Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 8]

Let's go.

Follow me to the magistrate court.

Sir.

This...

You're the hero who caught the bandits.

I've organised a feast for you at the magistrate court.

I came to invite you.

That's...

Why?

You think my position

is not high-ranked enough

so you won't go?

Of course not.

Eat this.

Hero Liu.

Let's drink.

Sir, let's drink.

Please eat.

Sir.

I've drank your wine.

Thank you for the feast.

I really need to go now.

But...

You haven't eaten anything and your pupils just started eating.

Why are you in such a hurry?

When I left,

I didn't tell my mother the reason.

I'm afraid she'll be worried.

You're a filial son.

Yeah, my master is filial.

There's no food at home.

Granny has nothing to eat.

So how can my master eat?

Is that true?

There's no famine in this county this year.

Why is there no food in your house?

We live in the valley.

We live on the cultivated wasteland.

But didn't expect...

the crops to be washed away by flash flood before they were harvested.

That happened?

Which valley?

You're skilful.

Why do you live in the mountains?

Well...

If you can't say it, I won't ask further.

People have no food...

As a magistrate, I didn't know about this.

I'm ashamed.

Guards!

Yes.

Prepare another feast.

Pack the food and follow me to visit Hero Liu's mother.

Yes, sir!

Magistrate, you must not do so.

The valley where we live is far away.

We need to walk for six hours.

I'm afraid we'll reach at midnight.

It's alright.

I'm observing the people's live.

I'm not afraid to walk at night.

How generous of you, sir.

I have nothing but reverence for you.

Yuan Jia.

Mother.

Magistrate is just kind.

Don't be polite.

Just accept it.

Alright.

I'll accept the feast brought by magistrate.

First daughter-in-law.

Second daughter-in-law.

Magistrate.

My house is simple and crude.

We don't even have a decent place to sit.

I won't keep you here.

Alright.

Child.

What's your name?

I'm Huo Dong Fang.

A good name.

That's a good name.

I can't believe it.

The famous Huo Yuan Jia...

cultivate wasteland in the valley and suffer in hunger...

under my governance.

Magistrate.

I didn't intentionally hide it.

It's just...

I understand.

You're being extra careful.

Besides, you have elderly and young ones.

Your wife is pregnant.

Of course you want to have a peaceful life.

Thank you for the understanding.

To be honest,

when I met you at Zhen Yuan Security Agency today,

I can already guessed it.

How could that be?

Dongguang is your hometown.

Two years ago, someone from the capital came here

to inquire about your whereabouts.

And it was an official task.

I was also ordered to help.

That's why I paid attention to you.

It must be Lu Si Ying from the palace guards.

Shouldn't you call him as Lord Lu?

Some people may be prisoners or dead,

but they're worthy of respect.

For example, Tan Si Tong of The Six Martyrs of Wuxu.

I'll forever call him as Lord Tan.

Some people might gain power for a while,

but to me, they will always be crooks.

For example, Lu Si Ying.

Sir.

You brought your family back to Dongguang.

That is my honour.

As the magistrate,

I promise to help you keep this secret...

and ensure the safety of your family.

Thank you, magistrate.

If you don't mind,

how about you call me as your brother in the future?

I don't dare to do so.

You're a hero.

I'm unworthy.

Please don't say that, sir.

Good.

You're Huo Yuan Jia, alias name Jun Qing.

-Correct? -Yes.

I'm Xue Xue, also known as Wen Tao.

Brother Jun Qing.

Brother Wen Tao.

Dong Fang, who let you come here?

I came by myself.

We made an agreement, right?

You won't practise martial arts

but follow your aunt to study hard.

No!

If you didn't know martial arts,

the magistrate wouldn't have sent us all that meat.

I want to learn martial arts so that I get to eat meat forever.

Dong Fang.

You've suffered for these two years.

I'm sorry.

It's alright, uncle.

Just teach me martial arts.

I really can't.

You must study hard and gain scholarly honour.

In the future,

be a good official like the Magistrate Xue...

who came yesterday.

Make your ancestors pride.

Son.

It's not a special occasion today. Why did you kowtow to me?

Mother.

I have to leave home for a month.

Please give me permission.

A month?

What's wrong?

Why do you need to leave for such a long time?

[Brother Jun Qing is a family of martial arts.]

[You're skilled in martial arts.]

[It's such a waste if remain a farmer in the mountains.]

[I heard that your father used to run a security agency...]

[and it was famous in Zhili.]

[Why didn't you inherit his business?]

[Ideally, you could improve your skills.]

[At worst, it was means to provide for your family.]

[I...]

