Wei Chunfang (simplified: 韦春芳, traditional: 韋春芳, pinyin: Wéi Chūnfāng, jyutping: wai4 ceon1 fong1), also known as Wei Chunhua (韦春花), is Wei Xiaobao’s mother and a prostitute at the Lichun Brothel (丽春院 — Lìchūn Yuàn) in Yangzhou in The Deer and the Cauldron. Despite her humble profession, she raised Wei Xiaobao with genuine love and simple moral principles.
Biography
Life at the brothel
Wei Chunfang works as a prostitute at the Lichun Brothel in Yangzhou, where she raised Wei Xiaobao from birth. The identity of Wei Xiaobao’s father remains unknown, as Wei Chunfang had numerous clients over the years. Despite the difficult circumstances of her profession, she managed to provide for her son and instill in him basic values.
Relationship with Wei Xiaobao
Wei Chunfang loves her son deeply, though her simple and carefree nature means she doesn’t always fully understand the complex situations he becomes involved in. She demonstrates her affection in practical ways, such as stealing a plate of ham slices for him when he’s upset, despite the risk this poses to her.
She maintains certain moral boundaries that reflect her values: she allows Wei Xiaobao to gamble and use tricks to win money, but forbids him from stealing from clients. This illustrates her basic sense of right and wrong, even within the amoral environment of a brothel.
When Wei Xiaobao disappears after going to Beijing with Mao Shiba, Wei Chunfang prays to the gods and makes vows, hoping for his safe return. However, she continues with her daily life, doing what she must to survive while waiting for a miracle.
Personality
Wei Chunfang is characterized by her simple, carefree nature. Wei Xiaobao himself notes that she “doesn’t even take her profession seriously,” refusing to learn many songs. She lives in the moment, not worrying excessively about the future or dwelling on past troubles.
Despite her simple nature, Wei Chunfang possesses genuine warmth and love for her son. She is easily overwhelmed by complexity, which is why Wei Xiaobao is careful about sharing too much good news with her for fear of alarming her. When he finally reveals his wealth and success, he has to demonstrate his gambling skills with dice before she can believe it.
Significance
Wei Chunfang represents the humble origins of Wei Xiaobao and provides a contrast to the complex political and jianghu he later enters. Her simple values and genuine love serve as a moral anchor for Wei Xiaobao, reminding him of his roots even as he navigates increasingly sophisticated circles.
Her character demonstrates that genuine love and basic morality can exist even in difficult circumstances. Despite being a prostitute, she maintains her own sense of right and wrong and shows genuine care for her son.
Wei Chunfang’s personality traits—her carefree nature, simple happiness, and ability to find joy in difficult circumstances—are reflected in Wei Xiaobao’s own approach to life. His pragmatic optimism and ability to adapt to any situation can be seen as inherited from his mother’s resilient character.
In the end, Wei Xiaobao takes his mother with him when he retires to Yunnan, ensuring she can live out her remaining years in comfort and peace, a testament to his filial devotion despite all his moral ambiguities.