The story of Yang Zhi

Yáng Zhì (楊志), nicknamed the 'Blue-Faced Beast' (青面兽), had incredible ability as a warrior was a major character of the epic Chinese tale, the Water Margin. He was one of the most skilled warriors of Liangshan.

Yang Zhi stood at about 7 feet, had a blue birthmark on his face (accounting for his nickname), and red whiskers growing out from the sides of his face. Also, Yang Zhi was a descendant of Yang Jiye, a famous Song general. He managed to secure an official position and was assigned to escort a convoy of goods but he lost the goods while crossing the river. He dared not return and report to his master.

Yang managed to scrape some money to repay the goods he lost, as well as continue on with his official position. On the way back, he passed by Liangshan Marsh and had a fight with Lin Chong, but was stopped by Wang Lun. Wang tried to persuade Yang Zhi to join the Liangshan band but Yang refused.

Yang Zhi returned to the capital city to report to Gao Qiu, the high-ranking corrupt Song official. Gao reprimanded Yang Zhi fiercely for losing the goods and chased him out of the residence. Yang became penniless and wandered around the city, trying to sell a precious sabre handed down from his ancestors. He was harassed by a hooligan named Niu Er, and Yang killed Niu in a fit of anger. He was exiled to Damingfu, Beijing.

At Damingfu, Grand Secretary Liang recognised Yang's abilities and wanted to give him a post. Suo Chao objected to the decision and challenged Yang Zhi to a contest. Neither of them won the opponent in the contest. Liang decided to give Yang an official post eventually.

Liang treated Yang well and gave him an important task; Yang Zhi was to escort a convoy of birthday gifts to Dongjing, for Liang's father-in-law, Cai Jing. Yang and his soldiers disguised themselves as traders so as not to arouse suspicion from bandits. At Huangni Ridge, Chao Gai and his companions robbed the birthday gifts after making Yang and his soldiers unconscious with drugged wine.

Yang dared not return to Damingfu after having failed his mission. He was very upset and went to Cao Zheng's restaurant for a meal without paying. Cao fought with Yang and after that did they realise who each other were. Cao Zheng, Yang Zhi and Lu Zhishen killed Deng Long and took control of the stronghold on Erlong Mountain. After the battle of Qingzhou, Yang Zhi followed the Liangshan heroes to Liangshan.

Yang Zhi became one of the 8 vanguard generals of the Liangshan cavalry and 36 Heavenly Chieftains. He followed the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and the southern rebels. During the Fang La campaign, Yang Zhi died of illness after Dantu Prefecture was conquered.