Liu Zishi

Biodata

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

As threats against Rong Xi increased, Zishi’s wish to protect his master was repeatedly tested. When an intruder entered Rong Residence under the pretext of Teacher Gao’s illness, he blocked the attacker and, after being knocked down, held tightly to the man’s legs alongside Feng Li despite being badly beaten. He later continued accompanying Rong Xi outside the residence and participated in defending the household during the refugee crisis. 57 72 75

Zishi remained deeply attached to Rong Residence as the household expanded. He and Liu He were overcome with relief when Rong Xi returned safely from the Northern Frontier, reproaching him tearfully for having endangered himself. 154

Power Progression

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

Though his innocence can make him sympathetic toward apparent victims and slow to suspect ulterior motives, Zishi has become courageous in emergencies. He obeys Rong Xi’s instructions without hesitation and is willing to endure injury to keep danger away from his master. 57 103

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
• Continued training in hand-to-hand combat under Qin Ke’s guidance. 65 66
• Helped Feng Li restrain an armed intruder, continuing to hold the attacker despite being beaten and injured. 57

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
• Helped transport the household’s custom-made wooden furnishings and explained Rong Xi’s practical inventions to Feng Shan and Feng Li. 21
• Accompanies Rong Xi when he travels outside the residence, particularly after threats against the household became known. 72
• Launched Rong Mo’s bamboo-and-oilcloth flying model during its mountain test. 125

Protective Service

Zishi increasingly serves as one of Rong Xi’s close protectors.

• Guarded Rong Xi’s bedroom during the bailiffs’ search and suffered a knee injury while trying to stop them from forcing entry. 14
• Stayed close to Rong Xi when a hostile servant from Shengjing arrived, already suspecting the visitor had ill intentions. 24
• Helped investigate the report of Teacher Gao’s alleged illness before the attempted abduction at Rong Residence. 57
• Assisted in the household’s response to the refugee disturbance and helped carry the injured Teacher Gao back to safety. 75
• Was instructed by Qin Ke to protect Rong Xi during the refugee crisis, a duty he accepted without hesitation. 75

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 57 154
• 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
• Feng Li — Fellow martial-arts student and companion. Feng Li trains alongside Zishi under Feng Shan and joined him in physically restraining the intruder who attacked Rong Residence. 56 57
• 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; he later personally teaches Zishi hand-to-hand combat. 15 17 33 65
• Chen Erlang — Arranges for a strong servant to begin Zishi’s martial-arts instruction. 15
• Golden Lucky — Fellow resident of Rong Residence. Zishi is initially fascinated by Lucky’s foreign appearance and later relays Lucky’s warning about Lady Xin to Rong Xi, though he is initially taken in by her tragic story. 64 103

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

“Young master! Get inside, quickly!” 57

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
• He had secretly listened outside Teacher Gao Bai’s school before meeting the teacher at Rong Residence, allowing him to recognize Gao immediately. 29
• He took pride in explaining Rong Xi’s household inventions to Feng Shan and Feng Li, as though the honor belonged to him personally. 21
• He helped test Rong Mo’s early flying model by launching it from a mountaintop. 125