Chapter 63: Song Jiang Attacks the City of Daming; Guan Sheng Plans to Take Liangshan Marsh

CHAPTER 63

Song Jiang Attacks the City; Guan Sheng Proposes to Take the Liangshan Marsh

It is now told that Shi Xiu and Lu Junyi, finding no way out within the city, were surrounded on all sides by troops. The constables used grappling hooks to seize them and trip ropes to knock them down. Alas for these brave heroes—they then realized that the few could not withstand the many. Both were captured on the spot and taken under escort to Prefect Liang Zhongshu. He ordered the rebels from the execution ground to be brought before him. Shi Xiu, standing in the hall, glared with round, angry eyes and shouted loudly: “You villain who ruins the state and harms the people! I have heard my brother’s orders; sooner or later he will lead an army to attack your city, raze it to the ground, and cut you into three pieces! I have come first to let you know.” Shi Xiu cursed the prefect a thousand times as a thief and a villain in the hall; all those present were stunned with terror. Liang Zhongshu, after hearing this, pondered for a long time, then ordered large cangues to be brought. First, the two were cangued and then imprisoned in the death-row cells. He instructed Cai Fu to guard them carefully, ensuring no mishap occurred. Cai Fu, wanting to build a connection with the Liangshan heroes, confined the two together in one cell and gave them fine wine and meat daily. Thus they did not suffer hardship but were instead well cared for.

Now Liang Zhongshu summoned the newly appointed Prefect Wang to the hall to handle the matter, and also counted the wounded in the city. Those killed in the fighting numbered seventy or eighty; those with head injuries, broken skin, or fractured legs and feet were countless. After reporting to the authorities, Liang Zhongshu allocated public funds for medical treatment and cremation. The next day, reports came from within and outside the city: “We have recovered several dozen anonymous bulletins from the Liangshan bandits; not daring to conceal them, we present them here.” Liang Zhongshu looked at them, and his soul fled, his spirit scattered. The bulletins read:

At that time, after reading the anonymous notice, Liang Zhongshu summoned Prefect Wang to discuss: “How should this matter be decided?” Prefect Wang was a timid man; upon hearing these words, he reported to Liang Zhongshu: “This band of outlaws from Liangshan—even the imperial court has been unable to capture them on several occasions; how can a single prefecture like ours manage? If these desperate men lead an army here, and the court’s relief forces do not arrive in time, regret will be too late! In my humble opinion: for now, we should spare the lives of these two men. First, we will write a memorial to the throne; second, we will send a letter to inform the Grand Tutor Cai; third, we can order our local troops to set up camp outside the city to guard against unforeseen events. In this way, the safety of the northern capital can be ensured, and the soldiers and civilians will not be harmed. If we execute these two immediately, I fear that when the rebel army approaches the city, first, we will have no troops to relieve us; second, the court will be displeased; third, the people will be panicked, causing turmoil within the city—this would be highly inconvenient.” Liang Zhongshu replied: “What the prefect says is very correct.” He first summoned the jail warden Cai Fu and said: “These two rebel prisoners are no ordinary matter. If you treat them too strictly, I fear they may die; if you treat them leniently, I worry they might escape. You and your brother must watch over them day and night, at times strictly, at times loosely, with great care, awaiting their disposal. Do not slack off for a moment.” Cai Fu, hearing this, secretly rejoiced: “This handling suits my wishes perfectly.” He received the orders and went to the prison to comfort the two men; that is not detailed here.

Now Liang Zhongshu summoned the military commanders, the “Great Blade” Wen Da and the “Heavenly King” Li Cheng, to the hall to discuss matters. Liang Zhongshu fully explained the Liangshan anonymous bulletin and what Prefect Wang had said. After hearing this, Li Cheng said: “How dare this bunch of grass bandits leave their lair? Why should you worry, sir? Though I am of little talent, I have received much salary and have done nothing to repay your kindness. I am willing to exert myself like a dog or horse, lead the troops, and set up camp outside the city. If the grass bandits do not come, we can discuss other plans. But if those strong outlaws, whose time is short and fate exhausted, dare to leave their lair and come with their followers, I do not boast—I will ensure that not a single piece of armor returns!” Liang Zhongshu was greatly pleased and immediately awarded gold flowers and embroidered satin to reward the two generals. They declined the gifts, took their leave of Liang Zhongshu, and returned to their respective camps to rest.

