Madam Li

Biodata

Background / History

Madam Li cared for Chen Cheng in Bitter Locust Village after he was found unconscious in a dark alley by Xiao Long and Hu Niu. Fearful that he might have been abducted and sold had they not found him, she wept while pressing him to explain what had happened. 1

Madam Li accompanied Chen Cheng to the Chen Family Old Residence to seek the martial-arts opportunity previously promised to him. Old Master Chen instead gave the opportunity to Chen Hao; after the ensuing dispute, Madam Li and Chen Cheng were disowned and left with only a letter from Chen Cheng's father. She supported her son’s decision to sever ties with the family despite her own distress. 2

Afterward, she and Chen Cheng lived in poverty in Bitter Locust Village. She worried over their finances and the Black Wolf Gang’s protection money, taking odd jobs to support the household. One such job was connected to the Red Moon Nunnery, which Chen Cheng urged her to abandon due to his suspicions. 3 8

The nunnery-related work earned her twenty coppers for a full day of labor, leaving her fingers red, swollen, and stiff. She initially hoped that three days of such work would cover the household's monthly Peace Tax. Chen Cheng later warned her that a major incident was imminent in Black Wolf Gang territory and that they could no longer remain there. 8 33

As Chen Cheng’s martial standing rose, their security improved. After Chen Cheng repelled Zhao Shan, Madam Li witnessed the respect his strength commanded. Fatty Fang later offered her protection, treating Chen Cheng as family. 16 65

When Chen Cheng achieved Top Grade in Three Disciplines at the Inner Hall, a constable, the Fire-Water Gang's leader, and neighbors brought congratulatory gifts. Madam Li was initially afraid to accept the money, but Fatty Fang reassured her that she could receive the gifts without hesitation. 83

During unrest caused by the Blood-Robed Cultists, Chen Cheng moved Madam Li from Peaceful Lane to a house in the Inner City. She initially felt inferior in the unfamiliar, wealthier environment, but Chen Cheng reassured her. 99 101

Before the move, she protested because she feared that Chen Cheng was spending unnecessarily and was reluctant to leave a familiar neighborhood. His announcement that their new home was in the Inner City astonished both her and the surrounding residents. 100

Following Chen Cheng’s success at the Martial Selection, the official wives who had previously treated her as a servant sought her favor and brought gifts. 128 162

She later traveled with Chen Cheng to Yong Province before his departure for the Shanhai Sect, making him clothes and shoes for the journey. She subsequently returned to Zhao City and informed him by letter that all was well. 166 183

After returning to Zhao City, Madam Li received Fatty Fang as her godson. He visited the Chen Residence nearly every day for several months and cared for her with the devotion of a biological son. 183

Madam Sun suggested the godmother–godson relationship, which Madam Li and Fatty Fang both happily accepted. Madam Li also hosted a gathering attended by relatives, friends, and officials' wives, at which she excitedly announced that Chen Cheng had sent a letter home. 183

During the later famine and turmoil in Zhao City, Madam Li remained at the Chen Residence in Clear Water Lane, sewing clothes while awaiting Chen Cheng’s return. She sheltered the injured Fang Wenhou and was reunited with the equally battered Zhuang Zhuang, but learned that several of her relatives and associates had been arrested in the crackdown surrounding the Wu Family. 269 270

When a Ti Cavalryman harassed Madam Li and threatened Zhuang Zhuang and Fang Wenhou, Chen Cheng returned in time to save them. Overjoyed by her son's return, Madam Li resolved to trust his decisions and not become an additional burden to him. Chen Cheng later brought her to the Su Residence in Emperorfall City for safety. 271 275

Despite Emperorfall City's prohibition on fighting, Baili Qin threatened Chen Cheng's entire family and indicated that she knew Madam Li's whereabouts. After Chen Cheng subdued her, Baili Qin disclosed a plan to use his mother as bait for an ambush involving Qi Family Fortress, Northern Suppression Manor, and Snowtread Manor. Chen Cheng instead turned the scheme against its organizers: the later message claiming that Madam Li had been kidnapped was part of his counter-trap, and Feng Fang impersonated the hostage at Falling Star Valley. 281 282 284

