Li Ying (Water Margin)

Li Ying (李应) was one of the few rich squires who joined the Liangshan cause in the epic Chinese tale, the "Water Margin". Before he defected, he was caught in a power struggle involving the Zhu and Hu families who occupied proximate territories, but eventually saw the righteousness of Chao Gai's men and decided to renege on the alliance amongst the 3 families. Li was later appointead as one of the 36 Heavenly Spirits when the 108 heroes were subsequently officially conferred rank and title.

Complete biography

Li Ying was the master of the Li Family Village near Dulong Ridge. His appearance was quite unique as he had eyes like those of a hawk and a head like a tiger's, arms like an ape's and a waist like that of a wolf's. He was friendly and willing to help those in need. He wore a red-coloured robe, loved riding his white horse and was excellent in using his flying daggers and bronze spear in combat. He was nicknamed the 'Striking Hawk' (扑天雕) due to his excellent martial skills.

Once, when Shi Qian was captured by the Zhu brothers in the Zhu Family Village near the Li Family Village, Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu passed by the latter, and met Du Xing, housekeeper of Li Ying. Du brought them back to Li Ying, who heard about the incident and decided to help Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu. Li Ying wrote an apology letter to the Zhus, requesting that they release Shi Qian. However, the Zhus disagreed and insulted Li Ying. Li was furious and went to confront the Zhus, demanding that they release Shi Qian. Zhu Biao, youngest of the Zhu brothers, shot Li Ying in the arm with an arrow. Li Ying fell from his horse but was saved by Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu.

While Du Xing and Li Ying remained in the Li Family Village, Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu went to Liangshan Mountain for help. Song Jiang launched three assaults on the Zhu Family Village and with the help of Sun Li and the others, he conquered the Zhu Family Village and rescued Shi Qian. Song Jiang suggested that Xiao Rang disguise himself as an official, charging Li Ying for being in league with bandits. Li Ying and Du Xing were bound and brought to prison, while along the way, Lin Chong and Song Jiang charged out, and 'rescued' Li Ying. Li Ying and Du Xing, touched by Song Jiang's sincerity, decided to join the Liangshan band.

Li Ying became one of the accountants in charge of the Liangshan income and provisions. After Song Jiang obtained amnesty from the Imperial Court, Li Ying followed the heroes as they went on the campaigns against the Liao Tartars and Fang La. He was one of the lucky survivors and due to his contributions, he was offered an official position. He held office for 6 months, and when he heard that Chai Jin had resigned, he too pretended to be ill and resigned. Li Ying then went back to Dulong Ridge.