Chapter 64: Huyan Zhuo Deceives Guan Sheng on a Moonlit Night; Song Jiang Captures Suo Chao in a Snowstorm

Chapter 64: Huyan Zhuo Lures Guan Sheng by Moonlight; Song Jiang Captures Suo Chao in a Snowstorm

It is said that Guan Sheng of Pucheng, who was always skilled in wielding a great blade, was a hero unmatched in the world, surpassing others in both valor and righteousness. On that day, after bidding farewell to the Grand Preceptor, he led fifteen thousand troops, divided into three columns, and departed from the Eastern Capital, heading straight for Liangshan Marsh.

Let us now turn to the other side of the story. Song Jiang and his generals had been attacking the Northern Capital day after day without success. How dared Li Cheng and Wen Da come out to engage in battle? Suo Chao’s arrow wound was deep and had not yet healed, and no one else ventured forth. Seeing that the city could not be breached, Song Jiang grew anxious. He had been away from the mountain stronghold for a long time, yet there was no sign of victory or defeat. That night, he sat gloomily in the central army tent. Lighting a lamp and candle, he took out the “Heavenly Book of the Mystic Woman.” As he was reading, it suddenly struck him that after besieging the city for so long, no relief forces had arrived. Dai Zong had gone back but had not returned. He felt a vague unease, unable to eat or sleep peacefully. Suddenly, a petty officer reported, “The military advisor has come to see you.” Wu Yong entered the central army tent and said to Song Jiang, “We have besieged the city for many days. Why has no relief force arrived, and why does the city not send out troops? Earlier, three horsemen galloped out of the city—they must be men sent by Liang Zhongshu to request urgent aid from the capital. His father-in-law, Grand Preceptor Cai, will surely dispatch troops promptly, and among them there must be a capable general. If they use the strategy of ‘besieging Wei to rescue Zhao,’ they might not come to relieve this place but instead attack our stronghold at Liangshan. What then? Brother, you must consider this. Let us first have the troops prepare to withdraw, but not retreat all at once.” Just as they were speaking, the “Marvelous Traveler” Dai Zong arrived and reported, “In the Eastern Capital, Grand Preceptor Cai has respectfully invited Guan Sheng, a descendant of the God of War Guan Yu and known as the ‘Great Blade’ of Pucheng, who is leading a force straight for Liangshan Marsh. The chieftains at the stronghold are uncertain what to do. Please, brother and military advisor, withdraw the troops quickly and first resolve the crisis at the stronghold.” Wu Yong said, “Even so, we must not rush back. Tonight, let the infantry move out first, leaving two units behind to ambush on both sides of Feihu Ridge. When the city learns of our retreat, they will surely pursue. If we do not do this, our troops will be thrown into chaos.” Song Jiang said, “The military advisor’s words are most appropriate.” He then issued orders, sending “Little Li Guang” Hua Rong to lead five hundred troops to ambush on the left side of Feihu Ridge, and “Leopard Head” Lin Chong to lead five hundred troops to ambush on the right side. He also ordered “Double Whips” Huyan Zhuo to lead twenty-five cavalrymen, along with Ling Zhen carrying wind-and-fire cannons, to position themselves a dozen or so li from the city. As soon as they saw the pursuing troops, they were to fire signal cannons, prompting the ambushing forces on both sides to attack the pursuers together. At the same time, he ordered the front units to retreat, dragging their banners upside down and beating no war drums, moving like scattered rain and drifting clouds, avoiding battle and slowly withdrawing. The infantry units started their march in the middle of the night, proceeding in order. They did not fully retreat until around the si hour of the following day.

From the city walls, the defenders saw Song Jiang’s troops dragging their banners, shouldering their blades and axes, and bustling about as they dismantled their camp and moved out, appearing to head back to the mountains. After observing carefully, the city guards reported to Liang Zhongshu: “The Liangshan Marsh troops have all withdrawn today and are returning.” Upon hearing this, Liang Zhongshu summoned Li Cheng and Wen Da to discuss. Wen Da said, “It must be that the relief forces from the capital have gone to attack Liangshan, and these scoundrels, fearing the loss of their lair, are rushing back. We can take advantage of this and pursue them, and we will surely capture Song Jiang.” Before he finished speaking, a mounted messenger arrived from outside the city, bearing a document from the Eastern Capital, urging them to lead troops to attack the bandits’ lair. “If they retreat, you can pursue them quickly.” Liang Zhongshu then ordered Li Cheng and Wen Da to each lead a unit of troops and pursue Song Jiang’s forces from the east and west routes.

