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Yu Zhaoxing

Yu Zhaoxing

Yu Zhaoxing (simplified: 余兆兴, traditional: 餘兆興, Jyutping: jyu4 siu6 hing1, pinyin: Yú Zhàoxīng) was a disciple of Li Sheng and a member of the Beggars’ Guild. His name “Zhaoxing” means “Auspicious Star”.

Biography

Early life and guild membership

Yu Zhaoxing was the junior disciple of Li Sheng, who was known as the Snake King of East Bank. He was a member of the Beggars’ Guild and participated in various guild activities and missions.

Mission to protect Cheng Yaojia

Yu Zhaoxing accompanied his master Li Sheng on a mission to protect Cheng Yaojia in Baoying County. During this mission, they encountered Ouyang Ke, who proved to be a formidable opponent. Both Li Sheng and Yu Zhaoxing were nearly killed by Ouyang Ke, but were rescued by Guo Jing and Huang Rong.

This rescue created a deep sense of gratitude and respect in both men toward Guo Jing and Huang Rong, and they learned that Hong Qigong was very fond of these two disciples.

Defense of Guo Jing and Huang Rong

When Guo Jing and Huang Rong were accused of murdering Hong Qigong, Yu Zhaoxing and Li Sheng came forward to defend them. Yu Zhaoxing shouted that the two were “good people, great friends,” demonstrating his loyalty and gratitude toward them.

However, their defense was dismissed by the guild elders, who told them that only the elders had the right to speak on such matters. This incident highlighted the hierarchical structure within the guild and the limited influence of lower-ranking members.

Tragic death

The most significant moment in Yu Zhaoxing’s story came when Yang Kang demanded that Li Sheng and Yu Zhaoxing apologize to Qiu Qianren. Faced with the choice between obeying the guild leader’s command and maintaining their dignity, both men chose death over dishonor.

Yu Zhaoxing watched as his master Li Sheng stabbed himself in the heart, then immediately grabbed the same knife and stabbed himself in the chest, dying on top of Li Sheng’s body. This act demonstrated their unwavering commitment to honor and their refusal to submit to what they saw as unjust demands.

Personality and traits

Loyalty to master and guild

Yu Zhaoxing demonstrated unwavering loyalty to his master Li Sheng and the Beggars’ Guild. This loyalty was evident in his willingness to accompany Li Sheng on dangerous missions and his readiness to defend Guo Jing and Huang Rong when they were falsely accused of murdering Hong Qigong.

Courage and honor

Yu Zhaoxing possessed great courage and a strong sense of honor. When faced with Yang Kang’s demand to apologize to Qiu Qianren, he chose death over dishonor, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining his dignity and principles even in the face of overwhelming pressure.

Martial arts abilities

Beggars’ Guild techniques

As a disciple of Li Sheng, Yu Zhaoxing was trained in the martial arts techniques of the Beggars’ Guild. His training emphasized practical combat skills and loyalty to the guild’s principles.

Combat experience

Yu Zhaoxing gained combat experience through his missions with Li Sheng, including their encounter with Ouyang Ke in Baoying County. Although both he and his master were nearly killed by Ouyang Ke, this experience demonstrated his willingness to face dangerous opponents in service of the guild.

Behind the scenes

Character significance

Yu Zhaoxing served as a representative of the loyal guild member who was willing to sacrifice everything for honor and principle. His tragic death alongside his master demonstrated the traditional Chinese values of loyalty and honor that were central to the martial arts world.

Literary function

Yu Zhaoxing’s character provided emotional depth to the story through his unwavering loyalty and tragic end. His relationship with Li Sheng and their mutual sacrifice highlighted the bonds of master-disciple relationships and the costs of maintaining honor in a complex world.

See also