01x20 - Episode 20

[bunniefuu]

=Against The Current=

[Adapted from He Yanshan's novel,
Orchid Fragrance Fate]

=Episode 20=
[This drama does not correspond]

[to any real historical dynasty.]

[The systems, culture, attire and other
dynastic elements have been adapted.]

I'm willing to take Xiuwan's place

and marry into the Yuan family.

Was this your own idea,

or did Jinqi put you up to it?

I went to Jinqi and told him

Xiuwan didn't want
to marry into the Marquis's family,

but I did.

The way you usually are,

you've never been this assertive.

You're right, Grandfather.

I've always been timid,

afraid to take any chances.

But lately,

I keep thinking about

a maid who served Jinqi.

Her name is Lanxiang.

She was merely a lowly servant,

yet she dared to fight
for what she wanted.

In the end, she got her wish,

and all three members of her family
became free commoners.

No matter how you look at it,

I have more advantages than she did.

If she dared to fight
for what she wanted,

why shouldn't I?

I can't compare with Xiuwan.

I could never hope for

a marriage as good
as this one with the Yuan family.

But now that I have the chance
to marry into such a prominent family,

I want to fight for it too.

I want to marry into the Yuan family

and become the Marchioness.

I don't want to spend my life
afraid to take a chance.

I want to live
a life of wealth and privilege.

♪In spring, my heart
sets out filled with hope♪

♪For all the tenderness in this world♪

♪My heart brimming with anticipation♪

♪Like an orchid in a secluded valley,
growing toward the sun♪

The Yuan family
is of distinguished standing.

The first Marchioness
was a Commandery Princess.

I had thought Xiuwan

was forthright and confident
from a young age,

so I wouldn't have to worry
about her being taken advantage of.

You've always been timid,

so I feared you couldn't
manage the Marquis's household.

But after hearing what you've just said,

I see that you know what you want

and can adapt to circumstances.

You're more suitable than Xiuwan.

However,

we still need to ask
the Yuan family what they think.

After Xiuru spoke to me,

I apologized to Yuan

and asked what he thought.

He said he only wished to form

a marriage alliance with the Lin family

and didn't care which branch
the young lady came from.

Then we'll do as you wish.

Jinqi.

Grandfather agreed.

From today onward,

Xiuwan is confined
to Huaqiong Courtyard.

Without my permission,

she is not to set foot outside her room.

It's all right.

Xiuwan, bear with it for now.

Once Grandfather's anger subsides,

we'll think of a way.

Jinqi is right.

Once six months or a year has passed,

we can consider what to do next.

I'll do as you say.

I'll do as you say.

[Yongshun Bookshop]

Of the houses we saw before,

some were too expensive for you,

some were too old for you,

and some had neighbors you didn't like.

They were all men.

It's mainly because our family is small.

We have only one daughter

and no relatives nearby to help us.

If we happen to get

a difficult neighbor,

we may not be able to handle it.

Your daughter is a fine young lady.

You're right to be cautious.

I guarantee you'll be pleased

with the house we're seeing today.

Here we are.

Come in.

Please, come in.

Go ahead and have a look around.

This place is close
to the Central City Patrol Office.

At the slightest disturbance,

the patrolmen
will come by to investigate.

You won't have
to worry about safety at all.

Most of the neighbors
are scholarly families.

Even if you don't get along,

you can simply keep your distance.

Surely it wouldn't lead to any trouble.

The rent on this house
can't be cheap, can it?

As for the annual rent,

it's this much.

Fifty taels?

Five hundred?

Five taels.

Five taels?

Five taels?

This house is in a good location
and in excellent condition.

How could the annual rent
possibly be only five taels?

The owner used to be a ceremonial usher
at the Court of State Ceremonies.

After retiring and returning to
his hometown, he left the house vacant.

He isn't looking to charge much rent.

He just wants someone
to look after the house

and keep it from falling into disrepair.

The annual rent
really is only five taels?

It really is.

Look.

I even brought the lease with me.

Once you sign it,

you can move in immediately.

Then let's...

Let's hurry and sign it.

[House Lease]

Father.

Let's keep looking.

Yes.

Let's keep looking.

Keep looking.

