Song Jiang and Xue Yong escaped Mu Chun by boarding Zhang Heng’s boat but fell into another trap until Li Jun rescued them, after which the river heroes acknowledged Song Jiang as their leader. In Jiangzhou, Song Jiang befriended Dai Zong and met the unruly Li Kui, whose impulsive behavior Song Jiang repeatedly resolved with generosity and calm authority. A gambling incident and a fish-market brawl led to Li Kui’s near drowning by Zhang Shun, later revealed as Zhang Heng’s brother. The misunderstanding cleared, the four men drank together and became sworn brothers, deepening Song Jiang’s growing influence.