Explore Chapter 6 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.
For two months now, several bold fellows from Liangshan Marsh had been lying low in the Eastern Capital, their presence utterly undetected by the authorities. Their activities later grew so brazen that they even created an uproar at the Young Master's Residence. Cai You nursed a deep resentment against Bianjing's Chief Inspector Dou Jian and the Imperial City Patrol Commissioner, Sun Rong. Though Dou Jian had pursued Chai Jin only to return gravely wounded by an arrow on the southern bank of the Yellow River, Cai You’s wrath was chiefly reserved for Sun Rong. Yet he held his hand, for Sun Rong was a protégé of the powerful eunuch, Grand Tutor Tong Guan. In those days, the people of the capital mockingly dubbed Cai Jing the 'Lord Minister' and Tong Guan the 'Lady Minister.' Favored as he was by the Emperor, Cai You dared not cross the formidable Grand Tutor. Sun Rong, for his part, was ever eager to curry favor with the mighty, but he had long neglected his duty to safeguard the Imperial City. When rumors first spread that Liangshan heroes were in the capital, he dismissed them as idle talk. Even after they truly set the ministerial mansion ablaze, he remained complacent. Privately learning that Cai You still sought to settle accounts with him, Sun Rong, too fearful to face him directly, went instead to plead his case at the residence of Wang Fu. It so happened that on that very day, Captain Ding had returned from visiting the ailing Dou Jian and was conveying Dou Jian’s words to Wang Fu. Just as the gatekeeper announced Sun Rong’s request for an audience, Wang Fu had him ushered into the reception hall, where he met both Sun Rong and Captain Ding. "Sun Rong," Wang Fu began, "your neglect of duty is a grave matter. Dou Jian’s crime is greater still-he opened the gates to bandits and lost the command arrow. Yet he pursued the Liangshan Marsh rebels and returned wounded to the capital, now hovering between life and death. Moreover, he has recommended his own brother to pacify the marsh. You would do well to emulate his example and seek to atone for your faults; only then might I intercede on your behalf. My own investigations have revealed that eight or nine of those Liangshan rogues are here in the capital, trafficking in gold and silver all day long, moving freely among the high officials. As the Chief of Pursuit, how could you remain ignorant of this? How do you intend to answer for it?" Sun Rong bowed deeply. "The Lord Councilor’s censure is just; this humble officer deserves death ten thousand times over. Yet even my execution would not mend the situation. I have a cousin, Sun Hao, who currently serves as Commandant of Yizhou and is acquainted with Dou Yi, the younger brother of Inspector Dou. Since the Inspector has recommended his own brother, the Militia Commander of Qingzhou, I too recommend my cousin to lead a campaign against Liangshan Marsh. The troops of Yizhou are seasoned forces, drilling year-round against coastal pirates, unlike the armies of the central plains which have long forgotten the sound of war drums. Combined with the forces of Qingzhou, they would number no fewer than twenty or thirty thousand men. If the court were to appoint a single capable general of talent and wisdom to command them, the pacification of Liangshan Marsh would present little difficulty." Wang Fu, reclining in his armchair, stroked his beard and smiled. "You officials know only how to serve within the Imperial City; what can you possibly understand of such matters? If the Liangshan Marsh bandits could be subdued by the forces of one or two prefectures, would they have remained at large until now? Since you have proposed this strategy, discuss it first with the young Lord Minister Cai You. We shall deliberate further then." Seeing no sign of approval on Wang Fu’s face, Sun Rong dared not press the matter further.
Wang Fu was aware that many under his patronage had accepted bribes from Chai Jin; to expose this affair would be most unwise. Therefore, late that very night, he invited Gao Qiu to the Young Master's Residence to confer with Cai You on the matter. Cai You, mortified by the exposure of his family’s disgrace, had feigned illness for many days, yet he could not let go of his hatred for that band of enemies from Liangshan Marsh, though he had yet to devise a sound strategy. When Wang and Gao arrived, he leaned on a young pageboy and received them in the warm pavilion. A kerchief bound his head as he reclined upon a Xiangfei couch, one hand resting on his knee, his brows slightly knitted. Wang and Gao sat on brocade stools to either side, offering a few words of condolence. Marshal Gao Qiu chuckled and said, "Your Excellency’s ailment requires no medicine. In this humble one’s view, a single edict from the Emperor, dispatching a great army to sweep Liangshan Marsh clean, would allow Your Excellency to vent this grievance. Your health would then naturally recover." Cai You laughed. "Only the Marshal understands my heart. At present, His Majesty heeds the words of Grand Tutor Tong Guan and wishes only to send troops to subdue Fang La. The Liangshan bandits run rampant, yet they are set aside. I fear alerting His Majesty to their