Chapter 42: Huanghuashan: Capturing Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao

诗曰： 劫数相逢亦异常，诸天神部涉疆场。任他奇术俱遭败，那怕仙凡尽带伤。 周室兴隆时共泰，成汤丧乱日偕亡。黄花山下收强将，总向岐山土内藏。

The poem says: When calamities coincide, strange indeed they are; The gods of the ten directions cross into the battlefield. Let them employ all sorts of wondrous arts—they will still meet defeat; Fear not that immortals and mortals alike may be wounded. When the Zhou dynasty flourished, they shared in prosperity; On the day of Chengtang's downfall and chaos, they perished together. Beneath Huanghua Mountain strong generals were gathered; They all lay hidden within the soil of Qishan.

话说三将齐来发怒，辛环急上前忙止曰：“兄弟们不得妄为，快下马来参谒。此是朝歌闻太师老爷。”三将听说“闻太师”，滚鞍下马，拜伏在地，口称：“太师！久慕大名，未得亲觌尊颜；今幸天缘，大驾过此，末将等有失迎迓，致多冒渎，正谓误犯，望太师老爷恕罪，末将等不胜庆幸。”众将请太师上山。闻太师听说亦喜，随同众将上山。众将请太师上坐，复行参谒。太师亦自温慰；因问四将：“尊姓？何名？今日幸逢，老夫亦与有荣焉。”邓忠曰：“此黄花山；俺弟兄四人，结义多年，末将姓邓，名忠；次名辛环；三名张节；四名陶荣。只因诸侯荒乱，暂借居此山，权且为安身之地，其实皆非末将等本心。”闻太师听罢，“你等肯随吾征伐西岐，候有功之日，俱是朝廷臣子。何苦为此绿林之事，埋没英雄，辜负生平本事。”辛环曰：“如太师不弃，忠等愿随鞭镫。”闻太师曰：“列位既肯出力王室，正是国家有庆。你们可将山上喽罗计有多少？”辛环答曰：“有一万有馀。”闻太师曰：“可晓谕众人：愿随征者，去；不愿随征者，宁释还家，仍给赏财物，也是他跟随你们一场。”辛环领命，传与众人，有愿去的，有不愿去的，俱将历年所积给与诸人，众人无不悦服。除不去的，尚馀七千多人马。粮草计有三万。俱打点停当。烧了牛皮宝帐。闻太师即日起兵，又得四将，不觉大喜。把人马过了黄花山，迳往前进，浩造汤荡，甚是军威雄猛。有诗为证： 烈烈旗旛飞杀气，纷纷战马似龙蛟。西岐豪杰如云集，太师亲征若浪抛。

Now, as the three generals became angry together, Xin Huan hurriedly stepped forward to stop them and said: "Brothers, you must not act recklessly. Quickly dismount your horses and pay respects." "This is Chao Ge; the Grand Master Lord Wen Tai is here." Upon hearing "Grand Master Wen," the three generals dismounted in a rush, knelt on the ground, and cried out: "Grand Master!" We have long admired your great reputation but never had the chance to personally behold your noble countenance; Today we are fortunate by heavenly fate that your illustrious presence has passed this way. Your subordinates have failed to welcome you properly, and thus have committed many impertinences. We have indeed erred in our offense; we beg Grand Master Lord Wen's forgiveness. Your subordinates cannot express their joy and relief enough." The generals invited the Grand Master to ascend the mountain. Grand Master Wen, upon hearing this, was also pleased and ascended the mountain together with the generals. The generals invited Grand Master Wen to take a seat of honor and then performed another formal act of paying respects. Grand Master Wen also offered warm reassurances; and asked the four generals: "What are your surnames?" What are your names? Today, I am fortunate to meet you; it is also an honor for me." Deng Zhong said: "This is Huanghua Mountain; my four brothers and I have been sworn for many years. Your subordinate's surname is Deng, my name is Zhong; the second one is Xin Huan; the third is Zhang Jie; and the fourth is Tao Rong. It was only because of the chaos among the feudal lords that we temporarily took refuge here in this mountain, using it as a place to find temporary safety. In truth, none of these were our true wishes." After hearing this, Grand Master Wen said: "If you are willing to follow me in my campaign against Xi Qi, on the day when you achieve merit, you will all become subjects of the court. Why then engage in such banditry and rob away your heroism, letting down your lifelong abilities?" Xin Huan said: "If Grand Master Wen does not look upon us with disdain, Zhong and the others are willing to follow you into battle." Grand Master Wen said: "Since all of you are willing to exert effort for the royal house, this is indeed a cause for celebration in our country. You may now count how many bandits there are on the mountain?" Xin Huan replied: "There are more than ten thousand." Grand Master Wen said: "You may inform the people: those who wish to follow in the campaign, go ahead; those who do not wish to join the campaign may be released and return home, still given rewards of goods; after all, they have followed you for a while." Xin Huan accepted the order and passed it on to the people. Some were willing to go, others unwilling; in any case, he distributed all the accumulated goods over the years among them, and everyone was pleased and convinced. Those who could not be dispelled numbered more than seven thousand soldiers and horses remaining. The amount of provisions totaled thirty thousand. All were properly prepared and ready. They burned the oxhide treasure tent. Grand Master Wen immediately mobilized his troops and, having gained four more generals, could not help but be greatly pleased. He led his troops across Huanghua Mountain and proceeded forward directly, advancing with great momentum like a surging tide, displaying formidable military might. There is a poem to attest: The banners fly fiercely with the aura of slaughter; The war horses gallop in confusion, like dragons and crocodiles. Heroes from Xi Qi gather thick as clouds; Grand Master Wen's personal campaign is like a wave cast forth.

