Episode 30
A decree under the zither? You're good at making up stories.
- Fine. Go ahead. - I was also tricked by that woman.
But, on the first night, there was really a decree...
in the room with a pool and a bed.
You bathed and slept with her?
My dear, if you're so worked up, how can I explain to you properly?
It's a long story. The emperor did issue a decree...
and order me to stay with her. -Nonsense!
The emperor ordered you to bathe and sleep with her...
and you really did it? -My dear.
Of course I won't do something so despicable!
I'm saying that this woman is no ordinary woman!
The emperor sent this woman...
to spy on me! -What nonsense are you saying?
Father. Mother.
Father, what are you doing?
Your mother... She dropped a bodkin.
It's the jade bodkin, right?
Yes! Have you found it? -I'll find it soon.
Where is it? -I'm looking for it.
Shi Er, what brought you over? -Father, it's about you.
This is my opinion. You and mother have...
gone through 20 years of ups and downs together.
We can't let another woman enter our family.
See? That's my good son.
Don't worry, Shi Er. I won't betray your mother.
This should not be made known. Don't spread it in the household.
I will handle this matter with care.
Close the door, Shi Er. - Alright. I shall excuse myself.
Why would an emperor force his subject to sleep with a woman?
What's written on the decree?
Did he specifically order you to bathe and sleep with her?
My dear, why must you say all those unpleasant words?
The emperor is an educated man.
He won't write something so unrefined.
What did he write then? -He wrote "conquer and return".
Conquer what?
Fight with her on the bed? What do you want?
Make babies with her?
Am I a man like that? I rejected her that night!
I told that woman that I'm not in the condition!
What will you do if you are in the condition then?
Do you secretly like it?
Speak! Your children are going to be adults soon!
Do you find me too old now?
Father. Mother.
Father, what are you doing?
I'm looking for your mother's bodkin.
Is it the jade bodkin? -Yes! Where is it?
I'm looking for it.
Zhao Er, what brought you over?
Father, it's about you. In my opinion...
you and mother have been together for 20 years.
Brother and I are adults already.
It's inappropriate to have another woman in the family.
If she dares to come, I'll kill her with poison.
Poison her? Poison both of them! -You want to poison me?
I've always wanted to! -Enough. Zhao Er.
I won't betray your mother. This must not be made known.
Don't spread it in the household.
I will handle this matter with care.
Close the door. -Alright.
I said I am not in the condition because...
I have you! The emperor ordered me to conquer and return!
What can I say in reply? "I will advance bravely?"
Didn't you advance bravely? You slept with her!
Aren't you brave? -I swear to god that...
I guarded my chastity! That woman and I...
did nothing! -If you are so chaste...
go to the emperor tomorrow and return her!
I'll return her in the court meeting tomorrow!
If you don't, you're a scoundrel!
I've done nothing wrong!
I've never forgotten my morals!
What do you want? -What are you doing here?
I'm busy looking for something! -I know, a bodkin.
Madam Chun Hua, I never commented about your private life.
But, this is my opinion.
Young Master Yi sincerely told me many times that...
you are the best thing that has ever happened to him.
I've also heard a lot of similar remarks from him.
So, I believe Young Master Yi won't betray you.
Madam Chun Hua, please think twice.
Hou Ji and I know each other the best.
Why should I know you?
Stop listening in! Tell all of them...
to go away! Close the door! - Yes! I'll tell them to leave!
My dear, can we cut the night shod?
I've no idea how many people are standing outside.
Sima Yi, I'll do you a favour. If you return her tomorrow...
I'll forgive you. If you fail to return her...
Just wait and see.
Zhang Chun Hua! Give me a bodkin! -What?
Father will come next!
Kneel!
Your Majesty, it's midnight. You should go to bed.
Should I let Consort Guo... -No.
It's late. Don't summon anyone. -Yes.
Fetch some hot water. -Yes.
Ah Wang.
Don't you think Sima Yi must be sleepless tonight?
I heard that Mrs. Sima is a feisty and righteous woman...
who loves martial ads.
I wonder if a delicate man like Mr. Sima...
can survive his wife's scratches and kicks.
