Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 21]

You're buying his story?

He never wanted me here.

You assume too much.

I'm going to kill him.

Stop right there!

Gao Qi.

You and Liu Zhen Sheng are my seniors.

Master wouldn't ask you to leave if you didn't do something wrong.

You should reflect upon yourself!

You can't blame me...

or Zhen Sheng for this.

If you kick up a fuss...

and fight against Zhen Sheng,

you'll lose your brothers' respect.

You look down on me.

Liu Zhen Sheng is the most trusted pupil.

Huang Wen Fa is the wealthiest.

Xu Da You is the best fighter.

All of you look down on me.

Someone wanted to hire me as a bodyguard when we came back to Tianjin.

It was a lucrative job.

But I didn't go...

because of you.

If I can't marry you,

I'd have wasted my life.

What are you doing?

Put me down!

Gao Qi, what are you doing?

Get lost!

Leave!

Or I'll have Master strip you of your abilities.

Sha Yan.

Marry me.

Say no more.

Leave at once.

Or I won't even acknowledge you as my senior.

Sha Yan.

I really like you.

I'll call our master now.

Sha Yan.

You leave me no choice.

I'll have to tell our master...

that you tried to violate me...

and have him cut off your arm.

Master!

How ruthless of you!

I've told you.

I see you only as my senior.

There's no chance of us being romantically involved.

All right, then.

Gao Qi.

What are you doing?

I heard Sha Yan calling for master just now.

Da You, go and check on her.

[Sha Yan, it's me, Da You.]

[Are you all right?]

I'm fine.

[I was just messing with Gao Qi.]

Gao Qi, where are you going?

It's none of your business.

Stand right there.

What is it?

Want to pick a fight?

Gao Qi, how can you talk this way to Zhen Sheng?

You have no right to lecture me!

Da You.

Gao Qi is in a bad mood.

Stop arguing.

Gao Qi.

I know you don't want to leave.

But our master has his own way of thinking.

Besides,

he had personally asked Lord Liu to give you a job.

Isn't that something?

When we see you on the street,

we'll have to call you "officer".

That's right.

Huowei Security Agency might even need your help in the future.

Just now, our master asked me...

to hold a farewell banquet for you.

I'll buy more wine. It'll be great.

Let's tie one on.

No, thanks.

Gao Qi.

We have been brothers...

for so many years.

We can't bear for you to leave.

Why don't we beg Master to let you stay tomorrow?

Oh please.

You're a hypocrite.

You think I don't know?

You're the one who wants me gone the most.

What do you mean by that?

Still acting dumb?

It was you who told our master about Chang De Li...

and the two guys from the Snake Shadow Sect.

I have no senior like you.

Since I'm not wanted here,

I'll go somewhere where I am.

[Huo Residence]

[Huowei Security Agency]

-Master. -Be safe.

Don't worry.

Huowei Security Agency, let's go!

Off we go!

Yuan Jia.

All your disciples are very motivated.

They are no stick-in-the-muds.

I see great hope in them.

The hope of our people.

They are not my disciples.

What do you mean?

They came here to be your disciples.

Since they are here to learn martial arts,

are they not your disciples?

They stayed because of you.

Not me.

It's not that easy to be my disciple.

Yuan Jia.

You're still in the mood to crack jokes?

I'm not.

Today is Huowei Security Agency's first day of operation.

We didn't have the money back then.

I heard you paid for their meals.

It's no big deal.

No need to thank me.

But I must.

I'll pay you back for all the money you spent.

As for those youngsters,

I'll set the record straight.

I cannot change their minds about learning martial arts.

They can stay if they want.

But I'm definitely not taking them in as my disciples.

Not many of them...

can abide by my rules.

They just want to learn martial arts.

Why do you come up with so many rules?

Nothing can be accomplished without rules.

I won't accept just anyone as my disciple.

And I won't let them oppose the imperial government...

under your influence.

Yuan Jia.

You think too much.

