Mu Chun
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Mu Chun (穆春) is a character in the epic Chinese novel, the Water Margin.
Mu Chun was from a rich family in Jieyang Town, and the younger brother of Mu Hong. He excelled in martial arts and was particularly good in using a sabre in combat. He was nicknamed 'The slightly restrained' (小遮拦), which was quite similar to his older brother's nickname. The brothers were well-known in the town and had a great influence on the people.
Once, Song Jiang was exiled to Jiangzhou and he passed by Jieyang Town on the way. He met Xue Yong who was performing in the streets. The Mu brothers ordered the people not to award Xue with money for his performance, but Song ignored them and awarded Xue five taels of silver. Mu Chun was furious with Song Jiang and wanted to hit him, but Xue Yong came to Song Jiang's aid and he won Mu Chun in a fight.
Song Jiang entered the Mu residence by mistake while he was seeking lodging for the night. He was shocked to see Mu Chun coming home, asking his brother to help him track down Song Jiang and Xue Yong for revenge. Song Jiang overheard the conversation and fled in the night. He came to the riverbank and with the Mu brothers hot on his heels, Song Jiang had no choice but to board a vessel. Unfortunately, the vessel was owned by the pirate Zhang Heng who pretended to be a ferryman. In the middle of the river, Zhang Heng tried to force Song Jiang off his vessel, but Song Jiang was saved by Li Jun. Li Jun introduced Song to the Mu brothers and Zhang Heng, and it was then when they realised his true identity and begged Song Jiang for forgiveness.
Later, Song Jiang got into trouble in Jiangzhou, and the Liangshan heroes stormed the execution ground in Jiangzhou and rescued him for near death. They ended up in Bailong Temple near the river and were besieged by government troops. The Mu brothers, the Zhang brothers and Li Jun arrived in the nick of time with their vessels and transported the heroes back to Liangshan safely, and they joined the Liangshan band.
Mu Chun became one of the leaders of the Liangshan infantry and one of the 72 Earthly Fiends. After the heroes had obtained amnesty from the emperor, Mu followed them on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels, making great contributions to the imperial court. During the Fang La campaign, six heroes fell ill after the battle of Hangzhou and Mu Chun was assigned to remain behind and take care of them. After the heroes had defeated Fang La, Mu Hong died of illness and Mu Chun grieved his brother's passing. He was offered an official post for his contributions but he declined the offer and returned home.
