Original subtitles

Countless stars in the sky

Numerous flowers on earth

Plenty of folk tales to be told

Abundant folk songs from the tea mountain

Hey...!

Tea mountain has the most folk songs

The girls sing like a lark

The lark sings while flowers bloom

Spreading all over Jiang Nan

The lark sings while flowers bloom

Spreading all over Jiang Nan

Sing a song to the mountain

Tea shrubs flourishing along the hill

Tea leaves filling basket after basket

Tea leaves filling hamper after hamper

Tea leaves filling basket after basket

Tea leaves filling hamper after hamper

Sing a song to the fields

Wheat seedling swaying like waves

The herd is healthy and strong

Delighted with the abundant harvest

Singing along joyously

Turning soil into gold

Voices circling around the mountains

Making the river laugh

Ladies, don't brag

Hey...hey...yo

I can sing as well as you

Hey...hey...yo

You sing to the mountains, I sing to the water

You sing to the mountains, I sing to the water

Fishermen, you have no shame!

Hey...hey...yo

Your songs cannot compare with ours

Hey...hey...yo

All birds respond to my singing, even the phoenix

All birds respond to my singing, even the phoenix

Your songs cannot compare with ours

Hey...hey...yo

The waves respond to my singing

Hey...hey...yo

Marine animals will listen, even the Dragon King

Marine animals will listen, even the Dragon King

Such a brag!

They have no shame!

Yu Lan, tell them off! Do it!

Dragon King doesn't like fishermen

Hey...hey...yo

You'll never catch anything

Hey...hey...yo

No wonder fishermen are poor

No wonder the fishermen are poor

They're making fun of us!

Chun Yang, think of a rebuttal!

Alright! Watch me!

Fishermen are poor but brave

Hey...hey...yo

Not like you fussing over a dowry

Hey...hey...yo

Picking tea leaves in the sun, worrying about marriage

Picking tea leaves in the sun, worrying about marriage

How dare they say that!

Let's go!

Don't mind those garrulous idiots!

Leaving? I dare you to stay!

You must sing a song after another

Like you weave shuttle after shuttle

If you can't sing one song after another

Marry me and learn for 3 years

Learn for 3 years...

Marry me and learn for 3 years

Throwing silk balls?

Let's go!

Go!

Don't be so smug, brother!

Yu Lan will not speak to you again!

Say no more!

Damn! Yu Lan is mad at me!

Don't worry! Same as always...

Speak to her father

Ask him to put in a good word for you

3 months from March 3

The larks are singing

Chirping away in the mountains

I'm the only old man who can sing

Uncle Song

Uncle...

What's the matter, Yang Chun?

I brought you a fish

Save it for yourself

Please help yourself to it!

Let me carry that for you!

No...

It's alright! Let's go!

Yu Lan

Father

What are you doing here?

I'm...

Yun Lan...

Uncle

She's spoiled

Did you have a fight again?

Just over something trivial

Let's go inside

Yes

Come!

Why did you close the door, Yu Lan?

I better not go inside

I have to get back to the river. Bye!

Alright!

Don't worry! She'll get over it!

Thank you

All quiet on the river

The song bird has been quiet

A quiet song bird loses its radiance

Like a cloudy sky

Li Chun Yang is singing again!

Yu Lan, sing along with him

Shut up!

I'll go get him! Hey...

You nosy brat!

Here he is! Yu Lan..

Stop staring! Go after her!

Sing along while the leaves dance in the wind

The leaves fall on the hillside

You wait for me longingly

Run along, you heartless man

Pine trees on the mountain are strong

No response from the flowers

We should learn from the evergreen

And not from prickly ash

Running along the hill

A pair of larks singing

A pair of singing larks

I thought you are calling for me

You have no shame!

Who is your sweetheart?

I have nothing to do with you

Banyan trees have only one root

Melons have only one vine

We are very close

Closer than siblings

Banyan trees don't share the same root

Melons don't share the same vine

If we're close you should not tease me

Plum trees in the sea

Can withstand the waves

Strong roots withstand the gossip

You and I don't have strong ties

I'm sorry, alright? I apologize!

