Episode 56
What wine is this?
It's called Brandy.
Wanyan Chong Hou brought it back from France...
...when he went to Europe to apologise.
He gave it to the prince and the prince gave it to me.
This wine is so precious.
It's a reward from the prince.
This is like a treasure among treasures.
Since you drank the prince's wine...
...you must serve the prince.
Mr. Shen, have you made a decision...
...regarding the proposal to open a bank?
Mr. Du, I really don't have so much money.
By the way, I've done as you instructed.
How come both that widow and Zhao Bai Shi...
...and still unaffected?
We've spread the news.
The imperial censor has submitted his memorial as well.
There should be news by next year.
Just wait.
Once Zhao Bai Shi falls, that widow will go down as well.
Once that widow goes down...
...I have confidence to raise 2 million taels in 2-3 years.
I'll be waiting then.
Me too.
China was once great and respected.
But now, we are bullied and humiliated by the superpowers.
If we strive to develop and learn from the west,“...
...we will be criticised for advocating westernisation...
...and changing the country's culture.
But, if we continue to be conservative, very soon...
...the country will be conquered.
If you want to listen, you may go in and listen.
Teacher Liu.
I've been paying attention to you.
I noticed that you are very interested in...
...the teachers' discussion about revolution.
Yes. -Apart from listening to them...
...and doing your job, you can read these books.
Put the palanquin down.
Welcome, my teacher.
Bai Shi, it's been another year since we last met.
Yes. You still look graceful. Please come in.
Bai Shi, on the day of your wedding...
...I was busy handling an urgent matter in Beiyang.
It's such a regret that I couldn't attend your wedding.
You sent me your calligraphy work...
...which represented your presence. I felt honoured.
Many books seem to be missing from your bookshelf.
Some books are too idealistic. So, I decided to discard them.
I'm reading a new book recently.
It's called "A Study of the 'New Text' Forgeries".
Even though the author is a little too radical...
...the book is quite interesting.
If you have time, you can read it too.
Alright. I will read it.
Teacher Zhang, what brought you over?
Do you know a man called Shen Xing Yi from Jingyang?
Yes. I dealt with him several times.
What do you think of him? - He's from Shen Family...
...but he's not a greedy person.
He's a little absurd and willful...
...but he's honest and conscientious.
Years ago, Shen Xing Yi suddenly went to Shanghai...
...and set up a company called Xingyue Trading.
Are you aware of this?
I'm aware that he went to Shanghai.
But, I didn't know that he opened a company there.
Due to the relationship between Sheng Family and Du Ming Li...
...I'm paying a lot of attention to this person.
You mean...
...the prince sent him to set up Xingyue Trading...
...in order to establish his influence in Shanghai?
Yes. Just like howl sent you to Jingyang...
...to serve as the county governor back then.
What did Shen Xing Yi do in Shanghai?
He didn't do anything unusual.
He made a few business deals and earned a lot of money there.
But, something happened not long ago.
A batch of raw silk Xingyue Trading purchased...
...for a western merchant was confiscated by Ming Li.
The business was ultimately cancelled.
Why did Ming Li do that?
Judging from Ming Li's personality...
...he must have done so to threaten Shen Xing Yi.
I don't think Shen Xing Yi is the kind...
...who will give in to Ming Li's threat.
Not long after that incidenL...
...Shen Xing Yi disappeared from Shanghai.
Xingyue Trading entered a stagnant state.
But, just some time ago, the confiscated raw silk...
...was suddenly returned to Xingyue Trading.
At the same time, I heard that Xingyue Trading...
...has a new shareholder, Long Sheng He.
It looks like the establishment of Xingyue Trading...
...had nothing to do with Ming Li at first.
Shen Xing Yi went all the way to...
...the French Concession to open his own company.
This is another interesting fact.
What is your opinion?
The prince is extremely greedy.
Whoever works with him will be secretly dissatisfied.
Moreover, Shen Xing Yi is young, hot-blooded and egoistic.
30% of the shares of his profiting company got stolen.
He must be very dissatisfied.
You think we can make use of Shen Xing Yi?
The prince is Shen Family's support...
...and Shen Family is the prince's money tree.
Their discord will benefit us greatly.
My dear.
I am Wu Yi. Greetings, Mr. Zhang.
This is my wife.
Don't mind the formalities. - My husband often speaks of you.
It is my honour to meet you today.
