Sire, I admit defeat.
I remember when we were young,
I always lost to my brothers and you two siblings.
Sire, you are now the emperor.
You have me under your thumb.
You still see me as your emperor?
I thought you only have Heshen in your eyes.
Sire, I was ordered to go to Gansu by His Majesty.
Or to ask for help for Heshen?
Prince Yonglin has me searched.
There's no letter on me.
How audacious!
You have the nerve to lie to your emperor!
You think you can get away with it?
Sire, please forgive me...
It's well-known you are working hand in glove with Heshen.
Will his good luck go on?
You know the answer.
You and your brother Fukang'an grew up in the palace.
We were close.
We may have grown apart lately,
I always see you as a brother.
Heshen is rotten to the core.
It's about time he paid for his hideous crimes.
Help me cleanse the court of corruption,
what you have done can be forgiven.
You'll have a chance to redeem yourself.
Otherwise, once Heshen is down,
I'll make sure everyone in his clique go down with him.
It's up to you to choose between honor or shame.
Day 5 of the Lunar New Year
Where did it come from?
Fuchang'an...
He always bends with the wind.
He changed sides once he saw the situation was reversed.
He wanted to redeem himself.
Even Fuchang'an jumped ship.
Heshen's clout is fast diminishing.
Every bribe with money or properties is recorded here,
with the official's signatures.
They are irrefutable evidences of their collusions.
This is how Heshen controls them.
They dare not backstab him.
That crook is too smart by half.
This record book turns out to be a two-bladed sword.
It has become his incriminating evidence.
Sire, how come high ranking officials like Suling'a or Li Shiyao aren't in the book?
Those officials involved aren't of high ranks.
This book is just the tip of the iceberg.
He has been a corrupt official for so many years,
there must be hundreds of such books.
All we need is an opening.
The first thing we should do is to sweat these men.
Make them spill the beans on Heshen's corruption.
Then we can uproot his clique once and for all.
Mentor, you take the book with you to start the ball rolling.
I will order for Heshen's arrest.
Heshen's Mansion
Master, I just got news.
Sire has got hold of a record book...
The record book's gone...
Useless rascals...
Only the record book is missing.
Master, who's the culprit?
It should be him...
Sire wants me in court?
Your Honor, behave yourself.
Please do not delay His Majesty's wish.
If Fuchang'an betrayed you, Sire would have the book.
What should we do?
List out all the names in the book,
send Yuan Bao to warn them one by one.
Master, His Honor here.
Let go of me!
Grand Secretary Heshen, why am I taken
here from my bed in the middle of the night?
Let me ask you.
Where had you gone and whom had you seen after the bath?
Drinking in Xiaoyao House.
I was taken here directly from Xiaoyao House.
You are not lying?
Your steward Liu Quan can be my witness.
Yes, I was in Xiaoyao House...
You are drunk...
and saw that he's quite drunk...
let's drink inside...
Here?
Yes, let's have kumis...
Kumis is good...
It probably is a misunderstanding.
Yuan Bao, see His Honor home.
Yes.
After you...
Master, you really believed him?
I was right about him.
There was joss stick ash on his sleeve.
It smelt of musk and ambergris.
It can't be found anywhere else.
He faked drunk for you to see.
Sire could make Fuchang'an change side.
He means to isolate you.
My connection in court is widespread.
What is a mere record book to me?
The courtiers will not cave in so easily.
Moreover, I have my backup move.
Sire, greetings.
Sire, I was incompetent, I failed you. Please punish me.
Get up...
Thank you, Sire.
Nayancheng, you and Agui are loyal Qing subjects.
I owe you.
Sire, you are too kind.
I went to assassinate Heshen as Grandpa planned.
I fell into their trap and the plan failed.
It's a trap!
I was pursued to the cliff.
I'd rather jump than being captured.
A branch caught my clothes or I would have died.
I sent out a search team once I got the news.
It's our luck my men found you first.
You had the wit to put the dagger Agui gave you on one of the deceased
to make Heshen's men believe you were dead.
Grandpa wanted Heshen dead,
he wouldn't let my family live.
Sire, my family...
Don't worry. I have them taken to a safe place.
Heshen thought they had all committed suicide by taking poison.
He suspected nothing.
Thank you, Sire.
Agui's loyalty was second to none.
Yet he's seen as a traitor.
I owe your family.
It's a shame Grandpa died in vain.
Heshen that rascal is still alive,
His days are numbered.
Take good care of yourself.
