Episode 8
- Sima Yi. - Master.
Why are you here?
- I can't go against fate. - What fate?
It's a long story.
I'll reenact it for you. Da Zhou, come.
Come.
Kneel over there. You'll be me.
It was when the prime minister returned from the battle with Yuan Shao.
I heard you have eagle eyes and a wolf's face.
Lift your head and let me see.
Come.
Stand up.
Walk. Turn around.
Kneel after my next line.
Have your legs recovered?
I'd like to employ you to serve in my office.
You may take care of the horses in the backyard.
This is fate.
He even threw chess pieces at me.
Father, he looked so much like you!
Father, don't laugh. If you laugh, he'll feel scared.
He's a clever person. You're a clever person too.
I'll teach you
how a clever person can control a clever person.
Let's move.
Madam Bian.
I thought I should visit you. Zi Jian often talks about you.
- Young Master Zi Jian - He drank too much last night.
- He's probably still in bed. Sit. - Yes.
Zi Jian became engaged to a lady from Cui Family last night.
- A lady from Cui Family? - Yes.
Cui Family from Qinghe is the most famous family of scholars in Hebei.
- I expect you to know. - I do know.
The prime minister sees very highly of Cui Yan.
He wants Cui Yan to be Zi Jian's teacher and advisor.
Even though Zi Jian requested to marry you
he is the prime minister's favourite son.
Unlike his poems, there is not much freedom in the matter of his marriage.
Do you understand?
I do. I am a captive. I dare not be wishful.
I'm not here to bully you.
I just hope that you can be understanding.
Zi Jian needs support from an influential family.
But, we won't give you shabby treatment.
The prime minister has betrothed you to Zi Huan.
You are still a member of our family.
- No. - Ls Zi Huan not good enough?
No. I'm not good enough for Young Master Zi Huan.
I'm a captive.
If I am seen as a sinner, I am willing to give up my life.
If you wish me well... please allow me to return.
And spend the rest of my life in Yecheng.
I will not remarry. Please do me the favour.
You're a clever child. You know that Zi Jian loves you.
If you reject the marriage or kill yourself to protest
do you think Zi Jian will let you be?
If he disobeys his father, his future will be ruined.
Good girl, you're still young. You'll forget about these things.
Live properly with Zi Huan.
"Fine, freshly woven silk of Qi
is white as frost or snow."
Consort Ban who wrote this did not have a good ending.
Don't imitate her.
She was once loved by her husband.
When she was no longer loved
she was allowed to stay in Changxin Suite and live on with pride.
I'm very envious of her.
I'm sorry you've to marry me.
You should feel bad for yourself.
You're innocent.
I'll treat you well.
Are you really willing to work here?
General Cao Pi, what are you doing here on your wedding night?
- Do you need your horse now? - Is that the only reason for coming here?
It's your wedding today. Congratulations, sir.
Do you think it's a good thing?
I've long heard that Lady Zhen is extremely pretty.
Isn't it a good thing when a beauty is matched with a hero?
Don't you know who Zi Jian's fiancee is?
The foster daughter of Cui Yan, a famous Hebei scholar.
Why do I get a captive as my wife?
- What is my father's intention? - I'm just in charge of a stable.
I dare not assume what is going on in your family.
You dare not assume?
Are you going to hide here after reading so many books?
- Are you fine with this? - I study and work to survive.
- I don't mind. - But, I'm not fine with this.
I really can't accept this. All heroes in this world
are working hard to restore peace.
Yet, I'm wasting my time day after day here.
My father is a wise leader.
Zi Jian and Chong Er might be wise leaders as well.
I'm the only exception.
Are you reluctant to serve me
because you believe that...
I have lost?
Sir, since you are so honest to me
I shall not brush you off anymore.
Sir, do you really believe this marriage
"indicates your future? - Isn't that the case?
The prime minister favours Young Master Zi Jian
because he feels threatened by you.
Say it clearly.
The prime minister gave Young Master Zi Jian a wife from an influential family
because you are supported by too many influential families.
These families uphold the spirit of Confucianism and support the heir apparent.
You are both the heir apparent and eldest son. You have a huge advantage since the beginning.
Please do not bear resentment in your head. The prime minister is a magnanimous man.
He is trying hard to determine who between the two of you can be the better successor.
Please think about it.
I thought you...
don't dare to assume what's going on in my family.
Do you plan to take care of the horses here forever?
Do you dare to leave with me?
It's bloodshed out there. I feel more secured here.
- Brother Yi. - Ah Zhao.
Greet General Cao Pi.
Greetings, General Cao Pi.
Sister Chun Hua sent me to bring you some food and wine.
You have food and wine.
You're having such a good time here.
I've embarrassed myself.
General Cao Pi, you got married today.
Let's have a toast.
Sir, let me congratulate you with a toast.
There aren't so many things...
worth congratulating in this world.
But, after listening to what you said
I can drink to forget my sorrows.
Today's joy shall not be forgotten.
The joy has not come to an end.
Why should I make myself feel sad?
Goodbye, General Cao Pi.
Why should I...
make myself feel sad?
- Little duckling. - My dear, I'm back.
- You still remember your home? - Father.
- Shi Er, did you behave? - Father.
Why don't you just go back to the stable?
My survival depends on this. I have to work hard.
My dear, I'm tired. I'd like to get some sleep.
- Why don't you sleep in the stable? - Don't say that.
I don't sleep with horses. I sleep with you.
Shi Er, don't cling to your father. He's tired.
- I want to sleep with mother too. - You're so nosy.
Your father smells terrible. Take it off.
I'll fetch water for you to wash up.
Shi Er, I'm tired.
Father, I'll give you a massage.
Chong Er!
I shouldn't have...
I shouldn't have killed Hua Tuo!
If he's alive, he'll save Chong Er.
Chong Er.
Father, your medicine is ready.
I'm not drinking it!
Chong Er.
Father, Chong Er is filial. I'm sure his soul in heaven
will feel sad to see you in this state.
Chong Er died so young.
Do you disallow me to feel sad?
I dare not.
Chong Er.
Don't think I don't know. Your brother died young
is a bad news to me but a good news to you!
That's not true, father.
Get out! -Yes.
Chong Er.
Chong Er!
Ah Man, get over it.
This is fate. -Shut up!
I never believe in fate! ls this a punishment from god?
God, just come at me!
Why did you take Chong Er's life?
Chong Er.
My precious son.
Brother Ding, this is a toast to congratulate you.
You are now the deputy chief of the West Bureau in charge of recruitment and employment.
I'm ashamed. I haven't thanked you for recommending me. (Ding Yi)
I'm the one who should feel ashamed.
I recommended you. But, the prime minister actually had a better position in mind for you.
What position?
The prime minister wanted to make you his son-in-law.
He wanted to marry his favourite eldest daughter to you.
Is that so? I wasn't aware at all.
Unfortunately, Cao Pi told the prime minister that you have one blind eye
and that it makes you not good enough for his sister.
The prime minister loves his daughter a lot. So, he changed his mind.
General Cao Pi is right. I'm presently not good enough for the prime minister's daughter.
But, the prime minister saw you a few days ago and regretted it.
He said that he should marry his eldest daughter to you
even if you're completely blind.
Forget it.
A man should depend on himself. I don't want to be a man who relies on his wife's family.
Well said. You are such an honourable person.
Cheers.
Brother Ding, the opportunity I mentioned
is a chance to leave behind a good name in history.
Let me guess. Was that toast earlier your idea or Young Master Zi Jian's idea?
Even though I've just joined the prime minister's office I know that Cao Pi isn't favoured.
Brother Yang, you'll surely rise to power in the future.
Brother Ding, this is...
a chance of a lifetime for intellects like us.
If Young Master Zi Jian is willing to take care of me of course I'll be happy.
Why don't we visit Zi Jian together after finishing our drink?
Thank you, Brother Yang.
My condolences, sir. Please take care.
I'm fine.
Yuan Zhi, what brought you over?
Sir...
I came to resign.
Yuan Zhen, where do you want to go?
A northern horse leans into the northern wind. "A southern bird clings to a southern tree."
I'd like to take my mother back to our hometown.
I once swore that I will not be your advisor.
You forgave me and allowed me to teach Young Master Cang Shu.
Now that Young Master Cang Shu...
has died, I am no longer useful to you.
I do not want to be paid for nothing. Sir. Please allow me to return to the south.
Jingzhou is your hometown.
I'm about to confront Liu Biao of Jingzhou.
Are you aware of this?
Sir, upon returning...
I will only spend my days reading
and taking care of my mother. I will not serve anyone.
When you conquer Jingzhou, I shall congratulate you
from the countryside.
We've known each other for decades.
I'll organise a farewell banquet for you tomorrow
and prepare some money and gifts for you. Your mother is old.
We must prepare a proper carriage for her.
I am utterly grateful.
Sir, if that's all, I shall excuse myself.
Guards.
Tell Registrar Yang and General Cao Pi to come.
Xu Shu wants to go back to Jingzhou.
What? Sir, is he unaware that you're about to confront Liu Biao?
Liu Biao and Xu Shu are too different.
Xu Shu will not serve Liu Biao.
But...
Xu Shu once sewed Liu Bei and Liu Bei is in Jingzhou now.
I also heard that Xu Shu's friend, Zhuge Liang
is sewing Liu Bei as well.
In this case, will Xu Shu
What do you think?
Is it true that Mr. Yuan Zhi wants to leave?
You're not being constructive at all.
Did you even listen to me? You are so absent-minded.
Aren't you managing the Bureau of Investigation?
Yes.
I'll leave this matter to you.
You may retire.
Young Master Zi Huan.
Did the prime minister summon you to discuss about what to do with me?
You promised to assist my brother, Chong Er.
But now, Chong Er is gone.
Are you willing to assist me?
This is also the only way to save you.
It looks like the prime minister
still won't spare me.
If you still insist to leave, please leave quickly.
I'll send an assassin of the Bureau of Investigation later.
- Thank you for the mercy. - You don't have to thank me.
Young Master Zi Huan.
I'm not fated to serve you. But, I'd like to recommend someone.
Who? -Sima Yi.
Sima Yi?
- He rejected me. - The dragon is hiding.
You'll have to convince him.
I shall take my leave. Please take care.
Sir, I've failed you. Xu Shu's room was empty.
I expected this. Go back.
Ji Bu!
- Yes, sir. - Xu Shu left with his mother.
He can't travel fast. You can catch up in a day.
- You may kill if all else fails. - Yes.
- Yuan Zhi, what's the matter? - Don't worry, mother.
He's my friend.
I need to talk to him. Please rest in the carriage.
I'll be right back.
This way, please.
Are you from the prime minister's office?
I'm from the Bureau of Investigation.
My mother is homesick. I cannot go against my oath
and serve the prime minister either.
Since you are acting upon an order, let's fight.
I'm out of practice. I've lost. I've no regret.
Gentleman, I have but one request.
Please spare my old mother.
The military order is absolute. Forgive me.
Yuan Zhi!
- Mother! Go back to the carriage! - Yuan Zhi!
- Mother! Go back to the carriage! - Cao Cao is a traitor!
Why can't my son refuse to serve him?
Why can't I return to my hometown?
If Cao Cao must kill...
kill me! Don't kill my son! - Mother!
- Don't kill my son! - Go back to the carriage quickly!
- I beg of you! - No!
- Mother, listen to me. - Mr. Xu, please leave.
Gentleman, if you let me leave...
the prime minister will not spare you.
Young man, leave with us.
I can't leave. My mother is still in the city.
Leave before I change my mind.
You gave up your life to save me. I have nothing to repay you with.
I want to save your life.
How did he find out?
Why did Xu Shu leave without a word?
Xu Shu is very sharp.
Perhaps, he predicted it.
Why did Ji Bu run away?
You volunteered to manage the Bureau of Investigation.
Ji Bu is your subordinate as well as your retainer.
You can't even control your own retainer.
What can you do?
I'm aware of my mistake. I'm negligent.
You volunteered to manage the Bureau of Investigation.
But now, your subordinate defected.
If you have the slightest sense of responsibility
you should make up for it personally.
Forget it if you cannot take responsibility.
Even though I cannot make up for my mistake
I'm not a coward.
- I'm willing to accept punishment. - Fine.
Is this a military pledge?
I'll give you 3 days. What will you do if you fail to capture Ji Bu within 3 days?
What will you do?
- I will accept military punishment. - Good.
This is what I wanted to hear from you.
Leave!
Yes.
Xun Yu, stay.
I'm afraid it's impossible to find Ji Bu within 3 days.
I know.
Sparing Xu Bu is defiance of order
and only Ji Bu will spare Xu Shu's life.
I see. You planned to let Xu Shu leave.
Xu Yuan Zhi is Liu Bei's strategist
and Guan Yun Chang is Liu Bei's fighter.
It is pointless to go after them.
Sir, no one in this world is as magnanimous as you.
But, why did you order General Cao Pi to capture Ji Bu?
Yun Chang and Yuan Zhi are both loyal men.
Yet, they won't assist me. What a pity.
What a pity.
Zi Huan, I've a suggestion. I'll capture his mother
and hang her on the city wall to lure him.
A governor once did that. My father released Ji Bu
and dismissed that governor. We merely lost a man.
If we threaten him with an old woman
it'll be an embarrassment to the Bureau of Investigation.
I'll send soldiers to search the whole city.
Ji Bu is a fighter and a fugitive.
If he wants to escape, ordinary people will not
I mean, it won't be easy to capture him.
Sir, I think you should think about
how to give the prime minister
a satisfactory explanation if we cannot find him in 3 days.
What nonsense is this? You're not helping at all.
If I fail to find him within 3 days
some people will really be overjoyed.
What can be worse than my incompetence?
Right. That's a bad idea.
I sensed something wrong when the prime minister
ordered to kill Xu Shu in front of Young Master Zi Huan.
It's so difficult to capture Ji Bu
and the prime minister surely knows this better than us.
Yet, he gave us so little time. Am I right?
Yes. My father won't punish me according to the military law.
He won't beat or kill me. He'll just take away my authority
and scold me in front of the officials.
This is way scarier than military punishment.
I've no choice but to be a bad son this time.
- Find Ji Bu. We must find him. - We must.
- Is Ji Bu at your home? - My home?
- I haven't gone home for 3 days. - Go back quickly.
Why would he go over if I'm not home?
My father ordered Ji Bu to kill Xu Shu.
But, Ji Bu let Xu Shu leave.
My father wants me to find Ji Bu in 3 days. If I fail...
I'll drag you along.
What does this have to do with me?
Stop pretending. I know that your wife is Ji Bu's friend.
I read Ji Bu's profile.
I can hide other things for you, but not this.
Guards of the southern gate saw Ji Bu entering the city.
Tell me. Where else can he hide apart from your home?
I'll go back and check.
Sir, if the prime minister sent Ji Bu to capture Xu Shu
and you capture Ji Bu after Ji Bu freed Xu Shu
you might be put in a dishonourable position.
Ji Bu doesn't matter to my father. I'm his target.
Xu Shu recommended you to me before he left.
I can only count on you this time. Stop sweeping the stable.
Sweep the world with me. - I'll go home and check first.
"If you give me a wood whittled melon
I return the favour with an ornamental jade."
"It is not the exchange of goods that matters."
Keep quiet.
Who are you?
You told me to keep quiet. You stole my line.
Brother Ji.
This is Hou Ji. He is not an outsider.
Don't worry. Hou Ji. -Yes.
Tell Zhong Da to come back. Also
don't tell others about him. -Yes.
Go.
Brother Ji, please make do for a few days.
Zhong Da will think of something.
I think I shouldn't stay here.
I'll get both you and my mother into trouble.
- I'll surrender myself. - Brother Ji.
Xu Shu must have told you to come to us for a good reason.
You've saved us so many times. Now, just rest assured and wait.
- Let us save you. - Xu Shu is a stranger to me.
I thought I could kill him.
But, when his mother asked me if it is wrong
for them to go home, I couldn't answer her at all.
They aren't wrong. But, you're not wrong either.
What's wrong is this world.
Get some rest and eat a little.
Chun Hua.
He Can he protect you?
Even though he's just a weak academician
to me, no one is stronger than him.
Mrs. Sima, I think I should surrender myself.
Brother Ji, you can't go back. Cao Cao is ruthless.
You'll only die.
But, I can't stay here and burden you all.
Don't panic. We're trying to find a way out.
Chun Hua, don't worry about me.
I'll solve my own problem.
I don't want to get my mother into trouble.
Brother Ji. Say something.
- I can speak now? - Speak.
Alright.
Brother Ji. My dear.
Even if Brother Ji doesn't surrender himself
the prime minister won't hurt his mother.
- Why? - Because Brother Ji is not...
the one he wants to punish.
Not me? But, why?
If you trust me, don't surrender yourself.
Else, you'll fall for the prime minister's trap.
Why don't we let Brother Ji stay here for now?
Right.
- Hou Ji. -Yes.
- Make arrangements. -Yes.
Brother Ji, please rest assured and...
- Chun Hua, I... - Mr. Ji.
- Please don't leave this shed. - But...
This house might be big, but this shed is the safest.
- No. Listen to me. - We've no choice.
This is for your own good.
What's the matter? What do you want to say?
- What do you want to say? - How can he call you "Chun Hua"?
Is this the time to be bothered by this?
- I'm trying to help you two. - What do you mean?
Alright. I'm just trying to help Brother Ji.
- Eat. - What is this?
Vinegar ( drink vinegar=feeling jealousy)
I'll eat it.
This lotus seed soup is so sweet.
I can't believe a quiet guy like you gets jealous as well.
I'm myself. I'm free to feel however I want.
So, have you gotten over it?
I'm sorry. Drink this too.
I'm at fault. This isn't the time
to worry about that. Besides
even though you're so young and pretty
you chose me and
never had a good life.
I don't mind as long as I'm with you.
What are you worried about? Tell me.
You can tell that I'm worried?
It'll be scary if you can fool me as well.
Could it be that you lied to Brother Ji
when you said that Cao Cao won't kill his mother?