Original subtitles

Pearl River, near Canton, China.

March 10, 1839, China was an unknown, forbidden country.

For four centuries no white man appeared on its shores.

However, in the early days of the great sailing ships

tea, silk and jade attracted western traders.

They lured the Chinese with a double seduction

of bribes and opium.

On the Chinese south coast, on the edge of Canton,

they cheekily set up a trading post.

And forced the emperor to react.

The European trading office. Canton, China.

The law allows you to trade with the strangers

Tea, silk and jade for sale.

But never to buy opium.

The strangers poison us with opium.

And you close your eyes to it.

You accept their bribes, you even support them.

Are you Chinese? Do you have no conscience?

Jin Qua.

The Supreme Governor,

Representative of His Imperial Majesty and His Heavenly Palace,

imperiously demands to see the Great Lord.

- The Tal Pan. - We are all Tai Pans.

Only a Tai Pan is THE Tal Pan, Captain Brock.

It does not work. He will kill you.

Or take you hostage.

A British subject owes him no obedience.

He asks you to speak. You, the Tai Pan.

Bless me buddha

May my ancestors forgive me my love for the barbarian.

I endure abuse and pain.

I am lost in my weakness.

Your master was ordered to go to Canton.

The Supreme Governor wants to see him.

- Don't go to Canton. - He sent for me.

Yes I know. It is terrible. He kills Tai Pan.

And will chase all foreigners out of China. Because of opium.

May-May, I'm British. He won't dare touch me.

Your fastest ship when it sails to England and back

takes 9 months.

Your bones are long gone

Before your queen finds out you're dead

England has the largest and most powerful navy in the world.

Yes, but why do we never see a warship?

Why is there none in China?

Because the Queen of England knows better than you do.

No one can break the power of the Heavenly Emperor.

Burn the opium. Do not go.

May-May is your slave.

But do her a request. The only one she'll have on you in her life.

Submit to him.

I don't submit to anyone.

This will be my death.

Have no fear.

He has already executed several merchants

The whole city is in horror.

He despises strangers.

Do not think that you can change its mind.

Spare me Governor Lin, spare me.

I did nothing against the emperor.

You allowed me to trade with the strangers

Don't punish me for it. Spare my life

Kill him.

Lin, the palace envoy,

Our Heavenly Majesty makes the following demands.

The strangers have the opium

that is in their possession.

Or they have, like pirates,

to expect the highest penalty of the law.

- If the Imperial Governor... - Be quiet! Don't speak!

Most Venerable Lin,

Emissary of the Heavenly Palace.

China is a big and rich country.

If we were allowed to trade anywhere in China...

If it were the will of our illustrious Imperial Son of Heaven,

To do business with strangers, he did not need the advice of strangers.

From these devils who poison the people with opium.

If we deliver the opium, we are entitled to compensation.

Then there would also be the danger of the opium falling into the wrong hands...

There will be no compensation.

The opium is burned.

Burned? This is about many thousands of pounds worth of opium.

How can you defy an imperial order?

Bow to the emperor.

The merchant lords of the West who are devoted to the emperor know

- about the financial worries of... - how dare you?

Do you want to bribe the Supreme Governor? You deserve death.

Do you dare to sell opium again or bribe officials,

you will be beheaded and your head will be hung up in a basket for everyone to see!

Take him away.

Tal Pan, the opium is burned.

You and all other merchants will leave Canton.

Go to hell,

Venerable Tai Pan. Tai Pan.

I'm staying here and arranging May-May's move to Macau.

- If you wish. - Thank you, but be careful.

Don't trust anyone.

- Out of the way. - I'm sorry. Very sorry.

I would have loved to tell Lin what I think of him.

But Lin here, Lin here,

Noble House will still exist in 200 years.

Gordon, always remember. In everything you do.

Row! Row! Hang on to the straps!

Struan! Why don't I have you when you were a cabin boy

thrown overboard? I was often close.

If only I had done it.

The Portuguese enclave in Macau.

You must have rowed all night.

- Mr. Brock. - Mr. Brock, what happened?

The China trade is over.

They burned the opium.

Ready to turn!

Manuel? I will show you something.

New course: east-northeast. - East-Northeast, sir,

You shall see it, the gift of fate to the Tai Pan.

Hong Kong Island.

Every seaman's dream. Deep water, a safe anchorage.

England will take possession of this island.

England? - Yes, Manuel.

I'm going to London and I'll do everything I can to convince Parliament

that the Crown cannot accept it in silence,

that a backward despot expels their merchant masters from the country.

We're establishing a Crown Colony. Here in Hong Kong!

I, Captain Glessing of the Royal Navy,

take possession of it

from Hong Kong Island!

Today,

January 26, 1841,

becomes this floor

british soil!

God Save the Queen!

The gun over!

The section that came to parade

left around!

In lockstep... march!

Pan right... march!

The eyes on the left!

Eyes straight ahead!

For years we've been fighting and sailing almost like pirates in these waters,

We almost had our red coats ready to hit the Chinese on the head,

then he persuades the government to accept this rock as a consolation prize.

