Mu Hong
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the epic Chinese tale the Water Margin, Mu Hong (穆弘), nicknamed the Unrestrained (没遮拦), and Mu Chun, nicknamed the Slightly Restrained, were brothers.
The brothers were born in a wealthy family in Jieyang Town. The brothers had great influence and control over the people in the town. Mu Hong was born with a talented look. He had eyebrows like silkworms, a handsome face, and an impressive bearing. He was exceptionally powerful in martial arts, as brave as a lion.
When Song Jiang was exiled to Jiangzhou, he passed by Jieyang Town. Xue Yong was performing on the streets as a form of earning money. Xue did not acknowledge the Mu brothers' presence and angered them. Mu Chun forbid the people from paying Xue Yong for his performance. Song Jiang ignored Mu Chun and gave Xue Yong 5 silver taels. Mu Chun was furious and wanted to beat up Song Jiang but was beaten by Xue Yong instead.
Mu Chun forbid the people from allowing Song Jiang spend the night in their homes. Song Jiang could not find a place to spend the night and eventually had no choice but to go to the Mu Family Village. Mu Chun plotted with his brother to seek revenge on Song Jiang. Song heard their conversation and fled from the village. Xue Yong was caught by the Mu brothers and they chased Song Jiang to the riverbank. Song Jiang was desperate and boarded Zhang Heng's boat. Zhang Heng claimed to be a ferryman but he was actually a pirate. Zhang Heng wanted to kill Song Jiang when the boat reached the middle of the river, but was stopped by Li Jun. Li Jun introduced Song Jiang to Zhang Heng and the Mu brothers. It was then when they released his true identity and immediately begged for Song Jiang's forgiveness.
When Song got into trouble in Jiangzhou and was almost executed, the Liangshan heroes stormed the execution ground and rescued Song Jiang. They escaped to the riverbank, where Li Jun, Mu Hong and the others were waiting there with boats for them. The whole group of people were ferried to Liangshan Marsh and the Mu brothers joined the Liangshan band.
Mu Hong became one of the 8 vanguard generals of the Liangshan cavalry and 36 Heavenly Spirits. After Song Jiang obtained amnesty from the Imperial Court, Mu Hong followed the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels. During the Fang La campaign, Mu Hong played an important role in the capture of Runzhou, making a great contribution. Mu Hong died of illness after Hangzhou was conquered.
