Episode 13
Father, please take care.
I'd 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.
Rise.
I hereby order you to stay back and guard Xudu.
Your duty is similarly important.
You'll seek advices from Xun Yu.
Yes, father.
Young Master Zi Huan! You are finally back!
Young Master Zi Huan! -Get up.
I was worried sick. -Ah Weng.
I'm useless. They wouldn't let me serve you in the prison.
Ah Weng, look. I'm perfectly fine.
Alright. Sir, it's been hard on you.
Young Master Zi Huan!
Young Master Zi Huan, you're finally back!
I've been... -I know.
It's all thanks to you.
I'm glad you're fine.
Sister Zhen Fu.
My dear, it's been hard on you. I'll go and prepare food and wine.
Thank you. But, no thanks.
I want to take a bath.
I spent 10 days in a prison. I feel dirty.
Alright. I'll prepare right away. -Young Master Zi Huan.
I shall excuse myself since you've returned safely.
I still have something to say to you. Come with me.
Why do you think my father...
released me in the last minute?
There are cases of warlords entrusting their heirs with...
their cities when they leave for the battlefield.
Congratulations, sir. You are one step closer to...
becoming the prime minister's successor.
Are you saying that my father made me stay back...
because he plans to make me his successor?
You're just one step closer.
Only Mr. Xun Yu stayed back in the city...
and Mr. Xun Yu will surely report everything to you.
The prime minister knows this very well.
I don't agree.
If that's the case, how come only Zi Wen...
and Zi Jian got installed as marquises?
The rank of a marquis doesn't make one the successor.
The prime minister knows that...
there is a big gap between you and Young Master Zi Jian.
So, he did that to elevate Young Master Zi Jian's status.
Even if I do as you say, I believe...
Zi Jian will still be my father's choice.
No. The prime minister has learnt from this test.
Young Master Zi Jian disregarded his order...
in order to win.
Yet, you bit the bullet for the sake of the big picture.
Sometimes, I really envy you.
You receive such simple and clear...
education and affection from your father.
I just hope that my father...
can say a few words to praise me.
I am a bad son. I made you worry.
This happens when you don't listen to us.
You got jailed a few days after you reported to work.
Father was worried sick.
I think you should resign.
You should go back to the mountains and study.
I grew up under your protection.
I didn't plan to work for another.
But, even if I hide at home...
someone will barge in. - Can't you at least leave Cao Pi?
How do you compete with Yang Xiu? -Brother Lang.
I chose Cao Pi because I see his potential.
He has a chance in changing the world.
If I change my mind...
just because of some small hardships...
I'll be a despicable man.
Enough.
Zhong Da.
Did they give you a hard time in the prison?
Father, don't worry.
Chief Minister Zhong took very good care of me.
Zhong Yao is a clever person.
Xun Yu is the same.
They know they cannot afford to offend Cao Pi...
or Cao Zhi. But, they won't take action.
They pushed an unimportant scholar like you to the front.
Do you know why?
Because your life is worthless.
This is politics.
Someone has to blaze the trail and die first...
so that the people hiding behind can benefit from it.
My son, are you clever or foolish?
Father.
I do not want to be made use of either.
But, after going through so much...
I came to a realization.
Someone has to open a path.
This is better than drowning to death with everyone.
I'm sewing General Cao Pi...
for the sake of Cao Family as well.
Moreover, Cao Zi Huan...
really treats me as his friend.
I don't care whether he treats you as his friend or not.
I only know that I...
am your father.
Master, we should feel happy to see Young Master Yi back.
Why are you so teary?
You haven't been eating properly for a few days.
I'll cook a bowl of chicken soup porridge for you.
I'll go. -Just give me some soup.
Save the meat for Shi Er and Zhao Er.
My legs are stiff from all the riding.
I'm so tired.
As we couldn't talk, I didn't get to ask you.
How come the prime minister suddenly decided to free Cao Pi?
I was careless.
Confining Cao Pi and Sima Yi together...
was an obvious hint.
You mean, the prime minister...
didn't really intend to punish Cao Pi?
If he wants to punish Cao Pi, why did he grant him an advisor?
I can't believe we didn't think of that.
We wasted 10 days.
Cao Pi cried so sadly this morning.
It might even be Sima Yi's idea.
Advancing passively is Sima Yi's strategy.
Sima Yi is really a huge threat to us.
