Chen Jialuo (simplified: 陈家洛, traditional: 陳家洛, pinyin: Chén Jiāluò, jyutping: can4 gaa1 lok6), also known as Lord Zhou (周总舵), was the chief leader of the Red Flower Society and the protagonist of The Book and the Sword. He also appeared in Side Story of the Flying Fox, where he helped Hu Fei by disguising himself as Fukanggan to comfort Ma Chunhua on her deathbed.
Biography
Early life and background
Chen Jialuo was born in Haining, Zhejiang, to a prominent family. He was the younger brother of the Qianlong Emperor, though they were separated at birth. Chen Jialuo was raised by Yu Wanting, the former leader of the Red Flower Society, who became his godfather.
Role in The Book and the Sword
After Yu Wanting’s death, Chen Jialuo was chosen as the new chief leader of the Red Flower Society. The society’s thirteen chiefs travelled to Xinjiang to escort him back to assume leadership. Chen Jialuo led the society in its mission to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and restore Han Chinese rule.
During his adventures, Chen Jialuo fell in love with Huoqingtong and her sister Kasili, also known as Princess Fragrance. However, his political mission and the complications of his relationship with the Qianlong Emperor led to tragic consequences, including Princess Fragrance’s suicide.
Despite his efforts, Chen Jialuo’s political mission ultimately failed due to his trust in the Qianlong Emperor, who betrayed the Red Flower Society. After the failure, Chen Jialuo and the remaining members of the Red Flower Society retreated to Xinjiang.
Role in Side Story of the Flying Fox
In Side Story of the Flying Fox, Chen Jialuo appeared briefly when Fukanggan requested that Hu Fei help comfort Ma Chunhua on her deathbed. Chen Jialuo disguised himself as Fukanggan to fulfill Ma Chunhua’s final wish, allowing her to die in peace believing she was with her lover.
Personality
Chen Jialuo was depicted as a scholarly and refined gentleman, embodying the “book and sword” ideal—both a scholar and a warrior. However, he was also characterised by his political naivety and tendency to trust others too easily, particularly his brother the Qianlong Emperor. His idealism and lack of political experience ultimately led to the failure of the Red Flower Society’s mission.
Martial Arts
Chen Jialuo was skilled in several martial arts techniques, including the Hundred Flowers Fist (百花错拳), the Falling Leaf Sabre (落叶刀), and the Soft Palm of a Thousand Changes (千变万化掌). He also learned the “Butcher Ding’s Method” (庖丁解牛) from ancient texts, which helped him understand the essence of martial arts.
Relationships
- Qianlong Emperor: His elder brother, whom he trusted but who ultimately betrayed him.
- Huoqingtong: The elder daughter of the Uyghur tribal chief, with whom he had a complex relationship.
- Kasili (Princess Fragrance): Huoqingtong’s younger sister, whom he loved but whose death he inadvertently caused.
- Yu Wanting: His godfather and the former leader of the Red Flower Society.
- Red Flower Society members: His sworn brothers and comrades in the anti-Qing cause.
Legacy
Chen Jialuo represents the tragic figure of the idealistic intellectual who attempts to change the world but fails due to political naivety. His story explores themes of national identity, the conflict between personal relationships and political obligations, and the limitations of idealism in the face of political reality.