Good.
Well done! Well done!
That's what I wanted as well.
General Xiang Yu and I share the same thought.
General Ji Bu.
Here.
General Xiang Yu made a great contribution.
He's the hope of our people, the hope of our state, and this throne.
I appoint him commander-in-chief.
He will be the highest official in our military camp.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I must return to the camp to fulfill my duties.
General Ji Bu, I shall see you off personally.
I don't deserve the honor.
Your Majesty, don't bother. I'll leave now.
I feel so cold.
Why is it so cold?
Why do you bring me water again?
It will make you recover quickly.
The water's too hot.
-I need to see Liu Ji. -No, you can't!
-It's very important. -You can't enter. Wait.
Who's out there?
Liu Ji, a Confucian scholar wants to meet you.
-Not today. -Yes.
Hey.
-What are you doing? -I'm here. Here.
-You can't enter! -Just a few words, a few words.
What do you want?
I'm a scholar from Gaoyang. My name is Li Yiji.
Li Yiji?
What did you want to say?
I… I am your senior.
I'm here to help you strategize and take down Qin.
How can you wrap yourself in a blanket
when you're meeting a senior? You shouldn't be so rude.
What do you actually want?
I will help you conquer Qin!
I don't want to listen to suggestions. I want to pee.
I need to pee.
That's my hat. Hey!
I... I…
How…
How can you...
Hey! Hey! Take it away.
You!
I told you, you couldn't enter, see?
I'm not a Confucian scholar.
I'm the drunkard of Gaoyang.
I'm here to challenge you, the drunkard of Pei County.
-What do you want? -I want to drink!
Bring us some wine!
Drink up.
What? Why should I drink first?
Okay then, I'll drink first.
It's your turn now.
It's your turn.
You serious? I'm ill. How can I drink wine now?
-You… -You drink.
Not only are you inept at drinking, you're also inept at fighting.
I'm afraid your warriors will be killed before they reach Wuguan Pass.
Look what you did! First you fail to conquer Changyi,
Then, you retreat to Licheng but fail again, and go attack Changyi again!
But now you're caught in Chenliu.
Like a housefly, flying aimlessly here and there.
When do you think you'll make it to the capital?
Oh, I see. I know what's on your mind.
You want to find a way to win without fighting.
And your point is?
The magistrate of Chenliu takes me as a friend.
I can persuade him to surrender.
How can you persuade him? Does he listen to you?
Seeking advantage and avoiding disadvantage is our nature.
A huge army is coming. Will he refuse if someone offers to help?
I know him well. I can persuade him.
Why do you want to help me?
My family has been in Gaoyang for generations but we are poor.
But I'm quite well read and I'm eloquent, well versed in diplomacy,
as well as philosophy and statesmanship too.
But why am I willing to be a nameless city watchman?
I'm waiting to join a wise leader.
All right, all right, that's enough. Why do you think I'm a wise leader?
You did not allow your warriors to trample on crops.
Your army has a strict discipline.
I believe that you must be a leader with true benevolence.
Tell me. How will you help me?
If you believe me, you can send me to Chenliu, what do you say?
You're brave and learned.
I'm counting on you, then.
No.
-I'll set off now. -Please see yourself out.
I can't wait any longer.
The thought of fighting again makes me feel energetic.
Strategy is the most instructive, but you show no interest in it.
Apparently you're bewitched by your love of the fight?
Strategy?
In order to defeat the Qin tyrants, bloodshed is almost a must.
After the war, I can study up on so-called strategy.
After the war, I'll lead a life in reclusion.
Do you really want that?
Yes. My mission is done once you conquer Qin.
The state you want to build after is not my concern.
But what do I hope will the state would be like?
Fishermen can fish freely in the rivers, farmers can enjoy their harvests...
merchants do business honestly,
and officials protect civilians.
Laozi said...
"stretch a bow taught, and you'll wish you'd stopped sooner,
temper a sword-edge to its very sharpest, and you'll find it soon grows dull,
when bronze and jade fill your hall,
it can no longer be guarded...
when your work is done, then withdraw. Such is heaven's way."