I don't know of any safer haven in these waters, Tyler.

What do we care about a safe haven?

We could have obtained trading rights for 6 Chinese cities.

Shanghai, Nangking.

Instead we are content with this damn rock.

Oh well. Whatever he might have persuaded Parliament

I'll open the government's eyes

Pan right... march!

Ah. - Captain Glessing.

My congratulations. - Thank you.

- Well done! - We have every reason to celebrate.

Yes, we'll empty a glass on it. A historic moment!

- We are proud of you. - Many Thanks.

I want to announce something. You permit, Captain Glessing?

You're welcome.

On behalf of Noble House,

whose unworthy Tai Pan I am

I invite all traders and their amiable wives,

as well as her delightful daughters, to a big ball.

This ball takes place in two months.

When I'll have my house built On the dome of that hill there.

Up with you.

And as a tribute to the beauties

who traveled so many from Macau today,

I am donating a prize of £ 1,000

for the most beautiful, the best dressed, the prom queen!

The judge is our unsurpassable artist,

Aristotle Quance.

Those who get empty will attack me.

And I bet each of you here

that the noble house clipper, the "Morning Cloud",

as the first merchant ship to arrive here

and will drop anchor in this port here.

Hear hear!

I'll bet £ 200.

That the "White Witch" is already discharging its load here,

before the "Morning Cloud" appears on the horizon.

By God, Brock,

You're probably full of rum before the first toast is served.

God Save the Queen!

God Save the Queen!

Hold him. Hold him.

Yes.

So. That's good.

Yes!

- Thank you, Tai Pan. - Not worth talking about.

Ah, Mary.

If your father came to China to save souls

he should have left you at home. You lure men to sin.

Yes, I have to agree with you, Mr. Struan.

My only regret is that I have not been able to entice you, Tai Pan.

Mary! I beg you.

Just for the reason not, my dearest Mary,

because I respect Captain Glessing's older rights.

Ah, the "Heart of Loch Lomond".

You have to excuse me.

An extraordinary man.

You know about his Chinese lady?

We know everything about the Tai Pan. Ever since we were children.

We owe him a lot.

- Since the death of your father, do you mean? - Much earlier.

He was always there for us.

Are you waiting until the next party to finish your painting?

No, to the one that offers the most. I'll put that in the middle.

How about you, Mr. Tilman? Do you want to go down in history?

So that you know right away: I am for restraint.

As I hear from my niece

did you persuade her to let you paint her naked?

Just as almost every white man in the Far East is addicted to opium,

so I fell for the charms of your niece's beauty.

But only as an artist, of course.

I promise you, uncle, no one will see the picture.

Except for my future husband.

I have nothing against the work of art, only against the artist

Who is staying in a disreputable house WHERE he is hiding from his wife.

Uncle please!

In the lookout!

How far are you back?

Two nautical miles. Maybe three.

Is our lead big enough?

Reached. They'll boil with rage.

Hard to starboard! Don't you notice that the wind has turned?

This Orlov is a sorcerer.

God not only gave it a hump, but also implanted a compass.

My father beat him before.

And one day I will too.

- Put all the cloth you have! - Aye-aye, sir.

They don't catch up with us.

The body of water we are now approaching.

Is the South China Sea. You will be at home here now.

And that's Hong Kong.

I think your father made a big mistake.

But who knows?

The Tai Pan has a fantastic joss.

Joss? - Luck.

Joss is Chinese.

It means "favored by God".

I'm not sure about this.

The "Morning Cloud"!

Culum!

Culum!

Culum.

Culum, who would have thought that? I'm so happy to see you again.

Father, don't it...

Culum, that's the nicest surprise you could give me!

Cholera has raged again in Glasgow.

Mom... my brother...

My sisters...

Grandmother.

They are all dead.

Now it's just the two of us.

Oh god i knew

I knew this island...

would take a heavy price on me.

- Yes, Gordon? - I apologize.

Mr. Brock sent me to give you the £ 200.

- For the losing bet. - Thanks my son.

As...

How about a farewell drink, Miss Tess?

Captain, I...

Who knows if we will have another chance like this?

You will be with your mother again this afternoon.

And soon your brother will have brought your father on board.

Tess.

I love you, Tess.

- Gorth, you're going to Macau tomorrow. - With pleasure.

I've been dreaming of going ashore in Macau for months.

Mr. Brock, sir.

We'll clear the cargo when the tide hits.

And at dawn we lift anchor.

Welcome on board, sir.

I just wanted to check on Miss Tess.

- I just checked on her, sir. - In the hold.

We talk in private, not in front of the crew.

Mr. Brock. I didn't do anything to her.

- I didn't touch her! - You are a dead man.

Nothing happened, I swear. I just wanted to see...

You grabbed her skirt with your dirty hands.

I haven't done anything to her, I swear.

It was just a game.

He pays for that with his life.

He will.

But not more as a man.

Little Winnie got it first.

Then Jamie.

Strange. Winnie was the first to get it and the last to die.

No need. I did bathe in Glasgow.

You will bathe here every week. You stink.

