Original subtitles

Let me tell you, I really can't stand this!

You guys are just lying around

Do you expect money to fall from the sky?

I know it's been very risky lately

But we've got to find a means of livelihood

Oh c'mon, just forget it

Since my last arrest...

I'm still having nightmares

It's less risky being a hawker

Hey, look what I've got?

What? Back to your old business?

We've got to find some easy money

There ought to be some money inside

It's real!

Go on

Sir, as expected they did it

Look, it's the stolen money

Take them all

Yes, Sir

Come on, move

It's not their fault, I stole it

Let's go

Mr. Wang

Have a good day, Sir

Careful there

Help me, Mr. Wang

Help me, please help

How do you do, Mr. Wang

Wang Wu, what do you want?

Nothing, he seems to know me

I came over to have a look

Mind your own business, Wang Wu

Everyone knows you in Hubei province

If we listen to you...

We would never make an arrest

Mr. Pei, I have nothing to say...

if they're found guilty

But your department has arrested many a innocent

I think you do understand me

Wang Wu, I'll arrest you if you keep this on

You don't have to worry about me

You know my name

And you know I have a security company

If you wish to arrest, you know where to go

Mr. Wang, you came back from your last job?

Mr. Wen, what's with all this modesty?

Mr. Wang, we caught these thieves in the act

They stole from General Chong's brother-in-law

Think about it, if we don't arrest them,

what report can we submit?

I alone did it

It wasn't their fault

They are hawkers now

Damn!

Had I known it was general's relative,

I wouldn't dare to do it

Mr. Wen, since only one of them did it,

please arrest just that fellow

I understand your point

You want me to release the other three

Mr. Wen, then...

We've got to get back to our job, good day

Thank you, Mr. Wang

Have pity on my poor friends

Mr. Wen is very kind

Thank you, sir

Manager

Mr. Tan, what can I do for you?

Who's that fellow?

You don't often see those officers,

letting off convicts that easy

Mr. Tan, he's the very famous swordsman

Wang Wu with the big blade

Big Blade Wang Wu

So you've heard of him

Yes, I have

Could you please call him for me

Say Tan Sitong would like to meet him

Yes Sir

Mr. Wang

Please wait

What is it?

Please come with me

Someone important wishes to see you

Oh, who might he be?

He's an eminent personality

Son of the governor of Hubei

Mr. Tan was recommended to the Emperor...

who's to make major advances in his career

Please tell this Mr. Tan...

that I'm just an ordinary man

Not used to socialising with rich and famous

So if he could please excuse me

Mr. Wang

Yes

I'll convey your message

Mr. Tan...

It's not your fault

Oh, I know his kind

He wouldn't be so famous if he...

gets bossed around, would he!

Bring me the wine

Yes

Mr. Wang

Mr. Wang

What are you looking at?

Mr. Wang

Wang Wu, have a look!

Someone came in

We greeted him like any other guest

For no reason he soon got impatient

And he asked why you weren't there!

Then one punch...

And left with this hole in the table

Amazing skill! Didn't spill a drop of tea

The tea's all in here

Was master Qi here?

Yes, he was

We wanted to fight the visitor

He stopped us

And he followed the man out later

When he returns...

Remember to thank him for saving your lives

And then ask him to see me

Yes

Come on

Almost scared me!

Who's that man?

Big trouble, I'd say

Do you remember last year...

what we did at Shanxi's Datong house?

Yes, we injured the 3 brothers of Yan family

Their father is here

Yan Feng the Iron Fist?

He's got some nerve coming all the way to capital

And he's brought some men along

I think he's going to give you some trouble

Be careful these few days

We don't need to be afraid

Yes

But it's hard to avoid ambushes

I don't have any other way

I'm not afraid of anything

Really?

Don't you worry about Camomile?

You three looking for our master? Have a seat

Please

Mr. Wang, we've heard about you

We came here looking for help

How may I help you?

300 dollars for our travelling expenses

What sort of trouble are you in?

Shall appreciate if you don't ask

No problem

Mr. Wang, we mean what we say

People say that you're...

You said no formalities, so there's no need

Excuse us

We'll make a move

You're known to spend money quickly

But you should at least let the others know...

The money is from your hard work

The money's gone, there's no need to nag over

What now?

Brother Yan, we had just gone to test Wang Wu

He's one hell of a good man

I've hired you to help me

Which side are you on anyway?

If you want to teach him a lesson for your sons

Set a date for a duel with him

Then we're all for it

Fine, so you're now the aides...

of Wang Wu, is it?

Go, I don't need you anymore

Hope you won't go and tell on me now?

