Debit Queen Episode 13 Recap
> Debit Queen Recap
Ling Se was experimenting with new products, telling Xu Zilu she was inspired by a customer to create items with multiple uses, such as turning aromatic tea into milk cake for different textures of the same flavor to save money and offer novelty. Xu Zilu asked if she would like to join the Chamber of Commerce, explaining that as a shop owner, she was qualified.
He described the Chamber's purpose as mutual assistance, providing information and resources, and noted it would be helpful for her goal of opening branch stores. He revealed he had already completed the application procedures and only needed her signature. Ling Se, delighted at the prospect of becoming successful, initially offered to sign but then claimed her handwriting was too unique and asked Xu Zilu to sign for her.
After he confirmed she was comfortable with him signing such an important agreement, they signed it together. The goods Xu's had prepared for Prince Xian's Mansion were delivered, but the butler informed the manager that they had switched suppliers for the Jiuzhongtian incense and would not accept the shipment. Xu's manager was distressed, asking about the deposit which had already been sent to Linchun, and was told to take the goods back.
Xu Zilu's servant reported that upon inquiry, they discovered Prince Xian's side had canceled the order a long time ago but had failed to notify them. The delivery staff attempted to contact Third Uncle, who had facilitated the order, but he was traveling north for business and unreachable. Xu Zilu decided to accept the situation for now and wait for his Third Uncle's return to discuss further.
He instructed the staff in Furong City to carefully return the Jiuzhongtian incense to Linchun. His servant expressed concern that this issue might impact his three-month competition with the Tao family and the selection for Imperial Merchant. After a period of studying, Wang Zhujue took an exam and came in last place. Feeling disheartened, he concluded he was not suited for academics and suggested he should just enjoy life using the property his father, the Governor, had left him.
Ping'er encouraged him not to give up. She pointed out that although he was last, he had made significant progress compared to submitting blank papers before; now he filled the entire test sheet, which was a notable improvement. Wang Zhujue was encouraged by her words. Ling Se heard servants discussing the canceled order from Prince Xian's Mansion and worrying that the Xu family might go bankrupt, potentially affecting Xu Zilu's competition with the Tao family and the Imperial Merchant selection.
Concerned, she went to find Xu Zilu. She expressed her worries about the large quantity of unsold incense and how it might impact his ability to catch up to the Tao family's turnover before their deadline. Xu Zilu noted she was well-informed and assured her that the Xu family would be fine with him there, advising her not to believe the rumors of bankruptcy.
When she urged him not to pretend to be strong in front of her given their relationship, he clarified their bond was an unbreakable contractual relationship. She offered her help with anything except financial matters. He then asked her to accompany him to the opera that evening. She was initially confused by his request given the circumstances but agreed. The opera they watched depicted a fallen noble family and forced separation, which Ling Se found sad and unrealistic.
She worried it might make Xu Zilu feel down and suggested watching more exciting operas instead. Later, she brought snacks to his room, thinking he was upset because of the opera, but found him bathing. Flustered, she denied seeing anything and explained she just wanted to bring him food.
Xu Zilu told her he knew she was worried about the Xu family but reassured her that he had multiple ways to deal with Tao Ziran and had not relied on just one venture. The day of selecting the representative for Imperial Merchant in Furong City arrived at the Linchun Guild Hall, with the Governor presiding.
The three-month turnovers were presented: Xu family had five shops with a total of 10,000 taels, and the Tao family had three shops with 6,000 taels. The Tao family then presented a new order from Furong City for 5,000 taels, bringing their total to 11,000 taels. The Governor stated that if the Xu family had no new reports, the Tao family would be selected. Xu Zilu interrupted, announcing he had another shop that was Xu family property.
The value of the shop's deed and money (306 taels) was added, but Xu's total was still less than Tao's. Xu Zilu asked them to wait a little longer, stating he had some orders on the way. Tao Ziran taunted him, telling him to stop stalling. Just as the Governor was about to announce the result, a Western merchant named Pavarotti dramatically arrived with a large amount of banknotes, greeting Xu Zilu.
