(Adapted from issues 15-16 of the 1959 Lianhuan Huabao, a popular Chinese comic book magazine.)
The Song Emperor Taizong found himself besieged by Liao soldiers in Youzhou City. Fortunately, General Yang Ye and his sons arrived just in time to relieve the siege. However, the Liao Prince Tianqing, cunning and devious, set a trap at Jinsha Beach, calling it the "Double Dragon Gathering." His true intention was to ambush and kill Emperor Taizong and the Eighth Prince. To foil this plot, Yang Yanping, the eldest son of General Yang, bravely disguised himself as Emperor Taizong and went to the meeting, accompanied by his brothers. This heroic sacrifice came at a terrible cost: Yang Yanping (known as Dalang), Yanling (Erlang), and Yanan (Sanlang) were killed. Yanbin (Silang) was captured, while Yanqing (Wulang) and Yanshun (Balang) went missing. Only Yanping (Liulang) and Yansi (Qilang) managed to escape the perilous trap.
- Ever since General Yang Ye was demoted and stationed at Xiongguan Pass, news of the Liao Kingdom's incursions into Song territory had been ceaselessly arriving. Emperor Taizong decided to personally lead an expedition. He once again appointed Pan Renmei as the Marshal, with Huyan Zan and Gao Huaide as the vanguard and deputy vanguard, respectively. Leading an army of 100,000, they marched directly towards the border.
2. Unbeknownst to them, the Liao army was well-prepared. Upon seeing the Song forces, they offered no resistance, retreating steadily. Emperor Taizong and Pan Renmei, mistakenly believing the Liao soldiers were afraid, pressed forward in pursuit, chasing them all the way to the outskirts of Youzhou City.
3. They found the gates of Youzhou City wide open, with not a single defender inside. Pan Renmei wanted to lead the army directly into the city, but the Eighth Prince cautioned him: "The Liao soldiers' retreat without a fight is certainly a trick. We must not underestimate the enemy and fall for their bait."
4. Pan Renmei, however, ignored the Eighth Prince's advice and led his troops into Youzhou City. No sooner had they settled down than a scout rushed in to report that Liao soldiers were swarming from all directions, tightly encircling all four gates of Youzhou. Emperor Taizong was greatly alarmed by this news.
5. Deputy Vanguard Gao Huaide rose and declared, "When soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we cover it with earth. My Lord, there is no need to panic. Your humble servant will go and drive back the Liao soldiers." With that, he donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led five thousand men out of the West Gate.
6. He soon encountered U Tiebei, a formidable Liao general. U Tiebei shouted, "Listen, Song officers: You have fallen into our Marshal's trap! You are surrounded, and your retreat route has long been cut off. Why not surrender quickly?" Gao Huaide, enraged by this, raised his saber and charged.
7. The two warriors fought for over fifty bouts, with neither gaining a decisive advantage. U Tiebei thought to himself: "I cannot defeat him directly, so I will use a trick." With that, he turned his horse and feigned retreat. Gao Huaide, unaware of the deception, pursued him closely.
8. Just as he was about to catch up, Gao Huaide raised his saber for a powerful strike. U Tiebei blocked the saber with the hammer in his right hand, while simultaneously striking at Gao Huaide with the hammer in his left. Gao Huaide, being advanced in years and lacking strength, was caught off guard and knocked from his horse by U Tiebei's blow.
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