话言闻太师人马正行，忽抬头见一石碣，上书三字，名曰：“绝龙岭”。太师在墨麒麟上，默默无言，半晌不语，邓忠见闻太师勒骑不行，面上有惊恐之色。邓忠问曰：“太师为何停骑不语？”闻太师曰：“吾当时悟道，在碧游宫拜金灵圣母为师之时，学艺五十年。吾师命我下山佐成汤，临行问师曰：‘弟子归著如何？’吾师道：‘你一生逢不得“绝”字。’今日行兵，恰恰见此石碣，上书‘绝’字，心上迟疑，故此不快。”邓忠等四将笑曰：“太师差矣！大丈夫岂可以一字定终身祸福？况且‘吉人天相’，只以太师之才德，岂有不克西岐之理。从古云：‘不疑何卜？’”太师亦不笑不语。众将催人马速行。刀枪似水，甲士如云，一路无词。哨马报入中军：“启太师：人马至西岐南门，请令定夺。”太师传令：“安营。”一声炮响，三军呐一声喊，安下营，结下大寨。怎见得，有赞为证： 营安南北，阵摆东西。营安南北分龙虎，阵摆东西按木金。围子手平添杀气；虎狼威长起征云。拐子马齐齐整整；宝纛旛卷起威风。阵前小校披金甲；传枪儿郎挂锦裙。先行官如同猛虎；佐军官恶似彪熊。定营炮天崩地裂；催阵鼓一似雷鸣。白日里出入有法，到晚间转箭支更。只因太师安营寨，鸦鸟不敢望空行。

Now, as Grand Master Wen's troops were marching forward, they suddenly looked up and saw a stone tablet. On it were three characters inscribed: "Juelong Ling," which means "Dragon-Slaying Ridge." Grand Master Wen, on his black qilin steed, remained silent and said nothing for a long while. Deng Zhong noticed that Grand Master Wen had reined in his horse and stopped moving forward, with an expression of alarm and fear on his face. Deng Zhong asked: "Grand Master, why have you halted your horse in silence?" Grand Master Wen said: "When I was once enlightened, during the time I paid homage to Jinling Shengmu as my teacher at Biyou Palace, I studied for fifty years. My master ordered me to descend the mountain and assist King Chengtang. Before leaving, I asked my teacher: 'Master, where will your disciple finally settle?' My master said: 'You shall never encounter the character "Jue" in your life.' Today, while marching with my troops, I have just come upon this stone tablet bearing the character "Jue." This has caused hesitation in my heart, hence my unease." Deng Zhong and the four generals laughed and said: "Grand Master is mistaken! A great man should not let a single character determine his entire life's fortune or misfortune. Moreover, "Heaven aids the virtuous." Considering Grand Master's talent and virtue, how could there be any reason for you not to conquer Xi Qi? As it has been said since ancient times: 'Why consult an oracle if one is without doubt?' " Grand Master Wen neither smiled nor spoke. The generals urged the troops to move quickly forward. Swords and spears flowed like water, armored soldiers gathered thick as clouds, and along the way there was no resistance. A scout horseman reported to the central camp: "Your subordinate reports, Grand Master: the troops have arrived at the southern gate of Xi Qi. Please give orders for what is to be done." Grand Master Wen gave an order: "Set up camp." A cannon roared, followed by a single cry from the three armies. The camp was set and the great encampment established. How can this be described? A verse attests: The camps are arranged to the north and south, the formations spread east and west. The northern and southern camps divide like dragon and tiger; the eastern and western formations align with wood and metal. The sentries add to the aura of death; the might of tigers and wolves stirs up clouds of war. The side-horse formations are neat and orderly; the precious banner billows with a mighty wind. At the front of the formation, junior officers wear golden armor; the spear-bearers wear embroidered silk skirts. The vanguard officers are like fierce tigers; the assistant military officers are as ferocious as leopards and bears. The camp-setting cannons roar like the heavens collapsing and earth splitting; the formation-urging drums thunder like rolling peals of thunder. By day, all movements follow strict order; at night, the watch shifts and arrows are rotated for defense. Because of Grand Master Wen's well-established camp, even crows dare not fly overhead.

不说闻太师安营西岐。只见报马报进相府，报：“闻太师调三十万人马，在南门安营。”子牙曰：“当时吾在朝歌，不曾会闻太师；今日领兵到此，看他纪法何如。”随带诸将上城，众门下相随，同到城敌楼上，观看闻太师行营；果然好人马！怎见得，有赞为证： 满空杀气，一川铁马兵戈；片片征云，五色旌旗缥缈。千枝画戟，豹尾描金五彩旛；万口钢刀，诛龙斩虎青铜剑。密密钺斧，旛旗大小水晶盘；对对长枪，盏口粗细银画杆。幽幽画角，犹如东海老龙吟；灿灿银盔，滚滚冰霜如雪练。锦衣绣袄，簇拥走马先行；玉带征夫，侍听中军元帅。鞭抓将士尽英雄，打阵儿郎凶似虎。不亚轩辕黄帝破蚩尤，一座兵山从地起。

Not speaking of Grand Master Wen setting up camp in Xi Qi. Only to see a scout horseman galloping into the prime minister's residence and reporting: "Grand Master Wen has mobilized thirty thousand troops, and is setting up camp at the southern gate." Zi Ya said: "At that time when I was in Chao Ge, I had never met Grand Master Wen; today he has led his troops here. Let us see how strict his discipline and laws are." He immediately brought along the various generals to the city wall, with his attendants following him, and together they went up to the watchtower on the battlements to observe Grand Master Wen's camp; Indeed, it was an impressive force! How can this be described? Here is a verse to attest: Murderous aura fills the sky; across the plain, iron horses and weapons of war; piece by piece, clouds of war drift—five-colored banners fluttering in the air. Thousands of painted halberds; tiger-tail banners gilded and multicolored; Ten thousand steel-edged swords, dragon-slaying, tiger-killing bronze blades. Dense axes and halberds; banners of all sizes like crystal plates; pair by pair, long spears with silver-decorated shafts thick as a wine cup's rim. The deep-sounding painted horn echoes like the roar of an old dragon from the East Sea; Shining silver helmets, rolling with frost as if snow were woven into armor. Silk robes and embroidered coats crowd around the vanguard horsemen; Jade sash warriors, attending to the commands of the central army's general. Whips crack as soldiers and officers are all heroes; the formation spear-bearers are fierce like tigers. Not inferior to Huangdi of Xuan Yuan breaking Chiyou, a mountain of soldiers rises from the earth itself.

