Original subtitles

I asked her to dress your wound so that you'd show your true lecherous self!

Cheung Po-tsai and his fleet of 100 ships

are closing in on the bay outside the Navy camp.

You killed Hon Yung.

No one can keep the Chao and Zhe Camps in line.

Let's see how you'll pick up the pieces.

Today is the day I acted like a coward.

Po-tsai said he has never lost. There's nothing to worry about.

Of course I'm worried.

The cannonballs have no eyes, look...

Biu, I don't know how to go on living if anything should happen to you.

Nine Dragons Pearl, please watch over my grandson.

My husband never came back!

They're back!

Yes!

Thank goodness...

And I was so worried!

No need to worry. They're back...

Where's Ngau?

Sei!

Honey! Ngau...

You scared me to death! You're so slow!

Great! Now we're united!

Has anybody ever told you you look bad when you're crying?

I'll cook you something nice.

Great! Buy something good!

Of course!

Chief...

Master Po lived a wonderful life.

While he was alive, at least he had a woman waiting for him.

He was calling your name when he died.

Po-tsai!

Wong Tai-mui, I won't die that easily.

I promised I'll be back.

You haven't married me, I can't let you become a widow.

It was just a joke! There's no need to get upset!

I told you this joke was a bad idea, but you wouldn't listen.

It was just a game...

Wong Tai-mui, it was a joke.

I have something important to tell you.

I'm not drinking because I don't want you to think I'm drunk.

I know in your eyes,

I was frivolous and never serious about anything.

I had a foul mouth and I was hard to deal with

But I promise you, from today onwards, I'll be a real man,

one you have never seen before, and a man who loves his girl.

Father, Kiu and fellow brothers, do me a favour.

If I do anything to hurt Wong Tai-mui, feel free to beat me up as hard as you can.

Bravo...

The only thing I want to do now

is to make you happy, for the rest of your life.

For as long as I'm alive 1

I'll make you so happy, you'll want to die.

Everyone will be so jealous of you.

Wong Tai-mui, give me a chance, will you be my woman?

Cheung Po-tsai, it won't work for us.

Not before, not now, not ever!

When I saw his tears,

for a split second, I wondered why I couldn't accept him.

I don't feel anything for him.

But even in Hong Kong, when have I ever met a man like him,

who'd throw caution to the wind and publicly profess his love for me?

Urgent military report from Guangdong.

Pass this to Lai Gong-Gong!

Aye!

Vice Commander Fok Yee-tai humbly at your service...

I feel obligated to report to His Majesty

about the eccentric and tyrannical behaviour of Prince Man-ho.

His execution of Hon Yung has incurred the wrath of man and Heaven.

His inappropriate command resulted in his burning of the fleet,

and caused heavy losses to the Qing Court.

The report from Guangdong came at an inopportune time.

His Majesty is in a foul mood.

Xiao Zan, who's the duty officer at the Grand Council today?

Minister Chan.

He's on good terms with Prince Man-ho.

As soon as you find out about the contents of the report,

try to slip away and alert Lady Shun.

I know what to do.

Let's have a bet on whether the report from Guangdong is good news or bad news.

The courier looked shaken. I bet it's bad news.

If it's good news, they'll be touting a horn

Even if it's not a defeat, it's probably nothing good.

Bad news for Man-ho and the Court,

but it is probably the best news for us.

Lady Yim serves you a tonic daily.

She really treats you like her own son.

The Crown Prince's mother passed away.

I'm only doing my duty.

Your Majesty...

His Highness is looking much better after taking the red birds nest.

That's right!

Your Highness, I'm sure you'll recover from tuberculosis.

Thank you, Lady Yim.

Xiao Xin, take that away!

Aye!

Father, I'm fine!

Heaven will watch out for you. You'll get well soon.

Father, I wish to have a word with you in private.

I'll excuse myself, Your Majesty.

Milady, you think the Crown Prince will recover?

We're in his chamber, how dare you openly discuss his condition?

Are you tired of living?

Forgive me!

Everyone knows the Crown Prince is fatally ill,

but no dares to ask or talk about it.

Do you know what they're afraid of?

It's His Majesty's touchy subject.

Thanks for enlightening me. I'll never shoot off my mouth again.

Take that away! Aye!

You seem to feel nauseous lately.

I also found your feet rather swollen when I massaged them.

Are you feeling alright?

I feel fine. I think I'm pregnant.

Congratulations! I'll send for the doctor!

Don't be hasty!

Why? This is good news!

Good news? Only on the surface.

