Chapter 94: Guan Sheng Wins Over Three Generals; Li Kui's Rashness Traps Many

CHAPTER 94

Guan Sheng Wins Over Three Generals by His Righteousness; Li Kui Plunges Recklessly into a Trap and Gets Himself and Many Others Captured

To resume, when Song Jiang was at Gaizhou he divided his army into two detachments, wrote the names on two slips of paper, and with Lu Junyi burned incense and prayed. Then Song Jiang picked up one of the slips, and saw that it was the east road, while Lu Junyi had drawn the west road. This was as a matter of course, and they only awaited the melting of the snow to start. They left Hua Rong, Dong Ping, Shi En, and Du Xing with twenty thousand troops to guard Gaizhou.

On the sixth day, an auspicious day, Song Jiang and Lu Junyi prepared to march. Suddenly a report came that the people of the two Gaizhou subordinate counties, Yangcheng and Qinshui, having long suffered under the cruel oppression of Tian Hu, had been forced to submit to him. Now, learning that the imperial army was coming, they had seized the defending generals, Kou Fu of Yangcheng and Chen Kai of Qinshui, and were bringing them bound to the camp. The elders of the two counties, leading the common people, were bringing sheep and carrying wine, offering to surrender their cities. Song Jiang, the vanguard general, was greatly delighted. He liberally rewarded the people of both counties, issued proclamations to comfort them, and restored them to the status of good citizens. As for Kou Fu and Chen Kai, because they had not come promptly to surrender when they learned of the imperial army’s approach, Song Jiang ordered them beheaded as a sacrifice to the army banner, as a warning to the rebels.

That same day, both large detachments marched out of the north gate. Hua Rong and the others prepared wine and saw them off. Holding a cup, Song Jiang said to Hua Rong, “Worthy brother, your might terrifies the rebel army, and you are worthy to be the safeguard of this city. Now this city is only exposed to attack from the north. If any rebel troops come, you should use unexpected stratagems to strike them, so as to cow their courage; then the rebels will not dare to look southward.” Hua Rong and the others respectfully accepted the command.

Song Jiang then raised his cup to Lu Junyi and said, “Today, as we set out on our campaign, we have the joyful news of the surrender of Yangcheng and Qinshui, with their captives. Since these two places are pacified, worthy brother, you can march straight on to Jinning, quickly achieve a great victory, capture the rebel chief Tian Hu alive, requite the court, and together enjoy wealth and honor.” Lu Junyi replied, “Relying on elder brother’s prestige, these two places surrendered without a fight. Having received your strict command, how dare I not exert my utmost strength?”

Song Jiang also took out a scroll that he had previously had Xiao Rang make, copying a drawing by Xu Guanzhong, and gave it to Lu Junyi to keep for future use. The vanguard general Song Jiang then gave orders to divide the troops into three columns: Lin Chong, Suo Chao, Xu Ning, and Zhang Qing led ten thousand troops as the vanguard; Sun Li, Zhu Tong, Yan Shun, Ma Lin, Shan Tinggui, Wei Dingguo, Tang Long, and Li Yun led ten thousand troops as the rear guard; Song Jiang and Wu Yong commanded the remaining officers, leading thirty thousand troops as the central army. These three columns totaled fifty thousand troops, and they marched northeastward. The assistant vanguard general Lu Junyi took leave of Song Jiang, Hua Rong, and the others, and led forty officers and fifty thousand troops, setting out on the northwest campaign.

Hua Rong, Dong Ping, Shi En, and Du Xing saw off Song Jiang and Lu Junyi before returning to the city. Hua Rong ordered two camps to be set up five li outside the north gate. Shi En and Du Xing each led five thousand troops, equipped with strong bows and stiff crossbows and various firearms, to garrison them and meet the enemy’s onslaught. Ambushes were also set up on the east and west roads. We will say no more of this. Gaoping was already guarded by Shi Jin and Mu Hong; Lingchuan by Li Ying and Chai Jin; Weizhou by Gongsun Yi Qing, Guan Sheng, and Huyan Zhuo. Let the reader keep these matters in mind.

