Fei Zhong

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Fei Zhong (费仲)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Yin Shang royal court
Occupation / Role	Court official; Doctor; later identified as a Lower Grand Master and favored minister of Di Xin 8 31
Status	Active 50
First Appearance	Chapter 6 6

Background / History

Fei Zhong is a politically capable but widely distrusted Shang court official. During a court debate over dealing with extraordinary beings, he objected to Fei Lian's proposal to deploy ten thousand cavalry on the grounds of the enormous burden in slaves, supplies, and public disruption. Together with You Hun, he then attempted to frame Fei Lian's aggressive demeanor as possible assassination or rebellion. 6

When Di Xin announced the Star-Gathering Pavilion, Fei Zhong immediately flattered the king with extravagant praise and volunteered to oversee its construction, privately anticipating profits from confiscated treasures belonging to recruited extraordinary beings. 7 Di Xin instead sent him alongside Royal Uncle Bi Gan to invite Kong Xuan to Chaoge. Fei Zhong recognized that Kong Xuan's favor with the king could make him politically valuable, and intended to cultivate the general as a future ally. 8 9

While traveling with Bi Gan, Fei Zhong showed better caution than his companion. He tried to stop Bi Gan from publicly insulting Kong Xuan, correctly reasoning that Di Xin's use of the word “invite” indicated the general was someone the king wished to treat with respect. Kong Xuan nevertheless transported both officials to Chaoge with the Five-Colored Divine Light, terrifying Fei Zhong. 16 At court, Fei Zhong later demanded that Kong Xuan demonstrate his merit before receiving the post of Star-Gathering Pavilion Master. 18

Di Xin subsequently assigned Fei Zhong to locate the woman from his dream, Su Daji, threatening severe punishment if he failed. Fei Zhong reached Jizhou with three hundred cavalry, chose to stay at the posthouse rather than immediately meet Marquis Su Hu, and considered the political implications of Di Xin seeking Su Hu's daughter. He concluded that the marriage proposal might be a means to draw Su Hu away from Ji Chang and weaken powerful regional lords. 26 31

Fei Zhong formally delivered the order summoning Daji as an Imperial Consort, but Su Quanzhong threatened him at swordpoint and Su Hu accused him of corrupting Di Xin with flattery and women. Fei Zhong denied instigating the summons and survived the encounter, though Su Hu's hostility left him fearful throughout the journey back to Chaoge. 32 41

Later, Fei Zhong worked with Bi Gan to identify court officials connected to the feudal lords. His reports helped Di Xin track a faction of more than ten lords acting against the Star-Gathering Pavilion. 43 44 He also publicly supported the three Earls' proposal to abolish the custom of burying slaves alive. 50

Personality

Fei Zhong is quick-witted, opportunistic, and highly skilled at reading courtly moods. He uses praise, insinuation, and calculated accusations to advance his position, while treating political service as a source of wealth and security. 6 7

His ambition is constrained by a strong instinct for self-preservation. He is frightened by Kong Xuan's power, panics when threatened by Su Quanzhong, and repeatedly worries that serving as a treacherous minister could lead to a violent death. 16 32 41 Rather than confronting danger directly, he adapts to it—trying to regain Di Xin's favor, gathering intelligence, and making himself useful to stronger figures. 31 43

Abilities & Skills

Court Rhetoric and Flattery

Fei Zhong can rapidly tailor his language to please Di Xin or undermine rivals.

• He delivered lavish praise of Di Xin before volunteering for the Star-Gathering Pavilion project. 7
• He and You Hun used a coordinated exchange to cast suspicion on Fei Lian's conduct in court. 6
• His reputation for sycophancy was strong enough that Su Hu identified him as Di Xin's “top favored minister.” 31

Political Calculation

Fei Zhong assesses the motives behind royal orders and the likely consequences of shifting alliances.

• He understood that Kong Xuan's recruitment could create a powerful future patron. 9
• He interpreted Di Xin's pursuit of Daji as a possible strategy to divide Su Hu from Ji Chang and consolidate authority over the feudal lords. 31
• He later documented ministers' private ties to regional marquises for Bi Gan and Di Xin. 43 44

Survival Instinct

Fei Zhong avoids risks when faced with people stronger or more dangerous than himself.

• He attempted to restrain Bi Gan from provoking Kong Xuan. 16
• He was visibly terrified when Su Quanzhong held a sword at his throat. 32
• His experience escorting Daji under Su Hu's watch convinced him to resolve to behave as a “loyal minister” upon returning to Chaoge. 41

Resources

• A lavish four-horse carriage furnished with rare materials, including snow-bear fur, red-bird feathers, and white-jade elephant bone. 31
• Three hundred cavalry accompanying his Jizhou mission. 31 32
• Access to court intelligence concerning officials and feudal-lord factions. 43 44

Relationships

• Di Xin — His king and principal patron. Fei Zhong carries out sensitive assignments for him, including inviting Kong Xuan and summoning Daji, while constantly attempting to interpret and satisfy Di Xin's intentions. 8 26 31
• You Hun — Fellow treacherous official and rival. They cooperate in attacking Fei Lian, but compete for influence and opportunities at court. 6 7 9
• Bi Gan — Fellow envoy in the mission to recruit Kong Xuan. Fei Zhong restrains Bi Gan's provocations and later shares intelligence with him regarding ministers connected to feudal lords. 16 43
• Kong Xuan — A powerful general Fei Zhong was assigned to invite to Chaoge. Fei Zhong fears his strength, yet also challenged his lack of recorded merits before his appointment. 8 16 18
• Su Hu — Marquis of Jizhou whom Fei Zhong approached to summon Daji. Su Hu distrusts him, accuses him of corrupting Di Xin, and threatens him during the escort to Chaoge. 31 32 41
• Su Quanzhong — Su Hu's son, who held a sword to Fei Zhong's throat after hearing the imperial summons for Daji. 32
• Fei Lian — Political opponent in the early court debate. Fei Zhong criticized Fei Lian's military proposal and helped imply that his conduct could be treasonous. 6

Notable Quotes

“Great King, your literary and military achievements are unparalleled, your merits lasting through the ages, your virtue complete, recognized by the Three Sovereigns.” 7

“As a treacherous official, if he couldn't guess the superior's thoughts, he wouldn't be far from death.” 31