| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 黄信, 黃信, Huáng Xìn |
| Nickname | 38 - Earthly Fiend Star - 地煞星 (Dìshà Xīng) - Địa Sát Tinh; Suppressor of Three Mountains (鎮三山, Zhènsānshān, Trấn Tam Sơn) |
| Other name | Hoàng Tín |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Qingzhou (青州; Thanh Châu) |
| Death Reason | Fell ill and passed away from epidemic in Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu, Hàng Châu) after the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Suppression of Qingfeng Mountain, Battle of Liangshan, Campaign against Fang La |
Huang Xin: Biography and Literary Record
Huang Xin is a fictional military commander featured in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin, set during the turbulent Northern Song Dynasty. Originally serving as an imperial garrison leader in Qingzhou, he earned the haughty moniker “Guardian of the Three Mountains” due to his bold vow to eradicate three notorious bandit lairs: Mount Qingfeng, Mount Erlong, and Mount Taohua.
Despite his martial prowess and skill with the mourning staff, his initial overconfidence led to defeat when he encountered the cunning outlaws. After falling into an ambush, he chose to surrender and align with the rebel brotherhood. Within the hierarchy of the 108 Liangshan Heroes, he occupies the 38th position as the first among the seventy-two Earthly Fiends, serving faithfully as a capable scout and cavalry vanguard.
Role and Legacy in Water Margin
Huang Xin embodies the capable imperial officer whose allegiances shift under corruption and military reality. Unlike the mythic leaders of Liangshan, his importance lies in tactical execution, disciplined cavalry maneuvering, and dependable logistical coordination across major campaigns.
Historical & Literary Timeline
Fall of the Guardian
Dispatched to escort the arrested outlaw Song Jiang, he is outmaneuvered and captured in a joint ambush led by Hua Rong and Qin Ming. Recognizing the imperial court’s decay, Huang Xin formally pledges allegiance to the Liangshan stronghold.
The Grand Assembly
During the grand gathering of heroes, he is awarded the star spirit Earth Flight Star (Di Sha Xing) and assumes command as a key officer within the mobile cavalry forces.
Key Relationships
- Qin Ming: His former commanding general and mentor in Qingzhou who also surrendered and joined the mountain band.
- Hua Rong: The peerless archer whose cunning tactics led directly to the capture and defection of government troops.
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