Explore Chapter 36 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.
To tell of the heroes of Liangshan Marsh. After their great victory over Gao Qiu's three armies, the mountain stronghold grew ever more prosperous. On this day, Song Jiang was discussing matters with Wu Yong and Lu Junyi in the Hall of Righteousness and Loyalty when suddenly Dai Zong galloped back from the Eastern Capital with a report. He said that the Jin troops had invaded in two columns. The eastern route was led by Wolibu, the western by Zhanhan. They advanced with unstoppable force, having already captured several prefectures and were pressing straight toward Bianjing. The imperial court was thrown into panic and issued an edict summoning all armies to hasten to the emperor's aid.
Song Jiang heard the report and turned pale with shock. He said to Wu Yong, "Military Strategist, though the court has treated us unjustly, how can we allow the barbarians to trample the rivers and mountains of Cathay? Though we dwell in the marshes, we are still sons and daughters of Han. Now that the nation is in peril, how can we stand idly by?" Wu Yong pondered and said, "Elder brother speaks rightly. However, with treacherous ministers in power at court, if we deploy our entire force, I fear the mountain stronghold may be endangered. Moreover, for aiding the emperor, we must have an explicit imperial decree to justify our actions."
Lu Junyi said fervently, "Military Strategist worries too much! The Jin troops have wolfish ambitions. If Bianjing is not defended, the Central Plains will surely become a land of stench and filth. Even if we wish to cling to a corner in peace, how could we achieve it? The plan now is to swiftly select elite troops and fierce generals, march day and night to give aid, first lift the siege of the capital, and then discuss the rest."
Song Jiang nodded in agreement and beat the drum to summon the generals. Before long, the one hundred and eight Chieftains assembled in the Hall of Righteousness and Loyalty. Song Jiang recounted the invasion by the Jin troops and the peril of the capital. He declared sternly, "We brothers have upheld righteousness, distributed wealth, and acted in Heaven's name. For what purpose? Today, with foreign invaders encroaching and the nation in grave danger, it is precisely the time for us to repay our country. Those willing to follow me, Song, to aid the emperor, take one step forward!"
Before he finished speaking, a thunderous assent erupted from below the steps. All the Chieftains clenched their fists, eager for action, and cried in unison, "We will follow our elder brother and never shirk even ten thousand deaths!" Seeing their united will, Song Jiang was deeply moved. He consulted with Wu Yong and Lu Junyi and mustered ten thousand elite troops, loading all provisions and equipment. He selected eight cavalry Chieftains: Guan Sheng, Lin Chong, Qin Ming, Huyan Zhuo, Dong Ping, Zhang Qing, Xu Ning, Suo Chao; eight infantry Chieftains: Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, Liu Tang, Lei Heng, Li Kui, Yan Qing, Yang Zhi, Shi Jin; and two naval Chieftains: Li Jun and Zhang Shun-eighteen brave generals in total to accompany the expedition. The remaining Chieftains, led by Lu Junyi, would guard the mountain stronghold.
On an auspicious day, Song Jiang personally led the grand army, offering sacrifices to the banners before departure. Banners blotted out the sun, and spears and swords stood like a forest. Ten thousand warriors, each full of vigor. Song Jiang on horseback cupped his hands toward the brothers seeing them off and said, "The mountain stronghold is a crucial place, entirely reliant on Master Lu and you virtuous brothers to defend it. If we succeed in this endeavor, we will surely reunite. Even if something goes awry, we will not betray the loyal and righteous name of Liangshan Marsh!" Lu Junyi and the others parted with tears.
The army left the marshes and took the road toward the Eastern Capital. Along the way, they saw commoners fleeing south, supporting the old and carrying the young, a pitiful sight. Song Jiang, heartsick with worry and indignation, urged the troops to march swiftly. That day, a scout reported that the eastern route commander of the Jin troops, Wolibu, had crossed the Yellow River and camped at Mutuogang, encircling Bianjing tightly. Though Li Gang, Zhong Shidao, and others in the city were defending with all their might, reinforcements had not arrived, and the situation was desperate.
Wu Yong said, "The Jin troops are formidable. If we charge straight into their camp, we may not prevail. I hear that Wolibu is fond of wine and women, and his camp is disordered. We can divide our forces into two columns. One, led by Guan Sheng and Lin Chong, will display many banners, beat drums, and advance as a feint. The other, led by Qin Ming and Huyan Zhuo, will stealthily head to the north gate and raid the camp by night. Victory is assured." Song Jiang followed the plan. He ordered Guan Sheng and others to lead five thousand troops, falsely bearing the central army's banners, and advance with shouts. He himself, with Qin Ming, Huyan Zhuo, and others, led five thousand elite soldiers, moving silently and swiftly, detouring to the north of the city.
