TIN FONG and CHEUNG CHIU join HONG WING's camp, who uses them to attack Kam Tin village. However, HONG WING does not realize how strong his enemy is, and loses the battle. SUI CHING ignores the advice of his peers by fighting HONG WING alone, and is exuberant when victorious. Boosted by the victory, SUI CHUEN announces the establishment of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom which aims at the dethronement of the Manchus. He proclaims himself the Heavenly King, while SUI CHING and CHIU KWAI become prominent generals. Unable to stand the news, the Emperor dies, and gives the throne to YIK TAM, who changes the calendar to HAM FUNG. On accession, HAM FUNG decides to use Hans to fight the uprising, but cannot find the right person. At the same time, TSANG KWOK FANG analyzes national affairs, which wins him the Emperor's admiration. The latter appoints KWOK FANG to fight the Taipings.
