Episode 73
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Mr. Zhao is here. -Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu...
...Mr. Zhao, has arrived!
Put down the palanquin!
Mr. Zhao, please come in.
This way.
The opening ceremony will start soon. You can rest here.
Alright.
Have you...
...decided on that matter?
I... I'm feeling a little confused now.
You can tell me why you're feeling confused.
Perhaps, I can help you to decide.
It's alright. I'll figure it out myself.
Alright. I'll be waiting.
Sister Ying.
Can you lend me a hand? -Alright.
I need to go.
Alright.
Come.
Sister Ying, come.
My belly is too huge. I can't squat.
Help me to tie this.
Let me help you.
Thanks.
What's your plan?
I think...
...I should agree to marry him.
You should? Why?
He has done so much for me and Wu Family.
I've nothing to repay him with.
I can only repay him with a lifetime of company.
Do you love him?
I admire him and respect him very much.
Look at me.
Do you love him?
I love another man. But, that man...
...will never come back.
The conclusion is, he's not the one you love.
I really don't get it. You've no financial problem.
No one is pressuring you either.
Why can't you choose to marry the man you love?
If you love him and you marry him...
...you'll be happy even if life is tough.
If you don't love him, no matter how good he is...
...you won't be happy.
You don't agree with the idea of marrying Zhao Bai Shi?
You've the letter of divorce. You're free.
But, freedom isn't just about having the right to get married.
More importantly, it's also about having the right to say no.
This is what real freedom is.
Qian Hong, what are you doing there?
The opening ceremony is beginning. Go back.
Coming. -Hurry.
Go.
Madam Ying, the principal invites you and Mr. Zhao to...
...attend the opening ceremony.
Alright.
I've prepared the speech. Please check.
There's no problem.
After 3 years of hard work, Jingyang Girls' School...
I've decided.
Do you want to tell me now?
Yes.
Go ahead.
I'm sorry. I can't marry you.
Please keep quiet.
Is this because of Wu Pin...
...or Shen Xing Yi?
Or is it because you don't want to leave Wu Family?
First of all, Mrs. Wu, the president of the...
...school committee will deliver her speech.
Let's welcome her!
Summer has ended and the weather is turning cool.
Today, dozens of women...
...shine...
Dozens of women shine in Jingyang.
This grand event...
You all must study properly.
Don't be like me.
I can't even read from a manuscript.
Principal Peng introduced me as Mrs. Wu.
I'd like to tell you that my name is Zhou Ying.
I might be the most rebellious woman in Jingyang.
I always appear in public. I like to work.
Mr. Zhao once ordered to have me spanked...
"because of my outrageous behaviour.
But, this isn't the worst.
I was drowned in a pond and thrown into jail before.
I was sentenced to deferred execution.
I escaped death many times.
The most unbelievable incident...
I'll tell you my stories someday.
Let me talk about this school first.
Why did I insist to build this girls' school?
Actually, I'm not sure myself.
This is the wish of a friend of mine.
He believes that...
...the country can only be saved if women are educated.
I don't really understand. But, I know that...
...one will only be enlightened if one studies.
If you're enlightened, you'll possess knowledge...
...and knowledge will make you a capable person.
No one dares to bully a capable person.
This applies to both men and women.
I think it applies to countries as well.
Am I right, Principal Peng? -Yes.
Now I have some idea to why I built this school.
Because if you learn to be capable through this school...
...you can become independent.
You can freely choose the kind of life you want.
From example, what you eat and drink...
...what you say, what road you take...
...what life you want and what man you want to marry.
I think I'm off the topic again.
But, I think my life has been fulfilling.
Even though I've lost many family members...
...and I don't have a very good reputation...
...I've never gone against my head.
I hope that in the future, you all can be like me.
Fight for what you want...
...and don't let anyone force you to do anything.
Let's love and live freely.
Lead a fulfilling life.
Good!
Mr. Zhao, this way. -Eunuch Cui.
The provincial governor invited us over. But, where is he?
Madam Ying, please be patient.
I already drank 3 bowls of tea and ate 4 plates of snacks here.
I've waited 4 hours.
If he still doesn't come, I'm going back.
Yes. We can't spend the entire day waiting for him.
The governor will arrive very soon.
Mr. Duan Fang has arrived!
Greetings, sir.
I gathered all of you...
"because I have something impoflant...
...to discuss with you all.
The empress dowager and emperor have come to Xi'an.
This is an honour to us.
Please be thankful and contribute to their expenses.