Do you have anything else to report?
Sire, during my recuperation,
I spotted the presence of White Lotus Sect members in the capital,
among them their chief Wang Cong'er and commander Yao Zhifu.
What?
Yao Zhifu was seen in Mi House.
I suspected the sect is in collusion with Heshen. So I...
Red sun in decline; white sun in ascent...
Rescue our chief!
If it's true, it makes taking him out even more difficult.
You try to infiltrate the sect to find out more.
Aye.
Ancestors of Aisin Gioro in heaven...
Year 60 of Qianlong Era
Two heirs apparent were respectively named since my ascension to the throne,
it's unfortunate that they both died young.
I made a pledge not to out-reign my grandfather, Emperor Kangxi.
I'll abdicate as promised next year.
It's a shame none of the princes has the aptitude for the throne.
My fifteenth son Yongyan is the most promising one.
He is named the crown prince.
If he's found to be incompetent,
I'd rather he be removed or his life cut short
than being a burden to the Qing reign.
Father, I have proved my mettle.
I am more ruthless and perceptive than you are.
I'll live to a hundred too.
I'll succeed where you have failed.
I'll wipe out corruption and treacherous officials.
Qing will even be better under my rule.
There can't be two suns in the sky.
There will be no two emperors from now on.
There is only Emperor Jiaqing!
The capital has lately been not so peaceful.
First there's an attempt to assassinate His Late Majesty,
then an explosion in a royal mansion.
Check out every man, carriage, beast of burden and goods.
Chen Jie, put more men on patrol.
I want patrol teams on every lane.
Arrest any suspicious looking men.
Better be wrong than be sorry.
It'll be done.
Your Highness...
An order from Sire.
Where is the felon taken?
Ministry of Justice to the Court of Judicial Review.
The first row comes with me.
This is the route of Qi Lin's transfer.
We can ambush the escort here...
Chief...
How's it on city gates?
I've checked out the city gates. They were all heavily guarded.
People going in and out were searched and questioned.
It's not easy to get out of the capital by land.
We can't get out by land or water.
Maybe we should change our plan?
No!
An ambush is easier than a prison break.
We can't miss the chance.
Chief, a woman asks to see you by name.
There are no soldiers outside.
I bear you no ill will
I come as a friend, not a foe.
Chief Wang...
Commander Yao...
Miss Doukou, what can I do for you?
You know I am in business.
I am here to offer you a deal.
You want Qi Lin. He's a felon.
I can help you get him out of the city.
How did you know?
Why should I trust you?
I make my living selling intelligence.
I know every happening in the capital.
Trust me to your advantage.
Name your price.
I want a person.
Sire, Highness, greetings.
Sire, greetings.
At ease.
Thank you, Sire.
Noble Consort Dowager Ying, greetings.
I am having a reunion with my cousin Dorji.
We are observing mourning.
I am sorry you are served only with simple vegan dishes.
Sire, though I am the Mongol emissary,
I too am Gulun Princess Hejing's husband.
Though she died young,
His Late Majesty is always my father-in-law.
I too am devastated by his sudden death.
We are family.
Come visit Sire more even on personal level.
You can see this cousin on the side as well.
Indeed. Qing and Mongolia have a good rapport.
Our cooperation can stop Russia's territorial ambitions,
to our mutual benefits.
We can sign our alliance treaty once an auspicious date is picked.
Why don't you stay longer in the capital for some sightseeing?
Highness, you were His Late Majesty's favourite.
It's a pity he failed to see you giving birth to a grandchild for him.
He must have died with regrets.
She is still young.
We leave it to heaven's will.
I see Mianning as my own son.
I leave it to heaven's will.
Sire has spoken.
You can come to the capital more often.
Don't confine yourself to Mongolia.
With Emperor Emeritus dead, Sire now has true power.
He and Prince Yonglin have the same biological mother.
Sire will trust him.
Cousin, you have nothing to worry about.
Sire is on a power struggle with Heshen.
It'll give Yonglin an opportunity if they both come out bruised.
Though Prince Yonglin is not your biological son,
you always have his interest in mind.
You do love him as a mother.
Come to my aid when you are wanted.
Of course.
It's getting late. I still have a place to go.
You still miss Gulun Princess Hejing.
Highness, Her Highness's favourite restaurant is just in front.
A table is booked.
Good...
I'm feeling nostalgic.
The White Lotus felon is being transferred today.
The sect members may show up anytime to rescue him.
On your toes.
