Xiqu

The Prince of Xiliang invades the Central Plains; the Emperor leads the army but fails to defend his land. The Zhao brothers Yingqiang, Yingjie and Guo Chong’an pass by the battlefield. Yingqiang single handedly kills the Prince of Xiliang and cuts his head off, but Guo Chong’an takes credit for the killing by bringing back the Prince’s head. The Emperor rewards Guo who becomes the Imperial Uncle. Soon after, Guo Chong’an kills Yingjie in a fit of rage. Yingjie’s father dies of severe injury; the wife of Yingqiang – Huang – flees and seeks the help of a magistrate to get justice. Knowing he has strong backing, Guo kills the magistrate. Huang is chased and she arrives at the West River; facing danger, she is rescued by Yingqiang. The couple, as well as Chunmei – the sister of Yingqiang – and the fiancé of Chunmei, Li Pangui, meet. They discuss their revenge and decide to make a report to the Imperial Protector. The Imperial Protector hosts a dinner and tries to interrogate Guo Chong’an, but Guo suspects their plan. The Empress of the Western Palace, who is the sister of Guo Chong’an, attempts to rescue her brother from the residence of the Imperial Protector. Everyone gathers in front of the Emperor and gives him their version of events. The Emperor cannot make up his mind and commands that Guo Chong’an and Yingqiang fight it out in three rounds. Each wins a round. In the final round, Yingqiang turns his anger into strength and kills Guo Chong’an. The Zhao family gets justice.