Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 43]
Your Majesty.
The imperial court already abolished the post of the chancellor
to prevent any official from being in position of high authority.
Cao Cao is the Minister of Works.
He's still constrained by the Three Excellencies.
The Three Excellencies are abolished if there's a chancellor.
In the future, I won't be able to keep him in check.
I wonder why Your Majesty would connive with Cao Cao.
Your Majesty.
Once Cao Cao assumes a dominant post
it'll be even easier for him to turn you into a figurehead.
Will he not have authority if I don't make him the chancellor?
But you still shouldn't hold a candle to the devil!
You must sow before you reap.
I definitely have to save Sima Yi.
However, it isn't such a terrible choice to make Cao Cao the chancellor.
Instead of having him fight for it
I might as well give him what he wants so as to make him compromise.
Therefore, just for the sole safety of Sima Yi
would you leave the imperial family in the lurch?
I just think that so long as Cao Cao isn't stupid
he shouldn't regard the power struggle
against the imperial family as his priority.
Sun Quan, Liu Biao, and Liu Bei are his biggest opponents.
He yearns for the nation to be united.
In terms of this goal, I should assist him in achieving it.
I shouldn't be hindering him in every way
and thus drawing his attention to his power struggle against us.
Father.
When we went head on against Cao Cao, we suffered a great many casualties.
Even Grand Commandant Yang was nearly implicated as well.
However, it's the imperial family's best chance to gain strength
when we support Cao Cao in pacifying the nation.
It was so in Guandu as well as Wuhuan.
Didn't we show our people the power of the imperial family
through those two battles?
Your Majesty, it's easy to set a tiger free into the wild but not to tame it.
Although the current peaceful situation seems to benefit the imperial family
it will be a calamity for us if Cao Cao becomes even more powerful.
Your Majesty, Elder Statesman Fu is right!
Please rest assured.
I'm no longer that easy to annihilate.
Sima Yi, receive the decree.
Allow me to ask a question.
Is this His Majesty's imperial decree or Minister Cao's?
The imperial decree is certainly written by His Majesty.
Moreover, His Majesty appointed my father as the chancellor.
He's abolished the Three Excellencies.
There's no longer the Minister of Works.
Sima Yi, receive the decree!
Yes, I hereby receive the decree.
Sima Yi of Wen County is resolute, daring, outstanding.
Clever and distinguished.
Due to his merit in rescuing the emperor
the exception of the Eight Deliberations applies.
He's pardoned for his misdeeds.
He's appointed as the chancellor's administrative official of literature.
By the emperor himself.
Who said that I'd serve in your manor in order to stay alive?
This is the emperor's decree.
Will Zhong Da defy it as well?
[Zhong Da, you have the talent to achieve great things in life]
[so join me in ruling this world. Cao Pi.]
You dare to employ me?
Aren't you going to ask me where Yang Ping is?
Compared to Zhong Da, Yang Ping doesn't matter.
As long as Zhong Da lives
the day you pledge allegiance to me will come.
As for the other matters, I can put up with them.
[Royal Manor of Hongnong]
I'd like to discuss some important matters with Your Majesty in private.
You're dismissed.
- Yes. - Yes.
What took you so long?
Did you have a hard time in the prison?
Who are you to make such a decision for me?
This is the palace.
Can you not make me look bad?
Do you think you can order me about because you're the emperor?
No one dares to make me act against my will.
You sold me, and at the price of a chancellor.
You really are so stupid!
Zhong Da, you should know why I made such a choice.
Cao Cao already holds a greater authority than a chancellor should.
I've only done him a favor at a small cost.
I'm willing to cooperate with him, but not by replacing my empress.
Only by taking a step back can we reconcile for now.
As for Cao Pi, he truly admires your talent.
I'll need him to protect you.
If you help him with some matters that won't harm the imperial family
it won't be seen as picking on me.
Cao Pi?
How dare you even mention Cao Pi to me?
If you had allowed me to kill him in Lulong as I planned
would any of this have happened today?
Would the princess consort have had to show up to plead on my behalf?
Great.
Cao Cao takes even more precaution against Tang Ying now.
I'm also constrained in every way in Cao Cao's manor.
We can't even see each other.
If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have returned with you.
I should've just let you fend for yourself.
I know that I've made a mistake.
I also know that you mean well.
Stop being mad at me.
Let me make it up to you this once.
What?
Come and see it for yourself.
What can't be discussed out there?
There are matters that can only be discussed in here.
Prefect Xun is still waiting for me outside.
Wait in here for a while.
What are you up to?
Who is it?
Who are you?
What is a princess consort doing here?
This is the only place where I can see you.
What are you scared of?
I'm not holding a sword.
The tenderness around my fingers is surely better than some tempered steel.
Your hands...
You've lured away my life and soul.
How can a princess consort plead for a mere scholar before those officials?
Aren't you afraid of the rumors that might arise?
I wanted to... break you out of the prison.
You mustn't.
When I was in prison, do you know what I feared the most?
I was afraid that you'd come, masked, to rescue me.
If you'd done so, I wouldn't have gone with you.
They used you as their tool to take lives.
But it's different now.
You have me.
I can protect you.
I can also protect myself.
You're Sima Yi's wife.
No matter what happens from now on
you're not to do that again.
Do you understand?
I had wanted to... look for a place with great scenery.
We'd stay there and never return.
However, if we did so...
I understand.
You know me well.
You want me to realize my ambition.
Don't be scared.
Have you thought about it?
The Princess Consort of Han can't be remarried.
Nor can I have children.
My father has eight sons.
I'm not the only one who can carry on our bloodline.
Right now...
all I want is you.
What's wrong?
You...
Could you be...
You... It can't be that you've never done it?
I haven't.
In the past, the late Prince of Hongnong witnessed my skills in martial arts.
He had been frightened of me since we got married.
It was because I kept my sword by my pillow.
So...
he never dared to share my bed.
This is great.
I'm so thankful to him.
Tomorrow, I'll bring him the three meats as offerings.
I've been rendered homeless tonight.
I'm here in hopes that my empress will take me in out of sympathy.
You'd even lend your bed to someone else.
So much for coming up with such an idea.
Aren't you afraid that the historians will have that recorded?
Zhong Da and Sister Tang are finally reunited after such a misfortune.
They should have an exceptional nuptial night together.
When the nation is finally united
I'll be sure to host their wedding personally.
The historians will record this beautiful romance of a lifetime.
Are you unhappy about it?
Do you think that Zhong Da has violated the princess consort?
I also wish every happiness for Sister Tang.
They only get to spend such a short time together.
We shouldn't disturb them.
I've told the Prefect of Official Carriages and Palace Gates
that I'm having Sima Yi over to discuss political issues.
They are to close the gates at the regulated time.
Good.
The days I've spent with you are all of my happiest times.
Young Master Sima.
His Majesty has arranged a carriage to escort you back secretly.
Should anyone ask about it
tell them that you've been discussing political issues
with His Majesty all night so...
I want to see His Majesty.
There's an important matter to discuss.
Yes. Young Master Sima, this way, please.
Zhong Da, are you here to thank your matchmaker?
Zhong Da, if there's nothing else to discuss
you should leave the palace quickly.
It's likely to draw suspicion if you stay any longer.
I have to tell you about an important matter.
What is it?
You...
You and the empress...
How are things?
The empress and I get along really well.
So the two of you...
Did you do "that"?
- That. - What's that?
Consummate your marriage.
It happened when the timing was right.
We already...
Well...
on the night you consummated the marriage
you...
how did you...
Why are you asking me?
Didn't you and Sister Tang already--
Could it be that you...
Didn't you teach me a lot about those matters?
Sometimes, learning the theories and putting it into practice is different.
Besides, not every battle is won in one round.
Your Majesty, what are you so happy about?
Zhong--
Zhong Da--
If you dare to tell her, I'll kill you.
Understand?
Greetings, General of the Household.
Why hasn't Zhong Da reported to work yet?
Master Sima was summoned to the palace by His Majesty last night.
It's said that he's there for a consultation.
He has yet to return.
They are so brazen.
Isn't he a bit too arrogant?
It's been two days since His Majesty has returned to the palace.
Prefect Xun, you have yet to resume the lectures with His Majesty.
Could it be that you fear the presence of the emperor?
Duke Wen He and I pulled off such a huge feat.
Now that Duke Cao has returned, aren't you worried at all?
We deployed soldiers without a military command.
This is already a severe military offense.
Fortunately, exceptions can be made in an emergency.
Duke Cao has the magnanimity of a hero.
He won't reprimand you in public.
However, Duke Cao is unruly and suspicious by nature.
He appears to be forgiving but bears a grudge in private.
I'm already on my last legs.
I have one foot in my grave.
Yet Prefect Xun still has a career ahead of you, so you must think twice.
Duke Wen He, you've actually always kept
the imperial family at the back of your mind.
People of my generation are already too old.
We're so old that we can't forsake this dynasty.
Aren't you just like us, Prefect Xun?
I still remember that time you offered Duke Cao a strategy.
You suggested that he holds the emperor in high regard
to command those who are disloyal.
Who knew that one day
that would become coercing the emperor to threaten the feudal lords.
It's just a small difference in the choice of words
but it makes a world of difference.
Duke Wen He conveyed such a meaningful message through a few words.
I wonder if you have any good solutions to this.
Doesn't Prefect Xun always know what you should actually do?
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Do rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I have to thank Prefect Xun for deploying the reinforcements in time.
Otherwise, only my remains at the northern frontier would be left.
I'm... ashamed.
Is Prefect Xun still secretly concerned about some matters?
Are you afraid that Duke Cao would blame you for deploying the army?
How is my life of any concern?
However, this matter will implicate a great many others.
I'm worried about those officials and the scholars.
If I choose to reconcile with Chancellor Cao
will I be able to set your mind at ease?
Your Majesty, you mean...
I've thought this through carefully.
Chancellor Cao and I actually share the same wish.
We both work tirelessly all day and night
in hopes of ending the war soon so that the nation can be at peace.
If that is so
why don't we put aside our past grudges to unite the nation sooner?
Your Majesty...
you really are so different from how you once were.
That was also Libationer Guo's last wish.
Chancellor Cao has the expertise in both civil and military affairs.
He has great aspirations for the nation.
Both Libationer Guo and you are important officials of the Han Empire.
As long as we stay united
why should we worry that the nation can't be at peace?
Your Majesty's holiness and virtues
are bright and clear as the sun and moon
and thriving as the stars.
You lit the path up for me amidst the fog.
Even in death, I'll forever be grateful for your graciousness.
I'm so incompetent.
I couldn't seek out the truth before your death, Libationer Guo.
If you're watching over us
I'll be sure to do my best in giving you a satisfactory answer.
Your subject, Man Chong, greets Your Majesty.
Lord Man, do rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Libationer Guo...
Hebei and the Central Plain are now united.
May I be so bold as to ask Your Majesty
what Libationer Guo said before he passed away?
Before Libationer Guo passed away he said...
[The late military libationer of Han, Duke Guo's memorial tablet]
The late military libationer of Han...
Han...
The memorial tablet was carved according to my calligraphy.
I think...
Libationer Guo won't object to this title if he's watching over us.
I actually knew that in many situations
Libationer Guo took to protecting the imperial family.
That was because Libationer Guo cared not for just one family or surname
but the entire sovereign and people.
Before Libationer Guo passed away
he hoped that I could collaborate with Chancellor Cao
to bring peace to the world.
I wonder what Chancellor Cao thinks about that?
Bring peace to the world together, indeed.
If so, I'll deploy the army to Jing Province immediately
and take over the Jiangdong area.
I wonder if Your Majesty will support me.
I will.
I can guarantee you that the capital remains peaceful
so you can do your best in conquering down south.
Did Libationer Guo make this map?
Before we even set out to Guandu
he already predicted that I'd unite the Hebei Commandery.
This map...
I'd like to keep it in the palace.
Your Majesty really is deeply fond of Libationer Guo.
Before he passed away, he also made another suggestion.
I wonder if Your Majesty has considered it.
I'll never consent to it.
Your Majesty and Feng Xiao appreciated each other.
You should know that he never made any miscalculations.
Your Majesty has to marry my daughter and confer her as the empress.
You must anoint my grandson as the crown prince.
This will be the best method to stay on good terms with me for the next 20 years.
You'd have me sacrifice my personal relationship for politics.
There are principles of mine that can't be compromised.
Even if Libationer Guo comes back to life
I won't agree to it.
Your Majesty, you know...
back in the day, you'd never have said anything like that.
I remembered that you promised to assist me.
You must be drunk.
Am I not already serving in your government now?
Stop hoaxing me.
Who doesn't know that although you're here under my roof
you are actually on His Majesty's side?
I've only invited you over here today to ask a favor of you.
Don't worry.
This won't cause any harm to your imperial family.
Please do tell, Young Master.
My father was conferred a new title.
He will soon appoint his heir.
Cao Zhi has gradually grown up.
I'd like Zhong Da to assist me in being chosen as the heir.
According to the ancestral code, the elder son is to be chosen.
You're the chancellor's legal first born son.
There's no need for me to put in a good word for you.
The public opinion and social justice will be in your favor.
Zhong Da, don't you know that my father is never swayed by public opinion?
I learned archery when I was six years old.
I rode horses when I turned eight.
Since I turned 10, I've been going on expeditions with my father.
I witnessed the loss and disorder.
The bones were strewn over thousands of miles.
Alas, for the grieving folks, there is no one to trust.
How could I not wish to attain my own achievements
and save the people from their suffering?
However, no matter how hard I try
my father has never been satisfied with me.
In my father's mind...
only Zi Jian mattered.
The four seasons gallop on, abandoning me.
What do I want by living in obscurity and poverty?
To be born and live between Heaven and Earth
it is as fleeting as a bird perching on a withered branch.
What do I want by living in obscurity and poverty?
In the 13th year of the Jian An Reign
Cao Cao unleashed all of his armed forces to conquer Jing Province.
He intended to take down Jiangdong area in one battle.
We wish Chancellor Cao great victory in seizing Jing Province once and for all!
Set out!
Zhong Da, you've returned.
Lang. Father.
