Changchun, you planted this tree.
May you rest in peace under your favorite tree.
From now on you will be accompanied by flowers and leaves,
and never be lonely again.
The plum blossom tree brings bad luck.
Nonsense!
Your Majesty, there have been rumors saying the plum blossom tree suddenly died
because a vengeful spirit is lingering around the tree.
What are your thoughts on this?
I heard the deceased was a eunuch named Changchun who died from disease.
One day he was serving His Late Majesty, he suddenly coughed up blood and died.
His ashes were buried under the plum blossom tree.
Everything has a spirit.
Both Changchun and the plum blossom tree died in an unusual way.
Your Majesty, do you sense anything when you stand before the tree?
What is the truth behind Changchun's death?
The palace is quiet, but not haunted.
Everything starts from the core.
The plum blossom tree died because the core and roots rotted away.
Xiaodezi, take the tree out and burn it to avoid further trouble.
It's time to put an end to all rumors.
Aye.
No, leave me alone! You must not disturb His Majesty.
I meant you no harm...
Xiaodezi.
Your Majesty.
What happened?
Aeunuch woke up from a nightmare and started babbling nonsense.
I shall be punished for disturbing you, Your Majesty.
What is your name?
My name is Changman.
What did you dream about?
No, the ghost was real, not a dream.
I woke up and saw the vengeful spirit of my deceased roommate Changchun.
Nonsense!
Your Majesty, I'm telling the truth!
Shut up!
Take that hoaxer out and slap him!
Aye.
Please have mercy, Your Majesty...
On my command, anyone who tries to spread fallacies
or worship without permission will be given fifty lashes.
Aye.
Xiaodezi, this seems rather odd. There must be someone behind it.
See if Heshen has anything to do with it. Stop him at all costs.
Aye.
Here comes His Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
You came at the perfect time. Would you like to join me for breakfast?
No, I'm catching a chill and losing my appetite.
Sit down.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The chili is less of a concern.
I'm afraid someone is stirring up trouble and disturbing your peace of mind.
I heard a eunuch saw a ghost last night. There was a rumpus outside the study.
Is that so?
There is no secret in the palace.
That eunuch was not the only one.
More than ten eunuchs claimed they had encounters with ghosts.
I wonder if Shoukang Palace is haunted too.
Those ghost encounters were fabricated.
Someone has been spreading rumors and causing panic in the palace,
which is why I came.
Since Xiaoherui is grounded, I need your help to look into this matter.
Rest assured that I will do my best.
The harem is managed by Lady Xiaoherui. No one is in charge now.
How long will she be grounded?
I will make a decision after the memorial service.
The explosion in Qianqing Palace took my empress's life and traumatized me.
Do you remember what happened that night?
Yes. His Late Majesty promised to join me for a drink at sunset,
but he didn't show up.
An explosion occurred in Qianqing Palace that night.
Father didn't show up? Do you know why?
He explained to me that he was busy working.
Why did you bring it up?
It's a serious matter after all.
I wasn't there to witness it. I'd like to know more.
Your Majesty, Prince Mianning has a cough and a fever,
but no one can convince him to take his medicine.
Mianning is spoiled rotten. I'll go and have a look.
I'd love to visit him too.
Here comes His Majesty and Lady Ying.
Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Lady Ying.
Rise.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How's Mianning?
Prince Mianning has a cold,
but he is averse to bitter taste and won't to take his medicine.
A prince can't be afraid of bitter taste. Mianning, take your medicine.
No, I want Mother to feed me.
Children need more attention when they are sick.
Right, let me feed him.
Be a good boy and take your medicine.
No!
You broke my music box!
Highness.
I hate you! I hate you!
Mianning, mind your manners!
Was the music box a gift from Lady Heshen?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The music box could produce sounds. Prince Mianning liked it very much.
Heshen's Mansion
I've been busy running around since His Late Majesty's death.
How has everyone been?
All good. Uncle Quan and I are here. You have nothing to worry about.
Thank you for taking care of everything all these years.
I don't know what I'd do without you.
You're all set.
Master! Madam Mei!
