[English subtitles are available.]
Winter Begonia
Episode 22
Mr. Shang.
-I beg you. -Stand up.
Help me. Please help me.
Stand up.
Mr. Shang, please save me out of there.
I can earn money for you.
Mr. Shang, only with you,
can I keep singing opera.
With me?
You’ll never sing.
You have no backbone.
How can you be a star on the stage?
Stand up.
If you will,
come to me when you have a chance.
I’ll teach you opera.
Mr. Shang.
Stand up.
How come you kneel again?
Mr. Shang, we need to go now.
If Sixi’er sees it,
he’ll be angry
-and make a scene. -Don’t worry.
I’ll take care of this.
I can’t see such a good performer
suffer in Yunxi Theater.
Go back.
OK. Go.
Go to wash your clothes.
Mr. Cheng. Are you serious?
You are picky about the performers.
It’s not easy that you like someone.
I will save him out.
But look at what Sixi’er did.
He doesn’t want Zhouzi to be a star.
And he’s always against me.
He won’t let him go easily.
We need a further consideration.
Mr. Cheng. Mr. Shang.
I’ll go if you don’t have anything else.
Keep what happened today as a secret.
I don’t want to hear rumors.
Don’t worry, Mr. Cheng.
I am a good secret keeper.
Chief, take care.
Chief.
Dezi. Dezi. Dezi.
Chief. Go now.
These are not common soldiers.
Everything will be fine as long as you are alive.
Also, you are not alone now.
Go!
-Dezi! Dezi! Dezi! -Dezi!
Guys, put on the civilians’ clothes.
Let’s run to the mountain.
Chief.
What about our bros who were caught?
Let’s go out first.
I’ll take care of other things.
[General Headquarters]
Sir,
an independent battalion with 200 soldiers from Nanking
came Peking to inspect the economy and security.
Economy is economy.
Security is security.
A team of 200 people can fight a battle.
Who is their commander?
Liu Hanyun.
Is it him?
Yes.
Liu Hanyun killed many bandits
on his way.
Including bandits of Laozi Ridge?
What?
Nothing. I know.
You can go back.
Gu Dali!
Cao Guixiu!
How did you come in?
It’s none of your business.
What happened? Why were you hurt?
Stop pretending!
I just knocked out your teeth.
But you killed my people!
Did something really happen in Laozi Ridge?
♫ I can’t put up with the torture of my step-mother ♫
♫ So I just pick up reed catkins at the wilderness ♫
♫ At home ♫
Stop.
Repeat the sentence that you just sang.
♫ So I just pick up ♫
Why do I feel it
annoying?
Master!
Our big customer comes. Come.
Keep practicing.
Don’t waste much time at here.
You’ll never step on the stage.
Go to the backyard to do the chores.
The goods sent to the commander has arrived.
Fengtai.
Mr. Ma.
You are here.
Go back.
Yes.
How is it going?
Sixi’er has been
in this industry for many years.
He’s too cunning.
I tell you.
I ask my man to choose performers in Yunxi.
Do you know what Sixi’er did?
He didn’t show the good ones.
He only asked those
bad performers out.
My men
was afraid to give himself away,
so he didn’t ask about Zhouzi directly.
Also,
Sixi’er said
that he’s an opera master
instead of a trafficker.
And in his words,
these kids are performers.
The time that they work for him can be discussed.
But there’s no way
that they sign the contract.
If we want to
save Zhouzi out,
we need to send a totally strange one
in this circle.
If Sixi’er knows that
Mr. Shang wants Zhouzi,
he will hit Zhouzi to death.
Well...
Except the troupes,
who else have opera performers?
Only those who are
wealthy and powerful have that time.
Where should I find one?
Fengtai.
How about going to the chamber of commerce
and ask for their help?
The chamber belongs to Peking.
We can’t even tell a lie.
They’ll easily know it’s me.
Then what’s our next move?
Mr. Cheng, Mr. Cao and a guest come to you.
He killed many of my people. You won’t avenge?
You can’t!
I’ll revenge for you sooner or later.
I will gain the justice back for your men.
Taking caring yourself is the most important thing.
Come on. Sit down.
Uncle.
Find her a place.
Why don’t you take her
to the barrack?
Look at her.
She can disguise like a man
if she puts on your uniform.
I can’t.
It would be OK four months ago.
But I can’t make it now.
You are so accurate.
Fine.
Seems that I need to congratulate Commander Cao
to have a grandson.
It’s none of that Cao’s business. This is my son.
He’s the successor of Laozi Ridge.
He’ll be the king of bushranger.
What are you laughing for?
You look down on me?
What if it’s a daughter?
She’ll be the queen of bushranger.
Yes.
Well...
The king or the queen
of bushranger,
I think each one is OK.
We should calm down and not take action.
