1 00:00:08,550 --> 00:00:12,512 The Apothecary Diaries 2 00:01:30,548 --> 00:01:33,551 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. 3 00:01:35,595 --> 00:01:38,556 Come on, Lihaku. Focus! 4 00:01:38,556 --> 00:01:40,600 Oh, yeah. Sorry. 5 00:01:42,519 --> 00:01:48,525 EpisodeHow to Buy Out a Contract Cleaning?! You don't have to do that, you can ask someone else to— 6 00:01:48,525 --> 00:01:52,612 If we asked someone else to do it, and they swapped out the medicine, what would we do? 7 00:01:54,531 --> 00:01:58,535 There was a doctor at the court pharmacy 8 00:01:58,535 --> 00:02:02,539 that got a pay cut as punishment for not managing the drugs properly. 9 00:02:05,542 --> 00:02:10,547 We have to clean this up. It'll be too late once the humidity goes up. 10 00:02:10,588 --> 00:02:11,589 Yes... 11 00:02:21,516 --> 00:02:22,600 Finally, a good time for a break. 12 00:02:23,560 --> 00:02:26,604 Sweets are always great when you're tired! 13 00:02:26,604 --> 00:02:30,525 This guy must be from a rich family. 14 00:02:30,525 --> 00:02:33,570 Sweet potatoes aren't in season, 15 00:02:34,529 --> 00:02:36,573 and he uses paper like a plate, like that's completely normal... 16 00:02:36,573 --> 00:02:37,574 Hmm? 17 00:02:38,575 --> 00:02:40,577 That's some good paper. 18 00:02:40,577 --> 00:02:42,579 Oh, can you tell? 19 00:02:42,579 --> 00:02:46,499 My family back home leads our village in making it. 20 00:02:46,583 --> 00:02:49,544 We're the palace purveyor. 21 00:02:49,586 --> 00:02:50,587 Impressive, huh? 22 00:02:50,587 --> 00:02:52,589 It is indeed impressive. 23 00:02:52,589 --> 00:02:56,509 I wonder if I can get an acquaintance discount. 24 00:02:56,551 --> 00:03:00,555 We used to make limitless profits as we produced more. 25 00:03:03,516 --> 00:03:05,518 We exported it to other countries, too. 26 00:03:05,602 --> 00:03:10,565 My family bought me any snacks I wanted as a child. 27 00:03:11,524 --> 00:03:16,529 But when the previous emperor's mother banned the cutting of trees, 28 00:03:16,529 --> 00:03:18,573 things started to go downhill for us. 29 00:03:18,615 --> 00:03:23,536 We started using alternate materials, which ruined trade. 30 00:03:23,536 --> 00:03:26,539 Our family took the blame for that. 31 00:03:26,581 --> 00:03:30,543 Since we had no money left, my older sister went to the rear palace. 32 00:03:30,585 --> 00:03:35,590 When my younger sister said she'd go too, I volunteered to come instead. 33 00:03:36,549 --> 00:03:40,511 Becoming a eunuch was less popular and was worth more money. 34 00:03:40,553 --> 00:03:44,515 I never got to see my older sister, though. 35 00:03:44,515 --> 00:03:48,519 Hmm. He's been through more than I imagined. 36 00:03:58,571 --> 00:04:01,532 Excuse me. I'm here to continue cleaning. 37 00:04:01,532 --> 00:04:02,617 Oh, hey, little lady. 38 00:04:06,537 --> 00:04:07,622 My little sister sent me a letter. 39 00:04:07,622 --> 00:04:11,584 Our family might not be the palace purveyor anymore. 40 00:04:11,584 --> 00:04:16,547 True, this isn't palace quality. 41 00:04:16,547 --> 00:04:21,552 Losing purveyor status would be a big deal in terms of sales. 42 00:04:21,552 --> 00:04:23,513 I wonder why? 43 00:04:23,513 --> 00:04:27,558 They just told me they came up with a way to produce more paper. 