Heshen, I said when you lost your anchor, I would not go easy on you.
Pardon my ignorance. I don't understand what you mean.
Don't give me that nonsense!
I'm at His Late Majesty's command to consolidate your empire.
Bring him in.
Your Majesty.
Fuchang'an, you colluded with Heshen.
I order the two of you to stay here and think about your mistakes tonight.
Tomorrow, confess your crimes, then I will make my final decision.
I could not stop the imperial edict from reaching Prince Yonglin.
I'm sorry I let you down.
Day 4 of the Lunar New Year
His Majesty started persecuting you shortly after His Late Majesty died.
Luckily I was clever enough to swallow the letter.
Otherwise you wouldn't be able to explain your secret dealings with the Westerners.
Even if the letter was found, His Majesty wouldn't dare do anything.
I once swore loyalty to His Late Majesty, but His Majesty has gone too far.
I cannot await my doom.
His Majesty wants our confessions by tomorrow morning.
A powerful official like you can easily find a scapegoat, but what about me?
Just relax. I know exactly what His Majesty is thinking.
Prefectural Magistrate Haining and a few other ministers
submitted a memorial accusing Viceroy Li Shiyao of bribery and embezzlement.
Heshen, how should we handle it?
Li Shiyao formerly served at the frontiers.
It wouldn't be fair to declare him guilty based on a single memorial,
but memorials should not be ignored.
I shall volunteer to investigate the matter further.
I agree, and I will send one of my sons to assist in your investigation.
Prince Yongyan is a clever, elegant young man.
His prudence and broad vision will make him a good fit for this job.
Then I'll let Yongyan accompany you.
Honourable Heshen, we've been in Yunnan for months,
gathered all the information, and found the bribes taken by Li Shiyao.
Shall we go ahead and arrest Li Shiyao?
To make Li Shiyao submit to arrest, target the people around him.
Steward Zhao, do you remember this jade pendant?
It belongs to my father. Where are my parents?
You have two options here.
Either remain loyal to Li Shiyao and cover up his crimes
or testify against Li Shiyao.
All these silver ingots will be yours.
Honourable Heshen, I'll follow what you say.
Thirty years of bonding can be unbelievably fragile.
People's minds may seem unpredictable, but there are always clues.
You're very good at manipulating people. I have a lot to learn from you.
I would be honored to be your adviser, Your Highness.
Take Li Shiyao as an example.
Such a corrupt official must act carefully and leave no trace.
So you targeted his steward.
His closest one was the most powerful witness.
Your words are more inspiring than years of study.
But there is one thing worrying me.
You mean how to explain to His Majesty the missing 35,000 taels?
Right.
Need not worry. His Majesty wants Li Shiyao to be arrested.
Trust me, you will be praised, not blamed.
Is that so?
Look at the big picture but not the trifles.
His Majesty will be very impressed to see Li Shiyao arrested.
Li Shiyao will be removed from office and jailed before sentencing.
Aye.
Your Majesty! Have mercy, Your Majesty...
Yongyan, you did an excellent job. I'm very pleased.
What should I do about Li Shiyao?
Your Majesty, any corrupt official should be executed at once to warn others.
In my humble opinion,
although Li Shiyao is guilty, he once served
as Viceroys of Liangguang, Huguang, Yungui.
The Eight Deliberations in the Qing Code
state that for those fulfilling their duties and selflessly serving the country,
merits may offset demerits.
Please have mercy, Your Majesty.
Yongyan.
Father, Li Shiyao has earned many military merits over the years.
I think he deserves a chance to serve the country again in the future.
There is not enough evidence against Li Shiyao.
I will take Heshen's advice and postpone Li Shiyao's death sentence.
Aye.
His Majesty still hasn't imprisoned us because there is no witness,
but anything could happen.
Witness? Like who?
His Majesty will do what I did and target the people around me.
I certainly know who it is.
Are you ready for the big day tomorrow?
