Well done, Tsui-chuk
Thanks for your guidance
When Lady Chor faked chest pains to gain His Highness' pity
you instructed me to keep an eye on Wing Ling Palace
and report to you right away
It so happens, Lady Chor used voodoo on you
Thanks to your tip
when she pricked my head
I complained about headaches
When she pricked my chest
I pretended to have chest pains
to make her believe voodoo is really effective
You're most wise
to have me hide the doll in the ground
and pretended to see an assassin
so they searched her chamber
and revealed her treachery
I removed this thorn in the flesh
all thanks to you
I promised you 100 taels of gold
I will keep my word
I'm also giving you these fabrics
Keep them if you like them
They're all for me? Thank you!
Her Majesty has given her order
You should pack up and leave
Yes, Milady
You want to go home?
When you step outside the city
You'll never make it
I have reminded you
How can you let this happen?
This is outrageous!
You think Lady Chor deserved to die?
It's my fault, please forgive me
This did not happen overnight
You have spoiled them
that's why it got out of hand
I'm so disappointed in you
Those who wish to rule the world
must first rule his country
To rule his country, he must first govern his home
You can't even manage your wives
How can you run a country
and rule over the people?
Your Majesty, you can judge a ruler
by the way he handles small matters
Only someone who handles them well
makes a wise ruler
If he makes a mess
he'II never be able to run a country
I hope you'll think it over
Don't let me down again
I understand
Your Majesty, Minister Tik is here
Send him in
Yes! Summon the Minister
Greetings, Your Majesty
At ease! What is it, Minister?
I noticed the Turks have arrived in Luoyang
I found maps on them
with details of the city
I suspect they're plotting an attack
to start chaos in Luoyang
Perhaps you're worrying too much?
Exactly! They came to Luoyang
to enjoy the prosperity of the city
They have formed an alliance with us
If they go back on their word
it'II damage their reputation
I doubt if they'll do that
Are you trying to start trouble
with your sensational talk?
Or you have a secret agenda?
I'II only sharing with you my thoughts
I worry about Da Zhou's safety
I have no private agenda
Please understand, Your Majesty
Your Majesty, Prince Leung is here
Send him in
Yes
Greetings, Your Majesty
What is it? You look alarmed
I received word from Lingzhou
The Turkish army of over 100,000
is marching towards the Lingzhou border
ready to launch an attack
So Minister Tik is right
Barbarians will be barbarians
they can't contain their thirst for warfare
Your Majesty, Da Zhou has prevailing military strength
send an army to Lingzhou
and we'll crush them
They obviously came prepared
To engage in war maybe counter productive
To incur casualties will ultimately
harm the people and Da Zhou
I agree
but if we take no action
it'II only encourage their arrogance
Mother, I have a request
Yes?
Send me to Lingzhou
to negotiate with the Turkish Khan
You?
You'll only make things worse
Your Majesty, His Highness is your son
for him to meet with the Turkish Khan
is a face-saving exercise
as well as an act of goodwill
His Highness has made progress in handling state affairs
That proves he has a fair sense of propriety
You should let him try
Upon your recommendation
I appoint you as the imperial envoy
to accompany Hin to Lingzhou
Yes, Your Majesty
Thank you, Mother
Minister Tik, this is an important mission
You must bring home good news
I understand
Just when you think Prince Lo Ling is finished
that sly old fox came to his rescue again
Don't get upset
The outcome is still unknown
they could be digging their own graves
We'II wait and see
how they dispose of the trouble maker
What if they did?
The old fool will strike
and ask Her Majesty to name her heir
It'II be to our disadvantage
They won't come back alive
General Yim of Lingzhou works for me
That old fool won't come back in one piece
Lingzhou border
Luoyang
This is a dangerous mission
You must be careful
I will
Ching-luen, you must be careful too
you should look after each other
If either one comes home with anything missing
you'll have to answer to me
I will protect Father, Grandma
Don't worry, Mother
Ching-luen has become more prudent
This is a good learning experience
Father, Ching-luen is a big girl
She'II kill the enemy on the way
This is real life
Women of the Tik family knows their priorities
You have an important mission, son
I hope you'll make your ancestors proud
I understand
Mother, Master works for the state and the people
Heaven will look out for him
Don't worry, Father
I'II look after Mother and Grandma
I'm counting on you
Will you see Ting-yuk?
Perhaps
If I can, it'll be a bonus
The state should come first
We should get going
Take care, Mother
You too
Take care, Yuet
Take care
A head... it's here!
