Chop it off!
Have mercy on me, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, please spare me!
Your Majesty...
Stop! You may go!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
The prudent bird selects its tree and the wise servant chooses his master.
You must know this.
I pledge my loyalty to you, Your Majesty!
Nonsense! You're tight with Heshen.
Now that he's cornered and needs help,
you'll be the first person he'll think of.
I was deluded by him and was lost.
But I found my way back
and will remain loyal to you.
Xiaodezi... Write to Heshen.
Tell him you met a Tibetan doctor when you were in the army.
He's currently visiting and you wish to introduce him.
Tibetan doctor?
If you want to keep your arm and stay alive,
you should know what to do.
You wish is my order.
I won't ask or say anything.
Heshen, you can't beat Heaven.
I have the mandate of Heaven.
Overpowering someone cannot win his heart.
The ruler always guides his subjects.
I don't need to win your heart.
When I wrote this tablet,
I made up my mind to rid the State of a bane like you.
Year 3 of Jiaqing Era
Inscribed by Jiaqing
Yongyan, I once asked you what you thought about "the sky cannot have two suns".
Now that you have been the Emperor for 3 years,
any new thoughts on the subject?
I would say... "rectitude and honor".
Why?
That's what the Emperor should be.
Our ancestors penned that in a tablet.
You had someone copied it and hung it above Qianqing Palace
as a reminder to the future Emperors to obey Heaven and listen to the people.
Rectitude and honor can get you as far as you need to go,
regardless of the number of suns in the sky.
A great teacher produces a brilliant student.
Heshen, you have done a good job.
You flatter me, Sire!
His Majesty is smart and diligent.
Yongyan, you have made enormous progress in 3 years.
Too bad the tablet I penned was destroyed in the fire.
Now that you brought up the subject,
when Qianqing Palace is rebuilt,
I'll let you pen the new "rectitude and honor" tablet.
Thank you, Father.
I will always remember these words.
Tomorrow, underneath this tablet,
I will officially announce your crimes.
He who cannot rectify himself, cannot rectify others.
You're the Emperor, what you say is the rule.
You can convict me of any crime you like.
You take pride in your flawless strategies
without realizing you reap what you sow.
I already have a piece of evidence that is fatal to you.
You resort to threatening me with an innocent girl.
Have you exhausted your bag of tricks?
I'm just giving you a taste of your own medicine.
What's wrong with that?
Doukou is not an ordinary girl.
Whatever you do to her,
she'll never betray me.
You're wasting your time.
You have forgotten one thing.
Miss Doukou dreams of killing the man who slaughtered her family.
Little does she know, you're the man she's looking for.
Nonsense! What proof do you have?
Whether it's nonsense of not,
we'll find out when she confronts you tomorrow.
I can't wait to see this main attraction.
His Majesty takes his leave...
Doukou!
Heshen's Mansion
They built a garden that's identical to the Imperial Garden!
Search! Aye!
Minister Liu, we can't find Lady Heshen.
What? You must find them!
I'm sorry !
Keep looking! Aye!
His Majesty gave the order to search Heshen's mansion.
Count and record down all the valuables we find.
Hand over any account books or rosters.
We must not overlook any shred of evidence against Heshen.
Any oversight, negligence or cover up may cause you your heads.
Aye!
The evil Heshen is now held in custody inside Qianqing Palace.
His crimes will be announced tomorrow.
Ziquang Pavilion is a place to honor ministers
who have rendered outstanding services.
The portrait of traitors have no place in here.
Burn it!
I want him to disappear once and for all.
Aye!
Wise decision, Your Majesty!
Fuchang'an should be credited for apprehending Heshen.
Because you have renounced evil
and helped us apprehend Heshen at the beacon tower.
This time he's not getting away.
You will be rewarded handsomely.
I'll do anything.
The Fucha clan is known for its generals.
With Fuchang'an's help, you're like a tiger with wings.
I just wish everyone will do their jobs well
and I won't have any more troubles.
I watched the stars last night,
the Emperor star is particularly bright.
Now that the evildoer is in custody,
your reputation will grow by the day.
There's one sun in the sky like there can only be one Emperor.
Eliminating the "second Emperor",
will rid the great Qing of a disaster.
From now on, I will no longer indulge an evildoer.
Any troublemaker or any rebel
will face the same charge as Heshen.
Wise decision, Your Majesty!
You're my trusted ministers and pillars of the State.
Only if we work together,
we can lay down the lasting foundation for the great Qing.
We shall give it all to repay your grace.
Jingren Palace
Guess what happened today.
You seem mighty pleased. It must be something good.
I removed the thorn in my flesh.
Heshen is in custody.
Congratulations, Your Majesty!
After I read out his crimes tomorrow,
I will root out his influence in the Court.
