Explore Chapter 55 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.
It is said that Dai Zong, under the orders of Song Jiang, went to the Eastern Capital to investigate the court's movements. One day, he arrived at the borders of Jizhou. There, he saw a woman kneeling by the roadside, weeping and pleading. Dai Zong asked her the reason. The woman said, 'My husband was taken by government soldiers to serve in the army. Our family is poor and has no means of livelihood. I beg you, sir, for alms.' Moved by compassion, Dai Zong took out some silver and gave it to her.
The woman expressed profuse thanks and invited Dai Zong to rest at her home. Dai Zong, unsuspecting, followed her into a thatched cottage. The woman brought out wine and food to entertain him. Dai Zong drank a few cups, then suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded. Realizing he had fallen into a trap, he tried to stand up urgently, but had no strength left. It turned out that this woman was a spy for the Jin troops, specially stationed there to deceive passing travelers and gather information.
Dai Zong was bound, and the woman searched his person. She found a secret letter from Liangshan Marsh, learning that Song Jiang and others intended to unite against the Jin. The woman was overjoyed and immediately wanted to report to the Jin troops. Dai Zong, seizing the moment when she was off guard, used his inner strength to break free from the ropes and fled through the door. However, the effects of the drug had not worn off. He stumbled as he walked, and sustained new injuries on his body.
Dai Zong endured the pain and exerted his Divine Travel technique. He sped day and night, wanting to return to Liangshan Marsh to raise the alarm. On the way, his wounds and illness grew severe. He fainted several times but still dared not stop. When he reached the foot of Liangshan Marsh, he encountered patrolling underlings. Only then was he rescued and brought back to the mountain stronghold.
Song Jiang saw that Dai Zong was wounded, sick, and weak, and felt deeply distressed. He urgently summoned An Daoquan for treatment. Dai Zong reported the leak of military secrets. Upon hearing this, Wu Yong immediately ordered enhanced vigilance to guard against an attack by the Jin troops. All the Chieftains were indignant, vowing to severely punish the spy and defend the mountain stronghold.