Xiaoguizi (simplified: 小桂子, traditional: 小桂子, pinyin: Xiǎoguìzǐ, jyutping: siu2 gwai3 zi2), meaning “Little Cassia,” is a young eunuch who serves under Hai Dafu (海大富) in The Deer and the Cauldron. He is killed and impersonated by Wei Xiaobao (韦小宝), allowing Wei to enter the imperial palace.
Biography
Service under Hai Dafu
Xiaoguizi serves as a young eunuch under Hai Dafu, a fifth-class eunuch and deputy supervisor of the imperial kitchen. As Hai Dafu’s assistant, Xiaoguizi helps with various duties and investigations conducted by his master.
His position gives him access to the inner palace, making him useful for Hai Dafu’s secret investigation into the death of Consort Donggo (董鄂妃).
Death and impersonation
Xiaoguizi is accidentally killed by Wei Xiaobao when the two encounter each other in the palace. After realizing what has happened, Wei Xiaobao decides to impersonate Xiaoguizi, taking his place as Hai Dafu’s assistant.
This impersonation allows Wei Xiaobao to enter the imperial palace and begin his journey into palace intrigue, marking the beginning of his double life as both a palace insider and a member of the Heaven and Earth Society.
Wei Xiaobao’s impersonation
Wei Xiaobao’s impersonation of Xiaoguizi is successful because Hai Dafu is initially unaware of the substitution. Wei Xiaobao continues to work with Hai Dafu, learning about the eunuch’s investigation into Consort Donggo’s death and Mao Dongzhu’s true identity.
However, this impersonation creates tension when Wei Xiaobao’s true identity is eventually discovered or when his lack of knowledge about palace customs threatens to expose him.
Significance
Xiaoguizi represents the theme of impersonation and deception that runs throughout the novel. His death and Wei Xiaobao’s impersonation demonstrate how Wei Xiaobao’s journey into palace intrigue begins through deception and opportunism.
His character also highlights the theme of the vulnerability of palace servants, showing how even low-ranking eunuchs like Xiaoguizi can become victims of the palace’s dangerous politics.
Xiaoguizi’s story illustrates how Wei Xiaobao’s entry into the imperial palace is marked by violence and deception, setting the tone for his subsequent adventures and demonstrating his willingness to take advantage of any situation to further his own interests.