The Deer and the Cauldron

Based on Louis Cha's acclaimed wuxia novel, 'The Deer and the Cauldron' follows the unconventional journey of Wei Xiaobao, a cunning rogue born in a brothel who accidentally becomes involved with the secret Heaven and Earth Society. Sent into the Forbidden City as an undercover spy, Xiaobao instead befriends the young Emperor Kangxi, helping him overthrow the regents and neutralize palace threats. Unlike traditional martial arts heroes who possess supreme fighting abilities, Xiaobao relies entirely on street smarts, flattery, deception, and extreme good fortune to survive. His double life as a trusted imperial official and a rebel sympathizer becomes increasingly complicated, especially as he accumulates seven diverse wives and navigates shifting loyalties between the Qing dynasty and anti-Qing factions.