Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Meng Kang (孟康, Mạnh Khang) is a fictional character in the classical Chinese novel Water Margin. Originally a low-ranking official in Zhen Ding (真定, Chân Định), he served as a supervisor for the construction of pleasure boats for the government. His career took a turn when he offended a local official, forcing him to flee into exile, eventually becoming a bandit at Yinma River (饮马川, Ẩm Mã Xuyên) alongside Pei Xuan (裴宣, Bùi Tuyên) and Deng Fei (邓飞, Đặng Phi). He is known for his immense height and striking physical presence, earning him the moniker ‘Jade Flagpole’ (玉幡竿, Yù Fāngān).
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While not a character in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Meng Kang is a central figure in the literary tradition of the Northern Song period as depicted in Water Margin. His role within the 108 Heroes of Liangshan illustrates the diversity of talents gathered by Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang), specifically highlighting the engineering and logistics prowess required to maintain a rebel navy. His tragic end during the Liao campaign serves as a poignant reminder of the high cost of the heroes’ transition from outlaws to imperial servants.
Meng Kang — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 60
Shipbuilding Expert
Upon arriving at Liangshan, Meng Kang is tasked with overseeing the construction of specialized warships and training naval crews, significantly boosting the faction’s river combat capabilities.
Chapter 85
The Liao Campaign
During the siege of Yutianshan, Meng Kang is struck by a cannonball fired by the Liao forces, meeting his end in the line of duty.
Key Relationships
- The Yinma River Trio
- Pei Xuan (裴宣, Bùi Tuyên): His sworn brother and leader of the Yinma River stronghold.
- Deng Fei (邓飞, Đặng Phi): His comrade-in-arms who joined the Liangshan cause simultaneously.
- Liangshan Command
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): The supreme leader to whom Meng Kang pledged his expertise in naval construction.
- Li Jun (李俊, Lý Tuấn): The primary naval commander who relied on Meng Kang’s shipbuilding skills for various campaigns.
