Chang Changfeng (simplified: 常长风, traditional: 常長風, Jyutping: soeng4 soeng4 fung1, pinyin: Cháng Chángfēng) was the second brother of the Four Xias of Taiyue, a faction of martial artists operating in the Taiyue Mountains during the early Qing Dynasty. He was nicknamed “Twin Palms of Slab-splitting” (双掌开碑) and was known for wielding a large tombstone as his weapon, though his actual martial arts skills were decidedly mediocre.
Biography
Early life and joining the Four Xias
Little is known about Chang Changfeng’s early life, but he emerged as a martial artist who joined the Four Xias of Taiyue faction. As the second brother, he established himself within the group’s hierarchy and participated in various bandit activities and martial arts encounters.
Role within the Four Xias
Chang Changfeng served as the second brother within the Four Xias of Taiyue, though his actual martial abilities were far from exceptional. His position within the faction allowed him to participate in various activities, though often with limited success due to his mediocre skills.
Unique weapon choice
Chang Changfeng’s most distinctive characteristic was his choice of weapon - a large tombstone that he wielded in combat. This unusual weapon choice reflected his attempt to establish a unique martial identity, though it did little to compensate for his limited martial abilities.
Key encounters and adventures
The encounter with the Weixin Escort Agency
One of Chang Changfeng’s most notable encounters occurred when the Four Xias attempted to rob the Weixin Escort Agency. Despite their intimidating appearance and grandiose titles, the four were ultimately unsuccessful in their robbery attempt. Chang Changfeng’s role in this encounter demonstrated both his loyalty to his brothers and his limited effectiveness in actual combat situations.
The confrontation with Lin Yulong and Ren Feiyan
Chang Changfeng found himself in the middle of a domestic dispute between Lin Yulong and Ren Feiyan. When he attempted to intervene, he was struck by Ren Feiyan’s slingshot pellets, first in the nose and then in the chest and arm. This encounter highlighted his tendency to get involved in situations beyond his capabilities and his unfortunate habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The encounter with the young maiden
Perhaps the most humiliating encounter for Chang Changfeng was his confrontation with a young maiden on horseback. When she asked about his unusual weapon, he proudly proclaimed it as his “unique martial weapon, not among the eighteen traditional weapons.” However, she quickly disarmed him with a simple strike to his wrist, causing him to drop the tombstone, which then landed on his already injured foot, creating a comedic and painful situation.
The encounter with the scholar
In another memorable encounter, Chang Changfeng and his brothers attempted to rob a traveling scholar, only to find that he carried nothing but old books. When the scholar cleverly turned the tables and asked for financial assistance instead, Chang Changfeng boldly declared his willingness to help, only to discover that his own pockets were empty. This incident demonstrated both his good intentions and his unfortunate financial situation.
Personality and traits
Massive physical presence
Chang Changfeng was described as a massive man, which likely contributed to his choice of the tombstone as a weapon. His physical size may have given him an intimidating appearance, though it did not translate to exceptional martial prowess.
Loyal faction member
Despite his limitations as a martial artist, Chang Changfeng demonstrated loyalty to his faction and his fellow members. His commitment to the group’s activities showed his dedication to the collective identity of the Four Xias of Taiyue.
Comedic misfortune
Chang Changfeng’s character is defined by a series of unfortunate and often comedic incidents. From being struck by slingshot pellets to having his own weapon fall on his foot, his adventures often result in humorous outcomes that contrast with his grandiose self-image.
Good intentions despite limitations
Despite his martial arts shortcomings, Chang Changfeng often demonstrated good intentions and a desire to help others. His willingness to assist the scholar, even when he had no money to give, showed a genuine sense of chivalry that was somewhat undermined by his practical limitations.
Martial arts and combat style
The tombstone technique
Chang Changfeng’s primary martial technique involved using his massive tombstone as both a weapon and a shield. He would lift the heavy stone and attempt to intimidate opponents by threatening to crush them. However, the effectiveness of this technique was limited by his lack of proper training and the unwieldy nature of his chosen weapon.
Physical strength over skill
Chang Changfeng relied primarily on his physical strength rather than refined martial arts techniques. His approach to combat was straightforward and direct, often involving simple strikes and attempts to overwhelm opponents through sheer force rather than technical skill.
Defensive limitations
While Chang Changfeng could use his tombstone as a defensive tool, his lack of proper training meant that he was often vulnerable to more skilled opponents. His encounters frequently ended with him being disarmed or injured, despite his intimidating appearance.
Relationships within the Four Xias
Brotherhood with fellow members
Chang Changfeng maintained strong bonds with his fellow Four Xias members, particularly with his “brothers” Xiaoyaozi, Hua Jianying, and Gai Yiming. Their relationship was characterized by mutual support and shared adventures, even when those adventures didn’t go as planned.
Role in group dynamics
As the second brother, Chang Changfeng played an important role in maintaining group cohesion. His loyalty and willingness to follow his brothers’ lead helped keep the group together, even during their various misadventures.
Cultural significance and legacy
Representation of comedic martial artists
Chang Changfeng represents a classic archetype in wuxia literature - the martial artist whose grandiose self-image far exceeds their actual abilities. His character serves as comic relief while also highlighting the gap between reputation and reality in the martial world.
The contrast between appearance and ability
Chang Changfeng’s character demonstrates how appearances can be deceiving in the martial world. His massive size and intimidating weapon choice suggested formidable martial prowess, but his actual abilities were far more modest, creating an ongoing source of humor and irony.
The value of loyalty and brotherhood
Despite his limitations, Chang Changfeng’s character emphasizes the importance of loyalty and brotherhood in martial organisations. His willingness to stand by his brothers, even in dangerous situations, demonstrates the strength of their bond and the values that hold their group together.
Behind the scenes
Literary function
Chang Changfeng serves multiple functions within The Mandarin Duck Blades. He provides comic relief, demonstrates the contrast between reputation and reality, and contributes to the story’s exploration of what it means to be a “hero” in the martial world.
Character development
Throughout the story, Chang Changfeng’s character remains consistent in his loyalty and good intentions, while his martial abilities continue to fall short of his self-image. This consistency makes him a reliable and endearing character despite his limitations.
Impact on the story
Chang Changfeng’s various encounters and misadventures contribute to the overall tone and pacing of The Mandarin Duck Blades. His character helps balance the more serious elements of the story with humor and lightheartedness, making the novel more accessible and entertaining.
See also
External links
- Chang Changfeng on Baidu Baike