Your Majesty, rest assured that tomorrow all ministers will know
Heshen secretly developed weapons and attempted to bribe me to start a revolt.
Running out of excuses, that sly dog can only surrender himself.
Cheers!
Congratulations!
Year 46 of Qianlong Era
Your Highness, have another drink.
Cheers!
I think I'm drunk. Excuse me.
Uncle Quan, take care of Prince Yongyan.
Honourable Heshen, my apologies. I was stuck at work.
I know you like pearls. Here's a token of my appreciation.
Please kindly accept it.
How generous.
If you hadn't put in a good word for me with His Majesty,
I couldn't have escaped death penalty and quashed the rebellion in Gansu.
His Majesty even rewarded my merit by appointing me as Viceroy of Huguang.
Every cloud has a silver lining. You literally saved my life.
If you ever need me, I'll be at your service.
From now on, we look out for each other for better or for worse.
Cheers!
Thank you.
But there's one thing I don't understand.
Are you going to ask me why I chose Prince Yongyan?
You can read my mind.
Well, in terms of talent and giftedness, Prince Yongyan is no match for the others.
But he is down-to-earth and abide by the rules.
If he inherits the throne, he will follow my advice.
The imperial court will be under my control.
Good news.
Year 60 of Qianlong Era
I heard from Prince Yonglang that His Majesty
decided to name you the crown prince.
That's wonderful news. You will be inheriting the throne next year.
I brought you a jade charm to congratulate you.
Lovely.
I can never thank you enough.
You used your wits to earn His Majesty's trust.
After you accede to the throne, I will continue to do my utmost to help you.
I appreciate it.
I should be going.
The precious from the Kunlun Mountains symbolizes power and good fortune.
The successor to the throne is overwhelmed with gratitude.
Put it away.
Aye.
Heshen, just you wait until I get my hands on you tomorrow.
I wasn't there when Father died.
I am not a good son!
I'm burning with agony. This is the best way to drown my sorrows.
Yonglin, you can't be the only one mourning Father's death.
Mother is very sad too.
She offers incense and chants for Father in Shoukang Palace every day.
When you went to pick up Noble Consort Ying,
did you notice anything unusual in Mongolia?
No worries, Your Majesty. Everything seemed fine.
Mother went home under Father's command All tribes greeted her with respect.
It seems that the Mongol tribes have submitted to the Great Qing.
Prince Lavan Dorji specially escorted Mother back
to sign an alliance with the Great Qing on behalf of all tribes.
The Northern border is no longer a threat,
but Dzungar and Gurkha were once hostile forces,
not to mention Russia's treacherous intent.
I just can't feel at ease.
Did you ask me to escort Fuchang'an back for Heshen's sanction?
Yes.
Heshen had abused Father's trust for over a decade.
He drew supporters into his faction, took bribes, played dirty politics.
There won't be peace as long as Heshen remains.
Yonglin, after Father died, I suddenly lost my anchor.
You are the only one I can trust in the entire palace.
Your Majesty, rest assured that I will do my utmost
to help you get rid of Heshen and consolidate your empire.
Your Majesty, it's time to go to bed.
I can't sleep.
Will there be peace once Heshen is gone?
In my humble opinion, peace means when people have ample food and clothing.
Year 55 of Qianlong Era
Ocarina is an interesting instrument. Are you good at it?
I brought this ocarina with me when I first came to the palace.
I love this instrument. Can I play you a song?
Sure.
I would be so grateful if you could play me a song every year on my birthday.
But this love must end. I'll be marrying Prince Yongyan tomorrow.
We will be far apart. We can only bury our love in our hearts.
Shoukang Palace
The death of His Late Majesty is the irreversible truth.
I feel heavy-hearted and want to spend the New Year quietly.
I brought some treasures back from Mongolia.
You may play with Fu'en.
My deepest condolences.
Father suddenly left us. I did not fulfill my duties as a daughter.
You were always a dutiful daughter. His Late Majesty was very proud of you.
