Detailed summary of episode 8 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains…
Episode 8 - Guier offered a reward to catch the murderer.
(Continuing 20 years ago) Mr. Zhong tells the two guards that they should not have involved Lu Zhi. Mr.Zhong instructs the two guards' bodies to be thrown away after putting some valuables on them to make it look like they stole things and ran away and fought with each other, ending up killing each other over the spoils. Mr. Zhong allows Mr. Zhang's senior to stay in Mr. Zhang's room till he recovers.
(Present time, AD 1609) Once the document of Dr. Cheng was received Captain Xia's lies were exposed, the inspector general was furious. Captain Xia was demoted to ordinary bailiff and sent back to Du county along with Lv San. The other bailiffs at Du county who were flogged earlier by Captain Xia and want to retaliate by flogging him. Sangeng intervenes and asks everyone to be reasonable if they beat Captain Xia severely, he may die and they may all lose their jobs. He asks the guys to make a note of all the strokes Captain Xia owes them and they could be at Captain Xia now and then to even the scores. This way Captain Xia will be hurt daily but he won't be killed so Du county bailiffs won't be liable.
Inside the room, Captain Xia has drinks with Lv San and tells him that it will be their last drink together after which they will cut ties so Lv San will not be implicated for captain Xia's offences. Sangeng enters the room and demands that he should be given back Captain Leng's badge that Captain Xia stole from the Hunter Squad's room to implicate the monkey demon in two murders of Captain Leng and Mr. Wang. Captain Xia is furious at Sangeng and accuses him of setting Captain Xia up. Sangeng knew the murderer would come back so he lured Captain Xia to take the badge, now Captain Xia had taken a big fall due to Sangeng's manipulation. Sangeng informs Captain Xia that Jin has counted how many lashes he is due, it is rounded off to 750 lashes. Captain Xia seems scared at the sheer number of lashes he has to bear. Sangeng reprimands Captain Xia for his earlier behavior and advises him that Officials should not strike fear into the hearts of their own people, it's the criminals who should be terrified of the officials. Sangeng makes another offer to Captain Xia, if he gives 1 silver teal for each lash then with 750 teals of silver, Sangeng can negotiate with other bailiffs to forego Captain Xia's punishment. Captain Xia vows to get the money even if he has to sell his property.
Mr. Song also offers Some relief to Captain Xia and Lv San and he asks them to follow him and not regular duties. Both of them are grateful and promise to do what Mr. Song instructs them. Mr. Song assign a task to Lv San to keep a watch on someone because Lv San is expert at trailing and secret investigation.
Turkey has put the killer messages on the wall in Mr. wang's classroom and busy studying it. Shicong and Sangeng enter that room. Turkey (Mr.Feng) tells them that he has found the clue to the killer. A clue to killer's killing lies right in these words. According to Turkey, The killer leaves classical Chinese everytime he kills someone. It shows that he is smug. He leaves riddles in these words. Further Turkey says * (My principle is unified) it's from chapter four *(Young ones) from chapter eleven. Chapter nine. *(such a person couls get such a disease) chapter six. Turkey asks if Shicong and Sangeng understood it. Sangeng urges Turkey to just explain. Turkey says 4+11= 15 also 9+6= 15
Chapter 15 is "Duke Ling of Wei". Turkey thought it was the beginning. The first sentence of the chapter talks about Duke Ling of Wei asking Confucius about military formation. Shicong inquires what it means. Turkey replies nothing. So it has nothing to do with it. But it does have to do with Duke Ling of Wei. The capital of wei state was in Puyang. Puyang is now in Henan. So Turkey concludes that the killer is telling them he is from Henan. Turkey tells Shicong and Sangeng to keep an eye out for anyone on the street speaking Henan accent. Shicong makes fun of Turkey and asks him if he has not been sleeping well lately. Turkey contemplates on this asks them if they thought he was talking in his sleep.
Gui'er comes in the classroom and says all three of them have arrived early. Sangeng wants to know why Gui'er asked them to meet her at this place. Gui'er asks if what Mr.Feng (Turkey) said was correct and after Dr. Cheng died they are at a dead end. Sangeng replies that all they can be sure of is that the deaths of those men were related to Lu family from 20 years ago. In that big fire everyone in the Lu family was burnt to death. And even the legacy of survivors disappeared. Gui'er says that it must be her father who interfered. She speculates what if the remaining survivors except Chen Wang who is already dead, are still in Du county but under different disguise. Shicong interjects The attendant, The guard the cook must be familiar faces in this county. It must not be easy for them to hide. Turkey thinks they can still be here by changing their names. For eg The former cook has now become a stableman. He just needs to avoid seeing old acquaintance. And the attendant would be now a grown up man. Gui'er thinks that whether they stay or go they must have left some clues behind. It is impossible for a living person to disappear into thin air like smoke. Sangeng want to know what Gui'er intents to do... She replies she Wants to spend some money.
Mr. Zhang and mysterious man in fishing hat are fishing by the side of the river. Mr. Zhang is frustrated and sighs, fishing is really difficult. He doesn't have a clue the point is that they are in the light and the fish is in the dark. The mysterious man contradicts Mr. Zhang and says that fishes and them both are in the dark only bait is in the light. He instructs Mr. Zhang to prepare some bait. Lv San who is following Mr. Zhang as per Judge Song's instructions spies on these people having conversation by the bank of the river.
Gui'er shares her plan with the three men, she wants to offer 500 teals for verified information about the survivors and a chain of coins for other useful information regardless of the importance. This reward should be given under the guise it's a quest from their families. Turkey thinks it would be feasible options just like when you chum the water while fishing. A hint of money will bring those old stories to the surface. Gui'er says If we can't find the clues, let the clue go to us. Turkey says they could keep the location as Wulei school and he would post some notices regarding that. Gui'er wants to join them and she disguises herself in men's clothes. Turkey scoffs that anyone who isn't blind can tell she is a girl and Shicong adds even if one is blind they can tell by her voice that she is a woman. Sangeng has a reasonable solution to allow Gui'er to sit behind a screen in a room and observe.
Many people have come to wulei school to get the reward money. First witness goes in Niu Lubao he says he knew Chen Wang and he was a gambler he rambles on. Gui'er says the money should be just given to him, he gets a chain of coins and people outside look greedily, Niu LuBao and others who have got a string of coins for their cooperation, spread the news outside and many more people line up to get the reward for useful information.
Lv San follows Mr. Zhang who visits the kylin Restaurant. Mr. Zhang inquires about the whereabouts of the owner Niu buyan. The owner had gone to the cuihua tower to deliver food. Niu Buyan had gone there to meet Ms. Lin.
Shicong's father Mr.Gao has joined the queue outside wulei school, Shicong is annoyed at this, but his father insists he has some genuine information to share. Mr. Gao goes inside the school to share his information, he says that because he is a butcher he knew You'er, the chef of the Lu family. You'er knew his meat and Lu family was rich so Mr. Gao always saved the best meat for them. After Lu residence caught fire You'er was gone and nobody knew where he went. Mr. Gao continues that 6 to 7 years ago he went to deliver meat at Kylin restaurant. A man came to check the meat, the waiters called him boss Niu Buyan, it was later when Mr. Gao went home and realised it was You'er. You'er used to be plump and the owner was thinner. you'er must have recognised Mr. Gao too because since then they have not ordered meat from him. Mr.Gao says that kylin restaurant was in operation since long but few years after the fire the restaurant changed its name , Lion restaurant. Turkey says that they believe Mr. Gao but 500 teals can be given to him only after they verify the truth.
Ms. Lin talks with Niu Buyan. They engage in small talk about food but Ms. Lin wants direct talk. Niu Buyan says that if not for the fire 20 years ago where would they have got the wealth. Ms. Lin says that the fire has nothing to do with her as she couldn't go out of the tower unless a customer called for her. Niu Buyan says Dr. Cheng, Captain Leng and Mr. Wang what they all have in common is they all have been involved with the Lu family. Niu Buyan continues that the body was probably of chen Wang who drowned himself, Niu Buyan knew him back then. Ms. Lin asks Niu Buyan to be direct, he asks could it be possible that they would be next. Ms. Lin says no matter who is next, she should not be the person whom he should come to see first.
Mr. Gao is given two chains of coins. Mr. Gao is very happy and on the way outside meets Judge Song and Sangeng. Mr. Song wonders if they have got some useful information because they jabe distributed lots of money. Judge Song sits behind the screen along with Gui'er to observe the interviews.
Fortune teller Yue returns to Wulei school to add more as he recalled something else, he wanted to know if they were looking for only those three people. If he knew one more person who survived the fire besides those three he inquired how much they would offer him for that information. Turkey says if he can really prove that the person exist then 1000 teals, but that person should be relevant. Fortune teller says they will end up being scared if he told them about that person, he goes to gather evidence.
Niu Buyan continues chatting with Ms. Lin in the brothel. He says back then the Lu residence was burned to ground, they had to rely on body sizes and the location of the burns to identify who they were. The four members of the Lu family all died, the case was handled by Captain Leng. Niu Buyan wants to know if he discussed the case with Ms. Lin. Niu Buyan continues with his talks and says that he knows it is impossible but he fears the murderer may be a Lu. Niu Buyan continues band says the murderer wants to kill all those related to Lu family.
Back in Wulei school everyone discusses the information they have gathered. Sangeng says that owner of kylin restaurant Niu Buyan is the cook You'er. Turkey says that Zhang Jizu, steward of Mr. Xue's house is said to be the Lu's guard Zhang Gui. Gui'er says that Lu She's whereabouts can be deduced, a big family usually doesn't casually choose a steward, they usually go with someone who they know well and who's served them for years. If Zhang Jizu, Mr. Xue's steward is Zhang Gui then Mr.Xue is probably Lu Zhi.
In the brothel Ms.Lin tells Niu Buyan she doesn't care who the murderer wants to kill she is leaving it all to fate. She says that she is not hoping for luck only those who are scared of death would hope for luck. I am not scared. She asks if death is really that terrifying.
Outside the brothel, Niu Buyan meets Mr. Zhang the steward of Xue house. Niu Buyan hopes that if THAT person has not yet forgotten him. His cheap life may just be saved. Mr. Zhang tells him not to talk and just go with him. Lv San who is still following Mr. Zhang observes this exchange between Mr. Zhang and Niu Buyan.
Fortune teller Yue of kuixing sect is writing a notice and mumbling to himself, do you really not recognize me?
Lv San is reporting his findings to Mr.Song in the Yamen. Mr. Song says to Lv San that the owner of the kylin restaurant was brought to Mr. Xue's house by steward Zhang. Lv San confirms that he stayed there till midnight. Mr. Song gives new assignment to Lv San from the next day he should tail Niu Buyan instead of Mr. Zhang.
Next day, Outside in the courtyard of the Yamen office, County Magistrate shouts for help, all bailiffs rush outside. County magistrate points at a note stuck with a knife on one of the pillars of Yamen.
Somewhere else, Lv San is badly wounded, he is standing in the middle of a forest with few people among them are Mr. Zhang, Niu Buyan and bailiffs of Yamen are also present. Lv San is thankful Sangeng has arrived. Sangeng inquires who among them was Niu Buyan. He asks Niu Buyan to come to Yamen for further questioning as per the order of county magistrate.
Niu Buyan is taken to the Yamen, there in a room, County magistrate in the presence of Mr. Song, questions Niu Buyan. Niu Buyan had told the county magistrate that he had gone to the province to buy dry goods, they are valuable and he didn't trust his clumsy subordinates. They are not ordinary ingredients they are extremely rare. He goes to explain all items in detail. County magistrate asks who was it that cut off the horse's legs, Niu Buyan said he doesn't know must be some bandit. Niu Buyan describes the man wearing a broad bamboo hat whose face was full of black beard. County magistrate asks Niu Buyan who were the other two men in the cart. Niu Buyan says they were the steward, Mr. Zhang of Xue household and the chief guard of Xue household. Niu Buyan said they had accompanied him because the shipment was too valuable he couldn't handle it himself. Mr. Zhang ans Mr. Liu has martial arts skill so he partnered with Mr.Xue. county magistrate continues his questioning of Niu Buyan and says the Yamen received an anonymous letter in the morning, according to the letter Niu Buyan killed captain Leng, Mr.wang and Dr. Cheng. Niu Buyan denies it and says it is all malicious rumours. County magistrate at last asks him to pay the bail and continue his regular business but he is forbidden to leave Du county.
In another room of Yamen, Lv San recounts his experience in front of Judge Song, Sangeng and Captain Xia, he says that before Niu Buyan left the county, he made a full round with his carriage and visited everywhere. It seemed he was trying to make a big show of it. Lv San followed him into the isolated forest. Lv San saw that a man on a donkey wearing a broad bamboo hat whose face was full of black beard, approached Niu Buyan's cart and cut off the horse's leg. It is brought to attention the appearance of this man is same as described by stonemason earlier. Sangeng concludes that he is the killer. Sangeng had thought that one of the three survivor of the fire was the killer, unbelievable Niu Buyan was the target. Judge Song says that's why the killer followed Niu Buyan after he left the county. Sangeng guessed Niu Buyan's original plan was to use himself as bait to draw the killer out. Sangeng continues that once the killer was lured out, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Liu hiding in the cart could seize the chance and kill the killer, it seems the prey is going to fight back. Captain Xia says even knowing it was a trap the killer couldn't allow Niu Buyan to escape. He had no choice but to follow. What a clever plan. Lv San says but the killer had seen through this scheme, he also planned an escape route in advance.Lu San says the killer used Firangi (western firearms) to wound Mr. Zhang. Mr. Song says that the price of this firangi must be extremely high. It is said that Wang WuFeng had two in the past. Lv San continues his story Mr.Zhang and Mr. Liu are extremely skilled in martial arts, Lu San says he was stabbed by Niu Buyan when he was trying to bring them to Yamen after the killer wounded Mr. Zhang with firangi and ran away. Lu San says Niu Buyan is extremely ruthless and decisive. Sangeng says it was smart of killer to use yamen. It is concluded that the killer couldn't be at two places, first the forest and second pinning the anonymous letter at Yamen, so there must be a mile in Yamen, helping the killer.
Later in Mr.Xue's house, Mr. Xue asks Niu Buyan to stay with him at his house as he has 100 guards. Niu Buyan says the killer just doesn't want to kill them but place them as he sees fit. If he is surrounded by few people, killer will be inconvenienced. Mr. Liu says the killer will be more careful after that day. Mr. Xue says the bounty they set up worked, people in Yamen know their real identity. Mr. Xue says that after the fire 20 years ago they left Du County and returned under the changed name three years later, you'er says there were too many secrets behind that incident. Mr. Xue asks You'er(Niu Buyan) what Ms. Lin told him earlier, you'er says she told him that captain Leng didn't tell her anything. But Mr. Xue says that You'er doesn't believe in luck.
There is a rune posted overnight all over Du County by fortune teller yue. The rune reads, (In the garden where I saw you, nine crickets can still be heard 20 years pass and appearance change. I am more ashamed and disfigured. At night I realized how nice youth was, in the same place, the rape is still blooming early. A Taoist gave me a resurrection flower. When I see you it has become regenerating grass. General Tongtou. On the 30th day of the 10th month. Year of Jiyou) . Turkey concludes it's an Acrostic. Read the first character in each line together. (See you at around nine at the night in the same place) It isn't just Acrostic but filled with cryptic words. 'Crickets' and 'general Tongtou' must be what he and his friend went through in the past. Fortune teller Yue is telling his friend 'I recognize you'. 'A resurrection flower' and 'regenerating glass hints that others think his friend is dead but he knows his friend is still alive. The date has an underlying meaning, it is the 30th day of 10th Month, that day was 25th when the message was written so the date is the date of meeting, see you at around nine at night in the same place. Shicong says that he doesn't know where the meeting place is but he knows where fortune teller Yue sets up his stall, they will keep an eye on him.
Shicong and Sangeng follow fortune teller Yue to a remote place where he is waiting for his friend on the date mentioned, it's 11 pm and yet his friend has not shown up. Lv San brings hot sweet potato on the cold stakeout and asks both Sangeng and Shicong to leave he will keep a watch. It is concluded that the killer is not really afraid of the cold as he committed most murders in small hours.
In the brothel, Ms. Lin is murdered, she is lying on her bed and her throat is slit, message written near her dead body (In his youth, his vital force is unstable and he should guard against lust)
Detailed summary of episode 8 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....
please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.
Detailed summary of episode 7 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains…
Episode 7 - Dr. Cheng is killed
The mysterious man on the fishing boat and Mr. Zhang are talking. The mysterious man wonders if the monkey demon was the murderer, he also wonders if the monkey demon was a smokescreen released by the murderer and the murderer's target was not the two people Mr. Zhang and his senior were watching. Mysterious man says that all of them have split up. Mr. Zhang says they don't know where the murderer is but the murderer knows exactly where each of them were. Mr. Zhang vows to protect the mysterious man along with his senior but that will leave the two people they are watching unprotected. Mysterious man contemplates that those two people deserve to die. Another hidden man makes Dr.Cheng sign a confession by holding him down with a sword on his back, near them a mixture or medicine is boiling.
