1
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{\an8}[Legend of the Magnate]

2
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{\an8}[Episode 10]

3
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Enough with your honeyed words.

4
00:01:49,120 --> 00:01:51,039
I'm leading troops to battle imminently

5
00:01:51,039 --> 00:01:52,200
and have no patience
for long-winded speeches.

6
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Speak plainly!

7
00:01:55,120 --> 00:01:55,978
Your Highness,

8
00:01:56,310 --> 00:01:57,109
do you realize

9
00:01:57,200 --> 00:01:59,039
how many carts are needed

10
00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:01,900
to transport 24 million taels of silver?

11
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It would require
over a hundred large carts

12
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and over a hundred strong men
to manage them.

13
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The route would also pass

14
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through numerous prefectures and counties.

15
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May Your Highness please clarify

16
00:02:09,710 --> 00:02:11,770
what should be written
on the banners.

17
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What banners?

18
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When transporting

19
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such a vast sum of silver by cart,

20
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the banners

21
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must clearly state their purpose.

22
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Is it
for Your Highness's military provisions

23
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or for the sustenance
of your royal household?

24
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We Eight Families of Hedong

25
00:02:22,750 --> 00:02:23,810
have deliberated.

26
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Even if we must
melt our cauldrons for scrap

27
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and risk our lives,

28
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we will raise this sum.

29
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Your Highness licks blood
from the blade's edge,

30
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risking your life for the nation.

31
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Should we

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quibble over silver,

33
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we'd be ungrateful wretches.

34
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You should have said so earlier

35
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and spared yourselves this ordeal.

36
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Write out an IOU for Li Baiwan

37
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and summon him.

38
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That old fellow really knows
how to get things done.

39
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No, Your Highness,

40
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that won't do!

41
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We were just discussing—

42
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we can provide the funds,

43
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but we cannot

44
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let Li Baiwan

45
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reap the credit.

46
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Silver looks the same

47
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everywhere.

48
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Is

49
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Li Baiwan's silver

50
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any shinier than ours?

51
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Your Highness, imagine

52
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if you campaigned through great hardship

53
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only to see another take the glory—

54
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could you stomach that?

55
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Moreover,

56
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the Eight Families of Hedong

57
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are influential clans
with centuries of history.

58
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From the provincial capital
to the imperial court,

59
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each of them

60
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has allies among the imperial censors
and ministers.

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If Your Highness oppresses us
too harshly,

62
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this goodwill may turn to grievance.

63
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Truth be told, we intend

64
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to give more than 24 million taels—

65
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considerably more.

66
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Whatever Li Wantang paid

67
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to enlist your pressure,

68
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we will match.

69
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Such a sharp tongue!

70
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I am

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a prince leading armies—

72
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do you take me for a merchant?

73
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We beg Your Highness
to leave us a path to survival.

74
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Then state your proposal.

75
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As you command.

76
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Since Your Highness

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campaigns along the Yellow River,

78
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let this sum be designated

79
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as military provisions

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from the Eight Families of Hedong.

81
00:04:02,870 --> 00:04:04,009
But the amount

82
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is staggering—

83
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once the silver carts roll out,

84
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it will cause an uproar.

85
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We need not fear memorials

86
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from censors,

87
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for Your Highness' merits overshadow all.

88
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What we dread is

89
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others reaching out

90
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to claim a share,

91
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spoiling the endeavor.

92
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Thus, I propose

93
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transporting the silver to the capital

94
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to exchange for banknotes
from the Four Major Banks—

95
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portable and convenient.

96
00:04:28,199 --> 00:04:29,069
Your Highness could then

97
00:04:29,069 --> 00:04:30,240
simply tuck them into your robe.

98
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Wouldn't that be better?

99
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Good.

100
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Then produce the banknotes.

101
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How long?

102
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Two months to load the silver,

103
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reach the capital,

104
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convert to banknotes,

105
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and deliver to you—

106
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this already requires traveling
day and night.

107
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Your Highness,

108
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behold:

109
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the signed pledge
of the Eight Families of Hedong

110
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with personal seals.

111
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{\an8}[Donation of 24 million taels
by the Eight Families of Hedong]

112
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"Donation of 24 million taels

113
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{\an8}[To Prince Shen,
redeemable against this document.]

114
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to Prince Shen,

115
00:05:01,240 --> 00:05:03,300
redeemable against this document."

116
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Once you receive the banknotes,

117
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simply return this slip.

118
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How can I trust

119
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this flimsy paper

120
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to be worth 24 million?

121
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You expect me

122
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to release you based on this?

123
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Do you take me for a child?

124
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Your Highness,

125
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do not underestimate

126
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this thin slip.

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Could Li Baiwan produce such a pledge?

128
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The Eight Families of Hedong

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have thrived over 300 years—

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in both capital and credibility,

131
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we are, perhaps,

132
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a slight step above Li Baiwan.

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Unless Your Highness intends

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to destroy us,

135
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in which case I shall say no more

136
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and await execution.

137
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You wouldn't dare flee.

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

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my troops

140
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will raze your ratholes. Now go!

141
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Get out now!

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As you command.

143
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Pack up the supplies.

144
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We break camp for Shandong.

145
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A new imperial decree every single day!

146
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This is trying the patience
of even someone like me.

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At once.

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Young Master,

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

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Tell him I'm not in.

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Wait—

152
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why refuse him?

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He'll think I'm scheming against him.

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Scheming?

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He's with Taiyufeng,

156
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and you're with Wanyuandang.

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

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Go ahead.

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Ask him

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when he plans to hand over

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those 3 million taels of silver.

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And how did he even get released?

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How could the boy

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be so soft-hearted?

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The Young Master is still young.

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He finally made a friend

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here in Shanxi.

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A friend?

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

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We're here to take

171
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over these draft banks—

172
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this is a battlefield!

173
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There's no room for sentimentality.

174
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You're right, you're right.

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I'll talk to him again.

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How was that man released?

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Why wasn't I informed?

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I was concerned, Master,
that you would be angered

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and planned to tell you later.

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That lad convinced the eight families

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to sign a pledge to His Highness,

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guaranteeing they'd deliver

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24 million taels in Four Major Banks

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within 2 months.

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His Highness was in a hurry
to march to Shandong,

186
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so he agreed.

187
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Unacceptable!

188
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I'll speak to His Highness.

189
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His Highness has already departed.

190
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Fool!

191
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With silver shining
right before their eyes,

192
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he smugly walked away with a mere IOU

193
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instead of crushing the Eight Families

194
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while he had the chance.

195
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If he ever collects that debt,

196
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I'll take his surname!

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Whose idea was this?

198
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I heard it was that fellow surnamed Gu

199
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who negotiated the deal.

200
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{\an8}[Pawnshop]

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Mr. Gu,

202
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-you know how I am...
-Say no more.

203
00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:11,310
I came to see you off.

204
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S-See me off? Why?

205
00:08:13,600 --> 00:08:18,189
{\an8}[Yixiu Studio]

206
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After what your father has done—

207
00:08:15,629 --> 00:08:16,800
offending every draft bank in Shanxi

208
00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:18,120
from top to bottom—

209
00:08:18,600 --> 00:08:20,129
how could he possibly stay?

210
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Such a promising situation,

211
00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:23,970
utterly ruined.

212
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What a perfectly staged scene—

213
00:08:26,800 --> 00:08:30,259
and in the end, it's that kid
who walks away with all the credit.

214
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My father came to Shanxi

215
00:08:34,788 --> 00:08:36,509
with a meticulous plan.

216
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I suggest you simply join our side.

217
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Though his methods

218
00:08:41,509 --> 00:08:42,769
may seem underhanded,

219
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I see no flaws

220
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in his plan.

221
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You can't withstand it.

222
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I'll never respect business

223
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conducted through such tricks.

224
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I don't care how powerful he is.

225
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Within three months,

226
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I will make Taiping Bank

227
00:08:57,840 --> 00:08:59,299
close its doors in Shanxi.

228
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Otherwise, I'll write my name backwards.

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Mr. Gu,

230
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those are bold words.

231
00:09:12,679 --> 00:09:15,009
Your father relies solely on brute force.

232
00:09:15,149 --> 00:09:16,610
But in business,

233
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integrity is the foundation,
righteousness the root,

234
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circulation the means,

235
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and convenience the path.

236
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He has violated

237
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every one of these principles—

238
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he won't last long.

239
00:09:29,240 --> 00:09:31,379
It's that Gu lad again.

240
00:09:32,700 --> 00:09:33,159
Master,

241
00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:34,330
shall I once more...

242
00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:41,000
I have pressing matters

243
00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:42,529
to attend to in the capital.

244
00:09:42,600 --> 00:09:43,330
You stay.

