Liu Zhuzhuang

Liu Zhuzhuang (simplified: 刘竹庄, traditional: 劉竹莊, pinyin: Liú Zhúzhuāng, jyutping: lau4 zuk1 zong1) was a five-pouch member of the Beggars’ Guildwho became involved in the conspiracy against Qiao Feng. His name “Zhuzhuang” meant “Bamboo Village,” and he was known for his cowardly behavior during the guild’s internal conflict.

Biography

Guild membership and conspiracy involvement

Liu Zhuzhuang was a five-bag disciple of the Beggars’ Guild, indicating his mid-level status within the organisation. During the events of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he became involved in the conspiracy led by Quan Guansheng to remove Qiao Feng from his position as guild leader.

The confrontation and attempted escape

When the conspiracy was exposed and the guild’s leadership confronted the conspirators, Liu Zhuzhuang attempted to flee the scene. Wu Changfeng, one of the four great elders, intercepted him and demanded to know why he was trying to escape. Liu Zhuzhuang was so terrified that he could only stammer “我…我…我…” (I… I… I…) repeatedly, unable to form a coherent response.

Confrontation with Bai Shijing

Bai Shijing, the guild’s law enforcement officer, confronted Liu Zhuzhuang about his actions, asking: “你这等行径，还配做丐帮的弟子吗？你自己了断呢？还是须得旁人动手？” (With such behavior, are you still worthy of being a Beggars’ Guild disciple? Will you end it yourself, or do you need others to do it for you?)

Liu Zhuzhuang attempted to draw his single-edged sword to commit suicide, but his hands were trembling so violently that he could not bring himself to cut his own throat. His cowardice was so evident that a law enforcement disciple stepped forward, grabbed his right arm, and helped him complete the act, cutting his throat.

Death and guild traditions

According to Beggars’ Guild tradition, members who committed suicide to atone for their crimes were still considered brothers, with death washing away all their sins. However, if a law enforcement disciple had to assist in the execution, the sins could never be absolved. The law enforcement disciple who helped Liu Zhuzhuang did so because he could see that Liu Zhuzhuang genuinely intended to kill himself but was physically unable to do so.

Liu Zhuzhuang’s final words were “I… thank you…”, expressing gratitude for the assistance in ending his life.

Personality and traits

Liu Zhuzhuang was characterized by his extreme cowardice and inability to face the consequences of his actions. His name “Zhuzhuang” (Bamboo Village) suggested a connection to rural life, but his behavior showed none of the strength or integrity typically associated with such origins.

His cowardly nature was evident in his attempt to flee when confronted, his inability to speak coherently when questioned, and his physical inability to carry out his own execution. This contrasted sharply with other guild members like Li Chunlai, who faced their fate with dignity and courage.

Martial arts abilities

As a five-bag disciple of the Beggars’ Guild, Liu Zhuzhuang possessed basic martial arts training. However, his skills were clearly insufficient to handle the pressure of combat or confrontation, as evidenced by his trembling hands and inability to perform even the simple act of drawing his sword.

Combat skills

Liu Zhuzhuang’s martial abilities were adequate for his position within the guild but were clearly not sufficient for high-pressure situations. His physical weakness under stress suggested that his training had not prepared him for the moral and physical challenges of guild life.

Relationships

Guild relationships

Liu Zhuzhuang’s relationships within the Beggars’ Guild were defined by his involvement in the conspiracy against Qiao Feng. His cowardly behavior during the confrontation earned him the contempt of his fellow guild members, particularly the law enforcement officers who had to assist in his execution.

Conspiracy involvement

Liu Zhuzhuang’s involvement in the conspiracy put him in the same category as other conspirators like Li Chunlai, though their responses to exposure were dramatically different. While Li Chunlai faced his fate with courage and dignity, Liu Zhuzhuang’s cowardice made him a pitiable figure.

Behind the scenes

Liu Zhuzhuang’s character serves as a contrast to the more heroic figures in the story, particularly Li Chunlai, who faced similar circumstances with much greater courage. His cowardly behavior highlights the different ways people respond to moral failure and the consequences of their actions.

His character also illustrates the Beggars’ Guild’s strict code of honourand the lengths to which the organisation would go to maintain its traditions, even when dealing with members who had betrayed the guild’s principles.