Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 17]
Hold on.
Since I got home, I had another matter taken care of as well.
It will surprise you even more.
Would you like to hear about it?
Out with it.
The West Garden Guards.
Shut up.
A prestigious family of Yingchuan actually sent their daughter
to such a place to be trained and ordered about by others.
Even her own marriage was just a mission.
That was your father's mistake.
Not yours.
I told you to shut up. Did you hear me?
You have no right to judge me!
What I meant was...
it's sad to be made a prisoner.
But what's even sadder is to have made one's mind a prisoner as well.
You're actually already free.
You don't have to lead the same life you once did.
You can start anew.
For instance...
start from smiling a bit more.
Zhong Da!
Someone really came to Wen County to investigate Yi He.
Great, you can't leave now.
Zhong Da, fortunately, you've planned ahead of time.
Someone really has come to check on Yi He's portraits.
Why would he come to investigate Yang Ping?
He shouldn't be working for Guo Jia.
Lang, this is the court adviser of the Ministry of Works that you knocked out.
He's also Kong Rong's top student.
If he disappears from our manor or dies in here
Kong Rong is bound to join forces with the commandant's office.
If they come charging in, won't our family be doomed?
This...
We can't bring him home or let him go.
He already saw the portrait.
We can't let him go.
We can't kill him or let him go...
He's even more difficult to handle than Deng Zhan.
You... you're Sima Yi?
You must be Court Adviser Zhao Yan.
We've met.
Who knew that we'd meet again in my family's shed after the ritual?
How did you get in?
Aren't you the second young master of the Sima family?
What are you doing here?
Exactly.
I'm the second young master of the Sima family.
Everyone thinks that I'm out traveling and hunting.
Who would have guessed that the second young master of the Sima family
would have his leg stabbed by his own eldest brother
and locked up in this dark shed?
But you're an imperial official regarded highly by His Majesty and Prefect Xun.
Why would your brother--
Forget it.
Let's not bring that up.
It's quite upsetting to talk too much about it.
What about you?
Aren't you an official in the capital?
What are you doing in Wen County?
I was sent here by the Ministry of Works to check on the silk and fabric
in Wen County that's offered as tribute.
You're on a task to inspect the tribute?
Why are you locked up in our manor?
I don't know.
Perhaps...
I might have violated some regulation in Wen County.
Why bother beating around the bush under such circumstances?
I think that you're here for the same reason as I am.
You're here to investigate the emperor and my brother, Yang Ping.
You know already?
I knew from the moment I met the emperor in the capital.
I only knew that apart from Shao Jun
no one noticed the difference in the emperor.
Who is Shao Jun?
You're the second young master of the Sima family.
Why didn't your brother and father discuss their plans with you?
Even if you found out about certain matters
they shouldn't have treated you this way.
My leg is already in such bad shape and yet you still doubt me?
That's because everyone in the Sima family is too cunning.
I don't know about anything.
All right, then.
We won't talk about that for now.
Just answer this question.
Does anyone know that you're here in Wen County?
Why are you asking about that?
Master Zhao, we're now locked up in a place where no one can hear us.
We need someone else to get us out of here.
Am I right?
Not even my mentor, Minister Steward Kong
knows that I've come to Wen County.
We're doomed.
But I now know about their secret.
I've fulfilled my duty to that person.
I can die without regret.
Die without regret?
Coward!
The truth has yet to be exposed.
We don't know where the real emperor is.
Do you dare to die now?
But we're now locked up in this place.
How are we to get out? Tell me!
As long as you swear to the gods that you'll return to the capital
to seek out the truth, I can get you out of here.
How are you going to help me?
I'm the second young master of the Sima family, after all.
There are some matters and secrets that my brother doesn't know.
Look over there. There's a hole in the corner of the wall.
It was battered two years ago.
We it mended last year but it isn't sturdy.
If you can dig through it with your hands
you can get out of here.
Why aren't you escaping from here?
I'm not like you.
My leg is so badly injured.
Besides, this is my home.
Where else can I go even if I escape from here?
I'll carry you.
We'll go to the capital together.
Thank you, Brother Zhao.
But I'll definitely slow you down.
As long as you can seek out the truth when you return to the capital
I'll die without regret.
No!
I definitely can't do so.
We have to leave together!
Be careful.
- Surround this area! - Hurry!
Search!
- We mustn't let them get away! - Quickly! Be careful!
Search quickly!
Hurry!
This won't do!
Both of my legs are done for. I can't leave now. Run!
