Episode 3
This is classified. I'm just an inspector.
How would I know so much? -I understand.
I shall excuse myself.
Brother Ji, I almost forgot. When I was leaving home
my wife reminded me to send her regards to you.
How is she?
Her body is weak because she just delivered recently.
She's also very worried about my father.
She's really unwell. That's why she can't come.
Please tell Mrs. Sima to take care.
Thank you, Brother Ji.
Good bye.
Brother Ji.
The sword.
As a member of the Bureau of investigation
I shouldn't disclose this.
Man Chong found in your residence
a letter your father wrote to Yuan Shao.
A letter my father wrote to Yuan Shao?
Is it true that your father colluded with Yuan Shao?
That's impossible.
Where did he find the letter?
I think it was among a set of gold articles.
Something must be wrong.
Thank you for informing me.
By the way, if you need to see me again
make three cuts on the pillar to the left of
the door downstairs of this tavern
and I will come to this room at night.
Don't go to the Bureau of Investigation.
You know what they are capable of.
I understand.
You took the risk to help us.
Sima Family is greatly indebted to you.
I will surely repay you in the future.
I shall excuse myself.
Wait. Please tell Mrs. Sima
to take good care of herself. -Alright.
Brother Ji, how did you befriend my wife?
Chun Hua
Mrs. Sima didn't tell you? -She didn't.
Ask her. -Alright.
Brother Yi, did father collude with Yuan Shao?
I don't think so.
If I'm not mistaken, Yang Xiu is the one behind this.
Yang Xiu is clever. He saw this coming
after Hua Tuo's death.
He believes that his father and our father are involved in
a scheme against Minister Cao.
Under the pretext of cancelling the engagement
he placed a fake evidence in the betrothal gifts returned.
When Dong Cheng was exposed, he immediately sold us out
and used our father as scapegoat to save his father.
I thought he merely looked down on me.
Since we know that Yang Xiu framed father
we can redress the injustice for father.
Father was not home when they returned the betrothal gifts.
Who can he frame?
Yang Xiu is a calligraphy expert
He must have imitated father's handwriting.
Besides, the letter was found in our home.
If Yang Xiu insists that he has never seen it
what can we do to save father?
I'll capture him and force him to admit it.
This concerns the fate of his whole family.
Do you think he'll admit it?
- We can't let them wrong us. - Yes, Brother Yi.
You said father didn't collude with Yuan Shao.
Father didn't collude with Yuan Shao. But, he's in a greater danger.
Yang Xiu framed father in order to save his father.
I'm sure Grand Commandant Yang is one of those who signed that covenant.
I still remember
father's words and reactions on the day Dong Cheng was exposed.
If my deduction is right
father signed that covenant as well.
This will get our whole family exterminated.
I get what Guo Jia meant now.
Minister Cao spared us
because he wants us to find that covenant
to save our fathers.
This way, he will be able to identify all his enemies.
But, father is still in the prison. They must have tortured him.
Why don't we prove that Yang Xiu framed father
before we look for the covenant.
The problem with Yang Xiu can still be solved.
But, if the person holding the covenant surrenders
there'll be a huge political disaster. And father will be doomed.
We don't even have a clue. How do we find it in a big capital like Xudu?
If we manage to find the covenant, what will you do?
- I won't do as Yang Xiu did. - Of course we won't.
He can harm others in order to protect himself.
But, I don't get it.
There are so many influential officials. Are we really so helpless?
I went to Mr. Cao Pi. But, he refused to see me.
Mr. Cao Pi? Maybe I can try.
Young Master Cao Pi, a young lady came to see you.
She said you'll know if you see this sheath.
Let her in.
Young lady, please come in.
My name is Guo Zhao. Greetings, Mr. Cao Pi.
This is our second meeting
and now I know your name. How are you?
My young master wishes to visit Old Mr. Sima in the prison.
But, they won't let him. Please help us.
You serve Sima Family?
My godsister is Mr. Sima Yi's wife.
- So, Sima Yi sent you? - I came on my own.
Do you know what Sima Fang is involved in?
I know
But, do you know who is behind Sima Fang?
The emperor and Yuan Shao.
My father is threatened by internal and external enemies.
The battles against both sides concern our fate.
We can't afford to lose.
This case is beyond Sima Yi's capabilities.
Even I cannot do anything to help.
I understand.
But, I have another concern.
- Speak. -Yang Xiu
is an ambitious man. If Minister Cao trusts him
he will surely sow discord between you and your brothers
for his own interest.
So, if possible
perhaps, you shouldn't allow Yang Xiu to succeed.
Why do you dare to say something like that?
Even a withered tree feels the wind. Even the ocean water feels the cold.
Who would carry word to me?
I'm sure you know how this will affect you.
"Even a withered tree feels the wind."
