Original subtitles

Morning, Mr. Ma.

"Inn"

Get up...

Get up...

Yes, yes...

Get up...

You shouldn't be in my way!

You shouldn't sleep in the stairway! Damn it!

You've already kicked me once...

I think that's enough!

What are you talking about?

He paid you, but there's no space to sleep,

and you're beating him up?

He has paid? How much?

If you can afford it,

You can go sleep in Xi Hui Fang brothel.

There you can pick girls to sleep with you.

Don't look down on others.

What if I do?

Do you know this is Shanghai?

You country bumpkins from Shantung...

...hoping to earn a living here?

Forget it!

Never mind, let's go!

Ma Yongzhen, watch your back!

If you bother me again,

I'll make your life miserable here in Shanghai.

Damn it!

I heard Shanghai is full of opportunities,

What is needed is just the strength and ability.

Brother Ma, you haven't had your chance yet.

When you have the chance,

Your life will pick up.

"Xi Hui Fang Brothel"

"Tan"

Hey!

Leave! Who told you to wash the horses?

Mister, I'm Xiao Jiangbei. Me and Brother Ma...

...have been cleaning up the carriages here.

Xiao Jiangbei, there's no need to explain to him.

Who does he think he is?

He is but a mere coachman.

So? You're just a bum!

Looking down upon us?

I'm not doing as great as you are now,

but I'm sure my good days will come.

I doubt it!

Stay and wash my carriage, I'll pay you.

We don't want your money.

You want us to beat you up?

You beat me?

I suggest you cut that out.

But if you insist, I can't stop you.

Cheeky, are we!

You've got quite a fist.

I might be a bum, I can fight.

Leave!

Enjoying yourself?

It's tough for us to get the carriage cleaning job.

What now?

We can find another job.

That's easy for you to say.

Hey, wait up!

Master Tan Si!

Good morning!

What's your name?

Ma Yongzhen.

Fellow man from Shantung?

You sure have a bad temper.

To make a living in Shanghai,

you can offend anything and anyone...

...except money.

Clean up my carriage now.

You've the strength.

Clean it up and this dollar is yours.

Ma Yongzhen, I'm disappointed in you.

You planned on picking up the dollar?

If you want to make money,

look right in front of you.

This costs quite a bit.

Why don't you take this?

That would be robbing.

Who doesn't rob in Shanghai?

Back off!

Master Tan Si, I've heard of your reputation.

You live up to your reputation.

If I'm no good, I wouldn't have my reputation.

But I'm almost as good as you.

You've still got a lot to learn, brother.

The coin is still yours.

Wait, Master Tan Si!

Stop!

I don't care for this dollar.

Very well, I'm impressed.

Brother Ma, are you mad?

Why did you throw away the dollar?

If only I could be like him one day.

I've got 20 cents, Brother Ma.

Let's go to Pot of Spring teahouse for some ballads.

"Pot of Spring Teahouse"

Go! Beat them up!

So that they will disappear from Shanghai.

Beat them!

Hey, did he kidnap your sister? What's that for?

You

What?

Look!

Life's getting tougher everyday,

even such a vagrant is complaining to me.

Are you a vegetarian today?

Move over! Let me deal with him.

No? Don't you know why I'm here?

You don't know?

I can't imagine why.

This is our turf now.

Sing your songs well.

Did you see me getting rid of Tan Si's men?

They're dying outside.

That's between you and Tan.

You better serve me well.

Brother Fan...

Still haven't taken care of them?

We were about to wrap up,

a man appeared out of no where,

Brother Li got hurt too.

Who's he? Tan Si's man?

No, a newcomer. Never seen him before.

Hey, Li. You broke your arm?

Tell him who I am.

Hey you, listen carefully.

This is Fan Agen, head of the 'Four Champions'.

I didn't want to fight you.

He killed a man,

and pushed him on me.

Are you working for Tan Si?

I work for myself.

I'm sure you've heard

of 'Four Champions' before?

Yes, I have.

And I've just fought with you.

The one with the knife isn't that good.

You want to get yourself killed?

I bear no grudge against you.

But if you insist, I won't stop you.

What's your name? Where do you live?

Ma Yongzhen. I live in an inn when

...I can afford it, otherwise I live on the streets.

Fine, I'll be looking for you. Let's go!

Let's go!

Got outdone by him.

Never mind, let's go!

That kid has got fists like iron.

He's got to have practiced for at least 10 years.

Where is he from?

No idea.

Xiao Jiangbei, the one who's with Ma,

I know him, he's just a hillbilly.

No wonder Li got his arm broken.

Ma Yongzhen won't be easy to deal with.

Let's go and report to the boss.

Let's go!

Brother Ma, you're still in the mood for music?

Of course!

We've got nothing better to do.

You beat two of the 'Four Champions'.

Three of them.

That was brief with their leader.

He'll hurt for a few days.

Jin Lingzi, come here.

Yes.

What do you want to listen?

I have no money for tunes.

You helped us kick out the 'Four Champions',

it's the least we could do,

We could do with friends like you.

I didn't do that for you,

I don't need you to treat me.

Here's a few dollars, keep it.

After I've reported to Master Tan Si...

I'm Ma Yongzhen, Master Tan Si knows me.

Tell him that,

I didn't do this for him,

I did this for myself.

I don't want your money, or his money,

I'll see him again,

Wait till we are equals.

Yes, yes!

Goodbye then.

The 'Four Champions' work for Boss Yang,

better stay away from them.

I didn't provoke them,

but I am involved now.

You work for me!

What's this? Asking me for help?

No, boss.

We could have nailed him.

Only that...

What? You're afraid of Tan Si?

I sent you to compete for his territory.

What are you afraid of?

Boss!

Ma Yongzhen doesn't work for Tan Si,

I fear that he will lean onto his side.

That won't do any damage to Tan Si.

You've been working for me a long time.

Don't you get this?

Boss, I've an idea.

We'll use Ma as a pawn against Tan Si,

That will save us lots of trouble.

Now that you've got status.

You don't want to do the dirty work?

Boss, we'll go and deal with Tan Si now.

You think Tan Si would be so easy to handle?

Send a dinner invitation to Tan Si.

Inviting him for dinner?

You must all attend,

and apologize to him.

Trust me, it's the right thing to do.

You've got so much to learn.

Any special business going on?

Wrestling tournament, we've a foreign boxer.

Each challenger has to pay 20 cents.

Whoever knocks him down,

Can get 20 dollars.

That should be profitable.

Buy wine for the men with the profit.

Maintain a low profile these few days.

Tan Si is competing with us for the opium deal.

There might be bloodshed.

Yes, yes!

Wait, that Ma Yongzhen...

Ma Yongzhen.

One of you pays him a visit.

You met him through a fight.

It's better to have a friend...

...than a foe

Yes!

Lu Pu, you heard them.

A bloody mere cipher...

...broke Li Caichun's arm,

and is responsible for Agen's swollen fist.

Boss, let me take care of him.

Not yet.

Not yet.

I'm off.

Bye.

Bye.

Let's have something to eat. I'm treating.

Afterwards we'll go to find some girls.

You're thinking about hookers?

You'd be lucky to get past the 'Four Champions'.

You could have asked for Master Tan's help.

You don't get it. I envy him.

I want to be like him, I don't want his help.

Yes, that day will come soon.

He's eating expensive dishes, you're having noodles;

He's sleeping with the high class courtesans,

and you with the lowest of sluts;

He has his own carriage,

you can't even afford a trishaw ride.

I'll make a name of my own one day.

Let's drink to Master Tan Si!

Cheers!

Boss Yang,

these men who work for me...

...are blessed by their ancestors.

Someone took care of the situation.

There was a savior.

I've asked them to...

...apologize to you,

So I hope this will be over.

Sure!

About the shipment arriving next month...

Boss Yang,

this is no time for business.

It's late!

Where's your friend now?

Soliciting a female company.

I don't know where he is.

I'll go look for him.

Hatchet Zhang Jinfa of the 'Four Champions'

is waiting for you with seven men.

You better stay away.

Don't worry, I've seen them before.

Xiao Jiangbei told me, but...

Don't worry, I'll be fine.

We see each other everyday,

we've helped each other out.

When my life turns better,

I won't forget my poor fellow-men.

Brother Ma!

Ma Yongzhen!

We came here to see you.

Move away, Xiao Jiangbei.

You don't believe us? Look!

What do you want?

Boss Yang sent me here to tell you,

he's got a job offer for you.

He's got a job offer.

What kind of job?

You should know that Boss Yang and Tan Si,

they've been rivals.

Men working for Tan Si are all useless.

If you can take over his jurisdiction,

Boss Yang won't bother you.

What's this about?

Boss Yang's handout?

Think it over.

If you don't have enough men,

Boss Yang can help you.

Never mind!

Go tell Boss Yang,

I've met with Master Tan Si once.

He's a man of influence,

and I'm a poor man who sleeps here,

but I think of him as a friend.

You're going up against us?

What are you scared of?

You've got men, knives, hatchets,

you control half of Shanghai,

you don't have to worry about me.

I don't think you'd dare to do anything!

Brother Ma!

Go...

Ma Yongzhen, I think your luck begins.

There's an empty room upstairs, go sleep.

Don't hang around in the attic.

I can't afford the rent upstairs.

Just pay when you have the money.

Unbelievable!

You are never that generous.

Please go!

Brother Ma is going up the ladder.

Brother Ma!

Xiao Jiangbei!

Brother Ma, there's a foreign wrestler.

Think you can tackle him?

What?

There's a wrestling contest against a foreign strong man.

20 cents for a challenge.

You can have a challenge on stage.

If you can knock him down,

you stand to win 20 bucks.

20 dollars? Let's go!

"Russian Muscle Man's Wrestling Tournament"

That's unfair!

Do you know how to?

Calm down, everyone!

Anyone else up to the challenge?

If you can knock him down,

you get 20 dollars.

I'll have a go!

Try hard!

In the past week, we've made an average

profit of 20, 30 dollars a day.

So many people are hoping to strike it rich.

Beat him!

More power!

Get up and fight!

Go! Yes!

Ma Yongzhen's here.

I just recovered, he's here again?

Ma Yongzhen? He's here for the wrestling, eh?

That's the word.

Tan Si has given his territory

near the Pot of Spring teahouse to him.

Ma didn't take the protection fees.

He just told them to keep the money.

He hasn't shown up in more than ten days.

If he's here to challenge, he's not in it for the cash.

How could you do that?

That's unfair!

Are you up to it, Brother Ma?

This guy knows kung fu, it should be fun.

Gentlemen, please sit down!

Please know your limits before your challenge.

This Russian has gone everywhere.

He is matchless.

I'll try!

Please!

Go! Go! Go!

Great!

Go, Brother Ma!

Well done, Brother Ma!

Excellent!

You've got guts!

Brother Ma!

- You deserve this, muscle man! - Well done!

Can I go now?

Leave...

Ma Yongzhen!

Look what you've done to my business!

That's your rules.

The Russian bum is a laugh, and you too?

Look down!

What do you have to say now?

Hear my fists!

How's your arm?

Go, Brother Ma!

20 dollars is yours.

I can't just leave like this.

You told me to say something.

What do you want to say?

I want to tell you to go to the doctor again.

I only dislocated your joint.

If you can't even bear the pain,

you don't live up to your name.

Haven't been to Pot of Spring Teahouse for a while.

Right.

You three.

Get all our poor friends from the inn.

I'll be waiting in the teahouse.

Sure, let's go!

"Pot of Spring Teahouse"

Great!

You may order whatever you like to eat, sir.

The cashier will be coming soon.

The cashier? Do I owe you money?

Stop kidding, Boss Ma!

Boss Ma... Boss Ma!

Here comes the cashier.

Brother Ma, we've been awaiting you a long time.

You've been busy.

The protection fees we've collected, please count.

Protection fees?

Yes.

The money...

After the turf war against the 'Four Champions',

Master Tan Si said he couldn't collect...

the protection fees...

...of the hawkers in the area...

...in the vicinity of the teahouse.

For you kicked the 'Four Champions' out,

this territory is yours from now on.

Brother Ma, this is only a small turf.

Five, six dollars a day.

Mater Tan Si said...

If Brother Ma has enough men,

then we don't need to interfere.

But if there's anything we can do,

we would treat you like Master Tan Si.

Brother Ma!

It's 67 dollars 80 cents in total, count it.

There're lots of people working for you

Master Tan Si asked for a low rate.

If you want to raise the amount,

no one will oppose.

We just want to do business peacefully.

That's enough.

Xiao Jiangbei, I'm now in charge of the...

...territory around this teahouse.

Let's have a feast!

Don't hesitate!

It's my treat!

Miss Jin, it's Brother Ma's first day here,

something cheerful would be in order.

Yes, yes!

What would you like to listen, Boss Ma?

Whatever!

I won't take it. Spare us the protection fee for 10 days.

What's your problem, Jin Lingzi?

What's your attitude about?

Master Tan Si, Brother Ma

or Jin Laoqi from earlier days,

or whoever is in charge next,

we must pay protection fees to him.

What's wrong with that?

If you don't pay...

what do we live on?

Sing!

Yes!

What's with the face?

Be cheerful!

Forget it if you don't wish to sing.

Brother Ma, drag her back in.

No, she...

Let's drink some more!

Come on, cheers!

Don't be mad!

It's business, we've to deal with it.

It's back into place.

You've embarrassed me!

Boss Yang!

Ma Yongzhen has got his ways.

Tan Si handed over to him Pot of Spring's turf.

He's difficult to handle, now that he has power.

There's no point to rush.

This might be Tan Si's strategy.

I'll think of something. Let's deal with Tan Si first!

Boss!

How is it?

The weapons will arrive in 2 months.

Two men will bring in a load of gunpowder.

They'll arrive in 20 days.

Tan Si's gang is dealing with them.

When will they meet?

Don't know yet.

But I've bribed one of his men.

He'll keep me informed.

What's the matter with you?

There's a new boss from time to time.

It's nothing new.

You've never cried because of that.

Leave me alone!

Fine, then tell me.

The other day you said Ma Yongzhen's a good man with skills.

You smiled when mentioning him.

Why the change?

Look at him today!

What's the difference between him and the rest?

He's just a gangster.

But I think he's nice to you.

If that's someone else,

you couldn't have got away today.

I don't need him to be nice to me.

Lingzi,

you have a lady's temper but a maid's destiny.

Uncle, let's head back for our home town.

What's going on?

What are you doing?

Brother Ma said 3 dollars each.

Who wants it?

"Xingcheng Carriage Company"

Yes!

"Ma"

Look!

This is the same model as Master Tan's.

Who's the owner?

Ma Yongzhen, Brother Ma!

Brother Ma... haven't heard of.

You'll know when you go to Pot of Spring.

In Shanghai,

Some rise, some fall everyday.

Mister... mister...

You owe three days' money.

Don't you want to keep your business?

Business has been slow.

Please be reasonable!

If business isn't good, then go some place else.

Here at least I'm able to earn a little.

If I go elsewhere...

This man owes three days' money,

should we punch him?

Nonsense!

So he owes three days' money,

he will settle when he has.

We all started out poor,

We all had our penniless days.

Don't press them!

Yes, yes!

Please!

Jin Lingzi is still not here?

No, she isn't.

Since you've been in charge...

She hasn't been working here.

Should I check out where she's singing now?

So that we can teach her a lesson?

No, if she doesn't want to be here,

let her be.

Brother Ma, that Jin Lingzi...

...is quite a pretty girl.

She's a good match for you.

Stop this!

I can have any woman I want.

We're earning very little lately.

Brother Ma,

we didn't beat up the candy vendor,

I'm afraid we won't get a single buck tomorrow.

Don't go bothering them!

They are poor, they've got nothing to give you.

How does Master Tan Si make his living?

Master Tan Si runs several casinos.

That's where the main income is from.

Brother Ma, how could you get your share?

I won't touch Master Tan's territory,

and I can't take others.

If we don't get our hands on a casino,

others will.

It's Master Tan's turf from here eastwards,

Westwards belong to the 'Four Champions'.

The Qunfu Lane nearby,

the casinos and brothels there,

they make thirty, forty a day.

That's profitable!

How come no one's interested?

Of course there are!

Two months ago, Tian Bibo, Chen Xingrong...

...tried and died in front of the lane.

Any of you volunteer to go with me?

Fine, I'll go alone.

Call all the men, wait for me at the entrance.

