Episode 11
Zhao Bai Shi worked with Wu Family...
...to set us up.
Yet, he wants us to donate in his interest.
No way. -Father.
That's what I think as well.
So, I answered him on the spot. We will not donate even a penny.
I even said that Shen Family will build a shed...
...and give out porridge on our own.
What? -Father.
Those refugees are really pitiful.
One pancake per day isn't enough. I saw it with my own eyes.
Do you know the cost of giving out porridge?
I did a calculation.
There are about 4,500 refugees in Jingyang.
If each consumes 77 g of rice per day...
...it'll just be 350 kg of rice per day.
We have a lot of rice in our warehouse.
Tell me then. Why do we have so much rice...
...in our warehouse?
I don't know. -Now tell me...
...what's the current price of rice?
What about 3 months ago?
3 months ago, we purchased a big quantity of rice.
Isn't it written clearly in the account book?
Don't you remember? -Is that rice?
Not horses?
We did not purchase horses at all this year.
Is that so?
My memory must have failed me.
Your brother had perfect memory since he was 9 years ago.
He only had to take one look to memorise everything.
Look at you.
You studied it 4-5 times and still can't remember.
3 months ago, rice was priced at 3 taels per 50 kg.
Now, it's 5 taels per 50 kg.
It's caused by our hoarding because I predict that...
...the price of rice will rise to 8-10 taels per 50 kg...
...before New Year.
So?
So, 350 kg of rice per day...
...cost 70 taels per day and 2,000 taels per month.
When I first started doing business...
...it took me one whole year to make 30 taels.
So, we can't give out porridge. -Father.
I'm Shen Family's young master. I can't go back on my word.
I'm done talking to you.
Isn't Zhao Bai Shi doing disaster relief?
Yes.
But, refugees are still flocking into Jingyang.
10,000 taels for one bun per day...
...is definitely insufficient.
When do you plan to build a porridge stall?
The sooner, the better.
It'll be the best if we can do it tomorrow.
It's not a good idea. -Why?
Think about it. Zhao Bai Shi gathered you all for a donation.
He's determined to prove his capability.
If you offer porridge while he distributes buns...
...you'll steal his show.
I don't think Mr. Zhao will think like that.
Human hearts are unfathomable.
Anything is possible. It's better to be careful.
But... But, refusing to help the needy...
...isn't our tradition.
We're not refusing to help. We're just putting it on hold.
We'll do it after Mr. Zhao proves himself.
But, if we delay it, the refugees might not make it.
If you act rashly and get into trouble...
...you won't get to help anyone by then.
Father, this time... - Disaster relief is...
"something we won't hesitate to do.
But, this isn't the right time.
Young Master Pin, before he left...
...the master instructed us to...
...wait for his return for the matter of the disaster relief.
I know. But, that will take at least 10 days.
Many refugees might not even make it through today.
But, there's nothing I can do. - You don't have to do anything.
Just give me 10,000 kg of rice and assign 8 people to assist me.
That won't do.
Housekeeper Yang, there's no greater deed...
...than saving lives.
Why can't you do it? -The master left behind an order.
I'm the young master. You should obey me too.
I've a suggestion.
I won't stop you. So, don't force me.
What do you mean? - You're our young master.
You have the granary's key.
I can't stop you from taking the rice.
But, I can't go against the master's order.
The same goes for my subordinates.
You mean, you can't assign people to help me?
I'm sorry, Young Master Pin.
Father.
This is my name card. Feel free to come to me...
...if you have any other problem.
Lift the palanquin!
What are you looking at?
Is something bothering you?
I want to build a porridge stall.
But, my father disagrees.
Why?
It's complicated.
My father has his own reason as well.
But, this concerns lives.
What is more important than saving lives?
I know. But, Housekeeper Yang and the others...
...don't dare to go against my father.
They won't help me.
Even if I open the granary now...
...there isn't anyone to carry the rice out.
You don't have helpers?
Let's find helpers on our own. -Who can help?
Outsiders? Housekeeper Yang definitely won't let them in.
There's a group of people Housekeeper Yang can't control.
Who?
"Be thrifty even when you are wealthy."
"Learn before you regret not learning."
"Do not drink, visit brothels or gamble."
"Help your friends in need." -The apprentices?
You're so clever. I'll reward you later.
I'll gather them now. -Alright.
Madam Ying.
Xiao Ou, help me to keep this. -Madam Ying.
I'll come back later. -Alright.
Come. Wang Shi Jun, you'll build the porridge stalls.
Build one in every area. Buy some cooking utensils...
...and firewood as well. Get it done before noon.
Rest assured, Young Master Pin.
We'll get it done. -Don't worry.
The few of you will carry the rice out of the granary.
Prepare enough for today first. -Alright.
The few of you will be in charge of cooking porridge.
