WLBG: Character Depth
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Introduction
This is a page specifically for the main characters in What Lies beneath the Ground. Every single character's background information actually contains spoilers, so you may not wish to read until you've actually read through the story itself. Of course, if you don't mind, spoilers, than please continue along.
Order of characters goes through those originally frpm the Cao Wei Dynasty, the Sun Wu Dynasty, and those that are considered "others".
Cai Zhi (才智)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Cai Zhi
[Age:] 16
[Date of Birth:] May 11, 184AD
[Origin:] Ping Yuan, Qing
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 172 Centimetres (5’8”)
[Weight:] 54 Kilograms (120 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Black
[Eye Colour:] Blue
[Dexterity:] Right
[Blood Type:] O+
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Deceased
[Father:] Deceased
[Older Sister:] Jing Mei
[Younger Sister:] Jing Daio
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] River Master
[Version 02 Name:] Sea Master
Personality
A serious young man for his age, he seemed to have inherited that from Mei. He didn’t seem to think of females as future prospects in his life, and had little respect for them at all. In fact, as far as he was concerned, they were a waste of his time. He was formal and always standing in the proper posture. How others perceived him was something he took highly.
His pride ruled him, and probably a bit more than what was called for. He disliked having rivals unless they were considered to be authoritative figures in his life. Being the best in everything and creating a legacy for the Jing family name was his first and foremost priority.
Background Information
Cai Zhi was the younger brother of Jing Mei and the older brother of Jing Daio. Around the age of eleven years, he disowned himself from the Jing family and took on the family name “Cai”. He felt that after his parents passed away, Mei was constantly trying to take their place, which was something that could never happen (in his opinion). He allowed her to teach him worldly things such as sword-fighting (where he took up the kilij blade), but anything that dealt with home issues went in one ear and clearly out the other.
After leaving the two remnants of his family behind, he took up residence in Yong, where he was later recruited into Zhao Fei’s force. When he heard of the goal they were trying to accomplish: the complete overthrow of Lord Cao Cao, he eagerly enrolled and became appointed Zhao Fei’s number two general. He was placed in charge of all strategies and tactics used against their opponents.
During the first part to What Lies beneath the Ground, he proves never-ending loyalty to Fei up until Jing Daio is captured during battle. Not wanting to cause any detriment to his younger sister, Cai Zhi leaves Zhao Fei’s force and instead creates his own with Zheng Yu, Lu Dian, and Lu Xiang.
Jing Daio (惊呆哦)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Jing Daio
[Age:] 15
[Date of Birth:] June 07, 185AD
[Origin:] Ping Yuan, Qing
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 152 Centimetres (5’0”)
[Weight:] 41 Kilograms (90 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Black
[Eye Colour:] Brown
[Dexterity:] Ambidextrous
[Blood Type:] B+
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Deceased
[Father:] Deceased
[Older Sister:] Jing Mei
[Older Brother:] Cai Zhi
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Luna Chakram
[Version 02 Name:] Sol Chakram
Personality
Bubbly and cheerful most of the time, Jing Daio was considered to be the lighter side of her elder, Mei. She was optimistic and faithful, even during the darker times. In the times that she failed to uphold her typical stature, she was comforted by Li Gan, Zhao Fei’s lead general. The only time she ever got to the point where she was overly concerned was when her older sister was in some type of peril.
She was sweet and kind, always, to all people, whether they were considered friend or foe. She truly wanted peace for the Three Kingdoms, but knew that in order to attain it, it was essential to fight for one’s own beliefs. Jing Daio was a main protagonist in her journey with her sister.
Background Information
Had it not been for Daio in the first place, Cai Shang never would have risen from the depths again. In her younger years, she recalled the times of revolution brought about by Shang and was aware that as she aged, he would be needed again. Unable to pull off such a feat on her own, she persuaded her older sister to form a charade to fool the rest of China.
She followed in her sister’s footsteps, never faltering in whatever she chose to do. Due to her overwhelming loyalty, she was made the main general of Cai Shang and Jing Mei’s forces, in charge of everything outside of strategy and tactics. Her first passion was to the militia force until she met Li Gan in the first battle with Zhao Fei.
Without given consent from Mei, Daio fell in love with the pirate, however, kept the relationship extremely discreet at first. It was with her purest intentions that she was able to convince Mei to allow this relationship to take place.
