Chang Yuchun

Chang Yuchun (simplified: 常遇春, traditional: 常遇春, pinyin: Cháng Yùchūn, jyutping: soeng4 jyu6 ceon1) was a member of the Ming Order who played a crucial role in bringing the young Zhang Wuji to Butterfly Valley to seek treatment from Hu Qingniu, the Butterfly Valley Medical Immortal. He was injured by the Intercepting Heart Palm (截心掌), and Zhang Wuji saved his life using the medical knowledge he learned from Hu Qingniu.

Biography

Meeting Zhang Wuji

Chang Yuchun first encountered Zhang Wuji when the young boy was travelling with his grandteacher Zhang Sanfeng after seeking treatment from the Shaolin Order for the cold poison from the Xuanming Divine Palm (玄冥神掌). They met at a ferry crossing on the Han River, where Chang Yuchun also encountered a young Zhou Zhiruo, whose gentle care left a deep impression on the young Zhang Wuji.

Chang Yuchun was a nephew (through the Ming Order’s internal relationships) of Hu Qingniu, and he knew about the Butterfly Valley Medical Immortal’s exceptional medical skills. When he learned of Zhang Wuji’s condition, he offered to take him to Butterfly Valley to seek treatment.

Journey to Butterfly Valley

Following Chang Yuchun’s guidance, Zhang Wuji travelled to Butterfly Valley to seek treatment from Hu Qingniu. However, Hu Qingniu initially refused to treat Zhang Wuji because he was not a Ming Order member, adhering to his strict rule of only treating Ming Order members—a policy that earned him the nickname “See Death Without Saving” (见死不救).

Despite Chang Yuchun’s pleas, including mentioning that Zhang Wuji’s life had been saved by Zhang Sanfeng, Hu Qingniu remained firm in his refusal. When Chang Yuchun revealed that Zhang Wuji was the grandson of Yin Tianzheng, the White-Browed Eagle King, Hu Qingniu was willing to make an exception on the condition that Zhang Wuji join the Heavenly Eagle Order. However, Zhang Wuji refused to abandon his identity as a Wudang disciple.

The Intercepting Heart Palm injury

While at Butterfly Valley, Chang Yuchun himself was injured by the Intercepting Heart Palm. Hu Qingniu had said that if the injury was treated within seven days, Chang Yuchun could recover completely, otherwise he would lose all his martial arts abilities even if he survived.

However, despite Chang Yuchun having already been lying on the grass outside for six days and nights, reaching his final deadline, Hu Qingniu refused to treat him. Chang Yuchun cried out in frustration: “See Death Without Saving Hu Qingniu, truly like a stupid cow, even worse than an animal!” (见死不救胡青牛，当真是如笨牛一样，连畜生也不如。)

Being saved by Zhang Wuji

Zhang Wuji, using the medical knowledge he had learned from Hu Qingniu during their time together, managed to save Chang Yuchun through trial and error. Hu Qingniu privately acknowledged: “One is clever and bold, one has a strong physique—the Intercepting Heart Palm’s injuries were indeed cured.” (一个聪明大胆，一个体魄壮健，这截心掌的掌伤，倒给他治好了。)

This act demonstrated Zhang Wuji’s exceptional medical talent and his ability to apply what he had learned, ultimately saving Chang Yuchun’s life and his martial arts abilities.

Personality & traits

Loyalty to the Ming Order

Chang Yuchun demonstrated loyalty to the Ming Order and its members. He was willing to help Zhang Wuji despite the boy’s connection to the Wudang Order, showing that he prioritised helping others over strict factional boundaries.

Gratitude and respect

Chang Yuchun showed gratitude and respect toward his superiors. He addressed Hu Qingniu as “Uncle Hu” (胡伯伯), demonstrating the respect he had for his elder and his position within the Ming Order’s internal hierarchy.

Persistence

Chang Yuchun showed persistence in his efforts to help Zhang Wuji. Despite Hu Qingniu’s initial refusal, he continued to plead on Zhang Wuji’s behalf, showing his determination to help those in need.

Relationships

Hu Qingniu

Chang Yuchun had a relationship with Hu Qingniu as his nephew (through the Ming Order’s internal relationships). He respected Hu Qingniu as an elder and sought his help for both himself and Zhang Wuji. However, Hu Qingniu’s strict adherence to his principles led him to refuse to treat Chang Yuchun’s injuries, despite their relationship.

Zhang Wuji

Chang Yuchun’s relationship with Zhang Wuji began when he offered to help the young boy seek treatment for his cold poison. He guided Zhang Wuji to Butterfly Valley and advocated for his treatment. When Chang Yuchun himself was injured and Hu Qingniu refused to treat him, Zhang Wuji used his medical knowledge to save Chang Yuchun’s life, creating a bond of gratitude and mutual respect between them.

Zhang Sanfeng

Chang Yuchun had indirect contact with Zhang Sanfeng when he met Zhang Wuji, who was travelling with his grandteacher. Chang Yuchun mentioned that Zhang Sanfeng had saved his life, which he hoped would encourage Hu Qingniu to make an exception and treat Zhang Wuji.

Behind the scenes

Chang Yuchun serves as a supporting character who facilitates Zhang Wuji’s journey to Butterfly Valley and his meeting with Hu Qingniu. His character demonstrates the connections between Ming Order members and the complex dynamics within the organisation.

The character’s name “Yuchun” (遇春) means “encountering spring,” which could symbolise hope and renewal, reflecting his role in helping Zhang Wuji seek treatment for his condition.

Chang Yuchun’s story also highlights the limitations of strict adherence to rules and principles, as Hu Qingniu’s refusal to treat him despite their relationship demonstrates how even well-intentioned policies can have negative consequences.