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{\an8}[Legend of the Magnate]

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{\an8}[Episode 30]

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They all say that these days,

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you've been frequenting the brothels
along the Qinhuai River.

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I didn't believe it.

6
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Of course, you shouldn't have believed it.

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Did you do that?

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I went for one day.

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If I said

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I was there on official business,

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would you believe me?

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Do you believe it yourself?

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It's a bit complicated.

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Yes.

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At first, I didn't believe it either,

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but then all these people

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from the brothels showed up at our home.

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I wished there were a crack in the ground

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I could disappear into.

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Mother told us not to speak to you.

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You know me.

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I'm not that kind of person at all.

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They said

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you visited more than 10 brothels
in a row.

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I didn't.

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You didn't?

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Maybe 5 or 6.

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They said
you were drinking with courtesans

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until you were completely drunk.

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I wasn't.

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You weren't?

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I wasn't completely drunk.

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They said you wrote an elegiac couplet

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for a famous courtesan who just died.

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I didn't.

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You didn't?

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His Excellency wrote it.

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You...

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You've made Mother so angry.

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She said
you've become a beast with no morals!

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How could you say that?

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How am I a beast?

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Can you please listen to my explanation?

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When I say I was on official business,

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I mean it!

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The way of pen and sword demands

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a balance between tension and relaxation!

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Besides,

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visiting courtesans

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is a common thing for a real man.

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Say that again.

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Where did you learn that?

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I lost my head in anger.

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The brothel madam said it.

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Is that what you

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really think?

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No.

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Yu'er,

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I think I've twisted my back.

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Help me up.

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Are you trying to murder your own husband?

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You kicked way too hard.

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I...

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I didn't kick hard. Are you hurt?

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Let me see.

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Get down here!

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You... You...

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You...

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You...

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Alright, listen to my explanation.

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Nanjing is so desolate now.

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I need to revitalize the Qinhuai River
first

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to attract merchants.

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These are just tactics.

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Why don't you mention that His Excellency

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also went there?

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He's even a Neo-Confucian scholar.

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Don't be angry with me.

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That's all explained?

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That's all explained.

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What's there to explain?

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-Cheating, huh?
-Blow the light and go to bed.

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Pingyuan.

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Mother wants you both

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to stop arguing.

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Pingwen.

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Is my bedroom

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a place you can enter whenever you want?

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I just came to the rescue.

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Mother was afraid you might fight.

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Fight?

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You think Yu'er is like you?

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She's understanding.

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Yu'er and I

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couldn't possibly have
any misunderstanding.

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Do I need to explain anything to her?

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Unlike you who jump at every chance...

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You're sleeping outside tonight.

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Don't let Mother think I'm a pushover.

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Get out.

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No meat today.

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Is Mr. Gu in?

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I'm...

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Come in.

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I am Sun Er, Acting County Magistrate,

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paying my respects to you, Mr. Gu.

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No need for such formalities

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when we're at home.

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Have you eaten yet?

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Join us.

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Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Gu.

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I've already eaten.

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Mr. Gu, I'm here for your instructions.

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Official business so early in the morning?

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His Excellency said

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that he was aware of the gifts

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from the Qinhuai River
establishments yesterday,

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which are not considered a bribe.

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He asked you
to accept them without concern.

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He'll be responsible

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if anything happens.

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I was wondering.

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I was wondering why last night

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so many people came to my house.

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So those gifts

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were meant
for the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office.

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That was the original plan.

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But His Excellency said

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the Qinhuai River
revitalization initiative

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was your idea,

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so he can't accept the gifts.

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His Excellency

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truly has a broad mind

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and a noble character.

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Mr. Gu, you're incredibly resourceful,

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well,

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even surpassing Zhuge Liang.

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His Excellency

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specifically mentioned

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that he is a disciple of Confucius,

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and you are

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a disciple of Master Guan Zhong.

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Please accept them with peace of mind.

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He's messing with me.

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His Excellency

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has prepared the elegiac couplet

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for the madam already

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and some gifts as well.

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Today we'd like you

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to represent
the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office

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on a visit to the Qinhuai River.

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Oh, right.

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He can't go himself.

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So I need your instructions—

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shall we go by boat or by sedan chair?

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Let's take a boat.

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It's more discreet.

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Yes.

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I'll be waiting outside

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to accompany you.

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Good.

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Mother, are you still mad at me?

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Do you think your son is the type

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who would put on official robes

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and then visit brothels?

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Or is it that

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you're afraid
Yu'er will be taken advantage of?

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Mr. Chang.

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We have a friendship
that runs deeper than blood.

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You have to trust me.

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Stop taking Mr. Liao

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to practice your inner strength.

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Sit down and let me talk to you.

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I do trust you.

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But Yu'er told me

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that last night you said,

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"Visiting courtesans

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is a common thing for a real man."

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I said so many

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righteous things last night.

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Why did you only tell Mr. Chang

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this one sentence?

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Did he really say that?

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Don't speak

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unless spoken to!

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A grown son makes his own decisions.

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No, Mother,

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you talk, and I'll listen.

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Although you don't hold
any official position,

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we are now

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staying at
the Viceroy of Liangjiang's post station.

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All of this is true.

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I don't know many characters,

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but I've lived long enough

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to have learned

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a thing or two about life.

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Look at the opera stage.

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Those little spirits and soldiers

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doing somersaults and handstands

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put on a lively show.

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But look again,

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the emperor,

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the prime minister,

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and the generals on stage.

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Which one of them is doing somersaults

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or handstands?

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There's a principle here.

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What clothes you wear

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and what position you hold

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determine what you should do.

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If you still can't grasp
such a fundamental principle,

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you must have a death wish!

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Yes.

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You're right.

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I know.

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You're not a fool.

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You wouldn't start drinking
and visiting brothels

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as soon as you set foot in Nanjing.

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I don't believe it.

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Yu'er doesn't believe it either.

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What do the viceroys

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want from you?

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What do they see in you?

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Simply that you have no backing,

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and you have talent.

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So they can use you as their tool.

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But they are real high officials.

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Even if you help them make Nanjing

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prosperous and magnificent,

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if just one person says

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that they, as high officials,

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drink and visit brothels,

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and if the emperor blames them,

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they'll need to find a scapegoat

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to deal with the situation.

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Which scapegoat do you think

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would be the most suitable one?

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Then that would be so despicable of them.

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Pingyuan,

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I'll just say one thing.

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Your mother's wisdom far exceeds yours.

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Last night,

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Mr. Chang and I couldn't sleep at all.

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We were tossing and turning in bed,

245
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trying to figure out
how to get you out of this mess.

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I know.

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You want to save the world,

248
00:09:34,600 --> 00:09:36,759
but you can't even save yourself.

249
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Who do you think you can possibly save?

250
00:09:38,629 --> 00:09:40,230
You've dragged us into this.

251
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You've made your mother sick with worry.

252
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Aren't these your fault?

253
00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:48,580
I didn't think it through.

254
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Mother, you're right.

255
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You always

256
00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:54,240
rush headlong into things,

257
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with that stubborn personality of yours.

258
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If you harm yourself,

259
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you'll end up dragging Yu'er

260
00:09:59,480 --> 00:10:00,340
down with you.

261
00:10:00,509 --> 00:10:01,710
How could I bear that?

262
00:10:03,149 --> 00:10:03,899
Mother,

263
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you're so farsighted.

264
00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:06,120
You

265
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don't need to be so modest.

266
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Such a brilliant plan

267
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is something

268
00:10:11,960 --> 00:10:14,090
few people in this world could devise.

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00:10:14,750 --> 00:10:16,200
However, these tactics

270
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may work in business,

271
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but in the official circles,

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they're far too dangerous.

273
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You are

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too conspicuous.

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As they say, the nail that sticks out
gets hammered down.

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When the time truly comes

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for execution,

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exile, or confiscation of property,

279
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it will be too late for regrets.

280
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Stop frightening him.

281
00:10:40,200 --> 00:10:41,529
Go about your business.

282
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Be it beheading, exile,
or property confiscation,

283
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I'll be with you.

284
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If you restrict him

285
00:10:45,909 --> 00:10:46,840
from making any move,

286
00:10:46,840 --> 00:10:47,750
he'll just stay at home every day

287
00:10:47,750 --> 00:10:48,600
watching me embroider.

288
00:10:48,600 --> 00:10:49,529
I won't stand it.

289
00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:51,350
It's a good thing

290
00:10:51,750 --> 00:10:52,480
he knows now.

291
00:10:58,019 --> 00:11:02,159
{\an8}[Liangjiang Viceroy's Office]

292
00:11:03,149 --> 00:11:05,200
These are banknotes
from the Four Major Banks.

293
00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:06,460
They have no markings.

294
00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:07,669
Each is worth 10,000 taels.

295
00:11:07,669 --> 00:11:09,200
They can be cashed anywhere.

296
00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:10,580
200,000 taels in total.

297
00:11:10,909 --> 00:11:12,200
Please accept them.

298
00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:14,700
My good nephew,

299
00:11:15,360 --> 00:11:16,490
this money

300
00:11:16,669 --> 00:11:18,360
is truly a great help to me.

301
00:11:21,350 --> 00:11:22,610
This money is nothing.

302
00:11:23,120 --> 00:11:23,870
If it can solve

303
00:11:23,870 --> 00:11:25,389
your urgent problem,

304
00:11:25,789 --> 00:11:27,600
I will feel much relieved.

305
00:11:28,750 --> 00:11:29,720
And my matter

306
00:11:30,149 --> 00:11:32,210
will naturally be easier to resolve.

307
00:11:35,629 --> 00:11:37,750
Today, I've received
from benevolent merchant Li Qin

308
00:11:37,750 --> 00:11:38,720
a donation of

309
00:11:39,149 --> 00:11:40,480
200,000 taels of silver.

