01x28 - Episode 28

[bunniefuu]

=Against The Current=

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

=Episode 28=
[This drama does not correspond]

[to any real historical dynasty.]

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

I rest my head
on the pillow you slept on,

sleep on the mattress you just slept on,

and cover myself
with the quilt you just used.

So I suppose...

we've shared a bed after all.

♪Your shimmering gaze♪

♪Keeps stirring the tides of fate♪

♪The graceful waves♪

♪Sway gently to and fro♪

♪Yet my heart is caught in the flurry♪

♪Ooh, you fall into my heart♪

♪There are still many chapters ahead♪

[Spring Breeze Carries the Seasons]

Nanny Zhang, wipe down the pillars, too.

All right.

The fallen leaves. Make sure
you sweep them up properly.

Young Master had this
specially made for Young Madam.

Today is your first day as a newlywed.

You'll be meeting the elders.

This is both elegant and dignified.

It's so heavy.

It'll be hard to kowtow in this.

My parents had this
specially made for me.

It's hollow inside.

It looks beautiful and is light to wear.

It looks lovely.

After the Shence Garrison
winter clothing case,

the late Emperor bestowed
a silver squirrel pelt on Young Master.

Young Master kept it all this time
and never let anyone use it.

Now he's had it specially made
into a fur coat for you.

It's warm and beautiful.

This is your first time paying respects
to the elders after the wedding.

Would this be too plain?

The silver squirrel coat
Young Master prepared would be better.

I'll wear this one.

This coat may look plain,

but your mother sewed
every stitch of it by hand.

For a daughter to wear it
is an expression of filial devotion.

When Old Master
and First Madam see it,

I'm sure they'll be pleased, too.

Xiaolian is right.

I wasn't thinking clearly.

It's been over a year since we last met.

Even Xiaolian is sounding
quite learned now.

Yuchan has taught you well.

Unfortunately, Baogai learned the most.

I came second.

Xiaolian did the worst.

My lady.

Please.

What are you standing there for?

Hurry and catch up.

[Beyond Doubt, Steadfast in Virtue]

[Spring Breeze Carries the Seasons]

Why did Young Master change his clothes?

He was dressed quite lavishly earlier.

Young Master must have heard
what Young Madam said

and changed specially for her.

Did you sleep well last night?

Is there anything you'd like for lunch?

Don't be nervous.

You're only paying respects
to the elders of the family.

No one
will make things difficult for you.

I'm not nervous.

The imperial edict
is still kept in the family shrine.

Exactly.

You're the wife
I pleaded so hard to marry.

If anyone dares
make things difficult for you,

at the very least,
that would be disrespecting me.

More seriously,

it would be disrespecting
His Majesty himself.

Young Master Lin, I just realized

you really are shameless.

Exactly.

The sea winds in Jinzhou were so strong

that after a few years,
they thickened my skin.

It's all right.

We're married now anyway.

You can help me
take care of it, my lady.

Give it a couple of years,

and maybe it'll get thin again.

You lived in the capital
when you were little, right?

The capital is colder than Jinling.

When it snows there,
the flakes are as big as goose feathers.

Have you seen it?

It gets freezing cold there.

You'd have to wear two
or three padded coats.

[Upholding the Virtue
of Generations Past]

Young Master and Young Madam are here.

I pay my respects to you, Old Master,

Old Madam,

and all the other elders.

Even if she comes from a humble family,

she should still know proper etiquette

and how to address her elders.

Old Madam.

What you don't know, Old Madam,

is that it's fashionable
in Jinling City nowadays

for a new bride to say nothing
when paying her respects.

Is that really so?

Yes.

They say

the less a new bride speaks,

the more prosperous
her husband's family will be.

I see.

Young Madam got up before dawn

to make this fish soup.

Grandfather,

please try your
granddaughter-in-law's cooking.

Lanxiang,

the Lin family is a scholarly household,

and you are the wife
of our eldest grandson.

[Their Lin family]

[is a distinguished clan in Jiangnan.]

[If you marry into the family,]

[you must serve your parents-in-law.]

