Explore Chapter 59 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, since being promoted to Regional Commander, had been diligently training his troops day and night, preparing for a decisive battle with the Jin troops. One day, a scout came to report that a large force of Jin troops had crossed the Yellow River and set up camp in the Huazhou region. Upon hearing this, Song Jiang summoned his brothers to discuss. Wu Yong said, "The Jin troops have come from afar. They benefit from a swift battle. We should dig deep moats and build high ramparts, avoiding engagement. Wait until their provisions run out, and they will naturally retreat." Song Jiang replied, "The Military Strategist's words are wise, but the Jin troops are formidable. If we do not first blunt their momentum, I fear the morale of our army may waver."
While they were still discussing, suddenly it was reported that the vanguard of the Jin troops had arrived at the city gate to challenge. Song Jiang then asked, "Which brother is willing to go?" At this, Qin Ming stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go." Song Jiang said, "Brother, you must be careful." Qin Ming acknowledged, took up his wolf-tooth mace, led five hundred men, opened the city gate, lowered the drawbridge, and galloped out.
The vanguard of the Jin troops was the great general Wanyan Wuda, who wielded a mountain-splitting axe and possessed courage that could withstand ten thousand men. Seeing Qin Ming come forth, he shouted, "State your name, coming general!" Qin Ming said, "I am Qin Ming, a hero of Liangshan Marsh!" Wanyan Wuda laughed heartily and said, "So it's just a bandit, not worth mentioning!" He spurred his horse, brandished his axe, and charged straight at Qin Ming. Qin Ming raised his mace to meet him. They fought over thirty rounds with neither gaining the upper hand.
Qin Ming, seeing that he could not win, feigned a flaw and turned his horse to flee. Wanyan Wuda did not relent and pursued closely. Qin Ming looked back and, seeing him approach closely, suddenly wheeled his horse around and struck with his mace. Wanyan Wuda, caught off guard, was knocked off his horse by Qin Ming. Qin Ming then took his head. The Jin troops fell into chaos and retreated to their camp.
Song Jiang, watching from the city wall, was overjoyed. He personally went out of the city to welcome Qin Ming. That evening, a feast was held to celebrate the victory. All the brothers enjoyed themselves before dispersing. The next day, the main force of the Jin troops arrived and surrounded the city tightly. Song Jiang and Wu Yong went up to the wall to observe. They saw that the Jin troops' camps stretched for over ten miles. Banners blotted out the sun, and weapons stood like a forest.
Wu Yong said, "The Jin troops are formidable. We must not underestimate them. I have a plan to break their camp." Song Jiang hurriedly asked what the plan was. Wu Yong said, "The Jin troops have set up camp near the woods, where the trees are dense and tangled. Tonight, we can send a troop with hidden fire starters to set fire behind their camp. We can then charge out amidst the chaos and achieve a complete victory."
Song Jiang said, "This plan is excellent. But we need someone bold and meticulous to go." At this, Shi Qian stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go." Song Jiang said, "Brother, you are the most suitable. Be careful." He then ordered Qin Ming to lead five hundred men to provide support.
At the second watch of that night, Shi Qian took the fire starters. He quietly left the city and circled to the rear of the Jin troops' camp. Seeing that the Jin troops' guards were lax, he infiltrated the camp and set fires in various places. In an instant, flames leaped into the sky. The Jin troops fell into chaos.
Song Jiang, seeing the fire from the city wall, ordered the city gates to be flung open. Lin Chong, Huyan Zhuo, Zhang Qing, and others led their troops out to attack. The Jin troops, startled from their sleep, had no time to don armor or saddle horses. They trampled each other. The dead were countless.
In the midst of the melee, suddenly a troop of Jin troops emerged from the side. It was about a thousand strong, escorting a great general. This general had a face as dark as a pot bottom and eyes like bronze bells. He wielded two iron hammers, striking anyone in his path with irresistible courage. Zhang Qing, seeing him from horseback, recognized him as the brave Jin general Wanyan Huoda. He spurred his horse and leveled his spear to engage.
After less than ten rounds, Zhang Qing estimated that he could not win. He feinted with his spear and turned his horse to flee. Wanyan Huoda shouted, "Southern barbarian, don't run!" He spurred his horse to pursue. Zhang Qing secretly took his bow and arrows in hand. He turned back and shot an arrow. Wanyan Huoda, quick-eyed, deflected it with his hammer. Zhang Qing shot three arrows in succession, but all were dodged.
Zhang Qing, seeing that his arrows missed, took flying stones to strike. This flying stone technique was Zhang Qing's unique skill, hitting the target every time. The first stone struck Wanyan Huoda's left shoulder. The second hit his right shoulder. The third directly hit his face. Wanyan Huoda let out a great cry and fell backwards off his horse. Zhang Qing caught up and thrust with his spear, ending his life.
The Jin troops, seeing their commander dead, scattered in disarray. Song Jiang waved his troops to pursue and slaughter. They chased until dawn before withdrawing. Counting the battlefield, they had beheaded over three thousand Jin troops. They seized countless horses and weapons. Song Jiang issued orders to reward the three armies and report the victory to the imperial court.
In this great battle, Qin Ming leaped on horseback to capture the fortress. Zhang Qing struck the general with flying stones. The fame of Liangshan Marsh shook the Central Plains. The Jin troops, after this great defeat, retreated to defend Huazhou. They dared not advance lightly. Song Jiang discussed with his brothers, intending to press the advantage and advance to recover lost territory. Truly, heroes rise up to serve the king's cause. Warriors vie to spread the merit of defeating the barbarians.