Xiao Tianzuo of the Liao Dynasty deployed the Heavenly Gate Formation. Yang Zongbao, while seeking reinforcements, strayed into Mu Guiying's battle array and was captured. Guiying, admiring Zongbao's virtue and bearing, wedded him. Upon learning of his son's capture, Yang Yanzhao personally came to rescue him. Mu Guiying engaged him in combat, unaware that her father-in-law had arrived, and struck him from his horse. Yang Yanzhao, filled with shame and resentment, withdrew.

 

Zongbao returned to camp. Yang Yanzhao angrily reprimanded his son for violating military orders at Mu Kezhai by proposing marriage in the midst of battle, and ordered his beheading. His generals Jiao Zan and Meng Liang, along with his elderly mother Lady She and the Eighth Prince Zhao Defang, pleaded for mercy in turn, but to no avail. At that moment, Mu Guiying arrived bearing the Dragon-Subduing Wood, accompanied by her household guards and retainers, to pledge allegiance to the Song. She offered to lead the assault against the Heavenly Gate Formation in exchange for sparing Yang Zongbao. Yang Yanzhao accepted her proposal, pardoned his son, and Mu Guiying subsequently led the vanguard in a decisive victory over the formation.

 

 

 

Wu Opera is an art form of traditional Chinese theater that combines music, vocal performance, mine, dance and martial arts. It is the second major theatrical genre in Zhejiang, with a history of over 400 years. It has a longer history than the world-famous Peking Opera. Since Wu Opera had a profound influence on the evolvement and development of Peking Opera, it was considered as the forefather of Peking Opera by the legendary opera artist Mei Langfang. The performing art was extremely popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the most important cultural treasures of China. It’s based in Jinhua City of Zhejiang Province, in southeastern China. In recent years, following the rapid and dramatic changes in concepts and lifestyles of the Chinese people, the survival of Wu Opera is facing a big challenge. The art form is losing audiences especially among the younger generation. However, the city’s government and the bearers of Wu Opera are sparing no effort to ensure the form’s survival.