Episode 34
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 out a tiger's tooth.
We'll pry the mouth of the tiger...
and let him pull the tooth out.
You mean, expropriate by force?
Isn't Jia Kui a commander now? Transfer him to Qiao County...
to assist Deng Ai. Jia Kui's 10,000 soldiers...
should be able to take care of it.
He's just a low-ranking official.
If he uses military force on the emperor's relatives...
he'll get swallowed alive.
It's the sense of righteousness in him that I like.
Brother Chang Wen, we've been in the political scene for too long.
We check and balance. We'll leave the things...
we don't dare to do...
and can't do to this enthusiastic young man.
Zhong Da, don't forget the fact that...
those people are the emperor's brothers.
Brother Chang Wen, since the very day...
the new policies were implemented...
there is no turning back for both of us.
The scholar-officials see us as their leaders now.
They are all watching us. -Alright.
We'll do as you suggested.
But, the two of us...
We're outsiders after all.
We'll do as you suggested.
Zhang Family's farm is 30 steps long...
and the width is... - Thirsty? Drink some water.
The width is 25 steps.
Li Family's farm is 20 steps long.
20 steps long and 15 steps wide.
That one is 15 and this one is 20. 15 steps wide.
15 steps. -It's 15 steps wide.
15 steps? 15 steps.
Mr. Xiahou has arrived.
Mr. Xiahou.
I heard that you arrested over 30 men...
from General Cao Zhen's household.
May I know the reason?
Sir, the relatives of the seven generals gathered men to...
obstruct the expropriation of farmlands. So, Mr. Deng...
was forced to arrest the 35 leaders.
They have been sent to the capital to be tried.
Others involved were spanked and released.
Relatives of nobles are exempted from tax...
and granted farmlands.
You're only in charge of agro-colonies.
I'm in charge of civil administration.
How could you arrest people without my permission?
Since the generals have been granted fiefs and farmlands...
why do they need to take possession of state-owned lands?
I'm only acting according to the laws.
I have right over the state-owned farmlands, right?
If you believe that I've violated the state's law...
please feel free to impeach.
Let's continue. -Alright.
Excellent.
Sister, you're bullying me. -Don't panic.
What did I teach you? Aim well.
Don't flick too hard.
Use this chess to move this one first.
What do you think? -I've mastered it.
Your Majesty, please teach me as well.
I read your biography in "On Standards of Literature".
You said that you are very good at pellet chess.
I haven't played for 20 years. I'm rusty.
Come. Again.
Use this one to tackle two at the same time.
You won. Again.
Your Majesty, the empress dowager and Consort Zhen will arrive soon.
You may all retire.
The empress dowager has arrived!
Greetings, Your Highness. -Mother.
Your Majesty.
Mother, you can just summon me.
I'm a poor childless old woman.
I'm forced to visit Your Majesty personally.
Mother, please cool down.
Please punish me if I have done anything wrong.
You're the emperor.
I wouldn't interfere if it's a trivial matter.
I don't want to be accused of intervening in state affairs.
But, if you are so mean to your own relatives...
this state will soon perish.
Did my uncles complain to you? - Even if they don't come to me...
how long do you intend to hide this matter from me?
I'm just acting according to the state's laws.
Do the laws tell you to deprive them of their lands?
They are quarreling. What should we do?
My uncles and brothers already have their own fiefs.
Why do they need to occupy the people's farmlands?
The continuous war in the Central Plain...
has destroyed the people's livelihood.
If the nobles acquire every piece of land...
the civilians open up, how do I...
sustain the country and feed the soldiers?
They fought alongside your father back then.
They did so much for us.
What's wrong with thanking them with some lands?
Do you have to go as far as to arrest and threaten them?
Zi Huan, I know that you still blame me and your father...
for practicing favouritism back then.
But, that's our mistake. Not your brothers' mistake.
I've never blamed you or father.
It's exactly because father chose me that...
I need to do things...
that will benefit the country.
I never dare to be unfair.
Alright. Let me ask you another question...
that concerns the well-being of the country.
When will you make her the empress...
and appoint Rui Er as the crown prince?
Mother, I'm not good enough to be the empress.