Let's keep looking.

Such a fine house

at such a low price.

What more is there to look for?

Let's keep looking.

What exactly are you unhappy with?

With a house like this at this price,

it's an incredible bargain.

Why would you turn it down?

If it's such an incredible bargain,

why don't you take it, Broker Liu?

A house this good

would normally rent for
at least thirty taels a year.

But now you're asking only five.

When something seems too good
to be true, something must be wrong.

Such an incredible bargain

is more than we dare accept.

Exactly.

We won't

risk a huge loss just to save a little.

If you ask me,

this...

this house

either someone died here
and it's an ill-fated house,

or the owner

must be mixed up in some trouble.

Do you take us for fools?

- Let's go.
- Wait.

We can still discuss it.

Let's talk it over.

How am I supposed to answer to Jiugao?

Young Master.

I failed to settle
the matter for Lanxiang.

Not only did I fail
to rent out the house,

but I also scared them away.

Did you find some fierce-looking broker?

I wouldn't dare.

You specifically told me

to find someone friendly.

Broker Liu is round and jolly,

always smiling.

He's warm and friendly.

But...

Far too warm and friendly.

The annual rent was only...

Five taels of silver?

Five taels of silver...

How gullible would Lanxiang have to be

to fall for a trick like that?

You're right, Young Master.

Lanxiang is anything but gullible.

She grabbed Uncle Xu and the others

and ran off without looking back.

We need to find a decent house,

but one that's not
quite as good as today's,

so she won't get suspicious.

Finding a house better

than the one today would be easy.

Finding a worse one won't be.

"If you know it won't be easy,

then get going."

I'll go right away.

Right away.

She's far too shrewd

to be easily fooled.

She's bound to be
quite a handful in the future.

Here, sir. Have some tea.

This job doesn't look suitable.

Forget it.

Let's look somewhere else.

Father.

Mother.

Here's a job posting.

[Job Posting]

I know about this one.

The notice has been
up for over six months,

and they haven't hired a single person.

I heard the owner of this shop

has a very peculiar temper.

He even judges applicants
by their looks.

If he doesn't like the look of someone,

he throws them right out.

And there's this.

Look.

Wages negotiable.

People who can read cursive script

go in eagerly to discuss
the wages with him.

Guess what he tells them.

Not a penny.

He says they'll split the profits evenly
once the shop makes money.

Isn't that just getting people
to work for free?

Father.

If the shop makes no money,

then they'd be working for free.

But if the shop makes money,

then it wouldn't be for nothing.

If the shop

can make two taels a month,

and I split it evenly with the owner,

I'd get one tael.

There.

Lodging is included.

[Lodging Included]
If you work it out, the pay isn't low.

Silly girl.

Money isn't that easy to make.

If it really were that easy,
why did all the assistants

and shopkeepers
who worked here before leave?

They all quit.

Let's go.

We'll find another broker
and look at more houses.

Father.

What do you think of this handwriting?

I didn't see much cursive script
at the shop before,

so I can't really tell.

But

the handwriting

seems quite good.

Let's go meet the person who wrote it.

All right.

Let's meet him.

Come on.

Come on, Mother.

You two...

Father.

Is anyone here?

We're coming in.

Is that all right?

The door isn't locked.

We're coming in.

Is anyone here?

Father.

Is anyone...

You are...

[Tu Wu, longtime servant
of the Lu family]

We saw

the job notice outside
the painting and calligraphy shop.

Come in.

Seventh Master.

Seventh Master.

[Lu Xie]
Seventh Master.

[Courtesy name Hezhi, art name Zongbai]
Someone's here looking for work.

[Han Liang, courtesy name Yizhen]

Mister Lu.

The owner of the painting
and calligraphy shop.

Mister Lu.

Greetings, Mister Lu.

A good father, a good mother.

You've raised a fine daughter.

This family will do.

You're hired.

Please follow me.

These two adjoining courtyards

both belong to the Lu family.

Seventh Master lives in the eastern one.

You'll live in the western one.

You'll be in charge
of the day-to-day business.

The accounts
will be settled once a month.

Scholar Han
and his mother live over there.

You've already met Scholar Han.

He's learned and courteous.

