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.
Even if it is, we have changed.
The past is like a dream.
There are no traces of it.
I meant to leave this troubled place.
But His Majesty has yet to give me his permission.
You want to leave the Capital?
Considering Helin's military contributions,
he didn't deserve to have his head displayed in public.
Since His Majesty forsakes past friendship
and treats me and my family like traitors,
I don't have the heart to stick around.
Leaving is perhaps the only way out.
Before I go, I need to ask you something.
What is it?
Did His Majesty poison the late Emperor?
That's gross insubordination! How dare you!
The late Emperor has been kind to you.
How can you let him die like that?
That's ludicrous! It's a serious crime for you to sneak inside the harem.
Making such slanderous accusations against His Majesty
will get your whole clan killed if word got out.
In order to find the truth about the late Emperor's death,
I'm willing to sacrifice my clan.
His Majesty would never do such a thing.
It's not what people know, but what you know.
You know best if he has done it.
Day 15 of the Lunar New Year
Greetings, Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
What are you doing? Who are you offering sacrifices to?
I'm sorry I broke the rules.
Please punish me, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Her Ladyship is so saddened by the deaths of Palace staff
she couldn't sleep at night.
That's why she offered sacrifices to the deceased in private
and prayed that they can find peace.
Please forgive Her Ladyship, Your Majesty.
Get up, both of you.
Thank you, Your Majesty,
Ling'er, I understand the recent events will make you uneasy.
I feel the same.
Of course I know how you feel.
You have worked hard to stabilize Qing.
I need your answer on something that has been bothering me.
The bracelet...
What's Shurong's connection to this bracelet?
Xiaodezi, is that Ling'er?
Yes, it's the Royal Noble Consort and Qiuyue.
I think they're heading for Chuxiu Palace.
The bracelet meant a lot to you.
You were willing to give your life for it.
I brought it back.
I hope you'll find peace in another world.
This bracelet belonged to Shurong
and you did everything in your power to bring it back.
What was the story behind it?
I knew the fire that killed her was not an accident.
I'm almost sure the late Emperor was involved
Ling'er, how could I understand if you don't level with me?
What I have done was inexcusable.
Get up.
Ling'er, you did nothing wrong.
I won't fault you for anything.
What are you not telling me?
I don't intend to punish anyone.
I just want the truth.
I stumbled upon Shurong's rendezvous with someone.
11 o'clock tonight, same place
I meant to persuade her to end it,
Year 2 of Jiaqing Era
and stop repeating her mistake.
But the late Emperor already caught onto her indiscretion
and showed up suddenly to confront her.
They quarreled and started a fire
that eventually killed Shurong.
On her death bed,
I promised to look after Mianning.
I also promised the late Emperor to safeguard your reputation
and won't repeat to anyone about what really happened that night.
The late Emperor sent me away
and kept Shurong's funeral simple.
He even issued an order to punish himself
all because of Shurong's infidelity.
Yet I knew nothing about it.
Mind your health, Your Majesty!
All because I was unable to dissuade her then and
failed to come clean with you afterwards.
Please forgive me.
Ling'er, don't blame yourself.
Shurong and her lover should be blamed.
Who was he?
I heard he was an Imperial doctor.
Supposedly, the late Emperor punished him.
Your Majesty, please understand the late Emperor's good intentions.
Even I don't know what he was thinking.
The relevant parties are dead,
please don't trouble yourself with it.
Thank Heaven you salvaged my reputation.
I know what to do.
Xiaodezi, find out for me
if there was any Imperial doctor who left
the Palace or died before or after the fire.
I want to know if this person really exists.
You suspect...
I do not doubt Ling'er's word.
But she may not have the full picture.
How would a tribute from Persia
end up in the hands of an Imperial doctor?
It doesn't add up.
I must know the truth.
Aye!
Xianfu Palace
Fuchang'an, I have something to show you.
Fuchang'an, you know the owner of this?
I do.
It was a gift from the late Emperor.
Father had always cherished it
and considered it an heirloom.
He gave it to my brother before he died.
But the bracelet was lost when my brother died.
I've been looking for it
and thought it might have been stolen.
