Original subtitles

Subtitles by TVB USA

[Beyond the Realm of Conscience]

Episode Twenty-Four

Master Bo died in an accident. Fate is really unpredictable.

I've lost my Kat Cheung You've taken away my most precious thing.

You made me lose the person who cherished me the most.

Your ladyship offered the joss sticks personally.

Master Bo must be overjoyed. Let me light it again.

Thank you, Chief Chung.

Son, are you still alive?

I just hoped you could drift along the water and get out of the palace

and be adopted by someone kind.

I didn't wish you fortune.

I just wanted you to be safe.

May god have mercy on me.

The moon is so bright on the night of the fifteenth.

But please let it be covered by the clouds so Suet Ha keeps her promise.

I want to know where my son is, so please help me, God.

What? You want God to cover the moon for you?

He won't help someone like you.

Tonight is the fifteenth. You don't see the moon now.

You promised to tell me where the baby is if this happens. Where is he?

You think the moon's gone because it's covered?

You think the truth can be covered?

I can tell easily that your hands are stained with blood.

You can fool others, but you can't fool me.

You are being unreasonable. You don't keep your promise.

It depends on whom I'm dealing with. You are so mean.

Why do I need to be faithful to you? However, I'm not like you.

There will be times when I go soft.

Well, if you want to know your son's whereabouts.

I'll tell you when I'm in a better mood.

The empress will host a vegetarian banquet in the side hall

during the Buddha cleaning festival.

I've perused the suggestions you guys gave me.

The Food Department will use fruits together with vegetables for the meal.

Most of the dishes will be plain. It'll be fresh and enjoyable.

Thank you for your compliment, Bureau Chief.

The designs made by the Jewels Department are quite good. They are simple but noble.

They are elegant too. You do have novel ideas, Sam Ho.

Thank you for your compliment, Bureau Chief.

Everyone in the three departments works hard for perfection.

They've submitted a lot of designs for selection.

But Mistress Yuen, you've submitted only

one design for the vase and handkerchiefs.

Are you doing a lousy job or are you incompetent?

It's because I think the design is already the best.

The best?

How about the patch of green on the vase? What is that?

It's put there to match the lotus. It makes the lotus stand out.

I don't see anything wrong there.

What a lie. You say it looks plain and elegant.

You just painted it there without any purpose.

I've done my very best in drawing this. I've done my job diligently.

If you've done your job diligently, you wouldn't pick just a lotus.

There are so many flowers in the palace.

Just go to the imperial garden and you will see many beautiful flowers there.

But lotus is the only flower that matches the Buddha cleaning festival.

There isn't any other option.

Fine. I'll presume that lotus is appropriate.

How come there's only one design for the silk handkerchief then?

Is it because you are incompetent

so you can't head the Embroideries Department either?

Or is it because I was too good when I was in charge of it?

You can't surpass me, so you just did a lousy job.

When Buddha was born, there were lotuses around him.

He pointed at the sky and the earth

to suggest that he's supreme both in heaven and on earth.

Back then His Majesty and the empress stayed in a monastery.

To show respect for Buddha, we should use lotus for the festival.

There are many Buddhist stories. You are so knowledgeable.

Why did you draw only one design?

Is it because you didn't want to do a thorough job?

I don't feel surprised that you know nothing about Buddhist scriptures.

But you can borrow some from the library. Or you can come to consult me.

Don't ever think it's so easy to head the Embroideries Department.

How will Buddhist stories be a problem for me?

Bodhidharma crossed the river on a weed.

The prince of Nepal exited the east, south, west, and north gates

and witnessed birth, aging, illness, and death.

Guanyin has many different appearances. She's both male and female.

I even know the teaching of Master Wai Nun. It's all but void. How will there be dust?

What's the use to cite so many examples? You don't do what you say. You are lazy.

I know the Buddhist scriptures too. Buddha shaved his hair and became a monk.

It's so touching. He used his meat to feed the eagle.

Many Buddhist stories are so touching. But you picked just one.

It shows you're ignorant.

The four departments are interrelated.

If one of them makes mistakes, the other three will be punished too.

