01x16 - Episode 16

[bunniefuu]

=Against The Current=

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

=Episode 16=
[This drama does not correspond]

[to any real historical dynasty.]

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

Young Lady.

I've finished applying it.

Come and sit down.

- Young Lady...
- Sit right here.

Don't go anywhere

until I come back.

Young Lady.

I thought I'd keep trying,

and once I'd earned merit
and been promoted,

I'd have the nerve
to come and ask for your hand.

But he's a marquis.

No matter how hard I try

for the rest of my life,
I can never measure up to him.

I...

I'm not worthy of you.

Zheng.

Don't say that.

I don't care whether
we're well matched or not.

I only want to marry you.

Someday, when you see other young ladies

become the wives
of high-ranking officials,

you'll regret it.

Never.

I'm not like other young ladies.

I don't care
about family status or rank.

Zheng.

I...

I only want to marry you.

We share in both honor and disgrace.

She's your second sister.

If her reputation is ruined,

yours will suffer, too.

Young...

Sit down.

These clothes...

I've never left.

We've been playing in
the pavilion together the whole time.

No cheating.

You lost, so you
have to bark like a dog.

Hurry.

Hurry and bark.

Woof, woof.

Louder.

Louder.

Woof.

Keep barking as you go.

You can't stop until I say so.

Woof.

Woof.

Woof.

Woof, woof.

Woof.

I'll go first.

Once I've tricked them into leaving,

you can go.

Xiuwan.

Woof, woof.

Woof.

Woof.

Woof.

Woof, woof.

- Xiuwan.
- Second Young Lady.

You're a young lady
from a respectable family,

yet you're making
a maid bark like a dog.

How improper.

Just look at yourself.

No one in this residence mistreats you.

Yet you're timid all day long,

without any of the bearing of
a young lady from a respectable family.

Where were you just now?

Why didn't I see you when I came over?

Tongcao and I were
in the pavilion on the hill,

playing cat's cradle.

We agreed that whoever
lost would bark like a dog.

All right.

I'm tired from walking around, too.

Come back with me.

What are you looking at?

Cuique and Zheng

are probably going to pay
their respects to First Madam.

Should we stop them

and tell them Xiushu is ill,

so they don't disturb First Madam?

Zheng once saved Jinqi's life.

No matter how busy First Madam is,
she'll make time to see Zheng.

Go wait quietly outside Zhichun Hall.

As soon as Jinqi returns,

come find me at once.

Keep it quiet.

Hurry.

First Madam.

Physician Li is here.

First Madam Lin.

I'm sorry to trouble you

with two visits to Lin Residence

in a single day.

A physician's first concern
is his patients. It's only right.

Xiushu took the medicine you prescribed,

but instead of fading,

the rash has gotten worse.

She also feels a little feverish to me.

It's erysipelas.

Erysipelas?

According to Treatise on the Origins
and Symptoms of Diseases,

"Dan" refers to the skin
suddenly turning bright red,

as if painted with cinnabar,

hence the name "dan."

When I saw her this morning,
it had just begun

and looked very much like a pollen rash.

Now that she has a headache and fever,

it's clearly erysipelas.

Is it serious?

Don't worry, First Madam.

As long as it's treated promptly,
she'll make a full recovery.

I'll write a prescription first.

Good, good, good.

[Astragalus, Coptis,
Phellodendron, Licorice, Forsythia]

Go get the medicine.

Thank you, Physician Li.

I'll take my leave.

Madam Wu.

See Physician Li out.

Yes.

Physician Li.

I'll see you out.

All right.

Physician Li.

I've been going in and out all day

and exposed to the wind.

Now I've developed
a slight red rash, too.

Could I trouble you to take a look

and see whether
it's a pollen rash or erysipelas?

Let me see.

Let me see.

Take a look.

Physician Li.

Is this...

Yes. It's erysipelas.

It's erysipelas.

Then I can use Fourth Young Lady's
prescription for my medicine, right?

Yes.

Yes, you can.

Thank you, Physician Li.

I just thought

the sooner I take the medicine
and get it under control,

the less likely it is
to interfere with my duties.

I just remembered
I have something urgent to attend to.

No need to see me out, Madam.

- It's fine, Physician Li.
- No need. Really.

Take care.

No need to see me out.

Physician Li. Watch your step.

- Watch your step.
- Physician Li!

Physician Li!

Madam Wu.

Young Master
has a few questions for Physician Li.

I can see him out instead.

Physician Li!

