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{\an8}[Legend of the Magnate]

2
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{\an8}[Episode 19]

3
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Why didn't you go in?

4
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Weren't you going to win the championship?

5
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Isn't that the effeminate one?

6
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We went in,

7
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but the people inside had no taste
for good tea.

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It wasn't worth it,

9
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so we came out.

10
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Keep bragging!

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You got thrown out, didn't you?

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An.

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Come on, come here!

14
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Our lady

15
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would like to try your Orchid Snow tea!

16
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Is that okay?

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Coming!

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Pingyuan, Pingyuan,

19
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that man said that's their...

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Enough, no more nonsense.

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{\an8}[Sichuan Tea Merchants' Association]

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The Sichuan Tea Merchants' Association

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presents Emei green tea

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for His Highness to taste.

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The Sichuan Tea Merchants' Association
presents tea!

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I'm Gu Pingyuan,
a tea merchant from Huizhou.

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May I ask

28
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how to address you, Madam?

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You are terribly impolite.

30
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Who do you think you're calling "Madam"?

31
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You carry yourself with noble grace,

32
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attended by a eunuch.

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If you're not a Princess Consort,
then you must be a Princess.

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In any case,

35
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you must be a high-ranking lady
of the Banner.

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I hope my assessment

37
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is correct.

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Clever.

39
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Then please proceed.

40
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Bring out our tea gear.

41
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Well, you two...

42
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You've brought so many utensils with you?

43
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A craftsman is only

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as good as his tools.

45
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It's just that we don't have water

46
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or charcoal for boiling.

47
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Eunuch, I wonder if you

48
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know anyone in the mansion

49
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who could lend us some.

50
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{\an8}[Orchid Snow]

51
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Don't touch it.

52
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Hey, you!

53
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What are you doing?

54
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What do you want?

55
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First, I must apologize to you, Madam.

56
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I presume that you have

57
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some rouge or face powder

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on your hands and sleeves.

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I'm just afraid that
if those floral scents

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mix with the tea leaves,

61
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it will affect the tea's delicate flavor.

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You're so particular.

63
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Fine,

64
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I won't touch it.

65
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Madam, once you taste

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my Orchid Snow tea,

67
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you'll see

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I'm right.

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{\an8}[Orchid Snow]

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These are all fine things.

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Please.

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The Li family from the capital

73
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respectfully presents

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aged Golden Thread tea!

75
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{\an8}[Golden Thread]

76
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{\an8}[Anhui Tea Merchants' Association]

77
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We can't expect anything close

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to the treatment Sixth Master receives.

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He's enjoying the Grand Tea Competition.

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We're

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only drinking one kind of tea.

82
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You're drinking the champion tea.

83
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How could the Sixth Prince compare to you?

84
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This is Golden Thread tea

85
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presented by the Li family of the capital.

86
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I'm not fooled.

87
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This is from the palace.

88
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It's the very tea Li Wantang presents

89
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to His Majesty.

90
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How extraordinary.

91
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Madam,

92
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what do you think?

93
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Every year, Anhui offers tribute tea,

94
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but why isn't there tea of this quality?

95
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Go ask

96
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who gets such fine tea.

97
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It's no use asking others.

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Only my plantation

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can produce tea

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with such a flavor.

101
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Why is that?

102
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During these years of war,

103
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my tea plantation

104
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was completely burned down.

105
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What we had planted before

106
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were decades-old tea trees—

107
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our livelihood.

108
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But ironically, that fire

109
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changed the soil veins

110
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and altered the soil's properties.

111
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The new tea grown afterward

112
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now has this

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subtle orchid fragrance.

114
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On top of that, the seasoned tea master

115
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we hired

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uses

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a century-old large iron wok.

118
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This master usually can't bear to

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practice with real tea leaves,

120
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so he uses pine needles instead.

121
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Over time,

122
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the aroma of pine needles

123
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seeped into that old iron wok.

124
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Thus, the Orchid Snow tea of today

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acquired its unique aroma and flavor.

126
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However...

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what a shame.

128
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What's a shame?

129
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It's a shame

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that this Grand Tea Competition

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is all about raking in cash.

132
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You need to pay

133
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a 3,000-tael entrance fee
to enter the main gate

134
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and 5,000 taels for the second gate.

135
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Eight thousand taels of silver

136
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just to get in once.

137
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So if one wants to win first place,

138
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how much silver would that cost?

139
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And where would

140
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all this money come from?

141
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After all these years of war,

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the tea farmers are barely surviving.

143
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Must we still strip them

144
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to the bone?

145
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If the imperial court
truly had a conscience,

146
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it would use this Grand Tea Competition

147
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to give all tea farmers

148
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a way out of their hardship—

149
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that would be a benevolent policy

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for the people of Jiangnan.

151
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That's why

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I said it's a shame.

153
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Remember what he just said.

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Go back and write it down for me,

155
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so the Sixth Prince will know.

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Yes.

157
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Madam.

158
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What I just said was simply

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venting my frustrations.

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I'm just a common man.

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My words

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shouldn't be taken seriously.

163
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You look like a scholar.

164
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What?

165
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You stopped studying?

166
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To be honest...

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Who are you?

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Her Ladyship arranged for us

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to serve tea.

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What did you do?

171
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I offended the imperial court

172
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by causing a disturbance
in the examination hall.

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The Princess Consort sent someone
to serve tea.

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The Sixth Prince's wife sent it?

175
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Could it be that the Sixth Prince

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knows I'm here?

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That can't be.

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We didn't tell him.

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How would he know?

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I suppose Her Ladyship

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heard that His Highness has a female guest

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and sent someone to attend to us.

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Please rest assured,

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the ones who opened the door for us

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and escorted us in

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are all my trusted guards,

187
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whom I know well.

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The Sixth Prince is so imposing.

189
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We shouldn't

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spoil his mood.

191
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However, refusing his tea

192
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wouldn't be proper guest etiquette.

193
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You can't drink it!

194
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This tea...

195
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What's wrong with this tea?

196
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How rude!

197
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Are we only allowed to drink your tea?

198
00:10:21,960 --> 00:10:22,389
No.

199
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The aroma of this tea

200
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clashes with mine.

201
00:10:32,549 --> 00:10:33,779
Let's go back.

202
00:10:41,460 --> 00:10:42,570
Is that jar of tea

203
00:10:42,629 --> 00:10:43,549
for me?

204
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Exactly.

205
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What's wrong, Pingyuan?

206
00:11:22,440 --> 00:11:23,000
No,

207
00:11:23,480 --> 00:11:25,000
I just feel like

208
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the woman who brought the tea earlier

209
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is someone

210
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I've met before.

211
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Who?

212
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I'm not sure either.

213
00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:36,750
Anyway, every time she's near me,

214
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I feel uneasy.

215
00:11:38,269 --> 00:11:39,259
She's the kind of person who harms people

216
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wherever she goes.

217
00:11:40,590 --> 00:11:41,600
That's why I stopped her

218
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from drinking it just now.

219
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Always acting crazy.

220
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Should we go home now?

221
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Pack up our things.

222
00:11:55,029 --> 00:11:56,789
{\an8}[Phoenix Singing in the Bamboo Grove]

223
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Eunuch?

224
00:12:02,960 --> 00:12:03,440
Eunuch.

225
00:12:04,320 --> 00:12:04,779
Eunuch.

226
00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:08,919
What is it?

227
00:12:10,080 --> 00:12:11,809
Just now in the garden, I saw...

228
00:12:11,909 --> 00:12:12,360
What?

229
00:12:12,600 --> 00:12:13,730
Did you see clearly?

230
00:12:13,750 --> 00:12:15,019
Yes, clear as day.

231
00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:16,169
Look at this tea.

232
00:12:19,149 --> 00:12:20,009
Your Highness.

233
00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:21,299
Your Highness.

234
00:12:22,029 --> 00:12:23,629
The Empress Dowager is here.

235
00:12:24,669 --> 00:12:26,129
Your Highness, please...

236
00:12:26,440 --> 00:12:26,899
Well...

237
00:12:30,320 --> 00:12:31,049
Are you sure?

238
00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:32,740
Si said he's absolutely sure.

