Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 5]
Pull over!
Hurry up! How long are you going to take?
What are you doing?
Eunuch Zhang, are you all right?
Eunuch Zhang.
Impudent underling!
Eunuch Zhang is His Majesty's veteran servant.
Who are you to bully him?
Shao Jun?
Greetings, Consort Dong.
Greetings, Your Ladyship.
- Greetings, Your Ladyship. - Greetings, Your Ladyship.
Lord Man, what are you doing here?
I wouldn't dare treat Eunuch Zhang impolitely.
It's due to official duties that I have to ask Eunuch Zhang over for questioning.
Your Ladyship, it's windy out here.
You're carrying the imperial heir, so you should rest at home.
What brings you here?
Eunuch Zhang has treated me kindly since I was a child.
Now that he's retiring back to his hometown
how could I not come to see him off?
After I've seen him off, I'll be sure to ask His Majesty
why he was driven out of the palace.
It must be the empress again.
It's said that a worthy person is always discharged when he's served his purpose.
There are all these cruel and evil people around.
Why are good people dismissed instead?
How is this reasonable?
Your Ladyship mustn't get too worked up and affect the child.
That will be upsetting for His Majesty.
I'm old now.
It's His Majesty's act of grace that I can retire to my hometown!
Eunuch Zhang.
Your Ladyship.
After I'm gone, you mustn't lose your temper and act up often.
His Majesty is alone and helpless.
The political situation of the imperial court is unstable.
You mustn't get into any conflict with the empress again
and give others a chance to take advantage of it!
I don't mean to do so intentionally. She's the one--
Your Ladyship!
I'm begging you!
All right.
At worst, I'll just give in to her.
Thank you, Your Ladyship!
Your Ladyship, please hold this for me.
Your Ladyship!
You...
Your Majesty...
Take one last look at your child.
"Upon my leaving, wept the willow."
"Upon my return, swept the rain and snow."
Rest assured.
Eunuch Zhang, what are you saying?
Your Ladyship.
I won't be around when the prince is born.
Your Ladyship, please convey my words to His Majesty.
Tell His Majesty not to worry!
Take Eunuch Zhang to Commandant of Xu's office.
Treat him politely.
Yes!
I'll go with General Wang to seek audience.
Lord Man, I'll have to trouble you.
Your Ladyship, I'll take my leave.
Eunuch Zhang...
Hold on.
Your Ladyship, I bid you farewell!
Your Ladyship, take care!
Your Majesty, take care!
Eunuch Zhang...
This way, please!
Get up quickly! Go!
Go.
Eunuch Zhang...
Move it!
Go!
I take my leave.
County Magistrate of Xu, Man Chong
greets Your Majesty, long live the emperor.
Lord Man, do rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Lord Man, what is it that you need to report to me?
It's about two trivial matters.
The fire in the palace nearly burned the private quarters down.
Although Your Majesty didn't punish anyone for the accident
I assume responsibility to look into the cause
so as to take precaution.
Today, I've invited the former Palace Steward, Zhang Yu, to my office
to find out about the fire.
Wasn't the accident already investigated?
I'm just asking him for some details before escorting him out of the city.
This was Prefect Xun's idea.
I've come to report to Your Majesty for delaying
the execution of the imperial decree.
What is the second matter?
Although Yang Jun isn't an official
he was recruited by Minister Cao to become one.
Now that he's recuperating in the capital without a kin
I ask to relocate Mister Yang to the commandant's office
to be under our care.
We'll appoint him to a position once he's recovered.
Can't they even look after a wounded official in the courier inn?
After all, Mister Yang is held in high regard by Minister Cao.
I wouldn't dare to treat him badly.
This was also Prefect Xun's idea.
Lord Man spoke with reason.
Your Majesty, do approve of his requests.
I approve.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
His Majesty has met with many officials today.
He's already worn out.
It's time he gets some rest.
I will take my leave.
Zhao Yan, don't you think
that His Majesty seems to have turned into someone else these days?
His Majesty used to beam with radiance.
But now, he seems to be Fu Shou's puppet.
He does everything that Fu Shou asks of him.
He doesn't even approach me.
He also looks strange.
Your Ladyship, you're being too sensitive.
Your health matters the most now.
