Ruan Xiaoer is the eldest of the three Ruan brothers in Water Margin, older brother to Ruan Xiaowu and Ruan Xiaoqi. The brothers are fishermen from Shijie Village, accustomed to boats, nets, and the waterways around Liangshan Marsh. Wu Yong recruits them into Chao Gai’s group for the plot to seize the Birthday Gifts.
After the robbery is exposed, Ruan Xiaoer helps the seven conspirators resist the pursuing officers among the reeds and channels of the marsh. He follows Chao Gai to Liangshan and later becomes one of the stronghold’s naval leaders. His knowledge of water warfare repeatedly supports Liangshan’s defenses and expeditions, placing him among the commanders responsible for fighting from boats rather than on horseback.
In the campaign against Fang La, Ruan Xiaoer leads boats toward the enemy water stockade below Wulong Ridge. Fire rafts and pursuing craft trap his vessel; fearing capture and humiliation, he draws his waist saber and kills himself. From the Birthday Gifts conspiracy to his final river battle, his story is inseparable from his two brothers, the marsh, and Liangshan’s naval forces.
