The Deer and the Cauldron

The Deer and the Cauldron, also known as The Duke of Mount Deer, is a novel by Jin Yong (Louis Cha) and the last of his works. The novel was initially published in Hong Kong as a serial, and ran from 24 October 1969 to 23 September 1972 in the newspaper Ming Pao. Although the book is often referred to as a wuxia novel, it is not archetypal of the genre, since the protagonist, Wei Xiaobao, is not an adept martial artist, but rather, an antihero who relies on wit and cunning to get out of trouble. Another alternative title of the novel is On Ruding Mountains.

Original Publisher

ming pao

Original Language

chinese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on The Deer and the Cauldron "The Deer and the Cauldron" is a wuxia novel that definitely left an impression. It's a story that surprised me with its unique protagonist and its blend of historical events with fictional shenanigans. It's a wild ride, and while it has its flaws, it's an experience I won't soon forget. ### First Impressions Right off the bat, Wei Xiaobao grabbed my attention. He's not your typical wuxia hero. Forget righteous swordsmen and noble cultivators; this guy is a street-smart, foul-mouthed kid from a brothel. He's lazy, cunning, and primarily motivated by self-preservation. I found myself instantly drawn to his chaotic energy and the way he navigates a world of political intrigue and martial arts masters with nothing but his wits and a silver tongue. ### What Works Well The biggest strength of this novel is undoubtedly Wei Xiaobao himself. He's a breath of fresh air in a genre often filled with stoic, overpowered protagonists. His flaws are what make him so relatable and entertaining. I also appreciated how the story weaves real historical events and figures into the narrative. Seeing Wei Xiaobao interact with Emperor Kangxi and get embroiled in major conflicts like the Revolt of the Three Feudatories added a layer of depth and intrigue. The action sequences are well-done, too. They're easy to visualize and don't get bogged down in overly complicated descriptions. The fighting styles feel authentic and grounded, which is a nice contrast to some of the more fantastical elements of the story. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the overall experience, there were a few aspects that fell short. The ending felt somewhat rushed and unresolved. I was left wanting more closure, especially considering the length of the novel. Also, the harem aspect, while not a major focus, felt underdeveloped. The relationships between Wei Xiaobao and his wives felt secondary to the main plot. ### Final Verdict Despite its shortcomings, "The Deer and the Cauldron" is a worthwhile read. Wei Xiaobao is a truly memorable protagonist, and the blend of historical events and wuxia action is well-executed. If you're looking for a wuxia novel that breaks the mold and offers a unique perspective, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I'd rate it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.