Everyone stinks. That's why we use scented water. Bathing is unhealthy.

I don't stink. The Chinese don't stink.

When was the last time your things were washed?

- Never! Then they lose their shape. - You get new clothes.

And they are washed every week. And when you've emptied

you wipe your bum with paper and wash your hands. - How so?

- The Chinese say that poop makes you sick. - nonsense! In London...

You're not in London here. Chinese don't smell like sweat.

Don't get sick in this heat like Europeans.

If their cannons don't go as far as ours, they are wise.

You are e.g. B. Unbeatable in navigation.

You think they are smarter than us Christians?

Don't you drink their tea instead of water?

In!

Guests on board. Mr. Brock and Mr. Gorth, sir.

Thank you, Captain Orlov.

Did I bother you with your Chinese customs?

I'm sorry about your family.

Thank you.

Gorth was not idle.

He negotiated with your agent in London.

And I haven't been idle in the past 12 months either.

Did business.

Not wasting my time on barren islands.

The boy's water is getting cold. Get down to business.

With pleasure.

You're bankrupt, Struan.

Bankrupt.

Gorth is on promissory notes worth £ 1,200,000,

issued to Noble House and your bank came back from London.

I bought them all. The full amount.

It is due at the end of the month.

Don't hope for a reprieve.

If you don't pay I'll have your ship chained up.

I'd rather sink it!

Sink you and your clipper. You never do that.

You have 23 days left, Tai Pan.

Enjoy them when you can.

Gorth we're going!

Your Joss left you, Struan.

Orlov! Vargas!

The money we got on the bills, from whom did the bank get it?

The bank sold the bills at a profit.

Sold? Whom? - On the stock exchange.

I have no idea who bought the bills.

My God.

Brock.

My joss really left me.

You lost your loved ones

May-May is very sad.

May-May.

There is a lot to do today.

I have to do a lot.

Please do exactly what I tell you.

Of course. I always do that when I can.

Maybe I have to sell you, May-May.

But if I do, I'll sell you to someone who is good to you.

Where you'll be the main woman

I...

I thank you sir.

I burn incense

so that your chief wife and children may be born again.

Everywhere today I am told

that Noble House has to pay in silver.

No credit.

Unless Tal Pan can work miracles.

Otherwise ship goes back. Without silk, without tea.

Tai Pan can no longer work miracles, good Chen.

I still can not believe it.

When my mother found out about the death of your wife and children

she cried all night. - Yes.

Your mother can still cry.

At sea you learn: God gives, God takes.

Do not worry. Not about you, not about me

I was once a privateer.

And this week I'll be stabbing the "Morning Cloud"

Brock in front of the nose and will hunt him again as a privateer.

- Tai Pan, if I can help you... - You can, Gordon.

Have you ever heard of the pirate Wu Fang Choi?

Of course.

He's on Amoy as far as I know. Seek him out.

I need a safe anchorage.

Tai Pan!

The Noble House is in need.

These men take you to a friend. Come alone

It does not work.

I need friends, Gordon. No matter how dangerous they are.

You wait until sunset.

If you don't hear from me by then,

Orlov and the crew of the "Morning Cloud" should look for me.

Here. You see.

Mary!

Tai Pan.

Do not worry.

Jin Qua won't see you here. He's through the back door.

I am not worried.

I am horrified.

Why? Because I'm sleeping with a Chinese?

That you are offended by it.

You're a woman.

And have another child.

I don't want your wine.

- Why did you lure me here? - Because you need my help.

And I wanted to show you that I could do it.

I would much rather have you to be my lover.

By all saints.

I am shocked.

Is that the Mary Sinclair I know?

Yes it is.

Mary Sinclair, the angel of innocence.

Who goes to church well and sings and embroideries.

Yes, I am too.

No one is better than the other, Tai Pan.

Look at you. Devil?

Smuggler, great sir.

Murderer, husband, father, adulterer.

Saint.

What are you really

- I'm sending you back to England. - no Your power is broken.

But through Jin Qua you can get them back.

Jin Qua is my lover.

Everything has it's price.

He will help you.

I owe you this.

- You don't owe me anything! - You have never been hit!

You stopped my father from beating me.

But not my brother

to comfort me in his arms.

May-May was more virgin than I was at 14, Tai Pan.

Go Go to Jin Qua.

He returns to Canton.

He is waiting for you there.

Aristotle!

Mr. Quance!

Mr. Quance!

Mr. Quance!

Come quickly. Fast!

By all the saints, what's going on again?

That Gorth! You have to bring him to his senses!

- Let us through! - Go out of the way!

Open the door, you wretched sewer rat!

Open up!

- What do you want? - You are getting dressed now.

And get out of here.

Careful. Very carefully.

- God. - Never look here again!

This is for the little one.

And this is for you to keep your mouth shut.

Damn it!

You should be whipped like that.

Your Tal Pan will soon be over.

And then I'll settle up with you.

Why all the fuss?

You only picked them up from the gutter.

I'll come back.

Jin Qua.

Please eat.

I heard that Lin, the stern Imperial Governor,

has been banished.

