nose. He tumbled from his horse, blood gushing forth. Zhang Qing turned his horse and leveled his spear to stab him, but Shi Ding and Zhong Liang both charged out from the northern formation and rescued Zhu Jing at the cost of their lives. When those on the pass saw one of their generals struck down, they feared Shigi might be lost and sounded the gong to recall the troops. Song Jiang also ordered the gong to be sounded and his troops to withdraw to the camp. He consulted with Wu Yong, saying, "Today we struck down one of the bandit generals and somewhat blunted their sharpness. But I see the mountain terrain is rugged and the pass is strong and solid. What good strategy can we use to break through this pass?" Lin Chong said, "Tomorrow we should go to the pass and challenge them to battle. We must kill that bandit general, and all the brothers will strive to charge up the pass." Wu Yong said, "General, do not act rashly! Sun Wu Zi said: 'What cannot be conquered is defense; what can be conquered is attack.' This means that when the enemy cannot be defeated, we should defend ourselves; when the enemy can be defeated, then we attack." Song Jiang said, "The strategist's words are excellent."

The next day, Lin Chong and Zhang Qing came to report to Vanguard Commander Song, requesting to lead troops to challenge the enemy. Song Jiang instructed them: "Even if you win, you must not rashly advance onto the pass." He then ordered Xu Ning and Su Chao to lead troops to provide support. Lin Chong and Zhang Qing thereupon led five thousand soldiers and horses to wave banners and beat drums beneath the pass, hurling insults and challenging the enemy. From chen to wu, no movement was seen on the pass. Just as Lin Chong and Zhang Qing were about to return to camp, they suddenly heard a cannon shot from inside the pass. The pass gate opened, and Shan Shigi, together with Wu Su, Shi Ding, Wu Cheng, and Zhong Liang, led twenty thousand troops charging down. Lin Chong said to Zhang Qing, "The bandits are taking advantage of our fatigue. Let us strive forward with all our might." From the rear, Su Chao and Xu Ning led their troops forward together. Both sides formed ranks. Without any words, they sought out their opponents and fought. Lin Chong battled Wu Su. Shan Shigi rode out, and Zhang Qing met him with his pear-blossom spear. Wu Cheng and Shi Ding both charged out. Su Chao brandished his axe and leapt on horseback, single-handedly engaging the two generals. Both armies raised a continuous shout. Seven horses amid the shadows of war-dust and within the thick of killing-qi fought in pairs like shadows cast by flickering lanterns. Just as the battle reached its most heated moment, "Leopard-Head" Lin Chong gave a great shout and with a single thrust of his spear stabbed Wu Su from his horse. Wu Cheng and Shi Ding, fighting Su Chao, were already weakening. When they saw Wu Su fall from his horse, Shi Ding quickly feigned an opening and galloped back toward his own formation. Wu Cheng, seeing Shi Ding's defeat, tried to block Su Chao's axe and flee, but Su Chao swung his axe and hacked him in two. Seeing that he had lost two generals, Shan Shigi turned his horse and rode back to his formation. Zhang Qing pursued him and with a stone struck him on the back of his head, hitting his helmet with a clanging sound. Terrified, Shan Shigi bent low over his saddle and fled. Zhong Liang hastily led his troops back into the pass, but Lin Chong and the others drove their soldiers forward in a charge. The northern army was utterly routed. Shan Shigi led his troops in a chaotic scramble back through the pass and barely managed to close the gate. Lin Chong and the others charged straight up to the foot of the pass, but were driven back by arrows and stones shot down from above, and thus could not enter. Lin Chong had earlier been struck by an arrow in his left arm, so they withdrew to camp. Song Jiang ordered An Daozhong to treat Lin Chong's arrow wound. Fortunately, his armor was thick, so the injury was not serious, and nothing more need be said of it.

Now, when Shan Shigi entered the pass and counted his soldiers, he found he had lost over two thousand men and two generals. He consulted with his officers. On the one hand, he sent a man to the Prince of Jin at Weisheng, reporting that Song Jiang's troops were fierce and his generals fierce beyond reckoning, and that he could not resist them. He begged for the dispatch of able generals to garrison the pass, so that disaster might be averted. On the other hand, he secretly arranged with the garrison commanders of Baodu Mountain—Tang Bin, Wen Zhongrong, and Cui Ye—to lead elite troops quietly out from the east of Baodu to attack the Song army from the rear. They set a date and agreed to use a cannon shot as their signal. "From here I will lead my troops out of the pass and charge down. With two forces attacking from both sides, we will certainly win a complete victory." With these plans settled, they defended the pass firmly, waiting only for word from Tang Bin's side—but of this, no more for now.