I hereby promise that...
...your loyalty will not go unrewarded.
The local government will apply for titles for you all...
"based on the generosity of your contribution.
Zhao Family of Xiaoyi shall contribute 50,000 taels.
Meng Family of Shiqiao, Jingyang...
...shall contribute 20,000 taels.
Yao Family of Sheshu shall contribute 80,000 taels.
Yu Family of Wangqiao, Jingyang, shall contribute 100,000 taels.
Zhou Ying.
What about Wu Family?
Sir.
Since spring, Shaanxi has been struck by...
...drought and locust plague.
The harvest has been ruined.
Wu Family has been relieving the disaster victims.
We've spent hundreds of thousands taels.
I really can't afford to contribute to the expenses of...
...the emperor and empress dowager.
You ordinary people...
...are lucky to be able to repay the emperor and empress dowager.
How can you give me excuses?
The empress dowager and emperor love the people.
My family is working hard to help the people.
I believe this is also a way to repay the emperor...
...and the empress dowager.
This way, Mr. Zhao.
Mr. Duan. -Mr. Zhao.
Please wait for a while. - Thank you, Eunuch Cui.
The empress dowager and emperor are currently meeting Mr. Ronglu.
They'll meet us next.
Mr. Duan, do you know why the emperor and empress dowager...
"summoned us?
To demand for things of course.
Since it's the request of the emperor and empress dowager...
...as loyal subjects, we shall do our best.
Of course we've to do our best.
But, we're out of resources.
Ever since they came to Shaanxi, in less than a month...
...the Paymaster Bureau spent close to 300,000 taels.
I've run out of money.
The expense is so big?
The kitchen crew alone is divided into 10 divisions...
...such as the meat, vegetarian, cuisine, rice...
...tea, butchery, refreshment divisions.
There are over 100 chefs.
You know how much money I have.
How can I afford this?
We do need to think of something.
I came up with the idea of raising money...
...through donations from merchants of Shaanxi...
...and finally gathered hundreds of thousands taels...
...which will be enough for a few months.
But...
...Zhou Ying from Wu Family of Jingyang...
...didn't even donate 1 tael.
I asked her to donate at least 30,000 taels.
Yet, she poor-mouthed.
Zhou Ying has always been a generous person.
She built a school and rebuilt the Confucianist temple.
She opened factories, dug wells and drains...
...and gave out porridge. She's not a stingy person.
How come she refused to donate this time?
That's what she told me.
She said she spent all her money...
...relieving the disaster victims.
Alright, Mr. Duan. Don't panic.
I'll talk to her and ask her to make some adjustments...
...to help you with your urgent problem.
I'll be troubling you.
The empress dowager and emperor summoned you.
Zhao Bai Shi, Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu...
...and Duan Fang, Governor of Shaanxi...
...may now enter!
I am Zhao Bai Shi. -I am Duan Fang.
Greetings, Your Highness. Greetings, Your Majesty.
Duan Fang.
What kind of lodging is this?
It's such a tiny and narrow mansion.
There's not even a decent room for us to...
...meet the officials.
This isn't like a place for the emperor at all.
Yes, Your Highness. I will fix the problem right away.
Zhao Bai Shi.
You've lived in Shaanxi for many years.
Do you know any bigger and wider mansion in Shaanxi?
Your Highness, there is a building at Nanyuanmen.
It is the former office of the provincial governor.
It houses hundreds of rooms.
It is considered big and wide.
Alright.
Then, I'll move over with the emperor immediately.
Your Highness, that building...
...has been unoccupied for a long time.
To clean it up...
...it would take at least 3 days.
So, I have to bear with this stuffy place?
Your Highness, I've a suggestion.
Jingyang is less than 100 miles from Xi'an.
It has been prosperous since Ming Dynasty.
Rich merchants gather there and among them, Wu Family...
...is the most famous one.
It is said that Wu Family's east mansion...
...is modelled after the Forbidden City.
It is big with beautiful gardens.
If you are interested, why not pay a few days' visit...
...and come back when the new place is ready?
That is not a good idea.
Bandits and rebels are on the loose and active.
The empress dowager and emperor are very important.
If anything goes wrong during the trip...
...I will be a sinner.
The Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu will protect...
...Your Highness and Your Majesty.
This place feels like a cage.
All I see are the walls.
I'm really bored.
Your Majesty, what do you think?
I'd like a trip too.
It's decided then.
Mr. Zhao was the governor of Jingyang.
