Water Margin

Introduction

One thousand years ago in ancient China at the time of the Tsung dynasty there was a cruel and corrupt government. Heroes have become outlaws who have been driven to live in the Water Margins of Liang Shan Po far to the south of the capital city. Each fights Tyranny with a price on his head in a world very different from our own. The story starts in legend even then for our heroes it was said, were the souls reborn of other earlier Knights.

Episode Guide

  1. Nine Dozen Heroes And One Wicked Man
  2. None Will Ever Escape Alive
  3. Both At Last Will Reach The Sea
  4. Ever Busy Are The Gods Of Love
  5. A Treasure Of Gold And Jade
  6. Bandits Who Steal Are Executed
  7. How Easy To Die, How Hard To Live
  8. A Man's Only Happiness
  9. A Dutiful Son And The Love Of A Brother
  10. Escape Is Not Freedom
  11. The Girl Who Loved The Flower Priest
  12. Kao Chiu Loses His Heart
  13. When Liang Shan Po Robbed The Poor
  14. A Death For Love, More Deaths For Greed
  15. The Bravest Tiger Is The First Killed
  16. Heaven Aims The Master's Arrow
  17. The Traps Of Love And Hate
  18. A Foolish Sage Who Got Involved
  19. Mourn The Slaughter Of So Many
  20. A War To End All Wars
  21. Death Of A Great Man
  22. Lin Chung Is Beaten
  23. A Concubine's Dowry
  24. Liang Shan Po Amd The Millionaire
  25. Knight Of The Long Sword
  26. The Dynasty Of Kao

  1. Nine Dozen Heroes And One Wicked Man
    The Emperor dispatches his favourite Kao Chiu to the sacred mountains to exocise the evil that has struck a terrible plague onto his people. Flauting his authority Kao Chiu orders the high priests to open the pit sealed by the Emperor. In the pit lay the souls of 9 dozen rebel knights, once released they become the 108 outlaws of the Water Margins. Meanwhile, Lin Chung, unaware of the fate that lies in store, has been disgraced by Kao Chiu's evil plot, and discharged from the Imperial Guard.

  2. None Will Ever Escape Alive
    Lin Chung accepts his punishment and journeys to Tsang Chou jail. On route Lin Chung survives Kao Chiu's assassination attempt to encounter a band of rebel outlaws sympathetic to his predicament who try to persuade him to join. Chung refuses to escape or join the rebels, preferring to accept his sentence. Once imprisoned, Lin Chung soon earns the respect of the head guard Lu Ta, but as events draw to a close soon Chung must escape and choose his path.

  3. Both At Last Will Reach The Sea
    Yung Chih 'Blue Face', one of the few honorable men in government, has been banished to a distant province. His orders - to capture and kill Lin Chung. Lin Chung meanwhile huries relentlessly through the country in search of his wife he has had to leave behind. Victory is the result of strategy and soon Lin Chung must face Yung Chih in a duel that will decide the fate of both his wife and Chung himself.

  4. Ever Busy Are The Gods Of Love
    With Lin Chung now at Liang Shan Po the union of the rebel knights has begun. Hearing this news the 'Tiger Hunter' Wu Sung heads for the Water Margins. Shih Chin 'Tattooed Dragon' has already joined the mountain bandits led by Chu Wu, but in persuit of his true love he is captured and faces certain death. Now Lin Chung must unite with Chu Wu and Lu Ta the guard he once befriended at Tsang Chou jail. Together with the 'Tiger Hunter' they plan the daring rescue of Shih Chin.

  5. A Treasure Of Gold And Jade
    The evil Kao Chiu not content with being head of the army and Viceroy, plots with his brother-in-law to become Prime Minister aswell. Yung Chih is given the chance to redeem himself for his earlier failure is given the task of guarding the Tax Collections destined for Kao Chiu. Liang Shan Po soon learn that the huge fortune is on the move and mobilize a force to intercept this treasure. Also on the same course are a small band lead by Chao Kai, a respected nobleman. With him rides Lu Ta 'The Flower Priest' and Hu San-Niang.

  6. Bandits Who Steal Are Executed
    Kao Chiu dispatches his forces to all corners of the empire in search of his stolen treasure. He soon discovers the identity of those involved and issues the arrest of Chao Kai. Liang Shan Po hearing this news send Lin Chung to rescue both the fortune and Chao Kai. Eager to capture both treasure and outlaw Kao Chiu lures Wang Lung, head of the rebels into a trap which he hopes will betray the defences of Liang Shan Po and deliver both into his hands.

