To help her family
My Great Great Granny Ngai Yu-fung
gave up her childhood sweetheart
and married Wong Yuk-lun
This good-for-nothing playboy
who gambles, smokes and goes whoring
had the audacity to make a bet
on the pattern of his bride's underwear
He spent his wedding night in the arms of another woman
When old Master Wong found out
He was furious
But what's the use?
Everyone sided with the sole heir
Madam Bik even turned around
and blamed Great Great Granny
which was totally ridiculous
Luckily
There's this kind-hearted Madam Hei
This piece of fabric is colorful and delicate
Its elegance is perfect for a lady like you
This is a big household
Just like a fabric store
that has all kinds of fabric
Madam Bik is like gauze
She's easy to read
You can always tell if she's happy or not
All she cares about is Yuk-lun
which explains her tone of voice
Madam Chi is Zhang silk
She talks too much
and says all the wrong things
but she means no harm
Her daughter Ka-cheung
is tough silk with a lot of lint
If you don't rub her, you'll be fine
I'm like linen
Easy to use and wear
Master...
Please stop!
What's wrong?
Everyone wants me to touch them
But I don't touch just anyone
Your skin is resilient
Master Yuk-lun
Come on
Mistress
Where are you going? Come back!
I made you chrysanthemum pudding
It can expel the summer heat
Do you want to try?
Sure! Oh, sorry!
I made this for you
I'm too rich to use this cheap stuff
It's too rough even for the toilet
Yin, pick it up and throw it away
Master!
Do it! Or I'll throw you out
Yes, sir
Feeling sorry for yourself?
Go ahead and rat on me again
Don't get me wrong
I never told anyone about that night
Who else would have done it?
Nothing to say?
How can you expect me to trust you?
Don't think you can use these
to keep me quiet
or cover up my eyes
I'm smarter than that. Hypocrite!
Believe whatever you want
I didn't do it
Master Yuk-lun
What?
It was Madam Chi who ratted on you
Really? I knew it
She wouldn't dare
Auntie Kwong
Is foot massage good for sleeplessness?
You'll know the difference tonight
Just relax, Mistress
The 2 containers on the tabla
The small one is for you
The big one is deer tail soup
It's for Yuk-lun
It can enhance his virility and blood circulation
Don't mix them up
Wait on Yuk-lun in the bath house
What?
Don't be shy
It's a wife's duty
I told them to put
lotus seeds and lily bulbs on the bed
for good luck
Ever since Sister Bik's son died
Yuk-lun is the sole heir
That's why we call him No.12
for luck and make it sound better
It's up to you to carry on the family
I was wondering who it'll be
So it's you
I like the way you dress
I'm here to be the you
Give me a massage
Your delicate hands are powerful
and so soft and smooth
The Mistress will wait on me
You two may go
Yes, sir
Don't give me the long face
It's no good for either of us
Last time I thought you ratted on me
It was my fault
Alright, I'll apologize
We'll start from a clean slate
I don't remember anything
You said it
Massage my hands
You look so bored
Here's a riddle for you
10 men peaking at 5 woman while they are bathing
It's an idiom
You don't know?
5 naked woman
and 10 lustful men
Bright and colorful, get it?
You're pretty when you smile
Madam Hei was right
You're like a kid
I don't understand
why you like these cheap jokes
Don't you think they're beneath you?
I like to talk about it
I also like doing it
What are you doing?
What we're supposed to do on our wedding night
So they consummated their relationship
But to spend the rest of your life
with someone you don't love
It's all sex and no love
Master Yuk-lun, please!
Don't play with that
This set of tea cups are expensive
I can't afford to break any of them
Whatever they're worth
is less than what I lose in a game
It's so boring here
I need something to play with until we close
Not those. I'm bagging you
Yuk-lun, I have something for you
Look what Master Chan brought you
Blue and white tea cups from the Ming Dynasty
He's a bit short on cash
He's only asking for 3,000 taels
Let me see
Yuk-lun, Uncle
We have those blue and white tea cups
Twin lions or mandarin ducks
You name it, we have it
and the engravings at the bottom
to prove they're from the court porcelain kiln
That one is only worth 500 taels
That's right! Before he said anything
I already knew the price
500 taels is more then it's worth
You know what they say
better save a life than build a pagoda
Master Chan really needs that money
I'll chip in my killer cricket
That's worth 3000 taels
This is good
You have keen eyes
If Master Chan didn't need help
I would never part with it
My killer cricket has never lost
It's loud and quick
The typical fighter
They should be worth 3,000 taels
Alright! Pay up...
