Original subtitles

What a brilliant performance!

Yes!

Drive!

Master Koo!

Long time no see!

I don't think we've met, Sir.

Yes we have. I'm Kiu Ngo-tin.

Really? Pardon me.

Brother Tin, the car is here.

Can I give you a lift?

No, thank you!

Is that Koo Siu-lau?

What is she doing in Shanghai?

Staging a comeback?

What's so urgent?

Haven't seen you for 2 days.

Did you bring that woman back from Wuxi?

Never feed a woman properly

or else she'll ditch you.

What are you babbling now? Cut the crap!

What is it, Tin?

I asked you here to give you an update.

We have located our missing opium.

Commander Chow took them.

That loser only commands about 100 men after he was co-opted by the new Government.

He had a lot of nerve!

He did?

Never mind. We've found the goods,

and I've turned them over to Commissioner Cheuk.

At least we've answered to him.

Either way, we had to hand over the goods.

As long as the company is safe.

Commissioner Cheuk is smart to catch them in the act.

Tin, you must have tipped him off.

I thought you did!

Now that's odd!

I was just kidding! Come on!

What's so funny?

Anything else?

I'd like to discuss something else.

After what happened, it'll be hard for us to carry on with the opium trade.

What else can we do?

You want to close it down?

The first move by the new Government is the opium ban.

Next, I think it's the ban on gambling.

I want to negotiate with the Government for a proper licence to run casinos.

I think we can make even more money.

That's feasible!

I'll support whatever is good for the company.

I already have several casinos. I don't mind.

Then get on with it!

As long as it's good for the company.

Very well...

I know you always have the company's best interest in mind.

Whatever you want to do, I'm on your side.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

The warlord has been arrested. What can we do now?

Without the warlords support,

we must find a way to rally support from the new Government.

But we have no contact with them.

That's the problem!

Take it easy, Master Hok-yin!

I don't need any help!

You're home early, Father!

Where have you been?

I went to a friends new bar.

They wanted me to invest in it.

You've been partying since you came home from France.

What have you done so far?

I'm thinking of starting a business.

Good! You should learn from me.

I'm only good at partying!

Follow your footsteps? No, thank you!

This is Shanghai, not France.

Why are you hitting him again?

He's always partying! What has he done?

There's a war out there.

To survive in Shanghai, you need to fight.

You want to be happy, you must first work hard.

Listen up, you work with me from now on.

Watch how I build my empire.

Go to Hell!

I'm sorry, Chief!

Miss Kwai-seng said only she and I have access to the books.

I don't know what Shing want with them.

Find out who's the owner before you kick a dog.

Shing works for the Chief.

How dare you mess with him? Are you out of your mind?

Know who the real boss is?

I told you Shing will manage the books at Paramount.

If you won't shut your trap, I'll cut off your tongue!

Take him outside and fix him good!

Yes, Chief...

Get up!

Chief!

There you are! Sit down!

Don't get so excited!

You're too angry to notice I came in a while ago.

When they've worked here for too long, they forget who's the boss.

You really can’t blame them.

He's been working for Kwai-seng for so long

and she calls the shots around here.

It takes time to get used to.

Then I'll beat him till he remembers.

Just because she keeps the books doesn't mean she can do it forever.

She thinks because she controls the lifeline of the company

and my trunk of documents, she can do anything she wants.

Will make her hand them over.

Why did you send for me?

Kwai-seng always listens to you.

I don't want our relationship to go sour.

I want you to persuade her to give them back

Bring the car, I'm going to Paramount.

Yes!

Miss Kwai-seng, this month's opium.

Fook, what happened to your face?

Did she do it? She has a lot of nerve!

I'll go ask the Chief, is this the way to treat his men!

Don't go!

Why? Is Chuk Yee-hung stirring up trouble?

Tell me! I'd find out eventually.

Am I always the last one to know everything?

The Chief wants to marry Chuk Yee-hung!

Why don't you marry me?

When you become Chak Kam-tong's wife, no one would dare bother you.

