Spring 1619. A series of battles took place in Sarhu
between the Later Jin and Ming Dynasties.
Look at these Ming bastards.
Stop crying, or I'll cut you to pieces!
Get rid of these two, then we can head back.
Thanks.
I'm one of Commander Du's guards.
How is he?
Great.
Except he just lost his head.
The reinforcements never showed up...
They're probably dead, too.
Water. Water.
My name is Lu Wenzhao.
My name is Shen Lian.
Tens of thousands of men, cut down like grass.
If we don't want to die like this,
we must find another way to live.
Asura, one of the Eight Guardian Legions of Buddhism.
The battle between Asura and Indra was as fierce as an inferno.
Eight years later, Summer 1627 Southern District, Beijing
Ding An.
- Yes, your Honour? - Look around back.
Be careful.
Yes, your Honour.
Your Honour, the box has been emptied. The money is gone.
Master Guo from the Eastern Depot.
No wonder he looks familiar.
Your Honour.
I told you to get the coroner from headquarters.
Where is he? Speak!
Your Honour, I have failed.
I accidentally ran into the Lieutenant on the night shift.
He will arrive any minute with his investigation team.
When they get here, they'll take the case from us.
It's been half a year since we got a case this big.
Have you been drinking?
Lieutenant, you're not allowed in there. Lieutenant!
I'm Lieutenant Ling.
Greetings, Captain.
Is this district under your jurisdiction?
You came pretty quickly.
The owner, three waiters, and two chefs are dead.
Each was killed with a single stroke. The money on the counter is gone.
robbery?
They also killed a master from the Eastern Depot.
Master Guo.
Your Honour, today is the Ghost Festival.
I'm sure you're preoccupied, keeping peace on the streets.
Please leave this to me.
What are you waiting for? Get to work!
Yes, Lieutenant!
You!
Nobody moves!
Captain?
Lieutenant Ling, don't you dare steal this case from me.
Of course not.
How long have you been an Imperial Guard?
Don't you understand the rules?
I'm your superior, and you have no business here.
Captain, headquarters has already entered this case into the records.
- It's my case now. - This is my turf, so this is my case.
Have I made myself clear?
Yes.
Someone's still alive!
Yin Cheng, keep your eyes peeled.
Nobody touches anything, or you'll regret it.
Yes, your Honour.
- Get out. - Don't kill me. Don't kill me.
You saw it happen?
Last year, more than ten thousand people died in the Wanggongchang Explosion.
Last month, his Majesty fell into the lake.
Now a master from the Eastern Depot is murdered.
There's too much going on in the Capital.
The Emperor fell into the lake?
You didn't hear?
His Majesty was on Taiye Lake with his new dragon ship,
and suddenly it sank.
A dozen officials became fish food.
His Majesty was saved, but caught pneumonia.
No medicine can cure him.
Master Wei of the Eastern Depot has been stressed over it.
Is that so?
What a loyal man Master Wei is.
You don't know a damn thing.
Three years ago, Chief Prosecutor Yang
brought Master Wei's 24 crimes to the Emperor.
But Master Wei wasn't punished at all.
And completely destroyed the Donglin Rebellion.
You know why? Because the Emperor favours him.
But now that his Majesty is ill,
who knows what will happen to Master Wei,
if he can't be healed, and a new emperor takes the throne?
Now Master Wei is like a widow peeping at a bridal sedan.
There's nothing he can do.
The Department of Royal Construction was in charge of building the ship.
Someone's about to lose their head.
Shut your mouth. You're drunk. Stop embarrassing yourself.
Get lost!
Yin Cheng can't leave.
I've written down every word you said in my Notebook of Justice.
Where did you hear those stories?
Those libellous words against his Majesty and the nobles.
You aren't bold enough to make them up.
Tell me.
Who are your accomplices?
Lieutenant, I've had too much to drink.
Please, spare me.
You want to take it upon yourself?
How brave.
Take him to the Imperial Prison.
Yes, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant, forgive me.
Please!
Put down your blade. Protect the Lieutenant!
Stay back!
Catch him!
Captain Shen, your men were quite amused
by the story Yin Cheng told.
He laughed.
So did he.
And him.
Captain... Captain...
Get Yin Cheng back.
Yes, Captain.
