01x30 - Episode 30

[bunniefuu]

=Against The Current=

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

=Episode 30=
[This drama does not correspond]

[to any real historical dynasty.]

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

I want to take a bath.

It's cramped on the ship,
so I accidentally

bump into you.

[Though I've never
seen reed down shoes,]

[I've still fought with all my might]

[just to stay alive.]

Don't catch a chill.

Lan... Lanxiang.

I... I'm seasick.

I feel weak all over.

I... I can't stand up.

I don't have any strength at all.

I'm so dizzy.

You get seasick?

I've never been seasick before.

Maybe

I didn't get enough rest last night.

Maybe you caught a chill.

If you've caught a chill,

you shouldn't soak in the bath.

Go lie down in bed.

Young Master has caught a chill.

Make him a bowl of ginger tea.

After you drink the ginger tea,

bundle up and work up a sweat.

Once you sweat out the chill,
you'll feel better.

If you feel sleepy, get some rest.

Lanxiang.

Are you feeling unwell anywhere else?

I'm fine. Don't worry.

I'm leaving.

It worked out by accident.

At least she's not angry anymore.

[The Capital]

By the Mandate of Heaven,
the Emperor decrees.

The Shenji Battalion guards the capital
and stands ready for military campaigns.

It commands firearms,
the most vital weapons of w*r.

Such responsibility
shall only be entrusted

to men of proven ability
and mature judgment.

Lin Jinqi, you are a man
of exceptional talent,

upright and incorruptible in conduct.

Your merits are well known to me.

[Enduring Merit and Lasting Honor]
Therefore, I hereby promote you

to Assistant Commander
of the Central Military Command

and appoint you to jointly
oversee the Shenji Battalion.

Devote yourself to public service
and lead your men with loyalty.

Maintain strict discipline and further
the work entrusted to you.

Honor this imperial decree.
Obey with reverence.

Mother, we're here.

Mother, come quickly.

It's beautiful.

Look how happy you are.

- First Madam! Young Lady!
- First Madam! Young Lady!

- Young Master. Young Madam.
- Young Master. Young Madam.

Xiulai is here!

Xiulai.

Xiulai.

[Lin Xiulai]
Jinqi.

[Daughter of Lin Changzheng's concubine,
Eldest Young Lady of the Lin family.]

Aunt Lingxiao.

[Lu Jian, Lin Xiulai's husband.]

Ever since she heard
Jinqi and Aunt Lingxiao were coming,

she's been waiting day and night.

At last, you're finally here.

The snow is heavy outside.
It's too cold.

Let's get inside
and catch up once we're warm.

Jian is right. Let's all go inside.

Yes, let's get inside and warm up.

Lanxiang.

Are you feeling unwell?

Is this your residence?

Years ago,

when Grandfather
was Minister of Personnel,

he had a residence here.

But property in the capital
is extremely expensive.

After Grandfather retired from office,

he had no choice
but to give up that residence.

His Majesty recently
granted me this residence.

Xiulai and Jian

just finished getting it ready for us.

Jinqi, let's go inside.

Let's go.

- First Madam. Young Lady.
- First Madam. Young Lady.

♪Spring slips from
the branches once more♪

♪Flowers bloom unseen,
as they have before♪

- First Madam. Young Lady.
- First Madam. Young Lady.

♪While loss leaves winter in the heart♪

♪Though all the world may fade♪

♪Time rolls on
as countless lives rush by♪

- First Madam. Young Lady.
- First Madam. Young Lady.

♪Night winds wander
through the halls of long ago♪

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

Jialan!

♪Fades into the past as new wounds rise♪

Jialan!

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

Jialan!

♪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♪

Aunt Lanxiang.

[Lu Yingzhi, daughter of Lin Xiulai]

It's already the Hour of Si.

Why haven't the Lin family arrived yet?

Madam.

This is Young Lady's birthdate card.

And this other one...

[Does the Lin family]

[intend to call off the engagement?]

The Lin family has gone too far.

This is Xiulai's daughter, Yingzhi.

[Jialan is so thoughtful and attentive.]

[She's truly your daughter.]

