WEBVTT 00:08.320 --> 00:12.120 The Apothecary Diaries 00:08.320 --> 00:12.740 The Apothecary Diaries 01:30.480 --> 01:33.480 This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. 01:35.830 --> 01:38.570 Come on, Lihaku. Focus! 01:38.570 --> 01:40.790 Oh, yeah. Sorry. 01:42.160 --> 01:46.120 Episode 21: How to Buy Out a Contract 01:42.660 --> 01:43.990 Cleaning?! 01:44.280 --> 01:48.140 You don't have to do that, you can ask someone else to— 01:48.140 --> 01:52.900 If we asked someone else to do it, and they swapped out the medicine, what would we do? 01:54.070 --> 01:58.380 There was a doctor at the court pharmacy 01:58.380 --> 02:02.310 that got a pay cut as punishment for not managing the drugs properly. 02:05.240 --> 02:10.440 We have to clean this up. It'll be too late once the humidity goes up. 02:10.940 --> 02:11.650 Yes... 02:21.020 --> 02:22.740 Finally, a good time for a break. 02:23.550 --> 02:26.840 Sweets are always great when you're tired! 02:26.840 --> 02:30.100 This guy must be from a rich family. 02:30.100 --> 02:33.590 Sweet potatoes aren't in season, 02:34.000 --> 02:36.420 and he uses paper like a plate, like that's completely normal... 02:36.820 --> 02:37.590 Hmm? 02:38.580 --> 02:40.520 That's some good paper. 02:40.520 --> 02:42.710 Oh, can you tell? 02:42.710 --> 02:46.060 My family back home leads our village in making it. 02:46.580 --> 02:49.310 We're the palace purveyor. 02:49.710 --> 02:50.890 Impressive, huh? 02:50.890 --> 02:52.840 It is indeed impressive. 02:52.840 --> 02:56.070 I wonder if I can get an acquaintance discount. 02:56.520 --> 03:00.620 We used to make limitless profits as we produced more. 03:03.030 --> 03:05.270 We exported it to other countries, too. 03:05.930 --> 03:10.430 My family bought me any snacks I wanted as a child. 03:11.020 --> 03:16.220 But when the previous emperor's mother banned the cutting of trees, 03:16.220 --> 03:18.460 things started to go downhill for us. 03:18.900 --> 03:23.180 We started using alternate materials, which ruined trade. 03:23.180 --> 03:26.140 Our family took the blame for that. 03:26.690 --> 03:30.480 Since we had no money left, my older sister went to the rear palace. 03:30.920 --> 03:35.640 When my younger sister said she'd go too, I volunteered to come instead. 03:36.260 --> 03:39.990 Becoming a eunuch was less popular and was worth more money. 03:40.580 --> 03:44.150 I never got to see my older sister, though. 03:44.150 --> 03:47.990 Hmm. He's been through more than I imagined. 03:58.500 --> 04:01.360 Excuse me. I'm here to continue cleaning. 04:01.360 --> 04:02.930 Oh, hey, little lady. 04:06.180 --> 04:07.960 My little sister sent me a letter. 04:07.960 --> 04:11.560 Our family might not be the palace purveyor anymore. 04:11.940 --> 04:16.510 True, this isn't palace quality. 04:16.510 --> 04:21.540 Losing purveyor status would be a big deal in terms of sales. 04:21.540 --> 04:23.200 I wonder why? 04:23.200 --> 04:27.370 They just told me they came up with a way to produce more paper. 04:27.820 --> 04:32.500 Produce more? Did they cut some corners? 04:32.500 --> 04:37.330 Of course not! They started using oxen for hard labor. 04:38.250 --> 04:41.530 They didn't change the ingredients nor the process... 04:42.380 --> 04:44.840 Not the time for cleaning, I guess. 04:45.310 --> 04:48.900 Compared to the shoddy stuff sold everywhere, 04:48.900 --> 04:54.850 this has no impurities, the fibers are evenly crushed, and it's got consistent thickness. 04:54.850 --> 04:57.480 The only issues are scuffing on the surface, and... 04:59.210 --> 05:00.480 Its strength! 05:01.250 --> 05:03.550 What exactly is this unchanged process? 05:03.550 --> 05:06.220 It's the same as normal papermaking. 