Delegate the tasks on your own.
Alright. Please rest assured.
Everyone must be present when giving out porridge.
First of all, you must maintain the order.
Secondly, do not let the strong bully the weak.
Some will monitor the refugees while some give out the porridge.
Understand? -Yes.
Wait. -Madam Ying.
Count me in.
I can help to cook and give out the porridge.
You don't have to go. -Why?
Your identity has changed.
If you appear in public again, my father and mother might...
The young master is right.
Zhou Ying, you are the young mistress now.
The young mistress?
It'll be over in a few days. -What did you say?
I mean, don't treat me as the young mistress...
...over the next few days.
No. You said... -Let's start from the old temple.
Right. Let's start from the abandoned temple.
Yes. That area is the worse.
Alright. Let's start from...
...the abandoned temple. -We'll go now.
Alright. -Let's go.
Housekeeper Wu.
Young Master Xing Yi.
My father sent me to do some work. I need your help.
How may I help you?
You know this, right? -Yes.
Open the granary and assign a few servants to help me.
Alright. No problem.
The porridge will be ready soon! Line up inside!
Please line up inside! -Young Master Pin.
Get back to work! -The porridge will be ready...
...in 30 minutes.
Please line up inside! -Please make way!
There are so many of them. Do we have enough porridge?
I'm afraid we don't have enough.
Come inside! -Please make way!
I'll go back and get more rice.
Go without me. I'll stay and help out.
Alright.
Please make way!
Please make way! Don't push!
Hurry up. -Is it ready?
It'll be ready soon.
Hurry UP-
Hurry up. -What are you doing?
Don't just watch. Help out.
Jiang Fu Qi, don't be rude to Madam Ying.
Never mind. I'm more comfortable this way.
This isn't the right way to add firewood.
Move. Let me teach you.
Pass it to me.
Zhou Ying, you're so good. You even know how to do this.
Back then, before I joined you all...
...I was one of the maids in the kitchen.
I learnt this after breaking 2 Woks.
Back then? It's just a few months ago.
You're right. It's just been a few months.
Hurry up! Don't waste time!
Faster! Can't you see that the number of refugees is increasing?
Someone built another porridge stall.
Thank god.
I was worried about not having enough. Now, all the refugees...
...can get some warm porridge. -Be careful!
Let's go and see if they need help.
Please make way.
Do you need help?
Zhou Ying? -It's you.
I caught you. You can't run away this time.
What are you doing?
Don't touch our young mistress. -Young mistress?
Yes. Zhou Ying is now Wu Family's young mistress.
Shen Xing Yi, please be respectful.
You're the maid who married Wu Pin?
What's wrong?
I can't believe you married Wu Pin.
Xiao Wu! Jiang Fu Qi! -Let go of me!
How dare you! -Let go of Madam Ying!
I can't believe it.
Wu Pin married a maid. -So what?
You're a maid and you need to go back to work!
Move! -Dream on!
You kicked me again! -Take that!
Don't get carried away just because you married Wu Pin.
Don't forget that I've your slave contract.
Don't think you can threaten me with a slave contract.
I will threaten you with it. I will threaten you forever!
It can't be worse than death.
Even if you die, you belong to Shen Family!
Come back!
The young master is here! -Young Master Pin!
Good. You came at the right time.
Today, we'll settle the score!
Shen Xing Yi, Zhou Ying is my wife now.
Even if you've married her, she still belongs to me.
Wu Pin, you're a thief and a robber!
You stole my belonging!
Even if Zhou Ying used to be your maid...
...she can't go back to Shen Family now.
I'm willing to pay for Shen Family's loss with money.
Name a price. -Fine.
You can exchange for Zhou Ying with Wu Family's entire fortune.
I want your life as well! - Shen Xing Yi, you're too much!
Don't spout nonsense! - That's for my brother's life.
I'll say this one last time.
Your brother's death has nothing to do with us.
I'll say this one last time as well.
No matter how rich and influential Wu Family is...
...I have her slave contract and I'll never sell her to you.
I won't sell her even if I'll die!
Alright. In this case...
...I'll be unreasonable for once.
I've to take her with force.
I must have this woman.
Wu Pin, you only deserve to marry a worthless maid!
You might see her as a worthless maid...
...but to me, she is a priceless treasure.
Let's go.
Master! -Let go of my young master!
Young Master Xing Yi. -Are you alright?
Zhou Ying, I will take you back...
...even if it is the King of Heaven you married!
Young Master Xing Yi, are you alright?
Go and tear down the porridge stall.
Build a bigger and better one!
Make it better than theirs! -Yes.
Dismiss! Come! Tear this down!
Tear it down!
He won't spare me so easily.
Don't worry. I've asked.
Your slave contract isn't an irrevocable contract.
We'll just get into a lawsuit at most...
...and give them monetary compensation.
