TV-Series
Description
Basen is the youngest child of Gaoshun and Taomei, born into the prestigious Ma clan, a family with a long history of serving as imperial bodyguards. He grew up as a milk sibling to Jinshi, meaning they shared the same wet nurse, which forged a close bond between them from an early age. Due to his older brother lacking physical aptitude, Basen was designated as the future head of the family, a role that came with the expectation of martial excellence. An incident from his childhood, when he accidentally broke his older sister Maamei's arm during a tantrum at the age of six, had a profound and lasting effect on him. Following this event, he lived separately from his siblings and developed a deep-seated fear of harming women, leading him to view them as fragile and to avoid them whenever possible.
In terms of personality, Basen is characterized by his seriousness, strong sense of duty, and unwavering loyalty, particularly towards Jinshi. He is earnest and honest to a fault, lacking subtlety and often becoming easily frustrated or angered when things do not go according to plan. This is especially true when he perceives an insult or threat to Jinshi, as his protective instincts can override his judgment and lead to emotional outbursts. His father, Gaoshun, frequently has to reprimand him for this impulsive behavior. Despite his formidable exterior, Basen possesses a certain inexperience and naivete that is typical of his age. He is also sympathetic to those who must deal with difficult people, showing an unexpected capacity for empathy. One of his most endearing traits is his attachment to a pet duck named Jofu, which imprinted on him after hatching and which he takes with him almost everywhere.
Basen's primary motivation is to dutifully serve and protect Jinshi, both as his loyal attendant and as his childhood friend. He follows orders from Jinshi and his father diligently, and his sense of honor compels him to act as a shield for those he is sworn to protect. His role in the story is that of a capable and physically imposing military officer who provides security and muscle for Jinshi's various investigations and endeavors. He is often assigned to accompany and protect Maomao on her errands, a task he initially performs with reluctance but later accepts with growing trust.
Key relationships define much of his character arc. His relationship with Jinshi is the most central; it is a bond of deep friendship and fealty forged since infancy. He serves as Jinshi's attendant and Ma clan guard, but their connection retains a brotherly quality. With Maomao, his relationship evolves significantly. Initially, he is not friendly towards her, viewing her with suspicion or irritation, and his blunt, rude manner can make him seem like an annoying brat. However, as he witnesses her intelligence, competence, and unorthodox methods, he grows to respect and trust her abilities. Maomao herself famously refers to him as a bear in human skin, a testament to his incredible physical prowess. He also forms a friendship with Lihaku, a fellow military officer of similar skill level, and the two often spar together. Lihaku possesses the ability to calm Basen down when his temper flares.
Perhaps the most transformative relationship for Basen is with Consort Lishu. After meeting her in the western capital, the two fall in love at first sight. His feelings for her help him begin to overcome his deep-seated fear of women, as he develops a tender and sincere attachment to her. This relationship progresses to the point of a quasi-engagement, recognized by their families and even the Emperor, who promises Basen a reward for his deeds that many interpret as tacit approval for their union.
Notable abilities are where Basen truly stands out. He possesses monstrous physical prowess and an extremely high tolerance for pain. His strength and durability are extraordinary; he is able to defeat four armed men without a weapon, survive being run over by a horse without severe injury, and has even been said to have repelled a lion by himself. His body heals from wounds with remarkable speed. Because of his immense strength and seemingly superhuman resilience, Maomao often describes him as a bear in human skin. His combat skills are highly refined, and he is a diligent and obedient soldier, though his mental and emotional maturity lags somewhat behind his physical gifts.
In terms of personality, Basen is characterized by his seriousness, strong sense of duty, and unwavering loyalty, particularly towards Jinshi. He is earnest and honest to a fault, lacking subtlety and often becoming easily frustrated or angered when things do not go according to plan. This is especially true when he perceives an insult or threat to Jinshi, as his protective instincts can override his judgment and lead to emotional outbursts. His father, Gaoshun, frequently has to reprimand him for this impulsive behavior. Despite his formidable exterior, Basen possesses a certain inexperience and naivete that is typical of his age. He is also sympathetic to those who must deal with difficult people, showing an unexpected capacity for empathy. One of his most endearing traits is his attachment to a pet duck named Jofu, which imprinted on him after hatching and which he takes with him almost everywhere.
Basen's primary motivation is to dutifully serve and protect Jinshi, both as his loyal attendant and as his childhood friend. He follows orders from Jinshi and his father diligently, and his sense of honor compels him to act as a shield for those he is sworn to protect. His role in the story is that of a capable and physically imposing military officer who provides security and muscle for Jinshi's various investigations and endeavors. He is often assigned to accompany and protect Maomao on her errands, a task he initially performs with reluctance but later accepts with growing trust.
Key relationships define much of his character arc. His relationship with Jinshi is the most central; it is a bond of deep friendship and fealty forged since infancy. He serves as Jinshi's attendant and Ma clan guard, but their connection retains a brotherly quality. With Maomao, his relationship evolves significantly. Initially, he is not friendly towards her, viewing her with suspicion or irritation, and his blunt, rude manner can make him seem like an annoying brat. However, as he witnesses her intelligence, competence, and unorthodox methods, he grows to respect and trust her abilities. Maomao herself famously refers to him as a bear in human skin, a testament to his incredible physical prowess. He also forms a friendship with Lihaku, a fellow military officer of similar skill level, and the two often spar together. Lihaku possesses the ability to calm Basen down when his temper flares.
Perhaps the most transformative relationship for Basen is with Consort Lishu. After meeting her in the western capital, the two fall in love at first sight. His feelings for her help him begin to overcome his deep-seated fear of women, as he develops a tender and sincere attachment to her. This relationship progresses to the point of a quasi-engagement, recognized by their families and even the Emperor, who promises Basen a reward for his deeds that many interpret as tacit approval for their union.
Notable abilities are where Basen truly stands out. He possesses monstrous physical prowess and an extremely high tolerance for pain. His strength and durability are extraordinary; he is able to defeat four armed men without a weapon, survive being run over by a horse without severe injury, and has even been said to have repelled a lion by himself. His body heals from wounds with remarkable speed. Because of his immense strength and seemingly superhuman resilience, Maomao often describes him as a bear in human skin. His combat skills are highly refined, and he is a diligent and obedient soldier, though his mental and emotional maturity lags somewhat behind his physical gifts.