Zhang San (simplified: 张三, traditional: 张三, pinyin: Zhāng Sān, jyutping: zoeng1 saam1) was one of the Heroes Island envoys who delivered the Reward Good Punish Evil tokens. He became sworn brothers with Shi Potian and Li Si, and was likely a disciple of Island Lord Long.
Biography
Delivering the Reward Good Punish Evil tokens
Zhang San, along with Li Si, served as envoys from Heroes Island, delivering Reward Good Punish Evil tokens to various martial arts schools and organizations throughout the jianghu every ten years. These tokens required recipients to come to Heroes Island, and those who refused would have their entire organization eliminated.
Encounter with Shi Potian
When Zhang San and Li Si arrived at the Changle Guild to deliver a token, they encountered Shi Potian, who had been mistaken for Shi Zhongyu. Through their interactions, Zhang San and Li Si recognized that Shi Potian was not Shi Zhongyu, as they could tell from his martial arts abilities that he was different from the person they had met before.
Becoming sworn brothers
Despite initially being enemies, Zhang San and Li Si were impressed by Shi Potian’s honest and virtuous nature. They became sworn brothers with him, forming a bond that transcended their official duties.
Journey to Heroes Island
Zhang San and Li Si accompanied Shi Potian and other martial artists to Heroes Island, where they participated in the study of the martial arts secrets inscribed on the island.
Personality and characteristics
Duty and honor
Zhang San was dedicated to his duty as an envoy of Heroes Island, faithfully delivering tokens and carrying out the island’s mission. However, he was also capable of recognizing virtue and forming genuine friendships.
Recognition of virtue
Zhang San was able to see through the confusion surrounding Shi Potian’s identity and recognize his true character. His willingness to become sworn brothers with Shi Potian demonstrated his ability to judge people based on their actions rather than their reputation.
Martial arts abilities
Zhang San was a highly skilled martial artist, likely trained by Island Lord Long. His abilities were sufficient to serve as an envoy of Heroes Island, and he was capable of recognizing differences in martial arts techniques, which allowed him to identify that Shi Potian was not Shi Zhongyu.
Behind the scenes
Zhang San represents the theme of duty and friendship in Ode to Gallantry. His character demonstrates that even those who serve a mysterious and feared organization can recognize virtue and form genuine bonds with others.
The character’s name, “Zhang San” (张三), is a common Chinese name meaning “Zhang Three,” suggesting an ordinary person who serves an extraordinary purpose. His role as an envoy of Heroes Island connects him to the novel’s central mystery and the theme of martial arts mastery.