Water Margin

Chapter 9: Chai Jin Welcomes Guests from All Over the World; Lin Chong Defeats Instructor Hong with a Stick 

“Partridge Sky” Poem: 

A thousand ages of noble spirits gather at the Pavilion of Righteousness, 

Heroes and gallant men are truly awe-inspiring. 

If Wu Yong hadn't saved Lin Chong's life, 

How could Chai Jin gain his great fame? 

Men are fierce, horses are ferocious, 

Meeting to compete in martial arts, they discuss their expertise. 

Unleashing their skills in capturing tigers and dragons, 

To fight against those who move mountains and cross seas.

Just as Xue Ba raised his club with both hands, aiming to strike Lin Chong’s head, a thunderous noise rang out from behind a pine tree. A steel staff flew through the air, striking Xue Ba’s club and sending it flying out of sight. A large monk jumped out and shouted, “I’ve been listening to you for a long time!” The two guards looked at the monk, who was wearing a simple black robe, carrying a sword, and holding a steel staff, which he began to swing at them. 

Lin Chong, finally able to see, recognized the monk as Lu Zhishen. He quickly called out, “Brother, don’t hurt them! I have something to say.” Lu Zhishen paused, and the two guards stood frozen in fear. Lin Chong explained, “It’s not their fault. It was High Official Gao who instructed Inspector Lu to have them kill me. They couldn’t disobey him. If you kill them, it would be unjust.” 

Lu Zhishen took out his sword and cut the ropes binding Lin Chong, then helped him up. He said, “Brother, ever since we parted after buying that sword, I’ve been worried about you. I had no way to help you when you were taken by the authorities. I found out you were sentenced to exile in Cangzhou, and when I couldn’t find you at the capital’s main gate, I heard that the innkeeper had called two guards to speak with them. Suspecting they meant you harm, I followed them, staying at the same inn. I overheard them plotting to harm you and burn your feet with hot water. I wanted to kill them then, but there were too many people around, and I didn’t want to risk your safety. I’ve been following you ever since, waiting for them to make a move. When they brought you into this forest, I was ready to kill them.” 

Lin Chong urged, “Since you’ve saved me, please don’t kill them.” Lu Zhishen replied, “If it weren’t for you, I would have made mincemeat of these two scoundrels! But because of you, I’ll spare their lives.” He sheathed his sword and ordered, “You two scoundrels, help my brother, and follow me!” He led the way with his staff. The two guards, trembling, pleaded with Lin Chong, “Captain Lin, save us!” They picked up their bundles and weapons, helping Lin Chong carry his bundle as they left the forest together. After traveling for about three or four miles, they came across a small tavern at the edge of a village. The four of them entered and sat down. The scene inside was described as follows: 

With the road in front and the stream behind, 

Several tall willow trees cast cool shade, while sunflowers and pomegranates added bright colors. 

Outside, dense rows of hemp and wheat, 

In front of the windows, lotus flowers swayed. 

The wine flag danced gently in the breeze, shading from the scorching sun. 

Inside, clay jugs lined the walls, filled with cool, clear village brew; 

On the shelves, ceramic bottles held freshly made house wine. 

A white-haired old farmer scrubbed the dishes, 

A rosy-cheeked village girl smiled from behind the counter. 

Inside the village tavern, Zhishen, Chong, Chao, and Ba sat down, ordering seven pounds of meat and a couple of pints of wine, along with some flour to make pancakes. The waiter served the wine, and the two guards asked, “May we ask, where does the master reside?” Zhishen laughed and said, “Why do you want to know where I live? Do you plan to tell High Official Gao? Others may fear him, but I don’t. If I meet him, I’ll give him three hundred lashes.” The two guards dared not speak further. They ate and drank, packed their belongings, paid the bill, and left the tavern. Lin Chong asked, “Brother, where are we going?” Lu Zhishen replied, “If you save someone’s life, you must save them completely. I won’t leave you until you’re safely in Cangzhou.” The two guards exclaimed, “This is a disaster! Our plan is ruined; how will we explain this when we return?” But they had no choice but to follow him. 

