Original subtitles

Hmm, go on.

And then?

What happens next, grandpa?

Tell us what happens.

What happens next, grandpa?

Come on.

Tell us.

Go on.

And then that's it.

There's more.

What a series of ghost stories!

Come on, tell us another story please

How about another story?

Again...

It's late. Go to bed, kids.

Good... finally some saucy stories.

Not suitable for children, kids go to bed.

What ghosts?

Fine! We're leaving.

Go to sleep.

This took place probably about 1200 years ago.

Empress Wu Zetian was being forced

out of her throne by her third son.

Under Huashigang, there's Huajiugou.

There lies the Hua Village,

It has a small inn there

called Hua's Inn

This Hua's Inn...

Big sister...

There's a troop coming this way.

Soldiers?

Twenty or so.

That's right. There's a general too.

Looks like they're heading here.

What's the big deal? Soldiers are great.

After three years in the army, any women will do.

And we're not just any women.

Go on, freshen up and get dressed.

Yes.

"Rewritten from 'The Dark Tales"'

We're here.

Leave now.

Hurry...

Quick.

Pack up here.

Hurry.

Y es.

"Hua's Inn"

Miss Hua, this...

Who?

Aren't you Miss Hua?

My sister-in-law is Hua, our maiden name is Miao.

I'm Miao Fen... my third sister, Miao Fang.

Are you calling me?

No.

General Wang thought our surname is Hua.

Here comes a Hua.

What is it?

General Wang is checking on our family background.

I guess you must be the famous

General Wang Chun.

That's me.

You've had a long day of travel.

I've gotten used to the travelling.

General Wang, you've been to many places.

But we don't have much to offer here,

only simple dishes and simple accommodation.

Please forgive us

in case we fail to meet your expectations.

Not at all.

Where's boss Hua?

Gone, he's not coming back.

Gone, he's not coming back?

Exactly.

He's been summoned by King of Hell.

You shouldn't have asked.

Doesn't look like it.

How?

She's all dressed up.

My sister-in-law has been dead for six years.

She can't be in mourning forever.

A middle aged woman.

Still very attractive, right? General Wang.

If you're interested in my sister,

I could be your matchmaker.

What are you talking about?

Or you would consider me?

I'm married.

I wouldn't think about it.

Is that so? What a hypocrite.

Zhang San, Li Si

I think they are up to something.

Tell the others to be careful, this might be a trap.

Zhang San.

Here.

Li Si.

Here.

Zeng Sha.

Here.

All here.

Thank you all, go rest soon.

Yes.

Dismiss!

Not bad.

Tired?

Get some rest, go inside, rest...

Sorry...

What's your problem? Watch it.

Sorry.

General Wang, some water for you to freshen up.

General Wang, how many days do you plan on staying?

Four or five days.

We're waiting for an artist here.

Then we'll go to Prince Yide's tomb

to draw a mural.

Every new sovereign brings his own courtiers,

but the civilians are still the same.

Working themselves to their bones.

No, thanks. Let me.

A man away from home

has to take care of himself.

Treat this little inn of ours as your home.

Home away from home, so to say.

That's hard to say.

It might be the beginning of a nightmare.

Just trying to be courteous.

You work so hard all day.

So? Do you want my sister

to give you a massage?

No thanks.

Rather not.

Idiot.

Keep watch. Miao Fang, let's go.

Hold on, the dumplings might burn.

Zeng Sha.

Here.

Jiang Cheng.

Here.

Ou Jin.

Here.

Zhang San...

Li Si...

Those two are missing.

Where could they be?

They might have deserted us.

Mrs. Hua.

Have a heart,

you shouldn't go too far.

You old fool.

Mind your own business.

Watch it.

There's karma.

Forget it, old man.

So annoying.

Zeng Sha.

Report.

Dismiss!

"Cow and horse market"

It's ready! Eat up!

Go on.

Have it while it's hot.

Fresh dumplings.

Eat up.

There're more if you want.

Lady boss.

So?

The dumplings are good here.

Of course.

It's a handed down secret recipe.

A while back I bought a few from outside.

They taste quite good, try one.

Not bad.

Go on.

Not bad, it's salty.

Let's try too.

Sure.

I want to try too.

Sure.

Ours are much better.

Exactly.

Are you asleep, lady boss?

General Wang?

It's me.

Come in.

And I thought you're a saint... guess not.

You brought this upon yourself.

This is karma.

During a person's life,

there're some people you're destined to meet.

That's true.

And then what happens, old man?

Then one thousand years after...

Mrs. Hua... the cow has reincarnated,

she's able to show herself in human form.

The General has reincarnated as a scholar named Wang.

And it's payback time.

Payback? How?

How so?

Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong's reign

Cao Xueqin, author of the "Dream of the Red Chamber"

he died during that year.

