Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 7]
As Minister Cao's family, we've prepared a humble meal
to offer to Your Majesty and Your Highness.
Please take the seat of honor.
Thank you, Lady Bian.
Bow.
Do rise.
"Ascend to the court for public affair."
"Raise your cup made of rhinoceros horns now"
saying, 'long life forever to thou!'"
"I have here admirable guests"
"the lutes are struck, and the organ is blown."
"The organ is blown until its tongues are all moving."
"The baskets of offerings are presented to them."
"The men love me and will show me the perfect path."
Rise!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Bring forth the washbowl!
"We make spring wine rich and mellow, which makes our lives longer and longer."
"I have good wine"
"which my admirable guests drink, enjoying themselves."
Our country is currently at war.
The Minister of Works is away.
I could only prepare a simple feast.
I'm unable to apply all regulations of the palace to the manor.
Your Majesty must think of me as a poor host.
Such a feast hasn't been held in the palace for some time.
My people are suffering from the war.
I've heard that Minister Cao has also been very frugal.
He doesn't dress in silk.
Every meal, he only has one meat and one vegetable dish.
I dwell deep in the palace.
How could I bear to squander the hard-earned money of my people?
I wonder why Prefect Xun has summoned me over.
I've invited you here again to convey my apology to Duke Sima.
Now that there's unrest in both Runan and Xu Province
we had no choice but to gather our forces to subdue Runan.
Duke Sima will have to wait for a while
to have your godbrother's case investigated.
Although it pains me to hear that
I do know when it comes to state affairs and personal matters
there's a priority.
You're so very understanding.
I'm very much comforted.
I wonder if you could convince your father to take an official post.
My father was nearly harmed by Dong Zhuo before.
He's determined not to serve in the government.
As for your appreciation, I'm afraid he'll have to let you down.
Even with me and my brothers, my father instructed us.
What did he instruct you?
We could serve the imperial court.
But not the feudal lords.
Duke Sima is indeed loyal and righteous.
Actually...
Whoever you render your services to
what difference does it make as long as it's done for the welfare of the people?
Prefect Xun is right.
Duke Sima means that so long as you hold an official position
in the Imperial Court, he won't stop you from taking the post.
Exactly.
Many ancient records in the palace were destroyed in the fire.
I'm looking for a few well-read students to mend the records
and serve as administrative officials in literature.
You come from a renown family of scholars.
Are you willing to take the post?
Make it known to the people that besides the raging wars
there's also culture during such times.
Even in such turbulent times, Prefect Xun still cares for culture.
How could I reject such an arduous but meaningful task?
This is great.
I'll ask His Majesty to announce the decree of appointment.
Thank you, Prefect Xun.
Do you remember everything I've instructed you on?
You must all watch and listen carefully to all of the people His Majesty meets.
Note down everyone he meets and what they talk about.
I've kept that in mind.
Madam, when His Majesty and Her Highness share the bed
are we also to listen and watch?
Definitely.
It's the hardest to put on a pretense during those times.
Mother.
Pi.
Mother, do rest assured.
I've already enhanced the security measures of the manor.
What haven't I witnessed so far?
More often than not
precaution shouldn't only be taken on the battlefield.
Our family went through two calamities.
First it was your grandfather, and then your eldest brother.
It all started from troubles brewing within the army tent.
Mother.
I won't let Cao Ang's tragedy repeat itself.
I can protect our family and the capital for Father.
Pi, you've grown up.
During this time, Your Majesty and Your Highness will have to make do
with staying in the Ministry of Works.
The expenditure here might not be that of the palace.
This is a token of our sentiment. Please accept it, Your Highness.
Thank for making such an effort, Elder Statesman.
You are dismissed.
How are you both doing?
I'll do my best to keep him calm.
There won't be any problems tonight.
How will you keep him calm?
Father, what are you worried about?
The obstacle ahead of us is like a sharp blade to our neck.
When life hangs by a thread, we can't afford any misgivings.
I'm doing everything as instructed by the late emperor.
