Sire, it's late already.
You suffered a knife injury today.
Don't over-exert yourself.
The country can't do without a ruler.
We are in a very bad situation.
How can I go to sleep?
Don't worry, I can handle it.
Sire, Prince Yongxing and Prince Yonglin ask for an audience.
They are worried after hearing the news of the attempted assassination.
Worried? Or just curious?
Tell them to wait outside.
Aye.
Sire, what do you mean?
Who can't wait to see me dead? Heshen.
However, he alone can't usurp the reign.
Whoever succeed me will become his pawn.
I can't afford to trust them so easily.
Prince Yongxing is not an ambitious man.
Prince Yonglin is a man of integrity.
They aren't treacherous people.
Even though they are my brothers, the human heart is fickle.
I see this as a trial for me.
A man's true colours are shown only when his life is at stake.
Sire...
Xiaodezi, ask Yonglin to say it's an order from me
and summon Heshen, Liu Yong, Zhu Gui, Ji Xiaolan, Fengshen-Yinde,
the six ministers and other courtiers to the palace immediately.
Aye.
Sire, the sini resuscitation decoction is prepared.
Good.
Sire, please reconsider...
Sire, the decoction can only be used a drastic measure.
The relief is temporary.
The aftereffect is hard to tell.
Sire, I suggest the intake of regulation powder, the application of plaster,
and bed rest for a month for full recovery.
Say no more. You are excused.
Aye.
Sire, take medication with caution.
Listen to the imperial doctor.
Recovery takes time.
Ling'er, the Qing empire is at a critical moment.
If I fail to show up, the empire is doomed.
If something happens to me,
give this letter to Liu Yong, Zhu Gui and Ji Xiaolan.
They need to ask Prince Yi to take charge of the court.
Don't let Heshen hold sway in court.
I... Aye...
Day 16 of the Lunar New Year
Sire, greetings...
At ease.
Thank you, Sire.
You were just deep in conservation.
What's it about?
Sire, we heard that there's an attempt on your life.
We were so worried.
We are relieved to see that you are safe and sound.
It's said you were hit by a flying knife. Is it serious?
Heaven was kind to me. Just a minor cut.
My foe's plan was thwarted.
Sire, you have the mandate of heaven. You are blessed.
How can those White Lotus rebels fight heaven?
They see too highly of themselves.
Heaven has eyes! That's why Sire survived it unscathed.
I came too late to stop it.
I'll redeem myself by catching the perpetrators.
Sire, it's a well thought out plan.
I suspect the sect followers have a mastermind in court.
Sire, it should be thoroughly investigated.
I agree with Honourable Liu.
Allow me to take part in the investigation.
Good!
Honourable Liu, Honourable Ji and
Honourable Zhu Gui, I assign it to you three.
Execute the traitor by a thousand cuts, whatever his position.
He's unpardonable.
Aye.
Sire, allow me to be of service.
Allow me to be of service.
Allow me to be of service...
You all are very kind.
It's late, you are excused.
Sire, take care.
It's a great responsibility.
I wish you three a speedy investigation.
Thank you.
The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind small.
The bad will get their just deserts.
I look forward to seeing justice done.
Sire, be careful...
Sire, you alright?
Sire...
How's Sire doing?
Your Highness, the sini resuscitated decoction was too strong,
resulting in circulation imbalance and loss of consciousness.
When will Sire come to?
It's hard to say.
Give my order.
Sire is not feeling well.
He needs more rest.
Only those summoned can see him.
Imperial Doctor Xu, Imperial Doctor Qian...
Yes...
You two stay here to take care of Sire, no leaving him at anytime.
Tell no one about his passing out.
Aye...
Highness, what have you learned from the Imperial Academy of Medicine?
Since last summoned to the Xianfu Palace,
Imperial Doctors Xu and Qian have not returned
instead of the Imperial Pharmacy, decoctions
for Sire are prepared in the Xianfu Palace.
How secretive.
