Episode 41
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. -Qian Hong?
Madam Ying. -Qian Hong.
Why are you still calling me "Madam Ying"?
I'm too used to it.
Actually, I came to thank you.
Why do you want to thank me?
I know you made me your sworn sister...
...to show me some respect, so that the other ladies...
...won't look down on me.
You only got half of it right.
I've another personal reason.
What?
I'm an orphan as well.
I genuinely want a sister...
...whom I can share my happiness with...
...or talk to when I'm unhappy.
But, don't you find me too lowly?
I'm not much better.
Alright.
We'll be a pair of good sisters.
We'll be good sisters. -Sister Qian Hong.
Both you and Han San Chun shouldn't leave.
Stay and keep me company.
We're not leaving anymore. I don't know where to go anyway.
Besides, you're my sister now. No one dares to insult me again.
You're so clever. You even made Wu Yi cry.
Who would have the guts to insult you?
She deserves it for looking down on me.
Sister Qian Hong, I really need to...
...give you an advice.
You really need to watch your words and actions.
What's wrong with me?
Take your appearance for example.
My appearance? What's wrong?
Don't I look pretty? -Yes.
But, you look a little too pretty.
You're complaining about my appearance?
Come here.
I'm the one who should complain about your appearance.
When was the last time you changed your clothes?
How do you attract men if you dress up like this?
Don't forget that I'm a widow.
So what? Why can't widows dress up beautifully...
...and attract men?
I'm saying this to you because you're my sister.
First of all, don't treat yourself as a widow.
Do whatever you want to do.
Secondly, if you have a chance to remarry...
...don't let it go.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about you. Look.
You're so pretty and young.
Are you really going to stay widowed forever for Wu Pin?
It's not worth it at all.
You need to learn from me.
You need to try everything presented before you...
...to avoid wasting your life.
It's late. I need to go back.
Think about what I said.
See you.
Goodbye, Mrs. Han.
Qian Hong is so bold. People might drown her for that.
She's just trying to help me. - Will you do as she suggested?
No.
What? -Look.
Tian Shi. Tian Yu.
Prepare brush and ink for me. I want to draw.
Draw? -What's the meaning of that?
Wu Ze, what is your plan for this year?
I'll continue studying.
You still want to study?
Wu Ze, you're no longer young.
You can't be studying for the exam forever.
Why don't you think of something else to do?
I'm suppofling all three households of Wu Family alone.
I'm finding it tiring.
Why don't you help me with our business?
What about Zhou Ying?
Zhou Ying is angry with me. She won't do any work at all.
Wei Quan can't do much to help.
I need a helper.
Father, I'd like to...
...take the exam for one last time next year.
You're probably not destined for this.
I'll go for it one last time.
If I still fail, I'll give up.
Alright.
Father. Mother. Please rest early.
Brother Ze.
Sister Yi.
Are you here to greet our parents? -Yes.
Brother Ze, did you see him lately?
Yes. -He...
Sister Yi, he's now busy...
...setting up Shaanxi's mechanical textile bureau.
He doesn't have time to think about other things.
But, it's alright.
We can talk about it again after the establishment of...
...the textile bureau.
Go and greet father and mother. I'm going back.
My dear, Shao Jiu Niang delivered this to us today.
What is this? -The birth profile of...
...the eldest son of Leng Family in Gaoling.
This is the third son of Yang Family in Jingyang.
He's a scholar.
This is the son of Zhao Family in Fuping.
The one from Leng Family is 3 years older than Wu Yi.
He's very honest and steady.
Their birth profiles are compatible as well.
If the two families become relatives...
...we can be business partners.
Wu Yi is 17 years old. It's time for her to get married.
Alright. I'll leave this matter to you.
Come. -What is it?
You're doing an exercise?
Want to exchange a few moves? -Sure.
Not bad. You're not out of practice.
So, do you think I can still make money on the street?
Yes.
Why don't we leave together?
N OW?
Wu Pin has been dead for years.
Wu Family of the east mansion is rich now.
You've done enough for the deceased and living.
Besides, Wu Wei Wu and Wu Wei Quan doesn't like you.
This is the best time to leave.
Madam Ying!
Madam Ying. -What's the matter, Fu Lai?
Guess who came. -Who?
Tu'erdan came. -Where is he?
Master Wei Wu invited him to Liuchuan Hall.
Let me join you!
Housekeeper Zhang. -Housekeeper Zhang.
Madam Ying, you can't enter Liuchuan Hall.
Why?
Our master is meeting an important guest.
I know. Tu'erdan is my friend.
