What's the matter?
Officer Ma has been assassinated.
Everyone stay calm. The assassin was caught.
On your knees Down!
You felon...
Chang Wen Hsiang
Chang, you assassinated a royal officer.
Who ordered you to do it? Confess honestly.
Guards! Yes.
Impose heavy punishment. Right
Sir, please hold it.
I didn't run away after killing Ma Hsin I.
I just want to expose the truth to everyone.
Get me pen and paper. I'll make my statement
Convicted felon Chang Wen Hsiang...
He met Officer Ma nine years ago.
At that time, Chang and his god-brother Huang
were bandits, making a living by robbery.
Already mid-day and still no one has passed by
I'm afraid we'd end up with nothing today.
This kind of work requires patience
I think we better go to the South...
to work for the "Long Hair".
It'd be better than being bandits here.
Hey, someone is coming. It's just one.
He's riding his horse very fast.
Hand over your money and the horse.
What if I refuse?
We won't let you refuse
Both of you will take me on together?
Go! No.
It's hard enough to have someone pass by
We've to make it.
What's the matter?
This guy looks like a nice man.
We'd better wait for the next one.
I'm confident I can ward off your attack.
But it's a pity you can only be bandits
despite such good skill of yours.
You may take all this money.
We're bandits, not beggars.
Good. In this chaotic world,
what kind of plans do you have?
Plan? First of all to lay you down
What exactly do you intend to do?
You don't look like a true businessman too.
I'm not a businessman after all.
You're...
If "petty thieves" is all that you are,
why ask such a question?
Bullshit! When I work for "Long Hair"
from results you'll know I ain't useless
Fine. I'm going to fight the Hair Bandit.
The Hair Bandit?
The rebels with long hair, the Tai Pin Army,
that's what you called the Long Hair.
Whatever... the Long Hair or Hair Bandits,
let's see which of us emerges a winner.
Wait. Did you bring along a sword?
Stop
It's my turn.
When you need to do it, do it.
Go when you need to go.
Go.
Look, there're so many...
We don't have to hide in the ditch anymore.
This is good.
Sister-in-law, I did something as well.
Can I have a kiss too
What the hell!
Why are you so happy with such little money?
Isn't money supposed to bring us joy
So when should I feel happy?
If they said the same thing,
I'd come here for nothing.
Wait a minute.
What do you think we should do?
A real man should ask for fame and position
to honor his ancestors.
Well said!
With such ambitions good future awaits us
Ma Xing Yi is clever and good at fighting.
These 3 people became entrusted god-brothers
and fought together for the future
They conquered Yin's bandit base in Shandong
Go...
Move...
Hurry up...
Who is it?
Huang Chung
Ma Xing Yi
Chang Wen Hsiang
Good, I'll make a grave with your names.
Anyone with weapons down and surrendering,
and respect us leaders will not be executed
3rd Brother, come and have some wine.
2nd Brother, Big Brother said...
I don't give a damn to what he said...
Come, drink.
Come on... look we've everything now.
Don't be indolent.
You satisfied occupying only a small hill?
Big Brother said...
Always, "Big Brother said"!
He doesn't enjoy the harvest.
What else does he want?
I don't want you to be just a bandit leader
A real man would go for big business...
Like what Big Brother did.
3rd Brother, don't go. Big Brother is right,
but we're wealthy now.
It's no fun staying here all day.
Tomorrow we leave this place
and have some fun outside.
But don't let my wife know.
2nd Brother, you've such a pretty wife
and still long to have another woman?
She married just because I'm a womanizer.
Okay, I won't tell her.
Are you ready? Yes.
Why didn't you resist enemies hard enough?
The martial art I've taught you...
Why don't you put it to good use?
Leader, we occupied the hill...
Even the government doesn't dare interfere.
There's no point practicing day and night.
Right...
I was only joking. Don't take it seriously.
I train you guys so hard that
I wish someday...
We can do some big business.
Who was born to be a bandit?
And who was born to be a general?
If I can be somebody,
You'll be able to reap advantages too.
From now on, if anyone feels discontent,
feeling tough to stay on,
he may leave the hill. I won't stop him.
If you choose to stay, you've to obey me.
If you don't listen, you'll be like this.
Once again
2nd Brother, 3rd Brother...
Sister-in-law, where are they?
Last night they decided...
to go to the city early in the morning.
Left for the city!
We've stirred up a lot of heat recently.
Why didn't they realize this?
If my hubby went alone, I'd worry about him.
It'd be better if 3rd Brother went along.
Big Brother, why are you sweating so much?
I killed to warn everyone today.