If there's anything you don't
understand, you can go ask him.

Get settled in first.

I have work to do.

Thank you.

Three rooms.

That's enough for the three of us.

This courtyard may look a little old,

but it's actually well built.

Look.

Even these floor tiles

are made of fine materials.

I'll tidy everything up later.

Once we have it all arranged,
it'll be a nice place to live.

I'll take

this job?

It's just that without a fixed wage,

I can't help feeling a little uneasy.

There may be no fixed wage,

but at least
we won't have to spend money

renting a place elsewhere.

And all our neighbors

are scholarly families.

Nothing was stolen
even with the shop left open.

That shows

it's safe around here.

Mister Lu seems quite amiable.

And Scholar Han

doesn't put on airs at all.

He seems easy to get along with.

What did Mister Lu say just now?

I didn't understand him.

He's a fortune-teller.

He can read faces, right?

He said

Father and Mother love me dearly

and raised me well.

He was saying how capable you both are.

We won't touch
a penny of Lanxiang's money.

Your father and I
have saved a few dozen taels.

If we're careful with our spending,

we'll manage just fine.

Why don't we give it a try?

All right, let's give it a try.

We're moving into a new home!

Look at you jumping for joy,

just like a little girl.

[Lu Family Painting
and Calligraphy Shop]

♪Through rise and fall, people meet
and part as they always do♪

Put it there and take a break.

I'll do it in a bit.

It's fine. Take it easy.

Put it in the back room first.

♪Plum blossoms bloom,
enduring the frost♪

♪Yet their proud spirit fades
with wind and snow♪

♪Bamboo shadows
embrace quiet contentment♪

♪Only orchids dwell in secluded places♪

♪Watching the old
and new take turns in this world♪

Don't move it. Don't.

I'll do it.

I know.

Come on. Let's do it together.

Don't move. All right. That's good.

Move it back a little.

Good. That's fine.

♪I read every joy
and sorrow behind the curtain♪

This dish is really well made.

That's everything.

You all go get some rest.

All right.

Granny Du.

You're the eldest here.
Please take the seat of honor.

You're our host today.

You should sit first.

Sit.

Come on.

Everyone have a seat.

Have a seat.

Let's all sit down.

All right.

Good.

Come on.

Sit.

Mother, come quickly.

Come on.

Today we're celebrating Lanxiang and
her family moving into their new home.

As the eldest here,
I'll say a few words first.

May your family's life grow more
prosperous with each passing day.

May you prosper.

May you prosper.

- Congratulations.
- Congratulations.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Try this.

Lanxiang.

[Du Dasong, Du Xiaolian's older brother]

How does it feel
living in your new home?

My mother couldn't bear
to leave Granny Du,

Aunt Chen, or Aunt Liu.

Wenchang Street
isn't far from here either.

When we go grocery shopping,
we can stop by while we're out.

Don't get tired of me
coming over for tea all the time.

Of course not.

Whenever you feel
like going back for a visit,

just go.

And if you ever run into trouble,

don't treat us like outsiders.

We may not be capable of much,

but if you need help carrying things

or a few people to back you up,

we can certainly lend a hand.

My mother is right.

My sister Xiaolian is rather naive.

Thanks to Lanxiang looking out for her,

she's been able
to get by without trouble.

Whatever happens in the future,

Uncle Xu,

just call on me.

Dasong is right.

Just call on us.

All right.

Let's have a toast.

Come on.

Let's drink.

Let's drink.

Come on.

Eat up.

Good.

Help yourselves.

Don't be shy.

Since you're here,
make yourselves at home.

Try my cooking.

Have some more to drink.

Eat some more.

Watch your step.

I am.

I'm not even drunk.

I'm just so happy today.

All right.

Let me enjoy myself.

I'm really not drunk.

Lie down.

Over there.

Lie down.

All right. Go to sleep.

Look at him.

He's that happy.

I truly never dreamed

that in this lifetime,

I'd get to live in such a nice house.

Look how easily pleased your mother is.

I'll get you
an even better house someday.

Your father is right.

Once we've saved enough money,

we'll buy a home of our own

and our own land.

Really?

Of course it's true.

Why are you getting up again?

