Father, this is red bezoar stone decoction
Grand Secretary Heshen said this Tibetan folk remedy is the antidote for you.
Father, how do you feel?
My days are numbered. What does it matter?
No, Father, you will get well.
What you fed me has no efficacy at all.
You are the one that poisoned me.
The bowl you served me with mare's milk
was smeared with poison beforehand.
You couldn't fool me.
I did a terrible thing. It's unforgivable...
It's premediated.
It took extraordinary steeliness of heart to commit such a hideous act.
Yongyan, you are now fully fledged.
I have no excuse not to give you full rein.
It's my fault...
Father, I did a terrible thing...
Please forgive me...
It's my fault...
Bear it in mind...
To be an emperor is a lonely business.
You are alone at the top.
You are responsible for your own successes or failures.
You need to be ruthless if you want to complete the journey.
I've been on it tens of years...
It's about time I took a rest.
Father...
I'm not angry with you.
I'll complete you instead.
The Qing empire is now in your hands.
Day 2 of the Lunar New Year
Imperial physician, has the decoction done His Majesty any good?
Sire, Highness, His Majesty's condition has undergone no change.
I doubt the prescription's efficacy.
How come?
Grand Secretary Heshen, how do you explain?
Sire, it takes time for the medicine to take effect.
I do hope so.
Come on, even elixir doesn't work instantly
I am fine. I'm just a year older.
I'm not that senile.
I'm tired.
Heshen, you stay behind.
Others are excused.
Aye.
Heshen, come on over...
Your Majesty, how do you feel?
I said it's over.
Heshen, let it go.
Your Majesty, I worry about your health.
I know you are loyal to me. You want to share my worries.
I want you to do something for me.
Your Majesty, just give me the order.
I'll stop at nothing to get it done.
Good...
Heshen's Mansion
You are assaulting a princess! How dare you!
Put me down...
Highness, I did it for your protection.
How is it an assault?
If it were, I would have been dead already!
Put me down first! Don't wake Fu'en up.
Allow me to make up for my mistake.
Highness, please forgive me.
Alright! You've done nothing wrong.
Highness, you said it.
Father and Brother Yongyan suddenly came here today.
The household were taken off guard.
However, it was a happy surprise to me.
Fu'en and I had not seen Father for some time.
There must be a story behind His Majesty's sudden visit.
It's not for me to comment on court affairs.
What I can say is that our families aren't just ruler and subjects.
We are family.
Whatever your relationship with your father
I'll always be there by your side.
I meant to make this dragon pattern quilt for Father as his birthday present.
He suddenly came before it's finished.
I was worried about his illness.
He's getting on after all.
Seeing that he had the spirit to play with Fu'en, I was relieved.
His Majesty is blessed. Nothing will happen to him.
What about calling back Li Changyou's troops from the northwest as redeployment?
I don't think it'll work.
It's said Li has lately been living a decadent life in the northwest.
It seems he's already in Heshen's pocket.
He and his men are no longer reliable.
Heshen is already the Nine Gates Infantry Commander.
Yongxuan is in charge of the Vanguard Battalion.
All the troops in the capital are under their control.
Sire, my old subordinates in Anhui are ready to come to the capital any time.
They are too far away to be of any use.
Heshen has Helin in Shandong and Fuchang'an in Tianjin.
It's a pity Prince Yonglin is sent
to fetch Noble Consort Dowager Ying.
Or we could have his help.
Still, Helin's and Fuchang'an's troops aren't in the capital yet.
If we are careful with our plan,
we can still take out Heshen.
Sire, Prince Consort and his imperial guards have left the Forbidden City.
Sire, your plan is off to a good start.
I am using Fengshen-Yinde to take out Heshen and Yongxuan.
Sire, it's smart of you to take them out under the pretext of anti-corruption.
None can get away.
The son arresting his father will be a sight to behold.
However, Prince Yongxuan is known to have a fiery temper.
He won't cut Fengshen-Yinde any slack even though he's Heshen's son.
Prince Consort's life is on the line.
We can't play by the book when dealing with these two foxes.
Sire, indeed...
Fengshen-Yinde, this is my private residence.
