Explore Chapter 58 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, after the heroes of Liangshan Marsh had routed the Jin troops at Weishi County, morale was high. Song Jiang consulted with Wu Yong, intending to pursue the victory and press straight to the main camp of the Jin troops.
That day, a scout came to report that the Jin general Helise had led several thousand armored cavalry to encamp on the northern bank of the Huimin River, building fortifications to hold firm. Upon hearing this, Song Jiang summoned all the Chieftains to his tent for discussion.
Tao Zongwang stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "I am willing to lead a troop across the river to attack the enemy. Even if my body is crushed to pieces, I will not retreat." Song Jiang saw his bravery and praised him highly.
Wu Yong said, "Brother Tao's willingness to risk his life in battle is admirable. However, the Jin troops are powerful, and we must not advance rashly. We should divide our forces into two routes: one led by Brother Tao for a feint attack, and the other by General Huyan Zhuo to flank from the side."
Although Huyan Zhuo was suffering from a cold, he rose with effort and said fervently, "I am willing to lead the vanguard to repay your kindness, brother." Song Jiang then ordered Tao Zongwang to lead five hundred infantry to cross the river with great clamor. Huyan Zhuo was to take a thousand cavalry and attack the enemy's rear secretly.
Tao Zongwang accepted the order and led his troops straight to the Jin camp. Arrows from the Jin troops fell like rain. Tao Zongwang brandished his iron shovel, advanced through the arrows, broke through three layers of abatis, and was wounded several times, yet he still shouted, "Kill the bandits!"
Helise saw that the army of Liangshan Marsh was fierce and brave, and hastily dispatched his armored cavalry to surround them. Just at this critical moment, suddenly chaos broke out in the rear of the Jin camp. Huyan Zhuo's cavalry had arrived, and wherever his twin whips struck, Jin troops fell from their horses one after another.
Seeing that reinforcements had arrived, Tao Zongwang's spirit doubled, and he joined forces with Huyan Zhuo to attack from both inside and outside. The Jin troops scattered in defeat. Helise, seeing the situation turning against him, abandoned the camp and fled north.
In this battle, they captured over three hundred heads of the Jin troops and seized countless horses and equipment. Song Jiang personally welcomed the two generals back to camp and rewarded them generously. Tao Zongwang, severely wounded, lay in his tent. Huyan Zhuo, having fought fiercely while ill, saw his old ailment relapse and also needed recuperation.
Wu Yong sighed and said, "Brother Tao risks his life, and General Huyan fights despite illness. Both are loyal and righteous men. However, the Jin troops are not yet destroyed, and the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. We must unite our efforts to serve our country." Upon hearing this, all the Chieftains were inspired and stirred.