BU BU JING XIN
EPISODE 16
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THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES: MINMIN’S PERSONAL DANCE FOR YINXIANG
AND YINXIANG’S FLUTE PLAYING FOR MINMIN
The emperor praises Ruoxi for her meticulous and elaborate two-month preparations for that special night of entertainment.
The Mongolians would leave the next day.
Ruoxi rings a bell to signal the start of the night’s
festivities.
The exquisite fresh fragrance of red plum flowers fills the air.
Yintang wonders where the fragrance is wafting from. How is it possible for Ruoxi
to obtain the plum flowers?
LET THERE BE LIGHTS IN THE SKY
Fire-lit red sky lanterns, like hot air balloons, are launched
and they float to the skies in the night. It is an amazing and startling
experience for the audience.
The prelude to the dance performance, the floating lights, are a
feast for the eyes and are a sight to behold.
Statrled, everyone stops and admires them. In the distance, the sky looks like it is swarmed by red fire-flies.
(Those Kongming lanterns are named after Zhuge Liang, a military strategist who lived during the ‘Three Kingdoms’ period (220-280 AD) who used the lanterns against the enemy.)
Ruoxi, probably is out to impress and is not a 21st
century environment lover, for she should have known about the sky litter
that would fall back to earth and spoil the environment.
Well, she should be forgiven as the sight is breathtaking. The
rulers and the princes look in awe at the floating lanterns. Even Yinxiang is
impressed.
Next on Ruoxi's list is Minmin's dance performance for Yinxiang. Yinti says that Ruoxi has made Minmin who is dressed in red, the newest ‘Star’ in the
grasslands.
But Ruoxi’s rejoinder is that Minmin is already a ‘Star’ in her
own right but this ‘Star’ has not even been given a glance by the ‘Moon’.
But Yinti says she’ll soon be looking at the ‘Sun’, meaning, Irgen-Gioro Zuoying.
Is Yinxiang touched by the fact that Minmin specially danced for
him, even though it is a one-sided affair?
 
In Ruoxi’s mind, from then onwards, whenever Yinxiang sees snow
and red blossoms, he would definitely be reminded of Minmin.
  
The emperor is particularly happy with Minmin’s performance which
she finished with a flourish.
However, there is one prince who is blissfully lost in thought
and has entered into his own realm of romantic fantasy. The real world is blocked
out.
Instead of Minmin, Yinzhen imagines only Ruoxi dancing in her red
robes for him in the darkened space where only he and she are illuminated.
 
She is a pleasure to watch as she holds a branch of red plum
blossoms or mei-hua while performing her inspiring dance.
When the dance ends, he is transported back to reality.
Yinxiang is genuinely delighted as well.
After the delightful performance, the very pleased emperor remarked
that if he had known of Ruoxi’s talents and ability, he would have appointed her
to head the Entertainment Department in the palace.
Ruoxi, in turn, redirects the spotlight on Minmin whom she
praises for her dance talent. The emperor, impressed by Minmin’s dancing skills, also praises her,
likening her flexible body to that of the willow.
Much to Minmin’s delight, she is rewarded with a Ruyi jade. The
Kangxi emperor certainly knows how to recycle his tribute gifts from Burma.
Surprisingly, the Mongolian lord also wants to present a gift.
Ruoxi is given the same pendant that Minmin has.
He had made two of the same kind for his twin daughters but alas,
only Minmin survived so he is giving the other jade pendant, which is reserved
for his older twin, to Ruoxi.
The Mongolian lord treats Ruoxi’s friendship with Minmin as important as Ruoxi is a positive influence on his daughter. That gesture officially seals their friendship and effectively makes Ruoxi the foster sister of Minmin. 
This interesting fact that Ruoxi is being treated as the daughter
of the Mongolian lord perhaps is churning out future possibilities in the
mind of one particular prince, Yinreng. Ruoxi would prove to be an asset in the future.
After the emperor has left due to exhaustion, the princes led by
Crown Prince Yinreng drink wine with Prince Heshe and Irgen-Gioro Zuoying.
Minmin asks Ruoxi what she is thinking of. Ruoxi is thinking of
‘The Peony Pavilion’, a paranormal folktale about forbidden love.
Ruoxi seems miserable and recites part of the poem.
Ruoxi feels sad because the next day, Minmin would leave and
everything would be back to normal.
Happy times are too short. They do not know when they would meet
again.
Ruoxi has a surprise for Minmin, a gift that she has promised
her. Minmin’s love has not come to fruition but Ruoxi has been able to make Yinxiang
do something for her.
  
