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[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 13]
Your Majesty.
After Guo Jia entered the manor, he went to visit Lady Bian.
Zhi boasts too much.
Fourth Young Master takes after Duke Cao the most.
With Fourth Young Master by his side
they can recite and write poetry together.
It helps relieve many of Duke Cao's troubles.
Zhi is still young.
He will need a teacher like you to guide him.
What a pretty young lady.
This is...
[Ren Hong Chang, known as Diao Chan] I'm Ren Hong Chang.
Greetings, Lady Bian.
I picked Miss Ren up on my way here.
She is homeless.
I took it upon myself to take her back to the capital.
Libationer Guo has really sharp eyes for having picked up such a beauty.
Does Libationer Guo often pick up beautiful ladies?
I've made an indiscreet remark.
Now that he has you, those other ladies aren't considered beauties anymore.
Greetings, Lady Bian.
Greetings, Libationer Guo.
Lord Man, do get up.
I was too flustered out of concern for my son.
Seeing Pi severely injured... it was inevitable that I got agitated.
I lashed out at you.
Libationer Guo has already explained it to me.
I shouldn't have caused the commandant's office any trouble.
I hope you won't take it to heart.
No...
There was indeed negligent duty on my part.
Madam, you've put me to shame for being so forgiving.
Please get up, Lord Man.
Duke Cao is occupied with military affairs in Guandu.
We'll each do our part here in the capital.
Do not trouble him any further.
Fortunately, Libationer Guo has returned.
Those higher up and lower down in the ranks should behave.
Madam, please rest assured.
I won't let the Ministry of Works be in a dangerous situation again.
I knew that I wouldn't even have the time for some wine
once I got off the carriage.
I'll go and visit Second Young Master first
and then His Majesty.
The both of them hold a grudge against you.
I think that you should return to the commandant's office first
and we'll talk at length later.
Thank you, Sir.
Lord Man of the capital, Xu Chang.
Sight goes before hearsay indeed.
What is it with you?
When a tiger or a rhinoceros escapes from its cage
when a tortoise shell or jade is damaged in its repository...
as the defender of the capital, I can't deny not being at fault.
I won't make any mistakes to put you in a dilemma again.
I don't feel troubled.
I truly fancy the capital in this state.
- Libationer Guo-- - Young Master, stay put.
Let me take a look.
You've only lost some blood.
After recuperating for a few days, you will be fine.
Libationer Guo, do you know who saved me?
I heard about it from Man Chong.
It was His Majesty.
Don't you find it strange?
His Majesty has always been sickly and frail.
No one ever knew that he was skilled in medical practice
or trained in martial arts.
Why would you find it strange that an emperor conceals his abilities?
Although I don't know His Majesty very well
I felt that there's more than his abilities that he's concealed.
It's his true capability.
Now that Dong Cheng has failed
where does His Majesty's true capability lie?
Libationer Guo.
You must know that many of those serving by my father's side
as well as those in the capital, have submitted to Yuan Shao, don't you?
Yuan Shao's armed forces are three times those of Duke Cao.
During times of war
it's normal that there are those who would waver between both sides.
Troubles often are stirred up from within one's own camp.
If the emperor has also chosen to side with Yuan Shao in secret...
What if Dong Cheng's rebellion was the emperor's scheme to distract us?
Young Master, you're very sharp.
I already have an idea in mind.
I'll seek audience with His Majesty later.
I should be able to figure out more or less what His Majesty plans to do.
Libationer Guo...
Can you write me a letter for my father?
Convey my concerns to him.
Once I've recovered, I wish to assist my father at the front line.
I'll be sure to convey your love and concern for your father.
However, Duke Cao wishes to have you stay in the capital
to keep your mother company and study well.
Cultivate your moral self and regulate your family.
Then you can govern the country well and ultimately achieve peace in the world.
As for war and the battlefield, it's best for you to stay away for now.
How is Zi Jian (Cao Zhi) doing by my father's side?
He's doing very well.
Duke Cao often says...
with Fourth Young Master by his side
it's just like how he took you with him before.
Really?
Young Master.
It's best for you to get some rest.
Recuperate well.
I'll seek audience with His Majesty first.
Libationer Guo.
I'll wait for you to clear the layers of mysterious fog here in the capital.
Your Majesty.
