"The Prequel of Gold Conveyers: A Beaconfire in Liaodong"
During the reign of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty,
the Japanese invasion is rampant.
They harass the coastal areas from eastern Liaoning
all the way to Fujian and Guangdong in the south.
At the same time, the Japanese civil war intensifies.
The dukes kill each other for hegemony.
It is bloody.
Run! Run!
Go down now.
Run! Run! Run!
Are you tired?
Not at all.
No.
You all have worked hard today.
I'll treat you to something good.
-Madam. -Great.
The venison here is very delicious.
Sea cucumber! It's the best in the world.
No sea cucumber. You wish!
-Idiot. -Invite Wang Zhaoxing to the meal.
Wang Zhaoxing!
Chief Wang!
What's the matter? Where is he?
Hanling Village. Royal Guards.
To Wang Zhaoxing, commander of
Flying Fish Battalion of the Royal Guards.
At present, the war situation in eastern Liaoning is intense.
After the enemy landed in Longzhou,
they harass the border area of Great Ming and Korea.
Our envoy An Gongpu encountered the enemy in Hanling Village
on his way back from Korea.
His life is hanging.
Now, go to Hanling Village
and meet with others soon.
You will lead a team to find An Gongpu
and escort him to Liaoyang Military Prefecture safely.
Act without fail!
From the Royal Guards Command Office.
Top secret.
Burn it after reading.
Sister, it's really you.
On the orders of the military governor,
members of the Flying Fish Battalion report to you.
Please give us instructions.
Hanling Village is located on the border of two countries.
It's chaotic with many people.
Obey orders and be careful.
Yes!
Go!
Yes!
Behave!
If you move, you will be killed!
Don't move!
Tell me!
Where did you hide that high-ranking official?
Tell me!
Speak!
Where is he?
Where the hell is he hiding?
Say it now!
Or I'll kill you!
Where is the official hiding?
Say it now!
You won't tell me, huh?
Speak!
Do you want to die? Say it!
It seems quiet outside.
Lord An.
You're safe now.
Easy.
Go to the entrance and see
if there's anything unusual.
-Yes! -Yes.
Come here, come.
Easy. Be careful.
How did you do your job?
You came so late!
I was almost killed just now, do you know?
Sorry, My Lord. We were a bit late.
Please forgive us.
You get the salary from the imperial court.
But it's a waste!
I don't know why they even paid you!
You!
What is it?
I'm the Assistant Minister of Rites, a third level official!
You should be polite.
Got it?
You're a high-ranking official, we dare not offend you.
If you have any problems with us,
you can go back and report it to the imperial court.
But now,
it is very dangerous here with invaders around.
They will come back at any time.
Why? Will they come again?
Well... Let's go. Go now.
Reporting!
A group of people came.
Look!
Why is she here?
I'll take care of it.
Wang Zhaoxing, there you are!
Why are you here?
We're here for you.
Come.
Nonsense. Why do you come here?
You peeled out. Of course I have to come.
You have no idea how worried I am!
I don't need you to worry about me.
Take them and go back.
So?
Okay, Wang Zhaoxing!
I can't believe you put on air now!
Since I was a child,
I have been making my own decisions!
How dare you dictate me?
I can't explain it to you.
There are things you don't understand.
Why can't I understand?
Do you think everything you do is watertight?
What about this?
This...
You can't explain it.
Right?
It's fine.
If you feel really awkward,
you don't have to answer me.
If you think there are things
that I don't need to know,
I'm fine with it.
You mean...
In fact, I have many questions.
Who on earth are you?
Where are you come from?
What do you want?
Why do you keep it from me?
I didn't mean to keep it from you.
I know.
I know it can't be compelled.
It's all about fate.
Just like when you first came to our convoy,
I didn't ask you much.
I won't force you today.
But I believe in my judgment.
Maybe one day, you will
tell me everything, right?
I promise I will explain to you later.
Why are so many people got injured?
The Japanese invaders just ransacked here.
Zhu, get medicine for traumatic injuries.
The rest go to help them.
-Yes. -OK.
Commander Wang, why don't we leave yet?
Be patient, My Lord.
Commander Wang?
How did Wang Zhaoxing become a commander?
Can't you see?
Wang Zhaoxing is a royal guard!
So he's been fooling us all the time?
-I have to go talk to him. -No, no.
Daniu.
It's none of your business. Go to help.
Let's go.
Look, you're sweating a lot.
