Baoshu (simplified: 宝树, traditional: 寶樹, pinyin: Bǎoshù, jyutping: bou2 syu6), originally known as Yan Ji (阎基), was a mysterious monk in Jin Yong’s Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain. He played a crucial role in the events at Jade Brush Peak and was revealed to be the doctor who had poisoned Hu Yidao’s blade, leading to his death.
Biography
Early life as Yan Ji
Baoshu was originally a bone-setting doctor (跌打医师) in Cangzhou named Yan Ji. During the legendary duel between Hu Yidao and Miao Renfeng, he was hired by Tian Guinong to poison both men’s weapons. Yan Ji secretly applied poison to Hu Yidao’s blade and Miao Renfeng’s sword, leading to Hu Yidao’s death from a minor wound.
After Hu Yidao’s death, Yan Ji managed to steal two pages from the Hu Clan Bladeworks manual. These pages contained powerful martial arts techniques that allowed him to develop considerable fighting skills, despite his limited training.
Later life and transformation
After the incident, Yan Ji became a bandit leader. However, he was eventually defeated by Lady Shang at Shang Family Castle and was forced to become a monk, taking the name Baoshu (宝树, meaning “Precious Tree”).
Role in Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain
When Tao Baishui and other martial artists discovered the treasure chest containing Li Zicheng’s saber, Baoshu appeared and overpowered them all. He forced them to travel to Jade Brush Peak, where Du Ximun had gathered martial artists to confront Hu Fei.
At the manor, Baoshu revealed the story of the treasure chest and the history behind it. He told the assembled martial artists about the duel between Hu Yidao and Miao Renfeng, though he initially concealed his own role in the poisoning.
Revelation and fate
Eventually, Ping Asi, who had witnessed the poisoning as a young servant, revealed Baoshu’s true identity and his role in Hu Yidao’s death. Baoshu was exposed as the treacherous doctor who had caused the legendary hero’s demise.
In the end, Baoshu joined the other greedy martial artists in searching for Li Zicheng’s treasure. However, Hu Fei trapped them all in the treasure cave, where they presumably died, unable to escape.
Personality
Baoshu is portrayed as greedy, treacherous, and opportunistic. He was willing to poison two legendary martial artists for personal gain, and later used the martial arts techniques he stole to become a bandit. Even after becoming a monk, he remained driven by greed, ultimately joining the search for Li Zicheng’s treasure.
His character represents the corrupting influence of greed and the consequences of betrayal. Despite his transformation into a monk, he never truly repented for his role in Hu Yidao’s death.
Relationships
- Hu Yidao (Victim): Baoshu was responsible for Hu Yidao’s death through poisoning his blade.
- Miao Renfeng (Victim): Baoshu also poisoned Miao Renfeng’s sword, though Miao Renfeng survived.
- Tian Guinong (Employer): Tian Guinong hired Baoshu to poison the weapons, making him complicit in the scheme.
- Ping Asi (Witness): Ping Asi witnessed Baoshu’s treachery and later exposed him.
Legacy
Baoshu’s character serves as a reminder of the destructive power of greed and betrayal. His transformation from a simple doctor to a bandit to a monk demonstrates how one’s actions can shape one’s destiny, even when attempting to start anew. His ultimate fate—trapped in the treasure cave—represents the consequences of unchecked avarice.