| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 宋清, 宋清, Sòng Qīng |
| Nickname | 76 - Earthly Talented Star - 地俊星 (Dìjùn Xīng) - Địa Tuấn Tinh; Iron Fan (鐵扇子, Tiěshànzǐ, Thiết Phiến Tử) |
| Other name | Tống Thanh |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Qingzhou (青州; Thanh Châu) |
| Death Reason | Survived the campaign, returned to Yuncheng County (郓城县, Yùnchéng Xiàn, Vận Thành Huyện) to live as a farmer, and died of old age |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Campaign against Liao, Campaign against Tian Hu, Campaign against Wang Qing, Campaign against Fang La |
Song Qing in Water Margin & History
Song Qing, nicknamed “Iron Fan,” is a memorable figure in the Chinese epic Water Margin. As the younger brother of Liangshan chieftain Song Jiang, he represents the domestic and administrative backbone of the outlaw brotherhood during the Northern Song Dynasty era.
Logistical Role and Loyalty
Unlike the fearsome martial champions who dominated the battlefield, this Yuncheng native focused on familial duty, quiet diplomacy, and hospitality. Prior to ascending Mount Liang, he dutifully cared for his aging father, Squire Song, and assisted his fugitive brother during times of severe peril, including his flight following the death of Yan Poxi. Upon joining the stronghold alongside other outlaws, he was ranked 76th among the 108 Stars of Destiny, taking the celestial mantle of the Earth Handsome Star.
Within the mountain fortress, Song Qing served as the Chief Steward of Banquets. He orchestrated massive celebrations, welcomed incoming recruits, distributed supplies, and maintained harmony among chieftains from vastly diverse social backgrounds. His quiet administrative dedication provided crucial stability throughout prolonged military campaigns against rival rebel forces and foreign invaders across the empire.
Life After Liangshan and Legacy
After surviving the disastrous expedition against Fang La, which claimed the lives of most Liangshan chieftains, he declined prestigious government appointments offered by the imperial court. Choosing peace and integrity over bureaucratic power, he returned to Yuncheng County to cultivate farmland and look after his family estate. Through his son Song Anping, who later achieved great distinction in the imperial civil examinations, the household retained an honorable legacy. Ultimately, the story of Song Qing proves that loyalty, administration, and humility were just as vital to the Liangshan brotherhood as raw martial strength.
Key Historical & Literary Milestones
- Family Caretaker: Managed the ancestral household in Yuncheng and safeguarded his brother during early exile.
- Liangshan Grand Assembly: Appointed Chief Steward of Banquets as the 76th hero.
- Campaign Survival: Maintained internal logistics across national military expeditions.
- Peaceful Retirement: Embraced an agrarian life, declining imperial rank to maintain family virtue.
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