Original subtitles

(Linqing, Shandong)

Muqing.

There's neither a village nor a shop near here.

Why have we stopped?

Isn't there a tea house here?

Drink some tea and have some pastries.

But we've just had lunch.

We only had lunch. We didn't drink tea.

Muqing.

Don't we need to hurry to Shanghai?

No rush for the moment.

Waiter, bring two plates of pastries.

Alright.

Getai.

Be patient. It'll be just a moment.

Bufan.

Have you noticed it?

It's okay. I know.

What's up?

When we just left Tianjin,

we've already being watched.

Who could it be?

We'll know shortly.

What are you following us for?

=Heroes=

=Episode 4=

Japanese?

Sir.

How did you notice these people?

I noticed them when we left Tianjin.

At the end of the 3rd month, beginning of the 4th month,

fish are all swimming north.

If they were truly fishermen,

why would they be fishing to the south?

No one knew about our trip south.

Everyone who knows is here.

It's impossible that the news leaked.

It seems they've been secretly watching us from the start.

Speak.

Why are you following us?

Not talking, huh?

Huang Xing.

Muqing.

Those are Japanese people.

What if they cause trouble because of this?

I really want to see who will jump out.

Whoever jumps out

is their mastermind.

He stopped breathing.

It's the Japanese again.

Since it's a treasure map,

it's inevitable to attract attention.

Anyone could come for it.

How about

we change into the Han people's clothing?

Then we won't attract much attention.

I would never wear such a thing.

You should know

the people I hate the most are those

who give us strange looks because of our clothes.

That's why I've been meticulously planning

to make our Sword Sect respected by everyone in the world.

But if you want others to respect you,

you have to first respect yourself.

You are right.

Besides, the things you want to do,

no one can change them.

I know you mean well.

But given the current situation,

we have nothing to fear.

Take it slow.

Take your time.

Bro.

Have you recently seen

someone dressed in Lingxi attire here?

No.

Then someone wearing clothes like mine?

Like yours?

No, no.

Then, is Linqing up ahead?

You'll have to walk more than twenty li to get Linqing.

The sun is about to set.

By the time you get there, it will almost be dark.

Thank you.

Tang Yu.

Do you know the characters here?

He recognizes them.

He has studied when he was young.

Studied?

How to pronounce this character?

This is news.

Newspaper.

This paper talks all about news.

News?

What is news?

It refers to fresh events.

It speaks of major events in the world.

What are the major events in the world?

There are many major events.

If I were to tell you,

I can't complete it in three days.

It's fine.

Just tell me a couple of things.

What do you want to know?

Which is the number one sect now?

Tongmenghui.

Tongmenghui?

Why, can we not mention it yet?

This what "hui",

what kind of kung fu are they good at?

It's not kung fu they're known for.

It's reform.

Reform?

This sounds like a deadly move.

It is not a move.

It's reform.

It's actually about changing the world.

Do you know who owns the world?

That must be...

Don't run, don't run!

Surely, it's the emperor's.

But Tongmenghui says the world belongs to us,

to every common person.

Isn't this about rebelling?

It is indeed a rebellion.

Isn't it about rebelling?

Not just to change the emperor,

but rather, every commoner being able to be their own master.

This is called democracy.

Achieving democracy is called reform.

Got it?

Still don't understand.

So, this Tongmenghui,

is it orthodox?

Or is it unorthodox?

In the eyes of the imperial court, they are unorthodox.

But it is for the common people,

for the compatriots across the nation.

Therefore, they are orthodox.

If I want to join this Tongmenghui,

which master to look for?

What are you doing?

Do you want to switch a sect?

I'm just asking.

To join Tongmenghui, you don't need to take a master

or leave the Rongtian Sword Sect.

Anyone can join.

This is called inclusiveness.

Tang Yu.

This Tongmenghui,

what is the name of the Sect Leader?

Sun Wen.

I've made up my mind.

When this matter is finished,

I need to tell the Sect Leader.

Revolution.

You are leaving?

Didn't the leader say that once this matter is settled,

we can rebuild the headquarters?

You go and rebuild the headquarters.

I'll join the reform.

I'm going to rebuild the nation.

I'll read it out to you.

Staking a hundred thousand of our soldiers,

we must right the world with our strength.

The heroic Qiu Jin of Tongmenghui

wrote the poem.

