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[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 34]
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Libationer Guo, please do rise.
I had wished that Your Majesty wouldn't summon me over for this matter.
I'm the only one who can explain this matter the most explicitly.
Yang Ping is the one I sent to contact Yuan Shao in Guandu.
Yang Biao and Yuan Shao are affinal kin.
Yang Jun is Yang Biao's confidant and godnephew.
Therefore, I chose the son of the Yang family.
However, Yuan Shao was defeated.
Does Minister Cao intend to punish me for colluding with Yuan Shao?
Where is Yang Ping now?
Yang Ping is dead.
He died when he came to my rescue in Guandu.
Your Majesty, I'm not the one who is asking for an answer.
It's Minister Cao.
Don't worry.
I will give Minister Cao a satisfactory answer.
It's a message from His Majesty.
What does it say?
I've played against Guo Jia for quite a long time.
I don't mind another round.
Guo Jia let us leave.
This must've been Cao Cao's intention.
Cao Cao is 100 times scarier than Guo Jia.
We might not be able to handle him.
That's why we should cherish the time we have all the more.
Beautiful scenery in spring.
A gentle and pleasant breeze.
Why don't I take you out?
You said that you were taking me on a hike.
Is this it?
You're a fairy.
Zhuangzi once said
"Atop faraway Mount Guye, there lives a god-like person"
"whose flesh and skin are like ice and snow."
"Pure and delicate like a virgin."
How's that description for you?
You're panting like a horse.
Do you still have the strength to bring your book bag with you?
Since I'm not skilled in martial arts
I should at least come up with some literary quotes.
I'm your husband, after all.
I can't look bad, can I?
I'll train you in martial arts and stamina.
You're right. We have a lifetime ahead of us.
I definitely should work on my stamina.
Let's go.
I told you this beautiful scenery would be waiting for you when you returned.
Only when I'm here can I truly be free.
In my mind, we have always been free.
Although we might sometimes get trapped by destiny and our own minds
or we might feel stressed
I insist on being able to break out of such an encirclement.
I have faith in you.
That's why I came up here with you to look at the green mountains.
You compared me to the deity of Mount Guye
who feeds on breeze and dew.
But I know that I'm not him.
My heart is beating.
I also worry too much at times and there are things that I covet.
What I covet is...
I wish to be with you always and remain carefree.
You will.
Sometimes, there's a price to pay to be carefree.
What price do we have to pay?
We'll take on this challenge together.
Even the legendary Roc will have to break its own wings at times.
Ying...
This might be the last time we'll be up here at the peak
to look down at the scenery.
It's all right.
Even if your wings are broken...
I'll carry you.
[The Ministry of Works]
Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang sought refuge in Wuhuan.
They enticed Wuhuan into attacking Guangping.
I can't ease my mind until those two are taken out.
I'd like to lead the army to Wuhuan
but the officials of my government think
that if my army goes deep into that region
Liu Biao and Liu Bei will be over my shoulder.
Then there's the imperial family stirring up trouble in the capital.
Feng Xiao, what's your opinion?
I think that we have to launch a swift attack on Wuhuan
but we must not linger.
Feng Xiao, please do elaborate.
First of all, Wuhuan has the geographical advantage as it's on the border.
Therefore, they surely won't be prepared for battle.
If we strike unexpectedly
we can still attack them off-guard, even if we only send a single troop in.
Secondly, Yuan Shao has won over Wuhuan by all means.
The people of Hebei still hold a certain affection for the Yuan family.
Should we allow Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang to live
I'm afraid that once they develop their own forces
they will reclaim Hebei with the help of the people and the nomads.
Therefore, I think that we must attack Wuhuan immediately.
However, the potential troubles at our rear and close by our side...
Liu Bei just lost a battle recently.
He's seeking refuge from Liu Biao.
There's not much they can do.
Liu Biao toils but gains none.
He has one foot in the grave.
We have nothing to fear of him.
As for the imperial family...
Feng Xiao seems to have quite the confidence in His Majesty.
I think that after the Battle of Guandu
Minister Cao should have more confidence in His Majesty.