[When it comes to being thoughtful,]

[how could we ever compare]

[with Old Madam
and her countless clever ideas?]

[Old Madam taught us well.]

[Tonight, we sisters
can chat by the fire.]

[I guarantee you'll eat your fill.]

[It's settled.
We'll see each other tonight.]

See you tonight.

♪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♪

By the way,

Xiulai also has a son

named Jun.

He should be at school today.

You'll meet him another day.

♪Let beginnings fade
as endings come to call♪

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

Jinqi.

Aunt Lingxiao said
it's been a tiring journey,

and Jinlan isn't very strong either,

so she had Jinlan and Suhua

return to their courtyard to rest first.

Aunt Lingxiao and Xiuwan

have also gone to wash up and rest.

We can all catch up over dinner later.

That was thoughtful of Aunt Lingxiao.

We're all family.
No need for formalities.

We'll take you and Lanxiang
to your courtyard to rest.

No need.

I know the way.

Go tend to your own affairs.

Yingzhi.

Go on. Go find your father.

Come here.

You don't even want me anymore?

Do you like your uncle that much?

Then how about becoming his daughter?

Come here, Yingzhi.

I like you, too.

Come help Young Madam
wash up and get some rest.

Young Madam.

What are you standing there for?

Hurry and go with them.

See if Jinqi's courtyard
is missing anything

or if anything isn't to his liking.

Add whatever is needed
and fix whatever isn't right.

Maybe Jinqi wants

some time alone with Lanxiang.

It wouldn't be right
for me to tag along.

You and Jinqi
don't share the same mother.

If you don't hurry up
and get on his good side,

how are you going to ask him
for an official post?

I'm counting on you
to secure a good position

and keep rising through the ranks.

Mother.

Don't worry.

Don't worry.

I'll go ask Jinqi right now.

I'll go now.

Uncle Jinqi.

Go get some rest, my lady.

I have a few more words
to say to Xiulai.

You're a mother yourself now.

Why are you still so flustered?

What if you fall
while carrying the child?

You're right, Jinqi.

I was careless.

Did you come after me
because something happened?

All these years,

you've been married
and living alone in the capital,

without any family
of your own to rely on.

Now that I'm here in the capital,

if you ever need anything, just tell me.

My husband passed the provincial
examination at a young age,

but he has repeatedly failed the
metropolitan examination over the years.

If he takes a teaching post
under the usual system,

his rank would
be below the official grades,

with little chance of promotion.

If he enters the Imperial Academy
to gain experience,

there's no telling when he'll finally
receive an official appointment.

What kind of position
does he have in mind?

My husband said

you're now highly trusted by His Majesty

and in command of the Shenji Battalion.

The Five Military Commissions

would surely
show you some consideration.

Otherwise,

the Ministry of w*r would also do.

I've only just arrived in the capital,

and there are still
many things I need to sort out.

Ask him to be patient a little longer.

Once I've gotten everything in order,

I'll give him an answer.

All right.

♪A lone figure
wanders down the old lane♪

♪The heart remembers
what time cannot erase♪

♪One thought brings sorrow,
another dreams of brighter days♪

Assaulting a free commoner
adds one degree to the penalty.

For a relative in the lesser
mourning grade, add two degrees.

♪Or what changes fate may bring♪

Father.

My copy of Direct Explanation
of the Laws and Decrees

is missing its final volume.

Did you take it to read?

[In a few days,]

[invite the Lin family
over for a tea gathering]

so you can meet Jinqi.

Jialan is bright and eager to learn.

The Lin family is truly fortunate.

♪I watch the bustling world come and go♪

[Father.]

[Mother.]

[Your unfilial daughter Jialan]

[has returned.]

♪I walk through winding alleys♪

♪And around weathered corridors♪

♪One moment of peace
brings a little brightness♪

[It's...]

[not the same as before.]

♪I only wish
for one gentle ray of light♪

♪Step by step, page by page♪

♪The portrait of my youth takes shape♪

♪Let every doubt and restless
turn be carried on the wind♪

♪Chapter by chapter, journey by journey♪

♪I watch the bustling world come and go♪

♪And quietly wait for the light♪

This courtyard is meant for the elders.

