Episode 17: A Life-and-Death Struggle Soldiers lie in the forest, camouflaged by dry leaves. A vow between brothersâ"Iâve got your back." Yet, another manâLin Jin Qiâs aideâsees something more, something lying beyond the immediate danger, having spoken with Jia Lam. It is Nanke who guards Lin Jin Qiâs back; he shouts a warning about a treacherous threat approaching from behind just as the episode ends. But before that, back at the Lin estate, several key characters are hovering between life and death. Someone who had been in good health suddenly falls ill and dies quickly, suffering from body rashes and moaning in pain. Jia Lam presses the doctor for answers regarding the nature of the illness. He identifies it as erysipelas. However, Jia Lam remains skeptical and seeks the truthâa search that leads to the episode's climax: the death of a maid and the profound (though likely feigned) weeping of Miss Du Cuique, crying out, "Lin Dang, Lin Dang..." (One might ask: why was Lin Dang the fatal victim here?) It was because Jia Lam was getting closer to answers in her investigation. Du Cuique, wearing a deceptively sweet expression, spotted Jia Lamâs silhouette passing by the window curtains. She realizes she is facing a rival worthy of her mettle. Jia Lam discusses the matter with Nanke, specifically the mention of Lin Jin Qiâs bath timeâa detail Du Cuique had brought up. She recalls how he had pretended to bathe by splashing hot water into the tub without actually getting in. But how did she know the schedule? Jia Lam explains her theory to Nanke: this is no ordinary illness, but a case of poisoning via the bathwaterâan element that is rarely guarded, unlike the food. (She hands him the letter she wrote to her parents, letting them know she is safe and well.) But before that, she retched in agony upon seeing Lan Dan die. In a moment of hopelessness, the three maidsâfriends supporting one another through this tragedyâinterlace their hands. One of them says, "We are merely maids; there is nothing we can do to change this." That is when Jia Lam, fire in her eyes, declares, "We *can* do somethingâso that everyone, from the groups we care about, can realize their dreams; they all still have so much life ahead of them." Lin Jin Qi is due to arrive tomorrow; they wait with renewed hope. But can YuChan hold on for another day? And what of Lin Jin Qiâs mother? She embraces her youngest daughter, who is ill; with a feverish gaze, the mother rests her head on the pillow, looking at her child. Lin Jin Qi speaks to the lieutenantâa simple, sincere manâwho had once confronted him with accusations of a crime; they are now amidst a leafy hideout. Lin Jin Qiâs voice rings out above the commotion: "You are a brother I will count on for the rest of my life." He says this to the soldier who did not back down when the unthinkable mission they were to carry out in the forest was revealed. (Providentiallyâor perhaps propheticallyâhe said this not to Du Zheng, but to this brave, loyal, ordinary man). Yet, Du Zheng displays conflicting, contradictory expressions throughout this episode, appearing as though he wants to flee the situation. He claims he lacks a weapon; LJQ replies, "Here is a weapon." He says he lacks the proper attire and must go back to fetch it; LJQ replies, "Here is the attire." "Watch my back," Lin Jin Qi tells Du Zheng. Again, that look from Du Zheng. And fellow soldiers patting him on the back. (But do all these loyal figures realize they might be dealing with an enemy disguised as a lamb?) The battle in the forest involves three groups. Our heroic group aims to rescue the commanderâthe Marquisâwho is facing relentless assassination attempts. In slow motion, they seem to fly as they leap over one another with swords and spears amidst the forest trees. Lin Jin Qi soars the highest, rising above the rest. And now, at the end of the episode, when a true friend shouts, "Lin Jin Qi, watch your back!"âhow will our hero get out of this? Let's find out in Episode 18.
