Original subtitles

[Episode 31]

- Give back our sovereignty! - Give back our sovereignty!

Under the pretext of fighting Germany, Japan landed at Longkou, Shandong.

They ignored our neutrality and invaded our territory, trampling our nation!

- Give back our sovereignty! - Give back our sovereignty!

What are you doing?

We Japanese have been generous with you.

We helped your backward, ignorant country build railways.

We even allow you to study advanced knowledge and technology here.

Yet instead of being grateful, you slander us.

Get lost!

Stop fighting!

- Stop fighting! - Stop fighting!

- Stop fighting! - Stop fighting!

- I'll kill you! - Stop!

This assembly was approved by the school in advance.

It is duly authorized and reasonable.

If you want to make trouble, go to the principal's office.

So what if we do?

You think the principal will side with you Chinese?

You may be able to bully a student far from home with no support.

But if you dare to despise a nation

with 5,000 years of civilization and 400 million people,

you will pay a heavy price.

And when exactly will we pay that price?

Come on! I can't wait.

I swear on my life.

You will pay for it.

Try it if you have the guts.

Let's go.

Thank you for stepping up.

We are all Chinese. We should stick together.

- Indeed. - He's right.

- We must stick together. - We must stick together.

You're badly injured.

Let's get you to the infirmary.

I'm fine.

Who are you? You've got some moves.

I'm Yu Ming Xuan.

I haven't been in Japan for long.

No wonder I haven't seen you before.

It's fine that we just met.

We're on the same path now.

Ming Xuan.

"I beg you, one more cup of farewell wine."

From tomorrow onwards,

I'll have no one here who truly understands me.

Zhong Fang.

Though miles may part us, we'll meet again.

I promise you, once I return,

whatever lies ahead, I, Yu Ming Xuan,

will never waver in my resolve.

To save our nation and to serve the people.

We'll never waver, whatever the cost.

I'll wait for you in Nanhuai.

- It's a deal. - It's a deal.

You were the one who made that promise.

How could you forget it so easily?

Ever since I met you...

you were always like this.

Always giving,

and never asking for anything in return.

I always wanted to do something for you.

But you had a good family and got along with everyone.

And you excelled in your studies.

I really didn't know what I could do for you.

It wasn't until after you passed away that I found your diary.

The 17th day of the Winter Month.

The cold in Tokyo has worsened lately.

All the leaves in the courtyard have fallen.

The 25th day of the Winter Month.

I received a letter from Lan Qing.

She said everything is fine.

But I know she must be braving the cold again

to practice her singing early in the morning.

She didn't mention her cough in the letter.

I'm truly worried about her.

I had someone bring this from abroad.

It's the brand you used to use.

The 5th day of the Spring Month.

Had drinks and a long talk with Zhong Fang.

When walking on Tokyo's streets at dawn, I thought of Lan Qing's favorite balsam.

It sprouts in spring, grows in summer, and withers before autumn.

Everything in this world is fleeting, destined to pass away.

Yet life keeps growing as it fades.

The 8th day of the Early Summer.

The reading society is getting busier by the day.

In a recent letter from Mother, she said Chang Xuan was mad at Father again.

His birthday is coming up.

I can't help but wonder if the family has arranged a celebration for him.

He likes pocket watches.

Before returning to Nanhuai, I must pick one from the watch shop.

When his birthday comes, I'll give him a watch he likes.

Master Chang Xuan, a birthday gift for you.

Jin, how did you know I like pocket watches?

I've been chatting with Zhong Fang lately.

I find him more and more interesting.

Most people crave fame and fortune.

[Jin Zhong Fang] Yet he has no interest at all.

Sometimes I feel I know him very well.

[Jin Zhong Fang] Other times, I can't figure him out.

For instance, what does he truly like?

I can't say for sure.

Ming Xuan.

My favorite thing is listening to you talk about your ideals.

Zhong Fang!

Zhong Fang, good news!

Wonderful news!

It has begun! The Southwest has risen up!

Look!

Just today, the Southwest generals sent a telegram nationwide,

declaring the Southwest independent and forming an army to overthrow Yan Gong Bao!

- Will they really overthrow Yan Gong Bao? - Of course!

They've vowed to fight for the dignity of 400 million people.

That usurper's dream of becoming emperor is over.

The people will not allow it.

Our republic is not dead.

Our country can still be saved!

That's wonderful! Our country can be saved!

Who are you?

I am Jin Zhong Fang.

I was Yu Ming Xuan's... classmate in Japan.

He is right inside.

[Spirit Tablet of Eldest Brother Yu Ming Xuan]

Ming Xuan, your unfinished wishes and ideals,

I will fulfill them one by one.

Look how eager he is.

As if someone's going to take it from him.

There, there, Ze Ning.

Ze Ning is drinking so well.

Ping Jun, give it a try.

