Original subtitles

What's the matter?

Officer Ma has been assassinated

Everyone stay calm. The assassin was caught

On your knees. - Down!

You felon... - Chang Wen-hsiang

Chang, you assassinated a royal officer.

Who ordered you to do it? Confess honestly

Guards! - Yes

Impose heavy punishment. - Right!

Sir, please hold it

I didn't run away after killing Ma Hsin-yi

I just want to expose the truth to everyone

Get me pen and paper. I'll make my statement

Convicted felon Chang Wen-hsiang...

He met Officer Ma nine years ago

At that time, Chang and his god-brother Huang -

were bandits, making a living by robbery

Already mid-day and still no one has passed by

I'm afraid we'd end up with nothing today

This kind of work requires patience

I think we better go to the South -

to work for the "Long Hair"

It'd be better than being bandits here

Hey, someone is coming. It's just one. He's riding his horse very fast

Hand over your money and the horse

What if I refuse? - We won't let you refuse

Both of you will take me on together?

Go!

No. It's hard enough to have someone pass by. We've to make it

What's the matter?

This guy looks like a nice man

We'd better wait for the next one

I'm confident I can ward off your attack

But it's a pity you can only be bandits -

despite such good skill of yours

You may take all this money

We're bandits, not beggars

Good. In this chaotic world, what kind of plans do you have?

Plan? First of all to lay you down

What exactly do you intend to do?

You don't look like a true businessman too

I'm not a businessman after all. - You're...

If "petty thieves" is all that you are, why ask such a question?

Bullshit! When I work for "Long Hair" -

from results you'll know I ain't useless

Fine. I'm going to fight the Hair Bandit

The Hair Bandit?

The rebels with long hair, the Tai Ping Army, -

that's what you called the Long Hair

Whatever... the Long Hair or Hair Bandits, let's see which of us emerges a winner

Wait. Did you bring along a sword?

Stop

It's my turn

When you need to do it, do it. Go when you need to go. Go

Look, there're so many...

We don't have to hide in the ditch anymore

This is good

Sister-in-law, I did something as well. Can I have a kiss too?

What the hell!

Why are you so happy with such little money?

Isn't money supposed to bring us joy

So when should I feel happy?

If they said the same thing, I'd come here for nothing.

Wait a minute

What do you think we should do?

A real man should ask for fame and position -

to honor his ancestors

Well said!

With such ambitions good future awaits us

Ma Hsin-yi is clever and good at fighting

These 3 people became entrusted god-brothers -

and fought together for the future

They conquered Yen's bandit base in Shandong

Go...

Move...

Hurry up...

Who is it? - Huang Chung

Ma Hsin-yi

Chang Wen-hsiang

Good, I'll make a grave with your names

Anyone with weapons down and surrendering, and respect us leaders will not be executed

3rd Brother, come and have some wine.

2nd Brother, Big Brother said...

I don't give a damn to what he said...

Come, drink.

Come on... look we've everything now

Don't be indolent. You satisfied occupying only a small hill?

Big Brother said... - Always, "Big Brother said"!

He doesn't enjoy the harvest. What else does he want?

I don't want you to be just a bandit leader

A real man would go for big business...

Like what Big Brother did

3rd Brother, don't go. Big Brother is right, -

but we're wealthy now. It's no fun staying here all day

Tomorrow we leave this place and have some fun outside

But don't let my wife know

2nd Brother, you've such a pretty wife and still long to have another woman?

She married just because I'm a womanizer

Okay, I won't tell her

Are you ready? - Yes!

Why didn't you resist enemies hard enough?

The martial art I've taught you...

Why don't you put it to good use? - Leader, we occupied the hill...

Even the government doesn't dare interfere

There's no point practicing day and night

Right...

I was only joking. Don't take it seriously

I train you guys so hard that I wish someday...

We can do some big business

Who was born to be a bandit?

And who was born to be a general?

If I can be somebody, you'll be able to reap advantages too.

From now on, if anyone feels discontent, -

feeling tough to stay on, he may leave the hill.

If you choose to stay, you've to obey me

If you don't listen, you'll be like this

Once again

2nd Brother, 3rd Brother...

Sister-in-law, where are they?

Last night they decided to go to the city early in the morning

Left for the city!

We've stirred up a lot of heat recently

Why didn't they realize this?

If my hubby went alone, I'd worry about him

It'd be better if 3rd Brother went along

Big Brother, why are you sweating so much?