Perhaps internally, there's a struggle for power and authority
but externally, His Majesty won't ever sabotage your plans
to pacify the Central Plain.
The journey to Wuhuan is of a great distance.
It will be difficult to replenish the rations.
Feng Xiao, do you have any good plans?
I have had Dong Zhao construct two waterways.
One is the Pinglu Canal, and the other is the Quanzhou Canal.
This is to facilitate the transport of rations up north
when Minister Cao attacks Wuhuan.
I've also been trying to win over the clans of the Xianbei Tribe.
The Xianbei Tribe is at odds with the Wuhuan Tribe.
Minister Cao will be going on a long expedition to Wuhuan.
Under your mighty forces
the Xianbei Tribe won't dare to harass or hinder you.
Good!
Having Feng Xiao by my side is like Emperor Gaozu of Han having Zhang Liang.
Why need I worry that the world won't succumb to me?
I'll get ready immediately to attack Wuhuan!
I'll be sure to ride out with you.
Before I leave...
I have to deal with someone else who makes me uneasy.
Has Sima Yi replied?
His answer is the same as His Majesty's.
He said that Yang Ping died in Guandu.
I won't be able to help feeling ill at ease when I ride out to Wuhuan
knowing that the Sima family could be an issue.
Sima Fang has eight sons.
They are known as the Eight Da due to their courtesy names.
He once recommended me to the imperial court.
We'll leave him the youngest son to attend to the elderly.
Master.
Feng Xiao, you can't bear to do so?
I'd advise Master to think twice.
Sima Fang was once an highly ranked official.
If he's killed, it's bound to stir up disturbances within the government.
The real trouble...
I'm afraid it doesn't lie in external issues
but in those of internal strife.
I also know that he was a highly ranked official.
I'm also well aware of how capable Sima Yi and his family are.
Therefore, we must take them out.
Defeating Wuhuan will be the most important battle
in uniting the Central Plain.
I can't afford to have such people mess up my plans.
Libationer Guo.
I wonder why you've summoned me over.
Have I done something wrong?
You're not the one at fault.
I'm afraid it's me.
Libationer Guo could never be wrong.
[Libationer: Set out to the Sima family in Wen County immediately.]
[Leave only the youngest son alive.]
It's just the Sima family.
Libationer Guo, you needn't worry.
I'll be sure to take care of it.
I can't defy Minister Cao's orders.
I can only carry them out.
How about this?
Take Yang Xiu with you.
Why should I take him with me?
Do you wish to test his loyalty?
In my opinion, there's no need to do so.
That man won't be loyal to anyone.
Would I care for Yang De Zu's loyalty?
Both he and Sima Yi are clever.
There will be surprises only if he goes with you.
May I be so bold as to take a guess?
Libationer Guo has no intention of killing Sima Yi at all.
Am I right?
It depends on whether or not he wishes to survive.
Greetings, Young Master.
I thought that you wouldn't summon me anymore.
Haven't you always wanted to repay my father's kindness?
There's an opportunity to do so now.
It's up to you to seize it.
Please do tell, Young Master.
Come with me to Wen County.
Annihilate the Sima family.
Young Master, isn't this too reckless?
Do you think that I'd resort to such a dumb plan?
I'm just taking advantage of a given opportunity.
Cao Cao is looking into Yang Ping's whereabouts.
The Sima family is the first to take the blame for it.
If we don't act before he does
he'll eventually find out about my father's involvement.
In order to save my father
we'll have make use of Cao Cao to get rid of Sima Yi.
If so, they can no longer trace Yang Ping through the Sima family.
I'm afraid Grand Commandant Yang won't consent to your actions.
My father is old and pedantic.
You're a clever man.
Don't you understand that if you wish to save him
we have to get rid of the Sima family?
You owe my father your life.
Not the Sima family.
Don't you know what choice to make?
The imperial court is dismissed!
Dear Official Cui, there was an ancient character that I couldn't decipher
when I was studying last night.
Can you stay behind to answer my question?
Yes.
Dear Official Cui, is there anything you wish to say to me?
Yes.
I've found out that Minister Cao has sent Man Chong to Wen County with a troop.
He even ordered the local county magistrate
to send in reinforcements.
He sent soldiers to Wen County?
He's making a move on the Sima family.
I didn't expect Cao Cao to act so swiftly.
He has actually sent the troops in.
Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Cao Cao is brutal and can't even be bothered to pretend to comply.
This is threatening the Sima family into confessing.
What are they to confess?
Is it to admit that they are assisting His Majesty?
I must save Zhong Da.
Your Majesty will then walk right into his trap.
Cao Cao must be waiting for you to expose your actions.
Then...
I will save him at all costs.
I understand.
What is this?
These are names of officials who once defected to Yuan Shao.
Although they won't be as constrained without the evidence of the letters
it's still better than nothing.
Your Majesty, you needn't contact them personally.
I can take care of this.
Here he is.
- Here he is. - Brother Lu.
Brother Lu!
You asked us to come over and yet you hid away in the room.
What treasure have you hidden?
Exactly!
We finally have a gathering in the capital.
Brother Lu, shouldn't you bring out the good food quickly?
I've asked you over today to meet someone.
- Who is it? - Who is it?
Who is it?
Please show yourself.
- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the emperor!
Gentlemen, please do rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
I've missed all of you deeply since we parted in Ye City.
I've missed the days when we discussed literature.
Sadly, I'm restricted by my identity here in the capital.
There aren't even many chances like this to see all of you.
How fortunate it is for us to have known Your Majesty
and been rescued by you.
Unfortunately, none of us hold an official post.
Although we're full of zeal
we don't even have the chance to seek audience with Your Majesty.
I did rescue all of you.
However, the one who came up with the strategies was someone else.
- Someone else? - Who is it?
Who could have such wit and talent?
Could it be the empress?
It was Sima Yi.
- Sima Yi? - Sima Yi?
Isn't he Your Majesty's enemy?
He even wounded Your Majesty!
We even thought of going to Wen County to beat him up!
Exactly!
I sent an undercover Sima Yi to Shen Pei's manor.
It was because of him that I was informed in advance
and could rescue all of you.
Sima Yi and I overcame obstacles along the way.
We're as close as siblings.
He never means to do any harm to any of you.
If he offended you in any way with his words
I'll apologize to you on his behalf.
- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!
Gentlemen.
Please do get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
He saved our lives.
How could we hold a grudge?
However, since he works for Your Majesty
why isn't he in the capital?
Why would Your Majesty behave so?
This man who once saved our lives is now in grave danger.
Assistant Officer Cui.
You said that you've asked us here to be evaluated.
How will you evaluate us?
The evaluation is necessary.
However...
I have only one question for you today.
All of you must have known Xu You, didn't you?
Xu You...
Wasn't he already killed?
Indeed.
Minister Cao burned up the letters that he submitted.
He is also dead.
However, do give this some thought.
Judging by Minister Cao's suspecting nature
could he not have read all those letters?
We're innocent!
We never really wanted to defect to Yuan Shao!
You're well aware of Minister Cao's temperament.
How could he tolerate such imminent danger right by his side?
Yes, yes...
Someone has already saved you.
Therefore, Minister Cao has stopped looking into this matter.
This is how you came to enjoy such a peaceful life now.
Is it Duke Cui?
I'm no more than a surrendered subject.
I can't even save my own neck.
How can I possibly save all of you?
Who could it be?
Is there another person in the world who can suppress Duke Cao?
This... Could it be...
Could it be the emperor?
It's the emperor.
I told you this would be a calamity.
If anyone from the commandant's office sees Tang Ying here
won't that give us away?
Harboring a princess consort is a crime of lese-majeste!
Lang, Cao Cao is targeting me.
It's also my fault for having implicated the entire family.
This isn't Ying's fault.
I'll think of a way to deal with the commandant's guards.
You'll think of a way? How?
As long as Tang Ying is here
Cao Cao has the excuse to pick on us anytime.
Heed my advice and send her away.
Cao Cao might still give us a chance for the sake of our father.
Zhong Da.
Your brother is right.
Whatever the cause, send Miss Tang away for safety.
Father.
Don't you believe that I have the perfect solution?
This is the calamity of the Sima family.
It's best to leave a young lady out of it.
I understand.
Having once said that Cao Meng De is only fit to be a county commandant
was a misjudgment of mine.
20 years have gone by.
Let me tackle this old friend again.
How did you know that I'd come over for dinner?
I just knew.
That's why I asked the cook to prepare your favorite dishes.
I also asked for a bottle of wine.
As for this, this is a local specialty.
Yam pastry.
You can't get it anywhere else.
Here, try some.
I don't drink very well.
But I'd like to have some with you today.
Ying.
It's just some miscellaneous matters.
You don't have to be worried.
Our wedding and future won't be held up by that.
It's just...
It's best for you to stay away in our summer house outside the city
for the next few days.
I'll bring you home after everything is settled.
All right?
Are you worried that when Man Chong gets here
he'll stir up trouble the moment he sees me?
Exactly.
Even if it's just for my sake, you should stay away for some time.
If they see you here, you won't be able to conceal your identity.
We finally rid you of your shackles so that you could be free again.
I don't want you to return to that confinement again.
I won't leave.
I promised Duke Sima that I'd be here
to overcome any danger.
Actually...
I'm also worried to leave you alone in that house to wait for me.
Besides, I already knew that you wouldn't consent to my method.
But you must agree to one condition.
Whatever happens out there, you mustn't leave this room.
Wait here for me.
Just sit by and watch your husband turn the situation around.
All right.
Bottoms up.
[Sima Manor]
Don't let any of them get away!
- Yes! - Yes!
Lord Man.
We can talk this out.
What do you mean by this?
Judging by their murderous looks, could they have come for Miss Tang?
Look at what the Sima family has done all these years!
It's me that Duke Cao wants.
This has nothing to do with my father and brother.
Why would you slaughter our innocent subordinate?
Duke Cao targets you...
Don't you think too highly of yourself?
Arrest them!
Stop right there!
What a treacherous son!
How have I taught you?
The Ministry of Works abuses officials however they please.
Not only did you not dissuade them from doing so
but you even assisted the evildoers!
Father! You don't understand!
You're the one who doesn't understand!
You can't tell right from wrong.
You even came to Sima Manor to arrest them!
You might as well arrest me first!
Grand Commandant Yang!
I'm just following orders.
My apologies.
Apart from Sima Fang and his youngest son, Sima Min
kill the rest of them!
Protect Master!
Attack!
Don't be frightened.
I'm right here.
Kill them!
I dare you!
Ying, you shouldn't have shown yourself.
Princess consorts do not interfere with politics.
Your Highness, please step down.
Since Your Highness refuses to do so
don't blame me for offending you.
Attack!
[Residence of the Military Libationer]
Your Majesty! Please wait a moment!
Your Majesty, I'll inform the libationer to welcome you in.
Your Majesty!
I'll see whoever I want. Why would anyone have to be informed?
Your Majesty!
Greetings, Your Majesty!
- Greetings, Your Majesty! - Long live the emperor!
You are dismissed.
- Yes. - Yes.
Your Majesty came here in haste.
What brings you here?
Libationer Guo, why don't you take a look at this?
[Petition to Minister Cao]
Your Majesty, you've gained much from this trip to Guandu.
This states the rage of hundreds of scholars.
This is also the approach of hundreds of gentries.
I command you not to hold the Sima family accountable.
Otherwise, I'll go against Minister Cao at all costs.
Tell Minister Cao.
I'm no longer that emperor who used to be trampled upon.
Minister Cao is soon heading out to conquer the north.
I'm sure he wouldn't wish to go against so many gentries at such a time.
How could Your Majesty guarantee
that while Minister Cao is away, fighting the war up north
you and the gentries will behave yourselves?
I'll go with Minister Cao to the north.
Is that good enough?
Yes, it is.
Sadly, this assurance came a bit too late.
Libationer Guo, what do you mean?
