Possibly the best episode of anything ever

[dangermousie]

FYI, comment notifications aren't just delayed now, they are not working full stop. I've replied to every comment but it's probably not showing in your notifications.



I am out of subbed BBJX episodes so I've been scouring raws. And then I got to episode 20.

Oh my God.



Please take into account that my Chinese is nonexistent. Also, these are not the HD caps because for the sake of my own computer, I dled lower-quality files.

The scene in Kang Xi's audience hall where Eight frames Four but Thirteen takes the blame. It kills me. It fucking kills me. I am sorry, Eight, but I don't give a fuck about you any more. Jump into a lake of fire, please!



























































This scene just - I have no words. Because everyone has left and Four is still there, kneeling, frozen, his hands bloody from the ceramics, without even noticing. It's like all the energy he had was just enough to last until the end of audience but he could go no more. That was it. And Four is so completely contained, to see his quiet but utter breakdown hurts more than if you saw any other character scream and throw things.















































Oh God, Thirteen. That is going to destroy him. Out of all the brothers, he's the one who needs and wants freedom most.








Lu Wu, trying to get to see him and being denied. OK, fuck, my heart just breaks for everyone in this episode.








Ruoxi kneeling to get some sort of clemency for Thirteen (non-existent Chinese so can't tell you the details). The reason I love this so much is that she knows history - she knows Thirteen stays in prison for a decade, until Kang Xi keels over and Four comes to power. But she will still do it anyway. OMFG Ruoxi, I take back everything I said about you being too self-interested.





Four learning Ruoxi is begging for Thirteen. I cannot take all of this any more. Also, I think that this moment is when his decision to go for the throne as his ultimate goal in life, which first took root in the throne room, crystalizes forever. Because he will never be helpless again about those he cares for and make the sacrifice worth it.




















I think I died. The rest of this post is brought to you by my ghost. OMFGOMFGOMFG when he throws his umbrella away because if she is wet, he will be too. And the set look on his face, and the way she clutches his robe. They do not need words. OMFG. You are going to drag me off this ship only if you kill me. Also, Eight is great at grand gestures. Four does not make gestures, he just is.





































































































In your face, Eight! Also, that scene gave me shivers. You can just tell that Four is about a second from killing Eight with his bare hands and he wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Eight has no idea what he has unleashed.




















And once again, even though he cannot stay with her there, if she is out in the rain, he will be too, even if nobody will ever know. Oh Four, you are so amazing, I have no words for you.





























Not good!!!!

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

oMo!! I can't wait to watch this ep but i want to prepare my heart too! As I was scrolling down...I choke and got misty when I saw your cap of Four up close w/the big tear forming at his eyes!! hugs hugs to him.

and my heart is just breaking for the rain scene!! I want!!! OH my heart!! just how can two person act this scene out by the body gesture and expression of their eyes!! I want it so bad!

thanks! pls spoil more!!
xoxo

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I know, this was totally amazing. I didn't understand a word but I could barely breathe.

I think this is when it all goes to hell, too, because imo that's when he decides to be emperor and that will eventually lose him RX and make her life miserable too.

[(Anonymous)]

Ruoxi was begging for Luwu to be with 13th even in imprisonment (as per Luwu's request), hoping that it will make 13th's days/years easier. Did you get that part about 4th refusing to see Luwu? I know he is just dying inside every single second.

Quick explanation: 13th took the rap for 4th by claiming that he went behind 4th's back and uses 4th's names to do all those things. In other words, used and betrayed 4th. So 4th can't begged for clemency or help 13th in any way because that will make Kangxi suspicious and making waste of 13th's sacrifice.

On another note, I was waiting for an entry on 8th/RX kiss and breakup scene from you! But you went straight from swooning over 8th to hating him :(

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the explanation - I am really lost without subs - all I get are names and a few simple phrases. It especially makes sense with 13 and why 4 didn't speak up.

Re: RX/8. Since it's raws, I am merely skimming, so I actually haven't seen the break-up yet, as it's going to be more depressing than ep 20 because after 20, RX/4 are together until more bad stuff happens. I don't hate Eight, I feel sorry, actually, now that I've cooled down. He dug his own grave.

