Original subtitles

The town of Can Qian in Yu Hang County

There was an unusual murder case

Yang Nai-wu and Xiao Bai-cai

It caused a great sensation

Tofu

Tofu

Poor Xiao Bai-cai

She grinds soy beans all day

Xiao Bai-cai is alone at home

Her heart belongs to Yang Nai-wu

Hey, leave the kids alone, ok!

Keep an eye on your wife

Ai Ren Tang

Where have you been?

Why don't you come see me?

Business is bad

I have no money

I've been looking for you

What is it?

The pretty woman who lives opposite the temple

Do you know her?

Yes

Who is she?

Ge Xiao-da's wife Xiao Bai-cai

I see

You have your eyes set on her?

You're the magistrate's son

You can get whatever you want

I've tried several times

I made up some excuse to cozy up to her

I didn't expect her

to ignore me completely

There's nothing I can do

You came to the right place

Only I can cure you

What can you do?

What's this?

A family prescription

Even the most virtuous woman

After she takes this drug

will become like a whore

You can take advantage of her

and do as you please

The years come and go

Even the spring shower seems annoying

People say Huanglian is bitter

My life is worse

Mother...

My parents died when I was young

and left me all alone

Sold as a child bride

I came to the town of Cang Qian

Hoping to find someone to rely on

But I find myself in more trouble

Master Yang fell for me

and we love each other

Gossip started among the neighbors

Mrs. Ge made me marry her son

My dream was shattered

4 years have gone by

Xiao-da has been good to me

I wanted to behave

and be a virtuous wife

I don't want any gossip

I don't want Xiao-da to get suspicious

I blame the Gods for this poor match

I blame my fate

Xiao-da

Coming!

Mrs. Ge, surprised to see me?

It's late, Master Liu

What is it?

I came for my embroidered pouch

Sorry, it's not ready

Please come again later

It's alright

Such heavy rain

I'm sorry to put you through this trouble

I brought some wine to thank you

I want to drink with Xiao-da

Where is he?

He's not back yet

I came all the way in the rain

I wanted to drink with him

Too bad he's not home

Since he's out

Why don't we have a drink?

Come back some other time

It's alright, come on

Sit down, don't be afraid

It's late and Xiao-da is out

If anyone finds out

there'll be unnecessary gossip

Nonsense! Who would do that?

I'm the magistrate's son

They wouldn't dare

You can tell me if anyone bullies you

Drink up

Sorry, I don't drink

Please go away

Oh!

It's Heaven's wish that I stay

Have one drink with me and I'll go

You'll go after one drink?

Sure! I can't stay

Cheers!

Come on!

Good

Have another

You said one drink!

One drink is for those on death sentence

Good things come in pairs

No, I can't

One more

Forget it, if you refuse

I better go

Sir, I'll drink up

Come on!

Excellent!

It's you!

Don't be sad

I'll be nice to you

Please don't cry

Go away!

Open the door

Open the door

Open the door...

Coming!

You've been drinking?

Yang Nai-wu passed the provincial exam

Please have some tea

Thank you

You passed the exam

Congratulations

You flatter me

All because the neighbors

and you have encouraged me

I came to thank you

Master Yang

You're now famous

Your hard work paid off

You'll be onto a bright future

Congratulations on your achievement

Good luck on the state exam next year

Thank you

Master Yang

I know you're very talented

You'll do well

And move onto a bright future

Earning important positions

All thanks to your blessing

No, it's your own blessing

His blessing is the same as yours

If you don't mind

have some dim sum

Please don't trouble yourself, I must go

Not at all, please stay a bit longer

No, I must go

Goodbye, Xiao-da

No need to see me out

May 4th, at night

Don't forget May 4th, at night

I won't

May 4th?

At night?

Xiao-da!

Auntie!

Back to the shop already?

Stay for the festival

No! Too much work to do

When you get to the city

Look in on Zu-de

Tell him to come home for the festival

I will

Xing Zhong Silk Shop

Is Ge Zu-de here?

Yes! Zu-de, you have a visitor

Zu-de

Brother, how'd you find time to come along today?

I came from home

Auntie wants me to tell you to

Go home for the festival

I can't! Too much work to do

Not until after the festival

Come in and sit down

No

Come sit down

I want to talk to you

What is it?

We are brothers, right ?

Of course

What will you do if something happens to me?

What do you mean?

Have you heard any gossip about my wife?

No, she knows her place

She hasn't done anything

What have you heard?

