Subtitles by DramaFever
[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]
[Episode 20]
You've been taking this medication for several days.
Do you feel better?
No.
Is there a problem with the prescription?
Yuan Shao's army was ambushed and defeated?
You worry about all sorts of matters every day
so even an elixir can't save you.
You're my elixir.
Libationer Guo, urgent military report!
All rations in transport to Guandu were burned.
Repeat that.
The rations in transport to Guandu suddenly caught on fire.
They were all burned.
Even Guo Jia sometimes makes mistakes?
Interesting.
Your holiday... is over.
You're right.
Don't you find Guandu interesting suddenly?
What will Libationer Guo's lecture be about today?
We won't have a lecture today.
This is an herbal wine that I concocted.
It dispels the cold and nourishes one's health.
Your Majesty seems to be troubled about state affairs recently
and appears to be less energetic.
Why don't we have a drink or two quickly while Prefect Xun is absent?
This is a lot more useful than the imperial physician's medication.
We're having a drink?
I've aged this wine for years.
If it weren't being offered to His Majesty
I really wouldn't be able to bear sharing it.
Won't Your Majesty try some?
It is indeed good wine.
What Your Majesty now needs isn't the knowledge from books
but to take a trip out there.
Your heart is restless, but your body is in shackles.
That will make you ill easily.
The nation is haunted by war year after year.
I'm just a bit troubled.
How is it that I'm restless?
However much you worry about it here, it won't affect the outcome.
Now that the snow is melting and spring blossoms bloom in warmth
Your Majesty is trapped in the palace.
Why don't you sneak out with me and have a good time?
Libationer Guo's suggestion might not conform to the rites.
What's not to conform?
What emperor in history hasn't been out on personal trips?
Besides, who said that the emperor was out traveling?
Libationer Guo.
What do you mean?
I've prepared two outfits.
We'll sneak out tomorrow morning and return by night.
Come! You're not the emperor anyway!
I'm not the Military Libationer either.
Tomorrow, we'll just be two petty officers who slacked off on their jobs.
I can promise Your Majesty that you'll be rid of all illness tomorrow.
Hasn't Your Majesty always wanted to be carefree?
I'll come and fetch Your Majesty early tomorrow morning.
Libationer Guo.
I'll see you tomorrow, then.
Guo Jia has even sent the clothes over.
I haven't worn such clothes in a long time.
What is Guo Jia like?
How could he possibly invite you along on a field trip for no reason?
He's using you as bait to lure Sister Tang out!
I'd like to take on the challenge.
We'll see what he means to do by playing cat and mouse.
But once you let your guard down, you'll get Sister Tang in trouble.
But this is our only chance.
Even if it might be a trap, I have to take a chance.
All right.
I'll go with you.
When necessary, I'll cover you.
It's just as I wished.
No matter how Guo Jia tries to figure me out
I'll just be a fatuous emperor who cares only about beauty.
I'll evade the topic and talk about something else.
Why are you still joking around?
Do you think this looks nice?
Besides, I look forward to seeing my empress in a casual look.
Great archery skills!
Your Majesty, I'm too flattered.
His Majesty has been burdened by me.
He's been stuck in the palace for five years
so the farthest place he's been is the ceremonial platform.
Who knew that his equestrian skills had become so rusty?
Didn't we say that I'm not the emperor today?
I haven't felt so carefree in a long time.
I'd rather stroll along slowly.
I fear that time will fleet by too quickly
and the good times will come to an end.
Exactly!
Brother Liu has great ambitions.
You're too bored to be stuck in the palace.
These few wild hares are enough for us to have with wine.
It's a pity that winter lasted so long this year.
Be it the foxes or hares, their essence and blood all went to their fur.
Therefore, they are too lean in their flesh.
It's good to use their fur for brushes, but they won't taste too good.
The smell of its blood really is astringent.
Who knew that Brother Liu was such an expert?
When we came from Luoyang to Chang'an, it was a harrowing journey.
Many officials starved to death along the way.
Fortunately, His Majesty learned to hunt.
The Qin dynasty lost the deer ("Deer" implies "throne")
and all under Heaven joined in its pursuit.
Now that the deer is dead, hares and foxes are still everywhere.
