Let's see if you dare to slap him!
You're crazy!
I'll give you 1000 taels if you dare,
or you'll give me 10000 taels if you won't.
What's that for?
A big mosquito!
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Liu Yong.
Here, Your Majesty.
Sit on the throne for me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You do look like an emperor.
He's been dreaming for this for a while.
I...
Sit down.
I'm only doing this as told.
No one said you've done anything wrong. Sit down.
Since the 16th year of Qianlong's reign
after I've given you the name of "Luoguo" (wok)
You've been loyal, patriotic, hard working and frugal,
have tricks up your sleeves, and talk back at me.
I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty.
Don't kneel when you're wearing the Emperor's outfit.
Yes.
Right, what year is this?
The 32nd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign.
Prosperous & peaceful country, everything going well
What year is it again?
32nd year. The country is prosperous, peaceful...
The 32nd year.
Which means you've held your special title "Luoguo"
for sixteen years.
In the last sixteen years,
I had to pay you 20,000 more each year.
That's 320,000 taels of silver in total.
Thank you for Your Majesty's affection.
Affection?
I don't have a choice, you tricked me.
I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty.
Zhou Yu hitting Huang Gai,
one likes to beat up people, other enjoys to be beaten.
Do you remember
how did I give you the title?
Qianlong 16th year, when we were in the summer resort.
Liu Yong.
Here, Your Majesty.
Why can't you walk up straight?
You look like a "luoguo"
Thank you, Your Majesty.
For what?
For giving me the special name "Luoguo".
And how could you benefit from it?
As per Qing law, when the Emperor gives out a name to a
minister, he is entitled to 20,000 more taels each year
Later you accepted my thumb ring.
You know
that's one of my favourites
being a present from Your Majesty, I don't
dare to wear it, that's why I placed it on my head.
He's just said some good words,
you haven't rewarded him yet.
Not exactly a reward, more like a trick.
How?
Give him your ring,
if Liu Yong immediately wears it,
then he's committed the crime of deceiving
Your Majesty, for he dares to wear your belongings.
You can spare his life
by taking away his title "Luoguo".
What if he won't wear it?
If he won't,
then he doesn't obey your order,
you can still take away his title.
Minister Liu, wear it.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Liu Yong.
Here, Your Majesty.
Why wouldn't you wear it?
I dare not to.
Dare not to? Or you're not interested?
I wouldn't dare to refuse a gift from Your Majesty.
Then why aren't you wearing it?
If I do, I would deceive Your Majesty.
If I don't, then I disobey Your Majesty's order.
but you can't keep doing this.
I'll pass this on to my men,
and they will take this back to my hometown,
and I'll put it in the family shrine.
I'll hold this temporarily.
And you cheated a robe from me,
it's mink.
And you claim you don't have a bag of tricks.
Forget about the robe, Your Majesty.
I wore the robe
during the hottest days of the year,
and I was sick and had to lie in bed for three months.
You were talking nonsense in Suzhou the other time,
and told me to watch some kind of beast.
I almost lost my life...
Sire, you requested to look at the "four unlike"
Four Unlike? You're one.
Come... look...
Like an elephant without trunks.
Come on! A penny a look.
Like an elephant without the trunk.
Like a bull without horns.
Like a horse without hooves.
Like a camel without a hump.
Four Unlike, a penny a look.
Come look! A penny a look.
Come take a look! Come on.
Like a horse without hooves.
Like a bull without horns.
Like a camel without a hump.
Come look! "Four Unlike"!
Four Unlike? boss Liu.
Yes, boss.
What do you think this is?
People create all kinds of mysteries,
and invent all sorts of names and ideas to make money.
but those who have seen it seem satisfied.
Not exactly, they have no other choice.
It's only a penny, not too bad.
It's for a laugh, even they fell for it.
boss Liu, you sound so decisive,
have you seen that before?
At my age,
even I haven't,
I could have guessed what it's about.
You...
Let's pay a penny each to take a look.
Seeing is believing.
