Yat-fu, you think Madam Tik is the killer?
I don't know
Minister Tik found out
before Yeung Ka-hei died
he had bitten the killer
The killer was wounded
If you're innocent, let me see
I won't fight you
Pick up the blade
You're my brother
We should not fight
Pick up the blade
Don't make anymore mistakes
Yat-fu...
Yat-fu!
Quiet! Sung Yat-fu
Yes, sir
Tell us how you killed Yeung Ka-hei
That night, he tried to rape Fa-ho
I was angry
I wanted to teach him a lesson
but he left soon afterwards
When I left Ying Heung House at 9
I ran into him again
Open the door...
I'm telling you, leave Fa-ho alone
If you set foot inside Ying Heung House again
I'II break and arms and legs
I love playing with other people's women
I'II go to Ying Heung House right now
If Fa-ho doesn't oblige
I'II do it by force and beat her up
So what?
Bastard!
You hit me!
Touch her again, I'II kill you
He was alive when I left
Step aside...
Your Honor, the coroner is here
Greetings, Your Honor
Tell me, will someone die right away
from a severe injury to the waist?
I have examined the deceased
his kidneys are torn apart
A strong man may live another 2 hours
but death is inevitable
I see
Sung Yat-fu, you killed Yeung Ka-hei in self defense
and not pre-meditated murder
But you're guilty nonetheless
No, Your Honor
Sung Yat-fu did it for me
It wasn't his fault
You must sentence me
I beg of you, Your Honor
It's not your fault
I beg you, Your Honor
Yat-fu... Please, Your Honor
Your Honor, Sung Yat-fu turned himself in
that proves he's not atrocious
Please use your discretion
After he wounded the deceased
He had the intention to hide the truth
and let someone take the fall
He's guilty of withholding information
Your Honor, Prince Ngai and Prince Leung are here
Greetings, My Lord
You had the suspect in custody
Why didn't you tell me?
So I can learn from watching you
You flatter me
Bring the chairs... please sit down
Sung Yat-fu, you're guilty of manslaughter
I hereby sentence you...
Wait! I just got here
You already have a verdict?
I knew you're efficient
but this is surprisingly quick
in settling a murder trial
No wonder they say time is of the essence
The trial is like child's play
Yes! A life is at stake
This is too sloppy
Right! Find out more...
Since you all have doubts
I'II ask on your behalf
Do you mind, Minister Tik?
If Prince Leung has doubts
It's my duty to remove them for you
Sung Yat-fu, you admitted your guilt in such a hurry
Are you paid to take the fall?
Or did someone pay you to kill the deceased
to help someone out of trouble?
Are you the scapegoat?
If you have a grievance
you can tell me
I will can clear your name
I killed Yeung Ka-hei by mistake
I'm a boor
but I know right from wrong
Yeung Ka-hei deserved what he got
Minister Tik is a fair judge
I will never let someone take the fall for me
Anything else you want to know?
What a shame!
Sung Yat-fu, you killed Yeung Ka-hei
you're guilty of manslaughter
According to the laws of Da Zhou
you're sentenced to 15 years in jail
Take him into custody
Yat-fu...
Uncle Kwai!
Yat-fu...
Uncle Kwai fainted, take him home
Yat-fu...
Your father passed out
Cho Yuet, Cheung Siu-yue
You are found innocent
you're hereby acquitted
Thank you, Your Honor
Mother, you're fine!
Let's all go home
Hopefully the storm is over
How nice your family is reunited
Step aside
Mother, Yuet is back
Thank Heaven! Where is she?
Mother!
Good to have you back!
Madam prayed everyday for you
I'm sorry to worry you
I'm glad to see you back safely
Yan-kit, we must thank our ancestors
Sure!
We have served the state for generations
Emperor Taizong conferred upon me
the title of Lady of first grade
thanks to the blessing of Heaven and our ancestors
We're all safe and sound
You have saved me from every disaster
Officialdom is full of treachery
You have also helped me through great troubles
Must be hard on you
There's a full moon tonight
Heaven has been kind to us
Despite the trials and tribulations
We managed to get over them
He refused to pay off a debt
and beat me up instead
There's no justice!
