Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 13]

Yuan Jia.

I want to be sisters with Sha Yan for life.

As her master, can you agree to it?

You've said it before.

I was the one who broke the rules first.

How could I not agree?

Come on. Get up.

Master Huo!

Master Huo!

The magistrate sends his best wishes...

for the young master's full moon celebration.

The magistrate?

I'm not a rich magistrate.

It's just a small gift from me.

I hope you'll kindly accept it.

Wen Tao, don't be such a stranger.

It's an honour just to have you here.

That's right.

All of us...

are honoured by your presence, Lord Xue.

I thank you on behalf of our family.

Madam, the pleasure is all mine.

Jun Qing.

Let's have a word.

This way please, Wen Tao.

It's been a long journey. Have a drink.

Here.

-Here. -Thank you.

Here.

Thank you.

-Here. -Thank you.

Jun Qing, when are you leaving?

Tomorrow morning.

Actually, I wanted...

to have you stay in Dong'guang.

At least, we get to see each other.

But you're a person of great talent and courage.

A small place like Dong'guang isn't for you.

You speak too highly of me.

This is my hometown.

I returned here to seek refuge...

and ended up staying for two years.

I would hate to leave this place.

But my father and brother are buried in Tianjin.

It's been two years since I've visited their graves.

I understand.

Besides, you have a family to feed.

It's a little tough for you to stay in the mountains.

What is this for?

It's the reward for the armed escort service.

It's what you deserve.

It's from the government office, not me.

But...

the opium from last time had been burned.

I can't take this.

You're indeed a true gentleman.

But you'll need money to travel back to Tianjin.

Besides, your house in Tianjin has been left vacant for two years.

You'll need money to repair it.

How about this?

I have some goods that need to be transported to Tianjin.

I wanted to hire someone else to do the job.

Why don't you do me the favour?

Consider this your remuneration for the job.

How about that?

Well...

Okay.

But...

how many carts are there?

What are the goods to be transported?

There's no cart.

Come with me.

This is...

a painting by Emperor Huizong of Song.

Would you like to take a look?

It's alright.

Why is this painting an official item?

This painting was from the palace.

When the Anglo-French forces burned the Old Summer Palace,

it was lost among the people.

It was recently found in Dong'guang.

So, I reported the discovery.

Now that it has been approved, I'm asked to have it delivered to Tianjin.

This is the address.

[No. 42, Rue de Paris, French Concession, Tianjin]

"French Concession, Rue de Paris?"

That's right.

The palace will send someone to this place...

to authenticate the painting before deciding its fate.

If it's authentic,

it would be priceless.

I need to entrust it to someone trustworthy.

What's wrong?

Are you not willing to do it?

It's all right. I'll not put you in a bad spot.

Not at all. I'm just a little curious.

It's such a valuable item.

Why would they want it sent to western territory?

Yes... It seemed odd to me at first.

Then it occurred to me that...

this painting will probably be examined by some royalty.

Those people...

have taken to the western lifestyle in the concession.

Haven't you heard?

That sounds reasonable.

I won't let you down.

All right. Guards!

-Seal it up! -Yes.

I wish you a smooth and safe journey tomorrow.

Thank you.

Till we meet again.

[Huo Residence]

Mother.

[Huo Residence]

Yuan Dong.

I've brought Dong Fang and Dong Yuan...

back home.

Yan Zi.

This is the Huo Residence.

We're finally home.

Zhen Sheng.

Grandmother, what is it?

Let your master do it instead.

After all, he's the descendant of the Huo family.

[Huo Family Ancestral Hall]

[The memorial tablets of the ancestors of the Huo family]

Hey.

Gao Qi!

What's the matter with you?

Why do you seem so happy to sweep the floor?

We're back in Tianjin. How could I not be happy?

Besides, with Yan Zi around,

I'll have unlimited motivation to practice martial arts.

Of course I'm happy.

What's the matter?

I'm telling you.

When I was running errands in the capital,

my family arranged a marriage for me.

But that was a long time ago.

