Episode 4
Brother, sister Please accept these valuables.
Gentleman, this won't do. It's just some milk.
- Madam, we can't accept this. -Right.
Brother, sister, please accept it.
To be honest
our family is currently facing some problems.
If we can make it through, I'll pick him up 2 days later.
If I don't come by then, I beg of you to
treat this child as your own
- and raise him up. - Madam, please rest assured.
We'll raise him as our own child.
These are the clothes I sewed for him.
They should be enough for 2 years.
Can I hold him one last time? -Of course.
Here.
The stars are bright.
It's definitely going to be sunny tomorrow.
It's a good day for killing.
Report!
Sir, Yang Biao has gone crazy. He says he's here to surrender.
I knew that something would happen tonight.
But, I'm surprised he's the first one to come.
Tell him to go back. He's not worth meeting.
The execution is due and these people are restless.
Yang Biao came in order to conceal someone more important.
Sir, you can wait a little longer. There's more to come.
Don't you have something to say?
Father, Sima Yi, Sima Fang's son
suddenly went missing yesterday. I find it fishy.
I think we should postpone the execution.
Sima Yi's disappearance has nothing to do with you.
This is a serious matter. I believe this is quite crucial.
Do you plan to keep his father alive until he appears?
Report!
Sir, Mr. Xun Yu and Yang Xiu came as well.
Mr. Xun Yu?
Someone tries to rescue while someone tries to kill.
Alright. Let them in.
Please come in.
- Greetings, Minister Cao. - Greetings, Minister Cao.
Xun Yu, what brought you over?
Minister Cao, I've drafted the report for the execution of Sima Fang
for the perusal of the emperor and other officials.
However, Sima Fang refuses to sign the confession statement.
Sir, do we still publish the confession statement?
You are the chief of the secretariat. You are the leader of the officials.
There are so many more important issues to handle.
Why do you have to worry about this confession statement?
Are the officials eager to read it because they think we've wronged Sima Fang?
That's not what I meant.
I've been thoughtless. I'm sorry for disturbing.
I shall excuse myself.
You came at the right time.
Since you're quite concerned about this case too
I'll let you supervise tomorrow's execution.
But...
You're a gentleman.
A gentleman does not kill.
Are you reluctant to be present at the execution site?
Sir, I was in the battlefield with you for many years.
I don't mind anymore. I obey your command.
Registrar Yang, what brought you over?
Sir, please allow me to join Mr. Xun in supervising tomorrow's execution.
I am the one who reported Sima Fang and many people have criticised me.
I'd like to be present to prove my clear conscience.
You're exceptional indeed.
Alright. How can I say no to your honesty?
You'll be Xun Yu's assistant tomorrow.
Father. -Retire!
Yes.
Good. Both the chief of the secretariat
and my son got involved.
Internal threats are indeed the biggest problems.
Minister Cao, we still don't know
if Young Master Cao Pi and Mr. Xun Yu are involved.
Something is bound to happen at the execution site tomorrow.
Mr. Xun.
Good morning, Mr. Xun.
Good morning, Registrar Yang. You came at the right time.
Take a look at this.
This is Sima Fang's confession statement.
But, Sima Fang refused to give in and sign it.
I wonder if you can imitate Sima Fang's handwriting and
and sign this for him.
Why do you need me to sign for him?
Apart from Zhong Yao, no other calligrapher
can imitate handwriting so well.
Is this signature necessary for the execution?
Registrar Yang.
You heard what Minister Cao said.
Why did he assign me to supervise the execution?
Sima Yi went missing. Mr. Cao Pi pied for Sima Family
and Sima Fang refused to sign the confession statement.
If the officials protest because of this
who knows who will get into trouble next?
If we don't settle this, we'll be the ones at risk.
Registrar Yang.
Don't you want Sima Fang to die quickly?
Hopefully, this bloodshed ends quickly once and for all.
Let's go! -Alright!
Seize them all!
You sure have some guts to rescue a convict in broad daylight.
Do you expect us to let you all wrong us?
Take all of them to the execution site.
They'll be punished after I report to my father.
Greetings, Mr. Xun. We have confirmed the convicts identity.
I've troubled both of you.
The credit goes to Registrar Yang in this case.
As such, Minister Cao ordered him to join me today.
I'm flattered. Mr. Man did a good job interrogating.
Please be seated.
Sima Fang is guilty of colluding with Yuan Shao to harm the emperor!
His treachery is unforgivable!
He shall be executed today!
Minister Cao! Mr. Xun! My father is innocent!
Who is making a ruckus? Seize him!
