Explore Chapter 14 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, Lu Junyi divided his forces to launch a surprise attack and capture Yizhou, thereby disrupting the eastern front of the government troops. Sun Hao, who had originally intended to settle scores with Guan Sheng, had to turn back to rescue his own territory upon receiving the urgent plea from Yizhou. Lu Junyi seized the city, issued proclamations to reassure the people, and showed great compassion towards the common folk. On one hand, he dispatched men to gather intelligence on Sun Hao's movements. On the other, he secretly deployed according to the strategy contained in Military Strategist's brocade bag.
As it turned out, Wu Yong had anticipated that Sun Hao would be anxious to rescue Yizhou. Since the families of his subordinates were mostly in the city, he would not dare to launch a hasty assault. Therefore, he instructed Lu Junyi to select clever Chieftains to slip out of the city and spread rumors. They claimed that the Liangshan Marsh forces did not harm the common people but only opposed corrupt officials. They also said that Sun Hao had deliberately held back his troops in Jizhou, allowing Yizhou to fall due to personal motives. When these rumors reached Sun Hao's army, the officers and soldiers, already worried about their families, grew even more resentful upon hearing this. Sun Hao, seeing the morale unstable and finding himself in a dilemma, had no choice but to fortify his defenses and observe the situation.
Seeing that Sun Hao did not come to attack the city, Lu Junyi ordered all four gates to be opened wide, allowing the people to come and go freely. Meanwhile, he had Shi Qian, Bai Sheng, Shi Yong, and Zheng Tianshou, four bold heroes, disguise themselves as merchants and secretly leave the city to gather information near Sun Hao's camp. One day, Shi Qian returned and reported that officials from the Eastern Capital had arrived at Sun Hao's camp for several days in a row, likely with documents from the Bureau of Military Affairs. Lu Junyi then discussed with Gongsun Sheng, saying, "Sun Hao's troops are stationed without advancing, surely awaiting imperial edicts. If we defend this city for too long, brother Guan Sheng's forces will be restrained by the government troops from Dongping and Daming. Our current strategy must be to employ another clever scheme to make Sun Hao fall into chaos without a fight."
Gongsun Sheng said, "Your insight is most accurate, Master. Last night, I observed the celestial phenomena and saw that the Purple Forbidden Enclosure was dim and obscure, with the imperial star shaking and on the verge of falling. I fear a great upheaval is imminent in the Eastern Capital. If we seize this opportunity to send people into the Eastern Capital to probe the court's actual situation, we may find a chance to act." Lu Junyi replied, "This plan is good, but ever since brothers like Chai Jin stirred up trouble in the Eastern Capital, villains like Cai Jing and Gao Qiu will surely tighten their guard, making it difficult to enter."
While they were discussing, it was suddenly reported that Sun Erniang and Madame Gu had arrived from the mountain stronghold. Lu Junyi hurriedly invited them in. It turned out that Song Jiang, seeing Lu Junyi's eastern campaign to capture Yizhou, feared he had too few infantry Chieftains, so he specially dispatched Generals Sun and Gu along with five hundred skilled underlings to assist. After paying her respects to Lu Junyi, Sun Erniang smiled and said, "Master, you are conquering cities and lands here with great威风. But such a large Yizhou should have a few female generals to manage it. Sister Madame Gu and I were growing idle at the mountain stronghold, so we came to seek some duties."
Lu Junyi was greatly pleased and explained the situation of Sun Hao's troops at the city gates and the stalemate. After hearing this, Sun Erniang pondered and said, "I have a plan, but I wonder if it will work?" Lu Junyi asked, "What clever strategy does Sister-in-law have?" Sun Erniang said, "In the past, when I ran a tavern at Cross Slope with Zhang Qing, I knew a palace attendant named Lan Congxi. This man now moves in Tong Guan's residence and holds considerable influence. If we could find him and infiltrate the palace to gather some information, wouldn't that be good?"
Lu Junyi said, "This plan is excellent! But that Lan Congxi is in the Eastern Capital, so how do we find him?" Sun Erniang laughed and said, "Master, rest assured. This man has a nephew who currently runs a woolen goods shop in Yizhou city. In the past, I saved his life, and he is endlessly grateful. Now, we only need to find this person, and we will have a way." Lu Junyi said, "Since that is the case, Sister-in-law should quickly make arrangements. Be careful not to reveal any flaws."
