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[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 19]
[Empress Ling Huai, née Wang]
Mother...
Quietly.
This way, Your Highness.
Since His Majesty moved out from here
there's been no one in sight.
- What is Your Highness scared of? - I've left a message behind.
Why would you risk meeting me here?
Guo Jia's men already have me under strict surveillance.
Don't you know that?
I do.
But Princess Consort hasn't been very clear with your information recently.
Therefore I was told to ask you in person.
Speak quickly.
For instance, His Majesty is leading the expedition
to publicly assist Cao Cao.
Who exactly threatened him into doing so?
Guo Jia or Xun Yu?
Your Highness, please find out about it.
Come back to the superiors with a definite answer.
At the same time, please talk His Majesty out of the expedition.
I'll ask the empress.
There's one other matter.
After the palace caught fire, I couldn't see His Majesty at all.
It's impossible for me to spy on him.
What the superior means is that you should think of a method quickly
to assign me to the Ministry of Works.
Head back and tell Yuan Shao.
Everything that's happening in the capital is within my control.
Tell him to stop ordering me about.
Your Majesty.
We've almost cleaned up the entire Imperial Household Department.
Take a look.
Since I left, has anyone been here?
No, Your Majesty.
I've already found what I was looking for.
Prepare the carriage to head back.
- Yes! - Yes!
Your Majesty, are you still worried about Yang Xiu?
Grand Commandant Yang informed us that he's visited Guo Jia.
He said that Guo Jia hasn't tortured Yang Xiu yet.
It might be that he still has scruples about it.
Therefore, Your Majesty need not be too worried for now.
Empress.
Has Sister Tang visited?
Not yet.
But since there's such a serious matter, she will surely be here today.
Empress, don't tell anyone about what I planned to do with the expedition.
Particularly Sister Tang.
What's wrong, Your Majesty?
Why are you suddenly treating Sister Tang like an outsider?
It's not that.
This matter is of great importance.
I think that others will find me unrealistic if they know of my ideas.
It will only cause us more trouble.
It's best not to reveal a word of it.
Your Majesty, aren't you afraid that I'll also find you unrealistic?
You're different from them.
Just like Zhong Da, you're someone I can trust.
It's fine to be teased by you.
Your Majesty.
Princess Consort Tang asks to seek audience with the empress.
Have her wait in my quarters.
Yes.
I'll go with you.
Your Majesty.
It's rumored that you wish to lead the expedition.
Is this true?
Indeed.
Did Guo Jia force you to do so?
No.
I suggested it.
Why?
I have to express goodwill to Minister Cao for the sake of Yang Xiu.
Young Master Yang can then suffer much less.
Doesn't His Majesty often think differently from others?
It's good that you're not really going.
Your Majesty has to be careful not to end up
really being taken to the battlefield.
Sister Tang.
Do you not wish for me to lead the expedition?
Certainly not.
It's hectic on the battlefield.
How can Your Majesty be made use of by Cao Cao?
I only casually mentioned it to Prefect Xun.
Prefect Xun objected to it sternly.
Sister Tang, fret not.
That's good.
Sister Tang, is there anything else?
There's nothing else.
I'll take my leave.
Your Majesty.
Why are you so guarded against Sister Tang today?
Apart from you, I don't wish to tell anyone about my true intention
for going on the expedition.
You have to promise me that you won't tell your father and Sister Tang.
It's just the two of us... out to win this battle.
What are your plans?
I'll wait.
I'll wait for Yuan Shao.
Greetings, Master.
The emperor is going to lead the expedition.
He's assisting Cao Cao to suppress me.
Master.
It seems that the emperor has a favor to ask of you.
What do you mean?
The emperor only said so because of you.
[Mister Fei] He knows that
you're concerned with what the others say about you.
Therefore, he's using this to threaten you into cooperating with him.
This means...
that little puppet is actually quite wise.
I find that young emperor so pitiful.
He has to use himself as a hostage.
It shows that Cao Cao and Guo Jia have backed him into a corner.
However, this, in turn, will be favorable to Master.
Give this some thought.
Will you still have to worry about being defeated
if you have the emperor as your informant?