05:06.220 --> 05:11.280 However, our family has a special way of crushing the ingredients and creating glue... 05:11.280 --> 05:13.250 Oh, but that's a secret. 05:13.660 --> 05:16.330 So, he doesn't blab about that. 05:17.160 --> 05:19.690 Is there special attention paid to the water? 05:19.690 --> 05:25.090 Yes. We use stored spring water to make the glue harden properly. 05:25.090 --> 05:27.590 It's for managing the humidity, but... 05:28.100 --> 05:30.250 The rest is a secret. 05:30.860 --> 05:34.860 Oxen, stored spring water... 05:40.480 --> 05:44.260 Do you use boiled rice water for glue? 05:44.260 --> 05:47.450 No, it's wheat flour, the way it's supposed to be. 05:47.730 --> 05:50.620 Otherwise, the hardening is... Oh! 05:51.470 --> 05:54.620 Hey little lady, forget I said that, okay?! 05:54.620 --> 05:55.340 Yes. 05:56.710 --> 05:59.330 So, where do you keep the oxen? 05:59.680 --> 06:02.590 I don't know about that. 06:02.590 --> 06:03.640 I see. 06:06.020 --> 06:06.790 Here you go. 06:07.830 --> 06:09.010 Arrowroot gruel? 06:12.390 --> 06:15.180 Little lady, you got the ratio wrong. 06:15.590 --> 06:18.390 It's stuck on the cup and hard to drink. 06:18.660 --> 06:23.050 Oh, sorry. I'll teach you how to make it easier to drink. 06:23.050 --> 06:24.660 Can you repeat after me? 06:29.070 --> 06:32.550 Like this, you lick the spoon and mix. 06:32.550 --> 06:34.600 That seems like poor manners. 06:41.770 --> 06:44.580 Oh, it's no longer sticky. 06:45.010 --> 06:46.090 Right? 06:46.510 --> 06:50.180 Isn't arrowroot gruel kind of like glue? 06:50.180 --> 06:53.540 Hmm, I suppose so. 06:53.540 --> 06:57.640 Maybe mixing saliva into glue would make it less sticky as well. 06:58.190 --> 06:59.770 Exactly. 07:01.060 --> 07:02.520 Exactly what? 07:03.270 --> 07:04.980 This quack really can't take a hint. 07:05.690 --> 07:10.510 Oxen have lots of saliva in their mouths. 07:11.040 --> 07:15.970 Perhaps you should check where those oxen are getting their water. 07:18.310 --> 07:20.810 I must send a letter to my sister! 07:22.490 --> 07:24.410 I'll take my leave for today. 07:29.890 --> 07:31.880 I'm back. 07:31.880 --> 07:33.260 Oh, Maomao. 07:33.640 --> 07:36.600 Someone sent a message that you're needed urgently. 07:37.810 --> 07:39.350 Where should I go? 07:40.850 --> 07:43.950 How much would it cost to buy out a courtesan? 07:45.860 --> 07:48.690 And here I thought it was about Suirei... 07:48.690 --> 07:50.180 What a dumb dog. 07:50.180 --> 07:52.180 Hear me out, missy! 07:52.180 --> 07:53.770 At the Verdigris House the other day, 07:53.770 --> 07:56.950 I heard rumors that one of the Three Princesses is getting bought out! 07:57.260 --> 08:00.770 And so he got worried about Pairin. 08:01.650 --> 08:03.250 The cost really depends. 08:03.250 --> 08:04.780 Give me the max. 08:04.780 --> 08:09.090 Understood. Please understand that market prices fluctuate a lot, 08:09.090 --> 08:10.960 so this is just a rough estimate. 08:10.960 --> 08:12.470 Give it to me straight. 08:13.590 --> 08:14.470 How much? 08:15.090 --> 08:17.140 This is a tough one. 08:17.720 --> 08:24.970 The cost of buying out a courtesan is based on how much she could make at the brothel, 08:24.970 --> 08:27.560 plus a little extra, then doubled. So... 08:30.660 --> 08:31.400 Little missy... 08:34.760 --> 08:40.660 If someone were to buy out Pairin, there are two candidates who are long-time favorites. 08:41.030 --> 08:42.790 T-Two... 08:43.320 --> 08:46.130 One is a wealthy merchant, 08:46.490 --> 08:50.800 a pleasant older man who continued to visit the Verdigris House while it was in trouble. 08:51.800 --> 08:56.930 The other is a high-ranking official, still young, in his thirties. 