Episode 16: A Snake Hiding in the Shadows Hidden within a cave on the grounds of the Lin estate, a couple was concealed: Xiu Wan (Lin Jin Qiâs sister) and Du Zheng (brother of Miss Du Cui Que). Du Zheng was making advances on Xiu Wan, who found herself unable to break free from him. However, her observant sister, Xiu Rui, was watching from an opening high above the cave; the scene alarmed and worried her, as she found both Du Zheng and Du Cui Que highly suspicious. She rushed away, and to put a stop to the young man's advances on her sister, she instructed her maid to mimic the sound of barking dogs. Hearing this, the couple quickly composed themselves and fled. Du Zheng later met his sister, Du Cui Que, on the lake bridge, all while Xiu Rui watched them closely and with suspicion. Suddenly, she ran into her sister Xiu Wan; the two exchanged excuses and deflected questions about what they had been doing there, effectively acting as if nothing had happened. Xiu Wan even defended Du Zheng regarding another matter Xiu Rui raised concerning the illness spreading through the household. This episode also features moments between Lin Jin Qi and Jia Lam: she oversaw his bath time, and he looked happy and at ease in her company. He also asked her to stay and listen to the alarming account his sister Xiu Rui was about to share. As Xiu Rui put it: "I saw something I shouldn't have." But before she could recount it, disaster struck the household. Due to the spreading illness, the estate was blockaded by a garrison of soldiers from another powerful family. A servant climbed onto the roof to investigate and was shot dead by an arrow. The estate was sealed off by the soldiers. Fortunately, however, Lin Jin Qi had already left the mansion before this happened to visit the Marquisâthat commander... ...who became his friend. They discuss the assassination attempt the Marquis survived and mention that Lin Jin Qi will soon be the next target. I didn't quite understand Miss Du Cui Que's intentions within the manor. She becomes upset upon learning that Lin Jin Qi is safe outside, free to intervene more effectively to resolve the crisis engulfing the entire family. (She is revealing herself to be a calculating, venomous snake). One of Lin Jin Qi's brothers, along with Housekeeper Han and Jia Lan, has been tasked with handling the situation inside the manor until Lin Jin Qi returns. Gate after gate is being locked shut with heavy chains. How will this be resolved? (We shall see in Episode 17).
Thatâs true. And itâs the kind of character portrayed by an actor who is perfect for the roleâone who manages…
"Chu Han" (So, which of the two men facing him would it be? The oblivious God of War? Or the calculating man? PS: Is this what they call "masculine" drama? (Because it focuses more on intrigue?)
She is preventing the wickedness of her "daughter-in-law" and stopping "some" acts of cruelty.…
Iâm already up to episode 16, and everything Xing Tang did to the "neighbor's" maidsâspecifically the Lin family's maidsâwas terrible. She even enlisted the help of her "favorite" maids to do it. It was cruel and malicious. She only stopped when the Lin family intervened; for instance, Lin Jin Qiâs mother appeared at a crucial moment to prevent something worse from happening. The writers handle Xing Tang this way: one moment sheâs a total witch, but the next, they show a glimpse of genuine feeling in her. Thatâs just how she is, but it doesn't excuse the wicked things sheâs done.
I watched all four episodes. The time just flew by. The pacing is excellent. I shed a lot of tears during the…
Iâm behind. I havenât watched episode 17 onwards yet. I hope there isnât a harem, but if there is, I hope itâs the kind thatâs practically non-existentâlike in *The Princess Gambit*, where the character quickly dismissed all the other women with whom he hadnât really bonded, focusing only on the female lead.
