Original subtitles

[Legend of the Magnate]

[Episode 10]

Enough with your honeyed words.

I'm leading troops to battle imminently

and have no patience for long-winded speeches.

Speak plainly!

Your Highness,

do you realize

how many carts are needed

to transport 24 million taels of silver?

It would require over a hundred large carts

and over a hundred strong men to manage them.

The route would also pass

through numerous prefectures and counties.

May Your Highness please clarify

what should be written on the banners.

What banners?

When transporting

such a vast sum of silver by cart,

the banners

must clearly state their purpose.

Is it for Your Highness's military provisions

or for the sustenance of your royal household?

We Eight Families of Hedong

have deliberated.

Even if we must melt our cauldrons for scrap

and risk our lives,

we will raise this sum.

Your Highness licks blood from the blade's edge,

risking your life for the nation.

Should we

quibble over silver,

we'd be ungrateful wretches.

You should have said so earlier

and spared yourselves this ordeal.

Write out an IOU for Li Baiwan

and summon him.

That old fellow really knows how to get things done.

No, Your Highness,

that won't do!

We were just discussing—

we can provide the funds,

but we cannot

let Li Baiwan

reap the credit.

Silver looks the same

everywhere.

Is

Li Baiwan's silver

any shinier than ours?

Your Highness, imagine

if you campaigned through great hardship

only to see another take the glory—

could you stomach that?

Moreover,

the Eight Families of Hedong

are influential clans with centuries of history.

From the provincial capital to the imperial court,

each of them

has allies among the imperial censors and ministers.

If Your Highness oppresses us too harshly,

this goodwill may turn to grievance.

Truth be told, we intend

to give more than 24 million taels—

considerably more.

Whatever Li Wantang paid

to enlist your pressure,

we will match.

Such a sharp tongue!

I am

a prince leading armies—

do you take me for a merchant?

We beg Your Highness to leave us a path to survival.

Then state your proposal.

As you command.

Since Your Highness

campaigns along the Yellow River,

let this sum be designated

as military provisions

from the Eight Families of Hedong.

But the amount

is staggering—

once the silver carts roll out,

it will cause an uproar.

We need not fear memorials

from censors,

for Your Highness' merits overshadow all.

What we dread is

others reaching out

to claim a share,

spoiling the endeavor.

Thus, I propose

transporting the silver to the capital

to exchange for banknotes from the Four Major Banks—

portable and convenient.

Your Highness could then

simply tuck them into your robe.

Wouldn't that be better?

Good.

Then produce the banknotes.

How long?

Two months to load the silver,

reach the capital,

convert to banknotes,

and deliver to you—

this already requires traveling day and night.

Your Highness,

behold:

the signed pledge of the Eight Families of Hedong

with personal seals.

[Donation of 24 million taels by the Eight Families of Hedong]

"Donation of 24 million taels

[To Prince Shen, redeemable against this document.]

to Prince Shen,

redeemable against this document."

Once you receive the banknotes,

simply return this slip.

How can I trust

this flimsy paper

to be worth 24 million?

You expect me

to release you based on this?

Do you take me for a child?

Your Highness,

do not underestimate

this thin slip.

Could Li Baiwan produce such a pledge?

The Eight Families of Hedong

have thrived over 300 years—

in both capital and credibility,

we are, perhaps,

a slight step above Li Baiwan.

Unless Your Highness intends

to destroy us,

in which case I shall say no more

and await execution.

You wouldn't dare flee.

If I don't see those banknotes in two months,

my troops

will raze your ratholes. Now go!

Get out now!

As you command.

Pack up the supplies.

We break camp for Shandong.

A new imperial decree every single day!

This is trying the patience of even someone like me.

At once.

Young Master,

the manager of Taiyufeng, Mr. Gu, is here to see you.

Tell him I'm not in.

Wait—

why refuse him?

He'll think I'm scheming against him.

Scheming?

He's with Taiyufeng,

and you're with Wanyuandang.

If you're not scheming against him, then who?

Go ahead.

Ask him

when he plans to hand over

those 3 million taels of silver.

And how did he even get released?

How could the boy

be so soft-hearted?

The Young Master is still young.

He finally made a friend

here in Shanxi.

A friend?

Do we need to come all the way to Shanxi to make friends?

We're here to take

over these draft banks—

this is a battlefield!

There's no room for sentimentality.

You're right, you're right.

I'll talk to him again.

How was that man released?

Why wasn't I informed?

I was concerned, Master, that you would be angered

and planned to tell you later.