I've rejected it long ago.

Don't bring that up ever again.

What do you mean?

Look.

I'm only one year younger than Master.

I like Yan Zi.

You're still young. What's the rush?

How could you fight with me over her?

What are you talking about?

Can't you see that Yan Zi and I are the perfect match?

As my senior,

how can you steal my girl?

Not a chance!

Hey.

[Honourable and Guileless]

What are you two talking about?

Look, I've bought groceries...

to make a nice meal for everybody.

I asked him to help me cook,

but the lazy guy refused to do it.

Help you cook?

He's no good in the kitchen.

Let me help you.

Brother Zhen Sheng.

This fish is so fresh!

Of course!

How do you plan to cook it?

Serve with chili sauce.

-That's right. -Chili sauce?

You'll need to use chilies.

Mrs. Huo is breastfeeding.

She wouldn't be able to eat it.

What do you suggest?

Fish stew.

Did you buy tofu?

Yes.

All right. I'll cook then.

I'm good at making fish stew.

I'll help you.

-Sure. -Let's go.

Let's go.

Stop right there!

Who says I'm no good in the kitchen?

But you refused, didn't you?

Come here and sweep the floor.

Someone's got to make fire!

I'll do it!

Gao Qi.

Xiao Wu, help Zhen Sheng to start the fire.

All right.

Master!

Gao Qi.

Come with me.

Master.

Take a seat.

I can't sit at the same table with you.

Master, I'll stand.

Just give the order.

Previously, Hu Liu brought his men here to attack the people.

If you and Sha Yan hadn't gotten here in time,

things would've ended up badly...

for my mother and the children.

You have my gratitude.

Master, you're too kind.

If I couldn't even handle those lowlifes,

all my training would've been for naught.

Gao Qi.

Why do I teach you martial arts?

To strengthen my mind and body.

Killing people...

isn't one of the reasons, am I right?

Master, those are three bad guys.

I thought Xiao Wu was going to be beaten to death.

I'm avenging Xiao Wu.

Master, did you know,

Hu Liu even begged me for mercy.

How could I spare a villain like him?

You've been learning martial arts from me for over a decade now?

It's been 12 years.

It's time to finish your apprenticeship.

There will be more opportunities now that we're back in Jinmen.

Find a good place...

where you can settle down and make a living.

Master, are you chasing me away?

I'm not.

But that's how it is when you've graduated.

I won't go!

Liu Zhen Sheng is still here even after two decades!

I'm not leaving either!

Zhen Sheng is different.

Master, you're just biased.

You look down on me!

Why would I look down on you?

How am I different from Liu Zhen Sheng, then?

Although Zhen Sheng was once an official,

he never killed anyone.

Master.

Have I done wrong?

I saved grandmother, Mrs. Huo,

and the entire family!

What have I done wrong?

Master.

I don't get it.

Perhaps, you'll understand one day.

Let''s go and eat.

I just found a bottle of old wine left behind by the old master.

Let's drink it...

as a farewell to you.

No, I'm not graduating!

I'm not leaving!

Master, I did nothing wrong!

You can't chase me away!

Forget it.

Think on it.

I'll think on it, too.

We'll talk again in three days.

Get up.

Ah Fa, are you looking for me?

Is Mrs. Huo around?

Yes.

Ms. Xiao Lian, could you carry my message?

Sure.

You're indeed a young master.

You seem more courteous now after returning to Tianjin.

Ah Fa, you may come in.

Thank you, Ms. Xiao Lian.

These earrings are so beautiful.

I bought them in Shanxi.

I loved them as soon as I laid eyes on them.

Madam, do you think Xiao Lian will like it?

You can't be buying her gifts for no reason.

I've told Master my intention.

He told me to speak with you.

What is your intention, then?

Tell me.

I...

Xiao Lian.

Da You?

I didn't have the chance to talk to you in the mountains.

I was really bummed.

We have plenty of chance now that we're back home.

But now isn't a good time.

What if others make fun of us...

when they see us?