It's a pity that I left as well. if I stayed back...
I could hire a few assassins to get rid of him.
Brother Ding, can you not resort to killing so easily?
Besides, do you think you can fool the prime minister?
We might end up embarrassing ourselves...
on top of failing to kill him.
We cannot kill this man. But, we might be able to control him.
He has a weakness?
Brother Ding, go and tell the prime minister that...
Young Master Zi Jian needs an experienced person...
to manage his household while he is away...
and request to assign the task to Sima Lang.
Sima Yi's brother?
I get it. The prime minister is away...
and Sima Lang cannot excuse himself.
If we have his brother...
he will have to hold back.
De Zu, what a brilliant idea.
This is at least more interesting than...
"getting rid of him.
Yes, it's too interesting.
Are you tired? -No.
Young Master Zi Huan.
Mr. Cui. -Young Master Zi Huan.
Did you go hunting? -Yes.
This weather is perfect for riding and hunting.
Forgive me for being nosy. Do you know why...
even though Yuan Family ruled the entire Hebei...
with millions of people...
they were defeated in just 3 years by your father?
That's because my father is clever, strong and unbeatable.
Of course Yuan Shao isn't a problem.
That's just the case on the surface.
The country is in decline.
The people wish for benevolent policies.
But, Yuan Shads sons were busy entertaining themselves...
and abusing their authorities.
This caused the people's dissatisfaction.
Wise and good officials left one after another.
Of course they lost.
Mr. Cui, are you comparing me to Yuan Shads immodest sons?
I dare not. But now...
the prime minister has taken the trouble to...
attack the rebels personally.
You should be focusing on your responsibility.
Yet, you indulge in the pleasure of riding and hunting...
and neglect the state affairs.
This will really sadden the people.
Thank you, Mr. Cui.
But, my father often tells us to practise riding and archery.
Please take care. -This...
Young Master Zi Huan, I think he has a point.
Let's make this our last time.
He does have a point. But, don't forget that...
Mr. Cui is Zi Jian's father-in-law.
Ah Zhao, are you sure?
Did Cui Yan really reprimand General Cao Pi like that?
It's not word by word. But, the meaning is the same.
Is this man's words very important?
Yes. It's very important.
Cui Yan is Cao Zhi's father-in-law.
By right, he should suppress General Cao Pi.
But, he is a selfless and famous scholar.
He's a real gentleman.
But, General Cao Pi is young and hot-blooded.
He's constantly misled by Cao Zhen too.
Ah Zhao, was General Cao Pi at home when you came out?
Yes. -You're clever. Let's go.
Alright.
Zi Huan, we must come back with a lot of preys today.
Of course. Greetings, General Cao Pi.
Sir, are you leaving to hunt? -Yes.
Sir. -Where did you go?
Go and get changed. Everyone is waiting for you.
Zhong Da, let's hunt together.
I heard that Cui Yan admonished you yesterday.
I think you should not go today.
He's just picking on me like Yang Xiu.
If I don't even have the guts to ignore his words...
I should just hand Zi Jian the position.
Right. The prime minister loves hunting the most.
Why can't Zi Huan hunt?
Do you believe that Cui Yan is just nitpicking?
Don't tell me he wants to help me.
He compares you to King Wen of Zhou...
and Duke Yin of Lu. He advises you to be virtuous...
and diligent. He treats you as the prime minister's successor.
Zhong Da, you're experienced.
You've seen enough of dirty tricks.
Cui Yan is the only person in this world who will not...
treat me as the successor. -Cui Yan will.
He is a man of integrity. He is a very prominent scholar.
To him, rites are way more...
important than his personal interests.
Zi Jian is his son-in-law.
So, he will try even harder to be fair.
Cui Yan is a man who practices what he preaches...
unlike the hypocrites out there.
Zi Huan, don't listen to him.
Bring me my hunting gears.
That's right. What is there to be afraid of?
Sima Yi.
You're so persistent. There's no such man in this world.
Bring them over quickly!
Zi Huan, wait. Sima Yi.
Look at Zi Jian and Yang Xiu.
They spend their days drinking, composing poems and so.
Now, just because of some nonsense someone said...
you put a restriction on Zi Huan.
Do you want him to keep on pretending forever?
It's not pretending.
It's turning a restriction into a rule...
to constantly remember and abide by.
What stupid rule is this? -Enough. Let go.
Let go.
I'm sorry, sir.