Mother, it's your reflection
You brought the head
What do you want?
I didn't...
Get lost...
I had a dream last night
Yuen-yee was in bed with your Father
They ordered me to leave
It was a dream
She wants to be queen
Your Father is on her side
My effort has gone to waste
Mother, when become queen
I'II be the crown prince
Yuen-yee is the crown princess
She won't compete with you
I have nothing to fear
What's the matter? Can you tell me?
I thought you have no secrets
But you're shrewd
No... actually
If Her Majesty wants you to marry someone you don't love
What will you do?
She asked me if I had someone in mind
I don't think she'll force me
You're saying...
I leave that decision to Her Majesty
but if I have her permission
I'd tell her my wishes
I'd rather marry you
Really?
She's worried about state affairs
When they're settled, I'll speak to her
What is it? You have no confidence in me?
No! I have no confidence in me
I feel much better now that I have your word
Beacon tower, Lingzhou
It's best to stay under the covers in this cold weather
I disagree
I'd rather eat some hometown dishes
Speaking of hometown, I miss my wife
I miss my daughter
Don't worry, Da Zhou is strong
If we fight off the enemies in the frontline
we'II all go home soon
Having heard what you said
I feel so much better
Buns will become fried cakes
I'm full, you go ahead
I'II look around
Sure
Do they fit?
Very comfortable
This is from making the shoes?
Being pricked by a needle really hurts
What's so funny?
Should I cry instead?
I knew we'd meet again
I got a letter from Mother
Uncle Kwai passed away soon after they arrived in Hangzhou
She said he died peacefully
He should have no regrets
Are you cold? Let's go down
Not when I'm with you
Me too
Lingzhou General quarters
Your Highness, Sung Ting-yuk is here
Greetings, Your Highness
At ease
Minister Tik
How have you been?
I'm doing very well
Ting-yuk has been a great help
Everyone respects him
How's the situation in the front?
The Turks are not making any moves
but they're getting ready
His Highness will inspect the troops
to boost morale
I brought with me gifts from Her Majesty
to reward the troops
Morale is high among our men
they're ready to fight anytime
We're here to avoid killing innocent people
I'm here with His Highness to negotiate with the Turkish Khan
to try to avoid bloodshed
The Turks are like an arrow on the bowstring
war will break out soon
Her Majesty has sent 300,000 men for backup
under the command of General Tung On-kwok
and Chiu Ting-bong
They will arrive soon
The troops are here as a contingency
It's best if we can resolve the conflict
without any bloodshed
According to our scouts
The Turks' provisions can only last 2 days
New supplies won't arrive for at least another 3 days
They will attack before the new provisions arrive
We can't be sitting ducks
The best way is to send our men into their camp
and burn their provisions
to crush their morale
At the same time, we'll intercept the new provisions
They'll have no choice but to negotiate
To infiltrate their camp is highly dangerous
If the mission failed, they'II die
No pain no gain
We must take a chance
Minister, Your Highness, I'd like to volunteer
Good!
Turkish provisions camp
Fire...
Put out the fire...
Put it out...
Turkish Khan camp
This is outrageous!
How can you let them burn our provisions?
When will the backup arrive?
Not for another 3 days
If we launch a hasty attack
we may not last long
My Lord, Tik Yan-kit is here
Send him in
Summon Tik Yan-kit
Greetings, My Lord
Forget it! Start talking!
What do you want?
I'm here to pass on a message
Prince Lo Ling of Da Zhou wishes to
negotiate a peace treaty
to avoid any bloodshed and casualties
Based on what?
Upon my order, I can crush your army
I was told your provisions were burnt
backup won't arrive for another 3 days
You men may not last in this severe weather
It was you?
I never said that
You should know Da Zhou is famous
for its generals and military strength
We're also better in commanding troops
You have the nerve to come into my camp
I could have you killed
Even when countries are at war
the messenger should be spared
You're open and upright
and won't resort to underhanded deals
Am I right?
I hope you'll think about it
and resolve the differences between our countries
You want to negotiate?
I'II humor you
Tomorrow at noon on the western front
I'II meet with your prince
It's a deal, goodbye
You're going to negotiate, My Lord?
There's nothing to negotiate
I'm making a concession
just to lure their prince and use him as a hostage
I can then send the army straight to Luoyang
and take out Da Zhou
We're here to negotiate
because I don't want our men to meet in battle
and end up in a lose-lose situation
What do you think?
Last time I lost
because Da Zhou resorted to treachery
but all's fair in war
I have no one to blame
If you want me to withdraw my troops
you can think again
What will it take to change your mind?
