Original subtitles

Encoded by PRiSTiNE. Support us by visiting P2PDL.com

Executive Producer Wang Zhongjun

a Film Workshop Company Limited Huayi Brothers Media Corporation production

CHINA, 665AD

The mighty Tang Dynasty...

The motherland whose security is my deepest concern

Luoyang...

My soul, my dreams are rooted here

In the year when I turned thirty...

I left my hometown and travelled more than 1 ,000 li to Luoyang

At that time, the court...

...was ruled by the emperor under the supervision of Empress Wu

They were known as "The Two Saints"

Empress Wu completely controlled the emperor

The nobles considered her power an affront

They often admonished the emperor

Then...

...when the Fuyu Kingdom challenged our border...

...as a precaution, Empress Wu...

...despatched a huge naval force from the capital...

...to counter the enemy

Her first thought was to wrong-foot those against her in court

Little did she know...

...that a weird crime...

...would have its origin here

Admiral!

Moving our troops by night...

...may disturb the spirits

We had better...

...placate them with prayers

Prayers when a great battle is looming?

No more of this effeminate superstition!

Yes, Sir!

Report!

On the sea...

...a half-li away...

...there are movements

Alert the main warship!

Yes, Sir!

Alert the main warship!

Our patrol ship...

...has sent us a warning

All ships on full alert!

Order all our sentinels...

...to scan the sea for movements

Yes, Sir!

On guard and full alert!

All sentinels!

Watch for movements on the sea!

Report all sightings immediately!

It seems the enemy is out there...

And getting closer!

The ship is about to capsize!

Quick!

Quick, grab it!

Urgent!

Steer away from the ship to starboard!

Quick!

Quick, grab it!

On our right side...

...our Horse Ship is being attacked!

Call for reinforcements!

Yes, Sir!

Call for reinforcements!

Yes, Sir!

Rescue them from the water!

Guard against further attacks!

Yes, Sir!

Quick!

Order all ships afloat...

...to rescue the admiral!

Yes, Sir!

It's coming towards us!

a Tsui Hark film

Young Detective Dee

Rise of the Sea Dragon

Starring Mark Chao Feng Shaofeng Lin Gengxin

Starring Ian Kim Angelababy

and Carina Lau as Empress Wu

Special Appearance Chen Kun

Co- Producers Zhang Dajun James Tsim

Associate Producers Bernard Yang Helen Li Addi Ng

Story by Chen Kuofu Tsui Hark

Written by Zhang Jialu Tsui Hark

Produced by Nansun Shi

Produced by Wang Zhonglei

Produced by Chen Kuofu

Produced and Directed by Tsui Hark

The attack on the navy...

...was blamed on a "Sea Dragon"...

...supposedly disturbed by the warships

It crushed them to show its superiority

This rumor...

...made the city's anxious common people...

...panic even more

They pay handsomely for prayer rituals

The commoners put their own lives first

They don't care who else lives or dies

To placate the "Sea Dragon"...

...they've chosen a young woman for the rites

The streets are thronged with onlookers

The roads are blocked

I, Dee...

...have just come to...

...this strange and turbulent city of the gods

I must report for duty at the Da Lisi

They're not only blocking my way...

...but also that of an official from the Da Lisi

It looks as if he's on his way to investigate something

This young man in court robes of the Third Rank...

...will become my adversary

Both foe and friend

Notify Lord Yang

Her Majesty will visit the dock...

...to investigate what happened

We must not make the slightest mistake

Our heads are at risk!

You go to the Naval Department...

Commandeer five metal ships

And 200 naval ratings

Deploy them before dusk

Search for clues on the spot!

Yes...

Sir!

Come over here!

As you can see...

This is Luoyang, city of the gods

The place has no security

It'll be easy to kidnap the girl

But don't harm a hair on her head!

When we re-sell her...

...we'll get the best price

What does that fellow want?

Should we get rid of him?

Don't complicate things

Move!

Reporting to Your Majesty

The facts are these

Commoners dedicate rites to the Sea Dragon...

...because the city's merchants call for them

They wish to make quick money from selling joss sticks

So they urge the people to perform rites

Do you know whose idea it was...

...to organize this kind of rite?

Yes...

the Ritual Department follows...

...the "turtle divination"...

...to choose a courtesan...

...to be disciplined in the Sea Dragon Temple for 3 years

A courtesan?

This girl...

... has been chosen as the "Courtesan of Luoyang"

She's Yin Ruiji

It's said that...

...Yin Ruiji has refused all clients after being chosen

This has offended many officials and wealthy patrons

She was chosen to be sent to the temple

...because those men wanted to teach her a lesson

Absurd!

One courtesan causes so much commotion in the city!

You are the Chief Minister at the Da Lisi

Why haven't you intervened?

Your Majesty

The Da Lisi is charged with investigations and arrests

Controlling such rites...

...is not one of my duties

A poor excuse!

Then tell me...

...what you've discovered...

...about the sunken battleships

These two ships were less damaged, they've been hauled back to dock

The other ships couldn't be saved and are lost

Don't tell me what I know already!

I am still investigating

And what's your line of enquiry?

If there really is a Sea Dragon...

...our Tang Dynasty may as well give up the fight

Yuchi

Your Da Lisi is famous for quick results

This case is extremely urgent

We cannot allow villains to unleash such chaos

Tell me...

...how many days do you need?

The country is in peril

So I will set you a deadline

Ten days

If you can't solve the case in ten days...

...I'll have your head

Yes, your Majesty

Using a 'flower girl' to stir things up...

These old court nobles...

...must be up to something

Sir

I've come from Bing County, reporting for duty at Da Lisi

Da Lisi (Justice Department)

Dee

You were a bailiff in Bing County

And you've been...

