The Empress Dowager's men were after your father. He fell from the slope
lt was too late when l arrived
She interfered with everything
lt was my throne
l should be the Emperor
We have a common enemy
We must get even
The Empress Dowager wants to interrogate Nip Dor-po him right away
What did Nip Dor-po do?
Why is he here?
Why are you here with Prince Yue?
Prince Yue told me he has something to discuss with you, so we came together
Fook-chuen has something to discuss?
What did Nip Dor-po do, Grandma? Why is he tied up?
This minion left his post and abused his authority
What's wrong with punishing him?
You're referring to the crazy woman?
What are you saying? l don't understand
No? Allow me to tell you
lt was my idea to track down that woman Nip Dor-po was carrying out my order
lf you must hold someone responsible lt should be me, not him
Prince Yue, what are you talking about?
Who's the crazy woman?
l invited you here ln order to sort out something
Fook-chuen, what are you driving at?
Please be patient, Grandma
Just tell us, what are we waiting for?.
A key person!
Prince Kung is here!
Greetings, Your Highness At ease!
Thank you, Your Highness
Greetings, Your Majesty! Empress Dowager!
At ease! Thank you, Your Majesty
You're 3 days early!
Prince Yue sent me an express dispatch about an urgent matter in the Palace
l changed 6 horses and rode through the night to come back to the capital
What's so urgent, Fook-chuen?
Mother died when we were young Have you forgotten about her?
Of course not!
Did you know...thanks to Grandma we are what we are today
Luckily, with Nip Do-po's help we finally know the truth
What is the truth you're referring to?
Why is Grandma involved?
Tell me, Nip Dor-po!
Prince Yue ordered me to try to locate a crazy woman
After l have located her l discovered a big secret
What big secret? Turns out...
How dare you shoot off you mouth in here! Don't listen to him, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, he's telling the truth
You defend him because he works for you
Po Chai, have him executed!
Po Chai!
You'll know when you see someone!
On Wing!
Who is she?
One of father's consorts Sheung-ning's mother Lady Sau
Mother? l thought she was dead!
Do you recognize them?
This is Yuen-yip and Sheung-ning
Yuen-yip?
Sheung-ning? You're so big...
Does your right leg still hurt?
How did you know?
You were weak when you were 4 years old You couldn't walk 2 steps without panting
but you were naughty and liked to climb up the gingko tree
Finally you fell down and injured your right leg
You got a big scar after you recovered Don't you remember?
Yuen-yip, you're no better yourself
l remember when you were little
You broke your father's jade yuri from Korea
You were afraid you'd get a scolding and came running to me
and asked me not to tell His Majesty
l never told anyone else about this
You're really Lady Sau?
Mother! You're alive!
Sheung-ning! Mother!
My baby!
Lady Sau, they say you were dead
Where have you been all these years?
What happened to you?
Where was l? What happened to me...
What happened? l don't know!
l don't remember anything! What's going on?
Empress Dowager, why did you tell us she's dead?
Empress Dowager...
No, don't lock me up, Empress Dowager...
Mother...what are you saying? Who locked you up?
No...Empress Dowager! Mother!
On Wing, take her away! Don't provoke her!
The Empress Dowager... Yes, Your Highness!
Mother...
lt's not my fault, Empress Dowager! l'm sorry, Empress Dowager...
Why is she acting like this? What happened to her?
Prince Kung, if l may...
Only the Empress Dowager can answer you
What are you saying?
Nip Dor-po!
l beg your pardon, Empress Dowager
The Empress Dowager ordered Po Chai to secretly arrest Lady Sau
l dare not speculate the reason behind...
Po Chai, is it true?
Your Majesty...
Master Po Chai, we're both minions
you'll lose your head if you say something you shouldn't have
Shut up! Po Chai, speak up!
l don't know anything, Your Majesty!
What really happened, Grandma?
What's going on, Grandma?
What happened to Lady Sau is not Grandma's doing!
Lady Sau failed to win Father's affection and has gone insane
When her condition got worse she started to babble and hurt people
She went berserk during a visit to Fahai Monastery
and lost the newly born Princess Tuen-man
Sheung-ning, you were very young then
Grandma didn't want to break your heart
so she declared Lady Sau has died
but secretly put her up in the Hall of Courtesy
hoping to cure her eventually
Grandma, it must have been tough on you
You didn't want His Majesty and Sheung-ning to know
what has become of their mother
Your Highness... That's enough!
