The Impetuous Vanguard Contends for Merit at the Eastern Gate; the Blue-Faced Beast Tests His Skill in the Northern Capital

The Impetuous Vanguard Contends for Merit at the Eastern Gate; the Blue-Faced Beast Tests His Skill in the Northern Capital

A poem says:

Convicted and exiled to the northern lands,  
He fights for glory on the drill ground.  
When matched against a worthy foe, no luck can save you;  
When a true general meets a fine warrior, each shows his skill.  
The magpie-painted bow is drawn like a full moon;  
The steel-tipped spear thrusts with a frosty wind.  
Even a man who can shoot a tiger or split a willow leaf by arrow  
Must here decide who is stronger.

Now Zhou Jin and Yang Zhi reined in their horses beneath the army banners and were about to fight. Wen Da, the army inspector, shouted, “Stop first!” He went up to the reviewing hall and reported to Grand Secretary Liang: “Your Excellency, these two are competing, and though we cannot yet tell who is better, spears and swords are weapons that wound. They are meant for killing bandits. If they are wounded in an internal contest, one might be crippled, or worse, killed. That would be bad for the army. We can remove the spearheads from both spears, wrap the tips in felt, and dip them in lime. Let both men change into black clothes. In the contest, they thrust at each other with the spears. Whoever has more white spots loses. What do you think?” Grand Secretary Liang said, “That is a good plan.” He gave the order.

The two received the order. They went behind the reviewing hall, removed the spearheads, wrapped the tips in felt to make them blunt, changed into black shirts, dipped the spears in lime, mounted again, and came to the front. Yang Zhi held his spear across his horse and looked at Zhou Jin. Zhou Jin was indeed skilled with horse and bow. He wore a leather helmet, a black shirt over polished copper armor, battle boots, a red bellyband, and rode a light yellow horse. Zhou Jin urged his horse and raised his spear, charging straight at Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi also spurred his horse and raised his spear to meet him. The two tangled back and forth before the ranks. As the men fought on horseback, their horses also collided. They fought forty or fifty bouts.

Then they looked at Zhou Jin’s body. It was like spilled bean curd, covered densely with white spots—about thirty or fifty places. On Yang Zhi’s body there was only one white spot on the left shoulder. Grand Secretary Liang was very pleased. He called Zhou Jin up to the hall, looked at the white spots on him, and said, “The officials previously recommended you as deputy commander. With such skill, how could you campaign north and south and deserve such pay? Let Yang Zhi take your post.”

Li Cheng, the army inspector, went up to the great hall and reported to Grand Secretary Liang: “Zhou Jin’s spear technique is poor, but he is still skilled at riding and archery. If we remove him outright, I fear it will shake the army’s morale. Better let Zhou Jin and Yang Zhi compete in archery as well.” Grand Secretary Liang said, “That makes sense.” He gave the order for Yang Zhi and Zhou Jin to compete in archery.

The two received the order, put away their spears, and prepared bows and arrows. Yang Zhi took his bow from its case, strung it, took it, and leaped onto his horse. He rode to the front of the hall, bowed slightly in the saddle, and reported, “Your Excellency, arrows have no mercy and may wound a man. I beg Your Excellency’s instruction.” Grand Secretary Liang said, “When warriors compete, there is no need to worry about wounds. Let each show his skill. Even if one is shot dead, no blame will be pursued.” Yang Zhi accepted the order and returned to the front.

Li Cheng gave the word, and each archer was given a shield to protect himself. The two took the shields and tied them to their arms. Yang Zhi said, “You shoot at me first three times. After that, I will shoot at you three times.” Zhou Jin heard this and wished he could pierce Yang Zhi with one arrow. Yang Zhi was an officer by birth and saw through his thoughts. He did not take it to heart at all.