No one will find out.

I'll leave now.

Hold out your hand.

Hold out your hand.

Da You!

Is this for me?

That's right.

I bought it in Shanxi.

Do you like it?

I never expected you'd take a fancy to her.

Xiao Lian...

is a real lucky girl.

I know Xiao Lian was sold to your family when she was little.

That's why I'm here.

I'm willing to pay for Xiao Lian's slave deed.

What are you talking about?

Xiao Lian doesn't have any.

No?

On the day of my wedding,

my mother did give me a document.

I tore it up when I stepped into the bridal sedan.

I told Xiao Lian right there and then she was free to go.

Madam, you're a saint.

I would like...

your approval to marry Xiao Lian.

Ah Fa, get up.

You're putting me in a bad spot.

I'm just worried...

Master was worried, too.

I've told him about it.

My parents adore me.

They'll agree as long as I'm serious about Xiao Lian.

As for her background and status,

if I don't care, neither will they.

This is not what I'm worried about.

I worry that...

Madam.

Feel free to speak your mind.

You're a modern, progressive man.

Why don't you simply ask Xiao Lian...

if she likes you?

I never had a chance to confess.

You two hang out all the time.

Why wouldn't you have the chance to confess?

I...

I'm shy.

I'll ask on your behalf.

If Xiao Lian likes someone else,

what would you do?

I'll accept it. If we aren't meant to be, we aren't meant to be.

Great.

Thank you, Madam.

Master.

I shall take my leave.

Leaving already?

I know I shouldn't, as I have an official duty at hand.

But I had no choice but to send Mother and the children back.

Now that things have settled down,

I should really get going with the delivery.

I saw Ah Fa here just now.

Yes.

The pickup point is at the concession.

I'll take him along.

The young master...

has been with us in the mountains for over two years.

-It's time... -Can you bring Xiao Wu along?

Xiao Wu?

Xiao Wu almost lost his life protecting our family.

He's still a kid.

I feel indebted to him.

Besides, we had spoken heart-to-heart while you're away on duty.

[Madam, it's alright. Take a rest.]

[I assure you I'll get it all done before dark.]

[All right.]

[Xiao Wu.]

[How old are you now?]

[I'm 11 years old.]

[If we can go back to Tianjin,]

[would you like to go to school?]

[No.]

[Why not?]

[I just want to study martial arts from Master.]

[Xiao Wu.]

[Come here.]

[Madam.]

[Xiao Wu.]

[Your master isn't around these days.]

[You take care of all the household chores.]

[Everyone relies on you.]

[How should I thank you for that?]

[No need to.]

[Since I was little,]

[it was you who fed and clothed me.]

[My life belongs to Master.]

[There's no need to thank me.]

[You're a growing boy.]

[Yet all you had for the past year was wild vegetable congee.]

[And you said I kept you fed?]

[As for your clothes,]

[ever since I married your master,]

[I've never seen you wear new clothes.]

[Look how short your pants are.]

[It's all right!]

[Xiao Wu.]

[After your master gets back from his trip,]

[and has made some money...]

[I'll buy you a new set of clothes, alright?]

[Really?]

[I want to wear a suit.]

[Just like Wen Fa.]

[I always dream of wearing such clothes.]

[All right. A suit it is.]

That's very thoughtful of you.

I haven't bought him any new clothes for years now.

All right. I'll take him to the concession...

and buy him a spiffy new suit.

I'd be very grateful if you do.

Listen to you.

You know my disciples better than I do.

I should thank you instead.

The French Concession is right ahead.

When we get there,

there are shops that sell suits.

You may look through the window first.

After we're done with our work,

I'll buy you your suit.

Thank you, Master.

Sir.

Show me mercy.

Please buy my daughter.

Look how pretty she is.

I'm selling her for one tael of silver.

Come here!

-Father. -Come over!

Don't sell me away.

-She's your daughter? -My flesh and blood.

We can't sell other people's daughter, right?

Why are you selling her away?

I can't afford to raise her.

