Episode 34
Watch the door closely! -Yes!
General. -Out of my way!
General, you can't go in. -Out of my way!
General!
Cao Shuang is here... -He Yan is here...
...to meet Your Highness. -...to meet Your Highness.
What's the urgent matter? Let's meet at the main hall.
Your Highness...
...His Majesty is growing up and is about to take over the reign.
His Majesty's wedding will soon take place.
Your Highness should move back to Yongning Palace.
His Majesty is just 10 years old, which is too young for those.
His Majesty is a genius.
His Majesty can now review all reports hence he can.
Is it about His Majesty or you?
This is a coup!
Your Highness must have mistaken it.
I'm the son-in-law of Cao family. General is a royal relative.
How'd we turn against the Great Wei?
Your Highness, there's an exhortation...
...since Emperor Wen founded Wei.
The harem shouldn't intervene with the court
You've been attending the court, and it goes against the state law.
You're suppressing us mother and son only few years...
...after the late emperor has passed away.
Aren't you afraid of critics against you?
Your Highness is childless. There's no mother and son.
Summon all ministers.
Summon the Three Excellencies. Let them speak for this!
Stop. -I'm Central Protector General.
No one can stop me! Move!
Your Highness.
We're considering Your Highness' pride, which is why...
...we come to Your Highness.
I couldn't offer any help...
...if Your Highness doesn't bother.
Come forward! -Spare our lives, General!
Who dares to offend Her Highness?
Back down! -Hold!
The Central Protector General has no place in here! Guard the door!
Despite my low position...
...I've duty to protect the monarch.
No matter who the intruder is, he'll be killed on the spot.
Absurd! I'm the leader of the palace guards!
How dare you disobey me? -I won't obey an unofficial order.
Master Shi, once His Majesty takes over the reign...
...Her Highness should be moving back to Yongning Palace.
Her Highness can't be exempted just because you're relatives.
Out of my way or you'll be killed on the spot!
Someone is still required to take care of the young emperor.
Is His Majesty taking over the reign...
...or you when you intend to chase Her Highness out of here?
Shut up! Seize him!
Hold!
How can you draw out weapon in the presence...
...of Her Highness? -You've come in time.
He's offending his superior.
He leads a troop to insult Her Highness.
Has Central Protector General come to aid the evildoer?
I plead Your Highness' forgiveness for coming late.
Xiahou Xuan, are you also going to disobey your superior?
Why is General saying so?
Her Highness is high above us all.
It's my duty to protect Her Highness' safety.
Why are you leading a troop to force Her Highness out?
Put your weapon down and leave the hall.
Otherwise, I'll turn against you.
Xiahou Xuan, you're offending the superion...
"understand? Don't forget your place!
I serve the Great Wei forever. This is my place!
General may later remove me from office or execute me...
...but now I'm the Central Protector General.
Listen up! I'll count to three!
Intruders who are still holding weapon after that...
...will be executed on the spot for a coup, are you clear?
Yes!
Try me, Xiahou Xuan. -One!
TWO !
Cao Shuang, do you think I dare not execute you by the state law?
Three!
Stop it!
You and Grand Tutor are both the regents.
If I'm to move out of this palace, you two will propose it together.
Summon the Grand Tutor, then! - Sure! Summon the Grand Tutor!
Summon the Grand Tutor! -Come to me.
Yes.
Summon the Grand Tutor. -Yes.
You're seeing He Yan every day. What's your relationship?
I just want to gain information of Cao Shuang from him...
...so that you'd be on guard.
I'm on guard every day, but I can't stop you.
We rely on brothers, father or son in the battlefield.
I want to play a pan for the family.
Yes, you do.
Which is more dangerous between Luoyang and Shangfang Valley?
Are you experienced enough?
Master!
An imperial eunuch has come to see you.
Greetings, Grand Tutor.
What's it, officer? -General and Prince Consort He...
...led a troop to Jiafu Palace...
...to move Her Highness back to Yongning Palace.
Central Protector General and Master Shi intervened.
The former is requesting your agreement to move Her Highness.
They're going to fight. Please make a quick decision.
Hou Ji. -Yes.
Bring officer to rest in a room. -Yes.
This way, please.
Grind the ink.
What do you think? -Father, Luoyang is...
...more dangerous than Shangfang Valley.