Isn't that the case, Mistress Tam?

Well, Mistress Yuen is new to the Embroideries Department.

Maybe she isn't competent enough yet.

But I'm sure she will perform much better when she's grown accustomed to it.

There's still some time before the Buddha cleaning festival.

Will Bureau Chief please give Mistress Yuen

a chance to design something else without punishing her?

That won't be necessary.

If I make a mistake, of course I should be punished.

But I haven't.

Chief Chung talked about Buddha becoming a monk

or feeding the eagle with his meat.

It's really touching.

But it's more meaningful to think about Buddha getting enlightened under the vine.

He understood that the life cycle is unavoidable.

Fame and fortune is but something transient.

Therefore, he gave up his status as a prince.

He gave up greed and desires. He became Buddha to help other people.

There's an origin and an end for everything Everything starts from the enlightenment.

You don't get it, Chief Chung?

Therefore, I think my submission is already the best.

No more excuses. I'm not talking about Buddhist philosophy with you.

I simply don't like this story. You must do it again.

Everyone's understanding of the Buddhist philosophy is different.

It's hard to decide which one is better.

Maybe Mistress Yuen has her own reason for the submission.

Chief Chung, there's no point to argue further.

Why don't we ask the empress to decide? In fact, I had tea with her this morning.

She knew I selected the story of Buddha getting enlightened under the vine.

She liked it very much. You'd better take my advice.

Don't trouble Her Highness with this trivial matter.

Bureau Chief.

You don't need to be so courteous. You've got the empress to back you up.

Do you still have any respect for me?

I didn't mean to challenge you. I just reasoned with you.

You talked back to me. You argued with me vehemently.

You didn't give me face in public.

I never offend anyone unless I'm offended first.

I was driven to the corner.

I just fought back.

You are such a good actress. Your hands are stained with blood.

You still pretend to be innocent.

If you want to scold me, just go ahead. You don't need to make the implication.

You keep saying that I killed Master Bo.

If you have evidence, go ahead and convict me.

Otherwise, you'd better drop it.

It's murder. Who dares admit it?

Look at your attitude.

You don't want to know where the baby is at all.

Even if I do, so what?

It depends on whether you would tell me.

You wanted to see the moon on the first day of the month.

Then you said you didn't want to see it on the fifteenth.

No matter you can see the moon or not, you simply won't tell me the truth.

- I'm done with you. - You...

On a personal level, I can forgive you as you are in grief.

But on the business level, I won't allow you to fool around.

I have discharged my duties as the Head of Embroidery diligently.

But you just picked on me for revenge.

You are the Bureau Chief. You should discharge your duties faithfully.

Don't ever forget your status and your duties.

I gave you the post of Bureau Chief. I can have you removed too.

As you say, I've got the empress to back me up.

If I want to become the Bureau Chief, can you stop me from doing so?

You should know very well my ability isn't worse than yours.

I still have a lot of work to do. You need to go to bed too.

I won't see you out. Please leave.

I'm so useless. I know her secret.

Yet, I can't find the evidence to prove she's committed murder.

I can't avenge your murder. I'm really useless.

Godmother, I've avenged my godfather.

You've avenged your godfather?

I put some laxative in Master Mak's congee.

I bet he will stay in the bathroom for two hours.

Didn't I take revenge for godfather?

Master Mak is your superior officer.

If he finds out that you tricked him, he will punish you.

Once he took over godfather's post, he smeared him.

He said godfather did a lousy job. I couldn't put up with that.

So I tricked him.

Anyway, whoever offends godfather will be my enemy.

Whoever hurts Kat Cheung must suffer.

For the sake of Kat Cheung, I must find out the truth.

The person who hurt him must be punished.

Really? Don't lie to us.

Do you have a handkerchief?

- Of course we do. - Look.

Wow, this is so amazing.

I want it too.

Wait, wait. Everyone will get one. Be patient.

- Who wants it too? - I do.

- This is for you. - Thank you.

- Me too. - You too?

I want one too. I don't get one.

This is for you, sis Siu Yung

Thank you, Siu Shun. I've got a date to eat.

