Tang Long (Water Margin)

To retaliate against Liangshan for killing his cousin Gao Lian, Grand Marshal Gao Qiu sends imperial general Huyan Zhuo on a military attack to wipe out the outlaws. Huyan has the upper hand when he deploys his cavalry consisting of groups of chain-linked armoured horses which charge as one at the Liangshan force. The outlaws have to hole up behind the marsh as they work out how to counter-attack. As no one has a solution, Tang Long steps forth to recommend his cousin Xu Ning, an imperial troops instructor at the imperial capital Dongjing, who he says is able to fall Huyan's cavalry with his skillful use of the hooked lance.

Song Jiang sanctions the plan devised by Tang Long to recruit Xu Ning. Shi Qian, who could scale walls and move on rooftops to get into premises, sneaks into Xu's house after nightfall to steal a precious family heirloom of his – an impenetrable lightweight golden armoured vest. Tang Long then pretends to call on Xu the next morning. Upset with the loss of the vest, Xu believes Tang's claim that he has just seen a man carrying a box like the one containing his prized heirloom. So Xu embarks on a long chase after Shi Qian, accompanied by Tang Long, which takes him to the vicinity of Liangshan. He is then drugged and taken to the stronghold. When he comes to, he has no choice but to join Liangshan.

Tang Long, who is skilled in metalwork, oversees the making of hooked lances while Xu Ning trains a squad to use the weapon. The Liangshan outlaws then falls Huyan Zhuo's cavalry causing his army to collapse.

Tang Long is appointed as the chief armourer of Liangshan after the 108 Stars of Destiny came together in what is called the Grand Assembly. He participates in the campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces in Song territory following amnesty from Emperor Huizong for Liangshan.

In the battle of Qingxi County (清溪縣; present-day Chun'an County, Zhejiang) in the campaign against Fang La, Tang Long is severely injured. He soon succumbs to his wounds.

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