Hai Dafu (simplified: 海大富, traditional: 海大富, pinyin: Hǎi Dàfù, jyutping: hoi2 daai6 fu3) was a Kongtong School (崆峒派) martial artist and eunuch who serves as the deputy supervisor of the imperial kitchen in The Deer and the Cauldron. He is investigating the death of Consort Donggo (董鄂妃) on orders from the Shunzhi Emperor (顺治皇帝).
Biography
Service in the palace
Hai Dafu serves as a fifth-class eunuch (五品太监 — Wǔpǐn Tàijiàn) and deputy supervisor of the imperial kitchen (副总管 — Fùzǒngguǎn), positions that give him access to the inner palace while maintaining a relatively low profile.
Despite his modest official rank, Hai Dafu is a skilled martial artist from the Kongtong School, making him far more capable than his position would suggest. This combination of access and capability makes him the perfect investigator for the Shunzhi Emperor’s secret mission.
Investigation of Consort Donggo’s death
Hai Dafu is secretly investigating the death of Consort Donggo on orders from the Shunzhi Emperor, who suspects foul play. This investigation leads him to discover that the Empress Dowager is actually an impostor named Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠), who has replaced the real empress dowager.
His investigation puts him in direct conflict with Mao Dongzhu and her allies, creating a dangerous situation that ultimately leads to his death.
Relationship with Xiaoguizi
Hai Dafu has a young eunuch assistant named Xiaoguizi (小桂子), who helps him with his duties and investigations. However, when Wei Xiaobao accidentally kills Xiaoguizi and takes his place, Hai Dafu continues to work with Wei Xiaobao, initially unaware of the substitution.
Wei Xiaobao’s impersonation of Xiaoguizi allows him to learn about Hai Dafu’s investigation and eventually become involved in the palace intrigue surrounding Mao Dongzhu.
Death
Hai Dafu is eventually killed by Mao Dongzhu, who discovers his investigation and eliminates him to protect her secret. His death occurs after he has uncovered crucial information about Mao Dongzhu’s true identity and the circumstances surrounding Consort Donggo’s death.
Personality
Hai Dafu is characterized by his loyalty to the Shunzhi Emperor, his dedication to his investigation, and his martial arts abilities. He is a careful and methodical investigator who works quietly behind the scenes to uncover the truth.
His combination of low official rank and high martial arts ability allows him to operate with relative freedom while maintaining access to the inner palace, making him an effective investigator until his investigation is discovered.
Significance
Hai Dafu represents the theme of hidden investigations and secret missions that run throughout the novel. His investigation of Consort Donggo’s death and discovery of Mao Dongzhu’s true identity demonstrate how palace intrigue can involve multiple layers of deception and investigation.
His character also highlights the role of eunuchs in the imperial palace, showing how they could serve in various capacities beyond their official duties, including as investigators and martial artists.
Hai Dafu’s death at the hands of Mao Dongzhu illustrates the dangerous nature of palace intrigue and how those who uncover secrets can become targets themselves. His investigation, however, sets in motion events that eventually lead to Mao Dongzhu’s exposure and the rescue of the real empress dowager.