I saw it with my own eyes

There's a secret rendezvous tonight

That's outrageous!

Who are you talking about?

Don't bother with that

You'll find out tonight

What? Tonight?

I'll catch the adulterers

If anything bad happens to me

You must avenge me

You must think this through

Don't do anything reckless

I have made up my mind

I'm going

Brother...

Zu-de, we have customers

You want this?

How much is this knife?

2 coppers

You don't need such a big knife for tofu

I'm going to slaughter a lamb

What?

Slaughter a lamb

Did he change jobs?

Xiu-gu!

Xiu-gu!

Auntie

Have you eaten?

We just finished

Please sit down

I have been so busy lately

I'm not done with making glutinous rice

I need help with it

Sure

We may be up all night

I'll let her sleep over

Don't wait up for her

See you tomorrow

What do you want?

I missed you

Have mercy and let me in

Go away

Don't forget

We're in this together

Let me in, don't let anyone see me

It won't do us any good

I want to talk to you, let me in

Open up

Yang Nai-wu...

Xiao-da

Come back, Yang Nai-wu

Yang Nai-wu

Come back, Yang Nai-wu

Yang Nai-wu...

I'll get you next time, Yang Nai-wu

Don't let me see you again

I'll break your legs

What have you done?

Don't wrong Master Yang

Wrong him?

You have no shame!

Don't wrong an innocent man!

I saw him myself

Everyone in town

knows about your affair

How could you do this?

I stand in the backyard

The morning breeze brushes against the flowers

Such a pleasant view

Fame and fortune mean nothing

Morning, Father

You're up early, Min Er

The song you used to sing

Didn't it say to get up early?

You still remember?

Can you sing it again?

I'm going to Hangzhou, I'll sing it later

I want you to sing it now

I really want you to sing

Alright, I'll sing

Hurry!

I'll sing to you now

The young scholar

Gets up early everyday

He studies hard to become an official

So he can provide for his parents

Mother!

Hi!

C'mon Min Er, go outside and play

Yes

I packed your things

Thank you

On the way to Hangzhou

Please be careful

Don't worry

Maser, your friends are here

Morning

Morning Brother Yang, Madam Yang

Please sit down

The boat to Hangzhou is leaving

Are you ready?

I've been waiting for a while

Then let's go

Sir

Please wait for me in the study

I have an errand to run, I'll be right back

Please go ahead

Please go in

Master Yang

Please get up

Please come in, Mrs. Ge

No thanks

What is it?

Xiao-da is sick

What happened?

He came home last night and got sick

I can't afford a doctor

I have to trouble you again

Don't worry, I'll take a look

Master Yang

Please get up

Please...

How is he?

Nothing serious, his irascibility level is high

And he caught a cold

He'll be fine when he disperses the heat

Take this prescription twice

Thank you

You'll need money until he gets well

Keep this

No

You've done enough for us

I can't take your money

Alright

This is my book

Fill the prescription at Ai Ren Tang

And put it on my account

Thank you

I have to go

Take good care of him

I will

Master Yang

Yes!

Cannot bear to part with him

It's unbearable as he walks away

Others laugh while she is sad

The heartbroken ones miss each other

Ai Ren Tang

How is Xiao-da?

You must take care of him

Mrs. Ge

Xiao-da, take your medicine

You'll get well after 2 doses

I shouldn't blame Master Yang

And I wronged you

Don't worry about that, just get well

It's my fault, I'm good-for-nothing

I'm so useless

Xiao-da!

Ever since coming to our house

you have suffered

I'm so sorry

Take your medicine before it gets cold

What's all the fuss outside?

Today is the Dragon Boat festival

No wonder!

But I'm sick

Or else it won't be so desolate

Drink up!

Get some rest after you finish

Yes, I should do that

Get some rest...

Aiya...

Oh dear...

What have you done to me?

Xiao-da

Xiao-da

Xiao-da...

I cried to Heaven with no avail

If you're dead

Why tear down the curtain and break the lamp?

If you're dead

Why won't you close your eyes?

You died so suddenly

Leaving me so perturbed

You died so suddenly

What will happen to me?

Xiao-da...

you're so selfish

Who can I rely on?

Don't be too sad, Mrs. Ge

Xiao-da!

Mrs. Ge

Don't be so sad

Mind your health

Life is so unexpected

He was fine a few days ago

Yet he died so suddenly

It's his fault

for marrying such a pretty wife

She even found him such a good doctor

No wonder he's dead

What doctor? Who?