I'm willing to exchange my life for my father's!
My father is innocent!
I beg of Minister Cao to investigate!
Yang Xiu framed my father!
Mr. Xun, you are turning a blind eye to the truth!
Aren't you afraid of being punished by Minister Cao?
" you, with the blue collar."
"Prolonged is the anxiety of my head."
"It is because of you
that I am still singing this song today."
ls Sima Fang dead?
If he dies, it'll be boring.
"Across the bank a deer bleats
in the wilds where it eats."
Mr. Xun, it's time.
Execute.
Father! I am not a good son!
Father!
Mercy!
Mercy! -Zhong Da!
Brother Yi! -Mercy!
Mercy!
Mercy! -Stop him!
Mercy!
Brother Yi!
Mercy! My father is innocent!
Stop!
Bring him up!
I have evidence to prove my father's innocence!
- Who are you? - I'm Sima Yi, Sima Fang's son!
Dear all, Sima Fang has eight sons. If all of them come one after another
it'll take forever to execute the convict.
Even if he has a hundred son she won't be spared if there's solid evidence.
Registrar Yang, why don't we hear him out?
I can prove that my father is innocent! Please make a sound judgement!
What's your evidence?
My father's confession statement!
The signature on it is Yang Xiu's work!
He imitated my father's handwriting!
Mr. Xun, is this true?
Yes. Sima Fang cannot write as both his hands are injured.
Registrar Yang is an expert in calligraphy. He's good at imitating handwriting.
He is the one who signed the confession statement on behalf of Sima Fang.
I see. You set me up, Mr. Xun.
Xun Yu! I took sides with you!
Yet, you set me up! What's the meaning of this?
Since you've figured out Yang Xiu's trick
you must have thought of a way to deal with it, right?
In my opinion, if you help Yang Xiu to kill me
it'll be the best way. -Kill you?
What do you mean?
I just visited Yang Family and exposed the whereabouts of the covenant.
Yang Xiu believes that you are the one who told me about the covenant.
Yang Xiu will surely silence me.
He's probably on his way to your office now.
Yang Xiu is suspicious and conceited.
He'll only put down his guard if I'm dead.
By then, I'm sure you can find an evidence to prove that he imitated my father's handwriting.
I knew it. You came to ask for death.
Whether it's a real or fake will depend on you.
You entrusted me with your life so easily.
If I decide to be selfish...
isn't it more assuring to me if I kill you for real?
The fate of my family and all Han officials are in your hands.
My own life is insignificant.
Keep him alive.
Please don't let my wife learn about this.
- What exactly is your plan? - I'm going to the execution site.
You need to understand that
you're helping the rebels and deceiving Minister Cao now.
I just want everyone to know if you are capable of doing so.
This is enough to prove that
the letter to Yuan Shao said to be written by my father was also written by Yang Xiu!
Even though I can imitate your father's handwriting
this doesn't prove that I wrote that letter.
Why should I frame your father?
You hate my younger brother! You cancelled his engagement!
You're a despicable man! -Nonsense!
Why should I hate your brother?
Listen. Even if your father is not guilty of treason
I'll still look down on your family regardless of his position!
Yang Xiu! You framed my father in order to save your father!
Yang Xiu, we both know why you are so afraid!
Else, why would you try to kill me?
Nonsense! Aren't you people the ones setting me up here?
Those golden bowls were found in your home!
Registrar Yang, how did you know that
I found that letter among a set of golden bowls?
I overheard it in Minister Cao's office.
Mr. Yang, this is a detail even Minister Cao doesn't know.
I only told them that I found the letter among some items in Sima Family's residence.
I did not write it down or tell anyone.
Mr. Cao Pi. Mr. Xun. Are the two of you aware of this?
No.
I was wrong. I heard it from an officer in charge.
Unfortunately for you, I have a bad habit.
I'm always careful and wary.
I examine important evidences personally in the absence of my subordinates.
No one was around when I found the golden bowls.
This proves that apart from Mr. Man
the only person who knows the whereabouts of that letter
is the writer himself, Yang Xiu!
Fine. You, you and you!
You all joined hands with him to set me up!
Registrar Yang, isn't it the other way round?
As you all see
this case is still unclear.
Since I came to supervise the execution
I'm responsible to put the execution on hold
and report to my father.
Alright. We'll do as you suggested.
Guards. -Yes!
Seize Yang Xiu and Sima Yi. -Yes!
Send them into the prison with Sima Fang for interrogation.
Thank you, dear sirs.
Zhong Da! -Brother Yi!
Brother Yi! -Zhong Da!
