Ding Busi (simplified: 丁不四, traditional: 丁不四, pinyin: Dīng Bùsì, jyutping: ding1 bat1 sei3) was a member of the Six Harmonies Ding Family, known as “One Day No More Than Four” (一日不过四). He was Ding Busan’s brother and had a relationship with Mei Wenxin, with whom he had a daughter, Mei Fanggu.
Biography
Early relationship with Mei Wenxin
Ding Busi originally had a romantic relationship with Mei Wenxin, and together they had a daughter, Mei Fanggu. However, Ding Busi later became infatuated with Shi Xiaocui and abandoned Mei Wenxin and their daughter.
Unable to marry Shi Xiaocui, Ding Busi settled on Biluo Mountain, where he lived in isolation.
Encounter with Shi Xiaocui
Many years later, Ding Busi encountered Shi Xiaocui again in Wuchang Prefecture, where she was now a grandmother. Ding Busi persistently tried to invite her to Biluo Mountain, but Shi Potian intervened and helped Shi Xiaocui escape.
Frustrated, Ding Busi and Ding Busan went to Lingxiao City to kidnap Shi Xiaocui, determined to make her set foot on Biluo Mountain. However, Shi Xiaocui was not at Lingxiao City because she had not yet reconciled with her husband.
Deceiving Bai Zizai
Unable to find Shi Xiaocui, Ding Busi lied to Bai Zizai, claiming that Shi Xiaocui had already been to Biluo Mountain and had an affair with him. This lie, combined with the unresolved situation involving Shi Zhongyu and Bai Axiu, caused Bai Zizai to become jealous and insane, leading him to kill innocent people within Lingxiao City.
On Purple Smoke Island
Ding Busi encountered Shi Xiaocui and Bai Axiu on Purple Smoke Island, where he tried to force them to come to Biluo Mountain. However, Shi Potian intervened and used the Golden Crow Blade Technique to help Bai Wanjian drive off Ding Busi and Ding Busan.
Journey to Heroes Island
Ding Busi received an invitation to Heroes Island and went there. On the island, he encountered his former lover Mei Wenxin, and after everyone safely returned to the mainland, Mei Wenxin immediately dragged him to Bear Ear Mountain to search for their daughter Mei Fanggu.
Confrontation at Bear Ear Mountain
At Bear Ear Mountain, Ding Busi and Mei Wenxin discovered that Mei Fanggu had committed suicide after learning the truth about why Shi Qing had chosen Min Rou over her. Together, they buried Mei Fanggu and decided to let go of their past grievances.
Personality and characteristics
Flirtatious and persistent
Ding Busi was known for his persistent pursuit of Shi Xiaocui, even decades after their initial encounter. His determination to make her set foot on Biluo Mountain demonstrated his stubborn and somewhat obsessive nature.
Less villainous than his brother
Unlike Ding Busan, who was more sinister and cruel, Ding Busi was somewhat more honorable. He followed certain rules and was willing to accept defeat, though he could still be manipulative and deceptive.
Regret and redemption
Ding Busi’s encounter with Mei Wenxin on Heroes Island and their journey to Bear Ear Mountain showed his capacity for regret and redemption. He was willing to face the consequences of his past actions and help bury his daughter.
Martial arts abilities
Ding Busi was skilled in the Ding Family Capture Hand, as well as palm and fist techniques. He was particularly known for his Golden Dragon Whip Technique, which he used with his Golden Dragon Head Nine-Section Whip.
He was known to be intolerant of others using nine-section whips and would kill anyone who used this weapon, demonstrating his possessive and violent nature.
Behind the scenes
Ding Busi represents the theme of unrequited love and obsession in Ode to Gallantry. His character demonstrates how past relationships can haunt individuals and how obsession can lead to destructive behavior.
The character’s name, “Ding Busi” (丁不四), combines the surname “Ding” (丁) with “Busi” (不四), meaning “not four,” which reflects his position as the third of three brothers. His epithet “One Day No More Than Four” suggests a similar vow to his brother’s, though it allows for slightly more killing, reflecting his slightly less restrained nature.