Now, the Vanguard Commander Song, seeing that the terrain of Huguan was treacherous and that he could not break through in haste, had been holding out for over half a month. He was sitting in his tent in vexation when suddenly a report came that a man from Commander Guan of Weizhou had arrived with a letter containing urgent and secret matters. Song Jiang and Wu Yong hastily broke the seal and read the letter, which said:

The chief of Baodu Mountain stronghold, Tang Bin, had originally been an officer in Pudong. Brave and upright by nature, he had long been sworn brothers with Guan Sao. When a powerful local strongman framed him, Tang Bin flew into a rage and killed his enemy. The authorities pursued him urgently. At that time he had travelled south from Pudong, intending to join Liangshan, but while passing through this mountain he was waylaid. Tang Bin fought with the stronghold's own chiefs, Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye, and neither of the two could defeat him, so they invited Tang Bin to come up the mountain and made him their chief. In previous years, when Tian Hu had seized Huguan, he had demanded Tang Bin's submission. Tang Bin was unwilling at heart, but later seeing himself isolated, he reluctantly gave in. He merely stationed himself at the stronghold, serving as a supporting position for Huguan, in preparation for southern armies. Recently, hearing that Guan Sao was garrisoning Weizhou, on New Year's Day Tang Bin rode alone in secret to Weizhou and laid bare his long-standing feelings. He had long admired his elder brother's loyalty and righteousness and had originally wished to submit to the Celestial Court and surrender under his elder brother's banner, to establish merit and atone for his crimes. Guan Sao rode alone with Tang Bin to Baodu Mountain and found Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye to be open and forthright, without the least trace of meanness. The two men too wished to submit and made a secret pact to seize the opportunity to surrender the stronghold, as a means of advancing themselves.

Song Jiang studied the letter in detail and deliberated with Wu Yong. They held their troops back and did not move, watching only the situation inside the stronghold, ready to coordinate afterwards.

Now, Shan Shiqi had sent someone to secretly arrange with Tang Bin to quietly dispatch troops. A soldier reported, "At present the moon is bright as day. We should wait for the moon to wane before advancing, so that the enemy does not notice." Shan Shiqi said, "That makes sense." More than ten days passed in succession, and the Song army did not come to attack. Suddenly it was reported that Tang Bin, leading several riders, galloped from the side of Baodu Mountain into the stronghold. In a moment Tang Bin arrived at the stronghold and paid his respects to Shan Shiqi. Tang Bin said, "Tonight at the third watch, Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye will lead ten thousand troops, slipping out east of Baodu Mountain. The men will wear light armour and the horses' bells will will be removed. By dawn they will certainly reach the rear of the Song encampment. You must quickly prepare here to sally forth from the stronghold to meet them." Shan Shiqi said joyfully, "With a two-pronged attack, the Song troops are certain to be defeated!" Shan Shiqi set out wine to entertain him. At dusk, Tang Bin climbed up to the lookout and said, "Strange—in the starlight, it looks as if there are men reconnoitering outside the stronghold." Even as he spoke, he took two arrows from his attendant's quiver and shot them outside the stronghold. It was fated that this stronghold should fall. Outside there truly were several soldiers, by order of Song Jiang's vanguard general, secretly spying on conditions inside the stronghold from the shadows. Tang Bin's arrow struck a soldier squarely in the right thigh, but though the flesh ached from the blow, it seemed as if there were no arrowhead. The soldier, thinking this strange, drew out the arrow and examined it closely—it turned out that much silk was tightly wrapped around the arrowhead. The soldier knew there was some hidden message and raced back to the camp to report to Song Jiang. Song Jiang, by lamplight, opened it and found several lines of tiny characters—it was Tang Bin's secret pledge: "Tomorrow at dawn I shall surrender the stronghold. Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye will lead troops to slip up to the vanguard's camp rear. Wait only for the cannon signal, then sally forth from inside the stronghold to meet them. At that time Tang Bin will be there and will seize the opportunity to take the stronghold. The Song vanguard general is asked to prepare quickly to enter the stronghold." When Song Jiang had finished reading, he conferred secretly with Wu Yong to make preparations. Wu Yong said, "General Guan's judgment is surely without error. However, since the enemy troops are coming at us from behind, we cannot fail to prepare. We should order Sun Li, Zhu Tong, Shan Tinggui, Wei Dingguo, and Yan Shun to lead ten thousand troops, lower their banners and muffle their drums, and slip around to the rear of the camp. If they encounter the troops of the two generals Wen and Cui, do not allow them to press hastily upon our camp. Wait until our troops have taken this stronghold, and only then, upon hearing the report of the Heaven-and-Earth Mother signal cannon, allow them to approach. Also order Xu Ning and Suo Chao to lead five thousand troops and conceal themselves in ambush east of the camp; Lin Chong and Zhang Qing to lead five thousand troops and conceal themselves in ambush west of the camp. Let them listen only for the cannon signal within the camp, then both routes are to sally forth simultaneously to meet and join forces to storm the stronghold. Should our troops fall into some enemy stratagem, they can come to the rescue." Song Jiang said, "The Strategist's planning is excellent!" Thereupon orders were passed according to the plan, and the generals obeyed and went to make their preparations.