The guys are listening, so I feel motivated.
Sister-in-law, I'd better take a look.
I'm scared they'd make trouble.
Now this is what I'd call a real man!
3rd Brother, if my wife wears this,
she'll look gorgeous.
Oh, she's gorgeous alright as it is.
3rd Brother, I like it at the first sight
2nd Brother, we're still drunk...
better hide it or it'll be stolen.
What are we doing for a living?
They're lucky if we don't rob them.
Chang Wen Hsiang, Huang Chung...
You guys sure have guts!
If you're a man, come with us.
3rd Brother, you go first. I'll handle them.
Shit! I asked you to leave. Don't stay.
The life in prison is real hard.
2nd Brother, stop chasing.
Run fast... Chase...
For what? Further on it'll be their base
The Leaders are back...
What's the matter? Why is it so chaotic?
Get some water quick.
It's because of you we're in trouble!
Just wanted to buy some accessories for you
That's nothing.
I'll command the army and fight battles.
Can you never be hurt?
Ma saved Felon and his god-brother Huang.
They were deeply touched.
Ma Xing Yi is ambitious and fabulous.
They respect Ma like god,
but the evil was planted quietly.
Ma didn't realize it.
Big Brother, it's time to change the medicine
Does my reading books seem funny?
No, it's just a bit strange.
I've already topped the local exams
I've wandered around the nation,
in order to meet more real heroes.
I intend sitting for royal exam this autumn
It's easier to be a major officer with
good background... sister, are you alright?
I'm okay.
You're all soaked. You too.
Your hands are shaking!
Big Brother, are you still studying hard?
You're getting better and better.
You can now read the books upside down!
3rd Brother, come on... the water is so cool.
Come on.
It's still very early from the autumn exams
How can you just leave when you feel like?
What can we do after you're gone?
You and 3rd Brother be stationed at the base,
training the guys and avoiding trouble.
If I win the award, I can't come back soon
But if I achieve anything,
I won't forget you guys.
Mi Lan, why don't you come out?
Big Brother will leave tonight.
Big Brother, you're leaving. Let's toast
Good. This is what my good wife does.
Big Brother, try some more before you go.
Big Brother is a real hero and mogul.
This is not the place for him.
You'd better get going.
Sister-in-law, this wine...
It's quite strong!
You guys take care.
Ma was top-notch in exam
and was given a post in government.
Motivated, his guys in the hill base trained harder
Two years later,
he joined the Xiang Army, always defeated
the Tai Ping rebels and was highly praised.
Ma needed men and sent letter to the hill.
Officer Ma's signature is here
I want to see 2nd and 3rd Leaders.
Thank God it's a letter from Big Brother.
Good.
How does he look being an officer?
Come on, take a look at his letter.
What does it say?
He's asked us to join the army
Leave immediately and quietly and
make no trouble for the local government.
The day has come.
Both of you must be brother's trusted men
to bring us this confidential letter.
We're most grateful for his grooming.
This is our lord's nephew, Ma Zhong Xin,
just a remote relative. He's really thankful.
Officer Ma is important and powerful now.
His wife ought to be from reputed family.
Our lord isn't married yet, still single.
Did he...
Let me go...
It's not far away from our base.
Please wait here for a minute.
Why're we in such hurry to see Brother Ma?
This is an order from him.
Bullshit, I don't believe it.
Try putting yourself in his position
He's different now, but these men...
these brothers...
they're trained by him personally
I know this is right, but many
could enter the base like this!
The government will be suspicious.
It'll affect our lord's reputation
Better take a rest here.
Officer must have his arrangements.
Brother Ma is coming.
Officer Ma has to be stationed at the base.
How could he leave it at will?
What do you know?
We've a different relationship with him.
Big Brother...
Where's Brother Ma?
Both of you've arrived. Officer Ma has been
waiting for days, but now too busy to leave.
He invites you to see him immediately.
What about the guys coming together?
I'll allocate them to different camps.
What Big Brother arranges won't be wrong.
Who's Madam Huang?
I am
Madam Huang...
Any special orders from Big Brother?
He said army camp is preparing for wars,
which is inconvenient for women.
Madam Huang has no need to go.
He already has special arrangement for you.
Take Madam Huang to rest in Nanjing City
Why? Why didn't he want to see me?
Brother...
2nd Brother, it's a long time we haven't met
2nd Brother, Big Brother is different now.
Do you think we're still in the hill base?
We're still brothers!
Otherwise why would I invite you here?
But don't mention "hill base" hereafter.
You're ignorant of the officer's field
I'm grateful for General Zen's grooming.