Go! Now!
- Captain. - Come with me.
Captain. Please let me go.
Nobody will know.
Letting you go will jeopardise our entire team.
I can't go to the Imperial Prison. We put so many people there.
It's worse than hell.
I'm not going.
Master Jinghai. A friend has just passed.
Please release his soul from purgatory. His name is 'fin Cheng.
Here is the date and hour of his birth.
Your Honour, feel free to take whichever you prefer.
Bei Zhai's works are still your favourite.
This black rooster the artist painted is quite vivid.
I very much enjoy this cricket.
It would be a shame to get those paintings wet.
My sincere apologies.
Please forgive me.
Most common folk fear the Imperial Guard. But not you.
What's there to fear? You're not a monster.
What terrifies them is your uniform.
What did you say?
If you don't believe me,
walk around without your uniform.
See what happens.
What's your name? Where do you live?
Are you arresting me?
Your Honour, next time you come to this mountain,
bring an umbrella.
High Commander. Chief.
When do you think Master Wei will be done fishing?
Here's an urgent report on Jiangxi's recent flood.
Chen, Master Wei is quite perturbed.
I urge you not to interrupt him.
I see.
Who's that next to Master Wei?
Lu Wenzhao, Colonel of the Northern Bureau.
He gave me 400 ounces of silver,
just to stand next to Master Wei for a moment.
Good deal for him.
Master Wei, a fish.
Fish.
Speak. What do you want?
A position.
I would kill
for a chance to serve you.
Reclaim the northeast,
and drive out the Manchurians.
Can you do it?
Suppress the Shandong uprising and pacify the roving bandits.
Can you do it?
There's one errand, however.
His Majesty has been ill.
Three-legged golden toads are needed for his medicine. Go find them.
My sincere gratitude, your Excellency.
I'm exhausted.
The fish is yours.
Master. Master.
Please take care.
About Yin Cheng last night. You two did well.
What's done is done.
Never mention it again.
Colonel. What about Master Guo's case?
It has been classified as robbery and murder.
But since the victim was a member of the Eastern Depot,
the case has been transferred to the Southern Bureau.
It no longer belongs to the Northern Bureau.
But...
That's enough. There's a pro-Donglin Rebellion painter
who's been slighting our government in paintings and poetry.
Especially criticising Master Wei.
Such outrageous behaviour cannot be countenanced.
Lieutenant Ling. Get the painter.
The Eastern Depot wants him dead.
What's his name again?
Bei Zhai.
- Master Bei Zhai. - Yes, Colonel.
So this is where Bei Zhai lives.
Captain Shen, I can't believe you'd fight me for such a trivial case.
I just want to see Bei Zhai for myself.
You can take the credit.
Hold there. Royal guard.
Who else lives here?
Speak!
Are you Bei Zhai?
Answer me! Are you Bei Zhai or not?
There's no one else.
Stay still.
No doubt she is the one.
You rebel. Shut your eyes.
Move!
What the hell are you doing?
It'd be a waste to kill her now.
- Lieutenant Ling! - You traitors are indeed stubborn.
Get your hands off me!
Killing you directly is equally entertaining.
What do you think you're doing?
Colonel Lu just wants her dead. Don't complicate things.
Is it you or me who's complicating things?
- You know this woman. - No.
No wonder you tagged along.
What are you writing?
"Shen Lian is a supporter of the Donglin rebels."
Give it to me.
You want to kill me?
You don't scare me.
Shen Lian.
You're mine.
I have the proof that you're helping the rebels.
Hand me your Notebook of Justice.
I dare you.
Shen Lian, do you have any idea who I am?
Master Wei is my uncle.
Lieutenant Ling. Lieutenant Ling.
Lieutenant Ling. Lieutenant Ling...
Lieutenant Ling and I were ambushed.
- How many of them were there? - Two.
Two.
Was one of them Bei Zhai?
I can't say for sure.
Did you know Lieutenant Ling was Master Wei's nephew?
What a mess.
Commander Tian has ordered that the Southern Bureau handle the case.
Even I must be cautious to avoid suspicion.
I have to go greet him now.
Cakes from Glorious Moon Bakery. Freshly baked this morning.
Have a bite.
And you are...
Well, I used to work at the Northern Bureau.
