Explore Chapter 57 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 told that Song Jiang was stationed at Weishi County. He heard that the Jin troops were coming down the Huimin River, intending to strike directly at the Eastern Capital. Military StrategistWu Yong offered a plan, saying, "The Jin troops rely on the advantage of their naval forces. If they advance along the river, our infantry and cavalry will find it hard to resist. It would be better to scuttle their boats, block the river, and prevent them from moving forward." Song Jiang praised the idea and immediately ordered the naval Chieftains Li Jun, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, Ruan Xiao'er, Ruan Xiaowu, and Ruan Xiaoqi to lead five hundred naval troops. They hid axes and chisels, and under cover of night, they sneaked into the Huimin River.
It was late autumn, and the moonlight was faint. The Jin troops' boats were linked together, anchored in the river. Li Jun and the others divided into several teams. Silently, they dove underwater and pierced the hulls of the Jin troops' vessels. Before long, water rushed in, and the boats began to sink. The Jin troops woke to the danger, but it was too late. On the river surface, boats capsized. Countless Jin troops fell into the water, and their cries shook the heavens.
The Jin troops marshal heard of the change and urgently ordered the infantry and cavalry on shore to rescue. However, the river surface was in chaos, the night was dark, and the rescue could not arrive in time. After succeeding, Li Jun and the others swiftly withdrew.
The next day, most of the Jin troops' naval force had sunk, blocking the river and preventing any forward movement. Furious, the Jin marshal abandoned the boats and went ashore. He led his infantry and cavalry straight toward Weishi County. Song Jiang had long been prepared. He ordered the cavalry Chieftains Guan Sheng, Lin Chong, Qin Ming, and Huyan Zhuo to each lead elite cavalry and ambush in the outskirts of Weishi County.
When the Jin troops approached the city, the ambushers sprang out together. Arrows fell like rain. The Jin troops were caught off guard, and their formation was thrown into disarray. Guan Sheng brandished his Green Dragon Blade and charged directly at the Jin troops marshal. After just a few bouts, he struck him down from his horse.
Seeing their commander slain, the Jin troops scattered and fled. Song Jiang waved his troops to pursue and slaughter, capturing countless and seizing back the Jin troops' supplies.
After the battle, Song Jiang ordered Han banners to be hoisted high on the city walls of Weishi County. The common people lined the streets cheering, and morale soared. Wu Yong said, "Although we have won this battle, the Jin troops will surely return. We should quickly join forces with Brother Lu Junyi and plan our grand strategy together." Song Jiang nodded in agreement and then prepared the army to set out.