Having read Water Margin extensively in his previous life, Wang Lun knows what fate awaits Liangshan. The 108 heroes gather, their fame shaking the land, only to have their hands tied by an imperial edict granting them amnesty. They campaign against the Liao Empire and fight Fang La, until the heroes are almost entirely wiped out, meeting the wretched end of tools discarded once their purpose is served.
“Amnesty?” Wang Lun stands before the Gathering Hall, gazing across the vast, misty waters of the eight-hundred-li marsh. A mocking, cold smile curls his lips. In this life, I am Wang Lun, and Liangshan will never repeat that mistake! What loyalty to the emperor? What imperial favor? The rotten Song dynasty is already on the brink of collapse. Corrupt officials run rampant, and the common people are driven from their homes. Such a benighted court is unworthy of the heroes of Liangshan bowing their heads to it!
From this day forward, Liangshan will accept no amnesty and pay no homage at the Zhao family’s court. We will recruit true, iron-blooded heroes from across the land and shelter the wronged and suffering. Using the marsh’s natural defenses, we will build a haven of our own, strike down the powerful, execute corrupt officials, uphold Heaven’s justice, punish evil, and champion the good!
When the land is in turmoil, we will march out of Shandong, secure the Central Plains, strike the northern barbarians, unite all of China, and restore the golden age of the Han and Tang!
