Chapter 3: Ji Chang Lifts the Siege and Presents Daji

诗曰： 崇君奉敕伐诸侯，智浅谋庸枉怨尤。白昼调兵输战策；黄昏劫寨失前筹。 从来女色多亡国；自古权奸不到头。岂是纣王求妲己，应知天意属东周。

The poem says: Chongjun received an imperial decree to attack the feudal lords, but with shallow wisdom and mediocre strategies, he wrongly bore blame. In broad daylight, troops were mobilized and battle plans conveyed; At dusk, the camp was raided but previous strategies were lost. Throughout history, beauty has often led to the downfall of nations; Since ancient times, power-hungry villains have never reached their goals. It was not King Zhou who sought Daji; one should know that Heaven's will belongs to the Eastern Zhou dynasty.

话说崇侯虎父子带伤，奔走一夜，不胜困乏；急收聚败残人马，十停止存一停，俱是带著重伤。侯虎一见众军，不胜伤感。黄元济转上前曰：“君侯何故感叹。‘胜负军家常事’，昨夜偶未堤防，误中奸计。君侯且将残兵暂行札住。可发一道催军文书往西岐，催西伯速调兵马前来，以便截战。一则添兵相助；二则可复今日之恨耳。不知君侯意下如何？”侯虎闻言，沉吟曰：“姬伯按兵不举，坐观成败，我今又去催他，反便宜了他一个，违避圣旨，罪名。”正迟疑间，只听前边大势人马而来。崇侯虎不知何处人马，骇得魂不附体，魄绕空中。急自上马，望前看时，只见两杆旗旛开处，见一将面如锅底，海下赤髯，两道白眉，眼如金镀，带九云烈焰飞兽冠，身穿锁子连环甲，大红袍，腰系白玉带，骑火眼金睛兽，用两柄湛金斧。此人乃崇侯虎兄弟崇黑虎也，官拜曹州侯。侯虎一见是亲弟黑虎，其心方安。黑虎曰：“闻长兄兵败，特来相助，不意此处相逢，实为万幸。”崇应彪马上亦欠背称谢：“叔父，有劳远涉。”黑虎曰：“小弟此来，与长兄合兵，复往冀州；弟自有处。”彼时大家合兵一处。崇黑虎只有三千飞虎兵在先，后随二万有馀，人马复到冀州城下安营。曹州兵在先，呐喊叫战。

The story goes that Chong Houhu and his father, wounded, fled for an entire night and were too exhausted to continue; They hastily gathered their defeated and broken forces, but out of ten units only one remained, all of whom were seriously wounded. Upon seeing his soldiers, Houhu was overwhelmed with sorrow. Huang Yuanji stepped forward and said, "My Lord, why do you sigh?" "Victory or defeat is common in military affairs," last night we were caught unprepared and fell into a treacherous scheme by chance. My Lord, please temporarily station the remaining troops here. You may issue a military order to Xiqi, urging King Xi of the Western Region to quickly mobilize troops and come forward in order to intercept and engage. Firstly, this will add more soldiers to assist; secondly, it can avenge today's humiliation. I wonder what your Lordship thinks?" Houhu, upon hearing this, hesitated and said, "Ji Bo has kept his troops idle and merely watched the outcome. If I go to urge him now, it would only benefit him by allowing him to evade the imperial decree and incur guilt." While hesitating, they suddenly heard a large force of troops approaching from ahead. Chong Houhu did not know where the approaching forces came from, and was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body, with his spirit wandering in the air. He quickly mounted his horse and looked ahead. Between two fluttering banners, he saw a general with a face as dark as a wok's bottom, red beard below the jaw, white eyebrows, golden eyes gilded like gold plating, wearing a nine-cloud flaming beast-shaped helmet, donning interlocking scale armor, a bright red robe, and a waist sash of white jade, riding a fiery-eyed golden-eyed beast, wielding two golden axes. This man was Chong Heihu, the brother of Chong Houhu, who held the title of Marquis of Caozhou. Houhu saw that it was his younger brother Heihu and felt reassured. Heihu said, "I heard of my elder brother's defeat in battle and specially came to assist. I did not expect to meet you here; it is truly a great fortune." Chong Yingbiao also bowed from his horse, saying, "Uncle, thank you for coming all this way." Heihu said, "My younger brother and I have come to join forces with my elder brother and return once more to Jizhou; I will handle the rest myself." At that time, all forces joined together in one place. Chong Heihu had only 3,000 Feihu soldiers ahead of the rest; more than 20,000 followed behind. The combined forces once again encamped beneath Jizhou city walls. The Caozhou troops led the way and shouted loudly to challenge the enemy.

冀州报马飞报苏护：“今有曹州崇黑虎兵至城下，请爷军令定夺。”苏护闻报，低头默默无语；半晌，言曰：“黑虎武艺精通，晓畅玄理，满城诸将皆非对手，如之奈何？”左右诸将听护之言，不知详细。只见长子全忠上前日：“‘兵来将当，水来土压’，谅一崇黑虎有何惧哉！”护曰：“汝年少不谙事体，自负英勇；不知黑虎曾遇异人传授道术，百万军中取上将首级，如探囊中之物。不可轻觑。”全忠大叫曰：“父亲长他锐气，灭自己威风。孩儿此去，不生擒黑虎，誓不回来见父亲之面！”护曰：“汝自取败，勿生后悔。”全忠那里肯住，翻身上马，开放城门，一骑当先，厉声高叫：“探马的！与我报进中军，叫崇黑虎与我打话！”

A scout from Jizhou rushed to report to Su Hu: "Now, troops led by Chong Heihu of Caozhou have arrived beneath the city walls. Please give orders, my lord." Su Hu, upon hearing the report, lowered his head and remained silently speechless; After a while, he said, "Heihu is skilled in martial arts and well-versed in profound principles. All the generals within the city are no match for him. What can we do about this?" The surrounding generals, upon hearing Hu's words, did not know the details. Just then, his eldest son Quanzhong stepped forward and said: "When the army comes, generals should face it; when water comes, earth shall block it. A mere Chong Heihu is nothing to fear!" Hu said, "You are young and inexperienced, yet you overestimate your bravery; you do not know that Heihu once met a mysterious person who taught him Daoist arts, and he could take the head of a top general from among hundreds of thousands as easily as reaching into a bag." He cannot be underestimated." Quanzhong shouted, "Father, you are boosting his morale and diminishing our own might. If I do not personally capture Heihu alive, I swear I will never return to see my father's face!" Hu said, "You bring about your own defeat; don't regret it later." Quanzhong would not be dissuaded. He quickly mounted his horse, opened the city gate, rode out first, and shouted loudly: "Scout! Go report to the central command and tell Chong Heihu I wish to speak with him!"

