Mother Lu

Biodata

History

After Lu Tinglan is pulled from the river, Xiuhong cares for her and insists that Baoquan take their daughter’s strange condition seriously, despite the risk of being overheard discussing superstition. She offers to speak to him about the contested university place, but Tinglan declines 1.

When Lu Jiancheng proposes giving that place to Bai Rui, Xiuhong refuses. Prompted by Tinglan’s thoughts, she questions whether Bai Rui’s pregnancy is as recent as claimed and demands evidence before accepting her as a daughter-in-law. She is relieved when Jiancheng later decides to end the relationship 2 3 4. After Tinglan frightens Bai Rui away, Xiuhong praises her for standing up for herself rather than scolding her 6.

Xiuhong takes Tinglan to thank Jiang Xingnian for saving her, bringing meat, eggs, cigarettes, liquor, and a new shirt. She publicly rebukes a villager who treats their visit as a matchmaking attempt and insists that anyone who helps her daughter deserves gratitude 7. At the educated youths’ compound, she supports Tinglan’s account of the tea served by Huo Qi during the investigation into theft 9.

Xiuhong later catches Liu Cuilan stealing grain from the Lu home. Liu’s demands reopen Xiuhong’s long-standing grievance: Baoquan has continued giving Liu’s family food because he felt responsible for Lu Lin’s death, including food produced through Xiuhong’s labor. Xiuhong threatens divorce unless Baoquan settles the dispute. Even after witnesses clear him of blame, she slaps Liu, orders her away, and locks Baoquan out of the house 10 11 12. Her children side with her; at dinner, she eats with Tinglan and Jiancheng while Baoquan begins to confront how little he has contributed to housework 13.

Personality

Xiuhong is outspoken and fiercely protective of her children. She challenges Bai Rui’s claims, rejects Liu Cuilan’s attempt to bargain for Tinglan’s marriage, and defends her daughter against village gossip 2 3 7 11. Her sharp scolding coexists with practical care: she saves Tinglan egg custard, makes the pancakes she requests, and makes sure she eats before her first day teaching 3 6 14.

Her conflict with Baoquan is rooted in years of unacknowledged sacrifice, not simply the question of whether he caused Lu Lin’s death. Tinglan’s support helps her express that grievance openly 11 12 13.

Relationships

• Lu Tinglan — Her youngest daughter. Xiuhong cares for her after the river incident, hears her thoughts, and comes to trust the warnings and insights they reveal 1 3 6 11.
• Lu Baoquan — Her husband and the village chief. His prolonged support of Liu Cuilan’s family strains their marriage; Xiuhong threatens divorce and demands that he change 1 11 12 13.
• Lu Jiancheng — Her second son. She opposes his sacrifices for Bai Rui and challenges Bai Rui’s pregnancy claim, but continues to care for him after their relationship collapses 2 3 6.
• Bai Rui — Jiancheng’s former partner. Xiuhong distrusts her, refuses her the university place, and questions whether her child is Jiancheng’s 2 3.
• Liu Cuilan — A long-standing source of resentment over the grain supplied by the Lu household. Xiuhong catches her stealing and rejects her demand that Tinglan marry her son 10 11 12.

Notable Quotes

“In our Lu family, my daughter is precious. Anyone who helps her and treats her well will be rewarded.” 7

“My daughter’s the only one who takes after me. That’s how she’ll keep people from bullying her.” 6