Background
Qin Ming is an imperial general serving in Qingzhou (in present-day Shandong). He earns his nickname "Fiery Thunderbolt" for his almost barbaric temper, which is continuously emphasized in the novel, and his thunderous voice. Qin Ming is peerless in the use of his wolf-toothed mace. The Water Margin describes him as having a physical appearance and characteristics almost similar to Zhang Fei.
In the early chapters of the novel, Qin Ming hears that Hua Rong of Qingfeng Fort has rebelled and become an outlaw. He is furious and volunteers to lead an army from Qingzhou to eliminate the outlaws on Mount Qingfeng. He engages Hua Rong in a duel but neither emerges the victor. Hua Rong feigns defeat and retreats to lure Qin Ming into an ambush. Qin Ming falls in the trap and is captured the outlaws. Song Jiang tries to persuade Qin Ming to join them but Qin refuses and stays overnight at the stronghold on Mount Qingfeng.
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