Wang Bofen (simplified: 王伯奋, traditional: 王伯奮, pinyin: Wáng Bófèn, jyutping: wong4 baak3 fan5) was the eldest son of Wang Yuanba of the Golden Blade School in Luoyang. He and his younger brother Wang Zhongqiang managed the family’s affairs together.
Biography
Wang Bofen was the eldest son of Wang Yuanba, the leader of the Golden Blade School. Along with his younger brother Wang Zhongqiang, he managed the family’s affairs and represented the Golden Blade School in various activities.
Encounter with Huashan School
When Yue Buqun and the Huashan School visited Luoyang, Wang Bofen and Wang Zhongqiang hosted them at Wang Yuanba’s birthday banquet. Wang Bofen was offended when Linghu Chong did not perform the proper kneeling ceremony, demonstrating his pride and adherence to traditional etiquette.
Conflict with Linghu Chong
Wang Bofen, along with Wang Zhongqiang, attempted to get Linghu Chong drunk during a banquet by repeatedly toasting him. This was part of their effort to humiliate Linghu Chong for his perceived disrespect. The incident contributed to the growing tensions between Linghu Chong and the Wang family.
Search for the Evil-Warding Sword Manual
Wang Bofen participated in the family’s search for the Evil-Warding Sword Manual (辟邪剑谱) after Lin Pingzhi came to stay with them. He was involved in examining the manual and determining its authenticity, demonstrating his role in managing the family’s affairs.
Personality & traits
Wang Bofen was portrayed as arrogant, proud, and somewhat scheming. He was quick to take offense at perceived slights and was willing to use underhanded tactics, such as getting Linghu Chong drunk, to exact revenge. He demonstrated a strong sense of family pride and adherence to traditional etiquette, reflecting the values of a prominent martial arts family.
Martial arts abilities
Wang Bofen was trained in the “Five Tigers Breaking Door Sabre” (五虎断门刀), the signature martial art of the Golden Blade School. He inherited his father’s sabre techniques and was considered a skilled martial artist within the Luoyang martial arts community. His skills were sufficient to participate in discussions about martial arts manuals and to represent the Golden Blade School in interactions with other sects.
Relationships
- Wang Yuanba: His father and leader of the Golden Blade School.
- Wang Zhongqiang: His younger brother, with whom he managed family affairs.
- Madam Wang: His sister, Lin Zhennan’s wife.
- Lin Pingzhi: His nephew, who came to stay with the Wang family.
- Linghu Chong: An adversary with whom he had conflicts.
Behind the scenes
Wang Bofen’s character represents the pride and arrogance of traditional martial arts families. His conflict with Linghu Chong highlights the clash between traditional values and Linghu Chong’s carefree nature. His character contributes to the portrayal of the Wang family as a powerful but somewhat rigid martial arts clan, and his actions help to drive the plot forward by creating conflicts that test the characters’ relationships.
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Wang Yuanba – Wang Bofen’s father
- Golden Blade School – Wang Bofen’s faction
- Wang Zhongqiang – Wang Bofen’s younger brother
External links
- Wang Bofen (Chinese) on Baidu Baike