If you won’t study, what will you accomplish?
How will you avenge the invasion of Chu?
I swear to you, it will be done!
Fine.
Starting today, I’ll teach you the specifics of war.
You’ll learn both every day. Yu Ziqi can also study with you.
I'll teach you the knowledge of our forefathers.
Promise me that I’ll learn something useful.
I promise.
But you have to promise me...
that you won’t be impulsive!
I promise you.
San! San! Listen to me! We’ll set off in three days!
-Hey! Listen, we leave in three days! -I’m not going!
-You’re not going? How dare you! -You hit me! That won’t make me go!
How dare you! How dare you!
Hey! Mr. Ji! Mr. Ji!
How's your son? Is he ready to leave? He’ll have to go in three days.
If he leaves home, we’ll have no one to tend the fields!
So you mean that he’s not going?
-Can we have a little more time? -I don't think so.
Stop, stop, stop!
Do what I told you, just get yourself some cash and marry her.
Ji, I just feel like Lyu Xu is... she’s kind of...
What’s the matter?
She can kill herself, but her marriage isn’t up to her.
-Hey, thank you a lot, Ji. -Don't thank me.
Make sure you thank my wife someday.
She worked hard to make this happen for you.
You see? She’s there now!
Next time, she’ll bring Lyu Xu straight here, so you two can talk.
Serve it to you on a plate!
When Lyu Xu gets here, don’t go all quiet, or this is all pointless.
I got it. I’ll talk.
Lu Wan...
what in the hell made you like her?
I just love her.
And plus, you and I are friends, and now we’ll be family.
Doesn’t that sound great?
Yeah I suppose it is.
The lot of us are all good-for-nothings. We’re lucky that any women want us.
Where’s your sister?
Where’s Lyu Xu?
Be quiet!
I just saw Lyu Xu making love with Fan Kuai.
What? What’s that?
No wait! Don’t…
What? Ji…
-Ji… -You god damn animals!
Ji, why didn’t you announce yourself?
Who's your husband?
Who? Who?
You little slut!
You know that is Lu Wan’s woman, don’t you?
-I know. -Then why’d you do it?
I know I shouldn’t, but I couldn’t control myself!
-Ji, what should I do now? -I'll have to clean up your shit!
We have to leave soon.
So do whatever you want with her! And I hope you make her pregnant!
With regards to Lu Wan...
I’ll try and explain it. Don’t cause me problems again!
Yes. Look Ji,
you know I’m no good with words. But I’m not dumb, either!
I know you helped me, and it embarrassed you.
I’ll remember that, I’ll always remember it,
-...and one day I’ll pay you back! -Shut up, shut up, shut up! Quiet!
Fan Kuai, that moron!
He did it because he hates me! A hell of a friend!
What kind of a friend would do that?
He’ll get what’s coming! He’ll get what’s coming!
Lu Wan, have some soup.
Listen to me, listen to me...
-Fan Kuai is a pretty careless person... -That asshole! That asshole!
but he usually means well, doesn’t he?
You can’t blame him for everything. It’s also my sister’s fault.
I didn’t teach her right, and that’s my fault.
There are many girls better than her, so don’t get hung up on her!
She doesn't deserve you!
Zhi! Zhi! Your husband hit me!
Don’t you come here and cry! You’re lucky I don’t hit you more!
Don’t ever show your face here!
Get out of here! Get out! Go! Never come back!
Zhi!
Leave!
Forget it, Zhi. Forget it, forget it, forget it…
-I'm so angry! -Just forget it.
I know you and Ji tried to help me.
And I know...
Ji always means what he says, he’s a man whose promises count!
And I know he’ll get somewhere in the future!
And I'll be right there with him, to help him.
If he wants a bird’s nest, I’ll hold the ladder.
If he wants to catch fish, I’ll make his basket.
And that’s how it is.
The truth is, he feels like he broke his promise to me.
No, he didn’t. No, he didn’t.
I won’t let him feel like that. Because it’s me who refused Lyu Xu.
It’s me who broke it off.
That’s why she fell in love with Fan Kuai.
It’s not your fault at all!
Here. Lu Wan, drink with me.
Lu Wan, I promise you right now...
I’ll find you a good woman to marry.
Thank you.
-Lu Wan, Lu Wan… -Let go!
-Just listen to me! -Don’t touch me!
Listen to me!
You slept with my woman. What do you want from me?
I don’t want anything.
Now look, Ji already yelled at me. I feel like I was in the wrong.
But I just couldn’t control myself.
Lu Wan, if it’s that bad,
just take this stick and smack me. Smack me hard.
-Really? -Yeah.
