Episode 9
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?
It's not a lie.
It was General Cao Pi who told me about this problem.
The prime minister wants him to find Ji Bu in 3 days.
Then, I realised that the person prime minister
wishes to punish is not Brother Ji
- but his own son. - So, General Cao Pi
- knows that Brother Ji is here? - Yes.
What if Brother Ji doesn't surrender himself?
The prime minister will use this as excuse
to take back General Cao Pi's authority
and remove General Cao Pi's candidacy as his successor.
General Cao Pi will surely go all out.
He'll lead his soldiers over and search our home. Think about it.
The position of the prime minister's successor is his life and pride.
Who can give up his own life to save another?
Brother Ji can do that. He saved us again and again.
He put his life at stake to free Xu Shu.
Zhong Da, we're not like those headless politicians.
- We can't betray Brother Ji. - My dear, you're right.
Your character is my guide.
Setting aside the fact that Brother Ji saved your life
he saved Yuan Zhi. How can I be so dishonourable?
Give me one night's time. I'll think of a perfect solution.
Don't worry. The moon is beautiful tonight.
Let's go out and admire the moon.
Will admiring the moon make you think of a way to save Brother Ji.
My dear, even if the sky will tumble tomorrow...
the moon tonight still belongs to us.
Sir. -Move!
Find him!
Move! -Move!
This Sir. -You guys...
Mr. Ji, it's me.
- What's going on outside? - The soldiers came for you.
- Mr. Ji, you need to think of something. - I'll surrender myself.
Brother Ji. Don't panic.
If you go out now, Brother Yi will be proven guilty.
Hold this for me. If I cover my face
they can't recognise me. Once I get out
I'll surrender myself. I can't burden you all anymore.
Yes. That's a good idea.
Wait a little longer.
Search! -What are you all doing?
We're ordered to search this residence Search!
This is outrageous!
Stop! -Search!
- Who are you? - I'm General Cao Zhen...
who serves the prime minister. I came to arrest the felon you are hiding.
What felon? Do you have any evidence?
- I'll have it when I catch him. - General Cao.
Sima Family is a family of important officials.
Yet, you intruded without a warrant.
This is a crime as well.
Your husband is just in charge of a stable.
Sir, my father is still the governor of the capital.
My eldest brother is also the prime minister's clerk.
Shouldn't you be polite?
Sima Fu, you're not even an official yet
and you're already giving yourself airs.
I'm just stating the facts. You must be feeling guilty.
I don't need permission from the prime minister for this.
If you want to search, do it over my dead body.
Don't challenge me. Listen.
If General Cao Pi fails to capture the criminal in 3 days
he'll be subjected to military punishment.
You all will pay dearly for it by then!
Move!
- Brother Fu, move. - Sister Chun Hua.
I'd like to see what General Cao can do.
- How dare you! - Mercy!
General Cao, doing this
will only get General Cao Pi into deep trouble.
- Come on. - My dear, what are you saying?
Since General Cao intends to kill, of course we should be submissive.
My dear, you might not know, but everyone else knows that
General Cao is General Cao Pi's closest aide.
He won't do anything that'll help their enemy.
Sima Yi, talk. Go on.
Don't try to scare me. Listen.
Zi Huan said that Ji Bu is your friend and that he is most probably here.
I don't believe I can't find him here.
Sir, if it's as simple as that
General Cao Pi would have sent his men over to arrest Ji Bu.
But, did General Cao Pi even bother to come over?
Sima Yi.
Tell me honestly. What did you do to Zi Huan?
Why is he so protective of you?
Your soldiers are here.
I won't have the guts to lie to you.
If you want to know the truth
why don't we go to the main hall and talk?
Fine. You won't have the guts to trick me.
I have an idea. But, I don't know if we can make it.
Brother Ji, stay here and wait for me. Don't ever go out.
Have some jujubes if you feel hungry.
Sir, General Cao Pi isn't being nice to me.
He knows that...
this isn't as simple as catching a fugitive.
- What's not simple? - Sir, please have some tea.
Sir, please have some tea.
Ah Zhao.
Is Chun Hua still angry?
She's very angry. Help me to pass her a message.
Sima Yi, can you stop wasting my time?
It's just a problem between me and my wife. Go.
Sir, the prime minister has three sons from his wife
Young Master Zi Huan, Young Master Zi Wen and Young Master Zi Jian.
Of the three, who do you think has the biggest chance of
becoming the prime minister's successor?
How dare you poke your nose into Cao Family's business!
Sir, you serve General Cao Pi.
Of course you have to think about this.
I know that you are too close to General Cao Pi
and that there are things you cannot say directly, right?