Losing a gift from the Emperor is a serious crime,
that's why I dared not make it known.
I beg your forgiveness, Your Majesty!
If it belonged to Fukang'an,
how did it end up among the late Emperor's belongings?
I really don't know.
It wasn't your fault the bracelet was lost.
Get up! Thank you, Your Majesty!
I have a presumptuous request, Your Majesty.
If it was a gift from the late Emperor.
I should return it to its rightful owner.
Xiaodezi...
Thank you, Your Majesty!
You may go.
Xiaodezi, you think Fuchang'an is telling the truth?
I'm not smart enough to tell.
But judging from his emotional reaction,
he seems to have recovered an heirloom.
Too bad dead men tell no tales.
Can't believe everything he said.
We must look into it.
I understand.
Your Majesty, Minister Liu is here.
Send him in.
Zhu Gui left to meet Mingliang.
Then he'll set out for Shandong.
Together with the local troops,
he'll storm the White Lotus Sect's camp.
Ji Xiaolan also found out an important piece of news.
Dieyi, if you have news for me,
you may keep the gold.
I don't know anything.
You do, but the price is not right.
Come in...
happy now?
Taking important goods with him.
Hurry up!
Let's go!
I already reconfirmed.
Liu Quan is transporting state silver.
Looks like Heshen knew his days are numbered.
Meet up with Ji Xiaolan right away.
If we intercept the state silver, Heshen will be doubly guilty.
Aye!
Year 1 of Jiaqing Era
Miss!
Let go!
Miss!
Let go of me!
There's no need to kill yourself, Miss!
I'm better off dead.
Greetings, Your Ladyship.
I didn't mean to offend you.
Please forgive me.
If you recognize me,
I order you to back off.
No, Your Ladyship!
Let me die.
You're the Empress of Qing,
loved and respected by all.
Why do you want to kill yourself?
The title is nothing but shackles
that kept me locked up and cut off from the world.
His Majesty controls whether I laugh or cry.
I'm nothing but a bird in a cage, unable to feel any emotions.
Acouple should not doubt each other, how come...
Unfortunately, His Majesty is not the love of my life.
He died on the battlefield before I came to the Palace.
I have nothing to live for.
Let go of me so I can end my life.
You mustn't...
Why?
Because Prince Mianning needs you.
I know how you feel.
I'm all alone after my brother died.
I know how it feels to be alone and have nothing to live for.
But you're not alone.
You still have Prince Mianning.
It's late. Let me escort you back to the temple.
I hope that after you go back to the temple
pray for Qing and make a wish for me.
What kind of wish?
Along and happy life for you.
You? How dare you barge into the harem!
I grew up in the Palace.
I can come and go and no one would notice.
It's not funny.
Leave before anyone sees you.
You ordered them not to come in to disturb you.
Why would dare defy your order?
Something weighing on your mind? You can tell me.
Lonely parasol trees in a deep courtyard
is not something you can describe in a few words.
That's simple! If you ever need someone to talk to.
I'm happy to listen as the Grasshopper Man.
Impressive! That's so pretty!
With Grasshopper Man around,
you'll always get your wish.
Why do you have the bracelet?
Ifound it in my cape.
Maybe when you saved me last time,
it was caught inside the cape.
Iwanted to return it, but...
Here... I'm giving it back now.
My Father left me this bracelet
so I can give it to my wife.
I guess it already found its way to its owner.
Keep it. Seeing it is like seeing me.
I'm sorry, Shurong. I failed to keep my promise.
I couldn't be with you.
Heshen's Mansion
Your sweet dumplings are chewy and delicious
If you sell them in a street stand,
you'll have a flourishing business.
I would love to.
But I'm afraid you won't relish a life a mediocrity
and find it too boring.
One should be sensible.
But considering the situation,
there are things that I must do.
I hope you'll understand.
Who else would if I don't?
I just hope you'll understand my difficult position.
I'm also forced to do things.
You did them for my own good.
Don't worry about it.
Qinglian and Nalan already went home.
Mudan is helping me pack.
After I'm gone, you have no one to help you.
Of course not!
Eat this while it's hot! They're good.
Have some more if you like them.
After I'm gone, won't know when I can make them for you again.