Judge Song hands Sangeng his token back and informs him that he won their bet. Judge Songs asks Sangeng not to thank him but thank the money demon. Captain Xia left Du county Yamen after catching the monkey demon thief. Captain Xia plans to pin the murder of Captain Leng and Mr. wang(teacher) on the monkey demon. Judge Song says that the confiscated items from the monkey demon had Captain Leng's badge so that could be used by Captain Xia as evidence against the Monkey Demon. Judge Song suddenly realises that maybe Sangeng had something to do with the badge appearing in the confiscated items. Sangneng replies that the badges of Hunter Squad were often hung in their watchhouse after duty. Sangeng often wipes his master Captain Leng's badge, implying that Captain Xia watched Sangeng wipe Captain Leng's badge and deliberately placed it among evidence to pin the murders on Monkey Demon. However Sangeng promises that Monkey Demon will not be charged with theft because now that Captain Xia has left, he will find the real murderer.
Judge Song shares a list of antiques purchased. It was found among the goods of the monkey demon. Monkey demon committed the crime according to the list. The logic of the monkey demon was that people who just sold antiques were bound to have money. Mr.Song says the monkey demon got this list from Mao County, there is a place called Taipingzao.it is a den of thieves disposing of stolen goods. Sangeng says It's also quite common to sell the purchasing list to thieves. Sangeng thinks there is something suspicious about the list. Mr.Song asked the owners of the items, they all said they had no antiques or that they don't consider the items they sold as antiques. The antique dealer came to them insisting on their broken bowls, Old pots, and old fans were antiques. He paid a lot of money. He paid a lot of money to buy them. Sangeng infers he sold this list to monkey demon through the Taipingzao, it is to say he lured the monkey demon here and made the monkey demon appear as planned. Sangeng wonders why that person did that. Judge Song replies that according to the victims, this antique dealer is a bearded man wearing a bamboo hat. Mr.Song concludes the poor monkey demon, captain Xia wants to use him, Sangeng wants to use him, even the murderer wants to use him. He probably has never been so useful in his life.
In Yaowang temple, there is a dead body of Dr.Cheng stuffed in a big cauldron. On his dead body a note is pinned (Such a person could actually get such a disease) . While the coroner is examining the dead body, County magistrate mumbles that another one died, Dr. Cheng Yizhi, the doctor had just checked the pulse of county magistrate the other day. County magistrate wonders what the murderer actually wants, killing a bailiff, a teacher, a doctor. County magistrate asks the coroner what was the cause of Dr. Cheng's death. The coroner responds that Dr. Cheng's face was purple, his lips black according to coroner Dr. Cheng was poisoned but doesn't know what poison.
Judge Song say they found dozens of prescriptions on the dead body and the large pot where the body was placed had medical residue. So Judge Song invites Mr.Liu, the owner of Bao'an pharmacy to help them. Mr. Liu says that the prescriptions had Dr. Cheng's seal and the residues are from those medicine on the prescription. In Mr. Liu's opinion Dr. Cheng was poisoned by the medicines he prescribed. County magistrate is startled by this asks the pharmacy owner how could Dr. Cheng prescribe himself poision. Mr. Liu replies that Dr. Cheng's prescriptions have no issues they are for the treatment of ordinary diseases but different herbs have different doses. It seems the murderer brewed the medicines from dozens of prescriptions and then fed them to Dr. Cheng, the medicines were not poisonous but they became poisonous When mixed together. All herbs contains trace amounts of poison. There were medicines had ingredients like kusnezoff monkshood, henbane and windflower. They would become lethal at a high dose. County Magistrate reads the note loudly, Such a person could actually get such a disease. Sangeng explains that he had looked it into the note. As Ran Boniu, a disciple of Confucius fell seriously ill, Confucius said that it just means such a person could actually be killed by his own medicines. County magistrate says that A Doctor can actually be killed by his own medicines. That's why the murderer left this note. County magistrate asks Mr. Xie his assistant if they should report this case, Mr. Xie has already drafted a document for county magistrate to review. While leaving the morgue, County magistrate sarcastically comments that Captain Xia only knows how to flog people and catch monkeys, he must file a complaint against him.
Mr. Liu wants to leave but Sangeng gives his two prescriptions made by Dr.Cheng 20 years ago, he wants to know if these two prescriptions are administered to one person what would happen. Mr. Liu says that if these two prescriptions were combined, it would be alright for Chen Wang to eat it, but if given to Lu Yuanbao, it will be lethal for him, within half a year he would start vomiting blood. Sangeng says that he remembers that anyone Who buys herbs from the pharmacy must leave a copy of their prescription. Mr. Liu agrees that is to have a clear record in case the patient has any problems. Sangeng concludes even if the patient dies, they check the prescription in the pharmacy, Dr. Cheng won't be blamed. Sangeng inquires of the Coroner, if the person dies from those prescription and he were to perform the autopsy would he infer the person died of poisoning. Coroner says he won't suspect poisoning.
(20 years ago) . Dr. Cheng is taking the pulse of Lu Yuanbao. Lu Yuanbao complains to the doctor that his condition has been erratic since last six months. He thinks his days are limited. Dr. Cheng assures him that he need to worry, he just needs time for recuperating and rest. Another mysterious man is writing in his diary(Dr.cheng's medical skills came from his family, but there is one skill no one knows where he learnt it) . Dr. Cheng gives Lu zhi some instructions to brew the medicines and sends him out, Lu Zhi peeps inside and witnesses, Dr. Cheng stealing an article from the house. Lu Zhi tells of Dr. Cheng theft to Mr.Zhong where Mr.Zhong is fishing. Mr.Zhong asks in sign language what he stole. Lu Zhi informs him that he stole a sandalwood canister carved with golden toad. Mr, Zhong inquires that if Lu Zhi knew Dr. Cheng was stealing why he didn't catch him. Lu Zhi says that Dr. Cheng is the best doctor and they have invited him to treat Lu Yuanbao so it would do them no good to catch and expose him but Lu Zhi has hidden all expensive items and left only inexpensive items out side they can consider the stolen items Dr. Cheng fees, however Lu Zhi is keeping a record of all items. Mr. Zhong looks at the list and wants to know how to read a character on the list. Lu Zhi says that Mr. Zhang already knows enough from what Lu Zhi has taught him, he doesn't need to learn obscure character. Lu Zhi would have nothing new to teach him and Mr. Zhong would have to go to school with Lu Zhi later. Lu Zhi informs Mr. Zhong that he knows whose skull is buried in Mr. wang's (teacher)yard.
Lu Zhi tells Mr. Zhong that Xiao Baozi(Turtle) went to pay respect at the grave of his friend one day as it was the friend's death anniversary. Xiao Baozi's friend had been dead for five years. The name of his friend was Qiao Gou're. Xiao Baozi was bullied by few boys because of his background of living in a Brothel, Cuihua Tower. They mercilessly threw Xiao Baozi in the water, however he couldn't swim just then Qiao Gou'er You're came back and rescued Xiao Baozi. After that Qiao Gou'er befriended Turtle and taught him to swim. Qiao Gou'er told Turtle it was not fun going to school because his master punishes the students severely.Turtle did not have a surname because his mother didn't know who his father was and even his mother was dead. Qiao Gou'er asks Turtle to wait for him by the river bank and he would play with Xiao Baozi after school the next day. Xiao Baozi goes to the grave of Qiao Goi'er with Lu Zhi and pays respect while continuing his talent. Xiao Baozi waited the next day but his friend did not come. Qiao Gou'er's father closed shop to look for him every where, later someone found a headless corpse of a child behind the stage. His father recognised the dead body as Qiao Gou'er's by his clothes and scars on his back. His father once hit him with a wooden spoon the spoon broke and wood chips were left all over his back. Lu Zhi inquires if this incident happened in October and if yes, then concludes that Qiao Gou'er couldn't have been killed at the theater, no holidays or festivals so other than market days, no troupe would perform hence no one would be at the theatre. Most likely the murderer dumped the body there for that reason. The last person to see him alive was his classmate. Qiao Gou'er had promises Xiao Baozi to teach him to write so he would bring a pen for Xiao Baozi. Xiao Baozi informs Lu Zhi that Qiao Gou'er studied in Wulei school and his teacher was Mr.Wang.
Lu Zhi takes the hidden skull in Mr. Wang's yard at Yamen and asks Captain Leng to examine the skull. Captain Leng informs Lu Zhi that as per the coroner, the skull belonged to a teenager whose occipital bone was broken and if not broken after death then the boy must have been killed by a heavy blow to the back of his head. The murderer then used ax on his cervical vertebrae to chop off the head. Lu Zhi wants Captain Leng to arrest Mr. Wang with this evidence for the death of Qiao Gou'er. But Captain Leng cautions him against bit as firstly, Mr. Wang was an influential scholar and secondly no one would believe Lu She's testimony as he was a child and secondly a servant a lowly born.
Lu Zhi is disappointed and continues telling his story to Mr.Zhong that even though he is educated the world is not the same as written in the books. Lu Zhi tells Mr.Zhong books always encourage people to be good but it's hard to be good and easy to do evil. Mr. Zhong uses sign language to tell Lu Zhi that there are few good and evil people. Lu Zhi infers that extremely good and evil people are rare in the world.
Lu Yuanbao calls Lu Zhi and Mr. Zhong to discuss embezzlement case of Mr. Zhao. Hongshun Textile mill was cofounded by Lu Yuanbao and Mr. Zhao. Lu Yuanbao had 60% stake and Mr. Zhao had 40% stake. Mr. Li the accountant was secretly appointed by Lu Yuanbao to keep a track of Mr.Zhao, Mr. Li kept two account books one as her Mr. Zhao's instructions and other the accurate one. There is a difference of 2500 teals of silver in both books. So Lu Zhi concludes that Mr. Zhao must be skimming off from the business. Lu Yuanbao has his own methods to deal with Mr. Zhao, he sends him gift of pigeon and Invites him for banquet. Lu Yuanbao says that Mr. Zhao is not engaging in money lending business as he seem to have extra cash. For 4,300 teals of silver the interest would be 172 teals of silver. Ar first Mr.Zhao intimidates Lu Yuanbao as Mr. Zhao had connection and family if Du county but Lu Yuanbao was a relatively outsider. Lu Yuanbao pacifies his anger and serves him hangover soup of Pigeons. After eating the soup, Lu Yuanbao clarifies that the soup was made of Mr. zhao's Pigeons. Lu Yuanbao continues by telling Mr.Zhao that even though he doesn't have connections or fame but he can still get into Mr. Zhao's place and take someone living or dead esily. Mr.Zhao is scared and agress to sign an IOU, Yuanbao makes him sign the document for 5000 teals of siver, he rounds off the interest.
Mr. Zhang's senior stumbles in Lu Yuanbao residence, he is severely injured. Mr.Zhang allows his senior, Liu Shiqi to recuperate in his room at Lu Yuanbao's house's courtyard . However Mr. Zhang confides in Lu Zhi. Lu Yuanbao would be furious with them if he found out they allowed a vagrant, an assassin known as Ghost hand to stay there. Lu Zhi agrees to allow Mr. Zhang's senior to stay for a while, the other two guards in the courtyard find out this secret, they inform Mr. Zhong. The two guards bring Lu Zhi to Mr. Zhang's room where Mr. Zhong is already waiting. Mr. Zhong unexpectedly and suddenly kills the two guards to protect Lu Zhi from Lu Yuanbao's wrath.
Detailed summary of episode 7 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....
please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.
Detailed summary of episode 6 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains…
Episode 6 - Past of Judge Song is revealed
A mysterious man wearing fisherman's straw hat and Mr.Zhang are talking while sitting in a boat, The mysterious man is cooking something in a pot on the boat. Mr. zhang asks the mysterious man if he knows who the murderer is going to kill next? The mysterious man replies that the killer, killed Captain Leng first then he killed Mr.Wang and he hung Chen Wang's body. Mr.Zhang reflects on this that these three people never changed their identities.Following this order the mysterious man thinks, Mr. Zhang will have to look at it from 20 years ago. Mr. Zhang's next question is that following this logic there are other two people like them, so it reasons that the murderer will target them next. So Mr.Zhang plans to send two of his apprentices during the day to keep a watch over them and at night, Mr.Zhang and his senior will watch those people at night. The mysterious man laughs and reflects that he didn't think Mr. Zhang even after 20 years will still have to climb the roofs at midnight. The mysterious jokes if Mr. Zhang's nocturnal clothes would still fit him.
The county magistrate asks Captain Xia if he really plans to investigate the monkey demon's revenge case. According to captain xia even though it is an old case for now it's the only link to captain Leng and Mr. Wang. Captain Xia plans to start his investigation by interrogating the charm seller, fortune teller Yue. County magistrate Wei starts by asking him why he is spreading false information about demons. County magistrate Wei plans to hit the fortune teller when he starts speaking. Fortune teller looks very keenly at the county magistrate Wei and the latter inquires why the fortune teller was staring at him. The fortune teller replies that he makes living reading faces and according to him the county magistrate looks like a grandee with a high position and great wealth so he was shocked.
County Magistrate Wei is flattered and fortune teller continues with his confession that monkey performer and his monkey may belong to white lotus sect. There are many branches to the sect, the sect is divided into two schools, one of them is Trial school the people in this sect train and raise monkeys. Most of those who perform monkey shows are from Trial school. The other is the Guardian school, they are dressed as monkeys jumping up and down. If these people break on to steal at night and are caught by people, people will shout but if people see a man sized monkey with messy hair they will be freaked out and will not chase the thief.
Dr. Cheng visits Mr. Zhang and wants to know if Mr. Zhang had informed Mr. Xue about his business. Dr. Cheng says that there is no problem with his prescription of 20 years ago, Sangeng doesn't know medicine and even an experienced doctor wouldn't spot the problem. Mr. Zhang advises Dr. Cheng spread the prescription all over all the city, if people believe it is a general prescription, even if Sangeng discovers something no one will believe him. Mr. Zhang believes that people's perception is what matters.
Captain Xia asks Lv San when he travelled outside did he hear of the wukong sect? Captain Xia wants to know that if he wanted to capture this monkey demon did Lv San have any solution? Lv San is given order to observe it secretly, this conversation is overheard by Sangeng who was outside Captain Xia. Sangeng enters the office greets the two officers and goes to cleans his master, Captain Leng's badge which was hung in the office.
Judge Song wants to know if Sangeng's injury has healed that he has come to Yamen, Judge Song advises Sangeng to rest at home for a few more days as Captain Xia's deadline is approaching and other runners have not solved any single case. Judge Song fears others will blame Sangeng is they are punished. Sangeng wants to make a bet with Judge Song that Captain Xia will leave soon. Sangeng wants Judge Song that if Sangeng wins the bet, Judge Song will return back Sangeng's token to him. Judge Song is bewildered because he says that he doesn't have Sangeng's token. Sangeng says Judge Song will have it soon.
Just as Sangeng is leaving he is arrested, Dr. Cheng has complained to county magistrate about Sangeng. County Magistrate asks Mr. Xie if he had the prescription checked. Mr. Xie says that five doctors and three pharmacies have checked them and nothing is wrong with this prey. County Magistrate is angry that Sangeng harrassed Dr. Cheng over old prescription and even tried to extort money from him. Sangeng refuses the charge of extortion. Dr. Cheng gleefully reminds Sangeng if he remembered the two teals of silver that Dr. Cheng had given him. Sangeng wants to confirm if he was talking of the two teals of silver given to him on 27th of that month. upon getting affirmation, Sangeng says that he has received the money but he felt uneasy upon receiving that money so he donated it to a temple and asked the Taoist to record the gift and Sangeng says he asked the taoist to record the gift in name of Dr. Cheng and they can check the temple record. Sangeng is given warning to stop harassing Dr. Cheng as the prescriptions have checked out.
Captain Xia is angry at the five bailiffs, in the past five days none of the cases have been solved, so as per his condition earlier, he proceeds to flog all these bailiffs and to widen the internal strife he asks Sangeng to count the flogging loudly. According to his divide and rule policy he asks Sangeng to pick one bailiff to flog and others can be spared but if Sangeng cannot pick one, all five of them will be beaten. Shicong takes the blame and asks Sangeng to beat him and spare the others, Shicong has already taken medicine earlier, Sangeng is reluctant to beat Shicong at first because both of them are from the Hunter squad. Sangeng proceeds to beat Shicong but deliberately hits the flogging stick on Captain Xia's legs hard but pretends it was by mistake. Captain Xia howls in fury because his leg is hurt badly.
Judge Song sees this and to save Sangeng from Captain Xia's furthers, he instructs that Sangeng must be flogged 20 times for his mistake in hitting Captain Xia by chance. Captain Xia is not satisfied with this and wants Sangeng flogged to death. Judge Song tries to soothe Captain Xia's anger by asking him to treat his injury first and tells someone from Yamen to get a doctor for him. Captain Xia accuses Judge Song of protecting Sangeng and says the Yamen of Du county is slack in it's duties. Captain Xia threatens to report to inspector general. Judge Song reprimands captain Xia for now being disrespectful to him. Captain Xia insults Judge Song by saying that he is a just a judge of county Yamen where he himself is a first class officer of the Nietai Yamen. Captain Xia further insults Judge Song by saying he can't believe Du county hired a disabled man as a judge. Both Judge Song and Captain Xia are at the loggerhead and insult each other.
