Hou Jian

Hou Jian (侯健) is a character in the epic Chinese tale, "Water Margin".

Hou Jian was from Hongdu, and was once a reowned tailor. Besides being a legendary tailor, he excelled in martial arts as well, learning from Xue Yong. Due to his dark complexion, his skinny and agile body, he was nicknamed 'Long-armed ape' (通臂猿).

Once, after Song Jiang had been rescued from the execution ground in Jiangzhou, he sought revenge on Huang Wenbing who had caused him to be almost executed. Hou Jian was working as a tailor in Huang's residence at that time. Xue Yong went to find Hou Jian and Hou Jian agreed to help the Liangshan heroes. Hou Jian told the whereabouts of Huang's family to the heroes and the heroes tracked down Huang's family and killed them. Huang was shocked upon hearing the news and rushed home from Hangzhou. On the river, Li Jun and Zhang Shun capsized his boat and captured Huang. In the end, the evil Huang Wenbing was killed by Li Kui. Hou Jian then left and followed the heroes to Liangshan.

Hou Jian became in charge of making flags, banners and clothing for the heroes, and made great contributions to Liangshan in battle as well. After the heroes had obtained amnesty from the emperor, Hou Jian followed the Liangshan heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels, making great contributions to the imperial court. During the Fang La campaign, Hou followed Ruan Xiaoqi and the Liangshan navy as they tried to infiltrate the enemy through a water route. Unfortunately, the fleet encountered a storm which swept their ships far out to sea. The ships sank and Hou Jian drowned as he was not a swimmer.