After being taken prisoner by Zhao Fei during a defending move for Ping Yuan and Qing, she was later released when Mei came to personally bargain. It was about that time that her lover, Li Gan, also joined Jing Mei’s force as her second appointed general (following the abandonment from Zheng Yu).
Her relationship with her older brother was not one she spoke of. In order to keep Jing Mei’s mind at ease, she convinced her elder that Cai Zhi did not exist, although that was originally how Cai Shang came to be. While she deeply cared for her brother, she had to do everything in her power to keep the two from meeting and causing a family feud.
Jing Mei (精美)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Jing Mei
[Age:] 19
[Date of Birth:] June 03, 181AD
[Origin:] Ping Yuan, Qing
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 163 Centimetres (5’4”)
[Weight:] 44 Kilograms (98 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Black
[Eye Colour:] Violet (Left); Grey (Right)
[Dexterity:] Ambidextrous
[Blood Type:] AB-
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Deceased
[Father:] Deceased
[Younger Brother:] Cai Zhi
[Younger Sister:] Jing Daio
[Husband:] Lu Ning, Zheng Yu
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] True Grace
[Version 02 Name:] Qiao Grace
Personality
Serious, calm, and down to earth, Jing Mei was often considered to be a woman of perfection. She was looked to as a role model for the younger generation, especially those of Ping Yuan and the rest of Qing. Believed to be a woman of great influence, especially one for not being of relation to Lord Cao Cao’s family, she was grouped with other great females of the times and former (the Qiao sisters, Nu Wa, Yue Ying, Xing Cai, Zhu Rong, Diao Chan, Zhen Ji, and Sun Shang Xiang).
Not thought to be very kind, most people did not trifle with her. When it came to her own personal family, she was extremely protective. On the battlefield, her followers and disciples were categorized as family. Enemies and foes were treated with little to no compassion unless honour was involved.
She was most often compared to Zhen Ji, wife of Cao Pi and the daughter-in-law of Lord Cao Cao. Many made the mistake that perhaps they might have been twins or relations at all on account of their similar personality traits. This not being the case, however, has merely stated that the two may have been rivals instead.
Background Information
Betrothed at the age of thirteen, she was married to Zheng Yu, a promising young man from Jiao Zhi, well known for his knowledge of strategy. The year following her wedding, her mother and father passed away. Taking on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings, she raised Jing Daio and Cai Zhi as though they were her own children. Since she could not give birth to her own, her protective grasp grew at an incredible rate, and in such a way that she actually ended up distancing Cai Zhi from the remaining of the family.
After his departure, the inner pain and mourning Jing Mei was dealing with caused her to create another personality within her own: Cai Shang. In her attempt to make the world a better place, primarily for children, she used him to achieve her goals until she was discovered a woman and nearly paid with her own life. Zheng Yu, although uninformed of the actual situation, spoke with the Emperor Xian and managed to free Jing Mei from any sort of harm.
Years later, after having her ideals rejected by China’s rule, she was convinced to arise Cai Shang again. Because Emperor Xian was merely a figurehead, he was not informed and thusly Shang was allowed to roam the lands again.
Although she was typically successful with her disguise, in the loss against Lu Ning for the land of Bei Ping, Li Gan discovered her identity, using that to his advantage to ultimately attempt to conquer Ping Yuan. Instead of accepting a graceful loss, Jing Mei escorted herself directly to Lu Ning and under his terms became his wife. Using her feminine charm she was able to infiltrate his force and assassinated Lu Ning, causing his emperor goals to dissipate.
In the second part of What Lies beneath the Ground, her actual identity was revealed after she attempted to off Zhao Fei the same way she had Lu Ning, the price for the abduction of her younger sister, Daio. Her secret discovered, her husband (Zheng Yu) abandoned her, and instead, he was replaced by Li Gan, the very same man who had turned her in to Fei.
After much persuasion from her rival, Jing Mei finally decided to join Zhao Fei’s force, creating the absolute fighting force.
Cai Shang (踩墒)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Cai Shang
[Age:] 19
[Date of Birth:] June 03, 181AD
[Origin:] Chang An, Yong
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 163 Centimetres (5’4”)
[Weight:] 44 Kilograms (98 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Black
[Eye Colour:] Violet (Left); Grey (Right)
[Dexterity:] Ambidextrous
[Blood Type:] AB-
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Deceased
[Father:] Deceased
[Younger Sister:] Jing Daio
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Elder Sword
[Version 02 Name:] Ancients Sword
Personality
Cai Shang came off as a very cold and unfeeling man, except when it came to Daio. Due to that, most believed that the two had a close-knit relationship or were severely intimate with one another. Originally questioned on such, Shang claimed that Daio was far too barbaric for him as well as anyone else, and would never fit the title of being a wife.
