steals into Xu's house after nightfall and slithers onto the rafter on which the box containing the vest is kept. He stays there till daybreak before sneaking away with the box. Then Tang visits Xu, who is greatly upset over the loss, and claims that he has seen a man carrying a box fitting Xu's description. So Xu goes on a long chase after Shi Qian, accompanied by Tang, which leads him to the vicinity of Liangshan. He is then being drugged and taken up to the stronghold. Finding himself trapped, Xu has no choice but to join the band. Xu is needed by Liangshan for his skill in using the hooked lance -- a weapon that could fell the chain-linked armoured cavalry of the imperial general Huyan Zhuo, who is laying siege to the stronghold. Huyan's army is routed when his cavalry collapses pulled down by the hooked lance squad of Liangshan. Shi Qian also plays a key role in rescuing Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu from the prison in Daming Prefecture. Wu Yong sends a number of chieftains to infiltrate Daming on the night of the Lantern Festival by mingling in the festive crowd. Shi Qian is assigned to set fire to the Jade Cloud Tower, a prominent landmark in the city, as a signal to them to launch a simultaneous rampage across the city. With the authorities thrown into panic and confusion, Lu Junyi and Shi Xiu are easily extracted from prison. Campaigns and death Shi Qian is appointed as one of the scout leaders of Liangshan after the 108 Stars of Destiny came together in what is called the Grand Assembly. He participates in the campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces in Song territory following amnesty from Emperor Huizong for Liangshan. Shi Qian dies from an intestinal disease soon after the Liangshan force stamped out the rebellion of Fang La. References 72 Earthly Fiends Fictional professional thieves Fictional characters from Shandong