Peter (simplified: 彼得, traditional: 彼得, pinyin: Bǐdé, jyutping: bei2 dak1) was a European merchant who appeared during Yuan Chengzhi’s (袁承志) adventures in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. He demonstrated Western swordsmanship and carried firearms, representing the Western influence and technology that was beginning to reach China during the late Ming period.
Biography
Swordsmanship demonstration
Peter was part of a Portuguese delegation that included Raymond (雷蒙 — Léiméng) and Rooklyn (若克琳 — Ruòkèlín). At an inn, Peter and Raymond demonstrated Western swordsmanship, which highlighted the differences between Eastern and Western martial arts traditions.
Encounter with Yuan Chengzhi
During the confrontation between Raymond and Peter, Yuan Chengzhi intervened to save Peter. While the attention was focused on the fight, Hu Guinan (胡桂南), the Divine Thief, used his thieving skills to steal three firearms from Raymond and Peter, demonstrating his ability to take advantage of distractions and the value of Western technology.
Role in the novel
Representing Western influence
Peter’s character represents the Western influence and technology that was beginning to reach China during the late Ming period. His possession of firearms and his demonstration of Western swordsmanship highlight the technological and cultural exchanges that were occurring between China and Europe during this historical period.
Contributing to the theme of foreign technology
Peter’s firearms, which were stolen by Hu Guinan, demonstrate the importance of Western military technology during this period. The presence of firearms and Western merchants in the novel reflects the historical reality of European traders and their impact on Chinese society, particularly in military matters.
Relationships
Portuguese delegation members
- Raymond (雷蒙) — A fellow European merchant and member of the Portuguese delegation. Peter demonstrated swordsmanship with Raymond, and both carried firearms that were eventually stolen by Hu Guinan.
- Rooklyn (若克琳) — A female member of the Portuguese delegation and one of Peter’s admirers. They were part of the same mission and shared in the cultural exchanges at the inn.
Other characters
- Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) — The protagonist who intervened to save Peter during the confrontation with Raymond.
- Hu Guinan (胡桂南) — The Divine Thief who stole Peter’s firearms while he was distracted by the fight.
Legacy
Peter’s character highlights the international context of the late Ming period and the presence of European traders in China. His role in demonstrating Western swordsmanship and carrying firearms reflects the historical reality of European influence and the technological exchanges that were occurring during this period. The theft of his firearms by Hu Guinan also demonstrates how Chinese martial artists were beginning to encounter and adapt to Western technology, setting the stage for the novel’s themes of change and adaptation in the face of foreign influence.