Don't beat about the bush. Be straightforward.
Some words hurt if spoken directly.
It's more pleasant if we say it indirectly.
Sima Yi, don't try to trick me.
If you keep on wasting my time, I'll pass you to Man Chong.
He's more patient than me.
He has many torture tools in store.
He can talk to you for days.
Playing dumb? -Alright.
Please calm down. Alright. I'll be frank.
Do you know that the prime minister
does not want General Cao Pi to capture Ji Bu?
That's all?
That statement alone is enough to get me into trouble.
Listen. No matter who is behind this
I must turn the tables around for Zi Huan.
I can't let Zi Huan get punished for Ji Bu.
Please lean over. I'll tell you the details.
Don't move!
Sima Yi, you are asking for death! Guards!
Stop right there! Else, I'll kill him!
Ji Bu! Do you have the guts to hurt me?
What should I be afraid of at this point?
Fine. You think you can control me like this?
Sir, please calm down.
I've no choice but to resort to this.
Please rest assured. We definitely won't hurt you.
Just give me an hour
and I will give you an explanation.
Will you kill me or hand him to me
an hour later?
I'll hand you my life by then.
Leave it to me.
I got it.
Sir, please have some more tea.
Do you think I've the mood for that?
Don't move!
General Cao Pi, you finally came.
Don't move! -Zi Huan.
What are you doing?
Ji Bu, put down your sword.
Leave at once!
Stop right there! Surround this place! Hurry!
- Don't move! -Zi Huan!
Leave with your men. -Zi Huan.
Why are you still protecting him at this point?
I'm still the General of the Household.
This is an order, not a negotiation.
Leave!
Yes, sir. We're leaving. -Yes!
Don't tell others about this.
Don't worry. I'm the one who will feel embarrassed.
General Cao Zhen.
Sima Yi, I hate it the most when someone puts a sword to my throat!
L...
Even if she didn't go to me, I'd still come today.
As expected, he's with you. -General Cao Pi.
I've no choice but to resort to this.
Apart from Ji Bu, no one in my household
can calm General Cao Zhen down.
Please forgive me.
You told Ji Bu to put Cao Zhen under control
and sent Guo Zhao to get me. What makes you so sure that
I won't arrest Ji Bu and your whole family?
Please let me explain to you in details.
But, let's not talk in my home.
I don't want to get my family involved.
Fine. Get your horse and come with me then.
Alright.
Brother Yi.
This is where you earned Xun Yu's trust
and won against Yang Xiu.
I was cornered that day. I could only try my luck.
But, drowning does not feel good at all.
I know. I often feel that way as well.
It's like my whole body is immersed in icy cold water.
Every inch of my bone feels cold.
I can neither reach the sky or touch the ground.
"You should not cross the river."
"But you tried to cross the river."
How can I cross this river?
Actually, this is not your only option.
You don't have to cross this river.
Is there another way? - "Literary works are
supreme achievements and an immortal splendor.“
You read my work? -When I read this line
I was utterly impressed. You are such a gifted writer.
If you focus on writing, you will be remembered for ages.
Do I look like I should be a carefree and pampered idler?
I dare not do so in this era of warring states.
If I do so, I won't be remembered in a good way.
I'll only become a joke. I can't do it.
I shall boldly ask a few questions.
Sir, can you answer me honestly? - I have nothing to hide from you.
Why did the prime minister order you to capture Ji Bu?
Why are you given so little time?
Ji Bu sewed the Bureau of Investigation
which is managed by me.
Sir, you're not being honest.
My father wants to suppress me.
What is the prime minister's objective?
Sometimes, if you say it out, you won't feel so afraid anymore.
My father favours Zi Jian.
He wants to make Zi Jian his successor
and take this opportunity to force me to make way for Zi Jian.
If that's the case, why hasn't the prime minister
appoint your younger brother as his successor?
Because of the rites. I'm the heir apparent.
Because more officials support me.
Well said. This is your only chance.
All senior officials support you because
you are the eldest son.
So, the prime minister can't suddenly name
Young Master Zi Jian his successor.
Because of this, the prime minister
directs his anger from the dilemma at you.
As such, he wants you to make a mistake
so that he can tell the senior officials that
- Young Master Zi Jian is better. - Are you done yet?
- Are you saying this to humiliate me? - I dare not. The prime minister is
waiting for you to withdraw.
If you fail to capture Ji Bu and accept your punishment
the prime minister will surely be lenient
and give you a way out. But, if you capture Ji Bu
it's no different from declaring war against
your brother and father.
Who in this world can afford to go against the prime minister?
General Cao Pi, are you really going to do that?
You mean, if I really capture Ji Bu
it means declaring war against my brother and father
and becoming an unfilial traitor?
So, if I make a mistake again in the future
I'll be doomed.
This is a road of no return.
"You should not cross the river."
"But you tried to cross the river."
What a dilemma.
Young Master Zi Jian, I came to congratulate you.
For what?
Don't you know why the prime minister
ordered General Cao Pi to capture Ji Bu?
Because he's in charge of the Bureau of Investigation.
Sir, you're too simple-minded.
Haven't you realised that this is the prime minister's move?
It's a move to eliminate all obstacles
in naming you his successor.
His successor?
Come.
You mean, my brother will be punished?
If General Cao Pi is punished for something
the senior officials can't object to his decision
to name you his successor.
But, I want to compete with Brother Zi Huan fairly
"instead of using political trickery.
Young Master Zi Jian, competition for heirship
will surely involve the officials.
It's impossible to compete without political trickery.
But, when it comes to political trickery
the prime minister will defend your interest
and I will assist you.
However, you must work hard as well
so that you do not let me and the prime minister down.
- Delicious. - Indeed.
- Young Master Zi Huan. - What is this?
Nothing important.
Zi Jian's poem.
You've so much to say that you've to put it in a poem?
- Lease don't misunderstand. - Don't misunderstand?
You think I don't understand poems
and the feelings between these lines?
How do you expect me to treat you well?
Zi Huan.
There's one thing I don't understand.
If you hate me, you shouldn't marry me.
I've never hated you. But, our destinies
are beyond our control.
- Why? - Don't ask.
I really regret knowing the reason.
So, not telling you is my way of being kind to you.
Go ahead and play the zither. I like it.
Again.
I'm old now. You're going easy on me.
That's not true. Sir, your swordsmanship
is impressive. I almost lost.
You're my most honest aide.
Don't bootlick me like others.
When Ma Chao chased after me and I was running desperately
you were the one who took on Ma Chao alone.
I know how strong you are. - Sir, you are invincible.
If it's a land battle, I dare to say that no army
can rival my cavalry.
But, in Jiangdong, there'll be more battles on water.
- General Xu, you must train the soldiers in naval tactics. - Yes, sir.
Did Zi Huan take any action lately?
Prime Minister Cao.
General Cao Zhen led his troops to surround Sima Family's house.
General Cao Pi stopped him and did not take any action since.
He hasn't left home since last night.
Sima Family again.
Everything seems to be related to this family.
Since Zi Huan isn't taking any action
he must have given up on arresting Ji Bu.
So far, General Cao Pi hasn't dispatched any forces.
I dare not assume General Cao Pi's intention.
It's not a bad thing.
I am Cao Pi, the prime minister's son
and the General of the Household.
Xu Shu, a former official serving the prime minister
defected by returning to the south with his mother.
Ji Bu of the Bureau of Investigation
was ordered to arrest Xu. Moved by Xu's filial piety
Ji set the criminal free.
By right, he should be executed for this offense.
However, I have parents as well.
I understand that filial piety is the most important virtue.
Helping the old and saving the filial
shows the virtues of benevolence
and righteousness. I dare not twist the law
or execute him heartlessly.
If Ji Bu is willing to take responsibility for his action
he may come here before sunset today
to surrender himself in honour of the country's law.
I swear before this Post of Honour that
I will protect this honourable man with my life.
Please pass on the message
and tell Ji Bu that I will wait for him here.
Young Master Yang Xiu. - Why are you so flustered?
General Cao Pi built a stage at the center of the East Market.
Find out more. -Yes.
Come back!
How could you ask him to surrender?
General Cao Pi's method
is the only way to save Brother Ji.
What did Cao Pi bribe you with?
How could you betray Brother Ji for him?
My dear, how can you doubt me?
You promised to save Brother Ji. But, after meeting Cao Pi
you changed your mind. What are you up to?
What am I up to? Brother Ji.
Do you think
I'm trying to get you killed because of jealousy?
Zhong Da, you -Sima Yi.
You despicable man!
There's nothing between me and Brother Ji! How dare you!
Zhang Chun Hua, you're being unreasonable.
Are you forcing me to punish my wife?
Sure. Do it.
Stop. -Stop right there.
Come here! -Stop.
It was just a gentle tap. -Enough.
You can't run away. Listen carefully, Sima Yi.
I won't let you take Brother Ji away today!
I am -General Cao Pi.
Xu Shu, a former official serving the prime minister
defected by returning to the south with his mother.
Ji Bu of the Bureau of Investigation
was ordered to arrest Xu.
Moved by Xu's filial piety, Ji set this criminal free.
Zhong Da. Mrs. Sima.
Thank you for allowing me to stay for 3 days.
But, hiding here is not a solution.
I don't want to hide forever either.
Mrs. Sima.
I trust Zhong Da. I'll go with him.
Maybe General Cao Pi really won't kill me.
Brother Ji, you can't trust him,
He's enjoying this. He's helping the villain.
Cao Family is using you as their pawn. You can't go with him.
Mrs. Sima, if I survive, I consider myself fortunate.
If I die, it is my fate.
I'll take it as that I'm returning this life
the two of you saved. - I'll say this one last time.
General Cao Pi's method is the only way to save Brother Ji.
Sima Yi, you must promise me that
Brother Ji will not get hurt
I promise I won't make you sad.
You've been playing for so long. Don't you feel hungry?
Let's go home.
That guy is Cao Pi? The prime minister's son, right?
Yes. -He came since morning.
Is that so? It must be something serious.
Don't move!
Move aside!
Even though I'm uneducated
I know the words "benevolence" and "righteousness".
You used the two words to praise and summon me.
I am obligated to come.
I, Ji Bu, have come to surrender myself.
You can't kill the honourable man!
He's an honourable man! - You can't kill him!
You can't kill him!
Please rest assured!
I have sworn before this Post of Honour that
I will pay with my life if Ji Bu dies.
Please rest assured and come back tomorrow for updates.
Thank you, sir!
Registrar Yang. Deputy Chief Ding.
The prime minister said it is late already
and that you should come tomorrow unless it is urgent.
It has become the talk of the city.
Cao Pi was feeling so smug today.
We must convince the prime minister to kill Ji Bu.
The prime minister is right about rejecting us.
This is their family business and we should not be interfering.
Look. Our advice
is insignificant compared to Young Master Zi Jian's opinion.
You're brilliant. Who thought of this idea for him?
Chen Qun or Wu Zhi? It can't be Cao Zhen, right?
None of them can come up with such idea.
It must be him. Let's go.
Sir, I've brought Ji Bu over.
Secretly? -As ordered
we covered his face.
Free him. That's unnecessary.
He won't surrender himself if he plans to run away.
Ji Bu. -Yes, sir.
Why did you come back and surrender yourself?
I was moved by you and General Cao Pi's sense of honour.
I felt ashamed for running away. So, I came to surrender myself.
Please punish me.
Sense of honour?
Who taught you to threaten me with honour?
I dare not threaten you, sir. I thought that
dying in the hands of a hero like you
will leave me with no regret
compared to running away shamelessly.
Good. You're honest.
I'll end it for you tomorrow. County Head Man.
Confine Ji Bu in your office's cell.
Be nice to him.
Thank you, sir.
Man Chong. -Sir.
Did you see Sima Yi at the stage today?
No. The man I sent to monitor Sima Family said
he did not leave his home at all today.
He knows the an of war.
He is is unmovable as a mountain.
It stirred a huge commotion.
The people in Xudu all came out to watch.
Even officials support the notion.
Yet, he calmly stayed home.
Sir, are you in the opinion that
it was Sima Yi who came up with this idea for General Cao Pi?
Report! General Cao Pi came!
Look. Unlike him, my son is not composed enough.
Let him in. -Yes!
Man Chong, you may retire.
Sir, should I send more executioners tomorrow?
Why are you so anxious as well? Is County Head Man not enough
t0 kill Ji Bu?
I was wrong. I'm sorry.
Father, Ji Bu has been arrested. I specially came to report back.
Very good.
Even though Ji Bu is guilty of a serious offense
he turned himself in. He can be forgiven.
How could you promise to spare his life on my behalf?
I dare not.
But, I believe that if you choose to spare him
the people will be thankful to you.
If you kill him, it is enforcement of law
and I'm the only one who will be criticised.
Clever words. The people will only give you the credit.
Alright. It's late. You may go back.
I'll announce my decision tomorrow.
Yes.
Father, please rest early. I shall excuse myself.
My dear, you didn't have your dinner.
Have some porridge.
Even though it's not the perfect solution
it's the only way.
My dear, our potted plant blossomed.
Sister Chun Hua! Brother Yi!
Sister Chun Hua. Brother Yi, you're right.
All important officials came. - What happened to Brother Ji?
General Cao Pi confines him in Xudu's government office.
He went to request for amnesty from the prime minister.
Sister Chun Hua, don't worry.
The people were all so agitated today.
Everyone was cheering for Brother Ji and General Cao Pi.
I bet Prime Minister Cao will spare Brother Ji
to win the people's favour.
I'm still worried. Cao Cao is a ruthless man.
He won't be so kind.