Assassinate the Empress Dowager?.
This old hag has influenced the court for 3 generations
and is well connected with the Eight Banners
Killing her will be a blow to the Manchus
Pardon us for our carelessness l beg your forgiveness
l beg your forgiveness...
Forgiveness? You deserve the death penalty!
Please have mercy, Your Highness...
Please have mercy... They're unforgivable but the enemy is crafty
They fell for it because they're inexperienced
You're pleading for their case? You're in the same boat!
The rebel posed as an lmperial Guard and snuck into camp unnoticed
Luckily Nip Dor-po exposed him or the consequence is unthinkable
The Forbidden City is the heart of the camp yet the enemy can come and go freely
That's outrageous!
l'm sorry...
lt's my fault l'm not well-trained and failed to apprehend the rebel
Please forgive me...
1 00 others failed as well How can l fault you?
Ha Sin, was anything stolen?
l've double checked. Nothing was taken
l believe they didn't complete their mission
Po Chai, you're the Commander, it's your call
They failed but l hope you'll spare them
But they deserved to be punished
l'll dock their pay for a year and they're denied any promotions in 3 years
As you wish!
Thank you for sparing us, Your Highness
Po Chai, Ha Sin, Nip Dor-po, stay behind The others may go!
Yes, sir!
Ha Sin, did you find anything on the rebel?
l found a tattoo l think they're from the Sun Moon Society
The Sun Moon Society are rebels We have failed to wipe them out
They must have come to Beijing for a reason
You have any idea?
The camp is heavily guarded Breaking in is not an easy task
What's about to happen in Beijing?
Minister Naplan will meet with the Russian ambassador
The Empress Dowager will be worshipping at Cloudy Monastery
You think she's the target?
We must ask her to re-schedule
lt's only a wild guess We probably shouldn't alarm her
True or not, l'll report to her and Sire
Shorten the 6-hour shifts to 4 hours Change the password twice a day
Don't give the rebels any chance
Yes, sir!
Cloudy Monastery
There's no end to sweeping these leaves Looks like you have a troubled mind
You're right, l have a troubled mind lt's your fault!
The so-called kung fu you taught me l can barely breathe
l failed to apprehend the rebel
and my friend's father was tortured during interrogation
Luckily he proved his innocence or else how can l ever face them?
Now you know why l don't want you to be an lmperial Guard
You don't even feel guilty!
You taught me useless kung fu and conned my money! You're a fraud!
l might have taught you sloppy kung fu but l started a school with your money
you can send many children to school with your donation
Your kindness and merits are boundless...
You're trying to stop me from being an lmperial Guard
Why does it concern you what l do?
lt's a long story...
Here...l'll level with you
My mentor was an lmperial Guard
He taught me kung fu and l taught you what l know, that's fate
An lmperial Guard taught you and you taught an lmperial Guard
You call that fate?
l don't know if it's good or bad
The official circle is sinister
Just like your friend's father he's an innocent man who got into trouble
Being an lmperial Guard doesn't mean you're exempted
You're a monk, don't be so stubborn
l already told you
l want to serve my country and the people What's wrong with that?
You're young and impetuous
Having courage doesn't mean you can really work for the people
Don't be a frog in a well, kid!
l'm afraid when you finally leave the well
you'll realize the world is not what you have expected, lt'll be too late by then
l know you wish to reach dhyana
But we're destined for different paths l only know one thing. l must forge ahead
Maybe someday l'll understand your point but not right now
Go figure it out
Am l too stubborn?
He chose his path he should bear the consequence
You want something, Uncle Shum? Come in, sit
What is it?
River Kwai?
Man-cheong?
Man-cheong...it's been over 20 years
What happened to your voice? Tell me what happened!