This student of mine is talented but straightforward.
He's lucky to have you as his wife.
Mr. Zhang.
I prepared these crystal cakes personally.
It's fresh from the steamer.
Please taste it while it is still warm.
You prepared it personally? I'm in luck today.
It's like chewing the moon. It's soft and sweet.
Mrs. Zhao, this snack is really good.
Yes. My wife is indeed quite a good cook.
My wife is also a good cook.
But, she's still a far cry from your wife.
I'm flattered.
I shall excuse myself then.
I'm sorry for disturbing. Goodbye.
If I manage to find Shen Xing Yi, I will do my best to persuade him.
Please sit down.
My dear.
Are you looking for Shen Xing Yi?
Yes. -I heard about him...
...from my brother.
Shen Xing Yi. -Mr. Zhao.
I can't believe the young master of Shen Family...
...is sleeping the floor here.
What did you go through? You seem so discouraged.
Is it because of Xingyue Trading?
Let's talk over there.
Mr. Zhao, you may be frank.
Why did Ming Li confiscate your raw silk?
You should ask Du Ming Li.
Long Sheng He is now a shareholder of Xingyue Trading.
Can you accept this?
What can I do?
I can help you. -You want to help me?
On the surface, Shen Family and Long Sheng He are partners.
The truth is, Shen Family is being enslaved.
Long Sheng He takes 30% of Shen Family's profits...
...and Shen Family must seek Long Sheng He's approval...
...for every single decision.
You know a lot. -I know you went to Shanghai...
...in order to free yourself from Du Ming Li.
That's why you set up Xingyue Trading.
Still, Du Ming Li found you in the French Concession...
...and made the company you built on your own...
...his company.
Alright. How do you plan to help me then?
I can't help you. But, I can tell you an option.
What is it?
Join hands with me to get rid of Ming Li...
...and weaken the political power behind him.
Shen Family will be freed from the prince's manipulation.
You want me to go to your side?
You can say that.
That's like...
...changing from sewing the prince...
...to sewing Zhang Zhang Qing.
Shen Family's situation won't change.
No. Mr. Zhang dares to advocate westernisation...
mdespite the criticism. He wants to save the country.
He's completely different from that greedy prince.
Zhao Bai Shi, let me ask you a question.
Why is China so weak?
Because the people are too conservative...
...and the officials are too foolish and corrupted.
What can China do to grow stronger?
Adopt western systems and eliminate corruption.
In my opinion, setting up mechanical textile factories...
...and killing corrupt officials can't solve the problem.
Similarly, getting rid of Du Ming Li alone can't solve...
...Shen Family's problem. - What do you suggest then?
A revolution.
Isn't the westernisation we've advocated for decades...
...a revolution? -That so-called revolution...
...only scratches the surface.
I'm talking about changing the core.
Like how?
I'm still looking for an answer. But, I believe that...
...you and the officials behind you...
...can't save Qing Dynasty or Shen Family.
That day, I saw Madam Ying and Mr. Zhao...
...holding each other. -Mr. Zhao?
It's real. Don't tell others.
Stop. Madam Ying is here.
Hurry.
Madam Ying. -Madam Ying.
Madam Ying.
Chun Xing.
Go out and find out what the workers are talking about.
Yes.
Madam Ying, the expenses for this month.
The sales exceeded my expectation.
We've been trying hard to catch up with the demand.
The factory workers, cotton farmers...
...distribution agents and even caravans...
...gained a lot from the mechanical production.
This performance is enough to make the scholars of Hanlin Academy...
...who assert that the factory steals the people's jobs shut up.
People still say that today?
Ever since Prince Chun passed away...
...and someone became a chancellor...
...these arguments appeared.
In fact, they are gaining momentum.
I visited Shen Xing Yi days ago.
But, he doesn't want to join hands with us.
He doubts us?
He seems to have another plan.
To save China, a revolution is necessary.
The idea of revolution isn't new.
Even Mr. Li's "Outline of Westernisation"...
...asserts diplomacy outside and revolution on the inside.
But, the revolution Shen Xing Yi talks about...
...seem to be about changing the entire government.
There has been a lot of such assertions lately.
It does seem to have a point.
Even a person as capable as Mr. Li...
...has been treading on thin ice.
How can these people possibly change the entire government?
They are just rash scholars.
But, if this is what Shen Xing Yi believes...
