Episode 12
Deputy Commander Sima, this is an emergency.
Please get everything ready and depart as soon as possible.
Yes, but it's 50,000 men we're talking about.
I need to inform my camps...
...select the right men and prepare the forage.
Please hold on a moment.
According to Chief Commander...
...you'll have to travel at least 35km everyday.
He wants you to arrive at Chang'an within 10 days.
Yes, will do. Please get some rest.
I'll make a move first.
Father.
We're ready. -What are you ready for?
We're asked to depart today. - Just wait for a while.
If we don't depart now, we might miss the deadline.
The imperial decree is right behind you. Take a look at it.
Cao Zhen is promoted as the Grand Marshal.
Father, you're only his deputy.
This is more than an insult.
What does it mean to you?
It looks like Cao Zhen is determined to get rid of you.
He's the Grand Marshal and the leader of all army.
You're just his subordinate.
He has the right to do anything to you.
He's going to take all the credit. However, if we lose the battle...
...you'll be blamed instead.
Tell me, what should we do?
Father, why don't you feign sickness and turn it down?
The tiger tally is already here. I can't do that.
Issue the order. Our army will depart three days later.
Remove the armour. It's heavy, isn't it?
Master.
Here's a letter from Lady Bai.
Why don't you read it?
Does any fish take the bait?
No.
Tell the Grand Marshal to send the vanguard first to join me...
...to defeat Zhuge Liang. -Yes.
Chancellor.
We've spent days trying to seize Chencang but failed.
Why don't we give up the city...
...and get out of Qishan from Taibailing Route instead?
No, the north of Chencang is Jieting...
...which is a crucial path for us to transport provision.
We must seize Chencang in order to proceed.
We'll continue to attack. -Yes.
Where is Sima Yi now?
According to our informant, Sima Yi is going slow...
...and has yet to meet up with Cao Zhen.
Sima Yi, it seems like you have other thoughts...
...about going forward.
Great, Administrator Hao is indeed loyal and courageous.
Zhuge Liang spent 10 days to seize Chencang but failed.
This is great news!
Wang Shuang, Shu's army is getting weaker.
Bring 5,000 men to attack Shu's army to protect Chencang.
Yes.
Take this.
I'll surely bring Zhuge Liang's head to you.
Is Sima Yi here?
No, he's already late for a day.
It's okay. He can take his time. He'll get what he deserves.
Guo Huai, it's been a great day.
The weather is awful. It's been raining all day long.
It's so cold.
Stop complaining. The General has been kind to us.
We're allowed to camp once it rains. It's great to have...
...a camp and grilled meat on a rainy day like this.
Other generals might insist on going for war at this moment.
We'd be covered in mud and rain, or worse, freeze to death.
That's right.
Other than the meat, howl wish there's some wine, too.
I know, right? -Right.
It's been raining heavily for days.
We can easily get fish outside.
If it keeps raining, we're going to have fish soup every meal.
Father. -Shi'er, you're back in time.
Try Uncle Hou Ji's fish soup.
Father.
You shouldn't be drinking fish soup at this moment.
Is Zhuge Liang here? -No.
Did Cao Zhen suffer a defeat? -No.
Then why are you worried?
We've been here for days. The soldiers are slacking off.
We've missed the deadline given by Grand Marshal.
Cao Zhen will surely give you a hard time.
Shi'er, he'll do so regardless of whether I meet the deadline.
If I reach there earlier...
...he might just assign me to somewhere full of traps...
...or a city that's bound to fall.
By then, I'd have to face not only Zhuge Liang...
...but also military punishment.
I might as well just sip fish soup and listen to the rain here.
Grand Marshal is summoning General Piaoqi Sima Yi.
With the Grand Marshal's order, I'm here to lecture you.
Why are you delaying in going to Chencang?
How dare you! -Don't be rude.
General, please inform Grand Marshal...
...that it's been raining and the roads are muddy.