I'm promoted higher and higher in rank.
Many people are jealous and creating trouble
If anything goes wrong,
the higher the rank, the heavier the fall!
I've to climb higher. I'll never fall down.
You know me very well.
Yes.
When we became god-brothers...
you didn't take my words seriously.
Take a look now...
Honestly, we knew Big Brother...
will make it one day.
You forbid sister-in-law to come here.
She nearly cried.
We'll have major attack against Hair Bandits
It won't be too convenient. Sorry about it.
I didn't care. To accompany you
and win the battle is most important.
Chang and his god-brother Huang
followed Ma to fight bravely and dangerously
in battles and got great awards until the
Hair Bandits were terminated. Ma was granted
as Governor of Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces
and asked to report to service immediately.
Fame and fortune came all at once,
but danger was around him and crisis lurched.
Madam...
Any good news?
It's great news!
Officer Ma has been highly commended.
He's became governor of 2 Jiang provinces
He's come back to Nanjing from war front.
Mi Lan...
Hey, put me down...
Put me down...
You put me down...
What's the matter with you?
What's wrong with this bitch?
I think she was waiting for you and became
impatient and asked you go to her room.
Screw you! Never a good word from your mouth
Since that day, I...
2nd Brother, you're not like me.
We couldn't stay outside at clubs all night.
Why couldn't I?
She's alone. Aren't you scared she's lonely?
Why do you always think about her?
Take a seat.
2nd Brother, honestly...
Do you think something is wrong with her?
What do you mean?
Nothing.
But 2nd Brother...
How could those bimbos...
be compared with your wife?
What are you talking about?
You drink this for punishment.
You've to drink three cups.
You know her as well...
She couldn't gratify me like the women here.
Right...
I know you want to forget me.
I feel the same way too, but...
When I married him, I was young.
I thought he was the best amongst the guys.
Though he's hot-tempered,
I took it as a hero's character.
Until I met you,
I could never think of doing any wrong.
If he know what's happen between us.
He buries his head in the clubs on the river
I'm afraid he doesn't remember me anymore.
Big Brother...
it's like the stream at the back of the hill.
Big Brother still remembers the old time.
People from General Zen said...
there're some rumors about Governor Ma.
We'd better keep the mouths
of those Royal Inspectors shut
and send someone to Beijing to deliver gifts
Yes, there's something...
I wonder if I should say.
What is it?
Officer Huang is idling in clubs and...
ignoring his business. There're gossip.
I'm afraid it'll affect your future.
How long will Chang come back from the North?
The post station said it'll be 2 days later.
Summon Officer Huang... Yes.
Come back...
Yes.
Big Brother, you called me?
A small group of Liang Bandits is wandering
in the north side of Huai River. You make
an inspection. If it's true, terminate them.
Big Brother, for an issue like this...
you may just send a minor officer to handle
Why me?
If you don't achieve more awards,
how can I promote you?
You're right.
I'll send some men with you.
Okay
You leave immediately.
Yes.
What's the matter with you?
Nothing.
Whatever blocks my way
must be busted away.
A horse has been saddled up for Chang.
We'll be back to Nanjing tomorrow.
Any news from Nanjing?
Nothing.
Ma has ordered Huang to go and terminate
Liang Bandits in north Huai River.
It's likely to earn him a great reward.
Those going with Huang
are all Ma's henchmen.
Have they left?
Just passing through here.
You returned via the shortcut,
so you have missed him.
Get me a horse quick! Officer Chang!
Hurry up! - Right
2nd Brother...
3rd Brother, what's the matter?
2nd Brother, I want to talk to you there.
Huang is ordered to finish his mission
We can't afford any delay.
Bullshit, we need to talk.
You wait here.
Brother, you know I don't have patience.
What's the matter? Tell me.
Brother, you'd better run quick.
Run? To where?
It belongs to my wife.
Yes, that night...
I found it outside Big Brother's room.
That night I sat outside his room all night.
In the morning,
I saw your wife coming out of his room.
What nonsense are you talking!
I discovered they've an affair.
Brother, you know him so well.
Now he's a powerful man.
If this affair is disclosed,
it'll affect his future very much.
I'm afraid he'll kill you.
Buzz off! Get the hell out of here.
You never know what he is thinking!
You're too straight. Never know the bitch...
Shut up! 3rd Brother...
I see you always teasing Mi Lan...
you try to take advantage of her but in vain
so now you shift the blame on others?
Brother, I can let you go,
but my fists couldn't allow.
Okay, you come with me
to clear this matter.
It's a military order.
If I leave without permission,
it'll be a death penalty.
