Nothing Gold Can Stay
Episode 40
We're not going to build the mechanical textile bureau.
Both Shen Family and Hu Family withdrew.
Until today, not a single merchant...
...is willing to buy the shares. So...
...the project is a failure.
Must we have 200,000 taels...
...to build the mechanical textile bureau?
The weaving, spinning, dyeing...
...and embossing machines as well as the jacquards...
...boilers and more must be ordered from England.
If you convert it to the currency of England...
...it's a total of 42,416 pounds.
There's also cost on delivery and insurance.
So, we need a total of 200,000 taels.
I don't get it. 100 taels per share...
...is just a small number to the merchants of Shaanxi.
How come no one sees the potential in this business?
Perhaps, they still don't...
...understand the benefit. - They don't understand?
We've already come to this point.
How conservative, rigid and absurd!
We'll buy.
Mr. Zhao.
Wu Family will pay all 200,000 taels...
...to set up the mechanical textile bureau.
You...What did you say again?
We can't give up on the mechanical textile bureau.
We're talking about 200,000 taels here.
I believe that the mechanical textile bureau...
...will give me a tenfold or even a hundredfold return.
By then, the people who hesitated today...
...will all regret their decision.
I can guarantee that.
It only took the bureau in Shanghai a few months...
...to stafl making profits.
Besides, this is a good thing to the country.
It's beneficial to all parties. So, why not?
But, aren't you afraid of the rumours?
Mr. Zhao, my father is a gambler.
I more or less took after him.
I've made up my mind to bet on this.
Alright. I'll take the risk with you...
...and continue to prepare for the project.
I'll go and gather money. I still need to convince...
...my two uncles. It might require a lot of persuasion.
I shall excuse myself.
What? Zhou Ying, what did you say again?
Zhou Ying, how can you do this?
Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan.
It's true that I was a little reckless.
I agreed without discussing with the two of you.
But, Wu Family definitely picked up a great deal.
What are you saying? You're getting us into trouble.
Uncle Wei Quan, what makes you say so?
You're learning from the westerners.
You're embarrassing Wu Family.
When I was a street performer...
...I would learn from anyone better than me.
This is nothing embarrassing.
Zhou Ying, you need to know that...
...the 2,000 shares cost a total of 200,000 taels.
Wu Family doesn't have so much money.
Don't we have over 100,000 taels in our shared account?
We also made tens of thousands of taels...
...from the commission we collected from Tu'erdan.
We also have some money for financing.
I'll sell the cotton I booked this year.
Uncle Wei Wu, you have some empty shop lots...
...and Uncle Wei Quan has some lands.
If we add it up, we'll have 200,000 taels.
She's crazy. She must be crazy.
Brother Wei Wu, she wants to sell all of Wu Family's assets!
If we invest 200,000 taels...
...we'll make 400,000 taels in 2 years...
...and 800,000 taels in 3 years. -Zhou Ying.
What if the 200,000 taels you invest...
...turns into 2,000 taels by mid-year...
...and 200 taels by year end?
Trust me. The mechanical textile bureau...
...will be Wu Family's most profitable asset...
...over the next 30 years.
What business is this? You're just gambling!
Yes. This is a gamble.
But, it's not about luck this time.
It's about the right time for the right business.
Even the court is making western weapons.
I believe we won't lose if we bet on this textile bureau.
Zhou Ying, as the saying goes, 9 in 10 gambles fail.
Uncle Wei Wu, say something. - Brother Wei Wu, say something.
Zhou Ying, I've a suggestion.
Let's buy 200 shares for now.
Uncle Wei Wu.
While the coufl is offering so much tax exemption...
...while there is only one factory in Shanghai...
"competing against us...
...and while others are still clueless...
...we should buy all. -Zhou Ying.
You need to understand that...
...200,000 taels is the entire foflune of Wu Family.
Yes. -This is a chance of a lifetime.
What if I disagree? -I disagree as well.
Uncle Wei Wu.
I'll be frank.
I already promised Mr. Zhao. -I still won't agree!
A serious matter like this...
...requires consent from all three of us!
Mr. Zhao is already ordering the machines.
If we withdraw now, I don't know what he'll do...
...in a fit of anger. -Look.
Look, Brother Wei Wu. Look at what she did.
Let me think about it.
200,000 taels!
