Original subtitles

228 A.D.

It was a time when China was divided between Three Kingdoms, Wei, Wu and Shu

The country was plagued by constant war while its people suffered from hardship and famine

It was from this turmoil that a hero would arise

His name was Zhao Zilong of Shu Kingdom

I vow to guard Phoenix Heights to my death.

I vow to capture Zhao Zilong alive today!

We only have one life to live

I, Luo Pingan of Changshan

shall dream big

and aspire

after success

Just as a dog needs to find a good master

So had I chosen to join Liu's forces

It was there that I met Zilong

Your home village?

Changshan

Your name?

Zhao Zilong

How long have you been away from home?

Almost two years

Why do you want to join Liu's army?

To bring peace

to our land and start a family

Do you think we can win?

I believe that man can prevail over destiny

"Changshan Zhao Zilong"

This is the frontline of Liu's army

Cao's army is much stronger and determined to eliminate Liu

Liu rushes the fortress fortification

while we wait for backup forces

We're here

Then where is Changshan? It must be here

Changshan's not there at all

You fool...

You should know more about your own country

Changshan is here

This bread is tasteless

I am from Changshan too.

We are now here

If we fight for our Lord Liu and make a circle on this map

Peace will finally come to our country

And we can return to Changshan as heroes

Can we really encircle so much territory?

Young man, you stick with me your brother

And I'll lead you to complete that circle

Brother

How long have you been in the army?

Five years

Do you ever miss home?

Who wouldn't?

But I've never been back

A man must dream big

And aspire after great achievements

I swore not to return home unless with glory

Brother...

Consider this a gift to you

For me?

The map is in my heart

"When the fort falls Annihilation follows"

Look, what's in the box?

How would I know?

And who is that man?

What's the matter?

It's Pingan!

Strange things happened

A wooden box was left outside the front gate

And there's someone sent by Lord Liu

Is he the reinforcement?

Does he look like one?

How many people did he bring with him?

He came alone

Alone?

The main force of Cao's army

will attack us within the next few days

So they won't wait long

Cao's army will attack us tomorrow

What should we do?

There must be four thousand men in the Cao's camp

Definitely not less than eight thousand

How can you be so sure?

At ten men per cooking stove

Cao's army has lit over a thousand stoves to cook a meal

That makes ten thousand troops?

I didn't want to scare you with the numbers

Then we are doomed

Cao's ten thousand men is nothing

Cao is a master in the art of war, but he is skeptical by nature

His troops could have traveled 25 miles a day

But now they're traveling only 8 miles a day

It is obvious that he has his concerns

What concerns would a dog like Cao have?

He is afraid of someone in our army

Who is that?

Liu's Military Advisor

Zhuge Liang!

Battle and chess are similar

Instead of hanging onto every chess piece and playing defensively

One must know when to sacrifice a rook

to take the opponent's king

So to live, we must give up this camp

Can we win?

Would I come to die if we can't win?

Like playing chess it's better to lose the rook than the game

We shall head off their attack by hitting them tonight

But we only have one thousand men

It can't be done except tonight

I predict that at midnight tonight, there will be a thunderstorm

This presents us a great opportunity

But do you have enough courage to act on it?

We the Changshan soldiers are made of courage

But what if it doesn't rain?

Should there be no rain at midnight tonight. I shall be beheaded!

Zhuge Liang!

Hurry to the Cao's camp before it rains

490 of us shall form the Dragon unit. Wait in ambush at the left of Cao's camp

Another 490 of Tiger unit wait in ambush at the right of Cao's camp

The remaining 20 Changshan soldiers will be the commando unit

We will force our way through Cao's camp with the rain as signal

When the enemy is in disarray because of the storm

We will cut down the enemy's general flag

and sap their fighting spirit

Then Dragon and Tiger units will attack together

Despite their numbers, we shall have our victory

Life is like a game of chess, It takes only a single move to win

The battle is over. I shall be off to rescue other places!

My Changshan brothers, attack!

Attack!

Zilong, come with me.

You go chop down their general's flag, I will kill the vanguard's leader.

Brother

Brother, I'll help you

Brother...

The leader has been killed

Dragon unit! Attack!

Tiger unit! Attack!