As they traveled, Lu Zhishen led the way, deciding when to rest and when to move. The guards dared not resist him, fearing his temper. They traveled for two more days, eventually finding a cart for Lin Chong to rest in, while the three of them walked alongside. The guards, fearing for their lives, did everything to please Zhishen. He bought food and drink for Lin Chong along the way, and the guards cooked and prepared meals. They discussed, “We’re being controlled by this monk. If we return, High Official Gao will surely punish us.” Xue Ba said, “I’ve heard there’s a new monk named Lu Zhishen at the vegetable garden of the Grand Xiangguo Temple. It must be him. We’ll tell the truth when we return, saying we were ordered by High Official Gao to kill Lin Chong in the Wild Boar Forest, but this monk saved him and escorted him to Cangzhou, so we couldn’t do anything. We’ll return the gold and let Inspector Lu deal with the monk himself. We just need to keep ourselves safe.” Dong Chao agreed. Dong Chao said, “That makes sense.” The two of them secretly discussed the matter further, and left it at that. 

With Zhishen constantly watching over them, they traveled for another seventeen or eighteen days, getting within seventy miles of Cangzhou, where the road was populated and there were no secluded places. Zhishen, having confirmed the situation, decided to rest in a pine forest. He told Lin Chong, “Brother, Cangzhou isn’t far. The road ahead is full of people, and there are no secluded places. I have confirmed the situation. Now we must part ways. If fate allows, we will meet again.” Lin Chong said, “Brother, please inform my father-in-law of my situation. Your help is invaluable, and I will repay you in the future.” Zhishen gave Lin Chong another ten or twenty taels of silver, then gave three or four taels to the two guards, saying, “I could have cut off your heads in the forest, but I spared your lives because of my brother. There isn’t much distance left; don’t get any ideas.” The two guards replied, “We wouldn’t dare; we were just following orders.” They took the silver, ready to part ways. Zhishen looked at the guards and asked, “Is your head as hard as this pine tree?” The guards replied, “Our heads are just flesh and bone, sir.” Zhishen swung his staff, hitting a pine tree and making a two-inch-deep mark, snapping the tree in half. He shouted, “You scoundrels! If you have any ideas, your heads will end up like this tree.” He waved goodbye, saying, “Take care, brother!” and left. 

Dong Chao and Xue Ba were left stunned, their tongues sticking out in shock. Lin Chong said, “Let’s go.” The two guards muttered, “What a mad monk, breaking a tree with one blow!” Lin Chong said, “That’s nothing; at Xiangguo Temple, he pulled up a willow tree by the roots.” The two guards nodded in disbelief. The three of them left the pine forest and traveled until noon, spotting a tavern by the roadside. The scene was described as follows: 

An old road leads to a lonely village, with a tavern by the roadside. 

Willows droop over a beautiful banner, and the breeze flutters green curtains in an apricot village. 

Liu Ling sleeps peacefully on a painted bed, while Li Bai dreams of the wall art. 

Horses stop at the scent of wine, confirming the allure of the neighboring house; boats anchor, drawn by the aroma wafting ten miles. 

The village brew emboldens the farmer’s courage, and the rustic wine enhances the old man’s charm. 

The jade pendant left behind by an immortal, and the golden hairpin left by a minister, both find their way here. 

The three entered the tavern, and Lin Chong offered the two guards the seats of honor. Dong Chao and Xue Ba finally felt at ease after some time. The tavern was bustling, with several waiters running around, serving food and drinks. Lin Chong and the two guards sat for half an hour, but no one came to attend to them. Growing impatient, Lin Chong knocked on the table and said, “You, the tavern owner, are mistreating your guests. Just because I’m a convict, you ignore me? I’m not going to eat for free. What’s the meaning of this?” The owner replied, “You don’t understand my good intentions.” Lin Chong asked, “What good intentions are there in not selling me food and drink?” The tavern owner explained, “You don’t know, do you? In our village, there’s a great benefactor named Chai Jin, known as Little Whirlwind. He’s a direct descendant of the Zhou Dynasty’s Emperor Chai Shizong and has an imperial decree granting him special privileges. No one dares to bully him. He often hosts heroes from across the land, keeping thirty to fifty of them in his home. He always instructs us, ‘If any exiled convicts come to the tavern, send them to my estate, and I’ll help them.’ If I sell you food and drink, and you look well-off, he won’t assist you. I’m doing you a favor.” Lin Chong, upon hearing this, said to the two guards, “I’ve often heard of Chai Jin’s name while training soldiers in Dongjing. It turns out he’s here. Why don’t we go and seek refuge with him?” Dong Chao and Xue Ba thought, “Since that’s the case, it won’t harm us.” They packed up their belongings, and Lin Chong asked, “Tavern owner, where is Chai Jin’s estate? We want to seek him out.” The owner replied, “Just ahead, about three or four miles, near the big stone bridge. Turn the corner and you’ll see a large estate.” Lin Chong and the others thanked the tavern owner and left. Sure enough, after three or four miles, they reached a large stone bridge. Crossing the bridge, they followed a smooth road and soon saw a large estate shaded by green willows. The estate was surrounded by a wide river, with tall trees casting shadows over the walls. As they turned the corner and approached the estate, they saw a magnificent sight: 

The gate faces the Yellow Path, the mountain connects to the Azure Dragon.  

