You have been after the throne all along.
Don't you think His Majesty knows?
He would never hold you in high regard.
The road to the throne is always covered with blood of the family.
No doubt His Majesty is after me,
but there's not much he can do to me for now.
But you're different.
Any wrong move can kill you instantly.
You're not afraid?
Nonsense! His Majesty is only after you.
As long as I pledge him my loyalty,
he would never abandon me.
I doubt if that's what he thinks.
Prince Yongxing has no ambition,
Prince Yonglin is devoted to him.
Only you have any aspiration to get ahead.
Who else would he suspect?
As a friend, here's my advice to you.
Whether you assist His Majesty
or make your own mark,
be sensible and don't look for trouble.
I'll take my leave now.
He's right!
His Majesty suspects me of conspiring against him.
The rumors inside the Palace will eventually implicate me.
I better catch whoever started the rumors
to clear my own name
and gain His Majesty's trust.
I suspect Father was murdered.
I believe I know who the killer is.
Get up! Thank you, Your Majesty!
You suspect Father was murdered
and you know who did it? You have proof?
Not yet. But rumor has it Changchun, the eunuch who died suddenly
came back to haunt the Palace.
He was connected to Father's death.
Don't be superstitious and believe in rumors.
I didn't believe it at first.
But upon further investigation,
I found out Changchun's roommate Changdong has gone missing.
I believe it's not incidental.
If the rumors is connected to Father,
we must not take it lightly.
Nonsense! We have enough rumors going around already.
Don't fan the fire
or I'll punish you at once.
I only wish to get to the truth
and catch the culprit and share your troubles.
Tell me. Who's behind this?
What's the objective?
The White Lotus Sect.
The White Lotus Sect?
Remember on the eve of the Lunar New Year
Father was almost injured by demonic fire?
The White Lotus Sect is known for such tactics.
Soon after Father was dead,
the White Lotus Sect started a rebellion in the Capital.
Though they failed and got away,
it's possible their accomplice have infiltrated the Palace.
I suspect Changchun or Changdong are from the Sect.
Just think, Father had been very healthy,
but he fell ill suddenly.
Changchun waited on him,
it's likely he poisoned him.
Changchun might be dead,
But his cohorts will bide their chance to make a move on you.
I urge you to be careful.
What do you think I should do?
If Changchun was the source of the rumor,
let's dig into his past
and find out his connection.
Then we go over the details of Father's daily routine for the last 10 days
and look for leads.
I urge you to put me in charge of an investigation.
The Imperial Palace has restricted access,
it may cause inconvenience for me to...
I grant you temporary free access to the Palace
to facilitate your investigation.
But people are running scared.
Tonight's 5-star alignment is not a good sign,
I want to keep this quiet
so no one would make speculations or alert the culprit.
Rest assured I'll be discreet.
I'll soon get to the truth and won't let you down.
Long live the Emperor
Jupiter in the East, Mars in the South,
Saturn at the Center,
Venus in the West, Mercury in the North
will be aligned tonight.
May there be peace and prosperity.
We pray to Heaven for its blessings,
for fair weather and a good harvest,
for good fortune, good health and longevity.
Release the lanterns.
The ceremony went well.
We should be able to rid ourselves of the bad luck of the 5-star alignment.
We should count on ourselves rather than pray for Heaven's blessings.
Why do you say that?
Heaven is benevolent towards all living creatures,
but the human heart is treacherous.
Rather than pray for Heaven's blessings,
we should root out the evildoers instead.
You mean someone is up to no good inside the Palace?
You have any leads on that?
You'll soon find out.
Congratulations, Your Majesty! The ceremony went well.
Let's hope we can clear the air and start afresh.
Let's pray that our luck will change
and everything will go well for us and the people.
I made a wish beforehand
and prayed for the success of tonight's ceremony.
Heaven gave us such favorable weather,
I believe we'll be blessed with affluence and prosperity.
We'll get our wish if we work together.
Work together? That's easier said than done.
Strange things are happening inside the Palace,
and we're unable to curb the rumors in circulation.
Don't worry, I put Yongxuan on it.
Yongxuan is proficient and decisive.
He should soon get to the bottom of it.
