Wandering Sword

Author: Jin Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Excerpt: "The guest from Zhao wears a flowing blue tassel, the hook of Wu gleams like frost. Silver saddle shines on white horse, galloping like a meteor. Ten steps to kill a man, a thousand miles without a trace. After the deed, he waves his robe and disappears, hiding his name deep in the shadows. Passing by Xingling for a drink, he lays his sword across his knee. Feasting Zhu Hai with roasted meat, urging Hou Ying with a cup. Three sips and he swears, weighing the Five Great Mountains as light. Eyes dizzy, ears hot, his spirit rises like a rainbow. Rescuing Zhao with a golden hammer, the city of Handan trembles first. For a thousand years, the two heroes shine in Da Liang. Even if dead, their heroic bones scent the world, not ashamed of the heroes of the age. Who can write under the library, with white hair and the Great Xuan Classics?"
This ancient poem "The Hero's Journey" by Li Bai tells the story of Hou Ying and Zhu Hai, the attendants of Xingling Lord of the Warring States period. A thousand years later, reading it still evokes a sharp and vigorous aura. Da Liang was near the Yellow River, later called Bianliang, which is now Kaifeng in Henan. Although it was the capital for many times, its folk customs remained simple, and the heroic spirit of ancient tragic songs never faded in later generations.
Twelve miles east of Kaifeng, there is a small market town called Houjianji, named after Hou Ying. In those days, Hou Ying was the gatekeeper of Yimen in Da Liang. East of Da Liang stood a flat mountain called Yishan, and the eastern gate was thus named Yimen. The gatekeeper of Yimen was the minor official guarding Da Liang's eastern gate.
That day was already evening, and the villagers coming to the market were returning, some carrying loads, others carrying baskets. Suddenly, a faint sound of horse hooves came from the northeast. As the sound grew closer, it turned out to be a large group of riders—no fewer than two hundred, galloping fiercely. People looked at each other and said, "It must be the imperial troops." Some said, "Quick, make way. If the soldiers' horses trample over your loads, that's fine, but if they step on you, it's your own fault." Suddenly, the sound of hooves was mixed with bursts of whistles.