Qing Dynasty Emperor Yongzheng gained subjects'
support by pretending to rule the nation humanely.
In fact he ruled the Hans with an iron hand.
With a secret group of assassins- Flying Guillotines
killed the rebels. Literary inquisitions were common.
For anyone who wrote anything bad about Imperial...
court, his whole family would be exterminated.
Even lives of proofreaders, bookstore owners
were not spared.
Come on...
Take out all the books.
Burn them.
Yes.
Kneel down.
Execute them here.
Kill.
Old man
Jin Shengtan's works slandered the Imperial Court.
His entire family was decapitated.
You're the proofreader, today it's your turn.
Save the act.
Take down his head.
Yes.
You aren't that old proofreader?
He's gone
I've been expecting you.
Who are you?
I don't have a name.
Nonsense... how could that be?
If you insist in knowing...
I'll tell you.
Hibiscus flower.
That's my name, The Bloody Hibiscus.
What kind of name is that?
It's not that strange.
The hibiscus plant is irrigated with blood droplets.
And today I'll kill you.
Please go back Bye...
Master.
Your Majesty.
Terrible murders took place often in the capital.
Victims are all government officials.
Terrible deaths, all by decapitation.
According to witnesses...
The murderers are very nimble.
Leaping over roofs and walking on walls.
The weapon is the Flying Guillotine.
It can cut off a man's head within 100 steps.
Deadly accurate and master controlled.
Obviously they've received strenuous training.
And rumors are that
these assassins are actually.
What? Go on.
Sent from the Imperial Court.
Nonsense. I rule the country benevolently.
Why would I use such terroristic means?
I urge Your Majesty to investigate into this matter.
Capture the real culprit in order to stop the rumors.
Official Han.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Capture the murderer as soon as possible.
We'll wrap up.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The Majesty leaves.
Scholar Wan
I'll pay you a visit tonight to discuss the matter.
Great. I'll be expecting you.
The Majesty arrives.
Good day, Your Majesty.
Arise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Leave us.
Yes
I've sent out Flying Guillotines to kill the traitors.
Old Wan has found out about it
I denied it earlier.
Looks like...
that Wan will look into it
Jin Gangfeng.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Tonight, send your best men...
to take down Scholar Wan's head.
Make sure it's done.
Of course, Your Majesty.
Tea, master.
Put it here.
Men!
How dare you!
You dare to assassin a court official?
Arrest him.
Who's behind this? Speak up.
Go on
I'm afraid you can't perhaps handle the truth.
You've got some nerve.
You are forcing me to use more torture.
Fine, I'll tell you...
who's behind this.
Who?
The Emperor.
Nonsense! How dare you say that?
Use more force.
Yes.
Han Tiande, if you won't let me go.
You'll be in a lot of trouble
Jin Gangfeng, what have you done this time?
One of your men...
got captured by Han Tiande
I deserve death.
If the man talks...
under tortures.
Then it would ruin everything
I'll immediately kill that guard.
Your Majesty's secret is safe.
Not only the guard.
You must kill Han Tiande's whole family...
to ensure the secrecy.
Yes, Your Majesty
Jin Gangfeng, make sure it's done properly.
Or you'll be dead.
Yes Your Majesty.
Tiande, still awake?
Are you worrying the prisoner won't confess?
That's not it.
Then the rumor is true?
These few days I've been apprehensive with fear
I think it's a bad omen.
Qiuyan.
If anything happens to me.
Take my mom to Wan Nan.
Go find my uncle Tong Beihai.
He'll take care of you.
Got it.
You are two months pregnant.
No matter what.
You must guard our child.
Promise me.
You're an honest official.
You'll be blessed.
Let's hope so.
Tomorrow is Double 9th Festival. Something I must do.
Sure, I'll send the maid over to accompany you.
Stop here.
We're here, madam.
Go on.
Qiuyan.
Wang Jun, I didn't expect to see you here
I've been a wanderer for the past few years
I just got here yesterday.
Today is the Double Ninth Festival.
I'm here to pay respects to our late master.
Time flies.
Our master has been dead for three years.
So much has happened in these years.
One can only sigh.
Looks like you're still the same.
Doing quite well.
But you've changed a lot.
During my travels...
I heard that you got married in a Han family.
I was shocked and fell seriously ill
I thought that's the end of my life.
But the heavens made fun of me
and I've been living miserably.
Madam, it's ready.
You can begin.
Let's go pay our respects.
Pack up.
Take cover at the pavilion.
When will the rain stop!
Old lady, it's your time.
Are you raising a rebellion?
Jin Gangfeng, why are you doing this?
The Emperor's order... you must all die.
Hurry, old Wang.
Yes, madam.
Tiande.
Old lady.
Tiande
Jin Gangfeng.
