The Deer and The Cauldron

[foxs]

Sky, good! Let me know when you are having a vacation here. Banh Mi, thanks for dropping by. Ace and CFT, thanks. That means I do not have to make any changes. I will incorporate Ace's additional info into the footnotes.

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Seeing his bloodshot eyes, Kangxi asked, “Have you interrogated clearly the captured assassins?”

Dolong said, “Reporting to Your Majesty: altogether there are three revolting thieves that are captured alive. Your servant has interrogated them separately. At first they rigidly refused to speak, afterwards they could not endure the torture and confessed. As expected … as expected they are Ping Xi Wang … Ping Xi Wang Wu Sangui’s subordinates.”

Kangxi nodded. “Hmm,” he said.

Dolong continued, “The weapons those revolting thieves left behind have the inscription ‘Ping Xi Wang Palace’ engraved on them. On the undergarments of the killed revolting thieves, there are also the markings of Ping Xi Wang. We have conclusive proof that the revolting thieves who came to invade and harass the Palace last night were Wu Sangui’s subordinates. Even if Wu Sangui did not personally send them, he … he simply cannot escape the responsibility.”

Kangxi asked Songgotu, “Have you also investigated clearly?”

Songgotu said, “Your servant has examined the revolting thieves’ weapons and undergarments. Dolong Zongguan has recorded the revolting thieves’ confession; that is indeed their confession.”

“Go get those weapons and undergarments, I want to see,” Kangxi said.

“Yes,” Dolong complied. He knew that although the Emperor was young, he was very astute, plus this matter carried great responsibility, hence he had already prepared various exhibit packages, which he had his trusted aides, the Imperial Bodyguards, to carry as they waited outside the Upper Study Room. He stepped out and returned immediately; untying the cloth wrapper, he put everything on the table, then immediately took several steps back. The Manchurian Qing had fought hundreds of battles all over China, from the founding Emperor to the current one, all practiced martial art, and thus did not avoid weapons. However, inside the Study Room, for a government official to expose any weapon in front of the Emperor was still a taboo. Dolong was simply being careful; hence the reason he withdrew first.

Kangxi stepped forward, he picked up the sabers and swords and looked at them closely. He saw the inscription ‘Regional Commander Office of Shanhai Pass of The Great Ming’ on the saber’s hilt. He smiled slightly and said, “Trying to hide it makes it more conspicuous, no doubt something is not right. By deliberately lighting the fire to play trick, they actually raised other people’s suspicion.” Turning to Songgotu, he said, “If Wu Sangui was to send assassins to the Palace to rebel against his superior, he would have had deep plans and distant thoughts, his plan and preparation would be comprehensive, he knew such sabers and swords cannot be used, why would they want to carry weapons with inscriptions? How could they not know these sabers and swords could be lost in the Palace?”

“Yes, yes,” Songgotu said, “Holiness has seen it clearly, your servant admires it extremely.”

Kangxi turned toward Wei Xiaobao and asked, “Xiao Guizi, tell me, what moves did the revolting thief that you killed used?”

Wei Xiaobao replied, “He used the ‘sweeping away a thousand army’, and also 'high mountain flowing water' moves.”

Kangxi asked Dolong, “What kind of martial art are they?”

Although Dolong was a noble official of the Manchus, he had an extensive knowledge of various martial arts of different schools and sects; these ‘sweeping away a thousand army’ and 'high mountain flowing water' were not unfamiliar moves to him, he replied, “Reporting to Your Majesty: those are apparently former Ming Mu Palace of Yunnan’s martial art.”

Kangxi clapped his hands, “That’s right, that’s right,” he said, “Dolong, your knowledge is extensive.”

Dolong was elated by this favor from his superior, a thread of smile appeared on his face as he kneeled down and kowtowed. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s compliment,” he said.

“Think about it carefully,” Kangxi said, “If Wu Sangui sent people to the Palace to commit assassination, he could not have chosen the time when his son is in Beijing. Assassins can come at any time, why did he have to pick the time when his son is having an aundience with the Emperor? This is my first suspicion. Wu Sangui is adept at military strategy, the way he handled affairs is thorough. Sending these revolting thieves to do his work, the number of people was small, their martial art skill was not high, he should know it would be hard to succeed, why bother? This matter is incompatible with Wu Sangui’s character. This is my second suspicion. Moreover, even if he sent people to assassinate me, what would his benefit be? Could it be that he wanted to raise a rebellion? If he wanted to rebel, why did he send his son to Beijing? Isn’t that the same as deliberately sending his son so that we can behead him? This is my third suspicion.”

