Zhang Qijie - Revision history

Soranin: Text replacement - "\[\[zh:(.+)\]\]" to ""

2026-05-14T12:17:36Z

Text replacement - "\[\[zh:(.+)\]\]" to ""

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 14 May 2026
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	{{ACMS}}		{{ACMS}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Zhang, Qijie}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Zhang, Qijie}}
	[[zh:张皇后 ]]		<!--[zh:张皇后 ]-->
	[[Category:1504 births]]		[[Category:1504 births]]
	[[Category:1537 deaths]]		[[Category:1537 deaths]]

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 14:03, 26 September 2025

2025-09-26T14:03:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 26 September 2025
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	At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>		At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>

	[[File:AC Blade of Shao Jun - Zhang Qijie ~~1517~~.png\|thumb\|~~170px~~\|left\|~~Zhang~~ Qijie ~~in 1517~~]]		[[File:AC Blade of Shao Jun - Shao Jun and Zhang Qijie.png\|thumb\|250px\|left\|Qijie and Shao Jun sneaking through the Imperial Palace]]
	One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>		One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>

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	{{Quote\|I thought I had to be your protector. But I had it all wrong, huh? You've been fighting this whole time in your own way.\|Shao Jun to Qijie prior to parting ways, 1530.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|To Each Her Own Arena}}		{{Quote\|I thought I had to be your protector. But I had it all wrong, huh? You've been fighting this whole time in your own way.\|Shao Jun to Qijie prior to parting ways, 1530.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|To Each Her Own Arena}}
	In 1530, the Templars [[Zhang Yong]] and [[Qiu Ju]] learned about Empress Zhang's friendship with Shao Jun and used this information to set a trap for the Assassin, forcing the Empress' co-operation by threatening her life. With the help of several concubines, Qijie contacted Shao Jun and, claiming she had a lead on Zhang Yong's location, asked her old friend to meet her at the Imperial Palace.<ref name="An Old Friend">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[An Old Friend]]</ref>		In 1530, the Templars [[Zhang Yong]] and [[Qiu Ju]] learned about Empress Zhang's friendship with Shao Jun and used this information to set a trap for the Assassin, forcing the Empress' co-operation by threatening her life. With the help of several concubines, Qijie contacted Shao Jun and, claiming she had a lead on Zhang Yong's location, asked her old friend to meet her at the Imperial Palace.<ref name="An Old Friend">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[An Old Friend]]</ref>

	[[File:An Old Friend China (6).jpg\|thumb\|250px\|The Tigers using Empress Zhang as bait for Shao Jun]]		[[File:An Old Friend China (6).jpg\|thumb\|250px\|The Tigers using Empress Zhang as bait for Shao Jun]]
	When Shao Jun arrived and was confronted by Zhang Yong and Qiu Ju, the Templars tried to convince the Assassin that her friend had betrayed her. However, Shao Jun saw through their lie and, understanding that Qijie's life had been at stake, forgave her. She then dueled Qiu Ju while Zhang Yong fled, but during the fight, the chamber caught fire due to several dropped [[lantern]]s.<ref name="Demon Fire">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Demon Fire]]</ref>		When Shao Jun arrived and was confronted by Zhang Yong and Qiu Ju, the Templars tried to convince the Assassin that her friend had betrayed her. However, Shao Jun saw through their lie and, understanding that Qijie's life had been at stake, forgave her. She then dueled Qiu Ju while Zhang Yong fled, but during the fight, the chamber caught fire due to several dropped [[lantern]]s.<ref name="Demon Fire">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Demon Fire]]</ref>
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	ACC China DB Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie's [[database]] image		ACC China DB Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie's [[database]] image
	An Old Friend China (4).jpg\|Zhang Qijie with Shao Jun		An Old Friend China (4).jpg\|Zhang Qijie with Shao Jun
	AC Blade of Shao Jun - Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang ~~Qijie~~ in ''Blade of Shao Jun''		Demon Fire China (4).jpg\|Empress Zhang being forced to help the Templars
			AC Blade of Shao Jun - Zhang Qijie 1517.png\|A young Zhang Qijie in 1517
			AC Blade of Shao Jun - Empress Zhang.png\|Empress Zhang in ''Blade of Shao Jun''
	</gallery>		</gallery>

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 13:51, 26 September 2025

2025-09-26T13:51:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 26 September 2025
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	At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>		At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>