I shall launch another attack

Zilong has never told anyone about helping me

And I received all the credit

The defeat of Cao's forces enraged Cao. He decided to personally lead a massive army

He vow to defeat Liu

As Cao's army was drawing near

Liu was chased to Phoenix Heights

with his people

Liu's blood brothers, Generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei

Were sent to cover the people's retreat

My people are suffering because of me. Advisor, what is your suggestion?

My Lord Liu, a proper result can't be obtained from my divination

Our success in killing the Cao's vanguard earned me the trust of the Advisor

And the important duty of protecting Liu's family

was assigned to me

Finally, the opportunity to prove my might had come

As for Zilong, I sent him to assist the refugees

Brother, what should we do? Are we lost?

Let's go back the way we came

Brother, are you sure? We need to be more careful!

Back the way we came I said!

Yes, Brother!

I saw a Cao army unit coming after us

My Lord!

Cao's forces shall be here in no time

We must close the front gate at once

The gate can't be closed!

Your wives and child have yet to arrive

We must protect the people

Brother

Close the gate!

Cao's army is approaching, save yourself!

Come in quickly, we're closing the gate. Come in quickly!

Zilong!

Brother!

Zilong!

Brother!

We were attacked by Cao's soldiers

Where are the two ladies and the young lord?

I've lost them

Zhang Fei!

How dare you to defy me?

To kill him, you'll have to kill me first

Stop it!

Zhang Fei!

You brat!

Your skill was outstanding, young man

Brothers, lay down your weapons

My people are suffering because of me

I am to be blamed for all this

I'm willing to go look for the young lord on behalf of Luo Pingan

Bestow my armor upon this young man

Young man

We will clear the way for you

Great!

Eat well and fight with a full stomach

Brother, don't worry about me

I have nothing to lose

I came with nothing and shall leave nothing

There's nothing to worry about

Brother, I want you to complete the circle without me.

Promise me, you'll finish it?

You coward!

Don't talk rubbish!

Remember, ride swiftly and carefully

Bring back the young lord

I believe that man

can prevail over destiny

Little brother, go bring the royal family

Will we have the chance to see each other again?

When our missions are accomplished

we shall meet again

Behold, I am the great General Zhang

Who dares to challenge me to a duel?

My little granddaughter Cao Ying, One day you shall be a leader.

Therefore, you need to study the art of war.

Cao

Zhang Fei, let's go

Lord Cao, our vanguard was attacked and had to withdraw.

They killed Liu's wives but failed to find his son

I'm counting on you

Capture that man!

Yes!

Regardless of my success or failure in rescuing the young lord

Please spare Luo Pingan of any punishment

Look, there is no mercy in war

Everyone you see down there are nothing but chess pieces

I would rather fail everyone in the world

than to allow them to fail me

Send out a chariot to catch the man!

Grandfather!

Didn't I asked you to captured this man?

What is your name, mighty warrior?

Zhao Zilong of Changshan

Zhao Zilong

One day, you will be captured by me

Only if you live long enough

Zilong made a name for himself

With the rescue of the young lord, We must gain big credits.

Well, Zilong was the one to do it. I envied him.

Finally, Changshan had its hero

He returned to Changshan with glory

Zilong was invited by his townsmen

Zhao Zilong, our hero

He returned to Changshan with glory. We have something special for you!

Yes, it's very good

This way please

Here comes our mighty warrior!

I am Zhao Zilong!

Watch out for my sword!

Beware of my spear!

Wretch

How could you drop our great hero Changshan's Zhao Zilong?

It's alright, it happens

How can Zhao Zilong lose?

At least it shouldn't happen in our hands

Continue with the music

Why don't you eat?

Who knows when I can cook for you again?

Lord Liu said our country will unite soon

My work will be done then

I'll come back for you

And we'll never be apart again

I'll wait for you

Come, let's eat

"East, West, South, North"

"May we meet and never part again"

I made this for you

Carry it with you

It means no matter how fast or far you go,

You'll always find your way back to me.

Zhao Zilong was both brave and wise

And never lost a battle against Cao's army

Finally, he became one of the Five Tiger Generals

And earned wide respect and praise from his people

The world long united must divide. The long divided must unite!