When Chen Cheng returned to Emperorfall City with the injured Song Linwei, he arranged for Song to stay at the Su Residence alongside Madam Li and Shen Bi. Madam Li worried about imposing on their hosts and discussed the household's circumstances with her son. She also informed him that Fang Wenhou had obtained employment and housing through the White Lotus Merchant Association. 291

During the same visit, Madam Li and Shen Bi were deeply shocked when Chen Cheng revealed that he was an alchemist. Through her daily contact with Shen Bi, Madam Li already understood the rarity of alchemists and their ability to support profitable medicine businesses. Chen Cheng asked the household to keep his alchemist identity secret until he was formally accepted as a disciple of the Purple Empyrean Peak Master. 291

Madam Li subsequently moved into a luxurious residence in Yunfeng Alley with Shen Bi and the injured Song Linwei. Lu Zhenting had given the property to Chen Cheng in gratitude for his earlier help, providing the household with a home separate from the Su Residence. 300

Appearance

Madam Li is described as pale and visibly nervous when confronted by officials during her early life in the Outer City. After moving to the Inner City, former neighbors remarked that her complexion and bearing had come to resemble those of a wealthy Inner City lady. 65 129

During Zhao City's later famine, her face became thin, though she continued to sew clothes for Chen Cheng while awaiting his return. 269

• Her fingers clutch the hem of her clothing when frightened. 65
• Her appearance and bearing improve after her circumstances change. 129
• She is again described as thin and worn by hardship during the later crisis in Zhao City. 269
• During her early odd-job work, her fingers became red, swollen, and stiff from a full day's labor. 8

Personality

Madam Li is devoted to Chen Cheng and consistently prioritizes his safety, livelihood, and future. Even during their poverty, she worked odd jobs to keep the household afloat; later, she assists his cultivation by preparing food, medicinal ingredients, and Treasure Fish. 8 116

She is initially timid before officials and conscious of class differences, feeling uncomfortable in the Inner City and distressed after being treated as a servant by official wives. 65 101 128 However, her confidence grows alongside Chen Cheng's rise. When an unknown man attempts to force his way into the Chen residence, she blocks the doorway rather than yielding. 154

She wishes for Chen Cheng to marry and enjoy a more ordinary life, though she ultimately respects his focus on cultivation and martial advancement. 17 70 128

Madam Li remains resilient during prolonged hardship. Even amid famine and political purges in Zhao City, she supports Fang Wenhou and Zhuang Zhuang while waiting for Chen Cheng's return. Following their reunion, she becomes more determined to follow Chen Cheng's judgment rather than add to his burdens. 269 271

Her frugality persists after the family's circumstances improve. She initially resists the move to the Inner City out of concern for Chen Cheng's spending, and later worries that their stay at the Su Residence is an imposition on the Su Family. 100 291

Her experiences also change her understanding of social rank. Having once regarded nobility and lowliness as qualities fixed at birth, she recognizes the hypocrisy of officials' wives who shun her commoner origins and later compete to flatter her after Chen Cheng becomes successful. 128 162

Skills & Household Duties

Cooking and Food Preparation

Madam Li regularly manages the household’s meals and prepares cultivation resources for Chen Cheng.

• Prepared meals for Chen Cheng upon his return home. 108 145
• Helped prepare a Green-Silver Dragon for consumption despite the unpleasant task. 116
• Prepared Treasure Fish medicinal soup. 128
• Her cooking improves substantially after her return to Zhao City, drawing praise from Chen An and Madam Bai. 183
• At a gathering in Zhao City, Madam Bai compared the fragrance of her cooking to that of a tavern master chef. Madam Li insisted on handling the kitchen herself so that Chen An and Madam Bai could rest after working at their shop. 183

Household Management and Sewing

She keeps the Chen residence orderly and personally makes clothing for Chen Cheng.

