Three Kingdoms
Episode 64
Imperial Uncle! Oh, Imperial Uncle! Imperial Uncle.
You're awake, Yongnian. Did you sleep well last night?
My apologies. I got so drunk last night!
Yongnian, no need to say anything.
Have this cup of tea first. It's freshly brewed.
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Imperial Uncle.
Sir, please come.
The banquet is already prepared.
What?
We're still drinking?
A hundred years vintage, to honor our esteemed guest.
Imperial Uncle Liu, look,
you've already accompanied me for three days straight.
how can I trouble you so long?
Yongnian, don't be a stranger!
Your lord is my cousin.
You are one of the most able men of our time. Getting drunk with you is a great honor for me.
I am but an insignificant speck. I cannot lead an army nor do I have any stratagems to eliminate the traitors.
Who is this able man you speak of?
Conquering cities and taking the heads of enemy generals is what Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are for.
In just a short conversation, you were able to verbally abuse Cao Cao to the point of embarrassment.
How can you be anything but an able man?
Imperial Uncle, you flatter me! You flatter me!
Please get dressed. I will wait for you outside.
All right. Imperial Uncle, please.
My lord, urgent news from the inner house.
What is it?
Yongnian is no outsider. You may speak freely.
Madame requests my lord to go over.
Doesn't she know I am currently entertaining an important man?
Go tell her. It doesn't matter what it is, save it for later.
Yes, sir.
Cheers!
The esteemed lady is Sun Quan's younger sister.
She is young and far away from home.
Imperial Uncle, you have already been here with me for three days.
Perhaps it would be best to return to your residence.
Oh, Yongnian.
Wives are like clothes, but brothers are like limbs.
Moreover, a statesman such as yourself deserves extra attention.
I can see my wife anytime,
but you have traveled far to be here.
How many times can I meet with you in a year?
Come, pay no heed to her.
Let us keep drinking!
Cheers.
It seems like Brother Yongnian really enjoys Xinghua Village's wine.
When you return to Shu, why don't you take three carts with you?
Give two carts to my cousin Liu Zhang, and keep one cart for yourself.
Many thanks, Imperial Uncle.
My lord!
What is it?
Madame... Madame is starting to get angry!
My lord, please return.
She's starting to get angry? I'm starting to get angry!
Dismissed.
If you dare interrupt us again, I'll have you executed!
Yes sir.
Look at this! It's all because of me!
I think it really would be best if you return.
My lord,
I think you should go take a look as well.
Madame has a short temper. It's best not to offend her.
Fortunately, Sir Zhang is a friend, so he won't mind.
Guests must obey the wishes of the host.
In the end, Jing is borrowed from Wu.
Madame is aware of this, which is why she dares to be angry at my lord.
What, you think I fear her wrath?
Even if I offend Sun Quan, so what?
Even if I offend all of the Southland,
I cant lose my friend Yongnian.
Come!
Cheers!
The traitors of the Han bully the weak,
and forcibly occupy Han territory!
Imperial Uncle is a relative of the royal family.
and his virtuous reputation is known throughout the realm
Yet he must depend on the patronage of others.
I feel this is unfair to you!
What is unfair about it?
I have neither extraordinary character nor ability.
Just having Jing as my hearth is more than enough to satisfy me.
I dare not covet more.
Imperial Uncle, you are mistaken!
With your outstanding talent and aspirations,
never mind taking over a province or two,
even taking Xuchang and the throne would not be overreaching!
Yongnian, you're drunk.
I, Liu Bei, am a servant of the Han.
I would never betray the Han.
That even today
there is still one who has not forgotten he is a servant of the Han!
How exceptional!
By my observation,
to the east of Jing is Sun Quan, who harbors the ambition of a tiger.
To the north is Cao Cao, who intends to swallow everything whole.
Insignificant little Jing cannot be kept for long.
Yes. This I do know.
However, as vast as the realm is,
outside of Jing I have no place to call home.
Forgive me for being blunt.
Yi Province has hundreds of strongholds,
thousands of miles of fertile land.
a prosperous population and full treasury, and granaries filled with grain.
All our learned scholars have long admired your righteous conduct.
If you can lead your army from Jing and march west, and take the Riverlands as your base,
within years you could achieve hegemony and restore the Han!