Your Highness... Lady Heshen...
Rise.
Thank you, Your Highness...
I don't recall seeing them before.
With His Late Majesty gone, His Majesty has been his own wall.
Servants and maids must be replaced to prevent espionage.
Drop the formalities.
Fu'en has grown much taller. Let me give you a shaman mask.
Granny Fang.
Yes.
Mother, let's play.
Fu'en, behave yourself.
Fu'en is too young to understand death. You should not blame him.
Take Fu'en outside to play.
Right, don't let him disturb you.
Shall I take Fu'en out and remind him to behave during the mourning period?
That'd be great. Thank you, Lady Heshen.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Please don't be too sad. I know you were a dutiful daughter.
I heard your father went to visit you when he was sick.
Yes, Father came to our house on New Year's Day.
We were shocked to hear the news.
Father seemed perfectly healthy that day. He played with Fu'en and had a great time.
But then the bad news came unexpectedly.
His Late Majesty paid a visit and left behind some great memories.
There should be no regrets.
I understand, but everything happened so sudden.
Father passed away even before a diagnosis was made.
I just can't accept the truth.
It must be Heaven's will. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to explain it.
You mean there's another story behind His Late Majesty's death?
You don't know the truth because you were not in the palace.
The physicians struggled for days to reach a diagnosis.
Shortly after His Late Majesty's death, some eunuchs died from acute illnesses.
I'm afraid it wasn't a coincidence.
Do you have any proof?
No, but what if someone deliberately caused His Late Majesty's death?
It's not a sensitive time. I suggest you to keep your mouth shut.
Yes.
Stay alert when you make your rounds.
Aye...
My dear!
Shuangshuang.
Fu'en is missing!
What happened?
I took Fu'en outside Shoukang Palace to play hide-and-seek with a few eunuchs,
but he was gone in a flash. We couldn't find him anywhere.
You must help me find Fu'en.
I've already lost my father. I just can't afford to lose Fu'en.
Don't worry.
Listen. Fu'en is just a child. He can't have gone far.
Search the surroundings of Shoukang Palace.
Fu'en!
Let's split up.
Fu'en...
Fu'en, where are you? I'm here, Fu'en!
Fu'en...
You three go this way and you three go that way.
Aye...
Fu'en!
Fu'en, why are you hiding here? I was looking for you.
Luckily I heard noises. Your mother was worried sick.
Mother, I hid in the tank so that the eunuchs wouldn't find me.
Don't justify your mistake! I have to punish you this time!
Fu'en is just a child. Punish me, not him.
You are spoiling him!
His safety is more important. You may lecture him another time.
Mind your manners in the palace.
Madam Mei...
I shall take Fu'en to Her Highness and apologize properly.
Fu'en, let's go.
Qianqing Palace
Emperor Qianlong's spirit tablet
His Majesty calls for Heshen and Fuchang'an.
Grand Secretary Heshen.
Is this for real?
Please do not delay His Majesty's wish.
During his 60-year reign, people of all ranks were well-nurtured.
His endeavors, dedication, benevolence, and fame spread far and wide.
He loved his people and demonstrated all-round skills.
I'm mourning his death, and my traumatized heart is bleeding.
Don't be too sad, Your Majesty.
I succeeded to the throne with gratitude, but I need you all by my side.
We will strain every nerve to meet your needs.
We spare no effort and fear not death.
Eliminate our enemies. Protect our country and people.
We fear not death...
Good. We are of one heart and mind.
Heshen will be dismissed from his posts in the military and Imperial Household
and arranging His Late Majesty's funeral.
Any immediate changes following His Late Majesty's death
will give rise to conjectures. Please reconsider, Your Majesty.
I dismiss Heshen from his posts just to reduce his burden.
Talents are everywhere. He isn't the only one, is he?
I hereby appoint Yonglin as Nine Gates Infantry Commander
and put Fengshen-Yinde in charge of Imperial Household.