Moving Her Highness out isn't just an insult to Her Highness.
It's also an insult to you and our family.
Cao Shuang is running wild.
So, I think we shouldn't take patience anymore.
How will you compare Cao Shuang to Zhuge Liang?
He's nothing.
Isn't it foolish to fight head-on against someone like him?
It's hard to dissociate foolish people in our life.
We should learn to submit ourselves to them.
You all are tired, aren't you? Shall we switch another hand?
Sure. -All right, in a count to three.
One, two, three!
Report!
Grand Tutor submitted a report -My father doesn't come?
Grand Tutor ordered me to pass the message.
His Majesty is going to take over the reign.
Your Highness shall move to Yongning Palace...
was requested by General.
Well? Repofls from two regents are suffice, right?
Your Highness shall move out of this palace.
Your humble servant, Xiahou Xuan...
...plead Your Highness to move out.
Xiahou Xuan! You marry your sister to Sima Shi...
...so that you'd gain favour from the Grand Tutor.
You better don't go too far! I resent betrayal the most!
Just go ahead if you want to stand for Sima Yi!
You don't deserve to call my aunt as your mother!
What else do you have in mind apart from power dispute?
You're an adult.
You're the general and a regent.
Could you be selfless and think for the state?
I can't allow another Wang Mang just for the state!
I'm from the Cao family! He's from the Sima family!
This isn't just between me and Sima Yi...
...but the life and death of my family!
I've said this before. I won't forgive him...
...if he wants to rebel! -Are you sure?
I'm a minister of the Great Wei.
Sima Zhao claimed they're his servants in the battlefield...
...and was desperate to kill them. What else if they aren't soldiers?
Your brother-in-law rushed to the mountain after something happened.
What else if it isn't to transfer his men?
This is why you recommended Sima Zhao to join the army.
This is your initial purpose.
You tailed and followed him.
Have you found any evidence?
We'll find it.
Master, Grand Tutor requests to see you.
I feel honoured to have you paying me a house visit.
Greetings, General.
Grand Tutor, come and have a seat.
Please, General. -Please.
Serve the tea.
I'm living next to you, General...
...yet I haven't congratulated your moving. I'm so sorry.
Don't mention it. I brought your son to the battlefield...
...and I didn't protect him well. I'd still like to send my apology.
I'm grateful when you'd provide guidance to my son.
Today I come to ask a favour from you.
Don't mention it. You've overstated.
Just tell me what I can do for you.
My eldest son, Sima Shi...
...is somehow related to you by marriage.
Would you let him inherit my noble rank...
...for that?
He has a great future. Why would you say so?
Meanwhile...
...although Sima Zhao is young and ignorant, he's talented.
I'd be grateful if you'd grant him a civil position...
...as a court advisor.
He excels in military affair.
Isn't it unfair to him by degrading him to a court advisor?
My remaining sons are still young to possess any threat to you.
And with the favour given by the imperial coufl to me...
...my family should have nothing to worry about basic necessities.
I don't quite understand you.
Frankly speaking...
...I'd like you to spare my life.
I'm reaching 70 years of age.
I might die at anytime.
I've no intention to fight.
I just want my sons and grandchildren to be safe.
I'd trust someone else who is saying all this...
...but not you.
You're experienced.
You've defeated a mountain of rivals.
Look, General.
I've backed down to the position as Grand Tutor...
...and I dare not oppose you from moving out Her Highness.
What should I do exactly...
...to satisfy you?
Military power in Chang'an.
It doesn't belong to me alone.
Guo Huai and Sun Li have garrisoned in Chang'an for long.
They're very familiar with Shu's military strategy.
Thanks to them garrisoning at the border...
...over the years, our west route remains undisturbed.
If we replace them due to power dispute...
...Jiang Wei will take advantage...
...to break through the opening.
Then I'll be condemned.
Would you say you have no desire...
mtowards power when you've a troop of 100,000 men?
Who'd believe that? -General.
My family is living in Luoyang next to your mansion.
You can watch us by taking a bird-eye view...
...from the tower in your mansion.
Chang'an is 400 km away from here.
Could I reach Chang'an at once for a revolt?
Surely you can't.
The army in Chang'an won't revolt as well.
Just one question. What's the purpose...
...of those slayers at the outskirts of Luoyang?