Zhou Ying is going to make Wu Family go broke!
Brother Wei Wu, you must not give in to her.
But, she's supported by Mr. Zhao.
What can we do?
I've an idea. -What is it?
If Zhou Ying isn't Wu Family's leader...
...she can't represent Wu Family...
...or make decisions for Wu Family.
The fact that she promised Mr. Zhao to...
...buy all the shares has nothing to do with us.
You mean, we don't let Zhou Ying lead Wu Family anymore?
Yes.
Brother Wei Wu.
I don't think it's a good idea. -Why?
Listen to me.
Even though she is reckless in this investment,“...
...ever since she became the leader of Wu Family...
...we started earning double.
Now, she even nailed a big deal with Tu'erdan.
You're right. Zhou Ying is smart and bold.
She's good at expanding business. -Yes.
But, this is the problem itself.
She is too smart and bold.
She likes to take her chances. She's reckless and careless.
Wu Family is on track now.
She isn't suitable to be our leader anymore.
Who is suitable then?
Anyone will do.
But, this person needs to be a calm...
...and steady person. He can't be a reckless one.
Wei Quan, what do you think?
I understand.
Alright. Brother Wei Wu.
Let's talk to Zhou Ying and try to persuade her.
If she returns the shares, she'll continue to be our leader.
If she insists to go against us...
We'll see how it goes.
Alright.
I've an idea.
Speak. -Do it without their consent.
He's the one handling the money anyway.
That's against the rule.
But, if Madam Ying orders so, I've no objection.
If I'm still a street performer, no rule in this world can stop me.
But now, I'm the leader of Wu Family.
If I break our rules myself, no one will respect the rules.
We can't do that.
If I...
...invite someone over to tell my uncles about...
...the operation of the mechanical textile bureau...
...will they change their mind?
I can we can give it a try.
Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan. Please proceed.
I... -Please sit down inside.
Zhou Ying, what are we going to do here?
Today, I invited a teacher...
...to tell you about mechanical production of cloth.
After listening to him, you won't worry about...
...mechanical production anymore.
Who is this teacher? -You'll know when you meet him.
Welcome, Mr. Joseph.
Please come in.
I'm very glad to see you all.
Zhou Ying.
He's a westerner.
You invited a foreign teacher. -Mr. Joseph...
...is the only one who has seen a weaving machine.
I invited him to teach us. - Did he study our classics?
Does he know the values of the Chinese?
Why should we let him teach us?
Didn't Confucius say that...
...we can always learn from people around us?
He knows what we don't know. Why can't we learn from him?
You want me to cast my pride aside and let a westerner teach me?
I'll never give in to westerners!
Wei Quan, calm down. - What are you saying?
Brother Wei Wu, she even invited a westerner to her home.
This is so inappropriate.
She's outrageous! Say something!
Westerners aren't beasts.
Zhou Ying, you're too reckless.
I just want to help Wu Family. -Enough. Thank you.
Quit "helping" Wu Family. At this rate...
...you'll give us a lot of troubles!
Brother Wei Wu, I suggest to...
...demand her to return the seal of Shiyi Hall!
You don't have to lead us anymore!
I disagree. -I agree.
Uncle Wei Wu. Uncle Wei Quan.
I didn't do anything wrong.
This is already a grave mistake! Don't you understand?
I can't believe it.
From today onwards, I'm the leader of Wu Family.
I hereby announce...
Why are you leaving already?
Look at her.
What did I tell you again?
It's not a good thing to let women enter Liuchuan Hall.
Forget it. From now on...
...don't let her enter Liuchuan Hall anymore.
Alright. Since she doesn't want to attend the morning meetings...
...she doesn't need to attend all other meetings as well.
Mr. Zhao.
Wu Family sent a letter. They claimed to be shod on cash.
They don't want to buy the 2,000 shares anymore.
They are seeking your forgiveness.
Is this Zhou Ying's idea?
Zhou Ying is no longer the leader of Wu Family.
Wu Wei Wu is the new leader.
It looks like I got her into trouble.
Mr. Zhao, what should we do next?
I don't know.
Xiao Ou, bring me an earpick. -Alright.
I don't get it.
In order to obtain the seal of Shiyi Hall...
...you almost lost your life back then.
Why did you hand it to them so easily?