239
00:12:32,789 --> 00:12:35,649
It was the Empress Dowager
from the western palace.

240
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Someone, come here.

241
00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:55,879
Your Highness,

242
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this servant is here.

243
00:12:57,840 --> 00:12:58,570
Where is she?

244
00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:00,120
Your Highness,

245
00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:01,139
I just asked.

246
00:13:01,240 --> 00:13:02,899
They said she's already left.

247
00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:04,769
What was she doing here?

248
00:13:04,789 --> 00:13:05,730
Someone said

249
00:13:05,789 --> 00:13:07,389
they saw her meeting two young men.

250
00:13:07,389 --> 00:13:08,440
The young men made a pot of tea.

251
00:13:08,440 --> 00:13:10,039
After drinking it, she left.

252
00:13:10,870 --> 00:13:11,879
Young men?

253
00:13:16,360 --> 00:13:17,240
Well, don't look at me.

254
00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:18,460
This is your mansion.

255
00:13:23,360 --> 00:13:24,159
Investigate.

256
00:13:24,750 --> 00:13:25,610
Find out who they were.

257
00:13:25,610 --> 00:13:26,549
Yes, Your Highness.

258
00:13:26,549 --> 00:13:28,409
Hurry and prepare my court robes.

259
00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:29,389
I need to enter the palace.

260
00:13:29,389 --> 00:13:29,870
Your Highness,

261
00:13:29,870 --> 00:13:31,080
what about the Grand Tea Competition?

262
00:13:31,080 --> 00:13:31,629
Wait, Brother.

263
00:13:31,629 --> 00:13:32,269
I'll go with you!

264
00:13:32,269 --> 00:13:33,200
I'll go with you!

265
00:13:34,840 --> 00:13:35,830
Nobody move!

266
00:13:36,269 --> 00:13:37,269
No one leaves!

267
00:13:37,629 --> 00:13:38,940
Anyone who steps outside will be killed!

268
00:13:38,769 --> 00:13:40,559
{\an8}[Yunnan Tea Merchants' Association]

269
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-Kill who?
-Wait for His Highness to return!

270
00:13:40,649 --> 00:13:41,730
{\an8}[Zhejiang Tea Merchants' Association]

271
00:13:41,149 --> 00:13:42,809
All of you, stay where you are!

272
00:13:43,149 --> 00:13:44,200
We'll be executed?

273
00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:45,629
Anyone who steps outside will be killed!

274
00:13:45,629 --> 00:13:47,490
Wait until His Highness returns!

275
00:13:47,870 --> 00:13:48,929
Stay where you are!

276
00:13:49,149 --> 00:13:50,320
No one leaves!

277
00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:52,480
Step outside this courtyard and you die!

278
00:13:52,480 --> 00:13:53,789
Wait for His Highness to return!

279
00:13:53,789 --> 00:13:54,850
Stay where you are!

280
00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:56,259
No one leaves!

281
00:13:56,789 --> 00:13:58,389
Step outside this courtyard and you die!

282
00:13:58,389 --> 00:14:00,190
Wait for His Highness to return!

283
00:14:00,269 --> 00:14:01,389
Stay where you are!

284
00:14:01,669 --> 00:14:02,809
No one leaves!

285
00:14:03,149 --> 00:14:04,909
Step outside this courtyard and you die!

286
00:14:04,909 --> 00:14:05,960
Wait for His Highness to return!

287
00:14:05,960 --> 00:14:06,440
Eunuch!

288
00:14:06,440 --> 00:14:07,269
Eunuch, wait!

289
00:14:13,539 --> 00:14:17,629
{\an8}[Celestial Garden in Full Bloom]

290
00:14:13,669 --> 00:14:14,789
Tell those tea merchants

291
00:14:14,789 --> 00:14:15,840
to leave the tea samples

292
00:14:15,840 --> 00:14:16,480
they brought.

293
00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:17,960
They should stay in the capital
and not wander around.

294
00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:19,149
After I consult with the Empress Dowager,

295
00:14:18,230 --> 00:14:20,899
{\an8}[Celestial Garden in Full Bloom]

296
00:14:19,200 --> 00:14:19,870
we will announce

297
00:14:19,870 --> 00:14:21,360
who wins the title
of Top Tea Under Heaven.

298
00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:22,149
As for the others,

299
00:14:22,149 --> 00:14:22,960
tell them to stop making a fuss!

300
00:14:22,960 --> 00:14:24,090
Yes, Your Highness.

301
00:14:24,690 --> 00:14:29,419
{\an8}[Changchun Palace]

302
00:14:26,549 --> 00:14:27,519
I heard

303
00:14:27,779 --> 00:14:30,240
that Your Majesty just visited
my residence,

304
00:14:30,240 --> 00:14:31,970
but I wasn't there to greet you.

305
00:14:32,269 --> 00:14:34,129
This is an unforgivable offense.

306
00:14:34,600 --> 00:14:36,539
I simply enjoy lively gatherings

307
00:14:36,769 --> 00:14:38,700
and wanted to take a look from afar.

308
00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:40,669
I've tasted the tea

309
00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:42,190
and seen the event.

310
00:14:42,480 --> 00:14:44,629
I deliberately didn't have anyone
inform you,

311
00:14:44,629 --> 00:14:46,519
fearing it might disrupt
your serious affairs.

312
00:14:46,519 --> 00:14:48,179
What offense is there in that?

313
00:14:49,179 --> 00:14:51,240
In any case,
I haven't been attentive enough

314
00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:52,639
in serving Your Majesty.

315
00:14:52,789 --> 00:14:53,750
This Grand Tea Competition

316
00:14:53,750 --> 00:14:55,200
was planned by me and Li Wantang,
a prominent merchant

317
00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:56,360
from the capital.

318
00:14:57,029 --> 00:14:58,509
Due to the unrest in Jiangnan
over the years,

319
00:14:58,509 --> 00:15:00,000
the north and south have been cut off,

320
00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:02,149
making tea as precious as gold
in the capital.

321
00:15:02,149 --> 00:15:03,000
Finally, the military situation

322
00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:03,789
has improved somewhat,

323
00:15:03,789 --> 00:15:05,360
and the Grand Canal has been repaired.

324
00:15:05,360 --> 00:15:06,490
I thought

325
00:15:06,629 --> 00:15:07,750
we could bring
all the southern tea merchants

326
00:15:07,750 --> 00:15:08,480
together

327
00:15:08,509 --> 00:15:10,639
for a little gathering in the capital.

328
00:15:10,840 --> 00:15:12,360
If business can resume normally,

329
00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:13,360
at least it'll allow merchants

330
00:15:13,360 --> 00:15:14,759
to get back on their feet.

331
00:15:14,909 --> 00:15:17,179
Thus, our court will collect more taxes,

332
00:15:17,440 --> 00:15:18,899
and the tea farmers' lives

333
00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:20,440
will improve as well.

334
00:15:20,809 --> 00:15:24,090
{\an8}[Empress Dowager Cixi]

335
00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:30,000
Sixth Prince, you truly think of
the nation's welfare.

336
00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:31,320
The Grand Tea Competition

337
00:15:31,320 --> 00:15:32,870
has created quite a spectacle,

338
00:15:32,870 --> 00:15:35,529
and it benefits
both the country and its people.

339
00:15:35,600 --> 00:15:37,549
You are indeed a virtuous prince.

340
00:15:38,480 --> 00:15:40,610
You flatter me greatly, Your Majesty.

341
00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:43,049
What a pity.

342
00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:46,080
The entrance fees at your residence
are too expensive.

343
00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:47,549
Three thousand taels for the main gate

344
00:15:47,549 --> 00:15:49,480
and 5,000 taels for the second gate.

345
00:15:49,480 --> 00:15:51,549
I didn't bring
that many banknotes with me,

346
00:15:51,549 --> 00:15:52,679
so I had to come back.

347
00:15:52,879 --> 00:15:55,840
I wonder who won the title

348
00:15:55,909 --> 00:15:57,440
of the Top Tea Under Heaven.

349
00:15:57,669 --> 00:15:59,320
Your Majesty, please forgive me!

350
00:15:59,320 --> 00:16:01,669
This servant knows nothing
about these matters.