Jin Sun.

I can't stop you...

from doing what you want...

and what you're currently up to.

But you can't use Huowei Security Agency to recruit and raise an army.

[Yuan Jia.]

[I would like to warn you about something.]

[Do tell, Lord Liu.]

[How well do you know Mr. Nong,]

[this good friend of yours?]

You're right.

The government has put me on their list long ago.

One step out of line...

and I'll be dead before I know it.

What's the matter?

Yuan Jia.

You're afraid I'll get you involved?

Back then, the Huo Yuan Jia...

who stole Broadsword Wang Wu's head at Chaoyang Gate...

wasn't like this.

The imperial government was in disarray.

Broadsword Wang Wu led the people...

to fight against westerners who invaded the capital.

And what you're doing...

seems to be different from Wang Wu, right?

That's because the late Wang Wu...

hasn't seen the disease of the nation.

If the monarchy isn't eradicated,

how will China keep up with an ever progressing world?

If the Qing government isn't overthrown,

how do we break the shackles of slavery?

Mr. Nong Jin Sun.

I'll pretend...

I didn't hear the thing you just said.

I heard...

you have set up a drugstore in Tianjin.

I shall not keep you here, then.

You're chasing me away?

I never thought...

you'd choose the Qing government over me.

Have you forgotten...

that the Ying Si who killed your father,

brother, and dozens of your family members...

is a lackey of the Qing government?

Ying Si is a scumbag who abused his power...

for his personal revenge.

He is not the government.

I, Huo Yuan Jia, is a citizen of the Qing Dynasty.

Although I'm from the martial world,

I have the imperial government's best interests at heart.

If necessary,

I'll risk everything to serve His Majesty.

I'll never associate myself with rebels.

All right, then.

I'll go.

I, Nong Jin Sun,

will not implicate you, a good citizen.

Huo Yuan Jia.

[Praise the Patriot]

Those willing to practice martial arts can stay.

The purpose of martial arts...

is to strengthen mind and body.

When you're strong, you must help your country...

and serve His Majesty.

I hope you'll keep this in mind.

You may call me "Master Huo"...

but not "Master".

What does that mean?

When my late father was still around,

he never agreed to me taking in disciples.

Not long ago,

because of me,

my youngest disciple, Xiao Wu...

died before his time.

I'm doing this because I don't want to implicate you.

I hope all of you will understand.

Although I'm not your master,

we are martial artists nonetheless.

It's an honour...

to be able to learn martial arts together.

Starting today,

I'll teach you...

the Deceptive Fist that I invented.

-Great! -Great!

-Great! -Great!

-Great! -Great!

Master?

Master.

-I'll head back first. -Hold on.

Your punches were sloppy, unrefined.

Even I couldn't recognize that it was my fighting technique.

Master, I'm sorry.

I'm just too dumb. I failed to master it.

You're my disciple.

Yet, I have never taught you.

It's not your fault that you don't know how to do it.

Starting tomorrow, I'll train you....

from three to five every morning.

Thank you, Master!

Go back and get some rest.

Don't come out no matter what you hear.

Stop looking around.

Go back to your room.

Huo Yuan Jia!

So you do know how to use hidden weapons, huh?

I've never used hidden weapons.

But...

even a three-year-old kid knows to give someone...

a taste of his own medicine.

You sneaked into my residence...

in the middle of the night.

Even if that flying dagger killed you...

you'd have deserved it.

Your residence?

All the lands in the world belong to the emperor!

As a government official,

I serve His Majesty.

I can go wherever I want!

You scum.

Committing crimes in the name of His Majesty.

You'll get your comeuppance!

You're cursing me?

Come and fight me if you have the guts.

Judging by the way you fought,

it seems you have kicked the habit.

No amount of opium...

can harm me.

What a brag!

General Herman, the German,

used the same trick to wear down...

several strong Westerners...

and Japanese ninjas.

Not a single one of them could withstand it.

