Du Qian is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Classic Chinese Novels. Nicknamed "Touching the Sky", he ranks 83rd among the 108 Heroes and 47th among the 72 Earthly Fiends.
Background
Du Qian is first mentioned in the novel as one of the three leaders of an outlaw band based at Liangshan Marsh, taking the second position of leadership between Wang Lun and Song Wan.
Lin Chong joins Liangshan
When Lin Chong comes to seek shelter at Liangshan after being forced to become an outlaw, Wang Lun tries to send him away with excuses and gifts as he fears that Lin, with his superior fighting skills, might usurp his position as chief of the outlaw band. Du Qian and Song Wan, who are more welcoming towards Lin Chong, urge Wang Lun to accept the newcomer. Wang Lun grudgingly agrees after Lin Chong attempts to kill Yang Zhi, another highly-skilled warrior, to prove his determination to join the outlaws.
Chao Gai becomes chief of Liangshan
In a later chapter, Chao Gai and his six friends rob a convoy of valuable birthday gifts for the corrupt official Cai Jing, and come to take shelter at Liangshan. Again, Wang Lun fears that the group will pose a threat to his position as the outlaw band's chief, so he tries to send them away with gifts and excuses in the same way he did to Lin Chong.
Wu Yong, one of Chao Gai's six friends, senses that Lin Chong already holds a grudge against Wang Lun. While Wu Yong instigates Lin Chong to kill Wang Lun, the others deliberately block Du Qian and Song Wan from interfering. After Wang Lun's death, Lin Chong nominates the charismatic Chao Gai to be the new chief of the outlaw band. Du Qian and Song Wan, left with no choice, accept the outcome and pledge allegiance to Chao Gai.
Campaigns and death
Du Qian is appointed as a commander of the Liangshan infantry after the 108 Heroes are fully assembled. He participates in the campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces in Song territory after the outlaws receive amnesty from Emperor Huizong.
During the final campaign against Fang La's rebel forces, Du Qian is assigned to attack Qingxi County (清溪縣; present-day Chun'an County, Zhejiang). He falls in battle and ends up being trampled to death by enemy cavalry. After the campaign is over, the emperor honours Du Qian for his contributions by awarding him the posthumous title "Righteous Gentleman of Integrity" (義節郎).
