What are you doing here?
Your brother sent me.
What did he say?
Because of you, he placed dynamite in Ziguang Pavilion,
to blow up His Majesty.
What? He...
Unfortunately there was a leak and His Majesty is still alive.
He ordered a full investigation to catch those who planted the dynamite.
Everyone in the Palace is running scared.
It'll be impossible for Heshen to detach himself.
To save you, he's willing to die with His Majesty.
If His Majesty should find any evidence,
I'm afraid your entire family will perish.
You're the only one who can salvage the situation.
Take it easy!
No!
Be quiet!
Let's go!
As long as my brother is safe, I'll do anything.
Helin
I'll take the rap for all the charges.
You're a brave man.
Here's a toast to you.
Any messages for your brother?
You should leave.
Good bye!
No, I didn't kill Helin.
Day 14 of the Lunar New Year
No? Who else wanted him dead other than the darn Emperor?
Who knew about the story of the black-bone chicken?
You, Fuchang'an!
Yes, I persuaded him to take his life
and signed the confession.
If I hadn't, you'll be dead.
Fuchang'an, you miserable rat!
You'll pay for Helin's life with your own.
Yes, I'm afraid to die, aren't you?
You kept saying you want to save Helin.
But will you die for him?
He sacrificed his life to help you.
If you do this, he'll never rest in peace.
He told me as long as it's helpful to you,
he was willing to do anything.
With a brother like that, what more can you ask for?
Get out! Don't ever let me see you again.
As usual, I'll race you to the top.
The loser will buy dinner.
I'll make you pay my way.
Year 3 of the Jiaqing Era
You're awesome. I'm younger, more experienced in battle,
stronger and have more stamina,
yet you still managed to beat me.
Whatever you do, you need more than strength.
Use your brain.
That's cheating!
All's fair in war.
You're on an expedition to Shandong against the White Lotus Sect,
use your head before you use your muscles.
Don't waste your effort by engaging them.
I see. I'm afraid I won't be back for a reunion on New Year's Eve.
I'll wait for your triumphant return,
and have Uncle Quan prepare a black-bone chicken feast for you.
You have a deal.
I looked after you two for decades.
I thought you'd bury me.
I didn't expect to bury him first.
By now, Helin's confession
should have reached Jiaqing.
I also made sure no one would find out
I was ever inside the prison.
Heshen may be brilliant,
but he would never have guessed
the person who killed his brother
is the woman who shares his bed.
Even if we can save Helin this time,
he'll be on the run for life.
Only his life can ensure the safety of the whole family.
Where's the letter Mudan gave you?
Madam Heshen, I have a question.
Heshen's plans are often flawless.
How did His Majesty find out about the dynamite in Ziguang Pavilion?
The leak came from you?
I left Fengshen-Yinde an anonymous letter
telling him about the dynamite.
He would rush to the Palace to rescue His Majesty.
I arranged for assassins to ambush us,
so I can get ditch Liu Quan and the servants.
I pretended to be injured by the assassins
and rush home to stop Master from leaving. What happened?
By then, Mudan would have handed you the letter.
You would have followed my plan
and persuaded Helin at the Court of Judicial Review to confess.
Then I sent someone to intercept Fengshen-Yinde and Zhu Gui
so you'll have more time with Helin.
By the time Master arrived, it was all over. Helin, don't leave me!
Though Helin is dead,
at least Master is safe for now.
I must hand it to you, it was a flawless plan.
But I still don't understand
why did you stop Heshen from assassinating His Majesty?
He needs planning if he takes on His Majesty.
It can't be an act of impulse.
Recklessness won't achieve anything.
I don't want him to go to battle unprepared.
You're not worried he'll come after you when he found out?
As his wife,
I'll do whatever is good for him and have no regrets.
So be it if he hates me or wants to kill me.
I would have been blown to bits if it hadn't been for you.
You're my life saver.
I will not bite the hand that feeds me.
We should help each other out from now on.
We're in the same boat just this once.
Now the boat has reached shore,
we go our separate ways.
Helin is dead when I reached the jail.
I found this signed confession next to him,
admitting the crimes of blowing up the dam,
misappropriated the food for flood victims,
deployed prisoners and hoarded land and food
Shen Chu gave his life to pass me the evidence against Helin.
Now, the evidence is useless to me.
Why? Why can Heshen beat me in every move?
I was unable to bring the evidence sooner.
I beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty!
