Bravo!
You're most kind!
Da Zhou composed this song to commemorate your visit
Thank you, Your Majesty
I know Turks love koumiss
I prepared some to welcome you
Enjoy!
Koumiss is like rain
I must drink it everyday
I appreciate your kindness
To show my respect, I'll drink up first
A toast to our friendship
unbroken like the grasslands in the north
Good!
I thank Your Majesty for the wine
I'm giving you something in return
I hope you don't mind
Open it now, see if you like it
Go ahead!
He did that on purpose
I can't believe that!
A 3-year-old Turkish child can untie that
but not a court official in Da Zhou
Let me try, Your Majesty
May I, Your Majesty?
That's disrespectful
She'II get us in trouble
Your Majesty
Good
You cut the knot in half
you're cutting up the friendship between our countries
The gift you're offering
is inside the box
not the rope that binds the box
What's inside is more important than the packaging
You're a king
you won't put the cart before the horse
and offer us a knot, right?
You're resourceful and eloquent
My hat's off to you
What position do you hold?
You flatter me
I'm only a scholar
Scholar? A scholar is already brilliant
Da Zhou deserves its reputation
You're too kind
Another toast to you
Your Majesty, I have a request
Do I have your permission?
Please tell me
We have formed an alliance
I'd like to deepen our relationship
I seek your permission
in an inter-marriage
You have someone in mind?
This lady right here
Da Zhou has a wealth of talents
All I ask is a scholar
Won't you allow it?
What a great idea!
According to the Chinese customs
Marriage is a serious matter
Let's think it over
Good! I'll wait for your good news
Your Majesty, you're worried about me?
Nobody knows me better than you
I'm sorry to trouble you
It's not your fault
Yuen-yee, what's your answer
to the Turkish King's request?
I'd rather wait on Your Majesty
I knew it
I won't let you marry a barbarian
But the Turks are fierce warriors
and the Turkish King is outstanding
If we turn him down
he'II feel humiliated
If he wages a war
the people will suffer
That's the last thing I want
You love your people like your children
How fortunate they are
The Turks may be brave
but they're no match for Da Zhou
The Turkish King is sensible
He wouldn't start a war over such a petty matter
against such overwhelming odds
He must have his misgivings
You need not worry
You're the only one in the world
who can share my worries
How can I part with you?
Well? Any suggestions?
Absolutely not, Your Majesty
As a powerful country
we should not let the Turks get what they want
He's not asking for a commoner
but a scholar of Da Zhou
Your Majesty's right-hand man
besides, scholar Sheung Koon's future is at stake
He's out of his mind
We must turn him down
The Turkish King made this request on purpose
He's looking for an excuse to start trouble
If we turn him down
he won't give up so easily
If Minister Tik is right
all the more reason not to give in
What if it leads to war?
I'II personally meet him in the battlefield
The people will suffer if we go to war
You should reconsider
You can't be overcautious
It'II only encourage his arrogance
We'II take him by ruse
hopefully he'll back down
What are you suggesting?
I have a plan
Don't know if it'II work
Tell me
Yes!
How is the koumiss?
Excellent!
Almost as good as our own
Your Majesty is holding a feast
You have good news for me?
A marriage should be well matched
You're a Turkish king
Yuen-yee is only an official of Da Zhou
You're not of equal standing
Are you rejecting me?
If you want a good match
Why not consider a princess?
I have my reasons
I only like Miss Sheung Koon
I'm grateful for your affection
But I don't want to marry anyone
except a master of both pen and sword
Demonstrate your ability
by going through 3 tests
Very well
Do I have your word?
Yes, mark my word
You must win 2 of the 3 tests
What kind of tests?
First round is kung fu
Perfect!
My Lord has beaten everyone in the desert
This round is a give-away
Bravo my Lord...
Who will fight for Yuen-yee?
The Turkish King is known for his ferocity
It won't be a sure win for us
Who should represent us?
Let me...
Major Mo
Don't worry, I'II do my best!
After you, My Lord
Very well!