The next day, Li Cheng ascended the command tent and summoned all officers, great and small, to discuss matters. From the side stepped forward a man of imposing presence and dignified appearance—it was Suo Chao, the “Urgent Vanguard,” who came out to meet them. Li Cheng issued the order: “The Song Jiang grass bandits will soon approach the city to attack our northern capital. You are to muster your own troops and set up camp thirty-five li from the city. I will follow later with the main force.” Suo Chao received the orders and the next day mustered his troops, proceeding thirty-five li to a place called Feihu Valley, where he set up a stockade against the mountain. The following day, Li Cheng led the main and auxiliary officers twenty-five li from the city to a place called Huaishu Slope, where he set up another stockade. The area was densely bristling with spears and swords, deep-laid deer horns on all sides, and pitfalls dug in three directions. The troops rubbed their fists and palms, eager for action; all the generals united their efforts, waiting only for the Liangshan army to arrive to make their mark.

Let us now turn to another matter. It turned out that these anonymous bulletins were written by Wu Yong after he learned from Yan Qing and Yang Xiong’s report, and through Dai Zong’s intelligence that Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu had both been captured. Thus he wrote false notices, dropped them in uninhabited places, and posted them on bridges and roads, solely to preserve the lives of Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu. Dai Zong returned to the Liangshan Marsh and fully reported these matters to all the chieftains. When Song Jiang heard this, he was greatly alarmed. He had the drum beaten in the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall to gather everyone; the chieftains, great and small, took their seats in order. Song Jiang began speaking to Wu Yong: “At first, it was your good intention, military advisor, to invite Squire Lu to join us in righteousness. But now, unexpectedly, he has suffered hardship, and Brother Shi Xiu has also been trapped. What plan can we use to rescue them?” Wu Yong said: “Brother, rest assured. Though I have little talent, I wish to offer a plan: take advantage of this opportunity to seize the grain and wealth of the northern capital for our stronghold’s use. Tomorrow is an auspicious day; please assign half of the chieftains to guard the stronghold, and the rest will follow us to attack the city.” Song Jiang said: “What the military advisor says is very correct.” He then summoned the “Iron-faced Registrar” Pei Xuan to dispatch the troops, great and small, to set out the next day. “Black Whirlwind” Li Kui then said: “These two big axes of mine have not been used for a long time. When I hear of attacking a prefecture or raiding a county, I am delighted by the side of the hall. Brother, assign me five hundred small bandits; I will rush to the northern capital, chop Liang Zhongshu into mud, seize Li Gu and that woman, and cut them into ten thousand pieces. Rescuing Squire Lu and Shi Xiu is my wish.” Song Jiang said: “Brother, though you are brave, this northern capital is unlike other prefectures and counties. Moreover, Liang Zhongshu is the son-in-law of Grand Tutor Cai, and he has Li Cheng and Wen Da under him, both of whom have valor that ten thousand cannot match. We must not underestimate the enemy.” Li Kui shouted loudly: “Brother, you always boost others’ morale and dampen our own! Let me go and see what happens. If I lose, I swear never to return to the mountain.” Wu Yong said: “Since you want to go, I will make you the vanguard. I will assign five hundred good men to accompany you as the first wave; we will descend the mountain tomorrow.” That evening, Song Jiang and Wu Yong discussed and decided on the number of troops. Pei Xuan wrote the orders and sent them to each camp, instructing them to follow the assignments without delay.

It was now the season of late autumn and early winter. The soldiers could easily don their armor, and the warhorses were plump and fit. The troops, having not been in battle for a long time, were eager to fight; each harbored a sense of injustice and a desire for revenge. Upon receiving their assignments, they were overjoyed, gathered their weapons, saddled their horses, rubbed their fists and palms, and were ready to descend the mountain at any moment.

First wave: As the advance scout, “Black Whirlwind” Li Kui, leading five hundred small bandits.

Second wave: “Two-headed Snake” Xie Zhen and “Twin-tailed Scorpion” Xie Bao, “Hairy-headed Star” Kong Ming and “Solitary Fire Star” Kong Liang, leading one thousand small bandits.

Third wave: Female chieftain “Ten-foot Green Snake” Hu Sanniang, with her lieutenants “Night Ogress” Sun Erniang and “Tigress” Gu Dasao, leading one thousand small bandits.

Fourth wave: “Sky-soaring Eagle” Li Ying, with his lieutenants “Nine-dragoned” Shi Jin and “Little Yuchi” Sun Xin, leading one thousand small bandits.

