Luo Liru (simplified: 罗立如, traditional: 羅立如, pinyin: Luó Lìrú, jyutping: lo4 lap6 jyu4) was a disciple of Jiao Gongli, the leader of the Golden Dragon Gang (金龙帮 — Jīnlóng Bāng) in Nanjing. He lost his right arm in a confrontation with Sun Zhongjun (孙仲君) of the Huashan School, and later married Jiao Waner, Jiao Gongli’s daughter, in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Early life and training
Luo Liru was a disciple of Jiao Gongli, the leader of the Golden Dragon Gang in Nanjing. He was trained in the gang’s martial arts and became a skilled martial artist under Jiao Gongli’s guidance. As a disciple of the gang leader, Luo Liru would have been one of the more prominent members of the organisation.
The conflict with Min Zihua
When Min Zihua (闵子华) gathered a large group of martial artists to seek revenge against Jiao Gongli, Luo Liru was involved in the conflict. He was sent as a messenger to deliver invitations to the various martial artists who had gathered in Nanjing, representing the Golden Dragon Gang and his master.
Loss of his right arm
During the conflict with Min Zihua and his allies, Luo Liru encountered Sun Zhongjun (孙仲君), a disciple of Gui Xinshu (归辛树) of the Huashan School. Sun Zhongjun was known as the “Flying Demoness” (飞天魔女 — Fēitiān Mónǚ) and was characterised by her violent and unpredictable behaviour.
In a confrontation, Sun Zhongjun attacked Luo Liru and cut off his right arm with her sword. This brutal act demonstrated Sun Zhongjun’s lack of restraint and her willingness to use excessive violence. The loss of his arm was a severe injury that would have significantly affected Luo Liru’s martial arts abilities and his daily life.
This incident was part of the broader conflict between Jiao Gongli and Min Zihua, and it demonstrated the violence and brutality that could occur in jianghu conflicts.
Relationship with Jiao Waner
Luo Liru had admired Jiao Waner, his master’s daughter and his shimei, for years. However, he had never dared to express his feelings, as she was both beautiful and capable, and had an authoritative presence when helping her father manage the gang.
Despite his feelings for Jiao Waner, Luo Liru maintained a respectful distance, focusing on his duties as a disciple of the Golden Dragon Gang.
Marriage to Jiao Waner
After Jiao Gongli was murdered by the Tai Bai San Ying (太白三英), Jiao Waner worked with Yuan Chengzhi to avenge her father’s death. During this time, Xia Qingqing, Yuan Chengzhi’s lover, became jealous when she saw Yuan Chengzhi and Jiao Waner hiding together under a bed while investigating He Tieshou.
To avoid causing problems between Yuan Chengzhi and Xia Qingqing, Jiao Waner made the pragmatic decision to marry Luo Liru. She found Luo Liru and asked Yuan Chengzhi to arrange their marriage. Yuan Chengzhi, recognising the situation, agreed to arrange the marriage.
Despite the circumstances of their marriage, Jiao Waner respected Luo Liru and recognised his good character. The marriage was a pragmatic union, though it was not based on romantic love from Jiao Waner’s side. Luo Liru’s long-standing admiration for Jiao Waner made him a suitable husband, and the two were married.
Personality and character
Luo Liru was characterised by his loyalty to his master Jiao Gongli and his dedication to the Golden Dragon Gang. He was willing to carry out his duties, even when it meant facing dangerous situations, as demonstrated by his role as a messenger during the conflict with Min Zihua.
His long-standing but unexpressed admiration for Jiao Waner demonstrated his respectful and restrained nature. Rather than pursuing his feelings, he maintained a proper distance and focused on his responsibilities as a disciple.
Luo Liru’s acceptance of his marriage to Jiao Waner, despite the circumstances, showed his understanding and acceptance of the situation. His character demonstrated the values of loyalty, respect, and duty that were important in the jianghu.
Relationships
Family
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Jiao Gongli — Luo Liru’s master and the leader of the Golden Dragon Gang. Luo Liru was deeply loyal to Jiao Gongli and served him faithfully.
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Jiao Waner — Luo Liru’s wife, who was also his master’s daughter and his shimei. Luo Liru had admired Jiao Waner for years before their marriage, though he had never expressed his feelings.
Friends and allies
- Yuan Chengzhi — The protagonist of Sword Stained with Royal Blood, who arranged Luo Liru’s marriage to Jiao Waner.
Legacy
Luo Liru’s story represents one of the personal tragedies and pragmatic solutions that occurred in the jianghu. His loss of an arm in a brutal attack demonstrated the violence that could occur in jianghu conflicts, while his marriage to Jiao Waner represented a pragmatic solution to a complex emotional situation.
His character exemplified the values of loyalty, duty, and respect that were important in the jianghu, and his acceptance of his circumstances demonstrated a mature and understanding approach to life’s challenges.
Luo Liru’s story also served to highlight the character of Jiao Waner, showing her intelligence and selflessness in making a pragmatic decision to avoid causing problems for others, even at the cost of her own romantic happiness.