Unfortunately, she never got better
until she ran away from the Palace and ran into me
Between her flights of lunacy and sobriety l finally found out the truth
l see...this is the truth you mentioned
We almost had the wrong idea about Grandma
Grandma took care of Lady Sau
Grandma only means well
Fook-chuen's crafty plot fooled everyone including the brilliant Hong Hei
About this unfathomable buddy Nip Dor-po wonders what's his next move
Master, l still remember your teachings and the kung fu you taught me
You became a monk to serve my Father and sacrificed your family for this secret
l will never forget your benevolence
The Keis are loyal and made unsurpassed contributions
Uncle Kei, though you're buried with your father
Your name cannot appear on the tombstone
ln case the Empress Dowager finds out l feel bad about this
You've my word l'll uphold justice for your family
name them as Grand Generals and give them a proper state burial
What's the point? They're already dead
But justice must be served
Why didn't you expose that old hag at the Hall of Benevolence?
l had no choice l want to know why
The Empress Dowager is no ordinary person She has minions throughout the court
A crazy Lady Sau cannot convince them
Besides Hong Hei is very forgiving he'll never punish her severely
Your father gave you a shoe before he died we have yet to solve that mystery
Until we find my Father's will to act rashly will only alert them
l defended the Empress Dowager hoping she'll let down her guard
but it may not work because she's suspicious
This is only a makeshift plan we must plan our strategy carefully
Trust me, Brother Nip
We need a detail plan to win
l want to tell you something... Whether or not l find my natural parents
You'll always be my parents that will never change
We know you're a filial son
lt's late, you should get some sleep l'll go to bed in a bit
Right...you must be tired from running around
Turn in early l will!
Go to bed! Alright...go on
What are you trying to tell me, Father?
Greetings, Mother
Mother? You're talking to me?
Yes, please have a seat
Mother, this is my wife Kin-ching
Have some tea, Mother
This is for you!
lt's delicious!
This is my wife Kwai-lun, my son Po-tai
Hello, Mother!
She's a beauty!
Yes, they adore each other
Thanks for looking after me when l was little
l'll always remember that
We'll take good care of you in return
Thinking of the life she had l feel really guilty
l want to take her home and look after her
You can't!
All consorts must stay within the Palace Lady Sau is no exception
Greetings, Empress Dowager! At ease!
Thank you, Empress Dowager!
She's looking good!
Mother!
Greetings, Empress Dowager! At ease!
Grandma, l beg you let me take Mother home, so l can look after her
l know you're a filial son
lt's a happy occasion you're reunited
But the Palace has its rules
His Majesty already named her Royal Consort
Someone of her eminent standing must stay in the Palace
Her sobriety comes and goes Why can't you make an exception?
l urge you to have mercy let me look after her at home
Grandma is the Empress Dowager she's in charge of the harem
The rules are laid down by our ancestors
members of the Eight Banners and cabinet members
You can't expect Grandma to defy our ancestors
l know Grandma has ineffable reasons
but l'm really worried about Mother
Empress Dowager, as a daughter-in-law l really wish to look after Mother
Grandma knows your good intentions
But Royal Consort is not only your mother she's also His Majesty's mother and mine
lf she stays in the Palace His Majesty will take good care of her
Don't you trust His Majesty?
l wouldn't dare!
You're already back in the capital
You can go to the Palace and visit with Mother anytime you wish
Don't make things difficult for Grandma
Mother, rest assured l'll visit you often
You're leaving? You too?
Then l won't get to see my grandson!
lf you wish, l'll bring Po-tai to see you
Great...
lf you're fond of Po-tai Let us go play out in the courtyard
Great! Let's go...
Alright, Fook-chuen!
Fook-chuen, l want to talk to you
Alright! You run along
Excuse us, Empress Dowager
What is it, Grandma?
There's nobody here
l'm dying to know
You went out of your way to find Lady Sau
Why did you defend me in front of Sire?
She might behave like a lunatic but she has her moments of sobriety
She told me what happened back then
lf His Majesty and Sheung-ning found out l'm not sure how they'll take it
What did she tell you?