[You won't have the same freedom
you had before marriage.]

Seek guidance from your elders.

Don't act on your own

and upset the rules of the household.

[Whether you marry sooner or later,]

[the Shen family
will always be there for you.]

[Does the Lin family intend
to break off the engagement?]

[The Lin family has gone too far!]

Taking this opportunity today,

I also have something

to report to Grandfather

and all the elders.

His Majesty is currently
in need of capable men by his side

and intends
to transfer me to the capital.

Since I've only recently married,

I had hoped to stay a little longer

so my wife could also

spend more time
showing her devotion to the elders.

But the canal will freeze over
by the end of November,

and the cold
has come especially early this year.

So I have no choice
but to leave ahead of schedule

to take up my post in the capital.

You're going to the capital?

Going to the capital is a good thing.

His Majesty intends to entrust you
with important duties.

Good.

Our Lin family is finally on the rise.

Do you have to rush
to the capital right now?

Why not wait until
after the Chinese New Year

and leave when the weather warms up?

You women are always so short-sighted.

The capital is where
the Emperor resides.

Countless people would do anything

to get in, yet never get the chance.

You're talking
about yourself, aren't you?

Changmin.

Don't provoke me today.

How did I provoke you?

That's enough.

What do you mean by that?

Are you planning

to take your wife
to the capital with you?

Judging by His Majesty's intentions,

I'm afraid I won't be back
for two or three years.

Of course I'll take my wife with me

so we can look after each other.

Why does Old Master look unhappy?

What nonsense are you talking about?

Old Master is simply too happy

to find the words.

What do you know?

If he wants to become
an important court official

and one of His Majesty's trusted men,

he must first enter the imperial court
and be close to His Majesty.

But right now,

where are the imperial court
and His Majesty? In the capital.

Jinqi, what are you
still standing there for?

Hurry and pack your things

and get ready to leave for the capital.

Yes.

There's no need to unpack the dowry.

We can take it straight to the capital.

His Majesty summoned you to the capital,

not me.

I'll stay in Jinling

to care for our parents
and serve the elders.

I'm going to the capital

not only for my official career,

but also for you.

Don't try to sweet-talk me.

I'm not even in the capital,

so there's no need for you
to go there for my sake.

Now that we're husband and wife,

we'll share both fortune and hardship.

So I'll be completely frank with you.

Old Madam, Father, and Uncle Changmin

are all unreasonable and muddleheaded.

Grandfather and Mother

are shrewd,

but in recent years,

they've become
increasingly difficult too.

Aunt Lingxiao is clever in small matters
but foolish about important ones.

She's as close to Mother as a sister.

When Mother strikes,
she hands her the rod.

All she does is fan the flames
and make things worse.

You saw what happened this morning.

Because of our marriage,

they're all harboring
a great deal of resentment.

I'm out from morning till night,

so they can't
make things difficult for me.

But you'll be here in the residence.

Even with the imperial edict
to protect you,

it can only protect you from what
happens openly, not in secret.

Rather than endure their constant
nagging here every day,

we might as well leave altogether.

Out of sight, out of mind for them,

and we'll be happier, too.

After three or five years,

once we've settled
into life in the capital,

their anger will have subsided, too.

You can go if you want.

I'm not going to the capital anyway.

You're worried
about your parents, aren't you?

Don't worry.

I'll make sure some friends

visit them every few days

and look after them.

Are you worried that in the capital,

you won't know anyone
or your way around?

Xiaolian, Yuchan, Gantang, and Baogai

will come to the capital with us.

Whoever you want, we'll bring along.

Is there someone you can't bear

to leave behind in Jinling City?

Scholar Han will be taking the
metropolitan examination next spring,

so he'll be going to the capital, too.

What nonsense are you talking about?

You've had
a few years of schooling, at least.

How did you sound
just like a crude soldier,

spouting such nonsense?

Even if you don't care
about my reputation,

you should at least care about his.

My mother-in-law
made these clothes for me?

Why didn't you give them to me sooner?

Give it back.

This was made for me.

Give it back.

Don't tear it.

Give it back to me.