Four Unlike, thanks...
A penny a look.
"Four Unlike"
I wouldn't watch even if I have money.
Strange! Why'd they smile even if they fall for it?
If they don't, then no one else will fall for it.
You just need to drag some others along.
Is that right, Minister E?
Yes, boss Liu. You knew everything.
Impressive.
boss, how much?
2.5 catty!
What's this for?
To eat.
Fried frog legs is a famous dish, you've eaten it.
Right, I'm eating a toad.
Imperial kitchen calls it "Yingtuo"
Yingtuo is toad,
because the leg muscles look like a baby camel.
There's something I'd like to ask you.
Please.
This is smaller than my fist,
how could it make such a loud sound?
because it's got a big mouth, and a thick neck,
that's why.
Not only frogs,
it applies to all.
Anything that has a big mouth and a thick neck,
could make a loud sound.
It's the same for all things.
If it's got a big mouth, thick neck; its sound is loud
This basket has a big mouth and thick neck,
why doesn't it make a sound?
It's made of bamboo, that's why it's silent.
Then how can the monk's pipe make a sound?
Right, how?
It's made of bamboo,
but it has holes,
that's how.
Made of bamboo, with holes and it will make a sound.
This sieve is made of bamboo,
it has so many holes, why can't it make a sound?
Well, you can't play a sieve.
It's round and flat.
That's why it's silent.
Right, round and flat...
Round and flat won't make any sound.
This gong's round & flat, how come it can make a sound?
It's got a "belly button"
A belly button.
It's got a belly button, why doesn't it make a sound?
It's made of iron, of course.
Made of iron and it won't make a sound?
What about the chimes?
Why the chimes can make a sound?
Answer me.
It's hanging up there.
If it's iron & it's hanging, then it will make a sound.
The steelyard has been hanging there for long time.
It's made of iron, why is it silent?
Right, why?
It's not hollow.
because it's not hollow.
It's not hollow.
A bomb, why would that make a sound?
It's got explosives. (same pronunciation as medicine)
It's got explosives.
Then a drugstore has medicines, why is there no sound?
Xiao Huzi.
That's fun.
Looks really interesting.
What's that for?
Don't you know?
The beads
have got a lot to do with Buddhism
It all means something, beads on Buddha's head,
cloud at the back...
I think these small bells
must have some connection with Buddhism
Minister Liu, you don't know this.
The bell is called "longevity bell"
it's a present from his father or godfather
when he was little.
Just to get the auspicious meaning.
Some kids wear few strings implying several godfathers.
Longevity bell, one represents a godfather.
Of course, longevity bell,
the godfather is a must.
What? Longevity bell.
One represents a godfather.
Watch it! Others might beat you up if they hear you.
Aren't you talking about Longevity bells?
This is the bell to attract attention.
When people hear this,
they know the paper fan vendors are here.
You can change the cover,
or get someone to draw something,
or you can get the frame,
this is a bell to attract attention.
A bell to attract attention.
Everyone will come here when they hear this.
No wonder.
What?
The other day when I visited you,
I saw your wife wearing those.
Look, just like her.
The bell to attract attention.
Your wife's business isn't great,
that's why she wears it to attract more attention.
You've a good salary, why would she...
Subsidy...
What subsidy?
This is the bell for people to excuse themselves.
Excuse themselves?
For women inside the house,
if they're taking baths or changing,
and if other male relatives walk in the house.
They must stop if they hear the bells.
They'll ask before entering the room.
That's why it's called the bell to excuse themselves.
Here's another small bell,
is it the bell for people to excuse themselves?
To tell the others that
they must avoid this place once they hear the bell.
Am I right?
This is a teahouse, everyone's welcome.
This is a "bird-warning" bell.
They don't want birds to do their business around here,
the birds will fly away when they hear the bells.
Hence..."bird-warning" bell.
bird-warning bell.
Is this it?
Exactly.
The old lady dislikes the birds to drop their droppings
that's why she's wearing one.
birds' droppings on someone's head?