To facilitate his investigation,
I have given him access to the Palace.
I hope he won't disturb the harem.
That's nothing compared to stopping the rumors.
Your wish for stability and to build your reputation
is something I'm happy to oblige.
We'll soon catch the rumormonger.
Peace will be restored for Qing.
I brought you lotus heart tea, Sire!
Any update on the fire in Qianqing Palace?
I got nothing out of Cao Goong Goong.
The other eunuchs and maids knew nothing.
I'll keep digging.
Take this away.
Bitterness can clear your head.
You have not been sleeping well lately,
this tea is perfect for calming your nerves.
If my brothers and courtiers are attentive like you,
I'd sleep a lot better.
You flatter me, Sire!
The Royal Noble Consort sent over a sachet.
They say if you place it under your pillow,
you can sleep peacefully till dawn.
It's rose.
Rose is soothing and can calm your nerves.
Her ladyship cares deeply for Your Majesty.
What a shame she's contained inside Jingren Palace
and unable to keep you company and share your troubles.
Pardon me for shooting off my mouth, Sire!
How is Mianning?
He has recovered.
I was worried when I heard about Mianning's illness.
Please punish me for leaving my chamber.
You did it out of love for our son.
I won't punish you.
But don't do it again.
I understand.
Remember how Father told us we should bring up Mianning?
I do.
Make him persevering like a tree,
tenacious like weed.
Love him but not spoil him, cherish but not indulge.
Never make him reliant on anyone.
He's born into royalty, he will become the Emperor and a General.
He will fight on the battlefield and inherit the throne.
If he's pampered each time he's sick
or spoiled like a girl,
how can he fight for his country
and make a man of himself?
The road towards the throne is tough and lonely.
He must overcome all obstacles by himself.
If he relies on anyone,
he may find temporary solace,
but he will lose in the end.
I know we're being harsh on Mianning,
but I had no choice.
You'll never be alone. I'll be there for you
through thick and thin.
I'm pleased to hear that.
If you truly wish to share my troubles,
there's something weighing on my mind...
I urge you not to bother with it.
What is it? Why are your lips sealed?
Please punish me, Your Majesty!
Think it over in Jingren Palace.
What's all the racket?
It's Prince Yongxuan asking about the rumors of the ghost.
Greetings, ladies!
Must be tough being up so early, Your Highness!
That's an overstatement, ladies.
Have you ladies heard the rumor
about the eunuchs Changchun and Changdong?
There are close to 3,000 eunuchs inside the Palace.
They all look the same to me.
No one would remember them if there was no buzz about the Palace being haunted.
I only know they work in Yangxin Hall.
I heard they're good friends.
What have you heard from these minions?
They want to stay out of trouble.
No one has said anything meaningful.
Greetings, Lady Xian!
At ease.
You wish to know about Changchun, Your Highness?
I know a thing or two about him.
What have you heard?
Changdong was heartbroken when Changchun died.
With the Royal Noble Consort's consent,
he scattered his ashes under a plum tree.
He became ill afterwards
and asked for sick leave to return to his hometown.
The Royal Noble Consort gave her consent out of sympathy.
Why did people say he disappeared?
The Palace is in chaos when the state is in mourning.
He should never have been given any leave.
Perhaps the Royal Noble Consort didn't want it known she indulged a minion,
that's why only a few people knew about this.
Thanks for your help. I'll excuse myself.
Are you going to look for Changdong?
Changdong must know something.
That's why he left the Palace under the pretense of an illness.
We must find him.
Aye!
Qiuyue, why are you so sad?
Tell me. Maybe I can help you.
My fellow townsman Changdong
stole jewelry from the Royal Noble Consort.
He said he needed them for an emergency.
He threatened to implicate me if I exposed him.
I was too scared to say anything.
But he disappeared suddenly.
No doubt he ran off with the stolen goods.
I'd be dead if the theft was discovered.
Grand Secretary Ji, you're resourceful, please help me.
If Changdong went into hiding,
it'll be impossible to trace him.
His family lives in the Capital,
you're the Grand Secretary,
if you dispatch your men, I'm sure you'll find him.
I'll do anything to repay you.
Alright... I'll see what I can do.