One was full of heroic spirit; one was fierce and savage.  
One had once shot a tiger in the mountains;  
One could split a willow leaf in the wind from a hundred paces.  
When the bow was drawn full, foxes and rabbits died;  
When the arrow flew, great birds were frightened.  
They tested their skill in public and displayed their arts before the crowd.  
One man’s dodging was hard to counter;  
One man’s evasion was impossible to guard against.  
In a moment victory would be decided;  
In a blink life and death would be settled.  
Both had the power to subdue dragons,  
But one of them had to be stronger.

Then the flag officer on the platform waved a blue command flag. Yang Zhi spurred his horse and rode south. Zhou Jin galloped after him, laid the reins on the saddle, took his bow in his left hand, fitted an arrow with his right, drew the bowstring full, and shot at Yang Zhi’s back. Yang Zhi heard the bowstring behind him, suddenly dodged, and hid himself beside the horse’s flank. The arrow missed. Zhou Jin saw the first arrow miss and panicked. He quickly took a second arrow from his quiver, fitted it, aimed at Yang Zhi’s back, and shot again. Yang Zhi heard the second arrow coming. He no longer hid beside the horse. The arrow flew like a swift wind. Yang Zhi already had his bow in his hand. He lightly flicked it with the tip of his bow, and the arrow spun down onto the grass. Zhou Jin saw the second arrow miss and grew even more frantic.

Yang Zhi’s horse ran to the end of the drill ground. He suddenly reined in and turned back toward the hall. Zhou Jin also turned his horse and followed closely. On the green grass, eight hooves flew like a whirlwind. Zhou Jin took out the third arrow, fitted it to the string, drew the bow full, put all his strength into it, aimed at Yang Zhi’s back, and shot. Yang Zhi heard the bowstring, twisted his body, reached out, and caught the flying arrow in his hand on the saddle. He urged his horse to the front of the reviewing hall and threw Zhou Jin’s arrow down.

Grand Secretary Liang was delighted. He ordered Yang Zhi to shoot three arrows at Zhou Jin. The blue flag was waved again from the platform. Zhou Jin put down his bow, took up his shield, and galloped south. Yang Zhi straightened in the saddle, lightly patted his horse, and the warhorse flew after him. Yang Zhi first drew the bow without an arrow. Zhou Jin heard the bowstring behind his head, quickly turned, and raised his shield to block, but caught nothing. Zhou Jin thought, “This man only knows the spear. He cannot shoot.” When Yang Zhi drew the bow a second time without an arrow, Zhou Jin planned to shout “Stop!” and claim victory. Zhou Jin’s horse ran to the southern end of the drill ground and turned back toward the hall. Yang Zhi’s horse saw Zhou Jin’s horse turn and turned too. Yang Zhi took an arrow from his quiver and fitted it to the string. He thought, “If I shoot him in the back, I will surely kill him. He and I have no grudge. I will only shoot him in a place that will not kill him.” His left hand was steady as if holding up Mount Tai. His right hand was gentle as if holding a baby. The bow was drawn like a full moon. The arrow flew like a meteor. Quick as a blink, it struck Zhou Jin in the left shoulder. Zhou Jin could not dodge and fell from his horse. The empty horse ran all the way behind the reviewing hall. Soldiers hurried forward and rescued Zhou Jin.

Grand Secretary Liang was overjoyed. He called the Military Administration Office to bring the documents and let Yang Zhi take Zhou Jin’s post. Yang Zhi was filled with joy. He dismounted, went to the front of the hall, thanked the commissioner, and prepared to take up the post. Then a man stepped out from the left side of the steps and shouted, “Do not take that post yet! I will compete with you!” Yang Zhi looked at him. He was a tall man, over seven feet, with a round face, big ears, thick lips, and a ring of curly beard around his cheeks. He looked majestic. He went before Liang Zhongshu and bowed. “Zhou Jin has not recovered from illness and lacked strength, so he lost to Yang Zhi. I am not talented, but I am willing to compete with Yang Zhi. If I lose even half a point, then there is no need to remove Zhou Jin. Let Yang Zhi take my post, and I will die without complaint.” Grand Secretary Liang saw that this man was Suo Chao, the regular commander under the Office of the Regent at Daming Prefecture. He was hot-tempered and quick to fury. In battle he always charged first and fought desperately. Everyone called him the Impetuous Vanguard.