I made a mistake and was demoted to the Southern Bureau.
We've met before.
My name is Pei Lun.
I'm in charge of Lieutenant Ling's case.
Pleasure to meet you.
I have a lot to learn from you.
Shen, come.
- This is not a knife wound. - Scissors.
The criminal attacked Lieutenant Ling with a pair of scissors.
- Go find Ling's Notebook of Justice. - Yes, Captain.
Do you like paintings?
No.
Not found.
Have your Notebook of Justice on you? Shen?
At all times.
I wonder why Lieutenant Ling's Notebook of Justice
is nowhere to be found.
You'd have to ask him.
I smell rouge.
Shen, were the two criminals last night men?
Captain Pei...
are you trying to be funny?
Pei...
thanks for your hard work.
Greetings, your Honour.
Ask me if you have any questions.
Shen Lian will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel next year.
I see.
I will be sure to write the report in his favour.
You have nothing to worry about. Bei Zhai...
Bei Zhai won't get away with it.
Come on.
Ming Law decrees that the murder of an Imperial Guard is equivalent to treason,
whose punishment is the execution
of three generations of the perpetrator's family.
West Mountain, Cloud Hillside. After sunset.
Was it you?
Why stop?
You must regret killing that Imperial Guard.
Where's Bei Zhai?
She's the only witness to your crime.
Why would I bring her with me?
- You want money? - No.
I want you to burn down the Imperial Guard Archives.
- What? -You heard me.
The Archives are extremely important.
If caught, I'll be executed by a thousand cuts.
Well,
either we turn you in,
or you set the fire.
Your call.
One on three is a challenge.
But if the worst comes to the worst, I can still run.
Your skills are those of the Frontier Force!
The Frontier Force was no fun. I enjoy being a bandit more.
Let's go a few more rounds for fun. How's that?
Chong'er, block his retreat.
- Master Ding! - Master Ding!
Master Ding!
You drove away my disciples.
You wanted me from the beginning.
Good thinking.
What a shame.
All right.
I'll burn the Archives.
But you have to give me Bei Zhai.
Imperial Guard Archive, Northern Bureau
Your Honour.
How do you do?
Why so many Eastern Depot men?
Master Wei has ordered the Archives closed today
to examine all the documents on the dragon ship's construction.
You cannot go in.
Your Honour.
You cannot go in.
Your Honour. Your Honour. Your Honour.
This area belongs to the Imperial Guard. You have no authority here.
The Imperial Guard are Master Wei's watchdogs.
The Bureau is Master Wei's kennel.
No need to overreact.
It's just an investigation.
Inspector Zheng, let's not get upset with these small fry.
This dragon ship case is too important to his Majesty.
Cats and dogs can't be allowed in there.
Understand?
Lu, I'm not talking about you.
It's all right.
Lu, you should stay outside, too.
I understand.
You're still under investigation. What are you doing here?
Pei Lun from the Southern Bureau has his eyes on you. Watch out.
I'll get this. Go.
Your Honour.
Please enjoy.
The vegetarian meals of Yong'an Temple certainly deserve their reputation.
Master Jinghai,
I heard you've been collecting Bei Zhai's paintings.
Where do you keep them?
Yes.
I have many paintings.
A few are by Bei Zhai.
I give them away to our donors to express our gratitude.
Like whom?
I'm afraid I can't remember.
You know, Bei Zhai is a Donglin rebel.
I must know who's been collecting his paintings.
Your Honour, paintings are just paintings.
Besides, our donors are very good people.
Monk Jinghai says
those who collect Donglin rebel paintings
are very good people.
This one sentence
could ruin Master Jinghai's life's work.
Now tell me,
who collected Bei Zhai's paintings?
My apologies for keeping you here.
Please don't say that, Master Ding.
His Highness has been thinking about you.
I know.
Your Highness.
How is she?
Wo-style swordplay.
She's a descendant of Qi.
Father, please bless me.
One stick of incense for one round.
Master Wei has ordered the Archives closed today
to examine all the documents on the dragon ship's construction.
His Majesty was on Taiye Lake with his new dragon ship,
and suddenly it sank.
This dragon ship case is too important to his Majesty.
Lu, you should stay outside, too.
- Inspector Zheng. - Open the doors.
