Episode 65
Three Kingdoms
Imperial Uncle,
Zhang Song sent a secret message stating that Liu Zhang had left Yizhou,
so as to welcome you at Fucheng in person.
It's 360 miles from Yizhou to here...
It seems that Liu Zhang is indeed sincere.
Imperial Uncle, in my opinion, this is an excellent opportunity before us.
Yes, indeed!
What do you mean?
Imperial Uncle, Yizhou is defended by deep moats and tall ramparts. Its walls are sturdy.
It won't fall easily.
fact that Liu Zhang left Yizhou me he has left his nest unguarded!
If you seize this opportunity and take him hostage,
you can use him to negotiate the surrender of the Riverlands' troops.
Hence, the Riverlands would be yours without a single drop of blood being shed
Avoiding military confrontation
would be an excellent course of action indeed.
He traveled 360 miles specifically to welcome me
and yet both of you want me to harm him.
If you were to let this opportunity slip,
the Shu army may not allow you to live either.
How so?
Imperial Uncle,
while Liu Jiyu might be sincere in inviting you.
General Zhang Ren and the others do not have kind intentions towards you.
Earlier, I received word that Liu Zhang ordered him to lead an escort of 3,000 men.
But I discovered that, while Zhang Ren has 3,000 in his vanguard,
there is a host of 30,000 following behind him!
It seems there's an ulterior motive in his visit.
My lord, may I suggest that we strike first?
Upon Liu Zhang's arrival.
we can set up an ambush of 100 armed men at the banquet.
During which, you can drop a cup as a signal for him to be killed on the spot.
Hence, without drawing a blade or nocking an arrow,
we will still come to rule the Riverlands!
Please do not speak such words again.
Liu Jiyu and I share the same bloodline.
He treats me sincerely. How can I turn on him?
Besides, having just arrived in Shu,
l have not established a good reputation yet. Must I cause all to hate me?
Neither Heaven nor Man will tolerate such an act!
Your idea will not even be considered by a tyrant, let alone a benevolent ruler!
My lord!
Letting an opportunity like this slip
will result in direct confrontations in the future...
At that point in time, more blood will be shed,
casualties will become more numerous and hatred will run deeper still!
My lord follows the path of kindness and righteousness,
but those two things will also be his downfall.
Such a pity indeed!
Brother Shiyuan,
as I am here as a guest, it is not my place to go against the wishes of your lord.
However, you are the Director General, who has the power
to act first and report later!
Brother Xiaozhi. Your surname means "law". Your name means "upright".
But you neither obey the law nor are upright in your actions.
You are practically forcing me to perform such atrocious deeds!
Brother, there's no need to laugh.
In your vagabond days, were you not very scrupulous as well?
You there!
Your orders, sir?
Invite General Wei over.
Yes, sir!
News!
Liu Zhang, the Protector of Yi, is 20 miles away from here!
Good.
Wei Yan.
Here.
Switch out the armored infantry.
My lord, these are the best troops in our ranks.
With them in formation, we can display the might 'of our forces.
Liu jiyu and I are cousins.
Why display military might? Swap them out.
Aye.
Wenchang, please wait.
Director General.
Have you figured out what Lord Liu was thinking?
He doesn't want us to show off our military power in front of Liu Zhang.
Exactly.
If our forces seem to be overwhelming,
Liu Zhang would be intimidated by us.
If we seem too weak,
Liu Zhang would look down on our army instead.
He^will be worried if we are able to stand up against Zhang Lu and Ma Chao.
What do you suggest, sir?
Our forces must not look too overwhelming, nor look too weak.
Increase the number of flags hoisted and reduce the amount of weaponry displayed.
Thank you, sir.
How far are we from Liu Bei's camp?
The scout reports that we're less than 10 miles away.
Zhang Ren, lead the vanguard over first.
Make sure the might of our Shu army is displayed!
Understood!
You there, head off first!
Yes, sir.
I, Liu Bei, Protector of Jing, welcome my brother.
Ah, Xuande...
I had yearned for ages and finally my wish of meeting you is fulfilled.
I haven't ridden a horse for a very long time.
Brother, your army is disciplined and very well trained.
I am impressed by what I see!
Come.
Xuande, after you.
You first, brother.
