The Red Flower Society infiltrates the Qing court, and Emperor Qianlong goes to Jiangnan disguised as a commoner, where he meets and takes in Kong Kong as a maid. They meet Fang Shiyu and are introduced to the leader of the Society, Han Tianchou. With the help of the White Browed Taoist and others, Han intends to overthrow the Qing dynasty, and Qianlong must investigate. Meanwhile, Muslim princess Ma Xianglei seeks Han's help to retrieve the Quran stolen by Qianlong. Xianglei and Qianlong develop mutual feelings, and so do Shiyu and Kong Kong, but they face many obstacles. Ultimately, Qianlong succeeds in dismantling the Society, but Xianglei is murdered. The culprit incites more conflict to harm Qianlong, who vows to avenge Xianglei by finding the true killer.
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