Original subtitles

Subtitles by TVB USA

[Beyond the Realm of Conscience]

Episode Twenty-Nine

Stop it.

How dare you, Man Kim Fung! Do you have any respect for me?

Mentor, please set Mistress Yuen free.

On what basis?

On the basis of your promise. Back then I fought hard for the country.

Subsequently, I became your student, I owe it to you for the promotion.

It's good you remember that.

We've known each other for ten years.

During this period, I defeated the army of Koguryo.

In the following year, I took down Nanzhao.

I seized eighteen cities, and turned Nanzhao into a colony.

The war with Uyghur Empire lasted three years.

We won in the end.

After those three wars

the late emperor thought you got good judgment in recruiting me.

You got a series of promotion. In the end, you became General Special Tactics.

You asked me if I would like an award.

Yes. I remember I asked you so, but you said you didn't want any award.

You just wanted me to get promoted to return my favor.

Yes, I did say so.

But you said someday if I wanted anything, you would give it to me as promised.

Today, I would ask you to keep your promise and set Mistress Yuen free.

You've never mentioned your credit before.

Today you mentioned it because of Mistress Yuen.

You insist on my releasing her. You have to give me a reason.

I'll be honest with you.

Twenty years ago, I owed Mistress Yuen a favor.

Now I want to return her favor. I hope you would understand it, mentor.

Fine, I gave you my promise before, and I'll keep it. As you wish.

Let her go.

Thank you, mentor.

- Please have a seat. - Please take a seat.

What would you like to order?

Two bowls of plain tea, and two vegetarian buns.

- All right. - All right.

Sir, when will there be a ferry for crossing the river?

There's a ferry every four hours. The next one departs at seven tonight.

How come it's so quiet today?

We passed by some paddy fields on the way here.

We didn't see any villagers around.

It's because today is the day for Not Leaving Guanyin.

Everyone went to the temple for fun.

Not Leaving Guanyin? I've never heard of it.

You two are passersby. Of course you don't know it.

Three months ago, a Japanese monk got a Guanyin figure at Wu Tai Mountain.

He wanted to take it back to Japan to worship it.

But then the sea was rough.

The helmsman said suddenly there was an iron lotus in the sea

blocking the route of the boat.

It got stuck there.

Right. The monk prayed to Buddha immediately.

Then he said Buddha told him that Guanyin didn't want to leave China.

She didn't want to leave us behind.

So she asked the wind and the rain to help her stay.

So weird?

At last the Japanese monk gave up the idea of taking away the Guanyin figure.

So the people here built a temple to worship her.

As Guanyin refused to go to Japan

this temple is therefore called Not Leaving Guanyin temple.

Right. We'll close earlier.

We want to go worship in the temple before it's dark.

Of course. Guanyin cares about us. She didn't want to leave us.

- Of course we must worship her. - That's right.

Your Majesty, there's trouble for the marriage arrangement between Tang and Tibet

because of Lau Sam Ho's sudden disappearance.

The Special Tactics Force has searched the palace thoroughly in vain.

I believe Lau Sam Ho has already escaped from the palace.

Will Your Majesty please give the order for her arrest.

Security in the palace is tight.

How can a maid escape without being noticed?

I think it's unlikely that she's escaped.

A maid alone may not be able to do so.

But it's possible if she gets the help of a bodyguard.

What do you mean, General Ma?

I believe the armed Imperial Guard Grade Four, Ko Hin Yeung

has left the palace with Lau Sam Ho.

Whether Lau Sam Ho has left the palace without permission is to be verified.

As to Guard Ko, I've already told you that

I've sent him to follow up the progress for the building of monasteries.

These two issues aren't related at all.

Did Guard Ko really leave the palace on an assignment?

Your Majesty, when will he return then?

The construction works can be fast or slow. There isn't a fixed return date.

As to whether Lau Sam Ho has suddenly disappeared

you should search the palace thoroughly according to the rules.

You don't need to make a fuss about it.

I'm not.

Your Majesty has given Lau Sam Ho to Prince Duoji as his wife.

Now she has disappeared, the friendship between Tang and Tibet is at stake.

This is serious.