Who else?

Our new Ju-ren

Master Yang

Yang Nai-wu

No wonder he's dead

Don't accuse an innocent man

Master Yang is very kind

He diagnosed his illness

and paid for the funeral also

I don't buy it! Just think!

Who would be so nice?

Brother! You died a wrongful death!

Zu-de

Zu-de, bow to your brother

Blood!

Who are you?

How dare you strike the drum?

My name is Ge Zu-de

My brother died under suspicious circumstances

I seek the magistrate's help in finding the truth

Do you have a complaint?

Yes!

Any proof?

A blood-stained shirt

Sir, someone's at the door with a complaint

Get rid of him!

He struck the drum!

Such nerve!

Give him 40 strokes and throw him out!

It's a murder case, Sir!

Murder?

He has a complaint?

Yes

Any proof?

A blood-stained shirt

This is outrageous! Put it away

Yes

Send him to the parlor

Yes

Bring him in

Kneel!

Are you Ge Zu-de?

Yes, I am

Look up!

Yes

Who are you suing?

My brother died under suspicious circumstances

Please see that justice is served

Do you know who killed him?

I dare not say

Nonsense! If you don't know

How dare you strike the drum!

Give him 40 strokes

Wait! May I speak?

Hurry!

Ge Xiao-da's death

His wife has something to do with it

Please summon her for questioning

I'll bear the responsibility if these are false charges

Very well! Guards

Yes

Arrest Mrs. Ge

Yes

Take him away

Bring her back

Xiu-gu...

Why is there blood on his clothes?

I don't know

In my opinion

You and your lover

collaborated in Ge Xiao-da's murder

No

Don't deny it

Hurry up and confess

Who is your lover?

It's...

Speak up! Come on...

Yes

Prepare the stakes

Yes

What do you say?

I'll confess

Who is your lover?

It's...

Take her away

We'll resume tomorrow

Yes

Stop! You might as well beat me

Father, please help me

Go to hell

Don't worry, I'm here

He can't do anything to you

Come with me, turn yourself in

Mother!

Stop! Have you lost your mind?

You can turn yourself in

Leave my son alone!

This is rape and murder! What do you expect?

Don't be stupid

You're the magistrate

This is a small matter

What kind of a magistrate are you?

I'm only the county magistrate

Everyone is equal under the law

What about the Zhang murder last year?

And the Li murder this year?

You beat a confession out of the suspect

Now this is happening to your son

All of a sudden you have to go by the book?

It's because...

Money! He's your son

No one will pay you

Be reasonable!

Don't be stupid!

You're the magistrate

My family bought the title

You!

Who's there?

It's me, sir

I'm glad you're here

Let's go outside

After you

It's most unfortunate

You must help me

He's the magistrate's son

He deliberately broke the law

You're a man of great talent

You must have a plan

No...

But it's rape and murder. And there's proof...

Master Wang, as long as you can save my son

I'll give you $2,000

Look at the evidence

Not only is your son in danger

you're in trouble as well

I treat you well

This is an emergency

You should help us

It's tough...

If I can keep my position

I'll give you $1,000 more

What do you think?

There's no need, but...

I'll add another $1,000

I'll try my best

Let me think...

Young Master, since you like Xiao Bai-cai

You must know about her

Other than you

does she also entertain anyone else?

Yes

Who?

She's in love with Yang Nai-wu

Everyone in town knows about it

Yang Nai-wu?

Speaking of that asshole

3 years ago when he was a scholar

He used his pen

and gave me a good dressing down

I'll never forget that

You must help me get even

In return for the $4,000

I'm giving you 4 words

Which are?

Murder for the wife

Don't try to frame Master Yang

We already looked up clearly

On May 5th

He bought arsenic from Ai Ren Tang

to poison Ge Xiao-da

If word gets out

Yang Nai-wu will be in danger

Please save him

I'll die for him

Please leave him out of this

Saving him is easy

But you must do as I say

As long as we do not implicate Master Yang

I'll do anything

Get up

As long as you listen to me

Yang Nai-wu will be fine

And you won't need to go to jail

Master Yang and the magistrate

are sworn brothers

They are?

Yang Nai-wu just passed the exam

The Emperor has high regard for him

You name him in your testimony

You'll be fine

What? Name him?

Yes

How nice of you to drop by!

It's such a pleasure

Please sit down

Thank you!

You have summoned me

What can I do for you?