Mr. Fan, I can't understand such abstract things.
Tell me the situation in Julu.
There are only two important men in Julu, Zhang Er and Chen Yu.
Are they good men?
Why do you ask that? How am I supposed to know?
I want to know.
My King, even Dai refugees come to Julu for help.
But this, don't you see?
Outside our walls, Julu is besieged by Qin soldiers.
How can Dai soldiers get closer to Julu?
How can they enter Julu?
They can only dither behind the Qin forces,
and build their barracks somewhere...
beyond the reach of Qin soldiers. They'll be useless.
Reinforcements are marching toward us.
There will be warriors from Yan and warriors from Qi!
They're in the same boat as the Dai.
They are going to build some temporary barracks.
And then, they'll wait for their chance.
The worst thing is, they come here out of friendship,
they will try their best to avoid injury or death.
In their eyes, the collapse of Julu is inevitable.
When the decisive battle begins,
which is the fastest route out of battlefield
would be their main concern at the moment.
In my opinion, they are nothing but rubberneckers.
They are not reinforcements at all.
It's like they came to Julu just to run away.
The Qin army also has its own weaknesses.
They can't enlist any more new warriors in Xianyang.
But they have the Yong Path.
The word “Yong”...
refers to a barrel with a capacity of ten decalitres for provisions.
The Yong Path
refers to how the road looks like. A barrel with walls on all sides.
It was once used by the first emperor of Qin, right?
Right. Zhang Han values the path deeply.
He put up long, tall, tile-topped walls on either side of the path
so that his marching warriors will not be attacked.
He is indeed a clever man.
With this path, transportation of provisions and weapons is easy,
and he can also gather his warriors as soon as he commands.
Zhang Han is indeed a strong enemy.
These are only silly tricks. I have my way to defeat him.
I've come to visit you, Your Majesty.
How long has he been like this?
Premier, it's about seven or eight days.
He just sits there. He hasn't eaten or slept.
He's just swinging back and forth.
Did you hear him say anything unusual?
That's nothing but muttering utterance.
I couldn't understand any of it.
Has he truly gone mad?
Stop talking.
Father!
You should take care in heaven.
I'm a great man now.
I've become immortal.
Is he pretending that he's mad? Or is he really gone off the deep end?
Don't lie to me.
We've accompanied him day and night. From what we've seen,
I'm afraid it is true that the emperor has lost his mind.
I'm a God now. I have found the Way.
-It'd be great if he's truly mad. -I'm a God now. I have found the Way.
If he's insane, he can keep his life for a few more days.
All of you watch him closely.
Feed him food. Do not let him starve.
Otherwise, where would I find an heir of the emperor...
to replace him? Do you hear me?
Yes.
Go to him now.
I'm a God now. I have found the Way.
I'm a God now.
Yummy! Yummy!
Where did he come from?
That's not food for living men. He shouldn't eat it.
-He'd be cursed. -He shouldn't eat it.
-Don't sit there. Stand up. Up. -Don't eat it.
-Stop eating. -Stand up. Up. Don't eat it.
-Get up! -Stop eating!
Delicious.
Don't eat it. It's gold. Your family is coming to see you.
Stop eating.
-I know it's gold! I know! -Get up!
-Get up. -I'm not a fool!
-He must be crazy. -Get up. Get up.
What a fool!
Your Highness. Your Highness!
You're the nephew of the emperor, the grandson of the late emperor.
Emperor Huhai sent me to look for you.
There's no one here. You don't need to pretend that you're mad.
This royal jade is passed on by the late emperor.
Your Highness!
My late emperor,
Qin is done for.
Qin will truly be done for!
Gentlemen, Yiji, please enjoy your drinks!
-Please. -Please.
Yiji, it's been quite a long time.
Why didn't you send me a message first before coming?
I could have sent my men to give you a ride.
Sir, Chu warriors are coming to attack Chenliu.
How are you planning to deal with this difficulty?
It's hard to say.
Liu Ji's warriors are approaching here.
I think we might as well surrender to him.
This is the only way, for civilians to be safe.