I wonder which tiger will end up eating them?
With both the tiger and the wolf out in the open, there are uprisings of war.
In the government, they are the carnivores devising strategies.
I've long lived deep in the palace and am finally able to take a field trip.
My priority is to feast my eyes upon beautiful sights.
Why does it matter to me who wins or loses?
If you truly care not for the outcome
why would Your Majesty wish to lead the expedition?
I thought we were neither the emperor nor the libationer today?
Why would there be a discussion about leading an expedition?
You're right!
I'm not used to it yet.
"Let me drive forth and travel there, to dissipate my sorrow."
Empress, you don't dare to ride alone, do you?
Why don't you ride with me and I'll take you for a ride?
No.
What will others make of it if they see us?
Song Yu once said that the customs of the commoners and the kings differ.
It's normal for couples to head home on the same horse.
Madam, you don't have to be on this trip as an empress, do you?
Stop teasing her.
I won't be able to save you
if she gets back at you once we return to the palace.
You're misbehaving as well outside of the palace?
You are known by the company you keep.
What is wrong with this horse?
Stop!
Help!
Help me!
Your Majesty!
Libationer Guo!
Go and save His Majesty! Go after him!
Your Highness can't ride.
If I go after His Majesty
what am I to do should any mishap befall you
while you're out here alone in the wilderness?
Aren't you going to save His Majesty?
I'll go with Your Highness to look for His Majesty.
Brother Liu!
Libationer Guo.
Go and get your men here.
Where has His Majesty gone?
Your Highness, fret not.
His Majesty will be fine.
Guo Jia, you're still laughing?
There's no need to alarm everyone.
War horses from the Ministry of Works are all wearing horseshoes.
As long as we follow the prints of the horseshoe
we'll surely find His Majesty.
Your Highness, look.
We've found him.
Your Majesty!
Empress was right.
You're really capable of finding me.
Your subject, Pan Yang is here to visit Your Majesty
upon the orders of Duke Yuan.
Do rise.
I heard that Yuan Shao's envoy abducted Princess Consort of Hongnong.
It does seem to be true.
He's my senior.
Your Majesty, my other identity is a West Garden Guard.
Yuan Shao established the West Garden Guards.
Sister-in-law, you've remained in the capital all these years
just to spy on me.
Everyone serves a different master.
It seems that I'm not the only master of this nation.
I have let Your Majesty and the empress down.
Thank you for looking after me all these years.
Since your mission is accomplished and your identity is exposed
you should head off to Hebei for your reward.
What are you still doing here?
Am I still of any importance to you?
Your Majesty.
I've come here this time to contact my junior
to escort Your Majesty to Guandu to fight against Cao Cao.
I can't leave yet.
Your Majesty.
What is it?
Did Grand Commandant Yuan order the two of you to bring me up north?
Grand Commandant Yuan wouldn't dare to offend Your Majesty.
What is Your Majesty's decision? Please do tell.
Grand Commandant Yuan, receive my decree.
Your subject, Pan Yang, receives the decree
on behalf of Grand Commandant Yuan.
I've heard that Elder Statesman Dong will be secretly sent to Guandu.
I command Grand Commandant Yuan to have him intercepted without fail.
By the emperor himself.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Grand Commandant Yuan wants you to bring me to him.
Isn't it just so he can have claim to suppress rebels upon my decree?
The decree written on my belt has been given to Dong Cheng.
Doesn't Grand Commandant Yuan know what he should do?
Although you've deceived me, you're my sister-in-law, after all.
Now that you're leaving, do take care of yourself.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Are you all right, Your Majesty?
I'm fine.
It's good that you're all right.
I sprained my ankle, so I can't walk too well.
Your Majesty, you sprained your ankle?
Let me have a look.
Your Majesty's horse does know how to pick a good spot.
There's a carpet of green grass down the mountain.
The scenery in spring is like embroidery.
It is indeed exceptional.
Your Majesty, do you feel as if you've gained a lot by being out here?
I'm still a bit ill-at-ease from falling off the horse.
Libationer Guo is in quite the mood to enjoy the splendor of spring.
I took Your Majesty out to enjoy springtime.
This stupid horse ended up giving Your Majesty a fright.