Here. Support his head with your hand.

Be careful.

Your other hand, move it up.

There.

Jin Xuan, he's really drinking.

See? I told you you could do it.

Gently now.

Jin Xuan, is he about to cry?

It's alright. Pat him with your hand. Gently.

- Pat him gently. - That's it.

- Talk to him. - Alright.

There, there, Ze Ning.

Good boy.

Drink up, sweetie.

There, there, Ze Ning.

There, there.

It's so late. Why aren't you asleep?

I'll be a while. You go to sleep first.

What? Can't sleep without me?

I'm not talking to you.

Don't be naughty.

You get some sleep.

I'll take care of the rest.

Today, when I saw you holding Ze Ning, you looked so happy.

It made me think that

we could have a child of our own.

A child that looks like both you and me.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

I got Ze Ning a longevity lock to keep him safe.

He's too young to wear it yet.

Then we'll save it for later.

Ze Ning's eyes and nose really look like yours.

Of course my child looks like me.

Better if he looks like you.

Why isn't Uncle back yet?

Mr. Tang and Commander Mou are discussing business.

They must not be finished yet.

About what happened at the lounge that day, thank you.

It was nothing.

You were injured because of me after all.

Next time I see you, Miss Zi Yi, I'll pretend I don't see you.

What?

You told me to stay out of your business.

- I... - Please.

I could hear you two talking from a distance.

So lively. Like a pair of bickering lovers.

Uncle.

Mr. Tang, Commander Mou.

Xue Ting.

What were you talking about?

You didn't upset Miss Zi Yi, did you?

- Sit down. - I wouldn't dare.

This Steinway is a rare find.

Commander Mou, you just bought it, right?

Dr. Tang's merchant ship just delivered it a few days ago.

It's been sitting there unused.

Perfect timing. Help me test the sound.

Go on.

Sure. Let's go.

I can't remember the rest.

You're still the better pianist.

Brahms's Hungarian Dance.

It's indeed hard to continue without the sheet music.

Xue Ting.

Your piano playing is excellent, too.

Why don't you play a duet with Miss Zi Yi?

Mr. Tang, Commander Mou, since you're in such high spirits,

I'll do my humble best.

Please sit.

Ping Jun.

You've lost so much weight.

I'm fine.

The doctor said withdrawal takes a heavy toll.

I'll recover after some rest and nourishment.

Please sit.

Ping Jun.

I'm sorry.

I hurt you so much before,

yet you put the past aside to help me.

Don't say that.

It's all in the past.

I asked you here today because I want to give you this.

It's perfectly round.

A symbol of good luck.

It's my blessing for you both.

Thank you. I love it.

I'm glad you like it.

Ping Jun,

I actually really envy you.

In this world, not everyone is lucky enough

to spend their life with the one they love.

Lan Qing...

Don't worry about me.

I never thought I'd be so fortunate to find a good man

and a love this blessed in my lifetime.

But after this near-death experience,

I finally realized that Ming Xuan...

He's always been right here,

watching over me, protecting me.

So I will take care of myself

and live a good life with his memory in my heart.

Look.

The plants outside wither and fade when winter arrives.

But when spring comes,

they sprout and bloom again.

Surviving the bitter cold brings new life.

Then, what are your plans for the future?

I want to leave Nanhuai.

I want to go to Beijing or Guangzhou.

To see new operas and new scenery.

When I return,

I'll surely perform even better.

Good.

Higher, a bit higher.

- Hurry up. - The guests will be here soon.

You, hang yours higher, too.

Move the table here. Put it in the middle.

The fruit. Bring the fruit over.

Hurry up, you two.

What are you all standing around for?

Get over there, quickly.

Slow down.

Alright.

Leave it to me.

What are you embroidering?

You've been at it all afternoon.

I'm making this for Ze Ning.

What do you think? Is it good?

The kitten is well-embroidered.

This isn't a kitten.

It's clearly a tiger cub.

A tiger cub?

I think it's a kitten with its claws out.

Just like this one.

That bite...

You really do act like a kitten.

Then you'd better be careful.

A kitten... can be as fierce as a tiger.

I advise you, my dear,

not to play with fire.

I am going to play with fire.

What are you going to do about it?

Are you going to...

put me under military discipline, sir?

Let go.

It seems I need to teach you a lesson.

What's wrong?

You're hurting me.

Where does it hurt?

I need to go find Mother. We're playing mahjong and making mooncakes.

It looks good, right?

Jin Xuan.

How does this one look?

Not bad. But use less sugar.

Father and Mother don't like it too sweet.

Alright, I'll eat it.

Alright.

Ze Ning, look at what they're doing.

Look.

Ze Ning.

- White Dragon. - Good boy, Ze Ning.

Bing Wen, what do you think of the Commander's hand?

Father's always been a master strategist.

A mahjong game is like a battle.

