Zhao Zhuangzhuang is a minor character, the nine-year-old oldest son of Tian Xiao'e and Zhao Daqiang. He is thin and malnourished, in stark contrast to the chubby, well-fed twins of Lan Da'niang's eldest son. When his mother is being beaten with a broom, he bravely runs to the garrison to fetch his father, tugging Zhao Daqiang to the scene. He explains that his grandmother kept the food for the two younger brothers and did not let them eat, so his mother had to get some for them. He is filled with rage at the unfairness and questions why his two younger sisters get less food when they are even younger. He is rendered speechless by his grandmother's sexist response that girls are a waste and not worth much.