Episode 15: A Marriage Proposal from a Worthy Suitor
When Jia Lan finished her theatrical performanceâhaving enacted that moving story for the soldiersâeveryone applauded, including the Marquis (who was also the commander) and Lin Jin Qi. The Marquis spoke to Lin Jin Qi and hinted that he wished to marry this exceptional maidservant. He asked, "Can you give her to me?" Lin Jin Qi gave him a lookâone that signaled refusal, though subtly maskedâand then offered a flimsy excuse to avoid handing Jia Lan over to the gallant soldier. The soldier glimpsed the real reason behind Lin Jin Qi's refusal in his eyes. He smiled inwardly, as if to say, "You can't fool me, Lin Jin Qi." The commander had told Lin Jin Qi that he had lost his wife and now had an 11-year-old daughter who needed a mother. Lin Jin Qi promptly offered a solution: her sister Xiu Wan was available. As Lin Jin Qi and Jia Lan walked away from the commander to head home, a beautiful, poetic scene unfolded. His possessive gaze upon herâhowever veiledâhinted at a magical connection beginning to form between them. Walking at sunset, one following the other, the camera captured the pair silhouetted against the sun; Lin Jin Qiâs large strides across the earth moved in rhythm with Jia Lanâs steps. Upon returning home, Lin Jin Qi proposed this solution regarding Xiu Wanâwhom she believed would be inconsolable without her romantic match. When he informed his mother and aunt that the 32-year-old commander wished to marry the young woman, they were delighted; however, in that era, a 32-year-old man was considered old, and they immediately implied that Xiu Wan would not be pleasedâeven though the two older women, Lin Jin Qiâs mother and aunt, undoubtedly saw him as a worthy match. Xiu Wan, along with her sisters and Miss Du Cui Que, had overheard everything from behind the door. Devastated, Xiu Wan wanted to storm in and pick a fight, but Cui Que led her awayâlikely to find a solution. Xiu Wan soon declared, "I don't want to marry an old man." Xiu Lai, the observant sister, watched from the sidelines; it remains unclear whether her expression stemmed from her own love for the Marquis or from distress over her sister's unhappiness. Her thoughts often seemed enigmatic. Yu Chan fell seriously ill, developing a skin rash, and Jia Lan quickly sought help from Lin Jin Qi, who agreed to provide the family physicianâwho was currently attending to his sister... ...the younger one, who was also suffering from some minor itching. In this episode, it seems their health issues have been resolvedâweâll see if that holds true in the next one. However, the observant sisterâs gazeâdirected at Miss Du Cui, then at the lake, and finally at her own sisterâwas enigmatic. I canât tell if she suspects something regarding the lake or if itâs just her usual suspicion of Du Cui (which is well-founded). So, thatâs the end of this episode (and weâll see what Episode 16 has in store).
Episode 14: A rescue achieved through a joint effort. The girl weeping over her lost suitor appears inconsolable; however, upon meeting a young man by the lake and speaking with his sister, she discovers that her true suitorâthe one she had chosenâwas not lost after all. For her, losing meant gaining, whereas gaining would have meant losing. We shall see in future episodes if that truly holds true. Our elegant general, a man of great ideals and courage, has been ensnared by fate and dragged into a dungeon, despite having committed no crime. His sister/cousin stands firm in his defense, refusing to let them take him away. Lin Jin Qi asks the commander for permission to speak to her and tells her, "I will get out of here. And remember: I always keep my promises." While she is in the dungeon, a friend arrives and leaves her some supplies. The fake cotton merchant had killed himself and implicated Lin Jin Qi in the processâbut this is nothing the drama's smartest girl can't help resolve. Lin Jin Qi had anticipated this and left a letter for her to deliver to the Marquis (a young commander who is very hard to convince). Yuchan and Jia Lam positioned themselves by the roadside and sang a deeply meaningful folk song that made the commander and his soldiers stop to listen. Yuchan stepped forward to deliver the letter; the general was about to turn away, but Jia Lamâs voiceâincisive, authoritative, and clearly audibleârang out and convinced him. After reading the letter, the general spoke with Lin Jin Qi; upon hearing her arguments, he inspected the warehouse, found the spoiled straw, and discovered the true source of the problem, thereby exonerating Lin Jin Qi. At home, the young general acts like a mere boy when greeted warmly and affectionately by his mother. However, instead of returning to speak with his grandfather and father, Lin Jin Qiâupon learning that Jia Lam and Yuchan have not yet returnedâdeclares in a strong, energetic, commanding voice that he will go fetch them from the barracks. His friend, a subordinate soldier, is also worried about Yuchan, as night has already fallen. The episode ends with Lin Jin Qi gazing in admiration at Jia Lam as she performs for the soldiers; relying solely on her expressive female voice and a captivating narrative, she tells a heroic tale that moves the soldiers to tears. The Marquis commander even remarks, "I missed part of the story because I had to go speak with you, Lin Jin Qi." Yet, Lin Jin Qi once again casts a profound look toward Jia Lam, and the episode concludes with the knowledge that there will be more moments for him to admire her.