I was unable to stop Helin from committing suicide,
please punish me, Your Majesty.
The Prince Consort was attacked on his way to the Court of Judicial Review.
Obviously someone knew he was going there.
Your Majesty, something is fishy.
Helin signed a confession in jail.
Someone must have put him to it.
Did the person who instigated Helin
also ambushed the Prince Consort?
Did Heshen do this?
I interrogated the prison guards.
They passed out after inhaling smoke.
Nobody knew what happened.
Whoever it was knew about Helin's death and Heshen's plan.
Fengshen-Yinde, keep digging until you catch this person.
Aye!
Get up!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Helin's death must be devastating to Heshen.
This is the best time to go after him.
Losing Helin's military power will be a major setback for Heshen.
At least we gained something.
Heshen tried to kill me.
Please contain your anger, Sire!
Fengshen-Yinde, how did you find out about the dynamite in Ziguang Pavilion?
I received an anonymous tip.
I had my doubts, but I dared not ignore it.
I searched Ziguang Pavilion and found the dynamite.
I was just about to interrogate the staff.
Kill anyone who looks suspicious.
There's no need to interrogate.
Your Majesty, I'm afraid...
Let this be a warning to everyone,
we must be severe and not lenient.
Aye!
Serves him right...
He deserved what he got...
His brother is worse... He's corrupted to the core...
Yes, serves him right...
Master, be careful! The water is very deep.
Stop, Master!
Watch out, Master!
Come back, Master!
Stop...
Come back, Master!
Helin...
No!
Helin, come back! Helin...
Come back, Helin!
He's gone, let it go.
He's already gone.
Why couldn't I save him?
Smart as I am, I failed to save my own brother.
He sacrificed himself to help you win this fight.
I'm right here, I'll see you through this.
Helin...
I'm here for you, it' alright...
Xianfu Palace
Your Majesty, Helin had rendered meritorious military service,
revoking his title and confiscating his property
is enough punishment for his crimes.
Why display his head in public
and cause fear to courtiers and the people?
Please countermand the order.
Your Majesty, Helin blatantly broke the law.
His crimes are listed in his confession.
Helin's crimes are too numerous to record.
Though he killed himself,
I must make it known to the public.
His harsh punishment will serve as a warning to others.
After all, the late Emperor awarded him three-eyed peacock feathers.
If you insist, I'm afraid...
His Majesty has every right to do so.
Qing belongs to the Aisin Gioro family.
I want to make an example out of Helin.
One's military achievements should not be an excuse to break the law.
What do you think?
Heshen, Helin was your brother.
You have any objections?
No. Helin's guilt has been confirmed.
You are most wise, Your Majesty!
I'm pleased with Heshen's impartiality, patriotism and loyalty.
But you have forgotten something.
Bring it in...
Smart Monarch &Able Chancellor
Heshen, in front of all the courtiers,
you vowed to smash this tablet
if we can prove Helin's guilt.
It's time you make good on you promise.
You can't do it? Let me help you.
Smash it up!
Aye!
Not everyone qualifies as an able Chancellor
Xiaodezi, make sure the historiographers record this down.
Aye!
Xiaoyao House
How is that possible?
He had an awe-inspiring reputation,
but he was at people's mercy when his own brother was in trouble.
Master Helin was utterly humiliated even after death.
Why has he become such a coward?
He has no choice, he must obey His Majesty.
What is his plan?
Plan? He probably wants to settle for a leisure life somewhere
and become the local tyrant.
But it won't be easy to move his entire fortune.
He wants to retire?
Will you come with me?
You rescued me from a brothel
and put me in charge of Xiaoyao House.
I'll go anywhere you go.
You wound has healed.
This remedy is quite effective.
It's just a flesh wound.
Did you finish what I asked you to do?
Don't worry. I found someone to take over the bank we own.
The valuables in the vault have been transferred.
But what's the meaning of all this?
Good! I'll let Uncle Quan deal with the other shops.
You really want to retire?
That's just a matter of time.
The key is to send you home to Jiangnan
and lay low for a while.
You're sending me away again?
I told you we've been married long enough
we should go through thick and thin together
As my wife, you're my back up.
Run my household so I have no worries at home.
You insisted that I leave.
Do you really want no worries?
Or you don't want me to know your plan?
You're smart enough to know
what you should and should not do.
You should know better.
Your Majesty, I gave the order to prohibit
possession of dynamite without the consent of the Court.