Master, after 25 years l finally found your son
lf you think l have done you a favor
Give this letter to my son Kei Man-cheong take him and my grandson away
l feel so ashamed
Not only did l fail to protect your family
the Empress Dowager turned your son into a mute
Father, after Hin Yan delivered your letter
l was scared to find out about what happened to Emperor Shun Zhi and you
l saw the Empress Dowager in the Palace and found out she forced you to commit suicide
To save the lives in the family l took a poison and became a mute
l dared not return home
l was afraid the Empress Dowager would change her mind
After l dismissed the servants l changed my name and became a drifter
l won't forget this enmity so easily
Merciful Buddha! We meet again today lt's a load of my mind
You lost your home and your family l know how you feel
l'm not sure if l should tell you this Your son Chun-kit is still alive!
Where is he?
You have already seen him around
He's learning kung fu from me
The young man who helped you outside
His name is Nip Dor-po
The owner of Sheung Moon House found him by the river
They raised him like their own and he's well taken care of
By a twist of fate he's now an lmperial Guard
l tried to persuade him to quit but he's quite determined to stay on
Perhaps the score between the Kei's and the royal family
must be settled in the lmperial Palace
Your son is loyal like his grandfather He's determined to protect His Majesty
l'll do anything to protect him even if it kills me
You want to tell him his birthright?
l know, you don't want to ruin his life
Considering he's an lmperial Guard seeing you can get him killed
Your secret is safe with me l won't even tell him!
Sun Moon Society, secret hideout
l summoned you here to discuss the assassination of the Empress Dowager
This is a map of Cloudy Monastery
The Empress Dowager has influenced the court for 3 generations
Killing her will be a blow to the Manchus
She's leaving the Palace to worship
This is an opportunity of a lifetime We can't afford to miss!
Based on what Tsui-yuk has discovered
The Empress Dowager will arrive at Cloudy Monastery on the 8th
50 lmperial Guards will move in for fortification
to stop anyone from getting through
another 100 men will escort her when she leaves the Forbidden City at 7
lt'll be impossible to ambush her on the way
She'll enter the Monastery through the main entrance
and rest up in the guest room
she'll then take a tour of the bell tower drum tower, Guanyin Hall, Scriptures Hall
and finally worship in the Main Hall
We'll put up a trap in each of these places and let her put her neck in the noose
The lmperial Guards will check each place We won't succeed
You know the lmperial Guard who wounded me
You should try to find out more from him
Chi-ying, l know Nip Dor-po is your friend and he pleaded for my case in prison
Don't force yourself if you can't do it
l'm not a coward l'll think of the big picture
Pak Hei Hall
Miss Cheuk!
What's on your mind?
What's that?
Sheung Moon House's signature duck l brought it for your father
l hope he'll get well soon
We run a drug store
You sell prescriptions, we sell a diet regimen. They compliment each other
More importantly...your father was tortured because of me
Let me make it up to him
l'm glad you realized that!
But l play fair
Father probably got in trouble because he likes to socialize with high officials
lt's not his fault
Someone snuck into camp
We chased him to Dashilan and lost sight of him
That's why your father was implicated
Who snuck into camp?
lt was that Strange Monk's fault
He taught me useless kung fu or else the assassin couldn't get away
l'll fix him if see him again
Someone snuck in and got away That's quite awesome!
You must be careful
Don't worry about that we have tightened security
He won't get away if he comes again
Let's talk about something else
Ho Yi and l will go to Cloudy Monastery on the 8th. Want to join us?
l can't. l'm on duty
You should pick another date
You won't get in
Why?
Just pick another date
l'll get chopsticks for your father
That's a reckless move! You'll be trapped
You'll lose if l play another piece
l see...that's just a smokescreen
lf l seal you off over here You can breakthrough here
come around and attack...brilliant move!
You saw right through me!
So what? l still can't make a move. You win
Thank you!
You've always been the better player
l thought l have made progress apparently not as much as you have
Thank you, Your Majesty!
l want to be honest with you and l expect you to do the same
l'll tell you everything l know
You think someone plans to kill the Empress Dowager
during her visit to Cloudy Monastery?
lt's my guess based on the recent events at camp. l have no solid proof
l'd rather believe it
My feelings exactly!
l tried to persuade her to pick another day but she refused since we have no proof
l'm still very worried
l beefed up security around the Monastery and l will personally escort her
l'll do everything in my power to ensure her safety. Don't worry
l'm counting on you
Something else bothering you?
l'm pleased with your arrangements
The Empress Dowager kept asking me when l'll name Man-kwan the empress
She's no doubt virtuous and capable and she's most suited for the position
but...l need time to think
The Empress Dowager attends to every detail and has taken such good care of you
She chose the empress for you only to save you the hassle
Perhaps you should go along with it or she'll be displeased
Alright...l'd rather not talk about it
Of course!
