Du Qian
| Du Qian | |
|---|---|
| Water Margin character | |
| Nickname | "Touching the Sky" 摸着天 |
| Rank | 83rd, Demon Star (地妖星) of the 72 Earthly Fiends |
| Infantry leader of Liangshan | |
| Origin | Bandit leader from Liangshan Marsh |
| First appearance | Chapter 11 |
| Names | |
| Simplified Chinese | 杜迁 |
| Traditional Chinese | 杜遷 |
| Pinyin | Dù Qiān |
| Wade–Giles | Tu Ch'ien |
Du Qian is a fictional character in the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 83rd of the 108 Liangshan heroes and 47th of the 72 Earthly Fiends. He is nicknamed "Touching the Sky".
Background
Du Qian is one of the pioneers of the outlaw stronghold at Liangshan Marsh, along with Wang Lun and Song Wan. He sat for the imperial examination with Wang Lun but neither of them were successful candidates. They seek temporary shelter in Chai Jin's residence and move to Liangshan Marsh, where they establish a stronghold for outlaws. They have an army of 800 men under their command. Wang Lun becomes the chief of the band while Du Qian takes the second position of leadership. Song Wan and Zhu Gui join the band later.
Lin Chong joins Liangshan
Lin Chong is forced to become an outlaw after killing three enemies during the blaze at the fodder storage field. He flees to Chai Jin's residence for refuge and Chai writes a letter of recommendation for him to join Liangshan. The selfish Wang Lun refuses to allow Lin Chong to join his band and tries to send him away with precious gifts. Wang Lun agrees to allow Lin Chong to join the band after constant persuasion from his deputies, but Lin must fulfil a condition first; kill someone and present the victim's head to him within three days.
After much waiting on a deserted road, Lin Chong finally meets Yang Zhi and attempts to kill Yang and take his head. However, Yang Zhi proves to be a powerful fighter as well and neither of them is able to defeat his opponent after rounds of fighting. Eventually, Wang Lun and his men arrive on the scene and stop the fight. Wang Lun agrees to let Lin Chong join Liangshan and he invites Yang Zhi to join as well but Yang declines the offer.
Chao Gai becomes chief
Subsequently, Chao Gai and his six companions flee to Liangshan for refuge after robbing the convoy of birthday gifts. Once again, Wang Lun tries to send the seven men away with precious gifts. Lin Chong is unhappy with Wang Lun and he kills Wang in anger through Wu Yong's instigation. Chao Gai takes over as the chief of Liangshan and he recruits Wang Lun's former deputies, including Du Qian.
Campaigns and death
Du Qian becomes one of the leaders of the Liangshan infantry after the Grand Assembly and he participates actively in many of the battles against the enemies of Liangshan. 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, Du Qian is assigned to attack the enemy city of Qingxi County. He is trampled to death in the battle by enemy cavalry and is posthumously granted the title of "Righteous Gentleman of Integrity" (義節郎) by the emperor in recognition of his contributions.
References
- (Chinese) Li, Mengxia. 108 Heroes from the Water Margin, page 167. EPB Publishers Pte Ltd, 1992. ISBN 9971-0-0252-3.
- Buck, Pearl. All Men are Brothers. Moyer Bell Ltd, 2006. ISBN 9781559213035.
- Zhang, Lin Ching. Biographies of Characters in Water Margin. Writers Publishing House, 2009. ISBN 978-7506344784.
- Keffer, David. Outlaws of the Marsh.
- Miyamotois, Yoko. Water Margin: Chinese Robin Hood and His Bandits.
- (Japanese) Ichisada, Miyazaki. Suikoden: Kyoko no naka no Shijitsu. Chuo Koronsha, 1993. ISBN 978-4122020559.
- Shibusawa, Kou. Bandit Kings of Ancient China. KOEI, 1989.