Episode 13
Xiaoman, there's nothing here, let's return
No, didn't you see their faces before entering?
They come in furtively
But they exit proudly, they must be hiding something
Go, no
What are you doing? What?
Oh, so what they stole were guns
Arent these guns used to attack the villains?
They've stole them from the storage?
Xiangping is so capable
What are you doing? Xiaoman
Okay xiaoman
Stop fooling around, or else you'll be in trouble
I've played with this before, brother-in-law taught me so
There's no bullets? No
That's bad, lets go
There shouldnt be bullets
You wouldn't listen
Look at the mess you caused
There should not be bullets in this
Hurry up and run!
Where are you going? I'm going to put the gun back
Hurry up! Don't mess around!
Run!
It's all you fault
Xiaoqiu, quickly take some people up the mountain to take a look.
Yes
See, I told you, the gun definitely have bullets in it.
You said there were no bullets
Uh oh
Go find somewhere to hide the guns.
Go, quickly.
You guys touched our things?
We didn't touch your gun, we really didn't!
Who mentioned gun?
You brat
What are you doing? -Did you touch my guns?
Xiao Qiu
We're not with them. They are hiding guns.
We two are together
I wouldn't even want you guys.
You're right. I took the gun
Xiangping, why are you so willful.
Must you anger your great-uncle to death before you are happy?
Okay. Let's go back first.
I'm not going
Xiangping
Lets go
I sent you to the town for school but what have you learned?
You do not even listen to me anymore.
And you've learned to steal too.
Why do want a grandchild like you?
Great-uncle, don't be angry.
If you really don't want me
Then kick me out of the house
Kick you and and what? So you can become gun fodder?
Not to be gun fodder, but to go to the battle field and kill the Japs, and save our country.
Save the country? Then you have to at least leave me a descendant first.
If everyone is like you to become gun power, then all the families are destroyed.
If there is no families, how is there still a country?
If we don't fight against them and then become their slaves
then what is the point of living?
Xiaoqiu
Lock hin in the shrine
Let him explain to the ancestors himself.
When he thinks him through, then let him out.
I didn't do anything wrong. -And you dare to talk back?
Lock me up then, you can't keep me locked.
Master Xiangping.
Xiangshui, guard the shrine.
If he runs out again
I'll break both of your legs
They all say that if you sinned too much in your past life
Retribution will come this generation.
Great-uncle, please don't be angry.
Xiangping will definitely think things through.
Great-uncle, the way I see it, find him a wife.
Then he would not want to fight anymore
It is still you two who are wise.
You know how to understand the elders.
You two come with me.
You are grown up now.
There are somethings that I should not hid from you anymore.
You two come with me.
Your uncle, Changkong, was only in his teens.
smart and filial
I had high hopes for him.
I wanted to teach him properly and
Leave the family in his hands.
So usually, I was unnecessarily severe to him.
Your grandmother sympathizes her son so she was critical to me.
One time, I took him to the orchards to talk business
He did not even complain that he had a fever.
Who knew that when we walked half way, he couldn't keep it up anymore
Medicine and shots did nothing.
When I sent him home
He had already drew his last breath.
Changkong died.
You grandmother believed that I caused her son to die.
And took your father, Changning, to her family in Changsha.
These decades
No matter how hard life was
she refuses to come back.
Every year, I send people to Changsha, hoping to bring you guys back to inherit the business.
But they come back
as they were sent.
Even though Changsha was burnt to this state, Granny refuses to come back.
So not to mention when it was peaceful.
I know what she is thinking.
When she married into this family, I was against it.
She always remembers
She thinks it is because I look down on her and her son.
Granny's handiwork sent father to university
and let the girls go to school too.
Everyone thinks of granny highly.
How long have they been gone?
They just left.
An city wall that was burnt to ashes that floated up in the sky
will take several month to settle down
While you wipe, the ashes keep on falling
There is no point wiping.
Granny look, the little guy rubs everything all day long.
I don't have another way.
It is the same as the twins when they were young.
I had to keep on going after then, washing their clothes,
It was alright in the summer but in the winter
My hands become frostbitten
That's why you should be enjoying their luck right now.
That right, it was hard bringing them up.
I have even enjoyed their luck, and someone already wants to steal them away.
It will not be so simple.
Your grandmother truly was talented.
She brought up some very good grandchildren.
Especially you two.
Pretty, smart, understanding, and filial
I can't like you guys enough.
Great-uncle, we haven't been able to visit you earlier, we are truly sorry.
