Jiang Bin

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Jiang Bin (蒋斌)
Alias(es)	Prince of Anle; Young Master Jiang 11 68
Gender	Male
Title	Commandery prince personally ennobled by Emperor Wu’an 65
Affiliation	Great Qian imperial family; Shen Shixu’s disciples; Court of Judicial Review as an apprentice investigator 24 65 151
Occupation/Role	Shen Shixu’s second disciple and attendant; later handles investigations with Zhang Ming 24 151
Family	Son of Princess Kangning and Jiang Xingbang; nephew of Emperor Wu’an 13 65
Status	Alive; engaged to Yang Qi in the latest documented appearances 170 171
First Appearance	Chapter 11, “The scapegoat” 11

Background / History

Noble upbringing and the Qiuyuan Alley case

Jiang Bin grows up relying on his parents’ wealth and protection. Before his reform, he leads a circle of wastrels and spends his time drinking, pleasure boating, and enjoying himself with disreputable friends. Xiao Jinyi considers him capable of abducting common women, severely beating people, and picking fights, though not of committing murder 11 31 67.

His ownership of a house in Qiuyuan Alley makes him the principal suspect in an operation that imprisons young women and forces them into prostitution. Jiang admits buying the property to keep a mistress, but insists that he dismissed her a year earlier and has not returned since. When questioning his associates produces no leads, he demands a confrontation with the arrested guards. Neither side recognizes the other: the guards had trusted a wealthy-looking employer who merely claimed to be the Eldest Princess’s son. Xiao Jinyi releases Jiang Bin 11.

Shen Shixu’s investigation establishes that the underground operation predates Jiang Bin’s purchase. The ownership trail leads through Big Gold Tooth and Jiang Hu to Jiang Bin’s father, Jiang Xingbang, who deliberately arranged for his son to acquire the property and become his scapegoat 12 13.

Break with his father

At morning court, Jiang Bin learns that his father ran the operation and attempted to frame him. Emperor Wu’an sentences Jiang Xingbang to execution after autumn. Gossip System 011 then exposes Jiang Xingbang’s hidden mistress and two other children, whom Princess Kangning has unknowingly supported for six years under the belief that they are impoverished relatives 13 14.

Jiang Bin had regarded his father as exceptionally loving because Jiang Xingbang rarely punished him and usually responded to his misconduct with gentle reasoning. The revelations destroy that admiration. Supporting his distressed mother, Jiang accepts the emperor’s judgment and requests permission for them to confront Jiang Xingbang in prison 14.

When Jiang Xingbang attempts to excuse his affair and regain Princess Kangning’s sympathy, Jiang Bin kicks him in the crotch, permanently destroying his manhood. He repudiates his father and subsequently resolves to stop living as an idle wastrel so that he can support himself and his mother 14 15.

Apprenticeship under Shen Shixu

Jiang Bin approaches Shen Shixu with apprenticeship gifts, explaining that he and Princess Kangning are grateful rather than resentful: exposing Jiang Xingbang protected them from further harm. He wants to become someone his mother can depend on and believes Shen can teach him 21.

He accepts being junior to five-year-old An Chengyu despite being older than Shen himself. At the formal discipleship ceremony, Shen gives him a seal inscribed “Maintain discipline and integrity.” Jiang promises to live honestly. Shen makes him an attendant and apprentice investigator, reserving any future Court of Judicial Review appointment until he has demonstrated sufficient competence 22 24.

His first lessons involve studying completed case files. He initially overlooks clues, then records too many irrelevant details, and repeatedly identifies the wrong culprit. His fear that such mistakes could cause wrongful convictions prompts Shen to explain the Court’s review safeguards and reassure him. Jiang resumes studying and begins recognizing useful leads 31.

His reform becomes widely known in the capital. Other noble families seek Shen’s help with their own unruly children, while Jiang’s former companions resent being compared unfavorably with their reformed ringleader 67 68.

Field experience

During the Guo Yongshun murder investigation, Jiang rejects an obvious suspect because the man’s concern for his surviving family makes reckless revenge less likely. Later, his blunt questioning of Feng Dayong provokes the armed butcher into charging at him, forcing Jiang to shelter behind Xiao Jinyi 50 52.

Jiang joins Shen’s expedition to investigate the Song household massacre in Qu City. He is enthusiastic but less prepared than Zhang Ming, relying on money to purchase supplies. Travel sickness prevents the pair from keeping up during part of the investigation 73 74 85.

