EP04 ENG SUB (1994) The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants

Your Majesty,

There is something suspicious about this.

We should investigate for the truth,

Make another decision!

If the Crown Prince is mistakenly killed due to a moment of anger,

It will ruin the foundation of the Song Dynasty!

That will truly let down my Zhao ancestors.

No!

There is nothing suspicious about this matter!

You need not speak again!

Your Majesty,

It concerns the Crown Prince...

It's a bastard child!

It's not the Crown Prince!

Could it be that Your Majesty is afraid to acknowledge the Crown Prince?

A fault tantamount to killing Noble Consort Lan.

You...

I already said,

There is no need to speak of this matter again!

Why are you still nagging about this?

If Your Majesty revokes his command,

Welcomes back the Crown Prince,

Reinvestigate the matter,

I will leave you alone at once.

Eighth Sage Prince.

Are you relying on your status as my uncle,

To have the audacity to defy my command?

Bullying your unworthy ruler?

I dare not.

I am deeply afraid that Your Majesty will mishandle this,

And it will be too late to repent.

I punish according to guilt.

What was mishandled?

I only fear that they are guiltless,

And Your Majesty will be condemned through the ages.

You...

You dare revile me?

Since Your Majesty is confused,

No need to count on me to be a worthy subject.

You don't fear that I'll sentence you to execution?

From time immemorial, loyal servants have never feared death.

Alright.

Chamberlain!

Wait.

His Majesty wants this servant to die?

This servant dares not resist death.

Royal uncle!

Your Majesty...

Think carefully...

Royal uncle!

Your Majesty,

Eighth Sage Prince has already returned to heaven.

You must restrain your grief,

To avoid harming Your Majesty's health.

Royal uncle!

Wu Liang.

Your humble servant is here.

Pass on my decree,

The entire nation, from leadership to the masses, will mourn the Eighth Sage Prince for three days,

To lament his death.

This servant is at Your Majesty's command.

Royal uncle...

Reporting to Judge,

A grave matter!

What happened?

Eighth Prince attempted to reason with the Emperor to no avail,

Ran into a pillar, and died.

Wang Chao, Ma Han, Zhang Long, Zhao Hu!

Here!

Prepare the carriage!

Yes, sir!

Judge indeed wishes to face the Emperor?

Precisely.

Judge.

You absolutely must not.

Why not?

Judge.

Not even the Eighth Prince's death could convince His Majesty.

If Judge Bao once again meets unexpected misfortune,

The Crown Prince will never return to the royal court.

If this Official does not face the Emperor,

Would that not make Eighth Prince a sacrificial animal?

Be that as it may.

Nevertheless, at this moment the Emperor is in an endless rage.

Is it worth the trouble to clash with the Emperor now,

And follow in the steps of Eighth Prince?

Judge Bao.

Mister Gongsun makes a reasonable point.

So what is your opinion?

Responding to Judge,

Eighth Prince failed to admonish the Emperor through dying.

So surely the truth of the matter has yet to come to light.

He was unable to convince the Emperor to revoke his command.

In the present situation,

We should use our full strength to find the underground instigators,

And inform His Majesty of the true facts.

Laying bare the evil plot,

Is of utmost importance.

Fine.

That being the case,

We are forced to wait for Bodyguard Zhan and Lady Min to return the Crown Prince,

And then form a counterplot.

You're slacking off.

Get up.

Mother...

I'm not slacking off.

I really can't move anymore.

Please let me take a break.

Out of the question.

Many other things are waiting to be done.

Grinding like you are,

When will it be done?

Get up for me.

Mother.

Since you have mercy at heart,

You saved my life,

Why do you torment me like this?

If you really need that much firewood,

Can you really eat that much?

Don't concern yourself with that.

I call you to work,

You work.

Do you really think it's that easy to repay the favour of saving your life?

Get back to grinding.

When you finish grinding, come see me at the Buddhist hall.

Did you hear that?

I'm speaking to you.

Are you listening to me?

I heard.

Let me hear it again.

When I finish grinding, I come find you at the Buddhist hall.

Good little Bao,

Don't cry, Little Bao.

I beg you not to cry.

I don't even have the energy to soothe you anymore.

What if I can't take it and faint?

What would you do?

Alright.

Just keep grinding.

Who allowed me to owe you my life?

Stop crying.

This is the place that the Underworld Emperor haunts.

