Gao Sanniangzi (simplified: 高三娘子, traditional: 高三娘子, pinyin: Gāo Sānniángzǐ, jyutping: gou1 saam1 noeng4 zi2) was the leader of Wanma Manor, one of the Guandong Four Great Schools. She was skilled in using flying locust stones as her weapon.
Biography
Gao Sanniangzi was one of the four leaders of the Guandong martial arts schools, representing Wanma Manor. Together with Fan Yifei of Hebimen (Crane Brush School), Lü Zhengping of Kuaidaomen (Fast Saber School), and Feng Liang of Qinglongmen (Green Dragon School), she traveled from Guandong to the Central Plains to investigate the death of Situ Heng, the former leader of the Changle Guild.
Encounter with Ding Busi
While traveling together, Gao Sanniangzi and the other three Guandong school leaders encountered Ding Busi, who noticed that Gao Sanniangzi used the same type of weapon as he did—flying locust stones. Ding Busi, known for his unpredictable and violent nature, decided to cause trouble for them.
The four leaders fought against Ding Busi, but they were no match for his superior martial arts skills. They were saved by Shi Potian, who intervened and defeated Ding Busi, demonstrating his incredible martial arts abilities.
Receiving Reward Good Punish Evil tokens
Later, Gao Sanniangzi and the other Guandong school leaders received Reward Good Punish Evil tokens from the Heroes Island envoys Zhang San and Li Si. These tokens were invitations to Heroes Island, and those who received them were expected to accept or face dire consequences.
Gao Sanniangzi, along with Fan Yifei, Lü Zhengping, and Feng Liang, eventually traveled to Heroes Island, where they studied the mysterious martial arts inscriptions in the island’s caves.
Martial arts abilities
Gao Sanniangzi was skilled in using flying locust stones (飞蝗石) as her weapon. These were small stones that could be thrown with great accuracy and force, making them effective projectiles in combat. Her skills with this weapon were sufficient to make her a respected leader in the Guandong jianghu.
Behind the scenes
Gao Sanniangzi is a minor character in Ode to Gallantry, representing one of the Guandong Four Great Schools. Her name, “Gao Sanniangzi” (高三娘子), meaning “Gao Third Lady” or “Gao Third Wife,” reflects her position as a female leader in the jianghu.
The Guandong Four Great Schools serve as representatives of the martial arts traditions from the northeastern region of China, demonstrating the diversity and breadth of the jianghu in Jin Yong’s novels. Gao Sanniangzi’s presence as a female leader adds diversity to the novel’s cast of characters, showing that women could hold positions of power and respect in the jianghu.