Yongnian, I've treated you as a servant of the nation.
How could you utter these words of betrayal?
Don't forget, your lord, Liu Jiyu, is also a member of the Imperial family.
We are related by the imperial bloodline.
How could I turn on my own flesh and blood, and seize his rightful territory?
Although Liu Jiyu is the Protector of Yi, he is neither a wise nor worthy ruler.
He is weak-willed by nature and unable to recognize and employ talent.
Moreover, there is Zhang Lu of Hanzhong, who has always dreamed to invade the Riverlands.
When I left on my journey, his army had already violated the border.
He actually seized the taxes of two prefectures in the Riverlands.
And in response, Liu Jiyu has yet to utter a single word!
All day long, he just watches and draws beautiful women!
Can a lord such as he keep the Riverlands?
Is he worthy of keeping the Riverlands?
The citizens of the Riverlands have lost their trust in him, and spend their days in fear.
If you will not take the land, are we to have it handed over to Zhang Lu?
Or shall we sit and watch it fall into the hands of Cao Cao?
Sirs, please come with me.
A map of the 41 commanderies of the Riverlands.
This map took me three years to complete.
All of the Riverlands' roads, rivers and mountain passes,
military fortresses, outposts, and granaries are on it.
He who has this map has half of the Riverlands.
Imperial Uncle, please take a look.
Why won't you look at it?
Yongnian, how could I be unaware that this map is worth a fortune?
But this is like a piece of jade belonging to a neighbor.
How could a gentleman look at it with prying eyes?
Moreover, this treasure belongs to my own cousin.
So, I cannot look.
Oh, Imperial Uncle!
Yongnian, what's this for?
Imperial Uncle, please stop declining it.
Else, not only would the people of the Riverlands not let it rest,
but those of the Han Empire will not either!
Imperial Uncle,
ever since the turmoil stirred up by Dong Zhuo,
the Han has been like the setting sun,
barely clinging onto life.
The regional lords from the Liu family have been swallowed up one after another.
Right now, the name Liu rules only in the Riverlands.
But all the citizens of the Riverlands know in their hearts
that the rule of their Provincial Protector Liu may not last much longer!
If you do not take action now, in two years' time,
Yi Province will fall into the hands of another!
Your espoused creed
No rest for the traitors, no retreat for the Han
what would it mean then? Will they not be just empty words?
Oh, Imperial Uncle, for the revitalization of the Han,
I am willing to bear the name of traitor!
I will abandon Liu Zhang and welcome you into the Riverlands!
Please, for the sake of the nation,
listen to what I have to say.
First, take the Riverlands as a base,
then make a move on Hanzhong in the north.
Lastly, reclaim the Central Plains,
and restore the empire!
That way, your good name will go down in history and be remembered forever!
My lord, the roads in the Riverlands are treacherous, and there are many mountains and rivers.
Wagons cannot stay on the path, and horses cannot be reined side by side.
The land has always been easy to defend and hard to attack.
But now, with Brother Yongnian's map and him as an informant,
the Riverlands is easily within our reach
My lord,
Yongnian is offering the Riverlands out of loyalty to the Han.
You are a descendant of the Han emperors.
Don't let his sincerity go to waste.
Say no more, all of you.
Yongnian, please rise.
Oh, Yongnian, I deeply thank you for your kindness.
But the words "benevolence" and "righteousness
are what I have always lived my life by, and are my mission in life.
Even if I were to die in desperation.
I could not take the Riverlands from Liu Jiyu.
Oh Heavens!
Why must our land be without a wise and just lord?
Why must the citizens of the Riverlands not find lasting peace?
My lord is stubborn by nature.
Once he has made a decision, he will never betray his principles.
Brother Yongnian,
if you really want Imperial Uncle Liu to enter the Riverlands,
then I have a way.
What is it?
Aren't the Riverlands beset with danger?
You only have to ask your lord, Liu Zhang, to invite my lord to bring in troops
to oppose Zhang Lu.
My lord will definitely go!
Imperial Uncle Liu just said
that he has already decided not to go!
Where there's a will, there's a way, right?
Relax, I'll think of a way to force him to go!
Do you really have a way to do this?
Yongnian, you are my special envoy to pay tribute to Xuchang.