By his enemies, he was considered to be of a homosexual orientation, although that was not proven. On the other hand, he also came to be thought of as asexual, caring little for either gender.
He was generally arrogant, cocky, and overconfident. His reliance was placed solely upon Zheng Yu, Jing Daio, and Li Gan to lead him into victory.
Background Information
Although merely an alter ego, he was responsible for a number of revolts against Lord Cao Cao and his misfits when they attempted to hone in on the land and materials of Qing. Claiming that he was from Yong, he was thought to be the hired guardian of that particular region, although was later discovered to be nothing more than an imposter (and a woman, none the less). Escaping execution, Cai Shang disappeared from the face of China for a good five years.
Requested by Jing Daio to protect Ping Yuan and Qing from Zhao Fei’s growing force, he defended the land and politely declined from joining his foe. Instead, forcing Zhao Fei out of Wei territory, he proceeded on claiming all of those former lands. Hoping to create a new reformed dynasty for Wei, his eyes were set on overthrowing Cao Cao. However, that was not to be, as Bei Ping was invaded by Lu Ning and his family, resulting in a loss for Shang.
Later retrieving that land again, Cai Shang and his force attempted to move in on Lord Cao Cao, only to be confronted by Zhao Fei again. Betrayed by Li Gan, Jing Daio was taken hostage and announced as deceased by his troops. After that battle, Li Gan revealed Cai Shang’s true identity to his followers, creating a great amount of animosity between Jing Mei and Zheng Yu.
That final battle with Zhao Fei was the last chapter in Cai Shang’s story.
Zhao Fei (昭妃)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Zhao Fei
[Age:] 23
[Date of Birth:] June 02, 177AD
[Origin:] Chang An, Yong
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 188 Centimetres (6’2”)
[Weight:] 79 Kilograms (175 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Black
[Eye Colour:] Blue/Green
[Dexterity:] Right
[Blood Type:] A-
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Deceased
[Father:] Deceased
[Younger Brother:] Deceased
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Flying Dragon
[Version 02 Name:] Young Dragon
Personality
At a first glance, Zhao Fei appeared a very serious person. Being only half that way, he knew what his priorities were. A serious person he was on the battlefield and a rival of the provocative manner he was away from what he considered business. He was renowned for breaking the hearts of many young females. He did not, however, consider himself marriage material.
Background Information
Born and raised in Chang An, he spent a good majority of his life there. When he was ten years of age, Emperor Xian was under the impression that there were Shu members hiding within the city. He came through with his troops and annihilated the villagers running about in the open. While Zhao Fei escaped that fate, his younger brother was not so fortunate. Hatred was fueled for the older Wei Dynasty and that was the basis for creating his force.
Seven years later while he was in the process of conquering the land of Liang and acquiring the peoples’ trust, he ran into his very best friend and the only other person he saw as a brother-like figure, Li Gan. The latter joined his force and it seemed the two would go quite far together. Along his travels, they picked up a young man by the name of Cai Zhi, who had the potential to be a great swordsman.
Defeated at Ping Yuan by a mysterious Cai Shang, Zhao Fei demanded that Li Gan infiltrate the force and bring back information. After recalling him, they proceeded on invading Qing again. Using Cai Shang’s identity to his advantage, he took Jing Daio as a prisoner and ordered that word of her “death” be spread around.
As to whether he caused any detriment to Daio while she was in his custody was not proven, however, questioned. He was approached by Jing Mei and the bargain between them ended up in her joining his force in exchange for Daio’s safe return. This resulted in him losing Cai Zhi and Li Gan.
Li Gan (里干)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Li Gan
[Age:] 23
[Date of Birth:] February 16, 177AD
[Origin:] Chang Sha, Jing
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 183 Centimetres (6’0”)
[Weight:] 73 Kilograms (160 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Dark Brown
[Eye Colour:] Hazel
[Dexterity:] Right
[Blood Type:] O-
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Unknown
[Father:] Unknown
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Destroyer
[Version 02 Name:] Marauder
Personality
Li Gan was a rather lewd and crude young man, known for his ability to easily manipulate women. Disliking hard work, he became known for being overly lazy and a procrastinator on many levels. When forced to work hard, he preferred to make things a little more fun and a little more interesting, something that was often looked down upon by other people.
