Qianqing Palace
It's time.
Do what I say. I will look after your family.
Yes, Your Honor.
The day I return to the Forbidden City is the day the dragon descends.
Did you let Heshen escape? Where is he?
Day 19 of the Lunar New Year
I didn't, Your Majesty.
You didn't?
You had the imperial kitchen deliver food to Qianqing Palace for Heshen yesterday.
Was it a scheme? Did you find him his double?
How did Heshen escape? Where is he now?
Your Majesty, the food delivery was the least I could do as a son.
Other than that, I was completely ignorant.
I don't know how he escaped or where he went.
Your title as the prince consort doesn't give you any privileges.
If you lie to me, I will punish you and my sister as well.
Your Majesty, every word I say is true.
I swear my loyalty to you.
If I ever lie to you, may I die the most tragic death.
To stay in the harem until further notice.
Aye.
Heshen, no matter how cunning you are and how far you go, I will find you.
I will ask His Majesty to recall his order.
Wait. His Majesty is mad. He ordered us to stay here.
If you go out and disobey his order, it will make things worse.
What are we supposed to do? We can't stay here forever.
Let's just play it by ear.
All I want is to stay away from gossip and live with my family in peace.
Why is it so hard?
Don't worry, I'm here.
Doukou!
Doukou! Doukou!
Doukou.
You finally woke up.
Doukou, I'm responsible for all this.
What was it all about?
Master was impeached by Huo Youpeng of the Censorate
To avoid future trouble, I hired a hitman named Mo Chong to kill him.
During the pursuit, Huo Youpeng hid in a house in Tianjin.
Mo Chong killed the whole family to end it all.
Later on I found out the murdered family was your family.
Mo Chong was the man with a moon-shaped scar on the back on his hand.
Where is he now?
He managed to escape, but I hunted him down and killed him.
His body was buried in the backyard.
You knew it all along. Why didn't you tell me?
I was being selfish. You two had feelings for each other.
I was afraid that the truth would ruin your relationship.
Doukou.
My family was killed wrongfully. I became homeless.
I put my trust in you. How could you lie to me?
Sorry.
Sorry doesn't change anything!
I know it's no use saying anything now.
I'm willing to die to atone for my sins.
No, Uncle Quan! Get up!
Master... Get out!
It's all my fault. You did nothing wrong.
I'm the one responsible. Let me handle this. Now get out.
Master... Get out! Go!
Master! Master, let me in!
Go away!
Although I had no idea of any of this, I must bear the blame.
Right, he doesn't deserve to die.
It's always been your wish to take vengeance.
If killing me can vent your hatred...
Go ahead.
You think I won't do it?
Sorry, I can't do it! I'm a horrible daughter!
This isn't your fault. I am to blame.
Sorry, Doukou.
Don't touch me! Why you?
I will never ever forget you! Get out!
I never ever want to see you again! Get out!
Doukou.
Go away! I don't want to see you!
Fine, I'll go.
But the patrols are everywhere. It's dangerous for you to go out.
Get out!
Stay here and rest.
Your Majesty, you haven't slept all night. Please have some ginseng tea.
Any updates from the troops?
The Nine Gates were closed under your command last night.
They searched all night long, but Heshen was nowhere to be found.
Honorable Ji and Honorable Zhu are here.
Let them in.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Please rise.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Nayancheng, well done. If you hadn't lurked the White Lotus Sect,
we couldn't have stopped Heshen's assassination plot and caught Doukou.
But Doukou escaped when she was under escort.
I beg your forgiveness.
It's not your fault.
Both Heshen and his woman are sly like a fox.
Your Majesty, Nayancheng's cover has been blown.
He cannot rejoin the White Lotus Sect. Are there any other arrangements?
We are indeed short of hands.
But Heshen is still on the loose. I can't restore your true identity yet.
All operations must be kept secret. Nayancheng, will you help me?
Most certainly.
Good.
You have done a great job. Get some rest. We will discuss matters later.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Heshen wouldn't have taken risks for nothing.
The death announcement might seem harmless,
but Heshen must be scheming something.
I won't fall for his tricks.
Absolutely, Your Majesty.
Anyway, catch Heshen at all costs.
Search teams have been dispatched. Heshen can't escape this time.
Honorable Liu is here.
Have you found anything?
Your Majesty, I have found a secret passage
under the dragon throne in Qianqing Palace.
The passage has three exits.
Three exits?
Your Majesty, this is one of the exits.
A hole was dug under the dragon throne? How absurd.
The passage contains old and new components.
It should be built in the previous reign and renovated at some point.
The foundation of Qianqing Palace was severely damaged by the fire in year 2.
His Late Majesty ordered a renovation. Heshen was the one in charge.