Main army commander: Commander-in-Chief Song Jiang, Military Advisor Wu Yong.

Tent retinue chieftains (four): “Little Marquis of Wen” Lü Fang, “Sai Rengui” Guo Sheng, “Sick Yuchi” Sun Li, “Town of Three Mountains” Huang Xin.

Front army commander: “Thunderclap” Qin Ming, with his lieutenants “Hundred-victory General” Han Tao and “Heavenly Eye General” Peng Qi.

Rear army commander: “Leopard-headed” Lin Chong, with his lieutenants “Iron Flute Immortal” Ma Lin and “Fiery-eyed Golden Lion” Deng Fei.

Left army commander: “Double Whips” Huyan Zhuo, with his lieutenants “Cloud-skimming Golden Wing” Ou Peng and “Brocade-haired Tiger” Yan Shun.

Right army commander: “Little Li Guang” Hua Rong, with his lieutenants “Leaping Ravine Tiger” Chen Da and “White-flowered Snake” Yang Chun, along with the artilleryman “Thunder that Shakes Heaven” Ling Zhen, to handle supply transport.

Intelligence officer: “Magic Messenger” Dai Zong.

The troops were thus assigned. At dawn the next day, the chieftains set out in order and marched forth. Only the deputy military advisor Gongsun Sheng, along with the four chieftains Liu Tang, Zhu Tong, and Mu Hong, were left to command the cavalry and infantry and guard the stronghold. The three passes and the water stronghold were naturally defended by Li Jun and others; that is not detailed here.

Just as Suo Chao was sitting in his camp at Feihu Valley, a scout galloped in to report: “Song Jiang’s army, with countless troops and officers, is about twenty or thirty li from the camp and will soon arrive.” Hearing this, Suo Chao swiftly informed Li Cheng, who was at Huaishu Slope camp. Li Cheng, upon receiving the news, sent a messenger into the city while he himself saddled his horse and rode to the forward camp. Suo Chao received him and reported the situation in detail. The next day, they cooked at the fifth watch, and at dawn, they struck camp and advanced to Yujia, where they formed their battle lines, deploying fifteen thousand troops. Li Cheng and Suo Chao, fully armed, reined in their horses beneath the army banners. Looking eastward, they saw a cloud of dust rising in the distance, and about five hundred men came galloping toward them. Li Cheng pointed with his whip, and the soldiers readied their crossbows and drew their strong bows. The Liangshan heroes arrayed their forces in a line at Yujia. Behold:

Every man wore a crimson headcloth, every one donned a scarlet quilted jacket. Their legs were tightly bound like herons’ legs, and their waists firmly girded like tigers’ and wolves’. Trident spears gleamed with cold light, four-sided maces trailed icy mist. Willow-leaf spears and fire-tipped spears spread thick as hemp; bronze-bladed sabers and crescent-moon halberds scattered like snow. The ground was covered with red flags fluttering like flames, and crimson banners in midair shone like sunset clouds.

On the eastern front, a single hero rode forth. It was “Black Whirlwind” Li Kui, wielding a pair of axes, his monstrous eyes wide open, his steel-like teeth clenched, shouting loudly: “Do you recognize the Liangshan hero ‘Black Whirlwind’?” Li Cheng, from his horse, laughed heartily with Suo Chao and said, “Every day they speak of Liangshan heroes—turns out they’re just such filthy bandits, not worth mentioning! Vanguard, do you see him? Why not seize that rogue first?” Suo Chao laughed and replied, “Why use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken? There are captains to win merit; no need for the commander to worry.” Before he finished speaking, a captain behind Suo Chao’s horse, named Wang Ding, brandished a long spear and led a hundred cavalrymen charging forward. Li Kui, though bold and daring beyond ordinary men, was protected by armor but could not withstand the cavalry charge; he and his men scattered in all directions. Suo Chao led his troops straight past Yujia in pursuit, when from behind a hillside, the sound of drums and gongs rose to the sky, and two units of troops burst forth. On the left were Xie Zhen and Kong Liang; on the right were Kong Ming and Xie Bao, each leading five hundred bandits, charging in to attack. Only then did Suo Chao realize they had reinforcements, and he was startled. He stopped the pursuit, reined in his horse, and turned back. Li Cheng asked, “Why didn’t you capture the thief?” Suo Chao replied, “I chased them over the hill and was about to seize him, but those scoundrels had reinforcements; the ambush troops rose up together, making it hard to strike.” Li Cheng said, “Such petty bandits, why fear them!” So he led the forward troops and advanced all the way past Yujia. Ahead, they saw flags waving, shouts rising, drums beating, and gongs clanging—another unit of troops appeared. At the front, on horseback, was a female general, extremely elegantly dressed. A poem to the tune of “Nian Nu Jiao” attests:

