Quickly read Water Margin

Author: (Ming) Shi Nai'an / (Ming) Luo Guanzhong / Ziwei adapted
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The story takes place in the late Northern Song Dynasty, where internal turmoil and external threats plagued the nation. The emperor was incompetent, corrupt officials held power, the government was corrupt, the people were impoverished, and the northern Liao Kingdom continuously invaded, capturing cities, burning, killing, and looting, causing immense suffering to people of all social classes. With no hope for survival, the people were driven to Mount Liang, where they rebelled and rose up in defiance. These rebels included individuals from all walks of life, from the lower classes such as poor peasants, fishermen, beggars, jailers, soldiers, and servants, to officers, literati, nobles, and wealthy merchants. Song Jiang, a county official, emerged as their leader. He was known for his chivalry and willingness to help those in distress. The world's heroes called him "Jisiyu" ( ), and he was unanimously elected as their leader. Under his influence, a massive rebel army of tens of thousands, led by the 36 Heavenly Spirits, 72 Earthly Fiends, and 108 heroic figures, gathered at Mount Liang's Zongyi Hall () under the auspices of the auspicious yellow banner, fighting against government suppression, eliminating corrupt officials, aiding the poor at the expense of the rich, and upholding justice in the world, terrifying the corrupt officials and tyrants even in their dreams. However, guided by the ideology of serving the emperor and the nation, they accepted the government's amnesty. They fought against the Liao Kingdom's invasion, earning merits for the country. Yet when they turned their swords against the Fang La rebel group, also engaged in rebellion, although they achieved a final military victory and eliminated the government's greatest threat, they suffered heavy casualties among their brothers in battle. The remaining leaders were all betrayed and killed by the treacherous officials. The generation of heroes from Mount Liang ultimately disbanded, their spirits gathering at Lao'erwa (), amidst the vast waters, enduring the cycles of spring and autumn, reflected in the fading light of the setting sun, their voices silent in sorrow.