Adapted from Pu Songling's
"Strange Stories from Liu Jai. "
A TOUCH OF ZEN (Hsia Nu - The Gallant Lady)
Produced by: Hsia Wu Liang-Fang Sa Wing-Fung
Planning: Cheung Kau-Yun
Executive Producer: Yeung Sal-Hing
Starring: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun
Pai Ying, Tien Peng
Chiao Hung, Miao Tien, Chang Ping-Yu, Sip Han,
Wang Shui, Wan Chun-San, Kao Ming, Lu Shih,
Jia Lu-Shek, Man Chuk-Wah, Cheung Wen-Men,
Liu Zhuo, Chen Sai-Wei, To Wai-Wo.
Special Appearance By: Roy Chiao
Cinematography: Hua Hui-Ying
Assistant Cinematographer: Chow Yip-Hing
Assistant Director: Miao Tien
Set Design: Chow Chi-Leung
Art Design: Chan Sheung-Lam
Original Music Score: Wu Dai-Jiang
Composer: Lok Ming-Dao
Lyre Instructor: Hsiao Chi-Chou
Makeup: Ng Shui-Ching, Shun Bu-Hai
Costume: Lee Jia-Chi Gaffer: Wong Fu-Nan
Martial Arts Choreography: Han Ying-Ge, Puan Yiao-Kvvun
Directed by: King Hu (Hu Jinquan)
Ching Lu Fort
Jun Yan General's Mansion
Letter and Couplet Writing Services
Ku Shen-Chai
Scenery and Portrait Painting
Your comments, please.
Are these your works?
Yes. They don't look like much.
Very good.
Would you like a portrait?
Very well.
Please have a seat.
Your name, sir?
Ouyang Nin.
Mr. Ouyang.
You've traveled far, sir.
How do you know?
I know almost everyone around here.
I've just arrived. Have you lived here all your life?
Yes.
Could you lift your hat a little?
Could you turn your head slightly?
May I know your name?
Ku Shen-Chai.
Scholar, at work already?
Would you like some tea?
You're busy now. Maybe later.
Later, then.
Mr. Ku,
- who is he? - He's an herbalist.
- Name? - Lu. Something wrong?
Is he from here?
No. He's been here only for about a month.
He has a stand near the temple. Why?
Nothing.
Mr. Ouyang!
I'll come back tomorrow.
Jun Yan General's Mansion
Be careful.
Mother! Mr. Shih!
You're back! Come on in.
No. Maybe next time.
Take care, then.
Mother, is that house occupied now?
Who dares to live in that haunted place?
Mr. Shih read me your fortune today.
Guess what he said?
I can't.
Let's eat, then!
He said your lucky star will be active this year.
How does he know?
He read your palms and forehead, remember?
He said you should take the government exam this year.
- I am not going. - Why not?
Why should I heed the advice of a blind man?
Every mother wants her son to succeed.
But you! You're always so poor!
We may not be rich, Mother,
but we have enough to live on.
After I've saved enough, I might open a school some day.
That's ridiculous! You want to be a teacher?
"A mars highest honor is to be an official. "
It should be "to be a scholar"!
Why study not to be an official?
I study for the knowledge.
But you don't seem to know anything!
You're over thirty, and still can't find a wife. Why?
I'm waiting for my destined one.
She won't come if you don't have money!
Looks like I'll never live to see my grandchildren.
"In chaos time like this,
"it is better to be cautious. "
You should be reciting your proverbs at the exam!
You are good for nothing!
Mother?!
What are you doing here?
I... I just want to see if anyone's in there.
Come home with me, now.
Come on!
Move!
Running around at this hour.
Look at you! Your face is all dirty!
Mr. Ku,
I would like to ask you something.
Please do.
There is a Ching Lu Fort in this area, right?
That's right.
Have you been there?
I live there.
I heard that the place is haunted.
It depends on whether you believe in ghosts or not.
I will mount the portrait later, Mr. Ouyang.
It will be ready for you tomorrow.
Thanks.
As for ghosts, I believe in them, so they exist.
But Confucius never mentioned them.
I am afraid I cannot agree with your views, Mr. Ku.
Until tomorrow.
"I believe in them, so they exist"?
Spells to eard off ghosts
Mother?
What are you doing here?
