Zheng Huai is a powerful foot fighter who joins Yue Fei’s army during the relief of Niutou Mountain in The Story of Yue Fei. A descendant of Prince Zheng En, he lives at an inherited estate and is described as extraordinarily tall. His weapon is an iron staff as thick as the mouth of a wine cup, suited to the great strength for which he is known.
Niu Gao drives a grain convoy into Zheng Huai’s hall to escape heavy rain. Mistaking the soldiers for raiders, Zheng attacks and captures Niu within four or five bouts. Once he learns that the grain is intended for the emperor and Yue Fei’s besieged army, he releases Niu, apologizes, becomes his sworn brother, and joins the convoy. On the road he fights the young outlaw Zhang Kui for more than thirty bouts without a decision; Niu then persuades Zhang to join as well.
The group next meets Gao Chong, whose spear is too strong for Zheng Huai, Zhang Kui, and Niu Gao even when they attack together. After recognizing one another as loyalists, they unite. Gao Chong opens a path through the Jin camps while Zheng and Zhang guard the grain on either side and Niu protects the rear. Their convoy breaks through more than ten camps and reaches Niutou Mountain, where Zheng Huai is presented to Yue Fei and receives command rank.
