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Ruan Xingzhu

Ruan Xingzhu

Ruan Xingzhu (simplified: 阮星竹, traditional: 阮星竹, Jyutping: jyun2 sing1 zuk1, pinyin: Ruǎn Xīngzhú) was one of Duan Zhengchun’s many lovers, and the mother of Azi and A’Zhu. She was known for her playful and mischievous nature, exceptional swimming abilities, and skill in disguise techniques. She lived in seclusion at Xiaojing Lake in the Fangzhu Forest northwest of Xinyang, having been forced to leave her traditional family due to her relationship with Duan Zhengchun.

Biography

Early life and meeting Duan Zhengchun

Ruan Xingzhu came from a traditional family with strict upbringing, which forced her to give up her two daughters to others for adoption. She could only give each daughter a tattoo with the character “Duan” and a golden lock piece inscribed with verses containing her name as identification. Unable to continue living with her family, she moved alone to the secluded Xiaojing Lake in the Fangzhu Forest northwest of Xinyang, where she lived in isolation.

Motherhood and raising Azi

Ruan Xingzhu gave birth to twin daughters Azi and Azhu, but due to her family’s strict traditions, she was forced to give them up for adoption. She could only provide each daughter with a tattoo bearing the character “Duan” and a golden lock piece inscribed with verses containing her name as identification. This separation from her daughters haunted her for years, and she lived with the guilt of abandoning them.

Life in seclusion

Ruan Xingzhu lived in seclusion at Xiaojing Lake in the Fangzhu Forest northwest of Xinyang, where she spent her days in relative peace. She was known for her playful nature and would often tease Duan Zhengchun when he visited, refusing to come out when called and making him wait. Despite her isolation, she maintained her cheerful and mischievous personality, often engaging in playful banter with her lover.

Personality and traits

Playful and mischievous nature

Ruan Xingzhu was known for her playful and mischievous personality. She had a charming voice that was described as “sweet and charming” with a hint of stubbornness. She would often tease Duan Zhengchun when he visited, refusing to come out when called and making him wait. Her playful nature made her endearing to those around her, despite the tragic circumstances of her life.

Exceptional swimming abilities

Ruan Xingzhu possessed exceptional swimming abilities and was skilled in water-based activities. She was often seen wearing a light green close-fitting water suit that emphasized her slender waist. Her swimming skills were so advanced that she could rescue people from drowning and navigate water environments with ease.

Skill in disguise techniques

Ruan Xingzhu was skilled in disguise techniques and had a deep understanding of men’s psychology. She was known for her ability to read people’s intentions and manipulate situations to her advantage. Her skills in disguise and psychological insight made her a formidable character despite her seemingly innocent appearance.

Role in the plot

Family dynamics

Ruan Xingzhu’s character played a significant role in the complex family dynamics that characterized much of the novel. Her relationship with Duan Zhengchun and her role as the mother of Azi created various complications and opportunities for character development throughout the story.

Catalyst for various developments

Ruan Xingzhu’s various decisions and choices served as catalysts for various plot developments throughout the novel. Her relationship with Duan Zhengchun and her decision to raise Azi created opportunities for various characters to develop and for various conflicts to arise.

Relationships

Duan Zhengchun

Ruan Xingzhu’s relationship with Duan Zhengchun was the central focus of her character arc and represented one of the most significant dynamics in the novel. Their romantic connection created both joy and complications, ultimately leading to the birth of their daughter Azi.

Azi

Ruan Xingzhu’s relationship with her daughter Azi was the most important relationship in her life and represented her primary motivation for various decisions and actions. Her love for Azi demonstrated the power of maternal love and showed how such love could provide purpose and meaning in difficult circumstances.

Behind the scenes

Character significance

Ruan Xingzhu represents one of Jin Yong’s most complex explorations of the relationship between romantic love and family responsibility. Her character demonstrates how individual desires could conflict with broader obligations and how such conflicts could create both challenges and opportunities for growth.

Family themes

Ruan Xingzhu’s character serves as a vehicle for exploring various themes related to family and relationships, including the relationship between romantic love and family responsibility, the challenges of single motherhood, and the power of parental love to overcome various obstacles.

Literary function

Ruan Xingzhu’s character serves multiple narrative functions within Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. She provides opportunities for exploring family themes, demonstrates the consequences of romantic choices, and contributes to the story’s exploration of how individual relationships could influence broader developments.

See also