I--- I---
You're always acting like a madman!
Allow me to introduce. This is Miss Yang.
And this? This is my son!
Let's go!
Miss Yang.
If you need anything, you may get it at my house.
Just help yourself.
Mother, who is she?
Our new neighbor.
You scared the living daylights out of her last night!
She gave me a good scare, too.
She lives here all by herself? She must be brave.
Because it's free. That's why WE stay here.
Shen-Chai!
What were you doing here, Mother?
I gave her some needles and thread. They're poor.
They have nothing.
Mother?
Who else is living with her?
Just her mother. She's almost ninety and bedridden.
Hey. What's that sword for?
Oh... nothing, nothing.
Then how do they make a living, Mother?
Miss Yang does odd jobs here and there.
Can you imagine how little money she makes?
- You're already over thirty... - Not the exam again!
Don't interrupt!
Miss Yang is past 20 and single. You should marry her!
You two are a perfect match!
She has no other friends, and you're a lonely nut!
That's it, then!
But... Mother...
What?
Will she agree?
Why not?
Are we not good enough for her? It's all up to you.
Even if I say yes, she may say no.
Her family is dirt poor.
Why wouldn't she agree?
Tomorrow, I'll go
and talk to her mother.
Come home early so we can hear her decision.
Mother.
You scared me!
Why are you still here?
Well?
No!
- Where are you going now? - To the studio.
Looks like it's going to rain. Just come home.
What did her mother say?
Her mother wants her daughter to marry.
But, Miss Yang said no.
Why?
She said she can't tell me why.
I say it's because we're poor
and you're not an official!
Not that again!
You better take the exam this year!
Mother, haven't we talked about this already?
She wouldn't have turned us down today
if you had a post by now!
You'll never marry if you keep on like this!
Mother...
Forgive me.
I knocked, but no one answered, and the door was open.
My apologies. This is Mr. Ouyang.
This is my mother.
Please have a seat.
Sorry about the mess.
- You have quite a large place. - You're too kind.
And quiet, too.
Mr. Ku. Are you off today?
Something came up...
I went to your studio this morning.
I am sorry.
Here is your portrait. Please feel free to give comments.
This is wonderful.
I'm glad.
Your talent is too big for such a small town, Mr. Ku.
I am a simple man. I can't ask for more.
Is Mr. Ku planning to take this year's government exam?
Do you think he should?
I'm sure Mr. Ku is more than capable of passing the test.
See? Did you hear that? Then take it this year!
If you wish to try, then I may be of some service to you.
That's too much trouble!
How wonderful it is to have a savior like you!
I can help you.
I am very grateful, but I don't plan to take it this year.
Don't mind him. We're much obliged to you.
- Mother... - You just keep quiet!
Why not think it over, Mr. Ku?
This is for the portrait.
Thank you again.
It's not perfect, sir. Please accept it as a gift.
Besides, this is too much.
I only charge 5 taels for a portrait.
Stop this!
Mr. Ouyang is a good man, so just take what he offers.
Good-bye for now, Mrs. Ku.
I'll come visit you later.
Sir, would you like to have your name on the portrait?
Excellent idea.
I'll come to your studio tomorrow and pick it up.
Please come back again, sir.
This Mr. Ouyang is a nice man.
You should get to know him better.
Wait!
Who are you?
General Shih.
Who are you?
Help!
- It's the fortune-teller! - Mr. Shih!
Are you all right?
I am all right.
Where is my stick?
Forget the stick! Let's get away from the rain.
My stick... where is my stick?
Your head is bleeding.
I'll go fetch a doctor.
My stick...
Miss Yang. Please take a look.
Please go and get some firewood.
Has Ouyang found out who you are?
No, but who is that?
Go and tell Lu tomorrow.
Doctor Lu Meng's clinic
You've caught a cold, Mrs. Ku.
But it's not serious.
I must've got it from helping the blind fortune-teller yesterday.
I was drenched by the rain,
and I began to shiver afterward.
By then, I knew something was wrong.
Mother, you'll be fine after taking Doctor Lu's herbs.
What do you know?
Mrs. Ku, boil these herbs with water
and drink for two clays. You'll get better soon, don't worry.
About your fee...
We'll settle that later.
We can pay later.
Doctor Lu is our good friend. Right?