蓝旗忙报与二位主帅得知：“外有苏全忠讨战。”黑虎暗喜曰：“吾此来一则为长兄兵败；二则为苏护解围，以全吾友谊交情。”令左右备坐骑，即翻身来至军前。见全忠马上耀武扬威。黑虎曰：“全忠贤侄，你可回去，请你父亲出来，我自有话说。”全忠乃年幼之人，不谙事体，又听父亲说黑虎枭勇，焉肯善回，乃大言曰：“崇黑虎，我与你势成敌国，我父亲又与你论甚交情！速倒戈退收军，饶你性命；不然悔之晚矣！”黑虎大怒曰：“小畜生焉敢无礼！”举湛金斧劈面砍来。全忠将手中戟急架相还。兽马相交，一场恶战。怎见得： 二将阵前寻斗赌，两下交锋谁敢阻。这个似摇头狮子下山岗；那个如摆尾狻猊寻猛虎。这一个兴心要定锦乾坤；那一个实意欲把江山补。从来恶战几千番，不似将军多英武。

The blue flag bearer hurriedly reported to the two commanders: "Outside, Su Quanzhong is demanding a duel." Heihu secretly rejoiced and said, "My coming here serves one purpose: to avenge my elder brother's military defeat; secondly, to relieve Su Hu from his predicament and preserve our friendship." He ordered the attendants to prepare a horse, then immediately turned around and rode forward to the front of the army. He saw Quanzhong displaying martial prowess and arrogance on his horse. Heihu said, "Respected nephew Quanzhong, you may return and ask your father to come out. I have something to say." Quanzhong, being young and inexperienced, had heard from his father that Heihu was fierce and brave, yet he would not easily retreat. He loudly declared, "Chong Heihu, we are enemies of rival states. What kind of friendship does my father have with you to discuss!" Quickly lay down your weapons and withdraw your troops, or I will spare your life; otherwise, it will be too late to regret!" Heihu became furious and said, "You insolent brat, how dare you show such disrespect!" With a roar, he raised his golden axe and swung it toward Quanzhong's face. Quanzhong quickly raised the halberd in his hand to block the attack. The two steeds clashed, and a fierce battle ensued. How was it seen: Two generals on the battlefield challenged each other, and who dared to stop their fierce clash? One seemed like a roaring lion shaking its head descending from a mountain slope; the other was like a fierce suanni with a swishing tail searching for a tiger. One had the ambition to stabilize the world in brocade; the other truly wished to mend the rivers and mountains. Though countless fierce battles have occurred, none match the valor of these generals.

二将大战冀州城下。苏全忠不知崇黑虎幼拜截教真人为师，秘授一个葫芦，背伏在脊背上，有无限神通。全忠只倚平生勇猛，又见黑虎用的是短斧，不把黑虎放在心上，眼底无人，自逞己能，欲要擒获黑虎，遂把平日所习武艺尽行使出。戟有尖有咎，九九八十一进步，七十二开门，腾、挪、闪、赚、迟、速、收、放。怎见好戟： 能工巧匠费经营，老君炉裹炼成兵，造出一根银尖戟，安邦定国正乾坤。黄旛展三军害怕，豹尾动战将心惊，冲行营犹如大蟒，踏大寨虎荡羊群。休言鬼哭与神嚎，多少儿郎轻丧命。全凭此宝安天下，昼戟长旛定太平。

Su Quanzhong did not know that Chong Heihu had been a young disciple of a true immortal from the Jie Sect, who secretly taught him a gourd. Hidden on his back, it possessed boundless supernatural powers. Quanzhong relied solely on his lifelong bravery. Seeing that Heihu used a short axe, he did not take him seriously at all and looked down upon others, overestimating his own abilities. Wanting to capture Heihu, he unleashed every martial skill he had ever learned. The halberd had sharp points and precise strikes, with 81 steps in nine sets of nine, 72 opening moves, and techniques for dodging, feinting, delaying, speeding up, retracting, and releasing. How was the halberd so excellent: Skilled artisans toiled meticulously; an old immortal forged it in his furnace, creating a silver-tipped halberd that could stabilize the nation and restore order. The yellow banner unfurled, causing the three armies to fear; the tiger's tail moved, startling the generals in battle. Charging through the camp was like a giant python, trampling the great fortress as if tigers were scattering flocks of sheep. Do not speak of ghosts weeping or gods wailing—how many young men have lost their lives so easily! Entirely relying on this treasure to stabilize the world, by day the halberd and long banner bring peace.

苏全忠使尽平生精力，把崇黑虎杀了一身冷汗。黑虎叹曰：“苏护有子如此，可谓佳儿。真是将门有种！”黑虎把斧一愰，拨马便走。就把苏全忠在马上笑了一个腰软骨酥：“若听俺父亲之言，竟为所误。誓拿此人，以灭我父之口。”放马赶来，那裹肯舍。紧走紧赶，慢走慢追。全忠定要成功，往前赶有多时，黑虎闻脑后金铃响处，回头见全忠赶来不舍，忙把脊梁上红葫芦顶揭去，念念有词。只见葫芦裹边一道黑烟冒出，化开如网罗，大小黑烟中有“噫哑”之声，遮天映日飞来，乃是铁嘴神鹰，张开口，劈面咬来。全忠只知马上英雄，那晓得黑虎异术？急展戟护其身面。坐下马早被神鹰一嘴，把眼啄了。那马跳将起来，把苏全忠跌了个金冠倒挂，铠甲离鞍，撞下马来。黑虎传令：“拿了！”众军一拥向前，把苏全忠绑缚二臂。黑虎掌得胜鼓回营，辕门下马。探马报崇侯虎：“二老爷得胜，生擒反臣苏全忠，辕门听令。”侯虎传令：“请！”黑虎上帐，见侯虎，口称：“长兄，小弟擒苏全忠已至辕门。”侯虎喜不自胜，传令：“推来！”不一时把全忠推至帐前。苏全忠立而不跪。侯虎大骂曰：“贼子，今已被擒，有何理说？尚敢倔强抗礼！前夜五岗镇那样英雄，今日恶贯满盈，推出斩首示众！”全忠厉声大骂曰：“要杀就杀，何必作此威福！我苏全忠视死轻如鸿毛，只不忍你一班奸贼，蛊惑圣聪，陷害万民，将成汤基业被你等断送了。但恨不能生啖你等之肉耳！”侯虎大怒，驾日：“黄口孺子！今已被擒，尚敢簧舌！”速令：“推出斩之！”方欲行刑，转过崇黑虎言曰：“长兄暂息雷霆。苏全忠被擒，虽则该斩，奈他父子皆系朝廷犯官，前闻旨意拿解朝歌，以正国法。况护有女妲己，姿貌甚美，倘天子终有怜惜之意，一朝赦其不臣之罪，那时不归罪于我等？是有功而反无功也。且姬伯未至，我兄弟何苦任其咎。不若且将全忠囚禁后营，破了冀州，擒护满门，解人朝歌，请旨定夺，方是上策。”侯虎曰：“贤弟之言极善。只是好了这反贼耳。”传令：“设宴，与你二爷贺功。”按下不表。