245
00:09:43,789 --> 00:09:44,919
Your task is simple:

246
00:09:45,789 --> 00:09:47,190
spread the word

247
00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:49,320
that each of these eight families

248
00:09:49,629 --> 00:09:50,669
owes the court 3 million taels in silver—

249
00:09:50,669 --> 00:09:52,470
clearly documented in writing.

250
00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,009
Once an imperial decree is issued,

251
00:09:55,269 --> 00:09:56,480
no matter whose money it is,

252
00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:58,740
once sealed, it becomes state property.

253
00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:02,000
Trigger a bank run
among their depositors,

254
00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:03,549
and crush them one by one.

255
00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:06,090
I estimate within a few months,

256
00:10:06,840 --> 00:10:07,909
these eight families

257
00:10:07,909 --> 00:10:09,360
will have to trade

258
00:10:09,389 --> 00:10:10,590
all they have with me.

259
00:10:11,440 --> 00:10:12,720
We need to get

260
00:10:12,809 --> 00:10:14,509
the exclusive franchise
for the Shanxi draft bank industry.

261
00:10:14,509 --> 00:10:16,320
We also need
to extract all their core resources.

262
00:10:16,320 --> 00:10:17,120
I want Shanxi,

263
00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:19,730
and I also want King Li's treasure.

264
00:10:20,360 --> 00:10:21,759
What about His Highness?

265
00:10:24,549 --> 00:10:25,720
A dead man walking.

266
00:10:26,240 --> 00:10:28,240
I have nothing more to say about him.

267
00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:34,210
How did it go?

268
00:10:35,320 --> 00:10:36,669
He said you'd be kicked the hell out

269
00:10:36,669 --> 00:10:38,129
of Shanxi within 3 months.

270
00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:41,490
And what did you say?

271
00:10:41,789 --> 00:10:42,750
What could I say?

272
00:10:43,200 --> 00:10:45,600
How could you do
such ruthless plundering?

273
00:10:46,629 --> 00:10:47,909
I told him the Eight Families

274
00:10:47,909 --> 00:10:48,970
would be swallowed

275
00:10:49,549 --> 00:10:51,350
by Taiping Bank within 3 months.

276
00:10:57,440 --> 00:10:59,320
If you want to establish yourself here,

277
00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:00,629
bowing and scraping

278
00:11:00,629 --> 00:11:01,960
with a polite smile

279
00:11:02,240 --> 00:11:03,080
won't even

280
00:11:03,120 --> 00:11:05,080
leave you the scraps.

281
00:11:06,669 --> 00:11:08,330
Do you know what place this is?

282
00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:10,100
The origin of all draft banks.

283
00:11:10,149 --> 00:11:12,210
A gathering place of immense wealth.

284
00:11:13,750 --> 00:11:15,480
Rely on diligence alone,

285
00:11:15,509 --> 00:11:17,769
and you might never gain a foothold here.

286
00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:21,720
To kill a snake,
you must strike its vital spot.

287
00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:23,389
Crush their hopes,

288
00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:25,360
and seize their essence.

289
00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:32,000
Young Master,

290
00:11:32,549 --> 00:11:34,120
now that's true insight.

291
00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:35,389
If I were you,

292
00:11:35,750 --> 00:11:37,029
I wouldn't bother with business.

293
00:11:37,029 --> 00:11:38,009
Return home now,

294
00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:39,789
stay by the Master's side
for a couple of years—

295
00:11:39,789 --> 00:11:42,120
and who in this world
could ever rival you?

296
00:11:47,820 --> 00:11:48,360
Mr. Gu.

297
00:11:48,789 --> 00:11:49,789
Why are you here again?

298
00:11:49,789 --> 00:11:50,389
What is it?

299
00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:03,940
The Eight Families have a message

300
00:12:03,950 --> 00:12:04,960
for Li Wantang.

301
00:12:07,009 --> 00:12:07,909
A businessman

302
00:12:08,629 --> 00:12:10,429
must abide by the business code.

303
00:12:10,570 --> 00:12:11,149
Do not continue to rely

304
00:12:11,149 --> 00:12:12,639
on power to bully others.

305
00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:21,500
Message received.

306
00:12:29,269 --> 00:12:30,529
What's wrong with him?

307
00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:44,250
What do you think of that young man?

308
00:12:46,389 --> 00:12:48,919
He was never meant
to remain in common waters.

309
00:12:51,970 --> 00:12:52,549
Master,

310
00:12:52,909 --> 00:12:54,899
with your discerning eye
honed by experience,

311
00:12:54,899 --> 00:12:55,899
what is your view?

312
00:13:17,549 --> 00:13:19,289
Was this idea

313
00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:22,139
suggested to you,

314
00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:24,080
or did you conceive it yourself?

315
00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:26,600
Back in the penal colony,

316
00:13:27,389 --> 00:13:28,120
when no one

317
00:13:28,149 --> 00:13:29,480
had much silver on hand,

318
00:13:29,840 --> 00:13:30,960
we often traded

319
00:13:30,980 --> 00:13:31,750
this way.

320
00:13:32,870 --> 00:13:34,509
Say I needed to hunt a tiger—

321
00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:36,600
I'd require spears, blades,

322
00:13:37,029 --> 00:13:38,629
tools, and provisions.

323
00:13:39,269 --> 00:13:40,929
I could only pledge repayment

324
00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:42,200
on the condition
that I successfully brought

325
00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:43,149
the tiger back.

326
00:13:43,840 --> 00:13:45,789
The shopkeeper would then make

327
00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:47,950
the same

328
00:13:48,080 --> 00:13:50,029
conditional pledge

329
00:13:50,149 --> 00:13:51,360
to the blacksmith.

330
00:13:52,200 --> 00:13:53,120
Over time,

331
00:13:53,549 --> 00:13:54,389
this method of transaction

332
00:13:54,389 --> 00:13:55,519
gained acceptance.

333
00:13:56,360 --> 00:13:57,149
That tiger might

334
00:13:57,149 --> 00:13:58,679
still be roaming the mountains,

335
00:13:58,679 --> 00:14:00,230
but among us,

336
00:14:00,389 --> 00:14:03,250
it had already been bought
and sold many times over.

337
00:14:09,769 --> 00:14:11,120
Great.

338
00:14:12,750 --> 00:14:13,360
Master,

339
00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:15,750
I committed 3 million taels of debt

340
00:14:15,750 --> 00:14:16,509
on their behalf

341
00:14:16,509 --> 00:14:18,110
without your prior consent.

342
00:14:18,460 --> 00:14:19,789
I ask your forgiveness.

343
00:14:23,080 --> 00:14:24,480
Explain your reasoning.

344
00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:26,320
There's no specific reason.

345
00:14:26,840 --> 00:14:27,970
I am simply betting—

346
00:14:31,629 --> 00:14:34,230
betting that
the Eight Families will prevail.

347
00:14:38,240 --> 00:14:39,570
Do you know

348
00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:42,059
which part of this entire affair

349
00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:44,509
I like the most?

350
00:14:47,120 --> 00:14:48,600
Those Eight Families

351
00:14:49,509 --> 00:14:51,440
possess wealth rivaling nations,

352
00:14:51,440 --> 00:14:52,899
immense financial power—

353
00:14:54,320 --> 00:14:55,450
their hidden assets

354
00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:59,549
are soon to be laid bare.

355
00:15:00,909 --> 00:15:01,370
Master—

356
00:15:03,200 --> 00:15:04,919
If this is about Chang Si,

357
00:15:05,320 --> 00:15:06,750
save your breath.

358
00:15:07,629 --> 00:15:10,379
You failed to complete the final task.

359
00:15:10,789 --> 00:15:12,190
Once it's accomplished,

360
00:15:12,320 --> 00:15:14,120
I'll release him—

361
00:15:15,120 --> 00:15:16,480
and you as well.

362
00:15:25,669 --> 00:15:27,110
What good

363
00:15:27,789 --> 00:15:29,649
would freeing Chang Si do for you?

364
00:15:30,909 --> 00:15:33,129
Let me show you a brighter path:

365
00:15:33,440 --> 00:15:34,080
you,

366
00:15:34,600 --> 00:15:36,799
as chief manager of the Eight Families—

367
00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:39,009
what prestige that would bring!

368
00:15:41,870 --> 00:15:42,509
Are you

369
00:15:43,549 --> 00:15:44,440
not tempted?

370
00:15:52,750 --> 00:15:54,409
Without Mr. Chang's release,

371
00:15:54,629 --> 00:15:56,200
no further dealings can proceed.

372
00:15:56,200 --> 00:15:57,799
I will discuss nothing else.

