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Hey, what are you doing?
I'm glad you're here, Shifu.
How do you make ginger milk pudding?
Why can't I make it set?
I told you to make fried minced pigeon for the Empress Dowager.
Why are you making pudding?
The Empress Dowager can wait.
Miss Nian matters more.
She likes dessert.
If I can make her a nice bowl of ginger milk pudding,
she'll think of me differently.
Hurry up. Tell me how to make it.
You're making it, not me.
Why are you asking me?
I thought you're helping me to woo her.
Yes, but there's a limit to that.
I can't do everything for you.
There's only so much I can do.
You can't jump the ship now!
You can't make ginger milk pudding half way. It won't set!
You expect me to help you with everything?
Including getting married and having babies for you?
That's an idea!
'(Wk “W.
You refused to make fried minced pigeon. I'm upset and lost.
The Empress Dowager has nothing to eat. She'll be upset.
What then? You figure it out!
How come you act like a girl when you lose your temper?
What girl? I'm a man!
Don't bully me or I'll beat you up!
What does he have in his mouth?
Mai Siu-yu, you shouldn't have disguised as a man.
Trying to help him out too?
Just when he's getting somewhere,
you fall in love with him.
You're really asking for trouble!
Tin-po doesn't know you're a girl.
Of course he doesn't love you.
He only has eyes for Ruobi,
while I hold a torch for him.
What can I do?
I can't possibly break them up.
All I can do is step aside and help them.
It's not thick enough.
Why can't I do it? It doesn't set and I get myself upset! I give up!
Shifu!
If you can't make it, there's no need to lose your temper.
I can't seem to make it set
and you won't teach me.
I'm sure I can do it if you'll teach me.
Ginger milk pudding
is about the temperature and texture of the milk,
how you pour the milk and how much ginger juice you use.
You need peace of mind and nimble hands.
With your temper, it doesn't matter how well you can cook,
your dessert will never be sweet.
After listening to you,
I feel calm and relaxed now.
It's time to try again.
To make ginger milk pudding, you need ginger juice.
Right, ginger juice.
Hey...use old ginger.
Though it produces less juice,
its juice is thicker,
and much easier to solidify.
Alright...what about the milk?
Use low heat or the milk will burn.
I'll redo it.
Here, ginger milk pudding is done!
Thanks, Shifu!
Save it, we're brothers!
Right!
Try it.
I thought you're making something special,
yet you've only got bean curd jelly here.
Bean curd jelly? You're so ignorant!
This is ginger milk pudding.
It's fragrant, smooth, sweet and tasty.
What's the big deal?
It doesn't look delicious at all!
I'll taste it for you, Miss Ruobi!
Hey...I made it for her, not for you!
Hey...don't eat it all!
It's really fragrant and smooth!
You should try it, Miss Ruobi!
Well?
Not bad, but the after taste is sour and bitter.
No way!
You're right, it's sour and bitter.
You didn't make this?
Of course not!
Mine is fragrant, sweet and smooth,
unlike Mentor's, which is sour and bitter.
Tin-po, you should care more about Siu-yu.
I think he's upset.
That's why his dessert is sour and bitter.
What?
Mother, 12 years have gone by quickly.
I really miss you.
Since you left me, I've been all alone.
I have no one to talk to anymore.
Mother, I have something to tell you.
I have fallen in love with someone.
Though he's a bit of a rascal and we fight all the time,
he does have a good heart.
But he's in love with someone else.
I don't know what to do about it.
Look, done! It can see again.
That proves eye transplant will work.
Ruobi can see again?
Technically yes, but we need someone who's willing to give up their eyes.
I'll do it.
Am I hearing this right, Tin-po?
I'll do anything for her.
Once I gouge out your eyes,
I can't put them back in,
and you'll become blind.
Will you regret it? You should think it over.
If one of us is destined to be blind,
let it be me and not Ruobi.
Tin-po...You're so committed!
Miss Nian is so lucky!
Please don't tell her.
I'm afraid she won't accept it.
Please don't tell anyone else,
or someone will try to stop me.
Don't worry, Tin-po! I'll do my best to make your wish come true.
Thank you, Mr Wu.
One step, two steps...We're here!
Tin-po, is today the 15th?
The moon must be big and round and beautiful
It's beautiful indeed,
probably because you're here with me.
It's too bad I can't see it.
It's only temporary. You'll see again soon.
I'll need a miracle.
No, you don't!
Mr Wu says the Tianshan snow lotus is very useful.
I'm sure he can cure you very soon.
