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Part 1 |
Part 2 |
Part 3 |
Part 4
INT. JEN'S ROOM - DAY
Jen practices calligraphy. The governess is by her side embroidering and throwing occasional glances at Jen. The maid enters.
MAID
There is a Miss Shu Lien here to see you.
Jen stops and looks up at them.
GOVERNESS
Miss is busy right now.
MAID
I'll tell her.
JEN
Show her in.
The governess shoots her a look.
GOVERNESS
This spells trouble.
JEN
I have a guest.
The governess gets up to leave just as the maid shows Shu Lien in.
MAID
This way please.
The governess and Shu Lien exchange quick glances. The governess bows slightly and departs.
JEN
I've missed you.
SHU LIEN
How so?
JEN
I'm bored.
Shu Lien sees the calligraphy.
SHU LIEN
You're doing calligraphy?
JEN
I'll write your name. Just for fun.
Jen writes Yu Shu Lien's name with great confidence and swiftness.
SHU LIEN
I never realized my name looks like "sword."
Jen freezes slightly.
SHU LIEN
You write gracefully. Calligraphy is so similar to fencing.
JEN
Maybe it is. I wouldn't know.
The maid enters with tea.
JEN
Please.
SHU LIEN
Thank you for seeing me. I hear your wedding day is near. You must be overwhelmed by the preparations.
JEN
I'm hardly doing a thing. The less I think of it the better. My parents are arranging everything. The Gous are a very powerful family. My marrying one will be good for my father's career.
SHU LIEN
You are fornuate to marry into such a noble family.
JEN
Am I? I wish I were like the heroes in the books I read. Like you and Li Mu Bai. I guess I'm happy to be marrying. But to be free to live my own life, to choose whom I love... That is true happiness.
SHU LIEN
Do you think so? Let me tell you a story.
JEN
About you and Li Mu Bai?
SHU LIEN
Yes. Did you know I was once engaged to be married?
JEN
No, really?
SHU LIEN
His name was Meng Si Zhao. He was a brother to Li Mu Bai by oath. One day, while in battle, he was killed by the sword of Li Mu Bai's enemy. After, Li Mu Bai and I went through a lot together. Our feelings for each other grew stronger. But how could we dishonor Meng's memory? So the freedom you talk about, I too desire it. But I have never tasted it.
JEN
Too bad for Meng, but it's not your fault, or Li Mu Bai's.
SHU LIEN
I am not an aristocrat, as you are... but I must still respect a woman's duties.
JEN
Don't distance us. From now on, let's be like sisters.
SHU LIEN
Then as a sister, let me wish you happiness in your marriage.
EXT. YU'S GARDEN - DAY
The maid escorts Shu Lien out. Shu Lien pauses, looks around, and sees the profile of the Governess peering at her from around a corner.
INT. JEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Moonlight spills into the room, as Jen rises sleeplessly from bed and looks out the window. A light breeze stirs her hair. The sound of the wind rises, and slowly her face dissolves, into...
INT./EXT. CARRIAGE/MONGOLIAN DESERT - DAY
...the face of a younger, less sophisticated Jen, as she lets the dry desert air flow through her hair. She sits in a carriage, part of a caravan, with guards on horseback, that is traveling through the spectacular desert. Across from her sits her mother, of whom she is barely cognizant.
MADAM YU
What a godforsaken place! Can't your father be appointed closer to civilization? Jen... are you listening to me?
Jen is still looking out the side of the carriage, at a beautiful mountainside.
INT. JEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Jen sighs, and turns back toward her bed.
EXT. STREET OUTSIDE GOVERNOR YU'S COMPOUND - NIGHT
Tsai and May have been sitting, hidden in the branches of a tree, watching Jen.
TSAI
Let's go!
They drop down silently and walk away. From another rooftop, Lo looks silently on.
EXT. TSAI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Tsai and May enter the house.
INT. TSAI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Inside the tiny house, they discover a hooded figure going through their belongings.