My brother Xuande came personally with his <$?army from Jing, in response to my call.
They have traveled 1,000 miles to help me repel Zhang Lu.
Such a sincere act of friendship
deserves a heartfelt thanks from the people of Shu and myself.
I offer a toast to everyone.
First, to express my thanks.
Second, to wish Xuande a swift and complete victory.
Thank you, brother.
However,
I hope you may grant me one wish first.
Please say it.
I think the first toast should be to the emperor instead.
At this very moment, the Emperor is in the evil clutches of the traitor Cao,
bathing his face in tears every day,
hoping that the members of the Liu house
may destroy the traitor and revitalize the Han Dynasty.
Xuande's loyalty is inspiring indeed!
As my brother wishes, here's a toast to the Emperor.
Your Majesty,
we, scions of the imperial house, hereby swear the following.
To destroy this traitorous plague and to revitalize the Han Dynasty!
This wine of Shu is truly exceptional!
The men of Shu are better than the wine.
Brother, you will see for yourself in the future.
I don't have to wait for the future,/as I already see it now.
Brother, the favor you've shown me by coming far to welcome me is more precious than any wine.
You traveled for thousands of miles.
Am I not to come out a hundred miles to welcome you?
Brother, how many men did you bring with you on this expedition?
Twenty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry.
These 30,000 troops are willing to be your vanguard, brother,
to give their lives in striking down your enemies.
Good.
Zhang Lu has invaded my borders repeatedly. and now he has Ma Chao's help.
Their morale is great.
In this expedition, what do you plan to do if you win... or lose?
If we win, we will press the attack,
and we will help you take over Hanzhong.
If we lose,
we will train our men and prepare for battle again.
If it ends in a stalemate?
If it turns out that way,
I will do whatever you say, brother.
If you order me to leave the Riverlands, I will retreat to Jing at once.
If you order me to stay, I will hold ground while awaiting further orders.
If you want me to leave my army behind and go back on my own,
I will hand over the command of my legion to you, brother,
while I head back alone to Jing.
I have heard of your great virtue before,
but today I see that you are even greater than they say!
Come,
a toast to show my respect to you
My lord, entertainment is lacking at this feast.
I, Wei Yan, am willing to perform a sword dance as entertainment.
Good, that's great.
I would love to see the valor of a warrior from Jing!
To perform a sword dance, one needs a partner. May I join General Wei?
I'll join too!
Let us join and make this a better show!
If it's a group dance, we will join in to entertain our lord too!
Cut it out!
My brother and I meet here today.
It should be a joyous occasion.
Instead, you swing swords and blades around wantonly.
Listen carefully.
This is no "feast at Hongmen".
Nor am I the Hegemon-King of Chu.
Wei Yan,
put down your weapon.
Those who came from Jing,
drop your weapons, or you shall be executed!
Zhang Ren, lower your weapon
General Zhang, wait.
Gentlemen,
Brother Jiyu and I are of the same blood. and we are in the same boat.
Please lay your suspicions to rest.
Today, I, Liu Bei, swear before everyone present,
that just as you will not betray me, I shall not betray you.
If, in the future, I would do any wrong unto your lord,
anyone of you here may kill me.
Xuande!
My lord, today's incident in the tent seems to be full of murderous intentions.
No.
I firmly believe Liu Bei is a virtuous leader.
Even if Liu Bei is one indeed, his subordinates are not as well-meaning as he is.
Of all the lords in the world,
only Xuande and I remain of those of the Liu name.
If I cannot trust even him.
then it is Heaven's will for the Liu family to end!
Report!
My lord, Zhang Lu attacked our borders yesterday with 20,000 men.
He has arrived at Jiameng Pass today.
Damn it!
Here again?
My lord,
wasn't Liu Bei willing to be our vanguard?
Since Zhang Lu is invading again,
please send orders
for Liu Xuande to lead his Jing army to engage the enemy.
He just arrived after traveling thousands of miles, and hasn't had a chance to catch his breath yet.
To ask him to go to war now
would be discourteous of us.
I think
the others to hold off the invasion for a bit.
it would be best for Yang Huai, Cao Pei and
My lord,
it is in a time like this
that we can discern Liu Bei's true intentions.
Did they really come to help defeat Zhang Lu,
or to invade the Riverlands?
