Episode 32
Zhong Da, have I ever mistreated you?
My dear, I'm only greatly indebted to you.
Without you...
this home won't be a home.
Yes. -Yes.
So, Mr. Chen and Eunuch Shi...
for my wife, I cannot marry Ms. Bai.
Brother Chang Wen and Eunuch Shi...
please report to the emperor as it is.
Eunuch Shi. -This...
The emperor is perceptive indeed.
The emperor said that if we fail to persuade you all...
we can take out the second decree.
What?
There's a second decree from the emperor?
Take it out quickly.
You read it. -Alright.
Alright.
"By decree of the emperor...
Mr. Chen, my throat is dry. You read it.
I'll leave it to you.
Zhong Da, should I read it out?
Read it out.
"By decree of the emperor...
proven by Zhang's unreasonable conduct...
jealousy, arrogance and defiance...
Sima Yi's failure to discipline his family...
has proven that he is not qualified to speak in court...
or assist the emperor."
"if the oral decree is not honoured...
Sima Yi shall be dismissed of...
all positions in the government...
for the lack of respect."
Zhong Da, you can't let this happen!
Zhong Da, I'm done speaking in the emperor's words.
Now, I just want to say a few honest words.
We're brothers, right?
We finally came this far and devised the new policies.
Today is the first day of the candidates' interview.
Now, the Secretariat needs you and me...
to save the day.
Yet, you want to sacrifice your own future...
for something as selfish as love.
This is disloyal...
unfilial, unfaithful and unwise of you! Get it?
Mrs. Sima, Zhong Da...
Zhong Da is not a man who desires fame and wealth.
This is his future, dream and career.
We have always seen you as a graceful, reasonable...
and understanding person.
How can you ruin Zhong Da's future...
and the country's future because of your personal feelings?
Old Mr. Sima, please say something.
Zhong Da.
Zhong Da, my good son. This isn't like 20 years ago.
If you lose your job, we can't go back to Wen County.
Don't you know the consequence of...
giving up the new system you proposed...
to assist the emperor? -Brother Yi.
You worked so hard for the new policy.
Can you bear to put your effort to waste?
Yes.
Should we persuade mother?
You think mother doesn't understand?
Just get ready.
I understand.
I can't ruin your future.
I can't ruin Sima Family.
Whether you accept the decree or not...
is entirely up to you.
Zhong Da.
Father. Brother Fu. Please move backwards.
Brother Chang Wen, put the decree on the table.
I'd like to reply to the decree.
Have you thought of an answer?
Come. Clear the table.
Your Majesty.
I, Sima Yi...
thank you for being concerned about my family...
even though you are busy with the state affairs.
Even though I defied your order...
you forgivingly and magnanimously...
spared my life...
and only dismissed me from my position.
I am utterly grateful.
Back then, I...
once made an oath with Your Majesty on a hill...
and swore to build a strong country for the people.
Today...
I dare not forget my oath.
I am reluctant to leave Your Majesty as well...
was State of Wei...
is still awaiting development.
However...
when I think back...
about the reason I took up an official post back then...
it was actually to protect the wellness of...
Sima Family.
I am not afraid of being ridiculed.
The leader of my family...
is the person kneeling beside me...
Zhang Chun Hua who has been my wife for 20 years.
If I break my wife's heart...
this family...
will break apart
I believe that a gentleman must never...
forget his original aspiration. Else...
he will not deserve to be a ruler's subject...
or a man.
For this reason...
this time...
I brace myself to...
defy Your Majesty's order.
I shall meet Your Majesty alongside Mr. Chen and resign.
I will gladly accept...
all punishments.
Long live Your Majesty.
Let's go.
Zhong...
Sima Zhong Da!
Come back.
What's the matter, my dear?
Your words are enough to me.
Kneel.
My dear, are you sure?
We accept the decree.
Zhong Da. -My dear.
Even if it means losing my position...
I can't betray...
your 20 years of love!
I... How dare you!
Father! -Chun Hua already agreed!
Accept the decree at once!
Else, I'll kill you! -Master!
Brother Yi, hurry! -I cannot do that!
Just agree! -Brother Yi, accept the decree!
Brother Yi! -Accept the decree!
This family can act so well. -What are you saying?
This is true love and emotions!
Mr. Chen, you're one of the actors as well, right?
Enough. I can finally report back to the emperor.
I officially welcome...
Ms. Bai...
to Sima Family! -No!
Father! -Brother Yi!
This is a real virtuous woman.
What a heroine. -Father!
Father, mother left. -Father.
Father! -Old Mr. Sima!
Father! What's wrong? - Old Mr. Sima! Bring water!
Bring water! -Old Mr. Sima!
Grandfather!
Master. Grandfather.
Mr. Sima has hurried over.
Hopefully, everything will be fine.
Convey my order. Tell Xu Huang to lead...
1,000 inspectors of the Bureau of Investigation...
to the office of the Secretariat to protect...
Chen Qun, Sima Yi and the candidates.
Make violence the last resort
Your Majesty, if there is bloodshed...
the new policy will be doubted.
I finally realised at this point that...
our soldiers are all under my uncles and brothers' control.
I can only mobilise...
these personal guards of mine.
I shall convey the order at once.
"The righteous are left to die."
"The corrupted are rewarded with wealth."
"The good and righteous are left to die."
"The corrupted are rewarded with wealth."
"The good and righteous are left to die."
"The corrupted are rewarded with wealth."
"The good and righteous are left to die."
"The corrupted are rewarded with wealth."
"The good and righteous are left to die."
Zhong Hui, do you hear the noise outside?
Public opinion is powerful. But, people do not criticise good men.
Rumours will end on their own if a man is truly righteous one.
Why should I be bothered?
Since you call yourself a gentleman...
I believe you live up to the review you received.
It is said that you have a strong memory...
and that you are knowledgeable in all fields...
from geography to an of war. You are placed in the upper class.
Zhong Hua, do you dare to take a test?
If I do not dare, why would I come today?
Good.
It is difficult to show your intelligence...
if we are the ones testing you.
There are 1,000 scholars...
and examiners outside of this office.
Are you sure you want to take the test?
Zhong Da, are you saying that...
we should let him confront the protesters?
Mr. Sima, please guide me.
The eliminated scholars outside...
are saying that you were selected...
because of your father's position...
and my personal relationship with your father.
If you want to prove yourself, go out and face their questioning.
They will ask you questions about the classics and an of war.
If you lose, you will have no luck in becoming an official...
and our office will be wrecked today.
Do you dare?
If you dare, what am I afraid of?
Guards. -Yes!
Escort Mr. Zhong Hui and ensure his safety.
Yes.
There are more than 1,000 classics.
If he fails to answer any detailed question...
the Secretariat will get into trouble.
A bet is a bet. If he has the guts to do it...
why should we worry?
Next. -Next!
Brother Chang Wen.
That child reminded me of a person.
Who?
Yang Xiu who hosted the Monthly Review.
Hopefully, he is...
was talented as De Zu.
Where is Deng Ai? -Deng Ai?
Who is Deng Ai? -I don't know him.
Who is Deng Ai?
Deng N'. -I'm here'.!
Please come with me.
Who is this? I've waited so long.
You're Deng N?
You're said to be dutiful, compassionate...
and knowledgeable in agriculture and sericulture.
You also claimed to have...
travelled across all mountains and rivers...
to study the terrains of the entire country.
You assert that to strengthen the country...
we should implement the System of Military Agra-Colonies.
This is my question. There are so many prefectures...
and countries of all sizes in this country.
How should we implement the System of Military Agro-Colonies?
L...
I can't believe he passed. -|...
What are you trying to say?
L...
Don't be nervous. Take your time.
In my...
opinion...
Servants. Give him some water. -Yes.
Water... -Stop hissing.
Drinking water doesn't help.
If it doesn't help...
What helps then?
Zhong Da.
Humans are fortune's fool. Go on without me.
I'll check on Zhong Hui. -Brother Chang Wen.
You are the principal examiner.
Even the principal examiner needs to...
Next.
Brother Ai, you're back.
How did it go?
Where are we going?
Brother Ai, slow down.
Where are we going?
The Secretariat will make an announcement 3 days later.
Go back and wait.
Thank you for the guidance.
Stop. What are you doing? Intrusion is not allowed.
I'm Deng Ai! -Let him in.
Deng Ai, what's the meaning of this?
L...
I'd like to talk about the System of Military Agra-Colonies.
Take your time.
A strong country has a strong army with sufficient food supply.
With successful agriculture systems, Qin unified China...
and Emperor Wu of Han explored the Western Region.
Emperor Wu's system yielded over 400,000 barrels of grains.
But, Emperor Wu of Han recruited civilians to farm.
In my opinion, it is better to let the soldiers farm.
The garrison can farm as they guard.
There are now 20,000 troops in Huaibei...
and 30,000 troops in Huainan. There'll be 40,000...
active soldiers guarding and farming at the same time.
In good weather, the harvest will triple.
After deducting all allowances...
we get 2 million barrels of grains...
for military use. In 6-7 years, we can gather...
12 million barrels of grains at the upper region of Huai River.
12 million barrels of grains.
This is enough to feed an army of 100,000 soldiers...
for 5 years. Where can we implement this...
in Huainan and Huaibei?
How do we divide the farmlands? Tell me in details.
Can I draw? -Bring us cloth.
Zhong Da!
Zhong Da, he's a genius.
He really has absolute memory.
I was worried at first. To my surprise, he managed to...
answer all difficult questions perfectly.
The troublemakers have all run away hastily.
I'm impressed by Mr. Zhong Yads son.
There's so much potential in the younger generation.
Why is this hissing guy back?
Chang Wen, look at this.
There's so much potential in the younger generation indeed.
You... You drew this? -Yes.
Very good. If Zhong Hui is really...
an exceptional intellect, I shall keep him for myself.
He'll be the Gentleman Cadet of the Imperial Library.
I'll leave the rest to the Secretariat's judgement.
I shall convey the order at once.
Ah Weng, how is Ah Zhao?
Your Majesty, I knew you still care about Consort Guo.
Your Majesty, should I bring her back?
Send someone to take good care of her.
Let her live alone for a while.
Yes, Your Majesty.
My dear, you're back.
Is everything alright? -Yes, I'm fine.
I'm glad. -My dear, the Secretariat...
We're fine as well. -I'm glad.
In fact, everything went well and we managed to recruit many...
useful talents for the emperor.
Ms. Bai, thanks to your advice, I really found a talented man...
who came from a poor family.
My dear, just call me "Ling Yun".
It's my honour to help my own husband.
The new policy is a success. You can finally rest assured now.
Also, regarding the emperor's order today...
I really did not expect the emperor to be so determined.
I troubled you again. -No.
I went against the emperor several times.
Yet, the emperor is so forgiving.
I'm really ashamed. I'm utterly grateful...
for the emperor's generosity. I will never...
let you be treated unfairly. I will be very careful.
It's alright.
We're one family now.
My dear, you don't have to say something like this anymore.
Ms. Bai... No. You're right, Ling Yun.
We're not outsiders. -Yes.
Don't worry about Madam Chun Hua.
I won't disrespect her.
I'm sure she'll accept me one day.
Today is our wedding day.
I instructed Housekeeper Hou to prepare some ingredients...
for me to cook a few dishes.
If you're not busy...
please come to my room. You've worked hard today.
Alright.
Housekeeper Hou. -Madam Ling Yun.
Have you prepared the cooking ingredients for me?
They'll be ready soon, Madam Ling Yun.
Young Master Yi, Madam Ling Yun is a good cook.
Her dishes smell so different.
My dear, please come to my room.
I forgot. I said I'm free.
But, I actually have something impoflant to do.
I brought back a lot of test papers from the Secretariat.
I still need to finish marking them.
This is just the beginning of the new policy.
Even the emperor is working so hard.
As the subject, how can I slack and enjoy life?
Young Master Yi, I can bring them over...
and let you eat while you mark.
How can I be distracted when I work?
You're right.
The state affairs are more impoflant.
Since you've work to do, I shall not disturb you.
Maybe another day.
Xiao Yuan.
Is everything alright? -I'm fine.
Ms. Bai, isn't this a waste of the food we prepared?
Housekeeper Hou. -Yes.
I've to trouble you to serve the dishes.
Don't mention it.
Let's eat on our own.
My dear, I'm back. -Alright.
Let's eat.
I ate. -Why didn't you wait for me?
You have a concubine now. Go eat in the western chamber.
What are you saying?
I've fed on your dishes for 20 years.
I'm only used to your dishes.
Don't worry. From now on...
I'll treat the western chamber as...
a place outside of our house.
I'll never step into that room.
My dear, have you really eaten?
I'm in bad mood. I've no appetite. -If you don't eat...
I'll starve with you.
I'll always take sides with you.
Madam Ling Yun.
Madam Ling Yun. It's time to eat.
Housekeeper Hou.
You've worked hard for one afternoon.
I'm just doing my job. -Come.
Leave it here and eat with us. -I dare not.
I'll eat in the kitchen. -That won't do.
Didn't you say that my dishes smell good?
If you don't try, you won't know the taste.
Look. Come.
Try this chicken soup.
Try it. -Madam Ling Yun.
Here you go. -It smells so good.
Thank you, Madam Ling Yun.
I'll eat in the kitchen. It's our rule.
Wait. Housekeeper Hou.
How can I let you go back empty-handed?
Xiao Yuan, we brought some silk from my hometown, right?
Go and get some. Go.
I can't let you go unrewarded. I heard from Zhong Da that...
the two of you are no ordinary master and servant.
He treats you as his brother. So...
I'll treat you as my brother too.
Madam Ling Yun, you're too nice.
If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me.
Look. Housekeeper Hou is such a happy person.
Red suits him. -But, Madam Ling Yun...
this gift is too expensive. I can't accept it.
I see you as my brother. If you turn me down...
you are treating me as an outsider.
Thank you, Madam Ling Yun.
You can have this.
Our lady gave it to you!
Xiao Yuan.
See Housekeeper Hou off. -Thank you so much.
I only did my job and...
Leave.
Alright. -Goodbye.
This silk actually suits you.
Ms. Bai, why do you have to curry the favour of a servant?
What do you know? He's not an ordinary servant.
Mr. Sima trusts him. You need to be nicer to him.
Is this a pan of our mission? -The emperor...
wants us to report everything Mr. Sima does.
If you're not close to...
the people around him, how do you gather information?
Everyone in this family is weird. I don't like any of them.
Look at master. It's your first day...
was his official concubine.
Yet, he doesn't come and spend time with you.
I even prepared the wedding wine. How cold-blooded.
I'll send out the information today.
The emperor will punish him for this.
Would a person like him and a person like me...
care about these trifles?
Even though we managed to move in today...
today is Madam Zhang's saddest day.
He's only cold-blooded if he spends the night with me.
Madam Zhang is like a tigress.
Ms. Bai, if she's still displeased...
we'll ask the master to divorce her.
Don't ever say that again.
From now on, you must call her "matron"...
and respect her more than you respect me.
Did you hear me?
I'm not here to compete with Madam Zhang.
I came for the master. We need to serve him...
respect him and get close to him.
This is our job. Understand?
Also, stop glaring at people. We know that you have big eyes.
Let's eat.
That snack has been left there for a few days. It has gone bad.
I thought you've no appetite.
Why should I starve myself for her?
Well said.
Deliver this dish to the western chamber.
Tell her that I prepared this cuisine from my hometown.
Don't test me. I'll keep my word...
and never step into the western chamber.
From now on, they'll eat theirs and we'll eat ours.
We all eat our own hometown cuisines.
"We all"?
When I was in the office today...
I suddenly craved our hometown cuisines.
Then, I realised that we thought of the same thing.
You ate? Which one?
The hometown cuisine. -I made this to poison her.
I spiked it. Spit it out quickly.
Hurry UP-
Enough. -I can't spit it out!
I'll poison you then.
Eat up.
You and your family put up such a good act...
in front of me yesterday.
What are you saying? That wasn't an act.
Even Chen Qun said that...
it was out of true love and emotions.
One day...
I will kill her with poison.
My dear, you're a heroine.
My dear.
Please spare me.
One day, I'll kill the two of you with poison.
Eat it.
If you want to poison me, I shall die.
Are you dead?
I'll die with no complaint.
It's your bad idea. Scholars are too weak.
We shouldn't depend on them. -Enough.
Uncle, you can't say that.
We need to think of another way now.
Father. Uncle. I heard from a clerk in the Secretariat that...
Deng Ai suggested military agro-colonies...
in Huainan and Huaibei.
Chen Qun likes this proposal very much as well.
But, Shouchun and Qiao County are the major strongholds there.
These two places... -Qiao County?
One is our hometown and one is a hub of...
land and water transport
The lands there are the properties...
we accumulated over the years.
We can't let them farm on our lands.
This stupid new policy...
must be aimed at weakening us. What is wrong...
with the emperor? He always takes sides with them.
It's alright, Uncle Zi Lian. Please calm down.
By the way, I heard that Consort Guo...
was sent to the Cold Palace...
for disobeying the emperor. - That woman is a trouble as well.
I'm glad that this sister-in-law of Sima Yi...
is in the Cold Palace.
Indeed.
The emperor surely has a few favourite consorts.