Li Cheng heard this, came down from the platform, and reported before the hall: “Your Excellency, Yang Zhi was originally a commissioner in the Palace Command. His skill must be high. Zhou Jin was no match for him. It is fitting to let Yang Zhi and Suo Chao compete, and then we will know who is better.” Grand Secretary Liang thought, “I intended to promote Yang Zhi, but the other officers are not convinced. Once he beats Suo Chao, they will have nothing to say and will be convinced.” Grand Secretary Liang called Yang Zhi up to the hall and asked, “Are you willing to compete with Suo Chao?” Yang Zhi replied, “When Your Excellency gives an order, how dare I disobey?” Grand Secretary Liang said, “Since that is so, go behind the hall and change your armor. Dress properly.” He called the armory officials to bring weapons and said, “Bring my warhorse for Yang Zhi to ride. Be careful in battle. Do not underestimate him.” Yang Zhi thanked him and went to put on armor.

Meanwhile Li Cheng instructed Suo Chao: “You are different from others. Zhou Jin is your student, and he has just lost. If you fail, all the officers of Daming Prefecture will be looked down upon. I have a battle-tested horse and a suit of armor. I will lend them to you. Be very careful. Do not damage our army’s spirit!” Suo Chao thanked him and went to put on armor.

Grand Secretary Liang rose and walked outside the steps. Attendants moved the silver chair to the railing of the terrace and set it down. Grand Secretary Liang sat. Attendants stood on both sides. The umbrella bearer opened a silver-topped tea-brown silk umbrella and stood behind him. Orders came down from the platform, and a red flag was waved. Gongs and drums sounded on both sides, and a roll of war drums was beaten. One cannon was fired from each side of the drill ground. After the cannon, Suo Chao rode into the field and hid beneath the flag gate. Yang Zhi also rode into the field and stood behind the gate flag. A yellow flag was waved from the platform. Another roll of war drums was beaten, and both armies shouted together. Then the drill ground fell silent. A gong sounded, and a white command flag was raised. Officials on both sides did not dare move or speak and stood quietly. A blue flag was waved from the platform. The third roll of war drums sounded. The gate flag on the left parted, horse bells jingled, and Suo Chao, the regular commander, rode out. He reined in before the ranks and held his weapon. Truly he was a hero. He was dressed like this:

He wore a polished copper lion helmet with a large red tassel behind.  
His body was covered with iron scale armor, and at his waist was a gilt beast-face belt.  
On his chest and back were two bronze heart-protecting mirrors.  
Outside he wore a great red embroidered battle robe, with two green wool neck straps hanging down.  
He wore slanted leather battle boots.  
A bow hung on his left, a quiver on his right, and he held a great golden-dipped axe across his body.  
He rode Inspector Li’s battle-tested white horse.

Look at that horse:

Its ears were like jade chopsticks; its eyes bulged like golden bells.  
Its coat was white as a white-browed tiger of the southern mountains;  
Its hair was fine as a jade unicorn of the northern seas.  
It could charge formations and leap streams; hearing war drums, its nature was calm.  
It could bear weight and travel far, neighing in the wind—a rare steed.  
It surpassed Wu Zixu’s pear-blossom horse and did not yield to the King of Qin’s white jade colt.

Suo Chao, the Impetuous Vanguard of the left formation, reined in his horse, held his golden-dipped axe, and stood before the ranks. The gate flag on the right parted, horse bells jingled, and Yang Zhi rode out with his spear. He reined in before the ranks, holding his spear across his horse, very fierce. Yang Zhi was dressed like this:

He wore a shining polished-iron helmet with a tuft of green tassel.  
His body was covered with plum-blossom elm-leaf armor, a red wool armor belt, and a beast-face heart-protecting mirror.  
Outside he wore a white embroidered battle robe with purple streamers hanging down.  
He wore yellow leather-soled battle boots.  
He had a leather-target bow, several chisel-point arrows, and in his hand a polished iron steel-tipped spear.  
He rode Grand Secretary Liang’s fire-red Thousand-Li Wind-Chasing Horse.