I chose this path myself. You don't have to feel bad.
"Would there be an end to sunrise and sunset?"
"The times of nature does not correspond to life."
"That is why spring is not my spring...
and summer is not my summer."
Life is brief. I must do what I should do.
"When god is about to place a great responsibility on one...
god will frustrate, starve, exhaust and harass this person...
to motivate and toughen him or her.
You must do what you should do.
Cui Yan supports me for his integrity.
What about you? -I'm doing it for myself.
It's wartime. Everyone wants to protect themselves.
I was forced to take pan in politics...
to ensure my family's safety.
But, if you really manage to change the world one day...
I wish to see the prosperity you once promised.
Report!
Sima Fu came. -Bring him over.
Yes.
They just won't leave Sima Family alone.
Zhong Da, I've already lost my position in the court
In this family, only you and Bo Da are officials now.
I'd like to hear your opinions.
Father, Brother Lang must not go.
This is a transfer order. I serve the prime minister.
How can I defy the prime minister's order?
Father, this is clearly Yang Xiu's idea.
He wants Brother Lang to serve Cao Zhi...
so that the two of us will restrain...
each other. No matter who wins in the end...
one of us might lose his life.
This is such a vile trick.
What should I do? Do I break my own legs like you?
Brother Lang, you can turn down the offer.
Even if the prime minister is around...
is this something you have the guts to do?
If I don't go to work for a year...
even if the prime minister forgives me when he returns...
I'll lose my position. -Brother Lang.
Losing your position is still better than...
"serving Yang Xiu and Ding Yi.
I get it. Only your undertaking...
career and ambition are important.
We should all make way for you. -Brother Lang.
That's not what I meant.
In this competition for heirship...
the lives of all the aides are at stake.
Isn't it enough to put one of us in danger?
Brother Lang, why do you have to...
get yourself into trouble?
The prime minister favours Cao Zhi. Yet, you serve Cao Pi.
Have you ever thought of me and father's feelings?
What if you lose and we all get killed?
Master, it's time to eat.
Since everyone is eating at home today...
I prepared pancake soup, pork soup, braised lamb...
Enough. This should be their competition, not ours.
Brother Lang, please calm down.
Yang Xiu is clever and Ding Yi is tricky.
Please don't let them make use of you.
I'm not as clever as you. Unlike you, I'm not capable of...
doing great things, right?
Bo Da.
Mr. Cui. -General Cao Pi.
Greetings, Mr. Cui. -You have something to say to me?
Why didn't you go in? -I came too early.
I didn't want to disturb you.
Is it an urgent matter? Should we go in and talk?
No. I only came to say a few words.
I'll go back to work right after this.
I thought about your kind advice...
and burnt all my hunting gears yesterday.
If I ever make a mistake again...
please do not hesitate to reprimand me.
General Cao Pi, please rise. I do not deserve this.
You deserve it. You are my senior.
I hope you don't find me pretentious.
After all, it's been a long time since someone guided me like you.
Rise at once.
I am utterly grateful.
Poor thing.
I don't mind if I'm doing it for a gentleman.
Fine. I'll tell you what's worse.
I just received the news. Yesterday...
father sent an order to transfer Sima Lang...
to Zi Jian's office. Do you feel bad for yourself now?
Have Sima Yi returned to my office?
No. Who knows what Sima Family is planning to do?
Why did you come out? Go in.
Hou Ji, put that horse back to the table.
Just like humans, horses need to exercise too.
Brother Yi, you've done this 10 times.
Are you not planning to go to work today?
How do I face General Cao Pi...
if I cannot convince Brother Lang to quit?
Enough. The weather is so good today.
Let's invite Brother Lang to go out on an excursion with us.
Little horsie.
Maybe Brother Lang...
has quickly reported to work.
You're usually quite clever.
If you're so restless, do you think Brother Lang...
can report to work in assurance?
Being clever doesn't help. I'm not good with words.
I don't know how to persuade him. -Stop hesitating and go.
Yes. Don't fight with Brother Lang.
I'm not fighting with Brother Lang.
He never understands what I understand.
If he serves Cao Zhi, how do I contend with Yang Xiu?
If Cao Zhi loses, will Yang Xiu spare him?
Brother Lang won't withdraw. Cao Pi and Cao Zhi...
can only protect one in Sima Family.
Why don't you withdraw then?
Brother Lang is in a dilemma too.
It's unfair to demand him to resign.
Can we think of it this way? One assists Cao Pi...
and one assists Cao Zhi. Regardless of the outcome...
they can protect each other.
This isn't like growing vegetables.
What do you think, Distraction? If Cao Zhi wins...
I'll be doomed.
But, if Cao Pi wins...
you must protect Brother Lang. You said it before.
Brother Lang has done a lot for this family.
It's your turn to protect him.
Brothers are brothers.
Keep your Distraction. Don't be a coward.
Let's go.
Father, don't go if you hate the job.
Stay and play with me. - Who says I hate the job?
Stay and play with me today. - Be a good girl and stay home.
I'll play with you later. -Alright then.
Brother Lang, good morning. -Brother Lang.
Are you here to stop me and persuade me to resign again?
Brother Lang, I came to apologise to you.
I was inconsiderate yesterday. Please forgive me.
I spent the night thinking about it.
Even if we serve two different people...
we won't hurt each other. We're one family.
We'll surely help each other. Brother Lang.
I'm sorry. -Yes, Brother Lang.
Sister Chun Hua has scolded Brother Yi.
Don't be angry with him. - What are you saying?
Zhong Da, the problem is that I have no choice.
Since the weather is so good and the prime minister is away...
why don't you two take a leave today...
since both of you are late anyway.
Why don't we go out for an excursion at Ying River?
Father, I want to join Uncle Yi's excursion too.
Alright. Let's go together.
Good! Bull's eye!
Sir, this is from the secretariat.
Mr. Xun said... -I don't want to read.
Zi Huan, if you don't trust him...
why do you still want to keep this threat?
I trust him. -Why are you so anxious then?
Look at your performance today.
It's alright. I know what's on your mind.
I'll say it out for you. You are...
worried about Sima Family being shilly-shally.
They let their eldest son assist Zi Jian...
and let their second son assist you.
This way, no matter who between the two of you...
loses in the competition, Sima Family...
will benefit from it. ls this what you are thinking?
Zhong Da isn't a person like that. He's risking his life to help me.
Who can trade his life for benefits?
If you are irresolute, you will get into trouble.
Zi Huan, what if he betrays you to help Yang Xiu one day?
Sima Lang is his brother.
Do you have any idea who Sima Family really intends to aid?
Report!
Sir, Sima Yi left home. -Where did he go?
He went out with Sima Lang and Sima Fu.
He's in casual clothes. He brought his wife and kids.
They seem to be heading out of the city for an excursion.
An excursion? -What did I tell you?
See? What did I tell you? -While you're feeling restless...
they are having the time of their lives.
Enough. -How is he risking his life?
Must you mock me?
How am Fine.
I won't say a word.
You know the problem. -Repor1!
Sir, Sima Family's servant came to apply for leave for Sima Yi.
Alright. -Yes.
Is anyone following him? -Yes.
Our men are monitoring him. -Alright.
Prepare my horse. I'm going over. -Zi Huan.
I just want to see why he is in the mood...
for an excursion.
My dear sir.
Is Sima Yi...
really so important?
You said that I need to be resolute.
I'm going to see for myself.
Brother Yi, do you remember?
We once overturned the boat when we tried to touch the fishes.
Father wanted to beat us. But, Brother Lang took it for us.
I remember. Brother Lang, I reflected...
after you lectured me yesterday.
I was wrong. -It's alright.
You think I really want the position?
I just want to save some leeway for you.
Brother Lang, when you serve Cao Zhi...
you must be careful. Just do your job.
Don't be too involved in the competition for heirship.
I'll just do my job properly.
If he wants me to do something dishonourable...
I won't be afraid even if he complains to the prime minister.
Hou Ji! ls the food ready? -Madam Chun Hua!
The food is ready! Come over and eat!
Brother Fu, you're no longer young.
Father is worried about the matter of your marriage.
We've found a girl for you.
She's from Chen Family of Yingchuan.
She's a cousin of Chen Qun, a lady from a prestigious family.
In terms of education, background and looks...
she is the best choice.
Since the prime minister is away...
and both me and Zhong Da can take leave...
Zhong Da and I will propose for you tomorrow.
Brother Lang, both of you are so busy.
Don't worry about me.
Don't say no. You've to get married sooner or later.
I don't want to get married. If I get married now...
I will end up disappointing the lady.
I won't do something so dishonourable.
You need to have your own life. You should forget about her.
Brother Yi, if you didn't get to marry Sister Chun Hua...
will you forget her?
Forget me? Will you forget me?
"I shall love you to the end of time."
Different people have different cases.
But, the logic and feelings are the same.
Just let me love her peacefully and happily.
What's bad about this? -Fine.
"How vernal flowers fascinate." "How vernal birds sing desolate."
What a nice family gathering in this scenic place.
Very good. Greetings, sir.
Bo Da, congratulations on your promotion.
Thank you, sir.
General Cao Pi. General Cao Zhen. Let's eat together.
No thanks. Zhong Da, I need to talk to you.
Zi Jian and I...
are so lucky to have the assistance of...
two gifted men from Sima Family.
I wonder how your brother intends to assist my brother.
He will just be a loyal official...
and a filial son.
Well said.
Who exactly is Sima Family loyal to?
The prime minister of course.
My father wants to make Zi Jian his successor.
So, your brother became Zi Jian's loyal official.
Being loyal doesn't mean...
following the master's order blindly.
It's about protecting the prime minister's legacy.
Helping you to become the prime minister's successor...
is my way of being loyal to you and the prime minister.
If I become the successor, what will happen to your brother?
You will surely be able to protect my brother.
What will happen to you if Zi Jian becomes the successor?
I will share my fate with you.
Do you dare to compete with your brother?
My brother is an honest man. He won't compete with anyone.
His transfer is surely Yang Xiu or the prime minister's idea.
Sima Family can only obey and bear the pressure.
But, who exactly is the one Sima Family chose?
I will surely walk with you until the end.
However, I will ensure my brother's safety.
Sima Family is cornered. This is our only option.
"Even a foot of cloth can be stitched up."
"Even a scoop of millet can be ground."
"Yet, brothers cannot accept each other."
You'll taste this feeling with me.
In the 13th year of Jian'an Reign...
Cao Cao was defeated by Sun Quan and Liu Bei's armies...
at the Red Cliff. He returned in low spirits.
This failure crushed Cao Cads hope of...
conquering the whole land in one war.
The longstanding war against external enemies...
made Cao Cao realise that...
he must break free from Ham's restrictions...
and further centralise the authority.
Cao Cao forced the emperor to make him the King of Wei.
He made Yecheng the capital of State of Wei...
and moved to his very own kingdom...
with the officials.
The officials were secretly asking themselves.
It is Ham's law that only...
"members of Liu Family can become sovereigns.
But now, Cao Cao has declared his kingship.
How far is he...
from declaring himself the emperor?
All hail the king!
General Cao Pi. Zhong Da.
I just received the news. Liu Zhen...
passed away in Xudu.
I just saw him days ago.
The epidemic in the penal labour camp...
spreads very fast. No one expected this.
It's all my fault. I didn't save him in time.
I won't spare the people who got him killed.
Brother Yang.
You didn't go and check out your new office?
Brother Yang, I want to ask you a question.
When will the king summon Young Master Zi Jian to Yecheng?
The king handed the tasks of constructing the palace...
and assuring the people to Cao Pi. Could it be that...
the king is still bothered by the fact that...
the two of you killed the guard back then?
That's my fault.
We need to think of something for Young Master Zi Jian.
Prime Minister Cao has declared his kingship.
He will soon name his heir.
We can't lose because of a trivial matter like that.
Lose?
Young Master Zi Jian is still their favourite son.
Don't worry. Madame Bian misses her son.
Soon enough, she will ask the king...
to summon Young Master Zi Jian.
Greetings, mother.
Rise. -Yes.
Mother, you look pale lately.
So, I made some refreshments for you.
You're such a good daughter-in-law. Leave it there.
Come in. -Yes.
My eyesight is deteriorating.
Mother, you've been sewing this mantle for days.
You must be tired. Should I help you to sew?
You should get some rest.
Come here. Sit down. -Yes.
When I married Ah Man, I made clothes for him.
He wore them even though the sleeves were uneven in length.
Mother, both you and the king are simple and generous people.
This mantle must be for the king.
I intend to send this mantle to Zi Jian.
I haven't seen Zi Jian for a long time. Why don't you...
ask Zi Huan to plead with the king?
You're a good child.
Zi Huan's conflict with the king...
upsets me and the king.
Be it for me, him...
or Zi Jian, you should talk to Zi Huan.