Wandering Sword Upper and Lower

Author: Jin Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-11-01
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 meteor. Kill one in ten steps, leave no trace a thousand miles. After the deed, brush off robes and vanish, hiding name and self deep. Passing by Xindao for a drink, sword dropped before his knee. Feasting Zhu Hai with roasted meat, offering wine to Hou Ying. Three cups, a promise made, weighs five mountains light. Eyes dizzy, ears hot, will of dragon rises. Rescuing Zhao with golden hammer, Pan'an trembles first. Two heroes of ages, glorify Daliang. Even if dead, bones of knightly spirit scent, no shame in this world. Who can write under the pavilion, white-haired too late for the classic?"
This ancient poem "The Knight's Journey" by Li Bai tells the story of Hou Ying and Zhu Hai, attendants of Lord Xindao of Wei during the Warring States period. A thousand years later, reading it still evokes a sharp, spirited aura. Daliang was near the Yellow River, later called Bianliang, now Kaifeng in Henan. Though it was the capital several times, its folk remained simple, preserving the heroic spirit of ancient songs and passionate chivalry that never faded.
Twelve miles east of Kaifeng stands a small town called Houjianji, named after Hou Ying. Once, Hou Ying served as the gatekeeper of Yimen in Daliang. The east gate was called Yimen, and the gatekeeper was a minor official overseeing it. That evening, as villagers returned from the market—carrying loads or baskets—their footsteps suddenly faded into the northeast corner, followed by faint horse hooves.
The hooves grew louder, revealing a large troop—no fewer than two hundred riders—galloping swiftly. People murmured, "It must be the imperial army." Some urged, "Clear the way! If their horses trample your loads, so be it. If they step on you, you deserve it." Suddenly, the hooves mixed with sharp whistles.