话说子牙观看良久，叹曰：“闻太师平日有将才，今观如此整练，人言尚未尽其所学。”随下城入府，同大小门下众将，商议退兵之策。有黄飞虎在侧曰：“丞相不必忧虑，况且魔家四将不过如此，正所谓国王洪福大，巨恶自然消散。”子牙曰：“虽是如此，民不安生，军逢恶战，将累鞍马，俱不是宁泰之象。”正议间，报：“闻太师差官下书。”子牙传令：“令来。”不一时，开城，放一员大将至相府，将书呈上。子牙拆书观看，上云： “成汤太师兼征西天保大元帅闻仲，书奉丞相姜子牙麾下：盖闻王臣作叛，大逆于天。今天王在上，赫赫威灵。兹尔西土，敢行不道，不尊国法。自立为王，有伤国体。复纳叛逆，明欺宪典。天子累兴问罪之师，不为俯首伏辜，尚敢大肆猖獗，拒敌天吏，杀军覆将，辄敢号令张威，王法何在！虽食肉寝皮，不足以尽厥罪；纵移尔宗祀，削尔疆土，犹不足以偿其失。今奉诏下征，你等若惜一城之生灵，速至辕门授首，候归期以正国典；如若拒抗，真火焰昆冈，俱为虀粉，噬脐何及？战书到日，速为自裁。不宣。”

Now, after observing for a long time, Zi Ya sighed and said: "Grand Master Wen is usually known to have the talent of a general. Now seeing such strict discipline and training, I say people's words still do not fully capture what he has learned." He then descended from the city wall to his residence and, together with all the major and minor attendants and generals, discussed strategies for repelling the enemy. Huang Feihou, standing nearby, said: "Prime Minister, there is no need to worry. Moreover, the four Ma generals are nothing more than this. As they say, when a king's great fortune prevails, great evils naturally vanish." Zi Ya said: "Although this is true, the people cannot live in peace, the army faces fierce battles, and generals will tire from riding horses—these are all signs of unrest and instability." While they were still discussing, a report came in: "Grand Master Wen has sent an official with a letter." Zi Ya gave the order: "Bring him in." In no time, the city gates opened and a general was brought to the prime minister's residence, where he presented the letter. Zi Ya opened the letter and read: "From Wen Zhong, Grand Master of King Chengtang, Commander-in-Chief for the Western Campaign, Great General of Protection: This is addressed to Prime Minister Jiang Ziya. I have heard that a royal minister has rebelled, committing great treason against Heaven. Now the Son of Heaven reigns above, his mighty and awe-inspiring presence. You in the western lands dare to act immorally, defying national law. You have declared yourself king, harming the dignity of the state. Furthermore, you harbor rebels and openly defy the laws of the land. The Son of Heaven has repeatedly sent armies to punish your crimes, yet you have not submitted or confessed guilt. You still dare to act with great arrogance, resisting the heavenly officials, killing soldiers and defeating generals, boldly issuing commands and displaying power—where is royal law now! Even if you were skinned and eaten, it would not be enough to fully repay your crimes; Even if your ancestral sacrifices are abolished and your territories stripped away, it still would not suffice to compensate for your losses. Now I have received the imperial decree to launch a campaign. If you value the lives of your people in this city, surrender immediately at my headquarters and await the appointed time for judgment according to national law; If you resist, the flames of war will reduce Kun Gang Mountain to ashes and turn all into powder—by then it will be too late to regret! When this letter arrives, act quickly and decide your own fate. No further explanation is given."

子牙看书毕。子牙曰：“来将何名？”邓忠答曰：“末将邓忠。”子牙曰：“邓将军回营，多拜上闻太师，原书批回，三日后会兵城下。”邓忠领命出城，进营回复了闻太师，将子牙回话说了一遍。不觉就是三日。只听成汤营中炮响，喊杀之声振天。子牙传令：“把五方队伍调遣出城。”闻太师正在辕门，只见西岐南门开处，一声炮响，有四杆青旛招展，旛下四员战将按震宫方位： 青袍青马尽穿青，步将层层列马兵，手挽挡牌人似虎，短剑长枪若铁城。

Zi Ya finished reading the letter. Zi Ya asked, "What is the name of this general?" Deng Zhong replied, "I am General Deng Zhong." Zi Ya said: "General Deng, return to your camp and convey my respects to Grand Master Wen. I will send back the letter with comments; we shall meet under the city walls in three days." Deng Zhong accepted his orders and left the city, returning to camp to report to Grand Master Wen, recounting in detail what Zi Ya had said. Unknowingly, three days passed. Suddenly, cannon fire erupted from the Chengtang camp, and cries of battle shook the heavens. Zi Ya gave orders: "Deploy the five divisions outside the city." Grand Master Wen was at the headquarters gate when he saw that from the southern gate of Xiqi, a cannon fired and four green banners fluttered. Under these banners stood four generals arranged in the position of Zhen Palace: All wore blue robes on blue horses, completely clad in blue; infantry soldiers were layered like cavalry ranks. Holding shields, they looked as fierce as tigers; with short swords and long spears, they formed a wall of iron.

二声炮响，四杆红旛招展，旛脚下四员战将，按离宫方位： 红袍红马绛红缨，收阵铜锣带角鸣，将士雄赳跨战骑，窝弓火炮列行营。

Two more cannon shots rang out, and four red banners fluttered. Beneath the banners stood four generals in positions corresponding to the Li Palace: They wore red robes on red horses with crimson tassels; bronze gongs for retreating formations were accompanied by blaring horns. The soldiers looked valiant as they rode their battle steeds, and rows of crossbows and fire cannons lined up in military camps.