"Even the ocean water feels the cold."
- Who taught you this? - These are my own words.
Zi Jian and Chong Er are the ones my father favour.
Everyone in this household knows.
They fawn over me and fear me. So, no one talks to me honestly.
If this is the case, why don't you take action
"instead of avoiding the problem?
You're right.
What can I do to avoid it?
My father is like a pine tree standing at the peak of Mount Tai.
I was born under a big tree like him
and thanks to him, I overlook the mountains as well.
This is my honour. But, I might never surpass him
to see the beauty of the vast sky. This is also my misfortune.
You're wrong. The sky is right above you
was long as you have the desire to soar.
The desire to soar?
Tell me. Who taught you these words?
You need to be punished if you lie to me.
You memorised the words very well.
Unfortunately, your eyes are too beautiful.
They had yet to learn how to lie.
It was Sima Yi who taught you, right?
My brother-in-law only wishes to seek help.
Your brother-in-law wants to make use of my inner desire.
I can't help.
But, for what he taught you to say
I can give you all a hint.
Please tell me.
You must keep the two words to yourself
until you show them to him.
I told you to keep it a secret. This is a person's name.
But, whether it will work or not is up to his fate.
Thank you, Mr. Cao Pi.
You said it well.
Your words were like a fast and accurate stab.
I'm flattered.
I need to thank you. Take it back.
Keep it a secret.
- This isn't mine. -It's mine.
With this, you can see me directly.
It'll save you a lot of hassle.
- Thank you. See you again. - Young lady, please return.
Brother Yi, why would Mr. Cao Pi agree to see Ah Zhao?
Brother Yi!
- Brother Yi! -How did it go?
Mr. Cao Pi asked me to deliver a secret to you.
- What secret? -Here it is.
- What is this? - He wrote two words on my palm.
- Where are the words? -I'll write for you.
- Do you know what he wrote? -Yes.
- Say it out. - "Xun Yu".
- Hou Ji, is there any medicine? - What's wrong?
I'm fine. Do we have any medicine?
We have motherwort for treating women.
- Motherwort? What is it for? - Female diseases.
- Can men consume it? - Physician Hua said...
it doesn't harm men. -Cook it.
- Who is it for? -Just cook.
Why are you still clenching your fist?
He took advantage of you.
If it's for your father's case, please return.
I dare not ask of you to plead for my father.
My father is in the prison and his life is threatened. Please allow me to see my father once.
Criminal justice is not under my jurisdiction.
Why do seek help from me?
You are the person Minister Cao trusts the most.
When the emperor was in a miserable state you were the one who suggested to
bring His Majesty to Xudu.
You are the person behind Minister Cao's success.
I'm sure you wish for a harmonious relationship between Minister Cao and the officials of Han.
Today, the Han officials are all feeling insecure because of Dong Cheng's case.
I'm sure this is not what you wish for.
Yes.
You know your father's crime. You should also understand that
what I want is a harmonious relationship.
But, your father ruined this relationship.
Please allow me to meet my father once.
I will surely persuade my father to...
tell the truth.
What truth do you want him to tell?
I will tell my father that...
he must not give in to the torture if he is wronged
so that the case won't implicate more innocent people.
Mr. Xun, what brought you over?
Sima Fang's family wishes to deliver some medicine to him.
Mr. Xun.
Sima Fang is a respected figure after all.
Besides, it's understandable for the child to be concerned.
If you don't trust him, we can stand aside and watch.
Outside food is not allowed in the prison.
Mr. Man, my father has been suffering from chest pain.
Now that he's in the prison, we're really worried about him.
Please allow me to bring him some medicine.
- Examine him. -Yes.
- Thank you, sir. -Yes.
Sir, he's clear.
- Sir, he's clear. -Mr. Man.
Please examine me.
I dare not.
Father, are you alright?
- What are you doing here? - I came to deliver your medicine.
Leave. This is not a place for you.
Leave.
Father, I brought you the medicine for your chest pain.
Don't make us worry.
Drink the medicine.
Did your chest pain act up?
Is it true that you colluded with Yuan Shao?
No.
How can you see your father this way?
I did not collude with Yuan Shao. I did not.
That's good, father. You must not give in to torture.
I will surely redress the injustice for you.
Zhong Da, take good care of your younger brothers.
Alright. I Will.
Father, do you have any close friend I can beg?
I'll beg them to plead with Minister Cao.
No. I've been wronged myself
and I don't want to get others involved.
I understand.
Zhong Da.
Father. -Zhong Da.
As you know..
I'm most worried about your younger brothers
and your third brother's marriage.
You want Brother Fu to get married as soon as possible?
Yes.
Let him get married as soon as possible.
The prison isn't a place for chit-chatting.
Mr. Man, my father is old.
Please go easy on him.