If a maid leaving the palace without permission isn't punished

this will open the floodgate.

The rules in the palace won't be followed anymore.

Hence the laws of Tang. No one will obey Your Majesty again.

Will Your Majesty please give the order for the arrest of Lau Sam Ho?

Will Your Majesty make the order?

Your Majesty, Imperial Guard Ko Hin Yeung wants to come in.

- Send him in. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, as instructed, I went to Jiangsu and the surrounding areas

to inspect the progress of works for the building of monasteries there.

The local people are grateful to Your Majesty

for publicizing the Buddhist philosophy.

They want to give you this jade Guanyin figure as a return of Your Majesty's favor.

You hear that, General Ma? Now Guard Ko has returned with a jade Guanyin figure.

Your allegation that he's escaped with a maid is sheer fabrication.

But the case of Lau Sam Ho's disappearance isn't solved yet.

I would ask Your Majesty again to make an order for the arrest of Lau Sam Ho.

Mistress Lau has disappeared?

She's disappeared for several days already.

The palace is guarded by General Ma's Special Tactics Force.

How can a maid leave without permission?

Is it possible that Mistress Lau ran into an accident?

General Ma insists on her leaving the palace.

Will you be too subjective?

But the Special Tactics Force has already searched every corner in the palace.

The palace is so big. You may have neglected some places.

Guard Ko is right.

General Ma, you lead the Special Tactics Force to search thoroughly again.

If there still isn't any news about Lau Sam Ho

I'll give the order tomorrow to search for her nation-wide.

Yes, Your Majesty.

General Ma, you must work harder looking for Mistress Lau.

I need to tell the Prince of Tibet what's going on as soon as possible.

I will turn the palace inside out in order to find Mistress Lau.

Your Majesty, there's progress regarding Mistress Lau's disappearance.

The empress has asked Your Majesty to go to Ching Sze Chamber right away.

The empress knows where Mistress Lau is?

She's with the empress right now.

- Your Majesty. - At ease, Mistress Lau.

Mistress Lau, you're injured.

There's no need for the formalities. Just lie down.

Yes, Your Highness.

Mom, how come Mistress Lau is in Ching Sze Chamber?

She tripped and fell into the dried well next to the Dragon Mistress Pond.

Thank God Tsz Lan passed by today and heard her cry for help.

She was rescued then.

How could a person suddenly fall into the dried well?

She had a cold. When she passed by the well, she felt dizzy and fell into it.

When she came around, it was already dark. No one heard her cry for help.

She was hungry and thirsty. She's so weak. Soon she passed out again.

She came around just now.

Thank God Tsz Lan passed by and heard her cry for help.

I see.

She got no food or water for several days, but she's still fine.

This is really incredible.

What do you mean, General Ma? Do you mean I talked nonsense?

I didn't mean that at all. Please don't get mad, Your Highness.

Maybe I took medicine frequently lately.

I'm a bit touchy. Don't take it personally, General Ma.

Your Highness is in charge of the palace.

You're so busy. Of course, you'll get touchy.

Your Majesty and Your Highness worried about me. I'm guilty.

You slipped and fell, Mistress Lau. That wasn't your fault.

It rained earlier. Thank God it didn't in the past couple of days.

Otherwise, Mistress Lau may get drowned.

That's why we must do more good deeds. Then God will bless us.

Now we know what happened. Guard Ko didn't leave with a maid.

Mistress Lau didn't leave the palace either.

You should be happy, right, General Ma?

In future, don't make any trouble before you've found out what actually happened.

I will remember your teaching, Your Majesty.

Thank God Mistress Lau is saved in time. It's a lucky day three days later.

Now she's fine.

She can leave for the marriage as scheduled.

Mistress Lau will soon become a lady in Tibet

to avoid accident from happening again from today onward.

I'll send more people here to serve Mistress Lau.

Mistress Lau hasn't eaten or drunk for several days, she's physically weak.

She needs replenishment. Let her stay in Ching Sze Chamber for the time being.

I'll take care of her. You don't need to worry, right, General Ma?

Let's do so as Her Highness suggests.

Hin Yeung, you two had already escaped. Why did you return to the palace?