	[[File:AC Blade of Shao Jun - Zhang Qijie 1517.png\|thumb\|~~220px~~\|left\|Zhang Qijie in 1517]]		[[File:AC Blade of Shao Jun - Zhang Qijie 1517.png\|thumb\|170px\|left\|Zhang Qijie in 1517]]
	One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>		One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 13:21, 11 August 2024

2024-08-11T13:21:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 11 August 2024
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	At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>		At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>

			[[File:AC Blade of Shao Jun - Zhang Qijie 1517.png\|thumb\|220px\|left\|Zhang Qijie in 1517]]
	One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>		One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>

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	ACC China Zhang Qijie Development 2.jpg\|Alternate concept art		ACC China Zhang Qijie Development 2.jpg\|Alternate concept art
	ACC China Zhang Qijie Color Variants.jpg\|Color tests		ACC China Zhang Qijie Color Variants.jpg\|Color tests
	ACC China DB Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie's database image		ACC China DB Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie's [[database]] image
	An Old Friend China (4).jpg\|Zhang Qijie with Shao Jun		An Old Friend China (4).jpg\|Zhang Qijie with Shao Jun
			AC Blade of Shao Jun - Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie in ''Blade of Shao Jun''
	</gallery>		</gallery>

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 08:01, 16 May 2024

2024-05-16T08:01:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:01, 16 May 2024
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	[[Category:Royal consorts]]		[[Category:Royal consorts]]
	[[Category:Assassin allies]]		[[Category:Assassin allies]]
			[[Category:Templar puppets]]
	[[Category:Zhang (張) lineage]]		[[Category:Zhang (張) lineage]]

imported>Sol Pacificus at 23:37, 6 May 2024

2024-05-06T23:37:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:37, 7 May 2024
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	\|affiliates=[[Ming dynasty]]		\|affiliates=[[Ming dynasty]]
	}}		}}
	'''Zhang Qijie''' (張七姐; c. 1504 – 1537) was, as '''Empress Zhang''', the second wife of the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]]. She was raised in the [[Forbidden City]] alongside other [[concubine]]s and was the childhood best friend of the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins\|Chinese Assassin]] [[Shao Jun]]<ref name="Qixie">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Shao Jun and Qixie]]</ref>		'''Zhang Qijie''' (張七姐; c. 1504 – 1537) was, as '''Empress Zhang''', the second wife of the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]]. She was raised in the [[Forbidden City]] alongside other [[concubine]]s and was the childhood best friend of the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins\|Chinese Assassin]] [[Shao Jun]].<ref name="Qixie">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Shao Jun and Qixie]]</ref>

	==Biography==		==Biography==
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	Zhāng (張) is a common Chinese family name that means "to open up, to stretch, to extend". Its etymology is an allusion to archery as it originally referred to "stretching a bow".		Zhāng (張) is a common Chinese family name that means "to open up, to stretch, to extend". Its etymology is an allusion to archery as it originally referred to "stretching a bow".

	Qijie (七姐) literally means 'Seventh Sister'. In ~~the English translation of~~ ''Blade of Shao Jun'', ~~Qijie~~ is erroneously ~~spelled~~ '''Qixie'''.		Qijie (七姐) literally means 'Seventh Sister'. In ''Blade of Shao Jun'', which was originally published in {{wiki\|Japanese language\|Japanese}}, her name is read '''Nāje''' (ナージェ), but in the English publication, the {{wiki\|Mandarin Chinese\|Mandarin}} reading has been erroneously romanized as '''Qixie'''.

	===Age===		===Age===

imported>Sol Pacificus: I just (re)discovered that her historical full name really was Zhang Qijie. Seventh Sister wasn't just what Shao Jun calls her as a younger friend.

2024-05-06T19:34:38Z

I just (re)discovered that her historical full name really was Zhang Qijie. Seventh Sister wasn't just what Shao Jun calls her as a younger friend.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:34, 6 May 2024
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	\|affiliates=[[Ming dynasty]]		\|affiliates=[[Ming dynasty]]
	}}		}}
	'''~~Empress~~ Zhang''' (~~張皇后~~; c. 1504 – 1537) was the second wife of the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]]. She was raised in the [[Forbidden City]] alongside other [[concubine]]s and was the childhood best friend of the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins\|Chinese Assassin]] [[Shao Jun]]~~, who referred to her affectionately as '''Qijie''' (七姐) or Seventh (Big) Sister.~~<ref name="Qixie">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Shao Jun and Qixie]]</ref>		'''Zhang Qijie''' (張七姐; c. 1504 – 1537) was, as '''Empress Zhang''', the second wife of the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]]. She was raised in the [[Forbidden City]] alongside other [[concubine]]s and was the childhood best friend of the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins\|Chinese Assassin]] [[Shao Jun]]<ref name="Qixie">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Shao Jun and Qixie]]</ref>

