Chapter 13: The Blue-Faced Beast Fights in the Northern Capital; The Flash Pioneer Contends for Merit at Eastern Market
Chapter 13: The Blue-Faced Beast Fights at the Northern Capital; The Urgent Vanguard Strives for Merit at the Eastern Gate
At that moment, Zhou Jin and Yang Zhi reined in their horses and stood beneath the flags, about to engage in combat, when the Cavalry Commander Wen Da shouted, "Hold on!" He ascended the hall to report to Governor Liang and said, "Returning to Your Excellency: As for these two men competing in martial arts, though we have yet to see who is superior or inferior, spears and swords are inherently merciless things, meant only for killing bandits and quelling rebels. Today, if they compete within our own ranks, I fear there may be injuries—minor ones leading to disability, severe ones to death—which would be detrimental to the army. They could remove the spearheads from both spears, wrap them in felt, dip them in quicklime on the ground, then each mount their horses and wear black clothing. When they strike each other with the shafts, the one with more white marks will be considered the loser." Liang Zhongshu said, "This advice is very sound." He then issued the order.
The two men received the command, went behind the drill hall, removed the spear tips, wrapped them in felt, tied them into a mace-like shape, changed into black clothing, dipped their spears in a bucket of quicklime, mounted their horses again, and rode to the front of the formation. Zhou Jin, spurring his horse and thrusting his spear, charged straight at Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi also slapped his steed, gripped his spear, and engaged Zhou Jin. The two fought back and forth in front of the formation, intertwining repeatedly, becoming a tangled mass. Man fought man in the saddle, horse fought horse beneath them. They clashed for forty or fifty rounds. When they looked at Zhou Jin, he was like a overturned block of tofu, covered in spots, about thirty or fifty of them. When they looked at Yang Zhi, there was only one white spot below his left shoulder blade.
Liang Zhongshu was overjoyed. He summoned Zhou Jin to the hall, examined the marks, and said, "The previous officials appointed you as a military adjutant. With martial skills like yours, how can you campaign north and south? How can you hold a formal salaried adjutant position?" He ordered Yang Zhi to replace this man in his post. The Army Commander Li Cheng ascended the hall to report to Liang Zhongshu, saying, "Zhou Jin’s spear technique is rusty, but he is skilled in archery from horseback. To dismiss him without careful consideration might shake the army’s morale. How about letting Zhou Jin and Yang Zhi compete in archery?" Liang Zhongshu said, "This advice is very sound." He again issued the order, commanding Yang Zhi and Zhou Jin to compete in archery.
The two men received the order, sheathed their spears, and each drew their bows. Yang Zhi took his bow from its case, strung it properly, raised it, leaped onto his horse, rode to the front of the hall, stood in the stirrups, bowed, and reported, "Your Excellency, when arrows are shot, the matter leaves no room for mercy. I fear there may be injuries. Please issue your command." Liang Zhongshu said, "Warriors competing, why worry about injury? If you have the skill, even death will not be held against you." Yang Zhi received the order and returned to the front of the formation. Li Cheng passed down the word, telling the two archers to each take a shield for deflecting arrows to protect their bodies. The two men each received a shield and strapped it to their arms. Yang Zhi said, "You shoot three arrows at me first, then I will return three arrows to you." Zhou Jin, hearing this, wished he could shoot an arrow clean through Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi, being of military officer background, saw through his tactics and did not take him seriously at all. How was this archery duel seen?
One had once shot tigers in the mountains; the other was skilled at piercing a willow leaf in the wind. When the bow was drawn full, rabbits and foxes lost their lives; when the arrow was loosed, eagles and vultures were struck dead. Comparing skills, they contended on the spot; displaying techniques, they boasted before the crowd. One used a dodging maneuver, truly hard to withstand; the other used a sidestepping trick, impossible to guard against. In an instant, victory or defeat would be seen; in a moment, life or death would be clear.
