The Valiant Ones (忠烈圖)

Executive Producer: KJNG HU.

THE VALIANT ONES

China's extensive coastlines were home to many fishermen.

Since the 13th century, gangs of Japanese Ronin teamed up with local bandits

to form a group of wokou pirates.

They robbed houses and slaughtered innocent citizens everywhere.

The country was weak and in decline under Ming Emperor Jiajing's rule.

This allowed the wokou to gradually expand,

landing and wandering into Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.

Wherever they passed, they raped, looted, torched, and killed.

History calls it the Trouble of the Wokou.

The most fierce among these outlaws were.

Hakatatsu, Xu Dong, and Saimon.

The Ming government sent the army to annihilate them many times without success.

They even met with the Japanese Emperor to discuss a defence and attack plan.

But since the wokou colluded with both Ming officials and Japanese consuls,

they could never devise a way to cleanse the pirates.

Even the fatuous Emperor Jiajing had to get involved in the matter.

These pirates are getting out of control. You must think of a plan.

Your Majesty, Deputy General Zhu Wan submitted a proposal two days ago

to obliterate these outlaws. Has Your Majesty...?

I haven't read it yet. If it looks good to you, then tell him to proceed.

Summoning General Zhu Wan.

Your servant, Zhu Wan, wishes Your Majesty good health.

Zhu Wan, I shall assign you... What post is it again?

Governor of Zhejiang, in charge of Zhejiang and Fujian's military affairs.

Right. Governor of Zhejiang, in charge of Zhejiang and Fujian's military affairs.

Once you get there, you must wipe out all the wokou.

This is a matter of national security. You must get this done.

You may go now.

Your servant accepts the decree with gratitude.

ZHEJJANG GOVERNOR MAGISTRATE

I've been here less than two months and there have been over 30 pirate attacks!

- General Zhou. - Here!

You're in charge of our military. Do you have a plan to deal with it or not?

Your Honour. These pirates are just ugly mountain roamers.

Nothing to be afraid of.

It's only because our previous strategy to eliminate them was inconsistent.

No need to talk about that!

Shinan's Chief needs to go to the Capital. How are you going to escort him?

I am willing to guarantee his safety with my title.

CHEF OF SHINAN

You will have another chance to redeem your failure.

Thank you, Your Honour.

Those that are brave but foolhardy will not do. I'll have to find someone else!

I have heard the Colonel of Zhangzhou, Yu Da-you, is an excellent strategist.

He's also someone that I have known since he was a child.

He certainly has quite a bit of talent.

Your Honour! Please give me a few more days. I'll decimate the pirates without help for sure.

I need someone dependable who can deliver the Chief of Shinan alive!

Your Honour, I heard this man Yu Da-you is pompous and arrogant.

That is not entirely true, is it?

Yes, sir.

It is settled.

I'll inform His Majesty. You write to Zhangzhou and transfer Yu Da-you here.

He is here.

- Sir. - You've bought everything?

- Yes I have, sir. - Colonel Yu!

- Li, how are you? - Fine. Let's return to camp.

Don't you feel comfortable here?

I'm bored as hell!

Have you reached out to everyone like I asked?

Yes.

Chou Fa!

Keep blowing your flute and the wokou will be here.

I've been waiting for them!

Hurry, go change your clothes.

Li. How are things going around here?

They've looted almost everywhere.

- What about your place? - This is the only one they've skipped.

There's nothing to rob here. But now they'll probably come.

Why?

Because you guys are here.

They dare to rob soldiers?

They even robbed the government treasury!

Where do they usually come from?

No one knows where their hideout is.

Do you think there are any spies in your village?

Not just in my village. Even the county magistrate has them!

Li...

Wang, have you ever eaten water-fried shrimp?

- I've had oil-fried shrimp. - Water-fried tastes much better.

Excuse me.

The archers are here. Time for you two to exercise a little.

Colonel.

Attack!

Li.

- This is for you. - What for?

Go buy yourself a new fishing net.

No need! You're getting rid of the pirates for us. How can I accept your money?