I see.
Where are the other two exits?
One is located in Nanxun Hall. The other one is in the forest outside.
I have ordered an inspection of the passage. It shouldn't take long.
The third exit is in the harem? Who has Heshen been seeing?
Xiaodezi.
Find out who was here yesterday.
Aye.
Highness.
Any news?
Everything seems normal. No one mentions Honorable Heshen's death.
His death must have been a shock. Why haven't we heard anything yet?
I wonder if Heshen sensed something and came prepared.
You mean he ate and drank nothing? How's that possible?
And the poison was served by Fengshen-Yinde.
This poison is colorless, tasteless, and fast-acting. You know what to do.
Yes, Your Highness.
True. The poison must have killed Heshen.
His Majesty persecuted Heshen to secure his reputation.
Heshen's death should have been announced immediately.
Perhaps His Majesty wants to keep his death secret?
But why?
There must be a hidden story. It's all too strange.
Granny Fang, keep investigating and report any news immediately.
Yes.
Also, have a trustworthy messenger deliver this letter to Lavan Dorji.
Whether Heshen is dead or alive, we must make the first move.
Your Majesty, this letter was found on a eunuch.
Rise.
Dear Lavan Dorji, the greedy wolf is dead. I shall recruit his clique.
Take this opportunity to discuss things with the various Mongol tribes.
This matter concerns the fate of Mongolia. The rulers should be prepared.
All tribes must stand together and strive towards the same goal.
Noble Consort Dowager Ying is up to no good indeed.
I was hurt in the assassination. The Mongol army was seen outside the capital.
She must be behind all that.
What do you plan to do with the evidence in hand?
Let's not make any rash moves.
Bring Zhu Gui.
Aye.
You are biting off more than you can chew. Even Yonglin can't help you.
Your sins will not be forgiven.
Have some tea, Your Highness.
Your sweet talk doesn't work. Why won't His Majesty visit me and the baby?
Highness, you don't know what happened. I heard Heshen escaped yesterday.
His Majesty ordered a thorough search. He must be very busy.
The palace is heavily guarded. How did Heshen escape?
I'm not sure. The imperial garden was sealed off this morning.
It may be related to this matter.
The imperial garden?
His Majesty is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Qing'er, how are you feeling today?
What's the matter?
Bring a physician.
Aye.
It won't be necessary.
Perhaps the baby is moving because he is happy to see his father.
I know you are having trouble sleeping. I brought a jade pillow.
It can help you relax and sleep through the night.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Work keeps me busy. I may not be attentive enough.
Just inform Imperial Household if Zhongcui Palace needs anything.
We have everything we need.
Lady Ying is taking good care of me. She brings me tonics every day.
And prepares seasonal treats for everyone. Mianning loves her eight-treasure cake.
That's very sweet of her.
Your Majesty, would you like to stay for dinner?
Maybe another time. I have to go to Jingren Palace.
I know you care about Sister the most, but she doesn't seem to appreciate you.
Why would you say that?
I don't mean to gossip,
but I saw it with my own eyes and thought I should let you know.
On day 14, I couldn't sleep at night, so I took a walk in the imperial garden.
I saw Sister and Heshen.
Are you sure it was Heshen?
I thought I was wrong because it was quite dark,
but later on you and Sister were assaulted outside the palace.
It seems too much of a coincidence. I can't help worrying. Also...
Go on.
Lady Ying hosted a banquet yesterday. Sister suddenly asked to be excused.
I heard she went to the imperial garden.
Perhaps she left in a hurry to see someone. I wonder who it was.
Rumors say Sister and Heshen are from the same clan.
They must be very close to each other.
Xianfu Palace
Your Majesty, a maid saw Royal Noble Consort in the imperial garden yesterday.
Sit property when you are writing.
Mianning, you are a good big brother.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Rise.
Lady Ying bade servants prepare eight-treasure cake and sponge cake.
She thought you and Prince Mianning might like to try some.
Please convey my thanks to her.
Excuse me, Your Highness.
Are you hungry? What would you like to eat?
Here comes His Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Greetings, Father.
Your Majesty.
Why did you disobey my order and bring Fu'en here?
How should I punish you?
Father, it's my fault. I begged Mother to bring Fu'en over.
Please punish me.
Your Majesty, I wanted the children to be happy.
I didn't mean to defy you. Please forgive me.
Please punish me, Your Majesty. Can I ever play with Mianning again?
It depends on how you behave.
Lady Ying asked her maid to bring treats. Would you like to try some?
Are you boys hungry? Help yourself.
Mianning, what should you do before you eat?
Wash my hands.
Your Majesty, there is poison in the bowl.
Outrageous!
Lady Ying's maid brought those treats?