Now, Shan Shiqi, having received Tang Bin's message inside the stronghold, listened only for the sound of cannon fire from the Song camp rear. He waited until dawn, when suddenly he heard a string of cannon shots from the south of the stronghold. Tang Bin and Shan Shiqi climbed up to the lookout and saw dust rising behind the Song camp, their banners in disarray. Tang Bin said, "This must be the troops of Wen and the other general arriving. We must quickly sally forth to meet them!" Shan Shiqi and Shi Ding led ten thousand elite troops out first to charge, ordering Tang Bin and Lu Hui to lead ten thousand troops in support, while ordering Zhu Jing and Zhong Liang to remain stationed at the stronghold. At this point the Song troops, seeing troops charging out from the stronghold, hastily fell back. Shan Shiqi led the van and drove forward to the attack. Suddenly a cannon boomed, and from the left and right of the Song camp two columns of horsemen burst forth and charged forward. Tang Bin, seeing the two Song columns sally forth, hastily turned his horse and led his men to race up to the stronghold, planting himself spear in hand and horse before the gate. Shan Shiqi and Shi Ding were engaged in separate fighting when another cannon sounded from the Song camp, and Li Kui, Bao Xu, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun led their javelin-and-shield men rolling forward in attack. Shan Shiqi, knowing they were prepared, hastily called his troops back and mounted his horse to return to the stronghold. A general on horseback stood before the stronghold and shouted, "Tang Bin is here! Huguan already belongs to the Song. Shan Shiqi, quickly dismount and surrender!" His spear rose and fell, and he had already pierced Zhu Jing dead. Shan Shiqi was greatly shocked, at a loss what to do, and leading several dozen riders, broke desperately through to the west. Lin Chong and Zhang Qing, being intent on seizing the stronghold, did not pursue but led their men to storm up to the stronghold. By then Li Kui and the other foot soldiers, being swift and nimble, had already rushed up onto the stronghold. They immediately fired the signal cannon, and together with Tang Bin they pursued and killed the garrison soldiers, seizing Huguan. Zhong Liang was killed in the melee. Outside the stronghold, Shi Ding was unhorsed by Xu Ning. The northern troops scattered and fled in all directions, abandoning countless suits of armour and horses. Over two thousand were killed, more than five hundred were taken captive, and a great many surrendered.