This is God's will. Sam Ho and I were about to cross the river and head for the south.

We took a break at a tea stall on the way. We came across something odd by chance.

A Japanese monk came to China.

He wanted to take a Guanyin figure back to his country.

But the sea turned rough suddenly.

Some people even said there's an iron lotus on the sea to block the way.

At last the monk was enlightened.

There were so many obstacles because Guanyin didn't want to leave china.

As God told us his will through the Guanyin figure

Sam Ho and I decided to stay after much consideration.

We won't leave Your Majesty. We won't leave Tang.

Your Majesty is so nice to us. We can't just consider ourselves.

We can't leave you behind.

Sam Ho, you are kind like Guanyin. Hin Yeung, you've got brotherhood.

You two had already escaped, but you returned to face the danger for my sake.

You two are really silly.

Actually we must thank the empress too.

Without her help, we can't explain our disappearance.

But Sam Ho, the marriage will carry on as scheduled as you've returned now.

There's nothing I can do I must marry Prince Duoji.

But we can make Prince Duoji give up Sam Ho.

The prince only likes my appearance.

If my face is disfigured, he will give up then.

I know there's a plant called paper-bark tree.

Its sap is extremely toxic.

If put on the face, it can well disfigure a person.

I'll put it on my face and get disfigured.

Then Prince Duoji will loathe me and revoke the engagement.

Your Majesty.

Doctor, I told you to check the paper-bark tree.

Have you found anything?

According to the dictionary of medicine, in the imperial pharmacy

paper-bark tree is an evergreen tree.

It's yellowish. Its flowers are white and extremely fragrant.

But it's extremely poisonous.

It causes rashes that hurt. If serious, it will cause infection and ulceration.

I know all these already.

I want to know whether there is any antidote for this poison

If a person is injured by the poison, can they get well again?

Will the scars be permanent?

Your Majesty, there's no cure for this poison.

If a person is poisoned, their skin will ulcerate and stink. It's really painful.

She can never recover.

Sam Ho, you really won't regret this?

If I become ugly and scary, will you hate me, Hin Yeung?

No matter how you will become, you're forever my wife.

I love your kindness and your character, not your beauty.

But if you see me everyday in such a state, you will hate me in the end.

You can't even eat.

If you worry that I can't suffer this, I'm willing to stab my eyes and go blind.

Then you don't need to worry anymore.

Even if you aren't beautiful, I won't be able to see it.

In the future, we'll still plant wild Chinese viburnum in front of our house.

We can still smell the scent of the flowers.

I'll feel so content.

As you aren't scared, neither am I. Nothing is important anymore.

Remember to brush at the prominent parts.

Stop it.

I won't allow you two to do so.

- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.

If you put the cream on your face, it will cause infection and ulceration.

This is too risky.

I won't allow you two to take the risk just to help me.

But if I have to go to Tibet for marriage, I'd rather disfigure myself.

I'm doing because I want to. Please allow us to, Your Majesty.

No matter how Sam Ho will become, I will stay with her.

I'll even destroy my own eyes for her.

Will Your Majesty please give us your permission.

Sam Ho, let me ask you this.

Are you willing to make any sacrifice to not go to a faraway place for marriage?

At all costs.

Even if you're injured you will still do so?

- Definitely. - Good. Let me handle this then.

You must do whatever I tell you to do. You can't say no.

- Do you two trust me? - Absolutely.

Good.

Then you don't need this bottle of paper-bark cream then.

Your Majesty, what's your plan?

I'll throw a party for Prince Duoji tomorrow.

Sam Ho, you need to dress up. You must give Prince Duoji a deep impression.

Today is such a happy day. I want to propose a toast to everyone.

Cheers.

You are leaving the day after tomorrow.

I've already prepared some wedding gifts for you.

You may take them to your country, Prince Duoji.

Thank you, Your Majesty. We shall be brother states forever.

I've already ordered guard Ko to lead the procession on that day.

Guard Ko, you explain to Prince Duoji the itinerary.

On that day, His Majesty and all the officials will bid Prince Duoji farewell

and the procession at Tan Fung Gate.

General Ma and his cavalry will see everyone off in Changan city.

Over a hundred maids will go together for Tibet.