  7. How Easy To Die, How Hard To Live
    Kao Chiu is sent the head of Wang Lung, purturbed by this Kao hatches another plot against Liang Shan Po. The good judge Sung Chiang is sent to investigate Yen Po-Hsi. She seduces Sung Chiang and steals vital information concerning Liang Shan Po. The judge has no option and is forced to kill her. Now a fugitive, he seeks refuge with Lord Chai Chin and his mighty companion the 'Black Whirlwind', Li Kwei. However, only Lin Chung's intervention at the battle of the 'shallow river of the dead' can now save the Judge.

  8. A Man's Only Happiness
    Sung Chiang, not yet willing to join Liang Shan Po seeks the council of his friend Hua Yung, prefect of Ching Feng. Meanwhile in the same province Hsiu Lan, the wife of one of Kao's officers is captured by bandits of which the 'Tattooed Dragon' Shih Chin is now a member. Also captured is Sung Chiang. Realizing the identity of the prisoners Shih Chin persuades the bandits to free them. Hsiu Lan, fearing her illicit affair with the chief bandit will be revealed to her husband denounces Shih Chin and Sung Chiang as her captors. Lin Chung must now rescue and seek to unite them to the justice and honour of Liang Shan Po.

  9. A Dutiful Son And The Love Of A Brother
    Recruits to the forces of Lin Chung at Liang Shan Po increase. Kao Chiu fumes, still unable to destroy his enemy, but Kao's arm is long and his cunning biundless. Newly appointed and ambitious, Huang Wen-Ping however, has a plan of his own. With Kao's blessing he plans to capture Sung Chiang and lure Lin Chung and Liang Shan Po to its destruction. Sentenced to Chiang Chow jail Sung Chiang must now keep his wits about him.

  10. Escape Is Not Freedom
    From Liang Shan Po, Wu Sung the 'Tiger Hunter' arrives at Chiang Chow jail, disobeying Lin Chung's instructions, he was meeting with Liang Shan Po's new friend Chang Shun - a local fisherman who shares his concern of the fate of Sung Chiang. Tortured and beaten Sung Chiang confesses to the crime he is charged with, Huang Wen-Ping plans an early execution to draw Lin Chung into his trap. The men at Liang Shan Po are coming, but so is Lin Chung's sworn enemy Kao Chiu.

  11. The Girl Who Loved The Flower Priest
    Kao Chiu's evil reign has spread far and wide, driving the ruthless to more corruption. Chin Mao Hu is such a man. He and his rebel mountain bandits, whose cruelty and greed are unmatched have spread hunger and death across the province. Chin Mao Hu rides to Kao Chiu seeking a commission in the army. In return he promises to deliver Liang Shan Po into his hands. Lu Ta the 'Flower Priest' encounters Yung Chih 'Blue Face' who is roaming this province in disgrace. Lu Ta's heart hangs heavy for the songbird currently held captive by the rebels. Once enemies, he and the honourable 'Blue Face' plan to overthrow the bandits of Two Dragon Mountain.

  12. Kao Chiu Loses His Heart
    Kao Chiu's obsession with the destruction of Lin Chung and the outlaws of Liang Shan Po is increasing with hellbent intensity. An investigation launched to establish supporters of the outlaw rebels reveals Hua Yung as a major conspirator. In hiding, Hua Yung is travelling anonymously with the water-circus, his destination the safety of Liang Shan Po. Kao's wicked and cunning plot ensures Hua Yung's brother must reveal the whereabouts and betray the fugitive.

  13. When Liang Shan Po Robbed The Poor
    Kao Chiu consumed by greed is now plotting to overthrow the Prime Minister, whom he accuses of being lax in collecting taxes. Prime Minister Chi Ching, a man as venal as Kao himself, blames Liang Shan Po and orders Kao to deal with the bandits before he makes such a reproach. Kao now infuriated, allies himself with the Chu brothers, officers of the guard. Under Kao's instruction they raid several of the tax collections on route to the Capital, ensuring they leave Liang Shan Po's flag claiming responsibility. Lin Chung soon hears of this and is drawn to investigate, now Kao's evil plot has hatched.

