Time will take its course
l can finally be an lmperial Guard
When we went after Ngai Chun Nip Dor-po got in the way on purpose
l suspect he's Ngai Chun's accomplice
Check him out!
What do you want with my parents?
We suspect your identity we must interrogate them
l'm glad you're back
l'm fine...they caught a spy at camp
At first they suspected me but everything is fine now
They didn't find anything
First they want to interrogate you then they let you go
What's really going on?
l bet it's Tai Shek's doing
He's been picking on me since day one lt doesn't matter now
l'll go back when they sort things out
We're clean, l have nothing to hide l'm not afraid of them
Our family is clean
Exactly! Unless l'm not your son!
Of course you are! Don't talk nonsense!
You're a spitting image of your mother lf you go out dressed as a woman
They'll think you're the lady boss of Sheung Moon House
You're exaggerating, Father!
Do l really look like Mother?.
He takes after you too!
He has your disposition You're like twin brothers
l object!
l'm more resolute and determined
Are you sure you're my father?.
Joke about something else, not this Of course you're my son!
Say it again and l'll smack you
Hey...that's enough!
Dor-po... What?
You must be tired, get some rest l'll fix you your favorite snack
That's great, Mother
l'll give her a hand in the kitchen Good girl!
Run along
Are you crazy? You over-reacted!
A slip of tongue and Dor-po will suspect us
l'm not worried about him l'm worried about the lmperial Guards
lf they discover his identity we'll be in trouble for lying
lt's been so long they won't find anything
That was before, now someone is getting suspicious
They'll conduct a thorough investigation
and will turn Shijiazhuang upside down
l told you not to let him become an lmperial Guard
But you want him to get ahead now he's likely to lose his head
You're scaring me! l better go to Shijiazhuang
l can't let them find anything l won't let anyone hurt Dor-po
You're up early, Father
Early? lt's almost noon!
l'm not the last one Mother is still asleep
Says who?
l saw Sheung-hei just now She hasn't seen Mother all morning
She left for Jinan
Why? What for?
She got a letter from her family about an urgent matter...
l thought she has no family left
See those strangers?
They're lurking around You suppose they're thieves?
Are they after our money or our bodies? Don't talk nonsense!
You're home, Miss Chi-ying
Wah, where's Father? He went out!
Where to?
He didn't say, he left in a hurry You want something with him?
Do you see two men over there? They're up to no good
Over where? l don't see anyone
That's odd! They were there just now!
Don't be nosy Help him with the cleaning
Yes, Miss Chi-ying!
Ngai Chun?
What are you doing here?
You're wounded! What happened?
Anyone out there?
He's in the shack!
l don't know what happened
We'll take it from here
Ngai Chun, we know you're inside Come out and turn yourself in
Don't move! Father!
Chi-ying! How despicable of you! Hiding behind my daughter!
Not as despicable as you!
You took my money and promised to smuggle me out of town
but you betrayed me instead
lt was just a makeshift plan
Your involvement with the lmperial Guards is your business
l run a business in Beijing Don't get my family involved
Please let my daughter go
l will when l leave safely
Sir, she's really my daughter
He's a wanted fugitive
l'll kill her if you come any closer
Don't hurt her!
Catch him!
Take this to calm your nerves!
Ngai Chun got us in so much trouble!
Why was he an imposter? l thought he was your nephew!
He was 8 when l last saw him l haven't seen him in 20 years!
He showed up and claimed to be Ngai Chun
and wanted to try out for the lmperial Guards, so l took him in
How could you? You know nothing about him!
He sounded so real How would l know he was treacherous?
lf the lmperial Guards didn't tell me l wouldn't know he was an imposter
lf he wasn't Ngai Chun, who was he?
lf he could fool the lmperial Guards he could fool civilians like us
That imposter must be up to something Too bad we'll never know
l had no choice but to kill him
What was his relationship with Pak Hei Hall?
The owner is Cheuk Shu-tong
He spent a lot of money and was awarded a Manchu last name
He likes to rub shoulders with government officials
l think he's nothing but a money hungry snob
Appearances can be deceiving
He tipped us off that's how we found Ngai Chun
Ngai Chun almost killed his daughter l was there, it's absolutely true!
l bet he wanted to kiss up to Ngai Chun
but is not involved in any other way
Keep an eye on him!