44 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:32,563 Produce more? Did they cut some corners? 45 00:04:32,563 --> 00:04:37,527 Of course not! They started using oxen for hard labor. 46 00:04:38,528 --> 00:04:41,572 They didn't change the ingredients nor the process... 47 00:04:42,532 --> 00:04:44,575 Not the time for cleaning, I guess. 48 00:04:45,535 --> 00:04:48,579 Compared to the shoddy stuff sold everywhere, 49 00:04:48,579 --> 00:04:54,585 this has no impurities, the fibers are evenly crushed, and it's got consistent thickness. 50 00:04:54,585 --> 00:04:57,547 The only issues are scuffing on the surface, and... 51 00:04:59,549 --> 00:05:00,550 Its strength! 52 00:05:01,551 --> 00:05:03,553 What exactly is this unchanged process? 53 00:05:03,553 --> 00:05:06,514 It's the same as normal papermaking. 54 00:05:06,514 --> 00:05:11,519 However, our family has a special way of crushing the ingredients and creating glue... 55 00:05:11,519 --> 00:05:13,521 Oh, but that's a secret. 56 00:05:13,563 --> 00:05:16,524 So, he doesn't blab about that. 57 00:05:17,525 --> 00:05:19,569 Is there special attention paid to the water? 58 00:05:19,569 --> 00:05:25,533 Yes. We use stored spring water to make the glue harden properly. 59 00:05:25,533 --> 00:05:27,577 It's for managing the humidity, but... 60 00:05:28,536 --> 00:05:30,538 The rest is a secret. 61 00:05:30,580 --> 00:05:34,584 Oxen, stored spring water... 62 00:05:40,548 --> 00:05:44,552 Do you use boiled rice water for glue? 63 00:05:44,552 --> 00:05:47,555 No, it's wheat flour, the way it's supposed to be. 64 00:05:47,597 --> 00:05:50,558 Otherwise, the hardening is... Oh! 65 00:05:51,559 --> 00:05:54,562 Hey little lady, forget I said that, okay?! 66 00:05:54,562 --> 00:05:55,563 Yes. 67 00:05:56,564 --> 00:05:59,525 So, where do you keep the oxen? 68 00:05:59,567 --> 00:06:02,570 I don't know about that. 69 00:06:02,570 --> 00:06:03,571 I see. 70 00:06:07,575 --> 00:06:09,494 Arrowroot gruel? 71 00:06:12,538 --> 00:06:15,541 Little lady, you got the ratio wrong. 72 00:06:15,583 --> 00:06:18,544 It's stuck on the cup and hard to drink. 73 00:06:18,586 --> 00:06:23,508 Oh, sorry. I'll teach you how to make it easier to drink. 74 00:06:23,508 --> 00:06:24,592 Can you repeat after me? 75 00:06:29,514 --> 00:06:32,558 Like this, you lick the spoon and mix. 76 00:06:32,558 --> 00:06:34,560 That seems like poor manners. 77 00:06:41,567 --> 00:06:44,570 Oh, it's no longer sticky. 78 00:06:45,530 --> 00:06:46,531 Right? 79 00:06:46,572 --> 00:06:50,535 Isn't arrowroot gruel kind of like glue? 80 00:06:50,535 --> 00:06:53,579 Hmm, I suppose so. 81 00:06:53,579 --> 00:06:57,583 Maybe mixing saliva into glue would make it less sticky as well. 82 00:06:58,543 --> 00:06:59,585 Exactly. 83 00:07:01,504 --> 00:07:02,547 Exactly what? 84 00:07:03,548 --> 00:07:05,508 This quack really can't take a hint. 85 00:07:05,591 --> 00:07:10,555 Oxen have lots of saliva in their mouths. 86 00:07:11,514 --> 00:07:15,601 Perhaps you should check where those oxen are getting their water. 87 00:07:18,521 --> 00:07:20,606 I must send a letter to my sister! 88 00:07:22,567 --> 00:07:24,569 I'll take my leave for today. 89 00:07:29,615 --> 00:07:31,617 I'm back. 90 00:07:31,617 --> 00:07:33,536 Oh, Maomao. 