Li Li (Water Margin)

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This is a Chinese name; the family name is Li.

Lǐ Lì (李立) is a fictional character in the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 96th of the 108 Liangshan heroes and 60th of the 72 Earthly Fiends. He is nicknamed "Life-taking Judge" (催命判官).

[edit] Background

The Water Margin describes Li Li as a man with a red beard and fiery round eyes like those of a tiger's. He is nicknamed "Life-taking Judge". Li Li runs a tavern and trades for a living in Jieyang (揭陽), Jiangzhou. He is a close friend of Li Jun, Zhang Heng and the Tong brothers (Tong Wei and Tong Meng).

Song Jiang passes by Li Li's tavern on his way to exile in Jiangzhou and takes a break there. Li Li knocks Song out by adding drugs into his food and wine and he attempts to rob and kill Song. Li Jun appears in the nick of time and stops Li Li. Song Jiang regains consciousness and Li Jun introduces him to Li Li. Li Li is shocked to learn that the man he attempted to rob and kill is actually the famous philanthropist. Li apologises to Song and they become fast friends. Li Li tries to persuade Song Jiang to stay with them but Song refuses and moves on to Jiangzhou.

[edit] Joining Liangshan

Song Jiang runs into some trouble later in Jiangzhou and he is almost executed. The outlaws from Liangshan Marsh storm the execution ground in time and rescue him. They fight their way out of Jiangzhou and arrive at White Dragon Temple on the riverbank. At the critical moment, Li Jun and his friends arrive on boats and they ferry the heroes back to Liangshan safely. Li Li then joins the Liangshan band.

[edit] Campaigns and death

Li Li becomes one of the scout leaders of Liangshan after the Grand Assembly and stationed in the tavern north of Liangshan. He is tasked with making preparations to receive the imperial envoy from the emperor, who grants the outlaws amnesty. He follows the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao invaders and southern rebel forces after they have been granted amnesty. During the Fang La campaign, he is severely wounded in the battle of Qingxi County (清溪縣) and he dies from his wounds after the battle.

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