Shang Jianming (simplified: 商剑鸣, traditional: 商劍鳴, pinyin: Shāng Jiànmíng, jyutping: soeng1 gim3 ming4), also known by the epithet “Eight Trigrams Saber” (八卦刀), was a martial artist from Wuding County, Shandong, and the former master of Shang Family Castle. He was a character in Side Story of the Flying Fox whose death at the hands of Hu Yidao set in motion the revenge plot that drives much of the novel’s early conflict.
Biography
Challenge to Miao Renfeng
Shang Jianming heard of Miao Renfeng’s reputation as “Undefeated Under Heaven” (打遍天下无敌手) and, feeling challenged, went to Miao’s home to challenge him to a duel. However, Miao Renfeng was not at home at the time.
Instead, Shang Jianming encountered Miao Renfeng’s two brothers and sister. After a brief exchange of words, a fight broke out, and Shang Jianming used heavy-handed techniques to kill all three of them. He also killed Miao Renfeng’s sister-in-law, who did not know martial arts, with a single palm strike.
Death at the hands of Hu Yidao
Miao Renfeng, preoccupied with his ongoing feud with the Hu family (related to Li Zicheng’s treasure), did not immediately seek revenge against Shang Jianming. However, during a conversation with Hu Yidao about the incident, Hu Yidao, moved by righteousness, decided to avenge Miao Renfeng’s family.
Hu Yidao traveled overnight from Cangzhou, Zhili to Wuding County, Shandong. Rather than using his own Hu Family Saber techniques, he used the Miao Family Sword techniques he had learned during his duel with Miao Renfeng earlier that day. He killed Shang Jianming and cut off his head, which he presented to Miao Renfeng as proof of the deed.
Legacy and revenge
Shang Jianming’s death left his wife, Lady Shang, consumed with hatred and a desire for revenge. She believed that her husband had been injured during a fight with Ma Xingkong (Master of the Feima Armed Escort), which weakened him and made him vulnerable to Hu Yidao. She therefore held Hu Yidao, Miao Renfeng, and Ma Xingkong all responsible for her husband’s death.
This vendetta drove Lady Shang’s actions throughout the early part of Side Story of the Flying Fox, including her attempt to kill Hu Fei and her scheme to trap multiple martial artists in an iron hall to burn them alive.
Personality
Shang Jianming is portrayed as an arrogant and ruthless martial artist who was willing to kill innocent family members simply because they were related to someone he wanted to challenge. His actions demonstrate the destructive nature of pride and the cycle of violence in the jianghu.
Relationships
- Miao Renfeng (Target of Challenge): The martial artist he sought to challenge, whose family he murdered.
- Hu Yidao (Killer): The legendary hero who killed him to avenge Miao Renfeng’s family.
- Lady Shang (Wife): His wife, who dedicated her life to avenging his death.
- Shang Baozhen (Son): His son, who was raised by Lady Shang to continue the vendetta.
- Wang Weiyang (Shifu): His master, a renowned master of the Bagua School.
Martial Arts
Shang Jianming was a disciple of the Bagua School (八卦门) and was skilled in the Eight Trigrams Saber (八卦刀) and Eight Trigrams Body-Circling Palm (八卦游身掌). His weapon was a Purple Gold Eight Trigrams Saber (紫金八卦刀), a thick-backed, thin-bladed saber. He was particularly proficient with saber techniques, as evidenced by his epithet.
Legacy
Shang Jianming’s death serves as a catalyst for the revenge plot that drives the early chapters of Side Story of the Flying Fox. His character represents the destructive consequences of pride and the endless cycle of revenge that plagues the martial arts world. His death at the hands of Hu Yidao demonstrates the code of honor and righteousness that true heroes follow, even when it means taking another’s life.