This is just temporary.
Everything will be back to normal if we get things done.
I promise to spend the next Lantern Festival with you
and eat your sweet dumplings.
Or I'll eat them whenever you make them.
Come on, let's eat.
Remember what I told you, Mianning?
The State is in mourning during the Lantern Festival.
We can only pray for the late Emperor.
We can't hang up lanterns.
I remember. But I made this lantern for Grandfather.
He also taught me to recite this poem.
It's very pretty.
The late Emperor would love it.
Really?
I'll take this to Guande Hall for you
and hang it up in the highest place
so the late Emperor can see it from Heaven
and understand your feelings for him.
I really missed Grandfather.
Me too.
Did His Majesty poison the late Emperor?
Heshen asked me about this.
That means he's onto something.
Should I warn His Majesty?
But how do I explain to him about Heshen?
Greetings, Your Ladyship!
At ease! Thank you, Milady!
It's almost noon.
His Majesty sent me to inform you
to get ready to go to Guande Hall.
Thank you!
Lady Xian, now that you're with child,
you must be extra careful.
I will... but I found out about something
that make me lose my sleep.
You can tell me.
I uncovered by accident
a big secret about the Royal Noble Consort.
I woke up from my sleep last night
and realized His Majesty has already left Zhongcui Palace.
I was feeling angry and went after him.
How could you let him go?
You should have woken me up.
But His Majesty told me not to.
You're utterly useless.
Over there, Your Ladyship!
He came to see that cheap woman!
You're sure you saw Heshen disguised as a eunuch?
It was so far away I can't be sure.
But he walked like Heshen
and he snuck off as soon as His Majesty showed up.
Should I tell His Majesty about this?
Definitely not!
Why?
Because of the gravity of the situation.
Unless we have solid proof,
or we'll only alert her.
Besides the Royal Noble Consort is His Majesty's favorite.
Even if we managed to expose her,
it would also damage His Majesty's reputation.
He might blame you for it.
Are you saying I should look the other way?
Patience is most crucial inside the harem.
Unless you can shoot to kill, or else don't shoot at all.
We'll deal with it secretly.
How?
I'll have someone watch her.
If we catch her rendezvousing with Heshen,
I'll make sure His Majesty catches them in the act.
Wouldn't that be better?
You're most brilliant!
Say nothing about what you saw last night.
Don't tell anyone, understand?
I understand.
Heshen had the nerve to rendezvous with the Royal Noble Consort,
you suppose they met in their youth and still love each other?
Maybe not. The situation is tense
and Heshen's future is on the line.
He wouldn't risk everything for love.
I bet he needed the Royal Noble Consort's help on something important.
You mean...
Because Dorji refused to help him,
Heshen must be exploring other alternatives.
Making friends is always better than making enemies.
Besides, she's looking after Prince Mianning.
Heshen is trying to convince the Royal Noble Consort
to put Prince Mianning on the throne?
The Royal Noble Consort and Heshen are old friends.
Mianning is only a child
and much easier to control than Yonglin.
What shall we do?
Have someone monitor Jingren Palace.
Report to me at once if the Royal Noble Consort contacts Heshen again.
Aye!
Prince Mianning!
The lantern is very pretty.
You're awesome, Grandfather.
Do you remember the steps?
Next year, you'll make your own lantern.
I'll make a big one for you.
Good! It's a promise.
What's next? We put glue?
Not yet. Be patient.
Follow the steps. Haste makes waste.
Make sure the lantern is sturdy.
If you miss one step, the whole thing may fall apart.
Mianning is very thoughtful.
He's a filial child.
After the frame, the drawing is next.
If you want to draw a tree, think of its shape.
If you want a mountain, draw the contour.
You must stick to the plan
and you'll have the picture you want.
Mother, it's time I go to Guande Hall.
Yonglin...
Mother!
Are you alright?
I feel dizzy!
Send for the Imperial doctor!
Heshen's carriage is on a rampage again on the streets.
Maybe there's gold on the west side of the city.
Stop! Yes?
You said Heshen's carriage is heading west?
That's right!
But Minister Ji said the east side.
Go tell him there's been a change of plans.
