Zhang Qingyan

Biodata

Background and History

Zhang Qingyan is the legitimate son of Minister of War Zhang Erhai. At twenty, he was unmarried and had neither official honors nor military achievements. He was notorious in the Capital for frequenting brothels, gambling dens and taverns, although a palace eunuch noted that he had never committed evil 133.

Meeting the Immortal

Gao Yunyi summoned Zhang after asking for the Capital’s most notorious pleasure-seeker. Palace eunuchs disguised as beggars knocked him unconscious and brought him before Gao. Overwhelmed by the Immortal’s appearance, Zhang initially promised to reform, but Gao wanted him precisely because he knew where to find entertainment 130 133 134.

Zhang took Gao to Qinlan Tower and a gambling den. At the tower, he discovered that his rival Lu Xiuyan had spent the night with Yuan’er, prompting a fight. At the den, Zhang lost more than ten consecutive rounds; afterward, the gambling house returned the money he had lost there over the years 137 138 139 140 142.

Returning home, Zhang avoided a beating by showing his parents an Immortal Elixir bestowed by Gao. He chose to give it to his grandmother. News of his outing later drew scholars to the Zhang residence, where they blamed him for corrupting the Immortal 142 143 147.

The Princess and Jade Spring Mountain

Eldest Princess Xiao Zhaohuang summoned Zhang to help her meet Gao. He advised her to approach the Immortal as her genuine self, then lured Gao to her residence by claiming she owned a female cat that could do backflips 148 151.

When rumors accused Gao of being a demon, Zhang fought his father for the chance to defend him. He eventually outlasted Zhang Erhai and went to stand by Gao’s side 168 170 171. Later, after an attack on Jade Spring Mountain, Zhang repeatedly charged Gao’s sword barrier in an attempt to reach him, continuing even after he was injured 175 178.

Service and Baijia Town

Ashamed that he had been unable to help Gao, Zhang trained in martial arts and studied diligently. With Xiao Zhaohuang’s special permission, he joined the Pacification Investigation Office 186 202. After Gao departed, Zhang was found sobbing in his room while holding a silver mask 211.

Two years later, Zhang had become a Thousand Commander. While carrying out an assignment at Baijia Town, he learned that its River God Temple was dedicated to Gao. He stopped the planned demolition, cleared the charge against the town and promised Lady Baijia assistance if she needed it 268 269 270.

Appearance

Zhang changed markedly after taking a Spirit-Stabilizing Pill. His formerly scrawny, pale body developed pronounced muscles; two years later, his face and bearing had also become more composed 149 268.

• Early style: Slicked hair, a powdered face and splendid brocade robes during a formal visit to Gao 145.
• After the pill: A muscular chest and eight-pack, which he enthusiastically showed off 149 150.
• As a guard: A Flying Fish Uniform and an Abyss-Suppressing Saber 202.
• As Thousand Commander: Crisp official robes and an Embroidered Spring Saber 268.

Personality

Zhang is boastful, socially confident and quick to change his manner when faced with someone more powerful. After threatening his kidnappers with his father’s authority, he tried to befriend the eunuch who had seized him. He openly embraced the label of good-for-nothing but condemned those who abused their power to harm others 133.

His devotion to Gao extends beyond his enjoyment of having a powerful backer. He fought his own father to defend Gao’s reputation and refused to abandon his attempt to reach him at Jade Spring Mountain, despite repeated injuries 168 170 178.

Abilities and Skills

Enhanced Physique

Gao accidentally gave Zhang a Level Two Spirit-Stabilizing Pill instead of a Level One Spirit-Gathering Pill. Zhang suffered severe pain but emerged with a transformed body and abundant Qi and Blood 149.

• Endured twenty strokes with little apparent difficulty 154.
• Recovered repeatedly during his fight with his father, eventually wearing him down 170.
• Survived being thrown from his horse and repeatedly striking Gao’s sword barrier, although the impacts injured him 178.

Martial Arts

Zhang sought to enter the Dao through martial arts after Gao told him he lacked the Spirit Root needed for immortal cultivation. His father agreed to teach him, and Zhang later practiced and studied intensively 146 186 202.

• Initially relied on brute strength; Zhang Erhai criticized his lack of technique and control 168.
• No cultivation realm advancement is documented for him in the provided account.

Knowledge of the Capital

Zhang knows the Capital’s brothels, gambling dens, taverns and other amusements, making him useful as Gao’s guide 134 135.

• He was a prominent patron of Qinlan Tower and knew its layout well 137 138.
• Despite calling himself the God of Gamblers, he was known to other gamblers as the Wealth-Scattering Boy because of his losses 140.

Relationships

• Gao Yunyi — Zhang’s “big brother” and the Immortal he serves. Zhang admires him deeply and repeatedly risks himself on his behalf 145 170 178.
• Zhang Erhai — His father, the Minister of War. Though often harsh with him, Erhai tries to protect him and later agrees to teach him martial arts 168 170 186.
• Madam Zhang — His mother, who had previously spoiled him but joined his father in confronting him after his outing with Gao 142.
• His grandmother — Zhang chose to give her Gao’s Immortal Elixir; she later joined his parents in beating him for taking the Immortal to the pleasure quarters 143 149.
• Xiao Zhaohuang — The Eldest Princess, whom Zhang helped arrange a meeting with Gao. She later gave Zhang special permission to enter the Pacification Investigation Office 148 151 202.
• Xiao Gaoyi — Also regards Gao as his big brother. Zhang initially demanded that Gaoyi call him “Second Brother,” but later addressed him by that title himself 154 202.
• Wang Yanan — His superior and the object of his affection. Zhang confessed to her, but she kicked him out of her office and sought a way to make him leave the organization 202 203.
• Yuan’er — A Qinlan Tower courtesan whom Zhang loved. Learning that she had spent the night with Lu Xiuyan left him heartbroken 137 138 139.
• Lu Xiuyan — Zhang’s rival; their families were political enemies. Their confrontation over Yuan’er turned into a fight at Qinlan Tower 138 139.
• Lady Baijia — A shaman priest who considers herself Gao’s bride. Zhang treated her courteously and spared the temple after learning whom it honored 269 270.

Notable Quotes

“Brothers should share their blessings and face hardship together. If you’re my big brother for a day, you’re my big brother for life.” 171

“Do you know who my father is? Do you know who my big brother is?” 270