3 
Soldiers lie in the forest, camouflaged by dry leaves. A vow between brothersâ"Iâve got your back." Yet, another manâLin Jin Qiâs aideâsees something more, something lying beyond the immediate danger, having spoken with Jia Lam. It is Nanke who guards Lin Jin Qiâs back; he shouts a warning about a treacherous threat approaching from behind just as the episode ends.
But before that, back at the Lin estate, several key characters are hovering between life and death. Someone who had been in good health suddenly falls ill and dies quickly, suffering from body rashes and moaning in pain. Jia Lam presses the doctor for answers regarding the nature of the illness. He identifies it as erysipelas. However, Jia Lam remains skeptical and seeks the truthâa search that leads to the episode's climax: the death of a maid and the profound (though likely feigned) weeping of Miss Du Cuique, crying out, "Lin Dang, Lin Dang..." (One might ask: why was Lin Dang the fatal victim here?) It was because Jia Lam was getting closer to answers in her investigation. Du Cuique, wearing a deceptively sweet expression, spotted Jia Lamâs silhouette passing by the window curtains. She realizes she is facing a rival worthy of her mettle. Jia Lam discusses the matter with Nanke, specifically the mention of Lin Jin Qiâs bath timeâa detail Du Cuique had brought up. She recalls how he had pretended to bathe by splashing hot water into the tub without actually getting in. But how did she know the schedule? Jia Lam explains her theory to Nanke: this is no ordinary illness, but a case of poisoning via the bathwaterâan element that is rarely guarded, unlike the food. (She hands him the letter she wrote to her parents, letting them know she is safe and well.) But before that, she retched in agony upon seeing Lan Dan die.
In a moment of hopelessness, the three maidsâfriends supporting one another through this tragedyâinterlace their hands. One of them says, "We are merely maids; there is nothing we can do to change this." That is when Jia Lam, fire in her eyes, declares, "We *can* do somethingâso that everyone, from the groups we care about, can realize their dreams; they all still have so much life ahead of them." Lin Jin Qi is due to arrive tomorrow; they wait with renewed hope. But can YuChan hold on for another day? And what of Lin Jin Qiâs mother? She embraces her youngest daughter, who is ill; with a feverish gaze, the mother rests her head on the pillow, looking at her child.
Lin Jin Qi speaks to the lieutenantâa simple, sincere manâwho had once confronted him with accusations of a crime; they are now amidst a leafy hideout. Lin Jin Qiâs voice rings out above the commotion: "You are a brother I will count on for the rest of my life." He says this to the soldier who did not back down when the unthinkable mission they were to carry out in the forest was revealed. (Providentiallyâor perhaps propheticallyâhe said this not to Du Zheng, but to this brave, loyal, ordinary man). Yet, Du Zheng displays conflicting, contradictory expressions throughout this episode, appearing as though he wants to flee the situation. He claims he lacks a weapon; LJQ replies, "Here is a weapon." He says he lacks the proper attire and must go back to fetch it; LJQ replies, "Here is the attire." "Watch my back," Lin Jin Qi tells Du Zheng. Again, that look from Du Zheng. And fellow soldiers patting him on the back. (But do all these loyal figures realize they might be dealing with an enemy disguised as a lamb?)
