Literally this title can be translated as 'A Story of the
Duke Luding' and this book is the biography of this invented character. The story started
at the beginning years of the Emperor Kangsi's reign. The hero of this book, Wei Siaobao,
was given birth by a singing girl, Wei Chunhua, of the brothel Lichun Yuen. Although he
was illiterate and with gangster-like behavior, he was clever, fast in reacting, sincere,
and took care of his friends. Wei took a trip to Beijing with
his friend. But was caught and taken back to the Forbidden Palace. His friend escaped
while Wei disguised himself as a junior eunuch, Siao Guezih, and continued staying in the
Palace. He even became a sidekick of Emperor Kangsi; they were similar in age. After he
helped the emperor catch the notorious powerful minister, Aobai, and stabilized the
throne, his position in the palace became higher and higher. He even became the head of
the branch organization, Cingmutang, of Tiandihui, the anti-government society whose goal
was to overthrow the Cing Dynasty and bring back the Ming. Then he achieved many great
jobs including assisting Emperor Kangsi to meet his father, ex-emperor Shiunjhih, who hid
away and became a monk, helping the Emperor Kangsi 's real mother regain her position.
With many prominent achievements Wei no longer disguised himself as a eunuch, changed back
to his real name, Wei Siaobao, and received the high ranking position given by Emperor
Kangsi.
Wei Siaobao found a treasure map indicating the hiding place of the great assets, which
the Cing took over from the Ming court at the end of the Ming Dynasty. The treasure was
hidden somewhere around the border of Manchuria. Wei with his best men obtained the map
and realized that the exact location of the treasure was on the Luding Mountain. Wei went
up to the mountain and planned to bring back the fortune. However the Mountain was
occupied by the Russians and a city had been built there. Wei, who was too rich to spend
all his money within his lifetime, gave up this plan. |
