Original subtitles

Principality was common during the Tang Dynasty

Lord Zhen-guo Li Ming is the Emperor's brother

who oppressed the people

His subjects

escaped from his estate

In the nearby state of Ding Yuan

People lived in peace

and enjoyed their work

But Li Ming was greedy

He brazenly extorted tributes across the border

and robbed the peasants

You plough my land

which is why you must pay the tribute

How dare you come to Ding Yuan!

My family almost starved to death!

I cannot pay for the food provisions

I settled in Ding Yuan

so that I can lead a peaceful life

Why must you hound me?

It's your retribution!

C'mon, hand over the levy

Don't take my food!

You can't take it!

We'll starve to death!

Don't take my food!

Xiao Qin!

Move that boundary stele

to the back of the hut

Look, my Lord

You're a feudal lord

How dare you move the boundary marker!

The world

belongs to my family

You have this land thanks to us

Whatever is bestowed on me

cannot be violated

What do you want?

Tell me

What wrong have these peasants done?

They tried to evade taxes

They deserved what they got

This is my estate

You can't take it by force

and nor slaughter the innocent

My Lord!

You're a lord

and the Emperor's brother

Don't throw it away

What are you saying?

I'll let this one go

Please leave my estate

I don't like your face

Don't move!

My Lord...

Ruan Yi-cheng accused Lord Zhen-guo of murder

Lord Zhen-guo accused Lord Ding-yuan for bullying

They stick to their own story

Minister Cui

Lord Zhen-guo's devilry

is known throughout the land

I know that

But he's the Emperor's brother

We must go easy on him

The prestige of the monarch is at stake

We should let him go

Hang on! He crossed the border to kill

and murder a feudal lord

Such behavior is despicable

How can you forbid Lord Ding-yuan's son

to inherit the title and confiscate his estate?

Such indiscriminate sentence

will never convince the people

Minister Deng

You're disobeying the Emperor

A righteous indignation

may result in killing of your clan

Sir, Ruan Yi-cheng is here to see you

Lord Ding-yuan Zhang Shou-zhen

slaughtered innocent peasants across the border

Lord Zhen-guo tried to intervene

but Zhang Shou-zhen retorted in spite

and was killed by accident

Ruan Yi-cheng fabricated a charge

against Lord Zhen-guo

Lord Ding-yuan has committed a serious crime

His son will lose the title and estate

This is outrageous!

Just because Lord Zhen-guo is the Emperor's brother

But he confounded right from wrong

Please call a meeting to discuss this

The imperial edict has been drafted

Little can be done

The edict is drafted but not issued

I ask a favor from you

Please delay the edict because of its impact

If the people are not convinced

There may be a riot

If you can put it off for a month

I'll hurry back to Wei City

and persuade Lord Ding-yuan's family and followers

I'm glad you understand

I'll give you a month

"Spiritual Tablet of Lord Zhang"

The court is partial to the royal family

The Lord had shown us great kindness

We must avenge him

Yes!

You're men of honor

You must do the right thing

Do not take any reckless action

Please tell us what to do

Lord Zhen-guo will see the Emperor in Zhang-on

He'll turn the truth around

I have a plan! You must be patient

and wait for a chance

You're good, Yu Li-de

Captain Qiu is here to see you

My Lord

What is it?

I heard you're going to Zhang-an

Is it true?

Eunuch Han sent you a letter

Lord Ding-yuan's son cannot inherit the title

his estate will be confiscated

But Cui Yin held the edict

I shall speak to the Emperor

and have Lord Ding-yuan's estate annexed

We understand your wish

but in order to reach Zhang-on

You must pass Lord Ding-yuan's estate

His followers will take revenge

Revenge? Whoever has the audacity

Let him come forward

My Lord has made up his mind

We cannot dissuade him

Please be careful!

Lord Ding-yuan is dead and there's no back-up in court

I doubt if they'll do anything reckless

Ruan Yi-cheng is cunning

It has been 3 days since he came back

It's suspicious that he has taken no action

The glittering sun in the water

A boat sailing down the river

The moon is bright

as a lady's smile

The gentle breeze

makes you forget the time

Do not waste any time

Brother Mu! Mrs. Mu!

Minister Ruan!

You're a hero

but you sound dispirited

With a lovely wife and such scenery

It's impossible to be worked up

The verdict on the recent incident

is obviously partial to Lord Zhen-guo

Brother Mu!

Lord Zhen-guo

intends to annex the estate

The Emperor favors his brother

and will grant him his wish

I have not announced the edict

for any title cancellation whatsoever

The Lord's family and followers

will be reduced to slaves under tyranny

We must assassinate Li Ming

Once he's dead

The Emperor will countermand the edict

and let the young master inherit the estate

Do it outside the estate

Find someone brave and wise

and devise a fool-proof plan

Brother Mu...

All eggs are broken when the nest is overturned

National matters take priority

You're quite right

But I'm recently married

Brother Mu...

Give me time to think

Here he comes, get ready...

Our target is Li Ming

Right!

Where is Sun Mei-zhen and the others?

Where are they?