Where are you going?

What are you looking for?

Hold on to it.

Look carefully.

Give it to me.

We're registered free commoners now.

- All right.
- We can buy whatever we want.

All right.

- Right.
- Isn't it?

Free commoners.

This free commoner should sleep.

All right.

I am going to sleep.

Tell me.

Tell me

what all this says.

This is the head of the household.

Father's name.

[Xu Wanquan]
Xu Wanquan.

Right.

Registered as free commoners.

Three people in the household.

One male.

An adult.

Two females.

That's Mother and me.

Then what do

these three characters say?

No property.

It means we don't own a house yet

or any land.

So if we

really save enough money someday,

can we buy our own house

and land?

Yes.

What about an ox?

Can we buy an ox?

Yes.

We can.

That's wonderful.

Thank you
for your blessings, Bodhisattva.

Please keep
my whole family safe and well.

Bodhisattva, please bless us.

Please bless our Lanxiang

with a good husband someday,

one who is educated and literate

and cherishes her.

Bodhisattva, please bless him

with good looks

and good health.

Thank you
for your blessings, Bodhisattva.

Thank you
for your blessings, Bodhisattva.

[Now that my parents are healthy]

[and our family is together,]

[I ask for nothing more.]

[We'll live our lives well]

[and be worthy
of the Bodhisattva's blessings.]

Once we traced it
to Liang Yu and Dai Rong,

it became difficult
to investigate any further.

Those two insist

that they colluded with the Wo pirates

for personal gain.

Duke Xianguo
was ready to close the case,

but the Crown Prince suddenly ordered

the interrogation to continue.

I was actually relieved

to have the Crown Prince's order,

thinking I could uncover
whoever was behind them.

But...

The prison at our Rear Military Command

really does have ears everywhere.

There's no way
to guard against them all.

Dai Rong and Liang Yu
signed confessions in blood.

His Majesty reprimanded Dai Qing for
failing to keep his household in order,

demoted him by two ranks
and withheld his salary for a year.

This case can only be closed
with Liang Yu and Dai Rong

convicted of taking bribes, leaving
the country without authorization,

and illegally going to sea.

Liang Yu was a Third-Rank Commander,

and Dai Rong a Sixth-Rank Registrar.

How could they have gotten
through many checkpoints

and made so many people
risk their lives for them?

His Majesty is in poor health,

and undercurrents are stirring at court.

His Majesty doesn't
want to make matters worse,

so he can only let the case end
without getting to the truth.

No wonder Crown Prince
decided to come to Jinling

to offer sacrifices
to Heaven and pray for blessings.

Back then,

too much blood was shed,

and too many died unjustly.

Whether thunder or gentle rain,

all are the sovereign's grace.

Young Master is in a bad mood.

Is it because

I didn't handle
Lanxiang's matter properly?

You're overthinking it.

Seeing Young Master like this,

how could I not overthink it?

[Lu Family Painting and Calligraphy Shop]
This is the painting

and calligraphy shop
where Uncle Xu works now.

His family lives

in the small courtyard behind the shop.

These flowers are beautifully arranged.

It's as if whoever did this
had been formally trained.

Look.

This sachet is so distinctive.

It even has laurels embroidered on it.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

An auspicious sign.

Sir, you...

Young Master.

- It seems...
- Shopkeeper.

How much are these
two sachets with laurels?

Could you work out the price for me?

I'm just looking around.
Go ahead with your work.

Then...

I'll be right back.

Feel free to look around.

Here.

Would you like both of these?

Both.



That's 4.2 coins altogether.

Certainly.

♪Who dares say wealth and honor
will last a hundred years?♪

Lanxiang has really
been hiding her talents.

She plays the sanxian well
and sings even better.

♪Who dares say how many generations
will live in poverty?♪

♪Who dares say who will die first♪

♪Or live to a hundred?♪

♪Who dares say a couple
will grow old together♪

♪With their children seeing them off?♪

Uncle Xu's current employer

is Lu Xie,

courtesy name Hezhi, art name Zongbai.

He was named Third Place Scholar

by the deposed emperor.

His temperament
became eccentric and unconventional.