310
00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:42,549
This is the receipt
from the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office.

311
00:11:41,659 --> 00:11:44,980
{\an8}[Donated by Jiangning]

312
00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:44,460
It bears my official seal.

313
00:11:44,600 --> 00:11:46,389
When I report to His Highness,

314
00:11:46,840 --> 00:11:49,039
there will surely be imperial rewards.

315
00:11:49,240 --> 00:11:50,669
For rebuilding Nanjing,

316
00:11:51,029 --> 00:11:52,960
all merchants who donate

317
00:11:53,120 --> 00:11:54,629
will have their names
carved on stone tablets

318
00:11:54,629 --> 00:11:57,149
placed at the entrance
of the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office.

319
00:11:57,149 --> 00:11:59,049
This is an enormous merit indeed.

320
00:11:59,320 --> 00:11:59,879
Uncle,

321
00:11:59,960 --> 00:12:00,909
my father instructed

322
00:12:00,909 --> 00:12:02,909
that no receipt
is necessary for this money.

323
00:12:02,909 --> 00:12:03,700
No, no.

324
00:12:03,870 --> 00:12:05,669
This is money for Nanjing.

325
00:12:14,789 --> 00:12:15,769
Uncle,

326
00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:17,929
you truly are

327
00:12:17,960 --> 00:12:19,440
the renowned Neo-Confucian master,

328
00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:20,899
as clean and pure as water,

329
00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:22,960
with impeccable integrity.

330
00:12:23,870 --> 00:12:25,070
I admire you greatly.

331
00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:27,509
As clean and pure as water,

332
00:12:27,509 --> 00:12:29,110
with impeccable integrity?

333
00:12:29,789 --> 00:12:30,720
I'm not so sure.

334
00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:32,289
When you say these things,

335
00:12:32,289 --> 00:12:34,080
you must mean what you say.

336
00:12:34,509 --> 00:12:35,669
I speak these words

337
00:12:35,750 --> 00:12:36,809
not to flatter you.

338
00:12:37,149 --> 00:12:38,409
I hope you understand.

339
00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:40,129
A few days ago,

340
00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:42,120
I heard you went with that brother

341
00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:43,320
of mine, surnamed Gu,

342
00:12:43,750 --> 00:12:45,840
to drink by the Qinhuai River.

343
00:12:47,240 --> 00:12:49,269
You've devoted your life
to Neo-Confucianism,

344
00:12:49,269 --> 00:12:51,269
yet could tarnish your reputation.

345
00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:53,850
I'm sure the imperial court

346
00:12:54,480 --> 00:12:56,600
will understand your difficulties.

347
00:12:59,120 --> 00:13:00,049
I never expected

348
00:13:00,269 --> 00:13:01,600
that Li Million would have

349
00:13:01,600 --> 00:13:03,080
such a fine son.

350
00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:05,149
I'm truly envious.

351
00:13:06,080 --> 00:13:08,210
You're certainly no ordinary person.

352
00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:10,389
You've seen these little schemes of mine

353
00:13:10,389 --> 00:13:12,279
through quite clearly.

354
00:13:12,389 --> 00:13:13,169
Not at all.

355
00:13:13,480 --> 00:13:15,789
Uncle, you are half a sage.

356
00:13:17,509 --> 00:13:18,600
Until death,

357
00:13:18,629 --> 00:13:20,690
I must practice virtue with caution.

358
00:13:20,720 --> 00:13:21,669
Do you think

359
00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:23,720
being a sage is so easy?

360
00:13:24,389 --> 00:13:25,200
I understand.

361
00:13:25,389 --> 00:13:27,320
I'm very cautious myself.

362
00:13:27,629 --> 00:13:29,320
About my matter...

363
00:13:33,120 --> 00:13:34,120
In Nanjing now,

364
00:13:34,149 --> 00:13:35,720
nothing can be done.

365
00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:37,679
The army can't be disbanded.

366
00:13:37,750 --> 00:13:39,740
The soldiers become disgruntled,

367
00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:41,480
and discipline breaks down.

368
00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:43,620
If trouble breaks out someday,

369
00:13:43,720 --> 00:13:45,179
that would be disastrous.

370
00:13:45,269 --> 00:13:46,549
Years of hard work

371
00:13:47,120 --> 00:13:48,720
will be ruined in an instant.

372
00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:49,480
Uncle,

373
00:13:50,269 --> 00:13:52,269
there's already a solution at hand.

374
00:13:52,870 --> 00:13:53,320
Look.

375
00:13:53,549 --> 00:13:54,269
These

376
00:13:54,360 --> 00:13:56,269
are the title deeds for salt fields

377
00:13:56,269 --> 00:13:57,440
and management rights to salt stores,

378
00:13:56,330 --> 00:13:59,129
{\an8}[Tax Receipt]

379
00:13:57,480 --> 00:13:58,289
mortgaged or sold

380
00:13:58,289 --> 00:13:59,220
to my father,

381
00:13:59,269 --> 00:14:00,669
when he was doing business with others.

382
00:14:00,669 --> 00:14:01,850
{\an8}[Li Million shall have
10 and a half shares.]

383
00:14:01,240 --> 00:14:02,549
Now that peace has returned,

384
00:14:02,549 --> 00:14:03,549
you should give us instructions

385
00:14:03,549 --> 00:14:05,080
on how to proceed with them.

386
00:14:05,149 --> 00:14:06,549
I'll follow your orders.

387
00:14:06,840 --> 00:14:08,240
If this matter is settled,

388
00:14:08,240 --> 00:14:10,100
that small amount of money for you

389
00:14:10,240 --> 00:14:11,500
is certainly nothing.

390
00:14:14,970 --> 00:14:17,110
Can Li Million handle

391
00:14:17,720 --> 00:14:19,000
all these businesses?

392
00:14:19,320 --> 00:14:20,480
Doesn't he find it exhausting?

393
00:14:20,480 --> 00:14:22,340
When my father's business grows,

394
00:14:22,480 --> 00:14:23,909
helping you with your affairs

395
00:14:23,909 --> 00:14:25,769
will make us stand even stronger.

396
00:14:26,629 --> 00:14:28,360
Merchants stabilize the realm

397
00:14:28,840 --> 00:14:31,100
by only using gold and silver as weapons,

398
00:14:32,269 --> 00:14:34,330
nothing compared to your dominance.

399
00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:39,720
Your Excellency.

400
00:14:49,120 --> 00:14:50,120
Your Excellency.

401
00:14:50,789 --> 00:14:52,450
Where did you go this morning?

402
00:14:52,629 --> 00:14:54,690
I just delivered an elegiac couplet.

403
00:14:54,789 --> 00:14:55,990
At the madam's grave,

404
00:14:56,320 --> 00:14:57,049
I cried a bit.

405
00:14:57,200 --> 00:14:58,200
You didn't even know her.

406
00:14:58,200 --> 00:14:59,659
How could you possibly cry?

407
00:14:59,659 --> 00:15:00,960
Well, Your Excellency,
you wrote the elegiac couplet.

408
00:15:00,960 --> 00:15:01,870
I just shed a few tears.

409
00:15:01,870 --> 00:15:04,000
Consider it a complimentary service.

410
00:15:04,029 --> 00:15:04,789
Besides,

411
00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:06,720
I was genuinely moved.

412
00:15:06,750 --> 00:15:07,830
Moved by what?

413
00:15:08,669 --> 00:15:10,149
She was old enough

414
00:15:10,200 --> 00:15:11,509
to be your mother.

415
00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:14,000
You're so kind

416
00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:15,629
to give me all the credit.

417
00:15:16,389 --> 00:15:17,149
Yesterday,

418
00:15:17,169 --> 00:15:18,200
half the girls from the brothels

419
00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:19,480
all rushed to my house.

420
00:15:19,909 --> 00:15:21,309
It made my mother so angry

421
00:15:21,320 --> 00:15:22,940
that she told everyone to ignore me.

422
00:15:22,940 --> 00:15:23,870
My wife directly

423
00:15:23,870 --> 00:15:26,080
banished me to sleep
in the hall for the night.

424
00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:27,080
I'm toiling for our country,

425
00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:27,720
which is one thing,

426
00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:29,580
but to end up with such a result...

427
00:15:30,029 --> 00:15:30,720
When I think about it,

428
00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:32,200
I feel so wronged.

429
00:15:34,139 --> 00:15:35,519
You set me up,

430
00:15:35,669 --> 00:15:37,080
so I had to get back at you.

431
00:15:37,669 --> 00:15:38,320
Alright,

432
00:15:38,340 --> 00:15:39,809
I'll write a letter soon

433
00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:41,000
to explain everything clearly.

434
00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:42,340
I'll tell your mother

435
00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:43,600
it was official business.

436
00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:45,460
Don't feel wronged because of me.

437
00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:47,669
But my mother also said

438
00:15:48,710 --> 00:15:50,600
if it's truly for the benefit
of Jiangnan's people,

439
00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:51,860
then it's acceptable.

440
00:15:53,269 --> 00:15:54,210
As long as you

441
00:15:54,509 --> 00:15:56,240
can ensure my family's safety,

442
00:15:56,480 --> 00:15:58,600
I'm willing to sacrifice myself completely

443
00:15:58,600 --> 00:15:59,799
without hesitation.

444
00:16:01,870 --> 00:16:02,840
Of course.

445
00:16:03,909 --> 00:16:05,049
Confucius said,

446
00:16:05,080 --> 00:16:08,409
"How do we know the future
won't be better than the present?"

447
00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:16,460
{\an8}[1,000 taels]

448
00:16:17,870 --> 00:16:18,600
Li Qin

449
00:16:18,870 --> 00:16:20,720
has delivered 200,000 taels of silver.