Look at you.
Madam.
There are 130 km from Hanling Village
to Liaoyang Military Prefecture.
There are two ways to go, a road and a lane.
Although we have to cross Hanling Mountain by taking the lane,
we can 25 km less
and reach Liaoyang before sunset tomorrow.
That's right.
The number of Japanese invaders landing in Longzhou this time
are over a thousand.
The officers and soldiers of Liaoyang
rushed to Longzhou to defend the enemy.
So the hinterland is with fewer soldiers.
If we take the lane and encounter the enemy,
it will be troublesome.
Then let's take the road.
Let's leave right now.
Yes!
All right! Let's go now!
Let's go.
Master, take us with you.
What are you doing?
Take us with you!
What are you doing?
My Lord, please take us with you.
Yeah, yeah! Take us with you!
No, I'm the Assistant Minister of Rites. A third-level official.
How can I take vulgar people with me?
My Lord, so many Japanese invaders have died here.
They will come for a massacre.
Yes, we will have to die, My Lord!
Shut up! Get out of the way!
I have to hurry on with my journey.
A group of unruly people!
Commander Wang. Clear the way for me!
What to do?
Take the common people with us.
They will be safe when they arrive in Liaoyang.
We can't.
Our mission is to protect Lord An.
If we take these people,
It will definitely hold us up.
It would be bad if the enemy came.
Sanlang!
Our mission is to protect Lord An.
If anything goes wrong,
how do we explain to the superiors?
But protecting the common people
is also our mission, isn't it?
Commander Wang.
What are you doing there?
I have an important task.
If you delay the military affairs,
can you take the responsibility?
My Lord, if we leave these people behind,
they will have to die.
Nonsense!
I am a civilian official, not a military commander.
I can't protect the border and the people.
I will!
Folks, we are the conveyers of Ping'an Convoy
and we're going to Liaoyang.
If you don't mind us being an unknown convoy,
we will escort you
for free.
Oh! That's great!
Are you serious?
Of course.
Our madam keeps her words.
Ping'an Convoy will keep you safe.
You are our saviors!
You are so kind.
Nonsense!
You flee with your families.
Do you want me to be dead?
My Lord.
As the saying goes, the road is broad enough for everyone to walk.
If you want to hurry, please go.
You don't have to worry about the common people.
Folks, pack your stuff.
We're leaving.
Wait!
Miss, we are Korean businessmen.
Can you take us with you?
Are you going to Liaoyang, too?
Yes, we're going to Liaoyang to do business.
If it's OK with you, please take us, too.
Sure.
Let's go together!
Brothers, cheer up and stand tall.
Don't let others look down on us!
Everybody, cheer up!
Show them the military power of Flying Fish Battalion
The Flying Fish Battalion takes one for all!
-Royal Guards. -Gold conveyers.
-Loyal to the country. -We are strong!
-Gold conveyers. -The Flying Fish Battalion
-Takes one for all! -We are strong!
-Gold conveyers. -Royal Guards.
-Loyal to the country. -We are strong!
What's going on?
Guys, be careful.
Send a signal if there's danger.
Go!
Lord Yukime. It's over there.
The common people here are really good.
No, this is not some ordinary people's kungfu.
The Royal Guards have been here.
The Royal Guards?
Lord Yukime!
We found their whereabouts.
Go!
Damn Royal Guards.
They don't care about the common people!
Madam, Wang Zhaoxing is not righteous at all.
He always treats us like fools. Fine.
But he can't be heartless to you.
Yeah, I think
he puts hoes before bros.
I saw him flirting with that woman.
Shut up! Don't talk nonsense.
Don't mention it again from today on.
Let's take a shortcut this way.
Hurry!
Quit staring.
They won't be able to catch up.
They're not taking the lane, are they?
Zhang Biao. Zhao Meng.
Yes.
You two go to check the lane and find the Convoy.
Bring up the rear.
Wait!
We don't have enough men.
You can't send them out.
I am the commander of this operation.
Take my orders.
You are the captain.
And you can't be emotional!
I'm not emotional.
I'm afraid those common people will be in danger.
You speak one way and think another.
I think you are worried about Gu Ping'an's safety.
All right! What are you muttering about?
Hurry!
No matter what you think,
the Flying Fish Battalion is always responsible
for protecting the people of Great Ming.
You're the captain. Whatever.
Zhang Biao. Zhao Meng.
Yes.
Go ahead.
Yes!
Let's go.
My Lord.
They walked from here less than an hour before.
Those who took the road wear official boots.
It should be the Royal Guards.
The footprints on the lane are messy.
It should be common people.
Which way shall we take?
Take the lane.
Why?
Lord Uda will take care of the Royal Guards.
Wait.
The three on the back protect Lord An.
The others come with me.
Take the Lord away.
My Lord.
These people are more powerful now.
We need to be more careful.
Go!
It seems that the Convoy took the lane.
They didn't go far.
We'll be able to catch up soon.
Send a flare!
Yes!
Daniu, take the villagers away now.
OK.
Folks, hurry! Keep up!
Go.
Hurry!
Go.
A bunch of idiots.
My black gauze cap is broken!
My Lord, please calm down. It was my mistake.
That's it?
I'm the Assistant Minister of Rites. A third-level official.
Do you know how difficult it is for me
to get this black gauze cap?
Listen up!
All I know now is that in order to save you,
two of my men died.
If you keep being wordy,
I'll leave you here and let the wild dogs eat you up!
How dare you!
Try and see if I dare!
Captain.
Pass my order, this road is dangerous.
Let's take the lane instead.
Yes!
-Hurry. -Keep up!
Hurry!
Everybody, stop.
Zhu.
You go and ask for a cereal bag.
OK.
Folks, does anyone have cereal bags?
I have it here.
Madam.
Carry it
and run along this road.
Run as fast as you can, understand?
Take it for easier communication.
OK.
Daniu, come with me.
OK.
Everybody, this way.
Go.
Lord Yukime, look!
Go!
Stop!
Go!
Yes!
Hurry! This way.
Where are you going?
Hurry!
That was close.
Go!
Lord Yukime.
Ping'an.
Wang Zhaoxing.
Madam, are you all right?
I'm fine.
Good.
I saw the signal
and thought you guys...
Since she's fine,
don't hold her hand any longer.
Thank you for helping us.
You're welcome.
It is not worth mentioning.
Who sent the signal just now?
It was Zhu, he led the pursuing forces away.
Is he gonna be all right?
Yes, he's very smart.
Over here.
It's going this way.
Asshole!
Sorry!
It's this mark again.
Could it be the ninja
who attacked us on the road is their accomplice?
This mark is the family emblem of Japanese Daimyo.
This shows that they work for the same Daimyo.
That's right, these ronins
are neatly dressed and well-trained.
Not like common Japanese invaders.
We did nothing.
Why are the Japanese Daimyo after us?
Lord An.
What?
Are you hiding something from us?
What, what do you mean by that?
There is a group of Japanese ronins
after us.
In my opinion,
they're not trying to avenge their accomplices
or rob us.
They come after you.
What?
They come after me?
Right.
My Lord. Do you have anything on you
that interests them?
I have an important task.
I can't tell you the detail.
Lord An. We're in critical condition.
If you don't tell us the truth,
and if thing goes wrong,
you will be killed.
Well...
All right then.
You guys...
Come forward.
This is a Japanese secret book of Iga Ninjutsu.
How come you have it?
Here's the thing.
It was given to me by a Korean minister.
According to him, two months ago,
a big Japanese ship
stranded in the West Korea Bay.
All the Japanese on the ship were dead.
When searching their relics,
they inadvertently found the secret book of Iga Ninjutsu.
The minister said
there is
the essence of Ninjutsu of the Iga family
and tricks to crack it.
Once we master it,
there is no mystery about Ninjutsu.
So I want to take this secret book
back to the capital
and present it to His Majesty.
I've heard from my adoptive father before.
It is said it's the greatest glory for ninjas to read
this secret book of Iga in Japan.
And losing the secret book of Iga
is the greatest shame for ninjas.
That's why they do whatever it takes
to get it back.
Lord Yukime!
What? You didn't get it?
Sorry, I failed.
I wonder
who made Uda return empty-handed?
It is the Royal Guards of Ming.
Royal Guards? In my opinion,
they look impressive but aren't powerful at all.
Don't say that!
Sorry!
The Royal Guards are all first-class masters.
It is not easy to defeat them.
Lord Yukime, why do you speak highly of them
and underestimate us?
Shut up!
Yes!
Presumably, Lord Uesugi
doesn't know much about the Royal Guards.
They are like ninjas.
They are brave and they will fight
to the last moment.
The Royal Guards also have strict disciplines
and iron will.
If you want to defeat them,
you must stimulate your strong fighting will
and clever stratagem.
Do you understand?
Yes!
From here, we will pass
Ridge Imagawa, Heishui Pond and Zizhu Forest.
Then we will reach Liaoyang.
I'll be the pioneer in front and make way.
Madam.
Take the conveyers with you
and protect the common people and Lord An.
Sister, bring up the rear with the Flying Fish Battalion.
Why?
Flying Fish Battalion has always been the vanguard.
It doesn't matter. We'll bring up the rear.
Stop arguing. Listen to me.
We're not dealing with a rabble,
but Japanese Ninjutsu masters.
So we must
work together and cooperate
to defeat them.
Keep up!
Everybody, cheer up!
Hurry and keep up!
Commander Wang.
I'm too tired. Let's have a rest, OK?
No, it's dangerous here.
We must pass quickly.
What a terrible day!
I really can't walk anymore!
Let's rest!
Here. Have some water.
Here.
I'm thirsty.
Have some.
What are you doing?
The sound of the flute will reveal our whereabouts.
But music can lift up spirits.
I think everyone is tired.
I said no.
I'll keep this for you.
Why? Give me my flute!
I'm sorry.
Don't do this.
Why are you so harsh?
He didn't do it on purpose.
I must keep everyone safe.
Don't take it to heart.
He is like that.
He means no harm.
Why is Commander Wang so overbearing?
By the way, you speak Mandarin well.
I like Mandarin.
And music, painting and poetry.
Really? Tell me.
Yes.
On the Lotus Mountain,
the lights are shining like stars.
I hold the lotus in my hands, it's like I was walking in the sky.
Nice! Good poem!
Whose poem is this?
This is Li Bai's "Gu Feng".
I like his poems the most.
They are unrestrained and romantic.
It's a little strange ahead. Be careful, everyone.
It's me!
Zhu, are you all right?
Yes.
Why is it suddenly so cold here?
There's even ice. And there may be an ambush in there.
Where's Xiaolong?
Be careful of the Ninjas! !
Earth Escaping Technique!
Protect the Lord and the common people!
Leave the rest to me.
Their Ninjutsu is good.
Let's go!
How are you?
I'm fine.
Bear with it.
What to do now?
By means of these ninjas masters' special hiding techniques,
their means are bizarre and it's hard to defend.
My father and I have been escorting to the Southeast coast.
There are also ninjas among the invaders.
It was Earth and Wood Escaping Techniques.
There will be Gold, Fire and Water Escaping Techniques.
Do you know how to crack it?
That's the problem.
If we don't know how to crack Ninjutsu,
we're like fighting blindfolded.
We can't fight effectively!
But we have the secret book of Ninjutsu.
Do you understand Japanese? Help us translate.
Do it if you can. I can't.
It's double Dutch to me.
The way to crack Ninjutsu is right in front of us.
If only there were someone who knew Japanese.
Let me try.
No.
Dai jyou bu.
What do you mean?
It means no problem.
Ninjutsu was originally an ancient Taoist magical skill in China.
It came to Japan
and they changed its name to Ninjutsu.
Now we will use it.
So it's returned to its original owner.
The eight required courses for ninjas are
Bone, Qi, Swordsmanship, Stick,
Fire, Gun, Entertainment and Teaching.
The most important and common Ninjutsu
is the five Escaping Techniques.
Fire, Wood, Earth, Water and Gold Escaping Techniques.
The Fire Escaping Technique
uses smoke shells and things like that
to confuse the enemy and run away.
The Water Escaping Technique uses special skills
or props to lurk underwater.
So what about the Earth Escaping Technique just now?
It seems mysterious,
but it's actually very simple.
Ninjas use tunnels they dug in advance
to attack and escape.
I see.
I didn't expect your Japanese to be so good.
How many languages do you know?
I only learned two, Mandarin and Japanese.
Why?
I learned Mandarin because I like
your culture and art.
I learned Japanese because...
Ouch! I hurt my leg!
I'm sorry. He sprained his foot.
Do you have medicine for traumatic injuries?
Yes, I'll get it for you.
I'll go with you.
Don't tell them that!
They're heading to Heishui Pond.
Lord Uesugi. I'll leave it to you.
It's time for my show!
Look, it introduces
Bone, Qi, Swordsmanship and Stick here.
The Escaping Techniques are behind it.
Look.
So,
this is Fire and Wood Escaping...
The team behind can't keep up.
We can't replenish supplies in the lane.
We're running out of water.
We can't stop.
Although we changed our route,
ninjas may catch up any time.
We have to climb over the mountain
before sunset.
How about this?
Heishui Pond is not far away.
I'll take some people to get water.
You guys move on.
Wait!
I'll go with you.
I'm going, too.
No.
They need you here.
Zhu, take someone and come with me.
Yes.
Go.
Lord Ann, we must hit the road.
I can't.
I won't go on.
You don't even let me rest
or give me water to drink.
You, you want me to die of thirst!
Stop shouting! Everyone is thirsty!
Daniu.
I think we'd better take a break.
We can wait for Wang Zhaoxing to come back
Let's take a rest. Be alert!
Look! Water!
Wait.
This water is not drinkable.
Don't touch him.
It can be infectious.
This water is poisonous.
It kills people in an instant.
And his whole body is black.
It is highly toxic.
Look at these dead fish.
If the pool was poisonous,
there wouldn't have been fish here.
This means that...
It means someone just poisoned the water.
Madam!
Look.
Great, send them out.
Come on.
Here.
Here you are.
Take it.
Eat it.
Thank you.
It's so sweet.
You're welcome. We have walked all the way,
but I don't know your name yet.
My name is Cheng Jingjing. Just call me Jingjing.
Jingjing, this name is very nice.
Really? You have a nice name, too.
Gu Ping'an.
It means you bring peace and happiness to people.
By the way, I heard that Wang Zhaoxing
calls you sister.
You two learned from the same master?
Yeah.
He and I learned kungfu from my adoptive father
since we were little.
We are definitely childhood sweethearts.
I was stupid when I was little. I remember that
I was scolded by my adoptive father when learning kungfu one time,
Sanlang was standing with me
till dawn.
He always takes care of me.
Hero, can you give me one?
I'm sorry, My Lord.
If you want apples, there are none.
I'm a strong man. I have to eat two.
If you want it, there are trees over there.
See the tallest tree there?
You can pick them yourself.
Come on, let's eat!
Help!
Protect the Lord. Let's go back!
That ninja escaped from this hole.
So this is Earth Escaping Technique.
I have never seen it.
What's wrong with him?
He seems to be frightened.
Don't be afraid. It's safe now.
To save me,
a lot of people were killed or injured.
I will make them pay sooner or later!
I'm sorry.
I lost the secret book.
My secret book!
This... This is all your fault!
You...
I'm sorry. I didn't mean it.
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.
Apology doesn't work!
I'm sorry.
Please rest assured.
I will definitely make it up to you.
Bullshit! You are lying.
Can you afford it?
Listen! We're not done!
Why are you shouting?
In order to protect this secret book,
he almost died!
That's easy for you to say.
I need to bring this secret book
to His Majesty and ask for a reward!
And it's all ruined now.
What did you say!
I, I, I said...
What did I say?
You let us leave the common people behind
and fight to protect this secret book
just for your promotion and wealth?
Well...
What do you think?
What else do I want?
You're an important official.
Do you really think the lives of the common people
are worthless?
You are a royal guard.
You are too naive!
Go to hell!
What happened? Why are you so angry?
Sister, sometimes I wonder
why we risk our lives to carry
out our missions?
To serve the country and defend Great Ming, of course.
Do you think only the officials
are the citizens of Great Ming?
Those thousands of common people
are not citizens of Great Ming?
Of course they are.
But when it comes to fame and fortune,
why do the officials
ignore the common people?
Tell me, are officials more important, or the common people?
Adoptive Father always says that we Royal Guards
are swords to eradicate the evils.
Then why do we have to
protect a greedy officer?
Sanlang, with your character, I don't think
you should work in the Royal Guards any longer.
Why?
Don't take it to heart. I didn't mean it.
Lord Yukime, please have a look.
Very good.
The task given to us by His Majesty
is only half done.
That man must die!
Yes!
Report. Something happens ahead.
You two come with me.
Others stand by.
Go.
Get ready to fight.
Captain.
What's the matter?
It seems that these are just passers-by.
They're not after us.
Our mission is to escort Lord An,
instead of...
Instead of being insensitive!
But Captain...
We don't know the situation in the village.
If we act rashly like this,
I'm afraid it'd be dangerous.
When have we Flying Fish Battalion ever been afraid?
There were eight of us when we came.
But there are only four of us left.
We can't lose our men anymore.