三声炮响，四杆素白旛招展，旛脚下有四员战将，按兑宫方位： 白袍白马烂银盔，宝剑昆吾耀日辉，火焰枪同金装鐧，大刀犹似白龙飞。

Three cannon shots sounded, and four white banners fluttered. Beneath them stood four generals arranged according to the position of the Dui Palace: They wore white robes on white horses with silver helmets; their precious swords and Kunwu blades gleamed in the sunlight. Flame spears matched golden maces, and great broadswords flew like white dragons.

四声炮响，四杆皂盖旛招展，旛脚下四员战将，按坎宫方位： 黑人黑马皂罗袍，斩将飞翎箭更豪，斧有宣花酸枣搠，虎头枪配雁翎刀。

Four cannon shots rang out, and four black banners with red tassels fluttered. Beneath these banners stood four generals positioned according to the Kan Palace: They were dark-skinned men on black horses wearing black silk robes; their flying feather arrows for slaying generals were especially fierce. Axes of Xuanchua pierced like sour jujube thorns, and tiger-head spears paired with yanjing dao (goose-feathered sabers).

五声炮响，四杆杏黄旛招展，旛脚下四员战将，据戊己宫方位： 金盔金甲杏黄旛，将坐中央守一元，杀气腾腾笼战骑，冲锋锐卒候辕门。

Five cannon shots echoed, and four apricot-yellow banners fluttered. Beneath these stood four generals arranged according to positions in the Wu Ji Palace: They wore golden helmets and armor with apricot-yellow banners; they occupied the central position guarding the One Origin (Yi Yuan). A fierce killing aura surrounded their battle steeds as sharp vanguard troops waited at the headquarters gate.

话说闻太师看见子牙把五方队伍调出，两边大小将官一对对整整齐齐：哪吒登风火轮，手提火尖枪，对著杨戬、金吒、木吒、韩毒龙、薛恶虎、黄天化、武吉等侍卫两傍。宝纛旗下，子牙骑四不相，右手下有武成王黄飞虎坐五色神牛而出。只见闻太师在龙凤旛下，左右有邓、辛、张、陶四将。太师面如淡金，五柳长髯，飘扬脑后，手提金鞭。怎见得闻太师威武： 九云冠金霞缭绕，绛绡衣鹤舞云飞，阴阳绦结束，朝履应玄机。

As for Grand Master Wen, upon seeing Zi Ya deploy the five divisions of troops, he observed that on both sides the officers and men were neatly arranged in pairs. Nezha stood on his Fenghuo Lun (Wind-Fire Wheel), holding a Fire-Tip Spear, facing Yang Jian, Jinzha, Muzha, Han Dulong, Xue Ehu, Huang Tianhua, Wu Ji, and others who served as guards on both sides. Under the banner of treasures, Zi Ya rode Sibuxiang (Four Not-Yet), and to his right emerged Huang Feihu, Duke Wuchengwang, riding a five-colored divine bull. Looking ahead, Grand Master Wen stood under the dragon-phoenix banner, with Generals Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao on his left and right. Grand Master Wen had a face like pale gold, with five strands of long beard flowing behind him, and he held a golden whip in his hand. How was Grand Master Wen's might and majesty described: His Nine Cloud Crown shimmered with golden radiance, his crimson silk robe fluttered like cranes dancing among clouds. His yin-yang sash fastened neatly around him, and his court shoes aligned perfectly with the mysteries of Heaven.

坐下麒麟如墨染，金鞭摆动光辉。拜上通天教下，三除五遁施为。胸中包罗天地，运筹万斛珠玑。丹心贯乎白日，忠贞万载名题。龙凤旛下列旌旗，太师行兵自异。

The qilin beneath him was as black as ink; when he moved his golden whip, it radiated brilliance. He paid homage to the Supreme Heaven Sect, employing triple removals and five evasions in his techniques. In his chest lay the vastness of heaven and earth; he calculated strategies with countless pearls and jade as tools. His loyal heart pierced the sun, and for ten thousand years his name was inscribed in history for his unwavering devotion. Under the dragon-phoenix banners fluttered colorful flags; Grand Master Wen's military maneuvers were naturally extraordinary.