What are you doing standing there?

Why don't you go check it out for me?

Yes, sir.

Official Zhan,

I am truly very sorry.

I assumed office not long ago,

So I wasn't aware such a huge matter occurred.

This is truly outrageous!

This is preposterous!

Sir, it's best to complete the investigation as soon as possible,

Or else news will reach the capital.

Losing your job as an official is a small thing,

But troubling His Majesty is a serious crime,

You'll be in for it.

Oh, that's not...

This official shall investigate at once!

Investigate carefully.

I have another important matter to deal with.

Alright!

Off I go.

I'll see out Official Zhan.

Please don't bother.

Please.

Farewell.

Second bro.

What are you thinking about?

What am I thinking?

How do we rebuild this manor?

It's not that simple.

We'll just build one like the one before.

And what would that accomplish?

The old manor didn't have a place for kids to play.

Soon enough, Sister-in-law will give birth.

We have to think about our nephew!

How do you know it's gonna be a boy?

I'm hoping for that.

If Sister-in-law gives birth to one,

A cute one like the Crown Prince,

That would be awesome.

Don't know if the Crown Prince is alive or dead now.

Of course he's alive.

How do you know?

I...

I guessed.

You guessed?!

Be honest!

Or else I'll beat you!

Fine...

I'll talk.

I went to the temple to ask for a slip. (TN: for prayers)

You actually went to ask for slips?!

Can you please keep it down?

What is this fuss about nothing?

Who hasn't gone to the temple for a slip?

Stop running your mouth.

Hurry up and say how you asked for them.

Speaking of the slips,

The Crown Prince is safe and sound.

Ill luck turns into good.

That's odd.

How is this different from what I asked?

You also went to ask for slips?

What? You were able to ask but I wasn't?

Okay, okay.

What did it say on the slip?

It said it was the worst kind of slip.

Said he'd be plagued by bad luck.

Bad luck with assassinations.

I can't understand the sticks with big characters.

Help me take a look!

What's written on my slip?

Turns out you also went to ask for a slip.

Fine.

I admit I miss him, too.

Hurry up and help me out.

Take the note, I can't make sense of it.

Making me want to kill myself.

I'll take a look.

This is also a terrible slip.

When the nest is upset,

The eggs are all doomed to failure.

Did you read that wrong?

Look at it more clearly.

Third Bro.

There's only a few characters on a slip.

How could I read it wrong?

That...

This can't be.

I absolutely must go look for the Crown Prince.

Otherwise, there will be a stone in my heart that I can't get rid of.

I already wanted to look for him.

The stench of his piss won't leave my body.

I don't even have the chance to miss him.

In that case, I have to go, too.

The Prince and the others fell into the water,

How can they survive the water without me?

Great!

We'll go together!

Go!

Be careful, go slowly...

Eldest Bro!

You can get out of bed!

Thanks to your sister-in-law, the miracle-working doctor.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be better so quickly.

You're really something, sis!

Alright,

Stop flattering.

It was a close call.

The miracle-working doctor was about to become a widow.

Boss.

Your medicine is ready.

Want me to bring it?

Just leave it for now.

I'll drink it in a moment.

Yes, boss.

You guys came just in time.

We should discuss how we'll restructure the manor.

Eldest bro.

Just now our brother Xin was discussing how we're gonna rebuild the manor.

For the past few days, we've been looking for a good craftsman to consult.

Right!

Sister-in-law is just about to give birth,

The future young master's room should not be taken lightly!

The room must be dignified!

Sister-in-law, ain't that right?

Head of the family,

Look at this bunch of good brothers.

The baby isn't even born yet,

And they've already got it worked out.

Okay.

Get out of here.

Leave.

Alright, alright.

You guys better do that!

If it were me, I would've told the truth by now.

So why did you save my life, then?

Because it's my nature to care about all injustices in the world.

It's all you!

For the sake of a woman,

You put your eldest bro in this disaster!

What is it?

You guys won't concede, so come on!

Old fifth bro, you've gone mad!

Is this woman worth it to you?

Mother,

Your wheat has been ground.

Put the baby on the table.

Come here.

Worship Buddha with me.

Kneel.

Follow my recitation.

Oh, infinitely compassionate Goddess of Mercy, help the needy and relieve the distressed.

Why aren't you reciting?

Have you turned mute?

Oh, infinitely compassionate Goddess of Mercy,

Oh, infinitely compassionate...