Madam Ying, you can't go in.
Master Wei Wu and Master Wei Quan...
...said that you're not allowed to enter Liuchuan Hall anymore.
That's so ridiculous. -Mr. Tu, let me introduce someone.
This is my youngest brother, Wu Wei Quan.
He's in charge of the centre mansion of Wu Family.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Tu. -Nice to meet you.
Where is Zhou Ying? Why isn't she here to meet me?
Zhou Ying is no longer the leader of Zhou Family?
She's not allowed to meet any guest because of that?
Not really.
It's just that it's inappropriate for her...
...to appear in public. -Yes.
I travelled thousands of miles to see her.
Yet, she's hiding from me.
I don't care. I'm coming in.
You can't enter. Stop her. -Are you serious?
Hand those to me. -What are you doing?
These are my account books. - If you don't let me in...
...I'll throw them into the vat. -I'm begging you!
Go away! -The masters ordered to...
...invite Madam Ying to Liuchuan Hall to meet a guest!
Now I don't feel like going in.
Tu'erdan! I'm here!
Zhou Ying, I've missed you so much.
Tu'erdan!
It feels like it's been centuries.
I'm surprised we met again so soon.
Let's go in and talk. -No.
I'm not qualified to enter that hall.
Let's talk here. We can enjoy the sunshine.
Come. Sit down. -Alright. Sure.
Didn't you say that you'll come next year earliest?
Yes. But, I told myself that...
...I must come to Jingyang in Shaanxi sooner...
...to visit you.
So, I postponed all other works...
...and came in advance.
You came at the right time.
I need to discuss something with you.
There's no need to discuss. I'll just do as you say.
Really? -Of course.
What if I make you spend a lot of money?
You're free to spend my money.
Deal. -Deal.
But, Zhou Ying, I just heard that...
...you're no longer the leader of Wu Family.
Yes.
I made Wu Family the broker of all my businesses...
"because of you.
So, if you're not the one in charge...
...I'll worry.
Actually, I often...
Mr. Tu, the truth is...
...Zhou Ying hasn't retired entirely.
It's just that she doesn't do as much now.
But, she'll still take care of your businesses.
Alright. That will do.
Let's have a toast with Mr. Tu.
Welcome. -Thank you.
Mr. Tu. -Welcome.
Let's eat.
Mr. Tu, how long do you plan to stay in Jingyang?
Thank you.
I came for a very important matter.
If I succeed, I'll stay a little longer.
If I fail, I'll leave immediately.
Mr. Tu, what is this important matter?
Why don't you tell us? Perhaps, Wu Family can help you.
Yes.
Would you help? -Yes.
You must keep your word.
Don't worry. Merchants of Qin Dynasty...
malways keep their promises.
Yes. -I'll say it then.
Zhou Ying.
I came all the way to Jingyang for you.
Me? Why?
I'm still single. Would you marry me?
Carry it over.
Zhou Ying, come with me.
Brother Wei Wu, this...
The 20,000 taels of gold is a token of my sincerity.
Didn't you say that you've never seen real snow lotus?
I went to the peak of Tian Shan...
...and picked this snow lotus for you personally.
This...
Just because of what I said?
No. Because I love you.
Wei Quan. -Come!
Mr. Tu, there might be a misunderstanding here.
You probably don't know Zhou Ying's identity yet.
She's a widow of Wu Family.
I know. Her husband passed away a long time ago.
How can you... -But...
...she doesn't have a husband now.
I can be her husband. -You...
This is too immoral and shameless!
Zhou Ying.
Marry me. -|...
I... I'm very confused.
Fu Lai! Bring me wine.
Hurry.
Mr. Tu, please return.
Mr. Wu, didn't you promise to help me?
Please help me to persuade Zhou Ying.
Brother Wei Wu, are you really going to help him?
I didn't expect him to propose.
I know this is a serious matter.
You don't have to answer me immediately.
I'll have to stay in Jingyang for a few days anyway.
But, I hope that...
...you can bring me happiness.
I... I need to think about it.
I'll be waiting for your reply.
I'm done drinking and talking. I'm leaving.
Take this stupid thing away! -Wei Quan.
Brother Wei Wu, we should have ousted him!
Wei Quan.
Our business depends on Tu'erdan.
We can't offend him. - Why can't we offend him?
Brother Wei Wu, you...
Look.
Listen carefully. Don't tell anyone about this.
Dismiss.
Wang Shi Jun, come here. -Master Wei Wu.
Find a few men to watch over the gold.
Yes.
Zhou Ying.
