Original subtitles

[Legend of the Magnate]

[Episode 16]

Pingyuan, what kind of business

is this shop going to be?

You're the head manager now.

You tell me.

I'll decide?

Well then...

[Ping]

I think we can sell boating supplies.

Pingyuan,

the entrance to Huizhou Prefecture

is right by a dock.

Most of the people

coming and going are boatmen.

If we sell boating supplies,

we could make a fortune.

Actually, that's not ideal.

There are already too many boating suppliers.

Let's sell general merchandise instead.

Like premium items,

such as Jinhua Ham,

Salted Duck,

wind-dried chicken, wind-dried fish,

and jerky.

But these items are a bit difficult to store.

If you ask me,

you should put everything on the line

and open a grocery store.

Don't count on making money from the shop.

The main purpose is for you to learn

how to deal with people.

You need to learn to use your eyes

and your ears to make money.

Pingyuan, you're teasing me again.

How can ears make money?

Let me ask you,

what do you think

is the most important thing in business?

I've heard a saying before.

Have what others lack; excel at what others have.

That's an old saying.

But how do you know

what others don't have?

How do you know

what others need the most?

Just now

on our way here,

there was a business opportunity.

You could earn

thousands of taels of silver.

Thousands of taels?

Are you interested?

[Ping]

Pingyuan.

Even the Governor

can't earn that much.

Forget thousands of taels.

Even for 1,000 taels,

I'd kneel down and kowtow to you.

Manager, Boss.

I didn't dare to buy you alcohol.

This fruit wine is very light.

Perfect for quenching your thirst.

Thank you.

Oh, right.

I need to trouble you two.

Please help me buy

1,000 chi (about 333 meters) of hemp rope.

About as thick as a finger will do.

[Ping]

Also, 100 meters of fishing line,

100 meters of silk ribbons for tying hair,

and 5 water vats.

Then go to the stationery store

and buy some adhesive clay for making ink.

Soak it

in the water vats.

Hurry and do it.

Alright.

Let's go.

What are you buying all these things for?

To make money, of course.

Make money? These things

don't make any sense together.

Stop keeping me in suspense.

My brain is slow,

as you well know.

If you make me figure it out,

my head will explode soon.

Soon, you'll use a hay cutter

to cut the 1,000-chi hemp rope

into sections of 4 chi each,

one by one,

and put them in the vats.

When they turn black,

take them out

and tie them with fishing line

before adding silk ribbons.

What do you think they look like?

Braided queues?

Over 1,000 chi of hemp rope

should be enough

to make more than 200 braided queues.

We don't need to charge much.

Just 10 taels of silver each.

Just some hemp rope?

Would you buy it from me?

Of course, I don't want it.

The key is where you're going to sell it.

Hefei has just been

occupied by the Southern Army.

Soldiers are coming

from all directions to surround them.

They can't escape.

They're finished.

If you sell them

near Hefei at this time,

I guarantee you

within 2 hours,

all the braided queues will be sold out.

Sell them to those people?

When they first entered Huizhou,

how many people were there?

Over 30,000.

And now?

They claim to have an army of 100,000.

So where did those

tens of thousands come from?

Just ruffians and scoundrels

who joined on their own.

They're not

truly committed to rebellion

or fighting.

Once the tide of war turns against them,

they'll be quick to flee

at the first opportunity.

But they have no braided queues.

If they're caught by the imperial court's army,

it's still a capital offense.

Hair is easy to shave off,

but not so easy to grow back.

Never mind 10 taels.

Even if you charge more,

they'll still have to buy them.

Really?

But I warn you.

This business can only be done once.

The second time will cost you your life.

Even once might be a close call.

Pingyuan, what about the tea plantation?

I didn't ask you to watch it all the time.

There are 2 assistants here

taking care of things.

When it's time to harvest the tea,

you can go back.

Remember this.

For merchants to make money,

information comes first.

Keep your ears open

and stay alert.

Alright.

I'm heading back.

I'm leaving the business here to you.

Pingyuan,

there's one more thing.

It's about Miss Bai's matter.

Mother

and Mr. Bai still have

a knot in their hearts.

You should make a decision.

I've been thinking about

talking to her one more time.

But I don't know

what to say.

[Hefei]

[Make way]

[Harmony] [Forever]

Princess Consort, please get out of the carriage.

Ms. Su.

I'm not any Princess Consort.

Don't call me that.

Leaving that door

means entering another.

Why?

You want to go back

and get arrested for treason?

Watch your step.

Princess Consort, let's go.

♪ Tea picking in January marks the new year ♪

♪ Tea picking in February welcomes the new spring ♪

♪ Tea picking takes place in March, as peach blossoms blush crimson ♪

♪ Tea picking in April keeps us busy ♪

This way! This way!

