List of The Deer and the Cauldron characters

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The following is a list of characters from the novel The Deer and the Cauldron by Jin Yong. Some of these characters previously appeared in another novel Sword Stained with Royal Blood, which is also written by Jin Yong. Some of these characters are based on historical figures, such as the Kangxi Emperor, Oboi, Wu Sangui, Chen Yuanyuan, Princess Changping, Zheng Keshuang, Feng Xifan, Galdan Boshugtu Khan, Sophia Alekseyevna, Desi Sangye Gyatso, Wu Liuqi and Zha Jizuo (a purported ancestor of Jin Yong).

Wei Xiaobao and his family[]

  • Wei Xiaobao (韋小寶; Wéi Xiáobǎo) is the protagonist of the novel. A witty, sly and illiterate person, he was born to a prostitute from a brothel in Yangzhou during the Qing dynasty. He bumbles his way into the imperial palace and has a fateful encounter with the young Kangxi Emperor, with whom he develops a friendship. By sheer luck and wit, Wei succeeds in accomplishing a series of tasks that would affect the events during the Kangxi Emperor's reign.
  • Wei Chunfang (韋春芳; Wéi Chūnfāng) is Wei Xiaobao's mother and a prostitute from a brothel in Yangzhou.

The seven wives[]

By the order of appearances:

  • Mu Jianping (沐劍屏; Mù Jiànpíng) is Mu Jiansheng's younger sister, from the princedom of Yunnan. Due to a conflict between the Tiandihui and her family, she is taken hostage by the Tiandihui and placed under Wei Xiaobao's watch and eventually falls in love with him. She is later captured by the Mystic Dragon Cult and forced to join the cult. She is the second youngest and most naïve of the seven.
  • Fang Yi (方怡; Fāng Yí) is Liu Dahong's apprentice. She is the most intelligent of the seven. She initially loved her senior, Liu Yizhou, who loved her as well. After a failed attempt to assassinate the Kangxi Emperor, she is wounded and forced to rely on Wei Xiaobao to protect her. Wei Xiaobao uses every opportunity to make advances on her and force her to promise to marry him if he saves Liu Yizhou from captivity. However, after seeing how adamant she is with her feelings for Liu Yizhou, Wei wavers between giving up on her and insisting that she fulfills her promise. Eventually, after learning that Wei is the leader of the Qingmu Lodge of the Heaven and Earth Society, as well as seeing how the jealous and cowardly Liu Yizhou betrayed Wei and sold him out to enemies, she decides that she wants to be with Wei. She is captured by the Mystic Dragon Cult and forced to lure Wei into traps. Wei manages to save her with Su Quan's help. Fang Yi is described to be Wei's smartest wife.
  • Shuang'er (雙兒; Shuāng'ér) is a servant of the Zhuang family in Huzhou. The matriarch tells her to follow Wei and serve him – as an expression of her gratitude to Wei for helping their family take revenge by killing Oboi. She becomes Wei's bodyguard. Among the seven, she is the youngest and the most loyal to Wei.
  • Su Quan (蘇荃; Sū Quán) was the wife of Hong Antong, the leader of the Mystic Dragon Cult. She disguises herself as a prostitute to lure Wei Xiaobao into a trap in a brothel. However, she is unfamiliar with the ways of a brothel so Wei easily sees through her ruse. He tricks her into drinking drugged wine and she becomes unconscious. Wei Xiaobao then places her on the bed along with Fang Yi, Mu Jianping, Zeng Rou, Shuang'er, and Ah Ke; and randomly has sex with some of them. The next time she and Wei Xiaobao meet, her attitude is warmer, and it is later revealed that she is pregnant with his child. She decides to follow Wei after the Mystic Dragon Cult is destroyed in its internal conflict. She is the most powerful in martial arts and the oldest among the seven.
  • Princess Jianning (建寧公主; Jiànníng Gōngzhǔ) is a younger sister of the Kangxi Emperor. It turns out that she is not related to the emperor because her biological mother is Mao Dongzhu, who has been impersonating the empress dowager. Her father is the Thin Monk. Of the seven wives, she is the most violent, sadistic, and spoiled. She loves Wei Xiaobao because he is the only one who dares to stand up to her, and she likes to engage in BDSM activities with him. Although she is eventually sent by the Kangxi Emperor to marry Wu Yingxiong in a political marriage, she is determined to be with Wei Xiaobao. Before her wedding, she drugs Wei Xiaobao, strips him naked, whips him, and tries to use candles to burn his hair. He gives in to her seductive advances and sleeps with her that night. She is the first to making love with Wei. The next day, Wei gives her one of the pistols he received from Wu Sangui as a gift. Jianning tricks Wu Yingxiong into going into her room, points the pistol at him, and orders him to strip before castrating him. The marriage still proceeds, although Jianning continues to have affairs with Wei. She eventually reveals to Wei that she is pregnant with his child and they elope. The Kangxi Emperor tells Wei in a letter that he will accept Jianning's relationship with Wei.
  • Zeng Rou (曾柔; Zēng Róu) is from the Wangwu Sect. She tries to assassinate Wei but ends up falling in love with him. In contrast with Jianning, she is the most polite and cultured among the seven.
  • Ake (阿珂; Ākē) is the daughter of Li Zicheng and Chen Yuanyuan. She has a crush on Zheng Keshuang previously but leaves him after he reveals his true colours. She is Wei's most beautiful wife.

