Episode 24
I do agree with the adoption of western policies.
I only strongly disagree with legalising...
...opium cultivation and trade.
I guess this is a way to replace imported opium with local opium.
It's true that there is no more...
...imported opium over the past decade.
The outflow of money has decreased as well...
...and income from tax has increased significantly.
But...
...officials, civilians, soldiers, officers...
...and even women are addicted to opium.
At this rate, the country will be destroyed by opium.
Sir, do you plan to ban opium in Guanzhong?
I've always intended to do so.
But, it's a fact that there are too many...
...opium addicts across the country.
You are all alone in this effort
You can only ban opium in Guanzhong.
It won't make a big difference.
When it comes to sewing the country...
...I can only try my best.
Where do you plan to stafl from?
I plan to focus on banning cultivation...
...while banning consumption.
But, the profit of cultivating poppy is...
...10 times the profit of cultivating rice and wheat.
The people can't resist the money.
It'll be very difficult to get them to turn back.
Your concern is correct.
We can't take San Yuan Pawn Shop back.
It will cost at least 20,000 taels to open a new one.
If we open a tea or leather shop...
...we can't compete against shops...
"established since the previous dynasty.
We've never sold hookah before. We've no experience.
To open a restaurant, we need a good cook.
"Notice of the initiative to ban opium in Guanzhong".
"For years, there has been urges to ban opium in China."
So, how did the public react in response to the notice?
As far as I know, most of the people...
...are praising your deed.
But, some disagree with you. -Who?
I heard that someone just transformed the wheat field...
...at the foothill of Mount Beizhong to a poppy farm...
...for a large-scale cultivation.
Isn't that Madam Ying?
Why is she here so early?
It's you, Madam Ying. How can you work in the farm?
Uncle De, she wouldn't listen to us.
Madam Ying, please rest and leave this to us.
Hurry UP-
If we finish sowing the seeds quickly...
...we can grow another batch next year.
After the harvest next year...
...I'll make my own opium at home...
...and smoke as much as I want every day.
I don't have to go to that dishonest opium shop...
...and spend extra money.
De.
Let me make it clear. The poppy I grow here...
...will only be sold to pharmacies.
It's not for making opium.
Yes, Madam Ying.
What's the matter? -I fell down.
Are you alright?
Let me check. -There's a cut my hand.
People are watching.
Mr. Zhao.
How may I help you?
Did you see the notice I issued today?
What notice?
I'm taking initiatives to ban...
...the cultivation and consumption of opium.
Is this the court's order?
No. It's just that I condemn the damages brought by opium.
So, I plan to use a year's time to guide the people...
...and ban opium in Guanzhong.
So, the court hasn't banned opium.
We need to do it voluntarily. - You can say that.
But, I'd still like to request that...
...you remove all these poppy seeds.
Mr. Zhao.
Adozen of people in Wu Family's east mansion...
...are counting on this farm for a living.
If I don't grow my poppies, how do I make money for my family?
You can still make money if you grow grains.
Look around. I'm not the only one growing poppies.
This isn't the only poppy farm. Why don't you prohibit them first?
Why must you give a woman like me a hard time?
What? Who is giving you a hard time?
I'm not trying to give you a hard time.
It's just that I've made up my mind...
...to transform Guanzhong into a place free from opium.
So, I must ban both the cultivation and consumption.
If you really want to do $0...
...tell the financial commissioner in charge of tax of local opium...
...and the provincial governor who is an opium smoker as well.
Don't forget the circuit intendant who opened an opium house himself.
Why are you telling a civilian who grows herbs like me?
Mr. Zhao, if that's all, I need to go back to my work.
Let's get back to work!
Sir, please return.
What did they say?
Ms. Yong Mei, let's talk elsewhere.
They said that master is fine.
Fine.
Fine?
It's been half a year.
We sought help from so many and spent so much money...
...and we get is the news of him doing fine?
If he's really fine, where is he?
Where is he? -Ms. Yong Mei, don't panic.
They said that the case hasn't been concluded yet.
