Oxford University Press edition of Louis Cha's final wuxia novel, The Deer and the Cauldron

The Deer and the Cauldron (Traditional Chinese: 鹿鼎記; Simplified Chinese: 鹿鼎记; Hanyu Pinyin: lù dǐng jì) or The Duke of Mount Deer is the last novel written by Jinyong. Image File history File links DeerandCauldron. ... Image File history File links DeerandCauldron. ... Oxford University Press (OUP) is a highly-respected publishing house and a department of the University of Oxford in England. ... Traditional Chinese (Traditional Chinese: 正體字/繁體字, Simplified Chinese: 正体字/繁体字) refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Pinyin (拼音, Pīnyīn) literally means join (together) sounds (a less literal translation being phoneticize, spell or transcription) in Chinese and usually refers to Hànyǔ Pīnyīn (汉语拼音, literal meaning: Han language pinyin), which is a system of... A novel (from French nouvelle Italian novella, new) is an extended, generally fictional narrative, typically in prose. ... Louis Cha or Zha Liangyong (sometimes Cha Leung Yung), OBE (born June 6, 1924), known to most by his penname Jinyong (Jin Yong) or Kam-yung (Cantonese), is one of the most influential modern Chinese-language novelists who is also the co-founder of the Hong Kong daily Ming Pao. ...

The novel was initial published on October 24, 1969 on Ming Pao and ran for 2 years, 11 months, till September 23, 1972. October 24 is the 297th day of the year (298th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 68 days remaining. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Ming Pao (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Jyutping ming4 bou3; Hanyu Pinyin: míngbào), a Chinese language newspaper, is a publication by the Ming Pao Group in Hong Kong. ... September 23 is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years). ... 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ...

Summary

This story is centred around a witty, sly, illiterate and lazy protagonist born in a Yangzhou brothel named Wei Xiaobao. Through a series of adventures- or misadventures, the teenage scamp made his way from the southern playground of Yangzhou to Beijing, the seat of Manchurian imperial power. There, he was kidnapped and taken to the palace (the Forbidden City) where he impersonated a eunuch. Xiaobao bumbled his way into a fateful encounter with the young Kangxi Emperor and they developed an unlikely friendship. By sheer luck and clever, but underhanded strategies, he managed to accomplish a number of seemingly impossible achievements. Yangzhou (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ; former spellings: Yang-chou, Yangchow; literally Rising Prefecture) is a prefecture-level city in central Jiangsu province, Peoples Republic of China. ... A brothel, also known as a bordello or whorehouse house is an establishment specifically dedicated to prostitution, providing the prostitutes a place to meet and to have sex with the clients. ... This article is about the Chinese imperial palace in Beijing. ... European illustration of a Eunuch (1749) A eunuch is a castrated man; the term usually refers to those castrated in order to perform a specific social function, as was common in many societies of the past. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Early in his life at the Forbidden City, he met with Chen Jinnan, the leader of the patriotic Heaven and Earth Society, one of the anti-Qing resistance underground organizations, and became one of its Lodge Masters. He became the society's "mole" inside the palace. Later he was kidnapped to Snake Island, home of the Mystic Dragon Sect, where he ended as Mystic Dragon's White Dragon Marshal. The Tiandihui (Chinese: 天地會; pinyin: ; Yale Cantonese: tin1 dei6 wui2; literally Heaven and Earth Society) is a fraternal organization that originated in China. ...

Xiaobao played a major role in disposing the cruel and power-hungry Oboi, rescuing Kangxi's father, Emperor Shunzhi, reuniting the father and son, destroying the Mystic Dragons Sect, weakening the uprising raised by renegade general Wu Sangui, reaching a border treaty with Russian regent Sophia Alekseyevna and Fedor Golovin. Oboi (Manchu: ; Chinese: ; pinyin: ) (?-1669) was a great Manchu warrior of the Bordered Yellow Banner from the Gūwalgiya clan. ... The Shunzhi Emperor (March 15, 1638–February 5, 1661?) was the second emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty, and the first Qing emperor to rule over China proper from 1644 to 1661. ... Wu Sangui (Chinese: 吳三桂; pinyin: Wú Sānguì; WG: Wu San-kuei) (1612 - October 2, 1678) was a Ming Chinese general who opened the gates of the Great Wall of China at Shanhai Pass to let Manchu soldiers into China proper. ... Sofia Alekseyevna (Царевна Софья Алексеевна in Russian) (September 17 (27), 1657 – July 3 (14), 1704) was a regent of Russia (1682-1689) who allied herself with a singularly capable courtier and politician, Prince Vasily Galitzine, to install herself as a regent during the minority of her brothers, Peter I and Ivan V. The... Count Feodor Alekseyevich Golovin (Фёдор Александрович Головин) (1650 - 1706) was the last Russian boyar and the first Russian chancellor. ...

