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[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 14]
Young Master, you've summoned me?
I want you to get a task done.
Grand Commandant Yang said that you must act very cautiously.
You're not to act recklessly.
Guo Jia has had you relocated.
He's assigning me to Guandu.
If we still act cautiously, Guo Jia will overturn this game in a day!
Whatever you have in mind, I'm afraid I can't do it.
What are you doing here?
It's urgent.
Sima Yi was intercepted by Guo Jia when he was about to leave.
He made Sima Yi draw a portrait of Yang Ping.
A portrait?
Was His Majesty's identity exposed?
Sima Yi drew him a fake one and got through with some luck.
What about Yang Jun?
Sima Yi already thought of that.
Fortunately, I got there in time.
The one Yang Jun drew for Man Chong
is similar to the one Sima Yi drew for Guo Jia.
The fake portrait can only hold them off for some time.
If Guo Jia wishes to get the accurate portrait
he can send someone to Wen County.
He can get one of Yang Ping's friends to draw his portrait.
Exactly.
Therefore, this is an emergency.
You have to cooperate with him.
He'll intercept them and you'll deal with the aftermath.
This is his letter to you.
If he wishes to collaborate with me, why didn't he send the letter to me?
Instead, he gave it to you.
What exactly will you do?
Leave now.
I know what I should do.
You should know how urgent this is!
I know better than anyone else about Guo Jia's sort of urgent situation.
Young Master, this is a truly urgent matter.
What do they know?
These trivial tricks won't be able to fool Guo Jia.
If we are to rid ourselves of further trouble
we'll have to deal with Guo Jia once and for all.
Zhong Da actually left?
Your Majesty, are you all right?
I'm fine.
When was Prefect Xun's report delivered?
When he left the court session this afternoon.
There's still time.
Prepare a horse carriage.
I'm taking a trip away from the palace.
Your Majesty.
Where are you going?
You sent him away, didn't you?
I did wish to send him away.
Your relationship with Sima Yi is bound to arouse suspicion in Guo Jia.
Little did I expect him to make a move first.
But he left without even telling me.
Your Majesty.
I finally believe what you said is true.
This brother of yours is way more clearheaded than you are.
And more sensible.
What is the matter?
I was just informed.
Guo Jia has sent Deng Zhan to Wen County.
Wen County?
He must have targeted the Sima family.
The Sima family must be in danger now.
Empress, I have to inform Zhong Da that Deng Zhan has gone to Wen County.
It's just a message.
Why would Your Majesty have to do it personally?
But...
since I came back here, I haven't seen Zhong Da.
After he leaves this time, I don't know when I can ever see him again.
He is now in danger.
Am I to do nothing about it?
You are in far more danger than he is!
Empress.
Am I really just a puppet?
Your Majesty...
no one wants to make you a puppet.
But you have to remember that you're the emperor.
There are some matters that an emperor must not do!
I don't wish to disagree with you and correct you all the time.
I would just like you to know what an emperor should be like.
Without Liu Ping...
there is no emperor.
If Guo Jia were to overhear you now, what would happen?
Your Majesty...
it's about time you calm yourself down.
Indeed.
I should calm down.
Here, we should celebrate.
Young people nowadays have no respect for etiquette anymore.
Jia Wen He is here?
You've been back for a day but you didn't visit me.
Instead, you had me come all the way here with great difficulty to see you.
Old fellow.
I really am ill.
You're just faking it.
After I'm dead, you'll still survive another 30 years.
This is...
My surname is Ren.
My first name is Hong Chang.
I picked her up on the way here.
This must be a god-sent consolation prior to my death.
A magnificent beauty.
You're quite lucky this time.
Zhang Xiu's Wan City subordinated to your territory so easily.
Don't I have you to thank for it?
It's just a bit of entertainment.
Hong Chang, prepare some wine.
Drink it up!
I invited you over to ask about someone.
Princess Consort of Hongnong, Tang Ying.