Well, I arrange you a place
in Peking.
Once there’s information of Liu Hanyun,
I’ll tell you immediately.
Thanks, uncle.
No worries.
Liu Hanyun comes to Peking under orders.
Apparently he’s here to inspect economy and security,
but in fact, he comes for the firearms smuggling
of Cao and Cheng.
Uncle, are the firearms that you
gave Laozoi Ridge marked?
I’ve been doing this business for many years.
I won’t leave any mark on the package.
He won’t get any clue through the package.
That’s fine.
I wonder whether he’ll target you obviously
and frame you stealthily.
It’s a Greek gift anyway.
I need to tell the commander now.
By the way, Mr. Cao.
Here’s another thing.
Could you do me a favor?
Mrs. Wang. Where are you from?
I am from Shangtung.
Shangtung?
Your dress looks elegant.
Mr. Wang must do some important business.
You are right.
It’s about people’s life.
But he’s busy.
I just want someone who can sing
to kill my time.
This is a right place.
Look.
The best kids are
all here.
They know all
the good places in Peking.
I’m sure they’ll make you brighter.
Mr. Xi, are you fooling me?
Look at them.
No one looks good.
I don’t even want to look at them.
How come they play with me?
What if my baby looks like them
when I always see them?
Will you take the responsibility?
Stop joking.
Mrs. Wang.
What’s your idea?
To be honest,
at Huibin Theater,
I saw a handyman
named...
Zhouzi.
Ask him out.
He’s a coward.
He knows nothing.
I’m afraid he’ll make you angry.
I am the decider.
Ask him out now.
If Mrs. Wang likes him,
you’ll be rewarded more handsomely.
OK, Mrs. Wang.
Let me show you the way.
Please. Mrs. Wang.
Leader.
Mrs. Wang. What do you think?
Fine. Prepare your things.
Go with me within this month.
Leader. Where do you want me to go?
Leader, please make me stay.
I serve you and wash your clothes.
At least, I’ll have a chance to
perform on the stage.
Perform on the stage?
Dream on. Jerk.
Alright.
Tie him.
I don’t go! I don’t go!
Let go of me!
Let...
Is this Mrs. Wang a bandit?
Everything is
deiced by his fate.
Get out.
[Peking Opera Association First Theater]
♫ My father Jiang Shao does business outside ♫
♫ I can’t put up with the torture of my step-mother ♫
♫ So I just pick up reed catkins at the wilderness ♫
How old are you?
14.
You are quite outstanding among your peers.
Staying with me,
I can make you better.
Will you?
I...
What’s the matter?
Kid.
Slowly. Don’t be choked.
I don’t know how he sings,
but he looks like you when eating.
Ignore him. Go ahead.
How long haven’t you eaten?
How come you were hungry to faint?
Delicious.
I haven’t eaten meat for years.
He didn’t give you meat?
Did Sixi’er want you to live?
Our leader said that meat ruins our figure.
The audiences don’t like it.
Nonsense.
Mr. Cai is fat enough,
but he’s still popular.
Stop it.
He’s not fat, but plump.
You’ll offend him
if he knows.
Don’t be afraid.
I tell you.
Sixi’er
is not young.
He’s on the way to the tomb.
Just work hard on the opera.
When he’s dead, you’ll be a star.
Mr. Shang.
How can you teach kids this way?
Even though Sixi’er lived to 70,
it’s still 20 years ahead.
What will you do during these years?
Torture him?
He won’t be a star anyway.
Save your lecture.
I put a lot of efforts
into saving Zhouzi from Yunxi.
Why?
Maybe after he steps on the stage, he’ll be popular.
In this industry,
once you are a star,
nothing can be your barrier.
What’s your stage name
when you perform?
You can’t just be named Zhouzi.
I need to think about it.
Please stop it.
Look the names you gave them.
From Zhengyue Hong to Layue Hong.
You never put efforts.
I wasn’t serious on that.
I’ll give him a name seriously.
With my lucky name, he will be a star.
Come on, be serious.
The performers
should have exquisite names,
especially for those who play female roles.
It’s...
How about Zhou Xiangyun?
[Zhou Xiangyun]
Are these words?
Let me have a look.
It sounds delicate.
It also looks good.
See clearly.
It’s awkward if you can’t read your own name.
Mr. Shang.
You are so kind to me.
How can I repay you?
You ate my pork joint.
What will I eat?
When I teach you opera next time,
bring me a new one.
OK, Xiao Lai.
Take him to Shuiyun Theater.
OK, don’t worry.
Stand up.
Go.
He’s just a handyman.
Does he have money to buy pork joint?
Xiao Lai will give him money.
Mr. Shang.
Do you really think he can be a star?
Not all performers can be stars.
What else should he do?
The secret can’t be spoken.
He must feel it by himself.
Your massage is very good.