All right.
My lord.
What is it?
My lord, Liu Bei is personally leading his army towards Jiameng pass.
See? See?
Liu Bei is sincere with me, isn't he?
How ludicrous it is of Huang Quan, Li Yan, and their likes
to make baseless speculations and worry for nothing!
Right.
Now that I have Liu Bei's help,
I won't have to worry about Zhang Lu, Ma Chao and their ilk anymore.
Send this brocade robe of mine to Jiameng pass, and bestow it upon Liu Bei.
Tell him that this robe was granted me by the previous emperor,
and that I hope it will help him in defeating Zhang Lu and securing victory!
Understood, sir!
My lord,
Liu Bei's army has marched into the Riverlands, leaving Jing unprotected.
This is a fantastic opportunity for us.
We should seize it and capture Jing!
Are you all of the same mind?
Cheng Demou is right!
Although Liu Bei is heading towards the Riverlands,
he left Zhuge Liang behind along with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to defend Jing.
They would be doubly vigilant in their defense.
Although they will be on guard, their military strength would not be as before.
If Liu Bei holds onto Jing while he conquers Yi, he will gain a substantial boost in power.
Furthermore, the Southland will gain another threat to the west.
Things will look grim with these two ? enemy forces surrounding our army.
Demou,
let's say we move our forces to Jing.
If Cao Cao were to head south to invade me,
what can be done?
Besides, Liu Bei's treaty with us
promises that once they have found another foothold.
Jing will be returned to the Southland.
If he captures Yizhou,
we will have grounds to reclaim Jing.
soldier then. Isn't that a better idea?
We wouldn't have to deploy a single
My lord,
the treaty is just a piece of useless paper.
Even if Liu Bei obtains Yi,
Zhuge Liang wouldn't be willing to return Jing to us.
Now, Liu Bei is far away in the Riverlands.
Cao Cao, after battling Ma Chao,
will be resting his army and won't be thinking of marching south.
Such an opportunity would not present itself in the future.
Ziming, why are you not saying anything?
The State Mother will not allow Lord Sun to march to Jing.
Why not?
Obtaining Jing is a matter of preserving the Southland's honor.
Can our lord not make the decision for himself?
Lord Sun's sister is now the wife of Liu Bei.
Her Ladyship dotes on her.
Now that the lady is in Jing,
Zhuge Liang would hold her hostage if we were to invade.
What will we do then?
If something were to happen to her, how will our lord face Her Ladyship?
Now that Liu Bei is far away at the Riverlands,
I predict that he won't be returning within the next two years.
Since Liu Bei has just left, the defense in Jing will be tighter than usual.
Only after some period of time had passed will their defense be lowered.
Everyone, we will discuss this at a later date.
Zijing,
Cao Cao plans on training his forces for the next few years.
From our point of view, though there won't be any imminent threat,
the danger that lies in the future will be even greater.
Liu Bei marched into the Riverlands.
I predict that Yi will be his if nothing goes terribly wrong.
His power will then increase greatly. This is a cause for concern
Conversely, our military is still maintained by aging generals.
Although they are loyal and brave, their vitality is fading day by day.
Hence, I propose that Lu Meng be promoted to Vice Grand Commander.
What do you think?
What is it? You disagree?
No, I agree wholeheartedly.
Lu Meng is a hero within the army, a bright star among the generals.
Furthermore, he was under Gongjin's tutelage for years.
He will certainly be able to take on the great responsibility after my passing.
Zijing,
you said after my passing.
What do you mean?
My lord,
my knowledge in tactical matters is nowhere as good as Gongjin's
My health is not as before either.
I am afraid I won't be able to last long.
Oh Zijing,
why are you saying such things?
The Southland cannot be without you! nor can I.
My lord.
Can you please tell me the truth?
By promoting Lu Meng to Vice Grand Commander,
you intend for him to reclaim Jing, right?
Indeed.
Jing must be taken.
A war between the Sun and Liu houses is inevitable.
Good!
I will assist you in accomplishing this goal.
Even if I am to fall before that,
do not worry, my lord.
Lu Meng will be able to accomplish the task.
Zijing
worry not but rest well.
I will have reports on any matter of importance in the Southland delivered to you.
so you will be able to help me reach a decision.