infiltration of the Eastern Capital, yet I dare not report it openly. To divert the main army destined for Fang La and turn it against Liangshan Marsh is now impossible. Grand Tutor Tong, ever eager for grand achievements, insists on leading the southern campaign himself. Who can oppose him? To raise an additional army to attack Liangshan Marsh while also quelling Fang La-to wage war on two fronts-would demand immense expenditure of troops, funds, and grain. I fear His Majesty would not permit it. The Liangshan bandits now boast a host of one hundred thousand; they surely number no fewer than thirty or fifty thousand. To dispatch a small force would be no match for them." Marshal Gao clasped his hands. "This humble servant has a modest scheme for Your Excellency’s wise judgment. According to the recommendations of Dou Jian and Sun Rong, the forces of Yizhou Commandant Sun Hao and Qingzhou Militia Commander Dou Yi could pacify Liangshan Marsh. I believe the Yizhou troops, being elite forces hardened against pirates, may be deployed, yet I fear they alone are no match for Liangshan. My foolish thought is to also mobilize some three to five thousand pursuit troops from Daming to serve as a distant diversion." Cai You smiled. "The pursuit forces of the various prefectures and counties have always been useless. If the troops of Daming Prefecture were capable, would they not have prevented the bandits from sacking the city last time?" Gao Qiu replied, "Allow me to explain further. Firstly, deploying pursuit troops or local militia is merely for suppressing local banditry; we may command them directly without petitioning His Majesty. Secondly, the forces from Yi and Qing Prefectures will advance from the northeast, acting only as opportunity allows. The Daming pursuit troops will advance from the northwest; they need not engage the enemy directly but shall divert a portion of the bandits’ strength. If these two forces act according to plan, this humble servant will then transfer a truly capable commander to lead a crack force attacking Liangshan Marsh from the south, striking straight at their den." Cai You asked, "And who might this capable commander be, Marshal?" Gao Qiu answered, "He is currently the Prefect of Haizhou." "Does the Marshal mean Zhang Shuye?" said Cai You. "Without an imperial decree, I fear he will not move his troops. Yet I have heard his abilities are remarkable." Gao Qiu said, "If Your Excellency deems this plan workable, we may wait for an opportune moment to petition His Majesty. Meanwhile, we shall order the forces of Yi, Qing, and Daming Prefectures to drill their troops. It is now the height of summer. By autumn, when the horses are strong and the skies clear, our three armies can move together, sweeping clean those Liangshan Marsh bandits before Fang La is subdued. We have two or three months to find the right words for His Majesty’s ear. Concurrently, we shall have places like Jizhou continuously submit reports of the bandits’ growing audacity, thereby laying the groundwork before the throne." Only then did Wang Fu interject, praising the strategy as thorough and flawless. Past campaigns against Liangshan Marsh had all failed because the rebels were underestimated and troops dispatched in haste, leading to repeated defeats. This time, with well-trained forces and a three-pronged assault, the bandits would find it hard to withstand. This Zhang Shuye in Haizhou had trained naval forces; he could be ordered to bring a separate fleet of warships. They could then attack from across the lake, robbing the marsh-dwelling bandits of their defensive advantage. Cai You nodded. "What you both say is most reasonable. Yet I hate those Liangshan Marsh villains to the very marrow of my bones. Must I now wait idly for two more months?" Marshal Gao replied, "If Your Excellency cannot bear to wait, campaigning in this summer heat presents several disadvantages. First, troops marching from afar under the fierce sun will be utterly exhausted, while the Liangshan bandits, resting at their ease, will wait for our weary men-we suffer the disadvantage from the start. Second, the summer floods have just begun, the waters of the marsh are wide, making an attack difficult. Third, as in previous campaigns, our troops have not been fully drilled." Cai You pondered a moment, then nodded. "Very well, then. Have Sun Rong write to that Sun Hao, saying the Bureau of Military Affairs intends to promote him and ordering him to intensify the drilling of his men. Send official dispatches simultaneously to Qingzhou and Daming. As for Zhang Shuye in Haizhou, we shall deal with that matter later." Gao Qiu added, "There is one more layer to consider. Song Jiang and Wu Yong are cunning foxes. Having wrought havoc in the Eastern Capital, they surely expect the court’s furious retaliation. Therefore, when ordering various localities to drill their troops, let us not say it is for attacking Liangshan Marsh. Say instead they are to be transferred south to quell Fang La. Have rumors spread that only after Fang La is pacified will the remaining strength be turned to sweeping the bandits of Shandong." Cai You thought it over carefully and found Marshal Gao’s words most apt. He thus authorized Gao Qiu to proceed according to the plan.
