Explore Chapter 46 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.
Now, in his camp, Yang Xiong received a report from his scout stating that the main force of the Jin troops was only thirty li from the city. Yang Xiong then discussed with He Youcai and decided to raid the enemy camp at the third watch that very night. As dusk fell, Yang Xiong ate a hearty battle meal in his camp, donned his full armor, took up his simple blade, and quietly led five hundred crack troops out of the city, heading up the road from which the Jin troops were coming. The moonlight was faint and the starlight dim. Yang Xiong led his men for over ten li until they reached a hillside. He ordered his soldiers to lie in ambush deep within a grove of trees, waiting for the Jin troops to arrive before launching their attack. They waited for one whole watch, but there was no sign of movement from the Jin troops. Growing anxious, Yang Xiong ordered his men to bring out the wine they carried with them. They all drank a few bowls to bolster their courage. These five hundred soldiers were all Yang Xiong's trusted men, fond of wine in ordinary times. That night, as they set out to raid the camp, each had brought along a gourd of wine. Yang Xiong himself took out a large gourd, pulled the stopper, tilted his head back, and gulped down more than half of it. After drinking, his body grew warm and his spirits soared. Disregarding the late hour and the heavy dew, he pressed on with his troops.
They advanced another five or six li and arrived at a village. Not a single light was on inside the village, and all was silent. Yang Xiong ordered his men to rest on the village's threshing ground outside. He himself took a dozen or so trusted aides and entered the village, hoping to find some villagers and ask for news. When they reached the gate of one house and pushed it, it swung open, unlatched. Yang Xiong pushed the door open and entered. In the central room, he saw a table with an oil lamp lit upon it. Under the lamp lay a large platter of cooked beef and a jar of wine. The aroma of wine filled the air. Overjoyed at the sight, Yang Xiong ordered his aides to carry the beef and the wine jar out to the threshing ground to share with the soldiers. Having marched half the night, the men were hungry. Seeing the wine and meat, they swarmed forward, grabbing and devouring. Yang Xiong also sat on a stone roller, drinking wine by the bowlful and eating large chunks of meat with great gusto.
In the midst of their feasting, a sudden gong sounded. All around the village, torches blazed and war cries thundered. Yang Xiong, greatly alarmed, leapt to his feet, sword in hand. In the torchlight, he saw a Jin general on horseback, brandishing a great blade and shouting, "Yang Xiong! You have fallen into my Marshal's trap! Dismount and submit!" Yang Xiong looked up and recognized the Jin general Wulingsimou. As it turned out, Helise had anticipated that Yang Xiong, brave but lacking in cunning, would certainly come to raid the camp. He had dispatched Wulingsimou to set an ambush here, deliberately leaving wine and meat in the village to lure Yang Xiong in. Enraged, Yang Xiong roared, "You barbarian cur! How dare you use such treachery!" He swung his blade and charged straight at Wulingsimou. Wulingsimou raised his blade to meet him. They fought less than ten bouts. The wine surged up in Yang Xiong's head. He felt dizzy, his vision blurred, and his limbs grew weak. It turned out the wine had been drugged with knockout powder. Unable to hold on, Yang Xiong was overwhelmed when Wulingsimou gave a great shout, knocked aside the simple blade, and with a swift, simian-like movement, pulled Yang Xiong alive onto his own horse. The five hundred soldiers, having also drunk the drugged wine, staggered about drunkenly and were all tied up by the Jin troops.