Back then, I needed the seal to...
...unite the three households and do big things.
But now...
...my uncles don't trust me at all.
It's pointless to keep the seal.
That's why I don't understand.
All three households of Wu Family...
...came this far because of you.
We're just starting to thrive...
...and these ungrateful people don't want you to lead anymore.
Aren't they too realistic?
That's why I don't even go to Liuchuan Hall anymore.
Can you resign to this? -Of course not.
But, I've been the leader for so many years.
It's time for a break.
Yes. Let them taste the hardships of a leader.
They don't appreciate you at all.
They need to handle the work themselves...
...to know how tough it was for you.
They'll come and beg me when they can't handle it.
So, that's your plan.
But, it's a pity we can't invest in weaving machines.
I promised Mr. Zhao to buy all the shares.
I broke my promise. He'll surely condemn me.
Madam Ying, Madam Zheng wants to see you.
What's the matter? -Madam Zheng said...
...only you can solve this problem.
What?
You want to oust Han San Chun and Qian Hong?
Han San Chun is doing a good job.
Zhang, tell her.
Madam Ying, when I was cleaning the house days ago...
...I noticed that many things went missing.
They are all small items.
Some are valuable and some are not.
Only Er Hu and Han San Chun are newcomers in this household.
Er Hu looks quite honest.
But, Han San Chun makes us feel very insecure.
Don't be paranoid.
I'm sure Han San Chun isn't the culprit.
Who can it be?
I know the answer.
Even if he isn't the culprit, you need to think of something...
...to tell Han San Chun and Qian Hong to leave.
Mother.
Our business is only getting bigger and better.
We handle so much money every day. Han San Chun can fight.
He makes the best security guard.
But, he's a bandit. I feel very insecure...
...when I see him in my home. - He's no longer a bandit.
What if he develops ill intention? -That won't happen.
One's nature doesn't change so easily.
Mother.
Look at Wang Shi Jun. He wrongly accused me before.
But now, he's the most loyal one.
I'm another example. I used to be a con artist.
But now, I've changed.
I don't mind if it's just Han San Chun.
But, look at Qian Hong.
If she continues to stay here, she'll ruin our household culture.
What's wrong with Qian Hong?
I don't want to describe. Go and see for yourself.
Alright. I'll go and check.
"L,the king...
...am drunk...
...in the Peach Blossom Palace." -Father.
What's the matter?
"Han Su Mei is...
Are you the one who stole the missing things?
What are you saying? I've no idea.
He'! -
Where are you hiding the things you stole?
I'm not telling you.
I knew it. You did it.
Father.
Why do you need to steal the things in your own home?
My own home?
This is the east mansion of Wu Family.
You've stayed here for so long and gone through so much here.
Yet, you still don't treat this place as your home?
All walled places are no home to me.
Is there a home without walls?
You still can't forget about Wu Pin.
So, you won't leave this place.
But, sooner or later, you will be free.
You'll want to leave with me. So...
...I need to store something to prepare for the future.
That might be true.
But, before that day comes...
...stop stealing the things in this mansion.
Father. -Fine. I won't take a thing.
Swear.
I swear!
I've gathered enough anyway.
Madam Ying, are you inside?
Madam Ying.
Mr. Han.
Madam Ying.
Mr. Han.
Madam Ying.
I came to bid farewell to you.
Where are you going? -I haven't decided.
Is it because you heard some rumours?
Don't worry about that. I'll solve the problem for you.
No. -Why then?
Are you unable to get used to living here?
No, Madam Ying. I have food and shelter...
...and a regular life here. I don't have to...
...live in fear anymore. I even have a job here.
If that's the case, why don't you stay?
You're a strong warrior and commander.
You'll become increasing important to us.
Madam Ying, I wish I don't have to leave too.
But, Qian Hong doesn't want to stay here.
Why?
She wants to settle down at a place...
...where people don't know us.
I've a suggestion. Can you put this on hold...
...and let me talk to Qian Hong first?
Alright.
Zhao Bai Shi reported that...
...due to some troubles, the mechanical textile bureau...
...in Shaanxi will not be built so soon.
Our effort paid off.
The prince is very pleased.
But, he wants us to be careful.
Zhao Bai Shi is a very determined person.
Don't give him a chance to strike back.
Do you remember Shopkeeper Tao of...