This poem states that

even if it takes the sacrifice of a hundred thousand soldiers,

with their lives and blood,

we must right this upside-down world

with all our might.

I must copy down this poem

and remember it.

Staking a hundred thousand of our soldiers,

we must right the world with our strength.

Staking a hundred thousand of our soldiers,

we must right the world with our strength.

Staking a hundred thousand of our soldiers,

we must right the world with our strength.

Let me have a look.

You've been looking at it for long. Let me see it.

Get on the boat when we finish eating.

We won't rest tonight.

We'll travel all night.

Sir, here is your change.

Sir,

in the past couple of days, have you seen

someone dressed in the Lingxi style

or with a Lingxi accent?

Yes, yes.

There were three or four young men,

dressed in student attire,

speaking in Lingxi dialect.

They were sitting right here just now.

Do you know what they were talking about?

I didn't really catch that.

Where did they go?

They asked me about heading south,

looking for an affordable inn.

I directed them to the inn for carters on the south outskirts of Linqing.

Thank you.

Three or four people? It doesn't quite add up.

If I were Zhuo Bufan,

I would instruct my disciples to go separate ways.

It has just darkened,

how come everyone is already asleep?

Those who can stay at inns for carters

are all the hardworking folks from the docks.

As night falls, naturally, they lay down to sleep.

We don't even know if they are inside,

Shall we apprehend everyone for investigation?

The persons we're looking for are right inside.

How do you know?

Those few pairs of shoes on the floor to the left.

The big communal beds are not like the ones at home or in an inn.

Everyone has to climb up.

Ordinary people getting on it,

usually have their shoe tips pointing inwards.

But those few people have them pointing outwards.

It's a habit only those who roam the jianghu would have.

So?

Take action.

Apprehend them all.

Go!

Get out!

(Constable of Dagu County Yamen)

You are that constable from Dagu County Yamen,

Wang Jialuo.

Weren't you killed by me?

As long as you can't kill me,

I will certainly bring you to justice.

Want to catch me?

You don't have the ability.

The constable of Dagu County Yamen, Wang Jialuo?

Exactly.

This person was killed by you?

This person is a murderer.

According Article 4 of Statute 289

in the Homicide section of the Qing Code,

someone who kills with poison should

be beheaded.

You executed him without trial.

According to Article 4 of Statute 389 regarding apprehension of fugitives

in the Qing Code,

any murderer, thief, and the ringleader who doesn't kill,

if captured after escape,

shall be beheaded on the spot.

You've certainly memorized the Code quite well.

As an official of the Qing Dynasty,

knowing the Code well is my duty.

But do you know

that you killed him before I could even conduct a trial?

When you caused Chen Wu to die at Gegu,

I hadn't interrogated him either.

Okay.

If you say so,

then we are even.

Handle cases impartially.

No saying of being even in official matters.

I haven't blamed you for causing trouble.

Yet, you insist on pestering me.

I'm conducting the investigation.

How have I meddled in yours?

And how have I been pestering?

Young constable.

I don't want to waste words with you.

Get back to Dagu.

Don't interfere with our cases.

You can't handle this case.

Human lives prioritize, let alone nine lives.

No one can bear it.

That's why I must investigate to the end.

Have a look.

Irgen-Gioro Muqing.

Have you seen it clearly?

Yes.

If you've seen it clearly, get lost.

That tablet only states second-class guard

of the Imperial Household Department.

Why should I leave?

I'm ordering you to get back to Dagu.

Dagu acts on orders of Zhili Prefecture,

which acts on orders of Shuntian Prefecture.

The Ministry of Justice is responsible for investigations.

It's never the Imperial Household Department's place to give orders.

We handle cases.

Since when does it become

a minor official's turn to ask questions?

Sir.

You are a fourth-rank imperial guard.

But even if your rank is sky-high compared to mine,

you can't issue orders beyond your authority.

I address you as "Sir".

But addressing is one thing, taking orders is another.

Sir, you are right.

We bunch of minor officials

don't even dare to ask questions.

How could we dare to defy the Qing Code?

You, as a local constable from Dagu County Yamen

why does it count to coming to Linqing?

Pursuing criminals across provinces.

According to the pursuit and arrest section...

All right, all right.

Stop harping on about the Code to me.

Wang Jialuo.

I'm telling you.

This case has been taken over by the Imperial Household Department.

No other yamens may interfere.

What are you doing?

Documents of Ministry of Justice.

How would I have their documents?

