Xiaozhao

Xiaozhao (simplified: 小昭, traditional: 小昭, pinyin: Xiǎozhāo, jyutping: siu2 ziu1), also known by her full name Han Zhao (韩昭), was the daughter of Han Qianye, the Silver Leaf Gentleman, and Daiqisi, the Purple-Robed Dragon King. Born on Spirit Snake Island with mixed Persian and Han Chinese heritage, she was sent to Bright Peak as a servant to infiltrate the Ming Order and retrieve the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth. However, she became deeply loyal to Zhang Wuji, serving him faithfully and eventually sacrificing her personal happiness to become the leader of the Persian Ming Order to save his life and the lives of others.

Biography

Early life and background

Xiaozhao was born to Han Qianye and Daiqisi on Spirit Snake Island. Her father was the Silver Leaf Gentleman, and her mother was originally a Sacred Maiden of the Persian Ming Order who had broken her vow of chastity by marrying Han Qianye. To avoid persecution from the Persian Ming Order, Daiqisi disguised herself as Golden Flower Granny, and the family lived in hiding.

When Xiaozhao was young, she rarely saw her mother. Daiqisi, fearing discovery by the Persian Ming Order, could not raise her daughter openly and instead had another family raise her, only seeing her every year or two. This separation was necessary because Daiqisi’s marriage to Han Qianye was a capital crime in the eyes of the Persian Ming Order, and she needed to avoid detection.

After Han Qianye’s death, Daiqisi became increasingly desperate to find a way to avoid execution. She gave Xiaozhao her Sacred Maiden’s seven-coloured gem ring and sent her to Bright Peak with a mission: to infiltrate the Ming Order and steal the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth manual. If Daiqisi could recover this lost technique for the Persian Ming Order, she might be able to redeem herself and avoid execution.

Infiltrating Bright Peak

Xiaozhao arrived at Bright Peak disguised as an orphaned servant girl. She concealed her martial arts abilities and presented herself as a weak, disabled girl. Yang Xiao, the Bright Left Messenger, suspected that she was not what she appeared to be and placed iron chains on her hands and feet to prevent her from acting against them. He assigned her to serve his daughter Yang Buhui.

Yang Buhui also suspected that Xiaozhao was a spy and attempted to kill her on multiple occasions. However, Zhang Wuji intervened to save Xiaozhao’s life, demonstrating his compassionate nature. Xiaozhao began to develop feelings for Zhang Wuji, though she continued to serve her mother’s mission.

Assisting Zhang Wuji in the secret passages

When Zhang Wuji pursued Cheng Kun (Yuanzhen) into the secret passages beneath Bright Peak, Xiaozhao guided him through the tunnels. The two were trapped by Cheng Kun’s mechanisms, but Zhang Wuji used gunpowder to blast through the obstacles, allowing them to continue deeper into the passages.

They eventually discovered a stone chamber containing the skeletons of Yang Dingtian, the 33rd leader of the Ming Order, and his wife, along with the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth manual. Xiaozhao, who had Persian heritage and could read Persian script, translated the manual for Zhang Wuji, helping him to master the technique to the seventh layer within hours.

During this time together, Xiaozhao’s feelings for Zhang Wuji deepened. Despite her original mission to steal the manual, she found herself genuinely caring for him and wishing to remain by his side. She memorised the Great Shift manual herself but had no intention of betraying Zhang Wuji.

Protecting Zhang Wuji at Bright Peak

During the Six Major Schools’ attack on Bright Peak, Xiaozhao remained by Zhang Wuji’s side. When Chang Jingzhi of the Kongtong School attempted to launch a sneak attack on Zhang Wuji after being defeated, Xiaozhao used her chains to catch Chang Jingzhi’s head, preventing the dishonourable attack.

When Zhang Wuji was wounded by Zhou Zhiruo of the Emei Order, Xiaozhao immediately helped him sit down and retrieved medicine to treat his wounds. She demonstrated her deep concern for his well-being and her willingness to act despite being restrained by chains.

Serving Zhang Wuji

After Zhang Wuji became the 34th leader of the Ming Order, Xiaozhao continued to serve him faithfully. She ironed his clothes, took care of his daily needs, and accompanied him on his travels. Her original mission faded into the background as her genuine love for Zhang Wuji grew stronger.

She told Zhang Wuji: “I don’t ask you to do anything for me. As long as you allow me to serve you forever, to be your little servant girl, I will be completely satisfied.” This statement reflected her selfless devotion and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for his.

