Shi Qing (simplified: 石清, traditional: 石清, pinyin: Shí Qīng, jyutping: sek6 cing1) was the master of Xuansu Manor and father of Shi Zhongyu and Shi Potian. Together with his wife Min Rou, he was known as one of the “Black and White Twin Swords” (黑白双剑), renowned martial artists of the jianghu.
Biography
Early life and training
Shi Qing was a disciple of the Shangqing Monastery, where he learned the Shangqing Swordplay. He was known for his upright character and martial arts prowess, earning respect throughout the jianghu.
Marriage to Min Rou
Shi Qing married Min Rou, who was also his fellow disciple at Shangqing Monastery. Together, they became known as the “Black and White Twin Swords” because Shi Qing wielded a black sword while Min Rou wielded a white sword. They established Xuansu Manor in Jiangnan and became respected figures in the martial arts world.
The love triangle with Mei Fanggu
Before marrying Min Rou, Shi Qing had been pursued by Mei Fanggu, a talented martial artist who was skilled in both the Ding family and Mei family techniques. Mei Fanggu was considered superior to Min Rou in many ways—she was more beautiful, more skilled in martial arts, more learned, and more accomplished in domestic arts such as sewing and cooking.
However, Shi Qing chose Min Rou over Mei Fanggu. When questioned by Mei Fanggu years later, Shi Qing explained that he felt unworthy of Mei Fanggu, believing that she was superior to him in every way. He felt that being with someone so accomplished would make him feel inadequate.
This rejection deeply wounded Mei Fanggu, who could not understand why Shi Qing would choose someone she considered inferior. Her jealousy and resentment would later lead to tragedy.
Loss of Shi Zhongjian
When Min Rou gave birth to their second son, Shi Zhongjian, Mei Fanggu, consumed by jealousy, attacked Min Rou and her children. She killed the infant Shi Zhongjian (who may have been the original Shi Potian) and kidnapped him, leaving Shi Qing and Min Rou devastated.
This loss had a profound impact on the couple. Min Rou became overly protective and indulgent of their remaining son, Shi Zhongyu, spoiling him and allowing him to develop a wicked and manipulative personality.
Searching for Shi Zhongyu
When Shi Zhongyu fled the Snowy Mountain School after attempting to rape Bai Axiu, Shi Qing and Min Rou spent years searching for him throughout the jianghu. They were determined to find their son and bring him to justice, even if it meant facing the Snowy Mountain School’s punishment.
Encounter with the Changle Guild
Shi Qing and Min Rou eventually learned that their son had become the leader of the Changle Guild. They traveled to the guild headquarters, where they were received by Bei Haishi, the deputy leader.
Bei Haishi, unwilling to lose the guild leader who was needed to accept the Reward Good Punish Evil token, attempted to detain Shi Qing and Min Rou, hoping to use them as leverage to force Shi Zhongyu to return. However, Shi Qing and Min Rou were skilled martial artists and were not easily subdued.
The confusion with Shi Potian
When Shi Qing and Min Rou encountered Shi Potian, who had been mistaken for Shi Zhongyu, they initially believed he was their son. However, Shi Potian’s honest and virtuous nature was completely different from Shi Zhongyu’s cunning and manipulative personality, causing confusion and heartache.
Eventually, they learned that Shi Potian was likely their lost son, Shi Zhongjian, who had been raised by Mei Fanggu. This revelation brought both joy and sorrow, as they had finally found their lost child, but he had been raised by their enemy.
Final resolution
Shi Qing and Min Rou eventually reconciled with both their sons. They accepted Shi Potian as their lost child and continued to care for Shi Zhongyu, despite his flaws. The family’s story reflected the novel’s themes about the nature of love, family, and the consequences of past choices.
Personality and characteristics
Upright and principled
Shi Qing was known for his upright character and strong sense of justice. He believed in doing what was right, even when it was difficult. He was willing to bring his own son to justice for his crimes, demonstrating his commitment to righteousness over personal feelings.
Devoted husband and father
Despite his principled nature, Shi Qing was deeply devoted to his family. He loved Min Rou and supported her through their shared grief over the loss of their child. He also cared deeply for both Shi Zhongyu and Shi Potian, even when their actions caused him pain.
The choice between Mei Fanggu and Min Rou
Shi Qing’s choice of Min Rou over Mei Fanggu revealed his character. While Mei Fanggu was superior in many ways, Shi Qing chose Min Rou because he felt more comfortable with her. This decision, while seemingly based on insecurity, actually reflected a deeper understanding that compatibility and mutual respect were more important than superficial accomplishments.
Martial arts abilities
Shi Qing was a skilled martial artist, trained in the Shangqing Swordplay of the Shangqing Monastery. Together with Min Rou, they formed the “Black and White Twin Swords” combination, which was renowned throughout the jianghu. Their coordinated swordplay made them formidable opponents, and they were respected by martial artists across the land.
Behind the scenes
Shi Qing represents the theme of parental love and responsibility in Ode to Gallantry. His character demonstrates the complexity of family relationships and the challenges of raising children. His choice between Mei Fanggu and Min Rou reflects the novel’s exploration of love, compatibility, and the nature of relationships.
The character’s name, “Shi Qing” (石清), meaning “Clear Stone,” suggests clarity and purity of character, which aligns with his upright and principled nature. His role as a father who must balance justice with love for his children adds depth to the novel’s exploration of family dynamics and moral responsibility.