Wu Song, who died well at the age of 80, and Lin Chong, who died early, these two characters who were once called "the two major traffic students of the Water Margin", have completely different endings. What is the main reason for this difference? Perhaps, only Lu Zhishen, who has the closest relationship with them, is the most qualified to speak out.
Wu Song and Lin Chong, who seem to be on par in terms of martial arts and ruthlessness, why do they have very different fates? The key lies in the very different personalities of the two. Wu Song planned calmly and paid attention to practical results; Lin Chong, on the other hand, is impulsive and flamboyant.
When the enemy pointed to the high-ranking officials, Wu Song chose to communicate and try to find out the situation; On the contrary, Lin Chong searched for revenge all over the streets, in vain. This gap between wisdom and stupidity is destined to the ultimate tragicomedy between the two.
The deeper reason is that Wu Song is benevolent and righteous, as Lu Zhishen said, "affectionate and righteous"; But Lin Chong was selfish and even betrayed his benefactor. Lu Zhishen's comparison with Wu Song and Lin Chong twice is enough to see this.
Wu Song helped generously, and Lu Zhi regarded him as a brother; However, Lin Chong ignored Lu Zhishen's kindness and betrayed him instead. This decisive gap in character is also the root of the ending of the two.
The benevolent live and the righteous should live. Because of his benevolence and righteousness, Wu Song finally died in 80; And Lin Chong was selfish, and retribution finally came, and he died a miserable death. This is not an accident, but an inevitable consequence of the character's character. Perhaps, it is precisely because of this point that Lu Zhishen will make such a clear judgment on Wu Song and Lin Chong.
This comparison is not limited to Wu Song and Lin Chong. Perhaps, this is also a universal law, reflecting the manifestation of human nature. Good and upright people often die well, while selfish and despicable people cannot escape the retribution of suffering. This is not only the truth in "Water Margin", but also the truth in real life.
When we look at the different endings of Wu Song and Lin Chong, we can't help but ask: What kind of people will we be? Will it be Wu Song who died a good death, or Lin Chong, who died a tragic death? This may be the greatest inspiration that "Water Margin" gives us.