Take him away! Yes, sir!
Ngai Chun, you'll be fine! Don't waste your time, l'm dying
l don't think l'll make it
You mustn't give up! The Sun Moon Society needs you
l remember...when l tried out for the lmperial Guards
l thought l could bide my chance inside the Forbidden City
But they blew my cover right away
l'm afraid...l'll get you in trouble
Don't worry about that now
What matters is for you to leave safely
lt's useless...they're out there l won't get away
lt wasn't easy for you to win their trust
Don't let that go to waste on my account
They'll soon find my contacts in Beijing
They'll discover our connection soon
l only want to clear your name even if it kills me...it's worth it!
No...
Hang in there!
Remember....you taught me
We can sacrifice anything for the Ming restoration
Let me get my wish...
Sir, she's really my daughter
He's a wanted fugitive
l'll kill her if you come any closer
Don't hurt her!
Catch him!
You won't die in vain!
Shijiazhuang
Hello, Dor-po! Long time no see...
This is for you! Thank you!
Great Uncle!
Uncle Kin!
You are...
Nip Dor-po!
You haven't been back in a long time!
Yes, it's been a few years
l bought you delicacies from Beijing, enjoy...
l heard you're now an lmperial Guard That's such an honor for Shijiazhuang
How did you know?
A month ago, someone checked up on you That's how we know
You know me well
Of course, especially after you were born
your parents hid inside the house They didn't come out for 6 months
We find that rather odd!
Pay me back! Pay up!
Pay up or l'll hit you
You're not local don't start any trouble!
A meddler?
Let go...it hurts!
What are you doing here?
l'm from Ma's village
This witch took 20 taels of silver from me
and promised to pray for me so l'll win
But l lost all my money
She's obviously a fraud
20 taels? That's more than enough!
Take the money and go! Don't gamble anymore!
Don't believe it when people say you'll win!
Let's go! Watch out!
Thank you, you'll be rewarded for this
Hey...you're leaving? l paid 20 taels for you
Don't you recognize me? l used to live here over 20 years ago
Who are you? Did l pray for you?
You don't recognize me? What a relief! Good...you may go
Wait...l know you!
l helped deliver your baby
But he died at childbirth
My son is gone!
The tide was in maybe he was washed downstream
Please help me find my son and keep my lineage
l'm sorry l didn't find your son
You again?
We have such affinity Fancy running into you out here!
ls it really in our destiny?
Maybe we've a vendetta in a previous life
That's my Father's pendant!
Look again! ls this your Father's pendant?
Maybe not, but it looks like it
My Father's pendant is more exquisite
How much do you know about pendants?
My Father told me
when he became a chef and started his own business
his mentor gave him this pendant
Somehow he lost it and he was upset
He hired someone to make a duplicate
Really? When did he lose it?
l'm not sure, over 20 years ago
Where did he lose it?
You're quite a busybody
This pendant resembles the Leshan giant Buddha
l have been to Sichuan But l failed to understand its meaning
Can you help me solve this mystery?
Alright...on account of your sincerity
My Father told me
Leshan Buddha comes from the saying a benevolent man prefers the mountain
l see...it's related to benevolence
There's more...
Benevolence sums up everything
My Father's name is Koon-yat
That's why this pendant represents his name
Koon-yat...benevolent man... giant Buddha. l understand now
What are you doing here?
l was born here
When was your birthday?
Let's see what you're up to...
July 1 3th, 1 662 in Shijiazhuang
l'm here for a visit what's wrong with that?
Amitabha! Merciful Buddha...
You find what you want when you least expect it
You find it where you lost it lt's determined by fate...
Spare me your quibbles
l must look for my Mother at the temple
Goodbye!
Shifu, l found him after all these years. He should be his descendent
What a shame
He repeated the same mistake and became an lmperial Guard
Someone from the government came by and asked about your son
He tried out for the lmperial Guards That's routine business
They said your son was born on July 1 3th, 1 662
l remember the day you were in labor was a month after my son was born
That's why l remember it well Your son died at childbirth
Nip Dor-po can't be your son You're lying to the government
Don't say that lt's a matter of life and death
You know the gravity of the matter?. Give me 1 ,000 taels or l'll expose you
1 ,000 taels?