91 00:07:33,578 --> 00:07:36,581 Someone sent a message that you're needed urgently. 92 00:07:37,582 --> 00:07:39,542 Where should I go? 93 00:07:40,585 --> 00:07:43,588 How much would it cost to buy out a courtesan? 94 00:07:45,590 --> 00:07:48,593 And here I thought it was about Suirei... 95 00:07:48,593 --> 00:07:50,511 What a dumb dog. 96 00:07:50,511 --> 00:07:52,513 Hear me out, missy! 97 00:07:52,513 --> 00:07:53,598 At the Verdigris House the other day, 98 00:07:53,598 --> 00:07:56,601 I heard rumors that one of the Three Princesses is getting bought out! 99 00:07:57,518 --> 00:08:00,605 And so he got worried about Pairin. 100 00:08:01,564 --> 00:08:03,524 The cost really depends. 101 00:08:03,524 --> 00:08:04,609 Give me the max. 102 00:08:04,609 --> 00:08:09,530 Understood. Please understand that market prices fluctuate a lot, 103 00:08:09,530 --> 00:08:10,615 so this is just a rough estimate. 104 00:08:10,615 --> 00:08:12,575 Give it to me straight. 105 00:08:13,576 --> 00:08:14,577 How much? 106 00:08:15,536 --> 00:08:17,538 This is a tough one. 107 00:08:17,580 --> 00:08:24,587 The cost of buying out a courtesan is based on how much she could make at the brothel, 108 00:08:27,173 --> 00:08:33,137 If someone were to buy out Pairin, there are two candidates who are long-time favorites. 109 00:08:34,096 --> 00:08:35,181 T-Two... 110 00:08:36,098 --> 00:08:39,101 One is a wealthy merchant, 111 00:08:39,143 --> 00:08:43,147 a pleasant older man who continued to visit the Verdigris House while it was in trouble. 112 00:08:43,314 --> 00:08:48,402 Thinking about life after being bought out, neither are... Hmm. 113 00:08:48,402 --> 00:08:50,404 Exhausted? What do you mean? 114 00:08:52,031 --> 00:08:53,032 But? 115 00:08:54,033 --> 00:08:59,038 Until my dad took me in, the ones who took care of me at the Verdigris House were 116 00:08:59,080 --> 00:09:01,123 the old lady and the Three Princesses. 117 00:09:04,210 --> 00:09:10,299 She's definitely lustful, but she's at least equally maternal. 118 00:09:11,259 --> 00:09:13,261 But, what? 119 00:09:17,223 --> 00:09:22,228 Master Lihaku understands what Pairin does for work, and is still in love with her. 120 00:09:22,228 --> 00:09:25,231 He can be a dumb dog, but seems like an honest, hard worker. 121 00:09:25,231 --> 00:09:29,277 Trying to get a promotion for his girl is adorable, if stupid. 122 00:09:30,236 --> 00:09:32,280 Most of all, he has astonishing stamina. 123 00:09:32,405 --> 00:09:33,406 Hmm. 124 00:09:35,408 --> 00:09:38,369 He wouldn't be a bad choice, all considered. 125 00:09:39,328 --> 00:09:43,332 Master Lihaku, may I ask how much you're paid? 126 00:09:43,332 --> 00:09:45,376 What's with that question all of a sudden? 127 00:09:45,376 --> 00:09:47,378 Perhaps 800 silver a year? 128 00:09:47,378 --> 00:09:49,338 Come on, now. 129 00:09:49,338 --> 00:09:50,339 More like 1,200 then? 130 00:09:51,340 --> 00:09:53,426 So, roughly 1,000 silver or so a year. 131 00:09:54,385 --> 00:09:55,386 Is that not enough? 132 00:09:55,386 --> 00:09:56,345 Afraid not. 133 00:09:56,387 --> 00:09:59,348 They'd ask at least 10,000 in cash. 134 00:10:00,349 --> 00:10:01,392 T-Ten thousand?! 135 00:10:02,351 --> 00:10:04,395 A cheap courtesan would cost around 400. 