If Cao Cao wont help, then so be it.
But how could he beat you out with sticks?
My lord, I am not afraid even of death.
What fear have I for Cao Cao's beating?
What I'm aggrieved by is Cao Cao's utter lack of decorum!
It is an insult to my lord, and to the officials and citizens of the Riverlands!
Quite right.
Back then, when Dong Zhuo was Chancellor,
Cao Cao was nothing more than a colonel!
I am a descendant of the Imperial family,
and he is from a eunuch's family!
And today, he views my lord as a has-been, unfit to rule over Yi Province!
Cao Cao even secretly harbors the desire to seize the Riverlands!
Cao Cao wants to take my land?
That's right.
At the parade in Xuchang,
Cao Cao showed me the power of his military.
He asked, "In the Riverlands, do you have such mighty troops and generals?"
Does your lord know which way the wind is blowing in today's world?
My lord, he was trying to threaten you into submitting to him!4
Cao Cao indeed has ambitions of usurping the Han.
This is common knowledge.
Now that it's come to this, what should I do?
Say something!
My lord, there is no need to worry.
On my return trip, I came up with a plan.
Speak!
Liu Bei of Jing shares a common ancestor with you.
He is kind and generous, and has noble aspirations.
Under him are Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and dozens of fierce generals.
During the battle at Red Cliff, even Cao Cao trembled with fear at the news of his arrival!
If you send an envoy to establish friendly ties and to secure his help,
never mind Zhang Lu, not even Cao Cao would dare invade us!
Why not invite him to bring his army here?
No! Absolutely not!
My lord, if you heed Zhang Song's words,
the Riverlands will eventually belong to Liu Bei!
You must not follow this plan!
Do you mean to say
that Liu Bei wants to seize the opportunity to take the Riverlands?
That's right.
Liu Bei inspires admiration from afar and love from those close to him.
Furthermore, he has Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong's intelligence,
and Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun's valor.
May I ask, if you invite them into the Riverlands, how will you treat them?
If you treat him as a subordinate,
would Liu Bei be satisfied with treatment below his station?
If you treat him as an equal,
could one state be content with having two lords?
And if Liu Bei rebels and takes over from you down the road,
what will you do then?
There's reason in what Huang Quan says.
Zhang Lu's violation of our borders is just a superficial problem.
But if Liu Bei enters the Riverlands, he will become a plague from within.
Moreover, Liu Bei has been a man of ambition all along.
When he served Cao Cao, he conspired against him.
Then, when he was with Sun Quan, he seized Jing.
With his constant scheming, how can you keep him at close quarters?
Furthermore, I have heard rumors
that someone returning from their mission in Xuchang went through Jing.
Perhaps this is part of an arrangement with Liu Bei?
Li Yan, are you accusing me of conspiring with Liu Bei?
What proof do you have?
Then why did you go to Jing?
Liu Bei, who's at Jing, admires our lord.
Upon hearing that I was leaving Xuchang,
he laid out a special welcome at Jing's border
and asked me to bring back in his stead 1,000 bolts of fine silk,
100 jugs of fine wine, and 10 female musicians as tribute to our lord.
When I went to pay tribute to Cao Cao, he kicked me out with a beating!
And now, Liu Bei pays tribute to our lord,
and you want to frame me as a villain!
Perhaps your loyalty leans towards Cao Cao?
You!
Enough, enough.
Let us speak of military matters.
If we don't request Liu Bei's aid.
how will Zhang Lu's invasion into the Riverlands be stopped?
Close the borders and seal the passes. Deep trenches and high ramparts will stop him.
How naive!
Do you know how fearsome and courageous Ma Chao is?
Can trenches and ramparts block the relentless cavalry of Xiliang?
My lord,
just now somebody claimed I am conspiring with Liu Bei.
I think that somebody here is, in fact, conspiring with Zhang Lu!
Zhang Song, you speak lies!
Li Yan!
Last year, when Zhang Lu invaded,
you advised our lord to seal the passes and defend with trenches and ramparts.
And what was the result?
We were routed at Wuxia, and paid heavily in land and silver.
This year, Zhang Lu has ordered Ma Chao to invade,
and you once again advised to seal the passes and defend with trenches and ramparts.