It was on the night of 7th of March.

Place your bets...

Open.

Open...

Damn! I lost again.

Place your bets...

Big or small.

Place your bets...

Please come inside.

Waiter.

Y es.

What would you like?

A beef dish and some wine.

Yes.

And a bowl of noodles.

Yes, dish of beef, some wine,

And a bowl of noodles.

Waiter.

What would you like?

A bowl of noodles.

Right.

A bowl of noodles.

Lady... you look familiar,

have we met before?

I don't think so.

I've just arrived from out of town.

Do have some wine to go with your noodles.

I can't drink.

My treat.

I've just met you, I'll pay for my share.

Waiter, some more wine. Warmish sort of.

Some more warm wine.

Lady.

Come on... come on.

Someone's here.

What kind of world is this?

What? Is that it?

What just happened? Are you serious?

Sorry.

Damn! You got me all excited,

and look at you!

We'll continue after a break.

A break? Forget it.

What happened?

Here you go.

Some more here.

Certainly.

Shopkeeper.

Sit...

What would you like?

A bowl of soup for me.

Certainly.

Bowl of soup.

Shopkeeper.

Master Wang.

I'll take some meat.

The meat is good today,

it's a small donkey.

Yes, this isn't small.

What's wrong?

You got burnt?

Wipe it.

Thank you.

What? Where are you going at this hour?

It's a rough path up ahead,

wild wolves and tigers.

I hear it's unclean.

Unclean?

That's right.

A woman's body was found a few days back.

Very strange, naked.

Her navel's bleeding.

Bleeding navel?

You mean what happened the day before yesterday?

That's right, navel's bleeding.

There's a male body next to her.

A male?

That could be the robber.

There's scab on the man's head.

His foot's arch has some kind of discharge,

he must be a rotten ghost.

Look, it was meant well. And you're kidding.

No matter what.

Guess it's not a good idea for this lady to walk alone.

I have no choice, I have my troubles.

It's pitch dark.

Troubles?

Tell me.

Maybe I could help.

Thank you.

Don't worry, keep the change.

Thank you, Master Wang.

Master Wang is a generous man.

Lady, if you need any help,

talk to Master Wang.

Our Master Wang is well-known around here

for helping people

in distress.

But I don't know him,

how could I bother him?

We can be friends.

Why don't you rest at my home tonight,

and continue your trip tomorrow?

I couldn't do that.

Besides, there's just the two of us here.

Don't worry, I am a family man,

I wouldn't have anything in mind.

That's right.

Mrs. Wang is a woman of virtue.

In that case, thank you.

How much?

Don't worry.

Master Wang has paid enough just now.

Thank you.

Good bye.

Master Wang, don't forget.

Haunted path? You're worse than the ghosts.

Watch out.

I know.

Hold my hand.

You said you have troubles, what kind?

I'm from a poor family.

My parents sold me to be someone's maid.

My master was nice, and took me in as his concubine.

But his first wife...

She got jealous.

That's right.

She used to beat me up every day.

Not being able to take it anymore, I ran off.

Where do you plan to go?

Where?

It's in the middle of the night, where can I go?

I'll just take it one step at a time.

At least you've met me.

That's true.

Do you live here alone?

This is my study, I live with my family in the front.

Would your family mind?

Of course not.

What do you think?

Not bad, looks a bit like Wang Xizhi's calligraphy

Thank you for your compliment.

I've been practising for a few years.

I'd say it's at least 70-80%% % alike.

You've misunderstood me.

I said it looks a bit like.

Just this bit.

Very well, are you teasing me?

See how would I punish you!

So?

Are you hurt?

It hurts.

You are terrible.

You might be the one who raped

the woman who had a bleeding navel.

What? You take me for a ghost?

Even if you're not, you don't seem like a good person.

What are you doing?

I think I better leave.

A man who takes advantage of a woman

could hardly be termed as decent.

Don't go.

What if you want to show off

and tell the others about me later?

How could I take that?

I swear with all my heart.

I won't tell anyone.

If I tell anyone that you're staying here,

then let the wolf take my heart.

Why the swearing?

So?

I walked too far.

If only I could get some hot water for my feet.

Of course...

I use this for bathing.

Let me get you some hot water.

You're rotten.

Please.

Don't peek, or you'll turn into a doggie.

I won't.

I'll look after you're cleaned up.

You're so annoying.

Dog.

Cultivate one's own self, set right one's goal in life

Despite the fact that my brother & I've divided up

the family fortune, we still get along quite well.

With a wall in middle, the family lives on two sides.

My brother got married after me,

but he has a two year old son.

Looks like you're useless.

Eat some meat, it will help.

It's almost examination season.

I told my family that I need to study,

and so I moved in here.