You're angry?
You've already hooked me, body and soul.
I've given you the last half of my lifetime.
Don't worry.
This is about a serious issue.
Apart from women, what other serious issues can you discuss?
All right, now.
Pour the old general a cup of wine.
Why don't we listen to his stories?
A bowl of wine in exchange for a city.
It's too expensive.
I can't afford to drink it!
Come, old general.
When you and Dong Zhuo entered Chang'an
Tang Ying was still the empress.
Dong Zhuo later had her abolished as a princess consort.
Dong Zhuo even wanted to rape her, but she escaped.
Li Jue sent large troops after her.
She got away again.
If we were to call her a frail woman...
Jia Xu, would you believe that?
In terms of that, I really have no clue at all.
Old fellow...
You put up a pretense in Chang'an.
You put up a pretense in Huayin.
You put up a pretense in Wan City.
And now even here in the capital, you're still acting ignorant.
You shouldn't be called Jia Xu.
You might as well be Jia Zhuang. ("Jia Zhuang" means "pretense.")
You know more about the emperor than I do.
If you keep acting ignorant, I'll let you have a taste of Miss Ren's tricks.
If you keep saying such nonsense
I'll let you see just what tricks I can play on the old general tonight.
Don't...
I really can't handle that.
Master Guo Jia.
What would you like to know? Ask away.
Yuan Shao was chosen by Emperor Ling as the crown prince's guardian.
Is Princess Consort Tang related to Yuan Shao in any way?
Your Majesty.
Her Highness would like Your Majesty to have your meal.
Where is the empress?
If you wish to summon her for the night, I'll do so right now.
Don't bother.
Your Majesty.
Her Highness gets a bit too anxious at times.
She only does so out of her concern for Your Majesty.
Palace Steward Leng.
Answer me.
How did Eunuch Zhang used to slip out of the palace at night?
Eunuchs often have to leave the palace to convey imperial decrees.
We leave by showing our passes and have our names recorded.
Your Majesty...
Old general, why have you stopped?
I wish to listen to more stories.
I'm just a useless strategist.
How could I know that much about Yuan Shao's tricks?
However, back then when Dong Zhuo tried to kill Yuan Shao
many skilled warriors suddenly showed up in Chang'an to protect Yuan Shao.
Dong Zhuo had to use tens of thousands of men to kill them.
Yuan Shao also managed to escape because of that.
Whether the princess consort works for Yuan Shao or not
I really don't know.
The battle is about to begin.
Spies, assassins, scouts...
These are just common tactics.
Princess Consort Tang's identity will affect His Majesty's attitude
toward Yuan Shao.
When His Majesty was made abject, Yuan Shao showed him no concern.
What attitude do you think His Majesty will have toward him?
Wen He, the emperor that you speak of sounds too simple.
Do you think that our emperor is simple?
All right now.
Your night is still long so I won't stay to disturb you.
By the way, Zhang Xiu is an earnest man.
I'll leave him to you, but be sure not to bully him too badly.
You're not going to Guandu, are you?
I was looking forward to having you take on Yang Xiu for a bit.
I'm old now.
Since I rushed all the way here from Wan City this time
I'm so worn out that my bones are all aching.
I'm not as playful as you youngsters!
You're just worried about those in the capital, aren't you?
All of my past acquaintances are dead.
Who am I to worry about?
Old general, you're already leaving?
I didn't understand your story at all.
It's only right that you didn't understand.
Otherwise, Guo Jia wouldn't have brought you home with him!
That cunning old fox.
Yi He?
What brings you here?
Wen County is in danger.
Guo Jia has sent Deng Zhan to Wen County.
He must have been sent there for you.
He was sent there for you.
Do you know what happened when I was about to leave?
Guo Jia intercepted me at the gates.
He asked me for Yang Ping's portrait.
You drew him one?
I had to.
You must have given him a fake one.