There's something else l want to discuss
Since Ngan Yuk-ming's dismissal
Mingchu recommended you for access to the Southern Study
What do you think?
l'm willing to serve you any way l can but this is an important decision
you should consult the Empress Dowager
Since you have such a concern l'll do that right now
His Majesty departs...
Hall of Benevolence
Prince Yue is no doubt talented
He has become more sensible lately
and seeks my opinion of him getting access to the Southern Study
He's both loyal and filial
lf he can assist you it's your good fortune as well as for Qing
You don't object to making him an advisor?
l don't disagree
But for someone who heads up the imperial guards
to become an advisor to the Emperor in such a short time
may raise concern and dispute in court
You should postpone it until later
He should be recognized for his recent contributions
A better title and more gold and silver will do. What's your hurry?
l see, l'll put it aside l'll take my leave now
His Majesty departs...
Pardon me for being nosy...
You still feel uneasy about the late Emperor's will?
That's why you object to letting Prince Yue into the Southern Study?
l'm afraid he'll find out the truth
Kei To-ting committed suicide
His son Kei Man-cheong took poison and became a mute
The Kei's lost their family because of this secret
l truly believe this is for the good of Qing
lf Fook-chuen succeeded the throne we'd never enjoy such a flourishing age
l thought you wanted to drink with me but you're doing it all by yourself
What's wrong?
His Majesty wanted me in the Southern Study but someone took my place
How did that happen?
Remember l told you that woman is forever holding me back?
She did it again Looks like l'll never realize my ambition
That woman? The Empress Dowager?
That doesn't make sense you made contributions
You're His Majesty's brother and her grandson. Why is she picking on you?
She has always been prejudiced
l really envy you, Brother Nip
By virtue of your own ability you were promoted to an lmperial Guard Third Rank
Only because l believe one must have faith You'll get ahead someday
l know His Majesty will appreciate you
He only cares about her feelings
As long as she's around l won't amount to anything
Why do you say that?
Remember you said you'll soar like a roc?
You'll get ahead someday
Nobody knows me better!
Will you help me?
Anything! Whenever you need me!
Let's spread our wings together!
And soar through the sky!
Grandma, l know the worship is important
l have instructed the lmperial Guards to take precautions
To play it safe, l'll personally escort you
Nothing is absolute! Anything is possible!
Do you know who's the candidate for the Southern Study?
Minister Ma of the Personnel Ministry
Don't you want the job?
l appreciate Minister Naplan's kind thoughts
but to be the Emperor's advisor is an important task
l'm afraid l can't live up to His Majesty's expectations
l know you wish to serve the court but the timing is not right
That's what l told His Majesty Will you be upset with me?
Of course not! You did it for my own good
The most important task for me right now
is to protect you during your visit to the Monastery
l'm glad you're so sensible!
Because rebels have infiltrated the camp
l suspect it's related to the Empress Dowager's trip, we must beef up security
No one is allowed to take leave Yes, sir!
Po Chai, l'm putting you in command
Yes, sir!
Study the Monastery's map
l want you to know the place inside out lncluding the toilet
Yes, sir!
Your Highness, l found a mistake
lmpossible! l sent someone to draw it There can't be a mistake!
Don't talk nonsense, Nip Dor-po!
Your Highness, l've been learning kung fu from a monk at the Monastery
l've been there a lot recently that's why l know my way around
The roof of the bell tower in the west is undergoing renovation
Not sure if anyone can smuggle in
Shut up if you don't know any better!
Nip Dor-po has reported to me about going to Cloudy Monastery
l believe he knows the place better than you
No mistakes will be tolerated!
Po Chai, l want to study this map Make me a copy!