Then we can eat delicious food
and enjoy the moon and the stars.
You must be tired from the blindfold.
I'll untie it for you.
Tin-po, why are you so quiet?
I just want to look at you,
so that I won't forget your face.
You won't! We see each other all the time.
I have poor memory.
You're talking nonsense again.
Your Majesty,
as a dim-witted ignoramus,
I have been lucky to have the honour of your grace,
and was appointed Head Chef of the Imperial Larder.
For that I'm eternally grateful to you.
I should serve you to the best of my ability,
but I'm head over heels in love,
I have decided to give my eyes to Miss Nian,
so that she can see again.
Since I can't work in the Imperial Larder
I'm afraid I'll disappoint you.
I beg your forgiveness.
Your faithful minion, Ko Tin-po.
*** Boy!
What is it?
Give this to His Majesty tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
I will.
Don't be late or too early.
I will. Don't be late or too early, right? Remember...don't be late or early!
I will, Sir!
*** Boy! Yes?
9 o'clock!
Right! Don't be late or too early, right?
*** Boy! Yes?
9 o'clock, don't be late...
I know, I really have to go!
Mr Wu.
Tin-po, come over here.
Is it 9 o'clock already?
You're here anyway, are you ready?
Yes, but since I'm going blind,
I just want to take one last look.
What's the difference? You'll be blind.
Come here...
Before you regret,
I'd better ask you again, are you sure?
I'm here already. I won't regret it.
Then here we go!
You're using a spoon to scoop out my eyes?
No, one spoon for each eye. That's more hygienic.
Can I trouble you to explain the procedure?
Of course!
Two spoons for two eyeballs.
After they're scooped out,
there should be veins dangling.
I'll have to pull them out by force,
and soak them in ice water in this basin.
What about the holes?
Just stuff it with scraps,
lest there should be blood everywhere.
Just wait till you stop bleeding.
You must take good care of the holes,
because you don't want mosquitoes to lay eggs in them.
Tin-po...great! He fainted, I can save the anesthetic.
Mr Wu.
You're here, Miss Nian!
Wait for me to wrap this up.
Ko Tin-po is such a fool!
Tin-po wants to give his eyes to Miss Nian?
Tin-po always act on his own.
He didn't even discuss with me!
*** Boy! Yes!
When did 'fin-po tell you to give me this?
He gave it to me last night,
and told me to give this to you today at this hour,
but not any sooner or later.
That means he has scheduled the operation for this hour.
What should we do now?
What else? Go find him!
See if we can stop him!
But we don't know who's performing the operation?
Only Mr Wu would do something like this.
Tin-po...are you alright?
I'm fine. I just can't see anything.
That's what happens when you lose your eyes.
How is Miss Nian?
She's here.
Miss Nian...
Miss Nian...
Sit down and have a chat with him.
Tin-po.
Well? Can you see now?
Yes, I can see very clearly.
Good! My eyes may have gum,
but they can see very well.
How could you be so foolish?
You'd be blind after giving me your eyes.
It doesn't matter if I can't see,
as long as you can.
My only regret is I'll never see your face again.
But it's alright. Your face and your disposition
will be forever etched on my mind.
You're such a fool!
Master Tin-po!
Ko Tin-po...
Your eyes...
Master Tin-po, your eyes...
Your eyes...
You gave them to Miss Nian?
Yes !
Me WA era?!'-
How can you give up your eyes?
What will happen to you?
What will happen to me?
Shifu, I...
Don't call me Shifu.
You can't learn from me anymore.
Stop calling me that!
I can still cook with my hands.
What's the use? How can you practise your knife skills?
How can you watch the fire?
You're a complete idiot!
I hate you, you idiot!
Don't do this, Shifu...
Come on, Siu-yu!
Stop! Tin-po is not blind!
What?
What are you saying, Mr Wu?
I said: Tin-po is not blind.
I'm not? How come I can't see you?
Take off the blindfold!
I'll help you, Master Tin-po!
Can you See? Yes!
Can you see us, Master Tin-po?
Yes, I can!
Can you see us?
I can! Didn't you operate on me?
If I had, you'd have been blind by now.
How come Ruobi can see?
I have actually recovered.
Mr Wu cured me with Tianshan snow lotus.
But you said it was useless.
I lied. Tianshan snow lotus is very useful.
Then why did you lie to me?
To see how serious you are about Miss Nian.
I asked Mr Wu to test you.
I wanted to know how good you were to me.
I told Miss Nian
no man would be that selfless.
She's bound to be heartbroken.