Why did you come here?

Didn't Butler Yang tell you
which courtyard we're staying in?

He did.

But Young Madam
said she liked this courtyard

and wanted to stay here.

Since Young Madam chose it,

she can stay here.

Do you really
dislike the capital that much?

You've seemed distracted

and unhappy this whole time.

Are you tired?

I'll send for a physician.

Lin Jinqi.

What is it?

I want to stay in the bedroom.

That's all?

All right.

I'll stay in the side chamber.

Before,

you drugged me with knockout drug.

It wasn't knockout drug.

It was

something to help you sleep.

Do me a favor,

and we'll be even.

Whatever it is,

whenever you need me,

all you have to do is ask.

I'd like to borrow Jiugao.

I need him to help me find someone.

Get out here!

You little wh*re!

Just what I'd expect

from a brothel girl.

You do nothing but laze around all day.

All you know is how to flirt
with those fox-like eyes of yours.

Luring men into your bed, aren't you?

Get up!

Open your eyes and take a good look!

It's your man
who's been pestering me all day.

You can't control your own man,
so you take your anger out on me.

If you've got the nerve,
go hit your man.

Go on, hit him!

Why are they fighting again?

You...

Lanxiang.

Lanxiang.

♪The wind scatters the clouds,
and rain turns to mud♪

It's me.

I'm sorry.

I'm late.

No.

You're not late.

Not at all.

♪Pause, then rewind♪

I knew you'd keep your word.

I knew you'd come to save me.

[You have to escape Yangzhou
and return to Jinling.]

[Don't let everything
I've done be in vain.]

[Wait for me.]

[I'll come back and buy your freedom.]

[I promise I'll get you out.]

[All right.]

[I'll wait for you.]

[I'll wait for you to come save me.]

Shopkeeper Qi.

I'd like to buy Ji'er's freedom

along with her maid Xiaopu's.

Please name your price.

She's only a woman.

If you wish to take her with you,

I'd gladly agree.

But

to tell you the truth,

I'm only acting
on behalf of my employer.

Lv's indenture

has already been taken
by my employer's wife.

So Lv's true madam now

is my employer's wife.

If it weren't for that,

I would've sold

that little wh*re...

Lv long ago.

Not long after I arrived here,

I heard Qi Sihai say
that his employer's wife had taken

Xiaopu's indenture and mine,

and had taken Xiaopu away as well.

It's all right.

We'll find his employer.

May I ask your employer's name

and where he lives?

My employer's wife left instructions.

[Invitation]
If Young Madam Lin came looking for Lv,

I was to give her this invitation.

My employer's surname is Dai.

He serves as Minister of the Court
of Imperial Entertainments.

[Zhao Xingtang's Invitation]

My employer's wife is the granddaughter

of Senior Grand Secretary Zhao.

Zhao Xingtang?

Madam Dai sent
Young Madam an invitation.

She's clearly up to no good.

I'm afraid it won't be easy
to buy Ji'er's freedom.

Young Master, you have to think
of something to help Young Madam.

In the capital, Young Madam
doesn't know anyone.

She might not only fail
to get Ji'er back,

but end up at a serious disadvantage.

That's exactly
what I'm trying to figure out.

Young Master, think of a way

to get Ji'er back.

If Young Madam is pleased,

she might even let you
move back into the bedroom.

Don't become

as much of a chatterbox as Jiugao.

Does this outfit

make me look younger?

You don't need to look younger.

You're already young, Young Master.

Bring me the mirror. Let me see.

All right.

Zhao Xingtang sent me
this invitation on purpose.

She's mocking me

for claiming I couldn't read back then.

Even if Young Madam
wasn't truthful back then,

that's no reason for her
to hold a grudge against you.

She must believe

I was the one who exposed her
and caused her downfall.

She must hate me deeply.

Then what can we do?

Does that mean we can't get Ji'er back?

I have a way

to make Madam Dai

send Ji'er back.

I'd like to hear it.

Zhao Xingtang craves wealth and power.

Now that she bears you a grudge,

I'm afraid

even an exorbitant offer

wouldn't make her agree.