Yes, sir!
Nothing must go wrong during the Empress Dowager's visit
Double check the area within a 1-mile radius of the Monastery
to ensure absolute safety
Yes, sir!
We'll do as you say
Dor-po, l want you to lead a team and check the vicinity of the Monastery
Don't overlook any details
Yes, Your Highness!
We came out here to feed the mosquitoes!
That's because the weather is getting warm Just live with it!
Who are you?
A mute! Get lost! This is official business...
Stop, Yi Ho!
Are you alright?
Do you recognize me?
Come sit over here...
Shum Chin-yat's home behind the Monastery
l know him, he's been living here for years
He grows tea and vegetables, he's clean
Whatever you say, you have seniority
What? Take a look over there!
Take a look over there!
How odd! No bugs over here...
Say no more...
Are you alright? Are you hurt?
Let me see...
You must be careful
Chun-kit, l never expected to see you after all these years
You have grown to be very capable l'm very pleased
What a shame l can't tell you the truth!
Did l hurt you?
Are you feeling alright?
Get some rest...
ls it hard to grow tea?
There are no bugs in the soil?
Wow, that's far. Take care
Amitabha!
Cloudy tea is an excellent tea indeed
lt's too hot to hold it in your hand but you don't want to let go
Such a tough decision!
Finding your son should be a happy occasion but the truth will get him into trouble
There's nothing sadder than disowning your family
Maybe you didn't know
The lmperial Guards came to the Monastery
because the Empress Dowager will be here to worship
lf you stay, there's a chance she'll recognize you
l know...it wasn't easy to find your son
You don't want to leave him so soon You'd take the risk to see him again
Master died because of the Empress Dowager l'd like to meet her
lt's been over 20 years l can finally let it go
Maybe you can't But don't be too stubborn
Relax! She's the Empress Dowager she won't come here
The Main Gate, the Main Hall, bell tower drum tower, 4 lofts, Scriptures Hall
praying room and dining hall must all have sentries posted
Check up on every monk Don't let anyone sneak in
Yes, sir!
The Empress Dowager has started off
Man your positions!
Greetings, Empress Dowager!
At ease!
Thank you, Empress Dowager
Grandma, Po Chai is in command
Please step inside the Main Hall or you'll miss the auspicious hour
Grandma, please fare forth
The Empress Dowager fares forth
Amitabha!
Abbot Ching Yuen
Welcome, Empress Dowager
Thank you, Abbot!
lt's now 1 1 :30
After a short break at the praying room the old hag will visit the bell tower
Bell Tower
Grandma, this 1 000-year-old bell responds to the drum tower in the east
they can really compliment each other
You know this place inside out!
You flatter me, Grandma
We renovated the bell tower in a hurry
l beg your pardon, Your Highness
The bell tower is a stately classic You're too modest, Abbot
Amitabha!
The Empress Dowager returns to the Main Hall
When the lmperial Guards see the bell they'll suspect it has been tampered with
We can't kill the Empress Dowager with the bell
l don't want anything to happen l only want to spook them
lf the rebels is after the Empress Dowager This is their best chance
Stay on your toes!
Yes, sir!
Guards!
A cat broke a vase inside
Amitabha!
You're disturbing a sacred place Put your blades away...get out!
Pardon us, it's our duty...
Tea is served, please go in
Thank you, Abbot!
l heard about your famous Cloudy tea lt's fragrant and refreshing
l'd love to try it
lt's not from the Monastery
lt's grown by someone in the mountain
lt's best when it's served right after you pick the leaves
l have never heard of that All the more reason for me to try it
Pardon me, Empress Dowager. Tasting tea in the mountain was not on your agenda
With this last minute change of plans please give us time to check it out
Relax! l only want a cup of tea
What can go wrong with all these lmperial Guards around?
Don't be a spoil sport Let's take a walk with the Empress Dowager
Yes, sir!
The Empress Dowager departs...
Shum Chin-yat's home
The Empress Dowager...don't move!
Get down!
Stop!
Quite a nice place!