Uncle Quan?
Madam Mei.
Lady Ying sent a messenger.
The music box from Madam Mei is broken and needs to be fixed.
Amazing! You fixed it!
Such minor damage was easy to fix.
The music box has been fixed. Now be a good boy and take your medicine.
No.
Then I'll ask Lady Heshen to take the music box away.
No!
Highness, let me talk to him.
They will notice you are faking a cough.
You don't have a cough, but you look unwell.
If you take your medicine, I will keep my mouth shut.
I will also take you to see your mother.
Really?
You have taken your medicine. Now get some rest and break a sweat.
I'm impressed, Lady Heshen.
Since His Late Majesty's death, many strange things have happened.
The withered plum blossom tree, the ghost encounters,
and then Mianning fell ill.
Nothing seems to be going right.
There are rumors going around
saying the Forbidden City is haunted and undergoing a troubled year.
Some even say His Majesty's misconduct brings disasters.
Outrageous! Whoever defames His Majesty should be put to death immediately!
Rumors cause panic. I'm afraid the public might be deceived.
Gossip and rumors are hard to verify,
but those having a clear conscience will be blessed.
Today is Day 8 of the Lunar New Year. There will be a mercy release ritual.
Perhaps Heaven will feel our goodwill and help us overcome any hardship.
I heard Lady Xiaoherui is grounded and forbidden to join the release ritual.
What happened?
His Majesty always favors Lady Xiaoherui. She must have made a serious mistake.
Grounding is a relatively mild punishment. Others would have been banished already.
Do you know the story?
Greetings, Lady Ying.
Rise.
Thank you, Lady Ying.
Stop spreading gossip. There has been enough trouble lately.
Be careful what you say and do. Don't add further burden to His Majesty.
Yes, Lady Ying.
Through this mercy release,
may you all live a full span and be reborn in the Pure Land.
May the Great Qing prosper and thrive through generations.
Release!
It's a bad sign.
I shall go and have a look, Your Majesty.
A spirit has come to haunt us.
What a troubled year indeed.
Your Majesty, all pigeons dropped dead without apparent symptoms.
This is serious.
Don't panic.
A mercy release turned out to be a disaster. Amitabha.
The Son of Heaven is rewarded or punished for his merits and demerits.
Why did Heaven reject our offer of mercy?
Heshen, why did you say that?
Love is all around, but the heart is deceitful above all things.
All these disasters are not natural but man-made.
Prince Yonglin is right. They ought to be man-made.
In that case, I shall find the culprit.
Xianfu Palace
Your Majesty, I examined the dead pigeons.
The infected flock was startled and exhausted by the sudden release.
They crashed into each other and caused the disaster.
You may go now.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Who was in charge of the pigeons for the mercy release?
Your Majesty, it's my duty to manage the Forbidden City.
I was in charge of the mercy release.
Did you examine the pigeons beforehand?
Yes, Your Majesty.
They were in good health and had no symptoms.
In good health? Then why did they drop dead?
You breached your duty and caused their deaths!
This is a man-made disaster!
I'm guilty of breach of duty!
You breached your duties as Minister of Imperial Household
and turned a blessing into a curse.
Give him thirty lashes as his punishment!
Do it!
Aye!
Prince Consort made a misjudgment, but he has always been dutiful.
Please have mercy on him.
Heshen, what do you think?
Breach of duty cannot be treated lightly.
Honourable Liu's nephew set an example.
My son has made a mistake and deserves to be punished.
The law makes no exception for father-son, emperor-subject,
and friend-friend relationships.
No one can evade punishment.
Heshen, today I will teach your son how to be a loyal subject.
Don't stop!
Anyone who tries to arouse controversy over
today's incident will be punished severely.
Aye...
I will bear your words in mind.
The guilty cannot hide. Wickedness must be punished.
Even in the emperor-subject relationship.
Director Sun.
Prince Yongxing.
I asked you if His Late Majesty's death would conflict with the mercy release.
You said it would be fine if the ritual was performed at the auspicious time.
It turned out to be a curse. Do you realize what you have done?
Please calm down, Prince Yongxing.