Let's report him!
Don't be stupid
The bastard who beat you up
is the brother-in-law of Minister Tik's trusted follower Ma Wing
You can't win
That's right
A minister isn't everything
Didn't you see
how he covered for his wife?
He found her a scapegoat
He'll never help us
That's right
There's no justice
Just watch
Like the other corrupted officials
Minister Tik will bully us
Yes
All crows are black
What will happen to us?
Peasants like us always suffer
Come with me
Taking it out on the wood blocks
is better than beating up someone
Why can't people tell right from wrong?
They thought Father played favorites
I really wanted to show them
Normally no one could have stopped you
but you have become more prudent
You know what I'm thinking?
I've been around you long enough
Tell me what I'm thinking now
You?
Greetings, Your Majesty
At ease
Thank you, Your Majesty
The flowers are more ravishing than last year
I'm glad you're looking after them for me
Thanks for the compliment
Look at the swans
The little swans are all grown up
Yes, Your Majesty
You made me realize
family should not be separated
so I summoned Hin back to the Palace
He has been able to share my troubles
Families should support each other
You deserve family bliss for your benevolence
You can too
Your Majesty
I intend to find you a husband
Do you have someone in mind?
I don't, but Your Majesty...
You wish to go against my wishes?
Whatever you say, Your Majesty
I wish to find a husband for Yuen-yee
She's like family to you
you must find one with both looks and ability
someone worthy of her
Looks and age are secondary
to personality and talent
to make a good match for Yuen-yee
You have someone in mind?
It must be someone of her choice
She'II like whoever I like
But before I made a decision
I'II speak to her first
She's lucky to have you looking out for her
Keep your eyes open for me
If it's a Lee or a Mo
It'II be even better
Yuen-yee is Her Majesty's favorite
whoever marries her
will win Her Majesty's trust
She must not marry a Lee
or it'II be to our disadvantage
She must marry a Mo
no one in the tribe measures up to you
Every gentleman courts a fair lady
It'II be my good fortune to marry her
You're on duty
Don't trouble yourself to walk me back
Protecting you is no trouble at all
What are you talking about?
Prince Ngai
Father
Major Mo is due in the Palace
but he escorted me back
It's too much work for him
A young man needs training
Yes, Father
Yin-tak has made great progress
I need not worry about him now
Feel free to give him assignments
I will
Father, I'II be in the Palace
Are you still learning from Lieutenant Tik?
You must have made great progress
I did not learn from her
Right! She's not your kind
I respect you for your integrity
I'm sorry, My Lord
Are you alright?
I'm fine, I better go
Let me guess
You have taken a fancy to her
What's the big deal?
Every gentleman courts a fair lady
You know Yin-tak loves her
you should help him instead of fight him
You think I'll let them get married?
If you want to come between them
you can forget about it
I'II speak to Her Majesty
and ask her to let Yin-tak marry Yuen-yee as soon as possible
She'II be my daughter-in-law
You're so short sighted
You think I want Yuen-yee for myself?
I only have the family's interest in mind
Just imagine
if Yin-tak married Yuen-yee
She'II dominate him
Yin-tak will only listen to her
I'II be chopping off my right arm
Only I can keep Yuen-yee in tow
I'II use her to our advantage
and strengthen our position
I'm strong too
but I always let you make the major decisions
Yuen-yee is different
She has ideas of how own
and great literary talents
She's Her Majesty's pet
If I marry her
it'II be like getting immunity
It will no doubt benefit the family
Have you grown tired of me
and want to divorce me?
I never said that
But that's what you think!
It's common for a man to have more than a wife
When I become the emperor
You'll still be my queen
I don't believe you
You're saying that to pacify me
After you marry her
You'll go back on your word
and I'll lose my position
I gave my word
Stop being a nag! How annoying!
I'm annoying?
Fine, I'll show you annoying
I'm telling you
I won't let you marry again
Think again if you want a concubine
I won't allow it
Stay out of my affairs
You almost had us killed with Yee-mui
and I let you off easy
Shut up if you know what's best for you
I don't care if you're my wife
Well?
