Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Episode 42]

Abe had better come out now.

Otherwise, even if you concede defeat,

the rules still apply.

The loser shall take his men and hit the bricks.

This place belongs to us, the Chinese.

I call the shots around here.

Just you wait.

A girl?

Tell Abe to meet his death now!

Daimyo.

Daimyo, sorry I'm late...

How dare you cause a ruckus in Daimyo's turf?

Guards, seize him!

Chen Zhen.

Japanese scum.

[Elite Martial Arts]

Here.

Look...

The Japanese are challenging Elite Martial Arts.

[Challenge Letter by Abe Dojo of Hongkou]

They issued a challenge letter.

A challenge letter?

What happened?

None of the three are in any mortal danger.

But two of them will be handicapped for life.

I need to take them to the hospital for further treatment.

Thank you.

Are you all right?

The Japanese are cunning people.

You must prepare yourself well for the match.

I didn't say I'll fight them.

They've issued a challenge letter.

It's even published in several newspapers.

I won't fight them.

The most important thing right now...

is saving Chen Zhen and Sha Yan.

Read all about it!

Abe Dojo of Hongkou challenges Elite Martial Arts!

The showdown between the Japanese and Huo Yuan Jia!

Extra! Extra!

Read all about it!

Huo Yuan Jia lands in hot water again!

Three days left to accept the challenge,

or Elite Martial Arts will be forced to close.

-Read all about it. -I'll have a copy.

Huo Yuan Jia lands in hot water again!

Three days left...

-Master Huo. -Master Huo.

-Master Huo. -Master Huo.

Master Huo, will you accept the challenge?

When's the fight?

Yeah, Master Huo!

Are you confident of winning?

I hear the Japanese are fierce fighters.

-Yeah, Master Huo. -Excuse me.

-Master Huo... -Master Huo...

[Challenge Letter by Abe Dojo of Hongkou]

Mr Ying,

you're a genius.

How did you do it?

I told you...

Huo Yuan Jia is a small fry.

There's no need to bring out Alex the Great.

Japan is rising again.

The streets of Shanghai...

are filled with fierce, competitive Japanese fighters.

Not to mention foolish.

You can get them to do anything with a few cups of wine...

and a few praises.

[Gentlemen, come.]

-[Brother.] -[Come.]

-[Come.] -[Bottom's up.]

[Thank you everyone for your help.]

Fujiwara of Abe Dojo is an ambitious fellow...

with a tremendous appetite for money and power.

Of course, he also wants his people to win,

and would do anything to secure victory.

I can already see the match turning out beautifully.

I can already smell the money.

[Shanghai Government Office]

-Well? -I forked out the cash,

but couldn't see the official in charge.

When will Chen Zhen and Sha Yan be released?

It's not that easy.

Chen Zhen started the ruckus.

I heard...

-he'll be beheaded. -What?

They killed our men first.

Chen Zhen was only taking revenge,

and he gets beheaded?

Is this office run by westerners?

Zhen Sheng, don't panic. I'll find another way.

Still, the westerners have the officials in the palm of their hands.

Mr Rong, it is just as you had predicted.

Trouble came knocking on Huo Yuan Jia's door.

Do you think he'll accept the challenge?

Such a scathing invitation.

If he ignores it,

how will he ever survive in Shanghai?

Indeed.

In Shanghai, pride and honour is everything.

But he doesn't seem to understand this fact.

It's Master Huo.

-It's Master Huo. -Master Huo...

Master Huo...

-When's the big fight? -Show them no mercy.

The Japanese are too much.

Will you issue an official letter...

to accept their challenge?

Or else people might think you're scared.

-Master Huo... -Master Huo, say something.

-Master Huo. -Master Huo.

Master Huo...

Master.

Let's fight.

I'll lead the charge!

Let's fight them!

Shut the doors.

None of my disciples...

shall discuss this matter with outsiders.

Or else, he'll be expelled from my school.

Father.

Father.

What is it?

When you fight the Japanese,

you must use your signature moves...

and make Elite Martial Arts proud.

Make China proud.

Who taught you to say those things?

I heard it from the men at the door.

Don't listen to outsiders.

You're not to go outside for the next few days.

Why the long faces?

It's my sister that's in prison,

not yours.

You sound so relaxed.

Your sister is Yuan Jia's only female disciple.

How can he not worry?