373
00:16:07,389 --> 00:16:10,629
{\an8}[Taiping Bank]

374
00:16:15,610 --> 00:16:16,789
Excellent!

375
00:16:26,120 --> 00:16:28,250
Congratulations! Congratulations!

376
00:16:30,870 --> 00:16:31,669
Excellent!

377
00:16:34,500 --> 00:16:39,230
{\an8}[We offer a 30% annual return
for the esteemed customers of Shanxi.]

378
00:16:38,029 --> 00:16:39,629
It's 30%! 30%!

379
00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:40,600
Open up!

380
00:16:41,029 --> 00:16:42,840
Taiyufeng, open your doors!

381
00:16:50,750 --> 00:16:52,210
Open up! Quickly, open up!

382
00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:54,289
Hurry!

383
00:16:54,360 --> 00:16:55,960
Taiyufeng, open your doors!

384
00:16:58,330 --> 00:17:02,509
{\an8}[Taiping Bank]

385
00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:00,500
How's everything?

386
00:17:01,240 --> 00:17:02,169
Since midnight,

387
00:17:02,789 --> 00:17:03,480
Taiyufeng's entrance

388
00:17:03,480 --> 00:17:04,880
has been swarmed with people
demanding their money.

389
00:17:04,880 --> 00:17:06,160
It's completely packed now.

390
00:17:06,160 --> 00:17:07,828
They're refusing to open their shutters,

391
00:17:07,828 --> 00:17:09,588
and some have started smashing the doors—

392
00:17:09,588 --> 00:17:10,680
though they're still hesitant
to break in,

393
00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:11,750
given the firm's close ties

394
00:17:11,750 --> 00:17:13,200
with the county magistrate.

395
00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:14,200
I'd say it's only a matter of time

396
00:17:14,200 --> 00:17:15,029
before full-blown chaos erupts.

397
00:17:15,029 --> 00:17:16,309
Alright, here's what you do:

398
00:17:16,309 --> 00:17:17,309
spend more

399
00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:18,480
money,

400
00:17:18,519 --> 00:17:19,588
hire more people to blend into the crowd

401
00:17:19,588 --> 00:17:20,680
and listen to what they're saying.

402
00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:21,279
Go, go now.

403
00:17:22,269 --> 00:17:22,848
Wait—come back.

404
00:17:22,848 --> 00:17:29,359
{\an8}[Taiping Bank]

405
00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:26,598
Do we have our own men

406
00:17:26,630 --> 00:17:27,549
at Taiyufeng's entrance right now?

407
00:17:27,549 --> 00:17:28,068
Yes,

408
00:17:28,440 --> 00:17:29,700
I just came from there.

409
00:17:29,720 --> 00:17:30,650
When I left, 5 or 6

410
00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:31,750
of our guys were still

411
00:17:31,750 --> 00:17:32,609
keeping watch,

412
00:17:32,750 --> 00:17:33,880
taking turns reporting updates.

413
00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:34,309
Good.

414
00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:35,400
Now hurry back

415
00:17:35,420 --> 00:17:36,420
and instruct our men clearly:

416
00:17:36,420 --> 00:17:37,680
if the crowd eventually

417
00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:38,420
breaks in and starts

418
00:17:38,420 --> 00:17:39,269
beating people or looting,

419
00:17:39,269 --> 00:17:40,240
they must protect

420
00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:41,269
Mr. Gu at all costs.

421
00:17:41,269 --> 00:17:42,029
He is not to be harmed.

422
00:17:42,029 --> 00:17:42,920
That man is my brother.

423
00:17:42,920 --> 00:17:43,460
Make sure they remember this.

424
00:17:43,460 --> 00:17:44,190
Understood.

425
00:17:45,509 --> 00:17:46,309
Don't forget!

426
00:17:47,480 --> 00:17:48,279
Young Master,

427
00:17:48,549 --> 00:17:50,680
you certainly value old friendships.

428
00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:52,480
What,

429
00:17:53,069 --> 00:17:54,799
am I not allowed to protect him?

430
00:17:55,710 --> 00:17:57,920
I'm just afraid
that even if you protect him,

431
00:17:57,920 --> 00:17:59,319
he may not appreciate it.

432
00:18:00,839 --> 00:18:02,160
I owe my foothold here

433
00:18:02,200 --> 00:18:03,200
to his help.

434
00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:09,720
Open up! Open up! Open up!

435
00:18:10,160 --> 00:18:11,880
Step aside!

436
00:18:12,549 --> 00:18:15,500
Move! Move! Move!

437
00:18:15,720 --> 00:18:17,960
Out of the way! Out of the way!

438
00:18:16,210 --> 00:18:20,990
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

439
00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:21,059
Step aside now!

440
00:18:25,420 --> 00:18:28,109
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

441
00:18:30,069 --> 00:18:31,900
We beseech Mr. Gu to appear!

442
00:18:32,029 --> 00:18:33,960
We beseech Mr. Gu to appear!

443
00:18:55,829 --> 00:18:56,549
Gentlemen.

444
00:18:58,069 --> 00:18:59,299
Sorry to keep you waiting.

445
00:18:59,299 --> 00:19:04,990
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

446
00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:02,299
Now that Taiyufeng

447
00:19:03,269 --> 00:19:05,000
has joined the Eight Families,

448
00:19:05,400 --> 00:19:08,200
there is absolutely no question
about our credit.

449
00:19:08,579 --> 00:19:10,200
We stand together,

450
00:19:10,480 --> 00:19:12,029
supporting and aiding one another.

451
00:19:12,029 --> 00:19:14,259
Today, everyone
who has come to withdraw silver

452
00:19:14,259 --> 00:19:15,480
will be paid in full—

453
00:19:16,230 --> 00:19:18,130
you will not be shorted a single cent.

454
00:19:18,130 --> 00:19:20,700
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

455
00:19:18,920 --> 00:19:20,400
Open the chests!

456
00:19:21,299 --> 00:19:23,609
♪ The world is full of reasons ♪

457
00:19:23,680 --> 00:19:25,039
♪ And tales of loyalty ♪

458
00:19:25,079 --> 00:19:28,089
♪ We should be just and compassionate ♪

459
00:19:28,170 --> 00:19:29,819
♪ Among the smoke
there is just one path ♪

460
00:19:29,859 --> 00:19:34,789
♪ I'll measure this life step by step ♪

461
00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:36,069
♪ All walks of life ♪

462
00:19:36,089 --> 00:19:37,420
♪ Each plays a part ♪

463
00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:39,349
♪ When curtains fall ♪

464
00:19:39,390 --> 00:19:40,849
♪ A legend starts ♪

465
00:19:40,910 --> 00:19:42,589
♪ Trade has its code ♪

466
00:19:42,609 --> 00:19:46,390
♪ I bear the code ♪

467
00:19:42,950 --> 00:19:44,910
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

468
00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:49,259
♪ The sun will always rise ♪

469
00:19:55,259 --> 00:19:56,519
You may take them down.

470
00:19:57,140 --> 00:20:00,369
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

471
00:19:59,579 --> 00:20:01,359
{\an8}♪ I've read the Four Books
and Five Classics ♪

472
00:20:00,750 --> 00:20:02,000
May I ask your name, butler?

473
00:20:01,380 --> 00:20:03,049
{\an8}♪ I've learned to be magnanimous ♪

474
00:20:02,829 --> 00:20:04,109
My humble surname is Zhai.

475
00:20:03,079 --> 00:20:05,630
{\an8}♪ And forget the past grudges ♪

476
00:20:04,549 --> 00:20:06,680
I serve as the butler for Fencang Bank.

477
00:20:05,680 --> 00:20:07,680
{\an8}♪ I've traveled through the years ♪

478
00:20:06,789 --> 00:20:11,160
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

479
00:20:07,109 --> 00:20:08,200
Madam has instructed

480
00:20:07,710 --> 00:20:09,309
{\an8}♪ As life roughens my face ♪

481
00:20:08,880 --> 00:20:10,589
that once this silver is delivered,

482
00:20:09,349 --> 00:20:11,980
{\an8}♪ I've felt the coldness between people ♪

483
00:20:10,720 --> 00:20:11,920
we are to ask no questions

484
00:20:11,920 --> 00:20:14,440
and follow Mr. Gu's arrangements
in all matters.

485
00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:15,109
{\an8}♪ I've seen the vast snow ♪

486
00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:16,140
Thank you for your hard work,
Butler Zhai.

487
00:20:15,180 --> 00:20:18,140
{\an8}♪ I was once held tightly by someone ♪

488
00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:18,109
Please accept these tokens
of appreciation.

489
00:20:18,109 --> 00:20:18,660
Mr. Gu,

490
00:20:18,210 --> 00:20:19,309
{\an8}♪ The meaning of survival ♪

491
00:20:18,829 --> 00:20:19,869
that's really not necessary.