At that time, the green flag on the platform was already waved. Yang Zhi spurred his horse southward, and Zhou Jin gave chase, looping the reins over his saddle horn, holding his bow in his left hand, nocking an arrow with his right, drawing it to the full, and shooting with a sou sound straight at Yang Zhi’s back. Yang Zhi heard the bowstring sound behind him, dodged with a flash, and hid himself in the stirrups. That arrow flew harmlessly past. Zhou Jin, seeing his first arrow miss, grew flustered. He quickly took a second arrow from his quiver, nocked it, aimed closer at Yang Zhi, and shot again at his back. Yang Zhi heard the second arrow coming, but instead of hiding in the stirrups, he took his own bow in hand and, with a flick of the tip, sent the arrow spinning and dropping into the grass. Zhou Jin, seeing the second arrow miss again, grew even more panicked. Yang Zhi’s horse had already reached the end of the drill ground. With a sudden jerk of the reins, the horse turned and galloped back toward the main hall. Zhou Jin also pulled his reins, turning his horse and giving chase. On the lush green grass, the eight hooves clattered like overturned cups and plates, thundering like a whirlwind. Zhou Jin took a third arrow, nocked it, drew the bow to the full, and, using all his strength, stared intently at Yang Zhi’s back and shot. Yang Zhi heard the bowstring, twisted around, and in the saddle, snatched the arrow cleanly into his hand. He then spurred his horse into the drill hall and discarded Zhou Jin’s arrow.
Liang Zhongshu, seeing this, was overjoyed. He issued an order for Yang Zhi to also shoot three arrows at Zhou Jin. The green flag on the platform waved again. Zhou Jin dropped his bow and arrows, took up his shield, spurred his horse, and galloped south. Yang Zhi, on his horse, gave a slight bounce, tapped his steed, and the horse charged forward with a clatter. Yang Zhi first drew his bow feebly. Zhou Jin, hearing the bowstring sound behind him, twisted around and raised his shield to meet it, but it was a feint. Zhou Jin thought to himself, "That fellow only knows how to use a spear, not a bow. When he fakes his second arrow, I’ll shout for him to stop, and that will count as my win." Zhou Jin’s horse had already reached the southern end of the drill ground and turned back toward the hall. Yang Zhi’s horse, seeing Zhou Jin’s horse turn, also wheeled around. Yang Zhi quickly pulled an arrow from his quiver, nocked it, and thought, "If I hit him in the back, it will surely kill him. He and I have no grudge. I’ll just shoot him in a non-lethal spot." His left hand was like holding up Mount Tai, his right hand like cradling a baby. The bow opened like a full moon; the arrow flew like a shooting star. As they say, slow to speak, quick to act: the arrow struck Zhou Jin squarely in the left shoulder. Zhou Jin, caught off guard, tumbled from his horse. The riderless horse ran straight past the back of the drill hall. The soldiers went to rescue Zhou Jin. Liang Zhongshu, seeing this, was overjoyed. He ordered the military secretariat to present the documents and had Yang Zhi replace Zhou Jin in his post.
Yang Zhi, elated, dismounted and went to the front of the hall to thank his benefactor and assume the position. Truly:
Having offended in Youzhou, he was sent as a soldier;
In this arena contest, he fought to the death.
With an arrow that could pierce a willow leaf,
He won the half-rank honor of an adjutant.
But unexpectedly, from the left side of the steps, a man stepped forward and called out, "Don’t accept the post yet! Let you and me have a contest!" Yang Zhi looked at the man. He was over seven feet tall, with a round face, large ears, thick lips, a square mouth, and a full beard on his cheeks. He was majestic in bearing and imposing in appearance. He went straight up to Liang Zhongshu, made a bow, and reported, "Zhou Jin was ill and not fully recovered, and his spirit was not in shape, which caused him to lose to Yang Zhi. I, a minor general, though unskilled, wish to compete with Yang Zhi in martial arts. If I let Yang Zhi gain any advantage, do not let him replace Zhou Jin. Instead, let him replace my post. Even if I die, I will have no resentment." Liang Zhongshu looked and saw it was none other than Suo Chao, the regular adjutant of the Daming Prefecture garrison. Because of his quick temper, like salt thrown into fire, and his eagerness to fight for the country’s honor and to be the first in battle, people called him the "Urgent Vanguard." Li Cheng heard this, descended from the platform, and went to the front of the hall to report: "Your Excellency, since this Yang Zhi was a military commissioner of the Palace Storehouse, he must have good martial skills. It is clear that Zhou Jin was no match for him. It would be fitting to have him compete with Adjutant Suo to see who is superior." Liang Zhongshu, hearing this, thought to himself, "I intended to promote Yang Zhi with all my might, but the other generals are dissatisfied. Let him defeat Suo Chao as well; then they will have no cause for complaint and will have nothing to say."