Aye.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Your Majesty, secretaries Wang Niansun, Guang Tai,
Censor Guang Xing, Viceroy Hu Jitang, and a few others presented a memorial
accusing Heshen of power abuse, embezzlement, factions forming.
Fuchang'an and Heshen are on the same side.
What do you two have to say for yourself?
That's an outrageous accusation. I would never do that.
Your Majesty, what am I accused of?
Heshen is accused of bribery, embezzlement,
developing weapons, and conspiracy.
He should be put to death for developing weapons and conspiracy.
Your Majesty, is there any evidence against me?
Prince Consort and I can prove Heshen secretly developed weapons.
Your Majesty, I testify that Prince Yongxuan is telling the truth.
My father once issued an edict dismissing those making and storing weapons.
Heshen, how dare you!
Heshen acquired weapons and coerced me into colluding with him
in taking over the Forbidden City and snatching the throne.
Heshen, you acquired weapons with treacherous intent.
I had no idea there were hidden weapons in the mansion before the seizure.
Why would I collude with Prince Yongxuan?
After the weapons were discovered, Grandee Heshen appeared.
He ordered inspection and arrest as Nine Gates Infantry Commander.
Prince Yongxuan was taken by force and then the weapons were destroyed.
Later on he minced his words to cover up the truth.
According to Fengshen-Yinde,
I was with Prince Yongxuan when the weapons were destroyed.
Did you actually see me issue an order
or did you catch the culprit and say I was the prime mover?
I didn't.
There is no evidence against Grand Secretary Heshen.
Come to think of it, the weapons were made by Prince Yongxuan.
He harboured treacherous intent.
Heshen, that's a false accusation.
Your Majesty, he's trying to shift the blame.
After his plot was exposed,
Prince Yongxuan destroyed the weapons and tried to escape responsibility.
Your Majesty, don't listen to Heshen's one-sided story.
Did you hear yourself and Fengshen-Yinde? That wasn't one-sided?
Your Majesty, it won't be fair if you declare me guilty based on their words.
Heshen's crimes cannot be tolerated.
His Late Majesty recognized Grand Secretary Heshen
as reliable, consistent, and loyal.
Please reconsider, Your Majesty.
Please reconsider, Your Majesty...
Enough nonsense. His Majesty can tell right from wrong.
Guard!
Your Majesty, there has been an explosion. The firecracker storehouse is on fire.
What?
Your Majesty, we have an emergency.
I think it's best if you leave immediately and discuss this matter later.
Fengshen-Yinde, conduct a thorough investigation.
Aye.
Honourable Heshen is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Aye.
Heshen, did you think the explosion could frighten me and my officials?
The Son of Heaven will never submit.
By the grace of His Late Majesty, I will always be loyal to you.
I never meant any harm.
Heaven knows your thoughts, and so do I.
I will find evidence and bring you to justice.
I don't understand.
I played a prominent role during His Late Majesty's reign.
I also contributed to the succession to the throne.
Why must you put me to death?
You managed to manipulate my father, but I will not tolerate such behaviour.
I dare not. I swear my loyalty to you.
You have too much to handle. Please let me share your burden.
As a chess master,
you should know that stalemate
is not desirable for either side.
Peaceful coexistence is the only way out.
Rubbish!
The first thing I should handle is you!
If you must declare me guilty, I have nothing left to say.
I'll establish the Anti-Corruption Council and put Liu Yong in charge.
Just you wait.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Is Fu'en asleep?
After a long day in the palace, he fell asleep instantly.
You've had a long day too.
Let's not talk about Fu'en.
There's something I want to ask you.
What is it?
Madam Mei said she took Fu'en outside Shoukang Palace to play hide-and-seek.
I wonder if she...
Madam Mei?
Fengshen-Yinde, I heard about the explosion. Is everyone all right?
What happened?
When we were looking for Fu'en, you were nowhere to be seen.
Did you go to the firecracker storehouse?
What are you implying? Are you suspecting me?
