They unleash an elaborate plan to kidnap the emperor in exchange for their comrade, and hope to persuade the emperor to join their cause. When the exchange takes place, Qianlong must ultimately continue impersonating a Manchu in order to remain in power as ruler of the Qing Empire. Qianlong's chief lieutenant, Zhang Zhaozhong, is bound and determined to wipe out Chen Jialuo and the Red Flower Society.
They formulate a detailed strategy to capture the emperor in exchange for their associate, with the expectation that the emperor will join their faction. When the transaction takes place, Qianlong must continue masquerading as a Manchu in order to preserve his position as ruler of the Qing Empire. His chief subordinate, Zhang Zhaozhong, is resolute in his intention to annihilate Chen Jialuo and the Red Flower Society.