This fine horse:

Its mane was like flame; its tail like morning clouds.  
Its whole body was rouge-red, its ears like red leaves.  
At dawn it galloped to the frontier, its hooves striking cold stars;  
At dusk it walked on the sand embankment, rolling like a ball of fire.  
It was worthy of being called a divine steed, comparable to Guan Yu’s Red Hare.  
It was like a southern mountain beast, like a black dragon of the northern sea.

Yang Zhi, the Blue-Faced Beast of the right formation, held his spear, reined in his horse, and stood before the ranks. Soldiers on both sides secretly cheered. Before seeing their skill, they were already won over by their bearing. The flag officer in the south, holding a gold-inlaid command flag, rode over and announced loudly, “By order of His Excellency, you two are to compete with all your heart. If you make a mistake, you will surely be punished. If you win, you will be richly rewarded.” The two accepted the order, spurred their horses out of the ranks, and came to the center of the drill ground. The two horses met, and the two weapons struck at once. Suo Chao’s anger rose. He swung his great axe and charged Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi showed his skill and met Suo Chao with his spear. The two fought in the center of the drill ground before the platform, each using all his life’s skill. Back and forth, four arms swung, eight hooves trampled.

Battle flags blocked the sun; killing intent covered the sky.  
A golden-dipped axe chopped straight at the head;  
An iron spear watched the heart.  
One was like the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King guarding the state;  
One was like Marshal Tianpeng bringing peace.  
The spear tip spat fire; the axe blade flashed cold light.  
It was as if the ancient fierce general Yuan Da had been reborn,  
Or Zhang Fei of the Three Kingdoms appeared in the world.  
One was like the giant spirit god in anger, swinging his axe to split Mount Hua;  
One was like Huaguang Tianwang in wrath, holding his spear to break the demon gate.  
Suo Chao’s eyes were wide; his axe chopped slantwise.  
Yang Zhi gritted his teeth and held his spear to block with all his strength.  
Each watched for a flaw, never relaxing for a moment.

Yang Zhi and Suo Chao fought more than fifty bouts without victory. On the terrace, Grand Secretary Liang watched spellbound. Officers on both sides cheered without stopping. Soldiers before the ranks said to one another, “We have been soldiers for years and fought many battles, but we have never seen such heroes fight!” Li Cheng and Wen Da shouted from the platform, “Well fought!” Wen Da feared one of them would be badly hurt. He quickly told the flag officer to wave the command flag and stop them. A gong suddenly sounded on the platform. Yang Zhi and Suo Chao were fighting fiercely, each determined to win, and would not rein in. The flag officer galloped over and shouted, “Two good men, stop! His Excellency has ordered it!” Only then did Yang Zhi and Suo Chao stop their weapons, rein in, and return to their own ranks. They stood beneath the flags awaiting orders.

Li Cheng and Wen Da came down from the platform and reported to Grand Secretary Liang below the terrace: “Your Excellency, these two are equal in skill. Both can be put to important use.” Grand Secretary Liang was delighted. He ordered Yang Zhi and Suo Chao to come forward. The flag officer relayed the order. The two dismounted, and soldiers took their weapons. They went up to the hall and bowed to receive orders. Grand Secretary Liang had two ingots of white silver and two sets of silk clothing brought as rewards for the two. He also told the Military Administration Office to promote both to army commandants. The documents were written, and they were formally appointed that day. Suo Chao and Yang Zhi thanked Grand Secretary Liang, took the rewards, went down from the hall, put away their spears, swords, bows, and arrows, took off their armor, and changed into ordinary clothes. Suo Chao took off his armor and put on a cotton jacket. The two went up to the hall again, thanked the assembled officers, and joined the ranks as commandants. Soldiers beat the victory drums, and the flags and drums went ahead and dispersed. Grand Secretary Liang and the officers held a banquet in the reviewing hall.

