Friday, September 19, 2008

Du Qian

Du Qian , nicknamed 'One who scales the heavens' , was a character in the epic Chinese tale, the ''Water Margin''.

Du Qian was one of the pioneers of Liangshan. He and Wang Lun once sat for the imperial examination, but failed to perform exceptionally well, and they sought shelter in Chai Jin's residence. Later, the two men went to Liangshan and set up a bandit stronghold, with about 800 bandit troops under their command. Song Wan joined in later on and he took up the third position in Liangshan.

After Lin Chong had killed the evil Lu Qian and his men, abandoned the burnt storage field, he fled to Liangshan for refuge. The narrow-hearted and jealous Wang Lun refused to allow Lin Chong to join the Liangshan band. After constant persuasion from Song Wan, Du Qian and Zhu Gui, Wang Lun agreed but Lin Chong has to fulfill the traditional requirement in joining Liangshan; Lin has to kill a person and present his head to the chief within three days to prove his loyalty.

Lin Chong finally engaged Yang Zhi after a long wait, but neither emerged the winner in the fight. Eventually, the fight was halted by Wang Lun and Wang agreed to let Lin join the band. Later, Chao Gai and his six friends fled to Liangshan for refuge after having robbed the convoy of birthday gifts, but Wang Lun once again tried to send them away with the same method he used on Lin Chong. Lin Chong killed the incompetent and jealous Wang Lun after being smartly persuaded by Wu Yong, and the charismatic Chao Gai assumed the new position of chief.

Du Qian became one of the leaders of the Liangshan infantry and 72 Earthly Fiends, and participated in many battles with the enemies of Liangshan, making great contributions. After the heroes had obtained amnesty from the emperor, Du Qian followed them on their campaigns. During the Fang La campaign, Du Qian was assigned to attack Qingxi Prefecture, but he was trampled to death in the battle by enemy cavalry.

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