Years ago, Sha Yan risked her life at the train station...

fighting the vermin for my sake.

Ever since that encounter,

we've become as close as siblings.

How can I not worry?

Besides, what if they learn about Sha Yan's identity...

and Ying Si's murder?

Don't worry.

My sister has nerves of steel.

She'd die before she betrays Yuan Jia.

Besides,

after tonight,

you two can rest easy.

What are you planning?

A prison break, of course.

We're bandits. It's all in a day's work.

It's just that...

I won't be able to stay here and teach martial arts with Yuan Jia.

Come. Let's have a toast.

Tonight is when our paths split. Till the next time.

You mustn't.

This is Shanghai.

The imperials guards and policemen have guns.

A prison break is too dangerous.

Since the day I became a bandit,

I've accepted danger.

You and your sister have turned over a new leaf.

You're no longer bandits.

Please give me three days.

I will rescue Chen Zhen and Sha Yan.

[Olen International Grand Hotel]

It's been a long day.

You should go back.

Let's wait until it's dark.

I don't know what to say to all the people...

standing in front of my school.

About the challenge...

What do you make of it?

I just want to save my disciples.

Nothing else matters to me.

Master Huo...

Master Huo...

Master Huo, will you accept the challenge?

We're all dying to know.

Exactly...

Huo Yuan Jia, you're not a coward, are you?

Huo Yuan Jia, don't tell me you can only beat Chinese,

but not the Japanese?

Thank you for your concern.

I have no comment.

-Master Huo. -Master Huo.

-Master Huo. -Master Huo.

-Master Huo... -Master Huo...

They call themselves elite?

The Japanese are right.

[Elite Martial Arts is just a money-making scam!]

-Yeah... -Who'd have thought?

Let's stop sending our children here to learn martial arts!

Yeah...

Huo Yuan Jia, you disappoint us!

-[Huo Yuan Jia.] -[Shame on you.]

[Shame on you...]

[Huo Yuan Jia, shame on you...]

Master,

someone threw rotten vegetables at our school today.

If you don't accept the challenge,

wouldn't that make us seem a little...

One more thing.

Three students quit today.

They didn't want to be humiliated by the civilians...

or killed by the Japanese...

for no good reason.

Tell all our students...

they can do what they want.

Read it to me again.

Mother,

you've heard it twice already.

If my eyes are still working, I'd read it myself.

Please read it to me once more.

I appreciate it.

Okay.

I'll read it one more time.

"Challenge Letter by Abe Dojo of Hongkou."

"Since the Meiji era,"

"the Empire of Japan..."

"has spread its influence across the seas."

"In the year of Jiawu, we triumphed over the Qing dynasty."

"In the year of Jiachen, we toppled Russia."

"Our army strikes terror in every man's heart."

"Our empire's prosperity..."

"springs from the foresight of our emperor,"

"the valour of our people,"

"the mastery of swords,"

"the prowess of judo, the might of weapons."

"To the greatness of our martial arts, there is no equal."

"To think Huo Yuan Jia would set up Elite Martial Arts in Shanghai,"

"swindling citizens of their hard-earned money..."

"under the pretense of reforming martial arts..."

"is laughable."

"The empire of Qing..."

"has long fallen at the hands of the Empire of Japan."

"And the people of Qing..."

"are nothing but our underlings."

"The sick men of Asia with their pig-tails swinging behind their ears..."

"and their repugnant, contemptible faces."

"Even as they shudder under the feet of our empire,"

"they do not beg for mercy."

"Instead, in their audacity,"

"they had come to Abe Dojo to challenge us."

"Hence, our dojo has penned this invitation."

"We give Huo Yuan Jia..."

"three days to accept our challenge."

"We Japanese warriors..."

"will wipe the floor with Elite Martial Arts in the ring,"

"like how we did to the Beiyang Fleet in the sea..."

"as they scurried like rats..."

"upon their humiliating defeat."

Has your husband made his decision?

Will he accept the challenge?

He didn't say.

But don't worry.

Yuan Jia is a filial son.

He knows you're worried about him.

-He wouldn't... -All right.

I'm tired.

I should turn in.

You may go now.

I hear the papers that published the challenge letter...

sold like hot cakes.

You have a way with words, Yang Zhang Ying.

Here's a token of my gratitude.

To be honest,

I like my little braid.