Nothing major

I heard you'll be leaving for the state exam

I have prepared dinner

to bid you farewell

You flatter me, sir

Not at all!

Please go to the parlor, sir!

I'm with a guest

Yes, sir

If you're busy

I'll take leave now

Well, no matter what

I need your help with something

Just tell me what it is

There's a murder in the county

I'd like you to sit in on it

and give me your advice

I have limited experience

I'm not qualified, so to say

Don't be shy!

Please sit down

-Please -Please

Please sit down!

No, after you

Please

I must learn from you

Did you see that?

They are good friends

Right

Listen to me. You name him, you'll both be fine

Don't let his effort

go waste

Guards

Yes

Bring the defendant!

Yes

Remember, do as I say!

Don't forget!

Magistrate!

Mrs. Ge, your husband was poisoned

A serious crime has been committed

Your testimony is decisive

Watch what you say!

Yes

Ge Zu-de came to me and accused you

of murdering your husband with your lover

How do you plead?

Guilty

Who is your lover?

It's Yang Nai-wu

Bullshit! Mr. Yang is a scholar

He can't be the adulterer and murderer

Mrs. Ge, watch what you say!

Master Yang

You claim he's your lover

What proof do you have?

I have his letter

Who diagnosed Ge Xiao-da's illness?

Yang Nai-wu

Where did you fill the prescription?

Ai Ren Tang

You...

Guards!

Yes

Take her away!

Yes

What is this all about?

Don't worry

We'll get to the bottom of this

Guards!

Yes

Bring me Qian Bao-sheng

Bring Qian Bao-sheng

Magistrate!

Qian Bao-sheng

Yes

Master Yang diagnosed Ge Xiao-da's illness

Was the prescription filled at your store?

I dare not lie, sir

Master Yang's prescription

was indeed filled at my shop

Master Yang also came by later

He went to your shop?

Yes, he came by

and bought 15 grams of arsenic

Arsenic? Do you have proof?

Here's our account book for your review

If you dare to lie

you'll be punished

I won't dare

When Master Yang came by that day

He said his house was infested with mice

And they have destroyed his books

So he needed arsenic to kill them

I never expected him to...

Nonsense!

Tell me, Qian Bao-sheng

When did I go to your store?

May...

What day?

May 5th

You have proof?

The account book

That's a trumped up charge

Stop!

Yang Nai-wu

How dare you!

You've a guilty conscience or you're denying the truth?

You believe unilateral testimony too easily

Obviously this is a setup!

As they say, women are evil

I have both evidence and witness

You call that unilateral testimony?

Liu Xi-tong, as the magistrate

you're using this to settle a personal grudge

I'm not a commoner

There's nothing you can do to me!

Stop! Yang Nai-wu, you can come

But you can't leave! Guards!

Yes

Arrest him!

Yes

I dare you

I play fair and square

Don't try to bully me

If word gets out

you'll be sorry

Nonsense! Arrest him!

Yes!

The court is in session

The court is in session

Bring Yang Nai-wu!

Bring Yang Nai-wu!

The defendant Yang Nai-wu

Wei Wu

Are you Yang Nai-wu?

Yes

Your scholarly honor has been revoked

You should kneel

No? Won't get on your knees?

You have committed adultery

Poisoned Ge Xiao-da in order to take his wife

We have conclusive evidence. What more can you say?

What proof do you have?

Your letter to Mrs. Ge

It's in black and white, don't try to deny it

I wrote that 4 years ago

We haven't even been socializing ever since

The letter alone cannot prove anything

In my opinion

You 2 had an adulterous affair

So you poisoned her husband

We were both single 4 years ago

We were very close

If I wanted

I could have married her then

Why would I wait 4 years

to murder her husband?

That's too much trouble

You are cunning. Let me ask you

You bought arsenic from Ai Ren Tang

How do you explain that?

That's purely fabricated

Do you still remember

when your wife suffered from malaria

I cured her

I remember

What do you think of my medical skill?

I admit you're quite brilliant

But how is that related to the case?

If you consider I'm a brilliant doctor

If I want someone dead

I can kill without a trace

Why would I be so stupid?

What do you mean?

Ge Xiao-da had a running fever

I can prescribe something calefacient

that could easily kill him

No matter how hard you try

You can't stick me

with a murder charge

Why would I need to buy arsenic?

