Mu Hong, nicknamed the “Unrestrained,” is a Liangshan hero in Water Margin and, together with his younger brother Mu Chun, one of the powerful local figures of the Jieyang region. The Mu family possesses considerable influence there, while Mu Hong himself is known for a fierce temperament and strong martial ability.
When Song Jiang passes through the Jieyang area on his way to exile in Jiangzhou, he becomes entangled with several groups of local heroes. Mu Hong is initially among those pursuing him, but once Song Jiang’s identity becomes known and the misunderstandings are resolved, hostility gives way to friendship.
Mu Hong subsequently becomes connected with figures such as Li Jun and Zhang Heng and enters the wider network that gathers around Liangshan. After Song Jiang’s crisis in Jiangzhou and the rescue efforts that follow, Mu Hong eventually joins the stronghold and serves among its mounted commanders.
Following the imperial amnesty, he takes part in Liangshan’s campaigns. During the expedition against Fang La, illness prevents him from continuing and he eventually dies from disease. His story is closely tied to the martial society of Jieyang and to Liangshan’s ability to absorb powerful regional groups into a larger brotherhood.