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♫ Raising the wine cup, I toast to the boundless sky ♫
2
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♫ In talks and laughters are vast mountains and rivers. ♫
3
00:00:22,666 --> 00:00:27,233
♫ Love and hate, debt and feuds, have all dissolved. ♫
4
00:00:28,533 --> 00:00:33,100
♫ Where's my soul's hometown and my kindred spirits? ♫
5
00:00:35,566 --> 00:00:40,133
♫ Seasons rolling by, we dream for harvest. ♫
6
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♫ Warriors and warhorses howl across the sky. ♫
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♫ If only I could turn into the wind, ♫
8
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♫ to blow away all the pain in mortal coil. ♫
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♫ I toast to the blue sky, to courage in solitude, ♫
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♫ to migrating gooses, to boats heading home. ♫
11
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♫ With even three thousand days and nights, ♫
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♫ Will it be enough to drain this cup I toast to peace? ♫
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[Swords into Plowshares]
14
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[Episode 39]
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Your Majesty.
16
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Your Majesty.
17
00:01:49,866 --> 00:01:50,500
Read it.
18
00:01:51,266 --> 00:01:51,733
Yes.
19
00:02:01,900 --> 00:02:05,933
I received the Mandate of Heaven,
and ascended to the great throne.
20
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I ended calamities, halted wars,
21
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and settled the people in peace.
22
00:02:11,233 --> 00:02:13,933
Burdened with worries and perils,
I toiled diligently day and night,
23
00:02:13,933 --> 00:02:15,933
single-minded in benefiting the people.
24
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I had intended to wield
long-term strategies and pacify all lands.
25
00:02:19,633 --> 00:02:21,433
Alas, Heaven did not grant me more years.
26
00:02:21,800 --> 00:02:23,733
My illness is now beyond recovery.
27
00:02:24,133 --> 00:02:25,800
Such is the Mandate of Heaven.
28
00:02:26,433 --> 00:02:29,833
I decree that my fourth son, Prince of Liang, Zongxun,
shall succeed to the throne.
29
00:02:31,033 --> 00:02:34,933
Let Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Zhao Kuangyin, and Han Tong
30
00:02:35,100 --> 00:02:36,633
serve as regent ministers.
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Guide him with care, to bring fortune to our people.
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00:02:41,033 --> 00:02:44,633
Let each of you obey solemnly, and do not defy my command.
33
00:02:50,066 --> 00:02:51,700
You two ministers, please rise.
34
00:03:01,133 --> 00:03:04,333
Your Majesty has ascended on high.
35
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I am young,
36
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and lack experience.
37
00:03:12,533 --> 00:03:13,333
In the future,
38
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I will need to rely heavily on you both.
39
00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:21,166
Now,
40
00:03:22,733 --> 00:03:25,333
with affairs complex and numerous,
41
00:03:25,333 --> 00:03:26,866
I hope you both
42
00:03:28,500 --> 00:03:30,100
can sort out a clear plan.
43
00:03:32,266 --> 00:03:33,400
Only then can we
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prevent chaos in the state.
45
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A state cannot be without a ruler for a day.
46
00:03:45,900 --> 00:03:46,900
The foremost task
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is to invite the Prince of Liang to inherit the throne.
48
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We invite His Highness, the Prince of Liang
to inherit the throne.
49
00:03:55,700 --> 00:03:56,833
I trouble you, Minister Fan,
50
00:03:58,533 --> 00:03:59,566
to draft a final edict
51
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for the late Emperor.
52
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Minister Fan.
53
00:04:12,433 --> 00:04:13,133
Minister Fan,
54
00:04:14,233 --> 00:04:16,800
Liao and Northern Han troops are allied and marching south.
55
00:04:16,833 --> 00:04:17,633
Waqiao Pass,
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Yijin Pass,
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Yukou Pass—
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all three passes report emergencies!
59
00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:31,500
Dispatch Inspector Zhao immediately to lead the army
from the capital to reinforce the three passes.
60
00:04:35,733 --> 00:04:36,400
Inspector Zhao.
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00:04:43,633 --> 00:04:45,100
The three passes are in crisis.
62
00:04:45,100 --> 00:04:47,033
Please make preparations swiftly.
63
00:05:03,433 --> 00:05:05,066
History serves as a warning.
64
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This great banner...
65
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is not a lucky thing at all.
66
00:05:09,733 --> 00:05:12,166
Eldest Brother, have you decided what to do?
67
00:05:29,900 --> 00:05:30,700
Summon Zhao Pu.
68
00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:15,000
The Prince of Beiping,
69
00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:17,933
Lord Liu Zhiyuan of Taiyuan—
70
00:06:19,666 --> 00:06:22,800
was he willing to take on the burden of this realm?
71
00:06:23,166 --> 00:06:24,033
Lord Liu
72
00:06:24,933 --> 00:06:26,800
was a man of vast vision and deep plans.
73
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I dare not speculate.
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00:06:30,333 --> 00:06:30,966
And you?
75
00:06:31,633 --> 00:06:33,433
Are you willing to take on
76
00:06:34,533 --> 00:06:35,800
the burden of this realm?
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Kuangyin,
78
00:06:37,700 --> 00:06:40,033
go and take down that banner.
79
00:06:52,533 --> 00:06:54,166
This weather is freezing us to death.
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00:06:54,166 --> 00:06:54,466
Yes.
81
00:06:55,100 --> 00:06:57,033
What does the Eldest Young Master want us for?
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00:06:57,066 --> 00:06:57,700
I don't know.
83
00:07:02,666 --> 00:07:03,800
It's so cold outside.
84
00:07:03,833 --> 00:07:05,466
Where is Second Young Master going?
85
00:07:05,466 --> 00:07:08,733
He's going to stand guard outside as a precaution.
86
00:07:09,366 --> 00:07:09,700
Come in.
87
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Come in, come.
88
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Have a seat.
89
00:07:12,333 --> 00:07:15,733
What matter is to be discussed tonight,
that needs such caution?
90
00:07:16,066 --> 00:07:16,566
Gentlemen,
91
00:07:18,033 --> 00:07:20,566
have you heard the prophecy circulating in the capital?
92
00:07:24,466 --> 00:07:27,466
On the day the army marches forth,
the Inspector shall be made Emperor.
93
00:07:29,366 --> 00:07:31,800
Since there is a prophecy, it is Heaven's will.
94
00:07:32,433 --> 00:07:35,033
The Mandate is set, so it should be made known to the entire army:
95
00:07:36,033 --> 00:07:37,400
Make the Inspector Emperor.
96
00:07:37,733 --> 00:07:38,733
Do you agree,
97
00:07:39,933 --> 00:07:40,633
or do you oppose?
98
00:07:41,166 --> 00:07:41,866
I agree!
99
00:07:42,433 --> 00:07:43,633
If anyone dares disagree,
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00:07:43,700 --> 00:07:44,700
I'll kill him right now!
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00:07:45,933 --> 00:07:46,533
I agree too!
102
00:07:47,866 --> 00:07:49,100
Make the Inspector Emperor!
103
00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:52,166
Make the Inspector Emperor!
104
00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:54,633
Lord.
