Original subtitles

[Legend of the Magnate]

[Episode 40]

The way of business

is the way to plan for a nation.

We need to find ways to compete with them.

It's best to go to their territory

to do business.

Make the best use of people,

and the best use of resources.

Perhaps this is

the only way out for us.

At least we won't remain like now,

don't you think?

I can now

see

a vague path ahead.

But I can't explain it clearly.

Do you agree with me?

Partly right,

and partly wrong.

But regardless of right or wrong,

I admire your ambition,

junior.

However,

these things you want to do...

To be honest,

I don't think the Qing Dynasty can achieve them.

It might be possible

a hundred years

later.

But our generation

certainly won't live to see it.

Alright.

It's getting late,

I should head back.

Let me tell you one last thing.

Quit while you're ahead.

We still have

many years as brothers ahead of us.

Don't find yourself

sacrificing everything too soon.

Ms. Su, you're truly fascinating.

How did you know

I've been looking for you everywhere?

I couldn't help but know.

Everyone in Shanghai is talking about

a wealthy Chinese merchant, Mr. Gu,

who wants to do business abroad.

Yes.

I've prepared all the goods,

but I need a ship.

All merchant ships are British-owned now.

I'm not qualified to rent one,

and they wouldn't rent to me anyway.

Then I suddenly remembered that

you have a military ship, Ms. Su.

What makes you think I would rent it to you?

I believe you

wouldn't stand by and watch

Li Qin become a traitor.

Actually, I'm very curious.

Ms. Su, you're friendly

with one person at one moment,

and with another the next,

like a chameleon.

I wonder why.

How long have you been curious?

I've always been curious.

You must know

about my father, right?

His entire family was executed,

and his nine clans exterminated.

Many royal relatives

were Catholics.

My adoptive father was a Western bishop.

Back then,

I was sent to Hong Kong

with the help of his friends.

Later, I was sent to serve the Heavenly King.

I contacted old acquaintances

and gathered military intelligence.

Unfortunately, the Heavenly King failed

and destroyed years of foundation.

Though the Heavenly Kingdom fell,

my sworn enemies remain.

The Qing Dynasty's days are numbered.

At that time,

I secretly moved useful talents

out of the country.

I don't know what the Qing Dynasty

will become.

But whatever it becomes,

it will be better than what it is now.

Let's talk about the ship.

I do have

a ship at my disposal

that money can rent.

A Portuguese gunboat

is big enough for your cargo.

But the problem is,

you're not qualified to rent it.

Your goods

need to be officially handled

by a foreign merchant.

He'll be the captain,

and you'll be the Chinese master.

But who are you planning to

sell the goods to in India?

What makes you think

I was going to sell

my goods in India?

The God of Wealth has connections with

some British merchants.

He has already made arrangements for me.

This time,

I want to break through

the East India Company's blockade

and sell our goods

directly to Britain.

How unexpected.

I'll arrange a meeting with the captain tomorrow.

Bring along

the British merchant receiving the goods with you,

and both parties can sign the contract.

This might be the very first

contract in the world.

The first one

that allows a Chinese merchant

to conduct overseas business

in his personal capacity.

How remarkable.

Ms. Su.

Thank you.

After the contract is signed, I'll have to worry about

protecting

that foolish head of yours.

Yu'er.

What brings you back?

I miss our child.

Do you think

it's a son or a daughter?

Either a son

or a daughter is fine.

What matters most is that you and the baby are safe.

I've been away for so long.

I miss you both so much.

How did

everything go?

It went fine.

Madam,

someone from the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office

is asking to see Mr. Gu.

How are they so informed?

They know as soon as I'm back.

Mr. Gu,

His Excellency requests your presence at his residence.

It's urgent.

Look how important you are.

I'll be back soon.

Wield it if you want.

Just don't hurt yourself.

Don't make a move here.

Let's go.

I have questions for you.

Answer truthfully

to avoid physical suffering.

Whether my words are true or not,

it's still up to you to decide.

Come on, show him the torture instruments.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

Gu Pingyuan,

you're a smart man.