You all should go back.
We'll discuss about what to do later.
Let's go.
What do you plan to do?
What do you think? -Accept his proposal.
Why?
He offered 20,000 taels of gold.
He's richer than Shen Family.
It's been so many years.
Yet, you still want to sell me.
This is for your own good. Fine.
Let's talk about this flower alone.
He climbed such a tall mountain to pick it...
...and took the trouble to bring it to Jingyang.
He's very sincere.
Isn't it wonderful to find love and wealth at the same time?
Uncle Si. Madam Ying. The banquet ended so early.
What is this? -Don't touch it.
This is Tu'erdan's heart. -Heart?
How did Zhou Ying react?
She neither agreed or disagreed.
Madam Zheng, this is a serious matter.
You need to discuss with Master Wei Wu and Master Wei Quan.
He's so proud just because he's rich.
She went to Urumqi and flirted with men.
She's such an embarrassment to Wu Family.
Who doesn't love money? But, pride is more impoflant!
We should have given him a beating and ousted him!
I can't believe they saw him off politely.
My dear, who are you scolding?
All of them.
It's pointless to scold anyone.
If Zhou Ying really wants to remarry...
...no one can stop her. - She can remarry then.
It's not like we can't live without her.
My dear, honestly...
...Zhou Ying expanded the family business significantly.
She has done enough for Wu Family.
If she really wants to remarry...
...I don't see why I should object to the idea.
Foolish country woman. -You...
You... Where are you going? - Brother Wei Wu's place.
What a stubborn old man.
This is ridiculous.
If Zhou Ying has moral principles...
...she should reject him on the spot.
Yet, she made it unclear and gave Tu'erdan false hope.
Zhou Ying isn't from an educated family.
She used to be a street performer.
Days ago, she even made a former courtesan...
...her sworn sister.
She doesn't care about moral principles.
Master, Madam Zheng of the east mansion came.
Sister Zheng. -Wei Wu.
Please come in.
Wei Wu, what should we do?
Don't worry, Sister Zheng. I'm trying to think of something.
Please sit down.
Why don't you and Wei Quan make an announcement...
...to cut ties with Tu'erdan and disallow him to come to our place?
I'm afraid that won't do.
Wu Family's business depends entirely on Tu'erdan.
You want his money, but he wants your nephew's wife.
If Wei Wen is still alive...
...he won't let people bully us like this.
Sister Zheng, don't worry. I'll think of a good way...
...to make Tu'erdan give up his absurd idea...
...without offending him. - Brother Wei Wu. Sister.
Sister Zheng is here too.
Wei Quan, you need to help us. -Don't worry.
At worst, we'll cut ties with Tu'erdan.
Wei Quan!
Don't simply say that.
If we really cut ties with Tu'erdan...
...all three households will have a hard time.
Brother Wei Wu, unlike you, I'm not afraid of offending him.
I'm not afraid. I just find it unnecessary.
Besides, the key isn't Tu'erdan but Zhou Ying.
Yes. If Zhou Ying is firm...
...Tu'erdan can't tempt her with money.
What should we do?
Why don't we talk to Zhou Ying...
...about loyalty in marriage? -That won't work.
But, Zhou Ying does love Wu Pin very much.
Perhaps, we can enlighten her from this perspective.
After all, Wu Pin has been gone for years.
Whatever it is, we need to know Zhou Ying's thoughts first.
Isn't Wu Yi very close to Zhou Ying?
I'll send my daughter to ask her.
That's a good idea.
Ms. Yi.
I heard about it. -Sister Ying.
You came as well.
Chun Xing, bring some tea over.
Will you leave Wu Family?
I'm feeling very confused now.
Are you really going to marry Tu'erdan?
I've always treated him as my friend and business partner.
I never thought of marrying him. -That settles it.
Why are you confused?
He offered 20,000 taels of gold.
That's 200,000 taels of silver.
With this money, I can set up the mechanical textile bureau.
Is the mechanical textile bureau...
...more important than your lifetime of happiness?
Awoman's life is difficult enough.
I'd rather die than marry a man I don't love.
You're my sister.
Of course I don't want you to remain widowed forever.
So, I encourage you to look for a man.
But, you must find a man you love.
If you don't love him, you can't marry him even if...
...he offers a mountain of gold.
I shouldn't marry him? -Yes.
But, if you like him...
...you must capture his head at all cost.
H OW?
Whose head do you want to capture?
Sister Yi, you can forget about it.
You should just wait for your parents...
...to marry you to someone.
You're not like us. You don't have to think of...
