Episode 28
His Majesty summons General-in-Chief Cao Shuang...
...and Grand Commandant Sima Yi.
Please, Grand Commandant. - After you, General-in-Chief.
You first, Grand Commandant.
Administration of inner court should start today.
There's no time to lose.
General-in-Chief.
We should reprimand Bixie.
Fine, I'll go with you.
I won't allow any sand to enter my eyes.
He might feel insulted later. Save him some pride.
Anger is harmful to our health. Don't overdo it.
I'll wait at the side hall.
Thanks for taking care of Her Highness.
It's my duty to serve Her Highness.
I wouldn't accept...
His Majesty is still young.
You need to put in more effort from now on.
Keep an eye on the eunuchs in the harem.
They mustn't entice or deceive His Majesty, understand?
Yes, General-in-Chief.
I'll report every happening in the palace to you as it is.
Please, General-in-Chief.
Grand Commandant.
His Majesty summons General-in-Chief Cao Shuang...
...and Grand Commandant Sima Yi.
Your humble servant, Cao Shuang. - Your humble servant, Sima Yi.
We're here to meet Your Majesty.
Long live. -Long live.
Long live... -Long live...
...Your Majesty. -. . .Your Majesty.
You both are regents of the late emperor.
Don't bother yourselves with rites like this.
Thank you, Your Highness, but I dare not neglect the rite.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Rise, my noble ministers.
Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.
I dare not accept the bow. - I dare not accept the bow.
Rise, my noble ministers.
Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.
His Majesty is young.
I'm a woman and I couldn't lead the administration.
I'll entrust state affairs to you both from now on.
Your Majesty, General-in-Chief and Grand Commandant...
...are regents appointed by the late emperor.
Your Majesty should regard them like your master.
Your Highness could be rest assured as I'm here.
I'll report every matter for Your Majesty and Your Highness.
Your Majesty must learn diligently and take over as soon as possible.
Thank you, my noble ministers. Serve the seats.
Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.
Every new emperor will confer meritorious minister.
You both are regents appointed by the late emperor.
Your family should receive conferral.
Official positions to be taken by younger brothers...
...of General-in-Chief Cao and sons of Grand Commandant Sima.
Submit it as soon as you both have made the choice.
Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.
I'll treat you both like my family.
I heard two sons of Grand Commandant...
...have gained much merit while battling with you all these years.
I'll be glad to see them in the imperial court
Your Highness, my sons are too young...
...to take up such responsibility.
Grand Commandant, do you want Her Highness...
...to beg for your approval?
The new emperor will require a lot of talents.
Please do accept it.
Yes, Your Highness.
Yet, there's a hidden threat in the palace...
...which bothers me every day.
Please discuss with me and come up with a solution.
You gather wealth and power and you entice the late emperor.
I'm ordered by Her Highness to get rid of the evil.
He's close to the late emperor. It's quite inappropriate...
...for you to kill him just after the funeral of the late emperor.
Even when he's a eunuch, he gets to gather so many valuable items.
It's all from bribery when he's favoured by the late emperor.
It includes gifts from you both.
I knew today will come...
...when you presented those gifts.
I hope you'd see me as an example. You mustn't repeat the mistake.
Shouldn't we execute him now?
I didn't offer much to him back then.
Take it back.
Come to me! -Yes!
Take him away. -Yes!
Take it back. -Take him away!
Wait!
He mustn't take any item used by the late emperor.
Yes! -Take off his robe!
What are you trying to do? Stop it!
How dare you do this to me when the late emperor just passed away?
Let go of me! -Take off!
Let me go!
Cao Shuang! You can kill me, but not humiliate me!
Cao Shuang! -Take him away!
Cao Shuang! I'll haunt you even after I die!
I'll haunt you even after I die!
What do you think?
You're awe-inspiring.
Come to me. Bring them back to my office for strict examination.
Yes.
I've just ascended the throne, so I'm counting on my ministers.
Grand Commandant has two meritorious sons...
...that I always hear of.
Today, they'll be further conferred.
The eldest son, Sima Si is appointed as Cavalry Attendant...
...who will be in charge of palace security.
The second son, Sima Zhao is appointed as General of Farm...
...in Luoyang, exclusively in charge of farm works.
Accept the royal edict.
Your humble servants accept the royal edict.
Shi and Zhao, you're appointed ministers from now on.
You should share His Majesty's burden while earning your wage.
We'll take order from you. - General-in-Chief is a regent.
You should pay him a visit after taking the office.
Yes. -Cao Shuang is our rival.
Why should we pay him a visit?
He's a regent like father. We should work together...
...instead of contending each other.
Don't forget that he's our superior.
What are you laughing?
Nothing. I feel like laughing.
Father, he's just feeling unpleasant.
Despite his effort, he's just received an insignificant post.
An insignificant post?
Is farming insignificant?
How did we defeat Zhuge Liang without farming? It's important!
You feel unconvinced? Listen! It's me who asked for the post!
