Zhao Yishang

Zhao Yishang (simplified: 赵一伤, traditional: 趙一傷, pinyin: Zhào Yīshāng, jyutping: ziu6 jat1 soeng1), meaning “One Injury,” was the leader of the Divine Arrow Eight Heroes (神箭八雄), Zhao Min’s eight bodyguards known for their exceptional archery skills. He was a tall and imposing figure who served as one of Zhao Min’s most trusted retainers.

Biography

Service to Zhao Min

Zhao Yishang was one of the eight bodyguards who served Zhao Min, the Yuan princess and daughter of Chaghan Temür, the Prince of Ruyang. The eight bodyguards were collectively known as the Divine Arrow Eight Heroes due to their exceptional archery skills, which were so formidable that even Zhang Wuji, the Ming Order leader, recognised their threat and considered attacking them first if they engaged in combat.

At Green Willow Villa

When Zhao Min hosted the Ming Order leaders at Green Willow Villa (绿柳山庄), Zhao Yishang was present with the other seven bodyguards. He introduced himself and his companions to the Ming Order members, explaining their intentionally unlucky names. The eight heroes’ surnames were taken from the “Hundred Surnames” (百家姓), following the order “Zhao Qian Sun Li, Zhou Wu Zheng Wang” (赵钱孙李，周吴郑王).

Ordering troop withdrawal

During a confrontation between Yuan troops and the Ming Order, Zhao Yishang appeared at the head of the Eight Divine Archers. When Zhang Wuji saw them approaching, he was concerned about their formidable archery skills and prepared to attack first. However, Zhao Yishang waved a short golden dragon-head staff and called out, “Master’s order: withdraw troops immediately.”

The Yuan commander, a qian fu zhang (leader of a 1000 men unit), shouted orders in Mongolian, and the Yuan soldiers turned their horses around and galloped away. This demonstrated Zhao Yishang’s authority and his role as the leader of the group, as well as Zhao Min’s trust in him to carry out her orders.

Personality & traits

Leadership

As the leader of the Divine Arrow Eight Heroes, Zhao Yishang demonstrated authority and command. His ability to order the withdrawal of Yuan troops showed his position of trust within Zhao Min’s household and his effectiveness as a leader.

Loyalty

Zhao Yishang’s absolute loyalty to Zhao Min was evident in his unwavering service and his willingness to carry out her orders without question, even when they contradicted the interests of the Yuan military forces.

Martial arts abilities

Exceptional archery

Zhao Yishang’s archery skills were exceptional, placing him among the most skilled archers in the jianghu. The Divine Arrow Eight Heroes’ collective archery abilities were so formidable that Zhang Wuji, despite his superior martial arts, recognised them as a significant threat and considered pre-emptive action.

Relationships

With Zhao Min

Zhao Yishang served as one of Zhao Min’s most trusted bodyguards and retainers. His position as leader of the Divine Arrow Eight Heroes demonstrated her confidence in his abilities and loyalty.

With the other Divine Arrow Heroes

Zhao Yishang led the other seven bodyguards: Qian Erbai, Sun Sanhui, Li Sicui, Zhou Wushu, Wu Liupo, Zheng Qimie, and Wang Bashuai. They worked together as a cohesive unit, with Zhao Yishang serving as their leader.

Behind the scenes

Name symbolism

Zhao Yishang’s name, meaning “One Injury,” was intentionally unlucky, as were the names of all eight heroes. This naming convention was unusual in Chinese culture, where names typically contain positive meanings. The choice of such names may have been intended to avoid attracting unwanted attention or to follow a superstitious practice of using unlucky names to ward off actual misfortune.

The eight heroes’ surnames followed the traditional order from the “Hundred Surnames” (百家姓), a classic Chinese text listing common surnames. This systematic naming suggested that the names were chosen deliberately rather than being their original birth names.