BBJX: Episode 30

BU BU JING XIN EPISODE 30

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL: YINSI & MINGHUI LET GO OF THE POWER STRUGGLE – TOO LATE Yinsi, while walking in the garden, notices a Chinese shuttlecock on the ground, and he picks it up. It reminds him of Ruoxi playing with the maids and showing off her skills at playing with the shuttlecock. Minghui comes over and he invites her for a walk. They discuss Ruoxi’s pleas for forgiveness.  Yinsi is prevented from receiving further punishment thanks to her pleas. ‘It’s worth knowing her as she remembers her friends.’ ‘She may be able to help once, but not twice or thrice.’ ‘I hope she will not be caught up with the court matters but live peacefully in the palace.’ ‘You have fought for the throne for so many years and have risen in stature.’ ‘Why not let go and have some peace? You have me and the children. From now on, spend more time with us,’ Minghui suggests. ‘At this point, even if I want to put it down, it’s not easy. He puts the shuttlecock down as he says it, a symbolic representation of his feelings. He has long accepted the reality that he would remain under the watchful eyes of the paranoid Yongzheng Emperor and under a lot of pressure. It irks him to think of the political arm-twisting and it has frustrated him beyond words.

YONGZHEN’S PERSECUTION COMPLEX: IRRATIONAL FEAR OF YINSI’S FACTION Mingyu has come back with Yin’e from Mongolia. ‘You seem to be a different person,’ Minghui remarks. ‘I heard from Yin’e that the emperor has given Yinsi a lot of troubles. Have you not thought of a solution? I’ve been suffering in Mongolia. I have repressed anger that I cannot express.’ Minghui  consoles her, ‘You should be happy because you’re far away from the court troubles. Think of the saying, ‘The Winner Takes It All’. Why not let go?’ Mingyu asks, ‘With Yinsi’s power in court, why not fight back?’ Minghui explains, ‘Since the dust has already settled, useless infighting only makes more people suffer. Being in the royal family, I have experienced what the commoners have not, that is, luxury and wealth. But, they have not experienced our kind of pain and suffering. Instead of lamenting, why don’t we just ‘let go’ and be happy, one day at a time?’ If in the end we cannot escape death, let it be. If faced with house arrest, I’ll accompany Yinsi. If it’s beheading, then so be it. In this life, we have our bitter struggles and we have our happiness. What is there to regret?’  Minghui has kept her discontent locked inside. Mingyu agrees, ‘Yes, in this life, we have our princes. That’s enough.’ Later, Mingyu pays Ruoxi a visit. She discusses some of Yin'e's problems in Mongolia. Ruoxi, in turn, mentions those problems to the Yongzheng Emperor. Yongzheng states that Yintang and Yin’e are of royal blood. They have disregarded the law and have caused trouble. ‘I will not pardon them.’ Surprise floods Ruoxi's face. ‘They harassed the women over there and insulted our officials.’ This provokes her to argue with him. ‘It is the first time that they are in such a difficult situation. They are being bullied and so, they probably made some mistakes. However careful Yinsi is today, it is useless because the younger princes in his faction are causing trouble. But, he is the one getting the punishment. Yinsi has already given up the idea of ascending the imperial throne. Why can’t you just forgive him?’ Ruoxi has tried without much luck to persuade the emperor but she knows his mind is set. It is just wishful thinking that the Yongzheng Emperor would forgive them, especially Yinsi. ‘Yinsi has given up because he is forced to give up. Now, there are a litany of internal conflicts and external wars. Foreign invasions is an issue and peace has not been attained in the empire.’ ‘There are clashes of interests among the court officials. Corruption is rampant. I've already issued 11 decrees within one month. I've fired 30 officials because of their corruption. Being of high positions, they are unhappy with me so they secretly gang up with Yinsi to oppose me. The Qing Dynasty is in danger of falling apart.’ Ruox agrees that his arguments make sense. ‘But are the dismissals aimed at provoking your enemies make their first move?’ Yongzhen seems paranoid about Ruoxi’s ill-health and worries. He could barely contain his fury. He lays the blame on the Yinsi Faction. ‘Think of Yinxiang. He has been imprisoned for 10 years. Because of this, your health has suffered. Even the Imperial Physician has given you only 10 years to live. Do you know how scared I am?’ ‘The root of everything - all evil is Yinsi and his gang.’ His eyes narrow into slits. ‘This is a matter of perspective. I don’t have any resentment towards them. Yinxiang also doesn’t hold a grudge against them. You should not make a big deal out of it!’ The more she discusses the matter, the deeper her sense of gloom. ‘No, I don’t want you to be worried.  Has Yin’e’s wife bothered about your health? What happens in the court is unpredictable. I can only promise you that I won’t take their lives.’ The pressure never lets up. Ruoxi is fearful that one day the lid of the pressure cooker of resentment and revenge would fly open.