Of course not, it's the "hundred years old" bell.
It's a birthday gift from her children and grand children
wishing her longevity.
For her to live a long life,
hence the "hundred years old" bell.
Hundred years old bell.
bad news...
What's the rush?
His Majesty is missing in Suzhou.
Missing?
The Emperor is missing.
Report, the Emperor is missing.
What? His Majesty is missing.
We lost track of His Majesty.
Minister Liu and Minister E are missing too.
Why won't you do something?
Don't just kneel here, go find His Majesty.
Minister E, it doesn't look right,
are we lost?
80% lost.
80%? I guess it's more like 100%.
Great, we're in the middle of nowhere.
I said east, and you headed west.
You're my lucky star,
I'm sure we'll be fine.
I'm not panicking, I'm just starving, aren't you?
I'm alright, just thirsty.
We should have brought a water bottle.
Come here, quick!
Hurry!
Wrap it up.
Let's go.
So? Have you found it?
No.
What? Again...
Yes.
Play the drums and sing every night.
From night till dawn.
It smells great.
Master, we have three visitors.
Where are you from?
Master, they are lost.
Right, they followed us here,
from the river.
Shut up. Just get to work.
Yes, get to work...
We're heading for old textile factory in Hongbanqiao,
but we got lost.
You're way off,
it's 18 miles away from Hongbanqiao.
And the textile factory has been transformed into
the Emperor's holiday home since Kang Xi's reign.
Right, we just want to
talk to the court officials about some business.
Oh, business.
No wonder! Please have a seat in the living room.
Living room? Sure.
Your accent sounds like you're from the north.
We're from Beijing,
heading to Suzhou to buy some goods.
This is our boss, Gao Tianci
My surname is Liu, and this is Mr. E.
Mr. Gao, Mr. Liu, Mr. E, pleased to meet you.
Please.
Tian Laoer.
I live in Changshu, but come from Canton.
My surname is Chi,
because I'm lazy,
I'm also known as Chi bafang. (Eat it all)
And this is...
E.
E (sounds like evil)
Not that E,
it's another E,
E as in the surname,
then you have the same surname
as Minister E, the Emperor's favourite Minister.
Minister E Yongan.
Right, you have the same surname!
E Yongan is wicked,
but the Emperor listens to him.
He's good.
I hear he and the Emperor wear the same pair of pants.
Same pair of pants?
The Emperor is a homosexual,
he and E Yongan are involved.
Involved?
Northerners call a person like him "Xianggong",
Suzhou people call him "Pijing" (brown-noser)
We Cantonese call him, "Chidi"
Chidi?
No wonder?
What do you want to say?
I always wondered
why would the Emperor listen to him,
They're involved.
What are you talking about?
There's something going on,
no wonder E Yongan seems a bit feminine.
I heard that Liu Yong is similar.
I'm now making tea,
which is a favourite of Emperor Qianlong's.
Mixing with Longjing tea,
but the Emperor drinks
from the spring in Yuquan mountain,
we use the Hupao Spring water in Hangzhou,
it brings out the fragrance.
Not bad at all.
First pick of Longjing leaves is meant for the Emperor,
how did you get it from?
The Emperor can't taste the first pick,
I've got people everywhere,
they've picked the first and second round for me,
the Emperor drinks the third pick.
You stole it?
Stealing is such a horrible word.
You steal at night, but take during the day
You're a funny man.
Then E Yongan
takes the 3rd pick as the first, he cheated the Emperor
Smells great.
No one can fight hunger,
when you're hungry, rich men,
ministers and even the Emperor will wolf down the food.
Yes, the Emperor is human too.
Wait here, damn it!
Anyone dares to answer my question? Stand out.
Get out.
What is it? Calm down.
Chi bafang, no wonder.
I don't care what you eat generally,
but I've a problem when you eat my chicken.
boss Han, take it easy,
we're friends here.
There's no need for violence, right? Madam Huajiu.
Friends?
You are a bunch of chicken-stealing thieves!
