Quick Answer: Who Is Song Jiang?
Song Jiang (宋江, Sòng Jiāng) is the county clerk known as Timely Rain (及时雨, Jíshíyǔ) in Water Margin (水浒传, Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn). He eventually leads the outlaws of Liangshan (梁山, Liángshān) and brings them into imperial service through an imperial amnesty (招安, zhāo’ān).[1][2][3]
- In Chapter 18 he warns Chao Gai that officials are coming to arrest him.[1]
- Chapter 71 puts Song at the top of the Liangshan roster.[2]
- The group accepts the pardon in Chapter 82 of the 120-chapter version.[3]
His path makes the band’s relations with the court part of his own story.
When Song Jiang goes to warn a friend, he acts on information he receives as a county clerk. Many chapters later, he needs a message from the imperial court to change the status of an entire outlaw band. Both moments depend on who can speak to the authorities and on whose behalf.
The Clerk Who Warns Chao Gai
In Chapter 18, Song learns that officials are pursuing Chao Gai and his companions. He reaches Chao before the arrest party. The conversation afterward calls Song both Timely Rain and Song Gongming. His reputation extends beyond the people who know him personally, which helps explain why the warning carries such weight among the group.[1]
Song Jiang at the Head of Liangshan
The final Liangshan roster places Song first and Lu Junyi second. This is where the novel sets out a common order for people whose paths to the stronghold have been very different. Song’s position means his negotiations have consequences for all of them.[2]
Why the Imperial Amnesty Matters
Chapter 82 brings the imperial pardon to the band. Its acceptance lets the outlaw leaders enter the court’s service. As a result, the story can move beyond the defense of the stronghold and follow the men as they act under imperial orders.[3]
Song Jiang’s Ending in the Long Version
In Chapter 120, Song receives poisoned wine. He brings Li Kui (李逵, Lǐ Kuí) into his fate, fearing that his companion will rebel after his death. The chapter later brings the dead leader before Emperor Huizong in a dream. The man who sought a place for his followers under the throne must make one more appeal to it.[4]
Li Xuejian’s Song Jiang
CCTV lists Li Xuejian as Song Jiang in its episode 38, Amnesty. Its synopsis follows Song waiting for word and sending Yan Qing to the capital again. That detail shows the group’s dependence on messengers and personal contacts even after it has established itself at Liangshan.[5]
FAQs About Song Jiang
Why is Song Jiang called Timely Rain?
The nickname refers to his reputation for helping people when they need him.[1]
Which chapter places him first at Liangshan?
Chapter 71 lists him first in the 120-chapter text.[2]
Which chapter covers the amnesty?
Chapter 82 records the group’s acceptance of the imperial pardon.[3]
出典
[1] Water Margin. Chapter 18, 120-chapter text
[2] Water Margin. Chapter 71, 120-chapter text
[3] Water Margin. Chapter 82, 120-chapter text
[4] Water Margin. Chapter 120, 120-chapter text
[5] CCTV. Water Margin, episode 38, Amnesty