Madam Mei, it's me.
Come in.
How did it go?
As you instructed, Prince Mianning was drugged to sleep,
then transported out of the palace in Gulun Princess Hexiao's sedan chair.
Go.
Hide Prince Mianning in the sedan chair's secret compartment.
Someone will take over outside Shenwu Gate.
Do it fast and don't screw up or else we'll be in trouble.
Yes.
Gulun Princess Hexiao left the palace and got on a carriage.
Then the people sent by Honorable Heshen secretly took Prince Mianning away.
Nobody noticed anything.
Well done. What about Consort Xian?
After His Majesty left, Her Royal Highness almost had a miscarriage because of her.
What goes around comes around. It serves her right.
The anti-miscarriage drug taken by Consort Xian contained saffron,
which increased her risk of miscarriage. If anyone finds out,
Her Royal Highness who is pregnant and being bullied will become a key suspect.
That's very clever of you, Madam.
Let the chaos distract His Majesty so that Milord can have a break.
Stay alert after you go back to the palace and keep me updated.
Yes, Madam.
It's getting windy. Buy yourself some new clothes.
If you hadn't lent a helping hand, I would have died of starvation.
You saved my life. I will never forget your kindness.
Everything is uncertain now. We don't know what will happen.
You must take care of yourself.
You take care too, Madam.
Your Majesty, I would like to propose something.
Permitted.
I'm named a member of Heshen's clique, but Heshen is nowhere to be found.
Those allegations were made without proof, so I urge you to rethink.
You know if you are guilty or not.
Your Majesty, I swear my loyalty to you. I was never involved with Heshen.
I also swear that I never committed embezzlement or bribery.
Say anything you want.
If Heshen is caught, you can't get away either.
Your Majesty, if Heshen is caught, I will take the stand to accuse him.
I will testify against him and prove my loyalty.
We are willing to help you destroy Heshen.
I found your speech forceful and impressive,
but you were close associates of Heshen.
It's hard to avoid suspicion.
Your Majesty, there is no room for agreement in this ongoing debate.
We must catch Heshen as quickly as possible,
then we will find out who is guilty or not guilty.
Absolutely.
Your Majesty, rest assured that I will hunt Heshen down at all costs.
Heaven will not let a guilty man go free.
I will do everything I can to punish corrupt officials.
Good. Heshen is doomed to failure. I will not let him off again.
Any news on Mianning?
Your Majesty, I conducted a secret search in the palace.
There was no sign of Prince Mianning. But in a sedan chair outside Shenwu Gate,
we found a secret compartment big enough to hide a child.
Heshen must be the mastermind behind Prince Mianning's disappearance.
Someone reported seeing Heshen on the outskirts a few days ago.
He must have fled Tianjin and returned to the capital.
Outrageous!
With Prince Mianning being held hostage, catching Heshen is even harder.
No matter how hard it is, find Heshen and save Mianning at all costs!
To avoid further trouble, don't spread the news!
Conduct a thorough search using investigation as an excuse!
Yes, Your Majesty.
I trust you all to save Mianning.
His Majesty is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you going somewhere?
I was going to wake Mianning up and have breakfast with him.
Mianning always wakes up grumpy. The eunuchs are at their wit's end.
No worries. Mianning woke up early this morning.
He went to Guande Hall with his uncles to pray for blessings.
He went to Guande Hall? How come nobody told me?
It was my idea to keep it secret
so as to protect Mianning from this power struggle.
It was very thoughtful of you.
How is Mianning doing in Guande Hall? Should I keep him company?
You are pregnant and your legs hurt. You should stay here and rest.
With great power comes great responsibility,
he must first learn through life's trials.
Mianning has grown up. You don't have to worry about him.
I know.
Join me for breakfast.
Sure.
Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highness.
I came on behalf of Consort Xian.
Did something happen?
Her Highness wanted to give you this tiger hat.
It took her four days to sew this hat.
It was originally made for the baby in wishing it the strength of a tiger.
Her Highness said it was no longer needed. You might want to keep it as a souvenir.
I can understand her pain. My heart is bleeding too.
Give her everything she wants, like jewels or silk garments.
Thank you, Your Majesty, but Her Highness desires nothing.
She has decided to go to Cishan Temple
and spend the rest of her life praying for the Great Qing and the unborn baby.
Outrageous! Who permitted her to leave? No one shall leave without my permission!
It's your job to comfort her and calm her mind!
Forgive me, Your Majesty!
Go back to Zhongcui Palace right now!
I'll hold you responsible if Consort Xian leaves the palace!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
I understand what she is going through.
If it happened to me, it would have traumatized me.
I'm afraid jewels can't ease her pain. Only you can comfort her.
Ling'er, I won't let it happen to you. I'll go to visit her.