YONGZHEN: THE NAKED TRUTH THE REALITY OF YONGZHEN'S PARANOIAC CRUELTY: EUNUCH ZHANG’S TONGUE IS SLICED & LIMBS CHOPPED OFF One rainy day, Ruoxi drops in at her former work place, the Laundry Department where she had been sent as punishment by the Kangxi Emperor. ‘Where’s Eunuch Zhang?’ she asks. ‘He has left the palace.’ The maids seem to be in terror. Ruoxi thinks to herself, ‘I’d better not come here again in the future. It makes them unhappy. Eunuchs are different from maids. They stay here all their lives unless they have committed a big crime. It is not easy for them to be free. They are only let out when they are very old. What has happened to Eunuch Zhang Qianyin? I’ll ask Wangxi about it.’ She visits Wangxi’s quarters and is shocked to see him in tears. ‘Why are you crying?’ She notices the various dishes of food on the table. ‘Who are you burning the incense for?’ He lies to her that he has prepared snacks for himself but she knows something is wrong. He lies again that it is the death anniversary of a member of his family. ‘These are the favourite snacks of Eunuch Li Dequan.’ She instinctively knows that something terrible has happened to her mentor. Her heart races. ‘Tell me honestly. What is there to hide? When I first entered the palace, he was the one who took me under his wings and guided me. He was my mentor and looked out for me. He also made provisions for me to return to the emperor’s side. He’s gone and I know nothing of it. How can I be at peace?’ ‘He passed away today last year.’ Wangxi's confirmation of Li Dequan's death brings tears to her eyes. Ruoxi makes a mental note. ‘That was a month after the Yongzheng Emperor ascended the throne. Yutan told me he left the palace to retire.’ ‘But he committed suicide by drinking poison. They actually burned his body,’ Wangxi whispers. Ruoxi’s mind is troubled. ‘Why? Why? Why would the emperor let him go? I have been too naïve. I have forgotten how the mind of the emperor works!' ‘What about Eunuch Zhang Qianyin?’ ‘I heard that his tongue was sliced off and his limbs were also chopped off and that he was driven out of the palace.’ Ruoxi suddenly feels that she is living in a ghastly nightmare. Many lives in the Forbidden City seem to be numbered. She is edgy in the face of the Yongzhen Emperor’s brutality. ‘Wangxi, to avoid arousing suspicion, we must not meet from now onwards. I’ll be fine,’ Ruoxi whispers conspiratorially.

THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL: TERROR TAKES OVER RUOXI That night, Ruoxi pretends to be asleep when the Yongzheng Emperor appears. ‘Pretending to be asleep? Are you sick? You haven’t had your dinner. I'l light the lamp.’ ‘No, don’t. I’ve eaten some snacks in the afternoon.  I'm too full to eat dinner.’ ‘You just like the dark. Resting with a full stomach will make you feel nauseous.’ Gao Wuyong said you went to the Laundry Department. ‘I just walked around, and without realising it, I stopped at the place. I chatted with some people whom I used to know.’ ‘It’s best to avoid going to those places.’ ‘Lately, I’ve pressing matters to attend to, like the war in the Northwest. I’m busy and have no time to see you.’ ‘I’m tired today.’ As he has reports to read, he leaves and Ruoxi is greatly relieved. She wallows in her misery. Ruoxi's thoughts are troubled. ‘I’ve learned to reply cautiously. I don’t want the lamp to be lit because I’m afraid that he'll see my petrified expression. Even back then when he was harsh with Yinsi, I thought he loved me and would not hurt me. But now, I agonise over every word that he says.’

