[English subtitles are available.]
The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty
Episode 23
Master,
Master.
There is a visitor asking to see you.
Who is coming in the middle of the night?
He just said he was from the capital.
Why are you here?
Why? I am not welcome?
Of course you're welcome.
I meant you should have given me a heads-up,
so I can prepare wine and a banquet to entertain you.
You don't have to do that.
Here.
So what can I do for you, Mr. Li?
I have something that needs your brilliant input.
I am not sure it's brilliant.
Sure. Just go ahead.
Is it appropriate to take Tang Fan to the secret mint?
You're so well informed.
Mr. Li, you don't have to worry about him.
Although
I haven't spent much time with Tang Fan,
I have observed him carefully.
He knows what is in his best interests.
I also heard about Tang Fan
when I was in the capital.
But what I heard of him
doesn't quite match with your impression.
Please enlighten me.
Since Tang Fan entered the royal court,
he has been be proud of his talent and aloof from material pursuits.
I never heard he was bought by anyone.
Do you know how many major cases
he solved in the capital?
Do you know how many dignitaries
lost their titles or even went to jail because of him?
You said such a person knows what's in his best interests
and he would work with us?
So what is the problem of him?
Mr. Tang
wasn't bought before
only because others didn't give him what he wanted.
Also you know
what I am capable of,
right?
I dare to say
I can buy everyone in the whole country,
except His Majesty.
Ma,
I have to remind you one thing.
OK.
Tang Fan has a close relationship with Wang Zhi.
I believe he was
sent here by Wang Zhi to investigate.
What difference does that make?
As long as he is a human being,
a human being always has his needs.
As long as we know what his needs are,
no one can escape my magic.
When are you going to do it?
Tomorrow night.
Good,
very good.
I'll go with you tomorrow night.
Yes.
Here, Commander Shang.
Lift your right leg.
Be careful.
Now your left leg.
OK.
Why would you go to the trouble to hurt me?
Now you harmed no one but yourself.
I didn't mean to blame you,
but you are too ruthless in doing things.
Even if you didn't succeed this time,
you just upset
Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.
She can't
blame you publicly or others would know what she was up to.
At most
she would just ask you to go down on your knees the whole night.
But if my conviction was confirmed,
that would be a felony of deceiving the crown.
I would lose my head because of it.
Bah!
I had nothing to do with it.
Don't deny it.
OK, Commander Shang.
Get up.
I already
pleaded with His Majesty for you.
I told him that you were just so foolish
that you couldn't tell the difference between a fake and an authentic cup,
so you were also cheated by others.
His Majesty
was willing to let it go.
Really?
Damn you.
You little punk!
You tricked me!
You just gave me a cushion pretending to be nice to me,
but actually you made me kneel for another hour while I didn't have to!
Help me up!
There, yes!
Slower, be gentle.
A little heavier over there.
Not that heavy!
Young lady.
Come on, massage over here.
Ow, my shoulders hurt.
Commander Shang.
You told me once that
Western Depot and Eastern Deport were like families.
Why do you always become a joke of our family to outsiders?
Hey!
That's why you asked me to come here? To mock me?
Say it.
What is it?
I just wanted to ask you,
that "thing",
who gave it to you?
What if I say
this thing
grew wings and flew to me by itself,
will you believe me?
I will.
I believe in
whatever you say.
Sui Zhou!
Sui Zhou, what are you doing?
I'm Tang Fan!
Why did you attack me so seriously?
Did you have a nightmare?
You came to me in such a late hour.
Is there anything urgent?
Oh, I almost forgot.
Let's get down to business first.
But we'll still discuss your nightmare later.
Although we have found out the secret here,
we still can't rush it.
It won't be finished until I find out
the person on top
of this Ma Lin's pyramid.
There's one thing I don't understand.
As far as I see it,
Ma Lin couldn't get much benefit
in this whole silver thing.
So why would he do it?
The central government has been raising quota of silver collection to local governments year by year.
It is simply impossible to achieve the target with Yunhe's current capacity.
In order to keep the right of private silver minting,
Ma Lin had to take this desperate move.
And Ma Lin also has to keep bribing
officials of a whole "string" like he said.
He must do it anyway.
Because if he doesn't do it,
someone else will.
Once someone else takes over the job,
he has to die.
And in very violent way.
In this case,
we should turn Ma Lin.
I also thought about it.
But this is a very subtle job.
So right now
I can only improvise according to the situations.
The longer you stay here, the more dangerous you will be.
