In Jin Ping Mei, Ximen Qing’s life is characterized by rampant debauchery and flagrant corruption. Following his death, unscrupulous servants and duplicitous friends exploit various means to deplete his estate, reinforcing the moral adage that evil begets evil. Yet certain characters choose to uphold their bonds with this notorious figure, thereby earning commendation for their steadfast loyalty. The two Qing Dynasty sequels, Xu Jin Ping Mei and SanXu Jin Ping Mei, continue the narrative beyond Ximen Qing’s death. Marginal characters from the original novel are depicted as confronting disparate fates―some struggle amidst the destitution faced by Ximen Qing’s abandoned wife and son, while others thrive in the bustling scenes of newfound prosperity that emerge after his downfall. This paper investigates the evolving representations of loyal servants
and old acquaintances across Jin Ping Mei and its two sequels. These characters exhibit diverse trajectories: some maintain unwavering fidelity and benevolence, others vacillate between virtue and vice, while still others are imbued with heightened generosity and altruistic impulses. Despite Ximen Qing’s pervasive image as a tyrannical and morally bankrupt figure, subsequent authors introduce elements of warmth and human connection through their portrayals of those who remain loyal to him.
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