Rooklyn (simplified: 若克琳, traditional: 若克琳, pinyin: Ruòkèlín, jyutping: joek6 hak1 lam4) was a female member of a Portuguese delegation (葡萄牙使团 — Pútáoyá Shǐtuán) who appeared during Yuan Chengzhi’s (袁承志) adventures in Sword Stained with Royal Blood. Her name is a Chinese transliteration of the Western name “Jacqueline”. She was known for her distinctive Western appearance and her role in the encounter between Eastern and Western cultures.
Biography
Appearance and background
Rooklyn was approximately twenty years old and had a distinctive Western appearance. She was described as having snow-white skin (雪白肌肤 — Xuěbái Jīfū) and emerald-green eyes (碧绿眼珠 — Bìlǜ Yǎnzhū), indicating a mixed-race heritage. She wore numerous pieces of jewellery and was said to appear “brilliantly radiant” (灿然闪耀 — Cànrán Shǎnyào) under the light.
As a member of the Portuguese delegation, Rooklyn travelled with other Western merchants and officers, including Raymond (雷蒙 — Léiméng) and Peter (彼得 — Bǐdé), demonstrating the international context of the late Ming period and the presence of European traders in China.
Encounter at the inn
Rooklyn first appeared in chapter twelve of the novel when the Portuguese delegation stopped at an inn. During this encounter, she witnessed a sword-fighting demonstration between Raymond and Xia Qingqing (温青青), who was then disguised as a man.
Rooklyn’s role was primarily as an observer and participant in the cultural exchange between East and West. When Raymond and Peter discussed the mysteries of Eastern martial arts, Rooklyn responded by clapping and cheering (拍手叫好 — Pāishǒu Jiàohǎo), showing her interest and curiosity about Eastern culture.
Role in the novel
Representing cultural exchange
Rooklyn’s character serves to highlight the theme of cultural exchange and the encounter between Eastern and Western cultures during the late Ming period. Her presence as a Western woman in the jianghu setting demonstrates the international connections and trade relationships that existed during this historical period.
Contributing to the theme of Western influence
Rooklyn’s appearance, along with that of Raymond and Peter, contributes to the novel’s exploration of Western influence and technology, particularly through their connection to firearms and Western military technology. The encounter with these Western characters demonstrates how foreign technology and culture were beginning to influence Chinese society during this period.
Relationships
Portuguese delegation members
- Raymond (雷蒙) — A fellow member of the Portuguese delegation and one of Rooklyn’s admirers. They were part of the same diplomatic or trading mission and shared in discussions about Eastern culture and martial arts.
- Peter (彼得) — Another fellow member of the Portuguese delegation and one of Rooklyn’s admirers. Like Raymond, he was part of the same mission and participated in the cultural exchanges at the inn.
Other characters
- Xia Qingqing (温青青) — Rooklyn witnessed Xia Qingqing’s sword-fighting demonstration with Raymond, participating in the scene by clapping and cheering.
- Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) — Rooklyn appeared during Yuan Chengzhi’s adventures, though their direct interaction was limited.
Legacy
Rooklyn’s character represents Jin Yong’s inclusion of international elements in his wuxia fiction, demonstrating that the jianghu was not isolated from the broader world. Her distinctive Western appearance and her role in the Portuguese delegation highlight the historical reality of European presence in China during the late Ming period, adding depth and authenticity to the novel’s historical setting.
Her character also serves as a reminder of the cultural exchanges that occurred during this period, showing how people from different cultures could meet and interact, even in the context of the jianghu. Rooklyn’s curiosity about Eastern martial arts and her enthusiastic response to the sword-fighting demonstration demonstrate the mutual interest and fascination that could exist between different cultures.
Portrayals
In the 2007 television adaptation, Rooklyn was portrayed by actress Carey (凯瑞 — Kǎiruì). The adaptation retained her distinctive Western appearance and her role as an observer of the sword-fighting demonstration, maintaining the character’s function in the narrative as a symbol of cultural exchange.