话说子牙催骑向前，欠背打躬，口称：“太师，卑职姜尚不能全礼。”闻太师曰：“姜丞相，闻你乃昆仑名士，为何不谙事体，何也？”子牙答曰：“尚忝玉虚门下，周旋道德，何敢违背天常。上遵王命，下顺军民，奉法守公，一循于道。敬诚缉熙，克勤天戒，分别贤愚，佐守本土，不放虐民乱政。稚子无欺，民安物阜，万姓欢娱，有何不谙事体之处？”闻太师曰：“你只知巧于立言，不知自己有过。今天王在上，你不尊君命，自立武王。──欺君之罪，孰大于此！收纳叛臣黄飞虎，明知欺君，安心拒敌。──叛君之罪，孰大于此！及至问罪之师一至，不行认罪，擅行拒敌，杀戮军士命官。──大逆之罪，孰加于此！今吾自至此，犹恃己能，不行降服，犹自与兵拒敌，巧言饰非，真可令人痛恨！”子牙笑而答曰：“太师差矣！自立武王，固是吾国未行奏请；然子袭父荫，何为不可。况天下诸侯尽反成汤，也是欺君不成！只是人君先自灭纲纪，不足为万姓之主，因此皆背叛不臣，此其过岂尽在臣也。收武成王，正是‘君不正，臣投外国’亦是礼之当然。今为人君，尚不自反，乃厚于责臣，不亦羞乎！若论杀朝廷命官士卒，是自到此取死讨辱，尚等并不曾领一军一卒，或助诸侯，或伐关隘。太师名振八方，今又到此，未免先有轻举妄动之意，在尚怎敢抗拒。不若依尚愚意：老太师请暂回鸾辔，各守疆界，还是好颜相看；若太师务任一己之私，逆天行事，然兵家胜负，未可知也。还请太师三思，毋损威重。”闻太师被此数语说得面皮通红；又见黄飞虎在宝纛之下，乃大叫曰：“逆臣黄某，出来见我。”飞虎觌面难回，只得向前欠身曰：“末将自别太师，不觉数载；今日又会，不才冤屈庶可伸明。”闻太师喝曰：“满朝富贵，尽在黄门，一旦负君，造反助恶，杀害命官，逆恶贯盈，还来强辩！”命：“那一员将官先把反臣拿了！”左哨上邓忠大叫曰：“末将愿往。”走马摇斧，来取黄飞虎。飞虎纵五色神牛，手中枪赴面交还。张节使枪也来助邓忠。周营内有大将南宫适敌住。陶荣使鐧，飞马前来助战。这壁厢武吉拨马摇枪，抵往陶荣。两阵上六员战将，三对交锋，来来往往，冲冲撞撞，翻腾上下交加。只杀得天愁地暗，日月无光。辛环见三将不能取胜，把胁下肉翅一夹，飞起半空，手持锤钻，望子牙打来。时有黄天化催开玉麒麟，两柄银锤，抵住辛环。周营众将见成汤营里飞起一人来，虎头冠，面如红枣，尖嘴獠牙，狰狞恶状，惟黄天化战住辛环。闻太师见黄天化坐玉麒麟，知是道德之士，急催开墨麒麟，使两条金鞭，冲杀过来，忙取子牙。子牙忙催动四不相，急架相迎。二兽交加，竟生云雾。这是闻太师头一场西岐大战，怎见得，赞曰： 两下里排门对伍，军政司擂鼓鸣锣。前后军安排赌斗，左右将准备相持。一等等有牙有爪，一等等能走能飞。狻猊、獬豸、狮子、麒麟、欢彪、怪兽、猛虎、蛟龙。狻猊斗，狂风荡荡；獬豸斗，日色辉辉；狮子斗，寒风凛凛；麒麟斗，冷气森森；欢彪斗，来往撺跳；怪兽斗，遍地烟云；蛟龙斗，彩云布合，猛虎斗，卷起狂风。大战一场怎肯休，英雄恶战逞雄赳。若烦解的虫王恨，除是南山老比丘。

As for Zi Ya, he urged his horse forward, bowed respectfully from the saddle, and said: "Grand Master Wen, your humble servant Jiang Shang cannot offer full courtesy." Grand Master Wen said: "Prime Minister Jiang, I have heard you are a renowned scholar from Kunlun. Why do you not understand the proper conduct of affairs? What is the reason?" Zi Ya replied: "I am but a humble disciple of Yuxu Hall, revolving in virtue and morality. How dare I defy the natural order of Heaven?" Above, I obey the king's command; below, I follow the will of soldiers and people. I uphold laws and justice, adhering strictly to the Way. With sincere reverence and diligence, I heed Heaven's warnings, distinguish between the wise and foolish, assist in protecting our land, and never allow oppression of the people or corruption of governance. I have raised my children with honesty, ensuring peace for the people and abundance in resources; all ten thousand households live joyfully. In what way could I possibly be ignorant of proper conduct?" Grand Master Wen said: "You only know how to speak cleverly, but you do not recognize your own faults. Now the Son of Heaven is above; yet you have defied royal commands and declared yourself King Wu." This is an act of treason against your sovereign—what crime could be greater than this! You have harbored the traitor Huang Feihu, knowingly defied your king, and calmly resisted our forces. This is an act of rebellion against your sovereign—what greater crime could there be! When the punitive army arrived, you refused to confess guilt and dared to resist, killing soldiers and officials. This is a grave act of treason—what could be more heinous than this! Now I have come in person, yet you still rely on your own strength and refuse to surrender. You continue to raise troops for resistance, using clever words to cover up your wrongdoings—truly a cause for deep resentment!" Zi Ya smiled and replied: "Grand Master is mistaken! Declaring King Wu, indeed, was done without prior imperial approval from our state; Yet a son inheriting his father's legacy—how can that be wrong? Moreover, all the feudal lords under Heaven have rebelled against King Chengtang. Is this not also an act of defying your sovereign! It is merely that the Son of Heaven first destroyed the laws and order himself, making him unworthy to be ruler over ten thousand people. Therefore, all have rebelled and refused to serve—how can this entire blame fall solely on the ministers? Welcoming Duke Wuchengwang is precisely in accordance with the principle that "if a ruler is unjust, his ministers may seek foreign lands"—this is but natural according to propriety. Now as the Son of Heaven, you still fail to reflect upon yourself and instead place heavy blame on your ministers—should this not be a source of shame! If we are to speak of killing imperial officials and soldiers, it is you who have come here seeking death and humiliation. We have not led a single army or soldier, nor aided feudal lords or attacked passes. Grand Master Wen's name is renowned in all directions; yet now you have come here, which inevitably suggests hasty and reckless action. How could I, Jiang Shang, dare to resist! It would be better if you follow my humble suggestion: Esteemed Grand Master, please return temporarily to your steed and both sides maintain their borders—this would allow us to preserve our mutual dignity. If you, Grand Master, insist on pursuing your own selfish desires and act against Heaven's will, the outcome of war is uncertain—victory or defeat cannot be foretold. I respectfully request you, Grand Master, to think carefully and avoid harming your own dignity." Grand Master Wen turned bright red in the face after hearing these words. Seeing Huang Feihu beneath the banner of treasures, he shouted loudly: "Traitor Huang, come out and face me!" Huang Feihu found it difficult to avoid the confrontation and had no choice but to step forward, bowing slightly and saying: "Since parting from you, Grand Master, I have not realized that several years have passed; Today we meet again, perhaps my humble grievances may finally be made clear." Grand Master Wen shouted: "All the wealth and honor of court officials come from your Huang family. Once you betrayed your sovereign, you rebelled and aided evildoers, killing imperial officials—your treachery has reached its peak! Now you dare to argue further!" He ordered: "Which general will first seize this traitorous minister!" From the left wing, Deng Zhong shouted: "I am willing to go." He rode forward, swinging his axe, and came after Huang Feihu. Huang Feihu leapt onto his five-colored divine bull and met Deng Zhong head-on with his spear in hand. Zhang Jieshi also arrived to assist Deng Zhong with his spear. From the Zhou camp, a great general named Nan Gongshi stepped forward to oppose them. old Tao Rong brandished his mace and rode forward to join the battle. From this side, Wu Ji turned his horse and swung his spear to confront Tao Rong. On the battlefield, six generals engaged in three pairs of fierce combat, charging back and forth, colliding violently, leaping up and down in a chaotic clash. The battle raged so fiercely that Heaven wept and Earth darkened; the sun and moon lost their light. Xin Huan, seeing that the three generals could not gain an advantage, squeezed his wings beneath his armpits and flew into the air. He raised a hammer and drill in hand and struck toward Zi Ya. At that moment, Huang Tianhua spurred his jade qilin forward, wielding two silver hammers to block Xin Huan. The Zhou camp's generals saw a man flying from the Chengtang forces: he wore a tiger-head helmet, had a face like a red date, sharp teeth and beak-like mouth, with a terrifying appearance. Only Huang Tianhua held his ground against Xin Huan. Grand Master Wen saw Huang Tianhua riding the jade qilin and realized he was a man of virtue. He quickly spurred his black qilin forward, brandishing two golden whips to charge toward Zi Ya in an attempt to seize him. Zi Ya hurriedly urged Sibuxiang into action and quickly raised his weapon to meet the attack head-on. The two beasts clashed, creating swirling clouds and mist. This was Grand Master Wen's first great battle against Xiqi. How did it appear? A verse praises: On both sides, the gates were lined with troops facing each other; the military command center beat drums and rang gongs. Front and rear forces arranged for a decisive clash; left and right generals prepared to hold their ground. Some were fierce with fangs and claws, others swift on foot or in flight. Suan Ni, Xiezhi, lions, qilins, Huanbiao, strange beasts, fierce tigers, and coiling dragons. The Suan Ni clashed, stirring up howling winds; The Xiezhi fought, and the sunlight shone brightly; The lions battled, bringing a chill wind; The qilins clashed, sending forth a cold and eerie atmosphere; The Huanbiao fought, darting back and forth in wild leaps; Strange beasts clashed, raising clouds of smoke across the land; The dragons fought, weaving colorful clouds together; the tigers battled, stirring up fierce winds. A great battle raged without end, as heroes and warriors fiercely displayed their might. If you wish to resolve the grudge of the insect king's wrath, none but the old monk from Nanshan Mountain can do so.

