Episode 2
Because of your medicine, I couldn't sleep last night!
You have some guts to ask me if I feel better today! Get lost!
Zhou Ying, the young master summons you.
Hurry UP-
Young Master Xing Yi, how may I help you?
Talk in front of me.
I've ousted Wang Zheng Gu.
From now on, you'll treat me.
Well...
...I can treat you. But, I've a condition.
You're too audacious. How dare you bargain with me!
You can't hit or scold me. Right.
I want good food and drinks. I don't want to do other works.
Believe it or not, I'll whip you to death.
Whip me then. I'll be impressed if you can stand up.
L---
Young Master Xing Yi, if there's nothing else...
...I need to go.
Wait! Stop right there!
Believe it or not, I can oust you.
You? -If I don't teach you a lesson...
...you won't respect me! Ling Long!
Come! -Coming!
What's the matter? -Tell Madam Duan to come...
...and oust this girl.
Alright.
Wait!
Don't summon Madam Duan.
What's the meaning of that?
What's your condition again?
I want to eat, drink and play.
I agree.
You're not ousting me? -Right.
Why? -That's my problem.
But, you just said to oust me. -Enough. Shut up.
I promise I won't hit or scold you.
You'll get good food and drinks. You don't have to work either.
Alright. Hurry up and apply the medicine for me.
The Ministry of Revenue suddenly added another order.
They want 1,000 herbal plasters.
Use last year's quotation then.
But, I heard Shen Family sent a quotation earlier...
...and they quoted 30% lower than the price we quoted last year.
That's lower than the cost. -Yes.
Shen Si Hai finally lost his patience.
But, it's just an order for herbal plasters.
Even if they can make money, it's a few thousand taels at most.
Why must Shen Family do this?
Since it's not for the money, he must have done it for his ego.
If that's the case, why don't we do him the favour?
What about our ego?
Father, you've gone through so much.
Haven't you realised that ego isn't that important?
I know.
But, I just can't let go.
Alright. In this case...
...I've another suggestion.
This one. -Are you sure?
It should be in there. -Pay up.
Again? -One more round.
You need to go slower this time. -No problem.
Look carefully.
No. This one.
Pay UP-
Again. -No. We'll play again tomorrow.
You want me to do as you say? I'm the one who has the say here.
I'm your master.
Believe it or not, I'll whip you.
You...
Where are you going?
I'm going to get a whip. Let's see if you can whip me.
I'm just kidding. I won't whip you.
Come here and talk to me.
Come here. I've pumpkin seeds for you.
Alright. What do you want to hear today?
Tell me about you. Where are you from?
What do your parents do? -I can't tell you.
Why? -I'll get myself killed.
Really?
The truth is...
...I'm actually...
...a princess.
My father is the emperor and my mother is the empress.
I was swapped and taken out of the palace.
Then, I became homeless.
Are you lying?
Of course. -I want the truth.
Fine. I'll tell you the truth.
My father isn't the emperor...
...but...
...a wolf. -A wolf?
I was an abandoned child.
I was left in the mountains.
Awe“ raked me up.
Do you take me for a fool? - I'm not the one lying to you.
Who is lying then?
My foster father. He told me all these stories.
I don't know the identities of my parents either.
Where's your foster father? -I don't know.
I've never seen him again...
...ever since he sold me to your family.
Don't worry. As long as I'm alive...
...you can stay in this household forever.
Forever?
If you behave...
...and stop doing outrageous things...
...I won't treat you shabbily.
Don't touch me.
It's time to eat!
Coming. -Coming. Let's eat.
Xing Er has been able to sit since yesterday.
He doesn't complain about the pain anymore.
It looks like Wang Zheng Gu is quite good.
He stopped calling for Wang Zheng Gu a long time ago.
He said Wang's medicine is too slow.
His maid prepared a remedy for him...
...and it works wonders. -Is that so?
We need to reward this maid properly.
Yes, mother.
If Xing Er can turn over a new leaf...
...the beating will be worth it.
I hope so.
I've an idea. Xing Er is no longer a child.
It's time for him to get a bedchamber maid.
This way, he won't go to the brothel anymore.
If he has someone to talk to him and advise him...
...he'll eventually grow up.
You're right, mother.
You can look out for a suitable maid...
...and tell Xing Er to make her his bedchamber maid.
Alright. I'll keep a lookout.
Will you give it to me or not?
How dare you trick me!
Sister, spare me!
Will you give it to me or not? - The young master gave it to me!
Will you give it to me or not? -Fine.
I'll give it to you.
Spare me, sister.
I'll choose Zhou Ying. -That girl?
I don't think it's a good idea. -Why?
