WEBVTT 00:08.320 --> 00:12.120 The Apothecary Diaries 00:08.320 --> 00:12.740 The Apothecary Diaries 01:30.480 --> 01:33.530 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. 01:33.370 --> 01:35.990 By the time we started to smell spring in the air, 01:36.450 --> 01:39.990 it became certain that Lady Gyokuyou was indeed pregnant. 01:46.150 --> 01:49.420 That's curious. Can she tell there's a baby inside? 01:54.580 --> 01:56.800 So cute! 01:56.800 --> 01:59.070 Maybe I also should start to... 02:03.320 --> 02:05.220 Even if she did get a proposal, 02:05.220 --> 02:07.310 they'd probably never let her leave. 02:08.120 --> 02:10.620 Being too good at one's job can be a curse at times. 02:16.140 --> 02:20.910 Time flies when every day is so fulfilling. 02:21.230 --> 02:25.020 In comparison, the two months spent at Master Jinshi's offices felt like forever. 02:30.340 --> 02:31.920 Would you like to draw pictures again? 02:32.790 --> 02:33.670 Yes! 02:38.980 --> 02:41.650 This is the woolly milkcap, a poisonous mushroom— 02:41.650 --> 02:42.220 Ow! 02:43.110 --> 02:45.140 Draw normal flowers, please. 02:45.830 --> 02:48.060 Normal flowers, huh? 02:50.640 --> 02:52.310 A blue rose? 02:50.640 --> 02:54.570 Episode 22: Blue Roses 02:52.570 --> 02:55.570 Yes. Perhaps you've never seen one before? 02:56.280 --> 03:01.710 The striking blue petals are so beautiful. 03:01.710 --> 03:05.280 I used to see them in the palace often. 03:05.770 --> 03:07.630 Perhaps you were dreaming? 03:07.630 --> 03:10.030 Blue roses do not exist. 03:11.650 --> 03:13.900 But in fact, they do. 03:15.830 --> 03:19.160 Oh, how I'd love to appreciate them with everyone again. 03:19.590 --> 03:22.840 What do you think? Could it be done? 03:23.320 --> 03:27.170 With your power, there must be nothing outside your reach. 03:27.860 --> 03:33.050 Understood. If such a rose does indeed exist, I'd like to see it as well. 03:33.050 --> 03:34.610 Then it's settled. 03:35.010 --> 03:37.820 Goodness, I can't wait! 03:39.020 --> 03:40.320 Excuse me. 03:44.440 --> 03:46.830 I hope to see it at next month's garden party. 03:49.980 --> 03:54.290 You're already so busy. You didn't have to take on more work. 03:54.290 --> 03:58.840 Don't rub it in. Please just go ask every florist in the nation about this. 04:04.580 --> 04:09.310 The florists say that roses are not in season. 04:12.690 --> 04:15.150 Sorry to call you up so suddenly. 04:16.940 --> 04:21.240 We were talking about getting together to admire blue roses. 04:21.650 --> 04:23.450 Blue roses...? 04:23.450 --> 04:25.720 I'm just an apothecary, you know. 04:25.720 --> 04:27.620 Yes, I'm aware... 04:28.520 --> 04:32.260 I wonder what prompted this? He seems awfully tired. 04:33.250 --> 04:37.210 Roses, huh? I do know a thing or two about them. 04:38.190 --> 04:43.220 I've sold them before to make some quick cash with the courtesans. But... 04:44.340 --> 04:46.720 They really said they saw a blue rose? 04:47.000 --> 04:47.830 Yes. 04:49.940 --> 04:52.100 Is there some new popular hallucinogen, or...? 04:52.420 --> 04:54.600 That'd ruin our whole nation! 04:54.600 --> 04:56.330 Master Jinshi. 04:59.250 --> 05:00.570 Is it impossible? 05:04.710 --> 05:07.030 What exactly is it that you desire? 