A'Zhu

Literally, 'Vermilion'. Only a month older than A'Bi in age; but insisted on being the 'older sister' between them. Had a very faint womanly fragrance that enabled Duan Yu to identify 'Old Uncle Huang' and 'Sun the Third' as a woman (A'Zhu) in disguise; confirmed when Duan noticed the absence of an Adam's apple on her throat and the presence of fullness on her chest. Duan Yu described A'Zhu's talent at disguises as 'really very good', where she looked like whoever she sought to be. In reality, A'Zhu abilities were so good that there were hardly any flaws in her disguises (Chapter 11).

Considered by A'Bi to be 10 times more beautiful than herself. A maidservant in the Murong household; immensely pleased when Duan Yu, a guest, bowed willingly before her in greeting. Had a face that was shaped like the egg of a goose, lively eyes, and a mischievous air (Chapter 11). Had some knowledge of martial arts. Murong Fu's trusted maidservant, along with A'Bi; served Murong since she was a child (Chapter 12).

Could tell that there were hostile visitors at her Water Pavilion of Beautiful Listening when she was about a li (500 metres) away; picked up the smell of alcohol through her nose which was more sensitive than those of A'Bi, Wang Yuyan and Duan Yu. Used dough to change the features on her face when she had to disguise herself or others. Had her own set of servants, including a maid, a cook, a boatman and a gardener, despite being a maidservant herself (Chapter 13).

Disguises of A'Zhu (in order of appearance):

Old Uncle Huang 老黄伯伯 - An 80- to 90-year-old silver-haired male servant of the Murong Family; had a crutch, a bent back, a hoarse voice and a very wrinkled face. Considered by A'Bi to be a senile old man who thought highly of himself, but often ended up offending others with his words. Took place at the Little House of Zither Melodies (Chapter 11).

Sun the Third 孙三 - A 50-year-old male housekeeper of the Murong Family; skinny man with weathered sallow skin and a short goatee. Looked resourceful and capable; wore a thumb-ring made from jade. Duan Yu's suspicions were confirmed when Sun closed his mouth with a hand and opened his eyes wide with embarrassment after realising that he had offended Jiumozhi with his words about the untrustworthiness of monks and nuns. Took place at the Little House of Zither Melodies (Chapter 11).

Old Madame Murong 慕容老太太 - the supposed aunt (wife of the younger paternal uncle) of Murong Bo; friends of Murong Bo had to bow before her in greeting when they visited. Dressed luxuriously, with jade bangles on her wrists and pearl/emerald accessories on her head. Had many wrinkles and a pair of very small eyes on her face. Hobbled into the hall with the help of a walking stick; pretended to be hard of hearing and have poor eyesight. About 70 to 80 years old. Took place at the Little House of Zither Melodies (Chapter 11).

An old fisherwoman - to hide her identity from the hostile visitors who had gathered at her home while she was away at the Highland Manor of Camellias. Took place at the Water Pavilion of Beautiful Listening (Chapter 13).