Episode 12
Open the gate! Else, I'll kill you!
If you kill me, I'll be the only one dead.
But, if I let you pass, my whole family will be killed.
How dare you! -Sir, you can't do that.
Is this your suggestion?
Do you want me to be stuck here forever?
Sir, everyone else is fighting to win.
But, we need to fight for the right thing.
Sir, thank you for sparing my life.
Mr. Xun, General Cao Pi did not leave the city.
He went back from the east gate.
Yes.
What a pity. Sima Yi is not as clever as Yang Xiu.
In war, you can't win without cruelty.
If one shows that one is desperate to win...
one has lost.
Some people can do anything at all to win.
This kind of people is the scariest to others.
Uncle, you mean...
The flag doesn't really matter.
The order doesn't really matter as well.
But, isn't this order the prime minister's test...
to determine who to take and who to give up?
Everyone wants to take.
But, when one is forced to give up something...
even a man like the prime minister...
will face a dilemma.
Alright. It's time.
We need to go to the prime minister.
Are you afraid?
I'm always afraid when I'm here.
But, I feel slightly better since I have your company today.
This time, I'm the one feeling afraid.
Report! General Cao Pi has arrived!
Let him wait.
General Cao Pi shall wait outside!
General Cao Pi shall wait outside.
Zi Jian, did you deliver the flag in time?
I arrived with the flag and written order at 5.45 a.m...
and conveyed the order. General Cao Hong thanked you...
and said that he will not let you down.
He promised to conquer Jingzhou in 3 days.
The army of 30,000 soldiers was high-spirited.
They departed at 7 a.m. So, I came to report back.
But, when we were on our way to the south wing, a guard...
Good.
I'm glad I've a son like you.
Xun Yu, read the decree. -Yes.
Go ahead.
The prime minister has contributed greatly...
and his sons, Cao Zhang and Cao Zhi...
are meritorious defenders of the nation...
who should be rewarded.
Cao Zhang shall be installed as Marquis of Yanling...
Cao Zhi shall be installed as Marquis of Pingyuan.
Each shall be granted a land of 1,000 households.
Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, father.
Zi Wen and Zi Jian...
one with civil virtues and one with martial virtues.
I'm heading to Jingzhou 10 days later.
The two of you will come with me.
Yes, father. -Yes, father.
If there's nothing else, we'll end the meeting here.
You may all return and prepare for the expedition.
Dismiss!
We shall excuse ourselves.
De Zu, it's all thanks to you.
Let's... -Young Master Zi Jian, come.
Brother Zi Huan.
I feel bad to be praised by father.
You're braver indeed.
I wish I can kill you now.
You... -Enough. Go back.
The prime minister summons General Cao Pi...
and Sima Yi!
Greetings, father.
I've failed you. I failed to deliver the order.
I came to apologise.
How come you failed to deliver the military order?
The city gates are all closed today. I cannot leave.
So, I failed to deliver the military order.
You were holding a military order.
Yet, you let a closed city gate stop you.
Why didn't you kill the person who stopped you?
Even if I fail...
there's still another military order with Zi Jian.
It won't affect the military mission.
The guards were just acting upon your order.
I dare not kill him.
I'd rather die for loyalty and filial piety.
I don't want to survive by defiance.
Good. I only said one thing...
and you thought of multiple things.
You're getting more and more like them.
Do you remember what I said yesterday?
If the flag does not arrive in time...
military punishment awaits. -I'm glad you remember.
You know where to go to. -Yes.
I'll remove my Armour later...
and head to the Court of Judicial Review.
Did Sima Yi go with you this morning?
Yes, I went with General Cao Pi.
As an advisor, you failed your master.
You'll join Zi Huan. -Yes.
"The servant would rather die than see his master humiliated."
I cannot excuse myself.
You may all leave.
I'm going to attack Sun Quan. I'll be entrusting you with...
the task to guard the capital again.
I will do my best...
and discuss everything with General Cao Pi.
Did I say to let Zi Huan stay?
I'm sorry, General Cao Pi and Mr. Sima.
I do not know what happened and I do not dare to ask either.
I will just do my job as the host.
Feel free to tell me if you need something.
I will get it done as long as it is legal.
Thank you, Chief Minister Zhong. I need...
a bucket of water and a piece of cloth.
No problem. -Is that enough for cleaning up?
Since we've come, Mr. Zhong, we shall not trouble you.
General Cao Pi, it is said in "I-Ching" that...
"the dragon is lying in wait."
You have not done anything bad.
Don't worry too much. - Thank you, Mr. Zhong.
Young Master Zi Huan will surely calm down. He will be fine.
Thank you, Mr. Zhong.
Sir, how should we treat the two?
Be fair. -I don't understand.
Treat them like how you treat other inmates.
Talk and ask less.
Don't be rude. Don't starve them.
Don't ask for bribery.
Don't bootlick. Do you understand now?
Yes, sir.
Sir, please lift your foot.
Again.
No matter how you wipe, this will still be a cell.
Sir, you might not know, but a cell like this...
is actually cleaner and more secured than...
many houses of the civilians.
You experienced that? -Yes.
When my family was fleeing war...
we hid in our old house which was about to collapse.
My six younger brothers and I fixed it together.
Eight brothers of the Sima Family.
You've six younger brothers. -Yes.
Your six younger brothers are so lucky to have...
an elder brother like you. -When I think back...
I was young and ignorant as well back then.
It's all thanks to my father that...
we all grew up safely.
Young Master Zi Huan, please rest.
We are in this state already. No one is superior than the other.
The floor is wet and cold. Get up to the bed.
Lady Guo, Young Master Zi Huan is jailed.
Please do something to save Young Master Zi Huan.
I know. Don't worry. I'll go and save him now.
But, how? -I'm visiting Sima Family.
Sima Family? Wait, Lady Guo.
Lady Guo, you might not know, but Sima Yi is also imprisoned.
Brother Yi told me that if he doesn't come back...
I must inform his family. Prepare a horse carriage for me.
He predicted it? He knows how to save Young Master Zi Huan?
I joined the army at 7 years old.
My eldest brother, Cao Ang, took care of me.
When I was 10 years old, our army camped at Wancheng.
Zhang Xiu suddenly rebelled at night.
It was chaotic.
Brother Zi Xiu gave my father his horse.
He held me and evaded all the arrows.
When we finally found a horse...
was soon as he put me on the horse...
he was shot by an arrow. His last word was...
"run".
My father has been missing Brother Zi Xiu.
I often wish I can swap with Brother Zi Xiu...
so that I am the one my father misses...
and Brother Zi Xiu can be the official successor.
Father won't be in dilemma and brothers of Cao Family...
won't turn against each other for this position.
Our brotherhood won't be so messed up today.
The prime minister is a poet. So, he favours...
an extremely talented poet like Young Master Zi Jian.
But, he'll surely understand...
who will make the better successor.
You taught me to be a loyal subordinate and son.
But, we still ended up in jail today.
Sir, I thought you agreed with me yesterday that...
we should fight for the right thing and not for victory?
Yes, I agree.
But, do I look unafraid? In order to teach me a lesson...
my father humiliates me and lets everyone see that...
just because of one small mistake...
this happened to me.
Who will dare to speak for me?
You must have regretted as well.
I will never regret sewing you.
I will surely be there if you are in danger again.
Zhong Da, thank you for today.
Else, I wouldn't know how to face everything.
Sleep.
Thanks to you, this cell is so clean.
Ms. Guo, you're back. Madam Chun Hua!
Young Master Fu! Ms. Guo is back.
Your aunt is back. -Shi Er.
Aunt Guo! -Shi Er.
Aunt Guo. -What a good boy.
Let me see. You grew taller again.
Aunt Guo, where did you go?
Why did you leave me behind? -I'm back now.
When you left, I cried. My mother and uncle cried too.
Shi Er, your aunt just came back. Let her rest.
Yes. Let's play. Come.
Where's Sister Chun Hua? -The backyard.
I'll talk to her first.
Zhong Da is in the prison? - Yes, with General Cao Pi.
Brother Yi predicted it when he left this morning.
He told me to inform you if he doesn't come back...
so that you won't worry. -How can I not worry?
He just started serving Cao Pi...
and he got thrown into jail already.
What is he guilty of? What is the punishment?
He's convicted for failing a military mission.
The punishment...
depends on the prime minister. -Who can save him now?
Brother Yi told me to plead with the prime minister's wife.
I'll try my best. He wants you to take care of Old Mr. Sima...
and keep this from him. He also said sorry to you.
It's pointless to say that now.
We need to think of something to save him.
Sister Chun Hua, I'm sorry too. - You wouldn't come back if...
Zhong Da isn't jailed, right? -Of course not.
I was just too ashamed to face you.
I was afraid of seeing your angry and disappointed face.
Stand up. All of you...
are hiding things from me for the same reason.
Because of this, I'm so worried every day.
I've known you for so long.
You and Zhong Da are equally important to me.
I can even give up my life for the two of you.
Would I be angry forever?
Sister Chun Hua, I thought you will cut ties with me.
Ah Zhao. Chun Hua.
Father. -Chun Hua.
Zhong Da... -Zhong Da...
I heard from my peers in the prime minister's office.
So, I came back to discuss with father.
Father, don't worry. Zhong Da told Ah Zhao to pass us a message.
He said that he will be released in a few days.
Chun Hua, don't lie to me.
The prime minister wants to punish General Cao Pi.
Even if he won't hurt his own son...
he'll put the blame on his son's aide.
Liu Zhen and Wu Zhi are the perfect examples.
Is Zhong Da stupid? I'm so old already.
Is it so difficult to keep my children safe...
before I rest in peace?
Father, don't worry. Zhong Da has a plan in store.
He told Ah Zhao to plead with the prime minister's wife.
I'm sure he'll be released in a few days.
Father, trust Brother Yi. Brother Yi is very clever.
Zhong Da should know that...
one should not follow the tracks of an overthrown chariot.
Father, please trust him this once.
Don't worry. I'll escort you back.
Ah Zhao, send someone to deliver a letter to us every day.
If you need help, tell us.
Please rest assured. I'll go and save Brother Yi now.
Father, I'll escort you.
Are you alright?
He's very busy and tired. But, I only want to...
keep him company. So, I'm very contented.
I know you love heroes.
I'm glad you found a husband like him.
Brother Fu, the sadness you feel now...
will fade as time goes by.
You should find yourself a wife. -Liking a person...
isn't like buying something in a market...
or an exchange of favours.
I like you and I am happy enough.
So, you don't owe me anything. Don't worry about me.
Else, I'll feel very useless.
Brother Fu, you're a real gentleman.
Mr. Cui, since you came personally...
there must be something important.
Mr. Xun, don't you know?
This morning, the prime minister...
threw General Cao Pi and his aide, Sima Yi...
into the prison of the Court of Judicial Review.
Mr. Cui, I'm aware.
Mr. Xun, why aren't you worried?
This is Cao Family's business and I am in no place to comment.
General Cao Pi might be the prime minister's son...
but the matter of the heirship concerns the nation.
Imprisoning General Cao Pi because of such trivial matter...
is an abuse of authority.
Senior officials like us should redress the injustice.
How can you sit on the sidelines? - Mr. Cui, you are so honourable.
I am ashamed. But, the whole court knows that...
the prime minister has always favoured Cao Zhi.
If we complain at a time like this...
I'm afraid we'll only make it worse.
Mr. Xun, you might not feel worried yet...
but I saw with my own eyes how Yuan Shao fell.
If it wasn't for favouritism, his two sons wouldn't compete...
and cause the disunity that led to their downfall.
Cao Pi is careful and steady.
He possesses the qualities of a good ruler.
On the other hand, Cao Zhi is young, simple-minded and bold.
If the prime minister repeats Yuan Shads mistake...
there'll be another chaotic war.
You want to avoid suspicion.
But, I'm considered Cao Family's relative.
If you can't talk to the prime minister, I'll go.
Mr. Cui, please wait. Allow me to show you my respect.
To be frank, I've been very restless today.
I've been waiting for you to say that.
Me? -Dear all, please come out.
This is... -Uncle said that...
only one person can convince the prime minister...
to choose General Cao Pi...
and that is you, Mr. Cui. Unless you come...
my uncle won't let us go.
Mr. Xun, if it is something that will benefit the nation...
you just have to tell me if you need my help.
You don't have to wait here.
I see. You don't trust me.
You think I'll favour my son-in-law.
Mr. Cui, I dare not doubt you.
It's just that the prime minister...
will only buy your advice.
Yet, on top of having to trouble you...
we have to harm your family's interest.
Mr. Xun, this is an insult to me.
I'll lead everyone to advise the prime minister now.
Uncle, Mr. Cui came just as you expected.
He serves the nation selflessly.
Cui Family from Qinghe is truly a family of integrity.
Uncle, don't you want to go? -I wish I can go.
But, if I go, it'll just give General Cao Pi more trouble.
Take care, uncle.
My dear.
Zhong Da, are you missing your wife?
I dreamt of her.
Speaking of this, I fought with your wife before.
I apologise on behalf of my wife.
Sir, what are you doing?
I'm counting the days. One word per day.
A day feels like a year to me now. Zhong Da.
How long do you think we will be stuck in this cell?
If we count from today...
if we aren't released in 10 days...
we'll have to wait until your father returns from Jingzhou.
It'll take my father at least half a year...
to come back from the expedition.
Have you ever heard of an heir imprisoned for half a year?
Please rest assured. The officials will plead for you.
You are one who will always have a back-up plan.
You can't leave it totally unplanned...
and trust the officials to plead for our lives?
It's win or die.
There's no back-up plan. - Fine. We're in the same boat.
Don't give me your great philosophies.
Speak. What other hope do I have apart from you?
The wife.
You've gone mad from missing your wife!
No. Young Master Zi Huan. I'm talking about...
Madame Bian, Lady Zhen and Lady Guo.
Hopefully.
Lady Zhen. Lady Guo.
Greeting the ladies.
Greetings, Lady Zhen. Greetings, Lady Guo.
Rise. -Thank you, Lady Guo.
You may leave.
I'm glad you came.
General Cao Pi got thrown into the jail...
for sparing you. I'd like to...
beg you. -Lady Zhen.
General Cao Pi is punished for sparing my life.
I should repay him with my life.
So, please instruct me.
I only need you to say a few words to the prime minister.
Don't worry. I'll beg Madame Bian to protect you.
The prime minister definitely won't punish you.
Ah Wang.
This is from Lady Zhen.
Lady Zhen, I'm not here for wealth.
You've insulted me.
Mother, please save Zi Huan. -Stand up.
You're pregnant. Don't exhaust yourself.
Mother, father will head to the battlefield soon.
We can't leave Zi Huan in the prison.
Please save Zi Huan for the sake of our child.
You know your father-in-laws temper.
He doesn't allow me to interfere in state affairs.
One man wishes to speak for Zi Huan.
But, he is not of high position.
I'm afraid he won't be able to meet the prime minister.
Who is he?
He's the guard Zi Huan spared.
Go back and rest well.
Tell Shi Chun to bring that man to my place.
Thank you, mother. - Lady Zhen is pregnant.
You must take good care of her. Do not make her angry.
Please rest assured. - Rest assured, mother.
Sister Zhao takes very good care of me.
If it isn't for her, I wouldn't know what to do.
I'm glad that you two get along well.
I wonder if this will work. - This is the most we can do.
The rest is up to the prime minister.
If all fails, I'll go to Mr. Xun Yu.
Sir.
My dear.
What brought you over today?
How long do you intend to keep Zi Huan in jail?
He must be punished for failing a military mission.
Was he supposed to kill the guard of the city gate?
Sir, by right, I should not interfere.
But, someone came to me...
and offered to exchange his life for Zi Huan's.
I felt sad and hurt after listening to him.
I think perhaps you should meet this person too.
Who is he?
Who are you? -I am a guard of the east gate.
I was on shift when you ordered to close the gate.
General Cao Pi wanted to leave.
But, I did not dare to defy your order.
So, I refused to open the gate. General Cao hesitated and said...
"you are acting upon my father's order...
and killing you is disrespectful to my father."
"I cannot let you die for being dutiful."
Today, I was informed that General Cao Pi has been...
punished as he was unable to leave the city.
My life is insignificant. I don't want General Cao Pi...
to die because of me.
So, I sent my mother to my brother's place...
and came to request death.
Sir, please kill me and spare General Cao Pi.
Who taught you to say this?
These are my own words.
Please punish me if I have said something wrong.
I'm uneducated. I only know that...
General Cao Pi is kind to me...
and I should repay him with my life.
Ah Man.
You only said one wrong thing.
The life of every dutiful soldier under me...
is significant.
My dear, this is an honourable man.
Send 10 rolls of silk to his mother.
Yes. -You may go.
I won't kill Zi Huan.
Thank you, sir!
Wait.
Come here. -Yes.
Sir!
Go. -Sir!
Ah Man, even if you don't plan to kill Zi Huan...
you can't keep him jailed forever.
Zhen Fu is pregnant.
Her condition is still unstable.
If something bad happens to her...
we'll lose our grandchild.
Zi Huan isn't really at fault for sparing a guard.
Please free Zi Huan.
He can influence the officials even when he is in the prison...
and buy heads. Nothing bad will happen to him.
"How can they fly without wings?"
"How can they meet without the bridge?"
It's been 10 days.
My father will leave for the battlefield today.
This shouldn't be. -You don't know my father well.
But, the prime minister should understand deep down...
what is best for the state.
Perhaps, I can have a good sleep after today.
A long slumber.
General Cao Pi, the prime minister is departing.
Please see him off.
Is this my father's order?
Would I dare to free you without permission?
Fetch me some water to wash up. -Alright.
What should I say when I see my father?
(Dry-
I have composed a poem entitled "White Horse"...
to see you off, father.
My son's poem will motivate the army.
"Letters are sent from the north."
"Reining his horse he clambers up the hill."
"He charges towards Hun soldiers to the right."
"Looking left he assaults the Xianbei."
"He has staked himself on the edge of his sword."
"How can he treasure his life?"
"Even his parents he puts at the back of his mind."
"Let alone his children and wife."
"if his name is to enter the roll of the heroes...
he cannot be concerned about personal matters."
I can't cry after listening to Zi Jian's poem.
"He sees death as a journey back home".
Zi Huan, why are you crying?
Father, I failed a military mission.
Yet, instead of punishing me, you forgave and protected me.
I have come to a realization.
It is wartime and you are the prime minister of a nation.
You are leading the nation personally.
I dare not take the state affairs lightly.
I just find it regretful that I cannot fight alongside you...
in the battlefield for the sake of the country.
Father, please take care.
I'm willing to exchange my life for your triumphant return...
and peace for the world.
That sounds sincere.
Yet, it can never sound as pleasant as Zi Jian's poem.