05:07.620 --> 05:10.200 Can you find some by next month's garden party? 05:10.650 --> 05:15.500 Next month? Roses bloom two months later at the earliest. 05:15.900 --> 05:17.040 I know... 05:18.200 --> 05:20.420 I'll find a way to turn him down. 05:22.290 --> 05:28.430 Master Jinshi's reaction, and this style of forcing people to attempt the impossible... 05:28.970 --> 05:33.430 Was this brought up by a certain strategist? 05:35.590 --> 05:36.390 Yes. 05:37.050 --> 05:39.900 Understood. I will take this on. 05:40.390 --> 05:41.630 Are you sure? 05:41.630 --> 05:44.570 I don't know if I can pull it off, but I'll try my best. 05:45.610 --> 05:48.030 I don't want to just run from him. 05:51.060 --> 05:54.750 I might as well take a swing at smashing his creepy monocle. 05:56.150 --> 06:00.330 Master Jinshi, may I make a few requests? 06:01.740 --> 06:06.840 Thank you for allowing me to use it, Lady Lihua. 06:06.840 --> 06:11.350 I don't mind. You were the one that had it constructed in the first place. 06:12.830 --> 06:14.350 It's been a while. 06:14.970 --> 06:18.240 I remember back then, I got them to make a steam room for Lady Lihua, 06:18.240 --> 06:20.270 who was suffering from poison back then. 06:20.620 --> 06:25.280 I'm borrowing it now, but I feel bad using it for free. 06:26.010 --> 06:28.570 This is the emperor's favorite book. 06:29.180 --> 06:31.370 I appreciate this. 06:32.860 --> 06:35.870 I'm glad I got it through the brothel. 06:40.750 --> 06:42.120 Take that side. 06:42.120 --> 06:42.790 Yes, sir! 06:43.250 --> 06:44.310 Master Jinshi. 06:44.760 --> 06:46.380 Ah, you're here. 06:46.380 --> 06:48.860 I had them build this as you asked, but... 06:48.860 --> 06:50.010 What is this for? 06:50.990 --> 06:52.680 We're going to make the roses go mad. 06:52.970 --> 06:54.430 Make the roses go mad? 06:54.760 --> 06:56.680 What does that mean, apothecary? 07:03.560 --> 07:07.730 We're going to let the sunlight in, and blow steam inside through there. 07:09.650 --> 07:12.850 The roses will grow in this warmed room. 07:12.850 --> 07:16.870 This way, the flowers might mistake it as the time to bloom. 07:17.610 --> 07:20.160 I see, so they'll "go mad." 07:20.160 --> 07:22.210 I can't guarantee it, though. 07:30.060 --> 07:30.880 Oh. 07:33.970 --> 07:36.010 Maomao! 07:36.010 --> 07:37.370 Xiaolan? 07:37.370 --> 07:38.970 I'll help, too! 07:39.560 --> 07:41.560 Is your leg okay? 07:43.260 --> 07:45.310 Did he summon her to chaperone me? 07:48.280 --> 07:52.860 They did repeatedly tell me not to push myself too hard. 07:53.100 --> 07:55.330 I'm fine. Sorry to make you help. 07:55.330 --> 07:57.870 It's okay. It's been a while since we've worked together, huh? 07:59.710 --> 08:01.620 Yeah, it has. 08:05.640 --> 08:07.880 We brought in over one hundred roses. 08:11.300 --> 08:13.080 This is the last one. 08:14.180 --> 08:17.050 Wow, this is a lot! 08:17.050 --> 08:21.230 We diversified the species, selecting early-blooming ones where possible. 08:21.230 --> 08:22.640 Will they all bloom? 08:23.220 --> 08:25.380 I hope so. 08:37.960 --> 08:40.910 Temperature control requires utmost care. 08:41.750 --> 08:47.170 I got them to send some help, but this is a tough task to delegate to others. 