Chinese Name: Suo Chao

Japanese Name: Kyūsenpō Sakuchō

Rank: 19th of the 108 Stars of Destiny  

Nickname: The Urgent Vanguard 

Suo Chao was a military captain from the northern capital, Daming. He is described as being seven feet tall, handsome with a round face, large ears, wide mouth, shaggy facial hair, and a stern, stately expression. His weapon of choice was his battle axe. 

Song Jiang (plate 107) led an army of Liangshan bandits to rescue Lu Junyi from the Daming Prison as he awaited execution (see plate 68 for details), and Suo Chao was among the troops who were defending Daming against Liangshan’s army. During the second day of fighting, Suo Chao was hit in the shoulder with an arrow, and, unable to use his axe, he was forced to retreat. 

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As the fighting continued, Guan Sheng (plate 70), a police captain from the town of Pudong in Shaanxi Province, was called to aid in the fight against the brigands. He and his lieutenant, Hao Siwen (plate 74), were soon captured however and convinced to join with Liangshan. Suo Chao was furious upon hearing his fellow officers had defected, and he decided his shoulder was well enough for him to return to the fray. 

It was the middle of winter and there had been a heavy snow fall. Suo Chao was battling two Liangshan bandits and they feigned defeat and turned to flee. Suo Chao chased after them and was led to a pit covered by the deep snow. He and his horse fell in and were immediately surrounded by Liangshan soldiers and captured. 

He was brought before Song Jiang who untied the ropes restraining him. Song Jiang pointed out to Suo Chao that over half of the leaders at Liangshan had once served in the Imperial Army. He added that if he wished, they would happily accept him among their ranks. Suo Chao was hesitant, then his old military friend Yang Zhi (plate 13) arrived. Together, Yang Zhi and Song Jiang were able to persuade Suo Chao to join their legions at Liangshan Marsh. 

Suo Chao is depicted here as he and his horse plummet into the snowy trap laid by the Liangshan bandits. 

Kuniyoshi recreation