Original subtitles

Turn a new leaf,

or your fate is death on the battlefield.

Be you a nobleman or a high official,

Will not go easy on you!

Red Flag got wiped out. I'll make the Guangdong Navy pay!

What's your idea?

I mean to contact the other chiefs to take on the Qing troops.

We shall have a comeback!

The Crown Prince has passed away!

There really is no fighting Heaven's will! We can’t fight Heaven.

Sire, take it easy...

Crown Prince was kind in nature.

Though I am the Emperor,

I failed to keep my most beloved son!

Sire, grief hurts.

Sire, I don't know if I should comment on the Crown Prince's death.

What do you mean?

The Crown Prince's life was cut short.

I don't believe it's Heaven's will.

Perhaps it's someone's trick?

Fok Yee-tai found this straw effigy in Prince Man-ho's Guangdong Naval Barracks.

I think it's connected to the Crown Prince's death.

Mercury on a reverse course, Zhiwei in bright bursts.

Sire is in wrath!

You mean...

Prince Man-ho's stars are not compatible with Zhiwei.

Now ominous stars are on the rise, he may incur Sire's wrath.

He's in danger!

Commander Chan?

Why are you here with your men?

Lai Gong-Gong, I am here on Sire's order.

You are now under arrest!

What's my offense?

Practising voodoo in order to harm the Crown Prince.

That is capital offense.

Practising voodoo?

Come! Yes!

Take him away! Yes!

I want to see Sire!

Let me declare my innocence to him.

I've done nothing! Nothing!

Who set me up?

Lai Gong-Gong, how's life in jail?

Lady Yim, thank you for your concern.

I am just half a man,

I don't deserve your effort of setting me up.

I know you are loyal to Sire.

You wouldn't harm the Crown Prince in anyway.

However, Honourable Fok found a straw effigy in the Guangdong Naval Barracks.

It has the Crown Prince's birth date pinned at the back.

Voodoo practice happens to be your former trade.

Of course I don't believe it's your doing.

However, Sire is easily blind-sided by the death of his son.

You once said that carrying Sire's child has steered you away from power struggle.

So it's just a lie.

I am just doing my maternal duty.

You just happen to be Prince Man-ho's man.

So I am collateral damage.

You are using this much deprived eunuch to get Prince Man-ho.

You see too highly of me.

If you'll say the right thing.

I swear to Heaven I'll ask Sire to spare you your life.

Highness is already being kind. Stop laughing.

You want me to say I did it at Prince Man-ho's bidding.

Am I right, Highness?

Since I suffered castration 18 years ago,

I've failed my ancestors and I've failed as a man.

Life or death no longer means much to me.

Threatening me with death is a total waste of efforts!

What about torture?

Let me see who'll have the last laugh, you or I.

Hit him hard!

You dog! When the Crown Prince was born,

you used the star alignment to curse him with a short lifespan.

I was lenient and spared you your life.

Yet it didn't curb your wickedness.

To prove your calculations correct,

you put a jinx on the Crown Prince when he's ill and hastened his death.

You insisted on taking away my favourite son.

You dog!

You're not only lowly with your maimed body but lowly and wicked at heart!

Sire, I am innocent!

I had nothing to do with the Crown Prince's death.

Not your doing? Then whose?

Hit him hard until he'll confess!

Sire, he's so adamant even under torture, maybe it's not that simple.

You mean there's someone else behind him?

The effigy was found in the Guangdong Naval Barracks.

Lai Gong-Gong happened to be there to see Prince Man-ho.

I don't find that a mere coincidence.

Hear my orders.

Summon Prince Man-ho back at once.

Do not announce the Crown Prince's death.

Highness, why are we summoned back so urgently? Somethings wrong?

It's nothing simple, I'm afraid.

The envoy looked serious.

However hard I tried, I failed to get any clues from him.

You can’t run away from your fate. Just play by ear.

Ha Sim, let her have her bag back.

Yes.

First it's boat and now the carriage,

Scholar Suen, we've travelled a few days now Shall we arrive in the capital soon?

