Original subtitles

[Episode 1]

[Nanhuai City]

In 1919,

hundreds of thousands of young people shed their blood for the nation.

Like a beacon in the dark,

new ideas lit the way to a new era for China.

At year's end, the acting president died of illness.

[Nanhuai Army Headquarters] Cheng Jun, northern warlord chief,

plotted for the presidency and sought an alliance of all regions.

It was an era of clashing ideas and power struggles.

The old gave way to the new, light and darkness intertwined.

The Commander-in-Chief has arrived.

- Greetings, Commander-in-Chief. - Greetings, Commander-in-Chief.

[Yu Zhong Quan] [Commander-in-Chief, Nanhuai Army]

[Nanhuai Army Headquarters]

As you know,

Master Cheng is fighting Prime Minister Rui for the presidency.

Governor Chu is his man, so he naturally fell in line.

But Commander Mou turned it down.

What do you think of the alliance?

[Gu Yi Gang] [Brigade Commander, 3rd Army Corps]

The Mou family has grown strong.

Now that their wings are spread, they dare to challenge Governor Chu.

[Liao Dong Feng, Deputy Advisor, Nanhuai Army] Prime Minister Rui has held power for years.

His roots are deep.

As for Master Cheng, he was just a nobody in the early days.

He started out selling cloth.

Later, he relied on that old fox Wu to get where he is today.

With a background like that, how can he compete with Prime Minister Rui?

We all have our concerns,

afraid of backing the wrong horse and losing everything.

But the central government is already a revolving door.

If we stand by and watch, we'll lose our seat at the table.

In this game of chess,

if you don't move, you'll never win.

I believe the risk is worth taking.

- We can't afford to be too timid. - What's going on?

Where did this bird come from?

What is this about?

Commander, it's the parrot Master Chang Xuan kept in his office.

This is preposterous.

This is outrageous.

Bring him to me immediately.

Commander, Master Chang Xuan is on leave.

He hasn't shown up for days.

That good-for-nothing.

[Xiangxi Hotel]

This way, please.

- Open it! - Open it!

Master Chang Xuan, your luck is incredible.

Absolutely unstoppable.

[Yu Chang Xuan, Advisor, Nanhuai Army] [Yu Zhong Quan's only surviving son]

Thank you, Master Chang Xuan.

Lucky indeed.

Mahjong!

- What a winning hand. - Indeed.

Small wins are boring.

I'll cover everyone's losses this round.

I'll pay double whatever you lose.

Great!

Master Chang Xuan, you're so generous.

Come on.

See that?

Now that's true generosity.

If you ask me, with Master Chang Xuan's luck

[Li Bo Ren, Advisor, 9th Army Corps] and Wanhua World's vibe today,

anyone who comes will lose their trousers.

- Won't they? - Of course.

No one can stop Master Chang Xuan.

A discard. I'll let you call "Peng".

Peng.

In Nanhuai City, playing Mahjong with you is a lifetime honor.

You bet it is.

By the way, I have a cousin.

He's been in logistics for five years.

A decent, honest fellow.

He's trying to transfer to the Transportation Section.

He just lacks a connection.

I hope you can pull a few strings for him.

What's the use of asking me?

I'm just a figurehead in the General Staff.

Come on.

You are the "uncrowned prince" of Nanhuai City.

Master Chang Xuan,

my uncle's bank is holding a banquet next Wednesday night.

We'd be honored if you took the head seat.

Just grace us with your presence...

[Yu's Mansion]

Ming Xuan.

It's getting cold.

I burnt your hat and scarf for you.

Remember to wear them.

[Zhao Bao Ru, Yu Zhong Quan's legitimate wife] I went to Tianjin Street today.

I bought your favorite honey tangerine cakes.

After all these years, Tianjin Street hasn't changed at all.

Only my son... is gone.

Don't worry, Brother.

[Kuang Bing Wen, Yu Zhong Quan's son-in-law] As a son-in-law of the Yu family,

[Brigade Commander, 7th Army Corps] I'll take care of everyone.

Chang Xuan, mind your step.

Master Chang Xuan.

Master Chang Xuan, are you alright?

Stop right there.

Come in.

Everyone is here.

What is that on your cheek?

That's lipstick.

You spend all day gambling and with women, indulging in pleasure.

