Huangfu Duan is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Classic Chinese Novels. Nicknamed "Purple Bearded Count", he ranks 57th among the 108 Heroes and 21st among the 72 Earthly Fiends.
Background The novel describes Huangfu Duan as a man with green eyes and a long yellow beard, which earn him the nickname "Purple-bearded Count". Originally from Youzhou (; around present-day Beijing), he is known for his skill as a veterinarian, especially in diagnosing and treating equine diseases.
Becoming an outlaw Huangfu Duan is the last of the 108 Heroes to make his appearance in Water Margin. He is recommended to the outlaw band at Liangshan Marsh by Zhang Qing, a military officer from Dongchang Prefecture (; present-day Liaocheng, Shandong), after Zhang Qing joins the outlaws. Huangfu Duan accepts the invitation and becomes the last of the 108 Heroes to join Liangshan.
Campaigns Huangfu Duan is appointed as the veterinarian in charge of Liangshan's livestock, particularly horses, 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.
Before the final campaign against Fang La's rebel forces, the emperor summons Huangfu Duan to the capital and appoints him an imperial veterinarian. Huangfu Duan then remains serving in that position for the rest of his life.
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