Shi Qian sneaks into Xu Ning's house after nightfall and steals a precious family heirloom of his - a golden armour vest that no object can pierce. When Xu Ning discovers that the vest, which was concealed on a beam, is stolen, he is extremely upset. Tang Long, who claims to come by to visit, tells Xu he has seen a man walking with a limp and carrying an embroidered box. Believing that the man is the stealer of the vest, Xu tells his wife to file temporary leave for him at his office as he embarks on a long chase with Tang after Shi Qian. The pursuit brings him close to Liangshan. They run into Yue He, who poses as a businessman. Hitching a ride on Yue's coach, Xu is offered a spiked drink which knocks him over. When he comes to, he is already in the stronghold of Liangshan.