Episode 1
In late Eastern Han Dynasty
there was yet the national exam in China.
Scholars could only rely on the testimonies of
prominent figures for elevation of social status.
Xu Shao from Nanyang as well as his brother are famous and respected figures of the era.
They would often comment on the works of others on the 1st day of every month.
People who earned their acknowledgement would instantly rise to fame.
Students and scholars flocked to this event
known at that time as the "Monthly Review".
- Is the hot water ready? - Yes.
Send it over quickly.
Sima Yi! Get in! (Si Ma Yi, Name Zhongda)
- Coming! - Sir, what are you doing?
- My wife is calling me. - You can't go in.
- It's not a good idea. - I need to accompany her.
- Brother Yi. - He's here.
- The physician is here. - Physician Hua, this way.
Madam, please drink the narcotic medicine.
Father.
- Uncle, what is this knife for? - Knife?
I need to cut her stomach and take the child out of her.
I don't want the child. I want to save Chun Hua.
We made a promise. Don't you trust me?
Sima Yi! Shut up and let the physician in!
Alright!
Zhong Da, you too.
Please.
Madam.
Ah Man.
Hua Tue'.!
Father, the Bureau of Investigation is searching. (Cao Pei, Name Zi Huan)
Hua Tuo will be here very soon.
Physician Hua.
- Congratulations, Mr. Sima. - Uncle.
- Both mother and child are safe. - Thank you, uncle.
Thank you, Physician Hua. (Si Ma Fang, Name Jian Gong)
Thank you, uncle.
Few women in this world as are brave as your wife.
- What do you want? - Move!
Mr. Hua!
Is there any order from the Minister of Works?
Mr. Hua, the Minister of Works
wants you to go to his residence immediately.
Don't frighten the patient. Please wait for short moment.
Mr. Hua, I
Zhong Da.
I'm passing the "The Five Animal Frolics" to you.
Learn on your own.
Uncle, this is the fruit of your lifetime of hard work.
It's worth it as long as it benefits the people.
I'm thankful.
Mr. Hua.
I saw your signature in the secret imperial edict.
I'll be counting on you all to save the country and the people.
You're going to take action?
That's the job of people like you
not the job of a physician.
I know what to do.
Both are safe. Thank you, my dear.
- Thank you, my dear. - I told you to come in. (Zhang Chun Hua)
- Thank you. - Why didn't you come in?
You scared me.
You scared me, my dear. You really scared me.
That really scared me.
Sir, it is not impossible to cure your illness.
If we cut open your skull and remove the cause
(Cao Cao, Name Meng De)
(Cao Zhi, Name Zi Jian)
You're not the only one in this world
who wants me dead.
If you do not wish to go under the knife
there is only one way.
You can only retire to seclusion
and stay away from things that give you pressure
to nurse your head.
Perhaps, you will recover a decade later.
The Central Plain is plagued by war.
Warlords are emerging.
Yuan Shao has led a million soldiers to the south.
A huge war is ahead
and you want me to retire to seclusion?
(Lady Bian)
Physician Hua, how brilliant of you.
Physicians care for patients as though they are their parents.
I'm just trying to save your life.
You want to save my life?
If I refuse to retire to seclusion
"Physician Hua, how do you plan to treat me?
Will you use a sharp blade or poison?
I knew that someone is up to no good in Xudu.
It turned out to be a trick like this.
I've only been a physician all my life.
Sir, you are a great hero.
Do you fear my tiny surgical knife?
- Guards. - Yes!
Throw Hua Tuo into the prison and interrogate him by torture.
This You
Take him away and interrogate him! -Yes!
If the illness of the head is not cured
no disease in the body can be treated!
Sir, Hua Tuo is reputed as the "Genius Physician" after all. Should we (Guo Jia, Name Feng xiao)
Find out who Hua Tuo contacted.
I want to know who he met and what he did in Xudu.
Please take care. I'll investigate at once.
- I heard he arrested Hua Tuo. - Your Majesty.
Cao Cao is paranoid and tyrannical. (Dong Cheng)
He did this to Hua Tuo (Dong Cheng)
just because Huo Tuo advised him to retire.