Slow down!

Don't run so fast!

Everyone has their own sorrows.

Mr. Gu, you have an emotional scar.

I've brought the medicine.

You've finally agreed

to take me to Hefei?

Why do I feel

I'm getting the short end of this deal?

What can you promise me?

Why should I help you?

Look at you, half dead.

I'm half dead

all thanks to you.

You took Yimei

to Hefei, didn't you?

Yes.

I personally escorted her

to the Prince's Mansion.

Commanding General Li Cheng has been promoted to Prince Cheng.

She's now his Princess Consort.

You need to think carefully

how many lives you have

to dare bother the Princess Consort?

I'm not going to bother her.

I'm going to drag her back.

Her father is my mentor.

The old man now

has barely half his life left.

As fragile as a candle in the wind.

What about her?

She's out there having a good time

while others suffer for her.

How do you know she's enjoying herself?

I don't even dare to go home now.

When I see her father,

I don't know how to explain.

I can't face my mother either.

Fine.

I'll bring her back.

Can you guarantee she won't run away again?

Or are you going to drive her to death

just to make yourselves feel better?

Those on the opposite side of the river

think about different things.

She has crossed the river.

It's useless for you to linger.

This is my last advice.

No matter what,

I beg you

to take me to see her.

[Desheng Gate]

[Li]

Ms. Su,

His Highness instructed

that since there have been many spies

who infiltrated Hefei,

so we must be cautious.

We need to check the goods.

Sure.

[Li]

These are all

purchased for His Highness,

for future use by the navy.

I hired more than 10 porters.

[Li]

It's a Qing Bandit!

Qing Bandit! Qing Bandit! Qing Bandit!

[Desheng Gate]

Qing Bandit!

Who are you?

Who are you?

When I hired porters,

I don't remember seeing you.

Seize him!

No, wait! Wait!

If I didn't keep this braided queue,

who would carry

these goods out of Huizhou?

If I didn't have this braided queue,

I would've been beheaded

the moment I entered Huizhou.

Ms. Su,

I can leave today.

But in the future, I won't be able to handle

His Highness's affairs anymore.

Wait.

Nothing can get him down.

Ms. Su, this...

Enough.

He's with us.

Let him through.

[Li]

I was just joking earlier.

Alright.

[Li]

[Desheng Gate]

You almost got me killed.

Who else would I mess with?

[Desheng Gate]

Are you okay now?

Bro.

Are you alright?

Bro.

How could I let anything happen to you?

Let me see

what's in your basket.

Go keep watch.

This...

Listen, bro.

Isn't this just hemp rope?

Yes, it's hemp rope.

Where do you expect me

to get so much

real human hair from?

Forget it then.

No, no, no.

I want it.

Hemp rope is fine.

But 10 taels of silver

is too unfair.

Let me be honest with you.

If you weren't from my hometown,

I wouldn't even sell it

for 10 taels of silver.

If the soldiers discover this stuff,

I'll lose

my livelihood.

There are 1,000 in total.

Ten taels each.

Take it or leave it.

Don't even think about robbing me.

T-These are just samples.

I've left the 1,000 pieces in my cart

which is parked on the official road.

I-If you have any bad intentions,

you'll only get these 10 pieces.

Bro,

what are you talking about?

Think about it.

We're buying these

to hide them away

for the day

we might need to escape.

Here's what we'll do.

I'll send 2 men

to go with you to get the cart.

I'll pay you.

But there's one thing.

One thousand pieces aren't enough.

I have an entire battalion.

There are

at least 2 or 3 thousand men.

That's not enough to go around.

You need to get me more.

That's no problem at all.

For business like this,

the more the better, of course.

Si.

Uncle.

The banknotes...

Hurry up now.

It...

It really hurts my wallet.

We work our butts off

day and night,

only to benefit you profiteers,

don't we?

Why are you looking at me?

I've brought you here.

Aren't you taking me inside?

How can I get past all those guards?

That's not my problem.

You only asked me

to bring you to the Prince's Mansion.

You never said

I had to get you inside.

I have official business to attend to.

Go in by yourself.

I forgot to remind you earlier.

If your braided queue falls out again

and someone sees it, they'll kill you on the spot.

It won't be my responsibility then.

Let's go.

Where exactly did you put the goods?

Don't try any tricks.

Just up ahead.

Count them carefully.

There are 1,000 pieces in total.

I won't make up for any shortages.

Tell your commander

I'll be back in a few days.

Manager!

Manager!

Wait for me, Manager!

Wait for me, Manager!

-Manager! -Manager!

Manager!

Manager! Wait for me!

Manager!

Is it true?

Really?

Manager.

-It's true! -It's true!

The real deal! The real deal!

How much did we cost

to make these 1,000 braid queues?

