[English subtitles are available.]
Winter Begonia
Episode 13
[Contract]
I’ve persuaded those senior performers
of Shuiyun Theater into coming to us.
Also, I got some information
about Shang Xirui’s new play.
You lad
did something right finally.
It’s unlucky of that prat.
He made a contract
with Cheng Fengtai.
But he hurt himself by what he did.
Yes.
Without those performers,
he can’t give a complete show.
How will he perform his new play?
Dad.
How do we deal with them?
[Contract]
Ask them to sign an indenture to sell themselves to us.
Once they sign it,
we’ll reward them handsomely.
What if they don’t sign?
They don’t?
Then never let them to play the leading roles.
They must be ashamed to go back after all.
Dad, how wise you are.
The Prime Minister, the general and the queen.
Leader, those who left
were these important roles.
What will we do?
We shouldn’t have let them go.
Before the competition,
they put us in dilemma.
This is regulated in our contract.
Let them go once they pay the penal sum.
I always keep my promise.
Leader.
It’s not right to make the contract.
Leader, you are too stubborn.
Nothing can be changed?
Why are you so
inflexible?
Cut your crap!
Our performers are not enough now.
Why don’t you go to borrow some?
OK, I’m blamed at the end.
Leader. Leader. Leader.
Well,
elite.
Come here.
Fengtai.
It sounds like satire.
Coward.
You can’t bear my compliment?
Have a seat.
I found you a job to make the most
of what you learned in the university.
I don’t think it’s a good job.
But Fengtai, you can tell me.
Mr. Lei has finished the sketch design of Cave Liuxian.
I also made all the materials ready.
Go back to prepare for it.
Go to supervise this project for Mr. Lei.
Me?
I am the manager of a theater.
It’s winter
with wind and snow.
Do you want me to eat sands there?
Fengtai, I’d rather die.
It’s even harder than finding a theater.
Then, go to die.
Fengtai, this...
Many theaters are in Peking,
but you haven’t found one for me.
I’m also confused.
There are many theaters.
But none of them are sold to us.
If they are not satisfied with too many requests,
simplify the items.
Fengtai, well...
We are still in the first stage.
Once I stepped in their theaters, I was driven out.
Also,
Mr. Shang and you have fallen out.
So what’s the use of my efforts?
Who told you that we’ve fallen out?
He’s silly.
How can I be like him?
You are still friends?
Fengtai,
if so,
can I tell you something?
It’s only been several days.
Did he offend someone again?
Something like that.
OK.
Got it.
Let’s change our duty for a while.
I’ll take care of Shuiyun Theater.
And you make sure that
Cave Liuxian is founded well.
When you finish, you’ll be rewarded handsomely.
But if you fail...
If I fail, I won’t go back.
Just let me die outside.
If you say so,
it’s not bad that you fail.
Your sister and I will be worriless in the future.
Mr. Shang, I don’t mean to offend,
but I advise that you stop asking.
Which troupe
in Peking dares
help you against Jiang Rongshou?
No matter who will win,
they will be bullied by Jiang.
Thanks for your advice.
You are right.
In my opinion,
it’s best to beg Mr. Jiang.
No matter what,
he’s a peer of your father,
so he won’t be too ruthless
and make you stop performing for a year.
Thank you.
Mr. Shang.
Warm buns!
Buns!
Tomatoes on sticks!
It’s fine. Leader will be back.
What are we eating?
Yes.
Leader. Leader.
What are you doing?
Are you lazy?
Who told you to stop practicing?
Do we need to practice?
We don’t even have enough performers.
Right.
Leader, if you lose this time,
you can’t perform for a year.
Who will be the leading light of Shuiyun Theater?
If you are not such coward,
I don’t need to beg others!
Go to practice!
If no one helps us,
all of you must step on the stage,
regardless your qualification and the roles you play now!
Leader, this...
How can we make it?
Go to practice! Do you want to get punishment?
OK. Practice.
Hurry up.
Why did you say such words just now?
It’s lucky already
if they perform their roles well.
