Yang Lin

Biography & Historical Record

Yang Lin (杨林, Dương Lâm), widely known by his nickname “Multicolored Leopard” (Jin Baozi), is a prominent fictional character in the classic Chinese novel *Water Margin* (Shui Hu Zhuan). He occupies the 51st position among the 108 Heroes of Liangshan and ranks 15th among the 72 Earthly Fiends. Originally hailing from Zhangde Prefecture (modern-day Anyang, Henan), Yang Lin lived the life of a wandering vagabond and outlaw, making a living through his martial skills and wits. He is particularly renowned for his proficiency with the ‘pen-cut spear’ (bi guan qiang) and his sharp eyes, which made him an invaluable asset for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

Unlike many other heroes who were forced into banditry by corrupt officials, Yang Lin’s journey to Liangshan Marsh (梁山泊, Lương Sơn Bạc) began with a chance encounter that showcased his discerning character. He was a man of the rivers and lakes (Jianghu) who sought true brotherhood. His contribution to the Liangshan cause was primarily in the cavalry and as a scout, often operating behind enemy lines to provide critical information before major engagements. His steady nature and reliability allowed him to survive numerous bloody campaigns that claimed the lives of many of his peers.

Role in Water Margin

“A man of fine features and a gall of iron, he wields the pen-cut spear like a dragon emerging from the sea. Among the heroes of the marshes, the Multicolored Leopard stands as a sentinel of the shadows.”

Yang Lin (杨林, Dương Lâm) first appears in Chapter 44 of the novel. While traveling on the road near Jizhou, he encounters Dai Zong (戴宗, Đái Tùng), the Magic Traveller, who was searching for Gongsun Sheng (公孙胜, Công Tôn Thắng). Recognizing Dai Zong’s extraordinary speed, Yang Lin introduces himself and expresses his desire to join the outlaws of Liangshan. This meeting is pivotal, as Yang Lin not only joins the band but also introduces Dai Zong to several other future heroes, including Pei Xuan (裴宣, Phê Tuyên), Deng Fei (邓飞, Đặng Phi), and Meng Kang (孟康, Mạnh Khang) at Yinma River.

One of his most famous exploits occurs during the first offensive against the Zhu Family Village (祝家庄, Chúc Gia Trang). Yang Lin, alongside Shi Xiu (石秀, Thạch Tú), disguised themselves to infiltrate the village. While Shi Xiu gathered intelligence through conversation, Yang Lin used his martial intuition to map the labyrinthine paths of the village. Although he was eventually captured during a skirmish when his disguise was compromised, his preliminary scouting was essential for the eventual victory of Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang). Throughout the campaigns against the Liao, Tian Hu, Wang Qing, and Fang La, Yang Lin served as a scout leader and cavalry officer. He was one of the few lucky survivors of the Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp) campaign; after the victory and the subsequent disbanding of the heroes, he declined an official post and returned to his hometown in Zhangde to live as a commoner.

Yang Lin — Literary Timeline

Key Relationships

• Dai Zong (戴宗, Đái Tùng):
  • The primary benefactor who introduced Yang Lin to the Liangshan brotherhood. They shared a close bond through their frequent scouting missions.
• Pei Xuan (裴宣, Phê Tuyên), Deng Fei (邓飞, Đặng Phi), and Meng Kang (孟康, Mạnh Khang):
  • Former associates from Yinma River whom Yang Lin recommended to Liangshan, showing his influence and loyalty to his friends.
• Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang):
  • His ultimate commander. Yang Lin remained fiercely loyal to Song Jiang’s cause of “Executing the Way on Behalf of Heaven.”

See Full 108 Heroes