Episode 3
Mr. Shen. Young Master Yue Sheng. I can leave on my own.
Mr. Du, you really enlightened us today.
I'll surely visit you personally for further guidance.
We still have a lot of time. -Goodbye, Mr. Du.
Goodbye. -Goodbye.
Father, was he really just here to visit us?
What do you think?
I think he's more like a lobbyist sent by Wu Family...
...to make us withdraw from the competition.
He claimed that he serves the young prince.
Wu Family can't order him around.
He said that the deal has been decided internally.
Will it be true?
It's possible.
Do we withdraw? -No.
Even if we're fated to lose...
...I must persist in this competition.
Will Shen Si Hai withdraw as you advised?
No, he won't.
They are dissatisfied.
Send a letter to Beijing tomorrow.
Tell them to ignore Shen Family's quotation...
...and only buy from Wu Family.
No problem. The young prince will just have to say the word.
When the outcome is finalised...
...Shen Family's accumulated dissatisfaction...
...will be advantageous to us.
Stop.
Let's go.
You've gotten thinner.
I caught a cold some time ago.
Aunt, you look blissfully plumper now.
I'm too bored.
I heard that you love the laces from Shanghai.
Xiang Qian Yi just received some new stocks.
So, I bought some for you.
You remembered what I said so casually.
Thank you.
Sister Yong Mei.
Brother Wu Pin. -Mother.
It's been a long time.
My father talks about you very often.
He said that you are very humble and capable.
Uncle Hu flattered me.
By the way, you said that...
...you want to check out my calligraphy.
I specially wrote some for you to review.
I'm not qualified to review your works.
You are.
"I have been wandering here and there."
"Waiting for you at the city gate."
"A whole day without seeing you, drags like three months passing."
Sister Yong Mei, your strokes are smoother and more beautiful now.
The strokes are strong too. Wang Xi Zhi will be proud of you.
Don't you think the poem is very nice too?
Of course. It's a famous poem from the "Classic of Poetry".
You can have it then. -Alright.
Ms. Hu, have some freshly prepared Eight Treasure Grease Tea.
Brother Wu Pin, you can have it first.
I never eat sweet food. -You still don't eat sweet food?
I don't eat any sweet food at all.
I shall enjoy it then.
Wait.
Your stomach is weak. Almond is not good for you.
Here you go.
Thank you for remembering that.
Go away. Stop selling your stuffs here.
Forget it. Let's leave. -Fine.
Let's close the stall.
Hurry up. There's no room for negotiation. Leave.
Come. -Again.
Left hand. Right hand. -Left hand.
Don't move. -Again.
Your left hand. -Left hand.
Hurry. -Nothing is inside.
You. Yes, you. Come here.
Me? -Yes. Come here.
Can you do me a favour? - What is it about?
Do you know Sanli Store right outside of the city gate?
Go there and help me to find a person called Zhou Lao Si.
Tell him that Zhou Ying got stuck...
...and can't come out so soon.
That's me. I'm Zhou Ying.
Tell him to wait for 2 more days.
Sanli Store. Zhou Lao Si. 2 days. -Yes.
Take this. -What is that?
Money. I can't let you help me for nothing. Take it.
I can't accept your money.
Thanks.
Young Master Xing Yi. - Have you found her?
Why are you all so useless? - Young Master Xing Yi.
Perhaps she has left Jingyang. -Yes.
So many horse carriages come and go every day.
Maybe she hid in one and fled.
I don't care. I want you guys to find her.
I never fail to obtain the things I like.
Don't come back unless you manage to find her.
To run a business, one must be diligent.
Laziness will ruin everything.
One must be humble and tolerant as well...
...as bad temper obstructs business.
Pick up what others discard. Pad with what others may want.
This means that you should take what others do not want...
...and discard what others want.
Xiao Wu.
Teacher. -What did I just say?
Repeat. -You talked about...
...picking up. I mean, discarding.
Pick up or discard? -Pick up.
He's so stupid. -Who is out there?
Who are you? -You don't know anything...
...but said something so rude!
Are you talking about me? Who says I don't know?
You were saying that we need to think differently...
...in order to make money. -How rude!
L---
That's all for today. Go back and memorise...
..."Tao Zhu Gong's Classic of Business".
You all will be tested tomorrow.