What else can they play?
Do I have another choice?
I didn’t succeed the rules
made by father well.
Our staff stole my money.
I also make Mr. Cheng’s
new rules failed.
I couldn’t stay our men.
What’s worse, they betrayed me.
How come you still talk about him?
You drove him away.
So don’t mention this name.
We had rules.
But no one
took them seriously.
All in all, people are of different minds.
Minds!
Leader, say something.
What should we do?
Mr. Shang.
Mr. Shang. Mr. Shang.
Good news. Guess it.
Since we advertised Zhao Feiyan,
I’ve kept receiving calls.
Half of the tickets were sold.
I am sure
that you’ll win.
What a shame.
What did you say?
He said “thanks for our wish”.
Go back to your work.
Shijiu, your words are sweet.
Mr. Shang, I’ll be waiting for you outside.
Take it easy.
Leader.
Go to apologize to Mr. Cheng, please.
He experienced a lot,
so he must have more ways.
He’ll help us.
Please beg him.
Shuiyun Theater is also his business.
He won’t just wait to see us fail.
He has nothing
except money.
Can a businessman help us on opera?
Focus on your duty.
Shijiu.
The Cheng’s shamed
our leader with harsh words.
This God of Wealth is way out of our league.
What’s going on?
Mr. Cheng. Mr. Cheng. Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Shang,
I just employed those performers.
They’ll perform in our Shuiyun Theater.
I don’t know opera well.
So it still needs to be approved by you.
Mr. Wang.
Mr. Shang.
Mr. Zhu, Mr. Ding.
Of course I approve it.
They are good performers
in Peking.
It’s our honor to have them.
I’m really grateful that you join us.
Shuiyun gets a new lease of life.
Mr. Shang,
I found performers for you.
As to the opera,
it’s your turn.
I can’t help with it.
Mr. Cheng.
Take care, Mr. Cheng.
Why didn’t you say something good to him?
He came to help us
on such a big thing.
I...
I don’t know what to say.
Sirs, please come in.
After you.
Mr. Cheng. Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Cheng. Mr. Cheng. Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Cheng.
I invited an expert
to check goods for Shuiyun Theater.
Mr. Ma, nice to meet you.
Sir, please have a look.
-Mr. Cheng. -Yes.
Those goods were sent last night.
I saw the truck loading.
Amazing.
How exquisite the workmanship is.
And the cloth is the best.
Sir, good eye.
The best embroiderer in Suzhou made it.
Our boss
chose the cloth himself.
He really puts a lot of efforts.
It’s no wonder.
It’s not worse than
what the queen and concubines wear.
Making a new play needs everything from the start.
There’s no reference.
It requests a lot of contributions.
If you see
how Mr. Shang practices,
you’ll know what “contributions” mean.
I don’t know other things well,
but I know that
we can’t make any mistake on costumes.
Mr. Cheng. Don’t worry.
I fixed my eyes on
the costumes for Shuiyun.
Look, our boss treats others better.
Gosh.
He’s more careful than Mr. Shang.
That troupe
is more important than us to him.
Shuiyun Theater is ranked No.1.
Mr. Shang, how are you?
Mr. Shang.
This is for you.
What does this mean?
What information did you get?
Sir, our men who came back said
that their leader has a stutter.
He must be Second Chief Gu of Laozi Ridge.
I also think so.
He seems to be a coward.
But in fact, he’s ambitious.
He broke the rules.
Seems that he doesn’t agree with his chief.
Yes, he robbed twice for a month.
It’s unusual.
Sir, how about asking our men
to rob the goods back?
They are bandits.
How can our men
get them back from bandits?
So you mean...
Since he wants the goods,
I’ll send him some.
Look, second chief.
Our bros got some new goods.
Look. Wine.
Made by Zheng Company.
Did you drink that?
Look, he’s also the chairman
of Peking Chamber of Commerce.
Good things.
Good.
Check them.
When we gain rich harvest,
we need to stop
in case our chief has troubles.
Yes. Yes.