Ten...

Ten copper coins!

Including labor costs.

Ten copper coins!

It's like a dream!

I've never seen

this much money!

Hurry back.

Let's make another batch.

Make another batch right away.

Okay.

Wait.

Didn't Boss say

we could only do this once?

Boss said?

Is he a god or what?

Let me tell you.

On this official road,

i-it's very safe!

Don't listen to him!

I am the manager!

I am the manager!

Me!

Yes.

Okay. Okay.

We're getting rich!

We're getting rich!

We're getting rich!

Come on! Come on!

Hiring workers! Hiring!

Come on!

Four copper coins per person.

Want to load the warehouse?

Four copper coins?

I'll go! I'll go!

Come over if you're going.

Four copper coins.

Are you coming or not?

Hurry.

You!

Young man,

why are you being lazy?

Isn't four copper coins good enough?

I've seen you hanging around

here all day.

They say the Princess Consort here

is as beautiful as a painting.

I don't believe it.

I want to see for myself.

You can't even afford food,

and you're thinking about seeing the Princess Consort?

The Princess Consort only comes out on the first and 15th day of the month

to accompany His Highness to inspect the entire city.

Go dream on.

Come on!

Fortune is right before our eyes.

What does this braided queue look like to you?

-Like a woman's hair! -Like a woman's hair!

Make way! Make way!

His Highness and the Princess Consort are out touring the city!

What's going on?

Make way!

Make way! Make way! Make way!

Make way! Make way! Make way!

Quickly, make way! Make way! Make way!

-Go! Go! -Make way! Make way!

[Four Seasons Tea House]

Yimei!

Yimei!

Yimei!

Yimei!

A spy!

Yimei!

This damn weather.

It's too hot.

Way too hot.

Buddy.

Those 1,000 braided queues from last time

don't do.

They look too fake.

No way.

If they did,

you would lose your heads.

I won't let that happen to you.

As businessmen,

we value honesty.

We still need to work together.

I'll trust you one more time.

There can't be any problems this time.

Sure.

Still 1,000 pieces.

Count them carefully.

Like I said before,

I won't make up for any shortages.

Alright. Alright.

Don't kill me! Don't kill me!

Don't kill me! Don't kill me!

Don't kill me!

Where is the Princess Consort?

The Princess Consort wasn't feeling well,

so she went back first.

I heard

you've just caught a spy.

[Li]

Yes, Your Highness.

Bring him in.

Bring him in!

Kneel! Kneel! Kneel!

[Weiwu Gate]

[Li]

Are these what you bought?

When you first joined me,

you cut off your braided queues voluntarily.

Now what?

You want to go back?

I'm afraid that's not possible.

Please spare us, Your Highness!

We just wanted a way out!

You chose to be a coward over a tough man.

Killing a coward would only dirty my hands.

Strip them of their clothes

and drive them out of the city.

Strip them

and drive them out!

Yes!

[Weiwu Gate]

Get up.

Move.

Move.

Take these 3 profiteers into custody.

Investigate thoroughly.

Find out who else bought these from them.

Yes.

Take them into custody!

Please spare us, officer!

Have mercy!

Get in!

Pingyuan.

Boss.

What a coincidence!

How did you end up in here?

W-We...

We were selling braided queues like how you taught me.

How many times did you sell?

Twice.

What did I tell you?

Boss! Boss!

Stop, Boss, please.

Boss, please stop beating the manager.

The three of us have already

been beaten badly enough.

Good job, you two.

What were my instructions to you?

Now look what's happened.

You've all ended up in here.

We're having a family reunion in Hefei,

waiting to die together.

How wonderful.

Pingyuan,

stop joking around.

They're going

to chop our heads off

and hang them on the city gate!

Please think of a way to save us!

Joking?

Joking?

Boss! Boss! Boss!

Boss! Boss!

Aren't you usually so capable?

Now you want me to save you?

Look at the state I'm in!

How can I save anyone?

Pingyuan, you always have a way!

You always figure something out!

Interrogation time!

Move!

Pingyuan!

We're dead! We're dead!

This time we're really done for!

♪ Brilliant blooms spread everywhere ♪

Yimei.

Gu.

[Happy]

Princess Consort.

My father...

[Happy]

You've come a long way. It must have been tiring.

This wine is made from wild fruits from Guangxi.

It's a bit spicy.

Takes some getting used to at first.

You dared to come at this time.

You're indeed bold.

A toast to you.

Excellent.

Wine helps forget sorrows.

Have another glass.

You had Gu tied up all day.

He hasn't eaten all day.

Don't let him drink too much.

You don't understand.

In battle,

I can go 3 days without food.

But not letting me have a drink

would be a true injustice.

Come on. Come on.

Let's sit down, the three of us,

and have a good talk.

