Synopsis
The series is set in 18th-century China during the Qing dynasty. The Yongzheng Emperor orders Nalan Degang, a Manchu bannerman, to lead a secret death squad to eliminate the Great Ming Society, a Yangzhou-based rebel movement seeking to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Ming dynasty.
Fang Shiyu is a son of Fang De, Yangzhou's governor. He spends his time with his best friend, Nalan Dekai. Zhu Lingce, a leader of the Great Ming Society, was previously in a romantic relationship with Miao Cuihua, Fang Shiyu's mother. Although Miao Cuihua has married Fang De, she still has feelings for Zhu Lingce. It is later revealed that Fang De has been working undercover for the Great Ming Society as Yangzhou's governor.
Fang Shiyu, Nalan Dekai, and their friend Song Tiezhu travel to Shaolin Monastery to learn martial arts. Song Tiezhu, tempted by wealth and glory, agrees to spy on the rebels for Nalan Degang. When Nalan Degang captures Zhu Lingce, Fang Shiyu and his friends break into prison to save him. However, Song Tiezhu betrays them, causes Zhu Lingce's death, and exposes Fang De's true identity as a rebel.
While Fang De is arrested and taken to Beijing, Fang Shiyu manages to escape and he takes Nalan Dekai, who was injured while helping him, to Shaolin for treatment. Song Tiezhu leads government forces to attack Shaolin and capture them. Fang Shiyu defeats Song Tiezhu in a fight and cripples him.
The Yongzheng Emperor attempts to sow discord between Fang De and the rebels, tricking the latter into believing that Fang De has betrayed them. Fang De is forced to commit suicide to prove his innocence.
In the meantime, Fang Shiyu trains hard in martial arts with the aim of avenging his father. He breaks into the Forbidden City in an attempt to assassinate the Yongzheng Emperor, but ultimately gives up on his quest for vengeance when he realises the best option is to spare the emperor's life to avoid creating a power vacuum that could lead to more bloodshed.
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