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[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 16]
Libationer Guo, do you really believe in Zhang Xiu's allegiance?
If you send such a troop to attack Yuan Shao
and they switch sides in war
the consequences... will be far more dire than those of Wan City.
Trust the man you employ.
He's brought all of his armed forces with him.
He won't waver again.
Besides, Duke Cao is no longer what he used to be.
Young Master Yang, please give me a moment.
I have to handle a small matter.
Libationer Guo.
Libationer Guo, how is the investigation on my nephew, Yang Ping's, death going?
I'll surely answer to His Majesty... and you, Young Master Yang.
Young Master Yang...
This is the official document to assign Young Master Yang to the army.
Libationer Guo, you had intended to assign
General Deng Zhan to the palace guards, hadn't you?
It won't be easy to find another talented man like him.
What a pity.
What you gain on the swings, you lose on the roundabouts.
Isn't Deng Zhan still alive?
Libationer Guo does indeed map out strategies way ahead.
The Central Plain is already included in your map.
However...
it's easy to seize the world, but difficult to hold on to it.
I'll take my leave.
How are the portraits?
None of them look like him.
Take a look.
Three of them are similar to the one Sima Yi drew.
It seems that Yang Ping isn't anywhere near us.
Could my deduction be wrong?
Deng Zhan was captured, so could these portraits be fake?
No.
These are papers that I gave to Deng Zhan.
There are concealed marks on them.
No one can copy that.
This is strange...
Not at all.
It's just quite interesting.
Yang Ping...
Where exactly are you hiding?
It seems that we can only wait for Zhao Yan to find the answer.
When I left the city, I saw Zhao Yan.
He used the excuse of being out on official duty as he brushed past me.
I guess... he must be going to Wen County?
Libationer Guo is amazingly accurate. He was going to Wen County.
It seems that Zhao Yan has also noticed the issue with the Sima family.
I just hope that he can figure out something.
It doesn't matter if he doesn't.
If any mishap befalls upon him there
the murder of a court adviser is enough for you to arrest the Sima family.
Are we going to tackle the Sima family?
Duke Cao...
After all, Sima Fang is Duke Cao's benefactor.
When it comes to serious matters, Duke Cao has a sense of priorities.
Yuan Shao's troops dropped by at such a perfect time.
There are quite a few people in the capital
who are on close terms with Yuan Shao.
I did leak information to Yuan Shao's army
to have them take Deng Zhan away.
But why didn't Sima Yi destroy the portraits?
Young Master Yang is in contact with Yuan Shao
but you've kept us in the dark.
Your Highness, everything I do is for the sake of
His Majesty and the imperial family.
By right, once Guo Jia has the portraits
he should suspect me.
So why hasn't he taken any action toward us?
He didn't seem shocked by his success and he wasn't gloating.
Could it be that he's holding it off to appease us so he can keep investigating?
Then he wouldn't have deliberately allowed Young Master Yang to be present.
Could it be... Sima Yi?
Zhong Da?
You're right.
Zhong Da must have helped us.
But what could Sima Yi possibly bribe Guo Jia's confidant, Deng Zhan, with?
I don't know how he did it.
But I believe that he has the ability.
Cao Cao has Guo Jia and I have Zhong Da.
We can't just leave this matter hanging.
I have to know if Sima Yi tampered with the portraits.
I'll send someone to Wen County.
I'll go.
Princess Consort is leaving the capital to meet a peasant scholar.
If Guo Jia's men notice you
won't that be as good as confessing our deeds?
If Guo Jia's men are onto me, I can silence them.
However, if your men end up in the hands of Guo Jia
what will become of us?
There's much misunderstanding between Zhong Da and Young Master Yang.
This matter concerns my identity.
If we were to send a servant to convey our message
it would seem quite inappropriate.
I'll have to trouble Sister Tang then.
I took it upon myself to take such actions.
I've come to ask Father for punishment.
You're still injured.
Get up first and we'll talk.
Yes.
Be honest with me.
