@Whimsical
A Wu's major general came to surrender with a prefecture?
That's a good thing
Which general wants to meet him?
This is a good opportunity to take down Kingdom of Wu
Emperor
We should be careful about it
Feign surrender is an old trick of Wu
We sall not forget what Huang Gai did in the Battle of Red Cliff
Have you ever been to a battlefield, Sima?
Do you know that in a war one can switch between friend and foe?
Analyzing the situation today by referring to a war twenty years ago
If one hesitate, great chance will be gone
You are not afraid that Wu and Shu would laugh at you?
Emperor, the news I got is reliable
I sent monitor to ask about it
Sun Quan is suspicious of Zhou Fang
He sent a minister to spy on him dozens of times in a month
To search Zhou Fang's house
And deliberately make things difficult for him
Zhou Fang had no other choice but shaved his hair to offer his apology
So I think It's highly possible that this is a real surrender
Emperor, in the past Mengda leaved Liu Bei and surrendered to Wei
The late emperor put him in an important position
Now who knows if Zhou Fang is the next Mengda?
Emperor, listen to me
Sun Quan is a cunning man
And Lu Xu is resourceful and changeable
Please think it over, your majesty
Minister of Public Works, what's your opinion?
Emperor
I don't know much of military affairs
But in my view
Sima Yi has a point there
Emperor, you should be prudent
Minister of Public Works, now that you know nothing about military affairs
You better choose your words carefully
Since two generals think it as a good opportunity
Then send an army to bring him back
Chief commander always guard the south-east, thus I appoint you as chief general
Leading 100 thousand soldiers to go straight to Xunyang
Privy Counselor, you used to be our envoy for Kingdom of Wu
You are familiar with the terrain of Wu, so you are appointed as assistant general
Going from Hanshui to Jiangling with 50 thousand soldiers
Emperor, though Sima Yi was sent to Wu on diplomatic missions
He was never engaged in any war with Wu
He took down Qingxu only by offering amnesty and enlistment to rebels
How could he know how to be a general to fight against enemy?
Emperor, chief commander has his point
It could only do harm to our country to appoint me as general. So I dare not take your order
If I remember right
Privy Counselor, you wrote ten arguments for art of war when you were young
Now there's a chance for you to practice leading troops
Why would you refuse it?
Real war is more than empty talk
Please take back your order, your majesty
Then you can just obey chief commander's order
Since you command me to do that
I'm willing to risk any danger to fulfill my duty
I...
Take your order
Emperor, I still have a request
Say it
Please appoint Jia Kui as the assistant of Chief Commander
Jia Kui and I never have eyes for each other
Sima Yi brought Jia Kui in this on purpose to make it hard for me
If he makes trouble for you
You can kill him
But if you make trouble for him
I will also know that
Issue an imperial edict
To appoint Jia Kui as warlord
Yes, your majesty
You may leave now
It's so heavy
And the clothes are heavy too
Who made all of these things?
What do you think you my performance today? Quite nice, right?
Emperor, you did such a wonderful job
Those old ministers have no idea of your capability until today
They might be feeling lost now
Oh, yeah?
This is only the beginning
Good days are still yet to come
Emperor, I'm still a little confused that
Why you insist on sending Sima Yi to the war?
Didn't you see how reluctant he was?
The late emperor had only reigned for seven years
But he figured all of those ministers out
I have to let them fight with each other
That's how balance can be achieved
Cao Xiu and Sima Yi go to war together
If it's a victory
It's credited to both of them
So not a single one
Would be so dazzling that he overshadows his majesty
If they lose the battle
They can support each other
And also reduce the losses of our army
But, emperor...
What if one hit another when he is down and don't come to his rescue?
Well, if that's the case, it fits exactly with my wishes
It gives me the reason to kill them
I'm already twenty three
Don't you think four Regents are little bit unnecessary?