Just let me die.
You shouldn't starve yourself, Highness.
Qing'er, don't say that.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
You're in poor health. Take the physical's advice.
Take your medicine and rest. Stop acting like a child.
I thought you were mad at me. I thought you'd never see me again.
You're suffering for my mistakes. Why would I be mad at you?
You must take care of yourself before you can bear my children.
Your Majesty,
Lady Ying heard Her Highness was unwell and thus sent dong quai over.
The news has spread to the outskirts.
Lady Ying treats me like her own daughter.
Now she's all alone in the nunnery and has nobody to talk to.
Allow me to make a presumptuous request.
Would you have mercy on Lady Ying and grant her return?
Did she ask you to beg me?
No. Since she went to Cishan Temple, we have been exchanging letters.
I know she is depressed.
I made this presumptuous request because she's like a mother to me.
Your Majesty, I have no one to rely on except you.
Would you please grant my wish?
I'll send someone to escort Lady Ying back.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Wish my husband a life of wellness and longevity.
Chang Mei.
Chang Mei! Chang Mei, are you there?
Don't come in!
It's really you, Chang Mei!
I'm wearing the shoes you gave me. You even made insoles.
The size is perfect. They are very comfortable.
Only you know what I need the most.
I couldn't have kidnapped Prince Mianning without your help.
Now I have the upper hand.
It's just a matter of time before Yongyan's dethronement.
Soon enough we will be living the good life together.
Chang Mei, I know you are still upset,
but we have been together for years through thick and thin.
I just can't live without you. Let's leave the past behind and start over.
Chang Mei! Chang Mei, what's wrong? Did you catch a cold?
Let me in! Chang Mei, let me in!
Please open the door, Chang Mei!
Go away. I don't want to see you.
If you're upset with me, hit me and yell at me all you want.
Please give us a chance and stop thinking too much.
We are over. There is nothing we can do.
Doukou is the one you really love. Why won't you leave me alone?
No, we're not over. You always have a special place in my heart.
I know you're still upset.
I'll be waiting for you until you forgive me.
Why are there dots on this comb?
This comb is made of mottled bamboo.
Emperor Shun died of an illness near the Xiang River in the south.
The locals built him a tomb.
His two concubines Ehuang and Nuying traveled a long way to find him.
When they finally reached his tomb,
they became very sad and cried for nine days until death.
Their tears fell onto the bamboo and left behind spots.
That's the origin of mottled bamboo.
So beautiful.
Emperor Shun's concubines remained faithful to him dead or alive.
That kind of love is hard to find. It's very beautiful indeed.
Even death couldn't do them apart.
Don't expect me to cry for you like Ehuang and Nuying.
Of course.
You must live longer and better than me, then I will die without regrets.
Don't jinx it. It's our wedding day.
Wish my wife a life of happiness till old age.
Why haven't they come back yet? I wonder if they were caught.
They should be fine.
The officers are coming! Hurry up and hide!
Come with me!
Search!
We searched everywhere and nothing found.
Go to the next house.
Nayancheng, hurry up.
Your Honor, I have to go somewhere. Would you excuse me?
Go.
Yes.
Play with me, Father!
Dinner is ready, Natu.
There you are. Dinner is ready.
What happened to your family? Where did they go?
Heshen took them.
I have invited your entire family, not just your son.
Their safety depends on you.
What do you want?
Father, help me...
Why didn't you tell me?
I don't know what to do anymore.
Your grandfather was a good friend of mine. I won't be a bystander.
I'll try my best to save your family, but promise me one thing.
Carry on your family's mission and serve the country with utmost loyalty.
If I notice any traitorous actions,
I will make no exception even though Agui is your grandfather.
I, Nayancheng, pledge my loyalty to His Majesty,
and to make every effort to destroy Heshen.
Is everyone all right?
Yes, we managed to hide in the secret room.
Master, Lavan Dorji just sent a message.
He said he received your letter and would follow your plan.
With Gulun Prince Consort on our side, Lady Ying is no longer a threat.
But I heard His Majesty sent someone to pick up Lady Ying from Cishan Temple.
Maybe he thought she knew something about Prince Mianning's whereabouts.
Lady Ying doesn't have a clue.
Now we have Prince Mianning. His Majesty won't act rashly.
Even so, we still need a witness to testify against Yongyan
so as to instigate his dethronement.
I found pipes under Changdong's bed in Qingyun Hall. Perhaps he is a smoker.
Gather information from every den in the city and keep watch for Changdong.
We must find him at all costs.
Yes...
Once we find Changdong, success will come our way.
Changdong? I settled you down in Tianjin. Why did you come back?
I didn't have a choice! Help me, Godfather!
Slow down. Have some tea.
I said eat slowly. There's no rush.