Marry her? The Chief said that?

He plans to give her the Big Key.

I'll marry you if you give me Kwai-seng's Big Key.

No, Miss! Mind your health!

Give it to me!

You just had some, you can't take more.

Please don't...

Are you defying my orders now?

Get out! I don't want to see anyone.

Out!

Marry me. Be my woman.

Trust me, we'll start over.

I'll put you in charge of the night clubs.

I'll give you title deeds for the house and other properties,

my savings, opium and me.

I'm glad you're here, Mr. Kiu!

Miss Kwai-seng won't eat anything.

She has done nothing but smoke opium.

She's beside herself with grief.

Don't worry, Brother Tin knows what to do.

Prepare this medication for Miss Kwai-seng.

Wait here.

Pardon me, Kwai-seng! It's me, Tin!

I came to see you.

Go away! I don't want to see anyone.

I brought your favourite Laiyang pears.

Let me peel them for you.

No need, just go away.

Even you won't want to see the way I look now.

Does the old wound hurt?

Stop smoking opium. It can't help you.

It's bad for your health.

What else can I do?

You know how I got this wound!

All because I saved his life.

Now he wants to marry that woman and give her everything instead.

Am I stupid or what?

The pain from the wound is nothing like the pain in my heart.

But so what? He doesn't care!

The boys respect you and they need you.

You must mind your health!

The boys need the Chief, not me!

I know Chak Kam-tong will soon take Paramount back,

then the casinos,

followed by every other piece of his empire I helped him build.

He wants to hound me to death.

I know exactly what he wants with every move he makes.

He sent you here to persuade me to return the trunk.

Tell him to forget it!

I won't give it back!

I'm not handing it over to anyone, not even you.

If he wants it, tell him to get it himself.

We'll see if he has the guts to face me.

I came to see you because I care about you.

I'm not doing any of his bidding.

Please open the door.

What's between husband and wife, no one else can help.

I'm tired, please go!

Don't come again, it's useless!

You've been running around all day. Have a late snack.

How is Kwai-seng?

She locks herself in her room to smoke opium

and won't see anyone.

I have never seen her so heartbroken.

She has done so much and suffered so much for the Chief.

Can't believe he'd treat her like that.

She's truly an exceptional woman.

No one can match her resourcefulness and style.

I can't believe she'd end up like this.

Did you see the newspapers?

Did you notice this piece?

Opera Queen Koo Siu-lau is back in Shanghai.

So?

We're fellow disciples.

Really?

Siu-lau was learning the craft from Sheung Man-bun in Beiping.

We used to live together and practise together.

We had loads of fun.

After I left Beiping, Siu-lau shot to fame.

She was very good.

She adores Sheung Man-bun.

I heard they were together afterwards.

I'm sure she must be very happy.

I ran into her at the theatre.

She didn't look happy at all.

Really? Yes!

I haven't seen her for a long time.

I'd better drop in on her tomorrow.

Good...

You have lost weight, but have become more composed.

Not really. Maybe I'm just not used to being back in Shanghai.

How did you find me?

Was that in the newspaper too?

No, this is the return address on the letters you wrote me.

I came back to be alone.

Madam!

Step aside! Koo Siu-lau, you think if you hide in here,

I won't be able to find you?

Trash up the place.

What are you trying to do?

Who are you? Why did you come here to make trouble?

Yuet-lan, let them.

Who am I? You should be asking her!

She really had you fooled for looking pitiful!

You pretended to be such a fan and Man-bun took you in as his protege.

But that was only your excuse to seduce my husband!

Tramp!

Miss Siu-lau came back to Shanghai to be out of your way.

What more do you want?

You have no right to talk to me!

What do I want? Anything!

You want to make me miserable?

I'll make you even more miserable!

The Peach Blossom Fan?

Give it back!

I know Man-bun gave it to you.

Let me give you some advice.

Stay away from something you have no right to fight for.

If you don't leave Man-bun, I'll come after you! Let's go!

I feel so sorry for Siu-lau.

