Against the Current Episode 9

Aftermath and new management

LanXiang was very shrewd and got the scholar involved in their lot casting. He was impressed enough to leave them his calling card. This worked out to their advantage. JinQi knew something was up but gave her credit to be shrewd enough to stay out of earshot. All the other maids were killed. LanXiang never took life for granted for even a second with her circumstances. Even as a noble her family didn’t survive so how much less as a maid? The cousin was killed on his way out of the city and I could not feel anything about his loss. Once he threw his beloved away like trash he had no more use. It was further revealed as the family argued that the loss of her baby resulted in her being unable to have any more children. This was the Zhao secret and why they wanted bailed out by the Lins. The men were after her money immediately and she made it clear that her dowry, betrothal gifts and current cash were all hers or she would make their scandal public. She looked her dad in the eye and dared him to kill her. I don’t blame JinQi for getting rid of her. But I kinda wish she would have explained her circumstance so he could have helped her find a way out. Their time together did not have to be acrimonious even if they agreed being a couple served neither one of them well. Now that she’s returned to her family the management is changing and going back to the Lin style of management. His number one seems to be a nice one and she was let out of her arranged marriage and his family sold off so that she couldn’t feel threatened by them and could just be. The maids are speculating if the master will want to get married now and how does the change in management effect them? I am wondering what skills Lan Xiang is going to mention. I’m glad the girls are getting to stick together. They are like schoolgirls at a slumber party with their celebration of their new circumstances. Zhao gets back at Lin by pretty much halting the shipments of much needed supplies for the military. From the sound of things JinQi is not threatened by going straight to the top to handle the problem.

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A day of joy and enemies lurking in the shadows

The old scholar—guardian of the library—speaks with the two young women about riddles inscribed on the ground or on tree bark, an advanced skill mastered by accomplished literary figures. The old man realized that Jialan possessed this ability, while Lin Jin Qi listened closely to the conversation between the old teacher and the two young women—one who understood nothing, and the other who grasped the meaning hidden between the lines. Did Lin Jin Qi notice something? Jia Lan once studied calligraphy and the art of crafting clever riddles with her grandfather—why is this being highlighted here? Will it play a role later in the drama? And what does Lin Jin Qi realize about Jia Lan's true identity?
It is a cozy evening; the young women are happy, having been promoted and settled into the Lin family pavilion. Everything looks promising and full of hope. Lin Jin Qi enters with an imposing air, wearing a mink coat that perfectly complements his elegant, masculine style. Dashing, young, and handsome—the very image of a young general. He walks into the soldiers' quarters only to find them mocking him over his failed marriage. A subordinate is outraged and points out the recklessness of their mockery, but Lin Jin Qi speaks calmly and deliberately, maintaining his commanding presence (though he still needs to win the soldiers' trust, doesn't he?). He was the hero of the last battle, defeating the enemy and bringing back a severed head as a trophy of victory—a feat that made his soldiers proud. Yet, what has happened here?
P.S.: The treacherous lover who ran off with the money met a lonely, ignominious end—what a tragic fate. Meanwhile, Xiao Tang is confronting her father; how will this play out as the story unfolds? Her father and brother had cast aside her former maids, leaving them like abandoned ghosts, silenced and devalued. What else does the Zhao family plan to do to hold onto power? Old Man Zhao still finds satisfaction in something—but what is it? It all comes down to the pursuit of power. Young General Lin Jin Qi, what further schemes will these enemies lurking in the shadows devise against you and Jia Lan? (We shall see in the upcoming episodes.)

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Noticed and safe

Such a relief they got out unscathed and even befriended Scholar Shouyi. Jialan was so clever to use her grandfather's teachings, and knowing Feng Shouyi was rejected by him! I bet we're gonna visit Qixia Academy at some point. 😌😮‍💨And even though Jialan's spy career for Jinqi wasn't long, she has caught his attention, because from her conversation with Feng Shouyi, he noticed she's not an ordinary maid. 😏And I am so amazed by Li Meng's talent. All the emotions Xingtang had, the body language and facial expressions — beautiful. 👏 I can't hate that character. Fate and the Zhao family, combined with her own mistakes, have put her where she is now, but I genuinely hope she can get her freedom and live the life she deserves. 🥺And our trio... They are so adorable. I love their sisterhood!🤗🥹

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