FATHER AND SON CONFLICT: YONGZHENG & HONG SHI  Hong Shi, the naïve third son of Yongzheng has an audience with his imperial father. ‘Since everything is settled, Prince Yinsi, Prince Yintang and Prince Yin’e (Qinwang, Junwang, Beile) should be allowed to return to administer the affairs of the government. The empire has expanded greatly. This leads to more dispatches of soldiers. It is important for all the princes to gather together to discuss the affairs of the state, on how to quell the internal disturbances and how to prevent foreign invasions. Please restore the Eighth Faction to their positions, so that  the Aisin-Gioro Clan can assist you to rule the empire.’ ‘Who told you to say all these?’ the emperor demands to know. ‘It is my idea and suggestion. It is to help the great Qing Dynasty,’ the young naïve prince happily declares. ‘Say it! Who?’ The Yongzheng Emperor bellows. ‘It is Prince Yintang who instructed me to say it.’ ‘You are hoodwinked by the Eighth Faction. Wool has been pulled over your eyes!’ the emperor hollers. ‘This country basically belongs to everybody. Prince Yinsi has worked hard for the country and deserves some honours,’ the young prince argues. ‘Get out! Scram! Go and see your Eighth uncle! I don’t have an unfilial son like you!’ Ruoxi observes Yutan talking to Hong Shi, who is complaining to her about his Imperial Father. He thinks his father trusts outsiders more than his own brothers. He father has been furious with him for supporting the Eighth Faction. Yutan acts suspiciously and on seeing Ruoxi quickly dismisses the young prince. ‘How come you are so familiar with the Third Prince?’ Ruoxi enquires. ‘I just bumped into him and he informed me that the emperor was angry with him so, I offered him a few  words of sympathy.’

GENERAL NIAN GENGYAO'S HEROISM AND MOUNTING INFLUENCE   NIAN GENGYAO, THE HAN CHINESE QING GENERAL Concubine Nian comes by, obviously invited by Yongzheng. ‘So, you finally remember me?’ ‘I’ve been busy with the Northwest war matters and have neglected you.’ ‘Don’t worry. With my brother in the North-west, everything should be taken care of.’ ‘Tell your brother, Nian Gengyao, that if he can repel the enemies and expand the borders of the empire, he will be richly rewarded with the First Grade Official.’ ‘Even without rewards, my brother will put in his best efforts for you to fight the war,’ Concubine Nian responds. Yongzhen squeezes her hand and she is mighty pleased. Oh, women! Later, Yongzhen discusses Neng Gengyao with Yinxiang. ‘Neng Gengyao is a strategic warrior. Even at the last minute, he was able to reorganise the generals. He attacked the enemy’s weak points. His strategies had given the enemies no time to fight back. He ended the battle triumphantly.’ ‘So many court officials also praised Nian, saying that he had fought very well,’ Yinxiang agrees. ‘I’ve already decided to award him First Grade Official, and the title of Duke which will be inherited by his son. His father Nian Xia Lin will be awarded First Rank Official.’ Yinxiang nods, ‘They deserve the titles and awards.’ Yongzheng then eyes Yutan. She feels uneasy. ‘I don’t want you to spread this piece of news yet.’ Ruoxi thinks to herself. ‘Yinti has also fought there before and the soldiers were assembled here. Nian would have won anyway.’

