Legend of the Magnate (Season 1)

Episode 1 (Episode 1)

Air date: 2025-11-25

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 2 (Episode 2)

Air date: 2025-11-25

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 3 (Episode 3)

Air date: 2025-11-25

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 4 (Episode 4)

Air date: 2025-11-25

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan helps the Chang family outsmart Wang Tiangui and his enforcers, uncovering a business loophole and buying time to solve their debt crisis.

Episode 5 (Episode 5)

Air date: 2025-11-26

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 6 (Episode 6)

Air date: 2025-11-26

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 7 (Episode 7)

Air date: 2025-11-27

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 8 (Episode 8)

Air date: 2025-11-27

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 9 (Episode 9)

Air date: 2025-11-28

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 10 (Episode 10)

Air date: 2025-11-28

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 11 (Episode 11)

Air date: 2025-11-29

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 12 (Episode 12)

Air date: 2025-11-29

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 13 (Episode 13)

Air date: 2025-11-30

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 14 (Episode 14)

Air date: 2025-11-30

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 15 (Episode 15)

Air date: 2025-12-01

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 16 (Episode 16)

Air date: 2025-12-01

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 17 (Episode 17)

Air date: 2025-12-02

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 18 (Episode 18)

Air date: 2025-12-02

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 19 (Episode 19)

Air date: 2025-12-03

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 20 (Episode 20)

Air date: 2025-12-03

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 21 (Episode 21)

Air date: 2025-12-04

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 22 (Episode 22)

Air date: 2025-12-04

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 23 (Episode 23)

Air date: 2025-12-05

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 24 (Episode 24)

Air date: 2025-12-05

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 25 (Episode 25)

Air date: 2025-12-06

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 26 (Episode 26)

Air date: 2025-12-06

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan navigates bureaucratic obstacles while expanding tea exports, solidifying his reputation as a shrewd and compassionate leader.

Episode 27 (Episode 27)

Air date: 2025-12-07

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Local rivals attempt to sabotage Gu Pingyuan’s business. He counters with clever trade maneuvers, demonstrating his growing influence in Shanxi and beyond.

Episode 28 (Episode 28)

Air date: 2025-12-07

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 29 (Episode 29)

Air date: 2025-12-08

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: The Wan Tea Competition draws closer, and Gu Pingyuan coordinates logistics while avoiding sabotage attempts. He mentors his brother and local villagers in preparation.

Episode 30 (Episode 30)

Air date: 2025-12-08

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 31 (Episode 31)

Air date: 2025-12-09

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan competes in the Wan Tea Competition, facing rival merchants and high-stakes scrutiny. His innovative methods earn acclaim and a competitive advantage.

Episode 32 (Episode 32)

Air date: 2025-12-09

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: The victory at the competition elevates Gu Pingyuan’s status, attracting attention from powerful Qing officials and increasing influence over regional trade.

Episode 33 (Episode 33)

Air date: 2025-12-10

Runtime: 46 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan mediates between rival merchants, preventing potential financial collapses. His diplomacy and strategy are key to maintaining stability in Shanxi.

Episode 34 (Episode 34)

Air date: 2025-12-10

Runtime: 46 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan uses his network to uncover hidden plots against the Eight Great Shanxi Houses, protecting their interests while reinforcing trust and loyalty.

Episode 35 (Episode 35)

Air date: 2025-12-11

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan faces challenges from internal betrayal but counters with intelligence and foresight, strengthening both his trade empire and personal alliances.

Episode 36 (Episode 36)

Air date: 2025-12-11

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan balances growing political pressure with the demands of his tea and trade operations, showing leadership under duress.

Episode 37 (Episode 37)

Air date: 2025-12-11

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: Gu Pingyuan uncovers a conspiracy tied to the imperial court, forcing him to navigate danger while safeguarding Bai Yimei, Li Cheng, and key allies.

Episode 38 (Episode 38)

Air date: 2025-12-11

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 39 (Episode 39)

Air date: 2025-12-11

Runtime: 45 min

Overview: 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.

Episode 40 (Episode 40)

Air date: 2025-12-11

Overview: 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.