- Yes, your Honour. - You two wait here.
Yes, your Honour.
The ship frame left the factory twice for examination.
Examiner, Guo Zhen.
Master Guo from the Eastern Depot. No wonder he looks familiar.
Guo was Grand Secretary of the Department of Royal Construction.
I was planning to call the watchmen after you left the yard.
I underestimated your vigilance.
No need to look around. There's only me.
Show me your face!
The Imperial Brocade Blade!
You're an Imperial Guard!
Too late to run.
You're dead meat.
You little traitor. How dare you set fire to the Archives?
It's you!
I saw the fire.
Where's Bei Zhai?
I'm sorry.
You killed Guo, didn't you?
I didn't know he was the Grand Secretary of the Department of Royal Construction.
He sabotaged the ship. Almost killed the Emperor.
What do you want?
I have the construction log of the dragon ship.
I'll trade it for Bei Zhai.
- She's not here. - You two belong to the same gang.
If you can't make the deal, tell your master to come and see me.
If I die, the log will be sent to the Bureau.
Shen.
I've been waiting for a while.
You're back.
What a beautiful wife you have.
You lucky bastard.
You must be hungry. I'll go and buy some groceries.
No need.
Just make us some noodles.
Captain Pei, there's still some left in the pot if you want more.
No, I'm fine. Let's get down to business.
I've made some progress on Master Guo's case.
I find it quite interesting.
Interesting?
Guo went to the Golden Pavilion to meet someone.
Guo's driver said
there was a young man waiting for him inside.
- Don't wait for me. - Yes.
Guo's death was not a coincidence.
It was planned.
I found this in Guo's mansion.
I will meet you there. - Bei Zhai
- Bei Zhai. - Correct.
That young man must have been Bei Zhai.
Bei Zhai is the key to solving Guo and Ling's cases.
I've been investigating Bei Zhai's paintings,
and discovered some juicy information.
Monk Jinghai at Yong'an Temple said...
You know him, right?
- Yes. - The monk said...
you've collected a handful of Bei Zhai's works.
Where's Master Jinghai?
In the Imperial Prison.
His life depends on what you're about to say.
If you say his accusation is false,
I will get rid of him for you.
But if you want to save him,
then give me Bei Zhai's paintings.
I don't have any.
You're a stubborn man.
The monk said you two were friends.
But that word doesn't seem to mean anything to you.
Pei Lun.
You're trying to frame me as Bei Zhai's accomplice.
Nonsense.
My future rests on these two cases.
How could I not take them seriously?
Besides, you know better than I do whether this is a false charge.
Why are you picking on me?
You want to know why?
Among all the Imperial Guards, I had only one friend.
His name was Yin Cheng.
And you killed him.
What are you looking for?
The construction log of the dragon ship.
Give it to me, and I'll guarantee you safe passage.
What are you going to do?
I ask and you answer. Don't even think about lying.
Was it you who disguised yourself as a man and made an appointment with Guo?
Was it Ding who killed him?
You think I won't kill you?
I must be crazy, rescuing an assassin who tried to kill the Emperor.
- I didn't. - Stop lying!
I will make you confess, one way or another.
It was me.
I disguised myself and lured Guo to the Golden Pavilion
for Master Ding to kill him.
Who's behind all this?
Nobody.
Don't try to be a hero.
If you don't want to drown, give me a name. Now!
Nobody.
It was me.
You would die for him?
Confess!
Speak!
One day, when I was very young, my father was teaching me to paint.
Imperial Guards broke into our house.
They accused my father of writing poems that slighted Master Wei.
Our entire family was torn apart, just because my father wrote some poems.
Some were killed, others exiled.
I was banished to a brothel in the south.
When the ship arrived at Datong River, l jumped.
I didn't know drowning could be so tortuous until that moment.
It was he who saved me.
He promised me
he would do everything he could to kill Wei,
and wipe out his entire party.
So you decided to join him because of that one promise?
Aren't you fed up with this life?
Life is hard. Nobody can change that.
Your Honour.
He's alive, but unlikely to wake up.
Criminals dare to kill and commit arson on our very doorstep.
This is certainly a first in the Great Ming Dynasty.
You dare call yourselves the Imperial Guards?
You bastards!
Shen Lian.
What did he say?
