Li Wenxiu

Li Wenxiu (simplified: 李文秀, traditional: 李文秀, pinyin: Lǐ Wénxiù, jyutping: lei5 man4 sau3) is the protagonist of White Horse Neighing in the West Wind. As a Han Chinese girl raised in Kazakh territory, her story explores themes of cultural identity, unrequited love, and the search for belonging.

Biography

Early life and tragedy

Li Wenxiu was born to Li San the White Horse (白马李三) and Shangguan Hong the Three Lady of the Gold and Silver Swords (金银小剑三娘子). Her father possessed a superior white horse, which became a symbol of her family’s identity.

When Li Wenxiu was only seven years old, her family was pursued by the Three Heroes of Lüliang (吕梁三杰)—Huo Yuanlong, Shi Zhongjun, and Chen Dahai—who sought a map to the legendary Gaochang Maze. Despite fleeing to the Western Regions (回疆), Li San and Shangguan Hong were unable to escape their pursuers. In a final battle, they killed Shi Zhongjun but ultimately perished themselves.

The white horse carried the young Li Wenxiu into the desert, where she eventually reached Kazakh territory and was taken in by Old Man Ji (计老人), a Han Chinese living among the Kazakhs.

Life among the Kazakhs

Raised by Old Man Ji (later revealed to be Ma Jiajun), Li Wenxiu grew up learning Kazakh customs and ways of life. She formed a deep friendship with Supu, the son of Suluk, the First Warrior of the Kazakhs. However, their relationship was complicated by Suluk’s deep hatred of Han Chinese, stemming from the loss of his wife and eldest son to Han bandits.

When Supu presented Li Wenxiu with the pelt from his first wolf kill—a profound gesture of love in Kazakh culture—it marked both the height and the end of their childhood relationship. Forced to return the pelt due to ethnic tensions, Li Wenxiu experienced the first of many rejections that would shape her life.

Learning martial arts

Years later, while wandering in the desert, Li Wenxiu encountered Hua Hui, a skilled martial arts hermit living in an oasis. After she helped remove three poison needles that had been embedded in his back for over a decade, Hua Hui taught her martial arts and eventually accepted her as his disciple.

Under Hua Hui’s tutelage, Li Wenxiu trained for two years, developing into a first-class martial artist. Her martial arts skills would later prove crucial in confronting her parents’ killers and navigating the dangers of the Gaochang Maze.

Reunion and revelation

During a snowstorm, Li Wenxiu returned home to find Supu, his father Suluk, and his new love Aman taking shelter. The arrival of Chen Dahai, one of her parents’ killers who still sought the map, set in motion a series of events that led to the Gaochang Maze.

In the maze, hidden identities were revealed: Hua Hui was actually Walazi, a Kazakh who had fled to China after losing Yalixian—Aman’s mother—to Cherku. Old Man Ji was revealed to be Ma Jiajun, Hua Hui’s former apprentice who had wounded his master rather than help poison a well. Their final confrontation proved fatal for both.

Departure

Having lost both her surrogate family (Ma Jiajun and Hua Hui) and her chance at love (Supu), Li Wenxiu chose to return to Central China. She departed on her aging white horse, leaving behind the steppes where her heart had found and lost its only love.

The novella ends with her famous reflection: “That was a very, very long time ago, long since broken and gone… If the person you deeply love has deeply fallen in love with someone else, what can you do?… Those are all very, very good things, but I just don’t like them…”

Personality and traits

Resilient and adaptable

Li Wenxiu demonstrates remarkable resilience, adapting to life in Kazakh territory despite the cultural and linguistic barriers. Her ability to learn both Kazakh customs and martial arts reflects her adaptable nature.

Loyal and devoted

Her loyalty to her parents drives her desire for revenge, while her devotion to Old Man Ji (Ma Jiajun) and later to Hua Hui shows her capacity for deep emotional bonds, even when they are complicated or unreciprocated.

Culturally displaced

As a Han Chinese raised in Kazakh territory, Li Wenxiu embodies the theme of cultural displacement. She belongs to neither world completely, making her journey one of searching for identity and belonging.

Martial arts abilities

Under Hua Hui’s instruction, Li Wenxiu developed into a first-class martial artist. Her training included various techniques, and she was capable of defeating experienced fighters like Chen Dahai, demonstrating the effectiveness of her training.

Relationships

Family

Li San — Her father, killed by the Three Heroes of Lüliang
Shangguan Hong — Her mother, killed by Shi Zhongjun
Ma Jiajun (Old Man Ji) — Her guardian and adoptive father figure, who raised her from childhood

Mentorship

Hua Hui (Walazi) — Her martial arts master, who trained her for two years and became a first-class martial artist

Love and friendship

Supu — Her childhood friend and unrequited love, who eventually chose Aman over her
Aman — The Kazakh girl who became Supu’s lover, representing the path Li Wenxiu could not take

Behind the scenes

Li Wenxiu is one of the few female protagonists in Jin Yong’s works, and her story is notable for its focus on emotional depth rather than martial arts action. Her character explores themes of unrequited love, cultural identity, and the search for belonging.

The novella’s ending, with Li Wenxiu’s famous reflection on love and loss, has become one of the most memorable passages in Jin Yong’s works, capturing the poignancy of unrequited love and cultural displacement.

Portrayals

Li Wenxiu has been portrayed in various adaptations of White Horse Neighing in the West Wind, including:

1979 RTV (Hong Kong) series: Played by Sharon Yeung (楊盼盼)
1982 CTV (Taiwan) series: Played by various actresses