A Deadly Secret

A Deadly Secret, also translated as Requiem of Ling Sing and Secret of the Linked Cities, is a wuxia novel by Jin Yong (Louis Cha). It was first published in the magazine Southeast Asia Weekly and the Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao in 1963. Its original Chinese title was Su Xin Jian before Jin Yong changed it to Lian Cheng Jue. The story revolves around the adventures of the protagonist Di Yun, an ordinary young peasant, who is imprisoned after being framed. In his quest for vengeance, he accidentally acquires the Liancheng Swordplay manual, an ancient artifact not only prized for the skills detailed inside, but also for containing a secret leading to a treasure. Plot The plot follows the experiences of the protagonist, Di Yun, a young peasant from Xiangxi. He grew up in the countryside with his martial arts master, Qi Zhangfa, and Qi's daughter, Qi Fang, who is also his childhood sweetheart. One day, the three of them travel to the city to attend the birthday party of Wan Zhenshan, Qi Zhangfa's senior from the same martial arts school. During the trip, Di Yun is arrested and imprisoned after he is framed for larceny and attempted rape. Qi Zhangfa disappears mysteriously when Di Yun needs his help. Wan Zhenshan's son, Wan Gui, bribes the magistrate to dish out a heavy sentence to Di Yun to exaggerate the seriousness of his "crimes". At the same time, in order to win Qi Fang's affection, Wan Gui hypocritically plays the role of a good man by pretending to speak up for Di Yun in court. Qi Fang becomes disappointed with Di Yun after believing that he is indeed guilty and gives up on him. With no one else to turn to, she eventually marries Wan Gui. Di Yun suffers in prison, where he is constantly harassed by Ding Dian, a fellow raving inmate who accuses him of being a spy. However, after Di Yun attempts suicide, Ding Dian is convinced that he is not a spy and befriends him. Ding Dian then tells Di Yun how he obtained the Liancheng Swordplay manual from a swordsman, Mei Niansheng, and how he became a target of many martial artists who are seeking the manual. Ding Dian also teaches Di Yun a powerful inner energy skill, which later proves to be a blessing to him. Di Yun also hears from Ding Dian the dirty secrets of Qi Zhangfa and Wan Zhenshan – of how they murdered their master, Mei Niansheng, in their attempt to seize the Liancheng Swordplay manual.