Country Magistrate sends a message through his assistant for both of them, he instructs Sangeng to be flogged 30 times and then to be imprisoned later for hitting his superior. County. Magistrate will later interrogate Sangeng on this issue. County Magistrate's assistant takes Cpatain Xia inside for treatment and asks the bailiff to flog Sangeng. After Captian Xia is taken inside Judge Song scolds Sangeng for being riled up by Captain Xia. Sangeng tells Judge Song to keep his token while he goes to jail (as per their earlier bet, Sangeng's token is now with Judge Song)
Inside the Yamen office, County Magistrate's assistant, Mr. Xie recounts Judge Song's past to Captain Xia and Lv San, Mr. Xie informs them that Judge Song was neither appointed by this county nor by the ministry of the personnel. He was appointed by His Majesty. It was on context of Huiyuan examination cheating case. Over ten years ago there was a notable talent well known in jiangnan, named Song Zhongqiu, his paintings and calligraphy are quite valuable because he can't paint and write anymore. Mr. Xie continues that his right hand has only two fingers left. He is disabled now. Judge Song Chen also named Song Zhongqiu was a prodigy at a young age, he attended imperial exam at the age of 28 and ranked first , being Huiyuan. But before the final imperial exam he was thrown in jail for a cheating case. He was jailed due to a political intrigue, Song Chen and his friend visited the chief examiner before the exams. Most of the candidate visited chief examiner nothing wrong in it but the censor was a political enemy of the chief examiner. Censor used this as an excuse to accuse the chief examiner of accepting bribes. In such a case first suspects are arrested and then His Majesty will investigate the case later. Song Chen and his Friend were tortured in the prison, Song Chen became disabled. In the end Song Chen confessed under duress that the chief examiner leaked the paper to him and his friend. Soon after this the Royal court overturned this case because the chief examiner was more powerful. But Song Chen already lost his position his friend committed suicide by hanging himself. Later His Majesty issued a decree that under the level of county Magistrate, Song Chen could choose a position like assistant to county magistrate Or registrar, but Song Chen decided to become a judge. Song Chen is determine to uphold what he learned to seek justice for others. Song Chen earns even more than the county magistrate but every month he takes only the salary of a judge and not a penny more.... After being released from prison, Song Chen got a tattoo of Yanzi on his upper torso, Yanzi is a kind of cruel and vengeful fierce beast.
Judge Song visits the brothel and Chunxing takes him to hear music from the open window. Mr. Song reminiscing good old days when he was a scholar Song Zhongqiu, composing poems and calligraphy with his good friend who later committed suicide. Mr. Song paints with the thumb of his right hand a beautiful painting with a poem composed by him in Chunxing's room at the brothel.
Mr. Zhang reports to the mysterious man about the two people he and senior were keeping a watch over. Mr. Zhang reports that he and his senior noticed the monkey demon, a thief from Wukong Sect. The thief always appeared near them. He is a their stealing things seems to be targeting them.
Lv San interrogates a resident, who says he saw a money demon, catching the moon with his claws. Lv San reports to Captain Xia that he tailed the monkey demon who was hiding his loot in the water but it was difficult for him alone to cath the thief at night. Lv San has found the Dragon king Temple of the thief, thieves often hide their loot in water, the places where they hide the loot ia called Dragon King Temple. Lv San plans to ambush the thief at that place to catch him. Lv San instructs the bailiffs and at night when the monkey demon comes to hide his loot, Lv San springs the trap and after a long chase, roof jumping, oil spilling, he manages to catch the monkey thief in his net.
Detailed summary of episode 6 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....
please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.
The last episode of drama 'Rising with the Wind' for VIPs aired on iqiyi on 19th November 2023...Wu Xuanyi played the SFL Xiang Zhaoyang in that play. Below are the links of repost of Wu Xuanyi bidding goodbye to her character of zhaoyang in the series.
Thank you so much for a wonderful review and for the helpful guides in the comment section which help me understand…
Thank You for saying this.. Actually, it was your questions that made me write an explanation for many things... You noticed many things keenly and posted about them which made me pay more attention to the series. Thanks for your insightful posts too.
Episode 39 and 40The drama ended on a high note, tying everything in a perfect bow. It surely is quite an interesting…
* Xu Si the shrewd calculative investor is back in the game. He wants to purchase 51% Tengyue shares back from Baoxing investment. He has to satisfy three parties to do that... Aneda, Baoxing Investment and Jingyang capital. Xu Si decides to mortgage his own personal property (fixed assets) to raise money to give to Baoxing Investment that it would have got for Aneda.. But for Baoxing investment what was more important was maintaining a good relationship with Aneda for recurring business from Aneda... So Xu Si finds another 100 year old brand (Foreign Company Hot Fly) that was on the verge of bankruptcy and actively looking for merger and offers that company to Aneda for merger instead of Tengyue, Aneda is satisfied because it acquires one 100 year old shoe brand in international market,this is what Aneda wanted.. Aneda, that is a client of Jingyang capital, so if Aneda is happy then both jingyang capital and Baoxing Investment will be happy.
*Jiang Hu uses another current strategy for marketing to boost sales of cloud Footwear.. She contact s the influencer from the first episode to do live streaming of cloud footwear but as per their strategic understanding cancels it at the last moment, the narrative of the influencer is that she cancelled the live stream because she in all honesty could not recommend shoes that were too costly to her subscribers.. As per the plan, Jiang Hu releases an apology letter from cloud factory that they could not lower the price because they are committed to provide good quality shoes, so to give good quality shoes they have to keep a certain price... This creates hot searches and people have divided opinions, some arguments/comments favour the influencer for wanting to bring low prices goods for her viewers and some arguments/comments favor cloud footwear's commitment.... So when two cats fight, the monkey get the benefit. (when two people fight, it's always the third person who gets the benefit) so this controversy was good for the influencer as well as cloud footwear... In business there is no such thing as bad publicity.
*viewers are shown, the conversation between Gao Yi and Xu Si, from the previous episodes, the viewers were led to believe by the drama that Xu Si had leaked the information from about the peace loan's fiancer to the media, but now the scrip writer smoothly changes the narrative and puts the blame on Baoxing Investment, Xu Si was not aware of this leak ( this was clear misdirection by director and script writer to let the audience believe that Xu Si was guilty, but I am not complaining)
* Zhaoyang who has patched up things with Yang Jian finally confesses that she always liked him and appreciated him but because of Yang Jian's abusive father did not want to fall in love with him, so when she thought she was saved by Gao Yi she started deceiving herself that she loved Gao Yi... But now she knows that it was him that saved her so her last defense against him has collapsed (I still hate the invalid reason for them to fight and then divorce papers drama and the patch up, I was so invested in their love story but screen writer almost ruined it because of the way they handled their disagreement)... Nonetheless, I am happy for both of them, they deserve to be happy... Oh and happy news, they both are finding blind dates for zhaoyang's mother, indicating she can remarry 4th time and leave these two to carry on their own life.
* Jiang Hu has impressed Ye Guoming with her commitment so he hands over the director's office of Cloud footwear to her.
* Jiang Hu and Ye Guoming have a wonderful discussion about what needs to be done for old brands is to use new marketing techniques but not compromise on quality and focus on finding new technology to maintain quality.... Which is what is really needed.
* Xu Si has a similar discussion with his mother, in which he acknowledges that what the country needs is not just a few big brands but as an investor he should find ways to allow diversified small businesses to thrive in the market... So both mother and son have found a common ground, use new techniques of influencers to sell old brand goods.
* Xu Si shifts the factory workers to the new industrial park as the old factory building of Tengyue would be demolished... I did not feel so sad when the bulldozers were going in the factory because what mattered most was the philosophy and ideology that was already saved by Xu Si, The building was a good memory but new memories can be created in future.
* Xu si visits the same places as he did in the first episode while tailing Jiang Hu... It was like a trip down memory lane. He repurchases the Christian Louboutin? shoes back from the garbage collector that she had discarded in the first episode
*Finally Jiang Hu comes to know from Xu Si's assistant about Xu si being the shareholder of Tengyue and not Aneda.... ( can I hit all the characters on their head with a small bat? Just a small hit???????IF ONLY THEY TALKED )
* Xu Si goes on a trip abroad for 6 months, Xu Si's assistant fills Jiang Hu in on the situation, Xu Si returns back Tengyue shares to Jiang Hu, sends her the red car, gives back the shoes and also 100yuan note that she had given him in 1st episode mistaking him for her father's new assistant.... At this point Jiang Hu has to fall in love with him.
* They inserted a scene of Jiang Hu and zhaoyang together, all friendly and roaming in deserted buildings so that zhaoyang can get inspiration for a new design... (I missed these two girls working together in the last few episodes the most)
* Xu si comes back from the trip and while walking his son KID the dog, meets Jiang Hu... Xu Si again asks Jiang Hu if the choice is between Tengyue and him, whom would she choose??? The answer at this point is obvious... Him.
The drama ended on a high note, tying everything in a perfect bow. It surely is quite an interesting series. Personally for me the first 32 episodes of Jiang Hu building her team and becoming successful in her business were more entertaining than the latter episodes.. The last few episodes, felt a bit draggy and I had some complaints about the way the script had been written for them......However in episodes 39 and 40 the script writer once again managed to create the same excitement as the first 3/4th part. Nevertheless a good drama to watch.
Snippets from my review on this drama, posted in the review section.
::::::ACTORS PLAYING THEIR CHARACTERS:::::::
Gong Jun playing Xu Si : Gong Jun played the part of a dispassionate and shrewd investor quite well. He was able to display a wide range of emotions through his character. In the beginning his attitude was arrogant for the goal oriented Xu Si... Later in the series with the change in Xu Si's character, Gong Jun 's eyes reflected his turmoil, sadness and hurt. He also revealed during the promotional campaign for the drama and his own personality was quite introvert compared to Xu Si's extrovert nature, so as an actor he did a fabulous job.
Zhong Chuxi playing Jiang Hu: Zhong Chuxi looks stunning as Jiang Hu the rich heiress who dresses in expensive designer shoes & dresses and drives a fast red car, she portrayed the haughty and imperious side of Jiang Hu 'To the T'. Her body language exuded her confidence, then she was equally believable as a 'fallen from grace' startup entrepreneur, who uses her wit and intelligence to forge ahead... .Zhong Chuxi's charming smile and genial attitude makes Jiang Hu's struggles to achieve success in business relatable.
Wu Xuanyi playing Xiang Zhaoyang: Wu Xuanyi was remarkable in her depiction of Xiang Zhaoyang.. Zhaoyang with her tenacious nature, achieving success with her hardwork, appearing detached and indifferent but very warm hearted and loyal to the core. Wu Xuanyi successfully Portrayed the minimal expression of zhaoyang used to keeping her own counsel. Her demeanor was professional and reserved giving professional vibe. Body language was closed.. This is good acting because Wu Xuanyi in her real life is more of a vivacious, outgoing personality. As wu Xuanyi discussed in the promotional campaign she herself is an extrovert playing the role of an introvert zhaoyang.
Gao Zhi Ting playing Yang Jian: This is the first time, I am watching Gao Zhi Ting's work... His portrayal of Yang Jian is very candid.......When he smiles it is quite wholesome and genuine and his crestfallen face when Zhaoyang is not happy with him is full of emotions.... Gao Zhiting is a very natural actor, all emotions of his character are well conveyed through his face and body posture. He carries out "the boy next door" image quite well.
Honorable mentions 1. Wei zhe Ming who played the part of Gao Yi did not have much screen time but he managed to capture audience's attention with few scenes, his character was also a more distant personality, fre scenes that he had to showcase his emotions were with his wife... There his tearful anguish filled face evoked sympathy in viewer's heart.
2. Wen Zheng Rong who played the character of Yue Shan was brilliant in her ultra efficient, tolerate no nonsense manner suiting a woman who has spent majority of her life navigating the business world.
3. Morni Chang who played the character of Pei Zhi Yuan, a true veteran actor realistically brought to life the supportive maternal uncle of Jiang Hu who was equally miserly and opportunist while still retaining his love for his niece.
4. BOSS the dog was the showstopper, he was such a well trained animal, so many BTS of actors having a great time playing with him are uploaded on the net.. I don't know how the trainer manages to get the dog to display different postures and emotions at different time... For me BOSS was 'THE BOSS' of this series.
Memorable quotes Episode 39 Xu Si (to his mother) - It's because the way I judged value was too simplistic and arbitrary. I was wrong. I never thought about what my dad would want back then. I only cared about my feelings. If my dad really wanted to sell the factory, he wouldn't have gone back to repair the machines.
Episode 30 (Ending caption) Rising against the wind. Beginning with Jiang Hu. When rising with the wind, Zhaoyang will be there for you.
I enjoyed reading all the dissenting opinions on this message board that presented logical views without resorting to outright insulting the character or the actor.Thanks to all the members of MDL who directly interacted with me, it was a pleasure sharing and discussing various aspects of the show irrespective of our personal outlook.
In the end I will leave with the last thought for everyone... Hold on to your CONVICTIONS, Just because someone else is right doesn't mean 'You' are wrong... However being polite and logical while presenting your perspective is a better way to get others to listen to your side.
clickable links to my episodes summary and musing written in general comments section of the drama page 'Rising with the wind' (Note: each episodic comment has two parts, general thoughts and another spoiler tag comments including details of those episodes)...... I have given a brief overview of the episodes along with my personal musing in them.
After Episode 30: My 'Minority Report' why I like the character of ZHAOYANG, inspite of her imperfections... Main highlights only. (May contain spoilers)
* she spoke up against sexual harrasment and refused to work with Mr.Fang in the beginning as well as later.. She doesn't hesitate to voice out in public the harassment she faced at the hands of lecherous Mr. Fang(many people in her place remain silent )
* When she is offered a job at TT media after her termination from Aneda, junior Mr.Du who is sitting for the initial recruitment procedure, looks down on her prim and proper dress, tells her she should get plastic surgery etc... She refuses some compromises, she refuses to work with people who do not meet her approval, she doesn't want to have plastic surgery and insists she will continue with the designs she prefers. ( many real life influencers compromise their ethics in the name of gaining popularity and getting big bucks)
*She refuses 'Plagiarism' , when she is offered an assignment with Free Unicorn by Zhang Wenshan's employee, he suggests 'taking inspiration' from Italian design shoes, she refuses to do that even if she displeases her bosses at TT media.
* When she is bullied in TT media by another jealous influencer ANan who leaked her photo online to discredit her, the management of TT media refuse to take strict action against ANan because he has huge online following... Zhaoyang throws powder on his face and threatens to disrupt his livestreaming by throwing powder at his during it, if he continues to pick on her.
*She is no pushover, she has her ways to deal with her mother. Three instances that stand out for me where she stood up to her mother. 1.In the beginning when her mother had lost a bundle of money and sat near the window sill threatening to jump, zhaoyang calmly opens the window and invites her to jump. 2.when her mother reminds Zhaoyang of Yang Jian's birthday, her mother suggests to be kind to him till she gets married to someone suitable, zhaoyang immediately gets angry at her mother and reminds her to treat him as her son and not some meal ticket... 3. After her hasty marriage with Yang Jian her mother is berating Yang Jian, zhaoyang immediately retaliates that maybe in 20 years she may turn as shrewish and flaky as her mother.
*when there is a difference of opinion about her initial design for Tengyue, she leaves in a huff but after overcoming her creative block comes back with new designs... Jiang Hu throws off their race and slows down while running so that the match will end in a draw enabling them to talk... After zhaoyang's Livestream of unveiling the new product design is successful, she visits the hospital, even though she has a major problem with Mr. Fang's presence at the unveiling ceremony she holds off that discussion for later when she sees Jiang Hu is still in pain at the hospital.... Zhaoyang acknowledges that Jiang Hu's choice of design and price point for the new shoes was much better than her earlier expensive design... She also discusses how Jiang Hu has become a more mature and changed person as Jiang deliberately allowed their previous race to conclude in a draw just so that they can communicate whereas earlier Jiang Hu would have always played to win.
* She listens carefully to Mr. Zhang's the production floor manager at Tengyue and takes his suggestion into consideration while designing a product suitable for Tengyue's past image and ideology. She also overlooks and takes sportingly Mr. Pei's criticism and nagging.
* she is overworked and underpaid at Tengyue but because she wants to proves herself as a designer and is grateful to Jiang Hu for trusting her by paying her compensation at TT media and breaking non compete agreement with Aneda, she will continue to give her best to Tengyue.
*when Zhang WenShan tries to poach her from Tengyue after her successful design launch online by offering more pay package, she shows extreme loyalty and integrity by refusing the new work.
* Even though she may not be head over heels in love with Yang Jian but she recognises his contribution to help her, she doesn't want to take undue advantage of his kindness so refuses to take compensation money to break the contracts with TT media and Aneda, she often asks hims not to cook or clean her place, when Yang Jian tries to help Zhaoyang at workplace she always asks him to take care of his own work as they should be professional in workplaces.... However she also subconsciously trusts Yang Jian, he is the person she calls when she is tailed by ruffins at night, she gifts him limited edition Aneda shoes that are not yet launched in the market, she goes to great lengths to find the shortcakes that he likes the best to gift him for his birthday.
Zhaoyang is a reserved person who is like an iceberg, what you see is just the tip of her feelings.. Yes, her too direct, unromantic marriage proposal was jarring because we feel Yang Jian deserves her love but because she appreciates him and trusts him, if she decides to allow her heart to follow her logic, she will fall in love with him deeply... Sometimes love is not just about burning passion but also about sharing a warm meal at the end of the day while discussing your day's problems, Yang Jian is just that guy for her, he has hair tie ready for her, allows her to contemplate deeply her issues by painting on his restaurant wall while patiently sitting, quietly beside her and at the end of the day always has warm wontons to offer her.... Their marrige was a rebound decision on her part but once we take a decision we should stick with it and sometimes we discover that our second options are better than our first and BEST choices.
Zhaoyang character part 2 from Episodes 35 to 37 Minority here again... I totally agree with you... It seems its easy for everyone to find a scapegoat and that is zhaoyang..