Her skin like jade and snow, her face like lotus bloom, with natural grace. Golden armor gleams, scales shimmer, silver-edged red silk binds her brow. Her jade fingers, slender and fine, grasp twin precious blades. So heroic and majestic; her eyes, like autumn waves, exude a thousand charms. She rides swiftly on her precious steed, her frosty blades like wind, to behead the government troops. Her powdered face stirs dust, her battle robe is soaked with sweat, and killing aura fills her breast. Soldiers lose their souls, enemies tremble in fear—a rare marvel among female generals. When she returns victorious, a faint smile graces her cheeks.

This was Hu Sanniang, leading her troops. On her red flag were embroidered the golden characters: “Female General Yizhangqing” (One-Young-Ching). On her left was Gu Dasao, on her right was Sun Erniang, leading over a thousand troops, all tall and short men from all corners of the land. Li Cheng looked and said, “What use are such soldiers? Vanguard, go forward and meet the enemy; I will divide the troops to suppress the bandits all around.” Suo Chao received the order, took up his gold-inlaid ax, spurred his horse, and charged forward. “Yizhangqing” reined in her horse, turned, and fled into a mountain hollow. Li Cheng split his forces and pursued in all directions. As they were chasing, suddenly shouts shook the earth, mist covered the sky, and a unit of troops came flying after them. Li Cheng urgently retreated fourteen or fifteen li, his front and rear unable to support each other. As he hastily withdrew into Yujia, on the left, Xie Zhen and Kong Liang burst out with their troops, pursuing and killing; on the right, Kong Ming and Xie Bao also came out with their men, attacking as well. The three female generals turned their horses and followed, driving Li Cheng’s forces into disarray. As he hurried to return to camp, “Black Whirlwind” Li Kui blocked the way. Li Cheng and Suo Chao fought their way through the troops and escaped. When they reached camp, they had suffered a great defeat. Song Jiang’s troops did not pursue; they withdrew to rest temporarily and set up their camp.

Meanwhile, Li Cheng and Suo Chao hastily sent messengers into the city to report to Liang Zhongshu. That very night, Liang ordered Wen Da to swiftly lead his own troops to join the battle. Li Cheng received him, and they discussed at the Huaishu Slope camp the strategy for retreat. Wen Da laughed and said, “A mere scratch, why worry about it! I, Wen Da, though unworthy, will fight a decisive battle tomorrow and ensure a complete victory.” That night, they settled the plan and passed orders to the troops: cook at the fourth watch, arm at the fifth watch, and advance at dawn. After three rolls of the war drums, they struck camp and moved forward to Yujia. Soon they saw Song Jiang’s troops arriving like a violent wind. But see:

War clouds drift slowly in the clear sky, battle dust blurs east and west. A hundred thousand brave troops shake the earth, cart cannons thunder like thunderclaps. War drums boom, shaking the valleys, banners flutter, stirring the heavenly wind. Spear shadows shake the sky like jade pythons, sword light dazzles the sun like flying dragons. The army’s spirit makes ghosts weep, the troops’ bravery matches wild beasts. The baleful stars descend to the mortal world, heavenly generals leave the azure vault. Silver helmets and golden armor gleam like ice and snow, strong bows and hard crossbows are hard to breach. Every man seeks only to fulfill loyalty and righteousness, capturing the king and slaying the general is no quest for glory. The great-blade Wen Da, knowing not his own measure, boasts arrogantly—truly a petty skill! At Feihu Valley, troops rise from all sides, swift as stars and lightning, with no vanguard. They close the gate and gather their broken weapons, like a fleeing hare hiding among reeds.

That day, the great-blade Wen Da ordered the troops to deploy, using strong bows and hard crossbows to secure the front line. Ornate drums beat, and colorful embroidered flags waved. From Song Jiang’s array, a general emerged, carrying a red flag with silver characters reading “Thunderbolt Fire Qin Ming.” How was he dressed?