We now tell of Song Jiang’s three columns of troops, which had marched more than thirty li from Gaizhou. From his horse, Song Jiang saw a mountain ridge ahead. After some time, they gradually drew near the mountain, which was on the right side of his horse. Song Jiang observed the shape of this mountain; it was quite different from others. All he saw was:

Myriad layers of drifting haze, dense as fish scales;

Several peaks stand in a row, like a file of geese.

The cliffs on the summit resemble a city wall;

Cloud-like trees pierce the sky, circling in deep blue.

Song Jiang was admiring the mountain scenery when suddenly Li Kui came forward and pointed with his hand, saying, “Elder brother, the view of this mountain is exactly the same as in my dream the other day.” Song Jiang immediately called the surrendered general Geng Gong and asked him, “You have been here long; you must know the origin of this mountain. According to Xu Guanzhong’s map, Fangshan is to the east of the prefectural city, and it should be called Tianchi Ling.” Li Kui said, “That cultivated scholar in my dream did say Tianchi Ling, but I forgot.” Geng Gong said, “This mountain is indeed Tianchi Ling. Its summit has cliffs like a city wall, a place where people of old took refuge from war. Recently, the locals say this ridge has supernatural qualities. At night, a red glow often shines from within the stone cliffs. Moreover, woodcutters who go to the cliffside encounter a strange fragrance that assails the nose.” Hearing this, Song Jiang said, “Then this matches Li Kui’s dream.”

On that day, after marching sixty li, they made camp. Nothing happened along the way. After less than a day, they arrived south of Huguan Pass and set up camp five li from the pass.

Now Huguan Pass was originally at the eastern foot of a mountain shaped like a pot. In the Han Dynasty, a pass was established here, hence the name Huguan (Pot Pass). East of the mountain was Baodu Mountain, whose foothills connected with those of Huguan. The pass was situated between the two mountains, eighty li south of Zhaode Prefecture, and was the strategic stronghold of Zhaode. It was defended by eight fierce generals under Tian Hu, with thirty thousand elite troops. Who were these eight fierce generals?

Shan Shiqi, Lu Hui, Shi Ding, Wu Cheng,

Zhong Liang, Yun Zongwu, Wu Su, Zhu Jing.

Now Shan Shiqi was originally the son of a wealthy family in Qinzhou. He had extraordinary physical strength and was fond of wielding spears and staves. Because he killed someone and feared punishment, he joined Tian Hu’s forces. He distinguished himself in resisting the enemy and received the false rank of Military Commander. He habitually wielded a forty-jin iron staff and was highly skilled in martial arts. When Tian Hu heard that the court had sent Song Jiang and his troops, he specially dispatched Shan Shiqi to Zhaode to select ten thousand elite troops and, together with Lu Hui and the others, to guard Huguan Pass. He was given full authority over all deployments there, without needing to report back.

When Shan Shiqi arrived at Huguan, he learned that Gaizhou had fallen. He surmised that Song Jiang’s army would certainly come to attack the pass, so he drilled his troops and fed his horses daily, preparing to meet the enemy. Suddenly, a report came that Song Jiang’s army had already arrived and was encamped five li south of the pass. Shan Shiqi mustered ten thousand cavalry and, together with Shi Ding, Zhu Jing, and Zhong Liang, each fully armed and mounted, led the troops out of the pass to meet the enemy and arrayed them opposite Song Jiang’s army. The two sides formed battle formations, steadying their positions with strong bows and stiff crossbows. Amidst the din of alligator-skin drums and the waving of multicolored embroidered banners, the gate of the northern formation opened, and a general reined in his horse at the front. Let us see how he was equipped:

A gleaming helmet with phoenix wings firmly on his head;

A heavy coat of fish-scale armor draped over his body.

A red brocade robe embroidered with floral patterns;

A lion-head belt inlaid with dense, fine jade.

A pure iron staff held tightly at the ready;

A black-maned dappled horse neighing frequently.

The great general newly arrived at Huguan Pass,

Is none other than Commander Shan Shiqi.

