Episode 33
Who are you? -She's my maid.
I'm Zhou Ying, the person you're looking for.
Mrs. Wu, if Wu Family pays the 20,000 taels...
...I guarantee your safety.
If Wu Family reports to the authority...
This is the consequence of reporting to the authority.
Shou Wa, go back and get some rest.
Yes, Brother Han.
I'll be troubling you.
Let's go.
Mrs. Wu.
Money is not as important as life, right?
I'll agree to anything at all. -Alright.
I want to receive 20,000 taels within 3 days.
Alright.
Let the two of them go back to deliver the news...
...and tell Wu Family to prepare the money.
I'll surely deliver the money on time.
Who is he?
He is the shopkeeper of our pharmacy.
He's my trusted aide. This woman is...
...a maid who has sewed me for many years.
Take Mrs. Wu and her servants to the prison and watch over them.
Yes!
Move!
The two of you will go back to Jingyang to deliver the news.
Bring 20,000 taels to Wuligang at Songpinggou...
...within 3 days.
Else, I'll kill the hostages.
Come! Send them out while it's still dark!
Yes! Move!
Can you let me sleep?
What's with the ruckus at this hour?
Stop right there.
Qian Hong, what are you doing here?
Who are they? Why are they here?
They are Wu Family's maid and shopkeeper.
I let them deliver the news.
At least my brothers won't have to take the risk.
The shopkeeper of Wu Family of the east mansion?
Don't you want to say to hello to me?
The two of you met in Jingyang?
Qian Hong, don't say a word.
Yes. Of course I know him.
But, when I met him...
...he wasn't Wu Family's shopkeepen...
...but the second young master of Shen Family.
This woman...
...isn't a maid of Wu Family either...
...because when I met her, I heard people calling her...
..."Madam Ying".
I knew that something isn't right.
Qian Hong, you exposed them for me.
Congratulations, Mr. Han. You recovered your 20,000 taels.
That's not all.
Young master of Shen Family, you came to me on your own.
If I don't ask for a big sum...
...it'll be an insult to you.
Take them to the prison and tell Niu Shou Wa to come!
How nice of you, Qian Hong.
Move.
What are you doing? Sit down!
Come. Go in
Young Master Xing Yi. You finally came back.
What do you mean? -Young Master Xing Yi.
Why are you two back? Did the bandit change his mind?
We were exposed by someone. -Who?
Han San Chun's wife. -Qian Hong from the brothel.
Qian... Qian Hong?
What should we do now?
We can only wait for the ransom. What else can we do?
But, Wu Family of the east mansion...
...doesn't have the money.
We're doomed.
We'll be killed if we don't pay up.
It's alright. We're still alive.
Madam Ying.
Brother Han, are you looking for me?
I'm talking to Shou Wa. What are you doing here?
You stupid thing.
Did you hear that? Get lost! -Yes.
Brother Han, Tu Feng Zi is just stupid.
Don't be angry.
I'm not angry. I'm happy.
You did a good job.
Apart from the young mistress of Wu Family of the east mansion...
...we caught the second young master of Shen Family.
We're in luck this time. -Really?
Is it the one who looks like a shopkeeper?
Shou Wa, you're my lucky star.
Ever since you joined us, we've made a lot of money.
I'm flattered. It's because you're strong.
But, Sanshou Gang is after money and not lives.
I said this a long time ago.
Don't do it again.
Even though killing a coachman isn't a big deal...
...this is a rule I set since the beginning.
You need to do me a favour.
Alright. I won't do it again. -Alright.
Send one of your brothers to deliver the news to Jingyang.
Yes, Brother Han.
You're here. Good. Lead a few men to Jingyang.
Brother Niu, does he have any respect for you at all?
Although it was me he hit, this is a humiliation to you.
Shut up. You think I don't know?
But...
Endure a little longer. - We still need to endure?
After this last job, we will be the boss here.
Master, where is Xing Er now?
He'll probably reach Pingtou Town soon.
Master!
What? She got kidnapped by the bandits of the Sanshou Gang?
Madam Zheng, we saw this as soon as we opened the door.
What does the letter say? - They want us to deliver...
...20,000 taels to a place 3 miles westwards from Wudaokou...
...in Songpinggou within 3 days.
If we fail to do so or report to the authority...
...they'll kill her.
20,000 taels? How do we find so much money?
Madam Zheng, don't panic. I'll try my best to find money.
But, before we think of a way to rescue her...
...we can't tell anyone that Madam Ying has been kidnapped.
I understand. -I'll go and check.
