In the Water Margin
Chao Gai is the headman of Eastern Creek Village, a prosperous man who spends freely on visitors from the roads. His nickname, Pagoda King, recalls his feat of carrying a heavy stone pagoda. When Liu Tang brings news of a convoy bearing birthday gifts to the capital, Chao Gai gathers Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng and the Ruan brothers to intercept it at Yellow Mud Ridge.
The robbery drives the companions from their homes to Liangshan. Its chief Wang Lun refuses to shelter them, but Lin Chong turns against him and the newcomers choose Chao Gai as their leader. Chao Gai later leads the rescue of Song Jiang at Jiangzhou. He dies from an arrow wound at Zengtou before the gathering of the 108, so no numbered star belongs to him. His memory and final instructions remain part of the struggle over who will lead the mountain.