Your son is an lmperial Guard 1 ,000 taels is nothing to him
Why else would you be here?
Alright...
But l don't have that much on me
Here's 50 taels, take that...
l'll get you more when l go back to Beijing
You'll never come back
Unless you pay me in full today or l'll tell the authority what l know
No! You'll get my family killed
What do you want?
Mother?
Dor-po!
Come back...
Who was that? What are you doing here?
Why are you here? What are you hiding from me?
Why did you bring me here, Mother?
l don't want to lie to you anymore
l'm not your mother
What are you saying?
You're not my son, l adopted you
Look! l found a baby by the river!
We used to live in Jinan
l was 7 months pregnant then The doctor said the baby isn't steady
Your Father suggested we pray at the Guanyin Temple
l went into labor on the way over
We asked the acolyte to help deliver the baby
but the baby died in the end
How l wished l was dead too!
Then your Father came back with you
lt was a gift from Heaven
We decided to treat you like our own and named you Dor-po
to acknowledge this gift from Heaven
Who was l?
l don't know!
lt was July 13th 1662 when we found you
We took that day as your birthday
You were almost a year old
We avoided people we know so nobody would suspect a thing
We stayed in Shijiazhuang and didn't go back to Jinan
l stayed indoors the whole time and claimed that you were weak
when in fact we didn't want anyone to see you
No wonder l was much taller than kids my age
l was actually a year older
Your Father's uncle passed away He didn't have any children
That's why we moved to Beijing and inherited Sheung Moon House
We thought we could lead a peaceful life
but you wanted to be an lmperial Guard
You knew about my questionable past
Why did you let me try out for the lmperial Guard?
Nobody knew about it at first
Now that someone got suspicious l came here right away to fix it
The acolyte helped deliver the baby?
She blackmailed me and wanted 1 ,000 taels
l was so confused l won't let anyone hurt you
Why did you do so much for me?
Now that you know l'm not your mother Will you disown me?
The natural mother can't compare with the adopted mother
Whether or not you gave birth to me is not important
You'll always be my parents unless you don't want me for a son
Never! Good boy...
Everything will be the same We'll live happily as a family
But the acolyte is gone What if she goes to the authority?
Let's go look for her
Who are you? Get out of my way!
Stop! You delivered a baby over 20 years ago
Do you know Nip Dor-po?
Who is he?
We're lmperial Guards
lf you lie to us you're lying to the Court
l can make your life miserable
Whatever you want to know just ask away
l'll tell you everything l know
On July 13th, 1 662, did you meet a woman called Ko Choi-king?
Did you deliver her baby?
Master Tai Shek! Nip Dor-po? You're here as well
Looks like this is a big deal
Tell us the truth
lf you lie to us your whole family is in trouble
l wouldn't dare!
Tell us the truth!
On July 1 3th, 1 662
Did you see this woman?
Yes!
You remember?. lt was over 20 years ago
My son celebrated his 1 -month birthday but we were too poor to celebrate
Master Nip came to me and wanted me to help his wife
l agreed, on account of the money
Then what?
Then...
Watch what you say!
Shut up!
What happened to the woman and the baby?
She was in great pain... but she finally gave birth
That's it?
l helped her deliver the baby
That's all! What more do you want?
l remember it was a big baby The woman almost died from the pain
Luckily they both survived. Her husband gave me a huge red packet
Are you telling the truth?
l wouldn't dare lie to you, sir
Looks like someone is making up a story to nail me
That's why he's forcing her to lie
What's wrong with her vouching for me?
lf you have nothing to hide, why did you come here after you left the camp?
To worship Guanyin! That's right!
You can do that in Beijing Why come here?
You don't understand, sir
The Guanyin in Shijiazhuang was my godmother
l grew up to be big and strong because of her blessing
Something else is more incredible
Mother asked about my fortune when l was young
They said minions will try to harm me How true!
Now that l'm in trouble with the law
l came to seek my godmother's blessing so the minions will leave me alone
Which law dictates, it's illegal to worship outside of Beijing?
l'm asking you again. Nothing happened to Ko Choi-king's baby?
l already told you!
l'll say the same if you ask me again, sir!
