Episode 27
Madam Ying, I've asked around.
Mrs. De's family members are all dead.
She only has her husband left.
Alright.
Chun Xing, go back and get a set of my clothes.
Pick a better one.
Let Mrs. De wear them. -Yes.
I searched the entire Jingyang...
...and only found one ready-made coffin.
It's very thin. But, it can be used right away.
That will do.
Xiao Wu, go to Taihu Temple to get a monk.
We need someone to chant for Mrs. De's burial.
Alright.
He only came back 6 hours after Mrs. De's death.
Is opium really so addictive?
Help! Dejumped into the well!
Who set the fire? -Me.
YOU?
Why?
Mr. Zhao.
Even though I knew how bad opium is...
...I pushed my luck.
I thought that I could stop it by only supplying to pharmacies.
But, just a while ago...
...I saw opium causing two deaths with my own eyes.
How can I harm more people?
It's good that you came to this realization.
But, your family relies on these poppies for a living.
You've just made a huge loss.
This loss is just temporary.
Guilt will last forever.
But, you could have harvested this batch first...
...and change to growing grains next.
If we don't stop it once and for all...
...we'll never be able to ban opium completely.
Since we want to ban it, we can't afford to wait...
...or leave behind any.
I'm surprised by your determination.
I misjudged you in the past.
Mr. Zhao.
Some time ago, you told me not to grow poppies.
But, I insisted...
...and talked to you rudely.
Please forgive me.
You don't have to blame yourself.
The government of Qing Dynasty...
...only cares about profiting from the tax from opium business.
They are ignoring the harm done to the people.
I can only urge for a ban...
...to awaken the people and warn the court
Mr. Zhao, count me in.
Even though I'm just a normal civilian...
...I've a sense of responsibility as well.
From now on, I'll take pan in...
...all activities related to banning opium.
Who is it?
Excuse me.
Master?
Master is back!
Come and welcome the master!
Master is back. -Master, you're back.
Master.
Master, it's me, Hu Shan, Housekeeper Hu.
Father!
Yong Mei.
Father, where were you confined over the past few months?
How did you come back? Did they give you a hard time?
What's with the military supply case?
Don't ask.
How is Wu Family of the east mansion...
...doing?
They went bankrupt.
Let's think. ls there any other business suitable?
Now, there's only one suitable business for us.
What is it?
Business with no capital required.
That's my specialty.
I can perform on the street to make a living for myself.
But, others in the east mansion can't do the same.
I just learnt a few tricks from Uncle Si. We can be partners.
Xiao Wu, quit joking.
Jiang Fu Qi, go and check the amount of money we are left with.
There's no need to count. We're broke and in debt.
We need to pay the farmers who grew poppies for us...
...a total of 47 taels.
Now, all we have is the farmland.
Why don't we... Why don't we grow cotton?
We'll make at least 1,000 taels per year.
It'll be autumn soon. It's too late to grow anything.
We'll start from next spring. -What about the money?
We need money to buy seeds and hire farmers.
We're half a year away...
...from spring. How do we survive the 6 months?
Xiao Wu, what's the total area of cotton farm in Guanzhong?
It's at least 1,600 acres.
Wang Shi Jun.
How much can we get from pawning our 8-acre land?
2,000 taels at most.
What was the price of cotton last year?
The cotton was low last year. It was only 60 coins a catty.
60 coins a catty.
We still need 2,000 taels more. -What do you want to do?
I know where to get the 2,000 taels?
You want me to give you the 2,000 taels?
No, I just want to borrow it to start a cotton business.
I'll return the money alongside the interest in autumn.
That won't do.
That won't do. We need this money for when we're old.
We can't touch it. -For when we're old?
2,000 taels can't be enough.
I did a calculation. We can dismiss the maids...
...and servants we don't need.
I can make and sell embroideries and knots.
We also have the 8-acre land. You, me and Zhang can survive.
It's better to lend me the money for a venture.
2,000 taels will grow into 4,000 taels...
...and 4,000 taels will grow into 20,000 taels.
NO. -Why?
You just made a huge loss from growing poppies.
I don't trust you.
I'm confident this time. I promise we won't make a loss.
I didn't want you to go out and work.
But now, it looks like...