YONGZHENG’S  WRATH BORDERS ON PARANOIA: BOILING OR STEAMING OF YUTAN – YONGZHENG’S REASON – A TROJAN HORSE IN THEIR MIDST One day, Cheng Huan, on overhearing that someone is being steamed, runs hurriedly to inform Ruoxi.  Ruoxi smiles at the ludricrous joke which she believes the little girl is playing on her. However, she is startled to hear her clarify the meaning of 'steam'. Cheng Huan explains that a person is being steamed like buns in the imperial kitchen. The Yongzheng Emperor has ordered every servant to watch it. When the truth hits her, her heart nearly pops out. ‘Who is it?  Don’t go anywhere. Just stay here!’ As she rushes out, Gao Wuyong, the Yongzheng Emperor's eunuch tries to stop her. ‘I will lose my life if I don’t stop you!’ he cries nervously. She hesitates a moment to drink in the gravity of the eunuch’s words. A mere servant at the mercy of his demented master! But that does not stop her. Her curiosity gets the better of her. But, nothing could have prepared her for the gruesome scene. All those who are watching the barbaric scene are retching and vomiting. Someone is being steamed or boiled alive! The face could be seen in the half-opened lid of the humongous vat! Ruoxi vomits violently.  ‘Let me accompany you back,’ the helpless eunuch pleads. ‘Who is she?’ Ruoxi hollers hoarsely. ‘Please spare me’. Since he refuses to give the details, she rushes forward.’ ‘It is Yutan,’ he answers miserably. Ruoxi could see Yutan's face, and she faints in horror. The Yongzheng Emperor goes to see her. She calls out Yutan’s name in her disturbed sleep. Yongzhen wipes her brows and she awakens from her sleep. ‘Get away! Why did you do it?’ She screams. ‘I've my reasons. When you get better, I'll explain it to you.’ ‘She’s my younger sister, my sworn sister.’ ‘You think of her as your younger sister but she did not treat you as her elder sister. It’s not that I have not given her any chances.’ ‘I don’t want to see you. Go away!’ She pushes him away in a frenzied moment. ‘Don’t be agitated! You're two months pregnant. The Imperial Physician has confirmed it. ‘I hate you.’ She turns away, her features twisting into an expression of revulsion combined with sheer terror. And then, she bursts into tears of despair. ‘If you want me to leave, I will leave now. Please take care of yourself and the baby.’ He tries to touch her but she flings his hands away. He tells the maids to take care of her and he walks away. She cries helplessly.  The Imperial Physician worries that Rouxi's health has deteriorated. ‘I will try to help mother and child. But, her worry and anxiety is difficult to cure.’ Yongzheng says, ‘I just need you to do everything you can to help mother and child. I will take care of the rest.’ She tosses until dawn. She tries without much luck not to think but she is haunted by the images of Yutan. Viewers must be thinking, ‘How can Ruoxi be entwined with a monster? There can be no fellowship between a savage tyrant and a good person.