Oh yeah.

He is blamed for Hong Kong being British now.

Silver bars for over a million.

Over one million!

That would put Brock off my chest.

Does anyone know about the silver?

I borrowed it.

If the Tai Pan wants to borrow it from me

i think tai pan will do fine.

How can Tai Pan do well?

Noble House is only allowed to buy from Jin Qua and Jin Qua's sons.

Ten years.

But probably at the market price.

Plus ten percent.

Five.

Eight.

Five.

Seven.

Five.

Seven.

All right then.

And you are selling Jin Qua for some silver bars in Hong Kong land.

Your Hong Kong plan is very wise.

You sell to Jin Qua

but in appearance to your bastard son Gordon Chen.

If you ask.

All right then.

After midnight I'll have the silver brought to the junk.

And then...

you are in my debt.

You can then sail to Hong Kong with my junk.

You bear the risk.

I will send my best men.

Consider:

These silver bars...

would make many Chinese families very rich.

For generations.

And I give them...

a stranger.

Well.

I am leaving you now so that you can enjoy the meal.

Zal Jian.

Zai Jian. - Zal Jian.

What do you have to do with Jin Quan?

What Tai Pan is to the British, Jin Qua is to the Chinese.

I'm proud to be British, but just as proud to be Chinese.

I'm proud of you. Tell Jin Qua I thank him.

Tell him I'll enjoy his delicacies another time.

Now is not the time.

Eat

They will give you a lot of strength.

And that’s in addition:

Shrimp don't make you fat.

That may be true.

But you also eat the heads.

The heads are the best thing about it.

Do you see? There you go

It seems,

they are already starting...

To act.

For God's sake.

Now I've given you too much of it.

More.

But only one more.

I want you to feel strong again.

That bad, bad man Brock wants to break you

because you are in debt. Is that so?

How do you know?

It's really easy to fix.

Don't sell May-May.

Kill Brock. It is time.

That would be a way.

I've already thought of it.

This way, another way... You will find a way.

So you mean? - Yes.

After tonight you will know once and for all

that you will never part with your May-May.

You cost me dearly.

A little too expensive. - Oh yes?

You are not the only man in China!

When I was a virgin, Jin Qua could have sold me to a prince charming.

Even to the emperor! For thousands!

I was Jin Qua's gift to you. For the China trade.

I know,

you'll find a way

You will defeat Brock.

You will never part with me, welil...

I always delight you.

And now...

come to me, Tai Pan.

Let.

It makes me happy. And it's one of my duties.

Your custom: a man can only have one wife, right?

Yes.

Chinese custom better.

Multiple women.

When will you get married again? How is it custom with you?

Oh, I probably won't get married again. - But you should.

An Englishwoman or Scot.

But before that you should marry me.

Then I would finally be the main woman.

I'll think about it.

Yes, you should think about that.

We must go.

It's time.

If I'll tear my clothes in there, you'll have to replace them for me.

- It won't be cheap. - Come on.

I don't know about two women. Not allowed on board!

What is your name? - Wung.

You belong to me, understand?

Take off, Wung.

Tai Pan!

Tai Pan!

And now it is your turn!

What does this mean? Culum should auction land?

That's exactly how it is, my dear Tai Pan.

Captain Blessing has hired him to honor you.

He is probably cherishing the silent hope that you will not bid against him.

For whatever reason.

I didn't think the man would be so clever.

My God. How long has it been going on?

Young people find their own friends.

Even if it is difficult, a father has to accept it.

You have to know.

Well, I may not have been a good father.

But I've suffered like rarely.

I am sure about that.

I would be very grateful to you, Aristotle,

if you would announce everywhere that I invite you to tea today.

And don't forget to ask Mr. Brock to do so.

With pleasure. It just occurred to me:

There is a certain lady who modeled me.

I know that it is inflamed for you. She almost languishes with love.

Now that you are available again, your attraction is even stronger.

Even if you are on the verge of bankruptcy.

On the table.

Mother. This is Culum Struan.

The heir to Noble House.

Nice to meet you ma'am.

- I've never thought of that before. - That's it, my boy.

If your father should be able to pay his debts,

everything will be yours one day.

I hear you are very God fearing. I'm not exactly a fan of Tai Pan.

- But I'm glad to meet you. - Oh no.

What the hell?

Why shouldn't he know the truth?

And even if I'm your father's fiercest competitor,

I expect the auction to be fair.

It will, I assure you. And this is my sister Tess.

- Culum Struan. - It's an honor, miss.

Mr. Struan.

The Tai Pan told my father to bring the bills from Noble House.

What are you saying? Will he bid?

I dont know.

I just know he really wants the hill.

But he will probably not bid.

Mary. - Tai Pan.

Do you model Quance now?

No.

Fabulous, Dirk. There is even champagne.

Well

Until the end in a big way.

All attention.

I am honored by your coming.

Mrs. Brock.

Tess.

Gorth.

Well Tyler if you had the kindness

show me the bills you think of Noble House?

Certainly. Here you are.

Just look at them.

Compare it to the ledger, Mr. Vargas.

