Qiaoju

Biodata

Appearance

• Features: Delicate-looking, with fine brows and an initially meek expression 8 12.
• Hairstyle: Twin buns at her introduction 8.
• Clothing: A pale green sleeveless vest when first introduced to Cui Wan 8.

Background / History

Assignment to Cui Wan

Qiaoju was born into the Chu household’s service and became one of Wei Shuyun’s capable personal maids. Because Cui Wan arrived without a dowry maid, Wei Shuyun assigned Qiaoju to oversee her daily needs, meals, and courtyard affairs. Tang Xiang introduced them the morning after Cui Wan’s wedding. When Cui Wan addressed her as “Sister Qiaoju,” Qiaoju hurriedly protested that such courtesy exceeded her station 8.

In Orchid Courtyard, Qiaoju directed junior maids, organized Cui Wan’s belongings, and helped her settle into married life. She carefully explained that Chu Moqi was moving into the neighboring room, watching Cui Wan’s reaction for signs of humiliation or anger 10.

Caring for Cui Wan

After Chu Moqi nearly strangled Cui Wan during a nightmare, Qiaoju supported her out of his room. The following day, she initially barred Yan Huai from entering, inspected the medicines he delivered, and gently applied ointment to Cui Wan’s neck. She later covered the finger marks with white gauze 11 12 13.

When Cui Wan suffered abdominal pain, Qiaoju comforted her, guarded her rest, and received the ginger soup and bed warmer sent through Guard Yan. Chu Moqi subsequently summoned her to ask about Cui Wan and entrusted her with an awkward apology. Qiaoju’s later imitation of his embarrassed delivery made Cui Wan laugh 19 20.

Qiaoju also helped prepare Cui Wan for her fifteenth-birthday coming-of-age ceremony, selecting her clothes and arranging her hair. She joined Yan Qin and Yan Huai in celebrating with Cui Wan afterward 22 23.

Street Harassment and Changfeng’s Arrival

Hoping to ease Cui Wan’s unhappiness after another quarrel with Chu Moqi, Qiaoju invited her out to choose winter fabrics for Qiaoju’s mother. She tried to extend the outing with jewelry shopping and offers of favorite foods, but Cui Wan remained dispirited 26.

When Cui Wan confronted men spreading slander about Chu Moqi and Tang Xiang, Qiaoju tried to lead her away. After the men surrounded them, she shielded Cui Wan, was shoved aside, and lunged at one attacker in an attempt to bite him. Once bystanders drove the men off, she checked Cui Wan’s injuries and helped her home 26 27.

The incident prompted Chu Moqi to assign Changfeng as Cui Wan’s secret protector. Unaware of the arrangement, Qiaoju questioned Changfeng’s supposed destitution and warned her to repay Cui Wan’s kindness with proper service. She later criticized Changfeng’s rough handling of Cui Wan’s clothes, only to retreat in fright at the trained guard’s sharp look 28 29.

Recovery After the Abduction

Following Cui Wan’s abduction, Qiaoju found the two papers Yang Xiu had given her concealed in her inner garment. Those papers subsequently informed Chu Moqi’s investigation into the Cui family’s crimes. While pursuing the case, he instructed Cui Wan to rely on Qiaoju or Changfeng during his absence 43 44.

Personality

Qiaoju is conscientious and attentive to household etiquette. She responds to Cui Wan’s excessive politeness with alarm, observes formal greetings, and chooses her words carefully when discussing sensitive matters. She also respects Cui Wan’s wish for solitude rather than insisting on accompanying her everywhere 8 10 13.

Her protectiveness is stronger than her outward timidity suggests. Although she fears Chu Moqi and is easily intimidated by Changfeng, she repeatedly blocks visitors from disturbing Cui Wan and physically resists the street harassers. Chu Moqi nevertheless considers her loyalty insufficient protection against serious danger and chooses Changfeng for that role 10 12 19 26 28 29.

Away from conflict, Qiaoju is cheerful and playful. She enthusiastically announces Cui Wan’s coming-of-age ceremony and later exchanges snowballs with her, joining her in rolling a snowball half a person’s height 22 31.

Abilities & Skills

Household Management

• Directs junior maids and organizes clothing, jewelry, and everyday belongings 10.
• Knows the residence’s layout and its connections to household-owned shops 13 26.
• Arranges purchases through others, including the calming aromatics Cui Wan requests for Chu Moqi’s sachet 20.

Dressing and Hairdressing

• Styles Cui Wan’s hair appropriately for different occasions, including her early days as a bride and her coming-of-age ceremony 8 22.
• Selects coordinated formal clothing and helps Cui Wan prepare for household celebrations 22 33.
• Recognizes and corrects Changfeng’s overly forceful handling of delicate garments 29.

Personal Care

• Applies ointment gently and wraps gauze around Cui Wan’s injured neck 12 13.
• Monitors Cui Wan’s condition, comforts her during illness, and limits interruptions while she rests 19.
• Checks injuries and attempts to clean Cui Wan’s face after the street assault 26 27.

Relationships

• Cui Wan — Mistress and daily companion. Their relationship includes personal care, shared flower-picking, birthday celebrations, and playful snowball fights 8 14 23 31.
• Wei Shuyun — Former mistress, who personally selected Qiaoju to serve Cui Wan 8.
• Chu Moqi — Household master whom Qiaoju fears; she also serves as an intermediary for his concern and apology to Cui Wan 10 19.
• Yan Huai — Fellow attendant who delivers medicine and summons her on Chu Moqi’s behalf. Qiaoju initially struggles to distinguish him from Yan Qin 12 19.
• Changfeng — Fellow attendant whom Qiaoju initially distrusts and instructs in gentler service 28 29.
• Mother — Qiaoju spends part of her monthly allowance on warm fabrics for her mother’s winter clothes 26.

Notable Quotes

“Madam! You're not in prison! You're free to come and go! Surely you don't need to report to the young master and ask his permission every time you go out to buy something?” 26

“What are you doing! Let go of my madam!” 26