Liang Zhongshu then summoned Yang Zhi to the hall and asked, "How about competing in martial arts with Suo Chao?" Yang Zhi reported, "How dare I disobey Your Excellency’s command?" Liang Zhongshu said, "Since that is so, go behind the hall and change your gear. Arm yourself properly. Have the quartermaster’s attendant take the appropriate weapons for you. Also, let my warhorse be lent to you to ride. Be careful and do not take it lightly." Yang Zhi thanked him and went to prepare himself.
Li Cheng then instructed Suo Chao, saying, "You are not like others. Zhou Jin is your disciple, and he has already lost. If you slip up, you'll make all the officers of Daming Prefecture look down on us. I have a warhorse I often take into battle, and a set of armor—I'll lend them both to you. Be careful and don't lose your edge." Suo Chao thanked him and went to prepare himself.
Liang Zhongshu stood up and walked to the front of the steps. His attendants moved the silver armchair to the railing of the moon terrace and set it down. After Liang Zhongshu was seated, the attendants on left and right lined up in two rows. He summoned the umbrella bearer to open the three-tiered cool canopy of tea-brown silk with a silver gourd-shaped finial, which was held behind Liang Zhongshu. From the reviewing stand, an order was passed down, and soon someone waved a red flag. On both sides, golden gongs and drums sounded together, and a roll of drums was beaten. In the training ground, within the two battle formations, a cannon was fired from each side. As the cannon boomed, Suo Chao rode his horse into the formation and hid beneath the regimental banner. Yang Zhi also rode his horse from his formation into the army and halted behind the regimental banner. On the reviewing stand, a yellow flag was waved again, and another drumroll sounded. Both armies let out a single shout. In the training ground, no one dared to make a sound; it was utterly silent. Another gong rang, and a plain white flag was raised. None of the officers on either side dared to move or speak out of turn; they stood in stillness.
On the reviewing stand, a green flag was waved again. As the third roll of battle drums sounded, the regimental banner on the left formation slowly parted. With the jingling of bridle bells, the regular officer Suo Chao rode out to the front of the formation, reined in his horse, and grasped his weapon. He was truly a heroic figure. On his head he wore a helmet of wrought bronze shaped like a lion, with a large red tassel as big as a fighting measure at the back. His body was clad in armor assembled from iron leaves, and around his waist was a belt plated with gold and adorned with a beast's face, with two bronze heart-protecting mirrors front and back. Over this he wore a robe of crimson with round floral patterns, with two green velvet ribbons hanging down as a chin strap. On his feet were boots of slant-cut leather for riding. On his left side he carried a bow, and on his right a quiver of arrows. In his hand he held a golden-bladed battle-axe horizontally. Beneath him was that battle-hardened horse of Commissioner Li's—a snow-white steed. As for the horse, it was another fine beast. One could see: Its coat matched the metal element, like the white tiger of the southern hills; its hair was piled with glossy powder, like the jade qilin of the northern sea. It could charge formations, leap streams, delight in battle drums, and its nature was like a gentleman’s; it could bear heavy loads, travel far, and was used to neighing in the wind—truly a dragon’s kin. It surpassed the pear-blossom horse of Wu Zixu and rivaled the white jade steed of the Qin king.
On the left formation, "Fast Vanguard" Suo Chao reined in his horse, pressed down his golden axe, and stood at the front of the line. On the right formation, the regimental banner slowly parted. With the jingling of bridle bells, Yang Zhi, holding his spear, rode out to the front of the formation, checked his horse, and held his spear horizontally. He was truly fierce and brave. On his head he wore a helmet of refined iron, frosted and gleaming in the sun, with a tuft of green tassels. His body was clad in armor of linked plum-blossom and elm-leaf patterns, tied with a red silk cord, with beast-faced heart guards front and back. Over this he wore a white silk robe with bright floral patterns, with a purple velvet flying sash. On his feet were yellow leather boots with padded soles. He carried a bow with a leather grip and a few chisel-tipped arrows. In his hand he held a pure steel-pointed spear. His mount was Liang Zhongshu's fiery red thousand-li steed that neighed in the wind. As for that horse, it was another invincible fine beast. One could see: Its mane parted like flames, its tail swayed like morning clouds. Its whole body was streaked with rouge, its two ears pricked like gathered red leaves. At dawn it faced the purple frontier, its hooves striking four cold sparks; at dusk it turned on the sandy embankment, rolling on the ground like a ball of fire. Do not speak of the southern pole's divine steed—it was truly the Red Hare of Lord Shouting.