Stop right there.

Where are you going?

I can't take this anymore!

I'm going to bed.

You are forbidden!

No!

You saved our lives,

I helped you with all these tasks,

Whether I worship Buddha is my business.

Am I not allowed to not worship him?

I call you to worship, you worship.

Alright.

I ask you,

Which Buddha do you worship?

The infinitely merciful Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy.

The infinitely merciful Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy?

Are you merciful?

Ever since I've met you,

You've constantly tormented me!

You're not even the least bit merciful!

It's a shame that your nun name is Xinci. (TN: tenderhearted)

I see you as a devil,

You are a rakshasa! (TN: Buddhist demon)

What do you think you're going to do?

I need to leave.

Without my permission,

You cannot leave.

I haven't sold myself to you,

Why can't I leave?

I will not permit you and that baby to court death.

Because once you leave these gates,

You and the baby will meet a fatal disaster.

What do you know?

My knowledge is not limited to this.

What else do you know?

What has passed and what is to come.

Do you know who this baby is?

One who is in a precarious position.

A pre-eminent figure. (TN: allusion to emperor)

How do you know this?

A nun's heart is a clear mirror.

This is nothing extraordinary.

How can your heart be clear?

Your heart is venomous like a snake.

You only torture people.

This is no torture.

The torment you face in the future will be greater by a hundred thousandfold.

You can't endure the present?

How will you withstand what is to come?

So...

It turns out you tortured me on purpose.

Your karmic sin is very grave.

Through Buddhism, it can be decreased by one degree.

In the future, you'll have less time for mortal affairs.

Karmic sin?

Karmic sins are accumulated throughout generations.

All must be paid back.

So you kept me here,

Because you want to continue torturing me.

Why do you treat this as torture,

Rather than learning self-discipline?

You are too weak to withstand a gust of wind,

How will you be able to protect this child?

Don't think I'll fall for your lies.

Who knows what evil schemes you carry in your heart?

You are unworthy of the effort I've wasted on you.

Effort?

Don't think that I'm naive.

Monks and nuns practice in monasteries.

You run and hide alone in a place like this?

Who knows what your aim is?

Besides, I've encountered too many malicious people.

I won't believe you.

I humbly decline your efforts.

Farewell.

I am here to hide from my own karmic sin.

You also have a karmic sin?

Every mortal has karmic sins.

How could I escape it?

That's great.

You can also torture yourself to remove your karmic debt.

Since you've figured out a method.

I've exhausted all methods.

What is that?

Disciplinary scars.

Every mark brings pain that penetrates the heart and lungs,

Yet nevertheless cannot remove my karmic sin.

What kind of karmic sin do you have?

In a past life, I killed someone.

In this life, I must give my life to him in return.

Perhaps I should stay,

But I have my reasons for leaving.

Go.

Perhaps I can avoid this disaster.

Merciful Buddha,

Excellent...

Religious cultivation is difficult...

Once the demon of death arrives,

Only then do you realize the person you've been dreaming of.

Nothing can take it away.

Only karma remains with you.

Merciful Buddha.

Let's see who will come to save you this time.

Save me!

Mother!

Leave now. I'll handle this.

You seek death!

This sword.

Seems like we've crossed paths before.

It's true.

You have seen it before.

Because this sword killed you in a past life.

And I...

Am the person who killed you.

What nonsense are you speaking?

What past life?

You don't know? Let me tell you.

You died by this sword in a previous life.

I've always held onto this sword.

It's hard to remember a past life. (TN: ?)

Let come what may.

Turns out to be a crazy nun.

It would be no injustice to kill you!

Mother!

Little girl, leave quickly.

But you...

Leave now!

Leave me alone.

He is my former life's karmic sin.

I owe him a life.

Mother!

Leave!

Mother!

Save me!

Mother!

Leave quickly!

Mother!

Leave quickly!

Lady Min.

You must jump down by yourself.

Or this General will have to do it.

Tu Shan.

You kill people so recklessly,

Do you not fear karmic retribution?

Karmic retribution?

What else did that old nun tell you?

Tell me everything.

People can be deceived,

Heaven cannot.

Do you realize you are acting in defiance of natural law?

You're wrong.

This General is acting according to the Emperor's decree.

You dare say that His Majesty is not heaven?

This General blames the imperial decree for his conduct.

Jump down.