Protect Her Majesty...
Major Mo...
Sorry to alarm you, Your Majesty
Sorry about that, kid
Second round is intelligence
Let me try
Why not?
Miss Sheung Koon, if I win this round
You'll be my wife
We'II discuss that if you win
Fine! How are we doing this?
Simple, we'll use riddles
We take turns in giving the riddles
whoever fails to come up with the answer will lose
Interesting! I'II go first
Two months in halves
work the field where the river runs
It's a Chinese word
I'm surprised you're familiar with our culture
and set a riddle about a Chinese word
You have a saying
Knowing your enemy is the key to winning
So you come prepared
I don't take any chances
Stop stalling, Minister
It's the word "use", right?
Yes
Now it's my turn
"8 of 9 mouths are open"
Another Chinese word
That many?
You need a hint?
Sometimes it is not a word
Time's up, My Lord
It must be a very difficult word
One I don't understand
It's a very simple word
If you don't know
I'II give you the answer
It's the word "well"
You're so erudite
you must have heard of the frog in the well
My apologies, My Lord
It's a tie! Here's the last round...
Hold it! You decided 2 rounds
It's only fair I come up with the last round
Very well, we'II let you decide
What will it be?
Drinking! It's our custom
A real man must hold his liquor
Which one of you will take me on?
I'II win if there are no takers
May I have the pleasure?
Prince Ngai...
Please don't worry
I drink like a fish, I won't lose
Your future is in my hands
Begin!
After you, My Lord
Again!
You hold your liquor well, My Lord
So do you, Prince Ngai
This may go on for some time
Let's drink some hot vinegar
to offset the liquor before we proceed
I'II have what you have
That's fair
Good! Bring on the vinegar
The Turkish King will lose
Why?
Haven't you heard?
They drink koumiss everyday
That sly old fox!
Are you alright, My Lord?
Thanks for your concession
Yes!
I did not lose
I can drink another 300 bowls
I'm afraid you have lost
My Lord, you gave your word
Your Majesty, you certainly have a wealth of talents
I'm honored to see...
You're most kind
Brotherly states should be accommodating
Think nothing of this petty matter
I concede
Perhaps I'm not destined to marry Miss Sheung Koon
I'II take my leave right now
Offer them our gifts
By order of Her Majesty the Empress
The Turkish King is awarded 500 catties of Chinese wine
500 bolts of cotton and silk textiles
50,000 taels of gold
1,000 craftsmen
and 1,000 fair women
Long live Her Majesty
I can't believe Da Zhou would resort to such treachery
They knew we drink koumiss daily
The vinegar was a setup
Milk and vinegar will make you sick
This is so unfair!
Say no more!
It was my fault to treat them as a brotherly state
They caught me off guard
I lost, that's a fact
regardless of what means they use
or whether they play fair
They resort to despicable means
We can't look the other way
They have a saying
A little impatience spoils a great plan
I'II put up with this
to win Da Zhou's trust
and guarantee my safe return
I will get even for this
We beat the Turkish King by ruse
and Yuen-yee can stay
all thanks to Minister Tik
I benefit from your bestowment
It's my duty to share your troubles
I shall reward you accordingly
You'll get an extra year's salary
plus Turkish wine and a glowing pearl
Thank you, Your Majesty
Yuen-yee, you must thank Minister Tik
Of course! Thank you, Minister
You're welcome
Your Majesty, Minister Tik should be rewarded
for offering such a good plan
Prince Ngai and his son have also done their share
I have awarded Minister Tik
I will be impartial
Prince Ngai and Major Mo will also get a year's salary
Turkish wine and a glowing pearl
Thank you, Your Majesty
Da Zhou showed off her majestic power
and sent the Turkish King home
It's unlikely he'll wage war again
Peace can be expected
Your Majesty can rest assured
I'm still worried, Your Majesty
About what?