What a shame that Prince Duoji wants to return home quickly.

Otherwise, you can go to Dunhuang to look at the paintings in the caves there.

The period of Ching Koon was prosperous The paintings are so beautiful.

Everyone knows that.

The postures of the dancers in the paintings are elegant and colorful.

It's a beautiful scene.

What a shame.

I've prepared a surprise for Prince Duoji.

Mistress Lau will perform Dunhuang dancing for you.

Mistress Lau isn't only good at making jewels.

She can dance so well too.

She's really all rounded.

Thank you for your compliment, Your Majesty.

You are going to marry to Tibet. You must serve Prince Duoji well.

You must get along with Tibet's emperor and people in harmony.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will be a dutiful wife, daughter-in-law and citizen.

I won't be a disgrace to Tang.

You may sit next to Prince Duoji.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Congratulations Prince Duoji on your beautiful future wife.

Mistress Lau is both able and virtuous. She is perfect.

She's well qualified to be your wife.

Mistress Lau, the mark on your arm?

It's my birthmark.

How come it looks so much like a flame?

It appears that the earth is coming apart under the flame.

I've got the birthmark since birth. I didn't pay any attention to it.

But as you said, it does appear to be so.

When I was a baby, the birthmark was as little as a pea.

But when I grew up, it got bigger and bigger.

Well, it does look like a flame. But it isn't red. It's black.

Black looks more spooky than red.

- Cancel the wedding? - Why?

Tibetans like the color white and hate the color black.

We welcome anything white. We don't want anything black.

We think white people, white horses and white storks stand for kindness.

On the contrary, black people, and black horses

are the symbol of evil sin and misfortune.

In particular, we hate the pattern of flames.

We think it's a sign of big misfortune.

Every country has its own taboos. What's it to do with canceling the wedding?

Yesterday, when Mistress Lau was dancing, I noticed a black birthmark on her arm.

It looked like a flame. The lower part of it appeared to be torn apart.

It's like there's an earthquake. It's a very bad sign.

I can't marry Mistress Lau and take her back to my country.

Otherwise I will bring misfortune to the emperor and the people of Tibet.

Prince Duoji, you are over worried.

How will a birthmark be a sign of misfortune?

General Ma, there's something you don't know.

Eleven years ago, Hoi Sing Year Four of Emperor Man Chung

there was a serious earthquake in Tibet.

There were landslides in Minshan. There were fires everywhere.

Houses were destroyed. People fell sick. Thousands of them were killed or injured.

A lot of cattle were killed too. After that there were years of famine in Tibet.

I heard about that too.

The people of Tibet would never forget the earthquake and the fires

that happened that year.

To get rid of the unhappy memory

the emperor nearly removed the capital from Douluoxie City.

When I saw Mistress Lau's birthmark, my breath became short.

When I looked at it again, I felt dizzy and burning inside as if I was in a flame.

I really can't look directly at Mistress Lau

not to mention sleeping with her in the same bed.

If so, I won't force you to do so. The wedding is called off.

Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty.

The people of Tibet are grateful to you.

As expected, Prince Duoji called it off.

You don't need to marry him.

Thanks for getting me out of danger, Your Majesty.

You are clever to have figured out this tattoo trick.

Your Majesty is knowledgeable.

Even though you were outside of the palace years ago

you still cared about the nation.

You understood the situations in different countries.

You know there were earthquakes and fires in Tibet.

It's a terrible catastrophe.

I owe it to what Master Sheung Chi told me when I stayed in the monastery.

That's why I figured out using a tattoo to fake the birthmark to help Sam Ho.

There's a story in the Buddhist scriptures. One day an old man lost a bag of cereals.

He thought his neighbor had stolen it.

Therefore, he found his neighbor hateful and deceitful.

But when he discovered that the cereals were actually eaten by the rats

he found his neighbor kind when he saw him again.

So Your Majesty knew Tibetans were afraid of earthquakes and fires.

You figured out that when Prince Duoji saw the flame and the earthquake pattern

he would feel terrified.

Right. As Master Sheung Chi said before

your vision is narrow if there's something in your eyes.

Your bed will be roomy if you don't harbor trouble in your heart.