Stop pulling. You'll ruin it!

♪A faint trace of fragrance♪

♪Softly lingers in the air♪

If there's no one else on your mind,

then come to the capital with me.

Why should I have to prove my innocence?

Believe whatever you want.

But Young Master Lin,

I may come from a humble family
and be at your mercy,

but slandering an imperial official
could land you in court.

♪Ooh, you fall into my heart♪

♪There are still many chapters ahead♪

♪Ooh, I can't forget♪

♪My longing fills my eyes♪

♪My longing lingers
like the fragrance of orchids♪

♪Ooh, I've walked through
frost-covered streets far and wide♪

♪Ooh, I'm blessed to have you
understand my tender heart♪

My lady.

My lady.

I was wrong.

I won't speak such nonsense again.

♪Love lingers all around us♪

♪Holding hands through this life♪

♪Breathing in the fragrance
that fills the courtyard♪

Jinqiao's wedding is set for next May.

Originally, I thought

we'd wait until spring before going
to the capital for the wedding.

But now,

Jinqi happens to be going
to the capital to take up his post.

So I thought

they could travel
to the capital together

and look out for each other.

That works.

Make your preparations

and go to the capital with your brother.

Yes.

Jinqiao is still too playful.
Just look at him.

He even fell off his horse while riding.

His future wife is still young
and can't handle much yet.

So I thought

I'd accompany Jinqiao to the capital

and make sure
the wedding is properly arranged,

so both the Lin and Cheng families
can hold their heads high.

All right.

You may go.

You're not young anymore.

It's time you took on
some responsibility.

Don't rely on
your brother for everything.

Take good care of your mother.

I will remember
your teachings, Grandfather.

Grand... Grandfather.

Well...

Xiuwan has been confined
for over a year now.

Keeping her locked away
like this isn't a solution.

Mother was thinking

of taking Xiuwan to the capital with us

and asking Aunt for help.

Perhaps she can find her
a suitable match.

Xiuwan truly knows she was wrong.

Another year is nearly gone.

If this drags on any longer,

she really won't be able
to find a suitable match.

You welcomed the bride in April,

so you'll have to hurry back soon after.

At most,

you'll only be
in the capital for five months,

and you'll have Jinqiao's
wedding to prepare for.

How could you find her
a good match in such a rush?

Stay home and behave yourself.

Old Master,

she's my only daughter.

As long as things
aren't settled for her,

I won't have a day of peace.

Xiuwan has been confined for so long

and has stayed in her room

studying earnestly
and reflecting on her mistakes.

She truly knows she was wrong.

For the sake of

how long she's been kneeling outside,

please let her
go to the capital with us.

Young Master.

Jinqi.

Your Lordship, Third Young Lady.

Xiuwan.

This is my second younger sister.

She's the most mischievous of us all

and has been made
to kneel by Grandfather again.

And this is my third brother-in-law.

I hope you've been well
this winter, Xiuwan.

I hope you've been well
this winter, Chengze.

It's freezing out here.

How can your knees

take all this kneeling?

I'm not foolish.

I'm wearing wool knee pads.

You're with child.

Don't stand out here
in the cold with me.

Hurry inside.

And put in a good word
for me while you're there.

Young Master, Third Son-in-Law
and Third Young Lady are here.

Chengze.

Using me as an excuse again.

Jinqi.

Is this the test you were talking about?

So have I passed your test?

You have.

I'll take you to the capital.

Whether or not we find you a match,

you should broaden your horizons first.

Once you've seen more of the world,

your world will naturally open up.

Then you'll be able to put the past

behind you like we have,

instead of forcing yourself
to act strong like you are now.

Wipe away your tears.

Hold on a little longer.

You won't have to kneel much longer.

Thank you for your concern, Grandfather.

Mother has taken her medicine
and isn't coughing anymore.

That's good.

That's good.

Jinqi.

Grandfather.

Jinqiao and I have discussed it.

Since we're both going to the capital,

we can also take

Aunt Lingxiao and Xiuwan
to visit their family.

Please give us
your permission, Grandfather.

All right.

If you travel together,

you can look out for one another.