Where are your morals?

- Zhou Tai. - Yes.

- Bring the discipline rod. - Yes.

Don't bother.

You just want to hit me, don't you?

Go ahead.

If you hadn't already lost two sons,

you'd have beaten me to death by now.

Dad!

- Dad! - Please, don't hit him!

You don't know your own strength.

If you hurt him, I won't live either.

- Move. - Keep going!

- I'll beat you to death! - I won't let you!

No!

Go away!

Dad! Mom!

Stop, Yu Zhong Quan!

Two of my three sons are already gone.

He's all we have left.

Please, spare him. If you beat him to death, we'll be left all alone!

It's okay. Don't cry.

Commander, please stop it.

You've frightened Wan Xuan.

What are you standing there for?

Hurry and get him to his room!

Move.

Go on.

Bear with it.

I worked so hard to raise three sons.

And now you're the only one left.

Mom, don't be sad anymore.

Here's the bruise ointment.

[Yu Jin Xuan, the fourth daughter of Yu family] Bear with it.

It's been hard on Min Ru too.

[Jun Min Ru, Yu Ming Xuan's wife] Only two months after your marriage,

Ming Xuan was killed in battle...

We have wronged you.

I know it all too well.

Mom, I became part of this family the day I married in.

You don't owe me anything.

I know you're worried about Chang Xuan,

but you must take care of your own health.

Enough of that.

Mom, Chang Xuan deserves a lesson.

[Yu Qi Xuan] Look at Xiao Bei Chen from Beixin.

[The sixth daughter of Yu family] He's only a year or two older,

yet he commands the battle with brilliance.

Now look at Chang Xuan.

What a dissolute mess he is.

Yu Qi Xuan, will you just shut up?

You're so annoying.

He's right.

Why do you always have to compare your brother to others?

He has a headache. Leave us.

Fine, I'm leaving.

I'm clearly not wanted here anyway.

Mom, I'm fine.

Everyone out. Leave me alone.

Alright. We're leaving. Let's go.

Come on.

Come find me if you need anything.

Rui Tong.

Get the car ready.

Commander.

Please, calm your anger.

No need.

I'm not blinded by rage.

Wan Xuan wouldn't just start crying like that.

You pinched her, didn't you?

I just didn't want you to stay angry.

I know.

It's only right for you to discipline Chang Xuan.

Being strict with him is for his own good.

But you can't let it ruin your health.

After all, this family depends on you to hold it together.

Chang Xuan.

[Gu Rui Tong, Director of General Office, Nanhuai Army Headquarters] The rain is getting heavy.

The road to Guanyin Pavilion might be difficult to travel.

Are we still going to visit Master Ming Xuan's grave?

Never mind. Let's go back.

Turn the car around.

What happened?

Someone rushed out in front of us.

Did we hit them?

I don't think so.

But she dropped her belongings.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

Ten.

Thank you.

[Mingde Girls' High School]

[Jiguang Building]

Xue Ting,

my mother and I are looking forward to the end of autumn

when you return from your studies in Tokyo.

We've written to each other for four years.

[Ye Ping Jun, student of Mingde Girls' School] It feels like you've never truly left.

Ping Jun.

Slow down.

Here.

Take this.

When I get home, I'll ask my father for more.

No, I can't take this.

I can't keep taking your money.

Don't be so distant.

[Song Han Zhi] Your mother's lung disease has flared up.

[Student of Mingde Girls' School] You need the money. Take it.

Once I find a job, I'll pay you back.

I'll be going now.

Take care.

The next lot is the highlight of this auction.

Please take a look.

This piece once belonged to a duchess from the Russian Empire.

[Tao Zi Yi, the second daughter of Tao family] A century later, it's still dazzling.

Now, let the bidding begin.

Miss Tao. Do you like it?

It's okay.

If you like it, Miss Tao,

I'll win it for you.

Zi Yi. This fellow Tong...

[Tao Ya Yi, the first daughter of Tao family] is all flash and no substance.

He went abroad but learned no real skills.

He just spent his time on debauchery.

We'll start the bidding at 50,000 silver dollars.

60,000 silver dollars.

Master Tong bids 60,000 silver dollars.

100,000 silver dollars.

110,000 silver dollars.

- 140,000 silver dollars. - 160,000 silver dollars.

