Cui Qiushan (simplified: 崔秋山, traditional: 崔秋山, pinyin: Cuī Qiūshān, jyutping: ceoi1 cau1 saan1) was a member of Shanzong (山宗 — Shānzōng) and a subordinate of Li Zicheng (李自成) who taught Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) the Subduing Tiger Palm (伏虎掌 — Fúhǔzhǎng) technique in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. He was also a relative of Cui Ximin (崔希敏).
Biography
Cui Qiushan was one of Yuan Chonghuan’s former subordinates who became a member of Shanzong, a secret organisation formed by Yuan Chonghuan’s loyal followers after the general’s wrongful execution. Cui Qiushan was also a subordinate of Li Zicheng, the rebel leader, which connected him to the rebel forces.
Teaching Yuan Chengzhi
As Yuan Chengzhi grew older and was raised by the members of Shanzong, Cui Qiushan taught him the Subduing Tiger Palm (伏虎掌 — Fúhǔzhǎng) technique. This was one of the martial arts techniques that Yuan Chengzhi learnt during his early training with Shanzong, before he went to Mount Hua to train under Mu Renqing (穆人清) of the Huashan School.
Cui Qiushan’s teaching of the Subduing Tiger Palm to Yuan Chengzhi demonstrated his role as one of Yuan Chengzhi’s early martial arts instructors and his commitment to preparing the young boy for his future role in avenging his father.
Recognition by Sun Zhongshou
Cui Qiushan’s martial arts skills were recognised by Sun Zhongshou (孙仲寿), a core member of Shanzong. Sun Zhongshou believed that Cui Qiushan had exceptional martial arts abilities that were superior to those of the other Shanzong members, and he advocated that Yuan Chengzhi should learn from various masters, including Cui Qiushan, to broaden his knowledge.
This recognition demonstrated Cui Qiushan’s reputation as a skilled martial artist within the Shanzong organisation, and his connection to Sun Zhongshou showed the collaborative nature of Yuan Chengzhi’s early training.
Meeting with Sun Zhongshou
Cui Qiushan met Sun Zhongshou during negotiations between Shanzong and Li Zicheng’s forces. In 1638, Sun Zhongshou participated in negotiations with Liu Fangliang (刘芳亮 — Liú Fāngliàng), a general under Li Zicheng, to establish an anti-Qing alliance. During these negotiations, Sun Zhongshou met Cui Qiushan, who was also involved in the discussions, and Cui Qiushan later joined Shanzong.
This meeting demonstrated Cui Qiushan’s connection to both Shanzong and Li Zicheng’s rebel forces, showing how the two groups worked together and how individuals could be part of both organisations.
Relationship with An Daniang
Cui Qiushan had a relationship with An Daniang (安大娘), a rebel spy. An Daniang was involved in rescuing Cui Qiushan at some point, demonstrating the connections between various rebel groups and individuals who opposed the Ming government.
Relationships
Allies
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Yuan Chonghuan — Cui Qiushan’s former commander, whom he remained loyal to after the general’s wrongful execution.
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Yuan Chengzhi — The son of Yuan Chonghuan, whom Cui Qiushan helped raise and train. Cui Qiushan taught Yuan Chengzhi the Subduing Tiger Palm technique.
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Li Zicheng — Cui Qiushan served as a subordinate of Li Zicheng, the rebel leader, connecting him to the rebel forces.
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Sun Zhongshou — A core member of Shanzong who recognised Cui Qiushan’s exceptional martial arts skills and worked with him on martial arts instruction for Yuan Chengzhi.
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An Daniang — A rebel spy who was involved in rescuing Cui Qiushan, demonstrating their connection within the rebel network.
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Other Shanzong members — Cui Qiushan worked alongside other members of Shanzong, including Ying Song, Luo Daqian, Zhu Anguo, Sun Zhongshou, and Tian Jianxiu.
Relatives
- Cui Ximin — Cui Qiushan was a relative of Cui Ximin, a disciple of Huang Zhen (黄真) of the Huashan School who married An Xiaohui (安小慧).
Legacy
Cui Qiushan’s character represented the connections between various groups that opposed the Ming government, including Shanzong and Li Zicheng’s rebel forces. His role as one of Yuan Chengzhi’s early martial arts instructors demonstrated the collaborative effort of Shanzong members in preparing Yuan Chengzhi for his future role.
His recognition by Sun Zhongshou as an exceptional martial artist showed his reputation and skills, while his connection to both Shanzong and Li Zicheng’s forces demonstrated the complex network of alliances and relationships that existed among those who opposed the corrupt Ming government.
Cui Qiushan’s story exemplified how individuals could be part of multiple organisations and how different groups worked together toward common goals, even as they maintained their own distinct identities and purposes.