Minmin turns to see Yinxiang playing the flute for her. She sings
along and tears flow freely as she remembers the happy times they had
together. It is evident that she is heartbroken.
  
Would he forget her, a girl, who has loved him with all her heart
and soul and danced for him? He would definitely remember the grasslands, the rolling hills, the
undulating terrain, the beautiful morning light and the
beautiful sunsets. He would certainly remember Minmin.
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A WALK IN THE GRASSLANDS NORTH OF THE GREAT WALL: YINZHEN'S HEART
TO HEART TALK WITH RUOXI ABOUT THE IMPENDING MARRIAGE QUESTION
Ruoxi goes out for a breath of fresh air. She suddenly wants to
go far away from everything. Feeling too passionately about things is too
troublesome. She wants some peace.
After everything is over, she feels empty.
Then she chances upon Yinzhen and they take a stroll in the
grasslands together and talk about the possibility of Minmin and Zhuoying being together. Ruoxi truly wants them to be united in marriage.
Yinzhen remarks that he is a commoner but he is a capable man so he
might stand a chance. But one day he might be of trouble to the Mongolian
lord and his son.
Yinzhen suddenly brings up the issue of her wanting to stay
unmarried all her life.
She declares she is tired of it all - all the suffocating palace rules and all the scheming people. One has to think carefully before speaking and pondering over
an issue many times before one can make a move.
'I just want to be far away. I want to laugh and cry whenever I want.'
Marriage is just trading a big cage in the Forbidden City for a
smaller cage.
'I would be more respected in the palace. Why should I marry?
Shaving my head to be a nun would be better.'
'Now your current status is different and marriage is not an
option in your hands. The more the Kangxi emperor values you, the less you
are in control of your marriage status.'
If Ruoxi thinks that she would be like the other maids who
would be allowed to leave after a few years, she is mistaken. Why doesn’t she
think of letting the emperor know about a marriage prospect that is
satisfactory to her?
Ruoxi is stubborn and retorts, ‘If I don’t want to marry, who
can force me?’ But, how wrong she is!
Yinzhen tells her to prepare 'three metres of white cloth',
meaning prepare for suicide, to hang herself. It would be a tragedy for her
family. He argues that the palace is the worst place to dream and she should wake up to the
reality.
He asks her, ‘Is there no one in your heart whom you want to
marry?
'There is none who can make me feel free.’
He is disappointed with her answer, probably expecting her to
choose him.
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THE FUJIAN CORRUPTION CASE: THE WRATH OF AN EMPEROR
The emperor is furious and slams the officials for their fraud
and corruption.
He had sent money for the natural disaster victims in Fujian
but the money has been pocketed by some corrupt officials.
  
No one would mistake this as an ordinary misdemeanour. It is
shameful for the emperor to highlight the denigration of morality of the
officials. The reputation of some of the princes is also at stake.
In reality, some court officials have taken the money. Many of
the flood victims have died.
Who, in the world, would dare to commit such crimes without
official backing from the palace? Certain powerful people must be behind all
these.
The Kangxi emperor proclaims, ‘I love the citizens as my
children but my ‘servants’ assume the money and food are theirs.’
The emperor has ordered Yinzhen to investigate and the prince has
discovered that 120 officials of the Ministry of Revenue have been involved.
‘How shall I deal with the corrupt officials?’ he asked Yinsi.
Yinsi exclaims that corrupt officials are abhorrent and should
not be tolerated. But this time, there are other considerations. Probably,
Yinsi wants to position himself as a moderate so he does not propose a harsh
punitive measure against those who are wrong.
According to Yinsi, the number involved is so big and if one
action is taken, there would be a chain reaction. There would be a lot of
anxiety and there would be political turmoil in court. Yinsi recommended that
the emperor should order them to return the laundered money and to be lenient to
those who acknowledge the error of their ways.
 
