Song Jiang Rewards the Cavalry, Infantry, and Navy; Guan Sheng Subdues the Two Generals of Water and Fire

There is a lyric: In ancient times Duke Zhuang had his arm cut off; Ling Zhe was so strong he could break a cartwheel. Zhuan Zhu hid a tiny fish-intestine sword and stabbed King Liao to death at the King of Wu’s banquet. Someone swung a great iron hammer by the roadside and struck the man in the Qin emperor’s carriage, raising a cloud of dust. Among the strong men of the Spring and Autumn period, who could compare with these, who looked on their lives as light as a hair? Yu Rang risked death to repay kindness; Jing Ke was fierce in trying to assassinate the King of Qin, not hesitating even if smashed to powder. Yao Li of Wu assassinated Qing Ji, bearing a loyal heart and willing to die—how could that be called ugly? For even a little kindness from another, they were willing to uphold great righteousness, even if it meant tearing out their hearts or cutting their own throats, never turning back. A true man values righteousness and can cast aside his life— how could he be like lesser men who only talk big? Now, at that time Grand Secretary Liang, Li Cheng, and Wen Da......