The Turks are ferocious barbarians
Like a leopard who can't change its spots
They may be gone
but they won't submit themselves willingly
For the safety of the state
We must not lower our guard
and remain vigilant instead
You're worrying over nothing
We formed an alliance with them
and have become brotherly states
It's unlikely they'll go back on their word
and become a laughing stock
All's fair in a war
Better be safe than sorry
Let them come!
Even if they launch an attack
they're fighting a losing battle
The Turkish King is smart
He knows what's best for him
Please don't argue anymore
Yes, Your Majesty
Yuen-yee
Yes?
Visit Prince Ngai on my behalf
I will
You're wake, My Lord?
Scholar Sheung Koon is here
She's here?
You should have told me
so I can greet her
I'm sorry to intrude
But Her Majesty wishes me to visit you
I must obey
Her Majesty is most kind
Are you feeling better?
I'm fine
Just a headache from the hangover
Have a nice chat
I'II prepare ginseng tea
Please sit over here...
Watch out, Father
I'II get you a robe
Sure... this way, please
Be careful, Prince Ngai
Thank you. This way...
I came to deliver Her Majesty's reward
I also brought you a sachet
I hope you'll like it
It's quaint
The herbs inside are good for headaches
Really? They're effective
One sniff and the headache is gone
I can stay behind
thanks to you and General Mo
You're a pillar of Da Zhou
you must not live among barbarians
The Turkish King went over his head
We won't let him succeed
I'm grateful for your help
I can stay and serve Her Majesty
thanks to both of you
Please let me know if I can return the favor
Don't mention it
Are you sure you're alright?
You were injured the other day
A flesh wound is nothing to a man
When you fought with the Turkish King
I was really worried
I was careless
and gave him the chance
If I fight him again
the outcome won't be the same
I'd rather not
or I'II have to marry him
Honestly, the Turkish King is quite a handsome man
He's a king nonetheless
He can't win your heart?
You want me to marry him?
Of course not!
Neither does the people of Da Zhou
It'II be such a disgrace
Have you thought about marriage?
You intend to wait on Her Majesty all your life?
Yes! For the rest of my life
I only want to serve her
I'm afraid I may not be so lucky
You don't have to walk me back
Master... Iook at this, Mother
The golden hairpin looks wonderful
laden with the Turkish pearl
Thanks to Mother's superb craftsmanship
Let me put it on for you
No! I'II put it on for you
Thank you
It's beautiful!
Really? Let me see
Yes, the hairpin is beautiful
but not as beautiful as Yuet
Don't talk nonsense
I swear to God, it's the truth
Father, leave that for the bedroom
If it's the truth, I can say it anywhere
That's Yan-kit's personality
If he's not honest with Her Majesty
he wouldn't have earned these bestowment
Especially when he defeated the Turks
Father is our hero
The Turkish King went home
but I can see he holds a grudge
I'm sure he's biding his chance to attack
You're being unduly wary
The Turks may be ferocious
but their military strength is no match for Da Zhou
They have learnt their lesson
They wouldn't dare
Nevertheless, you did your country a great service
and received so much reward
because the Gods are watching over you
We must go thank the Gods
I'II go to Paradise Temple tomorrow
You woke me up at the crack of dawn
Why can't you come with Tsau-kuk?
Why me?
Because this is about you
I'm here to seek an oracle about your marriage
Not that again!
What a pretty windmill!
Ching-luen! Madam Tik, Lieutenant Tik
Madam Tik
Madam Sung
What a coincidence!
Such a coincidence indeed
Perhaps this is destiny
You came to pray to the Gods?
I'm here for an oracle
I heard their oracle on marriage is efficacious
Not me! It's Mother's doing...
I'm doing it for you
Imagine getting one for myself
That's a laugh!
Madam, the door is open Let's go inside...
It's open, don't miss the hour
I'II talk to you later
Give me back my money...
Yes...
Tear it up!
No...
Give me my money... come back!
Watch out, Mother!
Are you alright?
Are you hurt?
I'm fine! It's crowded
save me a good spot
I'II get more joss sticks
Are you sure? I'll wait for you inside
Running away?
