Explore Chapter 56 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, it is said that Song Jiang raised a righteous army in Dengzhou, answering the imperial summons to resist the Jin invaders. The tidings spread across the Central Plains, and the common folk responded in multitudes, eager to follow Commander-in-Chief Song Jiang to meet the empire’s crisis.
Appointed as the vanguard, Hua Rong led a detachment of men and horses. They pressed on by day and night towards Yanling, both to scout the route and to watch for any movement from the Jin forces.
Just as they reached the outskirts of Yanling, they suddenly spotted a company approaching under the imperial standard. Hua Rong commanded his men to form ranks and rode forward himself to make inquiries.
It turned out to be an imperial envoy, bearing a decree. Hua Rong dismounted to receive the mandate. The envoy unrolled the scroll and proclaimed: ‘Song Jiang is hereby commanded to march his army north with all haste, to defend the sovereign and repel the Jin. Let there be no delay in this matter.’
Having received the order, Hua Rong sped back to camp to make ready. He sent a fast rider to report to Song Jiang without delay, while he himself saw to the mustering of troops, poised to advance upon command.