Original subtitles

This is what I found

in the archives.

Fifty people.

Exactly matching the list

given by their

families.

It seems

the Yu Army forcibly conscripted soldiers

to work in private iron mines,

and then added the soldiers

who died in the mining disaster

to the battlefield

casualty list,

trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes.

This is not a groundless accusation.

This is simply outrageous.

I must seek

justice for these soldiers

who died unjustly.

Even if we can prove

this list is real,

we still lack direct evidence that soldiers were

sent to work as miners.

It seems

I need to keep searching within

the Yu Army for evidence.

Xueting,

this is extremely dangerous.

Have you really thought it through?

These warlords,

they subvert the constitution and usurp power.

I've long detested them.

The reason I returned to this country

to work in the press is precisely to

expose their many crimes.

Xueting,

I understand your talents and ambitions.

Once this task succeeds,

it will surely cause

a massive stir in the field.

When that time comes,

I will introduce you

to the top figures in the press.

I believe

you will soon have

a domain of your own.

[The cost is too great.]

[Who's going to pay for it?]

[Making guns and cannons is no joke.]

Just as you predicted,

the old-timers all refuse

to allocate funds to build an arsenal.

Today's meeting

was never about

getting them to agree.

It was just to put the result

of their opposition on the table.

Since this road is blocked,

take another.

Understood.

I'll see to it.

How should I tell him?

No words seem

to work.

What are you doing?

What?

There's no need

to keep hiding things from me.

That land at Changping Mountain.

You said it was for building a racetrack,

but actually

it's for the arsenal.

Wait, listen.

I just don't understand.

Am I really not worthy

of even a tiny bit of trust?

Didn't I leave the next month's officers'

club banquet entirely

in your hands?

The banquet is no problem.

But,

but I want to help you

share some of the military affairs.

Not just the social side.

I asked you to contact bankers

and arms brokers.

Did you do it?

I did.

You mean...

Besides entertainment,

you'll treat me

as a confidant,

okay?

Let me analyze.

Those banks

may not be powerful enough.

So they may not

be able to come up with the expense.

You're a bit distracted.

Dad,

Changxuan proposed to build

an arsenal on today's meeting.

Most of the elders

didn't approve.

What's your opinion?

His ideas are bold

and modern.

Worth encouraging.

Would you

give him a hand?

Didn't he swear

he'd show me his new vision?

I won't get involved.

When he hits trouble,

let him solve it himself.

Your turn.

Sorry, Changxuan.

About the arsenal,

my dad isn't convenient to invest directly.

It's fine, I understand.

But I've already made contact

with several elders in banking.

They all watched me grow up

and are very close with my dad.

At the banquet I'll introduce you.

Ziyi.

Thank you for all of this.

[Tanghulu.]

A matter as big as the arsenal,

of course I have to put in the effort.

Besides,

who else would I help if not you?

Is this one pretty?

Not bad.

But I think

the next one might be even prettier.

Can't you just

say it looks good?

Go change now.

Xueting.

I want to order some books

for the orphanage.

Okay.

Pick a few more kinds.

[Fresh osmanthus cakes for sale!]

Pingjun.

I'm going to buy some

osmanthus cakes to share.

Stuck?

Why are you here?

To learn knowledge.

Give it back!

I got it first.

Why should I give it to you?

Young Master Changxuan,

please, try to be reasonable.

Be reasonable?

What's the reward?

Give it back.

You want it that badly?

Let go.

I think these ones are all pretty.

Changxuan.

Changxuan?

[Come again!]

Jiang Xueting?

Miss Tao.

Why are you here?

You're with Ye Pingjun?

Yes.

Pingjun and I

are ordering books.

Perfect.

I also wanted to take a look.

Yu Changxuan, let go.

You bite me,

and I'll bite back ten times.

You really think

you can do whatever you want?

As long as I want to.

You two,

how did you come together?

I just ran into Miss Tao

on the street.

Ziyi.

Where did you go just now?

You didn't even tell me.

I looked everywhere for you.

I didn't go far.

Just strolled at the market.

Jiang.

Miss Ye.

What a coincidence.

