The Confidant

Having recognized CIAN's true intention, Emperor TONGZHI decides to draw a line between him and CIAN. SAM-SHUN gets down on his knees, begging SHEUNG-HEI to spare CHAN FOOK. SHEUNG-HEI opines that he can forgive CHAN FOOK since LIAN-YING and SAM-SHUN are able to do so, but CHAN FOOK suddenly dies soon after leaving the palace. Emperor TONGZHI, looking energetic, goes to hold a court audience again, however he faints after withdrawing from the court. As most imperial doctors make a preliminarily diagnosis and conclude that the Emperor suffers from smallpox, SHEUNG-HEI overrides the dissenting opinions, thinking it is curable. As such, CIXI assigns SHEUNG-HEI to attend to the Emperor. During a purge of some black sheep, LIAN-YING breaks TIM-SHAU's one hand and one leg and expels him out of the palace……