| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 张横, 張橫, Zhāng Héng |
| Nickname | 28 - Heavenly Balance Star - 天平星 (Tiānpíng Xīng) - Thiên Bình Tinh; Boatman (船火兒, Chuánhuǒ'ér, Thuyền Hỏa Nhi) |
| Other name | Trương Hoành |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Dongping Prefecture (东平府; phủ Đông Bình) |
| Death Reason | Fell ill and passed away from epidemic in Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu, Hàng Châu) during the campaign against Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Battle of Jiangzhou, Campaign against Liao, Campaign against Fang La |
The Legend of Zhang Heng in Chinese Folklore
Zhang Heng (张横), known by the fearsome moniker “Boat Fireling” (船火儿), is a prominent figure in the classic novel Water Margin. Ranked 28th among the 108 Stars of Destiny, he represents the Heavenly Balance Star (天平星). Operating during the turbulent era of the Northern Song Dynasty, he originally earned his notoriety as a ruthless river pirate along the Xunyang River, extorting and terrorizing travelers who dared cross his waters.
From River Pirate to Liangshan Chieftain
Despite his violent beginnings and fiery temperament, his destiny shifted dramatically upon encountering Song Jiang. After attempting to rob the future outlaw leader, he was intercepted by Li Jun and subsequently embraced the righteous rebellion. Alongside his younger brother Zhang Shun, the famed “White Streak in the Waves,” he took command of the Liangshan naval forces. His profound mastery of river warfare made him an indispensable commander during amphibious skirmishes against imperial armies.
Zhang Heng — Literary Timeline
Ambush on the Xunyang River
Disguised as a common boatman, he attempts to plunder Song Jiang before recognizing the leader’s noble aura and joining the Liangshan cause.
Heroic Vengeance and Passing
During the southern campaign against the rebel Fang La, Zhang Heng slays enemy general Duan Pengfei to avenge his brother before succumbing to illness at Muzhou.
Key Relationships and Allegiances
- Zhang Shun: His beloved younger brother and fellow naval leader; their fraternal bond remains one of the most poignant dynamics in the saga.
- Song Jiang: The supreme commander of Mount Liang, whose magnanimity inspired him to redirect his martial prowess toward honor and brotherhood.
- Li Jun: A fellow river leader and close comrade who mediated his initial integration into the outlaw band.
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