Background
The Water Margin describes Zhang Heng as a man seven chi tall, with triangular eyes, yellow whiskers, red hair and crimson eyes. He is an excellent swimmer and he can leapt out of the water from wave to wave like flying fish. Even harsh weather conditions do not deter him from performing superhuman feats in water. He is nicknamed "Boatman" for his marine abilities.
Zhang Heng lives at the foot of Mount Gu with his younger brother Zhang Shun. The brothers engage in some illegal trading on the nearby Xunyang River to earn a living. Zhang Heng is an impulsive gambler and loses large sums of money from frequent gambling. He decides to become a pirate in disguise as a ferryman to rob his customers.
Once, Song Jiang is pursued by the Mu brothers after offending them and he boards Zhang Heng's boat to escape from them in desperation. In the middle of the river, Zhang Heng attempts to kill Song Jiang by forcing him off the boat. Just then, Li Jun appears and he stops Zhang Heng. Li Jun then introduces Song Jiang to Zhang Heng and the others, who recognise him as the famous philanthropist. Zhang Heng apologises to Song Jiang and becomes friends with him.
Read more about this topic: Zhang Heng (Water Margin)
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