105
00:07:57,066 --> 00:07:58,133
Lord.
106
00:07:58,866 --> 00:08:00,300
Lord, please wait.
107
00:08:01,900 --> 00:08:02,266
You...
108
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are you going to arrest me?
109
00:08:06,333 --> 00:08:07,866
A man must know his limits.
110
00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:11,000
I know I cannot bear the weight of this realm.
111
00:08:12,900 --> 00:08:14,433
But I know someone who can.
112
00:08:14,933 --> 00:08:19,466
Do you think this realm is still the same as it was decades ago?
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00:08:19,733 --> 00:08:21,566
Whoever holds the sword
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00:08:22,100 --> 00:08:24,100
can become Emperor.
115
00:08:24,300 --> 00:08:26,166
Whoever wears the armor
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can become Emperor!
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You wear armor.
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You too can become Emperor.
119
00:08:37,533 --> 00:08:40,933
"Father, you have always been frugal and
enjoys great respect in the army,
120
00:08:41,700 --> 00:08:43,733
yet you are never appointed military governor.
121
00:08:45,033 --> 00:08:47,900
Do you harbor any regret?"
122
00:08:48,766 --> 00:08:49,766
What did Marshal Guo say?
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00:08:50,633 --> 00:08:51,466
He said,
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00:08:51,933 --> 00:08:54,633
"High titles and generous stipends mean nothing.
125
00:08:55,266 --> 00:08:56,166
In this life,
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if I could drink again a cup of warm wine in peaceful times,
127
00:09:03,300 --> 00:09:04,400
that would be enough."
128
00:09:32,333 --> 00:09:32,866
Brother,
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it's midnight.
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Eldest Young Master,
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00:09:37,633 --> 00:09:59,866
all the officers outside are ready.
132
00:09:59,866 --> 00:10:01,166
The world is in turmoil,
133
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the sacred vessel lacks a master.
134
00:10:04,133 --> 00:10:05,866
The Khitan march south.
135
00:10:07,133 --> 00:10:10,400
The lives and fortunes of all generals
cannot be tied to a mere child.
136
00:10:11,266 --> 00:10:12,333
I make bold to ask:
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00:10:12,933 --> 00:10:16,233
Commander, think of the suffering people of this world.
138
00:10:16,866 --> 00:10:22,300
Ascend the throne as Emperor,
to bring peace to the state and its people.
139
00:10:25,300 --> 00:10:27,300
In autumn, when horses are strong,
140
00:10:28,533 --> 00:10:30,266
the Khitan did not come south.
141
00:10:32,500 --> 00:10:35,733
But now, in bitter cold, when no plants grow,
142
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they choose to march south instead.
143
00:10:43,100 --> 00:10:45,466
Have they stopped caring about their own survival?
144
00:10:47,833 --> 00:10:49,366
Once in Taiyuan,
145
00:10:50,900 --> 00:10:52,800
another time in Chanzhou—
146
00:10:54,833 --> 00:10:57,166
tonight is the third such performance.
147
00:11:00,066 --> 00:11:01,933
Deceitful lies that fool the world,
148
00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:04,833
told once or twice, some might still believe.
149
00:11:07,666 --> 00:11:08,900
To say them again today—
150
00:11:10,700 --> 00:11:11,833
is it to deceive others,
151
00:11:12,933 --> 00:11:14,400
or to deceive ourselves?
152
00:11:24,600 --> 00:11:26,533
I can become this Emperor,
153
00:11:28,866 --> 00:11:31,466
but not for the sake of your wealth and honor.
154
00:11:32,733 --> 00:11:34,766
It is so that you
155
00:11:36,100 --> 00:11:39,100
will never have to stage another scene like today's.
156
00:11:41,833 --> 00:11:44,600
It is so that this world where order is overturned,
157
00:11:45,500 --> 00:11:49,966
where power is reversed, and the people are
scattered and suffering, will never return.
158
00:11:53,733 --> 00:11:59,166
It is for the two late Emperors, who painstakingly
stitched together for over a decade this tattered realm,
159
00:12:01,533 --> 00:12:02,966
to make it somewhat decent.
160
00:12:05,300 --> 00:12:08,466
Today, I grant you the merit of supporting my ascension,
161
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solely so that in the future you
162
00:12:16,866 --> 00:12:19,866
will never again be able to claim
such merit for supporting a throne.
163
00:12:21,633 --> 00:12:22,333
So then,
164
00:12:24,900 --> 00:12:27,500
do you still want to make me Emperor?
165
00:12:29,666 --> 00:12:32,166
I was born in a fallen age,
166
00:12:33,100 --> 00:12:35,933
and grew amidst chaos and separation.
167
00:12:35,933 --> 00:12:39,933
To have the fortune of serving a ruler for
a prosperous era, an Emperor of peace,
168
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is my good fortune.
169
00:12:42,533 --> 00:12:46,533
It's also the fortune of the three armies,
the myriad people, and all under heaven.
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00:12:47,833 --> 00:12:48,866
I beseech Your Majesty
171
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to understand the hardships of the common folk,
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and ascend to the great throne.
173
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Long live Your Majesty!
174
00:13:22,633 --> 00:13:23,900
Since that is the case,
175
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you must agree to three conditions.
176
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First,
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after we enter the city,
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you must not disturb the palace or the ministers.
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Second,
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00:13:39,100 --> 00:13:40,300
after we enter the city,
181
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there will be no looting or rape.
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Third,
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after we enter the city,
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not a single person is to be killed without authorization.
185
00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:55,733
Agree to these three conditions,
186
00:13:58,733 --> 00:14:00,866
and I will become your Emperor.
187
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If you do not agree to them,
188
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even if at the cost of my life,
189
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I will not comply.
190
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Long live Your Majesty!
191
00:15:09,833 --> 00:15:14,333
The Inspector is the Military Governor of
Guide Army, stationed in Songzhou,
192
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where the descendants of Yin Shang were enfeoffed,
their state named Song.
193
00:15:19,533 --> 00:15:20,066
Now,
194
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the three armies obey commands,
the hearts of people are united.
195
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He should be made the master of the sacred vessel.
196
00:15:28,633 --> 00:15:29,100
I,
197
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Zhao Pu,
198
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presume to speak frankly.
199
00:15:32,133 --> 00:15:34,866
I beg the Inspector to think of the common people in the realm.
200
00:15:35,533 --> 00:15:37,933
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
201
00:15:38,100 --> 00:15:40,700
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
202
00:15:40,900 --> 00:15:43,400
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
203
00:15:43,766 --> 00:15:46,166
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
204
00:15:46,500 --> 00:15:49,200
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
205
00:15:49,500 --> 00:15:51,966
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
206
00:15:52,233 --> 00:15:54,700
I beg you to ascend the imperial throne.
207
00:16:05,733 --> 00:16:07,000
Long live the Emperor,
208
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of Great Song!
209
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Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
210
00:16:11,433 --> 00:16:13,433
Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
211
00:16:13,733 --> 00:16:15,633
Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
212
00:16:16,233 --> 00:16:18,300
Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
213
00:16:18,500 --> 00:16:20,633
Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
214
00:16:20,900 --> 00:16:23,100
Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
215
00:16:23,266 --> 00:16:25,133
Long live the Emperor of Great Song!