Emperor
The methods you use to manage powerful ministers
Are much more brilliant that those of your father's
My father Cao Pi
He was restrained by Sima Yi for his whole life
I will not
Let anyone restrain me
I'll make policies all by myself
Make your own policies, my majesty
What's wrong with emperor?
Forcing me to take Sima Yi with me, who can only get in my way
He's not helping me
It's just an assistant, he can also choose between Man Chong and you
Well, Wenlie
You haven't figured out what's in emperor's mind
Though emperor knows nothing about military matters
He surely knows how to manage people
Emperor sent you and Sima Yi to the war together
He meant to let you two pin down and help each other at the same time
Also he was afraid that you take the credit all to yourself and stand out from the Regents
Get it?
More thoughtful than his dad
Zidan
Why did Sima Yi refuse to do that?
It couldn't be that he didn't know it's a great chance to take credit
As far as I know
Sima Yi refused this time
Just because he doesn't believe that Zhou Fang's surrender was for real
It's called "a wise man can be ruined by his own wisdom"
You see
We've been completing with Sima Yi for so many years
When he follows me with 50 thousand soldiers
What if he attacks me out of sudden...
You worry too much
Wenlie
It's true that Sima Yi doesn't get along well with us
But attacking friendly force?
That's treason! Dare he do that?
However
If you are really worried about it
Here I have a way for you
To hold him back from taking actions against you for fear of injuring someone
Who's that someone?
Sima Shi
Brilliant!
-Let's go, I'll buy you drink -Okay
If you can't think it through
Go find some generals and discuss with them
I figured that out
My view is that Zhou Fang pretended to surrender
That's your opinion. What if Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen are right?
It's true that you've never been to a war
But I know Lu Xun very well
You saw Lu Xun before
Did I?
Yes. When we went to Kingdom of Wu last time
The one who had meal with us?
That's him
He has become such a high-ranking official?
He has a keen insight into human thoughts and knows how to manipulate subordinates well
Zhou Fang managed to steal a prefecture under his eyes and sent it to Wei
That is difficult than jumping over the northern sea with Mount Tai under one's arm(sheer impossibility)
Then according to what you said
This is a trap
You'd better not go
Well. Trap or road
You can always find ways to come cross
-Five, four... -Don't count down, honey
Three
Hold on. I'm trying to draw both you and our son down [Xiahou Hui]
You have the nerve to say that
Even if I'm not tired, your son's tired already
Only one stoke left. Just hold on
My son
Likes to kick even in his mom's belly
He is going to be a general
Ziyuan, little sister, I'm here
Slowly, slowly
Brother
Just get up. We are family members, no courtesy
Hui [Xiahou Xuan(courtesy name Taichu)]
Are you about to...
-Just one month left -One month?!
That is to say, I'm about to have another cousin
Another member in Sima's family!
You are such a sweet couple, which makes it harder for me
To tell you something
Bro, what's the matter?
I'll just say it
Hui, don't blame me
I won't
Fine
Wei finally wages war against Wu
Ziyuan, it's a good chance for a man to make some achievements
Surly I will go
And I also ask a commission for you
As Chief of Staff
-Chief of Staff? -Right
What do you think?
It's just Hui...
Our country is in trouble
You shall go serve our country
A man should have huge ambition to conquer the world
He shouldn't be kept in house with his wife and children
My condition is very stable this time. I feel secure
Besides
I have mom taking care of me at home
Rest assured and go. Just get home safe and sound
Great
You prove yourself to be my sister
Thank you, honey
I thought about going to war with my father at first
Ziyuan
Your father considered that
But he thought it's not a good idea
Though you can show filial piety to your dad
You must know parents' heart
In their eyes
We are always their kids
I once went for a battle with my father
He wouldn't allow me to engage in battle and fight the enemies
In the end, those bros in the army all laughed at me
Saying that I'm only a a good-for-nothing young man from a privileged family
A man's achievement should be made
With his own strength
So you shall not do that
All right then
I'm going with you, with Chief Commander
But...Chief commander doesn't get along well with my father
You don't need to concern about that
I'll be there with you
After all I must make sure my dear sister feel relieved
Add some salt
Dad. Mom
Shi, what's going on?