On the return journey, he shares pastries with a sick child who reminds him of An Chengyu. He and Zhang Ming invite the child and his grandfather to travel with the group to the capital 85 86.

Jiang also accompanies the inquiry into Hu Lanxin’s suspicious death. He argues that the death of a princess consort cannot be dismissed as a private family matter, relays Shen’s instructions to Zhang Ming, and joins the visit to Liu Ru’s former servant Xia He 104 105 108.

First independent investigation

While Shen is away from the capital, Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming independently investigate a butcher’s murdered wife. Rather than accept the apparently complete case against her neighbor, they question why the evidence fits together so perfectly 151.

They identify a gap in the butcher’s alibi and connect the clean, decisive dismemberment to his occupational experience. Jiang requestions the imprisoned neighbor, who admits that he was away committing theft. Verification of the theft and recovery of the stolen goods support his account, helping expose the butcher’s attempt to frame him. Shen is pleased with their work 151.

Engagement to Yang Qi

Princess Kangning chooses Yang Qi, the seventeen-year-old daughter of the Marquis of Yongyang, as Jiang Bin’s prospective wife. Jiang describes her as lively, adorable, beautiful, and exactly his type 170.

Their relationship is tested when Yang Qi sees him accompanying Fang Huaiyu in women’s clothing. Believing Jiang has lied about meeting a male friend, she publicly slaps him and accuses him of disgracing Shen. Fang reveals his identity, and Yang apologizes. Jiang responds patiently, acknowledges the misunderstanding rather than retaliating, and reconciles with her. The three subsequently go shopping together 170 171.

Appearance

• Apprenticeship visit: Wears a plain dark-blue brocade robe while carrying the gifts chosen with Princess Kangning 21.
• First day at the Court: Chooses an understated gray robe, leather wrist guards, a matching gray hair ribbon embroidered with silver clouds, and a Diexie Belt. Shen finds him neat and energetic; his appearance resembles a novice wandering swordsman rather than a spoiled noble 31.
• Physical condition: Years of drinking and debauchery have left him physically weak when he confronts Jiang Xingbang 14.
• Self-assessment: Considers his looks comparable to Zhao Zihang’s, while admitting that Zhao is far ahead of him in ability 65.

Personality

Jiang Bin begins as arrogant, unruly, and accustomed to having others accommodate him. His father’s betrayal gives him a concrete reason to change: protecting Princess Kangning and becoming independent. His newfound humility extends to servants and routine work; he politely addresses Xiaoshi and willingly buys lunch, brews tea, and washes fruit for Shen 21 31.

He is eager for his master’s approval but takes judicial responsibility seriously. Repeated failures in training discourage him because he fears harming innocent people, not merely because he dislikes being wrong. Shen’s warning against judging people through preconceptions becomes a lifelong guiding principle for him 31.

His reform does not erase his temper or taste for confrontation. He uses cutting insults against Xu Zhen, makes an outrageous insinuation about the Earl of Everlasting Prosperity, and pinches Xiao Ruixuan’s cheeks after being mocked. Much later, he still considers organizing a beating with Xiao Cheng, with whom he has a history of putting disliked people in sacks and assaulting them 35 39 108 149.

Alongside those flaws, Jiang becomes increasingly protective and considerate. He encourages An Chengyu, helps strangers on the road, and continues supporting Fang Huaiyu despite the trouble his disguises cause. His patient response to Yang Qi’s mistaken accusation contrasts sharply with his earlier spoiled behavior 64 85 86 170.

Abilities & Skills

Investigation and Evidence Analysis

Jiang learns to observe closely, make bold deductions, verify theories, and revise them when new evidence appears 31.

• Recognizes that a suspect’s family responsibilities may complicate an apparent revenge motive 50.
• Questions evidence that seems suspiciously perfect rather than treating it as automatically conclusive 151.
• Checks alibis through external evidence, including a reported theft and recovered stolen property 151.
• Progresses from unsuccessful case-file exercises to an independent investigation with Zhang Ming 31 151.

Hearing Shen Shixu’s Thoughts

Jiang can hear Shen’s inner conversation with Gossip System 011. He explicitly credits this access with revealing Fang Huaiyu’s use of him as a romantic “shield” 65.

• Uses the information to reconsider a deception that could harm Zhao Zihang and implicate Princess Kangning 65.
• Helps Zhang Ming explain the unusual source of the gossip to Jiang Miaokong and Song Zhuoyang 86.
• Is not identified as the system’s host; 011 is attached to Shen Shixu 65 86.