We are arriving at our deaths.

I am sure Prince Man-ho is taking us there for execution to please Sire.

Miss Wong, Scholar Suen, we're taking our meal break here.

Good! Better die with a full stomach.

Stewed pork again?

Not stewed pork. It's steamed pork belly.

Whatever.

Miss Wong, Highness wants this returned to you.

My backpack!

Why should he be so kind?

Should I thank him on your behalf?

Or do you want to say it in person?

Scholar Suen, you are hungry. Dig in.

Maybe Miss Wong and His Highness really have incompatible stars?

Nothing's missing!

If I can find out how Scholar Suen and I met our fate in the e-book,

we can change it beforehand.

1810...

Nothing about us?

Scholar Suen and I are just small potatoes,

history books have no place for us.

The 5th day of the 9th month... The Crown Prince passed away.

Scholar Suen...

We won't be executed yet...

We are going to Beijing because the Crown Prince's dead.

The Crown Prince's dead?

What are you blathering about?

Isn't it the truth?

You are hurrying back because the Crown Prince's dead.

Highness...

Fei, what is it about?

I've found out in the capital, the Crown Prince's dead.

The Crown Prince's dead?

How come you knew it already?

Water Mui, it's a secret.

Right, it's a secret.

Don't you forget.

You are the law, and we two are bandits.

Why should I tell you about it?

You...

But if you want to know, there's a way.

First of all, apologise to us two at the top of your lung,

then set us free.

Then I'll tell you about it.

You are blackmailing me.

Take them to the capital!

Go pack! We'll set out at once!

Yes!

Set out now!

Brother Man-ho, you are back at last.

Man-jing,

the news about the Crown Princes death, is it true? What about the Court?

How's Sire?

He's devastated. He's far from being calm.

Lai Gong-Gong has been thrown into jail.

What?

He's being accused of putting a jinx On the Crown Prince.

Why should he do that?

He must be framed.

Things happen for a reason. Someone set him up.

You have to find a way to get him out.

He's framed when I was about to make a triumphant return.

I am sure the target is me.

I won the southern expedition fair and square.

Lady Yim, however, is trying to stab me in the back.

Highnesses, greetings.

It's Sire's order.

Prince Man-ho, you have to go see Sire right away without delay.

Is the news of the Crown Prince's death true? What about the Court?

Sire's devastated. He's far from being calm.

Lai Gong-Gong has been thrown into jail.

He's being accused of putting a jinx On the Crown Prince.

Why should he do it? He must be framed.

Sire, have some tea.

Sire, please forgive me!

I ordered Man-ho to come right away. How come he's not here yet?

Sire, he's...

Isn't he in the palace already? Where is he?

Highness!

Put me in mourning.

Crown Prince, I came too late.

You were the most kind-hearted among the princes.

You had what it takes to be the successor.

You were Sire's favourite. Your death has devastated Sire.

Man-ho!

Sire!

It's good you are back...

You have your brother in mind.

His other brothers have not shed a single tear in their mourning.

They are all cold-hearted.

I had no one to share the loss of him.

Now you are back, I finally have someone to cry with.

Sire, don't let grief hurt you.

He's so sweet in nature. Yet some people had the heart to harm him.

You don't think it was a natural death?

All the evidences point to the contrary.

That dog of a eunuch deserves to die.

I thought his death could close the case,

but Lady Yim reminded me.

There may be a mastermind behind this.

He has to be given his due.

If Crown Prince's death is a conspiracy, we have to find out the truth.

You are the most capable among the princes, you have to find out the truth for me.

Yes, Sire.

I thought I was smart without par,

but I've met my match.

The affected crying over Crown Prince's coffin almost brought me to tears.

We were siblings. We had the brotherly bond. Now we are separated forever.

Why should I affect grief? Why couldn't my tears be genuine?

Whatever.

Now the prey becomes the hunter. You had the table turned.

Highness, you sure can think on your feet.

None can avoid the circle of life.

Using a natural death as a setup, now that's an outstanding mind.

A setup or not is no longer the point.

What counts is whether Sire believes it.

