Episode 14
So now I came to the Jin Mansion again...
to find evidence. I want to find the evidence...
so that when I go back,
I can bring Jin Yuanbao to his mother with an open heart.
Now I see why you tried so hard to get into this mansion.
It's no problem. I'll accompany you.
When you finish your task, let's go together. Okay?
Okay.
Cheers.
How is it? Young Master looks good.
Handsome? ~Sure, Young Madam will be mesmerized.
Good.
What are you guys doing? Why did you take these clothes out?
It's because of you.
You talk too much.
These clothes have passed their season. I asked Ah Fu to throw them out.
Why are you thowing them out?Isn't that a big waste?
I only wear the latest fashion.I'm not like you...
dressing up in such an old-fashioned manner.
Fine, you don't want it? Then give it to me.
I'll give it to the poor.If you don't want it, there'll be someone who does.
Young Master, Young Madam, I'm leaving now.
I think you want to keep them.
You like me so much that you want tosecretly hide the clothes I've been wearing.
Don't get ahead of yourself.I like you? Dream on!
How can you not like me?
Look, you have a bad mouth, you're a smug,
arrogant, self-righteous.
You're especially bossy, and you think too highly of yourself.
So how can I like you?
The more you pick out my faults, the more it shows that you care about me.
Think about it. If not for the fact that you're always aware of me,
how would you be able to list all my faults so readily?
Don't hide it. You should admit it if you like someone.
We've already gotten married anyway.How about this... I'll suffer a little.
I'll let you like me, and won't reject your...
your surging river of love, okay?
Are you having a fever? You're ill!
I just don't believe that there's any woman that I, Jin Yuanbao, can't handle.
What pretty candles!
Did you set this up to apologize to me?
Not to apologize.I rarely get to socialize with you.
I want to let you experience some things.
The grape wine on the table was prepared especially for you.
Taste it.
Be careful though. This wine is very potent.
It'll get you drunk easily.Don't say I didn't warn you.
Are you looking down on me?There is no wine that can get me drunk. Come on!
It actually tastes good!
Good, since today there is such an artistic mood
let me play my most expert song
It is called "Moments of Beauty"
I never thought that
you could also play the zither.
If love was life's predestined meeting,
Why is there still so much pain?
What is it that is covering your eyes?
You no longer cherish what I give
If love is what guards two united hearts
Why is there still so much sorrow and grief?
What is it that blocks my path
that I don't feel sorry for you anymore?
Even if it was fated, there would still be pain,
Here, this is to commend you.
Stepping back for love is not a sign of defeat
I just want to pass the days and nights holding onto your hand
How is it? Do you like the arrangement tonight?
I like it.
Do you like me?
-Do you think I'm cool? -Cool.
Then...if you like me and you think I'm cool,
shouldn't you show me how you feel?
-How do I show it? -How?
There are many ways you can show me.
You can use your eyes, your hands, lips...
Eyes? Hands? Lips?
You don't understand? No.
Do you understand now? What is it?
Here, smooch, twice
Over here.
Hurry. SMOOCH~
Just like this, even more is better.
How do I show it?
Very good. Even more would be better.
More? You?
Even if it was fated, there would still be pain,
Do not worry about right or wrong too much
Stepping back for love is not a sign of defeat
I just want to pass the days and nights holding onto your hand
You're awake. Are you comfortable?
Do you know what you did last night?
I...I don't know what you are saying.
Don't know what I'm saying?
-Then let me jolt your memory. You were so fiery last night.-Scoundrel!
-Stop taking advantage of me.-You took advantage of me first!
What? You were the one who gave me the wine. I drank too much.
It was just you trying to seduce me
You're joking! Who am I? I'm Jin Yuanbao.
I can have any girl.
How about this? Since you were so passionate last night,
I'll begrudgingly accept you.
Look at you, taking advantage of others but still feigning shock
You must take responsibility
I have to take responsibility for you right?
There will come a day you'll beg me to say I like you.
Just wait.
