Father Lu

Biodata

Background / History

Baoquan chose his studious second son, Lu Jiancheng, for the family’s university recommendation. When Jiancheng tried to give the place to Bai Rui after Lu Tinglan’s near-drowning, Baoquan angrily opposed him. He later accepted Tinglan’s proposal to return the recommendation rather than give it to either sibling 1 2 6.

For years, Baoquan gave grain to Liu Cuilan, widow of Lu Lin, who had died during a hunting trip Baoquan led. Although Baoquan was not responsible for Lu Lin’s death, his continued support placed a burden on his own family and caused a serious rift with his wife, Wang Xiuhong. After she threatened divorce, he rejected Liu’s demands. Witnesses then publicly confirmed that he had treated Lu Lin and Liu fairly 11 12. He began taking on household chores, but Xiuhong had not yet reconciled with him 12 13.

As village chief, Baoquan sent word to the county police after Huo Qi was implicated in theft at the Educated Youth Compound. He later led villagers to the school after Er Ya reported a wolf, recognized that the alarm was part of Tinglan’s plan, and played along. When Lu Xiaohu’s harassment of students came to light, Baoquan ordered him and principal Qin Shujie removed from the school pending a village committee decision 10 16.

Personality

Baoquan is protective of his children but expects them to exercise their own judgment: when Jiancheng promises to obey his parents from then on, Baoquan tells him to learn to make decisions for himself 6. He praises Tinglan when she fears her family will disapprove of the forceful way she confronted Bai Rui 6.

His reluctance to confront Liu Cuilan shows a costly habit of putting others’ needs ahead of his family’s. Tinglan’s criticism makes him recognize how much Xiuhong has endured, though his first attempts to help at home do not immediately mend their relationship 11 12 13.

Relationships

• Wang Xiuhong — Wife. She resents the years of labor and sacrifice involved in supporting Liu Cuilan and threatens divorce unless Baoquan cuts ties with her 11 12.
• Lu Tinglan — Youngest daughter. He takes her warnings seriously, praises her assertiveness, and escorts her to her first day of teaching out of concern 2 6 14.
• Lu Jiancheng — Second son. Baoquan opposes his attempt to surrender the university place to Bai Rui, then urges him to think independently 2 6.
• Liu Cuilan — Lu Lin’s widow. Baoquan supplied her family with grain for years before publicly telling her that he owed them nothing more 11.
• Lu Lin — Deceased member of Baoquan’s hunting party. Eyewitness testimony clears Baoquan of responsibility for his death 11 12.

Notable Quotes

“Your mother and I can guide you for a while, but can we guide you for the rest of your life? You need a mind of your own.” 6

“Leave. I stopped owing your family anything long ago!” 11