We did all that we could, but humans have no control over fate.
Heaven manifests signs of fortune and misfortune.
The 5-star alignment tonight is not a good sign.
Mercy release cannot prevent disasters.
There is no way to escape fate?
Heaven hears a sincere heart.
Today is Day 8 of the Lunar New Year. The stars align between 23:00 and 01:00.
I suggest performing worship to the stars to pray for peace in our land.
Be sure not to cause any trouble this time.
Aye.
Prince Yongxing, such devotion is admirable.
How is your son's injury?
Thank you for your concern. He is recuperating at home.
You must be here to consult Director Sun about the moving of His Late Majesty.
Excuse me.
From what I heard, you are an expert in divination.
Are you talking about those rumors of a ghost?
Yes.
I haven't heard the whole story. What exactly happened?
I heard Changchun caught a disease. Later on his whole family was killed.
His ghost came back to the palace to seek revenge.
There is always a reason behind everything.
A clear and innocent conscience fears nothing.
I have a question. Who would ghosts fear?
You mean the culprit is...
Yes.
Qianqing Palace
There are rumors accusing His Majesty. Is that true?
Someone has been stirring up trouble. Ghosts are not fearful, gossip is.
His Majesty is our own brother. Do you not know him well enough?
Everything was good when Father was alive.
With him gone, nothing seems to be going right.
His Majesty will be performing worship at Jinshui Bridge to pray for peace tonight.
If His Majesty confesses his sins, Heaven will hear him.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
This cup...
It was used by His Late Majesty.
I have created a list of His Late Majesty's possessions
to be buried along with him or given away before the memorial service.
What about this cup?
His Late Majesty always drank butter tea during the New Year.
His last cup of tea was served in this cup.
I hope you will let me keep it as a personal remembrance.
Looking at this cup, I have the feeling that he's still alive.
You served butter tea to His Late Majesty as a dutiful son.
But it all happened so fast. All of a sudden we went into mourning.
It's just so sad.
Life is unpredictable. The unexpected always happens.
Looks like my father's possessions don't belong with you.
Heshen's Mansion
Be careful. You shouldn't be going anywhere.
Right, your wounds may start to bleed again.
Imperial Household and Intelligence Bureau need me to handle things, so I must go.
Look what His Majesty did to you. You should be resting at home.
If there is an emergency, someone else can handle it.
Madam Mei...
Right, the physician ordered bed rest.
If you don't follow the physician's order, your wounds won't heal.
I'm fine.
They must have gone easy on you. You can still walk after thirty lashes.
I'd even crawl my way back under His Majesty's command
and bring all corrupt officials to justice.
That's the spirit.
Spare the rod and spoil the child. No wonder you were punished harshly.
His Majesty didn't punish me for my mistake.
He just wanted to warn those stirring up trouble and disturbances.
We are responsible for our own actions.
In the absence of evidence, he vented his anger on you.
Is that what a wise emperor would do?
A son is responsible for his father's debts.
If I could wash away your sins with my life, I would gladly do so.
Do whatever you want.
You stubborn...
Shuangshuang, Heshen brought this miracle cure for wounds from Yunnan.
Please tell him I said thank you.
Let him get plenty of rest.
Your Honor, Doukou is not here.
Please give her this.
It boosts energy and blood production. She will recover faster.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Honourable Heshen asked me to give you this.
He said get some rest.
True love is priceless. A promise made is a debt unpaid.
Only tears and blood are left. Love brings nothing but sorrow.
Helin's camp is only 50 miles ahead.
Stop.
Any discovery?
To the east.
Helin, how have you been?
I'm surprised to see you on a day out hunting.
I'm surprised too.
You are still using the positioning method Grand Secretary Heshen taught you.
Wouldn't it be easy for your enemy to catch you?
Fuxi lies in the east and King Wen lies in the south.
How would my enemy know if I use Fuxi or King Wen?
Good point.
It's been a while. Let's go back to the camp for a drink.
Sure.
Cheers...
I don't remember when was the last time we fought alongside and drank together.
If His Majesty hadn't called for you, who knows when we would meet again?
