IN A FEW WORDS
The Sword and the Brocade is a 2021 drama which I am a bit late to check out. At first glance, it isn’t better or worse than any drama of the same genre that came out around that time (or recently). It follows a familiar formula: a quiet, cast-out female lead who, by circumstance, crosses the path of a work-driven male lead.
It all depends on the chemistry.
RECAP
The female lead, Shiyi, is an un-favored daughter of a wealthy family. Her childhood was difficult and even now she frequently has nightmares about how she and her mom were beaten while the first lady of the house stood on the side and smiled like she was having a good foot-massage.
Growing up, Shiyi and her mom have to make a living on their own. Luckily, the girl is excellent with needlework. She also harbors a dream of opening her own tailor shop.
So far, so good.
The male protagonist is an officer. A busy man who is on a mission as we speak. But don’t worry, the camera does make sure you get a full view of his beautiful face before he takes off.
Uh-huh.
So, one day, Shiyi and her household arrive at a restaurant in the city where some shady business is taking place. The waiter knows it and tries to send them away when they ask for a table to save them the trouble. But, what do you know, Shiyi’s maid just can’t take no for an answer.
The girl urges the other two ladies to sit down anyway. Shiyi recognizes the threat as she sees weapons on the tables around and some obviously murderous-looking guys.
But it was already too late. One of them grabs and uses her as a hostage, attempting to escape the officers around.
A distance away, the male lead is approaching on horseback. However, Shiyi is not easily bullied. She pulls out a needle — from her travel sewing kit, I guess – and pricked at the guy’s hand, making him loosen his grip. This is why you don’t mess with ladies who can sew, OK?
Now, the male lead, aka good-looking officer, releases an arrow which hits the bad guy. But as he falls into a lake, he drags Shiyi down with him.
The officer of course jumps down to save her. What else do you think he’s here for? Crime investigation? But Shiyi passes out before they can reach the surface.
When she wakes up, Shiyi is a little giddy inside about being saved by that officer, which is understandable. Who can forget the first dashing stranger who jumps into a dangerous body of water to rescue you?
Shiyi’s maid, though, complains that the officer was too careless and could have hit Shiyi with his arrow. This maid just loves to be the boss, doesn’t she.
Anyway, Shiyi goes out to find her savior so she can thank him. Directed by the maid, again, Shiyi approaches a man in the courtyard. Her timid voice turns his head.
Oh no. Girl, that… that is not him. Not even close. This is the most tragic misunderstanding I have ever seen.
This guy actually helped both her and the officer onto his boat when they were struggling in the lake. He doesn’t reject Shiyi’s gratitude since she is a little unclear about what she is thanking him for. So he blatantly checks her out and is like: sure, you’re welcome. While the real savior is stitching up his injury from his fight with the outlaw underwater.
Well, well, again, how tragic.
When Shiyi gets home. She learns that a marriage is underway for one of the girls in the house. It could be her or one of her half-sisters.
COMMENTS
I guess we all have Shiyi’s maid to thank for. Without her, this drama would have been very different.