Episode 10
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.
They were all 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. -My dear.
If Brother Ji really gets executed...
should I pay with my life?
Zhong Da!
Brother Lang, what brought you over?
Brother Yi, tell me honestly...
do you have anything to do with that Post of Honour?
It's my idea.
How foolish. How can you poke your nose in...
Cao Family's business?
Brother Lang, this isn't just Cao Family's business.
It's also my family business.
Moreover, we're indebted to Brother Ji and General Cao Pi.
Of course we must save them. -How?
How do you save a person the prime minister wants to kill?
You're too daring.
You think Yang Xiu will turn a blind eye to this?
He'll convince the prime minister to hold you responsible for this.
I'm talking to you.
Brother Lang, the prime minister...
is not one that can be manipulated.
I trust that he is a hero.
My dear, have some porridge.
Sister Chun Hua.
No one trusts me. -I trust you, Brother Yi.
It's still warm. There's some more in the kitchen.
Two words.
Elaborate.
No one doesn't fear the prime minister...
and the prime minister doesn't fear anyone.
The only thing he wants to secure is the people's favour...
and these two words are the key in earning people's favour.
My father fought and survived gruesome battles.
When Tao Qian killed my grandfather...
in the Battle of Xuzhou...
my father committed a massacre in Xuzhou...
in a fit of anger.
Why would he change his mind for these two words?
You need to perceive the prime minister's ambition clearly.
In the past, he was just a general.
It is understandable that he was swayed by his emotions.
But now, the prime minister is different.
After conquering the entire Central Plain...
he is now aiming to conquer the south.
He is way more ambitious than Sun Quan and Liu Bei.
He aspires to conquer the world.
If my father wants to conquer the world...
he has to buy the people's favour...
with benevolent policies. This is your guess.
But, what if my father goes out of his way for Zi Jian?
If he does that, he will repeat Yuan Shads mistake.
He will not be able to conquer the world.
Your ambition will not be realised...
and you do not need to be his successor.
You're gutsy.
I'm very cowardly.
But, you need to be more daring.
It's not about being bold in taking action.
It's about being bold in thinking.
You need to think about your father's thoughts.
On top of understanding his might...
you must understand his weakness.
It's past curfew. Yet, you dared to come out.
Why not?
I even have the guts to enter General Cao Pi's residence.
Would I be afraid of going to the streets?
Everyone in Sima Family is so gutsy.
Sit down.
I'm not from Sima Family.
I'm just myself. I'm Guo Zhao.
I know.
Do you feel cold? -No.
You don't have to lie.
I made this fur muff from the fox I caught. It's very warm.
Sometimes, we lie...
in order to defend our own pride.
You should have heard of Ji Bu's case.
Do you think I should kill or spare Ji Bu?
By right, he should be executed.
But, you can't kill Ji Bu. -Why?
Firstly, Ji Bu committed the offense out of kindness.
Secondly, Brother Zi Huan has promised to spare his life...
in order to make Ji Bu surrender himself.
If you kill Ji Bu...
everyone will blame it on Brother Zi Huan.
Zi Jian, I'm glad that you've a kind head.
But, honesty and kindness aren't enough for politics.
I understand. I also understand your affection.
I'm willing to serve you and realise my own ambition.
But, Brother Zi Huan did not do anything wrong in this case.
We can't punish him for no reason.
Even if I will benefit from the situation...
it makes me unworthy of being your son.
Come.
"What a day is today that I saw him fair and gentle."
I'm surprised myself that you're the one by my side...
on this last night.
It's very warm.
Ah Weng, let's go back.
Lady Zhen, aren't you here to bring a coat to the young master?
He'll go back when he's done.
I shall not disturb him. -Yes.
Let's go.
Go.
Sir, Registrar Yang and Deputy Chief Ding came.
They came so early in the morning.
They really can't wait.
Never mind. I'll see them.
Ah Man, are you going to kill Ji Bu?
What do you think?
He's just an inspector with no official position.
Why are you two so bothered? -Sir.
General Cao Pi suddenly announced it to the public.
All officials are aware of this case.
If we don't kill Ji Bu, no one will respect the laws.
In war times, it is a must to emphasise military discipline...
in order to keep the soldiers in check.
Deputy Chief Ding, since you are so concerned...
come with me and join the fun.
Is this the time to practise the "The Five Animal Frolics"?
We need to go! -Where to?
The execution site! -My dear.
At a time like this, we should stay home.
If we go, we will create more troubles.
Let's wait here, alright?
Let's go. -Zhang Chun Hua.
Why do you lose your composure whenever it concerns Ji Bu?
What did you call me? -I'm sorry.
What did you call me? - My dear, I'm sorry.
My dear, I'm sorry. Think about it carefully.
All these years, when have I failed you?
It's not too late to punish me...
if something bad happens to Brother Ji.
Calm down.
Don't be angry, my dear. Come.
But, how do I calm down when Brother Ji is in this situation?
My dear, sit down.
Even though I am too weak to fight or do heavy work...
I've always been a careful person.
Have I ever made any mistake?