His Majesty called for me?
To reward you for wiping out White Lotus Sect.
Wealth and power are coming your way. Don't ever forget me.
I might have won a few battles, but White Lotus is still around.
I dare not claim any rewards until Wang Conger is caught.
In fact, Mingliang deserves a lot of credit.
True. Mingliang was invincible when he fought alongside my brother.
He must have been a great help to you.
You flatter me.
I couldn't have done it without Viceroy Helin.
As a reward, Grand Secretary Heshen asked me to bring your favorite snack.
He did?
Pine nuts?
He really knows me well. They pair perfectly with wine.
I brought Shaoxing wine from the capital.
Bring the wine!
You have traveled a long way. Why don't you settle down in the camp?
I need to take care of a few things. We will catch up over drinks tonight.
Let's get drunk tonight.
Sure. Please.
Your Honor, you have declined His Majesty's offer a few times.
You shouldn't let His Majesty down again.
My brother sent pine nuts as a warning. If I go, I'll be in trouble.
I am allergic to pine nuts. I almost died from an allergic reaction.
Of course Fuchang'an doesn't know the story.
What are you going to do?
It's going well. Helin doesn't suspect a thing.
Helin and I used to be like brothers, but it's been many years.
I'm here under His Majesty's command. Who knows if he still trusts me?
You mean...
Delay no more. Catch him tonight.
Chief.
How is Brother Xie?
The wound is quite deep. It will take some time to heal.
I feel much better. Thank you all for taking care of me.
We couldn't have fled without your help. You are our guest of honor.
White Lotus Sect is on a mission to save the world.
I will do anything to help you even if it costs me my life.
You said you were a member of Heaven and Earth Society. Why did you quit?
I joined the Society to fight for our people's well-being,
but their members only care about money.
The Way of Heaven is just a gimmick to attract attention and wealth.
They are no different from those corrupt officials.
Since we have different beliefs, I choose to stick to my own.
Their chiefs all have an axe to grind. They are known by their misdoings.
We never associate with them.
I heard last year a member named Ma Zhizhong
revealed that they scammed people for money.
The Society hunted him down.
Do you know that man?
Ma Zhizhong? It doesn't ring a bell.
But I had a drinking companion named Feng Zhizhong.
He held his liquor really well. We could talk about anything.
If you still have doubts, feel free to ask me any questions.
I'll tell you everything I know.
You risked your life to save ours. I really appreciate it.
But those sly dogs tricked our former chief.
We have to be careful not to repeat the mistake.
I understand.
You seem to be recovering well. I'll have someone escort you back tomorrow.
What are you doing?
I fell into a trap and lost my family. I have nothing left to live for.
Can I join your sect to save our people from corruption?
But you betrayed your comrades. How can we trust you?
They compete against each other instead of supporting each other.
I didn't want to become one of them.
During my recuperation, I could feel your solidarity,
which is why I want to stay here.
Please let me join your sect.
Get up, Brother Xie.
We would be honored to have you.
Brother Xie, you can help White Lotus grow.
You will infiltrate Heaven and Earth Society as Xie Jingcheng.
If anyone plots a rebellion, inform me immediately.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I incited Wang Niansun and Wang Yinzi
to impeach Heshen and serve as a model for others.
I wrote folklores and poems about Heshen's misdeeds to incite public anger.
Good.
During the Yellow River flood two years ago, Zheng Jinshi in Weifang, Shandong,
submitted a memorial impeaching Helin for embezzling disaster relief funds,
but it was intercepted by Heshen. Zheng has Helin's forged documents.
Minister Chen is on his way to Shandong to search for the forged documents
as evidence against Helin and prove that Heshen was behind it.
All is ready. Just wait for Helin's return. Those two's days are numbered.
Your Majesty, Prince Yongxuan asks to see you.
Gentlemen, the matter is settled. You all may step out.
Excuse us, Your Majesty...
This is a newly invented Western matchlock. I'd like to give it to you.
You have always favored Western firearms. Why are you giving me this rare treasure?
Treasures are just objects.
