Original subtitles

I die for the revolution.

No Chinese woman has yet shed blood for the revolution.

I shall be the first.

It will build an indestructible home for all people,

a peaceful and calm world for all children.

The long-enslaved masses are numb,

they know not peace, nor calm.

These two children will soon lose their mother.

I die for all children.

I die for the revolution.

I'm not afraid, nor do I care about death.

I rejoice at my martyrdom.

At this moment I cry with blissful tears.

Put the donation boxes in prominent spots.

Go over to the door. Be vigilant.

OK.

Let Mr Sun rest.

- Don't disturb him. - OK.

Juemin.

- Who's that? - Who?

Look.

What?

Go, quick!

- Get up, there's a woman here. - Don't bother, just go!

Keqiang. Time to get up. Get up.

Let me sleep three more minutes.

All right.

One more minute.

I'll get up-

- I should go to Guangzhou for the uprising. - What?

You've forgotten the committee's decision from last night'?

Huang Xing leads the Guangzhou Uprising. Sun Wen handles fund raising overseas.

We voted!

Promise.

Promise!

These are donations from abroad.

Overseas Chinese helped us.

I promised them.

I cannot fail them,

I must carry out my pledge!

It's not a personal promise, but Tongmenghui's promise!

They wrote these letters.

Who's this woman?

Zonghan!

Xu Zonghan.

- Tongmenghui member from my village. - I'm Huang Xing.

Zonghan coordinates underground organisations in Guangzhou.

You two pretend to be husband and wife.

It's a good cover.

No, it's not appropriate.

Why not?

I'm a woman and I don't care.

What are you afraid of?

It's easy to die in battle, but hard to motivate the living.

You have the difficult task!

The Guangzhou Uprising will finish off the Qing dynasty!

Take this pocket watch.

On the day of the uprising, we'll monitor time together.

Go! Charge!

Quick! Quick!

Destroy this wall!

Yes Sir.

You revolutionary!

You dare revolt!

Where's Zhang Mingqi?

Quick!

Quick!

Yet-sen, comrades taking part in the uprising know me better.

- It's easier for me to coordinate... - Nonsense!

I can wield my pen and scalpel, why not a gun?

Remember, you're still a wanted man by the Qing court, you can't risk it.

If you return to China to lead the uprising,

you're being irresponsible!

Back off! All of you!

Listen to my command!

- Attack from the sides. - Yes Sir!

- Hand grenades! - Yes Sir.

Follow me.

- Charge! - Charge!

Keqiang!

Don't mind me, charge!

Charge!

Yu Peilun! Yu Peilun!

Yu Peilun!

Here!

- We couldn't contact the other groups. - Zhang Mingqi ran away.

Keqiang Said.

If the uprising fails, you must inform Sun Wen immediately.

What else did he say?

He said,

if he's not back by dusk, you must leave Guangzhou at once.

Get away! Get away!

Run!

- What are you doing? - Run!

- Let me go! Let me go! - Run! Run!

Gentlemen,

our fundraiser today was originally organised for the Guangzhou Uprising.

But just now, I received news.

Fighting in Guangzhou has ceased.

The uprising has failed.

The telegram states,

"The uprising failed,

"many of our core members are dead."

You've never met them.

These young people who died were talented,

some came from rich families,

some had just married.

They were willing to sacrifice themselves,

whatever the cost.

They sacrificed their lives for the cause...

because they had faith.

What do your lies have to do with us?

Good question.

Most of you gathered here are overseas Chinese.

You know well our faces mark us as Chinese,

and we've suffered discrimination and bullying.

We've endured unfair treatment.

All because the country of our people

has long been corrupt

and weak,

writhing in pain.

Our Chinese compatriots face adversity,

our land taken by others.

Our revolution

ensures people can pursue happiness,

that our race will regain dignity.

The Chinese revolutionary movement is blessed by support from overseas Chinese.

For many years, I have strongly believed this:

Overseas Chinese are the mother of the revolution.

Gentlemen,

your children...

have died for you.

Fang Shengdong.

Lin Shishuang.

Yu Peilun.

Chen Gengxin.

Lin Juemin.

This young man will soon be a father.

300,000 American dollars. Donation from Zhigongtang.

I won't hide this from you.

We sold our ancestral home.

Y at-sen ,

we're overseas Chinese,

our roots are here now.

The Qing dynasty is no longer our home.

Without a place we can call home,

why keep an ancestral home?

Take it.

If the revolution fails,

you'll owe us for generations.

Another one!

Y at-sen ,

your pocket watch can block bullets,

but not cannon shells.

Fire!

