Episode 14
Shopkeeper Sun. -Young Master Pin.
My carriage broke down outside. So, I thought I should visit you.
Should I find a repairman for you? -Don't worry about it.
Someone is repairing it. What are you busy with?
I'm checking the goods from last month.
Boil tea for the young master. -Yes.
This fur item... -This is a fur coat.
Alright.
Feel free to look around.
This one is quite exquisite.
This is from the Western Region.
The Western Region?
Not bad.
Young Master Pin. -Please have some tea.
This inkstone...
This inkstone is good. - You have good judgement.
How much did you pay for this?
120 taels. -Dead or live pawn?
Dead pawn.
Take it if you like it.
No. I'll just look around.
Young Master Pin, the carriage has been fixed.
Alright. Shopkeeper Sun.
Sorry for disturbing. - Have some tea first.
Next time maybe. -Goodbye.
Let's go.
Yue Ru, let's go out. -Ms. Yong Mei.
Ms. Yong Mei, where do you want to go to?
Ms. Yong Mei, master said that...
...you can't go to the east mansion of Wu Family anymore.
I can at least take a walk on the street, right?
Alright.
Liu. -Young Master Wu Pin.
This isn't a good time.
I steamed it late. Do you want to wait?
I'll wait.
A big piece again? -A big and sweet one.
Alright. Wait for a while.
Brother Wu Pin, I finally caught up.
Yong Mei.
I've something to say to you. -What is it?
After we parted that day, I spent a lot of time thinking.
This isn't the end of our relationship.
This is impossible. -It's not impossible.
You can divorce your wife and remarry.
What?
Aunt Wu talked to me. This is her wish as well.
My mother? -Aunt Wu said that...
...your wife doesn't behave properly.
She created a lot of troubles.
Both Aunt and Uncle Wu are very angry with her.
They wish for a divorce.
In fact, this is the only way...
...for us to be together.
What are you saying?
What do you mean?
Yong Mei.
Zhou Ying is my wife. Not just in the present...
...but also in the future and forever.
This is a fact that will never change.
What about me?
Yong Mei, let bygones be bygones.
From now on, we are just brother and sister...
...and as your brother, I hope you find a good man soon.
Young Master Wu Pin.
Your date cake is ready. -Here you go.
Young Master Wu Pin, I made you wait today.
It's my treat.
No. Don't worry about that.
Brother Wu Pin.
I need to take the date cake back while it is warm.
Good bye.
He comes to buy your date cake every day?
Yes. It's for his wife.
Young Master Wu Pin treats his wife so well.
Father, Shopkeeper Sun comes to our place regularly.
He has seen most of our servants and retainers.
I sent a reliable apprentice whom he has never met.
That apprentice came back with this.
On the book, he paid 120 taels.
But, in reality, he only paid 20 taels.
So, where did the 100 taels go?
It doesn't matter if it's a live pawn.
The monthly interest is 6 Ii on the book...
...but in reality, he collects 1 cent.
The extra 4 Ii went somewhere.
This is the reason behind San Yuan Pawn Shop's low profit.
What do you think...
...we should do next?
Audit the account and run the shop on our own.
Who will manage the shop?
Father. -We are shod-handed now.
Our shopkeepers are managing a few shops at the same time.
We've no one to manage this pawn shop for us.
Father, I actually have a candidate. But...
...will you dare to use her? -Who?
Zhou Ying. -That woman?
Are you kidding me? She can't handle this.
Do you remember my suggestion of...
...lowering the condition of rebate from...
...50,000 taels to 12,000 taels?
I've assigned Yang to get it done.
That's actually Zhou Ying's idea.
Her idea?
This girl always misbehaves.
Is she really so clever?
Father, think about it. If Zhou Ying is a man...
...her behaviour won't be considered bad.
She's criticised just because she's a woman.
Women should do what women should do.
They can't overstep their role.
What are the things men should do...
...and what are the things women should do?
Household stuffs are the women's responsibility.