...we can take advantage of this.
Go and talk to him.
If necessary, you can use a few tricks...
...to win him over.
Wu Family took 80% of the total profits of 800,000 taels?
This is the agreement we made...
...during the initial public offering.
The local government will only take 20% of the profits.
Wu Family merely contributed money back then.
Without tax exemption and protection from us...
...the textile factory won't perform so well.
But, it's all thanks to Wu Family that...
...we managed to set up the mechanical textile bureau.
After the factory got wrecked...
...Wu Family sold almost all their properties to reinvest.
That's why the factory was successfully reopened.
So, Wu Family deserves this lucrative income today.
Who is the current leader of Wu Family of the east mansion?
Zhou Ying, their young mistress.
A woman?
Even though Zhou Ying is a woman...
...she is exceptionally clever, capable and honourable.
I'd like to meet her in private and talk to her.
That shouldn't be a problem. Zhou Ying's late husband...
...is my wife's cousin. I'll ask my wife to plan...
...a family banquet and invite Zhou Ying.
Mrs. Zhang can come and taste my wife's cuisines too.
That's good.
Rumours. Those are all rumours.
What's the matter? -They said that...
...everyone in Jingyang is saying that...
...you are having an affair with Mr. Zhao.
Mr. Zhao and I?
I'm the woman Mr. Zhao hates the most.
But, people outside are saying that...
...Mr. Zhao gave you all the shares of...
...the factory that makes so much money to you...
...because the two of you...
Madam Ying, let's send a few people...
...to clear the rumours. - That's unnecessary.
But, this is really bad for your reputation.
I was drowned for adultery before.
Why should I be afraid of such rumours?
But, if the rumours reach the ears of Mr. Zhao...
...and Ms. Yi, what will they think?
Madam Ying.
Madam Ying, someone sent you an invitation.
Sister Yi won't imagine things. Look.
She's inviting me to a meal.
Ling Long?
Young Master Xing Yi, I finally found you.
Let me see. Why are you dressed up like this?
Why is this shirt torn?
Take it off. I'll mend it for you.
How did you find me?
Do you have to ask?
When you left, you didn't even leave behind a word.
The master and mistress couldn't find you anywhere.
So, I had to go to places...
...they didn't go to and ask one by one.
I told myself that...
...if one year isn't enough, I'll search for two years...
...or even 3 years. I must find you...
...no matter how long it takes.
But, god is gracious.
I found you in less than a year's time.
I already left home. Why do you have to look for me?
Of course I must look for you. -Enough.
Since you've found me, you can leave now.
I went through so much to find you.
I'm not leaving.
What do you want to do here?
Serve you. -isn't this absurd?
Have you ever seen a handyman with a maid?
You brought Tian Shi and Tian Yu along...
...when you were running errands back then.
That's a matter of the past. I'm living here with a new name...
"because I don't want to live like before.
It's just because...
...you find me inadequate. - I don't find you inadequate.
I find myself inadequate.
Young Master Xing Yi, listen to me.
Look. Your shirt is torn and you don't have anyone...
...to mend it for you.
Your room is so messy and no one cleans it up for you.
You need someone to take care of you.
Fine. Mend my shirt...
...and clean up my room. Then, leave.
Alright.
Should I...
...come again tomorrow? - No. Stop coming over.
Also, don't reveal my location to anyone.
Why don't you let me come once in every 3 days?
No.
I'll tell master that you're here.
Fine. You can come once in a month.
3 times.
You're bargaining with me?
I can oust you now.
Alright. You're my young master. You've the say.
Alright?
Can I take off your shirt now?
I'll do it myself.
Sister Yi.
Sister Ying.
It's been a long time since I last tasted your cuisines.
Where are your manners?
You're no outsider to me.
As for Mr. Zhao, he already gave up on me.
So, how does it feel to be Mrs. Zhao?
Very good.
Does he treat you well?
Yes. -Good.
If he doesn't treat you well, just tell me. I'll scold him.
Teacher Zhang, this way. -Alright.
Mr. Zhao, I didn't know that you've another guest at home.
Don't worry There's no outsider here.
This is my teacher, Mr. Zhang Zhang Qing.
This is his wife. This is Mrs. Wu.
Are you...
...that Mr. Zhang who contacted the old textile factory for us?
I've wanted to thank you. But, I haven't had a chance.
It is my honour to meet you today.