[You could also use your pupil's name, Liu Zhen Sheng.]

[Thank you for your concern.]

[But I've decided to...]

[grow old in this valley and no longer interfere with the martial world.]

[I thought I finally found...]

[a reliable person to deliver the official goods.]

[Unexpectedly...]

[Official goods?]

[I've an important order of official goods.]

[My superior doesn't allow soldiers to send it...]

[to avoid unwanted attention.]

[Which security agency should I choose?]

[Which chief escort should I hire?]

[I'm anxious.]

[If anything happens to the goods,]

[it's not only my position...]

[but my head will be at risk too.]

[Why am I telling you this?]

[Since you want to live freely,]

[I can't make things difficult for you.]

[Goodbye.]

[Magistrate Xue has a good appearance.]

He's a good official at first sight.

Besides, he seems to favour you a lot.]

That's why I accepted his task...

because I wish to earn his trust.

This is fate.

I remember when your father accepted his first task.

He was forced into it as well.

Mother.

Magistrate Xue didn't force me.

It's hard to deny him.

Isn't it being forced?

I didn't think about that.

Go.

You're a man.

How can you hide here forever?

However,

you must be careful.

The government may have pardoned you,

but,

you must take precaution against the enemy.

Mother.

Don't worry.

Magistrate Xue has promised to help me keep the secret.

This time, I'm sending the goods using Zhen Sheng's name.

Although it's official goods, the payment is quite good.

After this job,

we won't need to worry about our lives in the next few years.

Take care, Mother.

I'll be back soon.

Don't worry.

My father used to escort goods too.

Although I'm using Zhen Yuan's flag for the job,

it should be fine since I'm leading it myself.

Huo Security Agency was opened in Tianjin back then.

They took the official road when sending goods.

But you're going to Shanxi.

I heard most roads in Shanxi are mountainous.

Bandits run rampant.

What is there to be afraid of?

Those who have learned martial arts are not afraid of them.

When you said you're going to send goods,

my right eyelid started twitching.

As the saying goes,

left twitch means fortune, right twitch means disaster.

Alright.

My previous troubles must have traumatised you.

Don't worry.

I'll come back safely.

Why not you discuss with my son?

Ask him to come out after I return.

He agrees.

Ms. Xiao Lian.

Ms. Xiao Lian!

Xiao Lian!

-Xiao... -Brother Da You!

I'm here.

Ms. Xiao Lian, why are you looking for me?

This is for you to wipe your sweat on the journey.

I have my own.

This is different.

Open it and see.

What is this?

Lotus flower.

Why did you embroider a lotus flower?

-What's my name? -Xiao Lian.

You embroider yourself on the handkerchief for me to wipe my sweat?

You're annoying.

Actually, I finished it a long time ago,

but I couldn't find a chance to give it to you.

That day, I really thought you had left...

and I cried for a day and a night...

because I thought I couldn't see you again.

Really?

Brother Gao Qi said you like me but I didn't believe it.

I thought you like Brother Wen Fa.

You guys talk about me behind my back?

Yeah.

I asked Brother Wen Fa and he said...

"Ms. Xiao Lian is dexterous,"

"kind and quite cute."

I thought I had no chance.

He's from a rich family.

You'll surely choose him and not me.

You're annoying.

Xiao Lian!

I'll buy flowers for you when I return.

[Security]

[Zhen Yuan Security Agency]

Da You.

Master.

I'll stand guard, you go and rest.

Don't, master.

You sleep first, I'm not sleepy.

We agreed to stand guard for two hours each person.

It's my turn.

I've already decided to replace you.

No.

We must take turns to sleep...

so that everyone is energetic...

and able to defeat bandits if they show up.

Give it to me.

[Zhen Yuan Security Agency]

Master.

They're hungry.

Let's stop and eat some food.

The mountains here are steep, it's not suitable to stop.

I've read the map carefully.

There's a town 15km ahead.

We must get there before dark to spend the night.

Alright.

Everyone, listen.

The carts are hard to push on such rugged mountain roads.

If we stop for a break, we won't make it to the town before dark.

I know you're hungry.

We'll take turns later.

Those who're empty-handed,

walk and eat some dry food.

Don't stop walking and don't stop pushing the carts.

When we reach the town,

I'll treat everyone to meat!

-Thank you, chief! -Thank you, chief!

Come, I'll replace you.

-Thanks, chief. -Eat some food and replace others.

Alright.

[Zhang Family Inn]

[Zhen Yuan]

Da You!

It's time.

Master said that the guards must be alert...

and must not be sleepy.

Let's go replace them.

[Zhen Yuan Security Agency]

Master.