Presently, Vanguard Song and the main army entered the pass in succession. Tang Bin dismounted and bowed before Song Jiang, saying: "I was a wanted man, but having heard of the Vanguard's benevolence and righteousness, I had long wished to join the great stronghold. Only, I had no means of introduction and could not gain an audience with you. Now Heaven has granted me this opportunity, allowing me to follow in your service and fulfill a lifelong wish." Having spoken, he bowed again. Song Jiang returned his bows repeatedly, hastily helping him up and saying: "Now that you have returned to the imperial cause and will join me in pacifying the rebels, when I return to court and report to the Son of Heaven, I shall ensure you receive due recognition." After this, General Sun Li, together with Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye, led the two detachments of troops and encamped outside the pass awaiting orders. Song Jiang issued commands summoning Wen and Cui into the audience hall for an audience. Sun Li and the others remained with their troops encamped outside the pass. Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye entered the pass and paid their respects to Vanguard Song, saying: "We are most fortunate to serve beneath your banner and wish to devote ourselves to your service." Song Jiang was greatly pleased and said: "You gentlemen have jointly captured this pass—no small feat. I shall record each of your merits in the ledger of achievements." He ordered a banquet for the following day to celebrate with Tang Bin and the others. He also took a count of the troops inside and outside the pass: over twenty thousand newly surrendered soldiers and more than a thousand captured war horses. The generals all came to present their accomplishments.

When Vanguard Song had finished rewarding the officers and soldiers, Song Jiang asked Tang Bin how many troops and commanders were in Zhaode Pass. Tang Bin replied: "The city originally had thirty thousand troops. Shan Shiqian selected ten thousand to defend the pass. There are still twenty thousand troops in the city, along with ten officers in total." These ten were:

Sun Qi, Ye Sheng, Jin Ding, Huang Yue, Leng Ning,

Dai Mei, Weng Kui, Yang Chun, Niu Geng, and Cai Ze.

Tang Bin also said: "Tian Hu relies on Huguo as a screen for Zhaode. Now that Huguo has fallen, Tian Hu has lost an arm. Though I am unworthy, I wish to serve as the vanguard in the attack on Zhaode." At that time, Geng Gong, the surrendered general from Lingchuan, volunteered to join Tang Bin as vanguard, and Song Jiang approved. Shortly afterward, Song Jiang said to Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye: "You two have long been stationed at Baodu Mountain and know the conditions there. Your reputation has been established for some time. I wish to have you lead your original troops back to encamp at Baodu, to hold that front. When I have taken Zhaode, I shall invite you to join me—what do you think?" Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye answered in unison: "How dare we disobey the Vanguard's command?" That same day, after the banquet, Wen and Cui took their leave of Vanguard Song and departed for Baodu.

The following day, Vanguard Song held court and ordered Dai Zong to ride to General Lu's camp at Jinning to gather intelligence and return with a report at once. Dai Zong obeyed the order and set out—no more of this here. Song Jiang and Wu Yong deliberated and divided the forces for the assault on Zhaode. Tang Bin and Geng Gong were to lead ten thousand troops to attack the East Gate; Su Chao and Zhang Qing were to lead ten thousand troops to attack the South Gate. The West Gate was left unassisted, to guard against relief troops arriving from Weisheng, lest the enemy attack from within and without simultaneously and cause confusion. Li Kui, Bao Xu, Xiang Cong, and Li Gun were ordered to lead five hundred infantry as a mobile force, moving back and forth to provide support. Sun Li, Zhu Tong, and Yan Shun were ordered to enter the pass with troops, together with Fan Rui and Ma Lin, to command the garrison and defend Huguo. Once the dispositions were complete, Vanguard Song and Wu Xueshou led the remaining officers, broke camp, and marched forward, encamping ten li south of Zhaode—no more of this here.