...Shen Family's textile shop?
He once threatened to wreck Gu Yue Western Textile.
Approach this man.
He might be useful to us. -Yes.
We've pleased the prince.
But, we lost everything...
...we earned for ourselves.
What's the matter?
Do you know what this is?
What is it?
A letter from Hu Yong Mei.
She retracted the 20% shares of Gu Yue Western Textile...
...and cut ties with me.
So be it.
The two of you can't be together anyway.
Zha Kun.
I've been beaten for so many years.
I thought I've gone numb.
But, this letter...
...really hurts me.
You still can't let go of her?
I'm not sure.
But, each time I see her, she makes me feel warm...
...all the way from my palm to my head.
She makes me feel alive.
Maybe she isn't the one I can't let go.
Perhaps, I just can't let go of that feeling.
We'll leave it at this.
I thought that...
...I could fill that box within 5 days.
But now, it looks like...
...it's impossible.
Who says it's impossible?
This is the money we need to send to the prince.
Just make a modification and we don't have to send it over.
When I die, I don't want to be buried...
...in the graveyard of the eunuchs.
The matter of the mechanical textile bureau...
...is left hanging.
What a pity.
Zhao Bai Shi might be the financial commissionen...
...but he's still no match for Du Ming Li.
Luckily, we withdrew in time.
Father, don't you find it sad?
They easily ruined something...
...so beneficial to the country and people.
The conflicts between the politicians...
...have nothing to do with us.
We can't understand or change anything anyway.
So, we don't have to worry at all. We only need to...
...run our business properly.
But, our business might be implicated one day.
Come!
Sir. -Mr. Zhao.
Mr. Pu, make a trip to Hanzhong and Ankang with me.
Maybe merchants there are interested in the shares.
Yes. -Mr. Guo.
Help me to write a letter.
Ask Mr. Zhang if we can pay for the western machines...
...by installment.
Yes.
Mr. Zhao, you still don't want to give up?
Until one succeeds...
...one must attempt with undying perseverance.
Master Wei Wu, these are the purchases accounts...
...balance sheets and general accounts.
Alright.
These are the accounts for public relations, stock...
...miscellaneous expenses and general expenses.
These are the daily, inventory and cash accounts...
...as well as the purchases and sales accounts...
...in the inventory account.
These are the rough and detailed accounts.
I can't believe we need so many account books.
We don't have so many account books.
But, our business still runs well.
Tu'erdan commissioned us to sell 13 types of goods...
...grouped into 24 categories to 37 merchants in the southeasL...
"southwest and Jiangzhe.
Simultaneously, 36 merchants commissioned us to resell...
...45 types of goods to Tu'erdan.
These businesses also involve...
...security companies and caravan services.
The payment terms and rebates are all different.
The same company might sell the same product...
...for different prices at different places too.
Housekeeper Zhang, don't you think...
...we need all these accounts?
L---
Alright. From now on, this is your job, Mr. Shu.
I can finally relax.
Master Wei Wu, I need to settle...
...the handover with Housekeeper Zhang as well.
You may proceed.
Please take it down. - No. I can memorise it.
Listen carefully then. -Alright.
The Kunlun Jade ordered by Huang Family of Jiangsu...
...will soon arrive in Jingyang.
But, the old master of Tongwei Security Company died.
They are closed for 3 months.
We must find another security company...
...to deliver the jade in time.
We agreed to sell last month's fur and leather to Tong Family.
But, a merchant from Mongolia is competing against us.
Two of the horses we ordered from lli died...
...during the journey due to maladaptation.
We need to determine who to take responsibility for the loss.
100 boxes of the brick tea from Ma Family in Hunan...
...are of bad quality.
Ma Family refused to give us a refund.
This has to be dealt with immediately.
Tu'erdan needs the new batch of silk urgently.
Yet, Cao Family of Jiangnan can't seem to...
...deliver by year-end. You need to solve this problem.
There's also... -Wang Shi Jun.
Did Zhou Ying handle so many things...
...when she was in charge?
Master Wei Wu, she handled 2 times more than this.
Since you just took over, I set aside all less urgent ones.
Give me a minute. I think I need to take it down.
Alright. Start from top.
The Kunlun Jade ordered by Huang Family of Jiangsu...
...will arrive soon.