08:56.930 --> 09:00.900 She said he's a good partner for bedtime activities, 09:01.310 --> 09:05.020 but it is a little concerning how exhausted he seems the next day. 09:05.020 --> 09:10.670 Thinking about life after being bought out, neither are... Hmm. 09:10.670 --> 09:12.650 Exhausted? What do you mean? 09:13.080 --> 09:16.850 Pairin is not only a great dancer, 09:16.850 --> 09:19.870 but is also famous as an invincible warlord in bed. 09:19.870 --> 09:23.780 When her "hunger" grows, she'll pounce on anyone... 09:23.780 --> 09:25.160 In other words, she's extremely lustful. 09:25.470 --> 09:27.630 No! 09:27.630 --> 09:28.540 But... 09:30.120 --> 09:31.380 But? 09:32.380 --> 09:37.340 Until my dad took me in, the ones who took care of me at the Verdigris House were 09:37.820 --> 09:39.950 the old lady and the Three Princesses. 09:41.790 --> 09:47.780 Pairin, who was able to lactate despite never having given birth, 09:48.380 --> 09:50.680 is almost like a mother to me. 09:52.140 --> 09:55.110 I don't know what her thoughts on the matter are, but... 09:55.990 --> 09:59.360 Thinking back on those days, I do think it's a bit of a waste. 10:00.190 --> 10:06.830 She's definitely lustful, but she's at least equally maternal. 10:07.660 --> 10:09.670 But, what? 10:13.020 --> 10:18.090 Master Lihaku understands what Pairin does for work, and is still in love with her. 10:18.090 --> 10:21.470 He can be a dumb dog, but seems like an honest, hard worker. 10:21.470 --> 10:25.720 Trying to get a promotion for his girl is adorable, if stupid. 10:26.470 --> 10:28.600 Most of all, he has astonishing stamina. 10:30.930 --> 10:31.880 Hmm. 10:33.700 --> 10:36.400 He wouldn't be a bad choice, all considered. 10:37.160 --> 10:41.150 Master Lihaku, may I ask how much you're paid? 10:41.150 --> 10:43.550 What's with that question all of a sudden? 10:43.550 --> 10:45.410 Perhaps 800 silver a year? 10:45.410 --> 10:47.000 Come on, now. 10:47.000 --> 10:48.290 More like 1,200 then? 10:49.260 --> 10:51.900 So, roughly 1,000 silver or so a year. 10:52.380 --> 10:53.620 Is that not enough? 10:53.620 --> 10:54.250 Afraid not. 10:54.670 --> 10:57.180 They'd ask at least 10,000 in cash. 10:58.190 --> 10:59.500 T-Ten thousand?! 11:00.260 --> 11:02.780 A cheap courtesan would cost around 400. 11:02.780 --> 11:08.120 One of the Three Princesses of the Verdigris House? 10,000 silver, at the very least. 11:09.620 --> 11:10.890 Ten thousand... 11:12.010 --> 11:15.390 Hey, so... let's say I find that much somewhere. 11:15.390 --> 11:17.820 You think I'll be able to buy her out with that? 11:18.160 --> 11:22.450 How likely do I think it is that she'd dramatically turn you down, you mean? 11:26.470 --> 11:28.230 Fine, fine. 11:29.590 --> 11:32.930 Master Lihaku, could you take off your clothes? 11:34.180 --> 11:36.440 If I do, am I less likely to get dumped? 11:36.440 --> 11:40.970 One thing I know for sure is the body type she likes. 11:42.200 --> 11:43.070 I'll strip! 11:47.320 --> 11:48.810 Your pants too, please. 11:49.370 --> 11:50.500 Pants, too? 11:50.500 --> 11:51.670 Yes. 11:52.300 --> 11:57.370 Then, can you raise your arms up to your shoulders and flex your muscles? 11:59.230 --> 12:00.280 Like this? 12:00.680 --> 12:06.950 Pairin's not a picky eater, but she does have preferences. 12:06.950 --> 12:09.490 Hmm, not bad... 12:09.990 --> 12:13.120 Next, lower your arms, then flex again. 12:13.950 --> 12:14.890 Like this? 12:16.790 --> 12:19.590 As a good military man, he trains often. 12:20.360 --> 12:22.630 Good musculature. 12:23.270 --> 12:25.310 He might stand a chance. 12:25.890 --> 12:27.390 Now... 12:27.690 --> 12:30.350 Now, please remove your final garment! 