Master Yuk
Be careful...
Can I see Yat-fu?
You should go home
Give me a few days to talk to him
A few days? I'II be dead by then
I must see him
Please help me, Master Yuk
Uncle Kwai...
Ting-yuk, you should help him
Take him inside to see Yat-fu
It's not up to me, Mother
You know how Yat-fu is
No one can make him do anything he doesn't want to
Why is he like this?
Why won't he see me?
Fine, if he won't
I'II come by everyday until...
Uncle Kwai...
I came to ask an oracle for Kwai
to see if he can make up with his son
but I got a bad sign
Exactly, what shall I tell him
when I get back?
Don't tell him anything
about us getting the oracle
Luckily we secured a safety tally
Hopefully with this tally
Uncle Kwai will get well soon...
The longevity lamp is broken!
Where's the safety tally?
What's wrong with you?
You broke our lamp and didn't even apologize!
Have you no manners?
Shut up!
How much is that damn thing?
I'II pay for it
It's not a matter of money
It's a longevity lamp I used to worship the Gods
and pray for the safety of the family
It's the thought that counts, not money
The lamp is already broken
Quit your nagging, old hag
If I'm an old hag
I'm obviously older than you
You have no respect for the elders
and no sense of propriety
Having no sense of propriety
is better than flaunting your seniority
Family of an official often bully people
I dare you to tell your son Tik Yan-kit
to have me arrested
Te Flying Moth won't be intimidated
You own Ying Heung House?
That's right!
No wonder you have no manners
A boor is a boor
So what if I'm a boor
that's still better than you
Officials helping each other out
You look down on peasants
Isn't that right?
I have never done that
Don't you dare accuse me!
First you protected each other
now you're against each other
Let's go, Kam-fa
It's beneath us to talk to them
Stay right there
If I had to pay for a broken lamp
What about my tally?
You made me lose my tally
Give it back!
I didn't even touch it
Don't start any trouble!
No? Look what you're stepping on!
I got this tally from the Gods
You stepped on it
The Gods will punish you
Let's go, Kam-fa
Good riddance!
Bravo, Boss!
Let me show off today
and hunt a few games for Uncle Kwai
You're too reckless
I'm afraid you'll shoot someone
There's no one out here
Watch me!
Brother Lau!
You use arrows on your friend?
Why are you here?
You're in Luoyang for a deal?
Have a bit of respect for us
Don't make us fight you
Must you act in unison?
I came to visit your Mother
and see for myself the prosperous Luoyang
If I can attend your wedding banquet
the trip will be more worthwhile
You're mistaken
You're mistaken, Captain Sung
You still have not proposed?
You must make your move
You can wait, but she can't
I thought when Lieutenant Tik blocked the sword for you
you'll be united and be invincible
but you made no progress
That Brother Lau is being absurd
He should know we're like brothers
He shouldn't make fun of us
You really want to be brothers?
Stop kidding around
But I don't want to
I know you feel the same way
Are you serious?
I swear to Heaven
No, I swear to Heaven and Earth
I'm in love with Tik Ching-luen
If I'm lying
May Heaven strike me down
and I'll die a horrible death
What's the matter?
I want to tell the world I did it
Thanks
You look happy, good catch today?
Yes! A windfall
Windfall?
Have some sweet lotus
Grandma, have some
No
You look upset
I ran into that fat moth
She broke my longevity lamp
and sure enough Kwong-yeun bumped his head
Mother, he was careless
You can't blame anyone
That's right, Grandma
I ran into the beam when I was on duty
No one should be blamed
But Kiu Tai and Ma Wing were fine
That woman dashed around like mad
she broke the longevity lamp
and caused us undeserved disaster
I'm sure she didn't mean it
She meant every bit of it
I'm in my 70s
No one has ever point me in the nose
and tell me off on the street
She bullied me when I kept quiet
Unlike her
to engage in a slanging match
is beneath me
Don't be upset, have some tea
No, I'm not finished
I exercised forbearance
but she pushed me even further
She accused me of bullying people
Imagine the audacity!
Mother, she doesn't know you're upset
It's your loss, don't be stupid
You call me stupid?
