knowledge Li Gui is a character in Water Margin who appears in chapter 42. Wikidata gives his Chinese label as Li Gui, describes him as a fictional character in the novel and records the Great Song as the setting of the work, so the title stays this name.[1][2]
Posing as Li Kui
The Chinese Wikipedia article says Li Gui was originally a bandit in Yishui county of Yizhou who robbed under the name of Li Kui, and he happened to run into the real Li Kui, who had come down the mountain to fetch his old mother. Li Gui falsely claimed to have a mother of ninety. Li Kui spared him and even gave him ten taels of silver.[2]
The failed plot
Later Li Kui unknowingly sought lodging at Li Gui's house. Li Gui and his wife plotted to poison Li Kui and take his money. Li Kui found out, and Li Gui was killed when the plan failed. Li Kui even cut two pieces of flesh from the dead man's leg and roasted them to eat. Li Gui's wife escaped in the confusion. In the county town she recognized Li Kui and, with Squire Cao, reported him to the authorities, and Li Kui was arrested. The brothers Zhu Gui and Zhu Fu rescued him and killed Li Gui's wife, Squire Cao and others.[2]
The word today
The article adds that the name Li Gui is now used as a word, usually set against Li Kui, to mean a fake or counterfeit.[2]
Basic facts
- Identity: character of Water Margin[1]
- Realm of the setting: Great Song[1]
- Appears in: Water Margin[2]