Yet you were so willing to give up your eyes for her.
My hat's off to you.
It only proves you truly love Miss Nian.
Congratulations!
How tricky of you, Mr Wu!
Playing such a joke on Master Tin-po!
I'm glad he's alright.
You gave me such a scare.
It was nothing but a joke.
Miss Ruobi is too kind to take Tin-po's eyes.
Now you should know I'm serious about you.
Will you be angry with me?
Of course not! Action speaks louder than words.
You're welcome to put me to any test.
Great! All lovers will untie in marriage.
No, they unite in marriage.
Master Tin-po...
How can you be so reckless and impetuous?
You wanted to give up your eyes, how could you not discuss with me first?
Luckily Miss Nian and Mr Wu were playing a joke on you.
What would happen if it was real?
Please don't be angry with me.
I was impetuous, but I wasn't sorry.
If it happened to Miss Suet,
I'm sure you would have done the same.
Yes, you're quite right!
When it comes to the woman you love,
reason is no longer a factor.
You're most wise, Your Majesty!
You're not stupid either!
After this all-or-nothing scheme,
Miss Nian has no choice but marry you.
I love her with all my heart.
As soon as General Nian returns,
I'll be ready to propose.
In that case, I have good news for you.
Nian Gengyao has rooted out Luobozangdanjin's clique.
He should return to the capital soon.
You'd better prepare your betrothal gifts.
I had those ready on the first day.
Welcome back, General Nian.
General, all courtiers must dismount before they enter the Palace.
Please dismount.
Nian Gengyao, you helped Qing crush the rebels in the northwest.
I must reward you accordingly.
Zhang Tingyu, make the announcement for me.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Attention, General Nian.
General Nian Gengyao is hereby promoted to Duke of the First Rank,
with an Imperial Yellow Robe.
I'm also appointing you as the Grand Mentor of the Crown Prince.
You'll wear triple-eyed peacock feathers on your cap.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
At ease!
Thank you!
Majesty, I did not let you down and I rooted out Luobozangdanjin,
thanks to the valour of my men.
I hope you can reward them accordingly.
They have provided meritorious service. of course!
Looks like there are quite a few of them.
General Nian, in order not to leave anyone out,
I'll let the different ministries review the list before I make a ruling.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Majesty, the army is trained for battles.
It is their duty to fight for the country.
Winning a war is not an excuse to demand for rewards.
It is strictly against propriety!
I urge you to reconsider.
Longkodo, you're head of all generals.
You should know there's a tradition of rewarding the soldiers.
What I'm asking for is not unreasonable.
Majesty, hundreds of thousands taels were spent on the northwest expedition
before General Nian could win.
The people have made their contributions too.
Do we need to reward them all?
I'm a soldier.
I know discipline must be enforced in the army.
I don't care about anything else.
We all know about your illustrious military exploit,
and how disciplined your troops are.
But I heard when you entered the Forbidden City,
you did not dismount according to the rule.
Is it possible you're strict with others but lenient on yourself?
My horse is a valiant war horse.
It started to gallop and I couldn't control it.
What's so unusual about that?
What I found unusual was while I was fighting in the northwest,
Longkodo failed to deliver the provisions on time,
and held us back in the battlefield.
Either he was incompetent
or there were some other reasons behind?
Nian Gengyao, what do you mean by that?
I'm just telling the truth.
You...
Nian Gengyao, what do you mean by that?
I'm just telling the truth.
You...
Gentlemen...
You're both first rank officers in court,
forming the foundation and bedrock of Qing.
It's General Nian's victorious return today.
We should all celebrate.
Here's a toast to you two...
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Those present today have all made contributions to Qing.
I shall make a toast to you all.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Why don't you drink with us, soldiers?
How dare you! His Majesty wanted you to drink! Go ahead!
Yes, General Nian!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Mo-suet, I have been reflecting on all and have reached enlightenment.
Everything is but a dream to me.
I have decided to become a monk at the Fayuan Temple,
and leave the secular world behind.
Become a monk? Why?
From here onwards, there won't be Prince Yinsi. Just a monk called Hung-ming.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
At ease, Yinsi.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Fayuan Temple is so far away from the Palace.
The travelling must have worn you out. My apologies!
When His Majesty found out you were practising Buddhism,
he wanted to visit you
and arranged for the Imperial Household Office to look into things
in case you're not used to life outside the Palace.
The dried fruits are from His Majesty.
On Boy will bring quilts and other winter clothes later.
I'm a monk with no desires.
I no longer dwell on worldly possessions.
