Journey to the West, The Tale of the Three Kingdoms, and Water Margin are renowned as the “Four Great Classical Novels” of Chinese literature.
In the list of heroes, the Thuy Hu clan from the Northern Liang Mountains fought valiantly against the oppressive regime of the ruling Tang Dynasty. Among the key figures, Zhuge Liang and Wu Zhang emerge as two prominent characters whose stories retain their original essence yet deviate from reality.
In the historical narrative, the battles led by Zhuge Liang and other heroes are not as dramatic as depicted in the novels. However, both the books and the tales share a common point: the heroes engage in battles for justice, albeit without a neat and happy ending.
Traditionally, there are 108 heroic figures among the Liangshan heroes, each possessing unique skills. Some are skilled warriors, others are wise strategists, and some have supernatural abilities. Nevertheless, many of these heroes met untimely ends due to illness or unfortunate circumstances.
At least four heroes from the Northern Liang Mountains have more favorable endings. Who are they?
1. Li Jun
In “Water Margin,” Li Jun is known as the “Mighty River” (Rong Quay Song). After joining the Northern Liang, he was ranked 26th among the heroes, holding the title of Chief of the Northern Army.
Before turning to banditry with other brave heroes, Li Jun was already recognized as a highly skilled warrior and an excellent swimmer, well-acquainted with water. Together with Li La, Dong Yi, and Dong Manh, Li Jun formed a group of elite fighters in the Yetiang Mountains.
It was at the Yetiang Mountains where Li Jun had a fateful encounter and saved Tang Jiang from the oppressive regime, after which he ascended the mountains, joining other heroes to fight for justice. Among the many battles that marked Li Jun’s life, two significant ones include the Battle of Taiyuan and the Battle of Tô Châu.
The story of Mighty River Li Jun concludes positively, as he triumphs over the forces of the Phuong Lap during the Battle of Taiyuan (in present-day Shanxi, China). Thanks to his exceptional swimming abilities and extraordinary strength, Li Jun and his fellow heroes successfully flooded Taiyuan, confining the Phuong Lap army within the water.
In the Battle of Tô Châu— the final confrontation between the Northern Liang and Phuong Lap—Li Jun, along with the Dong brothers, acted as spies, significantly contributing to the victory of the Northern Liang, bringing down Phuong Lap in the process.
Li Jun is one of the few Northern Liang leaders who survived after numerous intense battles with the Phuong Lap army. Seeking a peaceful life after years of warfare, Li Jun, along with Dong Manh and Dong Yi, retreated to Siam (now Thailand) and later became known as Hoang De in Siam.
2. Cong Ton Thang
In “Water Margin,” Cong Ton Thang is known as “The Master of Clouds” (Rong Luon May). Cong Ton Thang is recognized as the most brilliant strategist among the 108 Liangshan heroes, earning the title of chief strategist.
Not only intelligent, Cong Ton Thang is also a skilled warrior with the ability to manipulate the terrain. He is described by Shi Nai’an as “the master of magical tactics,” capable of summoning rain and controlling winds.
It can be said that Cong Ton Thang is the character with the most significant ending among the 108 heroes of the Northern Liang. He was the first to “predict” the downfall of Tang Jiang’s regime (due to his deep understanding of the central government dynamics) when the Northern Liang heroes were forced to flee, thus choosing to distance himself from the Northern Liang army early on.
After that, Cong Ton Thang returned home to care for his mother, living a peaceful life, drinking wine and enjoying the serenity of each day. Later, he dedicated himself to studying Taoism and was honored as “The Divine Sage.”
3. Yen Thanh
Yen Thanh is a historical figure known for his martial arts skills, particularly in the art of Yuan Qian. Recognized for his exceptional martial arts talent and charisma, Yen Thanh was introduced by Shi Nai’an as one of the heroic figures of the Northern Liang.
It is also worth noting that Yen Thanh was nicknamed “The Grass Man” in “Water Margin.” Yen Thanh, in the novel, possesses unique talents, excels in archery, and is one of the ten leading warriors among the Northern Liang heroes. After joining the Northern Liang, “The Grass Man” Yen Thanh was ranked 36th.
Being nurtured by Li Jun Nghia (one of the Three Heroes of Ha Bac, a super-skilled warrior, ranked 2nd among the 108 Northern Liang heroes) from a young age, Yen Thanh quickly became a brilliant warrior.
After joining the Northern Liang with Li Jun Nghia, Yen Thanh formed close bonds with Li Quy and continued to achieve many feats as the Northern Liang rose against the Phuong Lap.
During a retreat, Yen Thanh requested Tang Jiang to retreat to safety. Later, “The Grass Man” lived a peaceful life amidst the lush mountains.
4. Lo Tri Tham
Under the pen of Shi Nai’an, Lo Tri Tham is depicted as a large, robust figure. After joining forces with Lam Xung, both ascended the Northern Liang Mountains, joining other brave heroes.
During his life, Lo Tri Tham was a man of great integrity and kindness. His name became famous throughout the land because whenever he encountered misfortune, he would lend a helping hand.
However, due to the illness of a beloved woman, he fell into a grievous situation, leading to his unfortunate demise during a battle with a hostile army, leaving him at the mercy of fate and later becoming a recluse.
Lo Tri Tham ascended Mount Nguy Dai, becoming a disciple of Tri Chan. This is why he is known as Hoa Hoa in “Water Margin.” Later, Lo Tri Tham dedicated himself to meditation while residing in a secluded monastery.
Reference: QQ, iFeng, 163