Empress Dowager,

I hear Sun Wen has long escaped abroad,

he hasn't returned for more than a decade.

We might want to arrest him,

but it's going to be hard.

Didn't we alert our envoys and foreign governments about Sun,

telling them they should monitor his movements?

But Sun gives public lectures everywhere,

raising funds, organising rebels, trafficking arms, plotting uprisings...

Minister Xu, perhaps you overstate.

He hasn't appeared before our eyes.

He's only mortal,

not the Monkey King.

What power can he wield?

Sun's done enough to rock the boat.

These years, unrest seethes everywhere, rebellions follow one after another.

Sun's been misleading others with his lies,

so many follow his path.

What a troublemaker.

If he dares enter the Forbidden City,

our Manchurian Imperial Army will kill him.

Yes, let's just eradicate

Sun Wen and his cohorts.

We'll destroy them once and for all.

Stop carrying on like this.

No matter whether you kill them,

or praise or punish them,

or whatever other solution,

I only have this to say:

Please, all of you,

let us have some peace.

Recently, the mortgage of our railways

against the Four Nations Bank loan has led to riots.

What's the use of your rifles?

Tell them if they revolt...

they'll all die in vain!

Hello, Your Royal Highness, this is a car used by British royalty.

As a member of Chinese royalty, let me try.

Please.

You've come because of the Sichuan railways?

The loan agreements between our countries

and the mortgage of your railways cannot be written off.

That's the trouble!

I knew it.

The mortgage of the Sichuan and Guangdong railways against your loan

will lead to trouble down the road.

If you forcibly take the railways, it'll be a catastrophe!

Can't we find a solution, my dear lord?

Look at this invention.

It's an iron machine.

It can move forward and backward,

left and right, whatever you wish!

My lord, please enjoy this humble gift and steer it in the right direction!

Mr Ambassador,

we've already sent troops from Wuchang to suppress the Sichuan riots.

Don't worry.

Your Royal Highness, you're a great strategist!

You're the one holding the steering wheel.

You have money, you have naval fleets,

you've always been better businessmen than us.

In 5O years,

the car you gave me

will be scrap metal,

but my little gift to you

will be priceless.

Thank you.

Open the door! Huang Keqiang! Quick, open the door! Huang Keqiang!

I know you're inside.

Open, Huang Keqiang!

Huang Keqiang, open the door!

Open the door for me!

What are you doing?

Put it down!

Give me the blade!

- Let me go! - What are you doing?

What?

You can't die!

I know you saw all of them being killed.

I know...

we failed.

I don't want to die, Zonghan.

I want to keep this hand to be able to use a gun.

Help me,

chop it off.

No! No!

So we failed! We've failed before!

No!

Children, do you know what the telegram says?

No.

Huang Keqiang is alive!

Fate has been kind!

Who's he?

Huang Keqiang

is a strong and determined man,

a man who won't die.

We don't know him.

But do you know Homer Lea?

- Yes. I know where he is. - Good.

- Take me to him, please. - Yes.

Where's Homer Lea?

There.

Peng Chufan.

Liu Fuji. Yang Hongsheng.

The three of them plotted mutiny.

Heaven's punishment is upon them.

We execute them today as a warning to all!

Among you...

Governor, we found the list. What should we do?

...those rebels from the Gongjinhui.

What else can we do?

Starting tonight, kill everyone on the list!

No one will be spared!

All of you,

ask your own conscience.

The Qing court supports and protects you,

yet you plot to rebel,

following such thugs as Sun Wen.

Isn't that the behaviour of unfaithful sons...

Stop, you two!

What are your names?

Xiong Bingkun of the 8th engineering battalion!

Jin Zhaolong of the 8th engineering battalion!

Stay calm. This is a crisis. Don't be hot-tempered.

- Yes Sir! - Yes Sir!

What is this?

A mutiny? Not sleeping?

What do you want? What? This is mutiny!

Tao Qisheng!

Brother...

- put down your rifle. - I'm leading a mutiny!

How many more will you kill?

You're lucky that I'm aiming at you.

Brother, this is not a joke.

If we don't do it now, then when?

Help!

Tell Zhang Zhenwu to bring two of his battalions.

Aim all artillery at the Governor's mansion.

When Xiong Bingkun sets it on fire, fire at the mansion!

Yes Sir!

Charge!

Hand grenades!

Go!

Jin Zhaolong!

Jin Zhaolong, Xiong Bingkun!

Lead two platoons. Order everyone to bring gas canisters.

Rush in and set it on fire.

- Light up the target! - Yes Sir!

Quickly! Quickly!

Quickly!

Quickly

Ready!

