Episode 1

Opening Credits:

公元一六六二年，民族英雄郑成功率领士卒横渡海峡，驱逐荷兰殖民者，收复了宝岛台湾，写下了他一生当中最光辉的一页。郑成功病势之后， 以冯锡范为首的分裂势力(台湾海贼)控制台湾，多次拒绝清廷招抚和谈。在平定三藩之乱大功垂成之际，康熙皇帝开始把目光投向台湾。康熙二十二年六月十四日，福建水师提督施琅受康熙皇帝谕旨， 率兵东征攻克澎湖，迫使台湾归顺清朝，实现了国家的统一。本剧跟据施琅将军率兵平台这一真实历史事件改编创作，供人们回顾了解这段历史，缅怀这位传奇英雄。

“In the year 1662, China’s national hero, Zheng Chenggong at the head of his troops crossed the Taiwan Strait, to reconquer the beautiful island of Taiwan and expel its Dutch colonial overlords. This was the most glorious chapter of his life. However, following Zheng Chenggong’s death due to illness, the separatist forces under the command of Feng Xifan came to rule Taiwan. More than once during their reign they defied the will of China’s Qing Emperor, who insisted upon a peaceful integration of the island within the Imperial mainland. It was upon the eve of the suppression of the “Rebellion of the Three Feudatories” when Emperor Kangxi`s interest in Taiwan arose. On the 14th day of the 6th month of Kangxi’s 22nd year (June 28th, 1683), the commander-in-chief of the navy of Fujian province, Shi Lang, by order of the emperor, conquered the Penghu archipelago, forcing Taiwan into submission and thus bringing about the unification of mainland China and Taiwan. This television series was set in the historical period during which the pacification campaign against Taiwan by Admiral Shi Lang was undertaken. It has been produced to give the contemporary audience an understanding of this period of history and as a tribute to the legendary hero, Shi Lang.”

Scene 1: Beijing, Imperial Palace: Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian)

Emperor Kangxi invites his ministers to celebrate the defeat of the “Rebellion of the Three Feudatories” against the Qing government. Some of the ministers praise Kangxi‘s greatness. Shi Lang, alone, clearly looks worried. Despite the objection of the other ministers, Shi Lang stands up and admonishes them, believing that the time to celebrate has not yet arrived. Taiwan’s unification with the Imperial mainland has not yet been achieved as Taiwan remains yet under the rule of the Zheng clan. In his hands Shi Lang holds a report he has written for the emperor illustrating his plans for the capture of Taiwan.

Feng Xifan and Liu Guoxuan, both leading admirals of the Zheng administration, are concerned that Shi Lang might succeed in convincing the emperor to send more troops to regain control of Jinmen. Liu Guoxuan advocates peace negotiations, whereas Feng Xifan has absolutely no interest in pursuing peaceful negotiations with the Qing government because he wants to establish an autonomous state.

The chief ministers are conferring the proposals brought forward by Shi Lang. In Li Guangdi's opinion, it must not be ignored that the Zheng regime has illegally established itself in Taiwan, though he warns against reacting too hastily. Shi Lang emphasizes that he is also aware of the risk of a war. He recommends that their first priority should be to reorganise the armed fleet in order to strengthen their stance against the Zheng regime. His main opponent in this debate is Laita, who reminds the other ministers of Shi Lang’s unsuccessful campaign of capturing the Pengu archipelago in 1864.

While Feng Xifan and Liu Guoxuan continue talking about their further plans to stabilize the anti-Qing movement, Hong Xu arrives by horse, wishing to speak to Feng Xifan on an important matter. Out of earshot of Liu Guoxuan, he informs Feng Xifan that Liu has sent two of his aides to Beijing – Zhu Lin and Aman. Understanding that these aides are carrying a very secret and important letter that must not be revealed to the Qing government, Feng Xifan suggests Hong Xu to get the aides killed – preferably with the help of Laita.

Laita, seeking to curry favour with Emperor Kangxi, complains that Shi Lang was taking improper advantage of his official authority so as to act corruptly in furtherance of his own personal affairs.