What will he do if he learns about the secret imperial edict?
He'll kill you all. He'll dethrone me. (Emperor Xian of Han)
Calm down, Your Majesty. Hua Tuo is an honourable man. (Consort Dong)
- He won't betray Your Majesty. - We can't count on him.
General Dong, don't forget about
the cruel ways of the Bureau of Investigation
in interrogating.
Your Majesty, dozens of officials
signed the secret imperial edict.
They are secretly gathering 100 assassins
to take action anytime.
We can't allow Cao Cao to oppress Your Majesty anymore.
Forget it! I'm sick of waiting!
General Dong, I'm entrusting you with my life
and Han Dynasty's 400 years of legacy.
General Dong, you must not let me down.
We've checked. Hua Tuo went to Sima Family's residence
to help Sima Yi's wife who was delivering.
Over the 15 days of Hua Tuo's stay in Xudu. he treated 53 patients.
But, he only contacted Sima Fang and Dong Cheng.
Did Dong Cheng do anything abnormal today?
Advisor Guo, Dong Cheng entered the palace 2 hours ago.
Yuan Shao is leading his army to the south.
There'll be a big war soon.
Someone will surely try to harm Minister Cao in Xudu.
Keep an eye on everyone related to the emperor and Yuan Shao
like Yang Biao, Liu Bei, Dong Cheng
- and Sima Fang. - Yes!
Sir, after coming to Xudu
Hua Tuo only contacted Sima Fang and Dong Cheng.
What a bad drawing.
We did not find any poison in Hua Tuo's bag.
He's a genius physician.
He won't use a despicable method like that.
He told me to retire
for the same objective as those who want my life.
Tell Man Chong to kill him if he refuses to come clean.
Yes.
I want to get changed.
Gather the officials.
Ah Man, you're still sick.
Time and tide wait for no man.
Hua Tuo treats illnesses. But I will fix the world.
Provincial governors are to report about
all gifted, brave, intelligent and strong men
regardless of their character and conduct
without fail.
Minister Cao order of recruitment is truly impressive.
The people will see Minister Cao's sincerity.
Even gifted people from Jingzhou, Hebei and Jiangdong
might come.
(Yang Biao)
Minister Cao, over the past 400 years
Han Dynasty has always prioritised virtues.
However, this order of recruitment
acknowledges people who are lacking in morals.
I'm afraid this will only encourage despicable people
who are desperate and realistic.
What is virtue?
Winning in war to honour the soldiers' sacrifice is a virtue.
Governing a state well to ensure that the people
do not suffer from cold and hunger is a virtue.
As for hypocrites who act holy and proud
while making empty promises
the court does not have so much money for idlers.
I want useful people who can manage the country
and the military in this era of war.
Minister Cao, I heard that Yuan Shao is heading southwards.
Rumors arose because of the war ahead. (Gou Yu, Name Wen Ruo)
Should we put the recruitment on hold?
I intend to let the world know that
Yuan Shao is not a big threat.
Life goes on as usual and so is our recruitment.
Is there still the custom of the Monthly Review in Xudu?
Yes. Ever since the court moved to Xudu
the people's lives have stabilised.
The custom of the Monthly Review has been restored.
Many famous figures come to Xudu for the review.
They need these reviews to seek government positions.
Who is the person hosting the Monthly Review
and evaluating the essays?
That would be Grand Commandant Yang's son
Yang Xiu, Yang De Zu, the most famous scholar in Xudu.
I've long heard of Mr. Yang Xiu's calibre.
It's next month 2 days later. -Yes.
Hang the order of recruitment
and tell those who seek government positions
to attend the Monthly Review
and showcase their talents. We'll judge their capabilities
"based on the reviews.
I'll help Mr. Yang Xiu to organise a grand Monthly Review.
This recruitment is a serious matter.
My son is too young to shoulder this important task.
It is a rule to let respected figures host
the Monthly Review.
"A capable official of the times
and a crafty hero of the troubled times"
is Xu Shads comment on me back then.
I know. I'll let Mr. Xun Yu and Mr. Sima
help Mr. Yang Xiu. What do you think?
Hua Tuo was thrown into the prison by Cao Cao yesterday.