Physician Li!

Physician Li!

After Yuchan took the medicine,

she's been sleeping ever since.

From what I can tell,
her fever hasn't gotten worse,

but it hasn't gone down either.

The rash on her body

looks even more red and swollen.

I really have
something urgent to attend to.

Something urgent.

Physician Li.

Young Lady,

illness comes swiftly,
but recovery takes time.

What I prescribed
isn't some miracle cure.

How could she recover
the moment she takes it? It takes time.

But the swelling

looks like it's about to burst.

That's normal. It's normal.

Once the heat is released,
she'll be fine.

I have something urgent to attend to.

Tomorrow. I'll definitely come tomorrow.

I'll definitely come.

We're hardly monsters.

Why is he in such a panic?

Madam Wu.

Madam Wu.

Why was Physician Li
called here twice today?

Did Fourth Young Lady's
pollen rash get worse?

You're a maid at Zhichun Hall.

Your duty is to serve Young Master well.

Look.

The night curfew is about to begin.

Young Master should be back by now,

yet you're here asking
questions about everything.

You have no sense of propriety.

Thank you for the reminder, Madam.

I'll remember.

How did it go?

Did you see Physician Li?

I did, but he was in a hurry to leave.

He hurriedly said

it's normal even if the swelling bursts.

The pathogenic heat
in the body has to come out.

He'll come back tomorrow
to check on her.

Don't worry too much.
She's only had one dose of medicine.

Maybe her fever
will be gone by tomorrow.

Lanxiang.

Young Master is back.

Hurry.

Go on.

I'll take good care of Yuchan.

Just leave the water there.

Yes.

This water was just boiled.

Be careful. It's hot.

Young Master.

Your bath is ready.

Young Lady Du is here.

I'm exhausted.

Hurry and send her away for me.

Young Lady Du.

Is Jinqi here?

Young Master is taking a bath.

If it isn't urgent,

you can come inside and have some tea

while you wait for him to finish bathing.

It's nothing urgent.

It's just that these past two days,

Jinqi has been on leave
from the Shence Garrison.

My brother came to see me today

and brought some things for Jinqi.

He said they were gifts from the men

of the Shence Garrison for Jinqi,

and asked me to pass them on to him.

Thank you, Young Lady Du.

I'll leave you to your work.

I'll be going.

Take care, Young Lady Du.

Young Master wants to turn in early.

Lock the courtyard gate.

All right.

Let's see what they sent.

Some local specialties.

There's wood ear,
dried daylily, and red dates.

The Gastrodia looks like
the most valuable item.

You can decide what to do with them.

When you have time,
prepare some gifts in return.

Nothing expensive,

but make sure they're practical,

things they can use every day.

Yes.

Young Master, aren't you going to bathe?

I poured a whole bucket
of hot water in earlier

to make some splashing sounds.

It's a little hot.

Then I'll get some cold water.

Third Young Lady.

What are you doing here?

Why don't you even have a maid with you?

Jinqi.

I have something to tell you.

Lanxiang, stay.

There's no need to avoid her.

She'll find out sooner or later anyway.

Jinqi.

I...

There's something...

I don't know how to say it.

Jinqi.

Please don't be angry
when you hear this.

You have to believe me.

I'm not jealous of Xiuwan.

I'm not trying to frame her

or deliberately speak ill of her.

I... I...

I...

I...

I...

I...

Of course I believe you.

Don't be afraid.

And don't panic.

Whatever happens,

I'm here for you.

Jinqi.

Today, I accidentally saw something

I shouldn't have seen.

Young Master.

I have something
to take care of right now.

I'll hear you out later.

Have Madam Han
escort Third Young Lady back.

Yes.

Young Master.

Your wound...

It's not my blood.

Following the clues from the household
registers and travel permits,

we traced them all the way
and confirmed it was the Dai family.

However,

they've probably realized
we're investigating them.

I'm afraid

they're about to make a move.

Marquis Yongchang is in danger.

Are you going out, Young Master?

The night curfew has already begun.

Tonight,

I never left Zhichun Hall.

Young Master was tired,

so I helped Young Master
take a hot bath.

After his bath,

Young Master fell asleep and
slept straight through until morning.

You're too clever

to be a maid.

What are you staring at the wall for?

Where's Young Master?

Young Master is still taking a bath.

He said he was tired

and wanted to soak a little longer.

You've had a long day, too, Madam Han.

Baogai has already
prepared some hot water

and had a young maid
carry it to your room.