Of course.
Here.
Give me more.
Is this Sixi’er’s apprentice?
Sixi’er’s apprentice
comes here alone.
What? Will you bring us trouble?
What were you talking about?
Xiao Lai. Please give me.
I tell you.
This is Zhou Xiangyun.
Our leader invited him here.
From now on,
he’ll live here.
He’s an honest guy.
Don’t bully him.
Our leader invited him?
Xiao Lai. Don’t cheat us.
There’s no honest guy in Yunxi.
How come I waste time to cheat you?
When our leader comes back,
you can ask him.
Move your pigsty
for him.
Is this a pigsty?
Don’t bother.
I slept on the chair in Yunxi.
I’m satisfied enough to
have a shelter.
You slept on the chair?
Did you practice the skill of Iron Slab?
Yunxi is harsher
than Shuiyun.
Do you think so, Dasheng?
What are you talking about?
Since the leader let me take care of you,
I need to arrange things well.
You don’t move?
OK, let me do it.
I’ll throw them out.
Xiao Lai. Xiao Lai. Xiao Lai.
I move. I move.
We do it ourselves.
We move.
Hurry. Hurry.
Move.
Quilt.
Hurry up.
OK. It’s late.
Have a rest.
You still need to practice tomorrow.
Xiao Lai. Bye.
-Bye. -Xiao Lai.
Have a good rest at here.
Don’t think about others.
Xiao Lai. See you.
What?
What are you doing?
Sleep at the corner.
Don’t make us infected with the disease of Sixi’er.
Hurry.
Didn’t you hear?
Don’t touch. It’s dirty.
I’ll sleep.
Dasheng.
What does he mean?
Sleep.
Get lost!
Get out!
What’s happening here?
Did you hurt?
No.
Who did it?
It’s too dark to see clearly.
Don’t be afraid. Tell me.
Don’t be a coward!
Are you sure that you didn’t see it clearly?
Don’t pretend!
You were all triumphant when bullying him.
Stand out to be responsible for what you did.
Dasheng. Are you deaf?
Leader. I was asleep.
Bring my shoes.
Where are the shoes?
I was sleeping.
Leader. The floor is cold. Put them on.
I didn’t blame you for days.
Give an inch and you'll run a mile?
Leader. I swear I don’t know.
I just woke up.
Yes. I was in my dream.
But I was woken up suddenly.
Yes, leader.
Maybe he went out when he was sleepwalking.
Stop!
You are all good at wording.
Why don’t you sing opera with this skill?
Leader. He’s a stranger here.
He’s also a member of Yunxi.
Why did you blame us for him?
Right.
Zhou Xiangyun. Come in!
Come in!
Indeed, he’s a stranger.
But he performs better than all of you.
Leader, I’ll talk back if you say so.
I came from a troupe.
And I’ve been learning opera from you for years.
How come I’m worse than this lad?
Right.
How about this?
I’ll choose an opera.
You select a boy among you to
compete against Zhou Xiangyun.
Do you dare?
Yes.
This lad?
What’s the reward?
If you win, I’ll double your payment
every month.
Really?
Go back to sleep.
Mr. Shang, don’t...
Are you timid?
How can you be a star in the future?
OK, it’s deal.
It’s deal.
You go back with me.
Don’t be frightened tomorrow.
Cut him down to size tomorrow.
What a mess.
Turn off the light. Sleep.
Well... Mr. Shang.
What?
Is the quilt cold?
No.
I...
Listen.
When I was at your age,
I violently beat the one
who drove me out
of the room.
He would be afraid when he saw the bed.
Your courage
has been almost ruined by Sixi’er.
Yes. I’m not confident
in tomorrow’s competition.
Don’t grow apprehensive.
Even if you lost,
I am still your investor.
Just focus on what you sing.
Mr. Shang. It’s so kind of you.
No one was
so kind to me.
In my next life,
I’ll do everything I can
to repay you.
No.
I’ll repay you in this life.
I will...
Layue. Please help us.
I didn’t engage in what you did last night.
I play male roles.
How can I compete against a female role?
You two can play in one show.
You are the best among us.
We’ll get double payment.
Please.
Yes.
Don’t be
nervous later.
Show all of your ability.
I’ll take you to have good food if you win.
I won’t beat you if you lose.
But...
I didn’t perform in front of so many people.
There are only more than ten people.
You’ll face hundreds of audiences
when you perform in a theater.
OK. Stop talking.
Show yourself.
Go.
Let’s see his ability.
Yes.
I am Layue Hong, a performer who plays old men.
I am Zhouzi... I am Zhou Xiangyun,
a performer who plays females.
He can’t even say his roles clearly.
I’m afraid that he’ll terribly lose.
Sing Meilong Town. Can you?
Zhou Xiangyun. It starts from you.