[Loyal to the Country, Just in Duty]

Don't make me ask twice.

Otherwise, this physical torture

will be more than you can bear.

Now tell me.

Where did you get

all those taels of silver you spent

to import the goods?

From a friend.

That's not a good answer, is it?

Guards.

Torture him.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

[Loyal to the Country, Just in Duty]

[Loyal to the Country, Just in Duty]

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

Enough!

Enough.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

Let's see...

The tea you imported from Anhui

amounts to 7 million taels.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

The medicinal herbs you imported from Shanxi alone,

mainly rhubarb,

amount to over 1 million taels.

[Loyal to the Country, Just in Duty]

From the Wu family in Hangzhou,

you imported raw silk and embroidery

worth an enormous 7 million taels.

What a massive business deal!

Moreover,

you paid with banknotes

on the spot.

Where did the money come from?

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

Don't rush to answer.

Wait until I finish my questions.

How did those

shady friends of yours

in Shanxi suddenly acquire

so much gold and silver treasure

to send to the mint

and convert into so much silver?

Where is the treasure hidden?

[Loyal to the Country, Just in Duty]

How much annual revenue does the Qing Dynasty have?

You are a businessman

as wealthy as a nation.

My every business deal

has been helping you.

But this is how

you treat me?

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

I have to ask.

Even the Empress Dowager knows about it now.

I've seen many people

with wealthy families.

But someone like you

who can fork out

10 to 20 million taels

without breaking a sweat

to import so many goods

in a few days?

I've never met someone like that.

It's better that I question you now.

If I can't get answers,

I'll send you to Beijing.

Those people

won't be as polite as I am.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

I'm begging you, please tell me.

Those salt fields...

Do you still want them?

You claim to be

concerned about the livelihood in Liangjiang and Lianghuai.

What happened?

Was it all a lie?

Not necessarily a lie.

Even if foreigners take them away,

I have ways to deal with it.

At worst,

I'll just face a scolding.

But you've really frightened me.

Gu,

what exactly are you trying to do?

Where did your

money come from?

You've been watching me all along.

It's not me.

Someone else is watching you.

Someone has reported to the emperor,

and the brass has ordered an investigation.

What can I do?

[Righteous and Diligent]

Guards!

-Yes. -Yes.

Help me up first.

Right away.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

Alright, enough.

Take him to prison.

Prepare to escort him to the capital.

[Clear Rivers and Ringing Shrines]

By order of the Viceroy of Liangjiang.

Upon investigation,

merchant Gu Pingyuan, being a fugitive,

has accumulated wealth of dubious origin

and violated our nation's commercial laws.

In the coming days,

he shall be sent to the capital in chains,

and all his property shall be confiscated.

You two, move faster!

Everyone, hurry up!

Do you have any

hidden assets?

Even this house

is just borrowed from the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office.

Go ahead and search.

Men,

search everything!

Search thoroughly.

Don't miss any corner.

Yes, sir!

In the end,

it comes down to this.

Being able to stir up Liangjiang

and shock the imperial court

is quite an impressive feat.

Who else would they raid if not his home?

At a time like this,

you can still smile?

I can't believe you.

If I don't smile,

should I cry instead?

Did you see him yesterday?

Just briefly.

People were around, so we couldn't talk much.

He just asked how you and the child were doing.

He wants you to wait for him to name the child.

He's about to lose his head,

and he's still thinking about naming the baby.

Such a carefree man.

After they finish the confiscation,

we'll return to Anhui.

This time, they only mentioned confiscation.

Nothing about sending the whole family

to Beijing in chains.

Pingwen has hired a carriage.

It'll be here soon.

Which one of you is the head of the family? Please sign here.

Slow down.

His Excellency has asked me

to give it to you, madam.

What is this?

[Shares of Salt Industry Guild]

This is the share of the Salt Industry Guild.

This is money to buy his life.

I don't want it.

Keep it safe.

Let him decide if he wants it.

Can he still make decisions?

Yes.

He still needs to come back

to name the child.

Don't cry anymore.

Heizi.

Let's go back to Anhui.

Alright.

