BBJX: Episode 21

BU BU JING XIN EPISODE 21

A CHEERLEADER FOR RUOXI: YINTI KNEELS AND APPEALS TO KANGXI Yinti has an audience with his imperial father, kneeling and pleading with him to allow Luwu to accompany Yinxiang.  A shadow flits across the emperor’s face. ‘He has made a mistake. He is your son and my older brother. Out of all the brothers, he is the best at Arts and Literature. He has gone everywhere with you and has been cautious with words and actions. You punish him because of the law. But he is your son. ‘Yangfen Jidao’ is a cold and damp place. In the summer, it is very hot, and in the winter, it is very cold. An ordinary person cannot even stand it. If Luwu is allowed to accompany Yinxiang, at least, there is somebody who can look after him.’ ‘Even though he is under house arrest, Yinxiang is still a prince. How can I allow an ordinary girl to be with him day and night? How will the court or the public perceive their relationship?’ ‘She is not who you perceive her to be. When he was prosperous, she was just a friendly companion but when he is under house arrest, she volunteers to be with him. She is rare and cannot be compared to the other ordinary girls.’ When Yinti mentions Ruoxi, the emperor storms at the unwelcome memories of her recent display of disrespect,  ‘Don’t mention her again!’ But Yinti is insistent. He kneels. Then, he not only kowtows but also knocks his head on the floor. The emperor, being in a rage, orders him to kneel in the palace grounds, a punishment he sees fit to mete out. Yinti kneels in the rain. He might as well have tried to move a mountain. YINTI KOWTOWS TO THE KANGXI EMPEROR (an example of ‘kowtow’) The other princes, like Yinsi, Yintang and Yin'e soon follow to show that they are of one spirit. Yinti’s action has drummed up support for the Thirteenth Prince but Yinzhen is not there. He is supportive in his own way. Yinti has shown leadership abilities in this incident by uniting the opposing factions to help Yinxiang. MALE CHEERLEADERS ROUXI & HER MALE CHEERLEADERS RUOXI AND YINXIANG Ruoxi And Yinxiang Are Best Friends And Soulmates RUOXI’S FRIENDSHIP WITH THE QING PRINCES

RUOXI’S HEALTH PROBLEMS Yutan informs the sick Ruoxi that she has been forgiven by the emperor.  But Yinti has also been punished. What is rumoured is that the emperor and Yinti had been in an argument over Yinxiang and after that, he was kneeling from that time until the next day. After the court was over, the other princes also joined him as well to support him. Then,   the Kangxi emperor sends word for Yinti to get up, and Ruoxi is also informed that she has been pardoned. He must have imagined the desolation, grief and suffering on his sons’ faces and, so, pardons everyone. Ruoxi has been unconscious for 3 days and her fainting spell has scared all of them. Ruoxi is happy that Yinti’s health is okay because he is a martial arts exponent, and his health has always been good. However, her knees hurt and Yutan informs her that the imperial doctor has been treating her. Ruoxi is surprised because the imperial doctor, Physician Li, personally attends to the emperor, and not many people are given this privilege of being under his care. Ruoxi is puzzled at the emperor who is difficult to understand. If he dotes on or favours someone, it does not mean that he truly cares for them but if he punishes, neither does he hate. The imperial physician, who arrives with Yinti and Yin’e, takes her pulse readings. He questions her about her health. Her Health Symptoms She tells him that for the past year, she has not been sleeping well. Once her sleep has been disturbed, she would not be able to get back to sleep. Her appetite has not been good as in previous years, and she has stomach problems. The physician tells her that she has not recovered from her period of long illness. She has derangement of ‘Qi’ and blood. In Chinese philosophy, the word ‘Qi’ loosely translates into energy. ‘Qi’ is energetic potential, movement and manifestation. It is the vital force that helps sustain all life. From her pulse readings, he deems that she is a worrier and is always in fear. She must have been worried about certain matters for a long time. She is in the prime of her life, and if she takes care of herself, she can recover in two or three years. As for her knee pain, after some acupuncture treatment, she should be able to recover. But when she’s older, she would have pain in her knees. Ruoxi was thinking of what modern medicine would say about her knees - rheumatism. She thanks Yinti for his help but he humbly explains that she had previously helped him in the Mongolian Steppe and he was now returning the favour. Yin’e hints that her problems are the results of her prolonged fear and stress. Yinti argues that her prolonged stress has nothing to do with the recent conflict between Yinzhen and Yinsi. He criticises her bad habit of keeping everything to herself and masking her feelings. She has been struggling with her fears and these feelings are acerbated with the burden of not being able to share with others. She must have wondered whether she should confide in them but it is an impulsive idea that she is quick to dismiss.

