Ake (simplified: 阿珂, traditional: 阿珂, pinyin: Ākē, jyutping: aa3 ho1) is the daughter of Chen Yuanyuan (陈圆圆) and Li Zicheng (李自成), who was kidnapped and raised by Princess Changping (九难/长平公主), and later becomes Wei Xiaobao’s most beautiful wife in The Deer and the Cauldron.
Biography
Birth and kidnapping
Ake was born as the daughter of Chen Yuanyuan, a famous beauty and concubine of Wu Sangui, and Li Zicheng, the rebel leader known as the “Dashing King” (闯王 — Chuǎngwáng). However, Princess Changping, who was seeking revenge against Wu Sangui for his role in the fall of the Ming dynasty, kidnapped Ake when she was an infant.
Princess Changping believed that Ake was Wu Sangui’s daughter, and she intended to raise Ake to eventually kill her own father as an act of revenge. This mistaken identity would have tragic consequences, as Princess Changping intentionally taught Ake poorly structured martial arts to ensure she would fail in her mission.
Training under Princess Changping
Ake was raised and trained by Princess Changping, who served as both her adoptive mother and martial arts master. However, Princess Changping’s instruction was deliberately flawed, as she taught Ake martial arts techniques that were intentionally disorganized and ineffective, ensuring that Ake would be unable to successfully complete any mission.
This manipulation reflects Princess Changping’s desire for revenge, as she was willing to use Ake as a tool in her vendetta against Wu Sangui, even though Ake was not actually Wu Sangui’s daughter.
Relationship with Wei Xiaobao
Ake’s relationship with Wei Xiaobao is complex and initially reluctant. Wei Xiaobao becomes infatuated with Ake due to her exceptional beauty, and he pursues her despite her initial rejection and disdain for him.
However, their relationship develops over time as Wei Xiaobao proves himself capable and caring, despite his unprincipled nature. Eventually, Ake becomes one of Wei Xiaobao’s wives, and they have a son together, Wei Hutou (韦虎头).
Discovery of true identity
Ake eventually discovers her true parentage, learning that she is the daughter of Chen Yuanyuan and Li Zicheng, not Wu Sangui as Princess Changping had believed. This revelation brings both relief and tragedy, as it means Princess Changping’s plan for revenge was based on a mistaken identity.
Personality
Ake is characterized by her exceptional beauty, which makes her Wei Xiaobao’s most beautiful wife. She is also known for her initial reluctance toward Wei Xiaobao, demonstrating independence and judgment in her romantic decisions.
Her beauty and her complex background—being the daughter of both a famous beauty and a rebel leader—make her a compelling and tragic figure in the novel.
Significance
Ake represents the theme of mistaken identity and the tragic consequences of revenge. Her story demonstrates how Princess Changping’s desire for revenge led her to manipulate an innocent child, based on a mistaken belief about her parentage.
Her character also highlights the complexity of Wei Xiaobao’s relationships, showing how his various marriages come from different sources and contexts. As his most beautiful wife, Ake adds beauty and grace to his household, while her tragic background adds depth to their relationship.
Ake’s story illustrates how the actions of previous generations can affect innocent children, and how mistaken identity can lead to tragic consequences. Her eventual marriage to Wei Xiaobao and their son together provide a form of resolution and happiness, despite the tragic circumstances of her upbringing.