Introduction: A Masterclass in Cantonese Storytelling
In the golden age of Hong Kong television, TVB’s A Pillow Case of Mystery II (施公奇案II, 2010) stands as a crown jewel of historical detective fiction. Starring the legendary Bobby Au-Yeung (欧阳震华), this 20-episode series masterfully blends Qing Dynasty intrigue with supernatural sleuthing, offering international viewers a perfect gateway into Chinese period dramas.
- The Plot – Where History Meets Whodunit
Set in 18th-century Guangdong, Au-Yeung reprises his role as Shi Gong (施公), a real historical magistrate renowned for solving impossible cases. The sequel elevates the formula with:
- A central mystery: The theft of a mystical jade pillow said to grant prophetic dreams
- Four standalone cases: From haunted temples to poisoned banquets, each wrapped in cultural symbolism
- Meta-narrative depth: Shi Gong’s own dreams become clues, blurring reality and supernatural
Unlike Western procedurals, resolutions rely on Confucian ethics and feng shui principles rather than forensic science, offering fresh perspectives on justice .
- Bobby Au-Yeung’s Career-Defining Performance
The 49-year-old actor delivers a nuanced portrayal that shattered TVB stereotypes:
- Comic brilliance: His signature deadpan humor shines in scenes like interrogating a talking parrot
- Emotional range: A tearful monologue about losing his wife (episode 15) won the 2010 TVB Anniversary Award nomination
- Physical comedy: Watch his improvised “drunk magistrate” act in episode 7, a viral moment in Chinese streaming history
Au-Yeung’s chemistry with co-star Sonija Kwok (郭羡妮) as the sword-fighting nun Ling Long revitalizes the “odd couple” trope with Cantonese wit .
- Cultural Codex – Decoding the Drama’s Hidden Layers
-Pillow Case II* serves as an anthropological treasure trove:
A) Qing Judicial System
- The “Three Judicial Departments” (三司会审) depicted in episode 12 mirrors historical trial protocols
- Traditional torture tools like ankle-screws (夹棍) are shown with shocking accuracy
B) Folk Beliefs
- Dream interpretation via Zhou Gong’s Book of Dreams (周公解梦) drives key plot points
- The “Five Poisons” (五毒) motif in episode 5 reflects southern Chinese folklore
C) Architectural Authenticity
- Recreated yamen (government office) sets based on Foshan’s Liangyuan Museum
- Costume designs approved by Hong Kong Heritage Museum consultants
- Why It Outshines Western Counterparts
While comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, this series offers unique value:
| Element | Pillow Case II Approach | Western Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Solving | Divination + Moral Logic | Forensic Science |
| Villain Motivation | Face (面子) Preservation | Psychological Trauma |
| Resolution Focus | Community Harmony | Individual Justice |
The “Egg Tart Summit” scene (episode 10), where suspects debate while sharing dim sum, exemplifies this cultural distinctiveness .
- Binge-Worthy Highlights for Global Audiences
- Episode 3: A locked-room mystery involving a “ghost bride” ritual, shot like a Zhang Yimou film
- Episode 8: A courtroom duel using I Ching hexagrams instead of evidence
- Episode 18: A jaw-dropping plot twist involving Manchu-Han ethnic tensions
- Streaming & Cultural Context Tips
Available with English subtitles on:
- TVBAnywhere+ (1080p restored version)
- Viki (“Drama Explained” footnotes added)
For deeper appreciation:
- Read about the real Shi Gong – a disabled official who inspired the character
- Study BaZi (八字) astrology basics to decode dream sequences
- Follow @CantoneseCinema101 on TikTok for episode breakdowns
Conclusion: More Than a Crime Drama
-A Pillow Case of Mystery II* transcends its genre to become a time capsule of Lingnan culture. Bobby Au-Yeung’s magnetic performance, paired with narratives that value collective wisdom over individual brilliance, makes this 2010 series a groundbreaking entry in Chinese television history. For Western viewers seeking authentic Eastern storytelling with philosophical depth, this is your next obsession.