Don't leave Dong Manor unless necessary.
Why are you still the same as when we were children?
You're already an official.
You're still such a nag and a busybody.
I'm slow-witted.
You're such a fool!
Don't you know how to coax me?
I...
Your Ladyship, do you still remember this?
"Straw cricket with a yellow belt."
"When the sun rises in the east, the benefactor returns."
Why didn't you stop him?
Stop him?
Even Xun Yu agreed to do so!
Man Chong can arrest them without reporting to you!
He's not here to ask permission, but to observe your reaction!
He's now certain that Yang Jun works for you.
They...
What will they do to my father?
Commandant of Xu's office is one living hell.
If either Yang Jun or Zhang Yu let slip a word
we'll all be doomed.
What matters the most now is their lives, not mine.
Not yours?
Do you think you can save them if you sacrifice yourself?
You took the risk to send Zhang Yu back to his hometown
but what happens now?
If your identity is exposed
they will be wiped out along with the imperial family!
Benevolence won't be reciprocated!
It's because your opponent cares not for benevolence!
Your Majesty, Your Highness.
- Consort Dong seeks audience. - Turn her away!
Tell her to get some rest!
Yes.
I know that I made a mistake.
From now on, I'll obey your instructions.
However, we must rescue Yang Jun this time.
Although he isn't my biological father
he's treated me very kindly.
Should any mishap befall Yang Jun...
there will be no emperor of Han.
Now...
we'll have to save him even if I don't wish to.
I've come to General Dong's manor to pick up the pass
of the palace guard's commander.
De Zu, you truly have talent in handling political affairs.
Now that you have the palace guards under your charge
to prevent them from keeping His Majesty under their control
we're rid of any future menaces.
Xun Yu thought it was safe as long as they kept external invasion at bay.
He knows not that trouble brews close at hand.
He closed the city gates, allowing no one to enter or leave.
That, in turn, made it easier for us to take action.
Liu Bei has drawn Cao Cao's attention.
Cao Ren went to Runan County.
The capital is now unguarded.
I'll protect His Majesty
while Chong Ji takes the advantage to be reassigned to the commandant's office.
Wang Fu has his field forces.
Then, we'll just have to get Man Chong under our control.
The capital...
will be yours to take.
The imperial family of Han shall strive!
Zhong Da.
Father wants you to come home now.
The capital will be under martial law tomorrow and city gates will be sealed.
We must leave today.
Lang, can't you tell that the capital will soon descend into chaos?
Then we should all the more get going.
However, Yi He is already involved in this mess.
After just a day, the capital faces both internal and external strife.
The many changes in personnel indicate that there's a force
closing in on Cao Cao's men.
Yi He is now embroiled in this rivalry against Cao Cao.
He voluntarily did so.
Since he forged his death to keep us in the dark
he doesn't want you to look for him.
It's not up to him.
Besides, I know him too well.
With his temperament, he'd never willingly be part of this conflict.
Lang, get me access to the courier inns.
Prepare an escape route.
Zhong Da, if Yi He truly chooses to go against Cao Cao
won't you offend Cao Cao by saving Yi He?
Father would never consent to this.
I don't care.
Besides, he's my younger brother and I'm yours.
If I'm in trouble, would you leave me stranded?
That's not the same!
If I allow you to go against Cao Cao, it will really do you harm!
- But Lang-- - That's enough. Come home with me.
Lang.
Anyway, don't tell Shopkeeper Zhang that I lied about Father's orders.
If you do, I'll rescue Yi He on my own.
I won't go home unless Yi He comes with me.
Commander of the palace guards, Yang Xiu, greets Your Majesty.
Do rise.
You may all step out now.
- Yes. - Yes.
Young Master Yang, there have been some unexpected incidents.
Young Master Yang.
You're here before His Majesty.
It's been two days.
Your Highness has yet to get rid of the eavesdroppers?
His Majesty is right here close to us.
It's only the three of us.
He's still the emperor.
You're his subject.
Isn't this the time to join hands in fending off our common enemies?
We'd better get down to discussing serious matters.
The foundation of our cooperation is that His Majesty is the emperor.
If Young Master Yang fails to acknowledge this principle
I won't dare to collaborate with you any longer.
I've misbehaved.
