In my previous writeup, I made much ado about LanXiang being the human orchid nestling between rocks.

In truth, however, JinQi is an orchid too, but his fragrance is something LanXiang doesn’t notice just like the orchids in the Chinese proverbs.

According to google, there are two classical sayings tied to the “fragrance of orchids.” (LanXiang literally means orchid fragrance.)

One, 入芝兰之室，久而不闻其香 (Rù zhī lán zhī shì, jiǔ ér bù wén qí xiāng)
Literal translation: Entering a room of orchids and irises; after a long time, you no longer notice the scent.
Usual interpretation: According to Confucius, an individual who stays in good surroundings (or bad space, for that matter) can grow accustomed to the goodness and cease to notice its good qualities.

In English, the darkest place is under a candlestick. Or familiarity breeds contempt. Lol. We always like to see context.

My re-interpretation: Well, I’m not Confucius, but I say that JinQi has been showing interest in LX, but each time, she FAILS TO SEE his goodness and feelings. She takes his metaphorical fragrance for granted.

Case in point, she didn’t even wonder how she got to her room on that night she was completely drunk. She just assumed she got there on her own, and her friends tucked her in. She missed his “fragrance” so to speak.

Two, 芝兰生于深林，不以无人而不芳 (Zhī lán shēng yú shēn lín, bù yǐ wú rén ér bù fāng)
Literal translation: Orchids grow in deep forests, but they do not stop being fragrant just because no one is around.
Usual interpretation: A noble person remains noble whether or not he has an audience to witness his deeds.

In English, this Confucian saying is posed as a riddle. “If a tree falls in a forest, and no one hears it, does it make a sound?” The answer is “it depends.” 🙂 Scientifically speaking, sound (i.e., sound waves) is created when the tree hits the ground. But realistically speaking, no sound is heard because no listener is present to perceive it.

My re-interpretation: Well, according to moi, JinQi continues to love and care for LX, but all his intentions and actions are futile because LX doesn’t notice them.

That’s why these episodes have been frustrating on both JinQi and the viewers. Let me build up my case.

Episode 19

1. JinQi readily agrees to emancipate Lanxiang and her parents.

His mother is surprised, not only at his willingness, but also his promptness to free the Xu family. But she knows that no prospective wife of JQ would look askance at the presence of a smart and beautiful maid like LX by JQ’s side.

His purported reasons however, are that a) their emancipation will counteract the negative stories from the Du siblings’ fallout, and b) their emancipation will serve as an example. It will instill in any servant’s mind that loyalty and outstanding service will be rewarded. And it will also teach masters that they shouldn’t treat their servants unfairly.

Of course, both his mother doesn’t understand his real reason for doing this. And LanXiang doesn’t smell the metaphorical fragrance of this orchid. He’s setting her up to be his future wife. He can’t marry his servant (e.g., the appearance of abuse and impropriety), but a commoner is a more acceptable match.

2. JinQi nimbly avoids LX’s parents’ bowing to him.

In Confucian culture, children are the ones obligated to bow to their parents as a sign of their filial respect. Their parents and grandparents don’t bow to them. That would be considered a reversal or distortion of this notion of filial piety. And, according to superstition, it may bring them bad luck.

Thus, when LX’s parents are about to bow to JQ as a sign of their gratitude for their emancipation, he skips to the side. Even back then, he already sees LX’s parents as his parents, or his future parents-in-law. So he can’t accept their deference.

LX thinks he’s just acting oddly. She doesn’t see the orchid’s fragrance.

3. JQ is extraordinary pleased by LX’s farewell wishes.

LX’s mother knows that they can’t ever repay his great kindness (i.e., the nobility of an orchid), but LX promises that every day from then on, they’ll pray to their gods to bestow blessings upon JQ and his mother

LX: May First Madam be blessed with many descendants and an ever-flourishing family line. May Young Master be blessed with a destined match and a marriage in Heaven.

JQ tries to hide his laughter. She doesn’t know that, for him, those aren’t just wishes. That’s his ultimate goal and he intends to work on it. Sooner or later, he’ll marry her. They aren’t empty words for him.

JQ: You certainly have a way with words. What you said is exactly what First Madam and I wish for. (offering his own best wishes) May your auspicious words come true.

She looks at him with happy and unsuspecting eyes. Naturally, she doesn’t get his double meaning. She doesn’t smell his orchid fragrance.

4. He watches her skip out of the room, unhappily.

She bows to him in parting, then grabs her sack. She chases after her parents, without looking back at him. If she could have danced out of there, she would have.

JQ: She certainly looks happy. (sighing) Not the least bit reluctant to leave.

Sorry, JinQi/orchid! Whether it’s entering or leaving the room, she doesn’t notice your fragrance.

This reminds me of the iconic scene from “North and South.” Have you watched that miniseries yet? 

JinQi is lowkey Mr. Thorton here. 🙂

Episode 20. To be continued…