Liu Zishi

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Liu Zishi (刘子实)
Alias(es)	Zishi; “Fool Liu” (a childhood nickname used by local youths) 22
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Rong Residence; servant and attendant of Rong Xi 1 9
Occupation/Role	Rong Xi’s servant, student, household assistant, and martial-arts disciple of Feng Shan 9 19
Status	Alive 38
First Appearance	Chapter 1 1

Background / History

Liu Zishi lived at the neglected Rong ancestral residence with his grandfather, Liu He, when Rong Xi was exiled to Linxi without money or attendants. Though physically strong, he was initially timid and inexperienced; he hid behind Liu He when the Hu Clan’s servant drove the household away from the coalfield. Local youths had previously regarded him as dim-witted and called him “Fool Liu.” 3 22

After Rong Xi’s arrival, Zishi became increasingly attached to him. Rong Xi involved him in preparing meals, allowed him and Liu He to share food normally reserved for masters, gave him new clothes, and recognized his diligence and potential. Zishi consequently vowed to serve and protect Rong Xi wholeheartedly. 2 7 8

Rong Xi began personally teaching Zishi reading and writing each morning. Although Zishi initially struggled to retain characters, he studied with full concentration and gradually became literate enough to understand Rong Xi’s father’s hostile letter. 9 11 24

Zishi also found direction through martial arts. He first trained under a strong servant arranged by Chen Erlang and received guidance from Chen Dalang. Later, through the jade pendant given by Chen Dalang, Rong Xi secured Feng Shan as Zishi’s formal master. His routine became reading in the mornings and demanding martial training in the afternoons, strengthening both his body and confidence. 15 17 19

Appearance

Liu Zishi has refined features and round, expressive eyes that contrast sharply with his tall, muscular frame. As he trains and receives better care at Rong Residence, his bearing becomes noticeably more spirited and valiant. 2 22

• Tall and sturdy, with considerable physical strength 2 15
• Refined-looking features despite a brawny build 2
• Later wears narrow-sleeved black robes and a ribboned headcloth, giving him the appearance of a young martial man 22
• Grew taller and more confident after Rong Xi improved the household’s food and living conditions 22

Personality

Zishi is straightforward, innocent, and openly enthusiastic, particularly where food or new tasks are concerned. He initially frightens easily, but he is never unwilling to work; once Rong Xi gives him meaningful responsibilities, he eagerly throws himself into them. 3 7

His defining trait is loyalty. Zishi views Rong Xi’s kindness, education, and protection as debts he must repay. He becomes fiercely defensive whenever others repeat rumors against Rong Xi and prioritizes remaining at his master’s side even over his own dream of becoming a hero like Prince Qin. 8 28 29

Abilities & Skills

Martial Arts Training

Zishi has a strong physique and some natural aptitude for martial arts, though he remains in training.

• Began training with a servant assigned by Chen Erlang. 15
• Received supplemental guidance from Chen Dalang while the latter recovered from his injury. 15
• Formally became Feng Shan’s disciple after accepting the hardships of martial training. 19
• Practices stances, punches, kicks, and regular conditioning with the aim of protecting Rong Xi. 15 29

Literacy and Calligraphy

Rong Xi personally teaches Zishi characters, literature, writing, and calligraphy.

• Attends daily lessons in Rong Xi’s study. 9
• Initially retained only a small portion of the hundred characters he copied each day, but continued studying diligently. 11
• Later understands enough written text to read most of Minister Rong’s letter to Rong Xi. 24
• Continues practicing writing and calligraphy under Rong Xi’s instruction. 38

Household Work and Practical Assistance

Zishi is a reliable physical helper in Rong Xi’s projects.

• Catches fish, gathers ingredients, carries goods, and assists with household chores. 2 18
• Helped produce honeycomb coal briquettes by operating Rong Xi’s coal mold. 7
• Successfully lit and adjusted the coal stove under Rong Xi’s instructions. 9
• Acts as Rong Xi’s messenger and attendant, including delivering white-sugar samples to Gourmet Pavilion. 24 25

Relationships

• Rong Xi — Master, teacher, and benefactor. Rong Xi feeds and clothes Zishi, educates him, supports his martial training, and treats him as a trusted attendant; Zishi devotes himself to protecting and serving him. 7 9 19 29
• Liu He — Grandfather and fellow resident of Rong Residence. Liu He raises Zishi, worries over his demanding training, and instructs him to serve Rong Xi faithfully. 1 8 19
• Feng Shan — Martial-arts master. Feng accepts Zishi as a disciple after warning him that training will require endurance. 18 19
• Qin Ke / Chen Dalang — Early martial mentor and indirect benefactor. As Chen Dalang, Qin Ke gives Zishi training advice and provides the jade pendant that enables him to study under Feng Shan. 15 17 33
• Chen Erlang — Arranges for a strong servant to begin Zishi’s martial-arts instruction. 15

Notable Quotes

“This servant will certainly serve the young master with care.” 8

“Don’t speak ill of Young Master Rong! Young Master Rong is kind and benevolent. Those vicious words are nothing but proof that they are blind and foolish!” 28

“Naturally, I will serve by your side, Young Master.” 29

Trivia

• Zishi loves food intensely and once dreamed of being surrounded by crisp bean sprouts after eating them. 4
• He admires Prince Qin as a national hero, unaware at first that Chen Dalang—the man who guided his training—is Prince Qin himself. 29 33
• Rong Xi’s insistence on bathing, clean clothing, and literacy substantially changes Zishi’s habits and bearing. 17 22