Water Margin, Chapter 8 summary

What happens

1. Lu Zhishen stops Xue Ba’s attack, spares both escorts at Lin Chong’s request, and guards the journey until the road becomes safer.
2. An innkeeper directs Lin Chong to Chai Jin, who welcomes him warmly and provides an elaborate feast.
3. Instructor Hong challenges Lin Chong, who defeats him after Chai Jin pays the escorts to remove his cangue.
4. Chai Jin gives Lin Chong silver and recommendation letters before the escorts deliver him to the Cangzhou authorities.
5. Bribes and Chai Jin’s letters help Lin Chong postpone a beating and obtain light duties at a temple.
6. After forty or fifty days, Lin Chong hears someone call him outside the camp and turns to look.

In this chapter

What to notice

Chai Jin rejects Hong’s contempt for Lin Chong’s prisoner status. The contest confirms that outward disgrace does not erase martial skill.

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