492
00:20:19,390 --> 00:20:21,279
{\an8}♪ Is all about staying fed ♪

493
00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:21,509
Your men have also labored hard—

494
00:20:21,329 --> 00:20:22,779
{\an8}♪ Turn around ♪

495
00:20:21,589 --> 00:20:22,829
let this buy them
a round of drinks.

496
00:20:22,809 --> 00:20:24,369
{\an8}♪ And try to be brave ♪

497
00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:24,279
I insist.

498
00:20:24,430 --> 00:20:29,829
{\an8}♪ The show is about to start ♪

499
00:20:27,240 --> 00:20:29,390
Mr. Gu has granted a reward—

500
00:20:29,640 --> 00:20:31,930
this is for everyone's drinks!

501
00:20:29,940 --> 00:20:32,200
{\an8}♪ The world is full of reasons ♪

502
00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:33,880
Thank you, Mr. Gu!

503
00:20:32,269 --> 00:20:33,700
{\an8}♪ And tales of loyalty ♪

504
00:20:33,789 --> 00:20:36,819
{\an8}♪ We should be just and compassionate ♪

505
00:20:35,069 --> 00:20:35,799
Butler Zhai,

506
00:20:36,269 --> 00:20:37,420
have the cargo unloaded

507
00:20:36,869 --> 00:20:38,579
{\an8}♪ Among the smoke
there is just one path ♪

508
00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:38,599
and the carts moved to the rear courtyard.

509
00:20:38,599 --> 00:20:43,319
{\an8}♪ I'll measure this life step by step ♪

510
00:20:38,960 --> 00:20:39,589
Right away!

511
00:20:39,589 --> 00:20:40,890
Let's begin business—

512
00:20:42,200 --> 00:20:43,640
unload the silver!

513
00:20:43,410 --> 00:20:44,730
{\an8}♪ All walks of life ♪

514
00:20:43,690 --> 00:20:46,029
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

515
00:20:44,759 --> 00:20:45,960
♪ Each plays a part ♪

516
00:20:46,019 --> 00:20:47,940
{\an8}♪ When curtains fall ♪

517
00:20:46,130 --> 00:20:47,539
{\an8}[Taiping Bank]

518
00:20:47,109 --> 00:20:47,710
Carts.

519
00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:48,589
The carts are here!

520
00:20:48,019 --> 00:20:49,410
{\an8}♪ A legend starts ♪

521
00:20:48,640 --> 00:20:49,220
Carts?

522
00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:50,390
W-What carts?

523
00:20:49,480 --> 00:20:51,160
{\an8}♪ Trade has its code ♪

524
00:20:50,480 --> 00:20:50,960
S-

525
00:20:51,230 --> 00:20:55,180
{\an8}♪ I bear the code ♪

526
00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:52,140
Silver carts!

527
00:20:52,440 --> 00:20:54,309
The carts are fully loaded with silver.

528
00:20:54,309 --> 00:20:55,579
We followed the carts and saw it—

529
00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:57,849
{\an8}♪ The sun will always rise ♪

530
00:20:55,640 --> 00:20:57,069
ingot after ingot of silver.

531
00:20:57,069 --> 00:20:58,130
We counted

532
00:20:58,640 --> 00:20:59,829
and there were 6 carts up front,

533
00:20:59,829 --> 00:21:01,019
with more on the way.

534
00:21:01,200 --> 00:21:03,349
The Eight Families
have emptied their coffers.

535
00:21:03,349 --> 00:21:04,269
The crowd outside
waiting to withdraw silver

536
00:21:04,269 --> 00:21:04,880
is thinning by the minute.

537
00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:05,680
Are you mute?

538
00:21:05,680 --> 00:21:06,480
Speak up, damn it!

539
00:21:06,480 --> 00:21:07,200
Go tell them—

540
00:21:07,200 --> 00:21:08,200
if they don't withdraw today,

541
00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:08,880
an imperial decree

542
00:21:08,880 --> 00:21:10,000
seal that bank shut

543
00:21:10,029 --> 00:21:11,190
for good one day!

544
00:21:11,309 --> 00:21:12,059
We tried!

545
00:21:12,160 --> 00:21:12,930
It's no use!

546
00:21:12,890 --> 00:21:17,079
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

547
00:21:13,680 --> 00:21:14,960
Judging by this situation,

548
00:21:14,960 --> 00:21:16,109
does Taiyufeng actually

549
00:21:16,109 --> 00:21:17,309
have the funds or not?

550
00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:18,640
We'd better withdraw the money.

551
00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:20,500
Who knows if there'll be anything left
if we wait any longer.

552
00:21:20,500 --> 00:21:22,250
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

553
00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:21,720
Look, look over there!

554
00:21:21,720 --> 00:21:22,920
More carts seem to be coming.

555
00:21:22,920 --> 00:21:23,720
Did Taiyufeng

556
00:21:23,720 --> 00:21:24,680
really owe the regime 3 million taels,

557
00:21:24,680 --> 00:21:25,240
or did they actually

558
00:21:25,240 --> 00:21:26,839
earn 3 million taels from it?

559
00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:28,450
Those people

560
00:21:28,720 --> 00:21:29,509
see the silver

561
00:21:29,509 --> 00:21:30,460
and feel reassured.

562
00:21:30,460 --> 00:21:31,480
They're afraid withdrawing their money

563
00:21:31,480 --> 00:21:32,170
will cost them interest.

564
00:21:32,170 --> 00:21:33,170
That's bullshit!

565
00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:34,480
Go and tell them

566
00:21:33,809 --> 00:21:35,490
{\an8}[We offer a 30% annual return
for the esteemed customers of Shanxi.]

567
00:21:34,640 --> 00:21:35,920
that Taiping Bank offers 30% interest,

568
00:21:35,920 --> 00:21:36,750
which is higher than Taiyufeng's!

569
00:21:36,750 --> 00:21:37,200
But...

570
00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:38,680
then our men will be exposed!

571
00:21:38,529 --> 00:21:40,829
{\an8}♪ The world is full of reasons ♪

572
00:21:38,750 --> 00:21:39,930
Just go!

573
00:21:40,910 --> 00:21:42,259
♪ And tales of loyalty ♪

574
00:21:42,309 --> 00:21:45,319
{\an8}♪ We should be just and compassionate ♪

575
00:21:43,549 --> 00:21:45,430
Taiyufeng has secured

576
00:21:45,410 --> 00:21:47,049
{\an8}♪ Among the smoke
there is just one path ♪

577
00:21:45,480 --> 00:21:46,269
an alliance with both
the Jin and Sun families.

578
00:21:45,529 --> 00:21:47,589
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

579
00:21:46,829 --> 00:21:47,710
It really doesn't look like

580
00:21:47,089 --> 00:21:52,009
{\an8}♪ I'll measure this life step by step ♪

581
00:21:47,789 --> 00:21:49,359
they're in trouble.

582
00:21:50,920 --> 00:21:52,890
Since early this morning,

583
00:21:52,109 --> 00:21:53,299
{\an8}♪ All walks of life ♪

584
00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:54,890
three shipments of silver
have arrived by cart.

585
00:21:53,319 --> 00:21:54,650
{\an8}♪ Each plays a part ♪

586
00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:56,569
{\an8}♪ When curtains fall ♪

587
00:21:55,269 --> 00:21:56,349
We might've panicked

588
00:21:56,349 --> 00:21:58,400
for nothing.

589
00:21:56,619 --> 00:21:58,079
{\an8}♪ A legend starts ♪

590
00:21:58,140 --> 00:21:59,819
{\an8}♪ This land so vast ♪

591
00:21:59,549 --> 00:22:00,309
We should still

592
00:21:59,839 --> 00:22:05,240
{\an8}♪ I bear its weight ♪

593
00:22:00,309 --> 00:22:00,829
withdraw our money.

594
00:22:00,829 --> 00:22:01,200
Yes,

595
00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:02,809
better safe than sorry.

596
00:22:03,289 --> 00:22:06,309
{\an8}[Taiyufeng]

597
00:22:04,589 --> 00:22:05,549
Line up properly for withdrawals!

598
00:22:05,309 --> 00:22:11,589
{\an8}♪ The sun will always rise ♪

599
00:22:05,829 --> 00:22:06,549
Form a line right here!

600
00:22:06,369 --> 00:22:09,009
{\an8}[Taiyufeng Draft Bank]

601
00:22:13,549 --> 00:22:15,549
Deliver this draft to the Li family,

602
00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:16,920
and the thirty thousand taels

603
00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:18,849
will be credited to their account.

