Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 12]
I've heard that there's a skilled warrior serving under Young Master Yang.
He's skilled in flicking pebbles.
It's him.
However, he doesn't obey my command.
Who is it that you speak of?
This man is Xu Fu.
He used to be a ranger.
He was arrested after seeking revenge for someone.
He was tormented in prison.
My father saved him as he deemed him loyal.
Since then, Xu Fu has concealed his identity.
He only obeys my father's command.
When Dong Cheng rose in rebellion
was he also the one who killed five of my agents?
Exactly.
At that time, I was working undercover at Dong Cheng's.
Some matters had to be taken care of.
Lord Man, please forgive me.
Do you already know what happened at the ritual?
I just heard about it.
Xu Fu happened to be there and rescued Young Master Cao.
It's considered a huge merit.
Oh?
He happened to be there?
His Majesty had to attend the ritual outside the palace
just days after the rebellion.
It's worrying to know that His Majesty was out in the public.
Therefore, my father sent Xu Fu to protect His Majesty in secret.
That's a veteran official's patriotic behavior.
Didn't he end up being a great help?
Kneel.
If you even dare utter a lie, I'll have you killed right away.
Do you understand?
I understand.
The imperial family of Han is in peril.
His Majesty and I are taking action.
I believe you must have noticed recently.
You've served by my side for two years.
I only regarded you as clever, cautious, and dutiful.
Therefore, I've always treated you as my confidant.
However, I didn't know that you kept me in the dark all this time.
I would never dare to deceive Your Highness.
Your father isn't some scholar in the village.
You also didn't study medicine after you came to the palace.
Am I right?
Your Highness, you're so observant.
What exactly is your background?
Who is your mentor?
Why did you deceive Grand Commandant Yang in order to enter the palace?
My mentor is known as Hua Tuo.
Before I entered the palace, I was raised by my mentor.
The miraculous physician, Hua Tuo?
Yes.
The Art of the Five Creatures that I mentioned
was in fact created by my mentor.
However, five years ago
my senior infuriated our mentor.
Our mentor had us castrated and driven out of his school.
Later, I served under Palace Steward Wang Bi
and saw to Grand Commandant Yang's illness.
Grand Commandant Yang appreciated my talent
and sent me into the palace to serve Your Highness.
You had been out and about in the pugilist world.
Why would you be willing to be a servant in the palace?
If someone offers you a high position and wages, will you take it?
Although I'm disabled, I'm still trained in medical practice.
I've already looked past one's life and death.
If life and death matter not
what is there to covet wealth for?
Your Highness need not worry that I could be bribed!
What is it that you seek in being a eunuch?
I don't believe that it's just to make a living.
Your Majesty, the Minister of Work's concubine
Lady Bian seeks audience.
Summon her in.
Summon Lady Bian!
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Do rise.
On behalf of my son and Minister Cao
I kowtow in gratitude to Your Majesty for saving my son's life.
The entire Cao household will forever be grateful to Your Majesty
for saving my son's life.
I only did what I should've.
Madam, please do get up.
I am here to impeach a person.
Who is it?
County Magistrate of Xu, Man Chong.
Sister-in-law, this is--
Pi nearly died.
Yet here you are, debating over a pebble.
I'd like to ask Lord Man.
Since the Commandant's Office of Xu claims to enforce airtight security
and gets hold of all information
you nearly sent out all of your men to protect the venue.
Of all people, why did you overlook a highly skilled assassin like Wang Yue?
Wang Yue... How did he manage to locate Pi's position so quickly?
When Pi was attacked, everyone flew into great panic.
His Majesty attended to his injuries personally.
Man Chong, why weren't you shocked by the incident at all?
Instead, you were so quick to find a pebble thrown by someone.
Man Chong...
Could you explain this to me?
It's entirely my fault for having failed to discover the culprit
and put the young master in danger.
A few days ago, you led Zhang Xiu here to watch the Ministry of Works.
Pi reprimanded you.
I even punished him in your defense.
Now that I think about it
since you allowed Zhang Xiu to stand guard around our manor
everything you said and did was targeted at me and my son.
Pi managed to see right through that better than any of the adults here!
Man Chong...
Are you trying to get rid of Pi by making use of that assassin?
Ever since I served in the imperial court
I've always been loyal to my master.
I've never once had second thoughts.
Sister-in-law, this is too big a label to pin on him.
I don't think Man Chong can handle it.