Take Sima Yi out. -Yes.
Father.
Brother Yi, are you sure father signed that covenant?
- Are you sure it's with Mr. Yang? - Father understood my message.
- Why are you so sure that the covenant is with Yang Biao? - Why would father say something extra like that?
Man Chong and Xun Yu were just standing beside us. Father couldn't mention any name on the covenant.
Your marriage only concerns Grand Commandant Yang.
Do you remember how Grand Commandant Yang criticized Minister Cao that day?
What if he already handed the covenant to Minister Cao?
If that's the case Minister Cao would be busy killing people now.
They won't need to interrogate father.
Since we know that it's with Mr. Yang we must get it even if it means stealing.
Mr. Yang is a loyal Han official. He needs that covenant to eliminate Minister Cao.
Do you think you can steal it from him?
Look. They even killed the emperor's father-in-law.
Let's take a look. -Let's go.
Make way! -Make way!
Sima Fang, governor of Xudu, colluded with the foe, Yuan Shao!
He is unforgivable.
And shall be executed 3 days later!
Brother Yi.
Stop!
Master. -Mr. Yang Xiu is here too.
Greetings, uncle.
You may leave.
Zhong Da, what brought you over?
Uncle, Hua Tuo is dead.
The heads of Dong Cheng and Wang Zi Fu are hung at the gate.
Minister Cao ordered to execute my father 3 days later.
Uncle, you are my father's best friend and peer.
Shouldn't you do something to help my father?
Zhong Da, I just came out of the prison myself.
Your father and I are as close as brothers.
Of course I can't leave him alone. But, I
- Father. -What can I do?
Sima Zhong Da, what do you mean by that?
Why are you relating those deaths to my father?
You know what your father did.
Why don't you go and appeal to Minister Cao to save your father?
Yang De Zu, a group of senior officials are in the prison with my father.
Only your father is released and you know the reason.
Uncle.
No egg can be spared when a nest is overturned.
I just went to the prison to visit my father.
My father wants me to ask you
what you plan to do with the covenant related to you and Dong Cheng's plan.
What covenant? Zhong Da, don't spout nonsense.
What covenant?
Sima Yi, you're lying!
If you spout nonsense again, I'll tell Minister Cao!
You want to sue me?
Uncle, that covenant is in my hands now.
If you still don't do anything...
I can do anything at all
to save my father's life.
Zhong Da! -Stop him!
Father, how long do you intend to keep it from me?
This is impossible.
Run!
Stop right there! -Stop right there!
This way.
Stop right there!
Brother Yi, what exactly happened?
The covenant is with Mr. Yang. If we drag it on
and Minister Cao finds it, we'll all get into deep trouble.
I told Grand Commandant Yang in front of Yang Xiu that
I know that he was the one keeping the covenant and that
I've stolen the covenant from his home.
I'm sure he'll check if the covenant is stolen.
Even if he's hesitant
Yang Xiu will surely destroy that thing.
Is father safe now? What about the fact that they framed father?
Yang Xiu is a clever man. He will soon realise
how I learnt the whereabouts of the covenant.
I need to go to Mr. Xun Yu to tie the loose ends.
You'll go home and take care of the kids and women.
Alright.
That way.
Father.
You No.
Son. You
The secret edict. The covenant is really with you.
Why are there so many fearless people in this world?
Son, this -I must tell Minister Cao.
You can't go! This concerns the lives of dozens of people!
Father, I must tell Minister Cao quickly.
It'll be troublesome if Sima Yi gets ahead of us!
My son, that won't do! -Father!
If you dare to step out of this room, I'll kill myself!
Is this worth it? We can't keep this thing.
I'm keeping it to help the emperor.
Give it to me. You Give it to me.
Father. -Son.
- What are you doing? - We can't keep this thing.
It's nothing but trouble. Wake up, father.
Give it back. -Father.
Father, you must listen to me. We cannot keep this thing.
Your Majesty, I wanted to help you.
You should worry about Yang Family instead.
This...
How did Sima Yi learn that the secret edict is with you?
Have we collected Qingzhou and Yanzhou's taxes?
Sir, we've done the calculation.
Issue this. -Yes.
Greetings, Mr. Xun.
I've broken the rule and allowed you to meet your father in the prison.
What brought you over this time?
I boldly beg of you to save my father's life.
I cannot help.
Are you sure you do not wish to save all the Han officials?
You may all retire.
What do you mean by "all the Han officials"?
- I'm talking about the covenant. - What covenant?
Grand Commandant Yang knows that you are loyal to Han.
I believe he requested that you sign the covenant to
restore the authority of the legitimate ruler of Han.
You must be spouting nonsense here
because you are desperate to save your father.
I should order my clerks to oust you.
I know that you are very loyal to Minister Cao and that you will not sign the covenant.