Have you seen Li Qin?

He's over there.

Li.

Look at this. Look at this.

You don't speak English.

Translator? Translator!

The telegram says it's been confirmed.

This Portuguese warship

was hired by a Chinese merchant

as a cargo ship bound for Britain,

loaded with raw silk, silk fabrics,

rhubarb, and tea leaves.

Merchants from many countries

are very interested in it.

There's sufficient evidence

to prove that

a Chinese merchant surnamed Gu

is behind this ship.

Do you understand?

Li.

Then what are you afraid of?

If this Merchant Gu

delivers this cargo ship to Britain,

he may master the shipping routes

and ship to more distant places.

Then, I would have created a formidable rival

for the East India Company.

I'll have to return to my hometown in Liverpool

and enjoy my pension.

-And it's unacceptable. -Why didn’t you protest

to the Chinese Emperor?

They used our

competitor's name

to pick up the cargo.

He's very sneaky, you know.

Now there's no way I can stop this ship.

This will be a disaster if this ship

-makes it to Britain. -What do we do now?

You must come to the

Governor's Mansion with me.

Now.

[Liangjiang Viceroy's Office]

We strongly protest.

We strongly protest.

Alright, welcome.

Yes, yes.

Yes, yes.

Welcome.

This is a shameless trampling

on the commercial order of the Far East.

Where is the Far East?

It's the Qing Dynasty

What about the Qing Dynasty?

What about the Qing Dynasty, which is the Far East?

The commercial order is seriously disrupted.

Disrupted?

What are the business orders?

What are the business...

You don't know

what the business orders are?

The business order is

what he means by...

Business order is just like

the order among Chinese officials.

Lower officials obey higher officials,

higher officials obey the Emperor,

and the Emperor obeys Heaven.

Look at that.

Once he explains it like this,

we all understand.

In our place,

we respect order.

You see, he is protesting,

and we understand completely.

We have already

sent the person you mentioned

to prison in the Far East.

That does not matter!

Mr. Richard says

that's not important.

The cargo ship in Shanghai

must be stopped

and the voyage must be canceled.

As far as I know,

our Qing Dynasty

didn't have any ships

sent out to sea.

You've misunderstood.

No, no, no.

The denial is useless.

The denial is useless.

He demands

an equal commercial negotiation.

That's not a nice way to put it.

Aren't we

negotiating right now?

We understand your protest.

I've arrested the man

and sent him to the Far East prison.

But

as for your request to stop

that ship,

that's a

Portuguese warship.

The British hired it.

How could I possibly

have the authority to stop it?

You've come to the wrong person.

Mr. Richard wants to know

if Gu Pingyuan

is really in prison.

Of course he is.

He's just been tortured.

Alright, guards!

Take this gentleman

to the Far East

prison to have a look.

He's taking us to see him in jail.

Thank you.

Thank you, Sir.

He's here.

Gu Pingyuan.

Your property has been confiscated,

and you've been imprisoned.

You're even worse off than I am.

Look at those people you were loyal to.

See how they're treating you now,

and how they're treating me.

You are truly hilarious.

Mr. Gu.

Lord Gu.

He represents the East India Company

to inform you.

They want to negotiate with you

to purchase the goods from that ship.

The situation you're in now

is not in your best interest.

Discussing these matters

is pointless now.

Say something useful.

There's no need

to discuss these questions.

Say something useful.

What do you want?

What do you want?

I've already paid the money.

Within two days,

if you don't return our salt fields' title deeds

exactly as they were,

that ship with the cargo

will sail on schedule.

Damn it!

This is a trap set by

the Viceroy and you!

Mr. Hart.

Mr. Richard.

Have a seat.

Mr. Hart.

I heard that you're involved with my...

wager with

the Governor of Liangjiang.

Wager? What Wager?

You mean the salt fields.

Yes!

Indeed.

You've been a little hotheaded recently, huh?

Mr. Hart.

I respect you

as a veteran in this business.

But you must respect

the influence of the East

India Company here in China.

In the dispute over a property mortgage,

the responsibility is quite clear.