Though you're assigned the investigation,

it doesn't mean the case is over.

You need to find Sire a satisfactory answer.

Actually, it's quite obvious who the mastermind is.

The voodoo effigy was found in the Guangdong Naval Barracks.

You are the commander-in-chief.

Lai Gong-Gong never cut anyone any slack.

His loyalty was not for sale.

But he owes Lady Shun his life.

Once the Crown Prince's dead, with your ability and recent victory,

it would be easy to persuade Sire to name you the successor.

Isn't it easy to tell?

You spared no efforts in setting Lai Gong-Gong up.

It truly was targeted at me.

Lai Gong-Gong may be tough,

but torture can break the toughest.

He's a nobody. His death means nothing.

You are a smart man,

but I don't think you can save your own skin this time.

Sire, I am innocent...

Lai Gong-Gong...poor you.

Lady Shun, I am useless.

Instead of being useful to Prince Man-ho, I...

Please, don't blame yourself.

You have done too much for us mother and son already.

I did not save your life in vain.

You have more than repaid me.

Don't worry. Man-ho is now back in the capital.

He'll figure out a way to get you out.

No...he shouldn't do it.

Why?

Helping me is doing himself in.

It's walking into Lady Yim's trap.

But you have been loyal to us.

How can I desert you? No way!

I suffered the humiliation of castration 18 years ago,

I am no longer worthy to be a man.

I can't put Prince Man-ho in danger.

I am as useless as decoction dreg.

The only thing I can do now is to confess to the crime

so that Prince Man-ho can't be framed.

Lai Gong-Gong...

How come Prince Man-ho had this reaction when he learnt that the Crown Princes dead?

1810...the 5th of the 9th month... The Crown Prince passed away.

Sire suspected a conspiracy.

Lai Gong-Gong was accused of putting a jinx on the Crown Prince

and was thrown into jail.

So it's a murder using hoodoo.

Lai Gong-Gong means to sacrifice himself for me,

I can't let him do it.

Man-ho...

You have to find a way to get him out!

Brother Man-ho, think twice.

Of course we should get him out,

but it's as he said,

one misstep and you'll do yourself in.

Prince Man-ho was involved in it.

He's suspected to be the mastermind.

He ordered Lai Gong-Gong to do it?

Iron Buddha indeed.

It's no different from the palace intrigue in soap operas.

His eyes are set on the throne.

Actually there's a way.

Highness, if someone can foresee the future

then we can figure out a way to help Lai Gong-Gong.

Do you mean...Wong Tai-mui?

Yes. She knew about the Crown Prince's death before we did.

...to seize the position of Crown Prince,

he plotted to have him killed.

Lady Yim demanded that he be duly punished.

Sire roared at the wrong birth date...

If Prince Man-ho was behind the evil plans,

why did the emperor bring up the birth date?

Wong Tai-mui, let me ask you, can you really foresee the future?

Prince Man-ho, let me ask you, when will you let us go?

We can go? We are ready to go anytime.

Shut up!

I have been nice to you.

Yet you time and again took me for a ride.

Siu-fu, take them out and hang them up on the Eastern Gate,

to be flogged.

Yes, Highness.

Hey... Come on...

I am a scholar...Be gentle...

A leopard can't change its spots.

You resort to torture when you are in the wrong.

Are you a man or not? For shame!

What Iron Buddha? Crap!

Siu-fu, listen!

After flogging this shrew,

write this on the city wall:

Adulterers!

Yes, Highness.

Come on...

How despicable of you!

You rascal!

No wonder you could be so wicked as to do Crown Prince in.

But you got your due punishment.

Lady Yim demanded that you be duly punished.

Even the emperor called you out about the wrong birth date.

Wrong birth date?

I got it!

He meant you were born on the worst possible date.

That's why you are so wicked.

Birth date?

Lai Gong-Gong, what's the birth date pinned on the effigy?

9th of the 2nd month.

Think carefully.

When was Crown Prince born?

The 9th of the 2nd month.

Wong Tai-mui said "wrong birth date".

