Zhao Hu

Biodata

Background / History

Zhao Hu was the head constable at Black Mountain City’s County Government. He exploited Li Yifan’s formerly weak standing in the yamen, ordering him to scout ahead alone during a Monster Beast incident—a duty Li Yifan recognizes as potentially fatal 1.

After Li Yifan kills the Monster Wolf and rescues its hostage, Zhao Hu publicly takes credit for directing the response while omitting that he had sent Li ahead as bait. He formally praises Li and promises to recommend him to Prefect Wang, but privately becomes suspicious of Li’s sudden strength and begins considering how to suppress or eliminate him 2.

Zhao Hu next assigns Li menial, time-consuming work to obstruct his cultivation and isolates him from supportive colleagues. He then lures Li to a private room at Yuelai Tavern, offers protection in exchange for a share of Li’s merits and rewards, and turns openly hostile when refused 3.

When persuasion fails, Zhao Hu orders Sun Er and three armed men to kill or subdue Li. Despite being a Body Refining martial artist, Zhao Hu is wounded and decisively defeated by Li, then begs for his life. Li spares him, takes his savings, and forces him into submission 3.

Following the defeat, Zhao Hu is injured and unable to resist as Li takes control of the constables’ room and assumes his duties. He is suspected of ties to the Fierce Tiger Gang during the Jishi Hall herb robbery, though this involvement is not confirmed 4. Li’s later killing of Fierce Tiger Gang Hall Master Lei Bao completely intimidates Zhao Hu, ending his plans to undermine him 5.

After Li kills Zhao Kuang, Zhao Hu becomes overtly deferential and brings intelligence that Green Robe Gang leader Liu Qing wishes to flee and offer tribute for his life 6. Zhao Hu’s body is found in his home shortly after Li departs for Qingzhou Prefecture City 8.

Abilities & Skills

Martial Cultivation

Zhao Hu is a Body Refining martial artist, placing him above the Skin Refining-level armed men he employs 3.

• Uses a waist saber in combat 3.
• Employs a heavy saber strike called Splitting the Mountain, capable of smashing a table and generating force before the blade lands 3.
• His superior realm-based strength is undermined by Li Yifan’s sharper technique, timing, and exploitation of openings 3.

Equipment

• Waist saber — Used during his duel with Li Yifan 3.
• Money pouch — Contained several dozen taels of silver, seized by Li Yifan after Zhao Hu’s defeat 3.

Relationships

• Li Yifan — Former subordinate and intended victim. Zhao Hu initially mistreats him, later tries to co-opt him, and finally attempts to have him killed; after losing, he becomes fearful and obedient 1 2 3 6.
• Sun Er — Trusted constable used to summon Li Yifan to the Yuelai Tavern ambush 3.
• Fierce Tiger Gang — Zhao Hu is suspected of involvement with the gang in the Jishi Hall herb robbery; he also possesses prior knowledge of the gang’s activities 4.
• Liu Qing — Relays Liu Qing’s request to offer tribute to Li Yifan in exchange for mercy 6.
• Prefect Wang — Serves under the Black Mountain City prefect and invokes the prefect’s authority as a reason Li should not kill him 2 3.

Trivia

• Zhao Hu’s attempt to control Li Yifan follows a progression from dangerous assignments, to suppression through busywork, to bribery and recruitment, and finally to assassination 1 3.
• He publicly presents himself as Li Yifan’s benefactor after the Monster Wolf incident, despite having sent Li into danger alone 1 2.