Verbal Sparring and Storytelling

Jiang is quick at turning an opponent’s words against them and is praised by Shen as an entertaining storyteller 35 103.

• Exposes the double standard when Xu Zhen provokes him but expects him to respond “magnanimously” 35.
• Uses a demand for proof of parentage and a threat to report human trafficking to prevent the earl from taking Xu Qing away 39.
• Sometimes overreaches: Shen signals him to restrain himself after an indecent insinuation 39.

Mediation

Jiang learns to seek a credible intermediary when direct explanations fail 66.

• Recruits Princess Qingyang to help resolve Zhao Zihang’s disbelief about Fang Huaiyu’s disguise 66 67 68.
• Accepts Zhao’s apology once the misunderstanding is settled 68.
• Makes room for reconciliation with Yang Qi instead of escalating their public argument 170 171.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• “Maintain discipline and integrity” seal — A discipleship gift from Shen, personally carved by Wen Yu, a renowned master of the previous dynasty. It reminds Jiang to preserve his moral integrity and original purpose 24.
• Notebook and charcoal pencil — Prepared before his first day of instruction; used to record Shen’s investigative lessons 31.
• Princess Kangning’s token — Used to enter the palace when seeking Princess Qingyang’s help 66.

Gifts to Shen Shixu

• Residence on Black Tortoise Avenue — A prime property with three successive courtyards near the imperial palace, intended to shorten Shen’s commute 24.
• Shops and banknotes — Several thriving businesses belonging to Princess Kangning and banknotes worth over one hundred thousand taels 24.
• Snow Palace Night Banquet Painting — Selected from the storeroom to suit Shen’s interest in scholarly art 24.
• Red coral ornament — Prepared for Shen’s study as a housewarming gift 34.
• White-Glazed Orchid porcelain vases — Zhao Zihang’s apology gift, which Jiang passes on to Shen 68.
• Food gifts — Includes two carp he catches himself and candied hawthorns for An Chengyu. Shen eventually tells his disciples that their company matters more than expensive presents 64 68.

Relationships

• Princess Kangning — Mother and principal source of support. After Jiang Xingbang’s exposure, Jiang makes becoming someone she can rely on his reason for seeking instruction 15 21.
• Jiang Xingbang — Father, formerly admired. His attempt to frame Jiang and his hidden second family destroy Jiang’s affection and respect 13 14.
• Emperor Wu’an — Maternal uncle and the emperor who personally grants Jiang his commandery-prince title 65.
• Shen Shixu — Master. Jiang regards his father’s prosecution as a rescue rather than grounds for revenge, and values his discipleship enough to swear an oath on being expelled 21 66.
• An Chengyu — Five-year-old senior fellow disciple. Jiang accepts the unusual hierarchy, encourages his studies, and advises him not to submit to bullying 22 36 64.
• Xiao Jinyi — Cousin, whose stern manner and fighting ability intimidate Jiang. He nevertheless provides Jiang protection when Feng Dayong attacks 11 52 101.
• Zhang Ming — Fellow student of Shen’s investigative methods and Jiang’s partner in his first independent case 105 151.
• Fang Huaiyu — Close friend and fishing companion. Jiang helps protect his freedom to wear women’s clothing, though repeatedly serving as his “shield” creates misunderstandings 64 65 170.
• Zhao Zihang — Initially antagonistic over “Fang Xiaoyu.” Their dispute ends with Zhao acknowledging his mistake and giving Jiang an apology gift 65 66 68.
• Princess Qingyang — Older cousin who helps Jiang resolve Fang’s disguise-related dispute through Zhao’s family 66 67.
• Yang Qi — Fiancée chosen by Princess Kangning. Their public misunderstanding ends in apology and reconciliation 170 171.
• Xu Qing — Receives Jiang’s assistance and physical protection during confrontations with her household 35 39.
• Jiang Miaokong — Fellow pupil who addresses Jiang as “Second Senior Brother” and intervenes when he roughhouses with Xiao Ruixuan 108.
• Xiao Cheng — Friend and occasional accomplice in sack-covered beatings of people they dislike 149.

Notable Quotes

“I want to become someone my mother can depend on.” 21

“Master, don't worry. From now on, I'll live an honest, upright life, and I'll never forget my original intentions.” 24

“As long as you'll take me as your disciple, never mind a five-year-old senior disciple—even a three-year-old martial uncle would be fine!” 22