Although mostly considered to be a villainous person, his feelings for Jing Daio caused his faith to change. Instead, he became more comic relief than anything else.
Background Information
He met Zhao Fei at the age of ten, and in an attempt to free him of some of his hatred for Emperor Xian and Lord Cao Cao, he invited him to join a journey to become a fellow pirate. He was turned down, but with little to no hard feelings. While Li Gan returned to his home land of Chang Sha to fulfill his dreams, Zhao Fei stayed in Chang An and worked on his sword-mastery.
The two met again during a raid in Liang in 194AD. Both were fighting for the same thing: ownership of the land there. They combined their forces and Li Gan temporarily ported his boat in the harbour of Xu Liang. Joining Zhao Fei, he became the lead general and was in charge of ambushes, infiltrations, and alliances.
When they were faced with difficult at Qing, Li Gan was placed under orders to travel from Jiao up north and request a membership with Cai Shang’s force. Successful in doing so, he mistakenly fell in love with Jing Daio, the lead general of his leader’s rival.
Once he was called back to Zhao Fei’s side, they rushed the front of Ping Yuan, losing the battle, but not the war. During of which, Li Gan shamelessly revealed Cai Shang’s identity to his troops, causing a large uproar and ruckus while Zhao Fei was able to abduct Jing Daio. Under the impression that his best friend had somehow brought detriment to his princess, Li Gan waited until after Jing Mei had come for her sister before joining her force instead, severing ties with Fei.
Zheng Yu (正与)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Zheng Yu
[Age:] 27
[Date of Birth:] December 23, 173AD
[Origin:] Jiao Zhi, Jiao
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 180 Centimetres (5’11”)
[Weight:] 70 Kilograms (155 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Dark Brown
[Eye Colour:] Brown
[Dexterity:] Ambidextrous
[Blood Type:] B-
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Zheng Chan
[Father:] Zheng Li
[Younger Brother:] Cai Zhi
[Younger Sister:] Jing Daio
[Wife:] Jing Mei
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Pure Havoc
[Version 02 Name:] Chaos
Personality
In some ways, he was very similar to his wife, Jing Mei. He was calm and quiet. Very rarely did he ever act in an irrational manner and more than likely when he did, no one was around to see such a thing. While he appeared unfeeling or careless, he was most often thoughtful and contemplative. His mind was always at work, trying to think of a way to make others around him happier and how to bring the idea of peace to light.
Background Information
As a young boy, he’d taken interest in tactics and in order to please his family, he studied under the famous strategist, Zhou Yu of the Wu Dynasty. While around him, he picked up not only his ideas and style, but also bits and pieces of his personality. Although he was only a couple years younger than him, he aided in the maturity of Zheng Yu.
Leaving Zhou Yu to his personal events, Zheng Yu returned to his family and worked for them, trying to create a stable life. He was rewarded with a betrothal to a beautiful young girl that he fell very hard for, Jing Mei. When the two were married, Zheng Yu’s sole intention was to please her. In his mind, he had her planted on a pedestal and very nearly worshipped the ground she walked on. Even when she distanced herself from him, he found that his feelings would not change. Instead, he merely drew himself closer to her emotionally, wanting nothing more than to carry the burdens that she held.
When Cai Shang came to Ping Yuan to defend the land, Yu felt it was appropriate that he should join the cause as well. Jing Daio was not fit to govern the troops on her own, and he was openly accepted, due to impressive military lineage and his connections. He was left in charge of alliances on account that he was highly charismatic.
Upon the realization that he had been used by his wife, he refused to actually separate their names, but instead left her force to join Cai Zhi, Lu Dian, and Lu Xiang. His heart may have been broken, but he refused to let that control him. After all, she was still the only woman he loved.