I value the emperor-subject relationship and brotherhood more than anything.
Allow me to show you my loyalty and share your burden.
We are in need of talent, and I appreciate your loyalty.
What do you reckon?
Yongxing was assigned to Anti-corruption Council,
but he is obsessed with divination and unmotivated at work.
I wish to take over from him.
I see.
Well, Yonglin is bearing a heavy burden as Nine Gates Infantry Commander.
If you need someone to share his workload, I'll be at your service.
I see your devotion. Please replace Yongxing
in supervision of the cemetery construction and the memorial service.
This is your chance to show your devotion. It serves a dual purpose, doesn't it?
You're not going to let me down, are you?
As you wish, Your Majesty.
Consider it a test. If you do well, there will be ample opportunity.
Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't let you down.
I'm counting on you.
Excuse me, Your Majesty.
Grand Secretary Heshen, you came at the right time.
Greetings, Prince Yongxuan. What can I do for you?
His Majesty put me in supervision of the cemetery construction
and the memorial service.
I heard you've been copying sutras for my father.
They will be useful at the memorial service.
I see. I will have someone deliver the sutras to your residence.
Prince Yongxuan, congratulations on being nominated by His Majesty.
My father was a respectable emperor. His memorial service is a great event.
I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve His Majesty.
Of course. The duties of Prince Yongxing
and Prince Yonglin are much less important.
You are in the most privileged position.
Stop sowing discord.
There has been some misunderstanding, but His Majesty and I are blood-related.
You see, time has changed. You're just a formerly favored minister.
His Majesty detests you for your misdeeds.
Wherever your career is going, I'm worried about your safety.
I think I can manage.
What I find amusing is that you hardly realize the danger ahead.
Most of the time,
is the relationship between the emperor and his brothers hostile or loving?
The closest blood relative is the closest subject to death.
Do you think His Majesty doesn't notice you've been eying the throne?
Why would he trust you?
The way to the throne is paved on blood.
It's true that His Majesty detests me, but there's little he can do.
Your situation is different.
One mistake can cost you your life. You're not worried at all?
Honourable Heshen.
Greetings, Lady Ying.
You believe His Late Majesty didn't die of natural causes.
He was killed by His Majesty, and this cup is your proof?
There is no solid proof,
but I believe we can restore the truth through a painstaking investigation.
Like how this ceramic cup was restored.
If His Majesty is vicious like you say, you are just like him.
You created disturbances to prove His Majesty's misconduct.
Unfortunately, you overlooked one thing.
Your son was made a scapegoat.
Release!
This pigeon whistle is amazing.
Chang Mei bought it from the West. It produces a unique sound
that causes pigeons to crash into each other and fall to the ground.
Due to this tragedy, His Majesty is eager to perform worship to the stars tonight.
It's another good chance to humiliate him.
Highness, Prince Yonglin seems to be a loyal subject.
If you want to give him a leg up, let's sound him out and work out a strategy.
Good.
Where are they?
I put knockout drops in the wine. They should have passed out.
Tell them to search for Helin!
Yes, Your Honor.
Come with me!
If my brother hadn't opened Chongwen Gate, you couldn't have fled the capital.
It's time to return the favor.
Heshen did save our lives, but you almost annihilated our sect in Shandong.
How do we call it even?
That's the harsh reality of war. White Lotus is a rebel sect.
If I hadn't been going easy on you people, you wouldn't have survived till now.
Nothing is free. What do you want us to do?
What I want is simple.
Go back to the capital and stir up turbulence.
We had a narrow escape from death. Now you want us to go back and get slain?
What will we get in return?
In return, you will get Xiangyang, Dangyang, Jingzhou, Junzhou, and Zhushan.
Given room to advance or retreat, you'll be able to settle down.
Fine, we have a deal.
With blessings from our forefathers above,
the soul of the universe will ward off bad omens.
May the Great Qing prosper and thrive through generations.
Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.
You may tell me tomorrow. Step out.
Please listen to me, Your Majesty.
Many strange things have happened. There are rumors about a vengeful spirit.
I suspect that Father was murdered. I think I know who did it.