Chinese name: Chai Jin

Japanese Name: Shōsenpū Saishin 

Rank: 10th of the 108 Stars of Destiny 

Nickname: Little Whirlwind 

Chai Jin was a wealthy man of leisure and great admirer of heroes and outlaws. His ancestors had been granted the “Wrought Iron Pledge” by the first Song Emperor which gave his family immunity from prosecution for all but capitol crimes. That immunity passed down through the generations to Chai Jin who made use of it by giving refuge to outlaws and heroes on the run from the law. During the course of the novel, he sheltered Lin Chong (plate 19), Song Jiang (plate 107), and Wu Song (plate 23), as they each evaded capture from authorities.  

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Chai Jin finally turned brigand himself when his uncle was beaten to death by Yin Tianxi’s thugs. Yin Tianxi was the brother-in-law of Gao Lian who was the new prefect of the area. Chai Jin’s uncle owned a mansion with a beautiful garden, and Yin Tianxi, taking advantage of his family's influence, demanded the mansion be turned over to him. Chai Jin’s uncle refused to surrender his home and Yin Tianxi sent his thugs to change his mind.

After his uncle had been killed, Chai Jin went with Li Kui (plates 36; 81, 107) to defend his uncle’s home. In the ensuing conflict, Li Kui beat Yin Tianxi to death. Furious, Gao Lian dismissed the Wrought Iron Pledge held by Chai Jin’s family, and ordered his arrest—Chai Jin was captured and imprisoned. He was rescued by the Liangshan outlaws, and realizing his family’s Wrought Iron Pledge no longer held any relevance, he joined the legions of bandits at Liangshan Marsh.  

Chai Jin is depicted here on one of the many hunting trips he would go on before becoming an outlaw. 

Isaac Nichols Original