Are the Riverlands a prison.
that we are only ever closing the gates and locking ourselves in?
Is our lord an inept ruler,
who is forever doomed to hide behind trenches and ramparts?
My lord,
the longer we do this, the bolder Zhang Lu becomes!
Why is he always the sword, while we are resigned to be the shield?
In the long run, the sword will definitely pierce the shield.
Oh, my lord,
everyone knows of Liu Bei's virtue.
My lord, if even one of your own Imperial blood cannot be trusted,
then who is there left to trust?
Please forgive me for being direct, but I can no longer sit idly as the Riverlands fall into mortal danger.
I take my leave..
I have decided.
I will send Fa Zheng as an official envoy to Jing.
Xiaozhi,
your lord wants me to lead|troops into the Riverlands to resist Zhang Lu?
Just so.
My lord wishes for you to enter the Riverlands, as a man in a long drought hopes for storm clouds.
This is a thorny issue.
Why?
Brother Xiaozhi, we are also in a difficult situation.
From the north, Cao Cao eyes the Riverlands with a predator's gaze.
In the south, Sun Quan is waiting to pounce.
Furthermore, our troops were never numerous to begin with.
If my lord were to divide his forces and enter the Riverlands,
then we would be in danger of losing Jing.
Shiyuan, your words sound like excuses to me.
Sirs,
right now, the three sides of Cao, Sun, and Liu have already become a stable triangle.
Everyone just watches everyone else.
Nobody dares to make a rash move and mobilize troops.
Why is that?
Because all three parties are hoping,the.other two sides will start fighting, and to profit-at their expense.
Therefore,
the three parties will never fight simultaneously.
For example.
Cao Cao is implementing three measures in Xuchang.
Nurture the people, cultivate the wastelands, and stop fighting.
Why does he do that?
It's because he has understood this point long ago!
It is as you say, Brother Xiaozhi.
I shall now refrain from flowery rhetoric,
and stick to cruder speech.
Please.
Mobilizing into the Riverlands requires large amounts of provisions.
Jing is a restricted land, and we really don't have supplies to spare.
Shiyuan, what you say is not crude
but actually a realistic concern.
Likewise, allow me to speak frankly.
My lord invites the Imperial Uncle into the Riverlands
primarily to use his and his generals' mighty names to scare off Zhang Lu.
The Riverlands are prosperous, rich in food and supplies.
Furthermore, my lord has said in advance that, if the Imperial Uncle would enter the Riverlands,
we will provide all the pay and supplies.
Xiaozhi,
since your lord has gone this far to accommodate us,
I am deeply moved.
Right now, traitors have taken over and the Han is in danger of being overrun.
Of all the lords who have Han blood in their veins, only my cousin Liu Jiyu and I remain.
If my cousin is in trouble, how can I stand by idly?
If my cousin commands me, how can I not obey him?
But we really do lack the provisions, which is why we hesitated.
That is to say, you've agreed to enter the Riverlands!
We have a bright future before us now!
Oh, right, Imperial Uncle, I have a letter from Zhang Song.
So you and Yongnian are good friends?
That's right.
To be honest, everyone.
it was I who persuaded Zhang Song to present the Riverlands map to the Imperial Uncle.
If an inept general can put his whole army in peril,
wouldn't an inept ruler endanger the entire realm then?
All men of learning in Shu know that Liu Zhang is fatuous,
and that the Riverlands will fall into the hands of traitors sooner or later.
If that is the case, why not let<a virtuous lord take over?
Imperial Uncle,
now, Liu Zhang, faced with the threat of Zhang Lu,
panicked and lost his wits. And so...
we beg the Imperial Uncle to come.
We hope you will follow the dictates of fate.
Don't lose this golden opportunity. Imperial Uncle.
Brother Xiaozhi.
I appreciate your sincerity.
However, Liu Jiyu and I are from the same family.
This visit to the Riverlands is only to aid him in resisting Zhang Lu,
and to protect the land and his people. I have no improper intent.
Even the wren has a branch to rest on,
and the cunning hare keeps three entrances to its burrow for safety.
Wouldn't a man need a secure shelter even more so?
Not to mention, Jing has Sun Quan to the east and Cao Cao to the north; there is no room for maneuvering.