The battle in the forest involves three groups. Our heroic group aims to rescue the commanderâthe Marquisâwho is facing relentless assassination attempts. In slow motion, they seem to fly as they leap over one another with swords and spears amidst the forest trees. Lin Jin Qi soars the highest, rising above the rest. And now, at the end of the episode, when a true friend shouts, "Lin Jin Qi, watch your back!"âhow will our hero get out of this? Let's find out in Episode 18.
Hidden within a cave on the grounds of the Lin estate, a couple was concealed: Xiu Wan (Lin Jin Qiâs sister) and Du Zheng (brother of Miss Du Cui Que). Du Zheng was making advances on Xiu Wan, who found herself unable to break free from him. However, her observant sister, Xiu Rui, was watching from an opening high above the cave; the scene alarmed and worried her, as she found both Du Zheng and Du Cui Que highly suspicious. She rushed away, and to put a stop to the young man's advances on her sister, she instructed her maid to mimic the sound of barking dogs. Hearing this, the couple quickly composed themselves and fled. Du Zheng later met his sister, Du Cui Que, on the lake bridge, all while Xiu Rui watched them closely and with suspicion. Suddenly, she ran into her sister Xiu Wan; the two exchanged excuses and deflected questions about what they had been doing there, effectively acting as if nothing had happened. Xiu Wan even defended Du Zheng regarding another matter Xiu Rui raised concerning the illness spreading through the household. This episode also features moments between Lin Jin Qi and Jia Lam: she oversaw his bath time, and he looked happy and at ease in her company. He also asked her to stay and listen to the alarming account his sister Xiu Rui was about to share. As Xiu Rui put it: "I saw something I shouldn't have." But before she could recount it, disaster struck the household. Due to the spreading illness, the estate was blockaded by a garrison of soldiers from another powerful family. A servant climbed onto the roof to investigate and was shot dead by an arrow. The estate was sealed off by the soldiers. Fortunately, however, Lin Jin Qi had already left the mansion before this happened to visit the Marquisâthat commander... ...who became his friend. They discuss the assassination attempt the Marquis survived and mention that Lin Jin Qi will soon be the next target. I didn't quite understand Miss Du Cui Que's intentions within the manor. She becomes upset upon learning that Lin Jin Qi is safe outside, free to intervene more effectively to resolve the crisis engulfing the entire family. (She is revealing herself to be a calculating, venomous snake). One of Lin Jin Qi's brothers, along with Housekeeper Han and Jia Lan, has been tasked with handling the situation inside the manor until Lin Jin Qi returns. Gate after gate is being locked shut with heavy chains. How will this be resolved? (We shall see in Episode 17).
PS: Is this what they call "masculine" drama? (Because it focuses more on intrigue?)