12:30.350 --> 12:31.100 Got it! 12:34.290 --> 12:38.390 What in the world are you two doing? 12:38.940 --> 12:42.120 Greetings, Master Jinshi. 12:45.990 --> 12:48.870 Now, what exactly were you up to? 12:48.870 --> 12:51.870 Pretty people are so scary when they're angry. 12:52.350 --> 12:55.020 What, you ask? 12:55.020 --> 12:58.560 Well, I was summoned to give my opinion about a matter. 12:58.560 --> 13:01.160 Why was that man undressed like that? 13:01.160 --> 13:03.010 Nothing improper was going on. 13:03.290 --> 13:04.930 I was just taking a good look. 13:07.130 --> 13:10.750 A good look? You? 13:10.750 --> 13:13.080 Yes, just looking. 13:13.080 --> 13:14.390 What for? 13:14.390 --> 13:16.480 What for, you ask? 13:16.820 --> 13:18.980 To see if his body is good enough. 13:18.980 --> 13:21.360 What better way to know than to inspect him myself? 13:21.630 --> 13:23.530 If his body is "good enough," you said?! 13:23.990 --> 13:28.050 Yes. Appearances are only a part of what defines a person, 13:28.050 --> 13:30.530 but being suited to one's taste is always a plus. 13:30.530 --> 13:34.530 I wanted to get a final look at his important parts 13:34.530 --> 13:38.360 to determine how to appeal to Pairin, but... 13:41.540 --> 13:46.260 So, what did you think about that man's appearance? 13:46.820 --> 13:49.780 It was a very well-balanced body. 13:49.780 --> 13:54.200 He seems like a hard worker who trains diligently. 13:54.200 --> 13:57.770 I'd guess he's quite a skilled fighter, even compared to other military men. 13:58.750 --> 14:02.770 You can read a person's personality just by their build? 14:03.950 --> 14:07.740 A person's appearance reflects their daily routines quite accurately. 14:07.740 --> 14:12.030 As an apothecary, it's not rare to get customers who won't tell us about themselves. 14:12.300 --> 14:14.070 So you learn this naturally on the job. 14:15.060 --> 14:18.370 Can you tell from looking at my body, too? 14:18.720 --> 14:19.330 Huh? 14:19.810 --> 14:23.570 Wait, is he jealous of Master Lihaku? 14:23.570 --> 14:25.550 Oh, wow. I can't believe this guy. 14:26.590 --> 14:29.800 He just wants to brag that he's prettier! 14:30.450 --> 14:33.210 I do know he has a beautiful body. 14:33.210 --> 14:36.180 I was quite surprised by how well-toned it was. 14:36.870 --> 14:37.680 But... 14:38.300 --> 14:42.310 There'd be no point in learning about your body. 14:43.970 --> 14:49.410 I don't think you would get along with my sister. 14:49.410 --> 14:50.160 Huh?! 14:53.470 --> 14:57.790 As I waste time like this, Pairin could get bought out. 14:58.230 --> 15:02.590 But I'm not yet capable of doing anything about it... 15:06.360 --> 15:07.780 Pairin... 15:10.070 --> 15:11.090 Hmm? 15:14.290 --> 15:16.260 What in the world is going on? 15:16.820 --> 15:19.340 Jinshi, I think his name was? 15:19.340 --> 15:22.420 He's rumored to be the emperor's favorite... 15:23.160 --> 15:26.110 Thank you for your hospitality with my attendant the other day. 15:26.730 --> 15:29.230 Oh, you're quite welcome... 15:29.230 --> 15:33.070 I hear you're romantically pursuing someone. 15:34.990 --> 15:37.930 Did that girl talk? 15:38.450 --> 15:41.230 Is that why he's smiling so much? 15:42.670 --> 15:49.320 At his young age, high status, and being called the most beautiful person in the nation, 15:49.320 --> 15:52.470 the matter of buying out a courtesan must be a joke to him. 15:53.500 --> 15:55.390 I don't mind being made fun of. 15:55.940 --> 15:59.850 But if he insults Pairin, that's a different story. 16:00.220 --> 16:02.600 If he insults her... 16:02.600 --> 16:03.570 20,000. 