Your Majesty, please do speak.
Zhang Yu was arrested.
Now, they even suspect my father
and they are moving him to the commandant's office to recuperate.
Zhang Yu?
Who told Zhang Yu about this matter?
No wonder...
You suddenly dismissed Zhang Yu this morning.
Zhang Yu found out about you, but you sent him home?
He's a loyal and righteous man.
He shouldn't be killed.
Your Majesty, you really are too softhearted.
Do you know what to do with Zhang Yu?
As for Yang Jun...
Grand Commandant Yang will have to step forward to defend him.
After all, Man Chong won't dare to go against Grand Commandant Yang.
You want to save Yang Jun?
Yes.
He will still be of use to us.
I'll come up with a plan.
However, Your Majesty doesn't seem to understand the meaning of this battle.
Is this how Your Highness has been coaching His Majesty these days?
How impudent!
Has Young Master Yang yet to understand His Majesty's identity?
I've been too busy.
I'll come and have a taste of His Majesty's prestige when I'm done.
I'll take my leave.
Young Master Yang.
Young Master Yang, I'll have to trouble you with this matter.
Take care, Your Majesty.
What did you hand over to Yang Xiu?
I only wanted him to know that my father must be rescued.
You wrote Sima Yi a letter?
I'd like Zhong Da to know that I'm fine here.
[Prince of Hongnong Shrine]
[Godbrother Zhong Da.]
[All is well. Do not worry.]
You're early.
I don't need a day to investigate your identities.
Oh?
I'm all ears.
Liu Bei took over Xu Province.
Liu Pi rebelled in Runan.
The palace was on fire.
This all went according to your plans.
Now that the capital is left unguarded
You and Dong Cheng took over the palace guards.
Chong Ji was demoted in rank to his advantage.
He's made his way into the commandant's office.
His Majesty will soon tackle Cao Cao's forces.
You're in charge of liaison.
As for Dong Cheng...
He executes the plan, doesn't he?
Therefore... you wish to inform Cao Cao of what you discovered?
You don't have to threaten me with Yang Ping.
He's no hostage of yours.
I'm not the one who wants to harm Yang Ping.
Don't you wish to save him?
You'd better save his father first.
Man Chong is relocating Yang Jun today to recuperate in his office.
Young Master Yang is so good at games.
You want me to defend Yang Jun.
If I get killed by Man Chong
you can easily pit the Sima family against Cao Cao.
My father and older brother would then choose the imperial family.
Not only can you rid yourself of me, the troublemaker
but you can even win over the most prestigious family of Henei.
It seems that Young Master Yang wins the game either way.
Am I right?
Indeed.
This is a trap.
Will you jump into it or not?
Young Master Yang is very clever.
You're manipulating everyone as your pawn.
This is an intricately woven plot.
However...
you've made a grave mistake.
You don't know Yang Ping well enough.
He's a gentle and benevolent person.
If he is to find out that you're using his family as pawns
and even resorting to sacrificing his father
he won't hesitate to go against you.
You're also very clever.
But it's possible that you've also made a grave mistake.
You're too concerned about Yang Ping.
That's why you were reined in by me.
Is that so?
Try me.
Moreover, His Majesty ordered Zhang Yu to retire to his hometown.
However, Zhang Yu was taken to the commandant's office.
I don't think he'll be able to make it out alive.
What about Yang Jun?
I'm not too worried about Yang Jun.
Yang Jun made his choice.
He cares not for his own life.
Seek virtue and acquire it.
I'll help him fulfill his wish.
Leave Yang Jun to me.
But... on one condition.
If I rescue Yang Jun, I get to join in on your plot.
Sure.
I've witnessed your intelligence.
Let me see how well you can perform.
I'll return shortly.
[Prefect of the Masters of Writing Manor]
Who are you? What is it?
- Pleading for justice. - Go to the commandant's office.
This is Prefect Xun's manor!
Please inform your master that Sima Yi
the Second Young Master of the Sima family in Henei Commandery's Wen County
asks to see him.
Greetings, Prefect Xun.
It's rare of you to visit the capital.
Please have a seat.
Thank you, Prefect Xun.
I've long heard of how you were complimented
by Qinghe's famous scholar, Cui Yan.
You're said to be bright, just, firm, and decisive.
One's reputation is always well justified.
You look graceful and handsome.
A man of striking appearance.
Sir, you're too kind.
Minister Cao has tried to recruit your father several times.
However, your father kept turning him down.
The minister and I felt quite disappointed.
Did your father send you here to express his will to serve in the capital?
I'm actually here to see you for the sake of another matter.
Mister Yang Jun and my father are friends of the same hometown.
He was recruited to the capital by Minister Cao.
Unfortunately, he ran into bandits on his way here.
He became disabled and lost his son just outside the capital.
It was such a tragedy.
When my father learned of the mishap, he was heartbroken.
He has since fallen ill.
Therefore, he sent me here to ask Prefect Xun
if the bandits were captured.
Well...
the Commandant of Xu is investigating.
However, you should also know very well
that the bandits roam around attacking others.
According to Mister Yang Jun
the bandits ran off toward Runan after they robbed him.
It will take some time to arrest them.
If the Ministry of Works fails to uphold justice for Mister Yang Jun
you'll have to allow the Sima family to take this matter into our hands.
My father might not hold an official post
but he's led thousands of our militia to fend off bandits for many years.
He did so to protect our commandery.
Now that his family friend encountered such a misfortune here
how could the Sima family do nothing about it at all?
Is this the plea for justice that you mentioned at the door?
Exactly.
The injustice that Uncle Yang suffered is that of the Sima family.
Your father and Yang Jun... are so deeply bonded?
It isn't only Uncle Yang and my father who are great friends
but Yang Ping, who was killed in this accident
was fostered by the Sima family.
He and I were the best of friends and as close as siblings.
Before justice is upheld for him, I'll suffer many a sleepless night.
The Sima family is willing to give it our all for Uncle Yang!
Yang Jun is recuperating at the courier inn now.
Come with me to visit him.
Thank you, Prefect Xun.
Mister Yan is not some criminal!
Why does he have to go to the commandant's office?
Mister Yang is already disabled!
Why won't you let him off?
We're inviting Mister Yang to give a lecture at the Imperial Academy.
- You can't take him away! - Exactly!
Step aside.
Do you have any regard for the law?
We'd like to know if Minister Cao has any regard for the law.
Exactly.
Don't blame me for forsaking my manners.
If treacherous officials are to stir up
the Disasters of the Partisan Prohibitions
we're willing to die for a noble cause!
Yes! We're willing to die for a noble cause!
We're willing to die for a noble cause!
Guards!
Halt!
We're willing to die for a noble cause!
Prefect Xun.
Uncle.
Zhong Da?
You've come?
My father learned of your predicament.
He sent me to visit you.
Mister Yang.
This is...
It's nothing serious.
They are students who are worried about me.
Prefect Xun, you should be the judge of it.
Why would the commandant's office have Mister Yang arrested?
Exactly!
Why? Why would they arrest him?
It's a misunderstanding.
The courier inn is too humble an accommodation.
Lord Man is just inviting Mister Yang to recuperate in the commandant's office.
Prefect Xun, don't bother hoaxing us.
We know very well what the commandant's office is.
- Exactly. - Exactly.
Since there's such a misunderstanding
we'll let Mister Yang stay here to recuperate instead.
As for giving lectures at the Imperial Academy
it's entirely up to Mister Yang.
We wish to send two students to look after Mister Yang every day.
- Yes! - Sure.
This is now Mister Yang's residence.
Mister Yang may have as many visitors as he pleases.
Prefect Xun is still the reasonable one.
- Exactly. - We'll return to the Imperial Academy.
In such difficult times
you must all regard restoring the lost teachings of the past sages as your duty.
Thank you, Prefect Xun!
Lord Man, it's best to escort Mister Yang back inside.
I've caused you much trouble.
Why would you be frightened of a few students who didn't know any better?
It isn't so.
It's just that I've thought it through.
We can only put on a show of conciliation toward Yang Jun
rather than use force.
Once we lay a finger on him, all scholars in the capital will rise against us.
If the Sima family leads the scholars against Minister Cao
it won't do the current war any good.
Moreover, a man who would sacrifice his own arm
wouldn't have given in to any sort of torture or interrogation.
Fine.
