43

search for provisions for his army. After a short but very sharp duel between Miss Mu and the Yang grandson, Tsung-pao, during which he was unable to better her in swordsmanship, she realised that she had fallen in love with him, mainly because of his swordsmanship but also because he was a member of the renowned Yang family. During their long talk through the night by the camp fire he learned that she was the daughter of a famous Sung general who had been falsely accused and banished. They were soon betrothed but without parental approval.

Meanwhile, the Lady Yu had arrived at the Three Passes where she astonished everyone with her tactical knowledge. She immediately identified and explained the Liao battle formation facing them which had long been regarded as a battle winner and so far had been undefeated. She was also worried about her grandson, Tsung-pao who she understood had been captured by Mu Kuei-ying. The Lady Yü's asked the Sixth Son to set out to rescue his son, her beloved grandson, whilst she took his place commanding the forces before the Three Passes. The Sixth Son reached the Mu hideaway and was confronted by Miss Mu. He, in disguise, did not realise that she was betrothed to his son and she did not realise that he was her future father-in-law. When, after a duel in which she disarmed him, they were introduced, the father, the Sixth Son returned to the Three Passes to resume command. When finally his son returned, the Sixth Son sent for him and demanded to know what provisions he had brought. His son stammered that he had not brought any which led to his father's furious outburst that his son had not only not brought provisions he had frittered away his time with Miss Mu, and immediately ordered his execution. All the officers pleaded with the Sixth Son to spare his son's life but were rejected. The Lady Yü then went to plead for her grandson's life and again the Sixth Son rejected her plea as it was a family honour to maintain military discipline. The Crown Prince then asked for a reprieve and once more the Sixth Son, who as commander of the forces and not a civil official serving the Crown Prince, refused to consider it. The Crown Prince swept out. At this point Miss Mu arrived and was shown in to see the Sixth Son. She explained that she had come with the special wood for the handle of the sword for the Fifth Son and also to join the forces under the Sixth Son's command. He welcomed her but again refused to reprieve his son, her fiancé. She eventually talked him round by promising to fight the Liao herself and when the pardon was signed she snatched it and rushed out to break

Share This Page