351
00:16:01,669 --> 00:16:02,600
When I return...

352
00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:03,960
When I return,

353
00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:05,120
I'll kill

354
00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:06,929
all those gatekeepers.

355
00:16:07,570 --> 00:16:09,549
There's a Bodhisattva statue in this room.

356
00:16:09,549 --> 00:16:11,639
Don't talk about killing or violence.

357
00:16:11,639 --> 00:16:13,399
Mind your words.

358
00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:14,659
Yes, Your Majesty.

359
00:16:15,509 --> 00:16:17,509
Serve them both

360
00:16:17,549 --> 00:16:18,789
the good tea

361
00:16:18,840 --> 00:16:19,669
we had

362
00:16:19,710 --> 00:16:21,200
at the Sixth Prince's Mansion.

363
00:16:21,200 --> 00:16:23,919
This tea tastes quite good to me.

364
00:16:24,059 --> 00:16:25,840
But sadly, like me,

365
00:16:25,909 --> 00:16:27,750
they couldn't afford the entrance fees

366
00:16:27,750 --> 00:16:29,600
and missed out.

367
00:16:29,750 --> 00:16:30,809
Yes, Your Majesty.

368
00:16:45,720 --> 00:16:46,320
Well...

369
00:16:47,250 --> 00:16:49,110
Thank you for Your Majesty's tea.

370
00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:03,149
Well...

371
00:17:02,690 --> 00:17:03,970
{\an8}[Orchid Snow]

372
00:17:03,909 --> 00:17:05,789
Seriously, I'm baffled.

373
00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:07,880
Well, where did she

374
00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:09,200
get this tea from?

375
00:17:11,818 --> 00:17:15,578
{\an8}[Orchid Snow]

376
00:17:13,029 --> 00:17:13,509
Look.

377
00:17:18,960 --> 00:17:20,420
Don't you understand yet?

378
00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:23,779
The words "Top" and "Under Heaven"

379
00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:26,608
have already deeply offended her.

380
00:17:29,519 --> 00:17:30,319
Let me ask you—

381
00:17:31,920 --> 00:17:32,960
whose domain is

382
00:17:34,160 --> 00:17:35,400
all under heaven?

383
00:17:37,440 --> 00:17:38,549
Certainly not yours.

384
00:17:38,549 --> 00:17:39,430
No, no, no.

385
00:17:39,460 --> 00:17:40,920
And it's not mine, either.

386
00:17:49,529 --> 00:17:52,269
{\an8}[Sanjin Merchants' Hall]

387
00:17:52,720 --> 00:17:53,349
Pingyuan,

388
00:17:53,960 --> 00:17:56,289
we've only been in the capital
for one day.

389
00:17:56,640 --> 00:17:58,240
I haven't had enough fun yet.

390
00:18:00,069 --> 00:18:02,720
I heard that the area
outside Qianmen Street is really lively.

391
00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:04,119
Outside Qianmen Street?

392
00:18:04,750 --> 00:18:06,829
Outside Qianmen Street is
the red-light district.

393
00:18:06,829 --> 00:18:07,829
Who told you that?

394
00:18:09,720 --> 00:18:11,440
You've clearly been there before.

395
00:18:11,440 --> 00:18:12,920
You knew exactly what I was talking about.

396
00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:14,680
I was just a poor scholar back then.

397
00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:15,240
How could I afford

398
00:18:15,240 --> 00:18:16,640
such dens of indulgence?

399
00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:19,680
Let's hurry back.

400
00:18:19,750 --> 00:18:20,789
The tea can't be stored for very long.

401
00:18:20,789 --> 00:18:21,990
Get up and get to work.

402
00:18:25,319 --> 00:18:26,480
We've already bragged about

403
00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:28,109
winning the Grand Tea Competition.

404
00:18:28,109 --> 00:18:29,069
I don't know what happened

405
00:18:29,069 --> 00:18:30,670
to that friend who helped me.

406
00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:32,130
I need to ask around.

407
00:18:32,720 --> 00:18:33,309
Mr. Gu!

408
00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:35,440
Mr. Gu,

409
00:18:35,509 --> 00:18:36,569
you have a visitor.

410
00:18:37,950 --> 00:18:39,849
Are you Mr. Gu from Huizhou?

411
00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:41,190
I'm Gu Pingyuan.

412
00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:42,460
May I ask your name?

413
00:18:42,789 --> 00:18:43,880
Bao Qing.

414
00:18:43,009 --> 00:18:46,029
{\an8}[Bao Qing, Military Affairs Officer]

415
00:18:44,269 --> 00:18:45,869
I've heard so much about you.

416
00:18:46,109 --> 00:18:46,880
It's an honor

417
00:18:47,200 --> 00:18:48,660
to finally meet you today.

418
00:18:49,509 --> 00:18:50,769
So you're Mr. Bao Qing.

419
00:18:52,349 --> 00:18:53,079
I wonder how I

420
00:18:53,089 --> 00:18:54,420
can be of service to you.

421
00:18:54,640 --> 00:18:55,440
I have a friend

422
00:18:55,680 --> 00:18:57,109
who's on duty at the imperial court today

423
00:18:57,109 --> 00:18:58,000
and cannot leave his post.

424
00:18:58,000 --> 00:18:59,509
So he asked me to come in his place

425
00:18:59,509 --> 00:19:01,720
to invite you to his residence
for a banquet.

426
00:19:01,720 --> 00:19:03,680
Please do us this honor.

427
00:19:07,049 --> 00:19:08,160
{\an8}[Anhui Governor Qiao Song respectfully
extends an invitation to Mr. Gu Pingyuan]

428
00:19:08,180 --> 00:19:09,470
{\an8}[to a banquet at my residence,
feeling both anxious and deeply honored.]

429
00:19:16,130 --> 00:19:17,009
Mr. Bao Qing,

430
00:19:17,789 --> 00:19:19,160
Governor Qiao—Qiao Song—

431
00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:20,720
is our provincial governor,

432
00:19:20,720 --> 00:19:22,119
our respected official.

433
00:19:22,440 --> 00:19:23,900
I've never met him before.

434
00:19:23,920 --> 00:19:25,720
I wonder why he's looking for me.

435
00:19:26,309 --> 00:19:27,690
You must go, Mr. Gu.

436
00:19:27,920 --> 00:19:29,069
Please do us this favor.

437
00:19:29,069 --> 00:19:30,829
I'm here at my friend's request.

438
00:19:30,829 --> 00:19:32,089
I had to make this trip.

439
00:19:32,589 --> 00:19:34,319
I pay my respects to you, Mr. Gu.

440
00:19:44,200 --> 00:19:44,829
Mr. Qiao!

441
00:19:46,789 --> 00:19:47,849
Mr. Gu has arrived.

442
00:19:50,029 --> 00:19:51,430
Gu, let me introduce you.

443
00:19:51,599 --> 00:19:52,730
This is Qiao Song.

444
00:19:53,240 --> 00:19:53,920
Greetings, Governor Qiao.

445
00:19:53,920 --> 00:19:54,509
What are you doing?

446
00:19:54,509 --> 00:19:55,269
Don't be like this.

447
00:19:55,269 --> 00:19:56,470
Please get up. Get up.

448
00:19:56,880 --> 00:19:58,000
Don't be like this.

449
00:19:58,829 --> 00:20:00,559
I can't accept such formality.

450
00:20:00,589 --> 00:20:01,309
Governor Qiao, you're the protector

451
00:20:01,309 --> 00:20:02,369
of us Anhui people.

452
00:20:02,789 --> 00:20:03,829
Kneeling before you

453
00:20:03,829 --> 00:20:04,690
is only proper.

454
00:20:04,789 --> 00:20:05,079
{\an8}[Qiao Song, Governor of Anhui]

455
00:20:05,109 --> 00:20:06,240
That's not how it should be.

456
00:20:06,240 --> 00:20:07,380
From now on, Gu,

457
00:20:07,589 --> 00:20:09,720
we shall treat each other as brothers.

458
00:20:12,069 --> 00:20:13,869
Please enlighten me, Governor.

459
00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:15,200
Why have you summoned

460
00:20:15,200 --> 00:20:16,200
my brother and me?

