Xiao Qianyì

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Xiao Qianyì (萧千熠) 14
Alias(es)	Chǔ Yì; Prince Qi; Xiao Yi 14 15 254
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male 158
Affiliation	Prince Jiujiang's Estate; Xuanqing's secret-guard and intelligence network 163 254
Occupation/Role	Prince Jiujiang's recognized Legitimate Eldest Grandson; former Prince Qi; commander of eight thousand men in Jiujiang Prefecture 254
Status	Alive 254
First Appearance	Chapter 14 14

Background

Early life and identity dispute

Xiao Qianyì was raised as Chǔ Yì by a childless elderly couple surnamed Chǔ. Though he grew up outside the capital, he lacked for neither food nor attendants; his adoptive parents funded his education and martial training with their entire fortune if necessary 14.

After the switched-child case exposed his connection to the imperial family, Emperor Yongchang renamed him Xiao Qianyì and entered him into the imperial clan registry. He was granted the title Prince Qi 15 24. His first meeting with Xiao Qianyu immediately became hostile when he accused the latter of stealing his place as Crown Prince 15.

Qianyì demanded a Blood Oath to establish his lineage. His blood merged with Emperor Yongchang's during the ritual, but the court's suspicions did not end; his execution was postponed until autumn pending further purification and investigation 18 20.

Imprisonment and escape

Held in the Imperial Prison while awaiting execution, Qianyì survived repeated assassination attempts. His charm softened the guards' treatment but could not persuade the Internal Investigation Bureau to abandon its duties 130 131.

Master Liaoyin recognized Qianyì's aptitude for Buddhist teachings and helped arrange an escape using monks, disguises, and a body double 131 139. Once free, Qianyì led the black-clothed rescuers through Xiao Qianyu's traps and earned their respect through quick tactical decisions 141.

His flight culminated in a direct clash with Xiao Qianyu. Qianyì was badly wounded, failed to kill his rival, and stole Ning Yuxian's horse to escape pursuit 145. His death warriors later sacrificed themselves during a river pursuit, allowing him another chance to flee 149.

Recovery and the death of Divine Physician Hao

Qianyì's injuries left him permanently unable to function sexually, a loss he initially could not accept 158. Xuanqing arranged his escape by ship, while Divine Physician Hao treated his wounds and supplied medicine intended to preserve Qianyì's outward appearance and physical vigor 159 161.

Although Hao had saved his life and shared the prescription for the Heaven-Mending Reforging Pill, Qianyì murdered him to keep his condition secret. He stabbed Hao through the chest, and Xuanqing concealed the killing as an attempted assassination by the physician 161 162.

Prince Jiujiang's Estate

Xuanqing revealed that Qianyì was Prince Jiujiang's legitimate grandson and the savior described in Guardian Temple's prophecy. Prince Jiujiang remained skeptical, even after an earthquake uncovered a Buddha statue bearing an inscription supporting Qianyì's heavenly mandate 164 167.

While under guarded residence, Qianyì survived the venom of a Three-Step Snake without an antidote. Prince Jiujiang allowed him greater freedom afterward, but initially refused to publicly acknowledge him 238 239.

Qianyì eventually negotiated for recognition, entry in the family register, and an identity that would allow him to act outside the estate. He was formally recognized within the family as the Legitimate Eldest Grandson and adopted the public name Xiao Yi, presented externally as Prince Jiujiang's Heir's adopted son 253 254.

As Xiao Yi, he persuaded the mountain stronghold occupying Spirit Creek Town to surrender, gained command of eight thousand men, and stabilized unrest in Jiujiang Prefecture's mines 254.

Appearance

Qianyì is repeatedly described as exceptionally handsome and naturally captivating. Even when imprisoned or injured, his bearing and smile draw attention from those around him 15 131.

• Clear, bright features described as “clear as the wind and bright as the moon” 15.
• A naturally warm, approachable smile that makes others feel immediate fondness toward him 15.
• A sword scar across his face after his escape from the capital 147.
• After his severe injuries, he becomes increasingly pale, slender, and androgynously beautiful, with an unsettling charm that blurs conventional distinctions of gendered appearance 235 250.
• Usually presents himself with controlled dignity, including plain dark robes and simply tied hair during his recovery 160.

Personality

Qianyì is highly self-assured and believes he is meant for greatness. Even in prison, he considers execution an aberration in a fate that should lead him to command the court and rule the realm 131. His desire to reclaim a family, legitimate identity, and political standing is sincere and central to his actions 164 235.

He is composed under pressure, eloquent in conversation, and adept at projecting warmth, filial devotion, humility, or innocence when those traits benefit him. His charm wins over Xuanqing, Divine Physician Hao, and numerous people within Prince Jiujiang's Estate 15 160 250.

