Episode 30
I'm belittled by all ministers as they know I'm not his mother.
Whenever I hear their voice, it sounds like teasing.
Teasing me for not knowing politics.
Teasing me as I'm not the birth mother of His Majesty.
Your Majesty shall tell me if you want to swing higher.
Your Highness is over-thinking.
Your Highness is the legitimate empress of the late emperor.
You're the mother of the state. No one would belittle you.
However, I think...
...there's a way to deal with those ministers.
I wonder if I'd propose an idea of mine.
Tell me. ls there a good way?
Next time when Your Highness...
...couldn't make up your mind...
...Your Highness might try to say this...
..."I've heard your report
I'll consider it before making the final decision."
I've heard your report
I'll consider it before making the final decision.
Grand Commandant Sima...
...is meritorious and prestigious.
I plead Your Highness... -Your Majesty.
...to approve my_ request... -Stop playing.
...to appoint Sima Yi as the Grand Tutor...
...to express the sensibility of recruiting talented ministers...
...and to display his value in both civil and martial fields.
Give it to me! -Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
Your Highness!
I've heard your report
I'll consider it...
...before making the final decision.
What's wrong with the Empress Dowager?
You've no idea.
Her Highness...
So, it didn't go well?
Sima Yi has gained the upper hand!
He's sent his wife into the palace to teach the emperor.
The Empress Dowager has gained the courage to reject my proposal.
He's certainly well-experienced as a regent.
What should I do now?
She's anyhow the Empress Dowager. Should I really chase her out?
That little tutor won't get to threaten you by having...
...the emperor and empress dowager in her power.
Master, I heard Cao Shuang intends to promote you to the Grand Tutor.
Is it true? -Yes.
Why do you still come to fish?
Why not? It's a kind of enjoyment.
Cao Shuang is gaining his power.
This isn't the time to seek enjoyment.
Zhong Hui, just tell me what you have to say.
This is for your good sake.
In just a month, Cao Shuang has placed a few trusted men...
...in important positions.
Ding Mi, He Yan and Deng Yang have entered the Ministry of Works.
He Yan takes charge of personnel. He appoints only his relatives...
...and trusted fellows.
Cao Shuang's brothers are captains of the capital and palace guards.
If it goes on, you'll lose everything within a year.
Should I fight against him and tear the Great Wei to pieces?
It'll give advantage to Wu and Shu.
But you need a counter plot.
Zhong Hui.
Deng Ai wouldn't have said something like this.
You should learn from him. Keep your mind steady.
Add some lilies, my wife.
Bamboo leaves.
Smell it. -It's so good. Put it in.
Beauty and fragrance.
Consort Prince He.
Wait a minute. It's almost done.
General-in-Chief, I come to present you with another gift.
Greetings, madam.
Consort Prince He, I'm content with one Jian Jia.
You can stop sending gift like this from now on. Keep it in mind.
You've misunderstood.
She's Madam Liu, concubine of Prince Rencheng.
What's it about?
She's His Majesty's birth mother.
What?
Concubine Liu of Prince Rencheng's the birth mother of His Majesty.
Mother of the emperor?
Look at the winding shore of Qihe River.
And green bamboo forest.
An elegant gentleman studies to be outstanding.
He's to be trained to be better.
It means that...
...looking at the green bamboo forest along Qihe River...
...talented and virtuous gentleman...
...will become outstanding through studying.
He'll become kinder and better through challenges.
I've got it. I want to be a gentleman like him.
General-in-Chief pleads to see Your Highness.
What brings you here today?
I heard Your Highness is looking for a babysitter for His Majesty.
I'd recommend one person.
Thank you for your consideration. I've got one.
His Majesty will like the woman I recommend.
I've made myself clear that...
...His Majesty doesn't need another babysitter.
His Majesty will understand after meeting the woman.
Come in!
Greetings, Your Highness.
Mother!
Fang! -What's your intention?
Mother! -Fang!
How dare you? Who are you? Leave the hall!
You'll either make her His Majesty's birth mother...
...or the babysitter.
You... Aren't you going to consider His Majesty's pride?
Just because of that, I come to inquire Your Highness.
I've proposed the promotion of Sima Yi to the Grand Tutor.
Have Your Highness made the final decision?
Mother, where were you? Have you dumped me?
No. I miss you too. -Mother!
Fang.
Consort Prince He, you're brilliant.
I'm flattered. Exploring the secret of...