You should know a thing or two
She told me...
l was 9 years old then Father doted on Lady Tungngok
She was named the lmperial Consort and soon gave Father a son
l'm pleased you bore me this adorable son l'll make you my Empress
Your Majesty, l don't covet the position
l only wish you'll love my son that's all l ask of you
You're both precious to me l want you both to have the best
l will make him the Crown Prince and heir to the throne
You'll be the Empress in charge of the harem
Thank you, Your Majesty
Greetings, Milady At ease!
What is it? You look scared
l just heard, His Majesty...
Speak up!
Sire will name Lady Tungngok his Empress and her son will be the Crown Prince
What right does she have to be Empress? His Majesty was only allured by her looks
Please watch what you say, Milady You may get in trouble
Lady Tungngok has won His Majesty's affection
Even a minion like you is disrespectful?
l wouldn't dare
Sheung-ning, you're such a weakling His Majesty will never make you his heir
Tuen-man, you're not even a prince you can't compete either
Why can't you make a good showing for me?
Please don't be upset, Milady!
Lady Tungngok, you wretch
l'll make you suffer...
How dare you use voodoo against Lady Tungngok and her son!
My baby...
l'm making you my heir How can you leave me?
You're so vicious!
Have mercy, Empress Dowager. l lost my head
l only meant to vent my frustrations l never intend to hurt anyone
You wretch!
Please don't be distressed about me or l can't go in peace
l'm the Emperor. l forbid you to leave me...
Farewell, Your Majesty...
l'll go with you, my love...
Since the death of Lady Tungngok Father was overcome with grief
He became increasingly ill
l'm sure you remember you led the consorts to Fahai Monastery
to pray for Father's health
Your Highness, Lady Sau and Princess Tuen-man are missing
That's outrageous! Didn't you keep an eye on them?
Please forgive us... Go look for them!
You're a jinx! Stay away from me...
We're through from today onwards
lt's Lady Sau...
There's still no sign of Princess Tuen-man
What about Lady Sau?
We found her
According to the lmperial doctor she has gone mad
She's delirious and doesn't remember where she left the Princess
This is absolutely unexpected!
Greetings, Your Majesty! At ease!
Thank you!
Greetings, Empress Dowager!
What's this?
lt's a tonic, Your Majesty!
lt's good for Lady Sau's health
To-ting, test it with a silver needle Yes, sir!
No need, it's poisonous
Your Majesty, she wants to kill me...
Don't worry, l'm here
She killed the prince with voodoo and abandoned Princess Tuen-man
This woman must die!
Mother, she has gone mad already
You can't blame her for everything
lt's all about retribution of my evildoing
l have decided to become a monk l hope you'll spare Lady Sau
She's a curse, you must reconsider
The Prince and Lady Tungngok are dead
Tuen-man is missing and Lady Sau has gone mad
They all suffered because of me
Fook-lum is the guilty one
Please have mercy, Mother
ln that case, l'll spare her life
You put her up in the Hall of Courtesy
and declared her death so no one would disturb her
to carry out your promise to Father
Yes, that's the truth
She had already gone mad You had no other choice
What do you think l should do?
Sheung-ning and l will look after her
there's no need to keep her in the Hall of Courtesy
l have my way of keeping her quiet She won't shoot off her mouth
As long as l'm alive
His Majesty and Sheung-ning won't suspect a thing and come after you
She's also my mother l'd like to see her live a long life
l hope you'll appreciate my good intentions
You're being very sensible l'll grant you your wish
Thank you! Grandma. l'll take my leave
Pardon me...you're still wary of him?
lt appears he's protecting me
He didn't tell His Majesty the truth
What is he after? Will he blackmail me someday?
l don't think he's up to anything
He risked his life and took that arrow for you that proves his filial piety
You shouldn't worry so much!
l hope so too
l can't quite figure out what's on his mind
He seems to know so much
What will he do next?
lt's destiny, you can't run...
Before Father died, he asked Prince Yue to give me that shoe from River Kwai Fa
But l can't figure out what secret lies with the shoes
So what if you knew? What can you do about it?
You're up against the Empress Dowager
You're doomed
So what? That old hag killed Grandpa and Father
You talk about Buddha is merciful
But it only means killing the good people while the villains get to live
There's a fine line between good and evil
Dor-po, let bygones be bygones
You're a monk it's your privilege to think like that
Look at Grandpa and Father... How can l let go?
