| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 李立, 李立, Lǐ Lì |
| Nickname | 96 - Earthly Slave Star - 地奴星 (Dìnú Xīng) - Địa Nô Tinh; Life-Taking Judge (催命判官, Cuīmìng Pànguān, Thôi Mệnh Phán Quan) |
| Other name | Lý Lập |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Jieyang Ridge, Jiangzhou (江州揭阳岭; đèo Yết Dương, Giang Châu) |
| Death Reason | Fell ill and passed away from epidemic in Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu, Hàng Châu) during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Battle of Zeng Tou Market, Campaign against Fang La |
Biography of Li Li and Water Margin Origins
Li Li, known by his fearsome nickname “Life-Taking Judge” (催命判官), is a memorable character in the classic Chinese epic Water Margin. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Northern Song Dynasty, the novel depicts him as the 96th chieftain among the 108 Stars of Destiny, representing the Earth Slave Star. Before joining the outlaw brotherhood, he operated a secluded tavern at the foot of Jieyang Ridge, infamous for ambushing travelers with spiked wine.
Operating under the guise of an ordinary innkeeper, he routinely drugged unsuspecting merchants and wanderers using potent anesthetic concoctions. Once his victims fell unconscious, he stripped them of their valuables and disposed of them ruthlessly. His notorious establishment made him one of the most dreaded figures across the Jieyang region alongside other local martial outlaws.
Role and Feats at Liangshan Marsh
The turning point in his life occurred when Song Jiang, on his way to exile in Jiangzhou, stopped at the inn. Unaware of the traveler’s esteemed identity, the innkeeper drugged the party and prepared to slaughter them. Fortunately, the river chieftain Li Jun arrived in time to recognize Song Jiang, preventing a catastrophic tragedy. Deeply remorseful and inspired by Song Jiang’s chivalrous reputation, Li Li swore eternal allegiance to the cause and abandoned his murderous trade.
At Liangshan Marsh, he was appointed to supervise one of the lookout taverns, utilizing his seasoned hospitality background to gather critical military intelligence and welcome incoming recruits from across the realm.
Key Narrative Timeline
Near-Fatal Encounter at Jieyang Ridge
The innkeeper unwittingly captures Song Jiang with drugged wine, but Li Jun intervenes before any harm is done, leading to an immediate alliance.
Heroic Demise in the Fang La Campaign
During the decisive imperial expedition against the rebel Fang La, Li Li sustains grievous wounds during the fierce assault on Qingxi and tragically perishes in the battle.
Key Relationships
- Song Jiang: The grand commander of Liangshan whom he served faithfully after being spared from a disastrous mistake.
- Li Jun: The influential river lord who prevented him from executing Song Jiang and guided him toward outlaw redemption.
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