With a candle in his hands, Shi Lang stands in front of a huge Taiwan map covering an entire wall. His wife, standing beside him, recalls his consuming passion for unifying Taiwan with the Imperial mainland. He has devoted more than ten years of his life for the island of Taiwan, all the while watching themselves grow older. Shi Lang confesses that he does, indeed, spend every single night dwelling upon his plans for Taiwan. In a long monologue he stresses that the area along the coastline of Fujian is under increasing pressure. The inhabitants in that area continue to live in dire conditions while the Dutch remain deeply interested in the affairs of Taiwan. Shi Lang feels the weight of responsibility upon him burning deeply into his heart. His wife recalls Shi Lang’s first attempt to lead a fleet against the Zheng regime [in 1864]. Had not a typhoon interrupted the expedition, the Penghu archipelago would long have been captured and the Shi family would not be a mockery among the people of the empire.

Arriving from Fujian, Hong Xu appears at Laita’s house. He asks for an audience with Laita on behalf of Feng Xifan. At first Laita is visibly annoyed and wants to get rid of the uninvited guest, but Hong Xu assures him that he is acting entirely in Laita's own interests. His curiosity piqued, Laita listens as Hong Xu tells him that the letter Laita had written and sent to Feng Xifan is in danger of falling into the hands of the Qing government. Finally Hong Xu explains that Liu Guoxuan has already sent Zhu Lin and Aman to Beijing to deliver this fatal letter safely into the hands of his opponents.

Zhu Lin and Aman are almost captured by armed men in plain clothes, but narrowly escape.

Laita worries about the repercussions should the letter be discovered. He hurriedly urges his soldiers to capture Aman and Zhu Lin, whom he refers to solely as “the secret agents.” Thereafter, he orders the city gates to be shut and to allow no man to enter.

Aman and Zhu Lin are eating when soldiers suddenly storm in. They show each guest in the room a sketch of the two “secret agents” that are being sought after. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape, the two messengers take arms against the soldiers. Quickly, Zhu Lin seizes one of the soldiers and holds his sword against the man’s throat. Under threat of seeing their comrade killed, the soldiers are forced to let Zhu Lin and Aman escape once again.

A soldier hastily runs into Laita’s house to bring him the bad news of the “secret agents’” escape. Laita is beside himself with rage. He commands the soldiers to search every house in Beijing and find them or the soldier will have to pay with his life. Hong Xu remarks that the messengers could be on their way to Shi Lang’s house. At first Laita does not understand the reason why the agents would bring the letter to Shi Lang’s attention. Hong Xu then explains to him that the letter would implicate Laita’s treachery, as it would reveal Laita’s invitation of an alliance with the Zheng regime in Taiwan so as to help establish an autonomous state. Furthermore, it is Shi Lang who is his greatest antagonist, for it is his personal quest to unite Taiwan with the Imperial mainland. Laita, acceding to this logic, commands his soldier to seek out Aman and Zhu Lin at the house of Shi Lang.

Zhu Lin and Aman have just made their way to Shi Lang’s house but the attendant explains to them that Shi Lang is not at home to receive them. In truth, Shi Lang has been made aware that these visitors have arrived from Taiwan, and out of loyalty to the Qing government, has ordered his attendants to turn them away. Zhu Lin tries to explain that they have come by order of Chen Gongfei, the father of Aman, who in former times had been an officer under Shi Lang's command. Somewhat relenting, Shi Lang sends his son, Shi Shilun, to take the message that the two have come to deliver. Although disappointed, Aman hands the secret letter over to Shi Shilun and promises the young man that they will meet again, sometime. She and Zhu Lin hurry away.

Only a few meters away from Shi Lang’s residence, Zhu Lin and Aman are again ambushed by soldiers. Once more they are forced to fight the soldiers. Aman is able to flee but Zhu Lin is arrested.

A soldier arrives to deliver the news of the “secret agent’s” capture. Initially, Laita is very pleased at this turn of events, but when he hears that Aman has escaped his pleasure suddenly dissipates. Furthermore, the letter they were hoping to intercept was not with Zhu Lin at the time of his capture. Laita’s anxiety returns and he commands that Zhu Lin should be questioned to locate the letter - if necessary by torture.