It's hard for us to proceed. I hope he understands that.
You can tell that to Grand Marshal when you meet him.
General, how's the situation right now?
Chencang Administrator Hao Zhao managed to keep Shu's army at bay.
Zhuge Liang was trapped outside Chencang and couldn't do anything.
It's all thanks to Grand Marshal's brilliant tactics.
Thank goodness everything went well...
...despite the obstacle we encounter here.
Please tell Grand Marshal that once the rain subsides...
...we'll try our best to reach there as soon as possible.
You should just depart now...
...or be prepared to face the music.
Good bye.
What a snob.
Cao Zhen is getting more arrogant after winning a couple of battles.
Father, if we don't depafl now...
...how should we explain ourselves to the Emperor?
Do you think Cao Zhen can defeat Zhuge Liang?
The victories are merely a prelude to a massive defeat.
It doesn't matter how soon I reach there.
He would surely punish me anyway.
That's better than losing my life because of him.
It's salty. -I'll get the rainwater now.
Father, I'll talk to the soldiers. -Okay.
Our savior is here. Open the city gate!
Yes!
Run! -Tell Zhuge Liang...
...we're going to kill him!
General Wang, you're here. Chencang will be safe.
General Wang, cheers. -Cheers.
Administrator Hao, Grand Marshal compliments you...
...for doing a good job in protecting the city.
After the battle, he'll surely will reward you.
I'm flattered. It's my duty to protect the country.
You're bringing 20,000 men. Please get them to camp outside the city.
Set up strong defence and dig deep trenches around...
...to prevent Shu's army from entering.
Yes, will do.
Grand Marshal said you'll be responsible of defending the city.
I'll be in charge of killing the enemy.
We have news!
Shu's army is challenging us to a battle.
Defend the city and never go out! -Yes.
General Hao, why can't we fight them?
General Wang, it's been a long journey.
You must be hungry. Please rest first. You can join us tomorrow.
The meal can wait. I feel like killing a few men of Shu...
...to repay Grand Marshal for recognising my talent.
Fine, warm the wine. We shall wait for him to return triumphantly.
Yes.
We have news!
Chief Commander, General Piaoqi Sima Yi...
...and his 50,000 men are outside now.
General Piaoqi Sima Yi.
I almost forgot he exists.
Bring him in. -Yes.
Greetings, Chief Commander.
What a surprise visit.
Brother Yi, what are you doing here?
Chief Commander, I'm here with 50,000 men from Jingyu to...
...provide backup to you.
Backup?
If I was relying on your backup...
...I would have lost Chencang a long time ago.
Our men were risking their lives fighting the enemies...
...while you're taking your own sweet time.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Yes, I'm sorry. -How many days are you late?
Chief Commander, I am late for 10 days.
Sun Li, you're the adjutant.
What's the punishment for missing the deadline?
This... -Say it!
According to military law, he should be flogged 100 times.
Yes, we should follow the law.
Sima Yi is late for 10 days. Flog him 100 times.
Chief Commander, you can't do this.
Chief Commander, it's been raining for days.
Father cared for his men. That's why we're late.
Please forgive him, Chief Commander!
He cared for his men.
Does that mean I shouldn't let our men go to war at all?
Does that mean...
...I should just hand Chang'an to Zhuge Liang?
Chief Commander, the Emperor sent General Sima to help you.
We need him.
Please allow Chief Commander to make up for his mistake.
Do I even need him?
I have advisors and generals who can help me in the battle.
I don't need a timid nerd.
Moreover, when Sima Yi...
...talked to the Emperor about how Zhuge Liang executed Ma Su...
...he praised Zhuge Liang for being impartial, didn't he?
He should behave the same way for himself.
Chief Commander, you're impartial. I'm willing to be punished.
Chief Commander, it's too heavy a punishment for father.
Please punish me instead. -And me, too.
Shut up. Who are you to even speak here?
