Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 32]
Master, I'm fine now.
What happened?
What exactly happened?
It's nothing serious.
This is necessary for the treatment.
The poison's been drained.
I just have to recuperate slowly.
For the past year or so
you exerted all of your strength and thoughts
as we faced Yuan Shao in a standoff.
It's too damaging for your health.
When we return to the capital, I'll be sure to get you a renown doctor.
You're not to exhaust yourself again.
Feng Xiao, you're still young.
I'm expecting you to assist Zi Jian.
Therefore, you must take care of your health.
Master, we actually owe this sweeping victory to the emperor.
Is this why you let the emperor come out here to Guandu?
Yes.
The imperial family and I are only seemingly in harmony.
I don't believe that the emperor will truly succumb to me.
Feng Xiao, what exactly did you tell him?
Nothing much.
I only gave him an opportunity to take a look at the world.
He'll choose the one who can put an end to the turbulent times.
I still don't understand.
From what I know about the emperor, he'd never choose to take such actions.
When I returned to the capital previously
I noticed that His Majesty has changed a lot.
He no longer only focused on his animosity toward you.
The emperor has changed very drastically over the past two years.
I'm really curious about what he has gone through.
What exactly is his motive?
The imperial family is no longer what it used to be.
He even established some ties with the Sima family.
Sima Yi is still young
and he's suddenly in the good grace of the emperor.
He then praised himself as a state scholar
and claimed to be concerned about the world.
I think that after this battle, he'll have reined it in a bit.
An unparalleled beauty, an outstanding scholar...
They are both gifts from the gods.
We'll keep as many of them here among the living as we can.
Master, you chose not to hold Sima Yi accountable
because of your magnanimity.
Feng Xiao, you have quite a few people you wish to protect.
Outstanding scholars.
Does that lady count as one?
I wish to ask Master for a favor.
Feng Xiao, you make us seem estranged if you say so.
I've always allowed you to act arbitrarily.
If that lady can bring you some happiness
Feng Xiao, you may do as you wish.
Thank you, Master.
But it's not the same with Sima Yi.
I only allowed him to return home because I've yet to figure him out.
I'm concerned that keeping him will bring me imminent danger.
When we return to the capital
All of the changes that I've missed out on in the past two years...
I'll have to catch up on them.
Get some rest.
Pi!
Zi Jian.
It's great that you've made it back.
I've been worried sick.
Are you injured?
That's good.
Father has sent his men to search everywhere for you.
But was it really Wang Yue who took you away?
Yes.
Wang Yue brought me to Yuan Shao's camp.
When Yuan Shao was defeated and the camp descended into chaos
I killed the guards and escaped.
That's great.
Father has been worried sick. You should go and greet him quickly.
Oh, right, Mother is also here.
Mother is also here?
After you left home, she was so worried that she couldn't sleep.
But we didn't dare to tell her the truth.
We only told her that you were out patrolling with the soldiers.
Fortunately, you've returned.
Where is Mother?
Over there.
I'll go and greet Mother.
Zi Huan?
Zi Huan.
How can you be so immature?
You left without a word.
Do you know how worried I was?
Step out.
Pi, what's the matter?
I already know all about it.
What is it that you know?
Mother, it was you who made Zhang Xiu kill Cao Ang.
What nonsense is that?
Mother, you should know better than I do
if it is truly nonsense.
Kill the son but save the father.
How can you even face Father?
How can you face me, Cao Zhang, and Cao Zhi?
Shut up.
This isn't what you should be saying.
And you shouldn't be saying it here.
Mother...
I was only 10 years old then.
I only managed to escape because Ang got me on a horse.
When I turned to look, he was shot and killed.
After all these years
I still see that scene in my dreams.
Who did I do that for?
I did that for the three of you!
You'll be facing the world!
Not some trivial family grudges!
For my sons...
I would bear any sin.
But that's not true.
You only did so for Cao Zhi.
Not me.
All these years, I worked so hard... so i can't understand...
Father likes poetry, so I studied it.
Father goes to war, so I trained in martial arts.
I'm the eldest son in the family now.
Why doesn't Father love me?
I've finally figured it out now.
Father thinks that...
Ang died because of me.
I'm just a burden.
I'd rather that...
I had died along with Ang back then.
You'd all be pleased.
You think that your father doesn't like you...
because of this matter?
Your father wants a hero who can succeed his achievements.
Not some immature child who cares only about vying for favor!
He wants someone who can take over the turbulent times.
Someone who can put an end to these turbulent times!
A man as such can put up with humiliation, carry his sins
and remain unemotional and unwavering during any hardships!
Zi Huan.
Greetings, Father.
I've heard about what you did.
I took action without permission and nearly made a grave mistake.
Please punish me, Father.
No, you rescued His Majesty.
You've rendered a huge merit.
Sister Tang should be fine now.
Don't worry.
Tang Ying is fine now.
It's time we discuss you and Cao Cao.
By the way, Cao Cao and I have made an agreement.
He'll announce to the public that Princess Consort Tang is dead
so you can take her with you.
You made an agreement with Cao Cao?
When?
Why didn't I know about it?
You had me bring Cao Pi back here to work with you from within.
What was that about?
Zhong Da...
I'm sorry.
It was only after I interacted with Yuan Shao that I realized
he would destroy the imperial family.
Won't Cao Cao do the same?
You've ruined so much effort that many of us put in!
If beating me up can relieve you of your anger
go ahead.
I admit that I've let you down.
But our efforts don't matter more than the people's blood.
If Yuan Shao had won the Battle of Guandu
he would've overthrown the Han Dynasty and established his own.
Even if I could gather
Cao Cao's remaining subordinates to fight against him
it would only throw the Central Plain into greater turmoil.
Cao Cao and I are vying for authority.
It shouldn't escalate into a war that will engulf the entire nation.
Do you know that Cao Cao is 1,000 times more terrifying than Yuan Shao?
That fire in Yangwu didn't only burn Yuan Shao's rations to ashes
but it also burned up the hope of restoring glory to the imperial family!
You've ruined the best opportunity for the imperial family to be resuscitated!
From now on, Cao Cao's powers will be at their very peak.
Be it in the imperial court or in the entire nation.
How will the imperial family fight for power on its last legs against Cao Cao?
It won't be so.
Cao Cao is bound to become more powerful after he wins this battle.
However, the imperial family will also win over more support
from the gentries and officials of the north.
The imperial family still has the rightful claim
and the legitimate right to the throne.
As long as the people still have faith in us
Cao Cao will never dare to go beyond his identity as my subject.
Besides, I'm still working hard to win over Libationer Guo and Prefect Xun.
I believe that we'll manage to strike a new balance of power.
What a fool.
I hope that you won't regret it.
I'd never regret it.
Fine.
I can't change your decision.
But this time, I won't help you again.
I'm taking Tang Ying away with me.
Perhaps, I'll never return to the imperial court again.
I hope that you can really manage this on your own.
Here!
Who would have known that while I was out with Father for a year
I missed out on so many interesting matters in the capital's literary world?
We're reserved a spot for Young Master back in the capital.
While you're absent, who dares to take the leading position?
I'm too flattered.
When I was in the capital, I heard of Young Master Yang's outstanding talent.
However...
I was still too young then.
I had a sense of inferiority.
Now that we've met today
I can finally have De Zu take a look at my essays.
I've had the honor of reading some of Young Master Zi Jian's essays and prose.
Your talent outshines that of the sun and moon.
How am I qualified to give any suggestions?
Young Master Yang, you're too polite.
There is bound to be flaw in any written work.
I also often review my friends' compositions.
I think that although your compositions are majestic
you surpass those who write in an elaborate way like Chen Lin
in terms of your sincere sentiment, spontaneity, and aspirations.
Young Master, you surely don't aspire to be just a writer, do you?
I'm too young and lacking in virtue.
It's only because of my father that I hold a high position.
How can I call my literary works contributions
and deem myself noble with my prose?
I only strive hard so as to contribute to my nation
and benefit the people.
Establish an everlasting foundation and leave my name in history.
De Zu, you can really read my mind!
It's a pity that we didn't meet sooner.
I...
I was born into the family of four generations of the Three Excellencies.
Yet in such times of turmoil
I share the same ambition, pride, and pain as you do.
Now that Minister Cao has defeated Yuan Shao
it's a matter of time before Hebei is pacified.
The Central Plain's been devastated by war.
There's much to be done. Many of our people are homeless.
We're in need of a compassionate and ambitious person
like you to rescue them!
Minister Cao thinks so highly of you.
You should understand what he expects of you.
The world can't be rescued with the might of one man.
I only hope to be able to establish an everlasting foundation with you
and leave our names in history.
A scholar will die for a bosom friend who understands him.
What regret is there?
De Zu.
Are you awake?
Where am I?
It's the underworld.
You died.
I died with you.
You're lying.
It isn't.
You've already died once.
How can you still be so dumb?
You should say, "Let's go and be reborn again."
I really thought that I was going to kill myself.
Are we in a military camp?
That's right.
This is Cao Cao's military camp.
Guo Jia was the only one who could save you.
That's why I brought you here.
Who knew that Guo Jia would really use his blood to cure you?
Why did you bring me here?
Cao Cao won't let me off.
I'd rather die than be Princess Consort Tang again.
I don't want to assume that identity again!
Why didn't you...
just take me back to Wen County with you?
Ying, I already told you that I'd bring you home with me.
And I will.
Cao Cao can't take my wife from me.
Neither can the gods.
Will you be able to travel?
Cao Cao won't let me leave.
Yi He already forced Cao Cao to agree to it.
From now on, Princess Consort Tang no longer exists.
Yi He and Fu Shou said that when they get a chance
they will sneak out of the palace to attend our wedding.
Is that true?
The horse carriage is already waiting outside.
We can leave anytime.
Is there anything that you need to pack up?
It's a dark and windy night.
It's time to snatch away my wife!
Zhong Da!
What are you doing here?
Didn't we already bid you farewell?
We're on Cao Cao's turf.
How can I not even see you and Sister Tang off?
You'd better be more cautious when you head back.
It's the capital with Cao Cao in it.
Don't let them eat you alive.
Don't worry.
I'm already a different emperor than how I used to be.
I know how to protect myself and the Sima family.
Stop bragging.
Be it in Wen County or somewhere else
you'll hear about my achievements.
Just you wait and see.
After roaming around for some time
is bragging the one skill you've learned best?
You've taught me through your words and deeds all these years.
Would I need to learn that from anyone else?
On behalf of Tang Ying...
thank you.
You and Sister Tang should enjoy a bit of peace.
You and Fu Shou should follow in our footsteps.
Halt!
Show me your badge!
Has Zhong Da left?
Yes. He's not an official.
After sharing a journey together, we were bound to go our separate ways.
I can't keep him with me even if I want to.
I know that he's only returning home for Your Majesty's sake.
I understand that we'll take a different side
when we return to the capital.
But I'll never forget how you charged up the mountain to save me.
I've spoken out of turn.
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
I'll take my leave.
There's so much rage in your sword today.
What is it?
Who has offended you?
Mentor, do you think that my father had your brother killed?
Why?
Is it not so?
It actually was not my father who had your brother killed.
It wasn't Tang Ying, either.
It was the man who betrayed him.
Who was it?
The emperor.
Guo Feng Xiao...
You're actually a good person.
That really is an awkward comment for Guo Jia.
Everyone leaves at some point in life.
This is my comment on Guo Feng Xiao.
Are you leaving?
I've seen Cao Cao.
You still can't let go of your hatred?
It's not just about me.
Nor is it just to avenge Lü Bu.
There were thousands of people...
Those who were drowned right before my eyes.
When Minister Cao decided to direct the rivers to flood Xiapi
I was present.
But I--
That's enough.
It was you who made me forget that past.
I don't wish to remember it again.
Hong Chang...
Minister Cao and I had also been besieged in flames.
I know very well that both fire and water kill ruthlessly.
I know that better than anyone else.
But on the battlefield, we have to use both fire and water.
Only then can we put an end to a battle most efficiently
and have the fewest casualties on our side.
Is your wisdom only used for finding the most efficient way to take lives?
I want to look for the most efficient way that won't take any lives.
Have you found it?
Yes.
For instance, you sacrificing yourself to kill Dong Zhuo
to save lives in the Han Empire.
For instance, assisting a wise ruler to end the war.
Men plow and women weave. Men and women fall in love.
That's what a normal world should be.
This generation has sinned too greatly.
I've been thinking of such a day...
When that day comes and you're still by my side
it will be the greatest blessing of a lifetime.
Are you still going to leave me?
The whole world is now a battlefield.
All I want is to gaze upon an ordinary world.
What are you still doing here?
I'm waiting for you.
How did you know that I'd be here?
Because of her.
You'd do anything for her.
If I'd found out about you and her sooner
I might have helped you break her out of the Ye City Guards' Office.
If so, I probably wouldn't have ended up like this now.
Forget it.
Anyway, thank you for saving me.
Farewell.
Uncle Shen's already been buried.
You should return home to continue with your studies.
You're pure-hearted and kind.
It's best that you stay out of these turbulent times.
Don't you mean to say that I'm foolish?
No.
I'm truly happy to have a genuine friend like you.
You don't owe me.
Cao Cao is a fierce and ambitious man.
You'll have to be careful.
I won't get involved in their conflicts again.
In such times, a man like you can't just walk away from it.
Take care.
Urgent report!
There's an urgent report!
An urgent report from Guandu!
Hand it over quickly.
Sweeping victory...
It was a sweeping victory in Guandu!
Yuan Shao and his army were completely wiped out.
He fled back to Ye City and died after throwing up blood!
Hebei Commandery is pacified!
Who knew it would only take one battle to accomplish a mission
that could have taken 10 years?
Great! This is so gratifying!
- Exactly. - Indeed.
The people of Hebei Commandery can now be spared from 10 years of war.
Indeed.
Greetings, Prefect Xun.
Lord Man, have you come over because of the military report?
Yuan Shao is dead.
It's a sweeping victory in Hebei!
I've already heard about it.
Congratulations to Minister Cao and Prefect Xun!
I've come to report another matter.
What is it?
Hundreds of scholars have come to the capital from Hebei.
As they don't have the official entry document
they are now gathered at the gate.
Without your orders, I dare not let them in.
The scholars of Hebei have come to seek refuge?
Hurry up.
All right, go through.
Come over here.
You must be Prefect Xun.
Greetings, Prefect Xun!
Don't stand on such ceremony.
Have you come from Ye City?
Yes, Prefect Xun.
We were tricked into going to Ye City by Yuan Shao.
Shen Pei sent soldiers to bully us and we nearly died.
Fortunately amidst the chaos, a savior came to our rescue.
He told us to seek refuge in the capital and serve under the emperor.
Please take us in, Prefect Xun.
You're all talented young scholars.
It's Great Han's honor that you were willing to come to the capital.
Lord Man.
Invite these scholar into the city.
Assign clean accommodations.
Supply them with clean clothes and food.
- Thank you, Prefect Xun! - Yes!
You just said that you came across a savior.
Who is he?
Did he come here with you?
Our savior is the emperor.
Sinned subject, Cui Yan, greets Your Majesty.
Greetings, Minister Cao.
Along with me are the officials of Ye City.
We're handing over the household registry of Ye City.
We ask to surrender and pledge allegiance to you.
I shall bear all responsibility.
I hope that Your Majesty and Minister Cao can spare the citizens!
Get up.
Yuan Shao is dead.
As officials, you were only serving your respective masters.
Why would I blame any of you?
I'll console the people and punish the evildoers.
Moreover, the civilians won't be implicated.
Thank you, Minister Cao.
Where are Yuan Shao's sons?
When the city was attacked, his sons fled in all directions.
The first born, Yuan Tang, fled to Nanpi.
His second son, Yuan Xi, and his third son, Yuan Shang
have both fled to Wuhuan.
Wuhuan?
If they join forces with Wuhuan to attack the Central Plain
there will be war in the north again.
There are 300,000 heavily-armed soldiers in Ji Province.
It really is a huge province.
I have a few words that I wish to say even at the risk of my life.
Now that the nation is divided and all nine provinces are split up
the two Yuan brothers are out to seek revenge.
The remains of common folks of Ji Province
have been scattered across the plains.
However, now that the emperor's army has arrived
instead of asking after the people's condition
and rescuing them from further devastation
you rejoice over the additional armed soldiers that you can have.
How is this what the people of Hebei expect of a wise master?
Counselor, you love the people as if they are your children.
It's the blessing of the people of Ji Province.
Minister Cao will console the people and punish the evildoers.
He'll waive the taxes, check the households
and put reform into action.
Minister Cao must have already thought of that.
It's said that many in Ji Province are outstanding.
It's indeed true, after I put you through the test.
Since the rebellion of Dong Zhuo
the people of Ji Province have endured years of war.
They could hardly survive.
Whenever I think about it, I'm overwhelmed with emotion.
Today, we're finally united!
I'll waive the tax of Ji Province for a year
so that the people can recuperate and rest.
On behalf of Ji Province
I thank Your Majesty
and Minister Cao.
I've defeated Yuan Shao and united the Central Plain.
I have to thank Your Majesty and Your Highness
for taking the risk to come all the way to Guandu.
You put yourselves at risk in order to defeat Yuan Shao
and win over the people for me.
Human minds aren't toys.
They can't be given away.
A just cause wins moral support and an unjust one gains little.
Minister Cao, you defeated Yuan Shao because of his lack of morals.
That's why 1,000 acres of Hebei Commandery were handed over to you.
Minister Cao might have outdone Yuan Shao by a notch.
However, securing the Central Plain
depends on the sort of morality and justice that Minister Cao upholds.
It's the first time that I've heard Your Highness
speak of morality and justice.
The survivors of Xu Province are also interested in knowing
how differently you'll uphold morality and justice now.
At the time...
Your Highness was actually still in your hometown?
Indeed.
Not even a tenth of the 100,000 people of Xu Province survived.
But there's still someone who will question Minister Cao for them.
Your Highness's question will also be recorded in history.
If I'm not at all reprimanded for my actions
how am I to face Your Majesty and Your Highness
who traveled miles to the battlefield?
How am I to face the 100,000 people of Xu Province?
How am I to face the soldiers who died in the past 10 years of war?
I've noted Your Highness's words.
Your Majesty, Minister Cao.
We have brought forth Yuan Shao's family.
Yuan Shao was once a hero, but after his death, his sons fled.
They couldn't even protect their wives and daughters.
His sons are nothing like their father.
How sad.
Zi Huan, Zi Jian!
Take them to your mother to have them settled in.
Provide them with clothes and food.
Yes.
Wei Wen?
You...
You're actually Cao Cao's son?
How insolent!
How dare you address my father by his name?
What is it?
Do you know him?
We're engaged to marry.
You're engaged?
He didn't report this matter to his father.
Father.
I had no choice but to do so in order to save lives in Ye City.
Father, please punish me.
Wei Wen, I don't care who you really are.
I just want you to tell me the truth.
Is our engagement valid or was it just a lie?
If it was just a lie, I ask to take my life immediately!
Then I won't have to suffer any humiliation in the hands of my enemies.
Minister Cao.
Young Master and Miss Zhen share a mutual affection.
Young Master has also made a promise to marry her.
Although it's against the rites to pledge a marriage
without permission of the parents
Miss Zhen once saved me and Young Master.
Therefore, I hope that Minister Cao can give them your blessing.
My son has to be a man who keeps his promises!
Since His Majesty is in favor of this marriage
I'll bestow this woman to you.
Who could have known that such a huge battle
would end up as a means of fulfilling my son's wish?
Thank you, Father.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Yes.
Pi, you're really something.
Step aside.
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