Gui Erniang (simplified: 归二娘, traditional: 歸二娘, pinyin: Guī Èrniáng, jyutping: gwai1 ji6 noeng4) was the wife of Gui Xinshu (归辛树) and the mother of Gui Zhonglian (归钟 — Guī Zhōng) in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. She was involved in the conflict over the Poria and Shouwu Pills (茯苓首乌丸 — Fúlíng Shǒuwū Wán) needed to cure her son’s illness.
Biography
Marriage and family
Gui Erniang was married to Gui Xinshu, the second disciple of Mu Renqing (穆人清) and a skilled martial artist known as the “Invincible Divine Fists” (神拳无敌 — Shénquán Wúdí). The couple had a son, Gui Zhonglian (归钟 — Guī Zhōng).
Gui Erniang was deeply devoted to her family, particularly her son, whose illness caused her great concern and motivated her actions in seeking a cure.
The Poria and Shouwu Pills incident
Gui Zhonglian suffered from a serious illness that required the Poria and Shouwu Pills (茯苓首乌丸 — Fúlíng Shǒuwū Wán) to cure. These pills were rare and valuable medicinal treasures that could treat serious illnesses.
The pills became the subject of a conflict at Meng Bofei’s (孟伯飞) residence in Baoding Prefecture (保定府 — Bǎodìng Fǔ). The Yong Sheng Escort Bureau (永胜镖局 — Yǒngshèng Biāojú) had hidden the pills inside a birthday peach intended for Meng Bofei, and Hu Guinan (胡桂南) exposed this scheme.
Gui Erniang and Gui Xinshu, needing the pills for their son’s treatment, became involved in the conflict over the pills. This led to a confrontation with Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志), Gui Xinshu’s junior martial brother, though the conflict was eventually resolved through Yuan Chengzhi’s diplomatic skills.
Role in the Huashan School
As the wife of Gui Xinshu, Gui Erniang was associated with the Huashan School (华山派 — Huáshān Pài), one of the most respected orthodox martial arts schools of the era. However, her primary role was as a wife and mother rather than as an active martial artist, though she would have had some training given her husband’s position in the school.
Personality and character
Gui Erniang was characterised by her devotion to her family, particularly her son. Her willingness to become involved in conflicts over the Poria and Shouwu Pills demonstrated her determination to obtain the medicine needed to cure her son’s illness.
Her role as the wife of a prominent martial artist and her involvement in the conflict over the pills showed that she was not a passive figure but someone who was willing to take action to protect her family.
Relationships
Family
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Gui Xinshu — Gui Erniang’s husband and the second disciple of Mu Renqing. Gui Xinshu was known as the “Invincible Divine Fists” and was a highly skilled martial artist.
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Gui Zhonglian — Gui Erniang’s son, who suffered from a serious illness that required the Poria and Shouwu Pills to cure. Gui Erniang’s devotion to her son motivated her involvement in the conflict over the pills.
Extended family and associates
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Mu Renqing — Gui Erniang’s husband’s master and the leader of the Huashan School.
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Yuan Chengzhi — Gui Xinshu’s junior martial brother, with whom the family had a conflict over the Poria and Shouwu Pills.
Legacy
Gui Erniang’s story represented the role of women in martial arts families, showing how wives and mothers supported their husbands and protected their children, even when it meant becoming involved in conflicts. Her devotion to her son and her willingness to seek the medicine needed for his treatment demonstrated the strength and determination of a mother’s love.
Her involvement in the conflict over the Poria and Shouwu Pills highlighted the personal concerns that could affect even prominent martial artists and their families, showing that martial arts prowess and reputation were not the only important things in life.
Gui Erniang’s character exemplified the values of family devotion and maternal love that were important in traditional Chinese culture, demonstrating that even in the world of martial arts, personal relationships and family responsibilities played a crucial role in people’s lives and decisions.