Bai Yutang.

It's you again.

Don't gnash your teeth. (TN: in anger)

They are not destined to die yet.

Lady Min, run for it!

Lady Min!

Lady Min.

You're not dead. I'm so happy.

Do you still doubt Zhan?

I'm not doubting,

I don't believe you at all.

How do you want Zhan to assure you?

By leaving immediately.

That would be the best assurance.

You know this is obviously impossible.

Judge Bao is still waiting for us.

Don't use Judge Bao to pressure me.

You officials do nothing but follow orders,

You confuse right and wrong.

Lady Min.

What?

Did I lie?

Of course, you're wrong.

You can condemn all the stupid officials in this world,

But you absolutely cannot condemn Judge Bao.

Judge Bao has always upheld right and wrong,

Not submitting to threats.

If you wish to save the Crown Prince,

Apart from having faith in Judge Bao,

You have no other choice.

Lady Min.

You are an intelligent person.

If I were like Tu Shan,

I could kill you with one sword.

Why waste time arguing with you?

Alright.

I'll trust you this once.

But I must speak to Fifth Uncle Bai before leaving.

Bai Yutang?

You saw him?

When I encountered Tu Shan,

It was Bai Yutang who saved me.

Lady Min.

The Crown Prince is in your possession. (TN: IDK IM SORRY)

We don't need him.

Let's depart.

Tu Shan.

Still wanna fight?

We don't have time to play with you anymore.

Well said!

You all showed up.

Where's Eldest Bro?

He didn't come.

Old Fifth Bro.

How'd you start fighting with Tu Shan?

It was Lady Min and the Crown Prince's fault.

The Crown Prince?

The Crown Prince was found?!

Let's go home before talking.

Let's go.

Excuse me,

Why is everyone in mourning?

The Eighth Sage Prince has died.

What?

The Eighth Sage Prince has died?

Died?

You say Zhan Zhao saw This King go on inspection tour.

Yes, Your Highness.

Does he know anything else?

Absolutely nothing else.

Go on spreading the word about this Underworld Emperor affair.

The more ominous the better.

Yes, Your Highness.

You are dismissed.

Yes, sir.

This official asks to be excused.

Mr. Ji.

When did you say the opportune moment was?

This King is impatient.

Your Majesty.

Please don't be impatient.

As for the opportune moment,

It has come.

Really?

Your Highness.

Now that the Eighth Sage Prince is dead.

The haters will keep quiet out of fear.

If you take this moment to go admonish the Emperor,

He is certain to heed your words.

So the time has come.

It is not only time,

It is a God-given opportunity.

What if he doesn't listen to me?

What then?

Your Majesty.

As they say, a great man must be venomous.

Prepare the carriage.

Your servant obeys.

Addressing Your Majesty.

You must eat.

I'm not hungry. I don't want to eat.

Tell them to leave.

But Your Majesty hasn't eaten in days.

I told you I am not hungry, did you not hear?

Get out of here!

This slave obeys! Servants dismissed!

Am I mistaken?

Am I truly mistaken?

Addressing Your Majesty.

The Prince of Xiangyang requests your audience.

What have you come to do?

Responding to Your Majesty.

The Prince of Xiangyang heard that Your Majesty is in a bad mood.

His Highness wishes to pay respects to Your Majesty.

Summon him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I, Zhao Demou, bow to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.

Imperial Uncle, rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Does Uncle have a reason for entering the palace?

Responding to Your Majesty.

I heard that Your Majesty, due to the Eighth Prince's death,

Is exceedingly sad,

Hasn't eaten in days,

Is neglecting state affairs.

For fear that Your Majesty's health is out of sorts,

I came to wish Your Majesty good health.

The Eighth Prince's death.

It's all my fault.

I wish it wasn't too late to take it back.

Your Majesty.

What on earth is going on?

My mind is all in a tangle,

I don't want to speak of this matter again.

Your Majesty,

What about this is hard to resolve?

May as well say it.

I could act in your place to relieve you of your worries.

Nowadays, there aren't many royal relatives who act in compliance with Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

How did the Eighth Prince die?

It was over the Crown Prince matter.

Official Zhan.

What are you thinking about?

I'm thinking about the Eighth Prince.

I truly don't know why he died so suddenly.

I heard he was a loyal and upright person.

It goes without saying that he was a loyal and upright person!

Sorry.

I got too emotional.