I'm already so old
I am already buried up to my neck in soil
The past is the past
There is just one thing I can't give up.
You've already seen.
Our family really don't have many people.
Plus, the younger ones are dying ahead of me.
I cannot report to the ancestors this way.
Great-uncle, don't think so much. Let's go back.
Let's go back, great-uncle.
Let's go back
It is all fate
I have to other way either.
I can only keep back as many as I can
Xiaoman, we have a big business
Enough for you to live without worry for your whole life.
Stay
Don't be like them who only want to go away.
Why are you looking at her?
Xiangshui can't amount to anything.
Xiangping would not be responsible
The younger generation only have you left.
If you don't carry this on, can I leave everything to others?
The house in Changsha is indeed good but its the Xues'
You guys are living under others' roof.
Your surname is "Hu"
This is your home.
"Young Master" why don't you say something?
Granny haven't even came back yet.
When you take over
You can bring them back.
Your grandmother can live your luck.
Can she even give up Changsha?
What is there to give up? Changsha is so chaotic.
Great-uncle, he can't give up his sweetheart in Changsha.
You talk to much, you can't even live up your little man.
What little man? That is your fiance.
He's already dead. Are you going to mourn him for your whole life?
We didn't even get married yet.
If it wasn't for that fire...
How pitiful child, don't be sad.
Great-uncle will find someone good for you.
Great-uncle, that's not what we meant. Please don't worry.
There is nothing to be shy about.
You don't have to worry at all.
I've already have someone in mind.
He's going to marry you off.
It was all your fault.
What are you doing?
Xiaoman, you don't think he was serious do you?
How is that not serious?
Old people all like to be matchmakers.
Last time, from granny, the whole family was forcing you to get married.
What do we do? Should we hurry back to Changsha?
Whats the hurry? You already have someone in your heart?
Too bad your sweetheart in fighting in the frontlines.
You whip...can't reach him at all.
The saying is supposed to be "bian chang mou ji"
Come here, what did you just say?
What "Whip can't reach him"? What fighting in the frontlines?
Embarrassed? Uncomfortable? Angry?
One word, and already in disorder. Someone's face is already red.
Say anything else and I'll hit you.
I'm afraid, I'm afraid.
Let me tell you. How can great-uncle does this by himself.
Even if he doesn't has you, he still have to ask granny and mother and father.
Not matter how arbitrary he is, he can't break tradition.
How can he marry you off without even informing the parents.
Thats right, anyways, granny will not agree
Right, besides
Great-uncle is trying his best to make up with granny.
He will not dare to do to things that will anger granny.
When you put it this way, I can't let out sigh of relief.
I was really scared back there.
Right, Hu Xiaoman has became a Young Master.
His words are more stately and his mind twirls faster does it?
Don't even talk about it anymore. If granny knew, she will be so angry.
You knew granny will be angry and you still agreed so readily
How did I agree? Say, after growing up so big
suddenly becoming someone with land and wealth,
who wouldn't be stunned for awhile?
Miss Xiangxiang
Jinglian, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be looking after Xiangping?
It is still more fun over here isn't it?
Xiaoman, I want to ask you for help
but Xiangping doesn't let me find you guys. Please keep this a secret.
He doesn't let you find me? Then I am helping you for sure.
You never say anything serious.
Jingyan, we are all in one family. Please don't be so formal.
If we can help, we will do it for you for sure.
Can't say further away, but within Xiangtan,
There is nothing I can't do.
In truth, it is not anything big either.
Can you guys please plead to your great-uncle
for him to let Master Xiangping out?
For that guy again?
Jingyan, it is not that we don't want to help.
From what I see, it is Xiangping's own fault.
If he stays at home instead of going out to steal guns
then great-uncle would not be punishing him either.
But it as not as if he sneaked out to play or do bad things. He should not be punished.
But this "not doing anything bad" is worse than doing something wrong.
Think about it, guns don't have eyes.
If he goes to the battlefield and not come back. He will be leaving 3rd great-aunt alone in the world.
It was because of my uncle's incident
and became hurt that she refuses to communicate with the people here.
Master Xiaoman.
Let's go
Yes, let's go.
Let's go
There is really no medicine that can save you.
I thought there was only Jinfeng in your heart.
Who thought you would change your heart so fast.
This is called helping those in need.
What does this have to do with Jinfeng?
Miss Xiangxiang
Enough, I see that it is only pretty girls that you help.
You guys finally came, he was going to yell at me to death.
You two are like bandaids that you can never shake off
Go away.
I'm here to play with Xiangshui. Its not like I came to find you.
