Piao

Piao is level-headed, disciplined and ambitious. Although he shares Xin's enormous dream, he is better at controlling his emotions and thinking about immediate practical problems.

He is also capable and responsible in everyday life. Piao cooks, cleans and handles domestic work more competently than Xin, demonstrating that his years as a servant have developed skills beyond swordsmanship.

Most importantly, Piao believes deeply in Xin. Even when presented with an extraordinary opportunity of his own, he does not abandon the promise they made together. He sees their dream as something both boys are pursuing, regardless of which one advances first.

Piao develops formidable swordsmanship through years of daily practice against Xin. The two fight hundreds of bouts, with their records remaining close enough that neither can comfortably dismiss the other.

His abilities are remarkable considering that neither boy initially receives formal military instruction. Piao's swordsmanship comes almost entirely from relentless practice, physical conditioning and constant competition with Xin.

He also demonstrates natural charisma. When circumstances require him to stand before trained soldiers, his bearing and determination can inspire people who know almost nothing about his real background.

Piao begins the story living and working alongside Xin in a rural village. Their routine changes when Chang Wen Jun notices Piao and takes him to the royal capital for a secret assignment.

Piao is selected because he closely resembles Zheng Ying and is used as the king's double during Cheng Jiao's coup. He accepts the role despite understanding its danger.

After the rebellion erupts, Piao leads loyal soldiers while impersonating Zheng. He is mortally wounded but escapes long enough to return to Xin, hand him a map and direct him toward the king's hiding place.

Piao's death becomes the immediate catalyst for Xin's journey. His dream of becoming a Great General does not disappear with him; Xin carries their shared promise into every stage of his military career.

Xin is Piao's closest friend, fellow orphan and lifelong rival. The two grow up as servants and promise one another that they will become Great Generals. Piao's final instructions set Xin on the path that brings him into Zheng Ying's service.

Zheng Ying is the Qin king whose physical resemblance to Piao leads to the servant boy's recruitment as a royal double. Piao accepts the dangerous assignment to protect him.

Chang Wen Jun discovers Piao in the village and recruits him for the palace mission.

You Li is the village elder in whose household Piao and Xin live and work as servants.

Cheng Jiao leads the coup that forces Piao into active service as Zheng's double.