TV-Series
Description
Kan Jou is a general in the Qin military and serves as the first commander of the Gyoku Hou Army, in addition to leading his own sub-unit, the Kan Jou Army. He is a vassal of the main branch of the Ou family, a position that defines much of his career and his loyalties. A man in his mid-thirties, he has a sharp appearance characterized by dark hair tied in a ponytail, a mustache, and a goatee. His customary attire consists of a long-sleeved robe worn beneath decorative gray armor with pauldrons, and he is often seen with a calm expression that can occasionally give way to a smug grin.

Kan Jou's personality is a blend of analytical cunning and a mysterious, somewhat whimsical independence. He is a clever and careful strategist who thinks several steps ahead. This analytical nature sometimes leads him to act on his own judgment to ensure success on the battlefield, even when that means directly disobeying or questioning the orders of his young and impetuous superior, Ou Hon. While his reliable strength and skill quickly proved invaluable to the Gyoku Hou Unit, his mysterious past as a transfer from the Ou Sen Army initially made some of his new comrades, such as Ban You, wary of fully trusting him.

His role in the story is firmly established as a key commander and a steadying influence within the Gyoku Hou Army. He was originally a member of the Ou Sen Army, assigned to serve under General A Kou until General Ou Sen, for reasons that have remained unexplained, transferred him to the Gyoku Hou Unit half a year before the Choyou Campaign. In this new position, he consistently functions as the voice of prudence and caution, often clashing with Ou Hon's aggressive and high-risk tactics. During the Fire Dragons of Wei campaign, he was the first to perceive a Wei encirclement trap and strongly advised Ou Hon to retreat, arguing that Ou Sen would never approve of such reckless gambles. Despite their frequent disagreements, he is deeply committed to Ou Hon's safety, a task that is implied to be his true purpose from Ou Sen.

Key relationships define his place in the military hierarchy. His most complex dynamic is with Ou Hon, where he balances loyalty with the need to protect a reckless young master from his own ambition. His relationship with his lord, the great general Ou Sen, is one of mentorship and unspoken trust, though the exact nature of his transfer remains a mystery. He also shares a professional and trusting partnership with fellow Gyoku Hou commander Ban You, and his bonds extend to fallen comrades like Kyuu Kou and Shou Taku, highlighting his capacity for loyalty and regret.

Over the course of the story, Kan Jou demonstrates significant personal development in his role and responsibilities. He participates in several major campaigns, including the Battle of Shukai Plains where he played a crucial role in saving Ou Hon from Gyou'un's Raigoku formation. After a series of military reforms enacted by Shou Hei Kun, he was promoted to the rank of general. He later accompanied Ou Hon on an expedition to Wei to intercept Han reinforcements, commanding the reserves and proving his value as a high-ranking officer.

In terms of abilities, Kan Jou is an exceptionally talented military commander. Official statistics rate his leadership and intelligence at 88, while his physical strength is rated at 86, indicating a well-balanced and formidable skill set. He is a master strategist with quick wits, able to make split-second tactical decisions such as feigning a retreat to collapse an enemy encirclement from within. He is also a highly proficient warrior, skilled with a podao as his main weapon, capable of cleaving through enemy lines and even blocking a heavy blow from a powerful fighter like Gyou'un. Despite his proven track record, it has been stated that Kan Jou has yet to reveal his full strength, suggesting his capabilities are even greater than what he has already shown.
Cast