Who are you?
Wife of Han Tiande.
Qiuyan, you're two months pregnant.
Promise me.
You must guard our child
Jin Gangfeng
I sent you to execute Han Tiande's family.
Is it done?
Your Majesty
I've killed everyone
of the Han household.
Have you done a clean job?
Absolutely. No one left.
Great, well done
I'll reward you for this.
Thank you, Your Majesty
I've checked around.
Rong Qiuyan, Han Tiande's wife
is a disciple of Wudang Clan. She's learnt well
and is a martial arts expert.
The only reason she lost...
was because she's pregnant.
She had to be careful.
Otherwise she wouldn't retreat.
Now that she's fled.
It's like living next to the wolves.
We'll have nothing but trouble.
And if the Emperor finds out...
and punishes us.
We'll all be dead
I don't think she's gone that far.
If you'll dispatch some troops...
in all directions;
It'd be a piece of cake to capture her.
It's not that simple.
We must keep a low profile.
Can't send any troops.
And I must stay in the capital.
That's why I summoned you here.
So that you can help me out.
Let me go, I'll finish her off in one stab.
No one will know.
It'd be better if I go
I'll go.
You are all my filial children.
Rong Qiuyan isn't easy to handle.
This time around...
it's going to be a tough fight
I've always been fair
I'll pass my position as the chief...
to one of you, whoever could kill Rong Qiuyan.
And he or she will inherit all my property.
The other two can't oppose.
We understand.
Ren Ting.
Yes, father.
You're my eldest.
You should go first.
Yes, I guarantee
I'll bring her head back within ten days.
Go.
I heard that.
Rong Qiuyan has moved to Huangzhu Town.
Biao.
Yes, father.
You must avenge for your brother, go.
Yes, father.
Taian Inn -Help wanted.
Leave them, don't touch these bowls
I thought you told me to wash the dishes.
Not these.
Leave them.
Have a seat, sir.
What would you like to have?
Some wine.
Yes, right away.
Have a seat, sir.
Are you staying or just eating?
Just eating
I want two dishes, make it quick
I'm in a hurry.
Sure.
Bring me two side dishes.
Right away.
We'll make a move at midnight.
Action at midnight.
We will take Rong Qiuyan out.
Make it clean, don't leave any trace.
Here you go.
Prepare a room for me
I'm staying for the night Sure.
She's gone. Chase her.
Go.
Qiuyan.
It's you? Wang Jun.
Quiet.
What are you doing here?
I'll tell you later. Come with me.
Don't bother.
We can't stay here for long.
Pack up and leave.
We're far from Luodong town.
Let's have a rest.
Wang Jun, why did you show up?
It's fate
I was heading to Jian County...
to help a friend with some business
I passed by Taian Inn.
And found out about their plot.
Then I decided to stay
I didn't expect to see you here.
It's great. Maybe it's not my time to die after all.
What's going on?
Why are they after you?
Jin Gangfeng has killed my whole family
I'm the only one who escaped.
Yet he won't give up.
He wants me dead.
Where are you going next?
Wan Nan. I'll seek shelter with my uncle Tong Beihai.
I didn't know that you have an uncle.
He's my husband's uncle.
But we've never met before.
Brother Ma, come here. Let me introduce you.
This is Wang Jun, this is Brother Ma.
Brother Ma, hello.
Have a seat.
Right, Brother Ma
Jin Gangfeng's after me.
Why did you help us?
And fled with us?
They're after me also.
Why?
Like you
I'm just trying to hide in this inn.
You are.
Three years ago
I worked in the Emperor's Flying Guillotine squad
I was ordered to kill many innocent people
I became an executioner, working for the Emperor.
With the Flying Guillotine
I've killed so many innocent and good officials
I couldn't take it anymore.
That's why I fled from the palace.
For the past three years, Jin Gangfeng has been...
trying to track me down, and I was in exile.
Brother Ma
I'm sorry to have dragged you into this.
Don't say that.
The inn is no place to stay for long.
Sooner or later I'm bound to be tracked down.
So we have a common enemy
I have to head to Jian County.
Could you escort Qiuyan to Wan Nan?
Sure, I'm wandering around anyway.
Thank you
I'm relieved.
We better move now.
Qiuyan, it's late.
We're in the middle of our journey.
Maybe we should stay here tonight.
Let's go inside.
Go.
Wang Jun.
The 5 Poisonous Needles! Draw them out quickly
and he's still got a chance.
Shaozhi, you're my last hope.
I depend on you now.
Besides Rong Qiuyan...
you have to tackle Ma Sen.
They are difficult to handle.
I swear I'll avenge for my brothers.
Rong Qiuyan is a seasoned expert.
You must remember.
You're no match for her.
She's a woman after all, try to outwit her.