Sima Yi, do you remember your promise to me?
You swore that...
...you would stay away from Yongliang forever...
...yet you're back now.
Look what you've done.
When you went to attack Meng Da...
...you travelled 600km in eight days. You're fast as lightning.
Why did you move like a tortoise to get here?
Why?
Sima Yi, I know perfectly well...
...what you're up to.
You're hoping for me to fail, right?
Chief Commander, I didn't want to reach too early and...
...end up stealing your thunder. - So should I thank you for it?
No. The delay is solely my fault.
It has nothing to do with my men. Please leave them out of this.
Don't worry.
You're the only one who'll be flogged.
Bring Sima Yi out for the punishment.
Yes, sir!
Carry out the punishment!
One!
TWO !
Three!
Four!
Five!
Six!
Seven!
Eight! -I'm going to fight Cao Zhen.
Remember what father said. -I can't stand this!
Stay here.
Eleven!
Chief Commander, the Emperor sent General Sima...
...here to help in the war.
If he's severely injured or worse, died...
...it'd be hard for you to explain yourself to the Emperor.
Chief Commander, it's enough as long as there's punishment.
How can we treat the law lightly?
Even if the Emperor was here...
...no one could defend him for what he did.
You're right, but we're in a war right now.
Since Zhuge Liang fears Sima Yi to a certain extent...
...why don't you spare him?
You mean, without Sima Yi, I can never defeat Zhuge Liang?
Then why do I even need you?
If you continue to plead for him, I'll punish you, too!
We have news!
Sir Sima has fainted.
How many times was he flogged? -20.
Go on! -Yes.
We have news!
Here's news from Chencang. -Bring it to me.
Wang Shuang is indeed a hero!
On the day he arrived, he killed Xie Xiong and Gong Qi of Shu.
Zhang Ni was severely injured. Wang Ping and Liao Hua ran away.
Zhuge Liang lost his men and retreated 10km over.
Awesome! Congratulations, Chief Commander.
Sun Li, tell me, why do I even need Sima Yi?
Father would not be able to take this.
He's going to die!
I'll look for Cao Zhen. Stay here.
Father! -Master!
After retreating for 10km...
...Zhuge Liang should be at this spot by now.
Tell me, what should we do next?
Chief Commander!
Chief Commander, please ask them to stop!
Father can't take it anymore!
Please spare my father and punish me instead, Chief Commander!
Chief Commander, General Piaoqi is not physically strong like us.
He might be dead if he's flogged for 100 times.
Please have mercy on him, Chief Commander.
Zhang He, what do you think?
Chief Commander, if he's dead, the Emperor would surely blame you.
I think it's enough.
Please have mercy on him, Chief Commander.
Fine.
Since all of you are pleading for him...
...I'll reduce it to 60 times.
Thank you, Chief Commander!
Order from Chief Commander! Stop!
Stop!
Get out!
Father! -Master!
Master!
Father.
Master. -Father.
Wang Shuang is indeed unstoppable.
I don't think anyone among us is capable of fighting him.
Chancellor, Chencang is well defended.
Wang Shuang is extremely skilled and we can't defeat him.
Why don't we...
I've thought of it before.
However, Sima Yi is here today.
We might be able to fool Cao Zhen, but not Sima Yi.
We have news!
Chancellor, we found out that Sima Yi and his men are here.
Today, Sima Yi...
...was flogged by Cao Zhen for being late.
It's a great thing if Wei's generals don't get along.
It's much more than that.
To take down Meng Da, Sima Yi braved the snow...
...and travelled 600km in eight days...
...yet he delayed the trip for 10 days this time...
...just because it rained.
Can't you tell what he's up to?
Chancellor, you mean he did it on purpose?
Sima Yi thinks in an interesting way.
Father. -Master
Father.
How many times was I flogged? -60 times.
The generals pleaded with Cao Zhen and he reduced it to 60 times.
So he gave in. -Thank God you're conscious now.