Su Quanzhong exerted all his life's strength, causing Chong Heihu to break out in a cold sweat from the battle. Heihu sighed and said, "Su Hu has such a son; he can truly be called an excellent child. Indeed, there is true lineage in the general's family!" Heihu waved his axe and turned his horse to retreat. Su Quanzhong laughed so hard on his horse that he felt his waist weaken and bones soften: "If I had listened to my father's words, I would have been deceived. I swear to capture this man and silence my father's mouth." He spurred his horse in pursuit, unwilling to let go. They rode fast and chased hard; if they slowed down, the pursuit would also lag. Determined to succeed, Quanzhong pressed forward for a long time. Hearing the jingling of golden bells from behind, Heihu turned around and saw that Quanzhong was still chasing him relentlessly. Hurriedly, he removed the red gourd on his back and began chanting incantations. Suddenly, a column of black smoke erupted from the gourd. It spread out like a net, and within the swirling smoke came "yi ya" sounds. The smoke blocked the sky and sun as it flew toward them—it was an iron-beaked divine eagle, opening its mouth to bite down fiercely. Quanzhong only knew of martial heroes on horseback; how could he know about Heihu's supernatural arts? He hastily raised his halberd to protect himself. The eagle's beak had already struck the horse beneath him, pecking out its eyes. The startled horse reared up and threw Su Quanzhong to the ground, his golden helmet turned upside down, armor torn loose from the saddle, crashing him off the horse. Heihu gave an order: "Capture him!" The soldiers rushed forward and bound Su Quanzhong's arms. Heihu, having won the victory, returned to camp with triumphant drums and dismounted beneath the yuemen gate. A scout reported to Chong Houhu: "The Second Lord has won the battle and captured Su Quanzhong alive. He is waiting at the yuemen gate for orders." Houhu gave an order: "Bring him in!" Heihu entered the tent and said to Houhu, "Elder brother, I have captured Su Quanzhong and brought him to the yuemen gate." Houhu was overjoyed and gave an order: "Bring him in!" In no time, Quanzhong was pushed to the front of the tent. Su Quanzhong stood upright without kneeling. Houhu shouted angrily, "You wretch! You have already been captured—what more do you have to say?" How dare you still be defiant and refuse to show respect! Last night, at Wugang Town, how heroic you were; today, your crimes are heinous and full—drag him out and behead him for all to see!" Quanzhong roared in anger, "If you want to kill me, do it! Why make such a show of power and cruelty!" I, Su Quanzhong, regard death as light as a feather. What I cannot bear is that you villains have deceived the emperor's wisdom and harmed the people, destroying the foundation of King Cheng Tang's legacy in your hands. I only regret not being able to devour your flesh while you are still alive!" Houhu became furious and shouted, "You insolent brat! Now that you have been captured, how dare you speak so eloquently!" He quickly ordered, "Drag him out and behead him!" Just as the execution was about to proceed, Chong Heihu turned around and said, "Elder brother, please restrain your wrath for a moment. Su Quanzhong has been captured and indeed deserves to be executed. However, since both he and his father are officials who have violated the law, we previously received an imperial order to arrest him and send him to Chaoge in accordance with national law. Moreover, his daughter Daji is very beautiful. If the Son of Heaven eventually feels pity for her and pardons their crime of disloyalty, will we not then be blamed?" That would mean having done a service but receiving no reward. Moreover, Ji Bo has not yet arrived; why should my brothers and I bear the blame? It would be better to first imprison Su Quanzhong in the rear camp. After we capture Ji Zhou and capture all of Hu's family, we can send them to Chaoge and request an imperial decree for a decision—this is the best strategy." Houhu said, "My worthy younger brother speaks very wisely. It's just that this rebel will be taken care of." An order was given: "Prepare a banquet to celebrate the achievements of you two lords." We will set this aside for now.

且言冀州探马报与苏护：“长公子出阵被擒。”护曰：“不必言矣。此子不听父言，自恃己能，今日被擒，理之当然。但吾为豪杰一场，今亲子被擒，强敌压境，冀州不久为他人所有，却为何来！只因生了妲己，昏君听信谗佞，使我满门受祸，黎庶遭殃，这都是我生此不肖之女，以遭此无穷之祸耳。倘久后此城一破，使我妻女擒往朝歌，露面抛头，尸骸残暴，惹天下诸侯笑我为无谋之辈；不若先杀其妻女，然后自刎，庶几不失丈夫之所为。”苏护带十分烦恼，仗剑走进后厅，只见小姐妲己，盈盈笑脸，微吐朱唇，口称：“爹爹，为何提剑进来？”苏护一见妲己，乃亲生之女，又非雠敌，此剑焉能举的起。苏护不觉含泪点头言曰：“冤家！为你，兄被他人所擒，城被他人所困，父母被他人所杀，宗庙被他人所有，生了你一人，断送我苏氏一门！”正感叹间，只见左右击云板，“请老爷升殿。崇黑虎索战。”护传令：“各城门严加防守，准备攻打。”崇黑虎有异术，谁敢拒敌。急令众将上城，支起弓弩，架起信炮、灰瓶、滚木之类，一应完全。

