Uncle Wu

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Wu Ziping (吴子平)
Alias(es)	Uncle Wu
Gender	Male
Occupation/Role	Antique dealer and ceramic-appraisal specialist; Chu Chen's mentor and later an appraiser at Chu Chen's shop
Affiliation	Former owner of a small Panjiayuan antique shop; later joins Chu Chen's antique business 3 400
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 3 (mentioned); Chapter 5 (appears in person)
Age	60 at the time of his introduction 3
Family	Wife, Wu Ke (daughter), and his mother, Grandma Wu 4 36

Background / History

Wu Ziping grew up alongside Liu Guomin, Chu Chen's adoptive father; their families were close enough that the two men regarded one another as brothers. After Liu Guomin's death, Chu Chen traveled to Beijing with a letter asking Wu for help. Wu grieved for his old friend but welcomed Chu Chen, declaring that Liu Guomin's son was also his own son. 3

An established Panjiayuan dealer specializing in ancient ceramics, Wu personally taught Chu Chen antique appraisal without holding back. When Chu Chen chose to work independently as an antique peddler rather than live or work with him, Wu supported the decision: he taught him how to source goods, introduced him to old-house brokers, and repeatedly lent him money after bad purchases. Their bond became that of uncle and nephew. 3

Wu maintained his own small shop while living frugally to fund his daughter Wu Ke's overseas education. He and his wife had planned for her to study abroad from her birth, and Wu used his connections to help her enter Oxford University; the tuition exhausted the family's savings and prevented him from replacing his aging shop. 4

After Chu Chen's success in the antique trade relieved the family's financial pressure, Wu eventually closed his own shop and joined Chu Chen's new business. He became responsible for reviewing acquisitions worth more than 50,000 yuan, providing the experience and reputation the younger staff lacked. 400

Personality

Wu is warm, protective, and deeply paternal toward Chu Chen. He frequently scolds him for extravagance or recklessness, but his concern is practical rather than controlling: he helps secure a safe, watches over valuable items, warns him against greed, and worries about his health during business trips. 36 78 479

He is notably frugal and proud. Wu initially resists Chu Chen's expensive gifts and offer to pay Wu Ke's tuition because he dislikes seeing the younger man spend carelessly, though he eventually accepts the family's need for help. 35 36

In the antiques circle, Wu is known as a good-tempered and upright dealer. He values fair prices, preservation, and professional integrity; the deceptive practices of Ren Shiguo provoke an unusually deep and lasting hatred from him. 49 992

Wu also has a playful side. He teases Chu Chen about marrying Wu Ke and is eager to inspect every remarkable treasure Chu Chen acquires. 5 77

Abilities & Skills

Ceramic Appraisal

Wu specializes in ancient ceramics and porcelain, with decades of practical experience in the Panjiayuan trade. 3 400

• Tests Chu Chen's appraisal ability using a Xuande glazed-red three-fruit bowl and recognizes his progress. 5
• Is Zhao Xueyi's first contact for porcelain-related needs due to his professional reputation. 6
• Helps identify and explain porcelain forgeries, including a fake Yuhuchun vase. 981
• Recognizes the research value and potential danger of a Tang Sancai production recipe, advising that its authenticity and handling be referred to Old Liu. 77
• Admits that calligraphy and painting are not his strongest fields, seeking Chu Chen's analysis when examining Ode to the Luo River Goddess. 663

Antique Trade Knowledge and Networks

Wu has extensive market knowledge and a long-standing network among Beijing antique dealers, brokers, collectors, and appraisers.

• Introduces Chu Chen to brokers dealing in old houses and teaches him how to source antiques. 3
• Uses collector forums and online auction notices to obtain market information and locate sources of goods. 5
• Has long-standing relationships with Zhao Xueyi, Zhu Dafu, Old Liu, Old Zhou, and other figures in the antiques world. 6 7 43 47
• Reviews high-value acquisitions for Chu Chen's shop after joining the business. 400

Caution and Ethical Judgment

Wu emphasizes responsible collecting rather than profit alone.