Aim at the Governor's mansion.

Load!

Done!

Fire!

Load!

Fire!

Yat-sen!

Yat-sen! The revolution has succeeded!

The Revolutionary Army took over Wuchang.

Governor Ruicheng fled overnight!

Wuchang revolutionaries telegraphed the entire country,

asking them to join in the rebellion! The world's in shock.

You should return to China immediately.

I'll reserve a boat ticket for you.

You only need to spend 20 days to cross the Pacific, then you'll reach Shanghai.

It happened in Wuchang... It happened in Wuchang...

Send a telegram to Keqiang in Hong Kong.

Tell him to travel to Wuchang to lead the revolution.

Yes Sir.

The unrest in China

will be closely linked to the Four Nations Bank loan to the Qing court.

The court's out of money now,

but if they get the loan,

they can thwart the revolution.

Reserve tickets for Europe!

Zonghan, don't bother making dinner. We're running out of time.

Put it down.

Why are you so anxious?

You don't need it.

The battle in Wuchang will be intense.

I'm concerned for your safety.

What about your own safety?

Don't worry, I won't die.

Fate will be kind to me!

I should go now.

Empress Dowager, I would like to submit a request.

- Say it, Royal Prince. - Food and supplies precede an army.

- There's this old saying... - Be precise,

- don't just quote the classics! - ...in my opinion,

we should finalise the loan

from the Four Nations Bank, we'll have less to worry about later.

Haven't we discussed this for months? Why hasn't this been done?

The Four Nations Bank felt we were being indecisive

about mortgaging our railways.

There's been criticism outside.

People say that we're giving away our sovereignty.

If we're not rulers here,

is this even a country?

General Li, for the sake of the times, please decide!

I've treated you well.

Why are you making it so difficult for me?

We ask that you lead the Military Government. We're not making it difficult!

Drop your gun!

Put it down!

General Li,

you've treated us well.

We wish you'd lead the Military Government.

You have great talent among the revolutionary ranks.

- Ask Sun Wen to be your leader. - Li Yuanhong!

The Revolutionary Party will select our leaders.

At present, Sun Wen is still abroad, and Huang Keqiang is on his way here.

That's why we offer you this. Li Yuanhong, do you understand your predicament?

I can give up my position in the Qing court,

but I don't want to become a revolutionary official.

I only want to return home!

You have no idea of the real situation.

Although Ruicheng and Zhang Biao have gone into hiding,

if the court's troops were to counterattack, they can destroy Wuchang in a second!

- Come back! - Stop!

- Come back! - Go!

Stop!

Go!

Lie down!

Yin Chang's firing at us from a German battleship!

General Li, are you all right?

What damned battle is this?

I'll die because of you!

Remove the ammunition, quick!

We'll die together! We'll count you as a revolutionary martyr.

Li Yuanhong, General of the Mixed Brigade.

I'm Military Governor Li Yuanhong!

If you want to live, return to your stations!

Attention!

Yes Sir!

- Target battleship "Chuyu". - Target battleship "Chuyu".

- Distance: 2,400 feet! - Distance: 2,400 feet!

- Load! - Load!

Prepare for rapid firing, first round!

- Rapid firing, first round! - Rapid firing, first round!

- Fire! - Fire!

Distance:

2,350 feet,

25° to the right.

Load!

Fire all three cannons!

- Fire! - Fire!

Cease fire!

Why did we stop?

I'm the Military Governor, I make all the decisions.

Why did they stop?

- They ran out of ammunition? - Doesn't look like it.

Should we fire back to test them?

What for'?

- Better keep our lives. Run! - Run!

Even if we annihilate Yin Chang,

so what?

He's of no consequence.

The real battle is ahead of us.

Yes Sir.

You want to cut my queue?

Fine! Come.

Since you revolutionaries have bestowed such honour on me,

I'll be presumptuous and break the law.

Father! Father!

Good news!

You scared away my fish.

You're coming out of hiding!

You can't hold your horses, can you?

General, Huafu is here.

Huafu.

Let's show the revolutionaries

and those in the Forbidden City

our great Beiyang Army

- and our great power. - Yes Sir.

Distance of 500.

Load. Ready!

Fire!

Alcohol.

Alarm Bells.

Keqiang. Where should we go?

Wherever there's heavy gunfire!

Make way! Make way!

Commander!

Here Comes Huang Xing

Avoid the gunfire! Avoid the gunfire!

Hide in the trench with your squad!

Hide in the trench!

Don't run! Don't run!

Go back!

Don't run! Retrieve the gun!

Remember,

a live soldier is useless without his weapon.

Enemy positions have advanced.