That's why Your Majesty wanted Sam Ho

to put the flame and earthquake tattoo on her arm to fake the birthmark.

so Prince Duoji would feel freaked out when he saw it?

Apart from that, I also doped him with the wine I provided.

When he saw the tattoo of the flame, he felt dizzy. It's because he's drugged.

Now there's a tattoo on Sam Ho's arm permanently.

One man's sweet is another man's poison.

Prince Duoji takes this flame tattoo as something evil, but I think otherwise.

I owe it to this tattoo for not leaving the country and marrying to Tibet.

To me, this tattoo of the flame is the flame of life and good luck.

I admire your optimism, Sam Ho.

I'm grateful for what you've done for us, Your Majesty.

I'm so grateful to you, Your Majesty.

I should say thanks to both of you.

You two had already left the palace.

You could just leave, but you came back. You two didn't desert me.

I believe we can eliminate Ma Yuen Chi very soon

and bring peace to the people.

Prince Duoji has left for Tibet this morning.

I'm so glad you don't need to go with him, Sam Ho.

Before, Prince Duoji fell in love with Sam Ho at first sight.

He insisted on marrying her. He even requested to leave early time and again.

But right before his departure

he suddenly changed his mind and called off the wedding.

I wonder what happened that made Prince Duoji change his mind.

Maybe he thought I was a lousy dancer, so he didn't want me to be his wife.

It doesn't matter. What matters is that Sam Ho is here to stay.

She can have tea and chat with us.

That's the best outcome.

God is really merciful to Sam Ho.

Every time when she's in trouble, she'll be saved.

Her wishes always come true.

It's because Sam Ho is kind-hearted. She's duly rewarded.

God will always take care of her.

Thank you for your compliment, my lady

Sis only stated the fact.

Sam Ho does stick to her three-good principle.

She's never done anything bad.

I didn't want Sam Ho to leave. My mood was badly affected.

Now the problem is solved.

You must come more often to Fairy Chamber to keep me company, Sam Ho.

I'd be glad to, but your ladyship is delivering a baby soon.

You should stay in the chamber more to rest.

Then you come to Fairy Chamber to copy the scriptures and paint the pictures.

We can listen to music and chat.

It's good that I can keep you company, my lady.

But I'm afraid you will find me too boring. You won't find it fun.

Sam Ho, you are really so modest. I really need to model on you.

Thank you for your compliment, my lady. You are gentle and clever.

I should learn from you.

You two keep complimenting each other.

You've neglected me.

I'm just kidding.

Sis and Sam Ho are still so innocent. You can't tell what's real or fake.

She said Sam Ho is kind-hearted, so she's rewarded.

I'll see how long she can maintain her friendship with Lady Yin.

I don't believe God will always take care of Sam Ho. She can't be lucky forever.

Lady Yin and Sam Ho have teamed up against you.

But you still pretend to be fine. You even wear a smile.

This is really tough for you, my lady.

I'm doing this to put them off-guard.

When the time comes, I'll take them by surprise.

Lady Yin isn't your match at all. She's spoiled, naive and stupid.

She isn't as clever as you. She'll be defeated just by your little tricks.

My lady, you wear these clothes to keep Lady Yin company everyday.

I think the task will be accomplished soon.

According to Dr. Sze, the more fragrant it is, the more effective.

I don't just smoke the clothes.

I will also make some perfume to spray on myself so that the scent stays there.

Please feel free to take a look.

- Boss, how much is this? - Four pennies.

Four pennies? It's sold at the city gate too.

It's the same. They charge three pennies there

My wife made this herself. It's unique. How would it be the same?

Maybe I mistook it at the same.

Hey, this handkerchief is nice. I can use it for magic.

- Siu Shun. - General Man.

- You came out to buy stuff? - Yes.

Siu Shun... It's lunch time. Would you care to join me?

What? I'm not hungry yet.

- How about going to tea? - I'm not thirsty.

Hey, you are sweating. Are you tired?

No, I'm not.

Hey, don't be a sissy. Come on.

[Fook Lam Restaurant]

This is my treat. Be my guest. Just order the food you like.

I'll eat anything. Why don't you order the food, General Man?