Come here.
Did you pass the message for me?
The shopkeeper of Sanli Store said that...
...Zhou Lao Si left a few days ago.
He left?
Where to? Will he come back? -I don't know.
You don't know? Why didn't you ask?
I did ask. But, he didn't leave any message when he left...
...or tell anyone.
Are you alright?
Do you guys get money from the apprenticeship?
Money? -What?
You want to stay here permanently?
Don't worry. I won't be a freeloader.
I can work to support myself.
Sure. Do you want to be a rough maid or a fine maid?
Rough maid and fine maid? - You don't even know this...
...and yet you said to support yourself?
I'll know if you explain to me.
Rough maids do rough works and make 200 coins per month.
Fine maids do fine works and make 300 coins per month.
I want to be a student. -What?
How can you be an apprentice? - Right. I told her so too.
But, she wouldn't listen and insisted to talk to you.
Even though I don't understand the teacher's classic Chinese...
...I react faster than Xiao Wang and memorise better than Xiao Wu.
I'm better than Xiao Jiang at calculation.
Why am I discriminated?
Alright. Let me test you.
What is the next line after "winning by knowing the place"?
"Growing wealth by picking the right place."
7 times 9. -63.
5 times 8. -40.
Not bad. But, why are you so determined to be an apprentice?
I want to learn how to do business.
Women can't do business.
Why can't women do business?
Because it has never happened before.
Place your bet. Guess.
This one.
I got it right again. -This is boring.
Let's play again. I'll definitely lose.
Forget it. I'm done.
Let's play again.
Young Master Xing Yi, I didn't even blink my eyes.
But, she didn't appear at all. -Continue to wait then.
That stupid girl can't hide in Wu Family's mansion forever.
Come. Be careful.
To run a business, one must be diligent.
Laziness will ruin everything.
One must be humble and tolerant as well...
...as bad temper obstructs business.
Prices must be stated clearly.
Else, it will cause arguments.
Accounts must be diligently audited.
Laziness will cause stagnant capital.
Goods must be organised.
Lack of organisation will cause difficulties in checking.
Debit and credit must be handled carefully.
Prices must be stated clearly.
That's all for today. - Thank you, teacher.
It's just been a few days and she already broke one vat...
...three pots, two Woks...
...and over 10 dining bowls and plates.
Fire!
Right. She also dropped a bucket into a well.
She's not wanted in the kitchen, bavin room...
...and water room. I really can't do anything.
Young Master Pin, I've no choice but to bring her to you.
Please tell me what to do.
Leave her here for now.
Young Master Pin, let me remind you.
This girl is a troublemaker.
Chun Xing.
Dong Mei.
Xiao Ou.
I'm here.
That tiger was as close as Chun Xing.
That close?
Yes. That tiger suddenly put its tongue out...
...and licked me.
Tiger tongue is prickly. I was bruised.
Do you see the scar here?
No.
It's lighter now. It was very obvious back then.
Did it hurt? -Yes. But, I didn't dare to move.
Then, the tiger smelled blood.
It went out of control and pounced right at me.
In the nick of the time, someone jumped down from the tree.
He turned around and swept the ground with his leg.
Young Master Pin.
Go out.
You. Stand up.
L---
Are you going to oust me? -What do you think?
I've tried hard.
I learnt to make the bed, embroider and tie knots.
I even learnt how to serve tea. -Have you mastered it?
Yes. Should I serve you a cup of tea?
Sorry.
Young Master Pin, please enjoy the tea.
Forget it. You can oust me.
If you're still so clumsy...
...when you serve in the classroom...
...I'll really oust you.
What did you say?
Look who came.
Hurry UP-
Zhou Ying? What are you doing here?
From today onwards, I'll be here doing odd jobs...
...and sitting in.
Sitting in? Will you even understand?
I can understand what you can understand...
...and what you cannot understand.
Alright. Let me test you.
The teacher once said that...
...there is a cycle in value.
What does that mean? -I know "value".
But, what's with the "chicken and goose" (homophone of cycle)?
"Chicken" and "goose"?
Did you guys hear that?
She said "chicken and goose".
Why not just say "meat"? "Chicken and goose"?
What's so funny?
Zhou Ying, it's "cycle", not "chicken and goose".