Who's your friend?
It's only two chickens, I can pay you.
Pay? It's that easy?
We've lost chickens for more than a day.
At least a dozen a day in the last two weeks,
two hundred chickens went missing, can you afford it?
Don't be angry.
One must pay.
How much is it for two hundred chickens?
You don't seem like from around here.
We're from Beijing, got lost on the way.
Mind your own business.
It is my business,
I'm eating the chicken too.
Fine, if you will pay.
Twenty taels for two hundred chickens.
Alright, as long as you have a price. Twenty.
Alright.
Old man,
You're responsible should our chickens go amiss again.
You must have proof to catch a thief,
you can't blame me for everything.
You don't have a clue.
What? Was she wrong?
Maybe you should stay in our inn instead,
this place is a dump,
how could you stay here?
Is your inn far from here?
No, five miles away.
So?
Alright.
Don't go.
You won't get robbed or killed here,
but she runs a dodgy shop.
Likewise.
Well, I don't see that you're a good person either.
At least I don't sell human flesh buns.
Joke.
What about the trio?
Kill.
Something to drink.
Thanks.
Do you sell buns here?
buns, sure.
You want the vegetables ones? Or Pork with vegetables?
Any other choice?
Of course.
Leeks, shrimp, lamb, mushrooms, fennel,
beans, chicken, duck, beef, celery, spring onions...
we have everything.
What about human flesh buns?
You must be kidding.
You think this is
Shizhipo in "Wu Song beats the Tiger"?
Human flesh buns and spiked drinks?
I'm no Madam Sun Erniang.
He is horny.
He was talking about something else.
You see, I'm so stupid.
Don't think that we're a country inn,
we've got everything.
We've hostesses here.
Pretty girls with great figures,
they play all kinds of tunes and instruments.
A great selection.
Do you want them to drink with you now?
Or should they spend the night with you?
No thanks...
They're making this up.
Tell them to get the food ready.
You know that's what men do when they're away,
And not just ordinary men like you,
the Emperor has made four trips to Jiangnan,
he's asked for female companion here.
Really?
It's true.
There was a feast in the Liu Family,
all the girls were out.
Then what?
but it's the royal decree.
Right.
You must obey.
Exactly, I had no choice,
so I had to do it myself.
You slept with him for a night?
More than one night, I'm seasoned.
The Emperor is tired of the harem,
he hasn't had anyone like me,
he stayed for three nights.
Oh dear, really worked me.
Let's go inside.
Go inside.
Have you seen three northerners here?
With Beijing accent?
Correct.
Right, they all wear caps.
One in blue vest.
They're heading to Hong Banqiao.
Yes, where are they now?
I told people to send them
to the old textile factory.
Alright, go... hurry.
Lady boss, I heard the Emperor is a womaniser.
He just left like that after three nights?
Of course not, he wanted me to be his queen,
and bring me to the palace.
Too bad I'm not single.
Is this for real?
You think I made this up?
Tell you what,
the Emperor is not circumcised.
What's so funny?
Shut up.
For real?
Nonsense.
How does she know?
Says who?
I can't believe you buy her crap.
Please come downstairs for food, it's getting cold.
Enjoy your drinks.
You should drink with us.
I should,
but I'm temporarily quitting.
Come on.
Alright, cheers...
Excellent wine.
but what a coincidence,
We're temporarily quitting too,
no drinking or smoking.
Right, we're family.
Looks like they
suspect us.
Right, you can't plan to hurt others,
but you must beware of others.
Come, I'll drink to you on behalf of my sister.
Go on, eat this. It's pork and cabbage buns.
What are you looking for? This?
What?
Finger tips
In the end you still don't trust us.
Not at all.
It's so brightly lit, can't be a black shop.
Come on.
Wait...
I heard there's a type of pot called "Yinyang" pot,
it's got a separate compartment.
If that's the case,
we won't have a long drinking life.
I think we're
just keeping an eye on the suspects.
The opposite I think.
Come on.
Take her inside.
Yes.