Yuk-lun, even a court official
makes less than 1,000 taels a year
How can a cricket be worth 2,500 taels?
Besides, we already have these tea cups
In that case, forget it
I'm sorry, Uncle
I'll think of something, Master Chan
Sure
Wait, Uncle
What are you doing?
Shit, I'm in trouble
This is the only one left
It's worth more now
I'm only trying to help
Pay up, hurry!'
Yuk-lun...
Be good to him
He has won a lot of money for me
I will
This is from Chin-hung
She wants to know if you have already forgotten her
Even if I did
I'll never forget her scent
then you should go see her
But I had an agreement with Yu-fung
She's your wife
You're stuck with her the rest of your life
Fa Chin-hung is different
You should have fun while you're still young
I'll go see her tonight
In less than a month
Wong Yuk-lun has reverted back to his old self
He want whoring every night
Leaving poor Great Great Granny to her lonesome
I would have dumped the guy
But for woman in those days
There was nothing they could do
Indulgence kills the spirit
You go drinking and whoring every day
and gambled away my fortune
I can live with that
How can you spend 3,000 on this garbage
and break my antique tea cups?
I'm sorry, Yuk-lun...
You can't blame Pui-leung
He's accountable for the books
3,000 taels alone
excluding the broken antique
is more than what he can cough up
If the tea cup is not worth 3,000 taels
This cricket more than made up for it
It's a killer cricket
You can't buy it with money
What are you doing?
You squashed my cricket!
How dare you raise your voice?
All you do is play!
You have no right to scold me
What?
You taught me everything
I'm only following your example
Talk about women
I'm nothing compared to you
You have 3 wives, I only have one
As for gambling and spending
I only spent half of what you spent
You ingrate! I'll kill you
Master...
Don't use that tone with your Father
Yuk-lun, you're wrong
Apologize to your Father
For what? I did nothing wrong
I'm going to kill you
Master...
Don't get upset
I'll apologize for Yuk-lun
It's not your fault, get up
You're too much, Yuk-lun
I want you to apologize now
Shut up!
Who do you think you are?
You're nothing but a maid
You shut up! You have no respect
You have never hit me before
now because of this maid
Get out! You're hopeless
Fine, I'll go
You have yourself to blame for this
Yuk-lun...
Master...
Father...
Yuk-lun...I'm begging
Please don't go, you'll break your Father's heart
What happened?
You were ordering me around just now
It's my fault
Blame everything on me, not your Father
Please don't go
Are you finished? Get lost!
Madam Hei
Yuk-lun...
How is he?
Yuk-lun enraged him yesterday
and he's been bad-ridden
He hasn't eaten anything
I made congee for you
with old orange peel and gingko nut
It can reduce the heat
He won't eat anything
His sorrow led to a relapse
The cure he needs is a matter of the heart
To get well
He must take a load off his mind
Yuk-lun, is that you?
He's the doctor, not Yuk-lun
I thought...
Retribution... it's my fault
Master...
Mind your health
You must eat something
I'll make whatever you like
That's right
I don't want to eat
It's retribution...
Here's Pui-leung
Well? How is it...
What happened to your leg?
What happened?
Did you find him?
He checked into a room at Tim Heung Yuan
He won't see me
and sent a dog after me
You're so useless
You can't bring him home
and got bitten by a dog
Let me look at that
Yuk-lun...
Master
Given Masters condition
We better find a fung-shui master
Have him tell us the signs
We need someone who works miracles
No, these are bad ideas...
But the doctor said...
No...
Please have mercy, Buddha
Spare the Master, take me instead
I'm willing to take his place
Please watch over Yuk-lun
Bring him home soon
I'll kowtow 10,00 times
to prove my sincerity
Please stop, Madam Hei
Look, you're bleeding
Buddha will watch over the Master
It was my fault
Yuk-lun quarreled with Master
If anything should happen
I'll never forgive myself
Don't worry, Madam Hei
I promise you I'll bring him back
Come on...
