Chu Jihan is a young man, disciple of the great Confucian Lu Xin, visiting Xingyuan Prefecture to investigate a tea smuggling case. He is skilled in martial arts, disguise, and unexpectedly develops the ability to read Su Ningxin's mind during her coming-of-age ceremony, though only her thoughts reach him. He is observant, witty, and somewhat reckless, climbing walls and teasing his master. At the ceremony he is disguised as a plain-looking man, and when Su Lanxin tries to frame Su Ningxin by associating him with her, he is caught in the scheme. He stays calm and later figures out the plot. He is drawn to Su Ningxin's inner monologue, finding her entertaining and sharp. His attendant and master's family accompany him, and he uses the disguise to avoid attention. He represents a new intriguing element in the story.
