Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Sun Xin, known as ‘Little Yuchi’ due to his resemblance to the legendary Tang dynasty general Yuchi Gong (尉迟恭, Uất Trì Cung), is a prominent character in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. Originally a resident of Jieyang, he operated a tavern and gambling den alongside his formidable wife, Gu Dasao (顾大嫂, Cố Đại Tẩu). Sun Xin is a master of martial arts, particularly skilled with hidden weapons and the iron mace. He is characterized by his loyalty to his family and his brotherhood, eventually joining the Liangshan rebels to save his cousins, Xie Zhen (解珍, Giải Trân) and Xie Bao (解宝, Giải Bảo). During his time at Liangshan, he served as one of the leaders responsible for overseeing the construction and repair of camp facilities, as well as engaging in espionage and tactical maneuvering.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Sun Xin’s physical prowess and tactical intuition, paired with his wife’s ferocity, made him an indispensable asset in the Liangshan intelligence network. While not a commander of massive battalions, his ability to infiltrate and sabotage proved vital during the campaigns against the Liao and Fang La.
Sun Xin — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 49
The Rescue Mission
Sun Xin and Gu Dasao orchestrate a daring prison break to save their cousins, Xie Zhen and Xie Bao, subsequently joining the Liangshan band.
Chapter 119
The Final Sacrifice
During the final campaign against the rebel Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Sun Xin dies in the heat of battle, marking the end of his service to the Liangshan cause.
Key Relationships
- Family and Kin
- Sun Li (孙立, Tôn Lập): His elder brother, a skilled military commander who initially served the government before defecting to Liangshan.
- Gu Dasao (顾大嫂, Cố Đại Tẩu): His wife, a powerful and courageous woman who is the driving force behind many of his critical decisions.
- Xie Zhen (解珍, Giải Trân) and Xie Bao (解宝, Giải Bảo): His cousins whose imprisonment triggered his defection.
- Liangshan Allies
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): The primary leader of the Liangshan heroes whom Sun Xin pledged his life to.