Getting rid of the pirates is our duty. I insist.

I won't take it anyway!

Then buy a stronger fishing net for me. Is it enough?

Enough!

Don't tell anyone about last night. Or the wokou will never take the bait again.

I know, I know.

Chou Fa!

Ke-jian.

You go set up a tent at Erdao Bay.

You take a few men and go wait for them by the shore.

You go take a look. They're here!

Hello, guests! Please rest here!

- Buns are ready! - Fresh Jasmine tea!

Let's have something to eat.

Hot buns right out of the oven!

- How about some vintage Huadiao wine? - How much?

Who cares about the price when it comes to wine?

Taste it first.

My friend. Your accent doesn't sound local.

You have good ears. I'm a refugee from Liaodong. Came to make a living here.

Where are you two from?

Taicang.

How about that gentleman? What does he do for a living?

Manager. Have you ever heard of Tung Lung Bank?

Sure! From North to South, wherever there're people, there's a Tung Lung!

That gentleman is the bank's young boss.

This wine isn't bad, right?

Genuine. Get us half a catty more.

Manager!

Kuei! Come and have a drink!

I knew you'd be here on time.

We were waiting for you!

Tie them up and take them with us.

We three had no idea who you are. It was stupid of us to offend you.

You three were a bit stupid.

Please spare us!

No way! You tried to knife us just now. We must have a good talk with your boss.

We were blind as a dog. We didn't know you're in the same line of business.

We're not the same as you.

Tell us which mountain you're from. We won't forget to repay you!

Mountain?

Have you heard of Huang Fei Fu from Flying Tiger Mountain?

You haven't?

No.

No wonder. I haven't either.

Stop talking nonsense. Let's go.

Please don't make fun of us. You guys can't go home empty-handed.

We put 20 taels of silver under that big rock.

Consider it as our gift.

- That won't do! - Do us a favour.

Wait.

It's negotiable.

You say a few good words for us and we could...

Let's go get the silver first.

All right.

You only have 20 taels?

Times are hard!

You have a pretty good turf here.

We haven't had business in half a month!

I don't think so.

A herbal shop owner was robbed by you a couple of days ago.

Together with his merchandise, he lost over 5,000 taels.

How did you know?

We wouldn't have come here to do business if we didn't.

You're smart. But we've given all the money back to base.

Base?

So you guys have a boss then?

With our meagre skills, how can we do this on our own?

Then cough out a name.

We're just stringers coming off the mountain to scout.

Then which mountain is your boss at?

Our boss is at...

Look out!

Run.

Move!

Three died, but we caught one alive.

Good. Shao-tong? Interrogate him.

Ke-jian. You and I will report for duty.

ZHEJJANG GOVERNOR MAGISTRATE

Greetings from Yu Da-you, Your Honour.

At ease, at ease.

I've been waiting for you for over a month.

I came as soon as I received your order. But we were delayed while on the road.

Fine, fine.

This must be Captain Tang?

Tang Ke-jian at your service, Your Honour.

At ease, at ease.

Da-you, this is General Zhou Li-De. You two should communicate more from now on.

General.

I've long heard that you, brother Da-you, have both martial and intellectual skills.

We're counting on you this time.

I have much to learn from the general.

This way please.

Colonel Yu. Prosecutor Lin Mou-ho at your service.

You're too kind.

I heard Prosecutor Lin is good at foreign affairs. We'll be seeking your advice.

I'm flattered.

I'll be glad to offer my modest service as long as it's useful.

As of now, it's not needed yet.

Da-you. Ke-jian. Prepare to receive the Royal Edict.

Yes!

"The Edict declares that Yu Da-you is assigned Captain of the Anti-Wokou troop."

Tang Ke-jian is assigned Deputy Captain.

"Both under the command of Governor of Zhejiang, Zhu Wan. End of Edict."

Da-you.

Can you give me an estimate as to when you can clear this region?

I can't say for certain yet, Your Honour.

At the very least, you have to try to clear the roadways.

Just clearing the roadways is useless.

We must find the wokou's nest first.