He's very familiar with Jingyang. I suggest that...
...we put him in charge of this trip.
Alright. I happen to have something to...
...discuss with Zhao Bai Shi too.
I will do my best to protect Your Highness and Your Majesty.
Madam Ying, look at this new pattern.
After improving our technique...
...we have less defect and bigger production volume.
Kang Wen! Da Wen!
Madam Ying!
Sister Ying!
Brother Bai Shi, what brought you over?
Bad news!
Brother Bai Shi, let's sit down and talk.
Why did you offend Duan Fang?
Are you talking about the donation?
You can afford to donate 30,000-50,000 taels.
Why did you have to embarrass him?
If it's a good thing, I can even donate...
was much as 500,000 taels.
But, he wants pocket money for the emperor and empress dowager.
In fact, it's clearly for his own benefit.
Why should I compromise?
You offended him badly.
My brother is Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu.
Why should I be afraid of him?
Yes. He can't do anything to you openly.
But, he did something behind your back.
Look. This time, he gave you a huge trouble.
What trouble?
The empress dowager and emperor are coming to Jingyang.
They demanded to be received by Wu Family of the east mansion.
They want to be received by Wu Family of the east mansion?
Fine with me.
You think this is like welcoming a few guests?
They are nothing more than our guests.
They are like a granny and brother from a faraway place.
If they are your granny and brother...
...who are you?
Actually, when my father was alive...
...he claimed that I'm a princess...
...who got swapped out.
Let's drink some tea. -You...
Pave this road with loess.
Is that necessary?
I'll get it done later.
Wash all stairs and slates...
...with water. -Yes.
That's laborious.
Decorate all corridors and walkways.
Yes.
Is this a celebration or something?
If properly done, it's a huge celebration.
If badly done, it's a huge disaster.
Change these lanterns.
Get rid of these house lizards.
Chop off that tree. -No!
Wu Pin's grandfather planted this tree personally.
That tree creates a blind spot. It must be chopped off.
Also, move that rockery.
Clean up this corridor.
I've memorised it all.
Why don't you just tear down the whole east mansion?
Plant sentries at this corner and that corner.
Reserve these rooms for the palace guards.
Our men will stay in the rooms outside.
They can help each other. -Yes.
Do I need to dismiss all my maids and servants?
We're shod-handed. So, we'll need your servants.
The eunuchs and palace maids...
...will attend to the empress dowager and emperor.
Wu Family's servants will do the odd jobs...
...and be on standby outside. -Alright.
Mr. Han, you'll patrol outside the mansion with the retainers.
Listen to my command if anything happens.
Alright. We'll obey your command by then.
This place is good. The emperor and empress dowager...
...will stay here. -Yes.
What about my mother? - Think of something yourself.
Where will you stay by then?
That doesn't matter. It's best if you oust me.
You can stay at the back. I'll find you if necessary.
Everything here is under my control now.
You're the only one I'm worried about.
Me? -Don't you need to...
...greet the emperor and empress dowager?
Will I have the chance? - What if you have the chance?
I'll just greet them. - You make it sound easy.
You need to be trained.
I am Zhou Ying. Greetings, Your Highness.
Your eyes.
You must not look at the empress dowager.
Alright.
You got it wrong again. -What's wrong?
If you're not told to rise, you can't get up.
Alright. Rise.
Stand properly. Don't rub your knees.
But, my knees hurt from kneeling. -Bear with it!
Fine.
The empress dowager will surely ask about...
...your name and hometown.
Just answer her.
Just say you don't know if you can't answer her question.
Keep this in mind. Don't talk too much...
...as you might make mistakes.
Before you talk, remember to say...
..."Your Highness".
Your Highness.
Your Majesty.
That's right. However, your gesture is wrong.
But, I don't think the emperor will say anything.
Why? -Don't ask so many questions.
The empress dowager will say a few nice words...
...and order the eunuch to escort you out.
Keep this in mind. Before you leave...
mkowtow and thank them.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I got it. -Look at you.
Don't forget that.
So, is it over?
It's only over after you're out of Liuchuan Hall.
Keep this in mind. Never turn your back on...
...the emperor and empress dowager.
Don't be noisy and don't walk loudly.
There are so many restrictions.
This is too tiring.
Being with a king is like being in the company of a tiger.
The empress dowager and emperor have arrived!
Kneel!
I heard the empress dowager and emperor...
...took a walk in the garden yesterday.
They even asked Wang a few questions.