Yes!
Robbery...
No...
Go away...
Help...
Qi Lin, Chief of White Lotus Sect
Go away...
Brother Qi...
The White Lotus Sect?
Highness, watch out!
Go away...
Any other route to the Court of Judicial Review?
Highness, city gates in trouble...
All stop! Come with me...
Brother Qi...
Cong'er...
Stay away or he's dead!
Run! Don't bother with me! Run!
Brother Qi...
Come on...
Brother Qi...
Don't bother with me! Run...
Ziguang Pavilion
Sire arriving...
Sire, greetings...
Heshen, this sutra copying can't redeem you from your wicked deeds.
You won't get heaven's blessings.
You will be condemned to hell after death for eternality!
I didn't do it for myself.
I did it for His Late Majesty's spirit in heaven.
His spirit in heaven will be pleased when justice is done.
Justice is done?
What laws have I broken?
It was I who set up the Chongwen Gate customs
and implemented monetary penalty
to fill up the national coffer and imperial household coffer,
to fund national campaigns and relief efforts,
for waterworks and imperial tombs constructions,
for the compilation of the Imperial Collection of Four.
I shared His Late Majesty's worries.
I accompanied him on his southern inspection of people's livelihood.
I assisted him on his Zhunga'er campaigns, Nan Jiang campaign, Jinchuan campaigns.
I helped him in all his ten campaigns.
Sire, what laws have I broken?
As his minister, you were just doing your jobs.
I've spared no efforts in serving Qing.
I deserve a place here in Ziguang Pavilion.
You abused your office to embezzle money,
exploit the people and persecute your foes.
They were all mortal crimes!
Sire, I am falsely accused.
My loyalty can withhold any trials. My conscience is clear!
Heshen, your days are numbered.
I am going to settle the score with you!
Sire, White Lotus Sect members just staged an outdoor rescue.
Prince Jasak happened to be there. He's taken away!
What?
Sire, I don't think you have time for me.
I'll continue with my sutra copying to await your return.
Xianfu Palace
Sire, I failed you.
I failed to check out the transfer route.
I failed to thwart White Lotus Sect members from carrying out their plan.
Prince Jasak is taken away as a result.
Please punish me...
It's an impromptu order.
You weren't informed of the route change.
Don't blame yourself.
At ease.
Thank you, Sire.
However, White Lotus Sect members could ambush on the new route beforehand.
They were tipped off.
They had insiders in the Ministry of Justice?
Suling'a is the minister.
Maybe it's a trap set up by him and Heshen.
The new route was deliberately leaked to sect members for their rescue.
It's meant to take Sire off-guard with the chaos.
We need to get Prince Jasak out.
He's the leader of the Mongol tribes.
We need them to keep Russia at bay.
We aren't sure of their help before the treaty is signed.
If anything happens to him in our territory,
the tribes will hold us accountable.
It'll mean troubles for us.
Yonglin, we have no time to lose.
Go rescue him to redeem yourself.
Aye.
Sire, Sichuan Viceroy Lebao had experience dealing with the sect.
He happens to be in the capital.
What about asking him to give Prince Yonglin assistance?
He's the one that killed their former leader Liu Song.
It'll be too provocative.
It'll only make it worse.
Chief Commander Delengtai has the brain and the military experience.
He's the right choice.
But he has gone back to his hometown for some personal matter.
Sire, a confidential letter from Shandong.
I've the right person for it.
Sire, greetings.
At ease.
Thank you, Sire.
Heshen, I just got a report from Helin.
He has quelled the White Lotus rebellion in Shandong after a hard fight.
Well done indeed.
Sire, you are too kind.
He's just doing his job.
Suling'a, the change of route was literally delivering Qi Lin to his men.
Shouldn't you the minister be held responsible?
She meant to stage a rescue.
We changed the route to thwart their attempt.
I am holding your feet to the fire.
You have the nerve to scream at me?
Sire, Honourable Sulong'a is hard of hearing.
He didn't mean to scream at you.
Suling'a, answer me.
How come the new route was leaked?
If something happens to Prince Jasak,
you'll be held responsible!
Sire, forgive me...
We still have Qi Lin.
The White Lotus rebels will not give up.
I now assign you the rescue of Prince Jasak.
Sire, Honourable Suling'a is getting on.
It's too much for him.
Sire, allow me to tackle the rebels.
I am confident I can get Prince Jasak back.
What if something happens to him?
What if the rebels demand Qi Lin as exchange?