Her Highness sent me to bring you some hot soup.
If I hadn't been to the capital
I wouldn't know how imposing it is to coerce the emperor
into controlling feudal lords.
The Minister of Works' libationer can keep the emperor waiting.
The emperor must have regarded me as his mortal enemy.
I'm just giving His Majesty some time to soothe his mind.
It isn't only His Majesty who treats you as a mortal enemy.
Look.
Young Master Yang.
Congratulations to you that you've deigned to take an official post.
Feng Xiao.
No, Libationer Guo.
I should congratulate you for getting rid of Lü Bu
and making a name for yourself.
Young Master Yang, you're too kind.
I'm here to seek audience as decreed.
Young Master Yang, do lead the way.
This is... Madam Guo?
Miss Ren. My roommate.
His Majesty summoned Libationer Guo.
I'm afraid that it might be inappropriate
for this young lady to join you.
She is but a woman from the countryside
who is curious and wishes to see what the emperor looks like.
She'll just wait out here in the hallway without going in.
Libationer Guo really doesn't conform to the secular ethics.
This way, please.
Young Master Yang is so talented.
Isn't it a waste of your talent to be the head of the palace guards?
Is there any other duty that's more important than protecting His Majesty?
Besides, it's been chaotic in the capital recently.
It worries me greatly.
Young Master Young need not be overly modest.
With Xu Fu around, not even Wang Yue can have it his way.
Why would you be worried?
Libationer Guo is indeed well informed.
Upon arriving back in the capital
you already had my subordinate investigated?
Lady Bian heard that it was him who saved Second Young Master
so she would like to reward him.
How about that?
Why don't we assign him an official post?
He's quite an eccentric man.
He never obeys my orders.
An official post won't suit him.
If Lady Bian assigns him to the commandant's office, I'm afraid...
it's inevitable that he will get into conflicts with Man Chong.
It seems that... you're not fond of Man Chong either.
That is one similarity you share with Lady Bian.
Man Chong and I have our own roles.
What is there to dislike?
If Xu Fu joins the commandant's office
he and Man Chong each take their own role.
I don't think that he'd disobey your father's orders, would he?
People like you simply can't have a proper conversation.
This is making me so anxious.
Young Master Yang, I'll say it on his behalf.
What he means is that since you bullied his subordinate
it's only fair that your subordinate works under him for a few days.
If not, his subordinate will pick on you.
Did I get it right?
Someone could actually read Guo Feng Xiao's intentions.
That's not simple at all.
This is why I can't do anything about her.
Your subject, Guo Jia, greets Your Majesty.
Libationer Guo, please do rise.
I've heard that Your Majesty has recovered from your ailment.
The imperial body of the emperor is naturally blessed with vigor.
I'm relieved beyond words.
The imperial physicians often see to my health.
Since I moved into the Ministry of Works
Lady Bian has been more than generous with her hospitality.
I've also been practicing a regimen with this eunuch.
I have recovered gradually.
There are many hidden talents here in the palace.
I'm happy for Your Majesty.
However, excellent guards should be stationed at an emperor's residence.
Dong Cheng rose in rebellion.
There was an assassination attempt at the ritual.
Sun Yi died in line of duty.
Young Master Yang is, after all, a scholar.
As for the duties in defensive measures...
I'm afraid that isn't one of his strengths.
Shouldn't we appoint a highly skilled officer to protect Your Majesty?
Young Master Yang has carried out his duty well.
If we are to change the head of the palace guards so often
I'm afraid it would only make it even more chaotic.
Oh no...
However, Libationer Guo's concern is indeed reasonable.
Do appoint someone who is skilled in both military and civil affairs
to take charge of the palace guards.
Yes, Your Majesty.
By the way, speaking of official posts
it reminds me that the title of the libationer
originated from the Academy of the Gate of Harvest God Ji.
When it was passed down to our dynasty
the head of the Erudite of the Five Classics
was given the title of the Erudite Libationer.
They are in charge of education and discipline.
What is he up to?
This new post of Military Libationer that Minister Cao created
must also entail the purpose of educating others.
Am I right to say so?
Your Majesty is absolutely right.
According to the regulations
the emperor is not to skip a day of studies.
But my studies have been put on hold for a while due to my illness.
I'd like to resume my imperial classes.
Why don't you and Prefect Xun be my mentors?
