Legend of the Magnate
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.
Cast: Chen Xiao, Sun Qian, Luo Yizhou
15UHDHDCC
Season 1
40 episodes
1. Episode 1In 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.15CC45minNov 25, 2025
2. Episode 2Gu 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.15CC45minNov 25, 2025
3. Episode 3After 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.15CC45minNov 25, 2025
4. Episode 4Gu Pingyuan helps the Chang family outsmart Wang Tiangui and his enforcers, uncovering a business loophole and buying time to solve their debt crisis.15CC45minNov 25, 2025
5. Episode 5On 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.15CC45minNov 26, 2025
6. Episode 6Chang 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.15CC45minNov 26, 2025
7. Episode 7Gu 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.15CC45minNov 27, 2025
8. Episode 8Gu 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.15CC45minNov 27, 2025
9. Episode 9At 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.15CC45minNov 28, 2025
10. Episode 10Gu 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.15CC45minNov 28, 2025
11. Episode 11Gu 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.15CC45minNov 29, 2025
12. Episode 12Gu 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.15CC45minNov 29, 2025
13. Episode 13Gu 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.15CC45minNov 30, 2025
14. Episode 14Li 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.15CC45minNov 30, 2025
15. Episode 15Bai 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.15CC45minDec 1, 2025
16. Episode 16Gu 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.15CC45minDec 1, 2025
17. Episode 17Gu 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.15CC45minDec 2, 2025
18. Episode 18Gu 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.15CC45minDec 2, 2025
19. Episode 19At 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.15CC45minDec 3, 2025
20. Episode 20Gu 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.15CC45minDec 3, 2025
21. Episode 21On 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.15CC45minDec 4, 2025
22. Episode 22Gu 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.15CC45minDec 4, 2025
23. Episode 23The 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.15CC45minDec 5, 2025
24. Episode 24Gu 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.15CC45minDec 5, 2025
25. Episode 25Gu 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.15CC45minDec 6, 2025
26. Episode 26Gu Pingyuan navigates bureaucratic obstacles while expanding tea exports, solidifying his reputation as a shrewd and compassionate leader.15CC45minDec 6, 2025
27. Episode 27Local rivals attempt to sabotage Gu Pingyuan’s business. He counters with clever trade maneuvers, demonstrating his growing influence in Shanxi and beyond.15CC45minDec 7, 2025
28. Episode 28Gu Pingyuan works with Li Qin and Su Zixuan to outmaneuver adversaries in both business and political spheres, showing his ability to manage complex alliances.15CC45minDec 7, 2025
29. Episode 29The Wan Tea Competition draws closer, and Gu Pingyuan coordinates logistics while avoiding sabotage attempts. He mentors his brother and local villagers in preparation.15CC45minDec 8, 2025
30. Episode 30Gu Pingyuan identifies hidden threats to the tea trade and implements security measures, ensuring both the safety of the product and the people transporting it.15CC45minDec 8, 2025
31. Episode 31Gu Pingyuan competes in the Wan Tea Competition, facing rival merchants and high-stakes scrutiny. His innovative methods earn acclaim and a competitive advantage.15CC45minDec 9, 2025
32. Episode 32The victory at the competition elevates Gu Pingyuan’s status, attracting attention from powerful Qing officials and increasing influence over regional trade.15CC45minDec 9, 2025
33. Episode 33Gu Pingyuan mediates between rival merchants, preventing potential financial collapses. His diplomacy and strategy are key to maintaining stability in Shanxi.15CC46minDec 10, 2025
34. Episode 34Gu Pingyuan uses his network to uncover hidden plots against the Eight Great Shanxi Houses, protecting their interests while reinforcing trust and loyalty.15CC46minDec 10, 2025
35. Episode 35Gu Pingyuan faces challenges from internal betrayal but counters with intelligence and foresight, strengthening both his trade empire and personal alliances.15CC45minDec 11, 2025
36. Episode 36Gu Pingyuan balances growing political pressure with the demands of his tea and trade operations, showing leadership under duress.15CC45minDec 11, 2025
37. Episode 37Gu Pingyuan uncovers a conspiracy tied to the imperial court, forcing him to navigate danger while safeguarding Bai Yimei, Li Cheng, and key allies.15CC45minDec 11, 2025
38. Episode 38Gu 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.15CC45minDec 11, 2025
39. Episode 39Gu 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.15CC45minDec 11, 2025
40. Episode 40With 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.15CCDec 11, 2025
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Legend of the Magnate
★ 6.6/1020251 season40 episodesEnded
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.
Creators and cast
- Directors
- Zhang Ting
- Studio
- iQIYI, Drama Apple
