Episode 5
Mr. Cao Pi, I shall excuse myself.
Why did Mr. Xun Yu help you?
Perhaps, Mr. Xun Yu had many doubts in the case.
So, he wanted to find out the truth.
Mr. Xun Yu is a busy leader of the court officials.
Why would he be concerned about that?
Mr. Xun Yu is really kind and helpful.
I can only feel grateful.
Politics is like a battlefield and the court today is like a gate of hell.
Yet, Mr. Xun Yu took so much risk with you.
Yes. I really don't know...
why Mr. Xun Yu is so nice to me.
There are two possibilities.
It's either because you're blackmailing him...
or because you're worth the risk.
You've overstated it, sir.
I can't possibly blackmail Mr. Xun Yu.
Sima Yi, you don't have to be so cautious.
Since you know me well, I don't mind being honest to you.
Why do you think I work so hard since little...
to train myself in both martial and civil aspects?
It's not just for myself or my family.
I want to carry forward my father's legacy...
save the people and restore peace.
These are things Zi Jian cannot do.
You are ambitious and admirable.
However, I know nothing about politics.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
Are you feigning ignorance?
Must I summon Man Chong to make you speak honestly?
I'm sorry. I really don't get what you mean.
Sima Yi, lift your head.
Why are you turning me down now?
Why did you make Ms. Guo say those words to me back then?
You gave me hope and advised me to soar. Yet, you want to have nothing to do with politics now.
Were you making use of me? How irresponsible.
Sima Zhong Da, you're not honourable at all.
I dare not make use of you.
What are they talking about? What is taking them so long?
This won't do. I need to check.
Sister Chun Hua, I saw that...
Mr. Cao Pi isn't giving Brother Yi a hard time.
They seem fine. Let's wait a little longer.
They can't keep on talking. Yi is still injured.
The water is boiling.
My father forgave Yang Xiu and Mr. Xun Yu took risk for you.
You are as intelligent as Yang Xiu.
This must be why Mr. Xun Yu appreciates you.
I'm just a foolish commoner.
I'm not intelligent at all.
I read your book, "10 Arguments on AH of War".
I've also witnessed your debate with Yang Xiu twice.
No matter how you hide it, I know that you are ambitious.
Meeting a rival excites you as well, right?
You have the gift of managing people and soldiers.
Xun Yu helped you because he appreciates your talent
and because he knows that if he refuses to help you he'll make an enemy out of you.
Yet, he cannot predict the consequence of having an enemy like you.
Am I right? -I'm flattered.
I was just desperate to save my father.
I dare not make an enemy out of Mr. Xun Yu.
Be honest.
Don't let Xun Yu's effort go to waste.
I know my own place. I only wish to farm and study
and lead an ordinary life. I have no ambition.
What you said makes me fearful.
If it's my father, he won't be so nice to you.
He won't let you avoid the topic.
I'm done talking. -I shall see you off.
Kneel!
Greetings, Minister Cao.
Do you know that I've freed Sima Fang?
I know.
I deserve death for framing Sima Fang.
Since you plead guilty, what should I do with you?
Sir, would you give me a chance to make up for it?
You are about to confront Yuan Shao. I am his nephew.
I can help you.
As you said, you're Yuan Shao's nephew.
What if you're just faking it to help him?
Sir, you're a wise person and you'll surely know that...
a smart one like me...
will not serve Yuan Shao who is bound to be defeated.
How eloquent.
Frankly, your tricks, intelligence and ambition...
are what I like about you.
I think it's a waste to kill you.
Forget it. I'll give you this one chance. Guards.
Yes! -Free him.
I will give my all to repay you in this lifetime.
My life is yours!
Lower your voice.
In order to make Yuan Shao believe that you are seeking refuge in him
I must punish you.
Go to Man Chong and ask for 50 stick beatings.
As for the position of the official registrar I'll return it to you after defeating Yuan Shao.
Is this fine with you?
Sir, even if you don't punish me...
I myself will request for punishment.
Greetings, father.
Father, why did you free Yang Xiu?
Right. I'm taking him to Hebei.
I don't understand. Yang Xiu is sly and tricky.
He made use of you for his personal agenda.
Why do you still accept me?
Alright. Let me teach you.
First of all, when recruiting for war
you must prioritise capability over character.
Yang Xiu is indeed exceptional. He is usable.
Secondly, Yang Xiu is Yang Biads only son.
If his son is with me even if I'm not in Xudu, Yang Biao will still behave.
On the other hand, those defiant officials won't dare to work with Yang Biao.
Thirdly, he is Yuan Shao's nephew.
In fact, he has just committed a crime here.
If he secretly sends information to Yuan Shao...
will Yuan Shao believe him?
I get it.
You're using Yang Xiu to control Yang Biao.
This way, you can sow discord among the Han officials who oppose to Cao Family.
When you come to my position...
if all you see is the problem on the surface you are being shod-sighted.
Back then, I recruited Xun Yu not just because he is a good strategist.
But also because he is backed by the influential families in Yingchuan.
These prominent families are connected by marriage and common interests.
Recruiting Xun Yu alone will bring me an endless stream of talents.
This is why I am now on par with Yuan Shao who has such a strong political background.
Now, I have so many advisors and strategists. Do I really need those schemeful young men?
No. But, the one behind Yang Xiu is his father and all court officials loyal to the regime of Han.
Father, you are wise and brave.
With one pawn, you control the whole game of chess.
Pawns are meant to be used.
But, it's either him using me or me using him.
Father, if you plan to use Yang Xiu...
isn't it even better if you employ Sima Yi as well?
On one hand, you can win Sima Family over
and on the other hand, you can make Sima Fang lose the trust of the officials who oppose to us.
Without Yang Biao and Sima Fang...
the others cannot create troubles.
You're eager to try, aren't you?
But, I'm afraid the one you want to control is not Sima Family...
but Yang Xiu.
Father, being generous to a person like Yang Xiu...
will only make him greedier.
If we find a rival for Yang Xiu...
to make them fight and fear...
they will be grateful to you for even the smallest generosity.
Sima Yi is an exceptionally clever young man.
He is knowledgeable and of good conduct.
Here is hereby appointed as registrar of...
the Ministry of Works.
Mr. Sima Yi, please report to the Ministry of Works tomorrow.
He's young and inexperienced. He's too surprised.
He'll definitely report to work tomorrow.
I've long heard of Sima Family's eight young masters.
Congratulations to both of you.
We'll be peers in the future. Please take care of me.
We're flattered. -I shall take my leave.
Zhong Da, escort the chief clerk.
What should we do?
Father, Minister Cao released you and employed Brother Yi.
He's so forgiving. Why are you so worried?
I was worried about Minister Cao doubting you.
But, it looks like Minister Cao...
is really exceptionally magnanimous.
The fact that he employed Brother Yi shows that he trusts you and our family.
How much do you know about Minister Cao? You've worked for 3 years in his office.
But, how many times have you talked to him?
Father, are you reluctant to let Brother Yi take up the job?
We're at their mercy.
Does my opinion matter? Do I dare to object to it?
Brother Yi.
I've been looking for you. Are you heading out?
By the way, are you going to accept the job?
- Registrar of Ministry of Works? - Is it a good thing?
- Cao Meng De's registrar? - So, it's a bad thing?
Cao Cao wants me to be his registrar.
Is it a good or bad thing?
I need you to go to Hou Ji's place...
-and bring me two jars of wine. -Why?
As gifts.
Wait here.
Brother Yi!
What is so difficult to face? Why must you injure your own leg?
You're being cowardly.
My dear, I did this out of no choice.
Else, on top of going against the principles I've learn...
I'll be made use of. I might even burden my family.
One must not just...
survive in life.
We need to know the right and wrong.
Is this the only way?
Minister Cao is too clever.
I can't fool him if I don't go all out.
He might still doubt you.
My options are to kill or get killed.
These are not the things I can do.
But now, I'm crippled.
Minister Cao won't give me a hard time in front of everyone.
Let's hope so.
But, you must promise me that if the same thing happens again...
you must discuss with me instead of acting on your own.
Please rest assured. But...
our children are still little.
I don't know if...
I'll be able to stand again.
I might have to trouble you.
Move! -You can't barge in.
Sima Yi, this is unbelievable. Is this the way you repay me?
Mr. Cao Pi! You might be the commander of palace guards...
you can't barge into our room so rudely!
My dear, please let us talk in private.
I've something important to say to Mr. Cao Pi.
Drink the medicine.
Mr. Cao Pi, forgive me for not being able to leave my bed.
Do you think...
my father will buy this?
Mr. Cao Pi, you must have misunderstood.
Upon learning that I've been granted a position...
I immediately went out to thank you and Minister Cao.
But, I went too fast...
and the horse was startled. I fell off the horse carriage...
and a wheel ran over my legs.
The physician said I might be crippled forever.
I've let you down.
Why would our young master lie?
Sima Yi, you're stubborn enough.
You'd rather break your own legs than serve Cao Family.
Mr. Cao Pi, you misunderstood me.
Hou Ji, undo the bandage. -Yes.
No. That won't do. -Undo it quickly!
Yes!
Enough!
Detestable.
Detestable!
Mr. Cao Pi!
Sima Yi was run over by his own horse carriage. His legs are crippled.
Crippled?
Really?
Does the truth matter?
Extraordinary people can endure what others cannot.
But, Sima Yi never fails to surprise us.
Could it be that...
he knows the reason behind the employment?
I know how to make him come regardless.
Zhong Da. -Brother Lang.
What's the matter?
They say that you're secretly communicating with Yuan Shao.
Please tell me the details.
Yuan Shao is currently recruiting at Guandu.
Some say that Cui Yan took a liking to you and intends to invite you to Hebei.
Some even say that you rejected Minister Cao...
"because you want to serve Yuan Shao.
Father finally escaped death. You'll get him into trouble.
What's so funny?
Brother Lang, Yuan Shao isn't even better than Cao Cao.
I'd rather break my own legs than serve Cao Cao.
Why would I want to serve Yuan Shao?
I know it's not true. But, people talk.
Don't fall for their trick. Minister Cao is trying to...
force me to prove my innocence.
Minister Cao forgave us and employed you.
Yet, you did this to yourself. You need to think of your family.
Zhong Da did it for the sake of this family.
The Ministry of Works is where conflicts meet bloodshed.
If he goes, he'll put the family in danger.
Sister Chun Hua, you don't know politics.
In war, we can only conform. Else, we will bring death upon ourselves.
He's already in this state.
Can it be worse?
Brother Lang, I know that...
you were once forced to submit to Dong Zhuo for the sake of this family.
- Are you ridiculing me? -I dare not.
That year, Dong Zhuo slew the important officials and burnt Luoyang
If it wasn't because you pleased Dong Zhuo who took a liking to you
because of your resemblance to his eldest son. and spared our family
we might have been killed back then.
Zhong Da, say no more.
Today, Minister Cao has replaced Grand Master Dong
and history is repeating for our family.
When can this come to an end?
Brother Lang, I was little at that time.
I couldn't help you.
When I think back, I feel really ashamed.
Now, it's my turn.
Please rest assured.
I won't let father face danger again.
I'll surely protect the family.
Chun Hua.
Carry me to Minister Cao's office.
Sima Lang and Sima Yi of the Ministry of Works have arrived!
Minister Cao, please forgive us.
My younger brother is very happy to be employed by you.
Even though he is now crippled he insists to apologise personally.
We have carried him over and he is at your disposal.
He's lying comfortably right outside of my residence.
It's just as the ancient song says...
"what do I care about the emperor and his might?"
Sir, you misunderstood. My brother is really disabled.
Registrar Yang, go send my regards to Mr. Sima Yi.
You think you can fool Minister Cao...
with a small trick like this?
Registrar Yang, what makes you think I'm lying?
Are you wary of a crippled man like me?
Wary of you?
You shouldn't have sacrificed your legs...
because I won't let you join the Ministry of Works anyway.
But now, your plan backfired and you offended Minister Cao.
Aren't you asking for death?
Undo the bandage. -Yes.
Yang Xiu, don't go overboard.
Mrs. Sima, didn't your husband tell you that...
the show must go on?
My dear, this is Mr. Yang's responsibility.
Don't blame it on him.
Undo it. -Yes.
Don't touch my husband. I'll undo the bandage for you.
Registrar Yang, his legs are really broken.
Broken but not disabled.
Why don't we check and see if they really can't move?
You... -That's a good idea.
My legs don't feel a thing now.
I'll feel assured if he can confirm it.
Right. Come.
Wait.
Father is watching.
(Cao Zhen, Name Zidan)
Registrar Yang, his legs are really disabled.
I hate having foolish friends the most.
I hate foolish enemies even more.
But now...
you've earned the right to be my enemy.
I don't want to be anyone's enemy.
Moreover, I'm in this state now.
Registrar Yang, you may rest assured.
This fellow is tough. -Why?
Minister Cao, I've sent your regards.
Minister Cao, Sima Yi's legs did not respond to stimulation.
I'm afraid he's really disabled.
This man is either uninterested in prestige or...
Or what?
Or aware of the reason behind the employment.
Good. I found another man as stubborn as Mi Heng.
Mi Heng was reckless.
He sought death and became a laughing stock.
He can't be compared with this man.
Sima Yi.
Sima Yi is a man of calibre.
But, I believe I can put him under control.
Minister Cao, why not keep him for future use?
If I kill him, I'll be ridiculed for...
killing a handicapped man.
I'd like to see if he can continue to endure it.
Sima Lang. -Yes.
Take your brother back. -Thank you, sir.
Make sure he recuperates well.
"There might be plenty, but none is to my liking."
You may watch while lying down.
In the 5th year of Jian'an Reign, Yuan Shao dispatched his army to attack Cao Cao.
Cao Cao led his army personally.
The two engaged in the ultimate contention...
for the Central Plain at Guandu by the Yellow River.
This is known in history as the Battle of Guandu.
Advisor Guo will go with me. Xun Yu, I'll be counting on you to guard the capital.
Please rest assured.
The battle will not end overnight. Please take your time.
Our army will emerge victorious. when the morale of Yuan Shao's army plunges.
I will do my best to help Minister Cao.
Please rest assured.
I'm not so worried about the battle.
I've been thinking about something lately.
My sons have matured.
Who between the two should be my successor?
Sir, isn't this your family business?
Yes. But, it's also a state affair.
If you're worried, you can write it down.
Yes, sir.
I get it.
You may go to the city gate. -Yes.
Greetings, Minister Cao.
We came to deliver a picture of Sima Family's current situation.
While I'm away, you'll manage the Bureau of Investigation.
Yes. -If Sima Yi pretends to be ill...
kill him. -Yes.
What are you doing? It's dangerous. Leave.
Hou Ji, if I practise a little bit more...
I can soon push the chair on my own.
Just watch. Don't help me.
No.
Young Master Yi, come and taste my dish.
Turn around. -Alright.
The Five Flavour Bacon again? -Try it.
It's different this time.
It's delicious. -This morning...
I suddenly thought of the bacon I made last winter.
I took it out and... -I ate the tofu.
There's a fruity taste.
Young Master Yi, your tongue is so sharp.
The fruity taste mainly came from the gravy.
I crushed the bones and used them to make a gravy.
After that, I added fermented beans.
I cooked the mixture over high flame for 2 hours.
Then, I removed the foam and added salt.
Next, I crushed some green onion and added pepper, star anise and mandarin peel.
If it doesn't taste good...
I'll feel sorry for you and the pig.
No. Just the pig.
Turn around. -Alright.
Teach me how to cook this.
No. By the time you master this dish,"
you might get stuck in the kitchen.
Look at me. What's wrong if I'm stuck somewhere?
I'll learn how to cook from you and help Chun Hua to take care of the kids.
It isn't a great thing. But, I'm free and happy.
Should we look for a new physician?
There isn't any improvement after...
taking the medicine. The medicine must be wrong.
Nonsense. -Brother Yi!
Yuan Shads army has surrounded Guandu.
Minister Cao is leading the army personally.
Take out the map. Bring me over.
This is Xudu.
This is Guandu.
This is Wuchao. You can also add some ginger and green plums.
Yuan Yuan is going all out. He's too impatient.
Should we ask Madam Chun Hua to hire another physician?
Stop. -Stop!
This is the famous Stele for Cao E.
"Yellow silk".
"Young lady".
"Child of one's daughter".
"Spicy seasonings".
Why did Cai Yong write these words?
Does any of you understand?
I understand.
This stele...
Don't tell me yet.
Let me think.