If Father can't get over it
I'll take my own life on the day His Majesty's last wish is fulfilled
so as to preserve his honor.
This isn't what I meant.
The imperial family of Han has existed for 400 years.
Our family has also lasted for more than 400 years.
Our family tradition is harsh and sharp like the snow.
At the moment, there might not be a plan that satisfies both parties
but I hope that when you take action
you can consider the reputation of the late emperor and the Fu family.
The late emperor...
Father, do you really know what the late emperor's last wish is?
What is his last wish?
It's too late to discuss this.
Father, you should return home soon to get some rest.
Shou...
be very cautious.
I will take my leave.
Invite the empress over.
Your Majesty summons Her Highness for the night?
Yes.
His Majesty summons the empress for the night.
Your Highness, please bathe and get dressed for the night.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your wife, Fu Shou, hereby attends to Your Majesty for the night.
What took you so long?
You are all dismissed.
- Yes. - Yes.
What do you mean by this?
Your Majesty summoned your empress for the night.
What do you think this means?
You... you've misunderstood me.
This isn't what I implied.
Once we're here, we have to abide by the regulations of the palace.
Your Majesty lives in separate quarters from your concubines.
Whoever is summoned for the night will be recorded.
The month, the day, or the night.
Your Majesty summoned a certain concubine or empress to bed.
The empress or concubine is to dress up to attend to you for the night.
That's not what I asked for.
Nor do I dare do so.
I didn't know about this regulation.
I had just wanted to tell you--
We're in the Ministry of Works.
I really wouldn't dare do so.
It's fine.
I should have taught you about this.
There are measures to take in emergencies.
Most importantly, we mustn't allow anyone in the manor to notice any flaws.
Your Majesty, did you ask me here for a chat because you felt uneasy?
How much is it?
We lost again!
Young Master Yang.
You should at least go easy on us.
We've lost all our money in one night.
- That's right! - Exactly!
Don't be a sore loser.
Sure, we'll have another round.
- Here. - Young Master Yang is in quite the mood.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Your Highness, dark clouds gather and it's gloomy today.
It's a good day for hunting and gambling.
We got together for a game or two in the spur of the moment.
Please don't mind us.
You are all to keep watch outside the quarters.
The women of the harem are all residing in here.
Don't offend them.
Yes.
- You may step out now. - Yes.
Your Highness, you didn't attend the Imperial Court with His Majesty today?
His Majesty is capable of handling those officials now.
It might not be so once we get through tonight.
I'm afraid Xun Yu and Man Chong are too occupied
to worry about His Majesty.
Tonight, it will surely be dark and windy.
It's such great weather for taking lives.
Your Majesty.
I've found 10 well-learned scholars.
They will take the post of administrative officials in literature
to mend the burnt ancient records.
They are now waiting outside to be summoned and appointed to the post.
I surely have faith in the people Prefect Xun has chosen.
Summon them in.
Summon the scholars into the hall!
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Long live the emperor!
Dear subjects, introduce yourselves.
I'm Chen Jian of Yingchuan.
I'm Xun Chang Ji of Yingchuan.
I'm Wang Zhi of Taiyuan.
I'm Sima Yi of Henei.
If Your Majesty approves of them
please offer them the passes to the local authorities.
I'm very pleased today to see...
to have met all of you.
I'm truly pleased.
You should all know that I've endured much hardship and many obstacles.
It's due to the sacrifice of many others
that I sit on the throne to this day.
Every day I think about
how not to let these people's sacrifices go to waste.
What pleases me is that
you've come to me despite the raging war and hardships.
This is because your inherent quality has never wavered
and your original aspiration is unaltered.
Paternal love.
Brotherhood.
Peace and joy of the people.
The continuation of culture.
The simplest morals and aspirations
are but a luxury to us in such turbulent times.
But I believe that so long as you hold on to such an aspiration
you and I can then achieve preserving such kindred spirit.
We'll fulfill what the people wish for.
On behalf of myself and the entire nation
I thank you all.
We will not let Your Majesty down.
Since I'm very pleased today
I'd like to bestow wine and sacrificial meat to the scholars.