Please smile, alright?

Yu Lan...

Clouds chasing the clouds

Birds chasing the birds

What are young men chasing?

Chasing your sweethearts

String beans are connected

Silk balls are connected

There are many other girls

Please leave me alone

I choose the phoenix among all birds

I choose peony among all flowers

I'm not interested in other girls

You're the only one I want

You can't beat the drum with one stick

Drops of water don't make a river

If I don't love you

You should stop your futile effort

Test the water with bamboo

The water is not as deep as your feelings

Plum trees bloom quietly

You love me secretly

Nonsense!

The old tree provides shade

A nightingale on the old tree

Nodding its head in agreement

Urging you to marry me

You're lying! I didn't hear it!

Wisteria yields dangling flowers

Butterflies are attracted by flowers

Butterflies and flowers

are destined to be together

That's none of my business!

The Seventh Maiden from Heaven

married Dong Yong

Even fairies fall in love

Is your heart made of steel?

So what if it is?

Pluck a flower and throw it away

To test your heart

If you love me pick it up

If you don't...

What then?

...stomp it with your feet!

You can't grow flowers in stone

You can't grow melons in rotten soil

If you do not love me

Sing a song and go home

Chun Yang...

Let me...

Yu Lan, you can't reject me this time!

You're too cunning!

I know about your feelings for me

Spider spins a web

Silk is unbreakable

I know about your feelings for me

Hawking lotus roots on the streets

Lingering fibers cannot be severed

We know how we feel about each other

Fish in love stay together

Flowers in love share one stalk

Bird in love fly side by side

People in love...

Well?

...they get married!

Over here!

Gotcha!

I'm not playing again

Let me help you...

One, two, three...

I am here

Yu Lan, we're leaving!

What's your name, miss?

It's none of your business!

Where do you live?

I live at home

Hurry!

Go!

What do you want?

I heard you can sing

I'm here for antiphonal singing

I heard singing is the matchmaker

I'm here to propose

If you agree

We'll send the bridal sedan chair for you

You appear to be a scholar

Yet you are full of lies

You take liberties with women folk

Wait till I summon the local authorities

Calm down! Don't reproach me!

I'm not afraid of the local authorities

The King is my brother-in-law

His father-in-law is my father

His name is Hu San Bao

Everyone knows about him

He's not afraid of local authorities

Even the King himself leaves him alone

Quick! After her!

The matchmaker is waiting for you

Any progress?

Almost done

Fu, go tell the others

I'll be with them shortly

Yes!

Go!

This way, please!

Er Niang

The young master expects good news

If he tips you, you must...

Of course...don't worry!

Er Niang, meet the young master

Greetings, young master!

Get up!

About the matter I've entrusted you with

How is it?

As soon as Mr. Ding told me

I looked into it right away

Well?

I've found the girl, you have good taste!

The girl in the white outfit

is a famous tea picker in our village

Her name is Song Yu Lan

Song Yu Lan? Nice name

She's pretty too!

If you wish

I will speak to her father. It'll be a cinch

Get me 50 taels of silver

Er Niang, this is for you

There'll be more when this is done

Thank you, sir!

Pomegranates blooming in May

Accompanying each other in the sewing shed

I love to sit in the shade

I love to sit by the river

I sew a god of longevity

as a gift for my father

I sew lotus with leaves and roots

as a gift for my mother

I sew a pair of mandarin ducks

as my brother's wedding gift

Yu Lan is quiet today

Busy sewing a wallet

Using gold and silver threads

to sew a pair of love birds

The gold bird soars high in the sky

The silver bird follows behind

Such a pair of love birds in the sky

Love birds in the sky

The gold bird is Chun Yang

Chun Yang...

The silver bird is...

What?

Yu Lan

Yu Lan is angry

Upsetting Yu Lan

Chun Yang won't allow that

The red sun rises

White cranes along the river

love the clear water

I love my sweetheart

I'll look for him along the river

Water merges with the horizon

If you love me let me know

Don't be like a kite with a broken string

A kite with iron string will not break

True love stays firm and true

Since I saw you the other day

I've been dreaming about you

Whose house has collapsed?