A pig's tail is the most delicious...

part of the animal.

Since we've met,

you've shown us Japanese...

much kindness and generosity.

Mr Ying,

I'd really like to know...

what your purpose is.

This is my purpose.

Mr Fujiwara,

apart from writing,

I have many other talents,

all of them at your disposal.

It's been months in Shanghai,

and Jin Sun has been socialising.

But he has yet to make a powerful friend.

In order to save Chen Zhen and Sha Yan,

we need you...

to ask Mr Rong for help.

I won't.

We're in dire straits.

If you won't help...

I can't do it.

I know travel is hard...

for a pregnant woman.

But...

It's not that.

So...

A woman's reputation is her most important asset.

Last time...

Last time was my fault.

I've wronged you.

But I've also apologised.

From that day, I've vowed...

never to see Mr Rong again,

lest you get the wrong idea.

Last time you were in prison.

As your wife, I had no choice but to...

speak on your behalf.

You and Mr Rong are no longer strangers.

If you send your wife for such an important matter...

instead of speaking to him face to face,

what will Mr Rong think?

You mean...

I want to help.

But even if I go,

Mr Rong would not lend us his hand.

If you talk to him yourself,

things might turn out better.

Don't forget,

Mr Rong holds you in high regard.

I didn't think of that.

Yuan Jia,

the more dire the situation,

the calmer you should be.

I've placed the newspaper agency in your hands...

hoping you'd turn it into a leading news source in Shanghai.

The challenge letter issued by Abe Dojo of Hongkou...

is the hottest news right now.

The other newspapers are fighting to publish it.

Why didn't you do the same?

I'm waiting to publish Huo Yuan Jia's statement.

Huo Yuan Jia's statement?

What do you mean?

Whether he accepts or declines the challenge,

Huo Yuan Jia will issue a statement.

With exclusive rights to the statement,

I'm sure our paper will sell like hot cakes.

Mr Zuo,

you were right.

This girl's got brains.

In your opinion,

will Huo Yuan Jia accept the challenge?

No.

You sound confident.

Zhen Sheng knows his master the best.

He said Yuan Jia is a filial son.

As long as Grandma lives,

he'll never step into a fighting ring.

Zhen Sheng?

Grandma?

You sound like you're very close to the guys at Elite Martial Arts.

I forgot to tell both of you.

Zhen Sheng and I just got married.

Mr Rong,

did you hear that?

Don't worry, Mr Zuo.

Huo Yuan Jia will fight the Japanese.

What makes you so sure?

You don't believe me?

Wait and see.

Mr Rong, Huo Yuan Jia wishes to see you.

Did you hear that?

Speak of the devil.

Send him in.

Yes.

Mr Rong, I'll take my leave, then.

It's okay. You may hide and listen.

See what Huo Yuan Jia has to say.

It'll help you with your article...

once he's accepted the challenge.

Mr Rong.

Master Huo.

It's only been a few months,

and you've become quite the celebrity,

not to mention more snooty.

To what do I owe this pleasure?

Mr Rong, you flatter me.

I should apologise for not visiting you more often.

Have a seat.

Thanks.

Mr Zuo, bring us tea.

Yes.

-Here. -Thanks, Mr Zuo.

Mr Rong, I'm not an articulate person,

especially when asking favours.

But Elite Martial Arts is in a real bind.

Will you help me save my disciple's lives?

Two days ago, I heard...

the government had arrested two of your disciples.

One of them was Chen Zhen,

an ex-nemesis who tried to kill you.

The other was your sole female disciple...

who had romantic feelings for you some years ago.

Am I right?

Which one do you want to save?

Both.

I'd really appreciate your help.

It's no big deal, really.

You're both martial arts clubs.

It's normal to have a clash or two.

Although they are scared of the Westerners,

but the imperial government seem to be making it as a mere formality.

That's great.

Mr Rong,

I hope you can talk to the guys at the government office...

and have my disciples released.

I did speak to them two days ago,

telling them to take severe action.

The troublemaker Chen Zhen is to be executed,

while the girl is to be exiled to Ningguta.

Mr Rong, why did you do that?

It's for your own good.

I know how much you hate getting into trouble.

So I took care of your troublemakers once and for all.

Mr Rong, what are you implying?

My disciples are in prison.

Everyone in my school is worried about them.

What have I done to incur your wrath?

Please tell me.