Beneath that presentation, Qianyì is suspicious, ambitious, and ruthless. He immediately evaluates whether allies can be trusted, seeks control over those around him, and kills Hao solely because the physician knows his secret 159 162. His resentment toward Xiao Qianyu becomes especially intense after his crippling injury 158 160.

Abilities & Skills

Charisma and persuasion

Qianyì has an unusually strong personal magnetism. His smiles, speech, and composed demeanor readily inspire affection or trust.

• Quickly wins the Empress Dowager's protectiveness despite having known her only briefly 15.
• Impresses Master Liaoyin with his Buddhist aptitude and carefully appeals to the monk's compassion while imprisoned 131.
• Draws the attention of both men and women in Prince Jiujiang's Estate, provoking jealousy and infighting among its younger members 250.
• His charm does not overcome disciplined institutions; the Internal Investigation Bureau guards refuse to violate their duty to free him 131.

Martial arts and tactical judgment

Trained in martial arts from childhood, Qianyì can fight with a saber and adapt quickly during pursuits or ambushes 14 145.

• Helped evade traps during his prison break by assessing routes and directing his rescuers 141.
• Fought Xiao Qianyu while mounted and attempted to deprive him of his horse to equalize their positions 145.
• Uses opportunistic tactics, including seizing Ning Yuxian's horse when his own escape route collapsed 145.
• His combat encounters can leave him severely injured; the wounds from his escape permanently affected his health 145 158.

Leadership and political maneuvering

Qianyì combines emotional appeals with practical negotiation to acquire allies and resources.

• Secured Xuanqing's sworn loyalty after declining to personally take over the monk's ledgers, private-soldier records, and intelligence accounts 163.
• Negotiated with Prince Jiujiang for recognition, legal identity, and the chance to win forces for the estate 253.
• Persuaded eight thousand men at Spirit Creek Town to surrender and brought them under his command 254.

Extraordinary survivability

Qianyì repeatedly survives circumstances that should be fatal.

• Endured multiple assassination attempts in the Imperial Prison 130.
• Recovered with unusual speed from wounds that initially left him close to death 160.
• Survived a Three-Step Snake bite without an antidote; even Qianyì does not know why he lived 239.

Health and Condition

• Qianyì's injuries resulted in irreversible sexual dysfunction and damage to his foundational health 158 161.
• Divine Physician Hao's Heaven-Mending Reforging Pill could not restore what was lost, but was intended to stabilize his qi and preserve his outward appearance as a healthy man 161.
• His external wounds healed rapidly under Hao's care, though his internal condition still required long-term nurturing 160.

Equipment and Assets

• Saber — Used during his escape and duel with Xiao Qianyu 145.
• Hidden knife — Used to murder Divine Physician Hao 161 162.
• Xuanqing's network — Secretly trained guards, private-soldier records, spies, informants, and financial accounts placed at Qianyì's disposal 163.
• Zhao Yi — Commander of the secret guards assigned to Qianyì's protection 163.
• Eight thousand soldiers — Force gained after the surrender of the Spirit Creek Town mountain stronghold 254.

Relationships

• Xiao Qianyu — Primary rival in the struggle over identity, legitimacy, and survival. Qianyì repeatedly tries to escape or kill him, while Qianyu relentlessly pursues him 15 145 149.
• Prince Jiujiang — Biological grandfather according to Xuanqing's revelation; initially skeptical and hostile, but later records Qianyì in the family register and recognizes him within the estate 164 239 253 254.
• Xuanqing — Guardian Temple's abbot, adviser, rescuer, and devoted supporter. He organizes Qianyì's escape, grants him access to his network, and covers up Hao's murder 159 163 162.
• Master Liaoyin — Buddhist monk who recognized Qianyì's aptitude, assisted his prison escape, and died before Qianyì reached Jiujiang Prefecture 131 160.
• Divine Physician Hao — Physician who saved Qianyì's life, treated his injuries, and created medicine to conceal their lasting effects; Qianyì killed him to protect his secret 160 161 162.
• The Chǔ couple — His adoptive parents, who raised him with comfort, education, attendants, and martial instruction 14.
• Empress Dowager — An early protector whose kindness Qianyì remembers while imprisoned; he regrets being unable to repay her 15 131.
• Zhao Yi — Commander of Qianyì's secret guards and a sworn subordinate 163.

Notable Quotes

“This young master's injuries are nothing. I won't die. Board the ship at once. We leave.” 159

“Grandfather, this is also your grandson's home. Will you acknowledge me?” 250