• Warns Chu Chen that rare treasures can encourage greed and advises him to seek Old Liu's guidance regarding the detoxified jade cicada. 78
• Attempts to preserve Old Zhou's paintings rather than let his late friend's son dispose of them cheaply. 49 50
• Pays fair prices to trading partners and is trusted for his honesty, in contrast to Ren Shiguo's deceptive dealing. 992

Relationships

• Chu Chen — Adoptive uncle, mentor, and father figure. Wu sheltered him after Liu Guomin's death, taught him appraisal, funded him when necessary, and later joined his business. 3 400
• Liu Guomin — Childhood friend regarded as a brother; Liu entrusted Chu Chen to Wu through a letter before his death. 3
• Wu Ke — Daughter. Wu and his wife saved for years to send her abroad; he repeatedly tries to match her with Chu Chen. 4 5
• Aunt Wu — Wife. They share responsibility for Wu Ke's education and sometimes argue over Chu Chen's generosity. 4 36
• Grandma Wu — Mother. Wu is highly filial toward her, while she often softens his strict attitude toward Chu Chen. 36
• Zhao Xueyi — Old friend and Panjiayuan antiques broker; Zhao consults Wu first on porcelain matters. 6
• Old Liu — Respected elder and longtime acquaintance. Wu regularly directs Chu Chen to Old Liu for advice on culturally significant or difficult items. 43 77 78
• Zhu Dafu — Old friend and fellow Panjiayuan antique dealer. 7
• Old Zhou — Childhood friend whose death leaves Wu grieving; Wu tries to protect the value of Old Zhou's remaining artwork. 47 49
• Ren Shiguo — Former friend turned bitter rival after Ren sold Wu deceptively restored furniture and poached a negotiated purchase. 992
• Li Beibei — Has a familiar, familial rapport with Wu, who teases her about her past embarrassments. 46

Story Role / Major Arcs

Mentor to Chu Chen

Wu serves as Chu Chen's entry point into the Beijing antiques trade. He provides training, professional contacts, loans, and emotional support while encouraging Chu Chen to become independent. 3 6

Family Financial Strain

Wu's commitment to Wu Ke's education leaves his family under financial pressure. Chu Chen's offer to pay her tuition and his gifts to the household create friction because Wu fears Chu Chen is becoming wasteful, though the family ultimately accepts the help. 35 36

Adviser on Rare Artifacts

As Chu Chen begins discovering increasingly important antiques, Wu becomes a trusted first adviser. He urges caution over the Tang Sancai recipe and detoxified jade cicada, recognizing that their significance exceeds ordinary private transactions. 77 78

Joining Chu Chen's Business

After Chu Chen purchases a large commercial property for an antique business, Wu volunteers to close his own shop and work for him. His experience stabilizes the operation and gives its younger staff a respected senior appraiser. 400

Conflict with Ren Shiguo

Wu's long-standing feud with Ren Shiguo stems from betrayal in their former friendship and Ren's dishonest trade practices. When Ren's high-imitation porcelain scheme collapses, Wu becomes so elated that he drinks himself drunk—an unusual break from his normally restrained behavior. 992

Notable Quotes

“Old Liu's son is my son.” 3

“China has five thousand years of history; there's far too much to learn. Even studying until old age, you'll never finish.” 6

“Forget owning it, even seeing it is a great fortune!” 78

Trivia

• Wu bought an old 586 computer for 2,000 yuan and laboriously taught himself to use it, believing antique dealers needed to keep pace with new technology. 5
• He had Wu Ke at age thirty-nine. 4
• Wu's family lives in a renovated ancestral courtyard house in Beijing. 36
• After falling ill during a trip to Porcelain Capital, he agrees to learn Tai Chi from Chu Chen to improve his health and remain able to help care for future grandchildren. 479