What exactly is your opinion on Yi He's matter?
Father, you're not aware of this, but I nearly brought him home.
But he still went back there to be the emperor under someone else's name.
Father, everyone has his own destiny and responsibility.
He's gone back there to take on his responsibility.
That was his choice.
It was a choice that I made for myself and the Sima family
to support Yi He's decision.
Please empathize with me, Father.
Among all of my eight sons, you're the most resourceful one.
Tell me.
Why did you choose to do so?
Because Yi He is my brother.
You have seven brothers.
Father retired into the suburbs
and banned your sons from taking official posts
because the imperial court is weak and ambitious wolves are in power.
Feudal lords rise in authority and no other heroes stand up to them.
However, Yi He now takes the ultimate throne of power.
I choose to stand by him in support of my brother
but also for achievements and career.
I've been mentored by my tutor and Father.
I've studied for 10 years.
I don't wish to wish to remain unacknowledged
out here in the countryside.
Father, you've been running an operation in the capital for years.
I'm sure it isn't just to leave a way out for yourself.
Since you've already thought this through
have you come up with a way to dodge Guo Jia's investigation?
Lang was right.
Should Cao Meng De find out that the Sima family raised an impostor
who replaced the emperor
it will be the massacre of our entire clan that follows!
It is your brother who is sitting high up there on the throne.
But aren't your aging father and brothers here at home?
Father.
We will roll with the punches.
Besides, I'm not alone.
Yi He can also offer me much assistance in his current status.
Take a look.
This is Ye City.
Father, are you really going to hand over all the forces
you've gathered over the years to me?
I'm old.
Some things shouldn't retire into the woods and be buried with me.
Thank you, Father.
Perhaps...
this could be Great Han's last chance.
Zhong Da.
Lang.
How is your leg?
Did you redress the wound?
I just did.
You haven't changed at all.
You still don't like taking medication.
It's bitter.
It tastes quite disgusting.
What are your thoughts on Yi He's situation?
We'll be pitted against Cao Cao.
Lang...
Yi He is my brother.
Even if I have to take on the world, I can't just do nothing to help him.
But I, too, can't just do nothing to help my own brothers.
Thank you, Lang.
But we'll have to be very cautious now.
Guo Jia won't be fooled by those portraits.
He will surely send someone here again.
Should we send away those who recognize Yi He?
That won't work.
If so many people suddenly moved away
wouldn't that be telling Guo Jia outright that we're guilty?
What should we do then?
We can't just sit and wait.
I think it's best not to make a big move.
I'll take no action until the enemy makes a move.
We'll see what Guo Jia will do next.
By the way, have our family's troops secretly deployed.
We must inspect everyone who comes to Wen County.
You have to take a comprehensive approach.
Your opponent is Guo Jia.
Didn't you say so yourself?
Guo Jia never makes a mistake.
It's my privilege to have such an opponent.
All right.
Recuperate well.
I'll make the arrangements for your plans.
That's my brother.
Next... it's time for your medication.
You should nurse yourself back to health first.
All right.
If you feed me, I'll have to take it.
It's too bitter, Lang.
Your Majesty, Second Young Master is no longer in critical condition.
I'll write him a prescription to replenish vigor and blood.
He can then take some nourishment slowly.
Thank you, Eunuch Leng.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
My son's life was saved by Your Majesty and Eunuch Leng.
Madam, you're too kind.
Please do get up, Madam.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, would you like to take a look?
Your Majesty?
You're indeed much more skillful in medical practice than I am.
I'm too flattered, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, you're already learning very quickly.
Your Majesty, please halt!
Is Your Majesty troubled?
I'm not.
Why don't you head back first?
I'll take Your Majesty to a great place.
Come.
[Wen County]
Sir, rest assured.
The linen we offer these years as tribute is of the best quality.
It's of full size and weight.
1,000 threads in each foot.
We dare not slack off. One county is good enough to cover five--
May I ask if this fabric is from here?
This isn't a standard pattern.
It's a privately weaved fabric of fine quality.