General.

Why are you here?

Pingjun and I came here

to order some books

for the orphanage.

How's the translation work?

I've finished ahead of schedule.

You're very efficient.

I admire your ability

and your focus.

I have to thank you for the opportunity.

This Saturday,

at the officers' club dance,

there will be German experts in military

technology present.

You will serve

as the escort interpreter.

Prepare in advance.

Yes, sir.

I will.

Remember to bring a companion.

We'll be going.

Pingjun.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Let's go.

Why do you keep looking at me?

Nothing.

You love osmanthus cakes

just like you were little.

Haven't changed a bit.

You haven't changed either.

Pingjun.

Actually, when I was in Japan...

What happened when you were in Japan?

Nothing.

Got some on you. Here.

How is it?

Wiped it off?

Nanny Zhao.

Xueting.

I didn't mean to

splash it

on you.

I, I...

Stupid me!

My!

Xueting.

It's fine.

I've had my fill of water

and my fill of cake.

Here.

Go change your clothes.

Don't catch a cold.

Thank you for your concern, Mr. Zhang.

My father

has always been in good health.

He often

mentions you.

You flatter me.

Our newly established

commercial bank in Jiangzhou

will still need to rely

on your father for guidance.

Your bank is flourishing.

I have always

looked forward to working with you.

Under your governance,

Nanhuai City is sure to see thriving trade.

Yes.

Ziyi also mentioned to me

the investment in the arsenal.

Our bank places great importance on it.

It's just that

the investment is truly enormous.

We're still doing a risk assessment.

Please rest assured.

As soon as there's news,

I'll immediately

discuss the investment plan with you.

Mr. Zhang,

You can't hesitate.

Changxuan now commands the 9th Army.

The arsenal's future

is bound to be vast.

I won't hesitate.

Financially,

my bank will definitely prioritize your project.

After all, in Nanhuai,

our business reach in railways and ports

still needs your strong support.

Thank you for your trouble.

Not at all.

Young Master.

Nice to meet you.

Sir.

Nice to meet you.

Here.

Long time no see.

Yes, long time no see.

Pingjun.

Let's go sit over there.

Okay.

Gentlemen, please.

After you.

Xueting.

Lieutenant Jiang.

With a beauty by your side today,

you seem much more spirited.

Mr. Bao,

let me introduce.

This is my girlfriend, Ye Pingjun.

This is our translation group leader,

Bao Shijie.

This is my colleague, Zhang Yingmei.

Hello.

Hello.

Thank you for

taking care of Xueting.

Miss Ye,

We're glad to meet you,

but we have official duties today,

so there's no way for Xueting

to keep you company.

It's fine. You all go ahead.

We can chat in a bit.

See you later then.

We'll be going now.

Pingjun.

Sorry for making you

come with me to this

social engagement.

It's fine.

Don't worry about me.

I'll get you something to eat.

It's okay.

I can help myself.

They're waiting for you.

Go ahead.

Go.

Gentlemen,

I've prepared

some Riesling

white wine for

tonight's tasting event.

How about we have a few small drinks

to warm things up?

Sure.

Changxuan,

what do you think?

Following Ziyi's lead at a banquet

is definitely the best choice.

This way, please.

Please.

Building an arsenal

is equivalent to establishing

a complete military industrial system.

I wonder how much determination

the Young Master has?

He places great importance

on military technology.

In military industry,

he's put in tremendous effort.

He's not just preparing

to build an arsenal.

He wants to build

a first-class arsenal in Nanhuai

to provide ample

weapons, ammunition, and heavy equipment.

Nice to meet you, sir.

The batch of goods has already landed at the Pingjiang port.

You know,

military vehicles are the most convenient for transport.

If they helped me out,

I will certainly reward you generously.

Military vehicles

are in short supply. It's not something

can be borrowed without

authorization.

The number of vehicles, and the timing,

are all strictly controlled.

And the record-keeping and management staff

are independent,

not under my jurisdiction.

I'm powerless.

Sorry.

It's fine, it's fine.

I'll think of another way.

Look.

Why is he here?