She should mean the Crown Prince's birth date was wrong.

The Crown Prince's birth date was wrong?

How come?

I must have missed the key here.

Lai Gong-Gong, the Crown Prince really was born on the 9th of the 2nd month?

His birth date...9th of the 2nd month!

They thought it's a fail-proof plan.

Even the best laid plan...

You mean...

Lady Yim's effigy carries the wrong birth date.

It's not the 9th of the 2nd month.

No...don't hang me on the city gate!

Don't flog me...

I am nut an...

It's a dream...

Scholar Suen, no one is hanging us up. Take it easy...

You dream of what's on your mind.

Water Mui, so you really can foresee the future?

Foresee the future?

You knew about the Crown Prince's death.

You knew Prince Man-ho would get into trouble.

So you can foresee the future.

I got it from you talking in your dreams.

You are the one who can foresee the future.

I can foresee the future?

Right. Believe it or not.

Go back to sleep right away.

I'll tell you what prophecies you've said in your dream.

Come on, no more chatting.

Come on...I can’t wait to hear them.

It's the advantage of being honest.

No one will doubt what you say.

What did the emperor do to Prince Man-ho after yelling about his birth date?

What? It's not about Prince Man-ho's birth date?

Sire said the birth date was wrong.

The Crown Prince was born on 9th of the leap 2nd month.

Prince Man-ho was cleared of the accusations against him.

So he didn't put the curse On the Crown Prince!

I scolded the wrong man.

The wicked Lady Yim tried again.

She framed Prince Man-ho of showing Sire disrespect.

Miss Wong, why did you get up so early?

It's serious.

Where's Prince Man-ho?

He has gone to the palace to see Sire.

He has gone to see Sire?

Oh no! He's doomed!

He's no match for Lady Yim!

Man-ho, so you have you found out about the Crown Prince's death.

Yes, Sire.

Who was behind Lai Gong-Gong's plot against the Crown Prince?

There was no one behind.

Nor did Lai Gong-Gong try to harm the Crown Prince.

The voodoo practice was nonsense!

It's not Lai Gong-Gong's first voodoo practice.

Who else would it be if not him?

The effigy was found in your Guangdong Naval Barracks.

How could there be no mastermind behind?

There is concrete proof. What do you mean by "nonsense"?

Sire, the Crown Prince's life was cut short.

You have to find out the truth.

Man-ho, is it too hasty a conclusion?

Sire, let me present you with the proof.

You then can see the truth.

Let me present you with the proof.

You then can see the truth.

18 years ago,

Lai Gong-Gong used all that he knew to give the Crown Prince longevity.

This is the effigy he used back then.

It's kept in the Ministry of Justice.

The seal is unbroken.

It means the effigy has not been tempered with.

Sire, please see the difference between the two.

The Crown Prince's birth date is pinned to both.

Sire, read them carefully.

This one says the 9th of the 2nd month.

This one...the 9th of the leap 2nd month

How come?

Sire is sharp.

I was so careless!

I forgot he was not born on the 9th of the 2nd month,

it's the 9th of the 2nd leap month.

Sire, you were blind-sided by the grief.

The birth date may not be correct,

but that doesn't mean Lai Gong-Gong has not done it.

Maybe he got it wrong.

No way! He was once the Imperial Astronomer.

He's responsible for our almanac.

It's his trade. How could he have got it wrong?

If he meant to harm the Crown Prince, how could he have been so careless?

How could he have got his birth date wrong?

Lady Yim, did this answer your question?

If he's framed and he's innocent,

how could there be a mastermind behind him?

What else is that but nonsense?

Sire, instead of finding the mastermind behind Lai Gong-Gong,

maybe we should find out who spread the conspiracy and who framed him.

Lady Yim.

Sire, I am not as eloquent or smart as Prince Man-ho.

Hearsay is not truth.

This framing idea is just Prince Man-ho's conjecture.

I had such qualms on good faith.

If Prince Man-ho has evidence to prove me guilty,

I am willing to accept my punishment.

Man-ho, do you have any evidence?