Now, as Song Jiang led his troops in retreat, seeing the city dispatch troops in pursuit, he fled with all his might. They withdrew all the way to Feihu Ridge, when suddenly they heard the roar of cannons from behind. Startled, Li Cheng and Wen Da reined in their warhorses and looked back, only to see banners crossing and war drums beating wildly. They hastily turned their troops around, but from the left burst out “Little Li Guang” Hua Rong, and from the right “Leopard Head” Lin Chong, each leading five thousand troops and attacking from both sides. Caught off guard, they realized they had fallen into a trap and quickly turned back. Ahead, Huyan Zhuo charged out with a cavalry unit, launching a fierce assault, leaving Li Cheng and Wen Da with their golden helmets knocked askew and their armor in tatters. They retreated into the city and closed the gates, not daring to come out. Song Jiang’s troops then returned in an orderly fashion. Soon, as they neared Liangshan Marsh, they unexpectedly encountered the “Ugly Prince Consort” Xuan Zan blocking the road. Song Jiang halted the troops and set up camp temporarily. Secretly, he sent someone via a remote path to cross the water and report to the stronghold, arranging for the water and land forces to support each other.

Meanwhile, in the water stronghold, the “Boat Torch” Zhang Heng said to his brother, the “White Strip in the Waves” Zhang Shun, “You and I have been in the stronghold since the beginning, but we have yet to accomplish any feat. We just watch others boast and show off, and we end up being looked down upon. Now Guan Sheng of Pucheng is leading three columns to attack our stockade. Let you and me go and raid his camp first, capture Guan Sheng, and achieve this great merit. That way, we can hold our heads high among the brothers.” Zhang Shun said, “Brother, we only command the water forces. If we are not supported, it will only bring us shame.” Zhang Heng replied, “If you are so cautious, when will we ever achieve merit? If you won’t go, then fine—I’ll go alone tonight.” Despite Zhang Shun’s earnest advice, Zhang Heng would not listen. That night, Zhang Heng mustered over fifty small boats, each carrying only three to five men. The men were lightly armored, armed with bitter bamboo spears and each carrying a smartweed leaf blade. Taking advantage of the faint moonlight and the silent, chilly dew, they steered the small boats straight toward the dry land. It was around the second watch. Now, Guan Sheng was sitting in his central army tent, reading by lamplight, when a petty officer on patrol quietly reported, “In the reed marshes, there are about forty or fifty small boats. Each man carries a long spear. They have all hidden on both sides among the reeds. Their intentions are unknown, so I have come to report.” Guan Sheng listened and gave a faint, cold smile. He then secretly passed orders, instructing all the troops to prepare accordingly. The soldiers received the command and each lay in ambush. Zhang Heng, leading two to three hundred men, crept stealthily through the reeds, tracking their footprints until they reached the stockade. They pushed aside the deer antlers and rushed straight toward the central tent. Inside, they saw the lamp and candles burning brightly, and Guan Sheng, stroking his beard, sat reading a military manual. Zhang Heng rejoiced secretly. Gripping his long spear, he charged into the tent. Suddenly, a gong sounded beside him, and the troops raised a shout, as if the sky were collapsing and the earth splitting, the mountains toppling and rivers overturning. Startled, Zhang Heng dragged his spear and turned to flee. But ambushing troops rose up from all sides. Alas, the water-savvy Zhang Heng could not escape the net on dry land. Not a single one of the two to three hundred men escaped; all were bound and brought before the tent. Guan Sheng looked at them, laughed, and cursed, “Rebellious scoundrels, how dare you insult me!” He had Zhang Heng placed in a prison cart and the rest imprisoned. “Wait until I capture Song Jiang, and I will send them all to the capital together.”