Xu Zilu explained that he had given Pavarotti some of Xu family's finest He Incense a long time ago to show to his merchant friends for potential long-term cooperation. Pavarotti confirmed the incense was excellent and popular. With Pavarotti's order, the Xu family's total turnover surpassed the Tao family's. Xu Zilu commented that he didn't necessarily predict Tao's actions but believed in being prepared. The Xu family was selected as the representative for the Imperial Merchant.
They celebrated their victory with a meal. During the celebration, Ling Se drank too much and became dizzy. Xu Zilu expressed he was sorry she had to worry about the situation. She told him they were "self people" and that her small contribution was nothing compared to him becoming the Imperial Merchant. She regretted not being able to help more but was glad the result was good because he was prepared.
She called Tao Ziran despicable and declared that if he had won, she would have taken him down using unconventional methods, promising to protect Xu Zilu from anyone who bullied him. Noticing him looking at her, she commented that he was drunk as his face was red and advised him to rest.
Later, Xu Zilu's servant noted his closeness with Ling Se and was happy that his young master finally seemed to be finding happiness, urging him to find an opportunity to confess his feelings to Ling Se. Bad news arrived for Tao Ziran: many customers were returning the sachets produced in collaboration with the Ling family, citing quality issues and demanding refunds. Tao Ziran instructed his servant to find the Ling family.
Ling father was distressed upon hearing the news; the sachets were not selling well, and now the quality issue meant the entire batch was a loss, with Tao Ziran demanding compensation. Ling father complained he had no spare money. Ling mother suggested he ask Ling Se for help, as she was married into the wealthy Xu family and her husband was now an Imperial Merchant.
Ling father went to the Xu family and asked Ling Se for 500 taels to help with the business and her brother's exam expenses. Ling Se said she didn't have the money. Ling father, knowing she was in the Chamber of Commerce, had a shop, and Xu family was Imperial Merchant, didn't believe her. Ling Se insisted her shop was new and hadn't made money yet. Ling father suggested she sell her shop.
When she refused, he called her shameless and unfilial, reminding her of the past. Ling Se retorted, questioning his actions when her mother was ill. He accused her of not acknowledging him since marrying into the Xu family. Old Madam Xu arrived and questioned the commotion, stepping in to assert that Ling Se was now her daughter-in-law within the Xu household and not for him to lecture.
Ling father quickly claimed it was just family business and left, saying he had other appointments. Old Madam Xu then comforted Ling Se and suggested they play mahjong. Trouble also struck the Tao family concerning their Jiuzhongtian order for Prince Xian's Mansion. An Eunuch from the Prince's Mansion arrived, furious that Tao Ziran had used inferior goods. Tao Ziran pleaded innocence, claiming the best materials were used.
The Eunuch mentioned that Eunuch Zhou, who had initially handled the order, had been executed for accepting bribes. The Eunuch stated Prince Xian was merciful and offered Tao Ziran a chance: if he could re-prepare the Jiuzhongtian and deliver it to Furong City within three days, the Prince would forgive the offense. Tao Ziran explained the complex process made it impossible within three days. The Eunuch stated that if he failed, he must compensate the Prince for his loss.
Tao Ziran reviewed his finances with a servant, finding only 3,000 taels in cash after expenses. The servant thought selling valuables might cover the order amount, but Tao Ziran pointed out the contract required ten times compensation for failure to deliver, totaling 50,000 taels for the 5,000 tael order. With recent returns and canceled orders for the sachets making cash flow tight, Tao Ziran realized the only way to get enough money was to sell his shops and mansion.
He attempted to sell the mansion deed. However, prospective buyers affiliated with a private bank took advantage of his desperate situation, offering only 30,000 taels for a property worth at least 50,000 taels. They admitted they couldn't produce more cash immediately and suggested he lower the price further. Tao Ziran, seeing their collusion and opportunism, became enraged and refused to sell at that price, declaring he would not sell.
The buyers warned him that no one else in Linchun could produce 30,000 taels in cash on short notice, and his only remaining option would be to sell his daughter for money. Tao Ziran was furious.
