My Heroic Husband Episode 3 Recap
> My Heroic Husband Recap
The opening of Su Tan'er’s cloth store was highly anticipated, with long queues forming outside even before dawn, including dignitaries like Prefect Zhang and Magistrate Li. However, the warehouse had been ruined overnight, with nearly all the Cloud Gauze soaked. Su Tan’er, despite efforts to save the fabric, knew it was useless; the delicate Cloud Gauze, made from different silks, would be damaged if dried by fire. Only thirty bolts remained, a number far too small for the anticipated demand.
Manager Xi apologized for the oversight, but Su Tan’er took responsibility, recalling how they had both thoroughly checked the store the previous day. Ning Yi, upon inspecting the warehouse, discovered a problem, leading him to suspect deliberate sabotage aimed at preventing the store's opening. Meanwhile, Su Wenxing, along with his father, Second Master, had already reported the incident to Elder Master, blaming Su Tan’er's inexperience for not adequately preparing for the rainy season.
Su Wenxing then arrived at the store to gloat, mockingly suggesting that Su Tan'er was not cut out for business and should hand over the management to the Second Master’s family. Outside, the waiting customers grew increasingly restless, demanding to know if the store would open and threatening to smash it. Ning Yi, observing the chaos, subtly rebuked Su Wenxing, reminding him of his recent injury and implying his involvement.
He then told Su Tan’er to rest, assuring her he would handle the announcement. Despite Manager Xi's protests about the lack of fabric, Ning Yi then confidently declared the official opening of Su's Cloth Store, knowing that to delay would fulfill the Second Master’s wishes.
After some hesitation, Su Tan’er decided to trust Ning Yi, acknowledging that a successful opening would solidify her position in front of Elder Master and that she had little to lose by betting on Ning Yi. Once the crowds were inside, Ning Yi dramatically unveiled bolts of Cloud Gauze, tossing them into the air for all to see. The fabric's exquisite beauty, with its iridescent colors shimmering in the light, captivated the customers.
Su Tan'er then stepped forward to describe the Cloud Gauze: made from various silk textures, it reflected different light under the sun like changing clouds, and when made into clothes, it was as thin as cicada's wings, cool in summer, and fragrant with every step. Ning Yi announced the initial price of 3,000 pence per bolt, which initially shocked some customers, but then he revealed his "Buy Together" (Pin Dao Dao) marketing strategy.
Customers could spin a discount wheel with a pair of scissors to "cut" the price. They could also invite up to five friends, each friend granting an additional spin, with the total discount deducted from the 3,000 pence. The final price would be recorded, and customers would receive a receipt for future pickup.
Despite not receiving the cloth immediately, the prospect of significant savings delighted the crowds, who eagerly began inviting friends to help them get further discounts, boosting the store's publicity and pre-sales. The "Buy Together" (Pin Dao Dao) event was a resounding success, far exceeding expectations. Ning Yi then apprehended the ruffian who incited the crowd. The ruffian confessed to being hired by Su Wenxing, and Ning Yi broke the ruffian's hand as a warning before releasing him.
Su Wenxing and the Second Master’s family were astounded when the account books revealed a net profit of over 15,000 taels, an unprecedented feat for a new store opening. The Second Master initially criticized Ning Yi, accusing him of raising prices threefold and violating the Su family's ancestral rules of fair pricing.
Ning Yi clarified that the initial high price was his idea and not Su Tan'er’s, explaining that the "Buy Together" (Pin Dao Dao) activity, utilizing probability and people's desire for a bargain, resulted in an average price of 1,500 pence per bolt, which was effectively the original price.
Elder Master was impressed by Ning Yi's ingenious method, declaring that no family rules had been broken, and subtly favored Su Tan'er's success over the Second Master's complaints, though he still advised Su Tan'er to learn from her second uncle and cousin. Ning Yi then revealed to Su Tan'er that the leaky roof was indeed the work of the Second Master’s family.
He also showed Su Tan'er physical evidence: a distinct footprint belonging to Sun Erhu, a known thief in our family, which matched the one he found in the warehouse. Ning Yi advised Su Tan'er to remain calm and observe the Second Master's actions, stating that they could use Sun Erhu to monitor their movements, thus maintaining the advantage of "enemy in the light, we in the dark."
Su Tan'er, overwhelmed by the successful outcome and Ning Yi’s strategic thinking, expressed her deep gratitude, admitting that as a woman venturing into business, she faced immense pressure and felt his help was invaluable. Ning Yi acknowledged her spirit, noting that she, like many ambitious women, refused to "accept her destiny." He then, with a playful demand for a bonus, asked for 500 taels, which was equivalent to two years of his allowance.
Despite the servant's shock at the amount, Su Tan'er readily agreed, recognizing his contribution. With his newly acquired funds, Ning Yi decided to venture out. To circumvent Guard Geng's duty of keeping him confined to the manor, Ning Yi presented him with a specially written romance novel titled "High-handed Son-in-law Falls in Love with Me." Guard Geng, quickly engrossed, agreed to accompany Ning Yi on his outing.
They first bought various interesting items, but Ning Yi desired something "more interesting," leading Guard Geng to bring him to the Xinmen Brothel. There, the madam, noticing Ning Yi's apparent wealth, quickly arranged for the renowned courtesan, Yuan Jin'er, to entertain him in a private room. Ning Yi initially declined Yuan Jin'er’s direct company, only agreeing to enjoy the view and music from a private room.
However, an informant from the Second Master's family witnessed Ning Yi entering the brothel and immediately reported it. Su Wenxing then exaggerated the situation to Elder Master, claiming Ning Yi was openly affectionate with Yuan Jin'er, prompting Su Tan'er to cleverly point out that this would mean Su Wenxing himself was at the brothel. Su Wenxing quickly corrected himself, stating his servant was the witness.
Second Master urged Elder Master to punish Ning Yi by drowning him for his "promiscuous behavior" and "ruining the family name." Elder Master, visibly displeased, instructed Su Tan'er to handle the matter. Su Tan'er arrived at the Xinmen Brothel to find a heavily inebriated Ning Yi singing modern songs, while Yuan Jin'er and the madam were trying to change his clothing after he spilled a drink. Unaware of his surroundings, Ning Yi even began singing to Su Tan'er.
To save Ning Yi from severe punishment, Su Tan'er proposed sending him to the Academy of Male Virtuousness instead of expulsion or drowning. Elder Master agreed to this compromise. At the Academy, Ning Yi was publicly shamed as a lesson for other male virtuousness students.