Whose gong has broken?

The river is overflowing

out comes a great big toad

The river is overflowing

out comes a great big toad

You have such a lovely voice

The sound of your reproach is wonderful

If you'll marry me

I don't mind being a toad

Herbaceous peony goes with peony

Like lily goes with camellia

This is not a crow's nest

The infatuated toad should leave

This is not a crow's nest

The infatuated toad should leave

So what if I'm infatuated?

If you're a rabbit, I'm the eagle

You can hide in your hole

I'll peck on your soul

We'll see what you can do

Go!

Chun Yang! Chun Yang...

Why won't you talk to me?

What is it? Say something!

He's rich and influential

You think I'll fall for him?

Maybe not now, but who knows?

If you don't believe me

Let's get engaged!

Really? I've been waiting for you to say this!

Damn, so you're here just to arouse me, huh !

I'll never speak to you again!

Yu Lan!

Yu Lan!

I'm sorry

Shame on you!

My mom has checked the almanac

May 15 is a lucky day

If your father agrees...

we'll send the betrothal gifts tomorrow

What would you like? Tell me!

10 taels of gold and 10 taels of silver

A banquet of 100 tables for the villagers

A gigantic fruit plate hoisted by 8

A Chinese band to escort the gifts

You want all that?

We're getting engaged

We must do everything properly

Alright, I'll give you everything you want

How?

I'll sell the fishing boat

and the 2 acres of land

Use the cottages as collateral

and borrow from the creditors

I don't want gold and silver

As long as your love is true

2 tails of fish for good luck

3 jugs of rice wine for the neighbors

I thank you for your consideration

When shall we set the date?

Don't bother picking another date

May 15 will do

I'll bring the gifts on May 15

When is the wedding day?

When should I send the bridal sedan chair?

What time is the ceremony?

Don't rush into anything

We'll save the best for last

If you want the flower, you don't mind the thorns

Let's wait another year

Even though one year is not long

Waiting is unbearable

Let's get married on Mid-Autumn's Festival

We'll be united when the moon is full

What's your hurry?

I can't wait! Just say yes!

No!

You've changed your mind then, is it?

Yu Lan...

Empress Tian Hou as my witness

Chun Yang and I make a pledge

We'll get engaged on May 15

and get married on August 15

Let's hope for eternal love

and we'll never part

We'll grow old together

Even our souls will not part after death

We'll be flowers of the same root

We'll be birds flying wing to wing

We'll be birds flying wing to wing

The silk ribbons will tie us together

Hard to tie but even harder to untie

Do not untie once it's tied

Until we grow old

Until we grow old

Mr. Song

Who is it?

It's me!

Er Niang, what brings you here?

I come to talk to you

Please come in

Yes

Have a seat

Yes

Have some tea

Thank you

How's business?

Getting more and more difficult

So...

Is Yu Lan home?

She went out

She stays out all the time

Don't know where she is !

Young people are like that

Yu Lan is comparatively a good child

Did you want something with Yu Lan?

Not really

I'm here to congratulate you

You're here to play cupid?

Wait till I tell you the name

You'll be too happy for words!

Tell me which family

The King's brother-in-law Hu San Bao

Him?

Well? About this marriage...

you won't find another one like this!

I dare not aspire to such a match

What? They're most willing and sincere

How can you say no?

Say no more. I will not agree to this

You better think twice

He's rich and influential

If Yu Lan marries him

It'll be one step to heaven

Think of all the riches and comfort

Phew !

My daughter does not covet wealth

Even so

You should think for yourself

Er Niang

Yu Lan, I'm here as your matchmaker

Thanks for your kindness

Not only my father objects

Even I will never agree to it

You see

I told you she isn't after wealth

I'm telling you

Master Hu has set his eyes on you

I'm just here to inform you

If you agree, it's a win-win situation

Otherwise

All they need is one word to the magistrate

What about it?