We sure won't

Brother Yan, you'll regret it

You mean I am not his match?

No, even if you beat him...

You will regret it

For he is a true hero

We're nothing compared to him

Get going before I throw you out

Inside, please

Have a seat

Look who's here

Mr. Tan...

Mr. Tan

Fusheng is here

Mr. Tan is here

I'm late

You're late, you should drink as a forfeit

That's right

Sure

Good drinker

Mr. Tan is different from you

Doesn't take him half a day to drink one cup

Please

You hear that, Fusheng?

These are your girlfriends, have some more

Yes

Speaking of girlfriends...

Do you have a girl named Camomile?

We have so many girls

You don't like any of them?

I'd like to see Camomile though

I've heard she's a friend of Wang Wu

But right now...

Mr. Wang is in her room

He's here? I'll look for him

Mr. Tan

What time do you think this is?

What do you think they'd be doing?

I don't think you should intrude

That's right, sorry about it

Who's Wang Wu anyway?

Fusheng, you were recommended to the Emperor

You're about to work in the Privy Council

So better stay away from guys like Wang Wu

Will you write me a couplet for my new house?

You?

Hurry with the paper and ink

C'mon, be quick

Yes

You're really taking your time braiding my hair

Parting is such a sweet sorrow

Since when did ya learn to talk like that?

Lately, there's been a group of...

reformists coming here

I learnt from them at their gatherings

Emperor entrusts the country to reformists

The world's going to change

The world needs a change, but...

I don't understand what the reformists do!

Wang Wu

What's going on?

Please stay put, gentleman

Wang Wu is fighting outside

Great, I'll help him out

Fusheng, you're crazy

Fusheng

Look, this is what he gave me

Mr. Wang

Fix my hair

Four against one? That's not fair

Go

The stag at bay is dangerous; Let them

Had I known they were so frail...

I wouldn't have ruined your fun

Thanks

Are you alright, Mr. Tan?

Mr. Tan?

Tan Sitong of Liuyang

The other day I saw you helped some men...

from the custody of officers

I am very impressed

Please excuse my rudeness the other day

Oh, no problem

You still haven't written me a couplet!

I've just made a friend

I want to drink with him

If you've written it, then no one will bother you

Come along with me

Look, you've ruined the paper!

Please change it

Fine

He's very arrogant

Although he'll hold a post in the cabinet...

But he's going to face troubles

Look, Brother Wang

Our country is ruined by useless officials

They've turned it into such a mess

If I could be in charge even for a day...

I'll definitely change the world

Brother Tan, you're a man of vision

Only you understand me

You cheered for me when I wrote the couplet

But look at the others

They were stunned

So, if the Emperor wants a reform...

Will Empress Dowager give up her powers?

That depends on the Emperor's determination

And people like us

I'll introduce a few good men to you later

Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao, Lin Xu

They are all trying to save our country

I don't need to know them

I'm already very honoured...

to have a true friend like you

Well said

What's going on?

The news from the court got out

Tan Sitong, Yang Rui, Liu Guangdi, Lin Xu

I only ask about Brother Tan

Here it is

The four will work for the Privy Council

They will be working on the reforms

And what does that mean?

I wasn't sure either

Then I asked someone

They said it's a special decree issued by the Emperor

All four of them will hold posts in the cabinet

They'll make all decisions from now on

Brother Tan will have his wish come true

Brother Wang, you and Mr. Tan are friends

You don't need the security company anymore

With your talents and leadership...

It's easy to get a post,

with the police department...

or as a general of the army.

Since I've known Brother Tan, there are...

some things I still don't understand

But at least I've learnt that...

I shouldn't be taking favours of this sort

This is what the reformists are most against

Don't ever mention it again

Yes

But since we've heard the good news

Would you be going to congratulate Mr. Tan?

We are good friends

There's no need for the formality

As a prime minister...

I'm sure he's got other important matters

I wouldn't wish to bother him

Mr. Wang

The world's changed, the old calligraphy cancelled

Emperor is getting the reformists to do the work

All the other royalties have to stand aside

The four heads will decide everything hereafter

I've heard that, among them...

The youngest, Mr. Lin, is only 24

Mr. Tan is only 33

They say one of emperor's uncle cried all night

...in front of the Empress

He said that if the reforms continue...

They'll all have to return to the north

The Empress was confused

And later she was in a rage

How do you know?

I know everything

My wife's family has relatives in the palace

They hear everything

What are the new orders?

There're plenty

Everything's changed

I heard that the Empress is furious

She doesn't want the reforms

And we're the same

I hope the reforms won't involve us

That's wrong

The new policies will make the country stronger

...and we won't be bullied by foreigners

Mr. Wang, someone is here...