Inn owner.
Guest.
You have a quiet room?
Sure, upstairs.
Please.
Prepare some dishes and wine.
Sure, yellow wine or spirit?
Strong spirit of course.
Yellow wines are for women.
Please...
Don't make a sound or I'll stab you.
No, no!
Stop...
Shut up...
Leave it.
Right, leave it.
Please come downstairs, guests.
Food's ready.
Drink up.
Come on...
Wait.
You shouldn't hurt others,
but you should beware of others.
I hear Hongbin Inn is well-known for its wrongdoings,
human flesh buns and spiked drinks.
I didn't believe that.
but what do you know?
How dare you!
You lot are hiding under your monks' costumes,
a bunch of evildoers!
You aren't exactly good people.
You've got some nerve!
Men...
Neither side is good.
Right.
We better not get involved.
The young woman.
Stop.
Continue, again.
Come.
Priest... hurry open the gate.
"Village Stockade"
Coming.
Open the gate.
Coming...
Thank you, come in.
Please have a seat.
Please...
Have some tea.
I'll make something for you to eat.
This is the first time
we don't have to worry about the food.
Exactly.
Wait.
Look, it's not washed properly.
You can't ask for so much in the country side.
Something's wrong with the wine.
Got it.
Who?
Soldiers.
Go.
Hurry...
Quick, hurry up.
Careful, faster.
Let's take a look.
Sure.
Sir, no one is here
Check inside.
Officers, no one's here.
but some saw a few people went in.
Why do you say no one's in?
No one's in,
it's the truth.
Don't bother with him, search!
Yes.
You search here,
and you search over there.
Yes.
Anyone?
No.
Go upstairs.
Yes.
No one.
Nothing...
Search that room.
Yes.
Anyone?
No.
Anyone inside?
No.
Check it out.
Yes.
We can't find anyone.
They must be around here.
We've searched everywhere,
but there's nothing.
Keep going.
I did that already.
Only corn,
you could stab the Emperor if he was inside.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
What are you standing here for? Continue.
Yes, sir.
Nothing...
Nothing.
Let's go...
Yes...
I'm Chi bafang, of Sangye Village, leading my
followers to greet you, Your majesty.
What Majesty? An emperor like this?
Get all tied up?
Who told you I'm the Emperor?
That's why we took the precautions.
We greeted the real Emperor, tied the fake Emperor.
If you really were the Emperor,
then we'll let you go.
but if you're a fake,
we'll punish you,
and then send you to the officers.
Right... we didn't have a choice; Just wanted to
earn some money pretending to be the emperor,
send us to the officers.
Minister E, please.
You followed His Majesty to Jiangnan,
haven't you made enough money on the way?
Minister E.
I've worked for your old man E Ertai,
I've already seen you and your brother.
Minister E, you have no choice,
you should just tell the truth.
What am I supposed to say?
Alright,
looks like everything
you do is premeditated.
You lure us to the deserted temple,
then to the inn,
from the inn to here,
what do you want?
Very well.
Xiaohong, come here to thank His Majesty for saving you
Thank him? Sure.
After I've avenged my great grandfather,
then I'll thank him.
Who's your great grandfather?
The picture you saw,
was him.
He's a Taoist Priest?
No, he's not.
As a Chief Examiner Cha Siting in Emperor Yongzheng's
4th year, he got locked up for a question he set.
Chief Examiner Cha Siting of Zhejiang Haining,
his question was "Weimin Suozhi" (For the people... )
Right.
It's said that my great grandfather was up to no good,
he meant beheading Emperor Yongzheng.
That's why he was being sent away to a deserted land.
My great grandfather and grandfather
died in the prison.
That's why we did all we could,
to invite you here.
It's better to make friends than foes.
Now that we're united, with 5 races living in harmony.
Why bring up the old topic?
The old topic? We are a bunch of no goods,
dirty beggars with long hair.
Why? because you wanted our hair.
Manchurians force us to shave our heads.
