It is a trial that promises everything: money, politics, violence - and, most intriguingly, sex.
For days, the mainland has been gripped by the case of Xie Caiping , an alleged Chongqing triad kingpin and sister-in-law of fallen justice chief Wen Qiang . Wen was the most prominent of more than 2,000 people arrested in the sweeping triad crackdown in the municipality that started in June.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations Xie faces in the trial that started yesterday, the mainland media has been far more interested in her apparent salacious appetite for handsome young men than her supposed gang activities. Xie, 46, was widely reported to have employed as many as 16 young lovers for her sexual gratification. It is a mainland media tradition to engage in gossip about mistresses when a corruption case surfaces. But it is rare for women to keep so many lovers.
The Southern Metropolis News set the tone yesterday with a headline that read: 'She paid for 16 handsome young men: let's see how obscene and violent Wen's sister-in-law is at today's hearing!'
The media has played a guessing game over the identities and backgrounds of Xie's young lovers. The China Youth Daily reported yesterday on an affair between Xie and Luo Xuan , a co-defendant. According to its report, Luo, about 28, was a driver and casino manager.
Xie gave Luo 240,000 yuan (HK$273,000) when he wanted to buy a car and open a hair salon. She paid him a monthly salary, covered his entertainment and dining bills, and gave him a credit card. According to the report, Xie was staying with Luo when she was arrested last month.