Brother Tan

This is Mr. Tan?

When was the last time I saw you?

Almost three months ago

This is Hu Qi, they call him the Ape

Just tell me what needs to be done

If it involves using this knife

Just let me take care of it

The Empress is against Emperor's reforms

She's discreetly held court thrice

What do you say?

Would I need to use this knife?

You want to kill the Empress in the palace?

Qi, if Mr. Tan plans to do it...

Would you be afraid?

Of course I will be

But just one word from you...

I'll go anywhere you want me to

I'll await your orders

It's too late!

Just heard the news that, by Empress' command,

Kang Youwei, head of the Ministry of Works

is charged of subversion against nation,

and would be removed from the office.

And the Emperor?

The Emperor has sent this

I need help from you

Please think of something soon

Then we'll have to save the Emperor first

My contact at the palace has gone missing

Please do me a favour

Anything

Save Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao

And escort them out of the capital

That's easy, you...

Reform has never come about in any country...

without bloodshed

In present China no one has sacrificed for reforms

If need be, it might as well start with me

Hurry

Looks like we can't get out of town

Please escort Mr. Kang to Legation street

Sure

Mr. Liang, Brother Tan asked me to escort you

Those at magistrate's office have begun their move

You are Wang Wu?

Hurry

Yes

Who are you?

Brother Wu, what are you doing here?

Just hanging around

Do you have any business here?

We have an order to arrest Liang Qichao

Liang Qichao?!

They say he's just a scholar...

Not a criminal

Are you sure you need all these men?

The suspect's gone

Wang Wu

The Empress sent the order herself

The Empress?

I thought we have an Emperor

Hurry

No need to chase

Are you trying to revolt?

Of course not

Everyone here knows who I am

I haven't seen the general for a long time

Please lead me to him

Nonsense

We've got business to do, move it

Just do your own job

But stay out of my way

Please, go ahead

You're doing this intentionally

You might consider yourself influential...

but we don't care about that

Good night

Please

Great, Qichao is here

Mr Kang

Where's Wang Wu?

He's over there

What's going on?

Why don't you chase the suspect?

It's you, Wang Wu!

You're quite prominent

But why arrest me?

You're in our way, it's our job

Come on

Go, Brother Wang

After him

You're back, Brother Tan

Mr. Kang and Mr. Liang...

All nine gates are closed

In China's thousand years perhaps...

arresting two men has never been such a big deal

Luckily they got help from the foreign ambassadors

They are already out of the city

Why don't you leave?

Why don't I?

I've already told you yesterday

Brother, is this Mr. Wang Wu?

Yes, you remember, he's my best friend

Mr. Wang

I heard about your world-renowned skills

He's determined to sacrifice for the reforms

Can't you think of another way?

The lady is right

Since Kang and Liang are safe, I've made up my mind

It'd be injustice to me if you dare anything

If the Empress wants to capture Kang...

and Liang, she will seek to eliminate you

Mr. Wang can protect you

When Liang had his braid cut...

and pretended to be a Japanese

I could have gone with him if I had to leave

Brother Wang, our friendship is based...

on righteousness

Have you forgotten?

Come, let's cherish our time together

Let's have a few drinks

There's no need to be depressed

You're right

I don't understand you

You're a woman, of course you don't

Why are you so drunk?

The way he and Mr. Tan drink...

Mr. Wang...

Brother Wang

Mr. Wang... Brother Wang

Brother Wang

Brother Wang -Mr. Wang...

Brother Wang

Stop it!

Sir...

They are here, aren't they?

What are you yelling about? Move over

What do you think you're doing?

I'm right here, do you think I'll vanish?

Come on

This is normal procedure for us

Make this an exception

Tan Sitong, are you resisting arrest?

Resist arrest? Me?

Brother Wang

I've made a copy of...

Empress Dowager Cixi's imperial edict

The ministers of Privy Council Zhang Yihuan, Xu

Yang Shengxiu, Yang Rui, Lin Xu, Tan Sitong

Liu Guangdi to be first removed from their office

held for trial, and then be prosecuted

Brother Tan had expected this to happen

I've got someone to find out his whereabouts

Mr. Wang...

Qi

What's going on?

The army is in charge of the magistrate's office

Battalion commanders Wen Ping and Pei Feng

They brought over a thousand soldiers

They've got Mr. Tan

There're a few others who got caught...

along with Mr. Tan

Rumor is, reformists are being caught and beheaded

Mr. Tan and the others...

are now transferred to the main prison

I'll go take a look

There's a lady here to see you, Mr. Wang

Brother Wang

They've got Fusheng

Would you really allow him to be sacrificed?