Guo Jia must have sent Deng Zhan to retrieve a portrait of me.
I won't be able to catch up with him.
I can only inform Lang through the messenger dove
and hope that he can deceive Deng Zhan.
Did you leave because of that?
As for me...
I had planned to stay in the capital for a few more days.
I was only going to leave after I'd won over some influential officials for you.
You had planned to go home.
I did.
Who would have known that my godbrother was now the emperor?
I can't keep this from my father, can I?
Besides, there are many in Wen County who have already met you.
I have to take care of some matters for Your Majesty.
I just didn't expect Guo Jia to act so swiftly.
I couldn't even stay a day longer in the capital anymore.
I'll have to look for another opportunity to carry out my plans.
It's good that you're heading home first.
If your letter didn't arrive or Lang can't deceive Deng Zhan
we must think of a way to intercept him.
Why don't you leave that to me?
Come here.
What for?
Come here!
You've been an emperor for a few days and now you're so arrogant?
You can even think of ways on your own?
What can you come up with?
Sending someone to kill Deng Zhan?
We can't kill Deng Zhan.
If we kill Deng Zhan, Wen County will be in even more danger.
We'll intercept him first.
As for the rest, leave it to me.
Hey.
You must remember at all times to keep yourself safe
under any circumstances.
My identity as the emperor doesn't mean more than your life.
Don't do anything that will make me live in regret.
Since when do you get to command me?
When has a clever and selfish man like me ever put myself in danger?
I know that.
What is this about?
The emperor snuck out just to say this to me?
What is it?
Shouldn't I do so?
Fu Shou...
Did she allow you to come here?
I snuck out on my own.
At most, I'll just apologize to her when I return tomorrow.
You--
You...
You're the emperor but you're still afraid of your wife.
You really make me look bad.
Yi He...
You're too kind.
Whatever choice you make, there's always a price to pay.
Certainly, you can insist on being benevolent and saving lives.
But sometimes, in order to hold on to this belief
you must kill for the sake of benevolence.
If a mere Deng Zhan is enough to make you hesitate
how are you to save me?
I won't take innocent lives.
If I'm free to kill anyone just by making up some dignified excuse
how am I any different than a tyrant?
Do you know how Sun Yi died?
When I lured him over to Tang Ying's, you should have guessed it then.
I knew.
But it doesn't mean that I agree with you.
Fine.
Here's another question.
If Sun Yi hadn't died, it would've been Tang Ying who died.
How will you choose?
There must be some other choice.
I won't take innocent lives.
That isn't what you taught me about how an emperor should rule.
That isn't why I chose to return.
Yi He, many innocent lives are taken every day in this world.
You claim that you're out to rescue the imperial family.
Yet until now, all you've managed to do
is dodge Cao Cao's surveillance and investigations.
It's only a matter of time before the imperial family is wiped out.
Have you thought of what you really should be doing?
I hope that you can figure this out before we meet again.
If not, you might never to see me again.
Is Your Highness still worried about His Majesty?
You're becoming nosier.
We all know that Your Highness cares more for His Majesty's health than your own.
His Majesty didn't eat dinner at all tonight.
It's no wonder that Your Highness is concerned.
If Your Highness is still worried, why don't I go in your stead?
Yes.
His Majesty has retired for the night.
The empress had me bring this here.
I'll... bring it in.
Thank the empress for me.
Tell the empress to get some rest soon.
I'll visit her tomorrow.
Yes.
His Majesty will visit you tomorrow.
What was His Majesty doing when you got there?
I was told that he was asleep.
Eunuch Leng held me off and wouldn't let me in.
Your Highness, have you quarreled with His Majesty?
Greetings, Your Majesty.
I'm already in bed.
The wind is cold at night.
Empress, you should retire for the night.
Your Majesty.
Are you really angry at me?
No, no!
I've really gone to bed.
I'll visit you in the morning.
Your Highness!
You're getting bolder!
Your Highness, it's my fault!