The Riverlands have a million households, vast fields and great riches to support a great undertaking.
Even more, Zhang Song and I can aid you from within.
This is a heaven-sent chance.
Imperial Uncle, you must not let it go.
Xiaozhi,
the one man in this world who stands antithetical to me is Cao Cao.
Cao Cao acts with impetuousness, and I, patience.
Cao Cao acts with violence, and I, benevolence.
Cao Cao acts with deception, and I, faithfulness.
Just by doing the opposite of Cao Cao, much can be achieved.
Virtue is my foundation, my life.
Do not utter these words of usurpation any more, please.
Cheers, Second Brother!
I can't believe Elder Brother!
He doesn't even want territory that falls right into his lap.
When we enter the Riverlands with him.
regardless of whether he agrees or not,
you and I will take action
Talk after taking the province!
Do you really think our lord doesn't want to take the Riverlands?
Director General.
Master Pang has arrived! Please sit.
Come, sir, have a bowl of wine!
All right.
Sir, what were you just saying?
In your opinion,
Elder Brother wants to, but won't say it out loud?
Our lord holds great ambition in his heart.
and has always dreamed of the revival of the Han dynasty.
And to revive the Han, land is essential.
The Riverlands have thousands of miles of fertile land.
How could he not be tempted?
Then why did he repeatedly refuse Zhang Song and Fa Zheng?
Right!
First,
Liu Zhang is under the orders of the Emperor to control the Riverlands,
and has already governed it for over a decade.
If our lord is to take the Riverlands, he must wait until it becomes absolutely necessary to do so.
At the very least he has to let people see that is the case,
or else the officials won't submit to him,
and the citizens of the Riverlands will also rebuke him.
This line of reasoning could not be clearer to him.
If he didn't want to take the Riverlands, he wouldn't agree to go in the first place.
Once he goes, he'll have to take it sooner or later.
As for when, we must wait for the right moment.
Good! Good!
On top of that,
are Zhang Song and Fa Zheng
sincere in inviting our lord to the Riverlands,
or are they under orders by Liu Zhang to come and test us?
That, we'll have to wait and see.
How could you two, who have followed Lord Liu for so many years, not understand this?
Our lord always conducts his affairs fastidiously.
I understand now! I understand now!
Once Second Brother and I enter the Riverlands—regardless of whether Elder Brother is willing or not
we will act, even if he doesn't!
No.
Neither of you can go.
Why not?
Jing requires a heavy military presence.
You two and Zilong need to remain here
in order to hold off Sun Quan.
Second,
if our lord took you two prominent generals to the Riverlands,
then wouldn't Liu Zhang worry even more?
Wouldn't his subordinates be even more wary?
If we don't go, then who will fight for the Riverlands for Elder Brother?
Liu Zhang is feeble-minded.
and there aren't many formidable generals in his ranks.
Our lord will have Huang Zhong and Wei Yan accompanying him.
as well as myself.
That is more than enough to deal with the Riverlands.
If it isn't,
it wouldn't be too late to summon you two then.
Good! Come, Director General, drink!
Cheers!
My brother, Liu Xuande, is indeed a gentleman of virtue!
As soon as I had Fa Zheng invite him, he immediately came with his troops!
That was half a month ago.
By now, Liu Bei is already within our borders.
His troops are swift as the wind!
Where are they now?
Liu Bei's forces have already crossed Sima Pass.
They did not disturb the people along the way.
Good.
A virtuous man will have a virtuous army!
My lord, I humbly think that the more Liu Bei is like this, the more careful we need to be.
This is just to buy popular support!
If I may ask, Sir Huang,
if not disturbing the people is buying their support.
would you rather have them pillage and burn instead?
Ridiculous.
My lord, Liu Bei entered the Riverlands with only 30,000 men.
None of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun came along.
Does this seem like they are conquering the Riverlands?
Our lord has an army of 100,000.
If Liu Bei wants to conquer our land with just 30,000 men,
it would be quite impossible, is it not?
Yongnian is right.
My lord, Liu Bei has made a long journey and already entered our borders.
In my humble opinion.
you should sail downstream to welcome him.
This is the proper conduct of a lord, and you can examine his army while you are there, too.
Quite right. I should go.
In your view, where should I welcome him?
