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Hyah!

Hyah!

These cards sure ain't talking for us.

Hmm.

I'm sorry, gentlemen, today must be my lucky day.

Well, it isn't mine, Mr. Cartwright,

so let's cut the gab and start playing cards.

I want to win back some of that money we've lost.

All right, Mr. Gordon.

Five dollars.

Cards?

One.

Three.

Dealer takes four.

Ten dollars.

You're holding something pretty good, aren't you, son?

Ten.

And another ten.

That's too rich for me.

Besides, I'm busted.

Well, Mr. Gordon, I'll...

I'll see that ten dollars.

I'll raise you 20.

Well, maybe you've got them and maybe you ain't,

but I gotta stay in and make you show 'em.

Mr. Cartwright, I, uh, I'm out of ready cash,

but I'll make you a sporting proposition.

You're into my partner and myself for $150.

I've got something outside I'll put up.

Double or nothing.

Are you game?

Well, it all depends what you have outside.

Let's go have a look-see.

Good!

How's that?

I've seen better, but it'll do.

You've seen better?

Cartwright, you've been around a lot more than I thought.

Well, I'm a real good judge.

Be pretty hard to fool me on a deal like this.

Boys make a deal?

We sure did.

All right, Cartwright, let's see 'em.

Queens over tens.

I thought you was bluffin'.

Oh, no, no, I was quite serious about it.

Well, thank you very much, gentlemen,

for a very profitable card game.

Hey! What are you doing, Cartwright?

I'm taking my horse.

- Your horse? - That's right.

I just won it, didn't I?

Oh, no, you got it all wrong, Cartwright.

The horse I need.

That's what you won.

What?!

The girl.

Oh, come on!

Yeah. Su Ling.

She's all yours.

Like you said, Cartwright,

you're a real good judge of women.

W-Women?

Geixin zu ren qing an.

Well, she's all yours.

But... Oh. Here, you'll need this.

What's this?

Well, it's a bill of sale... Makes it legal.

Legal? What are you talking about? Makes what legal?

Well, you see, this powerful Chinese warlord

in San Francisco...

Ch-Chinese warlord in San Fr... San Francisco?

Yeah, General Mu Tsung's his name.

Well, he had to get out of China real fast, see,

so he took Su Ling here along with him

- as one of his slaves. - Oh, yeah?

I bought her from him.

Clear?

Oh. Wh-What am I gonna do with her?

That's your problem, Cartwright.

From now on, look before you leap.

Hey, wait a minute! Wh-Where you going?

Well, I hear St. Louis is pretty nice

about this time of the year, Mr. Cartwright.

Good luck!

Su Ling?

Uh, you... you speak English?

Yes, master.

Su Ling learn in missionary school in China.

Good. Well, I hereby set you free.

Oh, but, illustrious master, Su Ling not wish to be free.

Don't? Why not?

Su Ling not know what to do free.

Su Ling alone... strange land.

Look, Su Ling, I don't know what to do with you.

See, I... well, I-I never won anything quite like this before.

Su Ling work for master.

Work very hard.

Eat little; sleep floor.

No trouble.

Like a... like a shadow in night forest...

No see, no hear.

No, no, look, I'm-I'm so sorry, Su Ling,

but we already have help at the Ponderosa.

And besides, I-I really don't think

my father would let me keep you.

Su Ling not understand.

Two masters sell her.

Now you send her away.

Nobody want this unworthy person.

She go.

Wait-wait-wait a minute.

Maybe I've been a little bit hasty.

I'll take you home to my pa.

Maybe he'll know what to do with you.

Oh, thank you, master.

Oh!

Don't do that!

Yes, m-master.

And don't call me "master."

Yes, master.

All right, let's go.

Well, I hate to see the look on Pa's face

when he hears about this.

One of the funniest sights I ever saw.

Anyway, you should've seen Riley.

He lets go with both barrels of that shotgun.

The stock comes up, hits him right in the jaw,

and bang, backwards over into the canyon!

I heard he was running like an antelope when he hit the bottom.

Oh, he was running.

Screaming like a gut-shot panther.