What about the prescriptions?
Granny Fang
From what I have seen in the Imperial Academy of Medicine,
Sire were prescribed plaster and herbs for circulation
such as pseudoginseng, Indian madder and lotus root joint.
However, he was given three dosages a night
It seems his injury is serious.
I just got news from Miss Doukou.
White Lotus Sect's operation was a success.
Sire was hit by a flying knife.
What's more, his life is hanging by a thread.
He was trying to fool us.
Wang Cong'er's flying knife skills was very well-known.
It couldn't just be a minor cut.
Though he didn't die immediately, he's in critical condition.
Mianning is still small.
Yongxing is not ambitious.
If Sire fails to pull it through,
the throne will go to Yonglin.
It's about time Prince Jasak proved his worth.
He should order his Mongolian troops to go into the capital.
However, when I tried to contact him yesterday,
I found that he's left his capital residence.
Highness, do you know where he is?
Don't worry.
That day Sire left the palace for blessing,
I asked Dorji to stand by with his troops outside the capital.
They can enter the capital anytime.
It's of vital importance.
Why didn't you talk with me first?
Did you inform me of your plans beforehand?
You have your plans, I have mine.
We won't implicate each other if either of us fails.
If we succeed, the empire is ours.
This is the critical time for succession.
We can afford no mistakes.
If you want Prince Yonglin to become emperor,
we should work together instead of each on their own.
Leave Yonglin to me.
I count on you for the rest.
Everything is ready.
Sire's luck is running out.
Heshen's Mansion
These valuables were sent from Honourables
Wang, Wu, Cheng and Yu early in the morning
Those cunning foxes all bend with the wind.
Yuan Bao, what have you heard in the court?
According to Xianfu Palace eunuchs, the place is heavily guarded.
No one can go in.
Yongyan's injury is indeed serious.
Shouldn't we liaise with the ministers before the news is leaked out
to have all the troops gathered here?
Master, urgent report from the Council for Tribal Affairs,
Mongolian troops have stationed at the Yixiantian Gorge.
They demand a meeting with an emissary.
Why this deployment at such a time?
There were reports of draught in Mongolia and requests for relief.
It was pushed aside because of His Late Majesty's death.
Some people are fishing in troubled waters.
Will it get in the way of your plan?
It can't be timelier.
Uncle Quan, please deliver my letters to the ministers.
I want their cooperation.
His Highness told me he's tired of the battlefield.
He has since gone into retreat in Xiansong Monastery as Sangan Master.
He has few friends.
A lady visitor, however, comes often to join him for tea.
They have become fast friends.
I didn't know you are the lady.
He likes to reminisce to me.
He said back in his palace days,
a naughty boy often played pranks on him.
The naughty boy was you.
He still talks about it? How petty!
He's not being petty. He's nostalgic.
You too still have him in your heart.
You have memorized all his favourite poems.
No one can beat you when it comes to a good memory.
You never failed to deliver the tea he cared to mention.
It's a pity true friendship is hard to find
Even old friends have a hidden agenda.
Your Honor, speak for yourself.
Back in his Gansu suppression, His Highness was once trapped in the mount.
My husband brought troops to relieve him of his plight.
My husband saved his life, we didn't have to curry his favour.
Your Honor, maybe you are the one with a hidden agenda.
Since you said so, I can be frank with you.
I came with the same purpose as yours.
That is, for Grand Secretary Heshen's sake.
Are you trying to patch up with my husband?
I may have many friends,
only Grand Secretary Heshen can read my mind.
You are out-powered.
Only by joining forces with my husband and Prince Yi can you seek revenge.
This is your true purpose.
Besides Grand Secretary Heshen, you too can read my mind.
Please, help me.
We both are Master Sangan's friends.
If you really can help,
I'll put in a good word for you.
Thank you.
Year 54 of Qianlong Era
This champleve tripod is a masterpiece made by Canton masters.
It's one of a kind.
Sire, then you should keep it, I am not worthy.