Yet, the empress dowager who is ruling the country today...
...is a woman.
Father, Zhou Ying is extremely gifted.
It's such a waste to confine her at the back...
...and treat her like an ordinary woman.
Didn't you say that we're shod-handed?
If we want to expand...
...we must not limit ourselves in recruiting talents.
In this case, gender shouldn't matter.
Wu Family has never had a female shopkeeper.
But, we built our fortune...
...by doing things others have not done before.
Father, why don't you let Zhou Ying...
...join the morning meeting at Liuchuan Hall firsL...
...so that she can listen and learn...
...while you can observe and evaluate her?
If you think she has the right qualities...
...you can let her manage 1-2 businesses.
If you think she can't make it...
...we'll let her help mother with the household affairs.
This will be fair to her too.
For now, we'll put the matter of...
...the pawn shop on hold...
...until we find a suitable candidate.
Yes, father.
Alright.
Let me tell you something.
That day, we went out to buy date cake with the young master...
...and Ms. Hu came to talk to the young master again.
She's still bothering him? -Yes.
She even stopped him from leaving. -Chun Xing.
Help me to wash this one. -Alright.
Mr. Zhou.
What did she say to the young master?
I only heard a bit. Generally...
...she still wants to marry the young master.
She's so shameless. - What's the topic, Bao Lai?
It's time to patrol. -I need to go.
Goodbye, Mr. Zhou.
Wait for me.
Chun Xing.
Who were you two talking about? -isn't it obvious?
We were talking about Ms. Hu, the young master's ex fiancee.
She left the young master to die back then.
But now, she's jealous of our young master and young mistress.
She wants to interfere? -Right.
She keeps bothering the young master.
Wu Pin promised me that he won't betray Zhou Ying.
Young Master Pin will surely ignore her.
But, she takes advantage of the mistress' sympathy.
The mistress is kind. She might give in to her.
I won't let that happen.
Uncle Si, it's good that you're here.
If anything bad happens, Madam Ying will have more support
You're right.
She has Zhou Family backing her up.
Wu Zhao of the centre mansion is getting married next month.
You'll draft a list of gifts.
Stop. Go to the front to listen and learn.
It's the birthday of Madam Chen of the west mansion next month.
Afew shopkeepers have celebrations too next month.
The mid-year appraisal is around the corner.
Should we hire an opera troupe?
That's all for today. You may return.
Yes. Mother, I shall excuse myself.
It's been half a year and she's still the same.
Madam Ying has improved.
At least she doesn't go out anymore.
What about her father?
That man? I heard he's always outside.
I've no idea what he's doing.
It's all your fault.
Mother saw me in bad manners again.
I've a good news for you.
From tomorrow onwards, you can stop acting graceful.
Why? -My father agreed.
From tomorrow onwards, you can join the morning meeting.
Are you surprised?
Let go of me. Mind your manners.
Mind your manners. Let go.
You're not allowed to report this.
Don't learn from me.
Where are you taking me to?
Alright. There's no one here. -What do you want to do?
Now, I can be impolite.
Where is everyone?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Let's go in.
Young Master Pin. Madam Ying.
Father. Uncle Wei Quan.
Uncle Wei Shuang. Uncle Wei Wu.
Brother Wei Wen, what's going on?
I allowed her to attend the meeting.
But, women are not allowed in Liuchuan Hall.
When our grandfather built this Liuchuan Hall...
...he did not say that women are not allowed here.
What can she do here? We have servants to serve tea.
To expand, Wu Family needs more staff.
So, I'd like to let her listen and learn.
Perhaps, she can manage businesses in the future.
Brother Wei Wen, no matter how shod-handed we are...
...we can't use VVOHTGH.
Zhou Ying is clever and gifted.
Her judgement surpasses that of many ordinary men as well.
There's no reason to cast her aside.
Say something. -Enough.
This is just a small matter. Let's get down to business.
Master, it's better to avoid taking risks.
I think we should discuss further...
...regarding the matter of Yu Long Quan.
Alright.