Wang was so happy that he couldn't sleep last night.
Really?
Let me take a look. -They left.
Do you think they will come over?
If they really come...
...we'll get to meet the emperor and empress dowager.
Maybe they'll ask me a few questions too.
I'll have no regret in life. -Dream on.
You'll be dragged out even before they come in.
That's Xiao Ou.
He's so wishful.
Stop daydreaming.
Someone is coming.
Where is Zhou Ying? -She's inside.
Hurry. The empress dowager and emperor want to see her.
Yes. -What did I say again?
They want to see me? -Yes, immediately.
I'll go.
Madam Ying, don't you want to change your clothes?
My clothes are clean enough, right?
Alright.
Madam Ying.
Watch your posture.
I'll stall acting when I get to Liuchuan Hall.
Remember to talk less and kowtow more.
If you anger the emperor or empress dowager...
...it'll be a disaster. Go. I'll wait for you here.
Zhou Ying may now enter!
I am Zhou Ying. Greetings, Your Highness.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Your name is Zhou Ying? -Yes.
Yes, Your Highness.
You're the leader here?
Yes, Your Highness.
This is a nice mansion.
Your...
How old are you?
Your Highness, my virtual age is 32.
Where are you from?
Your Highness, I am an orphan.
I don't know where I'm from.
Eunuch Cui.
Mr. Zhao. -Eunuch Cui.
Please go in and check for me.
Alright.
You may retire. -Your Highness...
Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Majesty.
I heard that you were widowed at a young age.
Wu Family went broke. Then, you took over as leader...
...and restored the glory of Wu Family.
Your Majesty.
They say that a great person can put his family in order...
...rule the country and ultimately conquer.
I can only do the first pad.
On the other hand, Your Highness and Your Majesty...
...can rule and conquer. That is way more impressive.
You actually know this proverb?
It looks like you're educated.
Your Highness, I only know a few words.
Tell me then. How did you make this fortune?
Your Highness, it can be summarised into one word...
..."changes".
"Changes"?
Yes. Your Highness...
...the market has expanded from local to global.
If we are conservative in business...
...we will only end up in a state of decline.
We can only change continuously in order to survive.
Rise and speak.
Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Majesty.
When you first became the leader of Wu Family...
...did those men respect you?
Of course not.
But, if I can bring good days to the family...
...I will eventually won their respect.
You have a point.
You said that we should change ourselves continuously.
But, what about the traditions left behind by our ancestors?
If our traditions...
...can help me to make money, I will adopt them.
Otherwise, I will set them aside.
You are a practical person.
But, based on my many years of business experience...
"sometimes, the western ways...
...are better than our traditional ways.
Tell me about it.
Local textile was Wu Family's first business.
But, we ended that business years ago.
Our western textile factory uses machines from England.
The most advanced management experience...
...became the most profitable asset.
I'm making other deals with a few other westerners now.
Mr. Zhao, the empress dowager had already ordered her to retire.
But, the emperor added a question...
...and the empress dowager instructed Zhou Ying to stay.
What are they talking about?
I vaguely heard them talking about making changes.
Thank you, Eunuch Cui.
Apart from innovation and changes...
...what are your other secrets in business?
Other secrets?
I guess it's to let go of power.
Let go of power?
You...
What if that causes your family to fall into disunity?
Afamily doesn't belong to one person alone.
It belongs to everyone in it.
In Wu Family's household, even our maids, servants...
...and shopkeepers hold shares of our businesses.
They are all free to offer suggestions for our businesses.
As the elder, as long as the suggestion is beneficial...
...I'll accept it. If it's not beneficial...
...I'll ignore it.
You even gave your servants shares?
What if people criticise you for...
...wasting the family's fortune?
When everyone has a share, we'll all work hard in unity.
If I keep the money all to myself...
...the money won't grow. But now...
...after giving everyone a share, my wealth multiplied.
Even if I only have 30% of the shares...
...I'll still make more money.
How am I wasting the family's fortune?
It looks like you made some money.
Well, the logic is the same as the notion that...
...the people are the foundation of a country.
You may leave.
Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Majesty.
How come you all talked for so long inside?
The empress dowager kept asking and I kept answering her.
How did it go? -It went well at first.
But, I think I made the empress dowager unhappy...
...and she told me to leave.
What did you all talk about? - Just household management.
But, I accidentally said something in the...
"pro-revolution flyer and the empress dowager...
...suddenly looked upset.
What did you say? -"The people are the...
...foundation of a country."