He wore a vermilion-lacquered hat, a bright crimson robe, and a chain-mail vest with beast-head shoulder guards. His boots were green, inlaid with clouds; his phoenix-feather helmet shone in the sun; a lion-belt with precious ornaments hung at his waist. A wolf-tooth cudgel was in his hand, his majesty rare and heroic.

Qin Ming reined in his horse and shouted sternly: “Listen, you corrupt officials of Beijing! For a long time, I’ve wanted to attack your city, but I feared harming the good people. Hand over Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu properly, and also send out the adulteress and her paramour, and I will withdraw my troops and end the war, vowing never to invade! If you stubbornly refuse to see reason, I will set the Kunlun Mountains ablaze, burning jade and stone alike—it will happen soon. Speak quickly, don’t delay!” Before he finished, Wen Da grew furious and asked his captains, “Who will capture this rogue for me?” As he spoke, the bell ornaments on his horse’s harness jingled, and a general rode forth. How was he dressed?

A dazzling helmet shone brightly, layers of iron chain mail, a red brocade robe with floral patterns, and a gold belt inlaid with double phoenixes. A magpie-patterned bow was in its case, and wolf-tooth arrows in the quiver. His carved saddle was firmly set on a five-colored dragon horse, and he wielded a great ax in his hand.

This was the Beijing senior general, named Suo Chao. Because of his hot temper, everyone called him “Urgent Vanguard.” He rode to the front and shouted loudly: “You are an imperial official—what has the state done to wrong you? You refuse to be a good man and instead become a bandit! When I capture you today, I’ll cut you into pieces; even death won’t be enough punishment.” Qin Ming was also a hot-tempered man. Hearing these words was like adding coal to a fire or fuel to a flame. He spurred his horse forward and swung his wolf-tooth cudgel straight at Suo Chao. Suo Chao rode his horse to meet Qin Ming. The two fierce horses clashed, and their weapons crossed, while the troops shouted. After more than twenty rounds, neither gained the upper hand. From the vanguard of Song Jiang’s army, Han Tao stepped forward. On horseback, he nocked an arrow, drew his bow, took careful aim at Suo Chao, and let fly with a “swish.” The arrow struck Suo Chao’s left arm, and he dropped his great ax, turning his horse to flee back to his own lines. Song Jiang pointed with his whip, and the entire army surged forward like a wave, sweeping all before them. They killed until corpses lay across the fields and blood flowed like a river, suffering a great defeat. They pursued past Yujia and immediately seized the small camp at Huaishu Slope. That night, Wen Da fled straight to Feihu Valley. When he mustered his troops, three out of ten were lost. Song Jiang camped at Huaishu Slope. Wu Yong said, “The defeated troops are sure to be timid. If we don’t seize the opportunity to pursue, they might regain their courage, and it will be hard to capture them later.” Song Jiang replied, “Your advice is excellent.” He then issued orders: that very night, he would divide his elite victorious troops into four columns and advance by night, charging straight to the city.

Meanwhile, Wen Da fled to Feihuyu, as wretched as a stray dog and as frantic as a fish that had slipped the net. While he was in the camp discussing strategy, a scout reported: "A fire has broken out along the nearby mountain!" Wen Da led his troops, mounted his horse, and went to inspect. He saw countless torches on the eastern mountain, lighting up the entire mountain and plain in red. Wen Da then led his troops to meet the enemy, but cavalry also arrived from behind the mountain. The leading general was Xiao Li Guang, Hua Rong, accompanied by his lieutenants Yang Chun and Chen Da, charging in and slashing fiercely. Caught off guard, Wen Da led his troops and retreated back to Feihuyu. On the western mountain, torches were also countless. The leading general was "Double Whips" Huyan Zhuo, accompanied by his lieutenants Ou Peng and Yan Shun, charging in to attack. Shouts arose again from behind, as the general "Pili Fire" Qin Ming, with his lieutenants Han Tao and Peng Qi, joined forces and attacked. Wen Da's army fell into chaos, and they abandoned the camp. Then shouts arose ahead, with flames flashing, as "Thunder That Shakes the Sky" Ling Zhen, with his assistants, took a small path straight to the other side of Feihuyu and began firing cannons. Wen Da led his troops to force a way and rushed toward the city. But ahead, drumbeats sounded, and a force had already blocked the road. In the midst of the flames, the general "Leopard Head" Lin Chong appeared, with his lieutenants Ma Lin and Deng Fei, cutting off the retreat. War drums beat from all sides, fierce fires blazed everywhere, and the troops scattered in panic, each seeking to escape. Wen Da, wielding his large saber, cut a path to flee, and ran into Li Cheng. They joined forces, fighting as they retreated. They fought until dawn, reaching the city walls. When Liang Zhongshu heard the news, he was so startled that his three souls wandered and his seven spirits faded. He quickly mustered troops to go out of the city and rescue the defeated remnants, then tightly closed the city gates and held firm, not daring to sally forth. The next day, Song Jiang's army pursued and arrived, setting up camp directly outside the eastern gate, preparing to attack the city.

