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寒山潛龍
During the Northern Song dynasty, the Phecda Bureau is considered the most powerful of all government offices. Led by Fung Nam-Tin, his elite group is in charge of all criminal cases nationwide. The bureau's commander, Chu Cheung-Sing, is greatly valued by Nam-Tin, but due to one particular robbery case, they go their separate ways. Along with his wife Tao Fa, Cheung-Sing vanishes for nearly ten years until the case draws to a close. Now past his working prime, Nam Tim orders three officers to summon Cheung-Sing back to the bureau. Meanwhile, the Jin dynasty has long coveted the Song land, and is ready to launch an invasion.
A Prince of the Song Dynasty is going to shave his head and pray for the people. At the tonsure ceremony, the abbot who performs the ritual attempts to assassinate the Prince, but is thwarted by the Field officers of the Phecda Bureau, YEUNG MAU, NGAU TAI-LIK and MA CHUEN-KUNG, in the nick of time. The leader of the Phecda Bureau, FUNG NAM-TIN, leads his troops and tries to enter the ceremony venue, but is hindered. Showing the badge given by the Emperor, NAM-TIN states that the Phecda Bureau is under the Emperor's immediate supervision. Following a prisoner SOU FU's escape, Commander SHE PAK-NIN analyzes the reason and tells NAM-TIN about it. CHUEN-KUNG thinks that SOU FU must have gone to Wuzhou to wreak vengeance on someone, so NAM-TIN orders CHUEN-KUNG and the others to go to Wuzhou and bring SOU FU to justice.… ...
As SOU FU's case is successfully drawing to a close, CHUEN-KUNG asks CHEUNG-SING to go back to the Phecda Bureau together with them. Upon their return to Bianjing, CHUEN-KUNG spots a bridal sedan passing by, knowing that Minister HO, under the Emperor's decree, is going to marry off his daughter outside of the town. As soon as CHEUNG-SING enters the Phecda Bureau, his childhood best friend, PAK-NIN, hops out to challenge him. Apart from reprimanding CHEUNG-SING for not showing any repentance, NAM-TIN also wants CHEUNG-SING to resume his duty as the Commander, but CHEUNG-SING refuses to do so. Minister HO's daughter is abducted, so NAM-TIN seizes the opportunity to let CHEUNG-SING handle the case, adding that no action will be taken against CHEUNG-SING for the five thousand silver ingots he owed to the Bureau if he accomplishes this mission.… ...
Out of the blue, an anonymous fire ball falls into the ancestral shrine. Having gone through an investigation, PAK-NIN deduces that it could be a fallen meteor. However, the fallen meteor is regarded as an omen, NAM-TIN feels very annoyed as he has no idea how to report this to the Emperor. CHEUNG-SING intends to let his wife TAO FA stay in the Phecda Bureau, unexpectedly, NAM-TIN requests TAO FA to move out. Later on, NAM-TIN meets up with TAO FA, handing her a key as well as a title deed and telling her to run the business of Peach Blossom Grove. After Minister YUEN is found dead and dumped outside of the Phecda Bureau, CHEUNG-SING goes to investigate it and learns that the late Minister YUEN often hung out at night. All of them then go to Yee Heung Lau, where a prostitute named SIU-TSUI reveals that she was abused by Minister YUEN, and luckily, HUNG SAP-KAU helped her out of trouble.… ...
Someone, who self-claims to have possessed the sulphur, goes to the Phecda Bureau to turn himself in, yet, PAK-NIN believes that he is just a scapegoat. CHEUNG-SING wants to meet HUNG FUNG but is rejected; whereas NAM-TIN also tells him that he has already instructed the Moon Section to look into the case. At the opening day of the Peach Blossom Grove, SAP-KAU delivers lavish gifts when TAO FA is distributing the flyers, and he even promises to stay there and help improve their business. CHEUNG-SING and his three fellow colleagues go to investigate at the Chaoyang Peak, where they uncover a cannon, so CHEUNG-SING suspects that the late Minister YUEN had a secret mission. NAM-TIN and CHUEN-KUNG then go to make an audience with the Emperor, who authorizes CHUEN-KUNG to check the log in the Bureau of Military Affairs, but they are stopped by the Empress Dowager.… ...
Though PAK-NIN claims that it's impossible to search for the suspect CHAN CHIT-WO among the Dragon Gang, CHUEN-KUNG believes those who have been exposed to explosives for a long time must show a variety of abnormal symptoms. Field Officer CHOI follows CHI-SIN and discovers that he has several symptoms which seem to be identical to those, which, according to CHUEN-KUNG, might appear on the body of CHAN CHIT-WO. Prince TUEN surmises that the reason why the Phecda Bureau is able to solve the case is because they stole the log. Nonetheless, the Emperor decides not to blame those of the Phecda Bureau anymore as they have atoned for their errors. Suspecting that CHI-SIN is not the only one involved in the case, CHEUNG-SING and CHUEN-KUNG cannot help worrying about the Emperor's safety, so they dash to the venue where their Emperor and the Jin Emperor sign the treaty.… ...