Good.
I'll send Tang Ying over immediately.
Tang Ying has been working undercover for years
and finally won his trust.
We have to reserve this pawn for the final, critical moment.
Then...
I'll send Pan Yang.
He can get into contact with the emperor
and also kill Guo Jia when he has the chance!
That will rid us of further trouble.
Master!
Don't forget the pact we made.
Cao Cao is yours to handle.
As for Guo Jia...
he's mine to kill!
That's enough.
Mother.
Look at my wound.
It's almost healed.
You don't have to be worried.
The wound is healed but you've yet to recover your energy.
You still have to recuperate.
You'll have to keep taking the medication prescribed by the doctors.
I still have to take it?
Thank you, Mother.
You're not to complain that the medicine is bitter anymore.
You can all step out now.
Here, give this to me.
I can do it.
Mother, I heard that you've withdrawn all of the spies around the emperor.
Why?
The emperor saved you.
He's a great benefactor to the Cao family.
We mustn't spy on our benefactor.
But--
Here, sit down.
Besides, we'll be found out someday.
If anyone reveals that
the Minister of Works' wife spies on the emperor's daily routine
it will be damaging to your father's reputation.
The commandant's office has taken over the security at the Ministry of Works.
Stop worrying about it.
Mother, you're right.
The emperor saved my life.
It's only right that I repay his kindness.
Here, have another slice.
Pi.
Thank you, Mother!
It's so sweet.
Finish that and drink your medicine.
Cao Pi wants to learn the Art of the Five Creatures?
Exactly.
You can just get Palace Steward Leng to teach him.
Perhaps, because I saved him, he wishes to warm up to me.
It's all right.
The man you're talking about is Cao Cao's son.
I believe that there's good and bad in every human.
Ever since I saved Cao Pi
the spies from the Ministry of Works have all been withdrawn.
That's because Cao Pi is going to spy on you personally.
I sometimes wonder if you're too naive or just overly magnanimous.
Instead of cowering in fear, I might as well be magnanimous.
Ever since you suggested leading the expedition
the Ministry of Works has taken even more precaution against you.
Whether Guo Jia has figured out your true intention or not
it's now even more difficult for us to contact anyone.
It's already been 10 days.
I wonder how Yuan Shao will contact me.
What do you need to report to Master?
Just tell me directly.
It's been years.
How have you been, Senior?
[Pan Yang]
Senior, are you sure that you haven't been stalked?
Are you worried about my skills?
I'm worried about Guo Jia.
This place...
It hasn't changed much.
Senior, are you here personally because Duke Yuan no longer trusts me?
His Majesty leading the expedition is such shocking news.
Duke Yuan is really concerned.
He wishes to talk to the emperor.
Is Duke Yuan sending me to negotiate with His Majesty?
No.
Duke Yuan has had you working undercover by the emperor's side for so long.
You mustn't expose your identity.
Therefore, you'll have to bring me to the emperor.
You won't do it?
His Majesty now lives in Cao Cao's manor.
Cao Cao...
Senior, can you hold yourself back from killing anyone
when facing so many of Cao Cao's family in their manor?
I won't sabotage Duke Yuan's plans for the sake of a personal vendetta.
It's been years.
Didn't you serve Duke Yuan
just so you could kill Cao Cao to avenge your family?
Cao Cao didn't just kill my family.
He had all of Xu Province massacred!
If you saw the lands drenched in blood...
could you rein in your anger?
I don't know.
I just think that serving Yuan Shao might not be the best way to seek revenge.
Yuan Shao is the only one who can go up against Cao Cao now.
We have no other choice.
Once Cao Cao is defeated, we can both be free.
Be free?
We're the only ones left in the West Garden Guards now.
Avenging our kin and obeying our mentor's teaching
are chains that we can't break off.
Only by wiping out the Cao family can we have the right to be free again.
All right.
I'll take you to His Majesty.
It's been 12 days.
You're still worried about hearing from Yuan Shao?
I'm worried that under Guo Jia's strict surveillance
Yuan Shao's men can't approach us, even if they are in the manor.