A MOVING SCENE: RUOXI KOWTOWS TO YINTI Yin’e says she should be happy because Yinti has already carried her wishes to fulfilment. The emperor has allowed Luwu to accompany Yinxiang in his confinement. She will be his maid but all the data and social stigma associated with her tainted name and tarnished background would be erased. Yinti has already ordered the manor superviser to adopt Luwu as his daughter and soon she would be sent to join Yinxiang in Yangfen Jiadoa, his house arrest residence. Upon hearing this, Ruoxi, being greatly moved by his efforts, quickly gets down on her knees and kowtows to Yinti. It is quite a touching scene as Yinti has gone to great lengths to help her and Yinxiang. RUOXI AND YINTI Yinti is Ruoxi’s Best Friend It is shown later that Yinti actually loves Ruoxi. She is an amazing girl and it is not easy to pursue her. She falls in love with Yinsi and then, Yinzhen. But he does not give up and in the end, he ends up with her. RUOXI KOWTOWS TO YINTI Yinti’s voice is thick with emotion as he holds her up and sits her down on her bed. He tells her tenderly that he did not do it to make her kowtow to him. She cries and there is no room for doubt about his love when Yin’e confides that Yinti wanted to help her accomplish her goals. Ruoxi thinks to herself, ‘What kind of mixed sentiments is this?  Resentment and kindness. They were the perpetrators of Yinxiang’s house arrest. Yet, they are the ones who are helping him.’ Ruoxi requests Yin’e to get out some boxes from her drawers. They are full of expensive jewellery, gifts from the emperor, other masters and the princes. She wants them to bring them as gifts for Yinxiang’s consorts as he, being under house arrest, has been stripped off his titles and the sources of income that come with those titles. Yinti tells her not to worry too much. She says she has bank notes and other valuable stuff from her own father and sister.  Yinti insists that she keeps one box for herself but they would take 2 boxes for Yinxiang’s family. Both Yinti and Yin’e assure her that they will be well taken care of.

RATIONALE: SPREADING RUMOURS THAT RUOXI WAS PUNISHED Yutan brings back some medicine and informs her about Wangxi being punished by Li Dequan, the head eunuch, for saying things which are out of line. Ruoxi knows that an unfair punishment has been meted out. An innocent junior eunuch has been given lashes on the buttocks that he does not deserve. Li Dequan was the one who had instructed Wangxi to spread the rumours that Ruoxi was being punished. The emperor had secretly ordered it. But Wangxi is punished by Li Dequan for spreading the rumours. Why did the emperor want the rumours that she was being punished to be spread? What is the rationale? Was Kangxi purposely testing the love and attitude of the princes for Yinxiang?

BREACH OF PROMISE: YINZHEN RETRACTS HIS PROMISE TO MARRY RUOXi YINZHEN RETRACTS HIS MARRIAGE PROPOSAL Yinzhen visits Ruoxi. ‘You’ve finally come,’ she whispers. He turns away from her, afraid to face her and quietly says, ‘I can no longer ask my imperial father for your hand in marriage.’ ‘Since Yinxiang’s was arrested, I’ve already guessed that you would say that.’ ‘You can hate me or resent me.  It’s all my fault for letting you down. With doting love from the emperor, he’ll definitely find a better marriage partner for you. Thank you for what you’ve done for Yinxiang.’ Yinzhen leaves. Ruoxi bursts out in a flood of tears. Yutan’s heart aches to see her thus.  ‘Why is it that when someone has to be sacrificed, it is the woman, and yet, it is strange that there is no shred of anger on their part? Is Ynzhen worthy of her love? What has the issue of Yinxiang falling from grace to do with his marriage proposal? Does Yinzhen now think that he is not good enough for her? Or perhaps he is thinking that the emperor would want a better match for Ruoxi? This is the first of many hurdles that they have to overcome in their love relationship.