His Majesty is distressed over the Crown Prince's illness.

The situation in the Palace is unpredictable and people are incomprehensible.

It's hard to say whether my pregnancy is a good thing or bad.

I want a better grasp of the situation and act accordingly.

The Crown Prince seemed secretive just now.

I wonder what he wanted to say to His Majesty.

Come with me to the backyard. Keep watch for me.

Why would you think that?

Father, I've been mulling over this...

Among my sons, you're the only one with a kind disposition.

That's why I made you the Crown Prince.

How can you ask me to depose you?

Father, I've been sick since I was a child.

I have never carried out my duties as the Crown Prince

to help you or share your troubles.

If you don't depose me, I'll only become a burden to you.

You'll never be my burden. You're my son!

Father, I'm afraid my condition is incurable.

If you drag this out,

it'll only make the princes who genuinely want to help you

get caught up in fratricide in their struggle for the throne.

I can't bear to see that happen.

I hope you'll name a new Crown Prince so that my brothers won't have to fight.

Man-hau...

Father, give me one last chance to show you filial piety.

Depose me so that I can repay you.

Siu-fu wrote and told me your brother caught malaria.

I'm so worried I've been losing sleep.

I have yet to figure out how I'll ask His Majesty for quinine,

but we got word about Man-ho's defeat.

The urgent report from Guangdong has been sent to the Grand Council.

Minister Chan is taking care of it.

How bad is it?

Prince Man-ho suffered a setback.

Greetings, Your Majesty Greetings, Father...

Look what your son has done!

Your Majesty!

Father, Hon Yung should be rewarded for taking out the pirates.

But Man-ho executed him instead.

Because of the Imperial yellow jacket.

His arrogance and overbearance will turn off the troops.

What's more inexcusable is that before he even fought the pirates,

he burnt his own fleet.

That's boosting the enemy's morale and shattering our own.

You gave him such an important task,

but he's only trying to go after the Crown Prince...

The Crown Prince?

Your Majesty, Man-ho wanted to win, but he was sick with malaria.

If you'd only give him quinine, I'm sure he'll recover.

Recover? Quinine? Tuberculosis is incurable!

Otherwise, the doctors would have cured him.

He has a kind disposition, but is on his death bed.

Quinine can cure Man-ho. I beg you to give it to him.

After all, he's your own flesh and blood.

Flesh and blood? I want him to get well too. But nothing can cure him.

Man-ho screwed up the expedition, you should punish him, not cure him.

Man-ho has let me down.

He was so cocky, not only did he fail, he brought shame to my troops.

He deserves the worst punishment.

It's hard to determine Man-ho's fault, let's discuss this some other time.

It's not that hard, he's...

Your Majesty!

Mind your health, Your Majesty!

You must be tired, let me escort you back to Dongnuan Pavilion.

We'll talk about Man-ho next time.

His Majesty is leaving!

Goodbye, Father!

I don't understand, Milady.

You have always wanted to get rid of Prince Man-ho.

Why didn't you finish him off while he's down just now?

Why did you try to dissuade His Majesty?

He must first be down before I can finish him off.

Prince Man-hong and his lot picked the wrong timing to strike.

Why should I butt in and get snubbed?

You're letting Prince Man-ho off easy?

Why must I go after him?

I personally bear him no grudges. Why must I kill him?

But you were...

I went after him only because he's Lady Shun's son.

No one is spared in a rivalry between the noble consorts.

But the situation has changed.

If you disclose to anyone what you heard tonight,

I guarantee you'll disappear forever.

I'll remember that.

Outside Yuqing Palace, I overheard the Crown Prince.

He was trying to persuade His Majesty to name another Crown Prince.

His mind is made up, but it's hard to second guess His Majesty.

One thing for sure is that the days ahead

will be unpredictable like the Nine Princes' War under Emperor Kangxi.

I'm afraid the child I'm carrying cannot stay clear of the affair.

How is that related to Prince Man-ho?

It's possible yesterday's enemy can become today's ally.

Whether he defeats the pirates in Guangdong is irrelevant,

and I don't care if His Majesty punishes him for his mistakes.

I'm too stupid to understand what you're thinking.

Go fetch the doctor for me.

I thought you didn't want anyone to know.

A new Crown Prince will inevitably be named.

If I don't tell His Majesty about my pregnancy soon,

it's likely he'll pick the wrong candidate

and let the other princes benefit from the situation.

To enjoy higher status because of a son

or to become a motherly model for the nation will only be an illusion.

Lai Gong-GNU!