Prefect Xun, would that be fine?
Your Majesty, you welcome those of talent so eagerly.
How could I object to it?
Good.
Set up the tables!
[Imperial Secretariat]
Report to Prefect Xun quickly!
There's an urgent military report from Jiangdong!
Yes!
You're both from prestigious families in Yingchuan.
You're from Prefect Xun's hometown.
How is Yingchuan Commandery?
Are the people doing well? What is the population?
This...
I've been away from home for three years, so I don't know accurately.
Yingchuan is close to the capital.
It should be fine now.
It's fine.
Your Majesty.
There are 30,000 people in my hometown this year.
Only 30,000?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I remember when I was young, there were 50,000 people.
There have been frequent outbreaks of war in the past 10 years
and people fled from home.
The fields went to waste.
Only 1 in 10 survived.
This is...
Sima Yi.
I wonder how things are in Henei.
Your Majesty.
There are 20,000 households in Henei this year.
There are 120,000 people.
Henei isn't as big as Yingchuan.
Why is it so well populated?
Your Majesty.
Sima Yi is the son of Sima Fang, who was once the Prefect of Luoyang.
Since Duke Sima retired to his hometown
he has looked after his people well.
He set up granaries to serve those suffering from famine.
He trained the militia to defend against the bandits.
Therefore, the people of Henei can live in peace and prosperity
and multiply abundantly.
Duke Sima's and his family's contributions to the people of Henei
are a contribution to me as well.
I yearn for the peace and joy in Henei.
Come.
I'll drink to Sima Yi.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I dare not take credit for it.
It's my brothers' and my duty to protect our hometown.
We should bring the young masters of the Sima family to the capital.
I'll reward you accordingly.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
It's just... one of my younger brothers can no longer receive his reward.
Why is that?
Duke Sima's foster son is Yang Jun's son, Yang Ping.
He was killed by bandits on his way to the capital.
I've come here to offer some consolation to Uncle Yang.
Young Master Sima must be very sad that such a mishap befell your brother.
My condolences.
Sad, my ass.
Sima Yi!
You're not to misbehave before His Majesty.
Your Majesty, you might not have heard.
This younger brother of mine left home without a word of farewell.
He cared not that my father and I would be worried.
When I heard of the ill news, I was upset and angry.
I wished to grab him and beat him up.
I'd teach him how to steer away from trouble.
Sadly...
it's too late.
I can empathize with your pain, my dear subject.
I'll be sure to offer you an explanation.
Prefect Xun.
You must crack down on the bandits who committed this crime.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Prefect Xun.
Your Majesty!
There's an urgent report from Jiangdong!
You should all step outside.
- Yes. - Yes.
It seems that His Majesty holds you in the highest regard.
It's a matter of time before you move up the ranks.
I don't care.
You mustn't say so.
Although the emperor doesn't wield any true power
he is still the emperor.
Now that I've met His Majesty, I find him quite pitiful.
In such turbulent times, it might be better to just accept his lack of power.
It's the saddest when one still holds great hope and aspirations
without any chance to put one's ability to use.
Why do you think that His Majesty doesn't stand a chance?
You've been in your hometown for too long.
Minister Cao is the authoritative figure here in the capital.
You do know quite a lot.
Sort of.
You're not good at it either!
Young Master Yang, it's your turn.
It's unfair anyway if I win.
I don't believe that Young Master Yang is so lucky every time.
Exactly.
Come on.
Admit defeat.
- Fine, we lost. - Come.
That gentleman might not have lost.
A scholar like you knows about gambling as well?
Sima Yi of Henei.
Life is like a game.
I know a thing or two.
He's good!
- An expert. - Thank you.
Young Master Young is a skilled expert.
I believe I'll have a chance to consult you someday.
You played well.
It's a pity that Young Master Sima joined us too late.
I don't think it's too late.
Tonight, it will be dark and windy. The city gates are locked.
It's good to idle time away.
Isn't that the perfect time to start a new game?
Unfortunately, I have duties to carry out tonight.
I won't join you.
Young Master Yang.