Are you trying to sell your daughter...

to buy opium?

You could tell, huh?

Are you a junkie, too?

How about this?

You give me one month's worth of opium...

-and she's all yours. -You scumbag!

Opium is bad for you!

Quit while you can!

You...

What are you being so uptight for?

Fine, don't buy.

If you don't want her,

I'll sell her to someone else! Let's go!

-Father, don't sell me away! -Move!

Don't cry!

Father!

-Father! -Hurry!

No!

Nonsense!

Let's go.

Father, no!

-Move it! -No!

Xiao Wu.

How about this?

Not bad.

All right. We'll get this, then.

We'll buy it later.

Master.

How much for that suit?

Suits are unlike ordinary outfits.

They're made of wool, and lots of it.

The tailor has to be skilled.

I think it costs at least one to three taels.

I don't want it, then.

What's the matter? You find it too expensive?

Don't worry.

I have money now.

Besides, we're back in Tianjin.

We can start collecting rent with our family's shop lots.

Master.

How about giving me one tael of silver?

What for?

Master, forgive me.

What have you done wrong?

I shouldn't be asking you for money.

Mrs. Huo wanted to buy it for you.

I'm just helping her.

If you don't want the suit...

and prefer money instead,

that's okay, too. You have done nothing wrong.

But I'd like to know...

what are you going to use the money for?

I want to save that girl.

Human trafficking is wrong.

Besides, you're still a kid.

It's not trafficking!

She's so pitiful.

Her father is a opium addict.

He'll sell her off eventually.

If she's sold to bad people,

her life will be more miserable.

Master, please adopt her...

and have her...

-work as a maid. -After that?

When she grows up, I'll marry her.

What if she's not willing to?

You would have spent your money for nothing.

It's fine.

I want to save her.

I can't let that little girl's life...

be ruined by that opium addict.

I didn't know...

you have such a kind heart.

Let's go.

Let's save that girl.

Master.

Stop right there!

Where's that girl?

I wish to buy her.

What little girl?

Your daughter.

The girl with a reed in her hair.

You were reluctant to buy her.

-So I sold her to someone else. -Where?

Why do you care?

Go away!

From the looks of it,

he's going to blow all the money he got selling his daughter on opium.

Xiao Wu.

Get up.

Master.

We're too late.

Not at all.

Go after him and ask him whom he sold the girl to.

He wouldn't tell us.

Use the skilled I've taught you to make him talk.

Go somewhere secluded.

Understood!

[Xingchang Opium Den]

Stop right there!

Where do you think you're going?

It's you again, you little brat!

What do you want?

What do I want?

I want to beat you up!

Master!

Did he talk?

Yes.

He's a hopeless junkie.

He sold his daughter to a brothel.

As expected.

You don't have to tell me which one it is.

After I'm through with the delivery,

I'll give you ten taels of silver.

Go there and claim the girl yourself.

I thank you on behalf of that little girl.

Get up.

You have a kind heart just like Mrs. Huo.

You defend people against injustice like I do.

Let's go.

We'll get our work done first.

This should be it.

[Rue de Paris, No. 42]

May I know who you're looking for?

You're here to deliver the painting?

Three days ago, we've received the notice from Dong'guang District.

May I know which royal family will be inspecting the item?

I can't tell you just yet.

Come in and find out for yourself.

-Please come in. -All right.

This way, please.

This way, please.

This way, please.

Please wait here for a moment.

-All right. -I'll inform them.

Thank you.

Master, look.

What a beautiful lamp.

Xiao Wu.

People! Seize the trespassers!

Hold on!

All of you...

seem like officials.

Why are you dressed in plain clothes?

Don't forget.

You're in the concession.

Besides,

if we don't disguise ourselves,

would you have come in?

Sir.

You must have misunderstood.

I've been sent to deliver the painting on behalf of Lord Xue Xue,

the magistrate of Dong'guang.

A painting?

What painting is that?

I was told it was an authentic painting by Emperor Huizong of Song.

It was an item from the palace.