YUTAN: A TALE OF POVERTY AND SALVATION YUTAN’S STORY THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER First, the ecstasy, now the heartbreak! Ruoxi has been jilted. She should just move on. She weeps and Yutan empathizes with her. Yutan relates her own miserable story. YUTAN TELLS HER STORY ‘When I was young, my father passed away. Although we were not wealthy, we were warm and well-fed.’ Ruoxi stops wallowing in self pity.  ‘Because of my father’s illness, we pawned everything that could be pawned. I was scared that my father would die. I heard that one’s flesh could cure a relative and filial piety can move Buddha. Therefore, I cut some flesh from my arm and cooked it with medicine. But still, my father passed away. Does one reel away in horror of eating human flesh? After the death of my father, my mother washed clothes for other people day and night. I did sewing work for others and yet, we were only half-full. My mother often cried and her eyes were spoiled. She couldn’t see clearly but she hid her ailment from us. She pretended she could see properly. We didn’t want her to be sad so we acted along with her. Her eyesight became worse. I went to borrow money from relatives. The saying, ‘The poor do not have relatives,’ is indeed true. Whoever saw me immediately closed the door. I wandered listlessly, without purpose, in the streets. My mind was far away. I saw a horse carriage and the one who was steering the carriage raised a whip to hit me. The prince in the carriage stopped him. ‘Do you want to die? Do you know to whom this carriage belongs?’ A curtain was raised but the rich man’s face could not be seen. There was a red ruby ring on the fourth finger of his left hand. He scolded the carriage man. ‘You’re a dog, a servant who didn’t pay attention. When a problem comes up, you look for someone to take the blame.’ Yutan begged for money from him. ‘That’s interesting. So far, nobody has asked me directly for money. Why should I give you money?’ ‘I want the money for my mother and brother to see the physician.’ ‘I’m not someone who operates a charity. What has it got to do with me?’ ‘If you give me money, I’m willing to be your servant and serve you all my life.’ ‘There are a lot of servant girls in my mansion.’ ‘I can do a lot of things. Even if I can’t, I am willing to learn.’ ‘There are many people who are willing to help me.’ And the carriage started again on its journey but Yutan held onto the carriage. I don’t know why I was so bold. But I felt he had this calmness that was pleasant. Even though he scolded his servant, his tone was not angry. I knew he was a wealthy person. If he gave me some money, I could save my mother and brother. As the wheels rolled, Yutan ran along with it. The driver beat her with the whip. Finally, the prince drew open the curtains and asked for her age. ‘10 years old.’ ‘Good girl. You’re worth my money.’ He gave her some bank notes and instructed the driver to give her his silver ingots. After getting the money, she returned the bank notes. He advised her that if she cannot bank the banknotes, she should just save it. She knelt, thanked him and walked away.  But, he called her back. He threw out his cloak and told her to wrap herself with it. After that, I never saw the person again. My mother became better. My sister and I did some sewing until it was time for me to enter the palace. But I have made a promise to myself that I would give up my life for him. Whether it is worth it or not worth it, I myself know. My friends who have families and kids pity me but I am happy. If my mother falls ill, she can see a physician. My siblings can go to school. My decision was correct at that point.   'If you were to ask me to choose again, would I make the same decision?' I would. Later, in the drama, the viewers would be told that the kind prince turns out to be Yintang, the Ninth Prince. Although Ruoxi calls him a venomous snake, it may not be a totally accurate picture of Yintang. The writer, in this part of the drama, by showing his redeeming characteristic, has painted a fairer picture of Yintang. Yutan lies that she has never seen the person again. The viewers learn that later, she is part of Yintang’s conspiracy against Yinzhen and she would sacrifice her life for Yintang in the end.

BEYOND REDEMPTION: YINRENG IS STRIPPED OFF CROWN PRINCE TITLE ONCE AND FOR ALL Yutan runs hurriedly to inform Ruoxi that the emperor is holding court in the Qianqin Palace. He would remove Yinreng from his Crown Prince position. In the audience hall, Yinreng removes his princely Qing Guanmao (headgear) and place it on the ground. Kangxi declares, ‘After I had restored your position as Crown Prince, you have still continued with your wayward ways. Taizi, I canot allow you to be the emperor of this country. I’m going to lock you up.’ ‘I know I’m wrong,’ Yinreng confesses. There were voices from the other princes who beg the emperor to spare him. There are three other pieces of headgear on the floor. Are they the headgears of those who would be locked up with him too? Yinsi seems to be pleased but Yinzhen is almost inscrutable. The Kangxi emperor must have ached for his son. What is wrong with the emperor? 1. First, the Kangxi emperor had made a wrong move by making Yinreng the Crown Prince (the eldest son from his empress) as early as two years old. The emperor had purportedly followed the Han system of primogeniture. He should have chosen a successor based on character, talent and leadership. 2. Second, he played favourites. Yinreng was the only son who was raised personally by him and spoilt by him since young. Yinreng’s mother, died at the age of twenty. Perhaps, he felt guilty about this. So, Yinreng was groomed from young to be the Crown Prince. When he was corrupt, excuses were made for him. 3. Even though Yinreng proved to be inept, the Kangsi emperor stood firm in his decision to make Yinreng his successor. He deposed the Crown Prince and restored him to his position until the fateful second time when he was finally imprisoned. Was it his ego of not wanting to face his failure to properly groom Yinreng to be worthy of the throne?