I always create troubles for you.
But, you create even more happiness for me.
The porridge is ready!
Don't worry. Everyone gets a share.
Be careful. Don't burn yourself.
Hold it properly.
Please line up! Everyone gets a share!
Don't push. -Everyone gets a share!
Don't burn yourself!
Someone fainted! -Don't push.
Don't push. -What's wrong?
Brother, what's wrong? -What's wrong?
He fainted due to hunger. Xiao Jiang, get some porridge.
Alright. -Brother.
Zhou Ying.
Brother, have a bowl of porridge.
Drink slowly.
Be careful.
Here. Drink it.
Brother. Sister. Here's another bowl.
Drink slowly.
Madam.
Brother, please stand up.
Everyone gets into trouble sometimes.
If we help each other, we can overcome it. Don't be sad.
Things will get better.
Thank you.
Please line up.
Young Master Pin, I haven't had a chance to...
...do the thing you told me to do that day.
You can do it after giving out the porridge.
Alright.
Don't push! -Line up!
Everyone gets a share! Don't worry!
Young Master Xing Yi, the stall is completed.
Cook the porridge. Tell me when it's ready.
Alright. -Porridge.
Shi Jun. Come here.
When will the next pot of porridge be ready?
In at least an hour. -An hour?
Don't push and move inwards! Don't push and break the shed!
Don't fight!
Build another stove immediately. No, two stoves.
No, three stoves to cook at the same time.
Yes.
Xiao Wu.
Young Master Pin. -Tell them we've enough porridge.
We have more porridge coming.
Tell me to be patient. Also... -Alright.
...lead a few people to ease up the queue.
Don't let them push the shed.
Alright. I'll go. - There's more! Don't worry!
There's more coming! Don't worry!
There's more coming! Everyone gets a share!
Don't push! Everyone gets a share!
No more porridge!
Don't push!
Don't push! Everyone gets a share!
Don't push! The shed is collapsing!
Young Master Pin! -Madam Ying!
Young Master Pin!
Young Master Pin, are you alright?
Wu Pin! Are you alright? -I'm fine.
What about you? Are you alright? -You scared me!
I was so worried about you!
Let me see. Can your arms move properly?
Are you injured? Does it hurt?
Are you injured?
You scared me!
I'll be fine.
Wu Family and Shen Family started giving out porridge?
Wu Pin and Shen Xing Yi actually did it personally.
At first, there was some problem at Wu Family's stall.
But, after that, everything was put in order.
I thought that they are both realistic men.
I didn't expect them to be charitable.
The merchants might be focused on their businesses...
...but they are actually quite helpful.
Help me to invite Wu Pin and Shen Xing Yi.
Yes, sir.
Young Master Pin, besides us and Shen Family...
...7-8 more wealthy merchants of Jingyang...
...built porridge stalls.
The government also distributes food to them daily.
The refugees are no longer so deprived of food.
The streets are much safer as well.
Do we still continue to give out porridge tomorrow?
Yes. But, giving out porridge...
...can only solve the problem temporarily.
If the refugees start to rely on us and become lazy...
...we'll end up ruining their lives.
You're right.
"Stagnant water does not supply infinitely."
We can't feed them forever.
Wu Family has an 8-acre land at the foothill of Beizhong...
...which has been left uncultivated.
I plan to donate it to the refugees unconditionally.
That's a good idea.
The refugees can support themselves.
Right. "One can keep a steady mind...
...if one has a steady livelihood".
They will only calm down when they feel assured.
I'll go and ask the refugees.
I'll register those willing to farm.
Alright. Go.
Young Master Pin.
Young Master Pin, master wants you at the main hall.
My father is back already? -Yes.
Alright.
Don't worry. I'll be right back. Go on without me.
I wonder how master will punish the young master.
The young master went against him.
This is a serious offense according to the family rules.
Will he be beaten?
It's that serious?
I'll take a look.
Do you have a predicament?
No.
Why did you do it despite my objection then?
I couldn't bear to leave them alone.
I advised you against it and you went against my advice.
Patience is virtue.
If you can't even do this...
...how do you take over my legacy in the future?
Come! Bring me the punishment tool!
Master, the young master is just too kind.
Master, the young master hasn't done anything wrong.
Wu Pin.
If you are just a shopkeepen...
...of course you can do this. But, you are...
You are Wu Family's young master of the east mansion.
You've to lead the household of the east mansion in the future.
But, look at you. You are so shod-sighted.
If you don't plan for the big picture...
...it's a grave mistake.
Please punish me.
Father, please beat me instead.
What are you doing here?
I'll take full responsibility. You don't have to bear it for me.
But... -What are you two doing?
Father, I encouraged Wu Pin to give out porridge.
I forced him to open the granary.
I was also the one who made the apprentices help out.
I see.