16:04.980 --> 16:08.980 What would you say if I offered you the money to buy out your girl? 16:12.300 --> 16:14.940 What do you mean? 16:14.940 --> 16:16.280 Precisely what I said. 16:22.090 --> 16:23.830 I appreciate your generosity, 16:24.410 --> 16:29.390 but is it alright for you to suddenly offer that to an officer you barely know? 16:29.390 --> 16:33.300 My cat can be quite cautious. 16:33.720 --> 16:36.030 And yet, she's willing to give you advice, 16:36.030 --> 16:42.030 and consider you as a candidate for her sister's life partner. 16:42.690 --> 16:48.970 In other words, if your cautious cat lets her guard down around me, I'm trustworthy. 16:52.530 --> 16:54.780 Did I say something bad? 16:55.470 --> 16:59.210 I've heard some stories about you. 17:00.290 --> 17:02.540 You do come from a good family, 17:02.540 --> 17:06.290 but it still must have been hard for you to become a military officer here at the capital. 17:06.860 --> 17:12.520 I hear you were discovered by our sharp-eyed strategist and assigned to lead a squad. 17:13.220 --> 17:13.970 Yes. 17:14.940 --> 17:17.640 The official story was that the prior squad leader retired 17:17.640 --> 17:19.390 and I was simply pushed up, but... 17:20.060 --> 17:24.930 Wouldn't anybody want to have a good relationship with a promising officer? 17:25.700 --> 17:29.710 Still, 20,000 silver is way too much. 17:29.710 --> 17:34.360 I only really need half as much... no, even just a quarter would do it. 17:40.180 --> 17:44.460 I'm very glad to hear that you think so highly of me. 17:44.460 --> 17:47.750 I also find your offer quite hard to resist. 17:48.200 --> 17:52.000 But I can't accept that silver here. 17:53.160 --> 17:55.950 For you, she might just be a local courtesan, 17:56.410 --> 17:59.510 but for me, she's the only woman in my world. 18:00.330 --> 18:05.020 To welcome a wife with someone else's money... 18:07.510 --> 18:09.730 What kind of man would that make me? 18:14.690 --> 18:17.500 I see. Pardon me. 18:17.500 --> 18:18.320 Huh? 18:18.320 --> 18:21.660 I may need to speak with you soon. 18:22.210 --> 18:23.290 Is that alright with you? 18:25.230 --> 18:25.870 Yes, sir. 18:32.130 --> 18:33.630 Master Jinshi. 18:33.630 --> 18:34.460 Yes. 18:35.210 --> 18:36.860 There was nothing to be worried about, yes. 18:40.250 --> 18:42.330 What was that all about?! 18:42.890 --> 18:45.560 Now, what to do? 18:46.840 --> 18:52.350 I guess I should show off at the next training... 18:52.990 --> 18:55.360 Or perhaps I should ask for more work... 18:57.220 --> 18:59.610 Or... Right. 19:05.490 --> 19:08.790 I'll write to her, even if I don't know when I can see next. 19:14.750 --> 19:19.300 I can't force my will on her. I should hear what she thinks. 19:29.520 --> 19:31.690 I don't care if her response is purely diplomatic. 19:31.690 --> 19:34.520 Believing in her words will help me get through my days. 20:00.180 --> 20:03.830 I just have to pursue her in a way I believe in. 20:07.110 --> 20:11.880 "Despite what the old lady thinks, I'm still in the game. 20:12.280 --> 20:17.520 Besides, I'm still waiting for my prince to come for me." 20:18.450 --> 20:20.780 Yeah, that's what I thought. 20:20.780 --> 20:26.380 If Pairin likes him, he won't need 10,000 silver. 20:26.380 --> 20:28.020 Beyond that, it's just luck. 20:30.420 --> 20:33.520 "When a certain someone came and talked about buying people out, 20:33.520 --> 20:35.960 I think one of the servant girls got the wrong idea." 20:44.370 --> 20:45.650 That man. 20:48.660 --> 20:49.810 Master Lakan. 20:50.570 --> 20:52.310 I finally found you. 20:52.940 --> 20:55.710 Master Lakan, the meeting is starting. 20:56.520 --> 20:57.810 Blue roses. 20:59.370 --> 21:00.320 What did you say? 22:34.990 --> 22:50.010 Next Time 22:46.630 --> 22:50.010 Episode 22: Blue Roses 22:46.800 --> 22:49.130 Next time: "Blue Roses."