Yiji, never mention the word "surrender" again.
If you say that in my court, I would have killed you.
Sir, if my advice can help you, I'd rather be killed.
Qin emperor is cruel and civilians can't live peacefully.
But Liu Ji is not. I personally witnessed...
that he ordered his men not to trample the crops.
And none of his warriors disobeyed. His forces are kind to civilians.
If you surrender to him, you won't only save yourself,
you'll also save all the men here, and all the civilians in the city.
Stop talking about it.
I'm the county magistrate appointed by the emperor of Qin.
It's my duty to protect the city.
In such a hard time,
how could I fear death, and betray our imperial court?
A war will bring misery to people.
You may choose death, but why must all the civilians die with you?
We're loyal to Qin. We'd rather die than surrender.
If our enemy is coming,
all of the people in the city should fight to the death.
You!
I see. If you insist...
I have only one thing to tell you.
Qin is done for!
My Lord! Put down the sword!
Stay right there.
I believe none of you wants to go down with Qin.
You've been besieged by Liu Ji's warriors.
You have no way to survive but surrender to him.
What he said is right.
Just do as he said.
Do what he said.
The assassination led Liu Ji into contemplation.
To kill and not to kill will lead to very different consequences.
he was determined to find a way to protect the common man...
from that very moment on.
You won his friendship and killed him. That was also a way to protect us.
With his death, I saved all the people of the city.
His death is worthwhile.
I hope he'll forgive me in the next world and be assured about it.
You did me great favor indeed.
It's my honor, my honor.
I'd like to invite you to join my army.
That's what I desire.
Good. I'd like to appoint you Marquis of Guangye.
Then, do you still despise Confucian scholars?
In your opinion, where should we march next?
Next we go west. We should attack Kaifeng.
That's exactly what I think.
Premier, Yan Le is waiting to see you.
Call him in.
Both of you... may leave now.
Yes.
Father-in-law, this breathing exercise that you practice,
does it really prolong life and keep you healthy?
Life and death are destined.
So is the life of Qin.
All are the same.
Zhang Han and the Chu army are at a stalemate in Julu.
Do we need to urge him to defeat them?
Whether we win or not,
Xianyang will soon belong to others.
Zhang Han will also die.
What he faces will be no better than that of Meng Tian and Li Si.
The commander of Wancheng sent a message
that there are about tens of thousands of warriors
approaching Xianyang from the battlefield along the Yellow River.
Tens of thousands?
Is Yang Xiong the commander of Wuguan Pass?
Yes. He's also a heroic commander.
Tell him to lead his warriors
to wipe out those roving bandits.
Wuguan Pass is in the south of Xianyang.
If he leaves, who will guard Wuguan?
Don't bother.
That's not your business.
You can leave now.
Yes.
Princess, I'm here to tell you something.
What you're doing is betraying Qin.
Princess, it's too late to say that.
Let's think about how to save General Zhang Han.
Go ahead.
Okay. First, spies sent by Zhang Han came to sound out my intention.
I've made up some stories to tell them. I think Zhang Han will believe
that you'll soon be killed by Zhao Gao.
I'm sure he'll come to save you and betray Qin.
What else did you want to tell me?
Second, Zhang Han takes no action.
Princess, if you agree,
please write him an urgent letter. I'll tell you what to write.
And don't worry, if you are not feeling well,
I can write the letter on your behalf.
If you were an emperor, would you spare Zhang Han's life?
Princess, why do you say that?
There are almost no more good counselors,
let alone good generals.
If I'm ever lucky enough to be blessed by the Heavens above,
and become emperor of this chaotic Qin land,
I'd surely take Zhang Han as a general and be my first and foremost minister!
I'd be glad to have him!
Aren't you afraid Zhao Gao finds out about this?
Of course I do.
Princess, a coup d'état is not a game, but it seems like playing a game.
But both the talent and destiny decide it.
What you see with your eyes although seems significant
is just the beginning. The important things are yet to follow.
Princess, I told you to write a letter to Zhang Han but you refused.