I want to go to the war
Not this time
Dad
But I have accepted the commission from my wife's brother
-What commission? -Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff to whom?
Chief commander
It's a big deal. Why didn't you talk with me first?
I just want to accomplish something with my own capability
It's my fault that I didn't inform you of it first
But still I hope to have your permission
You made a promise to Xiahou Xuan?
Yes, I did
Fighting a war is like a game
Now that you promised, go get well prepared
Just go. The meal is ready soon
Thank you, dad
Zhongda, we were saying that it's a trap
How can you let Shi go?
It couldn't be Xiahou Xuan's idea
It must be Cao Xiu's
He arranged Shi by his side
So I can listen to his words
Then go tell emperor and Cao Xiu
Tell them it's a trap
I'll let Chief Commander know my judgment
But what if you are right?
What should we do with Shi?
There's is one person who can help Shi
-Who? -Jia Kui. I'm going to find him
-You are not having meal? -I'll skip it. Don't wait for me
Privy Counselor
You come here for the war with Kingdom of Wu, right?
Sorry to involve you into this
I'm here to offer my apology
We've been through thick and thin together
So save those polite words
You think
I will be afraid and stand by when our country is in trouble? [Jia Kui(courtesy name Liangdao)]
Bro Liangdao
Do you agree that Zhou Fang's surrender is a trick?
If it's a piece of cake
You wouldn't recommend me to be Cao Xiu's assistant
Now among all civil and military officials
Only you have the power to check and balance Chief Commander
I can't turn the tables
On my own
I only hope that I can cut down some casualties
And stop the defense along our south east border from being breached completely
What's your plan about your back-up war?
I need your map of Kingdom of Wu
Look, Liangdao
The place Zhou Fang chose to meet is Shiting of Poyang
A place backed by pool and along with Yangtze river
Which is easy to attack but hard to defend
If Cao Xiu's army enters Shiting
Wu's army only need to surround us from two sides, our army is doomed to failure
Bro Liangdao
No matter what means you use
As long as you can stop Cao Xiu from entering Shiting
You will be a hero of Wei
What if I fail to do that?
Shiting is a place where once you go in you cannot go out easily
Rather than die with Cao Xiu
It's better
To run away for once
It's easy to win a big victory
But hard to fail in a decent way
I feel relieve to have you
To have my back
I still have a favor to ask
My son Sima Shi is going to the battle with Great Minister of War this time
What?
Now that you think Cao Xiu is going to lose, why didn't you take your son with yourself?
I can do nothing about it
If Chief Commander could listen to your words, that will be the best
But when it's under the circumstances of emergency
Please help save my son's life
Are provisions of each army all prepared? [Lu Xun(courtesy name Boyan)]
Yes, it's all done
Report
Peprot
The messenger Zhou Fang sent reported that they have met with Cao Xiu
And Cao Xiu has sent 100 thousand soldiers towards Shiting
Good
Once Cao Xiu's army comes to the region of Shiting
To say nothing of 100 thousand soldiers
Millions of soldiers will only be like a rat in the hole
What about Sima Yi's army?
Sima Yi leads 50 thousand soldiers coming from Jiangling
He is now heading towards Shiting
Listen up, all commanders
What's your problem again?
This is a place backed by pool and by Yangtze river's side
Which is very suitable to employ scheme. We can't go ahead without thorough consideration
Chief Commander
Our prefecture chief is waiting for you at Shiting personally
Chief Commander
Chief Commander , help me
You suffered a lot, general Zhou
Wait for me to revenge you
Chief Commander [Zhou Fang(courtesy name Ziyu)]
Five thousand soldiers have been assembled in the city
As soon as you arrive, the city gate will open immediately
Good
-Lead the way -Yes
Don't do that
Chief Commander
We are not sure of Zhou Fang's intention, and Lu Xun's army is nearby
So we'd better dispatch an advance force to explore the way
Instead of penetrating deep into enemy territory alone
Chief Commander , I'm already here in person
You still don't believe me?
