Zhang Mingfei

Biodata

Background / History

Zhang Mingfei was a notorious local bully in Qingtian District. He repeatedly pressured Zhou Chen to send Zhou Chen’s ten-year-old sister, Zhou Yu, to the Chen Residence, presenting the arrangement as a profitable opportunity despite Old Master Chen’s reputation for abusing girls sent to him. 1 2

After Zhou Tian was beaten and severed ties with the Zhou Household, Zhang waited near the family’s alley, apparently recognizing that the loss of clan protection made Zhou Yu easier to target. He warned Zhou Chen that something had happened at home, then continued to monitor the family’s vulnerability. 1 2

When Zhang stopped Zhou Chen on the way to the Zheng Family Martial Arts Hall, he forcibly searched his clothing for valuables. He found only Zhou Chen’s fish-killing knife because the Black Taisui had been concealed against Zhou Chen’s thigh. Zhang again offered five taels of silver for Zhou Yu and vowed not to give up after Zhou Chen ignored him. 3

Zhang initially hesitated after Zhou Chen became a registered disciple of the Zheng Family Martial Arts Hall. Once he learned that Zhou’s aptitude was considered poor and that he was unlikely to become a Martial Warrior within three months, he and his associates finalized a plan to abduct Zhou Yu while Zhou Chen was absent and secretly deliver her to Old Master Chen. 8 9

Zhou Chen overheard the plot and spent several days locating Zhang and his underlings. He ambushed Zhang outside his shack, blinded him with ash, and killed him by repeatedly crushing his skull with a stone. 10

Personality

Zhang was predatory and exploitative, treating Zhou Yu as merchandise whose sale could earn him five taels of silver. He specifically sought out a family weakened by poverty, an injured father, and the loss of clan protection. 1 2 3

He was also cautious when faced with institutional power. Zhou Chen’s martial-hall uniform and status token prevented Zhang from attacking openly, but Zhang resumed his plans once he believed Zhou’s weak aptitude meant that protection would be temporary. 8

His criminal approach was deliberate rather than impulsive: he and his followers chose a time when Zhou Chen would be away, intended to incapacitate Zhou Yu quietly, and planned to avoid leaving evidence. 8

Story Role / Major Arcs

Threat to the Zhou Family

• Zhang repeatedly attempts to broker Zhou Yu’s transfer to the Chen Residence, creating the immediate threat that drives Zhou Chen to seek martial training. 1 2
• He searches Zhou Chen while the latter carries the Black Taisui, nearly exposing Zhou Chen’s only means of entering the Zheng Family Martial Arts Hall. 3
• His intimidation loses force after Zhou becomes a registered disciple, demonstrating the limited protection granted by the martial hall’s name alone. 8

Planned Abduction and Death

• After learning of Zhou Chen’s supposedly poor prospects, Zhang agrees to kidnap Zhou Yu for Old Master Chen. 8
• Zhou Chen overhears the conspiracy and concludes that Zhang must die before he can cultivate in peace. 9
• Zhou Chen kills Zhang and four of his gang associates, eliminating the immediate threat to his family; local residents later celebrate their deaths while fearing retaliation from the Clear River Gang. 10 11

Relationships

• Zhou Chen — Enemy. Zhang threatens Zhou’s sister, searches Zhou for valuables, and plots against his family; Zhou Chen ultimately kills him. 1 3 8 10
• Zhou Yu — Intended victim. Zhang attempts to sell or abduct her for delivery to the Chen Residence. 1 2 8
• Old Master Chen — Criminal associate and intended recipient of Zhou Yu; Zhang acts after Chen urges him to procure another girl. 8
• Four unnamed gang members — Zhang’s followers and accomplices in the kidnapping scheme; they are killed by Zhou Chen after Zhang’s death. 8 10 11

Notable Quotes

“Your little sister is worth five taels of silver! Five taels! Some people can work for a whole year and still not earn that much!” 3

“There’s never been anyone I’ve set my sights on that I couldn’t get my hands on!” 3