Then you can all
go to the capital together.

Thank you, Old Master.

Xiuwan.

Xiuwan!

Your grandfather agreed. He agreed!

Get up.

Come on. Hurry, get up.

Here, slowly.

You've been kneeling
a long time, haven't you?

Come on, let's go.

Let's go back and pack
your clothes and jewelry.

Once we reach the capital,

I'll make sure to find you a good match.

The most important thing
is that you're close in age

and can be each other's first spouse.

Look at Xiuru.

What's so good about
becoming someone's second wife?

No matter how noble his status,

he's still an older widower

with a child.

She has to become a mother
the moment she marries him.

If she does well,
it's only considered her duty.

If she doesn't, it'll all be her fault.

What's wrong, Xiuwan?

Xiuru and her husband
have both let it go.

You should let it go too, Mother.

It's my fault.

I just saw Xiuru

dressed in all her finery,

looking so radiant,

and your grandfather

treating her with
such courtesy and respect.

I got petty again.

I couldn't help feeling bitter.

Think about it.
Ever since you were little,

you were always the one
who shone the brightest.

When was it ever her turn?

That's because I have you, Mother.

No matter how well Xiuru is married,

I'm not envious of her.

I have a mother who loves me.

That alone

is worth more than any good marriage.

Silly girl.

I can't take care of you forever.

You'll have to marry someday.

Then I won't marry.

I'll stay by your side

and let you love me forever.

You... You're a grown lady now,

yet you're still talking like a child.

Are you cold?

No.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Think about which pretty clothes
you want to bring

and pack them all up.

It's still a little chilly.

I told you to put on another layer,
but you wouldn't listen.

It's all right.

We'll be back soon anyway.

Jinlan, Suhua.

- Aunt Lingxiao.
- Aunt Lingxiao.

- Xiuwan.
- Xiuwan.

It's freezing out here.

You know Jinlan is frail
and shouldn't be out in the cold,

yet you still let him
wander around outside.

If he falls ill,

I'd like to see how you explain it
to Master and First Madam.

Jinqi and I agreed

to pay our respects to Grandfather.

She was worried about me,
so she followed me out.

Jinlan isn't a child anymore.

What does his coming out for a stroll
have to do with Sister-in-Law?

Besides,

look how warmly she's dressed Jinlan.

He's not going to fall ill
from a little wind that easily.

I can't win an argument with you.

I'm done talking to you.

Grandfather agreed
to let you go to the capital?

What are you waiting for? Hurry up.

Coming.

Jinlan, go on.

With Jinqi, Xiuru,
and her husband's help,

I'm sure you'll get your wish
and be able to take Sister-in-Law

to the capital with you.

What?

You're planning
to take Jinlan and his wife

to the capital too?

Ever since he was little,

Jinlan has never left Jinling.

He's read countless books,

but never had the chance
to see the world.

He's bound to have regrets about that.

Traveling across the great mountains
and rivers is out of the question,

but the capital

is somewhere
he should see at least once.

Now that he'll
have elders traveling with him

and his brothers by his side,

it's the perfect chance for him
to see more of the world.

With his health,
as long as he stays alive

and has a child or two,

that's enough.

This family

doesn't need him
to broaden his horizons.

Jinlan

needs it for himself.

Jinlan takes after Grandfather.

He's intelligent and eager to learn.

If his health hadn't
kept him confined at home,

he surely would have
accomplished great things, too.

For a man,

sometimes keeping one's spirit alive

matters more than merely staying alive.

Grandfather.

There are many renowned physicians
in the capital.

I was thinking that on this trip,

we could also seek
medical treatment for him.

Perhaps this could be
a turning point for Jinlan

and his health might improve.

Jinqi is right.

Once Jinqi takes up his post,

I'll go with Jinlan
to see the physicians.

Don't worry, Grandfather.

We'll make sure Jinlan
is well taken care of.

Second Young Master
and Second Young Madam are here.

- Grandfather.
- Grandfather.

I can see what's going on now.

You brothers planned this long ago

and already made up
your minds, didn't you?

Nothing escapes you, Grandfather.