Once they cover their firing range, the infantry will attack.

- The key to combat is to avoid the gunfire. - Yes Sir.

- Idiot, trying to run away. I'll kill you! - Drop your gun!

He's Huang Xing, our commander.

Salute!

I command you all, from now on, follow my orders!

Yes Sir!

Always be prepared to enter the front lines.

Yes Sir!

We torched Hankou well,

it was a great offensive.

But now,

we won't follow up.

If the revolutionaries can be easily defeated,

the country still belongs to the Qing court.

If the Qing court is also weak,

the revolutionaries could seize power.

Somehow,

we must get a share of it.

Here's my condition.

I take full power over the army and its supplies.

Now,

Empress Dowager Longyu and the princes must know that

they either get the loan from the Four Nations Bank,

or there'll be no more battles.

Regarding the revolutionaries...

Should we contact Li Yuanhong and test the waters'?

He's not a revolutionary.

In the long run,

we should find someone we can connect with Sun Yat-sen and Huang Xing.

Reporting to the General.

Wang Jingwei is here.

Isn't Wang supposed to be in Beijing, in prison?

Zaifeng released him.

Zhaoming, tell me.

What do the revolutionaries want'?

We want to establish a republic.

Republic?

But why?

Feudalism has kept China back for far too long.

As long as there's an emperor, we cannot rid ourselves of the old system.

The revolution must depose the Emperor and the imperial system.

That's all theory. We have to put it in practice.

When the Republic is established, who will lead it?

A leader of the Republic is elected by the citizens.

Zhaoming.

The General pondered seriously before inviting you from Beijing.

He'd like your help.

You're the one who knows the revolutionaries well.

Zhaoming.

Is Sun Wen still abroad?

Wanted

Go!

Mr Sun Wen.

He won't answer.

They are bankers,

they only care about their money, not other people's fate.

- Who are you? - Tang Manrou.

Idiot! Your father is the Chinese Imperial Ambassador,

and you spoke for Sun Wen?

Do you know who he is?

He's a traitor of the Qing dynasty.

He's a wanted criminal.

He's a revolutionary.

I know who he is,

that's why I helped him.

Mr Hillier!

Hillier!

I must go before this person arrives. We cannot be present in the same place.

Sun Wen, you're a subject of the Qing dynasty,

yet you show no respect for your country.

How can you claim any respect regarding our country?

You lost it all a long time ago!

Perhaps you've misunderstood. According to my understanding,

this loan is intended to help rebuild the railways.

Sun Wen. This is my second warning.

Do not defame the Qing dynasty here.

Minister Tang, how you underestimated us.

We want to depose you and the court.

What's all this?

Go home!

Please tell me, what does revolution mean?

Like a doctor who heals patients,

a revolution saves an entire people. A lot of young men sacrifice their lives,

so those living can lead better lives.

Pull harder!

Extend firing range!

Come!

It's overheated! It won't fire!

Quickly, piss on it!

Lie down!

Lie down!

Nurse!

Hubei, gather hand grenades!

Give them to me!

- Give them to me! - No!

Let gm!

- Commander! - Let go!

Don't pull me back! Don't pull me back!

- Commander! - Let go! Let go!

Go!

Hubei!

Ammunition handler!

Charge!

Try to find the essence of things.

General, Huafu is here.

General, we've taken Hanyang.

Should we continue fighting?

There's no need to be in such a rush.

We have to let the Qing court understand if they don't pay up, we won't move.

Your words mean...

Can't you read?

Read it yourself!

Fight slowly,

wait and see?

- But morale is high. - I must return to Beijing

and see what the Empress Dowager says.

Let me tell you my bottom line,

if the court doesn't give me enough money,

I won't fight.

I thought it'd be easy to defeat them,

but Sun's rebels are resilient.

I also lack ammunition and supplies.

- Empress Dowager. - Yuan Shikai.

Yes, Empress Dowager.

How much do you need?

Tell me.

If I have 12 million taels of gold,

I can finish off the revolutionaries within a few months!

If we have no money for fighting,

we only have one choice: To make peace with the revolutionaries.

You dare!

Making peace means we acknowledge them.

The Beiyang Army is on its last round of ammunition.

I'll never agree to your making peace!

If you really care about the Qing court, do something useful, donate your riches.

Why don't you donate your own money to the cause?

Yuan Shikai!

Empress Dowager,

as I had reported earlier,

we must have enough money to support the army.

Yuan Shikai is indeed hard pressed.

You love to argue all the time, pretending to be loyal ministers.

Now, in times of crisis,

you've all become selfish.

The dynasty is destined to fall!

Your servant will give up all of his possessions!

This is a time of crisis, I will lead my entire family to protect the country.

Your servant doesn't want a coffin, nor does he care about his ancestral grave.

If money can help destroy the rebels,

then I'll leave everything

and return to my home village!

The Four Nations Bank has been persuaded by Sun,

I'm afraid we won't receive a cent of this loan.

I know.

- Heaven will punish Sun Wen for this. - Empress Dowager!

Even though we run out of money, food, and ammunition,

we still have for centuries our loyal subjects!

I only have this to say:

I will die for the Qing dynasty!

Shanxi has been liberated

Hunan has been liberated

Guizhou has been liberated

Jiangxi has been liberated

Jiangsu has been liberated

Guangxi has been liberated

Guangdong has been liberated

Sun Wen, your interference with the Four Nations Bank loan

has generated controversy in China.

This is the Prince Regent's order to assassinate you.

This one looks more like a portrait of the deceased.

I don't agree with you, but I respect your courage.

I won't kill you, I want to persuade you.

Sun Wen, we are both past middle age.

Confucius said,

"At 50, I knew my destiny."

He also said,

"At 40, I am not deluded."

I've never wavered from my beliefs.

I know why you won't kill me.

You're a father,

you know the Qing court you serve will eventually destroy your children.

We all want a strong and bright China for our children.

Go, I don't want to see you again!

Mr Jordan,

you're the first guest in my new house.

Now that you've moved to Beijing, we can see each other more often.

Yes. I don't intend to leave the city this time.

How's the situation in the South?

Sun Wen and Huang Xing are southern barbarians with big appetites.

You could have conquered Wuchang, but you stopped.

We all know the Qing dynasty has run out of money, the end is near.

You want to profit from the power balance

between the Qing court and the Revolutionary Army.

So now you want peace.

What do you think of this balance between my left and right hands?

Truth be told, I'm very impressed.

But the revolutionaries won't talk to me.

Now I understand. Would you like us to extend a hand?

You...

We'll pave the way for you to negotiate peace with the revolutionaries.

It's not good for anyone if fighting continues.

What's most important now is holding onto power! Real power!

I'm looking for a collaborator to protect the interests of Britain in China.

Well, you've found him.

Military Governor, let me explain. I sent Keqiang to Shanghai

because of the overall strategy of the revolutionary movement.

I don't understand. The Wuchang Uprising attracted the world's attention.

Isn't that also the overall strategy?

Since we can attack Nanjing, why can't we defend Wuchang?

In Wuchang, we're in a stalemate with the Beiyang Army.

Our trainee soldiers have suffered heavy casualties.

In Nanjing, the enemy is weak.

Our plan is to attack Nanjing, then retake Wuchang. That's our overall strategy.

This is the decision made by the Tongmenghui. I must abide by it.

Fine. Whatever you say.

But I won't go to Shanghai.

Please understand, it hasn't been easy to forge our paths together.

My home is here. My power base is here.

Military Governor Li,

it appears we won't be sharing the same path!

My child, don't move!

Don't move! Lie down!

Listen, if you want to live, we must amputate your leg! Can you hear me?

Alcohol!

It's fine.

Ready?

We begin now. Be brave.

Listen to me.

Stop.

Stop!

Take him away.

You've said it before.

So we failed.

Haven't we failed before?

I'm talking to you.

Idiot.

Mr Sun,

I must inform you right away.

The Four Nations Bank decided to hold off on the loan to the Qing government.

You once told me that revolution is life,

not only living,

but fate.

I don't understand revolution,

but I've struggled and fought, I was angry.

I also knew

I'd end up as a sacrifice

along with my father.

I wish your revolution...

no,

wish our revolution

every success!

Yat-sen!

Yat-sen!

Keqiang!

- Where are you? - Keqiang. I'm here.

- Can you hear me? - I can.

Huang Keqiang.

Y at-sen.

I'm starboard!

Me, too!

Keqiang.

At the welcome ceremony,

you have to put on the Revolutionary Army uniform.

Yes.

Yat-sen!

- Yat-sen! - Binglin, you guys come with me.

- Not in first class? - No.

- Second class? - No.

It saved my life once.

Keqiang, your hand.

Guangzhou Uprising.

Doesn't matter.

Yat-sen!

Mr Sun!

Dunchu.

You're here!

Yat-sen, we searched all the way to the bow.

You're all here.

A hug!

Let's go!

Yat-sen, we waited so long for your return!

You haven't aged a bit.

Mr Sun, after your ship departed from Europe, on your journey back,

what have you been thinking about?

After 16 years of tribulations, I've returned to my motherland.

