Li Yan (simplified: 李岩, traditional: 李岩, pinyin: Lǐ Yán, jyutping: lei5 ngaam4), originally named Li Xin (李信 — Lǐ Xìn), was one of Li Zicheng’s most capable advisors and Yuan Chengzhi’s sworn brother in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. He was known for his wisdom, strategic thinking, and commitment to the rebellion’s ideals. However, he was unjustly executed by Li Zicheng on false charges, which deeply contributed to Yuan Chengzhi’s disillusionment with the rebel forces.
Biography
Historical background
Li Yan was a historical figure (though his existence is debated by some historians) who lived from approximately 1610 to 1644. He was originally named Li Xin and was from Qixian (杞县), Henan. According to historical accounts, he was a scholar who joined Li Zicheng’s rebellion and became one of his most important advisors.
In the novel, Li Yan’s historical role is incorporated into the fictional narrative, with his relationship with Yuan Chengzhi being a key element of the story.
Early life and joining the rebellion
Li Yan, originally named Li Xin, was a scholar from Qixian, Henan. According to historical accounts, he was known for his learning and his concern for the common people. During a time of famine and corruption, he joined Li Zicheng’s rebellion, and Li Zicheng gave him the name “Yan” (岩 — meaning “rock” or “cliff”), symbolising his steadfastness and reliability.
Li Yan was married to Red Maiden (红娘子 — Hóngniángzǐ), a skilled martial artist who was also involved in the rebellion.
Service as Li Zicheng’s advisor
Li Yan became one of Li Zicheng’s most trusted and capable advisors. He was known for his strategic thinking, his understanding of governance, and his commitment to the rebellion’s ideals. He advised Li Zicheng on various matters, including military strategy, governance, and how to win the support of the people.
Li Yan’s advice was often wise and practical, and he was respected by many in the rebel forces for his intelligence and integrity.
Relationship with Yuan Chengzhi
Li Yan became sworn brothers with Yuan Chengzhi, who had joined the rebellion and was serving as the leader of the seven-province martial arts alliance. The two developed a close friendship based on mutual respect and shared ideals. Li Yan’s character and commitment to justice resonated with Yuan Chengzhi, who saw in Li Yan someone who truly believed in creating a better world.
Their relationship represented the idealistic side of the rebellion, as both men were committed to fighting corruption and injustice, rather than simply seeking power for its own sake.
Capture of Beijing and aftermath
After Li Zicheng’s forces captured Beijing and the Ming dynasty fell, Li Yan continued to serve as an advisor. However, as the rebel forces began to engage in corruption and brutality, Li Yan became concerned about the direction the rebellion was taking.
According to historical accounts, Li Yan advised Li Zicheng on several important matters after the capture of Beijing, including how to maintain discipline among the troops and how to govern effectively. However, his advice was often ignored, and the rebel forces continued their corrupt practices.
Unjust execution
Li Yan’s commitment to the rebellion’s ideals and his willingness to speak truth to power made him enemies among other advisors, particularly those who were more interested in personal gain than in the rebellion’s goals. False accusations were made against Li Yan, claiming that he intended to rebel against Li Zicheng and establish his own power base.
Li Zicheng, influenced by these false accusations and his own paranoia, ordered Li Yan’s execution. This tragic event marked the betrayal of the rebellion’s ideals and demonstrated how even the most loyal and capable advisors could be destroyed by false accusations and political intrigue.
Li Yan’s execution was particularly devastating to Yuan Chengzhi, who saw it as proof that the rebel forces had become as corrupt and unjust as the government they had overthrown.
Role in the novel
Li Yan’s character serves several important thematic purposes in the novel:
The tragedy of idealism
Li Yan represents the tragic figure of an idealistic advisor who remains committed to the rebellion’s goals even as the movement becomes corrupted. His unjust execution demonstrates how those who remain true to their ideals can be destroyed by those who have abandoned them.
The corruption of revolutionary movements
Li Yan’s execution symbolises the corruption of the rebel forces, showing how the movement that had claimed to fight for justice had become as unjust as the regime it had overthrown. His death represents the ultimate betrayal of the rebellion’s ideals.
Yuan Chengzhi’s disillusionment
Li Yan’s execution is a key factor in Yuan Chengzhi’s disillusionment with the rebel forces. The death of his sworn brother, who had represented the best of the rebellion’s ideals, leads Yuan Chengzhi to realise that the movement cannot be saved and that he must find a different path.
Personality and character
Li Yan was characterised by his intelligence, integrity, and commitment to the rebellion’s ideals. He was known for his strategic thinking and his ability to see the bigger picture, understanding both the military and political aspects of the rebellion.
He was also known for his courage in speaking truth to power, even when it was unpopular or dangerous. His willingness to advise Li Zicheng honestly, even when it might have been safer to remain silent, demonstrated his commitment to the rebellion’s goals.
Li Yan’s relationship with Yuan Chengzhi showed his ability to form deep friendships based on shared values and mutual respect. His character represented the best of the rebellion’s ideals, making his unjust execution all the more tragic.
Relationships
Family
- Red Maiden (红娘子) — Li Yan’s wife, who was also involved in the rebellion. She was known for her martial arts skills and her commitment to the cause.
Sworn brother
- Yuan Chengzhi — Li Yan’s sworn brother, who was deeply affected by Li Yan’s unjust execution. Their friendship was based on mutual respect and shared ideals.
Advisor relationship
- Li Zicheng — Li Yan served as one of Li Zicheng’s most trusted advisors, but was ultimately executed by him on false charges.
Legacy
Li Yan’s story represents one of the great tragedies of the novel, demonstrating how idealism and loyalty can be betrayed by those in power. His unjust execution serves as a symbol of the corruption of the rebel forces and the failure of the revolution to live up to its ideals.
In the novel, Li Yan’s death contributes to Yuan Chengzhi’s decision to leave the rebellion and seek a different path, ultimately leading to his exile. Li Yan’s character serves as a reminder of what the rebellion could have been if it had remained true to its ideals, making his death all the more tragic.
Li Yan’s legacy also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political power and the importance of maintaining moral standards, even in the midst of revolution. His character demonstrates that good intentions are not enough—those in power must remain committed to justice and integrity, or they will become as corrupt as the regime they sought to replace.
Historical note
Li Yan was a historical figure (though his existence is debated by some historians) who is said to have served as one of Li Zicheng’s advisors. According to historical accounts, he was originally named Li Xin and was from Qixian, Henan. He was said to have been a scholar who joined the rebellion and became one of Li Zicheng’s most important advisors.
Historically, Li Yan was said to have been executed by Li Zicheng on false charges, similar to his portrayal in the novel. This event is seen by historians as one of the factors that contributed to the failure of Li Zicheng’s rebellion, as it removed one of his most capable advisors and demoralised other supporters.
The novel’s portrayal of Li Yan incorporates historical elements while focusing on his role in the fictional narrative, particularly his relationship with Yuan Chengzhi and his unjust execution, which serves as a key turning point in the story.