How does that sound?
I'm very flattered, Your Majesty.
How very fortunate I am.
Did you see him?
He seems to be quite handsome.
Is your comment on men so simple?
There are also those not as naughty as you
and those naughtier than you.
What a pity...
None that I know are as naughty as you are.
Young Master Yang.
I'll take my leave.
Come.
You do say it very well.
Your Majesty, why would you say that to him?
With just a few words, Guo Jia already figured out Yang Xiu works for me.
He also knows that I talked Lady Bian into punishing Man Chong.
Not only has Man Chong been reinstated
but he also had Xu Fu taken away!
This is Guo Jia.
Have you seen it for yourself now?
We spent so much time planning all of this
but he messed it all up in a day!
All of our efforts were in vain.
Only Your Majesty is able to keep Guo Jia in line.
Not only did you not refute him
but you're even going to keep him by your side every day?
Your Majesty, you're assisting your enemy!
Guo Jia already suspects us of working together
to betray Dong Cheng.
He will surely keep guessing what else I'm hiding from him.
Only by recruiting him as my mentor can I dispel his doubts about me.
Guo Jia is Cao Cao's strategist.
Now that the battle will soon begin, he can't possibly stay here for long.
We'd better find a way to keep my post before he makes a move.
If not, Your Majesty will become Guo Jia's puppet.
What is the matter?
Your Highness, Princess Consort of Hongnong seeks audience.
Summon her in.
No.
Invite Sister Tang to my quarters.
Yes.
I have to speak to her.
Sister Tang, do me a favor.
Tell Sima Yi to leave. Right away.
I heard that Guo Jia has returned.
Has he already noticed Sima Yi?
Guo Jia acts too swiftly.
In just moments, he's already ripped apart all of Yang Xiu's arrangements.
In no time, he should suspect the Sima family and Sima Yi.
Sima Yi can't stay in the capital any longer.
Exactly.
However, His Majesty's friendship with Sima Yi is so deep
that he hesitates to decide.
We'll have to do it for him.
Send Yang Xiu to get this done.
Yang Xiu?
He's a man of political trickery.
He wants everyone to obey his every command.
Sima Yi is too proud and unyielding.
It will only make things worse if we let them meet up.
He... he trusts you.
Why?
His Majesty told me that Sima Yi lured Wang Yue to your place
in order to protect you.
You already knew?
Yes... I knew.
But this is just a strategy to protect the imperial family.
There's no trust between him and me.
But I...
You're the only one I trust.
Isn't this medicine too bitter?
Bear with it.
You really are very lucky.
First, you saved His Majesty, and then the princess consort.
Shouldn't His Majesty reward you 1,000 stone in rations?
I'd be happy to be injured in your stead.
When I've recovered, you can have all of my rewards.
Second Young Master!
Second Young Master.
This is...
This is the shopkeeper in my store.
What is the matter, Shopkeeper Zhang?
I'll leave you to recuperate.
I should get going.
- Shopkeeper Zhang. - Second Young Master.
Our people saw Guo Jia enter the capital.
Guo Jia?
Where did he go?
He went straight to the Ministry of Works.
Second Young Master, slow down.
Shopkeeper Zhang, we only have half a day's time.
Leave right away.
He doesn't even know you.
Why are you so scared of him?
I'm scared of him?
I don't fear him at all.
But he's our peskiest enemy.
It's best that I don't stay here to get the others into trouble.
You're still thinking about that young lady.
It's good that you're leaving.
Now that the capital is such a mess, Master is also worried about you.
But your injury...
Are you being stupid?
My injury gives us a better excuse to leave this place.
Quickly, go and pack my clothes.
Get going.
I told you that he can't do anything right.
He had us utterly defeated after meeting with Guo Jia.
All of our plans were in vain.
I even have to go to Guandu while Guo Jia stays as his mentor.
Has he gone insane?
Perhaps His Majesty did so with underlying intentions.
What underlying intentions could a puppet have?
De Zu.
You keep making the same mistake.
He is the emperor.
The imperial family can only prosper under his guidance.
He isn't your puppet.
In order to protect him, we'll have to make certain sacrifices.
Just go along with Guo Jia's arrangements.
I won't give up all of the efforts I've made up until now
only to fall subject to Guo Jia in Guandu!
