Episode 11
Then I'll stay here.
Even if I can't save you, I'll keep you company...
...whenever and wherever you need it.
Master, has Master Fu gone to Ting Wei?
He's fragile. He cares about her.
If I stopped him, he'd feel more uncomfortable.
What about the Lady?
She's quick-tempered.
If our sons didn't stop her, she would've intruded the palace.
This finally happened and it's worse than I imagined.
Master, have you talked to Chen Qun about it?
The Emperor holds grudges against Empress Dowager Guo.
Even if Chen Qun joins me...
...there's nothing much we can do.
Among the four regents, Cao Xiu is dead.
Master, are you thinking of joining forces with Cao Zhen?
I have what he wants.
If we indeed join forces...
...we might be able to reverse the situation.
However, I'm concerned and I feel like discussing with you.
I understand. People change all the time.
There's no permanent enemy in politics.
I think there're two matters on your mind right now.
Firstly, you can save her today. What about in the future?
Secondly, you're unsure whether you'll be able to retrieve...
...whatever you're about to give away.
If I hand it to Cao Zhen, I can solve the problem for now.
However, if I can't retrieve it...
...in the future, the Sima family...
...will be at the mercy of others.
Whether you can retrieve it...
...is not up to the Emperor. It depends on Shu.
The saints view military power as a weapon...
...while Sun Tzu viewed...
...it as an important aspect of a country.
It either makes or breaks a country.
Zhuge Liang waged a war to ensure the survival of his country.
He would never stop until he gets what he wants.
If he defeats Cao Zhen, you might be able to retrieve it.
He's Zhuge Liang. Of course he can beat Cao Zhen.
If he can beat Cao Zhen...
"whatever you're giving up...
...will be returned to you sooner or later.
It's bound to happen.
By then, you won't have to rely on or contact anyone.
Master, I'm impressed by how you remain unfazed in times of crisis.
There's nothing you can't reclaim.
To succeed, one has to give up something he has.
There's no other way.
By giving up little, you'll get a little return.
If you can give up something big...
...you'll gain something big, too.
You know me well, hence you understand my concerns.
It seems that...
...I can't possibly keep anything from you.
Master, ...
...if there ever comes a day when you would even lie to me...
...imagine how the people would fear you.
Brother Yi, we have been colleagues for two decades.
This is the first time you step into my house. What an honour.
Come here. Take a seat, please.
General, the decoration style of your mansion...
...is similar to the late Emperor's mansion back then.
I'm sure you miss the late Emperor a lot.
Stop reciting poems.
When I was young, I had a great time...
...having wine at the late Emperor's mansion.
That's why I'm into this kind of decoration.
Speaking of that, it reminds me of...
...the time we had in the late Emperor's mansion.
We once performed...
...an oath of brotherhood by sharing a wine of blood.
General, you cut me here back then.
The scar is still visible.
Brother Yi, this was nothing.
I did it gently.
Look at mine. My scar is much more visible than yours.
Look at this. -indeed.
Back then, the late Emperor, you...
...Chen Qun, Liu Zhen, Wu Zhi and l...
...as well as Empress Dowager Zhen...
...hung out together.
However, right now, you...
...Chen Qun and I are the only ones that are still around.
I can't help but feel sad about those who have passed on.
Stop sighing. They're gone, but we still have the wine.
Do you remember the wine we had together back then?
I still have two unopened jars.
Brother Yi, would you want to have a drink?
Great, let's do it.
We'll use it to commemorate the late Emperor and our old friends.
Awesome! Get the two jars of wine!
Brother Yi, enjoy.
General, cheers. -Cheers.
How is it, Brother Yi? How does it taste?
The wine is as good as before, but our friends have long left us.
Once I take a sip of the wine...
...I can't help but reminisce the times we had together.
Stop beating around the bush.
Brother Yi, enough with reminiscing the late Emperor...
...and our old pals and drinking the old wine.
Let's get to the point.
What's your take on the matter about Empress Dowager Guo?
It's not up to me at all.
After all, it's a private matter of the Emperor.
No, it's not.
Rumours are going around in the capital...
...saying that Empress Dowager planned to...
...name a new Emperor.
If this goes on, the Emperor would surely execute Empress Dowager.
It'd shake the foundation of Wei.
General, both of us are the regents.
We can't possibly allow the Emperor...
...to commit such a heinous act.
An Emperor's life is not private. This concerns the nation.