I'll lure them away.
Leave me alone. Run!
How can I--
Look at the situation!
Why are you still hesitating?
Your Shao Jun must have been killed because you're so indecisive!
Listen up.
They won't kill me when they catch me.
But they will definitely kill you!
If you're dead, the truth can never be unveiled!
Do you understand?
Could you still face Shao Jun then?
Am I right?
You're doing this for her.
Yes...
But what can I possibly do now?
Tell me. Tell me!
Take this.
Take it!
What is this?
As long as you follow my instructions, you can surely unveil the truth.
Libationer Guo.
Have some hot soup to warm yourself up.
Did you cook that?
Yes, I went through the medical books
and made you some herbal soup for nourishing the lungs.
This season can help with improving your illness.
A county magistrate of the capital doesn't even have a cook to make soup?
I'm worried that it might not be safe for someone else to cook for you.
I'm sorry, Libationer Guo.
This...
Do you drink this every day?
You have to treat yourself better since you work hard for the nation.
I'll get the cook to make the soup.
Hold on.
I have some news for you.
A scout has reported back.
It was the general of Yuan Shao's army, Chun Yu Qiong, who invaded that day.
They did take Deng Zhan away.
The good news is that Deng Zhan is still alive.
That's great.
If we can contact Deng Zhan, we can find out what happened that day.
Man Chong.
Do you think it was just a coincidence that
Yuan Shao's army had Deng Zhan captured
or was it premeditated?
I don't believe in matters that are too much of a coincidence.
If this was premeditated
it means that they were aware of Deng Zhan's route
and the mission he was carrying.
Why would they leave the portraits behind?
Perhaps...
the portraits can't be used against them.
Or perhaps...
Yang Ping isn't in the capital anymore, but is now with Yuan Shao.
At first glance, it seems that His Majesty collaborated with Yuan Shao
by sending Yang Ping to contact him.
Even the Sima family seems to be involved in this task.
That seems to be the most reasonable explanation.
However...
it's not quite right.
What's wrong?
Everything.
If he's only in charge of such a trivial task
why would they go to such great lengths?
What is your opinion of His Majesty?
Honestly... I've found it quite weird lately.
His Majesty seems to be quite unstable.
Do tell.
At times, he's exceptionally bright.
At times, he's simple and naive.
It doesn't seem that he's pretending.
Anyway...
he's different from how he once was.
Consort Dong must have noticed what His Majesty was planning.
She told Zhao Yan about it.
We should look forward to the answer Zhao Yan will bring back to us.
Go after him!
Go after him! Quickly!
Over there!
Go after him quickly!
Keep yelling!
- Louder! - Go after him quickly!
Go after him!
Eldest Young Master.
Zhao Yan has escaped.
Good!
We can head back to the manor.
Yes.
Help!
- Anyone there? - Eldest Young Master.
Second Young Master is yelling so miserably.
Could he really be in danger?
He won't be.
Anyway, he's not yelling out for us.
Get going!
Help!
Is anyone there?
You've found me?
Of course I could locate you with that yelling.
If you yelled any louder, Guo Jia would even come to you.
I'm in pain.
I definitely had to yell out loud.
This must be a fake one.
- Is it real? - What else would it be?
How could I fool him with a fake one?
Don't move. I'll help you.
Don't be scared.
I've seen a lot of such wounds.
It's nothing serious.
Did you often get hurt?
All wounds will heal.
Superficial wounds heal fast.
What about those of the heart?
I remember now.
You told me about it.
Your heart is dead.
Don't move!
Your heart is beating.
- You-- - It's beating quite fast.
It's beating faster and faster.
Sima Yi!
You can heal my wound and I'll heal your heart.
It's a deal.
Your leg...
I obviously faked it.
Actually...
it still hurt a bit when the trap snapped on it.
Sima Yi...
You... You kicked so hard!
Eldest Young Master, is he really all right?
Well...
it does sound real this time.
Get going.
I faked that wound on my right leg.
But the one on my left really hurts.
Ever since I met you, I just keep getting injured.
True or otherwise, how do I know when to believe you?
But I meant every word I said to you.
I need to talk to you about an important matter.
Go ahead.
You mustn't kill Zhao Yan.
You must protect him all the way to the capital
and make sure he gets to Yi He safely.
- That's all? - There's more!
You... mustn't let Zhao Yan die in Wen County.
That will give Guo Jia an excuse to pick on us.
Do you understand?
You...
Why do you seem somewhat disappointed?
Tang Ying.