Only Mrs. Li can weave 10 some bolts of such linen.
It was made for the Sima family.
- Chief. - Yes, Sir.
Was Master Yang Jun's son, Yang Ping, raised by the Sima family?
Did you happen to know him?
It is indeed so.
But isn't it said that Young Master Yang died on his way to the capital?
Could you draw me a portrait of Young Master Yang?
Sure, please come with me to the accounting room.
I can only draw if there's paper and a brush.
This way, Sir.
Sir, why are you asking about Young Master Yang?
I heard that he was killed.
I'd like to seek out the culprit for Master Yang.
Therefore, I need to know what Young Master Yang looked like.
Sir, where did you get that torn fabric from?
You came from the capital.
Why would you have privately weaved fabric from Wen County?
Just draw it quickly!
Yes.
I'll draw it right away.
Sir.
The emperor...
Eldest Young Master, when this man arrived
I sent someone to inform you.
I have to take this man with me.
But he is an imperial official.
The Sima family will handle it.
All right, since you said so, I can set my mind at ease.
Come here.
Sit.
What is this?
These are candies from east of the capital.
They are the best.
Try some, Your Majesty.
It's quite tasty.
But why would you hide it here?
I snuck out to buy these.
My mother will find them if I leave them in my room.
She doesn't allow me to buy any food from outside.
But I think everything tastes better than the food in our manor.
Lady Bian is concerned about you.
She's worried that the food out there might not be clean.
My mother doesn't allow me to squander money either.
Why? Would anyone in the manor keep an eye on your spending?
They do.
I actually know that both my parents are very thrifty.
My mother might be offering the most luxurious foods to Your Majesty
but when we eat at home, it's usually just one or two dishes.
My father doesn't allow my mother or the other concubines to wear silk.
He said that people endure great suffering during the war.
As the Commander-in-Chief
he should all the more share wellness and woe with his subordinates.
I didn't expect Minister Cao to be such a kind of person.
What is it?
Your Majesty, don't you know that?
I haven't seen your father for two years now.
Same here.
Everyone is so frightened when my father is mentioned.
But he's actually very kind to me.
My mother said that he was still in the army when I was born.
He would keep me warm in his arms and save me the tastiest food.
The late emperor also treated Your Majesty very well, didn't he?
The late emperor...
My father...
Indeed.
Although Father used to be very busy and I rarely got to see him
he always brought me my favorite food whenever he visited.
He really doted on me.
Perhaps the others don't know what he truly is like
I remembered that he really loved me when I was little.
Your Majesty, it turns out that you were also a piggish child.
Now I'm not worried that you'll tease me.
I'm still piggish now.
However, shouldn't I at least pretend not to be in front of others?
What would Your Majesty like?
I'll bring it back for you when I sneak out.
Do you often sneak out?
Since my brother was injured, my mother couldn't keep an eye on me.
Can you bring back something for me?
What is it?
This is our secret.
You're not to tell anyone.
It's on me today.
I'm treating the emperor to candies!
I have here admirable guests; the lutes are struck, and the organ is blown.
It's tasty, isn't it?
Your Majesty, you're back.
Empress, you've come over?
What is it?
Can't I come here?
You definitely can.
Why has Your Majesty been away for so long?
I went to check on Cao Pi's injury.
I then stayed to have a chat with Lady Bian.
Although Lady Bian is a woman, she is still Cao Cao's wife.
If Your Majesty gets too close to them and draws suspicion to yourself
the consequences will be dire when Cao Cao finds out.
Didn't you say that it's better for us to treat the Cao family nicely?
Lady Bian is very grateful to me.
What is wrong with being friendly?
Isn't it that Your Majesty never considered benefits?
Are you really just being nice, or have you forgotten who you are?
They are Cao Cao's family.
Even if you're looking for familial happiness
you shouldn't seek it from them.
Empress, what is the matter with you?
I'm fine.
Is it because of Guo Jia that you've been so nervous?
I also feel very uneasy.