Immediately Tsai throws a knife, which rips off the figure's mask -- revealing Bo. Tsai has another long knife at his throat.
TSAI
Who are you?
BO
Wait! I'm a friend!
Tsai pauses.
INT. TSAI'S HOUSE - NIGHT (LATER)
May fans a small coal-fired grill that is boiling a sizzling pot of vegetable and meatball soup. Her father and Bo are now friendly dinner companions, much to May's delight.
TSAI
I don't care about your sword.
BO
Why were you spying on the Yus?
TSAI
I'm looking for someone. Jade Fox. I'm a police inspector from Shaan Xi, Gen Su district. Jade Fox is a master criminal. I hear she infiltrated the Yus. She must have come with them when they transferred here. But with Yu's reputation, I can't just go in and accuse her.
BO
This Jade Fox is a woman?
TSAI
Yes.
BO
Then leave her to me.
TSAI
Pardon me, but I doubt you can handle her. My wife was quite a martial arts expert. Jade Fox killed her. So you see, this is personal. Leave her to me.
MAY
It's ready! (re: the soup)
BO
I'm ready for anything!
Bo fishes into the pot with his chopsticks. May intercepts him with her own chopsticks.
MAY
Father gets first dip.
Tsai stiffens and snaps his chopsticks, not to pick up a meatball but to catch an incoming dart. A dart wrapped with a note. Bo jumps up.
TSAI
They're gone.
MAY
What does it say?
TSAI
"We'll settle this at midnight on Yellow Hill." Good, the fox is out of her hole.
INT. TE'S STUDY - NIGHT
Shu Lien is ushered into the room, to discover Sir Te talking to another man, whose back is to her.
SIR TE
Shu Lien, look who's here.
The man turns around -- it's Li Mu Bai.
EXT. TE'S HALL - NIGHT
Yu Shu Lien and Li Mu Bai sit together.
LI
Sir Te believes it's a ploy cast suspicion on Governor Yu.
SHU LIEN
But something is going on at the Yu household.
LI
What have you discovered?
From her sleeve, Shu Lien removes the flyer. Li takes it, his face darkening.
LI
Jade Fox? Impossible.
SHU LIEN
You always suspected she'd fled to the West.
LI
I didn't think she'd dare come back to Peking!
SHU LIEN
Is there any place safer than under the nose of Governor Yu?
LI
So I shall avenge my master's death after all.
SHU LIEN
Be careful. Sir Te requires discretion. Official business is difficult enough. Don't let personal feelings make it worse. And I don't know... even this poster... could be some sort of trap.
LI
Did you see who posted it?
SHU LIEN
No.
LI
It says Jade Fox is hiding at Yu's. On the night of the theft there was a brawl near Yu's. Were you involved?
Shu Lien pauses.
SHU LIEN
It was Bo, Sir Te's man. I hear he followed the thief to the Yus'.
LI
Have you questioned him yet?
SHU LIEN
No, not yet...
LI
But your men are watching over Yu's compund?
SHU LIEN
No, I'd already sent them home. You can blame me for losing the sword, but please trust that I'll get it back soon using my own methods.
LI
That's not what I meant. I don't care about the sword.
SHU LIEN
What do you mean? Didn't you come back here for it?
LI
I don't know it was stolen until I got here.
SHU LIEN
Then, why did you come?
LI
Well, we had talked...
De Lu enters.
DE LU
Pardon my intrusion. Master Li, your room is ready.
LI
Thank you. Please lead the way.
EXT. YELLOW HILL - NIGHT
Tsai, Bo, and May wait under an ancient tree. Bo stifles a yawn.
BO
The fox doesn't care much for punctuality. Still no sign of her.
An old lady struggles up the hill, wearing a floppy hat over her face, holding a cane. The three exchange glances.
TSAI
Enough! Show yourself.
The old woman shrinks in fear, but then throws off her disguise and unveils herself -- the Governess.
FOX
Tsai... you dog! You will pay for your stubbornness.
BO
That's what you think, old witch!