Please, sit.

During my patrol of the city today,

someone startled your carriage.

I knew it must be you, Gu.

I put you in jail just to avoid suspicion.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

This drink is my apology.

These days,

the Princess Consort has often

mentioned you to me.

The kindness you've shown to Yimei—

we

can never repay in this lifetime.

I understand.

Good.

Let's get down to business.

What brings you here,

Gu?

I was

sent by Mr. Bai.

His life is hanging by a thread now.

He wants to see her one last time.

I hope you can go back.

Go back?

Who among you would accept her there?

If Yimei can be safe

after she returns,

I'll take her back right now.

Gu,

you need to come up with

a more practical solution.

You have to go back, no matter what.

This might be the last time

you see your father.

If necessary, we'll sneak in at night.

Fine.

I'll go back with Yimei.

I'll pay my respects to the old man,

so he can pass away in peace.

That's absolutely impossible.

You can't take this risk.

You are a prince.

To hell with that title.

I am your husband now.

Besides,

I trust Gu.

Even if something goes wrong,

we, as husband and wife,

will die together.

Gu,

I'll go get changed,

and we'll leave immediately.

Pingwen and 2 other assistants

are still locked up in prison.

Did they beat him?

How come I didn't know that?

Please find someone quickly

to release them.

I'll wait for you outside.

[Desheng Gate]

Mr. Bai.

I thought you were asleep.

I haven't been able to sleep or eat these past few days.

I sit by the door, exhausted,

but as soon as I lie down, I'm wide awake.

Yesterday,

I suddenly dreamed of Yimei's mother.

I believe the time for our reunion

is not far away.

I just don't know

how to tell her about our daughter.

Mr. Bai,

please don't hate Yimei.

She can be childish sometimes,

but—

She's not a child anymore.

She's grown up.

I don't hate her.

Come in.

Mr. Bai.

This is General Li Cheng,

Yimei's current husband.

Don't be upset.

Don't be upset.

I'm not upset.

Though we've never met before,

I should still show some courtesy.

Please rise.

Father,

please forgive my unfilial behavior.

I truly and sincerely

want to be with him.

Please forgive me, Father.

When you two got together,

you never informed me.

Why would you need my forgiveness?

Father.

I will take good care of Yimei.

I will honor my vow for all my days.

Should I defy this oath,

let me be pierced through by a hail of arrows.

Father, please rest assured

and take care of yourself.

Please rise, General Li.

I don't serve in the imperial court.

We are not enemies.

Both of you, please stand up.

Thank you, Father.

Mr. Bai.

Rise.

I'll keep watch in the courtyard

to prevent any disturbances.

Thank you.

How is Mr. Bai doing?

I just made him a fresh decoction.

He drank it

and went to sleep.

What do you mean by this?

Gu.

It's easy to kill, but hard to save.

It's easier for us

to rush here day and night.

But taking care of the elderly day after day

is harder for you.

Please receive our kowtow in gratitude.

Let's go.

How can you not tell left from right?

Manager.

You're the one who can't tell left from right.

I am the manager.

How could I not know left from right?

Boss!

Pingyuan!

Pingyuan! Pingyuan! Pingyuan!

Pingyuan! Pingyuan! Pingyuan!

Think of a way

to get us up there.

Why should I get you up there?

To go home?

I'm injured like this.

Where else would I go?

Look at the state you're in.

What would you do at home?

Besides scaring our mother,

what else can you do?

Do we have wound medicine at home?

Or a doctor for injuries?

Go back and stay at the shop.

Let me tell you something.

Just move slowly like this.

It's so damp.

Don't lie on the ground.

Once you lie down, you won't get up again.

Words of wisdom.

Don't take them lightly.

But it's dozens of li down there.

Then what do you want?

Should I carry you up there? Is that it?

Manager, Manager.

Let's listen to Boss.

Let's walk back.

You...

Go.

Follow my command.

One, two, three.

Left leg.

One, two, three. Right leg.

One, two, three. Left leg!

You two jerks.

One, two, three. Right leg!

Left leg!

Go!

Why are you shouting so loudly?

Right leg! Go!

Why are you so clumsy?

Get up now!

I'll call out the slogan. I'll do it.

Come on. Come on.

One, two, three.

Left leg.

One, two, three.

Right leg.

Is Mr. Liao here?

I'm Gu Pingyuan from Shanjian Village.

Is Mr. Liao here?

There's no Mr. Liao here.

Don't be so annoying.

Miss!

Bai Shi'an in Shanjian Village,

Mr. Bai,

sent me to find him.

[Miss Liao]

Are you really not here to collect debts?

Come in.

Hurry up.

Father, come out.

It's not a debt collector.

If you're not here to collect debts,

then you must be here to deliver money.