604
00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:20,029
This saves you

605
00:22:20,069 --> 00:22:21,750
from the fear of carrying silver
on the road

606
00:22:21,750 --> 00:22:22,750
and from the hassle

607
00:22:22,750 --> 00:22:23,789
of being detained and searched

608
00:22:23,789 --> 00:22:25,589
by those guards at the city gate.

609
00:22:26,500 --> 00:22:27,500
{\an8}[Thirty thousand taels,
payable upon delivery. Undersigned: Gu. ]

610
00:22:29,920 --> 00:22:31,069
If it isn't honored,

611
00:22:31,720 --> 00:22:32,779
I'll be right here.

612
00:22:33,240 --> 00:22:36,440
You can come and trash my establishment
anytime you want.

613
00:22:41,579 --> 00:22:43,579
This is certainly more convenient.

614
00:22:44,269 --> 00:22:44,869
Very well,

615
00:22:45,720 --> 00:22:46,400
I trust you.

616
00:22:50,480 --> 00:22:51,109
Take care.

617
00:22:53,069 --> 00:22:55,480
Mr. Gu, may I have a draft issued?

618
00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:56,200
Mr. Gu, Mr. Gu.

619
00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:56,720
I need to get a draft!

620
00:22:56,720 --> 00:22:57,789
So all of you want drafts now?

621
00:22:57,789 --> 00:22:58,849
Yes, yes, exactly.

622
00:22:59,000 --> 00:22:59,549
Alright.

623
00:23:00,069 --> 00:23:01,589
Those who need drafts, line up over here.

624
00:23:01,589 --> 00:23:02,440
Okay. Okay.

625
00:23:04,349 --> 00:23:05,400
Don't just stand there.

626
00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:06,440
Bring out some fresh pastries

627
00:23:06,440 --> 00:23:07,240
for everyone.

628
00:23:07,789 --> 00:23:08,450
Right away!

629
00:23:11,509 --> 00:23:12,509
I'm just puzzled.

630
00:23:13,480 --> 00:23:14,720
Since you dislike how the Master

631
00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:16,750
brought down the Eight Families
with underhanded tactics,

632
00:23:16,750 --> 00:23:17,680
why are you so determined

633
00:23:17,680 --> 00:23:19,279
to see your own brother fall?

634
00:23:21,720 --> 00:23:23,450
I just don't want to see him win.

635
00:23:31,390 --> 00:23:32,470
Finally, our money

636
00:23:32,470 --> 00:23:33,470
has been secured.

637
00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:36,160
What a relief.

638
00:23:36,200 --> 00:23:37,640
Thank you, Mr. Gu. We're in your debt.

639
00:23:37,640 --> 00:23:38,480
You're most welcome.

640
00:23:38,480 --> 00:23:39,029
Take care.

641
00:23:39,029 --> 00:23:39,789
Excellent, excellent.

642
00:23:39,789 --> 00:23:40,680
Let's go.

643
00:23:51,309 --> 00:23:52,920
Mr. Gu, the silver carts
have been unloaded.

644
00:23:52,009 --> 00:23:57,180
{\an8}[Taiyufeng Draft Bank]

645
00:23:53,109 --> 00:23:54,480
How much did we honor in drafts?

646
00:23:54,480 --> 00:23:55,880
Take a look at the ledger.

647
00:23:57,380 --> 00:23:58,710
{\an8}[Total: 4,700 taels]

648
00:24:00,349 --> 00:24:00,920
Mr. Gu,

649
00:24:01,109 --> 00:24:03,200
it seems you were only focused
on the withdrawals, not the deposits.

650
00:24:03,200 --> 00:24:04,000
Today,

651
00:24:04,029 --> 00:24:05,069
several major restaurant owners

652
00:24:05,069 --> 00:24:06,440
and dye-works proprietors

653
00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:07,240
heard that

654
00:24:07,269 --> 00:24:08,920
a single draft from us
could be credited to an account;

655
00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:09,589
they immediately deposited

656
00:24:09,589 --> 00:24:11,349
several hundred thousand taels more.

657
00:24:11,349 --> 00:24:12,880
Despite a full day of a bank run,

658
00:24:12,880 --> 00:24:14,069
our ledger shows an increase

659
00:24:14,069 --> 00:24:15,390
of over six hundred thousand taels.

660
00:24:15,390 --> 00:24:16,390
How about that!

661
00:24:16,670 --> 00:24:22,150
{\an8}[Taiyufeng Draft Bank]

662
00:24:16,789 --> 00:24:17,829
In that case,
load up exactly the same amount of silver

663
00:24:17,829 --> 00:24:19,559
that First Madam Jin brought in

664
00:24:19,829 --> 00:24:20,640
and have it

665
00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:21,250
returned

666
00:24:21,440 --> 00:24:22,440
to her overnight.

667
00:24:22,720 --> 00:24:23,400
Take some pastries

668
00:24:23,400 --> 00:24:25,059
for the crew to eat on the road.

669
00:24:25,589 --> 00:24:27,049
We've won today's battle,

670
00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:28,660
and won it decisively.

671
00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:29,579
Right away!

672
00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:51,880
Young Master,

673
00:24:52,269 --> 00:24:54,069
it doesn't look
like we're getting any more business.

674
00:24:54,069 --> 00:24:55,069
Shall we close up?

675
00:24:59,789 --> 00:25:00,789
You're telling me

676
00:25:00,789 --> 00:25:01,960
there's no business
on our very first day open?

677
00:25:01,960 --> 00:25:02,960
Watch your mouth!

678
00:25:03,200 --> 00:25:04,509
I spoke out of turn. I'm a fool.

679
00:25:04,509 --> 00:25:05,549
Don't be angry, Young Master.

680
00:25:05,549 --> 00:25:06,920
May our fortunes flourish!

681
00:25:06,920 --> 00:25:07,380
Get out!

682
00:25:07,920 --> 00:25:08,720
Just put up the shutters already.

683
00:25:08,720 --> 00:25:09,440
The sooner this place goes under,

684
00:25:09,440 --> 00:25:11,640
the sooner we can return to the capital.

685
00:25:22,829 --> 00:25:24,240
Where is my father now?

686
00:25:25,680 --> 00:25:26,480
He's probably

687
00:25:27,269 --> 00:25:28,269
just left Shanxi.

688
00:25:30,589 --> 00:25:32,990
Then you should
write a letter immediately

689
00:25:33,640 --> 00:25:35,640
and send a rider to catch up with him,

690
00:25:35,750 --> 00:25:38,880
so he can also share in the good news
and enjoy the moment.

691
00:25:46,549 --> 00:25:50,079
This is what they call
"operating on credit as the foundation."

692
00:25:50,349 --> 00:25:51,720
They said it,

693
00:25:51,880 --> 00:25:53,029
and they did it—

694
00:25:53,920 --> 00:25:55,650
and that's how they succeeded.

695
00:25:57,029 --> 00:25:57,829
If you ask me,

696
00:25:58,480 --> 00:25:59,609
my father misjudged

697
00:26:00,269 --> 00:26:01,200
this situation.

698
00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:08,799
Young Master,

699
00:26:10,029 --> 00:26:11,630
we need to come up with a plan.

700
00:26:15,480 --> 00:26:16,480
What kind of plan?

701
00:26:17,200 --> 00:26:18,130
If even a bank run

702
00:26:18,160 --> 00:26:19,400
couldn't finish him off,

703
00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:20,460
what else is there?

704
00:26:21,069 --> 00:26:22,509
If we don't kill the tiger,

705
00:26:22,509 --> 00:26:23,640
it will turn and bite us all

706
00:26:23,640 --> 00:26:24,640
when it recovers.

707
00:26:25,789 --> 00:26:27,309
Just sit tight.

708
00:26:27,829 --> 00:26:28,549
I want to see

709
00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:30,200
how many more days
that "Taiping Bank" plaque

710
00:26:30,200 --> 00:26:31,599
can possibly hang there.

711
00:26:49,309 --> 00:26:50,549
These days,

712
00:26:50,960 --> 00:26:52,490
it's truly been remarkable

713
00:26:52,829 --> 00:26:54,960
how a young lady
has been holding together

714
00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:57,019
such a large household all on her own.

715
00:27:01,829 --> 00:27:04,089
Speak of the devil,
and she shall appear.

716
00:27:05,549 --> 00:27:06,480
What were you two

717
00:27:06,509 --> 00:27:08,309
gossiping about behind my back?

718
00:27:08,920 --> 00:27:10,519
Mr. Gu was just praising you,

719
00:27:10,720 --> 00:27:12,200
saying you have a resilient spirit

720
00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:14,000
and are capable of great things.

721
00:27:16,750 --> 00:27:18,069
Resilient spirit?

