Duan Jingzhu

Duan Jingzhu is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Golden Haired Hound", he ranks 108th among the 108 Stars of Destiny and 72nd among the 72 Earthly Fiends.

Background

The novel describes Duan Jingzhu as a man with red hair and a yellow beard; he is nicknamed "Golden Haired Dog" because of his appearance. A horse thief from Zhuozhou, he makes a living by stealing horses from the northern frontier and selling them in the south.

On one occasion, he gets his hands on the "Jade Lion" (玉獅子), a precious steed belonging to a Jurchen prince. He intends to present the "Jade Lion" and 200 horses as a gift to Chao Gai, the chief of the outlaw band at Liangshan Marsh, and request to join the band. During his journey to Liangshan, the Zeng brothers of the Zeng Family Fortress seize the "Jade Lion" and the horses, and jeer and mock him when he tells them the horses are for Liangshan.

Joining Liangshan

In the meantime, the Liangshan outlaws are on their way back to their stronghold after a battle when Duan Jingzhu shows up and tells them about the incident with the Zeng Family Fortress. After hearing of the Zengs' hostility towards Liangshan, Chao Gai decides to personally lead Liangshan forces to attack the fortress and teach the Zengs a lesson. However, he ends up being killed in battle by Shi Wengong, the martial arts instructor in the fortress. The Liangshan outlaws eventually defeat the Zeng forces and avenge Chao Gai.

Campaigns and death

Duan Jingzhu becomes one of the scout leaders of Liangshan after the 108 Stars of Destiny come together in what is called the Grand Assembly. He follows the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces on Song territory after they received amnesty from Emperor Huizong.

During the campaign against Fang La's rebel forces, Duan Jingzhu accompanies Ruan Xiaoqi and his marines to attack enemy forces on the Qiantang River. Strong winds sweep his boat far out into the open sea, where his boat capsizes. Duan Jingzhu eventually drowns at sea because he cannot swim.

References

• Buck, Pearl S. (2006). All Men are Brothers. Moyer Bell. ISBN 9781559213035.
• Ichisada, Miyazaki (1993). Suikoden: Kyoko no naka no Shijitsu (in Japanese). Chuo Koronsha. ISBN 978-4122020559.
• Keffer, David. "Outlaws of the Marsh: A Somewhat Less Than Critical Commentary". Poison Pie Publishing House. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
• Li, Mengxia (1992). 108 Heroes from the Water Margin (in Chinese). EPB Publishers. p. 219. ISBN 9971-0-0252-3.
• Miyamoto, Yoko (2011). "Water Margin: Chinese Robin Hood and His Bandits". Demystifying Confucianism. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
• Shibusawa, Kou (1989), Bandit Kings of Ancient China, Koei
• Zhang, Lin Ching (2009). Biographies of Characters in Water Margin. Writers Publishing House. ISBN 978-7506344784.