That should teach Riley not to fool around...

Gei ge wei qhing an, Honorable masters.

The walls are illuminated

when the men return to their dwelling.

May this worthless person have hat, please?

Xie, xie.

Xie, xie.

Delightful dinner ready soon.

Uh, uh, Miss... Just a moment, please.

Yes, Excellent One?

Who are you?

Su Ling, masters, your new slave.

Joe!

Joseph!

Joseph, where are you?!

Hi, Pa. You call me?

Who's that girl?

Oh, the girl. Yeah, yeah.

I-I w-wanted to tell you about that.

Please do.

Well, see, I-I won her in a poker game.

You won her in a poker game?

Yeah. I-I thought she was a horse.

You thought she was a horse. Hmm?

Yeah, see, we were sitting in the bar...

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

What you're saying is that, at your age,

you don't know the difference between a girl and a horse?

Oh, no, sure I do, Pa.

- Oh. - Oh, sure.

Sure, no. See, I met this fella Gordon, see,

and I thought he was putting up a horse to back his bet.

- Gordon? - Yeah.

And turned out to be a girl.

You can't keep her.

Oh, no, oh, no. And that's what I said.

- No, you can't keep her. - That's exactly what I said,

and I said to myself, "Joe, what are you gonna do?"

I said, "Bring her to Pa;

he'll know exactly what to do with her."

Give her back, give her back, give her back!

I can't.

Gordon's halfway to St. Louis by now.

I've-I've got to sit down.

Oh, Pa, Joe's just joshing us.

Yeah, come on, stop fooling, Joe.

What's it all about?

I'm not fooling.

All right.

All right, now just start from the very, very beginning.

Come on, tell me the whole story.

All right, but first,

let me tell you a little about the girl.

Look, she's had a real tough time.

And her... her folks died when she was four of the plague,

and her uncle sold her to some farmers.

Well, then her owners were killed

in some-some kind of a local war.

It would've killed her, too,

but she was able to hide for three days.

Well, how did she get to this country?

Well, there's a man named General Tsung.

He carried her off when he got booted out of the Manchus.

Well, get to the point about the girl.

Yeah.

Well, this General Tsung evidently had

everything pretty well figured out.

When things got too hot for him in China,

he took all his gold and Su Ling,

got on a clipper ship and came to San Francisco.

Yeah, but how did this feller, uh, Gordon...

How'd he get her from this General whatcha-ma-call-him?

I suppose he bought her.

Nice people.

That girl's had enough grief to last her a lifetime.

But that's all over now.

Call her in.

What are you going to do?

Call her in.

Told me to use this any time we wanted her.

You know, Hop Sing says her name means

"Tinkling Bell of Virtue."

It's kind of cute, isn't it?

Yeah.

Revered master summoned?

Yes, Su Ling.

My father would like to speak to you.

I kowtow to his august presence.

And you've already met my brothers.

Most venerable brothers.

Su Ling, I have the most wonderful news for you.

As of this very moment, you are emancipated.

Emancipated?

Yes... you're free.

Free to do what, most worthy master?

Well, uh, anything.

You're free to do anything you want to do,

go anywhere you want to go.

You're free.

That's very nice.

I stay here.

You stay...?

Be Cartwrights' slave girl.

She doesn't want to be set free, Pa.

Why, that's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of.

- Who wouldn't want to be free? - Su Ling.

Well, now, now, look, see... see here, Su Ling.

- You see... - Why you no want Su Ling?

She all alone.

In buggy, Su Ling see Ponderosa land

stretch far away until eyes grow weary.

Cartwrights can afford many slaves.

Well, you... you don't understand, Su Ling.

You see, we don't keep slaves here.

She doesn't understand about our ways or the country.

He's got a point there.

We can't turn her out.

Yeah, Pa. That'd be as cruel

as that General What's-His-Name.

Well... All right.

All right, I agree. Fine.

Here's what I'm going to do, Su Ling.

I'm going to pay your passage back to China... first class...

And then I'll give you all the money you need

to start all over again.

Now, how is that?

Su Ling have no one in China now.

Nothing.