Meanwhile, a scout from Ji Zhou reported to Su Hu: "Your eldest son went out onto the battlefield and was captured." Hu said, "There is no need to speak of it. This son did not heed his father's words and relied on his own abilities; today he was captured, which is only natural. But I have been a man of valor and renown, yet now my own son has been captured, the enemy is pressing hard upon us, and Ji Zhou will not be ours for long. Why must this happen!" It is all because I bore Daji. The corrupt emperor listened to flatterers and villains, causing my entire family to suffer misfortune and the people to be afflicted—this is entirely due to me having given birth to this unworthy daughter, bringing upon us endless calamity. If this city is eventually captured, and my wife and daughters are taken to Chaoge, exposed to public shame, their bodies treated brutally, it will invite mockery from all the feudal lords who will call me a man without strategy; It would be better to kill my wife and daughters first, then commit suicide myself—this way, I may still preserve the dignity of a true man." Su Hu, deeply troubled, drew his sword and walked into the back hall. There he saw his daughter Daji, smiling sweetly, slightly parting her red lips to say, "Father, why have you come in with a sword?" Su Hu saw Daji, his own flesh and blood daughter—not an enemy—and could not bring himself to raise the sword. Without realizing it, Su Hu wept and nodded as he said, "My dear!" Because of you, my brother has been captured by others, our city is besieged by others, and our parents will be killed by others. Our ancestral temple will fall into the hands of others. Having borne only you, it is as if I have doomed the entire Su family!" Just as he was sighing in sorrow, suddenly someone on either side struck a cloud-shaped wooden clapper and announced, "Please, my lord, ascend the hall. Chong Heihu demands battle." Hu gave orders: "Tightly guard all city gates and prepare for attack." Chong Heihu has unusual skills; who dares to resist the enemy? He quickly ordered all his generals onto the city walls, set up crossbows and bowmen, arranged signal cannons, ash bottles, rolling logs, and other defenses—everything was fully prepared.

黑虎在城下暗想：“苏兄，你出来与我商议，方可退兵；为何惧我，反不出战？这是何说。”没奈何，暂且回兵。探马报与侯虎。侯虎道：“请。”黑虎上帐坐下，就言苏护闭门不出。侯虎曰：“可架云梯攻打。”黑虎曰：“不必攻打，徒费心力。今只困其粮道，使城内百姓不能得接济，则此城不攻自破矣。长兄可以逸待劳，俟西伯侯兵来，再作区处。”按下不题。

From beneath the city walls, Heihu secretly thought to himself: "Brother Su, if you come out and discuss matters with me, I will withdraw my troops; Why are you afraid of me and refuse to fight?" This is what I mean." With no other choice, he decided to temporarily withdraw his troops. A scout reported this to Houhu. Houhu said, "Please." Heihu entered the tent and sat down, then mentioned that Su Hu had remained inside the city without coming out. Houhu said, "We can set up scaling ladders to attack." Heihu replied, "There is no need for an assault; it would only waste effort. Now we merely need to block their supply routes, so that the people inside the city cannot receive provisions; then this city will fall without needing an attack. Elder brother can rest and wait for them to grow weary, and when the Duke of Xibo arrives, we will deal with it then." We shall set this aside for now.

且言苏护在城内，并无一筹可展，一路可投，真为束手待毙。正忧闷间，忽听来报：“启君侯，督粮官郑伦候令。”护叹曰：“此粮虽来，实为无益。”急叫：“令来。”郑伦到滴水檐前，欠背行礼毕。伦曰：“末将路闻君侯反商，崇侯奉旨征讨，因此上未将心悬两地，星夜奔回。但不知君侯胜负如何？”苏护曰：“昨因朝商，昏君听信谗言，欲纳吾女为妃；吾以正言谏诤，致触昏君，便欲问罪。不意费、尤二人将计就计，赦吾归国，使吾自进其女。吾因一时暴躁，题诗反商。今天子命崇侯虎伐吾，连赢他二三阵，损军折将，大获全胜。不意曹州崇黑虎将吾子全忠拿去。吾想黑虎身有异术，勇贯三军，吾非敌手。今天下诸侯八百，我苏护不知往何处投托？自思至亲不过四人，长子今已被擒，不若先杀其妻女，然后自尽，庶不使天下后世取笑。汝众将可收拾行装，投往别处，任诸公自为成立耳。”苏护言罢，不胜悲泣。郑伦听言，大叫曰：“君侯今日是醉了？迷了？痴了？何故说出这等不堪言语！天下诸侯有名者：西伯姬昌，东伯姜桓楚，南伯鄂崇禹，总八百镇诸侯，一齐都到冀州，也不在我郑伦眼角之内。何苦自视卑弱如此？末将自幼相从君侯，荷蒙提挈，玉带垂腰，末将愿效驽骀，以尽犬马。”苏护听伦之言，对众将曰：“此人催粮，路逢邪气，口里乱谈。且不但天下八百镇诸侯，只这崇黑虎曾拜异人，所传道术，神鬼皆惊，胸藏韬略，万人莫敌，你如何轻视此人？”只见郑伦听罢，按剑大叫曰：“君侯在上，末将不生擒黑虎来见，把项上首级纳于众将之前！”言罢，不由军令，翻身出府，上了火眼金睛兽，使两柄降魔杵，放跑开城，排开三千乌鸦兵，像一块乌云卷地。及至营前，厉声高叫曰：“只叫崇黑虎前来见我！”

