Episode 31
Young Master Xing Yi.
Young Master Xing Yi, we're having our monthly meeting.
Master wants you to join us.
I've no right to attend it. -Master said that...
...from now on, you must attend this meeting.
You must know everything about Shen Family's businesses.
My father decided to trust me? -Yes.
This was the privilege of Young Master Yue Sheng.
I finally caught up with Brother Yue Sheng.
Carry me over.
Congratulations, Young Master Xing Yi.
Young Master Xing Yi.
Our stock... -Go back.
But, the supply and demand are still balanced.
Master, that's all for my report on our tea business.
Will Wu Family Textile affect Shen Family's textile business?
Of course, master.
But, I've developed three solutions with...
...Young Master Xing Yi.
Tell me about it.
I'll start with the most unadvisable method.
We can burn Wu Family's textile workshop.
That won't do. -Next, we have the average method.
I know Wu Family's weavers.
If we offer more money, I am sure we can make them...
...stop weaving for Wu Family.
Wu Family Textile will have a hard time.
We've to spend a lot. It's not a good idea.
Young Master Xing Yi.
Tell master the best idea you came up with.
Father, the handwoven cloth produced by Wu Family Textile...
...is estimated to be marketed in the 10th month.
So, we must also sell our Hubei cloth...
...and Henan cloth in the 10th month.
They are selling their own product.
They can offer a lower price.
I thought about that. If their price is 20% lower...
...we can beat them with reputation and quality.
If their price is 30% lower...
...we can just lower our price by 40%...
...to face them head-on. - We'll incur a loss.
Let me finish. When their business fails miserably...
...we'll buy their cloth low and sell high.
We'll make a big sum from reselling their cloth.
Master, we did a calculation.
We need to spend around 30,000 taels for this battle.
But, at the end, we can make at least 50,000 taels.
Like father, like son.
Young Master Xing Yi is clever and capable indeed.
This way.
Mr. Du.
I'll send someone to deliver the dividend for this quarter to you.
Thank you for the hard work.
Mr. Shen, the reward from the prince will arrive soon.
Just wait for the good news.
Thank you.
Good bye.
Father.
What is he doing in our monthly meeting?
Mr. Du is now one of our shareholders.
When did that happen? - Long Sheng He became...
...our partner after your grandmother...
...received her title. They take 30% and we take 70%.
Wait. We're doing perfectly fine.
Why do we need to partner up with them?
I have my own reason.
Do we give them 30% of profit from my cotton business too?
Yes. -Why, father?
It's reasonable to give them 30% of the profit for...
...the military supply business since they gave us the business...
...and handled the payments.
But, I handled the cotton business on my own.
Why should I give them a share? -On your own?
Tell me. Would you be able to earn the money...
...without Tong Jing Fu?
Of course not. -I have another question.
Who introduced Tong Jing Fu to you?
You. -No. It was Mr. Du.
Do you know why our business skyrocketed?
We thrived in all our pharmaceutical, tea...
...horse-trading, textile and metalware businesses.
We have all the agents, channels...
...and suppliers. Do you know why?
I don't know. -All of these...
...came from Mr. Du. -But, working with a person...
...who can do anything at all for money...
...is extremely risky.
But, the benefits we received from Mr. Du...
...are solid. -Father.
Shen Family can't afford to play the game with Du Ming Li.
Xing Er.
To do big business, you need to take the risk.
Shen Family is wealthy enough. Why do we need so much money?
How can you say that? -Father.
Can we just run a small and honest business?
Xing Er.
You have your strengths.
But, you can never surpass Yue Sheng in one aspect.
What is it?
You're not greedy enough.
I heard about Mr. Hu's case last year.
I wanted to come and pay my respect to him.
But, I haven't been able to make time.
Even though my father has left me...
...I'm planning to reopen Gu Yue Pharmacy.
That's why I came to visit you today.
Firstly, I'd like to discuss about...
...next year's business with you.
Secondly...
...I think it's time to settle some old debts.
Ms. Hu, you might not know, but I've changed my business.
I don't sell herbs anymore. I sell western textile now.
I came to Jingyang in order to sell western textile.
Why did you change your business?
It's been increasingly challenging to sell herbs.
It's easier to make money from western textile.