Mr. Zhang. Mrs. Zhang.
People who do great things do not mind the trifles...
...and you are open-minded and generous.
More importantly...
...you are unique.
Teacher Zhang, have a seat. -Alright.
Mrs. Zhang. -Alright.
Ling L0f19-
Are my father, mother and grandmother doing well?
They are well.
But, the mistress...
The mistress fell ill from worrying about you.
What illness is it? Is it serious?
The physician said it's caused by distress.
She has been bedridden since a few days ago.
But, she's recovering. You don't have to worry.
I'm done.
Put it on.
I'll wear it myself.
Let me help you.
Ling Long, how old are you?
Why are you suddenly asking?
Count it yourself. I entered Shen Family...
...when I was 11 years old.
Should I talk to my mother...
...and tell her to free you and give you dozens of taels?
You're joking again. -I'm serious.
You don't want me anymore?
It's for your own good.
I promised to serve you for a lifetime.
Who did you promise? -isn't it clearly written on...
...my slave contract that...
...I'll be your slave forever? - You're talking about that thing?
It's alright. I'll change the terms and conditions.
I'm not leaving. I want to stay with you forever.
For what?
Young Master Xing Yi.
If you accept me, I'll be your concubine.
If you don't take me in...
...I'm willing to be your maid for a lifetime.
Get up.
Are you stupid?
Yes, I'm stupid.
You're an ignorant maid.
I know.
Unlike her, I'm ignorant and stupid.
But, I'm willing to follow you and take care of you.
Ling L0f19-
If you really follow me, your life would be a waste.
I don't feel that way.
Ling Long, I think you should go out...
...and look for a man you really love.
Then, give birth to a few boys for him.
That's how your life should be.
No. I'm yours. I won't leave.
If you're really mine, you should do as I say.
Leave Shen Family to see the outside world...
...and look at other men.
But...
If you really like me, help me to realise a wish.
What wish?
I want all maids in my suite...
...to live happily for a lifetime.
Mrs. Wu, you invested in the textile factory all alone.
I really admire your wisdom and determination.
I too admire your devotion to the advocacy of westernisation.
We're like-minded.
We all wish to serve the country and the people.
Come.
Wu Yi, we get along so well. Let's have a toast.
Thank you, Mrs. Zhang.
In my initial plan...
...apart from competing against western merchants...
...the mechanical textile bureau is also meant to...
...generate some tax and income.
Some of the profits will go to the merchants...
...and some will be used to build ships, train armies...
...or open more companies...
...to make the people and country richer.
No wonder you said that the mechanical textile bureau...
...can strengthen the country and military.
If I didn't hear from you today, I wouldn't know that...
...I've actually done something so meaningful.
All citizens are responsible for their country's future.
We should prioritise the country.
What's that proverb again? This meal today...
...is worth 10 years of studies.
Thank you for your words of wisdom.
I'm enlightened as well.
Come.
Even though I'm done eating, I'm still in the mood to talk.
Why don't we go to the reading room and continue?
Alright. Let's go. -Please come with me.
Go without me. I'll clean up. -Alright.
I'll stay and help. I'll take the chance...
...to learn from her.
By the way, I love the...
...sweet and sour pork knuckles the most.
You must learn the recipe.
This way, please. -Alright.
Wu Yi, I often make sweet and sour cuisines too.
But, the gravy is nowhere as good as yours.
Is there a secret?
There's no secret. It's just a formula.
What formula? -Mrs. Zhang, remember this.
One wine, two soy sauce...
...three sugar, four vinegar and five water.
What is this?
Use one portion of wine, two portions of soy sauce...
...three portions of sugar, four portions of vinegar...
...and five portions of water to make the gravy.
One wine, two soy sauce...
...three sugar, four vinegar and five water.
Yes.
I get it now.
You are a good cook and a pretty lady.
You've such a beautiful face.
Mrs. Zhang, I use the royal facial mud mask.
It's a special formula with centuries-long history.
You can take some from me later. -Really?
Thank you so much.
Mrs. Wu, apart from expressing my gratitude...
...I asked Bai Shi to invite you over...
...because I have something important to discuss with you.
Please go ahead.
You invested only 300,000 taels in the textile factory.
Over the past 2 years...
...you made a profit as much as 1.8 million taels.
On the other hand, the local government...
...received only slightly more than 400,000 taels.