Anything new with Heshen?
Liu Quan let it slip when he was drunk,
Heshen intends to leave the Capital.
His bank has been liaising with other banks in the Capital.
He seems to be transferring his assets so he can run away.
Heshen on the run?
Fengshen-Yinde, is that true?
I don't know.
Auntie Mei is going home to Jiangnan.
Maybe she's helping him transfer his assets.
Heshen hid the state silver he embezzled over the years.
If he's running away,
he'll try to ship them out.
We can catch him red-handed.
Heshen is too smart to leave the Court.
Even if he's leaving,
he'll soon make his comeback.
True or not, station guards at the city gates and piers
and search all the goods that pass through.
He will put Liu Quan in charge of something this important.
It'll be twice as effective if we follow Liu Quan.
Let's take the Prince Consort's suggestion.
Aye!
Anything else?
Helin's deputy Mingliang just returned to the Capital.
He reported huge casualties on the battlefield.
Counting the deserters, he lost 20,000 men.
That many? Zhu Gui, go to Shandong
and take over Mingliang's troops.
Find out if the massive desertion was true.
Mingliang served Helin well.
Why did he help us apprehend Helin?
He probably can't be trusted.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Heshen's crimes are inexpiable.
I won't let him leave the Capital and get away with impunity.
With Helin out of the way, Heshen can't last much longer.
Commander Fu, per your request,
I reported the loss of 20,000 soldiers.
But His Majesty is suspicious of me
and sent Zhu Gui to Shandong to check it out
You took such risks to hide the soldiers, are you...
You think I'm plotting a rebellion?
Then I wouldn't have handed over Helin's troops.
I'm just trying to save my own neck.
His Majesty and Heshen are going head to head.
They both want to use me against the other.
Rather than be someone's pawn,
I should hide my strength and see what happens.
20,000 soldiers is a big number.
What if Zhu Gui catches on?
Without the uniform, the soldiers are no different from civilians.
As long as they don't go home,
who knows if they're dead or alive?
Don't worry! No one will know.
Unless you two turn me in.
For years, I have followed you into the battlefield
and you have saved my life more than once.
I'll follow you anywhere.
I served under Helin for years.
His Majesty has long considered me part of his clique.
I'm only helping you
to give myself a way out.
Of course I trust you both.
By reporting to His Majesty about the 20,000 deserters,
you have deceived him.
We're now in the same boat.
We must look out for each other. Let's drink to that!
That's not fair, Father!
I was quicker. Here, you can have it.
You seem to be in a good mood, Your Majesty.
Getting rid of a scourge like Helin
is like chopping off Heshen's arm.
Of course I'm happy.
Ling'er, you don't have much appetite.
Are you feeling alright?
I'm fine, just tired. I didn't sleep too well last night.
Greetings, Your Majesty! Your Ladyship and Your Highness!
Lady Xian made pigeon soup.
She respectfully invites you to savor it in Zhongcui Palace.
I'm busy. Excuse yourself.
Aye.
This is her third invitation,
why don't you go?
She's already bossing you around after she became pregnant.
I don't want to encourage her.
She's temperamental because she's with child.
I know what to do.
Father, Mother, the Lantern Festival is tomorrow,
can we have sweet rice dumplings
and hang lanterns on the ash trees behind Guande Hall?
We should not celebrate while we're still in mourning.
We can't hang lanterns,
but we can have sweet rice dumplings.
Though we can't celebrate the Lantern Festival,
we can pray for blessings for the late Emperor in Guande Hall.
That's exactly what I intend to do.
It's time for your lessons.
Xiaodezi, take Mianning to the study.
Aye!
I'll take my leave now.
I had the cat's eye stone bracelet fixed.
Do you like it? I can give it to you.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I want to know why you like this so much.
What's the reason?
I saw Shurong wearing this.
I want to keep it as a memento.
I see.
The late Emperor gave this to Fu Heng as a present.
How did Shurong get her hands on it?
You put your eggs in one basket,
and came away unscathed.
You really should thank the gods.
I sent a team of scouts ahead of me
and stopped the attack just in time.
Or else the consequence is unthinkable.
I thought Mongols are good for their word.
But you're treacherous just the same.
It was actually my idea.
If you wish to save your brother, go ahead.
But don't expect the Mongol tribes to risk their lives for you.
We might implicate Her Highness if we failed.
I won't be able to hide it.
Anyone would be at a loss when their loved ones are in trouble.