I appreciate your kindness.
It's a blessing you can find peace in your enlightenment.
But the Court will be short of a talent like you.
Amitabha. To know the mistakes of the past helps prevent them in the future.
Before I get in further, it's time to stop my past mistakes.
I've been meditating at the temple.
Reflecting over the troubles brought on by the power struggle at the Palace,
and how much pain it must have caused Father,
I was overcome with regret.
That's why I have decided to spend my remaining days in remorse with Buddha.
I hope that you can forgive me and Yintang
for the crimes we have committed towards Father.
It's Buddha's teaching to let go.
Let's not bring up the past again.
Your magnanimity makes me so relieved.
There's one more favour I wish to ask.
Tell me.
Before I became a monk, I started a school
so that orphans could have a home and a place to study.
Now that I'm a monk,
I hope you can take over the school
and look after the orphans so that they can finish their schooling.
The state should look after the orphans.
Providing schooling is basic for keeping Qing strong.
I'll be glad to do it.
I thank you on behalf of the orphans.
What do you think, Mr Wu?
It's not unusual for people to find sudden enlightenment.
I'm not sure if Prince Yinsi is one of them.
If it's true, it's not a bad thing.
But you must beware.
Fung Ying, put the temple under surveillance.
Report to me if you spot anything unusual.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Sire, please try my new creation, "Leave the Secular World" bun.
How is it different from your salted-fish bun?
There's no difference.
But the recent event concerning Prince Yinsi
prompted me to give it a new name.
I find it quite incredible myself.
You don't believe him?
I hope he has truly found peace with Buddha.
It would be a blessing for Qing if he can let go of the past.
You deserve credit for his sudden enlightenment.
You can now focus on state affairs
and won't have to worry about interference.
You seem to have made progress yourself.
You can now analyse the political situation and comment on state affairs.
I'm just shooting off my mouth.
Your influence has rubbed off onto me.
Prince Yinsi's situation has made me think of something else.
What is it?
Now that he has become a monk,
it means his relationship with Miss Suet will end.
Why don't you go after her now?
Don't let the opportunity slip.
There's such a deep misunderstanding between us, I'm afraid...
Ruobi did turn me down at first.
But faith can move mountains.
You won't know until you have tried.
You have a point.
I'll think about it.
Mother's birthday is coming up.
Because of Fathers recent passing,
Mother has already told me to keep things simple.
I hope the Imperial Larder can come up with something special
to help her celebrate.
Don't worry, I won't let you down!
It was right here that Prince Yinsi told me he wanted to become a monk.
I didn't expect him to come to such a decision.
Me neither. I was quite astonished when I heard the news.
I thought of you right away.
It must have had a big impact on you.
I'm worried about you.
I felt really sad at first.
But then I realised in his so-called boundless universe,
nothing comes from nothing,
Since he has come to such a decision, he must have been enlightened.
It can be a blessing.
Prince Yinsi and I met by chance and we have cherished each other.
But now...
Anyway, it meant an affinity predestined...
To me, I can say I have no regrets.
I'm willing to let go too.
There's something weighing on my mind,
about the other day I used you to catch Yinsi.
I had no choice then, I hope you can...
I know, Shifu told me afterwards
why you had to do what you did.
I understand the difficult situation you were in,
So I don't blame you anymore.
To civilians like us, it doesn't matter who the Emperor is,
as long as he's a good Emperor who loves his people and does his job.
I'm glad you understand.
That's such a load off my mind.
That's an overstatement, Your Majesty!
My Mother's birthday is coming up.
Though she wants to keep it simple,
I'd like to organise a celebration.
You have an extraordinary talent.
It'd be great if you could perform for us.
If you don't find my skills unpresentable,
I'd be happy to perform for you.
Excellent!
His Majesty requested the Imperial Larder
to come up with something creative for the Empress Dowager's birthday.
What would you suggest?
We're famous for our salted-fish buns.
Let's make a double decker.
We want something auspicious for a birthday.
Sewing salted-fish buns will make me dead as a salted fish.
Let's make a life!
What do you mean?
I meant noodles.
One single noodle to make a full bowl.
That means it has to be very long.
It has the connotation of longevity, good!
The Empress Dowager should be pleased.
Let's make a life!
A lifelong noodle!
A lifelong noodle!
Will it be hard to make one long noodle that won't break?
Shifu suggested it, so he must know how.
He can make it as long as he likes.
Leave that to me!
Great! Let's take a bath and go to bed.
You arranged for the performance today.
I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
The first act is a mother and daughter act.
