Background
The Water Margin describes Zhang Qing as having a waist like a wolf's, arms like those of an ape's and a body like a tiger's. He has a handsome and energetic appearance and is very agile in battle. He is a native of Zhangde Prefecture (present-day Anyang, Henan), and is first introduced in the novel as a general from Dongchang Prefecture. Zhang Qing's famous "flying stones" technique earns him the nickname "Featherless Arrow".
When the Liangshan outlaws attack Dongchang Prefecture, the prefect sends Zhang Qing to lead Dongchang's army to counter the attack. Zhang Qing wins the first battle by injuring Hao Siwen with his flying stones. Song Jiang leads the other outlaws to reinforce Lu Junyi. In the subsequent battles, Zhang Qing injures Liangshan's Xu Ning, Yan Shun, Han Tao, Peng Qi, Xuan Zan, Huyan Zhuo, Liu Tang, Yang Zhi, Zhu Tong, Lei Heng and Suo Chao with his flying stones. Liu Tang is captured after his defeat. The only two Liangshan warriors who manage to put up a fight against Zhang Qing's flying stones are Guan Sheng and Dong Ping, due to their quick reflexes. Guan Sheng succeeds in defending himself from the stones with his guan dao but is unable to switch from defence to attack. Dong Ping succeeds in blocking the stones with his spears but forgets about them when he pursues Zhang Qing after the latter feigns defeat and retreats.
Read more about this topic: Zhang Qing (Featherless Arrow)
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