Zhu Anguo (simplified: 朱安国, traditional: 朱安国, pinyin: Zhū Ānguó, jyutping: zyu1 on1 gwok3) was a member of Shanzong (山宗 — Shānzōng), a secret organisation formed by Yuan Chonghuan’s (袁崇焕) former subordinates who rescued and raised Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Zhu Anguo was one of Yuan Chonghuan’s former subordinates who remained loyal to the general after his wrongful execution by the Chongzhen Emperor in 1630. Following Yuan Chonghuan’s death, Zhu Anguo joined other loyal followers, including Luo Daqian (罗大千), Ni Hao (倪浩), and others, to form Shanzong, a secret organisation dedicated to avenging Yuan Chonghuan’s death and protecting his son.
As a member of Shanzong, Zhu Anguo participated in rescuing the seven-year-old Yuan Chengzhi after his father’s execution. The members of Shanzong took the young boy under their care and began teaching him to read, write, and establish a foundation in martial arts, all with the goal of preparing him to avenge his father.
Zhu Anguo and the other Shanzong members continued to support Yuan Chengzhi throughout his life, providing guidance and assistance in his various operations against the corrupt Ming government. As Yuan Chengzhi grew older, he was raised and trained by the members of Shanzong, who taught him the basics of martial arts and prepared him for his future role.
Relationships
Allies
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Yuan Chonghuan — Zhu Anguo’s former commander, whom he remained loyal to after the general’s wrongful execution.
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Yuan Chengzhi — The son of Yuan Chonghuan, whom Zhu Anguo and other Shanzong members rescued and raised.
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Other Shanzong members — Zhu Anguo worked alongside other members of Shanzong, including Luo Daqian, Ni Hao, Ying Song, Sun Zhongshou, Tian Jianxiu, and Cui Qiushan.
Legacy
Zhu Anguo’s character represented the loyalty and dedication of Yuan Chonghuan’s former subordinates, who continued to serve their commander’s memory by protecting and raising his son. His participation in Shanzong demonstrated the strength of loyalty and the importance of honouring those who had been wrongfully treated, even at great personal risk.