Episode 26
Come, Mr. Xie. Let's talk in private.
If you want to examine the medicine...
...I will surely do my best to cooperate.
But, must you do it right here and right now?
Mr. Du, I'll be frank.
Someone reported that the medicine you all produced...
...does not stop bleeding or heal wounds...
...as promised. It's just a piece of cloth.
Before I left, officials of the Council of State...
...reminded me repeatedly...
...to intercept and examine the medicine on the spot...
...and report my findings immediately without fail.
No problem. Why don't you wait inside?
I'll send the workers to bring you the medicine.
No thanks. I'll do it here.
Tell them to carry a box over quickly.
Mr. Xie, helping others means helping yourself.
If you do me the favour today...
...the young prince will return the favour in the future.
Mr. Du.
Unless you have the emperor's words...
...I'm determined to examine the medicine today.
Giving others troubles means giving yourself troubles.
Just examine as you wish.
Who are you?
Xing Er.
Young Master Xing Yi.
Mr. Zhao, please lend me your sword.
What are you doing?
Young Masher Xmg Y“!
You...
Mr. Xie, should I cut myself and test it again?
Mr. Zhao.
Do you want to check again?
No.
Mr. Xie.
There's some medicine under production in the pharmacy.
Do you want to go in and examine it?
By the way, there's also a batch of this...
...in the young prince's residence.
Do you want to go over and check?
That's unnecessary.
Thank you for the hard work.
I will report the result of this examination as it is.
May you all continue to do your best to serve the country.
Thank you for the advice.
Alright.
Done. -I'm fine. It's just a small cut.
Done.
Young Master Xing Yi, you were so amazing.
You intimidated the Deputy Minister of Justice.
I was just lucky.
How come the Ministry of Justice suddenly...
...came to examine our medicine?
Someone must be asking foe death.
The thief from that night is Zhao Bai Shi.
Are you sure?
I'm the one who gave him that injury on his right arm.
I get it now.
Young Master Xing Yi, please recuperate well.
Mr. Shen, we shall excuse ourselves.
Good bye.
Xing Er.
What trick was that?
It wasn't a trick.
Father, I acted on my own again.
I asked Shopkeeper Han to add some leaves of azaleas...
...to the medicine.
Add leaves of azaleas. Just follow this formula.
Young Master Xing Yi, where did you get this formula?
Don't ask. It's definitely effective.
Young Master Xing Yi, your remedy is really useful.
You tried?
I cut my hand 2 days ago.
So, I wiped some of the medicine onto my wound.
The bleeding stopped immediately. In facL...
...the wound healed in a day.
Good. That's good.
Are the leaves of azaleas? -Yes.
How is that possible? - Leaves of azaleas...
...have similar efficacy as dragon's blood.
How much did you spend? -Not much.
Only a few more taels for every can of medicine.
Alright.
I'll tell Shopkeeper Han to add leaves of azaleas...
...to the rest of the medicine. -Father.
We should add dragon's blood.
Mr. Du won't agree. -If he disagrees, we pan ways.
That won't do.
You saw what happened today.
Du Ming Li tried both bribery and intimidation.
Yet, Mr. Xie remained unwavered...
...and still examined our medicine. What does this mean?
This shows that while Du Ming Li can be bold...
...his method is not foolproof.
We're just lucky today. What if...
...leaves of azaleas weren't added into the medicine?
What if we failed to intimidate that Deputy Minister of Justice?
What would happen to Shen Family by now?
Du Ming Li has support If he gets into trouble...
...he can go to the capital and hide at the prince's place.
But, what about us? -Mr. Du can solve the problem.
You really think he treats us as business partner?
To me, we're just his tool for making money.
If we get into trouble, he'll conveniently discard us.
Father, listen to me and leave him, alright?
Don't get carried away just because you were praised!
Is the matter of our partnership your business?
Go back to your work.
The Deputy Minister of Justice came to Shaanxi.
Yet, you didn't know.
Xie De Gu came secretly on purpose.
So, I didn't receive any news at all.
But, Zhao Bai Shi is right under your nose.
Yet, you can't take care of him. What are you doing every day?
Do you think the young prince sent you over...
...for you to drink and listen to songs every day?
I'm sorry, Mr. Du.
I heard that Xing Er saved the pharmacy today.