216
00:16:26,200 --> 00:16:29,233
In the first month of 960 AD,
217
00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:33,600
Zhao Kuangyin launched a mutiny at Chenqiao Post,
218
00:16:34,300 --> 00:16:36,400
led his army back to Bianjing,
219
00:16:37,266 --> 00:16:39,666
and ascended the throne as emperor.
220
00:16:39,666 --> 00:16:42,166
He established the state's name as
221
00:16:42,200 --> 00:16:42,900
Song.
222
00:16:53,633 --> 00:16:55,766
May Your Majesty be eternally well.
223
00:17:04,033 --> 00:17:06,333
Zhu Quanzhong replaced Tang with Liang.
224
00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:09,333
Li Cunxu replaced Liang with Tang.
225
00:17:10,466 --> 00:17:12,500
Shi Jingtang replaced Tang with Jin.
226
00:17:12,700 --> 00:17:15,066
Liu Zhiyuan replaced Jin with Han.
227
00:17:15,500 --> 00:17:17,833
Guo Wei again replaced Han with Zhou.
228
00:17:19,700 --> 00:17:25,133
Through the prolonged Five Dynasties,
now the Zhao family replaces Zhou with Song.
229
00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:30,700
It's merely following the same pattern,
a common sight, nothing out of the ordinary.
230
00:17:32,033 --> 00:17:33,100
Zhao's Eldest Young Master,
231
00:17:34,433 --> 00:17:35,933
was always known for his loyalty,
232
00:17:36,500 --> 00:17:37,133
honesty,
233
00:17:37,633 --> 00:17:38,266
benevolence,
234
00:17:38,666 --> 00:17:39,866
and courage.
235
00:17:40,333 --> 00:17:41,000
Now,
236
00:17:42,133 --> 00:17:43,833
he too has become a usurping minister.
237
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Thinking of it makes one sigh.
238
00:18:10,466 --> 00:18:13,500
Feeling a bit troubled inside?
239
00:18:17,400 --> 00:18:18,533
Nothing to be uneasy about.
240
00:18:20,066 --> 00:18:20,566
People
241
00:18:22,400 --> 00:18:23,566
will change.
242
00:18:25,066 --> 00:18:26,200
Have they changed,
243
00:18:26,933 --> 00:18:27,833
or have you changed?
244
00:18:29,400 --> 00:18:30,766
I'm afraid we all have changed.
245
00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:34,933
The saddest thing in the world,
246
00:18:36,200 --> 00:18:37,333
is just this.
247
00:18:40,866 --> 00:18:41,933
Jingnan and Hunan
248
00:18:42,233 --> 00:18:45,233
have both sent envoys to Bianjing
to offer congratulations and tribute.
249
00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:49,800
The Li father and son in Jinling
sent ten cartloads of pearls and treasures.
250
00:18:50,533 --> 00:18:51,766
For the past three months,
251
00:18:52,333 --> 00:18:53,266
almost every month,
252
00:18:53,733 --> 00:18:56,366
they have dispatched envoys to the capital with memorials,
253
00:18:57,233 --> 00:18:58,633
their words most humble.
254
00:18:59,500 --> 00:19:02,300
Zhao Kuangyin is a hero of our time.
255
00:19:02,833 --> 00:19:03,866
Back in Shouzhou,
256
00:19:04,100 --> 00:19:05,900
with one army he smashed ten camps,
257
00:19:05,900 --> 00:19:08,533
breaking the spirit of every Southern Tang general.
258
00:19:09,466 --> 00:19:12,133
The Li family fears provoking him,
259
00:19:12,633 --> 00:19:15,933
lest he march south and slaughter this Southern Tang,
260
00:19:16,300 --> 00:19:18,800
to warn all the others in the world.
261
00:19:19,266 --> 00:19:19,866
Great King,
262
00:19:20,766 --> 00:19:24,866
submitting memorials and declaring allegiance
should be delayed no longer.
263
00:19:26,700 --> 00:19:27,233
Great King,
264
00:19:28,133 --> 00:19:31,200
serving the great central court
well is our ancestral instruction,
265
00:19:32,533 --> 00:19:33,800
and our state policy.
266
00:19:35,666 --> 00:19:37,033
Back in Bianliang,
267
00:19:38,533 --> 00:19:42,966
I and the Military Governor of Guide Army
considered ourselves as if brothers.
268
00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:47,533
I honored his father Zhao Hongyin as an uncle.
269
00:19:51,133 --> 00:19:52,033
Now,
270
00:19:55,400 --> 00:19:57,233
he has become the Emperor.
271
00:19:57,233 --> 00:20:00,066
The Zhao family is now the imperial family.
272
00:20:01,566 --> 00:20:04,766
Out of respect and kinship, it is proper to avoid taboo.
273
00:20:06,733 --> 00:20:08,633
So, the character 'Hong' in my name
274
00:20:10,133 --> 00:20:12,400
should no longer be used.
275
00:20:12,433 --> 00:20:13,866
From this day forward,
276
00:20:14,666 --> 00:20:15,333
I change my name
277
00:20:16,666 --> 00:20:17,566
to Qian Chu.
278
00:20:25,466 --> 00:20:28,000
The Great King only spoke of the name taboo.
279
00:20:28,466 --> 00:20:32,700
As to when to submit memorials, when
to declare allegiance, when to send tribute,
280
00:20:32,700 --> 00:20:34,000
not a word was said.
281
00:20:35,633 --> 00:20:37,900
This is a matter of grave importance.
282
00:20:37,900 --> 00:20:40,466
He must not act on whim.
283
00:20:41,833 --> 00:20:44,066
Madam, please persuade him.
284
00:20:46,233 --> 00:20:47,333
Still not asleep?
285
00:20:49,333 --> 00:20:50,466
You're awake too,
286
00:20:50,833 --> 00:20:51,900
and you come to advise me.
287
00:20:55,133 --> 00:20:56,066
I'm fine.
288
00:20:57,266 --> 00:20:58,266
You say you're fine?
289
00:20:59,266 --> 00:21:01,700
You've been absent-minded all day,
290
00:21:02,566 --> 00:21:05,366
and refuse to give clear instructions to those below.
291
00:21:06,033 --> 00:21:10,133
You've got all those ministers and marshals
suspicious and apprehensive.
292
00:21:10,633 --> 00:21:13,366
Clearly, you're stuck in your thoughts again.
293
00:21:14,466 --> 00:21:15,800
Have I
294
00:21:17,266 --> 00:21:18,333
made another mistake?
295
00:21:20,633 --> 00:21:21,566
Who are you?
296
00:21:23,866 --> 00:21:26,500
You are the ninth boy of the Qian family.
297
00:21:26,500 --> 00:21:29,566
Even though you have been our ruler and Great King for ten years,
298
00:21:29,733 --> 00:21:33,233
holding the titles of Secretariat Director,
Commander of all armies, so what?
299
00:21:33,466 --> 00:21:35,100
You are still Qian Chu,
300
00:21:35,533 --> 00:21:37,333
Passionate, principled,
301
00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:39,933
chivalrous and responsible.