All the three warlords wished to become the Emperor of a unified China

Liu Bei became the emperor of his newly found

Shu Kingdom

The country had been more chaotic than ever

At His Majesty's command

The title Forward General is conferred upon Guan Yu

He is to lead 100 thousand troops

To guard against Sun of Eastern Kingdom of Wu

Guan Yu, at His Majesty's service

At His Majesty's command

The title Right General is conferred upon Zhang Fei

He is to lead 100 thousand troops

To guard against Cao Cao of Northern Kingdom of Wei

At His Majesty's command

The title Left General is conferred upon Ma Chao

He is to lead 50 thousand troops to guard Xichuan

At His Majesty's command

The title Guard General is conferred upon Huang Zhong

He is to lead 50 thousand troops

To guard Zhongjun

At His Majesty's command

The title of Flying General is conferred upon Zhao Zilong

He is to lead the rest of the army

To go on the north expedition against Cao

I hereby further bestow upon General Zilong. The title Chief Vanguard!

He and his troops are to set off today

for the northern expedition against Cao

Zhao Zilong of Changshan at His Majesty's service

Luo Pingan of Changshan at His Majesty's service

The Five Tiger Generals went off in service of Liu Bei and his people

Over the next twenty years

Only to fall one by one

First, the brave Guan Yu.

Next, the strong Zhang Fei. They fought valiantly against the enemies of peace.

Soon the only Five Tiger General left standing

It was Zhao Zilong of Changshan

Our late Emperor Liu had ascended to heaven amid his great agenda

Over the years, I've launched numerous northern expeditions but all in vain

The Five Tiger Generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao and Huang Zhong

Have all passed away one after the other

For which, I should have been punished by death

However, I assist our young Emperor

To follow late Liu's will

To continue with the northern expedition

And to fulfill our late Liu's dream of bringing peace to our country.

At His Majesty's command

The title Dragon General is conferred upon the son of Guan Yu

The title Tiger General is conferred upon on the son of Zhang Fei

Together they shall depart today for the northern expedition against Cao

How dare you cut in before me?

My father is Guan Yu, the head of "The Five Tiger Generals"

I should be the one to accept the General's seal

I am older and a better fighter than you

I should be the one to hold the General's seal.

Are you a better fighter than me?

Do you dare to fight me?

Alright, let us fight right here before everyone

and the winner shall bear the General's Seal

Stop!

Uncle!

The leadership of our forces should never be belittled

I have fought hundreds of battles

since I began serving the late Lord Liu

And I have never been defeated

How can I be excluded from the expedition?

General Zilong is the sole survivor of our great "Five Tiger Generals"

Also you're no longer a young soldier

Should anything go awry

Not only would your reputation be tarnished

But our troops would also be demoralized

After years of trials and tribulations,

Just on the verge of success in unifying the country

I must be included in this northern expedition

Zilong, at our age

We live by the great memories of our past

Do you really want to risk losing them all by going on this expedition?

After all these years of battle, my memories of the past have long faded.

I want to recover those distant and blurred memories on the battlefield where they were lost.

Prime Minister

this is my very last battle

I vow to unite the country for Liu's Kingdom, Zhao Zilong of Changshan at his Majesty's Service.

General, if you insist on going to battle,

Then you shall be accompanied and assisted by the sons of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

Zilong I have two pouches for you

When you come across the first fork in the road, Open the first pouch.

Open the second pouch when you run into extreme difficulties!

Zhao Zilong of Changshan at His Majesty's service

Luo Pingan of Changshan at His Majesty's service

General's oath has been repeated many times, But nothing has been done.

We have never served together in the same unit

since Zilong became one of "The Five Tiger Generals"

But I have always been watching him from a distance

"Guan Yu"

"Zhang Fei"

"Huang Zhong"

"Ma Chao"

This memorial tablet is reserved for you

I've tidied up this place long ago

As I knew that you would come

We rarely met but I truly hope

This is not the place where we meet next time

Brother...

If I fail to return,

Would you please rest my armor here?

Zhao Zilong already thinking about retiring from his career?

I haven't even started mine yet

Brother, how long have we been in the army?

20 years since you were made one of "The Five Tiger Generals"

since the time we left Changshan, 32 years and 4 months

Do you still remember what you asked me when I first joined the army?

I remember

I asked you why you wanted to join the army!

And you said that you wanted to bring peace and start a family

And yet it hasn't happened

Not yet

I've always been regarded as the one who has achieved the least within Liu's army.

