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You Ju

You Ju

You Ju (simplified: 游驹, traditional: 遊駒, pinyin: Yóu Jū) was the second master of Heroes’ Manor known for his refined steel shield techniques and his tragic fate alongside his brother in the battle against Xiao Feng.

Biography

Background and position

You Ju served as the second master of Heroes’ Manor, a prestigious martial arts organisation in the jianghu. Alongside his elder brother You Ji, the two were collectively known as the You Brothers, representing the manor’s leadership and martial prowess.

Family connections

You Ju was married and had a son named You Tanzhi, who would later become a significant figure in the jianghu. The family’s position at Heroes’ Manor gave them considerable influence and respect within the martial community.

The tragic battle at Juxian Manor

Confrontation with Xiao Feng

During the critical battle at Heroes’ Manor, You Ju and his brother You Ji faced off against Xiao Feng in a desperate attempt to defend their manor and reputation. The battle represented a clash between the established jianghu order and the forces of change.

Shield destruction

In the heat of battle, Xiao Feng managed to destroy both brothers’ refined steel shields with powerful strikes. This destruction not only represented a martial defeat but also carried profound symbolic meaning for the brothers, as their shields were central to their identity and fighting style.

Specific combat sequence against Xiao Feng

  • You Ji first blocked with the round-shield, then snapped a short-spear thrust from beneath the shield rim toward Xiao Feng’s abdomen.
  • You Ju immediately wheeled in with the round-shield’s open edge to slash at Xiao Feng’s waist. The edge was described as built to cleave as it cut.
  • Xiao Feng answered with two bare‑fist blows, each planted dead-center on the brothers’ shields, shocking their arms numb and rupturing their tiger’s mouths, forcing shield and weapons to drop.
  • With the brothers disarmed and the shields symbolically destroyed, they invoked their shifu’s teaching and took their own lives.

Tragic suicide

Following the destruction of their shields, You Ju and You Ji recalled their master’s teaching: “Shield in, person in; shield destroyed, person destroyed” (盾在人在，盾亡人亡). Faced with this devastating loss and the shame of defeat, both brothers chose to commit suicide rather than live with the dishonor.

Legacy and impact

You Ju’s death had a profound impact on his son You Tanzhi, who was forced to navigate the jianghu without his father’s guidance and protection. This loss shaped You Tanzhi’s character and motivations throughout the story. The destruction of the refined steel shields and the subsequent suicide of the You brothers symbolized the fragility of traditional martial arts organisations when faced with overwhelming force, representing the theme of honor and the extreme measures some martial artists would take to preserve their dignity.

Despite their tragic end, You Ju and his brother were remembered in the jianghu for their generosity, martial skill, and unwavering commitment to their principles, serving as a cautionary tale about the price of honor and the consequences of martial defeat.

Martial arts abilities

Refined steel shield mastery

You Ju specializes in the use of the refined steel shield, a weapon that combines both offensive and defensive capabilities. His shield techniques demonstrate exceptional skill in both protection and attack, making him a formidable opponent in combat situations.

The You brothers’ round-shields were not merely for defense; the rim of the shield was crafted with an open-edged bite, “如同一柄圆斧,” enabling slashing attacks in close quarters.

Standard sequencing in their cooperative tactics was as follows: You Ji used the shield to intercept and immediately followed with a short-spear thrust from beneath the shield line; You Ju angled the open-edged shield to slash across the opponent’s midsection. This two-beat rhythm gave them continuous pressure in offense while retaining cover.

This design-tactic integration explained why the shield was central to their style identity and oath.

Brotherly coordination

When fighting alongside his elder brother You Ji, the two brothers’ combined shield techniques create a devastating force that significantly increases their combat effectiveness. This coordination reflects years of training together and deep mutual understanding.

Combat philosophy

You Ju’s fighting style emphasizes the balance between offense and defense, using his shield not only to protect himself but also to launch precise attacks against opponents. This approach reflects the sophisticated martial arts traditions maintained at Heroes’ Manor.

Personality and traits

Hospitality and generosity

You Ju is known throughout the jianghu for his generous hospitality and willingness to help others. His reputation for being hospitable and generous, often compared to the legendary Lord Mengchang (孟尝), has earned him great respect and admiration among martial artists.

Jianghu influence

As one of the masters of Heroes’ Manor, You Ju holds significant influence in the jianghu. His reputation for fairness, generosity, and martial skill makes him a respected figure whom many seek out for assistance or guidance.

Brotherly bond

The relationship between You Ju and his elder brother You Ji is characterized by deep mutual respect and coordination. Their partnership in both martial arts and manor management demonstrates the strength of their familial bond and shared commitment to their organisation.

Behind the scenes

Literary function

You Ju’s character serves several important narrative functions in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. His hospitality and generosity establish Heroes’ Manor as a place of refuge and assistance, while his tragic fate demonstrates the brutal consequences of jianghu conflicts.

Character development

While You Ju’s individual character development is limited due to his early death, his role in establishing the setting and his impact on other characters, particularly his son You Tanzhi, contributes significantly to the novel’s narrative structure.

Thematic exploration

You Ju’s story explores themes of honor, family loyalty, and the price of martial defeat. His suicide following the destruction of his shield reflects the extreme value placed on martial honor and the devastating psychological impact of losing one’s primary weapon and source of identity.

See also