Upon reaching the capital, the Boxers learn that the Empress' clandestine backing may give them an edge over the foreigners. With Prince Tuan’s support and the Kansu braves’ men, the Boxer rebellion takes off, with the death of Baron von Ketteler and many others occurring. When the siege of the foreigners' compound fails to get results, Bao controversially attempts to break through by burning down the Hanlin Academy library, which contains ancient priceless texts that preserved a thousand years of Chinese cultural heritage. However, the foreign armies arrive at the last moment, and defeat the Boxers in a torrent of bullets.