Shan Shiqi shouted loudly, “You water margin grass bandits, how dare you invade our borders!” On the other side, “Leopard Head” Lin Chong spurred his horse forward and yelled, “You accomplice of tyranny! The imperial army has arrived, and you still dare to resist!” Leveling his spear, he charged straight at Shan Shiqi. The two generals met in the center of the field. Both armies raised a great shout. The two horses crossed; four arms moved swiftly, eight hooves churned the ground. They fought for over fifty rounds without either gaining the upper hand. Lin Chong secretly applauded his opponent’s skill.

Seeing that Shan Shiqi could not prevail, Zhu Jing whipped his horse forward, wielding his sword to assist. On the other side, “Featherless Arrow” Zhang Qing dashed out on his horse to intercept him. The four horses fought in two pairs before the battle lines. Zhang Qing and Zhu Jing fought for over twenty rounds. Zhang Qing’s strength began to flag, so he turned his horse and fled. Zhu Jing spurred his horse in pursuit. Zhang Qing tucked his decorated spear under his arm, reached into his silk pouch for a stone, twisted his body, took aim at Zhu Jing’s face, and flung the stone, shouting, “Hit!” It struck Zhu Jing square on the nose, knocking him from his horse with blood gushing out. Zhang Qing turned his horse back, raised his spear to stab him, but Shi Ding and Zhong Liang from the northern formation rushed out together and barely managed to rescue him.

Seeing one of their generals knocked from his horse, the defenders on the pass feared Shan Shiqi might also be lost, so they sounded the gong to recall the troops. Song Jiang also ordered his gongs sounded to withdraw to camp. He then consulted with Wu Yong, saying, “We knocked down one of the rebel generals today, somewhat blunting their edge. But I see the mountain is steep and the pass is strongly fortified. What good plan can we use to break through this pass?” Lin Chong said, “Tomorrow we should challenge them at the pass. We must kill that rebel general, and then all the brothers can press forward and charge up.” Wu Yong said, “General, you must not act rashly! Sunzi said: ‘When you cannot defeat the enemy, you defend; when the enemy can be defeated, you attack.’ This means that when the enemy cannot yet be overcome, we should be on the defensive. Only when that enemy can be defeated should we attack.” Song Jiang said, “The military advisor’s words are very sound.”

The next day, Lin Chong and Zhang Qing reported to Song Jiang, requesting to lead troops in a challenge. Song Jiang instructed: "Even if you win, do not lightly ascend the pass." He also ordered Xu Ning and Suo Chao to lead troops as reinforcements. Thereupon, Lin Chong and Zhang Qing led five thousand cavalry and infantry, waving flags and beating drums below the pass, hurling insults and challenges from the hour of Chen until noon, but there was no movement from the pass. Just as Lin Chong and Zhang Qing were about to return to camp, they suddenly heard a cannon blast from within the pass. The pass gates opened, and Shan Shiqi, along with Wu Su, Shi Ding, Wu Cheng, and Zhong Liang, led twenty thousand troops charging down. Lin Chong said to Zhang Qing: "The rebels are taking advantage of our weariness; we must press forward vigorously." Suo Chao and Xu Ning of the rear unit led their troops forward together. The two sides formed battle arrays, exchanged no words, and directly sought opponents for combat. Lin Chong dueled with Wu Su. Shan Shiqi rode out, and Zhang Qing whirled his pear-blossom spear to engage him. Wu Cheng and Shi Ding advanced together; Suo Chao swung his great axe, urged his horse forward to meet them, and fought fiercely against the two foes. At that moment, the two armies shouted in succession, and seven warhorses, amid the dust of battle and the thick aura of slaughter, paired off like shadows in a lantern. In the heat of the fray, "Panther Head" Lin Chong gave a great shout and with one thrust of his spear knocked Wu Su off his horse. Wu Cheng and Shi Ding, already exhausted from fighting Suo Chao, saw Wu Su fall. Shi Ding quickly feigned an opening, slapped his horse, and fled back to his own formation. Seeing Shi Ding defeated, Wu Cheng tried to parry the axe and escape, but Suo Chao swung his axe and cut him in two. Shan Shiqi, having lost two generals, turned his horse and retreated toward his formation. Zhang Qing gave chase, raised his hand, and struck Shan Shiqi on the back of the head with a stone. The helmet clanged loudly, startling Shan Shiqi, who crouched over his saddle and fled. Zhong Liang hastily led his troops back into the pass, but Lin Chong and his men drove forward in pursuit, and the Northern army suffered a great defeat. Shan Shiqi led his troops in a chaotic scramble into the pass, and the gates could not be closed in time. Lin Chong and his men pursued all the way to the foot of the pass, but arrows and stones rained down from above, preventing their entry. Lin Chong took an arrow in his left arm and withdrew his troops back to camp. Song Jiang ordered An Daoquan to treat Lin Chong's arrow wound. Fortunately, his armor was thick, and the wound was not serious. For now, we set this aside.