Your Majesty knows that Yuan Shao's men are here in the Ministry of Works?
It's just my speculation.
Since Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are enemies
I think that he would at least plant some of his men in here, wouldn't he?
Your Majesty.
Princess Consort Tang has sent someone to say
that it's Prince of Hongnong's birth anniversary
but there's not enough incense in the shrine for the offerings.
- She's asked for some. - I heard you.
Lady Bian gave me quite a lot.
Pack a kilogram of it and send it to Sister Tang.
Yes.
Hold on.
I should be there to pay my respects at my brother's birth anniversary.
I'll go with you.
It's fine.
I'll go alone.
Get the carriage ready.
Yes!
Long live the emperor.
I was about to pay you a visit.
What is the matter, Libationer Guo?
Your Majesty is leaving the palace?
It's my brother's birth anniversary.
I've been troubled over state affairs recently
and neglected the offerings to my deceased brother.
I'd like to pay my respects to him.
Libationer Guo, do you not allow me to do so?
I wouldn't dare!
Your Majesty should be there.
I'm here to report on Yang Xiu's case.
What is it about Yang Xiu?
I haven't been to pay my respects to Prince of Hongnong yet.
How about this?
I'll go with Your Majesty.
We can then talk on the way.
We'll talk right here.
But this is a serious matter.
It's best to talk about it in a more discreet place.
What is it?
Is Your Majesty unwilling to take me with you?
Young Master, the horse is ready.
Please set out as soon as possible.
Young Master, please halt!
De Zu!
You... you just got out of prison.
Why didn't you even come home first?
Guo Jia sent me away to serve in the army in Guandu.
I'll just go there.
Am I to head home in embarrassment?
I've prepared some money and clothing.
Be careful on the way.
Bear this in mind.
When you go to Guandu, just carry out your duty.
Stop meddling in affairs here in the capital.
Why would a man worry about not having enough money?
I'm not afraid that they will overhear us.
Guandu is an even bigger battlefield.
When I get there, I'll challenge Guo Jia to another fair fight.
De Zu!
Guo Jia sent me to Guandu.
It's only because Father is here.
It's to make me doubt taking action.
Father, please don't worry.
When I get there, I surely won't put you in a tight spot.
I'll defeat Guo Jia all the same.
I'll get going now.
Hold on.
I'm sending Xu Fu with you to Guandu.
He can then protect you secretly.
Bear this in mind.
Always think twice before you act.
You mustn't act irrationally.
Libationer Guo, you sent Yang Xiu to Guandu?
I did.
It's pointless to kill someone like Young Master Young
but if I leave him here, he'll stir up trouble.
After being taught a lesson, he won't dare to contact Yuan Shao again.
I might as well have him at the front line to redeem himself.
Libationer Guo, have you really let him off?
Your Majesty, do you find the punishment too light?
Would you like to bring him back for a sound beating?
I just wonder if Minister Cao would agree to this.
Minister Cao is very forgiving about this matter.
In times of war, there's great uncertainty.
Besides, Yuan Shao's army is powerful.
Even common officials would plan their own way out.
Besides, the Yang and Yuan families are related by marriage.
Minister Cao said that once he wins the battle
these people will turn to serve him faithfully.
You're right about Minister Cao's ability to maneuver others.
As for Your Majesty's suggestion to go to Guandu
Duke Cao replied that he's very grateful for
Your Majesty's intent to lead the army
However, it's dangerous on the battlefield.
He doesn't dare to place the emperor in peril.
Duke Cao said that it's of great help to him
as long as the emperor remains safe in the capital.
Then...
I'll do as Minister Cao wishes.
I'll be returning to Guandu soon.
It's my way of showing respect to Prince of Hongnong
by attending the ritual.
When Your Majesty suggested leading the expedition
did you know what consequences there might be?
I had just wanted to go on the battlefield to suppress rebels.
I didn't consider what troubles I might bring Minister Cao.
Instead, he gave it much thought.
No, now that I think about it
the person who overreacted to this news wasn't Duke Cao.
It was Yuan Shao.
How is that so?
If I were Yuan Shao and I heard that Your Majesty was leading the expedition
I'd surely regret not having fawn over the emperor in the first place.