From now on, we should stop meeting each other.
The engagement should be cancelled as well.
But
If anything bad happens to either of us
the other one will still be able to steer clear.
We've to leave some hope for Han Dynasty and the emperor.
That person did not sign it.
He returned the secret imperial edict to me.
Won't he tell Cao Cao?
Even though he's Cao Cao trusted aide
he's still loyal to Han Dynasty.
Sir, do you plan to use the order of recruitment
and Monthly Review to bait those people?
I'm baiting all with ill intention.
I'd rather strike first than allow the crooks to
plan things behind my back.
It's a brilliant idea. But, it's too obvious.
Dong Cheng might not fall for it.
Feng Xiao, do you think I will actually be so direct?
In this case, I'll go and get things done.
You're more flexible and understanding indeed.
One does not stand where the walls will fall.
People from all places will flock over by then.
Sir, you must be extra careful.
They think my sword has gone blunt
because I haven't fought for a long time.
A falling sword and a sword hung above one's head.
Which is more fearsome?
It is easier to die than to survive.
If one seeks to survive, fear will grow in one's head.
Father, look who came.
It's me, Xu Shu. Greetings, uncle.
Isn't this Yuan Zhi?
(Xu Shu, Name Yuan Zhi)
It's been a few years. -Yes.
Come. Please sit down. -Come.
Please sit down and talk. -After you, uncle.
Be my guest.
Young Masher Yi Master!
What's wrong? -Bad news!
- Minister Cao killed Physician Hua! (Hou Ji) - What? -Why?
Physician Hua was accused of murdering Minister Cao.
How is this possible?
Father. -Uncle.
I want to go back to my room.
I'm going back to my room.
Zhong Da. -Father.
Don't tell our family
about this.
Don't tell them. -About what, father?
Nothing.
Hou Ji. -Yes.
Make ginseng soup for my father. -Yes.
Zhong Da, this - Physician Hua was the one
who saved my wife and son.
He just went to treat Minister Cao
and he lost his life.
Zhong Da, Cao Meng De is very paranoid.
There won't be peace in Xudu so soon.
I saw
more than sadness in my father's eyes.
There was also great fear.
Father.
Father, you're back. (Yang Xiu, Name De Zu)
Minister Cao issued an order. He will help you to organise
tomorrow's Monthly Review.
He'll issue the order of recruitment by then.
Me?
Doesn't this mean giving me the right to choose new officials?
They are making use of you.
Father, I'm the one who restored Xudu's Monthly Review.
No one can be a better host than me.
Father, I know you are a proud and honest man.
But, you must understand that
the court today
is under Minister Cao control.
Don't say something like that in front of me.
Father, Minister Cao has executed Hua Tuo.
Father, why are you so concerned about Hua Tuo?
You know that he's not innocent, right?
I only know that he's a famous genius physician.
His death is regretful.
What is this?
Master ordered us to return the betrothal gifts
from Sima Family. -Go.
Wait!
Cao Cao appreciates talents.
He'll surely attend the event incognito.
Mr. Sima will conduct the event.
We can send our men to hide among the crowd.
I'm done training the 100 assassins.
Once the emperor gives us the word
they will
eliminate Cao Cao.
Cao Cao is sly and paranoid. (Liu Bei)
Since he organised the Monthly Review
and plans to attend the event personally
won't he bring along his guards?
I'll be the bait.
If we fail, a man as rebellious as Cao Cao
will surely arrest my daughter in the palace.
He will be caught off-guard. thinking that the assassins are all gone.
This is why
we should prepare for an ambush in the palace.
Our young master said that our young lady
cannot marry Young Master Fu. We return the betrothal gifts
and from now on, the engagement is cancelled.
This is a letter from our young master.
Our father is away for the Monthly Review.
Cancellation of engagement is not a matter to be taken lightly.(Si Ma Lang)
When our father returns, he will visit Mr. Yang.
Please accept the letter and I shall excuse myself.
"Your family is far too open-minded."
"The second son is known for his talent."
"Yet, he married an unrefined country bumpkin."
"The third son is mediocre
despite being in the prime of his manhood.“
"My younger sister is delicate."
