Shi Xiu
One day, when passing a busy street carrying firewood, Shi Xiu comes upon Yang Xiong, the chief warden of Jizhou's prison, being attacked by a group of hooligans. Yang has just executed a prisoner and is showered with gifts by cheering onlookers as he heads back to office. Coveting the gifts, the thugs pretend to greet him and then lunge forth to restrain him. Seeing that Yang is ambushed and outnumbered, Shi plunges into the scuffle and helps him drive away the attackers. Grateful to Shi Xiu, Yang Xiong requests that they become sworn brothers.