I won't dare to do so again!
That's enough.
You're dismissed.
- Yes. - Yes.
Your Highness...
I am at fault.
I won't dare to do so again.
It's just that I have to fetch His Majesty before the day breaks.
When His Majesty returns safely...
can Your Highness punish me then?
Eunuch Zhang is no longer with us.
You're now the chief eunuch here.
How could you not have any sense of priority?
If anyone else finds out about this, even a sound beating can't resolve it.
I didn't mean to deceive Your Highness.
It's just that His Majesty seemed terribly upset.
I don't wish to see Your Highness and His Majesty at odds.
Who are you to meddle with the issue between me and His Majesty?
I just don't wish to see you upset.
Get going.
Yes.
What's the matter with your leg?
Your Majesty.
Has anything else happened tonight?
- Get me changed quickly. - Yes.
I'll attend to Your Majesty.
Empress?
His Majesty has returned.
Your Highness can punish me now.
The empress found out?
Why didn't you tell me?
I...
Were you punished because of me?
This is my fault.
Empress, this really isn't his fault.
I forced him to swap his attire with me.
Don't take it out on him again.
You should go and have your wound dressed quickly.
Empress...
You may go.
Yes.
I know what I did was wrong.
Didn't I already make it back safely?
You're already a fake emperor.
You still dare to have someone else pose as you?
It's my fault!
Will you let me off again, please?
You admit to your mistakes faster than anyone else.
You never learn!
Why don't you... hit me?
Do you think that I'm joking around?
Sister Tang came here last night.
She said that Guo Jia has sent someone to retrieve your portrait.
Do you know how serious the consequences are?
All you think about is your godbrother!
Zhong Da already told me.
That was why I had to discuss it with Zhong Da personally.
He will work with me to tackle Guo Jia.
Him?
And me.
Master Guo!
You have a visitor.
It's a friend of yours.
Someone is here to see you.
Who is it?
A friend of yours.
My friends should know that I like to sleep in.
Some friend.
Forget it.
If it's another friend, we might get a nice story again.
I'll go and have a look.
This friend... Is this friend a man or a woman?
It's neither a man nor a woman.
It is indeed my friend.
It's actually you?
Miss Ren, you still remember me?
He also works for you?
The poor, young emperor.
You have him within your clutches.
Hong Chang, bring us some wine.
As fellow disciples, we should have a good drink together.
Go and prepare some wine.
Senior, you simply haven't changed at all.
Chief Eunuch Leng, Her Highness summons you.
Yes, I'll be there shortly.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Highness.
What can I do for you, Your Highness?
Does it still hurt?
Thank you for asking, Your Highness.
I'm all right.
Therefore, it doesn't hinder you from concealing your whereabouts?
Anyone there?
You may all step out now.
- Yes. - Yes.
The empress and I have always trusted you deeply.
Can you explain to us where you just went?
Your Majesty.
I went to meet Guo Jia.
Why?
We were fellow disciples.
My junior still treats me most kindly.
With this, I'll be able to survive another year.
If you want to survive another year, you can sleep alone tonight.
What is the fun in that?
Fellow disciples really are very close.
You'd even send your own junior into the palace as a servant.
You got that wrong.
The most difficult of all matters is to act voluntarily and willingly.
Therefore...
you were sent here by Guo Jia to spy on His Majesty?
What have you told him?
I know what Your Highness wishes to ask me.
As a medical practitioner...
I already knew that His Majesty was no longer
the same emperor he was...
when we fled from the fire.
Keep going.
I did go to meet Guo Jia.
But I didn't tell him a word.
I've become disabled because of Guo Jia.
Because of Guo Jia?
Didn't you say that your senior infuriated Hua Tuo
so he had all his disciples punished for it?
The eldest disciple who enraged our mentor...
was Guo Jia.
Guo Jia is your senior?
Then why wasn't he--
What did he do?
My mentor had a niece, Hua Dan.