But here, Su Ling have Cartwrights

and Cartwrights have Su Ling.

Oh, permit Su Ling to stay.

She be a very good slave girl.

Ask nothing but to serve.

You ring bell, and she come swift,

wings on feet.

You beat Su Ling if she not.

Su Ling always have someone to tell her what to do.

Please.

Su Ling always have master.

All-all right, Su Ling.

You, uh... you can stay here with us.

Un-Until we can find out something...

well, s-something permanent.

Yes, master. You good man.

Only remember you-you-you... you're still free, understand?

You're not a slave. You're still free.

Yes, master.

Free... free to stay.

Yeah, that's right.

And-and one more thing.

Now, it-it's not "master."

In this country, it's "mister."

"Mister."

Now, with permission,

Su Ling withdraw to work with much devotion.

Well, there was nothing else to do.

I couldn't agree more.

Pa, I think you did the right thing.

Mm-hmm.

You see, I had no choice.

As for you, number three son,

you keep out of poker games

where you don't know what the stakes are.

Yes, sir.

Dinner respectfully served, misters.

Hey, I think it's going to be kind of nice

having a little gal around the house for a change.

Uh, honorable Father.

Venerable brother.

And as for you, dishonorable short shanks,

you can have the leftovers.

Good morning, Hop Sing.

What's that I smell?

Is that something new?

You find out pretty soon.

It sure smells good.

Keep hands off, nosy belly.

Hop Sing, you sure are getting to be a grouch.

But I got to admit the food's getting better.

It's Su Ling. She fine cooky.

Plenty help Hop Sing.

Yeah, she's a big help to everybody, ain't she?

Where is she?

She outside prepare food for new dish...

Bird's nest omelet.

Bird's nest omelet?

Here, you take knife.

For what?

You find out pretty soon.

Good-bye, now.

Su Ling very happy in Ponderosa.

Very beautiful.

Like green rainfall.

Yes, I suppose so.

Guess we really don't see it anymore.

Ah. It's a great pity to cover eyes with wool of habit.

Supreme Lord has given so much beauty.

Good morning, Su Ling.

- Adam. - Mornin'.

Good morning, Mr. Hoss.

What's a little bitty gal like you doing out here

with a big patch of spuds like that?

You better let me give you a hand, hadn't you?

Oh, thank you, Mr. Hoss.

You and Mr. Adam so kind to Su Ling.

So good.

But Su Ling love to peel potato.

Morning, everybody.

- Morning, Su Ling. - Mornin'.

Good morning, Mr. Joseph.

Hey, let me give you a hand with those potatoes.

Here. Thank you, Mr. Joseph.

Cartwrights very fine family.

For a couple of guys in hiding,

you're sure making that fire big enough.

Well, I want some hot food.

I'm sick of jerky.

If the general's around these parts,

we'll be eating dirt.

Use your head.

Use my head?

What were you using when you stole the gal

that Tsung was planning to make his number one wife?

Well, it was worth a try.

How was I to know it was against his principles

to pay ransom for a woman?

Look on the bright side.

In losing her to Cartwright,

we sidetracked the general away from us.

Smartest thing we've done in years.

I am a reasonable man, Mr. Gordon.

And, to my shame, tender of heart.

I do not want to kill you,

but, uh, my choice depends on you.

What is it you want of me, General?

Uh, I'll do anything you say.

It is the wise man

who recognizes the face of necessity.

Where is Su Ling?

I, uh... I gave her to a fellow name of Cartwright.

You gave her?

When you knew she belonged to me?

I couldn't help it, General.

I was taking care of her best I could,

but this Cartwright fellow forced me into it.

And could the so generous Mr. Gordon

tell me where this Cartwright fellow can be found?

I, uh, heard he had a big ranch near Virginia City.

The... the Ponderosa, I think it's called.

Free Mr. Gordon... from life's pain.

General.

Don't let him do it.

Don't let him kill me.

General!

General, please!

No!

General!

General!

What are those for, Su Ling?

Oh, Mr. Joseph.

Those wind bells.

Tell when celestial spirit enter house,

frighten demon away and bring good fortune.

