Assassinator Jing Ke

Assassinator Jing Ke (荆轲传奇) is a 2004 Chinese wuxia television series romanticising the life of Jing Ke, who attempted to assassinate Ying Zheng, the King of Qin, in 227 BC. Directed by Raymond Lee, the series starred Liu Ye as Jing Ke, with Peter Ho, Zheng Jiayu, Zhang Tielin, Shao Bing, and Zhai Ying in supporting roles.

The series is set in third-century BC China during the Warring States period. In 260 BC, after the Qin state defeats the Zhao state at the Battle of Changping, a group of Zhao refugees flee their homeland and settles in an isolated paradise-like valley. Two young men, Jing Ke and Fan Wuji, grow up in the valley with their common romantic interest, Ye Xiaohu.

Fan Wuji eventually leaves the valley and heads to the Qin state, where he becomes a subordinate of the infamous Qin general Bai Qi. In the meantime, Jing Ke and Ye Xiaohu wander to the Qi state, where Ye Xiaohu abandons Jing Ke and ends up marrying an abusive wealthy man. She plots with Nie Wuya to kill her husband and seize his fortune, and frame Jing Ke for the murder.

Jing Ke is arrested and almost executed but saved by Tian Guang, who recommends him to join an assassin group. He learns swordsmanship from a powerful master and completes many missions for the group. Over time, he realises that an assassin's life is not for him, especially after witnessing the death of his second romantic partner, Yunxi. During this time, he also becomes close friends with Gao Jianli, a musician. Meanwhile, Fan Wuji rises through the ranks in the Qin army and gains the favour of Ying Zheng, the ruthless King of Qin, but unknowingly incurs the jealousy of the Qin chancellor Lü Buwei.

Jing Ke's adventures lead him to the Yan state, where he meets Crown Prince Dan, who implores him to kill Ying Zheng in order to save the other states from being conquered by the Qin state. Dan had previously been held hostage in the Qin state, but had escaped with the help of Fan Wuji. Jing Ke eventually accepts the mission to assassinate Ying Zheng, while Fan Wuji aids him by committing suicide since the Qin state has placed a bounty on Fan Wuji's head for treason.

Jing Ke embarks on his quest, taking along with him Fan Wuji's head and a map with a dagger concealed inside. His attempt on Ying Zheng's life, though unsuccessful, will be remembered in Chinese history.

• The Emperor and the Assassin

• (in Chinese) Assassinator Jing Ke on Sina