Aye!
The rest of you follow me! Aye!
It's noon, where is he?
Minister Ji...
Hurry up and fix it!
If the goods are not shipped out in time,
I'll punish you all.
Nobody leaves!
Liu Quan, you embezzled state silver.
Search him!
There's no silver on the cart.
Master donated these fabric to a temple.
If you want them, help yourself.
You had us running around, what are you and Heshen up to?
You're clever indeed.
But you fell victim to your own cleverness.
A mere oversight may turn things around.
Don't you agree?
His Majesty...
Back to the Palace right away.
The doctor said your pulse is steady.
You're probably tired.
You should take care of yourself.
I haven't had much sleep over what happened in the Palace lately.
Let me worry about that, Mother.
Your Ladyship, His Highness is due at Guande Hall
to offer incense to the late Emperor.
Right! I forgot!
I should stay with you if you're not well.
Father won't blame me if I'm late.
Red sun in decline, white sun in ascent
Sun and moon to follow, people in revolt
Kill the bloody Emperor!
Protect His Majesty!
Go, Your Majesty!
Let's go!
What are you doing, Grandfather?
The background is done, it's time the main character shows up.
What's this? A horse.
And this? A man riding a horse.
Have you heard of "Trotting horse lantern, horse stops trotting when lantern is out"?
I'll teach you the rest of this couplet.
Good!
"Flying tiger flag, tiger goes into hiding
when flag is folded".
Legend has it Wang Anshi used the first half to win the top scholar title
and the second half to win his wife.
But what's truly amazing is that
he composed neither half.
He borrowed from someone to achieve his end.
What's so amazing about that?
Good question.
Even the smartest man can't do everything by himself.
It's best if you can use someone else to achieve your own goal.
Fu'en, you're still young.
You'll understand when you grow up.
I see. The horses are trotting...
"Trotting horse lantern,
horse stops trotting when lantern is out".
Fu'en! Mother!
Have you been naughty?
Fu'en is smart and obedient.
I'm making a lantern with Grandfather.
You have disturbed Grandfather long enough.
It's time to go home.
The lantern still needs an inscription.
After I finish writing it,
I'll send it over, alright?
Yes!
Good boy!
Father, Fu'en and I will go home now.
Come on...
I remember there's a stable over there.
You won't get away even if you have wings!
Kill him!
Let's go!
Helin, I promise you won't die in vain.
Your Majesty... are you alright?
Today, blood will have blood!
Protect His Majesty!
Chief!
Chief, get going!
Your Majesty!
Minister Zhu!
Your Majesty!
Ling'er!
Your Ladyship, let's escort His Majesty back to the Palace right away.
Your Majesty...
Why you?
It's not safe here. Follow me!
Watch out!
This way...
Chief!
Chief, are you alright?
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
The Qing soldiers almost caught up with us.
Luckily Brother Xie and Miss Doukou showed up just in time.
As long as you're all safe.
Keep an eye on the Chief.
I'll go get some medication.
Thank you.
If the Qing soldiers didn't show up.
I could have killed the bloody Emperor.
The plan is airtight,
where did the Qing soldiers come from?
Doukou, watch out when you meet with the White Lotus Sect,
there should be a spy among them.
Why do you say that?
Fuchang'an told me when he went to Shandong to arrest Helin,
he was captured by the White Lotus Sect.
Someone passed them the key
and helped them break out ofjail.
He was carrying out His Majesty's order at the time.
Whoever helped him escape must be spying for His Majesty.
If there really was a spy,
we don't know how long he has been there
or how much he knows.
We must find this person.
Look out for anyone suspicious.
He must be quite capable if he could fool Wang Cong'er.
Chief! How is your wound?
It's just a flesh wound.
You were captured by Zhu Gui.
How did you escape?
I waited till they searched the nearby area
and let myself loose when they were not watching.
You have extraordinary skills.
Zhu Gui is known to have brave soldiers and valiant generals under him.
Yet you got away unscathed.
Unless you can fly or go underground,
there must be a reason for your escape.
You're still alive!
You're a running dog for the Court. I must kill you.
Stop them.
I must kill you.
This guy is a running dog for the Court.
