Cheng Qingzhu (simplified: 程青竹, traditional: 程青竹, pinyin: Chéng Qīngzhú, jyutping: cing4 cing1 zuk1) was the leader of the Green Bamboo Gang (青竹帮 — Qīngzhú Bāng) and the martial arts teacher of Ajiu (阿九), also known as Princess Changping (长平公主). He was originally a commoner who attempted to assassinate the Chongzhen Emperor to avenge his brother’s death, but after failing and escaping, he founded the Green Bamboo Gang and eventually became Yuan Chengzhi’s ally in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Early life and brother’s death
Cheng Qingzhu was originally a commoner (布衣 — bùyī) who lived during the final years of the Ming dynasty. His brother, Cheng Benzhi (程本直), was involved in the case of Yuan Chonghuan (袁崇焕), the Ming general who was wrongfully executed by the Chongzhen Emperor in 1630. Cheng Benzhi was also killed in connection with Yuan Chonghuan’s case, which created a deep grievance in Cheng Qingzhu.
Attempted assassination
Driven by a desire to avenge his brother’s death, Cheng Qingzhu devised a plan to assassinate the Chongzhen Emperor. He managed to enter the imperial palace and become a palace guard (侍卫 — shìwèi), biding his time and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
However, his assassination attempt failed, and he was captured by the imperial guards. Despite being captured, Cheng Qingzhu managed to escape from the palace with help, and he fled into the jianghu to avoid capture.
Founding the Green Bamboo Gang
After escaping from the palace, Cheng Qingzhu went into hiding and eventually founded the Green Bamboo Gang (青竹帮 — Qīngzhú Bāng). The gang operated in the jianghu, and Cheng Qingzhu became its leader, establishing himself as a powerful figure in the jianghu.
The name “Green Bamboo” (青竹 — Qīngzhú) reflected both the gang’s identity and possibly Cheng Qingzhu’s preferred weapons, which were bamboo rods.
Teaching Ajiu (Princess Changping)
Despite his grudge against the imperial family, Cheng Qingzhu became the martial arts teacher of Ajiu, the daughter of the Chongzhen Emperor, who was also known as Princess Changping. This was an unusual situation, as Cheng Qingzhu had attempted to assassinate Ajiu’s father, yet he taught martial arts to the emperor’s daughter.
This relationship demonstrated the complex nature of jianghu relationships and how personal connections could transcend political boundaries. Despite his hatred for the Chongzhen Emperor, Cheng Qingzhu was able to recognise Ajiu as an individual and teach her martial arts.
Ajiu became a skilled martial artist under Cheng Qingzhu’s guidance, demonstrating exceptional ability and dedication to her training. She learnt the basics of martial arts from Cheng Qingzhu before later learning advanced techniques from Priest Musang of the Iron Sword School.
Alliance with Yuan Chengzhi
Cheng Qingzhu became an ally of Yuan Chengzhi, the protagonist of Sword Stained with Royal Blood. Yuan Chengzhi was the son of Yuan Chonghuan, the general whose wrongful execution had led to Cheng Benzhi’s death. This shared connection to Yuan Chonghuan’s case created a bond between Cheng Qingzhi and Yuan Chengzhi.
Cheng Qingzhu supported Yuan Chengzhi in various operations, including his alliance with Li Zicheng’s rebellion. The Green Bamboo Gang, under Cheng Qingzhu’s leadership, became part of the forces that supported Yuan Chengzhi’s efforts.
Later years
After the fall of the Ming dynasty and Yuan Chengzhi’s disillusionment with the rebel forces, Cheng Qingzhu, along with other allies, accompanied Yuan Chengzhi on his expedition to reclaim an island near Brunei that had been colonised by the Dutch. After successfully driving out the colonisers, Cheng Qingzhu and the others established a new life in exile with Yuan Chengzhi and his companions.
Personality and character
Cheng Qingzhu was characterised by his determination and his commitment to justice. His attempt to assassinate the Chongzhen Emperor to avenge his brother’s death demonstrated his willingness to take extreme measures for what he believed was right.
However, his ability to teach martial arts to Ajiu, despite his grudge against her father, showed that he was able to separate personal relationships from political grievances. This demonstrated a level of moral complexity and understanding that went beyond simple revenge.
Cheng Qingzhu’s leadership of the Green Bamboo Gang and his alliance with Yuan Chengzhi showed his ability to work with others toward common goals, despite the personal tragedies that had shaped his life.
Martial arts
Cheng Qingzhu was a skilled martial artist who founded and led the Green Bamboo Gang. His specific techniques are not extensively detailed in the novel, but he was known for using bamboo rods (竹杆 — zhúgān) as weapons.
The bamboo rods were described as flexible weapons that combined techniques from soft whips (软鞭 — ruǎnbiān) and long poles (大杆子 — dàgǎnzi), allowing for both striking and acupoint attacks. The flexible nature of the bamboo made it a versatile and effective weapon.
Techniques
- Bamboo rod techniques — Cheng Qingzhu’s signature weapon techniques, which combined the flexibility of whips with the power of pole weapons, allowing for both long-range strikes and acupoint attacks.
Relationships
Family
- Cheng Benzhi (程本直) — Cheng Qingzhu’s brother, who was killed in connection with Yuan Chonghuan’s case. Cheng Benzhi’s death motivated Cheng Qingzhu’s attempt to assassinate the Chongzhen Emperor.
Disciples
- Ajiu (Princess Changping) — Cheng Qingzhu’s most famous disciple, who was also the daughter of the Chongzhen Emperor. Despite Cheng Qingzhi’s grudge against her father, he taught Ajiu martial arts, demonstrating the complex nature of their relationship.
Allies
- Yuan Chengzhi — The protagonist of Sword Stained with Royal Blood and the son of Yuan Chonghuan. Cheng Qingzhu’s shared connection to Yuan Chonghuan’s case created a bond between them, and Cheng Qingzhu became one of Yuan Chengzhi’s allies.
Legacy
Cheng Qingzhu’s story represented the complex relationships between personal grievances, political loyalties, and personal connections in the jianghu. His attempt to assassinate the Chongzhen Emperor demonstrated the lengths to which people would go to avenge those they cared about, while his ability to teach Ajiu martial arts showed that personal relationships could transcend political boundaries.
His leadership of the Green Bamboo Gang and his alliance with Yuan Chengzhi demonstrated his ability to work with others toward common goals, despite the personal tragedies that had shaped his life. His character exemplified the values of loyalty, justice, and personal integrity that were important in the jianghu.
Cheng Qingzhu’s story also served to highlight the complexity of the political situation during the final years of the Ming dynasty, showing how personal grievances, political conflicts, and individual relationships all intersected in complex ways.