You can if you want to ln 1 0 years or 20 years
you'll know what will become of her 10 years? 20 years?
Why must people suffer for that long?
That vicious woman stole Prince Yue's throne
l can't wait that long!
Justice is about cause and effect
You're blinded by revenge
lf you get caught up in Prince Yue's power struggle
You'll never get out and eventually suffer the consequences
Alright...l don't want to hear that
l will take revenge for my family
lf Heaven won't do it, l will
Amitabha!
His Majesty is rewarding you accordingly
Nip Dor-po, you're promoted to First Rank
His Majesty also wants me to toast you
Yes, let's have a toast to Master Nip
Cheers!
Let's drink to our heart's content! Great!
You're so damn lucky!
Each time we bring you in for interrogation
you ended up with yet another promotion
l should thank you, sir
l have guts and my life is worthless Yet minions can't harm me
You won't kill me that easily!
Greetings, Prince Yue
At ease...we're on the same side
Master Ha Sin, thanks for your help or l wouldn't make it out alive
We both work for His Highness Don't mention such a petty thing
But l should congratulate you
You only joined the camp not long ago
Yet you're already a First Rank lmperial Guard and direct report to me
l should learn a few things from you
You flatter me, sir
You're both great talents With your help, anything is possible
Thank you, Your Highness!
Brother Nip, l summoned you because l have a job for you
Try to locate Princess Tuen-man
Princess Tuen-man?
l have never heard of her!
She's the Royal Consort's daughter and my sister
When the Royal Consort lost her mind she went praying at Fahai Monastery
where she abandoned the Princess
We thought she was dead
When the Royal Consort was calm
she remembered she left her in a basket inside a well
Maybe someone picked her up
She should still be alive
Here's a copy of the imperial journal that documented everything about her
including the Princess' birthday and what happened at Fahai Monastery
Study this carefully
Maybe you'll find a lead or two
Yes, sir!
Master Nip! Well?
Still no clues
Even if the Royal Consort abandoned the Princess here
there won't be any clues left after all these years
lt's like finding a needle in a haystack
The chances may be slim but not quite impossible
Keep looking! Yes, sir
Dor-po!
Yes, Miss Chi-ying? Miss Chi-ying!
Sit down and have some tea
You look beat, you're busy at work? Haven't seen you at Dashilan lately
We've been running around l need some tea for energy
We're busy because we have a mission
What mission?
Go to Fahai Monastery and...
You need a picker-upper? Go to Sheung Moon House
ask Sheung-hei to make you our famous longjing tea
Good idea! l'm off...
ls it about the crazy woman?
No, something else
l see, no questions, right?
l'm beat, l should go home
l'm done here, let me walk with you
Only small talk, no business You know we have our orders
l know, but if you keep getting promoted
A humble civilian like me must see you in court to talk to you, Master Nip!
Don't sound like a stranger, Miss Cheuk
l need to pick up something at Pak Hei Hall Mind if you give me a hand?
Of course l do mind!
Who is the crazy woman Yan Chak mentioned?
Why do the lmperial Guards have to help look for her daughter?.
From what l hear at the harem, she's likely to be Lady Sau who was allegedly dead
one of Shun Zhi's neglected consorts
The crazy consort is back in the Palace why send the lmperial Guards on a mission?
Anything can happen in the Palace
The odd thing is the Manchus mobilized so many men
What's the purpose behind?
Yan Chak said they went to Fahai Monastery Why is it connected to a missing Princess?
Fahai Monastery?
The lmperial Guards went there?
Greetings, Lady Man-kwan
Greetings, Royal Consort
Kin-ching, how is she?
Getting much better, a good appetite too
l know she doesn't like to be waited on by the servants
l personally made her a tranquilizer
You're so attentive
His Majesty should make you the Empress
You'll soon become the Empress l'm so happy for you
You waited long enough for this
You should grab your chance Don't miss out again!
Lady Tungngok, don't you dare fight me for His Majesty!
Go to hell, wretch!
Don't think His Majesty will dote on you You won't get your wish!
Go to hell... No...
This is outrageous! Your Highness...
l must teach you a lesson No, Your Highness...
Let's sit down...
Are you alright? l'm fine!
She mistook me for Lady Tungngok That's why she went crazy...
