Shi Qian is seized by the Zhu Family Manor after he stole the only rooster of an inn under the Zhus and cooked it for meal. His companions Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu, who are travelling with him to join the Liangshan outlaws, stumble into the neighbouring Li Family Manor pursued by men of the Zhu family. They run into Li Ying's steward Du Xing, who has once received help from Yang Xiong in Jizhou when Yang was a chief warden. Du brings them to his master Li Ying, who thinks the incident could be easily resolved. He writes a letter to the Zhus, politely asking them to release Shi Qian. His request rejected, Li writes a second letter and sends Du Xing to deliver it to show he is earnest about the matter. This time the Zhus malign him, alleging that he is linked to Liangshan. Infuriated, Li leads some men to the Zhu Manor to avenge the insult. Zhu Biao hits Li Ying with an arrow, causing him to fall off his horse. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu rush forth to pull him to safety.