Explore Chapter 31 of '水浒新传' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
After the Liangshan heroes returned from Eastern Capital, Song Jiang and Wu Yong discussed the matter. They anticipated that the imperial court would certainly send an expedition. Sure enough, the Bureau of Military Affairs mobilized three armies from Qingzhou, Yizhou, and Daming Prefecture. These forces advanced separately and attacked jointly, intending to encircle and suppress the marsh. Lu Junyi was ordered to capture Yizhou in the east, while Guan Sheng stationed at Dongping. The two coordinated with each other. Meanwhile, Sun Hao rushed back to rescue Yizhou. On the way, he learned that the city had already fallen. He could only encamp his troops at the border, caught in a dilemma.
That night, the moon was dark and the wind high. Dai Zong led a light cavalry unit, wearing white scarves as a signal, and infiltrated near Sun Hao's camp. It was Wu Yong who had devised the plan, ordering Dai Zong to harass the enemy's rear and disrupt their morale. At the third watch, Dai Zong gave a whistle. The ambush troops from Liangshan Marsh emerged all at once. They shot flaming arrows, and the official army's tents immediately caught fire. Sun Hao awoke from his dream in alarm. He urgently ordered his men to fight back, but the soldiers were already in disarray.
At the same time, Guan Sheng outside Dongping city saw fires rising in the southeast. Knowing that Dai Zong had succeeded, he waved the red banner and led his cavalry in a charge. The red banner gleamed like blood in the firelight. Guan Sheng's Green Dragon Blade swept all before it. The official troops fled at the mere sight. Although Dou Yi and Gao Yun wished to defend to the death, the morale of their army had already collapsed. They had no choice but to abandon their camp and flee. In this battle, the Liangshan heroes' night raid succeeded. They achieved a great victory.
As dawn broke, Dai Zong and Guan Sheng joined forces and tallied the spoils. They captured countless provisions and weapons. Song Jiang at Liangshan Marsh received the news of victory and was overjoyed. He issued orders to reward the three armies. Wu Yong said, "Though this is but a minor victory, the imperial court will certainly not rest. We must quickly prepare our defenses to guard against future troubles." All the Chieftain agreed. Each began drilling their troops, as need not be said.