Why are you getting agitated?
Let me warm you, Hu Xiaoman, if you dare to touch Jingyan, I'm going to punch you to death.
By the time you come out, Jingyan will be long married.
The one beating me will me her husband, not you.
Hu Xiaoman -Don't joke anymore
Enough, enough, stop banging.
What is the point of banging, the door is locked.
You should just listen to our words
Go and kowtow to great-uncle and apologize
and vow that you would never think about going to war.
So in the end, you guys are here for great-uncle
They are here to help you.
Xiangshui, are you dumb?
They are the Young Master and Young Mistress
They are only here to laugh at me
Jingyan, do you believe?
If you kiss me
I can bet that your young master will break through this door.
Hu Xiaoman
Kiss, what is a kiss?
Enough, look what kind of time it is and you are still playing pranks.
You don't do one serious thing.
If you continue to make a ruckus like this and great-uncle found out, we will all get it.
Then what do we do?
We tried to help him and he wouldn't listen, instead he says we are laughing at him.
What else can I do?
Master Xiangping, just bow down this once. -I did nothing wrong.
You're not going to lose a piece of yourself if you just admit you are wrong. - We did nothing wrong.
No one says that you are wrong.
But if you don't admit you are wrong, then great-uncle will never let you out.
Just imprison you in this little dark room then
you will lose your anger
Once the Japs have bombed the whole Hunan province
What is the point of you coming out?
My brother-in-law always say,"a person must lower his head under a roof"
But this say also has a second line.
"But this person will not be under a roof for his whole life"
One day, build a mansion for yourself.
Make the ceiling high, and you will no longer need to lower your head.
They all say you are the smartest in the whole village.
You can't not even understand something this simple right?
Jingyan
Help me carry a message to great-uncle.
Say that I've thought things through
Yes, I'll go right away.
Wait wait
He said that he will not go for anything just now and then he changes his mind under half a day.
Great-uncle will not believe him.
Then what do we do?
Lets do this, Xiangshui, go and tell great-uncle that Xiangping is sick.
He must be let out to be treated.
Yes, okay
Wait
Jingyan, it is better if you go.
I, I'm a little scared too
This is to save your Master Xiangping
If you are afraid then no one can do it.
Fine, I'll go.
Master Xiangping, I don't need to teach you how to fake sickness right?
Currently the manager can't get away
he sent someone with a letter that said
that the army are here about the army rations again.
This matter, have no room for argument.
I feel that are different from the other army divisions.
They are always polite when buying things on the street.
They don't stall when paying or forcefully lowering the prices.
I did not say that I will not sell it to them either.
Didn't you has you to give them the 500 Dan from the city?
But the officer said that they are currently recruiting and buying horses.
The 500 Dan of rice is not enough.
He also said that of the whole county, our family's business is the biggest.
We have the biggest annual output too.
They need you to help support the war.
Don't they say that every time they want to buy rice.
It is not like you don't know last time.
Right after the rice leaves our house.
They are immediately turned over to the black market.
They say that it is for the war effort
But what are the results? And look at the present Changsha
The Japanese are not even arrived
but the city is wiped clean by our own people.
Just tell them that we will give them 500 Dan at most. There is not one grain more
But the stores in the country are all seem to be watching our movements
but they really want to sell it to them and help counter the war.
If we are so adamant about not selling
it already causing rumours.
Some people say...Anyways, they say some pretty nasty things.
What do they say?
They say...that we want to use the opportunity to become richer.
Someone even say that we want to leave the rice for the Japanese.
If the Japanese come
I will burn them all in a fire.
I will not leave one grain of rice for them.
It there is anymore people gossiping,
then bring them here.
And see the alters in the family shrine.
They are all 20 something years old children.
Who is not more precious than a few thousand Dan of rice?
Master, please don't be angry.
I will go relay your message now.
I'll tell him what you mean.
Wait.
Xiao Qiu.
Master, do you still have any orders?
Xiao Qiu ah.
What do you think of the girl Xiang Xiang?
She's pretty good.
Both Xiang Xiang and Xiao Man are decent children.
Especially Xiang Xiang, rarely are there people like her, smart and has her own opinion.
Xiao Man is kind of naughty.
Boys, they'll change later.
What's most important, is that his heart is always thinking about us Hu Family.
From my point of view, if Xiang Ping doesn't live up to expectation
In the future, both of them can take over and care for the Hu Family.
Master, Xiao Man is our future generation.
For him to be the successor, it's a matter of fact.
Xiang Xiang, after all, is a girl.