I told you so. As long as you give Xing Er a chance...
...and some time, he'll be as good as Yue Sheng.
Xing Er really saved us today.
In fact, after all the training in this period...
...he has become quite competent.
Stop letting him do the odd jobs then.
He's the young master. Yet, he spends his days...
"serving tea, wiping tables and sweeping the floors in our shops.
People will laugh at Shen Family.
Don't worry. I've my own considerations.
Young Master Xing Yi! - Young Master Xing Yi!
What is this? What are you all doing here at this hour?
Are you all getting spoilt because I haven't been around?
Master praised you today and the mistress said that...
...we did well sewing you.
Look. She rewarded us with a string of coins each.
The old mistress rewarded me too. Look.
I love this pearl bracelet so much.
So, it's because of this?
Yes. It's all thanks to you. We're rewarded for your good work.
Right? -Yes.
I'm not the one you all should thank.
Who is the one we should thank then?
Forget it. Dismiss.
Let's dismiss then. -Let's go back.
Go back.
Zhang, should I embroider it here?
I've been working since morning. It's so hot.
Madam Ying, you're back. -Mother.
It's too hot outside today.
Zhou Ying, come to my room. I've something to say to you.
Madam Ying, have some tea.
Be careful. It's hot. I shall excuse myself.
Zhou Ying, it's been hard on you.
We've been depending on you for everything.
Mother, you don't have to be shy. It's alright.
Even though we're broke, our reputation is still here.
We can be poor. But, we need to watch our reputation.
Mother, I don't get what you mean.
Look at how indecent you look.
You don't look like our young mistress at all.
Mother, if I act like a prim and proper young mistress...
...we'll all starve to death.
I know it's been hard on you.
That's why I'm not demanding as much.
But, you need to at least behave properly.
What are you doing? -Mother, look.
The sky doesn't tumble and the earth doesn't sink.
Does my posture matter?
We're still broke. We still have no business.
Father is still being wronged. So...
...don't worry about that. It's useless.
Why do I have a daughter-in-law like you?
Why are you crying?
Don't cry.
It's all my fault. Don't cry.
It's all my fault. Sit down.
It's all my fault. Don't cry.
I promise you.
I promise you that once I made enough money...
...I'll behave. Alright?
Promise me that you won't remove your shoes outside.
Awoman's feet can't be shown to others.
I'm at home now.
Alright. I promise.
Also, promise me to avoid appearing in public.
Just send Wang Shi Jun and the rest to get things done.
I'll try my best, alright?
By the way, have you heard about the south mansion?
What happened?
Wu Yu dismissed all the servants...
...and left alone at night 2 days ago.
He took everything he could take away.
The south mansion is empty now.
Where did he go? -I don't know.
His parents got involved in such case. If I were him...
...I wouldn't be able to accept it too.
It's all Liu Wan Er's fault.
She caused the deaths of both Wei Shuang and Wu Pin.
Zhou Ying, this is why women must...
Mother, I know. I totally understand.
I've kept it in mind. I'll put on my socks now.
Mother, do you want some tea? I'll pour a cup of tea for you.
Mr. Li.
Can you tell me why this account is recorded this way?
Master. -Help me to calculate.
Up until the medicine we delivered yesterday...
...how much should we pay Long Sheng He?
Alright.
Master, look. This is the number.
Do you have this much cash? -Yes.
Give it to me. -Based on the contract...
...we can pay after completing...
...the last batch of order next month.
I want to pay now. -Alright.
Father, are you planning to pan ways with Du Ming Li?
Is this your business?
Master, please check.
Alright.
Is master planning to end the collaboration with Long Sheng He?
I know. It's my idea.
Mr. Shen.
Mr. Du.
I came to discuss about something.
Mr. Shen, congratulations.
I just received a news. Xie De Gu came for a spot check...
...and it was actually a blessing in disguise.
The young prince submitted a memorial...
...saying that Shen Family should be rewarded for their...
mhonest service.
Guess what happened.
The empress dowager and emperor approved the proposal.
Mr. Shen, just wait. You will receive news soon.
Young Master Xing Yi's title of rank 5 sub-prefect...
...and Old Mrs. Shen's title of rank 2 noblewoman...
...are on their way.
But...
Mr. Shen, even if you don't thank me...
...you should at least thank the young prince.
Right.