Brother, you're trying to do me harm.
You don't believe me. It doesn't matter.
Forget the trip. Back to the hill base.
This all doesn't make any sense.
I can't afford to see you being killed.
2nd Brother...
I'll question you clearly when I'm back.
If you've no guts, get lost.
2nd Brother...
If you keep fooling around, it's hard to...
Officer Chang...
3rd Brother, what's the matter?
Send 2nd Brother back with urgent post.
He's having a military mission.
Why should I send him back?
Whose stuff is it?
Why was it in your room?
Why did sister-in-law come out of,
your room that morning?
So... now you know!
You sleazy bastard!
3rd Brother!
None of his business. I did it of my own will
I'm not scared of how you look at me.
I knew nothing when I married your brother.
After I realized,
the kind of man I need,
this is what I'm...
You slut!
I don't care whatever you shout at me.
When 2nd Brother is back,
I'll tell him.
Can he come back? He can't.
What happened?
Whatever blocks my way will be busted away.
Big Brother...
Who will believe we're truly in love?
After leaving the hill base,
I got higher and higher promotions.
I shunned away too many marriage proposals
So why?
I've struggled for my future till now...
I still wish to go higher.
No one can stand in my way.
If 2nd Brother knows of our affair...
You cannot kill him.
Order now. It's not too late.
It's already late
The local county said,
Liang rebels are in the valley.
I'll go to check first.
You guys set up defense outside the entrance.
Don't scare them away.
Yes.
Why don't you go?
Why don't you come first?
Why do you want to kill me? Why?
Who ordered you to kill me? Who is it?
Who could want me dead...
3rd Brother...
3rd Brother, you worked for me,
when I become a member of Military Chamber,
the seat of the Governor will be yours.
My Lord, what's matter?
Ma Hsin I, let's wait and see.
Huang was killed in a coup.
We fought hard to survive.
I get it.
Huang was killed, but Ma still enjoys his life
Who is shouting outside?
My Lord...
Ma's henchmen are gathering outside,
requesting us to hand over the murderer
and take revenge for Ma.
Ask their leader to come in.
Ma Zhong Xin, Li Wen at your service
I know what you want.
The government has its view on this case.
Officer Zen will handle this case...
You take care of your own business first
and wait for Zen's decision.
Yes.
Go...
Horse bandits were good at defense,
hiding and waiting for the time for revenge
He sneaked in the stadium the night before
review day of troop, hiding in flag baskets.
Most men from the hill base had died
in battles for Ma whose promotion was colored
by their fresh red blood.
2nd Brother, please bless me for my success.
Ma Hsin I, do you remember me?
Chang, I never thought I'll be killed by you!
Chang, I've to catch you myself.
My Lord... Get away.
Things are in this state because of you
I'm still alive.
I could still order to have you killed.
I've to catch Chang myself.
No one is allowed to interfere or
he'll be punished according to martial laws.
I won't leave today.
Ma, only if you could catch me...
Chang, I got you...
Ma, you could die peacefully.
You've my word. I won't escape.
You may arrest me.
Both of you...
How did Ma set up Huang and
entice away Huang's wife?
I need both of you to make statements in court.
How dare you kill a main royal officer and
still utter bullshit! Heavy punishment!
I've confessed. Yet why should I be punished?
Proceed! Yes.
Stop!
I knew you guys will help each other.
It doesn't matter. The reason I killed Ma...
you don't believe me, but the world will.
Beat him up heavily!
Stop for time being and await the sentence.
Yes.
Please read the letter from Officer Zen.
Zen's idea is that the criminal,
not only murdered a royal officer but,
also his god-brother. It's a severe crime!
He should be cut in pieces as punishment.
Ma is also righteous to avenge his brother
His own henchmen should execute him.
If this is what Zen thinks,
we'll follow his viewpoint.
Court!
We're thankful for Ma's grooming.
We'd like to have your permission for a few things
Go ahead.
Execute Chang outside the Governor's Hall
We'll set up my lord's spirit plate there.
I'll handle the executor's work myself.
I'll cut his beast off and take his heart out
and offer it in my lord's funeral.
We've prepared a set of execution tools.
Please take a look.
Your requests are approved.
Thank you.
Chang Wen Hsiang, do you see it?
Tomorrow we'll use these steel blade, hook
to squeeze your heart and organs out.
The other day at the stadium, I asked
both of you to make statements in court.
You really did as I asked.
What?
You both are very desperate to kill me.
Are you trying to prove I'm right?
Officer Ma, please...
Officer Ma, please execute him.
This way he pays for his own deeds