It's just Lu Xun. How many troops can he have?
30 thousand? Or 50 thousand?
We have 150 thousand forces
We can tramp them to death if we want to
One more word
I'll kill you for delaying the fulfillment of military plan
Chief Commander !
-Herald -Here
-Go urge Sima Yi's army to speed up and join forces -Yes
March on
So here is the stone band
Sun Li, go give my order
-We are going to be stationed here -Get it
An order from Chief Commander !
Chief Commander demanded your army to move forward at full speed
And join his forces at Poyang
-At what place? -Poyang
Where is he right now?
Zhou Fang came to meet him in person. Chief commander has entered Shiting area
I'll follow Chief Commander's order
-Sun Li. Deng Ai -Here
Command all troops. Five thousand people as a group
Change shifts every one hour
Dispose troops right here
Teacher, but the chief commander's order is... [Deng Ai(courtesy name Shi Zai)]
Here
-I'm the commander -Yes
All stationed here!
Dispose troops!
What a beautiful view
Chief Commander, it will be Wei's land from now on
Rest assured. You'll be treated fairly in Wei
Ships!
Stop!
Don't panic, Chief Commander
Those are the ships I arranged for you
On the ships are food and drink I prepared to feast the army
General, you are so considerate
Chief Commander, I'll make some arrangements first
Okay. I appreciate that
He is running away
Shoot arrow!
Quickly! Shoot arrow!
Go after him!
Save Prefecture Chief. Show arrow!
Give order to troops of two sides. Attack!
Throw! Throw! Throw!
Sir, eating something
Chief commander, we fell into a trap. Retreat, quick!
How can I face emperor if I retreat now?
No retreat!
Even if they have tens of thousands of forces, I'll take down Poyang no matter how hard it is
This is not a terrain to our advantage, we shall not insist on attacking. Let's retreat!
Whoever flinches is going to be killed!
Shoot arrow!
Quick! You retreat! Go meet you dad, go!
-There's no way out! -Then fight you way out!
Fine, fight our way out!
Governor, they ran away
It seems like Sima Yi is not going to be here
Give my order
I'll bestow the title of Duke to whoever kills Cao Xiu
Be careful
-Take care of yourself -Fight!
Order Sima Yi to come to rescue. If he doesn't come quickly, I'll kill his son!
General
How is the war going?
Chief Commander was ambushed at Shiting. Please come to his rescue quickly
Teacher, what should we do?
We'll stay here
General, how dare you disobey Chief Commander's oder?
Chief Commander said that if you don't come to his help, he'll kill your son
Tie him up
-Someone, take him into custody
General
Sir, find a way to save your son
Teacher, let me take 10 thousand troops to help
I got to bring your son back
To say nothing of 10 thousand troops
Even though you go there with all our forces
Lu Xun will still defeat you
But Cao Xiu really will...
We can only defeat Lu Xu by taking advantage of the terrain
Ask all forces to be on the alert
Enemy troops will arrive here before dark
Alright
Chief Commander, the terrain is not to our advantage. Retreat!
Retreat to where? Wu's army burnt my bridges. I have no way out
Head to the stone band. Sima Yi is waiting for us there
You go quickly, I'll cover your retreat
Retreat! Let's go!
Go, go quickly!
Retreat! Retreat!
Chief Commander is back [Sun Li(courtesy name Deda)]
All troops alert!
Wait for Chief Commander
Shoot arrow
Stop chasing!
Prefecture chief
Withdraw troops
Withdraw
Teacher
Ziyuan is not among the soldiers who came back