That's General Xu's

right-hand man, Yang Shiying.

Major Yang.

This man has connections everywhere.

He can not only whisper in

the general's ear,

but also reach directly

to the upper levels of the central government.

Major Yang isn't someone you can easily invite.

Seems he's quite close with Changxuan.

It's you!

[Changxuan.]

[I won't see you out.]

[Goodbye.]

Sorry.

You must haven mistaken me for someone.

Did you forget?

That day at Changping Mountain,

you and Changxuan were boating together.

We met once.

Sorry.

I really can't recall

where I've seen you.

Major Yang.

Changxuan.

You've finally arrived.

Forgive my poor hospitality.

Pingjun.

What happened?

This gentleman mistook me for someone.

Let me introduce.

This is my girlfriend,

Tao Ziyi.

Major Yang.

I've long heard of your name.

A pleasure.

The pleasure is mine, Miss Tao.

And this young lady is?

Let me introduce her as well.

This is Jiang Xueting,

the translator secretary

from my office.

And this

is his girlfriend,

Miss Ye Pingjun.

She's also Ziyi's classmate.

Major Yang.

A pleasure.

A pleasure.

A pleasure.

I'm truly sorry.

I mistook you for someone.

She looks so much like an old

acquaintance of mine.

It's fine.

In this world, there are

so many people who look alike.

Major Yang,

don't give it another thought.

Fellow colleagues,

friends from the banking,

let me solemnly introduce

Mr. Yang Shiying,

chief of staff,

of General Xu of the Cheng Army.

[Major Yang is here?]

[It really is him.]

[The Young Master has a lot of clout.]

Everyone,

Changxuan is

my sworn brother.

I didn't come today just to reminisce.

I came for serious business.

The Cheng Army

has officially placed an order with

the Nanhuai Arsenal

for two hundred thousand rifles.

And moreover,

we will have long-term cooperation.

Yang Shiying,

in both the Cheng Army and the central government,

holds a prominent position.

The young master, as a junior,

to have such a deep friendship with him,

truly means great prospects.

Even if the old-timers in the Yu Army

doesn't support the arsenal, Changxuan has

the Cheng Army

and Yang Shiying to back him.

The returns are immeasurable.

Yes.

Thank you, Major Yang,

for coming to support me.

You're determined to reform the military

and establish an arsenal.

I truly admire that.

To be able to lend you a hand

is also my honor.

What I'd like to see

is that we can help each other,

joining hands in these

troubled times.

As for the future,

who knows.

Just like you and Miss Ye.

Last time we met, you seemed so sweet.

Today, you each have your own partners,

being like strangers.

You've

misunderstood.

Miss Ye and I have always been

just ordinary friends.

When I met her last time,

I greatly

admired her.

Since you're just friends,

then would you mind

if I take today's opportunity

to get to know her anew?

Of course not.

Cheers.

Very accurate.

Sit, sit.

How can a game of mahjong

go on without me?

Everyone,

how's the battle going?

Major Yang,

Jiang's luck is incredibly good.

He's the only one winning.

None of us have won.

Right?

Is that so?

Lieutenant Jiang.

I never admit defeat in two places.

One is the battlefield.

The other is the mahjong table.

Today

I must have a proper contest with you.

It's just luck.

Are you looking

down on me?

I wouldn't dare.

Jiang,

we should play the good host.

By my habit,

it's more interesting with a little wager.

What do you want to bet?

If someone wins,

everyone must grant him one wish.

No refusals.

Since you have already spoken,

surely

you already have something in mind.

I greatly admire

Miss Ye.

I feel we have quite a connection.

If I win,

would you do me the honor

of dancing with me?

You two,

mind?

Fine.

Then it's settled.

Major Yang,

isn't this a bit

like bullying?

Jiang is still here.

How could he bear to let his girlfriend

dance with you?

Here comes Miss Tao.

This game

is getting more interesting.

Pingjun.

Don't worry.

I'll definitely help you.

I absolutely won't let Major Yang get his way.

Good.

Miss Tao.

Sit here and play.

Here.

Who goes first?

It doesn't matter.

It's just a game.