Why are you here with your men?
Highness, we are tipped off,
wanted corrupt official Yang Xuzhao is in hiding here.
I am ordered to come for his arrest.
What nonsense! We don't have the person you said.
Leave with your men right away!
I am here to execute Sire's order.
Search!
Stop!
I dare you to cross the line here!
Highness, we can go to Sire for confirmation later.
I won't bother Sire, nor will I go along with you.
Highness, isn't this private possession of firearms?
Fengshen-Yinde, though your father is Heshen,
I still have no qualms in killing you.
Honourable Heshen arriving...
It's the second day of the New Year,
what a scene here!
Grand Secretary Heshen, how come...
Highness, greetings.
I am informed of private possession of firearms.
I am the Nine Gates Infantry Commander.
It's my job to look into it in person.
Highness, so you too have got news of the rebels?
That's right.
Why didn't you report it to Sire at once?
Not before we have confirmed it's authenticity.
You don't need me to teach you such basics, do you?
It's my job to carry out Sire's orders.
Do you have a decree?
If no, then leave it to me.
You stay here to safeguard the firearms.
Have it reported to court to have them removed.
I'll report it to Sire in person.
Highness, after you.
Why let Fengshen-Yinde have the firearms?
Do you mean to go over to Sire? Do you mean to betray me?
Highness, take it easy.
It'll blow over in no time.
It's your doing!
You have the firearms destroyed!
Drastic times call for drastic measures.
There aren't many troops in the capital.
With the firearms and our insiders in the Forbidden City,
we could have forced Sire to abdicate!
Why did you ruin it?
Why are Fengshen-Yinde here with imperial guards?
Do you really think Sire has no clue of what you are doing?
I have the firearms destroyed, it's to save your life!
Instead of being grateful, you are pointing a gun at me.
I am disappointed in you.
Without the firearms, how can I fight Sire?
The firearms were evidence of your rebellious intent!
No way would Sire buy your excuses.
The best option was to destroy them.
Ambition calls for guts!
Whoever gets in my way is my enemy!
You are hopeless!
Since you won't listen to me, I give it up.
YOU are on your own.
Heshen's Mansion
Master...
You are excused.
Yes...
The injury is minor.
This ointment was a tribute to court.
It works well with physical wounds.
You have the firearms blown up.
You are already convinced it's my doing.
If I say no, will you believe me?
You have committed enough wicked deeds,
Forming your own power circle, corruption, fleecing the people...
This time you destroyed incriminating evidence for Prince Yongxuan.
What kind of courtier are you?
You have failed the court!
How audacious!
Never say ill of your own father.
You have studied in vain!
You insisted that I be a learned man.
That's how I came to know the virtues of an upright man.
A subject should put loyalty first!
A truly learned man can differentiate between loyalty and blind loyalty.
Can you tell benevolence from hypocrisy?
Are you sure Sire deserves your loyalty?
Don't try to frame Sire to justify your wicked deeds.
Who told you Yang Xuzhao was hiding in Prince Yongxuan's residence?
He was not.
Instead, you came upon some firearms.
You didn't find it odd?
If I had not come in time,
you couldn't have been here yelling at me.
You still don't know you were being used.
If you were not my son, you would have been dead.
Officialdom is a battlefield.
Don't be so naive.
Don't misplace your loyalty! Make the right choice!
If I had a choice, I wouldn't choose not to be your son!
I prefer to be able to hold my head high!
I prefer to die an honorable man!
Don't wear death on your lips.
You know not what suffering means.
You have not stared death in the face.
What I don't know is why you taught me integrity
and yet you do the complete opposite.
If I can't be filial and loyal at the same time,
I will pick accordance to my conscience.
Stop!
This is where Yang Xuzhao is hiding.
Xianfu Palace
Sire, I have not failed you.
Corrupt official Yang Xuzhao was arrested in a temple outside the city.
Well done.
Was the tip off I got useful to you?
Sire, I went to the place as said.
What I found was a shipment of firearms ready to be taken to the Forbidden City.
The shipment was destroyed in a freak explosion.
The evidence was destroyed.
