Kyou

A prodigy of warfare, the hidden daughter of a king, and the lost love of a great general.

General Kyou (Liao) was one of Qin's Six Great Generals and a prodigy in warfare. She was secretly King Shou (King Zhaoxiang of Qin)'s daughter, taken in by Ouki's father for protection. She was to be Ouki's wife, and as a child, Ouki had promised to marry her if she became a great general. Afterward, Kyou wore a mask to conceal her identity. She died nine years before the events of the film, killed by Hoken.

Quick Facts

Role: Qin General
Affiliation: State of Qin (Li Xin's Army)
Weapon: Sword

Lore & Background

Kyou's story is revealed through Shoubunkun's recounting to King Eisei. She was a woman, a fact kept secret, and one of Qin's Six Great Generals. King Shou once visited the Battle of Nanan, where he recognized Kyou as his child and called her his treasure. Ouki, as a child, promised to marry her if she became a great general. After that recognition, Kyou wore a mask to conceal her identity. Her death at the hands of Hoken nine years prior to the film's main events is a driving force for Ouki's fury during their duel; Hoken taunts Ouki with memories of Kyou's death, provoking a furious counterattack.

Reader's Guide

Kyou's role in the narrative is primarily as a figure from the past whose legacy drives the present conflict. She was one of Qin's Six Great Generals, a woman who wore a mask to hide her identity as King Shou's daughter. Her relationship with Ouki is central: she was to be his wife, and he promised to marry her if she became a great general. Her death at Hoken's hands nine years earlier is a key emotional and tactical element in the film, as Hoken uses it to enrage Ouki during their duel.