When Wei Xiaobao listened to Fang Yi’s explanation on how they were scheming on framing Wu Sangui, he felt that it was an excellent plan; however, as he listened to Kangxi’s analysis, he now felt that the scheme had flaws everywhere. He could not help but was full of admiration, and repeatedly nodded his head.

Songgotu said, “Your Majesty is an enlightened sage, your wisdom is not within reach of your servants.”

Kangxi continued, “Think about it again, if the assassins were not sent by Wu Sangui, but carried Ping Xi Wang Palace’s weapons, what was their real intention? Naturally it was to frame him. Wu Sangui has helped out Great Qing to pacify the land under the heaven, his merit was really big, the number of people who hate him is indeed not small. In the end, who prompted these revolting thieves? You must investigate it well.”

Songgotu and Dolong complied together. Dolong said, “Your Majesty is an enlightened sage. If Your Majesty did not give direction and straighten things out, your muddleheaded servant will fall into their trick, and unavoidably wronged good people.”

Kangxi said, “Wronged good people? Hey, hey!”

Seeing the Emperor did not have further instruction, they kowtowed and took their leave.
“Xiao Guizi,” Kangxi said, “Can you guess how do I know those two moves ‘sweeping away a thousand army’ and 'high mountain flowing water'?”

Wei Xiaobao’s heart was thumping madly, he said, “I was wondering myself, how did Your Majesty know?”

Kangxi said, “Early in the morning today, I already summoned a lot of Imperial Bodyguards, I asked them about the fight with the assassins last night, trying to investigate the martial art the assassins used. There are unexpectedly some from the Mu Family of former Ming. Just think, for generations the Mu Family ruled in Yunnan, after my Great Qing’s dragon rose, we bestowed Yunnan to Wu Sangui, how could the Mu Family not angry? Much less the last of the Mu Family, Duke Mu Tianbo of Guizhou province, died under Wu Sangui’s hands. I asked my men to demonstrate Mu Family’s most formidable moves, among which were these two moves ‘sweeping away a thousand army’ and 'high mountain flowing water'.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “Your Majesty truly able to prophecy with supernatural accuracy.” But in his heart he was anxious, “I am hiding two women of the Mu Family in my room, I wonder if he knew about it.”

Kangxi laughed and asked, “Xiao Guizi, do you want to be rich?”

Hearing the words ‘to be rich’, Wei Xiaobao’s spirit was immediately aroused, his anxiety gone. With a giggle he said, “Your Majesty did not order me to get rich, I do not dare to get rich; Your Majesty ordered me to get rich, Xiao Guizi did not dare not to get rich.”

“Alright,” Kangxi said with a laugh, “I order you to get rich! Take these sabers and swords, and the undergarments taken from the assassins, along with the assassins’ written confession, give everything to certain person, and then the great wealth will come to you.”

Wei Xiaobao was stunned, but he immediately understood. “Wu Yingxiong!” he called out.

Kangxi laughed, “You are so smart,” he said, “Just go!”

Wei Xiaobao said, “This kid Wu Yingxiong’s luck is really good this time, his entire family’s lives has been rewarded by Your Majesty.”

“What are you going to say to him?” Kangxi asked.

Wei Xiaobao said, “I’ll say: The one surnamed Wu, our Majesty’s insight spans ten thousand li, whatever you, father and son, did in Yunnan, not a single one is missed by His Majesty. You did not revolt, His Majesty can see it clearly, but if, hey hey, you are having ‘three hearts and two intentions’, ‘two-faced, three knives’[7], His Majesty will also see it clearly. Damn it, you, father and son, better be nice to me.”

Kangxi burst out in laughter, he said, “You are very clever; although you did not go to school, your words are coarse and vulgar, in the end you still capture my intention. Damn it, you, father and son, better be nice to me. Ha ha ha ha …”

Hearing the Emperor unexpectedly learned to say ‘damn it’, Wei Xiaobao could not refrain his heart from blooming. He also burst out in laughter. Taking the sabers, swords, and other objects, he left the Study Room and returned to his own room.

He had just about to unlock the door when he felt a stabbing pain on his back, his head spun and he felt he was about to vomit. Forcing himself to unlock the door, he sat on a chair, and continuously gasping for breath.

Mu Jianping said, “You … you are not feeling well?”

Wei Xiaobao said, “Seeing your ‘bashful flower obstructing the moon’ appearance, I am feeling well already.”

