Legend of the Magnate Episode 29 Recap
> Legend of the Magnate Recap
Marshal Jiu had ordered Gu Pingyuan to Nanjing to assist Viceroy Rui Lin in addressing the region's post-war chaos. Gu Pingyuan quickly realized this was a veiled hostage situation, as his entire family—Chang Yu'er, Old Madam Gu, Gu Pingwen, Chang Si, Mr. Liao, and Miss Liao—a total of seven people, were being brought along.
Gu Pingwen, lamenting that he hadn't yet married Miss Liao, expressed his reluctance to die, even making a dark joke about death row prisoners receiving a last meal. Mr. Liao then attempted to lighten the mood with a song.
The gravity of their situation weighed heavily on everyone aboard the ship, but Chang Si, a seasoned traveler, confidently stated that as long as Gu Pingyuan wasn't asked to commit heinous acts, he would follow, fearing nothing now that his daughter was settled. He encouraged everyone to put their worries aside, reminding them that there was always a way through difficulties.
That night, the escorts, acknowledging that Gu Pingyuan and Chang Yu'er's wedding night had been interrupted three days prior, thoughtfully arranged a bridal chamber for them. Chang Yu'er was touched by their efforts, while Gu Pingyuan, embracing their shared destiny, vowed that his life belonged to her and that he would be by her side even beyond this life.
Chang Yu'er, however, gently reminded him of the family's reliance on him to bring them home safely, envisioning a long future together. Their union was publicly celebrated with fireworks and heartfelt congratulations from the crew. Upon arrival in Nanjing, Gu Pingyuan immediately reported to the Viceroy's Office.
He addressed Viceroy Rui Lin as "student," a gesture of respect that also allowed him to maintain a degree of independence, recognizing Rui Lin's background as a distinguished scholar from the Hanlin Academy and a master of Neo-Confucianism. Rui Lin, in turn, expressed his frustration with the war-torn city, its struggling populace, and the hundreds of thousands of unpaid troops demanding sustenance, which he disparagingly called "beastly."
Li Qin, also present, pressed for the transfer of salt field deeds, for which his family had already paid. This sparked a heated debate with military officers who insisted the salt fields, won with their lives, should be given to soldiers as compensation, not to "profiteers." Rui Lin, however, dismissed their arguments, stating that distributing the fields would hinder the army's disbandment and that Nanjing's prosperity, fueled by commerce and leading to increased tax revenue, was the true solution.
He emphasized that he had specifically invited Li Qin and Gu Pingyuan, "young business elites," for this very purpose. In a private meeting, Rui Lin sought Gu Pingyuan's counsel on the city's economic recovery. Gu Pingyuan boldly challenged Rui Lin's traditional view of commerce, asserting that business was "the Great Way."
He argued that historical figures like Confucius and Mencius "peddled" their philosophies, demonstrating that trade was essential for societal progress, national strength, and even the "rise and fall of nations." Rui Lin, somewhat persuaded, acknowledged that businessmen and scholars were both "seekers of the Way." Gu Pingyuan further elaborated his evolving philosophy, stating that his initial focus on "both parties benefit" was too narrow; true leadership, like that of a general, required a broader perspective.
Having witnessed the pervasive "devastation everywhere and people struggling to survive" in Nanjing, he now aimed to "assist Your Excellency in managing Jiangnan and planning for the nation." He then declared that if he produced results, Rui Lin would have to follow his instructions. Gu Pingyuan clarified that he sought no personal gain, only the safe return of his family, who were effectively Marshal Jiu's hostages.
He warned that if Nanjing descended into chaos again, their hometown would suffer further destruction, rendering wealth and position meaningless. Convinced by Gu Pingyuan's resolve, Rui Lin agreed to trust him and follow his lead. Gu Pingyuan's first unorthodox move was to take Rui Lin to the Qinhuai River, Nanjing's infamous pleasure quarter. Rui Lin, despite his scholarly facade, initially feigned ignorance, claiming to adhere to Neo-Confucian principles of avoiding impropriety.
However, he soon revealed a familiar knowledge of the area by discerningly picking a brothel. He asked Gu Pingyuan not to call him "Your Excellency" to protect his reputation. Inside, Gu Pingyuan, strategically feigning ignorance of such establishments, quickly took charge. He put pressure on Rui Lin, asserting that this venture was crucial for generating the funds needed to pacify the troops. Rui Lin, though apprehensive, conceded.
