Shi Laoliu (simplified: 施老六, traditional: 施老六, pinyin: Shī Lǎolìu, jyutping: si1 lou5 luk6) is an imperial guard who is killed by Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠) after learning too much about her secret identity in The Deer and the Cauldron.
Biography
Service as imperial guard
Shi Laoliu serves as an imperial guard in the Qing court, responsible for palace security and the protection of the emperor and other members of the imperial family. His position gives him access to various areas of the palace and allows him to participate in various court activities.
As an imperial guard, Shi Laoliu is part of the broader security apparatus of the Qing court, working alongside other guards to maintain order and security within the palace.
Discovery of Mao Dongzhu’s secret
Shi Laoliu accidentally learns too much about Mao Dongzhu’s true identity as a member of the Mystic Dragon Order (神龙教) and her impersonation of the Empress Dowager. This discovery puts him in danger, as Mao Dongzhu cannot allow anyone who knows her secret to live.
His discovery demonstrates the dangerous nature of palace politics and how those who learn too much can become targets for elimination.
Death at the hands of Mao Dongzhu
Shi Laoliu is killed by Mao Dongzhu to prevent him from revealing her secret identity. His death, along with that of Xiong Laoer (熊老二), demonstrates how Mao Dongzhu eliminates anyone who threatens to expose her deception.
His death represents the theme of the vulnerability of palace servants and the dangerous consequences of learning secrets within the palace.
Significance
Shi Laoliu represents the theme of the vulnerability of palace servants and the dangerous nature of palace politics. His death at the hands of Mao Dongzhu demonstrates how those who learn too much can become targets for elimination, even when they are innocent and have no intention of causing harm.
His character also highlights the theme of secrecy and the lengths to which individuals like Mao Dongzhu will go to protect their secrets, showing how the maintenance of deception can require violence and murder.
Shi Laoliu’s character contributes to the broader theme of palace intrigue and the dangerous nature of imperial politics, showing how even low-ranking guards like Shi Laoliu can become victims when they accidentally learn dangerous secrets.