Master, variety is the key in business.
Tongguan Sundry Shop must carry a wider range of goods.
Master, speed is crucial.
Our leather shop should stock up earlier and more...
...to increase the profit this year.
Master, we should focus on the quantity of sales.
I think we should attract more customers.
Flexibility is the key to survival and prosperity.
I think we should discuss further regarding...
...the business of Yu Long Quan in this quarter.
Everyone. Stop. Come here.
Have you all heard? There's a new participant in...
...the meeting at Liuchuan Hall. Guess who.
Who?
Guess. -Tell us! Don't make us guess!
Tell us! -Who is it?
Zhou Ying. -Zhou Ying?
Are you surprised? I knew that she'll make it.
Zhou Ying joined the morning meeting?
The maids and servants are all talking about this.
I heard that even normal shopkeepers...
...can't go to Liuchuan Hall.
Only the best can attend the meeting.
But, Zhou Ying made it. - She's the pride of our school.
Yes. -Let's check it out. Let's go.
They are coming out. -Where is she?
Zhou Ying is over there. -Zhou Ying!
Don't be rude. "Madam Ying". -Madam Ying.
What are you all doing here? - Zhou Ying, you're so amazing.
You entered Liuchuan Hall. -Madam Ying.
Don't forget us when you're rich.
She's already our young mistress.
What did the teacher teach lately? -Tell us about...
...the morning meeting first. -Father.
If you want to let Zhou Ying take over the pawn shop...
...you must remind her to...
...pay attention to all businesses related to pawning.
Alright. I'll tell her.
But, don't make it obvious.
Alright. -What do you two think?
It's inappropriate.
As you instructed, I sent two people to...
...disguise as merchants and approach Hu Zhi Cun.
After the wedding, Wu Family and Hu Family cut ties.
Hu Family's business has plunged because of that.
But now, two big customers suddenly came.
Hu Zhi Cun is overjoyed.
Right. He can't wait to sign a contract with them.
Mr. Lin. Mr. Qin. Thank you for coming.
Please sit down. Serve tea.
Tell the two merchants to...
...give Hu Zhi Cun the cold shoulder...
...after signing the contract and commit a breach of contract.
Then, don't say a thing.
You'll send someone to spread a rumour that...
...Wu Wei Wen threatened them. -Yes.
This way, Hu Zhi Cun will know that...
...on top of cutting ties with him...
...Wu Wei Wen wants to corner him.
Gentleman, what do you want?
Show me your best...
...and most expensive stuffs. - Alright. Give me a minute.
Gentleman, look. This is ambergris...
...and this is tuber fleeceflower.
This is snow lotus. These are the best we have.
They are all fake! What is this black thing?
How is this ambergris? Look at your so-called snow lotus.
Isn't this cabbage?
This tuber fleeceflower is made of radish.
Gentleman, don't spout nonsense!
I'm just being fair!
Master.
Gentleman, Hu Family's Gu Yue Pharmacy...
...is famous and reputable in Jingyang.
We never sell fake goods. -Reputable?
You all are shameless.
Hu Zhi Cun, you refused to save your friend's dying son.
Your daughter shamelessly seduced my son-in-law!
You...
I dare you to say it again!
What do you want? Servants!
Throw him out! -Let go of him!
Hu Zhi Cun, you and your daughter...
...should give up entering Wu Family!
Who is he? -Your daughter is ugly!
I think he's Wu Pin's father-in-law.
My daughter and Wu Pin love each other!
Your daughter can be single forever!
Come! Gag him!
Kids, do you all allow them bully me?
Help!
Hu Yong Mei, big fat pig!
She cries because she can't get married!
Tell the two merchants to leave. -Yes.
I won't let you spout nonsense!
Hu Yong Mei, big fat pig! - Run! Hu Zhi Cun is crazy!
I'm going to kill you all!
Stop right there! Don't let me see you all again!
I'll kill you if I see you again! -Done.
Wu Pin's father-in-law helped us to save the hassle.