Now, Liang Zhongshu gathered everyone at the to discuss, finding it hard to find a way to save the situation. Li Cheng said: "The rebel army is at the city walls; the situation is urgent. If we delay, it will surely lead to the city's fall. Your Excellency can write an urgent family letter, send a trusted confidant to race day and night to the capital, report to Grand Tutor Cai, and have him memorialize the court early to dispatch elite troops to come to our aid. This is the best plan. Second, send urgent dispatches to notify neighboring prefectures and counties, asking them to send troops to support us. Third, within the city of Beijing, order Daming Prefecture to mobilize civilian laborers to the walls, cooperate in defending the city, prepare rolling logs, stone projectiles, crossbows, hard bows, lime jars, and molten metal, and guard day and night. This way, we can ensure safety." Liang Zhongshu said: "The family letter can be written easily, but who will deliver it?" That day, he appointed the general Wang Ding, fully armed, and sent a few cavalrymen. They received the secret letter, lowered the city gate's drawbridge, and raced to Dongjing to report the news, also notifying neighboring prefectures to send reinforcements. Wang Ding was first ordered to gather civilian laborers and have them guard the city walls. This is not discussed further. Meanwhile, Song Jiang divided his generals and led the army to besiege the city, setting up camps on the east, west, and north sides, leaving only the south gate unblocked. Each day, he led troops to attack one side. He sent word to the mountain stronghold to hurry provisions, planning a prolonged siege. He was determined to break into Beijing and rescue Squire Lu and Shi Xiu. Li Cheng and Wen Da led troops out of the city to fight for several days but could not win. Suo Chao's arrow wound had not yet healed.

Not to mention Song Jiang's army attacking the city. Now, Wang Ding, carrying the secret letter, rode three horses to the Grand Tutor's mansion in Dongjing and dismounted. The gatekeeper reported inside, and the Grand Tutor ordered Wang Ding to enter. He went to the rear hall, paid his respects, and presented the secret letter. Grand Tutor Cai Jing tore open the seal, read it, and was greatly alarmed, asking for details. Wang Ding recounted the matter of Lu Junyi in full. "Now Song Jiang is leading his army to besiege the city, with a great and formidable force that cannot be resisted." He also told everything about the battles at Yujia, Huaishupo, and Feihuyu. Cai Jing said: "You have labored on horseback; go to the guesthouse to rest. I will gather officials to discuss." Wang Ding further reported: "Your Excellency, Daming is as precarious as a pile of eggs, on the verge of falling. If it is lost, what will become of the prefectures and counties in Hebei? I implore Your Excellency to dispatch troops early to wipe out the rebels!" Cai Jing said: "No need to say more. You may withdraw." Wang Ding left. The Grand Tutor then sent an attendant to invite the officials of the Privy Council to come urgently to discuss the critical military situation. Soon, the Eastern Hall Privy Councilor Tong Guan led the three chief marshals to the council hall to pay respects to the Grand Tutor. Cai Jing detailed the crisis in Daming: "Now, what plan and what good general can we use to repel the rebels and protect the city?" After he spoke, the officials looked at each other, all showing fear. Then, from behind the Marshal of the Infantry, a man stepped forward. He was the Defense Commissioner of the, a garrison commander named Xuan Zan, who was in charge of troops. This man had a face like the bottom of a pot, nostrils turned upward, curly hair and a red beard, a burly figure eight feet tall, and wielded a steel saber with outstanding martial skills. He had once been a consort in a prince's mansion and was called the Ugly Consort. Because he won a contest of successive arrows against a barbarian general, the prince admired his martial prowess and married his daughter to him. But the princess found him ugly, died of resentment, and thus he was never given high office, only serving as a garrison commander. Tong Guan, a flattering and sycophantic man, could not get along with him and often harbored suspicions. At this moment, unable to contain himself, Xuan Zan stepped forward to address the Grand Tutor: "I once had an acquaintance in my hometown. He is a direct descendant of the Martial and Righteous Prince of the late Han dynasty, named Guan Sheng. His appearance resembles that of his ancestor Guan Yu, and he wields a Green Dragon Crescent Blade; he is called Guan Sheng of the Great Saber. He currently serves as a patrol inspector in Pudong, in a humble position. This man studied military texts in his youth, is deeply skilled in martial arts, and has the courage of ten thousand men. If we invite him with gifts and honors and appoint him as a senior general, he can clear out the water stronghold, destroy the mad rebels, protect the country, and bring peace to the people. I beg for your esteemed decision." Cai Jing was overjoyed and immediately appointed Xuan Zan as envoy, carrying documents and riding a horse, to travel day and night like a shooting star to Pudong to respectfully invite Guan Sheng to the capital for discussions. All the officials then withdrew.