Here ends the thread, and we turn instead to this: When the bogus provincial officials of Weisheng received the urgent dispatches from Shan Shiqi, the garrison commander of Huguan, and Tian Biao of Jinning, they memorialized Tian Hu, saying that the Song forces were mighty and that Huguan and Jinning were both in dire peril. Tian Hu ascended the hall and deliberated with his commanders about sending reinforcements. Then from among the assembled officials stepped forward a man who wore a yellow Daoist cap and a crane-feather cloak. He advanced and memorialized: "Your Majesty, I volunteer to go to Huguan and drive back the enemy." This man's surname was Qiao; his given name was Lie. His ancestors had originally been from Jingyuan in Shaanxi. His mother, while pregnant, dreamed that a jackal entered her chamber and later transformed into a deer. When she awoke, she gave birth to Lie. From the age of eight, Qiao Lie loved playing with spears and staves. Wandering once on Mount Kongtong, he met a stranger who taught him sorcery—he could summon wind and rain, ride the mist and soar on the clouds. He also went to Erxian Mountain in Jiugong County to seek the Dao, but the Immortal Luo refused to see him. He sent a novice to tell Qiao Lie: "You are devoted to external arts and fail to grasp the profound mysteries. When you have met virtue that tames demons, then you may see me." Qiao Lie returned in a huff, relying on his arts and roaming without restraint. Because of his many sorcerous powers, people called him the "Sorcerous Demon Lord." Later he came to Anding Prefecture. That prefecture had suffered five months of scorching drought without a drop of rain. The prefect posted a notice: "Whoever prays successfully for rain shall be rewarded with three thousand strings of cash." Qiao Lie took down the notice, ascended the altar, and a great downpour fell. When the prefect saw there was enough rain, he paid no further mind to the reward. It was fated that Qiao Lie should run into trouble. In that locality there was a crooked old pedant named He Cai, who was on very close terms with the prefecture's treasury clerk. He Cai learned of the matter and incited the treasury clerk to give the greater part of the reward money as gifts to the prefect, while the remainder he embezzled for himself. He Cai and the treasury clerk also borrowed and lent among themselves, each skimming a bit of profit. The treasury clerk then gave Qiao Lie three strings of cash, saying: "With such high arts as yours, what use have you for this money? Our proper tax revenues are already insufficient for remittance—we are shifting funds from here to there. As for this reward money, follow my advice and deposit it in the treasury for now. When you need it, you can withdraw it gradually." When Qiao Lie heard this, he flew into a rage: "The reward money was originally contributed by the wealthy households of this prefecture. How dare you appropriate it as you please? The grain and funds in the treasury are the fat and blood of the people. You only think of embezzling to enrich yourself, spending on pleasure and pursuit of joy, ruining many great affairs of the state. I'll beat you to death, you filthy creature—it would rid the treasury of a pest!" He raised his fist and struck him in the face. The treasury clerk was a man wasted by wine and women, and moreover fat and corpulent. Before the fight even began he was already panting for breath—how could he possibly defend himself? On the spot Qiao Lie beat him with fists and kicks, pummeling him mercilessly. The clerk fled in disgrace, took to his bed for four or five days, and alas, died of his injuries. The clerk's wife and children lodged a complaint with the prefecture. The prefect also guessed seven parts of it—that the reward money had caused this affair. He issued official papers and sent men to summon the assailant Qiao Lie for questioning.

Qiao Lie learned of the matter and fled by night back to Jingyuan. He gathered his belongings, left home with his mother, and fled to Weisheng, where he changed his surname and given name, disguised himself as a "Complete Reality" Daoist, changed the character Lie to Qing, and took the clerical name Daoqing. Before long, Tian Hu raised a rebellion. Knowing that Daoqing had sorcerous arts, he lured him into the band. Daoqing fabricated demonical pronouncements, displayed his sorcery, and deluded the common people, aiding Tian Hu in seizing prefectures and counties. Tian Hu relied on Daoqing for every matter and falsely appointed him Guardian Inspiration True Man and Left Grand Chancellor of the Army. Only then did he reveal his surname, and so everyone called him the State Preceptor Qiao Daoqing.

Now Qiao Daoqing memorialized Tian Hu, offering to lead troops to Huguan to resist the enemy. Tian Hu said: "State Preceptor, you trouble yourself so on my behalf!" He had not finished speaking when Commander-in-Chief Sun An also ascended the hall and memorialized: "I volunteer to lead troops to relieve Jinning." Tian Hu conferred upon Qiao Daoqing and Sun An the title of Grand Marshal of the Southern Expedition, giving each twenty thousand troops. Qiao Daoqing further memorialized: "Huguan is in dire peril. I shall select light cavalry and hasten by starlight to its relief." Tian Hu was greatly pleased and ordered the Bureau of Military Affairs to assign officers and soldiers to accompany Qiao Daoqing and Sun An on the expedition. The Bureau received the order, selected the generals, and handed them over. Qiao Daoqing and Sun An mustered their troops and set out that very day.