Thousands of peach trees bloom like in the Wuling Stream, a thousand flowers blossom like in the Jin Valley Garden.  

In the Hall of Gathering Heroes, rare flowers bloom year-round; in the Hall of Hundred Flowers, the scenery is as beautiful as spring all year round.  

A golden plaque with an imperial decree hangs in the hall; the house holds an iron-clad oath of loyalty.  

Red tiles and green tiles cover the nine-story hall; carved beams and painted rafters adorn the three-story pavilion.  

Generous and righteous, surpassing Zhuo Mao; welcoming heroes, excelling Tan Wen. 

The three arrived at the estate, where four or five servants sat on a wide plank bridge, enjoying the cool breeze. The three approached and greeted the servants. Lin Chong said, “Please inform the master that a convict named Lin from the capital seeks an audience.” The servants replied, “You’re out of luck. If the master were home, he’d offer you food and money. He went hunting early this morning.” Lin Chong asked, “Do you know when he’ll return?” The servant replied, “It’s hard to say. He might stay overnight at the east estate. We can’t promise anything.” Lin Chong said, “I must be unlucky to miss him. Let’s go.” They left the servants and retraced their steps, feeling troubled. After walking for half a mile, they saw a group of people and horses approaching from the forest. The group was composed of impressive individuals: 

Each person was handsome, and each one a hero.  

Dozens of fine horses galloped, several embroidered banners fluttered in the sunlight. 

Their felt hats were like overturned lotus leaves held high; their red tassels like blooming lotuses.  

In their flying fish bags, they carried delicate golden bows; in their lion’s heads, they carried neatly arranged, feathered arrows.  

They led sleek hounds to hunt deer and carried pairs of falcons for catching rabbits.  

The falcons were trained with silken leashes, and the hats had protective covers for their beaks.  

They carried sharp spears, and the glint of their blades could be seen at their sides.  

The beating drums and horns sounded from the saddle, echoing the air.  

The reins were tied with birds from the sky, and the saddles held beasts from the mountains.  

It was like the Jin King patrolling the purple border, or the Han Wu Emperor visiting Changyang. 

The group quickly rode to the estate, with an official in the center riding a white curly-haired horse. The man on the horse had dragon-like eyebrows and phoenix-like eyes, white teeth, and red lips, with a neatly trimmed beard. He appeared to be around thirty-four or thirty-five years old. He wore a black silk turban with floral decorations, a purple robe embroidered with dragon patterns, a jade belt around his waist, and black boots with green embroidery. He carried a bow and quiver of arrows and led the entourage to the estate. Lin Chong saw them and thought, “Could this be Chai Jin?” But he didn’t dare to ask and was hesitant. The young man on the horse rode forward and asked, “Who is the man wearing the cangue?” Lin Chong hurriedly bowed and replied, “I am Lin Chong, a former instructor of the imperial guards in Dongjing. I offended High Prefect Gao and was sentenced to exile in Cangzhou. I heard at a nearby tavern that a good man named Chai Jin lives here, who helps those in need. So I came to seek refuge.” The official dismounted swiftly and greeted him, saying, “Chai Jin failed to welcome you properly.” He bowed on the grass, and Lin Chong quickly returned the gesture. The official took Lin Chong’s hand and led him to the estate. The servants, seeing this, opened the gate wide. Chai Jin led Lin Chong to the main hall, where they exchanged courtesies. Chai Jin said, “I’ve long heard of your great name, Master Lin. I didn’t expect you to grace my humble abode today, fulfilling my long-held desire.” Lin Chong replied, “I, Lin Chong, have heard of your honorable name, known throughout the world, and deeply respected. I didn’t expect to meet you today due to my unfortunate circumstances, but I am grateful for this chance.” Chai Jin modestly declined, seating Lin Chong as the guest of honor. Dong Chao and Xue Ba also sat down. Chai Jin’s attendants took the horses to the rear courtyard to rest. 

