Jiang Yunu

After Li Xuanfeng redeems her from Drunken Spring Pavilion, Jiang Yunu makes a modest home with him and raises their son through his long absences. She is found dead after an invasion reaches Lixia, before Xuanfeng returns. (Chapters 130, 160, 162)

Biography

A household built around an unfinished promise

When Xuanfeng offers to redeem Yunu from Drunken Spring Pavilion, she first thinks he is teasing her. He pays for her release and brings her to a manor, where they begin a life together. Before leaving to pay tributes, he gives her a wild goose as a stand-in for the formal promise they have not yet made. Yunu keeps a simple household, declines costly servants, and later raises their son while Xuanfeng visits only intermittently. Their scenes show a lasting partnership, but no formal marriage. (Chapters 130–131, 142, 156)

Protecting Yuanyu through Xuanfeng’s absence

After five years without word from Xuanfeng, Yunu worries that he may have died, yet her attention remains on their young son. She gives Yuanyu coins to help a beggar, follows when she fears for his safety, and warns him to be careful around strangers. During the attack on Lixia, Yuanyu disappears from her; when Xuanfeng returns, he finds her remains and an embroidered goose hanging at the courtyard door. No individual killer is identified. (Chapters 160, 162)

Appearance and personality

Yunu has a round face when Xuanfeng first brings her home; years later, after raising Yuanyu, her face has become slimmer. She is modest and frugal, generous toward a beggar, and protective of her son. (Chapters 130, 142, 160)

Abilities and cultivation

No cultivation ability is shown. Yunu’s responsibilities are domestic: she manages the household and cares for Yuanyu while Xuanfeng is away. (Chapters 142, 160)

Relationships

• Li Xuanfeng: Her partner and Yuanyu’s father. He redeems her and establishes a home with her, but frequently leaves for cultivation and family duties. (Chapters 130–131, 142, 156)
• Li Yuanyu: Her son. Yunu raises and protects him during Xuanfeng’s absences. (Chapter 160)

Items

Xuanfeng gives Yunu a brocade pouch and a wild goose; he says the goose will stand in for a promise they have not yet formalized. Later, an embroidered goose hangs on a cloth at their door and serves as a keepsake in Xuanfeng’s memory, though its maker is not identified. (Chapters 131, 162)