After that, I can finally get some sleep.
You must be exhausted in the last few days.
It's a good thing you can get some rest.
Let me wait on you.
I maybe the Emperor,
but I was held back in every regard since I ascended the throne.
I have the ability but not the power like a puppet.
I have taken it to heart ever since.
You have the mandate of Heaven, do not falter.
But I paid a heavy price.
After I root out Heshen,
I can lead my ministers
towards the next flourishing age.
Your aspiration can overcome anything.
The late Emperor should be proud of you.
I hope so. Since his passing,
I lived my life in fear as I traded on thin ice.
Everything I say and do
I do so with long deliberation.
Because I was afraid someone may misinterpret my intentions
and undermine the loyalty of my ministers.
The way you forsake sleep and food for the State,
you may easily get sick.
You should get some rest tonight here at Jingren Palace.
Very well. I'll take your advice.
Tomorrow, I want you to go with me to the Imperial Garden to enjoy the snow.
But I'm afraid it's too cold for you.
As long as I'm with you,
even ice and snow can warm my heart.
We can watch the snow anytime.
If you want to talk, I'm at your beck and call.
But right now, I don't want to keep you from your sleep.
I'm too excited to fall asleep.
My greatest wish is root out Heshen.
But I have no one to share my troubles.
I can only relax when I'm with you.
It's my good fortune that I can share your troubles.
As long as you're willing, you can summon me any time you wish.
My ears are yours.
No, all of you are mine.
I'm really exhausted.
Don't worry, Xiaoyao House is closed.
No one will know you're hiding in here.
How's the situation out there?
An order for your arrest has been issued.
Stay here and I'll take care of the rest.
Madam, we must leave the Capital as soon as possible.
Any word from Master in the Palace?
Before he left, he gave me a sachet.
I'll worry about the Palace.
I need you to sort out everything else.
I know what to do.
But I'm worried about something else.
Where is Doukou?
She's safe with the White Lotus Sect.
You must help Master.
Let me worry about the trivial matters.
Dieyi, thank you.
Master Liu, please be careful.
You too.
A clerk at the Censorate had the audacity to impeach me?
Uncle Quan, take care of it.
Thank you.
Don't talk. You're bleeding.
Let me stop the bleeding first.
Please spare us. We don't know anything.
He was wounded and came to us.
I was only trying to help.
Who are you? Please don't kill us!
The man with the scar on his right hand
is the man who killed Doukou's family.
Find him. I want to know why Doukou's family was killed.
It won't be easy after so many years.
I don't care how.
I promised Doukou I'll help her get her revenge.
Relax! I'm giving you money.
This is enough to last you the rest of your life.
Quit the Viper Gang and leave the Capital.
Don't ever let me see you again.
Fine!
So you're the real spy.
You found out too late.
What do you want with me?
I need your help to testify against Heshen.
You think I will because you captured me?
I'd rather die.
I won't kill you.
I need you alive to avenge your family.
What are you saying?
Are you looking for a man with a crescent-shaped scar on his right hand?
I know who had your family killed.
Who?
Why did you come back?
You think the money you gave me can last me for life?
You want me to leave because you didn't want Doukou to know
the truth behind her family's murder.
Huo Youpeng was killed
because he offended Heshen.
Who'd expect him to show up inside Doukou's house?
I had to silence them.
And who'd expect that little brat who survived,
would end up working for Heshen?
Cut the crap! What do you want?
I want nothing but money.
Fine! But you must leave the Capital.
I only take orders from money.
Who is it?
Who goes there?
Liu Quan has been lying.
Heshen ordered your family killed.
That's a lie. You can't come between us so easily.
That's because even you dare not believe the truth.
Heshen is powerful and rich.
If he didn't have something to hide,
why did it take him so long to find the killer?
You have 2 choices.
One, testify against Heshen in front of His Majesty
and avenge your family.
Two, ignore the facts and perish with Heshen.
You have no proof. I don't believe you.
What kind of a man is Heshen? Think it over.
True love is priceless
A promise made is a debt unpaid
Only tears and blood are left
Love brings nothing but sorrow
You must have your revenge, but first you must eat to have enough strength.
I came here to return this tael of silver.
You gave me this back then.
Very well! I'll help you with your revenge.
Heshen can do anything.
If you help me with my revenge,
I'll do anything for you.
People come and go
like the moon waxes and wanes.
We may not always get our wish.
I don't want you to get hurt.
Stand back! What do you want?
Your Highness, I have a letter from Grand Secretary Heshen.
Your Highness!
Dear Prince Consort,
I ordered one million dans of rice
to be sent to Mongolia shortly.
I ask only one thing in return.
Heshen is only interested in valuables.
His Majesty ordered me to leave the Capital in 3 days.
How can I help him?
