Lü Zhengping (simplified: 吕正平, traditional: 呂正平, pinyin: Lǚ Zhèngpíng, jyutping: leoi5 zing3 ping4) was the leader of Kuaidaomen (Fast Saber School), one of the Guandong Four Great Schools.
Biography
Lü Zhengping was one of the four leaders of the Guandong martial arts schools, representing Kuaidaomen (快刀门), which specialized in fast saber techniques. Together with Fan Yifei of Hebimen (Crane Brush School), Gao Sanniangzi of Wanma Manor, and Feng Liang of Qinglongmen (Green Dragon School), he 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, Lü Zhengping 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, Lü Zhengping 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.
Lü Zhengping, along with Fan Yifei, Gao Sanniangzi, and Feng Liang, eventually traveled to Heroes Island, where they studied the mysterious martial arts inscriptions in the island’s caves.
Martial arts abilities
As the leader of Kuaidaomen (Fast Saber School), Lü Zhengping was skilled in fast saber techniques. The school’s name suggests that its members specialized in rapid, precise saber attacks, making them formidable opponents in combat.
Behind the scenes
Lü Zhengping is a minor character in Ode to Gallantry, representing one of the Guandong Four Great Schools. His name, “Lü Zhengping” (吕正平), meaning “Lü Zhengping” or “Lü who maintains justice and peace,” reflects his role as a martial arts leader.
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. Lü Zhengping’s presence adds to the novel’s exploration of regional martial arts traditions and the complex relationships between different schools and factions.