On the right formation, "Blue-Faced Beast" Yang Zhi twisted his spear in his hand, reined in his horse, and stood at the front of the line. The officers and soldiers on both sides secretly cheered; though they knew not yet his martial skill, his imposing presence was already outstanding.
From the due south, the flag officer, holding the gold-inlaid command flag, galloped up and shouted, "By the lord's decree, I order you both to exert yourselves. If there is any negligence, punishment will follow. If you win, there will be heavy rewards." The two received the order, spurred their horses out of the formation, and reached the center of the training ground. The two horses met, and their weapons were raised together. Suo Chao, enraged, swung his great axe and urged his horse to attack Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi, displaying his might, twisted his divine spear and met Suo Chao. The two clashed in the middle of the training ground, before the reviewing stand, each staking his life's skills. One came, one went; one advanced, one retreated. Four arms crossed, eight horse hooves tangled. One could see: War banners obscured the sun, killing intent covered the sky. One golden axe aimed straight for the crown of the head; one pure steel spear struck unerringly at the heart. This one was the Vaisravana who supported the state, the Heavenly King Li who bore the pagoda; that one was the Marshal Tianpeng who governed the realm and held the golden gates. From one spear tip burst a flame; from one axe blade flew several cold gleams. One was like Yuan Da reborn from the Seven Kingdoms; the other like Zhang Fei emerging from the Three Kingdoms. One was like the Giant Spirit God in fury, swinging his great axe to split the mountain's base; the other like Huaguang in wrath, wielding his golden spear to break open the underworld. This one glared with round, blazing eyes and hacked diagonally with his axe; that one gritted his teeth so hard they cracked, shaking his spear until the shaft nearly broke. Each watched for the other's openings, not granting a moment's respite.
They fought for over fifty rounds, with no victory or defeat. On the moon terrace, Liang Zhongshu watched, dumbfounded. The officers on both sides cheered without stopping. The soldiers in the formations looked at each other and said, "We have served in the army for many years and been on several campaigns, but when have we ever seen such a pair of good men fighting?" Li Cheng and Wen Da, on the reviewing stand, shouted without pause, "A fine fight!" Wen Da, fearing only that one of the two might be hurt, quickly summoned the flag officer with the command flag to separate them. Suddenly, a gong sounded from the reviewing stand. Yang Zhi and Suo Chao, at the height of their struggle, each wanted to claim merit, and neither was willing to turn back. The flag officer flew over and shouted, "Stop, good men! The lord has given an order." Only then did Yang Zhi and Suo Chao put away their weapons, rein in their horses, and each gallop back to his own formation, standing beneath the banner. They looked toward Liang Zhongshu, awaiting his command.
Li Cheng and Wen Da descended from the reviewing stand, went straight to the moon terrace, and reported to Liang Zhongshu, "Lord, these two have equal martial skills; both can be given important posts." Liang Zhongshu was greatly pleased and issued an order to summon Yang Zhi and Suo Chao. The flag officer relayed the command and called the two to the front of the hall, where they both dismounted. Junior officers took their weapons, and the two entered the hall, bowed, and awaited orders. Liang Zhongshu ordered two ingots of silver and two sets of outer and inner garments to be brought as rewards for them. He then ordered the military administration to promote both to the rank of army training inspector, and to have the documents posted, appointing them from that very day. Suo Chao and Yang Zhi both bowed in thanks to Liang Zhongshu, took their rewards, and left the hall. They removed their spears, swords, bows, and arrows, took off their helmets and armor, and changed into regular clothes. Suo Chao also shed his armor and donned a brocade jacket. Both then re-entered the hall, bowed again to thank all the officers. Liang Zhongshu ordered Suo Chao and Yang Zhi to exchange courtesies and take their places among the inspectors. The soldiers then beat the victory drum, and those holding the golden drums and flags dispersed first.