且说闻太师鞭法甚利，且有风雷之声，久惯兴师，四方响应，子牙如何敌得住，甚难招架。被闻太师举起雄鞭，飞在空中，──此鞭原是两条蛟龙化成，双鞭按阴阳，分二气。那鞭在空中打将下来，正中子牙肩臂，翻鞍落骑。闻太师方欲来取首级，彼时哪吒登风火轮，摇枪大叫：“勿要伤吾师叔！”照闻太师面上一枪，太师急架枪时，早被辛甲将子牙救回。闻太师与哪吒战三五回合，又举鞭打哪吒，哪吒不曾防备，也被一鞭打下轮来。早有金吒跃步赶来，将宝剑架住金鞭，欲救哪吒。太师大怒，连发双鞭，雌雄不定，或起或落，连打金、木二吒，又打韩毒龙。幸有杨戬在侧，看见闻太师好鞭，只打得落花流水，才把银合马飞走出阵，使枪便刺。闻太师见杨戬相貌非俗，心下自忖：“西岐有这些奇人，安得不反！”便把鞭来迎战。数合之内，祭起双鞭，正打中杨戬顶门上，只打得火星迸出，全然不理，一若平常。太师大惊，骇然叹曰：“此等异人，真乃道德之士！”不说闻太师赞叹，且说陶荣战武吉，见诸将未分胜负，忙把聚风旛取出，连摇数摇，霎时间飞砂走石，播土扬尘，天昏地暗。怎见得好风，只打得众军如风卷残云，丢旗弃鼓，将士尽盔歪甲斜，莫辨东西；败下阵来。有赞为证： 霎时间天昏地暗，一会儿雾起云迷。初起时尘砂荡荡，次后来卷石翻砖。黑风影里，三军乱窜；惨雾之中，战将心忙。会武的刀枪乱法，能文的颠倒慌张。闻太师金鞭龙摆尾；邓忠阔斧似车轮；辛环肉翅世间稀；张节枪传天下少；陶荣奇异聚风旗。这才是雷部神祇施猛烈；西岐众将各逃生。弃鼓丢锣抛满地，尸横马倒不堪题。为国亡身遭剑劈，尽忠舍命定逢伤。闻太师西岐得胜，四天君掌鼓回营。

