Episode 39
It's late and cold. Why are you still awake?
The moon is bright and it is a cold, but beautiful night.
When I see my man, should I not feel at ease?
I suddenly feel very emotional.
I can't sleep. My dear, why are you awake as well?
Today...
I obtained too much information. So, I can't sleep.
What is the matter causing your insomnia?
The new policies.
You really work hard for the country.
Fortunately, we are beginning to see success...
in the new policies.
Everyone says that you saved the country...
and that you are the Lord Xinling of the era.
Lord Xinling betrayed his king...
and fled Wei. He was an unfaithful subject.
Ms. Ling Yun, you compared me...
to the wrong person.
You reminded me that...
Lord Xinling's biggest misdeed...
was not his flight from Wei.
It was his conspiracy with the king's favourite consort
Lord Xinling bribed Lady Ru, King of Wei's favourite consort
She stole the military tally for him.
Conspiracies between officials and imperial consorts...
are most dreaded by kings.
Lord Xinling only thought of his own interest.
He did not think of the death sentence...
that poor consort was bound to face...
after assisting him.
This woman caught up in politics...
is so sad and pitiful.
My dear, do you agree with me?
In my opinion...
many things are beyond one's control...
in times of danger.
Think about it. If there was a spy like you...
"monitoring Lord Xinling back then...
If Lord Xinling had silenced someone by murder...
do you really think he would be able to leave Wei?
What do you mind?
Do you think this pond of spring water...
can conceal all the secrets?
Sima Yi!
What are you doing?
I'm having a discussion. -Your hands!
Come here!
What are you doing? -Let me say a few more words.
Lord Xinling was an honourable man.
He did not kill the innocent.
But, Hou Ying died. - Hou Ying killed himself.
He killed himself to prove his innocence. If Lord Xinling...
would trust Hou Ying...
Hou Ying would not die.
If he would take Hou Ying with him...
Hou Ying would not just be a sacrificed aide.
He could become a loyal official.
He was a loyal official.
I understand. I won't abandon Hou Ying.
Who is Hou Ying?
Let's talk in our room. Come. - What were you doing just now?
We were discussing. -What's with your hands then?
I was teaching her an exercise. - What's with that gesture then?
It was the Tiger Posture. -Nonsense!
Lies! Take this!
Ms. Ling Yun, that scared me. I thought they would kill you.
Should we report this to the emperor?
No.
After tonight...
we will really be...
safe in Sima Yi's family.
Get in! -My dear, don't push me.
I'm thinking about something.
Go and get it yourself!
We're still mourning and you're acting all...
lovey-dovey with your concubine.
It seems like you really trust her.
My dear, don't misunderstand me.
You don't know what happened today.
What happened then? Who is that Lord Xinling?
And why can't you betray that guy called Hou...
Hou Ying. -Yes.
My dear, let me explain to you.
Lord Xinling is a person from the Warring States Period.
The country he lived in was called Wei as well.
His elder sister went to Zhao to get married...
and became the consort of King of Zhao.
Qin dispatched a massive army to surround Zhao.
Lord Xinling wanted to save Zhao.
So, he begged King of Wei to dispatch his army.
But, King of Wei refused to. Lord Xinling's aide, Hou Ying...
gave Lord Xinling a suggestion.
He told Lord Xinling to bribe a consort...
to steal the military tally for him to save Zhao.
This is a famous story from the Warring States Period.
How is this related to you?
Ms. Bai... No.
Bai Ling Yun described me as Lord Xinling.
She called me a sinner of Wei.
Why?
Today, her maid, Xiao Yuan...
overheard the conversation between me and Consort Zhen...
which involves a very dangerous mission.
If it's so dangerous...
why did you have to use the Tiger Posture?
This?
It's exactly because of the danger that...
when she turned around, I stared into the pond...
and developed the intention to kill her.
You developed the intention to kill her?
I bet you actually developed feelings for her.
My dear, this isn't the time for jokes.
If Bai Ling Yun reports this matter to the emperor...
we might be subjected to familial extermination.
Don't worry. She won't expose you.
Why?
You even touched her chest. How come you can't see her head?
I've never had physical contact with her.
What are you trying to say?
She likes you.
I don't like her. Why would she like me?
Things men pretend to be oblivious to...
are obvious to women.
You're just feigning ignorance.
Come here. -I don't have to kneel anymore?
Sleep.
Ms. Xiao Yuan.
I made something tasty for you.
See? Come and try it.
You must be after something.
Speak. What do you want?
What do you mean? I just feel bad because...
you and Madam Ling Yun need to cook for yourselves.
So, I thought of doing you all a favour...
and cooked these dishes for you.
If you like it, I can cook for you again.
Come. Try it.
Are you trying to poison me? -Ms. Xiao Yuan.
Do I look like a guy who will do that?