...the royal family is just a piece of cake to me.
With this imperial edict...
...Sima Yi will lose his military power in the capital.
He possesses no threat against me anymore from now on.
However, Sima Yi is aware of the importance of 3,000 palace guards.
He might not simply yield to it.
That's even better.
I can take the opportunity to execute him with imperial edict.
Call him to the palace.
If he comes with armed guards...
...we'll seize him in the name of treason.
If he refuses, we'll attack him in the name of disobeying the order.
I'll place a troop in the palace.
If he shows a sign of resistance, I'll drop my cup to signal.
No matter cunning the fox is, it has no escape...
...in an ambush.
Sima Yi is a prominent minister.
Executing him abruptly might trigger internal war.
We should spare his life if he yields to the order.
Living horse is somehow useful than a dead horse.
He caused the death of my father.
I swear to kill him!
Xiangyu didn't kill Liu Bang...
...during the Feast at Hong Gate due to an invalid reason.
You could execute Sima Yi in the name of the emperor.
Even when the emperor is young, when the time has come...
...we can count on his imperial seal.
You know me well, Consort Prince He.
You'll earn the first merit after killing that horse.
It's brute courage to avenge your father like this.
You and Sima Yi are contending for sovereignty.
Stop over-thinking, Ding Mi. I'll make my own decision.
I'll make a plot to lure Sima Zhao.
Sima Zhao.
I've been looking for you. So you're here.
What brings you here, Zhong Hui?
Can't I come?
You're carefree. You do look like a farmer.
I'm assigned with this duty by the imperial court.
Can you cope with it?
It's just a matter of time.
What's going on?
The father is fishing at Luo River while the son does farming here.
You're idling away the time. Where's your passion?
Who's upset you? Have you come to vent it on me?
Cao Shuang's preparing for action. Why are you still so calm?
Do I have a choice? -Go and persuade your father!
Once he loses the palace security power...
...you won't even get the chance to farm here!
If I could persuade my father, I wouldn't have been farming here.
Have you given it a try? Is it your best shot?
What's happened to you, Sima Zhao?
Human will change.
I knew I couldn't save her...
...even by risking the life...
...of my entire family.
I can just pity myself for being so incapable.
Brother, you're an honest person and you're especially devoted...
...but you should let go of whatever you should.
I'm an incapable person.
This is how my life will end.
You're still living.
You're the Master of Writing.
You don't live to reminisce your love.
You should resume office. You can help me.
Brother, although I'm taking sick leaves...
...I know a thing or two about the recent affairs.
Cao Shuang is closing up.
You can't even protect yourself...
...once you lose the palace security power.
You should be careful.
Cao Shuang wants to fight me after taking a high position.
Only him and I are the regents appointed.
I'm an outsider, but he's a royal relative.
If I fight him now...
...everyone will regard me as a traitor.
I'm tolerating...
...so that he knows I've no mean of contending.
Human mind is more terrifying than deep abyss...
"because it can be malicious without a prior hint...
"especially when someone is fanning the flame.
Brother. -Madam Bai.
Master. -Why have you left the palace?
Cao Shuang has found His Majesty's mother to control the monarch.
He's also obtained the edict to make you the Grand Tutor.
Master.
Master, an officer has come to deliver the imperial edict.
Consort Prince He.
Something happened, Sima Zhao. -What's it?
Just say it. -Grand Commandant is promoted.
Ding Mi has gone to your mansion to deliver the edict.
General-in-Chief has plotted an ambush for your father.
Grand Commandant Sima Yi has sewed loyalty to three reigns.
He's earned huge merit by capturing Meng Da...
"defeating Shu army and eliminating Gongsun Yuan.
Now he'll be promoted to the Grand Tutor...
...while remaining his military position and duty.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Long live Your Majesty.
Congratulations, Grand Commandant. I mean, Grand Tutor.
Sir Ding, I dare not accept the imperial edict.
Why? Are you not satisfied with the reward?
No, but I was appointed by the late emperor...
...with the same position like the General-in-Chief.
He's the main officer while I'm just the deputy.
I shouldn't be appointed with a position higher than him.
This is the proposal made by the General-in-Chief to His Majesty.
You're older and more meritorious than him.
He wouldn't want you to stay as a deputy.
You've spent great effort for the Great Wei.
You deserve this new position.
The Great Wei is advancing...
...due to the governance of three reigns.
I dare not claim the credit.
I don't know how to report back to His Majesty...