Journey to Spirit Snake Island

When Zhang Wuji agreed to accompany Zhao Min to find Xie Xun and borrow the Dragon-slaying Sabre, Xiaozhao joined them. Before departing, Zhang Wuji used the Heavenly Sword to cut through the chains on Xiaozhao’s hands and feet, finally freeing her from her restraints.

They travelled with Daiqisi (disguised as Golden Flower Granny), Yin Li (Zhuer), and Zhou Zhiruo to Spirit Snake Island. On the island, they encountered the Three Messengers of the Persian Ming Order, who had come to capture Daiqisi for execution. Zhao Min and Yin Li were both injured in the battle, and Xiaozhao helped to treat them.

Becoming the Persian Ming Order leader

When the Persian Ming Order’s forces surrounded the group and threatened to kill everyone, Xiaozhao realised that the only way to save Zhang Wuji and the others was to accept the position of Persian Ming Order leader. As a Sacred Maiden who had inherited her mother’s position, she was qualified to become the leader.

Despite her deep love for Zhang Wuji and her desire to remain by his side, Xiaozhao chose to sacrifice her personal happiness. She agreed to become the Persian Ming Order leader and return to Persia with her mother, knowing that this meant she would be separated from Zhang Wuji forever.

In their final moments together, Xiaozhao helped Zhang Wuji change his clothes one last time, combing his hair and tending to him as she had done so many times before. They shared a kiss, and Xiaozhao explained her true mission and her feelings for him. She said: “Gongzi, my body will be in Persia, but every day my prayer is that you will have happiness, good health, and peace, and that everything you do will be successful.”

Separation and departure

Xiaozhao and Daiqisi boarded a Persian ship and sailed away from the Central Plains, while Zhang Wuji and the others watched from another ship. As the distance between them grew, Xiaozhao stood on the bow, her eyes fixed on Zhang Wuji’s ship until it became only a black dot on the horizon. The sound of her soft crying was carried by the wind across the sea.

She was never to see Zhang Wuji again, though she would spend the rest of her life leading the Persian Ming Order, bound by the vow of chastity that came with the position. Her sacrifice saved the lives of everyone she loved, but it cost her the chance to be with the man she loved.

Personality & traits

Selfless devotion

Xiaozhao’s most defining characteristic was her selfless devotion to Zhang Wuji. She was willing to sacrifice everything—her mission, her freedom, and ultimately her personal happiness—for his well-being. Her love was pure and unconditional, asking for nothing in return except the opportunity to serve him.

She embodied the ideal of selfless love, placing Zhang Wuji’s needs and safety above her own desires. Her willingness to become the Persian Ming Order leader, knowing it meant permanent separation from him, demonstrated the depth of her devotion.

Intelligence and resourcefulness

Despite her youth, Xiaozhao demonstrated remarkable intelligence and resourcefulness. She was able to infiltrate Bright Peak and maintain her cover for an extended period, even under the scrutiny of Yang Xiao and Yang Buhui. Her knowledge of the sixty-four hexagram positions, military strategy, and Persian language made her a valuable companion to Zhang Wuji.

When the Ming Order’s leadership was incapacitated during an attack, Xiaozhao took command and successfully organised the defence, demonstrating her natural leadership abilities and tactical thinking.

Courage and loyalty

Xiaozhao showed remarkable courage throughout her story. Despite being restrained by chains and constantly under suspicion, she did not hesitate to protect Zhang Wuji when he was in danger. Her willingness to use her chains to foil Chang Jingzhi’s sneak attack showed both her quick thinking and her loyalty.

Her ultimate sacrifice—accepting the position of Persian Ming Order leader—required tremendous courage, as it meant giving up the life she wanted and accepting a future of isolation and duty.

Physical appearance

Disguised appearance

When Xiaozhao first appeared at Bright Peak, she disguised herself as a disabled, deformed servant. She wore iron chains on her hands and feet, walked with a limp, had a hunched back, and had deliberately distorted facial features—one eye smaller than the other, a twisted nose, and a crooked mouth. This disguise was designed to make her appear harmless and to avoid suspicion.

True appearance

Once her disguise was removed, Xiaozhao’s true beauty was revealed. She had bright, expressive eyes, well-defined eyebrows, a delicate nose, and dimples that appeared when she smiled. Her skin was exceptionally white, her nose was higher than that of typical Han Chinese women, and her eyes had a faint blue tint like seawater, reflecting her Persian heritage.