Sooner or later she will get married.
So, that's why we need to think of a way to make then stay in Xiang Tan.
So you mean...
Xiao Qiu, since you think Xiang Xiang is nice,
you can just marry her.
Then you can make the decisions in the family, and your words will have more weight
What, you don't want to marry Xiang Xiang?
Master, I'm from the countryside.
I am afraid that Xiangxiang will look down on me.
You child.
How many times have I told you,
you're just like my real grandson.
No one looks down on you and no one dares.
But shouldn't we ask for Xiangxiang's consent?
How could a girl be making her own decisions when it comes to something as big as marriage.
We are deciding this this way.
And about Xiaoman, I think Jingyan is pretty good.
Pretty and compliant.
They match each other, they'll do.
Master, should we inform
Mistress Shi and Master Changning in Changsha?
If they don't agree
And then cause an big fight here, it will not be good right?
I'm just afraid that she will not come.
We are deciding it this way.
If there is any problems, I'll take the blame.
As long as the Hu family doesn't scatter
Im find if all my bones scatter.
Xiaoman, I've noticed that you are not good at any right thing.
But you are better at anyone at those weird things.
I'm doing the right things right now
with Porcupine Head's temper, he will get in trouble no matter where he goes.
We've both been locked up by brother-in-law, you know how it feels.
Then, you could have tried persuading him not to go off and fight in the the war.
Why did you tell him to lie to great uncle?
You just want to let him out secretly right?
Why are you asking if you already knew.
I also know that you want Xiangping to lead the route for you.
And then ran after the same route, right?
Not good.
What is wrong? -We have big problem.
Why is great-uncle so arbitrarily. Its fine that he tries to find a family for you.
But then he brings me into his plans too.
Serves you right for being so smug earlier.
You are in the same boat as me now right? In trouble right?
what do we do? I don't want to marry.
But then again, Jingyang, whats wrong with me
that you don't want to marry me so much.
There is nothing bad about you.
If you don't be quiet, be careful that I don't spill your history.
The fire is up to our eyebrows and you still have time to joke.
What do you think we should do?
Run away.
Run to where?
Go back to Changsha. Since great-uncle is being so heartless
Then we don't have to leave him any deference either.
We go back to Changsha first, when granny knows, she will not be unhappy either.
Right, lets go.
How are you guys running away?
Can you help us steal a mule and cart
Mules and horses are fed by Xiaoqiu personally, he will know even if they are missing one piece of fur.
We can steal anything from under his eyelids.
Then, just be honest with him
and ask him for help to escape.
Just let it go.
How could he let you go when a beauty such as yourself are to marry him?
To be truthful, he already has someone in his heart.
Who?
The maid who works here, Shuilan
She is close with me and secretly told me.
Then, why did he agree to the match?
Right
He was taken in by the Master as a child, he as always been obedient to him.
Master Xiangping says that he is stupidly filial
He will be willing to murder someone if Master orders him.
Why is everyone in Hu family so abnormal.
In my opinion, what if we don't have a mule and cart.
Don't we have two legs.
We can just walk to Changsha.
Do you want to stay here and marry her?
No.
Then hurry back to your room to pack.
Do you want to marry him? - No.
Then you have to listen to me.
Do you understand?
Are you sure it will be fine? I've never lied.
Don't worry, there is always a first time.
Besides, you are doing something good.
Not only will you save us, you will have saved yourself.
More importantly, you will save you Master Xiangping.
Sometimes, lies can save people.
Miss Xiangxiang, who knew you can be more like Zhuge Liang (an ancient strategist) than Master Xiaoman.
You were not flustered even when he was.
I've just learned from my brother-in-law.
Forced to learn in order to survive in this hard world.
Let's not waste time talking. Go out now.
And cry as sadly as you can. The sadder the better.
We must think of a way so that all attention is given to Xiangping Bro.
Then it will be easier for us to escape.
I am still worried. Let me see how you cry.
Make it more believable.
I don't think I can cry.
You can't be like this.
Wait a second.
Sit down.
Do you know what is this? Herb balm.
Let me tell you. Apply it and I guarantee you can cry for three days.
How does it feel?
Right. Let the tears flow.
Like this.
Does it feel prickly?
Come.
Tell Xiangping Bro to keep this a secret.
Then we will break even. Go now.
Don't keep rubbing your eyes. Watch your steps.
I understand.
Great-uncle! Great-uncle! Great-uncle, it is horrible!
Great uncle, Mister Xiangping is not well.
What happened to Xiangping? Speak clearly.
