Du Ximun (simplified: 杜希孟, traditional: 杜希孟, pinyin: Dù Xīmèng, jyutping: dou6 hei1 maang6) was the owner of the manor on Jade Brush Peak in Jin Yong’s Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain. Despite appearing to be a friend of Miao Renfeng, he was revealed to be a hypocrite who had attempted to steal Hu Yidao’s martial arts manual.
Biography
Early relationship with Hu Yidao
Du Ximun was the cousin of Hu夫人, Hu Yidao’s wife. After Hu Yidao’s death, Ping Asi brought the infant Hu Fei to Du Ximun’s manor, hoping to find refuge. However, Du Ximun revealed his true nature by attempting to steal Hu Yidao’s martial arts manual from the child’s belongings.
Ping Asi discovered Du Ximun’s treachery and fled with Hu Fei, though Hu夫人’s personal belongings were left behind at the manor. This incident demonstrated Du Ximun’s greed and lack of honor, despite his apparent friendship with Miao Renfeng.
Gathering at Jade Brush Peak
Years later, Du Ximun became the owner of a manor on Jade Brush Peak. When Hu Fei, now known as the Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain, challenged him, Du Ximun gathered various martial artists to help him confront the legendary hero.
Du Ximun was friends with Miao Renfeng, who had even written a couplet for him that read “方信世间有英雄” (Only then do I believe there are heroes in this world), though the couplet actually referred to Hu Yidao, not Du Ximun himself.
Betrayal and downfall
Du Ximun’s true nature was further revealed when he conspired with Fan帮主 and Sai总管 to kill Miao Renfeng. This betrayal showed that Du Ximun was willing to turn against even his supposed friend for personal gain.
However, Hu Fei intervened and saved Miao Renfeng from the ambush. Du Ximun’s scheme failed, and he was ultimately defeated. Before leaving, Hu Fei recovered his mother’s belongings that had been left at Du Ximun’s manor years earlier.
Personality
Du Ximun is portrayed as a hypocrite and opportunist. Despite appearing to be a friend of Miao Renfeng and having a connection to Hu Yidao through his cousin, he was willing to betray both for personal gain. His attempt to steal Hu Yidao’s martial arts manual from an infant and his later conspiracy to kill Miao Renfeng demonstrate his lack of honor and loyalty.
His character represents the theme of false friendship and the danger of trusting appearances. Despite his refined exterior and apparent connections to honorable martial artists, Du Ximun was ultimately driven by greed and self-interest.
Relationships
- Hu夫人 (Cousin): Du Ximun was related to Hu Yidao’s wife, which gave him a connection to the Hu family.
- Miao Renfeng (False Friend): Despite appearing to be friends with Miao Renfeng, Du Ximun was willing to betray him.
- Hu Fei (Rival): Du Ximun gathered martial artists to confront Hu Fei, though his true motive was likely related to the treasure.
- Ping Asi (Witness): Ping Asi witnessed Du Ximun’s attempt to steal Hu Yidao’s manual and later exposed his true nature.
Legacy
Du Ximun’s character serves as a warning about false friendship and the corrupting influence of greed. His betrayal of both Hu Yidao’s legacy and Miao Renfeng’s trust demonstrates how appearances can be deceiving in the martial arts world. His ultimate defeat at the hands of Hu Fei represents the triumph of true honor over false friendship.