Madam says, ‘Whosoever among the monks and laymen of either corridor has a plan to repulse the soldiers will receive a dowry and Oriole as wife.’
Student Zhang enters, “I have a plan to turn back the soldiers, why not ask me?”
‘Where lies your plan?’ Madam asks.
‘There is a brave man whenever there is a great reward!’
‘I will give Oriole as wife to anyone who can drive the traitorous soldiers away.’
Student Zhang, sounding like the husband before the reward has been earned says, ‘If it is really so, then let’s not scare my wife anymore! Please go to your bed chamber, I myself have a plan to repulse the troops.’
Oriole remarks on Student Zhang’s qualities with a song (one of many).
‘All the monks flee for their own lives;
Of all my relatives, who cares about us?
This student, who knows me not at all,
shows great concern for a perfect stranger…
Whether the situation can be rescued or not
Is temporarily in the hands of this budding talent…
I only hope that you can wipe away 5000 men
With the tip of your brush!’
After Oriole leaves, Student Zhang gives instructions to the frightened abbot, Dharma Source, and orders him to the front gate to speak with Flying Tiger.
Dharma Source Speaks with Flying Tiger
‘General Flying Tiger, would you please come out and talk?’
Flying Tiger enters, accompanied by soldiers, ’Send out Oriole quickly!’
‘Don’t be angry General, Madam has sent me here to talk to you. Madam really wants to deliver her daughter up to you, General. But she is still wearing mourning for her father and, alas, she has fainted out of alarm over the sounding gongs and beating drums. If you want to become a bridegroom, you should lay down your armor, restrain your troops, and retreat the distance of one bowshot. Within a limit of three days her mourning will be completed; she will change her mourning garb for a bright red bridal gown, Then will she be sent to you, General, with a dowry thrown in. But if she is given up immediately, first, she will still be wearing mourning clothing, and second, she will be unlucky for you.’
‘Well, since it is like this, I’ll give you three days; grace, If she’s not delivered then, you’ll die to the last man. Go and tell Madam that. Tell her to summon the nice, good-natured son-in-law that I am.’
Dharma Source returns to report,’ The troops have withdrawn. If she’s not delivered up in three days, we’re all dead!’