Enough of this digression. Xuan Zan received the documents, mounted his horse, and set off. He took three or five attendants and, after no more than a day, arrived at the Pudong Patrol Inspector's office and dismounted. At that time, Guan Sheng was discussing the rise and fall of ancient and modern times with Hao Siwen in the office. Hearing that an envoy from Dongjing had arrived, Guan Sheng hurriedly came out with Hao Siwen to greet him. After exchanging courtesies, they invited him into the hall and seated him. Guan Sheng asked: "Old friend, we haven't seen each other for a long time. What business brings you to take the trouble to come here in person today?" Xuan Zan replied: "Because the bandits of Liangshan Marsh are attacking Beijing, I strongly recommended you before the Grand Tutor, saying you have strategies to stabilize the country and talents to defeat troops and kill generals. I have specially come with an imperial decree and the Grand Tutor's orders, along with gifts of silk, a horse, and a ceremonial invitation. Do not refuse, brother; please prepare and come to the capital." Guan Sheng was overjoyed and said to Xuan Zan: "This brother is named Hao Siwen; he is my sworn brother. When his mother was pregnant, she dreamed of the 'Jingmu'an' star entering her womb, and thus gave birth to him, so people call him 'Jingmu'an.' This brother is skilled in all eighteen martial arts. If the Grand Tutor summons him, there is no harm in going together to serve the country with all our might." Xuan Zan gladly agreed and urged them to set off immediately.

Thereupon, Guan Sheng gave orders to his family, and together with Hao Siwen, led a dozen or so Guanxi men, packed their sabers, horses, armor, and luggage, and followed Xuan Zan to set off overnight. They arrived in Dongjing and went straight to the Grand Tutor's mansion, where they dismounted. The gatekeeper reported to Cai Jing, who ordered them to enter. Xuan Zan led Guan Sheng and Hao Siwen to the council hall. After paying their respects, they stood at the foot of the steps. Cai Jing looked at Guan Sheng and saw a truly fine figure: a tall stature of eight feet five or six, a thin beard of three strands, eyebrows that slanted into his temples, phoenix eyes turned upward, a face like a heavy date, and lips like cinnabar. The Grand Tutor was greatly pleased and asked: "General, how old are you?" Guan Sheng replied: "I am thirty-two." Grand Tutor Cai said: "The bandits of Liangshan Marsh have besieged the city of Beijing. I ask you, as a fine general, to devise a clever plan to break the siege." Guan Sheng reported: "I have long heard that the bandits occupy the water marsh, stirring up multitudes. Now they have rashly left their lair, bringing trouble upon themselves. To rescue Beijing would be a waste of effort. I request the loan of several thousand elite troops to first take Liangshan, then capture the rebels, leaving them unable to support each other from front to rear." The Grand Tutor was overjoyed at this and said to Xuan Zan: "This is the strategy of besieging Wei to save Zhao; it is exactly what I had in mind." He then summoned the officials of the Privy Council to transfer fifteen thousand elite troops from Shandong and Hebei, appointed Hao Siwen as the vanguard, Xuan Zan as the rear guard, Guan Sheng as the commander-in-chief, and Infantry Marshal Duan Chang to handle provisions. They rewarded the three armies, set a departure date, and with great axes and sabers, they charged toward Liangshan Marsh. This would truly send the dragon out of the sea, unable to ride the clouds and mist; the tiger onto the plains, unable to bare its fangs and claws. Indeed: intent on the mid-autumn moon in the sky, they lost the bright pearl in the palace plate. As for how Song Jiang's troops would fare, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.