Look. The flowers are so pretty. -Yes.
The flowers blossomed so well this year.
Sister Zheng, they say that...
...blooming flowers symbolise good news.
Yes. -Sister Ying.
Are you tired lately?
No. -I'm sorry.
I haven't been doing any work lately.
I'm sorry. I came late.
I'm sorry.
The weather is so fine.
That's why...
...I invited everyone to admire the flowers here.
Yes. Let's admire the flowers. - Let's go to the pavilion.
Come. -Qian Hong, join us.
Yes. Let's take a break there.
Let's go. -Sit for a while.
Be careful. -Alright.
This year's flowers blossomed so beautifully.
Those over there are prettier.
That one is so pretty. -You're right.
Look.
It smells so good.
Qian Hong, you're so pretty. - Yes, you're so pretty.
You're so pretty. -You guys are sweet talkers.
We're telling the truth. -It's true.
Is that so?
Look at that!
How should I wear this flower? Left or right?
You look good either ways.
Why is Madam Qian Hong so happy talking to the servants?
Shouldn't you do something about this?
Sit down.
Mother, sit down.
These pumpkin seeds are good. -What's wrong?
I lost my bodkin. -Go and look for it.
I must have dropped it outside. -Ms. Yi.
I'll look for it. -I'll go with you.
Have some tea.
Is this new tea? -Yes, try it.
It smells so good.
Is it good?
It's good. -You can take some back.
Really? -Chun Xing.
That's great. Thank you. - Zhou Ying, sit properly.
Qian Hong. Come and sit here.
Try this new tea produced this year.
Here you go. -Thank you.
That flower is so pretty.
You like it? I'll pick one for you.
No. It's too red. -Red is good.
Don't eat so many pumpkin seeds. It's not good.
Mother, we still have other snacks in the kitchen.
Eat other snacks later. Don't eat so much now.
You've occupied my seat.
He Xiang, wipe the stool.
What do you mean by that? Am I dirty to you?
I find the stool dirty. - Just because I sat on it?
I'm glad you know.
Ms. Yi, feel free to sit.
But, once you sit on it, you can never be clean again.
What are you doing? -You're doomed.
You inhaled my breath. You're no longer pure and chaste.
Mother! -You...
How could you do this to my child? -Who do you think you are?
How dare you behave so rudely here! You're such a bully!
What? She's clearly the one who bullied me.
Enough! Stop! It's just a stool!
Come, Sister Yi. You can sit on mine.
Come here. Sister Yi, come.
Sit on mine.
The weather is so fine. Don't get angry.
Here. Eat a jujube. Cool down.
Look. You're no pretty when you're angry.
Qian Hong. -It's alright now.
Cool down. -Come. Let's sit here.
I can't believe it.
Why did you get angry with a child?
Qian Hong, how old are you?
I was sold to the brothel before I was very little.
I don't know my age. -What a coincidence.
I was also dumped by my family when I was little.
I don't know my age either.
We're both unfortunate people.
Since we're the same, let's be sworn sisters.
There are two grasses here. One long and one shod.
Whoever gets the longer one is the older sister.
Draw one.
Yours is long. You're the older sister.
From now on, I'm your younger sister.
Sister Yi.
We just became sworn sisters. From now on, you need to...
...treat her like your older sister.
Sister.
What's wrong?
My uncles have been in charge for almost a month.
I heard that Uncle Wei Wu is panicking...
...and Uncle Wei Quan is complaining every day.
Why aren't they asking me to go back yet?
It's better to not go back. -No way.
Why? Now, we don't have to worry about anything.
We only need to have fun and collect our share of profit.
Isn't this great? -I haven't done anything...
...except for eating and sleeping for a month.
There are ulcers in my mouth and corns on my feet now.
I feel dizzy and my vision is blurry.
I feel sick.
Madam Ying, you just don't appreciate this peace and comfort
Chun Xing.
I'm fated to be a servant.
I need to be tired, scolded and hated...
...in order to feel good.
Don't be impatient.
Perhaps, your uncles will soon have enough of it...
...and come begging you to return.
I don't have time to wait.
By the time I regain my authority...
...Mr. Zhao might have sold the shares to others.
My plan will be ruined. - What do you plan to do then?
I need to do something...
...to make my uncles surrender sooner.
Madam Ying.