He could leave if someone saved him

Kang Youwei is in Shanghai

Liang Qichao is in Japan

Brother Wang

Why does Tan Sitong have to die?

Please return home, Miss

I'll take care of it

See the lady out

Yes

Qi, it's time we did something

Whatever it may be

I'll be standing by you

For three hundred years, no one...

has ever saved anyone from the main prison

Neither has the court killed a scholar

Brother, if they will be executed

There's a way from the prison to execution ground

We...

Fine. Qi

You go and gather some brave friends

Get them all here

What do you think you're doing?

Wen Ping?

What? No visits?

You must be kiddin'

Please go ahead

After I've finished my work

I'll meet you at the Tongfengtang restaurant

Wang Wu could be upto something dubious

If he calls for help

There're plenty of men...

who will listen to his commands

I think he's asking for death

General

The six men were ministers of the Privy Council

They've got supporters and foreigner friends too

We better watch out

We don't have to worry about the foreigners,

But there's one person we should watch out...

Who?

Wang Wu

Him?

According to reports from the camps...

When they tried to arrest Liang Qichao

Wang Wu was blocking them on purpose

He dared to do so?

I'm meeting him at Tongfengtang restaurant

General, if...

Don't do anything as yet

Just see what he has to say first

We've got so many soldiers

We can deal with him

Mr. Wen, even you're an official

You're human too, right?

Mr. Wang

Listen, I've to save someone

If you want to rat me out, please do

Mr. Wang

I know you have lots of connections

But saving someone from the main prison?

Mr. Wang, this...

Officer Wen

Let that be my lookout

But I need a favour

Regardless of when we take action...

Please come with us afterwards

And escort us out of the city

Wen Ping, I treat you as a friend

That's why I've told you this

This is certain to go down in history

You might lose your job

But I'll make it up to you, I promise

Sure, whatever you say

When do you plan to take action?

Don't worry about that

As and when I do take any step...

You'll be on the scene

Wen Ping

I am a man of my word

If you can't help, I'd rather that you be frank

Then I'll get someone else

If you promise, and go on to be an informer...

Then you'd better watch your back

Mr. Wang, about this...

Wang Wu is over confident

General, during these two days

Over a hundred men from different places

have visited Wang's security company

Looks like they're getting ready

He didn't say when?

No, I only met him twice

Whenever I mentioned it, he said...

I'll be on the scene

That's strange! When could it be then?

Wang Wu is no fool

He's aware that it's well nigh impossible...

to save someone from the prison

It seems he'll do it on the execution ground

You won't necessarily be there during execution

I get it

From the prison to the execution ground

We'll have to walk with the prisoners

He'll take action while we're on our path

Yes

You are right

Be careful and investigate

Look where they've arranged...

to lay ambush

And we'll catch them all

This would look good on our records

I heard from the palace that...

Those men will be executed in couple of days

I've got everything ready

Execution without trial, that's no way to do it

Evil lurks when a nation's about to end

They don't care about the rules anymore

We'll lay ambush on their path

I've talked to one of the battalion leaders

Once we've saved our men...

He'll escort us to the gates

We'll be alright after we get out of the city

Is he trustworthy?

That's hard to tell

But we've no other choice

Have to trust him this once

I'll leave

Mr. Wang

Please be careful

Look, Dun Gu

I shall die joyfully, that's a good line!

This poem will be praised forever

Mr. Wang

Mr. Wang...

You? Still not begun your journey?

We heard that you need some help

We're happy to help

Do you know what I need to do?

It doesn't matter

We won't ask, we'll follow you

We once requested you for some money

And you didn't ask what was it for

In the worst case, our heads will be cut off

Isn't that right, Mr. Wu?

Fine, come along then

One other thing

Yan Feng might come making trouble

This isn't the time to come looking for me!

Yet another day and no news!

Qi

News from the prison

Officials from Privy Council and courts went to...

main prison after the morning meeting at palace

I think it's about time

Everyone

This is the time

If any of you wishes to opt out right now...

I won't blame you

Great

You know where we're supposed to be

We'll go in groups

Look at this knife

Follow me

Right through the West Gate

Then we'd have accomplished our mission

Let's go...

We should go too

I've been waiting for you, Wang Wu

You people go on ahead

Mr. Wang, if you're not going...

Of course I'm going

But if this got delayed, without you...

I'll make it

You go ahead

Come on, Wang Wu

You've picked a really bad time!