Adding to the merger, I understand where zhaoyang is coming from, she agreed to work with Aneda if the merger with Tengyue went through... She did not say she will leave Tengyue and join Aneda as head designer. .... If I am given an opportunity to work with two companies that will help me grow in my field, I will also accept the proposal.
When Yang Jian was angry at her for not telling him of Aneda's merger proposition with Tengyue, she said the COMPANY BELONGS TO XU SI AND JIANG HU it's their decision to sell or not... She was happy for herself that if the merge went through, she could get double business opportunities... And Yang Jian was angry at this reply... Realistically people who hate her, if they were offered two good offers together, Would they refuse it????.... Remember it was two offers together, it was not leave Tengyue and come back to Aneda offer.
Zhaoyang did not go behind Jiang Hu's back to stab her, she did not betray Jiang Hu's trust... Like everyone else, she left it to Xu Si to discuss this merger with Jiang Hu... (In real life if we know a secret related to a couple, we would rather they talk things between themselves than us intervening)
If we appreciate Jiang Hu's ambition and vision for Tengyue and applaud her achievements... Why doesn't zhaoyang have the same right to think about her own career decisions????
She said that she doesn't make promises easily and when she does, she sticks to it... That dialogue sums up, zhaoyang's character for me.
She did not leave Tengyue when everyone around her are abandoning Tengyue for their own reasons, she is tenacious and that is the trait I admire in her.
Attempt to explain certain business scenario and opinions on various other aspect of the series. (May contain spoiler)
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Relationship of Free Unicorn and Tengyue explained with real life easy examples.
Let me explain this in a simple manner... This is only for very basic understanding...
(Taking the example of Unilever because viewers are from different countries and Unilever has operations in many countries)
I guess most viewers would have heard of Unilever, it is a multinational consumer packaged goods company... It manufactures many brands and items under different product lines like food, ice creams, cofee ,cleaning agents etc and different brands. Let me take eg of two brands: Dove, Axe.
Now think of Free unicorn = Unilever
(Free unicorn is an umbrella/parent company manufacturing/supplying different clothing and shoe brands, unlike Unilever which is a multinational company, Free unicorn operates in China only)
Think of Tengyue(the brand) = Dove(the brand)
Before Free Unicorn made Tengyue(the company) it's subsidiary and Tengyue became OEM for Free Unicorn, Tengyue was established by Jiang Hu's maternal grand father and her father also joined Tengyue(this is why Jiang Hu's maternal uncle, Mr. Pei is still working at Tengyue and Tengyue was very close to Jiang Hu's mother's heart)........ But later the family(Jiang Hu's father) decided to expand their business and founded Free unicorn... So slowly Tengyue which had many different designs of shoes stopped production of them under Tengyue brand name and shifted their products to free unicorn (Tengyue company continued to manufacture shoes but they were sold under the name of Free Unicorn)... Now only one product 'rubber sole shoe' remains under the brand Tengyue.
Taking back the example of Dove... Dove has different variants of soaps, shampoos, lotions etc... Now think of the Dove brand only having a single variant of the soap bar.
So now Tengyue needs to be revived back by redesigning and introducing a new variety of shoes in the market, it needs to establish its independent identity which was lost when it became a subsidiary company of Free Unicorn.
As far as shares of Tengyue are concerned... Xu Si is managing the project on behalf of the Baoxing Investment... So technically, Baoxing Investment owns Tengyue shares but Xu Si can make executive decisions because he has discussed his plans to obtain Tengyue shares with the Managing Director of Baoxing Investment.
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Xu si's and Gao Yi's role in Free Unicorn's Downfall
Actually it was Xu Si (it was a misdirect to confuse audience, it was Mr. Du of Baoxing investment who leaked the news but viewers came to know of it only in last episode) who leaked the news to a person doing an exposition article on the internet, he wanted Teng Yue's piece of land, so only if Jiang Hu's father goes through financial problems he will sell that land to Xu Si.... By breaking the news he just expedited the process, the news sooner or later would be out about the missing financer.
Gao Yi had introduced this absconding financer from Peace Loan, to Jiang Hu's father, so technically when the big financer goes missing other people who have lent money or sold goods on credit to Jiang Hu's father will start demanding their own money and a business cannot pay everyone at once because they don't have so much cash on hand, so creditors would go to court to demand payment and business would be declared bankrupt by the court, all assets(properties of that business) would be auctioned and the proceeds(money) from that auction would be given to that company's creditors(people who lent money)
Xu Si leaked the news to that anchor but Gao Yi was the one to introduce a bad business person to Jiang's father.. So both of them are responsible in their own way for Free Unicorn's(Jiang Hu's father's company) going bankrupt.
[NOTE: Xu Si did not leak the news, it was intended to confuse viewers, actually the real person who leaked the news to media was Mr. Du of Baoxing Investment]
********************************************** Xu Si's original land acquisition project at the beginning of the series. As far as I understand... A big company Yuanfeng Logistics wants to purchase a piece of land, now this piece of land is owned by many small businesses... So first Yuanfeng Logistics would have to approach all these owners and purchase their property from ALL of them then only they can use that piece of land for their own purpose, mostly it is for redevelopment meaning demolishing all old buildings and constructing something new and big in that space.
Original owners will demand a high price if they know a big company is interested in acquisition (purchase of their property), So Investment companies like Baoxing investment where Xu Si is employed, they will approach all these old owners under different companies name under their banner and purchase those individual property at a cheap price... After they have purchased all the properties on that land, Boaxing Investment will contact Yuanfeng logistics and resell these properties at a high price... So the difference in price at which they purchased from individual owners and sell to Yuanfeng logistics will be Xu Si's company's profit.
Xu Si had managed to purchase all other properties in that area from other owners only Jiang Hu's father had refused to sell his property.. So if Xu Si doesn't get Teng Yue's land, the big company(Yuanfeng) won't purchase from Baoxing(because Yuanfeng Logistics wants all the land for their redevelopment plan) .
Xu Si was therefore trying all underhanded methods to get his hands on Teng yue 's land. Which he did manage to get at the auction, so now the industrial site of Tengyue belongs to him. But the brand name and copyright right of the shoe was purchased by Jiang Hu.
A 'Holdout' in a land acquisition is a person who refuses to sell their property or delay the demolition procedure by refusing to vacate the property due to legal technicality.... We will get to know in episode 7 how Jiang Hu proposes to continue staying in her factory for more time by negotiating a deal with Xu Si.
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Episode 7 Jiang Hu renting Tengyue's factory In Episode 7, Jiang Hu wants Xu Si to rent her the factory building of Tengyue for the duration of 1 or 2 years.
According to her the benefits for Xu Si would be that his company Baoxing Investment has to negotiate sales with Yuanfeng Logistics..... It takes time to come to an agreement for such big projects, both companies will have meetings and more meetings, then because the amount would be significant Yuanfeng will need some time to arrange funds and come up with payment methods etc.. ....Xu Si's company will just demolish the Tengyue factory and will not have any use for that land for that time while negotiations are going on between their companies, the land will remain vacant....... So Jiang Hu proposes that if he rents the factory building to her in that time for 1 or 2 years, he can ask her to pay rent for that time which will be ADDITIONAL income for him... Anyways he is not going to use that place for any other purpose, he might as well earn significant rent while waiting for the sale to go through ... So win - win situation for him.
Benefit of this proposal for Jiang Hu would be to get extended time to pay the whole year's rent at the END of the year instead of paying advance rent to other landlords.......Normally if she were to rent any other factory they would demand she pay in advance (one month's rent + 2 months' rent as security deposit) So she will have to pay three months rent as soon as she enters into a rental contact with other landlords, her problem is she DOESN'T HAVE FUNDS PRESENTLY.....The other landlords will not agree with her paying the rent at the end of the year because rent is their primary source of income....But her logic in trying to convince Xu Si to give her time to pay rent at the end is that he was not planning to earn anything from that property it would be good plan for him to make some money in that duration. .. So win-win situation for her too.
Theoretically her paln makes sense but as Xu Si pointed it out to her, even if she is given extra time... She has to have a business plan that is practical and would generate some actual income... For now, Jiang Hu due to her circumstances is only thinking of stop gap measures to get some relief and time. she has to come up with a long term plan to sell her brand then only she can pay the rent at the end of the year. As Xu Si said in business, TIME is more important than MONEY... A successful business person has to make the best use of their time.
Zhaoyang's name was dragged through mud by one of the workers of TT media who was jealous of her popularity and the attention she was getting from both bosses.... So he posted a picture of Zhao Yang and Xu Si implying that Zhao Zhang is a mere puppet of a big investor... From there on netizens dug up dirt on her personal life related to her mother and everything escalated.. She basically lost the trust of her subscribers... This situation is very true to life which we often see happening to many celebrities.
TO BE CLEAR.....Zhaoyang is more honest than most other influencers in the TT media......At the negotiations table for the job she put her foot down on things she was NOT willing to do, she was not ready to compromise her ideals just for money.. But smear campaigns do not SPARE EVEN THE WORTHY.
To explain Xu Si and Zhao Yang's collaboration as per my understanding:
These days, big companies are using influencers to sell products... Now these influencers have a big following of fans who hang on their words and worship them... So when an influencer suggests buying a product almost all fans/subscribers jump on that band wagon... Xu Si has collaborated with T T media to help strategic sales of goods as this is the new method of selling goods directly to end users, the customers.
Zhoayang is good at what she does, creative designs so if given proper channeling to her talent she could draw in customers for the companies she chose to collaborate...... Now these influencers and companies sponsoring these influencers (TT media) get some % of sales value or lump some payment from companies( sellers) they are collaborating with.
Credibility of the influencer is very important, customers want to follow and like an influencer who is 'HONEST AND PURE ' when it comes out that the influencer they trust is a mere puppet of a big investor(xu si) and not sharing products they use but are just trying to generate sales by using the subscribers love for them, it starts creating hatred from them... Once a bad article is posted, everyone else starts digging up more dirt on them.... Everyone likes to throw mud at others... We see this happening to many celebrities online.. ... An influencer whose reputation is ruined cannot be used to coax people to purchase items they make or recommend.. So the career of that influencer is doomed due to bad publicity.
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Practically versus emotional sense in business Xu Si and Jiang Hu
I feel Xu si is quite emotional but he is choosing to be very practical in business( probably after what happened in his own factory) , he is not allowing any emotions to enter the deals(though he is breaking that rule left and right for Jiang Hu) ... My personal opinion doing business in extremely impersonal manner saps your energy and after some years you don't enjoy that work.
On the other hand Jiang Hu at the moment is very emotional , she is not thinking about the practical sides of business at all, which is also a wrong way to do business, this way a person will always be in debt and have anxiety issues long term.
So what both of them need to do is to take the best from each other... Care about the business and the workers but do it in a practical manner, because no business can sustain losses long term..... They need to target customers that have same ideologies and create a good customer base... So I think both have to learn few things from each other and meet midway..... Maybe the perfect blend of practicality with emotional involvement in the business will give long term happiness to the owners of the business plus generate steady source of income....
Let's see what these two along with everyone else Zhao Yang, Yang Jian, Pei Zhiyuan and the others in this team finally accomplish.
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Good cinematography for Yang Jian and Zhaoyang Episode 9-10
Speaking of the cinematography of this series, other non verbal interaction in the scenes that struck my mind are:
1. Yang Jian(Gao Zhiting) driving Xiang Zhaoyang (Wu Xuanyi) in his car back from TT media's office, Zhaoyang had fallen asleep in the car, she had a very bad day. She woke up when the car stopped but Yang Jian asked her to go back to sleep as they were far from their destination yet.....Yang Jian even after reaching Zhaoyang's house kept driving around in circles to allow her some moments of peaceful sleep...
2.Yang Jian always bringing food for Zhaoyang, in one instance, Yang Jian peeled oranges and artistically arranged the slices on a plate... He kept the plateful of orange.slices beside hot wonton bowl on Zhaoyang's desk before leaving Zhaoyang to continue doing her work peacefully... The camera pans on the wonton bowl and orange plate kept on the table.
These scenes silently portray Yang Jian's affection and care for Zhaoyang.
Power imbalance for women in business/work place My opinion
* The bitter truth is that women always have to struggle more than men in the business world because a woman is not taken seriously till she proves her self and becomes powerful... Female bosses face more insubordination problems than a male boss.
* Even I was wondering about Xu Si's promise to Zhaoyang... He promised her safe working environment and safe doesn't just mean free from sexual harassment... Zhaoyang was bullied and the other person was not dealt with strictly, he was given just a slap on the wrist...... This seems very unfair, but this is reality. That is why Xu Si told zhaoyang to first be IN the position that no one dare take her advantage. she has to become most valuable asset to the company...........Ms.Song of TT media should have been more proactive in dealing this issue, she failed at least some of the other influencer's privileges should hVe been curtailed even if he was too valuable to fire.
* just now all cards are in Xu Si's hands and there seems power imbalance between Xu Si and Jiang Hu....but there is growth in her behaviour she is learning to play the game with the cards that are being dealt to her because always we cannot get a winning hand in life.........In the beginning when Xu Si talked ill about her father, she splashed water on his face and walked out... Now under the same circumstances, she drank the water... She is learning to make hard choices, because for now survival is more import than winning.... So even though there is power imbalance between Xu Si and Jiang Hi, I hope in future she will not remain under anyone's thumb.... She can use whatever tricks she has to get the work done...
I don't think both the girls are being damsels in distress waiting for a men in shining armour to rescue them. I think this story is about both Jiang Hu and Zhaoyang surviving and thriving in a male dominated business environment... This story is about both of these girls' rise to power..... They have to work in unfavorable circumstances then only it can be considered going against the wind. ( which I think is the original title of the story)
PS: I hope that at some point Xu Si also uses some more emotions in business (He will also learn the value of emotions in this journey and change his attitude somewhat)
* Xu Si and Jiang Hu meet at the investment show, this time I was prepared that when they are not shown in one…
Jiang Hu has deleted zhaoyang from we chat and doesn't want to talk with her, Yang Jian was also not talking to zhaoyang, he had cut off all communication from her......... The new manager at Tengyue tried to tell Jiang Hu about failed acquisition but Jiang Hu didn't want to listen anything about Tengyue... Jiang Hu doesn't want to listen anything about Tengyue from people who are aware of what is happening... Anyway at this point, nobody is communicating with eachother... Probably the screen writer likes miscommunication, everything will be out in the open next episodes.
Episode 37 and 38A major role reversal, an investor is behaving like the factory owner. Somehow it seems, I have…
* Xu Si and Jiang Hu meet at the investment show, this time I was prepared that when they are not shown in one frame, they both are sitting with different people for the mentor conference... As it turned out Jiang Hu was with Mr. Mei and Xu si was with another person Rejecting her new proposal. ( director used this trick too many times, now audience us privy to his secrets🤫)
* Jiang Hu pulls a Jiang Hu and uses that show to promote her new product. Getting orders for Ye Guoming's factory.
* oh by the way, I really really liked the new managing person at Tengyue, he seemed smart, dedicated and quite soft spoken... Someone who can be trusted to take care of business..
* Xu Si is moping around for both the episodes, he is playing house with KID, the dog... Love their dynamics... KID gets to ride a car, some passerby girls are jealous they are walking and KID is enjoying the car ride.
*seems like Tengyue is now under Xu Si's control and he is refusing to discuss the merger with Aneda... Upsetting his bosses and Aneda both simultaneously, however yet he cannot tell this to Jiang Hu who is under the impression that Tengyue has already initiated a merger with Aneda.. ( when will these people communicate???? When batman sends a smoke signal 🤷♀️🤦♀️)
*zhaoyang comes to know it was Yang Jian who saved her life that day and not Gao Yi... Now people will believe that she patched up things with Yang Jian because of this... When that is not the case, zhaoyang was always ready to invest in her marriage from the time she proposed.. As zhaoyang told Xu Si in the previous episode, she seldom makes promises and when she does she sticks to it.
*Yang Jian served divorce papers to zhaoyang... Still he is not ready to communicate, sits like a martyr in front of zhaoyang... and with one kiss from zhaoyang all their problems are swept under the rug... This conflict that the series created was a very serious issue and then because Yang Jian was ready to give up, he signed divorce papers and now suddenly everything is resolved... This is the most fat-fetched part of the story totally unbelievable and the writers ruined a perfectly good relationship story for no reason than to create a two minute conflict and quick resolution... I have already written quite a lot about Yang Jian yesterday so will not repeat it again, this was his worst arc in the series.
* The way the story is going, for the first time in any love story series, I feel all these characters should stay single and just focus on their work.. Hasty patch up at the end is a disservice to all their individual growths which the series was focusing on in the first 30 episodes... So tomorrow we say goodbye to this series.
Episode 37 and 38 A major role reversal, an investor is behaving like the factory owner. Somehow it seems, I have wandered by mistake into a different show since the last few episodes... Once again nobody communicates, from a fast paced business revival drama it has drifted into a melodrama, everyone is just going through the motions.. Where is the drive to achieve something new and the thrill of success we experienced in the first 30 episodes???... Only two more episodes are left now.
Memorable dialogue Episode 38 Xu Si - We can't control what others think. Just do your job.
Everyone has difference of opinion, we can't control what others think.. Just keep doing what we think is best.
* Jiang Hu is still not in contact with anyone.. Junior Mr. Du from Baoxing investment has a talk with Jiang Hu…
I agree with you... I want Zhaoyang to continue doing what she loves best... But I think they will patch up soon, I just hope the writers dont make Zhaoyang apologize to Yang Jian for Jiang Hu issue... Let's see..