Mr Sun, we hear you've returned with huge donations, is that true?

I don't have any money. All I bring is the revolutionary spirit.

What is the ultimate goal of the revolution?

The goals of the revolution are simple: We overthrow imperial rule and save our people.

Mr Sun, what did you tell those bankers in Europe?

I told them, it's the Chinese people who'll steer the fate of China,

not foreigners or Manchu royalty.

Mr Sun, the north and south are now negotiating peace. What is your opinion?

My opinion is this:

If we haven't reached our revolutionary goal, we won't negotiate!

Tie them up.

Our position is that unless the Emperor abdicates,

there'll be no peace agreement.

Our position is that the monarchical system cannot change.

This is a family dinner, Shaochuan. You're part of the family!

You put in so much effort in the negotiations.

You've worked so hard.

Please tell me what's on your mind.

You're the only one among us who knew Sun Wen.

I want to know more about Sun Wen.

What type of a man is he?

Zhang Shizhao said,

"China will rise because of Sun,

"he's the person who'll revive the country."

Miyazaki considers Sun a hero who will save China.

Kang Youwei claimed Sun is illiterate.

Wu Zhihui says that Sun is a hardworking scholar.

Some say he's like Robin Hood, an outlaw.

Some say he's a real scholar, an itinerant doctor holding a scalpel.

Others call him a good-for-nothing liar.

There are many versions.

Shaochuan,

he has so many followers.

How does he do it?

I hear from many people

that Sun is selfless.

A selfless person?

Where in the world can we find one?

It's been 2,000 years. We can't wait any longer for China's first republic.

Representatives from the 17 provinces have decided

to elect a grand marshal rather than a president.

Mr Sun, please sign.

A grand marshal cannot be head of state.

We must elect a president.

On the presidential election, should we wait to hear from Yuan Shikai?

If he can really hasten the Emperor's abdication...

The negotiating parties already made a pact.

Whoever deposes the Qing government will become President.

Yuan Shikai hasn't deposed the Qing court.

We didn't break our promise.

If you insist on an election, people will use that as an excuse to resume fighting!

So what? We fought and look what we've achieved today!

Keqiang. If we resume fighting, what are our chances of winning?

We have no money, morale is low... We have no sure chance of winning.

How can we fight?

This is impractical!

When the Revolutionary Army had nothing, we were willing to sacrifice our lives.

Now we have half a country, what are we afraid of?

The international community has expressed support for Yuan Shikai.

Overseas Chinese all hope we can set up a government as soon as possible

- and elect a president. - To be safe, I think we should wait.

If Yuan doesn't depose the Emperor for another 100 years, do we still wait'?

Let's put pressure on him now.

If Yuan makes the Emperor abdicate, do we have to keep our promise?

Even if Yuan makes the Emperor abdicate, he isn't qualified to be president!

Not true.

If Yuan keeps his promise,

he can become president!

If you've promised him anyway, why bother holding an election?

Good question!

It's worth it.

First, we have to establish the concept of a republic.

It's just like building a road in the wilderness,

so the revolution can continue its path.

In future, in China, no one can turn back.

Lie down!

Against the wall! All of you against the wall!

Against the wall!

He's the assassin.

Release him!

Who sent you here?

Sun Wen is a sinner,

he's corrupt, he's sullied the Qing dynasty, he's immoral!

He misleads the people,

he's beyond pardon.

Someone should kill him!

It's no use interrogating him.

- We live in entirely different worlds. - Yes Sir.

Two days ago,

on December 27,

provincial representatives voted

and approved

the Provisional Government Organisational Draft.

They also approved the presidential system as well as the nomination of candidates.

Elections will take place

today, December 29,

for the position of Provisional President.

I declare,

a candidate receiving more than two-thirds of the votes

will become Provisional President.

Now, as head of the Assembly...

I declare the results.

Out of a total of 17 votes, Sun Wen received 16.

Tang Shaoyi,

didn't you say he's selfless?

What a slap in the face!

General.

Get out of here!

Order Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui

to issue a joint telegram against the republic.

Tang Shaoyi is sympathetic to the Republic, unable to fulfill his duties,

he's dismissed as representative for the negotiations.

Yes Sir.

Send a telegram to Wu Tingfang:

I recognise neither the Nanjing Provisional Government

nor its so-called President Sun Wen.

I pledge to overthrow the Qing dynasty,

strengthen the Republic of China, foster better livelihoods for all.

These I promise to the people. I will follow them.

I will serve the country with faith. I will serve all people.

Until the hegemony of the Qing dynasty is overthrown,

and the country has no strife, when China will stand tall in the world,

recognised among nations.