So, the German, Herman...

was your accomplice?

Last time, I cut off one of his arms...

just to teach him a lesson.

If I knew he had ruined so many lives with drugs,

I would have taken his life.

Harsh words.

Huo Yuan Jia.

We didn't have a good fight the other day.

If you're so good, let's have a rematch.

I'm not interested.

Huo Yuan Jia, it was at this very place that I killed your father, Huo En Di,

and your brother, Huo Yuan Dong.

Don't you want revenge?

It's late now.

A recovering patient like me needs his rest.

You know the way out.

I was the one who killed that young disciple of yours.

How can you call yourself his master if you don't avenge him?

Was it fun to fight smoking urges?

Have you forgotten so quickly?

Stop right there!

Lu Si Ying.

This is my residence.

Please leave.

What are you talking about?

Did you say "please"?

That's not the martial way.

You have a grudge against me.

Why don't we settle this once and for all?

You want a match with me?

You don't deserve it.

No?

I'm going to kill you!

[Huo Residence]

Lord Liu.

You came just in time.

This thief broke into my place and tried to murder me.

Lord Liu, please give us justice.

Seize him!

Don't you dare!

Liu.

Open your eyes!

It's me!

Lord Lu Si Ying.

I'm here on official business.

Step aside!

An official business?

You must be mistaken.

According to the agreement between the government and the westerners,

officers are not allowed to enter this place.

There's no exception even for the palace guards.

Can't you see that all my men have been replaced with police officers?

[By the way, I've just received a tip.]

[You need to be on guard.]

[Lord Liu, do tell.]

[Lu Si Ying arrived in Tianjin five days ago.]

[He instigated those men from the Pachimen Institute...]

[to make a scene at your place.]

[I just recalled.]

[Luckily, San Xiong from Pachimen is a martial arts master.]

[He's a reasonable man.]

[He isn't a cunning man like Ying Si.]

All right.

I was wrong just now.

I'm here to see Huo Yuan Jia for personal reasons,

nothing to do with the government!

Lord Liu.

There's between him and me that warrants a visit.

I know there's bad blood between the two of you.

But you're holding a weapon in the middle of the night.

What's your intention, Lord Lu?

Are you trying to commit a murder or burn down the place?

I'm afraid I'll have to step in.

Liu.

You're an official, after all.

Why do you side with Huo Yuan Jia?

I'm just a civilian under the jurisdiction of Lord Liu.

That's right.

I'm entrusted to keep the people safe.

Lord Lu.

Please come with me.

Huo Yuan Jia.

You knew I was coming.

So you're in cahoots with Liu.

If I had left with you earlier,

I would have fallen into your trap,

wouldn't I?

You're quite something.

Fine, I'll go with you.

Liu.

Let's see what you can do to me.

Take him away!

[Honourable and Guileless]

Lord Lu has given the order.

He'll lure Huo Yuan Jia here.

Shoot him on sight.

You hear me?

-Yes. -Understood.

Why aren't they here yet?

It's almost time.

Thank you, Lord Liu.

Lu Si Ying is a few ranks above me.

But he's in the wrong.

Back in the government office,

he tried to butter me up...

and even vowed not to abuse his power for revenge.

Only then, I let him go.

It was a huge embarrassment to him.

I think...

Lu Si Ying wouldn't dare to give you a hard time anymore.

My mother is still around,

and my late brother left behind two children who are still young.

I have no choice but to make concessions...

in exchange for temporary respite.

But without your help,

I couldn't have done it.

Lord Liu, I shall thank you for that.

[Huo Residence]

[Huowei Security Agency]

[Huowei Security Agency]

[Huowei Security Agency]

Hurry!

Keep up!

[Huowei Security Agency]

[Yue Lai Inn]

What would you like?

What's good?

This is good.

Here.

Take care.

Sha Yan?

I heard you're back from a delivery.

I knew you'd come to the market.

You guessed right.

You're the most filial one.

It's been two years.