Gu Pingyuan ordered a lavish tea party with all the girls and insisted on a pleasure boat ride, despite the river's neglected state. On the boat, he learned of a performer whose renowned courtesan mother, "Grande Dame," had passed away without funds for a burial. Gu Pingyuan then persuaded Rui Lin to pay for the burial and, further pushing the boundaries, to compose and sign an elegiac couplet.
Rui Lin resisted, fearing damage to his reputation, but Gu Pingyuan, wielding a veiled threat about the volatile unpaid soldiers "ready to riot and rebel," forced his hand. Rui Lin reluctantly signed the couplet with his name, lamenting the absence of "heavenly principle" in his actions. News of the Viceroy's visit to the Qinhuai River, complete with his signed couplet, swiftly spread across Nanjing.
Li Qin, hearing the rumors, sought out Gu Pingyuan, who nonchalantly confirmed his visit, remarking that "food and sex are human nature, what's the big deal?" Meanwhile, Rui Lin, feigning illness to avoid public scrutiny, summoned Gu Pingyuan for a furious reprimand. Unfazed, Gu Pingyuan explained his strategy, referencing the historical precedent of Guan Zhong, whose establishment of a "women's quarter" brought prosperity to the state of Qi. He argued that to truly govern, one could not ignore "human desires."
He then proposed allocating 100,000 taels of silver to dredge the Qinhuai River and provide interest-free loans to the brothels for renovations and the purchase of jewelry and luxuries. He guaranteed that publicizing these efforts would draw merchants and travelers, revitalizing the economy and increasing tax revenues within a year. Rui Lin was appalled at the idea of using government funds for pleasure houses, fearing impeachment.
Gu Pingyuan dismissed these concerns, arguing that accusations of indulging in "wine and women" were a minor price to pay compared to widespread chaos. He urged Rui Lin to view it as a strategic business investment—a small outlay that would make a powerful statement about his commitment to restoring normal life and yield significant returns.
Though still deeply uncomfortable, and further flustered by Gu Pingyuan's playful demand for lessons in "terms and jargon" from his "connoisseur" performance, Rui Lin reluctantly approved the funds but forbade any further discussion of the matter. Gu Pingyuan then pressed for another 100,000 taels. This sum, he explained, would be dedicated to intellectual pursuits: rebuilding the local academy, gathering the finest woodblock carvers for the "Complete Library of the Four Treasuries," and renovating examination halls to resume imperial examinations.
This, he asserted, would create a balanced approach to governance, combining economic revitalization with cultural renewal. Rui Lin, now fully cornered, had no choice but to comply. Returning home late, Gu Pingyuan found the atmosphere strangely quiet. To his surprise, the Qinhuai River girls, representing all 160 brothels, were waiting for him in the living room, kneeling in profound gratitude. They hailed him as a "living Bodhisattva" and "great benefactor," crediting him and Rui Lin with saving them from starvation.
They presented lavish gifts for Old Madam Gu and Chang Yu'er, including jewelry and cosmetics, insisting he accept them. They even playfully offered to keep their "back doors open" for him, promising to care for him for life. Gu Pingyuan, though appreciative, politely urged them to leave. He then found Chang Yu'er embroidering, a stark contrast to her usual martial demeanor. She calmly served him food and tea, then presented a gift list.
To his horror, among the fine jewelry and cosmetics were "Virility Pills," "erotic paintings," and "The Sexual Arts of the Bedchamber"—clearly from the brothel girls. He realized this was why everyone had been avoiding him. Chang Yu'er, visibly hurt, expressed her fear that her lack of refined skills would embarrass him among officials. She sarcastically suggested he hire a tutor to teach her gentler arts, implying he might otherwise send her away.
Gu Pingyuan, angered by the veiled accusation, tried to find out who had planted such ideas, only for Chang Yu'er to reveal they were her own thoughts. He tried to reassure her, telling her to embrace her true self and offering to teach her reading and writing himself. Recognizing her bottled-up anger, he urged her to express it directly. Chang Yu'er finally confronted him about the rumors of his frequent visits to the Qinhuai River. Gu Pingyuan admitted to going "for one day" and then challenged her, asking if she truly believed his assertion that he went there solely on "official duty."