They all looked super cute today for the Sina Livestream! Too bad I don't understand chinese. What a great idea…
Funny that nobody is talking about their Livestream... 🤣🤣🤣🤣
We are all so immersed in stating our opinions and points.. But it is good that everyone has something to talk about that affected their emotions.
Maybe after the series conclude we can come back to their wonderful interaction at the Livestreaming.. Even I don't understand what they are saying but its fun to see them being happy and chummy.
JH is not a rock at this stage. She is back on her feet and fighting, but she lacks the passion and enthusiasm…
That's my point he should have that epiphany on some other point, the screen writer did a lousy job with the way they wrote this quarrel because it felt their disagreement of principles was due to Jiang Hu, when both took opposite view about merger.....
In my opinion divorce and/or separation would be better at this stage of their relationship.....And this not knowing her also came out of blue, hadn't he seen her make similar decisions in 10 years.
This sudden epiphany as everyone is putting it does not seem plausible... I would rather she divorce him at this stage because if one quarrel can bring on his epiphany to divorce her what may happen in future if they have a series of disagreement.
But I know they will patch up soon because this is a drama land.
Again I have no problem if he had decided to divorce her for his own self respect... But the way it was written, I have a problem with that and will always disagree even if they patch up... I would rather see the last few episodes before giving my final verdict on this relationship.
1 
3 
(Continuing 20 years ago)
Mr. Zhong tells the two guards that they should not have involved Lu Zhi. Mr.Zhong instructs the two guards' bodies to be thrown away after putting some valuables on them to make it look like they stole things and ran away and fought with each other, ending up killing each other over the spoils. Mr. Zhong allows Mr. Zhang's senior to stay in Mr. Zhang's room till he recovers.
(Present time, AD 1609)
Once the document of Dr. Cheng was received Captain Xia's lies were exposed, the inspector general was furious. Captain Xia was demoted to ordinary bailiff and sent back to Du county along with Lv San. The other bailiffs at Du county who were flogged earlier by Captain Xia and want to retaliate by flogging him. Sangeng intervenes and asks everyone to be reasonable if they beat Captain Xia severely, he may die and they may all lose their jobs. He asks the guys to make a note of all the strokes Captain Xia owes them and they could be at Captain Xia now and then to even the scores. This way Captain Xia will be hurt daily but he won't be killed so Du county bailiffs won't be liable.
Inside the room, Captain Xia has drinks with Lv San and tells him that it will be their last drink together after which they will cut ties so Lv San will not be implicated for captain Xia's offences. Sangeng enters the room and demands that he should be given back Captain Leng's badge that Captain Xia stole from the Hunter Squad's room to implicate the monkey demon in two murders of Captain Leng and Mr. Wang. Captain Xia is furious at Sangeng and accuses him of setting Captain Xia up. Sangeng knew the murderer would come back so he lured Captain Xia to take the badge, now Captain Xia had taken a big fall due to Sangeng's manipulation. Sangeng informs Captain Xia that Jin has counted how many lashes he is due, it is rounded off to 750 lashes. Captain Xia seems scared at the sheer number of lashes he has to bear. Sangeng reprimands Captain Xia for his earlier behavior and advises him that Officials should not strike fear into the hearts of their own people, it's the criminals who should be terrified of the officials. Sangeng makes another offer to Captain Xia, if he gives 1 silver teal for each lash then with 750 teals of silver, Sangeng can negotiate with other bailiffs to forego Captain Xia's punishment. Captain Xia vows to get the money even if he has to sell his property.
Mr. Song also offers Some relief to Captain Xia and Lv San and he asks them to follow him and not regular duties. Both of them are grateful and promise to do what Mr. Song instructs them. Mr. Song assign a task to Lv San to keep a watch on someone because Lv San is expert at trailing and secret investigation.
Turkey has put the killer messages on the wall in Mr. wang's classroom and busy studying it. Shicong and Sangeng enter that room. Turkey (Mr.Feng) tells them that he has found the clue to the killer. A clue to killer's killing lies right in these words. According to Turkey, The killer leaves classical Chinese everytime he kills someone. It shows that he is smug. He leaves riddles in these words. Further Turkey says
* (My principle is unified) it's from chapter four
*(Young ones) from chapter eleven. Chapter nine.
*(such a person couls get such a disease) chapter six.
Turkey asks if Shicong and Sangeng understood it. Sangeng urges Turkey to just explain.
Turkey says 4+11= 15 also 9+6= 15
Chapter 15 is "Duke Ling of Wei". Turkey thought it was the beginning. The first sentence of the chapter talks about Duke Ling of Wei asking Confucius about military formation. Shicong inquires what it means. Turkey replies nothing. So it has nothing to do with it. But it does have to do with Duke Ling of Wei. The capital of wei state was in Puyang. Puyang is now in Henan. So Turkey concludes that the killer is telling them he is from Henan. Turkey tells Shicong and Sangeng to keep an eye out for anyone on the street speaking Henan accent. Shicong makes fun of Turkey and asks him if he has not been sleeping well lately. Turkey contemplates on this asks them if they thought he was talking in his sleep.
Gui'er comes in the classroom and says all three of them have arrived early. Sangeng wants to know why Gui'er asked them to meet her at this place. Gui'er asks if what Mr.Feng (Turkey) said was correct and after Dr. Cheng died they are at a dead end. Sangeng replies that all they can be sure of is that the deaths of those men were related to Lu family from 20 years ago. In that big fire everyone in the Lu family was burnt to death. And even the legacy of survivors disappeared. Gui'er says that it must be her father who interfered. She speculates what if the remaining survivors except Chen Wang who is already dead, are still in Du county but under different disguise. Shicong interjects The attendant, The guard the cook must be familiar faces in this county. It must not be easy for them to hide. Turkey thinks they can still be here by changing their names. For eg The former cook has now become a stableman. He just needs to avoid seeing old acquaintance. And the attendant would be now a grown up man. Gui'er thinks that whether they stay or go they must have left some clues behind. It is impossible for a living person to disappear into thin air like smoke. Sangeng want to know what Gui'er intents to do... She replies she Wants to spend some money.
Mr. Zhang and mysterious man in fishing hat are fishing by the side of the river. Mr. Zhang is frustrated and sighs, fishing is really difficult. He doesn't have a clue the point is that they are in the light and the fish is in the dark. The mysterious man contradicts Mr. Zhang and says that fishes and them both are in the dark only bait is in the light. He instructs Mr. Zhang to prepare some bait. Lv San who is following Mr. Zhang as per Judge Song's instructions spies on these people having conversation by the bank of the river.
Gui'er shares her plan with the three men, she wants to offer 500 teals for verified information about the survivors and a chain of coins for other useful information regardless of the importance. This reward should be given under the guise it's a quest from their families. Turkey thinks it would be feasible options just like when you chum the water while fishing. A hint of money will bring those old stories to the surface. Gui'er says If we can't find the clues, let the clue go to us. Turkey says they could keep the location as Wulei school and he would post some notices regarding that. Gui'er wants to join them and she disguises herself in men's clothes. Turkey scoffs that anyone who isn't blind can tell she is a girl and Shicong adds even if one is blind they can tell by her voice that she is a woman. Sangeng has a reasonable solution to allow Gui'er to sit behind a screen in a room and observe.
Many people have come to wulei school to get the reward money. First witness goes in Niu Lubao he says he knew Chen Wang and he was a gambler he rambles on. Gui'er says the money should be just given to him, he gets a chain of coins and people outside look greedily, Niu LuBao and others who have got a string of coins for their cooperation, spread the news outside and many more people line up to get the reward for useful information.
Lv San follows Mr. Zhang who visits the kylin Restaurant. Mr. Zhang inquires about the whereabouts of the owner Niu buyan. The owner had gone to the cuihua tower to deliver food. Niu Buyan had gone there to meet Ms. Lin.
Shicong's father Mr.Gao has joined the queue outside wulei school, Shicong is annoyed at this, but his father insists he has some genuine information to share. Mr. Gao goes inside the school to share his information, he says that because he is a butcher he knew You'er, the chef of the Lu family. You'er knew his meat and Lu family was rich so Mr. Gao always saved the best meat for them. After Lu residence caught fire You'er was gone and nobody knew where he went. Mr. Gao continues that 6 to 7 years ago he went to deliver meat at Kylin restaurant. A man came to check the meat, the waiters called him boss Niu Buyan, it was later when Mr. Gao went home and realised it was You'er. You'er used to be plump and the owner was thinner. you'er must have recognised Mr. Gao too because since then they have not ordered meat from him. Mr.Gao says that kylin restaurant was in operation since long but few years after the fire the restaurant changed its name , Lion restaurant. Turkey says that they believe Mr. Gao but 500 teals can be given to him only after they verify the truth.
Ms. Lin talks with Niu Buyan. They engage in small talk about food but Ms. Lin wants direct talk. Niu Buyan says that if not for the fire 20 years ago where would they have got the wealth. Ms. Lin says that the fire has nothing to do with her as she couldn't go out of the tower unless a customer called for her. Niu Buyan says Dr. Cheng, Captain Leng and Mr. Wang what they all have in common is they all have been involved with the Lu family. Niu Buyan continues that the body was probably of chen Wang who drowned himself, Niu Buyan knew him back then. Ms. Lin asks Niu Buyan to be direct, he asks could it be possible that they would be next. Ms. Lin says no matter who is next, she should not be the person whom he should come to see first.
Mr. Gao is given two chains of coins. Mr. Gao is very happy and on the way outside meets Judge Song and Sangeng. Mr. Song wonders if they have got some useful information because they jabe distributed lots of money. Judge Song sits behind the screen along with Gui'er to observe the interviews.
Fortune teller Yue returns to Wulei school to add more as he recalled something else, he wanted to know if they were looking for only those three people. If he knew one more person who survived the fire besides those three he inquired how much they would offer him for that information. Turkey says if he can really prove that the person exist then 1000 teals, but that person should be relevant. Fortune teller says they will end up being scared if he told them about that person, he goes to gather evidence.
Niu Buyan continues chatting with Ms. Lin in the brothel. He says back then the Lu residence was burned to ground, they had to rely on body sizes and the location of the burns to identify who they were. The four members of the Lu family all died, the case was handled by Captain Leng. Niu Buyan wants to know if he discussed the case with Ms. Lin. Niu Buyan continues with his talks and says that he knows it is impossible but he fears the murderer may be a Lu. Niu Buyan continues band says the murderer wants to kill all those related to Lu family.
Back in Wulei school everyone discusses the information they have gathered. Sangeng says that owner of kylin restaurant Niu Buyan is the cook You'er. Turkey says that Zhang Jizu, steward of Mr. Xue's house is said to be the Lu's guard Zhang Gui. Gui'er says that Lu She's whereabouts can be deduced, a big family usually doesn't casually choose a steward, they usually go with someone who they know well and who's served them for years. If Zhang Jizu, Mr. Xue's steward is Zhang Gui then Mr.Xue is probably Lu Zhi.
In the brothel Ms.Lin tells Niu Buyan she doesn't care who the murderer wants to kill she is leaving it all to fate. She says that she is not hoping for luck only those who are scared of death would hope for luck. I am not scared. She asks if death is really that terrifying.
Outside the brothel, Niu Buyan meets Mr. Zhang the steward of Xue house. Niu Buyan hopes that if THAT person has not yet forgotten him. His cheap life may just be saved. Mr. Zhang tells him not to talk and just go with him. Lv San who is still following Mr. Zhang observes this exchange between Mr. Zhang and Niu Buyan.
Fortune teller Yue of kuixing sect is writing a notice and mumbling to himself, do you really not recognize me?
Lv San is reporting his findings to Mr.Song in the Yamen. Mr. Song says to Lv San that the owner of the kylin restaurant was brought to Mr. Xue's house by steward Zhang. Lv San confirms that he stayed there till midnight. Mr. Song gives new assignment to Lv San from the next day he should tail Niu Buyan instead of Mr. Zhang.
Next day, Outside in the courtyard of the Yamen office, County Magistrate shouts for help, all bailiffs rush outside. County magistrate points at a note stuck with a knife on one of the pillars of Yamen.
Somewhere else, Lv San is badly wounded, he is standing in the middle of a forest with few people among them are Mr. Zhang, Niu Buyan and bailiffs of Yamen are also present. Lv San is thankful Sangeng has arrived. Sangeng inquires who among them was Niu Buyan. He asks Niu Buyan to come to Yamen for further questioning as per the order of county magistrate.
Niu Buyan is taken to the Yamen, there in a room, County magistrate in the presence of Mr. Song, questions Niu Buyan. Niu Buyan had told the county magistrate that he had gone to the province to buy dry goods, they are valuable and he didn't trust his clumsy subordinates. They are not ordinary ingredients they are extremely rare. He goes to explain all items in detail. County magistrate asks who was it that cut off the horse's legs, Niu Buyan said he doesn't know must be some bandit. Niu Buyan describes the man wearing a broad bamboo hat whose face was full of black beard. County magistrate asks Niu Buyan who were the other two men in the cart. Niu Buyan says they were the steward, Mr. Zhang of Xue household and the chief guard of Xue household. Niu Buyan said they had accompanied him because the shipment was too valuable he couldn't handle it himself. Mr. Zhang ans Mr. Liu has martial arts skill so he partnered with Mr.Xue. county magistrate continues his questioning of Niu Buyan and says the Yamen received an anonymous letter in the morning, according to the letter Niu Buyan killed captain Leng, Mr.wang and Dr. Cheng. Niu Buyan denies it and says it is all malicious rumours. County magistrate at last asks him to pay the bail and continue his regular business but he is forbidden to leave Du county.
In another room of Yamen, Lv San recounts his experience in front of Judge Song, Sangeng and Captain Xia, he says that before Niu Buyan left the county, he made a full round with his carriage and visited everywhere. It seemed he was trying to make a big show of it. Lv San followed him into the isolated forest. Lv San saw that a man on a donkey wearing a broad bamboo hat whose face was full of black beard, approached Niu Buyan's cart and cut off the horse's leg. It is brought to attention the appearance of this man is same as described by stonemason earlier. Sangeng concludes that he is the killer. Sangeng had thought that one of the three survivor of the fire was the killer, unbelievable Niu Buyan was the target. Judge Song says that's why the killer followed Niu Buyan after he left the county. Sangeng guessed Niu Buyan's original plan was to use himself as bait to draw the killer out. Sangeng continues that once the killer was lured out, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Liu hiding in the cart could seize the chance and kill the killer, it seems the prey is going to fight back. Captain Xia says even knowing it was a trap the killer couldn't allow Niu Buyan to escape. He had no choice but to follow. What a clever plan. Lv San says but the killer had seen through this scheme, he also planned an escape route in advance.Lu San says the killer used Firangi (western firearms) to wound Mr. Zhang. Mr. Song says that the price of this firangi must be extremely high. It is said that Wang WuFeng had two in the past. Lv San continues his story Mr.Zhang and Mr. Liu are extremely skilled in martial arts, Lu San says he was stabbed by Niu Buyan when he was trying to bring them to Yamen after the killer wounded Mr. Zhang with firangi and ran away. Lu San says Niu Buyan is extremely ruthless and decisive. Sangeng says it was smart of killer to use yamen. It is concluded that the killer couldn't be at two places, first the forest and second pinning the anonymous letter at Yamen, so there must be a mile in Yamen, helping the killer.
Later in Mr.Xue's house, Mr. Xue asks Niu Buyan to stay with him at his house as he has 100 guards. Niu Buyan says the killer just doesn't want to kill them but place them as he sees fit. If he is surrounded by few people, killer will be inconvenienced. Mr. Liu says the killer will be more careful after that day. Mr. Xue says the bounty they set up worked, people in Yamen know their real identity. Mr. Xue says that after the fire 20 years ago they left Du County and returned under the changed name three years later, you'er says there were too many secrets behind that incident. Mr. Xue asks You'er(Niu Buyan) what Ms. Lin told him earlier, you'er says she told him that captain Leng didn't tell her anything. But Mr. Xue says that You'er doesn't believe in luck.
There is a rune posted overnight all over Du County by fortune teller yue. The rune reads, (In the garden where I saw you, nine crickets can still be heard 20 years pass and appearance change. I am more ashamed and disfigured. At night I realized how nice youth was, in the same place, the rape is still blooming early. A Taoist gave me a resurrection flower. When I see you it has become regenerating grass. General Tongtou. On the 30th day of the 10th month. Year of Jiyou) . Turkey concludes it's an Acrostic. Read the first character in each line together.
(See you at around nine at the night in the same place)
It isn't just Acrostic but filled with cryptic words. 'Crickets' and 'general Tongtou' must be what he and his friend went through in the past. Fortune teller Yue is telling his friend 'I recognize you'.
'A resurrection flower' and 'regenerating glass hints that others think his friend is dead but he knows his friend is still alive.
The date has an underlying meaning, it is the 30th day of 10th Month, that day was 25th when the message was written so the date is the date of meeting, see you at around nine at night in the same place.
Shicong says that he doesn't know where the meeting place is but he knows where fortune teller Yue sets up his stall, they will keep an eye on him.
Shicong and Sangeng follow fortune teller Yue to a remote place where he is waiting for his friend on the date mentioned, it's 11 pm and yet his friend has not shown up. Lv San brings hot sweet potato on the cold stakeout and asks both Sangeng and Shicong to leave he will keep a watch. It is concluded that the killer is not really afraid of the cold as he committed most murders in small hours.
In the brothel, Ms. Lin is murdered, she is lying on her bed and her throat is slit, message written near her dead body (In his youth, his vital force is unstable and he should guard against lust)
please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.