He treated her as if she were his precious daughter.
Guo Jia raped her and then fled from our school.
My mentor took out his anger on us and had all of his disciples castrated.
I never thought that Guo Jia could do such a thing.
Doesn't he always bring a beautiful woman with him whenever he visits the palace?
When recruiting, Cao Cao never cares about anyone's moral ethics
as long as they are talented.
Guo Jia certainly meets his taste.
Why did you go to see him?
Among the disciples, I am the least capable one.
I only have medical skills.
Now that Guo Jia is severely ill, only my medicine can nurse his health.
That's why I brought him some medicine.
You're disabled because of him.
Not only are you not seeking revenge, but you're actually saving him?
I'm already disabled and it can't be undone.
It is as rivers that run into the sea.
What is the point in seeking revenge?
I've had fairly peaceful days here in the palace.
That's why I no longer wish to seek revenge on Guo Jia.
Would I believe in such a superficial reason?
If there's anyone else in this world that Guo Jia is wary of
it'd have to be me.
I don't have to submit myself to him.
If I coveted wealth and power
I never would have entered the palace to be a lowly servant in the first place.
If Your Majesty and Your Highness are still worried
you can have me killed.
Get up.
Honestly, I've never doubted you.
Your Majesty has become a lot more confident these days.
You may step out now.
Go and invite Yang Xiu over to see me when you head out.
Yes.
I'll take my leave.
The capital...
There are so many rare and talented people here.
Do you believe in him?
Is it just because he helped you sneak out?
No.
I have another reason.
I think that...
he likes you.
An emperor would even make such a joke?
I can't explain it.
But I understand the way he looks at you.
He likes you in a cautious manner and he can't bear...
He won't do anything to hurt you.
Why have you asked to see Yang Xiu?
It's to save lives.
[Wen County]
Steamed buns!
Hot steamed buns!
Steamed buns for sale!
- Sir. - Sir.
I'll have two buns.
Sure!
Here are your buns. They are hot. Be careful.
Sure.
May I ask how to get to Sima Manor?
Are you asking about Master Sima Fang's manor?
Exactly.
The Sima family are the greatest benefactors of Wen County.
Are you a guest of theirs?
Yes.
Sure. Xiao Liu Zi!
- Yes, Sir! - Quickly.
Take this gentleman to Master's manor.
- Quickly. - Sure! Sir.
Come this way.
Take care.
It's right ahead.
Sir, this is it.
You can head inside and I'll take my leave now.
Hold on.
Have you met the Sima family's foster son, Yang Ping?
I did.
We were on the same street.
Young Master Yang and Second Young Master bought buns from us.
Sir, this is...
Draw me a portrait of Young Master Yang.
I can't draw, sir.
Just his face will do.
Sir, will this do?
This means that you often visit the Sima family?
I'm neighbors with the Sima family.
When Yang Ping was young, I often taught him how to read.
Whenever there were any festivities, he'd bring me gifts.
He was a gentle and respectful child.
Who knew that he'd be killed by bandits?
In such turbulent times, human lives are treated with disregard!
The Commandant's Office of Xu is now investigating the case.
Can you draw us a portrait of Yang Ping to help us capture the culprits?
Oh?
You need a portrait to capture the culprits?
Shouldn't you ask the Sima family to draw the portrait?
Master Sima and the eldest young master are both at home.
Honestly, Master Sima has been very displeased with
the commandant's office for not having captured the culprits yet.
It's quite awkward to visit them now.
It will also upset the Sima family.
All places apart from Henei have been greatly devastated.
There are bandits everywhere.
This must be very difficult for you.
Sir, just a moment.
Sir, please draw on this paper.
This is...
Why?
The Commandant's Office of Xu uses our own paper
for official letters and portraits.
This is to prevent it from being swapped or falsified.
The Commandant's Office of Xu is indeed rigorous in your investigation!
Please.
This is Yang Ping?
Yes.
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