Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Cai Fu, known by his nickname Iron Arm (Tie Bi Bang, Thiết Tý Bàng), was a professional executioner based in the Daming Prefecture (Great Ming Prefecture). Along with his younger brother Cai Qing (蔡庆, Sái Khánh), he served the local magistrate and was responsible for carrying out capital punishments. He is identified as one of the 108 Stars of Destiny, holding the position of the 94th member, the Earth Peace Star (Diping Xing).
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Cai Fu was a man of the law, he was swayed by his sense of justice and the corruption he witnessed within the government. His pivotal moment came when he was tasked with overseeing the execution of Lu Junyi (卢俊义, Lư Tuấn Nghĩa). Recognizing the integrity of the hero, he conspired with his brother to spare Lu’s life, eventually joining the Liangshan rebels.
Cai Fu — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 61
The Executioner’s Choice
Cai Fu is introduced as the executioner assigned to kill Lu Junyi. Bribed by both the corrupt officials and the allies of Liangshan, he ultimately decides to protect Lu Junyi, marking his defection to the outlaw cause.
Chapter 119
The Fall at Hangzhou
During the final campaign against the rebel leader Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Cai Fu meets his end on the battlefield, sacrificing his life for the Liangshan cause.
Key Relationships
- Cai Qing (蔡庆, Sái Khánh)
- The younger brother of Cai Fu, often referred to as the ‘Flower-Necked Florist’. They acted in tandem throughout the Liangshan uprising and shared a bond of deep loyalty.
- Lu Junyi (卢俊义, Lư Tuấn Nghĩa)
- The primary catalyst for Cai Fu’s shift in loyalty. Cai Fu’s decision to save his life led to his own eventual exile and entry into the brotherhood of the marsh.
