Friday, September 19, 2008

Dong Ping

Nicknamed the 'General of Double Spears' , Dong Ping was one of the most feared and highly ranked warriors in the epic Chinese tale, the ''Water Margin''.

Dong Ping was from Shangdang, Hedong. He served in Dongpingfu as a defending general. Besides, being skilful with his double spears in combat, he was also a man of romance, music and other arts.

When Song Jiang attacked Dongpingfu, he sent Yu Bao-si and Wang Ding-liu as envoys to hand the declaration of war to the governor. The governor was shaken, but Dong Ping calmed him down and suggested killing the envoys. In the end, the governor chased the envoys out after having them severely beaten up.

Shi Jin had a good relationship with Li Ruilan, a prostitute in Dongpingfu, and he volunteered to sneak inside the city and act as a conspirator. Unfortunately, the pimp reported Shi Jin to the county office and Shi was arrested. Song Jiang immediately selected his troops for an offensive on Dongpingfu. Dong Ping rode out to challenge the Liangshan heroes but neither side won.

Then, Song Jiang lured Dong Ping into a trap and caught him. Dong Ping decided to join the band after being persuaded by Song Jiang. He tricked the governor into opening the gates and so the Liangshan heroes conquered Dongpingfu easily, and rescued Shi Jin.

Dong Ping became one of the 5 tiger generals of the Liangshan cavalry and 36 Heavenly Spirits and followed the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and the southern rebels. During the Fang La campaign, Dong Ping and , the 'Featherless Arrow' were assigned to attack Dusong Pass. Dong Ping's left arm was injured by cannon fire but he continued fighting with Li Tianrun, but was forced to retreat. Zhang Qing rushed to continue the fight but was killed by Li Tianrun. Fuming, Dong Ping tried to avenge Zhang but was sliced into two from behind by Zhang Tao.

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