Mother. Your birthday is coming up soon.
Shouldn't we start planning for the feast?
It's so rare that Yuanbao is being thoughtful.
Let Wenzhao do the planning this year.
Don't worry, Auntie. I will definitely plan it in your favor.
With Wenzhao in charge, I can relax.
Mother. I have a suggestion.
Didn't you say that Xiaoxuan should manage the household?
How about letting her plan this year's feast?
She's been in the Jin Mansion for so long.
Everyone can see she's kind, courteous,restrained and magnanimous.
Just let her do the planning. It will be good.
Say something.
I'll just do it then. What's so hard about it?
Mother. Don't worry, I will make sure it is spectacular.
That's great. But, Xiaoxuan, do you know
planning for it is a lot of work.
Actually, once you actually do itit is very trivial
You will have to take care of every aspect
On the day itself, the place will be filled with VIPs.
If there is even a little mistake we will become a laughing stock
Yeah, if you can't do it say so earlierIt is not too late to back out
Of course I can do it!
That's good, Xiaoxuan can also gain some experience
Yuanbao, Wenzhao, you both have to help her ok?
Good?
Alright. That goes without saying.
Cousin, allocate 30 000 taels from the treasury for Young Madam.
30,000?
Why? Is 30,000 too little?
Not at all! It's too much!
20,000 will do.
Alright. You are indeed Jin Yuanbao's wife.
20,000. You can do it.
It was already fine when you agreed tobe in charge of Madam's Birthday event
but how can you agree to the $20,000 budget?It's too preposterous!
20,000? You can do it
Old Lady Li back at E'mei Mountain only usedtwo taels for her birthday celebration
and even fed the whole village for 3 days
and everybody was very happy.
How could you compare commoner's celebratory event to a noble family's event?
Why can't it be compared?
For birthday celebrations in a household like the Jin's,
it's practically impossible to do it with less than 50,000.
50,000? But you clearly told me 20,000 would be enough.
I'm talking about adding another 20,000!
Another 20,000?
Then if Jin Yuanbao only gave me 30,000 to begin with, wasn't he setting me up for failure?
This is all your own doing. You agreed to it without thinking!
No way.I have to make myself clear to him!
Young Master, you're really giving Young Madam only 20,000 pieces of silver to host the celebration?
What happens if she messes it up?
If she messes it up, I'm around.
As long as she opens her mouth to beg me, I won't stand by and do nothing.
But knowing Young Madam's temper,how is she ever gonna beg you?
I will sit on her temper
As long as she's willing to beg me properly,
I might soften my heart and help her out this once.
In your dreams, Jin Yuanbao!
You big bastard! You want me to beg you? Never!
You've got some backbone. I dare you not to beg me in this lifetime!
I accept your challenge today!
I will make sure it is spectacular for you to see!
I look forward to it.
Watch and see!
What is it Xiaoxuan, who has angered you?
It's because of the birthday celebration matter. Jin Yuanbao that bastard
He dug a hole for me so he could laugh at me
and even making sarcastic remarks
You two help me think of a plan
Jin Yuanbao got you to perform this tasknot to make it difficult for you
He believes in you
During the meal I heard everything
In the entire Mansion only a bookworm like you will think like that
Even though planning the birthday eventis serious and complex
most details are handled by the servants.
You just need to control thegeneral direction and grand outcome
But how to control the general direction?
Actually, you only need to do three things
Firstly you need to determine all the aspects
Then you need to create a plan
and execute the plan step by step
Secondly, you need to allocate tasks tospecified people
and get them to fulfil their responsibilities
Thirdly, according to the plan, inspect thecircumstances of each task being undertaken
Doing these three things will make everything clear
and there won't be any big issues.
Xue'er, you're so knowledgeable
You're so impressive
Yes Xue'er! I was so confused until a few moments ago.
Listening to you just then I feel likeI understand more clearly
Xue'er, thanks to you, otherwise
I would be in big trouble.
