| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 朱贵, 朱貴, Zhū Guì |
| Nickname | 92 - Earthly Prisoner Star - 地囚星 (Dìqiú Xīng) - Địa Tù Tinh; Dryland Crocodile (旱地忽律, Hàndì Hūlǜ, Hạn Địa Hốt Luật) |
| Other name | Chu Quý |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Yizhou (沂州; Nghi Châu) |
| Death Reason | Fell ill and passed away in Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu, Hàng Châu) during the campaign against Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) |
| FAMILY | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Campaign against the Liao Dynasty, Campaign against Tian Hu, Campaign against Wang Qing, Campaign against Fang La |
Biography of Zhu Gui
Zhu Gui, famously nicknamed the “Dry-Land Demon Crocodile” (Han Di Hu Lu), is a renowned fictional outlaw featured in the classic Chinese epic Water Margin. Ranking 92nd among the 108 Liangshan heroes and governed by the Earthly Prisoner Star, he serves a specialized function distinct from the combat-heavy vanguard. Rather than clashing directly on the frontlines, he serves as Liangshan’s foremost scout and covert spymaster.
Set during the turbulent years of the Northern Song Dynasty, the stronghold relied heavily on strategic vigilance. Zhu Gui established and operated an unassuming tavern at the base of Mount Liang. This establishment acted as a vital intelligence hub where he intercepted travelers, gathered state gossip, and evaluated prospective warriors seeking sanctuary within the marsh.
The Strategic Role of Zhu Gui
“The tavern serves as a trap, the wine as a snare; I listen to the winds and watch the travelers for the mountain’s cause.”
Strategic information management was vital to outlaw survival. By controlling information flow, Zhu Gui allowed chieftain Song Jiang to anticipate imperial troop movements and counter corrupt officials. His sharp eye for talent helped secure key additions to the mountain’s brotherhood, including early support for the exiled Lin Chong and later guiding the volatile warrior Li Kui.
Literary Timeline in Water Margin
The Tavern Keeper
He is introduced running the lookout tavern, where he safely conducts the framed military instructor Lin Chong up Mount Liang.
Rescuing Li Kui
When the fierce outlaw Li Kui encounters danger near his hometown, the innkeeper orchestrates a covert operation to ensure his safe return.
The Final Campaign
During the grueling imperial expedition against rebel leader Fang La, he falls gravely ill from pestilence in Hangzhou and dies in service.
Key Outlaw Relationships
- Song Jiang: Directed grand strategy while relying on his frontline tavern for actionable intelligence.
- Lin Chong: Received crucial guidance and passage from the innkeeper during his desperate initial flight to Liangshan.
- Li Kui: Formed a strong bond of trust, receiving vital assistance during perilous missions behind enemy lines.
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