Uncle Dashan

Biodata

Background / History

Caring for Zhang Sheng

Dashan had lived in the mountain village for twenty or thirty years. Before Zhang Sheng’s arrival, the farthest he had traveled was Heshui County, a little over thirty li away and under Luoyang’s jurisdiction. He knew Zhang Sheng’s deceased parents and felt responsible for the orphaned boy’s safety 1 2.

When the newly transmigrated Zhang Sheng wandered outside while ill, Dashan carried him home and arranged a medical examination. He prepared thin porridge, brought meals cooked by his wife, and assured Zhang Sheng that their family could afford to feed him. His answers about Luoyang and the new emperor, Yang Guang, allowed Zhang Sheng to identify his surroundings as the Sui Dynasty 1 2.

Dashan repeatedly invited Zhang Sheng to live with his family. When the boy refused, saying that his cottage had belonged to his parents, Dashan respected the decision and continued delivering meals. He also obtained tools for Zhang Sheng’s furniture-making and insisted on paying him to replace his family’s old furniture, despite Zhang Sheng’s offer to work for free 4 5.

Hunting and Zhang Sheng’s New Home

Dashan initially refused to let Zhang Sheng hunt in Bear Mountain. Even after watching him lift a five-hundred-jin rock, he warned that strength offered little protection against poisonous insects and hidden dangers. He eventually permitted a trip to the outskirts, escorted Zhang Sheng to the entrance, and instructed him to flee if he encountered a bear 6.

When Zhang Sheng failed to return promptly, Dashan prepared to search for him. He was astonished to see the child carrying a tiger killed barehanded, but checked for injuries and warned him against becoming complacent. He then brought the old hunter Chen to help process the carcass 8 9.

Dashan accompanied Zhang Sheng to sell three ginseng roots for two hundred guan and explained the money’s purchasing power. He later located builders and a brick-and-tile kiln in a neighboring village for Zhang Sheng’s new house. At Zhang Sheng’s request, he also handled the sale of a lingzhi that brought in a thousand strings of cash 10 11 12 13.

The Snow Disaster

During the heavy snowfall, Dashan checked whether Zhang Sheng needed supplies. His remark that many people might freeze to death made Zhang Sheng recognize the snow as a threat to others rather than merely an inconvenience 13.

Dashan’s own home became uninhabitable, forcing his family to stay temporarily with Zhang Sheng. He joined Chen in checking neighboring households and later repaired his damaged roof with Zhang Sheng’s help 14 15.

On a supply trip to the county seat, Dashan helped Zhang Sheng persuade two starving orphaned sisters, Daya and Erya, to accept shelter. He promised them food and warm clothing in exchange for light work, then gave up one of his winter coats for the journey home. His wife helped feed the girls after their arrival 15 16.

After the new year, Dashan’s family moved out despite Zhang Sheng’s requests that they remain. They had enjoyed their stay but regarded the house as Zhang Sheng’s home rather than their own 19.

Learning Zhang Sheng’s Secret

Dashan scolded Zhang Sheng after discovering his extreme body-tempering exercises. To reassure him, Zhang Sheng demonstrated his healing ability by cutting his arm and closing the wound with green light. Dashan and the sisters initially interpreted the display as immortal magic; Zhang Sheng explained that it came from cultivation and asked them to keep it secret 19.

Dashan promised not to reveal what he had seen. Although he asked whether others might also cultivate, the supplied account records no cultivation breakthrough or supernatural ability of his own 19.

Chief of Blue Silver Village

Three years later, the villagers selected Dashan as chief after Zhang Sheng declined the position. The settlement adopted Zhang Sheng’s proposed name, Blue Silver Village. Dashan’s family also benefited from its prosperity, replacing their old thatched dwelling with a large house 20.

As chief, Dashan handled practical affairs while consulting Zhang Sheng on major threats and policies:

Dashan initially feared that sheltering wanted laborers would expose the village to punishment. Zhang Sheng’s demonstrated strength gave him enough confidence to proceed, though he still sought reassurance afterward. Zhang Sheng praised his management of the village and recognized that the chief’s responsibilities left him too busy even to stay for a meal 38.

Personality

Dashan is affectionate and protective, particularly toward Zhang Sheng. His concern often takes the form of repeated warnings or stern scolding: he objects to the boy traveling alone, entering dangerous forests, and training in ways that appear self-destructive. Even after the tiger hunt proves Zhang Sheng’s strength, Dashan continues to emphasize caution 2 6 8 19.

He is generous without treating his assistance as a debt. He offers Zhang Sheng food and a home, yet insists on paying fairly for his carpentry. He also respects the boy’s growing independence, declining to interfere with how Zhang Sheng spends his own earnings 2 4 5 11.

His trust in Zhang Sheng deepens into firm confidence in his judgment. He relays the warning about canal labor without doubting it and accepts rescued fugitives despite understanding the political risk. That loyalty coexists with practical anxiety: Zhang Sheng’s destructive power leaves him both gratified and apprehensive 29 35 38.

Abilities & Skills

Village Administration

• Coordinates supplies, communicates policies, and arranges accommodation for newcomers 21 29 38.
• Acts as the village’s contact with constables and armed representatives 21 34.
• Supports Zhang Sheng’s plans to expand the settlement by registering prospective residents 38.

Farming and Practical Work

• Works in the fields, with farming serving as his livelihood before becoming village chief 4 5.
• Helps butcher Zhang Sheng’s tiger alongside the hunter Chen 9.
• Repairs his snow-damaged roof, requesting Zhang Sheng’s help to move heavy timber 15.
• Uses local contacts to find builders and construction materials 11.

Relationships

• Zhang Sheng — A protective, uncle-like figure and early provider who later becomes his trusted village administrator. Zhang Sheng credits Dashan with keeping him fed and promises never to forget his family’s kindness 1 10 38.
• Auntie — His wife and partner in caring for Zhang Sheng. They jointly provide meals and agree that Zhang Sheng should be paid for his furniture 2 5.
• Huzi — His son. Dashan tells him stories and entrusts him to Zhang Sheng while he and his wife are busy farming 2 5.
• Chen — An older hunter whom Dashan respectfully calls Uncle Chen. They help process the tiger, travel to town together, and check on households after the snow disaster 9 10 14.
• Lan Xin and Lan Yun — The orphaned sisters he helps Zhang Sheng bring home. They witness Zhang Sheng’s healing demonstration with him; Lan Xin later assists him with village salt supplies 15 16 19 21.
• Constable Yu — Delivers the warning of an impending bandit attack. Dashan sympathizes with Yu after learning that the magistrate sent him alone as punishment 21.

Notable Quotes

“Your job now is to put your mind at ease and get well. Your auntie and I can still afford to feed you.” 2

“I'm still going to pay you. One thing is one thing, and another is another. I can't have you working for nothing, can I?” 4

“Of course. I wouldn't joke about the people of Blue Silver Village.” 38