Let's go! Watch your step!
Why did you help us?
All parents look out for their children My son is his age
You came here to protect your son
lf l told them the truth you'll both get in trouble
Thank you so much, l have some money...
lf this is not enough l'll get you more when l get home
l can't take your money
Don't worry, you have my word Your secret is safe with me
l don't know how to thank you l must bow to you...
No! l can't...
Your mother did this for you You must be filial
You should get going...
Thank you!...
l followed your instructions They won't suspect them anymore
l'm sorry you had to lie on my account
You treated my son over 20 years ago or he won't be alive today
l saved the whole family with a simple lie
You often speak of cause and effect
l'd like to do more good deeds so my son will get well soon
This is an affinity between us
Over 20 years ago, l came here looking for a friend's son
and l ran into you and your family
My son has been weak since birth luckily you saved his life
But he suffered a relapse
ln order to raise money to cure him l resorted to fraud and deceit
lt was really wrong of me!
Just don't do it again!
Everything is about fate
l haven't been back in years
l brought money to repair the river bank and wanted to visit with you
Then l ran into Nip Dor-po. He turns out to be the one l'm looking for
You helped him because of me lt's all in the stars
l don't know your connection with Nip Dor-po
but you're my benefactor l'll do whatever you tell me to
l only wish my son will get well soon
Your kindness is what saves your son
Just like Nip Dor-po
lt was the kindness he had shown in a previous life
that earns him his parents in this life
Watch it! The wine is very expensive!
Father! You're back?!
Why are you together?.
l ran into Mother in Shijiazhuang
Well? Did the lmperial Guards follow you?
Yes, they almost exposed us
Luckily we got away with it!
Great!
We've been saving the wine for over 20 years. Why did you bring it out?
You know kung fu, but l can only cook
We're in trouble and l'm no help
l plan to reduce prices at Sheung Moon House
and donate the money for charity
l pray that Heaven will look out for our son
What are you doing?
l'm sorry to make you worry
Get up...
l told him everything at Shijiazhuang
You knew?
l always knew you'd find out one day
lt doesn't matter if you're not my natural parents
You looked after me all these years that's as good as blood family
You're the only parents l'll ever have
Just for this...l'm willing to suffer for you. lt's worth it
lf you knew... what about the lmperial Guards?
They won't find out
The acolyte who knew the truth helped us. She lied to them
That's excellent!
We must do more charity work to earn Heaven's blessings
Don't worry about me, Father
l'll quit the lmperial Guards and learn to be a cook
Really? l must do more charity work
Yes!
My son...
You came back empty handed?
Nip Dor-po made a trip back to Shijiazhuang
He's definitely hiding something
l want solid proof. lf you don't have it leave Nip Dor-po alone for now
We should focus on what to tell Prince Yue about Ngai Chun
Hin Sing, what about you?
When Ngai Chun was 1 0, l killed his family while in pursuit of rebels
When he grew up, he posed as a Mongol
and tried out for the lmperial Guard to kill me
His real name was Law Man-shing from Hangzhou
l set up his background in Hangzhou
Even if Prince Yue sends someone to double check
they'll only find a story that matches ours
Good! That's what l'll tell him
Keep an eye on Pak Hei Hall
Pak Hei Hall?
The owner denied any connections with Ngai Chun
l think something is not right
He's in contact with lmperial Dr. Fu who brought his Pak Hei pill into Court
We must keep an eye on this capable man
Yes, sir!
About Nip Dor-po...
Since we have no proof l don't want to harass him
He might be connected to Prince Yue l don't want any trouble
Yes, sir!
Since Nip Dor-po returned to Beijing he hasn't reported back to duty
l don't know what he's up to
You think Po Chai is telling the truth?
l have no idea he won't let me get involved
l have no proof he's lying
Like Po Chai, l don't want word to get out and alarm His Majesty
What about the other recruits?
We have verified their backgrounds
While we tried to catch Ngai Chun Nip Dor-po got in Tai Shek's way
Po Chai ordered Tai Shek to secretly dig into his past
ls that so?
