What's the matter?
Officer Ma has been assassinated.
Everyone stay calm. The assassin was caught.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
On your knees. Down!
You felon...
Chang Wen Hsiang.
You assassinated a royal officer.
Who ordered you to do it? Confess honestly.
- Guards! - Yes.
- Impose heavy punishment. - Right.
Sir. Please hold it.
I didn't run away after killing Ma Hsin I
I just want to expose the truth to everyone.
Get me pen and paper. I'll make my statement.
Convicted felon Chang Wen Hsiang...
He met Officer Ma nine years ago.
At that time. Chang and his god-brother Huang
were bandits. Making a living by robbery.
Already midday and still no one has passed by.
I'm afraid we'll end up with nothing today.
This kind of work requires patience.
I think we better go to the south
to work for the "Long Hair".
It'd be better than being bandits here.
Hey. Someone is coming. It's just one.
He's riding his horse very fast.
Hand over your money and the horse.
What if I refuse?
We won't let you refuse.
Both of you will take me on together?
- Go! - No.
It's hard enough to have someone pass by.
We've got to seize the opportunity.
What's the matter?
This guy looks like a nice man.
We'd better wait for the next one.
I'm confident I can ward off your attack.
But it's a pity you can only be bandits
despite such good skill of yours.
You may take all this money.
We're bandits. Not beggars.
Good. In this chaotic world.
What kind of plans do you have?
Plan? First of all. To lay you down.
What exactly do you intend to do?
You don't look like a true businessman either.
I'm not a businessman after all.
You're...
If "petty thieves" is all that you are,
why ask such a question?
Bullshit! When I work for "Long Hair"
from results you'll know I ain't useless.
Fine. I'm going to fight the Hair Bandit.
The Hair Bandit?
The rebels with long hair. The Taiping Army.
That's what you called the Long Hair.
Whatever. The Long Hair or Hair Bandits.
Let's see which of us emerges a winner.
Wait. Did you bring along a sword?
Stop.
It's my turn.
When you need to do it. Do it.
Go when you need to go.
Go.
Look. There're so many...
We don't have to hide in the ditch anymore.
This is good.
Sister-in-law. I did something as well.
Can I have a kiss too?
What the hell!
Why are you so happy with such little money?
Isn't money supposed to bring us joy?
So when should I feel happy?
If they said the same thing.
I'd come here for nothing.
Wait a minute.
What do you think we should do?
A real man should ask for fame and position
to honor his ancestors.
Well said!
With such ambitions good future awaits us.
Ma Hsin I is clever and good at fighting.
These three people became entrusted god-brothers
and fought together for the future.
They conquered Yin's bandit base in Shandong.
Go...
Move...
Hurry up...
Who is it?
Huang Chung.
Ma Hsin I
Chang Wen Hsiang.
Good. I'll make a grave with your names.
Anyone with weapons down and surrendering,
and showing respect to us leaders will not be executed.
3rd Brother. Come and have some wine.
2nd Brother. Big Brother said...
I don't give a damn to what he said...
Come. Drink.
Come on. Look. We have everything now.
Don't be indolent.
You satisfied occupying only a small hill?
Big Brother said...
Always. "Big Brother said"!
He doesn't enjoy the harvest.
What else does he want?
I don't want you to be just a bandit leader.
A real man would go for big business...
Like what Big Brother did.
3rd Brother. Don't go. Big Brother is right.
But we're wealthy now.
It's no fun staying here all day.
Tomorrow we leave this place
and have some fun outside.
But don't let my wife know.
2nd Brother. You've such a pretty wife
and still long to have another woman?
She married just because I'm a womanizer.
Okay. I won't tell her.
- Are you ready? - Yes.
Why didn't you resist enemies hard enough?
The martial arts I've taught you...
Why don't you put it to good use?
Leader. We occupied the hill...
even the government doesn't dare interfere.
There's no point practicing day and night.
Right...
I was only joking. Don't take it seriously.
I train you guys so hard that
I wish someday...
we can do some big business.
Who was born to be a bandit?
And who was born to be a general?
If I can be somebody
you'll be able to reap advantages too.
From now on, if anyone feels discontent,
feeling tough to stay on,
he may leave the hill. I won't stop him.
If you choose to stay, you're to obey me.
If you don't listen, you'll be like this.
Once again!
2nd Brother. 3rd Brother...
Sister-in-law. Where are they?
Last night they decided
to go to the city early in the morning.
Left for the city!
We've stirred up a lot of heat recently.
Why didn't they realize this?
If my hubby went alone I'd worry about him.
It'd be better if 3rd Brother went along.
Big Brother. Why are you sweating so much?
I killed to warn everyone today.
The guys are listening. So I feel motivated.
