| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 孟康, 孟康, Mèng Kāng |
| Nickname | 70 - Earthly Full Star - 地满星 (Dìmǎn Xīng) - Địa Mãn Tinh; Jade Flagpole (玉幡竿, Yùfāngān, Ngọc Phan Can) |
| Other name | Mạnh Khang |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Huaizhou (怀州; Hoài Châu) |
| Death Reason | Killed in battle at Muzhou (睦州, Mùzhōu, Mục Châu) during the campaign against Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Battle of Gaotang, Defense of Liangshan against the Imperial Army, Campaign against the Liao Dynasty |
The Life and Legacy of Meng Kang
Meng Kang (孟康), famously nicknamed “Jade Flagpole” due to his towering height and fair complexion, is a pivotal outlaw featured in the classical Chinese epic Water Margin. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Northern Song Dynasty, his narrative reflects the struggles of talented artisans under oppressive bureaucratic rule. Originally a craftsman and supervisor overseeing the construction of luxury vessels in Zhen Ding, he was pushed to violence after an unjust magistrate abused his authority. Forced into hiding, he took refuge at the Yinma River stronghold alongside fellow outlaws Pei Xuan and Deng Fei.
Master Shipbuilder of Liangshan
When Dai Zong and Yang Lin passed through Yinma River, they persuaded the mountain band to unite with the main Liangshan forces. Upon arriving at the marsh stronghold, Meng Kang was appointed chief naval engineer. His profound knowledge of shipwright craftsmanship proved indispensable to the rebel fleet. Working in close coordination with naval admirals like Li Jun, he oversaw the construction of agile battle cruisers and fortified paddle-wheel warships capable of repelling imperial expeditions.
Key Literary Timeline
Alliance at Yinma River
After welcoming Liangshan representatives, the Yinma River chieftains disband their mountain lair and join the grand brotherhood.
Supervising Fleet Construction
He establishes extensive shipyards at Liangshan, manufacturing specialized rivercraft that secure vital water transport lines.
The Final Siege
During the expedition against the northern invaders, Meng Kang falls in battle near Yutian after being struck by an enemy projectile.
Key Relationships
- Pei Xuan & Deng Fei: Loyal bandit brethren from Yinma River who shared his journey from rural renegades to Liangshan leaders.
- Song Jiang: The supreme commander who recognized his vital engineering genius and placed aquatic construction under his direct command.
- Li Jun & River Chieftains: Elite naval officers who relied on his meticulously designed ships to outmaneuver imperial blockades.
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