Gao Qiang

Biodata

Power Progression

History

Gao Qiang meets Chu Sheng when the two are paired to investigate Cui Hao’s suicide case. He initially trusts that Chu Sheng’s reputed Long Family connections will make the mission safe, but their confrontation with Wind Chasing Hall leaves him shaken 47 48 49. He later agrees to kill Chu Yunfei at Chu Sheng’s direction despite fearing retaliation from the Chu family. Chu Sheng keeps him as a regular subordinate and teammate afterward 57 129.

Gao Qiang becomes Chu Sheng’s assistant on Jingwu Bureau investigations and enforcement operations. He supplies case information, handles arrests and testimony, and is eventually described as Chu Sheng’s secretary 61 93 130 200 203. When Chu Sheng leaves for Xuanhan Prefecture, he assigns Gao Qiang to manage affairs in Northern Barren Prefecture. Gao Qiang protests that he is unsuited to the post but accepts it 258.

After noble families resist Chu Sheng’s orders, Gao Qiang is arrested and injured while carrying them out. He reports what happened when Chu Sheng returns; Chu Sheng acknowledges that he had failed to anticipate the situation 294 299. Before leaving Jining Star, Chu Sheng tells Gao Qiang that he has fulfilled a promise to him and expects Gao Qiang not to disappoint him 364.

Six months later, Gao Qiang holds the post of Director General of the Jingwu Bureau, having risen from a bureau chief through Deputy Director General. When Chu Sheng returns, Gao Qiang immediately obeys his instruction to slap Lü Cha, then greets him with a bow 748.

Appearance

• Has a proper appearance, an upright posture, and what an observer describes as a capable, heroic air 213 249.

Personality

Gao Qiang is loyal and increasingly bold when acting for Chu Sheng, though he remains conscious of the gap between their strength. He is willing to confront stronger people on Chu Sheng’s orders, but doubts his own suitability for independent leadership 200 251. He also questions Chu Sheng’s killing of two investigators, arguing that the confrontation might have been resolved through conversation 73.

He studies how to anticipate Chu Sheng’s wishes and navigate official situations, seeking guidance from Qi Zhenshan during the martial arts examination 91 93. Despite his practiced flattery, he privately worries that Chu Sheng’s rapid advancement will eventually leave him behind 251.

Skills

Investigation and Bureau Work

• Researches the Xuanpu Sect’s defensive formation before arriving in Xuanpu City 154.
• Identifies the Winged Tribe emblem found during an investigation and explains its significance to Chu Sheng 61.
• Recalls the legal penalty for an examination violation from his years working at Wind Chasing Hall 93.

Drawing

• Sketches Chu Sheng after the Lotus Temple battle. Gao Qiang says he took art classes in primary school but had not drawn for years 129.

Relationships

• Chu Sheng — His mission partner, superior, and the person he calls “Young Master.” Gao Qiang remains loyal while occasionally questioning his methods 47 73 748.
• Qi Zhenshan — Teaches Gao Qiang how to curry favor and read situations while serving Chu Sheng 91 93.
• Old Man Long — Chu Sheng’s protector; Gao Qiang speaks with him about Chu Sheng and seeks to improve how he supports his superior 92 205.
• Li Fei — His former girlfriend. They separated after university because neither would move to the other’s preferred prefecture; Gao Qiang later rejects her appeal on behalf of the Ma family 154 157.
• Cheng Ye — Works with Gao Qiang on Great Xia Federation affairs after Chu Sheng’s departure and discusses Gao Qiang’s marriage plans with him 728 729.

Trivia

• His Bronze Patrol badge number is 9528 72.
• He decides against marrying Minister Sun’s daughter because he believes Chu Sheng would disapprove of the nepotistic connection 729.