Episode 03
And this is what happened.
I came here to ask you to drop the case
against my friend and release him.
Miss Yin,
you helped me escape from danger.
I will not forget your good deed.
I can promise you anything,
but not this.
- Send someone to the Xu residence to accomplish the mission.- Yes, sir.
Uncle!
Uncle, save me!
- Uncle! - Hurry up!
Let me go!
Uncle, save me!
Master! Master!
- What happened?- It is terrible! Your nephew was arrested by the Governor's soldiers!
Fourth Master.
My nephew was arrested last night.
I would like to ask why? What crimes did he commit and why did you arrest him?
General Xu, you dare to question me?
Under your very nose, your nephew was smuggling and selling foreign medicine.
Are you really unknowing or just pretending?
W... what? He was selling foreign medicine?
Aiyo, is that really a crime?
Fourth Master, do General Xu a favor and order the Minister to decrease his nephew's penalty.
General Chang, when my father was alive,
the embargo on transporting foreign medicine was already in force.
Transporting foreign medicine is a grave crime. As grave as selling guns.
How can I let it go? - But your father
It was the same story when your father was still alive.
He was always closing eyes on illegal transportation of foreign medicine,
therefore, it never stopped.
Exactly.
Fourth Master, why are you overreacting?
General Xu, you are wrong.
This illegal act was prohibited when my father was alive.
Since his death this act is increasing day by day.
That is why I decided to use this opportunity to put an end to this harmful trend.
Fourth Master... Fourth Master, listen to me.
Since the market needs the foreign medicine,
there are people who live from this kind of trade, am I right?
I advise you to not be too severe on this.
Wouldn't it be good to have a way to help many survive?
Leave them a way to survive? Why are they not involved in rightful deeds then?
Did I forbid them to do it or did they work themselves into their current demise?
- Fourth Master, I... - I understand everything that you said.
There is no need to waste more time on this issue.
I was always loyal to the former Governor and will stay loyal to Fourth Master.
Shall I grant you a request for releasing my nephew?
General Xu, I personally supervise this action. Therefore, I must set an example of the culprit.
If I let this slide,
how will I increase my reputation with the Chengzhou Army?
Fourth Master, why are you denying
all your close contacts.
In order to increase your reputation, you are willing to provoke the army's most Senior Generals?
General Chang, you are exaggerating.
Which Generals from our army would dare to violate my direct order?
Fourth Master, I will ask for the last time.
Is it really true that you will not release my nephew?
All people involved in this case will be shot with no change of a pardon.
Execution will take place tomorrow afternoon. I already gave the orders.
No, no, no, Fourth Master... Fourth Master...
Former Governor's gratitude for us...- General Chang and General Xu, I am going to investigate.
I already said everything I needed. Please go back.
Fourth Master, listen to me.
- Lieutenant Shen! - Yes!
See them out.- Yes, sir.
Fourth Master! Fourth...!
Generals, please.
I...
General Xu. I am waiting for your order. I will listen to you.
If you command me to go and save your nephew,
I will wipe them out by leading my soldiers in.
No! Absolutely not.
General Chang, if we act irresponsibly, we will fail.
Do you not see,
since the beginning Mu Rong has cornered us and now he has raised a knife to our necks!
If this continues, he will...
Listen to me, General Chng.
Listen well.
Mu Rong acted on an impulse.
He did this only to provoke us.
Isn't it obvious?
He just wanted to flaunt his rank in front of us.
If he dares to slay people in such a crucial matter, he really is a 'good for nothing' as you said.
You're right.- Sooner or later...
I will make him pay for this!
But your nephew will be killed for no valid reason!
To realise a bigger goal,
one should not worry about private affairs.
General Chang,
if our big plan will really succeed
it will go to my nephew's merit.
Speak.
What goods did you transport for the Xu family?
F...foreign medicine.
Were there others involved?
Name them!
There was nobody else.
Why did you hit me? - I hit you
because you, an honest merchant, did the dirty work.
I didn't!
Do you know what will happen today?
General Xu' nephew will be executed today.