Enter the lane only when I'm done.

If I fail...

then you'll go back to your poor days at the inn.

Brother Ma, you...

I know how to play this game.

If you're satisfied with your turf,

you won't be able to keep it.

Xiao Jiangbei, to Qunfu Lane.

Sure!

He's got guts!

Master Tan Si was the same then.

We have a great leader.

Stop here!

"Qunfu Lane"

Xiao Jiangbei, I'm hoping to take over here.

Drive the carriage back.

If I fail,

sell the carriage and go back to your village.

Brother Ma, you're doing this on your own?

I...I'll go with you.

You're an honest man, not a gangster.

Just listen!

"Qunfu Lane"

"Hongfu Casino"

Win!

Come!

Place your bets...

Mister, inside!

Have a seat please!

Mister,

need to exchange some chips?

I want to see your boss.

Sure!

That's him.

Call them.

Yes!

We've won again!

Today is our lucky day,

I can meet Mr. Zhang right away.

Don't have to go through others.

Ma Yongzhen, you've struck gold.

To tell you the truth,

Scraping off from the poor...

...isn't what I intend to do.

Then what is it that you're after?

Boss Yang has plenty of income.

The casinos and brothels in Qunfu Lane,

let me take over.

Ma Yongzhen!

Some nerve you've got there!

I mean it.

You've got guts!

Um, I wouldn't want to disturb the customers,

otherwise there's no use even you take over.

Let's speak outside.

Whatever you say.

Fight, go in!

Go in!

Come on!

Ma Yongzhen,

today you walked in here,

but you will be carried out.

Someone will be.

Go!

Go on!

Hurry!

What's going on?

Boss Yang, Ma Yongzhen has brought

some men to take over Qunfu Lane's turf.

They're about to succeed.

Let me go!

No!

Fetch Zhang Jinfa back!

We'll take care of Tan Si first,

and then we'll take care of...

...Ma Yongzhen later.

Boss, when Zhang Jinfa comes back,

the area round Qunfu Lane...

We'll get it back later.

Go on, hurry!

Yes!

You head out too!

Just do this for now,

Tan Si would think that I'm losing power.

Stop it, Boss Yang has his orders.

Bullshit! He should send some men here!

Ma Yongzhen, Boss Yang said you've got guts,

You can control this lane.

Fan, this...

The Boss said so, let's go!

All of you here, c'mon move!

Please thank Boss Yang for me.

Bullshit!

Go, move!

How could this be?

Get all those in charge here.

I want to meet with them.

Yes!

Boss Ma, welcome!

You sure are cool, Boss. Please!

Please come in, Boss Ma!

Boss, come!

Please!

Come!

Boss Yang, I'm telling you the truth.

Tell me again.

Tan Si will meet them tomorrow morning,

then they will pass him the opium shipment.

They'll set the price after checking.

They've planned to meet near Dacheng.

It's quiet there.

What if something happens to Tan Si?

They'll need to find another buyer,

then Boss Yang could get the deal.

Well done, leave now.

Tan Si is smart. Don't let him find out.

I'll leave first.

Go!

You know what to do?

Tan Si won't bring a lot of men.

You wait halfway...

Too easy!

Let's just allow Ma Yongzhen...

...enjoy a few more days in Qunfu Lane.

Come, eat and drink some more!

Hey, have some more!

This is our sixth meal of the day.

This is the last one in the lane,

I can't eat anymore.

- Then have something to drink. - Great!

Come!

Boss Ma, take a look!

Which girl do you like?

Brother Ma!

Should we go pick elsewhere?

You don't know Brother Ma.

I know he likes someone.

Nonsense!

Brother Ma,

I know there's a girl at Xi Hui Fang...

...who looks exactly like Jin Lingzi.

Watery big eyes, slim waist...

...and has a good voice.

See, I know Brother Ma.

Shut up! But Xi Hui Fang...

...was a place I used to know.

I'll get Xiao Jiangbei to get the carriage ready.

Go!

Move over!

Master Tan Si!

This carriage belongs to...

Brother Ma. He had particularly requested that,

he wanted the same model as yours.

Brother Ma...

Ma Yongzhen?

That's right!

Good day!

Master Tan Si!

You tell him that.

Boss Yang's turf won't be easy to take over.