Mother, you should rest a bit at the studio...
No need! We're going home!
Good-bye.
Miss Yang!
Don't you recognize me?
Stay right there!
I need to ask you something.
Do you know a blind fortune-teller?
Should we rest a bit?
Rest? We're already home!
You're too kind, Miss Yang.
What happened to your face?
Are you feeling better?
I'm really getting old.
Look at all these herbs!
Miss Yang.
Please go home if you're getting tired.
That fortune-teller, Shih... Do you know him?
No.
This must be hard on you, Miss Yang.
You've hardly slept. You must be tired.
If only I had a daughter-in-law like you.
I know. We are poor...
We are much poorer than you.
I can't blame you.
You'll suffer more if you're with us.
Try to get some sleep, Mrs. Ku.
Shen-Chai has no ambition. He won't take the government exam.
He must have his reasons.
He's as stubborn as my late husband!
He studied books for years, yet he wouldn't take the exam.
And he's getting old...
You're lucky to have such a filial son.
So what if he's filial?
He can't even get a wife.
With his talent, I'm sure he'll marry a good lady.
Good or not, all I want is for him to get married.
He's over thirty, and my health is not what it was.
The day I die will be the end
of our Ku family heritage.
Doctor Lu, how much do I owe you?
- We can settle that later! - No, no.
Then you can just pay me 2112 taels for the herbs.
- Is your mother getting better? - Much better. Thank you.
I've been seeing lots of East Chamber agents here lately.
Their second-in-Command, Wu Mun-Ta, is coming here.
Talk to you later.
Doctor Lu, do you know someone by the name of Ouyang Nin?
Ouyang Nin?
I don't.
See you, then.
Doctor, why is he...
Ku Shen-Chai is not an ordinary man
Mr. Ku, please come to my place tonight.
A jug of eine amidst the floeers
I drink alone
Raising the cup, I invite the moon
With my shadoe, it makes three of us
Yet the moon does not drink
And my shadoe merely follows my body
Briefly, the three of us congregate together
Drink, and be merry in springtime
The moon spins eith my song
And my shadoe mimics my dance
Let us savor this moment while it lasts
We eill part after we have drank our fill
Let us cherish our friendship
Until we meet again, if ever
Mr. Ku.
Mr. Ku!
You have quite a lady's luck, coming here for a rendez-vous.
Come back with me, Miss Yang.
Mr. Ouyang...
Stay back!
You're from a good family, Miss Yang.
Shame on you!
Mr. Ku, what happened to your head?
I tripped and fell.
Mr. Ku!
Officers...
The magistrate requests your presence!
What for?
You'll find out when you get there.
- Sir... - Come on!
Mr. Ku!
Please draw ten copies of this. Let me know the fee and I'll pay you.
Thanks for bringing him.
Please, sit down.
Death warrant
for fugitive Yang Hui-Ching
This... What is this all about?
It's stated there clearly.
Her father was a high-ranking official of the Tung Lin Sect.
He offended Eunuch Wei, so his whole family was sentenced to death.
We heard that his daughter had escaped with another man, but...
Why? You've seen her?
No, I haven't...
but she's the daughter of an honest official.
What's this to you? Just do the drawing!
Why must they kill her, too?
Small magistrates like us can do nothing about it.
Just draw, Mr. Ku.
Magistrate!
Magistrate, an East Chamber officer is here with some men.
What? Prepare to receive him now!
Open the gate!
Magistrate, what about Mr. Tai?
I'll handle him. Go!
They're coming.
Greetings, sir.
You're too kind.
Magistrate,
I must say that your district is quite an exciting place.
- Please forgive us. - That's beyond my authority.
You've been harboring several criminals here.
- The penalty will not be light. - It's all my fault!
What do you plan to do?
Sir, we have just received
the warrant for Yang Hui-Ching.
We will post them up tomorrow at crucial corners,
and I will assign more constables to pursue her.
Nonsense!
With your constables, do you think you can catch Yang?
I will increase the reward listed on the posters.
No posters!
They will alert her, and she will flee from here.
But the Board of Punishment...
That will be my concern!
Yes.
Let me tell you. His Lordship will arrive here soon,
so watch yourself.
Please advise me what to do, sir.
Destroy the posters
and bring your most capable men to await my instructions.
No need to draw anymore. Just go home.