302
00:21:39,933 --> 00:21:42,933
Whenever you cannot understand or accept something,
303
00:21:42,933 --> 00:21:45,766
not even the heavens themselves can sway you.
304
00:21:45,766 --> 00:21:46,666
For the land of Wuyue,
305
00:21:47,866 --> 00:21:51,933
serving the great central empire
is ancestral instruction and state policy.
306
00:21:52,033 --> 00:21:52,766
That is all true.
307
00:21:53,100 --> 00:21:54,600
But there is one condition:
308
00:22:02,400 --> 00:22:03,733
my Chu
309
00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:05,133
must acknowledge it as "great".
310
00:22:11,333 --> 00:22:12,466
I only acknowledge you.
311
00:22:18,033 --> 00:22:20,366
The Li has sent another ten cartloads of goods?
312
00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:20,733
Yes.
313
00:22:20,933 --> 00:22:24,066
This is already the third time this year.
314
00:22:24,100 --> 00:22:25,733
Reward them with gifts as usual.
315
00:22:26,333 --> 00:22:27,233
I obey the decree.
316
00:22:28,700 --> 00:22:29,733
Do the same for Wuyue.
317
00:22:30,633 --> 00:22:32,133
Your Majesty, Wuyue has not...
318
00:22:32,133 --> 00:22:32,633
I know.
319
00:22:33,533 --> 00:22:36,333
Grant Southern Tang as much as you grant Wuyue.
320
00:22:37,866 --> 00:22:39,733
Also send a state letter.
321
00:22:41,066 --> 00:22:42,200
I obey.
322
00:22:42,566 --> 00:22:43,833
Summon a Hanlin Academician.
323
00:22:43,866 --> 00:22:44,500
No need.
324
00:22:46,133 --> 00:22:46,833
This letter,
325
00:22:48,200 --> 00:22:49,200
I will write it myself.
326
00:22:50,433 --> 00:22:50,866
Great King,
327
00:22:51,633 --> 00:22:53,766
this is already the eighth state letter.
328
00:22:53,766 --> 00:22:57,366
By both sentiment and reason,
you should not remain unresponsive.
329
00:23:01,833 --> 00:23:02,366
Great King,
330
00:23:04,100 --> 00:23:06,366
Minister Shen's counsel is for the good of the state.
331
00:23:07,033 --> 00:23:11,566
A state letter written in the Emperor's own hand
deserves a reply written in your own.
332
00:23:13,500 --> 00:23:16,033
I am not skilled with brush and ink.
333
00:23:16,066 --> 00:23:16,766
The reply...
334
00:23:18,833 --> 00:23:20,366
you two shall write it for me.
335
00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:34,733
Reading at night strains the eyes too much.
336
00:23:37,500 --> 00:23:40,800
These were printed by the Great Song's Hanlin Academy.
337
00:23:40,833 --> 00:23:45,300
Someone from the Huanglong House traveling to the capital
on business recently saw a preserved copy.
338
00:23:45,300 --> 00:23:47,566
My younger brother have it transcribed and sent here..
339
00:23:52,300 --> 00:23:52,766
I'm tired.
340
00:23:53,400 --> 00:23:53,900
Time to sleep.
341
00:24:11,033 --> 00:24:15,566
[Zhou Emperor Shizong Biography]
342
00:24:23,566 --> 00:24:24,000
Pass my order.
343
00:24:24,666 --> 00:24:25,100
Yes.
344
00:24:26,733 --> 00:24:31,166
Have the Chancellor's Office and the Tongru Academy
draft a memorial declaring submission,
345
00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:32,933
prepare tribute goods,
346
00:24:32,933 --> 00:24:36,600
and appoint the Judge of the Marshal's Office
as tribute envoy to go to the capital.
347
00:24:37,900 --> 00:24:38,233
Understood.
348
00:24:44,633 --> 00:24:48,800
Li Chongjin's rebellion is a refusal
to acknowledge me as Emperor.
349
00:24:49,566 --> 00:24:53,400
I shall personally campaign against Yangzhou
to make him understand once more
350
00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:55,733
what imperial authority truly is.
351
00:24:57,433 --> 00:24:58,800
Issue an edict to King Qian:
352
00:24:58,833 --> 00:25:02,566
request the state of Wuyue to send troops to Runzhou
as a distant containment force.
353
00:25:02,566 --> 00:25:04,066
Tell Chu, I miss him.
354
00:25:04,666 --> 00:25:07,233
I hope we can meet on the river.
355
00:25:09,033 --> 00:25:10,300
All ministers,
356
00:25:11,133 --> 00:25:12,666
deploy troops and commanders.
357
00:25:13,466 --> 00:25:15,866
Send the army and cavalry to Runzhou
358
00:25:16,700 --> 00:25:17,833
to support the Imperial Army.
359
00:25:18,933 --> 00:25:19,500
Great King,
360
00:25:21,633 --> 00:25:23,100
the Emperor invites you
361
00:25:24,133 --> 00:25:25,500
to meet on the river.
362
00:25:31,033 --> 00:25:32,266
I am unwell.
363
00:25:32,733 --> 00:25:33,466
This time,
364
00:25:34,833 --> 00:25:36,966
I will not lead the campaign personally.
365
00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:43,133
I impeach Qian Chu, King of Wuyue, for secretly harboring
treacherous ambitions and lacking the deference of a subject.
366
00:25:43,433 --> 00:25:44,566
What is your name?
367
00:25:45,033 --> 00:25:45,533
I
368
00:25:46,033 --> 00:25:49,033
am Palace Censor, Wang Huang.
369
00:25:51,100 --> 00:25:51,933
Minister Fan.
370
00:25:55,066 --> 00:25:55,700
Yes.
371
00:25:56,400 --> 00:25:58,200
Where is the most remote county now?
372
00:26:01,266 --> 00:26:03,166
Jiezhou, Fujin County.
373
00:26:06,533 --> 00:26:12,466
Palace Censor Wang Huang is appointed
Supervisor of the Fujin County Wine Tax.
374
00:26:15,100 --> 00:26:20,566
The loyalty of King Qian of Wuyue is certain.
You petty men can never try to sow discord among us.
375
00:26:23,533 --> 00:26:26,233
The mutiny case in the Liaoqian Company
has been fully investigated.
376
00:26:26,266 --> 00:26:28,866
Deputy Commander Cheng Yue embezzled soldiers' pay,
377
00:26:29,133 --> 00:26:31,500
sold off military supplies, and treated the soldiers harshly ,
378
00:26:31,533 --> 00:26:33,066
which ultimately provoked the mutiny.
379
00:26:33,533 --> 00:26:38,033
Among officers at squad leader level and above in the
entire company, six died and eleven were injured.
380
00:26:38,066 --> 00:26:41,800
The Inner Surveillance Office, according to the penal code,
recommended death by hanging.
381
00:26:41,833 --> 00:26:46,233
However, considering his late grandfather,
Cheng Ji, Grand Tutor and Military Governor of Zhangyi,
382
00:26:46,233 --> 00:26:48,466
who had merit in founding the state under King Wusu,
383
00:26:48,466 --> 00:26:51,033
[Qian Weijun, Qian Chu's eldest son]
leniency and a reduced sentence seemed appropriate.