- Prefect Xun. - Prefect Xun.
You're all sons of prestigious families with a bright future.
Self-cultivation should come first.
Don't disgrace your families.
Prefect Xun, thank you for telling us.
Are there more palace guards today than usual?
His Majesty made this request.
Since he moved into the Ministry of Works
the personnel in the manor has been worn out from the hassle.
His Majesty feels badly for them and ordered the palace guards over
to share the burden of the Cao family.
None of you are to slack off.
Yes, Sir.
What would you like to say?
The military report was about Sun Ce of Jiangdong's plan to attack the capital.
Is this a good time for Dong Cheng to take action?
Yes.
The capital is now void of military forces.
Once we seize the commandant's office and Man Chong
we'll have taken the capital.
Yes.
But it can't be that easy to gather armed forces under Man Chong's nose.
It isn't easy.
Your Majesty, what are you getting at?
Zhong Da is here.
I saw him.
Since he already figured this out, just let him help us.
He managed to get to me in such a short period of time.
You must have realized his ability.
If we have Zhong Da, we can surely pull this off.
Since Sima Yi now knows of your identity
he should know just how dangerous this entire plan is.
Are you so sure that he'll still take your side?
You don't know Zhong Da.
He would go against the world just for my sake.
What about the entire Sima family?
You spent years with the Sima family.
You should know better than I do where they stand.
It's said that Sima Yi's father, Sima Fang, is close friends with Cao Cao.
Even if Sima Yi is close to you, can you be certain that
the entire Sima family would risk their lives for you?
I--
Your Majesty, have you considered
that should we fail, the entire Sima family will be wiped out?
We know not of the outcome yet.
If Your Majesty truly cares for your godbrother
you should make him stay far away from the turbulent capital.
You're right.
It's good that you understand.
Just let me see him one more time.
If I don't explain this to him clearly
Zhong Da won't stop until he gets to the bottom of it.
Let me see him and I promise you...
I promise to cut all ties with the Sima family after that.
All right.
Shopkeeper Zhang!
Withdraw the men we planted outside Dong Cheng's manor.
Have them attack on the way from the Ministry of Works to Chang De Gate.
You'll also have to bring those 20 horse carriages back.
Have there been any unexpected changes?
We'll take action tonight.
It's that urgent?
We can only do great amidst the chaos.
Second Young Master, who are you taking away?
Could it be someone at the emperor's side?
Second Young Master, have you fallen for some palace maid?
You mustn't!
Although you're young and romantic, you should tell the good from the bad!
Although there are many, the one on my mind is not any of them.
I have simply chosen the one.
You have to help me get this done.
This is...
Shopkeeper Zhang, park a horse carriage in every spot that I've marked.
But there are just a few of us.
Can we manage?
We can.
Chaos will soon be upon us.
That person knows the best place to hide.
I must give that person a sound beating when we get there.
Second Young Master...
Well...
You mustn't hit a woman.
Quickly.
They are giving out wages. Quickly!
Hurry up! Keep up!
They are finally giving out wages.
I heard that there's quite a lot!
Lord Man.
Hurry up!
Keep up! Quickly!
Let's go!
Hold on.
Lord Man.
What happened?
Why is everyone so undisciplined?
Lord Man, Nancheng Drill Ground is handing out wages.
We're finally getting paid after a long time.
Everyone is rushing over there.
Paying out wages?
Why is everyone carrying weapons?
We're garrison guards.
We were told not to disarm under the martial law.
We have to stand by for duty.
- Go on. - Yes.
Wang Fu has gathered his troops in the south of the city
with the excuse of paying wages.
This should be able to fool Man Chong.
At the Commandant of Xu's office, it's 400 of Wang Fu's men
against Man Chong's 300 men.
Half of the guards in the commandant's office
already pledged allegiance to us.
As for the Ministry of Works, 50 suicide warriors from my manor
and Yang Xiu's 50 palace guards
will go against 50 of Minister Cao's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
I've planted our men at all four of the city gates.
Whichever it is, victory is ours to take.
Wu Shuo!