With the Phecda Bureau finding out that it's KWAN CHIU who made the poison, CHUEN-KUNG and the others go to arrest KWAN CHIU and bring her to justice. KWAN CHIU bears a grudge against the Bureau after she is tortured during the interrogation, so she forces some civilians to swallow the poison. Finally, CHUEN-KUNG knocks her unconscious and sends her out of Bianjing. Constable KWAI-CHEUNG is attacked and suffers severe injuries, lapsing into a coma. He is rescued by PAK-NIN and his team who take him back to the Phecda Bureau. KWAI-CHEUNG turns out to be a spy, who penetrated into the Jin Dynasty and uncovered that there have been Jin moles in the Song Dynasty. Unfortunately, the confidential correspondence with a full log of details has vanished without a trace. CHEUNG-SING encounters his old acquaintance CHAU-YUET, who doesn't recognize him.… ...
Disguising himself as a blind man, TAI-LIK brings along YEUNG MAU and requests to stay in Fa Yim Lau. Seeing that TAI-GAN gets suspicious, YEUNG MAU lies that they were actually sent there by SAP-KAU to pump for more information about Fa Yim Lau. In SAP-KAU's bath house, after TAI-LIK reports to CHEUNG-SING about what he got from his investigation, CHEUNG-SING surmises that HA LIN and another prostitute named KWAI-LAN must have something to do with the late SAU-KUK. Following KWAI-CHEUNG's sudden death, all of them comfort CHUEN-KUNG, telling him not to blame himself too much for this. NAM-TIN discusses the case with CHEUNG-SING and the others in secret, instructing them to locate the confidential correspondence no matter what. CHUEN-KUNG recognizes the birthmark on KWAN CHIU's arm, believing that she is his younger sister WAN-LING, who went missing many years ago. However, WAN-LING refuses to acknowledge him as her brother.… ...
In the nick of time, YEUNG MAU saves TAI-LIK, who thus has a crush on her. Although KWAI-LAN admits that she bought the aphrodisiacs, she denies killing SAU-KUK. At that moment, there comes the news that HA LIN's dead body was found. Inadvertently, TAI-LIK spots YEUNG MAU's portrait and a love poem, so YEUNG MAU discloses that these were given to her by a client. TAI-LIK believes that the person must be a bad guy, but YEUNG MAU doesn't think so. After TAI-LIK learns of the past relationship between CHEUNG-SING and CHAU-YUET, he suggests that CHEUNG-SING should get close to CHAU-YUET. On the heels of her discovery of the empty cash box, TAO FA bursts into tears, complaining that CHEUNG-SING has spent all her hard earned money to help CHAU-YUET redeem herself out of prostitution. TAO FA forces CHEUNG-SING to choose between her and CHAU-YUET, to her surprise, CHEUNG-SING chooses the latter.… ...
CHEUNG-SING and his fellow co-workers successfully defeat the man in black and retrieve the confidential correspondence, which is recognized by the Emperor as a meritorious performance of the Phecda Bureau. Prince TUEN suggests setting up a special exam to select a martial champion, whereas CHEUNG-SING points out that Prince TUEN attempts to take this opportunity to recruit talent so as to contend against the Phecda Bureau. When YEUNG MAU and the others are leaving Fa Yim Lau, YEUNG MAU encourages YUK-LAU to attend the examination so as to win an official rank, and YUK-LAU also reveals his love affection for her. Leading his younger sister and sneaking into their former residence, CHUEN-KUNG not only tells her about the drastic change of their family in detail, but also plans to find a good husband for her. With the new magistrate assuming his office, he demands protection money that is three times higher than before.… ...
Uncle KWA reveals that a man in black gave him some silver ingots last night, and WAN-LING guesses that the person is YAM MAN. All of the people regard YAM MAN as a real life immortal and even worship the Yam Rock. TAO FA notices her husband put on his Ninja suit, thinking he is YAM MAN. In order to help YUK-LAU, YEUNG MAU intends to sell her saber, but TAK-LIK, believing that she was deceived by YUK-LAU, tails after YUK-LAU. The Emperor enquires CHUEN-KUNG about things with regard to YAM MAN, CHUEN-KUNG suggests that the Emperor should go on an inspection in disguise so as to know the expectation of the people. After the Emperor witnesses in person that the people respect YAM MAN very much and heavily criticize the Emperor, CHUEN-KUNG once again raises that the court is currently in a disastrous state with the relative of the Empress Dowager exerting more influence during the reign.… ...