Since you got married,
we haven't had any chance to sit down for a chat.
Now that you and Fu'en will be staying in the Palace,
we can do our catching up.
What a shame His Majesty is not here.
He's sound asleep. I didn't wish to disturb him.
State affairs have kept him occupied.
They say Heshen is held in custody inside Qianqing Palace.
Heshen is a senior officer of the Court and an in-law of the royal family.
If His Majesty had him in custody,
he must have found solid proof.
His Majesty must have his reasons for doing this.
There's no need to second guess him.
Heshen is well connected in many ways.
It's impossible to cut him off right away.
His Majesty may not be able to finish him off.
Don't you agree, Your Ladyship?
I have no comment.
Lady Ying, members of the harem should not interfere with State affairs.
His Majesty will be displeased if he gets wind of your comment.
Your elegance and discretion make you the motherly model of the State.
No wonder you're the head of the harem.
When my son is born,
I will take the Empress title from you.
Fu'en, Prince Mianning spends time to teach you calligraphy,
you should thank him by giving him this piece of 8-treasure cake.
No, Mother! I want to eat it.
Be good, Fu'en.
It's my job to teach him as a brother.
I don't need a reward.
You can have it.
No, you can have it.
How about you share?
Prince Mianning... Fu'en.
Fu'en is so adorable, I wish to reward you.
Tell me what would you like?
I want the family to be together
and enjoy "good fortune forever" like it says on the banner.
Your Ladyship!
What is it?
I might have eaten too much cold pastry.
I'm not feeling well.
I must excuse myself.
Princess Hexiao, please look after Mianning.
Don't worry.
Your Ladyship!
Heshen is in custody and the situation looks bad for the family.
How dare you sneak into the Palace in disguise?
It's punishable by death!
I beg your pardon, but I had no choice.
Heshen is locked up inside the Palace and I have heard nothing.
I had no choice but come see you.
What good would that do?
You can't expect me to rescue Heshen.
I know Master won't get off.
On account of our friendship,
I was hoping you'd let me see him.
Don't be silly.
Heshen is a criminal of the Court, you can't see him.
His Majesty will be furious if he found out.
Not only will you and Heshen be beheaded,
the entire clan will be in trouble.
Even if you show no regard for our friendship,
on the account you grew up Master,
I beg you to let me see him
and say goodbye.
Nonsense! Since I came to the Palace,
Heshen is like a stranger to me.
You interceded on your husband's behalf
just like I only have His Majesty's interests in mind.
I will not bend the law for selfish reasons.
Your Ladyship...
On account of our friendship, I order you to leave at once.
I'll pretend you were never here.
Qiuyue, show Lady Heshen out.
Aye! This way, Lady Heshen.
Greetings, Your Ladyship.
At ease.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
I woke up and found you gone
yet I knew nothing about it.
I haven't had such a good sleep in a long time.
Forgive me for not waiting on you.
What made you abandon me?
Lady Ying made some exquisite pastry
and served them in the Imperial Garden.
I dared not disturb you since you were seldom so sound asleep.
So I attended the party alone.
She must have served 8-treasure cake.
It was so sweet and delicious,
Mianning and Fu'en fought over it.
You should have woken me up
so I can savor it with you.
I'm hungry and I'm holding you responsible.
I'll have some made for you right away.
A piece of 8-treasure cake won't get you off the hook.
You must have lunch with me.
I don't care how full you are.
You can't say no.
As you wish.
Your Highness!
For the Grand Secretary's last meal,
give him a hearty meal.
Aye!
I want the family to be together
and enjoy "good fortune forever" like it says on the banner.
Your Majesty, members of Heshen's clique have renounced him.
Wu Shenglan, Deputy Minister of Rites,
Li Huang, Deputy Minister of War and
Li Guangyun, Minister of Court of Imperial Stud
have personally written memorials exposing Heshen.
Fence sitters! I won't go easy on them.
We'll string them along to get their testimonies.
I'll deal with them later.
Cheng Shu, the Junior Deputy Minister of Revenue and Supervisor Yu Lin
have pleaded guilty
and begged Your Majesty for a lighter sentence.
They colluded with Heshen for years to embezzle funds.
They want to go free?
Go by the book, there'll be no mercy.
The rest of them pleaded not guilty.
They swore by their titles that Heshen is innocent
and asked for his quick release.
They think I dare not revoke their titles and remove their heads?
They're desperate and we need not worry about them.
Heshen is the mastermind,
I want him removed before new problems arise.
Your Majesty, Heshen won't get away,
but to sentence him to death, we still need key evidence.
I'm afraid it won't happen overnight.
I sent Zhu Gui to collect evidence
and he found a key witness.
This witness's testimony will nail Heshen for sure.
I ordered someone to bring this witness as soon as possible.