I didn't expect that.
Regarding the old debts...
...I was planning to pay up after making money from this trip.
But, surprisingly, in Shaanxi...
...people are not interested in western textile
I'm afraid I've to return empty-handed.
So, I'm afraid I can't repay...
...my debt of 700 taels so soon.
Uncle Yang, when can you settle the payment?
Next year. I'll surely pay up by spring next year.
Alright.
It's late. I need to go.
Ms. Hu, I came in a hurry this time.
I didn't get to prepare any gift for you.
These samples are my token of appreciation.
Please accept them.
Ms. Yong Mei.
Since Yang Jin Lin is looking for agents in Shaanxi...
...why don't we collaborate with him...
...and sell western textile instead of herbs?
Didn't he say that...
...western textile has no demand in Shaanxi.
But, he said it's popular in Jiangzhe and Huguang.
Normally, things popular in Jiangzhe and Huguang...
...will become popular in Guanzhong too...
...in less than half a year.
Trust me. In less than half a year...
...western textile will become popular in Shaanxi.
This thing?
I'm quite confident.
Alright.
Isn't Zhou Ying selling local handwoven cloth?
We'll sell western textile.
Young Mask“ Xmg '(L someone came m see you.
It's you, Mr. Zhao. You didn't climb the wall today.
I have a few questions regarding Wu Pin's death.
You were the one who gave Wu Pin a severe injury.
You were the one who snuck into our pharmacy.
Fu Lai gave you that injury on your arm.
I gave you that injury on your arm.
So, I've a reason to suspect that...
...you were the one who caused Wu Pin's death.
Mr. Zhao, I only cut your arm. I did not injure your head.
If you're not that forgetful...
...you should know that Wu Pin didn't die.
He came back to life.
He even stole my maid and made her his wife.
Both of us even helped the refugees with you.
I'm saying that you were the one...
...who poisoned Wu Pin.
He was poisoned in his own home. What does this have to do with me?
You bear a grudge. You said Wu Pin stole your maid.
You even openly said that you would kill Wu Pin...
...to avenge your brother, Shen Yue Sheng.
Arrest me then.
I don't have an evidence yet. But, I believe that...
...I will find clues. I will bring you to book.
Mr. Zhao, I know who killed Wu Pin.
Who? -You, Zhao Bai Shi.
I don't have an evidence yet.
But, I believe that I will find clues.
I will bring you to book.
Nonsense.
Are you the only one allowed to falsely accuse someone?
Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan. Look at these three fabrics.
Which is Hubei cloth, which is Henan cloth...
...and which is our own Shaanxi handwoven cloth?
Let me see.
This one has a fine pattern. It must be Hubei cloth.
This one has a bright colour. It must be Henan cloth.
This is our very own Shaanxi handwoven cloth.
Brother Wei Wu, are you really a textile merchant?
Let me tell you the answer.
Henan cloth. Hubei cloth.
This is our own cloth. -No way.
I've so many years of experience in the textile industry.
This is woven by my workshop's loom. I can tell.
You're confused.
Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan. Stop arguing.
All of them are Shaanxi handwoven cloth.
No way. -This can't be the case.
I just cut them off the looms inside.
The quality is so good.
People will fight over these fabrics.
This will surely sell well. - Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan.
There's another good news. Come with me.
Look at this colour. - It's much more brighter.
Look at the quality and colour.
We couldn't do this in the past. -Yes.
Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan. Look.
Master Wei Wu. Master Wei Quan. -Look at this pattern.
It's so pretty.
Yes. We didn't have this pattern in the past.
Brother Wei Wu. -Yes.
This cloth will surely sell well, right?
Uncle Wei Wu. -Master Wei Wu.
How much do you make from a piece of Hubei cloth?
One penny at most.
But, a piece of our own Shaanxi handwoven cloth...
...can earn you 5 pennies. -5 pennies.
Based on this rate, this year, we can make...
Over 20,000 taels.
Next year, we'll have 5 times the number of looms.
We'll stop selling our cotton and use it on our own production.
By then, we'll make 100,000 taels.
100,000 taels.
“A trapped dragon finds his water of release.“
"Happiness shows at the tip of the brow."
"A smooth journey one is blessed with."
"Alongside thriving days."