What?
Master Xu...
He will be shot this afternoon.
Xu Jian Zhang, I will give you a few more days.
Think well. Among the goods you brought them,
was there really only normal things
or was there something special?
Cut the chatter! Tell me where is our slice of the cake among the new weapons being given to the Army?
This batch of weapons is for Commander Cheng's troops stationed in the North.
General Yu has been lacking ammunition for a long time.
I know nothing of it!
We are all brother units in six provinces north of the river! Why are you so biased?
Fourth Master! My nephew is already dead.
As for me, I don't want to ask you for anything.
I only want you to understand my loyality.
But you are not evenwilling to give us ten boxes of ammunition!
General Xu, your nephew was legally sentenced to death.
This is something different. Don't throw them in the same sack.
Then why?!
Fourth Master. When he was alive, the former Governor respected us a lot.
You are not like him at all. I do not want to offend you.
You have us watched from morning till evening. Why?
Are you taking us for thieves?!
Tell me, brothers. Is it fair?
Fourth Master, Fourth Master!
A woman cries at your doors.
She demands to see you immediately.
I am in the meeting. Make her leave.
But this woman will not go before seeing you.
All right. That's all for today.
We'll discuss the ammunition problem next time.
Meeting adjourned.
Fourth Master! Hey!
What does it mean?
Fourth Master, I am really sorry.
I really did not want to disrupt your meeting.
But after hearing that they executed the merchants who smuggled medicine today
my heart grew heavy and I recklessly came here. Please forgive me.
No, on the contrary, your visit was of benefit to me.
Fourth Master, I really do not understand.
Anyway, I am thankful to you for today.
Fourth Master, if you say it like that, I am reassured.
Sit down.
Miss Yin, despite the long distance, you came to save your friend at all cost.
I allow myself to ask you, who is he to you, that you want to save him so much.
Xu Jian Zhang is my fiancee.
It is rare to find such a loyal woman as you, Miss Yin.
I admire you very much.
But I am sorry.
I hope you can understand the difficult situation I am in.
I understand.
It is not easy to manage 11 divisions located in nine provinces.
Conservatists are surely plotting a coup
Facing such threat, you cannot allow yourself any misstep.
Why are you saying this, Miss Yin?
It's my personal opinion.
Despite being young, you have succeeded your father.
There are certainly those who disagree.
This is how it was yesterday, today and will be tomorrow.
You have just managed to touch me with your speech.
Despite that...
Despite that I will be frank with you.
Your request was rejected.
If I can be useful in other issues,
ask freely, Miss.
I have no other requests for you.
Fourth Master, can I at least visit Jian Zhang in prison?
No problem.
Bearer! - Yes, Fourth Master.
Prepare a car to drive Miss to the prison.
Yes, sir.
Timing and subtitles brought to you by the Gone with the Shirt Team @Viki
Jian Zhang, Jian Zhang!
Jian Zhang!
Jian Zhang, are you all right?
Were you beaten?!
Come, sit down.
Jing Wan, I am scared.
Scared that I will not stay alive.
Don't say such useless things! Don't!
Jing Wan...
you need to take care of your family,
my Grandmother and my siblings that are still too young.
How will they survive if I am not around?
Jian Zhang, don't say such things.
I will not allow you to fall into despair.
Look at me.
I will save you at any cost.
Jing Wan, you know nothing.
This case is not as simple as you think.
Since entering the prison,
I know my life is in danger.
Don't talk so indiscriminately.
You were only smuggling foreign medicine. It is not something very grave.
When the wind changes, at any cost
and with help of our contacts, I will save you.
Smuggling foreign medicine...
Jian Zhang, what is it?
I shouldn't have meddled in Xu family' affairs.
It was wrong of me
to bring in the detonator.
Everything started with its arrival at the town's gate
during the former Governor's funeral.
What did you say? What detonator?
I have not understood a word.
I knew that dealing with the Xu family would not be simple.
Of course I knew it.
I was present at the explosion at the town's gate.