Mother, you've got to leave right away.
- What happened to your face? - Let's go!
Come on.
Just go!
- What about you? - I'll be fine.
- Be careful. - Go!
Just go!
Miss Yang!
Mr. Ku.
Mr. Shih.
Mr. Ku, what brings you here?
Have you seen Miss Yang, the lady who lives here?
I am blind.
Forgive me.
Miss Yang and her mother are gone.
She tells you to leave, or your life is in danger!
- Do you know where she has gone? - I don't know!
But I must find her!
Mr. Shih...
Mr. Shih, who are you, really?
I am certainly not blind.
Those people outside...
Silence!
Keep still.
Run!
General Shih, please come out!
He knows who you are?
Mr. Ku,
do not get involved with these bandits.
They are all criminals on the run.
Run!
Go, now!
Miss Yang...
Why are you still here, miss?
I have unfinished business.
But both the local magistrate and the East Chamber are after you.
What do you plan to do?
I can't just be a sitting duck.
You plan to fight to the end?
You'd better leave, sir.
I can't just leave and not help you, miss.
Why not?
We're almost husband and wife, we're both in this together.
You and I are destined no more. Don't mention it again.
Even if we're only friends,
I still would like to help you.
I'm afraid you, sir...
are not the "duel to the death" type.
"Only the mindless will fight to the death.
"Might without wit will not achieve a thing. "
Then do you have better ideas?
They outnumber us, so we must use strategy, not force.
If you trust me, I'd like to offer my service.
Now that my life is in peril,
how can I afford not to trust you?
Good!
Then...
I just don't want to get you involved.
Never mind that. But, please, do tell me the whole story.
"All battles will be won if we know everything about us and them. "
General Lu!
No need to argue with those villainous rats.
A few days ago, I sent a memorandum to His Majesty.
It embodied your findings
of the wrongdoings by Eunuch Wei
and his East Chamber underlings.
Here are the copies.
Take them to the Tung Lin colleagues.
I fear that your memorandum will not reach His Majesty.
Then I shall tell him in person.
There will be trouble if Eunuch Wei gets his hands on it.
Whatever happens, I'll deal with these people to the end.
Sir.
Sir, an Imperial Messenger from the East Chamber is here.
Prepare to receive the decree.
Yes.
The decree of His Majesty.
Kneel to receive His Majesty's decree.
Longevity to His Majesty.
By the order of the Emperor,
His Majesty summons Yang Lin
for an immediate audience.
Long live the Emperor.
I heard that,
in the memorandum that you sent to His Majesty,
my name was mentioned.
Yes.
Also, there were accusations against Eunuch Wei.
They were not accusations. They were facts.
You are an outspoken man.
You secretly conspired with Hung to embezzle 2 million taels.
Is there some truth to that?
That is nonsense!
No one in this world will believe
that I, Yang Lin, am a corrupt man!
So you will not confess?
You tricked me here by deception.
I want to see His Majesty!
Torture him.
My father was eventually tortured
to death.
General Shih and General Lu helped me
to escape from the capital.
You mean Mr. Shih and Doctor Lu?
But Eunuch Wei did not stop at that.
His East Chamber spies scouted the country for me,
so the two generals took me
to the northern frontier.
Run!
Go!
That way!
Go!
There is nothing to worry about.
They wouldn't dare to cause trouble here.
Did you see three people pass by here?
I am talking to you!
What happened over there?
A moment ago, your men tried to resort to violence.
Thanks to my intervention,
those people escaped from big trouble.
You are a monk. You should just stay at your monastery
and stay out of worldly affairs.
There are no killings in Buddha's sacred grounds.
Abbot, there'll be serious consequences for letting them go.
You must have had a tiring journey. Please come and rest at our temple.
Please.
Please come with us.
I stayed at the temple for two years.
Abbot Hui Yuan taught me martial arts.
In a world so big I never thought I would not find refuge one day.
It would be better if Abbot Hui Yuan would help you now.
He wouldn't.
What about the magistrate?
He's on our side.
They are saying that Mun-Ta himself will soon be here.
He may be here on business, but he's actually coming after you.
What do you plan to do?
I plan to ambush them
when they least expect it.
No. You should wear them down.
But how?
Here's the layout of Ching Lu Fort.