Zhong Da! -Brother Yi!
Zhong Da!
Find someone to treat him. Be nice to Sima Yi.
Yes.
The two useless old men have brilliant sons.
Yang Xiu deceived you and framed Sima Fang.
He should be punished.
You may retire.
Father. -Leave!
Yes.
Calm down, sir. Perhaps, Mr. Xun felt bad for Sima Yi.
Yang Xiu is too overbearing. Mr. Xun is a true gentleman.
It's normal for him to reject Yang Xiu's dirty tricks.
You'll lie to yourself too?
Advisor Guo. You, Xun Yu and I are all extraordinary men.
We are not to be judged by common sense.
I actually know Xun Yu very well.
He was the first to tell me to obey the emperor.
He will always respect the emperor as the true ruler.
Sir, what do you plan to do?
What do you plan to do with Sima Fang and
What's wrong? Are you worried about me
committing massacre in a fit of anger again?
Mr. Xun Yu, you came. -Yes.
I thought you might have something more to say.
So, I decided to visit you. Open the door.
Yes.
I don't get it.
I don't understand why you made such choice.
Yes, it's true that you saved Sima Family today.
But, don't you know that Yang Family
is doomed now?
Taking risk to help others might not be a wise move
but I could not turn a blind eye to your doings.
I understand that you wanted to save your father.
But, you can't sacrifice the innocent Sima Family.
Innocent? How is Sima Family innocent?
Wasn't Sima Fang involved in the assassination?
What if Minister Cao got killed?
They didn't know their own places.
They deserve death.
Are you in the opinion that all involved in the plan deserve death?
Right. I almost forgot.
You are the chief of the secretariat of Han.
Of course you'll protect the loyal officials of Han.
But, don't forget that my father is also a loyal official of Han.
Who is going to save his life?
Mr. Yang Xiu, the regime of Han Dynasty
is only surviving upon the support of the old officials.
As such, I respect your father, Grand Commandant Yang
was much as I respect Mr. Sima.
Mr. Yang Xiu, why don't you think in your father's shoes?
I'm trying to help him by correcting his mistake.
But, just like you, my father is too stubborn.
He chose to serve an emperor who cannot even hold a dagger.
He's so useless.
A good beast chooses a good habitat.
Why do you think Minister Cao spared my father?
It was because of me.
I chose to pledge allegiance to Minister Cao.
That's because my ambition matches his.
So, the person who should feel afraid
is not me, but you.
Indeed, you are talented and eloquent.
But, you should understand that
it is difficult to strike a balance.
It is easier to kill than to save.
Do you think you are clever enough to control this game of chess?
No. You and maybe even I
are just pawns in the hands of another.
You're right. We're both pawns.
But, even a pawn can do big things.
Han Dynasty has gone through so much over the past 400 years.
Someone has to take control.
There are good and bad chess players and to me
Minister Cao is the player who will win.
If he can really restore peace for the people
I am willing to sacrifice my life
and take the risk.
Minister Cao.
Greetings, Minister Cao.
Mr. Sima.
I'm sorry.
This case is too serious. You were implicated.
It's been hard on you.
Fortunately, your son has cleared your name.
Is your injury serious? Can you walk? Come.
Yes, I can walk.
The whole court knows that we've known each other for a long time.
Back then, you were the one who recommended me
for the position of the Nonh Commandant of Luoyang.
I believe
you won't put me in a dilemma, right?
I dare not.
Minister Cao, I can walk. I...
Filial men make loyal officials.
Release Sima Yi and everyone in Sima Family.
Yes
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Minister Cao.
You're saying that Minister Cao release you all
not because he really trusts you?
He released me and father because father and Mr. Yang
are just his pawns.
If that's the case, this matter isn't over yet.
Of course. Minister Cao wants to
threaten everyone
useful to him.
Why did you get out of the bed?
This is just a minor injury.
I'd prefer to go out for some fresh air.
No. You need recuperation.
My dear.
I'm so glad
we can live quietly like this again.
It's been hard on you.
My dear, I managed to save father
all thanks to Brother Ji.
You and Brother Ji...
There's nothing between us.
Brother Ji saved me from the mountain bandits.
Then, he escorted me to my aunt's place and we never met again.
Right. But, he stuttered when I asked.
Maybe because we travelled together and stayed at the same places.
Normal people will surely suspect our relationship.
He's probably trying to protect my reputation.
But, wandering fighters are honest and trustworthy.
There's nothing to doubt.
Of course I trust my wife.
I...
It's just that when a man and a woman are together
it's like a blazing fire and dry wood.