The three children[]

  • Wei Hutou (韋虎頭; Wéi Hǔtóu) is Wei's first son, born to Ah Ke. His name literally means "tiger head".
  • Wei Tongchui (韋銅錘; Wéi Tóngchuí) is Wei's second son, born to Su Quan. His name literally means "bronze hammer".
  • Wei Shuangshuang (韋雙雙; Wéi Shuāngshuāng) is Wei's daughter, born to Princess Jianning. Originally named "Bandeng" (板凳; Bǎndèng), which means "wooden bench", her name was changed to "Shuangshuang" (means "doubles") on Su Quan's suggestion.

Qing Empire[]

  • The Kangxi Emperor (康熙皇帝; Kāngxī Huángdì) is the ruler of the Qing Empire. He forges a close friendship with Wei Xiaobao in their childhood. He was first known to Wei Xiaobao as "Xiaoxuanzi" (小玄子; Xiǎoxuánzǐ), which is derived from his personal name "Xuanye" (玄燁; Xuányè).
  • The Empress Dowager is the empress of the Kangxi Emperor's father, the Shunzhi Emperor. She serves as a stepmother to the young Kangxi Emperor. She was immobilized and imprisoned in a wardrobe in her room by Mao Dongzhu, who impersonates her. She is freed by Wei Xiaobao after Mao Dongzhu flees when her cover is blown. Some readers believe that she is the historical Empress Xiaohuizhang, even though in the novel she is referred to simply as the "Empress Dowager".
  • The Four Regents helped the Kangxi Emperor govern the empire when he was still a child. The emperor later took over the reins of power when he came of age. The four are:
    • Oboi (鳌拜; Áobài) is a cruel and power-hungry aristocrat. He is ousted from power by the Kangxi Emperor with Wei Xiaobao's help and thrown into prison. He is killed by Wei Xiaobao eventually.
    • Suksaha (蘇克薩哈; Sūkèsàhā) was framed and executed by Oboi.
    • Sonin (索尼; Suǒní)
    • Ebilun (遏必隆; Èbìlóng)
  • Nobles, court ministers, officials and bureaucrats:
    • Prince Kang (康親王; Kāng Qīnwáng) is a noble who befriends Wei Xiaobao.
    • Songgotu (索額圖; Suǒétú) is Sonin's son. He befriends Wei Xiaobao.
    • Misihan (米思翰; Mǐsīhàn) is the Minister of Revenue.
    • Li Lei (李雷; Lǐ Léi) is the Minister of Revenue.
    • Yisang'e (伊桑阿; Yīsāng'ē) is the Minister of Personnel.
    • Batai (巴泰; Bātài) is the Minister of Rites.
    • Mingju (明珠; Míngzhū) is the Minister of War.
    • Moluo (莫洛; Mòluò) is the Minister of Justice.
    • Chakedan (察克旦; Chákèdàn) is Suksaha's son.
    • Wei Zhouzuo (衛周祚; Wèi Zhōuzuò)
    • Duikana (對喀納; Duìkǎnà)
    • Du Lide (杜立德; Dù Lìdé)
    • Tuhai (圖海; Túhǎi)
    • Zhe'erken (折爾肯; Zhé'ěrkěn)
    • Da'erli (達爾禮; Dáěrlǐ)
    • Li Wei (李蔚; Lǐ Wèi)
    • Ledehong (勒德洪; Lèdéhóng)
    • Feng Pu (馮溥; Féng Pǔ)
    • Wang Xi (王熙; Wáng Xī)
    • Huang Ji (黃機; Huáng Jī)
    • Wu Zhengzhi (吳正治; Wú Zhèngzhì)
    • Zong Dexuan (宗德宜; Zōng Déyí)
    • Lin Guiding (林桂鼎; Lín Guìdǐng)
    • Tong Tulai (佟圖賴; Tóng Túlài)
    • Tong Guogang (佟國綱; Tóng Guógāng)
    • Mu Tianyan (慕天顏; Mù Tiānyán)
    • Wei Gao (韋皋; Wéi Gāo)
    • Le'erjin (勒爾錦; Lè'ěrjǐn)
    • Yang Guangxian (楊光先; Yáng Guāngxiān)
    • A'erni (阿爾尼; Ā'ěrní)
    • Ma Qi (馬齊; Mǎ Qí)
    • Lu Yifeng (盧一峰; Lú Yīfēng) is the magistrate of Jing County.