But compared with how to deal with Zhao Gao,
it's much more difficult and dangerous than what you see.
This urgent letter… What do you want me to write?
Princess, try to persuade Zhao Gao to hold
a celebratory banquet for Zhang Han.
If this works, then this will be a golden opportunity.
Therefore, you must try to make a plan and share it with Zhang Han.
When he and his warriors come back, we can kill Zhao Gao at the banquet.
This will ensure our success, and we'll seize the day!
-My lord! My lord! -My lord!
Calm down. Speak slowly.
We received message from the palace.
Zhao Gao dispatched thousands of warriors to the palace.
They‘ve been told to guard the emperor in E Pang Gong.
Has Zhao Gao sniffed out our plan?
He's very cautious. But I'm not sure whether he's learned of our plan or not.
Don't worry.
But we should be much more vigilant going forward.
Otherwise all our efforts will only bring us trouble,
even the death of our family members.
Lord Chongxin, Premier Zhao invited you to his home.
Oh, really?
Did he tell you the reason?
He wants you to fish with him.
Why'd he want to fish at such a late hour? Could it be...
Zhao Gao might be watching over us closely.
Perhaps he knows almost everything we're doing.
How about this. Go back and tell premier that…
I'm readied for bed so I need to change first before going.
I'll come as soon as possible, okay? Go ahead.
Yes.
-My lord, be careful. -You can't be too careful.
Don't worry.
I know what to do with Zhao Gao.
Bring me wine.
Premier, my greetings.
Premier, premier, I fell asleep.
Premier, I should be severely punished. Please forgive me.
As you were not here...
you've made me prepare the bait myself.
Premier, it's my fault that I drank some wine
and played dice.
Premier, I shouldn't have done that.
I shouldn't. I shouldn't.
I shouldn't, premier.
I like someone like you.
-All right, come here. -Okay.
Let me do it.
It's ready.
-The fish bit it. It bit it! -Lift it up!
See, you've got it.
I got it.
Untie it and release it.
Release it?
Yes.
Premier, there's something that I don't understand.
You want to know why I fish in the barrel, correct?
It's easy to understand.
I also wanted to fish in a river under a willow.
But I was too busy, I dared not leave my house.
I know.
It would be great if there's a big fishpond in your house.
You could fish any time you like.
What? What did you say?
You're right. It's just what I've been looking for!
Why can't I think of such a good idea?
Chongxin,
starting tomorrow, I'll give you 15 days
to build a fishpond as big as E Pang Gong for me.
-Fifteen days? -You want less time?
It cannot be less.
No. It's not too much time.
No. Premier, it's just right.
You can go back to sleep now.
You'll be leading some hard work days starting tomorrow.
If you can build the fishpond as I desire...
I promise to grant one of your wishes.
It will be a reward for you.
Thank you, premier.
Is this bait changed every day?
Premier, it's changed by Chongxin every evening.
But he forgot today.
He forgot.
Yang Xiong's army is here. Kaifeng's here.
And we're here.
Do you think we should first attack Yang Xiong's army or Kaifeng?
Attack Kaifeng first.
We must attack it before he gets there.
Otherwise we'll be attacked from behind.
But if we can't take it soon enough, we'll be in great trouble.
We'd still be attacked from behind.
I think...
let's forget about Kaifeng for now and attack Yang Xiong.
Yang Xiong
has very strong army. If we fail--
Yang Xiong certainly believes that we'll attack Kaifeng first.
Our sudden attack would definitely defeat them easily.
So long as we conquer Yang Xiong,
we can besiege Kaifeng quickly, in whatever fashion,
and at whatever pace we wish.
What do you think?
Workable.
-Lu Wan. -Yes.
Gather our warriors tomorrow morning. We'll attack Yang Xiong first.
Yes, sir.
We'll take Yang Xiong down!
-Attack. Attack! -Attack!
Qin soldiers are coming! Retreat!
Hurry! Hurry!
Hurry!
Burn the camp. Hurry! Let's go!
Hurry!
What's wrong? We're winning the battle!
Qin warriors appeared out of nowhere.
They've turned our warriors into a hideous mess.
