38: Tao Zongwang: Isaac Nichols
38: Tao Zongwang: Isaac Nichols
11” x 14”
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
Chinese Name: Tao Zongwang
Japanese Name: Kyūbiki Tōsōō
Rank: 75th of the 108 Stars of Destiny
Nickname: Nine Tailed Tortoise
Tao Zongwang was originally a farmer from Guangzhou who had become very adept at fighting with a hoe but later became equally skilled with a sword and spear. He is introduced in the story as one of the four chiefs leading the bandit gang at Huangmen Mountain.
Song Jiang (plate 107) was returning with Chao Gai and their comrades to Liangshan Marsh. Chao Gai and his troops had just pulled off a daring rescue and saved Song Jiang from execution at Jiangzhou Prison (see plates 35 & 36 for story details). Along the way, they came across Tao Zongwang and the other three chiefs at Huangmen Mountain; Jiang Jing (plate 37), 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. Tao Zongwang and the other three leaders unanimously agreed, and after a day spent packing up the stronghold, they all journeyed to Liangshan Marsh.
Isaac Nichols original