TSAI
If you surrender now, you'll suffer less. But if you resist, I won't stop until you're dead.
MAY
Father! Let me avenge my mother's death.
FOX
You'll soon end up like her, you little whore!
BO
You'll pay for that!
A fierce battle begins, the main fighting between Tsai and Fox, with May and Bo getting a stab in occasionally, when the opportunity presents itself.
TSAI
(to Bo) She's going to paralyze you!
Using acupressure, Fox disables Bo. May shoots an arrow at her, but she catches it and flings it back, hitting May.
TSAI
May!
Fox then disables Tsai, but just as she goes for the kill, Li Mu Bai flies down from the treetops and steps between them.
FOX
Tsai, you filthy mongrel! An ambush!
MAY
Father, are you all right?
Li addresses Fox.
LI
Wudan should have gotten rid of you long ago. It's been a long time, Jade Fox! You don't remember me... But you should remember my master. You infiltrated Wudan while I was away. You stole a secret manual and poisoned our master! Now it's time for you to pay!
FOX
Your master underestimated us women. Sure, he'd sleep with me, but he would never teach me. He deserved to die by a woman's hand!
LI
You stole the secrets of Wudan's highest martial arts. But after ten years of training, your moves are still undisciplined. And today, under a Wudan sword... you will die!
Li easily brings Fox to the ground.
Li raises his sword to the prostrate Fox. A figure masked in black appears next to Fox, sword extended, saving her.
FOX
Disciple, we'll kill them all!
FIGURE IN BLACK
Let's go!
BO
Another one!
FOX
I must get rid of Tsai!
Fox fights Tsai, Bo, and May, as Li addresses the masked figure.
LI
Who are you? Why is the Green Destiny in your possession?
FIGURE IN BLACK
What's it to you?
LI
My name is Li Mu Bai. The Green Destiny is mine. Jade Fox can't be your master. Where did you learn that "Xuan Piu" move?
FIGURE IN BLACK
I'm just playing around.
LI
Tell me, who is your master?
FIGURE IN BLACK
Let's go!
FOX
We must kill them!
Tsai throws his blade at Fox, who catches it and throws it back, hitting him in the head. Fox and the masked figure leap away.
May drops to the ground, cradling her dead father's head. Bo kneels beside her.
MAY
Father!
EXT. TE'S - DAY
Sir Te and a group of his men look down as a cloth is removed from over the body of Tsai. Bo and May stand before them.
SIR TE
This is Tsai?
MAY
My father. Police Inspector from Shaan.
SIR TE
This should be reported to Governor Yu. The victim is an officer. You believe the killer is hiding out in his compound.
MAY
I'd bet my life on it!
SIR TE
(to Li and Shu Lien) Come with me.
He exits the room.
INT. TE'S STUDY - DAY
Te, Li, and Shu Lien are seated.
SIR TE
This needs to be resolved, and quickly.
LI
I'll get into the Yu household and get her. I'll ferret out Fox and her gang.
SHU LIEN
We must be careful. Governor Yu is a court official, and in charge of security. Any disturbance will cast suspicion on him. It might get Sir Te in trouble.
SIR TE
This is a delicate matter.
SHU LIEN
Sir Te, can you find some excuse to invite Madam Yu and her daughter?
SIR TE
What do you have in mind?
SHU LIEN
The best way to trap a fox is through her cubs.
Sir Te and Li Mu Bai look puzzled.
EXT. SIR TE'S GARDEN - DAY
Shu Lien sits with Madam Yu and Jen. They busy themselves with various items for her trousseau.
MADAM YU
Madam Te is certainly spoiling us with these wedding gifts. She's being so considerate.
SHU LIEN
I'm sorry she's not feeling well enough to receive you today.
MADAM YU
I heard Sir Te lost something. And now Madame Te's not feeling well...
Jen sits silently listening.
SHU LIEN
We know who stole the missing item. If the thief returns it, I'm sure Sir Te will pursue the matter no further.
MADAM YU
That's good. Sometimes the help can't keep their hands to themselves. It's very embarassing.