Well, you don't look like you've the guts to do that.
Sit down.
After you. -Alright.
I'll eat first.
Look. I'm fine. -That one.
Alright.
I'm fine. -This one as well.
Ms. Xiao Yuan, why are you so suspicious?
If there's poison in these dishes, I'll die first.
Fine. I'll eat another.
So, can you eat now? Here.
Try it.
What do you think? -Well, it's not bad.
Not bad? This is excellent.
You cooked this too a few days ago.
Do you know why mine tastes better?
Because yours lack a certain seasoning...
hot pepper.
Do you know where we place hot pepper?
You definitely can't find it.
Let me tell you something. This house...
is a big house. We've a lot of things.
But, I can even find a hidden needle.
So, just tell me if you're looking for something.
I'll help you to look for it. You don't have to...
search around alone.
Else, people will mistake you as a thief.
Back in my hometown, Wen County...
there was a worker under me called Ah Gui.
He was always searching for things.
One day, he entered our master's room...
and decided to steal. Our master was furious...
and ordered me to settle it.
Ah Gui is two heads taller than me.
But, he cried like a baby and refused to leave the household.
I grabbed his collar and threw him out without a word.
You're quite amazing, Brother Hou Ji.
You overpowered him, a man taller than yourself.
I'm a servant. Strength is the only thing I have.
Eat without me.
So, Ms. Xiao Yuan, if...
If you need to carry things or do heavy work...
Even if you're just going out to buy stuffs...
you should take me along.
I can help you to carry things.
It's true that this is quite a big household.
Right? A big house is a shelter to many people...
and people love to gossip.
They'll gossip about anything at all. So...
since the day I entered this household...
I've always been cautious.
I go back to my room after I finish my work.
Unless summoned, I won't come out at all.
I never walk around for no reason.
It's too salty.
I added too much salt.
Greetings, General Cao.
It looks like the emperor...
invited you to today's garden party as well.
I'm glad to see that...
you got over your father's death...
so quickly.
I can't defy the emperor's order. The country should be my priority.
But, I didn't know that...
it's just a garden party.
So, was the guest you entertained yesterday...
acting upon an order too?
Are you talking about Prince Rui? Right.
Prince Rui went out to hunt and took the liberty to visit me.
I did advise him to return to the palace.
But, as Prince Rui's teacher...
I'm responsible for his misconduct.
Thank you for the reminder.
Sima Yi, you're really as sly as a fox.
You're showing your true colours.
We're the same.
We both depend on the emperor.
The emperor has arrived!
Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise at once. -Thank you, Your Majesty.
How come the two of you look so happy?
Mr. Sima and I saw a fox passing by.
We saw two foxes.
Zhong Da, did you see a tiger as well?
Your Majesty, the sun shines bright today.
It's our honour to see you. - Your Majesty seems happy.
And pleased.
I saw two foxes as well.
When I was still the General of the Household...
I often had outings with my friends.
"When the bright sun had gone into hiding...
we carried on by the glow of the moon."
"We were off to outings at the inner gardens."
I haven't had the time ever since I ascended the throne.
Today, shall I reminisce the past joy with the two of you?
Thank you, Your Majesty.
After you. -I dare not. After you, sir.
Zhong Da. Zi Dan. Let's have a toast.
Let's drink till we drop. -Your Majesty.
I'm mourning.
This is the spring wine Deng Ai sent over from Shouchun.
It's made of the grains he grew.
You're his teacher. Don't you want to taste it?
I shall pray for longevity with this spring wine.
I will drink this cup of wine to wish Your Majesty longevity.
Your Majesty, this wine is too bland.
It's not good enough.
Of course. This is made of the grains harvested this year.
10 years later, when our granaries are full...
this wine will taste much more better.
Zi Dan, I have a request.
Your Majesty, I boldly request that...
you tell me first.
If I'm capable of doing it, I'll definitely do my best.
If I'm not capable of doing it...
I'll be giving Your Majesty false hope.
If that's the case, I'd rather die than...
make an empty promise. Please tell me directly.
Am I that scary?
Zhang Qian explored the Western Region...
and is praised for his contributions.
After Eastern Han Dynasty, due to the low upkeep...
the road to the Western Region got blocked off.
I wish to open up the road to the Western Region again.
Zi Dan, can you fight against Kroraina for me?
Your Majesty, as the General of the West...
I dare not excuse myself if Your Majesty wishes to...
conquer the Western Region.
But, before I depart, I have something to say.
Speak.
Your Majesty.
In the past, Sima Zhong Da said to the late emperor that...
the crown prince is crucial to the country's future.
Today, I'd like to borrow his advice for Your Majesty.
What say you, Zhong Da?
I agree with General Cao.
The appointment of crown prince can assure the people.
It looks like you all have candidates for the crown prince.
Pour wine for the two of them.
Let your thoughts...
go down with this wine.
Your Majesty. -Let me ask you a question.
What is the current priority of Wei?
Our priority is to restore our wealth...
assure our people, eliminate the rebels...
and unify China.
We'll unify China.
My empire cannot afford political conflicts.
I'll be frank.
I don't want to appoint a crown prince.
From today onwards, whoever brings up...
the matter of the appointment of the crown prince...
shall be punished for treason.
This music makes one feel as though...
one is embraced by nature even though one is in a house.
It is extremely beautiful and unforgettable.
I am truly impressed by your skills.
Bo Yi and Zi Qi produced the most beautiful music...
because they appreciated each other.
I only started to understand this feeling of peace recently.
Did you meet the emperor?
Yes. The emperor refused to talk about...
the matter of the appointment of the crown prince.
He even sent General Cao Zhen to the Western Region.
The emperor still takes sides with you.
Cao Zhen won't return so soon. You can take this opportunity...
to implement the new policies and realise your dream.
Congratulations.
You are right. You are exceptionally intelligent.
I am amazed.
I'd like to thank you on behalf of my family.
What for?
You did not report that matter to the emperor.
What matter?
That matter.
Which matter?
You know it.
I see. But, it's not over yet.
Please come closer.
Since the day I entered Sima Family...
I understand that...
you work very diligently...
and even sacrifice your own health...
for the sake of the country.
I also know that you are truly loyal to the emperor.
These words sound quite familiar.
But, they do sound somewhat hypocritical.
I know very well.
That's not true.
My dear, your words are the...
"unforgettable music to my ears.
I will follow your example and make you my role model.
Our heads and minds are one.
So, do you acknowledge me as your family member now?
Are we one family? -Yes.
With one head and mind? -Yes.
Madam Zhang.
My dear, aren't we one family? -We are.
What are you afraid of? - Right. I'm not afraid.
I recalled another thing. I hope you can tell me the truth.
As long as I know the answer, I will not hide it from you.
My dear.
What is the "Tiger Posture"?
What Tiger Posture?
Please don't misunderstand.
That night...
I know you weren't trying to kill me.
I'm just very curious.
Is this...
a romantic secret...
between you and Madam Zhang?
You... You're imagining things.
I... I'm a rigid man.
My wife is no where close to...
romantic either. This is a secret of the family.
It's the "Five Animal Frolics".
Hua Tuo, the genius physician, passed it to me a long time ago.
Everyone in the household knows this exercise.
Everyone in the household? - Yes. Even Hou Ji knows it.
I want to learn it. -Alright. I'll teach you some day.
Make it today.
Xiao Yuan and Housekeeper Hou...
are preparing my hometown cuisines for me.
Why don't you stay and eat with me?
While waiting for the food, you can teach me the exercise.
Are we no longer one family?
No. We're one family. -Are you going to eat with me?
Alright. -Will you teach me the exercise?
Alright.
The "Five Animal...
My dear, are you planning to flee?
There are 5 postures in the "Five Animal Frolics"...
the Tiger, Bear...
Deer, Monkey and Bird Postures.
Which one do you want to learn first?
Change from palm to tiger claws.
Change from fist to palm.
Change to tiger claws.
Change to palm.
This is the Tiger's Lift.
Next is the Tiger's Pounce.
This is the one?
Yes.
This...
This... -What? It's the Tiger Posture.
Yes, Tiger Posture. - What's the Tiger Posture?
Tiger Posture is... I'll teach you someday.
What is this Tiger Posture?
My dear, Hua Tuo's "Five Animal Frolics"...
is quite effective. I only tried this move...
and now I feel...
blood rushing across my entire body.
I feel quite hot. -Learn it slowly.
My dear.
Do you want to dine?
Please proceed.
Keep the zither.
In the 2nd year of Wei's Huangchu Reign...
Cao Pi relocated the capital to Luoyang.
Sima Yi became the emperor's Palace Attendant.
Teacher, I'm done writing. Please check.
Shi Ji, you can remove this sentence.
The last two sentences...
still need revision. -Hurry.
Zhong Da! Look who came back!
Shi Zai, you're back.
Greetings, teacher.
Shi Zai, rise at once.
When did you arrived? -I just arrived in Luoyang today.
I've met the emperor.
Zhong Da, over the past 12 months...
Shi Zai worked on the agriculture and irrigation system.
He has attained outstanding achievements.
The troops near Shouchun and Huainan...
no longer rely on rations from the state.
In fact, they sent in over 8 million barrels of grains.
The new policies are so successful.
We can sleep well now.
Teacher, I came to the capital this time...
in order to inform you and the emperor that...
now that we have extra grains...
the canal for transportation is vital.
I brought a plan of the canal I designed...
to seek advices from you.
Today, the emperor even said that...
we can attack Wu once we have enough rations.
Your proposal of a new canal came at the right time.
Shi Ji. Shi Zai. Sit down.
Brother Chang Wen, after you. -Alright.
Sit down.
Shi Ji. Shi Zai. tell me.
If Wei is to conquer China, which between Wu and Shu...
should we attack first? - Wu is rich in resources...
and wide open.
Of course we should attack Wu first.
Shu is remote and protected by natural barriers.
It's hard to transport rations over. Moreover...
their people are poor. Instead of obtaining wealth...
we need to feed their starving people.
It's not worth it.
Teacher, I have an idea. -Speak.
In my humble opinion, whether we attack Wu or Shu...
it won't benefit us.
Shu and Wu might be small. But, they have natural barriers...
and strong navies.
Liu Bei is ambitious. Zhuge Liang is good at governing.
Sun Quan and Lu Xun are both clever as well.
If we attack, our victory isn't guaranteed.
You can tell from the late emperor's...
failure in acquiring Wu.
As such, we need to first suppress internal rebellion...
and generate wealth next. There is no need to be impatient.
Shi Zai, how come you don't stutter anymore?
Zhong Da, Shi Zai is no longer hissing and he is right.
Brother Chang Wen, do you need a toilet break?
I can wait until the discussion is over.
Well said, Shi Zai. But, to accomplish that...
we will need 10 years' time.
I don't know if the generals of Cao Family...
will give us 10 years' time.
Thanks to the emperor who sent General Cao Zhen to Hexi...
our new policies faced a lot less pressure over the year.
But, we just received news today that...
we've won the battle at Hexi...
and General Cao Zhen will soon return to the capital.
We're going to have a hard time again.
We've steadily implemented both the Nine-Rank System...
and the System of Military Agra-Colonies.
No one can single-handedly change the situation.
Shi Zai, it's been hard on you.
I'm just doing my job.
Both teacher and I feel very sorry for you.
Should I introduce a good lady to you?
As an official, you can't be without your own family, right?
The new policies are still in progress.
I still need to travel around.
I don't have the mood for that. I'll think about it in the future.
Shi Zai, come. Show me the plan for your canal.
Look, teacher.
This is Huaibei and this is Huainan.
General Cao Zhen opened up the path to the Western Region...
and obtained many precious items.
He sent me to deliver some to you.
Please look at this.
This glowing pearl can only be found in the Western Region.
It's a gift for you.
No. This is such a precious treasure.
I've done nothing to deserve it.
I can't accept this gift.
Please don't turn me down.
How can you say that you don't deserve it?
For years, you've led a humble life.
You've been advising Cao Zhi, the Marquis of Juancheng.
You've contributed greatly.
General Cao Zhen said that once you return to the capital...
he'll welcome you with 10 times more valuables.
Is the court going to transfer me back to the capital?
If Cao Zhi is punished for committing a crime...
you won't have to serve as his advisor anymore.
You'll be able to return to the capital.
Cao Zhi is always binge drinking.
It won't be difficult to make him commit a crime.
But, to what extent should the crime be?
Please guide me.
A capital offense.
Hurry! Open the boxes!
Come. Greet the emperor at once.
Your Majesty.
Lift your heads. -Lift your heads!
Your Majesty, in this expedition...
I slew 50,000 rebels and rescued 100,000 people.
I obtained 1.1 million sheep and 80,000 cattle.
The road to the Western Region is no longer obstructed.
The people are living in harmony and wealth.
I brought back the tributes and envoys.
The envoys are now in an inn. You may summon them any time.
Zi Dan, you're indeed an outstanding general of the era.
The unrest in the Western Region went on for 100 years.
Yet, you managed to end it in one go...
and open the passage to the Western Region.
For this, you will be praised and remembered for ages.
I'm going to reward you generously.
Your Majesty, I owe my victory to your strategies.
Fortunately, I did not disappoint you and survived to...
meet you again. My wish has been fulfilled.
It's only been a year and you learnt to bootlick.
As Your Majesty is so wise, I shall skip the flatterers.
Don't reject the rewards from me.
The new policies have been quite successful.
The government is wealthy.
I can surely afford to reward my General of the West.
Congratulations, Your Majesty. -Tell them to retire.
Retire!
Today, I will hold a banquet in the palace...
to celebrate for you alone.
I heard that Cao Shuang performed exceptionally well...
in the battlefield.
Tell your son to come. Let me meet him.
Your Majesty, he's just a child. Don't spoil him.
Your Majesty.
Save the memorials for tomorrow.
Tonight, I will give Zi Dan all my time.
Your Majesty once ordered me to always present a report from...
the advisor of a sovereign immediately after receiving it.
Where is this from? -Juancheng.
Could it be that...
Zi Jian got drunk and did something again?
Your Majesty.
Ah Weng. -Your Majesty.
Summon Hua Xin and Man Chong immediately.