Against the Current Episode 10

Happy New Year

The four get stationed where they are best suited. LanXiang ends up in the study after admitting she can read and her writing needs some work. This puts her in very close quarters with JinQi. The Lin soy network is seeing if she and her friend know the whys if JunQi’s divorce. JinQi squelches further investigation of LamXiang as they agree she can keep quiet. LanXiang was outside the window and overheard this conversation. She knows that even now she is not safe from the whims of nobles if they see her as a threat or witness. JinQi brings his friend home and Ms Du is going to move in to relieve him of being sole parent to his sister. He took a blade for JinQi so his family is being included in the Lin household. Ms Du reminds me of LanXiang in many ways. She takes time to read the room and doesn’t impose herself in anybody. She is thoughtful and assists and does not seem to put in airs because her status has changed. It is lamented she is from a military family as that is seen as putting her out of range for a perceived good match more upper tier. The mothers commiserate over JinQi’s situation but he is probably quite happy he will have a year off from mother’s nagging about getting a wife and having grandbabies. He encourages the grandfather to not let his sister’s happiness be put on hold for his situation. For the army supplies, he got right in the shopkeepers face and blackmailed him directly to comply within three days or explain to the emperor why unrest in the city. He is quite good at lighting fires under less than willing merchants. The new year is a fun and reflective time. Amidst all the fun Lan Xiang remembers Shen Jia Lan and takes out the talisman with her mother’s last message. She offers prayers and wishes showing her family that she is surviving and living well. Her friend’s family has moved in next door and they are already looking out for each other as extended family. This episode was a lot of out with the old and in with the new. Especially at the Lin household.

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Not sure what to think of Young Lady Du yet

Seeing which actress plays Young Lady Du, I am already wary of her. She is humble, kind, and friendly, but I want to see how she acts when she's alone or just with her personal maids. Only then will I be at ease. 🤨I loved how Jinqi just stopped outside the doors to listen in on what Lanxiang would say about herself, and how he told Yuchen not to worry about whether she knows why he divorced Young Madam Zhao. It already shows he's growing fond of her. And knowing he won't get remarried for at least another year gives our leads plenty of time to fall in love. 😌🤗P.S. I am just so amazed at how every single episode introduces plenty new characters, and I'm not even sure how many of them will ever appear again. 😅

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Meeting new characters (a new journey)

A young woman—the sister of the soldier who saved Lin Jin Qi’s life—has arrived and will be living at the Lin family estate. She appears very accomplished, particularly in the art of creative paper-cutting. Lin Jin Qi’s mother spoke about her brother: She had aspired to a high-ranking court position but failed to secure it, and consequently, remained unmarried past the age of nineteen. Meanwhile, Lin Jin Qi continues his journey of facing his soldiers and proving his mettle; he shared some interesting information with a soldier who enjoys mocking him. Within the Lin household, we are introduced to Lin Jin Qi’s four sisters—though they haven't formally introduced themselves yet (we know who they are thanks to the trailers). Lin Jin Qi shared a delightful lunch with his mother—eating with such gusto that he looked like a child—accompanied by the soldier who had saved his life; his mother remains deeply grateful and will not forget that act of heroism. Jia Lan and the other maids underwent an assessment of their work skills. The funniest and most lighthearted among them revealed her culinary talents and was assigned to assist Miss Du—the newly arrived sister of Lin Jin Qi’s friend. Jia Lan quickly demonstrated her aptitude with books, though she was careful to mention that her writing wasn't particularly good (hard to believe; perhaps she didn't want to appear *too* skilled, as her old excuse about learning from a monk via sutras would no longer be convincing). Lin Jin Qi also spoke with the head maid—their interaction revealed a warm, friendly bond, akin to a long-standing friendship; she even remarked that he remained the same caring and kind person he had always been. This episode also featured happy moments for Jia Lan and her fellow maids during a cultural and folk festival; the Lin estate seems to be a place of great joy. Finally, Lin Jin Qi entered the room carrying narcissus flowers that someone had asked to be delivered. And at that moment,Lin Jin Qi’s grandfather revealed that Lin Jin Qi is not the uneducated man his father once described (“he became a soldier because he wasn't good at his studies”). In fact, he had been an excellent student under his old teacher—his grandfather. He demonstrated that, despite having wielded a sword in battle, he still knows how to use a brush and write with beautiful calligraphy. Lin Jin Qi even quoted a lovely poem.“You taught me, Grandfather”: “In misfortune lies a blessing, and within a blessing, misfortune lies hidden.” “A loss can turn out to be a blessing.”His grandfather also mentioned, with a worried look, that the Zhao family had risen in the king's favor, becoming even more powerful. Someone seeking to curry favor with them might try to cause trouble for Lin Jin Qi. Yet, Lin Jin Qi appeared unconcerned, saying he knew this was bound to happen.Once again, we see foreshadowing of events likely to unfold in future episodes. (But now, I’m off to watch Episode 11.)

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