You've suffered so much.
Cao Zhen did this over personal grudge.
He didn't dare to push it too far. He's such a bad person.
How's the situation now?
Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang have succeeded in defeating Shu's army.
Zhuge Liang has retreated 10km over.
Father, did we travel all the way just to be treated this way?
Don't tell your mother about it.
Master, please stop talking.
You should focus on your recovery.
Lady would be sad if she found out about it.
I'll make them pay.
Is Sima Yi still alive?
Grand Marshal, General Sima's injuries are quite serious.
Though it didn't hurt his bones nor nerves,“...
...he might be having fever for the next few days.
He needs to take a good rest.
Great, let him rest.
When I win the war...
...I'll just get someone to bring him back. You may leave.
Grand Marshal, while I was patrolling just now...
...I captured a spy. -A spy?
Bring him in.
Chief Commander, I'm not a spy.
I have a secret message for you, but I was captured instead.
Untie him. -Grand Marshal.
Do you think he would escape or assassinate me?
Untie him! -Yes.
Everyone, except Guo Huai and Sun Li, please leave.
Say it. What secret message do you have for me?
General Jiang Wei sent me to...
...pass this secret letter to you, Chief Commander.
Bring it to me.
Does Jiang Wei want to come back? -Yes.
Great!
This is perfect.
Guo Huai, let him get some rest. I'll write a reply now.
Yes.
Grand Marshal, should we believe him?
Don't worry.
Jiang Wei is from Wei.
He was captured by Zhuge Liang and forced to surrender to him.
Who would want to work for an enemy if he has a choice?
Both Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei are cunning.
Grand Marshal, maybe it's a trap.
This is a rare opportunity for us.
Never doubt the person you use.
Don't tell me you don't even trust your fellow countryman.
Fine, if you're worried...
...I shall let Fei Yao to go on my behalf.
Should we discuss this with Deputy Commander?
He knows Zhuge Liang pretty well.
All right.
Here.
He's still having fever.
I'll wipe it.
Deputy Commander.
Adjutant Sun.
How is your father?
He's been having fever and is barely conscious.
This is made of snake gall. It'll help in easing the bruises.
Thank you, Adjutant Sun.
Thank you for pleading with Chief Commander.
We owe you a lot.
Not at all.
Deputy Commander.
What should I do?
What's the matter, Adjutant?
Please inform me when your father is conscious.
I'll make a move first.
Father, you're conscious. -Father.
Is it Adjutant Sun? -Yes, it seems to be urgent.
Watch out!
Who are you? Where's Cao Zhen?
Crooks, don't expect to see Chief Commander here.
I'm Fei Yao and I can capture you single-handedly.
What a pity.
We have news!
General, Shu's army has blocked our path of retreat.
We have nowhere to go!
I'm Jiang Wei.
Fei Yao, surrender now and you'll be spared.
Jiang Wei, you betrayed your own country! Karma will get you!
You're a traitor! I'll never join you!
Fei Yao, it's not worth it to die for Cao Zhen.
He appreciated my talent. I'm willing die for him!
Fei Yao, if you surrender now, I'll spare your entire army.
General, they have the repeating crossbow.
If they use it on us, all of us would die.
Zhuge Liang, don't even think about it.
General Fei!
There're...
...good and loyal people in Wei, too.
What a pity.
Please spare us, Chancellor! We'll surrender now!
Administrator Hao!
Administrator Hao, please send your men to help out!
General Fei was tricked by Jiang Wei...
...and end up trapped by Shu's army.
Please send backup!
Are you Zhang Hua, deputy of General Fei Yao?
Yes, I am! General Fei sent me here!
Administrator, please send backup! We're in great danger!
I knew it. Jiang Wei can't be trusted!
Get 5,000 men to save them!
Yes! Open the city gate!
Charge!
We have been tricked! Let's get down to help them!
Hurry up! Fight the enemy!