The mysterious man on the fishing boat and Mr. Zhang are talking. The mysterious man wonders if the monkey demon was the murderer, he also wonders if the monkey demon was a smokescreen released by the murderer and the murderer's target was not the two people Mr. Zhang and his senior were watching. Mysterious man says that all of them have split up. Mr. Zhang says they don't know where the murderer is but the murderer knows exactly where each of them were. Mr. Zhang vows to protect the mysterious man along with his senior but that will leave the two people they are watching unprotected. Mysterious man contemplates that those two people deserve to die. Another hidden man makes Dr.Cheng sign a confession by holding him down with a sword on his back, near them a mixture or medicine is boiling.
Judge Song hands Sangeng his token back and informs him that he won their bet. Judge Songs asks Sangeng not to thank him but thank the money demon. Captain Xia left Du county Yamen after catching the monkey demon thief. Captain Xia plans to pin the murder of Captain Leng and Mr. wang(teacher) on the monkey demon. Judge Song says that the confiscated items from the monkey demon had Captain Leng's badge so that could be used by Captain Xia as evidence against the Monkey Demon. Judge Song suddenly realises that maybe Sangeng had something to do with the badge appearing in the confiscated items. Sangneng replies that the badges of Hunter Squad were often hung in their watchhouse after duty. Sangeng often wipes his master Captain Leng's badge, implying that Captain Xia watched Sangeng wipe Captain Leng's badge and deliberately placed it among evidence to pin the murders on Monkey Demon. However Sangeng promises that Monkey Demon will not be charged with theft because now that Captain Xia has left, he will find the real murderer.
Judge Song shares a list of antiques purchased. It was found among the goods of the monkey demon. Monkey demon committed the crime according to the list. The logic of the monkey demon was that people who just sold antiques were bound to have money. Mr.Song says the monkey demon got this list from Mao County, there is a place called Taipingzao.it is a den of thieves disposing of stolen goods. Sangeng says It's also quite common to sell the purchasing list to thieves. Sangeng thinks there is something suspicious about the list. Mr.Song asked the owners of the items, they all said they had no antiques or that they don't consider the items they sold as antiques. The antique dealer came to them insisting on their broken bowls, Old pots, and old fans were antiques. He paid a lot of money. He paid a lot of money to buy them. Sangeng infers he sold this list to monkey demon through the Taipingzao, it is to say he lured the monkey demon here and made the monkey demon appear as planned. Sangeng wonders why that person did that. Judge Song replies that according to the victims, this antique dealer is a bearded man wearing a bamboo hat. Mr.Song concludes the poor monkey demon, captain Xia wants to use him, Sangeng wants to use him, even the murderer wants to use him. He probably has never been so useful in his life.
In Yaowang temple, there is a dead body of Dr.Cheng stuffed in a big cauldron. On his dead body a note is pinned (Such a person could actually get such a disease) . While the coroner is examining the dead body, County magistrate mumbles that another one died, Dr. Cheng Yizhi, the doctor had just checked the pulse of county magistrate the other day. County magistrate wonders what the murderer actually wants, killing a bailiff, a teacher, a doctor. County magistrate asks the coroner what was the cause of Dr. Cheng's death. The coroner responds that Dr. Cheng's face was purple, his lips black according to coroner Dr. Cheng was poisoned but doesn't know what poison.
Judge Song say they found dozens of prescriptions on the dead body and the large pot where the body was placed had medical residue. So Judge Song invites Mr.Liu, the owner of Bao'an pharmacy to help them. Mr. Liu says that the prescriptions had Dr. Cheng's seal and the residues are from those medicine on the prescription. In Mr. Liu's opinion Dr. Cheng was poisoned by the medicines he prescribed. County magistrate is startled by this asks the pharmacy owner how could Dr. Cheng prescribe himself poision. Mr. Liu replies that Dr. Cheng's prescriptions have no issues they are for the treatment of ordinary diseases but different herbs have different doses. It seems the murderer brewed the medicines from dozens of prescriptions and then fed them to Dr. Cheng, the medicines were not poisonous but they became poisonous When mixed together. All herbs contains trace amounts of poison. There were medicines had ingredients like kusnezoff monkshood, henbane and windflower. They would become lethal at a high dose. County Magistrate reads the note loudly, Such a person could actually get such a disease.
Sangeng explains that he had looked it into the note. As Ran Boniu, a disciple of Confucius fell seriously ill, Confucius said that it just means such a person could actually be killed by his own medicines. County magistrate says that A Doctor can actually be killed by his own medicines. That's why the murderer left this note. County magistrate asks Mr. Xie his assistant if they should report this case, Mr. Xie has already drafted a document for county magistrate to review. While leaving the morgue, County magistrate sarcastically comments that Captain Xia only knows how to flog people and catch monkeys, he must file a complaint against him.
Mr. Liu wants to leave but Sangeng gives his two prescriptions made by Dr.Cheng 20 years ago, he wants to know if these two prescriptions are administered to one person what would happen. Mr. Liu says that if these two prescriptions were combined, it would be alright for Chen Wang to eat it, but if given to Lu Yuanbao, it will be lethal for him, within half a year he would start vomiting blood. Sangeng says that he remembers that anyone Who buys herbs from the pharmacy must leave a copy of their prescription. Mr. Liu agrees that is to have a clear record in case the patient has any problems. Sangeng concludes even if the patient dies, they check the prescription in the pharmacy, Dr. Cheng won't be blamed. Sangeng inquires of the Coroner, if the person dies from those prescription and he were to perform the autopsy would he infer the person died of poisoning. Coroner says he won't suspect poisoning.
(20 years ago) .
Dr. Cheng is taking the pulse of Lu Yuanbao. Lu Yuanbao complains to the doctor that his condition has been erratic since last six months. He thinks his days are limited. Dr. Cheng assures him that he need to worry, he just needs time for recuperating and rest. Another mysterious man is writing in his diary(Dr.cheng's medical skills came from his family, but there is one skill no one knows where he learnt it) . Dr. Cheng gives Lu zhi some instructions to brew the medicines and sends him out, Lu Zhi peeps inside and witnesses, Dr. Cheng stealing an article from the house.
Lu Zhi tells of Dr. Cheng theft to Mr.Zhong where Mr.Zhong is fishing. Mr.Zhong asks in sign language what he stole. Lu Zhi informs him that he stole a sandalwood canister carved with golden toad. Mr, Zhong inquires that if Lu Zhi knew Dr. Cheng was stealing why he didn't catch him. Lu Zhi says that Dr. Cheng is the best doctor and they have invited him to treat Lu Yuanbao so it would do them no good to catch and expose him but Lu Zhi has hidden all expensive items and left only inexpensive items out side they can consider the stolen items Dr. Cheng fees, however Lu Zhi is keeping a record of all items. Mr. Zhong looks at the list and wants to know how to read a character on the list. Lu Zhi says that Mr. Zhang already knows enough from what Lu Zhi has taught him, he doesn't need to learn obscure character. Lu Zhi would have nothing new to teach him and Mr. Zhong would have to go to school with Lu Zhi later. Lu Zhi informs Mr. Zhong that he knows whose skull is buried in Mr. wang's (teacher)yard.
Lu Zhi tells Mr. Zhong that Xiao Baozi(Turtle) went to pay respect at the grave of his friend one day as it was the friend's death anniversary. Xiao Baozi's friend had been dead for five years. The name of his friend was Qiao Gou're. Xiao Baozi was bullied by few boys because of his background of living in a Brothel, Cuihua Tower. They mercilessly threw Xiao Baozi in the water, however he couldn't swim just then Qiao Gou'er You're came back and rescued Xiao Baozi. After that Qiao Gou'er befriended Turtle and taught him to swim. Qiao Gou'er told Turtle it was not fun going to school because his master punishes the students severely.Turtle did not have a surname because his mother didn't know who his father was and even his mother was dead. Qiao Gou'er asks Turtle to wait for him by the river bank and he would play with Xiao Baozi after school the next day. Xiao Baozi goes to the grave of Qiao Goi'er with Lu Zhi and pays respect while continuing his talent. Xiao Baozi waited the next day but his friend did not come. Qiao Gou'er's father closed shop to look for him every where, later someone found a headless corpse of a child behind the stage. His father recognised the dead body as Qiao Gou'er's by his clothes and scars on his back. His father once hit him with a wooden spoon the spoon broke and wood chips were left all over his back. Lu Zhi inquires if this incident happened in October and if yes, then concludes that Qiao Gou'er couldn't have been killed at the theater, no holidays or festivals so other than market days, no troupe would perform hence no one would be at the theatre. Most likely the murderer dumped the body there for that reason. The last person to see him alive was his classmate. Qiao Gou'er had promises Xiao Baozi to teach him to write so he would bring a pen for Xiao Baozi. Xiao Baozi informs Lu Zhi that Qiao Gou'er studied in Wulei school and his teacher was Mr.Wang.
Lu Zhi takes the hidden skull in Mr. Wang's yard at Yamen and asks Captain Leng to examine the skull. Captain Leng informs Lu Zhi that as per the coroner, the skull belonged to a teenager whose occipital bone was broken and if not broken after death then the boy must have been killed by a heavy blow to the back of his head. The murderer then used ax on his cervical vertebrae to chop off the head. Lu Zhi wants Captain Leng to arrest Mr. Wang with this evidence for the death of Qiao Gou'er. But Captain Leng cautions him against bit as firstly, Mr. Wang was an influential scholar and secondly no one would believe Lu She's testimony as he was a child and secondly a servant a lowly born.
Lu Zhi is disappointed and continues telling his story to Mr.Zhong that even though he is educated the world is not the same as written in the books. Lu Zhi tells Mr.Zhong books always encourage people to be good but it's hard to be good and easy to do evil. Mr. Zhong uses sign language to tell Lu Zhi that there are few good and evil people. Lu Zhi infers that extremely good and evil people are rare in the world.
Lu Yuanbao calls Lu Zhi and Mr. Zhong to discuss embezzlement case of Mr. Zhao. Hongshun Textile mill was cofounded by Lu Yuanbao and Mr. Zhao. Lu Yuanbao had 60% stake and Mr. Zhao had 40% stake. Mr. Li the accountant was secretly appointed by Lu Yuanbao to keep a track of Mr.Zhao, Mr. Li kept two account books one as her Mr. Zhao's instructions and other the accurate one. There is a difference of 2500 teals of silver in both books. So Lu Zhi concludes that Mr. Zhao must be skimming off from the business. Lu Yuanbao has his own methods to deal with Mr. Zhao, he sends him gift of pigeon and Invites him for banquet. Lu Yuanbao says that Mr. Zhao is not engaging in money lending business as he seem to have extra cash. For 4,300 teals of silver the interest would be 172 teals of silver. Ar first Mr.Zhao intimidates Lu Yuanbao as Mr. Zhao had connection and family if Du county but Lu Yuanbao was a relatively outsider. Lu Yuanbao pacifies his anger and serves him hangover soup of Pigeons. After eating the soup, Lu Yuanbao clarifies that the soup was made of Mr. zhao's Pigeons. Lu Yuanbao continues by telling Mr.Zhao that even though he doesn't have connections or fame but he can still get into Mr. Zhao's place and take someone living or dead esily. Mr.Zhao is scared and agress to sign an IOU, Yuanbao makes him sign the document for 5000 teals of siver, he rounds off the interest.
Mr. Zhang's senior stumbles in Lu Yuanbao residence, he is severely injured. Mr.Zhang allows his senior, Liu Shiqi to recuperate in his room at Lu Yuanbao's house's courtyard . However Mr. Zhang confides in Lu Zhi. Lu Yuanbao would be furious with them if he found out they allowed a vagrant, an assassin known as Ghost hand to stay there. Lu Zhi agrees to allow Mr. Zhang's senior to stay for a while, the other two guards in the courtyard find out this secret, they inform Mr. Zhong. The two guards bring Lu Zhi to Mr. Zhang's room where Mr. Zhong is already waiting. Mr. Zhong unexpectedly and suddenly kills the two guards to protect Lu Zhi from Lu Yuanbao's wrath.
please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.
A mysterious man wearing fisherman's straw hat and Mr.Zhang are talking while sitting in a boat, The mysterious man is cooking something in a pot on the boat. Mr. zhang asks the mysterious man if he knows who the murderer is going to kill next? The mysterious man replies that the killer, killed Captain Leng first then he killed Mr.Wang and he hung Chen Wang's body. Mr.Zhang reflects on this that these three people never changed their identities.Following this order the mysterious man thinks, Mr. Zhang will have to look at it from 20 years ago. Mr. Zhang's next question is that following this logic there are other two people like them, so it reasons that the murderer will target them next. So Mr.Zhang plans to send two of his apprentices during the day to keep a watch over them and at night, Mr.Zhang and his senior will watch those people at night. The mysterious man laughs and reflects that he didn't think Mr. Zhang even after 20 years will still have to climb the roofs at midnight. The mysterious jokes if Mr. Zhang's nocturnal clothes would still fit him.
The county magistrate asks Captain Xia if he really plans to investigate the monkey demon's revenge case. According to captain xia even though it is an old case for now it's the only link to captain Leng and Mr. Wang. Captain Xia plans to start his investigation by interrogating the charm seller, fortune teller Yue. County magistrate Wei starts by asking him why he is spreading false information about demons. County magistrate Wei plans to hit the fortune teller when he starts speaking. Fortune teller looks very keenly at the county magistrate Wei and the latter inquires why the fortune teller was staring at him. The fortune teller replies that he makes living reading faces and according to him the county magistrate looks like a grandee with a high position and great wealth so he was shocked.
County Magistrate Wei is flattered and fortune teller continues with his confession that monkey performer and his monkey may belong to white lotus sect. There are many branches to the sect, the sect is divided into two schools, one of them is Trial school the people in this sect train and raise monkeys. Most of those who perform monkey shows are from Trial school. The other is the Guardian school, they are dressed as monkeys jumping up and down. If these people break on to steal at night and are caught by people, people will shout but if people see a man sized monkey with messy hair they will be freaked out and will not chase the thief.
Dr. Cheng visits Mr. Zhang and wants to know if Mr. Zhang had informed Mr. Xue about his business. Dr. Cheng says that there is no problem with his prescription of 20 years ago, Sangeng doesn't know medicine and even an experienced doctor wouldn't spot the problem. Mr. Zhang advises Dr. Cheng spread the prescription all over all the city, if people believe it is a general prescription, even if Sangeng discovers something no one will believe him. Mr. Zhang believes that people's perception is what matters.
Captain Xia asks Lv San when he travelled outside did he hear of the wukong sect? Captain Xia wants to know that if he wanted to capture this monkey demon did Lv San have any solution? Lv San is given order to observe it secretly, this conversation is overheard by Sangeng who was outside Captain Xia. Sangeng enters the office greets the two officers and goes to cleans his master, Captain Leng's badge which was hung in the office.
Judge Song wants to know if Sangeng's injury has healed that he has come to Yamen, Judge Song advises Sangeng to rest at home for a few more days as Captain Xia's deadline is approaching and other runners have not solved any single case. Judge Song fears others will blame Sangeng is they are punished. Sangeng wants to make a bet with Judge Song that Captain Xia will leave soon. Sangeng wants Judge Song that if Sangeng wins the bet, Judge Song will return back Sangeng's token to him. Judge Song is bewildered because he says that he doesn't have Sangeng's token. Sangeng says Judge Song will have it soon.
Just as Sangeng is leaving he is arrested, Dr. Cheng has complained to county magistrate about Sangeng. County Magistrate asks Mr. Xie if he had the prescription checked. Mr. Xie says that five doctors and three pharmacies have checked them and nothing is wrong with this prey. County Magistrate is angry that Sangeng harrassed Dr. Cheng over old prescription and even tried to extort money from him. Sangeng refuses the charge of extortion. Dr. Cheng gleefully reminds Sangeng if he remembered the two teals of silver that Dr. Cheng had given him. Sangeng wants to confirm if he was talking of the two teals of silver given to him on 27th of that month. upon getting affirmation, Sangeng says that he has received the money but he felt uneasy upon receiving that money so he donated it to a temple and asked the Taoist to record the gift and Sangeng says he asked the taoist to record the gift in name of Dr. Cheng and they can check the temple record. Sangeng is given warning to stop harassing Dr. Cheng as the prescriptions have checked out.
Captain Xia is angry at the five bailiffs, in the past five days none of the cases have been solved, so as per his condition earlier, he proceeds to flog all these bailiffs and to widen the internal strife he asks Sangeng to count the flogging loudly. According to his divide and rule policy he asks Sangeng to pick one bailiff to flog and others can be spared but if Sangeng cannot pick one, all five of them will be beaten. Shicong takes the blame and asks Sangeng to beat him and spare the others, Shicong has already taken medicine earlier, Sangeng is reluctant to beat Shicong at first because both of them are from the Hunter squad. Sangeng proceeds to beat Shicong but deliberately hits the flogging stick on Captain Xia's legs hard but pretends it was by mistake. Captain Xia howls in fury because his leg is hurt badly.
Judge Song sees this and to save Sangeng from Captain Xia's furthers, he instructs that Sangeng must be flogged 20 times for his mistake in hitting Captain Xia by chance. Captain Xia is not satisfied with this and wants Sangeng flogged to death. Judge Song tries to soothe Captain Xia's anger by asking him to treat his injury first and tells someone from Yamen to get a doctor for him. Captain Xia accuses Judge Song of protecting Sangeng and says the Yamen of Du county is slack in it's duties. Captain Xia threatens to report to inspector general. Judge Song reprimands captain Xia for now being disrespectful to him. Captain Xia insults Judge Song by saying that he is a just a judge of county Yamen where he himself is a first class officer of the Nietai Yamen. Captain Xia further insults Judge Song by saying he can't believe Du county hired a disabled man as a judge. Both Judge Song and Captain Xia are at the loggerhead and insult each other.
