Zhao Qiansun (simplified: 赵钱孙, traditional: 趙錢孫, pinyin: Zhào Qiánsūn) was a first-class martial artist and friend of the Tan couple whose affair with Granny Tan led to tragedy. His name “Qiansun” means “Money and Grandson,” reflecting his worldly nature.
Biography
Martial arts background
Zhao Qiansun was a renowned martial artist whose skills were at the first-class level, placing him on equal footing with his friends Lord Tan and Granny Tan. His martial arts abilities placed him among the elite practitioners of the Central Plains, earning him respect and recognition in the jianghu.
Life at Taihang Mountain
Zhao Qiansun lived and trained together with the Tan couple at Taihang Mountain Chongxiao Cave, forming a trio of martial artists who shared their lives and training. This close-knit arrangement created the conditions for the complex relationships that would later develop between them.
The affair with Tan Po
Zhao Qiansun’s relationship with Granny Tan developed beyond friendship, leading to an affair that would have devastating consequences. This infidelity created a complex moral situation that tested the bonds of marriage and friendship between the three characters.
Tragic fate
Discovery and consequences
The affair between Zhao Qiansun and Granny Tan was eventually discovered, creating a situation that would lead to tragedy for all involved. The discovery of this infidelity tested the bonds of friendship and marriage, ultimately leading to devastating consequences.
Death by the river
Both Zhao Qiansun and Granny Tan were found dead on a boat by the river. Both had suffered fatal chest injuries that resembled the effects of Qiao Feng’s palm techniques, though Qiao Feng was not directly responsible for their deaths.
Impact on Lord Tan
The discovery of his wife’s affair and her subsequent death devastated Lord Tan. His grief and anger led him to confront Qiao Feng, believing him responsible for the deaths. When his attack proved unsuccessful, Lord Tan chose to commit suicide by biting off his own tongue, dying while embracing his wife’s corpse.
Martial arts abilities
First-class martial arts
Zhao Qiansun’s martial arts skills were at the first-class level, making him a formidable opponent in the martial world. His abilities were comparable to those of Lord Tan and Granny Tan, placing him among the elite martial artists of the Central Plains.
Combat experience
His participation in major conflicts alongside the Tan couple indicated that he possessed not only technical skill but also practical combat experience. This experience made him a valuable ally and a respected figure in martial arts circles.
Relationships
Friendship with the Tan couple
Zhao Qiansun maintained a close friendship with both Lord Tan and Granny Tan, forming a trio of martial artists who lived and trained together at Taihang Mountain Chongxiao Cave. This friendship was characterized by mutual respect and martial arts partnership.
The affair with Tan Po
Zhao Qiansun’s relationship with Granny Tan developed beyond friendship, leading to an affair that would have devastating consequences. This infidelity created a complex moral situation that tested the bonds of marriage and friendship between the three characters.
Behind the scenes
Character significance
Zhao Qiansun’s character served several important narrative functions in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. His first-class martial arts skills demonstrated the high level of ability among supporting characters, while his affair with Granny Tan created a complex moral situation that tested traditional values.
Literary function
Zhao Qiansun’s involvement in the tragic love triangle demonstrated the emotional complexities that could exist even among the most accomplished martial artists. His death and the subsequent events advanced the story’s central conflicts, highlighting how human frailty could affect even skilled practitioners.
Thematic contribution
Zhao Qiansun’s character contributed to the novel’s exploration of the relationship between martial excellence and moral character. His story showed that even first-class martial artists were subject to human emotions and weaknesses, and that personal failings could have devastating consequences for all involved.
See also
- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils characters
- Lord Tan – His friend and martial arts partner
- Granny Tan – His lover and martial arts partner
- Qiao Feng – Martial artist involved in the tragedy