Sister-in-law. I'd better take a look.
I'm scared they'll make trouble.
Now this is what I'd call a real man!
BAO CHANG JEWELRY
3rd Brother, if my wife wears this
she'll look gorgeous.
Oh, she's gorgeous enough as it is.
3rd Brother. I like it at the first sight.
2nd Brother. we're still drunk.
Better hide it or it'll be stolen.
What are we doing for a living?
They're lucky if we don't rob them.
Chang Wen Hsiang. Huang Chung...
You guys sure have guts!
If you're a man. Come with us.
3rd Brother. You go first. I'll handle them.
Shit! I asked you to leave. Don't stay.
The life in prison is real hard.
2nd Brother. Stop chasing.
- Run fast... - Chase...
For what? Further on it'll be their base.
The leaders are back...
What's the matter? Why is it so chaotic?
Get some water quick.
It's because of you we're in trouble!
I just wanted to buy some accessories for you.
That's nothing.
I'll command the army and fight battles.
Can you never be hurt?
Ma saved Chang and his god-brother Huang.
They were deeply touched.
Ma Hsin I is ambitious and fabulous.
They respect Ma like God.
But the evil was planted quietly.
Ma didn't realize it.
Big Brother. It's time to change the medicine.
Does my reading books seem funny?
No. It's just a bit strange.
I've already topped the local exams
I've wandered around the nation.
In order to meet more real heroes.
I intend sitting for the royal exam this autumn.
It's easier to be a major officer with a good background...
Sister. Are you alright?
I'm okay.
- You're all soaked. - You too.
Your hands are shaking!
Big Brother. Are you still studying hard?
You're getting better and better.
You can now read the books upside down!
3rd Brother. Come on. The water is so cool
Come on.
It's still some time before the autumn exams.
How can you just leave when you feel like?
What can we do after you're gone?
You and 3rd Brother will be stationed at the base,
training the guys and avoiding trouble.
If I win the award. I can't come back soon.
But if I achieve anything.
I won't forget you guys.
Mi Lan. Why don't you come out?
Big Brother will leave tonight.
Big Brother. You're leaving. Let's toast.
Good. This is what my good wife does.
Big Brother. Try some more before you go.
Big Brother is a real hero and mogul.
This is not the place for him.
You'd better get going.
Sister-in-law. This wine...
It's quite strong!
You guys take care.
Ma was top-notch in the exam
and was given a post in the government.
Motivated. His guys in the hill base trained harder.
Two years later.
He joined the Xiang Army. Always defeated
the Taiping rebels and was highly praised.
Ma needed men and sent a letter to the hill.
Officer Ma's signature is here.
I want to see 2nd and 3rd Leaders.
Thank God. It's a letter from Big Brother.
Good.
FROM MA HSIN I...
How does he look being an officer?
Come on. Take a look at his letter.
What does it say?
He's asked us to join the army.
Leave immediately and quietly and
make no trouble for the local government.
The day has come.
Both of you must be brother's trusted men
to bring us this confidential letter.
We're most grateful for his grooming.
This is our lord's nephew. Ma Zhong Xin.
Just a remote relative. He's really thankful
Officer Ma is important and powerful now.
His wife ought to be from a reputed family.
Our lord isn't married yet. He's still single.
Did he...
Let me go...
It's not far away from our base.
Please wait here for a minute.
Why? We're in such hurry to see Brother Ma?
This is an order from him.
Bullshit. I don't believe it.
Try putting yourself in his position.
He's different now. But these men...
These brothers.
They're trained by him personally.
I know this is right. But so many
couldn't enter the base like this!
The government would be suspicious.
It'll affect our lord's reputation.
Better take a rest here.
An officer must have his arrangements.
Brother Ma is coming.
Officer Ma has to be stationed at the base.
How could he leave it at will?
What do you know?
We've a different relationship with him.
Big Brother...
Where's Brother Ma?
Both of you've arrived. Officer Ma has been
waiting for days but is now too busy to leave.
He invites you to see him immediately.
What about the guys coming together?
I'll allocate them to different camps.
What Big Brother arranges won't be wrong.
Who's Madam Huang?
I am.
Madam Huang...
Any special orders from Big Brother?
He said the army camp is preparing for war.
Which is inconvenient for women.
You have no need to go.
He already has made special arrangements for you.
You are to rest in Nanjing City.
Why? Why didn't he want to see me?
Brother...
2nd Brother. It's been a long time since we last met.
2nd Brother. Big Brother is different now.
Do you think we're still in the hill base?
We're still brothers!
Otherwise why would I invite you here?
But don't mention "hill base" hereafter.
You're ignorant of the officer's field.
I'm grateful for General Zen's grooming.
