Explore Chapter 62 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, Song Jiang and the other Liangshan heroes, after receiving amnesty and recruitment, were ordered to resist the Jin and stationed outside the Eastern Capital. On this day, Emperor Zhao personally came to Nanxun Gate to review the troops, aiming to boost morale.
Outside Nanxun Gate, banners obscured the sun, and weapons stood like a forest. Song Jiang and Lu Junyi led the Chieftains, forming orderly ranks as they awaited Imperial Majesty. Officials accompanied, and commoners gathered to watch, creating a grand spectacle.
The Emperor ascended the gate tower. Seeing the formidable army of Liangshan Marsh, he felt somewhat reassured. He then issued an edict to reward the troops. He also ordered Song Jiang and the others to intensify their training in preparation for the invasion of the Jin troops.
Meanwhile, the scholars of the Imperial Academy, such as Chen Dong and Ouyang Che, were concerned about state affairs. They gathered at the White Lotus Temple. Seeing that the court was misusing personnel and border troubles were worsening, they resolved to elect a general and march to war.
Chen Dong set up an altar in the temple. Leading the scholars, he burned incense and prayed, vowing to serve the country. The group elected Chen Dong as their general. They pledged to fight to the death and rush to the front lines to resist the Jin.
When news reached the army, Song Jiang was moved by their loyalty and righteousness. He sent messengers to connect with them, agreeing to support each other. From then on, the Liangshan heroes and the scholar volunteers worked together in harmony to defend against foreign aggression.
After the review, the Emperor returned to the palace. He still harbored worries. Yet, seeing the unity between soldiers and civilians, he felt somewhat comforted. He ordered the Bureau of Military Affairs to plan for provisions to support the front lines.
Song Jiang returned to camp and discussed with Wu Yong how to coordinate with the scholar volunteers. Wu Yong said, "Although the scholars are passionate, they lack battle experience. We should send assistance to prevent any mishaps."
Lu Junyi also said, "The Jin troops are powerful. We must arrange meticulously. We can order brothers like Yan Qing and Shi Qian to infiltrate behind enemy lines. They can gather intelligence and act accordingly."
With the plan settled, the Liangshan heroes prepared separately. On one hand, they readied the army for battle. On the other, they contacted the scholars. They agreed to meet at the White Lotus Temple to discuss the strategy against the Jin.
A few days later, Chen Dong led the scholar volunteers to the White Lotus Temple. Song Jiang personally went to welcome them. Both sides sealed their alliance with a blood oath. They vowed to resist the Jin to the death and defend their homeland.
From then on, the troop review at Nanxun Gate and the general election at White Lotus Temple became symbols of the unity between soldiers and civilians in resisting the Jin. The Liangshan heroes and the scholar volunteers fought side by side. They composed a heroic epic.