Don't get too happy ahead of time
I'm not as super as you say I am
Even though it's clear what to do now,it is still difficult to do it well.
There are still many problematic points.
What problematic points?
First, there's the details for the birthday event.
There's a birthday event every year so it's hard to come up with
something fresh.
Secondly, being responsible for your own tasksisn't as easy as it seems
People with both responsibility and ability are really scarce
So selecting people is extremely important
And thirdly we have the money issue.
20,000 taels is too little indeed.
How can we fill the hole in this budget?
I don't really understand what you're saying,
but if you require my help I will give all I got.
As the saying goes
"There is no mountain that cannot be climbedand no river that cannot be crossed"
That's right, "There will eventually be a roadas your carriage reaches the piedmont"
Don't you worry, Changfeng and I will definitely help you
Ah Fu, what is Young Madam up to these days?
Young Madam has been with Xue'er and Changfeng, discussing the Birthday event.
How can a stupid goose and a weak girl how do such big tasks?
You may go.
Yes, Young Master
Young Madam.
Sit.
You've been out so much recently. Mother's birthday event should be in perfect order.
I'm right in the midst of it.
I'm telling you, Mother's Birthday Celebrationis Jin Mansion's big event
It has to be high-class.
VIPs are coming, including royalty, officials and many others.
There must be at least 100 tables.
Last time when Liu Wenzhao was in charge of a feast
he made a mistake, and was punished by Mother to face the shrine wall for half a month
During that period people weren't allowed inand he wasn't allowed out
And his meals were placed at the door
I wouldn't want to see you like that.
If you need any help I don't mind helping
Don't worry, I can definitely handle this Birthday Celebration.
Now you don't even need to practice your bragging?
-You...!-What are you doing?
What's the point of being anxious at me?I didn't force you take charge of the event you agreed to it yourself
I...Hmph!
I looked over Madam Jin's previous Birthday menus.
This is the menu I've come up with using the basics of last year's one.
It includes most of last year's dishes
with the addition of some Jiangnan specialties.
Amongst this year's VIPs are a lot of Jiangnan's Military officials.
I think these dishes will suit their taste.
You really are a Zhuge Liang!(one of the greatest strategists in Chinese history)
I will show this menu to Mother
and ask for her approval.
Greetings to Young Madam.
Please instruct us, Young Madam.
Today I called you over because of Madam's birthday event
I hope you will be of help
Young Madam, you're too polite. How could we be of any help?
Who manages the vault?
I, Servant Li Fu, manage the vault.
Good. Check the decorations of last year's celebration
and how much of it can be used this year.
I want to know how much replacing damaged stuff will cost.
Make me a list of all that.
Young Madam, there are too many items.
Sorting that out will be difficult.
Furthermore, we don't have enough people
When new items are bought, they should have been listed.
I'm only asking someone to check. Is that difficult?
Young madam according to the past,
everything used for Madam Jin's birthday celebration is new.
Is it you who's the master or am I the master?
Young Madam of course.
I'm just telling you how things were done before.
Since I am the master, then heed my instructions.Who manages Purchasing?
I, Servant Zhangcheng, manage Purchasing.
There are some items on the list I want you to purchase
Go to the treasury and take 1000 taels.I already made calculations with Xue'er.
1000 taels is sufficient.
Young Madam must be referring to Nanjing's commodity prices.
The commodity prices in the capital are higher.
We won't be able to buy any similar products
Alright, you can all go for now.
I still have things to discuss with Young Madam.
Yes
So angry! Clearly they're just lying
They're just bullying me
See? Now you've seen how things work
in rich families, right?
What a headache
If you're not capable then don't force yourself.
Look at you tired out like this
Let me show you something
What is it?-A purchasing list
Purchasing list?
Yes, on this side is everything needed for the Birthday Banquet.
Each item's price is listed here
and it also tells you which shops
are selling it.
That also makes it easier for the servants.
Also, at the back there is a program for all the events in the celebration.
As long as you follow what's written here,I guarantee that 20 000 taels
will be enough for a spectacular Birthday Celebration.