Mu Jianping laughed and said, “My Shijie is the one with ‘bashful flower obstructing the moon’ appearance, I have a little turtle on my face, I am so ugly, extremely ugly.”

Hearing she was bantering with him, Wei Xiaobao’s mood brightened immediately; he laughed and said, “How can there be any little turtle on your face? Ah, I know, Good Meizi, your face is bright and smooth, it is fair and clear, almost like a mirror, therefore, it may have a little turtle on it.”

Mu Jianping was puzzled. “How come?” she asked.

“Who are you sleeping with?” Wei Xiaobao asked, “Your face is like a mirror, so it reflected that person’s appearance. Naturally there will be a little turtle on your face.”

“Pei!” Fang Yi spat, “Just come over and look, then there will be a little turtle on Xiao Junzhu’s face.”

“If I come over and look,” Wei Xiaobao said, “A handsome and vigorous big master will appear on Good Meizi’s face.”

Fang and Mu, two women laughed. Fang Yi said, “Little turtle big master, which one is the big master?”

The three of them laughed together. “Hey,” Fang Yi said, “We must escape from the Palace, you need to think of a way.”

These days, wherever he went, Wei Xiaobao was always flattered by other people, but as soon as he returned to his own room, he would be extremely lonely and bored. Now that he suddenly had Fang and Mu, two young women to accompany him, although there was the danger that someone else might find out any minute, in all honesty he hated to have them leave him; thereupon he said, “We need to think about it slowly, you are both injured, as soon as you take a step out of the door, you might be caught instantly.”

Fang Yi sighed gently, she asked, “Among our people who entered the Palace last night, I wonder how many have died, and how many were captured? Would you possibly know the names of the people who ran into misfortune?”

Wei Xiaobao shook his head, “I don’t know,” he said, “But since you are concerned, I may be able to find out for you.”

“Thank you very much,” Fang Yi said in a low voice. Ever since he met her, Wei Xiaobao had never heard her speaking politely like this, he was very astonished in his heart.

Mu Jianping said, “Especially we wanted to ask whether a certain man surnamed Liu was able to escape safely or not.”

“Surnamed Liu?” Wei Xiaobao asked, “What’s his name?”

“He is our Liu Shige[8],” Mu Jianping replied, “He is called Liu Yizhou. He … he is my Shijie’s sweetheart, so … so …” Suddenly she squealed, since Fang Yi had tickled her armpit, she did not want her to continue.

“Ah!” Wei Xiaobao exclaimed, “Liu Yizhou, hmm, this … this might be bad.”

Fang Yi was unable to restrain her emotions; she asked hastily, “What is it?”

Wei Xiaobao said, “Isn’t he a tall, fair-complexion, approximately twenty some years, handsome young man? This man’s martial art skill is really good, is he the one?” Naturally he did not know what kind of person Liu Yizhou was, but thinking that this man was Fang Yi’s sweetheart, he must be a handsome young man. And since he was their older martial brother, he could not be wrong if he said the man’s martial art was really high.

Sure enough, Mu Jianping said, “That’s right, that’s right, it is he. Fang Shijie said that when she was wounded last night, she saw Liu Shige was being overthrown by three Imperial Bodyguards, one Imperial Bodyguard was holding him down, most likely he was captured. I wonder what happened to him?"

"Ay," Wei Xiaobao sighed and said, "Turns out this Liu Shifu is Miss Fang's sweetheart ..." He did not stop shaking his head and heaving sighs.

Fang Yi showed concern on her face. "Gui Dage," she said, "What happened to that Liu ... Liu Shige?"

Wei Xiaobao said in his heart, "Stinky girl, you have never talked amiably with me, as soon as mentioning your Liu Shige, you call me Gui Dage. I'd better scare her a bit." He heaved a deep sigh again and shook his head as he said, "What a pity, what a pity!"

Fang Yi was alarmed. "What happened?" she asked, "Is he ... is he ... is he injured, or ... or is he dead?"

Wei Xiaobao burst into loud laughter; he said, "Laozi has never seen any Liu Yizhou or Liu Liangpi[9], how would I know if he is dead or still alive? You call me 'Good husband' three times, I'll find out for you."

When Fang Yi saw him shaking his head, heaving a sigh and repeatedly saying 'What a pity' earlier, she thought that the chance of Liu Yizhou being unfortunate was greater than the chance of him being fortunate. Hearing what Wei Xiaobao suddenly said, she was delighted in her heart, but with her mouth she spat and said, "You never said anything serious. Are you telling the truth, or was it a lie?"

