Wei Zhongxian
The film is set in 1627, towards the end of the Ming dynasty, when Chongzheng emperor decides to end the influence of all-powerful eunuch Wei Zhongxian or simply "Wei" (Chin Shih-chieh) and purge his faction within the imperial court. Caught in the midst of the intrigue are three lowly cash-strapped officers of the embroidered uniform guard (锦衣卫; pinyin: "Jǐnyīwè"i), the imperial secret police of the court at the time, who are tasked with killing Wei.