What should we do?
They really caught Xing Er? -Yes.
Master, just agree to all their demands.
Let me think.
I heard Xing Er is in trouble.
Mother.
Mother, don't panic. -I heard Xing Er is in trouble.
How much do the bandits want? -10,000 taels.
Pay them. Pay them even if they ask for 100,000 taels.
Pay them immediately.
What?
Young Master Xing Yi got kidnapped by Sanshou Gang?
Yes. I'm worried sick.
Mr. Shen, don't panic.
I'll pressure the governor to dispatch a troop...
...in the name of the prince. - No. Please don't do that.
Xing Er is still in their hands.
Xing Er will die if the government takes action.
Do you have any plan?
Our family decided to pay the ransom.
But, I don't have so much cash.
So, I came to borrow 5,000 taels from you.
I'll surely return the money within 3 days.
Mr. Shen, something so serious happened to Shen Family.
I'm obligated to help. -Really?
I can't promise you anything yet.
But, I'll use all methods and connections...
...to ensure that your son returns safely.
Mr. Du, my whole family will kowtow to you.
Mr. Shen, we're one family.
Don't mention it.
I'll prepare the banknote...
...and send it over. -Go.
Mr. Shen.
I'd like to remind you of another thing.
Once your son returns, don't ever tell anyone that...
...this has something to do with me.
Yes.
Zha Kun!
Come.
Boss. -Their target should be the widow.
How come they kidnapped Shen Xing Yi as well?
I have no idea.
But, it's not a bad thing.
Ying Xian probably isn't aware of Sanshou Gang's deed yet.
Write him a letter. Only mention the widow.
Don't say anything about Shen Xing Yi.
Yes. -Hurry.
Shen Xing Yi, come here!
Young Master Xing Yi.
I'll walk on my own.
Shen Xing Yi, this serves you right.
Qian Hong, I didn't do anything to you.
But, you just made my father lose 10,000 taels.
I ended up in the bandits' den because of you.
How is this my fault?
Who promised to marry me?
I went to your home. But, you wouldn't open the door.
Who do you think you are?
I was drunk. How could you believe me?
I was stupid! I believed you! -Yes, I lied to you.
That was my fault.
But, it's not my fault that you ended up in Sanshou Gang.
Not your fault?
If you didn't fool me...
...I wouldn't become a laughing stock in the brothel.
If they didn't ridicule me...
...I wouldn't be desperate and marry any man available!
Isn't this your fault?
Stop! Enough, Qian Hong!
Qian Hong. I'm sorry.
It's all my fault. Is this enough?
Look. I'm miserable enough. Don't make it worse for me.
You're miserable?
I'm even more miserable. - How are you miserable?
You married Han San Chun. You found a good man.
Nonsense!
He claimed to be a rich merchant from Shaanbei...
...with 400 servants, lands and numerous mansions.
He made it sound so promising.
So, I married him. To my dismay...
...his 400 servants are his 400 bandit brothers.
His lands are the hills he occupied.
The numerous mansions refer to this bandits' den!
Rich merchant from Shaanbei? Robbery is his business!
Even though Han San Chun is a bandit...
...he's indeed a rich merchant.
Look. He'll receive 10,000 taels soon.
10,000 taels?
He doesn't get a big share of it anyway.
Besides, this is a dangerous business.
We'll get killed anytime.
How do I spend my money without my life?
But, I can tell that Han San Chun really loves you.
He loves me?
So what?
Look. Look at this place.
I'm confined here. I can't even find places...
...to eat snacks and listen to songs!
I understand, Qian Hong.
But, as the old saying goes...
...true love is even more valuable than priceless treasures.
Shut up.
Let me tell you something.
If it isn't because Han San Chun really loves me...
...I would kill you today. Get it?
Yes. Thank you for sparing my life. Thank you.
If I'm in bad mood again, I'll come back and beat you.
Goodbye, Ms. Qian Hong.
Ms. Qian Hong, please come again!
What's the meaning of that?
Does it please you when I get beaten?
Yes. It pleases me too much.
Master Wei Wu. Master Wei Quan. -Sister Zheng.
Wei Quan and I gathered some money.
It's not much. We only have 2,500 taels.
As you know, we used our cash on the cloth.
We were counting on Zhou Ying to market our cloth in Urumqi.
To our dismay, she got kidnapped by bandits.
Thank you, Master Wei Wu and Master Wei Quan.
Have you gathered enough for the ransom?
We're far from enough.
Sell this mansion.
Sister Zheng.
You...
If you sell this mansion...