Let us set aside the matter of Guan Sheng capturing Zhang Heng and turn to the water stronghold. The three Ruan brothers were discussing in the stronghold, having sent someone to receive orders from Brother Song Jiang, when Zhang Shun arrived and reported, “My brother did not listen to my earnest advice and went to raid Guan Sheng’s camp, but was captured and is now in a prison cart.” Upon hearing this, Ruan Xiaoqi shouted, “We brothers live and die together, sharing weal and woe. You are his blood brother—how could you let him go alone and be captured? If you won’t rescue him, we three brothers will go ourselves.” Zhang Shun said, “We have not received Brother’s orders, so I dared not act rashly.” Ruan Xiaoqi replied, “By the time the orders come, your brother will have been chopped into eight pieces!” Ruan Xiao’er and Ruan Xiaowu both said, “That’s right.” Zhang Shun could not dissuade the three of them, so he had to comply. That night, at the fourth watch, they mustered all the chieftains of the water stronghold, large and small, and launched over a hundred boats, charging straight for Guan Sheng’s camp. On the shore, the petty officers saw the boats on the water clustering like ants, all approaching the bank, and hastily reported to the commander. Guan Sheng laughed and said, “Foolish rebels, hardly worth worrying about!” He then summoned his chief officer and whispered in his ear, “Do thus and so.” Now, the three Ruans were in front, Zhang Shun behind them. With a shout, they charged into the camp, only to find spears and swords standing upright, banners flying, but not a single person. The three Ruans were greatly alarmed and turned to flee. A gong sounded before the tent, and from left and right, cavalry and infantry split into eight columns, surrounding them like a winnowing basket or a wicker ring, layer upon layer. Zhang Shun saw that the situation was dire and plunged into the water with a splash. The three Ruans fought their way out, but as they rushed to the water’s edge, the rear troops caught up. Hooks shot out, and lassoes flew, capturing Ruan Xiaoqi, the “Living Yama,” and dragging him away. Ruan Xiao’er, Ruan Xiaowu, and Zhang Shun were only saved by the “Turbulent River Dragon” Li Jun, who brought Tong Wei and Tong Meng to rescue them at the cost of their lives.

Not to mention that Ruan the Seventh was captured and locked in a prison cart. Let us now speak of the water forces reporting back to Liangshan Marsh. Liu Tang then ordered Zhang Shun to go by water route directly to Song Jiang's stronghold to report this news. Song Jiang discussed with Wu Yong how to repel Guan Sheng. Wu Yong said, "Tomorrow we will engage in battle; for now, let us see how victory or defeat unfolds." Before he finished speaking, they suddenly heard the beating of war drums—it was the Ugly Prince Consort, Xuan Zan, leading the three armies straight to the main camp. Song Jiang led the men out of the camp to meet him. Seeing Xuan Zan challenging beneath the gate banner, he shouted, "Which commander will go out first and seize this fellow?" Then Li Guang the Little Archer, Hua Rong, spurred his horse, grasped his spear, and charged straight at Xuan Zan. Xuan Zan brandished his saber to meet him. Back and forth, up and down, they fought for about ten rounds. Hua Rong feigned a flaw, turned his horse, and fled. Xuan Zan gave chase. Hua Rong hooked his steel spear onto his saddle ring, nocked an arrow, drew his bow, sat sideways on the carved saddle, stretched his arm like an ape, and turned to shoot an arrow. Xuan Zan heard the twang of the bowstring, and as the arrow came, he deflected it with his saber—with a clang, it struck the blade. Seeing that the first arrow missed, Hua Rong took a second arrow, gauged the distance, and shot at Xuan Zan's chest. Xuan Zan hid himself under his stirrup and dodged again. Seeing Hua Rong’s archery skill was formidable, he dared not pursue further. Suddenly he reined his horse back and galloped to his own formation. Hua Rong, seeing he did not give chase, quickly turned his horse and pursued Xuan Zan. He took a third arrow, aimed it at Xuan Zan’s back from a closer range, and shot again. With a clang, it struck the heart-protecting mirror on his back. Xuan Zan hurriedly rode into his formation and sent a man to report to Guan Sheng.

When Guan Sheng learned of this, he called for a junior officer: "Quickly saddle my war horse!" That horse measured ten feet from head to tail and eight feet from hoof to spine. Its entire body had not a single strand of mixed hair; it was pure, fiery red like a charcoal ember. It was fitted with a leather armor and bound with three belly straps. Guan Sheng donned his full armor, grasped his blade, mounted his horse, and rode straight to the front of the formation. As the gate banners parted, he rode out. A poem in the style of West River Moon bears witness:

Descendant of a Han dynasty minister,

Great-grandson of a famed warrior of the Three Kingdoms.

Embroidered banners flutter, stirring heaven’s troops,

Golden armor and green robe complement each other.

The Red Hare horse surges like purple clouds,

The Green Dragon blade gleams cold as ice.

From Pudong County emerges a hero,

Righteous and brave, the Great Blade Guan Sheng.