...in jail as well

Yes, Sir

Official Yan recommends you and sent you here on your release from jail

Since you've been in jail...

...you should know exactly how things are done

Cheng An reception officer

Where's your courtesy payment?

Why look so blank?

You're reporting...

...as an official of the 7th rank

Your courtesy money should be...

...5 taels of silver, at least

I'm talking to you

Don't complicate things

Focus on kidnapping that girl

Get moving!

Sea Dragon Temple

The place has no security

It'll be easy to kidnap the girl

Dee!

Are you day-dreaming?

Send men to the Sea Dragon Temple, quickly!

They're kidnapping the courtesan

What?

You're mad!

Come back!

Don't leave!

My badge!

Guards!

The new arrival is mad!

Guards!

Come quickly!

Urgent command!

Stand back!

Sea Dragon Temple

I am Ruiyun, a Taoist priest

I am ordered to help Lady Ruiji to fast

Thank you

I heard that you excel in the tea ceremony

Before you fast...

...please take this famous Fragrant Rain tea

Priest, you are kind

Madam, please teach me

On Da Lisi duty!

Make way!

On Da Lisi duty!

Make way!

Stay away!

Quick!

That's the young man we just saw, isn't it?

Why does he have a Da Lisi badge?

What? You're not allowed in here

On Da Lisi duty!

Stay back!

Stop!

Make way!

You can't go in!

Boss!

Why haven't you left?

You've got the girl, let's go!

Quick!

A spirit of the Sea Dragon!

Sir!

They all say it was a spirit of the Sea Dragon!

A spirit of the Sea Dragon!

"Don't let this get out"

"Arrest all of them!"

The creature is loose outside

It's pointless to arrest anyone here

So you can read lips

What else do you know?

These kidnappers and the creature are not in league

The kidnappers are mere criminals

I saw them on the street during the parade

I read their lips...

...and deduced they were kidnapping the courtesan

Who are you?

What are you doing here?

My name is Dee

Here on Minister Yan's recommendation

Working for the Da Lisi

I sensed something bad at Sea Dragon Temple

So I rushed here to stop it

How did you sense something would happen here?

Furthermore...

Why do you...

...wear a Da Lisi badge?

I snatched it from somebody there

So the horse isn't yours either

I just borrowed it

Arrest him...

...and treat him as a suspect too!

Prepare a severe punishment!

Yes, Sir!

Send Lady Yin back to Swallow House and have her seen by a doctor

Now...

...start looking for that creature!

Swallow House

These men are Lady Yin Ruiji's patrons

Yes, Sir!

Send them all away!

I am from the Da Lisi

Who are you?

What do you want?

Why are you here?

I am Yuchi...

...Chief Minister of the Da Lisi

You were endangered at the temple today

Luckily I got there just in time...

...to fight off the villains

You inhaled poison gas...

...which has left you dizzy

But your health will recover

If convenient...

I would like to question you

Please forgive me, Sir!

My mind is still in a fog

Can we do it another day?

Another day?

We will be outside to protect you

I will return tomorrow

You have so much calligraphy and painting

It seems that you are fond of poetry

Any findings in the Naval Department search?

Kuang hasn't reported yet

Sir

Our sacred city has now seen two dragons

One in the sea

One at the temple

The attack on our warships...

...and the creature at the temple...

...are different matters

We'll start with...

...what happened at the temple

If the case isn't cracked within ten days...

...you'll have my place and rank

I want Swallow House sealed!

Yes, Sir!

Prepare pen and ink

I want to write poems

Write poems?

Just for self-appeasement

Yes, Sir!

Da Lisi

You're a demon!

Don't touch my wounds!

You bastard!

Idiot!

Don't...don't touch!

You animal!

Hands off!

Get your hands off!

Shatuo prison medical helper

Shatuo

Fate plays strange tricks

It brings us together here

Keep quiet!

Have we met?

You're a Uighur from the Huihe tribe

You lost your family in the "Battle of Black Mountain"

You serve Imperial Doctor Wang Pu

Tell me, do I know you or not?

Who are you?

I have no idea who you are

You came to the capital less than half a year ago

Studied in the Imperial Doctor's Department

Unluckily, you were made a medical helper...

...responsible for criminals

You admired the girl next door

But when you saw her, you were too shy...

...to speak to her

What do you want from me?

I matter a lot to you

Your fate will change because of me

I know all about your history...

And your future is in my hands

I can help change your fate

But you have to do one thing for me

He's sick

I need to examine him

Tell me

Do you have Cat's-paw herbs?

This is the letter recommending Dee

Recommendation letter...

Recommended by Public Court Minister Yan...

Even if the Emperor himself had written this...

...Dee won't get past me!

Sir...

What's going on?

What's this sudden problem?

Keep your distance!

This prisoner...

...has a contagious disease

He must be isolated in the doctor's room

If not...

...this whole prison will be infected

What kind of sickness is it?

Sir...

This is poisonous measles

Untreated, it causes blindness and paralysis

We can contain it by isolating him now

If we fail to act...

...everyone in the Da Lisi...

...will be infected

Quick!

Sir!

Aren't you staying to guard him?

No way!

Sit up

No more acting

How did you know?

Cat's-paw causes a rash on the skin

You've studied medicine

I've been allergic to cat's-paw since I was young

It always gives me a rash

It goes away soon enough

How did you get the keys?

I stole them from the guard

You know...

That powder of yours works very well

It melts in the mouth

You're a crafty man

Tell me...

We two have never met before

How did you know so much about me?

And you weren't even polite to me!

But I kept on talking to you!

Well...

You see...

I saw your name-plate on the duty board

Shatuo is a common Uighur surname in Huihe

Not many from Huihe work as government doctors

Seeing your age...

...I guessed that nine years ago...

...you were one of the "Black Mountain" orphans saved by the army

But how did you know...

...that my master is Imperial Doctor Wang Pu?

Before I arrived...

...I read the records of the Da Lisi for recent years

I found there...

...a note that this prison lacks doctors

So they intended to ask Wang Pu...

...for eight medical helpers to be assigned here

Your name wasn't on the list

I read those records about half a year ago

So I guessed that...

...you'd been in the Da Lisi for less than half a year

You're saying that...

...you read the Da Lisi records...

...and memorized them all?

The first rule of investigations is...

...forget nothing!

But the official records won't show...

...that I was unlucky

Medical helper is the lowest rank

It's unworthy of your curative skills

Would you say you've been lucky?

As for admiring the girl next door...

You want to ask how I knew?

I just guessed

What?

It wasn't a wild guess

The second rule for investigations...

...is to observe closely

You're the introspective type

If there were a girl next door...

...you might well love her unrequitedly

You're somewhat nervous

Faced by a girl...

...you'd surely be hesitant

I know this

It can't be...

Where do you actually come from?

Minister Yan of the Public Works Department is from my village

He recommended me to work in the Da Lisi

I reported for duty today

You're here to work

So why were you imprisoned?

That's a long story

The Da Lisi is too bureaucratic

Minister Yan recommended me for the post

He thought I could bring some new energy to the place

You have to help me...

...to get out and investigate the case

Where to?

There's an infectious disease in the prison

The officials want us...

...to consult the Imperial Doctor

Do you need to check my specimen box?

Inside it are specimens...

...of vomit from infected prisoners...

...and their hair as well

Fine, fine...

On your way!

Open the gate

Madam

I'll go to prepare the medicine

My jade hairpin...

What's your business?

I am government doctor Shatuo

I am ordered to take up shift duty here

Who is he?

My assistant

Dumb Wu

Why are you wearing hats?

Take off your hats!

Go!

Stay back!

How could you know...

...that I hid Mr Yuan's love letters there?

What have you done to Mr Yuan?

Yuan Zhen

You're not Mr Yuan, are you?

You're...

...the Courtesan of Luoyang

Admired by thousands of people

While I, Yuan Zhen, don't even have an official post

Yet you've chosen me as your "First Patron"

I've always loved literature

I've read your poem, Mr Yuan

The famous "Four Melancholy Verses"

I adore it

"Flute merged in the scented smoke"

"accompanies dances of youthful years"

"Lovers are to bring earth to heaven"

"Even trading life for advent of passion"

Dear Mr Yuan!

How could you have changed like this?

Who harmed you like this?

Was it because of me?

Did they harm you like this because of me?

Madam

The medicine is ready

Madam

They're guards from the Da Lisi

Something must be going on here

Someone's coming!

That must be Ruiji's room she took the medicine to

Mr Yuan...

What are you trying to tell me?

Light on

Light off

On

Off

On

Off

(East Island language Dondo) Something's wrong!

(Dondo) Retreat!

Hide Lady Ruiji at once

What's taking so long?

Hide inside this trunk

Don't come out unless we call you

Quick!

Give it to me!

It's you again?

How is he?

He's been poisoned by bee-stings

I have a panacea for him

I'll check upstairs

Why did you get out?

I was afraid you wouldn't come back

So I let myself out

You weren't afraid I wouldn't come back

You're afraid that I have come back

I don't know you

Of course I'm afraid

You're not telling the truth

Nonsense!

When a person lies...

Their eyes...

...betray them

and even turn into...

...a lethal stare

Leave at once!

You're on the same side!

Stop it!

If you don't go...

...you can watch me die

Don't go!

It's dangerous for you outside

It would be safest to come with me to the Da Lisi

Making him go puts him in danger

He probably won't survive

What?

You're hurt!

It wasn't her

That creature did it

What are you doing up here?

Where's Yuchi?

That official is very safe

Don't worry

I thought you could predict everything?

How come you still got hurt?

The third rule of investigations is...

...to keep your head down

Not rush in like a fool!

(Dondo) Chief!

(Dondo) Alongside Yuchi...

(Dondo) ...there's another strong fighter in the Da Lisi

(Dondo) We feared our identity would be uncovered...

(Dondo) So we had to retreat

(Dondo) No-one...

(Dondo) ...no matter how strong, will save Yuan Zhen!

(Dondo) Keep watching the woman

(Dondo) Yuan Zhen is sure to come back for her

(Dondo) Yes, Sir!

(Dondo) Clear away the corpse!

Your Excellency

Fine, fine, on your way!

Dee!

Don't you have a contagious disease?

Why have you come in here?

Shatuo!

Isn't Shatuo guarding him?

Sir, your blade...

What is it?

Your Excellency

This...

Arrange a place for Madam Yin Ruiji to rest at once

Also...

Register Dee for work immediately

Come on

Move!

Tranquillity Teahouse

Boss...Boss...

Minister Wang wants the young boss to discuss poetry

Minister Wang

Please accept our small gift of Bird's Tongue tea

May you have vitality and a clear mind

May your wishes be fulfilled

Your young boss left here so suddenly

When will he return?

In reply, Your Excellency...

Our young boss...

...has been away on travels for over half a year

No news reaches us

We don't know when he'll be back

Then I'll chat with him again when he returns

His Excellency is leaving!

Your Excellency...

Goodbye, Sir!

Sir

This man was imprisoned in Bing County

Shouldn't we check up on him?

Find out what he's after in the Da Lisi

Assign men to watch him closely

If he does anything unusual, report it to me!

I forced Mr Yuan to flee

Was that really wrong of me?

I beg you, Sir, to save his life

Mr Yuan...