1,200,000, Mr. Vargas. You can read numbers.

I appreciate good cuisine.

Tell your chef the new Noble House master will keep him.

I'll tell him.

If you should have one hand free right now

could you sign the receipt there

- What kind of receipt? - All right, Mr. Struan.

I decided to pay in cash.

I suppose that is fine with you.

I advise you: don't try to fool me.

Captain Orlov?

You're welcome,

So guys.

That's a fortune! - Yes.

How did he do it?

I've never seen anything like it.

It has already been weighed.

But there are scales in case you want to weigh it again.

Let the devil get you, Struan.

Gorth!

Our people should go on board immediately. Give them guns!

All pirates of Asia will hunt us now.

Captain Glessing!

Let your men guard the silver until it is on board.

Aye, Mr. Brock. Will be done.

Buy yourself a coffin from it.

Mr. Brock!

Now listen carefully, my boy.

Make sure the auction is fair.

Otherwise neither your father nor anyone else will be able to help you.

I want this hill! Should he try to outbid me

I use the silver to destroy him. Tell him that!

Brock and Son will then be the Tai Pans.

The last lot...

112 b.

112 b.

The estimate is 100 pounds.

What does "the last lot" mean here?

What about the hill - Yes!

- The hill! - The hill is already taken.

Forgive? To whom?

I awarded it to the church.

Captain Glessing agrees. 1 pound annual interest.

A church is being built on the hill. A church belongs to everyone.

You knew I wanted him!

The house of God will crown the hill.

Do you dare to stand against me?

Don't laugh so stupidly, Brock!

Tell Culum to come up on his hill! - He just wanted to do good.

- I want to talk to him. - Venerable Tai Pan...

First thing in the morning!

Your days are numbered boy

You really know how to make enemies.

A wonderful view, you have to say that too.

- If the church isn't here... - Stop this church.

For my part, kill me. But for that they'll hang you.

Why should i kill you

You were once a god to me.

Now I see a devil in you, I know that you are a murderer.

Come over.

Sit down.

I'm doing very well here.

A wonderful country is over there.

A mysterious world closed to us. Immeasurable expanses.

There are more people living there than we can imagine.

- Who hate us. - Some hate us.

I feel destined

to be a mediator between them and us.

The thing with the Church...

Believe me, I did not act that way out of spite against you.

I know. It was the only way.

With the silver bars Brock would have driven me to bankruptcy.

I should have gone along.

Because it was important to save face.

- And you weren't angry? - Of course I was.

At first. But then I realized: this is salvation.

- And left the field to you. - But you gave in.

What. I am still big enough.

Tell me why do you see a devil in me

You deal in opium!

You've been smuggling for years.

- What did you think I was doing? - act!

English tea from China.

The emperor does not allow English goods to be imported.

He demands silver for his tea.

If we were to pay for tea in silver, the whole trade would not be worth it.

So we sell opium to the Chinese for silver.

And give it back to them for tea. This is how China trade works

- opium for tea? - Yes. Why not?

I didn't invent opium. Neither does the opium trade.

Of course not. Neither did adultery.

- But that doesn't give you the right to do so. - You don't understand yet.

How old is gordon

- 19 or 20. - He's my age.

And he's your son.

You sold his mother to Cheng and took a younger mistress!

I didn't sell them! I provided them with a dowry.

She is now Cheng's 3rd wife.

And it is respected. - And you live with someone else.

Culum, we're not in England here. It's the custom here.

- Mr. Brock only has one wife. - Brock's wife is here too!

Your mother only stayed in Macau for a year.

Then she went back to Glasgow and never showed up here again.

Culum, you have to represent me here for a while.

I have to go to London to thwart Brock's machinations.

And I want us both to be friends.

You are my father

I can't do anything about that.

But I choose my friends myself.

- Tilman. - Sorry to rob you, Struan.

Shevaun's idea. - Shevaun's idea?

An old American custom when one has built a house.

You are very welcome.

We won't stay long. We just wanted to bring you these gifts.

They bring good luck.

Loaf.

I baked it myself.

Look at one. - Yes.

And salt.

And wine.

And I discovered this at a cleaning dealer in Macau.

So this is really a surprise.

I am very grateful to you.

Well we did our duty.

Now we're going again.

Oh, remains. For a sherry.

Oh no. The uncle said, "Just in one go."

I'm looking forward to the ball.

I hear big bets are made

- who will be the prom queen. - That's the way it is.

I don't know who the choice will be

but I know exactly who to bet on.

Tea.

Ay-ya! Like a spider, it pulls you into its web!

She won't let go of you! She wants to marry you!

Marry. Don't get married.

Where do you want to get that from?

I'll take care of everything here to get the house ready.

I worry day and night and you hide me here.

You kiss her hand

Why don't you kiss my hand Ay-ya!

Staring at her with big eyes!

Ay-ya. Men!

Men. Not men.

Men!

I hear big bets are made

who will be the prom queen.

And you stand there devouring her breast with a look!

Why not my bosom? Say it! Ay-ya!

May-May, I do. I do, May-May.