Even if you're right about it concerning the nation...
...have you ever wondered...
...maybe the Emperor was right about Empress Dowager?
The Emperor got to succeed to the throne...
...mainly because Empress Dowager adopted him...
...when the late Emperor was in a dilemma back then.
That's how he got to become the Emperor.
If Empress Dowager opposed the idea...
...why would she even adopt him back then?
General, both you and I know that Empress Dowager is innocent.
I'm here today to request you to join me...
...to meet the Emperor and defend Empress Dowager.
Reason. Brother Yi.
Give me a reason why I should join you.
I have three reasons of asking you to join me.
Firstly, the late Emperor loved Empress Dowager so much.
If Empress Dowager was framed and died as a result...
...we would let the late Emperor down.
General, that's why you have to join me.
Secondly, it's a big deal for an Emperor to execute his mother.
The officials and ministers would surely try to stop it.
If the ministers are at war with the Emperor...
...it'd shake the foundation of Wei.
General, you're head of Cao family and the leader of the ministers.
The Emperor would only listen to you.
General, that's why you have to do this.
Enough.
Brother Yi, the thing I hate the most about you...
...is how you tend to beat around the bush...
...in even the most trivial matters.
That's so annoying.
Think about it. We're both at an age...
...where we know nothing matters.
I just want to know, what's in it for me?
Let's be honest, you just want to save Empress Dowager.
I know, with her around...
...you'll have extra protection in the palace. Am I correct?
As men, we should just get straight to the point.
Why don't you just skip to your true intention?
General, you're right.
I want to save Empress Dowager.
We've worked together for 20 years, but you still hate me...
...especially after I reclaimed the three districts...
...and got rid of Zhuge.
If there's a war in the future...
...who will the Emperor assign? You...
...or me?
That's why you've been unhappy.
The third reason is especially important.
I'm willing to give up the right of leading the Yongliang army...
...and step back from the centre of politics...
...away from the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
I'll be out of your sight...
...and you shall have nothing to worry about in the future.
Brother Cao.
How about that?
Brother Yi.
After all that you've talked about today...
...yourthird reason...
...is the best and most moving pan of your speech.
Great.
It looks like we've reached a deal.
Here.
Let's finish the jars of wine as we bid farewell.
I'll grant your wish.
General, thanks for the straight talk. Cheers.
Cheers.
Hold on, we should ask Chen Qun to join us, too.
I already did.
Cheers!
Brother Yi.
Did you have wine?
Did you have it with him?
Here comes the Emperor.
All three of you are here.
What's the matter?
Is it about Shu? Or is there a war in Eastern Wu?
Your Majesty, I heard that you're about to punish Empress Dowager.
All the ministers are shocked.
Empress Dowager was an Empress.
She's raised you and deserves respect.
I don't think it's appropriate for her to go through trial.
Your Majesty, loyalty and filial piety are important values.
One should be loyal to the ruler...
...and filial to his parents.
If your family makes a mistake, you should advise...
"instead of punishing him or her.
If you punish Empress Dowager over some rumours...
...it might affect your reputation.
I get it.
The both of you are here today to lecture me, right?
General, what's your opinion on this?
Your Majesty.
I think Minister Chen and General Piaoqi...
...are right.
Your Majesty, if others find out...
...about the discord between you and Empress Dowager...
...it might trigger a rebellion...
...and undermine the spirit of our army...
...providing Shu with an oppoflunity to strike.
Your Majesty, please think of your people and the country.
Good job. -Please think of the country!
All three of you said the same thing.
Are you trying to intimidate me?
No, Your Majesty.
What if I...
...insist on convicting her?
We will...
...join other ministers and officials...
...in remonstrating against it by means of death.
We'll remonstrate against it by means of death.
I got it. lfl insist on killing her...
...you'll go against me...
wright? -Long live the Emperor!
Great! You're so daring!
Since you're the regents, I have to listen to you.
Fine, I'll give in.
Bi Xie, issue an order...
...to send Empress Dowager back to Yong'an Palace.
Please issue an apology to Empress Dowager on my behalf.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I have something else to say.
What else do you want?
Your Majesty, I'm talking about Xincheng.
Meng Da is dead, the Jingzhou army is in a mess.
After the defeat in Shiting, Wu and Shu might attack anytime.
Please allow me to go to Wancheng...
...to settle the army and protect the city against our enemies.
Are all of you drunk?