Place your bets...
Come on...
2-2-4, Small
Damn! What are you doing here?
You're getting in my way
Your father is very ill
The medication cannot cure him
The doctor said he needs to ease his mind
He wants to see you
Please go home?
He's always sick
Don't make a fuss
Don't try to fool me with your stories
I told you I'm not going home
Get out of my way
You should talk to him
Everyone is waiting for you
What should we bet on?
Let's bet on Big
Yuk-lun
Get out of my way
I promised Madam Hei
I'll bring you home
I'm not leaving without you
Stop nagging... get lost...
Don't mind her...let's continue
Come on...
Big...
Big!
Alright...
1-2-3, Small
This is spooky
Why are you still here?
Look at your long face
You'll drive away my luck
No wonder I'm losing
Get out...
Come... all on Big
Good!
Big!
Come on, place your bets...
Wait!
What now'?
I'll bet against you
Are you crazy?
Think what you want
All I want to know is
if you have the guts to bet against me
I bet on your underwear, remember?
I'll bet on anything
Good! You'll all be my witness
If I lose, I'll leave
and never interfere with your business
If you lose, you're coming with me
and make peace with your Father
Fine! If you win
I'll go with you
and stay home for a month
Fine! You bet on Big, I bet on Small
Let's have it
Let's see
Yuk-lun is home!
How nice!
Thank goodness!
It's my fault
Don't blame your Father
Even in his dreams, he's thinking of you
That's a good boy! Apologize to your Father
Go on
Don't forget what you promised
A man should not renege
That's good
Father, I'm home
Already? Why don't you wait till I'm dead?
You're fine if you're still mad
That's because he's happy to see you home
Stop arguing!
You know what they say
Father and son are born enemies
You're bickering again
Is everything squared away?
I'm glad you're home
Yuk-lun promised me
He'll turn over a new leaf
and refrain from drinking and gambling
That's wonderful!
Yu-fung
Thanks for bringing him home
Or else Master won't get well so soon
You have done us a great favor
Don't say that, I'm also part of this family
How did you manage to bring him home?
I gambled with him and he lost
That's why he came back
So it's pure luck?
Well, not quite
I found something rather odd
When Yuk-lun places a small bet
he usually wins
If he makes a big bet
The banker would make a small gesture
I suspect that's how they con him
and he'll usually lose
So I waited for him to place a big bet
to make a bet with him
All on Big
Good
Big...
Come on, place your bets...
Wait
What now'?
I'll get against you
You bet on Big, I bet on Small
Let's have it
I knew he'd lose
So I bet against him
and I won
You're as brave as you are smart
It's our blessing
I hope he'll turn over a new leaf
It's nothing but a petty trick
Compared to your plea to Buddha
and your concern for the family
I'm nothing
Especially towards Yuk-lun
as if he's your own son
Too bad he doesn't appreciate you
Yu-fung
Look around here
I'm going to the pharmacy
Madam Wong, I found the cook you're looking for
Shall I make the introductions?
Yes, please
Excellent!
We'll call it for the day
and continue tomorrow
Tung!
Yes!
Set up the guest room for Miss Fa
and the musicians
They're staying?
Would you rather I sleep out
or let them stay?
Whatever you say
As long as you're staying home
Sister!
Let him!
Don't get upset over something trivial
Chin-hung, you're in luck
My wife is an excellent cook
Yu-fung, I'm hungry
I'm giving you 2 hours
to make 6 appetizers and 6 main dishes
One of which must be crab
My stomach won't wait
If the food is not ready by than
You're forcing me to eat out
Get going!
I will
Choy, buy some crabs from the market
Yes, Mistress
Fook, peel the walnuts
Make sure your don't crush them
Yes, Mistress
Pick some fresh Huai Shan
Wash and peel them
Cut them into small sections
Yes, Mistress
Are you sure about this?
12 dishes in 2 hours?
If the ingredients are ready
There should be no problem
What worries me is
crabs are not in season
We may not find good ones
I think he's giving you a hard time
Maybe Madam Bik is right
At least he's spending time on me
instead of on somebody else
You're so understanding and forgiving
Let me help you
These chores are beneath you
I'm used to it when I was a maid
Don't worry about me
Yu-fung, you're truly amazing
You finished 6 dishes already
All thanks to you
We should be able to make it
But we still don't have crabs
There are no crabs in the market
Someone bought them all
Really? Could it be...