...when you're being so modest.
Do consider my difficulty.
All right, but based on the rite...
...I should decline it three times before taking office.
I'll draft the letter right away...
...and present it to His Majesty tomorrow morning.
You don't need to follow unnecessary formalities.
Before I came to deliver the edict...
...His Majesty had ordered General-in-Chief to hold a feast.
You'll enter the palace with me now.
You'll see whether you want to accept...
...or decline the new appointment.
Would this show that I'm a little desperate?
You shouldn't decline the kindness...
...of His Majesty and General-in-Chief.
His Majesty is waiting for you in the palace.
You might upset His Majesty if you're still declining it.
As a minister, I wouldn't decline a banquet...
...or a battle ordered by His Majesty.
Please wait for a moment.
I'll enter the palace with you after changing my official robe.
Please go ahead.
It doesn't mention the palace security...
...and record of the Imperial Secretariat.
This royal edict has reclaimed both your military power...
...and political power.
Every word is sharply used. It's a good essay.
Cao Shuang has expressed his real intention.
Brother, could this be the Feast at Hong Gate?
Either you lose your power or commit the capital crime.
Cao Shuang is ready for you.
What should we do? Should master attend the banquet or not?
He'll become a traitor if he chooses the latter.
That's what Cao Shuang is waiting for.
Bear with it. Don't fight Cao Shuang.
I'll wait for you to come back safely.
I have no choice when they've placed a blade at my head.
Mother!
Mother, where's father? Where has father gone to?
To the palace. -Cao Shuang has plotted an ambush.
What?
How did you know about that? -Mother, uncle.
The news is absolutely true. - Cao Shuang's intention is real.
We have no time to lose. - Why are you still here?
We can dispatch the city guards. Deng Ai will be ready.
Just go! -Let's go.
Hold it! Doing that will put him right to death...
...without Cao Shuang'sfur1her action.
Entering the palace with armour is a revolt.
We can't leave him entering the tiger's mouth.
Inform Sima Shi to protect his father in the palace.
Uncle, Mr. Zhong...
...contact some old ministers to wait outside the palace.
I hope they'd suppress Cao Shuang with their prestige.
All right. -Let's go.
The palace force is gathered at the Sima Gate.
Who's leading the troop? Central-Protector General Xiahou.
Hui's brother?
Let's go! -Go!
Faster!
I want to eat that.
No, I want that instead. -Sure.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Long live...
...Your Majesty.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Congratulations, Grand Tutor.
Grand Tutor is the chief of three excellencies.
This isn't your individual honour but also, the Great Wei.
I'm not praiseworthy. I couldn't accept it.
I feel ashamed for the favour of His Majesty and General-in-Chief.
I've come to politely decline His Majesty's appointment.
Grand Tutor... -No, Your Majesty.
...you deserve the position more than any other.
Position has been appointed by age.
I'm your junior, yet I'm given with the highest position.
I feel so uneasy.
If I still stay above you...
...people will tease me of...
...gaining the emperor's favour by claiming myself a royal relative.
Grand Tutor, you should accept the appointment so that...
...I wouldn't be mocked by the people.
General-in-Chief, you're overly modest.
Since the decision has been made by His Majesty and you...
...I wouldn't decline it anymore.
Hopefully, I'd make His Majesty a great emperor.
I'd do my pan for the Great Wei...
...before I die.
That's great.
This way, Grand Tutor.
Anyone?
Yes. -inform Houji...
...to keep the main door shut. Let no one in...
...before master comes back. -Yes.
Even if something really happens to him...
...we should keep...
...the family proud.
Grand Tutor, here's a toast to you.
To His Majesty.
Enjoy yourselves. I can't drink.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Grand Tutor, Guo Huai and Sun Li are meritorious generals.
They should be recalled to Luoyang for a reward.
Please write them a letter to recall them.
Although Zhuge Liang is dead...
...Jiang Wei who had his last will is going to make a move.
Shu army might take advantage of it...
...if we suddenly recall those generals. Please reconsider.
You shouldn't worry too much about it.
Grand Tutor is a leisure post.
You just need to sit and teach His Majesty.
Could you hand over the position in Longxi at this time?
You shouldn't be bothered...
...by those military affairs anymore.
Guo Huai and Sun Li have been defending the border for 10 years.
They've defeated Shu army several times.
Recalling them now might affect the situation at the border.
If Shu army gets to break in...
...General-in-Chief and I will be condemned by the Great Wei.