Song Jiang saw that Guan Sheng’s appearance was extraordinary and silently praised him along with Wu Yong. Turning to the many fine generals behind him, he said, "This general is a hero indeed, living up to his reputation!" Before he finished speaking, Lin Chong, enraged, said, "We brothers have been on Liangshan Marsh through some seventy battles, great and small, and never lost our edge. Why does the military advisor belittle our own might!" With that, he raised his spear, rode out, and charged straight at Guan Sheng. Guan Sheng saw him and shouted loudly, "You grass bandits of the marsh, how dare you betray the imperial court! I demand that Song Jiang alone fight me to the death." Song Jiang, from beneath the gate banner, halted Lin Chong, spurred his horse, and personally rode out. Bowing to Guan Sheng, he said, "Song Jiang, a minor clerk from Yuncheng, comes to pay his respects. I only ask that the general pronounce my guilt." Guan Sheng said, "You, a petty clerk, how dare you rebel against the imperial court?" Song Jiang replied, "It is because the court is unenlightened, indulging treacherous ministers in power, slanderers monopolizing authority, appointing corrupt officials who oppress the people of the realm. Song Jiang and his men act on behalf of Heaven, and we have no other intentions." Guan Sheng shouted, "The imperial army has arrived, yet you still resist! With your glib tongue and feigned demeanor, how dare you deceive me! If you do not dismount and surrender, I will crush you to dust!" Qin Ming, the Thunderbolt, heard this and grew furious. Brandishing his wolf-tooth club, he spurred his horse and charged forward. Guan Sheng also spurred his horse to meet him, engaging Qin Ming in combat. Lin Chong, fearing that Qin Ming would take the first merit, suddenly dashed forward and went straight for Guan Sheng. The three horses whirled about in the dust of battle, fighting like a revolving lantern. Song Jiang, seeing this, feared that Guan Sheng might be harmed, so he ordered the gongs to sound and the troops to withdraw. Lin Chong and Qin Ming returned to the front of the formation and said, "We were just about to capture this fellow. Why did you, elder brother, recall the troops and cease the battle?" Song Jiang said, "Worthy brothers, we uphold loyalty and righteousness. To bully the weak with force is not our desire. Even if we captured him on the battlefield, if he does not submit, it would only invite ridicule. I see that Guan Sheng is a brave general, a loyal minister by lineage, with a divine ancestor. If we could bring this man up the mountain, I would gladly yield my seat to him." Lin Chong and Qin Ming were both displeased. That day, both sides withdrew their troops.

Now let us speak of Guan Sheng returning to his camp. He dismounted, removed his armor, and mused to himself, "I fought those two generals and could not overcome them; I was on the verge of losing, but Song Jiang withdrew his forces. I wonder what he intends?" He then ordered the junior soldiers to bring forth the prison carts containing Zhang Heng and Ruan the Seventh. He asked them, "Song Jiang is but a minor clerk from Yuncheng. How do you fellows submit to him?" Ruan the Seventh replied, "My elder brother is renowned throughout Shandong and Hebei; everyone calls him 'Timely Rain, Protector of Righteousness,' Song Gongming. You, a man ignorant of propriety and righteousness, how could you understand?" Guan Sheng bowed his head in silence and ordered the prison carts to be taken away.

That evening, Guan Sheng was troubled in his camp, restless and unable to sit or lie still. He walked out of the central command to look around. The moonlight filled the sky, and frost covered the ground. He sighed deeply. A patrol scout came to report: "There is a general with a beard, riding a single horse and carrying a single whip. He wishes to see the marshal." Guan Sheng said, "Did you not ask who he is?" The scout said, "He is not wearing armor nor carrying weapons, and he refuses to give his name. He only says he wants to see the marshal." Guan Sheng said, "If that is so, summon him to me." Before long, the man arrived at the tent and bowed to Guan Sheng. Guan Sheng looked at him; he seemed somewhat familiar. By the lamplight, he recognized him slightly, so he asked who he was. The man said, "I beg you to dismiss your attendants." Guan Sheng said, "That's fine." The man said, "I am none other than Huyan Zhuo. Previously, I led the linked cavalry for the imperial court in an expedition against Liangshan Marsh. Who would have thought that I would fall into the bandits' wicked schemes, lose the military advantage, and be unable to return home. Hearing that you, general, had arrived, I was overjoyed. This morning, when Song Jiang was on the battlefield, Lin Chong and Qin Ming were about to capture you, but Song Jiang hastily withdrew his troops, fearing you might be harmed. This man has long harbored intentions to surrender, but the other bandits will not follow. He secretly discussed with me, Huyan Zhuo, and plans to lead everyone to submit. If the general agrees, tomorrow night, with light bows and short arrows, riding fast horses, we can take a small path straight into the bandits' camp, capture Lin Chong and the other rebels alive, and deliver them to the capital, sharing the merit and glory together." When Guan Sheng heard this, he was overjoyed. He invited Huyan Zhuo into his tent and entertained him with wine. Huyan Zhuo explained in detail that Song Jiang was wholly devoted to loyalty and righteousness, and that it was unfortunate he had become a bandit through no fault of his own. The two men revealed their true feelings to each other without any suspicion.