	==Biography==		==Biography==
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	Zhang Qijie is a historical character first introduced in the 2015 video game ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', where she is voiced by [[Marilyn O'Brien]]. Her backstory with Shao Jun was explored further in the game's 2019 manga adaptation, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]''.		Zhang Qijie is a historical character first introduced in the 2015 video game ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', where she is voiced by [[Marilyn O'Brien]]. Her backstory with Shao Jun was explored further in the game's 2019 manga adaptation, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]''.

	Zhāng (張) is a common Chinese family name that means "to open up, to stretch, to extend" ~~and is also employed as the measure word for flat objects such as paper or cloth~~. ~~However, its~~ etymology is an allusion to archery as it originally referred to "stretching a bow".		===Name===
			Zhāng (張) is a common Chinese family name that means "to open up, to stretch, to extend". Its etymology is an allusion to archery as it originally referred to "stretching a bow".

	The Japanese and English versions of ''Blade of Shao Jun'' provide contradicting years of birth for Zhang Qijie. In the original Japanese release, it is stated that she was 13 years old in 1517, placing her year of birth as 1504, which corresponds with her [[database]] entry in ''Chronicles: China''. However, in the English version, she is stated to be 15 years old at the time, meaning she would have been born around 1502.		Qijie (七姐) literally means 'Seventh Sister'. In the English translation of ''Blade of Shao Jun'', Qijie is erroneously spelled '''Qixie'''.

			===Age===
			The Japanese and English versions of ''Blade of Shao Jun'' provide contradicting years of birth for Zhang Qijie. In the original Japanese release, it is stated that she was 13 years old in 1517, placing her year of birth as 1504, which corresponds with her [[database]] entry in ''Chronicles: China''. However, in the English version, she is stated to be 15-years-old at the time, meaning she would have been born around 1502.

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 09:39, 6 May 2024

2024-05-06T09:39:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 6 May 2024
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	Qijie found an exit and escaped with Shao Jun in time, leaving Qiu Ju to perish in the inferno after a pillar fell on him. Once they were safe, Qijie apologized to Shao Jun for leading her into the Templars' trap while the Assassin in turn apologized for not saving her earlier in their lives. She then invited Qijie to flee the palace with her, but the Empress claimed that, with most of the [[Eight Tigers]] dead, the Jiajing Emperor may start listening to wiser council and her situation would improve.<ref name="Arena">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[To Each Her Own Arena]]</ref>		Qijie found an exit and escaped with Shao Jun in time, leaving Qiu Ju to perish in the inferno after a pillar fell on him. Once they were safe, Qijie apologized to Shao Jun for leading her into the Templars' trap while the Assassin in turn apologized for not saving her earlier in their lives. She then invited Qijie to flee the palace with her, but the Empress claimed that, with most of the [[Eight Tigers]] dead, the Jiajing Emperor may start listening to wiser council and her situation would improve.<ref name="Arena">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[To Each Her Own Arena]]</ref>

	Shao Jun understood her friend's decision and that he had misjudged her, thinking Qijie needed her protection when in fact she had been fighting against the Templars in her own way. The two friends then hugged each other and promised to meet again once Qijie had regained her freedom before parting ways.<ref name="Arena"/>		Shao Jun understood her friend's decision and that she had misjudged her, thinking Qijie needed her protection when in fact she had been fighting against the Templars in her own way. The two friends then hugged each other and promised to meet again once Qijie had regained her freedom before parting ways.<ref name="Arena"/>

	===Later life and death===		===Later life and death===
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	*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Official Movie Novelization]]''		*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Official Movie Novelization]]''
	*''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]''		*''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]''
	*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Ming Storm]]'' ~~{{c\|non-canon}}~~
	*''[[Assassin's Creed: Turbulence in the Ming Dynasty]]'' ~~{{c\|non-canon}}~~		===Non-canonical appearances===
			*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Ming Storm]]''
			*''[[Assassin's Creed: Turbulence in the Ming Dynasty]]''

	==References==		==References==

imported>Darman36: Ming Storm may still have (non-canon) info on her. Non-canon appearances get subsection at +3 entries. Not sure friendship makes her affiliated to Shao Jun/her goals

2024-05-06T04:55:58Z

Ming Storm may still have (non-canon) info on her. Non-canon appearances get subsection at +3 entries. Not sure friendship makes her affiliated to Shao Jun/her goals

Show changes

imported>Sol Pacificus: Qixie is likely a transliteration error.