Sun Erniang agreed. She then changed her attire, disguising herself as a rural woman, and came to the woolen goods shop in the west of the city. Though the shopfront was small, it was neatly kept. Inside the counter sat a man in his forties,低头算账. Sun Erniang looked closely and recognized him as Lan Congxi's nephew, Lan Xiao'er. She stepped forward and called out, "Brother Lan, it has been many years. Do you still recognize an old acquaintance?"
Lan Xiao'er looked up and scrutinized Sun Erniang for a while before suddenly exclaiming in surprise, "You... are you not Sister-in-law Sun from Cross Slope?" Sun Erniang smiled and said, "It is indeed me. I am touched that Brother still remembers." Lan Xiao'er hurriedly came out from behind the counter and said in a low voice, "This is not a place to talk. Please, Sister-in-law, come to the back room for a chat."
The two went to the inner hall, where Lan Xiao'er bowed deeply and said, "If not for Sister-in-law's rescue back then, I would have died long ago on the rivers and lakes. This kindness and virtue, I will never forget. But I heard that Sister-in-law later went up to Liangshan Marsh..." Sun Erniang quickly helped him up and said, "Let's not mention past affairs. I have come today precisely to ask a favor."
Lan Xiao'er said, "Sister-in-law, please speak freely. As long as it is something I can do, even if it means braving fire and water, I will not hesitate." Sun Erniang then explained her desire to find Lan Congxi and infiltrate the palace to gather information. Lan Xiao'er pondered and said, "My uncle now serves in Grand Tutor Tong's residence and is quite influential. Meeting him is not difficult. But the palace restrictions are strict. How can one enter?"
Sun Erniang said, "That is not a problem. I have my own ways. I only need Brother to write a letter of introduction for me to meet your uncle. I will handle the rest." Lan Xiao'er said, "Since that is the case, I will write the letter. With the Liangshan heroes here, the people in the city are not panicked, and business goes on as usual. My life was originally saved by Sister-in-law, so even if I take some risk, it is only right."
Upon hearing that Sun Erniang's arrangements were settled, Lu Junyi instructed Madame Gu to temporarily guard Yizhou. He then mustered a thousand troops with Gongsun Sheng and others, putting on a show of force to challenge Sun Hao outside the city. Sun Hao merely held his position and did not emerge. Meanwhile, Sun Erniang disguised herself as a vegetable vendor, slipped out of the city, and set off for the Eastern Capital.
After a few days, she arrived at the Eastern Capital. She saw that the city walls remained unchanged, bustling with繁华. Sun Erniang found an inn to rest. The next day, she went to Tong Guan's residence. Tong Guan, having been rewarded for suppressing Fang La, was enfeoffed as Grand Tutor and granted a mansion in the capital, with buildings stretching like clouds and servants as numerous as rain. Sun Erniang approached the residence and saw carriages and horses in a flurry, with officials coming and going, creating a lively scene.
Sun Erniang took out the bronze token and said to the gatekeeper, "I am a servant of Lan Xiao'er from Yizhou, here to deliver a family letter and meet Eunuch Lan." The gatekeeper verified the token and had a young servant lead her in. Passing through several courtyards, they came to a side room. There, Lan Congxi, dressed in a brocade robe, was playing a card game with several young eunuchs.
Sun Erniang stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Respected Eunuch Lan, this humble woman is here by my master's order to pay respects." Lan Congxi looked up and saw a country woman, so he asked, "Where are you from?" Sun Erniang said, "This humble woman is the wife of Lan Xiao'er from Yizhou. My master has a letter here." As she spoke, she presented the letter.
Lan Congxi opened the letter and read it. Seeing it was an introduction from his nephew, he said, "So you are one of our own. You have come from afar. Go to the back for some tea and food." Sun Erniang thanked him and followed a young eunuch to a rear side room. Shortly after, Lan Congxi entered and asked, "Is my nephew doing well in Yizhou? I heard that the Liangshan Marsh bandits have occupied the city. Was he not frightened?"
Sun Erniang said, "By your grace, my master is safe and sound. The Liangshan Marsh forces do not harass the people, and the city's residents live as usual. My master, concerned for you, Eunuch, specially sent me with some local gifts." As she spoke, she took out a package containing gold, silver, and jewels. Lan Congxi saw it and beamed with joy, saying, "How thoughtful of him. Stay in the residence for now. I will make arrangements."