He refuses to marry or take office,
preferring the company of performers

and composing melodies and lyrics.

Lanxiang is probably
helping Mister Zongbai

transcribe songs and lyrics.

That person?

I don't know.

I'll look into it right away.

♪Who dares say?♪

♪No one dares say♪

♪No one dares say♪

[No One Dares Say]

Come.

Young Master...

No wonder the magpies
have been chirping all day.

Please have a seat, Young Master.

No need.

Mother, boil some water.

Make Young Master a pot of tea.

Young Master.

This is Scholar Han.

He lives next door to us.

And this is our former master,

Young Master of the Lin Residence.

Please sit for a while, Young Master.

I'll make some tea.

No wonder you have
such a distinguished bearing.

So you're Assistant Commander Lin,

accomplished in both letters and arms.

Next year is
the triennial provincial examination.

Aren't you preparing
for the provincial examination?

Mister Lu has trouble with his hand

and finds it difficult to write.

so he hired me
to transcribe lyrics and songs.

That way, I can earn some money
to help support my family.

Now I need to prepare
for the provincial examination,

but I've been worried
I couldn't manage everything.

Fortunately, Lanxiang is here.

Once I hand everything

over to Lanxiang,

I can focus on preparing
for the examination.

Lanxiang.

No need to fuss.

I just came to see how you're doing.

I'll sit for a while and then leave.

Go ahead.

The tea isn't very good.

Please have some anyway, Young Master.

You've been to military camps before.

A soldier isn't so delicate.

One who can endure hardship
and enjoy good fortune

is a true hero.

Don't stand.

Sit down and let's talk.

How is business at
the painting and calligraphy shop?

Not very good.

However,

the brush cases, sachets,
and other things my mother makes

have been quite popular.

And thanks to Scholar Han,

I was recommended to Mister Lu
to transcribe songs and lyrics

and can earn some wages.

With all that added together,

we're getting by.

I can't take the credit.

It's because Lanxiang is literate
and well-versed in music

that Mister Lu took notice of her.

You're well-versed in music?

Scholar Han gives me too much credit.

I'm learning as I go

and doing the best I can.

Lanxiang is exceptionally
quick to learn.

She understands as soon as she's shown.

That's because Scholar Han
is a good teacher.

My writing isn't good yet.

Once I've improved,

I'll show it to you, Young Master.

All right.

I'll look at it

once you've improved.

I still have some matters
to attend to at home,

so I'll take my leave.

I'll let you catch up.

Mother.

See Scholar Han out.

Oh, right.

Madam Han wanted
your embroidery patterns.

I'll take them over while I'm there.

All right.

Let's go.

Young Master.

Please make yourself comfortable.

How about this one?

This one.

Careful.

They're all good.

Young Master.

Have some tea.

All right.

It seems

you're doing quite well.

We've been fortunate

to find a good employer
and good neighbors.

I was thinking that after we settled in,

Mother and I could make
some fashionable trinkets

and send them to the Lin Residence

for First Madam
and the young ladies to enjoy.

I didn't expect you
to come see us first.

Since you left,

Yuchan and the others

have been thinking about you.

Have you ever missed

your days at the Lin Residence?

Of course I miss

Yuchan and the others.

As long as our bond remains,

distance cannot keep us apart.

Besides, we're only a few streets away.

From the looks of it,

you're having the time of your life.

I doubt you've given them a thought.

All right.

I don't want to hear
any more of your sweet talk.

I'm leaving.

Young Master.

I really wasn't lying.

I just feel
we have plenty of time ahead,

and we're all still in Jinling City.

As long as we care,

our bond will never be broken.

Now that's something I like to hear.

As long as we care,

our bond will never be broken.

You

really are like wild grass.

You thrive wherever you are.

It's just these butterflies
that are annoying,

fluttering around

and getting in the way.

They're such a nuisance.

Young Master.

Where are the butterflies?

I'll chase them out.

Jiugao.

Did you find out everything?

Yes, Young Master.

I did.

Next door to Uncle Xu

live Scholar Han and his mother.

Scholar Han's name is Liang,
courtesy name Yizhen.

After passing the county-level
examination four years ago,

he moved from Suzhou
to Jinling and settled here.