Beg me
I don't want to.
Think clearly, with this Purchasing list,all you will need to do is follow it
Here
Beg me
Do you think giving me sweet dates after giving me a slap would make me thankful?
You want me to beg? Not a chance!
Don't think I can't do it without you.I can do it myself!
Is your brain okay?
I am helping you, don't misidentify a good person
Thanks but no thanks I don't need it
You've got character, I like that.
Jin Yuanbao you bastard!
-Bite me-I...!
Young Mistress, the Birthday Celebration'sfireworks are here. That is 800 taels.
These are the details
Finalise it
Young Madam, music and dance are ready.
The Entertainment Department Head said it's okay.
-But...-But what?
But they require a deposit
-How much?-2200 taels
-Do it-Yes
Young Madam, we received the dishes from the Kitchen.
It is approximately 5000 taels.
Give it
We've already tried our best
We've saved and lowered what we can.
But, we still don't have enough money
Then all we can do is think of a plan
How are things going for Young Madam?
Other than budget issues everything elseis going smoothly
The budget has been tight these few days.
Young Madam and Miss Xue'er have found all possible plans.
Let's so how long she can stand it.
Bad Jin Yuanbao.Lousy Jin Yuanbao.
I hate him.
Bad Jin Yuanbao.Lousy Jin Yuanbao.
Pushing me into the fire, and now pretendingto be the good guy
You want me to beg? Dream on!
Young Madam!
Cousin
Whats wrong? Argued with Yuanbao again?
Don't mention him Mentioning him makes me angry again.
Bullying me everyday and now even making me organise this birthday celebration.
Now that you mention it I remember the first time I had to do it. I found it difficult too.
I heard that the first time you did it you got punished to kneel in the shrine
to reflect. What exactly did you do wrong?
Back then I was young, lacked experience and didn't think of the bigger picture.
I made an important guest unhappy.
There are so many guests
who can actually take care of all of them?
You're the one putting the most work in
yet in the end you're the one getting blamed.
If it had been Jin Yuanbao, let's not even say 1 guest
ten guests unhappy
Mother would still not punish him like that.
Madam Jin only did that because...
she wants me to do well.
Even though you're related. An Aunt is still an Aunt.
You have lost you family at a young age
and even have to take care of a younger sister.
I can tell by looking at Qianqian's personality
that you've never allowed her to suffer.
But all the suffering and hardship
has been left to you.
But it's better now. You've made progress.
It will get even better in the future.
Yes. It will get better soon.
Honestly, you're very capable.
Past birthday celebrations had been done so well.
So you have to help me this time.
Jin Mansion's servants
all bully me and won't tell me about affairs in the mansion.
They don't listen to me and even laugh at me.
There's such a thing?
Later I'll organise some servants
to help you with the celebration especially.
You're really my saviour! Is there anything else I should keep in mind?
Since you only have 20,000 taels you really need to budget.
If you can cut down on the number of employeesthat will also cut on the expenses.
It can save you quite a lot.
How about this. I'll write you a report on solutions to small problems like this.
You just have to follow my report.
Thank you so much cousin.
If you need any more help just come to me. I will help you.
Young Madam has gathered you all to see the state of you guys.
Look at the state of you.
Lazy, negative and slow.
Is this the state servants should be in?
The person arriving last. Come out.
Don't make me say it again. Come out.
Cutting 2 months salary and physical punishment is already a light punishment.
If it happens again the punishments will get more severe. Go!
I...
From today onwards, put down all your chores.
Listen to Young Madam and work hard for the birthday celebration.
I don't have to tell you how important the birthday celebration is.
So put away the attitude that Servants are superior.
Don't bully Young Madam because it's her first time being a housekeeper. I will be watching you.
Anyone slacking and acting adversely
will be punished without mercy. Understood?
Understood!
From today on-wards, you will come here every morning for training.
Those not turning up late or not at all
will have to train for an extra half an hour.