Wei Xiaobao said, "If this Liu Yizhou fell into my hands, humph, humph, I will tie him up first, and give him a good flogging, until his butts turned into four pieces. I'll ask him what graceful words, flowery speech he used to win my wife's heart. Afterwards I'll raise my blade and chop down, whoosh ..."

"You are going to kill him?" Mu Jianping asked.

"No," Wei Xiaobao said, "I will cut off his balls, turn him into an eunuch."

Mu Jianping did not understand what he was saying. But Fang Yi understood, her face turned deep as she cursed, "Little smart-aleck, always talks rubbish!"

"Most likely your Liu Shige has been captured," Wei Xiaobao said, "Whether I want him to be an eunuch or not, as soon as I, Gui Gong-gong, say the word, not a few people will be willing to listen. Miss Fang, are you or are you not going to ask me to help?"

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[7] Both idioms mean ‘double-cross/double dealing and back stabbing’.

[8] Martial (older) brother.

[9] Yizhou and Liangpi mean 'one boat' and 'two farts', respectively.

[smurf120]

If WXB re-enacted the fight between the Mu family and old man Xu, it's kinda funny that Kangxi calls it sloppy unless WXB editted it quite liberally.

Although WXB has brilliant recall of events, having never practiced any of the moves, I'm sure he gave a terrible performance. It is quite incredible that he can counter the moves by using Kangxi's moves. He is A$$licker Extraordinaire! LOL

[SkyWalker]

Thanks for the update foxs. And if I'm ever in your area, I'll be sure to let you know.

Kangxi is young but he's really bright. He and WXB are so cute together!

[Laboomsikashod]

Slightly OT question... why is 鹿鼎记 translated as The Deer and the Cauldron? Where did the "Cauldron" part come from?

[tweety365]

Slightly OT question... why is 鹿鼎记 translated as The Deer and the Cauldron? Where did the "Cauldron" part come from?

I also asked this question way back when foxs first started translating this story. He advised to read HuntingX's translation of chapter 1 (see link below), which was almost identical to Minford's translation. It wasn't posted on this thread because foxs intend to edit it later. After reading the chapter, I find the title very befitting of the story and learn more about Chinese history and culture.

DOMD Translation (Take 2)

[Laboomsikashod]

Ah I see, thanks very much. I had always thought the title 鹿鼎记 came from the position given to Wei Xiaobao. But this is certainly an interesting new way to look at it.

[Banh Mi]

I like Kangxi's rational intelligence. It was always stuck out to me that no assassin would carry any identifyers on themselves.

Although WXB has brilliant recall of events, having never practiced any of the moves, I'm sure he gave a terrible performance. It is quite incredible that he can counter the moves by using Kangxi's moves. He is A$$licker Extraordinaire! LOL

Yeah, I was just reading back on that section. I somehow got the impression that the choice of techniques would have been brilliant. But it did seem like WXB just picked random moves to string together.

[littleli]

Thanks for the update foxs.. Started updating unabridged thread, will post the chapter 12 only once it is completed fully and with a gap of atleast 4-5 updates so that modifications if any are at once updated..

[aliderhamy]

Gues foxs is not sick anymore

merry christmass and happy new years

[Ace High]

Yeah, I was just reading back on that section. I somehow got the impression that the choice of techniques would have been brilliant. But it did seem like WXB just picked random moves to string together.

Which makes it more impressive, since those random moves connect very well together.

[CFT]

Not random at all. He was recounting the earlier fight between Feng Jizhong and Bai Hanfeng.

[Banh Mi]

Not random at all. He was recounting the earlier fight between Feng Jizhong and Bai Hanfeng.

It was kind of confusing, he was recounting the fight between the Bai Hanfeng and his brother vs old man Xu didn't he? But he substituted old man Xu's techniques with Kangxi's ones to kiss up to Kangxi.
By all accounts Kangxi couldn't have seen the sequence used by Bai as amateurish. Unless it just looks weird because their attack sequence was originally intended for 2 people working together, which would look odd in the 1v1 scenario that WXB told.

Unless WXB was just describing random techniques that he knows can be countered by Wudang techniques.

[foxs]

Smurf, Sky, Banh Mi, Ace & CFT, I am also confused; I thought Feng Jizhong did not fight Bai Hanfeng at all, but the text clearly said WXB was recounting the fight as CFT mentioned.