Please come with me to see Minister Cao, Your Majesty.
If we get there fast enough, we might still save one or two of them.
Your Majesty?
There's a hierarchical relationship between the ruler and subject.
Libationer Guo, please summon Minister Cao
to meet me in the imperial court.
Lord Man!
- Are you all right? - Order your men to step down!
The regulation of the Ministry of Works is that we don't save hostages.
However, if you continue to resist so stubbornly
you might let Minister Cao down for sparing one son of yours.
Don't worry.
I won't kill you.
I just need you to spare me a day.
If no decree arrives in a day
that remits the Sima family of the accusation
how about killing me first?
All right.
One day?
Do you really think that His Majesty can turn this around in a day?
Just one day.
Step down!
Fine.
You can have one more day.
He wants me to meet him in the Imperial Court.
I haven't attended the imperial court in three years.
So much information has been relayed by the eunuchs.
Yet he's now forcing me to go to the imperial court
for the sake of the trivial Sima family.
This time, we've backed the emperor into a corner.
The emperor takes friendship very seriously.
He went through weal and woe with Sima Yi on his journey to Guandu.
It's only natural that he wishes to save him.
Friendship?
Feng Xiao, don't you find this word very bizarre?
Friendship...
His Majesty never had any friendships in the past.
Moreover...
I've also heard that His Majesty is very fond of reading this book.
In the past, he never once cared for such books.
Feng Xiao!
I don't know if this is just my misconception.
But His Majesty is indeed totally different from how he once was.
Father! Father!
Father!
You mustn't kill the Sima family!
Is my son also ganging up with those treacherous subjects to offend me?
I wouldn't dare do so.
Father, you once said that
Marquis of Qi accomplished great feats as he relied on Zhong.
Shanfu, so wise and great, helped King Xuan of the state.
Sima Zhong Da has the ability to rule a nation.
He's a very rare talent.
Once he's killed
it will bitterly disappoint all of the scholars of the world.
I feel bad for Father.
The ability to rule a nation...
Zi Huan.
Bear this in mind.
Only talents that are of service to me
are worthy of my lenience.
Otherwise, he could only be of assistance to our enemies.
If Father pardons him with benevolence, he will surely defect to you.
Not to mention that I still owe Zhong Da my life.
Please show him some mercy, Father.
Spare his life.
I know that you wish to use him.
But how well do you really know this man?
All I know is that if Zhong Da hadn't risked his life to save mine
I'd have been dead a long time ago.
Do you know why he saved you?
Father. Father!
Fa--
[Act cautiously. Don't fret.]
I remember when I first came to the capital
you taught me how to respond to those officials.
Now that I think about it, it seems as if life just passed me by.
Indeed.
Your Majesty is already able to make your own judgments.
There's nothing for me to teach you anymore.
However, Minister Cao could be an exception.
Later on, is there anything I should pay special attention to?
So as to avoid bowing to the emperor
he hasn't attended the imperial court for three years.
I don't know how the late emperor would respond to Cao Cao.
It's good that both he and I are unfamiliar with each other.
This is a chance for him to meet a different side of the emperor.
Cao Cao...
Will he really come here?
Your Majesty, Minister Cao is here.
Summon Minister Cao into the hall.
Summon Minister Cao into the hall!
Summon Minister Cao into the hall.
Minister Cao, please remove your sword and shoes!
Your Majesty has improved.
You are dismissed.
I've invited Minister Cao over today
to negotiate a deal with you.
If Minister Cao wishes to win the war in one single battle
and pacify the Central Plain
let the Sima family off immediately.
The hundreds of gentries in the three provinces, You, Bing, and Qing
are indeed not to be undermined.
Your Majesty should have kept the forces you gained from Yuan Shao
and strengthened them quietly.
Once I set out to conquer the north
the capital will fall into the hands of Your Majesty.
However, Your Majesty revealed your forces prematurely
to threaten me.
The trivial Sima family.
Do they matter so much to Your Majesty?
Yes.
I can't bear to see Minister Cao take innocent lives.
The gentries of the Central Plain can't tolerate that either.
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