It is those Chinese officials

who are evading and denying.

And I hope Mr. Hart

will objectively address that issue.

I am employed by the Qing government

as the head of the Customs.

I'm in charge of all import and export businesses.

I believe I have been very objective

in treating your company

and I've never meddled in the normal

business of your company.

Now this accusation of yours... Where does it come from?

This all

is a breach of agreements.

We do not mind the competition.

But if a Chinese merchant

will independently disobey

his government's law

and openly provoke us...

If it weren't for your connivance,

do you think he would have done it?

I understand.

Now, I'd like to ask you.

In all of this business,

what did I do?

Come on.

I thought you said you were

not afraid of some competition.

We aren't afraid of the competition.

There are many goods,

but they're not enough

to impact our company's market.

But my friend,

this impacts you, huh?

What?

You little monkey,

think you're something special now?

Both my legs are bruised now.

I had to use some force.

That Richard

is complaining everywhere like a mad dog.

If this matter succeeds,

I'll give you a big reward.

Just let me go back to Anhui.

I won't stay in Liangjiang for long.

Liangjiang has recovered well these past two years.

Jiu has also

disbanded

most of his troops.

A tiger without claws and teeth

is no longer a threat.

The imperial court wants me back,

perhaps as a Grand Councillor,

or perhaps for nothing at all.

The imperial court wants to establish a Ministry of Commerce.

They've decreed

that we senior officials make recommendations.

I think...

Look at you.

You said it yourself.

Business serves the nation.

Aren't you more suited

for this position than

those officials who know nothing

about business?

If someone else got this job,

they'd wake up laughing from their dreams.

When I think about it,

I've handled quite a lot of silver

in my lifetime.

But only when I was

growing tea in Anhui,

did I feel most at peace

and happy.

Business serving the nation is true,

but only if the nation can be served.

Even with your position

as the Viceroy of Liangjiang,

you can't handle those foreign merchants.

What makes you think I can?

We're considered friends,

so tell me the truth.

I know

you used cash for all your purchases.

Where did the money come from?

You want to know?

I'm curious.

The imperial court asked me to report back carefully.

I certainly can't lie,

can I?

Minister of Commerce?

This is no gift.

This is a death warrant.

What's the use of wealth and status?

You're right.

Just tell me.

I believe Gu Pingyuan

has invested all his fortune

to make this happen.

But the cargo of one ship,

no matter how much,

cannot possibly impact

the East India Company commercially.

If you can persevere

and obtain the operating rights to the Lianghuai salt industry,

do you know what that means?

You will get one-fifth

of the Qing Dynasty's official industries.

Using this as a stepping stone,

you can acquire

immeasurable wealth.

You must trust me.

This is the biggest threat

he could think of.

This isn't a business move.

It's not even clever.

This is a Chinese-style tactic.

Li, do you know what you're saying?

I do.

Rather than being manipulated by bureaucrats,

I'd prefer fairness.

Between us,

fairness is not an option.

You're just one person.

I have at least one ship.

Please.

Come, please.

That merchant named Gu

has finally quieted down.

The imperial court has severely

punished him.

However, that shipment

was still handled by Mr. Hart

as an intermediary,

and eventually

sold to the East India Company.

Xianghe Trade House

has achieved remarkable success.

Congratulations indeed.

Cunning.

Cunning.

Likewise.

Well then.

Alright.

Alright, gentlemen, look this way.

-Ready. -Three, two, one.

Mr. Gu.

Mr. Gu, congratulations!

Congratulations to you!

Mr. Gu.

The salt field has been reclaimed.

I'll ask you one last time.

Where did the money come from?

Or else?

Or else,

you'll be sent to the capital in shackles.

They'll have your head.

Look.

Is it sturdy?

It is sturdy.

As for me,

I'm keeping my head to enjoy a few more years of drinking.

So I'm afraid you'll have to suffer.

Guards!

Take him to the capital in shackles!

Yes, sir!

I just received orders from the imperial court.

They're transferring me out of Liangjiang,

You won't be lonely

on your journey.

We'll travel together.