Now, the Duke of Wen was highly skilled in whip techniques, his strikes accompanied by the sounds of wind and thunder. Having long been accustomed to leading armies, he commanded responses from all directions; how could Jiang Ziya possibly withstand such power? It would be extremely difficult for him to defend against it. Duke Wen raised his mighty whip and struck in the air—this whip was originally formed from two coiling dragons, one whip representing yin and the other yang, dividing into two opposing forces. That whip came crashing down from the air, striking Jiang Ziya squarely on his shoulder and arm, causing him to fall from his horse. Duke Wen was just about to come and claim Jiang Ziya's head when, at that moment, Nezha climbed onto his Fenghuo Lun (wind-fire wheel), brandished his spear, and shouted loudly: "Do not harm my master-uncle!" Nezha drove his spear toward Duke Wen's face. As the duke hurriedly raised his spear to block, Xing Jia had already rescued Jiang Ziya and pulled him back. Duke Wen fought Nezha for three or four rounds, then raised his whip to strike Nezha. Unprepared, Nezha was also struck by the whip and fell from his wheel. Just then Jinzha rushed forward, leapt to block Duke Wen's golden whip with his sword, and tried to rescue Nezha. The duke was furious and unleashed both whips, their movements unpredictable—rising and falling as they struck both Jinzha and Nezha, then also striking Handoulong. Fortunately, Yang Jian was nearby and saw how powerful Duke Wen's whip was. As the attacks rained down like a storm, he only just managed to ride out of formation on his Yinhe Ma (Silver He Horse), raising his spear to strike in response. Duke Wen saw that Yang Jian had an extraordinary appearance and thought to himself, "The western Qi has such remarkable people—how could they not rebel!" He then raised his whip and charged forward to fight. Within a few exchanges, he summoned both whips and struck directly at the top of Yang Jian's head. Sparks flew from the impact, yet Yang Jian paid no heed at all, as if it were nothing unusual. The duke was greatly astonished and exclaimed in amazement: "Such an extraordinary person is truly a man of virtue and morality!" Without mentioning Duke Wen's admiration, let us speak of Tao Rong fighting Wu Ji. Seeing that the outcome among the generals was still undecided, he quickly took out his Ju Feng Fan (Gather Wind Banner) and shook it several times. In an instant, flying sand and rolling stones filled the air; dust rose everywhere, darkening the sky and blinding the earth. How fierce was that wind! It struck the troops like a gust sweeping away scattered clouds, causing them to drop their banners and abandon their drums. Soldiers and officers alike had their helmets askew and armor crooked, unable to tell east from west; they fled in disarray from the battlefield. There is a verse to attest: In an instant, heaven darkened and earth grew dim; in a moment, mist arose and clouds obscured all. At first, dust and sand swirled wildly; later came flying stones and overturned bricks. Amid the shadow of black winds, three armies scattered in chaos; Within the bleak mist, battle generals grew frantic. Skilled warriors lost their formations with chaotic swords and spears; those skilled in strategy were thrown into confusion and panic. Duke Wen's golden whip coiled like a dragon's tail; Deng Zhong's broad axe swung like a wheel; Xin Huan's fleshy wings were rare in the world; Zhang Jie's spear was seldom seen anywhere under heaven. Tao Rong's strange and wondrous Gather Wind Banner. This was indeed the fierce power of the gods of thunder; the generals of western Qi fled for their lives. Drums and gongs were abandoned, scattered across the ground; corpses lay strewn about and horses fell dead—too horrifying to describe. For their country they lost their lives, felled by swords; in loyalty they gave up their lives, destined for wounds and death. Duke Wen achieved victory at western Qi, while the Four Heavenly Lords beat drums and returned to camp.

话说闻太师掌得胜鼓回营，升了帐，众将来贺：“太师头阵之初，挫动西岐锋锐，破此城只在指日矣。”

Now, as Duke Wen returned to camp and beat the victory drum, he entered his tent. The generals gathered to congratulate him: "At the beginning of your first battle, you struck at western Qi's sharp edge; it is but a matter of days before this city falls."

且说子牙收兵败进城，入府，众将上殿见子牙。子牙曰：“今日著伤诸将：李氏三人、韩毒龙等，尽被闻太师打了。”有杨戬在侧，曰：“丞相且歇息一二日，再与他会战，定胜闻仲。若得胜之时，乘机劫营，先挫其锋，后面势如破竹，闻仲可擒矣。”子牙曰：“善。”只至第三日，西岐炮响，众将出城，安排厮杀。报马报入营来。闻太师见报入营，随即出阵。左右四将分开，太师至阵前。子牙曰：“今日与太师定决一雌雄。”各不答话，二兽相交，鞭剑并举。子牙左有杨戬，右有哪吒，敌住太师。邓忠走马前来助战；有黄飞虎前来截住厮杀。张、陶二将来助；有武吉、南宫适敌住厮杀。辛环飞来；有黄天化阻住。闻太师酣战之际，又把雌雄鞭起在空中。子牙打神鞭也飞将起来。──打神鞭乃玉虚宫元始所赐，此鞭有三七二十一节，一节上有四道符印，打八部正神。──闻太师鞭往下打，子牙鞭往上迎，鞭打鞭，把闻太师雌鞭一打两断，落在尘埃。闻太师大叫一声：“好姜尚！今把吾宝贝伤其性命，吾与你势不两立！”子牙复祭打神鞭起去。闻太师难逃这一鞭之祸，一声响，把闻太师打下骑来。幸有门下吉立、余庆催马急救，太师借土遁去了。子牙与众将大杀一阵，方收兵进西岐城，入相府。只见杨戬进曰：“今日劫营之事，定是大胜。”子牙曰：“善。众将暂退，午后听令。”正是： 挖下战坑擒虎豹，满天张网等蛟龙。