Father, it's time for you to come forward.
I have to stay by the emperor in order to defeat Guo Jia.
The Battle of Guandu...
It's the deciding battle of the Central Plain.
The outcome of the battle not only affects us, but His Majesty as well.
De Zu, it's good for you to take a trip there.
However, you must bear in mind that your mission isn't to defeat Guo Jia.
Can't you tell?
He's purposely trying to infuriate you.
The dealer has changed.
Can we still win the bet?
Sister Tang already left?
She did.
What did you ask of her?
Between sisters, there are matters that Your Majesty shouldn't know.
I only came to tell you...
to stop being mad at me.
I'm not the one who is mad at you now.
Yang Xiu is about to die from a fit of anger.
I also have some words to tell you that Yang Xiu shouldn't overhear.
What is it about?
I asked Guo Jia to be my mentor so I can win him over.
Win him over?
Exactly.
When I first met Guo Jia today, I had this weird feeling.
He's extremely clever and excels in devising strategies.
He's even more dangerous than Man Chong.
However, I don't catch that sense of intimidation on him
as I do with Man Chong.
I feel like warming up to him.
I want to win him over.
I want to know what he really is like.
I'd like to know if he truly wishes to assist Cao Cao to the throne.
If such a man would be willing to serve the imperial family
wouldn't we stand a better chance?
But he is Cao Cao's most trusted confidant!
I could understand if you wished to win Xun Yu over.
Why would you choose the most cunning and dangerous Guo Jia?
But we all know that Guo Jia is the cleverest of them all.
He must have made his decision for the sake of his ambition.
That's why I wish to understand what he is aiming at.
I'd like to know if we both end up reaching the same goal.
Have I made another mistake again?
I finally understand why you trust Sima Yi so deeply.
You're compassionate and meek.
But you're easily drawn to the most dangerous people.
You... Who are you?
Isn't it too indecent to do this in broad daylight?
Where is Sima Yi?
Isn't he injured?
Oh, him.
The Sima family sent over a housekeeper as fierce as a bandit.
He came right in and had Sima Yi carried away without a word.
He didn't even have time to pack his belongings.
It's said that loving mothers always spoil their children.
Doting fathers are just the same.
He had such a promising future.
He's cast it all aside.
Greetings, Prefect Xun.
You're still wounded.
What brings you here personally when you should be recuperating?
I am the housekeeper of the Sima family.
My master heard about the chaos in the capital
and was worried about my young master.
Therefore, he sent me here to take Young Master home.
Who knew that Young Master would really end up wounded?
Sima Yi is held in high respect by His Majesty here in the capital.
It'd be a great pity if you were to head home now.
Prefect Xun, I can't disobey my father.
I'm afraid I can't juggle both filial piety and loyalty.
I believe that you must have heard of my master's temper.
He opposes having the young masters take up any official posts.
This time, he's even given strict orders to summon Young Master home immediately.
My master said that he's already lost one foster son.
He can't bear to lose his biological son.
All right.
Since filial piety and loyalty can't both be fulfilled
I won't insist on keeping Sima Yi.
I've let His Majesty down.
I've let Prefect Xun down under your guidance.
This is my resignation.
Please hand this in on my behalf.
Should my father give me his consent someday
I'll surely return to the capital to visit Prefect Xun.
Should one day the world finally be at peace
we will surely meet again.
Safe journey.
Thank you, Prefect Xun.
Second Young Master, do you still need to see anyone else?
Leave the city right away.
- Leave quickly. - Yes
Hurry up!
Stop!
Who is it? What are you?
This is a traveling permit from the county magistrate of Wen County.
We're here to take our young master home.
- Get going. - Yes.
Young Master, it's fine now.
Don't worry, we'll leave the city very soon.
Good.
Is it Young Master Sima?
You are...
Military Libationer of the Ministry of Works, Guo Jia.
I've long heard of Libationer Guo.
I didn't expect to meet you here today.
Libationer Guo, have you just returned to the capital?
Exactly.
Haven't you been appointed as the Gentleman of the Palace Library?
This is...
My father has given orders.
I am to return home to recuperate.
I'm afraid I won't be able to visit you.
That doesn't matter.
I've heard of your godbrother's unfortunate demise.
I caught a few bandits near the capital on my way here.
It's just that they have killed and robbed too many.
