Chinese Name: Duan Jingzhu 

Japanese Name: Kimmōken Dankeijū

Rank: 108th of the 108 Stars of Destiny 

Nickname: Golden Haired Dog

Duan Jingzhu was a horse thief from Zhuozhou Prefecture. He is described as being tall and thin with a disheveled and slightly odd appearance. His red hair and yellow beard earned him the nickname, “Golden Haired Dog”.

Duan Jingzhu had stolen a magnificent horse. It was pure white, ten feet long from nose to tail, eight feet tall at its back, and could travel hundreds of miles a day. It was called “The Jade Lion that Glows in the Night”. He had intended it for Song Jiang (plate 107) as a token of his respect, but it was stolen from him by Zeng Sheng, one of the five sons of the Zeng Family. When Duan Jingzhu explained to Zeng Sheng the significance of the horse as a gift for Song Jiang, Zeng Sheng merely spouted insults at him about the Liangshan bandits.

Duan Jingzhu traveled the rest of the way to Liangshan Marsh and explained to Song Jiang what had happened. Song Jiang extended an invitation for him to become a member, and Duan Jingzhu joined their ranks. When the story reached Chao Gai (see plate 14) he was outraged and immediately gathered together 5000 men to attack the Zeng’s. 

The first battle was a stalemate and Chao Gai retreated back to camp. A few days later two monks went to Chao Gai saying they wanted to help him in his battle with the Zeng Family. They explained how the Zeng Family harassed them and demanded money from their monastery. They offered to lead Chao Gai and his men to the Zeng’s main camp and help them set up an ambush. Chao Gai agreed to follow them and assembled 2500 men for the attack.

Chao Gai and his brigade were led by the monks through the dark night towards the Zeng Village. Suddenly, the monks vanished and drums began thundering all around them. Realizing they’d been deceived, Chao Gai and his men tried to retreat but they were met by villagers who sprang from the dark. The village martial arts instructor, Shi Wengong, shot a poison arrow hitting Chao Gai in the face, and he later succumbed to his injury. Song Jiang became the acting leader of Liangshan Marsh, and would remain their revered leader throughout the remainder of the novel. 

Duan Jingzhu is depicted here having his horse stolen from him by the Zengs.

Kuniyoshi recreation