59: Xu Ning: Isaac Nichols

59_Xu_Ning_ATAK_Isaac_Nichols_108_Heroes_Water_Margin.jpg
59_Xu_Ning_ATAK_Isaac_Nichols_108_Heroes_Water_Margin.jpg

59: Xu Ning: Isaac Nichols

$500.00

11” x 14”

Sumi Ink on Washi Paper

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Chinese Name: Xu Ning

Japanese Name: Kinsōshu Jonei

Rank: 18th of the 108 Stars of Destiny 

Nickname: Metal Lancer 

Xu Ning was a military drill instructor from the capital city of Dongjing. He was known for his hooked-spear technique, the knowledge of which had been passed down in his family through the generations. No one outside the family was ever taught the technique, so he was the only one who could implement it. 

Huyan Zhuo (plate 55) had been called upon by Grand Marshal Gao Qiu to eradicate the Liangshan bandits once and for all. 

Huyan Zhuo used the linked-armored-cavalry technique where both his cavalry men and their horses wore heavy armor and were chained together in groups of thirty. The combined power of the linked horses made them nearly unstoppable and the armor rendered Liangshan’s spears and arrows useless. The only known way to defeat the linked-armored-cavalry was Xu Ning’s hooked-spear technique.

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Tang Long (plate 53), Xu Ning’s cousin, explained to Liangshan’s leaders that Xu Ning possessed a suit of golden armor which was a very valuable family heirloom and meant more to him than life. If they could steal it, they could lure him back to the stronghold and convince him to help them. 

Shi Qian (plate 58) was tasked by Liangshan’s leaders to steal Xu Ning’s revered armor. Tang Long explained to him where the armor would be hidden, and when Shi Qian arrived at Xu Ning’s home, he waited for nightfall.  Shi Qian hid in a tree until Xu Ning left for work early in the morning, then crept into his home and stole the armor. 

When Xu Ning found his precious family heirloom had been stolen, he was determined to find the thief. He tracked Shi 

Qian to Liangshan Marsh where Tang Long and the bandit leaders awaited him. They explained how they had deceived him, and Xu Ning was angered that his own cousin would fool him in such a way and put his family in danger by associating them with a rebellious gang of bandits. Song Jiang (plate 107) sent Tang Long immediately to retrieve Xu Ning’s family, then explained to him the desperation of their situation. Relieved to see his family, Xu Ning agreed to stay and join the forces at Liangshan Marsh. He taught the bandit troops how to use the hooked-spear technique and they were finally able to defeat General Huyan Zhuo.  

Xu Ning is shown here cutting the wings off of sparrows to display his weaponry prowess. 

Kuniyoshi recreation