Zhu Gui first appears in the novel when Lin Chong comes to join Liangshan on the recommendation of the nobleman Chai Jin after killing three men sent to murder him by the Grand Marshal Gao Qiu. It is a snowy night when Lin stops by to eat in Zhu's inn. Miserable over his misfortune, Lin writes a poem on the wall which reveals his identity. Zhu introduces himself to Lin Chong and leads him through the marsh to the stronghold to meet Wang Lun and the other two chiefs Du Qian and Song Wan.