Bastard

That's a lame argument

Mrs. Ge has already testified

Don't try to deny it

I have no quarrels with her

She would never try to frame me

Some unscrupulous bastard must have

put her up to this

in order to settle a personal grudge

How dare you insult me?

I was referring to an unscrupulous bastard

who tried to use this to settle a score

I didn't say it was you

Is it possible that

you were trying to do just that?

Bastard! Prepare the stakes!

Give him 40 strokes

Yes

Yang Nai-wu, will you confess?

Never!

Beat him!

Yes

He passed out!

Wake him up!

Yes

Let's see if you have a sharp tongue

Or whether my torture is more capable!

You better confess

That's easy

Let me confront Mrs. Ge in court

Then I'll testify

Very well! Bring Mrs. Ge

Yes, sir! Bring Mrs. Ge

Sir, Mrs. Ge is here

Wei Wu

Did Yang Nai-wu poison

your husband?

You better speak up

Yes

What more can you say?

Mrs. Ge

Master Yang

How have I treated you?

You have shown us great kindness

Then why are you framing me?

To save the life of your family

Tell me, who is your lover?

Shut up, Yang Nai-wu!

How dare you collude your testimony in court!

Bring the clamping rods

Yes

Magistrate, this is unfair

I know Yang Nai-wu is your enemy

I'll see to it that justice is done

Take Mrs. Ge away!

Yes

Master Yang...

Do it now

Master Yang...

Let him loose!

Yes

Sir, he passed out

Pour water on him

Yes

Magistrate, you care about your subjects

Why resort to such brutality?

Yang Nai-wu committed murder

We have conclusive evidence

yet he won't confess

I must torture him

What day did he kill Ge Xiao-da?

May 5th

He was with us in Hangzhou

We took a boat ride

How can he murder someone in Cang Qian?

You're lying

He was drinking with me on that day

How can he be in Hangzhou?

Yang Nai-wu was in Hangzhou

We can prove it

He was drinking with me

I can prove it too

Say no more, get the fire chain

Yes

Wait

Sir

If you beat a confession out of him today

When the truth comes out

I'm afraid you'll regret it

With my rank on the line,

I'll fight you

We'll see who wins

Guards! Throw them out!

Yes!

Damn it! Do it now!

Yes!

Get the fire chain

Yes!

Just and Fair

Sir, he passed out again

Pour water

Yes!

Master Yang, if you don't confess

he will stop at nothing

You better confess

Confess

Where there is life, there is hope

Confess!

I knew you'd give in

Let him sign the testimony

Yes

Deposition: Killing the husband for his wife 11:13:08:21 11:13:11:09 Taking his wife after her husband is killed

Please save him...

Let's discuss

Liu Xi-tong disregarded the law

and framed the innocent

He abused his power and resorted to torture

Damn him!

Master has suffered tremendously

He's injured all over his body

Chen De, he's seriously wounded

Hire a doctor

and go to jail with me to look after him

I will

Mrs. Yang, we have decided

to file a complaint

at the provincial magistrate of Hangzhou

That bastard Liu Xi-tong is a savage

We must fight him

I remember

Nai Wu has a sister

who lives in Beijing

Brother Yang has told me

Her name is Yang Shu-ying, isn't it?

Yes

Her husband is related to Minister Xia of Punishments

Ask her to contact Minister Xia

Maybe he can help

Good idea

Let's seek Minister Xia's help in the capital

and file a complaint at the provincial level

With help from both sides, there's hope

Let's proceed separately

Thank you

Don't mention it

Let's go

Master Wang is here!

Master

The Yangs filed a complaint at the provincial court

There'll be a new trial. What should we do?

Master

Think of a plan

Get out!

Yes!

Aren't you related to

Magistrate Bian Bao-xian?

He's a stubborn old fool

He has no consideration for relations

But money makes the world go round

Send him $10,000 taels of silver or so

It'll work

Money? Had I been willing to pay

I wouldn't need your help

Besides, if we keep going to trial

I'll go bankrupt

That's only a part of my strategy

As long as he takes your money

If Yang Nai-wu keeps appealing

Bian Bao-xian is in this together with you

He'll have to pay his way too

This is killing 2 birds with 1 stone

Nai Wu...

Madam!

-Nai Wu... -Madam...

Sir, the defendant Yang Nai-wu

Wei Wu

Are you Yang Nai-wu?

I am, sir!

You had an affair with Mrs. Ge

and you murdered her husband Ge Xiao-da

As a scholar

how can you defy the law?

What can you say for yourself?