We cannot bear this humiliation!
I can swear it on my life.
I'll get Prince Jasak out safe and sound.
Nor will I cut a deal with the sect.
Alright. Since you said so. Get it done.
Aye.
Sire, it may seem a good idea to trick Heshen into filling in for Suling'a.
However, he's a cunning man.
What if he simply flees?
Heshen's connection is widespread.
He loves power.
He's not a man to call it quits.
He's too powerful to be afraid of me.
I now asked him for help.
He would only get more arrogant.
How would he flee?
Still...
If he fails, he'll be held responsible.
If he succeeds, I'll accuse him of colluding with the sect.
He's doomed either way.
Jingren Palace
Highness, Lady Heshen here.
Show her in.
Highness, greetings.
At ease.
Thank you, Highness.
Please sit.
You all are excused.
Yes, Highness.
Qiuyue, wait outside.
Yes, Highness.
Highness, it's potent.
Be careful with the dosage or it'll be harmful.
I know the right dosage. Don't worry.
Highness, I came in through the royal garden.
The plum-blossom trees are in bloom.
Why don't we go out for some fresh air?
Good idea.
Xu Jingyun, Chief lmperial Physician
Highness, it's gardenia powder.
Gardenia powder?
It's bright in color and has a sweet smell.
It can only be saffron powder.
Please check again.
Saffron scent is subtle and gardenia scent is much stronger.
The two powders may look similar,
with my years of experience, no way will I mix them up.
You are excused.
May I be excused?
If it's just gardenia powder,
why should Lady Heshen warn Royal Noble Consort of the dosage?
Why should she hide it?
Something's not right.
Helin has our Shandong headquarters surrounded, the situation is critical...
How's it outside?
Heshen?
Chief Wang...
Brother Qi...
Brother...
Chief Wang, my delivery.
You leaked out the route change,
it's to use us to get the Mongolian.
It's mutually beneficial.
It's a fair deal.
Where's my man?
He's safe.
Hand Qi Lin over.
Then you will have him.
Alright. Honor your word.
Brother...
Take care of him.
You alright?
Lady Qi, you and your men are here in the capital,
it's for the rescue of your husband.
You have him now.
Don't go back on your word.
Thug, you don't deserve it!
You are the bane of the country and the people, drop dead!
Sire, the White Lotus Sect in Shandong is being surrounded.
Once the ordered is received, they will be exterminated. Yours, Helin.
Search!
Yes!
This is one of the sect's hideouts.
Highness, look.
How many dye houses in the capital have this dye?
Chief Wang, it is easy for you to kill me.
But have you spared a thought for your brethren and your dying husband?
Lady Qi...
Shut up!
With the havoc you made today,
the new Nine Gates Infantry Commander
will have checkpoints set up on every gate.
Not to say Qi Lin, none of you can get out of the capital.
You are a high ranking official, together with the Mongolian noble,
we can get away.
His Majesty just passed away.
Sire needs to secure his reign.
He will do anything to eradicate your sect.
What's my life to him?
You have two options.
One, kill all of us.
Then wait for the soldiers to come and kill you all.
You and Chief Qi can die together as a loving couple.
But your headquarters in Shandong will be destroyed by my brother Helin.
None of your brethren will get out alive.
Our brethren won't be cowered by death!
Your bluffing can't save your life!
Kill him...
The other option is to give Qi Lin up.
Others will be spared.
You can live to fight for a comeback.
Brother Qi and I are of one mind and one heart.
We'd rather die trying!
Our headquarters in Shandong is strong.
If Helin can so easily destroy it,
what is he waiting for?
Memorial
This is the memorial he sent Sire.
Have a look.
Your sect has since attracted tens of thousands of followers.
They all have a family.
Chief Wang, for you and your husband to be together,
your brethren have to die for it.
Do you really have the heart to do so?
Yongji Dye House
Cong'er, we live and die a couple.
But I am beyond cure.
Put the sect first.
Brother Qi...
The sect needs you.
We live and die together...
Brother Qi...
Brother...
Chief...
Brother Qi...
Chief...
Highness, mission accomplished.
Prince Jasak is here.
What about the sect?
Highness, no worries.
It's all settled.
There will be no retaliation.
Were it not for your foresight of having Wang Cong'er tailed,
we couldn't have found out where Prince Jasak's hidden so early.
It saved us a lot of time.
You again lured Prince Yonglin away with fake White Lotus members.
Doukou, thank you.
You had a long day.