For his numerous accomplishments, he was rewarded with immense wealth, ever-rising titles of nobility by Kang Xi. In the mean time, he also earned respects from Heaven and Earth Society for his work against Wu Sangui, other foreign enemies, and also his help in rescuing people of the resistance that were captured by the officials.

However, like all conflicting identities, Xiaobao's separate lives came to an explosive end. Kang Xi revealed that he knew Xiaobao's relationship with Heaven and Earth Society, and forced Xiaobao to choose between him or the society. Although Kangxi still considered Xiaobao a loyal friend and subject, Xiaobao was eventually forced into exile for refusing to betray the society. Only years later was he allowed back to help Kang Xi deal with the conflict at the border with Russia.

In the finale of the novel, Xiaobao realized that he would never be able to reconcile between the two opposing causes, and his divided friendships were tearing him apart. He chose, instead, to walk out on it all- taking his immerse wealth, mother, seven beautiful wives and three children for a life of peace and tranquility away from Kang Xi and the society.

Themes and story review

This wuxia novel is unique in that the main character has very poor gongfu and was by no means a person of integrity. Xiaobao is a greedy, lazy, and womanizing anti-hero. He is unlike any of Jin Yong's previous Wuxia protagonists, who laugh at death and fighting for what they believe to be a noble cause. Xiaobao's cause is his own advancement. But even if he did not believe in their cause, he had genuine loyalty and generosity to his friends. WÇ”xiá (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: , Mandarin IPA: , Cantonese Pinyin: mou5 hap6), literally meaning martial (arts) heroes, is a distinct quasi-fantasy sub-genre of the martial arts genre in literature, television and cinema. ... Alternative meaning: Kung Fu (TV series) Kung fu or gongfu (功夫, Pinyin: gōngfu) is a well-known Chinese term used in the West to designate Chinese martial arts. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ...

The lack of absolute good and absolute evil in the real world is echoed in The Deer and the Cauldron. Gone is the nationalistic tone that is a prominent part of all of Jin Yong's previous novels. In the trilogy of The Legend of the Condor Heroes (set in the fall of the Sung) and even The Book and the Sword (set in mid-Qing, during Emperor Qianlong's reign), the northern invaders were the obvious "bad guys", war-mongering tribes who preyed on the fertile Central Plains whilst the Chinese Han-dominated court was vulnerable. The Legend of Condor Heroes (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is one of the most acclaimed wuxia novel by Jinyong, first published in 1957 in Hong Kong Commercial Daily. ... Cover of the English translation of The Book and the Sword published by the Oxford University Press in 2005. ...

Instead, in The Deer and the Cauldron, Jin Yong had grayed out the traditional black-and-white, Han versus Barbarians line, portraying the invading Manchurian emperor as an intelligent, caring ruler doing his best for the people who did not always accept him. He is ruthless at times, but ultimately his actions improved the lives of the people (Kangxi is historically remembered as one of the greatest monarchs in Chinese history). On the other hand, the patriotic anti-Qing-pro-Ming resistance had foolishly placed their hopes in the incompetent Zheng Keshaung of Taiwan, fighting for an aspiration that did not echo with the wishes of the common people. This style was in direct opposition to the stance that Jin Yong had taken previously. This article needs cleanup, so as to conform to a higher standard. ...

Towards the end of the book, Xiaobao made a statement to the effect of "it doesn't matter whether a cat is black or white, a cat that catches mice is a good cat" (a quote from Chinese Paramount Premier Deng Xiao Ping). Does it matter the race, colour or creed of the leader, as long as he or she has the best interests of the people at heart?

Admittedly, the Manchurians indeed killed tens of thousands Han people and ravaged the country, the reason which caused The rebels of the Heaven and Earth Society to rebel and fight for the days of Han Chinese rulers. In time, they forgot that the common people wanted only to live in peace and prosperity. Their zealousness reflects the world where people are divided violently along religious or ethnic lines.

The realism, down-to-earth ideas and timelessness of the themes of the novel, contributes to its success, with some fans claiming that it is Jin Yong's best book.

English language translation

Jinyong's novel has been translated into English by John Minford, published in three volumes from 1997 to 2002. Minford is an Honorary Research Fellow at Lingnan University, Chair Professor of Chinese at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chair Professor at the University of Auckland, Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Translation Society, and translator of numerous Chinese works, including the famous Chinese work of military strategy, Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" and the renowned classic "The Story of the Stone". Several minute details were paraphrased and omitted in the translation, presumably for the western audience unfamiliar with wuxia novels. Wǔxiá (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: , Mandarin IPA: , Cantonese Pinyin: mou5 hap6), literally meaning martial (arts) heroes, is a distinct quasi-fantasy sub-genre of the martial arts genre in literature, television and cinema. ...

