Xu Tianchuan (simplified: 徐天川, traditional: 徐天川, pinyin: Xú Tiānchuān, jyutping: ceoi4 tin1 cyun1), also known as the “Eight-Armed Ape Monkey” (八臂猿猴 — Bābì Yuánhóu) and “Brother Xu” (徐大哥 — Xú Dàgē), is a member of the Heaven and Earth Society’s (天地会) Green Wood Lodge (青木堂 — Qīngmù Táng) in The Deer and the Cauldron. He serves under Wei Xiaobao, the lodge’s leader.
Biography
Conflict with the House of Prince Mu
Xu Tianchuan plays a role in the conflict between the Heaven and Earth Society and the House of Prince Mu (沐王府). During a confrontation, he accidentally kills Bai Hansong (白寒松), a member of the Mu household, while also sustaining serious injuries himself.
This incident creates tension between the two anti-Qing organizations and leads to the Heaven and Earth Society kidnapping Mu Jianping (沐剑屏), a princess of the Mu household, as leverage.
Service under Wei Xiaobao
As a member of the Green Wood Lodge, Xu Tianchuan serves under Wei Xiaobao after the latter becomes the lodge’s leader. He demonstrates loyalty to Wei Xiaobao and participates in various missions and operations conducted by the Society.
Xu Tianchuan is known for his agility and quick movements, which earned him the nickname “Eight-Armed Ape Monkey,” suggesting his ability to move quickly and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Supporting Wei Xiaobao
Xu Tianchuan is often involved in supporting Wei Xiaobao’s various schemes and operations. He demonstrates resourcefulness and loyalty, using his experience in the jianghu to help navigate complex situations.
In one notable incident, Xu Tianchuan and other Heaven and Earth Society members help Wei Xiaobao humiliate Zheng Keshuang (郑克塽) by pretending to be bandits from Mount Funiu (伏牛山), allowing Wei Xiaobao to manipulate the situation while maintaining his cover.
Personality and traits
Xu Tianchuan is characterized by his loyalty, resourcefulness, and dedication to the anti-Qing cause. As a seasoned member of the jianghu, he possesses practical experience and street smarts that complement Wei Xiaobao’s cunning.
His nickname “Eight-Armed Ape Monkey” reflects both his physical agility and his ability to handle multiple tasks or situations simultaneously, making him a valuable member of the Heaven and Earth Society.
Significance
Xu Tianchuan represents the rank-and-file members of the Heaven and Earth Society who support their leaders and carry out the day-to-day operations of the anti-Qing resistance. His character shows how the Society functions as an organization with members at various levels contributing to its goals.
His involvement in conflicts with the House of Prince Mu demonstrates the internal tensions that exist even within the broader anti-Qing movement, as different organizations compete for influence and resources while sharing a common goal.
Xu Tianchuan’s loyalty and support for Wei Xiaobao also illustrate how Wei Xiaobao’s leadership, despite his unorthodox methods and conflicting loyalties, manages to win the respect and cooperation of his subordinates.