Quick Read of Water Margin (Classic Edition)

Author: Shi Nai'an (Ming), Luo Guanzhong
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 country. 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 deep suffering to people of all social classes. With no hope for survival, the people were forced to turn to rebellion, rising up in defiance. These rebels included people 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, became their leader. He was known for his chivalry and willingness to help those in need. The heroes of the world called him "Jishiyu" ( ), and he was unanimously chosen as their leader. Under his influence, a rebel army of tens of thousands, led by the 36 Heavenly Spirits, 72 Earthly Fiends, and 108 heroes, gathered at the "Zhongyi Tang" () meeting hall on Liangshan Marsh under the auspicious banner of "" (carrying out the Mandate of Heaven), resisting the suppression of imperial forces, eliminating corrupt officials, aiding the poor at the expense of the rich, and upholding justice in the world, making corrupt officials and tyrants tremble in their sleep. 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, achieving merits for the country. Yet when they turned their swords against Fang La's rebel group, also considered traitors, although they won the final military victory and eliminated the government's greatest threat, they suffered heavy casualties among their brothers in arms. The remaining leaders were betrayed and killed by corrupt officials' schemes. The generation of Water Margin heroes ultimately disbanded, their spirits gathering at Lao'erwa, amidst the vast Liangshan Marsh. They endured the cycles of spring and autumn, their reflections cast in the fading light of the setting sun, their voices silent in their grief.