Jian Zhang, was it Master Xu that ordered you
to smuggle in the detonator?
Master Xu.
Master Xu was executed.
He could not save his life, despite having a powerful uncle.
How can I, a mere merchant,
stay alive?
I am sure that General Xu and his nephew are connected to this case.
The detonator used during the former Governor's funeral was smuggled from Wuchi.
Fourth Master, if...
if Jian Zhang could lead you on the right track,
could you spare his life,
and make the decision after finishing this case?
Fourth Master...- Miss Yin.
The things you revealed, are not a trivial matter.
I cannot rely on your one-sided story and suspect my officers.
Fourth Master, I swear.
Everything I said was the truth.
Even if you want to save your fiancee,
you shouldn't slander respected officers with baseless rumors.
- Fourth Master, I...- All right. This talk is done.
Miss Yin, you may go.
I need to stay strong and face it all courageously.
I won't fail saving Jian Zhang.
Miss Yin, don't be afraid. I was sent by Fourth Master.
Fourth Master?
But... why did he send you here at this late hour?
Fourth Master ordered me to bring you. He will personally explain everything.
Can you follow me to the Governor's residence?
Miss Yin, I am sorry if I scared you.
Fourth Master, why have you called me here so late at night?
Due to the knowledge you possess, you are no longer able to leave Chengzhou.
For your own security, I ask you to live here for the time being.
So you do believe in what I told you today?
Miss, please do not ask any questions.
The less you know, the safer you will be.
Escort Miss Yin to Third Miss. - Yes.
These days my sister also stays at the Governor's residence.
She is responsible for preparing your room.
Come, Miss Yin.
Look. This is the living room.
Let's go inside.
This is the bedroom.
All things inside were cleaned.
You do not have to worry, Miss Yin.
Come.
This is Sister-in-Law Lan who has worked here for many years. She is very reliable.
As you have not brought your own servant, she will be at your disposal.
Welcome, Miss Yin.
Third Miss, you have really thought of everything.
Don't mention it. You also have a balcony here. Come with me.
Come on.
Look how beautiful this balcony is.
If you have time, you can relax here.
My Fourth Brother works and lives there.
I do not know why he is so busy these days.
He works late into the night.
He is not the only one who is busy.
My father-in-law, General Chang talks with General Xu all day long.
I am asking myself if the war will start.
But it seems it is not the case.
Third Miss, is General Xu often visiting with General Cheng?
He comes there almost everyday. This irritates me.
My in-law is very traditional.
As soon as General Xu comes, he orders all women out of the room.
This forces me to stay in my room all day long.
It really irritates me.
Thankfully, my Fourth Brother asked me to relocate here.
So now we can play mahjong together.
The wind is picking up. Let's go inside.
All right.
In-law Lan, serve us some tea.
Miss Yin, why did you come here?
Do you have an urgent matter?
Fourth Master, I might have a good lead concerning the issue we spoke about before.
So… do you know everything already?
Miss Yin, let's not talk anymore.
After my father's quick demise,
six provinces on the north side of the river
as well as officers and soldiers of Chengzhou' Army
became my burden.
Nevertheless, I alone need to bear it.
I am therefore in a constant state of stress, without any relief.
I often come here to unburden my heart by talking to my father's spirit.
I often ask him what he would do in my place.
The heart of your father and your's beat in the same rhythm.You are linked by blood.
You have inherited his wisdom.
He educated you by using his actions as examples.
You are just like him, Fourth Master.
His teachings are engraved in my heart.
I remember when I was three or four
and ice skated with my father on the frozen Chengjian.
He never came to console me whenever I fell down.
When I was wiping my teary eyes
he coldly told me,
"My son, you need to learn how to rise up when you feel bad"
The Former Governor was a strict father.
He taught you well.
On the joyous day of my 18th birthday,
I was waiting for my father's gift.
Guess what I received?
I cannot guess. But I think it was an unforgetable present.
It was really an unfogettable present.
That day my father gave me the newest German handgun, fully loaded.
Then he said: "Tomorrow morning you will go as the Head of the Regiment to eliminate bandits in the mountains."
