Chang Yuchun (simplified: 常遇春, traditional: 常遇春, pinyin: Cháng Yùchūn, jyutping: soeng4 jyu6 ceon1) was a disciple of the Ming Order’s Giant Wood Flag (巨木旗) and a historical figure who became a celebrated general of the Ming dynasty. In the novel, he escorted the young Zhang Wuji to Butterfly Valley and demonstrated unwavering loyalty to his comrades.
Biography
Meeting Zhang Wuji
Chang Yuchun encountered the young Zhang Wuji when the boy was suffering from the Xuanming Divine Palm’s cold poison. Chang Yuchun took him to Butterfly Valley to seek treatment from Hu Qingniu, the “Valley of Butterflies Immortal Physician.” Hu Qingniu refused to treat Zhang Wuji because he was not a Ming Order member. Chang Yuchun, unwilling to accept treatment if his companion could not be healed, refused Hu Qingniu’s offer. Zhang Wuji, having secretly studied Hu Qingniu’s medical texts, treated Chang Yuchun himself. The treatment succeeded but was said to have shortened Chang Yuchun’s life by forty years; in history, Chang Yuchun died at forty during the northern campaigns.
Historical figure
Chang Yuchun (1330–1369) was a real Ming dynasty general from Huaiyuan, Anhui. He joined Zhu Yuanzhang’s forces and became one of his most capable commanders, famed for his courage and victories. He was posthumously honoured as Duke of Kaiping (开平王) and enshrined in the Temple of Eminent Statesmen.
Personality and traits
Chang Yuchun was loyal, principled, and steadfast. His refusal to accept treatment without Zhang Wuji demonstrated his sense of fellowship. He was deeply grateful to Zhang Wuji and remained his ally in the jianghu.
See also
- Zhang Wuji — Treated Chang Yuchun at Butterfly Valley
- Hu Qingniu — Physician who refused to treat Zhang Wuji
- Ming Order
- Zhu Yuanzhang — Historical ally and Ming founder
- The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre