Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 24]
Step aside!
- Step aside! - What are you doing?
You're Liu Ping?
Indeed.
Fu Wan and Kong Rong are but scholars of undeserved reputation.
How can they be compared to Duke Yuan's prestigious family?
Counselor Fu's ancestor is Fu Sheng.
Minister Steward Kong is the descendant of Confucius.
They are indeed inferior to the four generations of the Three Excellencies.
You've admitted defeat?
Young Master Shen.
Who do you not know? Fu Sheng or Confucius?
Duke Yuan is bringing scholars from all over the country to Ye City.
Do Fu Wan and Kong Rong dare to compare their achievements to his?
Confucius said of the head of the Ji family
who had eight rows of pantomimes in his area
"If he can bear to do this, what may he not bear to do?"
What does that mean?
What?
He means that it's the emperor's right to gather the scholars, not Duke Yuan's.
How impudent!
How dare you slander Duke Yuan!
You try to please the public with antics!
You're going to rebel!
Arrest him!
I dare you!
Are you going to rebel as well?
How can you throw your weight about when scholars debate over principles?
If you're truly capable
you can debate with Brother Liu about various topics.
- Exactly! - Have a debate!
- Debate if you can! - Debate!
Do you think that I won't dare to arrest you?
I'd like to know which law I've violated.
- Exactly! - Exactly!
Which law did he break?
He might not have broken any yet, but that doesn't mean that he won't!
If you dare to rattle off such nonsense again
I won't let you off!
Let's go!
This is how Yuan Shao employs.
He appears tolerant but is grudging at heart.
He recruits them but doubts them.
He appoints only those close to him.
Duke Cao is stern but perceptive.
He employs men according to their talents and trusts those in position
regardless of relationships.
This is his fourth advantage.
What is it?
It's nothing important. Let's go.
Zhong Da! You have to help me out!
What's the matter?
Who would dare to bully Young Master Shen here in Ye City?
It was that Liu Ping!
He won the others over with his antics and hoodwinked them.
Scholars from other provinces are all flocking to him.
They disrespected my father and Duke Yuan and even insulted me!
Are you going to arrest him?
If you do so, those pedantic scholars will disagree with you even more.
You'll only make him even more famous.
However, I'll be sure to get back at him for you.
You have a way to do so?
Zhong Da!
You're such a great friend.
It's about time to teach him a lesson.
So beautiful.
What is?
The moon is very beautiful.
Don't you think so?
Your Majesty made a name for yourself today with that debate.
You won over quite a few admirers.
I wouldn't have dared to do so if you hadn't encouraged me.
I hope to attract Yuan Shao's attention by doing so.
Who knew that you could be so sharp during a debate?
Have you always pretended to talk to me in another manner?
I only spoke as my heart impelled me to.
I've kept those thoughts on my mind for a long time.
It's a pity that I can't share my opinions with my brother.
I didn't expect you to know so much about the late emperor.
He's my twin brother.
He's the only true kinsman that I've met.
Yet I never even got to talk to him in this lifetime.
I can only look him up in the historical records
to try to get to know him and understand what he was like.
I've never heard you mention him.
I thought that...
I'm worried that it will upset you.
Then...
do you still remember what Zhang Yu said?
What was it?
Are you referring to establishing a memorial shrine for the late emperor?
I certainly do remember it.
I'll definitely have the late emperor acknowledged
and worshipped as he rightfully should be.
What about us?
What is it about us?
Once you announce the truth about the late emperor to the world
what will happen to our relationship?
I...
I will...
Brother Liu!
So?
There are none.
Not even one?
There's not even one.
How could it turn out like this?
How do you expect to stay at an inn with no money?
It's normal to be turned away by innkeepers.
This is the wealthiest city, Ye City.
How can there be no compassionate innkeepers at all?
If I had known that you didn't have any money, I wouldn't have had that meal.
I'm the emperor.
How could I possibly have money on me?
You're even an emperor who is traveling in disguise.
An emperor is actually out here wandering the streets.
A subject would rather die than see his monarch humiliated.
Please do not worry.
I'll be sure to find a place to stay.
Get up quickly.
Young Master Liu.
My master would like to invite you over.
Who is your master?
Young Master, you'll know when you see him.
It must be one of your admirers.
Is it a man or a woman?
Young Master Liu, this way, please.
Please wait here for a moment.
My master asks only to meet Young Master Liu.
Young Master Liu, this way.
Greetings, Mister.
May I ask who you are?
I am Cui Yan.
You're actually Duke Cui?
Excuse my manners.
Why has Duke Cui asked me over at such a late hour?
I'd like to ask you for an opinion.
Please be honest with me.
I'll be sure to tell you what I know.
Please tell me your true identity.
I'm from the Liu family of Hongnong Commandery.
I've come upon my father's orders to answer to Duke Yuan's recruitment.
Today, I overheard your speech outside the forum.
Your knowledge and insight are far beyond those of the other scholars.
You didn't come here upon Duke Yuan's recruitment.
You're here upon the orders of the emperor
for the sake of the imperial family. Am I right?
Duke Cui is indeed right.
I'm the secret commissioner of the imperial family.
I've come to visit all feudal lords upon the orders of the emperor
to contact the loyal subjects and warriors.
Secret Commissioner?
Since Duke Cui has figured it out
will you expose my identity to Shen Pei?
You're quite bold.
You're waiting to see if I'll sell you out.
What a pity.
I am, after all, Duke Yuan's subject.
Isn't Duke Yuan the emperor's subject?
We have a place to stay.
- Where is it? - Right here.
Before we got here, he already had the rooms prepared.
Who is he?
Cui Yan, Cui Ji Gui (courtesy name).
Yuan Shao's Cavalry Commandant.
The best scholar of Hebei Commandery.
Congratulations on winning another subject over, Your Majesty.
Brother Liu.
Brother Liu?
Give me this. I'm buying it.
What is this?
This looks so tender.
Should we also get some of this?
Why are you buying so much?
You've shopped the entire market here in Ye City.
I haven't seen this vegetable before.
There are regional differences.
Who knew that they had such different produce in Ye City from the capital?
What are you laughing at?
I'm laughing at you for not recognizing a familiar thing.
We've had these vegetables before.
For instance, the red vine spinach.
The red vegetable soup we often have is made with this.
And the sauce that we often have on the grilled meats
is made with the garlic chives.
A green vegetable can be made into a red soup?
Then... we'll have red vine spinach soup and grilled meats tonight.
Sir, I'm buying these.
Sure!
Madam, you just moved to Ye City so you must not cook often.
The garlic chives are in season!
It's a pity to just use them for sauces.
They're very tasty in wantons.
Is that so? I'll get some as well.
Sure, 27 pennies.
Sir and Madam, there must be many people in your household.
Not at all, it's just us and an attendant.
Madam, if you're making wantons, you should get a big radish.
It will be even tastier if you mix in radish with the meat and garlic chives.
We've really bought plenty.
Madam, you don't have any children yet, do you?
Then you should all the more buy a radish.
Look at how plump this radish looks.
It's like a baby.
Once you have it, I'm sure you'll have plenty of children and grandchildren.
All right, sir, stop talking.
Just weigh it.
Sure!
All right, it's two and a half kilograms.
25 pennies.
Sir, isn't this radish too expensive?
Did you make us pay more on purpose?
Sir, you've got me wrong.
Look at this radish.
It's so big and fresh.
I've been selling vegetables here for over 10 years.
I've always been honest with my customers.
The grains and millet in the Central Plain cost 12 pennies per vessel.
Radish is only four pennies per kilogram.
In Ye City, the grains cost at most 10 pennies per vessel
but your radish is 10 pennies per kilogram?