Yes, Your Majesty.
But this is too blatant. Please investigate this matter further.
It can be wronged but not tolerated. I will see Lady Ying now.
There is still no news. What's going on between His Majesty and Heshen?
His Majesty is here.
Your Majesty...
How ruthless!
You attempted to poison Mianning!
Why would you say that?
No more denying! Bring the maid!
Ruyu has been serving you for eight years. You must recognize her.
Your Majesty, I was only following orders!
Lady Ying ordered me to put poison in Prince Mianning's treats!
I dared not disobey her! Please have mercy, Your Majesty!
How dare you frame Her Highness!
How dare you! No one uses that tone in front of me!
Take her outside! Give her thirty lashes!
Please forgive me, Your Majesty!
Help me, Highness!
Your Majesty...
You are a consort dowager!
I opened my heart to you and served you with respect,
but you have the heart of a wolf!
You secretly befriended the Mongol tribes and attempted to poison Mianning!
Your rebellion plot should be punishable by death!
I'm innocent!
No more denying! The evidence is irrefutable!
Apparently you came prepared. I won't waste my breath explaining myself.
You attempt to poison a royal descendant will not be forgiven.
Considering that you raised Yonglin, I hereby order you to stay in a nunnery
and chant for the Great Qing every day to atone for your sins.
Cultivating the mind might help your greedy thoughts.
His Majesty is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty...
Rise.
Yes, Your Majesty.
A gorgeous pair of mandarin ducks sewn into a quilt with love.
The two are sewn together and never apart.
It's very meaningful and delicate. Did you make it for me?
Your Majesty, I don't understand what you mean.
I don't understand you either.
Let me ask you something.
After I fell asleep yesterday, where did you go and who did you see?
Lady Ying hosted a banquet and invited me.
I heard you left early. What's the reason?
I suddenly felt unwell, so I took a walk in the imperial garden.
You think you can fool me?
You saw Heshen, didn't you?
No, I didn't.
Stop lying to me!
Your Majesty, I don't know why you don't trust me,
but I didn't see Heshen. Heaven is my witness.
You met Heshen when you were young. You two were childhood friends. Is that so?
Heshen and I knew each other indeed.
But you two treated each other like strangers.
You were acting all along.
The moment I married you, I swore to cut all ties with Heshen.
How? You two grew up together!
This marriage was a scheme!
Did Heshen send you here to spy on me?
How can you not understand my feelings for you?
You are the only one in my heart.
The only one?
Do you know Heshen escaped yesterday?
He escaped?
There's a secret passage in Qianqing Palace leading to the imperial garden.
Did you let Heshen escape?
To be honest, I saw someone in the imperial garden.
It wasn't Heshen but his wife.
She begged me to let her see Heshen, but I declined.
I only saw her off for old time's sake.
I didn't see Heshen. I didn't know he escaped either.
It's the truth, Your Majesty.
Ling'er, I trusted you with all my heart. Why did you let me down?
I didn't.
You lied to me again and again. How can I trust you?
This embroidery only shows your fake love. Stop wasting your time.
I hereby command Royal Noble Consort to begin meditating in Jingren Palace.
She may not leave without my permission.
Aye.
Ruiji Bank
There are patrols everywhere. You have to be careful.
I will, don't worry.
Have you finished packing? We'll be leaving tonight.
I warmed some wine for you. Have a cup of wine to beat the chill.
Dieyi, you don't want to leave? You said you would follow me anywhere.
Times have changed. Things are different now.
I don't want to be your burden.
Then hold that thought.
Don't be like that. I appreciate you wholeheartedly.
If you hadn't saved me, I would have been tortured to death.
If you want to repay me, come with me.
Forgive my selfishness. I'm tired of leading a vagrant life.
I'm sorry.
I don't deserve these earrings. Save them for the one who truly loves you.
I thought we could grow old together. Now I know love can't endure hard times.
I'm sorry.
You shouldn't be.
Master is like my family. I'm willing to risk my life for him.
I can't expect you to sacrifice your life. I really understand.
Let's say goodbye after I drink this.
I hope you live the life you want. Take care.
Master Liu, take care.
If we ever meet again, do me a favor and call me Brother Liu.
The pain is only temporary.
At a time like this, we will only add to their burdens.
It's better if we stay and handle the aftermath.
What do you have in mind?
Master, the wanted notice is still effective.
The atmosphere gets tenser day after day. There are more patrols and guards on duty.
Right, there are multiple exit checkpoints. Inspections are strict.
That's strange. My double is in the Palace.
Yongyan should have let his guard down.
Things aren't going as expected. I wonder if something happened.
The atmosphere is very odd. I suggest we leave immediately.
