| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 徐宁, 徐寧, Xú Níng |
| Nickname | 18 - Heavenly Blessed Star - 天佑星 (Tiānyòu Xīng) - Thiên Hựu Tinh; Golden Lancer (金槍手, Jīnqiāngshǒu, Kim Thương Thủ) |
| Other name | Từ Ninh |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Dongjing (东京; Đông Kinh) |
| Death Reason | Died in battle during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign after being struck by a poisoned arrow at Dusong Pass (独松关, Dúsōngguān, Độc Tùng Quan) |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Campaign against the Liao Dynasty, Campaign against Fang La, Siege of Hangzhou |
Biography and Military Role of Xu Ning
Xu Ning was a prestigious instructor in the Imperial Guard during the Northern Song Dynasty. Celebrated throughout the realm as the “Golden Spear Handler,” he possessed unrivaled mastery over the hook-lance, a specialized polearm capable of unseating heavily armored cavalry. Living a comfortable life in the imperial capital of Bianjing, he trained elite imperial guardsmen until strategic events altered his destiny.
Legendary Exploits in Water Margin
His spear technique resembled a dragon darting through mountain mists, while his golden armor shone brightly beneath the morning sun.
According to the classic Chinese epic Water Margin, Xu Ning was targeted by Liangshan outlaws who desperately required an expert instructor to counter General Huyan Zhuo’s formidable chained-cavalry formations. Strategist Wu Yong devised an elaborate ruse: master thief Shi Qian stole the treasured Yanling Coil Gold Armor, an ancestral heirloom cherished by the instructor. Pursuing the thief to reclaim his legacy, the warrior was lured to the marsh. After being welcomed with immense honor by Song Jiang, he recognized the corruption of the imperial court and chose to join the brotherhood as the 18th chieftain.
Serving as a crucial cavalry commander, Xu Ning trained the marsh forces to wield the hook-lance effectively, securing a decisive victory against the imperial army. Later, during the tragic southern campaign against the rebel leader Fang La, the brave officer was struck by a poisoned arrow near Hangzhou and succumbed to his injuries.
Key Literary & Historical Milestones
Arrival at Liangshan
Shi Qian steals the ancestral golden armor, luring the legendary spear instructor to the marsh where he unites with Song Jiang’s forces.
The Final Stand
While leading an assault against Fang La’s stronghold in Hangzhou, the hero is struck by a poisoned projectile and dies a martyr.
Key Relationships
- Song Jiang: The chief leader of Liangshan whom the master spearman served with unyielding loyalty.
- Shi Qian: The nimble thief whose cunning theft served as the catalyst for the warrior joining the Liangshan cause.
- Huyan Zhuo: A renowned imperial general whose armored cavalry was neutralized by the hook-lance division.
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