We're safe now. Come here.
You brats.
Even though you all came a little late...
...and I got beaten because of that...
...you all still shouted quite loudly.
So, you still get as much as I promised.
Line up!
Here you go. -Thank you, Mr. Zhou.
Thank you, Mr. Zhou. - Thank you, Mr. Zhou.
Here you go. -Thank you, Mr. Zhou.
You already took your share.
You brat. I'm a conman myself.
You sure have some guts to trick me.
Mr. Lin. Mr. Qin. Wait.
I thought we made a deal. How come you changed your mind?
They say that you sell fake goods. I don't trust you.
Didn't you see it yourself? That guy is crazy.
How can you trust a crazy man?
Isn't he from Wu Family?
Wu Family won't lie.
Yes. Since Wu Family says so, there must be a problem.
Alright. In order to express my sincerity...
...I'll lower the price further, alright?
Alright. I don't need a deposit.
You can pay after I deliver the goods.
You can return the goods anytime if you are dissatisfied.
Goodbye. -Goodbye.
Shopkeeper Sun. -Shopkeeper Sun, you're back.
Shopkeeper Sun, I need your advice.
This is a nice inkstone. Who brought it over?
A dead pawn.
That gUY-
He can't afford this inkstone. This must be a stolen item.
This inkstone is good. How much did you pay for this?
120 taels. -Dead or live pawn?
Dead pawn. Take it if you like it.
No. I'll just look around.
Shopkeeper Sun, this is the latest account.
Mrs. Wu.
Shopkeeper Sun, you came at a bad time.
My husband just left.
What should I do? I have urgent matters...
...about the pawn shop to repofl to him.
Mrs. Wu, can I repofl to you instead?
Alright. You may tell me.
Madam Lin, I need to talk to Shopkeeper Sun.
Go out and wait.
Yes.
You're so bold.
I can't believe you came here openly.
I'm aware that Wu Wei Shuang went out.
There are many eyes here. The slightest negligence will...
...put me into deep trouble.
I know. I wouldn't take the risk...
...if it isn't an important matter.
What happened?
Wu Pin might have discovered what we did...
...with San Yuan Pawn Shop.
How much does he know?
Master, Mr. Du of Long Sheng He came.
Mr. Hu.
Du Ming Li!
I haven't made you pay and you came on your own.
Mr. Hu, what did I do?
What did you do?
You ruined my daughter's marriage...
...as well as my 10 years of friendship...
...with Wu Wei Wen.
If you really treasure your bond with Wu Wei Wen...
...you should still send Hu Yong Mei to Hu Family...
...regardless of what I said that day.
The truth is, deep down in your heart...
...you don't really care about this friendship.
Nonsense! -Mr. Hu.
I said that because I want you to understand that...
...Wu Wei Wen doesn't really care about this friendship.
Du Ming Li, you are trying so hard to...
...sow discord between me and Wu Wei Wen.
What is your motive?
Mr. Hu, have you thought about it?
Why did Wu Wei Wen send his daughter-in-laws father to...
...accuse you of selling fake herbs? What is his motive?
Of course it's to damage my reputation...
...so that I can't run my business.
Is that all?
Is there any other reason?
Mr. Hu, I'll be frank.
The case of the military supply isn't closed yet.
The court merely ordered the imperial commissioner to...
“investigate in Jingyang covertly.
Now, there is a major progress in the investigation.
I ended up in misery because I trusted you back then.
Mr. Hu, look.
Is this the dragon's blood you supplied to Wu Family?
Yes.
Take a closer look.
This is dragon's blood.
No. This is rosin.
Wu Wei Wen has admitted that he supplied fake medicine to...
...the Ministry of Revenue.
But, he claimed that you are the one who sold him fake herbs.
This sack of fake dragon's blood is the evidence.
That's impossible.
Before our herbs enter their warehouse...
...Wu Family will examine the herbs strictly.
Even if there is a small problem with the quality...
...they will return the herbs on the spot.
Even though this sack of fake herbs...
