I have to say the greatest hero is XF and greatest love is that of Xiao Feng and Ah Zhu. I’ve read a few comments on XF and wanted to address them here.
-XF is gay or he looks down on women because he doesn’t talk to them- not true. In the book, XF only hangs out with men who drink, eat, and talk loud like him. That’s why he’s not so compatible with Miss Ma’s husband. So we can plausibly conclude that XF doesn’t talk to women because they’re not crude enough for him.
-XF is too aggressive and too revengeful-not really. XF is just bright, quick and decisive. He only killed people out of necessity, like when he was at the Manor. He always felt bad long after for having caused so many deaths, even though it wasn’t his fault. He is brave and forgiving—stabbed himself to save the lives of the 4 elders, even though they plotted against him. He is noble—resigned as leader of Beggar Clan so there wouldn’t be internal conflicts, even though he still had many loyal followers. He tried to save the Beggar Clan people when they were poisoned, and yes, that’s right after they destroyed everything he had. He’s not too revengeful—only wanted Big Brother and planed to forgive everyone else. He showed compassion—hesitated to ask the monk for BB (one that lost kungfu while practicing medicine) because he was afraid that the monk would die too. Even the sweeper monk commented on XF’s nobleness when he refused to conspire with Murongbok against the Song. Murongbok promised that XF would get his revenge if XF agrees with the plot against the Song. If personal revenge were all that XF was after, he would have agreed since it was unclear whether he and his dad could’ve taken out the other 3. This illustrates XF’s efforts and desires to bring peace long before his final deed. He put the people of two countries before himself, even when both sides didn’t appreciate and hated him. At least GJ had the Song people to back him up and praised him a hero. This point further illustrates XF’s noble character—he secretly helped others without wanting any kind of rewards. People keep focusing on the number of people XF killed and hence, accusing him of being aggressive. This overlooks the circumstances under which he was in and noble deeds that he did (yes, even before the final sacrifice).
XF’s death is meaningless- totally not true (this has been discussed elsewhere). XF died for two reasons, peace and love. Even when the emperor agreed to retreat, he still accused XF of betraying Liao for the riches from Song dynasty. XF had asked Yelu Hongji not to go to war many times before, but he always thought XF had an ulterior motive. XF’s death showed the emperor his aspiration for peace and people’s well-being. XF also died because of love. Actually, XF died with AZ that rainy night. Yet, he had to live in hopelessness and desolation. Why? Because he had to keep his promise to her. Because he had to live to find the truth, so that her death would not be in vain. And because he had to die a meaningfully death. Living in desolation—to fulfill a greater good—was heroic on its own. He died a perfect death, one that brought peace and one that brought him to his beloved Ah Chu.
One more thing that’s needed to be said about XF. Unlike any other protagonists in JY novels that I’ve read, only XF surpassed social, cultural, and racial discriminations. (YG passed social and cultural discriminations when he decided to marry his teacher.) After knowing his origins, XF could have sided with the Kitan against the Song. This inclination was natural because race was such a big factor in one’s identity, but also because XF held high position in Liao and was denounced in Song. Yet, XF loved both Song and Liao people. Of course, we wouldn’t know what YG and GJ would have done in this circumstance. But we definitely know that XF’s decision to protect both race shows his ability to embrace and accept people of all background. All that said, XF is indeed the greatest hero in JY universe.
Now let’s talk about XF and AZ's undying love.
Let’s begin with XF. Before he got kicked out of Beggar Clan, he got power, fame, and women-Miss Ma (who is supposed to be extremely beautiful) and possibly others as well. Yet, he never paid attention to any of them, not even WYY. He didn’t even notice Ah Zhu and only saved her because he was heroic, arrogant, and guilty (she was injured partly because of him). And when he was at his worst moments, she was there waiting for him 5 days and nights. Interestingly, although he didn’t love her, just hearing her voice lifted his spirit when he was hurt and angry. This shows how much XF really needed AZ as a friend and lover. When he found out that he was a Kitan, it was her that kept him alive. The more time spent with AZ and seeing how kind she was, the deeper XF fell for her. But he never had the courage to tell her because he was new to this love stuff and because he still felt ashamed about his origins. His world changed after she told him that if he raised horses, she could raise sheep (or something like that). He was willing to give up wulin for her. Granted, he had already lost all the fame and power at that time. But this doesn’t change his devotion for her. AZ suggested that after they find the truth, they should exonerate him in public. But he said there was no need, all he wanted was to raise sheep with her. He stayed with the despicable Ah Zhi only to fulfill his promise to her. Yelu Hongji gave him thousands of girls, but the only girl in his heart was Ah Zhu. So no, his love for her was not out of guilt. He loved her because she was kind and smart, the only one that could make him laugh, the only one that could make him feel like a somebody. He kept longing for her because there’s no one else perfect for him, the way that she was.
Now discussing Ah Zhu. Even XF didn’t understand why a girl like AZ loved a guy like him. She’s the beloved maid in the Murong family, only 17, smart, pretty, talented (her ability to disguise), and most of all, kind. He’s 31, a crude beggar, a Kitan, and didn’t have an ounce of romance in him. Yet, he was the man of her dream. He became her hero the moment he sacrificed to save the 4 elders. She admired his courage and compassion when he stood besides her at the Manor. And because of this, she traveled hundreds of miles and left the life she knew, just to be with him—only to let him go.
Loving XF the way she did, she had no other choice but to leave him. Letting her father die was not an option. But she loved XF too much see him unhappy—if he decided to forgo his revenge for her—or dead—if he chose otherwise. She never wanted to leave him, because he would be alone. But she decided to save him, from the Dali people, from his internal conflicts.
XF and AZ. They never knew love until they found each other. He saved her life, she saved his. All they ever wanted was to live a simple life with horses and sheep. But fate was too cruel and took her away. Their story evolved from respect and admiration to understanding and love. It’s only natural for Ah Zhu to sacrifice for XF and him to eternally long for her. AZ traveled thousands of miles just to be with XF, and XF found his way to her.