2024-05-06T04:15:42Z

Qixie is likely a transliteration error.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 11 August 2024
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	At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>		At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie"/>

			[[File:AC Blade of Shao Jun - Zhang Qijie 1517.png\|thumb\|220px\|left\|Zhang Qijie in 1517]]
	One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>		One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie"/>

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	ACC China Zhang Qijie Development 2.jpg\|Alternate concept art		ACC China Zhang Qijie Development 2.jpg\|Alternate concept art
	ACC China Zhang Qijie Color Variants.jpg\|Color tests		ACC China Zhang Qijie Color Variants.jpg\|Color tests
	ACC China DB Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie's database image		ACC China DB Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie's [[database]] image
	An Old Friend China (4).jpg\|Zhang Qijie with Shao Jun		An Old Friend China (4).jpg\|Zhang Qijie with Shao Jun
			AC Blade of Shao Jun - Empress Zhang.png\|Zhang Qijie in ''Blade of Shao Jun''
	</gallery>		</gallery>

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:15, 6 May 2024
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	{{Era\|Individuals}}{{WP-REAL\|Empress Zhang (Jiajing)}}		{{Era\|Individuals}}{{WP-REAL\|Empress Zhang (Jiajing)}}
	{{Update\|''[[Assassin's Creed: The Official Movie Novelization]]''}}		{{Update\|''[[Assassin's Creed: The Official Movie Novelization]]''}}
	{{Quote\|You and I are like a rabbit and a butterfly. Both beloved creatures in their own right, but remarkably different. I can never be like you, and you will never be like me. And that is fine.\|Zhang Qijie to Shao Jun, 1517.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|Shao Jun and ~~Qixie~~}}{{Character Infobox		{{Quote\|You and I are like a rabbit and a butterfly. Both beloved creatures in their own right, but remarkably different. I can never be like you, and you will never be like me. And that is fine.\|Zhang Qijie to Shao Jun, 1517.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|Shao Jun and Qijie}}{{Character Infobox
	\|name = Zhang Qijie		\|name = Zhang Qijie
	\|image = ACCC Empress Zhang.png		\|image = ACCC Empress Zhang.png
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	\|affiliates = [[Ming dynasty]]<br>[[Shao Jun]]		\|affiliates = [[Ming dynasty]]<br>[[Shao Jun]]
	}}		}}
	'''Zhang ~~Qijie~~''' (~~張七姐~~; c. 1504 – 1537) was~~, as '''Empress Zhang''' (張皇后),~~ the second wife of the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]]. She was raised in the [[Forbidden City]] alongside other [[concubine]]s, and was the childhood best friend of the [[Assassins\|Assassin]] [[Shao Jun]], who ~~nicknamed~~ her '''~~Qixie~~'''.<ref name="Qixie">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Shao Jun and Qixie]]</ref>		'''Empress Zhang''' (張皇后; c. 1504 – 1537) was the second wife of the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]] of the [[Ming dynasty]]. She was raised in the [[Forbidden City]] alongside other [[concubine]]s and was the childhood best friend of the [[Assassins\|Assassin]] [[Shao Jun]], who referred to her affectionately as '''Qijie''' (七姐) or Seventh (Big) Sister.<ref name="Qixie">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[Shao Jun and Qixie]]</ref>

	==Biography==		==Biography==
	===Early life===		===Early life===
	{{Quote\|You're positively inimitable. Which is why I love to hear tales of your adventures.\|~~Qixie~~ to Shao Jun, 1517.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|Shao Jun and ~~Qixie~~}}		{{Quote\|You're positively inimitable. Which is why I love to hear tales of your adventures.\|Qijie to Shao Jun, 1517.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|Shao Jun and Qijie}}
	The daughter of a palace [[Soldier\|guard]],<ref name="Wiki">{{WP\|Empress Zhang (Jiajing)\|Empress Zhang}}</ref> Zhang Qijie spent most of her life in the [[Forbidden City]] in [[Beijing]] where, like many of her fellow [[Concubine\|concubines]], she was forced to {{Wiki\|Breast binding\|bind her breasts}} and {{Wiki\|Foot binding\|feet}}. This was not only done to maintain her beauty, but was also a preemptive measure to prevent escape from the palace.<ref name="Qixie" />		The daughter of a palace [[Soldier\|guard]],<ref name="Wiki">{{WP\|Empress Zhang (Jiajing)\|Empress Zhang}}</ref> Zhang Qijie spent most of her life in the [[Forbidden City]] in [[Beijing]] where, like many of her fellow [[Concubine\|concubines]], she was forced to {{Wiki\|Breast binding\|bind her breasts}} and {{Wiki\|Foot binding\|feet}}. This was not only done to maintain her beauty, but was also a preemptive measure to prevent escape from the palace.<ref name="Qixie" />