Fucheng is an important stronghold within the Riverlands, and convenient by both land and water.
You should receive him at Fucheng.
Yongnian, immediately prepare carriages and tents.
Order General Zhang Ren to gather an army of 3,000 to accompany me to Fucheng.
Tell him to bring only the finest of our soldiers.
Their armor must be freshly polished, and their weapons must shine.
We must show Liu Bei the martial might of Shu!
Good idea, my lord.
You must not do that!
My lord, you are the ruler of a province.
How could you personally go to Fucheng?
Furthermore, if Liu Bei develops the urge to rebel
and captures you, then what?
If danger befalls you, the Riverlands will collapse into chaos.
Oh, Sir Li,
why is it that in your eyes, everyone is a traitor?
Why would you invite somebody and yet guard against him?
My lord, Li Yan has a point.
Inviting is inviting, and guarding is guarding.
Swords and spears are merciless. You can't be too careful.
Please consider this loyal advice, and avoid putting yourself in danger!
Huang Quan,
you are trying to poison the royal relations between our lord and Liu Bei!
My lord, I believe
an astute lord does not use those whom suspects, nor suspect those whom he uses.
Only a foolish lord would at the same time use and suspect, invite and oppose the same person.
Please consider, carefully.
I decided long ago.
but it was you lot who keep speaking ill of Liu Bei.
If you are really better than him, then go kill Zhang Lu and eliminate Cao Cao.
If you are not able to do this,
don't hinder me from welcoming Liu Bei!
My lord!
My lord, you must not go!
Move aside!
My lord!
I am going to meet a virtuous man, in whose presence I shall be delighted.
Yet you repeatedly insult me!
Men!
Here!
My lord, you must not go! Get Huang Gongheng off me!
My lord... Yes, sir!
Let go! You beast!
Let go!
Let go! Beast!
My lord! My lord, you can't go! My lord!
You must not go! My lord!
My lord! My lord!
My lord, please halt! My lord!
My lord, allow us one last piece of advice!
Speak!
Ministers who admonishes frankly are a boon to the state.
Huang Gongheng spoke out of loyalty. You must heed him!
It's not too late to stop Liu Bei!
If he is allowed to enter Fucheng,
to enter the Riverlands, it would be like letting a fox loose in the hen-house!
Our land would be completely lost, my lord!
My lord, you absolutely must not go!
Liu Bei is of my clan. We share the same bloodline.
Why do you keep trying to poison my ears? Anyone who keeps talking will be executed!
My lord, you must not go!
Move aside!
My lord, you must not go!
My lord! My lord!
Men! Disperse them!
Yes, sir!
Out of the way! Out of the way!
My lord! My lord, you can't go!
Out of the way! Out of the way!
Wang Lei, what are you doing?
I, Assistant Inspector Wang Lei, beg you to hear my honest words!
As they say, effective medicine is bitter but cures all ills,
and loyal advice is disagreeable but aids in ones work!
Today, my lord is putting himself at risk, and if you go you will never return!
If you execute Zhang Song and refuse Liu Bei,
it will be a blessing to the population of the Riverlands,
a blessing to the foundation of your rule!
The more you dissent, the more determined I am to go!
The Riverlands have gone downhill year by year because of stupid officials like you
Oh Heavens! Shu is finished!
Co drag his body away!
Yes, sir!
Go!
General, 3,000 elite troops have been gathered. Please give us your orders.
Our lord has already left Yizhou, and is heading towards Fucheng to meet Liu Bei.
All camps will eat at the fourth watch, and depart at the fifth. You will accompany me to escort our lord.
Yes, sir.
General Zhang!
Sir Huang. You...
You...
Why are you bloodied all over?
General Zhang, are you really only bringing 3,000 troops to Fucheng?
Our lord has ordered me to lead 3,000 troops as an escort.
Naturally, I am following his orders.
If our lord has been deceived by traitors
and is currently headed towards danger, what will you do?
As a general, are you going to sit back and watch him fall into peril?
Sir, what do you mean?
Liu Bei is a man of ambition and his troops are hardened veterans.
If he makes a move at Fucheng and tries to capture or kill our lord,
how can your 3,000 men fight them off?
How can you protect our lord?
Then, in your opinion, what should I do?
Bring 30,000 men.