Meanwhile, Chai Jin returned to the mountain with a great hoard of gold and pearls, having also gathered intelligence on the court’s true situation. With all the brothers safe and sound, the entire stronghold rejoiced. Marshal Gao’s predictions, however, had struck true. Wu Yong, surmising that Cai You would not let such an insult pass, dispatched over a dozen bands of spies to the Eastern Capital to gather news in the aftermath. Time and again, the spies returned to the mountain reporting no movement from the capital. A full month passed without any word of an impending campaign against Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang thus consulted Wu Yong on the matter. The strategist said, "The father and son of the Cai clan possess the narrowest of minds. How could they suffer such a great loss and remain indifferent? As for subjugating Fang La first before dealing with our mountain fortress-even if such a strategy existed, it would be folly to announce it beforehand. In my humble opinion, they are feigning ignorance to lull us into complacency. The weather now is sweltering and ill-suited for battle; they prepare in secret. Come autumn, when horses are sturdy and the air crisp, they will strike us suddenly. This is not difficult to counter. The drilling of our land and naval forces within the stronghold has never ceased; we are ready for battle at any moment. For now, we need only send more spies down the mountain to gather intelligence. The Eastern Capital is filled with pleasure-seekers and sycophants; their movements should not be hard to uncover." Song Jiang agreed. Besides continuing the training of troops, the stronghold dispatched Yang Xiong, Shi Xiu, Yu Baosi, and Wang Dingliu to Shuozhou to purchase horses for the cavalry. The four set out in summer and did not return to the mountain fortress until the cool ninth month. In three separate parties, they delivered a total of three thousand stout warhorses, much to Song Jiang’s delight. Among them, Shi Xiu was a man of keen perception. He reported to Song Jiang, "Brothers, while passing through Daming, we heard that its two regional commanders, Li Cheng and Wen Da, were recently reorganizing their forces, drilling the garrison troops day and night with great urgency. I thought perhaps the border was troubled and they prepared for action against the Liao. But coming from the north, we witnessed no Liao activity. Upon questioning the common folk, they said Grand Tutor Cai and Councilor Wang were training these troops to quell Fang La in the south. It occurred to me: why train troops in distant Daming in Hebei for a campaign in the south, instead of using nearby prefectures? This makes no sense. Could it be that the Liang Secretariat seeks revenge against our mountain fortress?" Wu Yong, seated nearby, could not help but clap his hands. "Brother Shi, your vision is sharp and your mind perceptive. Their movements likely extend beyond this. We have already tasted the mettle of Daming’s troops. Surely Cai You and Gao Qiu are not so foolish as to specially train a force from Daming, led by defeated generals, to confront Liangshan Marsh. I suspect a feint to the east while striking in the west-they have likely stationed another army in a nearby prefecture, waiting to assault us when we are unprepared. If so, while the Daming troops put on a show in the west, the ambushing force must lie in the east." Upon hearing this, the other chieftains were half-convinced, half-doubtful. Wu Yong then sent some twenty leaders, both senior and junior, down the mountain to investigate the surrounding prefectures and counties, placing Dai Zong in overall charge of the eastern route. In less than a fortnight, Dai Zong returned to report: Sun Hao, Commandant of Yizhou, was leading a force of seven to eight thousand cavalry and infantry, combined with three to four thousand militia from Qingzhou-totaling over ten thousand men-claiming to march south to quell bandits, yet proceeding westward along the main eastern road. Wu Yong laughed heartily, declaring it was just as he had foreseen. After conferring with Song Jiang, drums thundered the next morning to summon the assembly. In the Hall of Righteousness and Loyalty, the one hundred and eight bold heroes gathered and took their seats in order. Song Jiang addressed them: "Previously, the court showed intention to grant us amnesty and enlistment, dispatching Prefect Hou to Dongping Prefecture to manage the affair. Yet the son of that vile minister, Cai Jing, would not let us be, driving Prefect Hou to his death in despair. Now, hoping to catch us unawares, they have covertly mobilized forces from Daming, Yizhou, and Qingzhou to advance upon our stronghold. Last night, the Military Strategist and I devised a counter-strategy. I expect every chieftain to obey the Strategist’s commands without the slightest deviation. He who errs shall face the merciless law of the army." When Song Jiang had finished, Wu Yong spoke: "The government troops advance in two columns; we shall meet them likewise. Brother Gongming shall lead thirty-six chieftains of land and water, with fifteen thousand troops, across the Golden Sand Beach. Establish camp there, facing west towards Shouzhang. Squire Lu shall lead twenty chieftains of infantry and cavalry, and six naval chieftains, with eight thousand troops. Cross the lake and first seize Dongping Prefecture as our base. I shall accompany to advise on military affairs. The remaining chieftains shall stay with Brother Chai Jin to guard the mountain. All chieftains on the expedition will receive their orders; there is no need to call each name." Having spoken, Wu Yong, still seated, issued several dozen military directives and over ten sealed instructions, distributing them to Lu Junyi, Guan Sheng, and others. That night, cooking fires were lit at the third watch; at the fifth watch the next morning, the army would march. All officers, great and small, holding these orders were to assemble their assigned men, horses, and boats at the appointed times and places, awaiting muster by their commanders. After these instructions, he offered a few more words of encouragement. Now, Lu Junyi alone, upon receiving his sealed instruction marked 'Open at the hour of Hai this night,' waited until the appointed time to read it. The message stated: *The Daming troops are a diversionary force, not worthy of concern. We shall likewise deliberately display strength westward, so they dare not advance rashly. Brother Song’s forces, stationed across the lake, will not venture far, sufficient to handle threats from both east and west. The Yizhou troops, long drilled, must not be underestimated. We hear they advance in stages, nearing Jizhou. Their aim is to draw us away from the mountain fortress to fight on their terms, tiring us while they rest. Their commander, Sun Hao, possesses modest talent and must not be taken lightly. I have already ordered General Guan to lead three thousand men, feigning an attack on Dongping to lure the Yizhou forces forward. You, Squire, need not concern yourself with this. Select three thousand of our finest men and proceed east by covert paths, striking directly at Yizhou. This is the classic stratagem of 'relieving Zhao by besieging Wei.' They cannot ignore it. As commander of Yizhou, Sun Hao bears the duty to defend his territory, and his soldiers’ families all reside there. He cannot possibly allow us to seize the city and is bound to turn back in rescue. Even if he does not, his troops, hearing their homes are besieged, will lose the heart to fight. Our main force from the mountain shall then defeat them at the opportune moment.*
