Chapter 96

Chapter 96

The tale continues: the master who had broken Qiao Daocing's sorcery within the Song ranks was none other than "Dragon in the Clouds" Gongsun Sheng. He had received the orders of the Song vanguard commander in Weizhou and had hastened to the army's front by night alongside Wang Ying, Zhang Qing, Jie Zhen, and Jie Bao. He entered the camp to pay his respects to the vanguard commander, Song Jiang, and happened upon the very moment when Qiao Daocing was displaying his demonic arts and had defeated Fan Rui. That day was the eighth day of the second lunar month, and the cyclical characters were Wu-Wu, Wu belonging to Earth. Gongsun Sheng at once summoned the celestial generals of the heavenly stems to overcome that Ren and Gui Water, sweep away the demonic miasma, and reveal the blue sky and bright sun. Song Jiang and Gongsun Sheng rode together to the front of the battle line and saw Qiao Daocing, his face covered with shame, leading his troops in flight toward the south. Gongsun Sheng said to Song Jiang, "Qiao Daocing's arts are defeated and he is in flight. If we let him enter the city, he will strike deep roots and establish himself firmly. Brother, quickly issue orders for Xu Ning and Su Chao to lead five thousand troops by the eastern road to cut south to the Nanmen gate and block his escape route. Wang Ying and Sun Xin are to lead five thousand troops in a dash to the West Gate to intercept him. When Qiao Daocing arrives in defeat, merely block his road into the city—there is no need to engage him in battle." Song Jiang followed the plan and issued the orders, dispelling the various commanders to carry them out as commanded.

It was now the hour of the Si period. Song Jiang and Gongsun Sheng led Lin Chong, Zhang Qing, Tang Long, Li Yun, Hu San-niang, and Gu Dasao—seven chieftains in all—with twenty thousand troops in pursuit. The northern generals Lei Zhen and others protected Qiao Daocing as they fought and retreated. Ahead, more troops appeared—Sun Qi and Nie Xin had come with reinforcements, and the forces joined together. They had scarcely reached the Wulong Mountain Stockade when they heard the Song troops behind them beating gongs and drums, their battle cries shaking the heavens as they flew in pursuit. Sun Qi said, "National Preceptor, enter the stockade and encamp there. Let us decide this with them in a fight to the death." Qiao Daocing had boasted before his generals, and besides, since practicing his arts he had never met an opponent; now, pressed by the Song troops, he was consumed with shame and fury. He said to Sun Qi, "You all fall back. Let me go forward to face the enemy." He immediately drew up his troops in formation, riding at the head of the line, with Lei Zhen and the other generals clustered around him on both sides. Qiao Daocing cried out at the top of his lungs, "You waterlogged bandits from the marshes—how dare you bully people like this! I shall once more decide victory or defeat with you!" Now Qiao Daocing had grown up in Jingyuan, in the extreme northwest, far removed by distance from Shandong; he knew no particulars about Song Jiang and his band of brothers.

At this moment, in the Song ranks the banners were waved to the left and right, rising and falling, as battle formations were drawn up. The two armies faced each other; painted horns were sounded and battle drums thundered together. In the southern formation, yellow banners stirred, and where the gate-banners parted, two horsemen rode out. On the middle horse sat the man of Shandong, "Protector of Righteousness" and "Timely Rain" Song Gongming. On the horse to the left sat "Dragon in the Clouds" Gongsun Yiqing, holding a sword in his hand, pointing at Qiao Daocing and saying, "Your learning is all of the heterodox path—you have never heard the true Dismon. Dismount and submit at once!" Qiao Daocing looked closely and saw it was indeed the master who had broken his arts. He observed: a star-adorned crown with gathered jade, a crane-feather robe threaded with gold. His nine-palace robes shone like clouds and mist; the six-Jia winds and thunder were concealed within his precious formulas. About his waist he wore a sash of variegated colored silk; in his hand he brandished an ancient sword of pine-grain pattern. He wore a pair of cloud-seamed crimson court shoes and rode a tall, spirited horse with a yellow mane. His brows were like the eight characters of divination, his eyes like apricot kernels, and he had a full beard that covered his mouth and hung upon his cheeks.

At that moment, Qiao Daqing said to Gongsun Sheng, "My magic happened to fail today—how could I simply submit to you?" Gongsun Sheng replied, "Do you still dare to flaunt that wretched sorcery?" Qiao Daqing shouted, "You look down on me too! Watch my magic again!" Qiao Daqing gathered his spirit, muttered incantations, and waved his hand toward Fei Zhen. Suddenly the steel-tipped spear in Fei Zhen's hand seemed to be snatched away by an invisible force. It flew up like a soaring serpent and thrust toward Gongsun Sheng. Gongsun Sheng pointed his sword at Qin Ming: the wolf-toothed staff immediately left Qin Ming's hand, met the flying spear, and the two weapons clashed in midair, whirling like the wind. Both armies cheered repeatedly. With a thunderous crash, the wolf-toothed staff in the air struck the spear down. It fell with a thud and plunged into the northern army's war drum, piercing straight through it. The drum-keeper turned ashen with fright. The wolf-toothed staff, however, returned to Qin Ming's hand as though it had never left it. The Song army laughed until their eyes squeezed shut. Gongsun Sheng cried, "You're showing off your axe before a master carpenter!"