400,000 silver dollars.

400,000 silver dollars.

The bid is 400,000 silver dollars.

Any higher bids?

- 450,000 silver dollars. - 450,000 silver dollars...

450,000 silver dollars going once.

450,000 silver dollars going twice.

450,000 silver dollars...

Sold.

Congratulations, Master Tong, on winning this lot.

What's the rush?

It's Master Chang Xuan.

Told you.

Yu Chang Xuan would surely come once he knew you were here.

Master Chang Xuan, welcome.

This lot looks quite nice.

It's already been sold.

Better ones are coming up.

Please stay and have a look.

It's simple.

Just restart the bidding.

Sir, everything must follow the rules.

I've already won it.

How can you just restart the bidding?

Aren't you being a bit too pushy?

What are you up to?

I heard you just returned from studying abroad.

No wonder.

I've never seen anyone this bold in Nanhuai City.

So, I've decided to auction off...

your pride.

You're auctioning me off like an object?

The starting bid is 500 silver dollars.

Let the bidding begin.

So this is the Xiangxi Hotel.

Good day. How can I help you?

Hi, I'm here for the job interview.

Go up to the second floor.

Go to the end of the corridor on the left, then follow the crowd and turn left.

You'll see the interview office.

Stop it...

Hurry up. There are so many applicants.

I'm nervous.

Why are there so few openings?

I heard they're only hiring four.

I've waited ages. Is it my turn?

My father served in the Yu Army, 1st Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division.

He was a platoon leader.

Do you have any relatives in military service?

My uncle works in the Army Secretariat.

The Secretariat, I see.

Your father passed away.

You only have your mother at home?

- Yes. - Does your family own any businesses?

No. Just an ordinary family.

I worked in a French restaurant for a year.

I was mainly handling reception.

I am proficient in English and French.

I also know Western etiquette and its cuisine.

If you hire me, I will give this job my all.

100 silver dollars. Any bids?

100 silver dollars? That's pathetic.

50 silver dollars. Any bids?

40 silver dollars. Anyone?

Who would dare bid against Master Chang Xuan?

30 silver dollars. Any bids?

One silver dollar. Any bids?

One? That's ridiculous.

They're giving him away.

No one will buy it even for a dollar.

No bids. Then we'll pass on this lot.

Master Tong's pride... goes unsold.

Pride?

It's worthless to me.

Can you be obedient now?

Yes.

How much did he pay for that?

I'll pay double.

I heard a shipment of whiskey just arrived.

Yes, sir.

It just arrived from Scotland.

A bottle for everyone here.

It's on me.

Master Chang Xuan, you're so generous!

Thank you, Master Chang Xuan.

Excuse me.

Hello.

May I ask why I wasn't selected?

Let me put it this way, Miss.

One's vision and worldliness stem from their upbringing.

Take our hotel, for instance.

We are the city's first hotel to offer indoor golf.

It's a foreign aristocratic pastime.

Most people haven't even heard of it.

If you make a blunder, people won't blame you,

but they will remember it was Xiangxi Hotel's mistake.

Actually, golf originated with Scottish shepherds.

While herding sheep,

they'd hit round stones into rabbit holes using their crooks.

It has nothing to do with aristocrats.

By the way, I noticed an oil painting in the lobby

depicting a palace ball at the Sultan's Court.

You have a sharp eye.

I picked it out myself.

It was just hung up yesterday.

What do you think?

Everyone in it is elegantly dressed, dancing and reveling.

But it's really about assassins lurking in the shadows.

It's an omen of danger.

To someone who knows art, it won't look good for us.

I see.

Thank you for the reminder.

I'll have it taken down right away.

Miss Ye,

please wait a moment.

And you are...

[Jin Zhong Fang, Xiangxi Hotel's owner]

Friends around here call me Master Jin.

I'm the owner of this place.

I just heard your impressive remarks.

I'd like to hire you for a clerical position.

Would you be interested?

Yes.

To be honest, I urgently need a job.

Master Jin.

Master Yu is dancing all night. Lidu Hall is short-staffed.

Transfer staff from Yong'an Hall first.

I'm leaving for Shenyang tonight.

Tell the foreman to stay sharp.

Yes, sir.

Miss Ye, if you have time tonight, you could help out as well.

It's for Master Yu's party.