After reading it twice, Lu Junyi grasped Wu Yong’s design. At dawn the next day, he crossed the Golden Sand Beach and pushed northward. On the vast plain, the various chieftains had already led their men and established several camps. Lu Junyi raised the commander’s standard before his tent, whereupon Guan Sheng led a party of land and water chieftains in to pay their respects. Consulting the roster on his table, Lu Junyi counted three thousand cavalry and five thousand infantry. The roll call completed, he addressed Guan Sheng standing before the tent: "The Military Strategist surely has a clever scheme, sending you, General, to attack Dongping. I presume you have read your secret orders?" Guan Sheng bowed. "This general understands his task." Lu Junyi said, "You may take your own contingent. I shall further detail Zhu Wu, Shi Jin, and Lu Zhishen with a thousand men to serve as your rear support. The route to Dongping crosses many lakes; have the naval chieftains bring two hundred boats to provide assistance in turn." The first group, the three Ruan brothers, received their orders and returned to their own camp. Meanwhile, as assigned by the Military Strategist, the vanguard cavalry commanders Hua Rong and Xu Ning, the junior cavalry commanders Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen, the infantry chieftains Lei Heng and Liu Tang, and the infantry officers Xue Yong and Shi En had all gathered in the command tent. Guan Sheng, presiding, addressed the assembled chieftains: "By the Military Strategist’s command, our attack on Dongping must be made with great fanfare, to first break the enemy’s spirit. I ask Brother Shi En to hasten back to the main camp and return with drums, gongs, and banners by tomorrow noon. We march at midday. Hua Rong shall lead five hundred cavalry as vanguard, waving banners and beating drums, to assault the western wall of Dongping. If the enemy sallies forth, draw them forward to engage our center, then disengage. Xu Ning shall lead five hundred infantry as the left wing; Liu Tang, five hundred infantry as the right wing; Lei Heng, five hundred infantry in support. All other cavalry officers and soldiers shall advance with the central army." With these orders given, the commanders rested for the day. At noon the following day, Shi En returned, accompanied by Hou Jian, the chieftain in charge of banners, and Tang Long, the chieftain forged weapons, bringing with them a great quantity of gongs, drums, and flags. A signal cannon roared. Hua Rong, leading five hundred cavalry and archers, set forth first. At their head fluttered two great banners of white silk edged in crimson, bearing characters embroidered in gold. One read: 'Liangshan Marsh Cavalry Vanguard'; the other: 'Little Li Guang Hua Rong.'
It was the ninth month. Grass and trees showed hints of decay. A bright sun traversed the vast, clear heavens above the boundless plain. This force of five hundred, bearing one or two hundred banners, raced eastward, raising clouds of dust. In but half a day, they reached the western outskirts of Dongping. Ever since Song Jiang had broken the city the year before, the court had appointed several prefects, yet none dared assume the post. The office thus remained vacant, its civil and military duties handled by the regional commander, Gao Yun. A military man at heart, upon taking charge he had repaired the walls and drilled the garrison, preparing for the worst. As the city nearest to Liangshan Marsh, it was often the first to receive news of the stronghold’s movements. Recently, he had obtained secret reports that troops from Yi and Qing Prefectures were gathering via Jizhou to attack the marsh; a great battle seemed destined for his very borders. He dared not be lax, sending scouts beyond the walls day and night. On this day, a flying scout brought urgent news: a large host from Liangshan Marsh had crossed the lake and was advancing along the main road toward Dongping. Alarmed, Gao Yun donned his armor in full, ordered the city gates shut fast, mustered his troops, and ascended the wall to survey the scene. And indeed, he saw clouds of dust billowing upward like pillars of fire, piercing the sky. Beyond the rising dust, a riot of colors danced-banners great and small fluttering in the wind, covering half the western plain. Seeing the fierce onslaught, Gao Yun ordered his defenders to prepare arrows and hurling-stones, raised the drawbridge high, and adopted a purely defensive stance. The approaching Liangshan cavalry, their pennants streaming, charged right up to the edge of the moat. Finding the city gates shut and no sign of the defenders emerging, they did not attempt to storm the walls. Instead, they circled the city once before settling to camp some five *li* west of the suburbs. That very afternoon, the three main columns arrived. It was late autumn, verging on winter; the farmers' harvest was long gathered, leaving the plain’s cultivated fields flat and endless. From his perch on the wall, Gao Yun gazed out. Thousands of tents rose like countless small hillocks scattered across the earth. Before each tent stood a banner, fluttering in the wind. The sinking sun in the western sky cast its slanting rays through the yellow dust, making the colors seem even more vivid. The solemn notes of horns and the steady beat of drums echoed from beneath those very banners. Gao Yun watched for a long time, stroking his beard and sighing to himself: "When bandits possess such a fiery, splendid martial display, the affairs of this world are truly beyond hope!" Secretly, a spy made his way back to the city wall, was lowered a rope, and hauled up. When Gao Yun questioned him, the man reported, "Before the main camp flies the standard of Great Sabre Guan Sheng." Gao Yun thought to himself: this was one of Liangshan’s Five Tiger Generals; he himself was no match. He therefore redoubled the city’s defenses while at the same time drafting an urgent plea for aid, dispatching a messenger to intercept the advancing armies of Yi and Qing Prefectures.
