The legends of the generals of the Yang family are widespread and famous in Daicheng County. According to historical research, Daicheng county is where Yang Yanzhao, also called Yang Liulang, lived and battled. The legends of Yang Liulang in Daicheng County are characterized with local features, different from the novel, the Generals of the Yang Family. 

It was said that Daicheng County was the hometown of Wang Huainv, a ugle female warrior. When she grew up, Yang Lang broke the vow of doll marriage arrangement with Wang Huainv and married a beautiful princess. Many villages got their name after the stories between Wang and Yang. It was said that Wang Huainv once visited Yang Liulang for their marriage. Reluctant to marry such a strong but ugly wife, Yang Liulang selected trial by battle and finally was defeated. However, Yang still refused to confess his error and to marry Wang. Angry Wang signed: “You, my husband who would do rather than Zhao!” Zhao means confessing someone’s mistakes in Chinese. Since then, a village got its name Nan Zhao Fu, whose homophonous meaning is that Wang’s husband are reluctant to confess in Chinese. 

There is a place named Ma Liu Lang which means swearing at Yang Liulang and is named after a story that Wang Huainv swore at Yang Liulang as a unfaithful lover. Hearing of the curse, Yang Liulang hurried to lead his horse and caught the ferry. So there was a village called Qian Ma Du. After crossing the river, sad Wang Huainv pursued and snarled: “Do you love Nu”? Nu is modest expression when women were introducing herself in ancient time. Since then, the place name Ai Nu or Love of Nu was left. 

There was also a legend of Yang Liulang that Yang Liulang with his soldiers attacked the enemy under the cover of darkness. After the war, unprepared enemies fled in panic, with many Ma An (saddles) left. To praise and commemorate Yang Liulang’s bravery and wisdom, a village was renamed Guang An, which means security and happiness. 

Translator: ZHANG Ruochen

Reviewer: SHI Meiling