We only light fires to dry our wet clothes.
Dry your wet clothes? - Sister Chun Hua! Brother Yi!
Shi Er. -Father.
Shi Er. -Zhao Er.
- Let me hold you. - Comeand greet your mother.
Mother. -Shi Er.
We know you are worried about the kids. So, we brought them back.
Good. Let's go to the courtyard.
I'm so bored. Let's go. -Let's play.
It's cold outside. How about a jacket?
I'm fine.
Why were your clothes...
Zhao Er, you're laughing.
Don't be like your father.
Xun Yu, I told you that you don't have to bow to me.
I'm aware of my misdeed.
You got to the bottom of a case for me. What did you do wrong?
I suspected that Yang Xiu framed Sima Fang.
But, I could not assume as I had no evidence.
So, I tricked Yang Xiu behind your back.
I'm guilty of deceiving my superior.
Xun Yu.
Xun Yu, you and I
don't need pleasantries.
Since I gave you actual authority
I should give you absolute trust as well.
This is just like the relationship of a married couple.
Even though they hide things from each other at times
they are united in facing problems.
This kind of bond isn't restricted to just couples.
We should also treat each other this way.
You trust me so much. I feel so ashamed.
Xun Yu, you did a great job in this case.
I'll end it here. I've freed Sima Fang's family.
The deaths of Dong Cheng, Wang Zi Fu and the others are enough of a warning.
Now that I've warned, it's time to reward.
You may now
prepare the announcement.
Minister Cao.
You adopt both soft and hard approaches. Everyone will only be impressed by you.
Those guilty will be ashamed and regretful. Those innocent will be grateful and loyal.
No one in this world can be as magnanimous as you.
You are a true hero.
Xun Yu.
With an aide like you, I have no regret in life.
Xun Yu.
You may draft the decree now.
What do you think of Sima Yi?
Still water runs deep. I cannot read his mind.
Still water runs deep. That's somewhat like you.
I understand, Minister Cao.
I shall excuse myself.
Sir, I'm so amazed and impressed by you.
I've always been proud. You're the only person I respect.
Another bootlicker.
I'm honest. Yuan Shao is attacking
and Liu Bei defected. A big war is ahead of us.
It is easy to kill, but difficult to win heads.
I'm about to go to the battlefield.
Only Xun Yu can manage Xudu for me.
I released the two useless old men, Yang Biao and Sima Fang.
Even though I failed to get hold of the covenant.
It's worth it if I can earn Xun Yu's loyalty.
Mr. Xun is not the only person you won over.
We roughly know the names on the covenant.
They are just the stubborn old men.
The people useful to you in the future are talents from the next generation.
After using these soft and hard approaches
you may now battle in assurance without worrying about rebellion in Xudu.
Those officials got imprisoned this time.
After this warning, they should behave a while.
I'll tolerate them once more.
Feng Xiao, do you think we can use Yang Xiu and Sima Yi?
Yang Xiu is a sharp weapon we can use right away.
As for Sima Yi...
Shi Er! -Have some tea.
What are you doing? Your aunt will play with you.
Do you want to play with me? -Sure.
My dear, just leave this to Hou Ji next time.
Pick one. -I'm fine. Here.
Ah Zhao, go and see if Zhong Da's medicine is ready.
It'll be ready soon. Don't worry. Come.
Shi Er, don't get hurt - Have you picked one?
This one. -This one? Alright.
Sima Yi!
Gentleman, our young master is injured.
He can't entertain visitors.
Play on your own.
Greetings, Mr. Cao Pi. - Greetings, Mr. Cao Pi.
Go and get changed. You need to be properly dressed
even if it's to receive punishment.
Hou Ji. -Yes.
Lead Mr. Cao Pi to the main hall. -Yes.
General Cao, please come with me.
Don't worry.
Greetings, Mr. Cao Pi.
Sima Yi, you're good.
Thank you, Mr. Cao Pi.
You don't have to thank me. I came to try you.
Don't think I can't do what Man Chong can do.
I will accept any of your decision.
Greetings, Mr. Cao Pi.
Ms. Guo, we really met again.
I brought you some rice wine.
Please drink this to warm up.
What is that? -That's medicine.
Brother Yi, Sister Chun Hua wants you to drink your medicine.
Drink your medicine.
You haven't recovered. You must take your medicine.
Rise.
Thank you, Mr. Cao Pi.
You need to be alive to be tried.
Thank you, Mr. Cao Pi.
Sit down. I'd like to discuss something important with you.
Mr. Cao Pi, I shall excuse myself.