I don't know.
Colonel.
Yes?
Let's speak in private.
Shen has something to do with Guo and Ling's death.
Colonel, this might be the most important case
in the history of the Dynasty.
This is conjecture. Do you have proof?
The Archives have burned down, but parts of the documents remain.
I've looked into Shen and Guo's backgrounds.
Eight years ago, in the Battle of Sarhu,
Shen and Guo served together in the West Army.
Though the army was destroyed, Shen and Guo survived.
I believe the two of them already knew each other back then.
Who's there? Show yourselves.
How bold of you.
Let me take care of them.
You...
Lu Wenzhao.
Ding.
- Kill him. - Chong'er.
Tens of thousands of men, cut down like grass.
If we don't want to die like this,
we must find another way to live.
- I don't want to die. - I don't want to die.
- Another way to live. - Find another way to live.
- I don't want to die. - Another way to live.
Guo. Lu and Guo knew each other.
Shen Lian.
Yin Cheng was my friend, too.
Thanks to the breastplate, the wound isn't lethal.
Thank you, Mrs Shen.
I'm not... I'm not...
This is Bei Zhai.
Colonel.
Inspector Zheng didn't die.
He said it was you. I already covered it up.
You killed Ling, didn't you? Pei Lun figured it out.
I covered that up as well.
Why? Because you once saved my life.
We're friends.
Friends.
You and Guo knew each other eight years ago.
You fought shoulder to shoulder in the army.
You told him to sabotage the ship,
then killed him.
Then asked me to burn down the Archives.
Now you say we're friends?
You didn't have to get involved.
Why did you save Bei Zhai and Captain Pei?
You're colluding with the rebels.
I can turn you in.
Go ahead.
I have people everywhere, in every administrative and judicial department
in every state and prefecture.
We can make black become white by just tapping our fingers.
- How can you fight me? - You plan to overthrow the Emperor?
Wei and his party lost the people's trust long ago.
They'll be overthrown sooner or later.
You can't be willing to let these useless scumbags rule you.
We shouldn't be wasting time like this. Now we need to get the real job done.
Go in there, and finish off Bei Zhai and Pei Lun.
Give me the construction log of the dragon ship, then you can live.
You want me to trade Bei Zhai and Pei Lun's lives for mine.
What's the difference between you and Wei? You're the same.
- Get off your high horse. - You think you're a good person?
How many lives have you taken with your blood-stained hands?
Does your master know you plan to kill Bei Zhai?
Move.
The construction log of the dragon ship?
- Trying to steal it and run? -So?
I'll keep it for you.
Go to sleep.
Lu must be looking everywhere for us.
- Don't you think I know that? -You have Bei Zhai and the log.
- What are you afraid of? - We can't do anything to Lu.
His people are everywhere inside the system.
What about the Court of Censors?
I have something on the Imperial Censor.
He'll be more than willing to help us.
You can't leave her?
We'll all die together, then.
Your Honour, let's wait for the rain to stop.
Let's wait for the rain to stop.
Lu Wenzhao!
You posted arrest warrants citywide without your superiors' approval.
Do you think we don't exist?
Chief, if you don't punish this dog severely,
how will your men listen to you in the future?
Captain Shen of the Northern Bureau
and Captain Pei of the Southern Bureau
bribed Master Guo to murder his Majesty.
Luckily, they failed.
The duo killed Master Guo to silence him,
then set fire to the Archives.
Lieutenant Ling
was also killed by Shen.
I have acquired Inspector Zheng's testimony as evidence.
To prevent the duo's escape, I took the liberty of delivering the message
to the Ministry of Security, and city administrators,
that they be found immediately.
Where's the girl?
- I lost her. - Where's the log?
You gave it to her?
Our lives depend on that log! And you gave it to her!
Colonel Lu,
assigning you to catch toads was a waste of your talents.
It's my honour to...
The two rebels who put themselves in such jeopardy,
tell me, who do you think they're working for?
I think... I think...
Remove all the Imperial Guards from the streets immediately.
The Eastern Depot is taking over this case.
Shen, Pei, Bei Zhai.
I want them alive.
Why did you return?
To save you, and Captain Pei.
HOW?
If I give him this log, his Highness will spare us.
Do you know why I was sent to kill you? It was Lu's order.