...where can you stay? -Yes.
We must save Zhou Ying.
Alright. I'll sell it at once.
No.
Sister Zheng, you...
Housekeeper Wang.
Are you gathering money to save Madam Ying?
I'll contribute some as well.
This is mine.
Thank you.
This is from the servants.
They don't make a lot. Return the money to them.
They all want to help Madam Ying. Take it.
We can't use their money. - Zhou Ying is in trouble!
What's wrong, Uncle Si? -Uncle Si.
I gave you 3 months' time to eradicate the bandits.
The 3 months' period will be due soon.
How's your progress?
Sir, since the last time Sanshou Gang invaded Jingyang...
...I organised soldiers to patrol...
...and pasted wanted notices in Jingyang.
So far, Sanshou Gang hasn't...
...committed any crime in Jingyang again.
Zhao Bai Shi, I'm so impressed.
You're so good at deceiving your superior.
I dare not.
You said Sanshou Gang didn't return to Jingyang.
Don't you know that they just kidnapped someone...
...and demanded for ransom yesterday?
Sir, I did not receive such report
Zhou Ying of Wu Family of the east mansion got kidnapped.
I can't believe you've unaware.
What?
Something so serious happened in the area you are in charge of.
Yet, you are informed by me, the governor of Xi'an.
I really did not receive any report from Wu Family.
This is indeed my negligence.
Please give me 3 days' time. I will rescue the hostage...
...and eliminate the bandits.
3 days. I'll only give you 3 days.
If I fail, I shall resign on my own.
Madam Zheng. -Have you sold the mansion?
I can't find a buyer so quickly.
Those slightly interested are only willing to pay 3,000 taels.
3,000 taels? -That's far from enough.
If we can't gather 20,000 taels in 3 days...
...Zhou Ying will die.
You all need to think of something.
Or should we report to the authority?
We can't report to the authority.
If Sanshou Gang learns that we reported to the authority...
...they'll kill Zhou Ying.
But, we only have 2 days left to gather money.
Yes. -Madam Zheng.
Madam Zheng, Mr. Zhao came.
Mr. Zhao.
Shen Xing Yi got kidnapped as well?
I went through a lot to escape and deliver the news.
Why didn't you all report the kidnap?
We were planning to pay the ransom to save Madam Ying.
You think paying the ransom will save Zhou Ying?
Sanshou Gang commits terrible crimes!
By doing so, on top of failing to save Zhou Ying...
...you all will only make Sanshou Gang even more rampant!
Mr. Zhao, what do you plan to do?
Where and when do they want you all...
...to pay the ransom?
Before sunset the day after tomorrow at Songpinggou.
Sanshou Gang's base must be nearby Songpinggou.
I know the location! -Where?
I don't know how to describe. But, I'll know when I get there.
If that's the case...
...I've confidence in rescuing Zhou Ying.
The provincial governor said that as this is a serious matter...
...we can't dispatch our troop so soon.
But, I have clues on Sanshou Gang's base.
We can't miss this opportunity. Please assign 300 soldiers to...
"eradicate the bandits with me...
...so that I can make up for my mistake.
Make up for your mistake?
Over the years, we made constant attempts...
...to eradicate the bandits by sending military forces.
Yet, after exhausting so much labour and resources...
...we did not succeed at all.
Now, you want me to dispatch our troop again?
But, the bandits are holding so many people hostage.
We must be decisive. -The governor ordered to...
...devise a strategy instead of dispatching a troop.
Sir.
Do you intend to go against your superior?
He... -Mr. Zhang is in the reading room.
Alright.
Teacher.
Bai Shi, you... -My teacher, please...
...send 300 soldiers to assist me in eradicating bandits.
I'm only a scholar. I've no military authority.
I know that you're very resourceful.
Even the governor of Shaanxi has to show you some respect.
What happened? -I've identified...
...the base of Sanshou Gang. All I need is 300 soldiers.
Did you inform Xi'an's governor? -Yes.
Ying Xian told me to devise a strategy...
...that doesn't involve sending soldiers.
If Sanshou Gang is really manipulated by the prince...
...and Ying Xian serves the prince...
...Sanshou Gang has no reason to commit crimes in Xi'an...
...since Ying Xian is in charge of Xi'an.
But, if they aren't in cahoots, why won't Ying Xian attack them?
There must be a reason.
I don't care if they are in cahoots.
Sanshou Gang kidnapped people. They must be eliminated.
Alright. I'll ask Mr. Li to transfer you to Chuandong...
...under the pretext of disaster relief.
