The Merchant of the East

The story takes place in Shandong Province, the hometown of Yasheng Mencius. Meng Lechuan, the 68th generation grandson of Mencius, had little interest in studying poetry and books and obtaining fame. With the support of his mother, he founded Ruifuxiang Silk and Satin Factory. His cousin Gao Xianyang also abandoned school and entered business, followed Japanese businessman Taino Ichiro and eventually became Meng Lechuan's opponent. Rui Fuxiang was oppressed by local bureaucrats and foreign compradors. He had to seek support and reluctantly gave up his love to give the girl Dongmei to Yuan Shikai. Because of his donation to fight against poverty, he won the bluestone archway that was awarded by the emperor as "benevolent and charitable", but he was unable to buy a cemetery for his father and himself in Menglin, the holy land of his ancestors. Gao Xianyang wanted to squeeze out Rui Fuxiang. The Eight-Power Allied Forces invaded Beijing and Ruifuxiang was reduced to ashes. Meng Lechuan asked Sai Jinhua for help in despair. Beijing Ruifuxiang made a comeback. Unexpectedly, his mother was kidnapped by bandits... The story truly shows the embarrassing dilemma of national commerce in China in the late 19th century.