Episode 33
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 over 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 needs a few nice consorts.
Who are they? -Did Duke of Shanyang agree?
Can he reject us? He is alive because of our mercy.
He can't be bothered to care about his two daughters.
Lift your heads.
Sister Guo Zhao.
Sister Zhen Fu.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Please rise. Forget about the formalities when you are with me.
What brought you over today?
There's only leftover and cold food the Cold Palace.
It's bad for your body in this weather.
I made some warm soup for you.
Have it while it is warm.
Thank you. Please sit down.
You don't have to worry too much.
Even though the emperor is a little cold and harsh...
he has always been a fair person.
He'll always be grateful to the people he's indebted to.
You went through ups and downs with him.
Even though he's angry now...
he'll surely pick you up a few days later.
Sister Zhen Fu, why don't you hate me?
Why should I hate you?
Over the past few days...
I couldn't sleep well here.
Loneliness is like a cold wind.
It reaches into my bones. It hurts as though I am being out.
Because of me, over the past few years...
you were lonely just like...
the me today. Sister Zhen Fu...
you should hate me.
I don't hate you. Because of you...
he can love and feel better.
If I must blame...
I can only blame my own fate.
If I had the courage...
to say no to marrying the emperor...
or Zi Jian back then...
perhaps you, me, the emperor and Zi Jian...
will all be much happier today.
Sister Zhen Fu, the one you actually love...
is Zi Jian. Am I right?
What is love?
I've been in the palace for more than a decade.
I've seen conflicts between brothers...
distrust between father and sons...
and even silent murders.
This palace is full of deadly schemes...
and lethal loneliness.
I've already lost the strength to love. Fortunately...
I still have Dong Xiang and Rui Er.
My only wish is that...
they can be spared from these disasters.
I only want them to be safe for a lifetime.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, they are daughters of Duke of Shenyang...
and princesses of the former Han Dynasty.
They volunteer to serve Your Majesty.
Zi Dan, what is Liu Xie thinking?
His wife is my younger sister.
His daughters are my nieces.
Yes. -This is incestuous.
Your Majesty, it complies with the rites...
to strengthen our bond with our relatives. Besides...
they aren't our sister's children. What's wrong?
Moreover, Duke of Shenyang...
abdicated to make way for Your Majesty...
like how Emperor Yao abdicated for Emperor Shun.
Emperor Shun married Emperor Yads two princesses...
E Huang and Nu Ying. So, Your Majesty should also...
marry the two daughters of Duke of Shanyang.
This is the way to honour the rites.
Zi Dan, when did you learn this trick?
Your Majesty, I... -Enough.
Since they are princesses...
I'll grand them the title of "Guiren".
Shi Chun, send them to the royal harem.
Give them all the respect they deserve.
Yes. -Thank you, Your Majesty.
Will you play with us?
We don't know a single person here. It'll be boring.
Sure. This palace is much bigger than...
the one you used to live in.
Don't cry if you lose your way.
Sister, is that true?
Is that true, sister?
Don't be rude.
Please come with me, Your Highnesses.
Your Majesty, do you like them?
You really tried hard.
I feel bad for Liu Xie too. But, he's not a big problem.
I'll just shut him up with some money and silk.
But, you're my subject. How should I reward you?
Your Majesty, why are you acting as if I'm an outsider?
You're the only one I can't mistreat. Be frank.
Since Your Majesty said so, I shall be frank.
It's actually nothing impoflant.
Your Majesty, you said that you will...
give Qiao County special treatment.
The current governor of Qiao County is too incompetent.
So, I've been concerned about...
the candidate for the next governor of Qiao County.
Xiahou Shang's son, Xiahou Xuan...
is an adult now. He's very clever and since...
there's no war, I'm thinking of...
sending this child to Qiao County for some training.
What do you think?
Isn't the Secretariat selecting the new officials?
Why don't you let Xuan Er take pan in the test?
Your Majesty, this isn't within the...
"jurisdiction of the Secretariat.
Your Majesty, Qiao County is our hometown.
Our families' graveyards and ancestral temples are there.
This is Your Majesty's family business.
Xuan Er loves to study. He's very mature as well.
I was thinking of giving him an important position.
Isn't he too good for that? -Your Majesty.
We'll let him gain some experience in Qiao County first.
Alright. We'll let him gain some experience first.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Shi Zai, please sit down.
Shi Zai, your name is not on the Secretariat's list of...
approved candidates.
Do you find it unfair?
I'm grateful enough...
"because you let me take the test.