With CHEUNG-SING denying to be YAM MAN, PAK-NIN believes that it was a misunderstanding. Upon his return home, CHEUNG-SING sees that TAO FA is suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. After CHUEN-KUNG is called on to check her pulse and confirms that she is pregnant, CHEUNG-SING is thrilled with joy. The Emperor arranges a Yam Banquet, which greatly aggravates the Empress Dowager, above which the Emperor even announces an immediate amnesty for YAM MAN. NAM-TIN frankly advises the Emperor that someone abused his position for his own gain and all the evidence points to Prince TUEN. SAP-KAU eventually gives up on the martial examination, unexpectedly, WAN-LING disguises herself as a man and goes to take the exam. Just as WAN-LING is about to move to an advanced level, CHUEN-KUNG suddenly appears to hinder her.… ...
The Phecda Bureau is going to organize the Lonely Ghost Ceremony, which is also the big day when the Sun Section and the Moon Section compete for the Speedy Standard. However, TAO FA learns from CHEUNG-SING that he does not intend to participate in the Ceremony. Having been arranged to have a blind date with the Empress Dowager's nephew TAI HO-YAN, WAN-LING bursts into tears, stating that she does not want to get married yet, so SAP-KAU braves out for WAN-LING, revealing to the others that her wish is to join the Phecda Bureau. At the Lonely Ghost Ceremony, PAK-NIN and CHEUNG-SING lead their fellow co-workers of the Moon Section and Sun Section respectively to compete furiously to grab the Speedy Standard. Although NAM-TIN's intention is to pass the leadership to CHEUNG-SING, CHEUNG-SING instead recommends PAK-NIN, who draws his sorrows in drinks after he overheard the conversation between the NAM-TIN and CHEUNG-SING.… ...
Based on the distinct smell of an herb, WAN-LING gets a clue which leads to the murder suspect. CHUEN-KUNG indicates that the herb is called heartbreak grass and is a kind of poisonous plants that specifically grows in the mountain area of Jiangxi Province, but he has no idea at all as to what kind of connection there is between the murder suspect and YAT-SHAN. CHEUNG-SING, TAI-LIK, and YEUNG MAU disguise themselves as Taoists to perform the sacrificial ritual. All of a sudden, WAN-LING and SAP-KAU seem to be possessed by the ghost of the late Master TAI, accusing TAI HO-YAN of committing several crimes. TAI HO-YAN's mother shows up as the Empress Dowager's cousin and tries to stop the Phecda Bureau from arresting HO-YAN. On top of that, Prince TUEN even presents the Iron Scroll, which was an amnesty plague given by the late Emperor, demanding NAM-TIN to release HO-YAN.… ...
YAM MAN shows up as PAK-NIN is about to kill TAI-LIK. In order to clear the name of the Phecda Bureau, NAM-TIN orders all the constables to capture YAM MAN immediately. YAM MAN is stabbed and injured by TAI-LIK, and is even kicked off the cliff by CHEUNG-SING. Later on, when YEUNG MAU goes to the Ching Leung Monastery to pay tribute to YAM MAN, CHUEN-KUNG encourages her by using the words said by YAM MAN. Eventually, WAN-LING is allowed to join the Phecda Bureau. With the rise of a mysterious cult, the Sacred Sky Sect, in Bianjing, their leader, the Reverend Celestine, claims to be able to reach Heaven, and they have recruited countless followers within a few months. Recently in Bianjing, many parents have filed reports to the government, claiming that their children have vanished without a trace. In view of this, NAM-TIN suspects that the Sacred Sky Sect must have something to do with it.… ...
TAO FA meets up with CHUEN-KUNG and the others, hoping that they will help coax CHEUNG-SING. However, CHUEN-KUNG frankly discloses that TAO FA will never have a baby because of her recent miscarriage. After the Yellow River bursts its bank resulting in countless casualties, the Emperor dispatches a court official, Judge SHEK, who is a man of integrity, to handle the issue. CHUEN-KUNG bids a farewell to Judge SHEK, during which they come across the Reverend Celestine, who tries to convince Judge SHEK not to travel far. As expected, Judge SHEK was struck by lightening and passed away in the middle of his journey. Bringing along his sister WAN-LING to the temple fair, CHUEN-KUNG and WAN-LING enjoy the performance staged by the street performer Master TO. Master TO turns out to be CHUEN-KUNG's friend, who even tells them that it's possible for someone to float in mid air.… ...