  14. A Death For Love, More Deaths For Greed
    The web, spun by Kao Chiu has caught Tai Tsung and Yen Li, both are now prisoners at the mercy of the Chu brothers. Meanwhile, back in the Capital city the Prime Minister accuses Kao of conspiring to steal imperial taxes. Unfortunately for the Prime Minister he has under estimated Kao's cunning. Five hundred miles away back at the Chu brothers' castle, Lin Chung and Liang Shan Po are attempting to rescue Tai Tsung. Even though so far away, each sword cut, drop of blood and every death is Kao Chiu's doing. With the impending battle ahead Liang Shan Po must "strive for justice on heaven's behalf".

  15. The Bravest Tiger Is The First Killed
    The Squire of Kuang Chow has been ordered by Kao Chiu to end the recent raids on the tax collections in his province. Fearing for his life, the Squire sends a spy into the heart of Liang Shan Po. Ju Hai, a corrupt priest, befriends Lu Ta and enters Liang Shan Po under the pretext of exorcising the evil spirit that has plagued stricken Liang Shan Po's forces. Gaining the confidence of Lu Ta, he begins to sketch out th defence plans in readiness for an attack. Ju Hai's masterly deception also lures Lu Ta from the safety of Liang Shan Po to a fateful encounter with his dying mother.

  16. Heaven Aims The Master's Arrow
    Squire Kuang and his brothers, hearing the news that Lin Chung and Hua Yang are certain to visit Hua Yang's old archery teacher, set a trap. Kao Chiu is also due to arrive in the province of Kuang Chow. He plans to steal the Emperor's jade and use Lin Chung as the scape-goat. Lin Chung and Kao Chiu find themselves face to face. With Lin Chung out-numbered, the people are at last driven to act.

  17. The Traps Of Love And Hate
    The great Duke Chai Huen Chen and his nephew Sai Chin meet Kao Chiu in the Emperor's antechamber. Sai Chin is a suspected Liang Shan Po sympathizer but with the Emperor's announcement that he wishes to marry the Duke's niece Li Hua, the Chai family will have great power in the Emperor's court. Kao Chiu must act swiftly to protect his position and plots the downfall of the Chai family. Lin Chung is also in the capital under the watchful eye of the Tattooed Dragon and Hu San-niang. Lin Chung must help Sai Chin and face Kao Chiu once again.

  18. A Foolish Sage Who Got Involved
    Lin Chung heads north with Li Hua back to the province Kao-Tang Chow. A province rich in treasure and still untouched by Kao's reign. Now with the Duke's death Kao orders a great army lead by the Mongol Kao Lien to conquer these lands and catch Lin Chung. Kao Lien, a master of black magic, surrounds Kao-Tang Chow. Lin Chung must lead the people to the safety of Liang Shan Po, but to defeat the black magic possessed by the Mongol, Lin Chung will need the assistance of Kung Sun Cheng.

  19. Mourn The Slaughter Of So Many
    China is under threat, General Huang Lung has been defeated and his army wiped-out by the invading Hun forces. Kao Chiu acts swiftly to apease the Emperor. He recalls the good General Hu Yen-Cho from political exile to lead China's main force against the invaders. With a string of successful campaigns the good General soon defeats the invaders. Kao Chiu must now make political manoeuvres to ally himself with China's hero. He hatches a plan that will draw the General's attention to his former officer Lin Chung and the destruction of Liang Shan Po.

  20. A War To End All Wars
    At the invitation of Kao Chiu, Gunpowder Hong and his son are on their way to the Capital City. In return for the secret of Gunpowder, Kao has promised a scholarship for his son. Unfortunately for Kao, Gunpowder Hong and his son have had to take refuge at Liang Shan Po. Lin Chung and the rebel Knights must persuade Hong to stay and teach Liang Shan Po the secret of Gunpowder. Lin Chung knows a weapon of such destruction in the wrong hands would bring great devastation to Mankind.

  21. Death Of A Great Man
    The Tsung army from the borders of Manchuria have fought their way into China. Tseng Lung and his five sons arrive in Choa Kai's village of Tung-Chi. Under the promises of great rewards in return for the destruction of Liang Shan Po the Tseng's lure Choa Kai to his village. With Lin Chung caught and held to ransom, Choa Kai and the Knights of Liang Shan Po are forced to act.

  22. Lin Chung Is Beaten
    Lin Chung, still held by the Tseng's and with Choa Kai now assassinated, Kao Chiu rides swiftly to Tung-Chi to gloat on his victory. Liang Shan Po meanwhile infiltrate the village in various disguises, gaining the confidence of the Manchurian bandits with many tricks. Hu San-niang, using her beauty sets the brothers Tseng against each other. As they fight for her affections the diversion created signals for the heroes to attack. With Kao Chiu close to hand, the rebel Knights must battle with fury in defence of right and liberty.

