1. Overview
Deng Fei is a fictional character featured in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Known by his distinctive nickname, "Fiery Eyed 狻猊Suan-niChinese", he is listed as the 49th among the 108 Stars of Destiny and holds the 13th position among the 72 Earthly Fiends, corresponding to the Earthly Fiend Star (地闔星). He first appears in Chapter 44 of the novel. Initially, he was a bandit chief operating at Yinma River before joining the Liangshan outlaws. He is depicted as a skilled fighter who wields a long iron chain with spikes. Deng Fei ultimately meets his demise during the Liangshan forces' campaign against Fang La.
2. Character Profile
Deng Fei's character is defined by his origins, striking appearance, and signature weapon, which collectively contribute to his formidable reputation within the narrative.
2.1. Origin and Hometown
Deng Fei hails from Xiangyang, located in Hubei province, a region historically associated with the Gaitian Army. His background as a native of Xiangyang establishes his roots before he became a prominent bandit.
2.2. Nickname and Appearance
Deng Fei is famously known by his nickname, "Fiery Eyed 狻猊Suan-niChinese". The term 狻猊Suan-niChinese refers to a mythical lion-like creature in Chinese mythology, traditionally depicted as one of the nine descendants of the Dragon. This moniker is attributed to Deng Fei's blood-shot or reddish eyes. According to some accounts within the narrative, his eyes are said to be red due to a past habit of consuming human flesh, which adds to his fearsome image. The Vietnamese translation of his nickname, Hoả Nhãn Toan NghêVietnamese, directly translates to "Red-eyed Lion," further emphasizing this characteristic.
2.3. Weapon
Deng Fei's signature weapon is a long iron chain, often described as having spikes or being equipped with a mace-like or chisel-like attachment at its end. He is depicted as a master of this weapon, utilizing it with great skill in combat.
3. Early Life and Bandit Activities
Before his integration into the Liangshan band, Deng Fei established himself as a formidable bandit leader.
3.1. Banditry at Yinma River
Deng Fei was one of the three prominent bandit chiefs operating at Yinma River (飲馬川), an area located in present-day Ji County, Tianjin. He operated alongside Pei Xuan and Meng Kang. Initially, Deng Fei and Meng Kang began their bandit activities at Yinma River. Later, they rescued Pei Xuan, who was being escorted to exile on Shamen Island after being unjustly accused. Deng Fei and Meng Kang brought Pei Xuan to Yinma River and established him as the primary leader, with Deng Fei serving as the second-in-command of the bandit group.
3.2. Association with Yang Lin
Deng Fei shared a pre-existing acquaintance with Yang Lin, another bandit who would later join the Liangshan heroes. Their prior connection played a crucial role in Deng Fei's eventual recruitment into the Liangshan brotherhood.
4. Joining Liangshan
Deng Fei's path to joining the 108 heroes of Liangshan was facilitated by an encounter with Dai Zong.
4.1. Recruitment by Dai Zong
The recruitment of Deng Fei and his associates occurred when Dai Zong, acting under instructions from Song Jiang, was dispatched to find Gongsun Sheng, who had returned to his hometown in Jizhou and had not yet rejoined the Liangshan forces. During his journey, Dai Zong encountered Yang Lin, and through this connection, Dai Zong was introduced to the three bandit chiefs of Yinma River: Deng Fei, Meng Kang, and Pei Xuan. Although Dai Zong's mission to find Gongsun Sheng was ultimately unsuccessful, he managed to persuade the Yinma River band to join Liangshan. Having already heard of Song Jiang's reputation, Pei Xuan agreed to merge their group with Liangshan, and Deng Fei, Meng Kang, and their followers prepared their provisions and ascended to Liangshan Marsh.
5. Role and Campaigns
Upon joining Liangshan, Deng Fei was assigned significant roles and actively participated in various military campaigns.
5.1. Military Rank and Position
After the Grand Assembly, where the 108 Stars of Destiny gathered, Deng Fei was officially ranked 49th among the heroes and 13th among the 72 Earthly Fiends, corresponding to the Earthly Fiend Star (地闔星). He was designated as the "Tiger Cub Scouting General" and appointed as a leader of the Liangshan cavalry. His responsibilities included serving as a cavalry scouting leader, specifically holding the 16th position in this role, and he also served as a deputy commander under Dong Ping, alongside Ou Peng.
5.2. Campaigns
Deng Fei participated in numerous significant military operations undertaken by the Liangshan forces following their amnesty from Emperor Huizong.
