Chu Shiqing

Biodata

Background / History

Recruitment of Xia Qi'an

Chu Shiqing received Xia Qi'an at the Wei Dao Si after the latter delivered Su Mu's letter and tokens. He heard Xia's account of Su Mu's death, then offered either 200 taels of silver or Su Mu's martial arts manual as a reward. When Xia instead requested admission to the Wei Dao Si, Chu set a condition: he could become a reserve member if he attained martial-artist status within half a month. 3

After Xia Qi'an entered the Blood Refining Realm, Chu initially delayed his admission under the pretext of Wei Dao Si selection rules. He relented only after Xia promised to serve him in the future, framing the recommendation as a personal favor that would make Xia “one of [his] people.” He subsequently arranged Xia's Snake Guard assessment. 4 5

Control over Xia Qi'an

Following Xia Qi'an's training-camp victory, Chu summoned him and assigned him to the Hound Guard rather than the Snake Guard. Though he described the placement as better suited to Xia's martial talent, he used the decision to demonstrate his ability to determine Xia's future and expected Xia to remain loyal to him despite serving in another division. 9

Chu's influence extended to the Snake Guard's management of merit records, giving him leverage over Wei Dao Si members' advancement and resources. Xia Qi'an became increasingly wary of being treated as another disposable agent like Su Mu. 11

Embezzlement and downfall

Chu secretly employed the Four Ghosts of Xiaoxiang to intercept Jinling's tribute silver. In exchange, he promised not to send the Snake Guards after them, allowing the group to settle in Jinling. 20

Xia Qi'an and Liu Qing traced the robbery to the Four Ghosts, whose testimony implicated Chu. Liu Qing reported the findings to Si Nanyue, leading to Chu's arrest and the recovery of the stolen silver. 20

Nearly one hundred Snake Guards jointly impeached Chu. During his imprisonment, Liu Qing accused him of relying on his subordinates' labor while neglecting them and abandoning agents such as Li Gen and Su Mu. Tiger Guards Si Nanzhai Xing and Ye Qiutong sentenced him to death; Xia Qi'an carried out the execution before the Jinling Wei Dao Si. 21

Appearance

Chu Shiqing was a middle-aged man who wore Wei Dao Si official attire. He had a dignified appearance, a gentle demeanor, and an imposing presence, entering the Wei Dao Si hall with notably steady steps. 3

• Usually presented himself calmly and with cultivated authority. 3 9
• Was seen in prison disheveled and dressed in a sleep robe after his arrest, having lost his former composure and status. 21

Personality

Chu Shiqing was calculating and patronizing in his dealings with subordinates. He recognized Xia Qi'an's potential but turned the boy's recruitment into a debt of personal loyalty rather than a straightforward reward for delivering intelligence. 3 4

He valued authority and control, using Xia's Hound Guard assignment and his control over merit records to maintain influence. 9 11 His eventual actions revealed greed and recklessness: he used his office to shield criminals in return for stolen tax silver. 20 21

Liu Qing's denunciation portrays him as an ineffective leader who enjoyed wealth and rank while failing to care for the Snake Guards and informants who served him. 21

Relationships

• Xia Qi'an — Initially recruited Xia into the Wei Dao Si and sought to bind him through a debt of gratitude; Xia later helped expose his crimes and executed him. 3 4 21
• Liu Qing — Former subordinate whom Chu claimed to have mentored; she turned against him, helped uncover the tribute-silver conspiracy, and supported his impeachment. 20 21
• Si Nanyue — Acting Hound Guard commander who distrusted Chu and acted on the evidence Liu Qing delivered against him. 17 20
• Su Mu — Hound Guard agent and Chu's informant. Chu treated him as a tool, and Su Mu's death became an example that made Xia fear serving Chu. 9 11
• Four Ghosts of Xiaoxiang — Criminal collaborators hired to rob the tribute silver in return for protection from Snake Guard pursuit. 20
• Qiu Qianshi — Ghost Market boss reportedly connected to Chu; Liu Qing believed Chu's involvement in the market meant he likely knew of the Four Ghosts' activities. 19

Trivia

• Xia Qi'an later purchased Chu Shiqing's confiscated manor after his execution, renaming it Xia Manor. 24