Your Majesty can look out for bruises on his face tomorrow.
Consort Guo, it's midnight.
I don't think the emperor will summon you.
Please go to bed.
Alright. You may retire. -Yes.
Zhong Da, you don't look good.
Did you just get back? I guess you didn't rest well.
Your Majesty.
I dare not...
accept your reward.
I have come to return the gift in one piece.
Please retract your order. - Return the gift in one piece?
The two of you spent a night together.
Are you so irresponsible?
We did not spend the night in the same room.
I remembered to abide by the military rules.
Sexual dalliance is not allowed.
Did you read my decree? -Yes.
Is it good? -Yes.
I told you to conquer and return.
Yet, you did nothing and came to return my gift in one piece.
Isn't this a serious offense? Or is it because...
the woman I granted is not good enough for you?
No. Your Majesty is generous...
and Ms. Bai is an exceptional beauty. But, I...
I'm too weak and cowardly to attack.
You're too weak? You have a few sons, don't you?
Are you afraid because you are wary of a strong enemy?
Your Majesty, this is my family problem.
I can't summarise it into a few words.
Your Majesty, you can send me to attack Liu Bei and Sun Quan.
I'll go all out and fight. -Enough.
You're an important court official as well.
Isn't it normal to have a few concubines?
You're so afraid of your wife.
Listen.
Being henpecked won't give you a good reputation.
Your Majesty, my wife...
If you can't even handle your wife...
how do you assist me to manage a country?
If your wife is so ignorant...
I'll lend you a hand and issue a decree to...
divorce her for you.
Your Majesty must not do so. -Why?
Do you want to defy my order?
I dare not.
The new policies will be implemented soon.
You and Chen Qun will shoulder a great responsibility.
Don't let your family problems affect your work. You may leave.
Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall excuse myself.
I hereby order you to conquer and return.
Yes, Your Majesty. I will conquer.
Your Majesty, if you go too far...
it'll seem a little graceless. Why do you insist?
Do you think I've the time to...
meddle in his family business?
He's just my pawn. But, I'm quite curious.
Bai Ling Yun is considered very beautiful.
I can't believe Sima Yi...
resisted the temptation.
The court has announced a new policy!
There's a new policy! -Let's take a look!
The court has announced a new policy!
Let's take a look!
From now on, officials are not selected...
by recommendation or through the Monthly Review!
Be it a student, farmer, worker, businessman...
or even civil servant...
everyone can apply to take pan in the test...
at the county's Rectification Board!
Talented and aspiring ones!
Go and register yourselves!
Is it true? -It must be fake.
Are you saying that even without recommendation from governors...
or reviews from famous figures, we can all take pan in the test?
Yes! From now on, just go to the Rectification Board!
Your rank will be determined by your capability!
Bribery is not allowed! The Rectification Board...
is monitored by the Rectification Bureau!
The Rectification Bureau is monitored by the Secretariat!
If you try to bribe your way through...
you will get into trouble!
Let's go and try!
Let's all give it a try! -Let's go!
This man can be accepted. He has decent looks...
and his background is alright.
Next.
My name is Zhong Hui and my style name is Shi Ji.
I am from Changshe, Yingchuan.
My great grandfather, Di, did not become an official...
due to the Disaster of Partisan Prohibitions.
My grandfather, Li, died young.
My father, Yao, is the current Supervisor of Law Enforcement.
I study in the Imperial Academy. My results...
and specialisations are all written in this.
I see. You are Mr. Zhong Yads son.
I've long heard that Mr. Zhong Yao has a son...
who is a genius.
As expected, I'm impressed today.
Since your father allowed you to come...
it's my honour as well. Please rest assured.
I will judge carefully.
Your talent will not be overlooked.
Thank you, sir. Just test me fairly.
I will. -I shall excuse myself.
Send my regards to your father. Goodbye.
Goodbye. Keep this properly.
How handsome and charismatic. -Right.
Next.
Bring his bamboo slips over.
Why aren't you talking?
Tell me your name, background and ancestral home.
Is he nervous?
I am Deng...
N...
What's wrong with you?
Where do you think you are?
You think everyone on the street can take the test?
How can a man who stutters like you become an official?
Oust him. What kind of person is this?
He's messing around. -Sir!
Sir! I...
I have a...
I have a suggestion for the agriculture system!
Forget it! Fix your tongue first!
I have a suggestion for the agriculture system!
I hate people who don't know their place the most.
Throw this away.
Next. -Next.
Hurry. We'll be late. -Come and have your foflune told!
Hurry.
Mr. Sima, please wait.
Mr. Sima, our lady wishes to talk to you in private.
Greetings, Mr. Sima.
You came fast.
You entered the palace to meet the emperor as well.
Of course I need to hurry.
Mr. Sima, it looks like...
your wife did not allow you to have a good rest last night.
You don't have to ridicule me.
My wife and I are very much in love.
Isn't it common sense that...
infidelity is difficult to accept?
I understand.
You've told me back in the mansion.
But, just like you, I'm forced to do this.
We're in the same situation. I hope you're not angry with me.
I don't blame it on you.
Besides, this is the emperor's generosity.
I'm utterly grateful.
I'm not forced at all. I'm very happy.
I'm glad then. Let's go in.
Ms. Bai, there's no hurry.
We need to make a plan.
What do you plan to do with me then?
Maybe I should stand outside.
If your neighbours see this and gossip...
I don't think it'll benefit anyone.
I'm trying to think of a proper plan for you.
Ms. Bai, I've a suggestion.
Please go back to your mansion and stay there for a few days.
Let me clean up my residence...
before I welcome you.
Didn't you say that you're grateful to the emperor?
Yet, you don't seem to appreciate me at all.
Aren't you afraid of enraging the emperor?
If that happens, on top of punishing us...
the emperor might punish Mrs. Sima as well.
Alright.
Come in. Wait. Wait a moment.
Ms. Bai.
Give me a minute. Please allow me to...
persuade and comfort my wife.
My wife has a special temper.
I understand. I met her in my mansion before.
You've never seen her in her real furious state.
My wife once stood in front of this door...
holding a sword...
and ousted General Cao Hong. -I saw that.
But, if that's the case, even if you persuade her...
will she listen to you?
Can you still be the leader of the family?
Of course I can.
This is Sima Family. I am Sima Yi. I can do it.
Please wait. -Alright.
I'll wait for your good news here. -Alright.
Ms. Bai, did his wife really oust Cao Hong here?
Yes. She fought against dozens of men alone.
This won't do. I need to get my weapon.
Where are you going? We're not here to fight.
Hide the skills you learnt from the Bureau of Investigation.
Be patient and wait.
My dear, I'm back.
Did you return her? -No. She came.
What do you mean?
She came. She's right outside.
I thought you said to return her. -Please calm down.
Let me explain. Alright?
Don't sit here!
My dear, listen to me.
This isn't like a gift from a friend to a friend...
which I can simply return.
This woman is the emperor's way of...
controlling his subject.
In the past, I could be stubborn...
and refuse to obey the General of the Household.
But today, if I disobey the emperor...
I'll be executed for defiance of order.
The situation is different today.
The emperor wants to know what is in my mind.
So, I must accept...
this spy sent by the emperor.
If I insist to return her, my dear...
I might get you into trouble.
Are you his subject or his son?
Are your children yours or his?
My dear, why must you say something so unpleasant?
What right does he have to interfere in your relationship?
He's not trying to interfere in my relationship.
He's trying to assure himself that...
I won't betray him.
My dear, don't take everything personally.
That woman isn't an ordinary woman.
She's totally a politician.
She understands politics...
much better than ordinary officials.
She can read my mind.
So, she can tell the emperor what I have in mind.
She has only known you for a few days...
and she can read your mind?
I've been your wife for over 20 years...
and I still can't read your mind.
So, you think I can't help you in politics now?
No. -What do you want?
Do you want to let her in?
My dear, please calm down.
I thought of a perfect solution.
I'll let her in. But, I won't sleep with her.
This way, you don't have to be angry...
and the emperor won't feel offended.
Isn't this a perfect way? - Sima Yi, I won't fall for that.
Are you sure you'll never sleep with her?
You let her live here, but won't sleep with her?
Even if you don't sleep with her, outsiders will...
see her as your concubine!
My dear, what's wrong about that?
I swear I will never sleep with her. Besides...
what's wrong if others see her as my concubine?
It's wrong! -My dear, there's something...
I haven't been able to say to you.
My dear, look at Chen Qun.
His wife is Mr. Xun Yu's daughter.
When he married Mr. Xun Yu's daughter...
the emperor granted him two concubines at the same time.
But, the four of them still get along very well.
Even though I'm not a warlord...
Sima Family is a prominent family.
Don't be angry. I'm just saying that...
even if I've several concubines...
what can the outsiders say?
Of course I wish that I can have you alone.
But, if I really have you alone for a lifetime...
"outsiders will say that you are a very jealous woman.
This will ruin your reputation, right?
Yes.
Sima Yi, now I know why you don't want to return her.
You are envious of men who have several concubines.
Listen. I will never let you have that!
I want true love with loyalty.
My man can never fit two women into his head! Get it?
Yes. -If you want this concubine...
sure, tell the emperor to grant me a man as well!
Zhang Chun Hua, is that what a woman should say?
I'm just forced to do this!
Have I ever had two women in my head?
I can't believe you want another man!
Who do you want? Ji Bu?
You want to kill your own husband? -Say another word...
and I'll kill you! Get out!
I dare you to let her in! -Zhang Chun Hua.
This is Sima Family!
Hou Ji. -Yes.
Young Master Yi, what happened to you?
Hou Ji, this is Ms. Bai. -Yes.
Clean up the western chamber. From now, Ms. Bai will stay there.
Ms. Bai?
From today onwards, Ms. Bai is my family member.
Congratulations, Young Master Yi.
Welcome.
Ms. Bai. Please come in.
This way.
The kitchen is right outside of this room.
Feel free to tell me if you want to eat something.
There's a pond outside...
where we wash our rice and vegetables...
and do our laundry.
Young Master Yi.
My abode is plain and you came so suddenly.
Please bear with it. If you need anything, “...
tell Hou Ji. -Yes.
Judging from your appearance...
you must have failed to persuade Mrs. Sima.
My wife went through many years of hardships with me.
She's angry and I can't blame her.
I'm aware that you've no choice as well.
No. I mean, you can't go against the emperor's order.
I understand. I won't blame it on Mrs. Sima.
But, you're in a dilemma now.
You're stuck between the emperor's order and your wife.
It's been hard on you.
I've given you troubles.
This is a huge trouble indeed.
No. This is the emperor's generosity.
I'm thankful for the emperor's reward.
While working on the new policies...
I can be a happy man with two women.
I'm so grateful.
Xiao Yun.
Are you calling me?
What's her name? -Xiao Yuan.
Ms. Xiao Yuan, please bear with us.
Both you and Ms. Bai should stay in this room...
and avoid walking around in the house.
My wife is shod-tempered.
Madam Chun Hua is very shod-tempered.
Our lady is not inexperienced.
Even if someone wants to mess with us...
we can deal with it.
Ms. Xiao Yuan can fight? - She's not that good at it.
Hou Ji. -Yes.
Close the door. -Yes.
Please sit down.
I remember Mrs. Sima's nickname of "Feisty Chun".
I will be extra careful.
My wife is an unrefined woman.
She's really feisty.
It's best if all of us can get along.
But...
my loyalty towards the emperor...
is real.
I understand. I will report to the emperor.
Thank you.
MY dear!
My dear.
Shi Er. Zhao Er. I don't want to dirty my hands.
Throw the two out.
Sister Chun Hua, please think twice.
Our lady is an esteemed lady!
I dare you to be violent! -Little girl...
my sword is merciless. If you take one step forward...
Zhao Er. - I'll have to be rude.
Stop!
Back off!
You kids are in no position to speak!
Sima Yi!
Are you going to turn against your family?
My dear, we are husband and wife.
Have I ever complained when you threw a tantrum?
You said I'm turning against the family. But, think about it.
Who should be the leader of this family?
I should be the leader.
I've been putting up with you all this while.
Who is the one who has the say in this room? It's Ms. Bai...
the lady sent by the emperor!
Meeting her is like meeting the emperor!
Yet, you came in with a sword! Why are you glaring at me?
Don't you know how to bow to Ms. Bai?
That won't do. This is my first day in the family.
The concubine should pay her respect to the wife.
I am Bai Ling Yun. Greetings. - Shut up! You've no right to talk!
Please calm down. I've long heard that...
Mr. Sima loves you very much.
When the emperor ordered me to let Mr. Sima stay at my place...
Mr. Sima thought of you every day...
and desperately wanted to go home.
We have no choice because this is the emperor's order.
Please be understanding. -See?
Ms. Bai is gentle, graceful and reasonable.
On the other hand, you are rude and unrefined.
You are a jealous shrew.
Hou Ji! Shi Er! Zhao Er!
Move! -Madam Chun Hua!
Mother, if you must kill, you should kill this woman!
Stop, Zhao Er! Zhao Er, are you crazy?
Shu Da is right!
Shu Da! Are you going to poke your nose...
in my family problem? -I dare not.
Sister Chun Hua.
Will you leave or not? Believe it or not, I can kill you!
Sister Chun Hua, you can't kill this person.
If you kill her, we'll all be punished.
Yes, Madam Chun Hua. - Mr. Sima Fu is right.
Mrs. Sima, let me say a few words...
and you might change your mind.
I came upon the emperor's order.
If you hurt me, you will be punished.
In fact, even the whole Sima Family might be punished.
What the emperor think and do?
Please think twice.
Look at Ms. Bai.
She's young, pretty and reasonable.
Why are you still so unreasonable at this age?
You've lived for nothing. - What did you say?
You should learn from the exemplary conduct.
Shi Er. Zhao Er. Learn from your new mother.
Sima Yi! I'm going to kill you!
Mother! -Don't use violence!
Young Master Yi, run! -Stop right there!
You still want to run?
Sima Yi!
Good job, my dear. If this goes on...
she'll leave on her own soon.
Shout louder.
Sima Yi!
You'd better not come back!
What kind of family is this? This is like a tiger's den.
Ms. Bai, should we report this?
Let me think.
Xiao Yuan, bring in the things.
Let's decorate this room. -Yes.
We can't kill her.
This is the emperor's order.
But, if she stays, mother will be so sad.
Of course we can't kill her.
We need to let her stay and treat her very well...
like she's a very impoflant guest.
Now I know why father let her in.
She's sent by the emperor. The emperor is an interesting man.
He forced a woman onto father. - The higher father's position...
the more powerful he is and the more threatening he is.
Father is meant to do great things.
He can bear this suspicion.
It's true that this woman is the emperor's spy.
But, if we use her properly...
she'll become father's pawn.
Brother Ai, what's wrong?
I want to... I want to join the election of officials.
But, the Rectification Board won't recommend me.
Take me along the next time you go.
If I'm with you, you won't panic.
Give me your bamboo slips.
They rejected you because they have bad judgement.
I'll recommend you.
Zi...
Ye.
Recomm...
How do I write the word "recommend"?
Come.
"Recommend".
Deng...
Ai.
Zi Ye, Deng Ai.
Deng N.
Zi Ye.
This is the nicest name in the world.
If we collect a cow once in a few days...
we'll all get to eat meat every day.
Don't let Ai Ai hear you. Else, he'll lecture us again.
Well, he's destined to be poor and miserable.
He's so ungrateful. He needs to be taught a lesson.
N N.
I heard you went to the interview yesterday. How was it?
What rank did you get?
Ai Ai is so knowledgeable. I'm sure he's among the top.
The top?
Come. -Let's drink.
This wine is good. -Come.
What a weather. -Who are you?
May I know if Mr. Deng Ai works here?
We only have Ai Ai, the petty official here.
Who...
Who is looking for me? -Mr. Deng.
Mr. Zhong.
I read your essay about the agriculture system yesterday.
It's really enlightening.
It's a strategy that benefits both the country and the people.
Look at him. -I specially came today...
in order to learn more about it from you.