This is your very last battle

Can you give me the chance to finish this last mission together with you?

Would you?

Prime Minister instructed

The first pouch should be open when we come to a fork in the road.

Prime Minister said

Units of the two young Generals and General Zilong

Are to split into two groups and go separate ways

All troops shall proceed together to seize Cao's six counties

How can we split our forces?

Zilong at His Majesty's service

Though the stone-paved road is broad, it's easy to be ambushed.

May I suggest that I take this road

while Zhang accompanies you on the rear

I disagree.

Guan, I fear that you will be too slow

and fall behind enemy lines

Your kind offers are appreciated

How dare you intrude our border?

At the presence of General Zhao Zilong of the "The Five Tiger Generals"

You worthless rats. I suggest you to surrender!

The Five Tiger Generals"

such antiquated fame!

Zilong, unless you're eager to die

Do you still belong to the battle field?

I suggest you go home

And tend to trophies from your past victories

Son!

How dare you!

Stop! I will go!

Three of you, go fight with your brother

Back off!

Watch out General!

General Han

the Commander has ordered that we must follow the battle plan

Did you lure Zhao Zilong into our trap as I ordered?

Yes, Commander

Deng, quickly find another route

Yes, General!

Deploy the war chariot!

Fire!

Fire!

The enemy has encircled us and we can only escape westward

Why is the enemy lying in ambush in these desolate mountains

There must be a traitor amongst us

Cut the nonsense!

Tell me, what is to our west?

Phoenix Heights

Withdraw to Phoenix Heights!

Yes, General

General Zhao, Congratulation for your success!

I assume by now you have already diverted Cao Ying's attention

For me to attack Cao's six countries

I've ordered Guan and Zhang to proceed in capturing Cao's six counties without you

Please hold until back up arrives

Once they have succeeded, their troops would come to your aid to unify the country together.

Before your forces set off,

I already knew their Commander Ying

Is the granddaughter of late Emperor Cao

She has inherited Cao's talent on the battlefield.

You'll only have to hold out for six hours against Cao Ying.

Guan and Zhang shall return to eliminate Cao Ying troop with you.

General!

How could Prime Minister Zhuge treat you like this?

- General! General! - General! General!

How can he do that?

How can he do that?

Why am I treated this way?

Prime Minister Zhuge has always followed his military agenda

Brother...

Over all these years what have we been fighting for?

Here they come!

Commander, you have foresight

General Zilong has chosen to make his stand at Phoenix Heights

General Han, send my order to the forces in the Six Counties

They are to adopt a defensive strategy and never attack

So that they cannot spare time to rescue their beloved General Zilong

To triumph over the Liu's army, we need to break their spirit

What better way is there than to defeat their "Invincible General"

Once we capture General Zhao Zilong,

We shall take advantage of the victory

Your military strategy is most impressive. I remain at your service!

Dispatch the cavalry and launch an attack immediately

Yes, Commander

Retreat!

We should never have underestimated our old General Zilong

Commander, perhaps he was not wounded by my son

Don't speculate

By hiding, it doesn't mean that he is hurt. By appearing, he could still be wounded.

Either way, we will find out soon enough

I Promise you, I won't let your four sons died for nothing.

My sons...

Your family has made such great contributions to the Kingdom of Cao

I shall request His Majesty to bestow an honorable title on you

My General, please take care of yourself

Though you have lost four of your sons today

In return you've gained a daughter

Please take me as your daughter

I don't deserve such honor

Father!

My Commander

How could I possibly repay your great kindness

War is cruel

but the soldiers are innocent

Same goes for the enemy soldiers

Send the bodies of the enemy soldiers back to Zhao Zilong

Cao Ying is truly sinister

Now she has managed to weaken our soldiers spirit.

What should we do?

She definitely lives up to her grandfather Cao's expectations

Not only with her military skills

but also with her scheming

Good. Brother.

Zilong...

I want to give Cao Ying a gift for her thoughtfulness

Here is a gift from our General to the Commander in return for her kindness

Our General Zilong said that years ago,

Cao failed to captured him and Cao's sword was taken.

This sword has remained with us all these years.

Today, General Zilong rewards you with it on your grandfather's behalf

Hope you can learn from the past and not lose this sword to him again

Take him!