"Cycle" means...
...when something reaches the peak, it will fall.
And when it hits the bottom, it will rise. This is a cycle.
Everything will eventually returns to its original value.
Do you understand now?
Value.
I know. That means...
...prices won't go up forever.
At a point, it will drop. But, it won't drop forever.
At a point, it will rise back.
Correct. -Wait.
Zhou Ying, what did you say again? Can you repeat it?
Why? -The teacher asked us to...
...write our opinions on the "Classic of Business".
What you said is just right for that.
I'll have to charge you for that. -Sure.
1 penny for a sentence. - I'll take 8 sentences.
Here. Take it.
Listen carefully. Based on my understanding...
Come closer. Don't let him hear me.
Based on my understanding...
...there's another meaning behind the cycle of value.
The fluctuation of price is actually not important.
The important thing is that you must find the turning point.
That point is very important, right?
Right.
That's more meaningful than what the teacher said.
It's way more meaningful.
Call me "teacher". -Teacher.
Continue. -Let me tell you. Listen.
Young Master Xing Yi, you're back.
What are you going to do with those?
Since Zhou Ying is gone...
...it's a waste to throw these things.
I plan to pass them to the rough maids.
Who says she's not coming back?
I must bring her back at all cost.
Should I keep these things then? -Yes.
I'll whip her to death when I catch her and throw them.
Wu Sheng Wen. -Yes.
Leave the money here. -Alright.
Lu Zhong Lin. -Coming.
Leave the money here. -Zhao Hong Wu.
Xiao Wu. -I'm here.
Leave the money here. -Thanks.
Where's the money?
I forgot to bring money. Can I pay you tomorrow?
You've to pay the interest. It won't be 18 coins tomorrow.
It'll be 20 coins.
Alright. 20 coins. I'll pay you tomorrow.
Sun De Xian. -The teacher is here!
The teacher is here. - Why is he so early today?
Teacher.
Teacher, why are you so early today?
You haven't had your breakfast, right? I'll boil some tea for you.
Don't move.
Stand straight.
My stomach hurts. -Stand straight.
Move your hands.
Put down your hands.
She made money by doing their homework for them?
Young Master Pin, Zhou Ying asked me to pass you a message.
She hopes that you can save her.
I've been teaching here for more than 10 years.
I've never seen a maid as bold as you.
If we don't oust her...
...she'll be a bad influence here.
Don't oust her yet.
Father.
She's a homeless woman.
She can't survive out there. -She won't die.
This stupid girl is very good at making money.
It's just been a few days and she made hundreds of coins.
See for yourself.
She did all these? -Yes.
I've questioned them. Of the 12 apprentices...
...10 of them bought homework from her.
Some are her oral answers...
...and some are written by her directly.
The prices even vary.
It comes in monthly package, 5 days packages...
...and even retail price.
Stupid girl, am I right?
Father, this girl only sat in for a few days.
Even though she wrote many words incorrectly...
...her ideas are quite fresh.
Her calculations are all very accurate.
She's a fast learner.
You've studied business before?
She even knows how to set prices flexibly.
She's gifted in business.
Father, judging from the coins she earned...
...she's very good at making money.
What are you trying to say?
Wu Family opened a business school...
...in order to select talents.
We just found one. Why should we oust her?
Father, why don't we let her quit working as a maid...
...and become an official apprentice?
How can woman study business?
Master.
Yang, what's the matter?
Master, today is the last day to submit the quotation for...
...the herbal plasters for the military.
Do we have Shen Si Hai's reply? -Yes.
They insist to use their original quotation.
Can we lower our price? -It's impossible.
One of the ingredients called the dragon's blood...
...is too expensive.
But, you can replace dragon's blood with...
...the leaves of azaleas.
We couldn't afford dragon's blood when my father got slashed.
So, I used the leaves of azaleas to treat his wound.
It's as effective as dragon's blood and even free.
You're right.
I've heard of this remedy. -If we do that...
...our price can be 10% lower than Shen Family's quotation...
...and still make a profit.
But, they demanded the use of dragon's blood.
The medicine is completely black in colour.
Who can tell what is inside?
Get lost.
In this case...
...just use last year's quotation.
But, we'll lose this business.
So be it. We can't be dishonest.
Zhou Ying, think about it carefully.