SHU LIEN
Sir Te knows that even well-meaning people can make mistakes... that can bring ruin to themselves and their families.
MADAM YU
But don't be too lenient.
SHU LIEN
No mercy will be shown toward the murderer who turned up in Peking.
MADAM YU
A murderer?
SHU LIEN
Yes. The very killer of Li Mu Bai's own master. Last night, she killed a policeman who had tracked her down.
MADAM YU
A female criminal! Now that's news!
Jen becomes visibly upset.
JEN
You say she killed a policeman?
SHU LIEN
Yes, from the West. He went undercover and and followed her here.
MADAM YU
Maybe the murderer and the thief are one and the same.
SHU LIEN
I doubt it. This thief... is very unusual...
As Shu Lien speaks, she lifts the tea pot to pour Jen some tea. As she finishes speaking, she looks into Jen's face and the pot slips from her hand. Without even looking down, Jen instinctively catches the pot with a lightning-fast move.
SHU LIEN
...And most likely smarter than a mere killer.
Sir Te and Li Mu Bai walk by.
JEN
(formal) Greetings, Sir Te.
SIR TE
Hello, Madam Yu. This is Li Mu Bai, the renowned swordsman.
LI
Delighted to meet you.
Li Mu Bai sizes Jen up.
SIR TE
Miss Yu is soon to be married.
LI
Congratulations.
EXT. TSAI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
May opens her door, only to find Bo standing guard.
MAY
Why don't you come in?
BO
I'm standing guard.
MAY
Come in. It's cold.
She turns back inside, hesitates, then turns back to him.
MAY
Come in. We don't have to fear Jade Fox if we're together.
EXT. TE COMPOUND - NIGHT
A still, dark night.
EXT. TE'S STUDY - NIGHT
Something moves in the moonlight. A hooded figure jumps down. Li Mu Bai, who had been hiding in the shadows, comes forward.
LI
Isn't it a bit too late to be out? You've brought me the sword?
FIGURE
I do as I please.
The masked figure lunges away, but Li Mu Bai leaps with incredible speed and grabs the sword from her.
LI
Where's your master?
FIGURE
What's it to you?
The figure floats away. Li chases after her.
EXT. PEKING STREET - NIGHT
The two fly over houses and bounce off of rooftops, displaying amazing floating skills.
INT. ABANDONED MONASTERY - NIGHT
The figure bounces into an old monastery. Li is already there.
LI
Had enough flying? You've got potential. You've studied the Wudan Manual but you don't understand it. You need a real master.
The figure doesn't respond, but we sense the pride in her eyes.
FIGURE
Do you think you are a real master?
LI
Like most things, I am nothing. It's the same for this sword. All of it is simply a state of mind.
FIGURE
Stop talking like a monk! Just fight!
LI
Then tell me where Jade Fox is.
FIGURE
On guard!
LI
Real sharpness comes without effort.
EXT. MONASTERY - NIGHT
The figure leaps into the garden, but again, Li is ahead of her.
The figure attacks Li, who uses his agility to evade her. Frustrated, the figure intensifies her attack.
The figure, losing composure, attacks wildly. Li gets even more elusive, using a branch to repel her.
LI
No growth without assistant. No action without reaction. No desire without restraint. Now give yourself up and find yourself again. There is a lesson for you.
Li now holds the stick to her mask, gently raising it slightly.
FIGURE
Go ahead.
LI
Why should I? You need practice. I can teach you to fight with the Green Destiny, but first you must learn to hold it in stillness.
FIGURE
Why do you want to teach me?
LI
I've always wanted a disciple worthy of Wudan's secrets.
FIGURE
And if I use them to kill you?
LI
That's a risk I'm willing to take. Deep down, you're good. Even Jade Fox couldn't corrupt you.
The figure's eyes cloud with tears.
FIGURE
Wudan is a whorehouse! Keep your lessons!
The figure swirls and takes off, leaving a rueful Li standing alone in the monastery.
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