Shi Zai, your name isn't on the list...
not because you're not suitable to be an official...
but because the available positions...
can't put your talent to full use.
For you, I specially created the position of...
Governor of Military Agra-Colonies.
You've full authority over the military agro-colonies.
Shi Zai, what say you?
Thank you, Mr. Sima.
Shi Zai, tell me. What are the challenges in...
establishing the military agro-colonies?
The main challenge is that the farmlands...
have been acquired by the powerful and influential.
The grains harvested are pocketed by the generals.
There is no state-owned farmland.
Even if there is...
the harvest doesn't go to the state.
Although you stutter when you speak...
your thoughts are clearer than many eloquent men.
This is just what I learnt when I worked as a petty official.
Now, at what places will we face this challenge?
Qiao County and Pei County. -Correct.
They are the ancestral homes of Cao Family and Xiahou Family.
The position of an official there...
is the most rewarding job over.
But, if you work on building military agro-colonies there...
you'll be in danger.
Do you dare to build military agro-colonies there?
Yes. In my opinion...
we should start from Qiao County and Pei County.
Shouchun should be next.
Unless we succeed there, this policy cannot be implemented.
Alright. You must handle all the local affairs.
I'll support you in the court.
Sir, you're in a more dangerous position.
We're done with the problems. Let's talk about good things.
Why is it that you can talk much better...
when you have that lady near you?
She... Just like you...
she doesn't ridicule me. -You'd better...
have her with you when you work out there.
But, she's a lady. She needs a proper status.
Are you willing to marry her?
My wife and I are willing to...
propose on your behalf. -Yes.
Thank you, Mr. Sima. -Shi Zai.
If you don't mind, from now on, you can...
address me as your teacher.
Teacher.
Eunuch Shi, why is there such secluded place in the palace?
There's not even a maid. - This is the Cold Palace.
In this case, that must be Consort Guo.
Liu Guiren, you're so well-informed.
How dare you! Even the emperor calls us "princesses"!
Your Highness, I've been sewing the emperor all my life.
I've never been a Han official.
I only recognise Wei princesses. I do not recognise Han princesses.
Please forgive me. -Sister.
She's a "Guipin". We're just "Guiren".
Her rank is higher.
Should we go over and greet her?
Have you ever seen a "Guipin" in a Cold Palace?
Let's go.
Your Majesty.
Have you settled the two girls?
Yes. -Anything else?
Your Majesty, isn't it about time to...
allow Consort Guo to return?
Did she beg you? -No.
Consort Zhen told me that Consort Guo is pregnant.
Why won't Ah Zhao say it herself? -I don't know.
But, the food in the Cold Palace is bad.
It'll be the country's misfortune if the child is hurt.
Both Guo Zhao and Zhen Fu hid their pregnancy from me.
The two of them are prideful.
Ah Weng, go to the Cold Palace...
and take good care of Ah Zhao for me.
Come back.
If she admits her mistake...
tell her to break the news herself.
Congratulations!
Welcome.
The groom is coming! -The groom is here!
He's here!
Brother Ai!
Brother Ai! -Is that "Brother Ai" or...
"my beloved husband"?
I'm the only one who can call him that!
You haven't really married him yet!
Right! -Girl, cover your face!
"This young lady is going to her future home...
and will order well her chamber and house!"
"This young lady is going to her future home...
and will order well her chamber and house!"
Hou Ji, slow down. It's so shaky.
Alright, Young Master Yi.
Is it you or the carriage shaking?
Don't rink so much if you can't hold your liquor.
I'm happy-
You don't even attend the banquets of the nobles.
How come you let loose of yourself...
on a small official's wedding?
This isn't like you.
You might not know, but he is not an ordinary man.
He is ambitious yet pure and innocent.
He is truly a rare one.
What a rare one.
Yes. Wealth makes people change their wives and friends.
He suddenly rose to power. By right, he can have concubines.
Surprisingly, he still loves the same person.
He's better than you.
I really drank too much today.
If you keep on saying things like that...
I'll stay drunk forever.
I'm not even angry yet and you're pretending already.
You haven't answered me. Why are you so concerned...
about this insignificant official?
You mean that? My dear...
presently, the emperor is most worried...
about the power and influence of the noble generals.
The only way to solve this problem...
is to build another power to counter them...
and that is the power of the scholar-officials.
But, you can borrow the strength of...
"influential families like Cui Family and Xun Family.
Their surname is not "Sima".
We only have two sons, Shi Er and Zhong Er.
I need students.
These elites from poor families are the pillars of support of...
the court in the future.
Cao Pi made you do all these? - The emperor won't say it out.
But, he knows it very well. He wants me to...
fight against the noble generals for him.
Why did he send that woman to our family then?
In a battle between the black and white pieces...
if the black pieces are gone, the white pieces will be dominant.
The emperor wants to check and balance.
He doesn't want any party...
to be dominant.
I've to kill them all then.
You must be joking.
That won't do. Bai Ling Yun isn't Tian Liu...
and the emperor isn't Cao Meng De.
We were fine even though you killed Tian Liu that day...
because Cao Meng De was too busy dealing with...
and external threat like Yuan Shao.
But today, the emperor is monitoring me closely.
He is extremely focused.
Young Master Yi, we've reached home.
My dear, you need to help me to get up.
You're so drunk. Are you still going to make a tour?
By right, I should pay a visit to the western chamber.
But of course, that's if you don't mind.
It looks like you don't have to go today.
They've made their way to the courtyard.
My dear. Madam Zhang.
Go ahead and talk.
What's the matter? -My dear.
I've something impoflant to tell you.
Please come to my room.
Just say it here. There's no outsider.
I see. I'm an outsider now.
My dear, let's talk in private.
I really have something impoflant to say.
It's such a waste of your talent...
to have you fighting over a man here.
You all are so ungrateful.
Our lady doesn't need to fight over anything.
Madam Zhang, since you don't want to know that Consort Guo...
is in the Cold Palace... - Enough, Xiao Yuan.
What did you say? Finish it. What happened to Ah Zhao.
If Consort Guo refuses to give up...
her relationship with you...
the emperor will never trust our husband.
What's the meaning of that?
Go on.
I tried to keep this from Madam Zhang...
because once I tell Madam Zhang...
both of them will really be accused of intervening in...
state affairs and Consort Guo will get into trouble.
I get it now. Go.
You may return.
Wait. What happened to Ah Zhao? -I don't know.
She said Ah Zhao got sent to the Cold Palace. Go and ask.
Alright.
Ms. Bai.
What happened?
In order to test Consort Guo's loyalty...
the emperor told her to order you to divorce Madam Zhang.
Consort Guo defied the emperor's order for her sister.
I thought the emperor already issued two decrees in a day...
and we already accepted you. -Was that just for me?
The emperor sees the bond between Consort Guo and her sister...
was well as the true love between you and Madam Zhang.
Because of these two relationships, Consort Guo...
might be manipulated by you and Madam Zhang...
to intervene in state affairs and so.
My dear, don't forget that you're the one who proposed to...
prohibit intervention of state affairs by consorts.
Now, you're also considered the emperor's relative.
You're right.
Besides, Cao Zhen just offered...
the two princesses of Liu Xie to the emperor today.
They received the title of "Guiren" right away.
I'm sure Consort Guo will only have harder time...
in the palace. -I've never thought of...
using my wife to manipulate Consort Guo.
Ms. Ling Yun, please convey the truth...
to the emperor to assure His Majesty.
Since you are able to communicate with the emperor...
please do us a favour and speak for Consort Guo.
I'm just a lowly woman. I dare not interfere in...
the emperor's family business.
This isn't just the emperor's family business.
This is also our family business. You once said that...
we are one family now.
We shouldn't treat each other as an outsider.
Master, where do you plan to spend your night today?
My dear. He's drunk. Escort him to the room.
Come, master. -Hurry.
I'm just kidding. Even though I'm a concubine...
I don't have to go as far as to use such trick.
If you're tired, please go back and rest early.
I'll do my best to help Consort Guo.
I shall excuse myself.
Let's go. -Stop acting.
You only make use of us. -Let's go.
Is that really what Sima Yi thinks?
Yes.
Can I still trust you? -Yes.
Because once you realise that I take sides with Mr. Sima...
and cease to be loyal to you...
you will make me leave him.
That would be the biggest punishment to me.
Is he really so good that...
he is worth your sacrifices?
Your Majesty knows better...
what that man is capable of.
Of course I know.
But, I hope that I can trust him.
I hope that I can keep on trusting him.
Alright. I'm informed.
Send Madam Bai back. Also...
bring Consort Guo back. -Yes, Your Majesty.
Madam Bai, please come with me.
This way.
The Governor of Military Agro-Colonies?
Your Majesty, we already have a new governor for Qiao County.
What's the Governor of Military Agro-Colonies?
That's a new position I created.
He's in charge of farming, irrigation and military rations.
His duty does not clash with the duties of local governors.
The Secretariat is directly in charge.
Local governors have to obey him.
Xuan Er.
The first Governor of Military Agro-Colonies...
takes office in Qiao County. Cooperate well with Deng Ai...
and do things that make our family proud.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If there's nothing else, we shall excuse ourselves.
The emperor wants to develop the country.
The System of Military Agro-Colonies...
won't be called off. - Deng Ai isn't impoflant.
I can still handle him.
The problem is Sima Yi and Chen Qun.
Father. Uncle. from now on, you all...
need to be extra careful in the court
That's nonsense. Why should I be afraid of him?
Brat, listen carefully.
That Deng Ai is just an inexperienced poor guy.
When you get there, give him money and women.
Corrupt him and make him vulnerable.
My dear.
How did it go?
Please take me to Madam Zhang.
My dear, Ms. Bai came to tell you about Ah Zhao.
How's Ah Zhao? Greetings, Madam Zhang.
When I left the palace, the emperor sent Eunuch Shi...
to bring Consort Guo back. -Thank god.
I just learnt of it as well. I waited for you.
Thank you, Ms. Bai.
My dear, don't thank me yet.
For the benefit of you and Madam Zhang...
I hope Madam Zhang can promise me one thing.
What is it?
When you cherish a person, be considerate of him or her...
"instead of seeking to gratify yourself.
Please stop meeting Consort Guo...
and exchanging information with her.
It's best if you can cut ties with her.
She's in a huge dilemma in the palace.
To her, her bond with you...
is now poison wine and not medicine.
I understand. I won't enter the palace anymore.
You're a wise person.
I shall not stay and disturb any further.
This is good news.
You should feel more assured now.
This time, we really need to...
thank Ms. Bai.
What do you mean? You're saying that...
she's better than me.
She can save you and Ah Zhao...
while I cannot.
I'm saying that...
we need to thank her and be grateful.
I didn't say I'm ungrateful. I'm grateful.
Go. Tell Hou Ji to prepare a bath for you.
You can repay her with your body.
My dear, should I ask Hou Ji to...
poison her dinner later?
Good idea. But, do you have the guts to do it?
Tell Hou Ji to deliver 2 jars of the...
pickled dried bamboo shoots to her.
The winter bamboo shoots?
Those dried winter bamboo shoots...
can't be considered a proper gift.
She's the emperor's commissioner.
Well, of the 2 pairs of earrings...
you bought during New Year...
there's one pair you don't like or wear.
I'm so clumsy. I'm not as thoughtful as you.
It's such a good idea to give her dried bamboo shoots.
It's such a nutritious food.
It shows our closeness as well.
It's great.
I always make you angry.
Go.
I'll go and tell Hou Ji.
I'll be right back. Dried bamboo shoots.
Sir, these are the documents accumulated so far.
Please check.
Has the Governor of Military Agro-Colonies arrived?
He arrived 3 days ago.
That's fast.
We departed on the same day.
He only came with his wife.
They came on a donkey each. He only brought some documents...
and 2 bags on their donkeys. They travelled light.
It's my first time seeing an official like him...
in my 10 years of career.
Where's his office?
I prepared an office for him. But, he said that...
he needs to stay near the farmlands.
So, he rented 3 civilian houses...
near the military post. One for himself...
and two for the clerks and petty officials.
That's his office.
He has been away from his office these few days.
He's visiting the residents with his assistants.
His wife is really an unusual one.
She follows her husband around every day.
It is said that he can only speak properly...
when his wife is present.
This is really... -Enough.
Say no more. Let's find out. -Yes.
Leave. -Mrs. Deng.
Please let us stay. -Let us stay.
Mrs. Deng, we came to serve you. -Yes, Mrs. Deng.
Get out. -Please let us stay.
Mrs. Deng. -Mrs. Deng.
Mrs. Deng.
You... -We didn't hire you.
Besides, Brother Ai and I don't need maids.
Our young master ordered us to serve you and Mr. Deng.
Yes. -We have enough food.
We don't need money from your young master.
But... -Take this money...
and use it to go home. -Mrs. Deng.
Goodbye. -Mrs. Deng.
What should we do?
Deng Shi Zai is so impressive. In less than 10 days...
he investigated all private and state-owned lands in Qiao County.
It's easy to investigate, but difficult to implement.
Qiao County has no farmland for the state.
Expropriating those farmlands...
from the relatives of the emperor...
is like trying to pull a tooth out of a tiger.
We'll pry the mouth of the tiger...
and let him extract the tooth.