Your name is really right. Chin Siu Yung, You laugh all the time.

The fortune teller said it's really bad to have a wrong name.

Your life is predestined. You can't change it.

If so, you must share everything with others then, Cho Miu Fun.

Boon Yee Man, do you sniff everything you see?

Why don't you talk about yourself?

Right. Come on. How about your name?

Tell us the origin of your name, Siu Shun. Is there a special meaning?

Originally, my name wasn't Siu Shun. I was called Ho Sang.

It's because I was born in the river.

Did your mom give birth to you while she's washing clothes at the riverbank?

Master Bo found me in the river. He said I was drifting downstream.

So he gave me the name Siu Shun.

So you were an abandoned baby in the river?

Godfather said he found me when I was still a baby.

If he hadn't picked me up from the river. I would have died already.

- Mistress Yuen, Mistress Lau. - Mistress Yuen, Mistress Lau.

Mistress Yuen, Mistress Lau.

- Mistress Yuen. - Thank you.

I've given you guys all the dates I've got.

I need to get something else. Otherwise, I can't perform the magic.

We'll get back to work, Mistress Yuen.

- Mistress Yuen, are you alright? - I'm fine.

My mom died when I was a kid. I treat you like my family.

Why don't you talk to me so I can help you?

This is really serious.

You are the only one I can talk to in the palace.

So you think Siu Shun is your son?

Chief Chung got the bell from Master Bo. Master Bo was so nice to Siu Shun.

He even took him as his godson. It isn't surprising that this is the case.

But Suet Ha thought I killed Master Bo, so she won't tell me the truth.

Master Bo died so suddenly. Chief Chung is so devoted to him.

Maybe she's too heartbroken.

That's why she's got wild thoughts and suspects you.

I've done my best to explain to her, but she won't believe me.

There's nothing I can do.

Anyway, I didn't kill Master Bo. My hands are clean.

Now I just want to find my son.

Apart from the bell, do you get any other evidence?

My son was born in the last year of Emperor Muk Chung.

He's born in the year of the dragon.

Siu Shun said he was picked up from the river.

If he's born in the year of the dragon, it's very likely that he's my son.

Hey, he's coming.

- I say it's snake. - I say it's rabbit.

No. It's snake.

Mistress Yuen, Mistress Lau, what did you say?

Is there a snake here?

We aren't talking about snakes We're talking about you.

How will I be related to snakes?

We wonder when you were born. You are so agile and clever.

I think you were born in the year of the snake.

Siu Shun is thoughtful and considerate. He's born in the year of the rabbit.

Both of you are wrong. I'm dragon.

Well, you've never talked about your hometown.

Do you have any family members?

I'm an orphan. I only had my godfather. He's Master Bo. He took me to the palace.

Where's your hometown then?

Why do you two ask me so many questions?

I've got a fellow villager who's fifty odd years old.

When she was young, she had a son, but he's missing soon after he's born.

Subsequently, someone told her that her son was taken into the palace.

That's why we asked you those questions.

Maybe you are the son of my fellow villager.

What kind of person is your fellow villager? Is she kind-hearted?

She is. She always helps the poor and the needy.

She won't be my mom then. My mom abandoned her own son in the river.

She's so cold-blooded.

She can't be a good person. How will she be kind-hearted?

Maybe she abandoned you for a good reason.

Even so, she could ask someone to adopt me, but she simply put me in the river.

I could have starved to death. I could have got drowned.

How is that different from killing me personally?

What if she comes to find you?

Better not. I don't want to know who she is.

I don't want such a wicked person to be my mom. I've got a godmother.

She's Chief Chung. That woman? I deemed her dead long ago.

Let's not talk about her anymore.

Oh no, I've forgotten to bring my wallet with me.

How can I go buy things? I can't talk to you two anymore.

Bureau Chief, you want to see me?

I want to congratulate you.

On what?

I saw you chatting with Siu Shun this afternoon.

You two appeared to be talking happily.

Siu Shun treats me like his mom. He tells me everything.

You checked his background? You wanted to find out the year he's born?