Very simple
Give me Dingzhou, Zhaozhou and Tanzhou
then I'll think about it
You're being difficult
Chinese have a saying
Those in power do not yield
I learnt that from you
Why? Can't part with them?
Very well
There are no cowards in Da Zhou
only courageous patriots
Her Majesty's army will arrive shortly
Last year, the cavalry suppressed
8 tribes in the southwest in a month
You must have heard
When our troops face each other in battle
bloodshed will be inevitable
I'm afraid you'll suffer countless casualties
You think you can scare me?
In my opinion
peace is win-win, war is the other way around
My Lord is smart enough
to appreciate the pros an cons
Are you stupid enough to think
I'II let you get reinforcements?
I was of the opinion Turks are
men of honor, with nothing to hide
But you resorted to ambush
Who is this soldier?
Who gave him permission to speak?
I'm only a small potato
but I admire you for your combat skills
your courage and resourcefulness
Perhaps I was wrong about you
If you beat my men, you'II earn your right to speak
Your Highness? Alright!
Interesting
I'II take you on!
You still want to fight?
I must prove to you men from Da Zhou are not pushovers
Excellent! You have taken a beating
but you still have the will to fight
You have guts!
You! Stay and work for me
You'll withdraw your troops?
Right away, if you stay
I'm honored to have your recognition
But I only serve Her Majesty
Dead or alive, I'm a man of Da Zhou
You reject my offer?
What if I attack now?
Very well! You are a true hero
I admire men like you
Let's become sworn brothers
Thank you, My Lord
My Lord? I'm your brother
Shu-kam!
Yes, My Lord?
We'II host a feast tonight
I must have a drink with my brother
This dressing helps your circulation
Your arm will be good as new
Thank you
You! Serve my brother properly
Yes, My Lord
Your Highness dressed my wound personally
I'm grateful for your kindness
After the retreat
I wish to become brotherly states with Da Zhou
to repay your goodwill
Thank you
My Lord, you're famous for your
magnificent troops and your heroism
To be able to form an alliance with you
is Her Majesty's good fortune
You're too modest
Da Zhou's profound knowledge
is something I should learn from
You flatter us
Minister Tik, I'd like you to be my tutor
What do you say?
I'm deeply honored
I'II seek Her Majesty's permission
to visit your esteemed country
so we can learn from each other
You have a deal
It's a deal
From now on, we'll enjoy peace and harmony
Ting-yuk, will you reconsider?
You're not staying?
If you want, all the Turkish beauties
will be yours to choose from
They're as good as those in Da Zhou
But he's...
I already found the right girl
I see...
You make a nice couple with this lady general
Why don't we get heroines like her?
Ting-yuk, you did well
You convinced the Turkish Khan to withdraw is troops
You have also won his heart
You did Da Zhou a huge service
I only did my best, Your Highness
You and Minister Tik devised the strategy
that's the main reason for the success
Ting-yuk is a talent indeed
I plan to bring him back
and ask Her Majesty to pardon him
I also hope that he'll work for me
and be my right-hand man like Minister Tik
Wise decision, Your Highness
Ting-yuk, thank His Highness for his appreciation
Thank you, Your Highness
Don't thank me until it's done
Here's the wine
Let me
Let me... a toast to you, My Lord
General Yim, you're the commander in Lingzhou
You first
Because you came to our aid
and resolved the crisis in Lingzhou
I should make a toast to you
Alright
Minister Tik, this is for you
Thank you
And for you
Thanks
A toast to our triumphant return
Cheers
Wait!
We must not forget General Yim
A toast to you, General
I don't deserve this
What about you?
I can't drink
or I'II embarrass myself
You must drink for the occasion
I wouldn't dare, Minister
You both refused to drink
because it's laced with poison?
Why do you say that?
Very simple
We secured a truce
Normally, we should report to Her Majesty at once
But General Yim has been stalling
That's rather unusual
It was reasonable for us to offer them wine
They should not turn it down again and again
unless the wine is poisoned
Am I right, General?
Who put you up to this?
Hurry up and confess
General!
It is poisonous
Why did he do it?
Prince Ngai promoted him
He's behind this again?
Whatever it takes to seize the throne!