I want my money
Go to Hell!
Ka-hei...
You're mistaken!
If you're not Yeung Ka-hei
why are you avoiding me?
You're speechless
that proves I'm not mistaken
But I'm mistaken
I was so blind enough
to divorce such a virtuous wife
I kept bad company
and lost my entire fortune
Now I'm down and out and all alone
We all make mistakes
the key is to make amends
It's too late
That's not true!
If you have the aspiration
you can start over
Look at me! Forget aspiration
I figure if Heaven would give me 100 taels of silver
I'II start over and be self-reliant
I'II pay off my debts
and start a small business
But it's impossible
Money doesn't come from the sky
Don't mind me
Since the day I divorced you
I'm as good as dead to you
Don't ask Heaven
I'II help you with the money
You will?
You hit it! Make a wish!
Does it work?
Why else would everyone aim for the fish's mouth?
There's even a song for it
You'll get all you want if you hit the goldfish's mouth
Move over if you're not throwing
Of course I am
What a waste!
What about the windmill?
All you'II get is the wind
if you keep throwing like that
Mind your own business!
Why are you following me?
Me follow you?
Fine! I won't haggle with you
I'II leave
Of course you should! Move it
No more? Good! There's one left
Come on...
I have to hit it... yes!
I pray for Captain Sung's health
and all his wishes will come true
I saw Yeung Ka-hei today
At Pure Land Temple?
How did you know?
You seem distracted since you came back
I knew you were hiding something
I didn't mean to hide anything
I just didn't want to create any misunderstanding
That's why...
I see
We've been married so long
I know what you're thinking
How is he?
The Yeung's was a distinguished family
but now they're poor
Wealth is but an illusion
there's a reason for everything
He wants to borrow 100 taels
and start a business back home
And you agreed?
I was married to him
Though he was awful to me
I don't want to return evil for evil
I feel bad seeing him down and out
Do you blame me?
Of course not! I would have done the same
But I don't have 100 taels in such short notice
Take it out from the allowance
What if Mother finds out?
I'II explain to her
Meat buns! Hot and fresh...
Come and get it!
Smells good...
Thanks... come and get it
Nice and hot, meat buns...
Come up and have a drink
Is it good?
Delicious...
You must come here more often
You'll have all the good food
You weren't here these past few days
You had us worried
That's right!
What happened?
There's a strange man
who hangs out by the back door
He's up to no good...
Really?
He's here day and night
We're scared to go out
The nerve of him!
Let me handle this
How dare you!
Yat-fu!
Ting-yuk!
Yat-fu
Ting-yuk!
Your kung fu has improved immensely
You flatter me
If I'm that good
I wouldn't have taken your punches
My chest is still sore
Really? Don't worry
Take this reviving pill
I used my own formula
Forgive me for bragging
but this can cure any sickness
Thanks so much
You used to stutter
but now you've become eloquent
I had no choice
I had to make a living
Unlike you in that uniform
having an cushy job
What are you doing in Ying Heung House?
Because...
Come in
I warmed the wine for you
Fa-ho, you're so thoughtful
It's nothing
We didn't know Master Sung is your friend
My apologies
I hope you'll forgive us, Master Sung
Don't mention it, Miss Fa-ho
A boor like me
People often get us wrong
I don't mind
You look familiar, Master Sung
Where have I seen you?
I remember...
I saw you outside Pure Land Temple
You gave a demonstration with a spear
It was a trifling trick
No, you were incredible
I better leave you alone, enjoy!
Good
Yat-fu
You seem to like Fa-ho
Stop making fun of me
I'm not worthy of her
Drink up while the wine is warm
That scar reminds me
how you saved my life
I fell into a water vat
You busted it open with your fists
or I'd be dead
You still remember?
Of course! I'm not an ingrate
Look at your arm
I still feel guilty about it
Don't be silly
The scar makes me look ferocious
People dare not bully me
Drop by my house later
I'II ask Mother to cook for you
She's in Luoyang?
She's not the only one
Your Father...