Bro.
Hurry.
Chief. Chief.
What troubles the chief brought to you?
Chief, why are you back?
How dare you ask me?
If I come back one day later,
this hill will be left nothing.
No, chief.
Do not misunderstand me.
How dare I?
To celebrate the New Year,
I took some gifts for our bros,
which brings them more fortune.
What the heck of the fortune?
I made the rule.
Don’t rob one company twice in a month.
Yeah.
You just ignore me?
They sent these to us.
We didn’t rob.
You are too ambitious these days!
Stay here
to catch rabbits!
Catch rabbits?
It’s still in the New Year.
-Go! -Chief.
Second chief.
Will we see the goods?
Cut the crap!
Can’t you see that I’m annoyed?
Here’s a letter.
Read it.
Are you out of breath?
Hurry up.
Yeah. Yeah.
Here.
Read it.
What’s in it?
Who knows?
Chairman Zheng of Peking Chamber of Commerce.
Interesting.
What’s this?
Smell of garlic!
Mr. Shang sent some fried sausage.
Why didn’t he ask me
whether I love it?
Mr. Shang
sends different kinds of food every day.
There must be something
that you like.
How childish he is.
let’s talk something serious.
The chamber of commerce
doesn’t make money
but brings a lot of troubles to me.
They keep bothering me.
How will they celebrate the New Year?
They can’t
make money these days.
For the two months,
once they passed Laozi Ridge,
they were robbed.
Seeing everything go well with us,
of course they are jealous.
So they want to go through our road.
Laozi Ridge. Chief Gu.
Whether Chief Gu robs
depends on his mood.
The chamber is too unlucky.
It makes sense.
But Laozi Ridge robbed
more frequently than before.
They almost robbed everything of the passers.
I think
there must be something.
This is not Chief Gu’s style.
The robberies are too many.
Who dares go through Laozi Ridge in future?
It’s like killing the hen for eggs.
He’s not so stupid.
The second chief did it.
I also think it’s him.
It’s the end of the year.
Bring gifts to Laozi Ridge
to get some information.
Mr. Cheng. Don’t worry.
Excuse me. Excuse me.
Have it when it’s still warm.
Mr. Shang.
Did you give me a live charcoal?
No.
I forgot that people from Shanghai don’t like garlic.
So I bought you a toasted sweet potato.
I didn’t know my wife embarrassed you.
Her words were harsh.
I’m sorry for that.
No.
I’m not afraid of her harsh words.
I’ d rather scolded by her every day
than be aloof from you.
Can I enter Shuiyun Theater again?
It’s my pleasure.
So don’t use honorifics with me anymore.
It sounds aloof.
My elder sister
adopted a cat.
This cat always
put a mouse
in front of her room.
And after all the surrounding mice were caught,
it sent her geckos.
Every time, my sister was scared to death.
This cat is capable.
You compare me to a cat?
OK, stop eating this.
I’ll take you to have something good.
Excuse me.
Mrs. Cheng.
I called the freight agent.
A performer of Shuiyun came there.
Mr. Cheng and he went out together.
I heard that Shuiyun Theater will have a competition.
I also heard it.
Almost everyone in Peking has known it.
Mr. Cheng might be called to help.
Is he bewitched?
He really takes that troupe
as his business?
I’ve made your costumes ready,
and invited enough performers.
I’m not good at opera.
So it’s your show time.
Mr. Cheng, just wait for my show.
See you.
Alright.
Time’s up.
Female roles walk on the ice.
Male roles also step on the ice
with this posture.
It’s not finished?
You don’t want to go down?
Stand up!
Don’t play a chimney.
Have you do well on this posture?
Leader. My feet are numb.
I can’t stand.
Come to have a rest.
Where is numb?
Show me.
Here.
Here? Come.
No... It’s not numb, leader!
It’s not numb.
-It’s not numb? -No.
No.
Whose feet are numb? Tell me.
I’ll help to relieve your discomfort.
Take small steps.
Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Cheng. Watch the ice.
