Episode 16

Unable to endure the heat, Xie Duguang and the soldiers insist on buying wine despite Yang Zhi’s objections. Chao Gai and Wu Yong feign drinking first, luring the soldiers to buy the drugged wine, which knocks everyone unconscious. The birthday tribute is seized, and Chao Gai is acclaimed leader of the seven. Xie Duguang and the guards flee and frame Yang Zhi, who despairs but is dissuaded from suicide by Gongsun Sheng. He Tao is ordered to solve the case, arrests Bai Sheng, and under torture learns the conspirators’ names. Unaware of Song Jiang’s ties to Chao Gai, He Tao asks him to deliver the arrest warrant, allowing Song Jiang to secretly warn them to escape.