  23. A Concubine's Dowry
    Kao Chiu continues to corrupt the boy Emperor, ensuring he is surrounded only with the weak and self-indulgent. He is, however, becoming more independent and soon falls for the affections of a courtesan called Li Chih. Kao is pleased with the diversion, but fearing the Emperor may grow tired of the concubine, he plans to bring Feng Hsien, daughter of Cina's wealthiest nobleman, to the city. Shih Chin and Lu Ta are also in the capitl to meet the beautiful Li Chih. In a fateful encounter our heroes meet the Emperor, an opportunity now arises for Liang Shan Po to reveal Kao's cruel and corrupt Government once and for all.

  24. Liang Shan Po Amd The Millionaire
    Kao's brother-in-law Liang Chung Shu is the governor of Peking, also home to the wealthy Lu Chin-I. His wife and Liang Chung Shu are lovers and together have conspired to steal Lu Chin-I's fortune. A fortune equally important to the future of Liang Shan Po. When the Tattooed Dragon returns Feng Hsien safely to her father, Liang Chung Shu openly accuses Lu Chin-I of treason. Hearing the news, Lin Chung and Liang Shan Po seek to aid the noble Lu Chin-I. An action which brings a new leader to Liang Shan Po.

  25. Knight Of The Long Sword
    Kao Chiu has, without the Emperor's seal, declared martial law in the Capital City. He recalls General Kuang Sheng from the northern borders, where he has been defending the great wall against the Hun. Kao Chiu realises the General, Lin Chung's former Commander, is the only man left in China that can defeat Liang Shan Po. Kao, now ever more cunning, plots for one last time to rid himself of Lin Chung and begin the Dynasty of Kao. Kao has, as it began, inadvertantly lead Kuang Sheng, the last of the nine dozen heroes, to join Liang Shan Po. The prophecy is now complete.

  26. The Dynasty Of Kao
    The nine dozen heroes of the Water Margin's of Liang Shan Po have now gathered like storm clouds to the south of the Capital City. Kao Chiu, like a crazed tiger plots to deliver his final stroke. He plans to kill the Emperor and end the Tsung Dynasty. The Emperor must now act against China's most evil enemy. He calls the support of Lin Chung. Lin Chung once again speeds to the Capital City to aid the Emeror. Meanwhile, thousands of peasants join the forces of Liang Shan Po as every last man is mobilised to attack the Capital. The revolt has finally begun with the city. Kao Chiu's evil reign is all but over. Kao flees to the desert, Lin Chung rides to confront Kao for one last time.

The ancient sages said :-

" Do not despise the snake for having no horns,
for who is to say it will not become a dragon ? "

" Heroes may not know what heavens purpose with them is,
be they brave or foolish men. "
" The sea is Lord of a thousand streams,
but only because it stays below them. "
" Love which is true because it is selfless transcends tragedy and death,
there will be another day and another, a yielding tongue endure while teeth which are rigid decay and break, a loveless man is dead, one wrong is righted. "
" He who knows he has enough is already rich. "
" From evil came good for it is truely written evil must have good to food upon and then destroys itself. "
" Better to feel winter's wind than a Tiger's breath upon you. "
" In life the only certainty is change. "
" Wisdom like gold may be found anywhere, weapons are an important factor in war, but not the decisive factor. It is people, not things that are decisive. Only lies need to be imposed by force, the truth defends itself. "
" Nothing happens ever but destiny finds some use for it, for a path is made only by walking on it. "
" The difference between the worst and the best of us is no more than the thickness of the wing of a butterfly and in that tiny separation is everything and nothing. "
" To achieve wisdom is most difficult for the man cursed by cleverness, the bravest tiger is the first killed. "
" The future is there already, though the sage does not seek to know it for all such knowledge is useless, there is only now. The way of the Tao is to live each moment now and without fear of man or heaven. "
" The world is ruled by letting things take their course, it cannot truly be changed by interference. "
" If a man can change when the time has come to change, then he will become great. "
" If life and death are taken too lightly we may forget that we are all transient waves on the same ocean. "
" The strong should give strength gradually to the weak, lest the swollen river burst its dam. "
" We are born good, but we learn wisdom slowly from the wise and the loving. "
" What is the meaning of life ? You must make it for yourself, if you do it may not be yet another illusion. "