Original subtitles

Scholars attending school

The trio is like brothers

While most women stayed home

She dressed as a man and attended school

The scholar is a girl

This way, please!

After you!

After you!

-Mother! -Auntie!

Please come inside

Thank you

Zhuan-zhi, want to see me practice kung fu?

Right...where?

This way!

Jun-qing!

Mother?

Look at you, your friends are visiting

Invite them into the living room

Forget about your practice

It's alright! I wanted to watch him

What does he know!

It's just trifling skill

You'll only laugh at him

Zhuan-zhi kept calling me a sissy

Just like a girl

I must show him today

to shut him up

These are yours, Jun-qing?

No, they're my Father's

Someone like Jun-qing

can only handle small ones

Would you like to try?

Well...

If he can do it, so can you!

Come on!

Fine!

Well? Too heavy?

Yes!

Don't laugh, Jun-qing! Look at you...

If you don't believe me

I'll show you!

Jun-qing, this is not a joke!

Watch me, Brothers!

No wonder you're the son of a general

You're incredibly strong

for a sissy like you

Brothers

Mu-lan was in the army for 12 years

None of the soldiers knew she was a girl

You're not a girl, why compare yourself to her

I wouldn't dare

She earned merits for her bravery

Zhang Liang resembled a woman too

Xiang Yu became famous at 12

Even though he was small and weak

How can you measure the ocean?

A child can use the spear like a man

Courage is more important than one's build

Great! Jun-qing, you're quite an archer!

Excellent!

Zhuan-zhi, your fan!

Uncle, Auntie

Sorry, he scared you!

Father, Mother!

What do you say, Zhuan-zhi?

I'm speechless!

I knew it

Don't be a show-off!

You'll scare Zhuan-zhi

Serves him right for making fun of me

Jun-qing displayed his skill

It's an eye opening experience

for weak scholars like us

Indeed...

Not to mention Jun-qing is the youngest

Du Zi-zhong and Wei Zhuan-zhi are nice

I agree

If Fei-e marries either one

That'd be perfect

Yes, but we're a military family

We're not of equal standing

Father!

Mother!

I'm not getting married

I want to be with you

You must get married, dear

You can't stay home all your life

You're not getting any younger

Cross-dressing like this

is getting out of hand

Father, Mother!

I wish to take the state exam

with Zi-zhong and Zhuan-zhi

She can change our family status

Yes!

Nonsense! It's bad enough

you hang around them dressed as a man

Following them

all the way to the capital

is simply preposterous

Father!

Mu-lan is known throughout history

There's also Xun Guan-niang

I want to be the No. 1 scholar

like people before me

Your Mother has spoiled you

You have become unruly

Going to school is ridiculous enough

let alone being the No. 1 scholar

Don't blame me!

The court looks down on military officers

Fei-e can help change our status

Don't say that

Taking the state exam is a serious matter

If she's exposed

she'll be charged for treason

Well...

Don't forget Chou Jun that old bastard

We've been at odds

We had a fight over the bandits

in front of the prefecture chief

I know how you feel, Father

So much injustice in the world

Military officers protect the country

Why do civil officers have more respect?

Men and women are equal

Mu-lan and Guan-niang earned their merit

It's a waste to have aspirations

Fei-e, this is the law

I know

That's good!

Who do you prefer?

Du Zi-zhong or Wei Zhuan-zhi

I don't know

Why not?

I don't know

That's ridiculous!

You study with them

How can you not know?

That's right!

So who out of the two do you like?

Say something

I like them both

Both?

No! Neither one

Please help me, O' pigeon

Listen to me

Fly up in the sky

Ask Buddha to help me

Pigeons won't listen

I can't make up my mind

Let the arrow decide for me

I'll shoot it towards the school

I pray to Heaven for help

Let the arrow find my true love

between Zi-zhong and Zhuan-zhi

I'll marry whoever picks up the arrow

I'm sorry, pigeon

Please find me a match

On the wedding day

You'll be the matchmaker

Incredible archery!

I wonder who did this

Poor pigeon

Every arrow hits the target! Excellent

What's excellent?

What is it, Zi-zhong?

Look at this arrow

It's incredible!

What a show off!

I think it came from Jun-qing's house

You're early, Zi-zhong

What are you mumbling?

I found an arrow

He must be an excellent archer

He shot the pigeon in the neck

Who shot it?

I found it on the floor

Maybe it's Jun-qing

Jun-qing?