The messenger hurried to the outskirts of Jizhou and delivered his dispatch at the commandant’s field headquarters. Officers before the tent led him to the rear to meet the commanding generals: Sun Hao, Commandant of Yizhou, and Dou Yi, Militia Commander of Qingzhou. Sun Hao read the letter, showed it to Dou Yi, then hastily scribbled a reply in the tent, urging Gao Yun to hold the city at all costs, for relief was at hand. Once the messenger was sent off, Sun Hao turned to discuss strategy with Dou Yi. Sun Hao was around forty, his face lean and sharp, his beard sparse. Streaks of grey salted his temples, mirroring the lines upon his forehead-signs of many years of hardship. His deep-set eyes spoke of a man given to deep thought. Settled in the post-house, he dismissed his attendants and spoke in a low voice to Dou Yi: "Marshal Gao’s original secret order was for us to pretend we were troops destined for the south, while secretly launching a surprise attack on Liangshan Marsh. Yet I have been concerned-these Liangshan Marsh bandits are men of the rivers and lakes, their eyes and ears spread far and wide. How could we simply steal such an advantage? Our halting at Jizhou without them coming to meet us in battle suggests they have a plan. It is still four or five days’ march from here to Liangshan Marsh. By seizing Dongping first, they prevent us from drawing near the watery marshes. Since they are prepared, our original strategy is now unworkable. What is the Militia Commander’s view?" This Dou Yi, whose fierce countenance had earned him the nickname 'Little Zhong Kui (the Demon-Queller),' resembled the celebrated scholar Zhong Jin in appearance but lacked that gentleman’s literary refinement. He replied bluntly, "I shall follow your lead, General. I only understand fighting. Why not ignore Dongping entirely and strike straight for the edge of the marshes? Would that not force that scoundrel Guan Sheng to turn back to rescue it?" Sun Hao smiled. "That is the strategy of 'relieving Zhao by besieging Wei.' It works over long distances, not short ones. If we throw our forces at Liangshan Marsh itself, the bandits left to guard the lair will come out to block us. Guan Sheng could then abandon his attack on Dongping and wheel about to rescue his den, catching us between two forces. Scouts report the Daming army has not yet reached Shouzhang; it will be another two or three days before a proper pincer can be formed. That aside, we have still received no word of movement from the main force Marshal Gao designated-the troops of Zhang Shuye. My thought was to remain encamped here outside Jizhou, waiting for all three columns to advance together. But now we have no choice. We must first relieve the siege of Dongping. Otherwise, if Dongping falls, our line of advance along this route will be greatly hindered." Dou Yi had no better ideas of his own and could only acquiesce to Sun Hao’s judgment.
That same day, after inspecting his forces, Sun Hao ordered Dou Yi to take his own five thousand men as vanguard and challenge the Liangshan Marsh camp west of Dongping. He himself would lead the main force of eight thousand cavalry and infantry westward around the city, then array his men with their backs to the walls, the better to coordinate with the troops within. Dou Yi, burning to avenge his elder brother’s death, could scarcely contain his impatience. After two days of forced march, he reached the eastern suburbs of Dongping. Regional Commander Gao Yun, informed of his arrival, sent ten loads of wine and fifty pigs to refresh the troops, adding that the Liangshan bandit camp presented a formidable sight: by day, banners seemed to touch the sky; by night, lanterns covered the earth; the sounds of drums and horns never ceased, day or night. Hearing this, Dou Yi grew exceedingly displeased. He drank deep into the night within his tent, then ordered cooking fires lit at the third watch. Before dawn broke, with the soldiers fed, he divided his five thousand into three columns, shielding each flank with five hundred cavalry. He himself led three thousand infantry westward. As day began to pale the sky, they were still five *li* from the Liangshan Marsh encampment. Sure enough, they saw tents spread densely across the plain in layer upon layer, while a veritable forest of banners stood planted all around the perimeter. No drums or horns sounded. A morning mist hung low, veiling a palpable, silent aura of slaughter. Unaware of the enemy’s true strength, Dou Yi dared not advance recklessly. Riding ahead of his central column, he led his men slowly forward, pressing toward the great camp. When they were about two or three *li* away, he saw that outside the tents, felled branches had been piled into a defensive abatis. Behind this barrier, the foundations of earthen walls were already visible, showing clear intent to fortify their position. By now, a red sun had risen from the smoky horizon in the east, its light revealing not a single human figure within the opposing camp-only ten thousand banners waving in the stillness. Dou Yi halted his battle array; the main force advanced no further. Selecting fifty cavalrymen, he charged directly toward the camp gate set within the abatis to issue his challenge personally. The gate itself was framed by earthen walls splayed outward, topped by a square watchtower from which flew a large square red banner. Upon it, a single massive character 'Guan' fluttered in the wind. Below, the two gates of the stockade were tightly shut. Outside lay a deep, dry moat; on the far side, an iron chain held the drawbridge aloft. Only the drumming of his own horses’ hooves broke the silence; from the camp opposite came not a single sound. Guan Sheng was a man well-versed in the art of war. Surely this silence held profound meaning.