But, if the covenant falls into Yang Xiu's hands, once the scheme is exposed
Yang Xiu will do anything at all to protect his family.
Yang Xiu is a calligraphy expert. He can easily imitate your handwriting.
Do you think he will let you stay out of it?
Report!
Master. Young Master Xiu. Sima Yi went to visit Mr. Xun Yu.
You may leave. -Yes.
Xun Yu is aware?
Father, you must tell me the truth now!
I invited him to join us. but, he rejected me.
How did Sima Yi learn about all these?
Father, I can't believe it!
If Sima Yi forces Xun Yu to betray you all
you all will be doomed! Yang Family will be doomed too!
Xun Yu isn't a man like that.
When it concerns death, character is no guarantee.
Sima Yi knows too much.
Greetings, Mr. Xun.
Mr. Yang Xiu, what brought you over?
Mr. Xun, where is Sima Yi?
If you want to find Sima Yi, you should go to his residence.
Sir, you're in trouble. Let's not beat about the bush.
- What's so funny? -I don't get it.
Why are both of you suddenly worried about me?
Both of us?
It looks like Sima Yi came.
He must have threatened you to save his father. After learning about the matter of the covenant.
Yes. But, I told him to return.
What if he tells Minister Cao?
Even though you did not sign on the covenant
you did not report the Han officials' plan.
I'm afraid Minister Cao will find it hard to forgive you.
Mr. Yang Xiu.
I've sewed Minister Cao for many years.
We've gone through countless of ups and downs.
Outsiders don't know much about our bond.
So, this isn't enough of a threat to me.
You might think it's fine, but Minister Cao is paranoid.
One does not stand where the walls will fall.
It looks like you've thought of a plan for me.
Sir, you are a far-sighted person. Would you need me to plan for you?
But, we need to keep this secret
and protect the lives of all Han officials involved.
Only dead men won't reveal secrets.
You should meet him again.
"You should not cross the river."
"But you tried to cross the river."
"Now that you died as waters flew what I can do is to die with you."
The person crossing the river is too stubborn.
He can't blame others.
The "Do" of the zither suddenly grew strong.
There must be an important guest.
I knew it. It's you, Young Master Zi Huan.
I'm sorry for disturbing.
I'm no important guest. "Do" is the sound of the king.
It grew strong because you have respect for the king
and the people.
Please sit down.
What did you hear in the song?
Restraint.
You don't have to ask that question anymore.
Please just remember this word, "restraint".
Are you sure I shouldn't plead with my father?
Sima Fang will be executed in 3 days.
Sima Yi -Young Master Zi Huan.
The road is narrow. Only one can pass through.
What can you do to help?
The road is narrow.
Zhong Da.
Hurry. -Alright.
Zhong Da. -You came.
Brother Zhong Da, don't resent me.
Only one of our fathers can live.
You can't take the road I chose
and there's no turning back for me.
Mr. Yang Xiu.
We should leave this place quickly.
It's over. You can rest assured now.
You're the one who feels assured now.
What makes you think that...
I'll protect you?
Sir, the covenant is still in my hands.
I can imitate your handwriting and make your name appear on it.
From now on, if Yang Family is safe you will be safe.
Yang Family will be happy to protect you.
I understand. Hopefully, we will all be safe.
I hope so. -Goodbye.
Young Master Cao Pi.
Young Master Cao Pi, Ms. Guo has an urgent matter.
Ms. Guo.
What's wrong? What happened?
Mr. Cao Pi, we're really helpless now.
Young Master Yi has been missing for one whole day
and Old Mr. Sima will be executed tomorrow.
I beg of you. Please ask Minister Cao to put the execution on hold.
Ms. Guo, please stand up and speak.
Tell me. What exactly happened?
Madam Chun Hua, there's still no news.
Hou Ji, take this.
- This... -It contains my accessories
and some gold. Keep it properly.
Madam Chun Hua, are you going to tell me to leave?
A huge misfortune has struck our family. We can't even protect ourselves now.
I'm afraid we can't be your shelter anymore.
Dismiss them before Minister Cao orders to
"exterminate the whole family.
Madam Chun Hua!
Sima Family is my home.
I'd rather die than leave.
Madam Chun Hua, forgive me for defying you.
Brother Hou Ji, please rise.
If you really want to help me, please help me with two things.
I'll do anything at all as long as you don't oust me.
Go to the outskirts and find a family with a baby.
Bring more money and beg the mother to be Zhao Er's wet nurse.
Send the child over today.
Then, take Shi Er back to our hometown.
Madam Chun Hua!
We can't protect our own lives.
But, we must at least protect these two children.
Brother Hou Ji.
If the two children survive because of you
you will be Sima Family's biggest saviour.
Young Master Yi.
Where are you?
Young Master Yi.