Nan Lan (simplified: 南兰, traditional: 南蘭, pinyin: Nán Lán, jyutping: naam4 laan4) was an aristocratic young woman who married Miao Renfeng out of gratitude but later left him for Tian Guinong. She was the mother of Miao Ruolan.
Biography
Marriage to Miao Renfeng
Nan Lan was the daughter of an aristocratic family. When her father possessed a valuable sabre, he was attacked by five martial artists seeking to steal it. Miao Renfeng intervened and saved her, defeating all five attackers in a fierce battle, though he was poisoned in the process.
Nan Lan saved Miao Renfeng’s life by sucking the poison from his wound. Out of gratitude and admiration for his heroism, she married him, and they had a daughter, Miao Ruolan.
Relationship problems
However, the marriage was not based on love. Nan Lan was a refined aristocratic lady who valued romance and emotional connection, while Miao Renfeng was a taciturn martial artist who was focused on his training and did not understand her needs. The two were fundamentally incompatible: one was rough and straightforward, the other delicate and romantic.
Miao Renfeng loved Nan Lan deeply but did not know how to express his feelings or meet her emotional needs. He was silent and reserved, while she longed for affection and understanding. Their differences became increasingly apparent over time.
Elopement with Tian Guinong
At the Shang Family Castle, Nan Lan met Tian Guinong, who was charming, eloquent, and knew how to please women. Tian Guinong took advantage of Nan Lan’s dissatisfaction with her marriage and seduced her. Nan Lan eventually left Miao Renfeng and eloped with Tian Guinong.
However, Tian Guinong’s interest in Nan Lan was not genuine. He was primarily motivated by his desire to obtain the treasure map that Miao Renfeng possessed, believing that Nan Lan might have access to it. Over time, Nan Lan realised that Tian Guinong was using her and that his feelings were not sincere.
Death
In Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain, Nan Lan eventually realised her mistake and regretted leaving Miao Renfeng. Before her death, she asked Tian Guinong to return the treasure map to Miao Renfeng, hoping this would save Tian Guinong’s life. She died in regret, having realised too late that her true feelings were for her husband.
Personality
Nan Lan was characterised by her aristocratic background and refined sensibilities. She was beautiful and delicate, with high expectations for romance and emotional connection. However, she was also somewhat naive and easily influenced by flattery and charm.
Her decision to leave Miao Renfeng was driven by her need for emotional fulfilment and her inability to understand or appreciate his silent devotion. She eventually came to regret her choice, realising that genuine love was more valuable than superficial charm.
Legacy
Nan Lan’s departure from Miao Renfeng had a profound impact on both their lives. Miao Renfeng was devastated by her betrayal and devoted himself entirely to raising their daughter. Nan Lan’s death left Tian Guinong without the treasure map he had sought, and he eventually committed suicide in despair.
Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding and communication in relationships, and the consequences of choosing superficial charm over genuine devotion.