Overjoyed at having captured Yang Xiong, Wulingsimou escorted him back to the main camp overnight to see Helise. Helise ascended his command tent and ordered Yang Xiong to be brought forward. Yang Xiong stood without kneeling, his eyes blazing with anger. Helise smiled and said, "General Yang, you are a fine warrior. Why not submit to our great Jin? I guarantee you wealth and honor." Yang Xiong cursed, "Ignorant barbarian cur! I, Yang Xiong, am a man of the Great Song in life and a ghost of the Great Song in death! How could I surrender to you!" Furious, Helise shouted the order to have him beheaded. From beside him, the Military StrategistHamichi stepped forward and whispered in Helise's ear, "Marshal, this man is a famous Chieftain from Liangshan Marsh, exceptionally brave and fierce. Killing him would be a pity. It is better to imprison him for now and gradually persuade him to surrender. He might even be useful in inducing Song Jiang and the others to submit." Helise nodded in agreement. He ordered Yang Xiong to be locked in a prison cart and placed under strict guard. He then rewarded Wulingsimou and the other soldiers.
Now, back in the city, Tang Long waited until after the fourth watch. When Yang Xiong did not return, he sensed something was amiss. He hurriedly discussed with He Youcai, who was also panicked and at a loss. Tang Long said, "Brother Yang must have fallen into a trap and been captured. We must go to Liangshan Marsh for help immediately." He Youcai said, "But the Jin troops have the city surrounded. How can we get out?" Tang Long replied, "I have a plan." He returned to his own room, fetched a packet of gold and silver, kept it on his person, and selected ten shrewd soldiers, each riding a swift horse. At the fifth watch, as the sky grew faintly light, Tang Long opened the city gates. With a great shout, the ten riders flew out of the city like arrows. The Jin troops' encampment was not yet fully secured. Tang Long charged through in a wild rush and actually managed to break through the tight encirclement. The Jin troops could not stop them and reported to Helise. Helise, thinking it was merely a small band of Song troops fleeing in defeat, did not pay it much heed.
Having broken through the encirclement, Tang Long dared not delay. With the ten soldiers, he whipped his horse into a gallop, heading in the direction of Liangshan Marsh. Along the way, passing through prefectures and counties, Tang Long claimed they were on urgent official military business. No one hindered them. After a day's journey, they reached the edge of Liangshan Marsh. They saw only a vast expanse of water and thickets of reeds, with no path in sight. Having once accompanied Song Jiang to Liangshan Marsh, Tang Long remembered Zhu Gui's tavern. He searched along the lakeshore. After half a day, he finally found the tavern nestled in a mountain hollow. Tang Long dismounted and entered. He saw Zhu Gui at the counter, doing accounts. Tang Long stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "Brother Zhu Gui, it is I, Tang Long. I have urgent military news and must see Brother Song Gongming." Zhu Gui looked up and recognized the Golden Coin LeopardTang Long. He said hastily, "So it's Brother Tang Long! Why are you in such a panic?" Tang Long then recounted how Yang Xiong had been captured at Watering Gully and how he himself had broken out to seek help. Zhu Gui said, "Brother, wait a moment. I will go up the mountain and report immediately." He instructed a waiter to arrange food and drink for Tang Long and his men. He himself fetched a whistling arrow, went outside the tavern, and shot it into the reeds. Before long, a small boat emerged from the reed marshes. Zhu Gui led Tang Long onto the boat, which sailed directly for Golden Sand Beach.
When the boat reached Golden Sand Beach, Zhu Gui led Tang Long up the mountain to the front of the Hall of Righteousness and Loyalty. It so happened that Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, and other Chieftains were discussing matters in the hall. Zhu Gui led Tang Long into the hall. Upon seeing Song Jiang, Tang Long prostrated himself and wept aloud. Song Jiang, startled, asked the reason. Tang Long then reported in detail the fall of Watering Gully and the capture of Yang Xiong. Hearing this, Song Jiang was greatly alarmed. He said, "Brother Yang Xiong is in peril! How can we not rescue him?" Wu Yong said, "Elder Brother, do not be hasty. Although Watering Gully is lost, Chieftains such as Li Ying and Hu Sanniang remain there and can certainly hold firm. The Jin troops are powerful. We must devise a long-term strategy." Lu Junyi said, "The Military Strategist's words are reasonable, but rescuing someone is like putting out a fire. Delay leads to complications. We should dispatch troops swiftly to rescue them." Song Jiang said, "Brother Lu Junyi is absolutely right. Which brother is willing to lead troops to aid Watering Gully and rescue Brother Yang Xiong?" Suddenly, the Black WhirlwindLi Kui leapt up and shouted, "Brother, Iron Ox will go! I will surely chop off that barbarian marshal's donkey head and rescue Brother Yang Xiong!" Song Jiang said, "You reckless fellow! On this expedition, you must follow military orders." Li Kui muttered his assent repeatedly.
Song Jiang then mustered the five Tiger Generals of the cavalry-Guan Sheng, Lin Chong, Qin Ming, Huyan Zhuo, and Dong Ping. For the infantry, he called Chieftains Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, Li Kui, Liu Tang, and Yan Qing. For the naval forces, he called Chieftains Li Jun, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, Ruan Xiao'er, Ruan Xiaowu, and Ruan Xiaoqi. Along with eight thousand infantry and cavalry soldiers and two hundred warships, they descended the mountain that very day. Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, and others were left to guard the mountain stronghold. Song Jiang personally commanded the central army, appointing Guan Sheng as the vanguard, with Lin Chong and Qin Ming as the left and right wings. The naval forces provided support along the river. With three signal cannon blasts, the mighty army left Liangshan Marsh and advanced toward Watering Gully. Truly it was: A sense of righteous loyalty, deep as the sea, Sets in motion a heroic host that shakes the earth. How exactly Song Jiang proceeded with the rescue will be told in the next chapter.
Seeing the army had set out, Tang Long felt somewhat reassured. Song Jiang ordered Tang Long to accompany the army as a guide. The army marched by day and camped by night. After more than a day's journey, scouts reported they were only fifty li from Watering Gully. Song Jiang then ordered the camp to be set up and summoned all the Chieftains for discussion. Guan Sheng said, "The Jin troops have only recently taken Watering Gully and are not yet firmly established. Our army should raid their camp by night for a complete victory." Lin Chong said, "No. The Jin troops, having used a ruse to capture Yang Xiong, are surely prepared. Raiding their camp might play right into their trap." Though Wu Yong had not come along, he had given Song Jiang a set of silk pouches before departure. Song Jiang now opened the first pouch. It read: "The Jin troops, newly victorious, will certainly be arrogant. First, send a small force to provoke them and lure them into battle. Then use an ambush to defeat them." Song Jiang proceeded according to this plan.
The next day, Song Jiang ordered Qin Ming to lead a thousand cavalry to challenge the Jin camp. Upon hearing the report, Helise ordered Wulingsimou to lead three thousand troops out of the camp to meet the enemy. The two forces arrayed themselves opposite each other. Qin Ming brandished his wolf-tooth mace and charged straight at Wulingsimou. After fighting over thirty bouts, Qin Ming feigned defeat and fled. Wulingsimou spurred his horse in pursuit. Chasing past a hillside, he suddenly heard a cannon blast. From the left, Lin Chong, and from the right, Guan Sheng, two forces charged out simultaneously, surrounding Wulingsimou at the center. Qin Ming turned his horse and joined the attack. Though Wulingsimou was brave, how could he withstand three tiger generals from Liangshan Marsh? They fought only a short while before Guan Sheng's blade struck his horse's leg. The horse stumbled and fell, throwing Wulingsimou to the ground, where he was captured alive by Lin Chong and Qin Ming. Seeing their commander captured, the Jin troops scattered and fled. The Liangshan Marsh forces pressed their advantage, killing many and seizing countless horses and weapons.
Song Jiang sounded the gongs to recall his troops. Returning to his main camp, he ascended his command tent and took his seat. He ordered Wulingsimou brought forward. Wulingsimou stood without kneeling. Song Jiang said, "You are now captured. Have you anything to say?" Wulingsimou replied, "If you want to kill me, do it! Why waste words!" Song Jiang said, "We, the Liangshan heroes, do not kill the innocent. If you are willing to surrender, I will spare your life." Wulingsimou hung his head and said nothing. Song Jiang ordered him to be imprisoned for the time being. Addressing the assembled Chieftains, he said, "Though we have won a minor victory and captured a barbarian general, Brother Yang Xiong is still imprisoned. How shall we rescue him?" Tang Long said, "I am willing to use my humble tongue and go to the Jin camp to persuade Helise to release Brother Yang." Song Jiang said, "I fear the barbarian cur will not agree and may harm you, good brother." Tang Long said, "Brother, set your mind at ease. I have a plan." Song Jiang then composed a letter. It stated in full that the Great Jin and the Great Song were originally allies and should not rashly resort to arms. He urged Helise to withdraw his troops immediately and send back Yang Xiong to avoid harming the amity between the two sides. After finishing the letter, he handed it to Tang Long. Tang Long concealed the letter, took no attendants, and rode alone toward the Jin camp.
When Tang Long arrived before the Jin camp, he said to the camp guards, "I am an envoy from Liangshan Marsh. I have business to see your Marshal." The soldier reported to the central command. Helise, troubled over Wulingsimou's capture, heard that an envoy from Liangshan Marsh had come and ordered him brought in. Tang Long entered the tent and bowed respectfully. Seeing Tang Long's slight build and ordinary appearance, Helise looked down on him. He asked, "Are you sent by Song Jiang? What do you have to say?" Tang Long said, "By order of Brother Song Gongming, I have come specifically to deliver this letter." He took out the letter and presented it. Helise opened and read it, then sneered, "Song Jiang wants me to withdraw my troops and release a prisoner? On what grounds? He has captured my general Wulingsimou, and I intend to exchange him for Yang Xiong." Tang Long said, "You are mistaken, Marshal. Wulingsimou was captured on the battlefield. In clashes between armies, victories and defeats are common occurrences. But General Yang Xiong was captured through trickery, a consequence not of combat. If you, Marshal, are willing to release Yang Xiong, Brother Song Gongming will certainly return Wulingsimou. For both sides to make peace would be excellent, would it not?" Helise pondered for a long moment, then said, "You may withdraw for now. Allow me to consider it." Tang Long said, "I hope you, Marshal, will think of the common people of both nations and avoid harming our good relations." With that, he left the tent and returned to the Song camp to report.
After Tang Long left, Helise discussed with Hamichi. Hamichi said, "Since Song Jiang has come to the rescue, his army must be formidable. Now General Wulingsimou is captured, which has dampened our morale. It would be better to release Yang Xiong in exchange for General Wulingsimou, withdraw our troops for now, and devise another strategy." Helise said, "I mobilized a great army. If I return with nothing to show for it, how can I face the Prince?" Hamichi said, "Marshal, you can compose a letter to Song Jiang, arranging to exchange the captured officers on the battlefield tomorrow, and then withdraw. After our army has rested and regrouped, we can join forces with the Jin troops from Daming Prefecture to attack Liangshan Marsh from north and south. Why worry about not defeating Song Jiang then?" Helise nodded in agreement. He composed a reply and dispatched a junior officer to deliver it to the Song camp.
Upon receiving the reply, Song Jiang discussed it with his men. Guan Sheng said, "Barbarian curs are deceitful and fickle. I fear there is treachery." Lin Chong said, "We should set up multiple precautions against any unforeseen events." Song Jiang said, "The words of my brothers are correct." He then ordered Qin Ming and Dong Ping to prepare their troops to provide support the next day. He ordered Li Kui and Liu Tang to lead infantry to lie in ambush behind their battle formation. He ordered the naval Chieftains to prepare boats for covering the withdrawal. With these arrangements made, they awaited the next day's exchange. At dawn the following day, both armies deployed their formations. Song Jiang, clad in full armor, stood beneath the command banner, flanked on the left by Guan Sheng and Lin Chong, and on the right by Huyan Zhuo and Dong Ping. From the Jin camp gate, Helise, clad in full armor, led his generals out of the camp. At the opening of their battle formation, a prison cart was pushed forward. Yang Xiong, disheveled and grimy, stood inside the cart. On Song Jiang's side, Wulingsimou was also brought forward. Archers on both sides held their positions to secure the lines.