The next day, Song Jiang led his forces to challenge the enemy. Guan Sheng discussed with Huyan Zhuo: "Today, we should first defeat one of their leading generals. Tonight, we can carry out the plan." Now let us speak of Huyan Zhuo borrowing a set of armor to wear. They both mounted their horses and went to the front of the formation. From Song Jiang's formation, they shouted curses at Huyan Zhuo: "The mountain stronghold has never wronged you in the slightest. Why did you sneak away in the dead of night?" Huyan Zhuo replied, "You grass bandits—what great deeds can you accomplish!" Song Jiang then ordered Huang Xin, the Vanquisher of Three Mountains, to ride out. Brandishing his Mourning Sword, Huang Xin spurred his horse and charged straight at Huyan Zhuo. The two horses met, and before they had fought ten rounds, Huyan Zhuo raised his whip and struck Huang Xin, knocking him off his horse. The troops from Song Jiang's formation rushed out and carried him back. Guan Sheng was overjoyed and ordered the entire army to surge forward in pursuit. Huyan Zhuo said, "Do not pursue. That man Wu Yong is full of cunning schemes. If we give chase, the bandits may have a trap." Hearing this, Guan Sheng hastily withdrew his troops and returned to his own camp. In the central tent, he entertained Huyan Zhuo with wine and asked about Huang Xin, the Vanquisher of Three Mountains. Huyan Zhuo said, "This man was originally an imperial officer, the commander of Qingzhou, who fell into banditry along with Qin Ming and Hua Rong. Today, by killing this scoundrel, we have crushed their spirit. Tonight, when we raid their camp, we will surely succeed." Guan Sheng was delighted and issued orders for Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen to lead two supporting forces. He himself would lead five hundred cavalry, with light bows and short arrows, and have Huyan Zhuo guide the way. They would set out at the second watch of the night and, around the third watch, head straight for Song Jiang's camp. A cannon blast would be the signal for the internal and external forces to coordinate and advance together.

That night the moonlight was as bright as day. By dusk, everyone had fully armed themselves; the warhorses had their ornamental bells removed, the soldiers wore soft armor, and the troops marched swiftly with gags in their mouths. They all mounted their horses, with Huyan Zhuo leading the way and the others following behind. Winding along the mountain paths for about half a watch, they encountered thirty or fifty scouts lying in ambush along the road, who whispered: "Is that not General Huyan arriving? Song Jiangming sent us to welcome you here." Huyan Zhuo shouted: "Do not speak; follow behind my horse!" Huyan Zhuo spurred his horse forward ahead, with Guan Sheng riding behind. As they turned another mountain spur, Huyan Zhuo pointed with his spear tip at a red lantern in the distance. Guan Sheng reined in his horse and asked: "Where is that place with the red lantern?" Huyan Zhuo replied: "That is Song Jiangming's central army camp." He quickly urged the troops forward, and as they neared the red lantern, a cannon blast suddenly sounded. The soldiers followed Guan Sheng closely, charging ahead. When they reached the red lantern, they saw not a single person; calling for Huyan Zhuo, he too had vanished. Guan Sheng was greatly alarmed, realizing he had fallen into a trap. He hastily turned his horse around, but from all four sides of the mountain, drums and gongs thundered together. In his panic, there was no time to choose a path; the soldiers fled for their lives. When Guan Sheng hurriedly turned his horse back, only a few cavalrymen remained with him. As he emerged from the mountain spur, another cannon blast sounded from behind the forest edge. Grappling hooks shot out from all sides, dragging Guan Sheng from his carved saddle. His sword and horse were seized, his armor stripped away, and he was pushed and pulled forward and back, captured and taken to the main stockade.