That lad convinced the eight families

to sign a pledge to His Highness,

guaranteeing they'd deliver

24 million taels in Four Major Banks

within 2 months.

His Highness was in a hurry to march to Shandong,

so he agreed.

Unacceptable!

I'll speak to His Highness.

His Highness has already departed.

Fool!

With silver shining right before their eyes,

he smugly walked away with a mere IOU

instead of crushing the Eight Families

while he had the chance.

If he ever collects that debt,

I'll take his surname!

Whose idea was this?

I heard it was that fellow surnamed Gu

who negotiated the deal.

[Pawnshop]

Mr. Gu,

-you know how I am... -Say no more.

I came to see you off.

S-See me off? Why?

[Yixiu Studio]

After what your father has done—

offending every draft bank in Shanxi

from top to bottom—

how could he possibly stay?

Such a promising situation,

utterly ruined.

What a perfectly staged scene—

and in the end, it's that kid who walks away with all the credit.

My father came to Shanxi

with a meticulous plan.

I suggest you simply join our side.

Though his methods

may seem underhanded,

I see no flaws

in his plan.

You can't withstand it.

I'll never respect business

conducted through such tricks.

I don't care how powerful he is.

Within three months,

I will make Taiping Bank

close its doors in Shanxi.

Otherwise, I'll write my name backwards.

Mr. Gu,

those are bold words.

Your father relies solely on brute force.

But in business,

integrity is the foundation, righteousness the root,

circulation the means,

and convenience the path.

He has violated

every one of these principles—

he won't last long.

It's that Gu lad again.

Master,

shall I once more...

I have pressing matters

to attend to in the capital.

You stay.

Your task is simple:

spread the word

that each of these eight families

owes the court 3 million taels in silver—

clearly documented in writing.

Once an imperial decree is issued,

no matter whose money it is,

once sealed, it becomes state property.

Trigger a bank run among their depositors,

and crush them one by one.

I estimate within a few months,

these eight families

will have to trade

all they have with me.

We need to get

the exclusive franchise for the Shanxi draft bank industry.

We also need to extract all their core resources.

I want Shanxi,

and I also want King Li's treasure.

What about His Highness?

A dead man walking.

I have nothing more to say about him.

How did it go?

He said you'd be kicked the hell out

of Shanxi within 3 months.

And what did you say?

What could I say?

How could you do such ruthless plundering?

I told him the Eight Families

would be swallowed

by Taiping Bank within 3 months.

If you want to establish yourself here,

bowing and scraping

with a polite smile

won't even

leave you the scraps.

Do you know what place this is?

The origin of all draft banks.

A gathering place of immense wealth.

Rely on diligence alone,

and you might never gain a foothold here.

To kill a snake, you must strike its vital spot.

Crush their hopes,

and seize their essence.

Young Master,

now that's true insight.

If I were you,

I wouldn't bother with business.

Return home now,

stay by the Master's side for a couple of years—

and who in this world could ever rival you?

Mr. Gu.

Why are you here again?

What is it?

The Eight Families have a message

for Li Wantang.

A businessman

must abide by the business code.

Do not continue to rely

on power to bully others.

Message received.

What's wrong with him?

What do you think of that young man?

He was never meant to remain in common waters.

Master,

with your discerning eye honed by experience,

what is your view?

Was this idea

suggested to you,

or did you conceive it yourself?

Back in the penal colony,

when no one

had much silver on hand,

we often traded

this way.

Say I needed to hunt a tiger—

I'd require spears, blades,

tools, and provisions.

I could only pledge repayment

on the condition that I successfully brought

the tiger back.

The shopkeeper would then make

the same

conditional pledge

to the blacksmith.

Over time,

this method of transaction

gained acceptance.

That tiger might

still be roaming the mountains,

but among us,

it had already been bought and sold many times over.

Great.

Master,

I committed 3 million taels of debt

on their behalf

without your prior consent.

I ask your forgiveness.

Explain your reasoning.

There's no specific reason.

I am simply betting—

betting that the Eight Families will prevail.

Do you know

which part of this entire affair

I like the most?

Those Eight Families

possess wealth rivaling nations,

immense financial power—

their hidden assets

are soon to be laid bare.

Master—

If this is about Chang Si,

save your breath.

You failed to complete the final task.

Once it's accomplished,

I'll release him—

and you as well.

What good

would freeing Chang Si do for you?

Let me show you a brighter path:

you,

as chief manager of the Eight Families—

what prestige that would bring!

Are you

not tempted?