• Washes dishes, cleans, sweeps, and feeds the Treasure Fish. 154
• Sewed a spring tunic for Chen Cheng. 154
• Made clothes and shoes for Chen Cheng before he left for the Shanhai Sect. 166
• Continues sewing new clothes for Chen Cheng while awaiting his return during Zhao City's later crisis. 269
• Chen Cheng continues using ordinary clothes sewn by her while living at the Shanhai Sect, including during a journey to Yunlei City. 188

Social Contacts and Household Knowledge

• Maintains a close friendship with Madam Sun, regularly visiting her after lunch to chat, eat sunflower seeds, and exchange neighborhood news. 102 116
• Passes information from Madam Sun to Chen Cheng, including news about official attempts to suppress the Bai Family's remaining strongholds. 129
• Understands the economic importance and social standing of alchemists through her daily conversations with Shen Bi. 291

Relationships

• Chen Cheng — Her son. They remain mutually protective and trusting from their disownment onward; Chen Cheng works to secure her safety and livelihood, while Madam Li supports his martial path and worries over his future. She later learns of his alchemical abilities and moves into the Yunfeng Alley residence he receives from Lu Zhenting. 2 33 101 166 271 291 300
• Chen Shi — Her husband and Chen Cheng’s father, whose letter reveals that he joined the Death Squad Camp. His survival later becomes uncertain after Shattered Leaf City falls to rebel and Northern Yin forces; Song Linwei reports that he may have died, but does not rule out his survival. 3 301
• Old Master Chen — Her former father-in-law. He disowns her and Chen Cheng after refusing Chen Cheng the martial-arts opportunity. 2
• Chen An — Chen Cheng’s Third Uncle. His family showed Madam Li and Chen Cheng kindness during their hardship. 17
• Madam Bai — Chen Cheng’s Third Aunt. Madam Li remains in contact with her and later brings her gifts of thanks for Chen Cheng home. 138
• Fatty Fang / Fang Wenhou — Chen Cheng’s fellow disciple and benefactor. He offers Madam Li protection and tells her to seek him out for any trouble; after her return to Zhao City, he becomes her godson and looks after her faithfully. She later reports that he has found work and housing through the White Lotus Merchant Association. 65 183 269 291
• Zhuang Zhuang — A close companion of Chen Cheng whom Madam Li treats like a daughter; they eat together and develop a close bond. Zhuang Zhuang later reunites with Madam Li in Zhao City after enduring severe hardship. 137 154 269
• Madam Sun — A social acquaintance whose invitations expose Madam Li to the disdain and later flattery of officials’ wives. Unlike many of those wives, Madam Sun treats her warmly, becomes a close daily companion, and warns her in advance when the unfriendly guests will visit. She also suggests that Fatty Fang become Madam Li's godson. 102 116 128 138 162 183
• Shen Mi — Meets Madam Li at the Martial Selection and is among those who welcome her into the viewing area. She later visits Madam Li in Zhao City with Wu Ziyu, bringing gifts. 158 183
• Fang Wenhou — An injured member of Madam Li's household during the Zhao City crisis. She supports him alongside Zhuang Zhuang until Chen Cheng returns. 270 271
• Zhuang Huixian and Yu Feng — Zhuang Zhuang's aunt and uncle by marriage. They invite Madam Li to watch the Martial Selection from the officials' awning, and she feels an immediate sense of kinship upon learning their connection to Zhuang Zhuang. They later visit her in Zhao City with gifts. 158 183
• Shen Bi — Shares the household with Madam Li at the Su Residence and later in Yunfeng Alley. Their daily contact helps Madam Li understand commerce and the value of alchemists; both are astonished when Chen Cheng reveals that he can refine pills. 291 300
• Song Linwei — Chen Cheng's injured ally, whom he houses alongside Madam Li and Shen Bi in Emperorfall City. Song agrees to protect Madam Li from distress while continuing her intelligence work, and later moves with the household to Yunfeng Alley. 291 300
• Su Family — Hosts Madam Li at the Su Residence after her relocation to Emperorfall City. She is grateful for the accommodation but worries about burdening them. 275 291
• Baili Qin — Initially threatens Madam Li as a means of coercing Chen Cheng and plans to use her as bait for a coalition ambush. After Chen Cheng subdues Baili Qin, the scheme becomes a counter-trap involving Feng Fang disguised as Madam Li rather than her actual abduction. 281 282 284