No, I'm saying it's not worth it
She better not show her face
Ching-luen, what about your windfall?
I mean the sugar lotus
King-fai loves them
I'II take these to him
When I came back from the temple
He was sweating and panting
I was scared he'II die
It can't be
yesterday the doctor said he was fine
He can't be this sick
I know! It's that jinx
What jinx?
Ching-luen's grandma
You know what she did?
I got Kwai a safety tally
She stepped on it
That's why Kwai is sick
It's an accident, she didn't mean it
Of course she did
She stepped on the tally
without even apologizing
She was such a snob
and said it was beneath her
to talk to a boor like me
Who does she think she is?
She's only the mother of a petty official
Nothing compared to me
Of course! You're incredible
Don't be upset...
Of course not! Why should I?
I feel sorry for Ching-luen
for putting up with her
No wonder she comes here all the time
I bet she wants to avoid her
I told Grandma
she couldn't be any happier
Same with my Mother
She's glad we're together
But surely you know
they had a fight
You knew? Your Grandma won't want us
to be together
You lied!
I wanted to tell her
but she was already furious
I can't fan the fire
Don't tell anyone for now
let's hope they'll make up soon
They won't do it on their own
Let's...
You want to be the peacemaker?
Help them become friends
Good idea!
I'm only thinking of us
That's my girl!
I'm happy I got a lucky sign
Mother
What?
Let's have vegetarian today
that's the idea
Alright!
Boss! Master Yuk
You came to pray, Fa-ho?
I came for an oracle for Yat-fu
so he'II make up with Uncle Kwai
Good! Why don't you join us?
We're having vegetarian today
Sure!
No!
Why not?
Fa-ho wants to see Yat-fu
don't get in her way
No, I just saw him
Good! Let's go
Sure!
You're glowing today, Grandma
The Gods must be looking out for you
What's with your sweet tongue?
Nothing
You're meeting someone?
No! Madam Sung!
Ching-luen, why are you here?
You're having vegetarian?
Sit down, Mother!
This is a good sign!
Hello, old Madam Tik
What a coincidence, Captain Sung
I'm here with my Mother
Vegetarian cleans the system
and contains the temper
Let's sit together
Good! We're all devout believers
Let's share! Come on, Mother
I hope you don't mind, Grandma
Go ahead!
Greetings, old Madam Tik
You are...
I'm...
She's my Mother's friend
Don't lie!
I might as well tell you
Fa-ho works for Ying Heung House
She's our top courtesan
Get up, Ching-luen
We'II sit somewhere else
Grandma!
What's the meaning of this?
Are you ashamed of courtesans?
Why are you sitting at another table?
That's not what she means, Mother
Exactly! Grandma doesn't mean that
What I mean is obvious
As the family of an official
if people found out
we sat at the same table with a courtesan
the scandal will ruin your Father's reputation
and the family's prestige
Give me a break
You call yourself a believer?
Buddha once said
all men are born equal
You don't practice what you preach
No wonder your longevity lamp was broken
Buddha doesn't want to look out for you
Mother, please!
What?
Keep your mouth shut
Boss, I better go
No! Sit down!
If you leave now
you're telling this old hag
working for Ying Heung House is something to be ashamed of
I'm not leaving
I'II eat right here in front of her
Let's see if she can eat
Let her feel uncomfortable
This is really pissing me off
If you want to make a scene
I'II humor you
I'm telling you
I will not eat with someone like you
Get out!
Someone like who?
Your son is a minister
don't you look down on me
I run a brothel
that's fair and square
I did not lie or cheat
Don't turn your nose up at me!
You think running a brothel is honorable business?
You can't be that naive at your age
I'm so embarrassed for you
There's nothing to be embarrassed about
Every girl at Ying Heung House
makes an honest living
There's nothing to be ashamed of
They're better than the family of an official
who bully others because of their position
They're nothing but snobs
They even look like dogs
Did you hear that sharp tongue?
No worse than you!
You lack both morality and conduct
People's luck change
You should watch out
in case you bring shame and ruin upon yourself
When you go begging on the street
We'II see how cocky you'll be
Mother!