Pretty.

Mm-hmm. They make beautiful music.

Su Ling, you happy with us here on the ranch?

Oh, yes, Mr. Joseph.

Honorable Father give Su Ling freedom to remain slave.

No, Su Ling, you still don't understand.

You're free... absolutely free.

Is so?

Please, Mr. Joseph, to explain.

Su Ling listen with eager ears.

All right.

Come here, sit down.

Now, let me see.

You see, this country...

this country is "the land of the free."

Here, you can do absolutely anything you want.

No law in America?

Oh, yeah, of-of course we have law,

but, I mean, aside from that, you can do anything you want.

You no obey father?

Well, certainly, I obey my father, but...

You have obligations to brothers, to Ponderosa, yes?

Yes, but that is not the point.

I understand.

You're part free, part slave, right?

No. No, look, you still don't understand.

Oh.

Su Ling sorry she bottomless well of ignorance.

No, it's my fault.

I'm-I'm not explaining it to you right.

Here, you see the bird in the cage?

- Uh-huh. - You're like the bird in that cage.

But bird happy... he sing.

Ah, but he'd be a lot happier

and he'd be a lot better off if we let him go free.

Is so?

We see.

Shh, shh.

Psst.

Bird not strong enough to fly away.

In cage, bird safe.

Happy.

You know, you argue just like a woman.

Mmm! What that little gal can't do with steak and rice. Mmm!

What you can't do with steak and rice, you mean.

Ho... that was good.

Problems, Little Joe?

Hmm? No, I'm fine.

I'm just having a little trouble

explaining a few things to Su Ling, that's all.

Ah. I think we're...

I think we're all having a little trouble explaining

how we do things here to Su Ling.

Is Su Ling's fault. She headblock!

Headblock?

Blockhead?

No, not at all.

What seems to be troubling you?

See, honorable sir, it very difficult

for Su Ling to understand mysterious West.

Very inscrutable.

- We are? - Uh-huh.

Well, Su Ling, you know, I've been thinking.

Little Joe and I, we haven't had much luck trying

to explain our way of doing things here in this country.

And I was wondering, it might be an idea for you to visit

some of your people in Virginia City.

Hey, that's a good idea, Pa.

Su Ling see some countrymen there.

Perhaps they can help this brainless one understand.

Ah.

All right, I'll take you in in the morning.

Fine. It's all settled.

Tomorrow morning.

Thank you, Su Ling.

May spirits sing in your serene stomach.

Speaking of singing...

Ah... I wonder if you would sing for us?

Have not seen this long time.

Make heart remember father's house.

Well, you told me you used to play and sing at home.

We'd like to hear you.

Hey, where'd you get that thing?

Don't be a headblock. I brought it back from Virginia City.

Gentlemen, your attention, please.

Su Ling is going to favor us with a song.

Forgive Su Ling if she offend illustrious ears

with unworthy efforts.

♪ Dragon moon, golden sky ♪

♪ Soft night wind, silken sigh ♪

♪ Jade-green branch, mountain pine ♪

♪ Silver needle, autumn sign ♪

♪ Swan-white winter hover near ♪

♪ Cover Earth, frozen year ♪

♪ Springtime blossom far away ♪

♪ Summer lotus gone to stay? ♪

♪ Far from home, lost the way ♪

♪ Cold the night, dark the day ♪

♪ Jasmine, crocus, bloom again? ♪

♪ Hope and love ♪

♪ Oh, where, oh, when? ♪

Hey, one more person I want you to meet... Kam Lee.

He's a wonderful fella

and the best doctor in this town.

Come on.

Little Joe, welcome to my humble office.

Doc, how are things?

As usual: too many sick, too few hands.

I hope you're not in the need of my services today.

No, I'm not here for any medicine.

I just want you to meet a friend of mine, Su Ling.

She's new in this country, and I'm just showing her

around town. I thought you might want

to tell her a little bit about your work here.

Oh, I would be honored.

But I am afraid I must do it while I look after my patients.

Sure.

Perhaps Su Ling can help illustrious doctor?

She work in mission hospital in China long time.

Is that so?