Vomiting and diarrhea, and having a seizure attack.
I have never heard that he has this illness.
I don't know what happened either. I saw him lying on the floor.
Talking incoherently in a scary way.
Get the doctor now.
You locked the door. The other people don't have the key.
No one can go out.
It's the third lady.
Great uncle, if something bad happens to Mister Xiangping.
Third lady won't have any descendants.
What nonsense are you talking about?
Quickly.
Look at you. We've just started the journey, but you have tripped a few times.
How are you going to travel the rest of the journey?
I didn't trip. Didn't you keep tripping too?
When we arrive in Changsha, better make sure you don't have a swollen head.
Don't keep talking. Better to save energy for walking.
If it's not you, I would've get over the hill.
Pot calling the kettle black. You're not any better.
At least I have perseverance.
You? Only a few steps.
Your legs are aching, right?
Without me, what will happen to you?
What are you doing? Big butt.
Climb up. Should I bow and invite you to do so?
I can walk.
Why are you being courteous? You are walking so slowly.
If you got caught, it's not me who will be afraid.
Even though Jingyan is not of high social status.
At least she is pretty. But you will be less fortunate.
You have to live with Hu Xiaoqiu for the rest of your life.
Quickly, let's go.
Let me tell you. When we arrive at Changsha,
I will let the whole street know.
You wet your pants when you saw the Japanese.
Did I wet my pants?
If you keep behaving like this, who dares to marry you?
Stop talking rubbish. Lazy bone.
Why are you so heavy?
Why dilly dally?
Faster.
On my command, turn to the right.
Where is right? You guys don't know where is left and right?
Tidy your uniform.
What is their task?
They are new soldiers.
I am about to report them to the headquarter.
New soldiers?
Why keep your head so low?
Don't you know how to greet your senior officer?
How are you, officer?
Didn't you say they are new soldiers?
Officer, they are new soldiers.
Officer, we were transferred here.
Transferred? What's the purpose of the transfer? To improve the food?
Don't laugh.
Officer, I am no longer in charge of cooking.
I am now in charge of lighting bombs.
I am a shooter.
You are a shooter?
If people like you go to the battlefield, I bet many innocent people will be harmed
They were previously in charge of cooking.
Why are they part of the battlefield troupe now? How did you guys make the arrangements?
If you won't tell, I will find out myself.
Officer, please don't go.
Life is hard. We are just trying to make ends meet.
I have to feed many mouths at home.
Officer, I have an aged mother. I have to take care of her.
You two apologize to Officer now!
We're sorry.
What is the matter?
Officer.
I know this matter best.
We can talk about this in detail on the road.
Stand straight.
What is wrong with you?
I don't think I can handle this anymore.
Stand up now.
You are well rested. I have been carrying you all the way, I am going to collapse soon.
If I have the strength I will carry you too.
Faster. Do you want great uncle to catch us and lock us up again?
He won't do that.
Alright. Faster.
Xiangxinag! Xiaoman!
Xiaoqiu Bro.
Is his zodiac rabbit?
How did they catch up with us?
Stop there!
Those two new soldiers
are substitutes.
There are substitutes in every team.
Substitutes? To die for who?
Some wealthy family can't bear to let their son join the army.
They spent some money to find a substitute for their son.
Are they willing to trade their lives for money?
Look at Laogao and Xiaobi.
Do they look like martyrs?
I can guarantee as soon as the gun is fired, they will run faster than a rabbit.
- Run faster. - Give me the luggage.
I'm sure this time it's the right route.
If not it's impossible Xiaogao will catch up with us.
Yes.
Come back.
Faster.
Come back. Don't run.
Faster.
Stop running. There are land mines ahead.
Land mines?
Land mines? Are you kidding me?
Do you think I've never seen one?
My brother in law uses mine shell as a urine pot.
I am not bluffing. Three steps forward is a land mine. Be careful not to step on it.
You will die once you step on it.
Don't believe what he said. Let's go.
Don't move. Please come back.
Let's go.
Xiangxiang.
I think I am stepping on something.
It really looks like a urine pot.
Xiangxiang!
Xiangxiang! Xiangxiang! Don't cry! Don't cry!
What should I do?
Xiangxiang! Don't afraid! Don't cry!
I will go find someone who knows how to defuse the mine now. Stay still.
Xiaoman don't let her move. You yourself stay still too.
Xiaoqiu Bro. Faster.
I will be back in a short while. Stay still.
What are we going to do?
Xiaoman!
-Xiang Xiang-Xiaoman don't leave me!