At this moment, fearing to dampen his own army’s morale, Dou Yi forced an air of calm. He ordered his men to shout insults toward the camp gate while he himself, spear poised, rode back and forth across the open ground before it. After roughly the time it takes to eat a meal, three rolls of drums suddenly boomed from within the camp. Banners stirred along the walls, the great gates swung wide, and some thirty to fifty guards armed with sabers簇拥 a single figure forth. The drawbridge before the camp remained raised. Those who had emerged halted on the far side of the moat. The mounted man wore armor the color of a praying mantis, a lion-crested helmet upon his head. His face was the hue of dates, a long beard graced his chin. Across his saddle lay the Green Dragon Crescent Blade. He urged his horse to the very edge of the trench. Behind him, two long banners streamed in the wind. One read: 'Liangshan Marsh’s Righteous Warrior, Great Sabre Guan Sheng'; the other: 'Liangshan Marsh’s Flying Tiger Senior General.' Seeing that Guan Sheng showed no intention of crossing to engage, Dou Yi leveled his spear and shouted loudly, "Guan Sheng! You were once an officer of the court. How dare you turn traitor and rebel?" Guan Sheng, holding his blade in his left hand, stroked his beard with his right and laughed. "Lackeys of treacherous ministers, household slaves of the powerful! The people of the entire realm wish to see you destroyed. We aim to cleanse the environs of the throne and restore order to the world. How dare you speak to me of sovereign and state upon this battlefield?" Dou Yi cried, "I have drawn up my battle array! Do you dare cross and fight? I will not bandy words with you!" Guan Sheng smiled. "You ignorant fool, standing on the brink of doom, and still you think to face me in combat? Let me tell you plainly: I have two detachments lying in ambush outside Dongping, ready to attack your rear. Even now your main force faces total annihilation, yet here you strut and bluster." Dou Yi heard this, half-believing, half-doubting, when several scouts in quick succession came galloping in with urgent reports: Liangshan Marsh forces were attacking from both north and south behind them; the distant sound of gongs and drums could already be heard. Dou Yi hesitated, still not issuing an order. Guan Sheng, observing this from across the way, raised his voice once more from his saddle: "Retreat now, and I shall not press you." Not daring to prolong the engagement, Dou Yi wheeled his horse and raced back to his own lines. He immediately ordered the rear guard to become the van, and sent the cavalry of both flanks forward to meet the enemy. At that moment, the mountain stronghold’s ambushing forces, hearing three signal cannons, sprang into action. Cavalry Chieftain Xu Ning and Infantry Chieftain Xue Yong led five hundred mixed horse and foot in a charge from the southern route. Cavalry Chieftain Hao Siwen and Infantry Chieftain Liu Tang led another five hundred charging from the north. Though the government troops had turned to face this new threat, their formation was already in disarray, their fighting spirit diminished by a third before the clash even began. As their flanks locked in combat with the ambushers, a great roar of gongs and drums thundered from behind. With a mighty shout, the troops from Guan Sheng’s camp pushed aside the makeshift barricades of sharpened branches and charged forth as one. Dou Yi’s men, assaulted from front and rear, were forced to fight on two fronts, trapped on the open plain with not a scrap of defensible ground. Their morale shattered. Fortunately, the northern Liangshan force only charged once before withdrawing to a stretch of high ground, from which they rained down arrows with fierce intensity, inadvertently leaving a gap in the middle. The right-flank cavalry of the government troops surged toward this opening. The rear guard, seeing the right flank give way, followed in a headlong rush toward the same spot. On the city wall of Dongping, Regional Commander Gao Yun had been watching the battle. Seeing the two ambushing forces strike Dou Yi’s rear, he was greatly alarmed and immediately dispatched a portion of his own troops beyond the walls to rescue them. The Liangshan forces blocking the way deliberately opened a path, allowing Dou Yi’s men to stream through. Thus, the government troops, pressured on three sides, burst toward the city walls like floodwaters through a breached dam. The Liangshan forces pursued only for a short while before gongs sounded the recall; they did not press their chase all the way to the city. Dou Yi’s troops straggled back into the city in disarray. A count revealed they had lost a full third of their number. His heart was filled with bitter chagrin. Sun Hao’s main force in the rear, receiving swift reports from the front, learned that Dou Yi had rashly advanced and fallen into an ambush. He immediately dispatched a deputy general with three thousand cavalry to provide support as circumstances allowed. Later reports confirmed Dou Yi had retreated into the city, so Sun Hao established his own fortified camp at the southeastern corner of the city, forming a distant pincer with the defenders within.
That evening, Gao Yun and Dou Yi together left the city to offer their apologies at Sun Hao’s command tent. Sun Hao addressed Dou Yi: "It is fortunate, General Dou, that you exercised some caution and challenged with only a few dozen light horsemen. Had the main force pressed directly against the bandit camp, with their reinforcements so near and our line of retreat so long, I fear our losses would have been far greater than this. That fellow Guan Sheng is a celebrated commander, adept in both civil and martial arts. Had we gained some small advantage at the start, this campaign might yet have been a close contest. Now, letting him blunt our edge at the very outset is most regrettable." As he spoke, he lightly tapped the edge of the table, sighing repeatedly. Dou Yi sat to one side in silent shame. Gao Yun rose and bowed. "In this humble commander’s view, the Liangshan bandits have just descended from their mountain, their morale at its peak. Our troops have come from afar; the difference between fatigue and readiness is stark. To challenge the enemy immediately upon arrival today was our error." Sun Hao stroked his beard in thought, then nodded. "Commander, your words hold sense. Do you suggest, then, that we adopt a defensive posture first, attacking only later?" Gao Yun replied, "Having been stationed at Dongping for some time, I have come to know the bandits’ fierce nature. It would be best to reverse the roles of host and guest, allowing the bandits’ initial fervor to wane before we act according to circumstance." Sun Hao said, "Let the men rest a day. We shall decide tomorrow." After Gao and Dou withdrew, Sun Hao ordered the entire camp to maintain strict vigilance and not offer battle. The following morning, accompanied only by a few attendants, he entered the city to inspect the troops and stores. Ascending the city wall, he gazed into the distance at the Liangshan Marsh encampment. The great earth stretched vast and empty, devoid of man or beast. Amidst the shifting clouds and mist, the shadowy outlines of banners could just be discerned. Concurrently, spies returned with reports: the Liangshan soldiers were busy digging trenches and building fortifications, their activity constant. Leaning on the battlement, Sun Hao turned to see Dou Yi and Gao Yun standing behind him. "The bandits do not intend to storm the city," he observed. "They mean to face us in a stalemate." Gao Yun said, "That scoundrel Guan Sheng is skilled in warfare and full of cunning stratagems. I fear his apparent defensive stance is meant to lull our vigilance, so he might strike the city when we are unprepared." Sun Hao replied, "If the bandits truly plan thus, it suits my own design. When the Daming forces arrive, we can then catch these bandits who have left their mountain in a pincer attack. If General Zhang’s troops from Haizhou also arrive-they are a crack force-a three-sided encirclement would test how many men the bandit lair can muster in resistance. Yet the Liangshan villains, learning of this, will certainly not remain passive and await their doom." Having assessed the situation, he ordered Gao Yun to prepare ample arrows and hurling-stones and focus solely on defending the city. He instructed Dou Yi to lead his own contingent and camp on the high ground north of the city, so that the three positions-the main camp, Dou Yi’s camp, and Dongping city-could support each other. He then returned to his own camp outside the walls.