So we'll have to use status
to our advantage.

As the wife of a court official,

you could send
the Empress a letter of thanks,

stating that while you were in Jinling,

His Majesty graciously saw justice done

and bestowed a marriage upon you,

and that now you've
arrived in the capital,

you wish to express your gratitude.

It may look like
a letter of thanks to the Empress,

but His Majesty is sure to read it.

You're now highly favored
by His Majesty.

He'll surely return the courtesy

by finding some reason

to have the Empress commend me.

With an imperial decree
from the Empress to protect me,

if I ask for Ji'er back,

even if Zhao Xingtang refuses,

Senior Grand Secretary Zhao
and Minister Dai

will make her send Ji'er back.

Yuchan.

I can write it for you.

[Xu respectfully bows in gratitude
for Your Majesty's grace.]

What?

You want to write it yourself?

This letter of thanks...

I don't want to write it.

Why?

Don't you want to save Ji'er?

I do want to save Ji'er,

but don't do to others
what you wouldn't want done to you.

What do you mean?

Please explain it clearly to me.

You used an imperial decree

to force my parents
to agree to our marriage

and forced me to marry you.

If I use the same method,

wouldn't that make me just like you?

And what kind of person am I?

You rely on power

to take whatever you want by force.

So in your heart,

only Han Liang

is a true gentleman.

What does Scholar Han
have to do with this?

What does any of this
have to do with Scholar Han, huh?

Isn't it because
you still can't let go of him

that you resent me for using my power

to take what I wanted by force?

What are you trying to do?

Move.

Move.

Move!

Xu Lanxiang.

You are already my lawfully wedded wife,

married to me, Lin Fengtai,
with all due rites.

You should put those thoughts

out of your mind.

If my parents

held official rank
like Master and First Madam,

even if they weren't high-ranking
officials of the second or third rank,

but merely a fourth-rank
Prefectural Vice Governor

or fifth-rank Assistant Governor,

would you have married me
without even asking my parents

or telling them beforehand?

You think obtaining an imperial decree

and marrying me properly as your wife

shows me the greatest respect.

But if I were the daughter
of a Grand Secretary or Minister,

would you still have done the same?

Why is it that if I were the daughter
of a Grand Secretary or Minister,

you would think

it's wrong to marry me by force
without asking my wishes,

yet when it's me, you call it respect

and an honor?

If you disdain my method,

I'd like to see

how you'll avoid relying on power

and get your benefactor back

from Senior
Grand Secretary Zhao's granddaughter,

the wife of Minister Dai.

Madam, this way, please.

[Xiaofurong Troupe Theater, the Capital]

I'd heard before
that here in the capital,

you've made quite
a name for Southern Opera.

Now that I've seen you,
I know it's true.

[Xiao Shunqing, performer of the Xiaofurong Troupe]
Our troupe leader is a disciple of Furong.

No one in the capital
performs Southern Opera better.

That's wonderful.

Whenever I get homesick,

I'll come here to see a performance.

Of course. Madam, please have a seat.

Please.

We've found out everything

you asked us to look into.

Minister Dai was demoted two ranks

because of his youngest son.

But once the matter blew over,

Senior Grand Secretary Zhao
helped him return to office

and he was promoted to Minister
of the Court of Imperial Entertainments.

What about Madam Dai?

Minister Dai has four sons.

His second and third sons
are posted outside the capital.

Only his eldest son
remains in the capital,

serving as Judicial Officer
of Shuntian Prefecture.

He's more than ten years
older than Madam Dai.

Now that Madam Dai runs the household,

his eldest son and daughter-in-law
are unhappy about it.

Minister Dai may seem
to dote on Madam Dai,

and he even lets her
manage the family's shops.

But they married later in life

and have no children together.

How much genuine affection
could there be?

The accountants
and shopkeepers in those shops

are all members of the Dai family.

Madam Dai merely
puts on a fine appearance

for the outside world.

Thank you for your help.

Not at all.

I'm also a grand-disciple of Furong.

By helping you,

I'm also showing my respect to Furong.

Besides, Mister Lu wrote to us
personally with instructions.