Make use of it, for it is here that we have an advantage.
You should stay here and wait for them to fall into the trap.
I've studied military tactics
and strategies thoroughly.
As long as you can lure them here,
then I can make them fall into your hands.
Lu Chiang! What is it?
Ouyang Nin left for Green Bamboo Hill this morning.
Looks like Ouyang Nin is on the retreat.
No.
I think Mun-Ta is sending his men here first.
We must not let Ouyang Nin have contact with them.
Wait!
These two are Mun-Ta's personal guards.
- They're dangerous. - Let's take them one at a time.
Let's go!
Captain!
- Captain! - Get away from me!
Captain.
- Magistrate. - Yes!
Prepare pen and ink for me to write a letter.
Yes.
- You will write. - Yes.
"To East Chamber's Commander, His Excellency Mun-Ta.
"Tung Lirs remaining thieves are still at large here.
"Halt your advance for now.
"Signed, Ouyang Nin. "
Send it to Commander Mun-Ta at once.
You have to hurry. He must have left the capital by now.
If there is any delay, I will take your head!
Who's there?
No one.
Let no one in here.
Yes. I've already instructed the guards.
Good.
Captain, your wounds...
I've taken some medicine. I must remain seated here.
Tell them not to make any noise!
- Dr Lu. - Magistrate.
This man is badly wounded.
Who's there?
Captain, you're badly hurt.
I've found you a doctor.
Haven’t I told you?
Let no one in here!
It's... it's you!
Captain Ouyang.
Lu Ting-yen, you've come here just in time.
I'm here to treat your wounds, Captain.
We must lure Mun-Ta here.
Let's write him a letter.
A letter for His Excellency.
- Wait here. - Yes.
What is it?
Your Excellency, a letter from Ouyang Nin.
What did he say?
Your Excellency, everything has been prepared.
We wait your arrival. Signed, Ouyang Nin.
He said everything is prepared.
Good. Let's go on our way.
Forward!
I heard that Mun-Ta will stay at Ching Lu Fort.
For how long?
Until he finds Ouyang Nin.
How many troops did he bring?
About two hundred.
"The enemy is many, and we are few. "
Use superstition.
I don't understand.
First, spread the rumor that Ching Lu Fort is haunted.
But isn't that a bit...
Just do it.
My mother can help in this.
Your Excellency.
Have you found Ouyang Nin?
Not yet.
Have you been to that General's Mansion?
Well?
Your Excellency, I've heard that the place is in shambles.
It's been deserted since the wars.
Then go and clean it up.
But Your Excellency... that place is supposedly not "clean. "
What do you mean, it's not clean?
It is rumored
that ghosts haunt the place.
Everything's hearsay.
Stop listening to nonsense! You'll go there tomorrow.
Yes.
Jun Yuan General's Mansion
Post some guards out here.
You four, stand guard here.
Let's go.
Stay right there!
Halt! Halt!
What?
Look over there!
Let's go.
Well?
What are you doing here?
Ghosts!
Sir! There are ghosts outside the gate!
Is that so?
I saw them with my own eyes, Your Excellency.
I've heard of ghosts, but I've never seen them.
I'd like to see them myself.
Your Excellency, your responsibilities to protect the frontier
are too important for you to risk your life.
Those ghosts won't come and get me.
Never heard the proverb "Demons fear evil men"?
Then...
Pay no attention.
Some villagers are probably trying to cause trouble by spreading rumors.
But our soldiers... they all believe it.
I think this must b the work of criminals.
Magistrate, what do you say?
Yes. Your Excellency is indeed wise.
He doesn't believe it?
It seems like he's suspecting our magistrate.
I say we should not waste time.
Let's just sneak up on them at night and ambush them.
That would ruin everything.
I think we should invite them here the night after next.
Brother Shih, let's deliver a present to Mun-Ta tomorrow.
Ouyang Nin!
- Magistrate. - Yes.
Where did you find his body?
Near Ching Lu Fort.
Ouyang Nin died in your district
and was obviously murdered. What do you say?
It's all my fault.
Very well.
Guards!
Take him away and await further punishment.
Your Excellency!
I have a secret message to report.
Speak.
As it is confidential, could they...
Speak.
Yang Hui-Ching?
Is she Yang Lirs daughter?