Someone sentimental like you is no exception.
I'm glad you understood.
What's your plan?
My influence is not what it used to be.
It's time to retire.
So it's true they say you wish to move your family away from the Capital?
Saving myself seems to be a good idea.
Of course not.
We should force His Majesty to abdicate,
help put Yonglin on the throne
and you can launch your comeback.
That's right. Joining forces with us is your best bet.
If even you believe I intend to retire,
I'm sure Yongyan and those old fools like Liu Yong would fall for it too.
You spread the word of your retirement on purpose?
Didn't you ask Her Ladyship to urge His Majesty
to pray for the late Emperor at Guande Hall
so you can leave the Capital?
If I wanted to leave, I wouldn't have waited till now.
When is Yongyan leaving?
Tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock.
Good! But first, I need to borrow someone from you.
The rumor about Heshen's retirement is a setup?
He wants His Majesty to lower his guard.
I hope you can help him.
I'm not too confident.
If we fail, the White Lotus Sect will be eradicated.
If you succeed, you'll shoot to fame.
The Emperor is doomed, but the people are reborn.
That's the reason you set up your Sect.
Whatever Helin promised you is still good.
Chief, can you stand to see your followers live a vagrant life?
You have a deal.
Take it easy, Commander Yao.
I saw you eavesdropping on the Chief.
You're definitely a spy.
Who are you working for?
The Emperor or Heshen?
I'm loyal to the White Lotus Sect.
Heshen is treacherous, I'm afraid he's using the Chief.
Stop quibbling.
You can deceive the Chief, but not me.
Greetings, Your Ladyship!
By order of His Majesty, I'm investigating the bombing of Ziguang Pavilion.
I need to bring Granny Fang back to the Intelligence Bureau.
What's her connection to the case?
I received a tip.
Someone saw her walking towards Ziguang Pavilion yesterday afternoon.
I was with Her Ladyship all day yesterday.
Her Ladyship can vouch for me.
She never left my sight yesterday.
If she snuck off to Ziguang Pavilion, I would have known about it.
There's a way where there's a will.
I'm bringing her in for questioning.
If she's innocent, we'll let her go.
Who's your informer?
I want to confront your informer.
I won't let you arrest my staff.
I'm just doing my job. I beg your pardon.
Come this way, Granny Fang.
I served Her Ladyship and Prince Yonglin for years,
even His Highness shows me due respect.
How dare you be rude to me?
Take her away!
Stop!
Help me, Your Ladyship! I'm innocent!
They'll torture a confession out of me.
Your Ladyship...
Ruyu, go tell Prince Yonglin.
Aye!
This is outrageous!
Your Highness, you can't go in without permission.
I beg you to go easy on Granny Fang.
What is it?
The Prince Consort suspects Granny Fang is connected to the bombing.
He brought her in for questioning.
If she's innocent, he'll let her go.
The Intelligence Bureau is known to resort to torture.
Granny Fang is known to be weak,
She can't stand it.
Please have mercy on her on account of her service to Lady Ying.
You want Fengshen-Yinde to release her right away?
She looked after me since I was a child.
I know her well enough.
I can vouch for her with my life.
She had nothing to do with the bombing.
Nonsense! Even Yongxuan poisoned the late Emperor.
How can you guarantee Granny Fang was not part of the conspiracy?
If we didn't know beforehand
about the dynamite in Ziguang Pavilion,
I would have been blown to pieces.
As my brother and the Infantry Commander of the Nine Gates,
not only did you not help me catch those responsible,
you want me to bend the law because of a minion?
I'm willing to accept any punishment,
but Granny Fang...
Be quiet!
Let alone Granny Fang, if Lady Ying were a suspect,
I will not show her any mercy.
A courtier should be loyal and a son should be filial.
Granny Fang raised me like a son,
I should show her filial piety.
Please make an exception and show her mercy.
Don't be pigheaded. If you're so sentimental
how can I trust you with the cases of the Capital?
Aye!
What a fool!
Your Majesty, Prince Yonglin just took over the Vanguard Battalion,
in less than 3 days, his punishment will be known throughout the Court.
This may be rather damaging to his reputation.
Yonglin commands the Vanguard Battalion on my behalf.
The troops obey his order and serve me.
Brother or not, I will show no mercy to anyone who made a mistake.
Anyone who opposes me will be punished severely.
You mean...
The Mongol troops under Lady Ying and Prince Jasak,
are getting restless lately.