She's a newcomer. She doesn't behave well.
She's very wild.
Mother, if you want me to choose...
...I'll choose Zhou Ying.
What are you choosing?
Brother Yue Sheng. -Mother.
We're talking about getting your brother a bedchamber maid.
It's such a trivial matter. You can just let mother decide.
How's your injury? - I'll fully recover soon.
You need to behave after this...
...and do something proper. -What is proper?
Learn to run a business. - You and father will suffice.
I'll just be a troublemaker.
You can study then.
Father and I were just talking about this days ago.
If we have an official in Shen Family...
...we would thrive even more today.
Brother Yue Sheng, why don't you take the exam?
I'm not made for that. - Right. You know it very well.
If you're not made for it, why makes you think I can do it?
You... What exactly do you want to do then?
I'll just eat, drink and play every day.
I'll lead a carefree life forever. -You...
Isn't that nice? -Mother, look at him.
Xing Er is just kidding.
Xing Er, apologise to your brother.
Brother Yue Sheng, I'm sorry. Once I recover...
...I'll repent, turn over a new leaf and be reborn.
Enough. -Mother, he's violent.
I... You call this violence? -isn't that violence?
I'll hit you for real.
You're serious? -I'll kill you, stupid brat.
Xing Er told me that he wants to choose Zhou Ying.
That girl is too wild and aggressive.
Who do you think is a suitable candidate then?
He has a maid called Ling Long. She has sewed him for 4-5 years.
She's hardworking, honest and gentle. I like her.
She's just a maid.
No matter how aggressive she is...
...she can't possibly overpower her master.
Let's do as he wishes. -But...
If you pick one he doesn't like, he'll hate to stay home.
He'll go out every day.
You're right, mother. We'll pick Zhou Ying.
Ling Long, refill my tea.
I'll show you something new today.
There's nothing in it.
An egg. -It's mine.
I haven't had my breakfast.
It's in my stomach now.
There's nothing in the sack anymore.
You're so stingy. It's just an egg.
You want it back? Fine. I'll return it to you.
Here you go.
This is too unbelievable. How did you do it? Teach me.
This secret can only be passed to my son.
I'll teach you if you call me "mother".
Do you want to get whipped? -I dare you to.
I'm joking. Teach me.
Take it and think about it yourself.
Don't touch it.
This tea smells good. Let me have a cup too.
Get it on your own.
What's wrong with you today?
You're still a maid and you started ordering me around.
Fine. I'll get it myself.
I'm going to get a cup of tea.
Let me. -It's alright. I can do it myself.
It's alright. How can I trouble you...
...Sister Zhou Ying? I'll pour the tea for you.
"Sister"?
You called me "stupid girl" yesterday.
Why am I suddenly your sister today?
I... I was immature. Please be kind...
...and forgive me. Here. Enjoy the tea.
Why are you so strange today? -Young Master Xing Yi.
You don't know yet? -Zhou Ying!
Zhou Ying is here! -The mistress wants to see her!
Alright! Sister Zhou Ying, go to the mistress quickly.
You'll receive a good news. Come.
Do I get a raise? -It's way better than that.
She's coming.
I see.
The rest will still be the same.
You'll still take care of Xing Er in his room.
But, your salary increases from 200 coins to 2 taels.
If you give birth to a child for him...
...you'll be his concubine.
You're a newcomer and the mistresses...
...did you such a huge favour. Now kneel and thank the mistress.
Madam, I prefer to be an ordinary maid.
Why? -I never thought of...
...marrying Young Master Xing Yi. -What are you saying?
Do you have a say in this? -This is my marriage.
Do I have no say? -You...
Zhou Ying, are you sure?
Yes. I don't want to marry him...
...even if I'm offered the position of his official wife.
What? She doesn't want it? -Right.
You may return.
I shall excuse myself, madam.
Madam, it's all my fault.
This girl is a newcomer. I haven't disciplined her.
But, don't worry. I'll definitely...
Forget about her. Tell Xing Er to come.
Yes.
Young Master Xing Yi, you're back.
Do you know that my mother's...
"gastric pain acted up because of you?
I didn't do anything. -You're too unruly!
I've no time for you.
Since you won't take it while I'm being nice...
...don't blame me for being rude.
What do you want? -Exercise my right as your master.
Let go of me!
Scoundrel, do you want to die?
Stop her!
How dare you kick me!
How dare you make my mother angry!
Do you know?
My mother disagreed. I had to beg my grandmother...
...to let you serve me in bed. Yet, you...
...have the guts to say no.
Don't you think you deserve a beating?
What's the matter? Are you scared?
Beg me.