What is it this time? You're so unpredictable.
This is a very good sign.
Let me tell you something.
That Taoist priest is a real deal.
He got it right.
What did he say to make you so happy?
You were still so worried a few days ago.
Why are you so carried away today?
What...
What's wrong?
You've worn this dress for more than 10 years, right?
Make a new set tomorrow.
No. Make two sets.
Make two sets with the best silk from Jiangnan.
My dear, are you having a fever?
No. I'm just rich.
Ms. Yi, it's time to eat!
Coming.
We'll produce 60,000 rolls this year...
...and 300,000 rolls next year.
I'll be the biggest textile merchant in Shaanxi.
What happened to father? -Come.
He's happy today. So, he drank a little wine.
I bet he drank more than a little. -Wu Yi, sit down.
When I have the money...
...I'll prepare the most valuable dowries for you.
I want all women in Jingyang to envy you.
Father, what are you saying? -Come.
You too, Wu Ze.
I want you to be an honest official.
Don't even embezzle one coin.
I want your reputation to be better than your classmate...
...Zhao Bai Shi. Come. -My dear, don't drink too much.
I'm happy today. Let's me drink a little more.
Father, you're drunk. -Let me.
What's wrong with you?
Alright.
More. -Don't drink so much.
Brother Wu Ze, I didn't know that...
...Mr. Zhao is your friend.
Yes, we've been friends for many years.
Mr. Zhao saved me that day.
I haven't had a chance to thank him personally.
Brother Wu Ze, can you... -Sure.
The next time he comes to drink with me...
...I'll send someone to inform you.
Thank you, Brother Wu Ze.
Why do you sit like this when you're drinking tea?
Mother.
Sit down.
I brought you some white fungus and lotus seed soup.
Thank you, mother.
What is this?
I'm estimating this year's business profit.
Mother, look.
This is our income from selling cotton this year.
This is our dividend from Wu Family Textile.
That's a lot.
This is nothing.
We'll use the money we make this year to expand our business.
Next year, we will earn this much.
Our wealth will be restored completely.
But first, we must sell all the handwoven cloth...
...we produced. -Can we sell all?
The old shops selling Hubei cloth and Henan cloth...
...won't let us steal their agents so easily.
There might be a fierce competition ahead.
But, I've come up with a solution.
Besides, with our quality and price...
...I believe we won't lose.
That means, we don't have to worry anymore.
Mother, it all started...
...from your 2,000 taels.
You got spanked because of that.
I deserved it. Stealing is bad.
Did that leave behind any injury?
Look.
I'm fine. -Sit down.
I know. You want to say that I am misbehaving again.
I can never change you. I won't lecture you anymore.
How can a woman drink like this? -Mother.
You said you won't lecture me.
You went back on your word.
Use this. -Mother, I'll pour some for you.
Let's share. Let me help you.
Let's drink. I'll drink with this.
Father, I will surely defeat that woman.
I'll make sure that there is no place for her in Jingyang.
I've been in the textile business for decades.
I've never encountered a situation like this.
What about Qi Family of Wuhai?
They didn't even appear.
What about our agents from Lanzhou?
Mr. Tang of Haitong? - He only bought 10 rolls.
10 rolls?
He used to buy hundreds of rolls.
He only bought the 10 rolls because I begged him.
How much did we buy this year?
100,000 rolls.
It's been a month and we only sold 3 rolls?
Even if Shen Xing Yi went all out to stop us...
...the sales can't be as bad as 3 rolls in a month.
Madam Ying, those agents didn't buy...
...Shen Family's Hubei cloth and Henan cloth.
Why? -A month ago...
...a western textile shop opened in Jingyang.
Our agents all bought from this western textile shop.
We were only guarding against Wu Family.
But, Hu Family turned out to be our biggest threat.
Yes. This is caused by Hu Family's western textile shop.
We haven't sold any? What about the money I spent?
Wei Quan, we invested a lot of money too.
Brother Wei Wu, I'm not the same.
Look. I'm the one who wove the cloth.
I've done my job.
As for the sales, it's your problem.
Wei Quan, sit down.
I'm trying to think of something.
You want to buy cloth? Which one do you like?
I'll buy for you.
I can afford it. Why do I need you to pay for me?