No kinship is closer than siblings.
You are my brother,
you are a cut above others in court.
Not to say a tripod, even if I want to give you my seal,
no one will dare to disapprove of it. I am a man of simple taste.
I prefer a simple life.
I'm not interested in ornate objects.
Sire, please take it back.
What's given will not be taken back.
Let me keep it for you for the time being.
In case of some unexpected events and I won't be able to rule,
you take it out to act on my behalf.
I am an idle person.
I don't have it to act for you.
I know what you have.
You do care about the court and the country.
What you don't care is the political intrigues.
You've had it easy for long enough.
You owe me this favour.
Sire, what can I do for you?
I am worried that when I am no longer around,
the princes may turn on one another.
It'll be horrific.
You are their elder.
Only you can stop it from happening.
Sire, I'll bear in in mind. It'll be done.
Good!
Heshen, you are my witness.
If the day did come, take the tripod to Prince Yi.
His words are my words. They should be followed.
Aye.
Dear brother, the mission I was given is hard indeed.
Highness, Honourable Heshen asks for an audience.
There is no avoiding it.
Highness, Council for Tribal Affairs just informed me,
thousands of Mongolian troops have taken position outside Yixiantian Gorge.
What does it mean?
It's reported to me,
because the court has not responded to their request for draught relief,
this show of force is a warning.
Their emissary has passed the message.
We should send a representative to sign a treaty with them before midnight.
Or they will take action.
Your Highness, you are of Mongolian blood.
You are close with the tribes.
You have made a home visit earlier.
Have you seen the plight of the draught?
The trip was a draught inspection made on His Late Majesty's behalf.
But His Late Majesty passed away on my return trip.
Compounded with other happenings.
Sire simply didn't have the time for it.
I thought Prince Jasak had pacified the tribes.
What went wrong?
Highness, Prince Jasak asks for an audience.
Show him in.
Aye.
Prince Jasak may come in...
Highness, greetings.
Do you know that Mongolian troops have taken position outside the capital?
Highness, I just learned of it.
The tribes had agreed to wait for Sire's decision.
This sudden flex of muscles probably means the draught situation has turned worse.
It's critical. We need to report it to Sire.
No! Sire is recuperating.
He shouldn't be disturbed.
The crisis needs to be tackled immediately.
Highness, I am the Minister of Council of Tribal Affairs.
I used to handle Mongolian affairs for His Late Majesty.
I volunteer to work out a treaty with the Mongolian emissary.
Grand Secretary Heshen speaks Mongolian. He's the right man for it.
I concur.
I object!
It is about protocol and the relationship between Manchu and Mongolia.
A royal member is a more proper representative.
Honourable Liu is right.
Just sending a minister may look like a slight.
Gentlemen, what do you think?
Prince Yi arriving...
Prince Yi, greetings...
Highness, greetings...
At ease...
Thank you, Highness.
Sire has me informed of the incident outside the capital.
Since Sire is currently inconvenienced
I am ordered to handle the situation.
Highness, not a moment too soon.
We are talking about whom to send as representative.
Highness, what do you think?
Honourable Heshen, you speak Mongolian you are the right man for it.
However, it is more suitable to send a royal member as a court representative.
Yonglin, you are a Manchu prince.
You have been an emissary to Mongolia.
You know the tribes.
You are the best choice to negotiate with the Mongolian emissary
Highness, you are right. I too agree with it.
I concur.
Highness, how true...
I'll not fail my mission.
Good.
Mother, I need to go back to prepare my journey.
Please excuse me.
I have lotus seed dessert soup made.
Eat it first.
Granny Fang, take it over.
Yes, Highness.
There are Mongolian troops outside the capital.
I don't have the mood for dessert.
Don't worry. They are Prince Jasak's men.
They won't do anything without my order.
Do you mean you are behind it?
Mother, why?
It's for you and for Qing.
You surpass Sire either in talent or achievements.
You will make a better emperor.