I took two coppers, and you sold me out.
I wanted a wife, and then you slept with her.
Yeah, but this time, I didn’t mean it.
You did it on purpose! You wanted to humiliate me!
I’m going to beat your face in, and then castrate you!
God damn it.
I respect you! Why were you so rough?
You hit me back! You said I could take it out on you!
I didn’t say you could kill me!
I’m going to kill you!
-I’ll kill you! -Kill me?
Kill me then!
God damn you!
I’ll kill you!
Stand up! Get your ass off the ground!
Stand up!
Are you dead? Couldn’t you take it?
Fan Kuai! Fan Kuai! Fan Kuai!
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
Are you done yet?
You listen here, we’re not done yet. Buy me a drink!
You want a drink? No problem. I’ll buy as much as you want.
Now, help me get up.
I'm glad to have my friend back.
Listen, about sleeping with Lyu Xu, I really couldn’t control myself.
Keep practicing.
I can’t. I can’t. I’m finished. You won the match, all right?
You admit defeat? You pay for drinks tonight.
-Hey, Xiang Yu, -What?
I know you’re much better than I am with swords...
But when it comes to making them, I don’t think you can do it.
Making them?
It’s something I’d like to learn. Teach me how next time. Here.
All right, but that means I won today...
and now you’re my apprentice. The drinks are still on you tonight.
Hey…
Xiang Yu...
I’ve thought about this for a long time, and there’s something I need to tell you.
We’ve been friends for a while now, and I think you’re a reliable man.
I have a sister who's at the age to get married.
And I've been thinking, I want her to marry a reliable man.
What do you say? Should I introduce you to her?
Hey, something wrong? Do you have a girl you love?
Hey, who’s the lucky girl?
Since you're not interested in my sister, why don’t you tell me who it is?
I just saw her once and from a distance.
What? Only a glance from at a distance and you’re smitten?
Tell me about her then....
Just what kind of a woman makes you fall so deeply in love?
Yu Ziqi, have you ever… felt love at first sight?
That feeling... it’s a special one.
It’s like...
whenever I think of her...
I feel my heart has found a home.
Thinking of her...
makes me forget everything that’s wrong in life.
I can't help but to smile blissfully.
And…
-What’s so funny? -I had no idea!
I had no idea that a valiant, heroic man such as you,
a tough-looking guy, a born killer, had a soft side!
Hey, quit the sword practice, you should write poetry!
Ziqi, aren't they pretty?
You’re prettier.
It’s been a few days. Why haven't you gone for sword practice?
I can’t beat him. It’s boring. Forget it.
And…
he didn’t come visit?
He didn’t.
I think he must be busy with something.
Then you should go see him.
Come on, Yu Ji, you really like to see me lose, don’t you?
If he’s such a skilled swordsman, you should learn everything you can.
There’s nothing wrong with learning.
That's not learning!
He's too strong. He hits too hard.
Please be careful during practice. I don’t want him to get hurt.
Sure.
Hey, Yu Ji, who did you suggest would hurt me in a fight?
I meant to say when you practice sword fighting...
you have to be careful.
Xiang Yu!
Xiang Yu! Let’s make swords.
Where did you get this whip?
That’s the whip I got from her.
But this whip comes from my house.
Seems like quite a coincidence, doesn’t it?
The girl you love is actually my sister.
-Your sister? -Yes.
Does she ride a very fine horse, a horse with a coat like midnight,
not a stray hair, from nose to tail?
A very big horse with a wide and strong back...
and eyes that can touch the soul.
That’s a black horse, the type we raise.
That horse has a very bad temper. Only my sister Yu Ji can control it.
-And she is very good at the guqin? -Not just good at it. She's great at it.
It's the sound of lofty mountains and flowing water.
What a coincidence.
Ziqi, I’m nothing but a fool, don’t you think?
She lives right here under my nose. I never expected that she was your...
No wonder! Every time I speak of you, she never asks questions.
And lately I’ve noticed that she likes to sit and stare at the mirror,
her brows furrowed, and a blush on her cheeks.
It turns out that she’s in love!
And the man she’s in love with is you!
Good! Perfect!
Xiang Yu, I'll tell you what, this coincidence is destiny at work!
All right...
she returned home yesterday. I’ll bring her here right now,
so we can discuss what to do next about your marriage.
You’re a perfect match.
You just wait right here!
-Ziqi… -What is it?
All of this...
it's in the past now.
Take this whip back to her for me.
It’s impossible for us.
What do you mean?
I'm seeking vengeance.
I can’t think of myself nor be distracted.
Hey! Xiang Yu!
Yu'er, don’t be so rash!
