News of 87-year-old Pham Tang and his 37-year-old wife, Tu Manh, went viral on 16/8. According to Hongxing News, sources allege Tu Manh has seized two billion CNY (278 million USD) worth of her husband's assets, including antiques, paintings, and calligraphy works.

Pham Hieu Hue, Pham Tang's daughter, addressed the situation on her social media account later that day, according to Jimu News. She explained that she had been abroad with her child for a summer course since mid-July, communicating with her father by phone. He had mentioned staying at a hospital to care for a sick Tu Manh. While Pham Hieu Hue found it odd that an elderly man would need to stay at a hospital to care for a younger person, she trusted Tu Manh and didn't inquire further.

Upon hearing the news a few days later, Pham Hieu Hue returned to China and went to her father's villa, only to find it locked up, with both her father and Tu Manh absent. She discovered that Tu Manh had dismissed long-term staff and hired new help, also disabling the home's security cameras.

Pham Tang and Tu Manh at their home in 2024. Photo: Sohu

Pham Hieu Hue's investigation suggests that Tu Manh took advantage of her husband's family's absence to move a significant number of his calligraphy pieces and antiques. Tu Manh also took Pham Tang away from the villa. For over two weeks, Pham Hieu Hue has been unable to contact her father or determine his whereabouts. Although she can message Tu Manh, her stepmother is withholding all information.

Pham Hieu Hue is deeply concerned about her father's health and safety. She has not disclosed whether she has reported the matter to the police. Both Pham Tang and Tu Manh remain silent amidst the swirling allegations surrounding their finances and marriage. Sources suggest Tu Manh has a lover and is conspiring with others to seize Pham Tang's assets.

The marriage of Pham Tang and Tu Manh has drawn public attention. Photo: Red Note

The artist announced his marriage to Tu Manh in 4/2024. Pham Tang explained that after his third wife's death in 2021, he suffered a minor stroke that hindered his artistic work. Tu Manh's attentive care helped him recover both physically and mentally. Finding common ground, they decided to marry.

An acquaintance of Tu Manh revealed that Pham Tang married her due to her attentiveness and care. Understanding his artistic habits, Tu Manh became his assistant.

Sources indicate Tu Manh lived a lavish lifestyle, receiving a Ferrari from Pham Tang before their marriage. She also indulged in luxury goods, particularly Hermes bags.

Pham Tang is a prominent figure in contemporary Chinese art, recognized as a master of calligraphy and painting. He has held positions such as vice president of the China Artists Association and vice president of the Chinese Calligraphers Association.

Pham Tang's "Bronze Script Under a Pine Tree." Photo: Sotheby's

His works are displayed in museums internationally, including in Japan and the UK. Many of his paintings have fetched high prices at auction. "Bamboo Ruler" sold for over 40 million CNY (5.1 million USD), while "Lingquan Daofeng" reached 18.4 million CNY (2.5 million USD). Dozens of his other paintings have also surpassed the one million USD mark.

Pham Tang has been married three times; his first wife was a poet, and his second, a painter. In the 1990s, facing financial difficulties, he received support from his friend, Tu Ton Duc. However, he then fell in love with Tu Ton Duc's wife, Truong Que Van. Truong Que Van and Tu Ton Duc divorced, as did Pham Tang and his second wife, so that he could be with Que Van. She passed away in 2021.

Nhu Anh (via Jimu News, Hongxing News)