Born to Be a King - Season 1

First aired: 6/29/1987 18 episodes

Episodes

1. Episode 1

Aired: 6/29/1987

The final years of Emperor Shun of Yuan Dynasty are beset with drought and diseases. The hard life of the people, coupled with the brutality of the Mongols, ignite the dedicated and enlightened people to revolt against the dynasty and restore the Hans Dynasty. Chu Yun-chiang being an orphan when he is young lives in poverty. His only job is looking after cows. One day, he kills the cows and eats them with his friend because they are very hungry. Then, he flees away. To escape from punishment, Yun-chiang flees to Wang Kuo Monastery. The abbot Chin shun, knows his motivation from the outset, asks him to be a monk. Being looked by the other senior monks at the monastery, Yun-chin vents his anger by destroying a Budda of Shun Dynasty.… ...

2. Episode 2

Aired: 6/30/1987

Knowing that Emperor Shun is indulged in sex and incapable, the Yuan's court teacher Tu-tu, sends army to get rid of Kao-bin so as to curb the anti-Yan's forces. Finding hard to escape, Kao urges Yun-chiang to carry the mandate and the remaining order away. Then, Kao dies in the name of nationalism. Knowing that Kao-bin has died, the coalition between Kuo Tzu-heng and Tui Shou-fei comes to an end. Also, they think that the man date has been burnt up. The Yuan army kills all the monks at Wang Kao Monastery lest some former Shun Dynasty officials have escaped. Having witnessed the brutality of the Yuan's army, Yun-chiang is enraged and places the mandate under a Budda. Then, he flees away and swears to take revenge on the Mongol army. Chen You-liang advises Shou-fei to rob Kao-bin's dead body so as to get other people's favor and loyalty.… ...

3. Episode 3

Aired: 7/1/1987

Yun-chiang is caught by Yuan-s army to build a dam while he is searching for food. He gets along with a slave, TUi-tak, well. Then, they swear as brothers. Unwilling to submit to Yuan's suppression, they, Chu and Tui, attempt to escape. Tui is fortunately saved by a female farmer whereas Yun-chiang's attempt is in vain. On his way of escape, Yun-chiang meets the ringleaders of Dark Tiger Sect, Tang We Kem and Wu Ta-hou. They thus become good friends and Chu becomes a rebel. Yun-chiang comes into conflict with the ringleader of Dark Tiger Sect, Law Ha-fu. Knowing that a Mongol general is carrying a large amount of gold and treasures along the valley, Caw intentionally orders Yun-chiang to grab the money. Although Wo and Hou struggle fiercely to save them, they are blamed. for being cowards. Being affected by alcohol, the supporters of Shou-fei fight against the supporters of You-lung.… ...

4. Episode 4

Aired: 7/2/1987

The Dark Tiger Sect is subsidized by Ma Yuen-hoi. Thus, the gangs of the Sect respect Ma very much. On Mays birthday party, Lau Ha-fu happens to meet the Mongol army. Despite the gangs I streneous effort to save Ma, Ma Yuen-hoi is unfortunately shot dead. While Yun-chiang is fighting side by side with his gang against the Mongols, he discovers that Ma's lovely daughter, Shou-yin, is being assaulted sexually. He instantly saves her. From that moment onwards, Shou-yin is fond of Yun-chiang. When Yun-chiang has returned back to the Dark Valley Sect, he is blamed for being sexually orientated. Then, Yun is tortured. Fortunately, he is later saved by We and Hou. Besides, the Mongol attacks help them escape from the hell. On her way to seek. refuge of her adopted father, Shou-yin is saved by Tui-tak. Soon, Tui beocmes fond of Shou-yin.… ...

5. Episode 5

Aired: 7/3/1987

When Shou-fei is informed of the possible army revolts, he fears that You-lung would stage an insurrection. To relieve the danger, he directs You-liang to seek coalition with Tzu-heng. When You-liang has reached Kuo's home, he is goaded by his arrogance and so he asks Tim-Tsiu and Tim-cheuk to compete in arrow. The Tim brothers, however, are challenged and defeated. Fortunately, Yun-chin is able to save their faces by defeating You-lung. The close encounter between You-liang and Kuo Tian-lain generates love and they are fond of each other. Shou-fei makes an unexpected attack against Tzu-heng. He miscalculates that Tzu-heng would kill You-liang as a means of taking revenge. However, being heeded by Yun-chiang, Tzu-heng gives mercy to You-liang and sends him back to Shou's camp as his spy. Shou-fei is later shocked by You-lung's release.… ...

6. Episode 6

Aired: 7/6/1987

Knowing the real intention behind the You and Kuo's coalition, Chu Yun- Chiang persuades Tzu-heng to send army to get rid of You-lung. However, Tzu-heng is dissuaded by Tim Tsui and Tim-cheuk not to strike any attack against You. When Tzu-heng knows the misery of the ordinary people in times of natural disaster, he gathers force and works for the charity of Fok Shan province However, he is ambushed by the Mongol armies when he is on the way to the province. Fortunately, the ambush is broken down by Yun-chiang's discreet army mobilization. Since Yun-chiang is seriously wounded during the counter-attack, he is highly commended by Tzu-heng. Nevertheless, Yun-chiang's rise in status ignites Cheuk and Tsui's jealousy. When Tui-tak meets Shou-yin, he is fond of the latter but he does not express it on the surface. Later, Tui-tak discovers that Shou-yin is in love with Yun-chiang.… ...