I'll have to take chance
My cook told me
Fried egg white is very similar to crab
Separate the egg white from the yolk
Debone and shred a steamed yellow croaker
to simulate the texture of crab
then fried the egg white and fish
add a broth and we're done
Well?
It has the texture
but not the taste of crab meat
We can't fool them
What am I forgetting?
I wish Yu Tsz were here
Master Yuk-lun is throwing a fit
What the hall is this?
No way! Crabs are sold out
If there are no crabs on the market
What the hall is this?
It tastes like crab
I brought the crabs
and added egg white for a better taste
Who are you? I haven't seen you before
He's our new chef
Yu-fung, I'm so worried about you
I heard about your wedding night...
I've been keeping tabs on you
I know you're unhappy here
As soon as I found out they're hiring a chef
I begged Master Cho to recommend me
I'm hoping I can stay by you
to protect you and take care of you
Master Yu, this is the Wong residence
Please don't call me by my name
Yes, Mistress
You're worrying yourself over nothing
Everyone is nice to me
I'm very happy
Really?
Let's forget the past
I hope you won't let Master Cho down
and do your job
and take care of Master Wong's diet
It'll be best for all of us
Yes, Mistress
How come my fried egg white
doesn't taste like yours?
I added diced scallops
Diced scallops?
Scallops taste a lot like crabs
After you add in scallops
you can better disguise it as crabs
I see
You've made great progress in your cooking
Don't be shy!
I don't want people to see us
So what?
I'm not afraid of anything
Besides, no one dares to mess with me
What if it's your wife?
Let her be jealous
Stop it
You must drink up if you run
What are you doing?
That's none of your business
I promised to stay home
but doesn't mean I can't drink at home
By the way, we need more food
How can you...
Go prepare Master Wong's meals
You're excused
Hear that?
You're new here, don't be a slacker
I'll send more food
Let me remind you
Alcohol is not good for you
If you get drunk
and do something out of line
Your Father won't like it
He doesn't scare me
I'll drink and get drunk if I want to
There's nothing you can do about it
This is the Wong residence
not the red-light district
I urge you to get some rest
I have a plan
Wong Sin-Kai's fortune
will be ours soon
Hurry! Don't drag it out
Don't worry
My plan is flawless
That idiot Yuk-lun
He won't catch on
I only know we can be together
and have all the money
You think she heard us?
I'm assuming she heard everything
I drank too much last night
My head hurts
Massage my temples
What's the matter?
You're awfully quiet today
I want to tell you something
I overheard your uncle and Fa Chin-hung in the backyard
There's something between them
I know you don't like her
But I can't believe
You'd be like Auntie Chiu
and spread malicious rumors
If Chin-hung is Uncle's girlfriend
He'd never introduce her to me
I'm telling you the truth
I overheard them...
Overheard my foot
I'd be a moron if I believe you
They're up to no good
I just want to remind you
You're the one who needs reminding
Try to get along with other woman
If you don't know how
ask my Mother about being a wife
I don't want to hear another word
about my Uncle and Fa Chin-hung
If you're not singing today
I'll be bored to death
I'm not feeling well
We can always do something else
Old Master Wong just started a game
Let's go take a look
That's so boring
I'd rather watch a cricket fight
Yuk-lun, have you turned a new leaf?
Uncle!
You should know better
If you want to go out
I can make that happen
Really?
I'll take care of it
But you must do as I tell you
I'm counting on you
to get me out of this jam
Stop right there, eunuch!
Didn't you hear Yuk-lun?
Watch your attitude!
He's talking to me? I didn't hear him
What's that?
Your Father's tonic
Good, I'm hungry. Put it down
This is for your Father
not for anyone else
He may not like it
Nobody dares to defy me
Give it here
Hey...
What is it? It stinks
It's a urine sample
What's the matter with you?
How dare you trick me?
I already told you
It's exclusively for your Father
You took it by force
Hey! Give it back!
Uncle, feed it to the dogs
Give it back!
Dogs don't even want it
Hey!