You asked about his family members?

You wanted to find out where his hometown is?

You asked so many questions because you wanted to know if he's your son?

You can save the trouble. Let me tell you.

Yes, Siu Shun is your son.

It's really him?

So the baby has stayed in the palace all the time without getting out?

Siu Shun's life is really tragic.

Every time Kat Cheung and I talked about his parents, he became so mad.

You can't blame him for that. He was abandoned right after he's born.

Everyone would get mad if this happened to them.

Oh, he shouldn't get angry. He should hate you.

Why don't I arrange for you two to meet and have him find out the truth?

His mom is so shameless to have him out of wedlock as a bastard.

Shall I ask his dad Man Kim Fung to come over too

and have a family reunion for the three of you.

It will be such a happy event.

Please don't get General Man involved.

What? You're afraid to get your lover into trouble?

You did something like that.

Are you afraid to admit it? You did something bad.

Of course the consequence is bad. Back then you should behave yourself.

You were so shameless to sleep with others. It's too late to regret it now.

I don't mind if you want to hurt me. I'll accept it. But Siu Shun is innocent.

Please let him go.

Oh, I nearly forgot. Back then you two weren't married. He's illegitimate.

If someone finds out the truth, he'll be executed.

The three of you will be executed together.

This is so pathetic.

I beg you please. I know you hate me. You can keep picking on me.

Siu Shun is so nice to you. You are his godmother. I beg you to let him go.

I don't mind getting punished, but don't get them involved.

I do hate you. But it's too easy for you to die so soon.

Whether I will tell others the truth depends on my mood.

If you listen to me and please me, I won't tell them then.

But if you drive me mad

I can't promise when I will lose control and tell people the truth.

Listen carefully.

In future if I want you to do anything, I don't want to hear the word no.

I've got a lot of work to do now. Get out.

Lady Lai, the Book of Ling Yim you copied is so neat and clear. It's good.

Thank you for your compliment, Your Majesty.

Sis is so hardworking.

She studies the scriptures diligently. She's so well nurtured.

I want to model on her.

I can tell you've worked very hard, Lady Lai.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Well, Lady Yin has drawn a picture recently.

Yesterday she showed it to me.

Why don't you take a look at it too, Your Majesty?

Please don't laugh at me, Your Majesty.

It's the picture of Guanyin?

Good.

The drawing is delicate. It's so vivid.

Guanyin looks so kind. She looks familiar.

You think so too?

Your Majesty, Your Highness, Lady Yin, Lady Lai.

- At ease. - Much obliged, Your Majesty.

No wonder she looks familiar. The Guanyin in the picture is Mistress Lau.

- This is wonderful. - I don't get it.

Mistress Lau, you are the mortal incarnation of Guanyin. Look.

You think so too?

Guanyin is kind and peaceful. She wears a smile.

Mistress Lau wears a smile everyday. She's kind-hearted too.

She's really the mortal incarnation of Guanyin.

Lady Yin, did you ask Mistress Lau to be your model when you drew the picture?

How would I dare bother Sam Ho?

When I drew the picture, I felt that Guanyin was merciful.

I don't know why, but I just drew Sam Ho as her.

A person's mind affects her look. Mistress Lau is kind-hearted.

She makes people feel the mercy of Guanyin.

Lady Yin, the picture you drew is beautiful.

How can I be compared to Guanyin?

You are Sam Ho. Speak good words do good deeds and show goodwill.

That's the spirit of Buddha.

I dare not say so.

Sam Ho and I are like sisters. I know her character and virtue the best.

Sam Ho is kind and virtuous. Her skills are outstanding too.

She's so kind already.

Now after seeing the picture, I find her a living Guanyin and a living Buddha.

She's like a goddess.

Thank you for your compliment, my lady.

Her Highness told the Jewels Department to make some ornaments for your ladyships.

I've made a pearl necklace for Lady Lai.

Look at the pearls. Every one of them is round and rich.

They go very well with you, Lady Lai.

Thank you for the gift, Your Highness. I'll wear it when I recite the scriptures.

