Yan Qing

Yan Qing(燕青) was a character in the Water Margin.

Yan Qing was from Damingfu, Beijing. He lost his parents at a young age and was brought up by Lu Junyi, who allowed Yan to work as a steward in his home. Yan Qing was extremely loyal to Lu Junyi and was Lu's right-hand man.

Yan Qing stood at about 6 feet, had a handsome face, red lips and thick eyebrows, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He had a pale complexion, with flowery tatoos all over his body. He was skilled in all kinds of arts, and was extremely good in martial arts. His favourite technique in combat was to fire no more than three arrows with his crossbow. He was a brave and gallant man, thus earning the nickname 'Prodigal lad'(浪子).

Once, Lu Junyi fell for a ruse by Wu Yong was framed by Li Gu, his other steward, and Yan Qing was chased out of the residence. Lu Junyi was then sentenced to be exiled to Shamen Island. The guards escorting him there were bribed to finish him off along the way, but Yan Qing appeared in the nick of time and rescued Lu Junyi. They were surrounded by government troops, and Lu Junyi was caught again. Yan Qing managed to escape to Liangshan and ask for help. The Liangshan heroes attacked Damingfu and rescued Lu Junyi. Yan Qing then became one of the leaders of the Liangshan infantry, and one of the 36 Heavenly Chieftains.

Once, Yan Qing went to Taianzhou with Li Kui to challenge a martial artist named Ren Yuan. Yan Qing defeated Ren, who was larger in size than him. Yan and Li created an uproar in Taianzhou, and were almost caught by government troops but escaped. The government attacked Liangshan thrice, but were defeated. Song Jiang hoped to obtain amnesty from the government, so he sent Yan Qing to win favour from Li Shishi. Yan Qing used Li Shishi to help the Liangshan heroes obtain amnesty from the emperor.

Yan Qing followed the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels. He was one of the few lucky survivors after the campaigns, but refused to take up any official post despite his contributions. He then left for a reclusive life, and before leaving, he tried to persuade Lu Junyi to follow him. Lu ignored Yan's warnings and eventually died a tragic death at the hands of the evil officials.

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