722
00:27:18,440 --> 00:27:20,200
I wish I could just kill Wang Tiangui

723
00:27:20,200 --> 00:27:21,789
and drag both of you out of here!

724
00:27:21,789 --> 00:27:22,640
And now?

725
00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:24,130
The estate is saved,

726
00:27:24,240 --> 00:27:24,920
but I'm the one left all alone

727
00:27:24,920 --> 00:27:26,240
in that empty place,

728
00:27:27,440 --> 00:27:29,700
while you two are just thrilled about it.

729
00:27:29,750 --> 00:27:31,109
And now, rumors are spreading everywhere

730
00:27:31,109 --> 00:27:32,029
that he's practically

731
00:27:32,029 --> 00:27:33,890
becoming Wang Tiangui's godson.

732
00:27:34,720 --> 00:27:35,750
Whoever started that "godson" talk

733
00:27:35,750 --> 00:27:37,160
is spouting pure nonsense.

734
00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:38,589
Wang Tiangui is only detaining me

735
00:27:38,589 --> 00:27:41,240
because he wants me to lead him
to the King Li's Treasure—

736
00:27:41,240 --> 00:27:42,400
that's why he still won't

737
00:27:42,400 --> 00:27:43,460
release Mr. Chang.

738
00:27:44,309 --> 00:27:45,400
So the legends

739
00:27:45,829 --> 00:27:47,789
about the King Li's Treasure are real?

740
00:27:47,789 --> 00:27:48,920
How should I know?

741
00:27:49,920 --> 00:27:50,960
But I recall my teacher

742
00:27:50,960 --> 00:27:51,750
once saying:

743
00:27:52,069 --> 00:27:54,069
everything in this world

744
00:27:54,069 --> 00:27:55,400
has its rightful owner.

745
00:27:55,440 --> 00:27:56,920
Some things simply aren't yours—

746
00:27:56,920 --> 00:27:58,640
even if you seize them,
they'll be of no use.

747
00:27:58,640 --> 00:28:01,099
Only the virtuous
are meant to possess them.

748
00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:03,349
Oh, here we go

749
00:28:03,589 --> 00:28:04,920
with the classical proverbs again.

750
00:28:04,920 --> 00:28:06,549
There it is—
the pedantic airs of a scholar are back.

751
00:28:06,549 --> 00:28:07,109
Sorry.

752
00:28:12,960 --> 00:28:13,589
Mr. Gu,

753
00:28:14,269 --> 00:28:15,750
I'm afraid Wang Tiangui

754
00:28:16,549 --> 00:28:18,009
is still not done with you.

755
00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,200
You must find a way

756
00:28:20,509 --> 00:28:21,640
to escape his grasp.

757
00:28:23,640 --> 00:28:25,769
He's a man with no lineage to preserve—

758
00:28:26,589 --> 00:28:29,029
vicious at heart
and ruthless in his actions.

759
00:28:29,029 --> 00:28:29,890
You can't trust

760
00:28:30,029 --> 00:28:31,230
a single word he says.

761
00:28:31,509 --> 00:28:32,640
I'm well aware.

762
00:28:33,240 --> 00:28:35,299
This battle hasn't even started yet.

763
00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:37,400
Let me advise you:

764
00:28:37,680 --> 00:28:39,000
you've already pushed him

765
00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:40,920
into the position of chief manager
for the Eight Families;

766
00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:42,269
that's achievement enough.

767
00:28:42,269 --> 00:28:43,789
Everyone has seen

768
00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:45,589
your skill and capability;

769
00:28:45,589 --> 00:28:47,119
even a man like Wang Tiangui

770
00:28:47,440 --> 00:28:49,099
has to treat you with respect.

771
00:28:50,160 --> 00:28:52,349
This is the perfect time
for you to make your exit.

772
00:28:52,349 --> 00:28:54,750
Don't throw that away
out of stubbornness.

773
00:28:56,109 --> 00:28:56,710
Mr. Chang,

774
00:28:57,789 --> 00:28:59,029
if I don't personally

775
00:28:59,109 --> 00:29:00,069
bring down Wang Tiangui

776
00:29:00,069 --> 00:29:01,750
and secure your freedom this time,

777
00:29:01,750 --> 00:29:03,349
I will never forgive myself.

778
00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:07,069
A true man, in navigating life
and society,

779
00:29:07,069 --> 00:29:08,789
must be clear about friendship and enmity.

780
00:29:08,789 --> 00:29:09,640
I will always remember

781
00:29:09,640 --> 00:29:10,769
your kindness to me.

782
00:29:11,069 --> 00:29:12,309
I may not speak of it often,

783
00:29:12,309 --> 00:29:14,240
but that doesn't mean I'm unaware.

784
00:29:16,960 --> 00:29:17,480
Now,

785
00:29:18,880 --> 00:29:20,349
I should return to the bank—

786
00:29:20,349 --> 00:29:22,480
Wang Tiangui is likely looking for me.

787
00:29:22,750 --> 00:29:23,309
In the next couple of days,

788
00:29:23,309 --> 00:29:25,000
I'll make a trip to Jinyang Villa.

789
00:29:25,000 --> 00:29:27,309
Those elders
have just regained their footing,

790
00:29:27,309 --> 00:29:27,960
and now

791
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:29,440
that I've stepped down as chief manager,

792
00:29:29,440 --> 00:29:30,480
I can finally catch my breath.

793
00:29:30,480 --> 00:29:31,509
It's time to visit them.

794
00:29:31,509 --> 00:29:31,960
Okay.

795
00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:21,660
Leave me be.

796
00:30:22,309 --> 00:30:23,309
Cry if you want to.

797
00:30:24,950 --> 00:30:26,150
How can I leave you be?

798
00:30:26,829 --> 00:30:27,690
Are you a ghost?

799
00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:31,420
I'm worse off than a ghost.

800
00:30:33,480 --> 00:30:35,140
At least a ghost may be reborn—

801
00:30:35,309 --> 00:30:36,109
there's hope.

802
00:30:37,309 --> 00:30:38,369
What hope do I have?

803
00:30:47,750 --> 00:30:48,509
It's late.

804
00:30:49,400 --> 00:30:50,200
Enough tears.

805
00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:55,240
Come,

806
00:30:56,109 --> 00:30:57,240
let me walk you back.

807
00:31:07,680 --> 00:31:10,509
You weren't eavesdropping
on my talk with Father, were you?

808
00:31:10,509 --> 00:31:10,960
No.

809
00:31:11,200 --> 00:31:12,400
What did you discuss?

810
00:31:12,750 --> 00:31:13,549
Nothing much.

811
00:31:14,349 --> 00:31:15,809
He did praise you, though.

812
00:31:17,900 --> 00:31:19,049
If Mr. Chang doesn't blame me
for dragging him into this,

813
00:31:19,049 --> 00:31:20,309
that's blessing enough.

814
00:31:20,309 --> 00:31:21,910
I dare not expect his praise.

815
00:31:24,680 --> 00:31:26,099
Stop saying

816
00:31:26,160 --> 00:31:27,960
you're neither human nor ghost,

817
00:31:27,960 --> 00:31:29,890
as though life isn't worth living.

818
00:31:30,549 --> 00:31:31,880
If you truly felt that way,

819
00:31:31,880 --> 00:31:33,400
why did you escape

820
00:31:33,440 --> 00:31:34,640
from Ningguta at all?

821
00:31:35,549 --> 00:31:37,279
You will live on, and live well.

822
00:31:37,349 --> 00:31:37,960
You

823
00:31:38,349 --> 00:31:39,160
and my father,

824
00:31:39,920 --> 00:31:41,450
both of you are good people.

825
00:31:43,549 --> 00:31:44,509
I often wonder,

826
00:31:45,480 --> 00:31:47,210
if you hadn't gone to Ningguta,

827
00:31:47,960 --> 00:31:50,029
if I hadn't stirred up so much trouble,

828
00:31:50,029 --> 00:31:50,589
maybe your life

829
00:31:50,589 --> 00:31:51,849
would've been easier.

830
00:31:53,750 --> 00:31:54,480
Gu,

831
00:31:56,789 --> 00:31:58,349
I've come to a realization.

832
00:31:58,920 --> 00:31:59,849
Will you hear it?

833
00:32:00,589 --> 00:32:01,160
I will.

834
00:32:03,140 --> 00:32:04,170
I sincerely

835
00:32:04,200 --> 00:32:05,960
do not regret going to Ningguta.

836
00:32:05,960 --> 00:32:07,490
I do not regret meeting you.