...you're not a good businessperson either.
Don't push yourself anyway. Just make a steady living with me.
Mother, I beg of you. Let me have the 2,000 taels.
No way.
Zhou Ying.
There's something I've been wanting to say to you.
If you're willing to stay, we'll live together forever.
If you want to leave and find a new path...
...I won't be angry with you.
After all, you're still young.
Mother, are you ousting me?
No.
This family is no longer wealthy.
I don't want to burden you.
When the family was still rich...
...I didn't leave when you all ousted me.
Now that we're broke, I've less reason to leave.
Tuck in your belly.
Don't lift your butt.
Stay low and keep the stance.
Squat lower and gather your energy.
Now...
...do you feel a power from your abdomen?
Yes. -Good.
This is the most crucial moment.
Give me 20 coins and I'll open up your...
...governor and conception vessels.
Uncle Si, why are you asking for money again?
You already took hundreds of coins from me.
Take it or leave it. Others would charge 50 coins.
Father.
How much money do you have?
I've been unlucky lately.
I lost my last coin last night.
But, Fu Lai still owes me 20 coins.
Wait. I didn't agree to pay you 20 coins.
Where are your stuffs?
I pawned them all.
Where are you going?
He'! -
What are you trying to do?
They are really gone.
Look. I'm not lying. I pawned everything I had.
What are you doing?
You...
What is this? -It contains my stuffs.
None of them is yours.
I see. You were the one who stole this cup.
When did you steal it?
The morning Wu Pin died.
Fu Lai, go and pawn these things.
Alright. -No.
These things aren't valuable.
You'll only get 50 taels at most.
At least we can pay the tenant farmers.
I finally gathered 50 taels.
How do I gather 2,000 taels more?
Father.
Father, I'd like to invite Mr. Du of Long Sheng He over...
...and treat him to a meal.
What did you say?
You came back safely because of his help.
That guy?
Yong Mei.
Keep this in mind. We must not let this person...
...step into our home.
Never ever...
...have anything to do with this person.
Why? -Just remember...
...what I said.
Zhou Ying's unintentional advice...
...enlightened me.
I see.
She saved everyone's life.
Shouldn't you repay her with money?
I didn't ask for money when I saved Zhou Ying back then.
Alright. We're even now.
Fine with me.
Don't think I'm taking advantage of you.
You only saved Zhou Ying's life.
But, Zhou Ying saved your whole family.
You're right. Uncle Si.
I thank you on behalf of my family.
Alright.
Why are you still sighing?
Are you angry? Did your father scold you again?
Many people scolded me. -Who else?
Forget about that guy. What is Zhou Ying doing lately?
2 days ago, she went mad...
...and burnt crops worth a few thousand taels.
Now, she's desperately trying to find money.
Tell her that she's welcomed to...
...sell herself to Shen Family anytime.
Xing Yi.
Since the day she punished Liu Wan Er, I knew that...
...you're bound to lose to her.
Just wait and see.
Madam Ying, why are you squatting here?
I'm vexed.
What's wrong?
My mother embroidered that.
Yes. She told me to sell it for some household expenses.
In the past, she didn't care about small money like this.
Yes. Even though she's not from a family of officials...
...she's been a pampered lady. She has never worried about money.
She only embroidered to kill time.
But now, she's in this state.
Zhang, can you do me a favour?
What is it about?
Zhang, you're too amazing. How did you find it?
I've sewed Madam Zheng for decades.
Would I not know where she hides her things?
Thank you, Zhang. -Madam Ying.
You earned my trust when you made Master Wei Wu...
...and Master Wei Quan help Madam Zheng voluntarily.
You must not let me down.
Don't waste my effort to help you this time round.
Don't worry. I'll surely make the 2,000 taels grow.
But, if Madam Zheng finds out... -Do as we agreed upon.
Put the blame on me.
Wang Shi Jun. Xiao Wu. Come with me.
2,000 taels.
Where did you get this?
The money from the 70% shares of San Yuan Pawn Shop?
I thought Madam Zheng disagreed.
I asked Zhang to steal it for me. -Steal?
Why did Zhang help you?
I convinced her. It's better to take the risk...
...than rely on this small amount. If we succeed...
...maybe we can be rich again.