...is your friend

Can you tell me...

...who is he?

His name is Yuan Zhen

Everyone in Luoyang knows the Tranquillity Teahouse, where he's the young boss

Renowned in Luoyang...

The Tranquillity Teahouse

Yes, Your Excellency

Tranquillity Teahouse

They make special tea for nobles and officials

So, a famous teahouse...

What happened to its young boss...

...to change him like that?

This all began half a year ago

At that time...

...I joined the New Year Hundred Flowers pageant

I was named "Courtesan of Luoyang"

I became famous overnight

Once I had that title...

...the elite of the city all wanted to meet me

Each wanted to be my first patron

But their eminence didn't move me

Nor did their wealth

I was working in a flower house

I knew what to expect from life there

Only the young boss of Tranquillity Teahouse, Yuan Zhen...

...touched me with his love poems

I got around all the flower-house rules

I paid them no heed

And I met him in secret

Young boss...

Madam Yin of Swallow House is here

Later...

I gave him my jade peacock hairpin...

...as a token of my love

We wanted to read each other's minds

We were very close

After that...

I wrote love poems and sent them to Mr Yuan

He responded very promptly

But he stopped visiting me

In a poem, he mentioned contracting an illness

That made me worried

And then...

I was chosen to fast for the Sea Dragon

I told him about it in a poem...

...but he never replied

Only yesterday...

...when he came to see me with my hairpin...

...did I realize...

...did I realize that he'd become...

This hairpin looks so precious...

Its color is faded?

Not really...

I think...

In Mr Yuan's care...

...it must have been tainted by something

Please lend me the hairpin for a while

They...

They arrested someone...

...and they are questioning him

I think...

You should go and see for yourself

Master Dee...

Mr Yuan left this yesterday

I can't understand it

Very good

Oh yes...

I am Dee...

...a pleasure to meet you, Madam Ruiji

Talk!

Will you talk?

I'll make you talk!

- What are you doing here? - Let's continue...

Talk now!

The villains lost their masks at the Swallow House

These craftsmen make masks in Luoyang

I am questioning him

Those without duties here...

Leave!

Beat him!

Your eyes see nothing!

This mask is made from tree extracts

The raw materials come from Aizhou

The craftsmanship is typical of Eastern lands

It wasn't made by locals here

Furthermore...

the masked villains spoke the Dondo language

(Dondo) Something's wrong

(Dondo) Retreat!

Dondo language?

They were definitely Dondoers

What kind of place is Dondo?

Dondo...

It lies in the ocean between Great Tang and Japan

The Islanders have been coming here for years

They live mainly by fishing

They're very good in the water

No wonder...

...they can stay underwater for so long

I found this at the crime scene

What kind of clue is this?

What?

"Bird's Tongue"

It's Bird's Tongue tea

Brilliant, Sir!

Bird's Tongue tea...

...is a secret recipe at Tranquillity Teahouse

They give the tea to the Imperial court as a tribute

This tea...

Common people never have a chance to taste it

But how does Bird's Tongue tea relate to the case?

Judging by the writing...

...the man who wrote this was in a hurry

Where did you get this?

From the one who tried to kidnap Madam Ruiji

The Sea Dragon seen at the temple!

Why was it in Swallow House last night?

That's not all

I've concluded that the masked Dondoers...

...and the villains at the temple are two separate groups

They raided Swallow House

But they weren't trying to kidnap Ruiji

They were there for the creature

The monster wrote this...

...to leave a clue

To help you solve the mystery, Sir

If you can catch him

The case will soon be cracked

Doubtful!

To Tranquillity Teahouse

Prepare the horses

Yes, Sir

Stay back!

On Da Lisi duty!

Quick!

Sir...

There's not a single person in the teahouse

So quickly!

They left in a hurry

They made a quick getaway

Someone must have alerted them

Who could that have been?

Shatuo...

If I don't come back with the other court officials...

...get Lady Ruiji out of the Da Lisi at once

Follow me

So...

Dee...

What have you found out?

I've brought Madam Yin Ruiji...

...to see you too

Master Dee, why did you want me here?

There's a hidden traitor in the Da Lisi

What?

Everyone in Tranquillity Teahouse...

...had left before we got there

So the Da Lisi is not a safe refuge for Lady Ruiji

What about the task I set you?

What substance stained the jade hairpin?

It's a dye made with pine oil

It's called "Shaxi"

Very few dyeing houses use it

Is there one near Swallow House?

It seems there's one in the south of the city

It's called "The Monk's Bowl"

The dye on the jade hairpin...

...can only be from Mr Yuan

He accidentally tainted it with the dye while in hiding

So he might be hiding there

Madam Yin...

Only you can make him show himself

I count on you

Mr Yuan

Great detective...

Looks like we've got the wrong place

Mr Yuan

Dragon! The Sea Dragon!

Shatuo

Hit the "Tianchi" and "Yunmen" points on his body

"Tianchi", "Yunmen"

"Tianchi"! "Yunmen"!

Yes!

Mr Yuan, he...

What happened to him?

Mr Yuan's appearance has changed radically

His human character has changed too

I doubt it's a sickness

My guess is that he was deliberately exposed to parasites

What kind of parasite?

My teacher taught me how to cure parasite infestations

But this case...

...is like nothing I've seen

What are parasites?

Parasites...

...are very tiny insects

Almost invisible to the eye

If they penetrate your body...

...they'll take control of it

Different types of parasite...

...cause different changes in a human body

Can he be cured?

To cure this infestation

I need to consult my master

Imperial Doctor Wang Pu

Watch out!

Mr Yuan, don't you...

I've waited so long to be with you

Your Ruiji will be with you forever

No matter how you look...

