Background
The Water Margin describes Xu Ning as six chi tall, with a fair face, a thin dark beard and a wide waist. Xu Ning is the martial arts instructor of the Gold Lancers unit of the imperial army and he trains the men in using the unique Hooked Lance. He leads a prestigious early life in Dongjing (present-day Kaifeng) and is well respected by his colleagues. He earns himself the nickname "Gold Lancer" for his prowess in martial arts, and more importantly, for being the only known exponent of the unique Hooked Lance. The lance looks similar to a Chinese spear, but with a hook on the side of the spear's shaft.
The Liangshan outlaws are at war with the imperial forces led by Huyan Zhuo. Huyan Zhuo's army defeats the Liangshan forces with its seemingly invincible chain-linked armored cavalry. Xu Ning's cousin, Tang Long, who has joined Liangshan, recommends Xu to Song Jiang, saying that Xu is the only person who knows how to defeat Huyan Zhuo's cavalry. Song Jiang is eager to recruit Xu Ning to join the Liangshan cause when he hears of Xu's background and skill. He sends Tang Long, Dai Zong and Shi Qian to lure Xu Ning to Liangshan.
Shi Qian steals Xu Ning's family heirloom, a gold armoured vest that is extremely light and yet capable of stopping sharp weapons from piercing through. Xu Ning values his vest highly and is determined to catch the thief and retrieve his stolen possession. He is unable to catch up with Dai Zong, who uses his magic power to travel at superhuman speed. Xu Ning eventually reaches an inn where he meets Tang Long. Tang Long pretends to sympathise with his cousin and agrees to follow Xu Ning on the quest to recover the stolen vest. The inn is run by Liangshan's Zhu Gui and Zhu Fu, and they put drugs into the food. Xu Ning consumes the food unsuspectingly and is knocked out. The outlaws send him to Liangshan when he is unconscious.
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