I can't leave. -Why?
Two merchants of Jingyang got kidnapped by Sanshou Gang.
One of them can't afford the ransom.
I must stay in Shaanxi...
...to eliminate the bandits and save her.
Bai Shi, you're a little unusual today.
To accomplish a task well...
...one must stay calm and composed.
Look at you. You are messy, anxious and ill-mannered.
I panicked. -I know.
Because of Sanshou Gang as well...
...Ying Qian gave you a hard time that day...
...and even threatened to dismiss you.
But, at a time like this, you need to stay calm.
Teacher, I'm not worried about my own future.
Why are you so anxious then?
Alright. Go back.
The order of transfer will arrive latest by tomorrow.
Mr. Zhao, is there any news?
When will they dispatch a troop?
When can we depart to save Madam Ying?
The governor of Xi'an rejected me. -He rejected you? Why?
What about the provincial governor and local government?
What about you? You can dispatch soldiers, right?
What soldiers do I have?
Including my personal guards, I only have dozens of men!
Since all governors of Jingyang, Xi'an and Shaanxi can't help...
...I can only lead the retainers and servants of...
...the east mansion to fight with Sanshou Gang!
You didn't receive a threat from Sanshou Gang?
What's the Sanshou Gang?
Mr. Shen, I understand that you wish to save your son.
But, it's too risky to expect bandits to...
...return your son as promised.
I suggest that you cooperate with us...
...if you want to save him.
Mr. Zhao, I really don't get what you mean.
Shen Si Hai, stop pretending.
Zhou Ying of Wu Family got kidnapped as well.
Wu Family has already reported to the authority.
Mr. Shen, I already have a plan. I only need some more men.
If you lend me your retainers...
...and employees, I can definitely save them.
We shall not trouble you to save Xing Er.
I have my own plan. -You still plan to pay the ransom?
Mr. Shen, I wish you good luck.
Hopefully, Shen Xing Yi will come home safely.
I'll pretend to be sick...
...and lure that bandit guarding the door over.
You'll subdue him with Fu Lai.
Then, we can get away.
There are still many bandits outside.
You all can find a place to hide.
I'll attract their attention and be the decoy.
You all can escape while they come after me.
I should be the decoy. You'll take them away.
What? It must be me. - You're on shift here.
Yes. I'm keeping vigil. -No wonder I couldn't find you.
I just got this wine from the boss. Let's drink.
Come, brother. Let's drink.
Come.
Do you hear that? I think another came.
Tell your two servants to subdue them together.
Let's start
Madam Ying, what's wrong? -It hurts!
Help! -ls there anyone out there?
Is there anyone out there? -My stomach hurts!
Help! Someone is dying!
Come in and help! -What's with the commotion?
Someone is dying! -She's dying!
What are you looking at? Behave! -Come in and help!
Over here! -Help!
Why don't we drag her out? Else, she'll wake everyone up.
Come in quickly! She's dying! Help!
Come in! -Help her! She's dying!
It hurts so much!
Madam Ying, look.
Sorry.
Big sister.
You are... -You don't recognise me?
I'm Er Hu. Don't you remember me?
Er Hu? -Yes, it's me.
I saw you back in Weiwu Hall yesterday.
But, I didn't dare to help. I was waiting for a chance.
Many of them are sleeping now.
I got my hands on the key to open the gate too. Let's run away.
Alright. -Let's go.
Let's go. -Don't just stand there.
Hurry. -Madam Ying.
This way.
Cheers! -Cheers!
We're supposed to kill!
Not ask for money!
Brother Niu, why didn't you kill that widow?
Right. -Han San Chun is watching.
It won't be easy to kill the hostages.
Yes. Lao Liu killed the hostage that day...
...and got his finger chopped off.
NW poor finger.
ljoined Brother Shou even before...
...Sanshou Gang was formed. Yet, Han San Chun...
Look. -Enough.
Let's not talk about the past. Let's drink.
Let's drink. -Let's drink.
Come. -Hurry.
Again.
Come.
Let's wait here for a while.
They'll change shifts in another hour.
We can go over by then. - This is good wine.
Unfortunately, there's no woman.
Brother Niu, don't we have a woman down there?
Yes. -Right. That maid.
Brother Niu, Han San Chun set a rule.
Rape is not allowed.
Stupid rules! We're bandits, not soldiers!
Right. Why can't Brother Niu find women...
...if he can have Qian Hong?
Isn't this unreasonable? -Right!
Brother Niu, are you going to find that maid?
Nonsense. I'm going to pee.