You'd always buy grandmother a treat after each trip.

Besides, today's Mid-Autumn Festival.

How would you forget the gifts?

We're deeply indebted to our master.

It's the least I can do.

What is this?

Open it up and see.

Is it for me?

Do you like it?

I don't want it.

What's the matter?

You always reject the things I bought for you.

Take it.

Stop buying me things.

I don't want to owe you anything.

What do you mean to owe me anything?

You're being too polite.

Sha Yan, actually I...

Zhen Sheng.

Actually, I know how you feel.

But you and I...

You're only a senior to me.

You have a big heart.

I'm just being honest with you.

I hope you're not upset.

So you're a petty guy, too?

Of course not.

I'll keep it for myself, then.

Come on. Let's go back.

Wait.

You must come shopping with me.

I want to buy a gift for each person at home.

I need someone to carry my stuff.

I...

Why do you want to buy gifts for everyone?

Why do you ask so many questions? You'll find out soon.

Help me pick out the treats.

I'm hungry. Can I have a piece?

You glutton. We'll get your favourites.

You're the best!

It smells so good.

Zhen Sheng.

Pour more for Da You.

It's enough.

Zhen Sheng, come.

Let's go. Master!

Grandmother.

Here's a toast to you.

We wish you...

Hold that thought.

I haven't given a toast to my mother.

Mother.

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival.

May you live a long and happy life.

Great.

All right now.

You don't have to wish me one by one.

Right.

We're celebrating the festival.

Let's have a drink together.

Here, cheers!

-Here. Let's drink. -Here.

-Mother. -Mother.

Here's to a clear eyesight, Grandmother.

Thank you!

Here.

Cheers!

How adorable.

Here comes the mooncake!

What a huge mooncake.

Mother, do the honours.

Let me do it.

Yuan Jia.

Why don't you do it?

I'll do it.

Mother, this is for you.

All right.

Sister-in-law.

Here, Dong Jue.

Dong Fang, here you go.

-Dong Yuan. -Is it good?

-Here. -Thank you.

Yuan Jia.

-Eat up! -Here, have some mooncake.

Thank you, Madam.

-Thank you, Madam. -Thank you, Madam.

Eat up.

Come on.

Sha Yan.

You love mooncakes. Here's a big slice.

Thank you, Zhen Sheng.

Xiao Yan.

It's good.

Grandmother.

I wish us...

a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, and may all our dreams come true!

Great!

I wish us all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival and may all our dreams come true.

-Great! -Great!

Yuan Jia.

What do you want to do with Sha Yan?

Mother.

What do you mean by that?

It's been two years...

since she came into our family.

That's right.

You've been training her often?

That's right.

Learning martial arts requires persistent effort.

I train her every day.

And it's always late at night,

all by yourselves.

When will you marry her?

Mother.

What made you say that?

Yuan Jia.

Do you really want me to say it out?

Make Sha Yan your second wife.

That should prevent your sister-in-law from gossiping.

Mother.

Your wife is a magnanimous woman.

She has long been addressing her as her sister.

Why hide it from me?

If Sha Yan doesn't have feelings for you,

why would she come to Tianjin?

Zhen Sheng and Gao Qi like her.

But none of them strikes her fancy.

And do you know why?

Because she likes you.

In my opinion,

it's only a matter of time.

Why don't you just get it over with?

You even taught her martial arts.

In the future,

she can help you with the armed escort business.

Mother.

I have no such intention.

Don't ever bring this up again.

Master, you're early.

Sha Yan.

You had a solid foundation in martial arts...

and you're diligent.

Whether it was winter or summer,

raining or snowing,

you never slacked off.

You have progressed beyond my wildest expectations.

You have made it.

It's time to graduate.

Master.

Have I done anything wrong?

No.

You've been in Tianjin all by yourself for over two years now.

It's time to go back.

Does it not concern you that your brother might be worried?

Master, hold on.

The weather will turn cold after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

I made you an outfit.

