The Duke of Mount Deer

Wai Siu Bo grows up as the son of a prostitute in a Yangzhou brothel, surviving on charm, quick thinking and a talent for getting out of tight spots. After joining the anti-Qing Heaven and Earth Society he heads to the capital and enters service among the palace eunuchs. A case of mistaken identity brings him close to the young emperor Hong Hei, and he becomes entangled with Princess Kin Ning while juggling several devoted companions. Life inside the Forbidden City alternates between comic schemes and lethal court politics as he uncovers secret manuscripts, exposes imposture and helps remove dangerous courtiers, climbing from humble attendant to trusted imperial confidante.

Adapted from Louis Cha's novel and staged in 1998 by Lee Tim-Sing, this television version stars Jordan Chan Siu-Chun as Wai Siu Bo, with Steven Ma Chun-Wai, Hilary Tsui Ho-Ying, Rain Lau Yuk-Chui and Cherie Chan Siu-Ha rounding out the principal cast.

Official information on major awards or international nominations for this adaptation is limited. It didn't become known for sweeping high-profile prizes, but the series did raise the profiles of several cast members and remained part of regional awards conversations at the time.

Audience reaction has been generally positive, reflected in an 8.2/10 user rating on aggregate platforms. Viewers and reviewers often point to the show's blend of humor and drama, lively ensemble work, and pacing. Recurring themes include loyalty and identity, the contrast between street smarts and court etiquette, and the uneasy mix of friendship and betrayal amid political intrigue.

As one of multiple screen treatments of Jin Yong's novel, this 1998 take helped cement Wai Siu Bo as a lovable rogue in popular memory. Jordan Chan's interpretation is often the version older viewers recall, and the series still gets mentioned by wuxia fans when comparing different adaptations and performances.