Did you think I was going to tell you...
that I liked you?
If you hit me, it proves that I was right!
Sima Yi, do you know that I'm a princess consort?
Who said that a princess consort can't live in Wen County?
Look.
We have beautiful mountains and clear waters in Wen County.
A princess consort won't feel underprivileged living here, will she?
I have to get going.
They still need me in the capital.
Tang Ying...
The mountains and rivers are here to stay.
They will always be here.
Waiting for you.
Tang Ying!
I'm fond of you!
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Libationer Guo, Zhao Yan has returned.
Oh?
The Sima family didn't have him killed?
The Sima family isn't willing to sacrifice themselves for the emperor.
It's turbulent times, but they are still standing.
This family really should be held in awe.
I saw Zhao Yan's expression.
I'm positive that he must have found out about some matters.
Good timing. You can draw in the lines.
I've sent my men out.
Your best strength is your diligence.
Stop right there!
Zhao Yan.
Where have you been these days?
Why is the commandant's office coming after you?
What trouble did you get yourself into?
Mentor, there's something I have to do!
It's for the sake of justice and the imperial family!
It's also to keep my promise.
What exactly is it?
This is really getting on my nerves!
I can't tell you, Mentor!
This is for the sake of your safety.
However, please believe that everything I'm doing
won't put your teaching to shame.
I can only help you if you let me know!
Mentor, I do have a favor to ask of you.
The second young master of the Sima family
Sima Yi, is loyal and generous.
However, he's now an outcast of his family.
Mentor, you must recruit and protect him.
I promise.
I've only returned to see you, Mentor.
The place I'm going is right ahead.
Mentor, you mustn't show yourself.
Just drop me off here.
In two hours, please meet me outside the Ministry of Works.
Pull over.
Yan Wei! (Courtesy name)
There are still loyal subjects in the imperial court.
Don't fight this battle alone.
Don't commit an act of folly!
Tang Ying!
Come out!
You've returned?
You must be very disappointed.
I'm still alive.
I already know about your secret.
I know that the emperor isn't really the emperor.
In order to cover up the truth, you had Shao Jun harmed.
But you've forgotten that there's still justice in the world.
Your sins won't be condoned by justice!
A princess consort would stoop to being a despicable assassin
for the sake of an impostor.
Go on! Do it.
If you kill me today, people will sing about this tomorrow.
The entire world will hear about it.
"The monarch is not the monarch and the subjects are not the subjects."
Everyone will know that the imperial family is shrouded by lies!
Go on. Do it!
What is it that you want?
[Memorial tablet of the deceased Honored Lady, née Dong.]
Take me to your emperor.
Court Adviser Zhao.
Your mentor, Minister Steward Kong, is a renown scholar of our times.
You're also a student of a prestigious school.
Why would you barge into the palace grounds late at night
and misbehave before the emperor?
Your Majesty, forgive me for acting so boldly.
Do you still remember Dong Shao Jun?
She was my concubine.
How could I forget her?
Consort Dong died tragically.
I was also saddened by her death.
Before Shao Jun died, she entrusted me with a task.
I've come here today to accomplish this task.
[Memorial tablet of the deceased Honored Lady, née Dong.]
Please answer Shao Jun as she's watching over us in Heaven.
Where is the real emperor?
I am right here.
I never left.
Why would you say so, Court Adviser Zhao?
You might be able to fool Xun Yu and Guo Jia, but not me.
I don't know why you resemble His Majesty so much.
But you're definitely not His Majesty!
How atrocious!
Uttering nonsense and slandering the emperor!
Are you going to revolt?
Immoral witch.
You had Shao Jun killed.
Get lost!
Tell me then. Who exactly am I?
You...
You're Yang Jun's son.
Yang Ping!
You swapped with the real emperor, didn't you?
Court Adviser Zhao.
Even when pressing formal charges, one needs evidence to prove it.
These many criticisms of yours are spoken with such certainty.
You surely can't be saying all of this without proof, can you?
The best way to hide a misdeed is not to commit it.
Do you really think that no one will ever expose your schemes and evil deeds?
Your Majesty.
Please look at this.
You can choose to remain benevolent and save lives.
But at times, you have to learn to take lives
for the sake of benevolence.
Did Zhong Da give this to you?
Yes, he told me to tell you that I'm not the only one who knows of this secret.
If I die, he will expose this secret to everyone.
He really gave this a lot of thought...
Judging by the time, Zhao Yan should be back in the capital.
You went to such great lengths to send him back.