Besides, no one wished to see Zi Huan injured!
Madam, please appease your anger.
I understand Lady Bian's affection for her son.
Man Chong might have made the mistake of oversight
but I believe that he wouldn't have the intention to harm his master.
Your Majesty, please do punish him for his oversight.
According to the law and the military law
how should he be punished for indulging an assassin?
Prefect Xun.
General Cao?
Suspend Man Chong of his duty as the county magistrate.
We'll handle this matter after I've reported it to Minister Cao.
I wonder if Your Majesty...
and Madam are pleased with this suggestion?
As long as Lady Bian and Duke Cao are pleased, it's fine.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Madam.
Your Highness, do you still remember that five years ago
before you entered the palace...
famine struck your hometown, Langya Commandery?
Back then, Your Highness...
You brought out rations from home to offer to the people.
At that time, I had just been punished by my mentor.
I was in great despair and wanted to die!
I cowered under a tree like a beggar.
It was Your Highness...
Your Highness, you came personally...
with two pastries... and left them in my arms.
I don't remember that.
But I do!
The past few years... felt like a lifetime for me.
I've forgotten a lot that happened in the past.
Get up.
Your Highness was quite similar to how His Majesty is now.
I don't overlook the consequences like he does.
Since he exposed his skills in martial arts and medicine
I don't think that Man Chong will believe your explanation
even though you meant to cover up for him.
My mentor wrote a book.
It's called the "Book of the Green Salve."
It says in this book that sleep is the best nourishment of all.
It means that the first reaction one makes when frightened
is the best portrayal of one's mind.
Back then, His Majesty held Your Highness in his arms to escape.
He couldn't have considered the disadvantage of exposing his skills.
He simply didn't wish to see Your Highness injured.
Your Highness.
Fu Wan and Yang Xiu seek audience.
Take two days off first.
My brother is well aware of your contributions.
He wouldn't punish you.
This is indeed due to my incompetence.
I can't shirk responsibility for Second Young Master's injury.
Lady Bian can't help but get worked up upon seeing Young Master wounded.
In a few days when Lady Bian calms down, it will all be fine.
Even if Lady Bian doesn't blame me
they will look for a chance put me in a tight spot.
They think that I won't be able to keep investigating
once I'm removed from my post.
Little do they know that Libationer Guo will soon return.
Greetings, Your Highness. Long live the empress.
Elder Statesman, please do rise.
Young Master Yang, do rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Leng Shou Guang.
Wait outside.
Yes.
His Majesty isn't like what we thought he was.
We have already explained to the officials.
His Majesty is learning skills in medical practice and martial arts
to strengthen his physique.
Leng Shou Guang is indeed highly skilled in medical practice.
We can deceive them.
He wouldn't be Man Chong if he'd believe such explanations.
His Majesty has already exposed enough.
His Majesty saved Cao Pi.
He took such actions in prudence.
This was to win the trust of the Cao family.
But he left very abruptly before.
What strategy was that?
He's a living being, not some puppet.
If we want him to be the emperor, we can't keep him in the dark.
Your Highness, you seem to agree with His Majesty's actions.
Did the late emperor's plan work?
Who is the one caught in the beauty's snare?
How impudent!
When lives are at stake, you shouldn't worry about hierarchy.
Once he is out of control, you'll be the first one to be at risk.
Since you're so sensitive
have you yet to consummate the marriage with His Majesty?
The late emperor still knew men better.
He knew how to make them obedient.
Your Highness, what you're doing could let you rule the world.
Why would you concern yourself with secular ethics and rites?
I'm the daughter of a prestigious academic family.
I'm also the empress of the Han Empire.
He is a man of moral ethics.
I have my own way in teaching him.
However, as for you, Young Master Yang
since you assisted him to the throne, he is your emperor.
Be sure to honor your duty as a subject.
You're now actually our biggest risk.
Don't make me resort to extreme measures
to punish a subject who stepped out of line.
Your Highness, do take your time... in teaching him then.
Your Highness is here preaching to me about moral ethics
but haven't you thought of what the world would make of the empress
who slept with her brother-in-law?
Therefore, you shouldn't be debating with me
about who is the most likely to expose our plans, should you?
I'll take my leave.
They fell for each other so soon?
Lord Man.
Are you really going to leave?
I've been temporarily removed from my post.
You can still report to me if anything comes up.
I won't shirk my responsibilities.
It wasn't Wang Yue who killed Sun Yi.
