The Deer and the Cauldron (The Duke of Mount Deer / Deer Prince / Lu Ding Ji / 鹿鼎记) - First Season

EPISODE ONE

Today's story

is not about Three Kingdoms

nor Water Margin.

I'm going to tell a new story

for all you listeners.

The most beautiful woman in Yangzhou

was the star of Lichun Brothel, Wei Chunhua.

She was pregnant,

when she went on a boat to pray to the Goddess of Love.

And what did the baby in her belly want at this time?

-What? -To come out!

That's right!

He wanted...

to come out and take a peek.

The river waters rose out of the blue.

Auspicious clouds appeared in the sky.

It was at that moment

that a new hero was born.

He grew up to be the infamous Dragon of Yangzhou,

Wei Xiaobao.

Who is this Wei Xiaobao character?

-Who? -Who is he?

Yes.

That would be yours truly.

Top wanted criminal!

Mao Shiba.

Dead or alive.

Whoever kills him gets a reward of 2,000 taels.

2,000 taels!

-2,000 taels. -2,000 taels.

2,000 taels.

WANTED

LICHUN BROTHEL

-What are you doing? -Serving wine.

Sister.

Xiaobao.

Your ear is so firm.

Naughty boy.

Little rascal.

-Go do your job. -Where's my wine?

Why isn't it here yet?

Coming!

WANTED

All right. Just put it down and leave.

You want to report me? Go ahead.

Sure, snatch on me.

Yes.

That's me.

I'm the ruffian who'd never change his name,

Mao Shiba!

You are Mao Shiba?

-Yes. -Arrest him!

Bro, where's the back door?

-So many guards. -Don't you move!

-Mother. -Let's go.

Wait a minute.

Sir, this is a mistake.

He's innocent.

Who do you think you are?

Scram!

Mother! Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Why did you hit my mother?

I'll get you for this!

Xiaobao.

He's my buddy.

How dare you hit him?

Come after me instead!

Let's skip now!

So, you're Mao Shiba?

Yes.

That's me all right.

You'll meet your maker soon.

Let me send you on your way.

Wait!

Look up here!

Where are you going?

The Capital.

The Capital?

Take my son with you.

What? He'll be a deadweight.

Take this.

But...

My son risked his life saving you.

If you won't take him,

the guards will be here soon

and he'll be dead.

If you won't,

then...

just kill me!

But you...

Holy cow! The Capital is huge.

So many people.

Stop...

Bro!

Pay him.

I'll pay for the watermelons too.

-What? -I'm hungry.

It's time to eat.

But you...

Slow down!

SHENGXING RESTAURANT

There's a ghost.

A ghost? Where?

Behind me. Behind me.

It's gone.

No, he's there! Over there!

All right, shut up.

Now let's go.

Two dishes of meat and veggies each, and a pot of wine!

And some noodles too!

Sure!

What's with that guy?

He's a eunuch.

A eunuch?

That means...

he's been castrated.

All right.

Tell you what.

There are three types of people.

Men,

women,

and freaking eunuchs!

Little rascal.

Keep your voice down.

Do you know where we are?

Shopkeeper, give us some wine!

And hurry with beef and chicken too!

Sure.

Greetings, Lord Hai.

There.

Here's your food.

Let go!

How dare you!

This is unfair!

This is the Capital. Don't make a fuss here.

What are you afraid of?

I'm afraid I may hurt them.

What?

You're afraid you'll beat the four of them?

-You heard that. -What?

Did you say that?

-Yes. -I did!

Bro, help me!

I don't have lime powder with me now.

You have your strength!

Darn rascal!

Get them!

Where are you going?

You want to beat me?

Duck!

Better than lime powder.

Bro, let's skip!

Hurry!

Lord Hai.

We have no ancient grudges nor recent grievances with each other.

Let's go our separate ways.

Could you please let us pass?

Lord Hai.

This is the front door.

You can't pass through here.

Where is the back door?

There.

I can use with this one.

Do me a favor.

Bring these two

to the Imperial Kitchen.

Tell the guards

that Lord Hai Dafu wants them.

Yes, my lord.

Come help.

Gag the little guy. He's too talkative and too crafty.

You there.

You look like a real man.

I'll let you both go today.

Brother Xiaoguizi.

He's letting us go.

Come on.

-Come, let us go. -Xiaoguizi!

Do you need a beating, you knucklehead?

Are you taking orders from him?

Bro, listen.

You've been around for so long.

Don't you know the rules?

All right.

I will cut off my left hand for you!

One hand...

for two people?

To be honest,

I still need you both to work for me.

Kill us then!

All right, that's what I'll do...

You're coughing so badly. Drink this.

Get me the medicine!

Lord.

Have you got it right?

Yes, sure.

Why is it so hot?

I'm burning up!