Don't worry, Madam.

Baogai and I are here.

All right.

Keep an eye on things.

I'll go get some rest then.

By order of the Defense Command,

Duke Xiangguo has ordered

Lin Residence sealed off.

No one is allowed to enter or leave.

Anyone who disobeys

will be k*lled on the spot.

Seal it.

[Jinling Defense Command]

See what's going on.

It won't open.

- It won't open.
- Why won't the door open?

Head Butler. Someone sealed the gate
from the outside.

We can't open it.

We can't get the gate open.

Climb up and take a look.

Help!

Run!

Help!

Run!

[Jinling Defense Command]

[Glorify the Family Name]

[Yuan Shaohui's Study]

I am Marquis Yongchang,
a title held in perpetuity.

How dare the Dai family

try to assassinate me?

Aren't they afraid of the death penalty?

If we uncover

their collusion with Wo pirates,

that would also be punishable by death.

We still haven't obtained
any conclusive evidence,

but as long as we keep pursuing them,

they'll live in fear day and night.

Only by getting rid of us

can they end this threat
once and for all.

Their actions are despicable,
and their intentions are deadly.

If they would ambush and assassinate me,

how do they plan to deal with you?

Your Lordship.

Jiugao requests an audience.

Let him in.

Your Lordship.

Young Master.

The Imperial Medical Service
reported an epidemic in the residence.

Several people have
already been infected.

For the safety
of everyone else in the city,

Duke Xiangguo ordered

the Commander
of the Central City Patrol Office

to surround Lin Residence with troops.

No one is allowed to enter or leave.

They've... They've already
shot and k*lled a servant.

For word of the epidemic
to reach Duke Xiangguo so quickly,

Dai Rong must have had a hand in it.

So this is the Dai family's move.

Luckily, I slipped out
of the residence in secret beforehand.

Otherwise,
I'd already be trapped inside.

Nanke.

Young Master.

You're the most skilled.

Find a way to slip back
into the residence unnoticed

and see what
the situation is like inside.

Also tell First Madam not to panic.

I'll find a way to bring
in the best imperial physicians

to examine everyone at Lin Residence.

Yes.

With Lin Residence sealed off,

they won't know for a while

that you're outside.

Why don't I stay in the open
while you remain hidden?

We can work together

and lure the enemy in.

We'll turn
their own scheme against them.

Then we'll catch them in our trap.

If you've been examined,

hurry and get dressed.

What's wrong with her?

Look at her hand.

Keep your voice down.

Look at her body.

Her skin is all ulcerated.

How did Yuchan end up like this?

How could Yuchan...

She... She won't die, will she?

It's terrifying.

Don't talk nonsense.

How could that happen?

But she looks so frightening.

Look at her face and neck.

How did she end up like this?

First Madam
won't just abandon us, will she?

First Madam,

we've checked everyone carefully.

Madam Han, Lanxiang, Gantang, and Baogai

don't have any red rashes.

It seems this epidemic
isn't that contagious.

Gantang and Lanxiang

have been caring for Yuchan
these past two days, and they're fine.

When Yuchan first fell ill,

I thought it was only a pollen rash
or some other minor rash,

nothing serious.

Young Master also told me

not to disturb First Madam

and to let Yuchan recuperate
in the courtyard for a few days.

So I didn't report it
to First Madam right away.

I never expected it to be an epidemic.

It's all my fault.

Please punish me, First Madam.

- Please punish us, First Madam.
- Please punish us, First Madam.

You're part of Zhichun Hall now.

Since Young Master gave the order,

you naturally had to obey.

As for the epidemic,

none of us could have foreseen it.

All of you, get up.

Thank you for sparing us,
First Madam.

- Thank you for sparing us, First Madam.
- Thank you for sparing us, First Madam.

Madam Han.

Take some people
and prepare all the rooms

in Zhichun Hall as quickly as possible.

This is no time to be particular.

As long as they're
habitable, they'll do.

Yes.

Baogai.

Take Hongliao

and prepare the east wing.

Lanxiang, Gantang.

Come with me to prepare the west wing.

- Mother.
- First Madam.

As you instructed,

we checked everyone

in Yujiao Garden.

No one has developed a red rash.

We've already locked the courtyard gate.

[Wei, Qin's first-class maid]
Here's the key.

Keep it safe.

The gate may only be opened
each day when meals are delivered.

Yes.

- Mother.
- Aunt Shunhua.

Given the circumstances,

it'll be easier for everyone
to look after one another.