...how to capture a man's head.
Sister Yi, what's wrong?
Tell me if something is bothering you.
Maybe I can help you to solve your problem.
Leng Family in Gaoling sent someone to...
mpropose on their behalf.
The eldest son of Leng Family?
I think so. But, I've never seen him before.
I met him once during a business meeting.
He's quite nice. He's handsome and honest.
No. I don't like him.
But, you haven't even met him.
It's simple. She has fallen for another man.
Is Qian Hong right?
Tell me. Who is this man you like?
You know him. -I know him?
He saved me before. -He saved...
Mr. Zhao?
Is he not good?
He's very good.
It's just that he's too conservative.
What about him? Does he feel the same way?
Brother Ze asked. But...
...he's busy with some textile bureau.
He has no time for relationship.
Sister Yi, I have an idea for you.
Go back and persuade your father to...
...let me invest in the mechanical textile bureau.
After setting up the mechanical textile bureau...
...Mr. Zhao will have time to think about his marriage.
I won't have to marry Tu'erdan either.
This is like killing two birds with one stone.
Isn't it tiring to do it in such an indirect way?
If I were you, I would tell him directly that...
...I like him and that I want to marry him.
I'll tell him to stay away from other women. That's all.
Enough. You're scaring her.
I'm telling the truth. Let me tell you something.
Back in the brothel, I had to be quick whenever...
...I saw a good customer. Else, other ladies would steal.
We're not talking about the brothel now.
Relationship between men and women is the same anywhere.
Zhou Ying wants to invest in it and our father is stopping her?
This won't do. I need to talk to father.
This project is beneficial to both the country and the people.
Thank you, Brother Ze.
Why are you thanking me?
I see. You have an ulterior motive.
Tu'erdan, you're not a good friend.
What do you mean?
You didn't visit me first when you arrived in Jingyang.
I learnt about your visit from others.
I wanted to visit you. But, I had something else to do.
Since you've come, what's the hurry?
There's a lot of good food and fun things in Jingyang.
I can show you around. I can take you to Xi'an too.
I can even take you to the capital.
I came to do something very important.
I can't go anywhere unless it's done.
What is it? You sound so secretive.
Tell me about it and I will help you.
You can't help me. -I can't help you?
There's nothing Shen Family can't do in Jingyang.
Even if you can, you won't help me.
Tu'erdan, we're brothers.
Your problem is my problem. If you tell me, I'll surely help.
Say it.
I can't say it.
You don't treat me as your brother.
No. That's not the case.
Tell me then. Hurry. Don't make me
Tell me quickly.
Say it.
I came to propose to Zhou Ying. -Wait. What?
I want to marry Zhou Ying.
You want to marry Zhou Ying?
Wait. Zhou Ying?
Zhou Ying is my woman.
Zhou Ying isn't your woman. -I know. But...
...she'll be mine in the future.
She's not yours yet. -I know she's not mine yet.
How do I explain this? Let me put it this way.
You know that I like this woman a lot.
I know. -Yes. Why are you...
You can't do this.
Why can't I like her just because you like her?
If you can make her happy, I won't bother her.
You can like her.
But, she doesn't like you.
Tu'erdan, what makes you say that Zhou Ying doesn't like me?
She might not like me now, but she'll like me in the future!
In the future?
Who knows what will happen in the future?
I like her now.
When a man likes a woman...
...the best way to show his sincerity...
...is to propose. What have I done wrong?
You haven't done anything wrong.
You did the right thing.
Listen. From this meal onwards...
...we're no longer brothers. We'll never be brothers again!
Let's go! -You made me tell you!
Now you want to cut ties with me?
Aren't you going back on your word?
Madam Ying. -Madam Ying.
Madam Ying, Mr. Shen Xing Yi came.
Let him in. -Yes.
Zhou Ying, did you agree to marry Tu'erdan?
Isn't this none of your business? -Please don't agree.
Please don't.
Why?
He offered 20,000 taels of gold.
Will you marry me if I offer 30,000 taels of gold?
I hate you. I won't marry you.
50,000 taels of gold. -No.
100,000 taels of gold. -No.
I won't marry you no matter how much you offer.
Fine. Marry him.
But, no matter how many times you get married in a lifetime...
...one day, I'll make you marry me...
...without even demanding for a cent.
Madam Ying, are you alright?
How come I felt touched when Tu'erdan offered me...
...20,000 taels of gold...
...but felt angry when he offered me...
...30,000 taels of gold?
Perhaps, Mr. Shen and Tu'erdan...
...aren't equal to you.