Mr. Cheng. Take care.
Mr. Shang. Are you butchering pigs?
Too much ice is on the ground.
This helps them to practice figure.
Leader, I…
Stand up.
Stand up!
Rome was not built in a day.
It won’t work even though you force them.
Also,
you torture them in this way.
But can you do it well?
Mr. Cheng, you look down on me.
I don’t dare.
Leader. How about doing it for us?
Yes, leader.
Please show us.
Let us have a look.
Look carefully.
The key of stepping on it
is stabilizing your lower body.
Make every step stable.
Don’t be afraid of falling down.
Don’t make fear defeat you.
Bravo!
Amazing!
Bravo! Bravo!
Our leader is wonderful.
Yes.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
Unbelievable!
Bravo!
You are so steady.
Leader. Take it.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
Waiter! My noodles!
Give me a second.
Here are your noodles.
Sorry to make you wait.
Sorry.
Here.
I treated you to roast duck,
but you treat in here?
I took you here
to let you taste...
I’m sorry.
To let you taste the good food
that I’ve liked for years.
It really tastes delicious.
It can’t be run for 40 years if it’s not good.
Mr. Shang. Mr. Shang.
Come in, please.
Have a seat.
Mr. Shang, it’s been a long time.
You must be busy with your new play.
This sir doesn’t look familiar.
What would you like to eat?
What would you like, Mr. Cheng?
I’m not hungry.
We are already here. Have a taste.
As usual, two portions.
No need to change.
Thanks.
Lower your voice.
Two portions of meat sauce noodles.
Mr. Shang rewarded us with two cents!
The oil for 40 years.
You don’t need to lick the table.
Enjoy.
What are you looking at?
I wondered why I heard the sound of a lucky bird.
Look who is here.
Who is here?
Hurry. Hurry.
Come to see.
Mr. Shang.
It’s really Mr. Shang.
Mr. Shang. Mr. Shang.
Mr. Shang is here.
Mr. Shang.
Nice to meet you.
Mr. Shang. I like your opera best,
especially that...
Yang Paifeng.
Yes, yes.
I tell you.
I like the matchmaker played by you best.
Let me recall how to sing.
Mr. Shang, can I show it to you?
Show it.
Yeah.
My lady
You are so elegant
Mr. Shang. Please excuse me.
Please excuse me.
Well, Mr. Shang.
You also look excited.
Can I show you a part?
OK. Show it.
Excuse me.
Show it.
Only one line.
A man who loses position may be bullied
OK. Stop it.
Mr. Shang, how about you sing for us?
Yes, Mr. Shang.
Please sing a part.
Yes.
Mr. Shang, please.
I didn’t come for a long time.
So please
stop it.
Everybody.
Mr. Shang didn’t come for long.
Just let him enjoy the meal.
He graces our restaurant
with his presence.
Here. Enjoy your noodles.
Mr. Shang, it’s not easy to meet you.
Please sing something.
Sing whatever you like.
We are not picky.
Right, we are not picky.
Please, Mr. Shang.
Please, sing something.
Just several lines.
Please, Mr. Shang.
I don’t!
I’m hungry. I’ll eat noodles.
If you like opera,
watch our performance
in the theater.
You’ll enjoy a complete show.
Then I can make more money.
Mr. Shang, we would like to go to the theater,
but your performances are too few.
Yes.
We all miss you.
Am I right?
Right.
Yes.
I’m busy with my new opera.
Hope you watch it in the theater.
Of course.
We will go.
We must support your new opera.
Yes. Yes.
We will go.
What will Mr. Chen play in this competition?
It’s...
It’s Yan Xijiao.
Yes.
You are well-informed.
They posted what they’ll perform
on December 9th.
Mr. Chen’s Yan Xijiao
is amazing.
Do you know why?
Tell us.
Why?
Because
he’ll show Sage’s Footwork.
Sage’s Footwork?
You didn’t see it,
but you must know it.
Jiang Rongshou performed that for the empress dowager.
She loved it
very much
and announced that
Sage’s Footwork could only be shown in the palace.