I threw him in a well,
but somehow he managed to survive.
Heaven let me live so I can expose you.
Brother Xie, what makes you say Commander Yao is a running dog?
I saw him receive a letter delivered by Zhu Gui's pigeon.
Because I found out about it
he pushed me down the well to silence me.
You're full of lies and have no proof.
Don't try to badmouth me.
Here's the proof!
I found this letter from Zhu Gui in his room.
It mentioned 3,000 taels of silver
have been delivered to your house in the Capital.
As long as you continue to provide him with intelligence,
when the White Lotus Sect is wiped out,
you'll never have to work for a living again
That's a set up, you bloody rascal!
Stop it!
Don't fall for it, Chief!
He's the traitor working with Zhu Gui.
Give me the letter.
We learn from the same mentor
and you should know me well enough.
I would never betray the Sect.
Chief, I trust Brother Yao.
We must find out if the letter is a fake.
Chief, whoever is lying
someone must have tipped off the Qing soldiers.
Asoft heart is incapable of big things.
You must be severe and not lenient.
Lock them up.
There'll be no mercy once I find out who the traitor is.
Yes, Chief!
Minister Zhu...
How dare you stand in our way!
His Majesty is in danger!
You want me to let Wang Cong'er get away?
Let them go so they can meet up with Doukou.
Then I can gather evidence against them.
Yao Zhifu caught you eavesdropping
and the assassination attempt on His Majesty has failed.
They will suspect there's a traitor among them.
You'll be the prime suspect if you go back.
I already found a scapegoat.
But I'll need your help to make it work.
What are we doing here?
Going home was just an act.
Master wanted me to come here,
to meet someone capable of influencing the situation.
Hello, Master Sangan.
Madam Heshen! Please sit down!
Prince Yi, Emperor Qianlong's cousin
What kind of tea did you bring me?
Please!
Green, aromatic and sweet... sparrow's tongue?
You're very knowledgeable.
An idler like me,
likes to travel and wine and dine.
That's about all I can do.
Don't be so modest.
The pavilion on the hillside
changes position as you move on
Only you know the pleasure
Others may find it boring
I'm happy to do what other people consider boring and lazy.
I know you don't get involved in State affairs.
But the situation is constantly changing.
I'm afraid you can't sit on the sideline anymore.
I'm nothing but an idler.
State affairs have never been my concern.
You're most welcome to join me for tea.
Let's not talk about anything else.
If your mind is made up, I won't force you.
As a friend, I hope you won't turn down my gift.
I don't deserve it but it's rude to refuse it.
Thank you for your kindness.
I have another friend visiting today.
As fellow tea lovers, if you don't mind,
I'll ask him to join us
so we can all enjoy this lovely tea.
Besides, he's someone you know.
How are you, Lady Heshen?
Heshen's Mansion
We just heard from Miss Doukou.
The White Lotus Sect succeeded.
Wang Cong'er wounded His Majesty.
Master, a eunuch is here.
Prince Yongxing and Prince Yonglin summon you to the Palace.
Is there any other news? How is His Majesty?
We don't know.
The order didn't come from him.
His situation doesn't look good.
I'll see for myself when I reach the Palace.
I noticed unusual movements of the stars last night.
It's an ill omen, I'm afraid His Majesty...
Please watch your words.
The Imperial doctor is attending to His Majesty.
Let's hope Heaven will watch out for him.
Grand Secretary Liu, what did the Royal Noble Consort say?
How bad was His Majesty's injury?
She didn't say.
Please be patient, Your Highness!
I'm sure she has her reason for this.
Before we know about His Majesty's condition
we must not lose our heads
and let the enemy take advantage of us.
Gentlemen, may I say something?
Heaven must have a sun,
like the State must have an Emperor.
While His Majesty's condition is unknown,
the key is to put someone else in charge.
How dare you, Heshen!
His Majesty the Emperor!
One of the charges against Heshen
was the nanmu house he built based on Ningshou Palace.
The architectural style of Heshen's Xijin Study
was modeled after Ningshou Palace.
The nanmu used was also stolen from Ningshou Palace.
No wonder Emperor Jiaqing was furious when he found out.