Don't tell me to slow down. You used to eat even faster than me.
I never beat you with chopsticks, but I admired your guts to take my squab.
Oh well, we both loved squabs and wine.
I remember you taught me to store leftover wine from His Majesty under my bed.
Not all fathers and sons can bond like that.
Right, but I only brought you trouble.
You must have suffered a great deal.
I risked my life to save you and thought you would pull through,
but Heshen's minions spotted you in Tianjin.
Changdong, didn't you get my message?
I came to say goodbye. Godfather, thank you for saving my life.
Get up.
Go to Tianjin and leave the rest to me. Don't ever come back again.
I wish I could serve you until your death.
Your wellness and safety is all I ask.
Let me give you one more thing.
This death-inducing pill causes your body to shut down.
You will appear dead and return to normal after two hours.
I see. If Heshen catches me, I can take this death-inducing pill
and fake my death until you come to my rescue.
Remember you only have one pill. Don't take it unless it's necessary.
Sure. Thank you, Godfather.
I have a little request.
You want to smoke?
Here you go. I know a good place.
Thank you, Godfather.
I lost the baby. His Majesty also lost his passion for me.
I'm afraid of growing old alone in the harem.
But you were strong and healthy.
One push shouldn't have caused a miscarriage.
Don't you think it's strange?
It never crossed my mind.
You're too simple-minded.
I examined the dregs of your prescribed anti-miscarriage drug and found saffron.
No wonder you had a miscarriage.
You mean someone meant to harm me and the baby?
Who could have done that?
Who would benefit from your miscarriage?
Sister?
I don't know anything!
Just admit it!
I swear I didn't do anything!
You'd better be honest. I didn't do anything...
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highness...
Rise.
Huansha, what happened?
Highness...
Qing'er, what happened?
Your Majesty, I trust you'll uphold justice.
Someone put something in my drug to kill my baby. It was...
Sister!
I didn't do it. There must be some misunderstanding.
Get up.
That's a very serious accusation. Do you have proof?
The proof is in the dregs.
The anti-miscarriage drug I took every day contained saffron.
Huansha was in charge of cooking. She used to work in Jingren Palace.
It's quite obvious whose order it was.
Huansha is timid and shy. She would never do such a thing.
Please investigate further to avoid wrongful convictions.
You are defending a maidservant. How wonderful.
Enough. Call in the physician. I will look into it personally.
Aye.
Your Majesty, my prescription did not contain saffron.
Someone must have added it on purpose.
I can't believe my baby was murdered! Your Majesty, you must uphold justice!
Take the maidservant to Judicial Bureau. All involved parties must be punished.
Aye.
Your Majesty...
Your Majesty, I was close to the truth.
Please let me interrogate Huansha and avenge the death of my child.
You need rest and recovery. Venting frustration is bad for your health.
This matter concerns the royal blood and must be taken seriously.
Allow me to help Consort Xian.
I let you come back to take care of Consort Xian,
not to sow discord.
I want all rumor-mongering to stop. Do you understand?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, ten officials will be absent tomorrow due to sickness.
All of them are members of Heshen's clique and seemingly instigated by Heshen.
Keep an eye on them.
Aye.
They think they can get away with it? In their dreams!
Your Majesty, I found a letter written by Lady Ying to Prince Yonglin.
It's full of lies and basically says how you treat her without respect,
and she looks forward to Prince Yonglin's return.
She just won't give up.
It's been chaotic enough lately. All I want is some peace.
Honorable Zhu and Nayancheng are here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Any news on Heshen and Mianning?
Your Majesty, we searched everywhere but found no sign of Prince Mianning.
Rubbish! None of you is helpful!
Please calm down, Your Majesty...
I will send reinforcements and make sure they search every corner.
I have dispatched guards to every gate and dock.
Heshen won't be able to get away.
I was worried about Mianning and blinded by rage. Please rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty...
Please don't worry too much.
Prince Mianning is Heshen's trump card. He won't do anything to hurt him.
Unlike his usual style, he's been lying low. He must be up to something.
Nayancheng, you said Doukou and her assistant
were following a man in Tianjin. Do you remember what the man looked like?
I was behind them and paying little attention.
I only remember he had a mole on the back of his neck.
Who was that man?
A nobody, perhaps. I may be thinking too much.
You all have matters to attend to. Dismissed.
Aye.
Xiaodezi, do you know a man with a mole on the back of his neck?
I do, Your Majesty. It's Changdong.
So Changdong fled to Tianjin.
Looks like Heshen hasn't found him yet. We must strike first.
Consider it done, Your Majesty.
Where is Mianning?
Mianning? He's not in the palace?
Heshen kidnapped him. You think you can fool me?
Your Majesty, I was locked up in prison
and clueless about what happened out there.
Did Heshen come to see you?