Without Mr. Chang's release,

no further dealings can proceed.

I will discuss nothing else.

[Taiping Bank]

Excellent!

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Excellent!

[We offer a 30% annual return for the esteemed customers of Shanxi.]

It's 30%! 30%!

Open up!

Taiyufeng, open your doors!

Open up! Quickly, open up!

Hurry!

Taiyufeng, open your doors!

[Taiping Bank]

How's everything?

Since midnight,

Taiyufeng's entrance

has been swarmed with people demanding their money.

It's completely packed now.

They're refusing to open their shutters,

and some have started smashing the doors—

though they're still hesitant to break in,

given the firm's close ties

with the county magistrate.

I'd say it's only a matter of time

before full-blown chaos erupts.

Alright, here's what you do:

spend more

money,

hire more people to blend into the crowd

and listen to what they're saying.

Go, go now.

Wait—come back.

[Taiping Bank]

Do we have our own men

at Taiyufeng's entrance right now?

Yes,

I just came from there.

When I left, 5 or 6

of our guys were still

keeping watch,

taking turns reporting updates.

Good.

Now hurry back

and instruct our men clearly:

if the crowd eventually

breaks in and starts

beating people or looting,

they must protect

Mr. Gu at all costs.

He is not to be harmed.

That man is my brother.

Make sure they remember this.

Understood.

Don't forget!

Young Master,

you certainly value old friendships.

What,

am I not allowed to protect him?

I'm just afraid that even if you protect him,

he may not appreciate it.

I owe my foothold here

to his help.

Open up! Open up! Open up!

Step aside!

Move! Move! Move!

Out of the way! Out of the way!

[Taiyufeng]

Step aside now!

[Taiyufeng]

We beseech Mr. Gu to appear!

We beseech Mr. Gu to appear!

Gentlemen.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

[Taiyufeng]

Now that Taiyufeng

has joined the Eight Families,

there is absolutely no question about our credit.

We stand together,

supporting and aiding one another.

Today, everyone who has come to withdraw silver

will be paid in full—

you will not be shorted a single cent.

[Taiyufeng]

Open the chests!

♪ The world is full of reasons ♪

♪ And tales of loyalty ♪

♪ We should be just and compassionate ♪

♪ Among the smoke there is just one path ♪

♪ I'll measure this life step by step ♪

♪ All walks of life ♪

♪ Each plays a part ♪

♪ When curtains fall ♪

♪ A legend starts ♪

♪ Trade has its code ♪

♪ I bear the code ♪

[Taiyufeng]

♪ The sun will always rise ♪

You may take them down.

[Taiyufeng]

♪ I've read the Four Books and Five Classics ♪

May I ask your name, butler?

♪ I've learned to be magnanimous ♪

My humble surname is Zhai.

♪ And forget the past grudges ♪

I serve as the butler for Fencang Bank.

♪ I've traveled through the years ♪

[Taiyufeng]

Madam has instructed

♪ As life roughens my face ♪

that once this silver is delivered,

♪ I've felt the coldness between people ♪

we are to ask no questions

and follow Mr. Gu's arrangements in all matters.

♪ I've seen the vast snow ♪

Thank you for your hard work, Butler Zhai.

♪ I was once held tightly by someone ♪

Please accept these tokens of appreciation.

Mr. Gu,

♪ The meaning of survival ♪

that's really not necessary.

♪ Is all about staying fed ♪

Your men have also labored hard—

♪ Turn around ♪

let this buy them a round of drinks.

♪ And try to be brave ♪

I insist.

♪ The show is about to start ♪

Mr. Gu has granted a reward—

this is for everyone's drinks!

♪ The world is full of reasons ♪

Thank you, Mr. Gu!

♪ And tales of loyalty ♪

♪ We should be just and compassionate ♪

Butler Zhai,

have the cargo unloaded

♪ Among the smoke there is just one path ♪

and the carts moved to the rear courtyard.

♪ I'll measure this life step by step ♪

Right away!

Let's begin business—

unload the silver!

♪ All walks of life ♪

[Taiyufeng]

♪ Each plays a part ♪

♪ When curtains fall ♪

[Taiping Bank]

Carts.

The carts are here!

♪ A legend starts ♪

Carts?

W-What carts?

♪ Trade has its code ♪

S-

♪ I bear the code ♪

Silver carts!

The carts are fully loaded with silver.

We followed the carts and saw it—

♪ The sun will always rise ♪

ingot after ingot of silver.

We counted

and there were 6 carts up front,

with more on the way.