Meanwhile, Shan Shiqi entered the pass and mustered his troops, finding over two thousand lost and two generals fallen. He consulted with his subordinates and sent a man to King of Weishan at Jin, reporting that Song Jiang and his men were strong in troops and fierce in generals, difficult to resist, and requesting additional capable generals to defend the pass to ensure safety. At the same time, he secretly arranged with the defenders of Baodu Mountain, Tang Bin, Wen Zhongrong, and Cui Ye, to lead elite troops quietly from the east side of Baodu Mountain and outflank the Song army's rear. A date was set, and a cannon blast would be the signal: "I will lead troops out of the pass and charge down, attacking from both sides, and we will surely achieve a great victory." With the plan settled, they held the pass firmly, awaiting news from Tang Bin. For now, we set this aside.

Then Song Jiang, seeing that Hulu Pass was formidable and could not be taken quickly, had been stalemated for over half a month. He was fretting in his tent when suddenly a report came that General Guan of Weizhou had sent a fast rider with a letter, containing secret matters. Song Jiang and Wu Yong hastily opened and read it. The letter said:

After Song Jiang finished reading the letter in detail, he consulted with Wu Yong, deciding to keep the army still and observe the movements within the pass before responding.

Now, Shan Shiqi sent men secretly to arrange with Tang Bin to move out quietly. The soldiers reported back: "The moonlight is as bright as day now; we should advance when the moon is dark at the end of the month, so the enemy does not detect us." Shan Shiqi said: "That is reasonable." After ten-plus days passed without the Song army attacking, a report suddenly came that Tang Bin, leading a few cavalrymen, had ridden from the side of Baodu Mountain into the pass. Shortly after, Tang Bin arrived at the pass and paid his respects to Shan Shiqi. Tang Bin said: "Tonight at the third watch, Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye will lead ten thousand troops quietly out from the east side of Baodu Mountain. The soldiers will wear soft armor, and the horses will have their bells removed. By dawn, they will surely reach the rear of the Song camp. Here, you should quickly prepare to come out of the pass to support us." Shan Shiqi said joyfully: "With a two-pronged attack, the Song army will surely be defeated!" Shan Shiqi set out wine to entertain him. By evening, Tang Bin went up to the pass to look around and said: "Strange—under the starlight, it seems there are scouts outside the pass." As he spoke, he took two arrows from the quiver of his attendant soldier and shot them toward the outside of the pass. As fate would have it, this pass was destined to fall. There were indeed a few soldiers outside the pass who, following Song Jiang's orders, were secretly spying on the situation within the pass in the dark. Tang Bin's arrow happened to strike one soldier on the right thigh. It caused pain in the thigh flesh, yet it seemed to have no arrowhead. The soldier found this strange, took the arrow and examined it closely, and found that many strips of silk were tightly wrapped around the arrowhead. Knowing there was a hidden message, the soldier rushed back to camp and reported to Song Jiang. Song Jiang, by lamplight, tore it open and saw several lines of fine, fly-head-sized characters. It was Tang Bin's secret agreement: "Tomorrow at dawn, I will surrender the pass. Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye will lead troops quietly to the rear of the vanguard camp. Wait for the cannon blast; then I will lead a sortie from within the pass to support them. At that time, I will be there to seize the opportunity to take the pass. Song Vanguard, please prepare quickly to enter the pass." After reading it, Song Jiang consulted with Wu Yong in secret to make preparations. Wu Yong said: "General Guan likely made no mistake. But if enemy troops appear at our rear, we must not fail to prepare. We should order Sun Li, Zhu Tong, Shan Tinggui, Wei Dingguo, and Yan Shun to lead ten thousand troops, furl their flags and silence their drums, and quietly go to ambush behind the camp. If they encounter Wen and Cui's troops, do not let them approach the camp; wait until our army has captured the pass and hears the signal cannon of the Heaven-and-Earth Mother-Son type before allowing them to approach. Further, order Xu Ning and Suo Chao to lead five thousand troops and quietly go to ambush east of the camp; Lin Chong and Zhang Qing to lead five thousand troops and quietly go to ambush west of the camp. Only when the cannon sounds within the camp should both units advance to support and converge to charge up the pass. If our army falls into their trap, then come to the rescue immediately." Song Jiang said: "The military advisor's plan is excellent!" Thereupon, orders were issued according to the plan, and all generals complied and made ready.