Master? Where should that go?

That's... Ay-ya!

All right, all right. Two are enough. Three would be too many.

May-May, they cost a fortune! They're from England!

There, just look. French, Americans, Germans, Russians.

All are not allowed to go to China, but here they have a free trading center.

If that's no reason to celebrate. They thought you were all mad.

- Even I was concerned. - It was all predetermined.

I had to go my way and I will keep going

- wherever it may lead me. - Everything has it's price.

You know...

In a foreign country, more often happens between two young people on a ball night

- than in a year at home. - How do you want to know?

This is your home.

Well maybe.

Even if the fleet unit goes back to India,

Captain Blessing remains here as port commander.

- He asked for my hand. - Indeed.

Maybe I'm in a ball frenzy, but I want to consent

He is a fine man.

Yes.

But do you think the Mary you know

will be a good wife to him?

If you take him for a man, you will make him happy.

Whatever has been.

This is my favorite dance.

What a beauty. The others hardly stand a chance against them.

Oh, Manuel, you disappoint me.

You also only see her cleavage.

I admit her bosom is flawless.

But it's about who is best dressed.

Not undressed.

Are you crazy? - Crazy?

I tried to encourage them as much as I could.

She doesn't need to marry him.

One engagement is enough.

No, the two should get married.

She loves him i know

And so does he.

And we could forget our daughter's misstep.

And something else.

The Tai Pan is planning a trip to England.

Certainly because of financial problems, as you can imagine.

Culum takes over the business for so long.

Before he knows what's happening to him

The company is called Brock, Struan & Sons.

How is it that the boy trusts you so?

I told him even when our fathers hate each other

it would be unchristian if we kept it that way.

Instead of being enemies, we should become friends.

- And since Culum is very pious... - He is right about that.

Struan had an incredible joss on almost everything.

But in return, God gave me you.

And this culm for him.

You are my joss.

I thank you for this dance.

It is very inconvenient for me that she is calling me right now.

Hauptfrau tell me to sit here, please.

Good heavens.

I mean...

Beautiful.

May-May!

May-May!

May-May, open the door!

Forgive me, Lord, forgive me.

May-May! I was just so surprised.

May-May! Stop it!

Stop it!

Not that one.

That's fine.

That's fine. - Fine.

May-May! Put down the knife immediately!

May-May!

May-May!

Did you think I would show myself to you at the ball?

No.

I just wanted to be beautiful to you.

All right, stop it.

Is yes good!

I was just so surprised.

Please go now, sir. You're welcome.

You're welcome. All good now.

Don't worry anymore.

Ah Yin does everything. Don't worry anymore.

Take care of them.

- I'll send Ah Sam to your aid. - Yes, thank you very much, sir. Many Thanks.

Really a shiny appearance.

In England she would be very useful to a man socially.

Yes.

Expensive but useful.

Captain Glessing seems very much in love with Mary.

I wouldn't mention Shevaun to him.

That would only arouse his hunting instincts in the end.

I know about Glessing and Mary.

I do not tolerate it

that someone I know more about than he is dear to

interferes in their affairs.

Tai Pan! I think it's time to vote for the prom queen.

Well, Aristotle.

You were just in a great mood. What's happening?

May-May.

She lost face before me.

That is the greatest disgrace for the Chinese.

You have to whip them! You show that you are the man.

Mr. Quance!

By all saints and prophets! My wife!

My wife!

It is how she lives and lives.

Mr. Quance.

You wanted to return to England three years ago.

- I beg you. - Thanks to Saint Patrick,

that he showed me the way into this den of sin.

You come with me now. I wish everyone a good evening.

Come on, don't argue.

Mrs. Quance, your husband has a job to do here.

- Yes! - We're on our way.

Say "good evening" and come on.

Good evening, Tai Pan.

Don't forget: Show her who the man is!

Now we've lost the judge. - Tai Pan!

Even if I'm a stranger to you here in Hong Kong,

I ask for this honor.

- The Tsar's admiral rushes to our aid. - With great joy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As you all know, a prom queen will be elected tonight.

Since our immortal Quance has received higher instruction,

will His Highness, Grand Duke Sergeev,

decide to which lady the £ 1,000 is due.

I think the award is due...

You, Miss Brock.

The slave asks her master to sell her.

You are not a slave.

And you won't be sold.

Please sell me.

To anyone. To a brothel.

- Or other slaves. - You're not for sale.

This slave lost her face in front of her Herm and Master.

She can't stay any longer.

Stand up!

You didn't betray me.

You surprised me.

European clothes don't suit you.

I will not sell you.

But if you don't want to stay anymore, I'll let you go. You can leave.

Please sell me.

A slave cannot leave until she is sold.

With God!

You are a miserable slave!

I should sell you! Into the street of the blue lanterns!

But who will buy such a pathetic creature as you?

I don't know anyone!

I gave good money for you.

And I've been betrayed!

Am I not good to you?

- Wasn't I always generous? - Yes Mr.

You useless, thieving slave!

I'll beat you until my arm gets lame.

Lie down over there! Will it be soon?

Can be made into a ball gown!