- Victory is surely in his hands. - Jin Xuan, look.

You think I haven't lost enough?

Ping Jun, can't decide what to play again?

I think you just need someone standing behind you

to give you some pointers.

Father, Mother.

What a coincidence.

Your advisor has arrived.

Let Bing Wen play for you.

I'll take you out for a walk.

You want to leave just because you won?

That's not right.

Listen to what Father said.

Besides, I'm still half a round away.

Just go.

Someone's mind is already out the door.

Then I'll take her with me.

If we team up as a couple, who knows how much we'd win from you.

Let's go.

Mother, I'm off.

Bing Wen, take over for her.

Chang Xuan, you're so biased.

Why don't you take me out too?

Just go make your mooncakes.

Eat more. Look how thin you've gotten.

I told you, don't touch my head again!

Ze Ning, look at them. Aren't they funny?

- Bravo! - Bravo!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

Come on, everyone!

Come and have a look!

Shoot the balloons!

Let's see how good this young man's aim is.

- Bravo! - Bravo!

So close.

Aim carefully.

Let's see.

- The second shot. - You've got this.

- He hit it! - Great!

This young man has some skills!

Take aim.

Just a little bit off.

- Forget it. Let's go. - He's no good.

Wait, I'll think of something.

Sir, can I just buy that porcelain doll?

Wait.

Isn't that cheating?

I've had this stall for many years.

- We can't break the rules, right? - Yes.

Look, if you really like that doll, then play another round.

- That's right. - One silver dollar for one round.

Five hits out of ten get you a prize.

If you get seven hits, you can take away our grand prize, the Lucky Doll.

Who else wants to try?

One silver dollar for one round. Anyone?

What if I hit ten out of ten?

Ten out of ten? That's hard.

I've run this stall for years, and no one has ever hit all ten shots.

Chang Xuan.

Sir, if you can hit all ten shots today,

you can take all the grand prizes in my stall.

- How about that? - Really?

See that doll?

If we take it back for Ze Ning, he'd probably love it.

Then give it a try.

I'll try.

Alright, let's see this young man's aim.

Is it as good as he says?

Aim carefully.

- He hit it! Amazing! - Impressive.

Really? Five hits in a row.

Yes, he's amazing!

Sir, hold on, please.

How about this?

If you really like that doll, I'll just give it to you, alright?

- That's not what you said just now. - Right.

How can we do that?

Didn't you say we had to follow the rules?

Rules are rules, but we can be flexible, right?

- Six! - Six!

- Seven! - Seven!

- Eight! - Eight!

- Nine! - Nine!

- Ten! - Ten!

- That's amazing! - He's so good!

- Incredible! - Impressive!

He's a sharpshooter!

Yes, he's amazing!

Sir, please don't take offense.

I run a small business.

If you take all of these, I'll lose everything I've put in today.

Please have mercy.

Thank you.

It's so cute.

Let's go.

Look at them.

I didn't expect you to be not only a sharpshooter, but a man of grace.

You've only just noticed my virtues?

Take your pick.

Here you go.

See if it's sweet.

Is it good?

It's very sweet.

Hold this.

I'm not drying it. I want to sleep.

If you don't dry it now, you'll have a headache tomorrow.

There, there. It'll be done soon.

The injury from the explosion is almost healed.

Does it still hurt?

This past period of time has felt like a dream.

Sometimes I feel like it's not quite real.

And now?

Does it still feel like a dream?

Chang Xuan.

The Central Government sent Commissioner Gao to our city.

Officially, he's here to inspect our defenses.

Who knows what he's really up to.

This Gao Ping is the Deputy Director of the Military Affairs Department.

I heard he's been in high regard lately.

Last month, he was awarded an imported Buick and a personal chauffeur.

Moreover, he was given a large mansion.

With access to the Prime Minister's Office, his influence has grown significantly.

A special envoy who is in the limelight

won't be easy to deal with.

How about I find an excuse not to receive him?

He's already on his way.

If we brush him off, the Central Government could accuse us of being disloyal.

What should we do then?

We'll play it by ear when he arrives.

Don't skip any of the proper formalities.

Ping Jun, when Commissioner Gao arrives, I'll have to entertain him.

Madam Zhang and Madam Gu will be here.

They both like you very much.

You can have some tea and chat with them.

Don't worry.

The Commander-in-Chief is currently on a patrol in North Harbor.

And now Commissioner Gao has come to Nanhuai.

Though it's called an inspection, I'm afraid he has other motives.

The Revolutionary Army took several cities.

The Central Government must be planning to extort resources from everywhere.

Whatever the Central Government's plan is, we must fully support Chang Xuan.

Let's handle this Gao first. He's a big shot we can't afford to offend.

Commissioner Gao of the Central Government has arrived.

Isn't that Jiang Xue Ting?

Yes, it is.