Now let us speak of Lin Chong and Hua Rong, who led a separate force to intercept Hao Siwen and engaged him in battle. Under the moonlight, they saw Hao Siwen from afar. What was his attire? A poem in the style of "Moon over the West River" bears witness:

A soaring spirit that pierces the clouds,

A frame of sinew and bone full of vigor.

With spear across his horse, he stirs up dust of war;

Heroes of the four seas find him hard to approach.

His battle robe is woven with brocade,

His seven-star armor hangs like dragon scales.

A heavenly warrior, Hao Siwen indeed,

Charges forth on his flying steed to the fray.

Lin Chong shouted loudly: "Your commander Guan Sheng has fallen into our trap and been captured. You insignificant nameless general, why not dismount and submit to capture?" Hao Siwen was enraged and charged straight at Lin Chong. Their horses crossed, and they fought for countless rounds. Hua Rong thrust his spear forward to assist, and Hao Siwen, his strength failing, turned his horse and fled. From the side burst forth the female general "Ten Feet of Steel" Hu Sanniang, who cast a red silk lasso and dragged Hao Siwen off his horse. Foot soldiers rushed forward and captured him together, escorting him to the main stockade.

Let us now turn to another matter. Qin Ming and Sun Li led a separate force to capture Xuan Zan, encountering him directly on the road. What was Xuan Zan's attire? A poem in the style of "Moon over the West River" bears witness:

Short, curly yellow beard and hair,

A sunken, dark face like ink.

His strange eyes open wide like double rings,

His nostrils point skyward, face upturned.

In his hand, a steel blade gleams like snow,

His body armor is linked in chains.

A red-maned horse with ornate saddle and reins,

The Prefect's son-in-law, the hero Xuan Zan.

At that moment, Xuan Zan patted his horse and cursed loudly: "Rebel scoundrels! Those who block me die; those who avoid me live!" Qin Ming was furious, urging his horse forward and swinging his wolf-tooth mace, charging straight at Xuan Zan. Their horses crossed, and they fought for several rounds. Sun Li came in from the side, and Xuan Zan, flustered, let his sword technique fall into disorder. Qin Ming struck him with his mace, knocking him from his horse. The three armies shouted in unison, rushing forward to capture him. Then "Heaven Soaring Eagle" Li Ying led a large force of troops, charging into Guan Sheng's camp. First, they rescued Zhang Heng, Ruan Xiaoqi, and the captured naval troops, seized all the grain, fodder, and horses, and then summoned the scattered and defeated remnants. Song Jiang gathered everyone and ascended the mountain, as the east gradually began to lighten. Seats were arranged in the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, and soon Guan Sheng, Xuan Zan, and Hao Siwen were brought up separately. When Song Jiang saw them, he hastily descended the hall, shouted for the soldiers to withdraw, personally untied their bonds, helped Guan Sheng into the central seat, bowed his head, and kowtowed in apology, saying: "A reckless outlaw has offended your majesty; I beg your forgiveness." Guan Sheng hurriedly returned the courtesy, but remained speechless, not knowing where to put his hands and feet. Huyan Zhuo also stepped forward to apologize: "Having received your orders, I dared not disobey; I earnestly beg the general to forgive my deception." Guan Sheng looked at the assembly of chieftains, whose sense of honor and loyalty ran deep. Turning to Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen, he said: "We are captured here—what shall we do?" The two replied: "We follow your orders entirely." Guan Sheng said: "I have no face to return to the capital. We three beg for a swift death!" Song Jiang said: "Why speak such words? If the general does not disdain our lowliness, let us together act on behalf of Heaven. If you are unwilling, I dare not detain you; I will send you back to the capital now." Guan Sheng said: "Men speak of the loyal and righteous Song Jiangming—the words are not false. Today, we have no home to flee to, no country to serve. We wish to serve as common soldiers under your command." Song Jiang was overjoyed. That day, a feast was prepared for celebration, while men were sent to summon the scattered defeated troops, gaining another five to seven thousand soldiers. Those in the army with elderly or young dependents were given silver and released to return home. Meanwhile, Xue Yong was dispatched with a letter to Pudong to fetch Guan Sheng's family; all this is not detailed further.

