Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Ling Zhen (凌振, Lăng Chấn) was a master artillery expert and the finest cannon manufacturer in the Northern Song Dynasty. Before joining the outlaws of Liangshan, he served as a senior officer in the imperial army, specifically tasked with the construction and operation of heavy artillery. He was widely recognized for his ability to craft cannons capable of launching projectiles over great distances with terrifying accuracy and explosive power, a skill that earned him the moniker ‘Thunder that Shakes the Heavens’ (Oanh Thiên Lôi).
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
His cannons could blast through fortress walls and set ships ablaze, making him the most formidable technical asset for the Liangshan rebels during sieges.
Ling Zhen was first ordered by the imperial court to lead a campaign against Liangshan. Utilizing his self-crafted cannons, he caused significant distress to the Liangshan defenders. However, he was captured during a deceptive maneuver orchestrated by the outlaws, who lured him into a trap. Upon his capture, Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang) treated him with great respect, recognizing his unique value to their cause. Ling Zhen eventually pledged his loyalty to Liangshan and became the primary architect of their artillery unit. He played a pivotal role in subsequent campaigns, most notably against the Liao Dynasty and the rebel forces of Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), where his cannons decimated enemy fortifications.
Ling Zhen — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 55
The Imperial Artillery Expert
Ling Zhen is introduced as an expert artillery officer dispatched by the imperial court to suppress the Liangshan rebellion.
Chapter 56
Capture and Defection
After his cannons prove troublesome, Ling Zhen is lured into a trap at a river crossing and captured by the Liangshan forces. He decides to join the band.
Chapter 82
Campaign Against the Liao
Ling Zhen demonstrates the power of his cannons against the Liao defenders, effectively shifting the tide of sieges.
Key Relationships
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang)
- The leader of Liangshan who recognized Ling Zhen’s talent and integrated him into the leadership structure.
- Wu Yong (吴用, Ngô Dụng)
- The strategist who devised the trap that successfully captured Ling Zhen.