The pay is decent.

I can do it. Thank you, Master Jin.

I look forward to it.

Miss Tao, here's to you.

Tao Zi Yi?

[Tao Zi Yi]

Who drew this?

[Ye Ping Jun] Look.

- It's hilarious. - Serves her right.

How can Ye Ping Jun rank as a top student alongside Tao Zi Yi?

I heard you spent big today.

Astonishing.

You bought that necklace for Miss Tao, right?

Take a guess.

Guessing again?

You were head over heels for her a while ago.

But lately, you've been hot and cold.

I bet you're either playing hard to get

or up to something else.

Li Bo Ren, you have many flaws,

but the biggest is that you talk too much.

Fine, then.

Talk less.

Why hasn't Master Yu asked you to dance?

I don't care if he does.

He was always asking you to dance, practically glued to your side.

Now he's flirting with others.

Zi Yi, as your sister, I must remind you.

He has countless admirers.

He's not someone you can easily handle.

Pull yourself out before it's too late.

Don't fall for him.

Who says I'll be the one falling?

Sister, you don't know men,

especially men like Yu Chang Xuan.

Don't worry.

The night is still young.

Miss, may I have this dance?

It would be my honor.

I'll have someone take you home after dinner.

Okay.

You made quite a splash at the auction.

I wonder which lucky lady will get the necklace you fought so hard for.

The necklace?

It's for my fourth sister.

Why?

Do you like it?

I wouldn't dare dream of it.

I heard that a few days ago,

you bought ten sets of gold headwear.

Was it for the troupe's lead actress?

And yesterday, you booked all the dancers.

Sir, you're truly busy, spreading the love equally.

Miss Tao, you're usually too cold to even spare me a glance.

Yet you know my private affairs inside out.

Your heart is more fickle than the spring breeze in April.

Gunshots!

Zi Yi!

Run!

Go that way!

Mom!

Don't be afraid. It'll be alright.

Mom!

Close the door!

Sir, the Tao sisters have been sent away.

Where's Master Jin?

He took the night train to Shenyang for business.

Get him back here at once.

He'd barely left his hotel when it was riddled with bullet holes.

Sir, we should arrest them all and interrogate every one of them.

Search them.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Check who has a silver pen.

A silver pen?

The killers all had silver pens on their chests.

Must be a sign to identify their own.

You're right.

There's a silver pen here!

Don't move!

This isn't mine.

It's you.

You know her?

Take her to the headquarters.

I'll interrogate her myself.

Here we are, Miss Ye.

Let's begin.

[Nanhuai Army General Staff] [Nanhuai Army Headquarters]

That's enough.

This is the headquarters' interrogation.

We'll show you every courtesy.

You still won't talk?

I am telling the truth.

I was here for an interview this afternoon.

They were short-staffed, so they sent me over.

Verify it if you don't believe me.

Lies make for a dull talk.

See that meat grinder?

There.

Put your hand in it.

Once the power is on,

you'll be nothing but crushed bone and flesh.

Have you ever tried cupping therapy?

Tell me.

Who is the mastermind?

This is your last chance.

I really don't know.

Ye Ping Jun.

Mingde Girls' School, Class 3, Grade 2.

You live in Tianshuijing Alley, East District.

Only have a mother at home, suffering from chronic lung disease.

She visits Ren'ai Hospital every month.

Her doctor is Wang Zhi Yuan.

She's been treated for three years.

Though she's improved, she still relapses whenever it gets cold.

Am I right?

What do you want?

What do I want? Isn't it obvious?

Name your accomplice,

and I'll show you mercy and let you go home.

Your mother is waiting for you.

Calm down.

I must stay calm.

[Recruitment Room]

I remember during the interview...

Feng Yao.

What a coincidence.

Are you here for the interview too?

When the results came out, she wasn't on the hired list.

But why was she in a waitress uniform at the ball?

Sir.

I have a proposal.

A proposal?

Yes.

Let's hear it.

Let me go.

Within ten days, I will catch the person who framed me.

Didn't expect you to joke at a time like this.

I'm not joking.

Since you've investigated me so thoroughly,

you know I have a sick mother at home.

I can't run away.

If I can't find the culprit in ten days,

it won't be too late to arrest me then.

Sir.

Do you dare make a bet with me?