Your Majesty.
Do you only feel uneasy?
Yes.
Your Majesty, do you feel very lonely having to face me every day?
Ever since I met you, it's been one woe after another.
When would I have the time to feel lonely?
Feeling lonely and not having the time are two different matters!
What exactly is the matter with you?
What happened?
It's nothing important.
I just saw you and Cao Jie.
Apart from when you're with Sima Yi
I've never seen such a relaxed smile on you.
I'm worried that Your Majesty might lose your senses over lust.
Do I look like someone who would lose my senses over lust?
I only think that young girl is naive--
I already told Your Majesty.
If you wish to have a concubine
any official's daughter is fine except for Cao Cao's daughter.
I only regard her as a little girl.
They're not the kind of feelings you think I have for her.
Besides, you said so yourself.
There are many people watching us, so we have to pretend to be nonchalant.
Then we won't fall into Guo Jia's trap.
So...
Your Majesty, have you considered taking a concubine as I suggested that night?
I've thought it through.
I won't take concubines just to produce offspring.
What I want is a wife who shares the same mind as I do.
What our forefathers meant by joining hands in marriage
wasn't just to endure hardship together
but also to go forward in life, hand in hand.
Your Majesty, Grand Commandant Yang Biao and Yang Jun seek audience.
Grand Commandant Yang...
Mister Yang, please get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I was recruited by the Ministry of Works.
I'm eternally grateful to Your Majesty and Minister Cao.
However, I am now disabled and can no longer live in the capital.
Hence, I've asked to return to my hometown to recuperate.
Before I leave, I can't help but feel the urge to see my master.
Therefore, I've asked Grand Commandant Yang to bring me here.
I regret that Mister Yang can't take an official post.
Father.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Guo Jia's had his eyes on him since the moment he returned.
It's too dangerous for you if he stays here.
Guo Jia is obviously disassembling Your Majesty's forces.
It's best to send Yang Jun home before Guo Jia discovers your relationship.
Your Majesty.
Grand Commandant Yang is right.
A rainstorm will soon hit the capital.
Your Majesty, you must be careful.
Who will look after Father if you return home alone?
Do rest assured, Your Majesty.
I live in Henei Commandery.
Duke Sima will surely look after me as we are of the same hometown.
With their protection, Guo Jia won't be able to tackle me so easily.
That's good.
Mister Yang.
I have to consult you on a matter.
I wonder... what Sima Fang is like.
Sima Fang is upright and just.
When I first entrusted Ping...
I entrusted His Majesty to the Sima family
because of their loyalty to the imperial family.
I heard that when Sima Fang was the Right Assistant of the Master of Writing
in Luoyang, he recommended Cao Cao as the Grand Commandant.
Cao Cao is grateful to him for the recommendation.
How will Sima Fang choose between the imperial family and the Cao family?
- This-- - Zhong Da has gone home.
You don't have to worry about the Sima family anymore.
Guo Jia sent Deng Zhan.
Even if Sima Yi forged the portraits
they will surely keep investigating the Sima family.
Once the Sima family wavers, we will meet our end here in the capital.
Zhong Da won't.
But the Sima family might!
How could a family be swayed by emotions when making a decision?
Zhong Da would take on anyone in the world for me.
Uncle Sima won't betray me for the sake of his son.
Your Majesty.
You now have loyal and talented subjects like Grand Commandant Yang
Yang Xiu, and Sima Yi by your side.
My mission is already accomplished.
It's quite a risk to have come to see you today.
Your Majesty, do take care.
Father...
Your Majesty!
You mustn't.
Please allow me to walk you out.
Just this once.
Your Majesty.
All wise rulers are courteous to men of talent.
Mister Yang is a great scholar of our times.
Why shouldn't I follow in the footsteps of the past rulers?
Mister Yang, you must be careful on the way.
Don't worry, Your Majesty.
However, the capital will soon be swept by terror and gore.
You should take even more caution.
Mister Yang, rest assured.
Yang Jun has another task upon his return.