The public couldn’t watch it.
That’s the story.
Mr. Jiang is grateful to the empress dowager.
Now he taught his nephew, Chen Renxiang.
Chen Renxiang?
Mr. Chen.
Mr. Chen is skillful.
But he’s not a member of Jiang.
Can he learn it well?
It’s not important.
I tell you.
It’s enough only if he
learns a little. Got it?
Reasonable.
I don’t think so.
In most cases, the thing you never see
are just gimmicks.
Sir,
you can’t say so.
Do you agree with me?
Yes.
Yes. Yes.
It’s just a kind of footwork.
I also have that.
Just wait for my special skill.
Mr. Shang,
what’s your skill?
Can you show us?
Please show us.
To open our horizons.
No, I can’t!
If you are curious,
go to watch in the theater on December 9th.
What’s the name of it?
What’s the name?
It’s named Fairy’s Footwork.
An interesting name.
Fairy’s Footwork.
Please
advertise it for me.
Tell others that Fairy’s Footwork
is my special skill.
Our pioneer would like it if he could see.
See you on December 9th.
Don’t miss the only chance!
OK!
-No problem. -That’s great.
OK, everyone.
Mr. Shang didn’t come for long.
Let us leave him to enjoy the noodles.
OK.
Let’s go back.
Mr. Shang, we’ll stop bothering you.
Mr. Cheng, why don’t you eat?
They are all yours.
Mr. Ning.
Shang Xirui...
Don’t disturb his highness
in case he blames you if he loses.
That was melted from snow on Jade Spring Hill.
Have a taste.
OK.
Good tea.
You are absent-minded.
Mr. Ning, you know it.
I am a rough guy.
It’s a waste
that you give me something delicate.
Put on an act.
You are more and more like
the chairman of the Opera Association.
Jiang is too mean.
He incites the two kids
to fight by all means.
Performers push themselves
to make perfect shows,
which is audiences’ luck.
It’s not bad.
You are right.
I heard that
Shang Xirui thought of
Fairy’s Footwork from a painting.
This is his weapon
to fight against Jiang’s Sage’s Footwork.
This kid
is not Shang Juzhen’s biological son,
but he’s more talented
than Shang Juzhen.
When it comes to painting,
my scripture is missing.
Your highness,
that’s a reward from the palace.
You have to find it.
Nice tea.
When will they compete?
December 9th.
December 9th?
A good day.
It was also on December 9th
when we first entered the palace.
I made it.
I won’t lose.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
You also played well.
Every note is correct.
Thanks for your compliment.
Here. Leader.
Have some tea.
Mr. Cheng. Have some tea.
Thanks.
Take care.
Handle them gently.
Mr. Du.
Mr. Du. Mr. Du. Mr. Du.
Come in. Come in.
Give us a hand!
My ultimate weapon’s here.
Don’t break them.
Take care.
Watch the lights. Lower it.
Take care. Step aside.
Take care. Someone’s back.
-Take care. -Handle it gently.
Take care of the drum head.
Your hands. Your hands.
Thanks. Thanks.
Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.
Thanks. Thanks.
The drum is so big.
The work is elaborate.
The shoe has sponge and leather in it.
It’s so soft. Try on.
Go in to recite your lines.
I’ll test you later.
Remember it, or be hit.
OK.
Let’s go.
OK. OK.
Go. Go.
Mr. Cheng.
Go back as well.
I am your investor.
Can’t I watch?
I want to give you a surprise
on the stage.
Mr. Cheng.
You’ve been here for a day.
You’d better go back,
otherwise Mrs. Cheng may come to
find you.
Xiao Lai, mind your words.
He doesn’t understand after all.
Yes, he doesn’t understand.
OK. I know.
By the way,
I’ll send you the costumes
for Zhao Feiyan in several days.
Thanks, Mr. Cheng.
Hurry. Don’t waste time.
Come on. Xirui.
Come on.
After practicing Fairy Footwork,
let’s rehearse the other parts.