Yang Chun, nicknamed the “White-Flower Snake,” is a Liangshan hero in Water Margin and one of the three outlaws who occupy Mount Shaohua together with Zhu Wu and Chen Da. Within the group, Zhu Wu is primarily associated with strategy, while Chen Da and Yang Chun more often represent its martial force.
When Chen Da attacks Shijia Village and is captured by Shi Jin, Yang Chun accompanies Zhu Wu to Shi Jin’s estate. Rather than attempting a reckless rescue, they appeal to Shi Jin through brotherly loyalty and offer to share Chen Da’s fate. Their action moves Shi Jin and leads to Chen Da’s release.
The Mount Shaohua group thereafter develops a relationship with Shi Jin. When Shi Jin later comes into conflict with the authorities, he also takes refuge among them, strengthening the connection between the mountain outlaws and the wider network that will eventually lead toward Liangshan.
Yang Chun later joins Liangshan with the Mount Shaohua group and becomes one of the 108 heroes. After the imperial amnesty, he follows the armies into further campaigns and is eventually killed during the war against Fang La. His story remains closely tied to Mount Shaohua and to the early wandering life of Shi Jin.