It was my fault, please forgive me.
It's a freak accident. It's not your fault.
Don't blame yourself.
Thank you, Sire.
Sire, one thing baffles me.
Go ahead.
Did you know about the firearms beforehand,
that Prince Yongxuan harbours rebellious intent?
I was sent there for this purpose?
Sire, I am not bright.
If it were the case,
why was I ordered to arrest Yang Xuzhao there?
Get up first.
Sire, please enlighten me.
Fengshen-Yinde, I believed you could handle it properly.
Sire, weren't you afraid that I would cover my own kin?
That I would turn a blind eye to it?
I have faith in the men I trust.
If Grand Secretary Heshen were plotting rebellion with Prince Yongxuan,
I am sure you would put loyalty first.
Sire, I am a son and a subject.
I will not tolerate treason. I cut no slack for anyone!
Good! Get up.
Thank you, Sire.
Grand Secretary Heshen, my share was received.
Happy cooperation in future.
You need to work during the Spring Festival period.
As the Viceroy of Water Transport, you have to oversee water transportation.
Canals are frozen up.
The court approved the rescheduling of shipping winter grains to spring.
The smuggling our own goods with the grains will be delayed as a result.
It's alright. We just want a safe arrival.
I should thank His Majesty indeed.
I was transferred to Gansu.
It's a forsaken place with no good food or pretty women.
Have I angered His Majesty without knowing it?
It's more like a punishment than a promotion.
It's hard to guess what His Majesty is thinking.
However, he has never sold you short.
That's true.
Moreover, you are practically given free rein once you are out of the capital.
Isn't it good?
Tianjin
Nothing found in Hubu Street in west side.
Thank you...
Nothing found in Bingyao Hutong in east side.
Thank you...
Nothing found in Benjiao Hutong near the Drum Tower.
Thank you...
We are closed for business until the man is found.
Yes...
Is the blind fortune teller found?
Honourable Heshen said
he and His Majesty bumped into him in Wudaowan Hutong.
From what we have gathered,
he has not been seen there for a year.
I believe he is still in Tianjin.
His Majesty wants to see him so urgently,
it must be of something important.
Find him as soon as possible.
16 by 3, 3-4 point...
We've searched every corner of Tianjin.
He's still nowhere to be found.
Maybe he has left town...
5 by 6, knight's move...
Tengen position...
Tengen position?
Why are you in such a haste?
Because you can't stay for long.
If we don't speed it up,
we won't have time to wrap it up.
What do you mean?
Master, Mistress is going into labour.
Please go back with me.
Really? I am going to be a father!
Please excuse me...
Feel free to go...
Miss, do you mean to play with me?
Why do you know I am a woman?
Not only that. I know why you are here.
There is no escaping fate.
You are right.
I am the man you are looking for.
Is he a bane or a boon?
I just pray than Heshen will land on his feet.
You have to stop here.
Yuan Bao, give the gentleman a hand.
His Majesty is waiting.
Yes, Master.
Sir, please...
I need to go in.
You can go back.
Don't worry.
I want noodles with chicken shreds and four winter treasures for dinner.
Could you prepare them for me?
The dishes will be ready when you are back.
Qianqing Palace
First month of the first year of Jiaqing Era
Longevity to you all...
His Majesty arriving...
Good...
Your Majesty, may you live forever... May Qing last forever...
Good...
Serve tea...
You are all centenarians... you are blessed.
Qing is thriving because of your contributions.
Your Majesty...
A toast to you all...
Thank you, Your Majesty...
Good...
Protect His Majesty...
White Lotus comes down; people rise up...
White Lotus Sect?
You rascals, drop dead...
Your Majesty...
Corrupt officials... lousy ruler...
Your Majesty had a fright. It's my fault...
Your Majesty, at your service...
Your Majesty, greetings. Xuan Zhen at your service.
At ease...
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Heshen, you are excused.
May I be excused...
How bustling...
Master, it's because of your excellent management,
the people are enjoying prosperity.
Master, the Yipin House in front is a hundred-year-old restaurant.
You shouldn't miss their signature dish carp in vinegar.
I am doing inspection incognito.