Put out the lights at every gate you seize.
Yes!
Chong Ji!
In the name of night patrol, once you see the lights go out at East Gate
attack Cao Manor from outside and Yang Xiu from within.
Be sure to keep His Majesty safe!
Yes!
Acting upon the imperial decree, suppress the traitors!
We will fight valiantly tonight!
Tomorrow, we'll be remembered for generations as loyal subjects!
Restore glory to the imperial family of Han!
Ying!
Has there been an accident?
It's nothing serious.
I just wanted to see you.
How is your injury?
How can you spare any thought for me when we're in imminent danger?
I'll leave right away.
I won't cause any delay.
Ying, once we succeed tonight, I'll take you away from here.
- Leave now. - Ying!
You mustn't venture out tonight.
Wait here for me.
Be careful.
Return to me alive.
Are we getting our wages or not?
Are they lying to us again?
Say, it's already been two months.
My old mother is so hungry that she can't even see now!
I heard that Minister Cao is running short on rations in Guandu.
He's transferred rations in the capital over for military use!
Darn that man!
If we still don't get paid, I'll rebel against him.
In such times, it doesn't matter who you serve as long as they pay you!
Lower your voice.
Here they come!
General.
Open the chests!
General, when do we get the wages?
My old mother is waiting for some rice to cook!
Exactly! When will we get paid?
Quickly! Are we getting paid?
It isn't just a bit of money for some rice that I wish to give you!
It's high ranking posts and generous wages!
A lifetime of wealth!
There are traitors here in the capital!
Acting upon His Majesty's imperial decree
I am to suppress the traitors!
After the deed is done, everyone will be rewarded 3,000 taels each!
You'll be promoted three ranks higher!
You can take whatever you want from the traitors' residences!
Brothers!
We should obey the general's command.
Suppress the traitors!
Become wealthy and move up the ranks!
Suppress the traitors!
Become wealthy and move up the ranks!
Suppress the traitors! Become wealthy and move up the ranks!
Good!
Brothers!
Charge your way there with me!
Attack!
Your Majesty.
Wang Fu will attack from south of the city.
You can't hear anything from here.
You should come and have your meal first.
If Cao Manor's Tiger Leopard Cavalry comes to take us hostage tonight
you mustn't leave the room.
I can fend them off with the eunuchs for a bit.
We just need to hold them off until Chong Ji gets here.
Don't worry.
The Great Han Empire might have its ups and downs
but it isn't so bad that Your Majesty will have to go onto the battlefield.
Emperor Guang Wu led the army personally to suppress Wang Mang.
Cao Manor knows not of our plan yet.
Your Majesty is all worked up and wielding a sword.
Are you going to tip them off?
I made a mistake.
I suddenly thought that you were very similar to Zhong Da.
How so?
You're both very calm even in the face of great peril and boldly determined.
And... the two of you are fond of teasing me.
It's not good if an emperor can be teased.
I know.
I'll learn from my brother.
But I don't mind being teased by the two of you.
I can trust both of you.
One knows my past and the other leads my future.
Once we get through tonight...
If we can regain freedom, I'll be able to see Zhong Da.
My brother can have his identity restored.
He can have his rightful funeral and commemoration.
I'm not as calm as you think I am.
My mind is a complete mess right now.
There's much that I only dare to consider after we make it through tonight.
Second Young Master, you're so devoted.
How were you able to meet a woman in the palace?
That person...
That person was tricked into entering the palace.
Oh?
What a fool.
Second Young Master, Yang Xiu has left the Ministry of Works.
He went out from the back door and headed toward the palace.
What is he doing in the palace instead of protecting the emperor here?
Who are you?
We succeeded!
We did it!
We've taken East Gate!
Surround the Commandant of Xu's office!
Yes! Go!
Disciples of Wang family!
Charge inside with me!
General, there's no one.
Mentor!
We came in from behind.
We didn't run into anyone!
This is bad. They were tipped off and escaped!
There's still plenty of lamp oil left.
They haven't gone far.
Come with me to the Ministry of Works!
Yes!
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