At that time, I will resign from the position of Provisional President.

This is my pledge to all citizens of China.

Just now,

I pledged myself as the Provisional President.

Now, I have a few words to add.

Today,

the Republic of China is established,

but the feudal court still stands.

Unless feudalism is uprooted,

our revolution isn't complete.

I await

the day

I'll relinquish my position

to the person who carries through the abdication of the Qing Emperor.

What's going on?

I've said it before, we shouldn't rush to elect a president.

The Beiyang Army has been mobilised, war will erupt very soon.

I hear Yuan Shikai has engaged assassins.

Who's afraid of assassins?

Mr Sun, may I suggest,

in view of the situation, please ponder this seriously.

If Yuan Shikai doesn't depose the Qing court,

President Sun will not step down!

Does Mr Sun want to indulge in the position of president?

Wang Zhaoming,

Sun Wen isn't that type!

Since he's so selfless, what's the harm of my asking?

It's all about trust,

belief,

and faith without any doubt!

I'm only afraid of an all-out battle between North and South.

- Who'd be responsible for that? - If our revolution is stolen by someone else,

who'd be responsible for that?

- Huang Keqiang, you... - Zhaoming. Stop arguing, please.

I protect you in front of everyone, but we must be frank behind closed doors.

You don't have to close any doors.

Just say it, Keqiang.

We cannot accede to any of Yuan Shikai's demands.

But he has the power.

He can quickly depose the Qing court!

To establish our republic we need not only battles but also politics.

This is a revolution,

not giving a crown to someone else.

Sun Wen, the revolution doesn't belong to any single person.

Keqiang, what do you mean?

- You don't understand. - I don't?

You're accusing me of not understanding politics'?

But I know Yuan Shikai!

Keqiang.

You've never seen how he killed young men!

I'm worried.

He might become an enemy of the republic. He might even restore autocratic rule.

This is where we will live.

At first, I was resentful.

But now that I've seen you,

I'm no longer angry.

Now,

our baby is inside me.

Keqiang, this painting will soon be finished.

But I can't decide where to hang it. Any suggestions?

I want to propose that Wu Tingfang issue a public statement.

If the Emperor doesn't abdicate, the ceasefire will end.

Whoever tarries, whoever resists, will be punished by all.

If the truce cannot be maintained, we'll declare war again!

If we resume war, I'll lead the troops to the North!

Keqiang. You were right.

I've thought long and hard.

We have to establish provisional laws.

It's unimportant who serves a single term.

We must establish a system

to restrain not only Yuan Shikai

but also anyone who ever dreams of becoming an emperor!

Painter, please use bright red for the flag with 18 stars.

Yes Sir.

Comrades, I hear you are disputing my resignation,

but it takes more than a day to be rid of two millennia of feudal hegemony.

I do hope you will not just focus on one official title,

but create a truly relevant, legally protected revolutionary system.

The world is immense, those who follow the righteous path thrive,

those who do not become extinct.

I hold fast to the revolution,

knowing it will bear fruit.

After such a long journey, we will reach our revolutionary goal.

What does Sun Wen want?

What telegram?

What declaration? What war?

Mr Jordan is right.

It is most important to hold onto power!

The president's chair isn't comfortable.

Even if it's full of pins,

I still want to sit on it!

The British Ambassador told me

The British Ambassador told me

that winter, like today,

the winds were chilly,

it was snowing.

It was around Spring Festival,

but the entire city was desolate,

the atmosphere almost tragic.

The guillotine was placed in the middle of the public square,

icicles of blood still hanging on the blade.

Louis XVI was bound and taken there.

He was cold, without even a coat. He was shivering.

Everyone brought their family to witness this great occasion.

When the hour came,

the executioner put the King's head on the block,

the blade was released,

there was ice on his face.

Listen...

Go on, Yuan Shikai. Go on.

Listen.

The whoosh of the blade.

The whoosh of the blade. Then?

Go on, Yuan Shikai.

Then the end.

The end?

That quick?

Yuan Shikai, you're kidding!

You're making this up!

You've made up this story from the West for me!

I reappointed you against my better conscience, yet you do this to me?

Royal Prince, appease your anger.

Did the French also celebrate Spring Festival?

Royal Prince, calm down.

Royal Prince.

I've received news that

Sun Wen insists on a republic. They will not compromise.

Empress Dowager,

I tell you the story of the French Revolution

because I don't want you and the princes to share the same fate.

I'm loyal to you, Heaven can attest to it!

Yuan Shikai,

come over here.

Come over here!

Empress Dowager.

I'm at your command.

What if that day comes?

