Cui Ximin (simplified: 崔希敏, traditional: 崔希敏, pinyin: Cuī Xīmǐn, jyutping: ceoi1 hei1 man5), known as the Subduing Tiger Diamond (伏虎金刚 — Fúhǔ Jīngāng), was a disciple of Huang Zhen (黄真) of the Huashan School and the husband of An Xiaohui (安小慧) in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Training under Huang Zhen
Cui Ximin was trained by Huang Zhen, the first disciple of Mu Renqing (穆人清) and the leader of the Huashan School. As Huang Zhen’s disciple, Cui Ximin received training in the Huashan School’s martial arts techniques and earned the epithet “Subduing Tiger Diamond” (伏虎金刚 — Fúhǔ Jīngāng).
Conflict with the Wen family
Cui Ximin, along with his master Huang Zhen and his fellow disciple An Xiaohui, tracked stolen gold to the Wen family’s stronghold. The group encountered Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) and Xia Qingqing (夏青青), who were also dealing with the Wen family over the stolen gold.
During this encounter, Huang Zhen engaged in battle with the Wen family’s Five Elders, using his copper brush and iron abacus as weapons. Despite being trapped in their Five Elements Formation, Huang Zhen was able to hold his own, though he struggled to break through the formation’s defences. He was eventually rescued by Yuan Chengzhi, who had just arrived and demonstrated his superior skills.
Cui Ximin participated in this conflict alongside his master, demonstrating his loyalty and willingness to support Huang Zhen in battle.
Marriage to An Xiaohui
Cui Ximin married An Xiaohui, who was also a disciple of Huang Zhen. An Xiaohui was the daughter of An Jianqing (安剑清) and An Daniang (安大娘), and she was Yuan Chengzhi’s childhood playmate.
The marriage between Cui Ximin and An Xiaohui was described as a good match, as both were simple, honest, and straightforward people. Cui Ximin was described as rough, impatient, and somewhat simple-minded, but also as honest, straightforward, and lovable, which matched An Xiaohui’s simple and virtuous nature.
When An Jianqing was dying, Cui Ximin calmly comforted An Xiaohui, demonstrating his ability to be steady and supportive during critical moments, showing his character’s growth and maturity.
Personality and character
Cui Ximin was characterised by his rough, impatient, and somewhat simple-minded nature, but also by his honesty, straightforwardness, and lovable personality. Despite his rough exterior, he was described as honest and straightforward, making him a suitable match for An Xiaohui.
His ability to remain calm and provide comfort to An Xiaohui during her father’s death demonstrated his maturity and his ability to be supportive during difficult times, showing that despite his rough nature, he had depth and compassion.
Martial arts
Cui Ximin was trained in the Huashan School’s martial arts techniques under Huang Zhen’s guidance. His epithet “Subduing Tiger Diamond” (伏虎金刚 — Fúhǔ Jīngāng) suggested that he was a formidable martial artist, particularly skilled in combat.
As a disciple of Huang Zhen, Cui Ximin would have been trained in the Huashan School’s various techniques, including sword techniques, palm techniques, and neili methods.
Relationships
Master
- Huang Zhen — Cui Ximin’s master and the first disciple of Mu Renqing. Cui Ximin accompanied Huang Zhen on various missions, including the conflict with the Wen family.
Family
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An Xiaohui — Cui Ximin’s wife and fellow disciple of Huang Zhen. The two were married and had a good relationship, as both were simple and honest people.
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An Jianqing — Cui Ximin’s father-in-law, who was the commander of the secret police (锦衣卫 — Jǐnyīwèi). Cui Ximin comforted An Xiaohui when An Jianqing was dying.
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An Daniang — Cui Ximin’s mother-in-law, who was a rebel spy.
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Cui Qiushan (崔秋山) — A relative of Cui Ximin, who was a member of Shanzong (山宗 — Shānzōng), an organisation dedicated to avenging Yuan Chonghuan’s death.
Fellow disciples
- Feng Nandi (冯难敌) — Another disciple of Huang Zhen and Cui Ximin’s fellow disciple.
Extended family
- Yuan Chengzhi — Cui Ximin’s grand-uncle (through martial arts lineage) and An Xiaohui’s childhood playmate. Yuan Chengzhi and Cui Ximin encountered each other during the conflict with the Wen family.
Legacy
Cui Ximin’s story represented the simpler, more straightforward characters in the jianghu. His rough but honest nature, combined with his loyal support of his master and his marriage to An Xiaohui, demonstrated that martial artists could have simple, happy lives despite the complexities of the jianghu.
His character exemplified the values of loyalty, honesty, and simplicity, showing that one did not need to be complex or sophisticated to be a good person and a valuable member of the martial arts community.
Cui Ximin’s relationship with An Xiaohui showed that compatibility and mutual understanding were more important than sophistication or complexity in relationships, and his ability to provide comfort during difficult times demonstrated his maturity and compassion.
His story also highlighted the importance of family relationships in the jianghu, as his marriage connected him to the An family and their various connections and conflicts.