You're the one who instigated Wu Pin.
Yes.
So, you still went against my order...
...and appeared in public again?
Yes.
I told you to behave and learn your manners.
Yet, you ignored me?
Yes.
Fine!
Since you're so unrepentant...
...don't blame us for being cruel.
Come! Bring me brush and paper!
Father, what do you want to do with the brush and paper?
What else can you say now? Write the letter of divorce.
Father, I can't do that!
Zhou Ying, apologise to father quickly.
I'm in the wrong for leaving without permission.
But, I don't see why it's wrong to give out porridge to the needy.
You are disrespectful, indecent, unrepentant...
...and unruly! Yet, you don't see why you're wrong?
If that's the case, just write that thing.
Do you know what a letter of divorce is?
I know.
I'll be ousted. -Why do you...
Wu Pin! Why do you bother to ask her?
Can we accept such woman?
Father. -I've never wanted to stay!
Wu Family doesn't impress me at all!
Yes. You all are rich.
But, I despise bad rich people! -Oust her!
You don't have to oust me. I'll walk out on my own.
Madam Ying. -Xiao Ou.
How may I help you? - Days ago, I passed you...
...a bag in the courtyard. Remember?
Yes. -Where is it?
It's in my room. -Bring it to me.
It would be over after a little scolding and beating.
Why did you go in?
I did encourage you to give out porridge.
But, you didn't have to argue with him.
Now, things has escalated...
...and my father is forcing me to divorce you.
It's alright. So be it.
Do you hate me so much?
Am I really that bad?
Do you rather get divorced than stay?
Madam Ying, here's your bag.
You were already planning to leave.
Yes. I was already planning to leave.
Why?
If I leave, everyone will be happy.
You can marry Hu Yong Mei...
...and the east mansion will be peaceful again.
I'll be free as well.
Hu Yong Mei and I?
I overheard...
...what the two of you said in the restaurant that day.
What did you hear?
I heard her saying that...
...the two of you are in love...
...and that I separated you two.
Did you hear what I say after that?
You said that...
...it was your fault and apologised to her.
Yes. It was my fault.
But, it wasn't because I married you but because...
...I promised her that I would treat her well forever.
I really let her down.
But, it's not because I didn't marry her but because...
...I'm glad that she's not the one I married.
Do you know?
When I woke up from the coma...
...and realised that it was you and not her I married...
...I was so happy.
That was when...
...I realised that the one I love is not her...
...but you.
But...
I thought the two of you were... -She was fiance.
So, I told myself to love her and respect her. But...
...you appeared.
Even though you were just a maid, I...
I like to be with you.
The funny things you say sound interesting to me.
The troubles you make are cute to me.
Even if you lie to me, I can't be mad at you.
When you told me that you had to leave...
...didn't you notice how sad I was?
At that time...
...even though I shouldn't love you...
...I still fell in love with you.
But, your mother...
...thinks that only Hu Yong Mei is good enough for you and Wu Family.
Your father thinks so too. -Zhou Ying.
If I didn't fall unconscious...
...and Hu Family didn't go back on their word...
...I would surrender to fate and marry Hu Yong Mei.
But now, you're my wife.
I don't care what my father and mother will say.
I won't let you go.
I don't ever want to pan with you.
If you feel...
...the same way...
...don't leave.
Don't tell me to divorce you. Alright?
My dear, are you still angry?
If Zhou Ying didn't marry him back then...
...Wu Pin wouldn't regain consciousness.
We hired so many physicians and fed him so much medicine.
I think Wu Pin regained consciousness...
...not because of the wedding.
It was simply because the medicine worked.
I still think it's too mean to do that.
I just can't tolerate her anymore.
She's a woman. If we oust her, how can she survive out there?
Don't worry. I'll compensate her.
I'll make sure she has enough food and clothes.
This solves all the problems.
But... -Father. Mother.
I told you to write a letter of divorce.
Have you written it?
Father, I came...
...to ask of you to take back your word.
No way!
Zhou Ying saved my life. - We can find another way...
...to repay her. -I can't live without her.
You can't live without her?
There are countless of maids like her in the slave market.
But, I only want her. - What's so good about her?
I don't know. I only know that...
...I feel very happy and fulfilled...
...when I'm with her. -What if I insist to oust her?
I'll leave with her.
Wu Pin, how could you say that?
Fine. You are even willing to...
...leave Wu Family for her!
I don't want to leave Wu Family.
More importantly, I don't want to leave you and mother.
But, if I have to pan with Zhou Ying...
...I'd rather...
...remain unconscious.
Father, I beg of you.
Father. Mother.
I know I've misbehaved a lot.
But, for Wu Pin, I'm willing to change.
I'm willing to learn my manners.
Please don't oust me.
I want to be with Wu Pin.
My dear, why don't we... This...
My dear.