So, they can't release him.
Wu Family's case was concluded a long time ago.
Why is my father still undergoing trial?
Let's wait a little longer. - We still have to wait?
This way.
Please board the carriage.
Please proceed.
Mr. Du, goodbye.
Mr. Du, I'm Hu Yong Mei. My father is Hu Zhi Cun.
I'm sorry for coming uninvited.
Ms. Hu, please come in.
Prepare tea for Ms. Hu.
Please have a seat.
Ms. Hu,you...
Mr. Du, please save my father.
Who told you that I can save your father?
I saw you outside of the office of the provincial governor today.
Even the rank 2 provincial governor...
...treats you with so much respect.
I'm sure you can help.
If you're willing to help, there'll be hope for my father.
I've some idea of what happened to your father.
Ms. Hu, please return.
Take the gold back.
Mr. Du. -I'll try my best.
Mr. Du, if we can let my father come home safely...
...I'll do anything at all to repay you.
Please rise.
Once I agree to help, I will not go back on my word.
Come. Stand up.
Mr. Du, I will never forget your great kindness.
Go back and wait for my news.
I shall excuse myself.
I'll see you off.
Mr. Hu, we actually met once a long time ago.
I don't remember that.
I'll be counting on you to save my father.
Please rest assured.
Be careful on your way back.
Hold the palanquin down.
Release.
Lift the palanquin.
She doesn't remember me.
It's not a bad thing. We are going through so much...
...in order to forget about our past.
You're right.
She came for Hu Zhi Cun.
I'll do this filial daughter a favour.
But, before I release him, I need to talk to him again.
My dear.
How do you feel today?
Does it still hurt?
What do you think?
It's all that woman's fault.
If it wasn't for her...
...we wouldn't get into trouble.
How can you say that?
You can only blame yourself for this.
You said that Bao Lai is your nephew...
...and that he's very reliable.
But, he turned out to be a despicable person.
On top of spreading a false rumour...
...he caused the loss of Brother Wei Wen's grandchild...
...and got me into trouble.
But...
You can't blame it on me.
He seemed quite honest when he was little.
I didn't expect him to be a person like that.
But, it must be you who sent Sun Yong Quan...
...to kidnap Wang Shi Jun's mother...
...and force Wang Shi Jun to admit to adultery, right?
How could you do something like that?
I... I only did it for San Yuan Pawn Shop.
I did it...
...for the sake of you and our family.
Still, you can't use a dirty method like that.
How to face others now?
How do I face Brother Wei Wen in the afterworld?
I'm the one who should cry.
My dear.
Since I'm such a terrible woman...
...why don't you divorce me?
I've actually considered that.
My dear.
Enough. Don't cry.
I can't bring myself to do that.
If I oust you, this family would be broken.
It's all my fault. - You did it to help me.
You were the one who was kept in the dark.
When Zhao Bai Shi interrogated us...
...why did you claim to be behind everything?
If I didn't claim to be the mastermind...
...Zhao Bai Shi would have you spanked.
Look at the bad shape I am in after all the spanking.
If it was you, you might have died.
But, this leg of yours...
...can't walk anymore.
Wan Er, if it is for you...
...I can even sacrifice my life...
...let alone a leg.
Zhou Ying, Wei Quan and I...
...are sorry for wronging you.
Both of us were deceived by him.
Now, we've decided to cut ties with him.
I don't blame it on you and Brother Wei Quan.
I came to thank Brother Ze and Sister Yi.
They tried to save me when I was about to be drowned.
I'd also like to thank you and Uncle Wei Quan...
...for taking care of me and my mother-in-law.
Apart from that, I have an important matter...
...to discuss with you.
What is it about?
In this period...
...what bothers me the most is Wu Pin's death.
Uncle Wei Wu.
Who would want to kill Wu Pin?
I know Wu Pin's personality very well.
He is forgiving and friendly.
I really can't think of anyone who would want him dead.
Yes.
I think there is only one possibility.
Wu Pin's existence probably threatened someone's interest.