This Sun An was a fellow townsman of Qiao Daoqing—he too was from Jingyuan. He stood nine feet tall, with a girth of eight spans around the waist. He knew military strategy well and possessed extraordinary strength. He had mastered an outstanding martial skill and customarily wielded a pair of twin swords of finest steel. Later, to avenge his father, he killed two men. Because the authorities were pursuing him urgently, he abandoned his family and fled. He had long been close friends with Qiao Daoqing. Hearing that Qiao Daoqing was with Tian Hu, he went to Weisheng and presented himself through Qiao Daoqing's good offices. Daoqing recommended him to Tian Hu. Having distinguished himself in resisting the enemy, he was falsely appointed Commander-in-Chief. Today he led ten lieutenant generals and twenty thousand troops to relieve Jinning. Who were these ten lieutenant generals? They were:

Mei Yu, Qin Ying, Jin Zhen, Lu Qing, Bi Sheng,

Pan Xun, Yang Fang, Feng Sheng, Hu Mai, and Lu Fang.

These ten lieutenant generals were all falsely appointed as commandants. Sun An took leave of Qiao Daoqing and led his troops toward Jinning—of this, no more for now.

As for Qiao Daoqing, he placed his twenty thousand troops under the command of Tuanlian Nie Xin and Feng, to follow behind, while he himself went ahead with four lieutenant generals. Those four were:

Lei Zhen, Ni Lin, Fei Zhen, and Xue Can.

The four assistant generals had all been falsely appointed as chief commanders. They followed Xiao Daocing, commanding two thousand elite soldiers, and hastened by day and night toward Zhaode. In less than a day, they arrived ten li outside the north of Zhaode. A cavalry scout came back to report: "Yesterday the Song soldiers broke through Huguan. Now they have divided their forces into three routes to attack the city of Zhaode." Upon hearing the report, Xiao Daocing flew into a rage and said: "These fellows are so impudent! Let them experience my methods." He led his troops and rushed forward. They happened to encounter Tang Bin and Geng Gong leading troops to attack the North Gate. Suddenly it was reported that over two thousand cavalry had arrived from the northwest. Tang Bin and Geng Gong formed ranks to meet the enemy. Xiao Daocing's troops had already arrived. The two armies faced each other, their banners and drums visible, though north and south were still a bowshot apart. Tang Bin and Geng Gong saw that in the northern ranks, four officers flanked a master who stood beneath a red silk canopy. What was this master's appearance? He wore a purple-gold fish-tail Daoist crown studded with jewels, a black-bordered fiery brocade crane cloak at his waist tied with a multicolored silk sash, and cloud-headed red square shoes on his feet. He carried a ancient Kunwu iron sword and sat on a snow-white silver-maned horse. He had eight-shaped eyebrows, deep-set eyes, a thick beard, and a square mouth whose voice resembled the tolling of a bell.

On the black flag before the master's horse, two lines of nineteen large characters were written in gold: "Protector of the State, Man of Inspired Wisdom, Grand Marshal of the Left, Grand Commander of the Southern Expedition, Xiao." After Geng Gong read this, he was alarmed and said: "This man is formidable!" Before the two armies could engage, Li Kui and his five hundred skirmishing troops suddenly arrived. Li Kui wanted to advance, but Geng Gong said, "This man is the most capable under the Prince of Jin. He can practice sorcery and is the most formidable." Li Kui said, "I will rush up and chop that bird of a man. What bird sorcery can he use?" Tang Bin also said, "General, do not underestimate the enemy." Li Kui would not listen. He brandished his axes and charged forward. Bao Xu, Xiang Cong, and Li Gun, fearing Li Kui might come to harm, led the five hundred round-shield and javelin men in a rolling charge. The master laughed heartily and shouted: "You fellows must not act so wildly!" Unhurried, he pointed his treasured sword toward the sky, muttered incantations, and cried: "Quick!" In broad daylight, a dark fog suddenly spread everywhere, fierce winds howled, and dust flew. A mass of black vapor enveloped Li Kui and his five hundred men, as if they had been swallowed into a black leather bag. Before their eyes there was not a sliver of light, and they could not move at all. In their ears they only heard the sounds of wind and rain, not knowing where they were. Though you are a heroic man, you cannot sprout wings and fly away. You may be a fire-headed Diamond King, but how can you escape the net of heaven and snare of earth? You may be an eight-armed Nezha, but it is hard to break free from the dragon's pool and tiger's den. What will become of Li Kui and the others in their peril, and whether they live or die—all this will be told in the next chapter.

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Water Margin (120-Chapter Edition)