Channeling qi...
Cheng Yaojia

Cheng Yaojia

Cheng Yaojia (simplified: 程瑶迦, traditional: 程瑤迦, Jyutping: cing4 jiu4 gaa1, pinyin: Chéng Yáojiā) was a disciple of Sun Buer in the Quanzhen Order. Born into a wealthy family in Baoying County, she lived a sheltered life before entering the martial world. She initially developed romantic feelings for Guo Jing after he rescued her from Ouyang Ke, but later married Lu Guanying and settled at the Manor of Gathering Clouds.

Biography

Early life and sheltered upbringing

Cheng Yaojia was born into a wealthy family in Baoying County, where she lived a sheltered life as a pampered young lady. Her family’s wealth and status meant she was raised in luxury, rarely leaving the inner chambers of her home. This sheltered upbringing made her innocent and naive about the outside world, particularly the martial arts world.

Entry into the Quanzhen Order

Her entry into the Quanzhen Order represented a significant opportunity for martial arts training and spiritual development. She became a disciple of Sun Bu’er, the only female member of the Seven Zis of Quanzhen, receiving comprehensive instruction in both martial arts and spiritual cultivation.

Rescue and infatuation

Cheng Yaojia’s first significant adventure occurred when she was kidnapped by Ouyang Ke, the nephew of Ouyang Feng. She was rescued by Guo Jing and Huang Rong, who intervened when the Beggars’ Guild members were unable to defeat Ouyang Ke.

This rescue had a profound impact on Cheng Yaojia, who developed romantic feelings for Guo Jing. As a sheltered young lady who had never experienced such intense emotions, she found herself deeply attracted to the young hero who had saved her life.

Journey and meeting Lu Guanying

Driven by her feelings for Guo Jing, Cheng Yaojia made the bold decision to leave her sheltered home and travel to find him. During her journey, she encountered Lu Guanying, the young master of the Manor of Gathering Clouds. Their meeting occurred in circumstances that created a bond between them, and her initial infatuation with Guo Jing gradually faded as she spent more time with Lu Guanying.

Marriage and later life

Cheng Yaojia’s relationship with Lu Guanying developed through a series of adventures and challenges, ultimately leading to marriage. The couple settled at the Manor of Gathering Clouds, where they lived happily together. Their marriage represented a successful union between two young martial artists from different backgrounds.

Personality and traits

Sheltered innocence

Cheng Yaojia’s most defining characteristic was her sheltered upbringing, which made her innocent and naive about the martial world. Her wealthy family background meant she had little practical experience with the various challenges and dangers that existed outside her home. This innocence was both endearing and potentially dangerous, as it made her vulnerable to various schemes.

Gentle and refined nature

Despite her martial arts training, Cheng Yaojia maintained the gentle and refined nature typical of a wealthy family’s daughter. Her manners and speech reflected her privileged background, making her stand out among the more rough and practical martial artists of the jianghu.

Loyalty and devotion

Once Cheng Yaojia committed to a relationship or cause, she demonstrated unwavering loyalty and devotion. Her commitment to Lu Guanying and her willingness to leave her comfortable life to be with him showed the depth of her feelings and her capacity for genuine love.

Martial arts abilities

Quanzhen foundation

Cheng Yaojia’s martial arts training was grounded in the Quanzhen Order’s comprehensive system, which emphasized precision, efficiency, and spiritual integration. Her development within the sect’s martial arts system demonstrated her dedication and natural talent.

Swordplay techniques

She was particularly skilled with the sword, using Quanzhen sword techniques that emphasized grace and precision. Her martial arts abilities, while not at the highest level, were sufficient to defend herself and contribute to group combat situations.

Internal energy cultivation

Her training included Quanzhen Neigong, the internal energy cultivation methods of the Quanzhen Order, which gave her access to power sources essential for effective martial arts practice.

Relationships

Master-disciple relationships

Cheng Yaojia’s relationship with her master Sun Bu’er was significant as Sun Bu’er was the only female among the Seven Zis of Quanzhen. This relationship provided her with a female role model within the traditionally male-dominated martial arts world.

Romantic relationships

Her initial infatuation with Guo Jing after he rescued her demonstrated her capacity for deep emotion, though her sheltered background made her naive about such feelings. Her later relationship with Lu Guanying developed into genuine love and a successful marriage.

Family relationships

After marrying Lu Guanying, Cheng Yaojia became part of the Manor of Gathering Clouds community and integrated into her husband’s family and martial arts network, becoming a respected member of their circle.

Behind the scenes

Cheng Yaojia represents the theme of personal growth and adaptation in Jin Yong’s work. Her character demonstrates how individuals from sheltered backgrounds can successfully integrate into the martial world through love, dedication, and proper guidance.

Her story also highlights the progressive nature of the Quanzhen Order in accepting and training female disciples, reflecting Jin Yong’s exploration of gender roles within the martial arts world. As one of the notable female martial artists of her era, she represents the growing presence of women in the traditionally male-dominated jianghu.

The character serves as an example of how personal relationships and romantic love can provide the motivation for significant life changes and personal development within the martial arts world.

See also