Look at the writing! What a brag!

Every arrow hits the target!

Master...

What is it, Du Ni?

There's a letter from your Father

Madam wants you to go home at once

What is it?

I don't know, I must go home

Please tell Jun-qing when he gets here

Run along!

Every arrow hits the target!

Fei-e's mark

I wonder who found the arrow

To see Zhuan-zhi holding the arrow

I can't help but blush

Jun-qing, come look at this

Look at what?

How do you rate yourself against this?

Me?

It shot the pigeon in the neck

How incredible!

Jun-qing

What?

Who do you think did this?

This...

I presume it came from an old general

But Fei-e must be a girl

Fei-e and I share the same desk

You're married? Why didn't you tell us?

Fei-e is my sister

Sister? I beg your pardon

She must be beautiful like you

Are you proposing?

If you'll help me, I shall be eternally grateful

I'll lend a hand

Are you serious?

Marriage is a serious matter

Then I must thank you

Don't thank me, thank the arrow

The arrow?

The arrow will be the token

Here's the pendant of my fan

I'll marry her when I get a post

The pendant will seal this marriage

This ought to be good news

Why do I feel so uneasy?

We're such good friends

Am I afraid of marriage?

Or do I love someone else?

Maybe this is a mismatch

I don't know what I want

Who do I love?

Miss...

What is it?

Du Zi...

What about your stomach?

No, it's Master Du

Where is he?

Downstairs! He's coming up

Look at you...

You can't go downstairs like that

Help me change...hurry!

I remove the headdress and take off the skirt

I put on a scholar's robe to welcome the guest

In a hurry I change into the boots

and don't know where to hide my shoes

Zi-zhong showed up suddenly

I received a letter from home

I want you to join me for the state exam

Oh, so that's why you're here?

Yes, what do you say?

Well...

Let's talk downstairs

What's wrong with staying here?

This is my bedroom

It's not the place to entertain

Don't be so punctilious

When I spoke to your Father

I asked him not so summon you downstairs

We're like brothers

It doesn't matter

If you don't mind

we can be more casual

That's good!

Your room is quite neatly decorated

Scholarly but also resembles a boudoir

You're kidding!

Please have a seat

Sure

No wonder Zhuan-zhi often teases you

Hey, you even know how to sew!

Of course not

This is...

Who's this?

My sister's

Your sister?

We're such good friends

I didn't know you have a sister

Yes, I do

What is this doing here?

This is strange

There must be an explanation for this

No...it's my sister's

She played chess with me last night

and left it behind

I see!

She played chess while she was sewing?

She must be very smart

You flatter her

Don't lie to me

About what?

She left these behind too?

Yes, she did

Zi-zhong, put them down

You'll get your hands dirty

Your sister is quite careless

She left bare-footed?

No wonder the screen is still down

at this time of day

Stop teasing me, my sister is silly

Let's play chess

Sure...

Zi-zhong

Jun-qing, you...

Me? What is it?

You're a...

I'm a...no, I'm not

Jun-qing

You're an experienced liar

When did I lie?

But a poor one

Here's the proof

What are you doing here?

Get out!

Yes!

I thought you're an honest fellow

Studying at home all the time

But you have a way with women

No wonder you're flushed with joy

Don't get me wrong!

Don't be shy! It's alright to be romantic

You got this wrong

She's my Mother's maid

Bad news, master

There are guards downstairs

They're about to arrest your Father

What's the meaning of this?

Does the prefecture chief have any proof

on my collusion with the bandits?

I wouldn't know anything about that

I'm just here on his order

Please come with us

Master!

You're arresting me?

I wouldn't dare! Please come with us

Father! Mother! What's going on?

What is it, Uncle?

This is a set-up!

Please speak to the chief in person

We must be on our way

Fine! He can't do anything to me!

Father...

Master!

Don't worry! I have done nothing wrong

I think the old bastard

Chou Jun can't harm me

Jun-qing, look after your Mother

Take care, Father

I'll do all I can to clear your name

Everyone knows you're an honest official

You have been framed

I'll make sure justice is served

Let's go!

-Father! -Master!

-Auntie! -Madam

-Mother... -Auntie!

-Auntie! -Mother...

Sir!

Mother

Zi-zhong!

You're reluctant to part

But you should be on your way

Go on ahead

Zhuan-zhi and I will catch up with you

Sure!

Farewell!