450
00:16:20,720 --> 00:16:21,629
I'm thinking

451
00:16:21,960 --> 00:16:23,269
of allocating 100,000 taels

452
00:16:23,269 --> 00:16:24,669
to the Jinling Publishing House

453
00:16:24,669 --> 00:16:26,360
to ensure the "Complete Library
of the Four Treasuries"

454
00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:27,559
is properly printed.

455
00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:29,389
As for the remaining 100,000 taels,

456
00:16:29,389 --> 00:16:30,509
I'll keep 30,000 to 50,000

457
00:16:30,509 --> 00:16:31,789
to renovate the Qinhuai River

458
00:16:31,789 --> 00:16:32,720
by widening the waterway,

459
00:16:32,720 --> 00:16:34,720
dredging it, and repairing buildings.

460
00:16:34,720 --> 00:16:36,240
The money that's left

461
00:16:36,320 --> 00:16:37,389
will be used to repair examination halls

462
00:16:37,389 --> 00:16:38,460
and fix roads.

463
00:16:39,029 --> 00:16:41,000
As you mentioned,
the way of pen and sword demands

464
00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:41,960
a balance between tension and relaxation.

465
00:16:41,960 --> 00:16:43,559
That's what it means, right?

466
00:16:43,870 --> 00:16:45,360
You're brilliant, Your Excellency.

467
00:16:45,360 --> 00:16:46,549
I'll definitely keep a close eye on

468
00:16:46,549 --> 00:16:47,570
the Jinling Publishing House.

469
00:16:47,570 --> 00:16:48,679
I plan to—

470
00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:49,509
Wait, wait.

471
00:16:49,720 --> 00:16:51,950
Don't try to avoid work.

472
00:16:52,080 --> 00:16:52,389
No,

473
00:16:52,389 --> 00:16:53,850
how is this avoiding work?

474
00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:55,549
Proofreading catalogs.

475
00:16:55,549 --> 00:16:56,480
Comparing editions.

476
00:16:56,480 --> 00:16:57,789
It's an important task.

477
00:16:57,789 --> 00:16:59,789
This isn't something you need to do.

478
00:16:59,870 --> 00:17:02,000
There are plenty of idle scholars around.

479
00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:03,200
Don't worry about it.

480
00:17:03,389 --> 00:17:04,068
Let me ask you.

481
00:17:04,068 --> 00:17:06,328
Do you understand salt administration?

482
00:17:07,269 --> 00:17:08,118
Not at all.

483
00:17:08,309 --> 00:17:09,809
You can learn if you don't.

484
00:17:10,240 --> 00:17:11,750
Before you came, I heard

485
00:17:12,269 --> 00:17:14,470
that you were excellent at selling tea.

486
00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:16,269
A master in that field.

487
00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:19,549
How hard could it be
to understand salt administration?

488
00:17:19,549 --> 00:17:20,858
This Li Million,

489
00:17:20,910 --> 00:17:22,680
using the military expense
reimbursement issue,

490
00:17:22,680 --> 00:17:24,009
wants me to support him.

491
00:17:24,309 --> 00:17:25,750
He spent several years

492
00:17:26,400 --> 00:17:27,348
and has actually managed

493
00:17:27,348 --> 00:17:28,920
to get all of Jiangnan's salt stores

494
00:17:28,920 --> 00:17:29,509
and salt fields

495
00:17:29,509 --> 00:17:31,200
under his control.

496
00:17:31,819 --> 00:17:32,789
He's forcing me

497
00:17:32,829 --> 00:17:33,569
to approve it.

498
00:17:33,569 --> 00:17:35,980
Isn't this equivalent
to putting all the nation's taxes

499
00:17:35,980 --> 00:17:36,640
into

500
00:17:36,680 --> 00:17:37,880
his hands?

501
00:17:38,880 --> 00:17:39,920
How dangerous!

502
00:17:41,099 --> 00:17:42,390
But this Li Million

503
00:17:42,589 --> 00:17:44,000
really has an eye for business.

504
00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:44,549
Impressive.

505
00:17:44,549 --> 00:17:45,549
Very impressive.

506
00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:46,549
Why?

507
00:17:47,480 --> 00:17:48,339
Are you scared?

508
00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:53,609
The state has always used salt licenses

509
00:17:53,609 --> 00:17:54,670
as monopoly rights

510
00:17:54,750 --> 00:17:56,640
given to salt merchants.

511
00:17:57,640 --> 00:17:59,160
They pay taxes every year.

512
00:17:59,789 --> 00:18:00,859
In the past,

513
00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:02,180
this was a good method.

514
00:18:02,589 --> 00:18:04,289
But after years of peace,

515
00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:07,160
these salt merchants
have become extremely greedy.

516
00:18:07,160 --> 00:18:09,029
They just appease the imperial court

517
00:18:09,029 --> 00:18:11,000
while raising prices as they please.

518
00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:12,309
In provinces affected by war,

519
00:18:12,309 --> 00:18:14,569
salt prices are higher than rice prices.

520
00:18:15,019 --> 00:18:15,819
In my opinion,

521
00:18:16,309 --> 00:18:17,640
we shouldn't hand these things

522
00:18:17,640 --> 00:18:18,309
over to him.

523
00:18:19,069 --> 00:18:21,750
The people's money
should be earned by the people.

524
00:18:21,750 --> 00:18:23,809
The state shouldn't create a monster

525
00:18:23,829 --> 00:18:25,759
that devours everything in sight.

526
00:18:31,440 --> 00:18:32,440
Your Excellency.

527
00:18:34,829 --> 00:18:36,160
If it's about capital

528
00:18:36,640 --> 00:18:37,309
or ability,

529
00:18:38,069 --> 00:18:39,069
I'm truly no match

530
00:18:39,069 --> 00:18:39,930
for Li Million.

531
00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:42,069
I appreciate your favor,

532
00:18:42,069 --> 00:18:43,069
but I really

533
00:18:44,309 --> 00:18:45,769
can't handle this matter.

534
00:18:46,829 --> 00:18:48,400
Desertion in the face of duty

535
00:18:48,400 --> 00:18:50,000
is punishable by death.

536
00:18:56,269 --> 00:18:57,029
I know

537
00:18:57,589 --> 00:18:59,319
you two are old acquaintances.

538
00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:02,500
If you handle this matter well for me,

539
00:19:03,230 --> 00:19:05,029
I'll grant you an official rank.

540
00:19:05,960 --> 00:19:06,420
Well...

541
00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:09,509
If you fail,

542
00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:11,799
military law will deal with you.

543
00:19:23,640 --> 00:19:25,299
{\an8}[Righteous and Diligent]

544
00:19:24,400 --> 00:19:25,799
Please, no formalities.

545
00:19:28,200 --> 00:19:30,130
Let's go through things one by one.

546
00:19:31,019 --> 00:19:35,609
{\an8}[Righteous and Diligent]

547
00:19:31,269 --> 00:19:31,960
Now,

548
00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:33,920
Westerners from over a dozen countries

549
00:19:33,920 --> 00:19:36,069
have sent official documents
to Liangjiang.

550
00:19:36,069 --> 00:19:36,720
First,

551
00:19:36,750 --> 00:19:39,000
they demand the restoration
of their churches.

552
00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:40,000
Second,

553
00:19:40,109 --> 00:19:42,319
they want to conduct business here.

554
00:19:42,640 --> 00:19:45,140
Ever since the "Treaty of Nanjing"
was signed,

555
00:19:45,140 --> 00:19:48,049
{\an8}[Righteous and Diligent]

556
00:19:45,200 --> 00:19:48,059
all countries have demanded
equal trading rights.

557
00:19:48,599 --> 00:19:49,589
This is a massive change

558
00:19:49,589 --> 00:19:52,190
unprecedented
in our thousand-year history.

559
00:19:52,349 --> 00:19:53,769
No one knows

560
00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:55,000
what we should do.

561
00:19:56,309 --> 00:19:57,680
Which of you has experience

562
00:19:57,680 --> 00:19:58,740
in foreign affairs

563
00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:00,839
and can negotiate with them?

564
00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:05,440
Your Excellency.

565
00:20:05,549 --> 00:20:06,720
I'd like to try.

566
00:20:07,589 --> 00:20:08,440
Mr. Li.

567
00:20:09,589 --> 00:20:12,650
Your family has done business
with Westerners before.

568
00:20:12,789 --> 00:20:14,450
But Mr. Gu has experience too.

569
00:20:14,720 --> 00:20:16,000
Why don't you two

570
00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:17,349
take on this matter together,

571
00:20:17,349 --> 00:20:19,009
so you can support each other?

572
00:20:20,069 --> 00:20:20,349
Yes.

573
00:20:20,589 --> 00:20:20,980
Yes.

574
00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:27,480
The main principle lies in

575
00:20:27,789 --> 00:20:30,450
equal treatment
and upholding proper dignity.

576
00:20:31,440 --> 00:20:33,569
Please instruct me, Your Excellency.

577
00:20:34,349 --> 00:20:35,349
When dealing with them,

578
00:20:35,349 --> 00:20:36,880
you can't use that superior attitude

579
00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:37,829
of the Celestial Empire

580
00:20:37,829 --> 00:20:38,849
or be arrogant.

581
00:20:39,589 --> 00:20:41,880
Their ironclad warships and cannons

582
00:20:41,920 --> 00:20:43,119
are not just for show.

583
00:20:44,240 --> 00:20:46,019
But there's no need to fear them blindly.

584
00:20:46,019 --> 00:20:47,150
Reasonable matters

585
00:20:47,349 --> 00:20:48,960
must be handled properly.

586
00:20:50,349 --> 00:20:52,160
As for doing business...

587
00:20:53,400 --> 00:20:55,269
When trading in Liangjiang,

588
00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:57,059
I have just one rule

589
00:20:57,109 --> 00:20:58,039
for you

590
00:20:58,269 --> 00:20:59,309
that you must win;

591
00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:01,720
losing is not an option.