Prince Yongxuan started his investigation on Changchun early in the morning.
If he can prove His Majesty poisoned the late Emperor,
why would His Majesty put him in charge?
Prince Yongxuan is impulsive and irritable.
Even if His Majesty won't let him,
he'd still conduct his own investigation.
Might as well put him in charge
and then improvise if and when he uncovers anything.
Brilliant! You read His Majesty's mind.
It's just human nature.
Prince Yongxuan may not be able to prove His Majesty poisoned the late Emperor
but that is enough to make him panic.
One who panics will give himself away.
To avoid exposure,
His Majesty will take on Prince Yongxuan.
Who stands to benefit from their quarrel?
If Prince Yongxuan is struck down,
who will take over his military power?
Yonglin is His Majesty most trusted brother.
He'd be His Majesty's first choice.
You think of everything.
You have high hopes for Prince Yonglin's future.
But he's His Majesty real brother.
It won't be easy for him to betray His Majesty.
Maybe not right away.
But in time, who knows?
With your help, it'll be twice as easy.
You flatter me.
I sent someone to spread rumors of His Majesty's patricide.
When the word reaches the Palace,
not only will it ruin His Majesty's reputation,
he'll probably lose his throne.
Yonglin is big on filial piety.
If he should suspect His Majesty,
It'll be easy to drive a wedge between them.
Let me feel out Yonglin
and then we'll think of a plan.
Thank you, Your Highness!
I have a true story for you.
You might be silenced after you hear this.
Do you still want to know?
Yes!
Applaud if you wish to hear it.
Bravo...
Have you heard of a rich man by the name Shen Baiwan?
Everyone knows he's the richest tea merchant in town.
But he's also a miser.
Exactly!
He even haggles with his own children.
While he wines and dines
his family only live on plain congee and steamed buns.
How selfish...
I heard he choked to death lately.
He deserved what he got.
The best part is yet to come.
Shen Baiwant didn't choke to death.
How did he die?
His son Shen Shiwu poisoned him.
Really?
Are you sure?
Exactly!
Believe it or not!
As soon as Shen Baiwant was dead,
Shen Shiwu took over all his father's assets
and endless fame and fortune.
Tell me, who stands to gain the most?
He can't kill his own father!
He won't be born without him!
Exactly!
You haven't seen anything yet.
Things like this happen all the time.
Especially inside the Palace.
Just like Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty.
After all, there's only one emperor.
Had the late Emperor lived on,
how long will the current Emperor have to wait his turn
and come to power?
Are you implying...
How dare you badmouth His Majesty!
Your Highness, he's just a scoundrel.
Don't listen to him.
Don't blow this out of proportion.
Excitement will only make the rumor circulate even faster.
Xianfu Palace
Storytellers are circulating rumors
that imply Your Majesty is guilty of patricide.
This slanderous accusation is punishable by death.
Grand Secretary Ji, why didn't you arrest the storyteller?
I was with Prince Yonglin.
I wish to let sleeping dogs lie
and conduct an investigation privately.
Then I realized the rumor has already spread throughout the Capital.
It appears there's more than one rumormonger
No doubt it's one of Heshen's tricks.
How could you not have noticed?
I have now become disloyal and treacherous.
Please punish us for our ineptness.
I don't want you to apologize.
I need you to resolve it quickly.
Please get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
We must punish the rumormonger.
Behead him as a warning to others.
That's exactly what Heshen wanted.
If there's no truth in the storyteller's tale,
why bother to react by killing anyone?
I agree.
If people think Your Majesty is ruthless,
then we open the state granary to the people
to divert attention and gain their trust.
People won't easily believe
whatever vicious rumors Heshen intends to spread.
Right! Since we have no other solutions,
we'll take Ji Xiaolan's suggestion.
As you wish, Sire!
Heshen, I won't let you get away with your tricks.
Heshen's Mansion
Master, Madam Mei,
Patricide by His Majesty has spread throughout the Capital.
It is now the talk of the town.
People are wishing for retribution on His Majesty.
His Majesty will panic and lower taxes or open the state granary
in order to restore the people's trust.
It take years to gain the people's trust.
But you can lose it overnight.
It's not easy to be a sage emperor.
