Emperor Jian-wen of the Ming Dynasty is overthrown by his uncle. He becomes a monk in order to escape from the new emperor who has given order to execute him and his subjects. While Jian-wen and his escort Cheng Ji run along the country side they witness the decapitation of his old subjects and the arrest of their families. He also mistakes the sound of a country temple bell to be that of the imperial palace bell, and thinks he is back at the palace. After coming back to reality Jian-wen sorrowfully takes off with Cheng Ji.
 

         Emperor Jian-wen and Cheng Ji have been hiding on Mount Ho-ching for sixteen years. One day Ji accompanies a friend down the mountain. At the same time Yan Zhen-zhe, an old subject of Emperor Jian-wen, leads a search party to Mount Ho-ching for the emperor. They capture the emperor, put him in a prison cart, and leave the mountain. Cheng Ji discovers the arrest upon returning. He catches up with Yan Zhen-zhi’s troops and questions their motivation. The soldiers are touched by his speech and disperse. Yan Zhen-zhi, ashamed and regretful, kills himself. Cheng Ji rescues Emperor Jian-wen and continues their escape.