Episode 57
That's too unfair. Zhou Ying, don't ever agree.
I rejected him on the spot.
But, he might not give up so easily.
If he insists...
...I'll go to Beijing and complain to the emperor.
Wei Quan, calm down.
Zhou Ying, what do you plan to do?
Judging from the current situation...
...I'm afraid they'll give us a hard time...
...if we refuse to compromise.
I agree. We should sacrifice money for safety.
To be honest, there is mistake on our side too.
We forgot to give them a token of appreciation...
...after making money with the textile factory.
I believe this is Zhang Zhang Qing's objective.
Brother Wei Wu, how much do we need to fork out then?
Let's ask Mr. Zhao first.
Yes.Ask him. Back then, he knows it very well that...
...we almost went broke in order to raise money...
...for the shares.
Brother Wei Wu, Mr. Zhao is your son-in-law.
He's considered a member of Wu Family.
He can't be helping an outsider.
Madam Ying.
Mr. Zhao has important work. He's not meeting anyone today.
Please help me to inform him of my visit first.
Mr. Zhao said that he won't meet anyone at all.
What is Mr. Zhao busy with?
I can't tell you.
Zhao Bai Shi, the governor of Shaanxi...
...is guilty of favouritism in the initial public offering of...
...Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau.
He sold all shares to Zhou from Wu Family of Jingyang...
...and profited from the shady deal.
Na Tong, Deputy Minister of Justice...
...shall investigate and report his findings.
Rise.
Mr. Zhao, do you have anything to say?
I only have 4 words to say. This is utter nonsense.
Master, Mr. Zhang came.
He's in the reading room.
I'm aware of what happened.
Teacher Zhang.
The investigating censor of Shaanxi...
"submitted a secret memorial.
The emperor and empress dowager were enraged after reading it...
...and handed this matter to the prince.
So, the prince sent Na Tong to investigate.
Let them investigate. I conducted the entire...
...initial public offering transparently.
Everyone in Jingyang witnessed it. They can ask.
I'm afraid Na Tong already knows what to report
That can't be the case. -Why not?
Chaha'er who sent the secret memorial...
...is the prince's relative.
Na Tong's father was the prince's subordinate.
You can easily predict the outcome.
A clear conscience is a soft pillow.
Unless they give a false account of the true facts.
Your integrity doesn't matter.
They will do whatever it takes to bring you down.
It's dismissal at worst. -Fool!
You need this position if you want to save the country.
Serving in the court and serving in the countryside...
...make a huge difference!
If you still wish to serve the country...
...you should know how much this matters.
You are right.
Even though it's troublesome, we're not completely hopeless.
Even though the prince is powerful...
...we can still fight back.
There's one thing you must do immediately.
What is it? Take back all shares of the...
...Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau quickly.
Is this your condition? - I'm going all out for you!
Shouldn't you contribute too?
What if I can't do it? -You must do it.
Only if you take back the shares...
...will I have the confidence to save you.
If you can't do it, I won't be able to help you.
Taking back the shares means rendering meritorious service.
I can even make you the Viceroy of Shaanxi and Gansu!
I appreciate talents.
But, I only appreciate talents who will listen.
If you won't listen to me...
...I can only turn a blind eye to your plight.
My teacher.
The first time we met...
...you said that we are destined to meet...
"because our names can be combined into...
...the word "integrity"...
...as "Qing" and "Bai" mean purity.
Yes, I did say that.
What's the meaning of what you just said then?
I'm analysing the situation for you.
The political situation is complicated and unpredictable.
We need strong suppofl in order to be triumphant.
Strong Support?
When I became an official, I swore that...
...I will not join any clique or work for personal interest.
Bai Shi, after so many years in the political scene...
...you are still so naive.
Do you think there are only black and white in this world?
Let me tell you something. Black and white are intertwined.
The world is gray! -Even if the world is gray...
...there are only black and white in my head.
The purest water is home to no fish.
It is pointless to discuss any further.
I have made up my mind.
If you are so headstrong...
...you will lose everything in the end.
Escort the guest!
I'm surprised the prince sent you over this time.
I volunteered.
I'm sick of staying the capital.
I decided to come admire the sceneries and visit my old friend.
Isn't this nice?
It's been years since we last met.
It's been 3 years.
Only Zha Kun goes back to report on work.
I didn't get to see you at all.