What if he gives in to Guo Jia?
I've sent him to Yi He.
He should know what to do.
Will that really work?
Lang, we can't always protect Yi He.
He has to learn how to survive.
But Yi He's temperament...
Once Guo Jia exposes him, our entire clan will be wiped out.
If it heads toward such an end, I'll drag him back here.
Instead of having a bunch of women and fools manipulate him
he might as well serve me for life.
The emperor's sword might be able to kill me
but your despicable scheme will be exposed even sooner!
Everyone will find out about this filthy scheme!
As you just said...
I'm not the real emperor.
Shao Jun...
did you hear that?
He admitted to it.
I made you a promise.
And I kept it.
I kept my promise.
I can tell you the truth.
Our emperor...
He won't also burn down the Ministry of Works, will he?
I have had my men stationed.
I'm really looking forward to see what surprise
His Majesty has in store for us this time.
Murder?
Arson?
That would be too boring.
[Ministry of Works]
I took the throne in haste.
It was not made known to anyone because of the circumstances.
I had no choice but to do so.
But I didn't seize the throne illegitimately.
I have the late emperor's posthumous edict.
You...
You've reunited in a way.
I've revealed the secret of the imperial family to you.
Court Adviser Zhao.
Since you're now aware of the truth
what will you do next?
I had thought that once I found out the truth
it'd be as good as avenging Shao Jun.
But I never expected...
I never expected my investigation to turn out as a ridiculous joke!
What should I do?
Shao Jun! What should I do?
What should I do?
Shao Jun! Tell me what I should do!
Your Majesty!
It's easy to seek death.
It's hard to survive.
Glory is yet restored to the imperial family and Shao Jun is unavenged.
The deceased have passed on.
The living...
There's still much for us to do.
You're not going to kill me?
Man Chong's men have surrounded the manor.
I now know all about Your Majesty's secret.
Once I step out of the Ministry of Works
this secret might be found out by Guo Jia and Man Chong.
Your Majesty, why won't you kill me?
I won't take innocent lives.
Even if you fall into the hands of the commandant's office
I'll think of ways to save you.
Aside from the fact that you meant well
you're also a loyal and righteous subject.
Why would I not trust a loyal subject of the imperial family?
I'll take my leave now.
Your Majesty, take care.
Hold on to him!
Why would you do so?
What does this arrowhead mean?
Can you tell me?
When I was still in Henei Commandery
Zhong Da and I once resolved an attack made by defeated soldiers.
I had shot this arrow off-track on purpose
to let a young marauder off.
Zhong Da smacked me then with this arrow.
He reprimanded me for Duke Xiang of Song's asinine benevolence.
That was why Sima Yi spared Zhao Yan and sent him to you with this arrowhead.
Yes.
He was telling me to abandon compassion...
and kill Zhao Yan myself.
Go!
Court Adviser Zhao.
What is your intention in barging into the palace grounds at night?
Lord Man, this fell out from his hands.
Why is he in this state?
I've noticed that his tongue is sliced off.
His tongue is sliced off?
Yes.
Do you think that you won't be able to reveal a word without a tongue?
- Take him away! - Yes!
Hold on!
Stop!
Yan Wei?
Who put you in such a state?
Man Chong?
The commandant's office can't protect His Majesty
and instead injured an official!
Is there still law and justice?
Zhao Yan trespassed into the palace grounds at night with ill intentions.
I'm just questioning him according to the law.
Questioning?
You had Grand Commandant tortured and interrogated.
Now, you've had Court Adviser Zhao's tongue sliced off.
Is the commandant's office only capable of lynching?
Guo Jia! Order your men to let go of him!
Protect Libationer Guo!
Yan Wei...
Yan Wei!
Yan Wei...
It was my mistake.
Yan Wei...
My condolences, Minister Steward Kong.
Minister Steward Kong.
You saw it as well.
When we found Zhao Yan, his tongue was already sliced off.
He took his own life.
I never meant to kill him.
If you hadn't tried to arrest him and force him to such an end
why would he seek death?
Man Chong, get someone to help
Minister Steward Kong carry the body back.
Hold a decent funeral for him.
I'm terribly sorry.
We've come to a dead end.
I'll punish you to keep Minister Steward Kong company.
There's another place I have to go.
Libationer Guo, it's so late. Please leave any matter to me.
Do you think that I like being busy? I'm doing this to clean up your mess!
This is so frustrating.
Set out to the prison in the commandant's office!
Yes!
Why are you so stupid?
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