They say there are bandits on this road...

but we've passed the most dangerous section.

We didn't see any bandits.

I'm getting restless.

Why do you practise martial arts?

To keep myself healthy.

Then why do you wish to meet bandits?

Master, I'm just talkative and talk nonsense.

We passed the dangerous section but we must still be careful.

You're smart.

Remember to pay more attention.

Yes, Master.

Hurry!

Boss, the money is here.

Alright.

-Take care. -Alright.

-Please come again. -Alright!

Darling, quick.

Master, look.

There's a noodle stall.

It should be fine as there are guests.

We still have dry food.

Yes, but...

everyone has been eating dry food and drinking cold water for days.

Look at them.

They're barely moving after they saw the noodle stall.

It's quite fragrant...

But we have to be alert.

Don't worry.

Boss.

-How much for a bowl? -Sir.

A big bowl for three cents and a small bowl for two cents.

I've enough soup.

It's quite fragrant.

Alright.

We'll eat here.

Sure thing. Darling!

It's a big business.

Quickly count how big of a party they are.

Ma'am, no need to count.

Give us five big bowls first.

Mister.

Five big bowls for so many people?

How do you share it?

We're not in a hurry, we'll take turns to eat.

Give us five bowls first.

Alright.

I'll cook five big bowls for you first.

Darling, wash the bowls.

They're important guests.

They're meticulous.

Please have a seat.

You guys' turn.

Come.

Let's go.

Master, all of them are full. It's our turn.

Let's go.

Ah Fa, Gao Qi, Da You.

Master.

We haven't had hot food at noon for several days.

It smells great.

-Let's eat. -Alright.

[Noodle]

Come.

Drink some soup.

The soup clears the food.

Alright.

Zhen Sheng, pay the bill and tip them well.

Brother Zhen Sheng!

Zhen Sheng.

You sinister old man!

The soup clears the food.

[Sha, Justice, Sha]

The soup clears the food.

Sinister old man.

You!

Scold me as you wish.

The more you scold me, the happier I am.

It has been 15 years,

I've never failed once.

Brat.

I not only ran the noodle stall,

I've sold dumplings,

gave free tea,

pretended to be a beggar and a Leprosy patient.

I only have

one goal in mind.

That is to make you all faint.

Let our master be less affected.

Your master?

This is a bandit den?

Shameless!

Shameless?

If I was really shameless, I would've just poisoned you.

But I gave you knockout drops.

We have rules in the martial world.

When we rob your goods, we need to let you know who did it.

Guards!

Wake them up!

Let me go!

You darn bandits!

If you dare, come and fight me!

Shut up!

Master, please check the goods!

[Dongguang County Official Seal]

Seal of prefectural government?

But it's escorted by only a few people.

You think too highly of yourselves.

Look at you pathetic lot.

How dare you be armed escorts.

Master.

Thank you.

It's nothing.

But they're cautious.

They kept watch as the workers ate.

Unfortunately, my eyes are sharp.

I knew right away that the five of them know martial arts.

I put knockout drops in the soup.

When they were full and unguarded,

they downed the soup without hesitation.

Old man, if you're a hero, untie all of us.

Let's fight with real weapons...

and see who'll lose in the end.

Hero?

Listen.

There are no heroes in Shisanli Mound.

In this house,

everyone's a bandit!

Tell them our rules.

Alright.

This is the master of Shisanli Mound,

which is also the leader of all bandits around the area,

Master Sha Lang, Lord Sha.

Master Sha Lang has set a rule.

Whoever dares escort goods on our land will be robbed.

We'll rob the goods but we won't kill the armed escorts...

because if they weren't too poor,

they wouldn't resort to sending goods using this route.

Not only that,

whoever that's willing to join us, our master will accept him.

In the future,

we'll eat meat from the same pot and drink wine from the same bowl.

If you're not willing to join us,

I'm sorry,

but you'll need to cut off an arm or a leg...

as all armed escorts know martial arts.

If we let you go unharmed,

what if you come to seek revenge in the future?

Enough.

You've explained everything.

Are you willing to join us?

Is this a joke?

The five of us are men of honour.

We won't be accomplices to bandits.

Zhen Sheng, what are you talking about?

A wise man should weigh the odds before taking action.

Brother Gao Qi.

You want to be a bandit?

What I meant is to discuss with them nicely.

What is there to discuss?

Master has said that...

we, who learn martial arts, must have indomitable spirit...

and must not associate with thieves!

Come!

Kill me first!

I'd be reborn and will still be a good man in 20 years.

At that time, I'll surely destroy this place...

and kill you bunch of losers!

Good.

But it's not up to you!