    • Wu Zhirong (吳之榮; Wú Zhīróng) is the governor of Yangzhou. He played a key role in the massacre of the Zhuang family of Huzhou many years ago. Shuang'er recognizes him and begs Wei Xiaobao to help her avenge her family. Wei then frames him for collaborating with Wu Sangui and has him arrested and sent to Huzhou, where he is killed by the widows of the Zhuang family.
    • Ma You (馬佑; Mǎ Yòu)
    • Cao Shenji (曹申吉; Cáo Shēnjí) is the governor of Guizhou.
  • Military personnel:
    • Duolong (多隆; Duōlóng) is the imperial guard commander and a close friend of Wei Xiaobao. Wei reluctantly kills him to save the Heaven and Earth Society's members, who are trapped by imperial forces. It turns out later that he survived after being stabbed by Wei, and does not know that Wei tried to kill him.
    • Shi Lang (施琅; Shī Láng) is a former admiral in the Kingdom of Tungning. He defects to the Qing Empire after Zheng Jing killed his family. Through Wei Xiaobao's recommendation, he is promoted to higher ranks for his expertise in naval warfare. He is appointed as an admiral of the naval fleet during the Qing campaign against Tungning.
    • Li Benshen (李本深; Lí Běnshēn) is a general in Guizhou.
    • Sabusu (薩布素; Sàbùsù) is a general in Heilongjiang.
    • Suotu (額圖; Étú)
    • Zhang Kangnian (張康年; Zhāng Kāngnián)
    • Zhao Qixian (趙齊賢; Zhào Qíxián)
    • Shi Laoliu (施老六; Shī Lǎolìu)
    • Xiong Lao'er (熊老二; Xíong Lǎolìu)
    • Zhao Liangdong (趙良棟; Zhào Liángdòng)
    • Zhang Yong (張勇; Zhāng Yǒng)
    • Pengchun (朋春; Péngchūn)
    • Langtan (郎坦; Lángtǎn)
    • Ruidong (瑞棟; Ruì Dòng) is an imperial guard nicknamed "Undefeated Iron Palm" (鐵掌無敵; tiézhǎng wúdí). Mao Dongzhu sends him to kill Wei Xiaobao but Wei outsmarts and kills him instead.
    • Shi Song (史松; Shǐ Sōng) is a military officer nicknamed "Black Dragon Whip" (黑龍鞭; hēilóngbiān). He leads his men to arrest Mao Shiba at the start of the novel. Wei Xiaobao stabs him from behind and kills him.
    • Cha'erzhu (察爾珠; Chá'ěrzhū)
    • Ge Tong (葛通; Gě Tōng)
    • Fuchun (富春; Fúchūn)
    • Hechabo (和察博; Héchábó)
    • Ejichi (阿濟赤; Ājìchì)
    • Major General Peng (彭參將; Péng Cānjiàng)
    • Hong Chao (洪朝; Hóng Cháo)
    • Lieutenant General Lu (路副將; Lù Fùjiàng)
    • Lieutenant General Ban (班副將; Bān Fùjiàng)
    • Commander Tai (泰都統; Tài Dūtǒng)
    • Lin Xingzhu (林興珠; Lín Xīngzhū)
    • Huang Fu (黃甫; Huáng Fǔ)
    • Jiang Baisheng (江百勝; Jiāng Bǎishèng)
    • Bahai (巴海; Bāhǎi)
    • Mala (馬喇; Mǎlǎ)
  • Palace eunuchs and servants:
    • Hai Dafu (海大富; Hǎi Dàfù) is an old eunuch who kidnaps Wei Xiaobao and brings him into the palace. He previously served the Shunzhi Emperor and was secretly tasked with investigating the death of the Shunzhi Emperor's favourite concubine, Consort Donggo. He is killed by Mao Dongzhu in a fight after he discovers that she was the one who murdered Consort Donggo.
    • Xiaoguizi (小桂子; Xiǎoguìzǐ) is a young eunuch and Hai Dafu's apprentice. Wei Xiaobao kills him and impersonates him.
    • Pingwei (平威; Píngwēi)
    • Laowu (老吳; Lǎowú)
    • Eunuch Wu (烏公公; Wū Gōnggōng)
    • Wen Youdao (溫有道; Wēn Yǒudào)
    • Wen Youfang (溫有方; Wēn Yǒufāng)
    • Ruichu (蕊初; Ruìchū) is the empress dowager's personal handmaiden.
    • Dong Jinkui (董金魁; Dǒng Jīnkuí) is a eunuch who serves as the empress dowager's messenger. He is killed by Wei Xiaobao.

Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society)[]

  • Chen Jinnan (陳近南; Chén Jìnnán) is the Tiandihui's leader and a subject of the Kingdom of Tungning. He accepts Wei Xiaobao as his apprentice and teaches him martial arts. He is killed by Zheng Keshuang. This character is believed to be based on a historical figure, Chen Yonghua, who served as a prominent official in Tungning.
  • Qingmu Lodge (青木堂):
    • Lodge Master Yin (尹香主; Yǐn Xiāngzhǔ) was the previous master of the lodge. He was killed by Oboi. He is succeeded by Wei Xiaobao.
    • Qi Qingbiao (祁清彪; Qí Qīngbiāo) is nicknamed "Qi the Third" (祁老三; Qí Lǎosān).
    • Cui Xiazi (崔瞎子; Cuī Xiāzǐ)
    • Guan Anji (關安基; Guān Ānjī) is nicknamed "Master Guan" (關夫子; Guān Fūzǐ).
    • Jia Jindao (賈金刀; Jiǎ Jīndāo) is Jia Laoliu's sister and Guan Anji's wife.
    • Xu Tianchuan (徐天川; Xú Tiānchuān), nicknamed "Eight Armed Ape" (八臂猿猴; bābìyuánhóu), serves as a spy for the Tiandihui.
    • Li Lishi (李力世; Lǐ Lìshì)
    • Taoist Xuanzhen (玄貞道人; Xuánzhēn Dàorén)
    • Gao Yanchao (高彥超; Gāo Yànchāo)
    • Qian Laoben (錢老本; Qián Láoběn)
    • Fan Gang (樊鋼; Fàn Gāng)
    • Feng Jizhong (風際中; Fēng Jìzhōng) is a spy planted in the Tiandihui by the Kangxi Emperor. He secretly reports their activities to the emperor, including Wei Xiaobao's identity as one of its lodge masters. After Chen Jinnan dies, he reveals his true identity to Wei Xiaobao and tries to persuade Wei to help the emperor destroy the Tiandihui, but Wei refuses. He is shot to death by Shuang'er.
  • Honghua Lodge (宏化堂):
    • Li Shikai (李式開; Lǐ Shìkāi) is the lodge master.
    • Wu Dapeng (吳大鵬; Wú Dàpéng) is nicknamed "Cloud Touching Hand" (摩雲手; móyúnshǒu).
    • Wang Tan (王潭; Wáng Tán) is nicknamed "Mountain Splitting Twin Brushes" (雙筆開山; shuāngbǐ kāishān).
    • Shu Hualong (舒化龍; Shū Huàlóng)
  • Chihuo Lodge (赤火堂):
    • Gu Zhizhong (古至中; Gǔ Zhìzhōng) is the lodge master.
    • Kuang Tianxiong (鄺天雄; Kuàng Tiānxíong)
  • Others:
    • Wu Liuqi (吳六奇; Wú Lìuqí), nicknamed "Iron Beggar" (鐵丐; tiě gài), is a military officer in Guangdong and also a member of the Beggars' Sect. He is killed by Gui Erniang and Gui Zhong in a misunderstanding.
    • Wu Baoyu (吳寶宇; Wú Báoyǔ) is Wu Liuqi's son.
    • Cai Dezhong (蔡德忠; Cài Dézhōng) is the master of Lianhua Lodge (蓮花堂).
    • Fang Dahong (方大洪; Fāng Dàhóng) is the master of Hongshun Lodge (洪順堂).
    • Ma Chaoxing (馬超興; Mǎ Chāoxīng) is the master of Jiahou Lodge (家後堂).
    • Lin Yongchao (林永超; Lín Yǒngchāo) is the master of Xuanbing Lodge (玄水堂).
    • Yao Bida (姚必達; Yáo Bìdá) is the master of Huangtu Lodge (黃土堂).
    • Jia Laoliu (賈老六; Jiá Lǎolìu)
    • Ma Boren (馬博仁; Mǎ Bórén)
    • Lei Yixiao (雷一嘯; Léi Yīxiào)