How have you not raised the price?
We won't buy from him. Let's go.
You and Madam are dressed in such fine clothes
so why would you haggle with a bumpkin?
The radish has gone up in price this year.
Why don't I sell it to you cheaper?
Now I get it.
You're actually selling it to us at a higher price because we dress well.
I'll have to tell everyone about it then.
Come and be a judge for us!
The radish is three pennies per kilogram
but this grocer is selling it to us three times higher.
Is he taking advantage of us for not knowing the prices
or is it because we're not locals?
Madam, don't make a scene!
You can have it for the price you said.
It's just my luck.
It should be seven and a half. You're short half a penny.
Can't you pay in full?
Even the radish leaves should weigh about a quarter kilogram.
Let's go.
Ignore him.
So much for those pretty faces.
Put it into the basket.
It's quite an eye-opener to see the emperor haggle.
I have the bad habit of choosing fine products.
Will our child be unreasonable and a spendthrift as well?
I dare him to be one.
If a crown prince is undisciplined, it's the fault of Your Majesty.
Yes, yes.
I'll be sure to discipline him strictly.
Tonight, I'll work away in the kitchen to make dinner for my wife.
You lived in ease and comfort with the Sima family.
How do you know about food prices?
Back then, Uncle Sima used to send us out to look into market prices
and record the prices of various foods.
He said that in turbulent times, we might one day have to be on the run.
Therefore we have to stay physically fit and know about our staples.
War has raged on for years in the Central Plain.
The population is dwindling.
A bustling market like this is rarely seen now.
Help!
Help me!
What's wrong, young lady?
I came into the city to beg for food and was beaten up by the guards on patrol.
Sir and madam, take pity on me!
Please save me!
We have to use medication to staunch the bleeding.
Come.
It's best not to take anyone of unknown identity back there.
We'll take her to a clinic.
If we take her to the clinic, they might not give her proper treatment.
I'll take her with us.
Come.
Where is Liu Ping?
Shen Rong?
How dare you?
You're the atrocious ones!
How dare you harbor a fugitive?
Arrest them!
Hold on!
What crime did she commit?
You need a cause and official papers to make an arrest.
Show it to me.
This is Cui Yan's private residence.
You trespassed into an official's residence.
Have you asked Duke Cui?
You wish to save her?
Asinine benevolence like the Duke Xiang of Song.
Arrest them all!
Stop!
I'll go with you.
Why?
Don't worry. I'll be fine.
A wise man suits his actions to the times.
Take her away as well.
Go!
Shen Rong is obviously abusing his authority to frame His Majesty.
Go to Duke Cui immediately.
He can tackle Shen Rong.
Yes, I'll do so right away.
Sima Yi?
Are you Liu Ping?
I've heard that you're an arrogant man.
Speak!
Why did you harbor a fugitive?
I rescued that young lady on my way home.
I never mean to harbor any fugitive.
I conduct myself with integrity and my conscience is clear.
Your conscience is clear?
Yes!
My conscience is clear!
You're overly sympathetic.
You meddle around too much.
You won't admit your mistake until you're burned, will you?
You've already beaten me up and punished me.
Let me go!
I sent him and the arrow straight to you.
Didn't you know what I meant then?
I definitely did.
I did.
Why did you still take the risk to set Zhao Yan free?
Now you're even venturing into danger in a disguise.
I should let Shen Rong beat you up.
You did hit hard.
It already hurts a lot.
Was it Guo Jia who let you come out here?
It was.
But I managed to escape.
Guo Jia doesn't even know of my whereabouts now.
You escaped?
If it weren't that Guo Jia's scouts were all removed from Ye City
how would he not know after you made that speech in public?
How would he not know?
What is it?
I...
So you're actually behind this?
How did you know that I'd come to Ye City?
Don't be so full of yourself.
I didn't come here for you.
So... I'm just very lucky.
It's the gods who brought us together.
It's just my luck.
Is it all right to release me?
It's fine.
I get to call the shots.
I'm the Assistant Officer of the Ye City Guards.
Zhong Da, you're so lovable.
You can get a post anywhere.
Tang Ying is also locked up in here.
Sister Tang is here as well?
It's no wonder you wanted to be the Assistant Officer of the Ye City Guards.
Take me to her now.
No, she's locked away in a very private section.
It's also heavily guarded.
She's chained down by very unique locks.
Yuan Shao is wary of her martial arts skills.
I only got to see her once for a bit.
Sister Tang has suffered because of me.
Don't you worry.
I'm here now.
I can help you rescue her.
You'd better save yourself first.
There are three matters that I need to get done in Ye City.
First was to find Tang Ying.
I already have.
Second, Yuan Shao is gathering the scholars here in Ye City.
There are many descendants of the Hebei gentry.
Be it the forces of Yuan Shao or the gentry
it's a good opportunity for the imperial family to win them over.
Do you understand?
I know that you mean well.
I've come in hopes of winning the people over with the scholars
so that I can meet Yuan Shao.
What is it with you?
It's fine that you befriended Shen Rong, but why did you offend the scholars?
What is it?
Are you a fool?
I made use of Shen Rong to offend all of the scholars.
You have to pretend to be my opposition.
That will get you to blend in with them very quickly.
Bear this in mind.
The scholars are the ones you can make use of.
I had hoped to convince them to leave Ye City and submit to the capital.
Now that you're here, I'll leave it to you.
But they are all scholars of gentry.
I know you mean well but aren't you afraid
that they will bear a grudge against you?
What scholars of gentry?
They are just a bunch of fools.
Instead of being admired by fools
I'd rather they bear a grudge against me.
Only you would be drawn to them like feathers of a flock
and regard them as precious talent.
I know you mean well.
But I've already blended in.
How could it be possible for Shen Rong to be so stupid
to make himself a rival of those scholars.
It turns out that a true expert has been helping me.
What about the third matter?
We both know that many officials have surrendered to Yuan Shao.
But no one knows about the specific list of names.
I think that they could all be of use to you.
All the letters from such officials are stamped with Yuan Manor's stamps.
Whoever has the list of names must be here in Ye City.
It's a pity that it isn't Shen Pei.
I investigated this matter while I was in the capital
but to no avail.
All right.
We'll get all of these three important tasks done in Ye City.
What are you so excited about?
Do you think you're in the palace?
Why can't I be excited about it?
I'm definitely thrilled that we get to meet up here.
By the way, how am I to escape from here?
You've been busy in Ye City, so someone will come to your rescue.
Get down on all fours.
What?
Get down.
Have mercy on me, Sir!
Assistant Officer Sima, bad news!
Stop hitting me, Sir!
Cavalry Commandant Cui led a group of scholars here.
They want us to release Liu Ping.
Cui Yan is too fierce.
Young Master Shen can't hold him back anymore.
He asked if you could release Liu Ping first.
Have mercy on me, Sir!
Anyway, we already avenged Young Master Shen.
Take him away!
Yes!
Let him go!
Let him go! Let him go now!
Why did you arrest an innocent man?
Let him go!
Release Young Master Liu!
If not, we'll sound the drums at Duke Yuan's manor!
Duke Yuan invited us here.
However, Young Master Shen abuses scholars of gentry
from the other provinces.
We can head home if Duke Yuan doesn't welcome us.
Calm down, everyone! Calm down!
- Let him go! - Release him!
- Let him go!
You can have Young Master Liu back!
- Young Master Liu. - Young Master Liu.
Young Master Liu, are you all right?
Are you all right?
Young Master Liu, are you all right?
- Young Master Liu. - Young Master Liu.
Are you all right?
- Are you hurt? - I'm fine.
I only whipped him 10 times and he's already in this state.
How useless.