I'll spare you if you beg me to take you in.
How dare you knock me! You...
I'll whip you again later. Close the door!
Young master of Wu Family, Wu Pin, has arrived!
Don't let her eat!
I'll starve that heartless woman to death!
The shopkeeper of my pharmacy did tell me that...
...we can try an order for herbal plasters.
But, I need to ask to know the price he quoted.
Father, you don't have to ask.
I instructed them to quote that price.
Brother Wu Pin, since you know our quotation...
...why don't you just quote a lower price?
Why do you have to discuss with us personally?
Quoting a lower price is the simplest method.
But, how will that benefit both families?
We should put it this way. Shen Family doesn't make any loss.
But, Wu Family will make a huge loss.
In business, we don't always profit.
Wu Family can afford this loss.
But, this kind of competition method...
...is boring and unfriendly.
What do you suggest then?
Instead of competing and causing losses at both sides...
...why don't we just join hands? -How?
Let's quote again together.
You mean, you want us to withdraw?
It doesn't matter who withdraws as long as the final quotation...
...allows both parties to make money.
That's an idea.
However... -Wu Family will withdraw.
Shen Family won't withdraw.
Brother Yue Sheng, do you want to stick with...
...your original quotation? -Yes.
Brother Yue Sheng, even if we withdraw...
...you'll make a loss with this quotation.
Just like Wu Family, Shen Family can afford it.
In fact, this is a way to contribute to the country.
We don't mind making a small loss.
Brother Yue Sheng, I'm impressed by your patriotism.
But, business is business. Good quality and proper pricing...
...is the best way for long-term contribution.
Say no more. I get what you mean.
I'll think about it and give you an answer. Alright?
See the guest off!
Uncle Shen. Brother Yue Sheng. Goodbye.
Yue Sheng, see Wu Pin off for me. -Yes.
This way.
You ate so little. - Enough. I'm done eating.
That's all? -Do you want some mashizi?
No.
Give her a bowl of rice.
You must be starving.
"Han Sh“ "Han Yu'.!
Search carefully!
Did anyone go out? -No, Young Master Xing Yi.
Lock this door. Don't let anyone go out.
She's definitely still in this mansion.
The few of you will search in the main suite.
You all will search in my brother's suite.
Find her! -Yes.
Come with me.
This way.
Brother Wu Pin, I shall see you off from here.
Have a safe trip. -Goodbye.
See you.
It's you.
You haven't found her? - No, Young Master Xing Yi.
Search the trees and bushes! -I beg of you. Please take me out.
I'll kill her if I catch her!
Xing Yi, why are you yelling here?
Don't worry. A maid ran away. - You're misbehaving again.
I'll kill her if I catch her! -You...
Let's go. -Lift the palanquin!
Wait.
Stop!
What's wrong? -Mr. Wu Pin.
I want to search your palanquin.
Is this Shen Family's new rule? - This isn't Shen Family's rule.
Just take it as that I'm in the mood to do it.
What if I refuse to let you search?
If you refuse, I won't let you leave.
Xing Yi!
You're so rude!
Apologise to Brother Wu Pin. -Brother Yue Sheng.
Apologise.
I'm sorry.
Brother Wu Pin, my brother is young and immature.
He's been rude. Please ignore him.
If you're really worried...
...feel free to search. - You must be kidding.
Please -Can I leave now?
Yes. -Goodbye.
Look at how slanted that palanquin is!
That girl is definitely inside!
I can see that. -Why didn't you let me search?
Wu Pin is a rank 5 official.
His rank is equal to that of the governor.
Does that allow him to take our maid away?
Disrespecting an official is a major offense.
What's going on?
Father.
Nothing's wrong. -Yue Sheng, come here.
Wait for me in your suite.
Tian Shi. Tian Yu. Come with me.
Alright. -Continue to search.
Yue Sheng.
Why did you say that to Wu Pin?
Father, I have my own plan.
With a quotation like that, we'll lose over 1,000 taels.
It's worth it even if we lose 5,000 taels.
Thank you so much.
Why were you in Shen Family's household?
It's a long story.
I need to go. Please let me get off here.
You can't leave. -Why?
How bothersome.
You'll die if you get caught.
I'll be accused of kidnapping their maid as well.
What should I do?
Come to my home first.
Alright. Thank you.
Father, you told me before that...
...Wu Family relied on their connections in the coun...
...to monopolise the military supply business.
Yes.
But, I heard that Hu Xue Yen's case...
...might get Wu Family into trouble.
You think this is an opportunity?
Since the Ministry of Revenue needs to make a new order...
...I thought I'd give it a shot.
If we fail, we don't lose anything.
But, if we get it...