Anyway
these people must be brought to justice.
So if anything happens to me,
at least there is still one person knowing the truth, you.
Nothing will happen to you.
We came to Yunhe together,
so we'll go home together.
I will give you a few more days.
If by then
there is still no breakthrough with Ma Lin,
for the sake of your safety,
I'll take actions.
This is for the bruise on your neck.
Sui Zhou!
You can't...
Don't decide for yourself!
The one on the right
went to the pawnshop with me that day.
He has been in Western Depot for several years.
The man in the middle
was the carter we used that day.
He came to the Western Depot more than a year ago.
The one on the left
was the newest to Western Depot among them.
Only six months.
Although he didn't go to the pawnshop with me that day,
he is in charge of cleaning your room every day.
He would surely notice
if the chicken cup was gone.
Forgive me, sir!
I really don't know anything!
No matter which of the three of you did it,
I just need to know
to whom he told them about the cup.
Then I can let you guys go.
I don't know anything, sir!
Please spare my life!
I didn't expect this person to be so tough.
He just killed himself so determinedly.
How did things go with Tang Fan?
Our people in Yunhe reported that
recently
he has been quite close to Ma Lin, the richest man in Yunhe.
Do you think Tang Fan has changed?
There's one thing very interesting about humans.
When some people say he doesn't like something,
it doesn't mean he really doesn't like it.
He just never saw this thing before
so he doesn't even know
whether he likes it or not.
What are you implying?
I didn't imply anything.
Go to Yunhe.
Cheers.
Let me do some introductions.
This is the newly appointed Yunhe prefecture governor,
Mr. Tang Fan.
Mr. Tang is...
The name of Mr. Tang
is known to
everyone in the country.
Back in that year's imperial exam,
Mr. Tang got the first place in the final round
presided over by His Majesty when he was only 20 years old.
He was really outstanding among the young generation of officials.
Yes, that's true.
You're flattering me.
I just got lucky.
If you ask me,
I think the really amazing one here is Mr. Ma
because he provides some many jobs
for people in Yunhe.
As the local governor,
I can't do my work without your help and support.
Mr. Tang.
I am not that good.
Really.
Actually, in my opinion,
among the three of us
the most amazing person
is this Mr. Li Zilong.
Mr. Li is open-minded and
always has the people and country in mind.
When I was in a desperate situation in the capital,
I got help from him.
Otherwise I wouldn't have been who I am today.
You are just being polite.
I am not.
This is something that happened many years ago.
At that time, I only did you a little favor.
Come on, cheers.
Cheers.
Mr. Ma,
you know what,
Mr. Tang
is a famous figure in the capital.
I'd appreciate further details.
Mr. Tang has solved
many major cases in the capital
and he was never afraid of powerful criminals.
Whether it was the Chief Eunuch,
son of Marquis Wu'an,
or Duke Zhu, Beacon of Hope of Nobility,
Mr. Tang
put all these dignitaries in the capital into prison.
Mr. Li and Mr. Ma,
I believe
when it comes to being an official,
rule by inaction is the right method.
Only when you go with the flow can you be promoted and get rich.
Speaking of these cases,
I didn't want to solve them and arrest powerful criminals.
But I was forced to do it.
And after I solved the cases,
I didn't get any reward at all.
Such a dangerous profession,
yet there is no reward for solving the cases!
If you put it that way,
it does sound a bit mean.
That's not it!
There's something you don't know.
This time I took office of Yunhe Prefecture Governor,
it looks like a promotion
but actually
as is known to all,
Yunhe is a land of troubles.
If I finish my work right, I'll be fine.
But if I don't do well, I'll be the one to blame for everything.
So I had the worst luck.
I accidentally offended someone powerful in the capital
and therefore was forced to come here.
I only hope that during my tenure
things can go smoothly
and nothing goes wrong.
Sorry I forgot to refill your glass.
Come on.
The more we talk, the closer we get.
Come on, have another drink.
What Mr. Tang said is very right.
Actually,
we are in this together from now on.
So we can share and socialize with our friends in higher places together.
Mr. Tang, when you have the money in your hands and
friends in the high-order positions,
no one would dare to bully you anymore.
Mr. Li, don't you think so?
I agree.
Thank you.
But
as for the friends you said in higher places,
do they have real powers?
Mr. Tang,
let me put it this way.
In the entire royal court...
These are nearly half of the royal court's officials!
Well, everything just happened naturally.
What about positions above the six ministries?
Above the six ministries...
Mr. Tang,
what are you still waiting for?