How could you not have them?

If you want local yamens to avoid,

you must carry the documents with you.

I...

I'm telling you.

The order has been issued.

If you don't believe,

return to Dagu County Yamen to check.

I will go back and check.

But sir,

if the Ministry of Justice truly issued this document,

and you don't carry it on you,

it would be dereliction.

If the Ministry of Justice never issued such a document,

and you, as a fourth-rank imperial guard, proclaim so,

it would be deception.

Either of the two

has already violated the Qing Code.

You're insistent on making trouble with me.

I'm not here to make trouble,

but to investigate the case justly.

Look at you,

dressed like this as an official.

What a disgrace.

Sir, you've overspoken.

I'm merely a lowly constable,

not prominent, nor a mandarin

appointed by the imperial court.

This attire

indeed has many improprieties.

Because I've been chasing criminals for days,

and the uniform is already tattered beyond repair.

I just casually bought something cheap,

to make do.

You, a local constable,

are also considered loyal in serving the imperial court.

The money is a reward for you.

Take my advice.

Go back to Dagu.

You can't handle this case.

Nor should you.

What is this for?

This is the key to my house door.

I left the house in a hurry.

I'm running short on travel expenses.

These ten taels of silver

can be considered as official funds which I borrowed.

It will certainly be repaid by Dagu County Yamen in the future.

You won't return to Dagu? Will you still pursue it?

There hasn't been an unresolved case in Dagu.

I must continue the investigation.

I cannot give up halfway.

Fine.

As you please.

If you're bent on seeking death, why should I care?

Nine sets of clothes.

The 1st day of the 4th month.

Menxing Hotel in the northern suburbs of Shanghai.

(Staking a hundred thousand of our soldiers,)

(we must right the world with our strength.)

Muqing.

They have confessed.

They are indeed disciples of Rongtian Ridge.

The nine people from the Dagu Inn

were also indeed killed by Rongtian Ridge.

But those two insist they did not take part.

The case of the nine lives is not important.

They also confessed that

the Sect Leader of Rongtian Ridge, Zhuo Bufan,

ordered his subordinates to head to Shanghai separately.

The one leading them on this route was called Tang Yu,

the one who was killed while trying to escape.

Do they know

what they are supposed to do and where in Shanghai?

They only know they need to go to Shanghai.

Even the meeting place

was known only by that Tang Yu.

However, one of them said

that he accidentally

overheard other disciples chatting,

mentioning Maiqi Road in the French Concession.

And it seemed they mentioned the 3rd day of the 4th month.

The 3rd day of the 4th month.

Maiqi Road in the French Concession.

Muqing.

Could it be the place and the time

of meeting with Tan Xian?

Is Zhuo Bufan acting on behalf of Prince Qi?

I have tested that.

They truly do not know.

Inside their luggage,

there are a few sets of Western-style clothes.

It actually looks like

the attire of the Tongmenghui.

Zhuo Bufan is to meet with Tan Xian.

He'll appear in Shanghai posing as a Tongmenghui member.

The 3rd day of the 4th month is

just three days away.

Muqing.

We will arrive in Shanghai tomorrow.

Hurry to investigate and prepare.

There should still be time.

Have you heard about it?

The Imperial Household Department

has someone from the Infantry Commander Yamen Prison,

who was jailed for twelve years,

the former imperial guard known as Men Sandao,

pardoned and released.

Really don't know?

How would I know such things?

But you haven't forgotten this person, have you?

Thinking back,

you and Men Sandao had a deep rapport.

Even the late emperor intended to bring you two together.

Now,

Men Sandao has already been pardoned and released,

and returned to Imperial Household Department.

Currently he's leading the imperial guards

on an assignment outside.

The events of the past are long forgotten.

And I don't want to mention them.

Why not mention it?

I still want to talk to you more about Men Sandao.

What's there to talk about?

I'm tired.

I've booked a train compartment for you.

You can set off for Shanghai tomorrow.

I am really tired.

In my life,

being able to marry you

would leave no regrets.

Rest assured.

I will definitely treat you well in the future.

From now on,

whatever you want, I will give it to you.

Whatever you want,

I will comply with your wishes.

Rest assured.

I definitely won't take concubines or mistresses.

The last flowers in spring have been blooming to the point of withering.

(The end is near.)

(The splendor and the unforgettable will be gone.)

(Muqing.)

(Take care.)