It's okay.

Because I'm wondering if the other Sage Princes were also killed.

What if it was also because of the Crown Prince?

Hey. The baby's done eating.

Come take him back.

Thank you!

Thank you.

This is for your children to buy sweets.

Thank you.

Can you give me your mourning flower?

I can.

Thank you.

Let's go.

You're tired.

Do you need me to help carry the Crown Prince?

I can take your place.

No need.

If I struggle I can reduce my karmic sin.

What?

Never mind.

Is it true that the Emperor only has Eight Sage Princes as his uncles?

No.

He has another.

Where?

Who is it?

In Xiangyang.

So he was named the Prince of Xiangyang.

Prince of Xiangyang?

Your Majesty.

This is a huge matter.

How could this humble servant not be aware of it?

A scandal in the imperial harem.

How could I allow word to get out?

Has Your Majesty considered,

That there may be a scheme afoot to lay a false claim?

Impossible.

Did I not say that?

I saw it with my own eyes.

Your Majesty saw Ge Qing and Noble Consort Lan having a private meeting,

Was it during the day or at night?

It was at night.

At the time, how far was Your Majesty from the Peony Pavilion?

About a stone's throw away.

A stone's throw away's view at nighttime...

Would that be a clear view?

Between the two of them, one is my favourite concubine,

One is commander of the imperial guard.

Based on clothing alone,

I could never be mistaken.

Is it possible that someone deceitful would dress up as them,

And deliberately cause Your Majesty to misidentify them?

If that were indeed the case,

Then the purpose was... To use the Emperor's hand to kill Ge Qing.

Or to kill Noble Consort Lan.

Or perhaps to kill the Crown Prince.

That...

Who could do such a thing?

Your Majesty, think back a bit.

That day, what compelled you to take a walk in the royal garden?

That day, I was reading memorial documents,

Very worn out.

It was the Chief Eunuch, Wu Liang, who suggested I go for a walk in the gardens to ease my mind.

Could it be him?

Are you saying it was Wu Liang?

It couldn't be.

Your Majesty.

It's difficult to fathom a person's mind.

Alright.

Just leave it to Bao Zheng of the Kaifeng Prefecture to handle.

No.

If we hand this matter to Kaifeng Prefecture,

I fear it will become the talk of the town,

Known by everyone.

I'm afraid it will tarnish Your Majesty's dignity.

Then, according to Uncle's view...?

According to this humble servant's view,

Better to hand this case over to me for investigation.

The matter must be disposed of the matter calmly,

We can investigate it secretly,

Without making it publicly known.

Alright.

I must trouble you with this matter.

I humbly obey.

Your Highness.

How did it go?

You did well.

Hello, guests.

Get me two first-class rooms.

We have that available! Come inside.

Guests, are you satisfied with this room?

It'll do.

The one next door is exactly alike.

Are you just booking these two rooms?

Yes.

Here's a tip for you.

This is none of your business. Please go.

Thank you, patron!

You should rest early.

Lady Min.

You should rest early.

We will hurry on our journey early tomorrow.

We may arrive in Kaifeng by nightfall.

Tu Shan!

Zhan Zhao.

You've finally brought her here.

Zhan Zhao!

You!

Lady Min, you've misunderstood.

Bodyguard Zhan.

The people are already in our hands.

What are you still trying to explain to her?

Just be a dear and accept your death!

Tu Shan.

With Zhan here, don't even imagine you can touch her.

You want to compete with me?

Very well.

I'd like to see who really has the upper hand.

Lady Min!

Zhan Zhao.

Is this really worth the trouble?

Even if the Emperor wanted to promote you,

There is no need for you to risk throwing away your life.

You shut up!

As long as I'm alive,

Don't imagine that your evil scheme will succeed.

Even an arrow at the end of it's flight dares to boast.

Very well.

I will help you accomplish your goal.

They're injured,

Take them away quickly.

Eat this!

Good bang!

Let's get outta here!

Pursue them!

Zhan Zhao.

Step aside.

Tu Shan.

As long as Zhan lives,

Don't you dare believe you will reach the Crown Prince.

Men, go and chase the Crown Prince.

You guys sure have guts to come here!

I won't beat you guys up.

I won't call for the Mountain-Penetrating Rat, Xu Qing.

Zhan Zhao!

Zhan Zhao.

Let's settle this matter in front of the Emperor.

Take it back.