It was found in Dong'guang not too long ago.

Lord Xue Xue has informed the government.

It was decided that I would deliver the item here.

An authentic painting by Emperor Huizong of Song?

That's right.

Show me.

Are you sure it's an authentic painting by Emperor Huizong of Song?

[Disgrace]

This is clearly a satirical verse.

Let me tell you.

Someone tipped us off...

that this is a contact point for the rebel party.

Recently, the leader of the rebel party had headed north...

to plot an uprising.

Never did I expect...

that person would be you, Huo Yuan Jia.

You know me?

Of course.

Ying Si!

I know what that anti-government poem is about.

"In the cold night,"

"the warriors must give up."

"They raise their arms and shouted,"

"to wipe away the disgrace in remembrance of the Jiashen year."

"Jiashen"...

refers to the 17th year of the Chongzhen reign, am I right?

Huo Yuan Jia.

I never took you for a rebel.

Ying Si!

You set me up!

There are so many eye witnesses.

You're the one who brought this painting here.

When did I ever set you up?

Palace guards!

Yes!

Take down the rebel, Huo Yan Jia!

You'll be handsomely rewarded!

-Yes! -Yes!

Huo Yuan Jia!

The government issued the arrest.

Resisting arrest constitutes rebellion.

Surrender now!

Ying Si!

You deceitful scoundrel!

You were in cahoots with Xue Xue, the evil magistrate of Dong'guang...

to stitch me up!

I stitched you up?

Very well.

Turn yourself in.

We'll talk about it later.

Seize him!

Xiao Wu!

Master!

Are you really trying to rebel?

Master, fight your way through and leave!

I'll cover you!

Old Master and Brother Wang Wu died at the hands of Ying Si!

Don't ever fall into his hands!

So, there are two rebels here!

Arrest them both!

Ying Si!

My disciple is just a child.

Let him go! I'll surrender!

That sounds like a good offer.

Sure. Surrender now.

Then, I'll let him go.

No!

Master!

Ying Si is a heinous man.

Don't listen to him!

Leave! Don't mind me!

Trying to escape?

Hurry! Let's jump off the window!

Master, go!

Xiao Wu!

Xiao Wu!

Master, go.

Xiao Wu!

Don't let him escape!

-After him! -Yes!

Stop right there!

Stop right there!

Stop right there!

Where do you think you're going?

What are you doing?

Fall back!

Hurry! Save him!

Hurry.

He's dead already.

Did you kill him?

Take him away.

The government's thugs are are so shameless!

This is ridiculous.

Ridiculous!

What now?

Our comrades in the south were coming down,

but word of it leaked out.

The Qing government sent a bunch of hired thugs to the concession...

to arrest our comrades.

But we knew about it and called it off.

Wasn't that half a month ago?

That's right.

I surmise that those hired thugs couldn't answer to their master.

So they got themselves a scapegoat.

Who's the unlucky guy?

I heard he's a local.

Someone by the name of Huo...

Huo Yuan Jia.

Come again?

Who?

Huo Yuan Jia.

Why is he back in Tianjin?

Was he caught by the Qing government?

No.

The palace guards, dressed in plain clothes,

tried to arrest him in the concession.

But Huo Yuan Jia managed to escape.

In the end, he was arrested by the western police officers.

Are you sure that's Huo Yuan Jia?

I'm certain of it.

A martial artist from Tianjin.

I think he's quite famous.

The people in the streets know him.

[Huo Residence]

-Coming through! -Coming through!

Is this Huo Yuan Jia's house?

Yes, we just got back.

My master is out on an errand.

I know he's not in.

Tell the person in charge...

to come out to receive Lord Liu. He'll be here soon.

Lord Liu.

It's been a while. So nice to see you again.

Mrs. Huo, nice to see you.

When did you come back?

Why didn't you tell me?

My lord, Yuan Jia wanted to visit you as soon as we had returned.

But the magistrate of Dong'guang sought his help...

to deliver an official item. So...

Official item?

This very assignment...

landed him in trouble!