Kingdom of Tungning[]

  • Koxinga (國姓爺; Guóxìngyé; 'Bearer of the Imperial Family Name'), personal name Zheng Chenggong (鄭成功; Zhèng Chénggōng), was a loyalist of the fallen Ming Empire. He wrestled control of Taiwan from the Dutch East India Company and founded the Kingdom of Tungning there. He planned to use Taiwan as a base of operations to seize back mainland China from the Manchu-led Qing Empire and restore the Ming Empire.
  • Zheng Jing (鄭經; Zhèng Jīng) is Zheng Chenggong's son and the ruler of the Kingdom of Tungning.
  • Zheng Keshuang (鄭克塽; Zhèng Kèshuǎng) is Zheng Jing's son and the heir to his father's throne. Ake previously had a crush on him but decides to leave him after he reveals his true colours. He surrenders to the Qing Empire after the Battle of Penghu. Although Zheng Keshuang is a young adult in the novel, the historical Zheng Keshuang was about 12 years old when Tungning was conquered by the Qing Empire.
  • The "Five Tiger Generals" are five military commanders who served under Koxinga. They are:
    • Feng Xifan (馮錫範; Féng Xīfàn), nicknamed "One Sword Thrust That Draws No Blood" (一劍無血; yī jiàn wú xué) for his formidable skill in swordplay, is a member of the Kunlun Sect and Zheng Keshuang's martial arts master.
    • Zhou Quanbin (周全斌; Zhōu Quánbīn)
    • Gan Hui (甘輝; Gān Huī)
    • Ma Xin (馬信; Mǎ Xìn)
    • Liu Guoxuan (劉國軒; Líu Guóxuān)
  • Feng Xifan's household:
    • Jufang (菊芳; Júfāng) is Feng's concubine.
    • Lanxiang (蘭香; Lánxiāng) is Feng's servant.
    • Xing Si (邢四; Xíng Sì) is Feng's stable keeper.
  • He You (何佑; Hé Yòu)

Characters associated with the fallen Ming Empire[]

  • Jiunan (九難; Jǐunàn) is a Buddhist nun who is actually Princess Changping (長平公主; Chángpíng Gōngzhǔ) of the fallen Ming Empire. She steals the baby Ake from her mother Chen Yuanyuan and raises Ake. She intends to use Ake to help her kill Wu Sangui, who helped the Manchus conquer the Ming Empire. She meets Wei Xiaobao and accepts him as her apprentice.
  • Aqi (阿琪; Āqí) is one of Jiunan's apprentices. She marries the Mongol prince Galdan.
  • Li Zicheng (李自成; Lǐ Zìchéng), nicknamed "Dashing King" (闖王; chuǎng wáng), was the leader of the rebel forces that overthrew the Ming Empire. He was defeated by forces of the Qing Empire and decided to go into hiding in Yunnan. He fathered Ake with Chen Yuanyuan.
  • Chen Yuanyuan (陳圓圓; Chén Yuányuán) was Wu Sangui's concubine. She is Ake's mother.
  • Tao Hongying (陶红英; Táo Hóngyīng) is a palace maid who served as a personal attendant to Princess Changping. She continues to work in the Forbidden City after the fall of the Ming Empire. Her martial arts master ordered her to steal the Sutra of Forty-two Chapters.
  • Li Xihua (李西華; Lǐ Xīhuá) is the son of Li Yan, a former subordinate of Li Zicheng. He attempts to kill Li Zicheng to avenge his father, whom Li Zicheng forced to commit suicide in Sword Stained With Royal Blood.