By the way, before I left...
...the prince told me that he has written the report for me.
But, it'll be better if...
...you've more evidences. - I've prepared in advance.
This is... -Over 10 merchants of Jingyang...
"signed this to complain about Zhao Bai Shi's abuse of authority.
They accused him of favouring Wu Family.
The leader is Shen Si Hai?
Yes. Shen Si Hai is a very famous and wealthy merchant in Jingyang.
He's a generous and forgiving person.
But, this time, even Shen Si Hai finds it unacceptable.
Zhao Bai Shi really caused a huge dissatisfaction.
Alright. I'll take this...
...and submit it alongside my report
Is this enough? I can still think of something else.
This is enough. It's more than enough.
8th of the 4th lunar month of...
...the 19th year of Emperor Guangxu's reign.
Zhao Bai Shi is guilty of abusing his authority...
...in establishing Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau...
...which resulted in public resentment.
He shall be punished for his wrongdoing...
...and the Ministry of Personnel shall...
...dismiss Zhao Bai Shi from his current position.
Zhao Bai Shi shall obey the order of dismissal.
That is all.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
After a month of oveflime work...
...the new batch will be completed soon.
Rest assured. -Alright.
Madam Ying.
Where is Zhou, the manager of the factory?
That's me. -Come out and welcome...
...the new provincial governor of Shaanxi at once!
Mr. Dong Ting Xu, governor of Shaanxi...
...has arrived!
Put the palanquin down!
Sir, you have arrived.
Are you Zhou, the manager of the mechanical textile bureau?
Yes. Greetings, Mr. Dong.
From today onwards, I'm the chairman of...
...the mechanical textile bureau.
As my subordinate, you must repofl everything to me...
...and get my approval for every decision you make.
Yes.
Are the western machines inside?
Mr. Dong, please come in. You will know once you see them.
Zhou, come in and tell Mr. Dong about the machines!
I can't believe we toppled Zhao Bai Shi so easily this time.
He's a person with political support
His support should try and protect him.
Surprisingly, his supported helped us instead.
Mr. Shen, this is the capital's preparation method.
It's very different from the preparation method in Jingyang.
Yes.
What do you think? -It's good.
Let me tell you something. This is the prince's favourite.
Really?
It's delicious.
Mr. Du, the prince is so powerful and influential.
Those people probably know their place.
That's not the case.
Even though they did not save Zhao Bai Shi...
...they are holding on to the mechanical textile bureau.
They sent their man to replace Zhao as the provincial governor...
...as well as the chairman of the mechanical textile bureau.
I heard that textile factory...
...made a net profit of 800,000 taels last year.
What? 800,000 taels?
In this case...
...we must defeat that widow next...
...and find a chance to steal that textile factory.
Move these things slowly.
Discard them if there is no space left.
Yes. -Mr. Zhao.
Madam Ying. -I can be your witness.
For what? -I did not bribe you at all.
No one in Shaanxi wanted to buy the shares.
That's why Wu Family bought all the shares.
Truth isn't what they want.
If they are jealous because of the textile factory's profit...
...I can contribute some of my 80% of shares...
...to bribe the officials. - They aren't after small money.
They want the entire mechanical textile bureau.
Were you dismissed because I refused to sell the shares?
I got dismissed due to underhanded intervention.
BY Whom?
The prince. -Is it because of me?
You see too highly of yourself.
The prince probably doesn't even know you.
They see me as a member of Mr. Li's clique.
So, they want to get rid of me.
Master and Madam Ying have been talking since earlier.
What are they talking about?
This is none of your business.
Zhang Zhang Qing is determined to...
...take over the mechanical textile bureau.
I've a feeling that you're their next target.
We signed a contract back then.
They can't steal the factory from me.
Besides, I'm not Xu Run.
I've never embezzled or employed my relatives.
Every transaction is recorded clearly.
There's no equity trading either.
They can't take the textile factory away from me.
I didn't do anything wrong either.
At worst, I'll just give up the textile factory.
No. There are things we should hold on to.
Even if you don't mind giving it up...
...don't let them succeed so easily.
What are you doing? Why aren't you boiling water,“...
...wiping the tables or sweeping the floor?
Who do you think you are? You're a handyman, not a student.
Why are you still standing here? Go and sweep the floor.
Excuse me.