Xiang Yu…
Xiang Zhuang?
Yu'er, it has been months! Your fighting skills have improved!
Uncle, I…
-Zhuang… -Uncle…
-Liang… -Well...
do you have to set off?
Yes, that’s right. And Zhuang is with us now.
Tomorrow morning, the four of us will set out for Kuaiji.
Wonderful.
-Xiang Yu… -Yes?
It’s very late. Do you need something?
-Come on, come inside. -Ziqi, no...
I’m not going inside.
I just want to sit here, and then I’ll leave.
Xiang Yu...
I’ve thought about what you told me last time.
-And I think... -Ziqi...
in the coming days...
I’ll do something important.
It's for my ambitions and my family’s glory.
For all these years...
I’ve been waiting for this moment.
I’m sorry...
but I can’t tell you what I’m going to do.
But when it’s over...
and if I’m still alive...
I’ll come back here and...
explain to you and Yu Ji what I’ve done.
Xiang Yu, you’ve said enough.
I understand you.
Since you trust me enough to be honest with me,
I’ll also say that if you trust me as your friend...
then take me with you.
You might be better with swords, but will you believe me…
if I say that if things get really bad...
I’m a trustful friend in a fight.
Of course I know you’re not a coward.
Sneak attack!
Ziqi...
I’m grateful for your kindness.
We need to make something clear.
A man’s own business is up to him.
You just take good care of your sister.
Let’s go.
-Liu Ji! Good news! -Yes?
-What is it? -Mr. Xiao asked me to bring a message.
He said, “Go tell that dirt bag Liu Ji...
that I damn near killed myself, but I got you fifty prisoners for corvée!”
-Fifty prisoners? -Yeah.
-Exactly Fifty of them! -Great!
So if you want them, take them with you.
I always knew Mr. Xiao had it in him!
Liu Ji, I’ve had some contact with these prisoners.
Most of them are easy to deal with. Only a few will cause you problems.
I got it!
In three days, come to the prison to pick them up.
Go back and tell Mr. Xiao that I owe him one!
I got it!
All right! That’s enough wood to last you two winters!
Why did you get me so much wood? Not coming back?
Hey, you’re pregnant. You shouldn’t do housework.
A little housework won’t kill me.
Working diligently might mean we'll have a son.
Sons are useless!
In this day and age, sons all die young.
-You want our son to die? -I think daughters are better.
What good would a daughter do? She'd get married and leave home.
I’m happy as long as I have you.
Zhi...
there’s something…
-I have to tell you now. -What is it?
Whilst I’m away...
don't forget that you’re my wife.
When you're alive, your body belongs to me.
When you're dead, your ghost belongs to me too!
Let’s be cautious.
We have to think of everything.
Tell all the boys not to bring money.
Money can’t help us there. Leave it all at home.
But bring a lot of food.
These guys are criminals.
-We’ll need to bring some clubs and ropes. -Okay.
Especially Yong Chi, he's dangerous.
We’ll have to watch him.
It'll be okay. We’ll all be there...
so he won’t cause much trouble. We’ll kill him!
Just make sure you have a plan. Don’t leave him any openings.
Oh! Mr. Xiao!
-Come on in! -All right then.
-You know what to do. -I’ll tell them what you said.
-Mr. Xiao… -Yes.
Here, have a seat.
Liu Ji, you’re about to go north. I came to say goodbye.
Thank you. Here. Sit.
Liu Ji...
you’ve done a big thing for the county. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Mr. Xiao, you’re flattering me.
We all know...
what you’ve done to help the villagers.
I'm doing what I can to help, too.
He’s right, Mr. Xiao.
We’re your friends, you don’t have to thank us.
Here, have some water.
Everybody knows it’s hard to hold a high rank.
You trust Liu Ji with such important jobs, this proves that you really trust him.
-You don't need to thank him for it. -No.
She’s wrong about that.
I did Mr. Xiao a huge favor, and he owes me!
-Thank you for your kind words. -I’ll go inside. You two talk.
Liu Ji, this isn’t going to be an easy mission.
I don’t think anyone but you could do the job.
Mr. Xiao, you know I’ll try my best.
These prisoners aren't easy to deal with.
I don’t know what trouble they might bring you...
but if one of them escapes,
you know Qin law, you might also be punished for it.
Yes, don’t worry.
- I know all the risks. -Yes.
The trip will be a hard one, and you’ll have problems.
You’ll have to move fast.
If you're late, they’ll behead all of you.
That’s up to heaven.
But I’ll try to get them there on time.
Good. That’s all I need to hear.
As for those who'll travel with you, tell me if their families need anything.
Mr. Xiao, don’t worry. I took care of it all.