...you're always my Mr Yuan

But you mustn't harm innocent people

Please

They are here to help me

(Dondo) Look!

(Dondo) The "Sea God" should rest now

(Dondo) Let it return to the island to resume its training

(Dondo) It must be taught to obey all our commands!

(Dondo) Yes!

(Dondo) Our tribe's masterplan will soon be brought to fruition!

(Dondo) The mainland will be ours, we will rule for a thousand years!

This is my teacher's home

Senior apprentice!

Senior apprentice...

Master's testing poisons on you again

Save me!

Don't cry, it'll be fine

I'll prepare some medicine for you

Master is much worse recently

All of us have met disasters!

It'll be fine

First apprentice!

Master...

...I'm back

Since the ape which gave me an arm has fled...

...I let you go to the Da Lisi so that you could find me a good arm!

It's been half a year already

So where's my arm?

Didn't you promise?

I can't transplant without an arm!

Lately...

...nobody's been sentenced to death

So there've been no suitable arms!

Master...

I have something...

...which needs your urgent help

Shut up!

Our master-disciple relationship is over!

This is a good arm, let me have it!

Imperial Doctor

We're not here to provide an arm

We're seeking medical help

Master

Who's this?

Master...

Who's this?

Let me see

Mr Yuan, stop it!

Mr Yuan

Mr Yuan...

...stop it

No...

They're here to help cure you

What is he?

Come on!

Get the blades ready!

Put him on the table!

Chop open his head for me!

Come on!

Sir, why do you think...

...Dee is here?

Shatuo led the way

They're in Luoyang, where else would they go?

Sir, should we wait for the others...

...before we go in to arrest them?

Wait?

And risk another information leak?

Who are you?

I?

Who are you?

Making such a mess in my clinic!

Your clinic?

You're Imperial Doctor Wang Pu?

I am head of the Da Lisi

Has Dee been here?

Dee who?

Never heard of him

Kuang, watch out!

Something's going on in Wang Pu's clinic

Inside!

Quick!

Honey

Stay back!

Kuang, stay back!

Sir...

These Dondoers...

What are they doing here?

I've been wondering...

...if these Dondoers are looking for him too

Why would they look for Dee?

This Dee...

...seems always one step ahead

Maybe he's hiding now and wants to frame me

If I miss the deadline...

...for solving the case...

...You'll be executed

Post notices everywhere...

...to arrest him as a Dondo spy

He should turn himself in

Yes, Sir!

Why have we come here?

Who are we hiding from?

This is where the Fire-worshippers slaughter animals

There are so many foreigners in Luoyang

Even if the traitor could track us here...

...it would take him too long

The traitor...

Master Dee...

Does the Imperial Doctor really need to cut open Mr Yuan?

It was just his educated way of speaking

Miss, don't take it literally

Master!

Are you really going to cut open his head?

Certainly!

This incision...

...makes me the first man to operate on a brain

Even the famous Huatuo didn't do this!

Yin Ruiji...

I want to ask you a question

Your family did not originate in the Middle Kingdom

Could you tell me...

...where are the Yins from originally?

The Fuyu Kingdom

Your answer confirms my fears

Our Great Tang is now at war with Fuyu

The situation is critical

You're from Fuyu...

...and you're caught up in this case

The imperial court won't hesitate to sacrifice you

To be safe...

As soon as Mr Yuan is cured...

...you two had better leave the capital

Master Dee...

You know everything

Can you tell me...

What exactly happened to Mr Yuan?

The root of this was the "Bird's Tongue" tea

Dee

I have curbed the effect of the parasites

Any questions?

Cook some food...

...and buy some wine!

Go at once!

This has taken so long, I'm dying of hunger!

Mr Yuan...

Why are the Dondoers after you?

Half a year ago...

I received some visitors

They said they were tea merchants from the Eastern lands

They offered me a fortune for the secret recipe of "Bird's Tongue" tea

But this tea...

...is exclusive to the imperial court

For a century, the recipe...

...has been a Yuan family secret

So I refused their request...

And they left unhappy

A few days later...

Scales began to appear on my skin

No medicine helped

And then...

I received a letter from a man named Huo Yi...

He said I'd been infested by parasites

Apparently...

...during our tea tasting...

...Huo Yi put parasites in my cup

I was so scared

I dared not tell anyone

I had to leave the teahouse

Little did I guess...

...that he wouldn't provide a cure

Instead he trapped me on an island...

...and forced me to make Bird's Tongue tea for him every day

"Bird's Tongue" tea...

Since "Bird's Tongue" tea is exclusive to the imperial court...

...solely for the pleasure of the high-born...

...Huo Yi wanted to put parasites in the tea, didn't he?

Eunuch Lao from the Palace came to me for treatment

He gave me a half-catty!

Fetch it!

Let's take a close look at it!

Imperial Tribute tea

There are parasites in the tea!

I'll check what kind they are

It's a type of dung beetle!

The rarest and weirdest of parasites!

When the tea enters the body...

...the first effect is to boost strength

The person will feel very energetic

But when infestation sets in...

...death is certain

Good parasites!

This is an Imperial Tribute

If all the nobles are taking this tea...

...the imperial court is doomed!

Even worse...

...the Emperor!

The Empress's deadline...

...was already three days ago

But the case...

...remains unsolved

Bird's Tongue

"The situation is grave"

"A national disaster looms"

"To keep this secret..."

"...please meet me at the back door"

"Dee"

Dee!

I'll see just how clever you are!

- Solve it? - I have the clues to solve the case

We face the death penalty!

What's there to solve?

I can convince Her Majesty

Let me go to the Palace to see Her Majesty

I'm sure I can get the deadline extended

How could you convince her?

Reporting to Your Majesty...

The head of the Da Lisi...

...Yuchi...