He can't force me to marry off my daughter

Of course not

but with his influence

He just needs a tiny excuse

and you'll get into deep trouble

Er Niang, I'll agree on one condition

Yu Lan...

If he agrees to my condition

What is it?

We'll follow customs...

You want him to...

Yes, match me in antiphonal singing

Match her singing?

That's suicidal!

You speak to him

Don't worry! You're an educated scholar

You'll beat her for sure

What do you think?

Well...

In my opinion, antiphonal singing

is not very difficult

After all it's just common language

What if I can't match her?

That'll be public humiliation!

Don't worry!

We can...

Very well!

Let's do that!

I'll let you take care of things!

Yes...

Song

Sing...

We gather here today

Everyone coming from near and far

The elders feel free to comment

Don't be cocky!

You'll beg for mercy before we start

You should never have agreed

Now you can't get away

Without good seeds, there'll be no harvest

I dare you to come on stage

I will take up the challenge

and compete with you

Sir, please allow me...

I'll take you on first

I've been doing this for generations

My father is the king of antiphonal singing

My mother is the queen

Very well!

King and queen of antiphonal singing

Produced a son like you

Acting like a clown on stage

Bragging and fawning

What a shrew!

Don't worry!

We'll beat them for sure

The lady on the stage

I will match your antiphonal singing

Tell us your name

and where are you from

La..la..la...

La..la..la...

My name is Zhang

I'm from Zhen Jiang

I have money to spare at home

I just need a wife to make my clothes

Will you marry me?

With Master Zhang's appearance

No wonder you need someone to make your clothes

Measure you with a ruler

You're but only 1 foot tall!

Let everyone be the judge

Do we make a good match?

Not a good match! La...la...la

Not a good match! La...la...la

My name is Tang

Tang Ming Huang is my ancestor

Tang Seng is my great great grandfather

I come from a famous family

You have lots to gain if you marry me

Tang Seng never resumed secular life

Ming Huang's last name should be Li

A liar loses his hair

No wonder you are bald

Let everybody be my judge

Is it right for me to marry him?

My name is Huang

Guess what my trade is

I rest while the poultry runs

I've been around everywhere

I would like to marry you

I bet you're from outside the Great Wall

I bet you're a merchant

I bet you lead the herd of camels

Your hunchback is your signature

You look nothing like a groom

Choosing a husband like this is a joke

Only a baldy or a hunchback

You should marry me instead

I'm handsome and I can sing

The master is of good character

Like the phoenix among the birds

His background is outstanding

He comes from royalty

If you reject him

Who else can you marry except the King?

Antiphonal singing should be one on one

But you need hired help

Everyone says he's a good choice

Let everyone be the judge

He's good indeed

They say he's like a dragon

I say he's a worm

They say he's a gifted scholar

I say he's an idiot

They say he's affectionate

I say he's a womanizer

They say he's from a distinguished family

I say he's a bully

He has only one merit

With all that fat on him

Find him a pig

and it'll be the perfect match

This is outrageous!

Don't mind her

They're ignorant commoners

You...go ahead and show them!

Yes!

Don't be cocky you sassy girl!

I'll teach you a lesson

Do you know who rules the land?

Do you know the law?

Reason rules the land

Reason rules

Even the King abides by the law

Abides by the law

Nephew in the right beats the uncle

The same goes for commoners and officials

You are rebellious!

Master, judging from the situation

Let's alert the local authorities!

We'll have these sassy girls arrested

Nonsense! I want a wife!

Keep singing!

Yes!

Which flower blooms face to face?

Which flower brings a smiling face?

Which flower appears on the desk?

Which flower glows in a flash?

Flower of the same root blooms face to face

Lucky snuff brings a smiling face

Ingenious writing appears on the desk

Fireworks glow in a flash

She's not bad!

Moron...do something!

Yes!

I got it!

What is born pursed and flat?

What is born round?

What is born light?

What is born pointed?