Lu Dian (路点)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Lu Dian
[Age:] 24
[Date of Birth:] January 24, 176AD
[Origin:] Han Zhong, Yi
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 175 Centimetres (5’9”)
[Weight:] 61 Kilograms (135 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Dark Brown
[Eye Colour:] Green
[Dexterity:] Ambidextrous
[Blood Type:] O+
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Unknown
[Father:] Unknown
[Older Brother:] Lu Ning
[Younger Sister:] Lu Xiang
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Pole Axe
[Version 02 Name:] Heavenly Halberd
Personality
He was known for his carefree attitude, which most did not appreciate about him. He was exceedingly loyal to his family and in awe of two things in life: women, and his older brother, Lu Ning. He held great respect for his ancestry and those he considered to be much higher than him. Having such excellent moral thoughts, he was thought to be one of the best warriors in all of China.
Background Information
One of the nephews of the legendary Lu Bu, he was held to the standards of being as mighty and powerful as he. While his strength did not compare, his intellect made up for it. Like the other members in his family, he used weaponry of the halberd family.
Astounded and pleasantly surprised by his older brother’s marriage to Jing Mei, one of the fabled beauties of the land, he failed to recognize her scheme. When his brother was assassinated, he was aware of who was responsible, yet had no proof and could never get justice for what had ensued. Instead, he and his younger sister, Lu Xiang, joined Cai Zhi in his new force.
Other than that, little information is known about him.
Lu Ning (卢宁)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Lu Ning
[Age:] 27
[Date of Birth:] April 23, 173AD
[Origin:] Han Zhong, Yi
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 208 Centimetres (6’10”)
[Weight:] 91 Kilograms (200 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Dark Brown
[Eye Colour:] Hazel
[Dexterity:] Right
[Blood Type:] O+
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Unknown
[Father:] Unknown
[Younger Brother:] Lu Dian
[Younger Sister:] Lu Xiang
[Wife:] Jing Mei
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Sky Piercer
[Version 02 Name:] Sky Scorcher
Personality
Lu Ning was most often thought of as a man lacking compassion, mercy, and overall feelings in general. He appeared to be quite hostile, cruel, and tyrannical. When it came to his family, he was quite the opposite, however. He adored his younger siblings and his deceased family members. He also had a great love for women and most often was loyal and faithful to them (to a point, of course).
Background Information
A direct descendant of the mighty Lu Bu, he was every bit as mighty. Sadly, he preferred his brawn over brains, though, and was considered to be a fool or an idiot. Aware that with his strength alone he could take over China, that was his primary goal. His initial target was to destroy the many forces growing in Wei, but he was stopped by Jing Mei.
Approached by her, he was so drastically taken in by her beauty that he demanded she drop her husband at the time and marry him. She reluctantly agreed. Pleased by how his future appeared to look, he failed to realise that she was merely using him, the way Diao Chan had used his uncle those years before. His naivety resulted in his death, followed by the crumbling of his aspirations to be emperor.
Lu Xiang (录像)
Initial Statistics
[Name:] Lu Xiang
[Age:] 21
[Date of Birth:] November 20, 179AD
[Origin:] Han Zhong, Yi
Physical Statistics
[Height:] 165 Centimetres (5’5”)
[Weight:] 52 Kilograms (115 Pounds)
[Hair Colour:] Dark Brown
[Eye Colour:] Blue
[Dexterity:] Left
[Blood Type:] O+
Family Statistics
[Mother:] Unknown
[Father:] Unknown
[Older Brother:] Lu Ning
[Older Brother:] Lu Dian
Weaponry Statistics
[Version 01 Name:] Sacred Light
[Version 02 Name:] Ambition
Personality
Not much was known about the youngest of the Lu family. She wasn’t entirely talkative except when it came to her own family. The only thing fairly noticeable were her over protective antics concerning Dian and Ning.
Background Information
She was brought up in a family where she was allowed to fight, but it wasn’t absolutely necessary. She had two older brothers who would take care of her and an outstanding family legacy, which warned people to know their place.
When her oldest brother had divulged his plans of conquest, she picked up a halberd and a shield and decided to join in the fight for what she believed was right: a land united beneath Lu Ning. After they conquered Bei Ping, she was placed in charge of bringing him a various amount of concubines, so he might pick himself a wife. Obviously this did not go over well with her. Placing her jealousy aside temporarily, she followed as she was told.
She met Jing Mei while the latter was posing as a potential bride for her older brother. When she was chosen as that particular female, Lu Xiang accepted hesitantly and later spoke to Dian about it. She was too late to receive vengeance, however, for Lu Ning died afterwards.
The mourning period was short before she decided to go off with Lu Dian and Cai Zhi. Her final efforts were to decimate Jing Mei and her descendants.