I almost forgot.
You made over 10,000 taels from me last year.
That isn't right. I helped you to make...
...over 20,000 taels.
Why don't you pick this one?
It's tough like your personality.
Coincidentally...
...I chose one for you too.
This one is thick like your face.
Ms. Hu, I'm from Guyuan!
You must sell me 500 rolls today!
Ms. Hu, I want 500 rolls! - I want 1,000 rolls!
I want 1,000 rolls! -Ms. Hu
Dear all! Listen to me.
We will supply as much as you all want.
But, we are shod-handed due to the overwhelming support
Please be patient.
Shopkeeper, help me to serve. -This is so amazing.
The business is so good.
Even during our peak, our business was never this great.
I'm so envious.
I can tell. You're not here to buy cloth.
You're here to find an answer.
You're worried about the sales of your cloth too, right?
Our stock cost over 40,000 taels.
What about you? -A little less than that.
Judging from this situation...
...we'll surely make a loss this year.
Shen Family can afford to make a loss.
If I make a loss, I'll be done for.
That's great.
Shen Family is looking to recruit a maid.
Mr. Shen, this place is crowded.
I accidentally stepped on your foot.
Young Master Xing Yi, what's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
This one is called gabardine.
It's thin, firm and water-proof.
See?
Guess the price for one roll.
6 taels.
6 taels?
There's this as well. Look at the colour.
It's impossible to produce this colour in local cloth.
Only silk can rival this.
But...
Silk isn't so durable.
Silk is sold for at least 20 taels per roll.
But, this western textile is sold for only 4 taels.
It's cheaper than local cloth. -Yes.
In the past, western fabrics were undurable and expensive.
There was no demand.
So, when Gu Yue Western Textile opened...
...no one noticed them.
But, it turned out that the textiles are completely different.
We got caught off-guard. -We need to...
...stop Gu Yue Western Textile. -We can't stop them.
Father, I've a feeling.
Now that these textiles have entered the market...
...no one will buy local textiles anymore.
We must be decisive. I suggest to clear our...
...100,000 rolls of cloth at a price of 2 pennies per roll.
Then, we'll start selling western fabrics too.
But, we'll lose a net of over 20,000 taels.
If you don't do it now, Gu Yue Western Textile...
...will soon occupy the entire market.
By then, we won't be able to sell even a roll of local cloth.
We'll lose a net of 40,000 taels.
20,000 taels... No. This is too much.
Father, we can't wait any longer.
We only have a tiny chance left.
Let me think of something else.
Why don't we drop the price?
Local cloth was sold for 6 taels per roll last year.
If it's half-price, I'm sure they'll buy.
I calculated. Even if we sell at 3 taels per roll...
...we'll still make a profit.
Lowering the price won't help.
I went to Gu Yue Western Textile to check.
Their western fabrics are fine and soft with beautiful colours.
The cheapest one is priced at 3 taels per roll.
If I were the customer...
...I would only buy these western fabrics.
But, if we can't sell our cloth...
...the three households of Wu Family...
...won't have any income this year.
On top of that, we'll lose the money we invested.
Wu Family Textile will have to close down.
You all must give us the money within 3 days!
You all need to do something!
Our cloth isn't selling. Where do I get money for you?
You can't let us work for free. - We made a huge loss as well.
It's all Zhou Ying's fault.
How do we sell so much cloth?
What did you say?
Madam Ying was just trying to help you all.
Help? Our master is right.
Your young mistress is a jinx. -You're the jinx!
Those from east mansion attacked! -Let go of me!
Stop! -Stop!
You're the jinx! -Stop! Let go!
Stop! -Beat him up!
Teach him a good lesson! Beat him up!
Trying to bully us when we're outnumbered?
Fine! Let's fight!
Madam Ying! -Go away!
Move! Let go!
Let go! I'm telling you to let go!
Move!
What's going on? -Stop!
Stop! -Move!
Move! -Stop!
What's going on?
Who did that? Who threw that?
Stop! -This is ridiculous!
You're the leader!
How can you fight with the servants?
This is ridiculous!
Everyone is upset because we can't sell our cloth!
Afight is good for venting! -What?
You need to think of a way to sell our cloth!
Will a fight help us to sell our cloth? How ridiculous!