So, they had to get rid of him.
Who are they?
Before Wu Pin died, he was actually secretly...
“investigating San Yuan Pawn Shop.
San Yuan Pawn Shop?
He visited San Yuan Pawn Shop a few times...
...under the pretext of passing by.
He also reserved a room opposite of the pawn shop...
...and sat inside for one whole afternoon.
He even sent Wang Shi Jun to secretly pawn the inkstone.
What did he find out?
I don't know what he found out.
I only know that he died a few days after that.
Coincidentally, people from the south mansion framed me...
...drowned me and caused my miscarriage...
...when I requested to take over the management of...
...San Yuan Pawn Shop.
Are you saying that...
...San Yuan Pawn Shop is the reason behind...
...you and Wu Pin's ordeals...
...and that everything was no coincidence?
We once held 70% of San Yuan Pawn Shop's shares.
But, I heard that we only made 2,000 taels at most in a year.
Uncle Wei Shuang had only 10% shares.
He would receive even lesser money.
But, as far as I know, in Jingyang and Xi'an...
...pawn shops of the same business scale...
...each make over 10,000 taels in a year.
Uncle Wei Wu.
I wish my deduction is wrong.
But, if I am not wrong...
...your family might be the next victim.
Zhou Ying, why are you trying to sow discord...
mbetween me and Wei Shuang?
My objective is very simple. Firstly...
...I want to know who killed Wu Pin.
Secondly, our shares were swallowed in such a sly way.
I hope that you all won't be the next victim.
Look. I just pawned my family's porcelain bottle.
This is the pawn ticket I received. Look.
I can't believe it's worth so much money.
Brother San, you gave me 500 taels...
...the last time I pawned this jade ring.
How come you only offer 100 taels this time?
Fine. Since you call me "brother"...
...I'll let you have 500 taels.
But, the interest is the same, 1.2 cents.
Brother San, can't you make it 1 cent?
But... -Brother San.
I'll treat you to wine in the brothel later.
We can find Ms. Bai Mei again.
Merchants of Qin value brotherhood the most. Deal.
Give me a minute. I'll prepare the ticket.
Here. Keep this pawn ticket. See you later.
Next.
Put it inside. Be careful. - I have a question.
What is there to ask? Are you pawning this pipe?
Let me see.
Only the cigarette holder is decent.
I can only offer 2 taels at most.
Take it or leave it. I'm busy.
Do you know who you are talking to?
Country bumpkin, who do you think you are?
This is San Yuan Pawn Shop!
You're doomed. Believe it or not...
...I can make you leave today!
Nonsense! Don't think you can scare me! Come! Oust him!
Shopkeeper Sun! Come out!
You think you can scare me? -Who is dragging me?
Come out! -Master Wei Wu!
Shopkeeper Sun, there's a troublemaker.
Don't touch me!
Master Wei Wu. -Shopkeeper Sun.
Tell him who I am.
Tell him!
L---
Master Wei Wu, please be forgiving.
Forgive this little employee.
I must punish him. Go. Tell him to get lost!
Master Wei Wu, I'll tell him to kowtow to you.
I won't accept that.
If I spare him, it's an insult to my identity.
But, he didn't do anything that bad.
We don't have a good reason to fire him.
He didn't do anything that bad?
Fine. Bring me the account he was in charge of.
I don't believe I can't find a single mistake in it!
Go! -Please wait for a while.
Have you informed master? - Yes. Master said he's coming.
I... It's all your fault.
Now, he wants to check your account. Quickly go in...
...and calm him down. Hurry.
I'll go at once.
Master Wei Wu, I was ignorant.
I'm really sorry. Please spare me this once.
If I spare you, it's an insult to...
...my identity as a shareholder.
Master Wei Wu, I'll punish myself.
Master Wei Wu, is this enough? I can continue.
Enough. Stop slapping yourself.
Listen. You must leave today.
In fact, I will give you a good reason.
Master Wei Wu, I... -Shopkeeper Sun!
