Meng Kang
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Meng Kang (孟康) is a character in the Water Margin.
Meng Kang is from Zhendingzhou, Shanxi. He is an excellent ship builder, and the government once ordered him to build a ship to transport goods. Meng was annoyed with his supervisor's constant urging, and he was punished for not meeting the deadline on time. In a fit of anger, Meng kills the supervisor and afterwards became a bandit on the Yinma River along with Deng Fei and Pei Xuan. Meng Kang was tall and had a pale complexion, thus earning him the nickname 'Jade flagpole' (玉幡竿).
Once, Dai Zong and Yang Lin go to find Gongsun Sheng and pass Yinma River along the way. They become fast friends with the Yinma bandits and manage to persuade them to join the Liangshan band. Meng Kang, Deng Fei and Pei Xuan disguise themselves and made their way to Liangshan.
Meng Kang becomes the person-in-charge of building battleships and vessels for the Liangshan navy and one of the 72 Earthly Warriors. After the heroes had obtained amnesty from the emperor, Meng Kang follows them on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels, making great contributions. During the Fang La campaign, Meng Kang was assigned to attack Wulong Ridge, and was hit head on by enemy cannon fire. Meng Kang was trapped and eventually killed by cannon fire (which hit his head).