♫ The moon lights up the whole world ♫
♫ Where are you from ♫
What’s this?
Not good.
What’s wrong with this guy?
Mr. Shang, I’m too nervous.
Please give me one more chance.
Take it easy. Think before you sing.
Calm down.
Good opera comes when you are relaxed,
not when you are laborious.
♫ The moon lights up the whole world ♫
♫ Where are you from ♫
♫ Feng, don’t ask me ♫
♫ Every corner in this world is my home ♫
♫ Sir, please don’t say that ♫
♫ You shouldn’t flirt our good girls ♫
♫ Good girls ♫
♫ Never wear begonia ♫
♫ You are bashful ♫
♫ Which looks very pretty ♫
♫ This begonia makes you dissolute ♫
♫ Begonia begonia ♫
♫ It was taken by ♫
By whom?
What a terrible show.
How to continue?
Zhou Xiangyun.
You were invited by our leader.
I thought you were capable.
Is this all your capacity?
You are even worse than an apprentice.
Layue Hong, what did you say?
He’s just lack of experience.
He’s not like you guys.
Our leader is good enough to you.
Xiao Lai.
You’ve been speaking for him since he came.
Do you have a crush on him
because he looks good?
-What did you say? -What did you say?
Shut your mouth!
Our leader is still here.
Stop your nonsense!
Stop it.
I heard your voice before.
I know your ability is more than this.
Leader. Don’t find excuse for him.
Please
announce the result.
Please announce it.
We’re waiting for the double payment.
Obviously, we won. Leader.
-Yes. -Don’t cheat us.
Yes, the result is obvious.
Announce, please.
Mr. Shang. Come to have breakfast with me.
Just one sentence. Wait for a while.
Let’s talk about it when I’m back.
What?
Leader! Leader!
Don’t regret!
Leader. Don’t regret!
Mr. Cheng, you came so early today.
I was standing at the door for a while.
So I didn’t miss this wonderful show.
What a wonderful show?
They didn’t even open their mouth.
It was like meow.
It really made me angry.
So what’s the result you’ll give?
How can you make Zhouzi the winner
after he ruined his performance?
Of course I can’t.
He really made me embarrassed
with his performance.
You heard what Zhouzi sang.
He was too nervous to perform well today.
If he loses this time,
his life will be hard in Shuiyun Theater.
Respect
is gained by themselves.
No one can help them if they don’t work hard.
Those boys only accept
the ones who are capable.
If I am partial to Zhouzi,
they’ll cruelly torture him
in private.
I also experienced this when I was young.
No one protected me.
I gained what I have on my own.
You never had stage freight?
Of course I had.
Any face person will be timid.
How did you overcome it?
When I first stepped on the stage,
it felt like my legs and mouth were not mine.
My father took off my clothes and
asked me to go home from the theater.
I was so ashamed.
Your dad was cruel.
I couldn’t think of such a way even in my next life.
Actually,
after you are totally humiliated,
you won’t be
craven anymore.
Don’t apply this
on Zhouzi.
He didn’t dare to sing in front of more than 10 people.
If you ask him to walk on the street nakedly,
he may suicide tomorrow.
I got it.
You mean Zhouzi has a thin skin
and I have a thick skin?
Change your way.
You are smart.
It’s a piece of cake for you to teach a kid.
Of course.
I’ll make it now.
Are you full?
Leader. Leader. Leader.
Layue Hong won.
From now on,
every one of you will have
double payment.
Nice!
Good news.
Good.
Zhou Xiangyun, follow me.
Mr. Shang, where will we go?
Go! What are you waiting for?
Follow him. Stop talking.
Good.
Mr. Shang.
Have a seat.
Waiter.
Serve Mr. Shang.
Mr. Shang, please have a seat.
Sit.
I tell you.
The meat sauce noodles taste good here.
What else do you want to eat?
Order what you want.
I lost the game and face.
I also made you lose money.
Don’t you blame me?
Will it work?
Won’t you be timid if I blame you?
Don’t be hurried. Step by step.
Mr. Shang. It’s so kind of you.
Stop talking these now. Let’s order.
You are as thin as a monkey.
I only need noodles with nothing.
How come?
Sir.
Tow bowls of meat sauce noodles.
More meat, less noodles and 4 eggs.
Also, 1 kilo sauced beef.
-OK. -Mr. Shang. Can we finish these?
You’ll finish if you eat a whole day at here.
How can you learn opera if you are not full?
Sir, two bowls of lamp soup.
We need relish.
OK, I’ll give you later.
Here.
Soup.
Here.
Your soup.
Yours.
Your noodles.
Please enjoy.
What are you waiting for? Eat.
Mr. Shang. You are so good.
I’ll work hard to repay you.
I don’t need your repayment.
Eat.
Excuse me? Can I have my bill?
Yes.