If those conservative officials learn of this matter
I'll be nagged by them again.
Why don't I take Your Majesty to a nearby village to get some rest
so that I can make up for my mistakes?
That sounds good.
I feel much better now.
Help me up.
Does it still hurt?
It's much better.
Don't run!
Let me play!
Children!
Brother!
Brother, how will we play today?
Today?
We have visitors today.
We won't play together.
Visitors?
I'll go and tell Sister!
Go!
Brother Guo.
Are they your kin?
They are and they aren't.
Don't you find it strange that there are no adults in this village?
Sister!
Look who is here!
Didn't I tell you not to bring random people to the village?
Young Master Liu and his wife are my friends.
They aren't some random people.
Hong Chang, just make us a few casual dishes.
Treat us to a meal, please?
There are pots and a stove.
You can cook as well.
Hong Chang, you can have me study or fight a war.
If you want me to cook, that's harder than killing me.
How about this?
I wouldn't dare to ask you for a favor without paying a price.
Brother Liu and I will teach the children for the day.
Why don't you make us a meal as our tuition fees?
You can stay out of it.
You're so full of tricks.
I'm worried that you'd lead the children astray.
I wouldn't dare.
Young Master Liu.
Although you're his friend, you're not bizarre and devilish like him.
The children have been living here with me
so none of them have attended school.
Since we've met today, why don't you teach them to recognize a few words?
It's only right that I do so.
Thank you, Young Master Liu.
I'll go and get the children.
Are they all Miss Ren's children?
Look how young she is.
How can she have that many children?
Then...
could they be...
Although many criticize me for my frivolous behavior
how could I have so many illegitimate children?
These are all orphans whose parents died during the war.
Hong Chang adopted all of them.
This is where she usually lives to look after the children.
Miss Ren is so young and yet she has such compassion.
Where did you come across such an amazing woman?
Her?
She's quite remarkable.
She's also skilled in martial arts.
Look.
If I hadn't cowered before her, we'd have been driven out of here.
Brother Liu, come!
We have work to do.
Otherwise, we won't get fed.
In history, Cang Jie created a dictionary.
Hence, it was the beginning of the written language.
When I was young, my tutor initiated my studies with the "Book of Cang Jie"
and I learned to read.
Today, I'll start from the same book as well for my class.
- Is that all right? - Yes!
Cang Jie created a dictionary.
So as to teach the descendants.
Young children were summoned.
They should behave with prudence and respect.
Cang Jie created a dictionary.
So as to teach the descendants...
His Majesty feels much better physically and mentally.
Young children were summoned.
They should behave with prudence and respect...
It's all because of Libationer Guo's great plan
to take His Majesty for a stroll.
His Majesty has always wanted a child.
Sadly...
As long as Your Highness keeps His Majesty company more often
he will get one.
I'll go and help Miss Ren.
Sir!
Is this how I should write "Cang"?
I'll teach you.
Do you know to write it now?
I do!
Thank you, Sir.
Write all the characters that I have just taught you.
Is it nice?
What's nice?
Men farm, women weave, and children study.
Smoke curling up from kitchen chimneys
sounds of roosters and dogs were heard around.
This is how life should be.
Do you think we can lead such a life?
What is the matter?
Did you just say... we?
Yes.
We will surely lead such a life.
Us.
Brother Liu has worked hard today.
It's so hard to make a living these days.
Confucius was tireless in teaching others.
I thought it was just his ambition to make everyone virtuous.
It seems that Confucius enjoyed teaching as well.
Here, have a seat. Let's eat.
The children are particularly happy today.
Thank you, Young Master Liu.
Please do visit us often.
Brother Guo is a man of great knowledge.
He is way above me.
Isn't he the readily available tutor?
Him?
I hope that the children all stay as far away from him as possible.
Otherwise, they will all grow up with tricks up their sleeves like him.
See?
She doesn't think much of me.
Sure, when I have the chance, I'll be sure to visit often.
You won't even spare me any of your fine wine
but you'll treat Brother Liu when you've just met him.
You don't have to make it so obvious that you think very little of me.
If it weren't for Young Master Liu
a freeloader like you would be sitting out there
and watching as we ate.
There's meat!