Sun Erniang stayed in Tong's residence for several days, diligently attending to Lan Congxi and using money to bribe everyone上下, so all were pleased. One day, Lan Congxi said, "Tomorrow, the imperial consort in the palace will perform meritorious deeds, and we need a few chaste women to serve. I see you are quite clean, so I will take you into the palace for a look, to broaden your horizons." Sun Erniang was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed in thanks.
At the fifth watch the next day, Sun Erniang, disguised as a palace maid, followed Lan Congxi through the palace gates. She saw majestic halls, resplendent in gold and jade, truly embodying imperial grandeur. They arrived at a side hall, where many palace maids and eunuchs were setting up incense altars. Lan Congxi instructed Sun Erniang to help there, while he went to report to the consort.
While working, Sun Erniang kept a watchful eye. Suddenly, she saw a young eunuch hurry over and say to Lan Congxi, "His Majesty plans to go out incognito again today to play on the Imperial Street. Grand Tutor Tong has ordered more guards to protect him secretly." Lan Congxi said, "Understood. If His Majesty enjoys such play so much, what if something goes wrong?" The young eunuch replied, "Grand Tutor has already made proper arrangements. Eunuch, do not worry."
Hearing this, Sun Erniang secretly rejoiced. After the meritorious deeds were completed, she followed Lan Congxi out of the palace and asked, "Just now, I heard that young eunuch say His Majesty is going out to play. Is that true?" Lan Congxi said, "You are new to the palace and do not know the rules. His Majesty loves to travel incognito, often disguising himself as a scholar to mingle with the common people on the Imperial Street. Grand Tutors Tong and Cai have admonished him many times, but he does not listen."
Sun Erniang kept this in mind. Returning to Tong's residence, she pondered how to relay this消息 to Lu Junyi. Suddenly, she thought, "Why not go to the Imperial Street myself? Perhaps I can encounter His Majesty and see what he is like." Having decided, the next day she asked Lan Congxi for leave, saying she needed to buy some needlework supplies. Lan Congxi agreed and gave her an exit pass.
Sun Erniang went to the Imperial Street and saw dense crowds and bustling commerce. Wine shops and tea houses lined both sides; stages for song and dance filled the air with the clamor of flutes and pipes. Sun Erniang found a teahouse to sit in, ordered a pot of tea, and slowly drank while her eyes constantly scanned the passersby.
About an hour later, she suddenly saw a group of people approaching from the east end of the street. Leading them was a man wearing a Tang-style hat and a purple robe, with a three-strand long beard and a fair complexion, holding a泥金折扇. Behind him followed four or five attendants, all dressed ordinarily, but their eyes were sharp and their steps agile, clearly disguised guards.
Sun Erniang thought, "This man has an extraordinary demeanor. Could he be His Majesty?" Just as she wondered, she saw the man walk up to a steamed bun vendor's stall and ask, "How much for these buns?" The old vendor said, "Three coins each." The man said, "I forgot to bring money today. Can I owe you for one?"
The old man laughed and said, "Guest, what are you saying? I run a small business and cannot afford credit." The man said, "How about I sing you a song to pay for the bun?" The old man shook his head and said, "This old man only wants cash." An attendant beside him took out money to pay, but the man waved him off, smiled, and said, "Old man, you are so uncharitable. I will really sing."
With that, he opened his折扇, tapped it against the stall board, and sang, "The scorching sun burns like fire, the fields' crops half-withered and dry. The farmers' hearts boil like soup, while nobles and princes fan themselves cool." His voice was clear and melodious, drawing many people to gather and watch. Sun Erniang, hearing these歌词 that clearly mocked current politics, became even more convinced this man was Emperor Huizong.
After the song, the crowd applauded. The bun vendor also laughed and said, "Guest, you sing well. Here, have a bun on me." The man took the bun, thanked him, and turned to leave. After a few steps, he suddenly saw a beggar kneeling by the roadside, pleading pitifully. The man stopped and asked, "Why are you begging?"
The beggar said, "I am a refugee from Hebei. My hometown was ravaged by war, so I drifted to the capital with no clothes or food, forced to beg from kind people." The man sighed and said, "I did not know the common folk suffer so." He then said to his attendants, "Give him some silver." As the attendants were about to take out silver, the man suddenly said, "Wait. Today, I want to emulate the ancients and personally experience begging. You all step back."
