Concubine Zhao
Dream of the Red Chamber: The Strongest Imperial Guard—The World Is Mine!
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Concubine Zhao (赵姨娘) |
| Alias(es) | Lady Zhao; addressed as “Madam” after receiving her court title 50 |
| Gender | Female 3 |
| Age | In her thirties 3 |
| Affiliation | Jia household, Rongguo Mansion 1 50 |
| Occupation/Role | Jia Zheng’s concubine; birth mother of Jia Huan and Jia Tanchun 3 |
| First Appearance | Mentioned in Chapter 1; appears directly in Chapter 3 1 3 |
Power Progression
Her documented advancement is in court status, rather than martial cultivation.
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Untitled concubine | 1 3 | Receives a household allowance of one tael per month and initially believes a concubine cannot obtain an imperial title. |
| Ninth-Rank Confucian Lady | 50 | Appointed through Jia Huan’s merit and the Southern Commandant Office’s petition. Receives an annual stipend of eight taels of silver and eight bolts of silk, the right to sit at family banquet tables, and access through Rongguo Mansion’s main gate at New Year and other festivals. |
The official delivering her patent distinguishes an Imperially Appointed Lady, her category, from an Imperially Invested Lady, a designation reserved for fifth rank and above 50.
Background / History
Concubine Zhao raises Jia Huan and Jia Tanchun within a household that privileges legitimate children. Her monthly allowance is only one tael, making her unable to finance the eight hundred taels Jia Huan needs to purchase his Embroidered Uniform Guard post 1. Jia Huan later argues that her behavior—“playing the madwoman and the fool”—helped her raise both children under Madam Wang’s authority. His recognition of those hardships brings tears to her eyes 3.
Her subordinate position exposes her to humiliation even from servants: she recalls Granny Lai pointing at her face and berating her. Before receiving a court title, she is also excluded from sitting at the table during family banquets 16 50.
Appearance
- Described as a beautiful woman in her thirties 3.
- Frequently carries a handkerchief, clutching or twisting it when anxious or angry 3 10 11.
Personality
Concubine Zhao is fiercely protective of Jia Huan but easily frightened by the dangers of his profession. She initially urges him to remain safely at home, avoid trouble, and resign if necessary. After a dangerous encounter, she checks him thoroughly for injuries and curses the monks who attacked him; when he accepts a life-and-death duel, she pleads through tears for him not to sign 3 10 41.
Her pride is loud and theatrical. She spreads news of Jia Huan’s achievements through the mansion, uses mock complaints to boast about his promotion, and organizes celebrations with gongs, drums, firecrackers, and money for servants. After his victory over the White-Haired Killing Demon, she resumes showing off before her tears have dried 5 11 35 41.
Although described as greedy, stingy, and eager for petty advantages, her savings are intended to establish an estate for her son. When Jia Huan offers her twenty-eight gold ingots, she initially takes only one and returns the rest; after he insists, she promises to keep them safe for him 10.
She cannot read, but she is not oblivious to practical matters. She asks others about the Guard’s hierarchy, recognizes Wang Xifeng’s likely role in financing Jia Huan’s post, and keeps his promotion document out of Jia Baoyu’s hands for fear that damage could interfere with his appointment 4 5.
Relationships
- Jia Huan — Her son and principal source of support. He defends her hardships, gives her wealth, and fulfills his promise to secure her a court title 3 10 50.
- Jia Tanchun — Her daughter. Concubine Zhao tries to ease the siblings’ quarrel by inviting Tanchun to dinner, but Tanchun leaves 3.
- Jia Zheng — Her husband. He blames her for Jia Huan’s upbringing and later sharply silences her when she interrupts the imperial decree in fear 11 50.
- Madam Wang — The household’s principal wife and Jia Huan’s legal mother. Zhao’s imperial appointment humiliates Madam Wang, who regards it as an insult to her own standing 3 50.
- Wang Xifeng — A sometimes helpful, frequently scolding relative. Zhao acknowledges her assistance to Jia Huan, but they clash over whether You Erjie should enter his household 5 37.
- Caiyun — Helps publicize Jia Huan’s exploits and organize celebrations. Zhao favors her over the newly arrived Qingwen, assigning her first-class maid status and twice Qingwen’s allowance 5 11 35.
- Qingwen — Initially clashes with Zhao over authority and household duties. Jia Huan requires Qingwen to respect his mother but also tells Zhao not to quarrel with or discipline her. Zhao becomes delighted with Qingwen when she calls her “Madam” after the appointment 11 50.
- Xiangling — Wins Zhao’s affection through her gentle manner and cooking. Zhao discourages her from kitchen work, partly fearing accusations of mistreatment from Aunt Xue 17.
- You Shi — Approaches Zhao about marrying You Erjie to Jia Huan. Zhao offers only a concubine’s place, which You Shi considers humiliating 37.
Story Role / Major Arcs
| Arc | Chapters | Concubine Zhao’s involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Jia Huan joins the Guard | 3 | Fears for his safety and doubts his promise to earn her an imperial title. |
| Early promotions | 4 5 10 11 | Publicizes his capture of Yuan Si, receives twenty-eight gold ingots, and celebrates his appointment as General Banner. |
| Conflict with the Lai servants | 16 | Tries to stop Jia Huan entering Rongxi Hall and fears retaliation after he severs Lai Er’s ankle tendons. His assurance that he can investigate the servants restores her confidence. |
| Hundred-Household Commander celebration | 35 | Leads a noisy procession through the mansion and announces plans to begin building Jia Huan’s residence on the allotted plot. |
| You Erjie marriage proposal | 37 | Considers You Erjie as a concubine, but Wang Xifeng rejects the arrangement and demands advance notice of future marriage discussions. |
| White-Haired Killing Demon’s challenge | 40 41 42 | Nearly faints at the challenger’s reputation, begs Jia Huan not to fight, then proudly announces his victory to the street. |
| Imperial appointment | 50 | Initially mistakes the decree for a criminal accusation. On learning its purpose, she weeps over the patent and celebrates being addressed as “Madam.” |
Equipment / Items
- Imperial appointment patent — The scroll confirming her Ninth-Rank Confucian Lady title; she clutches it while crying and later asks Xiangling to read it 50.
- Twenty-eight gold ingots — Jia Huan’s gift, which she promises to safeguard for him despite his encouragement to buy fine clothes, jewelry, and rouge 10.
- Handkerchief — Jia Huan takes it to wipe his saber’s hilt after injuring Lai Er, then discards the bloodstained cloth 16.
Notable Quotes
“Back away when trouble comes, and if things really don’t work out, resign. We’re a little strapped, but we have food and clothes...” 3
“Did you see that? That’s my son!” 42
“I’m eating government grain now too!” 50