Please don't give the emperor a hard time.
You don't have to say anything. Don't stare at her.
I'm the one who told her to come.
She's your official wife. Rui Er is the heir apparent.
Why aren't you installing your empress and crown prince?
Mother, I plan to choose the virtuous one.
Tell me then. Why is she not virtuous enough?
Why is Rui Er not virtuous enough?
Don't you remember how you became the crown prince back then?
Mother.
I've never forgotten anything.
Stop right there!
Did I get it right?
You hate Zi Jian and Zi Wen. You hate all of your brothers.
Mother, I cannot admit that.
You've proven it with your actions.
You don't enforce Zi Dan and the others.
Now, you want to arrest their family members.
You ousted your younger brothers, Zi Jian and Zi Wen.
I've three sons.
Now, I can't even see one.
Mother, please don't be sad. I understand.
My younger brothers are...
starting to worry about the throne.
Alright. Sun Quan and Liu Bei have plenty of lands.
I'll let them go.
They'll get rid of Liu Bei and Sun Quan for Wei.
I'll enfeoff them by then.
And they can take you to...
their fertile and wealthy fiefs...
where you will live for the rest of your life.
As for this devastated Central Plain...
please let me...
guard it alone.
You... You unfilial son.
Mother. Your Majesty...
mother is just concerned about our family.
Please say no more. -Shut up.
You're in no position to speak here.
Girl.
We both know the problem in his head.
It's all because of Zi Jian.
It's because Zi Jian asked to marry you back then.
I know that you've been treated unfairly.
Mother, please say no more.
Zi Huan, it's been so many years. I see it all.
There's nothing between Zhen Fu and Zi Jia.
You're already the emperor.
Can't you let go? -Mother!
Can't you let your brothers return and assist you?
Can't you let Zi Jian and Zi Wen visit me?
Because...
I want to become the emperor of the world...
and not the emperor of Cao Family.
Mother, I've issued a decree...
to prohibit intervention in state affairs...
by imperial consorts and my own relatives. Please...
mprioritise the well-being of the state...
and allow me to be fair.
I hereby...
bid farewell to mother.
Let's go.
Goodbye, Your Highness.
Your Majesty, please rise.
Your Majesty, why did you have to do this?
The empress dowager left in anger.
They... They actually complained to my mother.
They know that my mother is soft-headed.
She places our family above the state affairs.
If I give in, they will request to...
abolish the new policies.
Maybe the empress dowager is just missing the two marquises.
Why must you...
I'm sorry.
Tell the Secretariat to...
draft a decree. -Yes.
Women's intervention in state affairs...
causes conflicts and chaos.
From today onwards, all officials...
are not allowed to report to the empress dowager.
Relatives of the empresses...
are not allowed to become officials.
They cannot be enfeoffed for no reason.
This shall be announced to the entire nation.
Whoever goes against this order shall be executed.
Please rise.
Mr. Sima, have you memorised it all?
Yes. I will announce it to the nation immediately.
Alright. Mr. Chen. Mr. Sima.
Please take care. I shall excuse myself.
Alright.
Please wait. -Anything else?
Did the generals complain to the empress dowager?
Mr. Chen, don't ask about the palace affairs.
Anyway, the emperor has not failed you. Goodbye.
The emperor is having an even harder time.
Since the emperor has made an opening for us...
we need to advance despite the difficulties.
Let's draft the decree.
Make sure that you deliver this letter to the general.
Please count on me.
Sister, the emperor said that imperial consorts...
cannot communicate with the external officials.
That only applies to Guo Zhao.
Since Cao Zhen sent us in...
he must make me the empress.
What do we have to do to make you the empress?
Zhen Fu is currently our only obstacle.
She is the official wife.
She also gave birth to the emperor's eldest son.
Yet, the emperor hasn't made her the empress.
Why? -Are you stupid?
Didn't you hear it that day?
Zhen Fu has an affair with the emperor's younger brother.
I'm asking Cao Zhen about the relationship...
between Zhen Fu and Cao Zhi.
The weather is so nice today. The flowers are so beautiful.
Sister Zhen Fu, your clothes are so pretty.