Give me a chicken in pot, sandy dragon, a crab roe bun and a thousand-year soup.

Give me two bowls of plain rice too.

The food will be served in no time. Just wait a minute.

General Man, you've ordered so much food. Can we finish all of them?

We don't often come out to eat. Of course we should order more.

All those dishes are famous here. You can try them one by one.

Of course I will. Although I come out every month to buy goods

I need to return to the palace at a fixed time.

I usually eat a bowl of noodles and several buns. Then I'll go back.

I've never been to a restaurant.

I even get a private room on the second floor... No, I mean both of us.

Mistress Yuen told me that you are very responsible at work.

You have to serve the masters. Of course your life is tough.

Do you miss your parents?

I do. Too bad my dad died so early.

Excuse me.

I mean my godfather, Master Bo. He treated me like his own son.

I thought I could serve him till he grew old.

But now I don't have the chance. I hope he's in heaven.

Well, has it ever crossed your mind not to work as a eunuch anymore?

What would you like to do then?

Isn't this a life-long career? Do I still have a choice?

Life is unpredictable. It's hard to say.

If His Majesty grants an amnesty

maybe you can have a chance to leave the palace.

Have you ever considered opening a restaurant like this one?

It isn't bad to be a boss rather than a slave.

I would feel content if I could be a waiter, I dare not dream to be a boss.

Forget it.

I can just dream about it. It isn't easy to leave the palace.

Sir, chicken in pot, crab roe bun. Enjoy.

It smells really good.

- Try them. Let's eat. - I'll eat then.

I envy you. You can eat with Siu Shun. It'd make me really happy.

Last time, I said I would go to hotpot with him, but it didn't take place.

Do you know he eats a lot? He nearly cleared the table.

He ordered two more bowls of plain rice.

We didn't order any wine.

I wonder if he can drink.

No, he goes out to buy goods.

If he's drunk when he comes back, he'll be punished by Master Mak.

I know. But his taste isn't like mine. He likes hot and spicy food.

His taste is like that of Chief Chung. She likes spicy food too.

I can tell he's very nice to Chief Chung. He said the crab roe buns were delicious.

He saved some for her.

Suet Ha is his godmother. Their relationship is very good.

Siu Shun is really nice, but he talks too sweetly.

He always tries to please others.

He lacks sincerity. Sometimes, he's faking it.

You can't blame him for that.

A eunuch must be smart enough to flatter the masters so he won't get punished.

This is their way to survive.

I asked him if he had ever considered his future.

What he would do if he didn't work as a eunuch. He got no idea at all.

He runs errands for others in the palace. Everyone can give him orders.

Everyone can reprimand him. He has no choice but to suck it up.

That's how he survives in the palace. It's my fault for failing to teach him.

I'm his father, yet I never taught him to have a back bone

to serve the country and have integrity.

Siu Shun is optimistic. He doesn't mind to be ordinary.

This may not be something bad.

It's hard to go back in time.

But in future, I will make it up to him.

How?

Mistress Yuen, why did you personally deliver the empress's makeup box?

Why didn't you ask someone to do the job?

All of them are busy. I just happen to come this way. Here.

How come the box smells so good?

It isn't this box. It's another box. I know you like eating chicken.

I've made a dish of golden chicken for you.

I mean for you and your godmother, Chief Chung.

Great. Let me thank you on behalf of my godmother.

I've been lucky recently.

When I went out to buy goods yesterday, I ran into General Man.

He treated me to lunch in Fook Lam Restaurant.

You know it is so famous in the capital.

The chicken in pot and the crab roe buns were really mouth-watering.

If you get a chance, you must try that.

Oh, I forgot you can't leave the palace.

Don't worry. When I have saved up enough, I'll buy them for you.

Thank you.

You always give me food and other stuff. I should do this in return.

By the way, what do you think of General Man?

He used to wear a long face all the time.

I was a bit afraid of him.

But after talking to him, I find him really friendly. He even laughs.

Why did you ask me such a question, Mistress Yuen?

Do you have a crush on him?

Hey, you shouldn't lest people say you two have an affair.

Who has an affair?

General Man, why did you come here?

