Zhang Heng (Water Margin)

Zhang Heng (张横) is a character in the epic Chinese tale, the "Water Margin".

Zhang Heng stood at 7 feet, had triangular eyes, yellow whiskers, red hair, and crimson eyes. He had the ability to swim in the water like a fish, leaping out of the water from wave to wave and even harsh weather conditions could not stop him. Thus, he was nicknamed the 'Boatman'.

Zhang lived at the foot of Mt Gushan. He was Zhang Shun's elder brother, Li Jun's sworn brother. The Zhang brothers did some illegal trading on the river for a living. Zhang Heng gambled frequently, and lost a huge sum of money. Then, he became a ferryman, but was in fact a pirate.

Once, Song Jiang was pursued by the angry Mu Hong and Mu Chun, he boarded Zhang Heng's boat by mistake. In the middle of the river, Zhang tried to kill Song Jiang by forcing him off the boat, but was stopped by Li Jun. Li Jun introduced Song Jiang to Zhang Heng and the others, and upon recognising Song's true identity, they immediately pleaded for forgiveness.

After the Liangshan heroes stormed the execution ground in Jiangzhou and rescued Song Jiang, Zhang Heng, Li Jun and the others picked them up at the riverbank, and ferried them all the way back to Liangshan. There, Zhang Heng decided to join the band. He became one of the leaders of the Liangshan navy and made great contributions with his exceptional skills in naval warfare.

When Huyuan Zhuo attacked Liangshan, he ordered the artillery commander Ling Zhen to bombard Liangshan with heavy cannon fire. Wu Yong sent Zhang Heng and the Liangshan navy to upset the cannons and attract Ling's attention. Ling was furious and pursued them to the middle of the river, where Zhang capsized Ling's boat and caught him. Ling was then persuaded to join the band.

When Guan Sheng attacked Liangshan, Zhang Heng desperately wanted to launch a sneak attack on Guan Sheng's camp, despite Zhang Shun's continual warnings. In the end, Zhang fell into a trap and was caught by Guan Sheng. After that, Zhang Heng was released when Guan Sheng joined the Liangshan band.

Zhang Heng followed the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels. During the Fang La campaign, his brother Zhang Shun was killed in the battle of Hangzhou. It was said that after Zhang Shun's death, his spirit possessed Zhang Heng, and killed Fang Tianding at Wuyun Mountain for revenge. After that, Zhang Shun's spirit left his brother's body. Zhang Heng woke up from his state and was greatly grieved to hear about his brother's death. Zhang collapsed on the spot and lost consciousness. Shortly after, he died of illness in Hangzhou.

Films and TV adaptations

In the 1997 TV serial from Mainland China based on the novel, Zhang Heng was played by Lan Gongying and he slew Fang Mao who was responsible for his brother's death.