Chinese Name: Li Zhong

Japanese Name: Dakoshō Richū

Rank: 86th of the 108 Stars of Destiny

Nickname: Tiger Fighting General

Li Zhong was originally a drill instructor and medicine vendor and had also been Shi Jin’s (plates 1; 4; 9) martial arts teacher before Shi Jin was trained by the far superior, Wang Jin (see plate 1 for story details). 

Li Zhong was passing by the base of Mount Taohua, when Zhuo Tong (plate 7) and the Mount Taohua bandits tried to rob him. Li Zhong defended himself and defeated Zhuo Tong in the fight. Zhuo Tong, impressed with Li Zhong’s fighting skills, asked him to join them and take on the role of first in command; he—Zhuo Tong—would assume the role of second in command.  Li Zhong agreed to this and gave up his old life for one of brigandry.  

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As the story unfolded, Li Zhong and the bandits of Mount Taohua joined forces with the bandits of Mount Lianglong and Mount Baihu to fight the Imperial Army led by General Huyan Zhuo (plate 55), who was tasked with ridding the land of brigands. Their combined forces were not enough to defeat the Imperial army however, so they turned to the outlaws of Liangshan Marsh for help. The four groups became a formidable force, and they were victorious against General Huyan’s campaign. Realizing the advantages and strength they gained from joining forces, Li Zhong and the bandits of Mount Taohua as well as the bandits of Mount Lianglong and Mount Baihu remained at Liangshan and became part of their legions. 

Li Zhong is depicted here with two retainers assisting him with his elaborate and expensive clothing.

Kuniyoshi Recreation