I invited them to perform for you.
Good!
Let the performance begin!
Please enjoy yourselves.
Done!
Why put the shrimp roe and sea cucumber at the bottom?
Then the noodle won't soak up too much of the soup.
And the aroma won't fade away so quickly.
Smells good!
Take it to the Empress Dowager before the aroma fades.
What's your hurry, *** Boy?
I'm taking this to the Empress Dowager.
What's the big deal?
Awesome. This is the Blessed Longevity Noodle.
One long noodle that makes a full bowl.
That's awesome! Let me take a look.
I can't, I'm in a hurry!
I won't get another chance if I miss this.
Come on, do me a favour.
Alright, just take one look.
What a pain!
There's one over there.. .Can't you see it?
You're right!
There's more...
Just slipped. Sorry!
Since when have you become so enterprising?
I can't talk. Feel free to slack off!
I'll let you go...
Empress Dowager, on your 60th birthday,
may your happiness be boundless like the East Seas,
and you're young like the South Mountains.
Very good! Get up!
Thank you, Your Highness.
May your good fortune be long as this longevity noodle.
The Imperial Larder made this for Your Highness.
We hope you'll like it!
It's delicious and very distinctive.
You should try it, Your Majesty!
Good job, 'I'm-pol
Most grateful for your kindness!
Why are they enjoying it? It doesn't make sense!
Come back, come back, salted fish can have a comeback!
You've won great honour for us!
Your shrimp roe longevity noodle
can be our signature dish from now on.
A bowl of noodles is nothing!
It's truly amazing!
I've been working in the Imperial Larder for at least 10 years.
I have never seen the Empress Dowager slurp her noodles like that!
Even the maid standing behind her,
couldn't stop staring and salivating!
That's right!
Even I couldn't help salivating when I smelt the noodles.
You're all exaggerating!
You deserve all the credit today!
Master Tin-po, since we did such a good job
shall we celebrate?
Let's have a drink!
Great! Come back, come back, even a salted fish can have a comeback...
This shouldn't be tasty!
I swapped the bowl with soured soup!
Why?
I fooled you, didn't I?
You scared me to death!
By swapping the Empress Dowager's noodle,
you could have got us killed.
How did you know that?
The best way to hide a crime is not to commit it.
I noticed you were sneaking around in the kitchen,
sol kept an eye on you.
And I saw you swapping the noodles.
How could I let that happen?
So while you stepped away,
I swapped it back,
and everything was back to normal.
Now there's just you and me.
Tell me why.
I wanted Siu-yu to get punished and sent away,
because I don't want him around.
How vicious of you!
Why do you want to frame him?
I'll level with you.
I'm actually his father.
His...father?
I taught him how to make longevity noodles.
You taught him? That makes you...
I'll be honest with you.
I'm the Five Taste Master.
I have heard so much about you!
I thought you were very good-looking.
You must keep this to yourself. Please!
Siu-yu is my Shifu.
I can't possibly lie to him.
Just tell me your terms.
Under no circumstances will I agree.
Unless you make me your protege.
Alright, I promise!
You must help me expel Siu-yu from the Palace.
That'll depend on what dishes you're willing to teach me.
Stop pulling on my beard! It probably won't grow back!
Yinsi, when I was in the Imperial Garden,
I heard you mention you knew that performer.
Have you met her before?
I don't know her, Empress Dowager.
But I've seen her with Yinsi.
She's with Yinsi?
Yes, but...
But what?
I dare not say!
I order you to tell me!
Since Yinsi became a monk,
His Majesty has been visiting her.
Yinsi is obviously not happy,
but he's the Emperor, there's nothing Yinsi can do about it.
His Majesty...stole her from him?
I beg your forgiveness, Empress Dowager.
How is Miss Kei?
Your Majesty, she sprained her ankle.
There's a minor fracture.
She needs to rest for at least 2 weeks.
Fracture? Is that serious?
I'm fine!
I'll return to the Imperial Academy of Medicine
to prepare Miss Kai's prescription.
Thank you, doctor!
Aye!
No need to bother the Imperial doctor.
I'll ask Shifu to prepare a dressing.
No, you should stay in the Palace and rest.
I'd like to see more of you.
Since it's His Majesty's wish,
you should stay here and recuperate.
Don't you want people to take care of you?
But, Mother...
It's decided!
On Boy! Yes, Sire?
Tell the Imperial Household Office to assign maids to look after Miss Kei.
I'll hold you responsible for any inattentiveness.
Yes, Your Majesty!