	At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> ~~Qixie~~ enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie" />		At some point in her youth, Zhang Qijie befriended her fellow concubine [[Shao Jun]], who unlike her, had not been forced to bind her breasts or feet and often accompanied the [[Zhu Houzhao\|Zhengde Emperor]] on his travels, serving him as a spy and [[thief]].<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]</ref> Qijie enjoyed listening to Shao Jun's stories about her various adventures, and admired her nimble grace and [[cat]]-like discretion and agility.<ref name="Qixie" />

	One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help ~~Qixie~~ sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, ~~Qixie~~ revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie" />		One day in 1517, Shao Jun tried to help Qijie sneak out of the Imperial Palace to see the outside world, despite the latter's fears that they would get into trouble. Avoiding the guards, Shao Jun led her friend through one of the tunnels she had discovered while exploring the palace, but as the path chosen required them to scale a wall, Qijie revealed that she was unable to climb it due to her foot bindings.<ref name="Qixie" />

	After returning to ~~Qixie~~'s quarters, Shao Jun got upset over this revelation and apologized to her friend, but ~~Qixie~~ explained that they were different animals, a [[butterfly]] and a [[Hare\|rabbit]], respectively, each unique and amazing in their own way. She then asked Shao Jun to tell her a story about one of her adventures, which she ended up falling asleep to.<ref name="Qixie" />		After returning to Qijie's quarters, Shao Jun got upset over this revelation and apologized to her friend, but Qijie explained that they were different animals, a [[butterfly]] and a [[Hare\|rabbit]], respectively, each unique and amazing in their own way. She then asked Shao Jun to tell her a story about one of her adventures, which she ended up falling asleep to.<ref name="Qixie" />

	===Becoming Empress===		===Becoming Empress===
	By 1518, Zhang Qijie and Shao Jun were both poised to become an Imperial Consort or even Empress, but with the Zhengde Emperor's death three years later, their fate became unclear.<ref name="Database" /> During the interregnum, Shao Jun contacted the [[Assassins]] and escaped the Forbidden City with their help,<ref name="Scroll 7">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 7 (China)\|Scroll 7]]</ref> leaving ~~Qixie~~ with the new ruler, the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]]. Fortunately, she did not lose her title.<ref name="Database" />		By 1518, Zhang Qijie and Shao Jun were both poised to become an Imperial Consort or even Empress, but with the Zhengde Emperor's death three years later, their fate became unclear.<ref name="Database" /> During the interregnum, Shao Jun contacted the [[Assassins]] and escaped the Forbidden City with their help,<ref name="Scroll 7">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 7 (China)\|Scroll 7]]</ref> leaving Qijie with the new ruler, the [[Zhu Houcong\|Jiajing Emperor]]. Fortunately, she did not lose her title.<ref name="Database" />

	During the [[Great Rites Controversy]], Shao Jun infiltrated the Forbidden City to free ~~Qixie~~ and the other concubines. However, her friend refused the offer, and told her that she wanted to stay, even if the Emperor was a cruel man. She elaborated that she was lucky to please him and did not want to hear about [[Templars\|Templar]] plots. ~~Qixie~~ then told Shao Jun to leave in peace, and the Assassin accepted her decision.<ref name="Scroll 11">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 11 (China)\|Scroll 11]]</ref> With her hard work and patience, ~~Qixie~~ eventually became Imperial Consort, then Empress in 1528.<ref name="Database" />		During the [[Great Rites Controversy]], Shao Jun infiltrated the Forbidden City to free Qijie and the other concubines. However, her friend refused the offer, and told her that she wanted to stay, even if the Emperor was a cruel man. She elaborated that she was lucky to please him and did not want to hear about [[Templars\|Templar]] plots. Qijie then told Shao Jun to leave in peace, and the Assassin accepted her decision.<ref name="Scroll 11">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Database: Scroll 11 (China)\|Scroll 11]]</ref> With her hard work and patience, Qijie eventually became Imperial Consort, then Empress in 1528.<ref name="Database" />