...is in Hu Family's sack, I dare to swear to god that...
...this has nothing to do with Hu Family at all.
But, Wu Wei Wen said that...
...he never examines your goods...
"because the two of you are too close.
What? How could he say that?
He was the one who sent...
...this sack of fake dragon's blood to the court
No.
Then, the father of his daughter-in-law...
...spread the news that you sell fake herbs in Jingyang.
But...
Why is he doing this?
I guess this is his revenge.
We were friends for more than 10 years.
Mr. Hu, when you cancelled the wedding...
...you did not consider this relationship.
But, he's putting me into deep trouble by doing this.
Mr. Hu, didn't you refuse to save his son too?
Everyone is selfish. You cancelled the wedding...
...for the sake of your daughter...
...and he made you his scapegoat to protect himself.
It all makes sense.
Where are you going? -I'm going to ask Wu Wei Wen...
...why he made up such lie!
Mr. Hu, do you think confronting him...
...will make him admit that he forged an evidence...
...and make him change his testimony?
Do you think confronting him will make him take back all...
...the evidences he submitted to the court?
Doing this will only warn him to...
...make his testimony and evidences even more flawless...
...so that you can't deny the accusation...
...when you're arrested.
No.
Mr. Hu, if I were you...
...I would find ways to prove my innocence...
...before the authority takes action.
You mean...
...I should act like I'm unaware of everything?
Mr. Hu.
Wu Wei Wen doesn't know that you're aware.
This is your biggest advantage.
If you must inform him, I can't do anything to help you.
I... What should I do?
Mr. Hu, I'm indebted to Hu Family.
So, I took the risk to warn you again and again.
Mr. Hu, this is all I can do for Hu Family.
Mr. Hu, before the Ministry of Justice...
...takes action...
...you should find ways to save yourself.
You're running out of time.
Good bye.
It's just an inkstone.
There shouldn't be a problem.
But, he might use this as excuse to audit the books.
Reject him then.
They hold 70% shares. I'm just the shopkeeper.
How can I stop them from auditing the books?
Get Wu Wei Shuang to stop them.
If Wu Wei Shuang learns about this...
...he might support the audit.
If they audit the books, I'll be done for.
Wu Wei Wen is so influential.
I can never find another job in Shaanxi.
I might even go broke because of the lawsuit.
You're probably being paranoid.
I can't take the risk.
I'll ask around. -Who can you ask?
You don't need to know.
Give me last month's profit.
Keep it properly.
We'll be depending on this in the future.
Do I need you to tell me?
Madam.
My cousin, this is for you.
Xifeng Wine. I love Xifeng Wine the most.
I know. That's why I keep some for you...
...whenever I see it.
Do you have any comment after attending the morning meeting?
I do. -Tell me.
If I knew that Wu Family is so rich...
...I wouldn't tell your father to give me a divorce back then.
Please have some tea. -Let me.
We're not that great. -I'm ignorant.
Frankly, there are many people richer than us.
Drink some tea.
There's a cup here.
I'm used to this.
Be careful. It's hot. -I'm fine.
Back to the topic, however...
...not many in Shaanxi...
...are as capable as Wu Family.
To Manchuria in the east, Urumqi in the wesL...
...Russia in the north...
Be careful. And Guangzhou in the south...
...we have businesses everywhere.
That isn't a big deal. -What?
I've seen a map. If...
...Jingyang is here and Xi'an is here...
...Urumqi is here and there is Europe here.
The Pacific Ocean is here.
America is here beside the Pacific Ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean is here and Africa is over here.
How come you know so many places?
It's on the world's map. -World's map?
If we can expand Wu Family's business...
...to all corners of that world's map...
...that's real success.
Sure. Let's do it together. -Sure.
There's another thing we need to work on together.
What is it?
You're kidding me again. -I'm very serious.
I've thought about it.
If it's a boy, we'll call him Huai Xian.
Huai Xian?
Young Master Pin.
Master summoned both you and Madam Ying.