Ruidong (simplified: 瑞栋, traditional: 瑞棟, pinyin: Ruìdòng, jyutping: seoi6 dung6), also known as the Undefeated Iron Palm (铁掌无敌 — Tiězhǎng Wúdí), is the Deputy Supervisor of the Imperial Guards (副总管 — Fùzǒngguǎn) in The Deer and the Cauldron. He is killed by Wei Xiaobao (韦小宝) after being sent by Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠) to assassinate him.
Biography
Service as Deputy Supervisor
Ruidong serves as the Deputy Supervisor of the Imperial Guards, holding a position of authority within the palace security forces. His nickname “Undefeated Iron Palm” reflects his martial arts prowess, particularly in palm techniques.
His position gives him significant authority and responsibility for palace security, making him a key figure in the imperial guard hierarchy.
Mission to assassinate Wei Xiaobao
Ruidong is sent by Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠), the fake Empress Dowager, to assassinate Wei Xiaobao. Mao Dongzhu has discovered that Wei Xiaobao knows about her true identity and wants to eliminate him before he can expose her secret.
This mission demonstrates the danger that Wei Xiaobao faces from Mao Dongzhu and her allies, as those who discover her secret become targets for elimination.
Death at the hands of Wei Xiaobao
Despite his martial arts skills and his nickname “Undefeated Iron Palm,” Ruidong is ultimately killed by Wei Xiaobao. Wei Xiaobao’s victory demonstrates how his cunning and resourcefulness can overcome even skilled martial artists.
Ruidong’s death occurs when Wei Xiaobao defends himself against the assassination attempt, showing how Wei Xiaobao’s survival skills allow him to overcome threats even from powerful opponents.
Personality
Ruidong is characterized by his martial arts skills and his loyalty to his superiors. He carries out his orders faithfully, even when they involve assassination, demonstrating the obedience expected of imperial guards.
His nickname “Undefeated Iron Palm” suggests that he was a skilled martial artist, though ultimately his skills were not enough to overcome Wei Xiaobao’s cunning and resourcefulness.
Significance
Ruidong represents the theme of loyalty and obedience within the imperial guard hierarchy. His willingness to carry out Mao Dongzhu’s orders, even when they involve assassination, demonstrates how palace guards are expected to follow orders without question.
His death at the hands of Wei Xiaobao also highlights the theme of how cunning can overcome martial arts prowess, as Wei Xiaobao’s resourcefulness allows him to defeat even skilled opponents like Ruidong.
Ruidong’s character contributes to the broader theme of palace intrigue and the dangerous nature of imperial politics, showing how even skilled martial artists can become victims when caught between competing power factions.