Don't worry! Take care of yourself

Father is in jail and Mother is ill,

I can't go with you

We'll say goodbye here

It's sad to leave you

Don't be disheartened! You can take the next exam

I'll wait for your good news

I'm in no position to take the exam

under the circumstances

Don't worry, heaven helps a good man

I'll help clear Uncle's name

Thank you

Jun-qing

I'm your Father's son-in-law

You don't have to thank me

We're like brothers

Can't you talk in front of me?

Zi-zhong

Don't get suspicious

I wish you success at the exam

It's my duty to clear your Father's name

Go home now and look after your Mother

Thank you for your concern

We must get going

Please take care

You too

Bye

Miss...

Wen Ying

You have a letter

From whom?

Wen Long said

it's from Master Wei

Hurry downstairs

Your Mother heard about the letter

She's coming up

Mother!

Fei-e, look at you

What's the good news?

Mother...

It's from Zhuan-zhi

What did he say?

Did he do well?

Yes, both of them did

Really! Great...did he say...

Shut up!

Yes, Madam

Did he mention

when he's coming back?

He writes that he's busy

He can't come back yet

Anything about your Father?

He said we'll talk when we meet

That's good!

I wish to go to the capital

and discuss Father's case

Well...

You're a girl

How can you go to the capital?

I'll be so worried

You should wait for their return

Mother

They're successful candidates

They must wait for their assignments

I should go there to help Father

A girl should never travel so far

I'll be fine if I dress up as a man

You can't go alone

Wen Long and his wife can come with me

I'll still worry about you

Let me come too, Miss

Stay out of this!

Mother!

Wen Long

Yes?

You've been with us for 30 years

Fei-e is our only child

She grew up around you

Yes

You must be very careful

Don't worry, Madam

For as long as I'm alive

I won't let anything happen to her

I'm entrusting her to you

Yes

Mother!

Gao Sheng Inn

Still up?

Just a while back I had some wine

Is my Master asleep?

Not yet. He just ordered a pot of tea

Master!

You're still up?

I'm going to bed and you should too

We have a long way to go tomorrow

Alright! Go ahead

Wake up...

You...

The burglar abducted your mistress

I'll go after her now

Miss...

I'm fine, you all may go

Get out!

Who is it?

Come back!

Help!

Who dares ruin my fun!

Sir...

Get dressed, we have to go!

But...

Here...let me help you!

No, mind your manners, sir

Then hurry up!

Don't move!

Come back!

Miss...

It's me! I killed the bandits

Open the door, let's go

Hurry!

Hurry!

If they come again, I can't help you

They're coming again?

Look at you!

I'm saying "if"

Let's go, Miss

Sir...

What is it?

You're not from around here?

May I have your name?

It's Wen. I'm passing through

Why did you save me, Master Wen?

We'll talk about that later, let's go

If you don't explain yourself

I can't go with you

I'm a scholar on the road

I was still up last night

The burglar broke in and I came after you

Thanks for your help

Please get up

I thank him for saving my life

I could feel his touch when he helped me up

He's so young and handsome

It seems I have fallen for him

Don't hesitate anymore, we must go!

We're in the mountains

I can't walk that far

I'll carry you home

Thanks, but...

My clothes are torn

We must conduct ourselves properly

If you carry me home, I can't face my parents

But...

Sir...

I have an idea

What?

We'll stay here for the night

We can't

Why not?

I'll take you home in the morning

We can't share the same room

Well...

It doesn't matter, you and I are...

You're saying...

I mean...

I mean...

My name is Jing Fu-chun

Thanks for saving my life

If you don't mind, I'll marry you

No, you can't!

If you turn me down

I'd rather die

Miss...

Be patient

Marriage is not to be taken lightly

We'll spend the night here

and work out the rest tomorrow

Where will you sleep?

I'll stand guard outside

I'm eternally grateful

for your gallantry

Please get up...

You'll sleep here

I'll go outside

Can't believe a scholar like him

has such skill

It must be our luck

Otherwise...

Father

Last night Master Wen and I...

Right...I know

I'll speak to him

Hurry...

Father!

You have no shame!

Mother!

You didn't sleep last night

Go get some rest

I'm not tired

What can I say?

Fu-chun is my only child

and she's presentable

I'd like for you to get married

No...I can't

Marriage is a serious matter

I'm a transient and dare not be impetuous

I appreciate your kindness

Why are you making excuses, is it because...