This is Cloudy plantation, Your Highness
Mr. Shum is the tea grower
l want to know why must you serve the tea right after you pick the leaves
Pardon me, Empress Dowager
Uncle Shum is a mute He can't answer your question
Please forgive him!
l see!
The Empress Dowager wants to try your tea
You may get up and pick the tea leaves
What's your plan, Father?.
You know why l bootlick Dr. Fu?
As a cover up. You want people to think you're a money hungry snob
l also want to find out the old hag's health condition
l finally found out she has migraine
and has been taking a herb called veratrum nigrum
No doubt it can treat headaches. But it's not a poison. How can you kill her?.
There's longdanshen in the soil and the tea leaves
She'll die if she drinks the tea
How odd! There are no bugs...
Don't drink it!
How dare you!
Why do you suspect the tea?
Your Highness l just noticed there are bugs on the tea leaves even the ants go around it
That's rather unusual That's why l suspect the tea
How dare you!
You're making a fool of yourself! There's nothing wrong with the tea
lt doesn't hurt to be careful!
We can't let the Empress Dowager take any risks
We'll look into it later
Empress Dowager, l don't think you should stay
Escort the Empress Dowager...
Yes, sir!
The Empress Dowager departs...
Watch out!
Guards!
Fook-chuen...guards!
Your Highness...
Master Po Chai is here
l sent the lmperial Guards to go after the assassin and tighten up security nearby
l believe we'll catch the assassin soon
Master Hin Yan, how is Prince Yue?
The arrow is not poisonous
Though the wound is deep the arrow missed the vital organs
He'll recover soon with proper care
Thank you!
Master Hin Yan came here to spread Buddha's teachings
He's also a very famous doctor
Dr. Chung is here
l'm sorry for coming late, Your Highness
Go check on him!
Yes, Your Highness!
Since Dr. Chung is here l'll let him look after Prince Yue
Thank you
l'm sorry to worry you, Grandma
l'm glad you're alright!
Your headache again, Grandma?
lt's nothing major!
Master Tai Shek is here
Greetings, Empress Dowager
Master Po Chai, the rebel is apprehended
How dare you! Kneel!
Po Chai, why bring me the tea grower?.
lf the tea was tampered with he's the most likely suspect
He's probably an accomplice of the assassin
Raise your head! Let me take a look at you!
Lift your head!
Your Highness, he had the nerve to try to harm you
Please allow me to interrogate him
Grandma, let me interrogate him
But you're wounded!
Don't worry, l'm fine!
Thank you, Empress Dowager!
Obviously someone wishes to assassinate the Empress Dowager
First they tampered with the tea Luckily Nip Dor-po stopped us in time
Next they shot arrows at us Who's behind this? Speak up!
Don't bother to deny it!
Nip Dor-po, you said you suspected the tea because there were no ants in the soil
You found it rather unusual
Sir, because it's getting warm there were bugs along the way
but not in the soil where the tea was grown
That's why l had the audacity to stop the Empress Dowager
That's what l don't understand
The Empress Dowager already tested the tea with a silver needle
The tea is not poisonous
Speak up! What did you do with the tea?
Your Highness, to answer your question
please allow me to ask the Empress Dowager a question
Do you often have headaches?
How dare you offend the Empress Dowager!
Mind your manners!
Yes, l often have headaches What's the connection?
How is the headache related to the tea?
The poison is not in the tea it's in the person
Allow me to perform an experiment
This is the soil under the tree
Test it with a silver needle
The poison is not in the soil Nothing shows up on the needle
What did you put in?
Dr. Chung?
Veratrum nigrum powder
Veratrum nigrum?
Dr. Chung, did you prescribe it for the Empress Dowager's headache?
Yes, it's quite expensive
it can calm the nerves and is effective for headaches
but it can only stop the pain but not cure the migraine
The Empress Dowager has been taking this for a long time?
Yes, so what?
Here's the key...
The reason there were no ants in the soil
is because there's such a thing called longdanshen. lt's colorless and odorless
lt can stop metrorrhagia
but if mixed with veratrum nigrum it can bring out its toxicity
lf it's swallowed. it can kill in 6 hours