Post Shui Hu Zhuan—The Work of Another Author

There are two authors for the novel Shui Hu Zhuan (SHZ). The
original novel with 80 chapters was written by Shi Nai An. This
author did not realize that his work was continued by another author
by the name Chen Chen after he passed away. Shi wrote only 80
chapters and concluded his book by the happy gathering of 108 heroes
in Liang Mountain.

However, Chen continued to write that Song Jiang was leading the
heroes to surrender to the Emperor.

Readers are mostly annoyed and disgusted to read the Post SHZ. But
in Chinese history, it was not recorded that Song Jiang surrendered to
Song Dynasty. So we can ignore the second part of the novel.

To understand why Chen wrote that kind of ending, we have to
analyse the background of Song Jiang. He was a low-ranking humble
and loyal officer in a county, unlike the other Shui Hu heroes who
were mostly rough and courageous. However, Song was very
generous and trustworthy(讲义气)， and that won him a lot of

followers as well as admiration.

As it is known to the readers that there is such a Post Shui Hu Zhuan,
the director of the TV series might just reluctantly choose such an
unhappy ending. But to the viewers, it is heart-breaking!

By: NHP