08:48.170 --> 08:51.970 If we make a mistake and kill them all, that would be the end of it. 08:56.930 --> 09:00.600 On sunny days, we bring them outside to expose them to sunlight. 09:02.430 --> 09:04.690 That must feel good! 09:05.140 --> 09:05.890 Yeah. 09:06.440 --> 09:08.020 How are you doing? 09:09.190 --> 09:10.520 Here, a gift. 09:14.530 --> 09:16.150 Thank you very much. 09:17.220 --> 09:22.250 I get to skip work and eat snacks? This is great! 09:22.250 --> 09:24.620 This is work too, though. 09:27.240 --> 09:29.000 What's with them? 09:29.000 --> 09:31.300 I don't know. Maybe they're just curious. 09:32.170 --> 09:34.460 Or they want to be scared. 09:37.980 --> 09:39.800 What should I do next? 09:40.310 --> 09:43.640 If a seedling has a lot of sprouts on it, can you pick a few? 09:44.220 --> 09:49.210 It concentrates the nutrients into the remaining sprouts and helps prevent sickness. 09:49.640 --> 09:51.020 Ah. 09:51.850 --> 09:52.730 Whoa! 09:55.140 --> 09:57.080 It's fine. 10:01.140 --> 10:02.400 Thank you. 10:02.400 --> 10:03.240 Don't mention it! 10:06.930 --> 10:08.100 Hurry! 10:16.010 --> 10:19.300 It's taking them a long time to bloom. 10:24.820 --> 10:26.480 On days where it gets cold, 10:31.810 --> 10:33.820 I stay up all night to maintain the heat. 10:41.030 --> 10:42.950 Weather can't be controlled. 10:55.650 --> 10:57.620 Did you pull another all-nighter? 10:58.260 --> 11:00.450 I did sleep, around dawn. 11:00.450 --> 11:02.740 Dawn was just moments ago! 11:02.740 --> 11:06.420 I'll do what I can, so why don't you get some sleep? 11:06.420 --> 11:08.430 I can't leave this alone. 11:10.530 --> 11:12.360 They're looking at us again. 11:13.610 --> 11:16.490 Every single day. Don't they get tired of this? 11:16.850 --> 11:18.460 It's irritating. 11:19.290 --> 11:21.630 I wonder if I can divert their attention... 11:26.870 --> 11:31.710 Wow! So this is what a manicure is like! 11:31.710 --> 11:34.250 Everyone does it in the pleasure district. 11:34.250 --> 11:36.210 It sure is pretty! 11:47.010 --> 11:49.220 Oh, you did it too, Maomao? 11:49.530 --> 11:51.150 So cute! 11:51.430 --> 11:54.210 It's been popular recently. 11:54.210 --> 11:55.650 Indeed. 11:57.650 --> 12:02.860 The high-ranking concubines are always at the cutting edge of fashion. 12:08.170 --> 12:09.630 Seems like a waste of time. 12:12.140 --> 12:15.130 Lady Hongniang prefers work over fashion. 12:16.900 --> 12:20.650 I've finished tasting for poison, so I'll go back to the Crystal Pavilion now. 12:20.650 --> 12:21.890 Already? 12:21.890 --> 12:24.140 The garden party is coming up soon. 12:24.620 --> 12:26.050 I see... 12:26.470 --> 12:31.620 Oh, by the way, Lady Gyokuyou won't be attending this time around. 12:31.620 --> 12:35.020 We're letting the focus of this event be Lady Loulan's introduction. 12:35.570 --> 12:37.730 To hide the pregnancy, right. 12:38.440 --> 12:40.520 Understood. Excuse me. 12:41.180 --> 12:43.820 Hey, is everything alright at the Crystal Pavilion? 12:44.160 --> 12:46.420 You look worse for wear every day. 12:46.420 --> 12:48.120 Don't push yourself too hard, okay? 12:48.860 --> 12:50.620 Thank you. 13:01.620 --> 13:03.090 Maomao! 13:04.050 --> 13:06.010 Maomao, hurry! 13:11.210 --> 13:12.770 A bud... 13:12.770 --> 13:14.310 I found it just now. 13:14.860 --> 13:18.100 Our first one, finally! 