Chai Jin then called for the servants to bring wine. Shortly, several servants brought out a platter of meat, a plate of cakes, and a warm jug of wine. Another platter contained a measure of white rice with ten strings of cash on top. Seeing this, Chai Jin scolded, “Villagers, you don’t know the significance! Master Lin is here, how could you treat him so lightly! Take these back and bring out the fruit boxes and wine, and prepare a lamb for the meal. Quickly, get things ready!” Lin Chong stood up and said, “There’s no need for such extravagance, Master Chai. This is more than enough, thank you.” Chai Jin replied, “Don’t say that. It’s an honor to have you here, we can’t be disrespectful!” The servants quickly obeyed, first bringing out the fruit boxes and wine. Chai Jin stood up, personally holding three cups. Lin Chong thanked Chai Jin and drank the wine; the two guards also drank. Chai Jin said, “Master Lin, please come inside for a while.” Chai Jin then took off his bow and quiver and invited the two guards to drink as well. Chai Jin took the main seat, Lin Chong sat as the guest of honor, and the two guards sat beside Lin Chong, chatting casually about various affairs and tales from the world of martial artists. 

As the sun set, they prepared a meal with seafood and fruit, arranging it on the table before each person. Chai Jin personally poured the wine, drinking three rounds before saying, “Let’s have some soup first.” They drank the soup and had five to seven more cups of wine when a servant came to announce, “The teacher has arrived.” Chai Jin said, “Invite him to join us.” A table was brought in. Lin Chong stood up and saw the teacher entering, wearing a slightly askew headscarf and strutting into the hall. Lin Chong thought, “The servants call him ‘teacher,’ so he must be Master Chai’s teacher.” He quickly bowed and said, “Lin Chong pays his respects.” The teacher paid him no attention and did not return the greeting. Lin Chong did not dare to lift his head. Chai Jin introduced Lin Chong to the teacher, saying, “This is Master Lin Chong, an instructor of the imperial guards in Dongjing, known for his spear and staff skills.” Lin Chong bowed again to the teacher. The teacher said, “No need to bow, get up,” without returning the courtesy. Chai Jin felt displeased seeing this. Lin Chong bowed twice, then stood up to offer the teacher a seat. The teacher, however, did not yield the seat and sat down at the head of the table. Chai Jin’s displeasure grew. Lin Chong had to sit below him, with the two guards seated as well. 

The teacher asked, “Master Chai, why are you treating this convict with such hospitality today?” Chai Jin replied, “This is not just any convict; he is an instructor of the imperial guards. Why treat him lightly?” The teacher said, “Master Chai, just because you like martial arts, many exiled soldiers come here, pretending to be martial arts instructors to get food and money. Why take this so seriously?” Lin Chong remained silent. Chai Jin said, “One cannot judge a person by their appearance. Don’t underestimate him.” The teacher took offense at Chai Jin’s words and stood up, saying, “I don’t believe it. If he can spar with me, I’ll acknowledge him as a true instructor.” Chai Jin laughed and said, “Very well. Master Lin, what do you say?” Lin Chong replied, “I dare not.” The teacher thought, “He must not know how to fight and is afraid.” This only made him more eager to challenge Lin Chong. Chai Jin wanted to see Lin Chong’s skills and also hoped that Lin Chong would defeat the teacher to put him in his place. Chai Jin said, “Let’s drink some wine and wait until the moon rises.” 

After having five to seven more cups of wine, the moon had risen, illuminating the hall as if it were daytime. Chai Jin stood up and said, “Let’s see a sparring match between the two masters.” Lin Chong thought to himself, “This Master Hong must be Chai Da Guanren’s teacher. It wouldn’t look good if I defeated him in one strike.” Seeing Lin Chong hesitate, Chai Jin added, “Master Hong hasn’t been here long, and there’s no one else to match him. Master Lin, please don’t decline; I truly want to see the skills of both masters.” Chai Jin said this to assure Lin Chong that he should not hold back out of concern for Chai Jin’s feelings. With Chai Jin’s encouragement, Lin Chong felt more at ease. Master Hong stood up and said, “Come, come, let’s see what you can do!” The group moved outside to an open area behind the hall. The servants brought a bundle of rods and laid them on the ground. Master Hong took off his outer garments, tied up his skirt, grabbed a rod, and performed some preparatory moves, shouting, “Come on, come on!” Chai Jin said, “Master Lin, please show your skills.” Lin Chong replied, “Please don’t laugh at me, Master Chai.” He then picked up a rod and said, “Teacher, please instruct me.” Seeing Lin Chong ready, Master Hong felt an intense desire to crush him. Lin Chong, holding the rod, used the “Shandong Daluo” technique to attack. Master Hong countered with a sweeping move and rushed at Lin Chong. Under the bright moonlight, the two masters clashed, making for a truly spectacular scene:  

The techniques of “Shandong Daluo” and “Hebei Jiaqiang” were showcased.  