7. Episode 7

Aired: 7/7/1987

Hang Shan-tong is killed when the Mongol armies exterminate the Ming Sect. His son succeeds him as the head. Monk Pang aims at helping Lin Yee revive the Sung Dynasty, so he streneously persuades You-liang to join the Ming Sect. Making use of the opportunity, You-liang forces Monk Pang to act as matchmaker so that he can marry Tian-lan. Knowing the real intentions behind You's proposed marriage, Yun-chiang reveals it to Tzu-heng and Tian-lan. However, his attempt is in vain. Yun-chiang is frustrated by Tian-lan's marriage. Tui-tak persuades Yun- chiang to treasure his relationship with Shou-yin. Cater, being influenced by Monk Pang's advocacy, Yun-chiang considers wiping the Mongols out as the top priority. .Then, Yun-chiang reveals his heart to Shou-yin. Tian-tsui and Tian-chouk corrupt and secretly allocate the food of the soldiers into their pockets. The secret is, however, uncovered by lIzu- heng.… ...

8. Episode 8

Aired: 7/8/1987

The castles which are built under Yun's supervision are broken down by wind and rain. Yun is unfortunately sentence'. to prison. Later, Shoe-yin discovers that Tian-tnui and Tian-cheek gain profits from the building materials. Though Yun-chiang is found innocent, he is degradedto work in an barren province to recruit armies. On Tian-lan's marriage's eve, Yun-chiang sends her a gift. However, Tian- lan does not like it and passes it to her servant. Knowing the fact, Yun-chiang feels insulted and swears to get Tian-lan back. When Yun-chiang arrives at the barren province, he discovers that the villagers are attacked by the Mongol armies. Their miseries are worsened by the local landlords' exploitation. Knowing the hardship of the villagers, Yun confiscates the private land and re-distributes them according to individuals, so that the peasants can be self-sufficient.… ...

9. Episode 9

Aired: 7/9/1987

Wu Wei-yung helps his uncle to lobby You-liang to act as his family head. You-liang hesitates. Later, You-liang asks Tzu-heng to send Yun- chiang to exchange views on the post. You-liang does this so as to ambush Yun-chiang and lessen Tzu-heng’s power. Fortunately, Yun-chiang is saved by Chin Chu-chu, a prostitute. At last, he can arrive at La's village safely. Knowing the Chen-Chu struggle, Wei-yung streneously asks Yun-chiang to stay at Li's village. Then, Wei-yung hopes to seize Yun-chiang and exchanges him with You-liang for a large amount of money. Knowing the trap beforehand, You-liang sends his armies to exterminate Yun-chiang and Wei-yung. However, Chen's plan is shattered by the sudden release of Chu Yun-chiang. Having backed up by the wealthy merchants, Tzu-heng plans to form a coalition with You-liang. They would gather force to exterminate Chiang Shi-shin.… ...

10. Episode 10

Aired: 7/10/1987

Being chased by You-liang's army, Yun-chiang flees to a generous elderly- man's home. Although Yun-chiang is well-treated at first, he is asked to seek refuge at the generous man's friend's home. Knowing that a direct confrontation between him and You-Bang is inevitable, Yun-chiang changes his military strategy. He asks his colleagues to go back to their villages and recruit armed forces, so that he can gain an upper hand in the final struggle. When Yun-chiang goes back to his own village to recruit new blood, he is blamed by the villagers for sending people's lives into hell. In fact, Yun-chiang is frustrated by his encounter. Later, when Yun-chiang meets Monk Pang again, he is invited by the latter to join the Ming Sect.… ...

11. Episode 11

Aired: 7/13/1987

Having been frustrated several times, Yun-chiang does not trust anybody. Later, he decides to regain the trust and support of the other people so that he can control the Ming Sect when the time is ripe. Tai Po Liu knows that his fame cannot match with Yun-chiang's, so he claims himself to be a king so that he can gather enough force to strike an attack against Yun-chiang and Monk Pang. Knowing that the Ming Sect is weak militarily, Monk Pang persuades Tai Po Liu not to claim himself as king. Unfortunately, Monk Pang's attempt is in vain. Being frustrated, Monk Pang loses faith in Ming Sect and flees away to seek a talented man to help Lin Yee. Then, Yun-chiang promises to protect the Ming Sect. Later, Wu Wei-yung and Chin Chu-chu join Yun's hand. On his way to his mother's village, Yun-chiang is ambushed by Tai Po. Unfortunately, his wife is wounded.… ...

