Explanation of names #3. The Shang clan

Shang (商) It literally translates to "commerce." Historically, the Shang dynasty in China had a strict caste system, and certain places were off-limits to common people. The Shang clan also uses a token system - without a token, you can't buy some Gu or enter certain areas — which appears to be a reference to that.

Ci Er (慈儿) is a diminutive and affectionate form of the name Shang Xin Ci (商心慈), made up of Ci (慈, meaning "merciful") and Er (儿 — a suffix expressing tenderness or closeness). In Chinese culture, adding 儿 to a name is a common way to express warmth, affection, or familial closeness. The character 慈 is not a random choice — it is associated with maternal kindness and Buddhist compassion, hinting at her future role as a “moral compass” in the harsh world of the novel. In Chinese culture, the character 慈 is often used in words related to family. This could suggest that Xin Ci unites the family or symbolizes its "soul".

Most of Shang Yan Fei’s children are references to the "Nine Sons of the Dragon". The number 9 represents "the greatest" in China (in reality, there are more than nine dragon sons).

Shang Qiu Niu (囚牛) — The 1st son of the dragon, a lover of music. Often depicted on musical instruments.
Shang Ya Zi (睚眦) — The 2nd son, a fierce creature symbolizing vengeance. Often appears on sword hilts.
Shang Chao Feng (嘲风) — The 3rd son, fond of heights and adventure. His statues are placed on rooftops for protection.
Shang Pu Lao (蒲牢) — The 4th son, known for his loud roar. Commonly depicted on bells.
Shang Suan Ni (狻猊) — The 5th son, lion-like in appearance. A symbol of calmness, his statues guard temples.
Shang Bi Xi (赑屃) — The 6th son, turtle-like and strong. Symbol of endurance, often shown carrying stone steles on his back.
Shang Bi An (狴犴) — The 7th son, tiger-like and associated with justice. His image decorates prisons and courts.
Shang Fu Xi (负屃) — The 8th son, a lover of literature. Found adorning poetic steles.
Shang Chi Wen (螭吻) — The 9th son, a fire-eating creature. Protects buildings from fire (usually on rooftops).
Shang Pi Xiu (貔貅) — An additional (10th) son, a mythical beast that brings wealth. A feng shui symbol of luck, said to "devour" misfortune.
Shang Tuo Hai (鼍海) — A possible extra son, a mythical crocodile-dragon associated with water and guardianship of aquatic realms.