Shi Yong

Shi Yong is a fictional character in the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 99th of the 108 Liangshan heroes and 63rd of the 72 Earthly Fiends. He is nicknamed "Stone General".

Background

The Water Margin describes Shi Yong as a man eight chi tall with a pale yellowish complexion, sharp eyes and clean shaven face. He is from Daming Prefecture (in present-day Handan) and earns a living by gambling. Shi Yong kills someone with a punch in a gambling session and he flees to Chai Jin's residence for refuge after that.

Joining Liangshan

Shi Yong goes to find Song Jiang later and discovers that Song is also on the run from the government. He meets Song Jiang's younger brother Song Qing, who asks him to help deliver a letter to Song Jiang at Mount Qingfeng. In the letter, Song Qing writes that their father has died and he wants Song Jiang home to attend the funeral. Song Jiang weeps after reading the letter and he rushes home immediately. Shi Yong follows the rest of the outlaws back to Liangshan Marsh.

Campaigns and death

Shi Yong becomes one of the leaders of the Liangshan infantry after the Grand Assembly. He follows the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao invaders and southern rebel forces after they have been granted amnesty by the emperor. During the Fang La campaign, Shi Yong is assigned to attack the enemy city of Shezhou (present-day She County, Anhui). He faces the enemy leader Wang Yin in battle with Li Yun. Li Yun is trampled to death by Wang Yin's horse and Shi Yong is speared to death by Wang.

References

• (Chinese) Li, Mengxia. 108 Heroes from the Water Margin, page 199. EPB Publishers Pte Ltd, 1992. ISBN 9971-0-0252-3.