Stop it! It never crossed my mind.
I don't want to hear such treasonous words from anyone again!
What will be your alternative?
What have happened to emperor's siblings in history?
Either you are the emperor or the emperor's thorns in the flesh.
They will ultimately be removed.
Sibling rivalry happens because of power struggle.
I have no ambitions.
I prefer a carefree life.
Why should I worry about my life?
We already have a carefree prince,
he's Prince Yi.
One is more than enough.
What we need is a capable emperor.
Court corruption or the sufferings of the people means nothing to you?
Sire is the one and only emperor.
As his subject, I'll spare no efforts in helping him solve difficulties.
Betrayal is not one of them.
Even if this emperor has betrayed his father and brothers?
Even if he's merciless and selfish, he still deserves your loyalty?
I believe in Sire.
Mother, say no more.
Heshen's Mansion
Master Sangan turned out to be a treacherous man!
You should have let him die in battlefield!
He's a smart man. He knows the way of the world.
He may not be our friend, he's not our enemy either.
He picked Prince Yonglin.
It's obvious his bet is on him. He sees him as the successor.
Prince Yonglin is not friendly to you.
If Sire dies and he has the throne,
you will find yourself restricted.
He's a man of integrity.
I don't think he wants the throne.
He's more willing to play Mianning's regent
Mianning is much easier to manipulate.
Noble Consort Dowager Ying won't give up so easily.
She has the backing of Mongolian troops. Don't underestimate her.
Her ambition and manipulative prowess took me by surprise.
I have been the Minister of Council of Tribal Affairs for so many years,
I have informers in every Mongolian tribe.
Yet I was blindsided this time.
Her groundwork was laid long before me.
She put you in the dark and went for it alone,
it shows you don't have her total trust.
Why didn't you call her out?
I have nothing to gain from falling out with her at such a time.
Prince Yi will thwart her ambition.
He may want Prince Yonglin to be emperor,
he won't let her involve in court affairs.
People in and out of the court are restless.
Prince Yi doesn't cut us any slack.
We are in a delicate situation.
What should we do next?
I need to think it over.
When push comes to shove, I can only be proactive.
What about getting just deserts?
His Late Majesty had ten achievements under his belt,
yet he died mysteriously.
Your Highness has spared no efforts for Qing,
yet you are reduced to this state.
Your foe, on the other hand, Is enjoying his life.
Where is justice?
If you are here to mock me, enjoy yourself to your fill.
No heaven's wrath has fallen on you the most corrupt,
I have long known that there is no justice in the world.
Heaven may have spared me to do the ultimate justice,
That's to avenge you.
There's an assassination attempt on Sire.
He's hit by a flying knife.
His life is hanging by a thread.
He's not dead. What did it achieve?
It depends on us.
It depends on whether you have the guts to have the table turned.
What do you want me to do?
Brother Yongxing.
Brother Yonglin...
How come you are here?
The court is filled with worries and uncertainties.
I am here to ask our ancestors for blessings.
What are you doing here?
I am sent to negotiate with the Mongolian emissary.
It's serious.
I am here to ask for a blessing.
Let me ask for a divination to see if the mission will go smoothly.
Good.
The name is Dispersion.
There is no cohesive force.
The effort is futile.
Your mission is a waste of effort.
Nothing will come out of it.
You the amateur fortune-teller got it so right.
You haven't embarked yet.
What made you say so?
Every court move is full of calculations.
The outcome very often is known beforehand.
That's why I say a simple and carefree life is the best.
Because of our positions, we are often used as pawns in other people's games.
You and Sire have the same mother.
You are the Nine Gates Infantry Commander.
You are a more valuable pawn than I am.
You need to be more careful.
Don't worry.
What others say cannot change my loyalty to Sire.
Even if Mianning will succeed Sire, I'll give him my assistance.
No way will I compete with him for the throne.
Sire has not gone out of his chamber. We are not allowed to see him.
The court is rife with rumour that he's in critical condition.
Is it true?
Why don't you make a divination to see if he can survive it?
Alright.
How's it?
The name is Risky Walk.
It seems Sire's fate is still uncertain.
Even heaven can't tell.
Fortune or misfortune is not for us to decide.
We can just wait and see.
Xianfu Palace
Highness, Sire is asleep. No one can go in,
Give way! I want to see Sire. Sire...
Highness...
Leave it to me.
Sire...
Highness...
Highness, greetings.
Sire needs quietness.
No one can go in without his summon.
Please turn back.
Why shouldn't Sire want to see me?
You worry too much.
You shouldn't stop Sire from seeing others.
Sire, it's me! I am here with your unborn child!
If you won't turn back. I won't cut you any slack.
Save it!
It's your doing that Sire's in this state.
I saw Heshen slip in to have a secret meeting with you.
It must be about some conspiracy!
I was with Sire.
It's late at night. You made a mistake.
As if I couldn't tell!
You can't fool me!
What's your relationship with Heshen?
Shut up!
How dare you smear me!
We are in a critical situation.
I allow no smearing or alienation.
If you won't shut up,
I'll have you taken out and slapped!
You know I am telling the truth.
You can't fool Sire forever!
Consort Xian, take care...
Listen! Don't let Consort Xian in no matter what she says.
Aye.
Highness...
Prince Mianning fell from a pole.
He hurt his head. He's bleeding profusely.
Mother...
Highness, greetings...
How's his injury?
Highness, it's just a minor scratch. It's not serious.
How could you be so naughty?
It's because Father is injured.
I meant to hang this blessing rendition up for his blessing.
Heaven may not see it if it's not hung high enough.
I's loving of you.
Heaven will bless Sire. He'll get well soon.
Her Highness Noble Consort Dowager Ying...
Highness, greetings...
Poor you!
It's serious!
What's your explanation?
It's my oversight. It's my fault.
It won't happen again.
You need to take care of Sire and run the imperial harem
You are overwhelmed.
Have Mianning sent to Shoukang Palace.
Let me take care of him.
It's just a minor scratch.
I don't think Your Highness should be troubled with it.
Are you saying I am not in position to take care of him?
It's not what I mean...
Sire is already in trouble.
What will happen to Qing if something happens to Mianning?
Or should I ask you on my knees?
Highness, you really don't have to over-worry yourself...
I wouldn't have worried if you had taken good care of Sire and Mianning.
I see I need to ask you on my knees.
Highness...
Your Highness, I'll go with you.
Mianning...
Mother, I should stay a few days with Her Highness to ease her worries.
It'll ease your workload.
You can focus on taking care of Father.
It's not hard for me...
Mianning is so understanding.
You shouldn't make it difficult for all of us.
Be obedient and careful.
I know.
Her Highness leaving...
Ziguang Pavilion
Grand Secretary Heshen, you make good tea.
This Sanjingcha was His Late Majesty's favourite.
He couldn't live without it.
Practice makes perfect.
He used to call me to the palace for chess or tea from time to time.
Honourable Fuchang'an, he mentioned you all the time.
What did he say about me?
He said you were smart.
However, your tendency to take shortcuts was a drawback.
You needed more nurturing.
His Late Majesty was so perceptive.
Highness, I am open to your advices...
It's treacherous here in the capital.
It's not a place for you.
Have you ever considered transferring to Gansui?
The people there are all my men.
It's good to be among people you can trust.
The decision rests with Sire.
I should wait till he has become better.
You don't have to worry about Sire.
It's your decision alone.
You are ordered to take up station in Gansu with your men.
Set out in two days.
I mean you well. Think about it.
Highness, thank you.
Chang Mei said you had paid Prince Yi a visit.
You had along night's talk with him.
You are a busy man, yet you could find time for it.
Networking is the key for survival in court
Grand Secretary Heshen, you know it very well.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have bumped into Lady Heshen there.
Networking is easier said than done.
A misstep and you are making a fool of yourself.