136 00:10:04,395 --> 00:10:10,359 One of the Three Princesses of the Verdigris House? 10,000 silver, at the very least. 137 00:10:11,402 --> 00:10:12,403 Ten thousand... 138 00:10:14,322 --> 00:10:17,366 Hey, so... let's say I find that much somewhere. 139 00:10:17,366 --> 00:10:19,410 You think I'll be able to buy her out with that? 140 00:10:20,328 --> 00:10:24,373 How likely do I think it is that she'd dramatically turn you down, you mean? 141 00:10:28,377 --> 00:10:30,338 Fine, fine. 142 00:10:31,380 --> 00:10:34,425 Master Lihaku, could you take off your clothes? 143 00:10:36,344 --> 00:10:38,387 If I do, am I less likely to get dumped? 144 00:10:38,387 --> 00:10:42,433 One thing I know for sure is the body type she likes. 145 00:10:44,352 --> 00:10:45,353 I'll strip! 146 00:10:49,357 --> 00:10:50,399 Your pants too, please. 147 00:10:51,359 --> 00:10:52,360 Pants, too? 148 00:10:52,360 --> 00:10:53,402 Yes. 149 00:10:54,362 --> 00:10:59,367 Then, can you raise your arms up to your shoulders and flex your muscles? 150 00:11:01,369 --> 00:11:02,370 Like this? 151 00:11:02,411 --> 00:11:08,417 Pairin's not a picky eater, but she does have preferences. 152 00:11:08,417 --> 00:11:11,379 Hmm, not bad... 153 00:11:12,338 --> 00:11:15,341 Next, lower your arms, then flex again. 154 00:11:15,424 --> 00:11:16,425 Like this? 155 00:11:18,386 --> 00:11:21,389 As a good military man, he trains often. 156 00:11:22,348 --> 00:11:24,392 Good musculature. 157 00:11:25,351 --> 00:11:27,353 He might stand a chance. 158 00:11:30,147 --> 00:11:34,151 What in the world are you two doing? 159 00:11:34,193 --> 00:11:38,114 Greetings, Master Jinshi. 160 00:11:42,118 --> 00:11:44,203 Now, what exactly were you up to? 161 00:11:44,203 --> 00:11:47,206 Pretty people are so scary when they're angry. 162 00:11:48,165 --> 00:11:51,127 What, you ask? 163 00:11:51,127 --> 00:11:54,171 Well, I was summoned to give my opinion about a matter. 164 00:11:54,171 --> 00:11:57,133 Why was that man undressed like that? 165 00:11:57,133 --> 00:11:59,093 Nothing improper was going on. 166 00:11:59,135 --> 00:12:00,219 I was just taking a good look. 167 00:12:03,139 --> 00:12:06,183 A good look? You? 168 00:12:06,183 --> 00:12:09,103 Yes, just looking. 169 00:12:09,103 --> 00:12:10,146 What for? 170 00:12:10,146 --> 00:12:12,148 What for, you ask? 171 00:12:12,189 --> 00:12:15,109 To see if his body is good enough. 172 00:12:15,109 --> 00:12:17,153 What better way to know than to inspect him myself? 173 00:12:17,194 --> 00:12:19,155 If his body is "good enough," you said?! 174 00:12:20,114 --> 00:12:24,118 Yes. Appearances are only a part of what defines a person, 175 00:12:24,118 --> 00:12:26,162 but being suited to one's taste is always a plus. 176 00:12:28,873 --> 00:12:33,836 So, what did you think about that man's appearance? 177 00:12:33,878 --> 00:12:36,881 It was a very well-balanced body. 178 00:12:36,881 --> 00:12:41,844 He seems like a hard worker who trains diligently. 179 00:12:41,844 --> 00:12:44,889 I'd guess he's quite a skilled fighter, even compared to other military men. 180 00:12:45,890 --> 00:12:49,894 You can read a person's personality just by their build? 181 00:12:50,895 --> 00:12:54,899 A person's appearance reflects their daily routines quite accurately. 