13:18.490 --> 13:23.250 At this rate... We might just make it in time. 13:23.660 --> 13:26.510 Maomao? Maomao! 13:26.510 --> 13:27.880 Maomao! 13:36.680 --> 13:38.380 Has the apothecary sent any word? 13:38.670 --> 13:40.530 No, nothing. 13:40.530 --> 13:43.460 I haven't been able to visit her for the past few days. 13:43.460 --> 13:46.630 We were both busy preparing for the garden party. 13:50.500 --> 13:51.700 Master Jinshi. 14:21.000 --> 14:24.670 So, that's Concubine Loulan, daughter of Master Shishou. 14:29.080 --> 14:31.220 How splendid. 14:44.070 --> 14:45.690 Regarding Concubine Loulan, 14:49.140 --> 14:51.930 is there anything that needs improvement? 14:53.910 --> 14:56.160 Please, hold nothing back. 14:59.930 --> 15:01.390 Please. 15:01.390 --> 15:02.450 Oh. 15:14.280 --> 15:15.950 Blue roses?! 15:15.950 --> 15:16.770 It can't be... 15:22.380 --> 15:23.860 It may be entertaining 15:25.050 --> 15:29.360 to enjoy the beauty of these buds while imagining how they look at full bloom. 15:30.380 --> 15:33.300 Yes. They're beautiful. 15:34.090 --> 15:34.910 Hmph. 15:34.910 --> 15:38.410 The attention that "Jinshi" gets. 15:39.740 --> 15:42.360 Unlike some of the worthless officials, 15:42.360 --> 15:47.820 many don't appreciate a young eunuch hoarding attention, no matter how beautiful. 15:50.170 --> 15:54.640 Lust is fine. It's easy to exploit that. 15:57.100 --> 15:59.560 Envy is fine, too. It's manageable. 15:59.950 --> 16:01.560 What's really troubling is... 16:02.130 --> 16:04.730 When I can't tell what they're thinking. 16:05.410 --> 16:10.390 Shishou. Concubine Loulan's father, the man favored by the mother of the former emperor... 16:11.080 --> 16:13.820 Even now, the emperor can't look him in the eye. 16:14.540 --> 16:17.900 That's why I also can't let my smile fade, either. 16:18.650 --> 16:22.000 And besides, the one who's more worrying than Shishou right now is... 16:22.730 --> 16:25.250 That man, Lakan. 16:35.100 --> 16:37.090 How annoying. 16:44.110 --> 16:45.290 Are you awake? 16:45.980 --> 16:47.440 Yinghua. 16:47.440 --> 16:49.930 Don't go to the Crystal Pavilion anymore. 16:49.930 --> 16:52.570 You always come back looking so exhausted. 16:54.300 --> 16:56.100 I'm sorry. 16:56.100 --> 16:57.140 You're up. 17:01.570 --> 17:02.790 Excuse me. 17:05.860 --> 17:07.380 You can stay seated. 17:09.070 --> 17:13.170 It was hard. I couldn't get them to fully bloom. 17:14.150 --> 17:18.170 You're not apologizing to me, are you? 17:19.650 --> 17:22.310 Never mind. You did well. 17:23.970 --> 17:25.600 How did you do it, though? 17:26.100 --> 17:28.110 I just dyed them. 17:28.110 --> 17:30.900 Dyed? But there's nothing on them. 17:31.390 --> 17:35.320 Not on the outside. We dyed them from the inside. 17:39.150 --> 17:42.490 All of these roses were originally white. 17:44.900 --> 17:49.380 We mixed water with several colors and had the white buds suck them up. 17:49.720 --> 17:53.340 So that's why there were many colors, not just blue. 17:53.340 --> 17:58.890 Yes. The leaves ended up coming out black, so we plucked them all. 17:59.590 --> 18:03.310 Then all we had to do was to fix cotton soaked in the dyed water to the stems, 18:03.310 --> 18:07.340 so they wouldn't lose their vibrancy during the garden party. 