Zhang Heng (Water Margin)

Zhang Heng
Water Margin character
An illustration of Zhang Heng, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
Nickname	"Boatman" 船火兒
Rank	28th, Balance Star (天平星) of the 36 Heavenly Spirits
Navy leader of Liangshan
Origin	Pirate
First appearance	Chapter 37
Names
Simplified Chinese	张横
Traditional Chinese	張橫
Pinyin	Zhāng Héng
Wade–Giles	Chang Heng

Zhang Heng is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 28th of the 36 Heavenly Spirits of the 108 Liangshan heroes and is nicknamed "Boatman".

The novel 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 can leap 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 abilities.

Zhang Heng lives in Jieyang Ridge (揭陽嶺; believed to be in present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi), near the Xunyang River, with his younger brother, Zhang Shun. The brothers engage in illegal trading and piracy on the river. Later, Zhang Shun moves to Jiangzhou (江州; east of present-day Chongzuo, Guangxi) and works as a fisherman there. A compulsive gambler, Zhang Heng disguises himself as a ferryman and robs unsuspecting travellers to support his gambling habits.

When Song Jiang runs into trouble with the Mu brothers (Mu Hong and Mu Chun) in the nearby Jieyang Town, he flees from the town and boards Zhang Heng's boat in desperation. When the boat reaches the middle of the river, Zhang Heng reveals his true intentions and wants to rob Song Jiang and kill him by throwing him into the river. Just then, Zhang Heng's friend Li Jun shows up, stops Zhang, and introduces Song Jiang to Zhang and the Mu brothers. Zhang Heng and the Mu brothers are stunned when they learn of Song Jiang's true identity, because they have heard of his reputation as a generous and chivalrous hero and have been wanting to meet him. They apologise to him and treat him like an honoured guest. They see him on his journey to Jiangzhou later. Before Song Jiang leaves, Zhang Heng asks Song to help him pass a message to Zhang Shun.