Story Role / Major Arcs

Disownment and Poverty

Madam Li loses the Chen family’s protection alongside Chen Cheng, then faces poverty, gang extortion, and precarious work in Bitter Locust Village. 2 3 8

Chen Cheng’s Rise

As Chen Cheng becomes a martial artist, Madam Li gains safety and social standing. Fatty Fang’s protection and Chen Cheng’s growing reputation reduce the vulnerability that defined her earlier life. 16 65

Her changing circumstances become especially visible when officials and gang leaders begin bringing gifts after Chen Cheng's Inner Hall achievements. She initially requires Fatty Fang's reassurance before accepting them. 83

Move to the Inner City

The Blood-Robed Cultist crisis prompts Chen Cheng to relocate her to the Inner City. The move gives her a safer home but also confronts her with feelings of social inferiority. 99 101

She develops a genuine friendship with her neighbor Madam Sun, but encounters renewed class prejudice when other officials' wives learn of her commoner origins. 102 116 128

Recognition After the Martial Selection

Madam Li attends the Martial Selection, where Zhuang Huixian, Yu Feng, and Shen Mi include her among their company. After Chen Cheng earns a Silver List ranking, nobles and officials’ wives court her favor. 158 161 162

Their reversal leads her to reconsider her earlier belief that social nobility reflects inherent worth. She recognizes the opportunism behind their sudden familiarity while appreciating the effort underlying Chen Cheng's achievements. 162

Departure for Yong Province

She accompanies Chen Cheng to Yong Province as he prepares to leave Zhao City for the Shanhai Sect, expressing her care through practical support and handmade clothing. 166

Zhao City Crisis and Reunion

After returning to Zhao City, Madam Li endures famine, purges, and renewed danger at the Chen Residence. She reunites with Zhuang Zhuang, helps shelter Fang Wenhou, and is ultimately saved when Chen Cheng returns and confronts the forces threatening them. 183 269 270 271

Relocation to Emperorfall City

Following Chen Cheng's return, he brings Madam Li and his companions to the Su Residence in Emperorfall City to protect them from the continuing danger in Zhao City. 275

Threatened Hostage and Falling Star Valley Counter-Trap

Baili Qin's threats reveal that Madam Li remains a potential target even within Emperorfall City. The intended use of his mother as bait underscores how Chen Cheng's family ties can be exploited by his enemies. After gaining control of Baili Qin, Chen Cheng converts the plot into a coordinated ambush against the hostile coalition. The apparent hostage at Falling Star Valley is Feng Fang in disguise, not Madam Li. 281 282 284

Alchemy Revelation and Yunfeng Alley Residence

While staying with Shen Bi at the Su Residence, Madam Li learns that Chen Cheng is an alchemist and is astonished by the implications for his status and the household's livelihood. She remains concerned about imposing on the Su Family despite his growing influence. 291

The household later moves into the luxurious Yunfeng Alley residence provided by Lu Zhenting, with Madam Li, Shen Bi, and the recovering Song Linwei settling there together. 300

Trivia

• Madam Li commonly addresses Chen Cheng as “Xiao Cheng.” 8
• She also addresses him as “A-Cheng.” 3 116 183
• Her desire to see Chen Cheng married recurs even as he remains focused on cultivation. 17 70
• Former Outer City neighbors attribute her improved life and appearance to her having “raised such a good son.” 129
• Fatty Fang later formally becomes her godson. 183
• The Zhao City residence where she waits during the famine is located at Number Thirteen, Clear Water Lane. 269
• The “Madam Li” held hostage at Falling Star Valley is actually Feng Fang in disguise. 284

---