Meanwhile, Su Hu inside the city had no plans to execute and nowhere to flee; he was truly at a loss, waiting for death with folded hands. Just as he was in despair, suddenly someone reported: "My lord, the grain supervisor Zheng Lun is waiting for orders." Hu sighed and said, "Though this grain has arrived, it is of no real use. He quickly called out, "Bring him in." Zheng Lun arrived at the eaves of the hall and performed a bow before stepping forward. Lun said, "Your subordinate heard along the way that you had rebelled against Shang. Lord Chong received an imperial decree to campaign against you; therefore, I was torn between two concerns and rushed back through the night. But I do not know how my lord fared in battle?" Su Hu said, "Yesterday, because of the Shang court, that corrupt emperor believed slander and wanted to take my daughter as a concubine; I advised him with upright words, which angered the tyrant, who then wished to punish me. Unbeknownst to us, Fei and You took advantage of the situation and devised a plan that led to my being pardoned and allowed to return to my state, making me personally present my daughter. Because I was momentarily enraged, I composed a poem denouncing Shang. Now the Son of Heaven has ordered Lord Chong Houhu to attack me, and I have suffered two or three consecutive defeats, losing troops and generals, suffering a complete defeat. Unluckily, Chong Heihu of Cao Zhou captured my son Quanzhong. I think that Heihu possesses unusual skills and is a warrior who can dominate the entire army; I am no match for him. Now, with eight hundred feudal lords in the world, to which one should Su Hu turn?" Thinking that my closest family consists of no more than four people, and since my eldest son has already been captured, I might as well first kill my wife and daughter, then take my own life—this way, at least the world will not mock me in this generation or future ones. You generals may now pack your belongings and flee to another place; let the rest of you decide for yourselves what to do." After Su Hu finished speaking, he could not help but weep bitterly. Zheng Lun heard this and shouted in alarm, "My lord, are you drunk today? Have you lost your mind?" Have you gone mad?" Why say such disgraceful words!" Among the eight hundred feudal lords of the world, there are those with renown: Duke Ji Chang of Xibo, Lord Jiang Huanchu of Dongbo, Lord E Chongyu of Nanbo—every one of these lords would come to Ji Zhou. Not even I, Zheng Lun, could look down on them. Why do you belittle yourself so?" Your subordinate has followed my lord since childhood, and I have always been favored with your support. With a jade belt at my waist, I am willing to serve as a clumsy horse or ox, giving everything for you like a loyal dog or horse." Su Hu heard Lun's words and said to the generals, "This man was on a mission for provisions when he encountered evil spirits along the way; now his words are incoherent. Moreover, not only are there the eight hundred lords of the world—this Chong Heihu alone has studied under a strange master. The magical arts he learned have startled both gods and ghosts; his mind is filled with strategies, and no ten thousand men can match him. How could you look down on such a person?" Just then, Zheng Lun, after hearing this, gripped his sword and shouted, "My lord above! If I do not personally capture Heihu alive to present before you, I shall offer my head from the neck as a pledge in front of all the generals!" After speaking, without waiting for an order, he turned and left the mansion. He mounted a fiery-eyed golden-vision beast, wielded two magic pestles to subdue demons, and led out three thousand crowsoldiers like a dark cloud rolling across the earth. When he arrived at the camp, he shouted loudly and fiercely, "Let Chong Heihu come out to meet me!"

崇营探马报入中军：“启二位老爷，冀州有一将请二爷答话。”黑虎欠身，“小弟一往。”调本部三千飞虎兵，一对旗旛开处，黑虎一人当先。见冀州城下有一簇人马，按北方壬癸水，如一片乌云相似。那一员将，面如紫枣，须似金针，带九云烈焰冠，大红袍，金锁甲，玉束带，骑火眼金睛兽，两根降魔杵。郑伦见崇黑虎装束稀奇：带九云四兽冠，大红袍，连环铠，玉束带，也是金睛兽，两柄湛金斧。黑虎认不得郑伦，叫曰：“冀州来将通名！”伦曰：“冀州督粮上将郑伦也。汝莫非曹州崇黑虎？擒我主将之子，自恃强暴，可速献出我主将之子，下马受缚。若道半字，立为齑粉！”崇黑虎大怒，骂曰：“好匹夫！苏护违犯天条，有碎骨粉躯之祸；你皆是反贼逆党，敢如此大胆，妄出浪言！”催开坐下兽，手中斧飞来，直取郑伦。郑伦手中杵急架相还。二兽相迎，一场大战。但见： 两阵咚咚发战鼓，五采旛幢空中舞。三军呐喊助神威，惯战儿郎持弓弩。二将齐纵金睛兽，四臂齐举斧共杵。这一个怒发如雷烈焰生；那一个自小生来性情卤。这一个面如锅底赤须长；那一个脸似紫枣红霞吐。这一个蓬莱海岛斩蛟龙；那一个万仞山前诛猛虎。这一个昆仑山上拜明师；那一个八卦炉边参老祖。这一个学成武艺去整江山；那一个秘授道术把乾坤补。自来也见将军战，不似今番杵对斧。

A scout from the Chong camp reported into the central command: "My lords, a general from Ji Zhou is requesting to speak with you." Heihu bowed slightly and said, "I shall go myself." He mobilized three thousand Feihu soldiers from his own command. As the banners were raised, Heihu led the way alone at the front. He saw a group of troops below Ji Zhou city arranged in the direction of Northern Ren Gui water, resembling a dark cloud. That general had a face like a purple date, his beard resembled golden needles. He wore the Nine Cloud Flame Crown, a bright red robe, gold-plated armor, and a jade sash. He rode a fiery-eyed beast with golden vision and wielded two pestles to subdue demons. Zheng Lun saw that Chong Heihu's attire was strange and unusual: he wore the Nine Cloud Four Beasts Crown, a bright red robe with interlocking armor plates, a jade sash, rode a golden-eyed beast as well, and wielded two shining golden axes. Heihu did not recognize Zheng Lun and called out, "General from Ji Zhou, state your name!" Lun replied, "I am General Zheng Lun, the chief provisions officer of Ji Zhou. Are you not Chong Heihu from Cao Zhou?" You captured my lord's son and rely on your strength and violence. Quickly surrender his son, dismount, and submit to capture." "If you utter a single word more, I shall reduce you to minced flesh!" Chong Heihu became furious and cursed, "You good-for-nothing! Su Hu violated the heavenly decrees and brought upon himself a calamity of shattered bones and crushed body; You are all rebels and traitors, how dare you be so bold as to utter such reckless words!" He urged his beast forward, the axe in hand flew straight toward Zheng Lun. Zheng Lun quickly raised his pestles to block and counterattack. The two beasts clashed, and a fierce battle ensued. One could see: War drums from both sides beat loudly; colorful banners danced in the air. The three armies shouted to bolster divine might, while seasoned warriors held crossbows and bows. Both generals rode their golden-eyed beasts forward, raising axes and pestles in both hands to clash against each other. One of them, with rage blazing like thunder and fierce flames rising; The other had always been hot-tempered since childhood. One of them had a face like a cauldron's bottom and long red beard; łoż The other had a face resembling a purplish date, radiating crimson dawn light. One of them had slain a dragon in the Penglai Islands; The other had killed a fierce tiger before the ten-thousand-foot mountain. One of them paid homage to an enlightened master on Kunlun Mountain; The other studied under the old patriarch by the Eight Trigrams Furnace. One of them mastered martial arts to reform the land; The other was secretly taught Daoist techniques to mend heaven and earth. Though many battles between generals have been seen before, none are like this clash of pestles against axes.