The truth is,

I need you to do something for me.

That's why I sought help from my friends at the office.

If you need...

any help from me, you only have to ask.

Why involve the government?

If the government hadn't captured your beloved disciples,

would you come here today?

I had no choice.

Mr Rong, please tell me what you need from me.

Sit down.

I've always admired your talent...

and wished to have you in my service.

Unfortunately, you have other ambitions in life.

Nothing I said could've changed your mind.

The Japanese have issued a challenge letter to you.

What will you do about it, Huo Yuan Jia?

The letter from the Japanese is a vitriolic gesture...

and an insult to China.

I would happily fight them...

if not for my aging mother...

who dreads nothing more than me engaging in battle.

I cannot upset her.

The minute the Japanese issued their letter,

your old friend from France, Bertrand,

came to see me...

with a proposal to co-host the much-anticipated match.

We've booked the largest ring in Shanghai.

One ticket...

Just one ticket costs a fortune.

That's big business.

Besides, I've taken Bertrand up on a big bet.

The stakes are high.

Master Huo, I wagered on you.

If you defeat the Japanese fighter...

and bring glory to our country,

I'll gladly split my winnings with you.

What do you say?

Do you take me and my school...

for a cash cow?

Huo Yuan Jia,

aren't you a martial artist?

You have so much skill, yet you don't put it to use.

What's the point in that?

-You... -Zuo!

Spare your breath.

Looks like Huo Yuan Jia is a tough nut to crack.

You have one day.

If you don't accept the challenge by tomorrow,

Chen Zhen will be beheaded...

and the girl banished.

Mr Rong,

how can you manipulate Master Huo like this?

I'll expose your gambling scandal in the papers.

Shut up.

Don't forget...

I'm the owner of Haishang Newspaper.

I can fire you whenever I wish.

Mother,

Father was out all night.

Will he fight the Japanese?

That's adult business.

Stay out of it.

Yuan Jia,

have you been kneeling all night...

before Mother's bed?

I am an unfilial son.

I hope to ask for Mother's forgiveness.

Daughter-in-law, is that you?

Yes.

You're just in time.

Help me up.

What time did Yuan Jia come back last night?

-I don't know... -No matter how late,

Yuan Jia always wakes up on time.

Help me freshen up...

and get me to the living room.

I want to see my son.

Mother,

there's no need to go to the living room to see Yuan Jia.

I can ask him to come here.

No.

I'm going to talk to Yuan Jia about something big,

something important.

Get me nice and tidy...

and put me into my birthday clothes.

Mother.

Your eyes...

They couldn't be better.

I can see brightness before my eyes today.

I feel cheerful already.

What are you waiting for?

Go fetch water.

Greetings, Mother.

What is your bidding?

Son,

you look exceptionally peppy today.

Your birth was premature.

When I first received you in my arms, I dared not look.

Your arms...

was no thicker than a thumb.

I feared you wouldn't survive.

You always were a weak boy...

who got by with medicine every few days.

Your grandfather told your father...

it's about time our family produce a scholar,

and asked us to give you a good education.

The Huo family was already famous for its martial arts, then.

It means your grandfather...

had no faith in you.

He didn't think you had the makings of a martial artist.

Nobody remembered when,

but you began to practise behind our backs.

Our family lost a scholar...

but gained a great hero instead.

Mother.

I am not worthy of the title "hero".

But you are.

In Wuxu year,

my son, Huo Yuan Jia, became a true hero.

During the Boxer Rebellion,

you lost your father and brother.

Because of that, you felt guilty towards the family and me.

In fact, you should be commended for what you've done.

The real culprit is Lu Si Ying, the miscreant.

During your mission in Shanxi,

you earned this tablet!

The title "hero" was bestowed upon you by the people.

It's worth more than its weight in gold.

You founded Elite Martial Arts...

and became a prolific teacher.

You're now the most important figure...

in the world of Chinese martial arts.

Mother.

You're too kind.

Please stop it.

People might laugh.

No one would laugh.

As far as I know,

the Westerners have never regarded Chinese as equals.

Now, even the best martial arts school from Japan...

is inviting you to a match through the newspapers.

What does it signify?

Is it not proof that you deserve this?

Today's the third day, right?

Mother.

What do you mean?

You think you can bluff me?

I've read the challenge letter from the Japanese many times.

I read each and every word.

