Episode 4
Ageneral of Wu is surrendering his territory to us.
This is a piece of great news.
Which general is willing to go there and suppofl him?
This is a great chance to defeat Eastern Wu. I'll go.
Your Majesty, we should be cautious.
Eastern Wu is good at faking surrenders.
Do you remember what Huang Gai did in the Battle of Red Cliffs?
Sir Sima, have you gone to a war before?
Do you have any idea how things have changed in wars?
You're using what happened 20 years ago as a reference.
If we hesitate and miss the opportunity...
"Eastern Wu and Western Shu would laugh at us.
Your Majesty, I can confirm that this is true.
My intelligence agents told me Sun Quan distrusts Zhou Fang.
Within a month, he'd repeatedly sent secret agents...
...to Zhou Fang's residence and kept finding fault with him.
A scared Zhou Fang was forced to cut his hair and beg for pardon.
I think it's most probably true.
Your Majesty, back then Meng Da turned his back on Liu Bei...
...and surrended to us. He ended up doing a lot for our country.
Zhou Fang might just be another Meng Da.
Your Majesty, Sun Quan is cunning.
So is Lu Xun. Please think twice.
What do you think, Sir Chen?
Your Majesty, I know nothing about wars.
However, I agree with Sir Sima.
Your Majesty, you should think twice.
Since you know nothing about wars, you shouldn't speak too much.
Since both of you view it as a great oppoflunity...
...let's send a troop there.
Grand Marshal is in charge of southeast.
You shall be the commander...
...and lead 100,000 men to Xunyang.
Sir Sima, you were a diplomat in Eastern Wu.
You're familiar with the location. You'll be the deputy commander...
...and lead 50,000 men to go to Jiangling from Hanshui.
Your Majesty, though Sima Yi was a diplomat in Eastern Wu...
...he's never fought them before.
He only used persuasion to stop the rebels in Qingzhou and Xuzhou.
How would he know what to do?
Your Majesty, Grand Marshal is right.
I'm not capable of this. I can't do it.
If I'm not mistaken...
...Sir Sima, when you're young, you wrote...
...'10 Arguments about the AH of War'.
Now there's a chance to lead an army. You should seize it.
It's easier said than done. Your Majesty, please think twice.
Just obey Grand Marshal's orders in the war.
Your Majesty, since you say so, I shall try my best.
I'll accept the order.
Your Majesty, I have a request. -Say it.
Please appoint Jia Kui as Grand Marshal's deputy commander.
Jia Kui and I don't get along.
Sima Yi is doing this to make things difficult for me.
If he makes things difficult for you, you can execute him.
If you're being too hard on him...
...I shall know, too.
Jia Kui will be the army governor. -Yes.
All of you may leave now.
It's so heavy.
Even the clothes are heavy.
Why is it so heavy?
So did I do a good job today?
Your Majesty, you're brilliant.
I'm sure the regents...
...didn't expect this.
Really? It's just the beginning.
There's more to come.
More.
Your Majesty, I don't get it.
Why did you insist on assigning Sima Yi?
He looked timid.
Despite being an Emperor for only seven years...
...my father knew these ministers well.
We have to let them fight among each other to achieve a balance.
Cao Xiu will be going with Sima Yi.
If they win the war, both of them will get the credit.
None of them will get to...
...take all the credit and overshadow me.
If they fail, they'll cover for each other...
...to minimise the damage.
Your Majesty, what if they...
...refuse to help each other out?
I wouldn't mind that either.
I would have a reason to kill them then.
I'm already 23 years old.
I don't need four regents.
Your Majesty, you deal with the ministers...
...in a much better way than the late Emperor did.
The late Emperor.
Cao Pi had been manipulated by Sima Yi all his life.
I won't be like him.
I won't be manipulated by anyone.
I don't want any regent.
I want to be my own master.
Be your own master?
What is it with the Emperor?
Why did he assign Sima Yi?
He'll create trouble for me.
Even as backup, it should be either you or Man Chong.
You don't know the Emperor well.
Though the Emperor knows nothing about wars...
...he does know how to manage his people.
The Emperor assigned Sima Yi to go from another direction...
...so that the both of you will control or support each other.
You won't get to take all the credit...
...and overshadow other regents, understand?
He's more cunning than his father.
Why did Sima Yi turn it down?
He should know that it's a great opportunity for success.
In my opinion...
...Sima Yi simply didn't believe Zhou Fang is surrendering.
He's too smart for his own good.
We've been competing with Sima Yi for years.
He's going to bring 50,000 men after me.
Will he ambush me?
Don't worry.
Though Sima Yi doesn't like us...
...he would never attack your troop.
That's treason. He would never do it.
If you're still worried...
...I have a way to stop him from doing so.
What is it?
Sima Shi.
Brilliant.
Come on, let's have a drink. -All right.
If you still don't get it...
...why don't you discuss it with other generals?
I got it. I know...
...it's a fake surrender. - That's what you think.
What if Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen are right?
You've never been to a war after all.
I know Lu Xun well.
You've met Lu Xun before. -Have I?
Yes. Remember the time we went to Eastern Wu?
Was he the one who had a meal with us?
That's right.
So he's a high-ranking officer now.
He has great insights into human nature...
...and manages his people well.
With him around, it would be impossible for Zhou Fang to...
...surrender his territory to Wei.
Going by what you said...
...this is a trap. You shouldn't go at all.
Whether it's a trap or a way...
...I'll know what to do about it.
Five, four, three. -Stop counting down, Dear.
I'll be done soon. I am drawing both you and our baby.
You're taking so long. Both of us are tired.
I'm putting the finishing touch. Stay still.
Dear.
What's wrong, dear?
He's kicking me.
My boy starts kicking since he's in the belly of his mother.
I'm sure he'll be a general. -That's for sure.
Brother Shi and sister, I'm here.
Brother is here.
Come here. -Be careful.
Brother. -Faster get up.
We're family. There's no need to stand on ceremony.
Hui'er, when are you due?
There's still a month to go. -A month?
So I'll have another nephew.
You're going to have another son. You're so in love.
I don't know whether I should say this.
What is it, brother?
If I say it...
...will you blame me, Hui'er? -No.
All right.
We're going to attack Eastern Wu soon.
Brother Shi, it's a great opportunity for success.
I'll follow the Grand Marshal.
I've managed to get a position for you...
...the adjutant.
Adjutant? -That's right.
Brother, please take a seat.
What do you think?
It's just that Hui'er...
When there's a war, it's your duty to contribute to the country.
You should focus on building a career, instead of staying home.
I'm fine. I won't be scared.
Mother will be taking care of me.
Go ahead and return safely.
I have a good sister.
Thank you, Dear.
I thought of joining my father for the war.
Brother Shi.
I've thought about it. It's unwise.
Yes, by doing so, you get to carry out your duty as a son.
However, parents...
...will always view their children as kids.
I joined my father back then.
He's very protective and didn't allow me to fight at all.
I became a laughing stock in the army.
They called me a rich kid riding on my father's reputation.
If you wish to have a successful career...
...you should rely on your own abilities instead of your father.
Then I'll follow you and join the Grand Marshal.
However, Grand Marshal and my father don't get along.
Don't worry, I'll be there.
I'll take care of you or my sister will be worried.
Here. Add some salt.
Father and mother.
Shi'er, what is it?
I want to go for the war.
No, you can't do it this time.
Father, I'd already agreed to fill a...
mposition offered by brother-in-law.
What position is it? -Adjutant.
Whose adjutant will you be? -Grand Marshal's.
This is important. Why didn't you discuss with me first?
I want to prove my abilities.
It's my fault for not informing you beforehand...
...but I hope to get your permission for this.
Have you promised Xiahou Xuan?
Yes, I have.
It's no stroll in the park.
Since you've already promised him, you should get ready for it.
Go on. The meal will be ready soon.
Thank you, father.
We're just talking about how it's a trap.
Why did you allow Shi'er to go?
I don't think it's Xiahou xuan's idea. It should be Cao Xiu's.
He arranged for Shi'er to join him so that I'll obey him.
Then, tell the Emperor and Cao Xiu.
Tell them it's a trap.
I will talk to the Grand Marshal.
However, we can only wait until the war is over...
...to know who's right and who's wrong.
What if you're right?
What would happen to Shi'er?
There's someone who can help Shi'er.
Who is it? -Jia Kui. I'll look for him now.
Aren't you going to eat? -Go ahead and don't wait for me.
Sir, you're here today to talk about the war against Wu, right?
I've let you down. I'm here to seek your forgiveness.
We've gone through thick and thin together.
Please don't say that.
The country is under threat. I can't possibly run away from it.
Brother Jia, do you agree that Zhou Fang is faking a surrender?
If things are as simple as they seem...
...you wouldn't have recommended me to be Cao Xiu's deputy.
Among the ministers, you're the only one...
...who can compete with Grand Marshal.
I may not be able to reverse the situation.
I'm merely hoping to get less soldiers killed...
...and ensure that our defence at southeast are intact.
What do you plan to do?
Can I borrow a map of Eastern Wu from you?
Brother Jia, look.
Zhou Fang requested to meet us at Shiting, Poyang.
It's surrounded by lake and river.
Once we get in, it's easy for the enemy to trap and attack us.
Once our army enters Shiting...
...if Eastern Wu attacks us from both sides...
...we'll surely be trapped.
Brother Jia, it doesn't matter what method you use.
If you manage to stop Cao Xiu's army from entering Shiting...
...you would end up being the saviour of Wei.
What if I fail to stop him from getting through?
It'll be hard for the army to retreat once they're in Shiting.
Rather than dying with Cao Xiu, I might as well...
...be a coward for once.
Many people find it hard to accept failures.
With you following me, I have nothing to worry about.