Liang Zhongshu and the officers, great and small, held a feast in the training hall. As the red sun sank in the west, the feast ended. Liang Zhongshu mounted his horse, and all the officials escorted him back to his residence. Before his horse's head rode the two newly appointed inspectors, flanking him on horseback, with red flowers fastened on their heads, entering through the East Gate. On both sides of the street, people—young and old, supporting each other—watched and were delighted. Liang Zhongshu asked from his horse, "You common folk, why are you so happy?" The elders knelt and reported, "We old men were born in the Northern Capital and grew up in Daming Prefecture, but we have never seen such a contest between two fine general-like men as today. After seeing such a match in the training ground, how could we not be happy?" On hearing this from his horse, Liang Zhongshu was overjoyed. When they returned to the residence, the officers dispersed. Suo Chao was invited by his circle of brothers to celebrate with drinks. Yang Zhi, being new and without acquaintances, went to rest in Liang Zhongshu's residence, attending diligently day and night to await orders. All this is aside.
Now let us set aside these trivial matters and speak of the main story. After the martial display at the East Gate, Liang Zhongshu cherished Yang Zhi deeply, never leaving his side day or night. Each month he received a stipend, and gradually people came to befriend him. Suo Chao, seeing Yang Zhi's superb skill, felt admiration in his heart.
Time passed swiftly, unnoticed. Spring ended and summer came. It was the time of the Dragon Boat Festival, the month of the fifth moon. Liang Zhongshu and Lady Cai held a family banquet in the rear hall to celebrate the festival. One could see: Green mugwort in pots, red pomegranates in vases. Crystal curtains rolled up like shrimp whiskers; embroidered screens spread like peacock tails. Calamus cut like jade, lovely ladies laughed as they held up purple agate cups; rice dumplings piled like silver, beautiful maidens raised high the green jade trays. Rare dishes were cooked, seasonal fruits were offered. Amid the wind from palm-leaf fans, a clear and elegant melody played; within the fragrance of lotus garments, a hundred graceful dance poses emerged.
That day, Liang Zhongshu was dining with Lady Cai in the back hall, celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. After a few cups of wine and two courses of dishes, Lady Cai said, “Husband, since you first entered officialdom and now hold command of an army, bearing the nation’s heavy responsibilities, where did this rank and wealth come from?” Liang Zhongshu replied, “I have studied since childhood and am well-versed in the classics and histories. A man is not made of wood or stone—how could I forget my father-in-law’s kindness? I am endlessly grateful for his support and guidance!” Lady Cai said, “Since you know my father’s favor, how can you forget his birthday?” Liang Zhongshu answered, “How could I forget? My father-in-law’s birthday is on the fifteenth day of the sixth month. I have already sent men with a hundred thousand strings of cash to purchase gold, pearls, and precious items to be taken to the capital to celebrate his birthday. The agents were dispatched a month ago. Now, nine-tenths of the goods are ready. In a few days, everything will be prepared, and I will send men to set out. But there is one matter I am still hesitating over. Last year, I purchased many curios, gold, pearls, and treasures and sent men to deliver them, but before they had gone halfway, they were all stolen by bandits. That wealth was wasted, and to this day, the thieves have not been caught despite strict pursuit. This year, whom should I send?” Lady Cai said, “There are many officers before the tent. You can choose a trusted man to go.” Liang Zhongshu said, “There are still forty or fifty days. I will hasten the preparations for the gifts, and then I will choose a man. Do not worry, madam; I have my own plan.” That day’s family feast lasted from noon until the second watch before dispersing, and nothing more was said on the matter.
Let us leave aside Liang Zhongshu’s purchase of gifts and curios and his selection of men to go to the capital to celebrate Chancellor Cai’s birthday. Let us instead speak of a newly arrived magistrate in Yuncheng County, Jizhou, in Shandong. His surname was Shi, given name Wenbin. This official was upright in his duties, honest and clear in his judgments, often harboring a compassionate heart and thoughts of benevolence. When faced with disputes over land, he distinguished right from wrong before acting; when encountering brawls and quarrels, he weighed the severity before deciding. In leisure, he played the zither and received guests; in busy times, he swiftly wrote verdicts. In name, he was the county’s chief official; in truth, he was a father to the people.