I should try some grassroots eateries if I want to see how the people really live.
Yes...
Zuixiao House
Constable
Poor them! They have been kneeling here for so long.
Yet the magistrate still won't take their case.
Petitioning is useless.
The officials are corrupt.
Niu is complaining about Heshen.
He's taking on the Vice Emperor.
The magistrate doesn't have the nerve to take his case.
Hush! Mind what you say...
Learn your fate, know your future
Fate?
I can't see. If you want your fortune told,
please sit down and let me feel your hand.
What? I am not worthy.
At ease.
You know who I am? You are something.
Well, I want a divination.
Please say what you want to know in your heart.
Should Heshen be killed?
Well...
How's it?
Well...
The answer can wait.
Pay him.
Thank you.
Yes, Master.
Xuan Zhen, do you remember me?
Your Majesty, three years ago in Wudaowan Hutong in Tianjin,
I did a divination for you.
What's the answer?
Yes.
Xuan Zhen, I have one more thing to ask.
Do me another divination.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Please say what you want to know in your heart.
Kill Heshen.
Will it work out?
No.
How absurd!
My will is heaven's will.
If it's my will, it can be done.
Blessings
Grand Secretary Heshen...
Sire, at your service.
Grand Secretary Heshen, how long have you been a courtier?
For thirty years.
Your contribution has been immense.
You have earned the trust of His Majesty.
I've learned a lot from you too.
Your loyalty to His Majesty is unparalleled
Sire, it can't be compared to your filial piety.
His Majesty bestowed you with his Blessings calligraphy every year.
This year it is mine instead.
I wonder if you like it.
Sire, I can't be happier.
Heshen, you are a learned man.
I'm sure you know the story about
Duke Zhuang biding his time to remove his ambitious brother Duan.
Grand Secretary Heshen, you know the moral of the story, do you?
Sire, I do.
However, His Majesty is not Duke Zhuang, nor am I the treacherous Duan.
Sire, thank you for the reminder.
Sire, greetings.
Thank you, Sire.
His Majesty wants Grand Secretary Heshen.
Since you are wanted, you are excused.
May I be excused?
Liu Goong Goong, after you.
The opposite of blessings is curse.
Too much of a good thing is a curse.
Ziguang Pavilion
Your Majesty, at your service.
It seems my time is up.
It is my honor if my life is ended here.
For the sake of our relationship,
you'll be given a grand funeral.
As usual, Manchu inscription, my call. Han inscription, your call.
Aye.
Heshen, honor your word.
Xi, you stay here.
Big...
Small...
Big...
Place your bet...
You cheated!
Watch out...
Master...
Sire, don't tire yourself out.
Allow me.
Sire, let's go...
Search lane by lane...
Sire, sit tight...
Charge...
Master...
It's my fault. Sire, please forgive me.
I asked for it...
It's lucky you came back safe and sound.
If something had happened to you, what about me?
Highness, it's not Sire's fault.
It's my idea.
I should slap myself...
I asked for it...
Highness, please forgive me...
What's this?
Highness, I heard that a portrait of Goddess Guan Yin looks like Your Highness.
Sire was curious and so we went out to find out the truth.
Mother, I was pleasantly surprised.
The resemblance is striking.
Really?
Yes. The Goddess of Guan Yin has your facial features and benevolent look.
However, she doesn't have your graceful air
What a sweet talker.
At ease.
Thank you...
Mother...
Highness...
Year 42 of Qianlong Era
Mother...
Since my ascension to the throne,
I thought being emperor, I could have everything.
There are things beyond my control.
The celestial's back to her heavenly bower.
It's not to be detained by mortal sorrow.
Life is fickle.
The person may have gone,
the memory lives on.
Only Heshen could read my mind
and share my sorrows.
Stop!
You should have known better...
Sire, at your service.
Heshen, you are still alive?
Sire, your Blessings calligraphy does its work.
I want you dead!
Centenarian Feast began with Kangxi.
It's the biggest feast in Qing court.
It was to show respect to the elderly
and mix with the people.
Besides giving out auspicious objects,
the emperor would pour wine for the elderly