Our troupe leader said

you need only ask
if you ever need our help.

Yuchan.

You said before that Zhao Xingtang,
before coming to the capital,

wrote asking for Qingxiang back.

Yes. Second Butler Yang said

he and Qingxiang could no longer
live as husband and wife,

so he readily wrote a divorce agreement

and returned Qingxiang's
indenture to Zhao Xingtang.

Is something wrong?

Nothing's wrong.

It makes perfect sense.

♪I must take my leave before you♪

Please have a seat, Madam.

I'll go see
if our troupe leader is back.

Go ahead.

Zhao Xingtang
is overbearing and domineering.

With Senior Grand Secretary Zhao
and Minister Dai backing her,

and Ji'er's indenture in her hands,

you've only just arrived in the capital

and don't have much to work with.

I've been thinking.

Maybe we should
take Young Master's advice

and use the Empress's influence

to get Ji'er back as soon as possible.

So you think there's nothing wrong
with using power against others?

I wouldn't call it that.

Besides, doesn't everyone do the same?

When you're in trouble and lack
the power to handle it yourself,

you have no choice but to find a way

to seek help from someone more powerful.

Zhao Xingtang is unpredictable.

If Ji'er remains in her hands,

the longer we wait,
the greater the risk.

Who knows what else might happen?

You have a point.

Let's go to Minister Dai's residence now

and get Ji'er back.

Young Madam.

[Dai Residence, the Capital]

Madam, Madam Lin is here.

Madam Dai.

Good!

Impressive!

Xingtang is getting better and better.

Mother is really going to win.

Lanxiang is here.

Look at me.

I didn't even recognize you at first.

Clothes really do make the person.

All dressed up like this,

you really do look
like an official's wife.

Madam Dai, it's been a long time.

When I heard you were coming,

I had the maids prepare the mallets

so we could play chuiwan together.
[*Ancient Chinese golf]

Luckily, Qingxiang reminded me

that you don't know how to play.

Xingtang, you're teasing people again.

[Zhao Xingluo, Xie Zhao's wife, Zhao Xingtang's sister]
Every lady knows how to play chuiwan.

Come.

Let me introduce

this young lady to you all.

You've all heard plenty about her.

She's the one whose marriage

was bestowed by His Majesty
after he ascended the throne.

[Zhang Liu, wife of Chen Qi,
Commander of the Shenji Battalion]

So you're
Assistant Commander Lin's wife.

His Majesty has certainly
shown you great favor.

[Yin Lan'e, Dai Rong's wife]
Just a touch of imperial favor

can lift a sparrow onto a branch

and turn it into a phoenix.

No wonder Madam Lin can't play chuiwan.

Xingtang,

when Madam Lin served you,

you should've taught her.

My mistake.

My mistake.

You should get to know

Madam Chen well.

Her husband

is Assistant Commander Lin's superior,
Deputy Commander Chen.

Madam Chen, this is our first meeting.

Please forgive my discourtesy.

Not at all.

Assistant Commander Lin
enjoys His Majesty's trust

and has a bright future ahead.

We're the ones who've been remiss.

Though we're all in the capital,

you've never paid
a visit to my residence.

No wonder we didn't recognize
each other when we met.

Madam Lin

comes from humble origins, after all,

so she doesn't know these rules yet.

Madam Chen, you can teach her.

It's all my fault.

She once served as my maid.

Had I known she'd become
the madam of a household,

I would've taught her properly

how to manage
a household and conduct herself.

I've only just arrived,

so I truly don't know
the customs of the capital.

After all, in Jinling,

the wife of a disgraced criminal
like Fourth Madam Dai

would never be invited by

a Deputy Commander's
wife to play chuiwan.

I'm suddenly feeling a little tired.

I'd like to go rest for a while.

You're quite good
at blaming others first.

If it weren't for Lin Jinqi,

how would Fourth Master
ever have been convicted?

Fourth Madam Dai.

Dai Rong took his own life
out of fear of punishment

for colluding with the Wo pirates.

What does it have to do with others?

You...

That's enough.

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

From now on,

you're free.

I'm free.

♪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♪