"I am afraid she is no match for her sisters-in-law."
"We are not good enough for your family."
"This marriage will not last."
Brother Lang, Yang Xiu is too rude.
A gentleman should not expect undeserved courtesy.
He insulted my brother and in-laws.
Brother Lang, let it be.
Yang Family is too prominent anyway.
This marriage made me very anxious.
He shouldn't insult Sister Chun Hua. But, it's true that I'm mediocre.
The cancellation of engagement relieves me.
This isn't just about you. He's looking down on Sima Family.
If this is made known, we'll become a laughing stock.
What is there to laugh at?
Father is usually so stingy.
But, he gave them generous gifts.
Look at these gold and jade articles.
Brother Lang, you're right. We can't tolerate this.
I'd like to see how talented Yang Xiu is.
Shu Da, bring your essay to the Monthly Review with me.
I want him to know that my younger brother is talented.
Ah Zhao is coming today. I'm going to pick her up.
Ah Zhao knows the way.
Put down the things and come with me.
(Guo Zhao)
So many people came today.
If you want a position, I can just tell my father.
Why do you have to come? - Gong Gan is planning to
show off his calibre.
Zi Huan, watch out! -Zi Huan, watch out!
Zi Huan, watch out!
- Thank you for saving me. - I'm glad you're not hurt
Young lady, you should take a carriage next time.
I'm not untrained.
Do you know what startled my horse?
- What is it? -The fragrance on your body.
My horse is very sensitive towards fragrances.
Young lady, it's my fragrant pouch. Catch.
- I'm sorry. Take care. - Don't worry. Thank you.
Brother Yuan Zhi.
Zhong Da, I thought you won't come.
You can't help it, right?
Yang Xiu cancelled Shu Da's engagement to his sister
and even insulted us.
Shu Da is a nice guy.
But, I can't let others call him a useless person.
We're here for revenge - I actually don't mind.
Look. Shu Da is more open-minded.
Zhong Da, are you sure you don't want to get a review?
Even though you look humble on the surface
you're actually conceited.
We're intellects born in a chaotic era.
We only live on for two reasons.
The first is to make ourselves useful
and the second is to save the people. What say you?
You're far-sighted. I only came for revenge.
Mr. Yang! -Mr. Yang!
Stop!
Minister Cao has issued an order of recruitment.
He hopes that all gifted men actively volunteer themselves
to find peace for the people.
As usual, the Monthly Review will be conducted by Mr. Yang.
Mr. Xun, please be seated.
Mr. Sima, please be seated.
I am Yang Xiu. As ordered by Minister Cao
I hereby welcome scholars from all corners of the world.
I am Liu Zhen from Dongping. Please to meet you, Mr. Yang.
Please evaluate my poem.
I've read all of your poems.
I shall evaluate them honestly.
Mr. Yang, my poems and essays have never been
compiled into books.
I can't believe you've read them.
From works in the past to works in the present
there is none I do not know.
I dare not judge if I have not read it all.
Your works are logical and pleasing.
However, they are not refined enough. Second-rate.
Second-rate only? - Mr.Yang Xiu is indeed very sharp.
May I know on what ground did you make this comment?
I'm sure you know your own strengths.
But, if it's about your shortcomings
your poems are not expressive enough.
You use a lot of conventional words as well.
As such, your works are only second-rate in today's world.
I have a question.
If I am second-rate, who is deemed first-rate?
I'd like to learn from this person.
Since you asked, I shall add a few comments.
The best poets today
are Minister Cao and his son, Cao Zhi.
Minister Cao poems
are straightforward, masculine and breathtaking.
They are magnanimous in nature.
Mr. Cao Zhi's poems are overflowing with pride
and colourful words.
The poems composed by these two men
are like Duke of Zhou and Confucius among men
or dragons and phoenixes among beasts.
If Minister Cao and Mr. Cao Zhi are in a hall
you and the likes of Wang Can shall only deserve the corridor.
Good! -Amazing!
Good!
Good! -Amazing!
Yang Xiu is so knowledgeable.
I'm kind of scared.
Mr. Yang, I'm impressed.
I admit that I only deserve the corridor
compared to Minister Cao and Zi Jian.