I'm promoted higher and higher in rank.
Many people are jealous and creating trouble.
If anything goes wrong.
The higher the rank. The heavier the fall!
I need to climb higher. I'll never fall down.
You know me very well.
Yes.
When we became god-brothers.
You didn't take my words seriously.
Take a look now...
Honestly. We knew Big Brother
would make it one day.
You forbid sister-in-law to come here.
She nearly cried.
We'll have a major attack against the Hair Bandits.
It wouldn't be convenient. Sorry about that.
I didn't care. To accompany you
and win the battle is most important.
GOVERNOR ZENG GUOFAN
Chang and his god-brother Huang
followed Ma to fight bravely and dangerously
in battles and got great awards until the
Hair Bandits were terminated.
Ma was appointed as Governor of Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces
and asked to report to service immediately.
Fame and fortune came all at once.
But danger was around him and crisis lurked.
Madam...
Any good news?
It's great news!
Officer Ma has been highly commended.
He's become governor of two Jiang provinces.
He's come back to Nanjing from the war front.
Mi Lan...
Hey. Put me down.
Put me down.
You put me down.
What's the matter with you?
What's wrong with this bitch?
I think she was waiting for you and became impatient
and asked you go to her room.
Screw you! Never a good word from your mouth.
Since that day. I...
2nd Brother. You're not like me.
You can't stay outside at clubs all night.
Why can't I
She's alone. Aren't you scared she's lonely?
Why do you always think about her?
Take a seat.
2nd Brother. Honestly...
Do you think something is wrong with her?
What do you mean?
Nothing.
But. 2nd Brother.
How could these bimbos
be compared with your wife?
What are you talking about?
You drink this for punishment.
You have to drink three cups.
You know her as well.
She couldn't gratify me like the women here.
Right...
I know you want to forget me.
I feel the same way too.
But...
When I married him. I was young.
I thought he was the best amongst the guys.
Though he's hot-tempered,
I took it as a hero's character.
Until I met you.
I could never think of doing any wrong.
If he knew what's happening between us...
He buries his head in the clubs on the river.
I'm afraid he doesn't remember me anymore.
Big Brother.
It's like the stream at the back of the hill.
Big Brother still remembers the old time.
People from General Zen said
there are some rumors about Governor Ma.
We'd better keep the mouths
of those Royal Inspectors shut.
Send someone to Beijing to deliver gifts.
Yes. There's something...
I wonder if I should say.
What is it'?
Officer Huang is idling in clubs and
ignoring his business. There is gossip.
I'm afraid it'll affect your future.
How long until Chang comes back from the North?
The post station said it'll be two days.
- Summon Officer Huang. - Yes.
Come back.
Yes.
Big Brother. You called me'?
A small group of Liang Bandits is wandering
on the north side of the Huai River.
Make an inspection. If it's true. Terminate them.
Big Brother. For an issue like this
you could just send a minor officer to handle it.
Why me?
If you don't achieve more awards
how can I promote you?
You're right.
I'll send some men with you.
Okay.
You leave immediately.
Yes.
What's the matter with you?
Nothing.
Whatever blocks my way
must be busted away.
A horse has been saddled up for you.
We'll be back to Nanjing tomorrow.
Any news from Nanjing?
Nothing.
Ma has ordered Huang to go and terminate
the Liang Bandits on the north Huai River.
It's likely to earn him a great reward.
Those going with Huang
are all Ma's henchmen.
Have they left?
They just passed through here.
You returned via the shortcut.
So you have missed him.
- Get me a horse quick! - Officer Chang!
- Hurry up! - Right.
2nd Brother...
3rd Brother. What's the matter?
2nd Brother. I want to talk to you in private.
Huang is ordered to finish his mission.
We can't afford any delay.
Bullshit. We need to talk.
You wait here.
Brother. You know I don't have any patience.
What's the matter? Tell me.
Brother. You'd better run quick.
Run? To where?
It belongs to my wife.
Yes. That night
I found it outside Big Brother's room.
That night I sat outside his room all night.
In the morning.
I saw your wife coming out of his room.
What nonsense are you talking?
I discovered they're having an affair.
Brother. You know him so well.
Now he's a powerful man.
If this affair is disclosed.
It'll affect his future very much.
I'm afraid he'll kill you.
Buzz off! Get the hell out of here.
You never know what he is thinking!
You're too straight. Never know the bitch...
Shut up! 3rd Brother.
I see you always teasing Mi Lan
you try to take advantage of her, but in vain,
so now you shift the blame on others?
Brother. I can let you go.
But my fists couldn't allow it.
Okay. You come with me
to clear this matter.
It's a military order.
If I leave without permission.
It'll be the death penalty.
Brother. You're trying to do me harm.
