Explore Chapter 64 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.
Jin troops launched a massive southern invasion, bearing down on Eastern Capital, Bianliang. In their panic, the imperial court heeded the words of the sorcerer Guo Jing, who claimed that the Six Jia Divine Troops could drive back the foe. Consequently, he was commanded to gather ne'er-do-wells from the streets and form the Six Jia Divine Troops, then sally forth from the city to confront the enemy.
Guo Jing boasted of his ability to wield magic and command divine soldiers, yet he possessed no practical knowledge of battle. As the iron cavalry of the Jin troops charged, the Six Jia Divine Troops crumbled upon contact. Guo Jing took flight, throwing the capital's garrison into chaos. The Jin troops capitalized on this and breached the city walls.
Under the leadership of Song Jiang and Lu Junyi, the Liangshan heroes had been summoned to defend the emperor. Upon learning of the capital's dire straits, they galloped to its aid. Once inside the city, they clashed with the Jin troops in brutal street combat, fighting tooth and nail until the thoroughfares ran red with blood.
Yet the pro-peace faction at court prevailed. The Jin state dispatched an envoy to the city to discuss terms, insisting that the Song dynasty surrender the territories of Hebei and Hedong, along with a substantial yearly tribute. Song Emperor Qinzong wavered, but under duress, he commanded an end to the street fighting.
Song Jiang and his comrades longed to battle to the last, but the imperial decree could not be disregarded. Reluctantly, they laid down their arms. The Jin envoy, brimming with arrogance, declared that if the peace accord was not agreed to, he would massacre every soul in the capital. When the stalwarts of Liangshan Marsh heard this, they seethed with rage and clenched their fists in helpless fury.
That evening, fires blazed across Eastern Capital, and lamentations echoed to the sky. Song Jiang convened with Wu Yong, Lu Junyi, and other leaders. They keenly sensed the nation's decline and the frustration of their loyalty and chivalry. Their sole hope was to find another opportunity to repay their country in days to come.