As Song Jiang was feasting, he silently thought of Squire Lu and Shi Xiu trapped in the Northern Capital, and tears streamed down his face. Wu Yong said: "Brother, do not worry. Wu Yong has a plan. Let us wait only through tonight; tomorrow, we will raise the army again to attack the Northern Capital, and we will surely succeed." Guan Sheng then rose and said: "I have no way to repay your mercy in sparing my life; I wish to serve as the vanguard." Song Jiang was greatly pleased. The next morning, he issued orders, instructing Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen to take back their original troops and serve as the forward vanguard. None of the original chieftains who had attacked the Northern Capital were missing. He also sent Li Jun and Zhang Shun to accompany them with naval battle armor, and they set out again for the Northern Capital in sequence.

Now let us speak of Prefect Liang in the city, who was feasting with Suo Chao to celebrate his recovery from illness. A scout reported: "Guan Sheng, Xuan Zan, Hao Siwen, and all their troops have been captured by Song Jiang and have joined his band. The Liangshan army has now arrived again." Hearing this, Liang was dumbfounded, his hands and feet at a loss. Suo Chao then reported: "Last time, I was hit by a hidden arrow from those bandits. This time, I will avenge that wrong." Liang immediately rewarded Suo Chao and ordered him to lead his own troops out of the city to meet the enemy. Li Cheng and Wen Da followed with reinforcements to support them. It was the height of winter, and the weather was bitterly cold. For several days, dark clouds had gathered continuously, and the north wind howled. When Song Jiang's army arrived, Suo Chao marched straight to the Flying Tiger Gorge and set up camp. The next day, he led his troops to engage the enemy. Song Jiang led the forward troops, Lü Fang and Guo Sheng, up to a high vantage point to watch Guan Sheng fight. After three rounds of war drums, Guan Sheng advanced to the front. Opposite him, Suo Chao rode out. When Suo Chao saw Guan Sheng, he did not recognize him. A soldier in the ranks said: "This man coming is the recently turned traitor, Big Blade Guan Sheng." Hearing this, Suo Chao did not reply but charged directly at Guan Sheng. Guan Sheng also spurred his horse and brandished his blade to meet him. The two had fought for less than ten rounds when Li Cheng, observing from the central army, saw that Suo Chao's axe technique was faltering and he could not overcome Guan Sheng. Li Cheng himself drew his double blades and charged into the fray to assist Suo Chao. Seeing this, Xuan Zan and Hao Siwen each took up their weapons and came forward to help. The five horses tangled together in a melee. From the high ground, Song Jiang pointed with his whip, and the great army swept forward like a tide. Li Cheng's forces suffered a crushing defeat, cut to pieces, and they fled back into the city overnight, shutting the city gates tightly and refusing to come out. Song Jiang urged his troops straight to the city walls and encamped there. The next day, Suo Chao personally led a force out of the city to attack. Seeing this, Wu Yong ordered the troops to pretend to fight and then retreat: "If he pursues, take advantage and withdraw." Suo Chao won this engagement and returned to the city in high spirits.

That night, dark clouds gathered from all sides, and snow fell heavily. Wu Yong had already devised a plan. He secretly dispatched infantry to a narrow spot by the river at the foot of the mountain outside the Northern Capital, where they dug a pit trap and covered it with earth. The night was fierce with snow and wind. By dawn, about two feet of snow had fallen. Looking out from the city walls, the defenders saw Song Jiang's army and were filled with fear; they could not hold their positions at the east and west palisades. Suo Chao, seeing this, mustered three hundred cavalry and immediately pursued out of the city. Song Jiang's troops scattered and fled in all directions. Then the naval chieftains Li Jun and Zhang Shun, wearing soft armor, reined in their horses and leveled their spears to meet the enemy. As soon as they engaged Suo Chao in battle, they dropped their spears and fled, deliberately luring Suo Chao toward the pit trap. Suo Chao was a hot-tempered man and paid no heed. On one side was the road, on the other a ravine. Li Jun abandoned his horse and leaped into the ravine, shouting ahead: "Brother Song Jiangming, flee quickly!" Hearing this, Suo Chao, caring nothing for his own safety, spurred his horse at full speed across the battlefield. A cannon blast sounded from behind the mountain, and Suo Chao, horse and man together, fell into the trap.

Behind him, the ambushing troops rose up all at once. Even if Suo Chao had three heads and six arms, he would still suffer seven injuries and eight wounds. Indeed: The pure silver of snow deeply concealed the snare, the crushed jade of flakes spread flat as a pit trap. Whether the Impetuous Vanguard Suo Chao lived or died, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.