Xiao Feng and A'Zi's Uneasy Bond

This flow traces Xiao Feng's reluctant guardianship of A'Zi and her attempts to turn his duty to A'Zhu into continued companionship.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Promise Accepted

Guardianship by Promise The final request A'Zhu asks Xiao Feng to protect A'Zi, her only sister. Xiao Feng promises without knowing how difficult the obligation will become. A bond inherited A'Zi is not someone Xiao Feng would have chosen as a companion, but his loyalty to A'Zhu gives her a claim on his care. Their relationship begins in grief, not affection.

A Reluctant Companion

Protection Without Approval A'Zi follows A'Zi insists on traveling with Xiao Feng, arguing that she has important business and needs no permission. Xiao Feng refuses at first because he sees their lodging arrangement as improper. A promise prevails Her reference to A'Zhu's death softens his refusal. He allows her to accompany him but sets limits on her conduct and fighting.

Care During Recovery

A Guardian's Vigil Life sustained Xiao Feng continuously channels internal energy into A'Zi and searches for ginseng as her injury threatens her life. He undertakes the work because he believes he owes it to A'Zhu. A'Zi's interpretation A'Zi values his constant presence and admits that she attacked him hoping to keep him beside her. Her honesty reveals affection, but also the possessiveness that governs her choices.

A Father's Rescue Rejected

Attachment Against Family A'Zi refuses home Although her parents are nearby, A'Zi dislikes the disapproval she receives from Duan Zhengchun's followers. She prefers following Xiao Feng, who keeps his distance while still honoring A'Zhu's request. A painful imbalance Xiao Feng views her as a responsibility and often treats her as a child. A'Zi wants a closeness he cannot give, sharpening the tension between affection and duty.

A Promise Without Equality

Care Without Reciprocity Unequal dependence A'Zi remains physically weakened and relies on Xiao Feng, while he continues to arrange treatment and protection. Her dependence does not stop her from using cruelty against people who have less power. An unresolved relationship Xiao Feng's care fulfills a promise to A'Zhu, not an agreement between equals. The bond continues without resolving A'Zi's longing or Xiao Feng's grief.

At A'Zhu's death on the bluestone bridge

On the snowy road leaving Xinyang

The weeks after A'Zi's palm injury

After Xiao Feng becomes a Liao official

During A'Zi's recovery in the Liao capital