This is a false accusation

Nonsense! If you didn't do it

Why did you confess at Yu Hang county?

I had no choice

I confessed under torture

Torture?

Yang Nai-wu

Did you go to Ai Ren Tang

to buy arsenic on May 5th?

I was in Hangzhou that day

You have any witness?

I can testify for Yang Nai-wu

I can also testify

He was in Hangzhou that day

He spent the festival with us

If you were really in Hangzhou

I can prove your innocence

Thank you, sir

Bring in Qian Bao-sheng

Yes

The magistrate summons Qian Bao-sheng

Qian Bao-sheng is here!

Wei Wu

Greetings, Magistrate

I kowtow to you

Are you Qian Bao-sheng?

That's correct

Qian as in money, Bao as in treasure

And Sheng as in to make money

I don't care, you fool!

Yes, sir

Tell me... On May 5th

Did Yang Nai-wu buy arsenic?

Yes, I personally wrapped it up for him

Arsenic is a poison

How can you sell it so casually?

If you came to buy it, sir

I would not sell it

But Yang Nai-Wu is a doctor,

I'm not a fairy

I didn't know his intention

was to kill someone with it

I promised I won't sell it to him again

Nonsense!

Yes, sir

It is your testimony that he bought arsenic from you?

Yes, he did

May I meet with a tragic death if I'm lying

That's not true

Shut up!

You murdered your lover's husband

Given the evidence against you, you must confess

Never!

You'll never talk without torture

Guards!

Yes

Bring the clamping rods

Bring the clamping rods

Tortured during interrogation

Mutilated beyond recognition

Injustice cannot be redressed

Such a wretched life

Who can help him appeal

and take care of the orphan?

I want my Father

Take me to my Father

Be good. You can't go

I want to see him

He'll be back

Chen De

You're home, Madam

Is that Min Er?

Min Er, she's your aunt

Say hello

Auntie

Good boy

My poor child!

You're too late

I should have come earlier

But my husband was sick

On her death bed

The young mistress told me

to ask you to help Master

Redress the injustice

Master is...being wronged

I know about Nai Wu

Minister Xia ordered the magistrates of Zhejiang

and 3 counties to hold a joint trial

With his help,

Nai Wu will be set free

After interrogation of over 10 trials

Master is mutilated beyond recognition

I don't understand

Why did Xiao Bai-cai

name Nai Wu in her testimony?

I don't understand either

This heartless woman

has ruined this family

I'd skin her alive if I could

There must be a reason

Where is Xiao Bai-cai?

In the provincial jail

Provincial jail?

I must go see her

To find out

I'll go with you

I want to ask this vicious woman

why did she hound Master to death

I can't tell you...

Then it's hopeless

He has endured the worst torture

How is he now?

Forget it

He was tortured at each trial

He's almost a cripple

Mutilated beyond recognition

Master Yang

He endured such disaster

His wife is dead

His son is now an orphan

Crying for his parents day and night

His mother is dead and his father in jail

Such a heartbreaking situation

Not that I don't want to help

I can't retract my testimony

I'll have to repay his benevolence in my next life

I'll do anything for him

Xiu-gu

If you want to save Nai Wu, it's not too late

It's not?

We can still do it

Zhejiang & 3 counties will hold a joint trial soon

We can still reverse the verdict

Really?

Yes!

I'll risk my life to save Master Yang

You're Nai Wu's life saver!

We can't thank you enough

We'll never forget your benevolence

Miss

You have done me a great favor

Nai Wu will always be indebted to you

Please don't say that

Min Er, you wanted to see your Father

Go to him

Min Er, say hello!

Poor Min Er!

Min Er...

Say hello, Min Er!

I'll sing to you again

I want to go home

Min Er, let me kiss you!

Come to me, Min Er

He isn't my Father. I want to go home!

He's your Father...

Take care, brother

The young scholar

Gets up early everyday

He studies hard to become an official

So he can provide for his parents

By order of the Magistrate, the court is in session

Wei Wu

Bring Yang Nai-wu

Bring Yang Nai-wu

Yang Nai-wu is here

Wei Wu

Are you Yang Nai-wu?

Greetings, Magistrate

You seduced Mrs. Ge

Murdered Ge Xiao-da, what say you?

I'm innocent

You bought arsenic

and committed murder. You can't deny it

I am innocent

Who is the murderer? Speak up!

