Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness

Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness

The Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness was originally called the Hall of Gathering Righteousness. After Chao Gai was fatally shot in Zengjianshi, Song Jiang became the leader of the stronghold. He then renamed the Hall of Gathering Righteousness to the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness and erected a banner reading “Acting on Heaven’s Behalf” in front of the hall.

In the courtyard of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, there is a vermilion flagpole in the center from which hangs a yellowish apricot-colored flag with four large black characters reading “Acting on Heaven’s Behalf.” On both sides of the platform in front of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, there are two pink banners. The one on the east side reads “Protector of Shandong,” while the one on the west side displays “Jade Qilin of Hebei,” symbolizing the gathering of heroes from all walks of life here. The couplet carved on the pillars of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness features golden characters on a red background: “Ever loyal and righteous, never greedy or oppressive.” This is later generations’ tribute to the heroes of Liangshan.

The screen inside the main hall of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness depicts scenes from the old Liangshan Marsh. The colorfully sculpted statues of the three leaders — Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and Wu Yong — are vividly seated at the center of the hall, with tables, chairs, wine jars, and large black bowls used during the heroes’ ranking displayed on both sides.

Most striking are the large ceramic murals on the eastern, western, and northern walls titled “Gathering of the Heroes of Liangshan Marsh.” The paintings are majestic and extraordinary in spirit. The murals depict Wu Song battling a tiger at Jingyang Ridge; the wandering monk Lu Zhishen; and Shi Qian, the Flea on the Drum, crouching in a corner, peeking and bending over. The 108 heroes gather in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness — some clever, some rough, some simple, some charming — yet all coexist harmoniously according to their natures. Here, they display their unique skills with brush, blade, or steed, through speed or deception, each excelling in their own way.

In the east and west wing rooms in front of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, there are colorfully sculpted statues of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars, each larger than life and with vivid expressions and distinct personalities. A common trait among them is their fierce, wide-eyed gaze, as if filled with unavenged hatred.