Oboi (simplified: 鳌拜, traditional: 鰲拜, pinyin: Áobài, jyutping: ngou4 baai3) was one of the Four Regents who governed the Qing Dynasty during the Kangxi Emperor’s minority in The Deer and the Cauldron. Known as the “First Warrior of Manchuria” (满洲第一勇士 — Mǎnzhōu Dìyī Yǒngshì), he was a powerful military leader who effectively controlled the empire until the young emperor orchestrated his downfall with the help of Wei Xiaobao.
In the novel
Early power and dominance
Following the death of the Shunzhi Emperor, four regents were appointed to govern the empire during the Kangxi Emperor’s minority: Soni (索尼), Ebilun (遏必隆), Suksaha (苏克萨哈), and Oboi. Among these four, Oboi, despite having the lowest rank, gradually assumed de facto control due to his military prowess and the weaknesses of his colleagues.
Oboi became increasingly domineering and arrogant, making decisions without consulting the young emperor and eliminating political rivals. He developed a reputation for ruthlessness and accumulated significant power within the court.
Downfall
The Kangxi Emperor, growing increasingly frustrated with Oboi’s overreach, began plotting to remove him from power. With the assistance of Wei Xiaobao, who had recently entered the palace, the emperor devised a cunning plan.
The emperor trained a group of young eunuchs in wrestling (布库 — bùkù), a Manchu form of wrestling. Oboi, believing these were merely childish games, paid little attention to these preparations.
In 1669, when Oboi came to the palace for an audience, the emperor executed his plan. As Oboi entered the study, he was given a chair with weakened legs. When he was served tea in a preheated cup, he dropped it due to the heat. As he bent down to pick it up, the eunuchs pushed him, causing him to fall. The young wrestlers immediately swarmed him and subdued him.
Oboi was charged with thirty crimes including abuse of power, forming factions, and conspiracy. Initially sentenced to death, the Kangxi Emperor, remembering Oboi’s past service, commuted the sentence to imprisonment. Oboi died in prison soon after.
Historical basis
Oboi was a real historical figure (1610–1669) who served as a regent during the early years of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign. His historical downfall closely mirrors the events described in the novel, including the method used to capture him—using young wrestlers during an audience.
Known for his military achievements in the campaigns that established Qing rule, Oboi’s reputation as “First Warrior of Manchuria” reflects his historical status as one of the most formidable military leaders of the early Qing period.
Significance
Oboi’s defeat represents a crucial turning point in the novel, marking the beginning of the Kangxi Emperor’s true personal rule and demonstrating his political acumen despite his youth. It also establishes Wei Xiaobao’s value to the emperor and sets the stage for their ongoing relationship.
The episode illustrates themes of power, loyalty, and the transition from regency to personal rule, showcasing how clever strategy can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.