Having learned his lesson, Dou Yi no longer dared to underestimate Guan Sheng’s forces. He too kept strictly to his fortified camp, supervising his men day after day in digging trenches and raising ramparts. For five days in a row, not the slightest movement came from the Liangshan Marsh camp. When Sun Hao sent men to investigate, they reported that Guan Sheng had completed three large fortified camps, their gates kept tightly shut at all times. Yet supply wagons continuously came and went from a waterside market connected to the Liangshan Marsh lakes via a small river. Hearing that the men guarding these supplies appeared to be old and weak soldiers, Sun Hao laughed aloud. Not long after, Gao Yun and Dou Yi came to his command tent to discuss matters. Dou Yi said, "Guan Sheng’s refusal to come out is maddening! His rear is constantly transporting supplies-is he trying to bait us?" Sun Hao smiled. "Since you suspect a trap, General Dou, why pay him any heed? If he seeks to lure us out, he must be growing impatient. Let us hold firm a few days longer and see what he does. I wager within three days, the bandits will come to challenge us. But we must ignore all provocations." Dou Yi argued, "If he sends only a small force to challenge, we must beware a trick. But if he commits his entire host to the attack, we must not let the opportunity pass." Sun Hao laughed. "Do not fret, General. In a few days, I promise you a battle to your heart’s content." Seeing Sun Hao speak with such assurance, Dou Yi assumed he had some insight and did not press the matter. And indeed, Sun Hao guessed correctly. From Guan Sheng’s camp, Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen led some five hundred men to issue a challenge outside Dongping. As they drew near, the city defenders answered only with a hail of arrows and stones. The Liangshan troops, without attempting to storm the walls, raised a great clamor before withdrawing. Observing this, Sun Hao became even more convinced that the Liangshan forces were growing restless, trying to draw him out. He was resolved not to take the bait lightly.
Thus the stalemate dragged on for ten days, until a scout came galloping in with urgent news: a host of over ten thousand men, flying the banners of Liangshan Marsh’s Lu Junyi, was advancing eastward and had already reached the borders of Teng County. Sun Hao, greatly startled, immediately summoned Gao Yun and Dou Yi to his tent for council. Upon hearing that a large Liangshan force was marching east-clearly to raid Yizhou-the two men stared at Sun Hao, speechless. Sun Hao slapped the table. "This must be a poisonous scheme devised by Wu Yong. The Liangshan bandits usually march under the banners of government troops to avoid trouble along the way. This time they openly display their own colors, surely because they have deduced the Yizhou region is undefended, and they deliberately want us to know. If we do not turn back to rescue, our soldiers’ families are mostly in Yizhou; they will lose heart for the fight. If we do turn back, Guan Sheng will be right on our heels, harrying us every step of the way. I see now-Guan Sheng’s inaction was not to draw us into battle, but to force us into holding our position. I did not anticipate Wu Yong would disregard the threat of our three-pronged attack and dare to split his forces for a distant strike against Yizhou." He spoke thus, clasping his hands behind his back and pacing back and forth before the tent. At times he would lift his head and gaze at the sky for a long while. Dou Yi could not contain himself: "This humble general once considered using the 'relieve Zhao by besieging Wei' stratagem to attack Liangshan Marsh directly. You said it would not work. Now Lu Junyi raids Yizhou-plainly the same strategy. Why does it work for them?" Sun Hao stamped his foot. "We are far from Yizhou, and the city is left empty. Naturally it does not work for us. Guan Sheng is not far from Liangshan Marsh, and the bandit lair is not left empty. Naturally it works for him." Stepping back into the tent, he took Gao Yun by the hand. "I see you are a prudent commander, unlikely to fall into the bandits’ snares. I shall leave General Dou’s forces here with you to jointly defend Dongping. My own main force must be transferred back with all speed. Should Yizhou be lost, not only would I bear the crime of abandoning my post, but the Bureau of Military Affairs, having acted without the Emperor’s express command and issuing faulty orders, would also bear unshirkable responsibility." Gao Yun replied, "Dongping lacks men of discernment. Defending this city is my bounden duty. With General Dou’s assistance here, my mind is all the more at ease. If Guan Sheng learns you have turned back to rescue Yizhou, he will surely both attack the city and dispatch troops in pursuit. We should first inflict a defeat upon him to avoid becoming entangled ourselves." Sun Hao sat brooding in the tent, then nodded. "We shall deal with that later." Having received no concrete orders, Dou Yi and Gao Yun could only wait anxiously in the main camp. That day, scouts returned incessantly with reports: Lu Junyi’s advance met no resistance as he pressed on toward Yizhou. Sun Hao thus agreed with the two commanders to withdraw that very night. Gao Yun, however, cautioned: "Your judgment is sound, General. Our scouts report like shooting stars-clearly Lu Junyi deliberately revealed his banners