The red sun sank in the west. The banquet ended, and the officials enjoyed themselves fully. Grand Secretary Liang mounted his horse, and the officials escorted him back to his residence. Before his horse, the two newly promoted commandants rode side by side, left and right, with red flowers on their heads, and entered the Eastern Gate together. Along the streets, people old and young came out to watch with delight. Grand Secretary Liang asked from horseback, “Why are the people so happy? Are they laughing at me?” A group of elders knelt and reported, “We were born in Daming Prefecture and have lived here all our lives, but we have never seen two such heroes compete. Today we saw this wonderful contest on the drill ground. How could we not be happy?” Grand Secretary Liang was very pleased to hear this. Back at his residence, the officials dispersed. Suo Chao had many colleagues and brothers who invited him to drink in celebration. Yang Zhi had just arrived and had no acquaintances, so he returned to Liang’s residence to sleep and await orders. We need not speak of this for now.

Let us set aside this idle talk and tell the main matter. After the contest outside the Eastern Gate, Grand Secretary Liang valued Yang Zhi greatly. He often kept him at his side and gave him a monthly salary. Gradually people came to befriend Yang Zhi. Suo Chao had seen Yang Zhi’s great skill with his own eyes and admired him in his heart. Time flew. Spring passed and summer came, and soon it was the Dragon Boat Festival. Grand Secretary Liang and Lady Cai held a family banquet in the rear hall to celebrate.:

Mugwort was placed in pots; pomegranate flowers were arranged in vases.  
Crystal curtains were lightly rolled; embroidered screens showed peacocks.  
Sweet flag was like jade, and maids held wine cups;  
Zongzi were piled like golden towers, and beauties brought jade plates.  
There were delicacies of land and sea, fresh fruit, and vegetables.  
Flutes and pipes played clear music; dancers and singers wore silk and jewels.  
At the banquet they clapped and danced, long skirts trailing brocade.  
They drank and enjoyed the hours, drunk on the world’s ease.

That day Grand Secretary Liang held a family banquet with Lady Cai in the rear hall to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. After several cups of wine and several dishes, Lady Cai said, “Husband, you now hold command and carry great state responsibility. Where did this fame and wealth come from?” Grand Secretary Liang said, “I have studied since childhood and understand the classics and histories. I am not a plant or tree. How could I not be grateful for your father’s great kindness in raising me up? I am endlessly grateful.” Lady Cai said, “Since you know my father’s kindness, how could you forget his birthday?” Grand Secretary Liang said, “How could I forget? Your father’s birthday is the fifteenth of the sixth month. I have already sent people to gather gold, silver, and jewels worth one hundred thousand strings to send to the capital as birthday gifts. I started preparing a month ago, and now it is ninety percent ready. In a few more days, when everything is packed, I will send someone. There is only one thing that troubles me. Last year I prepared many treasures and sent them, but bandits robbed them on the road. The goods were wasted, and the robbers have still not been caught. Whom should I send this year to be safe?” Lady Cai said, “Among all the officers under your command, choose a trusted man to send them.” Grand Secretary Liang said, “There are still forty or fifty days. I will urge the gifts to be ready morning and evening, and choose the man when the time comes. Do not worry, wife. I have my own plan.” That day the family banquet lasted from noon until the second watch. We need not say more.

We will not speak of Grand Secretary Liang preparing treasures and choosing a man to go to the capital to congratulate Grand Preceptor Cai on his birthday. Now in Yuncheng County, Jizhou, Shandong, a new magistrate had arrived. His surname was Shi, his name Wenbin. That day he held court.:

He was upright in office and clear in judgment.  
He always held a heart of compassion and kindness.  
When people fought over fields, he distinguished right from wrong before judging;  
When they fought with fists, he weighed the severity before deciding.  
In his spare time he played the qin and received guests, settling disputes among the people.  
Though only a county magistrate, he deserved to be called a parent to the people.