Though still young and not yet fully grown, her beauty was extraordinary. Even Zhao Min, who was renowned for her own beauty, felt a sense of jealousy when she saw Xiaozhao’s true appearance.

Martial arts abilities

Knowledge of hexagrams and strategy

Xiaozhao possessed a deep understanding of the sixty-four hexagram positions, which was useful for navigating complex terrain and understanding tactical formations. This knowledge allowed her to recognise correct positions that even experienced martial artists might miss, and she could use this understanding to coordinate defences and attacks.

Military strategy

When the Ming Order leadership was incapacitated, Xiaozhao demonstrated her ability to command and coordinate defensive operations. She used her knowledge of tactical formations to organise the Order’s forces effectively, repelling attacks that might otherwise have overwhelmed them.

Light movement skills

Xiaozhao possessed light movement skills that allowed her to keep pace with Zhang Wuji, moving with a light, graceful quality. Though she concealed most of her martial arts abilities while at Bright Peak, she was clearly more skilled than she appeared.

Translation ability

As someone of mixed Persian and Han Chinese heritage, Xiaozhao could read and translate Persian script. This ability was crucial when Zhang Wuji needed to learn the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, as the manual was written in Persian. Her translation skills also proved valuable when the Persian Ming Order’s forces arrived, as she could understand their communications and translate the Sacred Fire Tokens.

Relationships

With Zhang Wuji

Xiaozhao’s relationship with Zhang Wuji was the central focus of her story. Initially sent to Bright Peak as a spy, she found herself genuinely caring for him after he showed her kindness and compassion. Her feelings deepened as she spent time with him, translating the Great Shift manual and accompanying him on his journey.

She loved him with a pure, selfless devotion, asking for nothing except the opportunity to serve him. Her ultimate sacrifice—becoming the Persian Ming Order leader to save his life—demonstrated the depth of her love, even though it meant they would be separated forever.

With Daiqisi

Xiaozhao’s relationship with her mother was complex. Daiqisi had sent her to Bright Peak to steal the Great Shift manual, hoping to redeem herself in the eyes of the Persian Ming Order. However, when the Persian forces arrived to execute Daiqisi, Xiaozhao chose to sacrifice herself instead, accepting the position of Order leader so that her mother could avoid execution.

Their relationship was marked by separation and duty. Xiaozhao had rarely seen her mother during her childhood, and their final reunion occurred only when they both returned to Persia, bound together by their shared fate and duty to the Persian Ming Order.

With Yang Xiao and Yang Buhui

Xiaozhao’s relationship with Yang Xiao and Yang Buhui was adversarial from the start. Yang Xiao suspected that she was a spy and placed chains on her to prevent her from acting against them. Yang Buhui attempted to kill her multiple times, viewing her as a threat to her father’s safety.

However, Xiaozhao maintained her cover successfully, never revealing her true mission or abilities while serving in their household. Her ability to endure their suspicion and hostility demonstrated her determination and patience.

Behind the scenes

Character significance

Xiaozhao represents the theme of selfless love and sacrifice. Her story demonstrates how genuine love can transcend personal desires and lead to acts of great sacrifice. She is one of the most tragic figures in the novel, as her love for Zhang Wuji is pure and genuine, yet circumstances prevent them from being together.

Jin Yong himself stated that Xiaozhao was one of his favourite characters in the novel, describing her as having “flesh and blood, with emotions and complaints” rather than being a flat character. Her complexity comes from her internal conflict between her mission and her genuine feelings for Zhang Wuji.

Role in the narrative

Xiaozhao serves multiple roles in the narrative. Initially, she functions as a catalyst, helping Zhang Wuji learn the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth and become the Ming Order leader. However, as the story progresses, her character becomes more significant, representing one of the romantic interests that Zhang Wuji must navigate.

Her ultimate sacrifice creates one of the novel’s most poignant moments of separation and loss. Her departure marks the end of one possibility for Zhang Wuji’s future, forcing him to choose between the remaining women in his life.

Cultural significance

Xiaozhao’s story reflects traditional Chinese themes of filial piety and self-sacrifice, as she ultimately chooses duty to her mother and the Persian Ming Order over her personal happiness. Her mixed heritage also represents the cultural connections between China and Persia, reflecting the historical reality of trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.