The Eight Families have emptied their coffers.

The crowd outside waiting to withdraw silver

is thinning by the minute.

Are you mute?

Speak up, damn it!

Go tell them—

if they don't withdraw today,

an imperial decree

seal that bank shut

for good one day!

We tried!

It's no use!

[Taiyufeng]

Judging by this situation,

does Taiyufeng actually

have the funds or not?

We'd better withdraw the money.

Who knows if there'll be anything left if we wait any longer.

[Taiyufeng]

Look, look over there!

More carts seem to be coming.

Did Taiyufeng

really owe the regime 3 million taels,

or did they actually

earn 3 million taels from it?

Those people

see the silver

and feel reassured.

They're afraid withdrawing their money

will cost them interest.

That's bullshit!

Go and tell them

[We offer a 30% annual return for the esteemed customers of Shanxi.]

that Taiping Bank offers 30% interest,

which is higher than Taiyufeng's!

But...

then our men will be exposed!

♪ The world is full of reasons ♪

Just go!

♪ And tales of loyalty ♪

♪ We should be just and compassionate ♪

Taiyufeng has secured

♪ Among the smoke there is just one path ♪

an alliance with both the Jin and Sun families.

[Taiyufeng]

It really doesn't look like

♪ I'll measure this life step by step ♪

they're in trouble.

Since early this morning,

♪ All walks of life ♪

three shipments of silver have arrived by cart.

♪ Each plays a part ♪

♪ When curtains fall ♪

We might've panicked

for nothing.

♪ A legend starts ♪

♪ This land so vast ♪

We should still

♪ I bear its weight ♪

withdraw our money.

Yes,

better safe than sorry.

[Taiyufeng]

Line up properly for withdrawals!

♪ The sun will always rise ♪

Form a line right here!

[Taiyufeng Draft Bank]

Deliver this draft to the Li family,

and the thirty thousand taels

will be credited to their account.

This saves you

from the fear of carrying silver on the road

and from the hassle

of being detained and searched

by those guards at the city gate.

[Thirty thousand taels, payable upon delivery. Undersigned: Gu. ]

If it isn't honored,

I'll be right here.

You can come and trash my establishment anytime you want.

This is certainly more convenient.

Very well,

I trust you.

Take care.

Mr. Gu, may I have a draft issued?

Mr. Gu, Mr. Gu.

I need to get a draft!

So all of you want drafts now?

Yes, yes, exactly.

Alright.

Those who need drafts, line up over here.

Okay. Okay.

Don't just stand there.

Bring out some fresh pastries

for everyone.

Right away!

I'm just puzzled.

Since you dislike how the Master

brought down the Eight Families with underhanded tactics,

why are you so determined

to see your own brother fall?

I just don't want to see him win.

Finally, our money

has been secured.

What a relief.

Thank you, Mr. Gu. We're in your debt.

You're most welcome.

Take care.

Excellent, excellent.

Let's go.

Mr. Gu, the silver carts have been unloaded.

[Taiyufeng Draft Bank]

How much did we honor in drafts?

Take a look at the ledger.

[Total: 4,700 taels]

Mr. Gu,

it seems you were only focused on the withdrawals, not the deposits.

Today,

several major restaurant owners

and dye-works proprietors

heard that

a single draft from us could be credited to an account;

they immediately deposited

several hundred thousand taels more.

Despite a full day of a bank run,

our ledger shows an increase

of over six hundred thousand taels.

How about that!

[Taiyufeng Draft Bank]

In that case, load up exactly the same amount of silver

that First Madam Jin brought in

and have it

returned

to her overnight.

Take some pastries

for the crew to eat on the road.

We've won today's battle,

and won it decisively.

Right away!

Young Master,

it doesn't look like we're getting any more business.

Shall we close up?

You're telling me

there's no business on our very first day open?

Watch your mouth!

I spoke out of turn. I'm a fool.

Don't be angry, Young Master.

May our fortunes flourish!

Get out!

Just put up the shutters already.

The sooner this place goes under,

the sooner we can return to the capital.

Where is my father now?

He's probably

just left Shanxi.

Then you should write a letter immediately

and send a rider to catch up with him,

so he can also share in the good news and enjoy the moment.

This is what they call "operating on credit as the foundation."

They said it,

and they did it—

and that's how they succeeded.

If you ask me,

my father misjudged

this situation.

Young Master,

we need to come up with a plan.

What kind of plan?

If even a bank run

couldn't finish him off,

what else is there?