That day, Magistrate Shi Wenbin ascended the hall and took his seat. On both sides stood the clerks and attendants. The magistrate then summoned the constables in charge of capturing thieves and the two patrol squad leaders. Under the county’s jurisdiction, there were two squad leaders: one commanded the infantry, the other the cavalry. The cavalry squad leader oversaw twenty mounted archers and twenty soldiers; the infantry squad leader oversaw twenty spearmen and twenty soldiers.
The cavalry squad leader was named Zhu Tong. He stood eight spans and four or five inches tall, with a tiger-like beard one span and five inches long. His face was like a ripe date, his eyes like bright stars, resembling the appearance of Guan Yunchang. The entire county called him “Beautiful Beard.” He was originally a wealthy man of the area, but because he valued righteousness and distributed wealth freely, he befriended many heroes of the rivers and lakes and had mastered a fine set of martial skills. How can one describe Zhu Tong’s bearing? Behold:
A bold and loyal hero, skilled in martial arts, surpassing all in bravery. His bow could shoot tigers, his sword could slay dragons. His majestic presence awed even spirits and demons; his stern countenance radiated authority. His face was red as a date, and he seemed a reincarnation of Yunchang, known to all as “Beautiful Beard.”
The infantry squad leader was named Lei Heng. He stood seven spans and five inches tall, with a purple-brown complexion and a fan-shaped beard. Because his strength was extraordinary, he could leap across ravines two or three spans wide, and the whole county called him “Winged Tiger.” He was originally a blacksmith in the county, later opened a rice-hulling mill, slaughtered cattle, and ran gambling dens. Though he valued righteousness, his heart was somewhat narrow, and he too had learned fine martial skills. How can one describe Lei Heng’s bearing? Behold:
A star from heaven descended to earth, among them one especially capable—the squad leader Lei Heng. His fists were powerful, his kicks swift as lightning. Heroes of the rivers and lakes praised his martial prowess; he leaped walls and crossed streams with ease. What hero dared contend with him? Shandong’s “Winged Tiger” was famed throughout the world.
Zhu Tong and Lei Heng were specially tasked with capturing thieves and bandits. That day, the magistrate summoned both to the hall. They paid their respects and awaited orders. The magistrate said, “Since I took office, I have heard that in the marshlands of Liangshanpo, under the jurisdiction of our prefecture Jizhou, bandits gather to rob and resist government troops. I am also concerned that thieves in the villages are rampant, with many petty criminals about. Now I call you two before me. Do not shirk hardship. Lead your respective soldiers—one go out the west gate, the other out the east gate—and patrol separately to capture thieves. If you find any bandits, immediately arrest them and send them for trial. Do not disturb the common people. I have heard that on the hill of Dongxi Village there is a big red-leaf tree, which is found nowhere else. All of you go pick a few leaves and bring them to the county to prove that you have patrolled there. If there are no red leaves, it will be a false report, and you will certainly be punished.” The two squad leaders received their orders, returned to their posts, mustered their soldiers, and set out separately on patrol.
Let us leave aside Zhu Tong leading his men out the west gate to patrol. Let us speak only of Lei Heng, who that evening took twenty soldiers out the east gate. They patrolled around the villages, traversing the area far and wide. On their return, they reached the hill of Dongxi Village. The men picked the red leaves and then descended the hill. After walking less than two or three li, they soon arrived before the Lingguan Temple. Seeing the temple doors unclosed, Lei Heng said, “This temple has no caretaker, and the doors are not shut. Could there be a villain inside? Let us go in and have a look.” The men held up torches and went in together. They saw a large man lying stark naked on the altar table. The weather was hot, and the man had bundled some tattered clothes into a ball as a pillow, placed it under his neck, and was snoring loudly as he slept on the altar. Lei Heng looked at him and said, “How strange, how strange! The magistrate is truly inspired. So there really is a thief in Dongxi Village!” With a great shout, the man tried to struggle, but the twenty soldiers rushed forward together, bound him with a rope, and dragged him out of the temple gate, heading for the house of a local security chief.
If not for that destination, how would it come to pass that in Dongxi Village, three or four heroic men would gather, and in Yuncheng County, a hundred thousand strings’ worth of gold, pearls, and treasures would be sought? Truly, celestial stars from above convened, and earthly fiends met. Where Lei Heng would take the captured man, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.