Shan Zheng

Shan Zheng (simplified: 单正, traditional: 單正, pinyin: Shàn Zhèng, jyutping: daan1 zing3) was a respected martial artist from Mount Tai in Shandong Province, known as the Iron-faced Judge. He was the father of five sons collectively called the Shan Clan Five Tigers and played a significant role in the Beggar’s Guild crisis.

Biography

Early life and reputation

Shan Zheng was born in Mount Tai, Shandong Province, and established himself as a respected martial artist in the region. He was known for his strict moral code and his willingness to intervene in any unjust matters he encountered in the jianghu, earning him the nickname Iron-faced Judge. His reputation for justice and righteousness made him feared throughout the jianghu, with many respecting the Shan Clan name.

Shan Zheng built a powerful martial arts clan based in Mount Tai, with his five sons collectively known as the Shan Clan Five Tigers and over two hundred disciples and grand-disciples. The Shan Clan of Mount Tai became a respected name in the jianghu, with many fearing their influence and martial prowess.

Role in the Beggar’s Guild crisis

Shan Zheng arrived at the Beggar’s Guild gathering in the Apricot Grove alongside his five sons, responding to an invitation from Elder Xu and Ma Furen. His presence was intended to provide testimony and support for the accusations against Qiao Feng. When he arrived, Wu Changfeng greeted him warmly, saying “The Five Xias of Mount Tai have arrived, excellent! What good wind has blown all five of you brothers here?” Shan Zheng’s arrival caused concern among those who had violated guild rules, as his reputation for strict justice was well-known.

During the crisis, Shan Zheng’s sons engaged in combat with Qiao Feng. The confrontation began when three of his sons (Shan Zhongshan, Shan Shushan, and Shan Jishan) attacked Qiao Feng from behind. Qiao Feng demonstrated his superior martial arts by easily defeating all three, eventually holding Shan Jishan hostage by stepping on his head.

When Qiao Feng held Shan Jishan hostage, Shan Zheng was forced to plead for his son’s life, saying: “Qiao Chief, let’s discuss this reasonably, please don’t use force. My family has no enmity with you, please release my child.” This moment showed the Iron-faced Judge in a position of vulnerability, pleading for mercy.

Confrontation at Juxian Manor

Shan Zheng and his sons attended the hero’s banquet at Juxian Manor, where they joined other martial artists in confronting Qiao Feng. During the banquet, Shan Zheng witnessed the brutal battle between Qiao Feng and the assembled heroes. He saw his sons Shan Boshan and Shan Zhongshan killed by Qiao Feng, which drove him to seek revenge.

In the final confrontation, Shan Zheng, driven by grief over the loss of his sons, attempted to kill A Zhu first before seeking revenge on Qiao Feng. He ordered his remaining son Shan Boshan to kill A Zhu, but Qiao Feng intervened with a devastating counterattack.

Shan Zheng’s final moments were marked by his desperate attempt to avenge his sons’ deaths. He charged at Qiao Feng with his sword, but was killed when two people were thrown from the roof as human projectiles, one of whom collided with his head, causing both to die from brain injuries.

Destruction of the Shan family

Following Shan Zheng’s death, his entire family was destroyed in a fire that burned down Shan Manor. The fire was set by the Great Evil Person who was attempting to eliminate all witnesses who knew the identity of the Mastermind Senior.

The fire consumed the entire Shan family, including Shan Zheng’s remaining sons, daughters-in-law, and over two hundred disciples and grand-disciples. The destruction was so complete that not a single person escaped from the burning manor.

The destruction of the Shan family was motivated by Shan Zheng’s possession of letters from the “Leading Big Brother.” During the Apricot Grove gathering, Shan Zheng had mentioned that he had several letters from this person stored in his home, which could be used to verify the authenticity of the letter that implicated Qiao Feng.

Personality and traits

The Iron-faced Judge reputation

Shan Zheng earned his nickname Iron-faced Judge through his strict moral code and his willingness to intervene in any unjust matters he encountered in the jianghu. He was known for his impartial judgment and his commitment to justice.

His reputation was built on his consistent behavior and his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right, regardless of the consequences. This reputation made him a respected figure in the jianghu and earned him the trust of many.

Family values and discipline

The family’s strict discipline was evident in their behavior during the Apricot Grove gathering, where they waited for their father’s permission before acting, even when provoked by Zhao Qiansun’s insults.

Martial arts philosophy

Shan Zheng’s martial arts philosophy emphasized both technical skill and moral character. He believed that martial artists had a responsibility to use their abilities for justice and to intervene when they encountered wrongdoing.

This philosophy was reflected in his willingness to travel from Mount Tai to participate in the Beggar’s Guild crisis, demonstrating his commitment to justice even when it involved matters outside his immediate jurisdiction.

Martial arts abilities

Shan Zheng possessed considerable martial arts skills that made him a formidable opponent. His abilities were sufficient to establish and maintain the reputation of the Mount Tai Shan family as one of the leading martial arts organisations in the region.

Mount Tai martial arts

Shan Zheng’s martial arts were based on the traditional techniques of Mount Tai, which emphasized both internal and external cultivation. His martial arts abilities included both hand-to-hand combat techniques and weapon skills, particularly with the single dao that was his preferred weapon. His proficiency with this weapon was demonstrated during his confrontation with Qiao Feng.

Neigong cultivation

Shan Zheng possessed considerable neili that allowed him to maintain his physical vitality well into old age. His childlike face and white hair” appearance indicated his high level of internal cultivation and his mastery of longevity techniques.

This neili was essential for his martial arts abilities and his ability to maintain his position as the leader of a major martial arts family. His cultivation level placed him among the elite martial artists of the jianghu.

Combat experience

Shan Zheng’s combat experience was extensive, having participated in numerous martial arts conflicts throughout his life. His experience made him a formidable opponent and allowed him to effectively coordinate the actions of his family and disciples during complex situations.

His combat skills were demonstrated during the various confrontations he participated in, though they were ultimately insufficient to overcome the superior abilities of Qiao Feng and the “Great Evil Person.”

Relationships

Family relationships

Shan Zheng was deeply committed to his family and maintained strict discipline within the Shan family. His five sons were well-trained martial artists who followed his guidance and respected his authority. The family’s strict discipline was evident in their behavior during the Apricot Grove gathering, where they waited for their father’s permission before acting, even when provoked by Zhao Qiansun’s insults.

Behind the scenes

Character significance

Shan Zheng serves as an important supporting character in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, representing the traditional values of the jianghu and the consequences of becoming involved in complex political conflicts.

His character demonstrates how even respected and powerful martial artists could become victims of larger political machinations, and how the pursuit of justice could sometimes lead to tragic consequences.

Literary function

Within the broader narrative, Shan Zheng serves several functions:

Justice representation: He represents the traditional values of justice and righteousness in the jianghu
Family representation: His character shows the importance of family bonds and the consequences of their destruction
Plot advancement: His actions and death advance the plot by eliminating a potential source of information for Qiao Feng
Thematic contribution: His story contributes to themes about justice, family, and the consequences of political involvement

Thematic contribution

Shan Zheng’s story contributes to several themes in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils:

Justice and righteousness: His character shows the importance of maintaining moral standards in the jianghu
Family and loyalty: His dedication to his family demonstrates the value of strong family bonds
The consequences of involvement: His death shows the dangers of becoming involved in complex political situations
The price of knowledge: His possession of the letters demonstrates how possessing sensitive information can be dangerous

External links

Shan Zheng (Chinese) on Baidu Baike