Zhu Fu

Zhu Fu is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Sneering Tiger", he ranks 93rd of the 108 Stars of Destiny and 57th of the 72 Earthly Fiends.

Background

Zhu Fu and his elder brother, Zhu Gui, serve as a spies for the outlaw band based in Liangshan Marsh. Both of them disguise themselves and pretend to operate taverns near Liangshan to gather intelligence from travellers. In his early days, he was a martial arts apprentice of Li Yun, who works as a chief constable in his hometown of Yishui County.

Saving Li Kui

When Li Kui goes home to fetch his mother to Liangshan, Song Jiang feels worried that Li Kui's fiery temper will get him into trouble so he asks Zhu Gui to secretly watch over Li Kui. As Song Jiang expected, Li Kui runs into trouble and falls into a trap set by a greedy squire. The local magistrate sends Li Yun to lead soldiers to escort Li Kui to the county office. Zhu Gui and Zhu Fu pretend to congratulate Li Yun on his success in capturing a wanted outlaw, and serve Li Yun and his soldiers food and drinks spiked with drugs that will make them unconscious. When Li Yun and his men are out cold after unwarily consuming the food and drinks, the Zhu brothers free Li Kui, who kills all the soldiers. Li Yun regains consciousness later, catches up with them, and fights with Li Kui. Zhu Fu stops the fight and manages to convince Li Yun to join the outlaw band at Liangshan.

Campaigns and death

Zhu Fu is put in charge of brewing alcoholic drinks for Liangshan after the Grand Assembly of the 108 Stars of Destiny. He follows the Liangshan 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, Zhu Fu remains in Hangzhou to take care of Zhu Gui, who has fallen sick, and does not participate in the subsequent battles. The Zhu brothers both die of illness before the Liangshan heroes claim victory over Fang La.

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. 189. 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.