Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Tao Zongwang (陶宗旺, Đào Tông Vượng) was a minor landowner from Guang County who became an outlaw at Yellow Gate Mountain. He is famously known as the ‘Nine-Tailed Tortoise’ (Jiǔ Wěi Guī) and represents the Earthly Geography Star (Dìlǐ Xīng) among the 108 Liangshan heroes. Physically, he was known for his immense strength and his weapon of choice, a heavy iron-spiked hoe, which reflected his background as a farmer-turned-rebel.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Tao Zongwang did not possess the tactical brilliance of commanders like Lu Junyi (卢俊义, Lư Tuấn Nghĩa) or the raw prowess of Wu Song (武松, Võ Tòng), but he served as the essential logistical anchor for Liangshan, utilizing his skills in civil engineering and construction to fortify the stronghold’s defenses.
Upon joining the Liangshan forces alongside his brothers from Yellow Gate Mountain—Ou Peng (欧鹏, Âu Bằng), Jiang Jing (蒋敬, Tưởng Kính), and Ma Lin (马麟, Mã Lân)—Tao Zongwang was tasked with the critical role of supervising the building and repair of the fortress gates and defensive walls. His engineering acumen proved vital during the repeated imperial sieges. He eventually met his end during the brutal Southern Campaign against the rebel leader Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), where he was crushed to death during the chaotic fighting at Muzhou (睦州, Mục Châu).
Tao Zongwang — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 41
The Gathering at Yellow Gate Mountain
Tao Zongwang joins forces with Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang) after Ou Peng and his group decide to pledge loyalty to the Liangshan cause.
Chapter 70
The 108 Destiny Stars
He officially receives his rank as the 75th chieftain and is assigned the role of managing the construction and maintenance of the Liangshan stronghold.
Chapter 114
Death at Muzhou
During the final campaign against Fang La, Tao Zongwang is caught in a lethal ambush and killed in action.
Key Relationships
- The Yellow Gate Mountain Allies
- Ou Peng (欧鹏, Âu Bằng): His comrade-in-arms and fellow leader at Yellow Gate Mountain.
- Jiang Jing (蒋敬, Tưởng Kính): Co-leader who managed the supplies and logistics alongside Tao.
- Ma Lin (马麟, Mã Lân): Fellow warrior who joined the Liangshan ranks during the same recruitment phase.
- Liangshan Command
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): The supreme leader to whom Tao Zongwang remained fiercely loyal until his death.