384
00:26:51,066 --> 00:26:53,866
Grace and favor must come from above. Therefore,
385
00:26:53,866 --> 00:26:55,300
I have not granted him a pardon.
386
00:26:57,400 --> 00:26:58,533
Have Lu Yanzhu
387
00:26:59,466 --> 00:27:01,100
take the late king's sword,
388
00:27:02,233 --> 00:27:05,733
drag him before the old Grand Tutor's tomb, and behead him.
389
00:27:06,900 --> 00:27:07,533
Yes.
390
00:27:13,833 --> 00:27:14,633
Report,
391
00:27:15,133 --> 00:27:17,633
there is an urgent memorial from the Anguo Yijin Army.
392
00:27:20,733 --> 00:27:21,366
Seventh Prince,
393
00:27:23,033 --> 00:27:24,900
The Deposed King is critically ill.
394
00:27:37,700 --> 00:27:38,533
Seventh Brother.
395
00:27:39,833 --> 00:27:40,566
I am here.
396
00:27:43,533 --> 00:27:45,000
Be at ease, Seventh Brother.
397
00:27:46,133 --> 00:27:48,133
With your younger brother here,
398
00:27:48,133 --> 00:27:51,666
I will never let your wife and children
worry about food or clothing.
399
00:28:02,233 --> 00:28:02,866
Weizhi.
400
00:28:11,300 --> 00:28:11,966
Great King.
401
00:28:13,133 --> 00:28:14,033
Call me Father.
402
00:28:15,566 --> 00:28:17,633
[Qian Weizhi, Qian Zong's Eldest Son]
From this day forward,
403
00:28:17,666 --> 00:28:20,166
Weijun is your own younger brother.
404
00:28:21,133 --> 00:28:23,700
Ying is your own younger sister.
405
00:28:34,066 --> 00:28:34,666
Your subject...
406
00:28:37,433 --> 00:28:38,133
Your son...
407
00:28:39,266 --> 00:28:40,900
kowtows in gratitude to you, Father.
408
00:28:43,466 --> 00:28:44,700
Weizhi is very good.
409
00:28:48,300 --> 00:28:50,433
You have the bearing of your Sixth Uncle.
410
00:28:57,466 --> 00:28:58,133
Father.
411
00:28:58,633 --> 00:28:59,433
Father.
412
00:29:00,666 --> 00:29:01,400
Father.
413
00:29:02,066 --> 00:29:03,000
Father.
414
00:29:04,033 --> 00:29:05,233
Father.
415
00:29:06,666 --> 00:29:07,600
Father.
416
00:29:09,766 --> 00:29:10,766
Father.
417
00:29:13,333 --> 00:29:17,600
Father! Father!
418
00:29:38,333 --> 00:29:41,666
The Tongru Academy shall draft the edict.
419
00:29:41,700 --> 00:29:43,600
I receive the instruction.
420
00:29:46,133 --> 00:29:49,833
My eldest son, Weizhi, is intelligent
and observant of propriety,
421
00:29:50,266 --> 00:29:53,666
has achieved success in his studies,
422
00:29:53,666 --> 00:29:55,866
and as the eldest, sets an example.
423
00:29:55,866 --> 00:29:59,300
He is hereby appointed Commander of the Inner Army,
424
00:30:00,666 --> 00:30:03,233
in charge of military provisions and lands.
425
00:30:04,566 --> 00:30:05,300
Great King...
426
00:30:09,700 --> 00:30:10,333
I
427
00:30:11,566 --> 00:30:12,900
receive the instruction.
428
00:30:14,000 --> 00:30:14,566
Come here.
429
00:30:18,666 --> 00:30:19,333
Father.
430
00:30:20,533 --> 00:30:21,433
Call me Father.
431
00:30:24,233 --> 00:30:24,800
Father.
432
00:30:26,066 --> 00:30:30,500
Military provisions and lands
are vital matters of state and military.
433
00:30:32,200 --> 00:30:33,900
I do not understand them.
434
00:30:34,533 --> 00:30:37,200
Have you mastered the Nine Chapters Mathematics?
435
00:30:37,233 --> 00:30:38,366
I have only a rough grasp.
436
00:30:41,033 --> 00:30:41,900
Then that is sufficient.
437
00:30:43,433 --> 00:30:44,733
This is your eldest brother,
438
00:30:45,333 --> 00:30:45,833
Weizhi.
439
00:30:47,000 --> 00:30:49,000
[Qian Ying, Qian Chu's Daughter]
Ying greets Eldest Brother.
440
00:30:50,066 --> 00:30:52,133
[Qian Ying, Qian Chu's Daughter]
This is eldest brother. Why haven't you paid your respects?
441
00:30:52,266 --> 00:30:54,400
Weijun greets Eldest Brother.
442
00:30:56,833 --> 00:30:57,866
Greetings, younger sister.
443
00:30:58,433 --> 00:30:59,133
Younger brother.
444
00:31:06,866 --> 00:31:07,866
A small token of my regard.
445
00:31:08,200 --> 00:31:10,466
Sister, Brother, please do not find it too meager.
446
00:31:15,100 --> 00:31:17,100
Thank you, Eldest Brother.
447
00:31:17,566 --> 00:31:19,966
Thank you, Eldest Brother.
448
00:31:20,466 --> 00:31:23,966
Among brothers and sisters,
you must observe the order of seniority,
449
00:31:25,100 --> 00:31:27,233
but more importantly, the rites of mutual affection.
450
00:31:28,266 --> 00:31:31,466
As you grow older, if you develop your own thoughts and schemes,
451
00:31:31,933 --> 00:31:35,000
and damage family bonds, I, your father, will not stand for it.
452
00:31:36,433 --> 00:31:38,566
Your son respectfully obeys your instruction.
453
00:31:39,500 --> 00:31:41,600
Your daughter respectfully obeys your instruction.
454
00:31:41,833 --> 00:31:42,566
Yes.
455
00:31:43,733 --> 00:31:46,166
Weizhi is indeed pitiable.
456
00:31:47,666 --> 00:31:49,533
Since you have made your decision,
457
00:31:49,533 --> 00:31:51,633
you must not regret it in the future,
458
00:31:52,233 --> 00:31:53,933
and beware of showing favoritism.
459
00:31:56,500 --> 00:31:57,366
What you said,
460
00:31:57,733 --> 00:31:59,133
is quite interesting.
461
00:32:00,333 --> 00:32:03,566
Are you afraid that Weizhi will
meet the same fate as Third Brother?
462
00:32:03,866 --> 00:32:06,666
My brother has Mother.
Eldest Brother has Fifth Uncle.
463
00:32:06,766 --> 00:32:08,600
Each has their backing.
464
00:32:09,300 --> 00:32:11,566
But Weizhi has nothing.
465
00:32:13,833 --> 00:32:14,633
I see.
466
00:32:15,300 --> 00:32:16,433
Rest assured.
467
00:32:20,566 --> 00:32:21,766
I am not like Father.