Since we're so happy today
we won't differentiate between teachers and students.
Ask them to come in and eat with us.
Wonderful!
As Mister Liu wishes.
How nice!
Come in!
Yes! Hurry!
Slow down!
Is this what I taught you?
Thank you, Mister!
Do we address this pretty lady as Sister or Auntie?
Me? If you address him as Mister, you'll have to call me Madam.
What does "Madam" mean?
It means she's the wife of your tutor.
What does "wife" mean?
She's his bride!
It's just like this.
Don't misbehave!
I'll teach you a lesson if you lead the children astray!
Mister, will you and Madam also do this?
Reporting to Libationer Guo!
Lord Man ordered us to fetch Libationer Guo!
You always kill the mood.
I plead innocence.
They aren't here to fetch me this time.
"The sun's already set, the fowls are roosting in their nest."
Time flies.
Why is this wine so...
I can tell that Madam doesn't drink well.
Such warm and sweet wine is easy to drink
and it lifts one's spirits.
But it's actually quite a potent wine with a lingering finish.
I think that Man Chong is worried about the both of you.
I know.
We'll leave now.
I'll walk you home.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
I'm actually also drunk.
I'll just spend the night here.
You are to escort Brother Liu and Madam back home.
Be careful on the way back.
Yes!
We definitely wouldn't dare to hold you up from your sweet night.
Come.
Brother Liu.
Once you leave this place, you're no longer Brother Liu.
I don't think you could bear to leave.
I've been a commoner for a day.
I'm content.
If Your Majesty can't bear to give up such a life
there will be other chances in the future.
Why would you say so, Libationer Guo?
Your Majesty is a clever man.
It's always easy to speak to a clever man.
Although it's impossible for Your Majesty to lead the army
I don't think Duke Cao would object to having
Brother Liu go all the way to Guandu.
That won't do.
Definitely not.
Danger lurks on the battlefield of Guandu.
How can the emperor go there?
Guo Jia.
You're coaxing His Majesty to put himself in danger.
What exactly is your intention?
I'm afraid that I can't even go around the palace grounds.
I'll share your burdens.
Dong Cheng will be sent out of the capital in a day or two.
I'll leave this to Libationer Guo.
If Dong Cheng succeeds in sending Your Majesty to Yuan Shao
could this be fortunate for the imperial family?
I won't become anyone's puppet.
We'll meet again in Guandu.
Your Majesty...
We'll talk when we get home.
Your Majesty...
This won't do, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
We're fine.
We were smuggled out by Libationer Guo for a few drinks.
Second Young Master, I hope that you can keep this to yourself.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, should I bring you some sobering soup?
Don't bother.
We'll let her have good night's sleep.
Yes.
Your Majesty... Guo Jia wants you to go to Guandu.
It's definitely not to offer you any freedom.
He...
He must have set a bigger trap.
You mustn't fall for his tricks.
I know that Guo Jia must be doing so for a reason.
But this is my only chance.
I've been trapped in the capital all this time.
All I can do is watch helplessly as every one of you racks your brain.
I can do nothing as so many sacrificed their lives for me.
I wish to contribute to the imperial family.
Only by going to the battlefield
will I have the chance to maneuver the flow of events in the world.
Do you think...
that I had wanted to lock you up in here every day
and reprimand you?
Your Majesty...
What I wanted was a true emperor.
Not just some obedient prisoner!
Your Majesty...
Right now... now...
It's too dangerous out there now.
Cao Cao's men are too dangerous..
We'll just...
Only if we keep your true identity concealed...
can you be safe.
Don't be worried.
I'll be fine.
It's extremely dangerous for an emperor who only lived in the palace
to venture out into the world while disguised.
But for me, Liu Ping, it's like sending an aquatic dragon into the sea.
Even if this is meant to be a trap
I can still roll with the waves and rise with the tides.
Once we make it out of here
we can save Dong Cheng and also find out the list of people
who have turned to support Yuan Shao.
Once they witness what the emperor is capable of
and reinstate their confidence in the imperial family
they can all serve as potential forces to restore the imperial family to glory.
Don't be frightened.
I thought that all of your friends were just as old and cunning as you.
Who knew that you had such a young friend?
Which newlyweds are they?