Works based on the novel

There are also books to examine the office-politic skills displayed by the main characters and their modern day applications:

• 情境鹿鼎记, ISBN 7-80207-108-9
• 总裁韦小宝, ISBN 7-80673-728-6
• 破译韦小宝, ISBN 7-5048-4705-4
• 串烤韦小宝, ISBN 7-80661-929-1
• 人精韦小宝的混世法宝 ISBN 7-80100-576-7

Adapatations

There are several television and film adaptations of the novel; all of which have modified the original storyline.

TV series

• CTV Hong Kong (1970s) starring 文雪兒
• Hong Kong TVB (1984) - starring Tony Leung and Andy Lau; theme sung by Leslie Cheung
• CTV Taiwan (1984)
• Hong Kong TVB (1998) - starring Jordan Chan
• Hong Kong TVB (2000) - starring Dicky Cheung
• 2007 - mainland China - directed by Zhang Jizhong, starring Huang Xiaoming

Commercial broadcasting is the practice of broadcasting for profit. ... Tony Leung Chiu-wai in a 2006 promotional photograph for the Hong Kong Entertainment Expo Tony Leung Chiu Wai (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) (born in Hong Kong on June 27, 1962) is a Hong Kong movie and ex-television actor. ... Andy Lau in Infernal Affairs (2002) Andy Lau Tak-wah (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ; Cantonese: Làu Dākwà) (born September 27, 1961 in Hong Kong as 劉福榮 Làu Fūkwìng) is a Hong Kong pop star and a movie actor. ... Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing (September 12, 1956 – April 1, 2003) (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Cantonese IPA: , Jyutping: zoeng1 gwok3 wing4; Mandarin Pinyin: Zhāng Guóróng, Wade-Giles: Chang Kuo-jung; nickname Gor-gor (哥哥, Elder Brother in Cantonese), was an actor and a musician from Hong Kong. ... China Television Co. ... Jordan Chan in the role of Chicken from Young and Dangerous (1996) Jordan Chan Siu Chun (Traditional Chinese: 陳小春, Simplified Chinese: 陈小春) is a Hong Kong actor and musician. ... The Duke of Mount Deer 2000 (Traditional Chinese: 鹿鼎記 / 小寶與康熙; Simplified Chinese: 鹿鼎记 / 小宝与康熙; pinyin: Lù Dǐng Jì / xiǎo bǎo yǔ kāng xī) is a Hong Kong TVB production released in 2000, adapted from novel The Deer and the Cauldron (Chinese: 鹿鼎記; literal translation: The Deer and the Cauldron) by notable... Dicky Cheung Wai Kin (Chinese Traditional: 張衛健, Chinese Simplified: 张卫健) is primarily a Hong Kong television actor and born on February 8,1965. ... http://i17. ...

Films

• Tale Of A Eunuch (鹿鼎記) (1983) - starring Wong Yu (汪禹)
• Royal Tramp (鹿鼎記) Hong Kong (1992) - directed by Wong Jing; starring Stephen Chow.
• Royal Tramp II (鹿鼎記之神龍教) (1992) - starring Stephen Chow
• Hero - Beyond the Boundary of Time (正牌韋小寶之奉旨溝女) (1993)
• Wais Romance (性愛韋小寶之玩女大王) (1994)

Royal Tramp (Chinese: 鹿鼎記) is a 1992 Hong Kong comedy directed by Wong Jing. ... Wong Jing (Chinese: 王晶) (born January 1, 1956) is a Hong Kong film director, producer and screenwriter. ... Stephen Chow (also Stephen Chiau) (traditional Chinese : 周星馳; simplified Chinese : 周星驰; Romanized as: Chow Sing Chi ; pinyin : Zhōu XÄ«ngchí; jyutping : zau1 sing1 ci4) (born June 22, 1962) is a director and actor in many blockbuster movies in Hong Kong. ... Royal Tramp II (鹿鼎記2神龍教) is a 1992 Hong Kong film directed by Siu-Tung Ching and Jing Wong. ... Stephen Chow (also Stephen Chiau) (traditional Chinese : 周星馳; simplified Chinese : 周星驰; Romanized as: Chow Sing Chi ; pinyin : Zhōu XÄ«ngchí; jyutping : zau1 sing1 ci4) (born June 22, 1962) is a director and actor in many blockbuster movies in Hong Kong. ... Hero - Beyond the Boundary of Time is a 1993 Hong Kong comedy directed by Blacky Ko. ...

Video games

The Deer and the Cauldron DOS game introduction screen

There are also several RPG games of the novel. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

• 鹿鼎記 (智冠) (DOS) (Traditional Chinese)
• 鹿鼎記 (歡樂盒)
• 鹿鼎記II

Other games based on the novel:

• J2ME game for phones:
  • 情圣韦小宝
  • 韦小宝笑传
• Online games:
  • 金庸群侠传Online
• and etc.