Although he's done a good job at Qunfu Lane,

He must watch out.

Master Tan Si's here, come on out!

Thank you, Master Tan!

Boss Ma!

Have a drink!

No, I've had enough.

Why don't you come to Pot of Spring?

To Dacheng, hurry!

What the...

Excellent plan of Boss Yang.

Tan will die this time for sure.

Don't fight him, go!

I was sold out by my own man,

I've got nothing to say.

Brother Ma, Master Tan has just left.

Follow him, I want to see him now.

That's easy. He told his coachman...

...to head for Dacheng

Brother Ma, look!

Brother Ma, Master Tan was ambushed.

We better leave before others get here.

Go quick!

Great, six...

Let's drink to you, boss!

It was a job well done.

Now we've got the opium deal.

Come!

Agen!

What about Tan Si's territory?

All under our control now.

But those who worked for him,

most of them are now working for Ma Yongzhen.

I worry that...

Might as well butter Ma up a bit.

Send someone to tell him that,

I will personally meet with him

at Green Lotus Pavilion teahouse tomorrow.

I want to talk to him alone.

I will only bring Lu Pu.

Boss, that...

I'm only taking Lu,

but you can enter the teahouse if you want.

Boss, I can fight with Ma Yongzhen.

We'll see then.

They've all been beaten by Ma,

I know you want your revenge.

Brother Ma, Boss Yang's appointment...

Of course I'll be there. In order to secure my

status in Shanghai, I'll go.

But...

Yang is a well-known person here.

A promise is a promise.

He wants to see me alone.

Green Lotus Teahouse is a crowded place,

what can he do to me?

It might be an ambush.

With him besides me, should anything happen,

He'll be the one in trouble.

Send Xiao Jiangbei here, guard outside!

Yes!

This is the only way

for me to get close to Yang.

My only chance for Master Tan Si's revenge.

Xiao Jiangbei, borrow 100 dollars from Zhang Huan,

head back to your village tomorrow morning.

Brother Ma!

Xiao Jiangbei, the way we lead our lives now,

this isn't for an honest man like you.

I'm doing well as your coachman.

What if something happens?

It's not worth it.

Look what happened to Master Tan's coachman.

Take the money, buy some land,

get married and settle down.

Go on!

You want more than 100 dollars?

No, not that!

You must leave tomorrow!

Fine, if Brother Ma wants me to,

I'll leave!

"Green Lotus Teahouse"

Hello, Boss Yang!

Boss Yang!

Please!

Boss Yang!

Boss Yang!

Hello, Boss Yang!

Hello, Boss Yang!

Boss Yang!

I'm meeting someone today.

A gang will show up soon.

Don't worry about that.

Yes!

Don't worry, we won't damage anything.

I'm glad to hear that.

I won't worry.

- Ok! - Go!

Listen, all the waiters and the

peanut vendors must go!

Our men will take over,

we've enough men here.

Yes!

Don't worry, boss!

We'll pay for all the damages.

Yes!

Please!

Sorry, please leave...

Sorry, sorry...

Sorry, please leave...

Sorry, please leave...

Let's go...

Boss!

Everyone in position, act normal.

Remember. The water must be boiling!

Yes!

"Green Lotus Teahouse"

He is here.

Boss Yang has been waiting for you.

Boss Yang!

Hi, sit down.

My bodyguard, he follows me around.

Lu Pu, one of the 'Four Champions'.

Yes, he won't say much,

just ignore him.

But I don't want to hurt bystander in a fight.

Don't you worry, young man.

To be honest regarding your skills,

you are as good as Tan Si.

I won't be so sure.

Very confident, good! Tea!

Yes!

I'll be frank with you.

Go ahead.

I don't want Qunfu Lane's turf anymore.

Qunfu Lane's turf...

I'm not interested in it now.

I want something else from you.

What?

I want you dead. You're the public enemy.

You're over, Ma Yongzhen!

I'm not over yet!

Brother Ma...

Ma Yongzhen, this time you're really over!

Hurry!

Go!

Don't let him come up! Fight!

Don't worry, boss. He's dying!

He won't have the strength.

Boss Yang, now we could...

...really have a personal chat!

"White Golden Dragon Cigarette"