If we don't kill the tiger,

it will turn and bite us all

when it recovers.

Just sit tight.

I want to see

how many more days that "Taiping Bank" plaque

can possibly hang there.

These days,

it's truly been remarkable

how a young lady has been holding together

such a large household all on her own.

Speak of the devil, and she shall appear.

What were you two

gossiping about behind my back?

Mr. Gu was just praising you,

saying you have a resilient spirit

and are capable of great things.

Resilient spirit?

I wish I could just kill Wang Tiangui

and drag both of you out of here!

And now?

The estate is saved,

but I'm the one left all alone

in that empty place,

while you two are just thrilled about it.

And now, rumors are spreading everywhere

that he's practically

becoming Wang Tiangui's godson.

Whoever started that "godson" talk

is spouting pure nonsense.

Wang Tiangui is only detaining me

because he wants me to lead him to the King Li's Treasure—

that's why he still won't

release Mr. Chang.

So the legends

about the King Li's Treasure are real?

How should I know?

But I recall my teacher

once saying:

everything in this world

has its rightful owner.

Some things simply aren't yours—

even if you seize them, they'll be of no use.

Only the virtuous are meant to possess them.

Oh, here we go

with the classical proverbs again.

There it is— the pedantic airs of a scholar are back.

Sorry.

Mr. Gu,

I'm afraid Wang Tiangui

is still not done with you.

You must find a way

to escape his grasp.

He's a man with no lineage to preserve—

vicious at heart and ruthless in his actions.

You can't trust

a single word he says.

I'm well aware.

This battle hasn't even started yet.

Let me advise you:

you've already pushed him

into the position of chief manager for the Eight Families;

that's achievement enough.

Everyone has seen

your skill and capability;

even a man like Wang Tiangui

has to treat you with respect.

This is the perfect time for you to make your exit.

Don't throw that away out of stubbornness.

Mr. Chang,

if I don't personally

bring down Wang Tiangui

and secure your freedom this time,

I will never forgive myself.

A true man, in navigating life and society,

must be clear about friendship and enmity.

I will always remember

your kindness to me.

I may not speak of it often,

but that doesn't mean I'm unaware.

Now,

I should return to the bank—

Wang Tiangui is likely looking for me.

In the next couple of days,

I'll make a trip to Jinyang Villa.

Those elders have just regained their footing,

and now

that I've stepped down as chief manager,

I can finally catch my breath.

It's time to visit them.

Okay.

Leave me be.

Cry if you want to.

How can I leave you be?

Are you a ghost?

I'm worse off than a ghost.

At least a ghost may be reborn—

there's hope.

What hope do I have?

It's late.

Enough tears.

Come,

let me walk you back.

You weren't eavesdropping on my talk with Father, were you?

No.

What did you discuss?

Nothing much.

He did praise you, though.

If Mr. Chang doesn't blame me for dragging him into this,

that's blessing enough.

I dare not expect his praise.

Stop saying

you're neither human nor ghost,

as though life isn't worth living.

If you truly felt that way,

why did you escape

from Ningguta at all?

You will live on, and live well.

You

and my father,

both of you are good people.

I often wonder,

if you hadn't gone to Ningguta,

if I hadn't stirred up so much trouble,

maybe your life

would've been easier.

Gu,

I've come to a realization.

Will you hear it?

I will.

I sincerely

do not regret going to Ningguta.

I do not regret meeting you.

And I sincerely hope

that you and my father will soon be free—

that all who've harmed you

will be gone,

that you'll

return home, see your family,

honor your betrothal,

and live out your days in peace.

As for myself,

I too will live a good life.

Even if I wander the world

with my father,

having known you in this life—

that is enough.

To aid the desperate and rescue the imperiled

in their hour of greatest need—

that is the code of the Jianghu.

Let us both be at peace with that.

I'm home.

See?

Even you can be left speechless sometimes.

Gu,

is your heart at ease now?

Where the heart rests, there lies my home.

So sentimental.

[Fenglingdu Inn]

Is Mr. Li from the capital

staying here tonight?

What is it?

I've been riding for two days—

I've come all the way from Pingyao with a message.

It seems that lad surnamed Gu

is resorting to such a petty trick.

I fear your Taiping Bank may not

hold its ground in Shanxi anymore.

So close, yet so far.

Back when His Highness caught them

at Jinyang Villa, I said,

"Don't let them go."

But he thought holding their IOU

meant no one

would dare renege.

I know

you deposited funds in all eight families

precisely for a run like this.