...he wants to see you urgently

Ridiculous!

Where did this man come from?

He is...

...from the Da Lisi

A new recruit

The imperial court of Luoyang...

...numbers more than 1 ,200 people

Almost everyone drinks "Bird's Tongue"

If...

...everyone is infested by parasites...

...then the plotters aim...

...to murder the Imperial family and end our Great Tang Dynasty

Your humble servant guesses...

...that is indeed their intention

Your humble servant...

...also considers this guess to be absurd...

...and incredible

This is just talk!

Even if your words are true...

...the person of the Emperor...

...is not available to the likes of you!

He must be treated by the Imperial Doctor

Your Majesty...

Our nation faces disaster

If you hold to such formalities...

...nothing can save us

What?

Your humble servant has medicine to curb the parasites

Please summon any official who drinks "Bird's Tongue" tea

A test will be the proof

Chief of Administration...

Why am I summoned to the Palace in such haste?

Has someone been examining my records?

Father...

Mother...

Your son will finally fulfill your expectations!

I will live up my name Yuanda: "Far and Wide"!

Rise...

Thank you, Your Majesty

We summon you in the still of the starry night...

...to ask whether or not...

...you often drink "Bird's Tongue" tea

I do!

It strengthens the qi and the body

I drink a pot every morning and evening

Noble Sir...

Please have this medicinal soup for your health

Medicinal soup for my health?

What is it for?

Minister Ding...

Is it at every midnight...

...that your stomach is upset ?

So that you need to take this tea...

...to regain your strength?

In response to Your Majesty...

That is so

But if I take more of the tea...

...I always feel very much stronger

Then please take this soup at once

It's a test for the Emperor's medicine

Your humble servant understands

This taste...

Why is it so fishy?

Noble Sir...

This is the secret family prescription of the Imperial Doctor

One bowl will extend your life for a year

I'm grateful for Her Majesty's generosity!

Does this soup really prolong life?

It was obtained from the Administration office

"Virgin Male Urine"

Eunuch's urine!

Absurd!

You give my officials urine?

It's been tested by Imperial Doctor Wang Pu

The dung beetle parasites produce 'hot' poisons

The antidote is a 'cool' medicinal soup

The effect...

...will be felt within two hours

Very well...

Guards!

Detain him...

After two hours...

...if there's no effect on Minister Ding...

...Dee will be executed forthwith!

We obey!

As for you...

You'd better watch Minister Ding

If Dee was lying...

...he will be punished

And you will be imprisoned!

Wang Pu...

I devoutly wish that your remedy is effective!

Minister Ding...

Do you feel any change?

Have a bowl of urine yourself

Then you'll know what changes to expect!

Your Majesty...

The time is up

Minister Ding reports no change

Decapitate him!

We obey!

Withdraw the blade!

I have Imperial Doctor Wang Pu's authority...

...to beg Her Majesty for clemency!

Please spare the life of Dee!

Stop the execution!

Intruder on the execution ground!

Immediate death penalty!

I am the Imperial Doctor's apprentice

Shatuo

I have my master's authority to plead for clemency

Please wait for another hour or two

The medicine will surely take effect

Your Majesty, please spare his life

Ruiji, you should not be here

Dee dares to take this risk...

...because he wants to save the Emperor!

It's the Courtesan of Luoyang

Yin Ruiji

Dee has found...

...the cure for the Emperor

Just wait an hour or two!

Execute him now!

If anyone delays further...

...they will die too!

Execute him now!

Withdraw the blade!

Don't execute him!

- No! - Don't do it!

"Raindrop drums"

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty, Yuchi is calling "Raindrop drums"!

There's been a change in the Palace

Your Majesty...

Stay the execution!

Stay the execution at once!

Ruiji...

You shouldn't come to the Palace

You can't stay here a minute longer!

Leave at once!

Shatuo, follow me inside!

Step back!

Her Majesty is here!

Your Majesty

Your Majesty, take care!

Quick!

Make way!

Your Majesty...

Dee is here

Now the parasites have shown themselves...

...the first priority is to treat the Emperor

The "Golden Soup"

Prepare His Majesty's mouth!

Please order the Interior Ministry...

...to provide more of the antidote

Supply it to the Imperial family and the court

In this way...

...the villains' evil plan...

...will be foiled

Drink!

Drink more!

Drink it all!

His Majesty generously provides...

...all of us officials...

...with this Imperial tonic

Drink it!

Your Majesty, thank you!

(Dondo) Something's wrong!

Dee...

Your insights are matchless

No one else can compare

You dared to risk your own life...

...to save our country from this peril

No wonder Minister Yan so highly recommended you

"Brightest Pearl of a River"

"Priceless Treasure of the East"

Your Majesty...

The villains behind this are still at large

The danger is still present

Sire, please extend the deadline for concluding the case

Your Majesty...

What Dee says is true

Your Majesty, please show indulgence

We will do our utmost...

...to arrest the villains and mete out justice

Dee, these are my orders

I hereby appoint you as our Imperial Commissioner

With absolute power over all other ranks

Take charge of the Sea Dragon incident

Your Majesty...

Dee has been in the capital for only ten days

He's not familiar with the place

I'm afraid that...

...he is incapable of discharging this mission

Yuchi, this is my order

You command the Da Lisi...

...and our elite militia

You are to follow the orders of Dee

Work with him to solve the mystery

I...

I obey!

Master Yuchi

My congratulations, Master Yuchi!

Mr Dee...

You're such a hypocrite...

...to congratulate me

Of course I should

You're about to achieve a great success

The traitor who's been hiding within the Da Lisi...

...will soon reveal his identity

All men of the Da Lisi, these are my orders!

Prepare your horses!

Be ready to move!

