The Thin Monk (simplified: 瘦头陀, traditional: 瘦頭陀, pinyin: Shòutóutuó, jyutping: sau3 tau4 to4), meaning “Thin Monk,” is a member of the Mystic Dragon Order (神龙教 — Shénlóng Jiào) and the lover of Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠) in The Deer and the Cauldron. Despite his name suggesting he should be thin, he is actually fat due to the effects of the “Leopard Fetus Easy Tendon Pill” (豹胎昉筋丸 — Bàotāi Yìjīn Wán).
Biography
Transformation by poison
The Thin Monk’s appearance contradicts his name: “Shou” means “thin” and “Toutuo” means “monk,” but he is actually fat. This is because he was transformed by the Mystic Dragon Order’s “Leopard Fetus Easy Tendon Pill,” a poison that can dramatically alter a person’s physical appearance if not properly treated with the antidote.
This transformation serves as a demonstration of the Order’s control over its members and the terrible consequences of failing to follow orders or obtain the necessary antidotes. The Thin Monk and Pang Toutuo (胖头陀 — “Fat Monk”) represent opposite transformations: the Thin Monk became fat, while the Fat Monk became thin.
Relationship with Mao Dongzhu
The Thin Monk has a romantic relationship with Mao Dongzhu (毛东珠), the member of the Mystic Dragon Order who infiltrates the imperial palace and replaces the real Empress Dowager. Their relationship suggests that Mao Dongzhu maintained connections to the order even while operating deep undercover in the palace.
This relationship demonstrates how members of the Mystic Dragon Order can maintain personal connections even while separated by their various missions and responsibilities, showing the complexity of relationships within the organization.
Service to the Mystic Dragon Order
As a member of the Mystic Dragon Order, the Thin Monk is forced to follow the orders of Hong Antong (洪安通) and must regularly obtain antidotes to prevent the painful death that would result from the poison in his system.
His loyalty to the Order is maintained through fear of the poison rather than genuine devotion, demonstrating how the Order controls its members through coercion and terror.
Personality
The Thin Monk is characterized by his loyalty to the Mystic Dragon Order and his relationship with Mao Dongzhu. He follows orders because he must, demonstrating how the Order controls its members through the threat of painful death.
Despite his intimidating appearance and association with a dangerous organization, the Thin Monk is ultimately a victim of the Order’s control, trapped by the poison in his system and forced to serve against his will.
Significance
The Thin Monk represents the theme of physical transformation and control that runs through the Mystic Dragon Order storyline. His ironic name and appearance demonstrate how the Order can manipulate even basic physical attributes, showing the extent of its power over its members.
His character also highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, as his name suggests one thing while his actual appearance is the opposite—a reflection of the deceptive nature of the Mystic Dragon Order itself.
The Thin Monk’s relationship with Mao Dongzhu illustrates how personal relationships can persist even within oppressive control systems, and how love can exist even in the most difficult circumstances. His story adds depth to the novel’s exploration of power, control, and individual agency.