Your Majesty, I don't drink. I didn't even take a sip.
Sima Yi, you're General Piaoqi.
You've achieved success in Yongliang.
Now you want to leave the capital to go to Wancheng.
Why are you doing this?
I'm only capable of managing a state.
I made a blunder in Yongliang of letting Zhuge off the hook.
I felt bad about it. This shall be my punishment.
You're giving up Yongliang to go to Jing and Yu.
Great.
If that's what you truly want, just get lost.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Why did you do this to yourself?
You must be drunk.
This is the only way for me.
It's no big deal. I'll just start anew at a different place.
It's far from here. Take care.
Don't worry, I've done this before.
Thank you for joining me in doing this today.
There's still plenty of time. We'll surely meet again.
General, we'll surely meet again.
I hope not.
Good bye.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, please calm down!
Your Majesty, come to think about it. They're right.
As long as you're patient, the day will surely arrive!
Your Majesty!
They don't take me seriously. They are using my power and country...
...to force me to give in. How can I be my own master?
Your Majesty!
Please stop, Your Majesty!
You'll get hurt, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Sima Yi and Cao Zhen are in their fifties now.
Chen Qun is even older than them.
They're getting older.
There'll come a day when they're old and vulnerable.
Your Majesty, you'll get stronger as days go by.
You'll get to beat them sooner or later.
Their days are numbered.
Your Majesty, ...
...you have all the time in the world.
I have all the time in the world.
Come over here. Look, who is it?
That's my son.
He's so fair and chubby. He's so cute.
Look, he smiles. Look at his tiny hands.
This is great. Look at those tiny hands.
Look. -Chancellor.
Please name the baby. -That's right. Think of a name.
All right. Did you hear that? Look, he's smiling.
What name do you want?
You're looking at me.
I'll pick “zhan“ of “zhan Wang“ (look into the distance).
Let's name him Zhuge Zhan. How about that?
Awesome. "The people will look up to a good Emperor...
...who has their interests at heart."
Nice name.
"I look up at the sun and moon and think of you."
I hope he grows up to see far into the future.
I hope he gets to see us unifying the lands and achieving peace.
Chancellor, you're right.
We have news!
Chancellor, Sima Yi of Wei sent you a letter.
Bring him to the Lady. -Yes.
Good.
Chancellor.
"I'm Sima Yi, General Piaoqi...
...of Wei, also the Governor-general of Jingyu.
Greetings, Chancellor of Shu.
Marquis of Wu DistricL...
...I'm travelling around...
...and am happy to hear that you got a son.
Time flies.
While our offspring grow, we're getting older.
It's a bittersweet feeling.
I understand your joys and fears.
Words can't express how I feel.
We shall meet again."
What does he mean?
I don't think he wrote just to express what he felt.
I'm surprised. Sima Yi is being sentimental.
He thinks he's old. What does it have to do with Chancellor?
He's a few years older than Chancellor.
Sima Yi is urging me to hurry up.
He's right.
All Yongliang has now are Cao Zhen's followers. He's right.
Our generation is getting older.
We've yet to achieve what we set out to do. Time is running out.
Let's go. Let's check on our forage and weapons.
The Longxi agents informed us that...
...Zhuge Liang of Shu is training his men.
He's gathered 300,000 men to get out of San Pass.
He used 100,000 men to seize the three districts back then.
It's been only a year and now he has 300,000 men.
We have an emergency in Longxi now. What should we do?
Your Majesty, I was based in Longxi last year.
It's my responsibility.
Please allow me to lead an army to capture Zhuge Liang.
General, do you have any tactic in mind?
Your Majesty, though Zhuge Liang is clever...
...he's relying heavily on the way for transporting provision.
Zhuge Liang is coming from San Pass.
Chencang will be his main path for transporting provision.
I'm thinking of assigning Hao Zhao...
...to go to Chencang and block their path.
Shu's army would surely panic.
Great, since you spot Zhuge Liang's weakness...
...we have a chance of winning the war.
Your Majesty, I would like to propose someone.
He's from Longxi. His name is Wang Shuang.
He wields a 30kg sword...
...and has a bow with metal frame and three meteor hammers.
He's extremely skilled and courageous.
Your Majesty, with him around...
...Wei Yan and Zhang Bao will be no match for us.
If you appoint him as the vanguard...
...we can surely defeat Shu's army and capture Zhuge Liang.
Where is Wang Shuang now?