461
00:20:16,789 --> 00:20:17,480
Otherwise,

462
00:20:17,960 --> 00:20:18,819
I dare not drink

463
00:20:18,829 --> 00:20:19,720
or speak freely.

464
00:20:19,720 --> 00:20:20,980
Being kept in the dark,

465
00:20:21,160 --> 00:20:22,359
I'd die with regrets.

466
00:20:24,549 --> 00:20:25,200
Gu,

467
00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:27,589
you were just serving tea
to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager

468
00:20:27,589 --> 00:20:29,680
at the Sixth Prince's Mansion.

469
00:20:33,390 --> 00:20:35,680
Her Majesty was very pleased.

470
00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:37,980
She told her personal eunuch

471
00:20:38,089 --> 00:20:40,150
that it's remarkable indeed

472
00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:42,069
that Anhui has produced
such a tea merchant

473
00:20:42,069 --> 00:20:43,490
with such insight.

474
00:20:43,640 --> 00:20:44,160
Remarkable.

475
00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:46,160
When these words reached me,

476
00:20:46,589 --> 00:20:48,190
how could I not feel ashamed?

477
00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:51,000
Having received such praise
from Her Majesty—

478
00:20:51,029 --> 00:20:53,589
if I didn't come personally
to express my gratitude,

479
00:20:53,589 --> 00:20:55,619
how could I possibly sleep?

480
00:20:55,740 --> 00:20:57,160
We couldn't sleep at all.

481
00:21:04,200 --> 00:21:04,920
Mr. Gu,

482
00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:06,680
come on, let me toast you.

483
00:21:07,680 --> 00:21:08,440
Cheers.

484
00:21:15,920 --> 00:21:17,849
Governor Qiao, you seem troubled.

485
00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:19,509
As for the battle at Hefei,

486
00:21:19,509 --> 00:21:21,029
I'm not worried about that.

487
00:21:21,029 --> 00:21:22,359
I'm from the Northwest.

488
00:21:23,019 --> 00:21:24,789
The imperial court ordered me
to train troops

489
00:21:24,789 --> 00:21:27,240
to quell the rebellion in the Northwest.

490
00:21:27,549 --> 00:21:28,680
The situation there,

491
00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,309
though complicated to explain,

492
00:21:30,309 --> 00:21:31,960
can be summed up in one sentence:

493
00:21:31,960 --> 00:21:33,269
the traitors within conspire,

494
00:21:33,269 --> 00:21:35,069
and enemies from outside invade.

495
00:21:35,069 --> 00:21:36,700
But even if I train the army

496
00:21:36,750 --> 00:21:38,069
into elite troops,

497
00:21:38,309 --> 00:21:40,039
once we reach the Northwest...

498
00:21:40,269 --> 00:21:41,599
it'll still be useless.

499
00:21:42,309 --> 00:21:43,640
How could it be useless?

500
00:21:44,269 --> 00:21:45,400
This is no longer

501
00:21:45,440 --> 00:21:47,069
the age of swords and spears.

502
00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:48,500
Think about it—

503
00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:50,140
the foreigners' firearms are formidable.

504
00:21:50,140 --> 00:21:52,680
Their guns and cannons
dominate the battlefield.

505
00:21:52,680 --> 00:21:53,640
Their rifles are

506
00:21:53,680 --> 00:21:54,829
now breech-loading.

507
00:21:54,829 --> 00:21:56,059
They can load five bullets at once,

508
00:21:56,059 --> 00:21:57,680
each with a range of 500 meters,

509
00:21:57,680 --> 00:21:59,750
firing once every eight to nine seconds.

510
00:21:59,750 --> 00:22:00,309
And ours?

511
00:22:00,589 --> 00:22:01,559
Our muskets

512
00:22:01,680 --> 00:22:03,140
are still muzzle-loaded.

513
00:22:03,309 --> 00:22:05,720
It takes two minutes
just to load one shot,

514
00:22:05,880 --> 00:22:07,609
with a range of only 100 meters.

515
00:22:07,880 --> 00:22:09,640
We'd be killed before we

516
00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:11,700
even saw the enemy.

517
00:22:13,029 --> 00:22:14,480
Those rebels in the Northwest

518
00:22:14,480 --> 00:22:16,279
are all using foreign firearms.

519
00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:17,750
I heard from my friends

520
00:22:17,750 --> 00:22:18,880
who fought there

521
00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:21,480
that while defending a mountain pass,

522
00:22:21,480 --> 00:22:23,789
our entire battalion of musketeers

523
00:22:23,829 --> 00:22:25,960
could only watch helplessly as men fell,

524
00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:27,589
unable to advance!

525
00:22:29,160 --> 00:22:31,000
Since the rebels can buy from foreigners,

526
00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:31,680
why can't the imperial court

527
00:22:31,680 --> 00:22:32,680
do the same?

528
00:22:34,509 --> 00:22:36,039
We can buy them, certainly.

529
00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:37,589
But how many foreign rifles

530
00:22:37,589 --> 00:22:38,990
are actually available?

531
00:22:39,349 --> 00:22:40,829
The Xiang Army wants them,
the Huai Army wants them,

532
00:22:40,829 --> 00:22:42,640
and the imperial court wants them too.

533
00:22:42,640 --> 00:22:44,240
One rifle costs 16 taels of silver,

534
00:22:44,240 --> 00:22:46,109
and it takes seven to eight months
to arrive.

535
00:22:46,109 --> 00:22:47,309
I ordered 300 rifles.

536
00:22:47,480 --> 00:22:48,410
It's been a year,

537
00:22:49,029 --> 00:22:51,029
and I haven't seen a trace of them.

538
00:22:54,880 --> 00:22:56,680
I don't think this is difficult.

539
00:22:56,750 --> 00:22:57,910
My brother...

540
00:22:58,200 --> 00:22:59,109
he knows how to do business.

541
00:22:59,109 --> 00:23:00,440
He'll always find a way.

542
00:23:00,750 --> 00:23:01,880
Don't talk nonsense.

543
00:23:01,880 --> 00:23:03,309
Who knows how to do business?

544
00:23:03,309 --> 00:23:04,109
Don't forget,

545
00:23:04,589 --> 00:23:05,480
up until now,

546
00:23:05,509 --> 00:23:07,069
we haven't sold a single tael of tea.

547
00:23:07,069 --> 00:23:08,670
Stop talking nonsense here.

548
00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:11,789
Don't worry about the tea.

549
00:23:11,960 --> 00:23:13,269
With Her Majesty's endorsement,

550
00:23:13,269 --> 00:23:14,549
your tea practically

551
00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:15,920
sells itself.

552
00:23:17,920 --> 00:23:18,829
As for the rifles,

553
00:23:18,829 --> 00:23:21,269
I was just venting my frustrations.

554
00:23:22,109 --> 00:23:23,200
I've never heard of

555
00:23:23,240 --> 00:23:25,440
any merchant who can trade in firearms.

556
00:23:28,069 --> 00:23:28,529
Come on,

557
00:23:28,829 --> 00:23:29,960
Mr. Gu, let's drink.

558
00:23:30,349 --> 00:23:31,279
Cheers, cheers.

559
00:23:39,480 --> 00:23:40,339
Governor Qiao.

560
00:23:41,509 --> 00:23:42,920
If it's convenient for you,

561
00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:44,779
please provide me with the models

562
00:23:44,960 --> 00:23:47,269
and written specifications
of the firearms you need.

563
00:23:47,269 --> 00:23:48,069
When I have time,

564
00:23:48,069 --> 00:23:49,069
I'll look into it.

565
00:23:49,599 --> 00:23:50,279
If this path

566
00:23:50,309 --> 00:23:51,440
can truly be opened,

567
00:23:52,440 --> 00:23:53,769
it would be a good thing.

568
00:23:55,880 --> 00:23:56,960
Sure.

569
00:23:58,029 --> 00:23:58,680
Mr. Gu!

570
00:23:59,269 --> 00:24:00,200
Just hearing you say that

571
00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:01,549
gives us a little hope!

572
00:24:01,829 --> 00:24:02,349
Hope.