House of Prince Mu[]

  • Mu Jiansheng (沐劍聲; Mù Jiànshēng) is a descendant of Mu Ying and the heir to a princedom in Yunnan. He remains loyal to the fallen Ming Empire and leads his followers to resist the Qing Empire. He is Mu Jianping's elder brother.
  • Liu Dahong (柳大洪; Lǐu Dàhóng) is nicknamed "Iron-Backed Dragon" (鐵背蒼龍; tiěbèi cānglóng).
  • Wu Lishen (吳立身; Wú Lìshēn) is nicknamed "Head-Shaking Lion" (搖頭獅子; yáotóu shīzǐ).
  • Ao Biao (敖彪; Áo Biāo) is Wu Lishen's apprentice.
  • Liu Yizhou (劉一舟; Líu Yīzhōu) is Wu Lishen's apprentice. He betrays his fellows later.
  • Su Gang (蘇岡; Sū Gāng) is nicknamed "Sacred Hand Resident" (聖手居士; shèngshǒu jūshì). He is Bai Hanfeng's sworn brother.
  • Bai Hansong (白寒松; Bái Hánsōng) is Bai Hanfeng's elder brother. He is killed by Xu Tianchuan in a misunderstanding.
  • Bai Hanfeng (白寒楓; Bái Hánfēng) is Bai Hansong's younger brother. He seeks vengeance on the Tiandihui after his brother was killed by Xu Tianchuan. Wei Xiaobao resolves the conflict between them and they become allies.

Mystic Dragon Cult[]

The Mystic Dragon Cult (神龍教; shénlóngjiào) is a martial arts sect based on Mystic Dragon Island, a fictional island located off the coast of Northeast China.

  • Hong Antong (洪安通; Hóng Āntōng) is the cult's leader. He is killed during the cult's internal conflict.
  • Mao Dongzhu (毛東珠; Máo Dōngzhū) is Mao Wenlong's daughter. She is sent by the cult to infiltrate the palace and impersonate the empress dowager. She taught the Kangxi Emperor martial arts when he was still a boy. She flees from the palace when her cover is blown. She is killed by the Gui family.
  • Liu Yan (柳燕; Lǐu Yàn) is Mao Dongzhu's junior. She disguises herself as a palace maid. She is killed by Fang Yi.
  • Deng Bingchun (鄧炳春; Dèng Bǐngchūn) is killed by Wei Xiaobao.
  • Fat Monk (胖頭陀; Pàngtóutuó) is the cult's "Fat Venerable" (胖尊者; Pàngzūnzhě). He was once fat but gradually shrunk in size and becomes thin after being poisoned by Hong Antong. He is slain by Hong during the cult's internal conflict.
  • Thin Monk (瘦頭陀; Shòutóutuó) is the cult's "Thin Venerable" (瘦尊者; Shòuzūnzhě). He was once thin but gradually becomes fat after being poisoned by Hong Antong. He is Mao Dongzhu's lover and Princess Jianning's father. He is killed by the Gui family.
  • Lu Gaoxuan (陸高軒; Lù Gāoxuān)
  • Zhang Danyue (張淡月; Zhāng Dànyuè)
  • Taoist Wugen (無根道人; Wúgēn Dàorén)
  • Zhong Zhiling (鍾志靈; Zhōng Zhìlíng)
  • Yin Jin (殷錦; Yīn Jǐn)
  • Xu Yunting (許雪亭; Xú Xuětíng)
  • Yun Sumei (雲素梅; Yún Sùméi)
  • Zhang Laosan (章老三; Zhāng Lǎosān)

Wu Sangui and associates[]

