The Empress Dowager (simplified: 太后, traditional: 太后, pinyin: Tàihòu, jyutping: taai3 hau6) is the stepmother of the Kangxi Emperor and the widow of the Shunzhi Emperor (顺治皇帝) in The Deer and the Cauldron. She is kidnapped and replaced by Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠), a member of the Mystic Dragon Order, who impersonates her for an extended period.
In the novel
Kidnapping and replacement
The real Empress Dowager is kidnapped by the Mystic Dragon Order and replaced by Mao Dongzhu, who successfully impersonates her for an extended period. This infiltration represents one of the most audacious operations by the Mystic Dragon Order, demonstrating the order’s ability to penetrate even the most secure imperial institutions.
During this time, Mao Dongzhu maintains the deception, operating from within the palace and giving the Mystic Dragon Order access to imperial secrets and the ability to influence court politics from the highest levels.
Discovery and rescue
The Empress Dowager’s true identity is eventually discovered when Hai Dafu (海大富), a eunuch investigating the death of Consort Donggo (董鄂妃), uncovers Mao Dongzhu’s secret. However, Hai Dafu is killed by Mao Dongzhu before he can expose her.
The secret is ultimately revealed by Wei Xiaobao, who learns about Mao Dongzhu’s true identity through Hai Dafu’s investigation. When Wei Xiaobao reveals the secret to the Kangxi Emperor, the emperor takes action to rescue the real Empress Dowager and expose Mao Dongzhu’s deception.
Rescue and aftermath
After Wei Xiaobao reveals Mao Dongzhu’s true identity, the real Empress Dowager is rescued from captivity by the Kangxi Emperor. The exposure of Mao Dongzhu’s infiltration reveals the extent of the Mystic Dragon Order’s operations and its ability to penetrate even the most secure imperial institutions.
The rescue of the real Empress Dowager represents a victory over the Mystic Dragon Order’s infiltration, demonstrating how even the most carefully maintained deceptions can be discovered and overturned.
Historical basis
The Empress Dowager in The Deer and the Cauldron is based on the historical Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang (孝庄文皇后 — Xiàozhuāng Wén Huánghòu), the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor. Historically:
- She was a member of the Borjigin clan and was married to the Shunzhi Emperor
- She played an important role in the early reign of the Kangxi Emperor as his regent
- She was known for her political acumen and her influence over court politics
- She died in 1688
In The Deer and the Cauldron, Jin Yong fictionalizes the story of the Empress Dowager, creating the scenario where she is kidnapped and replaced by Mao Dongzhu. This fictional element adds drama and intrigue to the novel while maintaining the historical framework of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign.
Significance
The Empress Dowager represents the theme of infiltration and deception that runs throughout the novel. Her kidnapping and replacement by Mao Dongzhu demonstrate how even the most secure institutions can be penetrated by determined and skilled infiltrators.
Her character also highlights the theme of information warfare, as her position in the palace makes her a valuable target for infiltration, giving those who replace her access to imperial secrets and the ability to influence court politics from within.
The rescue of the real Empress Dowager illustrates how even the most carefully maintained deceptions can be discovered, and how those who operate in the shadows must constantly guard against exposure. Her story contributes to the broader theme of the complex web of loyalties and deceptions that characterizes the political landscape of the novel.