At the second watch that night, the moon was dark and the wind high. Qin Ming and Huyan Zhuo crept near the Jin camp. They saw scattered lights and heard no watch drums. Qin Ming was overjoyed. Brandishing his wolf-toothed mace, he charged in first. The soldiers of Liangshan Marsh, seeing their commanders brave, all erupted into action. Instantly, flames soared, and battle cries filled the sky. The Jin troops awoke from their sleep. Men had no time to don armor, horses no time to be saddled. They trampled each other, and countless died. Wolibu fled from the rear tent. In his panic, he seized a horse and galloped northwest.
Guan Sheng and Lin Chong, seeing the fires at the north gate, knew the raid had succeeded. They led their troops in a concerted attack. With both sides pressing, the Jin troops collapsed in defeat. The Liangshan Marsh army pursued for over ten miles, seizing countless horses and equipment. Only at dawn did they withdraw to the city walls.
The defending soldiers, seeing the reinforcements victorious, cheered so loudly it shook the earth. Li Gang personally ascended the wall and asked, "From where do you righteous troops come?" Song Jiang urged his horse forward, bowed, and replied, "I am Song Jiang, a righteous man from Liangshan Marsh. Hearing the capital in peril, I have come specifically to aid the emperor." Li Gang sighed, "I never imagined such loyal and righteous men existed among the marshes and lakes!" He then ordered the gates opened to welcome them in.
Song Jiang led his army into the city, not harming a single blade of grass. The commoners lined the streets to watch. Seeing the Liangshan Marsh forces mighty and disciplined, all sighed in admiration. Li Gang hosted a banquet in his residence to welcome Song Jiang and the others. During the feast, Li Gang raised his cup and said, "The merit of Master Song in relieving the siege shall be reported to the emperor. Rewards will surely follow." Song Jiang rose from his seat and said, "I have come not for wealth or honor, but only to drive out the barbarians and preserve the altars of state. If the court recognizes our humble efforts, I hope it will permit us to campaign northward, recover the lost territories. Even if we must sacrifice our lives, we would be content."
Just as they spoke, urgent news arrived. Zhanhan, hearing of the eastern route's defeat, was personally leading a great army in reinforcement and had already crossed the Yellow River. Li Gang's face changed color abruptly. Wu Yong said calmly, "Do not worry, Minister. Zhanhan has come from afar, and his advantage lies in swift battle. We can dig deep trenches and erect high ramparts, resting our troops while awaiting the weary foe. Additionally, dispatch a force to cut his supply lines. Within ten days, he will retreat of his own accord."
Li Gang approved the plan. He ordered Song Jiang's entire army to move outside the city, forming a pincer with the defenders within. Song Jiang returned to camp and immediately had soldiers dig moats and set up palisades, maintaining strict defense. He also sent Zhang Qing and Dong Ping with a thousand light cavalry to circle behind the enemy, specifically to raid the Jin troops' provisions.
When Zhanhan's great army arrived, they saw the Liangshan Marsh forces' fortifications stern and orderly, not daring to attack lightly. After several days of stalemate, provisions ran short, and morale gradually wavered. That night, fires suddenly erupted in the rear camp-Zhang Qing and Dong Ping had succeeded and returned. Zhanhan, fearing attacks from both front and rear, had no choice but to order a retreat.
Song Jiang, seeing the Jin troops move, knew they were withdrawing. He led the entire army in pursuit. The Jin troops, with no heart for battle, fled in great defeat. The Liangshan Marsh army chased them all the way to the banks of the Yellow River before calling back their troops. In this battle, thousands were beheaded, and countless supplies were captured. The siege of Bianjing was thus completely lifted.
The victory report entered the city, and Emperor Huizong was greatly pleased. He immediately ordered Li Gang to bring an imperial decree and royal wine to reward the troops outside the city. Song Jiang led the generals to welcome him into the camp. Kneeling, they listened to the decree, which contained nothing but words of praise, and ordered Song Jiang and the others to temporarily encamp outside the city, awaiting enfeoffment and rewards. Though the Chieftains rejoiced in their achievement, seeing that the court showed no immediate intent to employ them, their hearts could not help but feel downcast.
That night, the moonlight was like frost. Song Jiang and Wu Yong stepped out of the camp gate, gazing distantly at the towers and palaces of Bianjing. Song Jiang could not help but sigh, "We fought desperately against the invaders, not for rewards. I only fear that with treacherous ministers in power, loyal and good men are hard to tolerate. All this effort may again come to naught." Wu Yong said, "Elder brother, set your heart at ease. Since we have exerted ourselves for the royal house, all under heaven have witnessed it. Though villains may wish to harm us, how can they succeed? For now, let us reorganize our troops and horses to guard against another attack by the Jin troops." The two talked until midnight before returning to their tents to rest. Truly: Though their loyalty shines like the moon beyond the clouds, merit and fame remain trapped as flowers in the mist.