Libationer Guo's words have confused me all the more.
Back then, Yuan Shao left Your Majesty to Duke Cao.
Wouldn't he still wish to make up for it?
Your Majesty's suggestion serves as an intermediation.
If Your Majesty really doesn't understand what I mean
why would you personally make a trip to pay respects
in the frigidity of spring?
[Prince of Hongnong Shrine]
Your Majesty, we've arrived.
This way, please, Your Majesty.
My prince, up in Heaven. I bow in respect and make you offerings.
Libationer Guo.
What is this supposed to mean?
Your Majesty came here with me.
Why would you think that I'd know any more than you do?
Where is Princess Consort of Hongnong right now?
As for that...
I'd like to know about it as well.
I'll ask you one more time.
Is Princess Consort of Hongnong alive... or dead?
Your Majesty. Libationer Guo.
Speak.
What exactly happened in here?
I was informed that a secret agent of Yuan Shao's snuck into the capital
and tried to get into the Prince of Hongnong Shrine.
We were worried that he might harm the princess consort
so we came to protect her.
Who knew he was so skilled
and would escape holding the princess consort hostage?
I've already sent my men after them.
He escaped?
Yes.
Due to my incompetence.
It's good that you didn't catch him.
Otherwise...
Prince of Hongnong would've blamed me for it.
Indeed.
My brother never would have allowed the princess consort
to be forced into being stranded in the pugilist world.
Sister Tang is Yuan Shao's spy?
She can't be.
I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.
Sister Tang has had a rough life.
In the past, she did work for Yuan Shao.
But she hasn't worked for him in a long time.
After I leaked the news of leading the expedition
Yuan Shao sent someone here to contact Sister Tang.
Isn't that too much of a coincidence?
Sister Tang's identity isn't confirmed and it's hard to tell if she's alive.
How can you be in the mood to arrange flowers?
If Guo Jia can't even capture Sister Tang
he must have let her off deliberately.
If Sister Tang is still Yuan Shao's spy
Yuan Shao must know of your true identity by now.
Do you think Yuan Shao would have still cared if you led the expedition or not?
You're right.
Zhong Da isn't by my side, but fortunately, you are.
Hopefully Sister Tang is all right.
If Sister Tang really left, it's actually good, in a way.
She's sacrificed too much for the imperial family.
However, I think that Sister Tang is just hiding somewhere.
She's waiting for the opportunity to contact Your Majesty.
Sometimes, the two of you demonstrate such strength
that puts me to shame.
Get some rest here at ease.
Do let me know if you need anything.
Why would you help us?
My young master has given orders.
If this young lady wants my head, I have to chop it off for her.
What about them?
They are trustworthy employees.
Fret not, Warrior.
We won't tell anyone about the two of you.
I won't disturb you any longer.
Do get some rest.
Who is his young master?
Wen County.
Sima Yi.
As a princess consort, why would you know them?
- She's actually a princess consort! - A princess consort?
Have you heard enough?
Don't kill me!
I don't mean any harm. Don't kill me!
Warrior! Please appease your anger.
Why should I trust you?
This--
I trust you.
Get lost.
Who exactly is Sima Yi?
A friend.
A friend?
You don't even trust me
but you'd trust some friend of a questionable source.
Don't forget your identity and mission.
I didn't.
The pressing matter at hand is to get to the emperor.
Although the shrine was attacked
His Majesty and the empress won't give up.
As long as we keep a close eye on the Ministry of Works
we'll surely find a chance.
Greetings, Libationer Guo.
What urgent business brings you here so early?
Libationer Guo, it's almost lunch time.
You've served me for years.
You should know that if I don't sleep in late in the morning
I won't have any energy all day.
I'm sorry.
I'll leave right away.
Hold on.
You're here anyway.
We'll have a seat and talk.
Sir, it's best not to drink on an empty stomach.
Out with it.
I came to ask for punishment.
There are two matters that I didn't do well.
You're someone who would go all out to get work done
so if you say that you didn't do well, it must really be bad.
The first matter is...
