Episode 59
Bring the criminal, Zhou of Wu Family over!
Zhou of Wu Family!
Zhou of Wu Family, do you plead guilty?
Yes.
Zhou of Wu Family, do you have anything to say?
No.
Zhou of Wu Family from Jingyang, Shaanxi...
...is guilty of accepting bribery...
...from western merchants for the purchase of machines...
...while sewing as the manager of...
...Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau...
...and falsifying the accounts for embezzlement.
She has been proven guilty of these accusations.
Zhou of Wu Family has also confessed to her crimes...
...and expressed her regret.
Zhou of Wu Family shall be dismissed from her position of...
...manager of Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau.
The government shall confiscate her illegal gains...
...and subject her to a fine of 20,000 taels.
Zhou of Wu Family, do you have any objection?
No. -Alright.
Mr. Zhao, why isn't Madam Ying released yet?
Be patient. Even after the trial...
...there'll be a review by the Court of Judicial Review.
Are you sure she'll be released today?
Yes.
Zhao Bai Shi!
What are you doing here? -I'm worried.
How did you find us? -I went to your inn.
They told me you went to the ministry.
What's going on inside?
Mr. Zhao said Madam Yin will surely be released today.
Do you need my help? -No.
Everything has been settled.
Are you alright? -I'm fine.
Are Bai Shi and Sister Ying back yet?
I haven't seen them.
Why are you back then? -I came to prepare food for you.
I thought you might be hungry? - Would I have the appetite?
Go out and wait.
Wait. I'll go with you. -Ms. Yi.
Just wait in your room.
I'll inform you when they get back.
I'm worried.
Sir, are we leaving or not today?
Let's wait a little longer.
The city gate is closing soon.
Don't worry. As promised...
...I'll pay you a fixed amount per day.
We're definitely leaving today.
Mr. Zhao, something doesn't seem right.
We shouldn't have to wait for so long.
Does Madam Ying know Hongcheng Inn?
Everyone in Wu Family knows.
Alright.
Go back to the inn and wait. I'll go and ask.
Teacher Zhang. -Bai Shi.
You came at the right time. I just received the news myself.
Everything was going as planned.
They were about to close the case...
...when the prince came...
...and took over, saying that Zhou Ying's case...
...involves too many parties.
Why is the prince interfering?
I don't know his objective either.
What's the situation now?
All previous investigations and trials will be ignored.
Zhou Ying was sent back to the female prison.
In fact, the prince's subordinates...
...took all the documents.
Please do something about this.
I... -Zhou Ying already agreed to...
...all our conditions. We can't go back on our word.
It's not that we want to go back on our word.
The Ministry of Justice even wrote the verdict already.
Today's trial was just a routine.
But, Zhou Ying offended the prince.
The prince is the one who won't spare her now.
This isn't our fault. -It was because of us that...
...Zhou Ying got arrested and imprisoned.
She got imprisoned because of her misdeeds.
They can't blame it on us.
Teacher Zhang, please help Zhou Ying...
...considering the fact that the mechanical textile bureau...
...can make 800,000 taels per year.
It's not that I don't want to help her.
It's just that the prince is very powerful now.
Even Mr. Li has to give in to him.
There's nothing I can do.
Is there...
...no other way?
I heard that the prince said something before he left.
He said that Zhou Ying is unforgivable...
...for conspiring with the westerners...
...and that he will punish her severely.
What's going on? -I've no idea either.
I'm not the only one who can't interfere.
You're the same.
I advise you to stop helping Zhou Ying.
Else, you might be accused of being her accomplice.
Luckily, we signed the contract with Zhou Ying...
...before the prince decided to interfere.
Else, the mechanical textile bureau might end up...
...in someone else's hands.
What did they say?
Mr. Zhao, what exactly happened?
Zhao Bai Shi, say something.
The prince took over the investigation of Zhou Ying's case.
The prince? -When will Sister Ying be freed?
It's hard to tell.
Why?
The prince...
...seems to hate Zhou Ying.
He said to punish her severely.
Punish her severely? How?
I don't know.
Will her life be threatened?
I don't know.
Don't worry too much. Maybe there's still hope.
You can help? -Don't forget that...
...Shen Family has dealings with the prince.
I actually came to the capital to save Zhou Ying...
...through the prince. -Shen Xing Yi.
You don't understand what the prince really wants.
To me, they are all the same kind of people.
All they want is money.
You know nothing about politics.
Being reckless might make things worse.
Zhao Bai Shi, you promised me that...
...you will bring Zhou Ying back safely.
Since you can't save her, I've to do it on my own now.
Shen Xing Yi, this isn't the time to act like a hero!
I only know that Zhou Ying is still in jail...
...and in danger!
I must save her.
Shen Xing Yi.
Shen Xing Yi!
If it's true that...
...all the prince wants is money...