Shi Lang holds the letter in his hands with disbelief. He relates the contents of the letter to his wife and his son. The letter, written by Laita addressed to Feng Xifan, states that Taiwan was free not to declare its submission and willingness to pay tribute to the Qing empire and thus provides clear evidence of Laita’s wish to cooperate with the Zheng regime in the establishment of a new, autonomous state in Taiwan.

Hong Xu once again requests Laita to speak for the cause of an independent Taiwan in front of the emperor. He praises the soldiers of Taiwan, who fight bravely on sea and land, but also reveals to Laita that Taiwan fears but the menace posed by Shi Lang if he should convince the emperor to fight over control of Taiwan. When Laita expressed doubts about the willingness of the emperor to make far-reaching concessions to Taiwan, Hong Xu promises that the Zheng regime would stop harassing the Chinese coast and, hinting at a present for Laita, even part with a national treasure.

Shi Lang and his wife ponder who could have sent them this letter. It must have been someone of a higher rank than lieutenant colonel Zhu Lin or his superior Chen Gongfei. It could possibly be Liu Guoxuan or the Prince of Yanping himself.

Laita uncoils the calligraphic scroll, which he received from Hong Xu as a present. He is impressed and decides to have an expert take a look at this apparently expensive gift. Leaving the matter of the scroll aside Laita and Hong Xu renew their discussion of Shi Lang. Hong Xu reports that everybody on the coast has already become aware of the recent news on Shi Lang. Himself unaware and curious, Laita asks of what events Hong Xu is referring to. Hong Xu informs him that Shi Lang’s son, Shi Shizong, and also his nephew, Shi Mingliang, have decided to toe the line and ally with the Zheng regime.

Shi Lang and his son debate about why this letter has been delivered to Shi Lang. Unclear as to how to fulfil their duty with regards to this news, Shi Shilun is sent to find Zhu Lin and Aman since these two are the only ones who might advise them as what to do. Before sending his son on this mission Shi Lang cautions him not to talk about this affair with anyone.

Hong Xu has a second mission in Beijing, namely to deliver a letter allegedly written by Shi Shizong explaining his capitulation and requesting his father to join him in Taiwan’s struggle for independence and a reestablishment of the Ming dynasty. Laita wants to see the letter, but Hong Xu declares that he cannot possibly comply because he must give this letter to Shi Lang – unopened. Naturally, this excites the curiosity in Laita, who assures Hong Xu that the letter would be returned to him without any trace of it being opened. Hong Xu hands Laita the letter. As Laita finishes reading the message, Hong Xu asks Laita whether he intends to prevent this letter from reaching Shi Lang. Laita, however, gives his consent to proceed with delivering the letter.

Aman has found a short-term lodging in a kind of hostel. Desperately wishing to leave unnoticed, she is suddenly seized by soldiers. With a sword in her hand, she puts up a brave battle, but when the soldiers draw their bows, she is left with no choice but to surrender.

Shi Shilun stands among a crowd listening to an official public announcement. The announcement declares that two “secret agents” from Taiwan have been detained on their mission to contact the high-ranking Qing official Shi Lang. Shi Shilun is absolutely shocked.

Shi Shilun tells his father about the capture of Zhu Lin and Aman. Shi Lang regrets to have sent them away. These two young people were sent from Taiwan by someone who had intended to enlist his help to fight against a conspiracy aimed at establishing an independent state. That was the reason having them deliver this important letter to him. Shi Shilun suggests handing the letter over to the emperor, but Shi Lang disagrees, for he is not sure whether the emperor will believe him. Shi Shilun, however, insists that they immediately bring the matter to the emperor’s attention to prevent any growing suspicions arising against Shi Lang entertained and propagated by Laita’s machinations. Shi Lang realizes that in order to reveal the truth behind the letter it is imperative to save the lives of Zhu Lin and Aman. However, the only way to intervene into court procedures at this advanced stage is to march into the execution ground and interrupt the executions, thereby risking his own life. Shi Lang sends his son away to buy a coffin.

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