Yes!

Envoys should never be harmed in war

Poised as a mountain and unpredictable like the ying and yang

Grandfather, General Zilong is truly a great opponent

Commander!

Commander, there is also a good news for you.

The Commander of Cao's Kingdom

requests a duel with General Zilong of Liu's Kingdom

Get my steed ready

General!

We can stall no further

once we show a sign of weakness

Minister Zhuge probably don't know.

We have been surrounded by this many enemies

Let's hope we can stall the enemy until our rescue force arrive

General Zilong, I am sure you have been waiting for aid from Guan and Zhang

Here is a small gift as a token of my gratitude for your return of my grandfather's sword

"Guan"

I wished to return the remains of Guan and Zhang to you

But what was left of them were bits and pieces far beyond recognition

I should have killed Cao Cao last time

It's all my fault

Even if I don't have a single man left

Cao's army will never be able to take over Shu Kingdom

My grandfather regretted he'd never captured you

Today I shall assume his challenge in honor of him

Don't panic!

Your big brother will save you

Zilong!

Commander!

Your fighting skill

does not match your grandfather

Come back when you are ready

Commander! You...

Go get a chair

Zilong...

General...

Go quickly and check on Cao Ying. Go now!

Allow me to remove your armor so that I can pull out the arrow

I've never taken off my armor during battle

If I do, my troops will know that I'm hurt

And they'll be unsettled

Do not let Cao Ying know about it

Go and check it.

This is the map in your heart

Zilong, we've definitely come very far

Do you still remember?

You said that you will make yourself live in the hearts of the people

You had also said that

by the time we complete a circle on the map,

We shall have peace in our country

But after years of battle, And now that we're back at Phoenix Heights,

Do we have peace in our country?

Father, are you willing to give me a hand?

Commander, I am willing to pay you my debt of gratitude

Great. Grant my father one hundred of our finest horses

I vow to kill the enemy till my very last breath

Zilong, will you surrender?

Surrender?

General!

General!

General!

General!

General!

Ying's forces are already in action. And They're preparing for the next onslaught

General, we are sorry that we cannot serve you as long as we wish

You have always taught us that it's an honor for a man to die in battle

I will not forget to repay you for your outstanding leadership

We will charge downhill to take down Cao Ying

We have lived as Zilong's men. And shall die as Zilong's ghosts

General, We the four deputies await for your command!

If I Zhao Zilong can't lead you to victory,

I shall not let you die without honor

Listen

Go and fight for our Great Kingdom of Shu

I shall follow closely behind

I would rather fail everyone in the world than to allow them to fail me

Long Live the Great Kingdom of Cao

Long Live the Great Kingdom of Liu!

I vow to guard Phoenix Heights to my death.

It was me who informed Cao's army.

And helped Cao Ying to lead you to Phoenix Heights

They promised to make me a General in Cao's army

I'm sorry, it was me who've betrayed you

Since you have betrayed me,

Why did you save me while I was fighting Cao Ying?

Why?

You have always called me brother

Yet I've gained nothing!

You've what it takes to be a great general

But I am getting nowhere

I've accomplished nothing all these years

You asked me about what we are fighting for

I will tell you, I fought for myself

What I want is simply that when I return home

When the folks of Changshan think about Zilong. They will also think about Pingan!

You think I made this far

In fact, we have both been going around in circles

I only believe that fate in within my control

In the end, we are all bound to fate

Therefore all victories and defeats no longer matter

I Zhao Zilong, The title of "Invincible General" means nothing.

Winners and losers are just roles we were given to play.

Brother...

Take this armor off me

It is time for me to proceed with my last mission

Zilong, Do you blame me for treating you as my competitor?

No, you'll always be my beloved brother

With blessings from the Buddha, I vow to capture Zhao Zilong alive today

Tell the Prime Minister that I have recovered the long lost memories of the past

To people of Changshan, please tell that I have only gone

around in a big circle in my lifetime

Brother

Please beat the drum military for me one last time..

When our missions are accomplished

We shall meet again

Zhao Zilong!

That was the last time I saw Zhao Zilong.

Years later, the Three Kingdoms were finally united

Not by Wei, Not by Wu or Not by Shu,

But under a new "Jin" Dynasty

How many things before and after"

"All melt into gossip and laughter"