You gave up the identity of the young master of Shen Family...
...and came here to work as a lowly servant.
Tell me. What do you want?
I want my conscience.
You don't even greet your father.
Father.
Let's have a proper talk.
I still have a lot of work to do.
Are you torturing yourself...
...to make me angry?
Zhao Bai Shi has been dismissed.
When? -A few days ago.
What's the reason? -Abuse of authority.
He sold all the shares of the mechanical textile bureau...
...to Wu Family.
People believe this kind of reason?
Merchants of Jingyang signed a letter of complaint together.
They can't doubt it.
Who are the merchants? You?
Is this Du Ming Li's idea again?
Framing, forging evidences and lying.
Father, is there any other bad thing you won't do?
Father, I'm sorry.
From now on, I won't persuade you to...
...part ways with Du Ming Li anymore.
Because I can see very clearly that...
...you and Du Ming Li are the same kind of people.
Xing Er.
There is no right or wrong in this world.
It's just about which side you're on.
If you don't want to be defeated by your enemy...
...you can only choose Du Ming Li.
I'm being unscrupulous for survival.
You can still survive without being so despicable.
I can't stop.
Father, one day, you will regret this.
I can't be bothered now!
Xing Er.
No matter how bad I am...
...I am still your father.
Come home.
I'm not going home.
I'm old.
I need a helper.
If I go home with you today...
...I can never defeat Du Ming Li.
Do you know the person behind Du Ming Li?
I don't care. lfl seize the right oppoflunity...
...even if he is from the royal family...
...I will take him down.
What do you want to do? - I want to change China...
...with a revolution.
Father, I can do the things you cannot do.
Madam Ying. -Madam Ying.
Why are you still awake?
I can't sleep. -I'll tell Qian Hong...
...to come and accompany you.
No. I'll go back in after catching some fresh air.
Madam Ying, this tree is dangerous.
I'll send someone to chop it off tomorrow.
No.
Don't chop it off.
I was wondering how my father found me.
You must have betrayed me.
Young Master Xing Yi, the mistress fell sick...
...from worrying about you.
I told the mistress because I felt bad for her.
Will you be angry with me?
If I'm angry, I wouldn't let you stay and mend my clothes.
Why can't you give in to the master?
If you compromise, the whole family will be happy.
Isn't that better?
Everyone thinks I'm sulking.
But, that's not the truth.
By the way, I heard master saying that...
...Wu Family gave us a hard time some time ago...
...and now that Mr. Zhao has fallen...
...he's going to take care of Wu Family next.
Do you want to warn her?
The two of us are no longer friends.
Her success or failure has nothing to do with me.
Xing Er!
Mother. -Madam.
Mother, why are you here? Have you recovered?
Young Master Xing Yi, the madam came as soon as...
...she was able to get out of bed.
Xing Er, go home with me.
I'm not going home.
You can't do this kind of work. - Don't worry. I'm used to it now.
But... -Mother.
I've really gotten used to it.
I've talked to your father. He won't pressure you anymore.
You can do whatever you want to do.
We don't mind as long as you come back.
Now, I just want to stay here and read a few books peacefully.
This place... -Mother, if you pressure me...
...I'll move and make sure you can't find me.
Alright. I won't pressure you.
But, this place... -Madam, please rest assured.
The young master agreed to let me...
...come once in a while to take care of him.
Don't worry.
Ling Long, I'll leave Xing Yi to you.
Yes, madam.
Madam Yi. Do I hang this one too?
Of course.
Dear Goddess of Mercy.
Please let my husband make it through this ordeal.
Dear Goddess of Mercy.
Please let my husband make it through this ordeal.
Madam, how about some fortune telling?
I can tell you about your luck in wealth, career...
...and family relationships.
If I'm wrong, you don't have to pay.
I'll give it a try. -Please go ahead.
"What do we hear day and night here?"
"Only the sad cries of the cuckoos and apes."
"Even though the scenery is beautiful...
...I often drown my sorrows alone."
This is neither a good nor a bad sign.
The person you are concerned about...
...is exceptionally talented. But, he won't have much luck...
...in his career...
...unless he receives aid from his saviour.
Wu Yi.
Mrs. Zhang. -You came to pray too?
Are you here to pray for pregnancy?
You must be here to pray for Bai Shi then.
Is Bai Shi alright?