573
00:24:03,109 --> 00:24:03,920
Let's not talk about it anymore.

574
00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:04,849
Come on, cheers.

575
00:24:04,880 --> 00:24:05,640
Let's have another round.

576
00:24:05,640 --> 00:24:06,269
I can see

577
00:24:06,720 --> 00:24:07,920
that you're genuinely

578
00:24:07,920 --> 00:24:09,720
working for the people of Anhui.

579
00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:11,829
As someone from Anhui, it's my duty

580
00:24:11,829 --> 00:24:13,029
to share your burden.

581
00:24:16,829 --> 00:24:17,589
Come on, come on.

582
00:24:17,589 --> 00:24:18,109
Cheers.

583
00:24:26,750 --> 00:24:27,549
What's wrong?

584
00:24:28,960 --> 00:24:30,549
You're asking me what's wrong?

585
00:24:30,549 --> 00:24:31,269
Why did you lock me up

586
00:24:31,269 --> 00:24:32,349
like a dog?

587
00:24:32,880 --> 00:24:33,940
You e-even had them

588
00:24:33,960 --> 00:24:35,880
seal the windows with wooden slats!

589
00:24:35,880 --> 00:24:37,210
You really want to know?

590
00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:38,069
Yes.

591
00:24:39,720 --> 00:24:40,269
Fine.

592
00:24:40,829 --> 00:24:42,680
I'll tell the truth,
and you must tell the truth too.

593
00:24:42,680 --> 00:24:44,609
Neither of us can lie to each other.

594
00:24:46,640 --> 00:24:48,039
I won't tell a single lie.

595
00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:51,079
Alright. I'll ask you first.

596
00:24:52,549 --> 00:24:55,410
What were you trying to do
by going out this morning?

597
00:25:01,509 --> 00:25:02,710
If you want the truth,

598
00:25:03,200 --> 00:25:05,200
you must answer truthfully as well.

599
00:25:08,589 --> 00:25:09,589
Gu Pingyuan came.

600
00:25:10,720 --> 00:25:11,680
He brought his tea,

601
00:25:11,680 --> 00:25:13,750
wanting to participate in
the Grand Tea Competition.

602
00:25:13,750 --> 00:25:14,720
I promised to help him

603
00:25:14,720 --> 00:25:16,380
by using my token to get him in.

604
00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:18,809
But I've failed to fulfill my promise!

605
00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:23,559
You wanted to help him...

606
00:25:27,109 --> 00:25:28,509
Alright, you can ask now.

607
00:25:28,589 --> 00:25:30,119
Why didn't you let me go out?

608
00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:35,880
Ms. Su...

609
00:25:37,029 --> 00:25:39,000
She heard that the Empress Dowager
from the western palace

610
00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:40,160
would be
at the Sixth Prince's Mansion today

611
00:25:40,160 --> 00:25:41,890
for the Grand Tea Competition.

612
00:25:42,750 --> 00:25:43,549
Tomorrow, I'll slip in

613
00:25:43,549 --> 00:25:45,349
by blending in
with your merchants' association.

614
00:25:45,349 --> 00:25:47,200
You don't need to worry about
what happens afterward.

615
00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:49,200
I promise you won't be implicated.

616
00:25:50,160 --> 00:25:51,490
You can't promise that.

617
00:25:51,789 --> 00:25:54,589
This is the sort of offense
that dooms an entire family line.

618
00:25:54,589 --> 00:25:56,190
You need to be honest with me.

619
00:25:58,029 --> 00:25:59,750
What is the relationship

620
00:26:00,349 --> 00:26:02,269
between the Empress Dowager
and the Sixth Prince now?

621
00:26:02,269 --> 00:26:04,799
Naturally, she regards him as
a trusted aide.

622
00:26:05,640 --> 00:26:08,299
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law
are family.

623
00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:12,329
Isn't it said that the ruler and ministers
govern together?

624
00:26:12,509 --> 00:26:14,039
You actually believe that?

625
00:26:15,029 --> 00:26:17,269
There's no such thing as shared rule.

626
00:26:18,069 --> 00:26:19,920
Once she became Empress Dowager,

627
00:26:19,920 --> 00:26:21,880
she took the Sixth Prince's
favorite daughter

628
00:26:21,880 --> 00:26:24,269
as her goddaughter
and kept her by her side.

629
00:26:24,269 --> 00:26:26,470
To outsiders, it appears to be an honor.

630
00:26:26,509 --> 00:26:27,349
In reality,

631
00:26:27,750 --> 00:26:28,309
his daughter is just

632
00:26:28,309 --> 00:26:29,839
a hostage used as leverage.

633
00:26:30,750 --> 00:26:31,789
Besides, the Sixth Prince

634
00:26:31,789 --> 00:26:33,349
oversees the Office of General Management.

635
00:26:33,349 --> 00:26:35,400
The Empress Dowager doesn't dare
move against him—

636
00:26:35,400 --> 00:26:36,930
not because she values him,

637
00:26:37,240 --> 00:26:39,789
but because he uses foreigners
as his backing.

638
00:26:39,789 --> 00:26:42,849
The Empress Dowager is wary of
causing complications.

639
00:26:45,349 --> 00:26:47,950
I heard that the Empress Dowager
is displeased

640
00:26:48,589 --> 00:26:50,849
with tomorrow's Grand Tea Competition.

641
00:26:50,920 --> 00:26:52,589
She plans to enter through the rear gate

642
00:26:52,589 --> 00:26:56,589
of the Sixth Prince's Mansion
accompanied only by her personal eunuch.

643
00:26:56,880 --> 00:26:57,720
Ms. Su,

644
00:26:58,480 --> 00:26:59,680
how could outsiders possibly know

645
00:26:59,680 --> 00:27:01,740
the Empress Dowager's whereabouts?

646
00:27:03,029 --> 00:27:04,440
I bought this information

647
00:27:04,440 --> 00:27:06,369
from her personal eunuch himself.

648
00:27:07,319 --> 00:27:08,279
My plan is...

649
00:27:08,309 --> 00:27:09,440
Ms. Su, stop, stop.

650
00:27:09,589 --> 00:27:10,490
I don't want to hear it. I don't.

651
00:27:10,490 --> 00:27:11,309
I'm begging you.

652
00:27:11,309 --> 00:27:11,789
Alright.

653
00:27:11,789 --> 00:27:13,119
Say no more, say no more.

654
00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:17,880
Ms. Su intended to

655
00:27:17,920 --> 00:27:19,440
poison her secretly.

656
00:27:19,880 --> 00:27:20,640
She told me

657
00:27:20,750 --> 00:27:22,549
that everyone
attending the Grand Tea Competition today

658
00:27:22,549 --> 00:27:23,279
would likely

659
00:27:24,069 --> 00:27:25,920
not make it out alive.

660
00:27:27,440 --> 00:27:28,569
That's everything.

661
00:27:30,029 --> 00:27:30,640
Father,

662
00:27:31,160 --> 00:27:32,400
have you lost your mind?

663
00:27:32,400 --> 00:27:34,640
You're actually involved in a plot
to kill the Empress Dowager?

664
00:27:34,640 --> 00:27:36,549
Do you know who Ms. Su is?

665
00:27:37,789 --> 00:27:38,480
No.

666
00:27:39,109 --> 00:27:40,240
You've grown up now.

667
00:27:41,200 --> 00:27:42,480
It's time I told you

668
00:27:42,509 --> 00:27:43,710
our family's secret.

669
00:27:44,789 --> 00:27:46,750
Have you heard of Lord Gong Deng?

670
00:27:48,509 --> 00:27:49,109
Yes.

671
00:27:49,750 --> 00:27:50,920
The Chief Grand Councillor,

672
00:27:50,920 --> 00:27:52,440
a pillar of the state, was executed

673
00:27:52,440 --> 00:27:55,099
on the Empress Dowager's orders
for his crimes.

674
00:27:59,480 --> 00:28:00,279
That's right.

675
00:28:07,200 --> 00:28:08,069
Lord Gong

676
00:28:08,940 --> 00:28:10,960
was the Empress Dowager's sworn enemy,

677
00:28:10,960 --> 00:28:12,289
which cost him his life.