They deliver my meals three times a day.

Then I must leave early in the morning.

What if your wife sees me?

Don't worry, my wife isn't the jealous type.

She can't control me, come on.

I'm going to deliver the food to my elder brother.

Don't worry, or he'll say that I'm lazy.

So, how's your son's cough?

He's much better after he took the medicine.

Have you found a nanny?

One was here, but she didn't seem suitable.

Manzhu is looking for another one.

Stay here, I'll be back.

Take a break, don't work too hard.

Have some food.

So strange, I'm always hungry these few days.

I can eat for two.

I'll cook more for lunch.

Where are you going?

To get the chopsticks.

Nice needlework... yours?

Ever seen me using an embroidered handkerchief before?

Oh, it's Old Sun's.

He came by for a chat last night.

He must have left it.

I'm sure it's his whore's.

The embroidered shoes at the back too?

That...

What?

No wonder you're eating for two.

Old Sun might be bad, but you aren't honest.

I can let it go.

But I must warn you;

there are two types of women.

One's after money, the other wants life.

If she's a whore,

pay her after you've had your fun.

What if she's someone's daughter or mistress?

You must be careful.

What are you talking about?

Okay, let me be honest

We've been married for so long.

I've been studying so much that I've a headache.

So I told Old Sun to find me a whore.

You saw right through me.

Very well... it's my fault.

Let me pay my respects.

I don't deserve this.

It's your money, it's your body.

You just be careful, I'm off.

Nice flowers.

The wild flowers always appear more attractive.

Careful.

So? Two portions for lunch?

Not for two, just a bit more rice.

I'm eating more staying up all day.

Exactly, you need to go up and down,

of course you'll eat more.

You're saying that I'm a whore.

Your mom's a whore.

Fine... I'm a whore.

You're not.

Fine... if I'm not a whore, then I'm a bastard.

You're not.

You're the whore's bastard.

Why on earth...

Master Wang, you look good, and you can drink more.

Is there any good news at home?

What good news? Only studying.

I'll treat you after passing the autumn lmperial Exam.

Thank you.

I've to buy some cotton prints, will pick them up later

Sure...

Excuse me.

No problem.

Please wait, Mister.

Has something strange happened?

Something strange? No.

No?

What strange things?

Your forehead is dark,

I can see the evil energy lingering around,

there must be something strange.

Honestly not.

Master Wang.

How do you know my name?

I'm from Cool Breeze Taoist Temple.

You and your wife were at the temple on January 4th,

I interpreted the fortune-telling sticks for you.

No wonder you look familiar.

If it's nothing strange how about a romantic encounter?

A romantic encounter? No.

I have no change with me,

I'll come over to the temple some other time.

Master Wang, I'm only trying to help.

I'm not here to ask for money.

No idea about being faced with imminent disaster

Master Wang...

What happened?

What should I do?

Do what?

I'll look for the Taoist priest.

Taoist priest.

Evil can never prevail.

You brought trouble onto your household owing to lust.

It took her a while to find a replacement,

I wouldn't want to hurt her.

It's hard to send her away.

What should I do?

Take this whisk with you tonight.

Hang it on your door; I think she will be warned.

What's the use of this?

My brother hasn't done anything wrong,

why should he be scared?

But he has.

Studying... there's a beauty in your studies.

Yan Ruyu (beauty), Yan as in King of Hell.

What's the use of saying this now?

Of course it's no use.

You had the fun on your own,

but the whole family has to worry for you now.

Sister-in-law, why are you saying this?

We must think of something.

That's right. No matter what, hang up the whisk.

Also, I know a Taoist monk who's an expert in the area;

he's good at exorcism, healing etc.

Let's find him here,

alongside the help of some martial arts friends.

Could the Taoist priest be the same as the one I saw?

Doubt it. I've never seen him with a whisk.

He said he learnt his arts on Zhongnan Mountain.

He carries a Hulu with him, but

I don't know what's inside the hulu.

Little demon dares to stir up trouble here?

In the form of a woman?

Yes.

How does she look?

Quite pretty.

Not only that I'll catch the demon,

I'm gonna sleep with her and balance Yang with the Yin.

Third rate Taoist monk, go mind your own business.

Sinned animal!

How dare you!

You've got some nerve!

So damn pretty!

And I thought who you were, it's you!

You know me?

Yes, when I was sleeping with your great grand master

on Zhongnan Mountain,

you were in your nappies!

Are you sure?

You and my great grand master?

Certainly.

When it comes to seniority,

you should at least greet me more politely.

What as?

My dear grandma.

How cheeky of you!

You'll know what I'm capable of

in a minute.

Then I won't spare you no matter what.

Young men.

Go!

Run!

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

I thought you wanted to sleep with me.