There should be no talking or it's another half an hour!
Mornings are the most important part of the day when your minds are clear.
It will be good for your mind as well.
So while I'm housekeeper, there will be morning exercises everyday.
I will do it with you.
To show that we will work together through difficult times.
Understand?
Yes...
Get ready. Squat!
Physical fitness! Physical fitness!
Protect the Jin Mansion!
Work harder.
Care for the family.
Good, do it again yourselves.
Remember, don't slack.
Physical Fitness!...
Protect the Jin household!...
Work hard!...
Ah Fu! Ah Fu!
Young Master.
What's going on outside? It's so noisy.
Young Madam is training the staff outside.
That lousy girl. What is she trying to do?
Protect the Jin Mansion!
Good, everyone was good.
I'll teach everyone a new fist fighting technique.
If there is ever danger at the Jin Mansion
You need to protect the Jin household and yourselves.
Come, follow me.
Watch! Watch!
Everyone has to do it.
Sir is so good!
Young Master, look!
I wish I was as good. He's too good.
Then go follow him.
Stop!
It's so early in the morning what's with the physical fitness? huh?!
Are you guys not hot?
We are not hot. We are protecting the Jin household.
Protecting the Jin household?
You call that protecting with just a few moves?
To protect you need strength.You know what strength is?
Ah Fu! Show them what real strength is!
Okay! Protect the Jin Mansion!Physical Strength!
Protect your ass!
Xiao Cui, how is Young Madam's planning going?
Young Madam really is something.
With the birthday celebration she's starting from past records.
Waking up before sunrise to lead everyone in some morning exercises.
This sounds like a new idea.
How are the effects?
The effects are not bad.
There are less servants gambling and drinking.
Everyone is getting fitter
to show off at the celebration.
It looks like letting her organise it was the right choice.
Yuanbao, I didn't know your wife was so capable.
That's what it seems like on the surface.
Young Madam has also come up with a set of rules.
Everything is clear and fair.
All the servants have become more enthusiastic.
Yuanbao, look.
You even opposed to this marriage.
She's such a capable wife.
Mother, only those who can smile till the end can smile the brightest.
We'll see how long she can keep this up.
Couples must be united at heart.
Yuanbao, you should give her some help.
After all, she's still new to the Mansion.
Mother. She will be definitely be begging for my help.
We'll see how long she can keep it up.
This is a big celebration with little money.
It's not as simple as you think.
Exactly. I'm already so stressed.
Plus I have to listen to Yuanbao nag everyday.
Yuanbao likes to command people.You just have to get used to it.
Also, there's no need to get too stressed.
There are a lot of things to consider
for example purchasing items
Servants may try to take some of the money
So what should I do?
Walk around and get to know prices from different stalls.
Look around.
This is the one.
Come back next time!
Oh! Butler Liu!
Long time no see. What can I do for you?
Boss Wong, this is our Jin household's Young Madam.
Greetings, Young Madam.
Mr. Wang, cousin said Jin Mansion has always used your satin.
I have to organise Madam Jin's birthday celebration this year
so I will need a lot of satin.
Yes, this is Young Madam's first time planning it.
So show some sincerity in showing her
the prices and quality of the satin.
And thank her for doing business with you.
But of course. Don't worry.
We always give the best to the Jin household.
About the price...
Just for coming to me I'll give you a 10% discount.
10%?
That seems a little less...
Cousin, what did the other shops say?
The other shop said as long as they can sell to Jin Mansion
it's not important whether or not they make a profit.
Products entering Jin Mansion is like free advertising because it shows their worth
You need to think about it.
I understand this
How about this. For Jin Mansion's birthday celebration,
as long as I have it, I will sell at a lower price.
Young Madam, please bless our business.
Seems like Mr Wang is pretty bright
No problem. If Jin Mansion needs satin we will come to you.
I heard Ah Fu say that there was a problem planning.
But actually, using money to solve the problem will get rid of it.
Those who are full will not understand hunger.
Really don't know how to talk to you.