The border will be affected once we recall two main generals?
Does the border belong to His Majesty...
...or you, Grand Tutor?
General-in-Chief, you must be kidding.
The border belongs to Emperor Wu, Emperor Wen, Emperor Ming...
...and surely His Majesty.
I've accepted the promotion to the Grand Tutor...
...hence I've no power in palace security and Ministry of Works.
Don't forget...
...that my military positions...
...still remain as usual as stated in the imperial edict.
So, I don't think...
...it's appropriate to hand over the military power...
...in Chang'an.
Grand Tutor, you're too greedy...
was you want everything. Speaking bluntly...
...I want you to write a letter to recall Guo Huai...
...and Sun Li today.
I'll make my own decision in other matters.
Grand Tutor, are you going to write the letter or not?
General-in-Chief is overly anxious.
What would you do if I refuse?
What's your purpose here?
I want to see the Central-Protector General.
Who are you? No one can enter without an official position...
...tablet or imperial edict.
I'm his sister. I need to see him for an urgent military affair.
Please come with me. Tie up their horses.
I've suddenly recalled...
...the day when the late emperor died.
General-in-Chief once hit the chime to warn me.
Now I'm old.
I can't take any surprise.
General-in-Chief.
I won't refuse writing a letter...
...but I'd like to ask you a question.
Who are you going to grant the military power...
...in Chang'an after recalling Guo Huai...
...and Sun Li with my letter?
I've answered it. I've my own decision to make.
General-in-Chief, I'll be killed...
...after...
...you throw this cup, will I not?
This is to give you a toast.
You'll decide whether I'll throw it or not.
I'm old and muddleheaded.
You don't need to throw it by yourself.
I can be killed by letting in...
...two to three palace guards...
...but I still have a few words from the bottom of my head...
...to tell you. I hope you'd reconsider it.
This is one.
If I die in the palace today...
...would Guo Huai and Sun Li dare to come back?
They have a troop of 100,000 men.
I dare not guarantee what they're going to do next.
Second, my son, Sima Shi...
...has pan of palace security power.
If I die in the palace today...
...I dare not guarantee...
...if my son and his 3,000 palace guards might take the risk.
I can be killed easily...
...but you might not have made up your mind...
...in dealing against 103,000 men.
What are you talking to each other?
Your Majesty, General-in-Chief is giving me a toast.
I'll have that then.
Third, the late emperor...
...once entrusted you and I to assist His Majesty.
If you kill me in the present of His Majesty...
...how are you going to explain to all ministers tomorrow?
Today is a celebration for the Grand Tutor.
We'll discuss about military affairs next time then.
How dare you threaten me? -I dare not.
I'm just begging for a chance to live on.
So long as General-in-Chief could deal with...
...both external and internal enemies...
...I'd grant your wish while securing the life of my family.
I'll surrender the military power in Chang'an.
I've contributed my entire life for the Great Wei.
This is what comes to my mind before I die.
General-in-Chief, would you...
...still want to smash this cup?
I agree with you.
Do you really mean it? -Yes.
Could I get away from you...
...with a temporary lie?
Your Majesty, I'm old now...
...and I'm exhausted. I'd take leave.
So soon?
I still have a gift for Your Majesty.
What's it? -I'd tell...
...Your Majesty only.
Come to me here. -Sure.
Your Majesty!
General-in-Chief is also eyeing on the gift. He's coming after it.
Stay away!
Tell me. -In the fight with Zhuge Liang...
...I seized a colourful wooden kite from him.
It's a huge kite and its wings are like clouds in the sky.
If Your Majesty fly up to the sky by sitting on it...
...Your Majesty could get a bird-eye-view of Luoyang.
But General-in-Chief is keeping the kite outside the palace.
If Your Majesty wants it, tell General-in-Chief...
...that Your Majesty will send me off.
I'll hand the kite to Your Majesty at the palace gate.
How does it sound?
I'll send off the Grand Tutor. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
No, Your Majesty! -Your Majesty.
How dare you stop me? -I dare not.
Don't follow me.
Hurry! -Your Majesty!
This is out of my expectation.
Pursue him!
Consort Prince He!
General, madam is here with an urgent military affair.
Why are you here? -General, my father is in danger.
What's going on, Hui?
Cao Shuang wants to kill my dad. -What?
Your Majesty, General-in-Chief has sent a troop to snatch the kite!
Kneel!
Let's g0!