5.2.1. Liao Campaign
Deng Fei was actively involved in the campaigns against the Liao invaders, demonstrating his combat prowess and contributing to the Liangshan army's efforts in these major engagements.
5.2.2. Zhu Family Manor Campaign
Deng Fei played a role in the intense conflict against the Zhu Family Manor (祝家莊). He joined the vanguard of the Liangshan forces. During the battle, while pursuing an enemy, he was caught in an ambush and captured, along with Qin Ming, whom he had attempted to rescue after Qin Ming was similarly trapped. While imprisoned in the Zhu Family Manor, Deng Fei recognized Zou Yuan, an old acquaintance who was secretly allied with Liangshan. When Sun Li and his group, who were ostensibly reinforcements for the Zhu Family Manor but were in fact Liangshan's inside agents, launched their internal betrayal, Deng Fei caused havoc within the manor, contributing to its eventual fall.
5.2.3. Other Campaigns
As a cavalry general, Deng Fei consistently participated in various external expeditions led by the Liangshan army. These included major assaults such as the campaigns against Gaotangzhou, Zengtou City, Beijing Damingfu, and Dongchangfu, where he earned merit through his contributions.
5.2.4. Fang La Campaign
Deng Fei was a key participant in the arduous campaign against the rebel forces led by Fang La. Before the attack on Dusong Pass (獨松關), located south of present-day Anji County, Zhejiang, a small scouting team was dispatched to survey the terrain. This team included Deng Fei, Ou Peng, Li Zhong, and Zhou Tong. While they were observing the landscape, the pass gates suddenly opened, and a group of enemy cavalry charged out. Caught off guard, Zhou Tong was killed, though Deng Fei and the others managed to escape. The Liangshan forces later successfully overran Dusong Pass.
6. Death
Deng Fei's life as a Liangshan hero concluded tragically during the Fang La campaign.
6.1. Death in the Fang La Campaign
Deng Fei met his end during the fierce battle for Hangzhou in the Fang La campaign. He was assigned to attack the north gate of the city, alongside comrades like Suo Chao. During the engagement, the enemy warrior Shi Bao confronted Suo Chao. Shi Bao feigned defeat, luring Suo Chao in, and then struck him down with a meteor hammer. Witnessing Suo Chao's fall, Deng Fei, eager to avenge his comrade, rushed forward to provide aid. However, Shi Bao quickly turned his horse, and with a swift strike, cut Deng Fei in two, killing him instantly. Deng Fei thus perished alongside Suo Chao in the same battle.
7. In the Narrative
Deng Fei, though not one of the most prominent figures, holds a distinct place within the narrative of Water Margin, particularly through his unique nickname and his role among the 108 Stars.
7.1. Symbolism of the Nickname
Deng Fei's nickname, "Fiery Eyed 狻猊Suan-niChinese", is highly symbolic. The 狻猊Suan-niChinese is a powerful, lion-like mythological creature, one of the nine sons of the Dragon, representing strength and ferocity. The "Fiery Eyed" aspect, referring to his blood-shot or red eyes, emphasizes his intimidating appearance and is linked in some interpretations to his past, including the unsettling detail of having consumed human flesh. This nickname serves to highlight his formidable nature as a bandit and warrior.
7.2. Significance within the 108 Stars
As the 49th of the 108 Stars of Destiny and the 13th of the 72 Earthly Fiends, Deng Fei represents a significant portion of the Liangshan brotherhood. His role as a cavalry leader and scout, along with his consistent participation in major campaigns, underscores his value to the Liangshan army. Despite his relatively lower rank compared to the Heavenly Stars, his loyalty, combat skills, and willingness to avenge his comrades, even at the cost of his own life, demonstrate the collective spirit and dedication of the Liangshan heroes.
8. In Other Works
Beyond the primary narrative of Water Margin, Deng Fei's character also appears in alternative continuations of the story.
In Dang Kou Zhi, a sequel to Water Margin, Deng Fei's fate is depicted differently. In chapter 60, during Chen Xi Zhen's attack on Puzhou, after Wang Ying and Hu Sanniang are killed by Chen Li Qing, Lin Chong seeks revenge but falls into an enemy trap. Deng Fei covers the retreat and is pursued by Lou Xiong. A fierce fight ensues, during which Deng Fei sustains injuries but manages to kill Lou Xiong. However, Loan Dinh Ngoc (Luan Tingyu) then appears and spears Deng Fei to death.