Nip Dor-po didn't qualify at first
But due to the cheating incident
His Majesty set a precedent and admitted him
Po Chai has been picking on him since
Maybe he's using Ngai Chun to get rid of Nip Dor-po
This is tough indeed!
Nip Dor-po hasn't reported back to duty
l think...maybe he wants to quit
There...try this, Father!
Let's try the future chef's cooking
Well?
How is it?
The vegetables are fresh
The meat is fresh
Forget the meat and vegetables What about my cooking?
Let me see
it's still raw!
You're good actors!
You need experience, patience and technique. lt's not easy
l'll do it again, wait outside
Alright, we'll go outside! Good!
Get out... Hurry...
You'll try it again? lt was awful! Get back to work!
l tried so hard to look surprised but Dor-po really can't cook
lf you use his cooking as a gimmick we'll close down in a month
He needs practice
He may not have the gift but as long as he's willing to learn
we must show our support
You're so happy to see him in the kitchen
you fail to notice he's not happy
Can you tell? He's not happy
l don't think so
How can he be happy? l heard him sighing every night
He almost broke the dummy from practicing so much
lt's broken?
He wanted to be an lmperial Guard since he was a child
lt took him 3 months to learn new kung fu
But he won't learn how to cook in 3 years
lf he wanted to be an lmperial Guard Why did he quit?
Because he's a filial son
You won't understand something that profound
Dor-po!
Brother Law?
Brother Nip!
Congratulations on realizing your dream in becoming an lmperial Guard
You knew about that?
Everyone in Daishilan knows
Who are you? Why did you leave? Why did you come back?
You'll find out soon enough
Why did you quit the lmperial Guard?
You knew about that too?
l want you to tell me
lt's rather complicated l can't explain it in a few words
l'd rather not talk about it
lt can't be that complicated
Either your parents object or someone at camp is picking on you
that's why you're giving it up
lncredible!
You're right!
l don't want my parents to worry lt's complicated inside the camp
Someone's been picking on me from the start
They even want to kill me
l can't fight my commanding officer
Minions are everywhere As long as you have a clear conscience
Your country needs you
lf everyone thinks like you do, no one will serve the court and the people
That's easy for you to say Treacherous people are everywhere
l'm getting out while l still can so my parent's won't have to worry
l don't think they want you to give up in face of hardship
They want you to realize your dream
With your talent you should make something of yourself
His Majesty is a wise emperor He needs men like you
l sense that he has enforced good policies. l'd love to serve my country
Tell me, should l report back to camp?
Don't give anyone any excuses
Give yourself another chance See if you're cut out for it
Right! Heaven is watching us. Even if l fail, l still have a clear conscience
Alright, l'll go back!
l wish you all the best Thank you!
Chiu Chi-lung is courageous...
Again? Try something new
Alright!
Yan Chak!
Dor-po!
l thought you dare not come back
Nip Dor-po, l know you've been back Why didn't you report to duty?
l'm sorry!
You can't come and go as you please!
Tai Shek, let Po Chai rule on this
The camp is a place of discipline
l'm sure Master Po Chai would not tolerate him and allow him to stay
Tai Shek!
Sir!...
Sir
Don't second guess me!
Due to a family matter, l'm sorry l didn't report back to duty on time
Please forgive me!
You'll definitely be punished But not by me
Prince Yue wants to see you
Greetings, Your Highness
Nip Dor-po, Po Chai told me you didn't report to duty
What's your excuse?
Brother Law?
l kept my promise, Brother Nip Now you know who l am
l am Prince Yue, a cabinet minister and His Majesty's brother
My apologies, sir
Don't be!
l made friends with you as equals You did nothing wrong
But remember, in front of the others you'll always be my subject
otherwise, you're my brother
l wouldn't dare!
l relish the time we spent drinking and chatting
No matter what you'll always be my brother
Have a seat!
Then l'll call you Fook-chuen!
Very well!
But first things first
lf you make any mistakes l'll still go by the book. No favors
That goes without saying
Nobody will know about us
You can do what you came to do at camp lt's up to you!
Chiu Chi-lung won't disappoint Kwan Wan-cheung
l told Po Chai l'll personally punish you
l order you to guard the tower gate for 3 days
Then brace yourself and serve your country
Yes, sir!