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya withdrew his retreating troops into the city and returned to the mansion. The generals ascended the hall to see Jiang Ziya. Jiang Ziya said, "Today, many of our generals were wounded: the three Li brothers, Handoulong and others—all were struck down by Duke Wen." Yang Jian was nearby and said, "Minister, please rest for one or two days first. Then we shall meet him in battle again; we are certain to defeat Wen Zhong." "If we win, we should seize the opportunity to raid their camp and first blunt their sharp edge. After that, our momentum will be unstoppable like breaking bamboo; Wen Zhong can then be captured." Jiang Ziya said: "Good." By the third day, cannons roared in western Qi and the generals marched out of the city to prepare for battle. A scout galloped into camp with news. Upon receiving the report, Duke Wen immediately left his formation to meet them. His four generals on either side spread out as the duke advanced to the front of the array. Jiang Ziya said: "Today, I shall settle with you, Great Master, who is superior and who is inferior." Neither side spoke; the two warriors clashed. Whips and swords were raised in unison. Jiang Ziya had Yang Jian on his left and Nezha on his right, holding off Duke Wen. Deng Zhong rode forward to assist in the battle; Huang Feihuo arrived and intercepted him, engaging in fierce combat. The two generals Zhang Jie and Tao Rong came to assist; Wu Ji and Nangong Shi stepped forward to hold them off in battle. Xin Huan flew in; Huang Tianhua blocked his path. While Duke Wen was locked in fierce battle, he once again raised his yin-yang whips into the air. Jiang Ziya's god-smashing whip also rose into the sky. —The god-smashing whip was a gift from Yu Xu Gong's Yu Shi (the Original Beginning). This whip had 21 sections, each with four talismanic seals, capable of striking the eight divisions of orthodox gods. —As Duke Wen's whip came down, Jiang Ziya raised his to meet it. Whip met whip, and with a single strike, Jiang Ziya shattered the duke's yin whip into two pieces, which fell to the ground in dust. Duke Wen let out a loud cry: "Excellent is Jiang Shang! You have now destroyed my treasures and endangered my life. There can be no coexistence between us!" Jiang Ziya once again summoned his god-smashing whip upward. Duke Wen could not escape the calamity of this whip strike; with a loud crack, he was struck from his horse. Fortunately, his disciples Ji Li and Yu Qing spurred their horses to rush forward for aid; the duke used a soil-escape technique and vanished. Jiang Ziya, together with his generals, launched a fierce attack before withdrawing into western Qi city and returning to the prime minister's mansion. Just then Yang Jian stepped forward and said: "Today, our raid on their camp will surely be a great victory." Jiang Ziya replied: "Good. The generals may withdraw for now; await orders in the afternoon." Indeed: Digging a war pit to capture tigers and leopards, stretching a net across the sky to await coiling dragons.

且说闻太师败兵进营，升帐坐下；四将参谒。闻太师曰：“自来征伐，未尝有败。今被姜尚打断吾雌鞭，想吾师秘授蛟龙金鞭，今日已绝，有何面目再见吾师也！”四将曰：“胜负军家常事。”且说子牙掌鼓聚将上殿。子牙令黄飞虎、飞彪、黄明等冲闻太师左营；令南宫适、辛甲、辛免、四贤冲右营；令哪吒、黄天化为头对，冲大辕门；木吒、金吒、韩毒龙、薛恶虎为二对，龙须虎、武吉保子牙作三对。令杨戬：“你去烧闻太师行粮；老将军黄滚守城垣。”调遣已定。且说闻太师败兵进营，坐于帐下，郁郁不乐。忽然见杀气罩于中军帐，太师焚香，将金钱一卜，早知其意。笑曰：“今劫吾营，非为奇计。”忙传令：“邓忠、张节在左营敌周将；辛环、陶荣在右营战周将；吉立、余庆守行粮；老夫守中营，自然无虞也。”闻太师安排迎敌。却说子牙把众将发落已毕，只等炮响，各人行事。当日将人马暗暗出城，四面八方，俱有号记，灯笼高挑，各按方位。时至初更，一声炮响，三军呐一声喊，大辕门哪吒、黄天化先杀进来；左营黄家父子，右营乃四贤众将，齐冲进来。这一阵不知胜败如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, Duke Wen withdrew his defeated troops into camp, entered his tent, and took his seat; his four generals paid their respects. Duke Wen said: "Since the beginning of my campaigns, I have never known defeat. Today, Jiang Shang has broken my yin whip. My master secretly taught me the golden dragon whip; now it is ruined. How can I ever face my master again!" The four generals said: "Victory and defeat are common in military affairs." Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya beat the drum to gather his generals onto the hall. Jiang Ziya ordered Huang Feihuo, Feibiao, Huang Ming and others to charge at Duke Wen's left camp; he commanded Nangong Shi, Xing Jia, Xing Mian, and the Four Sages to attack the right camp; he ordered Nezha and Huang Tianhua as vanguard forces to charge through the main gate of the central encampment; Nezha, Jinzha, Handoulong, and Xue Ehu would form the second wave; Longxuhu and Wu Ji would protect Jiang Ziya as the third wave. Jiang Ziya commanded Yang Jian: "You are to burn Duke Wen's supplies; General Huang Gun, the old general, will defend the city walls." The deployment was now set. Meanwhile, Duke Wen returned with his defeated troops to the camp and sat in his tent, gloomy and unhappy. Suddenly, he sensed a killing aura hovering over the central command tent. The duke burned incense and cast some copper coins for divination; soon he understood its meaning. He smiled and said: "Today's raid on my camp is not an unusual strategy." Quickly issuing orders, he commanded: "Deng Zhong and Zhang Jie will defend the left camp against the Zhou generals; Xin Huan and Tao Rong will fight in the right camp against the Zhou forces; Ji Li and Yu Qing will guard the supplies; I, an old man, shall defend the central camp. Naturally, there is nothing to fear." Duke Wen made arrangements to meet the enemy. Meanwhile, after Jiang Ziya had assigned all his generals their tasks, he only awaited the cannon's roar for them to proceed. On that day, his troops and horses quietly left the city in all directions, each marked with signals. Lanterns were raised high, and everyone followed their designated positions. When the first watch of the night arrived, a cannon roared and the three armies let out a deafening shout. At the main gate, Nezha and Huang Tianhua led the charge in first; The left camp was led by the Huang family father and son, while the right camp consisted of the Four Sages and their generals, all charging in together. Whether this battle resulted in victory or defeat remains to be seen in the next chapter.