Tweety & Laboomsikashod, strictly from the original title, Lu Ding Ji, the character 'Ding' means 'large, tree-legged cauldron'. So direct translation would be 'The Chronicles of the Deer and the Cauldron'.

Xiao Li, one more update on Chapter 12.

Ali, you won't want to wish me sick all the time, since I'll lose my job and will have to stop translating altogether.

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Fang Yi's face blushed deep red again, she mumbled intelligibly. Mu Jianping said, "Gui Dage, if you are willing to help, you need not wait for others to ask you, then you are a true chivalrous hero

Wei Xiaobao waved his hand and said, "Wrong, wrong! I like it the most when people are asking me. The more intimate they call me 'Good Husband', 'Dear Husband', the more spirited I will do things to help them."

After hesitating for half a day, Fang Yi said, "Gui Dage, Good Dage, I am asking you to help."

With a straight face Wei Xiaobao said, "Must be 'Husband'!"

"You are wrong here," Mu Jianping said, "My Shijie is going to marry Liu Shige, Liu Shige is her husband, how can she call you 'husband'?"

"That won't do," Wei Xiaobao said, "If she marries Liu Yizhou, laozi will drink vinegar, I will be seriously jealous."

"Liu Shige is a very good man," Mu Jianping said.

"The better he is, the more I will drink vinegar," Wei Xiaobao said, "Aiyo! It's so sour, it's so sour! I drank too much vinegar, ha ha ha ha ...!" Amidst his laughter, he picked up the bundle, went out of the room, and locked the door behind him. And then bringing along four eunuch attendants, he rode a horse to West Chang'an Street, where Wu Yingxiong stayed during his visit to Beijing.

On the horseback, his right hand did not stop punching the air while he yelled, "Bang bang bang, bang bang bang!" His attendants did not understand his meaning, and how could they know that this time Gui Gong-gong had received an imperial edict to get rich? Naturally the 'bang, bang, bang' was the sound of knocking onto Yunnan's bamboo shoulder pole.

Hearing about the arrival of the Emperor's personal envoy, Wu Yingxiong hurriedly went out to kowtow and greet, and then he took Wei Xiaobao to the main hall.

Wei Xiaobao said, "His Majesty ordered me to take these stuffs to show to you. Xiao Wangye, do you have big guts or not?"

Wu Yingxiong said, "Humble officer's guts is the smallest, I am easily terrified."

Wei Xiaobao was startled, and then he laughed and said, "You are easily frightened? What about staging a rebellion? You must be very bold!"

Wu Yingxiong said, "Humble officer does not understand Gong-gong too clearly, please explain it to me." At Prince Kang's mansion the previous night, he referred to himself as 'zaixia', today Wei Xiaobao came on imperial orders, and he saw how arrogant he was, he had a faint feeling that things did not look too good; thereupon he repeatedly called himself 'humble officer'.

Wei Xiaobao said, "Altogether, how many assassins did you send to the Palace last night? His Majesty sent me here to ask."

Wu Yingxiong had heard some news about some assassins creating disturbance in the Palace the previous night; hearing Wei Xiaobao suddenly said those words, his shock was indeed not small. Immediately he fell down on his knees and kowtowed again and again toward the courtyard, saying, "Your Majesty treats your humble servants, father and son, with kindness as heavy as the mountain, even if your humble servants, father and son, became oxen or horses, we still cannot replay Your Majesty's grace. Your humble servants, Wu Sangui, Wu Yingxiong, father and son, are willing to give up our lives for Your Majesty, we have never been double-minded."

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, "Stand up, stand up, it won't be too late to kowtow later. Xiao Wangye, let me show you something." While saying that, he untied the cloth wrapper and spread the contents on the table.

Wu Yingxiong stood up and looked at the weapons and clothes in the bundle; he could not restrain his hands from trembling, as with a trembling voice he said, "This ... this ... this ..." Picking up the written confession, he read it clearly that the assassins were sent by Ping Xi Wang Wu Sangui, they entered the Palace to commit assassination, they were determined to kill the Tatars Emperor, and set up Wu Sangui as their master, and so on and so forth.

Despite his ability to adapt to the circumstances and his extensive knowledge, Wu Yingxiong could not help but was scared out of his wits. His knees buckled and he kneeled down again, this time in front of Wei Xiaobao. He said, “Gui … Gong … Gong … Gong, this … this is not true, humble officers, father and son, are being … framed by crafty scoundrels. I beseech Gong-gong to present a memorial to the Holiness, to … to … make clear …”

Wei Xiaobao said, “These weapons belonged to the revolting thieves who entered the Palace, who conspired against the law, who committed treason and heresy. The weapons actually bear the insignia of your precious palace.”