Country Magistrate sends a message through his assistant for both of them, he instructs Sangeng to be flogged 30 times and then to be imprisoned later for hitting his superior. County. Magistrate will later interrogate Sangeng on this issue. County Magistrate's assistant takes Cpatain Xia inside for treatment and asks the bailiff to flog Sangeng. After Captian Xia is taken inside Judge Song scolds Sangeng for being riled up by Captain Xia. Sangeng tells Judge Song to keep his token while he goes to jail (as per their earlier bet, Sangeng's token is now with Judge Song)
Inside the Yamen office, County Magistrate's assistant, Mr. Xie recounts Judge Song's past to Captain Xia and Lv San, Mr. Xie informs them that Judge Song was neither appointed by this county nor by the ministry of the personnel. He was appointed by His Majesty. It was on context of Huiyuan examination cheating case. Over ten years ago there was a notable talent well known in jiangnan, named Song Zhongqiu, his paintings and calligraphy are quite valuable because he can't paint and write anymore. Mr. Xie continues that his right hand has only two fingers left. He is disabled now. Judge Song Chen also named Song Zhongqiu was a prodigy at a young age, he attended imperial exam at the age of 28 and ranked first , being Huiyuan. But before the final imperial exam he was thrown in jail for a cheating case. He was jailed due to a political intrigue, Song Chen and his friend visited the chief examiner before the exams. Most of the candidate visited chief examiner nothing wrong in it but the censor was a political enemy of the chief examiner. Censor used this as an excuse to accuse the chief examiner of accepting bribes. In such a case first suspects are arrested and then His Majesty will investigate the case later. Song Chen and his Friend were tortured in the prison, Song Chen became disabled. In the end Song Chen confessed under duress that the chief examiner leaked the paper to him and his friend. Soon after this the Royal court overturned this case because the chief examiner was more powerful. But Song Chen already lost his position his friend committed suicide by hanging himself. Later His Majesty issued a decree that under the level of county Magistrate, Song Chen could choose a position like assistant to county magistrate Or registrar, but Song Chen decided to become a judge. Song Chen is determine to uphold what he learned to seek justice for others. Song Chen earns even more than the county magistrate but every month he takes only the salary of a judge and not a penny more.... After being released from prison, Song Chen got a tattoo of Yanzi on his upper torso, Yanzi is a kind of cruel and vengeful fierce beast.
Judge Song visits the brothel and Chunxing takes him to hear music from the open window. Mr. Song reminiscing good old days when he was a scholar Song Zhongqiu, composing poems and calligraphy with his good friend who later committed suicide. Mr. Song paints with the thumb of his right hand a beautiful painting with a poem composed by him in Chunxing's room at the brothel.
Mr. Zhang reports to the mysterious man about the two people he and senior were keeping a watch over. Mr. Zhang reports that he and his senior noticed the monkey demon, a thief from Wukong Sect. The thief always appeared near them. He is a their stealing things seems to be targeting them.
Lv San interrogates a resident, who says he saw a money demon, catching the moon with his claws. Lv San reports to Captain Xia that he tailed the monkey demon who was hiding his loot in the water but it was difficult for him alone to cath the thief at night. Lv San has found the Dragon king Temple of the thief, thieves often hide their loot in water, the places where they hide the loot ia called Dragon King Temple. Lv San plans to ambush the thief at that place to catch him. Lv San instructs the bailiffs and at night when the monkey demon comes to hide his loot, Lv San springs the trap and after a long chase, roof jumping, oil spilling, he manages to catch the monkey thief in his net.
please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.
https://x.com/chaonings/status/1726275447946883511?s=20
👆link to repost on X by a fan of wu xuanyi, for xuanyi's post on her weibo bidding goodbye to zhaoyang on 19th November 2023
https://x.com/WJSNDAILY/status/1726349701002526824?s=20
https://x.com/chaonings/status/1726267722928161220?s=20
👆link to repost on X by a fan of a douyin post of Wu Xuanyi on 19th November 2023, the day of last episode airing for VIP's on iqiyi of the drama 'Rising with the wind'.
https://x.com/WJSNDAILY/status/1726669249996079160?s=20
👆link to repost on X by a fan of clip of wrap up ceremony/filming ending of the drama 'Rising with the wind', Wu Xuanyi with three main cast and crew.
*Jiang Hu uses another current strategy for marketing to boost sales of cloud Footwear.. She contact s the influencer from the first episode to do live streaming of cloud footwear but as per their strategic understanding cancels it at the last moment, the narrative of the influencer is that she cancelled the live stream because she in all honesty could not recommend shoes that were too costly to her subscribers.. As per the plan, Jiang Hu releases an apology letter from cloud factory that they could not lower the price because they are committed to provide good quality shoes, so to give good quality shoes they have to keep a certain price... This creates hot searches and people have divided opinions, some arguments/comments favour the influencer for wanting to bring low prices goods for her viewers and some arguments/comments favor cloud footwear's commitment.... So when two cats fight, the monkey get the benefit. (when two people fight, it's always the third person who gets the benefit) so this controversy was good for the influencer as well as cloud footwear... In business there is no such thing as bad publicity.
*viewers are shown, the conversation between Gao Yi and Xu Si, from the previous episodes, the viewers were led to believe by the drama that Xu Si had leaked the information from about the peace loan's fiancer to the media, but now the scrip writer smoothly changes the narrative and puts the blame on Baoxing Investment, Xu Si was not aware of this leak ( this was clear misdirection by director and script writer to let the audience believe that Xu Si was guilty, but I am not complaining)
* Zhaoyang who has patched up things with Yang Jian finally confesses that she always liked him and appreciated him but because of Yang Jian's abusive father did not want to fall in love with him, so when she thought she was saved by Gao Yi she started deceiving herself that she loved Gao Yi... But now she knows that it was him that saved her so her last defense against him has collapsed (I still hate the invalid reason for them to fight and then divorce papers drama and the patch up, I was so invested in their love story but screen writer almost ruined it because of the way they handled their disagreement)... Nonetheless, I am happy for both of them, they deserve to be happy... Oh and happy news, they both are finding blind dates for zhaoyang's mother, indicating she can remarry 4th time and leave these two to carry on their own life.
* Jiang Hu has impressed Ye Guoming with her commitment so he hands over the director's office of Cloud footwear to her.
* Jiang Hu and Ye Guoming have a wonderful discussion about what needs to be done for old brands is to use new marketing techniques but not compromise on quality and focus on finding new technology to maintain quality.... Which is what is really needed.
* Xu Si has a similar discussion with his mother, in which he acknowledges that what the country needs is not just a few big brands but as an investor he should find ways to allow diversified small businesses to thrive in the market... So both mother and son have found a common ground, use new techniques of influencers to sell old brand goods.
* Xu Si shifts the factory workers to the new industrial park as the old factory building of Tengyue would be demolished... I did not feel so sad when the bulldozers were going in the factory because what mattered most was the philosophy and ideology that was already saved by Xu Si, The building was a good memory but new memories can be created in future.
* Xu si visits the same places as he did in the first episode while tailing Jiang Hu... It was like a trip down memory lane. He repurchases the Christian Louboutin? shoes back from the garbage collector that she had discarded in the first episode
*Finally Jiang Hu comes to know from Xu Si's assistant about Xu si being the shareholder of Tengyue and not Aneda.... ( can I hit all the characters on their head with a small bat? Just a small hit???????IF ONLY THEY TALKED )
* Xu Si goes on a trip abroad for 6 months, Xu Si's assistant fills Jiang Hu in on the situation, Xu Si returns back Tengyue shares to Jiang Hu, sends her the red car, gives back the shoes and also 100yuan note that she had given him in 1st episode mistaking him for her father's new assistant.... At this point Jiang Hu has to fall in love with him.
* They inserted a scene of Jiang Hu and zhaoyang together, all friendly and roaming in deserted buildings so that zhaoyang can get inspiration for a new design... (I missed these two girls working together in the last few episodes the most)
* Xu si comes back from the trip and while walking his son KID the dog, meets Jiang Hu... Xu Si again asks Jiang Hu if the choice is between Tengyue and him, whom would she choose??? The answer at this point is obvious... Him.
They run toward each other and Happy Ending. 🙂
The drama ended on a high note, tying everything in a perfect bow. It surely is quite an interesting series. Personally for me the first 32 episodes of Jiang Hu building her team and becoming successful in her business were more entertaining than the latter episodes.. The last few episodes, felt a bit draggy and I had some complaints about the way the script had been written for them......However in episodes 39 and 40 the script writer once again managed to create the same excitement as the first 3/4th part. Nevertheless a good drama to watch.
Snippets from my review on this drama, posted in the review section.
::::::ACTORS PLAYING THEIR CHARACTERS:::::::
Gong Jun playing Xu Si :
Gong Jun played the part of a dispassionate and shrewd investor quite well. He was able to display a wide range of emotions through his character. In the beginning his attitude was arrogant for the goal oriented Xu Si... Later in the series with the change in Xu Si's character, Gong Jun 's eyes reflected his turmoil, sadness and hurt. He also revealed during the promotional campaign for the drama and his own personality was quite introvert compared to Xu Si's extrovert nature, so as an actor he did a fabulous job.
Zhong Chuxi playing Jiang Hu:
Zhong Chuxi looks stunning as Jiang Hu the rich heiress who dresses in expensive designer shoes & dresses and drives a fast red car, she portrayed the haughty and imperious side of Jiang Hu 'To the T'. Her body language exuded her confidence, then she was equally believable as a 'fallen from grace' startup entrepreneur, who uses her wit and intelligence to forge ahead... .Zhong Chuxi's charming smile and genial attitude makes Jiang Hu's struggles to achieve success in business relatable.
Wu Xuanyi playing Xiang Zhaoyang:
Wu Xuanyi was remarkable in her depiction of Xiang Zhaoyang.. Zhaoyang with her tenacious nature, achieving success with her hardwork, appearing detached and indifferent but very warm hearted and loyal to the core. Wu Xuanyi successfully Portrayed the minimal expression of zhaoyang used to keeping her own counsel. Her demeanor was professional and reserved giving professional vibe. Body language was closed.. This is good acting because Wu Xuanyi in her real life is more of a vivacious, outgoing personality. As wu Xuanyi discussed in the promotional campaign she herself is an extrovert playing the role of an introvert zhaoyang.
Gao Zhi Ting playing Yang Jian:
This is the first time, I am watching Gao Zhi Ting's work... His portrayal of Yang Jian is very candid.......When he smiles it is quite wholesome and genuine and his crestfallen face when Zhaoyang is not happy with him is full of emotions.... Gao Zhiting is a very natural actor, all emotions of his character are well conveyed through his face and body posture. He carries out "the boy next door" image quite well.
Honorable mentions
1. Wei zhe Ming who played the part of Gao Yi did not have much screen time but he managed to capture audience's attention with few scenes, his character was also a more distant personality, fre scenes that he had to showcase his emotions were with his wife... There his tearful anguish filled face evoked sympathy in viewer's heart.
2. Wen Zheng Rong who played the character of Yue Shan was brilliant in her ultra efficient, tolerate no nonsense manner suiting a woman who has spent majority of her life navigating the business world.
3. Morni Chang who played the character of Pei Zhi Yuan, a true veteran actor realistically brought to life the supportive maternal uncle of Jiang Hu who was equally miserly and opportunist while still retaining his love for his niece.
4. BOSS the dog was the showstopper, he was such a well trained animal, so many BTS of actors having a great time playing with him are uploaded on the net.. I don't know how the trainer manages to get the dog to display different postures and emotions at different time... For me BOSS was 'THE BOSS' of this series.
Memorable quotes
Episode 39
Xu Si (to his mother) - It's because the way I judged value was too simplistic and arbitrary. I was wrong. I never thought about what my dad would want back then. I only cared about my feelings. If my dad really wanted to sell the factory, he wouldn't have gone back to repair the machines.
Episode 30
(Ending caption)
Rising against the wind. Beginning with Jiang Hu. When rising with the wind, Zhaoyang will be there for you.
I enjoyed reading all the dissenting opinions on this message board that presented logical views without resorting to outright insulting the character or the actor.Thanks to all the members of MDL who directly interacted with me, it was a pleasure sharing and discussing various aspects of the show irrespective of our personal outlook.
In the end I will leave with the last thought for everyone... Hold on to your CONVICTIONS, Just because someone else is right doesn't mean 'You' are wrong... However being polite and logical while presenting your perspective is a better way to get others to listen to your side.
More thoughts in spoiler tag below
Ep 1 and 2
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15064097
Ep 3 and 4
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15064305
Episode 5 and 6
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15073627
Episode 7 and 8
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15085115
Episode 9 and 10
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15097617
Episode 11 and 12
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15108973
Episode 13 and 14
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15116307
Episode 15 and 16
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15128101
Episode 17 and 18
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15138173
Episode 19 and 20
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15150013
Episode 21
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15172401
Episode 22
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15173873
Episode 23 and 24
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15194835
Episode 25 and 26
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15207079
Episode 27 and 28
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15220577
Episode 29 and 30
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15234491
Episode 31 and 32
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15247017
Episodes 33 and 34
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15257109
Episodes 35 and 36
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15269099
Episodes 37 and 38
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15283933
Episode 39 and 40
https://kisskh.at/63985-i-want-to-go-against-the-wind#comment-15295721
* she spoke up against sexual harrasment and refused to work with Mr.Fang in the beginning as well as later.. She doesn't hesitate to voice out in public the harassment she faced at the hands of lecherous Mr. Fang(many people in her place remain silent )
* When she is offered a job at TT media after her termination from Aneda, junior Mr.Du who is sitting for the initial recruitment procedure, looks down on her prim and proper dress, tells her she should get plastic surgery etc... She refuses some compromises, she refuses to work with people who do not meet her approval, she doesn't want to have plastic surgery and insists she will continue with the designs she prefers. ( many real life influencers compromise their ethics in the name of gaining popularity and getting big bucks)
*She refuses 'Plagiarism' , when she is offered an assignment with Free Unicorn by Zhang Wenshan's employee, he suggests 'taking inspiration' from Italian design shoes, she refuses to do that even if she displeases her bosses at TT media.
* When she is bullied in TT media by another jealous influencer ANan who leaked her photo online to discredit her, the management of TT media refuse to take strict action against ANan because he has huge online following... Zhaoyang throws powder on his face and threatens to disrupt his livestreaming by throwing powder at his during it, if he continues to pick on her.
*She is no pushover, she has her ways to deal with her mother. Three instances that stand out for me where she stood up to her mother. 1.In the beginning when her mother had lost a bundle of money and sat near the window sill threatening to jump, zhaoyang calmly opens the window and invites her to jump. 2.when her mother reminds Zhaoyang of Yang Jian's birthday, her mother suggests to be kind to him till she gets married to someone suitable, zhaoyang immediately gets angry at her mother and reminds her to treat him as her son and not some meal ticket... 3. After her hasty marriage with Yang Jian her mother is berating Yang Jian, zhaoyang immediately retaliates that maybe in 20 years she may turn as shrewish and flaky as her mother.
*when there is a difference of opinion about her initial design for Tengyue, she leaves in a huff but after overcoming her creative block comes back with new designs... Jiang Hu throws off their race and slows down while running so that the match will end in a draw enabling them to talk... After zhaoyang's Livestream of unveiling the new product design is successful, she visits the hospital, even though she has a major problem with Mr. Fang's presence at the unveiling ceremony she holds off that discussion for later when she sees Jiang Hu is still in pain at the hospital.... Zhaoyang acknowledges that Jiang Hu's choice of design and price point for the new shoes was much better than her earlier expensive design... She also discusses how Jiang Hu has become a more mature and changed person as Jiang deliberately allowed their previous race to conclude in a draw just so that they can communicate whereas earlier Jiang Hu would have always played to win.
* She listens carefully to Mr. Zhang's the production floor manager at Tengyue and takes his suggestion into consideration while designing a product suitable for Tengyue's past image and ideology. She also overlooks and takes sportingly Mr. Pei's criticism and nagging.
* she is overworked and underpaid at Tengyue but because she wants to proves herself as a designer and is grateful to Jiang Hu for trusting her by paying her compensation at TT media and breaking non compete agreement with Aneda, she will continue to give her best to Tengyue.
*when Zhang WenShan tries to poach her from Tengyue after her successful design launch online by offering more pay package, she shows extreme loyalty and integrity by refusing the new work.
* Even though she may not be head over heels in love with Yang Jian but she recognises his contribution to help her, she doesn't want to take undue advantage of his kindness so refuses to take compensation money to break the contracts with TT media and Aneda, she often asks hims not to cook or clean her place, when Yang Jian tries to help Zhaoyang at workplace she always asks him to take care of his own work as they should be professional in workplaces.... However she also subconsciously trusts Yang Jian, he is the person she calls when she is tailed by ruffins at night, she gifts him limited edition Aneda shoes that are not yet launched in the market, she goes to great lengths to find the shortcakes that he likes the best to gift him for his birthday.