Yes, Master Wei Wu. - Where is the account?
I'm looking for it. I'll bring it to you right away.
Why does it take so long to get an account book?
Could it be that there's a problem with...
...all accounts?
Master Wei Wu, you must be joking with me.
Brother Wei Wu, what's going on? -Wei Shuang, you came.
Come. Get a chair for Master Wei Shuang.
No need. What's wrong, Brother Wei Wu?
Wei Shuang, your employee bullied me today.
How should we settle this?
My brother, why do you have to let an employee ruin your mood?
Come. I'll treat you to a meal and some wine.
I'll apologise to you. Let's go.
I'm too angry to eat. No.
Brother Wei Wu, let's go. -Wei Shuang.
Let me ask you a question.
How long do you come to this pawn shop once?
I come regularly.
Before winter solstice, I came here to drink tea.
Before winter solstice, that's half a year ago.
You haven't come for half a year.
Let me tell you something. We need to audit the books.
I send the account book to Master Wei Shuang's residence...
...on every 30th of the month.
Yes. -I'm not talking about...
...the principal account.
I'm talking about checking all the goods...
...cash and banknotes.
That's too troublesome. It'll take at least half a month.
We've to check even if it'll take a month's time.
Isn't this unnecessary?
Wei Shuang, I'll be frank.
I'm angry today not entirely because...
...this fellow disrespected me.
It's also because in 15 minutes' time...
...I found out that rules are being broken in the pawn shop.
It's a mess!
Sun Yong Quan, what are you doing as the shopkeeper?
I've been careless lately. I'll fix things right away.
We'll start from fixing the account.
Once the books are audited, everything will fall into place.
You're right.
Master, we have no problem with that.
But, we're in the middle of the month now...
...and we're shod-handed.
Let's check when we are more free at the end of the month.
That isn't a problem. I have many accountants.
I'll let them help. - Let's not trouble others.
I'm also a shareholder.
We can't just take the money without contributing.
This time, we'd like to play our pad.
Master, I... -Enough. I'll do as you say.
I'll let your accountant do the job.
But, let me say this beforehand. I won't be paying for his meals.
Wei Shuang, don't worry. We'll take care of the meals.
Brother Wei Wu, have you cooled down?
If you treat me to a good meal today...
...I won't be angry.
Brother Wei Wu, it's on me today. This way.
Come. Escofl me. -Let's go, Brother Wei Wu.
I threw a fit today...
...and forced Wei Shuang to agree to audit the books.
They deserve the scolding for being so disrespect to you.
I've talked to Wei Shuang.
Tomorrow morning, I'll send my accountants to the pawn shop.
He agreed so easily?
I know Wei Shuang very well.
He's not a bad or ambitious person.
So, he's a person who easily agrees to things.
I think he's most probably...
...unaware of what is going on in the pawn shop.
So, you believe that...
...Shopkeeper Sun is solely responsible for this?
I hope that's the case.
Alright. You don't have to see me off. Goodbye.
Goodbye, Uncle Wei Wu.
Xiao Wu. Come here.
Coming.
Madam Ying, how may I help you?
Help me to keep an eye on a person.
Keep an eye on a person? Who?
Wan Er.
Say it quickly? I only have 15 minutes.
We really need to leave. -Why?
Tomorrow, Wu Wei Wu will audit the books in San Yuan Pawn Shop.
Why? -He's also a shareholder.
He's just a small shareholder.
Wu Wei Shuang agreed.
I'll talk to him and make him change his mind.
Why don't we just leave...
...and end this once and for all?
This isn't the right time. -20 years ago...
...I told you to leave with me...
...and you said you didn't dare to go against your father.
Then, you said that Wu Yu is too young.
Now that Wu Yu is grown up...
...you said we haven't made enough money.
Over the past 2 years, I've handed at least...
...20,000 taels to you.
This is enough for a lifetime.
No. This won't do.
I can't leave with you yet.
Wan Er, do you know...
...how restless I feel every day?
It's just an audit. What are you worried about?