I'm not making excuses, it's...

Very well

It's settled then

This card details her birthday

I'll pick an auspicious date

for your engagement

After you tell you parents

you can get married

I really can't...

Why not?

Shall I speak to your parents?

It's not that...

Say no more

Or it'll be too humiliating

in case people think

nobody wants to marry my daughter

Please don't be upset, it's because...

Because what?

Because...I'm already engaged

What?

I already told Miss Jing last night

I wouldn't lie

Well...

This really stands to my daughter's misfortune

Excuse me!

You are...

Please sit down!

More wine!

Sure!

You...

Your young master saved my daughter's life

Hello, Master Jing

Can I help you?

I want to find out something...

What is it?

I heard your master is engaged

Who's the lucky lady?

Engaged?

Who's his fiancee?

No, he's not

He's not engaged?

No!

Drink up...

Uncle Jing

You're too young

to be such an experienced liar

I'm not lying, sir

Listen to me

Your butler told me

you're not engaged

Now you have no reason to reject me

Wen Long is such a fool

No, he's not

He's happy to see you get engaged

This match is in your destiny

You're now my son-in-law

This is too awkward

She's at a loss

She's happy about the engagement

She's worried sick about it

2 women cannot get married

Why the long face?

What's on your mind?

If you're worried about the betrothal gift

The fan is good enough

You're lost in your thoughts

Something bothering you?

I don't have anything on me

This will be the makeshift betrothal gift

After I speak to my parents

We can get married

Please tell your butler to pack up

You can stay with us

Please!

Wine and dine they have a toast

A toast for the farewell

Zhuan-zhi returned home to save Uncle

I'm eternally grateful for your help

Please have another drink

I'll get drunk

We have been apart

Now we're reunited, it's alright to get drunk?

I'm afraid...

My master doesn't drink

and now...

Zhuan-zhi already went back

Uncle should be safe

You should drink up

I really can't...

I get drunk too easily

Finish one glass and get some rest

Well...

Come on!

Zhuan-zhi is so impatient

Why did he rush home?

He's anxious about your Father's case

I was detained

Or else I too would have left with him

You must be tired, get some rest

We're leaving early tomorrow

Thank you

After you!

What is it?

I'll sleep in another room

We're like brothers

We should sleep together

What? I can't!

Why not?

Of course not, our master...

Before you arrived

That's how Zhuan-zhi and I slept

But I'm different

What's with you today?

We have always been close

What's different now?

It's just not the same

That's odd!

Tell me about it

Well...

Stop this nonsense, come on...

I...

You can't do this, Master Du...

Don't worry!

You must be exhausted

Du Ni, take the old butler to the back

I'll show you the way

No, Master Du! Let go of me...

Master Du...let go!

Listen to me

What?

I'm used to sleeping alone

I can't sleep with anyone

Even after you get married

you won't sleep with your wife?

Don't get formal with me

No, don't get me wrong...

There's no other room

Get some rest

Put your hat over there

Why don't you get changed?

It'll will get in the way

Why?

We can't talk with this thing in the middle

I'm tired

We'll talk tomorrow

They're asleep

What are you doing here? Go to sleep...

No, you go ahead

Jun-qing...

He fell asleep right away

He didn't even take off his hat!

Wake up

Wake up...

Sir?

What are you doing here?

I want to wake them up

so we can get on the road

No!

Master hates it when people wake him

Let's go...

Jun-qing looks like a woman in his sleep

The loose soft hair

The slender fingers

The charming look

So Jun-qing is a girl!

No wonder she's acting strange

The bedroom resembles a boudoir

I must not be frivolous

We slept in the same bed

So as not to raise suspicion

I won't say a word

and watch her reaction

We ride on horseback in the light wind

One observes the other on purpose

while the other is caught off-guard

The mandarin ducks in the water are like us

Mandarin ducks?

Look closer, there's a pair in the water

The male is laughing at you

for dressing up as a man

You're being ridiculous

We're like brothers

Why do you call me a sissy?

You are indeed a woman!

Then so are you!

I'll marry you if I'm a woman

Will you do the same?

What's the matter with you?

You defended me when Zhuan-zhi teased me

But today...

Alright, let's move on

Let's take a rest

The mountain God resides in the temple

You're funny

Who else would live here?

Who is the mountain God?

I see

A bachelor is carefree

But who makes his bed?

What's the use of having a wife?