592
00:21:01,720 --> 00:21:03,509
Set boundaries for them.

593
00:21:04,200 --> 00:21:06,000
Don't let them do as they please.

594
00:21:06,200 --> 00:21:06,779
Li Qin,

595
00:21:06,829 --> 00:21:08,589
since you're an imperial court
candidate intendant,

596
00:21:08,589 --> 00:21:09,549
you should wear your official robes.

597
00:21:09,549 --> 00:21:09,920
Yes.

598
00:21:13,829 --> 00:21:18,130
{\an8}[Righteous and Diligent]

599
00:21:14,789 --> 00:21:16,190
As for the second matter,

600
00:21:16,549 --> 00:21:18,440
the imperial court has issued an edict

601
00:21:18,440 --> 00:21:20,569
to restore the salt and iron monopoly.

602
00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:23,539
Most of the national tax revenue

603
00:21:23,680 --> 00:21:24,960
comes from salt administration.

604
00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:28,059
So we need to quickly calculate,

605
00:21:28,200 --> 00:21:29,529
in the Jiangnan region,

606
00:21:30,069 --> 00:21:32,470
whether these salt fields have title deeds

607
00:21:32,680 --> 00:21:34,720
and their owners are still alive

608
00:21:34,829 --> 00:21:36,759
and how many salt stores there are.

609
00:21:36,880 --> 00:21:38,789
Currently
in the Seven Provinces of Jiangnan,

610
00:21:38,789 --> 00:21:40,589
salt is more expensive than rice.

611
00:21:40,589 --> 00:21:42,519
This is absolutely unacceptable.

612
00:21:43,029 --> 00:21:44,230
Except for these two,

613
00:21:44,440 --> 00:21:46,880
the rest of you go immediately

614
00:21:46,960 --> 00:21:47,680
and form groups

615
00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:49,480
to investigate the situation

616
00:21:49,509 --> 00:21:50,480
in each province and county.

617
00:21:50,480 --> 00:21:52,940
Don't delay the imperial court's business.

618
00:21:53,069 --> 00:21:54,000
Yes.

619
00:21:55,730 --> 00:22:01,819
{\an8}[Liangjiang Viceroy's Office]

620
00:21:56,240 --> 00:21:57,000
The inn

621
00:21:57,029 --> 00:21:58,160
where you stay now

622
00:21:58,880 --> 00:22:00,160
has walls that are like glass.

623
00:22:00,160 --> 00:22:01,400
Who knows how many eyes

624
00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:02,400
are watching you?

625
00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:08,259
Do you realize?

626
00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:11,099
That old fox wants us
to fight like roosters.

627
00:22:11,440 --> 00:22:13,240
He wants us to fight to the death.

628
00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:14,509
And when we're both exhausted,

629
00:22:14,509 --> 00:22:15,349
he'll be even less likely

630
00:22:15,349 --> 00:22:16,809
to give up the salt fields.

631
00:22:18,240 --> 00:22:20,059
You have shops and title deeds,

632
00:22:20,289 --> 00:22:22,309
all purchased with your hard-earned money.

633
00:22:22,309 --> 00:22:23,569
What are you afraid of?

634
00:22:23,750 --> 00:22:24,920
If the imperial court were reasonable,

635
00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:25,789
I wouldn't be afraid at all.

636
00:22:25,789 --> 00:22:27,269
But the problem is they're not reasonable.

637
00:22:27,269 --> 00:22:28,529
These papers in my hand

638
00:22:28,880 --> 00:22:29,750
are no different

639
00:22:29,750 --> 00:22:30,880
from a pile of trash.

640
00:22:31,750 --> 00:22:32,589
This place

641
00:22:33,549 --> 00:22:34,880
is far too dangerous.

642
00:22:35,549 --> 00:22:37,809
You really shouldn't get involved here.

643
00:22:38,509 --> 00:22:39,569
You think I want to?

644
00:22:40,450 --> 00:22:42,450
He's brought my entire family here.

645
00:22:43,109 --> 00:22:44,480
I have no choice but to join in

646
00:22:44,480 --> 00:22:45,609
this cockfight now.

647
00:22:46,509 --> 00:22:48,000
We need to come up with a plan.

648
00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:49,309
We can't let that old man

649
00:22:49,309 --> 00:22:50,369
play us like fools.

650
00:22:52,349 --> 00:22:54,150
I hope you're telling the truth.

651
00:22:57,589 --> 00:22:58,200
Look,

652
00:22:58,920 --> 00:23:00,720
that old guy is quite something.

653
00:23:03,880 --> 00:23:06,400
We haven't even entered
the cockfighting arena yet,

654
00:23:06,400 --> 00:23:08,859
and we're already
suspicious of each other.

655
00:23:09,829 --> 00:23:10,359
Exactly.

656
00:23:15,240 --> 00:23:16,269
According to the "Treaty of Nanjing"

657
00:23:16,269 --> 00:23:17,789
and the "Treaty of Wangxia,"

658
00:23:17,789 --> 00:23:18,480
we believe

659
00:23:18,509 --> 00:23:20,549
that in an open commercial framework,

660
00:23:20,549 --> 00:23:22,789
all nations
should receive equal treatment.

661
00:23:22,789 --> 00:23:24,920
Currently, regarding commercial matters,

662
00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:26,789
there's no way
to further deepen our relationship.

663
00:23:26,789 --> 00:23:27,920
This would be a loss

664
00:23:28,160 --> 00:23:29,160
for both parties.

665
00:23:31,109 --> 00:23:32,349
What do you mean

666
00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:34,400
by going further, Your Excellency?

667
00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:36,589
What do you mean by going further?

668
00:23:37,440 --> 00:23:40,089
{\an8}[British Envoy]

669
00:23:40,509 --> 00:23:42,440
In businesses such as silk, textile,

670
00:23:42,440 --> 00:23:43,420
tea,

671
00:23:43,589 --> 00:23:44,720
and medicinal herb,

672
00:23:44,750 --> 00:23:45,640
we are qualified

673
00:23:45,640 --> 00:23:46,720
and should be permitted

674
00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:49,119
to make independent investments in China.

675
00:23:49,160 --> 00:23:51,349
We want to establish
our own textile factories,

676
00:23:51,349 --> 00:23:51,789
banks,

677
00:23:52,029 --> 00:23:52,960
and pharmacies.

678
00:23:53,309 --> 00:23:54,000
Is that right?

679
00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:54,619
Yeah.

680
00:23:58,789 --> 00:24:00,589
As for independent investment,

681
00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:02,039
we don't have

682
00:24:02,069 --> 00:24:03,599
sufficient authority now.

683
00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:05,200
You may need to go

684
00:24:05,240 --> 00:24:07,440
to the Office of General Management
in the capital.

685
00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:08,480
In the Liangjiang area,

686
00:24:08,480 --> 00:24:10,029
no one dares to make a decision now.

687
00:24:10,029 --> 00:24:11,509
We have our own textile factories.

688
00:24:11,509 --> 00:24:12,240
In Jiangnan,

689
00:24:12,549 --> 00:24:14,000
we have many silk-reeling factories.

690
00:24:14,000 --> 00:24:15,880
They have textile factories.

691
00:24:16,029 --> 00:24:19,640
And there are many filature factories
in Jiangnan as well.

692
00:24:23,829 --> 00:24:24,200
Okay.

693
00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:26,240
Let me show you something, alright?

694
00:24:26,960 --> 00:24:27,619
Bring it up.

695
00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:49,730
Let me introduce this today.
This is my honor.

696
00:24:49,869 --> 00:24:50,640
Here,

697
00:24:50,680 --> 00:24:52,369
I'm honored to present

698
00:24:52,720 --> 00:24:53,480
the greatest invention

699
00:24:53,480 --> 00:24:54,509
in the world,

700
00:24:55,720 --> 00:24:56,849
the Spinning Jenny.

701
00:24:57,480 --> 00:24:58,720
It was invented in Lancashire, England

702
00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:00,160
by James Hargreaves

703
00:25:00,269 --> 00:25:01,930
and named after his daughter.

704
00:25:01,960 --> 00:25:02,880
It marks the magnificent beginning

705
00:25:02,880 --> 00:25:04,609
of the Industrial Revolution.

706
00:25:07,920 --> 00:25:09,069
This machine can simultaneously

707
00:25:09,069 --> 00:25:10,440
spin 80 spindles.

708
00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:12,509
After numerous modifications,

709
00:25:12,509 --> 00:25:14,029
it now runs on steam power.

710
00:25:16,309 --> 00:25:17,640
Well, we have this kind of machine

711
00:25:17,640 --> 00:25:19,509
working in 300 textile factories

712
00:25:19,750 --> 00:25:22,430
in Cape Town.

713
00:25:22,509 --> 00:25:23,789
Currently in Cape Town,

714
00:25:23,789 --> 00:25:25,650
there are 300 textile factories.

715
00:25:26,829 --> 00:25:28,609
It's not just a machine.

716
00:25:29,200 --> 00:25:30,299
It's a monster.

717
00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:31,339
Believe me,

718
00:25:31,519 --> 00:25:33,190
all the silk in China

719
00:25:33,359 --> 00:25:34,960
can't satisfy its appetite.

720
00:25:36,750 --> 00:25:38,430
The fabric it produces

721
00:25:38,640 --> 00:25:39,640
is high-density,

722
00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:40,440
inexpensive,

723
00:25:40,549 --> 00:25:41,410
and beautiful.

724
00:25:41,509 --> 00:25:42,369
Does that mean

725
00:25:42,440 --> 00:25:43,970
when this monster comes in,

726
00:25:44,509 --> 00:25:46,400
all silk workers
in the Seven Provinces of Jiangnan

727
00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:47,380
will starve?

