In the Water Margin
Chai Jin is a nobleman of Cangzhou and a direct descendant of the emperors of the Later Zhou, the dynasty that gave up the throne to the founder of the Song. In return the Song house granted his family a document of immunity, and Chai Jin lives on a great estate, rich and protected. He spends his wealth on the men the law is hunting: exiles, fugitives and wandering fighters all know that his gate is open. His nickname, "Little Whirlwind", fits a man who is always stirring something up.
His protection finally fails him in Gaotangzhou, where he goes to visit a dying uncle. A powerful official's relative tries to seize the uncle's garden, Li Kui, who has come along, beats the man to death, and Chai Jin, who takes the blame, is beaten in prison and ends up at the bottom of a dry well. Liangshan storms the city to free him, and he joins the band, ranking tenth of the 108.
Key episodes
Lin Chong's bout with the drill instructor. Lin Chong, exiled to Cangzhou, calls at the estate. A conceited drill instructor staying there challenges him, and Chai Jin happily puts up silver for the winner. Lin Chong knocks the instructor flat, and Chai Jin sends him on his way with letters and money.
Where Song Jiang meets Wu Song. On the run after a killing, Song Jiang shelters at the estate. There he runs into a surly, feverish guest named Wu Song, and their friendship begins in Chai Jin's corridors.
Rescued from the well. After the siege of Gaotangzhou, the outlaws find Chai Jin at the bottom of a dry well, half dead. Li Kui, whose temper put him there, is lowered down on a rope to bring him out.
In the imperial palace. During a Lantern Festival visit to the capital, Chai Jin slips into the palace in disguise and cuts the name of Song Jiang from a screen listing the empire's most wanted bandits.