Tang Long rode his horse to the space between the armies and called out loudly, "Let both sides release their men simultaneously." Helise ordered his soldiers to open the prison cart and release Yang Xiong. Song Jiang also ordered Wulingsimou's bonds removed. Yang Xiong strode toward his own lines, while Wulingsimou walked toward the Jin formation. The two men passed each other midway. Just as Yang Xiong was about to reach his own lines, a signal horn suddenly sounded from the Jin side. Arrows flew like locusts. It turned out Helise had indeed played a trick. He intended to have Yang Xiong cross the midpoint and then kill him with a hail of arrows, thus regaining Wulingsimou and killing Yang Xiong. Song Jiang had prepared for this. He urgently ordered shield bearers forward for cover. Guan Sheng and Lin Chong both flew out on horseback and rescued Yang Xiong, bringing him back to their own lines. Meanwhile, Wulingsimou was also about to return to the Jin formation when a great roar was heard. Li Kui, brandishing his two axes, charged out from behind the formation and made straight for Wulingsimou. The Jin troops rushed to rescue him, but Li Kui cut down several. Qin Ming and Dong Ping also flew out on horseback to provide support. Seeing his scheme had failed, Helise was enraged. He waved his troops forward to attack. The Liangshan Marsh forces, standing in tight formation, met them. The two armies fought a confused and furious battle until the sun set in the west, whereupon each side withdrew its troops.
Song Jiang gathered his forces and returned to camp. Yang Xiong prostrated himself, thanking Song Jiang for saving his life. Song Jiang helped him up, saying, "Brother, you have suffered." Yang Xiong said shamefacedly, "Through my own carelessness and love of wine, I fell into a trap. Had it not been for your rescue, Brother, my life would have been forfeit." Song Jiang comforted him, saying, "Victory and defeat are common in war, Brother. Do not dwell on it. Rest and recover your strength." He ordered food and wine prepared to calm Yang Xiong's nerves. The Chieftains from Watering Gully, He Youcai and Hu Sanniang among them, hearing of Song Jiang's army's arrival, also came out of the city to meet him and recount the previous events. Song Jiang ordered them to continue holding the city firmly.
The next day, while Song Jiang was discussing plans to defeat the enemy with the Chieftains, scouts reported that the Jin troops were striking camp and retreating northward. Guan Sheng said, "Could this be another trick by the barbarian curs?" Lin Chong said, "We should send someone to investigate." Song Jiang then ordered Dai Zong and Shi Qian to go and scout. Dai Zong and Shi Qian returned half a day later and reported, "The Jin troops have indeed retreated, discarding supplies along the way in considerable panic." The second plan in Wu Yong's silk pouch stated that if the Jin troops retreated, they could be pursued and attacked, but one must beware of ambushes. Song Jiang then ordered Guan Sheng and Lin Chong to lead three thousand troops to pursue slowly, with the main force following in support. Guan Sheng and Lin Chong pursued for a distance. Seeing the Jin troops had gone far, they also feared an ambush and withdrew their forces. Seeing the Jin troops had retreated and the siege of Watering Gully was lifted, Song Jiang left He Youcai, Hu Sanniang, and others to continue guarding Watering Gully. He himself led the main army, beating victory drums, and returned to Liangshan Marsh. In this episode, Tang Long galloped to deliver the message, and Song Jiang raised an army to save a friend. Though there were minor setbacks, their righteous loyalty ultimately prevailed. Truly it was: A moment's indulgence in wine leads to regret, A message borne a thousand li reveals true feeling.