You're sinister,

I don't want you.

Go!

Don't go too far!

Impressive.

Quiet down.

And then what, old man?

The demon got really angry,

she made the whole place windy,

as she approached the front yard.

Do you think I'll let you get away?

Sweet talking, unfaithful,

heartless man like you,

what's the point of living?

A couple should be nice to each other.

For the sake that we were intimate once,

spare me.

Spare you?

You found two second class- Taoist monks against me,

they were so aggressive.

Why should I spare you?

I beg you.

I beg you to spare my husband.

Husband?

Has he ever treated you like his wife?

Is he bound by some marriage contract?

He doesn't treat you the same way you do him.

If you don't trust me, I will show you

what his heart is made of.

You said we were intimate once,

did you mean what you said?

Yes, honestly.

Really?

Do you even have a heart?

Of course I do.

Then, show me.

Spare me...

You poor woman! I'll return your husband.

I pitied her, and she didn't know what's good for her.

Let's go.

Who lives in the south chamber?

I live there.

Do you have any strangers here today?

No.

No?

There's a new nanny here.

How old?

In her fifties, she looks kind and quite nice.

She can't be a demon.

Do you think all demons are terrifying in appearance?

That's the mask, being kind and nice.

Xiaohuzi.

Quick.

What are you doing?

We don't want to alarm her.

Follow me.

That's her.

You can't go, let your wife go.

Sure.

Don't panic, don't be scared.

I know, I'm not afraid.

Be careful.

I know.

Xiaohuzi.

Gently, he's just asleep.

I've made him a pair of new shoes, what do you think?

Give them to me, I'll let him try them on when he wakes

Go rest.

Alright.

Are you hurt?

No, please pick up the dishes.

You're back, dear?

How's our son?

I tripped and woke him.

You're so careless.

Sinned animal!

Return my whisk.

I understand that you suffered hundreds of years

of torment before you could take the human form.

I didn't want to hurt you,

I thought that you would be warned by the whisk.

But you ignored the warning, and you're reckless.

Mumbo jumbo.

I'm reckless?

You're a monk.

You should be peaceful, study in closed doors.

What is this to you?

And then they willingly walked into the trap.

It's his own fault,

he brought this on himself.

Why are you trying to help?

For that heartless man? Why?

How dare you!

Thank you, master.

Thank you, please help us to the end.

Please save my husband.

Exorcism I could perform,

but I can't bring up the dead.

No matter what, please save my elder brother.

I beg of you.

Get up...

Get up.

I'm not powerful enough.

But I could refer someone to you.

I fear that you couldn't take the sneer.

If I could save my husband,

I'll do what I have to do.

There's a mad monk wandering at Little East Gate.

Dirty clothes, messy hair.

He looks like he's crazy,

but in fact he's trying to save the world.

If only you'd beg him,

he can save your husband,

bring him back to life.

But he likes to tell jokes;

no matter how much he teases and laughs at you,

don't mind him.

No more.

Help, master.

Help?

You can't take this anymore?

No, I'm getting old.

I can't do what I want to do.

Go find a younger man.

Master, my husband is possessed,

his heart got eaten by a female ghost.

And I kept thinking what the emergency could be,

so it's just that you're jealous.

Master, I'm telling the truth.

The female ghost opened up his belly

and ate his heart while the body is at home.

Please save him, master.

Listen up... everyone.

Could a person be healed

if his heart is gone?

You aren't making fun of me, I hope!

Please have mercy.

Very well.

When a lady begs a man she'll easily get what she wants

You look nice... very well.

I'll give you some medicine.

Have it and your husband will come around.

Go on.

Eat up.

Have it.

Aren't you trying to save him?

Look, I'm trying to help.

Forget it.

Even if he's alive, he doesn't love you.

Then he's a dummy anyway,

what's the point?

Master.

What did I tell you? She's in love with me.

She's in love with me.

Help, master.

Go to hell!

Stop begging a lunatic.

That's right, he's crazy.

Sister-in-law.

So?

Master Wang...

Mrs. Wang feels wronged,

she ran home and cried next to the body.

Suddenly she felt sick,

and threw up on her husband's belly.

Strangely enough, it turned into a heart,

it's beating.

Mrs. Wang looked and then sew up her husband's belly.

So? Has he lived?

Yes, he has.

With a good wife at home, the husband won't do wrong.

Even if he's made a mistake,

he could still get back on the right track.

Tell me, and then what happens?

Tell us.

And then...

And then the demon has come to my home.

Time for bed! Know what time is it now? It's midnight.

Here she is,

forcing me to go home.

Good night.

Time for bed.

Let us ask him.

Can't you hear me? It's midnight.

Do ghosts exist?

What about demons?

Of course, here's one.

Silly old fool.