We either shave our head or get beheaded,
you saw that I was about to shave Xiaohong's head,
and you felt sorry for her.
but you must remember you're shaving all of our heads
Right, today it's not just about Yongzheng's head,
it's about you, Qianlong's head too!
Wait, have you forgotten
that this is my idea?
Didn't I tell you that it's alright to kill E Yongan,
but you can't hurt the emperor.
Fourth Master, you're my fortune teller,
tell them.
Right, that's what I predicted.
Meaning what?
Your sister is bound to be a queen.
How?
It's meant to be.
I doubt it,
a queen with her character?
What? Do you think you're more fit to be a queen?
What? You?
brat.
Calm down. There're two wives.
The East Palace is the first wife.
but there's also the West Palace.
As long as one gets to be a queen,
who cares?
What are you talking about?
Calm down, everyone.
We're not done yet.
Right.
You know we've only heard
about rumours of the palace,
so we couldn't tell what's the truth.
There's one thing we want to ask.
The letter from Zeng Jing to Yue Zhongqi,
it states, the late Emperor Yongzheng had nine crimes.
Stole the throne, forced his mother, killed...
his brothers, greedy, blood thirst,
womaniser, killing officials.
Stealing the throne especially.
Everyone said that he forged the will.
It was "passing the throne to Fourteenth Prince"
and he's changed it to Fourth Prince.
It's only a rumour.
Minister Liu carries an lmperial mandate,
take a look.
It's not that easy to forge imperial documents.
Read it.
All the lmperial edicts and mandates
are written in two languages.
It's the same copy for all the races.
This is for the Hans,
Manchurian is at front, followed by Han Chinese.
As for handing down the throne,
because it's for all races,
it's written in five languages,
Manchurian, Mongolian, Muslim, Tibetan, Han,
Changing Chinese character "ten" to "to" is too much
and how could you change the other languages?
The general public don't understand,
they thought it's merely some scrap note.
A scrap note?
based on trust?
How? Why?
It's not a simple matter.
If my father got the throne because of a note,
that's like "child's play", impossible.
Just like you lot,
you make up an excuse,
and tie me up here.
And you want to be the queen just like this?
That's ridiculous, you can't act like this.
I heard the Emperor is a Han Chinese,
he's really the son of Chen Shiguan of Haining,
rumour has it that he was swapped as a baby.
That's nonsense.
My late father had ten sons,
six died in their infancies, there're four left.
Why would he swap his children?
And then the rules in the palace are straight.
They note down everything
big and small.
I was born in Rehe,
it was widely known.
The place I was born
is now known as Shizi Gou (Lion's Ditch),
do you understand?
Your Majesty, you were born in the year of Lion?
The Emperor is under the fish sign.
Fish? There's no fish sign.
Fish and dragon, it's kind of similar.
There's not a year of Lion.
I got it, Your Majesty is an illegitimate son,
hence it's called Sizi Gou (illegitimate son's ditch)
Illegitimate?
No! As in lion.
And the Emperor being reincarnation of the bodhisattva,
doesn't the bodhisattva ride a lion?
Whatever.
If Your Majesty is a Han, you must help us.
And if Your Majesty is a Manchurian,
please marry a Chinese wife,
and bear a Chinese emperor.
Pardon our crime before you leave.
Ridiculous.
What now? You want this the hard way?
Maybe the soldiers are back.
Leave several men to take His Majesty
and the ministers to the back of the mountain,
the rest will meet up in the deserted temple.
Let's go.
I thought something is wrong.
How come there's no corn coming out?
It's all the same around here.
Why?
Our supervisor reported a large number to the court,
or else we wouldn't be a major base here.
"Village Stockade"
Chief.
Why is it empty?
The supervisor has ordered for the corn to be
stacked up while the Emperor is travelling in Jiangnan.
There's a saying that,
a bumper grain harvest on the outside,
empty inside
The supervisor will be rich and famous,
the locals are suffering
haven't you heard, chief?
Shut up, go.
If I wasn't smart enough
and escape in the chaos
I wouldn't be able to come home.