二兽相交，只杀的红云惨惨，白雾霏霏。两家棋逢对手，将遇作家，来往有二十四五回合。郑伦见崇黑虎脊背上背一红葫芦，郑伦自思：“主将言此人有异人传授秘术，即此是他法术。常言道：‘打人不过先下手。’”──郑伦也曾拜西昆仑度厄真人为师。真人知道郑伦“封神榜”上有名之士，特传他窍中二气，吸人魂魄。凡与将对敌，逢之即擒。故此著他下山投冀州，挣一条玉带，享人间福禄。──今日会战，郑伦手中杵在空中一愰，后边三千乌鸦兵一声喊，行如长蛇之势，人人手拿挠钩，个个横拖铁索，飞云闪电而来。黑虎观之，如擒人之状。黑虎不知其故。只见郑伦鼻窍中一声响如钟声，窍中两道白光喷将出来，吸人魂魄。崇黑虎耳听其声，不觉眼目昏花，跌了个金冠倒躅，铠甲离鞍，一对战靴空中乱舞。乌鸦兵生擒活捉，绳缚二臂。黑虎半晌方苏，定睛看时，已被绑了。黑虎怒曰：“此贼好赚眼法！如何不明不白，将我擒获？”只见两边掌得胜鼓进城。诗曰： 海岛名师授秘奇，英雄猛烈世应稀。神鹰十万全无用，方显男儿语不移。”

The two beasts clashed fiercely, the battle staining the red clouds and making white mists drift heavily in the air. Meeting as evenly matched opponents, general against master, they exchanged blows for twenty-four rounds back and forth. Zheng Lun saw that Chong Heihu had a red gourd on his back and thought to himself, "The commander said this man was taught secret techniques by an extraordinary person. This must be the source of his magical powers." As the saying goes: 'To strike a person, one must act first.' " Zheng Lun had once paid homage to Master Duoe of West Kunlun as his teacher. The master knew that Zheng Lun was a person listed on the "Fengshen Bang" (List of Immortals) and specially taught him to draw upon two vital energies from the body's orifices, enabling him to absorb people's souls. Whoever he fought against in battle would be captured as soon as they encountered him. Therefore, the master sent him down from the mountain to Jizhou, where he could strive for a jade belt and enjoy worldly fortune and blessings. ──In today's battle, Zheng Lun raised his pestle into the air with a flash. Behind him, three thousand crowsoldiers cried out in unison and advanced like a long snake formation. Each soldier held a hook, every man dragging an iron chain horizontally; they came flying through clouds and lightning. Chong Heihu observed this scene and realized it was like the soldiers were ready to capture people. Chong Heibu did not know what this meant. Suddenly, Zheng Lun's nostrils emitted a sound like that of a bell. Two beams of white light shot out from his nasal passages, absorbing the souls and spirits of people around him. Chong Heihu, hearing the sound, could not help but feel his vision blur and his eyesight become hazy. He fell from his mount headfirst, his helmet flying off, armor leaving his saddle, while a pair of battle boots danced wildly in midair. The crowsoldiers captured him alive and bound both his arms with ropes. Chong Heihu regained consciousness after a while, and upon focusing his eyes, realized he had already been tied up. Chong Heihu angrily said, "This villain has excellent trickery to deceive the eye! How could I be captured so suddenly and without warning?" At that moment, victory drums were beaten on both sides as they marched into the city. The poem says: A master from the island taught secret and wondrous techniques; a heroic figure of fierce might is rare in any age. Ten thousand divine eagles are useless, it's only then that the steadfast words of a true man shine forth."

且言苏护正在殿上，忽听得城外鼓响，叹曰：“郑伦休矣！”心甚迟疑。只见探马飞报进来：“启老爷：郑伦生擒崇黑虎，请令定夺。”苏护不知其故，心下暗想：“伦非黑虎之敌手，如何反为所擒？”急传令：“令来。”伦至殿前，将黑虎被擒诉说一遍。只见众士卒把黑虎簇拥至阶前。护急下殿，叱退左右，亲释其缚；跪下言曰：“护今得罪天下，乃无地可容之犯臣。郑伦不谙事体，触犯天威，护当死罪！”崇黑虎答曰：“仁兄与弟，一拜之交，未敢忘义。今被部下所擒，愧身无地！又蒙厚礼相看，黑虎感恩非浅！”苏护尊黑虎上坐，命郑伦众将来见。黑虎曰：“郑将军道术精奇，今遇所擒，使黑虎终身悦服。”护令设宴，与黑虎二人欢饮。护把天子欲进女之事一一对黑虎诉了一遍。黑虎曰：“小弟此来，一则为兄失利，二则为仁兄解围，不期令郎年纪幼小，自恃刚强，不肯进城请仁兄答话，因此被小弟擒回在后营，此小弟实为仁兄也。”苏护谢曰：“此德此情，何敢有忘！”

Meanwhile, Su Hu was on the palace dais when he suddenly heard drums echoing from outside the city. He sighed and said, "Zheng Lun is done for!" He felt deeply uncertain in his heart. Just then, a scout galloped in and reported: "Your Lordship, Zheng Lun has captured Chong Heihu alive. Please give orders on what to do next." Su Hu did not understand the situation and secretly pondered, "Lun is no match for Heihu. How could he have been captured instead?" He quickly gave an order: "Bring him in." Lun arrived before the dais and recounted how Heihu had been captured. At that moment, a group of soldiers pushed Chong Heihu forward to the steps below the dais. Su Hu hurried down from the dais, scolded away his attendants, and personally untied Heihu's bonds; he knelt before him and said, "I, Hu, have now offended the world. I am a criminal subject with no place to hide. Zheng Lun does not understand proper conduct and has violated heavenly authority; my death is deserved!" Chong Heihu replied, "My elder brother and I became friends through a single bow of respect; I have not forgotten our bond. Now that I was captured by my subordinates, I am ashamed beyond words! To be further honored with your generous courtesy, my gratitude is profound!" Su Hu respectfully seated Chong Heihu in the upper seat and ordered Zheng Lun to bring all his generals forward. Chong Heihu said, "General Zheng's Daoist skills are extraordinary; now that I have been captured by him, I am forever convinced and satisfied." Su Hu ordered a banquet to be prepared, and the two of them drank joyfully together. Hu recounted in detail to Heihu all about the emperor's intention to offer his daughter in marriage. Heihu said, "My younger brother came here for two reasons: first, to assist my elder brother in his time of defeat; second, to relieve you from your predicament. Unexpectedly, your young son was arrogant and refused to enter the city to request a meeting with you, so he was captured by me at the rear camp. This action was truly taken for your sake." Su Hu replied in gratitude, "Such virtue and sentiment, how could I ever forget!"

