A wrongfully accused scholar, Gu Pingyuan, becomes a fugitive and uses his intelligence to build a commercial empire. Starting as a merchant, he establishes himself in various industries, clashes with different merchant groups, and ultimately aims to save the nation's economy, showcasing a generation of merchants who served their country through commerce.
In 19th-century Ningguta, convict Gu Pingyuan investigates a stolen ginseng doll after a deadly village feud erupts. Amid icy showdowns and tense negotiations, he meets the curious Chang Yuer.
Gu Pingyuan consolidates support among reform-minded allies but discovers a hidden network of opponents plotting against him. Tensions rise as court factions maneuver behind the scenes, threatening his plans.
After surviving a fall, Gu Pingyuan is rescued by Chang Si. He learns Xu Guandai has been exposed and punished, while he recovers under the care of Chang Yuer, whose admiration for him grows.
Gu Pingyuan helps the Chang family outsmart Wang Tiangui and his enforcers, uncovering a business loophole and buying time to solve their debt crisis.
On the treacherous journey across the grasslands, Gu Pingyuan and Chang Yuer survive a swamp accident, deepening their bond. Gu Pingyuan confronts Han Long’s duplicity, while the duo ventures through a battlefield, risking everything to deliver the goods.
Chang Yuer saves the day by eliminating a threat to the local Khan. Gu Pingyuan collapses from exhaustion, awakening to a chaotic but relieved reunion with the Changs.
Gu Pingyuan begins work at Wang Tiangui’s pawnshop, navigating internal politics and skeptical managers. He demonstrates cunning in high-stakes dealings and sets his sights on partnering with Li Qin to expand business.
Gu Pingyuan secures crucial funds to stabilize the Chang family’s debts and strengthens ties with Li Qin. Meanwhile, the looming auction of the Kang family’s estate sets the stage for a major power play among Shanxi’s elite merchants.
At the Kang estate auction, Gu Pingyuan wins the property while surviving a string of assassination attempts orchestrated by Su Zixuan. He uncovers a plot by Prince Shen and Li Wantang to manipulate the market for personal gain.
Gu Pingyuan negotiates a plan to repay Prince Shen’s debts without endangering the Eight Great Shanxi Houses. He deploys innovative financial tactics to outmaneuver Li Wantang.
Gu Pingyuan is officially invited to join the Eight Great Shanxi Houses and becomes the guild leader. Using intelligence and strategy, he manipulates Wang Tiangui into a deadly trap over the Crown Prince’s treasure.
Gu Pingyuan returns home, reuniting with his mother and brother. He discovers his fiancée Bai Yimei has been captured by rebels. Determined, he infiltrates the rebel camp, but chaos ensues during a Qing night attack.
Gu Pingyuan attempts a daring rescue of Bai Yimei, negotiating with rebel leader Li Cheng while tensions rise in the camp. Despite repeated setbacks, he lays the groundwork for protecting both villagers and captured women.
Li Cheng prepares to withdraw from an untenable position. Bai Yimei returns home briefly, leaving Gu Pingyuan conflicted about her feelings. The village grapples with rumors about Bai Yimei and Li Cheng, adding pressure on the family.
Bai Yimei expresses reluctance to marry, angering her father. When local authorities demand supplies for Qing troops, Gu Pingyuan steps in to resolve the conflict without bloodshed.
Gu Pingyuan helps his brother establish a local tea business, recruiting a skilled tea master. He navigates village politics and manages trade disputes while balancing personal responsibilities.
Gu Pingyuan expands the tea business with the community’s help. Romance blossoms between his brother and the tea master’s daughter. Tensions rise as corrupt local merchant Hou Er attempts to undermine them.
Gu Pingyuan secures funding from the Eight Great Shanxi Houses to purchase all local tea, ensuring profits for the villagers. He coordinates with Li Qin to enter the “Wan Tea” competition in Beijing, aiming to elevate their brand.
At the Wan Tea Competition, Gu Pingyuan uncovers an assassination plot by Su Zixuan against Empress Dowager Cixi, stopping her in time. His tea wins top honors, gaining imperial recognition.
Gu Pingyuan is kidnapped via a poisoned carriage, waking up in Ningguta under the watch of a vengeful Xu Guandai. He convinces Xu to join him in a lucrative firearms trade, forming a fragile alliance.
On the return journey, Xu Guandai betrays Gu Pingyuan, leading to a deadly encounter with wolves. Chang Yuer arrives just in time to rescue him, and their bond deepens.
Gu Pingyuan publicly demonstrates his mastery of tea trade secrets and begins coordinating with Su Zixuan to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Hefei. He volunteers to negotiate with rebel forces to minimize civilian casualties.
The aftermath of the Hefei siege reveals mass casualties in the prisoner camp. Gu Pingyuan enlists Jiangning General Jiu Shuai to rescue Li Cheng and Bai Yimei.
Gu Pingyuan continues working behind the scenes to stabilize Hefei, ensuring safety for both civilians and former rebels. He maintains tense diplomacy between Qing forces and local powers.
Gu Pingyuan strategizes ways to rebuild Hefei while managing tea trade interests. Bai Yimei and Li Cheng strengthen their bond as they plan the city’s recovery.
Gu Pingyuan navigates bureaucratic obstacles while expanding tea exports, solidifying his reputation as a shrewd and compassionate leader.
Local rivals attempt to sabotage Gu Pingyuan’s business. He counters with clever trade maneuvers, demonstrating his growing influence in Shanxi and beyond.
Gu Pingyuan works with Li Qin and Su Zixuan to outmaneuver adversaries in both business and political spheres, showing his ability to manage complex alliances.
The Wan Tea Competition draws closer, and Gu Pingyuan coordinates logistics while avoiding sabotage attempts. He mentors his brother and local villagers in preparation.
Gu Pingyuan identifies hidden threats to the tea trade and implements security measures, ensuring both the safety of the product and the people transporting it.
Gu Pingyuan competes in the Wan Tea Competition, facing rival merchants and high-stakes scrutiny. His innovative methods earn acclaim and a competitive advantage.
The victory at the competition elevates Gu Pingyuan’s status, attracting attention from powerful Qing officials and increasing influence over regional trade.
Gu Pingyuan mediates between rival merchants, preventing potential financial collapses. His diplomacy and strategy are key to maintaining stability in Shanxi.
Gu Pingyuan uses his network to uncover hidden plots against the Eight Great Shanxi Houses, protecting their interests while reinforcing trust and loyalty.
Gu Pingyuan faces challenges from internal betrayal but counters with intelligence and foresight, strengthening both his trade empire and personal alliances.
Gu Pingyuan balances growing political pressure with the demands of his tea and trade operations, showing leadership under duress.
Gu Pingyuan uncovers a conspiracy tied to the imperial court, forcing him to navigate danger while safeguarding Bai Yimei, Li Cheng, and key allies.
Gu Pingyuan’s strategies thwart attempts to seize control of Shanxi trade. He solidifies his position as both a businessman and mediator, earning respect from powerful factions.
Gu Pingyuan finalizes operations for the Eight Great Shanxi Houses, consolidating wealth and influence while ensuring the safety of Bai Yimei, Li Cheng, and the Chang family.
With conflicts resolved and trade secured, Gu Pingyuan returns home. He reflects on his journey, the alliances forged, and the lives saved, closing a chapter of political intrigue, personal growth, and strategic brilliance.