Even if Prince Yongxuan can find Changdong,
the whole incident won't just go away.
Don't you find it rather odd that
Prince Yongxuan wants to find Changdong?
What's worrying you?
His Majesty is ruthless enough to take out Changchun's entire family.
Why would he spare a potential threat like Changdong?
You're right! That is suspicious.
When we looked into Changchun's death,
nobody knew about Changdong.
But as soon as Prince Yongxuan took over,
Changdong's name came up.
I found out in less than 3 days after Changchun died,
Changdong applied for sick leave and left the Palace.
What do you think?
It's rather odd, but not targeted at you.
Since His Majesty thinks so highly of Prince Yongxuan,
let's just wait and see
how Prince Yongxuan settles the matter.
Very well, let's follow the will of Heaven.
Yuan Bao, report back to me as soon as you find Changdong.
Yes!
Have you heard from Helin?
Not yet.
Relax! He's a veteran on the battlefield
and you already tipped him off.
He'll manage to dodge Fuchang'an.
Luckily Helin has control of the army
that's why His Majesty didn't make a move on me.
You two have been through thick and thin.
You'll win any war as long as you stand united.
Commander, I searched the nearby area.
Still no sign of General Helin.
That's outrageous!
He's at large and we don't have his seal.
What should we do now?
Tell me, where is Helin!
I don't know!
What about you?
He got word the White Lotus Sect is starting trouble nearby,
he went after them.
Fine! Lead the way.
Aye!
How much longer?
Where is Helin?
I... already told you,
it's just up ahead.
Please follow me...
Watch out!
Any word from Yongxuan?
His Highness is looking for Changdong.
I knew it. He's eager to prove himself.
Your Majesty, I noticed someone else is also looking for Changdong.
Who?
Grand Secretary Ji.
Ji Xiaolan? Why is he involved?
I'm still trying to find out.
Get on it right away.
Aye!
It's getting very interesting.
Changdong, there you are!
How did you find me?
I've been looking all over for you.
Why did you bring me here?
I haven't done anything.
Relax! Someone wanted me to ask you something.
I won't hurt you.
I don't know anything...
Why are you hiding in a farmhouse?
Tell me, maybe I can help you...
Take him away!
Aye!
Greetings, Your Highness!
Hello!
Greetings, Your Highness!
Hello, Granny Fang.
Greetings, Mother!
At ease.
You look dispirited. Are you ill?
I couldn't sleep last night.
It's not just last night.
Her Ladyship has not been able to sleep lately.
She wakes up from nightmares all the time.
How can she be well?
Be quiet!
I'm just worried about you.
Why didn't you summon the doctor?
What's troubling you?
I dreamt of your Father every night.
He was either depressed or
bleeding from his nose and mouth.
Sometimes he wept as if he had a major grievance.
How can I possibly sleep well?
You must missed him terribly.
I understand. I missed him too.
Of course I missed him.
But the dreams seem to imply something else.
He was in tears and bleeding from the nose and mouth.
Maybe there's more to his death.
It's becoming very unsettling.
You're having nightmares because of the rumors.
They accused His Majesty of patricide.
How can you possibly believe that?
It's hard to say when it comes to the human heart.
I grew up with His Majesty.
He's both filial and loyal.
He's incapable of such atrocity.
Things change with their contexts.
He's your own brother and shared everything with you.
But now he's the Emperor.
Even if he committed a crime,
would you dare tell it to his face?
I believe in him and won't be affected by the rumors.
Let's put an end to the subject.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
It's boring to practice by yourself.
Get up! Thank you, Your Majesty!
Let's see if you have regressed.
But...
Shut up and don't let me win.
Aye!
Your Majesty!
Your Highness!
You're dismissed!
Aye!
You're my equal in brains and brawn.
You fell for it because you used your eyes and not your heart.
Don't believe everything you see
let alone what you hear.
You mean...
Yonglin, what is wavering?
The flags?
Wrong! Your heart.
I must take over after Father passed on.
But those with ill intent spread vicious rumors
to undermine me.
As long as you remain resolute
you won't be deceived
and fall into someone's trap.
I remain loyal and devoted to you.
I won't go easy on anyone who frames you.