Besides,

who knows who would win?

Miss Ye.

You're magnanimous.

Five Characters.

Since you're

such an admirer that old acquaintance,

you should have pursued her relentlessly.

Yeah.

But she already

had someone in her heart.

Two Circles.

Six Characters.

Five Circles.

Pung.

Major Yang,

you're about to complete

your all-pungs hand.

White dragon.

Miss Ye,

I've already started looking forward

to the next dance.

Eight Bamboos.

Chow.

Hold on.

Kong.

Good luck.

Interesting.

One Circle.

Nine Circles.

Six Bamboos.

Chow.

One Bamboo.

Changxuan,

Why aren't you taking any tiles?

Bad luck?

My girlfriend is here.

Good luck

should be saved for her.

No wonder I'm

so lucky today.

White dragon.

West Wind.

Nine Bamboos.

Jiang,

you're ready to win?

Who loses and who wins

is still hard to say.

Secretary Jiang,

You and Miss Ye's relationship

seems

very good.

Since Xueting and I

were young,

we have shared the same interests.

During the years he studied abroad,

our letters to each other

never stopped.

Nine Circles.

Such an unbreakable bond

is truly enviable.

Right, Changxuan?

Four Characters.

Pung.

Five Characters.

Seven Circles.

Pung.

Eight Characters.

Kong.

The last Eight Characters,

and you drew it.

Alright, Changxuan.

Your luck is back.

Three Characters.

Pung.

Eight Circles.

Mr. Yang,

you're just one tile away

from winning.

I have everything ready,

just lacking the last tile.

Five Characters.

Careful.

The tile in your hand

might be the one I need.

Yes.

You'd better be cautious.

The outcome of this hand

concerns a man's dignity.

Secretary Jiang,

no need to be so nervous.

Show some nerve.

It's fine, Xueting.

It's just a dance.

No matter who the dancing partner is,

I'm your girl.

Miss Ye is truly generous.

A true heroine!

Good.

East wind.

Major Yang,

aren't you

going to win?

I'm not winning.

The tile I want isn't this one.

Three Circles.

One Circle.

Three Characters.

One Character.

Four Bamboos.

I win.

Alas.

Lady Luck

has really blessed him.

Seems I'm not favored

to ask Miss Ye for a dance.

They say Changxuan

is invincible at the mahjong table.

Today you were really a bit half-hearted.

I'm not skilled enough.

Is it poor skills,

or sparing the fair lady?

It's a pity.

The king has feelings,

but the goddess does not.

Excuse me.

Let me help you wipe that.

No need.

We'll clean it up.

What?

Miss,

this dress doesn't suit you.

I'll compensate you with a better one.

Pingjun.

What's wrong?

What happened?

Nothing.

You are...

The buyer from Rheinmetall Company

wants to leave now.

We'll

see him off.

It's fine.

I can handle it myself.

Go do what you need to do.

Be careful then.

Go.

Let's go.

Go.

Here.

Yu Changxuan?

What are you doing?

You're drunk.

Now you know fear?

Weren't you sharp-tongued

at the mahjong table just now?

Seems you didn't tell your boyfriend

about our relationship.

There was never any relationship

between us.

No relationship?

Who doesn't know that you, Ye Pingjun,

are mine?

That was just

acting at your birthday party.

It was all fake.

You know that perfectly well.

Then what are you afraid of?

What are you hiding from?

Why not tell Jiang Xueting

what we are to each other?

Because you don't matter.

Yu Changxuan.

Did you hear me?

Because you don't matter.

You don't matter so much

that I don't think

I need to mention

anything about you to him.

Because in my life,

you're not even worth mentioning.

Pingjun.

Pingjun, are you in there?

Yu Changxuan, don't go crazy.

You'd better not push me.

That Jiang

has no power, no influence.

What's so good about him?

Everything about him is good.

You really think you can get away?

Let go of me.

Pingjun.

Pingjun.

What?

You want him to know

about us that badly?

Pingjun.

Tell me,

if he saw us

like this,

what would he think?

Pingjun.

Are you in there?

Your heart's beating so fast.

That afraid of him finding out?