How can you talk to Madam Mei like that?
I suspect someone used Fu'en as an excuse to induce an explosion
so as to interrupt the trial.
How could I have known what happened in the palace?
Shuangshuang and I had already left when the explosion occurred.
Right, when did the explosion occur?
I'm sure Madam Mei found a way to make it happen after she left.
Do you have any proof?
If I did, I would have arrested you already.
That's enough. I don't care what happens between you and your father,
but you don't talk to Madam Mei like that.
Shuangshuang, please don't let it come between you two.
I should be going.
I'll be staying with Fu'en.
It's time.
Zhen (720 taels)
Kan, Kun, and Zhen are the highest bidders. The rest of you may go.
(The new Nine Gates Infantry Commander will implement strict customs inspection)
Looks like our bait is finally working.
You have already figured out the bidder's backgrounds?
Only White Lotus Sect would be so generous and concerned about news from the capital.
The knife thrower performing at the villa
had a red birthmark on the back of his hand.
I heard their commander Yao Zhifu is good at knife throwing.
He also has a red birthmark on the back of his hand.
So does today's bidder. That was Yao Zhifu too.
The other two must be followers of White Lotus Sect.
Since their chief Qi Lin was caught, his position...
His wife Wang Conger has been acting as their chief.
They came to the capital as performers to rescue Qi Lin.
With the information, they will definitely take action tomorrow.
Doukou, execute our plan.
Consider it done.
Remember White Lotus is a bunch of rogues and drunkards.
You must always act cautiously.
Don't worry about a thing. When did I ever let you down?
I know you're smart and witty, but better safe than sorry.
You know what? It breaks my heart to see you hurt.
Is that how you feel about me? I'm flattered.
You don't know how I feel about you?
I do, and I appreciate it.
Wowo.
Yes.
Please accept this little gift.
This is...
A knee pad.
Knee pad?
You'll be kneeling a lot during the mourning period.
If your knees hurt, my heart will hurt.
They say there's gold beneath a man's knees.
I say your heart is worth 10,000 taels of gold.
Enough for a lifetime.
When the dynasty is over, the sky clears up...
White Lotus comes down, people rise up...
The Holy One descends, White Lotus is reborn...
Wang Conger
I heard that
the new Nine Gates Infantry Commander will implement strict customs inspection.
It'll be difficult to use the land route.
(Yao Zhifu)
Since Tonghui River is frozen and closed,
(Ye Qingqing)
the water route is also obstructed.
Andingmen Street near Shoubi Hutong will be sealed off tomorrow
for prisoner transport, and the prisoner
to be transported during the New year is...
It must be shifu.
But something just doesn't feel right. I'm a little worried.
Those beggars were disguised as our followers. It could be a trap.
But tomorrow is our only chance to save shifu.
Even if it's a trap, we have to take a chance.
Any disturbances will be advantageous to us.
Red sun in decline, white sun in ascent. Chief must be saved...
Beware of intruders.
Heshen's Mansion
Western bitter tea again?
It's called coffee.
It's not bitter.
I'm glad you're back safe. Enjoy a cup of coffee for some calmness.
It wasn't easy for you either. We fought a tough battle.
I couldn't have made it without your help.
Fu'en!
Your Highness, I saw Fu'en near the firecracker storehouse.
Maybe we should split up. I'll go that way.
Sure.
You came up with a clever idea to induce an explosion in the palace
so as to disrupt His Majesty's plan.
You are my dearest one. I'll never let anything happen to you.
The dearest one is not necessarily the closest one.
The incident made me realize it's hard to find someone I can trust.
I can't even trust my own brother.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I have successfully gathered evidence against Heshen.
Well done.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Heshen, your time is over.
Imperial Study
was where Qing princes read books.
In Year 4 of Jiaqing Era,
after the death of Qianlong,
Jiaqing used his study as his humble abode.
There's no bed.
He simply slept on a bed of straw
covered with a white sheet
to mourn for his father.