They're probably too scared to come

No, they're not

There must be an accident

We can't wait any longer

We'll avenge the Lord

Alright!

This land will be mine soon

Yes, my Lord

Get away!

You can't go

Who are you?

Don't get yourselves killed

We must avenge the Lord, we're not afraid!

Get out of the way!

Or we'll kill you

You're too young to die

Fine! Kill me!

You have been warned

You should be more careful

Tang Ji and his gang is up to no good

They should be executed

We're avenging our Lord, what's wrong with it?

You people are paid

but just stood by when the going got tough

You cowards!

Sister Shu-hui married you

because she thought you were a man

But you're despicable

Come forward if you're not afraid to die

Fine! You'll be executed in order

We're not afraid to die

It's a shame we failed to take revenge

Wait!

I admire your courage

Minister Ruan, turn them over to me

They're all yours, Brother Mu

Okay

Please get up!

I beg your pardon

I was just testing your courage

From now on

Consider yourselves executed

Your families will be so notified

As well as everyone else

Our plan must be carried out secretly

I'll be in charge of the plan

Do you all agree?

You look pretty today

We have been married for 6 months

It's today that you appear the prettiest

If I'm away...

But you're here now

I'm just saying...

If I'm away

will you take care of this family?

Why are you...

Nothing! I'm just asking you

Jun-jie!

Jun-jie!

Jun-jie!

Let's go!

Are you even human?

What are you saying?

Quit the act, you vamp

What's wrong with avenging the Lord?

Why must they be executed?

Your husband betrayed his friends

and murdered my husband

Your husband eloped with Sun Mei-zhen

Don't you know?

He was infatuated with a tramp and left you

He's disloyal

Jun-jie is nothing like that

People like her

should not be allowed to stay

Right!

Get out!

"Ding-yuan residence, Zhang-on"

My Lord has left

What? Ruan Yi-cheng is an old fox

He lied about executing the assassins

In fact they're in Zhang-on

Take care...

Take care...

Strange things have happened this year

So many that I've even lost count

Maybe it's the year of the Dog

That explains the robbery

The murderer is rewarded

while the honest fellow suffers

Please excuse me, it's my fault

lvory does not come out of a dog's mouth

I feel bad about this

not being able to tell the truth

I'll be on my way after these few lines

and get out of your way

Flowers bloom in the spring breeze

I prosper because of the flowers

Flowers destroyed by the autumn rain

As the breeze blows downhill

Drink up!

Come here!

Let's all go to bed...

Let's go!

I'm not drunk!

Wait, my Lord

My Lord!

What are you doing here?

Please hurry back home!

This place is full of assassins!

My Lord, excuse me

Captain Qiu!

Nice to meet you!

You're here on business?

I'm free to come, just like you

Well said!

Pardon me

Zhang-on is the capital

Be careful!

I will, thanks for the advice

I'll see you

There's an ambush by the bridge

There're followers outside Tong-ta Gate

Then we got rid of those followers

Today we came pretty close!

Qiu Zhang-sheng is incredible

If you didn't stop us

we'd hardly stand a 50% chance

You're right

We just have 50% chance

If we fail

How do we face people from Wei City?

What now?

Stop arguing!

Who are you?

Pay me the rent!

This shabby temple is my home

How can you make such a racket?

You know that Lord Zhen-guo

is the Emperor's brother

How dare you assassinate him?

You're not afraid to die?

I'll handle those down there

Can I join you?

Why?

It's personal. I want to kill him

Sister!

Wen-tong!

When did you arrive?

A few days ago!

I didn't want to involve you

I don't believe it

Everyone knows

except you

Jun-jie is not like that

Don't defend him. He played you for a fool

Everyone is saying the same thing

Someone saw him...

Say no more

Get some rest, I have work to do

I'll bring you some food

Zhang-on is famous for biscuits

I'll bring you some later

Thanks for your work

I notified them the venue for our next meeting

Brother Tian said

Lord Zhen-guo has seen the Emperor

He visits Qing-yun brothel each day

and he's bringing fewer guards

Fewer guards?

That's a trap

Tell them not to fall for it

Brother Tian said you call the shots

Don't worry

I'll bring you some wine

Thanks for looking after me

I'll cook something for you

You...

Wen-tong!

Please sit down

You grew up with Mei-zhen

You should have a good chat

There's nothing to chat about

How can you do this to my sister?

The Lord is murdered and Wei City is in danger

You're too much!

You have no shame!

Wen-tong!

Let him go! He's too insensible

Sister!

Where have you been?

I went for a walk, I needed to think

He must have a reason

Reason?

Don't lie to yourself

No, he won't...

I saw them with my own eyes

Take this letter to Qing-dao Street

What for?

That's where he lives

Him...

Him and...

Wen-tong!

I'll be right back

Wen-tong!

You have no shame!

Shu-hui, when did you arrive?

Shu-hui

When did you arrive?

Shu-hui!

Shu-hui!

I intend to kill Lord Zhen-guo at the brothel

To avenge my Lord

I want to be like Jing-ke

I probably won't come back alive

Tell me your name

and your accomplices

I can spare you

I work alone

Those who were allegedly executed by Mu Jun-jie

Where are they?