The cavalry guards will divide into eight teams

Join the special forces

Search for Dondoers in South City...

...and arrest them for questioning!

Yes, Sir!

Sir...

Since Master Yuchi signed the order to move the troops...

...no one has seen him

I know

Make sure everyone is ready

Yes, Sir!

Sir!

I've brought the joss stick you wanted

Now, just wait and watch

What's this all about?

Choosing the moment to move out

It's not the "right" moment yet

We'll move out when the joss stick ends

You believe in that stuff?

The Da Lisi has sealed the city to seek out Dondoers

The traitor needs to sneak out to warn them

The joss stick...

...gives him just enough time...

...to try to do so

Backdoor of Da Lisi

So you're the traitor

You guard the door every day

So you know all our movements and activities

But you've fallen into the trap I set for you

"Luring a Snake from its Hole"

I finally...

...lured you out!

I've been in the imperial court for many years

But I have no prospects here

I come from a poor family

The Dondoers promised to make me a Duke

So I agreed to be their spy in the Da Lisi

It's my only chance of becoming a nobleman

Yuchi's horse went to the west

He must be going to the river pier

Go quickly to the Da Lisi

Tell them to move to the pier!

Yes, Sir!

(Dondo) Quick, back off!

(Dondo) The Da Lisi is coming!

(Dondo) Quick, back off!

So the supremely skilled Dee...

...is afraid of water!

I'm not afraid of water

I just can't swim

That's the Sea Dragon which destroyed our warships

What kind of monster is it?

Sir

Are you all right?

Throw in fish to lure the monster back

Lure the monster back

Yes, Sir!

The monster has gone

It seems to have gone with the Dondoers

Judging by the direction they took...

...they must be hiding on an island

But looking at where our ships were attacked...

...it could be any one of five small islands

Which one is their hiding place?

There's one more clue

Mr Yuan

You said that Huo Yi trapped you on an island

Where was it?

I'm not sure

They're raising a giant sea monster there

One day...

One of the guards was neglecting his duties

So I opened the sluice gate...

...and released the monster

In the chaos, I got away

How long...

...did you swim for?

The current flows east

I followed it and swam as long as it takes a joss stick to burn

When I saw a light ahead...

...I swam towards it

That's the direction of the Fuyu Kingdom

The light was from their battleships

It makes sense!

The 'Sea Dragon' which sank our ships...

...is the monster that Huo Yi raised

Yuan Zhen set it free...

...and it happened to run into our navy

The duration of a joss stick...

Current flowing east...

On this evidence...

...Huo Yi must be hiding on Bat Island

The island is home to...

...thousands of bats

There are whirlpools offshore...

...which wreck unwary ships

A tiny population

It's a natural fortress

Just the hiding place for the Dondoers

They have this monster

If we head for Bat Island...

...how can we deal with the monster?

Sir...

Please order the navy to stand by

And buy up every fish in the markets

Dead or alive

Small fish to catch the big fish?

How will you catch it?

"Peacock Gallbladder"

"Strychnine Pellets"

Plus "Peacock Gallbladder"

Maybe a little "Monks-hood Root" too?

Why do you think it's your turn to speak?

What are they talking about?

Poisons

Let's not waste time

I'll start preparing them now

Why are you standing there?

Get to work!

You're not as clever as him, so work harder!

Four hours from now...

...we'll meet at the shipyard

Master Dee...

Ruiji...

Is she alright?

Isn't she here?

She went to find you at the execution ground...

...and didn't come back

Damn!

I should have guessed

Ruiji is descended from our enemies

The law says she must be arrested

As a bailiff...

... you must value the law above your own life

You won't beg for leniency, will you?

Your Majesty, you're right

I will not beg you to be lenient

I am here to place a bet

A bet?

Where do you think you are?

The Emperor suffered from the parasites...

...and so did many members of the Imperial court

Great Tang was nearly toppled

The conspiracy was led by Huo Yi

We must arrest him

Or there will be more chaos

I swear that...

...I need just one day...

...to arrest Huo Yi

I will bet my life on it...

...against Lady Ruiji's life

One day...

Aren't you a touch over-confident?

If your humble servant fails...,

...you will receive his head

But if the matter can be resolved in time....

I beg Your Majesty...

...to release Lady Ruiji

Your request is accepted

But do not forget...

In case of failure...

...you will forfeit your life

And the courtesan's head...

...will also hang atop the city's walls

Now...

...don't be scared

Remember my "Hold Your Breath" technique

Dee...

This is the famous "Kun Steed" from Aizhou

Not fast on land...

...but matchless in water

It can help you to fight

Needless to say...

...from now on...

...you and I are even

Set sail!

To Bat Island!

Let's see what's on Huo Yi's mind!

Yes, Sir!

Our distance from Bat Island...

...is now twenty li

All ships...

Stop moving!

All ships...

Stop moving!

Sirs...

No movement in the water

It's so calm

Weird, though...

They must be on Bat Island

So they can see our approach

We can't risk disembarking now

I think we should retreat first

Really?

Retreat!

You're right!

Order...

All ships to...

...turn and withdraw

All ships...

Turn and withdraw!

What's going on?

Feint the east and attack the west

You don't know that strategy?

Dee bet his own life for yours

What is your relationship with Dee?

Circumstances made us friends

Circumstances...

A young woman who looks like you do...

...can never be just a 'friend' with a man

You should know this very well

Since the two countries are at war...

...the law says...

...you should be arrested and interrogated

If you remain alive...

...you'll harm Great Tang

Detain her

I'm waiting for Dee to fail

When that happens...

...I'll see if your severed head...

...still draws thousands of admirers!

(Dondo) Da Lisi has found our hiding place

(Dondo) We have to retreat before dawn

(Dondo) Burn them quickly!

