Gui Zhong (simplified: 归钟, traditional: 歸鐘, pinyin: Guī Zhōng, jyutping: gwai1 zung1), also known as Gui Zhonglian (归钟 — Guī Zhōnglián), is the son of Gui Xinshu (归辛树) and Gui Erniang (归二娘) in The Deer and the Cauldron. He also appears in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Family background
Gui Zhong is the son of Gui Xinshu, the “Invincible Divine Fists” (神拳无敌 — Shénquán Wúdí) and second disciple of Mu Renqing (穆人清) of the Huashan School (华山派), and Gui Erniang, Gui Xinshu’s wife. Both of his parents are skilled martial artists, but Gui Zhong suffers from a serious illness that requires special medicine to treat.
Illness and treatment
Gui Zhong suffers from a serious illness that requires the Poria and Shouwu Pills (茯苓首乌丸 — Fúlíng Shǒuwū Wán) to treat. His parents, particularly Gui Erniang, are desperate to obtain these pills to cure their son’s condition.
This illness creates conflict when Gui Xinshu and Gui Erniang become involved in disputes over these rare pills, demonstrating how personal family concerns can drive martial artists to take extreme actions.
Relationship with parents
Gui Zhong’s illness is a central concern for both Gui Xinshu and Gui Erniang, driving many of their actions and decisions. His parents’ devotion to him demonstrates the strength of family bonds, even among skilled martial artists.
In The Deer and the Cauldron, Gui Zhong’s family is involved in a plot to assassinate the Kangxi Emperor, which creates conflict with Wei Xiaobao, who saves the emperor’s life.
Significance
Gui Zhong represents the theme of family and personal concerns that run throughout the novel. His illness drives his parents’ actions, demonstrating how personal family matters can influence political and martial conflicts.
His character also highlights the human side of martial artists, showing that even skilled practitioners have personal concerns and family responsibilities that can drive their actions.
Gui Zhong’s story illustrates how family bonds can be both a source of strength and a vulnerability, as his parents’ devotion to him leads them to take actions that create political conflicts and personal tensions.