You think working with us is not safe?
We are businessmen.
Integrity is the most valued thing to us.
He has told you so much inside information,
what else are you worrying about?
Please forgive me.
To be honest with you,
the reason I took this office
was Wang Zhi, the Commander of Western Deport, recommended me to His Majesty.
You are both aware of
Wang Zhi's ability.
He has been keeping a watch on me all the time.
So I can't act rashly,
unless...
Unless
our "friends" can take care of Wang Zhi.
If that's your reason,
then you should feel assured when I tell you
Wang Zhi
won't be a problem to us,
if you know what I mean.
Exactly.
You won't meet any problem with Mr. Wang at all.
What about people higher than Wang Zhi?
Higher?
Then there will be only His Majesty left.
Actually in essence,
what we're doing
should be regarded as
solving His Majesty's problems for him.
Really.
We didn't put all the money we get in our own pocket.
The silvers that we took away
have been supporting and feeding a lot of people.
Without us,
the country would have been in chaos a long time ago.
I can't agree more.
Mr. Li really is a man with a big heart for the country.
For His Majesty, and for the country,
cheers!
Tang Fan
is kind of interesting.
Mr. Li, you almost scared me to death.
I thought...
When I said he was interesting,
I meant he is very cunning.
He has been acting to show us the whole time.
He can't be.
No. I don't believe it.
Better safe than sorry.
Don't let him live to tell our secrets.
Killing people to silence them is not a long-term solution.
We are businessmen.
Peace brings money to us.
Besides, the last governor...
Do you know if the last prefect governor had made it to the capital,
what would have happened to you?
Ma,
how's your son?
You...
What are you implying?
I didn't imply anything.
So
I hope you think about your son
to make your choice.
Think about it carefully.
Are you guys leaving?
Thank you for your hospitality.
Tang Fan said
he would pay for this meal.
This money is not for the meal.
It's my little present for you.
Goodbye.
Keep the money to buy a good coffin.
Why do you cross some of the names?
Ma Lin shrugged when he mentioned these names.
Based on my understanding of him,
this is his unconscious movement when he lies.
These people are innocent.
The reason he mentioned their names
was to make things complicated for me.
Half the court officials are on the wall.
What's wrong?
Wang Zhi was mentioned by Li Zilong.
Ma Lin didn't respond.
So I can't judge if it's real.
Since you can't judge, go to sleep first.
You couldn't sleep well recently
which caused the dark circles under your eyes.
How did you educate your son?
Is this your way to teach your kid?
I'm really sorry, sorry.
He is so mean at such a young age!
You think you can bully other kids because you have an official in the family?
Look how he beat my child!
You have to give me an explanation of it?
Sorry.
What's going on?
If I am bullied,
I will fight back.
If I don't want to be bullied,
I have to learn to protect myself first.
Who taught you this?
Actually
the whole story
was very simple.
Uncle Pei said
a man, should be brave and dependable.
If you are unhappy about it,
I won't do it again!
If you are not happy,
then I won't be happy.
Don't...
Tang Yu!
I didn't take the umbrella.
What do you guys want to eat?
Wonton.
Get two bowls.
Okay.
You guessed it was me?
It was also you last night?
Wang Zhi wants to kill Tang Fan?
Commander Wang has no such intention.
Why did he send you over then?
Enjoy.
You're my guest.
Let me foot the bill.
Let me do it.
What does these words mean?
Prosperous Store for Rent.
He wants to rent out our restaurant.
As long as anyone is interested in it,
no matter how much money they offer,
just rent the restaurant.
Why?
Don't ask why.
Just do it.
[Prosperous Store for Rent]
Come here.
Put it in this box.
Keep it neat and tidy.
Good.
You, come here.
Come on.
Put this in this box.
Good.
Come here
Coming!
Put it in this box.
OK.
Come here.
Put this
on the table.
Keep it neat.
Put it here.
Here.
Put this in this box.
Good.
Mr. Tang.
What are you doing this time?
You can go now.
Mr. Ma,
I was planning to tell you in a couple of days.
But now since you are here,
I won't hide you anymore.
I thought about it really hard.
But I can't do this.
So I plan to resign and go home.
But Mr. Ma,
do not worry.
I won't leak a word
about your secret.
So I beg you
to let me go.
Mr. Tang,
wasn't everything still fine last night?
What's going on?
Wang Zhi's people have arrived in Yunhe.
It's very obvious he sent them to monitor me.
Mr. Ma,
I can't afford to go against Wang Zhi.