Go on.
Don't come back if you can't kill them.
Are you alright, Wang Jun?
Thanks for saving my life, how can I ever repay you?
Don't mention it.
Rest for 2 days, and you'll recover.
After I'm done in Jian County...
I'll meet you in Wan Nan.
Sure
I'll see you in Wan Nan.
Brother Ma.
Please take good care of Qiuyan on the way
I will, don't worry.
See you.
Come on.
This wine is not bad.
Hey young lady, why are you alone?
Such a pretty girl.
Exactly.
Brother Ma, she's alive.
Let's go.
Why am I here?
You were hurt, we brought you here.
Where am I?
In a cave.
There are no villages around.
We had to take you here.
What happened back there at the teahouse?
My whole family got robbed and killed by robbers.
You were there alone?
My old servant escorted me
but
he got killed too.
Don't be sad.
Where do you live?
The Chen family, 80 miles away.
You're not seriously hurt.
Brother Ma and I will take you home tomorrow morning.
Brother Ma?
He's good friend of mine.
He's gone to find something for us to eat.
He'll be back soon.
Just rest.
Rong Qiuyan is a seasoned expert.
You're no match for her, you must outwit her.
How much sorrow do you have?
Like the Spring river flowing eastwards.
We'll be in Wan Nan in three days.
When you're at your uncle's place...
you won't feel like a wanderer.
What about you?
The usual... I live all around the places.
No, don't.
What's going on?
Sorry, I can't.
For my late husband's sake
and his child I'm carrying
I can't do this to him.
Help.
Put on your clothes.
I want you.
Nonsense.
Why are you interested in her but not me?
My figure and my looks are as good as hers.
To hell with you!
You can't fool me.
You're Jin Shaozhi, the daughter of Jin Gangfeng.
How did you know?
I suspected her at the teahouse.
She said her whole family got robbed and killed.
Then why was she only mildly injured?
That's the clue.
My sons are dead.
And so is my daughter.
Rong Qiuyan, Ma Sen.
If I don't take you out, I won't live myself.
Chief.
What are you doing here?
I know that Rong Qiuyan and Ma Sen...
are now heading to Tong Beihai's house in Wan Nan
I have a plan to kill them
I'm listening.
Amitabha Buddha.
Travel around the places to make new friends.
Good rewards from good deeds.
Amitabha Buddha.
Hold on, please.
Amitabha Buddha.
Here for soliciting alms?
Amitabha Buddha.
Fushou.
Yes.
Prepare some rice and noodles.
Yes, master.
May I know your name?
Tong Beihai.
Mr. Tong, Amitabha Buddha.
You.
Amitabha Buddha.
Brother Ma, turn your head please.
Why?
Just do it, I need to.
Brother Ma.
Wang Jun, what are you doing here?
I spotted you from afar. Where's Qiuyan?
Over there.
Qiuyan.
Sorry. I didn't know that you are.
It's Brother Ma's fault. He told me to come here
I told you Qiuyan's here.
But I didn't tell you to walk up.
Qiuyan.
Sorry, please don't be mad.
It's not your fault, don't worry.
Why are you here?
I've finished my business at Jian County.
And bought this horse, I traveled nonstop
and now I've caught up with you.
Now we can go to Wan Nan
I've got Brother Ma as my escort.
There's no need for you to rush.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Since I left you.
That's what I've been thinking about.
You must be tired... get on the horse
I've been thinking about you a lot.
Wear this red flower.
You look much prettier.
Don't be silly, I'm in mourning
I can't wear red.
You're still young, and you're so pretty.
Why don't you dress up a bit?
Do you plan to mourn...
for the rest of your life?
Look, we're entering Wan Nan.
All good things come to an end.
It's time to say goodbye.
Tiande was an honest and upright man.
Such misfortune.
What a shame!
This is destiny, Qiuyan.
Don't be too sad
I'm Tiande's uncle
I've always treated him like my own son.
You may settle down here.
Make yourself at home.
Qiuyan, don't be sad
Jin Gangfeng is ruthless
I'm sure he'll be get his due retribution.
Thank you for...
escorting Qiuyan here
I appreciate it.
Guards.
Yes, master.
Prepare a feast, I want to drink with the guests.
Yes, master.
Please don't bother, I've to go.
There's something I must attend to.
If Brother Ma is leaving, I'll leave too.
Mr. Tong, goodbye.
Sure, I won't be in your way.
Qiuyan, please see the two warriors off.
Yes.
Good bye.
Qiuyan, I'm off. Take care of yourself.
You too.
Brother Ma, I'll see you around.
Bye.
Brother Ma, you plan to
I'll go where fate takes me.
Would we see each other again?
Next autumn perhaps...
when I pass through here, we might see each other.