With that, he adjusted his hat and robe, then bowed deeply to the beggar and said, "I am落魄 today. I beg you, elder brother, to show some charity." The beggar was so frightened he hurriedly kowtowed and said, "This is too much for this humble one! Too much!" The common people on both sides burst into laughter.
Sun Erniang saw this clearly and thought to herself, "This Emperor, ignoring state affairs, comes to the market to act mad and foolish. What a disgrace!" Just as she pondered, she suddenly saw a burly black man squeeze out from the crowd, holding a朴刀, and charge straight at the man, shouting loudly, "Foolish ruler! Today, you will learn of the Liangshan heroes!"
This sudden change caught the guards off guard. Sun Erniang had sharp eyes and recognized the burly black man as Liangshan Marsh infantry officer Li Zhong, nicknamed the Tiger-Slayer. It turned out Li Zhong had been sent by Lu Junyi to infiltrate the Eastern Capital and gather information. He happened to be on the Imperial Street, recognized Emperor Huizong, and in a fit of rage, decided to assassinate him.
Li Zhong roared and swung his刀 wildly, cutting down two guards. But outnumbered, he was soon struck by a spear in the back. Sun Erniang, seeing the situation was dire, quickly pulled out a handful of iron lotus seeds from her bosom and aimed at the guards' wrists. Cries of pain echoed as several weapons fell to the ground.
The next day, notices were posted throughout the Eastern Capital, with portraits and descriptions, to arrest the Liangshan Marsh刺客. Sun Erniang thought, "I cannot stay here long. I must quickly return to Yizhou to report." She bid farewell to Lan Congxi, saying she needed to visit family. Lan Congxi gave her some travel funds. Sun Erniang packed her belongings and left the city overnight, heading for Yizhou.
Along the way, she saw that government troops were inspecting strictly. Sun Erniang changed her disguise, traveling by night and hiding by day, finally managing to return to Yizhou. She met Lu Junyi and reported in detail what she had seen and heard in the palace and on the Imperial Street. After listening, Lu Junyi sighed and said, "With the Son of Heaven so foolish, how can the world not fall into chaos! But Brother Li's rash action has alerted the enemy. I fear the court will intensify its suppression."
Just as they spoke, it was reported that Guan Sheng had sent an urgent letter. Lu Junyi opened it and read that Li Cheng and Wen Da from Daming Prefecture, upon hearing of Yizhou's fall and Sun Hao's retreat, had led troops to reinforce, already entering Dongping territory. Guan Sheng, fearing attack from both front and rear, asked Lu Junyi to quickly decide on a course of action.
Lu Junyi then discussed with Gongsun Sheng. Gongsun Sheng said, "Our capture of Yizhou was originally to牵制 Sun Hao. Now that the goal is achieved, and with Li Cheng and Wen Da's troops approaching, Dongping is under pressure. It is better to abandon Yizhou, withdraw our forces to join Guan Sheng, and devise a better strategy."
Lu Junyi said, "The Military Strategist's words are most apt." He then ordered the收拾 of provisions and equipment, withdrawing from Yizhou under cover of night. Before leaving, he distributed all the treasury's money and grain to the people. The city's elders, grateful for the Liangshan Marsh's righteousness, lined the streets to see them off.
In his camp, Sun Hao received news that the Liangshan Marsh troops had retreated. Suspecting an ambush, he did not dare to pursue. Only after confirming it was true, and that Lu Junyi's forces were long gone, did he lead his troops into the city. Finding the treasury empty but the people unharmed, he had no choice but to submit a memorial to the court, requesting punishment.
Lu Junyi led his troops back to Dongping and joined forces with Guan Sheng. The two discussed that the Daming forces were advancing fiercely and should not be underestimated. They fortified their defenses and held their ground against the government troops. Meanwhile, they sent someone back to Liangshan Marsh to report to Song Jiang.
In the Eastern Capital, Emperor Huizong, having suffered a fright, lay ill for several days. Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and others petitioned for a severe crackdown on Liangshan Marsh. Emperor Huizong approved, ordering Tong Guan as commander to muster troops from various routes and advance to suppress them immediately. Thus it was: The dragon's anger shakes mountains and rivers; tiger generals return to frequent warfare. What happened next will be told in the following chapter.