Su Ling, you're the answer to a long said prayer.

Hmm. Fever going down, Ah Ting.

Soon you'll be all well.

You have been a great help today, Su Ling.

Su Ling always happy when can be of help to

Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy.

If you ever desire work,

you are more than welcome with Kam Lee.

But, Doctor, Su Ling already have work

with revered Cartwrights at Ponderosa.

Well, just in case.

There is great need here.

Su Ling, we better be on our way.

We have a long ride back to the ranch.

Doc, we'll see you.

Ponderosa!

Mr. Cartwright! Mr. Cartwright!

Chinese army come!

What are you talking about?

You go see, boss.

What is the meaning of all this?

Do I have the honor of addressing

the illustrious Mr. Cartwright?

I'm Ben Cartwright.

These are my sons.

It is truly said, sons are the light in a father's eyes.

Permit me to introduce myself, General Mu Tsung.

I've heard about you.

This insignificant soldier

is exceedingly flattered.

What can we do for you?

It has come to my attention

that you have something which belongs to me.

What's that?

Su Ling.

And by what right does she belong to you?

The prior right of possession.

That is not a right, General.

An interesting point, Mr. Cartwright.

If I had time, I would like to discuss it with you.

What for? There's nothing to discuss.

The loud-voiced child has rightly been called

a hammer without a head.

General...

why don't we discuss this inside?

An excellent suggestion.

For the prudent man talks before he acts.

I am honored as I

enter your sublime household.

Take a seat, General.

You are the embodiment of hospitality.

Now, about Su Ling.

I am prepared to repay you for any trouble

you may have gone to.

You want to buy her back?

If that is the way you wish to express it.

She's not for sale.

He means she's not ours to sell.

We set her free.

Most wasteful.

Extravagantly wasteful.

But I do not wish to debate with you.

My honor demands the return of my property.

Well, I'll tell you, General.

I think it's up to Su Ling...

as to whether she goes back with you or not.

You'll have to ask her.

More idealism.

But at times it can be a good servant for the realist.

Su Ling, would you come in here please?

Yes, master.

Su Ling.

Su Ling.

Joy leaps in my heart again at the sight of your beauty.

Gentlemen, perhaps you do not understand.

I offer Su Ling an honorable status

as one of my wives.

Would, uh, delicate orchid blossom

entertain this trembling proposal?

It is ever wise to consider

so wondrous a proposal, Glorious General.

Su Ling needs time to,

to ponder breathtaking prospect.

Consider, too, the numberless delights

you would enjoy as General Tsung's wife.

Yes. Su Ling will...

will contemplate the boundless riches

most carefully.

May I beseech Su Ling for an imminent answer?

I have already taken much time away from pressing concerns

of my import business in San Francisco.

May Su Ling entreat great General's indulgence

only until tomorrow morning?

Tomorrow morning.

I should prefer an answer now, but, uh,

I'll shall be patient.

May I humbly suggest that your, uh,

response be affirmative, Su Ling?

Don't threaten her.

It is well written,

the kitten would be king of the jungle,

if mice were elephants!

General, please remember...

this is not China.

Perhaps not, Mr. Cartwright.

But it is carved in jade that, uh,

death is a land without geography.

May you live 10,000 years.

Su Ling.

I'd like you to know that...

we want you to stay here permanently...

make the Ponderosa your home.

But whatever you decide...

we'll respect that decision.

I just don't understand how you could think

of marrying a man like that.

General Tsung must wish Su Ling well,

for he has gone to great trouble to find her.

And, in time, Su Ling may wish him well, too.

Forgive Su Ling, she must run to her room.

General Tsung's men.

Is she all right?

Ah, she's been cut.

Yeah, so General Tsung had your best wishes at heart,

then he tried to steal you like a sack of...

That's enough, Joe.

Tsung's men, through there.

You take that man to the sheriff and bring back the doctor.

There's no place for bunglers in the service of General Tsung.

We will wait until tomorrow, then we will get Su Ling

and repay the Cartwrights for meddling.

A few days, and you will be just as before.

Now, tell me, Su Ling,

have you considered what I said?