Stop it, Yuk-lun
Don't give him a hard time
Give it back
Fine
My Spice!
So much for 6 months' work
Spice? I thought it was your organ
Who said I'm a eunuch?
Sorry, Master Yu
I made some 5-spice powder
I'll apologize for him
It wasn't 5-spice powder
It's a hot spice called curry powder
It's an article of tribute
Master Cho gave it to me
I didn't realize it's so precious
I'm truly sorry
It's my fault
You must be wondering
why I'm not a eunuch
When Master Cho took me in
I was determined to be a good cook
and a eunuch
Kid, you think I'm serious?
I was only kidding
Testing your determination
Master Cho is such a superb teacher
I'm so happy for you
You're happy for me
but I'm worried about you
How can you put up with Wong Yuk-lun?
Spices can be bitter or hot
Sweet or sour
Depends on how you mix and match them
Take tangerine peel for instance
It maybe bitter and acrid
but it's an excellent spice
I have learn a lot in here
Pain is acceptable
as long as I can enjoy life in adversity
Maybe
I seldom understand what you're saying
I only know if he does this again
I'll fix him good
You already fixed him
Don't do it again
He has the upper hand
Next time I'm giving him dung
You're laughing
This is the first time I see you laugh
If you need anything
Just let me know, I'll help you
There is something...
I wish for safety
turn back luck into good fortune
Please rid us of all evils
Make her leave Yuk-lun
Make Yuk-lun behave
and get along with Yu-fung
and give us grandchildren
With all my heart
Madam Hei, Mistress...gone!!
Who?
Master Yuk-lun
Yuk-lun is gone?
No, he sent Fa Chin-hung away
Really? A divine intervention!
We must thank the gods
What I have prepared
are medicated vegetarian dishes
You are what you eat
If you work on your diet
You'll feel much better
than taking medication
What we have today include
Mushroom and bamboo piths
Sweet osmanthus and fresh bean curd stick
Chinese chive and fried eggs
Glehnia root soup
and other nutritious dishes
You must try mushroom and bamboo pith
It facilitates your circulation
and good for your joints
Glehnia root soup
can moisten the lungs and clears the heat
It's perfect for you
Master, you have deficient fire
According to Madam Bik and Madam Hei
You often wake from your sleep
and suffer from palpitation and night sweating
This soup can clear your veins
and reduce sweating
That's good
I tried Master Yu's puararia root soup
my eyes and nails are not as yellow
Is there anything for virility?
Try Chinese chive
A suitable amount of its seeds
can strengthen the spams and kidney
You should try it, Pui-leung
What?
Yu-fung, no wonder you're such a good cook
The Master Chef's pupil is your teacher
Madam Yu-fung is a fast learner
All I did was give her a few hints
Yu-fung is my daughter-in-law
Anyone from her family is one of us
If you need anything
Feel free to speak up
Just ask Tai-hei or Yu-fung
They can help you
Thank you, Master Wong
Father
You should eat more of this
That's more like it
I'm done, excuse me
You don't like the food?
No
Problems with the antique shop
What is it?
Some playboys are interested in antiques
One is a rich salt merchant from Lok Yeung
I thought with our reputation
The deal is a sure thing, but...
The largest salt pans are in Yeung Chou
I've never heard of salt merchants from Lok Yeung
What do you know?
Maybe he owns many salt pans in Yeung Chou
Go on, Uncle
But these playboys are only interested in having a good time
They won't negotiate if they're not having fun
That's right down your alley
I'm in no position to entertain them
Let Yuk-lun entertain them
I promised to stay home for a month
This is business
But...
No buts
You should separate business from pleasure
If you're conducting business
I won't stop you
then I'll do it with your blessing
This is so salty!
I noticed you have bad breath
That's why I added more salt
Have another bowl, Yuk-lun
It's Guanyin's birthday in 2 days
We must make our offerings
But the fortune teller told me
Rabbits and tigers will clash
I'm afraid I can't go with you
Yu-fung, you're a rabbit as well
You don't have to go
Yes, Madam
By custom, we must have millet wine afterwards
But I have a business deal to take care of
I can't help you with the wine
Why don't you ask Master Yu for help?
Yu-fung, I'll give you the keys later
Alright
Damn! This is a trap
Great Great Granny is in trouble!