The Daluo staff technique was like a loach spraying out of its hole, while the Jiaqiang staff technique was like pulling a giant python from its lair.  

The Daluo staff technique seemed to uproot monstrous trees, and the Jiaqiang staff technique resembled withered vines rolling across the ground.  

It was like two dragons fighting for a pearl in the ocean or two tigers battling for prey before a cliff. 

The two masters sparred for four or five rounds, but Lin Chong suddenly jumped out of the ring and shouted, “Let’s take a break!” Chai Jin asked, “Master, why aren’t you showing your skills?” Lin Chong replied, “I have lost.” Chai Jin asked, “How can you declare defeat without a clear outcome?” Lin Chong explained, “This shackle restricts me, so I concede.” Chai Jin laughed, “That was my oversight.” He then called for ten taels of silver. Chai Jin addressed the two guards, saying, “I boldly ask you to unlock Master Lin’s shackles. If there are any issues in the city tomorrow, they will be my responsibility. I will give you ten taels of silver.” Dong Chao and Xue Ba, impressed by Chai Jin’s imposing presence, dared not refuse, and gladly complied, happy to gain his favor and receive the silver. Xue Ba immediately unlocked Lin Chong’s protective shackle. Chai Jin was delighted and said, “Now, let’s see the masters spar again.” 

Master Hong, feeling superior, readied his rod for the match. Chai Jin interrupted, “Wait a moment.” He called for a silver ingot weighing twenty-five taels and soon had it brought before them. Chai Jin declared, “This contest between the two masters is no ordinary match; this silver ingot will be the prize. The winner takes it.” Chai Jin deliberately placed the silver on the ground, hoping Lin Chong would display his true skills. Master Hong, already displeased with Lin Chong, now also wanted the silver prize and feared losing his reputation. He performed his moves with full force, using the “Raising Fire to Burn the Sky” technique. Lin Chong thought, “Master Chai wants me to win.” He responded with the “Sweeping Grass to Find Snakes” technique. Master Hong shouted, “Come, come!” and attacked. Lin Chong retreated, and as Master Hong advanced and struck again, Lin Chong noticed his steps were unsteady. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Chong used a sweeping motion with his rod, striking Master Hong on the shinbone, causing him to drop his rod and fall to the ground. Chai Jin, overjoyed, called for wine and cups. Everyone laughed. Master Hong, unable to stand up, was helped away by the servants, humiliated. 

Chai Jin took Lin Chong by the hand and led him back to the hall for more wine. He offered the prize to Lin Chong, who reluctantly accepted after much persuasion. Chai Jin hosted Lin Chong for several more days, providing good food and drink. After another five to seven days, the two guards urged that it was time to leave. Chai Jin held another farewell banquet and gave Lin Chong two letters, saying, “The officials in Cangzhou are on good terms with me. Take these letters to the prison warden and the inspector; they will take care of you.” He also gave Lin Chong a twenty-five-tael silver ingot and five taels of silver to the two guards. They had a final feast that night. The next morning, after breakfast, the servants carried their luggage, and Lin Chong put on his shackles again. They bid farewell to Chai Jin at the estate gate, who promised to send winter clothes to Lin Chong later. Lin Chong expressed his gratitude, and the two guards also thanked Chai Jin. The three then set off for Cangzhou. 

By midday, they arrived in Cangzhou City. Although small, it had six main streets and three markets. They went to the government office, submitted their documents, and Lin Chong was brought before the governor. After registering Lin Chong, they received a receipt and a judgment to send him to the prison camp. The two guards received their paperwork and left for Dongjing, which is not mentioned further. Lin Chong was escorted to the prison camp. The camp was described as follows: 

High walls and strong gates, with a vast area and deep moat.  

Willows as green as smoke flanked the Tianwang Hall; a cluster of tall pines, green as ink, stood before the inspection hall.  

The inmates were all tough and sturdy, while the guards were as capable as dragon-tamers and tiger-binders.  