  • Wu Sangui (吳三桂; Wú Sānguì) used to be a general of the Ming Empire. When he heard that his concubine Chen Yuanyuan was seized by Li Zicheng, he was so overwhelmed by fury that he decided to defect to the Manchus and get them to help him defeat Li. He opened Shanhai Pass, which he was supposed to be guarding, and allowed the Manchu forces to overrun the rest of the former Ming Empire and drive away Li Zicheng's forces. After the Qing Empire is established, he is awarded the title "Prince Who Pacifies the West" and given a princedom in Yunnan. He stages a rebellion against the Qing Empire later.
  • Wu Yingxiong (吳應熊; Wú Yìngxíong) is Wu Sangui's son. The Kangxi Emperor arranges for a marriage between Wu Yingxiong and Princess Jianning in a bid to strengthen ties with Wu Sangui. The emperor appoints Wei Xiaobao as the Imperial Commissioner to escort the princess to Yunnan and oversee the wedding. However, Jianning refuses to marry Wu Yingxiong and castrates him and accuses him of molesting her. Wu Yingxiong is later sent to the capital as a hostage to ensure that his father remains loyal to the Qing Empire. He is executed when his father starts a rebellion.
  • Xia Guoxiang (夏國相; Xià Guóxiàng) is the chancellor of Wu Sangui's princedom and Wu's son-in-law. He is tricked by Wei Xiaobao into releasing the assassin who made an attempt on Wu Sangui's life.
  • Ma Bao (馬寶; Má Bǎo)
  • Master Lang (郎武師; Láng Wǔshī)
  • Qi Yuankai (齊元凱; Qí Tiānkǎi)
  • Yang Yizhi (楊溢之; Yáng Yìzhī)
  • Zhang Guogui (張國桂; Zhāng Guóguì)
  • Zhu Guozhi (朱國治; Zhū Guózhì)
  • Gan Wenkun (甘文焜; Gān Wénkūn)
  • Wang Jinbao (王進寶; Wáng Jìnbǎo)
  • Sun Sike (孫思克; Sūn Sīkè)
  • Balangxing (巴朗星; Bālǎngxīng)

Russian Empire[]

  • Sophia (蘇菲亞) is a half-sister of Peter I. She becomes the regent of Russia with Wei Xiaobao's help.
  • Alexei Mikhailovich (阿萊克修斯‧米海洛維支) was the former Tsar and Sophia's father.
  • Peter I (彼得一世) is the Tsar of Russia.
  • Ivan (伊凡) is Peter I's half-brother and co-ruler of Russia.
  • Natalia (娜達麗亞) is the Tsarina Dowager of Russia. She is killed by the army which defected to Sophia.
  • (Alexei) Tolbuzin (圖爾布青) is a Russian general. He argues with Wei Xiaobao over the border between the Qing Empire and Russia.
  • Fedor Golovin (費要多羅‧果羅文) is a Russian envoy to the Qing Empire.

Shaolin Sect[]

  • Huicong (晦聰; Huìcōng) is the abbot of Shaolin.
  • Chengguang (澄光; Chéngguāng) is the abbot of Qingliang Temple on Mount Wutai. He is also one of the "Eighteen Arhats" of Shaolin.
  • Chengshi (澄識; Chéngshí) is the head of Shaolin's Discipline Hall.
  • Chengguan (澄觀; Chéngguān) is the head of Shaolin's Prajna Hall.
  • Chengxin (澄心; Chéngxīn)
  • Chengtong (澄通; Chéngtōng)
  • Fasheng (法勝; Fǎshèng)
  • Jingji (淨濟; Jìngjì)
  • Jingqing (淨清; Jìngqīng)
  • Jingben (淨本; Jìngběn)
  • Jingyuan (淨源; Jìngyuán)

Wudang Sect[]

  • Taoist Yunyan (雲雁道人; Yúnyàn Dàorén)
  • Taoist Yunhe (雲鶴道人; Yúnhè Dàorén)

Wangwu Sect[]

  • Yuan Yifang (元義方; Yuán Yìfāng)
  • Situ Bolei (司徒伯雷; Sītú Bóléi) is the leader of the Wangwu Sect (王屋派; wángwū pài). He is a former subordinate of Wu Sangui.
  • Situ He (司徒鶴; Sītú Hè) is Situ Bolei's son.

Mongols[]

  • Galdan (葛爾丹; Gé'ěrdān) is a Mongol prince who allies with Wu Sangui when Wu rebels against the Qing Empire. He initially blames Wei Xiaobao for the failure of the revolt but is later deceived by Wei into believing that Wu Sangui betrayed him. He becomes sworn brothers with Wei. He marries A'qi later.
  • Hantiemo (罕帖摩; Hàntiēmó) is an envoy sent by Galdan to meet Wu Sangui. Wei Xiaobao tricks him into describing the full plans of Wu Sangui's rebellion and then arrests him and sends him to the Kangxi Emperor.

Tibetans[]

  • Bayan (巴顏; Bāyán)
  • Shengluotuo (勝羅陀; Shèngluótuó)
  • Dahe'er (達和爾; Dáhé'ěr)
  • Sangye (桑結; Sāngjié)
  • Hubayin (呼巴音; Hūbāyīn)

Gui family[]

  • Gui Xinshu (歸辛樹; Guī Xīnshù), nicknamed "Invincible Divine Fists" (神拳無敵; sh��nquán wúdí), is a member of the Mount Hua Sect. He is killed along with his family by imperial guards.
  • Gui Erniang (歸二娘; Guī Èrniáng) is Gui Xinshu's wife.
  • Gui Zhong (歸鐘; Guī Zhōng) is Gui Xinshu and Gui Erniang's son. He first appeared in Sword Stained with Royal Blood as a sickly infant.