I've examined Sun Yi's wounds very carefully.
The doctors might not be able to tell the difference
but warriors like us are familiar with wounds made by swords.
Sun Yi was stabbed in the same spot by two different swords.
Then lethal blow wasn't dealt by a highly skilled swordsman.
If Tang Ying were that female assassin, she couldn't have stabbed him.
Only Sima Yi and Tang Ying survived.
The Sima family...
Sima Yi's father is Duke Cao's benefactor.
He was recommended by Prefect Xun.
He betrayed Tang Ying but silenced Sun Yi for her.
The Sima family took in the late Yang Ping.
They are on close terms with Yang Jun.
Yang Jun is Yang Biao's nephew...
The Sima family offends no one.
They are really hard to figure out.
Wang Yue happened to get rid of Sun Yi, who puts Tang Ying at a disadvantage.
He also wounded Second Young Master and had you suspended for it.
If his assassination was planned...
whoever planned it is too clever.
Xiu!
Father, you're here.
Did you send Xu Fu there?
Yes.
Where did you get the information?
It was from Hebei Commandery.
I heard that Wang Yue was traveling south and I knew what he had in mind.
If he wants to take lives, what day is better than today?
Why didn't you inform His Majesty?
Isn't it even better for him to make a mess?
No, this is a critical period.
We can't take such risks.
You shouldn't contact Yuan Shao again.
Father, the Ministry of Works is already distracted by Dong Cheng's rebellion.
Man Chong was also challenged by Lady Bian.
The Ministry of Works is a wreck because of Cao Pi's injury.
They no longer have the energy to spy on His Majesty.
The imperial family has never been safer.
Father, did I not play this game well?
But that man will soon return.
Guo Jia?
So?
Cao Cao is having difficulties at the battlefront.
Yuan Shao's army can make it past the Yellow River anytime.
Those serving Cao Cao have their own axes to grind.
Many could surrender to Yuan Shao.
I don't believe that Guo Jia would remain in the capital for long
under such perilous and unstable circumstances.
We'll see what tricks he has up his sleeves.
Xiu, bear this saying in mind.
Xun Yu once said it and so did Chen Gong.
Even just a few days ago, Jia Xu also said this to me.
This saying is...
Guo Jia never makes a mistake!
Are you still mad at me for saving Cao Pi?
And for exposing your martial arts skills to save me!
Has it never crossed your mind to save yourself first?
Didn't you think that your actions would implicate others?
It all happened in a split second.
I didn't have the time to think at all.
I only acted instinctively.
I can't allow a young man to die without doing anything.
All the more, I have to save you.
Is compassion your only natural trait?
If you still intend to survive on compassion
don't bother staying.
I thought about many matters when I was away for a day.
I had wanted to escape to Jiangnan with Zhong Da
and live in seclusion, away from everyone else.
I had also wished that I could be ruthless like my brother
and overlook any sacrifice so as to fulfill his ambition.
But when I returned, I realized that none of that was what I wanted.
Nor was it my true intention.
What is your true intention?
When I saw Cao Pi struggling for his life
I was suddenly enlightened.
The true intention that brought me back here is...
saving lives.
Saving you. Saving the world.
That will save the imperial family of Han.
I'm a meek man.
I can't be cold and ruthless like my brother.
He was an emperor of military skills while I'm well-learned in civil affairs.
Although we take a different approach, we both fight for the imperial family.
I'll use my method to fulfill my promise.
You can never have the best of both worlds.
Your Majesty will soon understand the price we have to pay for compassion.
Sometimes, holding on to one's true intention... can be selfish.
You can regard me as being selfish.
But I know that I won't sacrifice you.
Even Leng Shou Guang knows that you sleep on the floor.
If anyone in Cao Cao's manor saw the emperor sleeping on the floor
wouldn't that make us a laughing stock?
All right.
I'll sleep on the bed.
When the situation is more stable
you can choose a young lady of your liking as a concubine.
I don't need one.
But it mustn't be Cao Cao's daughter.
I have absolutely no interest in the young mistress of the Cao family.
I'm just taking precaution.
After all...
I'm your sister-in-law.
It's too dangerous if others can tell that you're discontent.
Besides...
the imperial family will need a prince to soothe the people's minds.
Think about the kind of young lady you fancy and let me know.
I'll pick one for you.
The young lady I fancy is actually...
I really am old now.
It's already spring but I still have to stay near the fireplace.
You've been removed from your post, so now you finally have the time
to drink with an old fellow like me.
Libationer Guo told me to give General Jia a good treat.
Is it to plump me up so that he can slaughter me himself?
General, you're so humorous.
Libationer Guo thinks most highly of General Jia.
Is there anyone Guo Jia looks up to?
With that compliment, I'll have to drink this up even if it costs me my life.
General Jia first served Dong Zhuo
Li Jue, Guo Si, and then Zhang Xiu.
You sought betterment of yourself among a pack of wolves.
They were the most devious and ruthless people of our times.
General, you're more skillful than them.
Doesn't this make you admirable?
In terms of deviousness, I won't vie against Libationer Guo.
My old bag of bones can't take that much flattery.
Guo Jia mentored you.
Deep down, you're just like Guo Jia.
You're far more ambitious than you seem.
Go on.
What favor do you wish to ask of me?
General, do you know His Majesty well?
I can't say that I know him well.
When Dong Zhuo and I went to Chang'an
His Majesty was only 12 years old.
He was just an arch prince.
The eunuch faction rose to power in the palace
so he and his older brother fled to a farm together.
When facing Dong Zhuo
his older brother was too frightened to utter a word.
However, our young emperor ordered Dong Zhuo to greet them with etiquette.
His demeanor and tone were calmer and firmer than an adult's.
Even Dong Zhuo had to admit that he's tougher than his older brother.
Do you think that His Majesty was different when you last met him?
You see him every day.
Can you not tell if he has changed?
Since the Battle of Guandu started
the changes in His Majesty have become more and more noticeable.
This battle is crucial.
It will also affect His Majesty.
I'm wondering if Yuan Shao of Hebei has anything to do with such changes in him.
You suspect that the emperor is colluding with Yuan Shao?
The emperor has no allies.
I can't understand why he'd act up and even sacrifice Dong Cheng.
Tang Ying... Sima Yi...
I can arrest them when I have solid evidence.
All except for His Majesty...
Therefore...
please feel him out for me, General Jia.
He gets the most worked up when he faces you.
Perhaps that will make him expose his intention more easily.
You wish to tackle the princess consort and even the emperor.
You're quite bold.
General Jia's scope of operation is shocking enough
to startle both gods and ghosts.
Yet here you are, asking about my boldness.
You're too anxious.
The meat is still raw.
I'm already old.
Back then, it was just a squabble between a few feudal lords.
But now, the capital is a gamble between the emperor and officials.
The stormy waves are much stronger than what we had back then.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
General Jia.
What is so important that you're here so early in the morning?
Did I tell you to get up?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
I'm too old now and these old bones of mine
can't stand being on such hard floors.
I'm afraid it wouldn't be decent if I sprawled out on the floor.
Your Majesty, Minister Cao's libationer, Guo Jia, has returned to the capital.
It's good that Libationer Guo has returned from the front line.
Convey my decree to summon Guo Jia here.
I'd like to ask him about the situation in Guandu.
Yes.
General Jia, what brings you here?
I'm here to report his return.
Now that Your Majesty has been informed, I have nothing else to report.
I'll take my leave.
Take care, Your Majesty.
Fortune isn't smiling on the emperor.
The emperor has his destiny.
Why would he need any luck?
Does this mean that Young Master Yang was already informed of it?
Young man.
Don't play with fire.
For the sake of your father...
and the emperor.
Sir, please spare me some change.
Please spare me some change, sir.
We haven't eaten for a long time.
Please spare me some change, sir.
Please do a good deed, sir.
What is it about the capital, Xu Chang, that made you take a trip back?
In the past six months
many have come to the capital, some known, and some suspicious.
It's such an interesting place.
Lord Man.
Welcome back, Libationer Guo!
Are you Man Chong?
I'm just here to pick up the medication.
There's no point in making a fuss and drawing attention to me.
I understand.
Therefore, I came alone to welcome you.
I wonder if Libationer Guo's health--
[Guo Jia, courtesy name Feng Xiao] Am I not doing just fine?
I can recuperate for a day or two in the capital.
I've let you down, Libationer Guo.
I didn't manage to get rid of those I was supposed to.
Yesterday, I was impeached by Lady Bian.
It's no wonder you were in such a rush to see me.
You feel wronged.
Hop in.
I wouldn't dare.
I'll take a walk with Libationer Guo.
Lady Bian will be easy to handle.