I can only escape.
I have already written the resignation memorial to His Majesty.
Mr. Tang,
I won't say anything more.
How about this?
Please come with me.
I will show you something.
After reading it, you can decide whether you still want to leave.
Mr. Tang, please.
Mr. Tang.
Just do me a favor.
Mr. Tang, please.
Mr. Tang.
There is something in this box
that I keep recording in case I might need it to save my life one day.
To reassure you,
I'll let you see what's in it.
Now you have seen everything.
Mr. Tang,
to be honest with you,
although the time we spent together is not long,
these days
I have respected
your character very much.
I already see you as a close friend of mine.
Plus you helped me solve Li Mao's problem
and saved the life of my son Yuancong.
I owe you so much and
I am forever in your debt.
From now on
let us make money in Yunhe together
and share weal and woe.
Of course, mainly sharing weal together.
Mr. Ma has completely been honest with me.
I am grateful to that.
But you and I are on opposite sides.
Thank you for your friendship,
but I have to fail you.
Let's head back to the capital.
Letter from Yunhe.
[Wan An]
What do you think?
We need to slice through a knot with a sharp knife in Yunhe quickly.
But we must take time to figure out how to deal with them.
Too many people are involved in this
and this can shake the foundation of the country.
And Wan An
is a veteran courtier during three reigns,
one of the prime ministers in the cabinet.
We need to be extra cautious
when dealing with him.
I'll let you do it.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What else do you want to tell me?
Your Majesty, look at this piece of note.
Does it look familiar?
This is a wrapper of Scholar's Candy.
Exactly.
Tang Fan just solved the case
and he wasted no time to ask for a reward?
He's too eager for reward.
Your Majesty, don't get him wrong.
Tang Fan just wanted to ask you to spare a person's life.
Who?
Ma Lin.
My brother.
Why didn't you tell me you are here?
It's no wonder that Mr. Wan loves this pond so much.
I appreciated it carefully today
and it's really extraordinary.
Don't tell me you came today
just for the views in my garden?
Mr. Wan, you really don't know
why I came today?
My good brother.
I can't read your mind.
How do I know what you are thinking?
What is this?
It's like a ledger.
Mr. Wan, you don't need to look so carefully.
Just keep leafing and you'll know.
Mr. Wang,
I can make
more than a dozen of this ledger in my sleep.
Besides,
if your name is written on the ledger,
do I have to accuse you, too?
You don't admit it?
There is no evidence.
What do you mean I "don't admit it"?
Besides,
as for these people listed on your ledger, even if it was true,
I don't think they are criminals.
I think they're doing a good thing to our country.
Why do you say this?
Mr. Wang.
If it weren't for the so-called criminals
who covered deficits in the national treasury by mixing lead into official silver ingots,
our Ming Dynasty wouldn't have been able to function normally for a year!
Yes,
they did embezzle a little bit money,
but they solved the greatest problem for the country!
So
in my opinion,
these people are not sinners,
instead they're heroes of our Ming Dynasty.
I am impressed.
Mr. Wan is really good at
confusing right and wrong with sophistry.
Mr. Wang,
you can say that I'm using sophistry,
but let me tell you,
if you arrest all these officials,
I mean, you can try,
then who will govern the country for His Majesty by the time?
You can make the news of fake official silver go public
and see how things will end.
My good brother,
once this is exposed,
there will be serious turmoil in the royal court
and even worse, the whole country.
I understand that the treasury is empty.
You are right saying what these people did actually helped maintain the operation of this country.
But
you are not idle at the same time. You kept storing water in your pond.
You can continue to be the Prime Minister and
live a peaceful life for the rest of your life.
The punishment to you
is not too serious.
You just need to move.
No, no!
My good brother!
You're killing me!
My gold!
You're trying to force me to kill myself!
I'm really gonna...
You're forcing me to jump into the lake!
Here.
Come here.
There is more over here.
Go fishing over there.
I found another one.
I also found one.
Come on.
What should we do about Ma Lin?
We can't let a person
who secretly kept accounts live.
You don't have a habit of keeping accounts, right?
Mr. Wan.
I only have one
wish.
I hope you can take good care of your body.
You have been a courtier during three reigns.
Several emperors had died and yet you're still here.
Wang Zhi is still a baby compared to you.
I don't really care he took my gold.
He thought he got me
just because he saw me cry.
He's still too naive.
He wants to fight me?
I am very patient.
Someday,
I'll take back what he took away from me,
plus interest.
There is another person we have to get rid of.