[kainee.livejournal.com]

If you need me to translate, I can. I haven't seen that scene yet but I read the original novel. Downloaded the HQ episodes and waiting for them to finish so I can watch them. I think I liked 4 more than 8 in the drama because I did read the novel. Seriously, taking away 4's only friend in the world was like kicking a puppy dog for 8 and it makes 4's motivation for being Emperor a whole lot angstier and understandable than 8's more stereotypical ambition because 8 who still had all his brother-friends while 4 basically was down to Ruoxi who couldn't be there for him in a lot of ways that 13 could be.

Ruoxi is kneeling in the rain to beg that Luwu (the girl who 13 loves) can accompany 13 so he at least has a little bit of light in the darkness and Ruoxi is extra desperate because she knows EXACTLY how long 13's imprisonment would be which no one else can match because for people who don't know the future, they think it could be a short imprisonment like the time 8th's title was temporarily removed from him & the crown prince was imprisoned. But Ruoxi knows.

What's so bittersweet about 13's sacrifice to save 4 is that it wasn't a complete save because he was able to save 4 from being framed as the mastermind behind conspiring with the nobles but he wasn't able to wipe out the suspicion in Kang Xi's mind now towards 4 that 4 might be plotting if it was possible to have the appearance of plotting even if there was no reality so 8 still got part of his way after all. :(

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the offer but nah, I can wait.

Yes, Eight has a LOT of brother-friends (love this term) because he has the warm outgoing personality etc (plus, I get the sneaking suspicion that while he's fond of them, he is not truly baring his soul to any of them). Four only has 13 and Ruoxi in this whole world and yes, I agree, Ruoxi cannot fit the same place 13 had due to her gender (and the limitations on that gender in that time), and lack of long shared history and the fact that she has the modern outlook, still. 4 is someone who doesn't open easily or lets you in easily, but he seems like someone who, when he does, goes all out and emotionally opens himself in a dependent, even needy way, the way 8 does not. Plus, 13 is the open, warm one - 4 needs someone like that to balance him out.

The thing about 13's sacrifice being only partially effective is :( Honestly, I want to kick 8 in the face, however gorgeous he is. I hope once 13 gets Lu Wu there (I am spoiled, so I know he will), it will go easier on him but with his active outgoing personality, it's going to be hell on him anyway.

ETA: Edited because the number names got me confused. :P

Long sighs

[(Anonymous)]

Oh, I love #4 and cannot wait to watch this ep subbed. He's the man!

Re: Long sighs

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Oh yes he is. I could not get how anyone could like 4 before the drama started (based on stills, he wasn't my thing) but now I am rabid about him and cannot take my eyes off him.

[ockoala.livejournal.com]

I'm still stunned after watching ep 20. 13 is 4 best friend and really, ONLY friend, in this entire world. Losing him, and then watching RX suffer, is basically what makes 4 go all out in the future to get the crown. Because that way no one can ever hurt the ones he love. Part of why he can't let go of punishing 8, 9, 14 in the future after he becomes Emperor is because he was so hurt at this juncture. And because he knows how much 13 sacrificed for him, because 13 loves him and believes in him. 13 sacrificed for 4 because he wants 4 to become Emperor, 13 doesn't want it himself.

It really is a catch-22 situation at this point. And 8 and his gang weren't targeting 13 at all, they wanted to deal with 4. Who knew 13 who volunteer to be his beloved brother's scapegoat. Sigh.

RX kneeling wasn't to beg the Emperor. She had already begged him. Her kneeling was PUNISHMENT by the Emperor for daring to speak on behalf of 13 and pissing him off since he was already supremely pissed. So she can't get up even if she wanted to stop begging. So 4 stood in the rain with her in his own estate, even though she'll never know.

When 8 watched them hug, I was totally like IN YOUR FACE~ Love 8 and his insecurity and puppy woes, but I wanted to smash his smug face in this episode. But 14's face also fell when he saw that, which confirms that he's pretty much fallen for RX already even though he keeps telling her to get back with 8. Ah, 14, you sad little sweet boy.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Yes, I really think that is 4's motivation. Because barring that, he is by nature too cautious and detached from a lot of things, to just go all out. But when it's personal, yes. He has so few people he cares for and who care for him, so they are of paramount importance.

It really is a catch-22 situation at this point. And 8 and his gang weren't targeting 13 at all, they wanted to deal with 4. Who knew 13 who volunteer to be his beloved brother's scapegoat. Sigh.

Yes, but 8's smug little grin when 13 volunteered indicated he didn't mind taking the smaller victory. It made me want to hit his face.