THE TRUTH ABOUT YUTAN: REASONS FOR THE STEAMING OF YUTAN THE TRUTH ABOUT YUTAN  ] Yinxiang visits Yongzheng and he notices that he is unhappy although he tells him the good news that Ruoxi is pregnant. ‘She doesn’t want to see me. I steamed Yutan in front of everyone as a warning.’  Yinxiang is shocked. ‘She saw the steaming and she has a fever that refuses to go down. It might affect the baby.’ ‘Haven’t you given Yutan a warning before? What did she do to make you suffer so much?’ ‘Yintang has been  inciting Hong Shi to fight for the Crown Prince title. He has also ordered Yutan to use the relationship between Yinsi, Yin’e and Yinti to spoil the relationship between Ruoxi and me. If I don’t do anything, they will get bolder and bolder.’ ‘Ruoxi has been in the palace for so many years. She should know better. Some conflicts cannot be prevented. But, she values relationships and she will not be able accept this,’ Yinxiang explains. ‘I will find an opportunity to explain to her. But I’m afraid after the explanation, she'll still hate me.’ A PROMISE NOT HONOURED Ruoxi remembers the time that she and Yutan knelt and bowed before the Heavens and became sworn sisters, promising to love, respect and protect each other. She also remembers the promise that she has not been able to honour. Yutan had spoken of her fear ‘Bu Bu Jing Xin’ after they had watched a maid being flogged. She had feared that she might share the same fate. But what she had not expected was the barbaric punishment that was awaiting her. Ruoxi has promised her that whatever crime she commits, she will protect her but to her regret, she has not been able to fulfill that promise. Overcome by guilt and stress, Ruoxi faints. YINXIANG EXPLAINS YUTAN’S CASE Wangxi secretly visits her.  He tells her that Yutan died quickly and did not suffer much pain. He surreptitiously hands her Yutan’s blood-written letter. Ruoxi is surprised that Yutan could write a letter since she had said she had never learned to read nor write. How many secrets had Yutan kept from her? In the letter, Yutan asks for her family to be spared. 'I wanted to explain to you but I have to leave quickly. I’m just a foolish person but I don’t regret anything.' A maid announces the arrival of Yinxiang. Ruoxi quickly hides the letter. He understands that her heart aches. He explains the Yongzheng Emperor's action against Yutan. ‘Yutan was the spy sent by Yintang to be by the emperor’s side. She had been passing information about the Yongzheng Emperor to him.’ ‘The Yongzheng Emperor had warned her several times but she did not know any better. First, she instigated Hong Shi, the emperor’s son to fight for the Crown Prince position and created problems between them. Second, Yintang had ordered Yutan to use the relationship between Yinsi, Yin’e and Yintang to spoil the relationship between you and Yongzheng.’    These two issues have angered the emperor. He had meted out this severe punishment as a warning to Yintang. ‘So, all these 20 years, the person she cares about is not me? Yintang is the prince she cared about. He was the one who had saved her family when she was 10 years old. What exactly is the relationship between Yutan and Yintang?’ ‘Are you not angry with Yutan?’ Yinxiang is surprised. ‘Yutan’s affection is not faked. She is caught between two people. I cannot blame her. Who doesn’t have helpless moments? We can only blame the Heavens for being cruel.’ ‘You are so forgiving and only remember the beautiful things in life.’ ‘The emperor could have changed things but he did not.’ Ruoxi’s tone is accusatory. Yinxiang is rubbing more salt into her wound. ‘Yongzheng intended to allow her to leave but she insisted on staying on. Yintang did not allow her to leave. The emperor wanted the flogging of the maid to be a warning to Yutan but obviously she did not take heed.’ ‘Yutan came to appeal to me to allow her to stay and the emperor permitted it because if she left, he wouldn’t know what tricks the Eighth Faction would be up to. If you know of a spy in your midst, you would know what’s happening!’ ‘I know that whatever I say will not be acceptable to you. But the emperor wanted Yutan to turn over a new leaf,’ explains an exasperated Yinxiang. ‘Yutan’s death is caused by the emperor and Yintang. And, I am the accomplice,’ Ruoxi confesses, partially taking the blame for her death. ‘Yinxiang, do you know what my days are like? Yutan should not have such an inhumane death. Eunuch Zhang  may be guilty of wrongdoing but he does not deserve such a sadistic death. How much of what’s happening in the palace that I’ve been kept  in the dark about? In this palace, I know only fear.’ ‘You see only his ruthless nature. But you don’t see his other side, how much he loves you. Normally, if a maid has done wrong, her family would be punished as well. But because of you, they have been spared. You cannot ignore this fact!’ Without bothering to answer and refusing to accept his explanation, she feigns exhaustion. It is futile to argue with someone who listens only to himself. Ruoxi is infinitely disconsolate that Yutan had ended up succumbing to her appalling fate. Yutan - Yintang - Yongzheng Later, she goes to the palace where the emperor holds court.  She stops the arrogant and remorseless Yintang.  She indicates that she personally wants to talk to him.