Wai Siu Bo and Emperor K'ang Hsi shared a special chemistry that enabled them to not only become good friends, but also be an effective team in achieving the goals of their country.
Would any other emperor have been willing to put up with Wai Siu Bo's antics, though? Towards the end of DOMD, even K'ang Hsi was finding it increasingly difficult to put up with Wai Siu Bo.