Cursing me won't bring you any luck
I'm not afraid
You can smell the coffin sooner anyway
You...
I'II live longer than you for sure
You...
What?
Stop it, Mother
I'm warning, stop pointing at me
I'm not scared of you
If you hurt me
I'II have your son arrest you
We'II see about that
The Flying Moth is afraid of nothing
We'II see about that
Mother!
Grandma
Yan-kit, I'm glad you're here
Tell me about Sung Ting-yuk
Why do you ask?
Grandma, he's actually...
Shut up, I'm not asking you
Tell me, Yan-kit
He's very efficient
Smart and resourceful
He may be too smart for his own good
Kwong-yuen and Ching-luen hang out with him
he's a bad influence on them
I don't think so, he seems honest
That's right
He seems fine at first
but he has underworld connections
His mother is ferocious
and he hangs out with courtesans
That's absolutely unacceptable
The underworld has their ways
not everyone is bad
In times of trouble
gossip is a fearful thing
I don't want trouble for Yan-kit
Find an excuse to transfer him
That would be difficult
Her Majesty assigned him to me
He's quite helpful, why...
He's not the only one who can help
You can ask Her Majesty
to assign someone else
Someone of his background can have a sense of justice
You should treat all men alike
Why must you look down on him?
People have different status
He should make friends with his kind
If I say I'm of equal standing as Her Majesty
that's high treason
Ching-luen, you're a lady of pedigree
hanging out with him and courtesans
is beneath you
You're so narrow-minded
Ching-luen!
Yan-kit, look at her!
She's turning wayward
just like that fat moth
She talks back and sasses
Yan-kit, if you won't speak to Her Majesty
about Sung Ting-yuk's transfer
I will
Please don't trouble yourself
I'II take care of it
Good! Kam-fa
Yes?
Help me to my room
Yes
Watch your step, Mother
Father, will you do it?
Why must Grandma ruin his future?
Sung Tik-yuk is a great help
I'm not stupid enough to chop off an arm
Madam Sung had a quarrel with your Grandma
You must feel awful
Do people become narrow minded when they get old?
If she knew you found Mr. Right
She'II only be happy for you
I don't think so
Grandma holds a grudge against Madam Sung
If she knew I'm in love with her son
She'II break us up
Please don't tell Grandma
Alright, I'II tell her when you want me to
When can we come out in the open?
Relax! Look at me
Your Grandma accepted my past
Besides, Captain Sung is a good man
She'II eventually understand
I hope so
Grandma is just like your Mother
What shall we do?
Your parents know about us?
Only Mother knew
I asked her not to tell Father
I don't want to put him on the spot
Me too! Just when I wanted to tell Mother
she told me to marry you
Really?
No! She wanted me to marry you
to get on your Grandma's nerves
She figured after we get married
She'II abuse you to break your Grandma's heart
Why does your mother always
harm others without benefiting herself
Maybe I'll turn the tables on her
You want to marry me?
Even if I want to
we have hurdles to cross
What about my Father?
My Mother is the real pain
We'II have to keep things quiet
Don't let anyone find out
Captain Sun...
Your Honor
The inmates in Clear Water River are becoming restless
Go take a look and report back to me right away
Yes, sir
Be careful! They're dangerous
Don't let them start any trouble
Yes, sir
Wait! Shall I go with him?
You're going to the Palace to teach the ladies swordplay
Get going!
Yes!
Miss Tik
What?
Nothing
Wield your sword and point
Keep your eyes on the sword
Now, we practice in pairs
Face forward, watch your partner...
Yes!
Do it again!
You...
Stop!
Your Majesty...
Lieutenant, this swordplay
can they wield it anyway they like?
I see they have new moves
that seem quite elegant
They have practiced several times
As long as they follow the pattern
they can be proficient
The ladies are quite proficient
That should be enough
They are princesses nonetheless
they should not aim to kill
That's not very nice
They spent a lot of time to learn
Please allow them to continue
I will concentrate
please grant the Lieutenant's request
I will practice hard
in order to assist My Lord and serve Da Zhou
I'm glad you're sensible
I don't want anyone to harbor ulterior motives
Understand?