midway to alarm our spies. Men who stage such theatrics would surely have informed Guan Sheng. I suspect Guan Sheng has forces lying in ambush southeast of Dongping, blocking our path. To withdraw at night would be to march straight into his trap." Sun Hao lowered his head in thought and saw the logic. He issued orders: cooking fires at the first watch, movement at the second. At the second watch, he sent only a small detachment probing southeastward; they were to advance five to seven *li* and then retreat. The main army would break camp at the third watch and withdraw northeast, making a wide detour via Xuzhou before turning east. By daybreak, scouts from the rear guard reported that the southeastern detachment had indeed encountered Liangshan ambushers; they had withdrawn without engaging, returning to Dongping. Only then did Sun Hao realize the Liangshan forces were not merely fierce, but cunning as well, having laid ambushes at every turn. He sent more scouts ahead to gather intelligence. On the day they reached the Teng County border, the vanguard reported that Yin Luo, the infantry regional commander left to guard Yizhou, had arrived. Riding on horseback, Sun Hao slapped his saddle. "Yizhou is finished." A junior officer led Yin Luo before his horse. Sun Hao demanded, "You are not in Yizhou. Has the city fallen?" Yin Luo replied, "This humble officer deserves death. The bandits used the banners of government troops to trick open the city gates." So saying, he prostrated himself on the ground. Sun Hao pointed at him with his riding whip. "Rise and speak. Lu Junyi marched for hundreds of *li*, flying his banners and beating his drums for all to see. How could you be so witless as to remain completely unaware?" Yin Luo stood up, bowing. "Precisely because the bandits advanced in such great, open array, I sent word to you while also reinforcing the city’s defenses. Two days ago, Lu Junyi laid siege to Yizhou, attacking day and night with great ferocity; the situation was critical. At dawn yesterday, a force flying your banners, General, charged from the southwest. The bandits retreated in disarray, lifting the siege on the northern and eastern walls simultaneously. Seeing the bandits in such apparent disarray, I believed it a genuine rout and led a sortie in pursuit. The bandits had ambushes lying in wait on all sides; they surrounded me, cutting off my advance and retreat. The troops flying your banners, it turned out, were also bandits. While I was distracted, they pretended to be government troops retreating in defeat and made for the city. Prefect Jia, unaware of the truth, opened the gates and let them in. With only a hundred or so men, I fought my way out of the encirclement. When I reached the city walls, the banners of Liangshan Marsh already flew above them. I could only lead the remnant of my troops and fight my way out by back roads. Fortunately, the bandits did not pursue." Sun Hao sighed. "Lu Junyi, having taken the city, is doubtlessly plundering the treasuries and seizing gold and silk to his heart’s content. Why would he bother pursuing you? All else aside, that Prefect Jia is a favored disciple of Grand Tutor Cai. How could the Liangshan Marsh bandits possibly spare him?" He spoke thus, heaving long sighs repeatedly. By now, the ten thousand men Sun Hao had led on their forced march were utterly fatigued. Suddenly meeting Yin Luo’s hundred or so defeated soldiers, and with the news of Yizhou’s fall spreading through the ranks, the spirits of the entire army plummeted further. Perceiving this, Sun Hao marched only half a day’s journey that day, halting just within the borders of Yizhou to make camp and observe the situation.
By the next day, refugees fleeing Yizhou began to pass by. Sun Hao ordered his soldiers to find a few elderly, reliable commoners and bring them to his tent for questioning. They said that after the Liangshan Marsh forces entered the city, they issued proclamations to pacify the populace and had committed no acts of slaughter. Only Lu Junyi remained in the city with two or three hundred men; the main host still camped outside the walls. The city gates were opened twice daily, allowing the people to come and go to fetch firewood and grain. Those who wished to leave the city were permitted to do so. Otherwise, they asked, how could they have escaped a fallen city? Sun Hao heard this, his mind secretly puzzled. Later, encountering other refugees, he had them brought in for questioning, and all told the same tale. Sun Hao advanced another stage, making camp twenty *li* from Yizhou. That same day, he drafted an urgent dispatch and sent it day and night without rest to the Bureau of Military Affairs in the Eastern Capital. Seven or eight out of every ten officers under Sun Hao’s command had families residing within Yizhou’s walls. Hearing that the Liangshan troops had entered the city without committing massacre brought temporary relief, yet the thought remained: if they were to attack and retake the city, they would surely enrage Lu Junyi, and their families within might face terrible reprisal. Thus, whispering amongst themselves, they all showed a marked reluctance to advance. Sun Hao, sharing the same predicament as his officers, understood this all too well. He could only keep his camp tightly closed, awaiting further instructions from the Bureau of Military Affairs in the Eastern Capital before deciding his next move.