Huayi Brothers Media Corporation Huayi Brothers International Limited present
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.
Luoyangu.
My soul, my dreams are rooted here.
In the year I turned thirty...
I left my hometown and travelled more than 1,000 miles 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 a threat.
They challenged the Emperor about this.
Then“.
When the Fuyu Kingdom challenged our border...
as a precaution, Empress Wu...
dispatched a huge naval force from the capital...
to counter the enemy.
Her first thought was to sabotage those against her in court.
Little did she know...
that a mysterious crime...
would have its beginnings 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 childish superstition!
Yes, Sir!
Report!
On the sea...
a half-mile 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 SN
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 sell her...
we'll get the best price.
What does that fellow want?
Should we get rid of him?
Don't complicate things.
Move!
Your Majesty's report-
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 every client's offer for her.
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 causing 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 already know.
I am still investigating.
And what's your line of inquiry?
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 daydreaming?
Send men to the Sea Dragon Temple, quickly!
They're kidnapping the courtesan.
What?
You're mad!
Come back!
Don%leave!
MY badge!
Guards!
The new arrival is mad!
Guards!
Come quickly!
Urgent command!
Stand back!
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!
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 common 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 return.
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 you're 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 my amusement.
Yes, Sir!
Da Lisi
You're a demon!
Don't touch my wounds!
You bastard!
Idiot!
Don't... don't touch it!
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 liked 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 lotto you.
Your fate depends on 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, all of a sudden?
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...
It looks like 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
You and me, we've never met.
How did you know so much about me?
And you weren't even polite!
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 have loved her.
You're a nervous guy.
Faced by a girl...
you'd surely be hesitant.
You're right.
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 bring heaven to earth
Trading their lives for a season of passion.
Dear Mr. Yuan!
How could this happen?
Who's done this to you?
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's going on here.
Someone's coming!
That must be Ruiji's room.
Mr. Yuan...
What are you trying to tell me?
Light on
Light off
On
Off
On
Off
(East Island language) Somethings wrong!
(Dondo) Retreat!
Hide Lady Ruiji at once
What's taking so long?
Hide inside this trunk.
Don't come out until 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 medicine for that.
I'll check upstairs.
Wm! Gm 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 would 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 leave put him in danger
He probably won't survive.
What?
You're hurt!
It wasn't her.
The creature did it.
What are you doing up here?
Where's Yuchi?
Oh, he's quite 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 getting discovered
(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) Get rid of that 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 knows the Tranquility Teahouse, he was a young boss
Renowned in Luoyang...
The Tranquility Teahouse
Yes, Your Excellency.
Tranquility Teahouse
They make special tea for nobles and officials.
So, a famous teahouse...
What happened to the 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 I didn't care about their influence
Or their wealth...
I was working in a flower house
I knew what to expect from life there.
Only the young boss of Tranquility Teahouse, Yuan Zhen...
. touched me with his love poems.
I knew all the flower-house rules
But I ignored them all
And 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 nearly read each others' 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...
lam Dee...
a measure to meet you, Madam Rum.
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!
Dondolanguage?
They were definitely Dondoers.
What kind of place is Dondo?
Dondon.
It lies in the ocean between Great Tang and Japan.
The Islanders have been coming here for years
Fishing is their main trade.
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 Tranquility 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
You'll crack the case.
Doubtful!
To Tranquility 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 Tranquility Teahouse...
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'm counting 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 master plan will soon be complete!
(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 are suffering!
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...
and need your help urgently.
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?
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 out 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's worth!
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 a boost of 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 their master plan...
is to murder the Imperial family and end our Great Tang Dynasty.
Your humble servant guesses...
that is indeed their intention.
Your humble servant...
believes this is an absurd story...
and unbelievable.
This is just talk!
Even if your words are true...
the great Emperor...
would not be treatd by 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 can finally be "Yuanda: Far and Wide!"
Rise...
Thank you, Your Majesty.
We summon you in the still of this 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 much stronger.
Then please take this soup at once.
It's a test for the Emperor's medicine.
Your humble servant understands.
The 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 pray 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...
our first priority is to treat the Emperor
With 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 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 deliver justice
Dee, these are my orders.
I hereby appoint you as our Imperial Commissioner.
With absolute power over all other ranks,
please 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.
L.
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 burns out.
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 my trap.
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!
Quick, back off!
The Da Lisi is coming!
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 that 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 miles.
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?
Fake to 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 friends" 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.
Dondon.
Sits between the two countries.
The islanders are fisher folk.
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 defended
And justice demanded for all.
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 a compliment.
Well said!
Dee...
Our mission is complete.
Lady Rum 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, (Man 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 crush 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!
I 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 infestation.
Aiya! On second thought...
Drinking water is too slow.
Better stick to the urine.