Your lips are pursed and flat

Pursed and flat

Mr. Hu's belly is round and round

Round and round

Butler's bones are light

The governor's head is pointed

Butler's bones are light

The governor's head is pointed

What's so funny?

Yu Lan is a great singer, hey...yo

Quick witted and sings well, hey...yo

No one can match her wits

No one can win this contest

No one can win this contest

There will always be a higher mountain

or a stronger opponent

When I sing

It'll enrage the young lady

Here comes a young lad

holding an oar in his hand

Are you here for the contest?

I have a sweetheart

We're to get married in August

Unexpectedly she wants a contest

I do not inquire about the past

I'll join the contest to get a wife

A good song will find its match

Sing...

Let's set the terms

If I beat you in antiphonal singing

I'll marry you

What if I beat you?

I'll be your mother's son

Sing along! Sing along!

Let's compare our knowledge

What's long enough to reach the sky?

What's long in the water?

What's long on the street?

What's long in front of you?

The galaxy is long enough to reach the sky

Lotus root is long in the water

Rice noodles are long on the street

Silk thread is long in front of you

What's round in the sky?

What's round in the water?

What's round on the street?

What's round in front of me?

The moon is round in the sky

Lotus leaf is round in the water

Rice balls are round on the street

The mirror is round in front of you

What's tall in the sky?

What's tall in the water?

What's tall on the street?

What's tall in front of you?

The mountain is tall in the sky

The boat is tall in the water

Bamboo poles are tall on the street

What's tall in front of you?

The groom

The groom is tall in front of you

Here they come!

Be careful! Don't mess it up!

Yes!

Go!

What are you doing? Help!

Help!

Congratulations...

So kind of you!

Just a little something

Please have a seat over there

Bring that in...

You're early!

There you are!

Sit...

Where's Uncle Song?

Here he comes!

It's almost time!

Where's the bridal sedan chair?

Help!

What's the matter?

My brother's been kidnapped!

What?

By who?

When we reached the village

Some men stopped us

They took my brother away!

Really? Let's go see!

Yu Lan...

Sign here and break off the engagement

These 300 taels of silver will be yours

Come on!

You're dreaming!

What?

Can't even buy you a wife with money?

You're a bunch of bullies

Money can't buy you everything!

Why don't you gather your sisters

and sell them too?

Shut up! You don't know what's good for you!

Hu San Bao, don't push me too far!

Or else...

What can you do to me?

I'll kill you!

Help!

Let go of me!

How are you, sir?

Get over there and help!

That...

Go!

Yes!

Let go of me! I'll kill you!

Let go...

He's dead!

Throw him out!

What is this?

Just and honest

Please mediate on my behalf

This is outrageous!

Holding someone hostage under my jurisdiction!

Who is the perpetrator? I will punish him

He is...

Who is it?

Don't falter

Just tell it like it is!

It's Hu San Bao

How dare he!

Guards!

Yes, sir!

Bring in Hu San Bao for questioning

Wait!

Which Hu San Bao are you accusing?

The King's brother-in-law

Please mediate on my behalf

Guards!

Yes, sir!

Court is adjourned!

Adjourned?

Sir!

Damn it! This is ridiculous!

Hu San Bao is defying the law

As soon as the magistrate hears his name

He's terrified like a mouse

What shall we do now?

Let's go find Hu San Bao

Yes!

What if he won't set him free?

We'll search his house!

Yes...

Yu Lan, don't cry!

Yu Lan!

She ran off!

It's getting dark

Wild beasts are loose

Crows are set free

Yu Huang temple has been burnt

The green hills have submerged

Truth has been ignored

The sun and moon are hidden

Miss, you're full of resentment

Have you been wronged?

That's none of your business!

Please tell me

Perhaps I can redress your injustice

If I tell you

you'll just be too scared

I'm honest and upright

As long as it's within reason

I'll do all I can to help you

Innocence is nothing

Honesty is worthless

How brave are you?

How many heads do you have?

Lambs are no match for tigers

Eggs are no match for stones

So your enemy is rich and influential

He's royalty

He's related to the King

His father is a top official

His sister is the Queen

You mean San Bao?

