The story of Zhu Tong

Nicknamed the 'Beautiful Beard' (美髯公); naturally because of his majestic beard), Zhu Tong (朱仝) went through a tumultuous time before he eventually joined the Liangshan heroes in the Chinese tale, the Water Margin. The persistence involved in recruiting this man (Chao Gai had the help of Lei Heng, Zhu's best friend) highlighted the calibre of Zhu. He was known to be both gallant and chivalrous, and highly regarded by his prefect. His civil career took a slight deviation when he allowed Lei to help Chao escape from the government in a previous encounter, but his prefect entrusted Zhu the task of looking after the former's young son. Li Kui however, in accordance to a plan devised by Song Jiang's strategists, killed the little boy. Zhu was compelled to join the bandits but never quite saw eye to eye with Li. Zhu Tong is portrayed as a kind and gallant man in the "Water Margin". His depiction of a fatherly character of the young boy is heart warming, and one really begins to feel compassion for Zhu after Li Kui kills the young boy.

Zhu Tong served as a constable in Yuncheng County in Jizhou, Shandong. He stood at about 8 feet 4-5 inches, had a beard 1 feet 5 inches in length, and sparkling eyes which made him look almost like Guan Yu (see also Guan Sheng), a famous general in the Three Kingdoms period. Zhu Tong was born in a rich family, and was willing to help those in need with his wealth. He also made friends with many other heroes and was outstanding in martial arts.

When the authorities found out that Chao Gai and the other 6 people were the ones who robbed the convoy of birthday presents, they sent Zhu Tong and his partner Lei Heng to arrest Chao Gai in Dongxi Village. Zhu Tong highly respected Chao Gai, and thus decided to help him. Both Lei Heng and Zhu Tong worked out a plan and so Chao Gai safely got away with his companions. Also, when Song Jiang killed Yan Poxi and hid at home, it was Zhu Tong who let him off and helped him escape from the authorities.

Once, Lei Heng killed a singer named Bai Xiuying in a fit of anger, and Zhu Tong was ordered to escort Lei Heng as a prisoner to Jizhou. However, Zhu Tong released Lei Heng secretly and was willing to accept punishment for neglecting his duties. Zhu Tong was exiled to Cangzhou. In Cangzhou, the official in charge treated Zhu well and allowed Zhu to take care of his young son. The Liangshan heroes came to find Zhu Tong and tried to persuade him to join the band. In the end, Li Kui killed the official's son in an attempt to force Zhu Tong to join the band, and in the end Zhu Tong had no choice but to agree.

Zhu Tong became one of eight vanguard generals of the Liangshan cavalry and higher-ranking 36 Heavenly Spirits of the entire 108-hero contingent. After Song Jiang received amnesty from the Imperial Court, Zhu Tong followed the heroes as they went on the campaigns against the Liao Tartars and the southern rebels such as Fang La, making great contributions to the Court. He was one of the few lucky survivors after the campaigns and was offered an official post.