Episode 16
Father.
Let's skip this for now. Come.
I'm really sorry to bother you here...
...at this hour. -What's going on?
Just because the forage delivery was delayed by a few days...
...the Chancellor canned my trusted man for 80 times.
He even wants to execute me based on the military law.
Please save my father. I've no mean to live on...
...if my father is executed.
You're Guiren, you shouldn't kneel before me, please get up.
Chancellor Zhuge Liang...
...is getting bolder.
I'm not sure if this works, Central Protector General.
Why don't we...
Human is greedy.
Power is the most associative with dream.
He wants to stand on his own feet with the troop of 100,000.
If he's leading a troop of 200,000...
...he'd attack Luoyang and seize my throne.
Your Majesty should drink the tea while it's hot.
Why don't we replace him with Zhang He?
They are neither Zhuge Liang's rival so, why not?
Your Majesty should appoint someone safe.
I'll give him one last chance.
If he refuses to send the army after three days...
...seize him.
His Majesty arrives!
Qingxiao! Guess what I've brought you!
Qingxiao!
Why are you crying?
Tell me. Who's hurt your feeling? I'll set it straight.
I... -Tell me.
Tell me now. I can't wait anymore.
Your Majesty.
I did hear something related to Guiren's sadness.
Tell me! -These days...
...a lot of money is spent on renovating the painting room.
So, it's delayed the forage delivery.
The Chancellor's putting the blame on Central Protector General Li.
He even wants to execute him using military law.
Qingxiao, I'll tell the Chancellor...
...to put the blame on me rather than Central Protector General Li.
The Chancellor and my father are both at the same rank...
...yet he has the intention to execute my father.
He's the Chancellor, after all.
According to Officer Gou An who delivered the forage...
...the Chancellor hasn't launched any battle in the past two months.
All he did was picking on Central Protector General Li.
The Chancellor might not have the will to battle.
What does he want?
He has army in hand, and after eliminating General Li...
...the Great Han...
...might not stay in Liu's hand, but in Zhuge's.
No. If he wants to do that...
...he would've done it when my father passed away.
He hadn't earned enough of prestige...
...but in recent years, he holds the military power...
...he's emptied the treasury and dominant in political power.
If my father...
He might want to remove Your Majesty from the throne.
If sovereign power is all he wants...
...I'll just give him.
Why doesn't Your Majesty try this?
Send an edict to recall the Chancellor.
If he's up to no good, he'll go against the edict.
What if he comes back?
Reclaim his military power and hand it over to General Li.
Then, the Chancellor won't be able to threaten Your Majesty...
...despite his high ranking.
Your Majesty.
I've let Your Majesty down.
I'm just worried about my father...
I understand.
What should we do? -|...
I know what to do.
Three days. Father, how is it possible?
Zhuge Liang is expecting us to launch a battle recklessly.
The emperor makes it difficult when enemy's approaching.
He's doing against the order. He's so ungrateful.
Watch your words.
I bring you out to learn.
You should learn more as you go further.
Observe and listen more, try not to talk that much.
His Majesty was born in the palace and sees only political tricks.
His Majesty cares about the result of battle.
Especially the submission of everyone under His Majesty.
Father, are we really going to declare a battle?
I received the edict. Zhuge Liang might have also received his.
If he prefers victory than virtue...
...we'll see who'd go against the edict between me and him.
Our life is depending on his decision.
Remove your armours and eat.
Yes. -Yes.
What's so urgent in the coufl to recall me?
Chancellor, we tried to advise His Majesty, but he insisted.
It's someone talking to His Majesty behind us.
It's Li Yan for sure. -Mind your words.
Chancellor, our victory is right ahead.
We might not gain the same chance if we retreat right now.
Chancellor, I think His Majesty is seduced by a woman.
You shall not reply at the moment until we win the battle.
With due respect, His Majesty wouldn't blame on you.
Palace Attendant Guo is right.
Chancellor, a general in the field isn't bound by order.
Please think twice.
Why are you so restless as well?
Chief Commander.
General Guo, do you come to report anything?
I come to request a battle.
You must have heard of the deadline ordered by His Majesty.