Please rest assured. You'll hear a good news soon.
My dear.
Right. You should push me.
The higher I swing, the farther I can see.
If you push harder...
I can see the empty streets in this city...
because everyone went to plead for Brother Ji.
This will assure you as well.
My dear, did you...
sleep in the same room with Brother Ji?
My dear! I'm sorry!
If Brother Ji Bu doesn't come back safely...
you'll stay on the swing! -My dear, please stop!
Take this! -At this rate...
I'll see the prime minister's residence!
The prime minister has arrived!
Rise.
I recalled an event.
Back then, when I passed by a wheat field...
I ordered my soldiers to avoid hurting the wheat.
I said to execute those who hurt the wheat.
So, the soldiers all got down from their horses...
and walked beside the wheat field.
Unexpectedly, my horse...
went out of control and ran into the wheat field.
I violated the rule I made.
I would be so ashamed if I do not punish myself.
I wanted to stab myself. But, the farmers and soldiers...
all Pleaded for me.
So, I chopped off my hair instead of my head.
Ji Bu has violated the country's law.
It is stated in our law that...
those who free the defectors are guilty of defecting as well.
Sparing him is against law.
However, it is a filial man he freed...
and he surrendered himself.
Killing him is against honour.
So, I recalled the fact that...
I still owe the people one life.
Since everyone hopes that I'll spare Ji Bu's life...
I shall repay my debt today...
and spare an honourable man. What do you all think?
Thank you, sir! -Thank you, sir!
Thank you, sir!
Ji Bu must still be punished for defiance of order.
Spank Ji Bu 50 times...
and send him to serve the Bureau of Investigation.
You will use your strength and honour...
to protect the country and the people.
Keep this in mind. I did not spare your life.
The people spared you.
All hail the prime minister!
Thank you, father.
Did you do me this favour today...
"because you want me to thank you?
I dare not.
You've won the support of the people here.
You've grown up to rival your father.
My dear, please stop.
Brother Yi! -Shu Da.
- How did it go? - Ji Bu has been spared!
As expected, Ji Bu is spared! -Really?
Did you hear that? Brother Ji Bu is saved!
My dear, let me down. I'm so dizzy.
Shu Da. -No. I'm here.
Say it again. -Ji Bu has been spared.
You predicted it right.
My dear, I thought you doubted me.
You're right. I wronged you.
Brother Yi, it's a pity you didn't see it.
Moved by the prime minister, the people all laid on the ground.
The prime minister will surely want this.
Else, he can't be a conqueror.
Zhang Chun Hua.
What did you call me?
I called you Zhang Chun Hua.
I'm hungry
I'll cook.
You think only heroes can save beauties.
Remember this. I saved the hero this time.
Thank you, sir. - You don't have to thank me.
Tell me. Who came up with this idea for you?
Be honest. If you tell me the truth...
I'll put you in an important position.
If you lie and I manage to find that person, he will die.
- What's the meaning of this? - I think I'm not capable of...
managing the Bureau of Investigation.
I wish to exchange this token for a person.
Is he the person who gave you the idea of the Post of Honour?
Yes.
I said that if you manage to capture Ji Bu...
you'll continue to manage the Bureau of Investigation.
I'll be fair.
I don't want to seem it look like I'm bullying you.
Also, don't be so pretentious before your father.
As for that man... Have you ever heard of...
a horse called Dilu?
Yes. It was Zhang Wu's mount.
It has tear marks at the corners of its eyes...
and a white spot on its forehead. It killed its master.
Zhang Wu died because of it. - I saw this horse.
It's really a sturdy horse.
Liu Bei wanted to give it to me. But, I rejected the gift.
How regretful.
If he can help you today...
he can also be your obstacle tomorrow.
Please rest assured.
I believe I can control this horse.
Alright. You may collect him from the stable.
Yes.
Both of us are cornered.
Since we're cornered, it's time to fight back.
I won't be anyone's slave.
I don't need a slave. I need a teacher and a friend.
Remember the two words you wrote, "benevolence" and "righteousness"?
Don't forget that Confucius said...
"do not decline to shoulder a responsibility in good cause."
Can you ride? -I can try.
Sir, the mountain is high and the road is forbidding.
We shouldn't go so fast.
If that's the case, why did a careful one like you...
follow me? - I'm willing to give my all...
to assist you.
Both of us are walking on a steep peak.
I'd rather we go all out to fight for the chance...
to climb to the top than worry about falling down.
It is time to climb the tall mountains.
I'm willing to join you in exploring this world.
I'm willing to help you to soar in the sky.
My dear, what's for lunch?
Does it matter? You are going to feast with Cao Pi now.
I'll eat before I go.
You can eat there. Enjoy your luxurious food...
and do your important things.
Food outside is never good.
I prefer our meals at home.
My dear, when will this cabbage blossom?
I don't know.
It's delicious.
You said that Cao Cao won't make General Cao Pi...
his successor.
Assisting Cao Pi is worse than serving to Cao Cao.
You're going against Cao Cao.
The land belongs to the royal family...
and leaders in the world are subjects of the royal family.
I'm an academician. My biggest dream...
is to find a wise leader and assist him.
Perhaps, I can end the war with him.
But, you promised me to stay away from politics.
So, your legs don't hurt anymore?
My dear, in this era of war, our little home...
is like a tiny boat in the ocean.
We can't possibly lead a peaceful life on our own.
Even if our generation manages to survive...
what about our children?
My dear, does the cabbage blossom very quickly?
I don't know.
It's blossoming.
That's fast.
I don't know anything about the world out there.
I don't want to know what will happen either.
I just wish for your...
lifetime of wellness.
If anything bad happens to you...
the sky will tumble...
for our family.
I just want to...
have my ears pulled by you for a lifetime.
Sir, congratulations on making through the ordeal.
Zhong Da, congratulations on securing a job in the...
Literature Department. -Thank you.
Back then, the crown prince of Han...
was assisted by the Four Sages of Mount Shang.
Now, General Cao Pi has the four of us...
and a trusted aide like General Cao Zhen.
He is sure to succeed.
Today, we'll not talk about politics.
We'll just drink.
I've troubled you all over the past few days.
Let me thank you all today. Come. Let's drink until we drop.
Let's drink until we drop.
Zi Dan, look who came to offer a toast to you.
Sir, I was rude to you that day. I apologise.
One cup won't do. You should at least drink 3 cups.
Right. 3 cups. -Yes, 3 cups.
Alright. I'll drink.
That's one cup. -Good.
Zi Dan, Zhong Da did that to me help me.
Should I perform a sword dance to apologise?
If you want to drink, don't be so reserved.
Drink this. I'll drink with you.
Why don't you share the two jars of fine wine with us?
Zi Huan, you managed to make it through a huge ordeal.
We must drink to celebrate. But, this jar...
is only for Sima Yi.
Sima Yi.
It's alright.
Sima Yi, you endured it.
You haven't added your blood.
Sir, let me help you.
How delicate indeed. Please bear with me.
I'll tell you something after you finish that jar of wine.
Alright.
Cheers.
Come on!
Sir, you can say it now.
Sima Yi, as a general, I hate the most when...
someone puts a sword to my throat.
Yet, you did it. But, I tolerated it.
I tolerated it for Zi Huan.
But, let me warn you. If you dare to deceive Zi Huan...
I will cut off your head! Do you hear me?
Sir, since I drank this jar of wine with our blood...
I will never betray General Cao Pi.
Good. That's a real man.
Yes. -I have my brother and my friends.
What else can a man...
ask for?
Come. Let's drink. -Yes, let's drink.
Zhong Da, sit down. -Alright.
Should I perform a sword dance?
Zi Huan, we've seen your sword dance before.
Today, I'm in mood to watch Sima Yi's sword dance.
Sima Yi, what say you? -Sure.
Let me drink another jar of wine...
and I will perform a sword dance with you.
Zhong Da, I didn't know you can hold your liquor so well.
What brought you over? -I thought...
someone might get drunk.
So, I came to deliver some hangover soup.
Someone is drunk indeed.
But, I don't think he can drink anything in this state.
My husband hasn't been so happy for a long time.
You all have worked hard to help my husband.
I've nothing to repay you all. Please accept...
the soup I prepared. - Thank you, Sister Zhen Fu.
Thank you, Lady Zhen. -Thanks.
It's all your fault. Zhong Da.
You still have to drink a jar of wine.
I told you he's useless.
He can't even hold his liquor. What can he do?
Thank you, Lady Zhen. We're just doing our job.
Zi Dan, it's over now.
I'll drink with you. - Zi Huan, we're brothers.
Say no more. I'll only do as you instruct.
It's in the toast. -Right.
Cheers.
Thank you, Lady Zhen. -Sit.
Sima Yi.
He's knocked out.
Thank you all for the assistance.
Let's have a toast. - Thank you, Lady Zhen.
This is for my brothers, Cheng Wen, Gong Gan, Ji Zhong...
and my closest brother, Zi Dan. Cheers.
We'll drink until we drop today. -Yes.
I shall excuse myself. - See you, Sister Zhen Fu.
Come. -Come.
Good!
How could you do something so absurd?
They are all your subordinates and friends.
Forget that you let your guests meet your wife...
you can't let them look at her directly.
Mother. -If this is made known, “...
people will laugh at us.
You don't know manners at all.
I've realised my mistake. - Who were the people present?
No matter who they are, you can't do this again, alright?
Yes. -Go back.
Yes. -Who lifted his head...
and looked at Zhen Fu directly?
Who?
You think I won't know if you don't tell me?
Father, I'm sorry. Please punish me alone.
They were just drunk. -Drunk?
Liu Zhen is known for being a playboy.
I'll sentence him to one year of hard labor.
Wu Zhi shall be demoted to the position of governor of Zhaoge.
Father, they were just... -Just what?
How carried away. Leave.
Yes.
My dear, please rise.
My dear, don't put the mirror on my bed again.
Why don't you just come at me?
What are you saying? - If you like Zi Jian so much...
why don't you just poison me? Why did you do that to my friends?