Zhang turned out to be such a nice person.
She's not nice. She's just clever.
She used to be an important person in the east mansion.
She had money and power.
But now, she's tired and poor.
So, she's willing to take the risk with me.
If we win, she can go back to her relaxed life.
If we lose, she doesn't lose anything.
But, what if Madam Zheng finds out?
So, I need you all to...
...spend all the money as soon as possible.
As soon as possible? -How do we spend it?
Father.
You're drunk again.
I want you to be the pharmacy's assistant shopkeeper.
I refuse.
What's the meaning of this?
I'll only agree if you agree to let me add dragon's blood.
You...
We'll make a loss if we add dragon's blood.
That's better than being accused of dishonesty.
Get up!
I was honest in the past.
But, what did I gain?
Now, Shen Family has both fame and wealth.
We gained fame through dishonest business.
How dare you! -Am I wrong?
Xing Er, I know what you're worried about.
But, this incident gave me a clear vision.
With the suppofl of the prince...
...we don't have to be afraid of anything at all.
You're not even afraid of retribution?
It's decided. Say no more.
I won't have anything to do with Du Ming Li.
You can't do anything without Du Ming Li's help!
I can continue my life as a good-for-nothing.
Are you back to old self again?
I'm just trying to help Shen Family!
Do you want to make me die of anger?
I'm just trying to help Shen Family.
When they merged, my senior fellow apprentice...
...let Han San Chun lead because of Ham's seniority.
But, this time, we can't compromise.
Can your senior convince Han San Chun?
There's no need to convince him as my senior will do as we say.
Good.
Ying Xian is doing a good job as a governor.
The prince plans to give him the credit.
He wants to send Ying Xian to offer amnesty?
Attack and offer amnesty.
Hopefully, this senior of yours renders some meritorious services.
This way, the prince will have a reason to...
...give him the position he wants.
That's a good opportunity.
Han San Chun's life should do.
Steady.
Stop. -Stop-
Mr. Du. -Where's Ms. Hu?
Mr. Du.
Mr. Du. -Ms. Hu, this...
My father is back. -I know.
Actually, I wanted to visit you and thank you.
But, my father...
He hasn't recovered. So, I've been busy.
Is your father alright?
He is healthy. But, it's like...
...he has lost his mind.
That's why we've to close our shop...
...and take down the plaque.
Did your father say anything to you?
He didn't say anything.
The prison of the Ministry of Justice...
...is like hell.
I should have helped him earlier.
If I did, your father wouldn't suffer so much.
Mr. Du, don't say that.
I'm already very glad that my father came back safely.
But, you can't let your father live on in this state.
I can only comfort him.
I've an idea.
Since your father can't run his business...
...why don't you all have a change of environment?
I mean, why don't you take your father out...
...for a vacation.
He might recover faster.
This is a good idea.
Young Master Xing Yi.
Young Master Xing Yi, please deliver this to...
...the cotton shop and hand it to Shopkeeper Shi.
I thought I need to sweep the floor here.
Master said you don't have to do odd jobs anymore.
He wants me to run errands again?
Alright. I'll go.
This is Grade 1 cotton and this is Grade 2 cotton.
Look carefully. -Shopkeeper Shi, your letter.
Young Master Xing Yi.
You've read the letter. If that's all, I need to go.
Please wait. -Do you need me to carry goods?
You didn't read the letter? -How can I read it?
Master appointed you to be the assistant shopkeeper here.
From today onwards, you'll work with me.
What did you say? -Look.
Madam Zheng. Cui Family settled their payment.
Alright.
You may go back to your work.
It took them so long to pay a small amount like this.
Zhang! Where's my money?
Madam Ying, didn't you say that...
...it was Madam Zheng who ordered me to get it?
I'm sorry, Zhang. I lied.
Mother didn't say that.
You... How could you lie?
Why did you steal my money?
You wouldn't lend it to me. But, I needed it very urgently.
I was forced to steal. - You justify it this way?
Where's the money now?
I've spent it all.
What did you say?
I've spent it all. Not even a coin is left.
You... You unfilial thing!
Go to the government office.
Report to the authority! -What?
Zheng is suing Zhou Ying?