When Jia Lan finished her theatrical performanceâhaving enacted that moving story for the soldiersâeveryone applauded, including the Marquis (who was also the commander) and Lin Jin Qi. The Marquis spoke to Lin Jin Qi and hinted that he wished to marry this exceptional maidservant. He asked, "Can you give her to me?" Lin Jin Qi gave him a lookâone that signaled refusal, though subtly maskedâand then offered a flimsy excuse to avoid handing Jia Lan over to the gallant soldier. The soldier glimpsed the real reason behind Lin Jin Qi's refusal in his eyes. He smiled inwardly, as if to say, "You can't fool me, Lin Jin Qi." The commander had told Lin Jin Qi that he had lost his wife and now had an 11-year-old daughter who needed a mother. Lin Jin Qi promptly offered a solution: her sister Xiu Wan was available. As Lin Jin Qi and Jia Lan walked away from the commander to head home, a beautiful, poetic scene unfolded. His possessive gaze upon herâhowever veiledâhinted at a magical connection beginning to form between them. Walking at sunset, one following the other, the camera captured the pair silhouetted against the sun; Lin Jin Qiâs large strides across the earth moved in rhythm with Jia Lanâs steps. Upon returning home, Lin Jin Qi proposed this solution regarding Xiu Wanâwhom she believed would be inconsolable without her romantic match. When he informed his mother and aunt that the 32-year-old commander wished to marry the young woman, they were delighted; however, in that era, a 32-year-old man was considered old, and they immediately implied that Xiu Wan would not be pleasedâeven though the two older women, Lin Jin Qiâs mother and aunt, undoubtedly saw him as a worthy match. Xiu Wan, along with her sisters and Miss Du Cui Que, had overheard everything from behind the door. Devastated, Xiu Wan wanted to storm in and pick a fight, but Cui Que led her awayâlikely to find a solution. Xiu Wan soon declared, "I don't want to marry an old man." Xiu Lai, the observant sister, watched from the sidelines; it remains unclear whether her expression stemmed from her own love for the Marquis or from distress over her sister's unhappiness. Her thoughts often seemed enigmatic. Yu Chan fell seriously ill, developing a skin rash, and Jia Lan quickly sought help from Lin Jin Qi, who agreed to provide the family physicianâwho was currently attending to his sister... ...the younger one, who was also suffering from some minor itching. In this episode, it seems their health issues have been resolvedâweâll see if that holds true in the next one. However, the observant sisterâs gazeâdirected at Miss Du Cui, then at the lake, and finally at her own sisterâwas enigmatic. I canât tell if she suspects something regarding the lake or if itâs just her usual suspicion of Du Cui (which is well-founded). So, thatâs the end of this episode (and weâll see what Episode 16 has in store).
The girl weeping over her lost suitor appears inconsolable; however, upon meeting a young man by the lake and speaking with his sister, she discovers that her true suitorâthe one she had chosenâwas not lost after all. For her, losing meant gaining, whereas gaining would have meant losing. We shall see in future episodes if that truly holds true. Our elegant general, a man of great ideals and courage, has been ensnared by fate and dragged into a dungeon, despite having committed no crime. His sister/cousin stands firm in his defense, refusing to let them take him away. Lin Jin Qi asks the commander for permission to speak to her and tells her, "I will get out of here. And remember: I always keep my promises." While she is in the dungeon, a friend arrives and leaves her some supplies. The fake cotton merchant had killed himself and implicated Lin Jin Qi in the processâbut this is nothing the drama's smartest girl can't help resolve. Lin Jin Qi had anticipated this and left a letter for her to deliver to the Marquis (a young commander who is very hard to convince). Yuchan and Jia Lam positioned themselves by the roadside and sang a deeply meaningful folk song that made the commander and his soldiers stop to listen. Yuchan stepped forward to deliver the letter; the general was about to turn away, but Jia Lamâs voiceâincisive, authoritative, and clearly audibleârang out and convinced him. After reading the letter, the general spoke with Lin Jin Qi; upon hearing her arguments, he inspected the warehouse, found the spoiled straw, and discovered the true source of the problem, thereby exonerating Lin Jin Qi. At home, the young general acts like a mere boy when greeted warmly and affectionately by his mother. However, instead of returning to speak with his grandfather and father, Lin Jin Qiâupon learning that Jia Lam and Yuchan have not yet returnedâdeclares in a strong, energetic, commanding voice that he will go fetch them from the barracks. His friend, a subordinate soldier, is also worried about Yuchan, as night has already fallen. The episode ends with Lin Jin Qi gazing in admiration at Jia Lam as she performs for the soldiers; relying solely on her expressive female voice and a captivating narrative, she tells a heroic tale that moves the soldiers to tears. The Marquis commander even remarks, "I missed part of the story because I had to go speak with you, Lin Jin Qi." Yet, Lin Jin Qi once again casts a profound look toward Jia Lam, and the episode concludes with the knowledge that there will be more moments for him to admire her.