Song Gongming Takes Shelter from the Heat and Restores His Soldiers; Qiao Daoqing Turns Back the Wind and Burns the Bandits

Wang Qing and Duan Sanniang had fought Liao Li for less than seven rounds when Wang Qing seized an opening, thrust his blade, and struck Liao Li down. Duan Sanniang rushed forward and finished him with another stroke. Liao Li had been a bandit for half his life, and here his dream ended in nothing. Holding his broadsword, Wang Qing shouted, “Anyone who dares disobey me will end like Liao Li!” Seeing Liao Li killed, none of the rank and file dared resist; all laid down their weapons and knelt in surrender. Wang Qing led them up the mountain and entered the stronghold. By then it was nearly dawn. The mountain was surrounded by natural stone caves like houses, so it was called Fangshan and belonged to Fangzhou Prefecture. That day Wang Qing settled all the families, mustered the men, and checked the grain, gold and silver, jewels, silks, and cloth in the stronghold. He also slaughtered oxen and horses, richly rewarded his followers, and held a feast to celebrate with everyone. The crowd then chose Wang Qing as chief. They forged weapons and drilled the men in......