Because of Bai Shi's dismissal, Zhang Qing has been very restless.
That's why I came out to buy some medicine for him.
We've troubled both you and Mr. Zhang.
How can we blame you and Bai Shi?
Someone else caused this.
We should blame that...
Zhang Qing often tells me that...
...of all his students, Bai Shi will be the most successful one.
I can't believe his future got ruined like this.
I wish Bai Shi took Mr. Zhang's advice back then.
Don't be too sad.
Zhang Qing told me that there is still hope for Bai Shi.
There is still hope? -Yes. Zhang Qing said that...
...if Bai Shi cut ties with Zhou Ying...
...he can convince Mr. Li to restore Bai Shi's position.
But, Bai Shi is very stubborn.
I'm afraid he won't take his teacher's advice.
I can persuade him.
What if he doesn't listen to you?
Can you make him change his mind?
There's another method.
If Zhou Ying is no longer the manager of...
...the mechanical textile bureau...
...Bai Shi will be saved.
But, how do I make her quit?
Let me tell you.
Zhang Zhang Qing covets all your shares.
He won't be satisfied with 20% shares.
Can you help me to arrange another meeting with him?
Alright.
I want to talk about you with him.
Me?
If he's willing to help you...
...I don't mind offering 20% more shares.
You don't have to worry about me.
I really don't want to work with him anymore.
Mrs. Zhang, thank you.
But, I can't do that.
If you change your mind, come to me.
By the way, where's Sister Yi?
She went to the temple in the morning.
The last time I saw her, she looked a little unhappy.
Is that so?
Sister Yi is innocent and kind.
Apafl from Wu Pin, she's the one I'm closest to...
...in Wu Family.
Her marriage to you...
...makes me happy and worried at the same time.
Even though Jingyang isn't far away...
...this is her first time leaving home.
She'll definitely feel lonely.
You were always busy. But, now that you're free...
...please give her more attention and affection.
I know what to do.
The most wonderful thing in this world...
...is the union of lovers.
You must treasure her.
Madam Yi, you're back.
Where's Bai Shi? -He's meeting a guest inside.
The business of the textile factory is getting better.
Even westerners want to buy from us.
Even with shift work, we are still behind schedule.
We might need to recruit more workers next month.
I was planning to discuss with you...
...about buying a few more machines.
That day, I was... -Ms. Yi, where are you going?
You don't have to follow me.
Wu Yi. -Mrs. Zhang.
Here you go.
This is the only way to make Bai Shi change his mind.
No. I can't do this.
This is too despicable.
Men need to succeed in their careers.
Yet, despite being talented, Bai Shi isn't given a chance.
Only you can help him now.
But, if I do this, what will happen to her?
She'll be fine. It'll just be a small punishment.
This will only benefit her in the future.
Wu Yi, Bai Shi's future depends on you.
You need to be decisive.
Aunt.
Your mother mentioned you when she came a few days ago.
Is that so? -She's a little worried...
...because you're still childless...
...even though you've been married to Mr. Zhao for so long.
Why did she bring that up?
This is an important matter.
She worries too much.
All mothers are the same.
How are you and Mr. Zhao? -We're fine.
Sheng Long Quan just hired a new chief physician.
Do you want an examination?
Aunt, I haven't met Sister Ying for a long time.
I'll go and visit her.
She left in the morning. - It's alright. I can wait.
Something seems to be bothering Wu Yi.
She must be worried about her fertility.
Ms. Yi, Madam Ying is away.
When will she come back?
She usually comes back late. - I'll wait in the reading room.
Alright.
Ms. Yi, please have some tea.
You may go back to your work. -Alright.
These are the accounts receivable.
These are our debts.
This is the total asset of the mechanical textile bureau.
This is the daily production volume.
I'll try to solve the problem...
...concerning the shares by the end of the month.
Can you settle the accounts before the end of the month?
Yes.
How much do you plan to give them?
I guess...
...we have to offer one-third at least.
So, the government will pay 100,000 taels...
...for shares woflh a million taels?
Yes.
Don't move! -Turn off the machines...
...and stand aside!
Mr. Dong has arrived!
Soldiers. Arrest Zhou Ying.
Yes! -Mr. Dong, is this a mistake?
There's no mistake. -What's the reason?
What are you doing?
How can you hit them? -Search.
Let go of me! -Don't move!