All these years she was with Master Sheung, not only did she not have the status,

she returned to Shanghai to avoid his wife so that there'll be no gossip.

No wonder she seemed unhappy.

She hides in her house and doesn't want to see anyone.

She was so cheerful back then.

I don't want to see her like this.

Spend some time with her and cheer her up.

I plan to take her to Eight Points Guild.

She likes to sing. She should be happy there.

This way, Mr. Kiu! After you...

Thank you for your donation.

Now we'll have the budget to train more gifted people.

You're most welcome.

I'm honoured to be able to contribute to the arts.

Please...

Don't walk me out! My wife is outside. I'll find her, please stay!

Watch your step!

I never thought I'd be back here.

Mr. Fong couldn't be happier to have you back to practise with them.

He has changed considerably.

I thought he'd be still angry with me.

Of course not!

Yuet-lan! Tin!

You're as elegant as ever, Master Koo!

Mr. Kiu is your husband?

He loves the opera.

Please pardon me for the other day.

Don't worry about it!

I'll go change. You have a chat!

They managed to close us down!

They closed the mill to avoid the Japanese.

I don't know what to do now that I've lost my job.

Bakayarou!

Hey! You have no right to hit him!

This is for shooting off your mouth in court

How dare you oppose the Japanese!

Are you alright?

Are you alright?

You? I saw you at Brother Tin's that day!

Why did the Japanese beat you up?

Let me in. I want to know the situation.

No, we're cleaning up the fire scene.

I'm the owner of the cotton mill.

Please let me go in to take a look.

What happened?

They set your mill on fire?

Father...

I'm the owner of this cotton mill. Please let me inside...

Father!

What happened?

What happened to you?

He was beaten up by the Japanese.

Father, did the Japanese set the fire?

Say no more. Help him to my office. Dress his wound first.

These Japanese are outrageous!

I told you not to sue them.

So what if you won the lawsuit?

They ended up setting fire to the mill and had you beaten up.

We simply can't fight them.

What do you want me to do? Give in?

If we say and do nothing like the other mills,

we'll eventually have to close down too.

The law is useless at a time like this.

Whoever has the power has the say.

Mr. Kiu, fancy running into you!

Oh, it's you! Come sit!

The weather is so nice I had to come outside. What about you?

I was working too hard at the office, so I came out for a walk.

Those with the knowledge and ability will have to work harder.

Knowledge and ability mean nothing if you don't have power and clout.

You used to think differently.

I studied for years and finally became a lawyer.

I thought you use your mouth to reason with people.

But today, I finally realised you do it with your fists.

It's easier to fight than know a human heart

Power and clout alone won't do.

If you're a rogue, even with money and power,

in the eyes of other people, you're only a rich and powerful rogue.

You must change their opinion of you,

unless you want people to be scared of you.

It's not hard to change people's opinion and win recognition from society.

Simply change your packaging.

For instance, donate money to charity.

Let people know you have a kind heart.

If you do it often enough, people will change their minds.

Just like I have changed my opinion of you.

You have style and tolerance in the way you do things,

unlike the Japanese who ride on power and won't stop till they've crushed us.

Did something happen to Mr. Lai's mill?

You need any help?

No, thank you! I think I can manage.

Good! I like your resolve.

I need someone like you to help me.

Drop by for a chat if you have time.

Commissioner, we have come to a decision.

Shankeng will work with the Government and quit the opium trade.

Great! I was right about you.

You're indeed the most resourceful man.

But we'll suffer great losses without opium.

You also mentioned before

the Government disapproves of gambling in the Chinese Territory,

so I proposed regulating the business by issuing licences.

I wonder if there are any updates?

The Chairman has taken it under consideration.

He's concerned gambling is not really a proper business,

so he's still a bit hesitant.

Rest assured. I'll try to speed things along and grant you the licence soon.

Thank you so much for your help.

You'll be the only one to be given a licence

because the new Government and I only trust you, Kiu Ngo-tin.

Thank you for your trust, Commissioner.

Like the new Government, I want peace in Shanghai.