What brings you here?
Father heard that you're now the chancellor's administrative official
so he insisted on visiting you.
You were first imprisoned
and employed by the chancellor's government.
The shocking news just kept coming.
Zhong Da, I'm really worried about you!
Father... I'm an unfilial son.
I've made Father worried.
Get up.
Miss Tang--
Princess Consort Tang. Is she still with you?
Father, she's your daughter-in-law.
Who would she be with if not me?
Whatever the outcome might be of Chancellor Cao's expedition to the east
the situation in the capital is sure to become more intense.
You're here alone right in the middle of this whirlpool of chaos.
It really is too dangerous!
Father.
I'm not caught in the whirlpool of chaos.
That's Yi He.
Besides, you've already handed over all of the assets you have to me.
Doesn't this mean that you don't wish to stay aloof of it all?
Don't worry.
As long as I'm here, the Sima Family won't be implicated.
I thought that once Guo Jia was dead, everything would come to an end.
Judging by what you just said, why isn't this over yet?
This isn't as simple as that.
I sensed there was a hidden force that has yet to give up.
Moreover...
it's getting closer to the day when Yi He's true identity will be revealed.
A hidden force? You mean...
Lang.
I have yet to find out.
Therefore, I can only play it by ear.
When the truth is finally revealed, I can then take the initiative.
Father, don't worry.
For the sake of Yi He and the entire Sima clan
I'll be sure to give it my all.
You and Yi He were both fond of that since you were little.
I brought you some.
Thank you, Father.
Yi He!
Open it and take a look.
It's the honey rice cake.
Did you relocate your cook here?
You went to such lengths to bring me dessert?
Don't be so full of yourself.
My father and Lang were here.
Uncle Sima and Lang are visiting?
Take me to them now.
They know that they mustn't meet up with you.
They're already heading back to Wen County.
In a blink of the eye, I've already been gone from home for so long.
I really miss Uncle Sima and Lang.
Yi He.
Since you've chosen to be the emperor
you have to break off all of the relationships that Yang Ping once had.
I thought that I could meet up with all of you while Cao Cao is away.
Shouldn't you hurry up with getting some important matters done
while Cao Cao is away?
Are you busy snuggling up to your wife?
Snuggling up to both of you is my priority.
I've been thinking...
Since Cao Cao is away
what I can maneuver in his absence is the will of the people.
It's not just his subjects.
But also that of the Cao family's heir.
You've just hit the nail on the head.
Since Cao Cao was conferred a title
he's bound to appoint an heir when he returns.
Cao Zi Huan or Cao Zi Jian...
Which of them could benefit you the most as the heir?
Judging by temperament
it's naturally Cao Zhi I see eye to eye with.
If he can succeed Cao Cao
he'll be the one to stay on the best terms with the imperial family.
However, Cao Pi once went through weal and woe with me.
He risked his life for me. He's a loyal friend.
I mustn't let him down.
Yi He.
You already knew who the best choice would be.
Why would you still let your emotions get the better of you?
You know that Cao Pi shows no restraint in flaunting his abilities.
He's way too ambitious.
He would never agree to let the imperial family survive.
Do you mean to persuade Cao Cao to abolish his elder son
and appoint his youngest son?
Exactly.
Abolish the eldest son and appoint the youngest one.
You have to make an effort to make Cao Zhi the heir of Cao Cao.
If so, you'll be able to create a cushion
for any future impact on the imperial family.
Do you understand?
I do have ways to get that done.
I can have Cui Yan to establish a marital bond with Cao Zhi.
Cao Cao also hopes that Cao Zhi can be supported by the officials.
It's just that if I do so...
I feel as though I've let Cao Pi down.
Yi He...
You're not a fool at all.
But why are you so sentimental?
This will only get you into trouble.
You'll have to learn from me in this aspect.
What am I to learn from you?
Should I learn to be heartless like you?
If you truly are so heartless
how could you possibly visit the palace just to bring me dessert?
You'd see me as sentimental just because of some dessert?
Be careful. You won't even discover that you've been sold.
Do you think you can beguile me into running away with just some dessert?
One day, when I'm really sick of being the emperor
why don't you take my place instead?
Will you?
I'm too lazy.
I'm not suitable for a job that makes me attend the imperial court...
so early in the morning.
It's better to leave such a tough task to you.
I'll just snuggle up in the arms of my lover.
Don't let those snacks go to waste.
Right after Sima Yi's father and eldest brother visited
he immediately came to the palace.
It seems that Wen County has always been the supportive force behind His Majesty.
It seems that the chancellor has turned a blind eye to it.
If we insist on investigating, will we infuriate the chancellor?
It's just his contingency plan.
Continue to keep a close eye on Sima Yi, his father, and brothers.
Report to me if anything seems amiss.
Yes.
Subtitles by DramaFever