What's wrong with having money?
Money can solve all problems.
Especially your problems.
But I don't have problems anymore.
All my problems have been solved.
Solved?
Quit acting. It's not embarrassing to beg.
It depends on who I'm begging.
Then let me ask you. How did you solve it?
Did you make money appear or did you get underground loans?
I'm telling you, this isn't a small matter.
And I'm telling you. You have your ways, I have mine.
Being a housekeeper isn't easy.There are many things to consider.
For instance, if Jin Mansion wants to buy something
and lets one person do it
then the price this person gives
will allow them to take some of the money for themselves.
It's not the same now
I've already made a list of all the things I need to buy
and will send a few people out.
I will ask each of them for a price.
I will pick whoever has the lowest price and best quality.
The person I pick will also get rewards.
Do you know how much I can saved compared to last year on purchasing alone?
Probably only about a thousand.
A whole 5000 pieces of silver!
Only 5000 pieces?
What do you mean 'only'?
Many a mickle makes a muckle!
Money is saved bit by bit!
I'm telling you, don't think I can't do without you.
What are you doing?
I'm not letting you eat it.
Where are you going?-Why do you care? Do I need to report to you?
You!
Cousin!-Young Madam.
Cousin, I bought some fruit today.
I brought it over for you to eat.
It's thanks to all your help that the planning for the celebration has been so smooth.
Come, have a seat.
It's no trouble at all.
Young Madam is very clever. The way you have trained the servants is worth admiring.
But if there is anything, please tell me.
I will definitely do my best to help.
Cousin, you are too formal. You can just call me by my name.
Oh right, I personally prepared these fruits. Try some.
Okay, thanks.
Drinking alone is not fun. I'll accompany you.
Cheers! Young Madam is so straight forward.
I'm too conservative.
Here, let's drink.
Here. I thank you for helping me with this first cup.
Cheers for the Birthday Celebration to run smoothly!
Good.
This next cup, I commend you for supporting me.
Being a good role model for everyone.
I really never thought that
there'd be any girls like you.
You live courageously and speak your mind.
Were you this lively last time?
Cousin, it's your life that has been too tiring.
We only have one life. Of course we must be happy.
Just like this sword.
When the sword is hidden it seems trapped.
You should take out the sword and use it where it's needed.
Then this Miss Chuchu, what does she look like?
Behind her ear there is a small red mole
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
Sword dancing in the sunset.
You really know how to enjoy yourself.
Let's go back home.
Young Madam was here to bring me fruits.
Shut up. This is between me and my wife.It's none of your business.
Hey, we're not done yet!
Let's go.
Jin Yuanbao! What is up with you?
What are you doing? Let me down!
Listen. From now on you're not allowed near Liu Wenzhao.
Also, you are no allowed to swordplay with him.
Practicing swordplay or dancing is fine.But let me watch.
Who are you to tell me what to do?
I'm your husband. So don't go so close to him.
In your dreams. You can forget about it.
Why do you go to him for everything?
Why are you so nice to him?
Why are you always smiling to him, and so cold with me?
If you need any help you should come to me!You know I will help you!
Can you please get this clear in your head?
I have to plan the celebration because you forced me to.
I went to Cousin because he's always concerned about me!
He's always thinking of ways to help me. Isn't that better than you?
I pose you a challenge and you run off with some wild man to engage in swordplay?
What wild man? What swordplay? That's your cousin!
Come back here.
You stubborn little brat.
There is only one way to deal with you, and that is...
Why did you bite me?
You need to remember,
never get close with Wenzhao.
Help me plan for tomorrow's events.
Still the Birthday Celebration? What time is it now?
We need to think of a way to leave.What can we do if we get caught?
I told you to go do it. Then go.
Go do what?
I got Xi'er to go and make an appointmentwith Gu Changfeng and Madam Gu
and Liu Wenzhao to check the accounts.
Are you treating me like air? What did I just tell you?
I told you not to get close to Liu Wenzhao. Didn't you hear me?