You're responsible for my safety,
and you couldn't even keep up.
How should you be punished?
Your Majesty, you've always been elusive,
you disappear all of a sudden,
I could hardly catch up.
You said that you know Suzhou well.
We counted on you then.
I was thirsty, desperate and had a cold,
I almost died in Suzhou.
Liu Yong, Yongan...
It's good.
What?
Cut it up...
The gall.
Some wine...
Here.
Wait.
Rock, scissors, paper.
I won.
Sian, Longtan
Hey, how does he know us?
Right, he called you Sian, Longtan.
Who is he?
Let's take a look.
Yongan
He has a temperature.
Wake him.
It's hot.
You are...
Longtan and Sian, you called us.
Longtan, Sian?
I'm Longtan, he's Sian.
I'm Sian.
brother Longtan, brother Sian.
Yes.
And your name is.
I'm called Gao Tianci.
Eat this while it's hot.
I think you've got a cold,
this will warm you up...
What are you smelling?
Too bad my nose is stuffy,
it looks really tasty.
Of course, so?
Great, what is this called?
What is this called?
It's called...
Pearl, emerald and white jade soup.
That's right, pearl, emerald and white jade soup.
Pear, emerald and white jade soup?
Right.
Yes, is it good?
It's great.
Oh, pearl, emerald and white jade soup?
That's right.
His Majesty ate it in Suzhou.
It's supposed to taste and smell great.
Try to make it.
You'll be rewarded handsomely if you get it right.
Minister, in the kitchen we have
all kinds of soup,
made with all kinds of ingredients,
we have
a large selection,
and even His Majesty's West Lake beef bisque
from Hangzhou.
As for Suzhou's Pearl, emerald and white jade soup
Never heard of it.
How could we make it?
Exactly.
Chefs,
you're from different provinces.
Those that fly, crawl,
swim, all types of meat,
you could create new dishes everyday,
it's only a soup.
It shouldn't be a problem.
And it's the royal decree,
you have any idea if you disobey?
Yes, Minister.
Could you send Minister Liu Yong to teach us,
because he taught us
a special dish that
His Majesty requested last year.
I've asked him already,
he couldn't figure it out.
He said white jade could be bean curd,
but as for pearl and emerald,
he has no idea.
Right, Golden White Jade is fried tofu.
You could eat pearls if you steam it long enough.
Alright, we'll try our best.
Come on.
We'll make it like a usual soup,
chop up the bean curd.
Start.
Send in the meal.
What a joke! Pearls?
Who do you take me for?
Your Majesty, pearl is good for you.
Right.
How?
Good for the skin.
You'll have great skin.
I don't need to have great skin.
Send a decree to Suzhou,
tell them to find Sian and Longtan here.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What's going on?
The Emperor is looking for a duo
who can make pearl, emerald and white jade soup.
I wish I know how and I'll be rich.
How rich?
Official promotion, and lmperial service in the capital
Isn't that great?
So he's the emperor,
no wonder, he had the looks.
Tear it off...
Tear it off?
Finally, it's our time to shine.
Go! Go!
Excuse me.
What are you doing?
Tear this off...
Tear this off?
You two?
What for?
To cook the soup for the emperor.
Yes.
Kneel.
Look up.
You two know how to make the soup?
Yes.
So then you've tasted pearl, emerald & white jade soup?
We have this soup
almost everyday of the year.
What else are we going to eat?
Exactly.
bullshit.
You know you could be killed for lying to the emperor.
His Majesty addressed us as "brothers".
We wouldn't lie.
Right.
This is getting really ridiculous.
His Majesty addressed you as "brothers".
Yes, His Majesty called me brother Sian,
brother Longtan.
You two are Master Sian and Longtan?
Master?
You should have told me sooner.
And we wouldn't have this misunderstanding,
sorry.
Get up...
Please get changed before heading to the capital.
Men.
Yes.
Serve the masters to get changed.
Yes.
Getting changed?
Here they are...