837
00:32:07,960 --> 00:32:09,720
And I sincerely hope

838
00:32:09,750 --> 00:32:11,950
that you and my father will soon be free—

839
00:32:12,109 --> 00:32:13,329
that all who've harmed you

840
00:32:13,329 --> 00:32:14,109
will be gone,

841
00:32:15,000 --> 00:32:16,000
that you'll

842
00:32:16,349 --> 00:32:18,269
return home, see your family,

843
00:32:18,960 --> 00:32:20,220
honor your betrothal,

844
00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:22,730
and live out your days in peace.

845
00:32:25,000 --> 00:32:25,829
As for myself,

846
00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:27,349
I too will live a good life.

847
00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:29,509
Even if I wander the world

848
00:32:29,509 --> 00:32:30,640
with my father,

849
00:32:31,269 --> 00:32:33,589
having known you in this life—

850
00:32:34,990 --> 00:32:35,849
that is enough.

851
00:32:38,349 --> 00:32:40,829
To aid the desperate
and rescue the imperiled

852
00:32:40,829 --> 00:32:41,400
in their hour of greatest need—

853
00:32:41,400 --> 00:32:43,130
that is the code of the Jianghu.

854
00:32:47,349 --> 00:32:49,150
Let us both be at peace with that.

855
00:34:38,360 --> 00:34:39,150
I'm home.

856
00:34:41,710 --> 00:34:42,360
See?

857
00:34:43,230 --> 00:34:45,630
Even you can be
left speechless sometimes.

858
00:34:47,630 --> 00:34:48,400
Gu,

859
00:34:49,880 --> 00:34:51,280
is your heart at ease now?

860
00:34:52,760 --> 00:34:55,090
Where the heart rests,
there lies my home.

861
00:34:57,400 --> 00:34:58,329
So sentimental.

862
00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:16,760
{\an8}[Fenglingdu Inn]

863
00:35:14,110 --> 00:35:14,840
Is Mr. Li from the capital

864
00:35:14,840 --> 00:35:16,099
staying here tonight?

865
00:35:17,960 --> 00:35:18,559
What is it?

866
00:35:19,510 --> 00:35:20,630
I've been riding for two days—

867
00:35:20,630 --> 00:35:22,960
I've come all the way
from Pingyao with a message.

868
00:35:22,960 --> 00:35:24,619
It seems that lad surnamed Gu

869
00:35:24,800 --> 00:35:26,730
is resorting to such a petty trick.

870
00:35:27,320 --> 00:35:28,630
I fear your Taiping Bank may not

871
00:35:28,630 --> 00:35:30,559
hold its ground in Shanxi anymore.

872
00:35:32,230 --> 00:35:33,489
So close, yet so far.

873
00:35:33,840 --> 00:35:35,630
Back when His Highness caught them

874
00:35:35,630 --> 00:35:37,519
at Jinyang Villa, I said,

875
00:35:37,590 --> 00:35:38,719
"Don't let them go."

876
00:35:39,710 --> 00:35:41,860
But he thought holding their IOU

877
00:35:42,360 --> 00:35:43,559
meant no one

878
00:35:43,590 --> 00:35:44,920
would dare renege.

879
00:35:47,590 --> 00:35:48,480
I know

880
00:35:49,190 --> 00:35:51,070
you deposited funds in all eight families

881
00:35:51,070 --> 00:35:52,730
precisely for a run like this.

882
00:35:53,440 --> 00:35:55,190
At the time, I didn't fully grasp it.

883
00:35:55,190 --> 00:35:56,590
Now I see:

884
00:35:56,880 --> 00:35:59,320
"To take, you must first give."

885
00:35:59,670 --> 00:36:00,630
Truly shrewd.

886
00:36:01,800 --> 00:36:03,510
Just withdraw the money

887
00:36:03,670 --> 00:36:05,469
and see if they can withstand it.

888
00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:11,230
"Dead silver stays,

889
00:36:11,840 --> 00:36:13,699
and living silver returns home."

890
00:36:14,920 --> 00:36:16,849
Do you understand what that means?

891
00:36:17,760 --> 00:36:18,630
It means the silver

892
00:36:18,630 --> 00:36:19,760
that's just sitting there stays,

893
00:36:19,760 --> 00:36:21,489
and the rest comes back, right?

894
00:36:23,280 --> 00:36:25,010
Half a year before you arrived,

895
00:36:25,190 --> 00:36:26,550
we deposited over 6 million
taels of silver

896
00:36:26,550 --> 00:36:27,710
with the Eight Families

897
00:36:27,710 --> 00:36:29,070
through other firms.

898
00:36:29,920 --> 00:36:31,190
The plan was

899
00:36:31,230 --> 00:36:32,750
to suddenly strike during a run,

900
00:36:32,750 --> 00:36:33,920
demanding the full withdrawal

901
00:36:33,920 --> 00:36:34,920
all at once

902
00:36:35,070 --> 00:36:36,630
to force them to shut down.

903
00:36:38,440 --> 00:36:39,550
That move

904
00:36:39,630 --> 00:36:41,030
was set long ago.

905
00:36:42,630 --> 00:36:44,090
But judging by the letter,

906
00:36:45,070 --> 00:36:47,070
it seems we're not making that move—

907
00:36:47,340 --> 00:36:49,340
we're just leaving the money there.

908
00:36:50,480 --> 00:36:51,340
How can that be?

909
00:36:52,360 --> 00:36:53,590
That's handing them

910
00:36:53,590 --> 00:36:55,150
a huge advantage for nothing.

911
00:36:55,150 --> 00:36:56,710
Then go ahead

912
00:36:56,710 --> 00:36:57,849
with the plan!

913
00:36:58,190 --> 00:36:59,590
Since we're leaving anyway,

914
00:36:59,590 --> 00:37:01,360
there's no reason
to suffer such a crushing defeat.

915
00:37:01,360 --> 00:37:02,400
I'll write to the Master at once.

916
00:37:02,400 --> 00:37:03,280
What for?

917
00:37:03,760 --> 00:37:04,440
We've already followed
your advice this far,

918
00:37:04,440 --> 00:37:05,769
and look where it got us.

919
00:37:06,280 --> 00:37:07,030
Stop it!

920
00:37:15,320 --> 00:37:16,320
I have an idea—

921
00:37:16,360 --> 00:37:17,800
we could still fight back.

922
00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:18,929
Want to give it a try?

923
00:37:20,920 --> 00:37:21,719
Young Master,

924
00:37:22,150 --> 00:37:23,809
please don't act recklessly.

925
00:37:25,110 --> 00:37:27,440
Oh, so only you're allowed to be reckless?

926
00:37:34,070 --> 00:37:34,550
Today,

927
00:37:35,030 --> 00:37:36,360
the kitchen is fully stocked,

928
00:37:36,360 --> 00:37:37,400
and they'll be serving around the clock.

929
00:37:37,400 --> 00:37:39,329
Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves!

930
00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:44,960
Mr. Sun,

931
00:37:45,789 --> 00:37:47,519
I suppose our dishes

932
00:37:47,760 --> 00:37:49,119
still can't compare

933
00:37:49,150 --> 00:37:51,010
to those few bowls of spoiled rice

934
00:37:51,440 --> 00:37:53,440
you enjoyed the other day, can they?

935
00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:01,860
Don't mention that spoiled rice!

936
00:38:07,710 --> 00:38:08,030
Madam,

937
00:38:08,030 --> 00:38:09,400
could we please not

938
00:38:09,400 --> 00:38:09,670
bring that up again?

939
00:38:09,670 --> 00:38:10,760
Just hearing about it

940
00:38:10,760 --> 00:38:11,590
makes my throat itch

941
00:38:11,590 --> 00:38:13,719
as if a little hand were scratching it.

942
00:38:14,630 --> 00:38:15,280
Madam.

943
00:38:19,019 --> 00:38:19,480
Come on.

944
00:38:29,110 --> 00:38:29,670
Mr. Gu,

945
00:38:29,920 --> 00:38:30,980
take a look at this.

946
00:38:36,030 --> 00:38:36,630
What is it?

947
00:38:37,940 --> 00:38:40,429
{\an8}[A withdrawal of six million taels
is scheduled for prior to noon tomorrow.]

948
00:38:38,400 --> 00:38:40,000
That Li Baiwan

949
00:38:40,110 --> 00:38:41,480
deposited 6 million taels of silver

950
00:38:41,480 --> 00:38:43,340
in our draft banks half a year ago.

951
00:38:43,760 --> 00:38:45,889
Now he wants
to withdraw it all at once.

952
00:38:50,090 --> 00:38:50,800
If we eight families

953
00:38:50,800 --> 00:38:51,920
have to scrape together

954
00:38:51,920 --> 00:38:53,070
6 million taels right now,

955
00:38:53,070 --> 00:38:54,710
our liquidity will be completely drained.