Wu Yingxiong said, “Humble officers, father and son, have a lot of personal enemies; this must be our enemies’ sinister plot.”

Wei Xiaobao was doubtful. “What you said has a thirty percent truth in it, but I don’t know if His Majesty would believe it or not.”

Wu Yingxiong said, “Gong-gong’s great kindness and great favor are clearly understood by humble officers, father and son. Humble officers, father and son’s bodies, family and lives are all due to Gong-gong’s graciousness.”

“Xiao Wangye,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Stand up. Last night you sent me some gifts first, presumably you have anticipated early on that this matter would happen. Hey, hey, hey, hey.”

Actually, Wu Yingxiong was about to stand up, but hearing this serious accusation, he hastily kneeled down again and said, “As long as Gong-gong explains everything clearly to His Majesty on behalf of humble officers, father and son, His Majesty is an enlightened sage, he will definitely believe Gong-gong.”

“This matter is already made public,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Songgotu, Suo Daren, and Imperial Bodyguard Chief Dolong, Duo Daren, have already seen His Majesty, reporting the assassins’ written confession. You know, a matter as big as rebellion, who would have a gargantuan guts and try to hush it off? Explaining everything clearly to His Majesty on your behalf is not impossible. I have an excellent idea, although not extremely certain, most likely I can clear up the criminal charge against the two of you, father and son. It's just that it will be troublesome."

Wu Yingxiong was delighted, "We are relying on Gong-gong's help," he said.

"Please stand up, let's talk," Wei Xiaobao said. Wu Yingxiong stood up, but still repeatedly bowed with cupped fist.

"You really did not send those assassins?" Wei Xiaobao asked.

"Absolutely not!" Wu Yingxiong replied, "How can humble officer do something so heinous and unpardonable, a crime deserving ten thousand deaths?"

"Alright," Wei Xiaobao said, "I am considering you as a friend, so I believe you this time. If the future investigation proves that the assassins were sent by you, I will be buried alive, but I will make sure your whole family unto the third generation will accompany me."

"Gong-gong, rest assured," Wu Yingxiong said, "Putting down a hundred hearts, there is absolutely no such thing."

Wei Xiaobao said, "Then in your opinion, who sent these assassins?"

Wu Yingxiong hesitatingly said, "Humble officers, father and son, indeed have a lot of enemies, it is really hard to determine which one in this short moment."

Wei Xiaobao said, "You want me to clear up the charges against you in front of His Majesty, you must identify an enemy to take the responsibility, only then will His Majesty believe."

"Yes, yes," Wu Yingxiong said, "For the Great Qing to subdue the land under heaven, the number of rebels my father exterminated is truly not just a few. The remnants of these rebel groups extremely hate my father; such as that rebel Li Chuang[10], followers of former Ming's King Tang, King Gui, and the remnants of Mu Family of Yunnan. They all harbor a grudge against my father, they would do anything to rebel against the authority."

Wei Xiaobao nodded; he said, "Those remnants of rebel Li Chuang, Mu Family, and so on, what kind of martial art do they have? Show me some moves, I will demonstrate it in front of His Majesty, I'll say that I saw it with my own eyes last night, I'll say that these are the moves that the assassins used. Genuine goods at fair prices, guaranteed it won't be wrong."

Wu Yingxiong was delighted, he hurriedly said, "Gong-gong's idea is very clever. Humble officer only know one school or martial art, my understanding is truly limited, I must ask my subordinate to help me. Gong-gong, please sit down for a moment, humble officer will be back very soon." Finished speaking, he bowed and cupped his fist again, then hurriedly went in.

A moment later, he brought someone into the hall, it was the leader of his attendants, Yang Yizhi, whom Wei Xiaobao helped to win seven hundred taels the previous night. Yang Yizhi stepped forward to pay his respect to Wei Xiaobao; his face showed deep anxiety, apparently Wu Yingxiong had told him the reason of Wei Xiaobao's visit.

"Yang Dage," Wei Xiaobao said, "No need to worry, during the martial art practice at Prince Kang's mansion last night, you have created quite a stir, many civil and military ministers witnessed it with their own eyes, they cannot possibly say that you entered the Palace to commit murder. I can also bear witness on your behalf."