Now, Shan Shiqi within the pass, having received news from Tang Bin, waited solely for the cannon blast from the rear of the Song camp. When dawn arrived, he suddenly heard a series of cannon blasts south of the pass. Tang Bin and Shan Shiqi went up to the pass to look, and saw dust rising behind the Song camp, with banners and flags in disarray. Tang Bin said: "This must be that Wen and Cui's troops have arrived. We can quickly go out of the pass to support them!" Shan Shiqi, along with Shi Ding, led ten thousand elite troops and first charged out of the pass to attack, ordering Tang Bin and Lu Hui to lead ten thousand troops as subsequent support, while ordering Zhu Jing and Zhong Liang to hold the pass. At that moment, the Song troops, seeing the enemy rush out of the pass, fell back. Shan Shiqi led the charge, driving his troops forward in a sweeping attack. Suddenly, a cannon blast was heard, and from the left and right of the Song camp, two contingents of troops burst forth and charged forward. Tang Bin, seeing the two Song units emerge, quickly turned his horse and led his troops to seize the pass, leveling his spear and reining in his horse outside the gates. Shan Shiqi and Shi Ding were engaged in separate skirmishes when another cannon blast sounded from within the Song camp. Li Kui, Bao Xu, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun led their javelin and shield troops, rolling forward in attack. Shan Shiqi, realizing preparations had been made, hastily called his troops back and turned his horse toward the pass. Before the pass, a general reined in his horse and shouted: "Tang Bin is here! Hulu Pass already belongs to the Song dynasty. Shan Shiqi, dismount and surrender quickly!" He raised his spear and with one thrust killed Zhu Jing. Shan Shiqi was greatly alarmed and, at a loss, led a few dozen cavalrymen and fought his way westward to escape. Lin Chong and Zhang Qing, intent on capturing the pass, did not pursue but led their troops charging up the pass. At that time, Li Kui and the other light infantry had already seized the pass. They immediately set off signal cannons and, together with Tang Bin, pursued and killed the soldiers holding the pass, capturing Hulu Pass. Zhong Liang was killed by the chaotic troops. Outside the pass, Shi Ding was knocked down by Xu Ning. The Northern troops scattered in all directions, abandoning countless armor, helmets, and horses. Over two thousand were killed, more than five hundred captured alive, and many surrendered.