What if this is a trap?
Even if it is a dragon's den, we have to go!
What are you two doing here?
You have been here for long.
So we come to see what's going on.
They're scared.
We're not.
We think you are getting emotional.
Although you are the captain of this operation,
you have repeatedly violated the rules of the Royal Guards.
Yes.
The Royal Guards' rules are very strict.
But can it surpass justice?
Look at them carefully.
They are our folks.
Yes, we can't fold our hands and watch them die.
We should take up the cudgel on behalf of the victim of injustice.
We're carrying out mission here.
We have our rules.
I know this is not part of the mission.
I can go by myself.
I'll go with you.
If you act arbitrarily,
I will report it when we return to the capital!
Suit yourself.
Wait!
We're confronted with a formidable enemy.
Only by cooperating can we get through the difficulties.
If there are disagreements,
I think we should vote to make a decision.
If you agree with me, raise your hand.
And me.
And me. There are more of us.
You don't count!
Why not?
You're not one of us.
You do it intentionally.
There are equal numbers on both sides.
But you haven't voted yet.
Of course, you won't agree with him.
You will be satisfied then.
Easy.
Next.
Easy.
Everyone will get it.
Commander Wang, you are...
The sound hole here is not accurate.
I'll fix it for you.
You know about music, too?
A little.
Sorry I got mad at you in the day time.
Don't take it personal.
Play the flute
and ease them.
Without your decisive vote today,
they would have suffered.
I was really worried that you would...
Worried that I would oppose you.
You certainly won't worry about Gu Ping'an opposing you.
She's always on your side.
She is a warm-hearted person who hates evils.
Actually, there's nothing wrong with it.
I think you have been in the Convoy for a long time
and you hit it off with her.
At first, when my adoptive father
made me come to the Convoy,
I was not happy.
But now I feel like
I'm more like one of them.
I've learned a lot from them.
Madam. Look.
Why didn't you say anything?
They are so intimate.
I even feel angry for you.
There's nothing to be angry about.
They learned from the same master.
So what?
He can't be changeable and capricious.
Don't talk nonsense.
He is not that kind of person.
Madam.
You have to ask
what Wang Zhaoxing thinks.
Look at them.
Right?
What's there to ask?
How time flies!
You've been in the Convoy for three years.
Yeah.
To further my training, Adoptive Father
has cudgeled his brains.
I always look forward to the day
when I return to the command office of the Royal Guards
to perform important tasks
and fulfill our vows.
Sanlang!
You are passionate. But I'm afraid
you will be disappointed.
What do you mean by that?
And also what you said in the daytime.
I don't really get it.
Sanlang!
In fact, the Royal Guards
is not as simple as you think it is.
There are problems in the organization.
Problems. What are they?
Ask no more. I'll still say the same thing.
You shouldn't work in the Royal Guards any longer.
Master, what's wrong with you?
It reminds me of my relatives in my hometown.
It's cold. Have some congee.
Captain.
Sister, you...
Sanlang!
I found someone tipping off the enemy.
Do you see him?
Brother Wang, you are...
It's so late, but you haven't slept yet.
I'm writing that secret book of Ninjutsu.
You are writing the secret book?
Yes. I am gifted with an extraordinary retentive memory.
I have promised to pay you back.
I will definitely do it.
Really?
A man's word is as heavy as nine tripods.
OK, I remember you once said that
Ninjutsu's Earth Escaping Technique is not mysterious.
They dig tunnels in advance
and hide in it, right?
Yes.
We have changed
the marching route today.
But why could those ninjas still get ahead of us,
dig tunnels, suddenly attack us
and take away the book?
Well...
And they had poisoned
the Heishui Pond,
trying to kill us.
How did they know
we were going to the Heishui Pond?
I don't know, either.
Then let me tell you.
Because there is a spy among us.
Really? Who is the spy?
The spy
is you.
Me? No, no! It wasn't me.
Brother Wang, are you mistaken?
Absolutely not.
I saw him leave this note in the woods
with my own eyes.
You're a spy. I'll kill you!
Wait! Let's ask him first.
What do you need to ask?
Keeping him alive will harm all of us.
Stop!
If you want to kill him, kill me first!
It's none of your business! Move!
Why is it none of my business?
You said he was a spy.
Then I'm a spy, too!
Why do you protect him?
I think you ordered him to do it!
I'll kill you both!
No, heroes. It's all my fault.
My Young Master is innocent.
Please let him go.
Actually,
it's not like what you think.
We're not businessmen from Korea.
We are Japanese.
You are Japanese?
That makes sense now.
Hear him out.
Now that this has happened,
I won't hide it anymore.
Although we are Japanese,
we are like homeless dogs.
My name is Imagawa Masahiro,
the heir of the Japanese Imagawa family in Suruga.
You only know that the Japanese invaders harm Great Ming,
but you don't know that
there are constant wars in Japan.
Suruga is located in the middle of Japan.
It's an important strategic position.
Six months ago,
the Oda family cooperated with
many various dukes to attack Suruga,
trying to destroy our Imagawa clan in one fell swoop.
My father ordered me to escape by ship before the city was taken.
The farther away, the better.
I like Great Ming and your cultures,
so I asked the ship to sail to eastern Liaoning.
Who knows, we encountered a storm on the way
and the ship ran aground.
Do you mean
the cargo ship that ran aground in West Korea Bay?
Yes.
The secret book of Ninjutsu
was found on that ship, right?
That's right. There are
more scriptures and secret books of our Imagawa family.
But Japanese secret book of Iga Ninjutsu
is the most important.
For that, the Oda family has sent many ninjas
to hunt us down. They want to recapture the book
and even kill me.
So,
though they have the book,
these ninjas will still come after us.
Yes.
Why do they have to kill you?
You don't know it.
Among the dukes of Japan,
the Oda family is famous for their infantry,
Takeda's family is famous for their cavalry
and our Imagawa family is famous for the harquebus.
What is a harquebus?
Harquebus
is a firearm that can fire projectiles.
It is much more advanced than the blunderbuss you Han people use.
Although the cannons of Great Ming are extremely powerful,
it is very heavy and it can't be used in individual combats.
And the harquebus is very light.
It can be used by one person.
This kind of harquebus
was first brought to Japan by the Portuguese.
The harquebus that is used in battles
is about 1 meters longer than this one.
This gun is hollow and straight with a plug in the bottom.
When it fires,
it's as powerful as lightning.
Later, it was improved by our Imagawa family.
Locking bolts were made
to solve the problem of air blocking at the bottom.
It's more advanced than the guns made
by the Portuguese. So,
whoever masters the gun-making technology
can win the wars.
So the Oda family must get rid of you
and prevent others from getting
this technology.
Yes. The Oda family has sent
the Iga Ninja Trio.
Yukime, Uesugi and Uda.
Each of them has special skills
and they are ruthless.
I wanted to escape to Liaoyang
with your team.
But I didn't expect
that I would bring you so much trouble.
I am willing to take the consequences.
Please let go of Kuroda.
Master, I deserve to die.
Kuroda, why did you do that?
Young Master, they have my wife
and children.
They said they just wanted to bring you back to Japan
and they wouldn't hurt you.
But you like Great Ming
and didn't want to go back.
That's why I secretly made a deal with them.
Kuroda, you are so confused!
The Oda family wants to keep the technology to themselves.
They will kill us.
You want to go home.
But you forget about the loyalty of samurai!
Young Master. I was wrong.
I can do nothing to repay your kindness
but to cut my stomach and apologize!
Kuroda, I have lost all my relatives.
I don't want to lose you, either.
Young Master.
From the day I escaped from my hometown,
we have never been at ease.
I traveled across the ocean and disguised myself,
but I can't escape from them.
It's a long way.
The farther I went,
the more of my relatives
and the innocent had to die.
Now,
I don't want to run away like this anymore!
Instead of fleeing to the ends of the earth,
I'd better face the death.
Don't! Master!
Commander Wang, please.
Escort my Young Master to Liaoyang!
Please, I beg you.
What to do?
Sanlang, before you make a decision,
I must remind you that
they are neither the citizens of Great Ming,
nor the targets we need to protect.
You are trying to say
that they are Japanese.
But don't forget, they are also victims.
They didn't
kill anyone.
But taking them with us
will only make it dangerous.
So, it's up to everyone to decide what to do.
You all heard it.
I know I have no right to ask you to do anything.
And I shouldn't drag you down.
If anyone wants to quit, you can go now.
I will respect your choice.
If you ask me why,
I'd say that leaving these two people here
is like killing them with my own hands.
I won't be an executioner.
I don't know what will happen
to me if I take them with me.
But, at least I won't blame myself
for a lifetime because I did something
against my conscience.