"Yes, yes! Thank you very much Gong-gong," Yang Yizhi said, "But I am afraid the crafty scoundrel will frame us up, they could say that Heir Apparent took us to Kang Wangye's Palace as an alibi, to have various civil and military ministers witnessed it with their own eyes, while surreptitiously sent another group of people to commit treason and heresy."

Wei Xiaobao nodded, "We can't not guard against people saying that," he said.

Yang Yizhi said, "Heir Apparent said that Gong-gong is willing to uphold justice, to clear up the charges against us in front of His Majesty, truly you are out great benefactor. Ping Xi Wang's enemies are indeed numerous, each one's martial art is very mixed, only Mu Palace's martial art style is unique, very easy to recognize."

Wei Xiaobao said, "Um, what a pity we can’t find Mu Palace’s people, otherwise we can have him to demonstrate several moves and styles that we can see.

Yang Yizhi said, “Mu Family Fist and Mu Family Sword have been around in Yunnan for a long time, Xiao Ren also remembers some. Let me demonstrate some moves, I am asking Gong-gong to give directions. The assassins entered the Palace carrying sabers and swords, how about Xiao Ren demonstrate the ‘circling wind sword’?”

Wei Xiaobao happily said, “So you know Mu Family martial art, nothing better than that. I know nothing about sword technique, I won’t be able to learn it in a short period of time. I’d better learn from you the Mu Family Fist.”

“I do not dare,” Yang Yizhi replied, “Gong-gong has the power to capture Oboi, your name became famous over the four seas, your fist and kick skill must be very high, Xiao Ren cannot reach that level, Gong-gong, please advice.” Finished speaking, he moved to the middle of the hall, and started demonstrating each move and each style slowly.

This particular Mu Family Fist was handed down from Mu Ying’s hands, generation to generation for over three hundred years. The successive generations were all martial art masters who, in turn, taught it to their disciples. It could be regarded as ‘thousand-time forged, hundred-time refined’ skill, its practitioners in Yunnan was indeed very numerous. Although Yang Yizhi was by no means an expert in this fist technique, his own martial art skill was very high, his knowledge extensive, as he demonstrated move by move, his bearing was very dignified, his style was exquisite.

Seeing the move ‘sweeping away a thousand army’, Wei Xiaobao praised, "This move is fabulous!" Afterwards he also saw the 'high mountain flowing water', and praised again, "This move is also amazing!" After Yang Yizhi finished demonstrating the Mu Family Fist set, Wei Xiaobao said, "Very good, very good! Yang Dage, your martial art is indeed very profound. Of those martial art masters at the Prince Kang's mansion, ten of them against you alone, they still are not your match. In this short period of time, I won't be able to learn too much, perhaps I can learn only one or two moves that I can demonstrate in front of His Majesty. When His Majesty will summon martial art experts within the Palace to identify, do you think they can recognize the origin of this martial art?" While saying that, he moved his hands and feet in imitation of the ‘sweeping away a thousand army’ and 'high mountain flowing water' styles.

Yang Yizhi happily said, "Gong-gong's comprehension of the ‘sweeping away a thousand army’ and 'high mountain flowing water' is very deep, when those experts see, they will know immediately that it is Mu Family Fist technique. Gong-gong has an outstanding intelligence, you can do it just by looking at it one time. Our Wu Family will be saved."

Wu Yingxiong repeatedly bowed with cupped fist and said, "Hundreds of Wu Family members depend on Gong-gong's help to save our lives."

Wei Xiaobao thought, "There are gold and silver mountains in Wu Sangui's household, I don't need to negotiate the price with him." Immediately he bowed to return the propriety and said, "We all are good friends. Xiao Wangye, why do you keep talking about benevolence and saving your lives, and thus considering me as an outsider? Besides, though I will try my best, I don't know whether it will be effective."

"Yes, yes!" Wu Yingxiong repeatedly said.

Wei Xiaobao rewrapped the bundle and tucked it on his side, he thought, "There's no hurry for me to give this bundle to him." Suddenly he remembered something; he said, "Xiao Wangye, His Majesty ordered me to ask you something: there is a government official from Yunnan who is coming to Beijing, a certain Lu Yifeng; do you know such person?"

Wu Yingxiong was startled; he thought, "Lu Yifeng is just a petty officer[11] who came to Beijing for an audience, but has not seen the Emperor yet, how did His Majesty know?" He said, "Lu Yifeng is a newly appointed county magistrate of Yunnan's Qujing prefecture, presently he is in Beijing, waiting to kowtow to His Holiness."