CHEUNG-SING has drowned his sorrows in drink ever since TAO FA left, so SAP-KAU urges TAI-LIK to write a letter to TAO FA, trying to persuade her to come back. Reverend Celestine suggests doing a nationwide seven-day fasting so as to pray for the Song Dynasty. With CHUEN-KUNG casting a doubt on this suggestion, the Empress Dowager reprimands CHUEN-KUNG for disrespectfully contradicting the Emperor's guest, and even drives him away from the palace. The Emperor is still very energetic after fasting for three days. Frankly disclosing that a grievance arises among the people because of the fasting, Prince TUEN hopes that the Emperor could withdraw the decree of fasting. However, the Emperor totally ignores his advice, above which the Emperor even intends to confer the title of State Teacher on Reverend Celestine.… ...
SAP-KAU, CHUEN-KUNG and YEUNG MAU accompany CHEUNG SING to Fa Yim Lau to probe into the matter. While there, SAP-KAU overhears that MEI-LEUNG, who bears the same resemblance to TAO FA, is the prostitute that Fa Yim Lau splashed out a huge amount of money on recruiting from Huizhou. CHEUNG-SING notices that TAI-LIK behaves strangely as he often came home late and his face lit up with joy, so SAP-KAU is concerned whether TAI-LIK has been seeing WAN-LING. TAI-LIK locates the whereabouts of Reverend Celestine's master, VANITAS, however, VANITAS has already been taken away by the time he reaches the monastery. CHEUNG-SING and CHUEN-KUNG request to make an audience with the Emperor, who lives a life of dissipation and refuses to meet with them. Reverend Celestine foretells that the Emperor will die at age forty through divination, adding that CHUEN-KUNG is his bane.… ...
After the Emperor wakes up and finds out he is tied up, all of them try their best to expose Reverend Celestine's evil deception. Nevertheless, the Emperor adheres obstinately to his error, and even accuses the Phecda Bureau of attempting to overthrow him. Blaming CHEUNG-SING for offending the Emperor, PAK-NIN and his subordinates of the Moon Section tender their resignation. The Emperor sincerely believes what Reverend Celestine told him about the geomancy. He not only orders those court officials with certain animal zodiac signs that contradict him to wait outside of the hall each time he holds the court, but also banishes those who were born in the year of horse to the borderland. SAP-KAU proposes marriage to WAN-LING in public, however, WAN-LING claims that she merely regards him as her brother.… ...
WAN-LING frankly admits that she has fallen in love with CHUEN-KUNG although she once attempted to harm him. Having overheard this outside of the window, SAP-KAU cannot help but to feel disappointed. PAK-NIN returns to the Phecda Bureau to analyze Prince TUEN's machination together with CHEUNG-SING and CHUEN-KUNG, and CHEUNG-SING believes that Prince TUEN's purpose is to usurp the throne. CHEUNG-SING claims that he has already gotten a solid grasp of the evidence, which can prove Reverend Celestine is a rogue. Moreover, he advises that the Phecda Bureau should keep the secret with regard to the fact that WAN-LING is indeed KWAN CHIU. Leading CHEUNG-SING out of the town, MEI-LEUNG asks him about the things between he and his wife TAO FA, following which she even offers to help CHEUNG-SING.… ...
Thinking himself such a looser, the Emperor is unable to face CHUEN-KUNG again, but CHUEN-KUNG eventually manages to help the Emperor get the thing off his chest. CHEUNG-SING thinks that he can step down as NAM-TIN has returned, to his surprise, NAM-TIN tells him to continue to assist the Emperor and orders his subordinates to follow CHEUNG-SING's instruction as usual. The Emperor is concerned that the Empress Dowager might want to dethrone him, so NAM-TIN proposes arranging a trusted subordinate to stay by the side of the Empress Dowager as someone on the inside to help them. CHEUNG-SING decides to adopt a psychological strategy, hoping to make TAO FA worry about him. On the other hand, CHUEN-KUNG suggests that he and KWAN CHIU could be sworn siblings, but is rejected by KWAN CHIU.… ...
Kenneth Ma Kwok-Ming
Chu Cheung Seng
Selena Lee
Tou Fa / Yan Mei Neong
Power Chan Kwok-Pong
Ma Chuen Kung
Lau Kong
Fung Nam Tin
Ngo Ka-Nin
Ngau Dai Lik
Raymond Cho Wing-Lim
Hung Sup Kau
Rosina Lin
Yeung Mau
Candy Cheung Shuet-Kan
Ma Wan Ling
Ram Chiang Chi-Kwong
Emperor Chui Juk Hei
Mary Hon Ma-Lee
Empress Dowager Gung Shun Bik
Cheung Kwok-Keung
Fourth Prince Chui Chun Dhun
Law Lok-Lam
Hung Fung