Chu Wanli

Chu Wanli (simplified: 褚万里, traditional: 褚萬里, pinyin: Chǔ Wànlǐ) was the leader of Dali’s Four Great Guards (四大护卫), representing “The Fisherman” (渔) among the elite protectors of the Dali royal family.

Role and position

Leader of Four Great Guards

Chu Wanli served as the leader of the Four Great Guards, known collectively as “渔樵耕读” (Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer, Scholar). He represented the Fisherman among these four elite protectors, each with their own specialized role in protecting the Dali royal family.

Position in royal hierarchy

The Four Great Guards maintained a sophisticated protection system for the Dali royal family:

Chu Wanli (褚万里) - The Fisherman (渔), leader of the guards
Gu Ducheng (古笃诚) - The Woodcutter (樵)
Fu Sigui (傅思归) - The Farmer (耕)
Zhu Danchen (朱丹臣) - The Scholar (读)

Service to royal family

As the leader of the Four Great Guards, Chu Wanli was entrusted with coordinating the protection of members of the Dali royal family, particularly Prince Duan Zhengchun and other important figures. His leadership position required both martial excellence and organisational skills.

Martial arts and abilities

Dali Royal Guard Techniques

Chu Wanli was skilled in specialized martial arts techniques designed for royal protection. These techniques emphasized both defensive capabilities and offensive effectiveness, ensuring the safety of the royal family members under his protection.

Leadership and coordination

As the leader of the Four Great Guards, Chu Wanli excelled in coordinating the efforts of his fellow guards. His ability to lead and organize created a formidable defense system that could handle multiple threats simultaneously.

Fisherman specialization

Chu Wanli’s role as “The Fisherman” was reflected in his primary weapon - an iron fishing rod (铁钓杆) with a flexible steel wire whip attached. This unique weapon allowed him to attack from a distance and provided both offensive and defensive capabilities. His mastery of this weapon demonstrated his specialized training and his ability to adapt traditional fishing tools for martial combat.

Key plot involvement

Protection of Duan family members

Chu Wanli was frequently involved in protecting various members of the Duan family, including Prince Duan Zhengchun, Duan Yu, and other royal family members. His loyalty and dedication to the Duan family were unwavering, and he was willing to risk his life to protect them.

Battle against the Four Evils

Chu Wanli participated in several battles against the notorious “Four Evils” (四大恶人), including confrontations with Ye Erniang, Nanhai E Shen, and Yun Zhonghe. His martial arts skills and tactical thinking were crucial in these encounters, often working in coordination with his fellow guards.

The tragedy at Xiaojing Lake

The most significant event in Chu Wanli’s life occurred at Xiaojing Lake, where he was captured by Azi using her “Soft Silk Net” (柔丝网). This net, made with rare snow silkworm silk, was nearly impossible to break free from. The humiliation of being captured by a young girl, combined with the fact that Azi was Duan Zhengchun’s daughter, created an unbearable situation for Chu Wanli.

Heroic death

Unable to bear the shame of his capture and the impossibility of avenging himself against his master’s daughter, Chu Wanli chose to fight to the death against Duan Yanqing. Despite being severely wounded multiple times, he continued to fight with reckless abandon, using Fu Sigui’s copper staff as a weapon since his own iron fishing rod had been thrown into the lake by Azi.

His final words to Duan Zhengchun were: “My Lord, Chu Wanli would rather die than be humiliated. I have lived my life worthy of the Dali Duan family.” He died standing upright, refusing to fall even in death, symbolizing his unyielding loyalty and dignity.

Character and personality

Loyalty and devotion

Chu Wanli’s most defining characteristic was his absolute loyalty to the Duan family. He served them not just as a guard but as a trusted advisor and friend. His relationship with Duan Zhengchun was particularly close, built on years of shared experiences and mutual trust.

Dignity and honor

Chu Wanli placed great importance on his personal dignity and honor. The incident with Azi’s net was particularly devastating because it represented not just a martial defeat but a fundamental challenge to his identity as a loyal servant and protector of the Duan family.

Courage and determination

In battle, Chu Wanli demonstrated exceptional courage and determination. His willingness to fight to the death against overwhelming odds, even when severely wounded, showed his commitment to his duty and his refusal to surrender.

Legacy and impact

Impact on the Four Great Guards

Chu Wanli’s death had a profound impact on his fellow guards, particularly Zhu Danchen, who was devastated by the loss of his close friend and colleague. The remaining guards were inspired by his sacrifice and continued to serve the Duan family with renewed dedication.

Symbol of loyalty

Chu Wanli’s death became a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice that a loyal servant was willing to make for his master. His story demonstrated the complex relationship between loyalty, honor, and personal dignity in the context of feudal relationships.

Influence on Duan family

Chu Wanli’s death also had a significant impact on the Duan family, particularly Duan Zhengchun, who felt deep guilt over the incident. The tragedy highlighted the complex dynamics within the family and the challenges of maintaining order and discipline among family members.

Behind the scenes

Literary significance

Chu Wanli’s character serves as an important example of the traditional Chinese values of loyalty and honor. His tragic death demonstrates the costs of maintaining these values in a complex and often cruel world.

Character development

Chu Wanli’s story arc from a respected and capable guard to a tragic hero who chooses death over dishonourprovides important character development and emotional depth to the narrative. His death serves as a catalyst for various plot developments and character motivations.