不言二侯城内饮酒，单言报马进辕门来报：“启老爷：二爷被郑伦擒去，未知凶吉，请令定夺。”侯虎自思：“吾弟自有道术，为何被擒？”其时略阵官言：“二爷与郑伦正战之间，只见郑伦把降魔杵一摆，三千乌鸦兵一齐而至；只见郑伦鼻子里两道白光出来，如钟声响亮，二爷便撞下马来，故此被擒。”侯虎听说，惊曰：“世上如何有此异术？再差探马，打听虚实。”言未毕，报：“西伯侯差官辕门下马。”侯虎心中不悦，分咐：“令来。”只见散宜生素服角带，上帐行礼毕，“卑职散宜生拜见君侯。”侯虎曰：“大夫，你主公为何偷安，竟不为国，按兵不动，违避朝廷旨意？你主公甚非为人臣之礼。今大夫此来，有何说话？”宜生答曰：“我主公言：兵者凶器也，”人君不得已而用之。今因小事，劳民伤财，惊慌万户，所过州府县道，调用一应钱粮，路途跋涉，百姓有征租榷税之扰，军将有披坚执锐之苦，因此我主公使卑职下一纸之书，以息烽烟，使苏护进女王廷，各罢兵戈，不失一殿股肱之意。如护不从，大兵一至，剿叛除奸，罪当灭族。那时苏护死而无悔。”侯虎听言，大笑曰：“姬伯自知违避朝廷之罪，特用此支吾之辞，以来自释。吾先到此，损将折兵，恶战数场；那贼焉肯见一纸之书而献女也。吾且看大夫往冀州见苏护如何。如不依允，看你主公如何回旨？你且去！”宜生出营上马，迳到城下叫门：“城上的，报与你主公，说西伯侯差官下书。”城上士卒急报上殿：“启爷：西伯侯差官在城下，口称上书。”苏护与崇黑虎饮酒末散，护曰：“姬伯乃西岐之贤人，速令开城，请来相见。”不一时，宜生到殿前行礼毕。护曰：“大夫今到敝郡，有何见谕？”宜生曰：“卑职今奉西伯侯之命，前月君候怒题反诗，得罪天子，当即敕命起兵问罪。我主公素知君侯忠义，故此按兵未敢侵犯。今有书上达君侯，望君侯详察施行。”宜生锦囊取书，献与苏护。护接书开拆。书曰： “西伯侯姬昌百拜冀州君侯苏公麾下：昌闻：‘率土之滨，莫非王臣。’今天子欲选艳妃，凡公卿士庶之家，岂得隐匿。今足下有女淑德，天子欲选入宫，自是美事。足下竟与天子相抗，是足下忤君。且题诗午门，意欲何为？足下之罪，已在不赦。足下仅知小节，为爱一女，而失君臣大义。昌素闻公忠义，不忍坐视，特进一言，可转祸为福，幸垂听焉。且足下若进女王廷，实有三利：女受宫闱之宠，父享椒房之贵，官居国戚，食禄千锺，一利也；冀州永镇，满宅无惊，二利也；百姓无涂炭之苦，三军无杀戮之惨，三利也。公若执迷，三害目下至矣：冀州失守，宗社无存，一害也。骨肉有族灭之祸，二害也；军民遭兵燹之灾，三害也。大丈夫当舍小节而全大义，岂得效区区无知之辈以自取灭亡哉。昌与足下同为商臣，不得不直言上渎，幸贤侯留意也。草草奉闻，立候裁决。谨启。”