...how much do we need to spend to save Madam Ying?
It'll be the cost of another textile factory.
I'll return to Jingyang.
Wait. Don't panic.
I'll beg my teacher again. There might still be a way.
Whatever it is, we'll need money, right?
I'll go back and gather money.
Alright.
My dear, what are you doing?
L---
Don't worry. I'll think of something.
If my teacher can think of something for us...
...there'll still be hope for Zhou Ying.
It was me.
I was the one who put those things in...
...Sister Ying's reading room.
Are you talking about those forged evidences?
You forged those letters and receipts?
It was Mrs. Zhang who gave them to me.
Mrs. Zhang?
Yes.
Why did you do it?
Mrs. Zhang said that doing so...
...will help restore your position.
Do you know the consequence of that?
Mrs. Zhang said...
...Sister Ying will only be given a warning...
...and a monetary penalty.
I thought it wouldn't be serious.
You...
How could you believe that?
If I knew that Sister Zheng would be arrested...
...and that doing this would put her in danger...
...I wouldn't do it.
Wu Yi,you...
You fool!
Stop right there!
Bai Shi.
You made use of Wu Yi...
...and made her betray Zhou Ying.
Yes.
You're the one behind Zhou Ying's imprisonment.
This woman is too stubborn.
If I didn't do that, she wouldn't give in.
You weren't a person like this.
I've always been a realistic person like this.
No.
You were honest and righteous.
You were indifferent towards wealth and fame.
You were genuinely trying to serve the country.
That's because you needed a teacher like that.
So, I only showed you that side of my character.
Zhang Zhang Qing.
You've gained what you want.
You must release Zhou Ying!
I've gained what I want. I don't need to save her.
You must tell the truth.
Bai Shi, there is no truth in this world.
There is only benefit.
If you don't tell, I'll tell. I'll make Wu Yi tell the truth.
Wu Yi and Zhou Ying are relatives.
Who will believe her?
Zhang Zhang Qing! You can't leave just like this.
Zhang Zhang Qing!
Zhou Ying.
I'm sorry.
I can't save you. I got you into this.
The prince manages the Ministry of Justice.
He can easily save that widow.
But, whether the prince will help you or not...
...will depend on his mood.
Will the 70% shares of Xingyue Trading...
...make the prince happy?
I think so. -I'll have to trouble you...
...to communicate with the prince.
If it goes well, I'll pay you 20,000 taels...
was your reward.
Alright. I'll go and meet the prince tomorrow morning.
Thank you, Mr. Du.
Mr. Shen, you're such a faithful lover.
Alright. I'll send someone to contact you when it's settled.
Escort the guest!
Mr. Du, I shall excuse myself.
Someone already took the shares of the...
...mechanical textile bureau from Zhou Ying ahead of us.
Who?
The prince is very angry.
He intends to kill her to warn the rest...
...against making deals with his political rivals.
This is a problem.
Someone came and begged me to save that widow yesterday.
Who?
Shen Xing Yi, the second young master of Shen Family.
Since when is he an ally of Zhou Ying?
It's been years.
How much is he offering?
The other 70% shares of Xingyue Trading.
How much is it worth?
I think it's worth at least 60,000-70,000 taels per year.
70% shares worth 60,000-70,000 taels.
I don't think this is enough to appease the prince.
Should I turn him down?
Wait.
Let me think.
What is Shen Family's total wealth?
At least 10 million taels.
We can kill two birds with one stone.
Zhao Bai Shi.
Zhao Bai Shi!
Move. -What are you doing?
I'm sending you back to the inn of course.
I'm not going back. I still want to drink.
Enough. Stop drinking.
You can drink when you get back! Move!
I'm not going back.
Why should I go back to that mud puddle? I'm not going back.
Enough. -I'm not going back.
Let's go. -I'm not...
No one can be unsullied.
No one really cares for the country and the people.
People only care about their personal interest.
The court is completely corrupted.
Slow down.
Let me. -Let me do it for you.
Is he alright? -He's fine. He's just drunk.
Seeing him in this state makes me feel like killing myself.
Is Mr. Shen here?
That's me. -Mr. Shen.
Mr. Du said he has settled the matter for you.
He wants you to go over.
You can save Sister Ying?
Don't die. All of us must live.
This is the prince's written order.
Just hand it to the person sent to meet up with you.
This can save Zhou Ying?
The prince is the emperor's elder cousin...
...and his wife is the empress dowager's niece.
Will anyone in the Ministry of Justice...
...disobey the prince?
I was over-thinking. Thank you, Mr. Du.
I'll deliver what I promised after picking Zhou Ying up.
I trust you.
I'll go over then. -You may go in assurance.
Zhao Bai Shi!
He isn't awake yet.
Zhou Ying is saved. -Really?
I have the prince's order to release Zhou Ying.