Yes, esteemed Doctor.

I think it is better I leave Ponderosa

before General Tsung return.

I have already too much endangered

the life of my benefactors.

I will go work with you.

You will be welcome, Su Ling.

Our people need much help.

You are certain Su Ling will truly be of help?

You are not just extending her a merciful hand?

Ah, no, Su Ling.

In many ways, you are really needed.

With the sick, of course,

and to teach our people the English language,

and thus, the opportunities of their new country.

Yes, those are worthy occupations.

How is she, Doc?

Oh, fine.

She's ready to come out now.

Well, Su Ling, you feeling better now?

The healing hands of Dr. Kam Lee restored Su Ling's body,

but her mind tremble like bough in strong wind.

Don't you worry about Mu Tsung, Su Ling.

If he tries anything again, we'll be ready for him.

That's not what Su Ling think about.

Her small life is not important enough for worry.

Then what is it?

Dr. Kam Lee say our people

in Virginia City need Su Ling's help.

You mean, you'd like to work with them?

Yes.

If masters approve to release Su Ling.

No, we're not gonna let you go.

Not if it's just to protect us.

Su Ling always content at Ponderosa,

and she owes Mr. Joseph so much.

If he like, Su Ling stay as servant girl.

Su Ling, you do what you think is best.

We'll help you any way we can, Su Ling.

Your goodwill has already been our greatest blessing.

When would you like to leave?

If all right, Su Ling think it wise return city with doctor.

I'll take you to town on the buckboard.

Is that all right, Pa?

It's all right, Joe.

Are you all ready?

Guess you know we're really gonna miss you around here.

If you ever get in any trouble, need any help,

you just call on us; we'll be there.

Su Ling know.

Cartwright's love is what give courage to Su Ling

to leave birdcage she try build for herself.

You teach her cage shut in Su Ling, not keep out world.

You teach her so much.

You know, Su Ling, I...

I think you always had a lot more to teach me

than I had to teach you.

Su Ling.

Su Ling take much more than she brought to Ponderosa.

Well, if you mean our hearts, you're perfectly right.

We'll miss you, Su Ling.

You brought a forgotten warmth into our home.

And eyes for a beauty we'd forgotten to see.

You come back to see us often, you hear?

Yes, Mr. Hoss.

And I see you in Virginia City, too, yes?

Stupid Su Ling

cannot find words for what is in her heart.

Only, so-good Cartwrights

have breathed life into her existence.

And they teach her freedom is very precious.

Good-bye, Su Ling.

Little Joe.

Take care, now.

♪♪

♪♪

Hah! Come on!

Come on, boy!

Hah!

Hah! Hah!

Come on! Go! Go!

Hah!

Hah! Hah!

Hah!

Hah! Hah! Hah!

Hah!

Hah! Hah!

Whoa.

Mr. Cartwright?

I want to parley with you.

Show yourself.

I am under a flag of truce.

Stay down!

All right, what do you want to parley about, Tsung?

I have not opened fire because I do not wish to harm you.

Turn over Su Ling and you may go in peace.

The answer is no.

You want her, you're gonna have to fight for her.

You hurt, Mr. Joseph?

Oh, let Su Ling see.

There's no time now, Su Ling.

Doc, get over there. Get an eye out, will you?

That's it.

Now, toothless puppy, you die.

♪♪

Joe?

Are we glad to see you.

Son, you're hit.

Eh, Doc says I'll live.

Hey, what are you doing here anyway?

Oh, uh, we were, we were just following along.

Uh-huh.

Way back!

Well, you didn't think I was gonna let my number-three son

run the risk of encountering the general and his army alone.

Thanks, Pa.

Got you a present, little brother.

Not that you needed any help.

Oh, I can see I'm not gonna hear the end of this.

You all right?

Yeah, I'll be all right.

I'm gonna need an awful lot of Su Ling's care for a while.

And there will be no charge for our services.

Well, you can't beat that.

It's almost worth getting wounded for.

Yeah, you are a lucky little cuss, brother.

You got a good doctor and a good-looking nurse,

and all for free.

"Free."

That is most beautiful.

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