Qiao Daqing again formed hand seals and chanted spells. He waved his hand toward the north and shouted, "Now!" From the hollow behind the northern army's camp at Wulong Mountain, a mass of black clouds suddenly rose. Within the clouds appeared a black dragon, scales bristling and mane fluttering, flying forward. Gongsun Sheng laughed heartily and waved his hand toward Wulong Mountain as well. From the mountain hollow, a yellow dragon shot forth like a streak of lightning, half in cloud and half in mist, to meet the black dragon. They clashed in midair. Qiao Daqing called again, "Green dragon, come quickly!" From the mountaintop flew a green dragon, and behind it a white dragon, rushing forward to join the battle. Both armies watched, dumbfounded. Qiao Daqing brandished his sword and shouted, "Red dragon, come forth and help!" In moments, another dragon—red—soared up from the mountain hollow and flew into the fray. Five dragons writhed chaotically in the sky, corresponding to the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, each generating and overcoming the other, tangled into a furious mass. A great wind arose, and the standard-bearers in both camps were swept off their feet, tumbling dozens of men over. Gongsun Sheng held his sword in his left hand and hurled his horsetail whisk into the air with his right. The whisk tumbled in the sky, transformed into a bird like a wild goose, and took flight. Gradually it rose higher and higher, soaring upward until it reached the highest heavens, transforming into a great roc with wings like clouds hanging from the sky. It swooped down upon the five dragons. There was a crackling sound like thunder splitting the blue sky, and the roc struck the five dragons so hard their scales and armor scattered in all directions. Now, Wulong Mountain had long been known for its supernatural qualities—five-colored clouds often appeared above it. The Dragon God had appeared in dreams to the local people, so they had built a temple enshrining a spirit tablet of the Dragon King. Following the five directions, they had molded five dragons—green, yellow, red, black, and white—coiled around pillars, all made of clay, gilded, and painted in bright colors. These had been summoned by the two men's magic to fight, but Gongsun Sheng had used his horsetail whisk to transform it into a great roc, which beat the five clay dragons to pieces and sent them raining down upon the northern army's heads. The northern army cried out in panic, unable to escape. The old, dried clay chunks struck faces and foreheads, breaking skin and causing blood to gush. Over two hundred men were wounded on the spot, and the army scattered in chaos. Qiao Daqing was helpless and could do nothing to free himself. A yellow clay dragon tail fell from the sky and struck Qiao Daqing on the head, nearly cracking it open and crushing his Taoist crown flat. Gongsun Sheng waved his hand, and the great roc vanished without a trace, the horsetail whisk returning to his hand. When Qiao Daqing tried to use his sorcery again, Gongsun Sheng deployed the power of the "Five Thunders Orthodox Method." A golden-armored divine being appeared above his head and roared, "Qiao Lie, dismount and submit to capture!" Qiao Daqing mumbled and chanted desperately, but not the slightest bit of his magic worked. In a panic, Qiao Daqing raised his hands helplessly and galloped back toward his own lines. Lin Chong spurred his horse and gave chase with his spear, shouting, "Wicked priest, don't flee!" From the northern ranks, Ni Lin seized his horse and sword to intercept. Lei Zhen galloped forward with his halberd to assist, while Tang Lung flew in on horseback, wielding his iron melon hammer to block him. Both armies roared their war cries as the four generals paired off and fought before the ranks. Ni Lin battled Lin Chong for over twenty exchanges without a decisive result. Lin Chong spotted an opening and thrust his spear into the horse's leg. The horse collapsed, throwing Ni Lin to the ground, and Lin Chong drove his spear straight into Ni Lin's chest, killing him. Lei Zhen was locked in fierce combat with Tang Lung when he saw Ni Lin fall from his horse. He feigned an opening, turned his horse, and fled. Tang Lung overtook him and brought the iron melon hammer down on his crown, shattering helmet and skull together, and Lei Zhen died beneath his horse. Song Jiang pointed with the tip of his whip, and Zhang Qing, Li Yun, Hu Sanlang, and Gu Dasao charged forward together. The northern army fell into chaos, scattering in all directions to flee for their lives, and great numbers were killed.

