Mao Dongzhu (simplified: 毛东珠, traditional: 毛東珠, pinyin: Máo Dōngzhū, jyutping: mou4 dung1 zyu1) was a member of the Mystic Dragon Order (神龙教) who infiltrates the Qing imperial palace, replacing the real Empress Dowager and maintaining the deception for years in The Deer and the Cauldron.
Biography
Palace infiltration
Mao Dongzhu successfully infiltrates the imperial palace and replaces the real Empress Dowager, maintaining this deception 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 locations.
Her successful impersonation allows her to operate from within the palace, giving the Mystic Dragon Order access to imperial secrets and the ability to influence court politics from the highest levels.
Relationship with the Thin Monk
Mao Dongzhu has a romantic relationship with the “Thin Monk” (瘦头陀 — Shòutóutuó), a member of the Mystic Dragon Order who was transformed by poison, becoming fat despite his name. Their relationship suggests that Mao Dongzhu maintained connections to the order even while operating deep undercover in the palace.
This relationship also demonstrates how members of the Mystic Dragon Order could maintain personal connections even while separated by their various missions and responsibilities.
Investigation and discovery
Mao Dongzhu’s true identity is eventually discovered by Hai Dafu (海大富), a eunuch who is investigating the death of Consort Donggo (董鄂妃) on orders from the Shunzhi Emperor. When Hai Dafu uncovers her secret, Mao Dongzhu kills him to protect her cover.
However, Wei Xiaobao learns about Mao Dongzhu’s true identity through Hai Dafu’s investigation and eventually reveals the secret to the Kangxi Emperor, leading to the rescue of the real Empress Dowager and Mao Dongzhu’s exposure.
Elimination of threats
To protect her secret, Mao Dongzhu kills several people who pose a threat to her operation, including:
- Hai Dafu, who discovered her true identity
- Shi Laoliu (施老六) and Xiong Laoer (熊老二), imperial guards who may have learnt too much
- Ruidong (瑞栋), who is sent to assassinate Wei Xiaobao but is killed by him instead
- Dong Jinkui (董金魁), a eunuch who serves as her messenger
These killings demonstrate the lengths to which Mao Dongzhu is willing to go to protect her cover and maintain her position in the palace.
Exposure and aftermath
After Wei Xiaobao reveals Mao Dongzhu’s true identity to the Kangxi Emperor, the real Empress Dowager is rescued from captivity, and Mao Dongzhu’s deception is exposed. The exposure of her infiltration reveals the extent of the Mystic Dragon Order’s operations and its ability to penetrate even the most secure imperial institutions.
Personality
Mao Dongzhu is characterized by her ability to maintain a long-term deception, her willingness to kill to protect her cover, and her dedication to the Mystic Dragon Order’s cause. She is a skilled infiltrator who can successfully impersonate the Empress Dowager for an extended period.
Her ability to operate deep undercover for so long demonstrates both her skill as an infiltrator and the effectiveness of the Mystic Dragon Order’s training and support systems.
Significance
Mao Dongzhu represents the theme of infiltration and deception that runs throughout the novel. Her successful impersonation of the Empress Dowager demonstrates 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 gives the Mystic Dragon Order access to imperial secrets and the ability to influence court politics from within.
Mao Dongzhu’s eventual exposure 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.