YINZHEN AFTER YINRENG’S DOWNFALL Ruoxi knows that when the Crown Prince is deposed, the battle royal between the Yinsi’s Faction and the Yinzhen’s Faction would begin. Interestingly, Yinzhen withdraws from all government affairs. He is like someone with few desires. His life is tranquil like that of a rich man with leisure pursuits. He spends all his days with monks in his estate. If Ruoxi meets him by accident, they do not speak more than necessary. His face is calm but cold. One day, the Kangxi emperor rolls out a painting on the table. Yinzhen is there, dressed in a common man’s attire, not in his usual splendid, princely robes. ‘Ruoxi, come and look and give me your opinion,’ the Kangxi emperor commands. ‘The one pushing the cart and doing the farming is Yinzhen. The one near the bridge is Yinzhen’s consort. It’s well-drawn. What’s important is the meaning.’ She eyes Yinzhen and he looks at her, pleased that she is secretly helping him. ‘Don’t you think this is similar to Luo Chou’s painting of farming and weaving of the Northern Song Dynasty?’ queries the emperor. Ruoxi is embarrassed to have forgotten the emperor’s favourite painting. She chastises herself for her poor memory. A Northern Song Dynasty painting-hydraulic mill ‘Food is most important to the people. Agriculture is the most important way to produce food. I often remind the officials of the imperial court on the importance of agriculture. It is the foundation of the empire.’ Yinzhen clarifies that he has followed his imperial father’s instructions and has cultivated a few pieces of land in his estate. This way he could experience the happiness and the bitterness of farming. Yinzhen’s words are measured and calculated to please his father. The Kangxi emperor suddenly asks, ‘Tell me the source of happiness and the source of bitterness.’ THE PHILOSOPHY OF PLANTING ‘The life of planting is unrestrained and enjoyable. It makes me not think of gain and loss. I’ve become more open-hearted and more healthy.’  I’ve harvested a few melons and fruits. It makes me happy. Well, bitterness. I have harvested a few fields and I already feel tired. I worry about the extreme weather - the scorching sun and the pouring rain. If floods or droughts occur, the farmers would be worried and would not be able to harvest anything.’ Ruoxi thinks that Yinzhen is good at hiding his thoughts. He is a filial son and never defies the emperor. The emperor may be suspicious of him but as long as he keeps up the pretense and not make any missteps, it will allay the tension between him and the emperor. But, has Ruoxi missed out the fact that parents may know the character and personality of their offsprings like the back of their hands?

KANGXI'S REASONABLE SUSPICION AGAINST YINSI’S GRAND AMBITIONS Meanwhile, Yinsi is with some court officials who want to propose his name as the next crown prince but he rejects the offers. ‘The emperor is tired body and soul. It’s better not to mention this to avoid trouble. If anyone raises the subject again, i will close my doors to such conversations.’ The next thing Yinsi knows is he is being reprimanded by the emperor. ‘You’re just a Beile but you’re too arrogant to have enticed the court officials privately to probe my intentions several times concerning the crown prince position. You’ve disappointed me,’ the emperor directs his forbidding look at him. Ruoxi is thinking that all along the emperor has always been suspicious of him. However restrained Yinsi is, he can do nothing right in the Kangxi emperor’s eyes. The emperor suspects Yinsi’s every move. If only Yinsi could learn from Yinzhen to have a heart ‘like water’ and distance himself from the court officials. But how can he possibly let go of his ambition after spending so many years to achieve his current position?

THE EMPEROR FAVOURS YINTI Yinti is with the emperor. They are discussing political affairs. The Kangxi emperor’s interest and attention has shifted to Yinti. He seems to favour Yinti. ‘Zhang Tingyu is a person of ability.’ I’ve heard of people praising him. He cautious and pure-hearted. I will assign you to be in charge of the appointment of the officials. ‘Li Dequan, today, prepare more of Yinti’s favourite dishes.' After the removal of Yinreng, the one that the Kangxi emperor favours the most is Yinti. It is surprising that after Yinti has been punished to kneel for speaking up for Yinxiang, the emperor does not distance himself from Yinti. Had Yinti not pleaded for mercy, the emperor would not have taken notice of his leadership qualities and there would not have  been a drastic change in the emperor’s attitude towards him. The emperor must have noted his potential as a leader and consults him on empire matters. Ruoxi thinks if it is possible, she wants to remain a spectator forever. ‘I’m like the rest of the princes, not knowing my fate.’

