Who is Gordon Chen from Tai-Pan and what is their importance?

Gordon Chen is the illegitimate son of Dirk Struan. Struan gave his mother a house in Macao and made sure Gordon was well educated. He considers himself very lucky with the way his life turned out. He wasn't happy as a child when he learned the truth about his birth from Reverend Mauss at school, but his mother explained it to him in a way that he could understand. The Tai-Pan had provided for her and Gordon by giving her land and selling her to Chen Sheng as third-wife. Years later, he appreciates the Tai-Pan. Gordon is a member of the Hung Mun Tong, a secret society dedicated to overthrowing the Manchu dynasty. When Dirk receives the bullion, he extends credit to Gordon for a share of the profits and they become business partners. He becomes one of the biggest landowners and businessmen in Hong Kong and is called the Tai-Pan of Tai Ping Shan. He is also the head of the Hong Kong Triads.