	===Reunion with Shao Jun===		===Reunion with Shao Jun===
	{{Quote\|I thought I had to be your protector. But I had it all wrong, huh? You've been fighting this whole time in your own way.\|Shao Jun to ~~Qixie~~ prior to parting ways, 1530.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|To Each Her Own Arena}}		{{Quote\|I thought I had to be your protector. But I had it all wrong, huh? You've been fighting this whole time in your own way.\|Shao Jun to Qijie prior to parting ways, 1530.\|Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun\|To Each Her Own Arena}}
	In 1530, the Templars [[Zhang Yong]] and [[Qiu Ju]] learned about Empress Zhang's friendship with Shao Jun and used this information to set a trap for the Assassin, forcing the Empress' co-operation by threatening her life. With the help of several concubines, ~~Qixie~~ contacted Shao Jun and, claiming she had a lead on Zhang Yong's location, asked her old friend to meet her at the Imperial Palace.<ref name="An Old Friend">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[An Old Friend]]</ref>		In 1530, the Templars [[Zhang Yong]] and [[Qiu Ju]] learned about Empress Zhang's friendship with Shao Jun and used this information to set a trap for the Assassin, forcing the Empress' co-operation by threatening her life. With the help of several concubines, Qijie contacted Shao Jun and, claiming she had a lead on Zhang Yong's location, asked her old friend to meet her at the Imperial Palace.<ref name="An Old Friend">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[An Old Friend]]</ref>

	[[File:An Old Friend China (6).jpg\|thumb\|250px\|The Tigers using Empress Zhang as bait for Shao Jun]]		[[File:An Old Friend China (6).jpg\|thumb\|250px\|The Tigers using Empress Zhang as bait for Shao Jun]]
	When Shao Jun arrived and was confronted by Zhang Yong and Qiu Ju, the Templars tried to convince the Assassin that her friend had betrayed her. However, Shao Jun saw through their lie and, understanding that ~~Qixie~~'s life had been at stake, forgave her. She then dueled Qiu Ju while Zhang Yong fled, but during the fight, the chamber caught fire due to several dropped [[Lantern\|lanterns]].<ref name="Demon Fire">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Demon Fire]]</ref>		When Shao Jun arrived and was confronted by Zhang Yong and Qiu Ju, the Templars tried to convince the Assassin that her friend had betrayed her. However, Shao Jun saw through their lie and, understanding that Qijie's life had been at stake, forgave her. She then dueled Qiu Ju while Zhang Yong fled, but during the fight, the chamber caught fire due to several dropped [[Lantern\|lanterns]].<ref name="Demon Fire">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'' – [[Demon Fire]]</ref>

	~~Qixie~~ found an exit and escaped with Shao Jun in time, leaving Qiu Ju to perish in the inferno after a pillar fell on him. Once they were safe, ~~Qixie~~ apologized to Shao Jun for leading her into the Templars' trap while the Assassin in turn apologized for not saving her earlier in their lives. She then invited ~~Qixie~~ to flee the palace with her, but the Empress claimed that, with most of the [[Eight Tigers]] dead, the Jiajing Emperor may start listening to wiser council and her situation would improve.<ref name="Arena">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[To Each Her Own Arena]]</ref>		Qijie found an exit and escaped with Shao Jun in time, leaving Qiu Ju to perish in the inferno after a pillar fell on him. Once they were safe, Qijie apologized to Shao Jun for leading her into the Templars' trap while the Assassin in turn apologized for not saving her earlier in their lives. She then invited Qijie to flee the palace with her, but the Empress claimed that, with most of the [[Eight Tigers]] dead, the Jiajing Emperor may start listening to wiser council and her situation would improve.<ref name="Arena">''[[Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun]]'' – [[To Each Her Own Arena]]</ref>

	Shao Jun understood her friend's decision and that he had misjudged her, thinking ~~Qixie~~ needed her protection when in fact she had been fighting against the Templars in her own way. The two friends then hugged each other and promised to meet again once ~~Qixie~~ had regained her freedom before parting ways.<ref name="Arena" />		Shao Jun understood her friend's decision and that he had misjudged her, thinking Qijie needed her protection when in fact she had been fighting against the Templars in her own way. The two friends then hugged each other and promised to meet again once Qijie had regained her freedom before parting ways.<ref name="Arena" />

	===Later life and death===		===Later life and death===