I killed to warn everyone today

The guys are listening, so I feel motivated

Sister-in-law, I'd better take a look

I'm scared they'd make trouble

Now this is what I'd call a real man!

3rd Brother, if my wife wears this, she'll look gorgeous

Oh, she's gorgeous alright as it is

3rd Brother, I like it at the first sight

2nd Brother, we're still drunk...

better hide it or it'll be stolen

What are we doing for a living?

They're lucky if we don't rob them

Chang Wen-hsiang, Huang Chung...

You guys sure have guts! If you're a man, come with us

3rd Brother, you go first. I'll handle them

Shit! I asked you to leave. Don't stay

The life in prison is real hard

2nd Brother, stop chasing

Run fast...

Chase...

For what? Further on it'll be their base

The Leaders are back...

What's the matter? Why is it so chaotic?

Get some water quick

It's because of you we're in trouble!

Just wanted to buy some accessories for you

That's nothing

I'll command the army and fight battles

Can you never be hurt?

Ma saved Chang and his god-brother Huang

They were deeply touched

Ma Hsin-yi is ambitious and fabulous

They respect Ma like god, -

but the evil was planted quietly

Ma didn't realize it

Big Brother, it's time to change the medicine

Does my reading books seem funny?

No, it's just a bit strange

I've already topped the local exams

I've wandered around the nation, in order to meet more real heroes

I intend sitting for royal exam this autumn

It's easier to be a major officer with good background

Sister, are you alright?

I'm okay

You're all soaked

You too

Your hands are shaking!

Big Brother, are you still studying hard?

You're getting better and better

You can now read the books upside down!

3rd Brother, come on... the water is so cool

Come on

It's still very early from the autumn exams

How can you just leave -

when you feel like? What can we do after you're gone?

You and 3rd Brother be stationed at the base

Training the guys and avoiding trouble

If I win the award, I can't come back soon

But if I achieve anything, I won't forget you guys

Mi-lan, why don't you come out?

Big Brother will leave tonight

Big Brother, you're leaving. Let's toast

Good. This is what my good wife does

Big Brother, try some more before you go

Big Brother is a real hero and mogul

This is not the place for him. You'd better get going

Sister-in-law, this wine...

It's quite strong!

You guys take care

Ma was top-notch in exam and was given a post in government

Motivated, his guys in the hill base trained harder

Two years later, he joined the Xiang Army, -

always defeated the Tai Ping rebels and was highly praised

Ma needed men and sent letter to the hill

Officer Ma's signature is here

I want to see 2nd and 3rd Leaders

Thank God, it's a letter from Big Brother

Good!

How does he look being an officer? - Come on, take a look at his letter

What does it say?

He's asked us to join the army

Leave immediately and quietly and make no trouble for the local government

The day has come

Both of you must be brother's trusted men -

to bring us this confidential letter

We're most grateful for his grooming

This is our lord's nephew, Ma Chung-hsin

Just a remote relative. He's really thankful

Officer Ma is important and powerful now

His wife ought to be from reputed family

Our lord isn't married yet, still single

Did he...

Let me go...

It's not far away from our base

Please wait here for a minute

Why're we in such hurry to see Brother Ma?

This is an order from him. - Bullshit, I don't believe it.

Try putting yourself in his position

He's different now, but these men...

These brothers... they're trained by him personally

I know this is right, but many could enter the base like this!

The government will be suspicious. It'll affect our lord's reputation

Better take a rest here

Officer must have his arrangements

Brother Ma is coming

Officer Ma has to be stationed at the base

How could he leave it at will? - What do you know?

We've a different relationship with him

Big Brother...

Where's Brother Ma?

Both of you've arrived. Officer Ma has been waiting for days, -

but now too busy to leave

He invites you to see him immediately

What about the guys coming together? - I'll allocate them to different camps

What Big Brother arranges won't be wrong

Who's Madam Huang?

I am

Madam Huang...

Any special orders from Big Brother? - He said army camp is preparing for -

wars, which is inconvenient for women.

Madam Huang has no need to go

He already has special arrangement for you

Take Madam Huang to rest in Nanjing City

Why? Why didn't he want to see me?

Brother...

2nd Brother, it's a long time we haven't met

2nd Brother, Big Brother is different now

Do you think we're still in the hill base?

We're still brothers!

Otherwise why would I invite you here?