18:07.340 --> 18:09.100 It really was quite simple. 18:09.710 --> 18:14.460 What was actually difficult was getting the roses to bloom at all. 18:14.970 --> 18:17.200 Simple, indeed. 18:17.200 --> 18:21.900 Also, because some officials might have picked a quarrel about this, 18:22.500 --> 18:25.660 I went ahead and revealed the trick to the emperor. 18:26.310 --> 18:29.470 He seemed to enjoy the fact that he got to know the secret first, 18:29.470 --> 18:31.920 and had a good time listening to me explain. 18:32.580 --> 18:36.860 So, about the story of the blue roses being seen in the palace... 18:36.860 --> 18:42.260 There must have been someone with a lot of free time feeding blue water to the roses. 18:44.990 --> 18:46.850 Who would do something like that? 18:47.980 --> 18:51.980 Who knows? Maybe they wanted a gimmick with which to woo women. 18:52.430 --> 18:55.810 That's unexpected. Are you painting your nails? 18:55.810 --> 18:57.500 It doesn't suit me, though. 18:58.150 --> 19:02.200 If I had some balsam and woodsorrel, I could have made them look prettier. 19:03.400 --> 19:08.290 Balsam is often used to dye fingernails, and woodsorrel is nicknamed cat's foot. 19:08.290 --> 19:12.170 Mixing them together and applying them on the fingernails creates a vivid red. 19:12.630 --> 19:14.960 But then, even if I made them prettier... 19:15.670 --> 19:17.960 This is better than it was before. 19:19.610 --> 19:22.370 Master Gaoshun, what about the item I requested? 19:22.370 --> 19:24.460 Yes, as you wished. 19:25.080 --> 19:26.970 Thank you. 19:28.100 --> 19:30.640 Now the stage is set. 19:30.990 --> 19:36.600 All I have to do now is catch that nasty creep off guard. 19:39.190 --> 19:43.930 I didn't expect my provocation to fail. 19:51.790 --> 19:55.660 Most humans only look like go stones to me. 19:55.660 --> 19:58.920 Men are black stones, women are white stones. 19:58.920 --> 20:11.310 Pawn 19:58.920 --> 20:11.310 Pawn 19:58.920 --> 20:11.310 Pawn 19:58.920 --> 20:11.310 Pawn 19:59.330 --> 20:03.700 Even my subordinates in the military only appear as chess pieces, at best. 20:04.410 --> 20:07.100 Most are soldiers, pawns. 20:07.100 --> 20:11.310 As they gain ranks, they become cavalry and cannons. 20:11.310 --> 20:16.400 River 20:11.770 --> 20:13.950 Working in the military is easy. 20:14.440 --> 20:16.980 I just need to know where to place the pieces. 20:18.100 --> 20:22.320 The right pieces in the right places. Most wars can be won by that alone. 20:22.950 --> 20:27.170 It's quite easy. Even if I were completely useless, 20:27.170 --> 20:31.450 as long as I placed others in the right places, the work would get done on its own. 20:32.490 --> 20:35.480 My eyes hurt more than usual today. 20:35.480 --> 20:37.850 A red color keeps flickering into my view. 20:40.200 --> 20:42.260 Manicures... 20:42.850 --> 20:47.160 The manicures in my memories aren't this overly flamboyant crimson. 20:48.060 --> 20:51.850 They're the soft color of balsam. 20:57.980 --> 21:02.490 Advisor 20:57.980 --> 21:02.490 {Bishop 22:35.040 --> 22:50.050 Next Time 22:46.580 --> 22:49.780 Next time: "Balsam and Woodsorrel." 22:46.670 --> 22:50.050 Episode 23: Balsam and Woodsorrel