Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Zhang Qing, known as the ‘Featherless Arrow’, is a prominent commander of the 108 Liangshan heroes. Originally a military official guarding Dongchang Prefecture, he gained legendary status for his supernatural ability to throw stones with pinpoint accuracy, rarely missing his target. His skill was so formidable that he defeated many of Liangshan’s greatest warriors in single combat by knocking them off their horses with his stones before they could engage him.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
His stone flies faster than the wind, a silent death that leaves no trace; the Featherless Arrow strikes, and the bravest fall from grace.
Zhang Qing’s introduction is one of the most dramatic in Water Margin. During the Liangshan assault on Dongchang, he single-handedly defeated fifteen Liangshan champions, including Lu Junyi (卢俊义, Lư Tuấn Nghĩa) and Guan Sheng (关胜, Quan Thắng), using only his stones. After his eventual capture, he joined the Liangshan ranks and became a crucial commander. He is famous for his romance with Qiong Ying (琼英, Quỳnh Anh), a skilled warrior whom he met during the campaign against Tian Hu (田虎, Điền Hổ). Their cooperation proved vital in the subsequent campaigns. During the final expedition against the rebel Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Zhang Qing was mortally wounded at Duzhou while attempting to rescue his comrade Dong Ping (董平, Đổng Bình).
Zhang Qing — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 70
The Defense of Dongchang
Zhang Qing challenges the Liangshan heroes, systematically defeating their top warriors with his stone-throwing technique.
Chapter 97
Marriage and Campaigns
Zhang Qing encounters and marries the gifted warrior Qiong Ying (琼英, Quỳnh Anh) during the campaign against the forces of Tian Hu.
Chapter 118
The Fall at Duzhou
While fighting in the Fang La campaign, Zhang Qing is killed by poisoned arrows after attempting to rescue Dong Ping.
Key Relationships
- Allies
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): Served under him as a leading cavalry commander.
- Dong Ping (董平, Đổng Bình): Served as close comrades-in-arms until their simultaneous deaths.
- Spouse
- Qiong Ying (琼英, Quỳnh Anh): His wife and partner in martial combat.