Heshen and I had nothing to do with each other.
Why would he come to see me?
Heshen treats everyone like a pawn. I hope you are aware of that.
Have you seen this eunuch called Changdong?
Changdong? The one who accused Yongxuan? No, I haven't seen him.
Revolt? I don't want to die yet.
So you think you will live a long life in prison?
This is what I deserve. I will never betray His Majesty.
Only those in power can change history. If you don't revolt, you will die.
You know the rules well enough.
What do you have in mind?
I found Changdong the eunuch who accused Prince Yongxuan of poisoning.
If we escort him back and let him speak the truth,
everyone will know Jiaqing is a murderer. How is he qualified to rule the country?
You're a wanted criminal and I'm a prisoner.
How can we revolt against His Majesty?
I have everything planned out.
Prince Jasak and the Mongol army are awaiting outside the city.
White Lotus Sect has become my ally.
The Shandong, Minzhe, Yungui forces, and the Vanguard Battalion are on standby.
When the time comes, victory will be ours.
If you help me, you will ascend the throne.
Who am I to ascend the throne?
You are in the Aisin Gioro family and a descendant of His Late Majesty.
As long as I have your back, nothing is impossible.
If you don't trust me, ask Heaven.
Is Heaven on my side?
Do you even have to ask?
It won't be necessary. I trust you.
The arrow is on the bowstring. It's too late to turn back now.
After you leave the city, forget everything and start a new life.
Don't ever come back again.
I will have my revenge and fulfill Fu'en's wish.
Then Shuangshuang and Fengshen-Yinde can come back for a family reunion.
Everything will be all right.
Good fortune forever.
Master, this belongs to Prince Mianning. We're all set.
Be careful. I'll be waiting for you.
Don't worry.
Your Majesty, thank you for clearing my grandfather's name
and restoring his portrait as a recognition of his merits.
Agui was wronged. I should have restored his reputation a long time ago.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Please don't blame yourself.
It's my inability to stop potentially traitorous activities.
Your grandfather sacrificed his life to bring Heshen to justice.
Do you think his sacrifice was in vain?
There is nothing we wouldn't do for the country.
My grandfather taught me that loyalty to our country runs on sacrifices.
The Zhangjia family is famous for their integrity.
The Great Qing is blessed to have your help.
Unfortunately, Heshen is still on the loose.
Your grandfather just can't rest in peace.
Heshen's days are numbered.
Your Majesty, how is your head?
I'm fine.
You must be worried about Prince Mianning and having trouble sleeping.
Heshen is holding Mianning hostage to threaten me.
I will make my choice when I have to.
The country comes before family.
If the country falls apart, so will family and everyone in it.
Nayancheng, do you understand?
Your Majesty, I won't let anything happen to Prince Mianning.
He will come back safely.
I will do anything to destroy Heshen, even if it costs me my life.
I'm counting on you.
I won't let you down, Your Majesty.
I pray for Lady Ying's quick recovery.
Highness?
Greetings, Lady Ying.
I heard you were sick in bed. How come...
I spread fake news so as to get you here for a private talk.
It's quite a hassle. Do you have something important to tell me?
Do you know Mianning is in extreme danger being held hostage by Heshen?
Highness...
Where did the information come from?
His Majesty told Mianning to pray for His Late Majesty in Guande Hall.
You don't have to worry about his safety.
The information is true. His Majesty lied because he didn't want to worry you.
Mianning wouldn't have left the palace without notifying you.
If something happened to Mianning, His Majesty wouldn't lie to me.
I will check with His Majesty.
His Majesty is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Her Highness hasn't come back yet.
Your Majesty, please wait a moment and try the treats prepared by Her Highness.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty,
I heard Heshen kidnapped Mianning and hid him in Guande Hall.
After much thought and consideration, I decided to go there alone.
I have no choice but to leave without permission.
Please allow me to apologize afterwards.
Ling'er is in danger.
Dispatch a team to Guande Hall.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Heshen, where are Ling'er and Mianning?
Please calm down, Your Majesty.
There is someone we've been looking for. I know you can't wait to see him.
Changdong!
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Changdong, why are you here?
Changdong told me the truth about His Late Majesty's death.
I thought you might like to know.
What is the truth? Tell me about it.
Greetings, Prince Yi.
Changdong, who poisoned His Late Majesty? Tell us!
It was...
Changdong!
Changdong! Changdong!
Changdong, who was it? Tell us!
Mottled bamboo, also known as teardrop bamboo.
Emperor Shun's concubines, Ehuang and Nuying went to Xiang River to find him.
Hearing the news of his death, they cried for nine days until they died.
Their tears fell onto the bamboo on the Jiuyi Mountains.
The spots looked like their teardrops. That's how mottled bamboo got its name.