Asked about his opinion, Yinzhen declares that indulgent
solutions would breed more corrupt officials and create more problems. If
they are punished leniently just because of the number of corrupt officials,
the officials would become more undisciplined. Their behaviour would worsen in
the future.
Moreover, the sanctity of their positions would be compromised
and they would show no concern for the common people. In the future, it would
be harder for the emperor to control the court.
Yinxiang, a strong supporter of Yinzhen, agrees that the abuse
of the law should not be tolerated.
The Kangxi emperor then turns to Yinreng, the Crown Prince, who
says using severe punishment would result in turmoil in the court and induce
panic in the people. The consequences will be dire. There will be political
unrest .
Yinreng suggests that lenient punishment should be meted out.
To the shock of those present, the emperor decrees that action
should be taken according to the Crown Prince’s views since it is reasonable
and fair. It is clear that Yinreng is involved in corrupt practices. His
corrupt habits are happening so often that their shock value is diminished.
Is the emperor desensitised to his favourite son’s malpractices?
Is he just glossing over the flaws in Yinren’s character or in the character of
his other corrupt sons?
Yinzhen protests and calls for the rescind of the orders
because the matter has widespread implications but the emperor considers the
case closed.
Officials would abuse the law and the situation would worsen if
the matter is not investigated thoroughly. Corruption is steadily escalating.
Yinzhen mentions that the previous corruption case involving two
officials was dismissed. The people have lost confidence in the palace, and folks
songs are being sung to spread the news about such corruption.
The emperor cannot turn a blind eye to all these. He does not
say it but it is clear that there are parasites who feed on bribes and are a
drain on the Qing royal treasury.
Yinxiang speaks in support of Yinzhen but their attempt to bring the corrupt officials to justice is
foiled.
The emperor says that it is excusable if the common people do
not understand his intentions but Yinzhen and Yinxiang should not share their
banal opinions.
The Son of Heaven urges the two princes to understand that the
scholar-officials should not be relentlessly put under pressure.
One must have ‘gentlemanly benevolence’, if not, all the
teachings (of the ‘Perfect Sage’, Confucius) of how to become a humane person would be in vain.
The case is closed. Then, everyone is abruptly dismissed.
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THE FUJIAN CORRUPTION CASE: KANGXI TASKS YINZHEN TO INVESTIGATE – A LESSON ON FLEXIBILITY
Yinzhen is shocked and wants to get away and be alone. Where
would he hide himself?
The emperor wants to see him but he is nowhere to be found.
Yinxiang is anxious but Ruoxi thinks she knows where he is and
they go in search of him.
They find him asleep in the midst of the lotus plants. This is
his secret sanctuary where everything is calm, serene and where he can be at
peace.
Yinxiang is amused to see him blissfully asleep while they are
flustered, having searched for him high and low.
He quotes a Chinese idiom, ‘The
emperor is not worried but his eunuchs are worried to death.’
Yinzhen and Yinxiang hurry to meet with the emperor.
In a minor plot twist, the emperor Kangxi divulges that he
wants a thorough investigation of the corruption case concerning the distribution
of food and money to the Fujian flood victims.
He understands they are perplexed and wonder why he had rejected
their suggestions in public but now, he has done an about-face.
Yinzhen does not understand. The imperial father states that flexibility is of utmost
importance. There is a time to be strict and there is a time to relax.
Now, the politically astute emperor wants Yinreng, the Crown
Prince, Yinzhen and Yinxiang to give him a comprehensive report on the
matter.
The Kangxi emperor is against the meting out of harsh
punishment. His philosophy is ‘Even if
a basin of dirty water cannot be used for drinking, it can be used to plant
flowers and vegetables, and there’s no need to throw the water away’. Perhaps, what he means is that it is better to reassign officials elsewhere, to places where they cannot be corrupt in order to better utilize
their strengths.
‘Governing a large country is
like making a delicacy. I’ve governed for many years. You should heed my
sincere words of advice and bear them in mind.’
Does he mean that when preparing a delicacy, at certain
times, one should follow instructions to the letter. But sometimes, if
something goes wrong, one should not throw the ingredients away. Instead, one
must adjust the measurements of the ingredients to produce good results.
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THE FUJIAN CORRUPTION CASE: YINZHEN’S MASTERSTROKE
OF DIPLOMACY
The Kangxi emperor is aware of what is happening, and that Yinreng,
the Crown Prince and other princes like Yintang are involved in corrupt
practices. The emperor is worried that the Crown Prince would not be
impartial because his supporters are also involved.
The person that the Crown Prince trusts is Yinxiang.
Yinzhen thinks his mission to dig deeper into the truth is a
highly dangerous position.
‘If I don’t do it well, I might
offend the Crown Prince and be punished by the emperor for not doing well.’ He is very worried.
It is the survival of the fittest.
Yinxiang suddenly teases him playfully that he has a good solution for his worries.
‘Just a get a boat and go among the lotus plants. Meditate there and arrive at the solution. How come your own brothers don’t even know about your secret sanctuary but only Ruoxi knows about it?’
Yinzhen mumbles incoherently that it was fate that Ruoxi came
to know about it.
Yinzhen feels that the Crown Prince would have to ask his
lackeys to restrain themselves.
Yinzhen shows Yinxiang an accounts report. It proves clearly that
Yintang of the Yinsi Faction is also involved all these years. He has been taking bribes from corrupt officials.
Yinzhen has a solution.
Yinsi and Minghui are in their carriage. Minghui is worried
that Yintang’s greed would badly affect Yinsi’s reputation because of their
close relationship.
 