It's me!

Damn you

How dare you make fun of me?

I'll spank you if I catch you!

Go!

What's this racket about?

We want to see Hu San Bao

What for?

Ask him to release Li Chun Yang

Nonsense!

Master Hu is not his keeper

Go away!

Master Hu doesn't have time for this nonsense

Is this a rebellion?

Do you know what place this is?

How dare you stir up trouble here!

I'll break your legs if you won't leave!

You're nothing but a bully

That's right! You've gone too far!

Let's go inside and search!

Give me a kiss! Come on!

Young master!

What is it?

The villagers are outside

They came for Li Chun Yang

Tell Fu to get rid of them

Well...

We're outnumbered...

It'll be trouble if they make a scene

What do you suggest?

Why don't we send someone to

the magistrate in your father's name

Master...

Open up!

Yu Lan!

Father!

Move away!

Stop! What is this about?

We're here to ask Hu San Bao

to release Li Chun Yang

Please act on our behalf

Guards

Yes

Knock

Yes

Move away

The old Master is back

Get up

Yes

Alright! We'll do that

San Bao

Father, you're back

You must be tired

Why don't you study while I'm away?

How dare you bully others?

I didn't! That's not true!

I've been studying since you left

and behaved properly, if you don't believe...

Behave properly? Look who they are!

I don't know them!

But they know you!

How dare you hold Li Chun Yang hostage!

Where is he now?

What should we do?...

Bai Chuan

Yes, sir!

San Bao drinks and womanizes

Is this your teachings?

Sir, Song Yu Lan is a liar

Please understand...

they're here to extort money

Father, please drive them away!

Shut up!

Not only did you deny all charges

you also tried to frame innocent people! Guards!

Yes!

Get me the stick!

Yes, sir!

Father!

Sir!

Stay out of this!

Father, please forgive me!

I won't do it again!

I must teach you a lesson!

Please forgive me, father!

Sir, please stop!

I won't do it again!

Father

Sir!

Stay out of this! I must show him...

Please go easy on him

As long as he releases Li Chun Yang

I'm already eternally grateful

No!

Please forgive me!

Sir!

Please act on my behalf!

I'll spare you just this once on their account

Send Li Chun Yang back

Mr. Ding

Yes...

Li Chun Yang started a fist fight

The young master ordered...

What?

It's...

It's my fault...

I left him at Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill?

You left my brother at Tiger Hill?

Stay there!

Go search for him at once!

Sir, it's foggy up on Tiger Hill

Wild beasts run wild out there

I'm afraid we won't find him

If you don't find him

Don't you dare come back here! Go!

Yes...

Deep in the woods, the clouds are thick

Chun Yang

No sign of my brother

No sign of my love

My heart goes out to him

Chun Yang!

Brother!

Chun Yang!

Where are you?

Chun Yang!

Chun Yang!

Brother!

Chun Yang!

I will look high and low for him

I disregard my bleeding ankle

I disregard my bleeding ankle

I'll be with him in life and death

Chun Yang...

Chun Yang!

My heart goes out to her

I will not give up until I see her

Against wind and rain

Against tigers and wolves

Hearing his voice is like seeing him

His voice rings through Ninth Heaven

I've wounded my leg looking for you

Where are you?

Which cliff are you at?

I'm by the cliff up on the hill

Strewn with rocks and stones

The slope is steep

and hard to climb

Chun Yang!

Yu Lan!

Over there!

Yu Lan!

Chun Yang!

Chun Yang and Yu Lan have the heart

Their love is strong

enough to move the rocks

Nothing can sway their hearts

Their hearts are connected

Their romance comes from singing

Endless singing to come

Conjugal bliss for a hundred years

Conjugal bliss for a hundred years

Right is right and wrong is wrong

Hu San Bao is punished

Unable to steal a wife

He must beat the gong instead

Mr. Ding deserves the penalty

to carry the bridal sedan chair

Hey...hey...yo

Hey...hey...yo

Hey...hey...yo

Hey...hey...yo