For companionship and to carry on the family name

You'll need a woman for that

Someone charming and pretty like you?

Dear brother, oh no...dear sister

Why did you play this trick on me?

That was not my intention

I'm the only child

I used to cross-dress just to amuse my parents

Now I know you're a girl, I'd like to propose

I thank you for your love

but my marriage is destined

I'm already engaged

I see

Who's the lucky fellow?

Destiny has a hand

It's not something I can change

Whoever found the arrow is the one

Who is that?

It's Zhuan-zhi

Oh him? We three classmates are such old friends

Why are you partial to him?

I object

Please don't blame me

I let the arrow decide for me

What?

Zhuan-zhi found my arrow

You're wrong!

What do you mean?

That arrow was actually picked up by me

I showed it to him later

But when I arrived...

I left because I was summoned home

Really?

Of course!

So your agreement with Zhuan-zhi doesn't count

But...

Okay tell me, what have I shot with the arrow?

A pigeon

Where?

On the neck

Any markings on the arrow?

Every arrow hits the target

Am I right?

Wrong...

Oh no...

The arrow marriage is strewn with setbacks

A destined marriage cannot go wrong

Miss Jing followed them home

How to settle this mess?

That's ridiculous!

What?

Please have a seat!

No! This is ridiculous!

Why are you so upset?

Have we offended you?

Ask your son

What did he do?

Tell me

Me and my wife came here with our daughter

What's the reason?

For...

I see!

Please have a seat!

What's going on?

I don't know!

I'm waiting for an answer

Please don't be angry

Your daughter came here to get married

Does she have second thoughts?

Not her! It's Jun-qing

What about Jun-qing?

He's breaking off the engagement

What?

Yes, I must break it off

You...

Fu-chun

I come from an esteemed family

and have not done anything immoral

Your behavior is despicable

I will not let you break the engagement

Please don't be angry. I'm not reneging

If you're not reneging

why must you break the engagement?

I already told you I'm engaged

But you didn't believe me

So I had to agree

Are you serious?

Of course!

I'm not giving in

No way!

Mother!

This is terrible, Master Wen

Please listen to me

No!

It wasn't my intention to lie

But I am...

You are what?

I am a girl

How can you say that?

I don't believe you

I'll press charges if you insist

If you won't believe me

I'll show you!

Jun-qing is Fei-e?

Of course they can't get married

No wonder he gave me the runaround

My daughter told me

You forced his hand

I didn't know he was a girl

Your son is now your daughter

But what about my daughter then?

About her marriage

I'd like to make a proposal

For who?

An outstanding scholar

with official rank

Congratulations!

For what?

You're named in the exam and have been offered a post

Now you're getting married

I should congratulate you

How did you know?

Uncle Wen proposed to Miss Jing on your behalf

Didn't you know?

Yes, but not for me

If it's not for you

You're saying it's for me?

Exactly!

Zi-zhong

You're such a fool

What?

Me and Jun-qing...

No, me and Fei-e are engaged

Zhuan-zhi, Fei-e is engaged to Zi-zhong

No, the arrow is our proof

Zhuan-zhi, I found the arrow

But I gave her my pendant

as a betrothal gift

She gave your pendant

to Miss Jing

Well...

About your pendant

Fei-e gave that to Miss Jing

I see

This can't be!

Jun-qing got me engaged?

I change back into my dress

For 12 years I cross-dressed for my parents

Now I can be a girl again

Look, Jun-qing is Fei-e

Do you believe me now?

I don't care, I'm not marrying anyone else

Oh really?

I must marry you

Fu-chun

How is that possible?

You brought it upon yourself!

Please forgive me

What about me?

I'll find you a good match

Who?

No way!

Hey, just take a look, you'll like him

No!

I'll show you

I won't look

You won't consider it?

No!

Serves me right for being nosy! Goodbye!

Wait!

Well? Will you consider?

No!

Don't be stubborn, I'll show you

Come!

Miss Wen, how can you...

Right! How foolish of me

I'll bring him to you

I'll settle this with Jun-qing

Zhuan-zhi...

Zhuan-zhi!

What is it?

Says he's got a score to settle with you

That's easy! We'll do that later

Now you must come with me

Come on, Zi-zhong

What is it?

I don't know!

Well?

Are we even now?

I don't know!

A pair of candles

2 pairs of lovers

2 sets of parents

2 pairs of lovers

A perfect match