Lixue Beifong

Lìxuĕ Beifong is the Supreme Bureaucratic Administrator, Zongdu of Cheng and leader of a sub-branch within the Domestic Branch of the Earth Kingdom, as well as a former Grand Judge. She is married to Karuzai Tai-Yang, the spiritual leader of the Sun Warriors, an excellent green firebender, a dragon rider and the father of their children, Yìngyuè, Yōngzhèng, and Xùnleiq. She was born to former Earth King Xīnlièzhuó Beifong and Shufen Tian on 25 Yīnyuè 142 AG in Quangku, a fishing town on the eastern coast of the Earth Kingdom. Unlike the rest of her family, she is a lavabender, which sets her apart from her relatives.

Appearance

Lìxuĕ has a delicate face with a fair, refined complexion and deep, dark almond-shaped eyes that give her a serious look. Her dark hair is usually styled in a high updo, with delicate loose strands framing her face. She wears a headdress crafted from gold and dark green jade, adorned with a golden lotus motif and long, dangling jade tassels that fall past her shoulders. Her wardrobe consists mostly of traditional hanfu in various shades of green, ranging from faded sage to vivid emerald.

Personality

Lìxuĕ often appears serious and intimidating, but those who get to know her see how warm and caring she truly is. She is a traditional woman who takes great pride in the Earth Kingdom, its customs and its people, and she strongly believes in preserving its traditions. Her family means a great deal to her and she is especially devoted to her husband and children.

She is elegant and well-versed in etiquette, always knowing how to behave in formal settings and how to make a good impression. Lìxuĕ is naturally polite and welcoming and she enjoys hosting guests and social gatherings. However, behind her graceful and proper nature is a woman who absolutely loves to gossip, often finding herself discussing the latest rumors with her best friend, Haejin Ling.

Despite her caring nature, Lìxuĕ can also be rather self-interested at times, particularly when it comes to her own ambitions and position. She is not above using her influence and connections to secure an advantage for herself or those closest to her. While she may often have good intentions, she is perfectly capable of putting her own interests first when it benefits her.

Biography

Early life

Lìxuĕ spent her childhood in Quangku under the surname of her mother Shufen Tian, used to conceal her family’s true identity. Her mother raised Lìxuĕ and her sisters, Sòngwén and Xiùyīng, in a stable and well-provided household despite their modest surroundings. Her father left shortly before her birth due to the rising threat of the Red Lotus, entrusting Shufen with the resources needed to protect and support the family. Though his absence raised questions, Lixue grew up in relative comfort, with access to education and training.

Move to Gaoling

In 162 AG, Lìxuĕ’s life changed with the death of her mother. In the aftermath, she and her sisters uncovered letters and journals revealing their true lineage and their connection to the noble House of Beifong. In 165 AG, the siblings relocated to the Beifong Estate in Gaoling, returning to noble society. While they initially faced skepticism from other noble families, they gradually established themselves through their actions and growing reputation.

Together, they founded the House of the Flying Boar, a commercial enterprise dealing in ores and natural resources across the Earth Kingdom. The business quickly became profitable, establishing a wide network of workers and staff throughout the estate.

Rise to Grand Judge

Lìxuĕ quickly distinguished herself within the Judicial Branch due to her strong understanding of law and her dedication to the proper functioning of the justice system. She quickly rose through the ranks and gained the trust of those around her, eventually being appointed Grand Judge by former Earth King, Xaoten Izaki. During her time in the branch, she played an active role in reorganizing the judicial system.

One of her most notable cases was the trial of a well-known criminal from Republic City, Sokka Bao-Zheng, which further established her reputation as a serious and capable judge.

Working alongside Earth King Xaoten Izaki, Lìxuĕ also contributed to important legal reforms within the Earth Kingdom. Among them was the legalization of lavabending, allowing the ability to be openly practiced and recognized under Earth Kingdom law. This reform was particularly significant to Lìxuĕ, who had kept her own lavabending hidden for years due to it being forbidden.

Marriage to Karuzai Tai-Yang

In 171 AG, Lìxuĕ met Karuzai Tai-Yang during a visit to Zaofu. What began as an unexpected meeting soon developed into a close relationship. After their first encounter, the two continued corresponding and eventually met again at the Beifong Estate, where they spent more time getting to know one another. Lìxuĕ became interested in Karuzai’s Sun Warrior heritage, traditions and unique green firebending technique. Karuzai, on the other hand, was drawn to her warmth, curiosity and hard to read nature, finding her difficult to read but increasingly interesting. As they continued meeting, their conversations became more personal and their affection for one another gradually grew. Their relationship grew closer over the following months. Lìxuĕ eventually visited Arangoy, Karuzai’s home, where the two spent an entire day together discussing their lives and traditions. Karuzai later proposed to her using the traditional Sun Warrior Ritual of Union, after first seeking the approval of Lìxuĕ’s family. She accepted the proposal and preparations for the wedding soon began.

In 172 AG, Lìxuĕ and Karuzai were married in a traditional Earth Kingdom ceremony at the Beifong Estate in Gaoling. The wedding followed the customs and formal traditions of the Earth Kingdom, with Karuzai’s Sun Warrior heritage being represented through other elements of the ceremony. The marriage brought together two very different cultures and families, connecting Lìxuĕ’s noble Earth Kingdom heritage with Karuzai’s Sun Warrior traditions. It marked the beginning of their life together and the family they would later build.

Raising children

Following their marriage, Lìxuĕ and Karuzai began raising a family together. Lìxuĕ chose to set aside her political career for several years so she could devote herself fully to raising her children and ensuring they were brought up according to the values and traditions she believed in. She taught them the importance of family, tradition and proper etiquette, while also allowing them to develop their own interests and personalities. Motherhood made Lìxuĕ more patient and understanding, teaching her to look at situations from different perspectives.

Return to politics

In 178 AG, when her children were old enough to become more independent, Lìxuĕ decided to return to public life. She became the Supreme Bureaucratic Administrator and joined the Domestic Branch as a Magister, working alongside Minister of Prosperity, Shan Long. Her work focuses largely on strengthening the Earth Kingdom’s public image and supporting domestic affairs, helping present the kingdom and its government in a positive light. Drawing on her previous experience in law, administration and noble society, Lìxuĕ once again became involved in the affairs of the Earth Kingdom while maintaining her responsibilities as a mother, wife and a member of House Beifong.

Zongdu of Cheng

As the Beifong Estate in Gaoling grew more crowded, Lìxuĕ began looking for a quieter place where her family could live more comfortably. She eventually decided to return to Quangku, the town where she had spent her childhood, and settled at the Cheng Estate.

After settling in Quangku, Lìxuĕ became involved in the town's development, overseeing renovations and contributing to the improvement of its infrastructure. She also arranged for the construction of a Sage Pagoda. Her efforts helped improve the town while supporting its culture.

In the autumn of 180 AG, Minister of Prosperity Shan Long recommended Lìxuĕ to the Earth Monarch for appointment as Zongdu of Cheng. Her efforts to renovate Quangku, support the local community and host gatherings at the Cheng Estate demonstrated her commitment to the province and its people, strengthening her suitability for the position.