Last time without your aid...
...I was nearly killed in the battle.
I know you're worried of possible trap set up by Zhuge Liang.
If we must declare a battle within three days, I'd battle for you.
I'll go against all odds.
His Majesty is urging me. You don't need to take the risk.
Come and sit down.
Sit. -Thank you, Chief Commander.
Hurry and sit.
Chief Commander, are you going to resist the edict?
No, I dare not.
I want to wait a little longer. - What are you waiting for?
I've received the royal edict...
...and Zhuge Liang might have also been asked to recall the troop.
He's gained the upper hand. He wouldn't give up now.
General Guo, I see two methods to fight in this battle.
One is to battle...
...fair and square against Zhuge Liang in the battlefield.
He's a prodigy in this method.
We might not be able to defeat him even when we're 10 times stronger.
The second method doesn't count on the battlefield...
...but the people and situation behind the battle.
Zhuge Liang is vigour and virtuous,“...
...yet that's also his weakness.
He's overly cautious and loyal to Shu Emperor, Liu Shan.
He takes all the burden hence he's prone...
...to suppression and restriction.
If he'd usurp the power of the emperor like the Emperor Wu...
...I wouldn't lay my bet on this.
What if Zhuge Liang isn't going to retreat this time?
We either win or lose in gambling.
I'll admit my loss.
Chancellor, please lead us to another battle.
Chancellor, why are we launching expeditions year after year?
Chancellor, we mustn't miss the great opportunity.
We don't want to retreat.
Chancellor, we don't want to retreat.
We all are servants of the Great Han.
If we resist the edict with the army in hand...
...we're bullying His Majesty and failing the late emperor.
It's disloyalty.
How can we gain the trust of our people? How can we lead the army?
Chancellor, we're reluctant.
I've made up my mind. Don't delay anymore.
Let's retreat, generals.
Yes. -Yes.
Master.
I've fed the tortoise twice.
Eat something at least or you'll waste the porridge.
It can't be re-heated anymore.
I'm not eating.
Father!
Father, Shu army has retreated.
We went out to pry on them. They're retreating to the west.
Are you sure? -Yes, father.
Father, we've no time to lose. This is the chance.
Gather all generals to a meeting in the camp!
Yes!
At least he's eaten some.
Zhuge Liang's retreat at this time has saved our lives.
Yes. Thanks to Chief Commander's accurate prediction.
I was so impatient back then when I even requested a battle.
General, this way. -Yes.
Generals, based on our scouts, Zhuge Liang has retreated...
...to Jiange from two directions. We can pursue them at this time.
Zhang He and Wei Ping.
Yes. -Yes.
Zhang He, be the vanguard and lead 5,000 men to pursue Zhuge Liang.
Wei Ping, you'll lead 20,000 infantries to follow behind.
I'll come with the main force. Lead your troop, depart at once.
Yes.
Do you have anything to say, Deputy Commander?
Chief Commander, Zhuge Liang is good at ambush.
We've suffered from it several times whenever we pursue them.
I think we shouldn't pursue them.
You'd been urging me to a battle for a few days...
...but why are you refusing it when I finally want a battle?
As the vanguard...
...shouldn't you pursue when the enemy is retreating?
I never held back from a battle throughout 30 years in army...
...but today is somehow different.
I can understand, but this time is indeed different.
We've receive the edict to battle this time.
Deputy Commander, none of us should disregard the edict.
Yes. -You must be careful...
...to avoid any mishap.
Yes.
Generals!
Act accordingly! We'll win this! -Yes!
This way!
Come and submit your life!
With just a few of you? You all seem to have come to an end!
You're asking for death!
Retreat!
Retreat! -Retreat!
Where do you think you're going? Pursue them!
Chief Commander, Wei Yan's ambush was spotted five miles in front.
Deputy Commander has driven them off.
Deputy Commander is brave.
Tell him that I'm much impressed.
Let him pursue further. -Yes.
There might be ambush. Check it. -Yes!
No ambush!
No! There's ambush!
Don't run, Zhang He! -We'll see!
Retreat!
This is all they can do.