Sun Qi, Nie Xiu, Fei Zhen, and Xue Can protected Qiao Daqing. They abandoned the Wulong Mountain stronghold and led their troops toward Zhaode. As they rounded the slope, still six or seven li from the city, they heard war drums thundering and battle cries rising ahead. From a path to the east burst a force of soldiers, led by the two generals "Golden Spearman" Xu Ning and "Urgent Vanguard" Su Chao. Before the two armies could engage, inside Zhaode City, seeing the fighting outside, the garrison commanders Dai Mei and Wukui led five thousand troops out through the southern gate to provide support. Xu Ning and Su Chao divided their forces to meet them. Su Chao took two thousand men to face the northern force. Dai Mei led the way and fought Su Chao for over ten exchanges before Su Chao swung his gold-dusted axe and cut him in two. Wukui hastily led his troops back into the city. Su Chao pursued and killed, slaying over a hundred northern soldiers, chasing them all the way to the foot of the southern gate. By then Wukui's men had already entered the city. They quickly raised the drawbridge and shut the city gates tight. Rolling logs and stones rained down from the battlements like a storm, and Su Chao had no choice but to withdraw his troops.

Xu Ning, meanwhile, led three thousand troops to block the retreat of the northern army. Although the northern forces had suffered a defeat, they still numbered over twenty thousand. Sun Qi and Nie Xin engaged Xu Ning's troops. Fei Zhen and Xue Can, having no desire to continue fighting, led five thousand soldiers to protect Daoist Qiao and flee westward. Here, Xu Ning fought fiercely against Sun Qi and Nie Xin, but the northern troops surrounded him—outnumbered and alone, he was nearly trapped in their midst. Fortunately, Su Chao and Song Jiang arrived from the north and south respectively. Unable to withstand attacks from three sides, Sun Qi and Nie Xin faltered. Nie Xin was struck in the left arm by Xu Ning's golden spear and fell from his horse, trampled to mud beneath men and horses. Sun Qi tried to fight his way out, but Zhang Qing caught up with him, drove a spear into his back, and he tumbled from his mount. The northern army suffered a catastrophic defeat. Of thirty thousand troops, more than half were killed. Corpses littered the fields and blood flowed like rivers. They abandoned countless drums, banners, armor, and horses, while the remaining soldiers scattered in all directions.

Song Jiang, Gongsun Sheng, Lin Chong, Zhang Qing, Tang Long, Li Yun, Hu Sanniang, and Gu Dasao joined forces with Xu Ning and Su Chao, mustering a combined force of twenty-five thousand. They learned that Daoist Qiao, together with Fei Zhen and Xue Can, had fled westward with five thousand troops and wished to pursue them. By then it was already the hour of the Shen period (3–5 p.m.), and the soldiers had been fighting all day, exhausted and hungry. Song Jiang, the vanguard commander, was about to withdraw to camp for food and rest when a report came: Military Advisor Wu Yong, knowing that Song Jiang and his troops had been engaged for a long time, had specially ordered Fan Rui, Shan Tinggui, and Wei Dingguo to marshal ten thousand soldiers, prepare torches and firebrands, and come to reinforce them. Song Jiang was overjoyed. Gongsun Sheng said, "Since these reinforcements have arrived, elder brother and the other chiefs may return to camp to eat and rest. This younger brother will lead Fan, Shan, and Wei and pursue Daoist Qiao, determined to subdue that fellow." Song Jiang said, "I rely on your divine powers, worthy brother, to deliver us from calamity. You have come a long way and must be weary. Return with us to the main camp and rest—we can deal with this tomorrow. Daoist Qiao's magic is broken and his schemes exhausted; I reckon he poses no further threat." Gongsun Sheng said, "Elder brother, you do not know this. Our master, the Realist Luo, often told me: 'In Jingyuan there is a Qiao Lie. He has the bones of a true Daoist and once came to seek the Way. I turned him away for a time, for his demonic heart was still strong, and it was the fate of the creatures of the lower world to create evil—their killing had not yet run its course. Later his demonic heart will gradually recede, and when the time comes, he will encounter virtue and submit. The opportunity will arise for you to meet him—you may enlighten him. Later he too will attain profound understanding, and in days to come he will be of use.' This younger brother, obeying his command, came to Weizhou and inquired along the road about the sorcerer's background. General Zhang said that the surrendered general Geng Gong knew his history well—this Daoist Qiao was none other than Qiao Lie of Jingxian. Just now I saw that his magic was on par with my own, but this younger brother has received the True Master Luo's transmission of the 'Five Thunders Orthodox Method,' and so was able to break his spells. This city is called Zhao-de—'Encountering Virtue'—which accords perfectly with our master's prophecy that 'when virtue is encountered, the demon will submit.' If we let him escape, and this man falls further into demonic delusion, we will have violated our master's sacred instruction. This opportunity must not be missed. This younger brother will lead the troops in pursuit at once and subdue him when the moment is right." With these few words, Song Jiang's mind was opened wide, and he thanked him profusely. He then led the generals and their troops back to camp to eat and rest. Gongsun Sheng, together with Fan Rui, Shan Tinggui, and Wei Dingguo, led ten thousand troops in pursuit of Daoist Qiao—but of this, no more for now.