"You will not come back, until you have fulfilled your mission".
It was the first time I was managing the Army
and the first time I came back successful.
I remember what he said while patting my shoulders,
"Pei Lin, you have finally grown up".
So that is how it was.
The soul of your father will protect you, Fourth Master.
Also, I am sure that no matter how great your problems and burdens,
you will be able to safely overcome them and protect the land left by the former Governor to you.
Come with me somewhere.
Thank you, thank you.
Fourth Master, this is...
Every year, ice floods occur in some areas of Chengjian.
They gravely affect the safety of the people living in the area.
In order to increase the safety of the population, I gathered the people here from the effected areas.
Everyday we are providing them with goods, so they can lead normal lives.
You are taking good care of your people. I am really touched.
Fourth Master came! Fourth Master came!
Thank you. Fourth Master! Thank you!
You really are Budda incarnated!
Our heartfelt thanks!
Thank you, Fourth Master!
Why is this rice porridge so thin?
Is it how you are helping the effected?
Fourth Master, we don't want to,
but the rescue grains are scarce. We cannot help but use less.
My order is as follows:
distribute to the effected citizens the military provisions that will arrive in Chengzhou.
Thank You, Fourth Master!- No need.
Fourth Master, these military provisions were to be distributed between General Xu and General Chang.
- I am afraid...- Afraid of what?
I am afraid that the Generals will not be happy.
What is more important? To keep General Xu and General Chang happy or help the suffering people?
Quickly execute my order! - Yes, Fourth Master.
Thank you, Fourth Master!
Here, it's for you.
Please, take it. - Thank you, Miss.
Thank you, Fourth Master.
You must be tired, Miss Yin. Please rest here.
Come, bring tea!
Fourth Master!
General Chang, will you join us for tea?
I am not thirsty.
Fourth Master, may I have a word with you?
You can say everything here. Miss Yin is no stranger.
All right.
Fourth Master, have our military provisions not arrived?
You surely know that the military provisions are very limited.
I heard a transport with provisions was due to arrive. Why is there a shortage?
Chengjian is known for its ice floods.
All effected inhabitants are in need of grain reserves.
I therefore distributed the provisions among them.- What?!
Fourth Master, tell me then, who is more important, effected civilians or soldiers?
How can you talk in such way?!
Our military's main goal is to ensure our people's peace and safety.
How can we remain idle, when their lives are in danger?!
Are you a soldier?! - You!
Don't try to intimidate me with this useless speech. I don't care for it.
Useless speech?
Go and visit those effected to see how they fare everyday.
When you come back you can explain to me what a useless speech is and what is reality!
Yes, yes, yes, let's assume you are right.
When will the next train with my provisions arrive?
The officers and soldiers from Chengzhou Army are my dear sons.
When the natural disaster gets under control
I will not fail in giving you your privisions.
All right, I will expect them soon.
Fourth Master, enjoy yourself at ease. I'm going
Timing and subtitles brought to you by the Gone with the Shirt Team @Viki
I'm sorry.
I scared you.
Chang Degui is nothing but a bore.
In order to reason with him, I must resort to larger means. Pardon me, Miss Yin.
It's nothing.
In my opinion you are causing yourself much grief,
willing to balance the interest of diverse parties and still consider the needs of the people.
The situation is unstable
and people's lives are miserable.
Despite that, everyone is only thinking about their own interests,
without seeing the bigger picture.
Just thinking about it make me boil with anger.
Fourth Master has a tender heart and a great mind.
These problems can be overcome.
Let's hope so.
I will do my best.
Miss Yin, you have infused me with a lot of courage today.
Thank you.
Fourth Master, if that's all,
I will return to the residence.
Miss Yin!
Do you really want to risk everything to rescue your fiancee?
Stay at ease. Don't mind us.
Who is this woman with Fourth Master?
She resembles a girl I saw at Cheng's banquet a few days ago.
Really?
It could be that Miss who came with Mrs. Xu.
How come she is that close with Fourth Master?