I'm not worried about the audit.
Luckily, Bao Lai went mad. Else, we would be executed.
Wan Er, I have a feeling.
We won't be lucky forever.
Before we're exposed, while we're still safe...
...let's run away.
Wan Er.
NO. -Why?
Are you reluctant to leave Wu Wei Shuang?
If I can't leave him, why would I give you my love?
That means you can't bear to leave him because of his money.
Wan Er, 20 years ago...
...it was his money that took you away from me.
It's been 20 years. Am I still less important than his money?
Where are you going? -I'll give him a piece of my mind!
Where are you going? Have you gone crazy?
Yes, I'm crazy.
If I'm not crazy, why would I love you so much?
Brother Yong Quan.
If you love me, you must be considerate of me.
If I leave with you...
...I'll never see Wu Yu again.
My family... My family will be ridiculed.
What about me? Have you thought about me?
I've past 40 years old. Yet, I don't even have a family.
I could have worked as a shopkeeper honestly...
...and made an honest living. But...
But, ever since Wu Pin's death, I haven't been able to sleep well.
Tomorrow, once they check the accounts...
...I'll have to leave Jingyang.
I can never return to Shaanxi.
I'll definitely have to leave.
Wan Er, let me ask you one last time.
Do you want to leave with me?
Alright.
I'll leave with you. -Good.
Good.
But, not tomorrow.
You...
What do you mean?
I need to get ready. I used some of the money...
...for money lending. I need to collect the money.
Brother Yong Quan.
Leave without me first. I'll go to you later.
But, I've no money.
I can't leave like this. -Don't worry.
I'll send Madam Lin to deliver some to you.
Alright.
Be careful.
A woman? Who is she?
They were too far away. I couldn't see.
Besides, that woman was wearing a mantle.
How come you know she's from the south mansion?
I tailed her and saw her entering the south mansion from the back.
What about Shopkeeper Sun?
I think he went back to the pawn shop.
Xiao Wu, continue to keep an eye on Shopkeeper Sun.
Alright. I understand.
Wan Er! -Mother!
It's so dark and your leg is injured.
Why did you go out?
Your son will tell you. -Mother, look.
Lao Feng Xiang just sent two bodkins over.
One is green and one is red.
I'm sure you'll prefer the green one.
But, father insists that you'll prefer the red one.
So, we made a bet.
Mother, it's up to you to choose now.
I've so many bodkins. I don't need a new one.
But, you don't have a ruby one.
I saw you staring at Mrs. Wang's ruby bodkin that day.
You're so observant. -Mother, don't listen to father.
Pick one. I need to win father's money.
Pick the ruby one. It'll be my birthday soon.
It fits the occasion.
Mother, make your choice.
Alright. I'll choose...
...the red one.
Come. Hand me 10 taels.
No. Mother.
Don't you love jade the most? I...
I love anything and everything valuable.
Right. Admit defeat. Come on.
That doesn't count. Father, you cheated.
You're the cheater. -Mother clearly prefers green.
Yet, you insist that she likes the red one.
Mother, you've to pay for me.
You're so irresponsible. Wu Yu, you owe me 10 taels!
I'll remember this!
Help me to wear it. -Sure.
Madam Lin.
Shopkeeper Sun. -You finally came.
Ms. Wan Er told me to deliver this to you.
She wants you to wait at Zhang Family Bridge in Fuping.
She'll meet up with you latest by 3 days later.
Ms. Wan Er has another message for you.
She said that since you two decided to leave...
...it's better to clean up first.
Don't leave anything behind. -I understand.
"Cotton clothes warm the body...
...and Xifeng wine warms the stomach."
"The lovers shall be reunited."
Wan Er, I'll be waiting for you.
I think we need at least three people.
One to check the goods, one to check the documents...
...and one to check the cash.
Keep this in mind. If you find any error...
...don't alefl them.
Come back and tell me secretly.
Fire! Master!
Master! It's a fire! San Yuan Pawn Shop caught a fire!
Hurry! Put out the fire! Help!