Behind my back!

Don't hit me too hard. I am having a child.

And you dare to put on the dress too!

Without asking me!

What a disobedient slave you are!

What have I not seen you for years!

Stop crying!

Come on and take off my shoes.

Is it true that you are expecting a child?

Now go and wash yourself.

And then bring me some tea, you tomorrow mother. Forward!

Gorth. It's good that you are coming.

I want to ask your father for Tess' hand.

Leave us alone, Tess.

Go on.

You look very hot.

I know what is wrong with you. Come over.

So are you expecting a child?

Well, in that case...

- I'll give you one more chance. - Yes, please. Please forgive me.

But woe if it doesn't become a son.

Come to bed. I'm cold.

In time, I may forgive you.

With time.

- I don't know if I... - Come on, Culum,

This is not considered a sin here.

It's just a business. Like any other.

The girls have to make a living from it.

Well, you beauties?

Oh no. No.

You have to know where to go, Culum.

That is what is expected of you.

No fear. They'll teach you.

Let's go. Forward.

To be as innocent as Culum for once.

Everything arranged? - Yes.

- But it's a sin. - You only live from sin.

Now at least he'll know when he marries Tess.

Never, by God! He thinks he's going to marry Tess.

But he won't!

Our holy culm thirsts for love.

And now he's drinking from a poisonous spring.

Listen, she gave him a syphilitic whore.

And now he's with her and does it.

When she has finished him, no woman will want him anymore.

And certainly not Tess!

No. No listen to me

You are very beautiful.

Only, you understand for sure...

I... me and my girl...

If you saw her, you would understand.

- I can not! - I'm very good, master.

We can do in any way. If you want, kiss-kiss too! I.

- No more costs. - I'll pay you anyway.

For God's sake, if I get something here.

Our boys became friends with each other.

Yes, you have.

But I'm coming to you about Tess.

Your boy wants to marry her.

I was against it.

But the little one and her mother who...

- persuaded me. - I already thought of that.

Your dowry will be the largest in all of Asia.

The wedding will take place in a year

You will burn in hell long ago.

There is still time, Dirk, there is still time.

I'm still going through the wedding. I know what you are hatching.

You and Gorth. I'm not having Noble House taken away from me for a petticoat.

You don't want this marriage. And I don't want them either.

But Tess loves Culum.

We have to come to terms with that.

Your daughter will find another one too.

You don't love your son the way I love my daughter.

I advise you:

Give them your fatherly blessing, just as I will.

Even back when I was a cabin boy

and you a vicious third mate, I hated you.

But that you'd sink so deep to use your daughter

to get you WHAT you yourself are not man enough for,

I would not have thought that.

I would ally myself with the devil

to finish you off.

And I will.

Count on it.

You can't get enough of your shrimp.

You're not mad that I'm back in the old house, are you?

No. If you want to have the baby here in Macau, fine.

The child will be there in a month.

- Then I'll go back to Hong Kong. - Master?

Master? Master...

The young Master Culum outside.

He's very restless.

You look sad.

I've tried everything to get him back.

But against Gorth, I can't get there.

Killing Brock's son would be bad.

Why not?

You know what is written in your holy book.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

- Brock would take revenge. - Lie there.

I'll take a few steps with you, very carefully.

Don't knock it off, it will do me good.

So. My advice is:

You're supposed to get married as soon as possible, Culum and Tess.

This is not good advice.

I have nothing against Tess, but Culum is sure to find someone else.

He would. Sure, Tai Pan.

But I know there are certain customs

they are no different with you than with us.

When married, the woman goes into the man's house.

Ay-ya?

So: the sooner he marries Brock's daughter,

the faster Gorth loses influence on Culum.

IM not sure. As a brother-in-law, Gorth could influence him even more.

Let him get married.

Do you know why your son is so restless?

He is lovesick. He needs a woman.

That drives him so crazy. He cries with longing.

That's it!

That's why he listens to every word the terrible Gorth whispers to him.

Please, Tai Pan.

Let her get married.

Then your son Culum won't hang on Gorth's lips as he does now.

Believe me, Tai Pan.

Then he has better things to do.

He'll be in bed every hour, every minute.

With his beloved Tess.

And he will make a baby for his beloved Tess.

And he will not let himself be disturbed.

Neither from you nor from Gorth. Ay-ya?

Soon we will have the first typhoon.

He'll blow your hair out of your mind.

I talked to Orlov.

He thinks tea can also be grown in India.

- There is also rain and heat. - Sure, it would be possible.

The Chinese just don't let out any seeds or plants.

Export is the death penalty.

With a little courage and bribery, we can get enough plants.

Gordon agrees.

So you propose to me that we bribe, smuggle and steal.

I don't find that as reprehensible as the opium trade.

Have you spoken to Gorth about it? - Not yet.

You're going to Hong Kong today.

With the "Morning Cloud".

I'll put Orlov under you.

You are in command on this journey.

Is it about something important?

For me yes.

Do I still have time to say goodbye to Tess?

Yes.

Oh, by the way, as far as Tess is concerned:

I changed my mind about your marriage.