I made it myself.

I hope you don't mind...

it's a little scrappy.

I already have winter clothes.

Take it back and give it to Sha Lang.

No.

I made this based on your measurements.

It won't fit my brother.

What's the matter?

You think I did a poor job without even trying it on.

It's not that.

I'm just used to wearing clothes that my wife makes for me.

You're my master.

I'm sure Mrs. Huo wouldn't mind...

if I make you an outfit.

Take it as a farewell gift.

My affections for you...

have long become that of a disciple for her master.

About that.

You don't have to worry, Master.

Why are you crying?

I'll accept it, then.

Well, the things I said earlier...

about you graduating...

I'll leave.

I should have left long ago.

It's been agreed upon two years ago.

Zhen Sheng and Gao Qi would teach me martial arts...

for three months.

You didn't chase me away when my time was up.

You even trained me personally for two years.

Instead of being grateful, I refused to leave.

Now that you've brought this up,

I feel ashamed.

Master.

I won't bid you farewell in the morning.

I'll take your teachings with me...

and keep them close to my heart

Please accept a kowtow from me.

This is for mother.

This is for sister-in-law.

This is for Dong Fang.

These two are for Dong Yuan.

This is for Dong Jue.

This is for me.

Sha Yan left all these behind?

That's right.

She passed the gifts to Xiao Lian early in the morning...

and left without saying goodbye.

You treat her like a sister.

Did you notice her acting strangely lately?

She is acting very strange.

She used to laugh and chatter a lot.

But lately, she seems a little distracted.

What would she usually do at home?

Isn't she your disciple?

Why are you asking me instead?

Of course I have to ask you.

I seldom see her outside of our lessons...

from three to five in the morning.

She would usually stay in the room,

help out in the kitchen,

or take care of Dong Jue for me.

But for the past year, she'd go out during the day.

Xiao Lian asked her about it.

She said she's attending classes.

Attending classes?

All right.

That concludes today's lesson.

Students.

Professor Situ...

is the best lecturer in Peiyang University.

For today's lecture,

I had to invite him several times before he agreed to come.

Let's welcome Professor Situ with a big round of applause.

Are you going back to Nanyang?

Yes, Master.

Actually, I received a letter from my mother in spring.

But our business here is flourishing.

I couldn't take time off.

My mother sent me another letter two days ago.

It's mainly because my father's 60th birthday is around the corner.

You have to go back, then.

I must prepare a gift.

Take it back with you.

Thank you, Master.

Did your parents push you to get married?

Yes.

I'm going back this time for a matchmaking session.

That's great.

After the wedding,

bring your wife here.

Ah Fa.

You're going home already.

Shouldn't you be happy?

I'm afraid...

I'm afraid I won't be able to come back.

How silly of me.

You're the young master of the Huang family.

Your family will need you to take over the family business.

After you get married,

I can't expect you to work as an armed escort anymore.

My dear Master.

Please accept a kowtow from me.

I thank you for teaching me martial arts...

and how to be a righteous person.

Ah Fa.

Get up.

Get up.

There's no need for that.

Actually, you should have graduated a long time ago.

But you were held up by Huowei Security Agency's business.

Wait for me.

Bring this back.

Master.

This is...

Last time, you spent 40 gold bars...

to save my life.

I don't know if this is enough to make up for that.

Master.

I told you.

That was a gift.

You don't owe me anything.

No way.

Ever since our business took off,

my wife has been saving it...

in hopes that we can pay it back to you as soon as possible.

Ah Fa.

If you don't accept it,

I'll never rest easy.

All right, then.

[Official silver notes]

Master.

I bought a ticket for tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

So soon?

I need to inform Zhen Sheng at once...

and ask him to prepare a farewell dinner for you.

Thank you, Master.

What's the matter?

Do you have anything else to say?

No.

But...

But after I'm gone...

Master.

If you find out...

that I have done anything against your rules,

please don't blame me.