Background
The Water Margin describes Suo Chao as seven chi tall, with a round face, big ears, a squarish mouth and a beard which overshadows his face. His physical appearance gives him an impressive bearing like a hero's. Suo Chao was originally a military officer from Daming Prefecture (in present-day Handan, Hebei) and he served under Grand Secretary Liang Shijie as a military general. Suo Chao is hot-headed and impatient by nature, and will always be the first to charge ahead of his men in battle, thus earning himself the nickname "Impatient Vanguard". His weapon of choice is a huge golden axe.
When Yang Zhi is exiled to Daming Prefecture, Liang Shijie recognises Yang's abilities and intends to let Yang serve under him. Yang Zhi defeats some of Liang Shijie's best officers in jousts. Suo Chao is dissatisfied and he challenges Yang Zhi to a contest. Neither of them emerges as the victor after several rounds of fighting. Liang Shijie is impressed with both of them and decides to promote them to the same rank.
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