Yes. The mother-in-law sues her daughter-in-law for theft.
This woman never behaves.
Mr. Zhao, please help me.
Zhou Ying.
Is your mother-in-law telling the truth?
Yes. It's the truth.
Mr. Zhao, I admit my mistake. Please punish me.
But, I can't return the money now. -Why?
I ordered 320 acres of cotton. I used up the 2,000 taels...
...and the money from pawning our land as deposit.
I don't even have a coin left.
Mr. Zhao, I have a document here. This can...
...prove everything I said. Here it is.
You pawned our 8-acre land as well?
Mother, calm down.
Do you want me to die?
What do I do without my money and land?
Zhou Ying! Are you aware that...
...you're guilty of a serious offense?
You'll be confined for at least half a year.
I know. But, if you throw me into jail now...
...you'll only get my mother-in-law into trouble.
Mother, I've a suggestion. I'll write an IOU for you.
2 months later, I'll return 2,400 taels...
...and the 8-acre land to you.
What if you fail?
I'll surrender myself to the authority.
I'll accept all punishments with no complaint.
What if you lie to me?
Alright. I'll have Mr. Zhao as my witness.
I will keep my word. Mr. Zhao, will you be my witness?
How rude! Who do you take me for?
Why should I be your guarantor? - If it wasn't for...
If it wasn't for your guidance...
...I wouldn't made up my mind to burn all our poppies.
So, you should be my guarantor. -Zhou Ying! You...
You are impolite, disrespectful and unruly.
If I don't punish you severely today...
...you'll be a bad influence in Jingyang! Come!
Yes! -Take Zhou Ying out...
...and have her spanked 3 times!
Don't spank her. Mr. Zhao, I'll drop the charges.
You think you can sue and drop charges as you wish?
Do you have any respect for the local government at all?
Mr. Zhao, my mother dropped the charges.
Why can't you spare me for once? Mr. Zhao!
Mrs. Wu.
Even a man will find it difficult to...
...withstand this spanking.
I did this for a reason.
I'm impressed by the fact that you burnt the poppies you grew.
Even though you do have a conscience...
...if I don't correct you in time...
...you might be led astray.
So, I have you spanked...
...in order to make you reflect...
...and return to the right path.
Mr. Zhao, thanks for the spanking.
But, it's not for the reason you just mentioned.
What's the reason then?
Even though I was forced to steal my mother-in-law's money...
...it was still a big misdeed.
Even though my butt hurts, I feel much better deep down.
My mother hated me.
But, after you gave me a good spanking...
...she feels bad for me.
This makes me feel a lot better. This is also my chance to perform.
I only need to go through a round of spanking...
...to restore my family's business.
I think it's quite worth it.
It looks like you don't understand my effort at all.
I need to give you more advices.
You just want to tell me to be a prim and proper woman.
Give up. I can never change.
This hurts too much.
Mother, I feel better now. Let's go back.
Are you alright? Should I take you to Physician Liang?
No. I have my own remedy...
...for external injuries. - Should I get a palanquin?
How can I sit in a palanquin in this state?
Chun Xing, help me to get up. -Alright.
This won't do. Wait. Give me some time.
Mr. Zhao, lend me your bench.
Chun Xing, carry me over.
Come. -My legs.
Be gentler. -Lift my legs.
Be gentler.
Wang Shi Jun. Jiang Fu Qi. Come.
Are you alright?
Lift the bench! Return! -Be careful.
Up. -Be careful.
Be careful. -Keep it stable.
Don't swing. -Xiao Wu.
Don't knock into things!
It hurts so much! -Be careful.
Come. -Be careful and steady.
Don't swing. Keep it steady.
Don't swing. This hurts.
Be careful.
Does it hurt?
You did that for the sake of her and the household.
I can't believe she sued you and got you spanked.
I'm fine. It's not like...
...I'll die or get handicapped.
You've lost both Young Master Pin and your child.
Frankly, you've nothing to do with Wu Family anymore.
Madam Ying, if I were you, I would leave.
You're so clever. You can survive anyway.
You don't have to stay and clean up the mess.
But, she's Wu Pin's mother.
This is Wu Pin's family.
If I leave, what will happen to her?
This family will be doomed.
You really love Young Master Pin too much.