Thank you, Prince Chun.
Thank you, Mr. Du.
I'll accept your gratitude on behalf of the young prince.
As for the matter between the two of us...
...you're welcome.
Mr. Du, what should I say?
Please sit down. -Serve tea!
Mr. Shen, you're in luck.
There's another good news.
Despite the little problem in this batch of military supply...
...after learning about how diligent and honest you are...
...the prince intends to have a close collaboration with you.
What kind of close collaboration?
Shen Family can form a partnership with Long Sheng He.
Shen Family will run the business...
...while Long Sheng He deals with the connections.
For all businesses, Shen Family will receive 70% of the shares.
Long Sheng He will only have 30% shares.
All businesses? -Yes.
Mr. Du.
Shen Family has been doing business in Shaanxi...
...for more than 30 years.
We have 1 head office, 17 branches...
...and over 30 shops.
We have around 200 employees including shopkeepers.
As for Long Sheng He...
Even though Long Sheng He is just a tiny shop in Shaanxi...
...we have endless connections in the capital, the palace...
...the Ministries of Revenue, Works, Justice...
"Rites, personnel...
...the Council of State, the Coufl of Censors...
...the Court of Judicial Review...
...and the Office of Transmission Commissioner.
Mr. Du.
You all got me the military supply business.
So, it's reasonable for you all to received 30% of the profits.
But now, you all want 30% of the shares of...
...all businesses of Shen Family.
This is a little...
What if I add this?
This was confiscated from...
...Wu Family's east mansion last month.
It records all agents of Wu Family of the east mansion...
...the purchases of all goods...
...and all details of the rebates and discounts.
Mr. Shen.
This book should be woflh the 30% shares.
It is.
Mr. Shen, from now on, Jingyang is all yours.
Please help me to thank the prince.
But, Mr. Shen, I must say something beforehand.
If you serve us loyally, the prince will be very generous.
But, the prince will never spare people...
...who go against us be it openly or secretly
Do you know why Yang Ting Huai of Fujian Military Defense Circuit...
...was dismissed and blacklisted from employment?
The prince found out that he reported to the emperor that...
...our medicine is ineffective and adulterated.
That's why Xie De Gu came to Shaanxi.
But, even before Xie De Gu could return to the capital...
...Yang was sent home for falsely accusing the innocent.
I see. -Another person...
...who tipped Yang Ting Huai off...
...got demoted from rank 4 to rank 7.
He's probably packing up now.
If I knew that we would return to Jingyang in just a few months...
...I wouldn't bring so many things over.
Mr. Zhao is already in bad mood. Don't make it worse.
It's alright. Fan Zhong Yan was demoted thrice.
But, he was still devoted to sewing the country.
This is just a temporary demotion.
This won't affect my mood.
Sir, you got demoted for no reason.
Which impoflant official did you offend?
I merely made a wrong judgement and exposed myself.
I'm not demoted for no reason. It's expected.
The question of who I offended isn't important.
For the sake of the people, I don't mind enduring these...
...dirty tricks.
You should give up or do less then.
What's the purpose of my 10 years of studies then?
It's been 4 hours and he isn't back yet.
Did his negotiation with Du Ming Li fail?
Even if he failed, he should return by now.
Don't tell me he's in trouble. -I don't think so.
Master is calm and experienced.
Master, be careful.
Master is back! -Master is back.
Master.
Master. -Father.
Master.
Serve tea. Master. -Hurry.
Tell my mother to come out.
Get the old mistress. -Be careful.
Father, what happened? - Master, please be careful.
I drank a little wine. - You never drink wine.
Yes. I'm very happy today.
Father, how did your negotiation with Du Ming Li go?
Xing Er.
In the past...
...I made a lot of money...
...by taking a lot of troubles...
Be careful. -...and insults.
But, from now on... -Give it to me.
...those days have come to an end.
It's over. Get it?
The old mistress has arrived!
Come. -Master, be careful.
Mother.
What's the matter? -Mother, come here.
What's so urgent? -Come. Sit down here.
You drank wine? -Just a little.
You last drank wine on the night of your wedding.
Mother, today, I'm happier than I was on the night I got married.
What's wrong with your father? -I don't know.
Stand properly. Come.
Mother.
I hereby greet...
...Lin of Shen Family, the rank 2 noblewoman.