Uncle Quan is right. Madam Mei has planned our escape route.
She will be expecting us in Fangshan tonight at sunset.
What else did Madam Mei say? Did she mention Doukou?
No.
Heshen.
Chang Mei.
We can't stay here. I have arranged a boat to pick us up.
Let's go.
Chang Mei, go to the jetty and tell everyone to stand by.
What about you?
Doukou has been caught. I'll catch up with you after I save her.
Don't do anything rash. You don't know if your double's cover has been blown.
Our lives are in danger. We must leave at once.
I know what I'm doing.
Get onboard. I'll send people to look for Doukou.
I can handle this. Let's split up.
You will even die for that woman?
Don't worry, I'm not going to die.
I just can't give up on Doukou. I have to go.
I will bring Doukou with me and explain to Chang Mei later.
Madam Mei sent a message saying Prince Jasak is leaving the city.
She urges us to go before it's too late.
What about Wang Conger and the White Lotus Sect members?
They are dressed in disguise and ready to go.
Good. Tell them to go ahead. We'll be leaving separately.
Yes.
Uncle Quan, do you have something to say? Go ahead, you can be honest with me.
There is something you need to know.
Honorable Zhu and Honorable Fu, I don't suppose you two came to say goodbye.
We came at His Majesty's command.
A criminal escaped and hid among retreating troops.
A thorough search is needed.
I submitted a list of guards
along with customs clearance certificate and approval document.
What is your suspicion based on?
Is it because His Majesty thinks Mongolia won't submit to him?
Calm down, Dorji. We've been friends for years.
Whoever disobeys His Majesty's command must be killed.
Fuchang'an, perform your duties or else I'll show you no mercy.
Lavan Dorji, His Majesty's command must be obeyed.
If you want us to live, please cooperate.
Step back.
Search!
Are you done? Can we go now?
Here's a letter from His Majesty. Read it, then you may go.
Lavan Dorji is going back to Mongolia today.
You and Fuchang'an will stop his troops and see if Heshen is hiding among them.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If Heshen is not there, give this letter to Lavan Dorji.
The enemies of the Great Qing must be eliminated.
I will kill anyone harboring threats to me.
Do you understand His Majesty's meaning?
The various Mongol tribes and I are allied with the Great Qing.
We will certainly follow His Majesty's directions.
I will relay your message to His Majesty.
Have a safe journey.
Honorable Zhu and Honorable Fu, take care.
Honorable Heshen is leaving soon. Have you made a decision yet?
Whether you decide to stay or go, I will be by your side.
Remember when we felt sad, we would go to Qibao House to buy candied fruit?
We haven't eaten candied fruit in a while. Do you want some?
No, Qibao House is too far away.
It's fine. I'll be back soon.
Doukou! Give me your hand!
Doukou!
Bao, take Doukou home and treat her wound!
Yes.
Hurry up!
Why must you hurt Doukou again and again?
Were you trying to kill me?
I was trying to stop you from hurting Doukou!
Honestly, if Doukou tried to kill me, would you do the same to her?
I finally see what I mean to you.
What makes you think so? You are my wife. I've always respected you.
Your wife is Fengshen-Yinde's mother! I'm just your mistress!
Your wife first, Doukou second.
No matter what I do, I can only be a mistress.
You're speechless, aren't you?
I'm not, I just don't want to say it.
I know everything you have done for me.
You and Fuchang'an forced Helin into suicide.
But I know you did it to save me from Yongyan's persecution,
so I decided to forgive you and pretended I knew nothing.
But you shouldn't have hurt Doukou.
I don't want to lose you or Doukou.
What makes you so crazy about that woman?
She considers you her enemy! She's going to get you killed!
Even so, I just can't give up on her.
Fine. If that's what you want, I will give up and walk away.
But you will regret leaving me for her.
Your Majesty, Honorable Fu is here with a...
Let him in.
Aye.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I have arrested Chang Mei.
She will help us catch Heshen to atone for her sins.
I'm at your service, Your Majesty.
Chang Mei, you and Heshen are a couple. What makes you betray your husband?
Heshen is overbearing and unreasonable. I tried to warn him but he wouldn't listen.
If he must go down the wrong way, I can only cut ties with him.
Why should I believe you?
You showed absolutely no fear. Such determination is admirable.
I don't have much of a choice.
I'm glad you understand.
We are in the same boat. We can't ease up until Heshen is caught.
Don't worry, I know Heshen well enough.
He will go to Tianjin.
The Forbidden City
was designed and built meticulously.
There are secret passages in all palaces
yet to be discovered.
The three main halls
have no trees around them.
The floor made of bricks and stones
occupies tens of square feet.
The purpose was to prevent tunneling.