You may go! Aye!

Greetings, Your Highness!

The Governor of Qinghai sent cordyceps that can enhance your vital essence.

I hope you'll get well soon after taking them.

Lai Gong-Gong!

Thank you, Your Highness!

You're very kind, Lai Gong-Gong.

But that's all I can do for you.

You mean...

I've been worried about your health,

so I often consult the stars to find ways to change your luck.

Lately, I noticed...

Go ahead and tell me.

I've been watching the Crown Prince star within the Ziwei astrology,

an invasion of a guest star has rendered the Crown Prince star dim and weak.

The will of Heaven...

I did the right thing asking Father to name another Crown Prince.

Here you go... Yes!

Xiao Gan! Lai Gong-Gong!

What prescription is so urgent for the Imperial Kitchen?

It's written by Dr. Lau for Lady Yim's baby.

Lady Yim is pregnant?

Yes! His Majesty is thrilled!

He ordered me to get it done right away.

You may go! Aye!

Mother, you look dejected.

Your brother is alone in Guangdong fighting pirates.

Not only did he catch malaria, but he also suffered a major setback.

I have no idea how your Father intends to punish him.

As a mother, how can I sleep well?

Milady, Lai Gong-Gong requests an audience.

Send him in!

Greetings, Milady! Your Highness!

Please get up! I'm glad you're here.

I've been up all night and I've come up with a plan to try to help Man-ho.

Please let me know what you think.

I'm all ears.

I mean to ask His Majesty for quinine again

It's a fact Man-ho suffered a major setback

but I'm sure he has tried his best to carry the difficult mission.

His Majesty should show him consideration for his hard work, right?

That's inadvisable.

I'm afraid His Majesty will only find him arrogant and reckless.

I've thought of a plan as well.

Man-ho gets along with certain courtiers.

A few Censors, in particular, admire his courage and determination.

I can ask them to sign a joint petition in Man-ho's defence.

This is even worse!

His Majesty is already displeased with Prince Man-ho's setback.

If courtiers come to his defence,

it would constitute a collusion with courtiers to meddle with state affairs.

By law, it's a crime punishable by death!

You mean I'll get Man-ho in bigger trouble?

Then what should we do?

We can’t count on His Majesty or other courtiers.

I can't watch him die!

Lai Gong-Gong, actually there's one other way.

I am thinking of asking Lady Yim for help.

But my son didn't get along with her at all before.

That won't work...

That's the best plan!

Why?

I just got word about Lady Yim's pregnancy.

You mean she'll be in a very good mood and may become benevolent?

Benevolent?

Now that she's pregnant, there's only one thing on her mind.

She cares more about interests than personal grudges.

I'm afraid she may not have come around, so I plan to remind her.

Lai Gong-Gong, your timing is perfect.

Your pregnancy is a joyous event, I'm only doing my job.

You said you just served His Majesty lunch. Is he feeling better?

He's upset.

About what?

Really can't blame him.

He has many sons,

but they care more about power and personal gain than their siblings.

Only the Crown Prince has a kind disposition.

But he's plagued with an illness.

And there's no one His Majesty can trust.

If you don't find me a nag,

I'd like to tell you an old story from the Palace.

During the reign of Emperor Kangxi,

he was quite troubled by the naming and deposing of the Crown Prince.

It's a situation quite similar to the one we're facing.

Go on... Aye!

The prolonged absence of a Crown Prince led to the Nine Princes' War.

They were at each other's throats, showing no mercy...

Among them, only Prince Yong...

The future Emperor Yongzheng?

Yes, he read Emperor Kangxi's mind.

He knew his Father hated them for showing no brotherly affection.

So he always appeared to be kind and benevolent,

and eventually inherited the throne.

Milady, with your wit, I'm sure you'll get my drift.

How dare suggest such a plan!

Milady...

You wanted me to dissuade His Majesty from punishing Man-ho for his mistake?

No doubt, I have a selfish motive, but I also have your best interests in mind.

You're now pregnant with His Majesty's child,

you can't stay clear of the struggle for the throne.

His Majesty wants someone kind to be the Crown Prince.

If you think about this, you'll see...

Say no more!

Tung-suet, show Lai Gong-Gong the way out.

Yes, Milady!

I'll take my leave, Milady!

Father, Man-ho drafted this military order before he left for Guangdong.

It has his signature and clearly states that

if anything should go wrong with the expedition,

he'll bear full responsibility and is willing to be punished.

A military order must be obeyed, you must punish him.