Soon after, Song Jiang and the main army entered the pass in succession. Tang Bin dismounted, bowed before Song Jiang, and said, "Tang has committed a crime. Having heard of the Marshal's benevolence and righteousness, I long wished to defect to the great stronghold, but lacked the opportunity and could not meet your honorable face. Today, Heaven granted a convenience, allowing Tang to follow the Marshal—this truly fulfills the wishes of a lifetime." Having spoken, he bowed again. Song Jiang quickly returned the courtesy, hastening to help him up, saying, "General, in submitting to the imperial court and joining Song in pacifying the rebels, when Song returns to court and recommends you to the Son of Heaven, you shall naturally be given priority for appointment." Afterward, Sun Li and the other generals, along with Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye, led the troops from both routes to encamp outside the pass and await orders. Song Jiang ordered Wen and Cui to enter the pass for a meeting. Sun Li and the others commanded the troops to temporarily encamp outside. Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye entered the pass, bowed to Song Jiang, and said, "We, Wen and Cui, are fortunate to serve under your command, willing to exert the utmost efforts of dogs and horses." Song Jiang was greatly pleased and said, "Generals, your collaboration in capturing this pass is no small merit. Song will record each one in the merit ledger." The next day, he ordered a feast to celebrate with Tang Bin and the other two. At the same time, he took stock of the troops inside and outside the pass: over twenty thousand newly surrendered soldiers and more than a thousand captured war horses. All the generals came to present their merits.

After Song Jiang had rewarded and feasted the officers and soldiers, he asked Tang Bin how many troops and generals were in Zhaode Pass. Tang Bin said, "The city originally had thirty thousand troops. Shan Shiqi selected ten thousand to guard the pass. Now there are still twenty thousand troops in the city, with a total of ten regular and deputy generals." Those ten were: Sun Qi, Ye Sheng, Jin Ding, Huang Yue, Leng Ning, Dai Mei, Weng Kui, Yang Chun, Niu Geng, and Cai Ze.

Tang Bin continued, "Tian Hu relies on Hu Pass as a shield for Zhaode. With Hu Pass already breached, Tian Hu has lost an arm. I, Tang, though unworthy, am willing to serve as the vanguard to attack Zhaode." At that time, Geng Gong, the surrendered general from Lingchuan, also expressed willingness to serve alongside Tang Bin as vanguard. Song Jiang agreed. After a while, Song Jiang said to Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye, "You two have long been stationed at Mount Baodu and know its conditions well; your reputations have long been spread. I wish to have you lead your original troops back to Mount Baodu to hold that position independently. When I capture Zhaode, I will then invite you generals to meet. What do you think?" Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye replied in unison, "How dare we disobey the Marshal's orders?" The feast then ended, and Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye took leave of Song Jiang and headed for Mount Baodu.

The next day, Song Jiang ascended his command tent and ordered Dai Zong to go to Lu Junyi, the vanguard at Jinning, to reconnoiter the military situation and report back quickly. Dai Zong followed the order and departed; let us leave this aside for now. Song Jiang and Wu Yong discussed and divided the troops to attack Zhaode. Tang Bin and Geng Gong led ten thousand troops to attack the east gate; Suo Chao and Zhang Qing led ten thousand troops to attack the south gate; the west gate was left open to prevent Wei Sheng's relief troops from arriving and causing inconvenience from both inside and outside. He also ordered Li Kui, Bao Xu, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun to lead five hundred infantry as a roving force to provide mutual support. He ordered Sun Li, Zhu Tong, and Yan Shun to lead troops into the pass, join Fan Rui and Ma Lin in managing the troops, and guard Hu Pass. With the deployment set, Song Jiang and Wu Yong led the remaining generals, broke camp, and marched, setting up camp ten li south of Zhaode city. Let us leave this aside for now.