I don't know Lu.
That boyfriend of yours is Lu's master.
The man you're guarding with your own life wants you dead.
Are you still going to see him?
That can't be his intention. He wouldn't kill me.
- You still believe in him? - I believe in myself.
I believe that one day, we will have freedom of speech.
In every administrative and judicial department,
- in every state and prefecture. - I'm a rebel.
- I have people everywhere. - Chief Prosecutor Yang
brought Master Wei's 24 crimes to the Emperor.
He promised me he would do everything he could to kill Wei,
and wipe out his entire party.
Wei and his party lost the people's trust long ago.
But Master Wei wasn't punished at all.
And completely destroyed the Donglin Rebellion.
Why? Because the Emperor favours him.
Why didn't I realise this earlier?
I'll go in your stead.
What if it's a trap?
Do you know who I am?
I think I do.
Let's hear it.
I should have guessed. Assassinating the Emperor was never your goal.
The goal of your Highness was to eliminate Wei and his party.
And the only one who can do that is the Emperor.
His Majesty has no children.
If he died, the only successor would be his younger brother,
Zhu Youjian, Prince Xin.
Am I correct?
Prince Xin, your Highness.
Do you know this place?
What if Shen doesn't return in one hour?
Then we break into the Eastern Depot.
If Wei had got hold of this log,
many would have lost their heads.
What do you want?
I want to live.
There's one more thing your Highness needs to know.
Lu wants Bei Zhai dead.
Nonsense.
Brother Lu has no reason to hurt her.
Your Highness, this man is dangerous.
Get out.
We're almost out of time.
He'll be back.
Have you two slept together?
You're disgusting.
No? Then why are you treating each other like this?
Where is she? Bei Zhai?
You don't even know her real name.
You dared to come see me. Didn't you fear that I'd kill you?
I wanted to see for myself the man she's guarding with her life.
If he's worth it.
No, you're worried about her.
So you came in her stead.
You like her.
But does she like you?
Your Highness misunderstood.
She told me
you were supposed to kill her,
but ended up saving her.
Why?
I admire her paintings.
I understand.
Her paintings are like her person.
What a shame.
Take this tablet of the Mansion of Prince Xin.
You can go anywhere you like.
Nobody will stop you when they see this tablet.
However, you must kill her first.
Wei is looking everywhere for her.
I cannot risk it.
Your Highness.
Bei Zhai didn't betray you, and never will.
I want you to betray her.
This is my blade.
I'm taking her out of the city.
If you send men after us,
I'll take them all down.
You're not going to kill me?
She'll be sad if I do.
Time's up.
- Your Highness. - Enough.
I'll send someone after Shen. We can follow him to Bei Zhai.
Colonel Lu...
Your Highness, she knows way too much.
Thousands will die, if she doesn't.
- Do it outside the city. - Yes, your Highness.
Shen Lian!
He said he'd come and find me, right?
Of course.
He'll come and find you once it's safe.
He also said
you should feel free to paint whatever you like.
He doesn't like me painting. He said that's where all troubles begin.
Thank you.
Wei Zhongxian's Mansion, Goldfish Alley
- Your Excellency, please save me. - What's bothering you, your Highness?
This girlfriend of mine recently disappeared.
I sent people to look for her,
and discovered that she's one of the Donglin rebels.
She also had something to do with Master Guo's death.
Is that so?
A Colonel Lu from the Imperial Guard found out about this,
and came to threaten me.
- Lu Wenzhao? - Yes.
Colonel Lu wanted to frame your Excellency
by having me speak falsely before his Majesty.
Otherwise, he'd impeach me with this information.
Your Highness, this is no small matter.
His Majesty falling into the water wasn't a coincidence.
Master Guo was involved.
If, by chance, this matter isn't handled properly,
Your Highness will be in big trouble.
Your Excellency, please save me.
Your Highness. This problem, it's not so difficult.
We just need to remove Lu from the picture,
along with the other insiders,
including your girlfriend.
From now on, I will follow the advice of your Excellency on all matters.
Please do not praise me more than I deserve.
My concern is his Majesty is very ill.
If something happens,
who does your Highness think would be the successor?
This is too important a matter. I dare not speak a word.
Everything shall be decided by your Excellency.