I believe it will help me understand the Buddhist philosophy better.

I've made a pomegranate hairpin for Lady Yin.

Wonderful. There are so many seeds for pomegranate.

Hey, Sam Ho is Guanyin.

So she's bringing a son to her This is a good sign.

Thanks for the gift, Your Highness.

May God bless your ladyship so your dream will come true sooner.

As Guanyin has brought you a son, let me help you put on the hairpin.

Man Po Yin is nothing. She's cunning. But she pretends to be merciful.

She's a bully, but she pretends to be kind.

She pretends to copy the scriptures, and draw the Guanyin picture.

She wants everyone to know she's kind like Buddha.

Why doesn't she become a nun then?

My lady, they're coming.

Oh, my lady.

Oh, the pearls.

My lady.

Sis, are you alright? How come the necklace broke?

Lady Yin, how are you?

Don't just stand there. Go get the doctor.

Yes.

Sis, stay with me.

I hope she will never be able to give birth to kids after this.

Then I will really return God's favor.

Dear God, sis copied the scriptures for the temples.

She's so kind and generous. Please help her survive this.

Otherwise, I'll feel uneasy for the rest of my life.

Don't be like this, my lady. It's an accident that the necklace broke.

No one wants that to happen.

Is that really an accident?

Sam Ho, why do you say so?

I just picked up the pearls. I checked the gold thread.

It's pulled apart deliberately.

You mean I deliberately pulled apart the necklace to hurt sis?

Your ladyship should know very well

that the gold thread used in the Jewels Department is extremely strong.

It won't break easily unless someone knows how to twist and pull it.

You suspect I did so?

It's only my conjecture. I hope I'm wrong about it.

Yes, I know how strong the gold thread is. I also know how to twist and pull it.

But some gold thread maybe of inferior quality.

Besides, there are so many pearls on it.

Maybe the gold thread couldn't bear the load, so it broke.

Why don't you consider those possibilities? You just think I did it on purpose.

I really don't understand this.

Every time something happens, you hold me liable.

When did I become such a narrow-minded and tricky woman in your heart?

Everyone can doubt me, but you can't. It's because you're my good sister.

- Your Highness. - At ease.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

I heard that Lady Yin tripped and got hurt. Is that true?

Your Highness, sis stepped on the pearls and tripped.

The doctor is treating her inside right now.

- Your Highness. - At ease.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

Lady Yin, you're injured. Cut the formalities.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

Is her ladyship fine?

She just twisted her ligament. Her condition isn't serious.

I need to make a report.

Just now when I checked Lady Yin's pulse, it's really strong and regular.

She's pregnant.

Really? This is great. This is really great.

Lady Yin, you're pregnant.

Congratulations, Lady Yin.

Thank you.

It's really a miracle.

Sam Ho, this morning, you were the Guanyin who brought her a son.

Now she's really carrying a baby for His Majesty.

Sis, congratulations on your carrying a son for His Majesty.

Congratulations, Your Highness.

Go tell His Majesty right away that Lady Yin is pregnant.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Dr. Ng. - Yes, Your Highness.

I know you're busy as you're the head of the imperial clinic.

But Lady Yin's health is important.

As a prudent measure, I'll ask you to take good care of Lady Yin.

Yes, Your Highness.

Mind your health. I want you to give birth to a chubby grandson for me.

I'm grateful for your favor, Your Highness.

My lady, I've already told Master Bao that you're sick.

He would ask His Majesty to come see you.

Later when His Majesty arrives

you tell him that I miss my deceased son so much that I've fallen sick.

Yes, my lady.

Lady Yin thinks she'll get His Majesty's love because she's carrying a child.

I won't let her wish come true.

When His Majesty learns that I miss my deceased son

he'll love me all the more.

Here comes the empress.

Your Highness.

Lady Lai, you are unwell. Cut the formalities.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

You are unwell. Let me help you to your bed.

Alright.

Did you summon the doctor to see you?

Dr. Sze came. He said my chest is constricting.

Ever since I miscarried, I've been in bad health all the time.

You must mind your health.