The camp housed the likes of Nie Zheng, Jing Ke, and deep-hidden heroes like Zhuan Zhu and Yu Rang. 

In the Cangzhou prison camp, Lin Chong was placed in a solitary cell, awaiting inspection. Other prisoners came to see him and said, “The officers here, especially the overseer and the wardens, are notorious for extorting money from prisoners. If you offer them bribes, they’ll treat you well; if not, they’ll throw you in a dirt cell, where you’ll suffer greatly. If they receive a bribe, they’ll pretend you’re sick and avoid the standard punishment of a hundred lashes. Otherwise, they’ll beat you to near death.” Lin Chong asked, “Brothers, how much money should I prepare?” They replied, “To get proper treatment, you’ll need to give the overseer five taels of silver and another five to the wardens.” Just as they were speaking, the warden came by and asked, “Who is the new convict?” Lin Chong stepped forward and replied, “That would be me.” Seeing that Lin Chong did not immediately offer a bribe, the warden’s demeanor changed, and he scolded, “You criminal, why didn’t you bow when you saw me? You must think highly of yourself, even after committing crimes in the capital. I can see from your face that you’re destined for nothing good. You’re just another stubborn prisoner who will end up in my hands, suffering greatly.” Lin Chong endured the scolding in silence, not daring to look up or respond, while the other prisoners quickly dispersed. 

After the warden’s outburst, Lin Chong fetched five taels of silver and, with a smile, said, “Brother Warden, please accept this small token of my appreciation.” The warden looked at the silver and asked, “Is this for both the overseer and me?” Lin Chong replied, “It’s just for you, Brother Warden. I’ll prepare another ten taels for the overseer.” The warden, seeing the silver, smiled and said, “I’ve heard of your good name, Lin Chong. You must be a good man, likely framed by Gao Qiu. Although you’re suffering now, you’ll surely rise again. With your reputation and character, you’re destined for great things.” Lin Chong replied, “All thanks to your care, Brother Warden.” The warden reassured him, “Don’t worry about it.” Lin Chong then handed over letters from Chai Jin, saying, “Brother Warden, could you please deliver these two letters?” The warden replied, “With a recommendation from Chai Jin, there’s no need to worry! These letters are worth their weight in gold. When the overseer comes to check on you and plans to administer the hundred lashes, just say you’ve been ill since your journey. I’ll take care of the rest and ensure you avoid any trouble.” Lin Chong thanked him for the advice. The warden took the silver and letters and left. Lin Chong sighed, thinking, “Money really can work wonders; it seems this hardship was inevitable.” The warden only handed over five taels of silver and the letters to the overseer, explaining, “Lin Chong is a good man. Chai Jin has recommended him, stating that Gao Qiu falsely accused him, resulting in his exile here. He hasn’t committed any serious crime.” The overseer, acknowledging Chai Jin’s recommendation, said, “Since Chai Jin has sent a letter, we must take care of him.” He then ordered Lin Chong to come and see him. 

Lin Chong, sitting idly in his cell, was summoned to the hall by an officer. The overseer addressed him, “New convicts must receive a hundred lashes as per the old imperial decree. Take him away.” Lin Chong pleaded, “I’ve caught a cold on the way here and haven’t recovered yet. Please be lenient.” The warden interjected, “This man is ill; please show mercy.” The overseer decided to postpone the punishment until Lin Chong recovered. The warden then arranged for Lin Chong to guard the Tianwang Hall, the easiest duty in the camp, involving only incense burning and cleaning. The warden reassured Lin Chong, “Consider yourself lucky. Other prisoners work from dawn till dusk without rest, and some are left in dirt cells, barely alive.” Lin Chong thanked him and offered another two or three taels of silver, asking if the warden could remove his chains. The warden agreed, reported to the overseer, and had Lin Chong’s chains removed. From then on, Lin Chong lived relatively freely in the Tianwang Hall, taking care of daily tasks without interference. Chai Jin even sent winter clothes and other necessities. Lin Chong, in turn, helped the other prisoners when he could. 

As winter deepened, one day, around noon, Lin Chong wandered outside the camp. Suddenly, he heard someone call out, “Lin Chong, what are you doing here?” Lin Chong turned around and saw someone, leading to: 

Lin Chong, in the midst of smoke and fire, nearly lost his life; on the snowy road, he narrowly escaped severe injury.  

He would go on to join the ranks at Yan City, raising flags at Liangshan Marsh.  

Who did Lin Chong meet? Find out in the next chapter.