Recently, his Majesty has been speaking of you.
I wager your Highness will be called into his Majesty's chamber
in the upcoming days.
My sincerest gratitude, your Excellency.
Shen, they'll be expecting us to go by water.
Let's land at Liaocheng,
then take a detour east around Jinan, and head to W Mountain.
There, we can easily evade the pursuing troops.
Troops'?
Sent by Prince Xin?
You lied to her.
We can find a boat at Weihai.
Once we're out at sea, we can go anywhere we want.
Once we get to Weihai, we part ways.
It's so hot.
Sweating will help you recover.
You made me drink four bowls of hot water,
and made me sit next to the fire.
How can I not be hot?
I blew on the water, how could it be hot?
Where will you go after all this?
Hangzhou.
Good choice.
Pei?
I'm sorry.
They've entered the village. Too many to count. I killed two.
It's Lu.
The Windstorm, variable, sweeps up the common and the noble,
life and death are inevitable, and doom is unavoidable.
We must leave.
Split UP-
Watch out!
Die!
Come on. Come on.
Come on, you bastard.
The horses won't go on the bridge. Without horses, they'll catch up to us.
Once you cross this bridge, you'll be out of W Mountain in a day.
Pei, you take Bei Zhai to Weihai.
- Wait for me there. - I'm not leaving.
Lu stabbed me with his blade. I must repay him.
I'm not leaving by myself.
I'm staying.
You'll jeopardise us if you stay.
Aren't you waiting for Prince Xin to come for you? Stay alive.
Go. Go!
Wan Xuan.
My name is Miao Xuan.
I will remember it.
They're down there! Charge!
- Pei, guard the bridge. - You got it.
The woman has crossed the bridge.
Charge!
Bring it on!
Shen Lian!
Brother Lu!
Colonel.
We're even.
Brother Lu!
It's all right. It's just a minor wound.
Master Ding, enough.
You two may go.
Shen Lian, you underestimate me.
I must kill you all, or I'll be ashamed to face Prince Xin.
You don't have to do this. Is this really worth it?
How can you change the regime, when you can't even let a woman live?
Shen Lian, don't you understand?
At my age,
friendship and integrity...
have all been worn down.
If I don't hold onto something,
I'm no different from a corpse.
Watch out!
Go.
Fire!
None of them leaves here alive. Bring me their bodies for a reward.
Fire!
Your Highness,
his Majesty calls.
Sister, I don't understand.
Brother, don't you see?
For his Highness,
we are both loose ends.
Shen Lian!
We're both destined to die on this battlefield.
Lu!
Shen Lian!
Go get her! Don't let her get away!
Leave!
Go!
Get out of here!
Come any closer and I'll kill you.
What are you waiting for?
Come closer.
Your Majesty, please take care of yourself.
Dear brother,
the Empire of the Great Ming is now yours.
And you...
shall devote yourself to it.
What am I doing?
Why am I risking my life in a place like this?
To be born in times like these, did I have a choice?
The way I live now,
living just to survive, is no longer bearable.
Shen Lian. Shen Lian.
Shen Lian.
Two weeks later, Beijing
His Majesty has passed and gone to heaven.
Before his departure,
he appointed me as his successor.
I am extremely humbled to accept this extraordinary honour.
Despite of my fear of taking such great responsibility,
I have been given tremendous support by the people and the nobles.
I shall not betray their trust.
Therefore, on this very day,
I declare my accession to the throne.
Your Majesty,
here is the list of convicts to be executed after autumn.
Your Excellency should go home and rest.
But I am not tired.
I insist.
From now on,
I will lead the council to handle all government affairs.
Your Excellency need not be concerned.
Three months later, the Emperor removed Wei Zhongxian from court,
and banished him to Fengyang to be a grave keeper.
Wei died on the journey.
The following year, the Emperor titled his reign "Chongzhen".
- Is it time? - Congratulations, your Honour.
Please report for duty at the Northern Bureau tomorrow.
All captain positions are full. You will be a lieutenant, for now.
Outside Hangzhou
You're lucky.
If my little brother were here,
he'd use his twin blades to...
Twin blades. Yes, I know him!
His name is not Ding Xian. It's Jin Yichuan.
A squad leader in the Imperial Guard. Jin Yichuan.