Chao Gai sends a confidant to a fishing village in search of a few good men with no compunctions about theft.
Our story shifts to rural village life, which apparently includes receiving uninvited visitors from near and far, some of whom hit you up for food and wine in the middle of the night while others come bearing presents, of a sort.
A quick look at currencies, income, and living expenses during the Northern Song.
It slices. It dices. It probably shouldn’t be sold on a busy street in the capital. But wait, there’s more!
Lin Chong really wants to join the bandits on Liangshan, but the initiation is murder.
Meet the new Lin Chong, stabber of hearts, remover of heads, and burner of old men’s beards.
A look at the growth of Buddhism during the Northern Song and the religion’s relationship with the imperial government.
Just as Lin Chong starts to settle into his new life at the penal colony, his past pays him a visit.
Lin Chong finds out first-hand that cash really does rule everything around you, especially when you’re caught up in the ancient Chinese legal system
Shady backroom deals, morally flexible guards, and a stretch of dodgy woods: Things are not looking good for Lin Chong.