Xiao Ziheng

Biodata

Background / History

Early Life and Illness

Xiao Ziheng suffered from an illness said to have afflicted him since the womb. The emperor sought renowned physicians, but none could cure him. According to the imperial physicians, careful rest could allow him another twenty years of life, while an unexpected incident could put him at immediate risk 116.

As a child, he was close to his younger brother Xiao Zisu, who used to cling to him. They were separated when Xiao Zisu left the palace with his master at five years old 62.

Reunion with Xiao Zisu

The brothers reunited thirteen years later, when the eighteen-year-old Xiao Zisu returned to the imperial palace amid the struggle for succession. Xiao Ziheng was immediately captivated by his younger brother’s appearance, then unsettled by his own attraction. He used his poor health as an excuse to end their meeting 62.

Despite his distraction, Xiao Ziheng recognized Xiao Zisu’s attempt to win him over. He anticipated that his brother’s return would bring bloodshed and questioned whether he could remain outside the coming conflict 62.

The Hot-Spring Alliance

Xiao Ziheng initially maintained neutrality: he neither wanted the position of crown prince nor intended to help another contender obtain it. When Xiao Zisu approached him at the hot springs, however, he already understood the younger prince’s discreet efforts to secure civil and military support 113 114.

Xiao Zisu explained that he wanted the throne to relieve the common people’s suffering, but offered to support Xiao Ziheng instead if he would accept the responsibility. Xiao Ziheng refused, citing his health and lack of interest in the position. He also rejected money, power, beauties, and noble titles as incentives, instead revealing his interest in Xiao Zisu himself before agreeing to help without conditions 114 115.

During their subsequent teasing, both fell into the water. Xiao Ziheng pretended to be unconscious to see how Xiao Zisu would react. His brother’s desperate tears surprised him: he had expected suspicion or irritation, not genuine fear for his life. That response transformed his earlier, casual promise into a heartfelt determination to help Xiao Zisu become emperor 116.

Retirement

Xiao Ziheng supported Xiao Zisu through the struggle for the throne. After Xiao Zisu became emperor and the realm entered a period of peace, Xiao Ziheng retired to the mountains and forests 116.

When an old acquaintance later asked why he had backed the seemingly disadvantaged fourth prince, Xiao Ziheng quietly answered, “Love.” The visitor did not hear him clearly, and he declined to repeat himself. He continued to conceal the romantic nature of his feelings 116.

Appearance

• Features: Exceptionally handsome, with gentle features and an exquisite, fragile beauty 62 112.
• Complexion: Unnaturally pale skin and lightly colored lips caused by years of illness 62.
• Eyelashes: Long and thick, inherited from his late mother 115.
• Clothing: Prefers white rather than bright colors; his reunion costume includes moon-white robes and a fox-fur cloak against the cold 62 112 133.
• Bearing: Compared to a cool, distant moon, contrasting with Xiao Zisu’s brilliant, sunlike presence 112 133.

Personality

Xiao Ziheng is known as gentle, refined, humble, and courteous. He keeps a low profile and seldom interacts with others, maintaining a polite distance even when he smiles. Beneath that restrained exterior, he is perceptive and politically formidable 112 113.

His apparent harmlessness conceals a mischievous streak and a sharp tongue. Around Xiao Zisu, he becomes openly teasing: he insists on hearing “Third Brother” spoken affectionately, mocks his brother’s ineffective threats, and delights in leaving him flustered. Xiao Zisu also recalls a civil official leaving Xiao Ziheng’s residence furious after an encounter with him 113 115.

Although seemingly free of worldly desires, Xiao Ziheng is deeply affected by sincere affection. Having witnessed extensive deception and scheming, he finds Xiao Zisu’s tears more compelling than political advantage. His love remains private even after their shared struggle has ended 115 116.

Abilities & Skills

Political Insight and Strategy

Xiao Ziheng sees through maneuvers that escape the princes directly involved in them 113.

• Recognizes Xiao Zisu’s recruitment efforts at their first adult reunion 62.
• Understands his brother’s concealed involvement in court politics and his attempts to win over military officers 111 113.
• Earns Xiao Zisu’s judgment that he is the brother who truly deserves to be called clever 113.
• Inspires his guard captain’s confidence that, without his frailty, the first and second princes could not have defeated him 115.

Debate and Verbal Dexterity

His courteous manner does not prevent him from being an incisive speaker 115.

• Leaves Xiao Zisu unable to answer his teasing or devise an effective threat 115.
• Appears debating a gathering of scholars in the highlights of his role shown at the Starlight Awards 160.

Swimming

Xiao Ziheng knows how to swim and is familiar with the hot spring where he nurses his health 116.

• Uses that familiarity to feign drowning and unconsciousness after falling into the water 116.
• His swimming ability does not remove the broader risks posed by his chronic illness 116.

Relationships

• Xiao Zisu — Younger biological brother, political ally, and the object of Xiao Ziheng’s concealed romantic love. Xiao Zisu’s affection is sincere but exclusively brotherly; even his later willingness to sacrifice his life for Xiao Ziheng contains no romantic or sexual desire 62 116 138.
• His mother — Deceased. Xiao Ziheng inherited her eyelashes; before the hot-spring incident, she was the only person he regarded as important enough to weep over 115 116.
• The emperor — His father, who sought physicians in an unsuccessful effort to cure his illness 116.
• Guard captain — A longtime subordinate who understands the formidable capability beneath Xiao Ziheng’s harmless appearance 115.
• Unnamed deathsworn guard — A loyal protector who ultimately dies defending him; portrayed by Chen Wan in the adaptation 105.

Adaptation and Reception

Chu Ci’s Portrayal

• Chu Ci secured the role after performing the snowy reunion scene opposite Ye Qingzhou during an impromptu audition without costumes or props 62 63.
• Fans initially opposed the casting, questioning whether Chu Ci could convey Xiao Ziheng’s intelligence and complicated emotional journey 87.
• The director later praised his handling of the character’s emotional shifts, finding that he made Xiao Ziheng neither sleazy nor foolish 117.
• Xiao Ziheng’s final shot takes place in a bamboo grove. A close-up makes the romantic nature of his love unmistakable 117.
• Chu Ci won the Starlight Awards’ Best Newcomer award for the role 160.

Popularity

Notable Quotes

“I just feel that this year's heavy snow won't stop so soon.” 62

“I know the state of my own health better than anyone. Besides, I'm not interested in becoming crown prince...” 114

“After all, my love for Xiao Zisu cannot see the light of day. I've hidden it all my life. A few more years won't make any difference.” 116

Trivia

• The original author stated that, had Xiao Ziheng been healthy and not developed romantic feelings for Xiao Zisu, the throne might not ultimately have belonged to Xiao Zisu 112.