Let us turn to another matter. The pseudo-provincial officials in Wei Sheng received urgent reports from Shan Shiqi, the defender of Hu Pass, and Tian Biao of Jinning, which were presented to Tian Hu, stating that the Song army was powerful and that both Hu Pass and Jinning were in critical danger. Tian Hu went to court and discussed with everyone about sending relief troops. Just then, a figure stepped out from the court ranks, wearing a yellow cap and a crane-feather cloak, and stepped forward to report, "I, your subject, beg to report to the Great King: I am willing to go to Hu Pass to repel the enemy." That man was named Qiao, single name Lie. His ancestors were originally from Jingyuan in Shaanxi. When his mother was pregnant, she dreamed of a jackal entering the house, which later turned into a deer. Upon waking, she gave birth to Qiao Lie. From the age of eight, Qiao Lie liked to wield spears and clubs. By chance, he traveled to Kongtong Mountain and met a stranger who taught him magical arts, enabling him to summon wind and rain, ride mist, and soar through clouds. He also once went to Erxian Mountain in Jiugong County to seek the Way, but the Real Man Luo refused to see him, sending an attendant to say, "You delve into heterodox ways and do not grasp the profound subtlety. Wait until you encounter the 'virtue' demon and subdue it, then you may see me." Qiao Lie returned angrily, relying on his magical arts, roaming unrestrained. Because of his many illusions, people called him "The Phantom Demon Lord." Later, he arrived at Anding Prefecture. The prefecture suffered a great drought—not a drop of rain for five months. The prefect posted a notice: "If anyone can pray for rain, a reward of three thousand strings of cash will be given." Qiao Lie tore down the notice, ascended the altar, and a torrential rain poured down. Seeing the rain sufficient, the prefect then disregarded the reward money. It was also Qiao Lie's fate to encounter trouble. In the locality, there was a crooked scholar named He Cai, who was very close to the prefectural treasury clerk. When he learned of this matter, he instigated the clerk to give most of the reward money to the prefect, while embezzling the rest into his own pockets. He Cai borrowed from the clerk and also got a share. The clerk then gave three strings of cash to Qiao Lie, saying, "With such high magical skill, you have no use for this money. Our proper tax revenue is insufficient for remittance, and we have to scrape together funds. As I see it, this reward money should be temporarily stored in the treasury. When you need it later, you can withdraw it in installments." On hearing this, Qiao Lie was furious and said, "The reward money was originally donated by the wealthy households of this prefecture. How dare you embezzle and deduct it at will? The treasury funds are all the people's flesh and blood. You only think of enriching yourself, buying smiles and chasing pleasure, ruining many of the state's affairs. Beating you, this filthy, stinking creature, will also rid the treasury of a pest!" He raised his fist and struck the clerk in the face. The clerk, his body weakened by wine and women, was fat and out of breath before even fighting—how could he withstand it? He was beaten and kicked by Qiao Lie, and limped back home, bedridden for four or five days before dying from his severe injuries. The clerk's wife and children filed a complaint in the prefecture. The prefect guessed seven or eight parts of the truth—that it all stemmed from the reward money. He issued a warrant to arrest and interrogate the culprit, Qiao Lie.

Learning of this, Qiao Lie fled back to Jingyuan that very night, packed up, and left with his mother, escaping to Wei Sheng. He changed his name and appearance, posing as a "Complete Real Man," changing the character "Lie" to "Qing," and adopted the religious name Daoqing. Soon, Tian Hu rebelled. Knowing Qiao Lie's magical arts, he recruited him into his ranks, fabricating demonic words, performing illusions, inciting and deceiving the ignorant populace, helping Tian Hu seize prefectures and counties. Tian Hu relied on Qiao Lie for every decision, conferring upon him the pseudo-title of Protector of the State, Inspired True Man, and Military Advisor of the Left Chancellor. It was then that his surname was publicly revealed, so everyone called him National Teacher Qiao Daoqing.

At that time, Qiao Daoqing reported to Tian Hu, willing to lead troops to Hu Pass to resist the enemy. Tian Hu said, "The National Teacher shares my burdens like this!" Before he finished speaking, another figure, the Palace Commander Sun An, stepped forward to report: "I, your subject, am willing to lead troops to rescue Jinning." Tian Hu promoted Qiao Daoqing and Sun An to the rank of Grand Marshal for the Southern Expedition, allocating twenty thousand troops to each. Qiao Daoqing further reported, "Hu Pass is in critical danger. I will select light cavalry and race there day and night to provide relief." Tian Hu was greatly pleased and ordered the Privy Council to assign generals and troops to follow Qiao Daoqing and Sun An on the campaign. The Privy Council, upon receiving the order, selected generals and dispatched troops, handing them over to the two men. Qiao Daoqing and Sun An immediately mustered their troops and set out.