Since the first batch of rations was delivered
there's no ration we can collect from the people in the capital.
I can't take away the people's food and grains by force.
Libationer Guo, please send someone to collect rations from Shouchun.
There's no need to collect more.
Including the 5,000 stones of rations on the way
the rations in Guandu should last two months.
How is two months' worth enough?
Duke Cao and Yuan Shao are still in a standoff.
If we run out of rations...
won't we have to launch the final battle hastily?
Two months is long enough to determine the outcome.
You don't have to be worried.
Yes, Libationer Guo always plans with every conceivable possibility.
We're bound to win the battle in two months.
What is the second matter?
After you rectified the situation
most of His Majesty's henchmen were removed.
However, I still can't find any clues related to Yang Ping.
This man seems to have vanished into thin air at a crucial moment.
This really is baffling.
What is your opinion?
I think that the key lies in Wen County.
When Deng Zhan returned from Wen County
he was abducted by Yuan Shao on the very same day.
When Zhao Yan returned from Wen County
he rammed himself into my sword and took his life that night.
This means that both Deng Zhan and Zhao Yan have met the real Yang Ping.
He could be among those we know.
Whoever is behind this must be related to the Sima family of Wen County.
Well done.
You've improved.
This is embarrassing.
I'm willing to take a trip to Wen County.
Perhaps I might find some clues.
It's good that young people are so driven.
Here!
Run an errand for Prefect Xun.
Invite the eldest young master of the Sima family to the capital.
What is it?
Prefect Xun is going to recruit Sima Lang?
Prefect Xun has kept the Sima family's young masters on his mind.
When I said that I wished to recommend Sima Lang
Prefect Xun was overjoyed.
He immediately consented.
Since you're willing to go to Wen County, I'll leave this matter to you.
Libationer Guo already has everything planned.
Yes, Sir.
Is there anything else?
While I'm away, I hope that you'll take care of your health.
Try to sleep earlier.
I heard you.
Go on.
I'll take my leave.
Sleep plenty in the mountains and ask not about the human world.
Lang.
Zhong Da.
Shopkeeper Zhang.
Second Young Master.
Aren't you feigning illness? What are you doing here?
Don't let anyone see you.
Lang, I'm at home, so I can't be bothered.
Shopkeeper Zhang.
Is the sky crashing down in the capital that you had to rush all the way here?
The sky hasn't crashed down yet, but it will soon.
First, it was Court Adviser Zhao who barged into the palace at night
and killed himself while being arrested by the commandant's office.
He killed himself?
Next, Young Master Yang was sent away to Guandu.
Libationer Guo suspected him of colluding with Yuan Shao.
When did the Yang family of Hongnong collude with Yuan Shao?
If something goes wrong with Yang Xiu, will Yi He--
It's all right.
Shopkeeper Zhang.
You couldn't have ridden hundreds of miles in a day
for those two fools, could you?
I wouldn't have ridden my old bones to pieces for those two.
There was a huge conflict outside the Prince of Hongnong Shrine.
Princess Consort of Hongnong fled to our store.
I knew that she wouldn't be able to remain in the capital.
She really is obedient.
Guo Jia acts with great speed and precision.
I wonder if he can handle it.
What?
You sent her there?
You only stayed in the capital for a few days
and you got involved with a princess consort?
What exactly are you up to?
Lang, we'll set that aside first.
Shopkeeper Zhang.
How is it going with Guo Jia's collection of rations?
They were all delivered to Guandu.
Have the rations for Cao Cao arrived?
Certainly.
Was there anything added?
Yes.
Good, have them burned.
Burn Cao Cao's military rations?
Are you sick of living?
Lang, the Battle of Guandu is now in a tight fix.
Cao Cao has too many problems to tackle.
If the rations were gone
could Guo Jia still stay in the capital with ease?
If I don't seize this chance to set the fire
how will I get Guo Jia out of there?
Besides, who I am doing this for?
All right.
Thank you, Lang.
Get going!
Are you going to stay for dinner?
Hold on!
Buy yourself a nice meal after you get things done.
What is it with that princess consort?
Well...
Sleep plenty in the mountains and ask not about the human world.
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