I've told the Food Department to prepare some replenishing soup for you.

It's good for you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Now that Lady Yin is pregnant

His Majesty will obviously pay more attention to her.

You are so considerate and generous. I bet you don't mind, do you?

Of course I don't. Sis is carrying a baby for His Majesty.

Everyone in the palace is joyous. I feel happy for her.

Those are the things I gave you before. Why do you put them here?

I suddenly miss my deceased son, so I took them out for reminiscence.

I understand your feelings, but now Lady Yin is pregnant.

You should put away these things.

They are unlucky after all. You should avoid this.

Yes, Your Highness.

Fei Yin, put them away lest she will feel sad seeing them again.

I don't want His Majesty to feel upset at this moment of joy.

Yes, Your Highness.

Kim Fung, you went to places outside the palace.

Are you tired?

Thank you for asking, mentor. I've served in the army for my whole life.

I'm used to running around.

Po Yin is carrying a baby. I bet you've been informed.

She's got a baby at last. Maybe my wife in heaven has given us her blessing.

Now we are in good luck at last.

We must thank God for this.

Back when His Majesty came to the throne

both you and I thought he's a lousy emperor.

We hoped the ladies would give birth to a son to succeed to the throne.

Now our wish is really granted.

I hope the emperor will be diligent and hardworking in the future.

Then Tang will become prosperous. People will live a good life then.

Good. I'll propose a toast to you.

Congratulations on your becoming a grandfather.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Did you go to see General Man, Hin Yeung?

How did he feel when he learned about the pregnancy of Lady Yin?

General Man has gotten over the grief of losing his wife.

It's really the grace of God to give him this piece of good news.

General Man is a gifted commander. What a shame I still can't use him yet.

I believe someday he will find out who's good or bad. He will join you.

By the way, how's your father?

His health is well, but he's old. He can't help but feel upset being imprisoned.

- Uncle Lau. - Uncle Lau.

Your Majesty.

There's no need for formalities.

Uncle Lau's peonies are so beautiful.

They are blooming. I want to put them here

so Your Majesty can look at them when you come to the imperial garden.

I'm so busy dealing with national affairs. I don't have the mood to appreciate them.

Your effort is wasted, Uncle Lau.

You don't need to worry so much, Your Majesty.

There's still some time before my father is to be exiled to the border.

I'm the emperor. It isn't too hard for me to pardon your father.

But I need the others to agree with me.

If you can relax and enjoy the scenery, maybe you will be enlightened.

Everything in the world is governed by rules.

Rules?

Plant in spring, and grow in summer. Harvest in fall, and store in winter.

This is the rule and principle in planting flowers.

There are rules everywhere.

The twenty-four weather changes are constant.

On the Awakening Day in March, the bugs and snakes come alive again.

That's right. It's the best to decide the case according to the law.

Apart from rules, there's also the principles of filial piety.

Guard Ko, do you know who's the favorite student of Confucius?

I guess it's Ngan Wui, who's happy even though he's poor.

Actually Tsang Tsam was a student of Confucius too.

He wrote the Book of Filial Piety.

To serve the Emperor faithfully and to respect to your parents.

This is what a good Tang citizen should do.

You've enlightened me, Uncle Lau. I don't feel troubled anymore.

I thank you Uncle Lau on behalf of my father.

I just taught you two how to plant flowers. It's not enlightening at all.

I won't interrupt you two further. May I be excused.

This time I can legitimately save your father.

so he can walk out of the imperial cell properly.

Lady Yin is pregnant. I'm grateful to God for giving me a son.

I've decided to do something charitable.

It's good to do something charitable, Your Majesty.

I believe everyone in the country will model on you.

Everyone should get an equal chance for charity.

I've decided to extend it to prisoners too. There will be an amnesty.

General Ma, do you think this is appropriate?

According to Tang law, there are five forms of criminal punishments.

Whipping, caning, imprisonment, exile, and death.

If there's an amnesty, those who are supposed to have their heads chopped off

would be strangled instead so that their dead bodies will be intact.

Apart from that, all other forms of punishment will be waived.