Miscellaneous characters[]

  • The Shunzhi Emperor (順治皇帝; Shùnzhì Huángdì) was the former ruler of the Qing Empire and the Kangxi Emperor's father. He disappeared after the death of his favourite concubine, Consort Donggo, and is presumed dead. It is revealed later that he has become a monk in Qingliang Monastery on Mount Wutai and adopted a new name, Xingchi (行癡; Xíngchī). He is temporarily reunited with his son with Wei Xiaobao's help, but decides to permanently detach himself from worldly affairs and continue to be a monk. He gives some brief advice to his son on governing the empire.
  • Xingdian (行癲; Xíngdiān) is Xingchi's junior. He possesses immense strength and once risked his life to protect Xingchi.
  • Mao Shiba (茅十八; Máo Shíbā) is an outlaw. He brings Wei Xiaobao to Beijing, where both of them are kidnapped by Hai Dafu and brought into the Forbidden City. He manages to escape and is saved by members of the Tiandihui. He meets Wei again when Wei joins the Tiandihui. He accuses Wei of being a traitor when Wei is forced to help the Kangxi Emperor persecute the Tiandihui. He is captured and sentenced to death but Wei saves him by making him switch places with Feng Xifan.
  • He Tieshou (何鐵手; Hé Tiéshǒu) is a character from Sword Stained with Royal Blood. She saved the female members of the Zhuang family from exile and taught them martial arts.
  • The Third Young Mistress Zhuang (莊三少奶; Zhuāng Sānshàonǎi) is the matriarch of the Zhuang family and He Tieshou's apprentice. She leads the family after all its male members were executed by Oboi. She is grateful to Wei Xiaobao for helping them take revenge, and she tells Shuang'er to accompany him. See also the Zhuang Tinglong Case.
  • Hu Yizhi (胡逸之; Hú Yìzhī), nicknamed "Hundred Victorious Saber King" (百勝刀王; bǎishèng dāowáng) and "Handsome Saber King" (美刀王; měidāowáng), is a martial artist who specialises in saber techniques. He has a crush on Chen Yuanyuan and has maintained his crush for many years. He follows Chen Yuanyuan to Yunnan and disguises himself so that he can remain near her and protect her from any danger. He meets Wei Xiaobao and becomes sworn brothers with him.
  • Zha Yihuang (查伊璜; Zhā Yīhuáng), also known as Zha Jizuo (查繼佐; Zhā Jìzuǒ), is a scholar from Haining. This character is purportedly an ancestor of the novel's author Jin Yong, whose real name is Zha Liangyong.
  • Ma Boren (馬博仁; Mǎ Bórén) is the leader of the Tantui Sect (潭腿門; tántuǐmén).
  • Lei Yixiao (雷一嘯; Léi Yīxiào) is nicknamed "Tiger-Faced Hegemon King" (虎面霸王; hǔmiàn bàwáng).
  • Wu Tong (武通; Wǔ Tōng), nicknamed "Golden Spear King" (金槍王; jīnqiāngwáng), is the leader of the Wusheng Security Service (武勝鏢局; wǔshèng biāojú).
  • Shenzhao Shangren (神照上人; Shénzhào Shàngrén)
  • Song San (宋三; Sòng Sān) is nicknamed "Swift Horse" (快馬; kuàimǎ).
  • Yu Ba (于八; Yú Bā) is nicknamed "One Stroke Less" (少一劃; shǎoyīhuà).
  • Xinxi (心溪; Xīnxī) is the abbot of Buddhist Light Temple on Mount Wutai.
  • Yao Chun (姚春; Yáo Chūn) is a physician.
  • Huangfu Ge (皇甫閣; Huángfǔ Gé)
  • He Sheng (何盛; Hé Shèng)
  • Adam Schall von Bell (湯若望; Tāngruòwàng)
  • Ferdinand Verbiest (南懷仁; Nánhuáirén) is a Flemish Jesuit missionary who visits China.
  • Gu Yanwu (顧炎武; Gù Yánwǔ)
  • Huang Zongxi (黄宗羲; Huáng Zōngxī)
  • Lü Liuliang (呂留良; Lǚ Líuliáng)

See also[]

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