We are running out of time.
Please make a decision quickly.
I don't know anything else.
But I know that conveyers keep their promises.
The Madam said that
she would send these two people to Liaoyang.
We will keep our word.
Yeah, we can't leave them behind.
What's your decision?
Captain, it doesn't matter I agree with you or not.
But I know one thing clearly.
Since we come together, we will go together.
The Flying Fish Battalion never leaves anyone behind.
-Yes, we'll follow you.
-Captain. We'll follow you!
You already know my answer.
Jingjing.
Sanlang, be it right or wrong,
I will accompany you on this journey.
All right, go get ready.
Throw away all the heavy things.
We'll travel light.
Yes!
Everybody, hurry up!
-Captain. -What happened?
The Japanese ronins have reached the woods ahead.
How many of them are there?
I don't know. But I saw them
everywhere in the woods.
The road ahead is blocked.
I didn't expect them to come here so soon.
They're acting undercover, while we're in the open.
If we go recklessly, we will be ambushed.
What should we do? We can't just sit back and wait.
Just fight them!
Fight? What about the folks?
The only thing we can do now
is to stay here
and then find another way out.
Go.
-Go back. -Go back!
-Everybody, go back. -Go back.
Get in there now.
What's going on?
Why don't you let us go?
Come in. Come.
Be careful.
Now, seal all the windows.
Find some sacks to block the back door.
Sister, find some young and strong people
among the folks
and arm them.
We can collect the weapons we have,
like bows and arrows and distribute to them.
And find something
to make some traps.
We will take care of that.
Daniu. Zhu, search and see
if there is something we can use.
-OK. -OK.
-Come on. -Hurry.
Keep up.
You all hide here.
No matter what happens outside,
don't make a sound. Understand?
-OK. -OK.
Lord Yukime, it seems that they are well prepared.
We can't take it lightly.
We can't stay here for long.
Someone has to go out and fetch reinforcements.
It's at least thirty miles away from Liaoyang City.
Even if we can go out,
I'm afraid we don't have enough time.
Why don't we send a signal for help?
It won't work. It's too far away.
People in the city can't see it.
What to do then?
There is a way. Now the situation in eastern Liaoning is intense,
so all officers and men put wolves' dung
at all commanding elevations. When there's a danger,
they will light it.
Look! The west side of this mountain
is a good place where we can light the beacon.
That's great.
Let's act now.
I'll go.
-You cover.
No, it's too dangerous out there.
It's dangerous,
so the Flying Fish Battalion must take care of it.
Stop arguing.
I'm the captain.
I should do the most dangerous part.
Wait, I'll go with you.
No need.
The folks need your protection.
But you also need help.
I'll go.
Sanlang!
What now?
You forgot to bring the lighter.
Sanlang!
Do come back alive!
Lord Uda.
Yes!
Uensugi.
I'll leave it to you now.
Yes!
Kill!
Which school of ninja are you from?
The decent one!
Kuroda!
Miss Gu, please protect my Young Master.
Please...
Kuroda!
Where are you going?
Leave me alone. I can't bring trouble to you anymore!
Damn.
It's Imagawa. Go and light the beacon fire.
What about you?
I have to go back.
Imagawa. I finally find you.
The sky changes its color because of you.
The earth is dyed red for you.
You are a monster!
Just face your death!
Hell is calling you.
Imagawa, go!
Jingjing!
Sister!
Sanlang, I can't accompany you anymore...
Sorry. I didn't protect you...
Sanlang, there's something I've always wanted to tell you...
Please go ahead.
I can see that
Gu Ping'an is a good girl.
Sanlang!
Gu Ping'an is deeply in love with you.
I sincerely wish you happy together.
Take it.
Remember me when you see it.
OK.
Sanlang.
You have to promise me one thing.
Stop working for the Royal Guards.
Be a common man and leave the Flying Fish Battalion.
Sanlang. Promised me.
Go to the capital and find Adoptive Father.
He will help you.
Jingjing!
This is the drawing of the harquebus
and the method of making the gun barrels.
I hope it will be useful to you.
It will definitely be useful.
Take it back to the capital.
OK.
What is your plan now?
I was thinking
to travel around like Li Bai
and find a peaceful paradise.
But I have thought it through.
I will try my best to return to Japan
and do something to quell the war in my hometown.
I wish you a safe journey.
Thank you for your care.
Till we meet again.
Till we meet again!
-Take care. -Take care!