Master Wei Wu, you need treatment.
Zhou Ying, you joined them instead of stopping them.
What kind of leader are you?
Let's g0!
You haven't learnt from me at all.
Even if you want a fight, you can't fight at their place.
If my uncles didn't come, we would get into trouble.
They criticised you. They deserve a beating for that.
Yes! They deserve a beating!
We could have made a stable income by selling cotton!
We suggested this paflnership in order to help them!
But, they are so realistic.
They are so quick to turn against us!
What happened? Why are you all injured?
Why didn't you all get me? -Where were you?
Enough! Say no more!
It's over. Let's focus on finding ways...
...to sell our cloth.
They beat you! Why do you still want to help them?
I'm the leader of Wu Family.
It's actually very simple.
If the provincial governor issues an order...
...to ban western goods in Shaanxi...
...our business will be saved.
The provincial governor won't dare to issue such order.
We'll have to trouble the prince then.
Mr. Shen.
I'll be honest.
The westerners gave us a lot of troubles back then...
...because we banned them from doing business in China.
No one can afford to offend them again.
Mr. Du, the prince is one of the shareholders of...
...Shen Family Textile.
For every 10 taels we lose, he'll lose 3 taels.
Moreover, if we lose a lot of money...
...you'll have a hard time explaining yourself.
If Gu Yue Western Textile goes out of business...
...will our cloth sell? -Yes, definitely.
I'll try.
Ms. Hu, please prepare the volume I need for me.
I'll try my best.
I shall excuse myself. Goodbye.
Mr. Du, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.
I didn't expect your western fabrics...
...to sell so well.
I'm very surprised myself.
Yong Mei.
I actually came to beg for your mercy.
Well, Shen Si Hai came to seek help from me.
He said that the business of his textile store...
...is dying because of yours.
His business has nothing to do with me.
But, it has a lot to do with me.
Why?
Long Sheng He is Shen Family's business partner.
We have 30% shares in all businesses of Shen Family.
So, if Shen Family's textile shop makes a loss...
...Long Sheng He will lose money as well.
How much do you get from Long Sheng He's profit?
Long Sheng He is the prince's asset.
What is your share?
Long Sheng He's profit has nothing to do with me.
I only receive my fixed allowance from the prince.
So, their business has nothing to do with you.
Yes. It has nothing to do with me.
But, it has something to do with your father.
Your father was able to return safely...
...because of the prince.
You need to repay him, right?
Yong Mei.
Why don't you close your shop for a while...
...and give Shen Family a chance?
That won't do. I need the momentum.
Besides, I've never seen this prince you mentioned.
I'll only repay You-
If you want to repay me, you should do as I advised.
No.
Ms. Hu.
What is this?
20% of the shares of Gu Yue Western Textile.
What do you mean? -I'll repay you with this.
You helped me many times without taking even a cent.
I've always been grateful.
So, I hope you can accept these shares.
From now on, for every 10 taels my shop earns...
...you'll receive a share of 2 taels.
Did Hu Yong Mei agree to temporarily close her shop?
You failed to convince her?
Yes.
That's impossible.
You have so many ways to make her give in.
Could it be that you are taking sides with her?
If the prince asks me about the textile shop's loss...
...I'll have to tell him the truth.
Mr. Du cast his responsibility aside...
"because of a woman.
Zha Kun.
Hu Yong Mei gave me 20% of the shares of Gu Yue Western Textile.
I'll let you have half.
How much money is this?
Many times the amount of allowance...
...we receive from the prince.
What is your plan?
What else can the prince offer us...
...apart from our meagre allowance?
His money and influence all belong only to him.
No matter how well we perform...
...we are nothing more than his slaves.
But, our lives belong to the prince.
Yes.
But, this money is ours.
Ours?
But, if...
...Shen Family's textile shop makes a loss this year...
...the prince won't spare us.
We'll get a lecture or even physical punishment.
So be it. I'm used to it anyway.
What about you? -I'm used to it as well.
Zha Kun.
I've been making use of Hu Yong Mei.
Yet, she feels indebted to me.
You feel guilty?
Many years ago, she gave me half a bun.
Today, she gave me 20% of her business' shares.
Zha Kun.
No one has ever treated me this way.