Thank god. Sister Ying can finally go home.
Once he wakes up, pack up and hire a carriage.
Wait for me at Guang'an Gate. I'll bring Zhou Ying over...
...latest by 5-7 p.m.
Mr. Shen, you must save Sister Ying.
Don't worry. I will.
Sir. May I know... -Are you Mr. Shen?
Yes. -Where's the written order?
This is the one.
Sir. -Sir.
Sir.
Zhou Ying!
Zhou Ying.
Xing Yi.
Why are you here? -I came to save you.
Why do you want to save me?
I told you many years ago that...
...I'll never let go of you.
So, be it in the east mansion, the bandits' den...
...Urumqi or the prison, I will save you.
I thought I'm doomed.
I swore that I'll make you my wife.
So, before you marry me, I can't let you die.
But, I was so cruel to you. Why do you still want to save me?
It's just because of the blood feud between our families.
It's just because you see me as your father-in-law's murderer.
So what?
I love you regardless of all that.
How do you do that? - It's hard to explain.
We need to leave this place immediately.
Alright. You can leave now.
What are you all doing?
I remember that it was Shen Xing Yi who sent me back.
Where is Shen Xing Yi?
He went to the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry of Justice?
He made a deal with the prince.
Sister Ying will be released today.
When I see Sister Ying...
...I'll kowtow to her and let her punish me.
What's the deal Shen Xing Yi made with the prince?
He gave the prince all remaining 70% shares of...
...Xingyue Trading.
The prince agreed?
Yes. He gave him a written order...
...that instructs the ministry to release Sister Ying.
The prince can't be so generous.
How long has it been since Shen Xing Yi left?
It's been 2 hours.
Someone freed a prisoner!
Those two are criminals! Seize them!
Someone freed a prisoner! -Guards!
Stop right there! -Stop right there!
Run! -Stop right there!
I'm not leaving.
Run! -Don't let them escape!
Stop right there!
Seize them!
Run! -Stop right there!
This way.
Stop! You can't get away! -Stop right there!
Stop right there! -You can't get away!
Don't let them escape!
Go away!
Xing Yi!
Go away!
Xing Yi!
Zhou Ying!
Xing Yi, you should know what is in my mind now.
I know.
I'm sorry. I got you into trouble once again.
No. This moment in my life...
...is a happy one.
I am very happy as well.
Let go of him!
Close the gate!
Xing Yi!
I beg of you! Tell me where Shen Xing Yi is!
What are you all doing to him?
Where is Shen Xing Yi?
Shen Xing Yi!
Xing Yi!
Shen Xing Yi! Xing Yi!
I beg of you! Tell me where Shen Xing Yi is!
What is your name?
Shen Xing Yi. -Where is your hometown?
Jingyang, Shaanxi. -What did you commit?
I trusted a villain and fell for his trap.
You're saying that you're being wronged?
Absolutely.
Shen Xing Yi!
You forged the prince's order...
...in attempt to free a prisoner! You are unforgivable!
Where is the written order I forged?
See for yourself!
Sir, what makes you say that this is a fake written order?
What makes me say that? We asked the prince himself.
The prince said he did not sign this order.
It was Du Ming Li, the prince's subordinate...
...who gave this written order to me.
You know the relationship between Du Ming Li and the prince.
He should be the one guilty of forging the order.
Why am I held responsible?
You're trying to put the blame on someone else.
You deserve harsher punishment!
Sir, if you really want to investigate...
...you should summon Du Ming Li to confront me.
If you just want to close the case quickly...
...you don't need to try me.
You can just execute me directly.
How dare you! Kneel!
Sir, if the written order is fake...
...why was there an official expecting me?
He waited for me outside...
...and even settled all procedures for me.
You... You're spouting nonsense!
You're solely responsible! None in the Ministry of Justice...
...is involved in this!
I'll still say the same thing.
If you really want to investigate this case...
...you should gather all officials of...
...the Ministry of Justice...
...and let me identify their accomplice...
"instead of accusing me of lying here!
You... Don't change the topic...
...and drag others into this! -Sir.
I'm just a commoner.
Why was I able to walk into...
...the office of the Ministry of Justice openly...
...and even went all the way to the female prison...
...to take Zhou Ying out?
Is everyone in the Ministry of Justice dead?
Shen Xing Yi, regardless of your claims...
...you have been proven guilty of forging an order...
...and releasing a prisoner!
You don't have to quibble here.
I advise you to come clean...
...before we interrogate with torture!
You will never run out of excuses to convict me.
But, let me tell you something.
I won't plead guilty.
You won't plead guilty? If that's the case...
...I don't have to waste time talking to you.
Put him in a leg vise!
Leg vise!
Mr. Shen, how do you feel now? Why don't you just plead guilty?
No.
Continue.
Take him away!