I have another request.
My son Sima Shi is joining Grand Marshal for the war.
You know Cao Xiu may lose the battle.
Why don't you let your son follow you?
There's nothing much I can do about it.
I can only hope that Grand Marshal...
...will listen to your advice.
Worst comes to worst, I hope you can save my son.
Is the forage for the army ready?
Yes.
Here's a report!
Zhou Fang's men informed us that he's meeting Cao Xiu.
Cao Xiu and 100,000 men are about to enter Shiting.
All right.
Once Cao Xiu's army entered Shiting area...
...it doesn't matter if they have 100,000 men...
...or a million men, they would end up trapped.
What about Sima Yi's army?
Sima Yi and 50,000 men departed from Jiangling.
They're heading to Shiting.
Generals!
Stop.
What is it about this time?
Grand Marshal, this area is surrounded by lake and river.
It's the enemy's best spot to attack us.
We can't go any further.
Grand Marshal, our governor is...
...waiting to meet you at Shiting.
Grand Marshal, please save me!
Don't worry, General Zhou. I'll seek revenge for you!
Grand Marshal, I've gathered my 5,000 men.
Once you reach there, they'll open the city gate!
Great.
Show me the way, please. -Yes.
You can't do that.
Grand Marshal, Zhou Fang may be lying.
Lu Xun's army is not far from here.
We should send 10,000 men there first to check out the situation.
We shouldn't bring all our men in.
Grand Marshal, I've personally come here.
Do you still not trust me?
How many men does Lu Xun have anyway?
30,000? 50,000?
We have 150,000 men. We can crush them in no time.
If you keep talking and cause a delay, I'll execute you!
Grand Marshal! -Herald!
Yes! -Ask Sima Yi to speed up!
Yes!
March forward! -Yes!
Depart!
Stop!
We've reached Jiashi.
Sun Li, tell our men to stop here. -Yes.
Here's an order from Grand Marshal!
Grand Marshal orders you to speed up the trip...
...and meet them at Poyang.
Where should we meet? -Poyang.
Where are Grand Marshal and his men now?
Zhou Fang showed up. Grand Marshal is entering Shiting now.
Yes, I'll follow the order.
Sun Li and Deng Ai. -Yes.
Divide our men into 10 groups.
Switch them every two hours.
Our army will be embattled here.
What about the order from the commander?
I'm the commander here. -Yes.
Let's station ourselves here and embattle the army.
Splendid view.
Grand Marshal, this will belong to Wei soon.
Don't worry, you'll be rewarded for this.
There're ships! -Stop!
Grand Marshal, don't worry.
I specially prepared the ships for you.
We prepared a feast on the ships for you and your men.
Thank you, General.
Grand Marshal, let me go on and make some arrangement.
All right, go ahead, General.
Those are battleships!
He's escaping! Shoot! -Hurry up! Shoot!
Get him!
Rescue the governor! Shoot!
Pass the order to both sides to stafl attacking!
Hurl! -Hurl!
Hurl!
Master, please have some food.
Grand Marshal, it's a trap! We have to retreat now!
If we retreat, what should we tell the Emperor? We can't do that!
They have less than 100,000 men.
We shall try our best to seize Poyang!
No, the area is disadvantageous for us! We should retreat!
Whoever that retreats will be executed!
Shoot!
Retreat now! Go look for your father! Run!
There's no way out! -We'll create one!
All right, let's go!
Chief Commander, they're escaping!
It looks like Sima Yi won't be here.
Pass the order. Whoever that kills Cao Xiu will be named a Duke.
Be careful! -Take care of yourself!
Charge!
Order Sima Yi to provide backup now!
I'll kill his son if he doesn't! -Yes!
General!
General! -How's the war going on?
Grand Marshal was ambushed at Shiting! Please provide backup!
Sir, what should we do?
We will remain here. - You can't defy the order!
Grand Marshal said if you refuse to go...
...he'll execute your son!
Tie him up. -Arrest him!
Yes. -General!
Master, please think of a way to save Shi'er!
Sir, I'll bring 10,000 men there to rescue him.
I'll bring him back.
Even if you bring all my men over...
...they'll end up being trapped.
However, Cao Xiu might just...
It's a moment of life and death for Cao Xiu.
He can't proceed nor retreat.
He will lose the battle before sunset.
We have to remain here and let them wear out our enemy.
Then, we'll rely on the topography to defeat Lu Xun.
Order everyone to stay vigilant.
The enemy will be here before sunset.
Yes.
Grand Marshal, this area is a disadvantage for us.
We can't attack! We have to retreat!
They've blocked our route of retreatlWe have nowhere to go!
We'll go Jiashi. Sima Yi is waiting for us there.
Retreat and I'll take care of the rest!
Retreat!
Grand Marshal is back!
Be vigilant!
Greet the Grand Marshal!
Shoot!
Stop charging!
Chief Commander.
Withdraw!
Sir, I didn't see Brother Shi among those who've returned.