As for Daoist Qiao, together with Fei Zhen and Xue Can, he led the five thousand shattered troops and fled west of Zhao-de City, hoping to enter through the west gate. Suddenly drums and horns sounded in unison, and from behind a dense forest ahead, a force flew out. The two leading generals were "Shorty" Wang Ying and "Little Yuchi" Sun Xin, at the head of five thousand soldiers. They spread out their formation and blocked the road. Fei Zhen and Xue Can fought desperately to break through. But Sun Xin and Wang Ying, acting on Gongsun Sheng's orders, merely prevented them from entering the city—they did not pursue or attack, allowing them to flee northward instead. Within the city, the defenders learned that Daoist Qiao's magic had failed and that he had suffered a crushing defeat. With Song's forces so powerful, they feared for the city's safety and kept the gates tightly shut—they dared not come out to reinforce him.

Before long, Sun Xin and Wang Ying saw Gongsun Sheng arrive in swift pursuit with Fan Rui, Shan Tinggui, and Wei Dingguo. Gongsun Sheng said, "You two chiefs, return to the main camp to eat and rest. This poor priest will pursue him myself." Sun Xin and Wang Ying obeyed and returned to camp. By then it was the hour of the You period (5–7 p.m.). Daoist Qiao, together with Fei Zhen and Xue Can, led their battered troops in frantic flight—as desperate as a dog that has lost its home, as frantic as a fish that has slipped through the net—galloping northward. Gongsun Sheng, with Fan Rui, Shan Tinggui, and Wei Dingguo, led ten ten thousand troops in close pursuit behind them. Gongsun Sheng called out loudly, "Daoist Qiao, dismount and submit! Do not remain obstinate!" Daoist Qiao, from his horse ahead, called back, "Each man serves his own master—why do you press me so hard?" By now darkness had fallen. The Song soldiers lit torches and firebrands, and the firelight shone as bright as day. Daoist Qiao looked around—only Fei Zhen, Xue Can, and thirty or so riders remained at his side; the rest of his men had already scattered in all directions. Daoist Qiao drew his sword to cut his own throat, but Fei Zhen hastily seized it and said, "Master, there is no need for this." He pointed toward a mountain ahead and said, "That ridge can hide us." Exhausted and at his last extremity, Daoist Qiao rode into the mountain with the two generals. Northeast of Zhao-de City lay the Baigu Ridge, said to be where Shennong tasted the hundred grains. In the mountains stood a temple to Shennong. Daoist Qiao, with Fei and Xue, quartered themselves in the Shennong Temple, with only fifteen or sixteen riders remaining. It was only because Gongsun Sheng wished to subdue him that he was allowed to flee into the ridge. Had the Song troops caught up, even ten thousand Daoist Qiao's would have been killed.

Without further ado, it must be told that Gongsun Sheng, having learned that Daoqing Qiao had retreated into Baigu Ridge, immediately divided his troops into four columns and established encampments, surrounding Baigu Ridge on all four sides. By the second watch of the night, fires suddenly flared up on both the eastern and western fronts—it was Song Jiang returning to camp, who had ordered Lin Chong and Zhang Qing to each lead five thousand men on a night reconnaissance. They joined forces with Gongsun Sheng, making a combined force of twenty thousand troops, who divided into separate camps to besiege Daoqing Qiao—but of this, no more for now.

It must be told that the next day, Song Jiang learned through his scouts that Daoqing Qiao was besieged by Gongsun Sheng and his troops at Baigu Ridge. He at once took counsel with Military Advisor Wu on the plan to take the city. He ordered the main army to break camp and march to the walls of Zhaode. Song Jiang dispatched his officers to Zhaode, surrounding it so tightly that not a drop of water could have leaked through. The defending commander within the city, Ye Sheng, and his men held fast to the walls. The Song troops launched assaults for two consecutive days, yet the city did not fall. Song Jiang, in his camp south of the city, seeing the attacks fail, was deeply troubled. Li Kui and the others had been trapped within—he knew not whether they lived or died—and tears streamed involuntarily down his face. The military advisor Wu Yong consoled him: "Brother, do not distress yourself. With but a few sheets of paper, this city will be ours with the greatest ease." Song Jiang asked eagerly: "What stratagem does the Military Advisor have in mind?"

At this point, the military advisor Wu, calm and unhurried, folded two fingers together and laid out this plan. And it came to pass—without bloodshed the lone city fell, soldiers laid down their arms and the people knew peace. But what exactly did the military Advisor Wu say? Listen to the explanation in the next chapter.