Is there a miscalculation? - There is no miscalculation.
But, this is against the objective of...
...the establishment of the mechanical textile bureau.
The merchants have found wealth.
But, the country isn't getting any stronger yet.
Mr. Zhang, you may be frank.
On behalf of the government of Shaanxi...
...I request to buy all shares of the mechanical textile bureau.
Teacher Zhang.
Mrs. Wu, all machines and factories are worn-out.
But, I'm still willing to buy based on the original price.
Moreover, you have earned a lot over the years.
This should be very reasonable to you.
L---
Based on the agreement we signed with the government...
...Wu Family has right over the factory...
...for at least 9 more years...
...before returning all shares to the government.
Yes. That's why I came to discuss with you...
...about our plan to purchase the shares in advance.
You said that...
...China should learn from the strengths of other countries.
The biggest strength of foreign countries lies in...
...their credibility.
Since we've made an agreement...
...it's better to avoid making changes.
Mrs. Wu, I also said that...
...all citizens are responsible for the future of their country.
You should compromise for the sake of the country.
Teacher Zhang. Mrs. Wu. This is a serious matter.
Since we can't come to an agreement right away...
...why don't we take our time to discuss?
Mr. Zhang, since you've suggested $0...
...I'll surely consider your suggestion. But...
...although we earned a lot from the textile bureau...
...we really went through...
...a lot of hardships to build the factory back then.
Please be understanding.
You should know that if it wasn't for protection...
...from the local governmenL...
...the textile factory wouldn't be so successful today.
You've made money. You should be grateful...
...and start repaying the country.
But, the country is so big. Does this small money matter?
Mrs. Wu, every penny counts.
If everyone contributes...
...there will be hope for this country.
It's late. I need to go back.
I'll seek your advice again. Goodbye.
Sister Yi.
I'm going back. -You all finished talking?
Mrs. Zhang, I'm sorry. I need to go.
Sister Yi, come.
The guests came too suddenly...
...and I didn't get to say something to you.
What is it?
Did you hear some rumours?
What rumours?
It's good that you haven't heard. If you hear any, don't believe it.
You've gotten a lot thinner.
Are you homesick?
Have you gotten used to Zhao Family?
Even though Wu Family is considered a famous family...
...we're still different from Zhao Family.
You're new here. There must be things...
...you're not used to.
No matter what happens, don't be too hard on yourself.
People are realistic.
If you spend on them, they will take sides with you.
If you don't have enough, send someone to inform me...
...and I'll send you some.
I'm going back. Be careful.
Teacher Zhang, how come you suddenly...
mproposed to buy back the shares?
It's not sudden. I've been planning this for a long time.
But, Zhou Ying won't agree.
I already reported to the court prior to my visit.
If Zhou Ying doesn't give in...
...we'll do as the China Merchants Group did...
...in boycotting Xu Run and Tang Ting Shu...
...and take drastic measures to oust Zhou Ying.
We can't do this. -We must do this.
She went all out to help us during our most difficult time.
How can we oust them now that they are making money?
Isn't this ungrateful? - This is for the country.
Does that justify exploitation?
Zhou '(mg has made enough money! -She deserves the profits.
Is it meaningful to be wealthy on your own...
...when the country is weak?
Didn't you say to make the country strong...
...by generating wealth?
The wealth should be the country's wealth...
...and not personal wealth! - But, this is conscienceless.
To do great things, you can't be bothered by trifles.
Teacher Zhang.
This isn't a small matter. This concerns our principles.
If we do this, we're no different from Ming Li.
Isn't this how Ming Li exploits Shen Family's wealth?
Ming Li did it for personal gains.
I'm trying to save the country! -What is a country?
A country is made up of individuals.
How can we harm the interest of the people...
...in the name of the country?
This will onlyjeopardise the country!
Why are you so stubborn?
If we want to save the country...
...a talented person like Zhou Ying...
...should be trusted and protected!
But, you are doing the complete opposite!
The court has decided on this!
This is a grave mistake! - Are you objecting because...
...it's against your personal interest?
I swear that...
...I have no personal gains in this!
If that's true, this has nothing to do with you...
...and I've the final say! -No. I must stop you.
You've gone astray! -I'm just being fair!
Fair? The whole Guanzhong knows that...
...you're having an affair with that widow!
Yes, you're not defending that widow for personal gains.
It's for personal feelings!