Water Margin, Part 1 summary
Part 1 of 71 · 22 min to read the part
In Prologue: Celestial Master Zhang Prays to End the Plague Grand Marshal Hong Unwi, Hong Xin seeks Taoist help against a devastating epidemic but forces open a sealed chamber and releases 108 demons. The Celestial Master ends the plague, while Hong conceals his dangerous act and receives an imperial reward.
What happens
- After describing the Song rulers and their prosperity, the narrator introduces a plague that resists medicine, tax relief, pardons, and religious rites.
- Emperor Renzong sends Hong Xin to summon Celestial Master Zhang after Fan Zhongyan recommends a special ritual.
- Hong climbs Mount Longhu, encounters a tiger and snake, and unknowingly meets the Celestial Master disguised as a herdboy.
- During a palace tour, Hong threatens the Taoists until they open a forbidden hall, then orders excavation beneath an inscribed stele.
- Black vapor escapes the pit, and the presiding master explains that Hong releases 108 imprisoned demons.
- Hong conceals the escape, returns to a capital freed from plague by the Celestial Master, and receives a reward.
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In this part
What to notice
The warning makes the danger explicit before Hong forces entry. His refusal to listen turns an official mission into a release of destructive beings.
Quick check
Why does Hong order the stone stele removed?
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