182 00:12:54,899 --> 00:12:59,820 As an apothecary, it's not rare to get customers who won't tell us about themselves. 183 00:12:59,862 --> 00:13:01,822 So you learn this naturally on the job. 184 00:13:02,823 --> 00:13:05,868 Can you tell from looking at my body, too? 185 00:13:05,868 --> 00:13:06,827 Huh? 186 00:13:06,911 --> 00:13:10,873 Wait, is he jealous of Master Lihaku? 187 00:13:10,873 --> 00:13:12,875 Oh, wow. I can't believe this guy. 188 00:13:13,876 --> 00:13:16,879 He just wants to brag that he's prettier! 189 00:13:17,838 --> 00:13:20,841 I do know he has a beautiful body. 190 00:13:20,841 --> 00:13:23,844 I was quite surprised by how well-toned it was. 191 00:13:23,886 --> 00:13:24,887 But... 192 00:13:25,846 --> 00:13:29,850 There'd be no point in learning about your body. 193 00:13:30,893 --> 00:13:36,857 I don't think you would get along with my sister. 194 00:13:36,857 --> 00:13:37,817 Huh?! 195 00:13:40,861 --> 00:13:44,907 As I waste time like this, Pairin could get bought out. 196 00:13:45,825 --> 00:13:49,870 But I'm not yet capable of doing anything about it... 197 00:13:53,833 --> 00:13:54,875 Pairin... 198 00:13:57,837 --> 00:13:58,838 Hmm? 199 00:14:01,841 --> 00:14:03,843 What in the world is going on? 200 00:14:03,884 --> 00:14:06,846 Jinshi, I think his name was? 201 00:14:06,846 --> 00:14:09,849 He's rumored to be the emperor's favorite... 202 00:14:10,808 --> 00:14:13,811 Thank you for your hospitality with my attendant the other day. 203 00:14:13,894 --> 00:14:16,856 Oh, you're quite welcome... 204 00:14:16,856 --> 00:14:20,818 I hear you're romantically pursuing someone. 205 00:14:22,820 --> 00:14:24,905 Did that girl talk? 206 00:14:25,865 --> 00:14:28,826 Is that why he's smiling so much? 207 00:14:29,869 --> 00:14:36,834 At his young age, high status, and being called the most beautiful person in the nation, 208 00:14:36,834 --> 00:14:39,879 the matter of buying out a courtesan must be a joke to him. 209 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:42,840 I don't mind being made fun of. 210 00:14:42,923 --> 00:14:46,886 But if he insults Pairin, that's a different story. 211 00:14:47,845 --> 00:14:49,889 If he insults her... 212 00:14:49,889 --> 00:14:50,890 20,000. 213 00:14:52,808 --> 00:14:56,812 What would you say if I offered you the money to buy out your girl? 214 00:14:59,857 --> 00:15:01,901 What do you mean? 215 00:15:01,901 --> 00:15:03,861 Precisely what I said. 216 00:15:09,825 --> 00:15:10,910 I appreciate your generosity, 217 00:15:11,869 --> 00:15:16,832 but is it alright for you to suddenly offer that to an officer you barely know? 218 00:15:16,832 --> 00:15:20,836 My cat can be quite cautious. 219 00:15:20,878 --> 00:15:23,797 And yet, she's willing to give you advice, 220 00:15:23,797 --> 00:15:29,803 and consider you as a candidate for her sister's life partner. 221 00:15:29,887 --> 00:15:35,893 In other words, if your cautious cat lets her guard down around me, I'm trustworthy. 222 00:15:39,855 --> 00:15:41,899 Did I say something bad? 223 00:15:42,858 --> 00:15:46,820 I've heard some stories about you. 224 00:15:47,821 --> 00:15:49,865 You do come from a good family, 225 00:15:49,865 --> 00:15:53,827 but it still must have been hard for you to become a military officer here at the capital. 