Suddenly, someone flings an accounts book into the carriage.
The accounts book details Yintang’s involvement in corrupt practices and cases
of bribery.
Yinsi and Yinti discuss Yintang's problems. Yinsi feels that Yinzhen
has sent the evidence of Yintang's corruption to them so that they can solve their own problems.
Yinti does not understand. He feels that if Yinzhen surrenders
the book to the emperor, he would get credit for it and he would have dealt a
devastating blow to their faction.
According to Yinsi, the accounts book is a ‘hot potato’, a
controversial situation.
Even if Yinzhen were to surrender the book to the emperor and if
Yintang is punished, Yinzhen himself would risk being reprimanded by the
emperor for not being caring about brotherly ties.
Yintang would be in trouble if he continues with his corrupt
practices. Since Yinreng has also been tasked with the investigation of the
Fujian case, he has to refrain from abusing his power and position.
But Yinreng’s reputation would be at stake if he covers up
Yintang’s corrupt practices. If Yintang keeps his corrupt activities and men under
control, Yinreng, the Crown Prince would not be able to lay the blame on him.
But Yintang is reckless and would continue on his wayward
ways.
Therefore, Yinzhen throws the ‘hot potato’ back at Yintang and
the Yinsi Faction. If Yintang does not stop. He would have to face the
consequences.
Yinsi analyses the whole political situation. He argues that on
the surface, Yinzhen has given them the evidence to destroy as they wish.
For all intents and purposes, he seems like he is helping them
but, in truth, he’s actually trying to keep a control over them.
‘This manoeuvre of Yinzhen is a
masterstroke of diplomacy. I’ve to hand it to him. His wisdom and consummate skills
at diplomacy and strategy is worth noting.’
Yinti praises Yinsi’s incisive thinking. You know Yinzhen like the back of your
hand. You’re both intelligent but it is regretful that you are of opposing
factions.
Yinti, out of curiosity, ventures, ‘If you’re the emperor one day, would you allow Yinzhen to retire
quietly?’
‘If you ask Yinzhen the same
question, what do you think his answer would be?’
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THE FUJIAN CORRUPTION CASE – THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES -
YINTANG’S UNYIELDING ARROGANCE AND CORRUPT PRACTICES
Yintang is having a feast with his corrupt men who seem to be
very happy that the Kangxi emperor is not pursuing the Fujian corruption case
anymore. One of them happily boasts that the bribe money that people refuse to accept
is being channelled to them. They toast to Yintang for his good fortune.
But Yintang instructs them, ‘From
today onwards, nobody is to accept bribes or offers from officials.’
His men retort that the Crown Prince’s cronies are still
accepting bribes.
‘His men are living in bigger
houses. What about us?’
Yintang is raging mad. He explodes in anger and bellows at them,
sending them packing. His best-laid plans have been frustrated. His anger
escalates and he starts smashing things.
Yintang goes to the balcony and spots Yinxiang strolling with
his beloved Luwu. Yinxiang looks up and they lock eyes.
 