728
00:25:51,440 --> 00:25:52,160
Okay.

729
00:25:52,829 --> 00:25:54,109
Don't have to worry about.

730
00:25:54,109 --> 00:25:55,589
We need a lot of workers.

731
00:25:57,440 --> 00:25:58,680
He says they can come

732
00:25:58,720 --> 00:25:59,519
to work for us.

733
00:25:59,789 --> 00:26:01,680
We also have pharmaceutical, printing,

734
00:26:01,680 --> 00:26:03,349
manufacturing, and metallurgy industries.

735
00:26:03,349 --> 00:26:04,720
We need a large workforce.

736
00:26:04,720 --> 00:26:05,849
This is outrageous!

737
00:26:06,829 --> 00:26:08,829
Is this what you call
a business negotiation?

738
00:26:08,829 --> 00:26:10,789
You claim you need business equality

739
00:26:10,789 --> 00:26:11,509
and free trade.

740
00:26:11,509 --> 00:26:12,640
What is this really?

741
00:26:13,069 --> 00:26:15,079
Destroying Chinese factories

742
00:26:15,349 --> 00:26:16,160
and buying Chinese people

743
00:26:16,160 --> 00:26:17,019
as cheap labor?

744
00:26:18,720 --> 00:26:20,720
Getting angry with them won't help.

745
00:26:21,250 --> 00:26:22,069
Viceroy's Office

746
00:26:22,069 --> 00:26:22,829
has no solution.

747
00:26:22,829 --> 00:26:24,200
That's why they passed the buck to us.

748
00:26:24,200 --> 00:26:25,660
If we just leave like this,

749
00:26:25,720 --> 00:26:26,880
will they have any solution?

750
00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:27,400
Okay.

751
00:26:28,000 --> 00:26:30,069
And what's your final word

752
00:26:30,109 --> 00:26:31,309
of this negotiation?

753
00:26:33,069 --> 00:26:35,160
Please give us

754
00:26:35,240 --> 00:26:36,029
a final answer.

755
00:26:36,029 --> 00:26:36,720
Because this

756
00:26:36,720 --> 00:26:38,119
is the last negotiation.

757
00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:41,569
I can give him an answer right away.

758
00:26:41,789 --> 00:26:43,519
But I need to confirm one thing.

759
00:26:43,589 --> 00:26:45,069
As for so-called equal opportunity,

760
00:26:45,069 --> 00:26:46,680
does it mean our merchants

761
00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:48,200
can be fully permitted

762
00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:50,349
to go to your country to do business?

763
00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:53,069
Since we have equal opportunities,

764
00:26:53,349 --> 00:26:54,309
does that mean

765
00:26:54,589 --> 00:26:56,240
they can also

766
00:26:56,269 --> 00:26:58,269
do business in your country as well?

767
00:26:59,750 --> 00:27:00,549
You're welcome

768
00:27:00,549 --> 00:27:01,200
in London,

769
00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:02,200
Washington,

770
00:27:02,269 --> 00:27:03,730
and the African colonies.

771
00:27:03,829 --> 00:27:05,440
He says you're welcome to go to London,

772
00:27:05,440 --> 00:27:06,170
Washington,

773
00:27:06,309 --> 00:27:07,029
and their colonies

774
00:27:07,029 --> 00:27:08,349
all over Africa.

775
00:27:08,960 --> 00:27:10,349
The opportunities are equal.

776
00:27:10,349 --> 00:27:12,099
God will always give money

777
00:27:12,160 --> 00:27:13,559
to the greediest people.

778
00:27:13,589 --> 00:27:15,589
Tell them to spare us this nonsense.

779
00:27:17,880 --> 00:27:19,339
No need to translate this.

780
00:27:20,309 --> 00:27:21,809
I want to clarify one more thing.

781
00:27:21,809 --> 00:27:22,789
What if these industries

782
00:27:22,789 --> 00:27:24,049
they want to operate in

783
00:27:24,309 --> 00:27:25,680
have no business opportunities left

784
00:27:25,680 --> 00:27:26,789
in our country?

785
00:27:32,470 --> 00:27:33,349
You are officials.

786
00:27:33,349 --> 00:27:35,210
You're not businesspeople then.

787
00:27:35,309 --> 00:27:35,940
He says

788
00:27:36,160 --> 00:27:38,240
you are officials, not merchants.

789
00:27:39,509 --> 00:27:40,160
Tell him

790
00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:42,240
these two people before him

791
00:27:42,240 --> 00:27:43,569
are not officials at all

792
00:27:43,920 --> 00:27:46,380
but genuine merchants
from the Qing Empire.

793
00:27:46,549 --> 00:27:48,130
The silk industry,

794
00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:49,509
the pharmaceutical industry,

795
00:27:49,509 --> 00:27:50,829
and the tea industry they want

796
00:27:50,829 --> 00:27:51,640
have no room

797
00:27:52,240 --> 00:27:53,000
for further investment

798
00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:54,269
in our country.

799
00:27:55,069 --> 00:27:56,920
Even if Jiangnan makes an exception,

800
00:27:56,920 --> 00:27:57,519
in the end,

801
00:27:59,069 --> 00:28:01,130
they'll still return empty-handed.

802
00:28:06,720 --> 00:28:07,920
You go ahead. Come on.

803
00:28:11,589 --> 00:28:12,960
I'm so angry at them,

804
00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:13,980
you know?

805
00:28:14,509 --> 00:28:16,369
Can this be called a negotiation?

806
00:28:16,670 --> 00:28:17,109
Isn't this just

807
00:28:17,109 --> 00:28:18,309
a routine notification to us?

808
00:28:18,309 --> 00:28:19,160
It's like a robber

809
00:28:19,160 --> 00:28:19,640
telling us

810
00:28:19,640 --> 00:28:21,069
if they can take some money to spend!

811
00:28:21,069 --> 00:28:22,269
Isn't that the point?

812
00:28:23,069 --> 00:28:23,400
I want to...

813
00:28:23,400 --> 00:28:24,799
I want to shoot them dead.

814
00:28:24,880 --> 00:28:25,349
Let's go. Let's go.

815
00:28:25,349 --> 00:28:25,829
Let's go back and discuss.

816
00:28:25,829 --> 00:28:26,789
No, help me walk.

817
00:28:28,029 --> 00:28:28,559
Let's go.

818
00:28:29,660 --> 00:28:33,390
{\an8}[Liangjiang Viceroy's Office]

819
00:28:30,269 --> 00:28:32,150
In the 22nd year
of the Daoguang reign (1842),

820
00:28:32,150 --> 00:28:33,920
the 13 Trading Houses were abolished.

821
00:28:33,920 --> 00:28:35,160
The country's doors were thrown open

822
00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:37,029
with Westerners rushing in for profit.

823
00:28:37,029 --> 00:28:39,309
Western merchants are backed by gunboats,

824
00:28:39,309 --> 00:28:41,910
like wolves wanting to devour
our Qing Empire.

825
00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:44,400
If these Westerners open their factories,

826
00:28:45,160 --> 00:28:46,880
all the weavers
in the Seven Provinces of Jiangnan

827
00:28:46,880 --> 00:28:47,920
will be ruined.

828
00:28:48,789 --> 00:28:50,029
They'll all have to go

829
00:28:50,069 --> 00:28:51,279
to their factories

830
00:28:51,589 --> 00:28:53,049
and become their slaves.

831
00:28:54,880 --> 00:28:56,069
With our large population,

832
00:28:56,069 --> 00:28:56,750
how could everyone willingly

833
00:28:56,750 --> 00:28:57,950
become their slaves?

834
00:28:58,920 --> 00:29:00,849
Have you seen these photos before?

835
00:29:01,440 --> 00:29:03,069
What's the point of
whether I've seen them or not?

836
00:29:03,069 --> 00:29:03,920
If these words are said

837
00:29:03,920 --> 00:29:05,640
to those officials in the capital,

838
00:29:05,640 --> 00:29:06,789
they'll definitely say,

839
00:29:06,789 --> 00:29:09,089
"You only value frivolous skills."

840
00:29:09,349 --> 00:29:10,359
Say more

841
00:29:10,789 --> 00:29:12,519
and you'll lose your position.

842
00:29:12,720 --> 00:29:14,190
Liangjiang

843
00:29:14,589 --> 00:29:17,109
is different from the imperial court,
after all.

844
00:29:17,109 --> 00:29:18,369
After all these years,

845
00:29:18,440 --> 00:29:19,970
nothing has changed at all.

846
00:29:20,200 --> 00:29:21,039
You're right.

847
00:29:22,269 --> 00:29:24,109
Those officials in the imperial court

848
00:29:24,109 --> 00:29:25,730
see no evil

849
00:29:26,000 --> 00:29:26,990
and hear no evil.

850
00:29:27,480 --> 00:29:29,480
Look at these viceroys in Jiangnan.

851
00:29:29,589 --> 00:29:31,049
Who would talk about this?

852
00:29:31,200 --> 00:29:34,259
They all stick to Neo-Confucianism
as it's the safest.

853
00:29:37,440 --> 00:29:38,500
I'm a businessman.

854
00:29:39,200 --> 00:29:40,130
The quickest way

855
00:29:40,680 --> 00:29:41,609
is to spend money

856
00:29:41,750 --> 00:29:42,809
to buy the machines

857
00:29:43,069 --> 00:29:44,269
and set up factories.

858
00:29:44,309 --> 00:29:45,740
At worst, I'll spend more money

859
00:29:45,740 --> 00:29:47,240
to hire foreign technicians

860
00:29:47,240 --> 00:29:47,900
to teach us.

861
00:29:50,000 --> 00:29:51,859
Don't say such things in my house.

862
00:29:55,400 --> 00:29:57,460
We still need to learn their methods.