468
00:32:23,766 --> 00:32:25,500
In the year 964 AD,
469
00:32:25,533 --> 00:32:27,766
the second year of the Qiande period, November,
470
00:32:28,133 --> 00:32:29,800
Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin,
471
00:32:29,833 --> 00:32:33,533
using Later Shu's collusion with the Northern Han
and their plot to invade as pretext,
472
00:32:33,533 --> 00:32:37,433
dispatched senior generals Wang Quanbin
and Liu Guangyi with an army of sixty thousand,
473
00:32:37,466 --> 00:32:39,466
advancing in northern and eastern routes.
474
00:32:40,666 --> 00:32:42,733
The Later Shu army collapsed almost immediately.
475
00:32:43,066 --> 00:32:46,266
In January of the following year,
the ruler of Later Shu, Meng Chang, surrendered.
476
00:32:46,500 --> 00:32:48,600
However, the Song commander-in-chief, Wang Quanbin,
477
00:32:48,766 --> 00:32:52,000
ordered the brutal massacre of nearly
thirty thousand surrendered Shu troops.
478
00:32:52,733 --> 00:32:56,566
This horrifying atrocity immediately
alienated the people of Shu
479
00:32:57,066 --> 00:32:59,266
and sparked a large-scale military revolt.
480
00:32:59,833 --> 00:33:00,733
When the news spread,
481
00:33:00,866 --> 00:33:02,700
the states in the south were shocked and fearful.
482
00:33:03,266 --> 00:33:05,133
The Song's great project of unification
483
00:33:05,133 --> 00:33:07,633
was also overshadowed by this.
484
00:33:08,900 --> 00:33:12,233
Though the Meng clan surrendered,
the support of the people of Shu were not won.
485
00:33:12,566 --> 00:33:15,200
The Prefect of Wenzhou, Quan Shixiong, rose in rebellion,
486
00:33:15,233 --> 00:33:17,766
declaring himself Military Governor of the Xingguo Army.
487
00:33:17,766 --> 00:33:19,200
Many in Shu answered his call.
488
00:33:19,833 --> 00:33:22,500
Across Shu's prefectures,
there was widespread panic.
489
00:33:22,500 --> 00:33:24,566
The situation became unstable.
490
00:33:25,833 --> 00:33:27,266
Wang Quanbin,
491
00:33:28,033 --> 00:33:29,333
deserves to die!
492
00:33:30,000 --> 00:33:32,333
Your Majesty, with our main force still in the field,
493
00:33:32,766 --> 00:33:35,200
it is unwise to punish its commanding general.
494
00:33:35,833 --> 00:33:38,500
Issue an edict reprimanding him and strip him of his command.
495
00:33:39,266 --> 00:33:42,333
Let Cao Bin and Liu Guangyi take temporary
command of the central army.
496
00:33:42,333 --> 00:33:42,966
Your Majesty!
497
00:33:43,466 --> 00:33:46,200
If he had not slaughtered those
thirty thousand surrendered men,
498
00:33:46,233 --> 00:33:47,933
would Shu be in such chaos?
499
00:33:51,200 --> 00:33:52,233
Thirty thousand men!
500
00:33:54,433 --> 00:33:56,566
That's thirty thousand able-bodied men.
501
00:33:57,233 --> 00:33:59,633
Even if sent to reclaim wasteland, in a short time
502
00:33:59,866 --> 00:34:03,800
they could have opened up ten thousand qing of fertile land.
503
00:34:03,833 --> 00:34:08,633
Within three to five years, the court could have
gained over a million hu in grain taxes.
504
00:34:09,400 --> 00:34:10,266
Not to mention
505
00:34:11,166 --> 00:34:15,400
that behind these thirty thousand men were
several hundred thousand women and children.
506
00:34:20,400 --> 00:34:21,933
The Meng clan has already surrendered.
507
00:34:24,233 --> 00:34:26,100
So they are all my people now!
508
00:34:34,500 --> 00:34:36,900
The Wang and Meng families in Shu had governed for decades.
509
00:34:38,400 --> 00:34:40,266
The population and households had flourished.
510
00:34:41,700 --> 00:34:43,433
Grain, fodder, and armor were stockpiled.
511
00:34:45,800 --> 00:34:48,666
To use Yizhou's wealth to fund the southern campaigns
512
00:34:48,666 --> 00:34:50,533
was the court's established strategy.
513
00:34:52,566 --> 00:34:54,233
But Wang Quanbin,
514
00:34:55,066 --> 00:34:56,200
he just slaughtered wildly!
515
00:34:56,566 --> 00:34:59,266
He killed until there was no labor left for the fields,
516
00:34:59,300 --> 00:35:02,333
until women and children all
viewed the court as a mortal enemy.
517
00:35:03,333 --> 00:35:06,433
And now, with Quan Shixiong's rebellion,
518
00:35:08,500 --> 00:35:09,366
the land of Shu,
519
00:35:10,566 --> 00:35:13,600
may need thirty or fifty years to recover.
520
00:35:14,233 --> 00:35:16,433
I fear that even when the realm is unified,
521
00:35:18,133 --> 00:35:18,866
The Shu region,
522
00:35:19,566 --> 00:35:21,633
will remain a source of trouble for the court.
523
00:35:24,233 --> 00:35:25,266
One hundred years,
524
00:35:26,266 --> 00:35:27,266
two hundred years...
525
00:35:28,866 --> 00:35:31,033
I do not know when it will be pacified.
526
00:35:32,033 --> 00:35:34,133
Your Majesty, please suppress your anger.
527
00:35:35,233 --> 00:35:36,900
He killed thirty thousand people,
528
00:35:38,700 --> 00:35:41,166
bequeathing a disaster for three hundred years.
529
00:35:43,133 --> 00:35:45,833
That I did not have him executed on the spot
530
00:35:45,866 --> 00:35:49,033
was only out of regard for my father.
531
00:35:53,400 --> 00:35:57,566
Arrogant troops and unruly generals,
soldiers loyal to commanders, mutual coercion—
532
00:35:57,566 --> 00:36:00,766
these are the deep-seated ills since the mid-Tang,
for two hundred years.
533
00:36:00,800 --> 00:36:02,166
It was true at Baima Station,
[Baima Station: Zhu Wen killed many virtuous ministers there]
534
00:36:02,166 --> 00:36:04,100
and also at Xingjiao Gate.
[Baima Station: Zhu Wen killed many virtuous ministers there]
535
00:36:04,133 --> 00:36:06,466
The Emperor in Chang'an, the Military Governors' soldiers—
536
00:36:06,500 --> 00:36:09,533
over the five dynasties, every change
of power has followed this pattern.
537
00:36:09,833 --> 00:36:10,566
Wang Quanbin
538
00:36:11,000 --> 00:36:13,400
is an old-timer from the days of the Xingjiao Gate incident.
539
00:36:13,866 --> 00:36:15,300
Old habits die hard, that's all.
540
00:36:15,400 --> 00:36:17,933
It's not a matter of loyalty or treason.
541
00:36:18,666 --> 00:36:19,200
I
542
00:36:20,033 --> 00:36:22,033
am not concerned with his loyalty.
543
00:36:23,066 --> 00:36:26,166
What concerns me is precisely what you just said, Minister:
544
00:36:26,333 --> 00:36:28,000
"old habits die hard."