Dorji is rescued.
Have a good rest after reporting to Sire.
I am sure there will be another thing waiting for me.
Milord...
What is it?
Deputy Minister of Rites Wu Shenglan,
Court of Imperial Stud Minister Li Guangyun
Deputy Minister of War Li Huang,
Senior Deputy Minister of Justice Chen Zengxi and
Junior Deputy Minister of Revenue Cheng Shu,
they all disappeared.
They are all on the record book.
They are all taken away by Liu Yong.
I knew it would happen.
Don't worry. I know what to do.
Sire, greetings.
Highness, greetings.
It's late. What are you looking for?
Let me give you a hand.
I dropped a hairpin. It's no big deal.
Are you looking for this?
Answer me! Have you been taking saffron powder on a regular basis?
That's why you could not conceive?
The bottle was a gift from India.
I gave it to you.
The powder is confirmed to be saffron.
What's your explanation?
Sire, I...
Saffron is not allowed for prescriptions in the palace.
You secretly slipped it into your tonic!
Please forgive me...
It's not saffron. Why did she admit it?
Ling'er, you know I love you the most.
Why?
Be honest with me. Where did you get it?
Procreation is our duty.
You are the royal noble consort.
How could you?
Sire, I failed you.
I did it for a reason.
It was because Her Highness the Empress passed away...
Afire broke out in Qianqing Palace two years ago...
Qianqing Palace
Don't worry. I'll raise him up...
I've since seen Mianning as my own as promised.
If I bore you a child,
it would mean I couldn't love Mianning whole-heartedly.
Not only that, if my own child and Mianning had a row,
I am not sure if I could maintain impartiality.
I did it to ensure Mianning will not suffer in future.
I did it to ensure I could take proper care of Mianning for life.
I did it to honor my promise.
Whatever your reason, you were dishonest with me.
I know it's unpardonable.
Please punish me.
You have denied Sire his chance to procreate.
You are his favorite consort.
You have broken his heart.
You are grounded in Jingren Palace to await further decision.
Sire, your order is carried out.
Prince Jasak is rescued.
He only suffered minor injuries.
He's having a rest and being treated.
What about the White Lotus rebels?
Are they all arrested?
Chief Qi Lin was killed on the spot.
His head is brought back.
Tens of followers were killed.
It's a pity Wang Cong'er slipped away.
I have all gates watched for her arrest.
This fiasco happened because the Justice Ministry botched the transfer.
Suling'a, you are the minister.
The responsibility falls on you.
It's my fault. Please punish me.
Their rescue attempt has made havoc in the capital,
a granary was burnt down.
Yonglin, as the Nine Gates Infantry Commander, you are to blame.
Sire, I failed you. Please punish me.
You are new to the position and inexperienced.
You will be stripped of three month's pay.
Suling'a, you will be stripped of one year's pay.
At ease.
Thank you, Sire.
Sire, after an extensive investigation,
officials suspected of corruption are all arrested.
The trial can begin.
Good!
Convene the Anti-Corruption Council.
Aye.
Deputy Minister of Rites Wu Shenglan,
Minister of Court of Imperial Stud Li Guangyun,
Deputy Minister of War Li Huang,
Senior Deputy Minister of Justice Chen Zengxi,
Junior Deputy Minister of Revenue Cheng Shu
are accused of selling official positions, embezzlement and favouritism.
Wu Shenglan, you and Heshen stole from the fund set for two centenarian feasts.
Li Guangyun, you and Heshen stole from the fund for horses and horse feed.
You bought back limp and sick horses.
Li Huang, you colluded with Heshen to steal from pay and provisions...
Cheng Shu, you cooked the household register to embezzle tax money.
Chen Zengxi, you are the Deputy Minister of Justice...
yet you misappropriated confiscated properties,
and set suspects free for gold.
Do you plead guilty?
It's not true.
I'm framed...
Sire, I am innocent...
Where's the evidence?
You couldn't do it without backing and collusion.
If you confess, you will be granted leniency.
The accusations are not substantiated.
Your Honours, shouldn't you shut them up with concrete evidence?
Sire, I have obtained a record book of their specific bribes.
Sire, please check it out.
Liu Yong, how come the pages are blank?
The Nine Gates Infantry Commander
safeguarded the nine gates of the capital.
They each served specific purposes.
Zhengyang Gate was reserved for the emperor.
Chongwen Gate for wine transportation,
Xuanwu Gate for prisoner deportation,
with the inscription of remorse on it.