Ruolan, her sister, visits her and seems shocked at her weight loss, implying that she has been suffering in the palace. Ruolan warns her that in a year’s time, she would reach the age when she would be allowed to leave the palace. ‘Did the emperor mention your marriage?’ Ruoxi does not mind serving the royal family until she is old. She tells her sister not to be worried. Everything depends on the emperor’s judgement. One must look ahead. Living in the past makes one’s life difficult. ‘After reciting the Buddhist scriptures, my heart is like water. I leave everything to fate,’ her sister shares her philosophy of life.

AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS: YINZHEN FINDS FAVOUR WITH KANGXI – KANGXI VISITS YINZHEN’S ESTATE AND PRESENTS THE YUYI JADE TO HIS CONSORT Yinzhen welcomes the emperor and his entourage who have arrived to look over his estate. The Kangxi emperor says, ‘I suddenly thought of wanting to look at the fields that you've planted.’ Yinzhen looks at Ruoxi for thoughtful moment and then walks off. Yinzhen shows off all his plants, trees and flowers. He has a happy look on his face. ‘Imperial father, I’ve planted your favourite chrysanthemum  flowers.’ ‘Imperial father, I’ve planted your favourite chrysanthemum flowers.’ Yinzhen mentions the poem, Li Sao  (‘The Lament’) by Qu Yuan from the Kingdom of Chu. He divulges to the Kangxi emperor that he wants to live like him eating chrysanthemum seeds and drinking tea at sunset. LI SAO (THE LAMENT) By Qu Yuan (Kingdom of Chu) LI SAO (The Lament) is not only one of the most remarkable works of Qu Yuan, it ranks as one of the greatest poems in Chinese or world poetry. It was probably written during the period when the poet had been exiled by his king. This long lyrical poem describes the search and disillusionment of a soul in agony, riding on dragons and serpents from heaven to earth. By means of rich imagery and skilful similes, it expresses love of one's country and the sadness of separation. It touches upon various historical themes intermingled with legends and myths, and depicts, directly or indirectly, the social conditions of that time and the complex destinies of the city states of ancient China. The conflict between the individual and the ruling group is repeatedly described, while at the same time the poet affirms his determination to fight for justice. This passionate desire to save his country, and this love for the people, account for the poem's splendour and immortality. (One of the lines talks of magnolias: That is why Yinzhen likes magnolias) ‘Dew from magnolia leaves I drank at dawn’ Li Dequan advises,  ‘Your Majesty, you've spent half a day here. Let me escort you back. ‘I’m not tired yet.’ Ruoxi makes a suggestion to Yinzhen to make pastries from the stuff he has grown for the emperor, so Yinzhen quickly gives instructions to his consort make desserts. The Kangxi emperor is delighted upon tasting the chestnut pastries made from the chestnuts and chrysanthemum that Yinzhen has grown in his estate. The emperor asked Le Dequan whether there are any more Ruyi Jade stuff from the Burma tributes left. Li Dequan explains that originally, there were four,  but three had been gifted – one each to the Empress Dowager, Concubine Mi and Minmin. There is one left. 'I want to bestow it to Yinzhen’s consort.'  Yinzhen and his consort are ecstatic over her good fortune.  Is Ruoxi surprised that she has helped her rival to get this gift from the emperor? RUYI JADE SCEPTRE (AS YOU DESIRE) ‘No precious item can compare with your filial piety. Who says there’s no familial happiness in the imperial palace? I’m like the ordinary family elder.’ Later, Yinzhen talks to her in the garden. His voice, while slow and deliberate, is taut with self-loathing. ‘Why is it that you don’t hate me?’ ‘Why should I hate you? Just because you did not keep your promise? Must you hold onto your hate and let it go only at your death? Even if only two of us are left, I don’t want us to hold onto each other and die. Instead, I want us to live. If you cannot endure small problems, you’ll ruin the bigger plan. Only with endurance, can one live with happiness in the future.’ The faint vibration in her voice suggests that life without him has been difficult. But, it seems Ruoxi understands him. She swallows hard as he walks off leaving her to deal with her misery.