Scene 38: Alarm at Huai'an
Scene 38: Alarm at Huai
(Enter the Painted Face role, leading attendants)
[Song: Frosty Sky at Dawn]
A hero of surpassing skill,
Drums beat, flags flap, the air with shouts is filled.
For three years in embroidered armour light,
My sword I clang, my saddle hangs aslant.
"A rebel chief am I, Li Quan, with heart and soul to Tartar skies.
My boot could kick the Yangzi's moat aside—
I laugh to see the land south of the River lacks all strength."
I, the Gilded King, by command of the Great Jin, have harried Jiang-Huai for three years. I have learned that the Jin forces have massed grain and weapons and are about to march south, ordering me to open the way through Huai-Yang. I had best invite my lady out to discuss the matter. Adjutant, go quickly and summon her. (Shouts from attendants) The Great King summons the Arrow-Shed. (Old Woman role as soldier, enters carrying arrows) The Arrow-Shed is already made ready. (Painted Face, half laughing, half annoyed) What nonsense is the dog talking? (Old Woman) The Great King said, "Summon the Arrow-Shed to discuss matters." (Painted Face) Rubbish! I myself summoned Lady Yang. How could you be the Arrow-Shed? (Old Woman) Lady Yang is the Great King's arrow-shed, and I am also an arrow-shed. (Painted Face shouts her away)
[Song: Previous Tune]
(Enter the Clown role)
Deep in the tent, the lotus blooms surround,
The bandit's wife has plots profound.
(They greet each other)
The Great King is in high spirits! Your fierce struggle through the night was so rough. It has worn me out to the very core. My lord husband, I am weary from sleeping. What business have you that you summon me to discuss? (Painted Face) I hear that the Jin ruler is invading the south and has ordered me to attack Huai-Yang to clear the way. But I reflect that Yangzhou is held by Du the Pacification Commissioner, so it will be hard to take quickly. What is to be done? (Clown) In my view, first besiege Huai'an. Du is sure to come to its rescue. We will then divide our forces to take Yangzhou, cut off his relief, and seize the opportunity. (Painted Face) Excellent! Excellent! With this plan, madam, Li Quan will have to fear you. (Clown) Is there anything about which you do not fear me? (Painted Face) Enough! Before I was enfeoffed as a king, I was a robber afraid of his wife; now that I am a king, I must be a king afraid of his wife. (Clown) Well said. Quickly raise the troops and attack Huai'an.
[Song: Embroidered Flowers]
(Painted Face)
Turn the peak where the signal flag is hung,
Urge on the vanguard—swift and strong.
A thousand ranks arrayed,
Ten thousand chargers, all displayed.
The drums roll, bang, bang, bang,
The drums roll, bang, bang, bang,
They shake Huai-Yang with their loud clang.
[Song: Previous Tune]
(Attendants)
The tigress in the camp
Is full of vim and stamp.
The linked-chain battle-formation,
A painted cage for man's elation.
A hubbub, a hubbub, a hubbub,
A hubbub that shakes Huai-Yang with its rub-a-dub.
(Clown) Hear my command, Gilded King: wherever the army goes, you are not to seize a single woman. If you disobey, you shall certainly be punished by military law. (Painted Face) I dare not.
(Clown)
At dusk the wind-blown sand o'er ancient battlefield, — Wang Changling
(Painted Face)
In camp the soldiers learn a palace lady's style. — Sikong Tu
(Attendants)
Now 'neath the crimson flag we take the field, — Zhang Jianfeng
(Attendants)
To cleave the cloud-like hair and phoenix-golden tile. — Cao Tang