"For here is a beauty wilting and letting out a tender sigh."
"Telling of head in pain which cries."
"May we ask who is there so full of Ruth?"
"A wife in name but a widow in truth."
"The moon is always beautiful."
"But I always dwell alone."
"The moon is always beautiful."
"But I always dwell alone."
"You are like the dust drawn upward on the way."
"Like mud in dirty water still I stay"
Greetings, Your Highnesses.
What is that song you all were singing?
I'm asking you all a question.
What is that song? Who wrote the song?
Your Highnesses.
This song is called the "Song of Resentment". It is...
It is... -What is it?
You won't tell me? Summon the eunuchs!
I'll say it! I've only heard that the song is...
written by one of the imperial consorts.
What?
When did this song start circulating in the palace?
I... I've no idea. It spread very suddenly.
The palace maids find it sad and beautiful.
So, everyone learnt it. -I think...
this song is full of sarcasm, resent and hatred.
It's even called the "Song of Resentment".
In the past, Consort Ban wrote one "Song of Resentment"...
to mock Emperor Cheng of Han.
This new "Song of Resentment" carries even more resentment.
It must be the work of a consort...
who has fallen out of favour.
"You are like the dust drawn upward on the way."
“Like mud in dirty water still I stay.“
"One sinking, the other swimming we remain."
"if ever, when are we to meet again?"
What an excellent poem.
Your Majesty, the author resents you.
I know who the consort who fell out of favour is.
But...
she is a very prideful woman.
She's not capable of writing a poem like this either.
Only one person in this world can write this.
"Big rat, big rat, eat no more millet we grow."
"3 years you have grown fat and no care for us you show."
"We'll leave you now, I swear, for a happier land."
"A happier land where we may have a free hand."
Consort Zhen.
Greetings, Consort Zhen. Greetings, Duke of Qi.
Please rise. -Thank you, Consort Zhen.
Since you came personally...
there must be an order from the emperor.
Consort Zhen, the emperor ordered to...
let Duke of Qi stay with Consort Guo for a few days.
No!
I want to live with my mother! Why do I need to move?
This is the emperor's order.
Consort Zhen, please bear with it for a few days.
I'm not going!
Rui Er, go to the back. Hurry.
Ah Weng, is it because of that "Song of Resentment"?
You're aware?
Do you believe that I wrote that song as well?
My opinion doesn't matter.
The problem is that the emperor believes that...
it was written by Marquis of Juancheng for you.
Please inform the emperor that...
I've never contacted the Marquis of Juancheng...
ever since he left the capital.
He has no reason to write a poem for me.
I dare not resent the emperor either.
Your Highness, I know your character.
I'm afraid someone in the palace...
is trying to get rid of you.
Besides, the emperor's suspicion...
was built over the years.
Consort Zhen, would you plead with the emperor personally?
The emperor has been dissatisfied with me.
It'll only backfire if I plead with him.
In the royal harem, the dirty tricks are the ones...
difficult to avoid.
I can't believe someone did this to set me up...
and sow discord.
All I want is raise Rui Er and Dong Xiang peacefully.
Am I such a bother to the emperor?
I heard that the emperor has ordered to...
moved Duke of Qi to Consort Guo's suite.
Doesn't this mean that he's demoting Consort Zhen?
Why is the emperor moving him to Guo Zhads place?
Is His Majesty planning to make her the empress?
She was hopeless at first.
Surprisingly, she got out of the Cold Palace.
Don't worry. Just take one step at a time.
As long as Zhen Fu isn't the empress...
Guo Zhao will always be inferior to you...
in terms of background.
Consort Guo has arrived!
Your Highness!
Your Highness! Save me!
Why did you arrest my maid?
Didn't Eunuch Shi tell you the rules in the palace?
I am sorry. Liu Guiren, you are lower in rank...
and should kneel before Consort Guo.
Even the emperor calls me "princess".
Haven't you heard?
The princesses of Wei are the emperor's...
"sisters and daughters.
If you want to be a princess, please go back to Shanyang County.
You... How dare a lowly woman like you speak so rudely to me!
Eunuch Shi, please memorise every word Liu Guiren said.
Yes, Your Highness.
I'm not here to teach you the rules of the palace today.
Your maid has admitted that she modified the poem of...
"Marquis of Juancheng under your instruction...
and spread it to frame Consort Zhen.
Do you plead guilty?
How can you trust the words of a lowly maid?
Moreover, no name is mentioned in this poem.
If Zhen Fu isn't guilty, why would she feel accused...
and victimised?
If you really understand the emperor...
you should stop quibbling.
Eunuch Shi, if a consort misleads the emperor...
with rumours, do I have the right to punish her?
A Guipin is second only to the empress.
Your Highness has the right to punish...
other Consorts and maids who committed misdeeds.
I dare you to! -I'll be lenient as it's a first.
Guards! -Liu Guiren, save me!
Spank Liu Guiren 20 times! -Guo Zhao!
I'll ask the emperor to kill you! -Back off! Kneel!
Let go of me! Guo Zhao! Let go of me!
Your Majesty! Father! Save me!
I decided to spank you 20 times only...
not because I'm afraid of you...
but because I respect your father.
Spank her! -Guo Zhao!
How dare you! Guo Zhao!
Father, save me!
Your Majesty! Please save my sister!
Consort Guo ordered to spank my sister 20 times!
Stand up.
Even if I go over now...
the punishment would have been over.
Tell me why Consort Guo punished your sister.
My sister...
If you don't tell me, I won't play with you anymore.
Your Majesty, please don't be angry.
I just want to save my sister.
Stand up first. Be a good girl.
Stop.
Consort Guo, the punishment is over.
Once a woman leaves her parents...
she must learn to grow up on her own.
Every action in the royal harem affects the fate of other people.
You can't act as you wish here.
Please reflect and take care.
Return!
Princess.
Why? -I acted on my own...
and punished Consort Liu.
So, I came to ask for punishment.
You were a heroine riding a horse and carrying a sword back then.
I thought I won't be able to see...
your stubbornly righteous antics again.
For many years, you've been treading on thin ice with me.
It's been hard on you as well.
Why didn't you act on your own instead of telling me the truth?
I plead guilty. -You thought that...
once Zi Jian is brought up...
I will surely punish Zhen Fu, right?
Did you decide to act on your own...
"because you think I won't investigate?
Your Majesty, Consort Zhen is really innocent.
Please let Rui Er return. I'm willing to accept punishment.
Whenever Zi Jian and Zhen Fu are brought up...
I'll be reminded of those days of humiliation.
This is a fact that cannot be denied.
I know how to punish them. I won't let others make use of me.
As for you, I will punish you severely.
Mother!
Mother! -Rui Er!
Mother!
Mother, I'm back!
Brother.
Deng Ai actually borrowed soldiers from Jia Kui...
and arrested my 30 retainers!
Uncle Zi Lian, that's nothing.
The Secretariat has just issued a decree.
Officials are no longer allowed to report to the empress dowager.
This is clearly against us.
Yes. Uncle, Sima Yi is really powerful now.
He can even interfere in our family business now!
Right! -Uncle, you're the only one...
the emperor will listen to. This can't go on.
At this rate, we'll be doomed.
Right. -I can't believe the emperor...
let them be.
Let's all resign tomorrow.
Let Sima Yi and Chen Qun go to the battlefield instead.
Right! -You're right!
That won't do! -Enough!
My uncles and brothers, can't you all wait until...
my father gets better?
Look. You all have been granted titles and fiefs.
You all have troops and money as well.
Shouldn't you be contented?
The state is currently facing a lot of challenges.
Don't be selfish. -Father.
Uncle, you can't say that.
Come. Uncle.
We're not being selfish.
It's for the sake of Cao Family. -Yes.
Right, Uncle Zi Lian? -Yes.
Uncle, you're right.
The country is currently facing danger.
That's exactly why we can't allow the civil officials to...
deprive us of the authority to recruit. Else...
the country will be dominated by them in the future.
Think about it. We can't even protect...
our lands in our hometown now.
How are we going to lead the armies in the future?
That's right! I can't accept this!
We're the emperor's closest relatives. How can we let...
those poor scholars bully us? -Uncle Zi Lian is right.
Uncle Zi Lian, persuade him. -Brother.
Alright. Tomorrow...
I will take action.
But, it's not the emperor I'm going to meet.
Uncle.
General Xiahou, I'm honoured to have you as my guest today.
I should have come to congratulate you...
the day you joined the Secretariat.
I feel bad for coming so late.
Please sit down. I'm the junior. -Alright.
You're too nice to me. -Sit down.
Serve tea.
I came for some business today.
Please tell me about it.
To you...
am I a person who capitalises on my seniority...
to bully others?
You must be kidding. You are a man of integrity.
The late emperor granted you at least millions of taels...
and you distribute it to the other military leaders.
You do not acquire properties either.
When the late emperor was alive...
you contributed greatly to the founding of Wei.
Yet, you only took the position of General of the Van.
Clearly, you have devoted your mind and head...
entirely to Wei.
I'm contented enough to receive such remark from you.
Would you like an advice from me?
I'll all ears.
Young man, the purest water is home to no living being.
Try to let go. Do not be too impatient.
Sir, I don't agree.
My integrity alone cannot affect the fate of a state...
just like how your integrity alone...
cannot change the tyranny of the nobles.
Even an ordinary soldier knows that...
he must be loyal to the one that feeds them...
let alone these generals.
They all carry scars and injuries.
It's not unreasonable to demand for some properties...
was reward, right?
Sir, you've fought many battles. Please enlighten me.
Wei has been in war with Sun Quan for so many years.
But, we rarely win.
Is it really because of that fire at the Red Cliffs back then?
It's lack of resources due to the continuous war.
You're right.
Jiangdong is peaceful. But, war has plagued Wei for so long.
The emperor aspires to unify China.
If we don't rehabilitate and restore our resources...
while Sun Quan and Liu Bei are enemies...
if Sun and Liu decide to join hands again one day...
Wei will be in danger.
Someone has to lead the soldiers for the conquests.
If you offend all these generals...
who will fight for the state?
Sir, are you saying that...
if we continue to implement the new policies...
the noble generals will raise a mutiny?
I'm worried about the new policies...
causing a mess in the state.
Mr. Sima, let me tell you something.
As long as I'm alive, they'll behave.
If I'm gone, who will put them under control?
Mutiny is a small thing.
If Wei is under attack...
there'll be no one to lead the soldiers!
Let me say this in return. The military leaders of Wei...
are not all from Cao Family and Xiahou Family.
Old General Xiahou! Hou Ji! Hurry!
Young Master Yi, what's wrong? -Wake him up!
Alright. Wake up.
Wake up. -Old General Xiahou!
Wake up.
Young Master Yi, he's not breathing.
Young Master Yi.
Xiahou Dun!
You got me into deep trouble. -Young Master Yi.
If you go to the funeral, they'll only tear you into pieces!
Old General Xiahou's death was really unforeseen.
I've a clear conscience.
But, if I keep on avoiding them, I...
I'll only feel guilty.
They are trying to find excuses now.
They'll kill you even if you're innocent!
Why is it so difficult to implement a few new policies?
Your Majesty may kill me for Old General Xiahou's death.
But, the new policies must not be changed.
Your Majesty, General Xiahou was the chief commander of the army.
You should attend his funeral.
I will go.
Sima Yi shall go as well.
Convey my order. The funeral procession...
shall begin from the east gate.
Sima Yi and Chen Qun...
will go with me. -Yes.
I will convey the order at once.
Your Majesty, you are from the same clan as Old General Xiahou.
By right, you should go to the memorial hall personally.
If you only mourn in the last minute at the city gate...
the nobles might find you disrespectful.
At a time like this...
if we go to my uncle's residence...
and they try to kill you...
I'm afraid even I can't stop them.
If we mourn at the city gate...
the guards are the Imperial Insignia Guards.
It'll be safer.
Let them criticise me.
After all, you are...
"implementing the new policies for me.
How can I bear to let them kill you?
Your Majesty, I am utterly grateful.
Servants! -Yes!
Bring two sets of plain clothes. -Yes.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
The emperor has arrived to mourn!