Please meet the two special chefs.
Master Sian, Master Logntan.
Thank you...
Welcome...
Please stand...
Arise.
They came
all the way here
to teach you
how to make the soup.
The Emperor wants to share this with everyone.
On the third day of March,
it's Emperor's mother's birthday,
there will be a feast,
all the valued officials will be here.
Other than the usual dishes from the royal kitchen,
the last but not the least,
is this soup
Please listen to their instructions.
Yes, Minister.
This soup
isn't that special.
I guess it's because His Majesty
liked it then,
and he asked us what it's called,
and we just made up the name.
There's broken rice crust,
torn up vegetables,
spinach leaves, rotten bean curd all in one,
it's got white and green colours,
that's why we called it Pearl, Emerald and Jade soup.
Right.
We made this
from the food we begged along the street.
Everyone has their special tastes,
if His Majesty likes it,
then please
follow our instructions.
There's a great supply of
fresh and nice food here,
but it's the opposite
of our ingredients.
We tear up the vegetables,
just the bad bits,
the more rotten the better.
Getting there.
Almost.
Try it, Minister E.
Tastes good, huh?
Good.
Long live Your Majesty.
Arise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
What a pity.
I hold this special feast
so that we can all taste the soup.
Too bad I've got a stuffy nose.
It's pity that I can't have its aroma!
Your Majesty is blessed
by all the gods.
Today Your Majesty is holding a state banquet,
sharing the joy with subjects and people.
The royals, ministers, and all can have a feel of
the heyday of Your Majesty's reign,
we are all very lucky.
What's this?
Catch cold.
What the foreigners call a flu.
What we call a cold.
Why they all catch a cold?
It's contagious.
If Your Majesty has a cold, we all have one.
I had a fever in Suzhou,
and I was dizzy,
with a temperature,
it's all because of the cold.
Luckily I drank a bowl of soup,
sweated it out and slept well.
I recovered the next day.
Guards
Yes, Your Majesty.
The banquet begins.
Long live His Majesty,
we're blessed to taste this heavenly food,
His Majesty grants us the Pearl, Emerald and Jade Soup.
Come.
Long live Your Majesty.
Not bad.
Some more.
Minister E
What do you think?
Not bad.
Then drink some more.
So?
Finished? What do you think?
Quite good.
Pour another bowl for Minister Liu.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You tricked me to eat that horrible soup
because I had a stuffy nose,
but you!
You poured everything into your boot.
Your Majesty requested the soup.
You have such a good memory,
who would dare to stop you?
Sweet words.
Now you're wearing my outfit,
sitting in my throne,
are you trying to revolt?
I was being told, for your painting.
The painting is Your Majesty, not me.
If the picture looks like you,
then I'll take back your title "Luoguo",
and I'll collect all that extra money from the years.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Show him.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
What for?
For promoting me to be a prince,
how could I not thank Your Majesty?
A prince? You think I'm crazy.
Why would I do that?
On Your Majesty's robe it's the five-claws Dragon,
and on the prince's robe it's the four-claws snake.
Your Majesty has given me a portrait as a prince,
doesn't that mean you're promoting me?
From now on,
I'll get an extra 40,000 taels of silver each year,
so I must thank you, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
That's pissed me off!
Why... did you draw that?
I was ordered to paint Minister Liu's face instead,
of course I had to do it.
It'd be disobedience if it doesn't look like him, but
if it's too much like him, I'd have offended the court.
That's why I changed the painting of the robe,
in order to please the spirit of ancestors.
The Qing Dynasty
has been around for over a hundred years,
it's not a joke, that's why...
That's why...
That's why I must thank you, Your Majesty.
Why won't you kneel when you thank me?
You take no notice of me?
In Your Majesty's outfit, I'm afraid I dare not kneel.
Prince won't kneel.
Prince Liu.
Here, Your Majesty.
Prince Luoguo.
Here, Your Majesty.
Asshole, 40,000 taels.
Your Majesty.
I have to pay him an extra 40,000 taels.