(Dondo) Burn all the herbs and flowers!

(Dondo) Don't delay!

(Dondo) Yes, Sir!

(Dondo) Da Lisi...

(Dondo) Their ships have pulled back

(Dondo) It seems...

(Dondo) ...the "Sea God" must have scared them off

(Dondo) But we can't find the "Sea God" either

(Dondo) What shall we do?

(Dondo) Once we've retreated...

(Dondo) ...send reinforcements...

(Dondo) ...to search for the "Sea God"

Don't waste your efforts!

The Da Lisi has Bat Island surrounded

We kept our distance in daylight...

...to make your defenses less alert

You're so experienced...

...but we've outwitted you

Shatuo!

Snake herbs

Wolf flowers

The plants all secrete rare poisons

(Dondo) The one with a mustache...

(Dondo) ...is Dee

So you're the universally loathed...

Dee!

Yuchi...

When I last faced you...

...I saw your shortcomings

It seems...

...Dee will soon have your post

You blatant thief!

What makes you so hate our Great Tang?

What's behind your dirty tricks?

Dee has godlike foresight

You don't need to ask me

Sir...

The Fuyu Kingdom has long fought sea battles with Great Tang

Dondo...

...sits between the two countries

The islanders are fisherfolk

The sea battles have affected them

They've been driven into exile

Huo Yi...

Your country is vulnerable...

You've been forced out of your home

You came here for revenge

Dee

If only we weren't enemies!

With your help...

...the world would be ours!

But...

Revenge was not my only motive

This Middle Kingdom...

You people are getting lazy

If we pander to your desires...

...at the right time...

...we can take over your empire!

I want to rule an empire!

Dee!

You're under poison flowers!

Sir! Sir!

We can't let Huo Yi escape

There must a hiding place down there

I'll go down to look!

Let go!

What did you see?

This is a nursery for parasites!

They're using human bodies...

...to breed them

So the parasites in the Imperial Tribute tea...

...were bred in human bodies!

This is the true face of Huo Yi's master plan

Sir!

Dee...

There's something I've wanted to ask you:

When you were a bailiff in Bing County...

...why were you sent to prison?

I reported corruption in Bing County

My superior framed me and had me locked up

I saw many crimes inside the prison

I understood that truth must be fought for

And that justice must be demanded

So why did you come to the Da Lisi?

The Da Lisi maintains the Tang Dynasty's laws...

That is the core of a just society

If I'm set on defeating crime...

... and attacking privilege...

This is the best place to do it

So, I'll take that as praise

Well said!

Dee...

Our mission is complete

And Lady Ruiji has been saved

Why do you still look...

...so worried?

There's something in the water!

Where are you going?

Can't you see how strangely the sail moves?

The sail...

That monster...

...is right under our ship

Archers of Ship Two!

Be ready!

Yes, Sir!

Load the crossbows!

Look-outs, use the signal flags!

Ship Three!

Follow the signals!

Stand by with the poisoned fish!

Yes, Sir!

The monster is here!

Be ready!

The toxic bait won't work immediately

This is a timer

To the monster, the ship's crew...

...is more interesting than the fish

We must release the toxic fish at the right moment...

...or all our efforts will come to nothing

Prepare the toxic fish

It's quite a distance!

Try to aim them accurately

All of you...

Watch the signals...

...and don't act rashly

Yes, Sir!

The monster is starboard!

Sir

We didn't see any signals!

We can't aim the toxic fish!

Over here!

Aim at the red flag!

Release them!

Sir!

Look!

Release them!

The poison will take effect in a while

The top priority is to evade the monster

Sir!

Look!

Kuang, Qian Zhang!

See who needs to be rescued!

Yes, Sir!

Dee...

What did you discover this time?

That I absolutely must learn how to swim!

To work in my Da Lisi...

...one must not be afraid of water

Mandated by heaven...

...His Majesty decrees that...

...the Dondoers are in revolt

Our brave and dutiful officials...

...will quell the rebellion

Yin Ruiji's death sentence is waived

But Great Tang and the Fuyu Kingdom...

...remain at war

So she must be denied...

...contact with the outside world...

...and be confined to Swallow House

So be it!

Report to the "Two Saints"

Your divine mandate...

...swept away all the demons

The Da Lisi has dealt with the villains

Huo Yi and his Dondoers...

...have been brought to justice

The "Sea Dragon" case...

...is now concluded

Officer Dee

This is the "Dragon Taming Mace"...

It is cast from meteorite metals

Harder than any other metal or stone

I hereby bestow this mace...

...charging you with the elimination of all evils

May you be the conscience of our nation

And the upholder of law for the world

Even I myself...

...and my Imperial family...

If we fail our people in any way...

...this mace will admonish us

Her Majesty is still watching you

If you stay in Luoyang...

...your life will be in danger

In the boxes you'll find money for travelling

You and Mr Yuan must leave Luoyang at once

Officer Dee...

Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness

This is the story of the "Sea Dragon" case

This strange case...

...tied my own fate and that of Luoyang...

...closely together

Some years later...

...the fate of the Tang Dynasty changed for the worse

A complete reversal

But...

Those were all matters still to come

My valued officers did well to solve this case

This feast is to thank you all

This is a tribute from years ago

"Bird's Tongue" tea with no parasites

Surely you officers trust me?

Of course, Your Majesty

Bring the medicine

Aiya!

Almost forgot...

To get rid of insect parasites...

...we don't have to use "Virgin Male urine"

There's an older remedy

Drink more water

Drinking three measures a day...

...will cure it

How much is one measure of water?

This is a pot of water

Drinking three a day will cure infestations

Aiya! On second thoughts...

Drinking water is too slow

Boys' urine will work better

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