Your Majesty, he's a guard of mine. He's waiting outside now.
Summon him.
Summon Wang Shuang.
Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Wang Shuang.
Please come closer.
Go on.
This is awesome.
General, you know the enemy well and have the right man, too.
I'm glad. Get someone in here. -Yes.
I present Wang Shuang with a fine robe and gold armour.
I appoint him as General Huwei and the leader of the vanguard.
Yes.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
General Cao Zhen, I appoint you as Longxi Chief Commander.
Starting today, you'll lead 150,000 men...
...to join Guo Huai and Zhang He in defeating the army.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, please allow me to say something.
Go on, Minister Chen.
Your Majesty, please appoint General Piaoqi Sima Yi...
was Deputy Commander.
He can travel through Han River from Jingzhou to Chang'an...
...to meet General Cao and discuss how to tackle Shu's army.
Minister Chen, in Longxi...
...I have Zhang He, Guo Huai and others.
I don't need a Deputy Commander.
General, you, Wang Shuang, Zhang He and Guo Huai...
...are skilled and courageous...
...but you'll need more brains than brawn to win a war.
Sima Yi is smart
He reclaimed the three districts and knew Zhuge Liang very well.
Zhuge Liang is cunning. I think you may need...
msomeone who can help you with planning and strategising.
Minister Chen, do you mean...
...I'm all brawn and no brains?
That's not what I mean. -Really?
General... -Chen Qun, I don't get it.
You've never led an army before.
You knew little about army yet you're trying to guide me?
Your Majesty, this is ridiculous! What a joke!
The war hasn't even started yet the both of you...
...are already fighting each other in front of the ministers.
Shu's army would laugh at us.
Your Majesty, Chen Qun is just a nerd.
General, I've thought it through.
I think...
...Minister Chen was right.
Your Majesty, this...
General, think about it.
We need strong men to fight an ordinary war.
However, we're facing Zhuge Liang this time.
We need someone who understands our enemy well.
Your Majesty, I get what you mean.
Since you think so highly of Sima Yi...
...you should just assign him instead.
I'm willing to hand over the task to him.
General.
I know who is the closest to me.
Does that mean you don't trust me?
I do.
However, I want nothing but victory this time.
If we lose the war, you can execute me.
Bi Xie.
Prepare a seat.
General, please take a seat.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Uncle, please remain seated.
Please do.
Uncle Cao Xiu has been gone for a year.
The position of Grand Marshal has been vacant all this while.
I shall appoint you as Grand Marshal to lead the army.
You'll be two ranks higher than Sima Yi. He'll have to obey you.
If you win the war, he won't get to claim the credit.
If you lose the war, he'll have to bear the consequence with you.
I just want the both of you to help each other out...
...during the war.
Your Majesty, Sima...
Your Majesty.
I'll follow your order, Your Majesty.
Xiaoyuan, is anyone outside?
Yes, Miss.
I'm Zhong Hui. Greetings, Lady Bai.
Lady, I'm impressed. I heard a message of war in your music.
How did you find out about the war?
I know you're here for an important matter.
Nothing is more important than Zhuge Liang making a comeback.
You're smarter than most of the ministers out there.
Which one do you prefer to hear first? The good news or the bad?
The good and bad tend to go hand in hand, don't they?
There's no such thing as fully good nor bad.
Indeed.
The Emperor is roping in Master...
...but only as Cao Zhen's Deputy Commander.
Cao Zhen is promoted to the position of Grand Marshal.
Master will not get any credit...
...yet he'll get blamed if anything goes wrong.
If Cao Zhen wants to get rid of him...
...he has the right to execute him anytime.
He's the royal family. Of course he gets to...
...enjoy all the advantages. - Lady, you got it.
I shall not explain further.
Lady, please tell Master to be prepared and be cautious.
I'll make a move first.
Xiaoyuan, prepare ink and brush. -Yes.
General Piaoqi Sima Yi is appointed as Deputy Commander.
You shall lead 50,000 men to travel to Chang'an.
Yes.
Long live the Emperor.
Deputy Commander Sima, this is an emergency.
Please get everything ready and depart as soon as possible.
Yes, but it's 50,000 men we're talking about.
I need to inform my camps...
...select the right men and prepare the forage.
Please hold on a moment.
According to Chief Commander...
...you'll have to travel at least 35km everyday.
He wants you to arrive at Chang'an within 10 days.
Yes, will do. Please get some rest.
I'll make a move first.