You two have arrived.

Hong.

Take good care of them.

Commander.

What brings you here today, sir?

I've missed you so much.

Commander.

I've specifically found a beauty for you,

just waiting for your arrival.

She's still a maiden.

Commander.

Who was it?

Was it in England?

Or Japan?

Was it during your studies abroad

that you were with someone?

Will you tell or not?

Who exactly was it?

Who exactly has been with you?

What sort of world is this?

What's the propriety, justice, honesty and honor?

What's wrong with you? Have you gone mute?

Speak!

Irgen-Gioro Muqing.

Was it him?

Was it Men Sandao?

You won't admit it, huh?

I will send someone to the prison right now.

I'll have him tortured to death.

What's wrong?

Do you feel pity for him?

Are you scared?

I beg you. Please don't harm him.

Then tell me.

I'm willing to serve you well from now on.

I will give you whatever you want.

Whatever you wish to do,

I will follow your will.

If you wish to take concubines or mistresses in the future,

I will not interfere nor blame you.

I only beg you not to hurt others.

If it were not for official duties that I'm entangled with,

I would have gone to Shanghai with you and father.

It's okay. Do your business.

Enjoy yourself, too.

Come.

I'll return to the capital soon.

You and father should have returned to the capital by then.

You like Tianjin snacks.

I'll bring some back for you.

Then when I am in Shanghai,

I'll also buy some new clothes for you.

As for western style clothes,

the styles from Shanghai are somewhat better.

Okay.

Let's go.

Come and look! Fresh vegetables!

Take a look! Take a look!

Steamed buns.

Steamed buns.

Fresh fruits.

Hot steamed buns.

Potatoes, cheap potatoes!

Green vegetables, fresh green vegetables!

Lin Anjing.

Why are you following me?

You followed me all the way

from Tianjin to here?

How did you manage to keep up?

I don't even know how I managed to keep up.

You walked too fast.

I lost you several times along the way.

Luckily, I found you in the end.

Didn't we agree that

you wait for my message at Dagu?

I don't know anyone there.

I don't want to go to Dagu.

I want to investigate the case.

So you've been following me all along,

without coming directly to me?

I... I was afraid you would send me away.

You are simply crazy.

Not to eat all day and keep rushing on the road.

If it wasn't for your inquiries everywhere,

I would have lost you long ago.

Have you had anything to eat?

Come with me.

Steamed buns. Hot steamed buns!

Boss.

One steamed bun.

Alright.

Vegetables here.

Miss Lin.

We have an agreement.

I'm pursuing a criminal investigation.

It's indeed inconvenient to have you with me.

Next, I need to go to Shanghai.

Once we reach Shanghai.

You absolutely cannot follow me anymore.

Boss, another one, please.

Okay, right away.

Green onions. Take a look at these green onions!

You should make your own plans.

Consider where to go afterwards.

Either going home

or going back to Japan is fine.

It's convenient to go anywhere once in Shanghai.

Or,

I'll take you to the Shanghai yamen.

Miss Lin.

It's not that I don't care about you.

It's that I am alone.

It's dangerous for you to follow me.

How did your clothes get torn again?

I'll mend it for you if I get the chance.

Let's go.

Are you heading to Shanghai next?

Then how did you know

that those murderers went to Shanghai?

What have you found out?

When I was in Linqing,

I caught up with that fugitive.

Then I got a ledger from him.

Sei I Shinpu?

Japanese?

Let him in.

Yes.

General Zhong, hello.

Sei I Shinpu, from the Genyosha.

Zhong Haichao,

the Sixth Division of the Beiyang Army,

son-in-law of Prince Qi.

I've been wanting to visit you for long.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance.

It happens that we are on official business in Tianjin.

From the 17th Division stationed in North China,

the Colonel of the Third Special Duty Brigade,

has also always been concerned about China,

and he specifically instructed me to pay you a visit.

You are too kind.

Please.

Have some tea.

The Lotus Sutra,

This sutra

is a small token of my regard for General Zhong.

I hope the friendship between Japan and China

will endure for a long time.

(Shanghai Yamen) Now, in Shanghai,

(Shanghai Yamen) foreigners are everywhere.

The Concessions are a few walks away.

As for me, the imperial inspector

actually is just a nominal title.

I have to look out for signals from those above,

and consider the mood of the foreigners.

It's difficult to do my job.

I've come here this time to handle a case.