Stop!

I'll let you go if you tell me

I don't know

I misjudged you, Jun-jie

You're a hero

You probably won't confess

He's one of the assassins

I still have use for him

Lock him up

Yes, sir

My Lord

It's him?

Yes!

You have a lot of nerve

You're asking for trouble!

Li Ming

Your guilt is unforgivable

My Lord!

Jun-jie!

Jun-jie!

Any news of Wen-tong?

Shu-wei, he...

He's...

Minister Ruan wishes to see you, come with me

What is it?

Li Ming is leaving tomorrow

Take care!

Wen-tong means well, but he spoiled the plan

Li Ming won't let it rest

he'll pursue the matter

We must speed up the plan

Zhang-on is heavily guarded

We must pick another place

Somewhere deserted on his way back

Normally

he'd take Xian-yun Road

But the road cuts through the Lord's estate

Li Ming may be arrogant

but he knows that his life is in danger

I don't think he'll take the chance

He'll take Gu-he Road or Bei-he Road

Both roads cut through Tu-long town

I have instructed the others

to take action tonight

But Qiu Zhang-sheng is crafty

He announced the date of departure on purpose

Maybe they'll leave tonight

I believe you're right

You're Mu Jun-jie's wife?

Yes

Where is Mu Jun-jie?

I don't know

Of course you do

I'll make her talk! Get out!

She's married, my Lord

Shut up and get out!

No, my Lord

How dare you disobey me?

Hold her hostage and wait for Mu Jun-jie

Don't hurt her

Shu-hui

Move aside!

What's the matter with you?

Is she your wife?

Yes

My wife met with the same fate

Hurry and leave

You have more important things to do

My Lord

Lord Zhen-guo

Lord Ding-yuan's men tried to kill me

Do you know about this?

You held the imperial edict

How dare you!

My Lord, Minister Cui did it for your own good

The edict may evoke a rebellion

Now that it's over

I'll issue it right away

Thank you

The Lord is young and impetuous

Please bear with him

Lord Zhen-guo is leaving tonight

He'll reach the estate in one day

And as to the matter of revoking Lord Ding-yuan's title

Please issue it after his departure

I'll take care of it

Minister Cui

Captain Qiu!

Lord Ding-yuan's residence has many guards

Even if one of them is out of line,

we can let it go

The Emperor is upset about

his brother's unauthorized visit to Zhang-on

About the assassination attempt

I'm willing to let it go

Minister Cui, you mean...

The court ministers are wise

and knew of Lord Zhen-guo's notoriety

That's true

Justice was upheld at today's meeting

The announcement will be made tomorrow

Go home and wait for the good news

Can the young Lord inherit the title?

Just wait for the news

Minister Cui

Be careful!

Don't start with Lord Zhen-guo again

Captain Qiu, how can my Lord

leave Zhang-on in the middle of the night?

We should abide by the original schedule

Let me talk to him

"Ding-yuan residence, Zhang-on"

Minister Ruan...

What is it?

Lord Zhen-guo left early:

He left in the dead of night

Indeed...

What shall we do?

We must do something

Or Mu Jun-jie will assassinate him

What's going on?

What is Cui Yin doing?

Why did Qiu Zhang-sheng leave early?

Stop!

My Lord wishes to rest

At a critical time like this, don't listen to him

Qiu Zhang-sheng!

Yes

My Lord

You should know your place

Ruan Yi-cheng is cunning

and Mu Jun-jie is an excellent swordsman

We should play it safe

Go!

Go!

Brother Mu!

Li Ming has arrived in Tu-long town

We'll act according to plan

Brother Mu!

Brother Tang!

Minister Ruan orders you to abort the plan

He said:

In order to clear the Lord's family

and keep his title and estate

We must abort the plan

Don't act rashly

Why?

Don't move or I'll kill you

An attempt to assassinate Lord Zhen-guo

is illegal and unforgivable

His title is revoked and

his estate confiscated:

The family is banished to Lu-long

Ruan Yi-cheng is dismissed from office

That'll be all

My respects to His Majesty

Does Minister Cui know about this?

He approved it yesterday

Yesterday?

Cui Yin, you bastard!

There's no shelter nearby

We must reach Gan-lu river before it rains

Hurry!

Why did we abort the plan?

That's a waste of our effort

and moreover, your wife died in vain

I thought she went home!

She...

Minister Ruan!

Cui Yin lied to me

They revoked the Lord's title

Minister Ruan!

Only in death can I repay the Lord

Gentlemen...

Minister!

I'm counting on you for the rest

Minister Ruan!

We must avenge him

We swear to kill Li Ming

and avenge my Lord

We'll avenge sister Shu-hui and Wen-tong

Gan-lu river is up ahead

Let's go!

Stop!

We better hurry, my Lord

Mind your own business! Follow me!

Who are you?

Arrest the assassins!

My Lord!

Please take the back door!

Hurry, my Lord!

Mu Jun-jie!

Li Ming, consider yourself dead today!

We must hurry, my Lord!