Did the master say...
..."get lost" or "oust her"?
There's a huge difference.
I don't care. Before he officially ousts me...
...I'll make the most out of my job.
Master. Young Master Pin.
Zhou Ying!
Come here!
Master. -Kneel.
Zhou Ying.
I have a nickname called Merchant of Three Toughness.
Do you know my three toughness?
No. -I am tough in terms of...
mconnections, quality of goods and temper.
Do you know how Wu Family made the first pot of gold?
By doing business. -Wrong.
Wu Family depended on two words...
..."honesty" and "credibility"!
"Honesty" means honest quality...
...and "credibility" means outstanding reputation.
You suggested to replace dragon's blood...
...with the leaves of azaleas.
Even though the efficacy is the same...
...it is dishonesty.
That's what I hate the most.
Everyone in Wu Family's household...
...be it the housekeeper, shopkeepers...
...maids or menservants...
...must abide by Wu Family's house rule of...
...absolute honesty!
Do you understand?
Yes.
Kowtow.
Not to me!
Zhou Ying, kowtow thrice to Guan Gong.
Why? -My father...
...finds you knowledgeable...
...and clever. So, he decided to...
...allow you to be our business apprentice.
But, he just gave me a good scolding.
That's because he sees your potential...
...and wants to correct your mistake.
That's why he lectured you. -Really?
I hope that no matter where you go...
...you will remember the honest and credibility...
...upheld by the merchants of Qin.
Honesty and credibility.
I will remember these two words.
Guan Gong, please bless me.
Are you sure? -Yes.
It is said that the order has been sent to Wu Family.
I can't believe they actually did something...
...so unfair!
Don't forget who is supporting them.
What a pity. My plan failed.
It's such a pity that Shen Family has no connections.
What?
They decided to buy from us? - Yes. I'm very surprised as well.
We quoted a price way higher than the price Shen Family quoted.
Father, did you contact your old friends?
No.
Perhaps they secretly helped us.
If this is what you think as well...
...will Shen Family think that we are bullying them?
What is the reason then?
I really don't know.
Father, why don't we join hands with Shen Family...
...to deliver this order? Think about it.
We can only make a few thousand taels at most.
If we let them take half to express our goodwill...
...it's actually very worth it.
They rejected you when you requested to...
...submit a joint quotation.
Will they accept such offer at this point?
We've earned the business. So, the situation is different.
Father, back then when we were establishing ourselves...
...we couldn't be bothered with making enemies.
But now, if we want to stabilise our business...
...we need to compromise for harmony.
Are you saying that...
...we'll make 5,000 herbal plasters each...
...and share the profit equally? -Yes.
This decision is very unfair to you all.
But, this business isn't worth a lot of money.
It's not worth it at all to make an enemy...
...for a reason like this.
That's why my father made this decision.
Tell me then.
My family quoted a lower price.
How come they decided to buy from your family?
Brother Yue Sheng, military supplies...
...aren't just about the price.
They must compare the quality, experience and reputation as well.
Maybe it's because Wu Family has never made any mistake...
...in supplying the goods over the past decade.
So, the Ministry of Revenue has more confidence in us.
Brother Yue Sheng, Wu Family is really sincere.
Alright. I trust you.
Good. It's decided then. -You're right.
This business isn't worth a lot of money.
But, you and Uncle Wu's honesty really impressed me.
I hope that both you and Uncle Wu...
...will guide us in this collaboration.
We're flattered. Brother Yue Sheng.
You're an excellent merchant of the new generation in Jingyang.
We're the ones who should learn from you.
Let's not be shy.
Come. May we have a successful cooperation.
Cheers.
By the way, Brother Yue Sheng, we took in a maid some time ago...
...and later on learnt that she escaped from your household.
But, my mother likes her a lot.
Can you let us have her?
This is just a small matter. Brother Wu Pin...
...if we are working together, should the Ministry of Revenue...
...hang the banner of our company as well by then?
But, the order was sent to Wu Family.
It's alright. I shall excuse myself.
I'll tell my brother that...
...no matter how much he likes that maid...
...he has to respect his elder.
Brother Yue Sheng.
I've a suggestion. When we deliver the goods...
...I'll state that the order is completed with...
...the assistance of Shen Family.
Alright. I thank you in advance.