Matters concerning you,

it must be a matter of importance.

So what do you need me to do?

Send people to thoroughly check the hotels,

inns and restaurants.

I need to find Zhuo Bufan and everyone from Rongtian Ridge.

What about inside the Concession?

Bro.

I'm here to investigate, not to kill.

Can we not even enter the Concession?

Understood.

Understood.

Then, I will make the arrangements now.

Buy some flowers, please.

(Shanghai, Menxing Hotel) Flowers, flowers, flowers.

Qin Tuo.

Mr. Zhuo.

Ms. Huo.

It's been a tough trip.

You have arrived.

How is it? Has everyone arrived?

Tang Yu hasn't arrived yet.

I found it odd.

Tang Yu should have arrived before us.

That's right.

Tang Yu might have run into trouble.

What happened?

Qin Tuo.

Tell the fellow disciples to pack.

Let's leave immediately.

Leave? To where?

This place is no longer safe.

We'll discuss later.

Go.

Hope he's alright.

I hope so too.

Bufan.

Ms. Huo.

It's almost dark.

Where do you plan to go?

I haven't decided yet.

Let's set out first.

We finally made it to Shanghai.

Let's find a restaurant in the Concession to taste

western cuisine.

Still considering a restaurant?

What time is it now?

You think it's too expensive?

That's not the case.

We can't be too conspicuous.

We need to be careful and cautious.

Then where do you suggest we go?

We can't just sleep on the streets.

Let's start walking and see.

Let's go.

Come on.

Nothing has been missed.

Can't say that nothing has been missed.

But as for all sizes of inns, restaurants and hotels,

I've inquired them all.

There's no trace of Zhuo Bufan and Rongtian Ridge.

The suburban areas?

There are too many hotels and inns. The suburbs are too far.

We're still inquiring.

However, Muqing,

to say something unpleasant,

this way of searching

might be a thankless task.

Indeed.

Muqing.

After all, you are the famous

top master in the imperial court.

Would you be afraid of that Zhuo Bufan?

There are rumors

that Zhuo Bufan's swordsmanship is unrivaled.

I've also long heard of it.

I'd like to have a spar with

this extraordinary master.

But we currently have an important mission.

We can't afford any mistakes.

If before the 3rd day of the 4th month,

we can find Zhuo Bufan

and capture him,

then we can go meet up with Tan Xian.

Otherwise,

in two days,

there will surely be a fierce battle.

Innkeeper.

A room, please.

Thank you.

Lin Anjing.

You'd better go up and rest.

What about you?

I'll just find a place to make do for the night.

Here.

How can that be okay?

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't stay at the inn.

You have a good rest.

I'll go have another look nearby.

I'll just find a place to crash for the night.

I'll go with you.

Don't worry.

Listen to me. Go to sleep.

Then you must come back to find me.

Definitely.

If you don't come back for me,

I'll go to Shanghai to find you.

Who are you people?

Wang Jialuo from the Dagu County Yamen.

Kill him.

Chase!

Attack!

♪Blood refines the sword, and wind forges the blade♪

♪I am still that person with rough edges♪

♪My heart is vast like the sea, and my soul doesn't want to fight♪

♪How long can I remain young♪

♪I sigh for the elusive destiny♪

♪I struggle half my life in destitution♪

♪Who can laugh in this fancy world♪

♪Don't squander your prime. Don't squander your day♪

♪When beauty fades, dreams will never come true♪

♪I am willing to shed my blood♪

♪To be a part of the history♪

♪My ambition is hard to fulfill, for it is in vain till the end♪

♪I've been concerned for the country for a decade♪

♪My passion never fades♪

♪Life is too short, just like plants all year round♪

♪What am I always on the way for♪

♪I am like a swan goose stepping into the snow♪

♪The ship sails against the wind, through scorching heat and biting cold♪

♪The insects that only exist in summer will never know how the ice tastes♪

♪When beauty fades, dreams will never come true♪

♪I am willing to shed my blood♪

♪To be a part of the history♪

♪My ambition is hard to fulfill, for it is in vain till the end♪

♪I've been concerned for the country for a decade♪

♪My passion never fades♪

♪Life is too short, just like plants all year round♪

♪What am I always on the way for♪

♪I am like a swan goose stepping into the snow♪

♪The ship sails against the wind, through scorching heat and biting cold♪

♪The insects that only exist in summer will never know how the ice tastes♪