Episode 34

Scene 1: Formosa Strait (Taiwan Strait)

The naval battle is about to begin. Shi Lang’s and Liu Guoxuan’s fleets are arranged for battle. All of a sudden north wind comes up. This is Liu Guoxuan’s chance for victory. He is certain that the ships of his enemy will run aground at low tide and will thus force Shi Lang’s troops to retreat. Geared up to battle, Shi Lang is aware that the north wind isn’t a good omen for victory, nevertheless he challenges Liu Guoxuan to fight. On both sides firing orders are given, cannons are brought into position and the first dead and wounded can be counted. The outcome of the battle is uncertain until, as predicted by Liu Guoxuan, some of Shi Lang’s ships are running onto ground and are disabled. The luck has turned in favour of Liu Guoxuan and he grabs the chance for triumph and declares open season on Shi Lang’s head! In the thick of the fight, Shi Lang gets distracted by his youngest son Shi Shifan who shows up on deck ready to fight. Concerned about his youngster, he doesn’t notice an approaching cannon ball. Heroically and fearless Hu Ganjiang tries to protect Shi Lang by pushing him aside. After the rumble of gunfire is over the extent of the attack becomes clear. Shi Lang is badly wounded at one eye. Hu Ganjiang has sustained deadly injuries. For the moment the battle is over and both sides retreat to their strongholds.

Scene 2: On board of Shi Lang’s battle ship

Hu Ganjiang lies in state; his comrades are gathered around him. Their expressions are sad. Shi Lang holds a speech on Hu Ganjiang’s noble character and his sacrifice to give his life for him. He’s sure that Hu Ganjiang’s courageous spirit is still surrounding them.

Shi Lang has gathered his officials and soldiers around him. He is furious about the behaviour of some men who – in his eyes – tried to desert and were disloyal to him, his troops and the emperor. As a warning to the other soldiers Shi Lang wants them decapitated. Shi Lang’s sons, Shi Shilun and Shi Shibiao try to raise an objection, but Shi Lang won’t stir from his resolve. Only when Wu Qijue speaks up, he can finally convince Shi Lang to retract his decision. Only two men gain a reward for their brave actions.

Liu Guoxuan is inspecting his troops. The victory was won at a high price; many of his men are wounded and they’re all exhausted and tired from the battle. They will need time to rest and to regain their strength. But Liu Guoxuan isn’t in a hurry and remains disturbingly calm.

Shi Lang is medicated by a doctor in a tent, a patch covers Shi Lang’s wounded eye. Shi Shilun enters with an unexpected guest: Haikui. Shi Lang warmly welcomes her but Haikui seems unhappy. On the one hand, she feels happy that with her help and her decision to bring Shi Lang the map of Liu Guoxuan’s coast defense many soldiers under Shi Lang’s command were and will be saved, but on the other hand she’s sad about all the men who died on the Taiwan side because of her betrayal. Together the three scheme a plan to persuade Liu Guoxuan to surrender so that there won’t be anymore fighting. They had just decided to send for Aman as she enters the tent. In this very moment, Shi Lang is informed that the drinking water supply is almost used up. The situation is critical for there are over 20,000 soldiers who need to be supplied with water.

Scene 6: Bazhao Island, the only well on the island

Soldiers are fighting for a bucket of water, when Shi Lang and his retinue arrive. Shi Lang tries the water but finds it too salty to be used for drinking. Therefore, Shi Lang orders Wu Ying to sink a new well.

Scene 7: Niangmagong, Liu Guoxuan’s stronghold, coastal artillery position

Liu Guoxuan is discussing the upcoming battle with the two officers Lin Ying and Jiang Sheng. Both propose to carry out a nightly attack on Shi Lang’s ships anchoring near Bazhao Island. However, Liu directly asks them whether it is true that they have family ties with Zhu Tiangui who fights at the side of the enemy. The officers assure him that they are loyal to Liu Guoxuan and that they are willing to prove this in battle. Liu Guoxuan declares that he trusts in their loyalty. Nevertheless, he does not approve their proposal to attack the enemy’s ships.

Scene 8: Bazhao Island, Shi Lang’s stronghold

Shi Lang and Aman walk up to an officer who’s sharpening his sword. It’s Zhu Tiangui who is upset about not being allowed to go into battle. He assumes that Shi Lang mistrusts him as he is a subordinate of Yao Qisheng and therefore tells him to stay ashore. But Zhu Tiangui is more than ready and willing to fight. Shi Lang tells him that others have expressed doubts about the fact that he has family ties with Lin Ying who is an officer in the enemy’s army. Zhu Tiangui does not deny this (and also reveals his relationship with Jiang Sheng) but claims that this fact does not change his loyalty and eagerness to fight. Shi Lang is impressed and allows Zhu Tiangui to lead the vanguard in tomorrow’s fight instead of Lan Li who has received the vanguard seal. Delighted, Zhu Tiangui is so eager to prove his stand and he signs an oath of allegiance with his own blood vowing rather to die than to loose the battle.

Scene 9: Bazhao Island, Shi Lang’s stronghold, the well

Shi Lang and Aman continue their walk arriving at the coast where soldiers are still digging the well. As they reach the new well, Aman day-dreams about the future of the place. Will future generations remember who sunk the well? Shi Lang is certain that whoever will drink from that well, will know about the story of its construction.

Liu Guoxuan has a meeting with his officials discussing the strategy for the upcoming battle. They decide to lure Shi Lang into a trap. Liu Guoxuan asks for wine to drink to victory. He points to the black clouds covering the sky, which, he is certain, will bring a typhoon. All of a sudden, a roll of thunder breaks the silence. Is it a thunder or gunshots? Liu Guoxuan is paralyzed with fear. If it is rolling thunder, this would mean there will be no typhoon, his strategy to enlist the help of the weather would not succeed and the battle will be lost to the Qing.

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