Chang Mei is a pro in this aspect.
You don't have to stick a finger into it.
If you don't trust me, how can we accomplish our goal as a team?
I know how trustworthy you are.
What we have is not mutual trust but mutual interest.
If you want to be my partner, prove your worth.
Distrust me to your own woe.
I told you there's a mole in the White Lotus sect.
That's why the assassination failed in the end.
Mind what you say.
I have got nothing to do with the sect.
I knew nothing about the assassination.
You can deny it. Sire won't let you off.
You and I know who's behind it.
Or you don't want to find out the mole?
What about...
Don't be so nosy.
Curiosity kills the cat.
Just wait and see.
I'll have it checked out. Stay away from it
No good deed goes unpunished.
Well? Anything new in the palace?
The Vanguard Battalion is now under Zhu Gui's command.
They have taken over the security of Xianfu Palace.
I am sidelined.
I couldn't find anything.
The security is so tight.
I think Sire is doomed.
Zhu Gui and I meant to join outside the capital and go to Shandong together.
He suddenly ordered his men to turn back.
It turned out it's about the assassination.
They will even be more cautious and suspicious after the assassination.
I am sure you will have to set out for Shandong very soon.
The situation is treacherous.
It's a good thing to get away from the storm in the capital.
Talking about leaving the capital...
Prince Yi urged me to go to Gansu.
He's a recluse. He doesn't care about court intrigues.
Why should he care so much about you?
Since he said so. What's your decision?
I won't go before I have my revenge.
The dog of an emperor killed my brother.
I want justice done!
Only Grand Secretary Heshen can take on Sire.
He has become aloof to you since Helin's death.
He no longer trusts you?
Without his backing, your action is bound to fail.
I have my own backup.
I set aside 20000 men as my private army in the last recruitment.
Train them hard.
What do you have in mind?
It's a treacherous time, human heart is fickle.
I need to be prepared.
I can only count on myself.
Don't drink too much. It's bad for you.
I'd rather die of drunkenness!
It beats being wronged!
Chief is just.
You will be released once she has found out the truth.
Your name will be cleared.
She wouldn't if she believed me.
It hurts me hard!
Though we had gone through thick and thin,
she believed that rascal and not me!
I don't care what others say.
I believe you are innocent.
It's my good fortune I still have you as my true friend.
The rascal knows martial arts.
Watch him tightly.
Where is he kept?
Chief said we can't tell.
You just said you believed me.
You were just lying.
You don't believe in me.
Don't get upset.
Alright... He's locked up in a deserted inn ten miles away.
How very nice of you...
Have more...
Good wine... have more...
They are on my side.
They don't believe in you!
Now we know who's the mole.
You tried to silence me.
You have something to hide!
The narrow-bladed Yanling sabres were made by the Works Ministry.
They are sent by the court!
Why would they help you?
I got it!
I exposed you as a mole.
You set me up with these men!
Say no more!
I believe what I see.
You made Qingqing drunk to make her talk.
You came here in the middle of the night to silence him.
You communicated with Zhu Gui and took bribes.
How long has it been going on?
How long have you been fooling me?
You don't believe me?
How can I?
We went to your private residence and found 3000 taels of gold.
It's exactly what's said in the letter.
What's your explanation?
It's a setup!
Chief, they set me up!
I am loyal to the sect!
Zhifu...
Don't come over...
Zhifu...
Why?
He's a traitor!
It's either his life or ours!
Zhifu...
He's dead.
You should now flee.
I have arranged the route for you.
Miss Doukou, thank you.
Father, I am your son, I have royal blood.
For revenge, for loyalty, I have no choice.
Highness, what you asked is prepared.
Halt!
What's your name?
Head up...
Yonglin, how come it's you?
What are you doing?
Champleve tripods were Canton specialties.
Known as southern artisans,
court artisans mostly came from Guangdong.
Enamel is applied
and fired into a metal background,
resulting in a gem like sheen.