Shi Bingwen (simplified: 史秉文, traditional: 史秉文, pinyin: Shí Bǐngwén, jyutping: si2 bing2 man4) was one of the Taibai Sanying (太白三英 — Tàibái Sānyīng), three sworn brothers from the Taibai School (太白派) who became traitors working for the Manchus in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. Along with his brother Shi Bingguang (史秉光) and Li Gang (黎刚), Shi Bingwen betrayed their friend Jiao Gongli (焦公礼) and murdered him, but were eventually killed by Jiao Waner (焦宛儿) in revenge.
Biography
Early life and the Taibai Sanying
Shi Bingwen was a member of the Taibai School (太白派) and formed the Taibai Sanying (太白三英) with his brother Shi Bingguang and their sworn brother Li Gang. The three were originally friends of Jiao Gongli, the leader of the Golden Dragon Gang (金龙帮 — Jīnlóng Bāng) in Nanjing.
Friendship with Jiao Gongli
The Taibai Sanying were originally close friends of Jiao Gongli, and he trusted them enough to seek their help in mediating a conflict. When Min Ziye’s younger brother Min Zihua (闵子华) sought revenge for his brother’s death, Jiao Gongli asked the Taibai Sanying to help mediate the dispute, hoping to resolve it peacefully.
Betrayal and treachery
However, the Taibai Sanying had secretly become traitors, working for the Manchus. They tried to recruit Jiao Gongli to join their traitorous activities, but when he refused and condemned their treachery, they decided to eliminate him.
The Taibai Sanying stole the confession (伏辩 — fúbiàn) and letter of thanks that Jiao Gongli had obtained as proof of his righteous actions in killing Min Ziye. They destroyed the evidence and spread false rumours, turning Min Zihua against Jiao Gongli and creating a conflict that would serve their purposes of causing chaos in the jianghu.
Exposure and escape
When Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) intervened to help Jiao Gongli resolve the conflict with Min Zihua, he retrieved the stolen confession and letter of thanks from the Taibai Sanying and presented them to Min Zihua, exposing the truth about their treachery.
With the help of Priest Musang (木桑道长), Yuan Chengzhi also captured the Taibai Sanying, who had attempted to escape. The truth was revealed, and Min Zihua and Jiao Gongli reconciled, ending their conflict.
Murder of Jiao Gongli
However, the Taibai Sanying escaped (or were rescued) and, seeking revenge for their exposure, stole Min Zihua’s assassination knife (戒杀刀 — jièshā dāo) and used it to murder Jiao Gongli, framing Min Zihua and the Xiandu School (仙都派) for the crime.
This act demonstrated the depth of their treachery and their willingness to kill even their former friends to achieve their goals. Their betrayal and murder of Jiao Gongli marked them as true enemies of righteousness and justice in the jianghu.
Death
Yuan Chengzhi, with the help of Jiao Waner, eventually uncovered the truth about Jiao Gongli’s murder. Jiao Waner then worked with Yuan Chengzhi to track down the Taibai Sanying. In a dramatic confrontation, she personally killed all three of them to avenge her father’s death, demonstrating her determination and courage.
Relationships
Family
- Shi Bingguang — Shi Bingwen’s brother and fellow member of the Taibai Sanying
Sworn brothers
- Shi Bingguang — Shi Bingwen’s sworn brother and fellow member of the Taibai Sanying
- Li Gang — Shi Bingwen’s sworn brother and fellow member of the Taibai Sanying
Enemies
- Jiao Gongli — Originally a friend of the Taibai Sanying, whom they betrayed and murdered after he refused to join their traitorous activities
- Jiao Waner — Jiao Gongli’s daughter, who killed the Taibai Sanying to avenge her father’s death
- Yuan Chengzhi — The protagonist who exposed the Taibai Sanying’s treachery and helped Jiao Waner track them down
Legacy
Shi Bingwen and the Taibai Sanying represent the dangers of treachery and betrayal in the jianghu. Their betrayal of Jiao Gongli and their eventual death at the hands of Jiao Waner serve as a warning about the consequences of turning against friends and country for personal gain.
Their story also highlights the theme of justice and revenge in the novel, as Jiao Waner’s successful revenge demonstrates that those who commit evil deeds will ultimately face consequences for their actions. The Taibai Sanying’s betrayal and murder of Jiao Gongli ultimately led to their own destruction, demonstrating that treachery and betrayal do not go unpunished in the jianghu.
Behind the scenes
Representing treachery and betrayal
Shi Bingwen and the Taibai Sanying represent the theme of treachery and betrayal in the novel. Their betrayal of Jiao Gongli, who had trusted them as friends, demonstrates how personal relationships can be destroyed by greed and political ambition. Their willingness to work for the Manchus and cause chaos in the jianghu makes them enemies of both the Ming dynasty and the righteous forces in the jianghu.
Contributing to jianghu conflicts
The Taibai Sanying’s actions contributed significantly to the conflicts in the jianghu. By stealing evidence, spreading false rumours, and manipulating Min Zihua, they created a major conflict between the Golden Dragon Gang and the Xiandu School, demonstrating how traitors can exploit existing tensions to serve their own purposes.
Contrast with righteous characters
The Taibai Sanying stand in stark contrast to righteous characters like Jiao Gongli and Yuan Chengzhi. While Jiao Gongli was willing to risk his own safety to prevent evil deeds, the Taibai Sanying were willing to betray their friends and commit murder to achieve their goals. This contrast highlights the moral complexity of the jianghu and the importance of maintaining loyalty and righteousness.