I'm an only son.

I truly envy them.

The sisters are close,
and the brothers stand together.

Now that we're all family,

you're their brother, too.

You're right, Grandfather.

Grandfather.

Does that mean
you'll let Jinlan come with us?

Go.

With all of you gone,

we'll enjoy some peace and quiet.

- Thank you, Grandfather.
- Thank you, Grandfather.

Jinqi, this is wonderful!

Come, take a look!

Silk flowers from the capital!
Young Lady, come have a look.

Even the ladies of the palace love them.

Young Lady...

Here.

This one is pretty.

Or does this one look better?

Look at me.

Then it's settled. I'll

[Ling Silk Shop]
ask a matchmaker to visit your family.

Good.

Isn't that your son, Lin Jiugao?

You're not looking at me, are you?

Go.

Hurry and look. Isn't that him?

No.

Absolutely not. You've got
the wrong person. Let's go.

How... How could that not be him?

Lin Jiugao?

Auntie...

Come with me. Let's go.

Please, don't be angry.

Wu Suan'er!

I must've been blind

to ever associate
with a scoundrel like you!

Listen, that little rascal

is full of tricks.

He... He must be

putting on another act to fool people.

Don't even think about fooling us.

With a son like yours,

don't let him ruin
some innocent young lady's life.

Come on, girl. Let's go.

Sister! Wait!

Neither of you is any good.

Neither of you.

Since we're already here,

I'll pick out a couple
of silk flowers for Yuchan.

If you want to marry Yuchan,

just tell Madam Wu directly.

Why deliberately make your mother angry?

My mother has very high expectations.

She thinks that since I started serving
Young Master, my prospects have changed

and I have a bright future ahead of me.

She's only been looking
at girls from free commoner families

and won't even
consider military households.

Then why not ask Young Master to seek
an imperial marriage decree for you?

I originally

had the same idea.

I'm sure Young Master would gladly help.

But...

You weren't there when everyone

went to have some fun
with the newlyweds.

You didn't see Young Madam
hit Young Master.

I don't know
if it knocked any sense into him,

but it certainly knocked
some sense into me.

I know full well my mother doesn't
want Yuchan as her daughter-in-law.

If I insist on marrying her anyway,

they'll never get along,

and Yuchan will constantly
be caught in the middle.

Why would I put her through that?

All right.

Thank you.

Take care.

We're off.

Since you've already given up,

why put on that whole act?

Who says I've given up?

I'm planning to hold out against
my mother to the very end.

Is this a man or a woman?

Here in Jinling City,

my mother can forget
about finding me a wife now.

Is this a man or a woman?

Looking like this...

What's wrong?

We're leaving
for the capital soon. Don't worry.

It doesn't matter
if you can't find a wife in Jinling.

I went to such lengths
to find him the perfect wife.

I had everything all settled,

with the prize practically in my hands,

and just like that,

it slipped right through my fingers

before my very eyes.

Who did I go to all that trouble for?

Not only does he
not appreciate it at all,

but he's also full of schemes

and uses every one of them to fool me.

He has no idea how much
I'm suffering inside.

I've always prided myself
on being strong,

yet I've become a laughingstock,

with people gossiping about me.

The old saying is right.

A mother's heart

is always with her child,

but her child's heart

is as cold as stone.

A mother can't control her grown son.

Try to look on the bright side.

Jiugao

just doesn't want to marry.

At least

he hasn't brought some
unreliable person into the family

to stand before you every day
and make your life miserable.

First Madam is busy,

so I won't go in.

I'm fine now.

Don't let it weigh on you.

Don't.

Lanxiang. Lan...

All right.

Tell First Madam later that Young Madam
came to pay her respects,

but you stopped her
and wouldn't even let her come near.

Understood.

Lanxiang.

Are you angry?

Mother was only saying a few things

to Madam Wu in passing...

Don't take them seriously.

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

Are you cold, Young Master?

No.

Bring me the cloak.

No need.

Those of us trained in martial arts
aren't afraid of the cold.

Now that you mention it,

I am feeling a little cold.

♪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♪