Xiaoshi

Biodata

Background / History

Childhood and Service

Shen Shixu rescued Xiaoshi, and the two grew up together. In Minglu City, Xiaoshi often secretly brought him snacks that Shen Zexi forbade him to eat. Shen Shixu came to regard him as a younger brother rather than merely a servant 71.

In the Capital, Xiaoshi initially attends Shen Shixu in his rented courtyard. He prepares writing materials, sends correspondence home, and wakes him for his appointments. When Shen Zexi arrives, Xiaoshi visits the Court of Judicial Review to announce his arrival and explains that the elder brother came out of concern for Shen Shixu 6 15.

Managing the Shen Residence

Xiaoshi joins Shen Zexi and Jin Bao in guarding the courtyard entrance with weapons when Duke An’s gift-bearing visitors cause a misunderstanding. Later, as the household moves into the larger residence Jiang Bin gave Shen Shixu, Shen Zexi instructs Xiaoshi and Jin Bao to obtain additional servants through a broker 17 34.

Shen Shixu appoints Xiaoshi head steward because of his efficiency despite his youth. The residence runs in good order under his management, with the theft incident singled out as the exception 71.

The Thief Trap

Xiaoshi takes pity on a young beggar, brings him into the residence, and employs him as a cleaner so he can have food and warm clothing. He names the boy Little Fang because of his square face 71.

When Xiao Jinyi hides in the residence to catch a thief, Shen Shixu entrusts Xiaoshi with secretly delivering three meals a day. Xiaoshi also guards the study during the operation. A figure apparently resembling Little Fang collides with him and spills soup on his treasured clothes, prompting him to leave to change 71.

Although his departure initially appears careless, it follows an agreed plan: Shen Shixu had told him to leave without raising an alarm if anyone tried to send him away. The intruder is subsequently exposed as Jiang Miaokong impersonating Little Fang, not the boy Xiaoshi had sheltered 72.

Family Crisis and Wedding

Xiaoshi knows about the Wu Family’s accusation against Shen Zexi before Shen Shixu does. His persistent frowning alerts Shen Shixu, who presses him for the truth. When Shen Father’s urgent letter reports Shen Zexi’s imprisonment, Xiaoshi rushes to deliver it through Bai He, enabling Shen Shixu to learn of the crisis while at the palace 115 116.

On Shen Shixu’s wedding day, Xiaoshi announces Xiao Jinyi’s arrival at the gates and fetches Shen Zexi to join the disciples blocking the groom’s entrance 162.

Personality

Xiaoshi is compassionate toward vulnerable people, as shown by his decision to shelter and employ Little Fang. He is also deeply attached to Shen Shixu: his happiness rises with his master’s, and he treasures the clothes Shen Shixu buys him 15 71.

His loyalty is practical rather than merely affectionate. He follows the thief-trap instructions even when they require him to appear distracted; the narration specifies that otherwise he would have remained at his post despite his stained clothes 72.

He admires competence in others. Shen Shixu’s calm response to the Li Family’s exile impresses him, as do Uncle Zhang’s cooking and thoughtful anticipation of Shen Shixu’s hunger 62.

Abilities & Skills

Household Management

• Keeps the Shen Residence running efficiently as its head steward 71.
• Assists with household expansion and arrangements for additional servants 34.
• Coordinates with the kitchen and delivers meals to Shen Shixu 62.

Errands and Logistics

• Handles letters, visitor announcements, and messages about Shen Shixu’s whereabouts 6 15 50 92.
• Sends people to notify Jiang Bin and Zhang Ming of an investigative journey and arranges the carriage 74.
• Delivers handwriting practice sheets to An Chengyu at Shen Shixu’s instruction 64.

Discretion

• Draws on his experience secretly supplying childhood snacks to conceal Xiao Jinyi’s meal deliveries 71.
• Cooperates with the staged withdrawal that allows the thief to enter the study trap 72.
• Is not presented as a martial artist; Bai Lixi warns that a blow Mo Yu could withstand would badly injure Xiaoshi 174.

Relationships

• Shen Shixu — Rescuer, childhood companion, and employer. Shen Shixu treats Xiaoshi as a younger brother and trusts him with household management and confidential tasks 71.
• Shen Zexi — Shen Shixu’s elder brother. Xiaoshi reports his arrival, helps guard the household alongside him, and receives moving arrangements from him 15 17 34.
• Xiao Jinyi — Shen Shixu’s partner. Xiaoshi supplies his concealed stay and directs him to Shen Shixu when an overnight summons takes his master away 50 71.
• Little Fang — A beggar Xiaoshi shelters, names, and employs as a cleaner. Jiang Miaokong later uses the boy’s appearance as a disguise 71 72.
• Uncle Zhang — Household chef whose skill and attentiveness Xiaoshi admires; they coordinate food for Shen Shixu 62.
• Jin Bao — Fellow servant who assists Xiaoshi with guarding the courtyard and preparations for the larger household 17 34.