Yat-fu, Uncle Kwai misses you...
If you're my brother
Don't talk to me about him
Drink up
Alright!
Master Yuk, you saw Yat-fu?
How is he?
It must be rough for him
It was my fault for not taking care of him
Don't start again, Uncle Kwai
Did he ask about me?
How is he?
Why don't you ask him yourself?
You should go see him
That's what you have always wanted
Where is he staying?
Bravo...
I learnt kung fu as a boy
I have developed this powder
that is good for cuts and bruises
Sprains and bruises are unavoidable
If you're interested
buy some for just in case... thanks
Yat-fu...
I have nothing to say to you
Yat-fu... I only want to see you
It's been 7 years...
That's right!
I avoided you for 7 years
Why can't you leave me alone?
Yat-fu, I just want to see you
But I don't
For 7 years, I have no father
Why can't you forgive me?
Give me a chance, we can...
Go away! Get lost...
Are you alright, Uncle Kwai?
Yat-fu, how can you do this to him?
That's how it is with a boor
If you don't want him to get hurt
Tell him to stay away from me!
Mother
You're back!
Yes!
Where have you been?
I went out to buy something
Why didn't Siu-yue go with you?
Or tell her to buy it
It was nothing, it won't take long
What did you buy?
I needed some tools
but the shop was closed
Where are the earrings I gave you?
You lost one of them!
Maybe I dropped it...
Where were you?
I'II go look...
Wait... l'm not done with you
Go ahead
100 taels are missing from the cashier
What did you do with the money?
I...
What is it?
You won't tell me where you were
or what you did with the money
You don't know where you dropped the earring
Then let me tell you
You didn't go out for tools
You took the money to Yuet Loy Inn
where you dropped the earring
Listen to me...
Now you're talking
I won't need Kam-fa to follow you
She saw you the other day
on the street looking furtive
She told me when she came home
I found it strange
and had her follow you
You snuck into Yuet Loy Inn
to meet with a man
Who was that?
My ex-husband Yeung Ka-hei
Now you confess
You married into our family so long ago
Why did you rendezvous with your ex-husband?
Why did you give him the money?
Did you... do anything shameful?
No! I would never betray Master
Then why did you lie?
Mother...
You won't make up stories if you have nothing to hide
Mother...
Say no more
I don't know what to believe anymore
Mother...
If word got out
what would people say?
As the governor
Yan-kit must set a good example
His wife had an affair
You're such a disgrace to the family!
Mother...
Shut up!
Mother!
I'm glad you're here
Mother, Yuet didn't do anything wrong
You knew about this?
She discussed with me
before she met with Yeung Ka-hei
I agree to let her see him
As for the money
she had my consent
We didn't tell you in case you imagine things
When have you become a fool?
Yeung Ka-hei is down on his luck
Considering their past
she decided to help him
There's nothing wrong with helping a friend
but gossip is a horrible thing
A woman remarries
but keeps seeing her ex-husband
What will people say?
The gossip will ruin our reputation
You're a state official
it'II impact your future
I have a clear conscience
I don't mind gossip
No, Mother is right
I was wrong, please forgive me
Kam-fa!
Yes?
Help me back to my room
Yes, Madam
Mother...
Does it still hurt?
No...
Don't worry
I'm sorry, Master
Why do you say that?
All these years, you have taken good care of me
I owe you so much
You help me run the house
you have paid me back
But Mother doesn't understand
I really made a mistake
I acted impetuously
I didn't think it through
I haven't considered your situation
or about the gossip
I gave people an excuse to defame you
It would really affect you
Mother was right to slap me
Did you betray me?
No...
Exactly! We should be honest with each other
I trust you and support you
Second guessing each other is too tiring
You know I'm fat
Fat people get tired too easily
You only wanted to help Yeung Ka-hei
That's all
You have nothing to hide
so you have nothing to fear
But Mother...
She's only worried about me
Talk to her and she'II understand
Meeting you is my greatest gift
What a coincidence! Me too
Don't cry...