We must be very careful
East capital, Luoyang
Long live Your Majesty
At ease, both of you
Thank you, Your Majesty
The Turks have retreated
They are willing to honor Da Zhou
as an allied state
and offer annual tribute
Peace at the border
is the people's fortune as well as Da Zhou's
You have done a good job
I should not get credit for the Turks' allegiance
Your Majesty's authority subjugated them
and Minister Tik's strategy
turned atrocity into peace
The Turkish Khan submitted to Da Zhou
because of Prince Lo Ling's strategy
and his benevolence and medical skills
Don't be too modest, Minister Tik
I let you assist Prince Lo Ling
because I know you won't let me down
Anything else you wish to report?
Your Majesty
General Yim plotted against us
and tried to poison us
The nerve of him! He must be executed
Luckily I exposed him in time
before I could question him
he committed suicide
We don't know who's behind this
Who could it be?
Your Majesty, we suspect...
I learnt that Yim Ti-shan colluded with the Turks
to stir trouble between our countries
in order to seize the throne
I have received information
Yim Ti-shan's collaborators
sent assassins after him
Yim Ti-shan was my student
and I recommended him for the post in Lingzhou
but he took bribes from the Turks
to sow discord among Da Zhou officials
He deserved to die
The Turks are sly and ambitious
They'll always be a threat
I urge you to send a punitive expedition
and take them out once and for all
Your Majesty, the Turks have signed a treaty
If we send in the troops
that's a major breach of faith
It'II cause unnecessary casualties
Well said, Minister Tik
Da Zhou's military strength is enough to frighten them
but warfare leads to bloodshed
Unless necessary, I'd rather not dispatch the troops
Your Majesty's benevolence is deeply appreciated
and will win over the foreigners
Good! Now that the Turks have become an ally
Da Zhou must show its goodwill
Yuen-yee, draft a state letter to the Turkish Khan
send them jewelry and precious stones
notify them about the personnel change
the replacement will arrive shortly
Yes, Your Majesty
Your Majesty, we're able to resolve the conflict
all thanks to Sung Ting-yuk
It was his bravery and combat skills
that won the respect of the Turkish Khan
I will reward you accordingly
Prince Lo Ling is awarded 10,000 taels of gold
and a fief of 200 kilometers
Thank you, Your Majesty
For assisting Prince Lo Ling
Minister Tik will receive 10 horses and 1,000 taels of gold
He is awarded the purple robe and jade belt
and reinstated as Supreme Censor
and allowed to deliberate on state affairs again
Thank you, Your Majesty
Commander Tik will receive
a horse and a sword, plus 100 taels of gold
Thank you, Your Majesty
Sung Ting-yuk
Yes!
I promote you to Commander in Chief
You're awarded a brocade robe with jade belt, a horse and a gold blade
Thank you, Your Majesty
Minister Tik
Yes?
You are my right hand man
Chief Sung and Lieutenant Tik make such a nice couple
I grant you the imperial sanction for marriage
What do you think?
It's more than they deserve
Thank you, Your Majesty
Your family has served Da Zhou well
I'm very pleased
The wedding must be ceremonious
Yuen-yee, please help with the wedding plans
Yes, Your Majesty
Dismissed
Minister Tik is Da Zhou's lucky star indeed
We must save all the dangerous missions for you
You flatter me, Prince Ngai
I wonder if you're always so lucky
Great Madam
I wish you good health, Great Madam
Yes
I wish you longevity
Great Madam
Master
Your selfless donations for the renovation
is much appreciated
Yes, I'm here to donate, but...
I'II help you
This is odd
They treat me like philanthropist
but I didn't do anything
Great Madam! Minister and Madam Tik
Hello everyone! Hello, Great Madam
Great Madam, I know I'm a boor
If I have offended you
I hope you'll forgive me
Give me a chance to apologize
You shouldn't say that
You're still holding a grudge
To show my sincerity
I sold the business
I know that's dirty money in your eyes
so I donated all the money
to renovate the temple
Mother
Damn! I said too much
Yan-kit, you knew about this?
That's why you came to the temple with me?
Mother
If you want to help
you might as well say your piece
She doesn't know what to say, but you do
Mother!
Ching-luen, what about you?
You love to talk
Grandma
Fine! I'II do it for you
Attention everyone...
I'm not the philanthropist
who paid for the renovation
It was Madam Sung
Madam Sung, charity is a good thing
I don't deserve this
It was Madam Sung!
Madam Sung, I wish you longevity
You're too kind
Rather than do charity work for others
Why not do it for yourself?
You should have nothing to hide
I don't really know how
Mother
We're hungry, let's eat
I blew it, let's go
The more the merrier
Come on, in-law
Right!
Let's go
Good! Hold this
Be careful... watch your step
Look, Master! The new moon in the sky
seems to be smiling at us
You're right!