You framed and captured an innocent man.
I'll be sure to make you pay for such injustice.
I look forward to it.
How dare you?
How dare you whip--
Young Master Liu.
He's just a suspect.
What's wrong with giving him a few slashes?
That's enough!
Uncle Cui, we've already released him.
Don't turn into such a lowly man and be used by these scoundrels.
I'll take my leave now.
Let's go.
Young Master Liu, how is your injury?
It's not very serious.
Thank you for coming to my rescue, Duke Cui.
Young Master Shen does act quite recklessly.
However, he did so for the sake of Ye City's safety.
Young Master Liu, you've suffered.
Young Master Liu and gentlemen, please don't take it to heart.
You're too kind.
Duke Cui, you're considerate to the scholars
but you can't defend against those in power who are shortsighted.
We all felt angry and indignant.
Young Master Liu, you should head back to see to your wounds.
You should all head back.
- Let's go. - Head back.
Sima Yi must have come up with such a plan for Shen Rong.
Young Master Liu ended up being framed from saving someone.
Thank you for coming to my rescue.
I know that Shen Rong isn't just targeting you alone.
He only holds a grudge against you because you spoke up for us.
I'll escort Brother Liu back to attend to his wounds.
Sure.
I'll take my leave.
What is he doing here?
I didn't expect Zhong Da to be in Ye City already.
He even did so much for me.
It's fortunate that we came to Ye City.
Otherwise, all of his efforts would be in vain.
Are you that pleased?
Certainly.
I didn't even get to speak to him properly in the palace.
Now that I'm out traveling in a disguise
and I don't have to be restrained by my identity
I can interact with him like I used to.
I've haven't seen you so happy since we came out traveling.
Your eyes are even sparkling.
That's different.
We share weal and woe, so I'm also very happy.
When we came to Ye City, I wasn't sure how we should take action.
I now find the path before me suddenly lit up.
We'll invite Zhong Da over tomorrow to discuss how to save Sister Tang.
Don't you forget that Cao Pi is still here.
Sima Yi is also under Shen Rong's control.
I would've forgotten about that if you hadn't reminded me.
I'll be careful.
I'll make up some excuse to send Cao Pi away tomorrow
and then invite Zhong Da over secretly.
You're already going to bed?
Yes, you've had a long day as well.
We still have so much to do tomorrow.
You should also go to bed early.
Have you already forgotten what you promised me today?
I promised to make you dinner today.
Then it got so hectic that I forgot all about it.
I'll cook for you and Zhong Da tomorrow.
Don't you think that when both our hair turn gray
it'd be great if you, me, and Zhong Da could still be together?
Spend your lifetime with Zhong Da, then.
Duke Cui wouldn't take such matters to heart.
He's a modest gentleman so he won't mind.
But as younger students, we should prepare gifts for him
for the sake of good manners.
Lu Yu and the others came to my rescue eagerly yesterday.
We should also offer them some refined gifts.
Therefore, I'll have to trouble you to buy all of the gifts.
Brother Liu, you're buying gifts with someone else's money.
You're quite the businessman.
I'll go and get it done now.
Did you arrange for Sima Yi to be here?
He happened to be here.
So I managed to recruit him as well.
He's an overly clever man.
Brother Liu, beware of him.
Yi He!
Look! Zhong Da is here.
Young Master Sima sure is capable.
You can find His Majesty wherever he goes.
Your Highness isn't quite what I had expected.
Your Highness has always been dignified and polished in manners
but he's tricked you into causing trouble in Ye City in disguise.
My brother seems to have improved his abilities.
The emperor is right before you.
Forget it.
There are too many people around so it's best to do without those titles.
Tell us quickly. How is Sister Tang?
Your Highness, are you asking me for a favor?
Zhong Da, just tell us quickly.
Since Sister Tang left the capital, the empress has been worried sick.
I've stolen the keys.
I can see her if I want.
