Qian Erbai

Qian Erbai (simplified: 钱二败, traditional: 錢二敗, pinyin: Qián Èrbài, jyutping: cin4 ji6 baai6), meaning “Two Defeats,” was one of the Divine Arrow Eight Heroes (神箭八雄), Zhao Min’s eight bodyguards known for their exceptional archery skills. He served as one of Zhao Min’s most trusted retainers and was tasked with delivering important messages and gifts.

Biography

Service to Zhao Min

Qian Erbai was one of the eight bodyguards who served Zhao Min, the Yuan princess and daughter of Chaghan Temür, the Prince of Ruyang. The eight bodyguards were collectively known as the Divine Arrow Eight Heroes due to their exceptional archery skills, which were so formidable that even Zhang Wuji, the Ming Order leader, recognised their threat.

At Green Willow Villa

When Zhao Min hosted the Ming Order leaders at Green Willow Villa (绿柳山庄), Qian Erbai was present with the other seven bodyguards. Zhao Yishang, the leader of the group, introduced Qian Erbai along with the others to the Ming Order members, explaining their intentionally unlucky names.

Delivering a gift to Zhang Wuji

After Zhao Yishang ordered the Yuan troops to withdraw during a confrontation with the Ming Order, Qian Erbai was tasked with delivering a gift to Zhang Wuji. He dismounted his horse and approached Zhang Wuji holding a tray. Bowing down, he said, “My Master is asking Jiaozhu to accept this as a souvenir.”

The tray contained yellow brocade spread out, on which rested a small exquisitely carved golden case. Zhang Wuji, unafraid of any crafty trick, took the box. Qian Erbai bowed in respect, walked backward three steps, turned around to mount his horse, and galloped away. This demonstrated Qian Erbai’s role as a trusted messenger and his respectful demeanour when carrying out Zhao Min’s orders.

Personality & traits

Loyalty and respect

Qian Erbai demonstrated absolute loyalty to Zhao Min and carried out her orders with respect and precision. His careful execution of the gift delivery, including the formal bowing and respectful retreat, showed his understanding of proper protocol and his dedication to serving his master.

Discretion

Qian Erbai’s ability to carry out sensitive missions, such as delivering gifts to the enemy leader, demonstrated his discretion and trustworthiness. Zhao Min’s willingness to entrust him with such tasks showed her confidence in his abilities.

Martial arts abilities

Exceptional archery

Qian Erbai’s archery skills were exceptional, placing him among the most skilled archers in the jianghu. The Divine Arrow Eight Heroes’ collective archery abilities were so formidable that Zhang Wuji, despite his superior martial arts, recognised them as a significant threat.

Relationships

With Zhao Min

Qian Erbai served as one of Zhao Min’s most trusted bodyguards and retainers. His role in delivering important messages and gifts demonstrated her confidence in his loyalty and discretion.

With the other Divine Arrow Heroes

Qian Erbai worked alongside the other seven bodyguards: Zhao Yishang, Sun Sanhui, Li Sicui, Zhou Wushu, Wu Liupo, Zheng Qimie, and Wang Bashuai. They worked together as a cohesive unit under Zhao Yishang’s leadership.

Behind the scenes

Name symbolism

Qian Erbai’s name, meaning “Two Defeats,” was intentionally unlucky, as were the names of all eight heroes. This naming convention was unusual in Chinese culture, where names typically contain positive meanings. The choice of such names may have been intended to avoid attracting unwanted attention or to follow a superstitious practice of using unlucky names to ward off actual misfortune.

The eight heroes’ surnames followed the traditional order from the “Hundred Surnames” (百家姓), a classic Chinese text listing common surnames. This systematic naming suggested that the names were chosen deliberately rather than being their original birth names.