Even those who are supposed to be exiled will be pardoned.

It's really the grace of Your Majesty to rule the country

with kindness and forgiveness.

Officer Ko's father is imprisoned in the imperial cell.

If there's an amnesty, then he will be released too.

A family reunion is nice, but too bad Officer Ko's father won't be included.

Just now you said the amnesty will apply to all the prisoners in the country.

How come there's an exception?

When a commoner breaks the law, he'll be judged according to the law.

But Ko Yiu On is an imperial official. He broke the law knowingly.

So he's all the more guilty.

Therefore, the amnesty shouldn't cover officials.

Otherwise, people won't buy it.

General Ma is really prudent taking every situation into consideration.

It's a charitable act for His Majesty to pardon the prisoners.

But the law mustn't be too relaxed.

I propose replacing the amnesty with a reduction in the sentence.

Strangulation will replace chopping.

Whipping, caning and imprisonment can be waived.

Those who are supposed to be exiled will be caned seventy times instead

no matter what their age is.

This way, their sentence will be reduced and the law will still be enforced.

It's perfect.

General Ma is right.

But I'm afraid those who are aged can't suffer caning for seventy times.

If the emperor breaks the law he will be found guilty like a commoner.

Everyone is equal before the law.

General Ma is an important officer. You always give me good advice.

Of course I'll take it. We'll proceed as you suggest.

Recently I received a report jointly signed by the people in Cizhou.

They want to thank the government for

granting them the money to help the victims.

So I've decided to award General Man with fifty taels of gold and silver

I'll also give him the title of General Wai Mo.

I'm not entitled to the award.

The people praise you. You deserve to get the award.

You shouldn't turn it down. You should thank His Majesty.

I'm grateful to Your Majesty for the award.

I can accept the title. But I can't take the money.

- I want to donate it to help the victims. - At ease, General Man.

Much obliged, Your Majesty.

General Man is honest and clean. He loves the people so much.

It's a blessing for Tang.

Your Majesty, Officer Ko assisted me in the escort of the money.

He's got credit too. He's entitled to Your Majesty's award too.

Whoever serves the government diligently will be awarded.

I'll give Ko Hin Yeung fifty taels of gold and silver.

I'll also give him the title of Loyal Guard.

Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, I have a request.

Go ahead.

I want to trade the award and the title for my father's caning punishment.

You want to trade them for the punishment?

My father is old. He's already sixty. He can't take the caning.

I can't let this happen to him.

Guard Ko is a nice son.

But too bad there isn't any precedent of trading punishments.

General Man, have you ever come across such a precedent before?

I really haven't.

Your Majesty is the emperor. It's easy for you to pardon a prisoner.

But if this is against the law, people won't agree to it.

Apart from the law, there's filial piety too.

Wong Cheung lay on the ice to catch a fish Wong Heung warmed the bed.

They did so for their parents.

But filial piety isn't the law. You shouldn't put them together.

Why not? Mu Lan joined the army in her dad's place. She went to war.

She traded her life for her dad.

Now Guard Ko wants to trade his award for caning. The principle is the same.

If you put filial piety above the law, I'm afraid it will set a bad precedent.

It will cause confusion in the penal code.

I decide the case according to the law.

I pass a lenient sentence basing on filial piety.

People form the basis of the country. Filial piety is the most important to them.

It's the paramount principle.

How can I turn down the request of a loving son?

Your Majesty.

You can set off your wrongdoing with your credit.

You can gain credit even though you are guilty.

Tsang Tsam was a nice son. Everyone wishes they had such a son.

Chi Sui was loyal to the Emperor.

Every country wished they have such an official.

Ko Hin Yeung wants to trade his awards for the punishment.

I don't think that's impossible.

People are the basis of the country. Your Majesty puts filial piety first.

- It's the right decision. - Your Majesty is right.

Your Majesty is right.

Although Ko Yiu On broke the law, he isn't a wicked person.

As Ko Hin Yeung is willing to trade his awards for the punishment.

I'll withdraw his awards, then Ko Yiu On will be released.

Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty, I'm really grateful.

Subtitles by TVB USA