There are many women close to Fourth Master.
There's nothing strange in that. - How true, how true.
Fourth Master, relax and enjoy.
Miss Yin, you like orchids?
You guessed correctly.
Since childhood I love flowers and plants.
Among all flowers,
orchids are my favourite.
Why from all existing species, do you chose the shady one?
Orchid is a princess among flowers.
It's graceful but not flattering,
Delicate without being fragile.
I admire its beautiful qualities.
Nicely said.
Those qualities go well with Miss Yin's personality.
Listening to this music, makes me want to dance.
Miss Yin, you like to dance?
All right then. In the next days I will organise a ball,
so I can then ask you to dance with me
Xin Zhi, why are you arriving so late?
Come, sit sit.- I'm sorry I made you wait for so long.
Xin Zhi, you've just arrived. Look who's here.
Who is this woman?
I heard it is a Miss Yin from Wuchi.
Right.
You saw her with Commander Chang's wife last time, right?
Yes, it was Mrs. Xu who brought her.
Did you forget, Miss Xin Zhi?
According to our Master, Miss Yin is not like the usual ones.
When our Master went to the Governor's mention to talk,
Fourth Master allowed her to stay, saying she is one of his people.
That's really strange.
As you know, when the former General was still alive
only his fourth concubine was treated in such way.
Of course. Fourth Master regards Miss Yin with a keen eye.
I would like to invite you not just to a ball, but also to an opera.
Fourth Master, you are so attentive.
In truth I am looking for a way to relax. I have loved operas since childhood.
I would like to invite you to an opera called"Wujiaopo".
"Wujiaopo"? I heard of it once.
Do you like it?
Songs are pleasing to listen to.
But in relation to its plot, I do not approve of its hero, Xue Pinggui.
Why not?
In my opinion Xue Pinggui is an ungrateful husband.
In order to gain the throne, he rejected his woman - Wang Baochuan,
and then he ended up giving his wife the queen's title.
What hypocrisy!
But many madams and missis say that Xue Pinggui is an affectionate husband.
He managed to give his woman a happy ending.
This is the misfortune of woman from the old era.
She does not know what is in the outside world, as she serves only one purpose.
Women should guard their dignity.
If she was born in modern times,
she would throw the queen's crown to the ground and leave with her head held high.
Miss Yin, please eat some cake.
Pei Lin! You look like you are having fun. What are you talking about?
Xin Zhi , why are you here?
You forgot it was me who brought you here for the first time?
Come, I will introduce you.
This is Miss Yin Jing Wan.
And this is Miss Cheng Xin Zhi.
Miss Xin Zhi .
Miss Yin.
Look at her confused face.
- Right.- It will be fun to watch.
Not bad.
Between those two, Fourth Master looks like a dear caught in the headlights.
So true!
Miss Xin Zhi, I met you once before at Commander Cheng's residence.
Fourth Master recently told me that you are his younger sister that he played with during childhood.
Really.
Pei Lin has never mentioned you, Miss Yin.
Xin Zhi, the cake on our table is delicious. Would you like a piece?
I do not like sugared cakes that other ladies adore.
Pei Lin, they are showing a very interesting foreign movie today. I reserved two seats.
Come with me, if you want.- Xin Zhi...
this evening I accompanied Miss Yin.
Miss Xin Zhi, you'll do better staying here with us.
I will not disturb you then. I don't want to miss tonight's movie.
Pei Lin, you will regret it if you do not go.
Miss Yin, I take my leave.
It's nothing. Let's eat.
Can we?
Uhm... very tasty.
This is walnut cake.
We'll take more.
Miss, you came out so fast. Where are you going?
The cinema.
Miss, I recently heard that Fourth Master visits Miss Yin quite often.
Such encounters are typical for Fourth Master. They are however fleeting.
They do not last long.
But Miss, this Miss Yin looks much stronger than other ladies.
Uncle Zhou, you always had bad taste.
Yes, very bad.
Miss, should I
inquire about her in her hometown?
Is it really necessary for a girl like her?
Start the car.