956
00:38:54,710 --> 00:38:55,710
This isn't silver—

957
00:38:55,710 --> 00:38:57,570
it's a blade aimed at our throats.

958
00:38:58,360 --> 00:38:59,150
Even with Mr. Gu's plan

959
00:38:59,150 --> 00:39:00,840
to unite the eight families,

960
00:39:00,840 --> 00:39:01,760
which of us could

961
00:39:01,760 --> 00:39:03,219
withstand a run like this?

962
00:39:04,510 --> 00:39:06,480
The depth of Li Baiwan's scheming

963
00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:09,059
is truly chilling.

964
00:39:11,670 --> 00:39:12,440
Do you

965
00:39:13,000 --> 00:39:14,000
intend to pay him?

966
00:39:18,010 --> 00:39:19,139
What do you suggest?

967
00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:21,130
We'll follow your lead.

968
00:39:22,130 --> 00:39:23,000
In my opinion,

969
00:39:23,710 --> 00:39:24,400
this is Li Baiwan's

970
00:39:24,400 --> 00:39:25,460
final hidden card.

971
00:39:26,150 --> 00:39:27,360
But simply handing it over like this

972
00:39:27,360 --> 00:39:28,079
would be

973
00:39:28,230 --> 00:39:29,150
most unwise.

974
00:39:30,150 --> 00:39:31,150
Since he wants it,

975
00:39:31,510 --> 00:39:33,039
then we shall give it to him.

976
00:39:33,550 --> 00:39:34,480
I'm familiar with Wang Tiangui's accounts

977
00:39:34,480 --> 00:39:35,230
and I can

978
00:39:35,760 --> 00:39:36,760
produce 2 million taels of silver

979
00:39:36,760 --> 00:39:37,840
at once.

980
00:39:37,960 --> 00:39:39,420
What about the rest of you?

981
00:39:50,670 --> 00:39:51,630
I'll contribute

982
00:39:52,230 --> 00:39:53,110
four million.

983
00:39:53,630 --> 00:39:54,559
The full amount?

984
00:39:58,190 --> 00:39:58,849
Excellent.

985
00:39:59,630 --> 00:40:00,360
I'll sweep

986
00:40:00,590 --> 00:40:01,480
our vaults clean

987
00:40:01,480 --> 00:40:03,030
and contribute everything as well.

988
00:40:03,030 --> 00:40:04,159
Is that acceptable?

989
00:40:08,030 --> 00:40:09,429
What kind of deal is this?

990
00:40:09,840 --> 00:40:11,400
M-Me too! Count me in!

991
00:40:12,710 --> 00:40:13,940
What a vicious idea.

992
00:40:14,070 --> 00:40:14,960
I'll go get paper and brush.

993
00:40:14,960 --> 00:40:16,289
Let's settle the score.

994
00:40:19,630 --> 00:40:20,889
Just what is this deal?

995
00:40:23,280 --> 00:40:25,000
Tell me, what's going on?

996
00:40:25,070 --> 00:40:25,960
Don't keep me in suspense!

997
00:40:25,960 --> 00:40:27,190
Mr. Gu has a proposal:

998
00:40:28,150 --> 00:40:30,510
Taiping Bank is offering an interest rate
of 30% on deposits—

999
00:40:30,510 --> 00:40:32,360
a full ten percentage points
higher than ours.

1000
00:40:32,360 --> 00:40:33,230
If Li Baiwan

1001
00:40:33,550 --> 00:40:34,760
wants to move his funds,

1002
00:40:34,760 --> 00:40:35,280
fine.

1003
00:40:35,840 --> 00:40:36,840
Let's give him

1004
00:40:37,280 --> 00:40:38,760
every tael we have.

1005
00:40:40,510 --> 00:40:42,630
We'll turn his own money
against him and live off the interest!

1006
00:40:42,630 --> 00:40:44,210
What a splendid plan!

1007
00:40:44,550 --> 00:40:45,750
In the back and forth,

1008
00:40:45,800 --> 00:40:46,710
this is such a big deal.

1009
00:40:46,710 --> 00:40:47,280
Indeed.

1010
00:40:49,889 --> 00:40:57,789
{\an8}[Taiping Bank]

1011
00:40:58,760 --> 00:40:59,630
My dear Young Master,

1012
00:40:59,630 --> 00:41:00,880
how can you still sleep
at a time like this?

1013
00:41:00,880 --> 00:41:01,630
They are already

1014
00:41:01,630 --> 00:41:02,800
on our doorstep!

1015
00:41:03,070 --> 00:41:04,400
Who is on our doorstep?

1016
00:41:11,409 --> 00:41:12,739
{\an8}[Taiping Bank]

1017
00:41:15,230 --> 00:41:15,690
This...

1018
00:41:15,960 --> 00:41:16,800
Open the doors.

1019
00:41:16,800 --> 00:41:17,840
Can't you see? They're all here

1020
00:41:17,840 --> 00:41:18,900
to deposit silver.

1021
00:41:18,960 --> 00:41:19,760
They're returning

1022
00:41:19,760 --> 00:41:20,760
the 6 million taels of silver?

1023
00:41:20,760 --> 00:41:21,659
More than that!

1024
00:41:21,760 --> 00:41:22,630
Look—the silver carts

1025
00:41:22,630 --> 00:41:23,760
are lined up stretching

1026
00:41:23,760 --> 00:41:24,800
over 10 miles beyond Pingyao!

1027
00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:26,030
Our interest is 10% higher—

1028
00:41:26,030 --> 00:41:26,920
they've brought silver

1029
00:41:26,920 --> 00:41:27,840
to earn the interest from us.

1030
00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:28,760
The Eight Families

1031
00:41:28,760 --> 00:41:29,889
are nearly drained.

1032
00:41:33,400 --> 00:41:34,480
I told you to listen to the Master,

1033
00:41:34,480 --> 00:41:35,590
but you just had to be stubborn about it.

1034
00:41:35,590 --> 00:41:36,030
Well?

1035
00:41:36,110 --> 00:41:38,039
Now, do you even dare open the door?

1036
00:41:40,800 --> 00:41:41,599
Young Master,

1037
00:41:41,800 --> 00:41:42,800
you're actually opening it?

1038
00:41:42,800 --> 00:41:44,110
What's the point of fighting me on this?

1039
00:41:44,110 --> 00:41:45,510
We must have a clear plan!

1040
00:41:47,440 --> 00:41:48,960
Can't you even cover this amount?

1041
00:41:48,960 --> 00:41:50,760
I thought you said we were prepared!

1042
00:41:50,760 --> 00:41:51,400
Young Master,

1043
00:41:51,400 --> 00:41:52,550
even if we had mountains
of gold and silver,

1044
00:41:52,550 --> 00:41:54,110
we can't be taken for such fools!

1045
00:41:54,110 --> 00:41:55,280
We're about to shutter this place
and return to the capital.

1046
00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:56,150
Why offend the Eight Families

1047
00:41:56,150 --> 00:41:57,550
and pay them interest on top of it?

1048
00:41:57,550 --> 00:41:58,510
What's the point?

1049
00:41:58,510 --> 00:42:00,110
We'll be the laughingstock.

1050
00:42:00,400 --> 00:42:01,449
Stop knocking!

1051
00:42:01,800 --> 00:42:03,659
Everyone inside is dead and gone!

1052
00:42:04,590 --> 00:42:05,400
Dead and gone?

1053
00:42:06,280 --> 00:42:08,409
Alright then, dead and gone. Let's go.

1054
00:42:09,280 --> 00:42:10,940
If we don't open the doors now,

1055
00:42:11,710 --> 00:42:13,030
we'll truly have

1056
00:42:13,070 --> 00:42:14,130
no place left here.

1057
00:42:14,960 --> 00:42:16,489
Have you decided what to do?

1058
00:42:22,440 --> 00:42:23,699
I'll follow your lead.

1059
00:42:28,670 --> 00:42:30,469
Now you decide to follow my lead?

1060
00:42:30,800 --> 00:42:32,230
Fine. Open them.

1061
00:42:41,230 --> 00:42:42,000
Mr. Li Qin.

1062
00:42:44,150 --> 00:42:44,800
Mr. Gu.

1063
00:42:46,400 --> 00:42:48,059
Where are those silver carts?

1064
00:42:49,150 --> 00:42:50,170
Come on out!

1065
00:42:55,480 --> 00:42:56,480
Just a joke.

1066
00:42:57,190 --> 00:42:58,739
In the world of business,

1067
00:42:58,840 --> 00:43:00,239
goodwill is everything.

1068
00:43:00,920 --> 00:43:01,730
Who would

1069
00:43:01,760 --> 00:43:02,880
truly drive someone to ruin? Right?