I was escorting the condemned official

and had just left Liangjiang territory

when the condemned official

died from a severe illness in prison.

His body has been cremated,

and many witnesses can testify to this.

During my post in Liangjiang,

I obtained the condemned official's confession

and verified that

the so-called enormous payment

is merely gossip

and baseless rumors,

not worthy of credence.

The condemned official is dead.

I

was negligent in my supervision

and am willing to accept punishment.

That's enough.

Let's leave it at that.

Go by land tomorrow

and send it to the imperial court by horse.

[Rui Lin, Viceroy of Liangjiang]

Sir.

Is this sufficient?

Isn't this a bit absurd?

The imperial court is desperately demanding money.

Isn't that even more absurd?

Make no mistake.

You're already dead.

When Rui Lin handed you over to me,

you were already a corpse.

Why is he here?

He requested it himself.

I thought you'd be at the foreign firm,

hanging out with those foreigners.

Whoever I associate with is better than you.

Everyone knows you're supposed to be dead.

At least being dead means I won't leave behind a shameful legacy.

That's enough.

You brothers argue the moment you meet.

Young Master Li came specially

to see you off.

Otherwise?

Otherwise,

he would have gone with

the Portuguese ship.

Why leave?

Where to?

To see the world.

I've been under this sky

for too long.

I want to see something new

and learn something new.

If the chance arises,

I'll come back one day.

Take care of yourself.

I...

I understand.

I'll tend to

your parents' graves for you.

I'll tell your father

where you've gone.

Good.

That would be nice.

Are you still going back to grow tea?

I don't know.

I might take Yu'er

and travel around.

Or maybe change your name

and continue doing business.

Right?

I just want my child to see me

as soon as they open their eyes.

Nothing is more important

than that right now.

Disheartened now?

Not really.

I may not be an official,

but there's still work to be done.

I just hope that in the future,

everyone can

live without fear

and without betraying their dignity.

May everyone under this sky

live proudly and freely.

Is King Li's Treasure really real?

The winding mountains lead to the Central Plains.

When the time comes,

it'll naturally emerge.

Wealth is like the sea,

and people are like boats.

Though we rise and fall in life,

we are merely passing by.

Why care too much?

♪ The wind brushes past the old eaves on a cool night ♪

♪ Look, the lanterns sway and cast shadow of our overlapping silhouettes ♪

♪ Forget about how long the path is ♪

♪ This is etched into my soul, unforgettable for life ♪

♪ Names being etched and centered in the time ♪

♪ A goose flying across the barren plains, carrying the setting sun's last light ♪

♪ An old friend suddenly comes to mind, and the world feels vast and desolate ♪

♪ Here, I dreamed of you ♪

♪ The candlelight casts the glow on me ♪

♪ The rain soaks the paper umbrella; the red mark on my sleeve spreads ♪

♪ My heart races so fast like a surging sea ♪

♪ Longing sweeps through like starlight ♪

♪The sword tassel has faded in color, fallen petals cover my clothes ♪

♪ You point toward the cooking smoke ♪

♪ Saying time has brewed its own fragrance ♪

♪ Even when hair turns grey, we'll still gaze at each other, fingers entwined ♪

♪ The Milky Way spans the west window ♪

[1903 AD] [Shengxing United Chamber of Commerce]

[Shengxing United Chamber of Commerce]

Your Chinese friend

has sent you a gift.

[Gu]

[Gu]

Hu.

After this battle,

we've sacrificed blood for our homeland

and crushed our enemy's courage.

The Qing court is conducting massive arrests.

I'm glad you and our comrades

escaped safely.

Now the Qing Dynasty is on its last legs,

and our Chinese nation

cannot stand among

the world's great powers.

Only those with great ability

can change our fate.

Our 400 million compatriots must

discard the old and embrace the new,

become self-reliant and independent.

Only then can we escape

the fate of being carved up and slaughtered.

If our divine land sinks,

and our civilization is lost,

even dying nine times would not redeem us.

I heard you're raising funds for the revolution.

I've enclosed a check.

If the revolution falters,

I will

provide full support.

[The End]