What do you mean by slayers?
Who went along with Sima Zhao?
I remember now.
My son has gathered some villagers, rangers and...
...hunter for self-protection while I wasn't around.
I've taught him a lesson after knowing it.
You're right to remind me.
You and I at this position...
...will be mistaken easily by others as a traitor.
We should be careful.
Sima Zhao has told me everything. So, stop covering it up.
Honestly, we both possess great power...
...at high noble ranking.
Isn't it normal to own a troop of own men?
Stop evading the subject.
Could they be saying the truth?
Do you keep them for other purpose?
General, you mustn't make up such a story.
I don't know what my son has told you...
...that has caused a huge misunderstanding like this.
Who are they and where are they now?
If my son is so daring to keep a group of slayers...
...you may act according to the state law...
was soon as you discover them.
My family will then owe you a favour.
Father.
Notify Uncle Ji Bu to transfer 100 men to Nanshan.
The rest will leave after changing to commoner's clothing.
10 men in a group and standby in seclusion.
3,000 men is a big target.
Why? Has Cao Shuang sensed something?
They've eyed on Zhao.
Remember, Zhao shouldn't know about this...
...and we mustn't involve him.
You can't dispatch those men without my order from now on.
Yes.
We mustn't bring up further issue regarding those slayers...
...before gaining valid evidence.
Since Sima Yi is willing to hand out all his duties...
...I think you should stop pressing him.
What do you think, He?
Why would you trust Sima Yi so easily?
He's making concessions to gain advantages.
He wants you to slack off.
General Xiahou, this is concerning the national safety.
We mustn't take it for granted.
Father, how is it going with Cao Shuang?
Come forward.
Zhao, what have you told...
...He Yan? -He Yan?
Nothing.
I might have grieved about Cao Shuang...
...who's suppressing our family a lot.
Why, father?
Father, don't worry. I know who our enemy is.
I've no enemy in the court...
"understand? -Yes.
I've applied leaves for you. Take a good rest at home...
...for the mean time. Don't go out if you've no reason to.
Why, father? -This is a crucial moment.
Don't make me worried about you again.
Am I grounded?
If you'd listen to me, stay at home to company your mother.
Yes.
Mother, I don't want to get married.
Silly child, it's necessary after you've grown up.
Your husband will be nice to you and you should respect him too.
I'll only be relieved when you're getting along.
Have you seen him? Do you know what kind of person he is?
The Guo family is relative to the emperor.
Your husband...
...is also an honest and reliable child.
Would he be nice to me like how my father is treating you?
Don't worry, he certainty will.
I'm still scared. I want to stay with you.
Rou, everyone carries a responsibility in life.
Like your father, he needs to battle for the state.
Women like us should stay home to serve the elders.
Getting married is like a general going for a battle.
There's no return...
...and it takes courage.
Rou, I know you're scared.
You're exactly like me when I was married.
You must tell me if you face...
...any difficulty over there.
You mustn't keep it to yourself, understand?
Mother, I'll be obedient. Stop being sad, mother.
Rou.
Rou. -Father.
See what I've brought you. -Thank you, father.
Well, are you scared?
You'll be fine. We're still living in the capital.
Come back and tell me if he bullies you.
I'll break his front tooth -ls that what a father should say?
What else do you want before the wedding? Tell me.
I want to take a horse ride to the mountain and river.
Mother said, I can't simply go out once I'm married.
I want to take a few more looks to remember how they look like.
We'll travel with you to the mountain and river.
Father, is this garland nice? -Yes.
Mother, I'm going to have fun.
Slow down, don't fall.
Father, mother, there are many fishes here.
I know Rou and you don't want...
...the marriage. After some time...
...I'll propose a feather bed for her husband...
...and hire a teacher for him.
I don't think he'd bully Rou.
Women are restrained as soon as they're born.
They never can make their own choice in life.
I always thought my daughter could gain a wonderful life...
...without being sacrificed for political mean.
However, she ends up like me.
We're married for more than ten years.
Aren't you happy all these years?
I'm so happy...
...that I don't feel like I deserve this fortune.
I'm really worried.
I'm worried Rou might not be as fortunate as I am.
I'm worried that I've used up the fortune in my life.
Even more, I'm worried of the future.
There might be something more frightening in front.
That's impossible. No matter what happens in the future...