Cheers! Cheers!

(Ghastly Bloodshed in Triad War. Government blamed...)

(Fight over illicit business...)

The Chinese Territory is a mess! Who are these people?

What does the newspaper say?

"Gang fights broke out in Chinese Territory"

"People suffer as violence raged through Shanghai".

I was right to hire the Guangdong Gang. They're brave.

We managed to break up Chak Kam-tong's turf.

You did this, Father?

Why look so scared?

Just when he's deserted by his followers and had no one to help,

I'll put him away for good.

Gang business is not for me.

I'd better leave...Carry on.

Sit down!

I want you to see how I build my empire.

This is the perfect timing.

I've had everything planned.

The new Government thinks only Kiu Ngo-tin can bring peace to Shanghai.

That's why I'm messing it up. The more chaotic the better.

Let the Government know the city is not as peaceful as they think.

Brilliant, Brother Shan!

You're going against Brother Tin!

I want the Government to know I can fix what Kiu Ngo-tin cannot.

Only then will they listen to me and know my worth.

I can't believe the Guangdong Gang had the nerve to tread on Chak Kam-tong's turf.

You think the Guangdong Gang did this?

They did not?

I know the Guangdong Gang too well.

They blatantly treaded onto someone else's turf,

obviously someone is pulling the strings.

Who could it be?

I can't think of anyone else but that mad dog Kung Siu-shan.

Kung Siu-shan? Are you sure?

Even if he didn't, I'll make it look like he did.

I'll do Chak Kam-tong a favour

and let him know Kung Siu-shan is behind this.

Let them fight it out and we'll reap the profit.

I thought the 3 tycoons controlled the gangs in Shanghai.

Why is it such a mess?

Gang fights didn't only break out in brothels or casinos,

but also in tea houses and restaurants, affecting ordinary peoples livelihood.

Grievances are widespread throughout the city.

No wonder the Chairman is furious.

I must have a word with Kiu Ngo-tin.

We can’t let Shanghai go on like this.

Sir, Kung Siu-shan is here. You still don't want to see him?

Get rid of him. I don't want to associate with a boor like him.

Yes, Sir!

Here he comes!

Commissioner!

You're still here, Mr. Kung?

I just want a word with you.

I know you're busy, but I'm anxious to make your acquaintance.

I've been waiting all day hoping you'll spare me a bit of your time.

You never know, perhaps I can be of service.

I'm sorry, I'm terribly busy.

Anything you wish to discuss, please tell Mr. Kiu.

He can relay the message. Excuse me!

Boss, half the workers didn't come to work.

Why?

They're probably scared of the Japanese.

Can't blame them, if they set fire to the mill again, they may get killed.

That's why they didn't come back.

Without them, we'll never make the deadline and I can't deliver to the clients.

Don't worry! We'll do the work.

They all used to work at cotton mills. They have the experience.

If you don't mind, we can start right away

Kit, where did you find these workers so quickly?

I couldn't have done it by myself. I went to Mr. Kiu for help.

They've all worked for Brother Tin.

He went to see you?

Alright...I'll look into it.

Not a problem...Thank you! Bye!

Brother Shan went to see Commissioner Cheuk?

What does he want?

Brother Tin, word on the street is that the Guangdong Gang works for Brother Shan.

It's really him!

He's creating mayhem and chaos.

That's exactly what he wants.

What good will that do him?

Tramp!

Mr. Lai! Mr. Kiu!

Please sit down!

Mr. Kiu, I came to thank you for sending us the workers.

That's nothing! Can they help you?

Of course!

The key is with your men at the mill,

I'm sure the Japanese wouldn't dare start more trouble.

I'm glad I could help.

Thank you for hiring my men.

Now we all have work to do and can help each other out.

I'll never forget your kindness, Mr. Kiu.

If you need me for anything, please tell me, I'll do my best to help.

Thank you!

Miss Kwai-seng didn't answer the phone.

Did something happen to her?

That means she won't hand over the trunk.

Does she want me to show up at her door?