At the time, I didn't fully grasp it.

Now I see:

"To take, you must first give."

Truly shrewd.

Just withdraw the money

and see if they can withstand it.

"Dead silver stays,

and living silver returns home."

Do you understand what that means?

It means the silver

that's just sitting there stays,

and the rest comes back, right?

Half a year before you arrived,

we deposited over 6 million taels of silver

with the Eight Families

through other firms.

The plan was

to suddenly strike during a run,

demanding the full withdrawal

all at once

to force them to shut down.

That move

was set long ago.

But judging by the letter,

it seems we're not making that move—

we're just leaving the money there.

How can that be?

That's handing them

a huge advantage for nothing.

Then go ahead

with the plan!

Since we're leaving anyway,

there's no reason to suffer such a crushing defeat.

I'll write to the Master at once.

What for?

We've already followed your advice this far,

and look where it got us.

Stop it!

I have an idea—

we could still fight back.

Want to give it a try?

Young Master,

please don't act recklessly.

Oh, so only you're allowed to be reckless?

Today,

the kitchen is fully stocked,

and they'll be serving around the clock.

Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves!

Mr. Sun,

I suppose our dishes

still can't compare

to those few bowls of spoiled rice

you enjoyed the other day, can they?

Don't mention that spoiled rice!

Madam,

could we please not

bring that up again?

Just hearing about it

makes my throat itch

as if a little hand were scratching it.

Madam.

Come on.

Mr. Gu,

take a look at this.

What is it?

[A withdrawal of six million taels is scheduled for prior to noon tomorrow.]

That Li Baiwan

deposited 6 million taels of silver

in our draft banks half a year ago.

Now he wants to withdraw it all at once.

If we eight families

have to scrape together

6 million taels right now,

our liquidity will be completely drained.

This isn't silver—

it's a blade aimed at our throats.

Even with Mr. Gu's plan

to unite the eight families,

which of us could

withstand a run like this?

The depth of Li Baiwan's scheming

is truly chilling.

Do you

intend to pay him?

What do you suggest?

We'll follow your lead.

In my opinion,

this is Li Baiwan's

final hidden card.

But simply handing it over like this

would be

most unwise.

Since he wants it,

then we shall give it to him.

I'm familiar with Wang Tiangui's accounts

and I can

produce 2 million taels of silver

at once.

What about the rest of you?

I'll contribute

four million.

The full amount?

Excellent.

I'll sweep

our vaults clean

and contribute everything as well.

Is that acceptable?

What kind of deal is this?

M-Me too! Count me in!

What a vicious idea.

I'll go get paper and brush.

Let's settle the score.

Just what is this deal?

Tell me, what's going on?

Don't keep me in suspense!

Mr. Gu has a proposal:

Taiping Bank is offering an interest rate of 30% on deposits—

a full ten percentage points higher than ours.

If Li Baiwan

wants to move his funds,

fine.

Let's give him

every tael we have.

We'll turn his own money against him and live off the interest!

What a splendid plan!

In the back and forth,

this is such a big deal.

Indeed.

[Taiping Bank]

My dear Young Master,

how can you still sleep at a time like this?

They are already

on our doorstep!

Who is on our doorstep?

[Taiping Bank]

This...

Open the doors.

Can't you see? They're all here

to deposit silver.

They're returning

the 6 million taels of silver?

More than that!

Look—the silver carts

are lined up stretching

over 10 miles beyond Pingyao!

Our interest is 10% higher—

they've brought silver

to earn the interest from us.

The Eight Families

are nearly drained.

I told you to listen to the Master,

but you just had to be stubborn about it.

Well?

Now, do you even dare open the door?

Young Master,

you're actually opening it?

What's the point of fighting me on this?

We must have a clear plan!

Can't you even cover this amount?

I thought you said we were prepared!

Young Master,

even if we had mountains of gold and silver,

we can't be taken for such fools!

We're about to shutter this place and return to the capital.

Why offend the Eight Families

and pay them interest on top of it?

What's the point?

We'll be the laughingstock.

Stop knocking!

Everyone inside is dead and gone!

Dead and gone?

Alright then, dead and gone. Let's go.

If we don't open the doors now,

we'll truly have

no place left here.

Have you decided what to do?

I'll follow your lead.

Now you decide to follow my lead?

Fine. Open them.

Mr. Li Qin.

Mr. Gu.

Where are those silver carts?

Come on out!

Just a joke.

In the world of business,

goodwill is everything.

Who would

truly drive someone to ruin? Right?