I remember you're their master.

Tell me, do you want to leave your arm...

or your leg here?

I'll help you choose if you won't.

Leave your hand here.

You can then walk down the mountain.

Don't trouble your brothers to carry you.

You old crook.

Come, cut me first.

It's not up to you.

Wait!

You're good.

Brother, let's kill him!

Don't!

I finally meet a good one.

Let me practise my martial arts.

Get me my weapon!

Let me!

I'm sorry.

Miss.

Sorry for being rude.

How did you know I'm a girl?

I accidentally touched your hand just now.

There's a big difference between a male and female's fist.

Please forgive me.

You've been found out.

Your eyes are sharp and your hands are dexterous.

It didn't take long for you to notice my sister's gender.

Sha Yan.

Stand aside.

Watch your brother fight him.

No!

I'm not finished with him.

I'm sorry.

Miss, I can't fight with you.

Why not?

The day I started practising martial arts,

I swore never to fight with women.

You're looking down on women.

Listen here.

You have to fight me no matter you're willing or not!

Wait.

What is it?

What are you doing?

Since you insist to fight,

I'll put on a blindfold...

and treat it like I do not know your gender.

Sha Yan!

We're bandits.

We're shameless.

It's not your problem if he wishes to die.

Fight him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

-Kill him! -Kill him!

Did you hear that?

You've angered my brothers.

Don't blame me for being cruel!

But since you're blindfolded, I'll not use weapons.

Otherwise, it's too unfair.

Take it!

Miss.

Sorry if I offended you.

Where is my mace?

Brother.

You, choose a weapon.

I don't want to fight.

Master.

My one ask is for you to spare my pupils and the goods.

What?

You want to bring your men and goods away?

There's only one option.

Do you want to hear it?

Please tell me.

Kill all my brothers on the mountain.

Master.

Do you have any other way?

We can talk after you defeat my mace first.

Choose your weapon!

Seems like you want to make friends through martial arts.

If so, I don't need to choose a weapon.

Why not we fight with punches and kicks?

Who's your friend?

I practise martial arts to kill people.

I don't fight with limbs.

If you don't choose a weapon, don't blame me for attacking you.

Choose!

-Choose! -Choose!

-Choose! -Choose!

-Choose! -Choose!

-Choose! -Choose!

Brother.

Can I borrow your sword?

You're too arrogant!

You're fighting with our master...

and you want to borrow a broken sword from a mute?

You...

It's alright.

Let him be arrogant if he wants.

I'm not one to be mess with.

I'll smash his head.

Give him the sword.

You're highly skilled in martial arts.

I admit defeat.

You admit defeat?

Yes.

I accept it wholeheartedly.

I only want to beg you to release us and our goods.

You lose but you want me to release your goods?

Actually, I made a decision beforehand.

If you had chosen a weapon nicely and defeated me,

I'd let you all go.

But you acted dumb.

You deserve it.

Remember the rules?

If you want to leave here alive,

either leave an arm or a leg.

Pick one.

I'll serve you personally with my mace.

Master.

You can do anything to me...

but please let my four pupils...

send the goods safely.

What do you think you're doing?

Is Shisanli Mound your house?

You lost against me but you want to amend my rules?

You, something Lang!

Are you sure...

you're the leader of these bandits?

What a joke!

You're holding a weapon...

and beat my master who used a broken sword.

Is that something to be proud of?

Master.

It's all your fault. When we set out,

I had wanted to bring Uncle Wang Wu's great sword...

but you didn't let me.

You wouldn't have lost if you had the sword.

What did you say?

Wang Wu?

Did you mean Big Sword Wang Wu?

Yes, why?

Who are you?

How dare you steal Big Sword Wang Wu's sword!

Steal?

There's no such word in my dictionary.

Then how did you get it?

He gave it to my master. What can you do?

You and your pupils are such good liars.

It was a gift!

My master snatched the hero's head from the bombardment of bullets...

so he could be buried whole.

That's right!

To repay the deed, Uncle Wang Wu's friends...

gave his precious sword to my master.

You...

You're Huo Yuan Jia?

Hero of Tianjin, Huo Yuan Jia?

Liu Zhen Sheng.

Why are you all so talkative?

That's right.

I heard that Huo Yuan Jia's eldest pupil is named Liu Zhen Sheng.

Brother.

He really is Huo Yuan Jia.

Master Sha.

Miss.

I'm Huo Yuan Jia.

Sorry if I offended you when passing this route.

-Please... -Hero!

Hero Huo.

Please accept our kowtow.

-Hero Huo! -Hero Huo!

-Please accept our kowtow! -Please accept our kowtow!