Prince Man-ho made groundless accusations against me.

However, I do know as a fact that he has shown you disrespect

during the southern expedition.

Man-ho, have you?

You begged Sire for an Imperial yellow jacket,

but have you shown it due respect?

I was told that instead of giving it proper protection,

you let it be ruined by pirate arrows.

Do you know that it represented Sire in the expedition?

Letting it be ruined by the pirates means allowing Sire to be shot.

Isn't that disrespectful?

Was the Imperial yellow jacket ruined by the pirates as Lady Yim said?

Sire...

Sire, it's easy to check if I was telling the truth.

Get the jacket from his residence and the truth will be known.

Sire, the Imperial yellow jacket is here.

Show it to me.

Wait.

Let Prince Man-ho open it.

Or he can easily twist it into a setup.

The Imperial yellow jacket is as good as new.

Lady Yim, you just said I let the jacket be ruined.

Now the jacket is here, why don't you check it out yourself?

How come?

Though eyes can play tricks on our minds,

none of the eyes here can see any damage on the jacket.

What about letting me turn a blind eye?

You can tear it up here and now and frame me for it.

What do you think?

You...

Lady Yim, I took your words for it again and again.

You framed the loyal and had Lai Gong-Gong thrown into jail.

When it didn't work out, you tried to alienate me and Man-ho.

I have favoured you in vain!

Sire...I didn't...

Milady, are you alright?

My belly...it hurts...

You alright?

Sire, it must be the fetus...

How come?

Sire...

Summon the imperial physician!

Be careful...

Milady...

Highness...

Lai Gong-Gong, you have suffered too much for us mother and sons.

Lai Gong-Gong...let me thank you on behalf of my mother and elder brother.

Please...no...I am not worthy.

Heaven has eyes.

Why? Why did you have to suffer so much?

Lai Gong-Gong, are you alright?

I'm fine.

I managed to land on my feet.

Still, Lady Yim managed to get off the hook

Sire forgave her instantly when she cried out "my belly hurts".

He couldn't wait to take her into his arms when she cared to pass out.

Those are tricks exclusive to womankind.

I don't have such tricks.

You have your own tricks.

Thanks to your needlework,

you could mend the jacket in so short a time

When I saw that it's as good as new, it really took me by surprise.

The credit goes to Miss Wong.

If she had not warned me in time,

my needlework couldn't have come into play.

You have saved her twice,

she has bailed you out thrice.

By this count, you owe her one.

Nosy!

Prince Man-ho was framed for showing disrespect to the Imperial yellow jacket.

Sire was mad.

The jacket was fetched from his residence for inspection.

Hold it...

Highness, were it not for my help, you would have been done in.

Now you owe me one.

Oh no...helping him has almost cost me the battery.

I still need it to go back to Hong Kong.

What did I say in my dream this time?

What have I foreseen?

You said I could tell the future in my dream

Yes...

Don't tell me you have not jotted it down

It can be serious.

So her prophecies were actually Scholar Suen's talk in his dreams.

You foresaw the end of your foreseeing.

I foresaw the end of my foreseeing?

What a mouthful.

It was.

You said it's the end of your foreseeing the future.

My talent has dried up.

Do not dwell on the extraordinary.

It's probably the imagination of the mind.

I thought I could foresee when Prince Man-ho would let us go.

What a disappointment.

Believe in yourself, not Heaven.

I alone can determine when you can go.

Highness...

How come we didn't hear you walking?

Or are you a stealth?

You deserve to be so cheeky.

You did bail me out this time.

I should say...

I...

Come with me.

(Prince Man-ho's Residence)

Sign it.

Sign it? What is it?

The pleading letter I wrote for you.

With me as your referee,

you will be granted a pardon.

I was press-ganged into piracy.

Cheung Po-tsai killed my parents.

I tried to kill him several times to redeem myself.

I pointed out their ten most heinous crimes.

I appealed to the Court for their suppression

and the extermination of Cheung Po-tsai and his minions.

So Wong Yat-hin is my great-grandfather.

It means my great-grandparents are tying the knot next month.