Xing Er! -Father, I'm here.
Xing Er. -Father.
Stand properly.
Let me tell you something. From today onwards...
...you have a rank 5 title as well.
You don't have to kneel or kowtow...
...when you see an official.
Understand?
Shouldn't we celebrate today?
Do you know who gave us all these things?
It's the prince.
So, from today onwards...
...Shen Family must serve the prince properly.
We can't disappoint the young prince...
...after everything he did for us.
Where is he? -Over there, Madam Ying.
De, I heard you're looking for me.
Madam Ying, I...
Can you pay me my salary in advance?
I thought I already paid for this first phase.
Yes.
But, my wife is suddenly severely ill.
I need to hire a physician.
But, I've no money. -Alright. I get it.
Come with me.
Xiao Jiang, how much money do we have?
Cash?
That's all.
Give it to me.
De, take this.
Thank you. Let me kowtow to you.
Get up. Don't waste time.
Go and get a physician quickly. -Thank you, Madam Ying.
Come and take a look! - Sir, please come again!
Goodbye, gentleman.
De, we have new arrivals. Do you want to try?
The taste is very pure.
This is Yunnan opium.
It's much purer than the Sichuan opium you had.
Try it before it's all gone.
Yunnan opium is much stronger than Sichuan opium.
Please come in. We have a customer!
Make way! -Don't disturb the people.
Mr. Zhao. This isn't right.
Shouldn't the governor of Xi'an travel with a massive entourage?
Why are you travelling light and simple?
I recalled. You are no longer the governor of Xi'an.
You are just the governor of the county.
Even though I am just a rank 7 official now...
...for the rude words you uttered...
...I can arrest you and have you spanked.
Mr. Zhao, you probably don't know yet.
I'm now a rank 5 sub-prefect.
In the past, we were equal.
But today, if I get serious...
...you'll need to dismount and call me "sir".
You bought this title with money from dishonest business.
You're just like a monkey with a crown.
We're the same. Don't you abuse your authority too...
...to do sneaky things?
Yes. I was careless indeed.
I alerted you all and gave you room to prepare.
But, we both know that Shen Family's pharmacy...
...is guilty of adulterating medicine.
Mr. Zhao.
You snuck in, charged us and examined our medicine.
You got demoted as a result and you still accuse us of that.
Where is your evidence? -Shen Xing Yi.
Even though I'm demoted, I've a clear conscience.
As for you, I believe...
...you are feeling guilty deep down.
Mother lectured me again that day.
About the same thing?
Do you plan to change?
It's difficult.
Sister Ying.
Sister Yi.
My parents sent me to deliver things to you.
This is from my father.
Sister Yi, help me to thank your father.
Please have me to pass him a message too.
We will have our income in a few days.
You all don't have to aid us anymore.
Sister Ying.
This is from my mother.
This is too expensive.
These are herbs from our own shop, Sheng Long Quan.
We didn't spend much.
Help me to thank your mother.
As for this...
...it's from me. -I like this one.
How come there's no gourd-shaped chicken?
I'm worried about the gourd-shaped chicken...
...reminding you of Brother Wu Pin...
...and making you sad.
It's alright.
Sure. I'll prepare it for you regularly.
Alright. Thank you, Sister Yi.
Sister Ying, I need to go. -Alright.
Madam Ying, what's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Take out half of those herbs.
Why?
Let's visit De's wife and see if she's recovering.
Alright.
De.
De. -De, Madam Ying came to visit you.
De.
Are we at the wrong place?
Mrs. De.
Mrs. De, it's me, Zhou Ying.
Mrs. De.
De!
Madam Ying, what should we do?
Go back and get help. I'll go and look for De.
What are you doing? -De!
De!
De! Your wife is dead!
Get up! -He inhaled...
Your wife is dead! -...too much at one go.
He has slept for half a day.
He's still sleeping.
You spent the money to treat your wife on opium.
You're headless.
Is opium more important than your wife's life?
Get up!
How dare you!
Who is this crazy woman? -Can you be quiet?
Where's the boss? -How dare you!
Get up! -Oust this crazy woman!
How dare you give us troubles here!
Come! Oust her!
Your wife is dead! Can you hear me?
Your wife could even survive the disaster back then!
Yet, she died because of your addiction to opium!
De! You're headless!