That Sun An was a fellow townsman of Qiao Daoqing; he too was from Jingyuan. He was born nine feet tall, with a waist eight spans around, well-versed in strategy, and of extraordinary strength. He had learned an outstanding martial art, skilled in wielding a pair of iron swords. Later, to avenge his father, he killed two men. With the authorities in hot pursuit, he abandoned his home and fled. He had long been close friends with Qiao Daoqing. Hearing that Qiao Daoqing served under Tian Hu, he went to Wei Sheng and joined him. Qiao Daoqing recommended him to Tian Hu, and due to his merit in resisting the enemy, he received the pseudo-rank of Palace Commander. Now, he led ten deputy generals and twenty thousand troops to rescue Jinning. Who were those ten deputy generals? They were:

Mei Yu, Qin Ying, Jin Zhen, Lu Qing, Bi Sheng,

Pan Xun, Yang Fang, Feng Sheng, Hu Mai, Lu Fang.

These ten deputy generals all received the pseudo-rank of Commander. At that time, Sun An took leave of Qiao Daoqing, led his troops, and marched toward Jinning. Let us leave this aside for now.

Meanwhile, Qiao Daoqing handed over his twenty thousand troops to the regimental commanders Nie Xin and Feng Tongling, who would follow later. He himself went ahead with four deputy generals. Those four were:

Lei Zhen, Ni Lin, Fei Zhen, Xue Can.

Those four subordinate generals had all been granted the title of commander, and they followed Qiao Daoqing, leading two thousand elite troops, marching day and night toward Zhaode. In less than a day, they arrived ten li north of Zhaode city, when a forward scout rode back to report: "Yesterday, the Song army broke through Hulu Pass, and now they have divided into three columns to attack Zhaode city." Hearing this, Qiao Daoqing angrily said, "These fellows are so insolent! Let them taste my skills." He led his troops forward at full speed. They encountered Tang Bin and Geng Geng leading troops to attack the north gate. Suddenly, it was reported that over two thousand cavalry were approaching from the northwest. Tang Bin and Geng Geng formed their ranks to meet the enemy. Qiao Daoqing's troops had already arrived, and the two armies faced each other, banners and drums in sight, separated by a bowshot from north to south. Tang Bin and Geng Geng saw four generals before the northern formation, surrounding a master, who stood on his horse beneath a red silk canopy. What was that master's appearance? He wore a purple-gold inlaid fish-tail Taoist crown, a black robe edged with blazing flame brocade crane cloak, a multicolored silk sash at his waist, and cloud-topped square red shoes on his feet. He wielded a Kunwu iron ancient sword and rode a snow-white silver-maned horse. With sloping eyebrows and blue eyes set in a bearded face, his square mouth gave a voice like a bell.

That master sat on his horse, and before him stood a black banner with two lines of nineteen large characters in gold, reading: "Guardian of the Nation, Inspired True Man, Army Counselor, Left Prime Minister, Southern Expedition Grand Marshal Qiao." After reading it, Geng Geng said in terror, "This man is formidable!" Before the two armies could engage, they happened upon Li Kui and five hundred roving soldiers arriving suddenly. Li Kui wanted to charge forward, but Geng Geng said, "This man is the most capable under the Prince of Jin, skilled in sorcery, and extremely dangerous." Li Kui said, "I'll charge up and chop that bastard down; then what sorcery can he use?" Tang Bin also said, "General, do not take the enemy lightly." Li Kui refused to listen and, wielding his battle-axes, rushed forward. Bao Xu, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun, fearing Li Kui might come to harm, led the five hundred shield-and-javelin men, rolling forward together in attack. That master laughed aloud and shouted, "You scoundrel, do not be so arrogant!" Unhurriedly, he pointed his sword toward the sky, muttered incantations, and cried, "Swift!" In the clear daylight, suddenly black mist spread thickly, fierce winds howled, and dust flew up. A mass of black vapor enveloped Li Kui and the five hundred others, as if they were sucked into a black leather bag, with not a glimmer of light before their eyes, unable to move a hair, only hearing the sound of wind and rain in their ears, unaware of where they were. No matter how heroic a man, he could not sprout wings to fly. Even if you were a fiery-headed vajra, how could you escape the net of heaven and earth? Or an eight-armed Nalakuvara, you could hardly flee the dragon pool and tiger den. In the end, whether Li Kui and the others were in peril, and their fate of life or death, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.