You won't let us face the guillotine,

you won't let us starve.

Certainly.

Go back.

The South is eager to resume battle, Empress Dowager, please ponder this.

I know.

I take my leave.

Prince Regent.

Here.

Yuan Shikai has broken his promise, he's banded with the rebels.

I do regret this.

I dismiss him as Prime Minister.

It has come to this.

It's come to this, but it won't help.

They're still dragging their feet, prolonging their dynasty?

They are acting against the people's wishes!

How they overreach themselves! They're becoming enemies of the people.

What a pipe dream, thinking they can still hang on!

What happened?

Mr Sun.

What is it?

Send a telegram,

make it public.

The Revolutionary Party's patience is running out.

Don't these feudalists have any shame?

Reporting to the Empress Dowager.

There are mutinies in the Northeast, Xinjiang and Tibet.

Forty-three generals, including Feng Guozhang and Duan Qirui,

have signed a petition in support of the republic.

Tell me something I don't already know.

Empress Dowager.

We have served you and the royal court. We do not support the idea of a republic.

- Please do not falter in your position. - Why would I falter?

It's all Yuan Shikai's doing.

Yuan had betrayed Emperor Guangxu, now he betrays Emperor Xuantong.

He's a real traitor!

His family has received such grace from the court, yet he's so unfaithful.

He has the ambition of Wang Mang in becoming Emperor.

If the Emperor doesn't abdicate, he can't make his deal.

I've told you before, he's not to be trusted!

As long as Aisin Gioro is here, the Qing dynasty will not fall.

Ancestors in Heaven,

now other countries bully us,

the revolutionaries run wild,

our ministers are corrupt,

they sell whatever they can for their own gain!

There's nothing left now.

We have failed you!

At least Sun Wen is lenient!

He doesn't invade the Palace, there are no guillotines!

We want a bloodless revolution,

no more lives sacrificed or needless killings.

Abdicate!

Friends, greetings. This is a historic day, let's begin!

- Mr President, this way. - Fine.

How should I pose?

Raise the hat higher.

Let's change a bit.

When you cut my queue,

don't hurry,

take your time, move slowly.

This is a historic moment, do you understand'?

Yes Sir.

You talk about "revolution" and "republic" all the time.

A revolutionary has to have a revolutionary look. Let me show you!

Before I leave the presidency,

I hope you will request your respective governments

to recognise our new country.

To you and to the entire world, this is truly significant.

They'll become citizens of the republic.

The Revolutionary Party has decided

to pay the royal family four million taels of silver.

Is that how you treat your citizens?

Money cannot be a measure here.

Not all revolutions need guillotines.

What do you say, Mr Ambassador?

I understand your position.

When I was in England, I once met one of your parliament members, Mr Hillier.

I told him,

when China is freed, I'd invite him as my guest.

I'll use Chinese liquor, revolutionary liquor, to toast him.

Come. Cheers!

This is a letter from Juemin.

Yat-sen's been keeping it for you.

He asked that I give it to you.

He's no longer with me.

Zhongxin,

this is a letter from your father.

Look.

"Letter to My Wife"

shouldn't be kept only in this household.

Keep it,

let others know about him.

Yesterday, the Qing Emperor abdicated,

ending two millennia of monarchy.

Countless revolutionaries have given up their lives for our new republic.

Today, February 13, 1912,

26th day of the 12th moon of the Xinhai Year,

I keep my promise,

I resign from the post of President.

We strive for the success of the revolution, but do not covet recognition.

We are all of the same mind

to realise the goal of revolution.

The goal is to establish

an independent country for the Chinese people.

We build a Chinese Republic where land is divided among all.

Nationalism, democracy, livelihood:

these are what we strive to attain,

Three Principles.

Today you ask me,

what does revolution mean?

Perhaps people will ask the same question a century from now.

Qiu Jin, our Tongmenghui member who was killed in Shaoxing, said,

"Revolution will provide all children

"with a peaceful and gentle world."

Lin Juemin, one of the martyrs of Huanghuagang, wrote to his wife,

"Revolution seeks eternal happiness for everyone in the world."

I believe the revolution enables a republican system to reach the people.

People will understand we'll fight whoever dares support the monarchy.

Revolution enables factories, banks, railroads, mines

owned by Chinese to benefit the people.

Revolution enables our Chinese race to become strong,

no longer bullied by others.

We will no longer be slaves.

Revolution can take place anywhere,

any time,

in any heart,

forever,

forever,

no longer afraid of foreign powers,

ridding the country of feudalism and royalty.

No one will be impoverished,

and the Chinese people can stand tall in the East.

This is the meaning of revolution.