You don't believe me. It doesn't matter.
Forget the trip. Back to the hill base.
This all doesn't make any sense.
I can't stand by and see you being killed.
3rd Brother.
I'll question you when I get back.
If you've no guts. Get lost.
2nd Brother...
If you keep fooling around. It's hard to...
Officer Chang.
3rd Brother. What's the matter?
Send 2nd Brother back with an urgent post.
He's on a military mission.
Why should I send him back?
Whose stuff is it'?
Why was it in your room'?
Why did sister-in-law come out of
your room that morning?
So. Now you know.
You sleazy bastard!
3rd Brother!
It's none of his business. I did it of my own will.
I'm not scared of how you look at me.
I knew nothing when I married your brother.
After I realized.
The kind of man I need.
This is what I'm...
You slut!
I don't care whatever you shout at me.
When 2nd Brother is back.
I'll tell him.
Can he come back? He can't.
What happened?
Whatever blocks my way will be busted away.
Big Brother!
Who will believe we're truly in love?
After leaving the hill base.
I got higher and higher promotions.
I refused too many marriage proposals.
So Why?
I've struggled for my future till now.
I still wish to go higher.
No one can stand in my way.
If 2nd Brother knows of our affair...
You cannot kill him.
Order now. It's not too late.
It's already too late.
The local county said
Liang rebels are in the valley.
I'll go to check first.
You guys set up a defense outside the entrance.
Don't scare them away.
Yes.
Why don't you 90'?
Why don't you come first?
Why do you want to kill me'? Why?
Who ordered you to kill me'? Who was it?
Who could want me dead?
3rd Brother...
3rd Brother. You worked for me.
When I become a member of the Military Chamber.
The seat of the Governor will be yours.
My lord. What's the matter?
Ma Hsin I, let's wait and see.
Huang was killed in a coup.
We fought hard to survive.
I get it.
Huang was killed. But Ma still enjoys his life.
Who is shouting outside?
My lord.
Ma's henchmen are gathering outside.
Requesting us to hand over the murderer
and take revenge for Ma.
Ask their leader to come in.
- Ma Zhong Xin. - Li Wen at your service.
I know what you want.
The government has its view on this case.
Officer Zen will handle this case.
You take care of your own business first
and wait for Zen's decision.
Yes.
Go.
Horse bandits were good at defense.
Hiding and waiting for the time for revenge.
He sneaked into the stadium the night before
the review day of the troop. Hiding in a flag basket.
Most men from the hill base had died
in battles for Ma whose promotion was colored
by their fresh red blood.
2nd Brother. Please bless me for my success.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Ma Hsin I, do you remember me?
Chang. I never thought I'd be killed by you!
Chang. I'll catch you myself.
- My lord... - Get away.
Things are in this state because of you.
I'm still alive.
I could still order to have you killed.
I've got to catch Chang myself.
No one is allowed to interfere or
he'll be punished according to the martial laws.
I won't leave today.
Ma. Only if you could catch me.
Chang. I got you.
Ma. You could die peacefully.
You've my word. I won't escape.
You may arrest me.
Both of you.
How did Ma set up Huang and
entice away Huang's wife?
I need both of you to make statements in court.
How dare you kill a main royal officer and
still utter bullshit! Heavy punishment!
I've confessed. Why should I be punished?
- Proceed! - Yes.
Stop!
I knew you guys will help each other.
It doesn't matter. The reason I killed Ma.
You don't believe me. But the world will.
Beat him up heavily!
Stop for the time being and await the sentence.
Yes.
Please read the letter from Officer Zen.
TO GENERAL ZENG GUOFAN... CHANG WEN HSIANG IS GUILTY...
Zen's idea is that the criminal
not only murdered a royal officer.
But also his god-brother. It's a severe crime!
He should be cut in pieces as punishment.
Ma is also righteous to avenge his brother.
His own henchmen should execute him.
If this is what Zen thinks.
We'll follow his viewpoint.
Court!
We're thankful for Ma's grooming.
We'd like to have your permission for a few things.
Go ahead.
Execute Chang outside the Governor's Hall.
We'll set up my lord's spirit plate there.
I'll handle the executioner's work myself.
I'll cut his breast open and take his heart out
and offer it at my lord's funeral
We've prepared a set of execution tools.
Please take a look.
Your requests are approved.
Thank you.
Chang Wen Hsiang. Do you see it?
Tomorrow we'll use this steel blade and hook
to squeeze your heart and organs out.
The other day at the stadium. I asked
both of you to make statements in court.
You really did as I asked.
What?
You both are very desperate to kill me.
Are you trying to prove I'm right?
Officer Ma. Please.
Officer Ma. Please execute him.
This way he pays for his own deeds.