Yes, Your Majesty
Every pattern has a killing play
If you use it properly
it'II come to play during emergencies
You should not let it go to waste
Yes, Your Majesty
It's not a matter of practice
They're sisters in appearance only
They're married to the same man
jealousy is inevitable
You're still single, you won't understand
You have enlightened me
Keep an eye on them Lieutenant
Report to me at once if they disobey you
Yes, Your Majesty
Ching-luen, one should master both pen and sword
that'II fulfill Da Zhou's advocacy on military spirit
Practice hard, don't slack off
Yes, Your Majesty
Pen and sword
Your Majesty has always relied on you
Complimenting Lieutenant Tik once in a while
is nothing unusual
Her Majesty thinks highly of her
Her Majesty was happy
with the breathing exercises she taught her
Her Majesty mentioned pen and sword
but it's more like she favors the sword
Lieutenant Tik can wield the sword
but her literary gift is nothing compared to yours
If you learn martial arts
you're truly the master of pen and sword
You know I was injured as a child
I lack confidence
You're afraid you can't beat Lieutenant Tik
no matter how hard you practice
I can tutor you personally
so you won't lose
Get me the twin swords
Yes!
Any progress?
I'm teaching Yuen-yee the sword
I'm giving her the manual
so she can learn slowly
Keep up the good work
to win her heart
It'II benefit the family
Open it
When I married your Father
we were awarded the twin swords
It has the implication of
a good match and eternal love
Give the short one to Yuen-yee
Keep the long one for yourself
If Her Majesty sees you
maybe she'II arrange your marriage
Don't let anyone beat you to it
This is a family feast
Make yourself at home
Yes, Mother
Thank you, Your Majesty
Hin, what's so special about this meat paste?
It's called the 5-meat paste
It's made of pork, beef, mutton, venison and bear meat
minced and steamed
It's a good for your vitality
Really?
I have never heard of this
Who brought it up?
It was Wai Kui-yuen, Your Majesty
adding this meat to the diet is most nourishing
Prince Lo Ling must have forgotten
Lady Wai, is Wai Kui-yuen related?
No relation, but he was my Father's student
Another Wai, no wonder he didn't mention it
in case it displeases Her Majesty
It's nothing
Let's try Hin's cooking
The meat is very tasty
Hin has studied dietotherapy well
He deserves a compliment
Thank you, Mother
Studying medicine will benefit the people
But you must not neglect your domestic duties
You must settle your domestic affairs
before you can rule the state
I'II remember that
You should learn from Prince Ngai
They're such a loving couple
A man should govern his family
before he can rule
that's why...
We'd like Prince Lo Ling to emulate the late Emperor
and only has one wife
He only has Lady Wai and Lady Chor
Your Majesty is a genius
that's why you're loved by all
other ordinary women
lack the ability to help their husbands
that's why they must share a husband
Everyone knows you were a loving couple
You unified the country and founded Da Zhou
because of the effectiveness of monogamy
Everyone else followed your example
Even Tik Yan-kit only re-married once
Even My Lord has only one wife
He would never want another
What if I choose one for him?
He can only blame his bad luck
for unable to emulate Your Majesty
and we'll cease to be the loving couple
Your Majesty knows we respect each other
and are inseparable
We're enjoying ourselves
I urge Your Majesty to allow us
to follow your example
Let me do my best to serve My Lord
I have no sense of propriety
and My Lord is often enraged
If he wants a concubine
I'd be happy to step down
and join a nunnery
to avoid any quarrels at home
and bring troubles to My Lord
What do you say, My Lord?
I hardly know how to respond
to something so senseless
If Your Majesty wishes to make a match
I urge you to find someone for Yin-tak
I'm dying for him to get married
The time is right
Yuen-yee, keep an eye out for me
Let's find a wife for General Mo
Yes
How about someone with a twin sword?
Just like us back then
You two have been married for so long
Stop showing off in front of me
How we all envy you!
Prince Ngai, should you wish to find a concubine
You must seek Lady Ngan's consent
Don't be presumptuous
I won't
Guards! Give them a pair of nuptial wine cups
Yes!
Thank you, Your Majesty