Film Name: 鹿鼎记2神龙教 / Royal Tramp II / Royal Tramp2 / 鹿鼎記II 神龍教
At the beginning of this film, Wei Xiaobao has become an ordinary government official, accustomed to embezzlement and bribery, lining his own pockets. Ake’s appearance serves as the prelude to shattering Wei Xiaobao’s life of debauchery and idleness. At this point, Ake finds Xiaobao smooth-talking and untrustworthy, instead drawn to Wu Yingxiong’s dashing and righteous demeanor. Indeed, Wei Xiaobao’s character stands in stark contrast to Wu Yingxiong’s integrity at this juncture, leaving viewers genuinely anxious for Xiaobao’s fate. One might have expected that after enduring the trials of the previous story, Xiaobao would cherish his opportunity within the imperial court and strive to become a virtuous official praised by the common people. Instead, he colludes with the corrupt official Duolong, wallowing in sensual pleasures and sycophantic flattery.
Xiaobao’s life began to shift with Ake’s arrival. While escorting the princess to her wedding, he was separated from the main force due to interference from the Divine Nun and Ake, ultimately leading to his reunion with Long’er. Moreover, it was precisely because Ake developed feelings for Wu Yingxiong that she released him, allowing him to join forces with Feng Xifan to eliminate the Dragon Cult. This led to the poisoning of Long’er, ultimately forging the marital bond between Long’er and Xiao Bao. Though Ake’s screen time is limited in the film, her role in driving the plot forward is undeniably pivotal. No wonder, after Xiao Bao took her in, her status surpassed even the princess’s!
But why does the Princess hold the lowest rank in Xiao Bao’s harem? I suspect it stems from her arrogant treatment of him before his rise to power. She constantly ordered him around, forcing him to dress as a turtle and even striking him. In the first film, she relentlessly beat him with a bamboo cane. In the second part, she didn’t hesitate to slap him across the face with her small hand. It seems the Princess’s peculiar habits had caused Xiao Bao to harbor considerable resentment, fueling his desire for revenge.
After Long’er was poisoned, before consummating her union with Xiao Bao, she wrapped herself in silk to create a “bridal chamber” resembling a silkworm cocoon. Xiao Bao’s emergence from it during the day evokes the imagery of breaking free from an eggshell. Combined with the “Divine Dragon Cult” and Long’er’s declaration that Xiao Bao “is the Dragon King of the Divine Dragon Cult,” this scene clearly symbolizes the birth of a new imperial ruler! After this, Xiao Bao’s eventual seizure of the throne and rise to power becomes entirely justified. Furthermore, at the film’s conclusion, Xiao Bao locates the Dragon Vein of the Qing Dynasty. By severing the dragon vein, he could proclaim himself emperor. Not just five wives, but three thousand beauties awaited him. Yet Xiao Bao ultimately chose to preserve the dragon vein, support Kangxi, and retire from the world. Cherishing Kangxi as a good friend and a good emperor was certainly one reason he declined power. Another reason, perhaps, was that after navigating the bureaucracy for so long, Xiao Bao had seen too many officials like Jianlong and grown weary of it all.
After Xiao Bao left the emperor, Doloon became the most trusted minister by his side. This Doloon character had ample screen time in the film—a smooth-talking sycophant who practiced treachery and prioritized personal gain above all else, the very epitome of a treacherous courtier. With such a figure remaining to advise the emperor, one couldn’t help but feel anxious about the future of the imperial court.
Finally, let’s discuss Chen Jinnan “transmitting his martial arts” to Wei Xiaobao. Hmm… Emotionally, I just can’t accept them doing this…
After this, Wei Xiaobao’s martial prowess skyrocketed. This makes one suspect that the Heaven and Earth Society might be a mirror image counterpart to the Divine Dragon Cult. The Dragon Cult cultivates the Pure Maiden Technique to acquire pristine yin energy, but after union, most of this power flows into the partner’s body. The Heaven and Earth Society might practice the Virgin’s Art—or rather, only Chen Jinnan and Feng Xifan’s faction cultivated it. After all, Feng Xifan’s disciples were called the “Six Harmonies Virgins.” After consummating with Xiao Bao, Chen Jinnan declared, “I place all my hopes upon you. From this moment, you are the Grand Master of the Tiandihui.” This perfectly echoes Long’er’s words after her union with Xiao Bao…
In the film’s finale, Xiao Bao rescues Chen Jinnan back home. While saving his powerless, weakened master is duty-bound, their intimate connection adds a layer of complexity… In the final shot, the master sits atop a horse alongside Xiao Bao’s other wives. Xiao Bao declares triumphantly, “Ladies, let’s go!” Given that every woman in this scene has shared an intimate bond with Wei Xiao Bao, the implications of this line carry profound depth…
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