863
00:29:57,589 --> 00:29:58,269
If one day,

864
00:29:58,309 --> 00:30:00,000
Westerners stop selling machines to us,

865
00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:01,029
what will we do then?

866
00:30:01,029 --> 00:30:03,069
This talk is getting more outrageous.

867
00:30:03,069 --> 00:30:04,670
If this reaches the capital,

868
00:30:05,269 --> 00:30:08,599
it'll cause more trouble
than my visit to the Qinhuai River.

869
00:30:09,309 --> 00:30:09,769
Report!

870
00:30:11,109 --> 00:30:11,789
Urgent report!

871
00:30:11,789 --> 00:30:12,920
There's a disaster!

872
00:30:13,900 --> 00:30:14,950
{\an8}[Nantong coastal embankment breaches—
water floods, disaster worsens]

873
00:30:16,480 --> 00:30:17,019
Let's go.

874
00:30:17,269 --> 00:30:18,960
Has the County Magistrate
of Nantong Prefecture arrived?

875
00:30:18,960 --> 00:30:20,200
How many victims are there?

876
00:30:20,200 --> 00:30:21,660
Has there been any unrest?

877
00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:30,509
Lord Gu.

878
00:30:39,589 --> 00:30:40,509
Zhongdeng.

879
00:30:44,799 --> 00:30:46,099
You scared me to death!

880
00:30:46,589 --> 00:30:47,029
I thought

881
00:30:47,029 --> 00:30:48,359
a Westerner had come in.

882
00:30:48,440 --> 00:30:49,440
When I was in India,

883
00:30:49,440 --> 00:30:50,640
I found a British tailor

884
00:30:50,640 --> 00:30:51,769
to make this outfit.

885
00:30:52,400 --> 00:30:53,920
I only dare to wear it for fun.

886
00:30:53,920 --> 00:30:54,920
Just now outside,

887
00:30:55,029 --> 00:30:56,829
I scared everyone on the street.

888
00:30:56,960 --> 00:30:58,640
You've just returned from India?

889
00:30:58,640 --> 00:30:59,569
Come on, come in.

890
00:30:59,640 --> 00:31:00,480
Come inside and tell me

891
00:31:00,480 --> 00:31:01,200
about your experiences.

892
00:31:01,200 --> 00:31:01,960
I'm all ears.

893
00:31:02,069 --> 00:31:02,480
Why?

894
00:31:02,750 --> 00:31:03,440
Are you also planning to go abroad

895
00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:04,839
to do business with them?

896
00:31:05,069 --> 00:31:06,119
It's a long story.

897
00:31:06,349 --> 00:31:07,960
In short, the current situation

898
00:31:07,960 --> 00:31:09,289
is extremely critical.

899
00:31:17,269 --> 00:31:17,730
Master.

900
00:31:17,829 --> 00:31:19,549
The masters of the Four Major Banks
from the capital have arrived.

901
00:31:19,549 --> 00:31:20,440
Four Major Banks,

902
00:31:20,440 --> 00:31:22,240
such a prestigious name.

903
00:31:22,269 --> 00:31:22,829
What is it?

904
00:31:22,829 --> 00:31:24,460
You all came together?

905
00:31:24,509 --> 00:31:25,970
Without any prior notice.

906
00:31:27,480 --> 00:31:27,809
Come.

907
00:31:27,880 --> 00:31:29,009
Have a seat, please.

908
00:31:37,549 --> 00:31:38,309
Master Li.

909
00:31:38,750 --> 00:31:39,869
Thanks to you,

910
00:31:40,480 --> 00:31:41,509
our Four Major Banks

911
00:31:41,509 --> 00:31:43,039
are close to shutting down.

912
00:31:43,680 --> 00:31:46,079
Soon, the four of us will be unemployed

913
00:31:46,160 --> 00:31:48,549
and will have to beg you for a meal.

914
00:31:50,269 --> 00:31:52,400
A sum of money arrived

915
00:31:52,440 --> 00:31:54,000
at the Jiangnan Silk Merchant House
yesterday,

916
00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:55,930
which I've left untouched for now.

917
00:31:56,349 --> 00:31:57,549
Why didn't you use it?

918
00:31:58,160 --> 00:31:59,160
Don't you love

919
00:31:59,200 --> 00:32:00,960
exchanging it for British pounds?

920
00:32:00,960 --> 00:32:02,549
Just deposit it
in the Xianghe Trade House.

921
00:32:02,549 --> 00:32:04,750
I'll deposit it when I've saved enough.

922
00:32:06,789 --> 00:32:08,519
Third Brother, Third Brother.

923
00:32:08,750 --> 00:32:09,109
Come.

924
00:32:10,029 --> 00:32:10,400
Come.

925
00:32:10,589 --> 00:32:11,250
Have a seat.

926
00:32:13,109 --> 00:32:15,309
Since you've withdrawn all the silver,

927
00:32:15,309 --> 00:32:17,170
if the Four Major Banks collapse,

928
00:32:17,200 --> 00:32:19,329
who would dare to do business with you?

929
00:32:20,680 --> 00:32:22,029
You're all red-faced

930
00:32:22,069 --> 00:32:23,799
just because of the withdrawl?

931
00:32:26,269 --> 00:32:27,029
Come on, sit down.

932
00:32:27,029 --> 00:32:27,789
Please sit.

933
00:32:30,549 --> 00:32:31,150
Everyone.

934
00:32:32,400 --> 00:32:35,200
In the past,
power belonged to the imperial court.

935
00:32:35,400 --> 00:32:36,920
Back then,

936
00:32:37,039 --> 00:32:39,299
we could do business without any effort.

937
00:32:40,109 --> 00:32:42,109
But after so many years of war,

938
00:32:42,160 --> 00:32:42,960
do you still think

939
00:32:42,960 --> 00:32:44,750
the power remains with the imperial court?

940
00:32:44,750 --> 00:32:46,069
If you think that way,

941
00:32:46,920 --> 00:32:47,829
within 3 years,

942
00:32:49,029 --> 00:32:49,829
every one of you

943
00:32:49,829 --> 00:32:51,500
will have to pack up and leave.

944
00:32:52,069 --> 00:32:53,589
When I went over there and saw it,

945
00:32:53,589 --> 00:32:54,390
we had already

946
00:32:54,640 --> 00:32:56,440
been outflanked by Westerners.

947
00:32:57,750 --> 00:32:58,809
The Westerners...

948
00:33:00,720 --> 00:33:02,380
The Westerners in Darjeeling

949
00:33:02,720 --> 00:33:04,880
have planted hundreds of thousands
of acres of green tea.

950
00:33:04,880 --> 00:33:05,680
The seedlings

951
00:33:05,750 --> 00:33:07,000
were stolen from us.

952
00:33:07,920 --> 00:33:09,380
I was completely shocked.

953
00:33:09,740 --> 00:33:10,710
And over there,

954
00:33:11,069 --> 00:33:13,069
they don't care about pre-Qingming picking

955
00:33:13,069 --> 00:33:14,339
or roasting at all.

956
00:33:14,880 --> 00:33:16,230
They just dry fresh leaves

957
00:33:16,230 --> 00:33:16,849
in the sun

958
00:33:17,589 --> 00:33:19,049
and give them a quick bake.

959
00:33:19,160 --> 00:33:20,160
That's not so bad.

960
00:33:21,160 --> 00:33:22,890
What do you mean by "not so bad"?

961
00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:23,720
Do you know

962
00:33:24,200 --> 00:33:25,059
the Westerners

963
00:33:25,240 --> 00:33:27,150
brew tea with hot milk?

964
00:33:28,029 --> 00:33:29,089
They even add sugar

965
00:33:29,509 --> 00:33:30,440
and rose petals.

966
00:33:30,789 --> 00:33:32,170
It made my mouth so sour

967
00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:34,460
I couldn't even tell what I was drinking.

968
00:33:35,440 --> 00:33:35,920
But

969
00:33:36,960 --> 00:33:38,509
Indian tea is cheap

970
00:33:38,960 --> 00:33:40,349
and sold in large quantities.

971
00:33:40,349 --> 00:33:42,549
The Westerners prefer their products.

972
00:33:43,789 --> 00:33:44,589
If you ask me,

973
00:33:45,200 --> 00:33:46,730
we need to find another way.

974
00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:48,240
The war just ended,

975
00:33:48,880 --> 00:33:50,369
and the Westerners want
to take over the tea, silk,

976
00:33:50,369 --> 00:33:51,829
and medicine businesses.

977
00:33:52,789 --> 00:33:54,029
The Liangjiang government

978
00:33:54,029 --> 00:33:55,960
wants us to fight a commercial battle

979
00:33:55,960 --> 00:33:58,269
against Westerners
on Liangjiang territory.

980
00:33:58,269 --> 00:33:59,329
They say we must win

981
00:33:59,680 --> 00:34:00,539
and can't lose.

982
00:34:01,720 --> 00:34:03,349
What does that mean?

983
00:34:04,640 --> 00:34:05,640
What they are doing now

984
00:34:05,640 --> 00:34:07,680
is buying in bulk

985
00:34:08,230 --> 00:34:09,630
and driving prices down.

986
00:34:11,320 --> 00:34:12,070
Do you know?

987
00:34:12,510 --> 00:34:15,550
Today at the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office,

988
00:34:16,070 --> 00:34:17,110
I was looking through the accounts.

989
00:34:17,110 --> 00:34:18,309
Their foreign agents

990
00:34:18,400 --> 00:34:19,440
have bought up 70-80% of cocoons

991
00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:20,969
from Lianghu, Liangguang,

992
00:34:21,480 --> 00:34:23,010
and East and West Zhejiang.

993
00:34:23,880 --> 00:34:24,630
Do you understand

994
00:34:24,630 --> 00:34:25,690
what 70-80% means?