I'll just have to cast a long line for a bigger fish.
Anyway, there's already an impatient fish that took our bait.
I'm fine now.
You can set your mind at ease and report back to your father.
Once I'm certain that you'll be fine, I'll surely send a letter home.
Eunuch Zhang.
I'll ask you one last time.
On the night of the fire
who exactly was that eunuch Tang Ying brought in with her?
I've already repeated several times.
He was just a young eunuch.
Lord Man, didn't you already see that
he was buried under the tree by the pavilion?
You surely know this isn't the answer I wish to hear.
Eunuch Zhang, we have dozens of rooms here in the office quarters.
I chose to speak with you here in this well lit hall because I respect you.
I hope that you'll also conduct yourself with respect!
I do know what your commandant's office is like.
Fine.
I'll express my gratitude for Lord Man's respect.
Thank you, Lord Man!
Hold it!
Eunuch Zhang...
Before you go through those doors...
you still have one last chance!
Seize the assassin!
Yes!
Over here!
Over there!
It's me!
Are you all right?
Fortunately, I was at the commandant's office tonight.
When I heard the sound of fighting, I knew it must've been you.
Why didn't you inform me instead of taking such a risk alone?
You have your mission.
I have mine.
You shouldn't have acted out of turn.
But--
They will catch up with us soon.
Let's split up.
Go and distract them!
But your injury--
We won't hear from them tonight.
Yang Xiu will report to us early tomorrow morning.
We haven't heard from them yet.
Could it be that Man Chong...
Has he already captured my father?
One night is enough for Man Chong to torment him to death.
Anyone there?
Your Majesty, what are your orders?
Summon Man Chong here to see me immediately.
Yes!
Step outside!
Step outside! Stand farther away!
Yes!
What are you going to do?
I'll make a direct decree to Man Chong
to have him release Yang Jun and Zhang Yu.
I am still the emperor after all.
I dare him to defy my decree.
Then?
Apart from being worried about Yang Jun
you should all the more worry about whether they would confess to it
and expose your identity!
Thousands of lives
and centuries of the imperial family's foundation are at stake!
If I can't even protect my own father
what kind of emperor am I?
From the moment Yang Jun took you away from the palace
he was prepared to sacrifice himself.
And from the moment I had you brought back into the palace
I also made up my mind to be sacrificed at any time.
We just hope that you won't let us sacrifice in vain
and render all of the sacrifices meaningless!
Everything that my brother left behind...
Was it just to have so many people sacrifice themselves for it?
Do you really think that the late emperor was so coldblooded?
Do you know how much hardship he endured
and how many sacrifices he witnessed?
He watched as his older brother was killed before his eyes.
He witnessed an imperial court full of officials killed.
He took on the flickering hope of the imperial family of Han
and weathered the bloody storm amidst the killings of feudal lords!
You!
All you care about is your family!
Right now, your family is all of Han empire!
Without a nation, how can there be homes?
Although he isn't my biological father...
he really treated me very well.
I know that.
The late emperor... received news of you from time to time.
He said...
He said that he envied you.
In a way, you experienced the joy and peace in this lifetime on his behalf.
I'm willing to...
I'm willing to carry the burden and hardship of the imperial family for him.
But I beg of you...
You must save my father.
All right...
All right.
I found it!
Go in and take a look.
Minister Cao's manor?
[Ministry of Works]
Could the assassin be from Minister Cao's manor?
This is the insult that the assassin hurled at us.
Who would have known that there was such a remarkable woman
in the capital who could wield a sword so well?
It seems that they did recruit quite a lot of people.
A woman?
You exchanged several hundred blows with her.
Yet none of you realized that she was a woman!
Useless scum!
Was that how Yang Xiu took care of matters?
Are you injured?
Their arrows were dipped in poison.
Are you all right?
Don't move!
All right.
If you're fine, you should see to your wound and take an antidote.
If anything happens to you, how am I to find Yang Ping?
It's no wonder the assassination succeeded at the commandant's office.
Your ambush was poorly executed.
Who are you?
Scoundrel!
Can't you even recognize our Second Young Master?
I've offended Second Young Master ignorantly!
Please punish me!
[Cao Pi, courtesy name Zi Huan]
Lord Man, you've worked hard.
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