But don't mention "hill base" hereafter

You're ignorant of the officer's field

I'm grateful for General Tseng's grooming

I'm promoted higher and higher in rank

Many people are jealous and creating trouble

If anything goes wrong,

the higher the rank, the heavier the fall!

I've to climb higher. I'll never fall down

You know me very well

Yes

When we became god-brothers you didn't take my words seriously

Take a look now...

Honestly, we knew Big Brother will make it one day

You forbid sister-in-law to come here. She nearly cried.

We'll have major attack against Hair Bandits

It won't be too convenient. Sorry about it

I didn't care. To accompany you and win the battle is most important

Chang and his god-brother Huang -

followed Ma to fight bravely and dangerously in battles -

and got great awards until the -

Hair Bandits were terminated. Ma was granted as Governor -

of Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces -

and asked to report to service immediately

Fame and fortune came all at once, -

but danger was around him and crisis lurched

Madam... - Any good news?

It's great news! Officer Ma has been highly commended

He's became governor of 2 Jiang provinces

He's come back to Nanjing from war front

Mi-lan...

Hey, put me down...

Put me down...

You put me down...

What's the matter with you?

What's wrong with this bitch?

I think she was waiting for you and became impatient -

and asked you go to her room

Screw you! Never a good word from your mouth

Since that day, I...

2nd Brother, you're not like me

We couldn't stay outside at clubs all night

Why couldn't I? - She's alone. Aren't you scared she's lonely?

Why do you always think about her? - Take a seat

2nd Brother, honestly...

Do you think something is wrong with her?

What do you mean? - Nothing

But 2nd Brother...

How could those bimbos be compared with your wife?

What are you talking about? You drink this for punishment

You've to drink three cups

You know her as well...

She couldn't gratify me like the women here. - Right...

I know you want to forget me

I feel the same way too, but...

When I married him, I was young

I thought he was the best amongst the guys

Though he's hot-tempered, I took it as a hero's character

Until I met you

I could never think of doing any wrong

If he know what's happen between us

He buries his head in the clubs on the river

I'm afraid he doesn't remember me anymore

Big Brother...

It's like the stream at the back of the hill

Big Brother still remembers the old time

People from General Tseng said there're some rumors about Governor Ma

We'd better keep the mouths of those Royal Inspectors shut

And send someone to Beijing to deliver gifts

Yes, there's something...

I wonder if I should say. - What is it?

Officer Huang is idling in clubs and -

ignoring his business. There're gossip

I'm afraid it'll affect your future

How long will Chang come back from the North? - The post station said it'll be 2 days later

Summon Officer Huang. - Yes

Come back...

Yes

Big Brother, you called me?

A small group of Liang Bandits is wandering in the north side of Huai River

You make an inspection. If it's true, terminate them

Big Brother, for an issue like this you may just send a minor officer to handle. Why me?

If you don't achieve more awards, how can I promote you?

You're right

I'll send some men with you. - Okay

You leave immediately. - Yes

What's the matter with you? - Nothing

Whatever blocks my way must be busted away

A horse has been saddled up for Chang

We'll be back to Nanjing tomorrow

Any news from Nanjing? - Nothing

Ma has ordered Huang to go and terminate Liang Bandits in north of Huai River

It's likely to earn him a great reward

Those going with Huang are all Ma's henchmen

Have they left? - Just passing through here

You returned via the shortcut, so you have missed him

Get me a horse quick! - Officer Chang!

Hurry up! - Right

2nd Brother...

3rd Brother, what's the matter?

2nd Brother, I want to talk to you there

Huang is ordered to finish his mission

We can't afford any delay. - Bullshit, we need to talk

You wait here

Brother, you know I don't have patience

What's the matter? Tell me

Brother, you'd better run quick. - Run? To where?

It belongs to my wife. - Yes, that night...

I found it outside Big Brother's room

That night I sat outside his room all night

In the morning, I saw your wife coming out of his room

What nonsense are you talking!

I discovered they've an affair. Brother, you know him so well

Now he's a powerful man

If this affair is disclosed, it'll affect his future very much

I'm afraid he'll kill you. - Buzz off! Get the hell out of here

You never know what he is thinking!

You're too straight. Never know the bitch...

Shut up! 3rd Brother...

I see you always teasing Mi-lan and you try to take advantage of her but in vain

So now you shift the blame on others?

Brother, I can let you go, but my fists couldn't allow

Okay, you come with me to clear this matter

It's a military order

If I leave without permission, it'll be a death penalty

Brother, you're trying to do me harm

You don't believe me. It doesn't matter

Forget the trip. Back to the hill base

This all doesn't make any sense

I can't afford to see you being killed

2nd Brother...