I accept your review.
Next.
It's your turn.
Go. -What are you afraid of?
Hurry up
I am Sima Fu from Henei. I came to seek your enlightenment.
You're Mr. Sima's son. Pleased to meet you.
Do you want me to evaluate your painting
or essay? -I studied under Mr. Hu Zhao.
I wrote the "Annotations of the Book of Documents".
Please review my work.
Do you know that one of the chapters in your work
came from apocryphal writing?
It's regretful as your effort is wasted.
Come back after you rewrite it.
What makes you say so? -Last year
Zheng Xuan, announced that
the chapter "Common Possession of Pure Virtue"
is actually an apocryphal writing.
This chapter has been a chapter in the book for ages.
How can we dismiss it just because of one assertion?
Are you saying that Zheng Xuan is wrong?
Brother Fu, you're amazing!
Maybe I'm wrong.
Go back and study again.
Is Zheng Xuan always right?
Who is this person? -Who is he?
Who defamed the famous Confucianist scholar?
Come up and debate with me.
Brother Yi.
I do not mean to say that you are wrong.
I believe it is already inappropriate for
Sima Qian to equate that chapter with "Bamboo Annals".
Zheng Xuan's assertion of the loss of
"Common Possession of Pure Virtue"
based on the loss of "Bamboo Annals" is groundless.
Since you came up
please tell us your assertions
and we can have a fair argument.
I don't want to be said to be bullying you.
My name is Sima Yi. I do not intend to argue with you.
I only came up to defend my younger brother's work.
My brother did not make a mistake in his studies.
I see. You are the protective elder brother.
Tell me then. Which book tells you that
Sima Qian and Zheng Xuan are wrong?
I am far less knowledgeable
compared to sages like Sima Qian and Zheng Xuan.
But, are sages always right?
"Common Possession of Pure Virtue" is about unpredictability in life.
It advises rulers to be virtuous to secure their reign.
One without virtues will lose his region.
This is what Confucius said himself
and his objective in authoring this book.
That does not prove that it is the original work.
Conforming is not the right way to govern either.
Mr. Sima, it's good that you actively seek knowledge
but knowledge is accumulated.
Even if you cannot attain full grasp of knowledge
you must not go along with the crowd.
Thank you for the advice. However, I believe that
in this era of war when written works are lost
it is our generation's job
to reshape civilisation through the remaining works
by combining the spirits of the sages
and beneficial policies
instead of taking words out of context for competition.
If this essay can serve as an advice to rulers
and educate the civilians, it deserves to be passed on
and studied. How can it be a waste of effort?
Right and wrong in knowledge does not just lie in words
but also in one's attitude. -Good!
Good!
Attack!
Gentleman, catch!
Father.
Leave with me at once. -Alright.
Minister Cao ordered to not let anyone on the stage leave!
Father, this place is safer.
Kill Cao Cao! -General Dong, be careful!
Attack!
Don't let any of them escape! Charge! (Xu Chu, Name Zhong Kang)
Charge!
General Dong! -Uncle, I'm Xu Shu.
You need to hide now. Come with me.
General Dong! Be careful! -Let's go.
Father.
I knew it's you. Good.
I'm sick of your hypocrisy.
Feng Xiao, you found a good swordsman.
My name is Ji Bu. Greetings, Minister Cao.
Take him to the palace. Gather the other officials.
I'd like to question Consort Dong personally.
I'll ask the emperor what he thinks he's doing.
Sir, please think twice.
We must not be rude to the emperor.
Else, it will justify Yuan Shads rebellion.
I want to teach them a lesson before I engage with Yuan Shao
so that those audacious ones will behave.
This is a way to warn them.
This way, they won't dare to do anything
while Minister Cao confronts Yuan Shao.
I agree with this move.
You spoke my mind.
We'll let Feng Xiao clean up the mess here.
Besides the dead ones, investigate the injured ones too.
I understand. -Sir.
You must not hurt the emperor or this will give them an excuse.
They already attempted to assassinate me.
What if I get hurt?
People will talk.
You know me. I'm not afraid of gossips.
Zi Jian, go back without me. -Yes.
YOU people!
Come with me!