678
00:28:12,400 --> 00:28:13,200
Ms. Su...

679
00:28:14,829 --> 00:28:16,720
is Lord Gong's only daughter.

680
00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:19,160
She...

681
00:28:21,750 --> 00:28:23,410
Our Li family owes everything

682
00:28:24,430 --> 00:28:25,940
we have today to Lord Gong.

683
00:28:26,789 --> 00:28:27,990
Let me put it this way—

684
00:28:28,339 --> 00:28:29,930
we were his bookkeepers

685
00:28:30,349 --> 00:28:32,210
and also his household servants.

686
00:28:34,200 --> 00:28:35,920
Fortunately, that court struggle

687
00:28:35,920 --> 00:28:37,369
didn't affect us.

688
00:28:40,200 --> 00:28:41,460
Do you understand now?

689
00:28:42,789 --> 00:28:44,880
But there's one thing
I still don't understand.

690
00:28:44,880 --> 00:28:46,589
Lord Gong Deng is already dead,

691
00:28:46,589 --> 00:28:47,509
so why does Ms. Su

692
00:28:47,509 --> 00:28:49,109
still wield such influence?

693
00:28:51,069 --> 00:28:52,549
A giant

694
00:28:52,720 --> 00:28:54,119
doesn't fall overnight.

695
00:28:54,240 --> 00:28:55,180
Lord Gong

696
00:28:55,789 --> 00:28:56,960
served as Chief Grand Councillor

697
00:28:56,960 --> 00:28:58,269
for his entire career.

698
00:28:59,549 --> 00:29:02,150
His disciples and old friends
are everywhere.

699
00:29:05,029 --> 00:29:06,829
He commanded the southern campaigns,

700
00:29:06,829 --> 00:29:08,400
and the viceroys and governors
of Jiangnan,

701
00:29:08,400 --> 00:29:10,400
along with the frontier officials,

702
00:29:11,240 --> 00:29:12,960
were all his loyal followers.

703
00:29:14,349 --> 00:29:15,880
His influence was immense.

704
00:29:17,680 --> 00:29:18,440
Do you think

705
00:29:18,509 --> 00:29:20,319
we're the only bookkeepers?

706
00:29:21,589 --> 00:29:22,920
Do you think Ms. Su

707
00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:24,650
cares that much about us?

708
00:29:26,200 --> 00:29:28,000
She could turn us in

709
00:29:28,069 --> 00:29:29,799
to the imperial court anytime.

710
00:29:32,269 --> 00:29:33,339
When that happens,

711
00:29:35,140 --> 00:29:37,180
the label of "rebel remnants"

712
00:29:38,240 --> 00:29:39,720
would instantly lead to our family's

713
00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:41,049
complete destruction.

714
00:29:41,680 --> 00:29:42,680
"Li Million"?

715
00:29:44,339 --> 00:29:45,750
What Li Million?

716
00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:48,940
Even if we had ten million
or a hundred million taels,

717
00:29:48,940 --> 00:29:50,069
in their eyes,

718
00:29:50,109 --> 00:29:51,569
we would still be nothing.

719
00:29:57,400 --> 00:29:58,789
I didn't tell you before

720
00:29:58,829 --> 00:30:01,289
because I was afraid
you couldn't handle it.

721
00:30:01,509 --> 00:30:02,789
Now that you know,

722
00:30:04,019 --> 00:30:05,420
remember all this, okay?

723
00:30:11,309 --> 00:30:12,509
I don't know

724
00:30:12,750 --> 00:30:14,960
when I might die because of this matter.

725
00:30:16,680 --> 00:30:18,279
You could be implicated too.

726
00:30:18,549 --> 00:30:19,549
Or we might have to

727
00:30:19,869 --> 00:30:21,109
flee for our lives.

728
00:30:23,589 --> 00:30:25,990
Therefore, we must be extremely cautious.

729
00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:28,960
That kind of mistake—rashly making

730
00:30:28,960 --> 00:30:30,619
bold promises out of loyalty—

731
00:30:31,769 --> 00:30:33,410
must never happen.

732
00:30:38,440 --> 00:30:40,029
I didn't even get a chance
to make that mistake.

733
00:30:40,029 --> 00:30:42,029
I didn't even get to leave the house.

734
00:30:53,200 --> 00:30:55,660
What's the name of the tea
your friend grows?

735
00:30:59,400 --> 00:31:00,259
Orchid Snow...

736
00:31:00,789 --> 00:31:01,720
Orchid Snow tea.

737
00:31:07,829 --> 00:31:10,559
The Sixth Prince went to the palace
to apologize.

738
00:31:10,890 --> 00:31:14,200
The Empress Dowager rewarded him
with a jar of Orchid Snow tea

739
00:31:14,200 --> 00:31:15,680
and told him to savor it.

740
00:31:19,109 --> 00:31:21,710
Your friend has attracted
too much attention.

741
00:31:50,509 --> 00:31:51,309
Pingwen.

742
00:32:02,400 --> 00:32:03,069
Pingwen,

743
00:32:03,400 --> 00:32:04,059
is that you?

744
00:32:14,400 --> 00:32:15,309
Ms. Su.

745
00:32:20,309 --> 00:32:20,720
You...

746
00:32:20,960 --> 00:32:21,750
Gu,

747
00:32:23,170 --> 00:32:25,140
are you the bane of my existence?

748
00:32:26,640 --> 00:32:27,569
What have I done?

749
00:32:27,880 --> 00:32:29,490
Meddling in my affairs—

750
00:32:30,059 --> 00:32:31,750
are you tired of living,

751
00:32:31,789 --> 00:32:32,509
huh?

752
00:32:33,420 --> 00:32:34,680
Why did you try to kill her?

753
00:32:34,680 --> 00:32:35,680
What's it to you?

754
00:32:35,750 --> 00:32:36,920
That's Empress Dowager Cixi.

755
00:32:36,920 --> 00:32:38,680
She is my mortal enemy.

756
00:32:38,920 --> 00:32:39,809
Since my father died,

757
00:32:39,809 --> 00:32:41,269
I've been plotting,

758
00:32:41,440 --> 00:32:43,849
carefully calculating every move.

759
00:32:44,599 --> 00:32:46,529
Finally, the opportunity came...

760
00:32:48,089 --> 00:32:50,079
to avenge him.

761
00:32:51,109 --> 00:32:52,640
But you ruined everything.

762
00:32:53,069 --> 00:32:53,920
Ms. Su,

763
00:32:54,789 --> 00:32:55,789
please calm down.

764
00:32:55,880 --> 00:32:56,480
I truly didn't know

765
00:32:56,480 --> 00:32:57,160
what was happening

766
00:32:57,160 --> 00:32:58,119
earlier today.

767
00:32:58,589 --> 00:33:00,190
Put down the crossbow first.

768
00:33:00,920 --> 00:33:02,119
Let's talk properly.

769
00:33:13,829 --> 00:33:14,480
Pingyuan?

770
00:33:15,349 --> 00:33:16,009
Pingyuan!

771
00:33:16,400 --> 00:33:17,329
Are you alright?

772
00:33:17,480 --> 00:33:18,109
Pingyuan!

773
00:33:20,720 --> 00:33:21,319
Pingyuan?

774
00:33:21,920 --> 00:33:23,000
Pingyuan, are you alright?

775
00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:23,640
Pingyuan.

776
00:33:27,759 --> 00:33:29,220
Pingwen, you're dead too?

777
00:33:31,240 --> 00:33:31,829
What's wrong with you?

778
00:33:31,829 --> 00:33:32,789
Are you still half-asleep?

779
00:33:32,789 --> 00:33:33,269
Wait...

780
00:33:34,750 --> 00:33:35,509
Is this real?

781
00:33:35,529 --> 00:33:36,690
Am I dreaming?

782
00:33:36,829 --> 00:33:37,829
You're disoriented from waking up.

783
00:33:37,829 --> 00:33:38,529
Come on, get up now.

784
00:33:38,529 --> 00:33:39,049
No, no!

785
00:33:41,000 --> 00:33:41,880
Punch me.

786
00:33:48,289 --> 00:33:49,690
Couldn't you be gentler?