...I'll stay by your side to protect you and Rou.
You must trust me. -I trust you...
...but not the current situation and not destiny.
Tell me, Sima Zhao.
One day, you'll still fight my cousin and brother, won't you?
I don't want to lie.
If Cao Shuang couldn't reconcile with my father...
...my family needs to stop the war with a war.
Yet, I believe in your brother. I believe he's sensible.
He won't help Cao Shuang in doing evil.
Sima Shi, resign. Bring me and Rou back to Wen County...
...or anywhere as long as there's no war.
We'd study and farm.
I'd rear silkworms for silk. We'll bring up Rou...
...and get her a husband who is not involved in politics.
Can we?
You're silly.
I'm the eldest son of Sima family.
It's the toughest time to my father.
How'd I abandon my family and live in seclusion?
Don't worry. Everything will be fine when I'm around.
Neither a Marquis nor a king...
...travel to Noflhern Qishan with thousands of men.
What's the purpose of the fight?
Hui, is something bothering you?
Have you seen or heard something lately?
What can I see or hear...
...when I'm a woman who stays at home all the time?
You and Rou's safety is what I care the most.
Cakes!
Cakes! Freshly baked cakes!
It's so happening! -Delicious cakes!
Father, I want to eat some cakes.
Rou, the cake here isn't clean. I'll bake for you at home.
Sure.
Master Shi, buy two to bring home.
Sure, two for Rou to taste.
All right.
Look.
Here, sir.
Thank you, sir. Safe trip.
Rou. -Thank you, father.
How do you know him? -I've been patrolling around here.
Let's go. -Cakes! Delicious cakes!
Cakes!
What's that?
City defence map. I'll be back.
Father, this is given by Uncle Ji's messenger.
They've moved to a safe place in Nanshan.
Did anyone follow them? -No, don't worry. It's secluded.
The coming days will be tougher.
Every word or movement affects the life of our entire family.
Remember to keep it secret, even to your brothers...
...and your wife.
I understand. Zhao is impulsive.
I'll never tell him.As for Hui, I assure you...
...that she won't spy on us. -I don't make you to suspect her.
Secret is called a secret...
...because the keeper is fully responsible.
Not telling our family is to better ensure their safety.
I understand.
Come, Rou. Let your sisters play.
Mother, let me play a little longer.
You're the eldest and also the naughtiest.
They all are stronger than me.
Slow down. Don't let them fall.
Uncle!
Rou, is it fun? -Yes.
This reminds me of the time when you're young.
Time flies.
Yes. I was at Rou's age several years ago.
I sat on a swing and you pushed me up to the sky.
The peach was red and the willow tree was green. It's beautiful.
I even resented our parents for not letting me out...
...but now I realised the goodness of a family.
I didn't want you to get married either.
Higher. -I had no power and influence...
...to stop it.
Fortunately, Sima Shi is a loyal and reliable man.
Yes, he's very nice to me.
We were both young.
We always thought we're unrelated...
...to the dispute between uncle and the Sima family.
So, we treat and love each other sincerely and whole-heafledly.
Unexpectedly, we're dragged in the dispute.
Rou is smarter than me. She learns herself a political victim.
She's sad, but she never let me know.
I didn't expect this to happen...
...between Cao Shuang and Sima family.
Hui, look at me and be honest.
Does Sima Yi have the intention to revolt?
If yes, I'd prepare in advance.
I don't want you and Rou to get hurt
One is my husband and one is my brother.
Do you want me to choose...
...which to survive from the battle?
Has Sima Yi really planned to revolt?
No.
Father-in-law became more modest after becoming the Grand Tutor.
You see that.
Whether or not their family will revolt...
...isn't just concerning the life and death of our family...
...but more impoflantly, the Great Wei.
Cao Shuang isn't a match for Sima Yi at all.
Brother.
You've been listening to me since young.
Please. Could you stay out of it...
...and stop fighting against Sima Zhao?
Could you do it for me?
Brother.
I never want to turn against him...
...but we're the Xiahou family.
Our ancestors sewed loyalty to the state.
Our father was the Marquis of Changling, mother was a princess.
Duty of 3 generations of Xiahou is to protect the Great Wei...
...and now it's also our duty.
Is this high enough? -Higher.
All right. -Now? Is it high enough?
Yes. -Yes.