545
00:36:29,466 --> 00:36:30,766
What is your view, Juzheng?
546
00:36:30,800 --> 00:36:31,400
Your Majesty.
547
00:36:32,333 --> 00:36:33,400
[Xue Juzheng]
Autumn is approaching,
548
00:36:33,533 --> 00:36:35,166
[Xue Juzheng]
whic is the time for selecting scholars.
549
00:36:36,033 --> 00:36:36,933
I request your decree
550
00:36:37,133 --> 00:36:40,266
to open the regular examinations
to recruit scholars from the realm,
551
00:36:40,300 --> 00:36:42,300
and meet the court's needs for selecting talent.
552
00:36:44,433 --> 00:36:46,466
I asked you how to handle military generals,
553
00:36:47,066 --> 00:36:50,066
and you say to open examinations to recruit civil officials.
554
00:36:50,500 --> 00:36:52,400
Lord Xue, you feign ignorance rather well.
555
00:36:55,100 --> 00:36:57,966
The way of civil and military affairs involves
both relaxation and tension.
556
00:36:58,800 --> 00:37:00,933
How can that be called feign ignorance?
557
00:37:03,133 --> 00:37:05,166
Military officers win fame on horseback,
558
00:37:05,633 --> 00:37:08,533
but civil officials must all seek it
through the examination hall.
559
00:37:08,533 --> 00:37:09,666
Since our dynasty's founding,
560
00:37:10,033 --> 00:37:12,700
the regular exams select jinshi
no more than ten or twenty a year,
561
00:37:13,033 --> 00:37:14,066
and special exams even fewer.
562
00:37:14,300 --> 00:37:16,966
The fierceness of their struggle
is truly no less than fighting in battle.
563
00:37:19,233 --> 00:37:21,933
Breaking a man's heart is better than killing him, is it not?
564
00:37:24,366 --> 00:37:25,566
[Wang Shen, Palace Gate Duty Officer]
565
00:37:38,700 --> 00:37:39,600
Your father
566
00:37:40,000 --> 00:37:42,500
was a pillar of Emperor Shizong.
567
00:37:44,000 --> 00:37:45,866
Had he not devised the strategies,
568
00:37:46,300 --> 00:37:47,966
there would be no Palace Command,
569
00:37:48,733 --> 00:37:50,800
and no Commander like me.
570
00:37:52,000 --> 00:37:52,833
Naturally,
571
00:37:53,733 --> 00:37:55,966
I wouldn't have become Emperor.
572
00:37:58,733 --> 00:37:59,466
I dare not.
573
00:38:00,800 --> 00:38:02,100
You dare not,
574
00:38:04,400 --> 00:38:06,800
but your father might not have dared not.
575
00:38:08,100 --> 00:38:09,833
If your father were here,
576
00:38:10,533 --> 00:38:14,433
he could control the military men,
and weaken the military governors.
577
00:38:18,233 --> 00:38:19,500
If your father were here,
578
00:38:20,566 --> 00:38:22,766
I would not be wearing these robes.
579
00:38:24,666 --> 00:38:26,533
This year, eighteen jinshi were selected.
580
00:38:27,066 --> 00:38:28,600
The rest, who sank to lower ranks,
581
00:38:29,066 --> 00:38:30,166
were all eliminated.
582
00:38:31,300 --> 00:38:32,466
In my youth,
583
00:38:32,833 --> 00:38:36,300
I was fortunate to serve by Lord Feng's side,
attending and standing in formation.
584
00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:37,933
At that time,
585
00:38:38,333 --> 00:38:39,366
Lord Feng spoke to me
586
00:38:39,733 --> 00:38:41,266
about the way of being a general.
587
00:38:41,800 --> 00:38:42,400
He quoted
588
00:38:42,433 --> 00:38:43,933
a sentence from Han Feizi.
589
00:38:44,166 --> 00:38:45,166
To this day,
590
00:38:45,333 --> 00:38:46,800
I still remember it well:
591
00:38:47,733 --> 00:38:49,933
"Therefore, of the officials of a good ruler,
592
00:38:49,933 --> 00:38:52,500
the chancellor must rise from local administration,
593
00:38:52,833 --> 00:38:55,466
and generals must emerge from the common soldiers.
594
00:38:56,566 --> 00:38:57,433
In reply, Your Majesty,
595
00:38:58,700 --> 00:39:00,766
Lord Feng's words are a timeless principle.
596
00:39:02,666 --> 00:39:03,333
However,
597
00:39:04,066 --> 00:39:05,100
it is not that we will not,
598
00:39:05,633 --> 00:39:06,700
but that we truly cannot.
599
00:39:07,833 --> 00:39:08,666
Why?
600
00:39:09,633 --> 00:39:14,566
Since the mid-Tang Dynasty, military governors
were granted authority to governed their regions,
601
00:39:14,933 --> 00:39:17,033
Most local officials came from their personal staffs.
602
00:39:17,533 --> 00:39:18,766
Furthermore, today,
603
00:39:19,733 --> 00:39:22,933
the realm is fragmented, with separate states holding power.
604
00:39:22,933 --> 00:39:25,933
The counties under our dynasty's rule
number just over six hundred.
605
00:39:26,533 --> 00:39:30,366
The officials the Ministry of Personnel can appoint
are actually fewer than two hundred.
606
00:39:30,400 --> 00:39:32,300
I rule over six hundred counties.
607
00:39:32,866 --> 00:39:34,366
Now that Later Shu is pacified,
608
00:39:34,500 --> 00:39:36,166
It's over seven hundred counties.
609
00:39:36,566 --> 00:39:38,300
The regular exams select jinshi,
610
00:39:38,466 --> 00:39:40,633
only ten to twenty people each year.
611
00:39:41,500 --> 00:39:43,800
Too few. Insufficient for our needs.
612
00:39:44,533 --> 00:39:45,800
Local administrators
613
00:39:45,933 --> 00:39:47,766
still need to be educated men.
614
00:39:48,933 --> 00:39:50,400
We must proceed gradually.
615
00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:54,700
I have read all these poems and articles.
616
00:39:54,933 --> 00:39:56,200
They are well written.
617
00:39:57,066 --> 00:40:00,366
But not being able to compose poetry doesn't mean
one cannot handle affairs.
618
00:40:01,033 --> 00:40:04,666
Criteria of regular exams should be appropriately relaxed.
619
00:40:04,666 --> 00:40:07,500
The regular exams are the institution for selecting talent.
620
00:40:07,500 --> 00:40:10,633
Appearance, speech, calligraphy, judgment,
both virtuous and worthy.
621
00:40:10,666 --> 00:40:13,566
Selecting through poetry and prose is
the old system of the Great Tang.
622
00:40:13,866 --> 00:40:16,800
Those lacking virtue and talent cannot ascend among them.
623
00:40:16,933 --> 00:40:18,166
This is the law of the land.
624
00:40:18,700 --> 00:40:19,600
Even the sovereign
625
00:40:20,300 --> 00:40:21,466
cannot easily change it.
626
00:40:22,133 --> 00:40:23,266
Just now you said
627
00:40:24,400 --> 00:40:26,233
those sinking to lower ranks should be weeded out.
