Ling Tong - in Fiction

In Fiction

In Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Ling Tong bore a grudge against Gan Ning for the death of his father. Ling Tong followed his father's footsteps by serving Sun Quan. He took up the post of Auxiliary Corps Commanding Officer and then Deputy Commander to command his father's former subordinates.

During the third attack on Jiangxia, Ling Tong was in the vanguard army and scored a complete victory. He was promoted to the rank of Commander Who Upholds Justice. During the Battle of Red Cliffs, Ling Tong held the rank of Commandant. During the Battle of Xiaoyao Ford, Ling Tong was appointed Chancellor of Pei Country, Commander of the Right and Imperial Corps Commander Who Destroys the Rebels.

Ling Tong wanted to avenge his father's death but since Gan Ning had joined Sun Quan's side he was unable to do so. He could only vent his anger on Gan Ning by attacking him verbally and quarreling with him often. Ling Tong's grudge against Gan Ning was finally dispelled after Gan saved his life in a battle. Ling Tong was fighting with Yue Jin when he was knocked off his horse and almost speared to death. Gan Ning fired an arrow which hit the enemy general and wounded him. Ling Tong was thus able to escape back to camp. When Ling Tong heard that it was Gan Ning who saved his life, he was astonished and touched. He apologised to Gan Ning for his earlier behavior and they became friends from then on.