Come on

Yan, I've got important matter to attend to

Please wait some time

If I come back alive, do anything you like

If I die, then there isn't...

a cause to be angry with me any longer

Enough of your nonsense

Let's have a duel

Sorry

I don't have time for a duel

I'll just have to beat you with my knife

Fine, let's wait and see

Brother Wang

Qi

We've been duped!

Don't worry about me

It's true that I do like to joke around...

But I'll die for a serious cause

Charge

Qi

Qi...

Capture Wang Wu

It's all over, surrender yourself

It was horrible

You came back from the execution ground?

It was horrible, one after the other

I mean, with blood everywhere!

Blood's all over the coal chips there

It was all very tragic

Mr. Wang...

Mr. Tan and the others died terribly

They say the officers would let the corpses...

to lie there for three days

Brother Tan, hope your sacrifice was worth it

And that our country will be reformed soon

Hurry and help him in

Yes

I trusted the wrong guy

Many friends died because of me

I messed it all up!

Don't blame yourself, it's fate

Help him inside

And don't let anyone know he's here

Search

Yes

Mr. Wen, are you looking for someone?

You could have found a needle you looked for

Where is Wang Wu? Tell me

What a joke, he's a guest

The guests come in and out, how do we know?

Mr. Wen, we hear Wang Wu has been missing

This must be very discomforting for you!

Mr. Wen, if Wang Wu is in the city

He's like a fish in an ocean

We've got the net

Hope you'll catch him

Otherwise how could you sleep well at night?

Over one hundred soldiers died

And two battalion commanders too

I was wounded

What about Wang Wu?

Searched his office, not one person

I've been to his lover's place as well

Even our supervisors know of Wang Wu

They said he tops the list of trouble makers

He's reckless and out of control

If we cannot arrest him...

We'll all be fired

None of you would want to be...

executed, would you?

We've got Wang Wu's knife here

If those in charge pressurize us...

Then we'll just give them a corpse

General, I did it for us all

If he comes to look for me...

Iron Fist Yan Feng?

Right, I've heard about him

Send him in

Yes

Just the person we wanted!

Wang Wu's good at martial arts

We'll need someone to fight him

Do you understand why I'm here?

Yes, we're all looking for Wang Wu

Where do you think he'd be hiding?

It doesn't matter

He'll resurface sooner or later

The word is he's the only one who got out

Did someone sell him out?

In that case, he'll come back for you

Don't worry, you're the bait...

and Wang Wu's the fish

Take this to your house

And it is his trademark

He'll take it back

Yes

Lady, he's awake

Did he say anything?

No

He wanted to leave right away

I told him to wait for you

Where's he?

I knew he wouldn't stay long

But he left sooner than I expected

Wake up...

What's going on?

A ghost in the middle of the night?

Go take a look

You go ahead

Mr. Wang

Mr. Wang

You all know what I've gone through

I want to stay here for a while

Will you let me?

Sure

If the officers find out...

You'll be executed

We're not afraid

Those reformists who got executed...

They were scholars and cabinet ministers

If we too end up at the execution ground

I guess it's meant to be

What's the matter with you, Mr. Wen?

I can feel the ghosts haunting me...

Day and night

Didn't you hear our general the other day?

I'm the bait and he's the fish

That's great!

Without you, we won't get him

Yes

But, when you catch the fish

Me, the bait...

Would be swallowed by the fish

Go

All in one house

Everyone's here

Are you still scared?

Buy a tortoise shell and hide under it

Watch your mouth!

Fine, I'll leave then

Any new developments?

What? Are you dead?

Why don't you answer me

Stop it, this isn't funny

Wang Wu can be here any minute, let go

Yes, I'm really here

I had told you earlier

I wouldn't blame you for not helping me

But look what you got me into

Do you think I'll let you go?

Wang Wu, Tan's execution...

was by the order of Empress

You guys hurry, look for Mr. Yan

What are you afraid of?

Say, even if I were to spare you...

the souls of over one hundred men...

Won't ever forgive you!

Wang Wu

You're here

I reckon you're lucky, Wen Ping

Wen Ping...

Wang Wu, it's just you and me now

It's so quiet here

Ambush everywhere

You can't get in or out

Wouldn't have come, if I wanted to get out, eh?

Iron Fist Yan Feng

What are you doing with my knife?

Mr. Tan wrote this poem with coal chips...

on the prison wall. Take this to the lady

Miss, this is Mr. Tan's last verse

He wrote it with a coal chip

Determined am I to slay my enemies

But I cannot escape my fate

For the sake of ideals I've strived for...

I shall die joyfully

So, had enough?

Go on

If you can, you may walk out