Leave it to me.
What do you think about Yang Xiu?
He's clever and cunning.
He is not to be trusted.
But it was because of him that we overcame Dong Cheng's revolt.
Therefore, we can still make use of him for now.
Is defeating the mere Dong Cheng worth celebrating?
I had suspected that Yang Xiu could be working for the emperor.
However, if it is so
they sacrificed Dong Cheng, Consort Dong, and so many of their armed forces
just to plant Yang Xiu among us by plotting on such a grand scale.
Doesn't their loss outweigh their gain?
Look at that man who is selling taro by the road.
He is also yelling out, "Selling below cost!"
I understand.
I'll be sure to investigate Yang Xiu thoroughly
to find out what their motive is and what their future plans are.
Don't bother.
I'll save him a good spot.
Libationer Guo.
You're not in the best of health. Do drink less.
Which doctor has been seeing to your health recently?
I'm well aware of my own illness.
I can nurse myself back to health.
You said that you returned to get treatment and prescriptions.
But you've been discussing such annoying matters since you got here.
If he's sick of living, why should you care?
How dare you?
I brought you back with me so I could die in your arms.
Have you met Guo Jia?
When Cao Cao first came to the capital
I saw from afar during imperial court.
You can only understand what some people are like after meeting them.
By calculating the number of people who died in Guo Jia's hands
you can figure out what sort of man he really is.
I heard of his reputation when I was in Wen County.
He assisted Cao Cao in defeating Lü Bu once and for all.
His wit and resourcefulness were rumored to be miraculous.
For us, he isn't some miraculous talent we should look forward to.
He's our most fearsome opponent.
Cao Cao is now caught in the most difficult period in this battle
and yet he allowed Guo Jia to return to the capital.
Don't you find that very strange?
He must have returned because of Dong Cheng's rebellion.
Since he's Cao Cao's most trusted subordinate
he surely won't stay in the capital for long.
We shouldn't take any action yet.
Just stay alert and cautious until he leaves.
Will that do?
Your Majesty.
Do you know what your most fatal weakness is?
I do.
I'm unlike the late emperor.
That's not it.
It's Sima Yi.
You said that His Majesty is different?
Apart from Yang Xiu, is there someone else by His Majesty's side?
Or is anyone missing?
Apart from Zhang Yu, the others are still around.
However, the second young master of Wen County's Sima family
Sima Yi has suddenly come to the capital.
Sima Yi?
Yang Jun's dead son was raised by the Sima family.
Exactly.
Speaking of Sima Yi, he does seem very suspicious.
Yesterday, I went to visit him in his residence.
I tried to ask him things to see if he thought the victim was Yang Ping.
Oh?
How did he answer?
He was resolute and firm in confirming that corpse to be Yang Ping.
There are quite a lot of people
who are eager to admit that their brothers are dead.
Libationer Guo, you mean...
Welcome back, Libationer Guo!
Libationer Guo.
Lady Bian is still mad at me.
I won't head inside.
Just wait out here for a while.
You can come in later after I've reinstated you to your post.
Today?
I don't have the energy to visit the Ministry of Works every day.
I might as well get it done for you while I'm here.
This is...
Thank you, Libationer Guo!
Is this the Ministry of Works?
This is all there is to it?
I thought that Minister Cao applied the rites of the emperor on himself.
Stop trying to enrage him on purpose.
He can't stand any teasing.
Shall we?
[The Ministry of Works]
Libationer Guo has returned.
What?
Libationer Guo has returned?
So what if he's returned?
It isn't as if Father is home.
Anyone there?
Quickly.
Go to Libationer Guo now.
You must invite him over to my room.
I have important matters to tell him.
Go now.
Yes.
Pi, you have yet to recover from such a severe injury.
What's the rush in seeing him?
I don't like that man.
Why?
He is our father's confidant and strategist.
He's so improper.
He always visits our manor with different women.
I'm worried that he'll lead Father astray.
As for me, I prefer a decent gentleman just like Uncle Xun Yu.
Xun Yi challenges with documented methodology
but Guo Jia challenges with innovation.
We can't judge people like them with secular values.
The mess in the capital is in need of a powerful remedy.
I think this must be Father's reason for sending Guo Jia back here.
Why must you see him?
Because only Libationer Guo can find an answer
to the mysterious cases in the capital.
This is great.
Your Majesty.
After Guo Jia entered the manor, he went to visit Lady Bian.
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