Yan Qing is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed "Langzi" (浪子; meaning "the Wanderer" or "the Prodigal"), he ranks last among the 36 Heavenly Spirits, the first third of the 108 Stars of Destiny. Background Yan Qing, who is more than six chi tall, is a handsome youth with a fair complexion, red lips, thick eyebrows, broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Tattoos of big bright flowers cover his body. In addition to his skill in martial arts, archery and wrestling, Yan Qing sings well and plays many kinds of instruments. His charming looks, his proficiency in learning new tongues and his astuteness in assessing situations and picking up leads make him an ideal spy and infiltrator. He realises this potential after joining Liangshan. Orphaned when a child, Yan Qing is raised by the wealthy squire Lu Junyi, who lives in Daming Prefecture. Grateful to Lu, Yan Qing, who becomes one of two stewards in Lu's house, is steadfastly loyal to his master. Becoming an outlaw Lu Junyi is conned by Wu Yong, the chief strategist of Liangshan Marsh, to travel to the vicinity of the stronghold, which is eager to recruit him for his consummate fighting skill. Lu is lured into the marsh where he is captured in the water. The outlaws treat him with respect despite his refusal to join them and retain him for months. However, they release Li Gu first, the steward who has come along with Lu, lying to the man that they have convinced his master to join them. Yan Qing is not involved in the trip. Finally released, Lu rushes back to Daming. Coming near home, he runs into Yan Qing, who has been reduced to begging on the streets as he waits for his master to return. Yan tells Lu not to go home as he is now wanted for his association with Liangshan. One proof of this is a poem written earlier on a wall in his home by Wu Yong, which suggests he has rebelled against the government. Lu has been led to believe the poem is for dispelling bad luck. Li Gu, who is having an affair with Lu's wife, is told of the poem‘s incriminating message by Liangshan. When Li reached home from Liangshan, he expelled Yan Qing and took over Lu's property and wife. Not believing