Love 8 and his insecurity and puppy woes, but I wanted to smash his smug face in this episode. But 14's face also fell when he saw that, which confirms that he's pretty much fallen for RX already even though he keeps telling her to get back with 8. Ah, 14, you sad little sweet boy.

Yes. I did love that 8 kept a smug smile on his face for as long as 4 could see him. Ah, family. I like 14 but but not as much as everyone seems to - he's a little preachy for my tastes.

Thank you for the explanation about kneeling. Makes sense. Ahhh, fun times of living under absolute monarchy.

[hollyxu.livejournal.com]

I hope this comment works, here goes -

a) Raws! Where are you getting them? I only have the eps up until 16, this cannot be borne.

b) I get the feeling that Eight is being portrayed as this really ambitious guy who developed a warm and outgoing nature because he had to cultivate allies in a way Four never really had to - Four/Fourteen's mother was influential in the back palace (the literal translation of where the emperor keeps his wives) and remained a favourite throughout her years, while Eight's mother was pretty much just there. He didn't have an influential clan or a resourceful mother to back him up, and I think he was smart enough to know that with all those siblings, he'd have to compete for anything he wanted. Hence building up factions amongst his brothers, etc.

c) On the other hand, I don't fully get the drama's insistence that Four is only a Care Bear with defective facial nerve endings.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

1. If you want HD raws, go here (http://www1.tvboxnow.com/thread-1649490-1-1.html).

If like me you want quick caps, go to youtube and dl with keepvid (actually, youtube has 720p too).

2. That explanation for 8 makes sense. And he IS vastly talented.

3. ROFL. Well, being spoiled for the future story, I think a big part of his story is how he transforms from good guy/observer into both contender and a monster. Which makes him sucessful but loses him RX. If he was like 4 in Jade Palace, there would be no arc.

[fuyuko00.livejournal.com]

Now looking at 8th's smile won't give me the same sweet feeling anymore. I can only think of how conniving and scheming he is behind that fake smile. I rather he does not smile like that and just show his true self. Then I'd probably like him a little better

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I know!

[timescout.livejournal.com]

For my sanity I decided not to watch any raws. Not that I'm not more or less spoiled for this epi and just dying to watch it. *keeps chanting: patience is a virtue* ;P

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It's a virtue I am sorely lacking.

[karened.livejournal.com]

Ruoxi was not begging the Emperor for clemacy, she was begging for Lu Wu to be allowed into the compound where Thirteen is held under house arrest, to provide companionship and look after his daily needs.

That court scene. I realised three things from there.

1. Thirteen really loves his Four brother.
2. Four is shakened to have been set up by his brothers.
3. Eight is a changed man.

And the rain scene. I was going to go, "Four! You won me over!!!" when Eight and Fourteen came into view. Because Eight...looks so different, and I'm afraid it's partly due to Ruoxi getting together with Four. Even Ruoxi is worried about this, prefering to keep Four in the dark about her past with Eight. Ok, I've gotta give her just this. Hopefully what happened in JPLH doesn't repeat in BBJX, or I'll just pull my hair out. The expressions Eight wore...I can no longer read them. It's like he's a changed person. Was he angry? At who? At himself for setting Four up (not likely since he was still rather pleased even when Thirteen took the rap for Four)? At himself for being unable to help Ruoxi? At himself for becoming such a scheming person? At Ruoxi for making him such a person? At Ruoxi for her closeness with Four? At what? I don't like this vibe...that he's changed.

And Fourteen, it's only now that I get what netizens have been saying - Fourteen is in love with Ruoxi. He really is!! He was jealous that Ruoxi would risk so much just to beg for leniency on Thirteen (even the Emperor had thought she wasn't doing this for her love, and not Lu Wu's love).

The "Four! You won me over!" came later, when he insisted on standing in the rain at home. I think you're right. This incident could be the one to make him go full throttle in his quest for the throne. I shiver.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Which JPLH thing are you referring to? Curious...

Poor 14 :( Poor everyone, actually.

[wywy86.livejournal.com]

OMG episode 20 kills me... honestly.. Four & Ruo Xi.. They're amazing beyond words and Liu Shi Shi acting just kills me. She improved heaps from her previous works.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I know, I always liked her but she is super-special here.

[hamster428.livejournal.com]

All this fight over Four/Eight... all I have to say is, my poor baby Fourteen! While 4 and 8 are busy with their throne schemes, 14 worked hard so he could be rewarded with something else: RX.