I don't know

Summon Mrs. Ge

and you'll know the truth

Bring Mrs. Ge

Yes

By order of the Magistrate. Bring Mrs. Ge

Mrs. Ge is here

Wei Wu

Are you Mrs. Ge?

Yes I am

Mrs. Ge

How did your husband die?

I don't know

He bled from his apertures after taking the medicine

and dropped dead on the floor

Then someone must have laced the medicine with poison

Is that right?

Yes

Did Yang Nai-wu do this?

Did he commit murder for you?

Yang Nai-wu is innocent

What? If he's innocent

who is the killer?

The killer is...

Who is it? Speak up

I don't know

You don't know?

In Yu Hang county and Hangzhou

Why did you say it was Yang Nai-wu?

I was confused. I thought Yang Nai-wu was the killer,

but I was wrong

Someone else is the killer?

Yes!

Who?

I don't know, sir

Well...

Mrs. Ge, I understand now

Yang Nai-wu didn't kill for you

In my opinion

You 2 collaborated on this!

No!

We have conclusive evidence

How dare you deny it? Bring the clamping rods

By order of the Magistrate

Use the clamping rods on Mrs. Ge

Speak up! Did you collaborate with Yang Nai-wu?

Speak up!

I'm innocent

You're innocent? Do it now

Yes!

Sir

She passed out

Wake her

Yes

Speak!

Please stop! I'll talk

Let her go!

Yes

So it was Yang Nai-wu?

Isn't it?

No, I have another lover

If you have another lover

Tell us his name

Who's your lover?

I can't decide amidst this chaos

Yang Nai-wu is falsely accused

Telling the truth maybe a mistake

What if Liu Xi-tong makes another move?

What if these officials are in collaboration?

I'll implicate Qian Bao-sheng

Let him name Liu Zi-he

Speak up!

Qian Bao-sheng, owner of Ai Ren Tang

Qian Bao-sheng?

He's your lover?

Yes

When?

April 28th, 1874

He dropped by my house

He drugged and raped me

Did he kill your husband?

Yes

How?

I filled Xiao-da's prescription at his shop

He laced it with poison

Did you know about this?

No

When did you find out?

After my husband started bleeding

Do you hate Qian Bao-sheng?

Yes

Why?

He killed my husband

Why didn't you report him to the court?

He came to me

and begged me not to

Why did you frame Yang Nai-wu?

Qian Bao-sheng told me to do it

Take her away!

Yes

Bring Qian Bao-sheng

Yes

The Magistrate summons Qian Bao-sheng

Qian Bao-sheng is here

Wei Wu

You're Qian Bao-sheng of Ai Ren Tang?

Yes, that's me

and me alone

Nonsense! Raise your head!

Yes, sir

Do you know Yang Nai-wu?

Yes, I do

What about Ge Xiao-da?

The tofu man? Yes

We grew up together

And Mrs. Ge, a.k.a. Xiao Bai-cai?

Do you know her?

Yes

Have you been to their house?

Yes

How many times?

2 times...and a half

That's ridiculous

What do you mean by half?

Why were you there the first time?

That was 1862

I heard they bought a pretty child bride

So I went to take to look

And the second time?

When Ge Xiao-da got married

I was invited to the wedding

What about the half?

I passed by their house one day

I intended to look in on Xiao-da

The front door was half open

My leg crossed the threshold

I looked inside and I turned around and left

My other leg was still outside

That's why I count that as half

Why did you leave?

I saw Yang Nai-wu and Mrs. Ge

They were...

What?

Kissing... I was embarrassed

You're lying...

Quiet! Tell me, Qian Bao-sheng

Have you been there again?

No

On April 28th, 1874

Were you there?

No

No?

Then how did you commit adultery?

Adultery? I did not

Don't deny it

Mrs. Ge already admitted

You're her lover

That's not true!

No? Strap him

By order of the Magistrate

Strap Qian Bao-sheng to the clamping rods

Please have mercy, sir...

Speak!

That's wrong!

Do it now

Yes!

Qian Bao-sheng passed out

Wake him!

Yes!

Speak!

Yes, sir

Let him go

Yes!

Speak!

The murderer is Liu...

Qian Bao-sheng

Minister Kuai

Qian Bao-sheng is not the lover

He did not have an affair with Mrs. Ge

The real adulterer is Yang Nai-wu

Yang Nai-wu is the adulterer...

In my opinion

It can't be Qian Bao-sheng

I think Yang Nai-wu collaborated with Mrs. Ge

There's no mistake about it

Adultery and murder

Yang Nai-wu is the adulterer and murderer

Yang Nai-wu is the adulterer and murderer...