995
00:34:27,150 --> 00:34:27,840
So many.

996
00:34:28,710 --> 00:34:30,369
They're making such a big move

997
00:34:30,510 --> 00:34:32,110
just to set their own prices.

998
00:34:33,190 --> 00:34:34,150
If in the future,

999
00:34:34,440 --> 00:34:35,769
tea, silk, and medicine

1000
00:34:36,099 --> 00:34:37,760
are all priced by Westerners,

1001
00:34:38,230 --> 00:34:39,760
how is that any different

1002
00:34:39,800 --> 00:34:42,260
from generals surrendering our territory?

1003
00:34:43,119 --> 00:34:45,070
That's why I say we're in imminent danger.

1004
00:34:45,070 --> 00:34:46,710
The crisis is upon us.

1005
00:34:46,829 --> 00:34:48,420
This is no joking matter.

1006
00:34:48,920 --> 00:34:49,840
You mean

1007
00:34:50,550 --> 00:34:52,880
the imperial court is in imminent danger?

1008
00:34:53,760 --> 00:34:55,090
It's the entire country

1009
00:34:55,960 --> 00:34:57,489
that's in imminent danger.

1010
00:35:00,960 --> 00:35:02,619
I hold no love for this regime,

1011
00:35:04,110 --> 00:35:05,969
but my heart belongs to this land.

1012
00:35:07,840 --> 00:35:09,400
Whenever I see

1013
00:35:10,880 --> 00:35:12,480
those Westerners' spinning machines

1014
00:35:12,480 --> 00:35:13,539
and steam engines,

1015
00:35:14,630 --> 00:35:16,030
I feel deeply alarmed.

1016
00:35:17,880 --> 00:35:19,610
One of their spinning machines

1017
00:35:19,760 --> 00:35:21,360
is equal to 80 of our weavers.

1018
00:35:22,480 --> 00:35:24,840
Their efficiency
is more than 10 times ours.

1019
00:35:24,840 --> 00:35:26,300
Powered by steam engines,

1020
00:35:27,150 --> 00:35:28,360
they can operate year-round,

1021
00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:29,789
day and night without stopping.

1022
00:35:29,789 --> 00:35:30,530
You know,

1023
00:35:30,670 --> 00:35:33,070
for Westerners
to build factories in China,

1024
00:35:33,070 --> 00:35:34,730
the costs are incredibly low.

1025
00:35:35,630 --> 00:35:37,090
In the future, our workers

1026
00:35:37,280 --> 00:35:37,880
will be

1027
00:35:37,920 --> 00:35:38,710
slaves in their factories

1028
00:35:38,710 --> 00:35:40,039
for their entire lives,

1029
00:35:41,320 --> 00:35:42,030
or

1030
00:35:43,150 --> 00:35:44,110
there will be

1031
00:35:44,150 --> 00:35:45,610
an even greater disaster.

1032
00:35:46,840 --> 00:35:48,769
This is just the textile industry.

1033
00:35:49,280 --> 00:35:50,710
As for all the others,

1034
00:35:51,630 --> 00:35:52,690
I dare not imagine.

1035
00:35:54,320 --> 00:35:55,030
Mr. Gu,

1036
00:35:56,150 --> 00:35:56,800
you truly haven't

1037
00:35:56,800 --> 00:35:58,659
wasted your time in officialdom.

1038
00:35:58,800 --> 00:36:01,840
Every word shows your concern
for our country and people.

1039
00:36:01,840 --> 00:36:03,239
You make me feel ashamed.

1040
00:36:06,150 --> 00:36:08,280
When I was growing tea in Anhui before,

1041
00:36:08,590 --> 00:36:10,480
I was still fighting with the head
of the Tea Merchants' Association,

1042
00:36:10,480 --> 00:36:11,920
squabbling among ourselves.

1043
00:36:11,920 --> 00:36:12,840
Back then, I thought

1044
00:36:12,840 --> 00:36:13,760
I was so clever.

1045
00:36:14,110 --> 00:36:15,190
But when I went to Jiangning,

1046
00:36:15,190 --> 00:36:16,030
in less than 10 days,

1047
00:36:16,030 --> 00:36:17,550
I felt completely inadequate.

1048
00:36:17,550 --> 00:36:18,880
The French, the British,

1049
00:36:18,880 --> 00:36:19,880
and the Portuguese

1050
00:36:19,880 --> 00:36:21,070
mobilize their entire nations

1051
00:36:21,070 --> 00:36:22,329
to do business with us,

1052
00:36:23,000 --> 00:36:25,030
using the most advanced technology,

1053
00:36:25,030 --> 00:36:26,360
the finest weapons,

1054
00:36:26,440 --> 00:36:28,039
and the toughest attitudes.

1055
00:36:28,590 --> 00:36:29,590
What do they want?

1056
00:36:29,880 --> 00:36:32,079
They want to hollow out the Qing Empire.

1057
00:36:33,710 --> 00:36:34,710
And what about us?

1058
00:36:34,840 --> 00:36:35,800
We're still in a daze,

1059
00:36:35,800 --> 00:36:37,150
not taking them seriously,

1060
00:36:37,150 --> 00:36:38,670
fantasizing the Qing Empire,

1061
00:36:38,670 --> 00:36:39,880
and looking down on everything.

1062
00:36:39,880 --> 00:36:41,030
There is no future.

1063
00:36:41,670 --> 00:36:42,670
There are no draft banks anymore.

1064
00:36:42,670 --> 00:36:44,230
And there's no Li Million anymore.

1065
00:36:44,230 --> 00:36:45,639
Can't you see?

1066
00:36:45,760 --> 00:36:47,690
They're now using guns and cannons

1067
00:36:47,710 --> 00:36:49,170
to force us into business.

1068
00:36:49,280 --> 00:36:50,820
Either we lose, or we win.

1069
00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:52,230
There's no room

1070
00:36:52,250 --> 00:36:53,980
for benevolence and morality.

1071
00:36:56,269 --> 00:36:57,070
The Jiangnan region

1072
00:36:57,070 --> 00:36:58,710
hasn't yet recovered its strength.

1073
00:36:58,710 --> 00:37:00,769
There are many Westerners there too.

1074
00:37:00,840 --> 00:37:02,840
Whether we can survive in the future

1075
00:37:03,150 --> 00:37:06,480
depends on whether we can establish
ourselves in the south.

1076
00:37:07,110 --> 00:37:08,550
I've taken over

1077
00:37:08,590 --> 00:37:09,630
all the salt industry in Lianghuai.

1078
00:37:09,630 --> 00:37:10,360
Next,

1079
00:37:10,550 --> 00:37:11,630
I'll monopolize

1080
00:37:11,760 --> 00:37:14,360
tea, silk,

1081
00:37:14,400 --> 00:37:15,480
and medicinal materials.

1082
00:37:15,480 --> 00:37:16,679
When that time comes,

1083
00:37:17,000 --> 00:37:19,360
I'll need suppot
from the Four Major Banks.

1084
00:37:19,360 --> 00:37:20,670
If you invest more,

1085
00:37:20,760 --> 00:37:22,820
you'll get more profit in the future.

1086
00:37:23,440 --> 00:37:25,550
Isn't it nice to count money at home?

1087
00:37:27,710 --> 00:37:28,400
Master Li.

1088
00:37:29,800 --> 00:37:31,179
How many salt fields

1089
00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:33,510
have you acquired in Lianghuai?

1090
00:37:33,510 --> 00:37:34,590
142.

1091
00:37:36,880 --> 00:37:38,170
I've been quietly taking them over

1092
00:37:38,170 --> 00:37:39,510
while having to guard against

1093
00:37:39,510 --> 00:37:42,760
the viceroys and governors
of Liangjiang undermining me.

1094
00:37:42,760 --> 00:37:45,219
In the future,
when I need to mobilize funds,

1095
00:37:45,590 --> 00:37:46,320
my old friends,

1096
00:37:46,320 --> 00:37:48,519
you'll need to continue supporting me.

1097
00:37:49,400 --> 00:37:51,550
The Four Major Banks can support you.

1098
00:37:52,030 --> 00:37:52,760
However,

1099
00:37:53,630 --> 00:37:55,630
as for the profits from your salt fields,

1100
00:37:55,630 --> 00:37:57,199
the Four Major Banks

1101
00:37:57,480 --> 00:37:59,829
will take at least 30% in the future.

1102
00:38:02,070 --> 00:38:03,800
Everyone's in it for the money.

1103
00:38:04,400 --> 00:38:06,059
I think this deal works for me.

1104
00:38:08,550 --> 00:38:09,110
Great.

1105
00:38:13,320 --> 00:38:13,880
Mr. Li.

1106
00:38:14,630 --> 00:38:15,889
We are just merchants.

1107
00:38:16,070 --> 00:38:17,030
We can't make decisions

1108
00:38:17,030 --> 00:38:18,360
for the imperial court.

1109
00:38:19,150 --> 00:38:19,880
But I think

1110
00:38:20,800 --> 00:38:21,480
at this moment,

1111
00:38:21,480 --> 00:38:23,480
we can join forces to save the market

1112
00:38:23,550 --> 00:38:25,230
and delay the Westerners' entry

1113
00:38:25,230 --> 00:38:26,510
into the Qing Empire.

1114
00:38:27,110 --> 00:38:28,309
As for other matters,

1115
00:38:29,960 --> 00:38:31,289
we'll have to leave them

1116
00:38:31,840 --> 00:38:33,170
to more capable people.

1117
00:38:35,190 --> 00:38:35,760
Good.

1118
00:38:36,760 --> 00:38:37,360
Great.

1119
00:38:38,230 --> 00:38:40,630
When you decide to act,
we'll act together.

1120
00:38:45,760 --> 00:38:46,230
Gu,

1121
00:38:46,710 --> 00:38:47,800
why do I feel so uncomfortable

1122
00:38:47,800 --> 00:38:48,800
in your house?