Chief, according to Shum Chun-ngok,

the Guangdong Gang who trashed our joints is doing Brother Shan's bidding.

The mad dog?

That rascal!

The nerve of him! He's asking for it!

Call all the boys, I want to trash his casino tonight.

All of them? That's a clean break with him.

Don't be stupid! Not members of the gang.

Call everyone from the FCP. I'll show him tonight.

He didn't commit any crime.

What excuse do we have to sweep his casino?

I'm the Chief Inspector, I'm the excuse.

French Concession Police!

Get out if you don't want any trouble!

It's alright, you don't have to go...

What's going on?

Tell Kung Siu-shan to come out!

What's going on, Chief? We're family!

What family? Go get him!

What's the fuss?

Hi, Chief!

Traitor! How dare you send someone to trash my turf in the Chinese Territory?

I did what?

You're the Chief Inspector of the FCP,

what turf are you talking about?

Are you declaring war now?

Fine! We'll have it out today!

Declare war? What war?

This isn't a street brawl!

I thought you wanted to shoot me!

Go ahead!

As the Chief Inspector, you knowingly broke the law,

and led your men to trash the casino.

If people got wind of your complete defiance of the law,

how could I govern this place?

Don't worry! You put me in charge,

I guarantee I can make this place as peaceful or as chaotic as I like.

Don't give me that crap!

You can’t even run your own household.

Your boys don't listen to you.

What ability do you have?

I can remove you anytime I want.

A lot of people can do your job!

Are you quite finished?

Get out!

Is everything alright, Boss?

Mad Dog must have collaborated with Tung Ting-heng.

Why else would the Frenchman show up at his casino?

Your brother has gone off the deep end.

I already have someone watching him.

He has gone mad. Pretty soon, he'll come after you.

Mad Dog is biting everyone in sight.

What the heck is he up to?

Father, the Commissioner has already turned us down several times.

Why should we come to his house? This is so humiliating!

Don't be stupid!

We must make the connections.

Even if we have to beg,

we must have the new Government's support

to keep a foothold in Shanghai.

Your Brother Tin is doing the same.

I refuse to believe this case of money can’t convince him.

We're here to see the Commissioner.

He's busy, he's not receiving any guests.

I just need a word, I don't mind waiting.

Get lost!

Get lost!

Pest! I'm not going to let you stand!

Tin, you must stick with me against Kung Siu-shan.

Chief! Brother Tin!

What is it?

Brother Shan has gone into the Commissioner's house.

Commissioner!

Who let him in?

Sorry, they forced their way in. We couldn't stop them.

I came here to pay my respects.

It's nothing...I'd like to leave this with you

have a chat and I'll be on my way.

Wait by the door!

Please sit down!

Commissioner, this is my son Hok-yiu.

He studied in France and is fluent in several foreign languages.

Hello, Commissioner!

What is it you want with me?

Nothing, just a casual chat.

I'd like to sort out any misunderstanding we might have had.

I brought my son so that he could learn from you.

Yiu, open the case. Show the Commissioner the present we brought him.

You're bribing me? I don't want your money.

Don't call it a bribe. It's a gift.

Take your money with you.

I've already told you to speak to Mr. Kiu.

He'll relay the message.

I'm very busy, please leave!

You talk about Kiu Ngo-tin all the time!

Who do you think he is?

Let me tell you, Kiu Ngo-tin used to work for me. I'm his boss.

And he had to take orders from me.

You trust him? What's wrong with you?

It's your honour I'm here talking to you.

Don't get cocky with me and treat me like an idiot.

I even had Chak Kam-tong's head spinning.

Only when I become the Chief can peace be guaranteed in the Chinese Territory.

Without my help, the place will be chaotic.

This is just the beginning.

What do you mean by that?

Are you threatening me?

I meant to be polite,

but you humiliated yourself.

Since you like to stir up trouble,

I'd soon finish off a mad dog like you.

I hate it when people call me a mad dog.

Mad dog?

That's enough!

Pick up the money and go!

Go!