Ding Bao Zhen ep 2 recap/spoilers

Episode 2 recap: Andehai committed many evil acts and provoked Ding Bao Zhen.

Ding Bao Zhen asked Chen Yun Fei about the establishment of a Machine Bureau, and Chen Yun Fei strongly agreed with the idea. Foreigners were illegally mining and getting into disputes with the local people who were protecting the mines. Ding Bao Zhen initially intended to arrest the foreigners but had to prioritize the overall situation. He reluctantly ordered his men to drive the foreigners away.

Andehai boarded a ship and was about to arrive in Ding Bao Zhen's territory in Texas. He felt it was a good opportunity to show Ding Bao Zhen some colors. However, he received a cautionary message from the Empress Dowager, warning him to be careful and not to provoke Ding Bao Zhen. Andehai was displeased with this order and decided to meet Ding Bao Zhen to make him kneel in submission.

At this time, the foreigners hired armed guards and provoked the authorities. Ding Bao Zhen would not tolerate such behavior. He personally went to Dengzhou and watched the foreigners' ships from the shore. He ordered his men to prepare for battle, but unexpectedly, his own naval forces drowned before engaging in combat. Ding Bao Zhen suspected that the purpose of the foreigners' visit was not simple. His subordinates suggested taking risks, but Ding Bao Zhen believed they would be hitting a stone with an egg. Since the foreigners were testing the waters, he proposed using their own tactics against them.

Joseph had a bad attitude and demanded the minerals from Ding Bao Zhen. Mr. Ma reported that the foreigners not only stole the minerals but also injured the local people. Ding Bao Zhen intended to charge Joseph with disturbing the court. Chen Yun Fei deliberately intervened, revealing Joseph's identity. At that moment, Ding Bao Zhen pretended to be disrespectful and had someone take him away to taste a special dish from Shandong.

Ding Bao Zhen's purpose was to buy time and have Wang Daren send some people to impersonate the naval forces. Once the foreigners arrived at thedesignated location, these forces would deliver the weapons. The next day, Chen Yun Fei escorted Joseph out, intentionally passing by the route where the weapons were being transported by the naval forces. Joseph saw numerous naval forces pushing cannons and other weapons, realizing that Dengzhou's strength was formidable, and he dared not act recklessly.

Joseph once again demanded the mines from Ding Bao Zhen, but Ding Bao Zhen stated that the mines belonged to the country and couldn't be easily given away. If Joseph disagreed, they could settle it through a contest. Joseph threatened to send a telegram to the country for support, but Ding Bao Zhen showed no fear and awaited their arrival.

Angry, Joseph left, and Peirong suggested launching a preemptive strike, but Ding Bao Zhen advised him to remain calm. Shortly after, the subordinates reported that the foreigners had withdrawn. However, Ding Bao Zhen remarked that it was merely a stroke of luck and that it might not be the case next time. Reforms were necessary, and even difficult tasks needed someone to do them. He reminded them of the story of the foolish old man who moved mountains.

Ding Bao Zhen instructed Peirong to secretly move a troop to Binzhou. Meanwhile, Andehai not only disregarded the Empress Dowager's orders but also decided to provoke Ding Bao Zhen. Ding Bao Zhen reformed the naval forces, dismissing those who were receiving salaries without performing their duties. However, many protested, claiming their hereditary status as nobles.

Ding Bao Zhen had to recount the foreigners' provocative behavior from the previous day, while the navy showed cowardice and fear. The foreigners were eyeing them, and the navy had no way out. Behind them were the people of Shandong, who had been deeply moved by Ding Bao Zhen's deeds. At this moment, the navy understood Ding Bao Zhen's policies and vowed to protect their homes and defend the country.

News of Andehai forcibly taking a civilian woman reached Ding Bao Zhen's ears, and his son tried to persuade him considering Andehai's position. Ding Bao Zhen believed that Shandong Province would not tolerate anyone causing trouble, regardless of who they were. Ding Bao Zhen went to Dezhou to investigate the truth and sent people to continue tracking the Liu Yubai case before leaving.

The officials in Dezhou were unprepared for Andehai's arrival and asked Ding Bao Zhen if he was prepared. Ding Bao Zhen deduced the officials' stance and particularly noticed Zhao, who did not want to associate with Andehai. Taking advantage of the situation, Ding Bao Zhen immediately announced three regulations, stating that severe punishment would be imposed on anyone facilitating Andehai.

Lord Lu was frightened and collapsed to the ground, but after receiving a secret letter from Andehai that night, he once again leaned towards Andehai and planned to report Ding Bao Zhen. All of this was under Ding Bao Zhen's surveillance. Lord Lu went to please Andehai empty-handed, but he encountered Ding Bao Zhen on the way, who claimed to be moving and sent an escort for him. Ding Bao Zhen ordered Peirong to open the box carried by Lord Lu, revealing it to be filled with silver. Ding Bao Zhen knew that Lord Lu was wealthy and borrowed the silver, promising to return it later. Before leaving, he instructed Lord Lu to tell his colleagues to gather at the pier the next day.

Lord Lu appeared before Andehai empty-handed and complained about Ding Bao Zhen's right and wrong. Andehai pretended to be magnanimous, saying that he hadn't seen anything and that it was not worth mentioning. Lord Lu returned home feeling uneasy and took the opportunity to inquire about the services of the lower-ranking officials. The junior official hinted without explicitly saying anything, and Lord Lu guessed the meaning behind it, believing that Andehai had an interest in women. After suffering losses, Andehai vowed to teach Ding Bao Zhen a lesson.

The next day, Andehai went to see Ding Bao Zhen, but he abided by the law and did not take a seat. Andehai proudly stated that Ding Bao Zhen was an exemplary figure of integrity. Ding Bao Zhen deliberately mentioned the law, implying that they should not disturb Andehai's affairs, let alone offer bribes. However, Andehai bluntly revealed that he was the Empress Dowager's favorite courtier and that even if a dog bit someone, no one could do anything about it.

Ding Bao Zhen believed that the Emperor loved the people and not everyone mentioned by Andehai were dog slaves, warning him not to speak recklessly. Andehai suffered a loss in the argument and wanted to stay in Shandong for a few more days, but Ding Bao Zhen reminded him that official duties were more important and not to delay the Emperor's wedding. Andehai understood this as a dismissal order and left angrily.