They have their eyes on my kingdom.
They'll be next after Heshen.
Get Prince Yonglin more hot water.
His Majesty is heartless to make you kneel for so long.
I'm still young, I can take it.
But Granny Fang has suffered.
I'm a Prince but I'm no help.
My lowly life is not worth anything.
I think this is directed against me.
My recent contact with Dorji must have aroused His Majesty's suspicion.
He's using you to teach me a lesson.
I don't think so.
No? Fratricide is common among royalty.
Look what happened to Yongxuan.
Before a thorough investigation on the late Emperor's poisoning was conducted,
Yongxuan had been sentenced to death.
Whether or not he had done it was no longer important.
The key is to get rid of dissidents.
Her Ladyship is right, Your Highness.
His Majesty has changed.
You're close to him.
He would not have punished you like this in the past.
You should not harm others but you must guard against them.
I'll be careful, don't worry.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Get up!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
What do you wish to see me about?
The mastermind behind the bombing of Ziguang Pavilion is still at large.
There's no peace in the Palace.
You have any solutions?
I'm too stupid to share your troubles.
I urge you to give me permission to retire.
Retire? Why?
Even the smartest man cannot beat Heaven.
I have been too arrogant
and got my brother killed.
I don't want my family to get hurt.
I wish to retire back to my hometown
and I beg your permission to do so.
You regret it now?
More so than ever.
I'll decide later.
Aye! I'll take my leave.
Xiaodezi, you think Heshen really wants to retire?
I'm too stupid to know the answer.
But Heshen is a vengeful man.
He'll pay back double whoever crosses him.
I made you a quilted jacket for winter.
You're leaving tomorrow, please be careful.
Thank you!
You must take care, Your Highness.
Try to talk Fengshen-Yinde if you have a chance
Tell him to resign from the Intelligence Bureau if possible.
Don't get caught between Master and His Majesty.
I have, but he only listens to His Majesty.
He turns a deaf ear to what I say.
He's out all night investigating the bombing in Ziguang Pavilion.
Auntie Mei! Shuang-shuang!
You're home just in time.
Her Highness is worried you'll wear yourself out.
I'm leaving early tomorrow, I'll say goodbye now.
Good luck, please be careful.
You should take care.
Auntie Mei is very capable.
If she wasn't married to Father,
I'm sure her life would have been much more comfortable.
Did you catch the person responsible for the bombing in Ziguang Pavilion?
Not yet. His Majesty ordered severity over lenience.
If the suspects I interrogate are innocent,
I'd let them go if possible.
But those interrogated by others may not be so lucky.
Zhang Goong Goong and Granny Zhong who served you and His Majesty
have been implicated and executed.
Why didn't you report to His Majesty?
Zhang Goong Goong and Granny Zhong are harmless and kind.
If His Majesty knew, he'd believe they were innocent and spare them.
What's the use? Prince Yonglin interceded on Granny Fang's behalf,
and was ordered to kneel outside the Palace gate.
His Majesty wanted to warn us
against pleading anyone's case.
Since when has he become like this?
Times have changed.
He's no longer the Prince Yongyan we knew.
Your Majesty, you promised to stay.
I hope you'll keep your word.
I'm right here. Go to sleep.
To Xianfu Palace.
Helin, we were friends once.
I hope you'll find peace in the next world.
You?!
I didn't expect you to burn incense for Helin. Thank you.
We were close when we were young.
Though I haven't seen him in years,
he'll always be like a brother to me.
Year 55 of Qianlong Era
Guess what sound it is.
My favorite ocarina.
I really can't fool you.
Sorry to interrupt your profession of love.
You always shoot off your mouth!
Accept the fish as my apologies.
That's better! Get over here and grill them.
Watch out, it's hot!
How does it taste?
Delicious.
I often reminisce those good ole' days.
Too bad you married Prince Yongyan!
Who goes there at this hour?
Remember the stable with a small cottage
in the forest near Guande Hall?
We found it when we chased the rabbits.
I wonder if it's still there.
Greetings, Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
What are you doing? Who are you offering sacrifices to?
The White Lotus Sect was a secret religious
society that spanned several dynasties.
Members came from lower strata of society
and advocated the restoration
of the Ming Dynasty.
The Qing government carried out
bloody suppression of the Sect.
The White Lotus uprising
during the Jiaqing Era
lasted 9 years and 4 months,
and severely crippled the Qing rule.