For the time being, you'll have
to put up with some inconvenience

and all stay at Zhichun Hall.

[Tan Suhua, Lin Jinlan's wife]
Once the epidemic is over,

you can move back.

Yes.

Shunhua.

Shunhua.

Everything was perfectly fine.

How did an epidemic suddenly break out?

I'm telling you,

in my courtyard alone,

four people were found with rashes.

Didn't I tell you

to bring only your personal attendants

and pack only a few daily necessities?

Why did you bring so many people
and so much luggage?

It was my fault.

I didn't explain it clearly
to Second Madam.

Nanxing, Yinxian, and Lingdang, stay.

Everyone else, go back.

Go on.

In the outer residence,
except for Old Master, Old Madam,

and Fourth Young Master,
who lives with them,

everyone else, without exception,

must remain in the inner residence.

Yuchan, Jinqi's senior maid,

Madam Wu from my household,

Second Young Lady's
wet nurse, Madam Zhou,

and the other servants
who have fallen ill

have all been moved
to Fengqi Courtyard for isolation.

From now on,

no one is to move
about without permission.

Every courtyard will be locked.

The gates may only be opened

when meals are delivered.

Shunhua.

Are you staying here, too?

Xiushu is ill.

I have to return
to Rongzhang House to care for her.

If anyone else falls ill,

members of the family
will be moved to Rongzhang House

to stay with us.

The maids and nannies
will go to Fengqi Courtyard.

Where's Jinqi?

Yes.

Where is your Young Master?

Why haven't we seen him all this time?

Young Master...

Young Master isn't at Zhichun Hall.

What?

You're saying Jinqi isn't here?

Then...

where did he go?

Where did he go?

Before the night curfew tonight,
a friend came looking for Jinqi,

so he went out.

Now that the residence has been sealed,

he couldn't come back
even if he wanted to.

At a time like this,

Jinqi isn't here.

Jinqi isn't here.

What are we going to do?

What are we going to do?

This...

What are we going to do?

Given the situation,

it's definitely better
that Jinqi is outside.

No one in the entire residence
is allowed to leave now.

Even friends and relatives
would find it hard to help.

With Jinqi outside,

he can make arrangements on our behalf

and seek help
from the Imperial Medical Service.

That's right.

I really was confused.

You see things more clearly.

With Jinqi's abilities,

I'm sure it won't be long

before all those soldiers outside

are withdrawn.

They'll all be withdrawn.

If Jinqi were here,
he would naturally be in charge.

But now that he isn't,

and First Madam
isn't staying here either,

with so many people in this courtyard,
someone has to take charge.

Since Jinqi isn't here,

Jinlan should naturally take charge.

[Zhou Guizhi, Lin Changzheng's
concubine and Lin Jinlan's mother]

First Madam.

I know Jinlan is capable,

but with so many people to worry about,

I'm afraid it may be too much for him.

Madam Han and Lanxiang

are the people Jinqi relies on most.

Jinlan,

you just need to oversee things.

Leave the actual work to Madam Han

and Lanxiang.

Then it's settled.

First Madam.

I've studied medicine for many years.

I wouldn't claim to have mastered it,

but I do know a fair amount.

Xiushu is ill now,

and the imperial physicians won't
be able to get in anytime soon.

Why don't I go examine Xiushu

and the other patients?

That way, I can
at least ease their suffering

and slow the progression of the illness.

True gold is tested by fire,
and true courage by adversity.

Others flee at the mere mention

of an epidemic.

You are truly a heroine.

Indeed.

Young Lady Du's sincerity is admirable.

Shunhua.

Let her go see Xiushu.

Then...

Is it this kind?

This is a larkspur
flower ornament I made.

Since larkspur shares my name,

I made a few extra

to wear from time to time.

How did this get here?

It's late.

You're tired, too.

Let's all get some sleep.

Tomorrow,

we'll see

what the Defense Command plans to do.

Perhaps the imperial physicians
will come by then.

First Madam is right.

Gantang.

Second Madam.

This way, please.

We'll share a room.

Second Young Master. Third Young Master.

Please follow me.

I'm exhausted.

Luckily, I've already washed up.

I can go straight to bed.

Third Young Lady.

I'll show you to your room.

All right.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Third Young Lady.

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

Lingdang.

Lingdang.

Lingdang.

Lingdang! How did this happen?

My poor Lingdang.

Lingdang.

Lingdang, hold on.

Lingdang.

I can save you.

Lingdang!

♪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♪