Newlyweds?
They have been married for years.
They are still so shy after so many years?
How intriguing.
Which other Brother Liu could make me accompany him so respectfully?
He's the emperor?
They are the emperor and empress.
The auspicious dragon and phoenix have flown into your small village.
The imperial family is unlike ours.
Perhaps there are so many regulations within the palace
that they only truly express themselves on a rare visit out here.
Last night...
Was I drunk?
You were.
Why didn't you stop me?
Did I let slip of anything and expose any secrets?
You've been so tense all this time
and you finally got to relax to your heart's content.
I couldn't bear to hold you back.
Don't you worry.
You didn't let slip of anything.
I...
After I got drunk...
What was it that Guo Jia said?
You really don't remember?
You said that you like that kind of carefree life.
I remember saying that.
What else?
You said...
You like going out with me in ease.
These words...
I... I don't remember saying them.
You even said that if we could be so carefree
it'd be all right to go on an expedition.
That's impossible.
I didn't say that.
You really don't remember?
But you even told me last night as you were crying
that you trusted me.
I...
I don't remember!
It's too absurd anyway, so it doesn't count even if I agreed!
If an emperor can't go back on his word, neither should an empress!
This is a trap that Guo Jia set up!
He can't find anything in the capital
so he's baiting you to expose your contacts with Yuan Shao!
There will be many people spying on you along the way!
How can you take any action?
This is indeed a trap for an emperor who grew up in the palace.
But for me, Liu Ping
this is a chance of infinite possibilities.
Don't you miss the times we had yesterday?
Come with me.
Do you remember that you once asked me
if I was too nervous and tense when I am with you?
I'm actually not.
Only when you're by my side do I feel exceptionally brave and confident.
But this...
How is this appropriate?
Your Majesty is traveling to Guandu in disguise?
You mustn't!
Why not?
This is what Libationer Guo wanted.
So it's also what Minister Cao wanted.
Prefect Xun, if you don't believe me, you can ask Libationer Guo.
He has already made all the arrangements.
Could it be that you trust neither Minister Cao nor Libationer Guo?
But, Your Majesty--
Then it means you're afraid that I'll escape from this cage
and never return.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Young Master, how about this one?
It's too plain.
- Change it. - Yes.
Young Master.
This mirror makes people look ugly.
- Change it as well. - Yes.
Young Master.
We'll keep these.
Yes.
Are you renovating your room?
It seems that you're bringing a woman home?
Could it be that princess consort who is on the run?
Lang!
Lower your voice. Don't let Father hear you.
Zhong Da, what are you up to?
What are you smiling about?
How would Father not find out when she gets here?
Anyway, you can't tell Father yet.
Forget it.
Anyway, you won't be able to bring her back here.
Shopkeeper Zhang just sent two letters over.
The first one said that...
your princess consort... ran off.
With a man.
A man?
What man?
He's said to be her senior.
They both stayed at the store.
Why didn't Shopkeeper Zhang tell me the other time?
I reckon he forgot.
Old Zhang...
What about the second letter?
There's nothing much in the second one.
Yuan Shao gave orders to gather all of the scholars.
All scholars are to meet in Ye City for a debate.
Our family is listed.
But Father already said that our family won't join in on the "fun."
Yuan Shao?
Her senior?
Lang, give that to me.
Tell Father that I'm attending.
Where are you going?
Ye City!
Father already said that it's not really a gathering of scholars.
They just want to hold the scholars of gentry there as hostages!
Why would I be a hostage?
I'm there to save the hostages!
Is this how Duke Yuan treats me after bringing me back here?
You know it all too well.
You know that he isn't the right master to serve.
What is it?
You're going to set me free?
Duke Yuan ordered me to take you to the Ye City Guards
to be interrogated by them.
What for?
We both know what the Ye City Guards' Office is like.
Are you still going to be so faithful to him?
At least he's the only one who dares to go against Cao Cao!
Only he can kill Cao Cao and seek revenge for us!
You're just lying to yourself.
That's enough!
Come with me to the Ye City Guards’ Office!
Duke Yuan will make his judgment there.
Aren't you afraid of the aquatic dragon in the sea
and the flying dragon in the sky?
You seem to be looking forward to it.
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