12. Episode 12

Aired: 7/14/1987

Knowing that Cheung Yu-chun is gifted, Yun-chiang persuades him to work under his banner. Then, in addition to Wu Ta-hou and Tang Wo-kem, Yun- chiang struggles for supremacy. Having perceived Yu-chin's ambition, Wei-yung directs Chu-chu to tempt Yun-chiang so that he can get rid of the former when he has obtained military supremacy. Shou-ying's heart is shattered when she discovers that Chu-chu is tempting Yun-chiang. Since she is pregnant, she tolerates it silently and proposes to Yun-chiang to take Chu-chu as concubine. Then, Chu-chu is very fond of her plan. Later, Yun-chiang is informed that Monk Pang has invited the talented Liu Pak-wan to serve as advisor in the anti-Mongol struggles. To pay tribute to Pang, Liu agrees. Knowing that Yun-chiang is expanding his power, Lin Yee seeks help from Monk Pang.… ...

13. Episode 13

Aired: 7/15/1987

Knowing that Yun-chiang aims at killing You-lung, Tian-lan begs Yun-Chiang. Then, Yun-chiang promises to give mercy to You-Bang provided that the latter kneels and crawls for 5 miles. However, You-lung is unwilling to surrender. Therefore, he flees away with Tian-lan secretly. Unfortunately, they are caught by Yun-chiang and Yun kills You-liang. Seeing that her husband is killed, Tian-lan feels extremely sad. Having wiped You-liang out, Yun-chiang then fights against Chiang Shi- shin. At that critical moment, Liu Pak-wan advise Yun-chiang not to strike any bold attack while his army is burdened. Being beleaguered by his love-fancy, Yun-chiang forces Tian-lan to submit to be his concubine. Tian-lan tolerates Yun-chiang's vulgarity since she is pregnant. She hopes to raise her child to take revenge on Yun-chiang. Chiang Shi-shin discreetly mobilizes and re-organizes his force while he is seeking a truce with Yun-chiang.… ...

14. Episode 14

Aired: 7/16/1987

Knowing that the Mongol Dynasty is on the brink of decline, Yun-chiang wipes out the Mongol forces within a short span of time. Then, he unifies China and declares himself as king of the Ming Dynasty. After becoming king of China, Yun-chiang's character has changed a lot. Dut to his sense of inferiority, he becomes suspicious. He often insults the outstanding officials even though the latter commits a minor error. Besides, he launches a lot of literary campaigns. As a result, the mass are threatened. Having goaded by his ambition to become chief minister, Wei-yung advises Yun-chiang to launch a campaign against Monk Pang and Ta-hou.… ...

15. Episode 15

Aired: 7/17/1987

After 20 years of incessant battles and struggles, Yun-chiang can at length unify China and consolidate his power base. Both Shou-yin's prince and Sun-sen's son cannot match with Chu-chu's offspring. Thus, Chu-chu's son is adored by Yun-chiang. Tian-lan hides the fact that Chu-qui is You-liang's son. Since he is a child, Tian-lan agitates her son to revolt against the Ming Dynasty. In fact, her son doubts Tian-lan's deed. Knowing that Yun-chiang is going to crown an heir, Chu-qui suggests Yun-chiang to conquer the five continents of the world.… ...

16. Episode 16

Aired: 7/20/1987

Tian-lan murdered the two Tai-pos after their abortive attempt in assassinating Chu-biu. Her act is uncovered by Chu-bui, who promises to take revenge on Yun-chiang after knowing her life history. Shou-yin feels disturbed after the fruitless assassination of Chu-biu, and sees it as a punishment by god for Yun-chiang's murderous behavior. Influenced by her, Yun-chiang strengthens the protection of Chu-biu, which in turn has resulted in Chu-qu's fear of taking any action. Chu-de discovers that Chu-biu's assassination is associated with Tian-lan and so he forces Chu-qui to tell him the whereabouts of the Tai-pos, which is unsuccessful Chu-biu informs Yun-chiang of his discovery of the Tai-pos' corpses. The latter questions Tian-lan about the case and orders her execution after Tian-lan reveals all her plans.

17. Episode 17

Aired: 7/21/1987

Shou-yin falls into depression after Chu-bin's death. Chu-de cares for her day and night for the sake of pleasing her and becomes her adoptive son. Slug-sen is very worried about her son's future as his timidity and foolishness fail to win Yun-chiang's favor. Chu-de unintentionally uncovers the relationship between Chu-chu and Wei-yung and threatens them to help him get the throne. In fact, he sees Chu-ching as a threat and so degrades him by pointing out the past history of Sun-sen publicly. As revenge, Sun-sen spreads the information that Chu-chu has been a prostitute. Feeling ashamed, Chu-de forces Chu-chu to commit suicide. At this critical moment, Wei-yang lies to Chu-de that he is actually the bastard son of Chu-chu and his.

18. Episode 18

Aired: 7/22/1987

Knowing Chu-de's ambition, Yun-chiang chooses Wan-men to be his successor. Seeing the chance has gone, Wei-yung revolts. Fearing the exposure of his life history, Chu-de informs Yun-chiang of how to capture Wei-yung and forces him and Chu-chu to commit suicide. Getting old and sick, constantly dreaming of his past friends taking revenges on him, Yun-chiang falls into solitude and violence. Can Chu-de get back the throne after being sent to station at the border? What's Yun-chiang fate? The final episode will provide you with the answer.