My lord!
As long as I still live,
I will give my utmost in order to repay your kindness to me!
Ahh, Zijing!
Greetings to the Grand Commander!
Sir Zhang Zibu, please announce our lord's decree.
The Marquis of Wu declares.
Li Meng has obtained countless victories. He is a loyal and brave subject destined for great things.
Thus, he shall be promoted to the position of Vice Grand Commander,
and be in charge of the Southland navy.
Accept your orders, Lu Meng.
General Lu, accept your military tally.
I shall humbly accept it!
Generals.
Since Cao Cao's defeat at Red Cliff,
he has been training his troops, intending to move south.
Liu Bei has marched into the Riverlands,
on the pretense of helping Liu Zhang repel Zhang Lu.
Yet his true intentions lies in obtaining Yi.
He puts on a virtuous look, but at heart he is ambitious.
Lord Sun promoted Lu Meng as the Vice Grand Commander
to prepare our troops for war, that we may strike at a moment's notice.
Understood!
Zhou Shan pays his respect to you, Milady.
Arise.
Thank you, Milady.
Milady,
here is a letter to you from the State Mother.
Since this is a letter from Mother, you should just pass it to me normally.
Why are you acting so suspiciously, eluding the guards of Jingzhou?
Milady, you may not know this,
but Her Ladyship previously sent three letters to you.
and yet we did not receive a single reply.
Her Ladyship, in her wisdom,
surmised that you did not receive any of the letters.
What?
Mother had sent three letters over?
Indeed.
What happened?
Her Ladyship is gravely ill.
The doctor said that he fears....
He fears what?
He fears that Madam might not last the coming autumn.
Her Ladyship wishes to see you one last time.
Let me read the letter.
Mother's condition is grave,
and yet the people here kept it a secret from me! I will return to the Southland immediately.
You there! Tell Zhuge Liang to come!
Here!
Yes.
Wait!
Milady, we cannot do that!
Zhuge Liang dares even to detain Madam's letters.
He wants to prevent you from going back to the Southland!
I am Liu Bei's wife. He<is but a subordinate.
My mother is ill and I wish to visit her. How dare he try to stop me!
Zhuge Liang is a crafty person.
He may not stop you head on.
But he might say that he lacks the authority to make a decision,
that you need the Imperial Uncle's approval.
However, he is now in the Riverlands,
messenger to reach him and return.
and it takes more than a month for a
Would it not be too late for "the State Mother then?
Zhou Shan,
is it really true that my mother is gravely ill?
Please don't try to scare me.
I wouldn't dare to lie!
Her Ladyship...
has lost much weight,
and does not even eat one full meal every three days!
Mother...
Mother!
Milady, please do not cry!
We can't have anyone notice and report to Zhuge Liang!
How did you get here?
I disguised myself and sneaked in here,
bringing with me a carriage with a hundred soldiers in hiding.
We will make sure you reach Chaisang safely.
All right.
I will leave a letter behind, then we will set off immediately!
I've looked through these ledgers and statements. Please file them.
Yes, sir.
Director General,
Milady's maids said that
she left with her son, leaving a letter behind.
Bring it over!
Which general is in?
General Zhao just finished inspecting the camp. He is at the hall now.
Bring General Zilong over now!
Yes!
Escort Milady away first!
Aye!
Hurry!
I am Zhao Yun.
The Director General wishes to hold a farewell feast for Milady!
You there, protect Milady and leave now.
I will hold off that general.
Understood!
Do not let Zhao Yun over!
Out of my way! Death to those in my way!
Kill Zhao Yun!
Attack!
Zhao Yun? Stand down now!
Milady.
Zhao Yun, what are you trying to do?
Milady, why did you leave without a word?
My mother is gravely ill.
I had no time for saying,goodbye.
Milady, why do you bring the Young Master with you for such a visit?
Ah-Dou is a child without a-mother.
If I leave him in Jingzhou, no one will take care of him.
Lord Liu spent his life on the battlefield, and this is his only child.
How can you take him away?
If Milady insists on leaving, please>leave the Young Master behind.
Zhao Yun.
You are just a soldier in my husband's command.
How dare you meddle in my family affairs?
I, of course, have no right to interfere in his family affairs.