Your father told me...

Japanese martial arts originated from China.

But now, they have the audacity to challenge their predecessors.

You may be tolerant...

but I am not!

Mother.

-Mother. -No need to help me.

I can see things.

I can walk.

Jin Sun.

At your service, Madam.

Brother Sha.

Here.

Zhen Sheng, Da You.

Grandma, we're here.

I can see all of you.

I can hear your passion.

All the disciples are here?

Yes!

Listen up.

My son is a filial son.

He had promised me never to step into a fighting ring.

Hence he had refused to accept the Japanese's challenge.

It is I who had been holding Elite Martial Arts back.

Mother.

Yuan Jia,

today's the last day to answer the Japanese.

If you don't fight them, you're admitting defeat.

Huo Yuan Jia is a hero.

He may die in the line of battle.

But to admit defeat is a sin against our ancestors.

It is a sin against all disciples of Elite Martial Arts.

Mother.

Son,

why are you kneeling down?

You wield the pen as well as the sword.

Write your letter out and show it to the world.

Tell everyone,

Huo Yuan Jia accepts the challenge.

He will prevail.

Ask Zhen Sheng's wife to publish it in the newspapers.

Restore the pride of our people.

Show the Japanese that we're not to be trifled with.

Mother.

It shall be done.

[Huo Yuan Jia's reply to Abe Dojo's challenge letter.]

[Your letter...]

[reeks of arrogance,]

[and your words acerbic.]

[This is not the conduct of a true martial artist.]

[The way of the warrior...]

[lies not in oppression and conquest,]

[but the pursuit of moral perfection,]

[and the mastery of sword and pen.]

[Extolling the martial spirit...]

[is the reason why I am reforming martial arts.]

[If your purpose is to fight...]

[and satisfy your blood lust,]

[I refuse to participate.]

[But you have insulted my country...]

[and abased my people.]

[I will do whatever it takes...]

[to defeat you.]

[Though this contest is the machination of a malicious party,]

[I'll accept this challenge...]

[to preserve the honour of Chinese martial arts.]

[I did not yield to threats or rewards,]

[nor did I allow myself to be a puppet to those running the show.]

[Fellow citizens of Shanghai, thank you for your understanding.]

Zhen Sheng, Da You.

Put this up on the front door.

-Yes, Master. -Yes, Master.

I'll go back to Haishang Newspaper and release the news right away.

He Ma Li,

I'd like you to write on my behalf.

Chen Zhen and Sha Yan are wrongfully imprisoned.

Someone used his connections to force Yuan Jia into battle.

Good idea, Mrs. Huo. It's the truth.

I'll let it be known.

Look.

What's that?

What does it say?

[Huo Yuan Jia's Reply to Abe Dojo's Challenge Letter]

Haishang Newspaper exclusive report!

Huo Yuan Jia responds to challenge!

Huo Yuan jia exposes wrongdoers...

for illegal bets...

Extra! Extra!

A special report by Haishang Newspaper's He Ma...

Extra! Extra!

Elite Martial Arts disciples wrongfully imprisoned.

Extra! Extra!

A special report by Haishang Newspaper's He Ma.

A special report by Haishang Newspaper's He Ma.

I'll have a copy.

-Me too. -Me too.

Haishang Newspaper exclusive report!

Huo Yuan Jia responds to challenge.

A special report by Haishang Newspaper's He Ma.

Disciples imprisoned.

Huo Yuan Jia was coerced into fighting.

-Extra! Extra! -Extra! Extra!

Read all about it!

I'm afraid old madam has lost her eyesight for good.

Mother was worried because of me...

She wouldn't let me tell you.

She said none of you noticed it.

She wants to watch you fight at the ring...

and put the Japanese fighters in their place.

The important thing now is to sort out the rules with Abe Dojo.

Although Japanese martial arts originated from China,

there are differences.

We must make the rules of the fight clear...

and publicise it in the papers.

That should ensure a fair fight.

Fair?

If you say so.

If the match turns out fair,

it'll be a first in the martial arts world.

Jin Sun,

I'll leave it to you.

Who is this?

He Ma Li?

What did you kidnap her for?

This traitorous brat...

Mr Rong,

have you read today's Haishang Newspaper?

Sure.

She had the nerve to publish Huo Yuan Jia's statement.

She even wrote a report...

that blatantly vilifies you.