Han Ming

Biodata

Background

Han Ming is Han Baichuan's third son and the leader of the Archery Battalion's Third Team. As a newcomer, he is pressured by the competing interests of his elder brothers, Han Nuo and Han Cheng, and has not yet fully established himself within the battalion 42.

During the fish tide's profit distribution, Han Ming proposes that the remaining five hundred taels be divided according to the number of Treasure Fish caught. As the First and Third Teams are the only teams to have caught any, the proposal would benefit his own team while reducing the Second Team's share 52.

Story Role

Supporting Hong Ming

Han Ming first handles Hong Ming's request for guidance regarding the sale of a Red-Horned Pomfret, recognizing that Hong Ming is indirectly asking whether he wishes to purchase it 49.

When the Third Team needs a representative for a fist-technique match against Wang Heng, Han Ming initially wants Shen Lin to fight. Shen Lin refuses, and Han Ming accepts Hong Ming as the substitute despite expecting little from him; Hong Ming volunteers for the fifty-tael individual reward 53.

After Hong Ming becomes a Squad Leader, Han Ming personally helps him register his information and attempts to secure his military tally. When Deputy Commander Hu Peng refuses to issue it, Han Ming investigates and links the obstruction to the Huang Family 67.

Han Ming remains one of the few people whose attitude toward Hong Ming does not change after rumors spread that Hong Ming has been denied a tally and cannot receive troops. He provides Hong Ming with three Tiger Strength Pills purchased by Han Baichuan and later explains where further pills can be obtained 73 74.

Battalion Affairs

Han Ming opposes Han Cheng's proposal to replace Hong Ming while the latter's appointment is delayed. He argues that doing so would damage the Water Soldiers' morale, though Han Baichuan warns him to prepare for the possibility that Hong Ming cannot retain the position 83.

Once Hong Ming receives support from Jiang Yingfeng, Han Ming introduces Jiang Yuru as Hong Ming's new Vice Squad Leader. He also warns Hong Ming that the Wu Family wishes to place two people in his unit and raises Jiang Yuru's separate request for personnel slots 89.

When the battalion urgently requires manpower at Chuan River, Han Ming brings Hong Ming there and familiarizes him with the camp's personnel before Hong Ming assumes duty 90.

Before the First and Second Battalions' selection, Han Ming briefs Hong Ming on the First Battalion's Squad Leaders and their relative strength, with particular emphasis on the newly promoted Niu Cang 102.

Personality

Han Ming is pragmatic but protective of the people under his command. He is willing to choose an unpromising substitute rather than leave his team without a contender, and he continues to defend Hong Ming's position even when doing so creates pressure for the Third Team and the Han Family 53 83.

He gives Hong Ming practical guidance rather than empty encouragement, including advice on a Squad Leader's responsibilities, limits, and relationships with outside factions 67. He can also become openly frustrated when privilege disrupts military order, as shown by his reaction to Jiang Yuru's refusal to accept any patrol schedule 91.

Relationships

• Hong Ming — Subordinate, later fellow Squad Leader. Han Ming advises him on military affairs, supports his tally application, provides cultivation resources, and helps him assume duty at Chuan River 53 67 73 90.
• Han Baichuan — Father and Battalion Commander. Han Ming serves under him alongside his elder brothers and receives his backing, though Han Baichuan pressures him to prepare for Hong Ming's possible replacement 52 83.
• Han Nuo — Elder brother and leader of the First Team. Their competing interests contribute to Han Ming's difficult position as a newcomer 42 52.
• Han Cheng — Elder brother and leader of the Second Team. Han Cheng advocates replacing Hong Ming, a plan Han Ming opposes because of its effect on morale 52 83.
• Li Mo — Member of Han Ming's Third Team who advises him on choosing a fighter for the match against Wang Heng and assists with team matters 53.
• Jiang Yuru — Hong Ming's Vice Squad Leader, introduced by Han Ming. Her demands for special treatment and personnel slots create administrative difficulties for both men 89 91.
• Huang Chun — Instructor who seeks Han Ming's cooperation against Hong Ming. Han Ming's absence when Huang Chun visits is understood as a polite refusal 42 50.