That's impossible! That's...
Enough! Stop gathering things!
Listen to me.
We...
try to regroup at Baima.
If we can meet again,
we'll go on attacking Qin soldiers.
Otherwise, this may be the last moment…
we ever see each other.
My Lord.
My Lord, we must leave now.
We've been surrounded by Qin warriors.
-My Lord, let us fight! -Let us fight them to the death!
-My Lord. -My Lord.
My Lord, put this on.
Why do you put that on?
Where might you be going?
Zhang Liang? You are…
You mean the Qin armors we're wearing?
If you can change clothes to escape, can't we change clothes to fight?
Reporting!
We've conquered Yang Xiong's army. They are retreating to Xingyang.
-Clean the battlefield, we'll stay here. -Yes.
Liu Ji, it's been a long time since I last saw you in Xingyang.
Indeed.
Zhang Liang, thank you for your help.
All is fair in war.
Let me introduce to you.
He's one of the best advisers in the world, Zhang Liang.
You flatter me.
He's also a great adviser, Li Yiji.
My greetings.
I'm flattered. I'm actually the best drunkard in the world.
Over the past year, I served the king of Han.
In and out of Yingchuan, we took control of a few Qin cities.
But we're not strong enough to conquer the main forces of Qin.
We also had a fight with Yang Xiong's army.
As we weren't strong, we've had to fight cautiously.
Then I heard that your warriors defeated Yang Xiong's army.
I thought it was an opportunity to finally wipe out Yang Xiong.
So I told my idea to the king of Han...
but the king hesitated.
But I couldn't miss this chance.
I set off with my men and only found that
Yang Xiong's army was defeated by you.
I found a circuitous route and attacked from the side.
Thus my men also had a hard fight against Yang Xiong's men.
King Cheng of Han is not a wise king.
Because you are at his service, I'd still want to help him.
I'm thinking let's not go to Xingyang yet.
First I'll help you regain the lost lands of Han.
You are very considerate. I'm honored to have your help.
You're really a hero in my heart.
You flatter me.
Liu Ji, King Huai said he would king the first man to reach the capital.
I'd like to ask you.
Do you only want to be a king once you reach the capital?
Pardon me. What do you mean?
Have you ever thought of
becoming the emperor and ruling the world once you reach the capital?
Rule the world?
-Be the emperor? -Yes. To be the emperor.
-I never thought about it. -You should have thought about it.
Three years ago, did you ever imagine that
your warriors would be able to defeat Qin warriors?
But you succeeded now.
Liu Ji, you can do anything.
You're not wrong.
I was once only a chief constable in Zhongyangli.
I never thought of being the lord of Pei County.
Later on, I joined Xiang Yu's army.
Till now...
I never thought that I can be the king once I get to the capital.
To be the emperor and rule the world.
I must be dreaming.
Premier.
Sima Xin?
Yes.
Excuse me, would you please open the box there?
Sure.
This is Yang Xiong?
As a general of Qin...
he lost a battle and tried to flee.
Don't you agree that he should be executed?
Yes.
This time, I have a task for you.
General Zhang Han is fighting hard on the battlefield.
The emperor is concerned about him.
So I want you to send him some gifts.
I'll do as you said.
This time you can stay in his camp.
You can assist Zhang Han and give him some advice when necessary.
Yes. I'll set off right away.
Wait.
Take this with you.
Zhang Han is a general of great importance of Qin.
We believe that he's not like that idiot Yang Xiong...
and he'd not forget his duties.
I understand.
You don't.
The emperor believes no one now.
If Zhang Han dares to disobey me...
you should know what we'd do to you.
Yes.
Sima Xin.
Is this Xiang Liang the uncle of Xiang Yu?
They killed our men in Xianyang.
Do you know who set them free?
Of course, no one knew both of them would be this capable.
Is that true?
I can't remember.
Can't you? That's good.
But you should remember what you must remember.
-Yes. I understand. -You may leave now.
Take the gold!
Thank you.
Your Highness, please return to Xianyang with me.
Subtitle translation by Loretta Kok