787
00:33:55,720 --> 00:33:57,650
Thank goodness it was just a dream.

788
00:34:20,670 --> 00:34:21,190
You...

789
00:34:22,070 --> 00:34:23,730
What are you muttering about?

790
00:34:23,880 --> 00:34:24,980
Kneel down!

791
00:34:25,400 --> 00:34:26,230
Imperial decree!

792
00:34:26,150 --> 00:34:28,010
{\an8}[Sanjin Merchants' Hall]

793
00:34:47,960 --> 00:34:50,579
Imperial decree from the Empress Dowager!

794
00:34:50,349 --> 00:34:54,320
{\an8}[Sanjin Merchants' Hall]

795
00:34:50,760 --> 00:34:53,110
The Orchid Snow tea,
presented by farmer Gu Pingyuan

796
00:34:53,110 --> 00:34:54,679
from Huizhou,

797
00:34:54,880 --> 00:34:57,010
boasts a noble and elegant fragrance.

798
00:34:57,070 --> 00:34:59,840
The man himself is well-versed
in literature and principles,

799
00:34:59,840 --> 00:35:02,030
and much of what he says
is worth considering.

800
00:35:02,030 --> 00:35:03,690
In recognition of both his tea

801
00:35:03,710 --> 00:35:05,030
and his heartfelt intentions,

802
00:35:05,030 --> 00:35:06,880
a plaque is hereby bestowed.

803
00:35:19,130 --> 00:35:21,699
Bring out the Empress Dowager's plaque!

804
00:35:23,730 --> 00:35:25,179
{\an8}[Top Tea Under Heaven]

805
00:35:31,030 --> 00:35:39,780
{\an8}[Top Tea Under Heaven]

806
00:35:40,480 --> 00:35:42,150
The Sichuan Tea Merchants' Association

807
00:35:42,150 --> 00:35:43,510
and Fujian Tea Merchants' Association

808
00:35:43,510 --> 00:35:45,309
have come to pay their respects!

809
00:35:48,320 --> 00:35:49,119
Old Master Hu!

810
00:35:49,760 --> 00:35:51,480
You've won the top prize this time.

811
00:35:51,480 --> 00:35:52,539
Congratulations.

812
00:35:52,590 --> 00:35:54,190
I don't deserve such praise.

813
00:35:54,510 --> 00:35:55,570
Why be so modest?

814
00:35:55,920 --> 00:35:58,070
It was personally approved
by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.

815
00:35:58,070 --> 00:35:59,440
Every tea merchant under heaven

816
00:35:59,440 --> 00:36:00,699
must be envious of you.

817
00:36:01,800 --> 00:36:02,610
Old Master Hu,

818
00:36:03,190 --> 00:36:04,519
please take me to see

819
00:36:04,539 --> 00:36:06,400
the imperial plaque
written by Her Majesty herself.

820
00:36:06,400 --> 00:36:07,400
I'll kowtow to it.

821
00:36:07,400 --> 00:36:07,929
That way,

822
00:36:08,070 --> 00:36:10,000
I'll have something to brag about.

823
00:36:10,280 --> 00:36:10,880
My friend,

824
00:36:11,000 --> 00:36:12,110
come on, let's sit and talk.

825
00:36:12,110 --> 00:36:13,440
Have a seat, have a seat.

826
00:36:13,590 --> 00:36:14,190
Sit.

827
00:36:20,800 --> 00:36:21,400
My friend,

828
00:36:22,280 --> 00:36:23,480
to be honest with you,

829
00:36:23,880 --> 00:36:25,000
the plaque

830
00:36:25,320 --> 00:36:26,800
isn't with me.

831
00:36:31,400 --> 00:36:32,360
Old Master Hu,

832
00:36:33,030 --> 00:36:34,360
I'm not asking for much.

833
00:36:34,360 --> 00:36:35,960
Just grant me a tael of Orchid Snow tea.

834
00:36:35,960 --> 00:36:36,480
Really.

835
00:36:36,550 --> 00:36:38,769
I'll place this tea on my altar.

836
00:36:39,230 --> 00:36:41,130
If you still refuse,

837
00:36:41,360 --> 00:36:42,960
our friendship of many years

838
00:36:43,760 --> 00:36:44,670
will end today.

839
00:36:53,869 --> 00:36:55,269
My friend, rest assured.

840
00:36:56,110 --> 00:36:57,440
I'll definitely get you

841
00:36:57,440 --> 00:36:59,329
that one tael of tea.

842
00:36:59,510 --> 00:37:00,170
How's that?

843
00:37:00,630 --> 00:37:01,360
In that case,

844
00:37:01,800 --> 00:37:02,929
thank you very much.

845
00:37:03,550 --> 00:37:04,360
We're ready.

846
00:37:04,400 --> 00:37:05,230
We'll kneel and offer incense.

847
00:37:05,230 --> 00:37:06,190
Consider it done.

848
00:37:06,190 --> 00:37:06,630
I'll take my leave.

849
00:37:06,630 --> 00:37:08,550
Please excuse me for not seeing you out.

850
00:37:08,550 --> 00:37:09,289
Take care.

851
00:37:09,510 --> 00:37:10,570
See the guests out!

852
00:37:18,670 --> 00:37:19,190
Hou Er!

853
00:37:19,760 --> 00:37:20,230
Come in!

854
00:37:23,190 --> 00:37:23,710
Hu,

855
00:37:23,730 --> 00:37:25,690
this... this stupid mouth of mine.

856
00:37:26,079 --> 00:37:28,280
I've made a mess of things.

857
00:37:28,280 --> 00:37:29,880
Alright, alright, alright!

858
00:37:30,480 --> 00:37:31,469
Listen,

859
00:37:31,760 --> 00:37:33,320
I don't care if you have to kowtow

860
00:37:33,320 --> 00:37:34,320
or slap yourself—

861
00:37:34,480 --> 00:37:35,000
you must

862
00:37:35,510 --> 00:37:36,320
bring Gu Pingyuan

863
00:37:36,320 --> 00:37:37,440
here for me.

864
00:37:37,550 --> 00:37:39,110
In front of everyone,

865
00:37:39,190 --> 00:37:41,420
I'll kowtow to him, apologize,

866
00:37:41,590 --> 00:37:42,369
and make him

867
00:37:42,510 --> 00:37:44,630
the head
of our Anhui Tea Merchants' Association.

868
00:37:44,630 --> 00:37:45,320
Go.

869
00:37:45,400 --> 00:37:46,329
Go now!

870
00:37:47,030 --> 00:37:47,400
I...

871
00:37:47,440 --> 00:37:48,710
Okay, okay, okay.

872
00:37:51,360 --> 00:37:52,070
Mr. Gu!

873
00:37:53,230 --> 00:37:54,460
Mr. Gu!

874
00:37:54,590 --> 00:37:56,110
Mr. Gu, my dear sir!

875
00:37:56,150 --> 00:37:57,699
Where are you, Mr. Gu?

876
00:37:58,150 --> 00:37:58,800
Mr. Gu!

877
00:37:58,960 --> 00:37:59,690
Hou Er?

878
00:38:00,050 --> 00:38:01,280
Oh, Mr. Gu!

879
00:38:01,360 --> 00:38:02,670
My dear Mr. Gu!

880
00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:04,070
Hou Er, what are you doing?

881
00:38:04,070 --> 00:38:04,730
Let go of me.

882
00:38:04,760 --> 00:38:05,230
Well,

883
00:38:05,440 --> 00:38:06,159
Mr. Gu,

884
00:38:06,230 --> 00:38:07,360
please listen to me.

885
00:38:07,710 --> 00:38:09,639
Earlier, I was blind and ignorant.

886
00:38:09,670 --> 00:38:10,360
Our Old Master Hu

887
00:38:10,360 --> 00:38:11,170
told me

888
00:38:11,190 --> 00:38:12,920
that even if it means
utterly disgracing myself,

889
00:38:12,920 --> 00:38:14,280
I must bring you to

890
00:38:14,280 --> 00:38:16,139
the Anhui Merchants' Hall today.

891
00:38:17,630 --> 00:38:18,030
Well,

892
00:38:18,289 --> 00:38:19,019
listen to me.