Take care of the baby. Bye bye.
Bye.
Tong.
Are you alright, Qiuyan?
Walking around at this hour?
Not used to staying here?
No, during the past month
I've been on the run.
Now that I'm settled down I feel sort of homesick.
I miss Tiande.
Yes, it's only natural.
Come sit down, let's have a chat.
Prepare the tea.
Yes, master.
You brought Tiande up since he was little.
He talked about you a lot.
We both owe it to you.
Don't mention it.
Tiande also mentioned that...
you have a son named Zaisheng.
They grew up together.
How's your son doing now?
He's doing quite well.
Great. Maybe I can see him sometime.
Certainly ...of course.
Please have your tea.
What are you doing?
Why are you impersonating Tong Beihai?
Why is the tea poisoned? Tell me.
What do you mean, Qiuyan?
My late husband...
wasn't brought up by Tong Beihai.
And Tong Beihai doesn't have a son...
named Zaisheng.
You aren't Tong Beihai.
Rong Qiuyan, I'm impressed. Charge!
Charge.
Come on.
You aren't going anywhere.
Kill her.
Yes.
Let me go.
Qiuyan.
Hurry.
Go.
You go ahead, I'll stay behind.
Go.
Hurry.
Go.
So, can you walk?
Wang Jun.
You can't go.
Qiuyan.
Are you alright, Qiuyan?
I'm fine, don't worry.
Let's hurry.
Go.
You go ahead, don't mind me.
No, we can't leave you here.
We'll die together if we have to.
Don't worry, we've come off a long way.
They won't catch up for sometime.
Qiuyan, lie down
I'll be on guard. No one can hurt you.
You must be tired, have a break
I'm fine, don't worry.
Wang Jun, you weren't involved in this.
Why did you get yourself involved?
I'll be honest.
When we were learning martial arts together.
I was in love with Qiuyan at that time.
That's why I want to be on her side
I'll try my best to protect her.
You'll sacrifice for her because of your love'?
Yes, if we could be together
I don't mind to sacrifice.
Good... you and Qiuyan will be very happy.
But Jin Gangfeng is alive.
We won't be happy.
He deserves to be killed.
Don't worry
I'll take him out myself.
You and Qiuyan will have good days ahead.
Thanks, Brother Ma.
You are our good friend.
Brother Ma.
What is it?
Brother Ma's gone.
Brother Ma.
He wrote something here.
Men have sorrow and joy.
Just like the different phases of moon.
It's just the way it is- let's wish for long lives.
Though miles apart, we'll share the moon's beauty.
Brother Ma's gone.
No wonder last night he remarked...
that he wishes you and I could be together.
What else did he say?
He said he shall kill Jin Gangfeng.
And we'd have a bright future ahead.
Brother Ma will face off with Jin Gangfeng.
Oh no! He's no match for the old monster.
Brother Ma.
Wang Jun, I think this could be a miscarriage.
Please help me.
What are you doing?
Rong Qiuyan, it's your time to die.
What did you say?
I've been waiting for this chance.
Ma Sen's gone, and you're about to have a miscarriage.
You can't beat me now.
What do you want?
I want your life.
Are you mad? We learnt from the same master.
But I'm also the son of Jin Gangfeng.
He only has two sons and a daughter.
They are all dead.
But you don't know that he has a mistress.
And she's my mom.
He abandoned me when I was a child.
But he has announced that any of his sons...
who kills you...
can inherit his property.
So you're doing it for the money.
Wait, if you won't explain everything
I won't rest in peace.
What's to explain?
After your wounds were healed in the temple.
Why did you leave us?
I had to go to the Tong family to take care of things
so that you would fall into the trap.
Wang Jun, you're very clever.
But there's one thing you mightn't have expected.
What's that?
You have no idea...
that I'm faking a miscarriage now.
I knew you're up to no good.
That's why I wanted to blow your cover.
How long have you been suspecting?
Since you left the Tongs.
How?
Simple; There are only two people...
who know that I'm staying at the Tongs.
Brother Ma was with me the whole time.
He's also Jin Gangfeng's enemy.
He won't be the mole.
And that just leaves you.
I guessed right... come on.
Kill me now and you'll be prosperous.
Come on.
Please don't kill me.
Walk away.
My husband's dead, so is my baby.
I have nothing to worry.
There's no point for me to run anymore.
I should head back
Jin Gangfeng, even if I've to risk my life
I must take my revenge today.
Ma Sen, what a hero!
You've got a lot of courage to show up here!
Jin Gangfeng
I don't plan to walk out alive.
No matter what, I must end this today.
Charge.
This isn't him either.
Rong Qiuyan, Ma Sen
I'm on the bridge at the back, come get me.
Jump quickly.
He's the real one, kill him