Magistrate Shi Wenbin held court, with runners and clerks standing on both sides. He summoned the county’s bandit-catching officers and the two patrol captains. Under the county’s military office were two captains: one captain of foot soldiers and one captain of cavalry. The cavalry captain commanded twenty mounted archers and twenty soldiers. The foot captain commanded twenty spearmen and twenty soldiers.

The cavalry captain was named Zhu Tong. He was eight feet four or five inches tall, with a foot-and-a-half-long tiger beard, a dark red face, and bright eyes. He looked very much like Guan Yu. The whole county called him Beautiful Beard. He was originally from a local wealthy family. He was righteous and generous, befriended heroes of the rivers and lakes, and had learned martial arts.

A hero with loyal heart and righteous courage,  
His martial skill was excellent and unmatched.  
He could draw a bow and shoot a fierce tiger;  
He could raise a sword and cut a dragon.  
His appearance was noble, his bearing awesome.  
With a red face like Lord Guan, people called him Beautiful Beard.

The foot captain was named Lei Heng. He was seven feet five inches tall, with a dark purple face and a ring of curly beard. He had enormous strength and could leap across mountain streams two or three zhang wide. The whole county called him Winged Tiger. He was originally a blacksmith in the county, later ran a mill, secretly slaughtered cattle, and ran a gambling house. He was righteous by nature, though somewhat narrow-minded, and had also trained in martial arts.

A star descended from heaven,  
Braver than ordinary men.  
The good man Lei Heng served as captain.  
His fists were powerful, his flying kicks swift.  
Among the heroes of rivers and seas, his body was nimble;  
He could leap walls and streams lightly as a swallow.  
Who dared contend with him?  
The Winged Tiger of Shandong was known throughout the world.

Zhu Tong and Lei Heng were no ordinary men. Everyone recommended them as captains, specially to catch bandits. That day the magistrate summoned them. The two went up to the hall, bowed, and waited for orders. The magistrate said, “Since I took office, I have heard that in the watery region of Liangshan Marsh under Jizhou, bandits gather to rob and resist government troops. I also fear bandits are running wild in the villages. Now I call you two. Do not fear hardship. Lead your soldiers, one out the west gate and one out the east gate, and patrol separately to arrest bandits. If you meet bandits, arrest them at once and send them here. Do not disturb the people. I have heard that on the hill at East Creek Village there is a great red-leaf tree found nowhere else. Pick a few red leaves and bring them back to the county as proof that you truly patrolled there. Whoever cannot produce red leaves is lying, and the office will punish him severely.” The two captains accepted the order, went back, gathered their soldiers, and set out separately.

We will not speak of Zhu Tong taking men out the west gate. Let us tell only of Lei Heng. That night he took twenty soldiers, went out the east gate, patrolled around the villages, covered every place, and came to the hill at East Creek Village. The men picked red leaves and came down the hill. After two or three li, they reached the Lingguan Temple. They saw the main hall door was not closed. Lei Heng said, “This temple has no keeper, yet the door is open. Is someone hiding here? Let us go in and search.” The men raised torches and shone them into the hall. There, on the offering table, a big man was sleeping stark naked. The weather was hot, and he had rolled his torn clothes into a pillow under his neck and was snoring on the offering table. Lei Heng looked and said, “Strange. The magistrate is truly like a god. There really is a criminal hiding in East Creek Village.” He shouted. The big man tried to struggle, but the twenty soldiers rushed forward, tied him with ropes, and dragged him out of the temple. They took him to the manor of a local headman.

Because they took him there, a story would unfold: heroes would gather at East Creek Village, and in Yuncheng County men would set their eyes on one hundred thousand strings of gold and silver. It was the Heavenly Spirits gathering above and the Earthly Demons meeting below. Where did Lei Heng take the man he had captured? Listen to the next chapter for the answer.