During an audience with the emperor, Yinzhen does not make a
full report about the Fujian Fraud case to him. Neither is Yintang’s
involvement reported.
Is Yintang grateful? No.
In actualy fact, Yintang is absolutely steamed up with Yinzhen
because his corrupt practices have been suppressed. But, he exclaims to the
Eighth Faction that he is not scared. He is practically foaming at the mouth.
Yinsi does not want to hear any more of it and calmly walks
away. Yinti tries to calm him and advises him not to create any more trouble.
Yinsi would handle the matter his own way.
FURTHER
INVESTIGATION: YINZHEN CHECKS THE ACCOUNTS WITH THE MANDARIN OFFICIALS
After further investigation and checking through the accounts,
Yinzhen and the Mandarin officials discover that Yintang is blatantly
continuing his corrupt practices. He does not even cover up his tracks.
Yinzhen asks that a
meeting be set up for him to meet with Yinsi.
‘I thought Yintang has always followed your instructions to
stop his corrupt activities.’
‘I’m returning the account books to you,’ Yinzhen tells Yinsi.
Yinsi clarifies that Yintang is stubborn and opinionated.
‘He doesn’t understand the
consequences of his actions. Nobody can stem his corrupt practices.’
‘Before yesterday, I thought
bygones were bygones. Now, I’ve an even trickier situation. I want your suggestions,’ Yinzhen insists.
‘If you cannot solve it, I’ll be
of no help,’ Yinsi declares
helplessly.
Yinzhen’s aide brings a huge pile of account books for Yinsi to
review.
‘Are these the difficult
problems you are referring to?’You have already investigated Yintang’s muddled
accounts.'
‘You are an understanding
person. Whatever I could do to help, I’ve already done so. Everybody, including the
Crown Prince, has so far exercised restraint except for Yintang,’ Yinzhen reasons.
‘Then, you should go according
to the imperial edict,’ Yinsi concludes with resignation in his voice.
When Yintang is made aware of his vulnerable position, he is
stark raving mad, and rages that he is not afraid.
‘Just because Yinzhen has the
Crown Prince behind him, he thinks he can do as he likes! Are you all mute?’ He
hisses through clenched teeth.
 