Oh, you came here too, Mistress Yuen?

Yes.

Just now Master Mak told me that you know magic tricks well. I want to learn it too.

General Man, you want to learn magic? Shouldn't you like sword fighting?

I can perform magic for others to make them feel happy.

I enjoy it too. Isn't that good?

You think so too, General Man? So does Siu Shun.

He always says a person must feel happy.

- Heroes think the same. - I'm a hero?

Never mind the background of a hero.

So long as we show mutual respect for each other, all of us are heroes.

It takes chemistry to make friends.

It's really good that you two are so friendly.

You're right. Siu Shun and I are like good friends.

If so, why don't you take Siu Shun as your godson?

That's great. Let's do that.

Wait, only eunuchs take other people as their godsons.

How come it's the other way round? You are a general.

Why do you take a eunuch as your godson? I can't bear any child for you.

So long as you are true and kind, that's good enough.

That's right. It's fate that allows you two to meet in the palace.

Siu Shun, you shouldn't turn down General Man's favor.

You should call him your godfather.

Thank you, General Man... I mean godfather.

Very good. You are my godson.

Later, we'll pick a lucky day and go to Cloud Temple

to perform the ceremony officially.

Let's talk about the ceremony later. Now I have a gift for my godson.

General Man... No, I mean godfather, how come you've got a gift with you?

You knew we would do this?

No. A friend outside the palace happened to give this to me.

Now I'll give it to you.

Open it.

Right. Open it. See what it is.

Wow, it's so beautiful. It looks very expensive.

It's a token of my sincerity.

General Man's right. You should say thanks to him.

Thank you, godfather.

Good. Nice boy. My godson.

[Imperial Household Bureau]

Godmother, is this jade pendant very expensive?

How much do you think it's worth?

You want to sell it?

Of course not, but I don't understand why General Man is suddenly so nice to me.

He insisted on making me his godson.

How is it related to the value of this jade pendant?

It's related. If the jade is cheap, that means he's really casual.

Maybe he didn't mean it at all. But it's a different story if it is expensive.

That means he's serious. It's funny then.

Be it expensive or cheap this is a gift from him.

You must keep it in your safe custody.

Maybe General Man really likes you.

He wants to take you as his godson.

You should feel happy to have a godfather who's so nice to you.

Don't get silly thoughts.

- Oh no. I know why. I get it. - What do you get?

- It's a conspiracy. - What conspiracy?

Think about it, godmother. General Man and I didn't know each other.

He's a general. I'm just a eunuch How would we suddenly become so friendly?

He gave me a gift. I bet he's corrupt. He's afraid someone might find out.

So he made up an excuse

and gave the proceeds of crime that is this piece of jade, to me.

He'll get away. I'll get into trouble.

General Man is righteous and honest. He's got integrity.

How will he do anything bad? Don't get silly thoughts and make wild conjectures.

Am I really over sensitive?

We are slaves. We think money is really important.

He's a high-ranking officer. This jade pendant is nothing to him.

Maybe you talk sweetly so that General Man likes you.

So he wants to make you his godson.

I know I'm likable. Good. There's no harm to get a godfather.

Hey, if so, you still owe me a gift, godmother.

Hey.

Mentor's archery skill is still superb

even though you've stationed in the palace for years.

Your arrow hit the center of the target. You aimed better than I did.

I heard that some of the commanders under you have retired.

There're some vacancies. I want to recommend someone to you.

Please go ahead.

His name is Kong To Shun. He learned how to ride and shoot since he's a kid.

His father is a long time friend of mine.

I believe he will become your major assistant in due course.

Kim Fung, what's your worry? Feel free to tell me.

To appoint someone to serve in the army

usually I'll test his shooting skill and riding skill.

I want him to talk about strategies and tactics.

If he came from a non-military background

and just learned shooting and riding in private

I'm afraid he can't take up the post of a commander.

I'm sorry, mentor.

You're right. I'll make other arrangements then.

My friend will be disappointed though.

Kim Fung, don't feel bad about this. I know you are strict in recruiting staff.

Put this out of your mind.

It's great you understand it, mentor.

I have other matters to attend to. I need to take off.

Subtitles by TVB USA