893
00:38:19,150 --> 00:38:20,349
Old Master Hu said...

894
00:38:21,360 --> 00:38:23,090
Old Master Hu is busy right now.

895
00:38:24,030 --> 00:38:24,670
He...

896
00:38:25,590 --> 00:38:26,449
can't get away.

897
00:38:26,510 --> 00:38:27,869
As long as you show up,

898
00:38:27,960 --> 00:38:30,889
he'll kowtow to you
and admit his mistakes in person.

899
00:38:35,190 --> 00:38:36,090
Today at noon,

900
00:38:37,030 --> 00:38:38,400
our Anhui Tea Merchants' Association

901
00:38:38,400 --> 00:38:39,670
has reserved Tongheju Restaurant

902
00:38:39,670 --> 00:38:41,760
to host all the tea merchants
from across the country

903
00:38:41,760 --> 00:38:43,400
to celebrate
our Anhui tea winning first place.

904
00:38:43,400 --> 00:38:44,949
If you don't show up,

905
00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:47,300
then all of us from Anhui

906
00:38:47,480 --> 00:38:49,070
will lose face, won't we?

907
00:38:49,090 --> 00:38:49,699
Well...

908
00:38:49,760 --> 00:38:51,889
My dear Mr. Gu,

909
00:38:52,110 --> 00:38:52,920
please come! I'm begging you!

910
00:38:52,920 --> 00:38:54,889
If you don't go, I'll cry myself to death!

911
00:38:53,699 --> 00:38:56,190
{\an8}[Top Tea Under Heaven]

912
00:38:55,150 --> 00:38:56,349
Then go ahead and cry.

913
00:39:06,670 --> 00:39:09,150
Mr. Gu,

914
00:39:09,190 --> 00:39:11,599
how can you be so cruel?

915
00:39:17,280 --> 00:39:17,840
Hou Er.

916
00:39:18,360 --> 00:39:18,960
All right.

917
00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:19,730
Listen to me.

918
00:39:24,320 --> 00:39:25,260
Listen.

919
00:39:26,320 --> 00:39:28,579
We just had a misunderstanding earlier.

920
00:39:28,710 --> 00:39:29,510
Let bygones

921
00:39:29,710 --> 00:39:30,550
be bygones.

922
00:39:31,230 --> 00:39:32,429
As for Old Master Hu,

923
00:39:32,960 --> 00:39:33,550
I won't have him

924
00:39:33,550 --> 00:39:35,010
kneel and apologize to me.

925
00:39:35,230 --> 00:39:36,690
I'm going to visit him now.

926
00:39:37,760 --> 00:39:38,289
Pingwen.

927
00:39:39,320 --> 00:39:40,480
Pack some tea samples,

928
00:39:40,480 --> 00:39:41,320
take the plaque,

929
00:39:41,320 --> 00:39:42,190
rent a large cart,

930
00:39:42,190 --> 00:39:43,369
and wait for me at Tongheju Restaurant.

931
00:39:43,369 --> 00:39:46,829
{\an8}[Top Tea Under Heaven]

932
00:39:48,449 --> 00:39:49,360
Come on, come on.

933
00:39:49,360 --> 00:39:49,840
Please.

934
00:39:50,139 --> 00:39:52,199
Here's the carriage I rented for you.

935
00:39:52,230 --> 00:39:52,760
Please.

936
00:40:00,840 --> 00:40:01,360
Mr. Gu,

937
00:40:02,030 --> 00:40:03,489
let me offer you my apology

938
00:40:03,510 --> 00:40:04,909
with tea instead of wine.

939
00:40:05,099 --> 00:40:06,760
No need for more polite words.

940
00:40:07,400 --> 00:40:08,920
We all belong to
the Anhui tea merchant community.

941
00:40:08,920 --> 00:40:09,550
Yes, yes, yes.

942
00:40:09,550 --> 00:40:10,110
As long as you

943
00:40:10,110 --> 00:40:11,030
stop bullying the tea farmers from now on,

944
00:40:11,030 --> 00:40:12,360
that will be worth
more than any polite words.

945
00:40:12,360 --> 00:40:13,559
I will, I will, I will.

946
00:40:13,800 --> 00:40:14,730
Come on, come on.

947
00:40:15,400 --> 00:40:16,030
Cheers.

948
00:40:24,960 --> 00:40:25,599
Mr. Gu,

949
00:40:25,670 --> 00:40:26,920
you're truly a broad-minded man.

950
00:40:26,920 --> 00:40:27,960
Actually, I have so much

951
00:40:27,960 --> 00:40:29,360
I've wanted to say to you.

952
00:40:29,750 --> 00:40:30,400
Mr. Gu?

953
00:40:30,670 --> 00:40:31,230
Mr. Gu?

954
00:40:32,110 --> 00:40:33,170
T-The tea...

955
00:40:34,440 --> 00:40:35,880
has been tampered with.

956
00:41:12,469 --> 00:41:16,539
{\an8}[Xuming Inn]

957
00:41:18,480 --> 00:41:20,059
Everyone, I'm truly sorry.

958
00:41:20,150 --> 00:41:22,269
Mr. Gu really isn't here.

959
00:41:22,320 --> 00:41:23,719
Please come another day.

960
00:41:26,630 --> 00:41:29,030
Mr. Gu really isn't here.

961
00:41:29,030 --> 00:41:30,219
Please come another day.

962
00:41:30,219 --> 00:41:31,280
What are you doing?

963
00:41:31,280 --> 00:41:32,679
Please come another day.

964
00:41:48,670 --> 00:41:50,000
We're truly not receiving any visitors!

965
00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:51,400
Please come another day.

966
00:41:51,579 --> 00:41:52,710
What's going on here?

967
00:41:52,710 --> 00:41:53,510
Is this some kind of performance?

968
00:41:53,510 --> 00:41:54,440
Why such a crowd?

969
00:41:55,510 --> 00:41:58,980
This is the lodging
of the Anhui Tea Merchants' Association.

970
00:41:59,159 --> 00:42:00,670
I suppose all these people at the door

971
00:42:00,670 --> 00:42:02,000
are merchants from the capital,

972
00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:03,070
here to buy Orchid Snow tea.

973
00:42:03,070 --> 00:42:04,949
We're truly not receiving any visitors!

974
00:42:04,949 --> 00:42:06,409
Give them my calling card.

975
00:42:06,670 --> 00:42:07,800
Yes, Your Highness.

976
00:42:10,400 --> 00:42:11,920
Prince Gong has arrived!

977
00:42:18,179 --> 00:42:21,579
We humble subjects
kowtow to Your Highness!

978
00:42:23,070 --> 00:42:23,929
Rise and speak.

979
00:42:24,630 --> 00:42:26,090
Thank you, Your Highness.

980
00:42:27,070 --> 00:42:28,190
Where is Gu Pingyuan?

981
00:42:28,190 --> 00:42:30,250
M-My brother has gone missing again.

982
00:42:30,280 --> 00:42:31,000
Missing?

983
00:42:33,510 --> 00:42:35,710
This is Gu Pingyuan's younger brother.

984
00:42:37,110 --> 00:42:38,070
Tell me,

985
00:42:38,590 --> 00:42:39,360
what do you mean

986
00:42:39,360 --> 00:42:41,219
by your brother has gone missing?

987
00:42:43,320 --> 00:42:44,179
Your Highness,

988
00:42:44,880 --> 00:42:47,010
it's all because of my useless cousin.

989
00:42:47,030 --> 00:42:49,030
He went by carriage to pick up Mr. Gu,

990
00:42:49,110 --> 00:42:49,710
but

991
00:42:50,070 --> 00:42:51,960
somehow along the way,

992
00:42:52,030 --> 00:42:53,590
he was rendered unconscious.

993
00:42:53,590 --> 00:42:54,670
After he woke up,

994
00:42:54,760 --> 00:42:56,360
he went to Mr. Gu's room

995
00:42:56,400 --> 00:42:58,230
and was told Mr. Gu had been taken away.

996
00:42:58,230 --> 00:42:59,869
As of now, we still don't know

997
00:43:00,070 --> 00:43:01,550
Mr. Gu's whereabouts, Your Highness.