Just like I'd go after whoever harmed Father.
I'll be fair with anyone or anything.
I'm so glad to hear that.
Qianqing Palace
For your benevolence over the years,
I promised to help His Majesty run the state.
Heshen, I covered for you long enough.
From now on, you're on your own.
I'll do my best.
I won't be daunted, even in death.
What a shame I'm unable to keep my word.
His Majesty the Emperor...
Greetings, Your Majesty!
We're sending Father away tomorrow.
Your devotion to him surprised me.
His benevolence was tantamount to giving me a second life.
I'm truly grateful to him.
After tomorrow's ceremony,
Your Majesty can focus on State affairs without any distractions.
I will, until the evildoers are put away.
Rest assured I'll eradicate them all.
Water that is too clear has no fish.
Man who is too observant has no friends.
Firm with self and lenient with others
had always been the late Emperor's policy.
To go against that
may incur fear and anxiety among courtiers
affect their work
and is disrespectful.
Disrespectful?
Because you instigated Father
to make all decisions even after his abdication,
so you and your clique can continue to pursue personal gains
and interfere with State affairs.
I would have put you away a long time ago.
Please don't be angry.
The late Emperor was decisive.
He would never let a minion like me to interfere.
He abdicated because he wanted a new aspect for the Court.
What a shame iron failed to turn into steel.
Father wanted to groom me.
But you drove a wedge between us.
He indulged you and became partial.
The tea is ready.
Good!
How dare you, Heshen!
This ring is a tribute from Joseon.
How dare you keep it for yourself!
Please contain your anger, Your Majesty!
You're quite mistaken.
I gave him this ring.
That's right, Your Majesty!
His leniency only bred insatiable greed from a minion like you.
I will do my best
to bring new heights to Qing
and am willing to do so at all costs.
I know it's not an antidote.
Because you poisoned me.
You're definitely not muddle-headed.
Such a heinous crime requires planning and guts.
Yongyan, looks like you're ready.
I must step aside.
Father said the road to the throne is tough and lonely.
I'm prepared to deal with all obstacles.
As long as I rid traitors and fawning courtiers,
and ensure the great Qing will go on for many generations to come,
I have no fear or reservations.
I'm glad you have such high ambitions.
Let this fire keep on burning.
Heshen, you better watch it!
Your Late Majesty, His Majesty seems bent on his plan,
I have nothing more to say.
For the benevolence you have shown me, ,
I'm equally bent on finding the culprit who poisoned you.
Even if it will incur His Majesty's wrath, I will not back off.
You can't take this much longer.
Better speak up now.
What happened before Changchun died?
Speak up!
Changchun was my roommate.
One night, he coughed up blood...
He did?
He told me he took a sip of the late Emperor's butter tea.
His Majesty personally served it to the late Emperor.
Changchung jokingly said maybe he didn't deserve it.
You're sure it's related to the butter tea?
Changchun was so busy at work,
he hasn't eaten for hours.
Other than coughing up blood,
what else was wrong with him?
He said a red line showed up on his arm.
But I didn't see it.
After a few days, they said he died of the plague.
Why did you run away?
Because I scattered his ashes onto a plum tree in the Palace.
The tree withered in a few days.
I was so scared I begged the Royal Noble Consort to grant me sick leave.
Then I was kidnapped but I got away.
And then I ran into you, Your Highness.
If His Majesty served the butter tea
and Changchun died under dubious circumstances afterwards,
you suppose...
Who kidnapped you?
I don't know.
Someone wanted to silence him.
Luckily I found him first.
What's so urgent?
I found the truth about Changchun's connection to Father's death.
What truth?
I found Changdong. Bring him in.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Changdong is good friends with Changchun.
It hasn't been easy to locate him.
Changdong, do you know the truth about the late Emperor's death?
He was poisoned.
By whom?
I dare not say.
Speak up. Everyone here will help you.
Who poisoned the late Emperor... he did.
After Emperor Yongzheng,
the sealed box that contained the name of the designated heir
was placed behind this tablet in Qianqing Palace.
Qianqing Palace was destroyed by fire time and again.
The worst one took place in Year 2 of the Jiaqing Era.
The current Qianqing Palace was rebuilt from that fire.