Come. -Let's drink.
Girl, I'm coming.
I'll make you feel good tonight.
Lao Qi, come down.
Why are you so late? I'm really sleepy.
Hurry up. -Alright. You can go to bed.
Let's go.
Big sister, there are four men at the gate.
I'll go over first...
...and gather them. You all will subdue them from behind.
No problem. -Alright.
The stable is over there. Lead the horses out...
...and we'll escape together. -Alright.
Alright. -I'm going.
Where is everyone?
Who is on shift tonight?
Us.
It's you, Tu Dan. Come here, everyone.
Boss sent me to convey an order.
An order?
What order? -Come closer.
Boss said...
Get the horses. -Alright. Get the horses.
The horses'?
Where are you all going?
What happened? -They found out. What now?
Let's surrender.
Wang Er Hu!
How did I treat you ever since you joined us?
You treated me as if I am your son.
Why did you betray me?
How dare you attempt to release our hostages!
How much money did they offer you?
Boss, they didn't offer even a cent.
I acted on my own. -Why?
I'm greatly indebted to this sister.
She once saved my whole family.
I can't turn a blind eye to her plight.
The two of you know each other?
When I was a beggar in Jingyang, she gave me date cake and money.
Later on, when my mother and brother left me...
...she was also the one...
...who paid for their burial.
Mr. Han, if Er Hu can repay me today...
...he'll surely be grateful to you as well.
Spare me.
You've no right to talk here. -Brother Han.
Wang Er Hu released our hostages without permission.
According to our rule, he should be executed.
Wang Er Hu! Do you plead guilty?
Boss, I went against your order. I admit it.
But, I don't regret it. -Why?
Didn't you say that friendship is even more...
...valuable than money?
If it's to repay my saviour, I must save her even if...
...it's wrong to do so. -Brother Han.
There's no need to talk.
Just kill him.
Don't move!
Shou Wa, are you turning against me?
Put down your weapons!
Shou Wa.
This incident happened for a reason.
Wang Er Hu was just trying to repay his saviour.
I want to spare his life.
Since you said so, what else can I can?
Wang Er Hu is guilty of releasing the hostages without permission!
He shall be confined for half a year!
I failed to discipline my subordinate!
I shall not take even a cent from this job!
The money will go to everyone else!
You are our boss indeed. I'm impressed.
I'll follow you forever!
Shou Wa, you may be frank.
Brother Han.
Let me have this maid.
This woman is the valuable one.
As you instructed, I won't touch her.
But, you must let me have this maid.
Alright. -Thank you, Brother Han.
Girl, come home with me tonight.
Put down the sword!
If you hurt my brother, I will tear you into pieces.
Han San Chun, I know you're strong.
But, I was a street performer. So, don't take me for a pushover.
I can't guarantee other things.
But, I can at least drag Niu Shou Wa to hell.
Is it worth it to sacrifice your life for a maid?
She impersonated me yesterday and sacrificed herself for me.
I should repay her with my life.
How honourable. -Han San Chun.
If you want to save your brother, you'd better make sure he behaves.
Brother Han.
Shou Wa, don't be blinded by lust. Forget it.
Fine. I won't touch her. Drop the sword.
Take them away! -Move!
Get in!
Quick! -Big sister, I'm sorry.
I failed to save you all.
Don't say that. I got you into trouble.
All of you got into trouble because of me.
Madam Ying, that's not true. - Madam Ying, we don't mind.
I actually... -That doesn't include you.
By the way, I haven't had a chance to ask.
Why are you here?
After burying my mother and brother...
...I ran into a fellow townsman who brought me in.
No wonder then. Wu Pin couldn't find you.
You looked for me? -Yes.
Big sister, you're so kind.
Come here.
Tell me about Han San Chun.
The boss? He's actually a good person too.
Shen Si Hai has sent the banknote over.
Write a letter to your senior.
Tell him to release Shen Xing Yi first.
Then, tell Ying Xian to secretly lead a troop over.
He must be ahead of Zhao Bai Shi.
He'll just be attacking the bandits on the surface.
By then...
...he'll let your senior kill Han San Chun and that widow...
...and then surrender. That'll settle everything.
Yes.
There's no need to send this banknote to the prince...
...because this is just between the two of us.
Is this "our money" you talked about?
Yes.
I've a strange feeling.
In the past, I only felt such satisfaction...
...when I was praised by the prince.
Zha Kun.
You must know that we are actually...
...the most pitiful people in this world.
I don't want pity.
But, you must know that we have nothing at all.
But now...
...we have money.