Contents
The Legend of Zhang Qing (Featherless Arrow)
Zhang Qing (Featherless Arrow) is celebrated as one of the most formidable cavalry commanders among the 108 Liangshan heroes. Originally serving as an imperial garrison officer during the Northern Song Dynasty, he guarded Dongchang Prefecture with distinction. Renowned for his uncanny precision in slinging stones from horseback, he incapacitated enemy vanguard champions before they could even cross blades with him.
Role in Water Margin
His stone flies faster than the wind, a silent death that leaves no trace; the Featherless Arrow strikes, and the bravest fall from grace.
In the classic epic Water Margin, Zhang Qing (Featherless Arrow) makes an unforgettable entrance. When Liangshan forces besieged Dongchang Prefecture, he single-handedly routed fifteen top champions—including legendary generals Lu Junyi and Guan Sheng—purely through his blinding stone-throwing technique. After being lured into water and captured, he pledged allegiance to Song Jiang.
His tactical value expanded during subsequent pacification expeditions, particularly alongside his warrior spouse Qiong Ying, who shared his unique missile technique. However, during the bloody campaign against the rebel leader Fang La, he met a tragic end at Duzhou Pass while valiantly attempting to support his fallen comrade Dong Ping.
Literary Timeline
The Defense of Dongchang
Zhang Qing defies the Liangshan army, systematically defeating fifteen elite warriors with his unmatched stone-flinging skill.
Marriage and Campaigns
He meets and marries the skilled warrior Qiong Ying, creating a formidable martial duo during the northern campaigns against Tian Hu.
The Last Stand at Duzhou
During the grueling Fang La campaign, he falls in intense hand-to-hand combat at Duzhou Pass while trying to assist Dong Ping.
Key Relationships
- Allies & Comrades:
- Song Jiang: Liangshan leader whom Zhang Qing served faithfully as a premier vanguard general.
- Dong Ping: A close cavalry comrade who fought beside him through the Southern campaigns.
- Spouse:
- Qiong Ying: His martial partner and wife who shared his exceptional talent for throwing stones.