Deputy Commander, Chief Commander has complimented you.
He reminded you to stay alert
He should watch out for himself. Let's go!
Attack!
A reckless skirmish. Prepare to attack!
Deputy Commander has caught up with Wei Yan and Guan Xing.
They're in a fierce battle. -How many of them?
Not more than a thousand.
Two minor generals with no more than a thousand of soldiers.
They're nothing in the eyes of the Deputy Commander.
Where's Deputy Commander? - He's reaching the Mumen Trail.
Inform him that I'm going to meet him.
He must be careful. -Yes!
Don't run!
Hold!
There might be a trap. Move slowly.
Fine, we'll let Sima Yi kill with a borrowed sword from us again.
He's an outstanding general!
I'm the cause of your death for the country!
I reminded him to be extremely careful!
Still you've fallen into enemy's trap!
Master!
I swear to wipe them out to avenge you!
Chief Commander, take care.
Master Zhao, bring Chief Commander in.
Father. -Master.
Let go! You have no idea...
...how close...
...I was with him! We shared the same enemy!
I'm in agony!
It's a cut at my head!
Guo Huai.
Zhuge Villager!
Get over it, master. -Get over it, Chief Commander.
I won't forgive you! -Get over it, Chief Commander.
Chief Commander, get over it.
Chief Commander.
Is father shouting too hard?
Father should've predicted the ending of Deputy Commander.
As father reads Zhuge Liang so well...
...he should've predicted the ambush at Mumen Trail.
Father was calm and steady when the scout reported the news.
Father and Zhuge Liang are certainly well-matched.
Being able to watch an exciting match...
...is far better than spending 10 years on reading books.
General Zhang He.
No matter what, he's the senior who went through three reigns.
He battled in Hanzhong and he defeated Wu in Jiangxia.
He won the battle in dieting.
He's a hero excelled in both political and military fields.
Even so, he's useless when he refused to yield to our father.
We'll be restricted if he remains alive.
Someday, he might become the emperor's butcher.
It's to protect ourselves...
...but it isn't right.
Brother, you're too kind.
His death is worthwhile as he's killed by Zhuge Liang.
General Zhang might be proud of it.
I just don't know if His Majesty likes this outcome.
I can't wait to see His Majesty's expression.
Hurry in, masters. Chief Commander has passed out.
Hurry!
Report!
Librarian Zhong Hui is requesting to see Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, Liangzhou army reported that Shu army retreated.
They've retreated? Come and submit the report.
See? I've made the right move.
It's good to win the battle.
It's good news.
Imperial Secretariat should reward the troop.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'll take my leave.
Your Majesty should be glad of the news.
Why is Your Majesty frowning?
Your Majesty.
Pardon me, Your Majesty.
Zhang He is dead!
He's dead!
What?
He pursued Zhuge Hang...
...and was killed by hundreds of arrow at Mumen Trail!
Do you know who sent him there?
Only Sima Yi could give the order to Zhang He.
He's so daring. -Please run an investigation.
Investigation? How?
Sima Yi has gained the credit and reason! How can I question him?
Why isn't he dead? Why not Zhuge Liang?
Soon, Your Majesty. They're dying soon, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I slipped my tongue. I've provoked Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Zhuge Liang will die. Sima Yi, too.
Zhuge Liang will die. Sima Yi, too.
Zhuge Liang will die. Sima Yi, too. Sima...
Allow me to serve Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Allow me to serve Your Majesty.
They all will die.
Yes, they all will die.
Come. Let's give a toast to the Chancellor.
I'll just drink a cup of wine to celebrate with you.
After the meal, I'll submit my homework.
I've completed it long ago.
Your Majesty, how's the harvest of our people?
Not bad.
Why did the rear support give the reason of insufficient forage...
...and force me to come back?
What's your explanation, Central Protector General Li?
Well...
Don't blame him. It's because I missed you so much.
I had something to say, so I recalled you.
What's it about, Your Majesty?
You've spent years of effort...
...and you're unwell. I don't want to tire you.
Why not...
Why don't you just manage political affairs and...
...leave the army to General Li? You can then take a good rest.