His father died when he was young.

He also has an older sister
who married and lives in Suzhou.

But her husband
died of illness six months ago.

They had no children,

and she's fallen on hard times.

Han Liang has already hired a boat

and plans to bring
his widowed sister back home.

So he's not just
all looks and no substance.

Young Master.

Perhaps the butterfly landed somewhere.

I don't hear anything.

Shut up.

But...

Young Master.

I really didn't see one.

Go.

[Plan before taking action,
know when to stop and you will gain.]

[Six Months Later]

[Jinling Imperial Palace]

By the Mandate of Heaven,
the Emperor hereby decrees.

[Crown Prince]
Lin Jinqi, Assistant Commander

of the Shence Garrison,

you have
distinguished yourself in battle

and rendered meritorious service
in your duties.

As you are upright in conduct,
diligent in duty, and keen in judgment,

you are hereby appointed
Commander of the Shence Garrison

and granted this imperial decree.

May you uphold loyalty in your conduct,

govern your men with benevolence,

and use wisdom
to discern the slightest signs,

guarding against treachery
and defending against enemies.

Devote yourself to your duties

and repay the imperial
favor bestowed upon you.

Obey this decree with reverence.

I shall faithfully fulfill my duties
and never fail His Majesty's grace.

I came to Jinling by imperial decree

first to pay respects
at the Sacred Ancestor's mausoleum,

and second, on behalf
of my imperial father,

to commend all of you who have
rendered distinguished service.

You may all rise.

- Long live the Crown Prince.
- Long live the Crown Prince.

[Xu Guangyi, Duke Xiangguo]

[Jinling Defense Commander]
Commander Lin has achieved much at such a young age.

[Commander of]
This promotion

[the Central Military Command]
truly has everyone's support.

Indeed.

That's right.

Commander Xu, you flatter me.

I am hardly worthy of such praise.

Chengze.

I hear

you're going to marry
Fengtai's younger sister.

Your Highness.
The wedding date has been set

for the sixth day of the sixth month.

I humbly dare

to invite Your Highness
to join us for a celebratory drink.

I wouldn't miss that wedding feast.

Come to think of it,

Jiarong calls me Uncle,

and after the marriage,
she'll call Fengtai Uncle as well.

By that reckoning,

Fengtai and I

will be family, too.

I am deeply honored.

Honored indeed.

Indeed.

I hear Commander Lin
has yet to take a wife.

Have you arranged a marriage yet?

A man like Fengtai

surely wouldn't remain unattached.

It's a long story.

A good match has always
been ordained by Heaven.

Perhaps the right time
simply hasn't come.

=Against the Current=
[Next Episode's Preview]

Didn't you say it blooms
at night and smells wonderful?

I happened to divide the plant,

so I brought you

one of the new shoots.

Thanks to Yuchan and Gantang.

They even remembered
to bring me a potted flower.

♪Spring slips from the
branches once more♪

♪Flowers bloom unseen,
as they have before♪

♪All the joys and sorrows come and go♪

♪While loss leaves winter in the heart♪

♪Though all the world may fade♪

♪Time rolls on as
countless lives rush by♪

♪Night winds wander
through the halls of long ago♪

♪No page could hold the
longing words can never show♪

♪Every joy and sorrow
in this fleeting life♪

♪Fades into the past
as new wounds rise♪

♪While whispers of perfume
linger beneath the eaves♪

♪Let the cold wind rage,
let the wild rain fall♪

♪Let sorrow spill like shadows over all♪

♪Let love fall to pieces,
let old anger burn away♪

♪Let the past die with yesterday♪

♪One last fire, one last cup of wine♪

♪And silver moonlight to
guide me through the night♪

♪Let beginnings fade
as endings come to call♪

♪From this endless dream,
there's no return at all♪

♪Let the cold wind rage,
let the wild rain fall♪

♪Let sorrow spill like shadows over all♪

♪Let love fall to pieces,
let old anger burn away♪

♪Let the past die with yesterday♪

♪One last fire, one last cup of wine♪

♪And silver moonlight to
guide me through the night♪

♪Let beginnings fade
as endings come to call♪

♪From this endless dream,
there's no return at all♪