‘Yinsi, tell me what to do. If you
order me to kill Yinzhen, I’ll go with a knife,’ the crazy prince promises.
YINSI LETS GO OF PROTECTING YINTANG: THE CALM AFTER THE STORM -
THE KANGXI EMPEROR HALTS THE INVESTIGATIONS
 
Yintang tries desperately to ask Yin’e for help. Yin’e reminds him that Yinsi has already
instructed him to stop his corrupt practices.
‘I’ve already told Yinzhen to
deliver the accounts books to the emperor. I’ve done all I can,’ Yinsi finally announces.
‘I’ve myself to blame. I thought
we’re all on the same boat. Before the storm, everybody has already left the
boat. As long as the Crown Prince is around, even if I die, he’ll be dragged
along with me,’ Yintang
threatens.
This is a clear evidence of Yintang's character. Ruoxi is right. The Ninth Prince is indeed a venomous and malevolent snake! 
The Crown Prince has already curbed his excesses.
'But, don’t panic. The emperor will not do anything to you.' 
After studying the accounts books, the emperor seems furious. ‘The princes are called the pillars of the
state, the state’s foundation.’
The Kangxi emperor heaved a heavy sigh. To the consternation of
those who have been involved in the tedious investigations, the emperor drops
a bombshell.
The emperor, not blinking even an eye, shrugs the
investigations off and orders everyone to be dismissed, much to the shock of
Yinzhen and Yinxiang.
‘This investigation is
concluded. The people involved will be exempted from questioning. The
punishment for the culprits is making compensation.’
They should have expected it. It seems that the emperor is already
numb to all the evils of the princes.
It is raining. It is as if the rain sympathises with their
plight and is crying for them.
Yinzhen and Yinxiang are mulling over the emperor’s inaction towards
the corrupt people.
Is this the emperor’s answer to the rampant corruption in the
Qing empire? After their laborious investigation, has the emperor been unwise
and unjust in not meting out punishment to those who are corrupt? Do they
deserve such great disappointment and frustration? What does the emperor have
in mind when he initiated the investigations? Is the investigation
self-defeating?
Yintang is unrepentant and refuses to shed his greedy
reputation.
Ruoxi is walking up the stairs and spots them in the distance.
She is about to flee but Yinxiang calls out to her.
Yinxiang questions Ruoxi, ‘How
should officials who abuse the law be handled?’
‘Since ancient times, the word ‘corruption’
is replaced by ‘the abuse of law’.
‘It’s true that stealing of
people’s blood, sweat and tears is abominable. But
what is detestable is abusing the law for the love of money. The people at
the top and bottom collaborate with each other to steal from the imperial
treasury. There are mutual cover-ups
so justice is not upheld. This is more harmful to human life. Many use underhand methods to achieve
their goals.’
Yinxiang urges her not to talk in circles.
‘Strict punishment with no
leniency. A moment of tolerance leads to a rise in corruption. I fear it
would cause poor governance. Poor governance is even more scary than
corruption. Officials don’t behave like officials. Then ordinary citizens have
no way of making a living. Naturally, they don’t behave like citizens
anymore.’
‘What if I say that the person
who has abused the law is Yintang? Do you think a prince should receive the
same punishment as a commoner?’
‘Ask him to return the laundered
money. Flog him so that he cannot get up from his bed for six months. Send him to
the streets for three months to be a beggar. He will then know what it is like wearing other people’s shoes. As for the other offenders, they should be severely dealt
with to serve as a warning to others. No one should protect someone who
violates the law. In the future, the officials will not be greedy anymore.’
Ruoxi is surprised that the emperor has ordered the
investigations to be discontinued.
Yinxiang has to meet a lady so he leaves.
ROUXI’S ‘RETURN TO SENDER’ GIFTS ARE
PLACED INTO HER HANDS AGAIN BY YINZHEN
Yinzhen informs Ruoxi that after the expedition he had wanted
to give the 'returned gifts' to her.
‘I cannot accept this.’
Yinzhen calls out, ‘Yinti!’
She turns and, in her panic, she grabs the gift.
‘Are you afraid of Yinti? Yinzhen laughs.
Yinzhen has tricked her. She tries to give back the bundle of gifts
but he walks off.
‘Once it’s in your hands, it’s yours.’ She seems smitten.
Hats off to Yinzhen for his strategic tactic of winning the
lady’s heart!
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