Zhu Gui

Zhu Gui is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Dry Land Alligator", he ranks 92nd among the 108 Stars of Destiny and 56th among the 72 Earthly Fiends.

Background

The novel describes Zhu Gui as a tall man with a yellowish beard, and cheekbones like fists. Originally a trader, he decides to join the outlaws at Liangshan Marsh after suffering huge losses in his business. He holds the fourth leadership position in the outlaw band after Wang Lun, Du Qian and Song Wan. His intelligence gathering skills, coupled with his ability to blend in well into his surroundings, make him an ideal spy for Liangshan. He pretends to run a tavern near Liangshan where he gathers intelligence from travellers.

First appearance

Zhu Gui is first mentioned in Lin Chong's story arc when Chai Jin recommends Lin Chong to join the outlaw band at Liangshan Marsh. On his way to Liangshan, Lin Chong stops at Zhu Gui's tavern and unsuspectingly reveals his identity by writing a poem on the wall. Zhu Gui introduces himself to Lin Chong and leads him through the marshes to the outlaw stronghold to meet Wang Lun, Du Qian and Song Wan.

Wang Lun tries to send Lin Chong away with gifts and excuses because he is worried that the latter, who is more capable than him, will usurp his position as chief. However, after Zhu Gui, Du Qian and Song Wan urge Wang Lun to accept Lin Chong, the outlaw chief agrees on the condition that Lin Chong kills a man within three days and presents his head. Wang Lun eventually reluctantly allows Lin Chong to join the band after the latter engages Yang Zhi in a duel.

Chao Gai becomes chief of Liangshan

In a later story arc, Chao Gai and his six companions seek refuge in Liangshan when they go on the run after robbing a convoy of expensive birthday gifts for Cai Jing, a corrupt government official. Like before, Wang Lun fears that Chao Gai and his friends will pose a threat to his position as chief so he tries to send them away with gifts and excuses in the same way he previously did to Lin Chong. Wu Yong, one of Chao Gai's six companions, senses Lin Chong's unhappiness with Wang Lun, and seizes the opportunity to instigate Lin Chong to kill Wang Lun. Chao Gai then replaces Wang Lun as the new chief of the Liangshan outlaw band, and allows Song Wan, Du Qian, Zhu Gui and Wang Lun's former followers to remain in the band under his leadership.

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 the constable Li Yun to lead soldiers to escort Li Kui to the county office. Zhu Gui and his younger brother, 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 Gui becomes one of the scout leaders of Liangshan after the 108 Stars of Destiny come together in what is called the Grand Assembly. He is posted at the tavern south of Liangshan, and is in charge of making preparations to receive the imperial envoy from Emperor Huizong, who grants the outlaws amnesty.

Zhu Gui later follows the Liangshan heroes on their campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces on Song territory. He falls sick after the battle of Hangzhou during the campaign against Fang La's rebel forces, and does not live to see the final victory. Emperor Huizong awards Zhu Gui the posthumous title "Righteous Gentleman of Integrity" (義節郎) to honour him for his service to the Song Empire during the campaigns.

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. 187. 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.