One day Duan Jingzhu steals a precious swift steed called "Jade Lion" (玉獅子) which belongs to a Jurchen prince.

Duan Jingzhu darts out to kneel before Song Jiang when the latter is riding back to Liangshan with his men after a battle at Mount Mangdang with Fan Rui.

However, the attack ends in disaster as Chao is shot dead by Shi Wengong, the martial arts instructor of the fortress.

He participates in the campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces in Song territory following amnesty from Emperor Huizong for Liangshan.

In the attack on the Qiantang River in the campaign against Fang La, Duan Jingzhu, who is in the squad of Ruan Xiaoqi and a non-swimmer, drowns when his boat overturns after being swept into the open sea by strong winds.