1123
00:38:49,670 --> 00:38:50,070
I...

1124
00:38:53,150 --> 00:38:54,809
I feel like I'm being watched.

1125
00:39:03,710 --> 00:39:05,119
What are you all doing?

1126
00:39:05,280 --> 00:39:05,960
If you want to look,

1127
00:39:05,960 --> 00:39:07,420
come in and look properly.

1128
00:39:08,440 --> 00:39:09,469
My friend Mr. Li

1129
00:39:09,670 --> 00:39:10,550
has just returned from India

1130
00:39:10,550 --> 00:39:11,670
after selling tea there.

1131
00:39:11,670 --> 00:39:13,230
Are you not used to his appearance?

1132
00:39:13,230 --> 00:39:15,030
I think he looks quite handsome.

1133
00:39:16,510 --> 00:39:17,440
Fine, look then.

1134
00:39:18,710 --> 00:39:19,710
What do you think?

1135
00:39:20,190 --> 00:39:21,519
Isn't it quite special?

1136
00:39:21,840 --> 00:39:23,329
Who would dress like this?

1137
00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:25,730
Looks like a long-legged chicken.

1138
00:39:26,550 --> 00:39:28,650
Westerners' knees don't bend.

1139
00:39:28,769 --> 00:39:30,130
Hit them with a stick,

1140
00:39:30,230 --> 00:39:31,320
and they fall to the ground.

1141
00:39:31,320 --> 00:39:32,739
Who told you that, old man?

1142
00:39:32,739 --> 00:39:33,550
Why are you wearing

1143
00:39:33,550 --> 00:39:34,880
a spittoon on your head?

1144
00:39:35,480 --> 00:39:36,230
Alright, that's enough.

1145
00:39:36,230 --> 00:39:36,769
Move along, move along.

1146
00:39:36,769 --> 00:39:37,590
Nothing to see here.

1147
00:39:37,590 --> 00:39:39,119
Fine, everyone, disperse.

1148
00:39:39,230 --> 00:39:40,489
I want one of those too.

1149
00:39:42,670 --> 00:39:43,730
Go away, all of you.

1150
00:39:44,920 --> 00:39:45,579
Mother,

1151
00:39:45,670 --> 00:39:46,800
why are you here too?

1152
00:39:47,280 --> 00:39:48,010
Old Madam Gu.

1153
00:39:48,630 --> 00:39:49,360
You're here.

1154
00:39:50,070 --> 00:39:51,269
Do you need anything?

1155
00:39:52,710 --> 00:39:54,440
They were all gathered at the door.

1156
00:39:54,440 --> 00:39:55,440
I didn't see that.

1157
00:39:56,510 --> 00:39:57,280
I'm fine.

1158
00:39:57,760 --> 00:39:59,159
Y-You continue talking.

1159
00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:07,030
In recent years,
there's been fighting in the south.

1160
00:40:07,030 --> 00:40:09,320
Rebels often take stones
from the coastal embankment

1161
00:40:09,320 --> 00:40:11,070
to build their fortifications,

1162
00:40:11,070 --> 00:40:14,000
causing severe damage to many sections
of the coastal embankment.

1163
00:40:14,000 --> 00:40:15,599
With the treasury depleted,

1164
00:40:15,630 --> 00:40:17,960
the coastal embankment
has gone unrepaired for years.

1165
00:40:17,960 --> 00:40:21,000
I got reports yesterday—
Nantong's coastal embankment collapsed,

1166
00:40:21,000 --> 00:40:22,320
causing countless casualties.

1167
00:40:22,320 --> 00:40:24,190
We're currently calculating
the number of victims

1168
00:40:24,190 --> 00:40:26,440
and the taels of silver and food

1169
00:40:26,510 --> 00:40:27,630
needed for disaster relief.

1170
00:40:27,630 --> 00:40:29,150
We can't count on

1171
00:40:29,190 --> 00:40:30,320
the imperial court anymore.

1172
00:40:30,320 --> 00:40:31,780
We need to find a solution.

1173
00:40:37,510 --> 00:40:38,510
Your Excellency.

1174
00:40:38,630 --> 00:40:40,630
The Li family is willing to help you.

1175
00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:43,150
Before I came, my father instructed me

1176
00:40:43,150 --> 00:40:45,079
to serve you in every way possible.

1177
00:40:45,400 --> 00:40:46,329
If you agree,

1178
00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:48,150
I can return to the capital immediately

1179
00:40:48,150 --> 00:40:49,070
to raise funds

1180
00:40:49,110 --> 00:40:51,000
to repair the coastal embankment.
What do you think?

1181
00:40:51,000 --> 00:40:52,800
Your intentions are admirable.

1182
00:40:53,670 --> 00:40:54,510
But there's one thing.

1183
00:40:54,510 --> 00:40:57,000
I don't do business blindly.

1184
00:40:57,840 --> 00:40:59,110
After repairing the coastal embankment,

1185
00:40:59,110 --> 00:41:00,570
what do you want in return?

1186
00:41:01,670 --> 00:41:03,800
I submitted a list to you.

1187
00:41:04,800 --> 00:41:05,230
The list of over 140 salt fields

1188
00:41:05,230 --> 00:41:06,960
in Jiangnan.

1189
00:41:07,110 --> 00:41:08,920
If you can help me

1190
00:41:08,960 --> 00:41:10,090
settle this matter,

1191
00:41:10,550 --> 00:41:13,610
it'll be more convenient
to access funds in the future.

1192
00:41:14,150 --> 00:41:15,349
Well, well.

1193
00:41:15,630 --> 00:41:16,090
That...

1194
00:41:16,190 --> 00:41:18,280
That's quite a blunt statement.

1195
00:41:19,710 --> 00:41:21,550
Why would the salt fields and stores

1196
00:41:21,550 --> 00:41:22,949
your Li family purchased

1197
00:41:23,000 --> 00:41:25,480
require the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office

1198
00:41:25,670 --> 00:41:26,469
to intervene?

1199
00:41:27,150 --> 00:41:28,659
For some,

1200
00:41:28,710 --> 00:41:30,510
we can find the original owners.

1201
00:41:30,960 --> 00:41:31,800
But there are others

1202
00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:33,360
that have been seized

1203
00:41:33,510 --> 00:41:34,710
by local bullies.

1204
00:41:35,230 --> 00:41:35,960
And for some,

1205
00:41:36,280 --> 00:41:37,880
we only have the title deeds,

1206
00:41:38,110 --> 00:41:39,110
but the people who could claim them

1207
00:41:39,110 --> 00:41:40,150
are all dead.

1208
00:41:41,070 --> 00:41:41,940
My father said

1209
00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:43,360
if the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office

1210
00:41:43,360 --> 00:41:45,239
could lend a hand to the Li family,

1211
00:41:45,630 --> 00:41:47,960
we would certainly
do everything in our power

1212
00:41:47,960 --> 00:41:49,630
to serve you in the future.

1213
00:41:55,070 --> 00:41:56,869
Why aren't you saying anything?

1214
00:41:56,920 --> 00:41:58,300
This isn't like you.

1215
00:41:58,789 --> 00:41:59,280
Your Excellency,

1216
00:41:59,280 --> 00:42:01,480
I know nothing about the salt business.

1217
00:42:05,230 --> 00:42:07,630
The salt industry
is a government monopoly.

1218
00:42:07,630 --> 00:42:08,630
If this power

1219
00:42:08,670 --> 00:42:10,320
is placed in the hands of merchants,

1220
00:42:10,320 --> 00:42:12,030
it will inevitably weaken
the court's authority,

1221
00:42:12,030 --> 00:42:14,289
which is not good for the imperial court.

1222
00:42:15,400 --> 00:42:16,510
How about this?

1223
00:42:17,280 --> 00:42:19,360
Why don't you two

1224
00:42:19,400 --> 00:42:20,840
both go repair the coastal embankment?

1225
00:42:20,840 --> 00:42:21,949
Split it into east and west sections.

1226
00:42:21,949 --> 00:42:23,550
Each of you repairs one part.

1227
00:42:23,690 --> 00:42:25,320
Then I'll judge which is better.

1228
00:42:25,320 --> 00:42:26,360
After the repairs are done,

1229
00:42:26,360 --> 00:42:28,360
I'll request recognition
for your achievements

1230
00:42:28,360 --> 00:42:30,960
and mention the salt field matter
in my report.

1231
00:42:31,400 --> 00:42:33,400
If you win, Mr. Li,

1232
00:42:33,550 --> 00:42:36,630
then the Liangjiang Viceroy's Office
will be duty-bound

1233
00:42:36,630 --> 00:42:37,800
to step in

1234
00:42:38,070 --> 00:42:39,760
and resolve this matter for you.

1235
00:42:39,760 --> 00:42:40,760
Your Excellency,

1236
00:42:41,030 --> 00:42:42,440
I don't understand
what repairing the embankment

1237
00:42:42,440 --> 00:42:44,099
has to do with the salt fields.

1238
00:42:44,230 --> 00:42:45,150
My good nephew,

1239
00:42:45,550 --> 00:42:47,590
you have no idea how much pressure

1240
00:42:47,630 --> 00:42:48,550
I'm under.

1241
00:42:49,000 --> 00:42:50,480
Everyone thinks I've made

1242
00:42:50,510 --> 00:42:52,400
a fortune in this position.

1243
00:42:52,710 --> 00:42:53,960
If I were to oversee

1244
00:42:54,000 --> 00:42:55,110
giving the Lianghuai salt business

1245
00:42:55,110 --> 00:42:56,280
to your family,

1246
00:42:57,150 --> 00:42:59,150
those memorials against me behind my back

1247
00:42:59,150 --> 00:43:00,760
would be piled higher than the city walls.