To retaliate against Liangshan for killing his cousin Gao Lian, Grand Marshal Gao Qiu sends imperial general Huyan Zhuo on a military attack to wipe out the outlaws. Huyan has the upper hand when he deploys his cavalry consisting of groups of chain-linked armoured horses which charge as one at the Liangshan force. The outlaws have to hole up behind the marsh as they work out how to counter-attack. As no one has a solution, Tang Long steps forth to recommend his cousin Xu Ning, an imperial troops instructor at the imperial capital Dongjing, who he says could fell Huyan's cavalry with his skillful use of the hooked lance.