Hurry

Aunt

Hurry

You have a visitor

Sister

My heart goes to pieces when I see you

Even for a heart of steel

I have wasted my effort

Xiu-gu's testimony is useless

Don't waste your time

These officials colluded with each other

The law should protect the innocent

But the guilty often get off free

Please take care of Min Er

Bury me after my execution

Don't be too disheartened

I'll go to the Ministry of Punishment

It won't be easy, you must sleep on the nail board

You're just a woman

It'll be too much to bear

I'm not afraid, I must save you

I'd rather die than let this happen

Sir, the woman passed out

Remove the nail board and wake her

Yes!

Injustice...

Mrs. Ge

Is Yang Nai-wu the murderer?

Confess

Yang Nai-wu is innocent

He didn't commit murder

Why did you say it was him in Yu Hang county

My confession was extorted by torture

Who is the murderer?

Speak up!

I killed Xiao-da

I'm asking you again

Did you kill Ge Xiao-da?

Yes

Why?

He was ugly and poor

I can't bear such poverty

I always wanted him dead

Murder is a capital crime

Watch what you say

I understand

It was my own doing

Sir, I did it

I have no accomplice

No, I did it

Please punish me

There's evidence against me

Please punish me

Yang Nai-wu, Mrs. Ge

Your testimony is inconsistent

You must have collaborated on this

I'm upholding the original verdict

Tomorrow at noon

You'll both he executed. Court is adjourned

Congratulations, Yang Nai-wu

It's your lucky day tomorrow

Shave your head and take a bath

Bring Mrs. Ge

Mrs. Ge, move

Mrs. Ge

Our Magistrate has taken mercy on you

He has prepared a feast

Enjoy your last meal! Let's go

You can have a nice long talk

and some drink

Don't be shy. Let's go

A toast to you, Mrs. Ge

Here's to celebrate

our lucky day tomorrow

Lucky day?

Mrs. Ge

Lucky, because no more jail

No more torture

I can be reunited with my family in heaven

We can enjoy our time like the old days

The old days...

He's being sarcastic

He won't calm down

I feel ashamed

He has shown us great kindness

But I caused him great suffering

Master Yang,

I know right from wrong

All I can say is that

I'll repay you in the next life

This place is a living hell

Let's forget our troubles

Let's have a drink

We'll meet friends in a foreign place

We're not related

Let's forget our troubles

Let's drink up

Listening to the midnight gong

I'm disheartened

I'm like an abandoned flying goose

A lamb shot by an arrow

A dragon stranded in shallow waters

My plight similar to a blind fish biting the hook

What's all this talk?

I'm having to die because of you

Why didn't you tell the truth?

Because I was stupid

Now I suffer in silence

It's too late now

Given our current condition

you don't need to hide anything

Who killed Xiao-da?

Please tell me

So I can die in peace

Someone else killed him

Who?

At least speak up, who is it?

It's Liu Zi-he

Then who murdered the husband for his wife?

It was Liu Zi-he

And who came up with the false charges

to frame me?

Liu Zi-he

He's the culprit

Why didn't you speak up?

He said it was the only way to save me

In Hangzhou

You could have told the truth

He tried every effort to persecute me

I was afraid for your son too

What about the Zhejiang court?

Why didn't you say anything?

Officials collude with each other

I'd rather die than admit guilt

I wish I could reverse my testimony

and save you

These officials have no regard for the law

The guilty go free and the innocent executed

You're in luck, Yang Nai-wu

Yang Nai-wu

Thanks to Minister Xia's brilliant plan

We finally get to the truth, you're a free man

Hurry and thank him

Thank you, Ministers

I will never forget your kindness

Too late to regret

Yang Chang-jun, Qian You-lan,

Kuai Ru-xiang, Bian Bao-xian

Guilty of taking bribes and incriminating the innocent

Sentenced to exile

Liu Xi-tong connived his son's crime

Sentenced to exile

Wang Kui-sheng, sentenced to 10 years in jail for

framing the innocent

Liu Zi-he violated the law deliberately

Sentence to decapitation

Same for Qian Bao-sheng, accessory to murder

Mrs. Ge

Guilty of withholding information

And incriminating the innocent

Sentenced to decapitation

She was pardoned by the Empress Dowager

To quell objection from the court

Xiao Bai-cai sought redemption

And retired from the world