I'll question you clearly when I'm back

If you've no guts, get lost

2nd Brother...

If you keep fooling around, it's hard to...

Officer Chang...

3rd Brother, what's the matter?

Send 2nd Brother back with urgent post

He's having a military mission. Why should I send him back?

Whose stuff is it? Why was it in your room?

Why did sister-in-law come out of your room that morning?

So... now you know! - You sleazy bastard!

3rd Brother!

It's not his fault. I did it of my own will

I'm not scared of how you look at me

I knew nothing when I married your brother

After I realized, the kind of man I need, -

this is what I'm... - You slut!

I don't care whatever you shout at me

When 2nd Brother is back, I'll tell him

Can he come back? He can't

What happened?

Whatever blocks my way will be busted away

Big Brother...

Who will believe we're truly in love?

After leaving the hill base, I got higher and higher promotions

I shunned away too many marriage proposals

So why?

I've struggled for my future till now...

I still wish to go higher

No one can stand in my way

If 2nd Brother knows of our affair...

You cannot kill him. - Order now. It's not too late

It's already late

The local county said, Liang rebels are in the valley

I'll go to check first

You guys set up defense outside the entrance

Don't scare them away. - Yes

Why don't you go?

Why don't you come first?

Why do you want to kill me? Why?

Who ordered you to kill me? Who is it?

Who could want me dead...

3rd Brother...

3rd Brother, you worked for me, -

when I become a member of Military Chamber, -

the seat of the Governor will be yours

My Lord, what's matter?

Ma Hsin-yi, let's wait and see

Huang was killed in a coup

We fought hard to survive. - I get it

Huang was killed, but Ma still enjoys his life

Who is shouting outside?

My Lord... Ma's henchmen are gathering outside, -

requesting us to hand over the murderer and take revenge for Ma

Ask their leader to come in. - Yes

Ma Chung-hsin. - Li Wen at your service

Ma Chung-hsin, I know what you want. The government has its view on this case. Officer Tseng will handle this case...

You take care of your own business first and wait for Tseng's decision

Yes

Go...

Horse bandits were good at defense, -

hiding and waiting for the time for revenge

He sneaked in the stadium the night before review day -

of troop, hiding in flag baskets

Most men from the hill base had died in battles -

for Ma whose promotion was colored by their fresh red blood

2nd Brother, please bless me for my success

Ma Hsin-yi, do you remember me?

Chang, I never thought I'll be killed by you!

Chang, I've to catch you myself

My Lord... - Get away

Things are in this state because of you

I'm still alive. I could still order to have you to be killed

I've to catch Chang myself

No one is allowed to interfere or he'll be punished according to martial laws

I won't leave today. Ma, only if you could catch me...

Chang, I got you...

Ma, you could die peacefully

You've my word. I won't escape

You may arrest me

Both of you know...

How did Ma set up Huang and entice away Huang's wife?

I need both of you to make statements in court

How dare you kill a main royal officer and -

still utter bullshit! Heavy punishment!

I've confessed. Yet why should I be punished?

Proceed! - Yes

Stop!

I knew you guys will help each other

It doesn't matter. The reason I killed Ma...

you don't believe me, but the world will

Beat him up heavily!

Stop for time being and await the sentence. - Yes

Please read the letter from Officer Tseng

Yes

Tseng's idea is that the criminal, not only murdered a royal officer but, -

also his god-brother. It's a severe crime!

He should be cut in pieces as punishment. Ma is also righteous to avenge his brother

His own henchmen should execute him

If this is what Tseng thinks, we'll follow his viewpoint

Court!

Court!

We're thankful for Ma's grooming

We'd like to have your permission for a few things

Go ahead

Execute Chang outside the Governor's Hall

We'll set up my lord's spirit plate there

I'll handle the executor's work myself

I'll cut his beast off and take his heart out -

and offer it in my lord's funeral

We've prepared a set of execution tools. Please take a look

Your requests are approved. - Thank you

Chang Wen-hsiang, do you see it?

Tomorrow we'll use these steel blade and hook -

to squeeze your heart and organs out

The other day at the stadium, I asked both of you to make statements in court

You really did as I asked. - What?

You both are very desperate to kill me

Are you trying to prove I'm right?

Officer Ma, please...

Officer Ma, please execute him

This way he pays for his own deeds!