They didn't know which was your godbrother.
How about this?
Why don't you draw your godbrother's portrait
and I'll get them to identify him.
I don't carry ink or a brush on me.
I'm afraid I can't do so.
Allow me to draw the portrait when I get home.
Fortunately, I have the habit of carrying paper and brush with me.
I wouldn't dare to stall you from your journey.
Why don't you draw here?
Paper and brush!
Can't you even draw a portrait of the brother
you spent every day with from memory?
I happened to recall how tragically my brother died then.
It's just a moment of sorrow.
Life and death matter greatly, so how can I not grieve?
Libationer Guo, please do give me a moment.
I should be able to hear from them soon.
I'll be sure to inform Duke Sima right away.
Thank you, Libationer Guo.
I'll take my leave.
Shopkeeper Zhang.
Get someone to fetch water.
Yes.
Go and fetch some water.
Yes.
Hand me the paper and brush. Quickly!
Libationer Guo.
Why would you wait there for Sima Yi and ask him for Yang Ping's portrait?
Do you remember how it all started?
The palace caught fire.
Why would a male corpse dressed in the outfit of a eunuch be left in the fire?
Why would Yang Jun's son be robbed and killed by bandits on the same day?
I'm too simple-minded.
Everything in this world is connected somehow.
If we draw a speculation from A, we'll get an outcome from B.
Look into B and we'll find out about D.
They are all connected.
You can live in a small room and still know about the world.
This is the theory of observation.
Libationer Guo, please elaborate.
That male corpse in the fire was left there
disguised as Princess Consort Tang's eunuch.
Why would Princess Consort Tang have to disguise someone as a eunuch?
Surely because she had to bring an outsider into the palace.
Why would she bring an outsider into the palace
only to have him burned so badly he couldn't be recognized?
This was definitely to cover up his identity.
We must be familiar with this person.
Only by burning him into ashes could his identity be concealed.
You do learn fast.
We'll take a look at Yang Jun.
His son, Yang Ping, was also killed and made unrecognizable.
What does this tell us?
It means that he doesn't want his son's face to be recognized.
Here in the capital
there were two corpses made to be unrecognizable at the same time.
There are only two possible explanations to that.
Someone is either out to conceal the death of the victims
or someone wants to assume the identity of the victims.
However...
where have they both gone?
There don't seem to be any unfamiliar people around us.
There isn't anyone missing either.
Whoever planned this deception went to great lengths.
It's a pity that they let the cat out of the bag themselves.
They don't want us to recognize Yang Ping.
As long as we can find out what Yang Ping looked like
the truth will be out.
Libationer Guo foretells so miraculously.
It's no wonder Sima Yi insists that Yang Ping is dead.
He must be hoodwinking us.
Wen County...
Someone must have seen Yang Ping in the past.
I'll send my men to Wen County to retrieve Yang Ping's portrait now!
Deng Zhan has already gone to Wen County.
Go and search for someone else.
Yes!
Libationer Guo, I've bought it.
Young Master!
Please be so kind as to spare us some money!
Please spare us some change, Young Master!
Young Master!
Spare me some money.
Spare me some.
Thank you!
It's mine! Give it to me!
Go away!
Get lost!
Will there be ghosts in the day?
What are you doing here?
I... I... It's to...
Sima Yi!
He told me to give this to...
You should leave.
Don't ever come here again.
I...
I've walked for miles.
You scared the wits out of me!
Young lady, aren't you going to give me some money?
[Capital of Xu Inn] Please inform Master Yang.
County Magistrate of Xu, Man Chong, asks to see him.
Yes!
Come in.
Master Yang, the County Magistrate of Xu asks to see you.
- Invite him in. - Yes.
Princess--
Mister Yang, how have you been?
Lord Man, you're here.
Please have a seat.
Thank you.
I've come to talk about your son's case and I'll leave right after.
I won't take a seat.
Has there been some progress on my son's case?
Libationer Guo has returned.
He's personally taking charge of arresting the bandits.
Mister Yang, please give us a portrait of your son
to facilitate the arrest of the culprits for Libationer Guo.
Well...
I've lost my right arm.
I'm afraid...
Why don't you describe him to me?
I'll do the portrait.
I'll give it a try.
Ping...
Mister Yang, there's no rush.
Take your time.
Mister Yang.
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