Without mentioning the two lords drinking wine within the city, let us instead speak of a scout galloping into the 辕门 (yuanmen) to report: "Your Lordship, Young Master Er was captured by Zheng Lun. His fate is unknown; please give orders on what should be done." Hou Hu pondered to himself, "My younger brother has his own Daoist skills. Why was he captured?" At that time, the officer on duty reported: "While Young Master Er was fighting Zheng Lun, suddenly Zheng Lun waved his Demonic Subjugation Pestle, and three thousand crowsoldiers arrived all at once; one could see two beams of white light emerging from Zheng Lun's nose, like the ringing of a bell. Young Master Er immediately fell off his horse and was captured." Hou Hu heard this and exclaimed in shock, "How can there be such an extraordinary technique in the world? I must send more scouts to investigate the truth." He had not yet finished speaking when a report came in: "The Western Duke has sent an official who is now dismounting at the 辕门 (yuanmen)." Hou Hu was displeased and ordered, "Bring him in." One could see Sangu Yisheng dressed in plain clothes with a headband, entering the tent and bowing. After completing his courtesy, he said, "Your humble servant Sangui Yisheng pays respects to my lord." Hou Hu said, "Minister, why does your master seek quiet safety and refuse to act for the country? He keeps his troops idle and disobeys the imperial decree. Why?" Your lord is certainly not acting in accordance with the proper conduct of a subject. Now that you have come, what message do you bring?" Yisheng replied, "My lord said: 'Armed forces are instruments of violence,' a ruler should use them only when absolutely necessary. Now, for a minor matter, the people are burdened with labor and expenses, ten thousand households are thrown into panic. Every state, prefecture, and county along the way must mobilize all necessary funds and supplies. The journey is arduous; commoners suffer from additional taxes and levies, while soldiers endure hardships in armor and weapons. Therefore, my lord sent me with a letter to quell hostilities, urging Su Hu to present his daughter at court so that both sides may cease their arms and preserve the harmony of the imperial court." If Su Hu refuses, a large army will arrive to root out rebels and eliminate villains; his crime would warrant the extermination of his entire clan. At that time, Su Hu would die without regret." Hou Hu listened to this and laughed loudly, saying, "Ji Bo knows well of his crime in evading the imperial decree. He uses these vague words merely as an excuse to absolve himself. I arrived here first, losing generals and troops, enduring several fierce battles; That villain would never agree to surrender his daughter merely upon receiving a letter. I shall see how you, Minister, manage when you go to Jizhou to meet Su Hu." If he refuses your request, I want to see how your lord will respond to the imperial decree?" Go ahead!" Yisheng left the camp, mounted his horse, and went straight to the city gate, shouting, "To those on the city wall: inform your lord that an official from the Western Duke has come with a letter." The soldiers on the city wall quickly reported to Su Hu: "Your Lordship, an official sent by the Western Duke is at the gate below, claiming he has a letter for you." Su Hu and Chong Heihu were still drinking when Su Hu said, "Ji Bo is a virtuous man of the Western Qi. Quickly order the city gates opened and invite him to meet." In no time at all, Yisheng arrived before the dais, completed his bow, and stood waiting. Hu said, "Minister, now that you have arrived in my humble territory, what message do you deliver?" Yisheng said, "Your humble servant has now received orders from the Western Duke. Last month, my lord was enraged by your rebellious poem and offended the Son of Heaven; an imperial decree immediately ordered troops to march and hold you accountable for your crime. My lord has always known of your loyalty and righteousness, so he held back his forces and dared not invade. Now there is a letter from my lord to you, Lord Hu. I hope you will carefully consider its contents and act accordingly." Yisheng took the letter out of his silk pouch and presented it to Su Hu. Su Hu received the letter, opened it, and read its contents. The letter said: "From the Western Duke Ji Chang, who bows a hundred times to Lord Su Gong of Jizhou: I have heard that 'all within the borders are subjects of the king.' Now, the Son of Heaven wishes to select a beautiful concubine. In every household, whether noble or commoner, how can one dare to hide such a person? Now that your daughter Shude is of virtuous character and the Son of Heaven desires to select her into the palace, this is surely a matter of great honor. Yet you have dared to resist the Son of Heaven, which means you are defying your sovereign. Furthermore, you posted a poem at Wumen—what was your intention?" Your crime is beyond pardon. You only understand minor matters of principle, yet for the sake of one daughter you have lost sight of the great virtue between ruler and subject. I, Chang, have long heard of your loyalty and righteousness, and could not bear to stand idly by. I therefore offer these words especially, which may turn misfortune into fortune for you. I hope you will kindly listen." Moreover, if you were to present your daughter to the royal court, there would be three benefits: first, she would receive favor within the palace, her father would enjoy noble status as a relative of the queen, and he would hold an official position among the imperial kin, receiving generous stipends. This is the first benefit; the state of Jizhou will remain permanently stable and your entire household will be free from disturbances—this is the second benefit; the people would not suffer the agony of war, and the three armies would be spared the 惨 e of slaughter—this is the third benefit. If you persist in your stubbornness, three harms will immediately follow: first, Jizhou would fall into enemy hands and the ancestral temple would be destroyed. This is the first harm. your family would face annihilation—this is the second harm; soldiers and civilians alike would suffer from war's devastation—this is the third harm. A true man should sacrifice minor matters for the greater principle; how could one imitate petty, ignorant people and bring about his own destruction? I, Chang, am your fellow minister of the Shang dynasty, and I could not help but speak plainly to you. I hope, noble Lord, that you will pay attention to these words. I hastily present this letter for your consideration and await your decision immediately. Respectfully submitted."

苏护看毕，半晌不言，只是点头。宜生见护不言，乃曰：“君侯不必犹豫。如允，以一书而罢兵戈；如不从，卑职回覆主公，再调人马。无非上从天命，中和诸侯，下免三军之苦。此乃主公一段好意，君侯何故缄口无语。乞速降号令，以便施行。”苏护闻言，对崇黑虎曰：“贤弟，你来看一看，姬伯之书，实是有理，果是真心为国为民，乃仁义君子也。敢不如命！”于是命酒管待散宜生于馆舍。次日修书赠金帛，令先回西岐：“我随后便进女朝商赎罪。”宜生拜辞而去。真是一封书抵十万之师，有诗为证，诗曰： 舌辨悬河汇百川，方知君义与臣贤。数行书转苏侯意，何用三军枕戟眠？

After reading the letter, Su Hu remained silent for a while and merely nodded. Yisheng, seeing that Su Hu did not speak, said, "My Lord need not hesitate." If you agree, with just one letter we can end the war; if you refuse, I will return to my lord and report this, after which more troops will be dispatched." This is nothing but following the Mandate of Heaven above, reconciling the feudal lords in the middle, and sparing the three armies from suffering below. This is a generous gesture from my lord; why does My Lord remain silent?" I beg you to issue your orders quickly, so that we may proceed accordingly." Su Hu, upon hearing this, said to Chong Heihu, "Dear younger brother, come and take a look. Duke Ji's letter is indeed reasonable; he truly acts for the country and its people. He is a man of virtue and righteousness." "I dare not disobey your command!" With that, he ordered the wine steward to entertain and accommodate Yisheng in a guesthouse. The next day, he composed a letter and presented gold and silk, instructing Yisheng to return first to Xiqi: "I will follow shortly with my daughter to present her at the Shang court as an offering for redemption." Yisheng bowed in farewell and departed. Indeed, one letter was worth an army of a hundred thousand men. There is a poem to attest to this; the poem says: With eloquence flowing like rivers converging into a hundred streams, we come to know the virtue of the ruler and the wisdom of his minister. A few lines of writing changed Lord Su's mind—why then should three armies lie awake with spears in hand?

苏护送散宜生回西岐，与崇黑虎商议：“姬伯之言甚善，可速整行装，以便朝商，毋致迟迟，又生他议。”二人欣喜。不知其女如何，且听下回分解。

After sending Yisheng back to Xiqi, Su Hu discussed with Chong Heihu: "Duke Ji's words are very reasonable. We should quickly prepare our belongings and make haste for the Shang court; otherwise, delays may lead to further disputes." The two men were delighted. As for how his daughter fared, we shall hear in the next chapter.