Old Fang

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Old Fang (老方)
Alias(es)	Little Fang's father; Fang Shuwen's father
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Zhao Estate 3 17
Occupation/Role	Gatekeeper; formerly a coachman at the Zhao Estate 1 17
Status	Alive; moves into Fang Shuwen's newly purchased courtyard 87
First Appearance	Chapter 1 (mentioned) 1

Background / History

Old Fang raised Fang Shuwen alone after his wife died early. A poor but steadfast servant, he sold off his possessions to keep his son in public middle school, hoping Fang Shuwen could graduate, carry a fountain pen, enter official employment, and improve their station in life 1 3.

He worked at the Zhao Estate, eventually becoming its gatekeeper after serving as a coachman. Despite his long service, he remained humble, dutiful, and unambitious in the eyes of his fellow servants 17. He lived with Fang Shuwen in the estate's servants' quarters and routinely deprived himself of better food to provide his son with eggs, meat, tuition, and school supplies 3 16.

Although others considered the original Fang Shuwen a poor student and a loafer, Old Fang never abandoned faith in him. He repeatedly defended his son's potential and took pride in his eventual admission to the Elite Class, where Fang Shuwen placed ninth 3 23 39.

After the Wild Wolf Gang targeted Fang Shuwen, they abducted Old Fang to force his son into a confrontation. He was tied up and beaten at the Old Wharf, but Zheng Yuanpei intervened, calling Old Fang his chess partner and securing his release. Old Fang's first concern after being freed was whether Fang Shuwen was safe 64 66 67.

Once the gang's threat appeared to subside, Fang Shuwen arranged to move him out of the Zhao Estate. The two relocated into a newly purchased courtyard with a dedicated martial-arts training ground 80 87.

Appearance

Old Fang is an elderly, thin man with a hunched posture and a weathered, impoverished appearance.

• Over fifty years old 3
• Thin frame, cloudy or listless eyes, and a face marked by deep wrinkles 3 11
• Has several missing teeth 11
• Usually wears patched, worn clothing 3
• Later receives a navy-blue silk gentleman's robe and sable hat from Fang Shuwen, which dramatically improve his appearance 87

Personality

Old Fang is devoted, hopeful, and deeply self-sacrificing toward his son. Even when Fang Shuwen had failed most of his subjects and earned a poor reputation, Old Fang continued investing what little he had into the boy's education and future 1 3.

He is humble and disciplined, instinctively deferential toward people of authority and unwilling to burden others. His frugality persists even after his circumstances improve; while moving house, he insists on keeping patched clothes, broken furniture, and chipped cups because they remain usable 55 87.

His faith in Fang Shuwen is both his greatest hope and greatest vulnerability. He is easily distressed by rumors of his son's failures, yet takes profound joy in Fang Shuwen's academic success and changed maturity 23 39.

Relationships

• Fang Shuwen — His son. Old Fang raised him alone, sacrificed his savings for his education, and remains unconditionally proud and protective of him 1 3 67.
• Hu Da — Fellow Zhao Estate worker and neighbor. Hu Da prepares food for Fang Shuwen at Old Fang's request and later helps host the father and son's housewarming banquet 3 87.
• Chen Zhong — Zhao Estate steward. Chen recognizes Fang Shuwen's potential and delivers the master's gifts, which deeply move Old Fang 16 39.
• Zheng Yuanpei — Chess partner. Zheng Yuanpei rescues Old Fang from the Wild Wolf Gang and cites their chess partnership as his reason for intervening 67.
• Mother Wang — Fellow servant and neighbor. She frequently boasts about her daughter Cuicui while indirectly belittling Fang Shuwen, causing Old Fang embarrassment and worry 3 38.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Fang Shuwen's Education

Old Fang's desire for Fang Shuwen to receive an education drives much of the family's early hardship. He supports Fang Shuwen despite tuition debts, poor grades, and public doubt, and is overjoyed when his son enters the Elite Class in ninth place 1 16 39.

Recognition at the Zhao Estate

When Chen Zhong discovers Fang Shuwen's martial ability, he grants Fang Shuwen access to the estate's training courtyard and presents him with a Parker fountain pen. Old Fang interprets the gesture as recognition of his son's hard work and is overwhelmed by gratitude 16.

Wild Wolf Gang Abduction

The Wild Wolf Gang kidnaps and beats Old Fang to pressure Fang Shuwen. His abduction gives Fang Shuwen a personal reason to confront Wang Yue, though Zheng Yuanpei ultimately frees Old Fang before the conflict escalates further 64 66 67.

Moving House

After Fang Shuwen gains wealth and standing, he buys a courtyard near the Concession and moves Old Fang out of the Zhao Estate. Old Fang remains reluctant to discard his old possessions, reflecting his lifelong poverty and thrift 81 87.

Notable Quotes

“Shuwen, are... are you alright?” 67

Trivia

• Old Fang's lifelong ambition is for Fang Shuwen to become an official and “carry a fountain pen” 3.
• He routinely claims not to like eggs so Fang Shuwen will eat them instead 16.
• Zheng Yuanpei refers to him as his chess partner 67.