(might be spoilery)

He asked Kangxi for her hand in marriage thrice! And only so that he could take her away from her tough servant life (she was demoted).
I dunno, I'm now upset with RX because I think she was being unfair to everyone (maybe not so much Yongzheng because their dysfunctional relationship was two-way). She was being unfair to 8 because she gave him an ultimatum despite knowing history won't change. She basically ditched him before things could even start. She didn't give 4 the same ultimatum

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All this fight over Four/Eight... all I have to say is, my poor baby Fourteen! While 4 and 8 are busy with their throne schemes, 14 worked hard so he could be rewarded with something else: RX.

(might be spoilery)

He asked Kangxi for her hand in marriage thrice! And only so that he could take her away from her tough servant life (she was demoted).
I dunno, I'm now upset with RX because I think she was being unfair to everyone (maybe not so much Yongzheng because their dysfunctional relationship was two-way). She was being unfair to 8 because she gave him an ultimatum despite knowing history won't change. She basically ditched him before things could even start. She didn't give 4 the same ultimatum <_< she stuck with him until she couldn't take it anymore. She was unfair to 14 because she used him as an escape. And maybe 14 didn't mind but she should've at least felt bad about it. She basically said she's had enough and just want to be selfish now. I mean, why go to 14 when you spend all your time missing 4? Blah~

I still have more rant but maybe I'll just go to my own LJ and rant there later >_<

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Well, I think 4-8 thing is different. When she wanted 8 to quit it was both to protect him (as he loses and bad things happen to him) and to protect herself (if he loses and she's his wife, she will be emotionally distraught and also miserable on practical front). Neither is a consideration with 4 - if history proceeds, he becomes Emperor so not harmed in any way, and as his girlfriend, she isn't going to suffer either. (Of course, she doesn't realize that he'll turn into a monster in the process and she'll lose him that way. Because, honestly, Four. Steaming her BFF to death? Chill the hell out, Empy!) And also, she only had a crush on 8, imo, so it couldn't withstand any difficulties. But she really loved 4.

I don't love 14 but I do think he's the best husband material out of all the brothers (I like 13 the best but the man has a wandering eye).

I adore 4-RX on-screen because they are totally codependent which makes for fun fiction but awful life.

[ockoala.livejournal.com]

Have an awesome spoiler vid of 4-RX from ep 25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecEn3iDepQc

I'm salivating already.

Oh, and I can't fault 4 AT ALL for steaming her friend to death. Her BFF was 9's spy the entire time at the palace for 9 to report the Emperor's doings back to him. When 4 found out, he dropped hints for the BFF to come clean and stop, but she couldn't/wouldn't because she was loyal to 9.

RX actually blamed 9 for the entire thing, and when she confronted 9, he was unrepentent saying that her BFF died being loyal to her master (him) and she should be pleased to have performed her duty.

4 killed her BFF as further warning to 8, 9, and that gang - no one fucks with him anymore. Because he was so fucked over by them 10 years earlier. See, after 13 went into house arrest, 4 was still screwed. He couldn't ask the Emperor for RX's hand anymore because he was basically persona non grata (everyone still suspected him, that 13 took the fall for him). He ended up being a gentleman farmer for years, and watching RX suffer as a washerwoman because she wouldn't marry 14 and remained waiting for 4 to find a way for them to be together.


In the video I posted above, 4 says to RX that he thought he dreamed that he was holding her in his arms. She assures him that it's real, she's here with him. 4 then sighs and says yes, it's real, his 13th brother is also back with him, and finally he's with RX. 4 kinda has PTSD a little, unable to relax anymore, always worried about being backstabbed. Look at what 8 did to turn 4 into this totally ruthless man who can barely even relax even after he ascends the throne. Oh my poor 4~

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh, that seems beyond amazing! Poor thing (something I never thought I'd type about Yongzheng).

Yeah, Eight really did sign his own death warrant with what he did - which is why you shouldn't do evil things unless you are sure of the outcome.

I am very impressed RX didn't just give up and marry 14. She must really have loved 4 a lot.

Re: BFF. OK, but steaming? What, he couldn't behead her or anything?

[advo.livejournal.com]

Best recap of the best episode of anything ever. Period. I love how the cast managed to convey so much through sheer acting that even when we watch without subs, we understand.

"Four does not make gestures, he just is."

THIS SO MUCH. YES!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Thank you!