628
00:40:26,833 --> 00:40:28,366
How many were actually weeded out?
629
00:40:29,400 --> 00:40:33,100
This year, those taking the regular exams
totaled three hundred seventy-eight.
630
00:40:34,800 --> 00:40:36,433
Eighteen were selected.
631
00:40:37,233 --> 00:40:39,033
Three hundred sixty were weeded out.
632
00:40:39,300 --> 00:40:40,466
One in twenty.
633
00:40:42,066 --> 00:40:43,800
This is not the method of a prosperous age.
634
00:40:43,833 --> 00:40:47,666
Since they lack talent and strategy, how can they
govern the land and manage the people?
635
00:40:56,633 --> 00:40:58,666
They are still better than men who wield blades.
636
00:41:07,466 --> 00:41:08,933
Xue Juzheng presided over the examinations.
637
00:41:08,933 --> 00:41:10,366
[Fan Mansion, North Yujie]
Allusions slightly inferior,
638
00:41:10,533 --> 00:41:11,766
[Fan Mansion, North Yujie]
you were ranked as lower grade.
639
00:41:11,800 --> 00:41:13,100
[Fan Mansion, North Yujie]
Let alone poetry and prose.
640
00:41:14,333 --> 00:41:16,066
There's never a first in poetry.
641
00:41:16,100 --> 00:41:16,933
Frontier poetry,
642
00:41:16,933 --> 00:41:18,800
why must it be considered inferior to Li Bai's?
643
00:41:18,833 --> 00:41:19,366
Exactly!
644
00:41:19,533 --> 00:41:21,466
You misspoke from the start.
645
00:41:21,500 --> 00:41:24,033
Since Lord Feng, only Du Fu has been exclusively praised.
646
00:41:24,433 --> 00:41:27,666
What frontier fortresses, what Li Bai, are all like clouds.
647
00:41:27,933 --> 00:41:30,833
"The fish and turtles in the pond congratulate each other;
648
00:41:30,833 --> 00:41:32,833
From now on they know they have a master."
649
00:41:33,533 --> 00:41:35,566
Lord Feng himself composes poetry,
650
00:41:35,833 --> 00:41:37,266
yet he doesn't emulate Du Fu.
651
00:41:37,633 --> 00:41:39,633
He deliberately makes things hard for us.
652
00:41:39,633 --> 00:41:42,666
The "fish and turtles" Lord Feng spoke of
are precisely you people.
653
00:41:42,666 --> 00:41:43,200
You!
654
00:41:43,933 --> 00:41:44,666
Sima Pu.
655
00:41:45,466 --> 00:41:48,766
Old friend, you've been taking the regular exams
for forty years now, right?
656
00:41:49,100 --> 00:41:51,566
You understand Lord Feng's poetry so well.
657
00:41:51,833 --> 00:41:53,900
He served as chancellor for thirty years,
658
00:41:54,066 --> 00:41:58,366
yet he never saw fit to have you pass as jinshi
or obtain any official post.
659
00:41:58,800 --> 00:41:59,533
As a young man,
660
00:41:59,666 --> 00:42:01,966
I have little strength and can do no heavy work,
661
00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:04,300
incapable of mathematics, ignorant of the people's hardships.
662
00:42:04,733 --> 00:42:08,100
No matter how fine the poetry and articles are, I'm still useless.
663
00:42:08,800 --> 00:42:09,566
Lord Feng...
664
00:42:09,700 --> 00:42:11,633
why would he want to appoint me as an official?
665
00:42:14,466 --> 00:42:16,133
Forty years without a single success.
666
00:42:16,500 --> 00:42:18,200
Indeed, a useless man.
667
00:42:19,933 --> 00:42:21,000
Seven hundred years ago,
668
00:42:21,400 --> 00:42:22,733
a Sima became Emperor.
669
00:42:22,933 --> 00:42:26,066
Forty years later, the realm fell into great chaos.
That was useless.
670
00:42:26,100 --> 00:42:27,500
Now, seven hundred years later,
671
00:42:27,866 --> 00:42:29,600
another Sima clan takes the exams.
672
00:42:29,800 --> 00:42:31,533
Forty years without passing.
673
00:42:31,733 --> 00:42:32,933
Also useless.
674
00:42:35,066 --> 00:42:38,700
This seven-hundred-year span of uselessness
is truly unprecedented in history
675
00:42:38,700 --> 00:42:41,233
and unlikely to be matched in the future.
676
00:42:42,700 --> 00:42:44,200
Come on. Have some tea.
677
00:42:45,900 --> 00:42:49,733
Failing again this time, I have no choice
but to return to my village.
678
00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:51,500
Sir.
679
00:42:52,833 --> 00:42:54,000
My master invites you.
680
00:42:54,466 --> 00:42:59,766
[Sima Pu, a juren, qualified for taking exams]
Please, sir, do not hesitate to impart your wisdom.
681
00:43:24,433 --> 00:43:27,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
stretch towering mountains. ♫
682
00:43:27,900 --> 00:43:30,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
run surging rivers. ♫
683
00:43:31,433 --> 00:43:34,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
cry warhorses. ♫
684
00:43:34,900 --> 00:43:39,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
there are emotions unspoken. ♫
685
00:43:39,933 --> 00:43:42,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
flowers are blooming along the road. ♫
686
00:43:43,400 --> 00:43:46,366
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
gooses are returning to the north. ♫
687
00:43:46,933 --> 00:43:49,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we stand through storms. ♫
688
00:43:50,400 --> 00:43:54,500
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we hope for a safe return. ♫
689
00:43:58,700 --> 00:44:01,366
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫
690
00:44:01,966 --> 00:44:04,866
♫ for a lifetime's sorrows and joys. ♫
691
00:44:05,500 --> 00:44:08,166
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫
692
00:44:08,766 --> 00:44:11,666
♫ for the endless seas and rivers. ♫
693
00:44:12,466 --> 00:44:15,133
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫
694
00:44:15,733 --> 00:44:18,633
♫ love will overcome all barriers. ♫
695
00:44:19,333 --> 00:44:20,633
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫
696
00:44:21,300 --> 00:44:25,033
♫ we are together in life and death. ♫
697
00:44:25,966 --> 00:44:29,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫
698
00:44:32,700 --> 00:44:35,733
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫
699
00:44:39,633 --> 00:44:40,966
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫
700
00:44:41,333 --> 00:44:42,766
♫ the moon shines in the boundless world. ♫
701
00:44:43,100 --> 00:44:46,333
♫ My heart has its hometown to return. ♫
702
00:44:46,533 --> 00:44:47,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫
703
00:44:48,233 --> 00:44:49,666
♫ who is the one crossing the waves with me, ♫
704
00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:53,233
♫ with our hearts unrepentant,
through countless lifetimes. ♫
705
00:44:53,433 --> 00:44:54,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫
706
00:44:55,133 --> 00:44:56,666
♫ oceans and lands witness that♫
707
00:44:56,900 --> 00:44:59,666
♫ the world will be safe and sound. ♫
708
00:45:00,066 --> 00:45:03,100
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫
709
00:45:11,266 --> 00:45:15,433
♫ my heart is unchanging. ♫
51500
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