At the moment, Cao Cao is outnumbered by Yuan Shao.
On the verge of war, Cao Cao is losing public support.
Many officials have secretly colluded with Yuan Shao.
These forces aren't loyal to Cao Cao.
They can be of use to the imperial family.
Sadly, Yuan Shao has taken great security measures.
All of his contacts are very well concealed.
Even my family is unable to seek out Yuan Shao's contacts.
Now that Yang Jun is returning home with a missing arm
he will be looking out for the right time
to inform us of Yuan Shao's contacts and settle this for His Majesty.
If it weren't for Young Master Yang leaving
Grand Commandant Yang didn't plan on telling us about this, did you?
Xiu is too arrogant.
He would make the entire world a game of chess
to show off his talent if he could.
I'm worried that if he keeps doing so, he'll hinder His Majesty's task.
However, after this period of time
I can tell that His Majesty has the tactics of a skilled diplomat
and the ability to control the situation.
Indeed.
After all, he is the emperor of Great Han.
From now on... I no longer have a family.
Neither do I.
Don't you still have a huge family?
The day my father sent me into the palace
I cried like an ordinary girl who was married off.
But my father got down on his knees.
He addressed me as Your Highness.
He told me that the empress is the motherly role model of the nation.
From then on, I no longer needed my parents.
Nor did I need emotions that would make me weak.
It doesn't make you weak.
It motivates you to protect those you wish to defend.
It comforts you so that you can keep fighting against hardships.
But my father also told me...
as the empress, I have to devote all of my emotions to His Majesty.
To the imperial family.
The emperor and the empress...
The nation is our home and family.
The nation is our home?
As long as we're accompanied by family, doesn't that make it a home as well?
When I left before, it wasn't just my responsibility for the imperial family
that brought me back.
It was because of my brother...
and you.
Me?
What is it about me?
You...
I was a bit worried about you.
Second Young Master! Second Young Master!
Second Young Master!
What is it? Why the panic?
Second Young Master, I've noticed a suspicious person.
Who is it?
It's a woman in white.
She's not from Wen County.
She lingered outside our manor for a while.
Then she left.
Who is it?
- Assassin! Guards! - Shut up!
There's nothing wrong in here.
Withdraw the guards.
But it's dangerous!
Stay as far away from here as you can!
Yes.
One day apart seems like three years.
Couldn't Princess Consort wait to have me informed first?
I have a question and I'll leave when I get the answer.
Second Young Master!
We saw someone dashing inside, but now no one is in sight.
Are you all right?
It's fine!
Who would dare to sneak into our manor?
Go and get back to work!
Yes! Do be careful, Young Master!
Let's say there are five portraits before you
and two of them resemble Yang Ping.
The other one was drawn according to my fake portrait.
And there's one that's different.
What will you do?
I'll destroy them.
If you destroy them, Guo Jia can send someone again.
Forge them?
Guo Jia and Deng Zhan must have agreed on leaving secret marks on the papers.
If I forge the portraits, Guo Jia will notice them.
What are you trying to say?
Have you heard of paper-splitting?
What is that?
Watch carefully.
Split a piece of paper into two or even three.
This is paper-splitting.
I'm the only one in Wen County who is capable of this technique.
I learned it from an old artist.
That stupid Yi He didn't even manage to get it right.
So it was actually slices of the portrait that Guo Jia received?
Exactly.
When I saw the portraits Deng Zhan had
I had no other choice in such a short time.
I could only destroy the two that resemble Yi He the most.
Then I split the one drawn by my brother into three
to blend in with the other two and left them at the scene.
Then I dampened them with dew to blur the portraits.
You actually managed to fool Guo Jia?
Guo Jia was surely clever enough to mark the papers.
With paper-splitting, the marks will also be split with the papers.
All right, can you praise me now?
Now that I have the answer, I have to report back.
Hold on.
Since I got home, I had another matter taken care of as well.
It will surprise you even more.
Would you like to hear about it?
Out with it.
The West Garden Guards.
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