Yes, and she's with two renegade generals.
Splendid.
All three are here.
Who else is with them?
I heard they are recruiting bandits
to kidnap Your Excellency.
We must strike first, Commander.
Tonight, I'll lead the troops there and kill them all.
Your Excellency, now is the time.
Help!
Hold still.
What is it?
- It's true, sir. There are... - Rebels?
Ghosts!
The two of them are dead!
Just like what the villagers had said, Your Excellency.
Nonsense! Beware of an ambush.
What is it?
Loom
Your Excellency! We should...
Tell them to calm down!
Silence!
Sir, perhaps you should confer with His Excellency.
Men cannot fight against ghosts!
I say we should come back here in daytime.
Besides, we've killed so much.
Our aura of death is too strong.
Your Excellency, I think...
You're usually the intelligent one.
Can't you see this is a plot by the villains?
However, I'm afraid we might have invoked the wrath of the gods.
How can a high official like you
believe in such ghost nonsense?
I've consulted with some of my officers...
What is this? A mutiny?
Don't let her go.
Shih Wen-Chiao?
- Your Excellency... - They must be inside!
Look out!
Your Excellency.
I'll stay here.
You two go in and search around.
Miss Yang! Please spare my life.
Your leniency will only impair our scheme of things.
The funeral tablet of Yang Lin
Miss Yang!
Dr. Lu!
Miss Yang!
Have you seen Miss Yang?
Miss Yang. Where is she?
Abbot... have you seen Miss Yang?
Have you seen Miss Yang?
Mother.
Have you seen Miss Yang?
Yes.
Where is she?
She asked you not to look for her.
I must find her!
I have entered the monastery.
The Ku family's posterity is ensured.
Yang Hui-Ching, you still have unfinished business.
Come back when you are ready to return to Buddha.
Ku Shen-Chai's life is now in danger.
Go with General Shih to help him.
Wanted Ku Shen-Chai
He's over there.
It's him! Get him!
Go now!
Let's go!
He's the Commander-in-chief.
General Shih. Miss Yang.
I am Hsu Hsien-Chun, Chief Commander of East Chamber Guards.
Greetings to you, General.
Likewise.
I have orders from His Excellency Wei
to invite you to the Capital for consultations.
Please tell Eunuch Wei
that Miss Yang and I are now in seclusion.
We will not return to meet him.
We could also invite you back to close the case.
We have to decline even more strongly.
Good.
Then I can do no more for you.
I advise the two of you to think it over carefully.
You take the fat one.
Stay back!
Commander Hsu.
Can you perchance be Abbot Hui Yuan?
I am.
Abbot, you are highly revered.
Why would you harm your reputation by harboring fugitives?
Are you not afraid of tarnishing your holiness?
I Perhaps I still retain a trace of my earthiness.
General Shih here once held high office,
and Miss Yang is of noble heritage.
They lost all hope because they're being persecuted by villains.
That's why they sought refuge and solitude away from this world.
Nevertheless, East Chamber agents refuse to stop pursuing them.
Their duty calls for it.
Then forgive me for not knowing much about the Tung Lin Sect case,
but please let them go in peace for Buddha's sake, if not mine.
I am a diligent man,
and His Majesty's laws are not for me to alter.
Then tell Eunuch Wei
that the two of them are now with Buddha
and will never leave this mountain. That is my decision.
Nonsense!
How could a monk like you criticize the imperial rules?
Hsu, you are just a petty henchmen for the eunuchs.
The peace of Buddha's land is not for you to disturb! Leave now.
I will arrest you for harboring criminals.
Get this evil creature out of my sight!
Put down your weapons.
Stay back!
Now go.
Don't come near!
- Abbot! - He still has evil in him.
General Shih!
Please accept me, Abbot.
You are not yet free of worldly ties.
Abbot. I have done too much killing in my life.
At night, phantoms haunt me in my dreams.
Sometimes I hallucinate
and sometimes I agonize in pain.
I wake up in a cold sweat.
All I Wish
is to live my remaining life in simple solitude.
Good.
"Put down the sword and attain peace with Buddha. "
It is good that you recognize penitence.
If you don't accept me, Abbot,
I shall kneel here for eternity.
"The sea of suffering is boundless. Turn back to the shore. "
Arise.
Brother!
Father!
THE END