226 00:15:53,911 --> 00:15:59,875 I hear you were discovered by our sharp-eyed strategist and assigned to lead a squad. 227 00:16:01,919 --> 00:16:04,880 The official story was that the prior squad leader retired 228 00:16:04,880 --> 00:16:06,840 and I was simply pushed up, but... 229 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:11,887 Wouldn't anybody want to have a good relationship with a promising officer? 230 00:16:12,888 --> 00:16:16,892 Still, 20,000 silver is way too much. 231 00:16:16,892 --> 00:16:21,855 I only really need half as much... no, even just a quarter would do it. 232 00:16:27,820 --> 00:16:31,865 I'm very glad to hear that you think so highly of me. 233 00:16:31,865 --> 00:16:34,868 I also find your offer quite hard to resist. 234 00:16:35,828 --> 00:16:39,832 But I can't accept that silver here. 235 00:16:40,833 --> 00:16:42,918 For you, she might just be a local courtesan, 236 00:16:43,836 --> 00:16:46,880 but for me, she's the only woman in my world. 237 00:16:47,840 --> 00:16:52,803 To welcome a wife with someone else's money... 238 00:16:54,847 --> 00:16:56,890 What kind of man would that make me? 239 00:17:01,895 --> 00:17:04,857 I see. Pardon me. 240 00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:05,858 Huh? 241 00:17:05,858 --> 00:17:08,861 I may need to speak with you soon. 242 00:17:09,820 --> 00:17:10,821 Is that alright with you? 243 00:17:19,830 --> 00:17:20,873 Master Jinshi. 244 00:17:20,873 --> 00:17:21,874 Yes. 245 00:17:22,833 --> 00:17:23,917 There was nothing to be worried about, yes. 246 00:17:27,838 --> 00:17:29,840 What was that all about?! 247 00:17:29,882 --> 00:17:32,885 Now, what to do? 248 00:17:33,886 --> 00:17:39,850 I guess I should show off at the next training... 249 00:17:40,809 --> 00:17:42,853 Or perhaps I should ask for more work... 250 00:17:44,855 --> 00:17:46,857 Or... Right. 251 00:17:52,863 --> 00:17:55,908 I'll write to her, even if I don't know when I can see next. 252 00:17:56,950 --> 00:18:01,914 I can't force my will on her. I should hear what she thinks. 253 00:18:08,796 --> 00:18:10,839 I don't care if her response is purely diplomatic. 254 00:18:10,839 --> 00:18:13,801 Believing in her words will help me get through my days. 255 00:18:35,989 --> 00:18:39,034 I just have to pursue her in a way I believe in. 256 00:18:42,996 --> 00:18:47,042 "Despite what the old lady thinks, I'm still in the game. 257 00:18:48,001 --> 00:18:53,006 Besides, I'm still waiting for my prince to come for me." 258 00:18:54,007 --> 00:18:56,051 Yeah, that's what I thought. 259 00:18:56,051 --> 00:19:02,015 If Pairin likes him, he won't need 10,000 silver. 260 00:19:02,015 --> 00:19:03,976 Beyond that, it's just luck. 261 00:19:06,019 --> 00:19:09,022 "When a certain someone came and talked about buying people out, 262 00:19:09,022 --> 00:19:11,066 I think one of the servant girls got the wrong idea." 263 00:19:19,992 --> 00:19:21,034 That man. 264 00:19:24,037 --> 00:19:25,038 Master Lakan. 265 00:19:26,039 --> 00:19:28,000 I finally found you. 266 00:19:28,041 --> 00:19:31,044 Master Lakan, the meeting is starting. 267 00:19:32,004 --> 00:19:33,046 Blue roses. 268 00:19:35,007 --> 00:19:36,008 What did you say?