Lao Touzi (simplified: 老头子, traditional: 老頭子, pinyin: Lǎo Tóuzǐ, jyutping: lou5 tau4 zi2), meaning “Old Man” or “Old Ancestor,” was one of the Old Ancestors of the Yellow River and the father of Lao Busi. He was known for his deep devotion to his daughter and his connection to Ping Yizhi, the Famous Killer Physician.
Biography
Seeking treatment for his daughter
Lao Touzi’s daughter, Lao Busi, suffered from a strange disease that she had had since birth. To save her, Lao Touzi sought the help of Ping Yizhi, who diagnosed the condition and prescribed the “Life-Extending Eight Pills” (续命八丸).
However, Ping Yizhi had a strange rule: “Cure one person, kill one person.” Knowing that Ping Yizhi’s greatest enemy was his mother-in-law, but that Ping Yizhi was afraid of his wife and could not kill her himself, Lao Touzi killed Ping Yizhi’s mother-in-law’s entire family. This pleased Ping Yizhi greatly, and he carefully diagnosed Lao Busi’s condition and prescribed the Life-Extending Eight Pills.
Meeting Linghu Chong
When Linghu Chong accidentally consumed the Life-Extending Eight Pills that Lao Touzi had prepared for his daughter, Lao Touzi was initially angry. However, when Linghu Chong learnt of the situation, he cut two large bowls of his own blood to give to Lao Busi to drink, saving her life.
This act of self-sacrifice deeply moved Lao Touzi, and he became a loyal supporter of Linghu Chong. He was one of the many jianghu figures who gathered at Wubagang to help Linghu Chong, demonstrating his gratitude and respect.
Personality & traits
Lao Touzi was portrayed as deeply devoted to his daughter. He was willing to kill Ping Yizhi’s mother-in-law’s family to ensure that Ping Yizhi would treat his daughter, demonstrating the lengths to which he would go to save her life.
He was also shown to be grateful and loyal. When Linghu Chong saved his daughter by cutting his own blood, Lao Touzi became a loyal supporter and was willing to help Linghu Chong in return.
Relationships
Lao Touzi’s relationship with his daughter Lao Busi was central to his character. He was willing to do anything to save her life, including killing Ping Yizhi’s mother-in-law’s family.
His relationship with Ping Yizhi was one of mutual benefit. Lao Touzi killed Ping Yizhi’s enemies, and Ping Yizhi treated Lao Busi’s condition.
His relationship with Linghu Chong developed from initial anger to deep gratitude and loyalty after Linghu Chong saved his daughter’s life.
Behind the scenes
Lao Touzi represents the ideal of parental devotion, willing to go to any lengths to save his child. His character demonstrates that even in the jianghu, family bonds can be the strongest motivation for action.
Literary significance
Lao Touzi’s story serves as a subplot that demonstrates the complexity of the jianghu world, where even saving a life can require morally questionable actions. His connection to Ping Yizhi and Linghu Chong shows how different characters’ stories interconnect in the novel.
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Lao Busi – Lao Touzi’s daughter
- Ping Yizhi – The doctor who treated Lao Busi
- Zu Qianqiu – Another Old Ancestor of the Yellow River
- Old Ancestors of the Yellow River – Lao Touzi’s faction
External links
- Lao Touzi (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia