Original subtitles

Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty

won the support of his subjects under the guise of benevolent government.

In fact, he ruled the Han people with an iron hand.

With a secret group of assassins, the Flying Guillotine Squad,

he killed the rebels.

Literary inquisitions were common.

For anyone who wrote anything bad about the imperial court,

his whole family would be exterminated.

Even the lives of proofreaders and bookstore owners were not spared.

WENHUAN STUDY

Hurry UP!

Take out all the books.

-Burn them. -Yes.

Kneel down.

-Kneel down! -Hurry up!

Execute them here.

-Kill -Yes.

Old man.

Jin Shengtan's works slandered the imperial court.

His entire family was decapitated.

You're the proofreader.

It's your turn today. Save the act!

-Cut down his head. -Yes.

So you aren't that old proofreader.

He's gone.

-I've been expecting you. -Who are you?

I don't have a name.

Nonsense! How could that be?

If you insist on knowing,

I'll tell you.

-Hibiscus? -Exactly. I'm the Bloody Hibiscus.

What kind of strange name is that?

It's not that strange.

This hibiscus plant is irrigated with blood droplets.

So I'll kill you now.

CO-STARRING: JOHNNY WANG, MIKE LIN, NAN CHIANG, CHIANG HAN,

CHING HO WANG, LEE SAU KEE, CHUNG LING LEE

SCREEN MANAGER: JIANG KUN

CONTINUITY SUPERVISOR: XU YUN SOUND RECORDING: PENG YANLIAN

MAKEUP: WU FUQING; PROP: YUAN XIANG COSTUME: LIU JIYOU

MUSIC: CHEN YONGHUANG MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR: TANG JIA

-Farewell. -Alright.

-See you again. -See you again.

Sir!

SHI'S RESIDENCE

SHI'S RESIDENCE

YANGXIN HALL

Your Majesty.

Terrible murders often took place in the capital.

The victims are all government officials.

They all died horribly.

According to witnesses, the assassins are very nimble.

They're able to leap over roofs and walk on walls.

Their weapon is the Flying Guillotine.

It can cut off a man's head within one hundred steps.

And they never missed a target.

Obviously, they've received strenuous training.

And rumors are saying that these assassins are actually...

What? Go on.

They're from the imperial court.

Nonsense

I rule the country benevolently.

Why would I use such terroristic means?

I urge Your Majesty to investigate this matter

and capture the real culprit in order to stop the rumors.

-General Han. -Yes, Your Majesty.

Capture the murderer as soon as possible.

-Dismissed! -Duly obliged.

His Majesty is leaving.

THE BENEVOLENT RULER

Scholar Wan.

I'll pay you a visit tonight to discuss the matter.

Great. I'll be expecting you.

The arrival of His Majesty.

-Greetings, Your Majesty. -Arise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

-You all may leave. -Yes.

I've sent out the Flying Guillotine Squad to kill the traitors.

But that old man, Scholar Wan, has found out about it.

I had denied it earlier.

It looks like Scholar Wan will not let this go easily.

-Jin Gangfeng. -Yes, Your Majesty.

Tonight, send your best men

to cut down Scholar Wan's head.

-Make sure it's done. -Duly obliged.

-Master Wan, please have some tea. -Put it here.

Oh, no! Somebody help!

How dare you assassinate a government official? Arrest him.

Come on!

Who's behind this? Speak up.

Go on.

I'm afraid you can't perhaps handle the truth.

You've got some nerve.

You are forcing me to use more torture.

-Fine, I'll tell you who's behind this. -Who is it?

-It's the emperor! -Nonsense!

How dare you say that?

-Men! Use more force. -Yes.

Han Tiande, if you don't let me go, you'll be in big trouble.

Jin Gangfeng, what have you done this time?

One of your men got captured by Han Tiande.

I deserve death, Your Majesty.

If that assassin talks under torture,

then my plans will all be ruined.

I'll immediately kill that assassin secretly.

Your Majesty's secret is safe.

Not only that assassin.

You must kill Han Tiande's whole family to ensure secrecy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Jin Gangfeng.

Make sure it's done properly.

-Or you'll be dead. -Yes, Your Majesty.

Tiande.

Are you still awake?

Are you worrying that the prisoner won't confess?

-That's not it. -Then,

is the rumor true?

I've been apprehensive with fear these few days.

I think it's a bad omen.

Qiuyan.

If anything bad happens to me, take my mom to Wannan.

Go and find my uncle, Tong Beihai.

He'll take care of you.

I got it.

You are two months pregnant.

No matter what, you must guard our child.

Promise me.

You're a righteous and honest government official.

You'll be blessed.

Let's hope so.

Tomorrow is the Double Ninth Festival.

I'm going to pay respect to my late master.

Sure, I'll send the Chunxiang over to accompany you.

Stop here.

We're here, Madam.

HERE LIES ZHAO WEILIN

Go on.

-Senior Qiuyan. -Wang Jun.

I didn't expect to see you here.

I've been a wanderer for the past few years.

I just got here yesterday.

Today is the Double Ninth Festival.

I'm here to pay respect to our late master.

How time flies.

Our master has been dead for three years.

So much has happened in these years.

One can only sigh.

It looks like you're still the same.

Yes, I'm still the same.

But you've changed a lot.

During my travels,

I heard that you got married to Han Tiande.

I was shocked and fell seriously ill.

I thought that was the end of my life.

But the heavens made fun of me,

and I've been living miserably.

Madam, it's ready.

You can begin.

Wang Jun. Let's go and pay our respects.

HERE LIES ZHAO WEILIN

-Pack up. -Alright.

-Hurry up. -Let's take cover at the pavilion.

HERE LIES ZHAO WEILIN

I wonder when the rain will stop.

Old lady, it's your turn.

Are you raising a rebellion?

Jin Gangfeng, why are you doing this?

This is His Majesty's order. All of you must die.

Old Wang, hurry up.

Yes, Madam. Hurry up!

Hurry!

Tiande!

Old Madam!

Tiande!

FENG

Jin Gangfeng.

JIN'S RESIDENCE

BUDDHA

-Who are you? -Han Tiande's wife.

BUDDHA

Qiuyan, you're two months pregnant.

Promise me.

No matter what, you must guard our child.

Jin Gangfeng.

I sent you to execute Han Tiande and his family. Is it done?

Your Majesty.

I've killed everyone

-in the Han household. -Have you done a clean job?

Absolutely. There's no one left.

Well done. You did a good job this time.

I'll reward you a thousand taels of silver for this.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I've checked around.

Rong Qiuyan, Han Tiande's wife,

is a disciple of the Wudang Clan.

She's learned

and is a martial arts expert.

The only reason she lost

was because she's pregnant.

She had to be careful.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have retreated.

Now that she's fled,

it's like living next to the wolves.

We'll have nothing but trouble.

And if His Majesty finds out

and punishes us,

we'll all be dead.

I don't think she'll go that far.

If you dispatch some troops to all directions,

capturing her will be a piece of cake.

It's not that simple.

We must keep a low profile in order not to alert His Majesty.

So we can't send out any troops.

And I must stay in the capital.

That's why I summoned you here. So that you can help me out.

Let me go. I'll finish her off with one stab.

No one will know.

-It'll be better if I go. -I'll go.

You are all my good children.

But Rong Qiuyan isn't easy to handle.

It's going

to be a tough fight.

I've always been fair.

I'll pass my position as the chief

to one of you,

to whoever could kill Rong Qiuyan.

And that person will inherit all my property.

-The other two can't oppose. -We understand.

-Ren Ting. -Yes, Father.

You're my eldest.

You should go first.

Yes, I promise I'll bring her head back within ten days.

Attack!

I heard that

Rong Qiuyan has moved to Huangzhu Town.

-Biao. -Yes, Father.

You must avenge your brother.

-Go now. -Yes, Father.

TAI'AN INN

JOB VACANCY

Hey! Leave them.

Don't touch those bowls.

I thought you told me to wash the dishes.

Not those.

Leave them.

TAI'AN INN

TAI'AN INN

PROSPEROUS BUSINESS

Sir, please have a seat.

What would you like to have?

-Some wine. -Yes, right away.

TAI'AN INN

Sir, please have a seat.

Are you looking for accommodation or just dining?

Just dining.

I want two dishes, make it quick.

-I'm in a hurry. -Sure.

-Bring him two side dishes. -Right away.

PROSPEROUS BUSINESS

We'll take action in the middle of the night.

We'll take action in the middle of the night

to take Rong Qiuyan out.

Make it clean, and don't leave any trace.

Here you go.

Mister.

Prepare a room for me.

-I'm staying for the night. -Sure.

WEICANG FABRIC SHOP

TAI'AN INN

PROSPEROUS BUSINESS

PROSPEROUS BUSINESS

PROSPEROUS BUSINESS

TAI'AN INN

She's gone. Go after her!

Get him!

LIU FABRIC SHOP

Senior Qiuyan.

Is it you? Wang Jun.

Lower your voice.

-What are you doing here? -I'll tell you later. Come with me.

Don't bother.

We can't stay here any longer. Let's pack up and leave.

We're far from Luodong Town.

Let's have a rest.

Wang Jun, why did you suddenly show up at the inn?

It's fate.

I was heading to Ji'an County to help a friend with some business.

I passed by Tai'an Inn

and found out about their plot.

Then I decided to stay.

I didn't expect to see you here.

It's great. Maybe it's not my time to die after all.

What's going on?

Why are they after you?

Jin Gangfeng has killed my whole family.

I'm the only one who escaped.

Yet he won't give up.

He wants me dead.

Where are you going next?

I'm going to Wannan.

I'll seek shelter with my uncle, Tong Beihai.

I didn't know that you had an uncle.

He's actually my husband's uncle.

But we've never met before.

Brother Ma, come here. Let me introduce him to you.

This is my junior, Wang Jun.

Wang Jun, this is Brother Ma.

Nice to meet you, Brother Ma. Please have a seat.

Right, Brother Ma.

Jin Gangfeng is after me.

Why did you help and flee with us?

-They're after me also. -Why?

Just like you,

I was trying to hide in that inn.

You are...

Three years ago,

I worked in Emperor Yongzheng's Flying Guillotine Squad.

I was ordered to kill many innocent people.

I became an executioner, working for the emperor.

Because of the Flying Guillotine Squad,

I've killed so many innocent and good officials.

I couldn't take it anymore.

That's why I fled from the palace.

For the past three years, Jin Gangfeng has been trying to track me down,

and I have been in exile.

Brother Ma.

I'm sorry to have dragged you into this.

Don't say that.

Tai'an Inn isn't a safe place.

I'm bound to be tracked down sooner or later.

So we have a common enemy.

I have to head to Ji'an County.

Could you escort her to Wannan?

Sure, I'm wandering around anyway.

Thank you.

I'm relieved.

We better move now.

WENWU TEMPLE

Senior Qiuyan, it's late now,

and we're in the middle of our journey.

Maybe we should stay here tonight.

Let's go inside.

WENWU TEMPLE

TAISHAN

Attack!

Attack!

Attack!

Attack!

Wang Jun!

The Five Poisonous Needles.

Draw them out quickly,

and he'll still have a chance.

Xiaozhi.

You're my last hope.

I depend on you now.

Besides Rong Qiuyan,

you have another enemy called Ma Sen

to face.

They are difficult to handle.

I swear I'll avenge my brothers.

Rong Qiuyan is highly skilled in martial arts.

So you must remember this.

You're no match for her.

But she's a woman, after all.

So try to outwit her.

Go on.

Don't come back if you can't kill them.

Are you alright, Wang Jun?

Thanks for saving my life. But how can I ever repay you?

Don't mention it.

Rest for another two days, and you'll recover.

Senior Qiuyan. After I'm done in Ji'an County,

I'll meet you in Wannan.

Sure.

I'll see you in Wannan.

Brother Ma.

Please take good care of her on the way.

-I will, don't worry. -See you.

-See you. -See you.

-Come on. -Let's drink up.

-This wine is not bad. -Exactly.

It's really not bad.

Lady, why are you all alone?

Such a pretty lady.

Exactly.

Brother Ma, she's still alive.

Let's go.

-Why am I here? -You were hurt.

So we brought you here.

What is this place?

We're in a cave.

There are no villages around.

We had to take you here.

What happened back there at the teahouse?

My whole family got robbed and killed by robbers.

Were you there alone?

My old servant escorted me,

but...

he got killed too.

Don't be sad.

Where do you live?

Chen Village, it's 80 miles away.

You're not seriously hurt.

Brother Ma and I will take you home tomorrow morning.

Brother Ma?

He's a good friend of mine.

He went to find something for us to eat.

He'll be back soon.

Just rest.

Rong Qiuyan is highly skilled in martial arts.

You're no match for her.

So try to outwit her.

"How much sorrow do you have?"

"Like the Spring river flowing eastwards."

We'll be in Wannan in three days.

When you're at your uncle's place,

you won't feel like a wanderer.

What about you?

I will go on with my life alone,

wandering around like before.

No, don't...

What's the matter?

Sorry, I can't...

For the sake of your late husband?

And also his child I'm carrying.

I can't do this to him.

Help!

Help!

Put on your clothes.

I want you...

Hey! Stop it!

Why are you interested in her but not me?

My figure and looks are as good as hers.

To hell with you!

You can't fool me.

You're Jin Xiaozhi, the daughter of Jin Gangfeng.

How did you know she's the daughter of Jin Gangfeng?

I've been suspicious of her ever since we were at the teahouse.

She said her whole family got robbed and killed.

Then why was she only mildly injured?

That's the clue.

My sons are all dead.

And so is my daughter.

Rong Qiuyan!

Ma Sen!

If I don't take you out, I won't live myself.

Chief Jin.

-What are you doing here? -I know that Rong Qiuyan and Ma Sen

are now heading to Tong Beihai's house in Wannan.

I have a plan to kill them.

I'm listening.

TONG'S RESIDENCE

Amitabha.

A SCHOLARLY FAMILY

I travel around the places to make new friends.

Do well and have well.

Amitabha.

Hold on, please.

Amitabha.

-Are you here to solicit alms? -Amitabha.

-Fushou. -Yes.

Prepare some rice and noodles.

Yes

May I know your name?

My name is Tong Beihai.

Oh, so you're Mr. Tong. Amitabha.

You...

Amitabha.

Brother Ma, please turn your head.

-Why? -Just do |t.

I need to...

Brother Ma!

Brother Ma!

Wang Jun, what are you doing here?

I spotted you from afar. Where's my senior?

She's over there.

Senior Qiuyan.

Senior Qiuyan.

Sorry. I didn't know that you were...

It's Brother Ma's fault. He told me to come here.

I told you Qiuyan's there.

But I didn't tell you to walk up.

Senior Qiuyan, I apologize.

Please don't be mad.

It's not your fault, don't worry.

Why are you here?

I've finished my business at Ji'an County.

Then, I bought this horse and traveled nonstop.

And now I've caught up with you.

Now we can go to Wannan together.

I've got Brother Ma as my escort.

There's no need for you to rush.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Since I left you,

that's what I've been thinking about.

You must be tired. Please get on the horse.

I've been thinking about you a lot.

Senior Qiuyan.

With this red flower, you look much prettier.

Don't be silly. I'm in mourning. I can't do this.

You're still young and so pretty.

Why don't you dress up a bit?

Do you plan to mourn for the rest of your life?

WAN NAN

Look, we're entering Wannan.

All good things come to an end.

It's time for us to bid farewell.

Tiande was an honest and upright man.

Who would have expected him to be killed like this?

What a shame!

Qiuyan, this is destiny.

Don't be too sad.

I'm Tiande's uncle.

I've always treated him like my own son.

You may settle down here.

Make yourself at home.

Senior Qiuyan.

Don't be sad.

Jin Gangfeng is ruthless.

I'm sure

he'll get

his due retribution.

Gentlemen, thank you for escorting Qiuyan here.

I appreciate it.

-Somebody. -Yes.

Prepare a feast. I want to drink with the guests.

Yes

Please don't bother.

There's something I must attend to.

I've got to go. Farewell.

If Brother Ma is leaving, I'll leave too.

Uncle Tong, see you.

Sure, I won't be in your way.

-Qiuyan, please see them off. -Yes.

Farewell.

Senior Qiuyan, I'm off. Take good care of yourself.

You too

Brother Ma, I'll see you around.

See you.

Brother Ma, do you plan to...

I'll go where fate takes me.

Will we see each other again?

Perhaps next fall,

we might see each other again when I pass through here.

Take good care of the baby.

-Farewell. -Farewell.

TONG

Are you alright, Qiuyan?

Why are you walking around at this hour? Are you not used to staying here?

No, during the past month,

I've been on the run.

Now that I've settled down, I feel quite homesick.

I miss my late husband.

Yes, it's only natural.

Qiuyan. Come sit down, let's have a chat.

-Prepare some tea. -Yes.

You brought Tiande up since he was young.

He talked about you a lot.

We both owe it to you.

Don't mention it.

Tiande also mentioned that

you have a son named Zaisheng.

They grew up together.

How's your son doing now?

Thank you for asking. He's doing quite well.

Great. Maybe I can see him sometime.

Certainly.

Please have your tea.

What are you doing?

Why are you impersonating Tong Beihai?

Why is the tea poisoned? Tell me.

-What do you mean, Qiuyan? -My late husband

wasn't brought up by Tong Beihai.

And Tong Beihai doesn't have a son named Zaisheng.

You aren't Tong Beihai.

Rong Qiuyan, I'm impressed. Charge!

Charge!

Come on.

You can't escape this time.

-Kill her. -Yes.

Let me go.

Senior Qiuyan.

Let's go! Hurry up!

Let's go!

You go ahead. I'll stay behind.

Let's go.

Hurry UP!

Let's go.

Can you walk?

Go after them!

-Wang Jun. -You can't go.

Senior Qiuyan.

Senior Qiuyan, are you alright?

I'm fine, don't worry.

Let's hurry.

Let's go.

You go ahead, don't mind me.

No, we can't leave you here.

We'll die together if we have to.

Don't worry. We've come a long way.

They won't catch up for some time.

Senior Qiuyan, lie down.

I'll be on guard. No one can hurt you.

You must be tired, have a break.

I'm fine, don't worry.

Wang Jun.

You weren't involved in this.

Why did you get yourself involved?

I'll be honest.

When we were learning martial arts together,

I was in love with her at that time.

That's why I want to be on her side.

I'll try my best to protect her.

You'll sacrifice for her because of your love?

Yes, if we could be together,

I don't mind sacrificing.

Good.

You and Qiuyan will live a happy life.

No. As long as Jin Gangfeng is alive,

we won't be happy.

That evil man deserves to be killed.

Don't worry.

I'll take him out myself.

You and Qiuyan will have good days ahead.

Thank you, Brother Ma.

You are really our good friend.

Brother Ma.

Brother Ma.

-What is it? -Brother Ma is gone.

Brother Ma.

He wrote something here.

"Men have sorrow and joy."

"Just like the different phases of the moon."

"It's just the way it is."

"Let's wish for long lives."

"Though miles apart, we'll share the moon's beauty."

Brother Ma is gone.

No wonder he said that

he wished you and I could be together forever last night.

What else did he say?

He said he should kill Jin Gangfeng.

And we'd have a bright future ahead.

Brother Ma will face off with Jin Gangfeng.

Oh, no!

He's no match for that old monster.

Brother Ma.

Brother Ma!

Brother Ma!

Brother Ma!

Brother Ma!

Brother Ma!

Brother Ma.

Wang Jun, I think I'm about to have a miscarriage.

Please help me.

-What are you doing? -Rong Qiuyan.

It's your time to die.

What did you say?

I've been waiting for this chance.

Ma Sen is gone, and you're about to have a miscarriage.

You can't beat me now.

-What do you want? -I want to kill you.

Are you mad? You're my junior.

But I'm also the son of Jin Gangfeng.

He only has two sons and a daughter.

-They are all dead. -But you don't know

that he has a mistress.

And she's my mom.

Jin Gangfeng abandoned me when I was a child.

But he has announced

that any of his children who kills you can inherit his property.

So you're doing it for the money.

Wait!

If you don't explain everything,

I won't rest in peace.

What's to explain?

After your wounds were healed in the temple,

why did you leave us?

I had to go to Tong's Residence to take care of things,

so you would fall into the trap.

Wang Jun.

You're indeed very clever.

But there's one thing you might not have expected.

What's that?

You have no idea that I'm faking a miscarriage now.

I knew you were up to no good.

That's why I wanted to blow your cover.

How long have you been suspecting it?

-Since you left Tang's Residence. -How?

The reason is simple.

Only you and Brother Ma

know I'm staying at Tang's Residence.

Brother Ma was with me the whole time.

He's also Jin Gangfeng's enemy.

So he won't be the mole.

And that leaves only you.

I have guessed it correctly.

Come on.

Kill me now, and you'll be prosperous.

Come on!

Senior Qiuyan, please don't kill me.

Please.

Leave now!

My husband's dead,

and so is my baby.

I have nothing to worry about.

There's no point for me to run anymore.

I should head back.

Jin Gangfeng, even if I have to risk my life,

I must take my revenge today!

JIN'S RESIDENCE

Ma Sen, what a hero!

You have a lot of courage to show up here!

Jin Gangfeng.

I don't plan to walk out alive.

No matter what, I must end this today.

Charge!

This isn't him either.

HIGHLY RESPECTED

Rong Qiuyan, Ma Sen!

I'm on the bridge at the back! Come and get me!

Jump quickly.

This is the real one. Let's kill him.

Subtitle translation by Raymond Tan