It's just a shame Brock insists on waiting another year to get married.

Yes. And he cannot be changed.

Honestly, I am amazed that you do not take your life into your own hands.

- kidnap you? - Yes why not?

No, I think Brock would be furious.

Well, and Gorth first. Wasn't a good idea.

The wedding is in no hurry.

But please don't forget to tell Captain Orlov

that I gave you the command.

And the power of the authority I have been given

I hereby declare you to be husband and wife.

And may the Lord protect us when Brock's wrath comes upon us.

Wait outside, Tai Pan.

She is fine. She's just a little weak.

I'm sorry about the baby.

It was a boy. There was nothing to be done.

She wants to see you.

Bad joss, that baby is dead, Tai Pan.

Unworthy slave very sad.

Unworthy slave has nothing to fear.

She doesn't have a bad joss.

Otherwise she wouldn't be with Tai Pan.

This is really a great comfort.

It would have been so nice.

I'm so looking forward to my son, Tai Pan.

I know that.

I know.

Sleep now my dear

And if you get well quickly, I'll give you 100 pieces of silver.

You give me face back, Tai Pan.

Just wait.

May-May will be even more beautiful than before.

She will make you overjoyed.

It's good!

Struan!

That was your idea!

You ordered Orlov to trust her! Our Tess!

Married to that syphilitic bastard!

Stop it you two! Apart!

Let go of me Damn you should let go of me!

He knows very well that Culum has syphilis.

- Culum doesn't have syphilis! - He's gonna get it! Everyone knows!

He was with a whore in Macau! I paid them myself!

Let go of him guys. There's no fighting here!

Tomorrow morning at sunrise.

You are a dead man

We're going to a junk.

A fair fight among witnesses.

The weapons: battle iron.

Danger! - Tai Pan!

Oh God.

Your damned Joss.

The day will come...

The day will come...

Gorth attacked him with the knife.

Struan is not to blame. We have all seen it.

Gorth attacked him from behind.

Struan.

I'll be waiting for you on the hill early tomorrow morning.

Come alone

If God so wills.

- Gorth started! - Be quiet!

He killed my son.

Fast! The typhoon!

The kidnapping was your idea.

That's the way it is.

- And you were out to kill Gorth. - He challenged his fate.

We all do, Brock.

The days of this island are numbered.

That damn rock is being given up.

A royal commission dissolves the colony at my request.

I should have killed you years ago.

Now i will do it.

You are a fool.

As long as I'm still breathing, you're not safe from me.

- What do you do? - Tai Pan is fighting Brock.

I have to see him!

You are not doing well enough yet. Stay here with us, please.

The eye.

The eye of the typhoon.

We come into the eye of the typhoon.

Ayya.

It's the calm. The eye of the typhoon.

It's so quiet, my lady.

The Tal Pan is coming!

I knew he would come back alive.

- It is over? - Yes. It just drips.

Use the tongs to get a piece of glowing coal out of the fire.

Quick, I have to burn the wound out, you can faint later.

Culum, where is Captain Glessing?

Tai Pan! Tai Pan! Did you see mary

Where's Glessing? I have to find her!

I beat the truth out of her maid.

Mary is a whore!

I have to warn Glessing about her!

He will never marry a Chinese whore!

Now she will stay with me! She has no other choice!

You should take shelter, Horatio.

It starts again!

My God, Tai Pan! You didn't leave me!

I'll never leave you.

Where are we hiding?

There is no hiding place from a typhoon. You survive or you don't.

Let's wait for the sun together.

Say do you love me

You are my main wife.

You have to smile when you say that.

Otherwise you will break my heart.

This is not a thing to smile about.

So that was the Chinese lady.

Why couldn't we understand each other?

Mr. Quance, please.

Please leave me alone.

Young man,

I don't have the strength to get up right away.

I am sorry for your father.

It was meant for him.

- Everyone has their joss. - I hate that word.

It has been like this since the world began.

The fathers are not understood by their sons,

as long as they are still alive. Do not make your heart heavy with it.

I know this is not the time, Tai Pan,

but could you lend me 150 guineas?

What are you saying?

I am very embarrassed Tai Pan, but the whore who owns the brothel

is so upset about the destruction of her houseboat

That she'll kick me out if I don't pay.

You called me Tai Pan?

Well, you are now.

Master Culum.

Yes?

Captain Brock wants to give me orders. On my ship!

Commands? - We should raise the flag to half mast.

He doesn't have to tell us first.

He brought your wife on board the "White Witch" ”.

I should let you know

that he will attend to your father's funeral.

He will also have that done with the Chinese lady.

He said you team up with him. Is that true?

Is that what you really intend to do?

Gordon will attend to our father's funeral.

And it's my wish

that he will be buried with his Chinese wife.

Go on board the "White Witch" and ask for my wife to be released.

Demand?

It demands. Take as many men as you need.

And captain Orlov?

Give the brock. These are his gold pieces.

Tell him when he's already thinking about the funeral

the Tai Pan advises him to buy a coffin right away.

Aye-aye...

Tai Pan.