Wei Xiaobao said, "His Majesty ordered me to ask you: a few days ago that Lu Yifeng bullied common people in a restaurant, he tolerated his wicked servants beating people, I wonder if his temperament has improved recently?"

To get Wu Sangui appointed him as the county magistrate of Qujing prefecture, Lu Yifeng had spent more than forty thousand taels in bribe, from which Wu Yingxiong had withdrew his share of three thousand taels. Hearing what Wei Xiaobao said, he was shocked and busily said, "Humble officer will definitely give him a good lesson." Turning his head to Yang Yizhi he said, "Go get that Lu Yifeng, give him fifty flogging first before we speak further." To Wei Xiaobao he said, "Gong-gong, please report to His Majesty: humble officer Wu Sangui failed to understand people and has recommended unsuitable candidate, we ask His Majesty not to blame us. This Lu Yifeng will be deposed immediately, and forever will not be employed anymore; we ask that the Official of the Ministry of Appointments entrusts another able person."

“Does he need to be punished that heavily?” Wei Xiaobao asked.

Wu Yingxiong said, “This servant Lu Yifeng is audacious, he dared to usurp higher authority, his crime must not be tolerated indeed. Yizhi, beat him heavily for me.”

“Yes!” Yang Yizhi replied.

Wei Xiaobao mused, “I am afraid the life of this official surnamed Lu cannot be guaranteed.” He said, “Xiongdi is going to return to the Palace to see His Majesty, it would be best if I can demonstrate these two moves ‘sweeping away a thousand army’ and 'high mountain flowing water' as close to the original as possible.” Finished speaking, he took his leave and headed toward the door.

Wu Yingxiong took out a large pouch from his sleeve pocket, which he presented with both hands and said, “Gui Gong-gong, your great kindness and great favor are not easy to repay, but I must show a little respect to Dolong Zongguan, Suo Daren, as well as numerous Imperial Bodyguards. Here is a tiny bit of my token of appreciation, I will have to bother Gui Gong-gong to pass it on to them on behalf of humble officer. If His Majesty asked, everybody will help put some good words for us, then the unjust treatment of the humble officers, father and son, will be wiped out.”

Wei Xiaobao received the gift, he said with a laugh, “You want me to do a favor for you? This errand is not difficult to do.” He had been living in the Palace for more than a year, and had learned enough of court eunuch’s lingo and Beijing accent, so that not even half a part of Yangzhou accent was left. If right now he pretended to be Xiao Guizi, perhaps the blind Hai Laogong would not easily discover his masquerade.

Wu Yingxiong and Yang Yizhi respectfully sent him off outside the mansion’s gate. On the sedan chair, Wei Xiaobao opened the pouch to take a look; unexpectedly it was banknotes worth a hundred thousand taels. “His granny,” he thought, “Laozi will take half as my share first,” and took fifty thousand taels and put it into his pocket. The remaining fifty thousand taels he returned to the pouch.

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[10] His real name was Li Zicheng, a real historical character, the leader of peasant rebellion at the end of the Ming Dynasty, he called himself 'The Roaming King' (Chuang Wang).

[11] Orig. 'mung bean and sesame seed petty officer'.

[athlonkmf]

This might need a footnote: "the sound of knocking onto Yunnan's bamboo shoulder pole."

[SkyWalker]

Thanks for the update foxs.

Wu Yingxiong is such a coward.

[Ace High]

Wu Yingxiong is such a coward.

Why is that so? WYX was in a no-win situation, not to mention the lives of hundreds Wu Family members were at stake. Pointless death = courage?

[smurf120]

I think the 15 yr old WXB should obtain elite status for Blackmail and Extortion.

[pannonian]

The Deer and the Cauldron is an excellent lesson in corruption and how to skim without looking like one is looking for bribes.

[tweety365]

In the same situation, I would bribe WXB as well. Too many lives are at stake. Plus, Wu Sangui really didn't send the assassins. Wow, so much money for such a young kid!

Thanks, foxs!

[SkyWalker]

WYX was in a no-win situation, not to mention the lives of hundreds Wu Family members were at stake. Pointless death = courage?

What I meant was that if WYX was smarter, he could've used the same logic Kangxi used to clear his family's name from this mess. Instead, he acted like a scared rich kid and resorted to bribery.

I think the 15 yr old WXB should obtain elite status for Blackmail and Extortion.

Is WXB already 15?? When he was introduced, he was like 12 and he only spent 1 year in the palace. I don't think he's more than 13 or 14. Can anyone confirm?