Chinese Name: Jiang Jing

Japanese Name: Shinsanshi Shōkei

Rank: 53rd of the 108 Stars of Destiny 

Nickname: Devine Mathematician 

Jiang Jing was a scholar, very gifted in his use of the abacus, and known for exacting work with never the slightest mistake for even the most intricate of calculations. Despite this, he had failed the examinations which would have allowed him to become a government official. Frustrated, he switched his studies to military exercises and training, and with his combined skills he became one of the four chiefs leading the bandit gang at Huangmen Mountain. 

Song Jiang (plate 107) was returning with his rescuers, Chao Gai and their comrades, to Liangshan Marsh—they had saved him from execution at Jiangzhou Prison (see plates 35 & 36 for story details). Along the way, they came across Jiang Jing and the other three chiefs at Huangmen Mountain: Tao Zongwang (plate 38); Ma Lin (plate 54); and Ou Peng (plate 60). They had heard of Song Jiang’s imprisonment at Jiangzhou and had intended to liberate him themselves. One of their spies informed them, however, that he had already been rescued by another gang of bandits, and they decided to wait along the road for them to pass so they could show their respects and throw them a banquet. Song Jiang was very honored and appreciative of this and they returned to the Huangmen Mountain stronghold for a feast. 

After much eating and drinking, Song Jiang asked the leaders if they would consider merging their group with the legion at Liangshan Marsh. Jiang Jing and the other three leaders unanimously agreed, and after a day spent packing up the stronghold, they all journeyed to Liangshan Marsh. 

Jiang Jing is seen here with his abacus which he used to keep track of grain stock, finance, and logistics at Liangshan Marsh. 

Isaac Nichols original