He's a bragger and now he suffers the consequence.

You must punish him!

Your Majesty!

Father, Lai Gong-Gong read the edict you issued.

Lai Gong-Gong, do you remember the content?

I'm afraid I don't.

But I can still hear the words in my ears and see them with my eyes.

Prince Man-ho will command the southern expedition on my behalf.

He is hereby awarded the Imperial yellow jacket

and he must triumph in this expedition.

Or else he would be charged with deceiving His Majesty.

Even in death, he'll be a disgrace to the ancestors.

He's not worthy of the Imperial yellow jacket.

Though he's my brother, I'm so ashamed of him.

Punish him, Father!

Man-ho committed a major crime.

You must punish him to satisfy the others.

Most courtiers are scared of Man-ho, but not me, as long as I'm serving you.

Let me go to Guangdong

and bring back Man-ho, who brought shame to us all.

All of you want me to punish him?

You must not show favouritism under the law.

No favouritism under the law?

Your Majesty, you can't put the blame on Man-ho alone.

No one was willing to take on the pirates.

Only Man-ho came forward.

He's plagued with malaria, not only did you not send him quinine,

but you're only thinking of punishing him.

Is that fair? He's your own son!

You don't want me to punish him?

Even a tiger doesn't eat its young.

A tiger doesn't eat its young?

You're accusing me of showing no mercy

and you won't stop talking about your son.

Man-ho is not my only son!

I have a Crown Prince who's pure and kind but he's seriously ill.

Why don't you ask me about him?

Quinine can cure your Man-ho but nothing can cure my Crown Prince.

Man-hong, you and your brothers insist I should show no favouritism under the law.

Regardless of what Man-ho has done, he's your brother no less.

Why? Why are you so merciless?

You won't rest until you've had him killed?

What happened to your brotherly affection?

Oh Heaven, what have I done?

Why are you doing this to me?

I have many sons, but none shows any brotherly affection.

I only want another son who's kind like the Crown Prince.

Why can't I have one? Why...

Your Majesty!

Mind your health!

Mind your health, Sire!

None...

Mind your health, Your Majesty!

None...

Mind your health, Your Majesty!

Mind your health, Your Majesty!

I'm crying because I'm sad.

Your Majesty, about Prince Man-ho, please allow me to say something.

But you two don't get along...

I urge you to pardon him, Your Majesty!

Please issue an edict and send Lai Gong-Gong to Guangdong with quinine.

Your Majesty...

You're right. Everyone in here is selfish

and they show no brotherly affection.

But not you.

You worry about the Crown Prince.

You care most about your family.

Regardless of what Man-ho has done, he's your own flesh and blood.

If you wish to punish him for his mistake, you should let him get well first.

Your Majesty...

You're right! I care about my children. I should show no favouritism.

Man-ho is my son, I can't let him die in Guangdong.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Lady Yim, you understand what's important and gave me straight advice.

You stopped me from making a big mistake.

Will reward you accordingly.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

I came to my senses because I'm pregnant with your child.

You must know I was plotting and scheming like everyone else.

But somehow I began to think differently after I was pregnant.

All the plotting, scheming and and struggle for power

now seem ugly and horrible.

My pregnancy has changed me.

The baby is always reminding me

not to harbour evil thoughts and stop all evildoing.

A fetus can be so kind?

It appears Lady Yim's child has a kind disposition.

I want you to bring quinine to Guangdong to cure Man-ho.

Aye! I'll do that tomorrow.

As for Man-he's mistake, do you all still want me to punish him?

We wouldn't dare...

I wouldn't dare shoot off my mouth again.

I'll do as you wish and care about my brothers.

Lady Yim, don't over exert yourself.

I believe you will give birth to a child of kind disposition.

I will! Thank you for your concern.

My son, the inclemency of a human heart

is too much for a kind person like you to handle.

Come what may, I will protect you.

Man-hong, Man-leung, I'm sending you to Guangdong.

Watch Man-ho and keep him in line.

If he makes another mistake, punish him in my name. Absolutely no mercy.

Father, you just asked us to show brotherly affection.

I scolded you for not showing brotherly affection.

But that doesn't mean you have to.

I don't understand.

You'll learn from your mistakes. Someday, you'll understand what I'm saying.

By then, you should have learnt something.

I'm not asking you to understand. I expect you to do as I say.

Yes, Father!

I need Western cannons to take out the pirates.

Wong Yat-hin is the key figure in completing this deal.

I'm so broke I have nothing but money.

Wong Yat-hin is my great Grandfather?