Well...
then I guess this is goodbye. And take this, too.
-Mr. Xiao, is that money? -Of course, it’s money.
What will I do with money?
You don’t know what might happen on the road.
-You never know what you can use it for. -So money solves everything?
There will be problems.
Mr. Xiao, you’re worrying far too much.
You entrusted me with the job...
so just sit back and let me take care of it.
You mean you want…
Take it back.
-Or else I won’t make the trip. -All right.
I appreciate it.
-Then… take care of yourself. -Wait.
-Lyu Zhi! -Yes?
Bring dinner for us.
Mr. Xiao and I will have our goodbye dinner.
-Okay. -Come with me…
-All right, dinner it is! -Come inside.
I’ve told you many times.
We’re not going to Lishan to guard the border nor to fight a war.
You’re right, it’s a little far.
It might be tough, but I doubt it’ll kill me.
There wasn’t much time, so I just made one pair.
With the ones on your feet and a pair from dad,
you have three pairs of shoes.
-I hope they're enough for a long journey. -They are.
-No. You’re pregnant. Let me do it. -It'll be fine.
I also made your favorite dates. Here.
When will you be back?
I told you. Soon.
I’ve heard many people say…
not many come back from corvée.
Don’t worry, all right?
I’ll be back home soon.
If you die, I’ll kill myself.
That again?
Ji...
when you come back, you’ll have a son.
Are you sure it’s a boy?
Yes, I’m positive.
Okay, okay, okay...
I’ll wait for you.
Now go.
Go on. Go on.
Le, let's go.
Le, listen to mom.
Dad, I’m leaving.
Ji, I don’t know if you’ll ever come home, or when I’ll see you again.
Come on, it’s corvée service. Nothing is going to happen.
Ji...
I know I scold you and beat you, but do you know how much I love you?
Okay! Stop crying! Stop crying! What’s the crying for?
The house and crops, you’ll have to take care of those for me.
Dad, don’t worry. I’ll be back before the rice harvest.
Nobody moves. Say goodbye here, all right?
And knock it off with the crying. You’ll embarrass me like this.
-Take care. -Go inside. Go inside.
See you.
You be careful! Be very careful! And don’t cause trouble!
Okay, okay, okay…
-Stand up! I said stand up! -Don’t touch me!
Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me!
-Forty-five! -Get up!
-Get up! I said get up! -Forty-six!
Don’t touch me. Touch me and I’ll kill you!
-Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! -Forty-seven!
Forty-eight!
-Get up! -Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me!
-Forty-nine!
Did you hear me! Hurry!
-Fifty! -Get up!
I’m not going anywhere!
I’m going to die, so I’d rather die right here!
Fifty people. All of them are here.
-Now they’re all yours. -I’m staying right here!
I’m staying right here!
I know I’m a dead man, so why don’t you just kill me here?
Don’t touch me.
Don’t touch me!
Bring him along.
-It’s a long trip. He can amuse us. -Yes.
Liu Ji, it’s not a road.
Keep one eye open when you sleep because I’ll be coming for you!
Oh, my! I’m terrified!
-Let's go! -Yes.
-Everybody up! Get up! Stand up! -No way! I’m not going anywhere!
-Hurry! Hurry! -Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me!
-Get up! Get up! Hey! Hey! Hey! -Don’t touch me!
Daddy!
Open the gate up! Hurry!
Don’t take my son!
-Keep up! - Don’t take away my son! Hey!
Liu Ji...
be careful out there.
-Watch them. Don’t let them escape. -I got it.
It’s a long trip. Be kind to them.
Of course, I’ll be kind. They’re my neighbors.
None of us want to do this.
I’m most afraid that once we leave, the people here will starve.
Refrain from complaining, The Qin laws are not to be taken lightly.
Release my son! Let my son go!
Be careful. Come back alive.
What?
Will I come back? Do you think I’ll make it back?
Will any of them make it back?
Mr. Xiao, you know what we’re going into.
Mr. Xiao, I only want one thing.
If I don’t come back, please take care of my family.
That I will.
Also...
if I die out there...
find my corpse...
and bury me whole.
Get moving!
-Don’t take my son! -You can’t take my son!
Hey! What are you looking at?
Ma'am…
-You listen here. You’re good for nothing! -Xin…
Oh, you’re back so soon?
-Mr. Wang… -You're back.
I’m terribly upset today.
I’d like to have a talk with you. Now, sit down.
Why haven’t you brought the food out? How long has our guest been waiting?
Guest? He eats three meals a day here. It’s more like he lives here!
Mr. Wang, what made you so upset today?
Subtitle translation by Chia-Chin Wu