However, I can't unlock her from those special chains.
We'll have to break them with very sharp weapons.
Besides, I plan to take her away with me once I rescue her from here.
But now that you're both here
I can only leave after I've helped you with your plans.
We need to find the list first before rescuing Sister Tang.
If only we could bring those scholars back to the capital as well.
Where is Cao Pi?
I sent him away for fear that it'd be awkward if you met up.
You sent him away?
You should have killed him on the way here.
Do you want to spend the new year with him in Ye City?
I knew it! It's you again!
Sima Yi!
[Xu You's Manor]
Who are you?
What are you doing here?
I'm here to visit Master Xu You.
Please inform him.
Bring it here.
What am I to bring?
If you wish to visit Master Xu You, you should have Duke Yuan's token.
I'm Master Xu's friend, so why would I need a token to see him?
You just have to inform him.
Seize him!
Stop right there!
Where do you think you're going?
- Where can you go now? - Save me.
There's nowhere to run.
Young man, stay out of this.
Step aside!
Go on, run!
I'll see where you can go. Go on!
Save me!
Which family do you belong to?
I... I don't have a family.
There are too many of them.
What should we do?
Run!
Stop right there!
Why don't you look scared at all?
There are just a few gangsters.
What's there to be afraid of?
Why did you ask for help?
If I hadn't, how would I have known whether or not you'd help me?
Beat him up!
Stop it!
Who allowed you to hit him?
He saved me.
Madam, you left the manor for half a day.
I'm here to bring you home upon the orders.
Madam, please return to the manor with me.
[Zhen Fu] I came out to have fun.
Do you have to go to such trouble?
You're such a fool.
Get going.
- Kill him. - Yes.
If you dare to kill him, I'll tell Yuan Xi.
You'll get punished for it.
I wouldn't dare do so...
- Send him to the Ye City Guards' Office. - Yes!
Move it!
Who are you?
How dare you make an arrest for no reason in broad daylight!
You're the one to act so boldly.
How dare you approach our young master's wife?
You're lucky today.
Take him away!
- Their young master's wife? - Move it!
Ying! I've sent them away.
Have this while it's hot.
I already told you that it's dangerous here.
Don't come here again.
All right now.
I finally got to visit again for just a short, tender moment.
Can you not be so stern?
You should ask me if I ate well or if I slept well.
Did I lose weight because I missed you too much and couldn't eat well?
Here.
Eat it up quickly.
How is it? Is it good?
Liu Ping and Fu Shou are here.
What are His Majesty and the empress doing here?
It was too hard in the capital
so they came here to seek an opportunity to save the imperial family.
We happened to run into each other.
This wire saw can saw off the cuffs.
I'll come and fetch you after I've helped them.
I'll take you away from Ye City.
If I escape from here, there's bound to be a huge uproar in Ye City.
It will only implicate all of you.
That's why you'll have to put up with this place for a few more days.
We have to find the list of officials who surrendered to Yuan Shao.
Once we find that list, I'll get you out of here right away.
It's a pity that I won't be able to help you.
I'm fine in here.
Finish your tasks with ease.
You're fine even in the prison?
Is it because of me?
Why are you such a sweet talker?
Eat it up.
Sure, feed me.
I want that piece.
There's more.
Let go of me!
Let me go!
Sir.
What has this man done?
Sir, that fellow tried to barge into Xu You's manor
and the guards wanted to arrest him, but he got away.
If he didn't get arrested for offending the young master's wife
we wouldn't have known that he stirred up so much trouble.
Let go of me!
The guards reporting the case caught him then.
Xu You?
Who is this young master's wife?
It's Duke Yuan's second son who just got married recently.
She's the most beautiful woman of Hebei.
Second Young Master Yuan is totally smitten with her.
She's just... a bit eccentric.
She loves being out and about.
He happened to run into her.
All right, I heard you.
You are dismissed.
Yes.
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