Leave us here.
You feel wronged?
Will you not forgive me...
...no matter how I make up for my mistake?
I took you to the battlefield, but all you've gained...
...is maliciousness.
I send you to the farm. Only when you step in the mud...
...you know you should study the weather.
I want you to be cleansed by the water.
Father, my temper is trained in the battlefield.
Water can wash away the stain on my armour, but not my head.
Wash your head with this.
I know the "Five Animals". -You know?
No, you don't. You know the form...
...but not its significance.
Leave here. -Yes.
What did father say to you?
Whatever it is, it's for the sake of us.
Don't feel discouraged. I'll convince father by chance...
...to appoint you with a suitable military post.
Our father never changes his mind.
I'll do whatever he wants me to.
It's fine. You'll take orders from Cao Shuang.
I won't bother myself with that. I need to practise "Five Animals".
Stay calm.
You'll get to enter after me.
This way, Sir Li.
Hurry!
Keep up!
It's just a humble gift. Take it.
Wait here.
What a big show.
This is the human relationship. You aren't new to it.
Everyone is busy for benefits.
Does it include you and me?
General Xiahou. This way, please. -All right.
Please.
Why... -Cao Shuang is too desperate.
He doesn't even care of his image.
Taking up a high position at young age like your cousin...
...isn't necessarily a good thing. -Mind your words.
Congratulations, brother.
You've come.
Sima Shi comes with me today...
...to congratulate you. He's also prepared a gift.
We're family.
You don't need to come with a gift.
It's a token from him. Take it.
Is he your new home guest?
Home guest? Don't you recognise Sima Shi?
The eldest son of the Grand Commandant. Hui's husband.
We both are now in charge of palace security.
No wonder he looks familiar.
The Grand Commandant is interesting. He's so desperate...
...to appoint his sons with new positions.
You have no idea.
Sima Shi has gained great merit from the battlefield these years.
He deserves the post among the palace guards.
Today he purposely came to congratulate you.
The state has gained a great talent.
Thank you, brother.
Report!
Sir Ding Mi and Consort Prince He Yan are here.
Take them in immediately! -Yes!
Well? Stay for the dinner?
No. Since you have important guests...
...we'll go back for today. Brother...
...you should take care of your body as the General-in-Chief.
I'm too busy, brother.
Xuan.
Yes?
Tell me why you bring him here.
What's the matter?
You and Sima Yi are the only regents in the imperial court.
Can't you get along with him?
Sima Shi is our relative too.
Why are you putting on airs when he comes to greet you?
I'm not.
Tell me. Is it you or your sister who's married to his family?
Here's my advice, brother. Think twice before you act.
Sima Shi! Wait!
Wait, Sima Shi! -I'm asking for an insult!
Yes, Cao Shuang is a bit arrogant due to his young age, but...
...strong enemy is out there. Wei will be in danger if this goes on.
I hope both our families can foster a good relationship.
He didn't even do you a favour.
Yes, I'm sorry.
Why don't you come to my place? I'll make up with you.
I'd rather present that gift to a dog...
...than your cousin. I'm going to get it back.
Sure. Wait. Let's stop arguing in front of his mansion.
Let's go to my place. We'll drink to the fullest.
Get on the horse.
Sir Sun! -I'm here!
Quick! The box!
Wait!
Slow down!
Wait!
I've come to congratulate you.
I'm glad to see you both.
Sir Ding and Consort Prince He.
Congratulations, General-in-Chief for the promotion...
...which you'd lead all ministers to govern the state from now on.
Come and sit.
Serve the tea.
I saw endless stream of visitors...
was if phoenix flying around the mansion.
I thought I couldn't get to see you today...
was you'd be occupied by a lot of matters.
Don't mention it, Consort Prince He.
No matter how busy I am, I must make time for both of you.
When I came in just now...
...I thought I saw General Xiahou and Sima Shi.
Well, have they left already?
My cousin knows about my relationship with Sima Yi...
...yet he brought his son here to ask for an insult.
General Xiahou is doing it to strengthen...
...your status by winning people's heart...
...so you should accept his favour.
Why are you saying so? - For sure, we're glad...
...that you're promoted at young age...
...but there are others who are envious.
Will I fear others when I'm in great power?
Of course you won't...
...but you need their assistance while dealing with state affairs.
We still require Sima Yi's prestige...
...to stabilise the situation and gain our force.
Then, we'd aim bigger and seize greater power.
You've a point. -We still need to respect him.
He's dying anyway.
We won't have a problem with his sons once he dies.
If you couldn't wait for that to happen...
...I'd share your burden by probing Sima Yi.
He's a sly fox. I don't think he'll spill the beans.
In that case, we'd approach his son.
Do you mean Sima Zhao? -Yes.
Sima Zhao is young. He'd be less thoughtful, unlike his father.
Go ahead if that doesn't bother you too much.
I won't let you down.
Let's stop bothering him with all that.
Haven't you brought a gift to the General-in-Chief?
I've almost neglected a big matter.
Don't be. I can't accept any gift from you.
You'd decide later.
My gift is unlike the rest.
How is so?
It's a spiritual item.
Open it.
Flawless jade.
It's you?
Greetings, General-in-Chief.
Consort Prince He, how did you...
Don't ask for the source. Is she spiritual or not?
Yes, she is.
Lady, they're all here.
Are you calling for me, mother?
Come and sit here.
Do you feel restless after your brothers have been appointed?
I'm as good as them. I also want to share father's burden.
I'm glad to hear this from my son.
Mother, could you...
Could you ask for a post from father for me?
Lun, you're still young. Take it easy.
Cao Shuang's brother is younger than me, but he's a Marquis now.
Tell me. Do you think your father...
...loves your eldest brother more or your second brother?
My eldest brother, of course.
Father nearly killed Brother Zhao last time.
He's even assigned him with a farming job.
Your father used to farm before becoming a minister.
Do you mean...
...father is cultivating Brother Zhao?
To others, your father...
...is overly cautious and timid...
...but he'd always come safely out of danger.
It relies on the formless concealment.
Your Brother Zhao is very capable...
...but he has high self-esteem, yet less experience.
He'll be condemned if he's now appointed with an important post.
However, he doesn't understand your father's intention.
I get it now.
Lun, remember this. Strong wind starts from the ground.
You should be well prepared.
You should never look down on trivial practice...
"understand?
Here, take it.
What you should do now is to settle down your mind.
Don't be restless.
I've transcribed all these books for you.
Go back and read them.
Are you still going out at this hour?
I've official works.
Official works. That's all you know.
Here.
Tell me. When will you stop being mad at Zhao?
I'm not mad at him.
Why do you send him to the farm?
Yes, he's wrong, but you've punished him.
Why can't you forgive him?
What's wrong with farming?
After I retire from current position...
...I'll go back to farming.
That's because you're old, but Zhao is young.
You're embarrassing him in public.
It's your fault. You've spoiled him.
You gave him whatever he wanted.
I brought him to the battlefield.
What's with the battlefield? It's about decision making.
He's insatiable and desperate for instant success...
...by playing his little tricks. He nearly ruined my great plan.
If I let him be, he'd become a mad man someday.
I believe he won't do anything against morality and justice.
That will be great. I just want to put him away from the army.
You'll burn down his aspiration.
That's what I want.
I want him to farm so that he understands...
...that he needs to wait for the right season to harvest.
He can't go against god's will.
If I don't train him into me...
...how is he going to support our family?
You don't understand all this.
Rest early. Don't wait for me.
Listen up, Sima Yi. I won't let him farm.
Rest early.
You'll be known by history like Yi Yin or Duke of Zhou...
...to the young emperor.
We're like usnea who seek shelter...
...from you to pursue our dream.
You're making yourself like a stranger.
I've made an indiscreet remark. I deserve punishment.
You're the Duke of Zhou, yet there's a Cai Shudu.
Sima Yi.
I'm entrusted with state affairs as the emperor is still young.
We'll see how long that old man can remain alive.
General-in-Chief and Grand Commandant are vain titles.
What's real? Military power.
I dare not say this in Chang'an...
...but he can't beat me in Luoyang.
I'm relieved when you're aware of it.
The song and dance aren't good to go with pure wine.
I'd perform sword dance for your enjoyment.
Great.
I'm glad that you're in the mood. Good.
Please.
Dandelion leaves its root.
It drifts with the wind.
In the vast land...
...how can it travel?
I'd rather be duckweed.
Lodging myself in a clear pond.
I'd take pleasure in the present.
Live a long live.
Good.
Follow me and I'll secure your promotion.
Thank you, General-in-Chief.
People are saying that you've applied powder.
You're more than that.
Open the door. -Yes.
Why do you come here?
I've brought you a robe.
Don't you hate me for what I did to you in the past?
You took orders of the late emperor.
Yes, Cao Zhen isn't your match.
I needed to help him to oppress you.
Grand Commandant, Cao Shuang is a relative of the royal family.
He's appointed with a high position.
He'll be carried away at such young age.
He might give you a hard time for the rest of your life.
I came here quite often in the first half of my life.
Wu and Shu are eager for action after the emperor was crowned.
The Great Wei cannot bear with internal conflicts.
I won't fight against others.
You're loyal to the late emperor.
I'll think of a way to get you out.
You may stay at the mausoleum like Shichun.
Don't bother that.
I'm used to the treatment given by the late emperor.
I can't stand icy wind and rain.
I'm glad enough to meet the late emperor as soon as I can.
I'll only ask a favour from you.
Bury me at the foothill of the mausoleum.
All right.
I wish you'd serve the Great Wei forever.
Start and end well.
I hope the Great Wei could last long...
...and unite the world.
Farewell.
Take care.
Grand Commandant.
Thank you for the robe.
Thank you...
...for treating me like a human.