...even if we make a loss, we can use this opportunity to...
...cut off Wu Family's monopoly...
...and damage the reputation of Wu Family...
was the biggest merchant in Jingyang.
That does sound...
...quite worth it. -There's more, father.
If we really manage to deliver the order...
...we need to say that we made a big profit.
Because if this reaches the ears of the officials...
...Wu Family relies on...
...the officials will surely suspect Wu Family's...
...past quotations and profits.
This is a way to sow discord between them.
Yue Sheng, that's a psychological tactic.
Wu Family is just depending on their connections.
If we can cut off their connections...
...we'll easily surpass Wu Family.
Open the door! The young master is back!
Young Master Xing Yi, what should we do?
The two of you will wait here.
We're at the east. What if she escapes from the west?
Will they let a maid go to the other suites?
What about the middle door?
Can Wu Family open their middle door for no reason?
Enough said.
Stay here and wait.
Let's just wait.
Stop. Put down the palanquin.
This is your home?
This is the eastern suite?
Your home is huge.
By the way, did you manage to find your brother?
You don't want to know. -ls your mother still ill?
What about your youngest brother?
You don't want to know.
How did you end up in Shen Family's household?
I was sold over.
What do you plan to do next?
I plan to...
I plan to look for my family.
Madam Zhang!
Young Master Pin. Go without me.
Young Master Pin. -This is...
I'm his brother. -But, you're a woman.
She's my friend. -Friend?
Never mind that, Madam Zhang. She'll stay here for a few days.
Take good care of her. -Alright.
Stay here for now. You can leave when it's safe.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Wu.
Come with me.
Shen Yue Sheng rejected your suggestion?
But, Shen Si Hai seemed a little interested.
He said to think about it.
Shen Yue Sheng is either a fool...
...or a man cleverer than his father.
You need to be careful with him. -Yes.
Father, there's another issue.
Speak.
Young Master Xing Yi. -Send someone to...
...replace Tian Shi and Tian Yu. -Yes, Young Master Xing Yi.
Brother Yue Sheng.
I told you to go back to your room. Where did you go?
I can't believe you actually went to Wu Family's mansion.
It wouldn't be so troublesome if you let me search his palanquin.
If you search his palanquin...
...we'll make an enemy out of Wu Family.
So what? It's not like we're afraid of them.
She's just a maid. -That maid...
She's different from other maids. -How is she different?
Look at all the troubles you caused.
They are all because of women.
Can you be a little more useful?
I'll make a bigger trouble next time then.
I dare you to!
Tell your men to come back!
Are we going to lose a maid for nothing?
So what?
Don't worry. We won't lose our maid for nothing.
Don't be so useless.
I can't believe it.
This girl belongs to Shen Family.
Her fate is Shen Family's household affair.
You're being meddlesome.
You made an enemy out of Shen Family for a stranger.
You're being unwise.
Father, you're right.
It's true that I made a bad decision today.
But, I don't think there was another choice at that time.
Where is that girl?
I asked Madam Zhang to let her stay in our guestroom.
Father, don't tell me...
...you plan to send her back to Shen Family.
I've been a merchant in Jingyang for so many years.
I don't know about the rest, but I'm sure Shen Si Hai...
...won't say no if I ask for a maid.
But now, I don't want to give in...
...and Shen Si Hai doesn't want to be embarrassed.
This is a stalemate.
Why don't we set this matter aside for now...
...and settle it another day?
Shen Family sent a quotation as well?
Yes. In fact, the price is very low.
They are determined.
They walked into a trap we set up for Wu Wei Wen.
He's asking for death.
Please sit down. -After you.
Mr. Shen.
Long Sheng He is new in Jingyang.
We're very lost.
Please guide us in the future.
Mr. Du, you've overstated it.
Shen Family runs a small business for a living.
We'll be in your care.
Mr. Shen, you're too humble. In Jingyang today...
...you're the only one who can rival Wu Family.
Shen Family runs a small business only.
We don't dare to compare ourselves with Wu Family.
But, I heard that Shen Family and Wu Family...
...are recently competing over a military supply business.
Mr. Du, you're so well-informed.
To be frank, I serve the second son of a prince.
So, I have some connections in the Ministry of Revenue.
I will always receive the latest information...
...from the Ministry of Revenue.
You're a royal merchant.
We've been disrespectful. -I'm flattered.
We're just sewing the young prince.
Mr. Du, I have a question.
Which between Shen Family and Wu Family...
"stands a better chance?
Young Master Yue Sheng, if I were you...
...I'd rather withdraw.
What makes you say so?
It's pointless to compete.
You mean...
...it's already decided internally?