They should arrive before sundown.
Good!
Draft up Heshen's charges.
Heshen will go on trial today
and execute him as a warning to others.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Heshen
I have a request, Your Majesty.
If you're pleading your Father's case, I don't want to hear it.
Heshen deserved to die for his crimes.
I will not bend the law in his favor.
But as his son, I prefer not to witness his execution.
I urge you to let me resign from office
and take my family away to live in seclusion
Your Majesty, though they don't get along,
blood is still thicker than water.
To watch him meet his end after committing heinous crimes
is heartbreaking and helpless. No one knows it better than I do.
I beg Your Majesty to grant the Prince Consort's wish.
Your Majesty!
You're quite right.
Heshen's arrest must be credited to Fengshen-Yinde.
I'll go easy on you and allow you and your family to leave today.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
This man is quite capable.
He has been hiding for years and we couldn't find him.
Maybe he only returned to the Capital recently.
Maybe. Why else couldn't we find him?
It's very likely.
Someone is here.
What's going on?
Quit your act!
As soon as you left, we were ambushed.
We were repeatedly ambushed.
Either you leaked our whereabouts
or you arranged for the assassins to find us
When we were ambushed,
Doukou and Xie Jingcheng disappeared.
You should suspect Xie Jingcheng, not me.
I noticed something odd about him.
He was breaking branches and plucking flowers.
He said he was picking herbs.
Come to think of it, he was leaving marks along the way.
If Xie Jingcheng kidnapped Doukou, she's in great danger.
Xie Jingcheng, you're a dead man!
I'm coming with you.
Hold it! Don't be reckless or you'll walk into a trap.
Let's find a place to lay low and think things through.
Lin Gan...
I'll gather my men to look for Doukou.
Be careful. Don't alert the enemy.
Eat!
You don't have to eat or drink water.
But you must testify against Heshen.
He's the root of all evil.
He's been insatiable since he came to office
You have no idea how many families he has broken up.
Your family is not the only one.
My Grandfather was also his victim.
He sacrificed his reputation and earned everlasting infamy.
My family is also ruined.
Who's your Grandfather?
General Agui.
You're his grandson?
Yes.
I can face him and my family for what I'm doing.
We're in the same boat.
Our family is dead because of him.
You should not cover up for him anymore.
I can't believe he has been lying to me.
I even fell in love with him.
How can I face my family?
It's still not too late.
If you testify against Heshen in Court,
you can still avenge your family.
Tell Liu Quan Doukou should be nearby. Yes!
The rest of you help me look for Doukou. Yes!
He's the real spy.
He wants me to take me to the Capital to testify against Heshen.
Go! I'll take over.
Run!
Let go!
Heshen deceived His Majesty and withheld military intelligence,
broke the law to satisfy his personal greed.
We have listed 20 charges against him to be read out in public.
Ji Xiaolan, go ahead.
I was named the Crown Prince on September 3, in year 60 of the Qianlong Era.
Before the Imperial edict was read,
Heshen presented a jade ruyi to me on September 2
and saluted me when he disclosed the content.
This is crime number one.
Heshen, you understand your crime?
Carry on.
Last year in January, the late Emperor summoned Heshen to the Summer Palace.
He entered the gate on his horse,
past the Hall of Rectitude and Honor.
That's crime number two.
Heshen, what say you?
Heshen, where is your arrogance?
Is it possible you have regrets?
Heshen, since when did you become a mute?
Answer me! Are you guilty or not?
Heshen, you still hold me in contempt?
Or you're scared to look me in the eyes?
Look up!
Fuchang'an, lift up his head.
I want him to look me in the eyes and admit his guilt.
Aye!
Watch out!
Your Majesty, Heshen is dead!
We're almost at the city gate.
Am I a coward to walk away like this?
What's done is done.
What more can you do had you stayed?
Father is to be executed.
I dare not even say goodbye.
I'm ashamed to be his son.
The situation is unpredictable.
Leaving is our only option.
Think no more of it.
Once we step outside this gate,
we can start over again.
Your Highness, by order of His Majesty the Emperor,
you are to return to the Palace right away.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Fengshen-Yinde, Heshen was calling your name when he died.
Now that he's dead,
I'll grant his last wish and let him see you
Thank you, Your Majesty!
You should have known better.
Father, you just don't know when to quit.
Your Majesty, this man is not my Father.
Why do you say that?
My Father doesn't have a mole on his left brow.
Did you let Heshen go?
Where are you hiding him?
Emperor Jiaqing arrested Heshen
based on 20 charges,
mainly for deception, insubordination,
withholding military intelligence
and taking bribes.
The No. 1 charge was before Qianlong
announced his choice for the Crown Prince,
he revealed it to Jiaqing.
He brought it upon himself.