Please don't take it to heart
But she has a point
Her husband is taken by another woman through despicable means
that's why she went crazy
Kwai-lun, you've been saying odd things
ls there some misunderstanding?
None at all
Any woman who steals another's husband in unforgivable
Get out, you blasted minions!
l want this wretch to wait on me
You should go But...
Just do it!
Kin-ching! Kwai-lun, you should go home Her Highness gets excited in a crowd
Can you manage by yourself?
We better do as we're told
Kwai-lun, we need to talk
Excuse me... Excuse us, milady
What's this?
Atranquilize. lt's good for you
Good for me? You want His Majesty to yourself
You're trying to poison me
You're mistaken We only want what's good for you
Not you!
First you became the lmperial Consort then you want to be the Empress
You have an ulterior motive
Stop trying to look innocent
Because His Majesty dotes on you you have become arrogant
Good thing the table is turned on your now
l know you're upset but you need to take this medication
Listen, you'll never be my equal
l'll take it if you kneel
Taste it to prove it's not poisoned
Slowly...it's hot!
This is good for you
l hope you'll get well soon and you can join your family
Your Majesty...
She's still very confused
Cut the etiquette l don't want to disturb her
Yes, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty? You're not Shun Zhi
l'm Yuen-yip
Please sit down...
Why are you here alone?
Where is the staff?
She doesn't want them to wait on her and often loses her temper
ln order not to provoke her l dismissed them all
l'm too busy with state affairs and can't visit her everyday
Must be hard on you
Not at all, it's my job
l can't help with state affairs
l can only try to share your troubles by looking after the Royal Consort
l'm glad you're so sensible
What's this? Your hand is inflamed
When l served the medication Her Highness accidentally spilled it...
l'll send for the doctor
Wait till she finishes the medication and takes her nap
then l'll summon the doctor
You're so virtuous, l made the right choice
Congratulations on choosing the Empress
Lady Man-kwan is one in a million indeed She'll set a good example for the harem
l'll instruct the Ministry of Rites to pick a date and make arrangements
Congratulations, Your Majesty
Qing is fortunate to have a virtuous Empress like Lady Man-kwan
l've been indecisive and resulted in troubles in the harem
After we located the Royal Consort l learnt about the tragedy back then
and how trouble started because she lost her mind
l should settle the family before l rule the country
l feel bad about dragging my feet
Speaking of the Royal Consort l have a request, Your Majesty
Go ahead!
Sheung-ning is stationed in Mongolia
and seldom gets to see his family in the capital
Now that we found the Royal Consort
l urge you to allow him to stay so he can spend time with his family
l have considered that too
Guarding the border is a huge responsibility he also heads the Blue Banner
Who can take over for him?
You have a point, sir
Your Majesty, Prince Sing will be returning to the capital soon
He's the lron Cap Prince who's well respected among the Eight Banners
and is familiar with the border
l'm sure he can manage and safeguard peace at the border
He's getting on in years and has been stationed outside the Pass
Heading 1 00,000 troops of the Red Banner is quite strenuous and he has no heir
Taking over the Blue Banner may be too big of a burden
You need not worry about that
My father-in-law is a valiant soldier
He's still as daring as ever
and is more than capable of managing both duties
l urge you to approve, Your Majesty
You have a point, l'll think about it
Greetings, Your Highness
Greetings, Lady Man-kwan
Greetings, Prince Yue
Thank You, Your Highness
What are you doing?
l sewed a peony for Her Highness
l'm so tied up with work l'm glad you can keep her company
l heard you'll be made Empress in 2 months
l came here to congratulate you for finally becoming a Qing Empress
You'll be the Empress?
you're a bewitching tramp you're the only one His Majesty cares for...
Your Highness...
You and l are irreconcilable!
No, Your Highness...
Don't touch me! l'm sorry...
Get out...all of you!
She's too agitated
Sze-kiu, you better leave! Yes, milday
You're mistaken, Your Highness
l'm Man-kwan...
Don't lie to me!
You have done enough damage!
His Majesty neglected me because of you
lf he makes you his Empress l'm better off dead
Look again, l'm Fook-chuen!
Fook-chuen?
lt's true!
Right, Fook-chuen...is the Emperor
Yes, Fook-chuen is the Emperor
You'll get in trouble for saying that!
Don't provoke her, just play along or she might hurt herself