But why is it as sweet as your smile?
Seeing the moon in the sky
is like seeing me?
Definitely not!
Without you, even the moon seems gloomy
It's true! I read a great poem
I'II recite it for you
Who is pacing up and down under the moon?
Who is lovesick in Ming Yuet Lau?
We don't hear or see each other
I hope to save the moonlight for you
We don't hear or see each other
I hope to save the moonlight for you
This is really good!
Ching-luen is getting married
that's a big load off my mind
But there's something else
You're concerned if the Lees can resume the throne
With your help
Prince Lo Ling managed to earn credit
and has gained Her Majesty's trust
At least my effort didn't go to waste
When will Her Majesty name her heir?
I'II find a chance to speak to her
the sooner this is decided
the sooner the situation is settled
I notice you're flushed and seem pleased
You have good news?
I've been learning from Major Mo
to build my strength
You don't like martial arts
Why the sudden interest?
I bet you're in love
Actually I...
Don't say one thing and mean another
That's disrespectful
You know what I'm thinking?
Pardon my ignorance, please tell me
I'm thinking whether you'll be Madam Mo
or if you'll become my niece
Your Majesty
I'II decide for you
and let you marry Yin-tak
As you wish, Your Majesty
Good! Send for Prince Ngai and his son
Yes, Your Majesty
Great! You're marrying Yuen-yee
I'II soon have a daughter-in-law
Thank you, Your Majesty
I hereby name you the crown prince
I'm now the queen
You're insane
What you said was high treason
If Her Majesty gets wind of it
Our entire family will be executed
You should keep an eye on her
You hit my maid!
How dare you!
How dare you offend me!
No, Father
Your precious Yuen-yee will be your daughter-in-law soon
You can forget about her
Get out!
Brother!
No!
Justice will prevail
Name the crown prince?
During the plague
Prince Lo Ling treated the people for Your Majesty
They were most grateful
and he has won their support
He came through in a crisis
and did a valuable service
When the Turks invaded us
He resolved the crisis
People from near and far
were impressed with him
The late Emperor Taizong was named Heavenly Khan
Hin is beginning to resemble him
His virtue and talent has won the praise of the nation
He has also inspired the Lee clan
His reputation is growing
It doesn't come easy for him
You're most concerned about naming the crown prince
The succession of the throne
is most important to the country
I must be prudent
Perhaps you have personal reasons?
The country is my priority
I harbor no personal motive
If you're not speaking on his behalf
Why else are you here?
I came on behalf of Prince Lo Ling
as well as the people
Then you're not serving me whole heartedly
I wouldn't dare
Even if you personal motives
I'm sure it's for the good of the state
I understand
You are most wise
I'II think about what you said
Yuen-yee
Yes?
Summon Prince Lo Ling
Yes, Your Majesty
That old bastard!
He tried to manipulate Her Majesty
to name Lee Hin as the crown prince
Luckily Yuen-yee is worried
that it'II threaten our position
and told Yin-tak everything
so we can plan ahead
Tik Yan-kit thinks by putting Lee Hin on the throne
the Mo clan will diminish
He thinks he can defeat us?
He's out of his mind!
When Yuen-yee marries Yin-tak
she can strengthen our position
but if Lee Hin ascends the throne
I'm afraid...
Tin Yan-kit thinks if he gains Her Majesty's trust
He can do anything he wants
His cockiness made him careless
Just watch me turn things around
Scholar Sheung Koon
You're getting married
I'm afraid I've been tied up
and didn't have the chance to congratulate you
Thanks! I hear you're getting married too
That's why we're here
Prince Ngai covets the throne
letting you marry his son
is only because you have Her Majesty's trust
He's only using you
Don't try to come between us
Minister Tik is also interceding on Prince Lo Ling's behalf
You want him to succeed the throne
We did it for the nation
Prince Ngai is also doing it for the state
as well as the people
Tik Yan-kit is not the only loyal courtier
Not everyone is a traitor
Your marriage determines your happiness
If you make the wrong decision
you'll regret it for life
That's low!
You're a fake!
Run, Ting-yuk!
Watch out!
Yin-tak!
Save your breath
Yin-tak and I love each other
and we have Her Majesty's blessing
You intend to defy her wishes?
Forget it! It's useless, let's go
Sung Ting-yuk!
Yin-tak!
I love you, you believe me?
I do
Mother gave me this hairpin
and it means a lot to me
I'm giving it to you now
like I'm giving myself to you
I promise I'II always cherish you
No one can keep us apart