However, the Young Master is a matter of Jing's security.
If he is not left behind, I cannot let you go.
Zhao Yun,
do you still respect me as your lord's wife?
Apologies, Milady.
I must keep the Young Master.
Attention, guards!
Yes!
Take down Zhao Yun!
Milady, as you know the Blue Blade slices through metal as if it is mud.
Those who oppose it will die.
Please do not force my hand.
Wait. Do not press Zhao Yun further.
Thank you, Milady.
Zhao Yun,
take Ah-Dou back with you then.
Let him be with Liu Bei.
Don't do that!
Milady, you must bring Ah-Dou with you to the Southland!
Who are you?
My lord is Sun Quan! Not the wife of your lord!
Milady, do not worry.
Right ahead is the Southland's territory.
help. You won't be able to escape
Zhao Yun, you are here all alone and without
Sister-in-law, leave my nephew behind!
Brother-in-law, how can you be so insolent!
Sister-in-law, you do not think of my elder brother, but rather sneak back to the Southland.
And you're taking his son away too.
Now this is.what I call insolence!
Listen!
Milady! Please wait!
What... what are you doing?
My mother is gravely ill.
If you do not let me leave,
I will commit suicide now!
Milady!
Yide,
we would fail our duty as subordinates if we force her to die.
Sister-in-law, since you insist on leaving,
I won't bar your path any longer.
My brother is the Imperial Uncle of the Han Dynasty.
If you still cherish my brother's love for you, do return as soon as possible.
Take care, Milady.
Tell Liu Bei
that I am leaving.
Tell him to take care of himself.
Yes Milady.
Sister-iri-law,. farewell.
Take care, Milady.
Zhang Lu's army has retreated back to Hanzhong.
They were completely routed
Our trip here was fruitful indeed.
Liu Zhang, however seems to be starting to slight us.
What's wrong?
In the past, at the start of every month, Chengdu would send 30,000 bushels of grain and 50,000 cash.
Since we defeated Zhang Lu,
the grain given decreased immediately.
Last month we only received 2,000 bushels of grain and no money.
We received absolutely nothing this month.
Three days ago, all camps were forced to reduce rations.
Liu Zhang is an ingrate indeed!
When pressed by the enemy, he treated us like saviors.
Once the enemy retreats, we are nothing in his eyes.
I will write to him personally to request more grain.
My lord,
even if you write to him,
he may still deny us rations. What will we do then?
We are here at Liu Zhang's invitation.
Now that the enemy retreated
and he couldn't just kick us out, he's using the supplies issue to force us to leave.
Isn't he turning his back to us after taking advantage of us?
Let us go back in that case.
Report!
Sir, an urgent letter from Jingzhou!
What's wrong, my lord?
My wife left.
She left me in the end.
Please don't drink anymore, my lord.
My lord!
Shiyuan,
just let me drink myself to oblivion.
Shiyuan,
I really couldn't bear parting with her.
Those who must go, will go. Those who must come, will come.
Relationships do not last forever.
You must take care of yourself.
I knew early on that she would leave.
Since the day I returned to Jing, I knew...
she would eventually leave me.
Why?
Because I live in the saddle,
and she lives in a dream.
Losing a woman is a small thing.
But if we lose the Riverlands
we will be in dire straits, and disaster will be nigh
Shiyuan,
I understand you completely.
How do I not know that fact?
My lord.
I see three options available to us.
The first is: Seize the opportunity while we are still on good terms with Liu Zhang,
and order Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to lead twenty thousand elite troops
to invade Chengdu with all speed.
The second plan involves you pretending to be pulling back to Jing,
luring the captains of Luocheng to come see you off.
At that point, capture them.
take Luocheng as a foothold and plan another move on Chengdu.
The worst plan involves
retreating posthaste back to Baidi,
and then return to Jing from there.
Director General,
your first plan is too rushed while your last plan is too slow.
As for your second plan...
Never mind.
I'll just request more grain from Liu Zhang.
If he refuses, his intentions will be clear.
Then we will decide on our next course of action.
Please, my lord, I urge you to reach a conclusion soon.
The longer we delay,
the more dangerous our situation will be!
Shiyuan,
do you think that I not want the Riverlands?
I do.
I do, more than anyone else.