Water Margin, Chapter 40 summary
Chapter 40 of 71 · 30 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 40, Song Jiang directs a raid on Huang Wenbing’s household, and Zhang Shun and Li Jun capture Huang Wenbing before Li Kui kills him. Song Jiang then commits himself to Liangshan Marsh, recruits four mountain leaders on the journey, and accepts second place beneath Chao Gai at the stronghold.
What happens
- The rescuers defeat pursuing Jiangzhou troops and gather at Mu Hong’s estate, where Song Jiang insists on immediate revenge.
- Xue Yong brings Hou Jian, whose knowledge of Huang Wenbing’s household helps Song Jiang arrange a night attack.
- The attackers enter Wuwei, slaughter Huang Wenbing’s household, seize valuables, and burn his house while he remains absent.
- Li Jun and Zhang Shun capture Huang Wenbing on the river, and Li Kui tortures and kills him at the manor.
- Song Jiang commits to Liangshan, and four leaders at Huangmen Mountain join the traveling company.
- Liangshan welcomes forty leaders; Song Jiang accepts second place, then requests leave for an unexplained journey.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Song Jiang proposes separating established leaders from newcomers rather than immediately comparing achievements. This settles seating after he refuses Chao Gai’s offer of supreme leadership.
Quick check
Who pulls Huang Wenbing out of the river?
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