That maid only cost a few taels. You're welcome to have her.
If aunt likes her, she can have this maid.
Just take her as a gift from us.
Thank you, Brother Yue Sheng. -Cheers.
This is the key sentence.
It's called the "Five Words of Business Advice".
“Heaven, earth, humans, gods and spirits.“
"Heaven determines the climate, the very foundation of business."
Zhou Ying! -This line is very important.
You must remember it. -Zhou Ying.
I said that you are the fastest in calculation.
But, Jiang Fu Qi insists that he is faster.
Let him be. -But, you're clearly the fastest.
Am I right, guys? -Zhou Ying, what do you mean?
Are you saying that you're better? Why don't we have a match?
Fine with us. We're not afraid. -I'm busy.
Busy?
Are you busy or lacking confidence? Are you scared?
I tried to be nice and you took me for a pushover.
Fine. Let's have a match.
Guys, there's a match! Come!
It's a match! Guys, come here!
Who will test us?
Xiao Wang, you're the fairest one. You'll do it.
Alright. I can trust Xiao Wang.
Alright. I'll ask 3 questions. It'll be the best of 3, alright?
No problem. -Of course.
Guys, I bet Zhou Ying will win. I'll place a bet of 10 coins.
Anyone dares to bet against me? -Me. Come.
I bet on Xiao Jiang. -Bring it on.
I support Zhou Ying. -I bet 15 coins on Xiao Jiang.
I bet 20 coins on Xiao Jiang. - I'll bet on Xiao Jiang as well.
Just wait and see. -Zhou Ying, I'm counting on you.
Don't let us lose. -I'll pay if we lose.
If we win, I get half. -Sure.
Can we stafl already? Xiao Wang, what's the question?
Alright. Here comes the first question.
There are 100 buns and 100 monks.
3 buns for each big monk...
...and one-third bun for every group of 3 little monks.
What are the numbers of big monks and little monks?
75 little monks and 25 big monks.
Zhou Ying got it right. -Amazing!
Great! Amazing!
It's just the first question. - Here comes the second question.
Collared doves rest on the pine trees at night in mid-winter.
Each tree can accommodate 3 doves.
5 doves have nowhere to go to.
If each tree can accommodate 5 doves...
...and one tree is empty, please tell me the numbers of...
...collared doves and trees.
6 trees and 18 collared doves. -Wrong.
5 trees and 20 collared doves.
Xiao Jiang got it right. -Good!
I made a mistake. -It's alright.
There's one more question. Next.
Here comes the third question. Han Xin is training his soldiers.
If there are 3 in one line, there is 1 remaining soldier.
If there are 5 in one line, there are 2 remaining soldiers.
If there are 7 in one line, there are 4 remaining soldiers.
If there are 13 in one line, there are 6 remaining soldiers.
How many soldiers are there at least?
487. -487!
487 is correct! But, Zhou Ying is faster!
Zhou Ying won! -We won!
I told you she's the fastest! -Split the money!
Let's split the money!
I'm rich.
Stop. Don't move.
Xiao Jiang, you won.
I admit defeat. You're the winner.
Actually, I didn't know the answer.
The young master hinted me.
Young Master Pin. -Young Master Pin.
You can count faster. I admit defeat.
Zhou Ying, you'll make us lose money.
Don't worry. I'll pay you in a few days.
It's a promise.
Take it.
Young Master Pin. -You won.
Why did you admit defeat?
Didn't you teach me to be honest and credible?
Not bad.
Young Master Pin, what brought you over?
I've a good news for you.
We've settled your issue with Shen Family.
Shen Xing Yi agreed to free me? -His brother agreed.
No one is waiting outside anymore? -I think so.
So, I can look for my...
My family.
Are you going to leave now?
Right.
I finally became a business apprentice.
Should I leave after this semester?
That'll be the best.
How could you let them have that girl?
I'll buy another one for you tomorrow.
No! I only want this one!
What's so good about this girl?
She's rude and ill-tempered! There's nothing good about her!
But, this concerns my pride!
Where are you going? -I'm going to demand for her!
I already promised Wu Pin. I'm going to deliver the...
...slave contract to him later.
Brother Yue Sheng! - This matter concerns...
...Shen Family's business.
Is your pride or our business more important?