Zhang Jiu

Biodata

Background / History

Zhang Jiu is one of the guards associated with the Hundred Fragrance Pavilion. Luo Qingchen first approaches him and Chen Ju to borrow money, but Zhang Jiu refuses. 16

He possesses prior knowledge of earlier blood-drained murders at the pavilion and warns Luo Qingchen that the subject should not be discussed. 19 Although he initially appears concerned when Tian Feng takes a large portion of Luo Qingchen’s blood, this concern is complicated by his and the other guards’ covetousness of Luo Qingchen’s blood. 26

When Luo Qingchen feigns incapacitation after blood loss, Zhang Jiu attempts to enter his room, helps him back into bed when he appears, and orders the others not to disturb him. 31 He later joins Chen Ju in pursuing Luo Qingchen, only for both men to trigger iron-nail traps and become injured. 33

Zhang Jiu’s conduct becomes openly hostile during the Heart-Plucking Monster crisis. He visits Luo Qingchen with Captain Zhou, ostensibly offering protection, but his presence at the crime scene and connection to Zhou Qingyang make Luo suspicious. 37 He later patrols with Luo Qingchen and discusses the recent murders and the monster. 44

When the monster attacks them, Zhang Jiu pushes the injured Luo Qingchen toward it and flees. 45 He subsequently displays confidence that the creature can be captured, despite having been targeted and injured by it. 47

Under pressure during the investigation, Zhang Jiu reveals that he recognizes the Heart-Plucking Monster and names several low-status people as possible suspects, even proposing that all servants be killed to eliminate it. 49 He then recalls Zhao Yun as a likely suspect: she was a girl whom he and others had raped. 49 After the monster’s severed arms are identified as women’s arms, Zhang Jiu expresses hatred and a desire for revenge. 52

Zhang Jiu ultimately confronts Zhao Yun, who is disguised as Qingmei. He attempts to make Luo Qingchen kill her, then reveals that Zhou Yan and Sun Tong are waiting as reinforcements to kill both Zhao Yun and Luo Qingchen. 55 During the ensuing battle, he and his allies underestimate Luo Qingchen; Zhou Yan is killed after Luo Qingchen breaks through. 56 Zhang Jiu is later confirmed dead when Zhang Duanyang confronts Luo Qingchen over his death. 77

Personality

Zhang Jiu is cautious when his own safety is at risk, but self-serving and unreliable toward others. He shows occasional concern for Luo Qingchen, including protecting his apparent recovery from interference, yet repeatedly acts from greed, fear, and self-preservation. 26 31 45

His fear of the Heart-Plucking Monster drives him to implicate servants without evidence and suggest their mass killing. 49 His past abuse of Zhao Yun and his attempt to murder both her and Luo Qingchen establish him as cruel, vindictive, and calculating. 49 55

Relationships

• Luo Qingchen — Fellow pavilion guard turned enemy. Zhang Jiu initially shows concern for him, but covets his blood, betrays him during the monster attack, and later joins a plot to kill him. 26 31 45 55
• Chen Ju — Fellow guard and temporary accomplice in pursuing Luo Qingchen; the two mistrust one another and are both caught by Luo Qingchen’s traps. 33
• Zhou Qingyang — Works with him during the Heart-Plucking Monster investigation and helps coordinate the search of the mountain caves. 49 53
• Zhao Yun — Victim of Zhang Jiu and others’ sexual violence; Zhang Jiu identifies her as the likely Heart-Plucking Monster and later seeks to kill her. 49 55
• Zhou Yan and Sun Tong — His backup in the planned attack on Zhao Yun and Luo Qingchen. 55
• Zhang Duanyang — A disciple from Hundred Corpse Peak who later confronts Luo Qingchen over Zhang Jiu’s death. 77

Story Role / Major Arcs

Hundred Fragrance Pavilion Guard

• Refuses Luo Qingchen’s request for a loan and becomes part of the pavilion’s tense guard hierarchy. 16
• Hints that he knows more than he says about earlier blood-drained murders. 19
• Participates in the suspicion, rivalry, and attempts to exploit Luo Qingchen after Tian Feng drains his blood. 26 31

Heart-Plucking Monster Investigation

• Patrols and investigates alongside Luo Qingchen and the Town Guard Bureau. 44 53
• Abandons Luo Qingchen to the monster during an attack. 45
• Exposes his connection to Zhao Yun when fear leads him to identify her as the likely monster. 49
• Pursues revenge against Zhao Yun after learning that the monster’s severed arms are female. 52

Final Confrontation

• Attempts to force Luo Qingchen to kill Zhao Yun, then orders Zhou Yan and Sun Tong to help kill them both. 55
• Is defeated in the conflict surrounding Luo Qingchen’s breakthrough; his death is confirmed later through Zhang Duanyang. 56 77