Zhaoyang is a reserved person who is like an iceberg, what you see is just the tip of her feelings.. Yes, her too direct, unromantic marriage proposal was jarring because we feel Yang Jian deserves her love but because she appreciates him and trusts him, if she decides to allow her heart to follow her logic, she will fall in love with him deeply... Sometimes love is not just about burning passion but also about sharing a warm meal at the end of the day while discussing your day's problems, Yang Jian is just that guy for her, he has hair tie ready for her, allows her to contemplate deeply her issues by painting on his restaurant wall while patiently sitting, quietly beside her and at the end of the day always has warm wontons to offer her.... Their marrige was a rebound decision on her part but once we take a decision we should stick with it and sometimes we discover that our second options are better than our first and BEST choices.
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Zhaoyang character part 2 from Episodes 35 to 37
Minority here again... I totally agree with you... It seems its easy for everyone to find a scapegoat and that is zhaoyang..
Adding to the merger, I understand where zhaoyang is coming from, she agreed to work with Aneda if the merger with Tengyue went through... She did not say she will leave Tengyue and join Aneda as head designer. .... If I am given an opportunity to work with two companies that will help me grow in my field, I will also accept the proposal.
When Yang Jian was angry at her
for not telling him of Aneda's merger proposition with Tengyue, she said the COMPANY BELONGS TO XU SI AND JIANG HU it's their decision to sell or not... She was happy for herself that if the merge went through, she could get double business opportunities... And Yang Jian was angry at this reply... Realistically people who hate her, if they were offered two good offers together, Would they refuse it????.... Remember it was two offers together, it was not leave Tengyue and come back to Aneda offer.
Zhaoyang did not go behind Jiang Hu's back to stab her, she did not betray Jiang Hu's trust... Like everyone else, she left it to Xu Si to discuss this merger with Jiang Hu... (In real life if we know a secret related to a couple, we would rather they talk things between themselves than us intervening)
If we appreciate Jiang Hu's ambition and vision for Tengyue and applaud her achievements... Why doesn't zhaoyang have the same right to think about her own career decisions????
She said that she doesn't make promises easily and when she does, she sticks to it... That dialogue sums up, zhaoyang's character for me.
She did not leave Tengyue when everyone around her are abandoning Tengyue for their own reasons, she is tenacious and that is the trait I admire in her.
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Relationship of Free Unicorn and Tengyue explained with real life easy examples.
Let me explain this in a simple manner... This is only for very basic understanding...
(Taking the example of Unilever because viewers are from different countries and Unilever has operations in many countries)
I guess most viewers would have heard of Unilever, it is a multinational consumer packaged goods company... It manufactures many brands and items under different product lines like food, ice creams, cofee ,cleaning agents etc and different brands. Let me take eg of two brands: Dove, Axe.
Now think of Free unicorn = Unilever
(Free unicorn is an umbrella/parent company manufacturing/supplying different clothing and shoe brands, unlike Unilever which is a multinational company, Free unicorn operates in China only)
Think of Tengyue(the brand) = Dove(the brand)
Before Free Unicorn made Tengyue(the company) it's subsidiary and Tengyue became OEM for Free Unicorn, Tengyue was established by Jiang Hu's maternal grand father and her father also joined Tengyue(this is why Jiang Hu's maternal uncle, Mr. Pei is still working at Tengyue and Tengyue was very close to Jiang Hu's mother's heart)........ But later the family(Jiang Hu's father) decided to expand their business and founded Free unicorn... So slowly Tengyue which had many different designs of shoes stopped production of them under Tengyue brand name and shifted their products to free unicorn (Tengyue company continued to manufacture shoes but they were sold under the name of Free Unicorn)... Now only one product 'rubber sole shoe' remains under the brand Tengyue.
Taking back the example of Dove... Dove has different variants of soaps, shampoos, lotions etc... Now think of the Dove brand only having a single variant of the soap bar.
So now Tengyue needs to be revived back by redesigning and introducing a new variety of shoes in the market, it needs to establish its independent identity which was lost when it became a subsidiary company of Free Unicorn.
As far as shares of Tengyue are concerned... Xu Si is managing the project on behalf of the Baoxing Investment... So technically, Baoxing Investment owns Tengyue shares but Xu Si can make executive decisions because he has discussed his plans to obtain Tengyue shares with the Managing Director of Baoxing Investment.
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Xu si's and Gao Yi's role in Free Unicorn's Downfall
Actually it was Xu Si (it was a misdirect to confuse audience, it was Mr. Du of Baoxing investment who leaked the news but viewers came to know of it only in last episode) who leaked the news to a person doing an exposition article on the internet, he wanted Teng Yue's piece of land, so only if Jiang Hu's father goes through financial problems he will sell that land to Xu Si.... By breaking the news he just expedited the process, the news sooner or later would be out about the missing financer.
Gao Yi had introduced this absconding financer from Peace Loan, to Jiang Hu's father, so technically when the big financer goes missing other people who have lent money or sold goods on credit to Jiang Hu's father will start demanding their own money and a business cannot pay everyone at once because they don't have so much cash on hand, so creditors would go to court to demand payment and business would be declared bankrupt by the court, all assets(properties of that business) would be auctioned and the proceeds(money) from that auction would be given to that company's creditors(people who lent money)
Xu Si leaked the news to that anchor but Gao Yi was the one to introduce a bad business person to Jiang's father.. So both of them are responsible in their own way for Free Unicorn's(Jiang Hu's father's company) going bankrupt.
[NOTE: Xu Si did not leak the news, it was intended to confuse viewers, actually the real person who leaked the news to media was Mr. Du of Baoxing Investment]
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Xu Si's original land acquisition project at the beginning of the series.
As far as I understand... A big company Yuanfeng Logistics wants to purchase a piece of land, now this piece of land is owned by many small businesses... So first Yuanfeng Logistics would have to approach all these owners and purchase their property from ALL of them then only they can use that piece of land for their own purpose, mostly it is for redevelopment meaning demolishing all old buildings and constructing something new and big in that space.
Original owners will demand a high price if they know a big company is interested in acquisition (purchase of their property), So Investment companies like Baoxing investment where Xu Si is employed, they will approach all these old owners under different companies name under their banner and purchase those individual property at a cheap price... After they have purchased all the properties on that land, Boaxing Investment will contact Yuanfeng logistics and resell these properties at a high price... So the difference in price at which they purchased from individual owners and sell to Yuanfeng logistics will be Xu Si's company's profit.
Xu Si had managed to purchase all other properties in that area from other owners only Jiang Hu's father had refused to sell his property.. So if Xu Si doesn't get Teng Yue's land, the big company(Yuanfeng) won't purchase from Baoxing(because Yuanfeng Logistics wants all the land for their redevelopment plan) .
Xu Si was therefore trying all underhanded methods to get his hands on Teng yue 's land. Which he did manage to get at the auction, so now the industrial site of Tengyue belongs to him. But the brand name and copyright right of the shoe was purchased by Jiang Hu.
A 'Holdout' in a land acquisition is a person who refuses to sell their property or delay the demolition procedure by refusing to vacate the property due to legal technicality.... We will get to know in episode 7 how Jiang Hu proposes to continue staying in her factory for more time by negotiating a deal with Xu Si.
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Episode 7 Jiang Hu renting Tengyue's factory
In Episode 7, Jiang Hu wants Xu Si to rent her the factory building of Tengyue for the duration of 1 or 2 years.
According to her the benefits for Xu Si would be that his company Baoxing Investment has to negotiate sales with Yuanfeng Logistics..... It takes time to come to an agreement for such big projects, both companies will have meetings and more meetings, then because the amount would be significant Yuanfeng will need some time to arrange funds and come up with payment methods etc.. ....Xu Si's company will just demolish the Tengyue factory and will not have any use for that land for that time while negotiations are going on between their companies, the land will remain vacant....... So Jiang Hu proposes that if he rents the factory building to her in that time for 1 or 2 years, he can ask her to pay rent for that time which will be ADDITIONAL income for him... Anyways he is not going to use that place for any other purpose, he might as well earn significant rent while waiting for the sale to go through ... So win - win situation for him.
Benefit of this proposal for Jiang Hu would be to get extended time to pay the whole year's rent at the END of the year instead of paying advance rent to other landlords.......Normally if she were to rent any other factory they would demand she pay in advance (one month's rent + 2 months' rent as security deposit) So she will have to pay three months rent as soon as she enters into a rental contact with other landlords, her problem is she DOESN'T HAVE FUNDS PRESENTLY.....The other landlords will not agree with her paying the rent at the end of the year because rent is their primary source of income....But her logic in trying to convince Xu Si to give her time to pay rent at the end is that he was not planning to earn anything from that property it would be good plan for him to make some money in that duration. .. So win-win situation for her too.
Theoretically her paln makes sense but as Xu Si pointed it out to her, even if she is given extra time... She has to have a business plan that is practical and would generate some actual income... For now, Jiang Hu due to her circumstances is only thinking of stop gap measures to get some relief and time. she has to come up with a long term plan to sell her brand then only she can pay the rent at the end of the year. As Xu Si said in business, TIME is more important than MONEY... A successful business person has to make the best use of their time.
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Zhaoyang's influencer scandal in episode 8
Zhaoyang's name was dragged through mud by one of the workers of TT media who was jealous of her popularity and the attention she was getting from both bosses.... So he posted a picture of Zhao Yang and Xu Si implying that Zhao Zhang is a mere puppet of a big investor... From there on netizens dug up dirt on her personal life related to her mother and everything escalated.. She basically lost the trust of her subscribers... This situation is very true to life which we often see happening to many celebrities.
TO BE CLEAR.....Zhaoyang is more honest than most other influencers in the TT media......At the negotiations table for the job she put her foot down on things she was NOT willing to do, she was not ready to compromise her ideals just for money.. But smear campaigns do not SPARE EVEN THE WORTHY.
To explain Xu Si and Zhao Yang's collaboration as per my understanding:
These days, big companies are using influencers to sell products... Now these influencers have a big following of fans who hang on their words and worship them... So when an influencer suggests buying a product almost all fans/subscribers jump on that band wagon... Xu Si has collaborated with T T media to help strategic sales of goods as this is the new method of selling goods directly to end users, the customers.
Zhoayang is good at what she does, creative designs so if given proper channeling to her talent she could draw in customers for the companies she chose to collaborate...... Now these influencers and companies sponsoring these influencers (TT media) get some % of sales value or lump some payment from companies( sellers) they are collaborating with.
Credibility of the influencer is very important, customers want to follow and like an influencer who is 'HONEST AND PURE ' when it comes out that the influencer they trust is a mere puppet of a big investor(xu si) and not sharing products they use but are just trying to generate sales by using the subscribers love for them, it starts creating hatred from them... Once a bad article is posted, everyone else starts digging up more dirt on them.... Everyone likes to throw mud at others... We see this happening to many celebrities online.. ... An influencer whose reputation is ruined cannot be used to coax people to purchase items they make or recommend.. So the career of that influencer is doomed due to bad publicity.
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Practically versus emotional sense in business Xu Si and Jiang Hu
I feel Xu si is quite emotional but he is choosing to be very practical in business( probably after what happened in his own factory) , he is not allowing any emotions to enter the deals(though he is breaking that rule left and right for Jiang Hu) ... My personal opinion doing business in extremely impersonal manner saps your energy and after some years you don't enjoy that work.
On the other hand Jiang Hu at the moment is very emotional , she is not thinking about the practical sides of business at all, which is also a wrong way to do business, this way a person will always be in debt and have anxiety issues long term.
So what both of them need to do is to take the best from each other... Care about the business and the workers but do it in a practical manner, because no business can sustain losses long term..... They need to target customers that have same ideologies and create a good customer base... So I think both have to learn few things from each other and meet midway..... Maybe the perfect blend of practicality with emotional involvement in the business will give long term happiness to the owners of the business plus generate steady source of income....
Let's see what these two along with everyone else Zhao Yang, Yang Jian, Pei Zhiyuan and the others in this team finally accomplish.
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Good cinematography for Yang Jian and Zhaoyang Episode 9-10
Speaking of the cinematography of this series, other non verbal interaction in the scenes that struck my mind are:
1. Yang Jian(Gao Zhiting) driving Xiang Zhaoyang (Wu Xuanyi) in his car back from TT media's office, Zhaoyang had fallen asleep in the car, she had a very bad day. She woke up when the car stopped but Yang Jian asked her to go back to sleep as they were far from their destination yet.....Yang Jian even after reaching Zhaoyang's house kept driving around in circles to allow her some moments of peaceful sleep...
2.Yang Jian always bringing food for Zhaoyang, in one instance, Yang Jian peeled oranges and artistically arranged the slices on a plate... He kept the plateful of orange.slices beside hot wonton bowl on Zhaoyang's desk before leaving Zhaoyang to continue doing her work peacefully... The camera pans on the wonton bowl and orange plate kept on the table.
These scenes silently portray Yang Jian's affection and care for Zhaoyang.
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Power imbalance for women in business/work place
My opinion
* The bitter truth is that women always have to struggle more than men in the business world because a woman is not taken seriously till she proves her self and becomes powerful... Female bosses face more insubordination problems than a male boss.
* Even I was wondering about Xu Si's promise to Zhaoyang... He promised her safe working environment and safe doesn't just mean free from sexual harassment... Zhaoyang was bullied and the other person was not dealt with strictly, he was given just a slap on the wrist...... This seems very unfair, but this is reality. That is why Xu Si told zhaoyang to first be IN the position that no one dare take her advantage. she has to become most valuable asset to the company...........Ms.Song of TT media should have been more proactive in dealing this issue, she failed at least some of the other influencer's privileges should hVe been curtailed even if he was too valuable to fire.
* just now all cards are in Xu Si's hands and there seems power imbalance between Xu Si and Jiang Hu....but there is growth in her behaviour she is learning to play the game with the cards that are being dealt to her because always we cannot get a winning hand in life.........In the beginning when Xu Si talked ill about her father, she splashed water on his face and walked out... Now under the same circumstances, she drank the water... She is learning to make hard choices, because for now survival is more import than winning.... So even though there is power imbalance between Xu Si and Jiang Hi, I hope in future she will not remain under anyone's thumb.... She can use whatever tricks she has to get the work done...
I don't think both the girls are being damsels in distress waiting for a men in shining armour to rescue them. I think this story is about both Jiang Hu and Zhaoyang surviving and thriving in a male dominated business environment... This story is about both of these girls' rise to power..... They have to work in unfavorable circumstances then only it can be considered going against the wind. ( which I think is the original title of the story)
PS: I hope that at some point Xu Si also uses some more emotions in business
(He will also learn the value of emotions in this journey and change his attitude somewhat)
* Jiang Hu pulls a Jiang Hu and uses that show to promote her new product. Getting orders for Ye Guoming's factory.
* oh by the way, I really really liked the new managing person at Tengyue, he seemed smart, dedicated and quite soft spoken... Someone who can be trusted to take care of business..
* Xu Si is moping around for both the episodes, he is playing house with KID, the dog... Love their dynamics... KID gets to ride a car, some passerby girls are jealous they are walking and KID is enjoying the car ride.
*seems like Tengyue is now under Xu Si's control and he is refusing to discuss the merger with Aneda... Upsetting his bosses and Aneda both simultaneously, however yet he cannot tell this to Jiang Hu who is under the impression that Tengyue has already initiated a merger with Aneda.. ( when will these people communicate???? When batman sends a smoke signal 🤷♀️🤦♀️)
*zhaoyang comes to know it was Yang Jian who saved her life that day and not Gao Yi... Now people will believe that she patched up things with Yang Jian because of this... When that is not the case, zhaoyang was always ready to invest in her marriage from the time she proposed.. As zhaoyang told Xu Si in the previous episode, she seldom makes promises and when she does she sticks to it.
*Yang Jian served divorce papers to zhaoyang... Still he is not ready to communicate, sits like a martyr in front of zhaoyang... and with one kiss from zhaoyang all their problems are swept under the rug... This conflict that the series created was a very serious issue and then because Yang Jian was ready to give up, he signed divorce papers and now suddenly everything is resolved... This is the most fat-fetched part of the story totally unbelievable and the writers ruined a perfectly good relationship story for no reason than to create a two minute conflict and quick resolution... I have already written quite a lot about Yang Jian yesterday so will not repeat it again, this was his worst arc in the series.
* The way the story is going, for the first time in any love story series, I feel all these characters should stay single and just focus on their work.. Hasty patch up at the end is a disservice to all their individual growths which the series was focusing on in the first 30 episodes... So tomorrow we say goodbye to this series.
A major role reversal, an investor is behaving like the factory owner. Somehow it seems, I have wandered by mistake into a different show since the last few episodes... Once again nobody communicates, from a fast paced business revival drama it has drifted into a melodrama, everyone is just going through the motions.. Where is the drive to achieve something new and the thrill of success we experienced in the first 30 episodes???... Only two more episodes are left now.
Memorable dialogue
Episode 38
Xu Si - We can't control what others think. Just do your job.
Everyone has difference of opinion, we can't control what others think.. Just keep doing what we think is best.
More in spoiler tag below
We are all so immersed in stating our opinions and points.. But it is good that everyone has something to talk about that affected their emotions.
Maybe after the series conclude we can come back to their wonderful interaction at the Livestreaming.. Even I don't understand what they are saying but its fun to see them being happy and chummy.
In my opinion divorce and/or separation would be better at this stage of their relationship.....And this not knowing her also came out of blue, hadn't he seen her make similar decisions in 10 years.
This sudden epiphany as everyone is putting it does not seem plausible... I would rather she divorce
him at this stage because if one quarrel can bring on his epiphany to divorce her what may happen in future if they have a series of disagreement.
But I know they will patch up soon because this is a drama land.
Again I have no problem if he had decided to divorce her for his own self respect... But the way it was written, I have a problem with that and will always disagree even if they patch up... I would rather see the last few episodes before giving my final verdict on this relationship.