1
00:00:09,900 --> 00:00:15,600
♫ Raising the wine cup, I toast to the boundless sky ♫

2
00:00:16,266 --> 00:00:21,100
♫ 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
00:00:41,966 --> 00:00:46,533
♫ Warriors and warhorses howl across the sky. ♫

7
00:00:48,333 --> 00:00:52,900
♫ If only I could turn into the wind, ♫

8
00:00:53,866 --> 00:01:01,266
♫ to blow away all the pain in mortal coil. ♫

9
00:01:01,266 --> 00:01:05,266
♫ I toast to the blue sky, to courage in solitude, ♫

10
00:01:05,800 --> 00:01:09,066
♫ to migrating gooses, to boats heading home. ♫

11
00:01:09,066 --> 00:01:14,766
♫ With even three thousand days and nights, ♫

12
00:01:16,233 --> 00:01:23,433
♫ Will it be enough to drain this cup I toast to peace? ♫

13
00:01:26,133 --> 00:01:29,933
[Swords into Plowshares]

14
00:01:31,033 --> 00:01:33,000
[Episode 31]

15
00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:37,500
Did he say that?

16
00:01:41,133 --> 00:01:45,700
When he drew his sword in the hall,
I saw his fierce decisiveness,

17
00:01:46,833 --> 00:01:52,933
and thought he would be a harder master to serve
than the Sixth Prince, King Zhongxian,

18
00:01:53,233 --> 00:01:55,433
a shrewd and suspicious ruler.

19
00:01:57,666 --> 00:02:00,166
Who would have known he turns out to be

20
00:02:01,500 --> 00:02:05,733
more benevolent and gentle than the late King Wenmu.
[King Wenmu: Qian Yuanguan]

21
00:02:06,133 --> 00:02:07,366
With such a soft nature,

22
00:02:08,200 --> 00:02:10,066
how can he hold the throne firm?

23
00:02:14,700 --> 00:02:16,300
He is not like the late king.

24
00:02:20,866 --> 00:02:22,866
You think the late king was benevolent?

25
00:02:25,533 --> 00:02:31,666
That's only because your father could not threaten his throne.

26
00:02:35,033 --> 00:02:37,066
The late king was indeed kind

27
00:02:38,933 --> 00:02:40,500
to his meritorious ministers,

28
00:02:41,533 --> 00:02:43,300
to his court officials,

29
00:02:44,466 --> 00:02:46,766
and to unrelated people.

30
00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:50,933
But to his own brothers?

31
00:02:53,233 --> 00:02:59,000
His two younger brothers, he killed them
without a second thought, without even a frown.

32
00:03:01,766 --> 00:03:02,800
That branch

33
00:03:04,466 --> 00:03:05,800
of the Qian clan,

34
00:03:08,766 --> 00:03:10,766
was also stripped to commoner status.

35
00:03:18,500 --> 00:03:20,833
If you were a member of the Qian clan,

36
00:03:22,500 --> 00:03:24,766
would you still call him benevolent?

37
00:03:29,266 --> 00:03:34,266
Capable of killing, but also capable of loving.

38
00:03:35,100 --> 00:03:36,900
That was not the late King Wenmu.

39
00:03:38,166 --> 00:03:39,166
That was the old King.

40
00:03:41,333 --> 00:03:42,200
King Wusu?

41
00:03:42,200 --> 00:03:48,366
[King Wusu: Qian Miu, Wuyue's first King]

42
00:03:58,033 --> 00:04:00,100
Our current Great King,

43
00:04:02,933 --> 00:04:04,266
like the old king,

44
00:04:05,400 --> 00:04:06,700
is a sentimental soul.

45
00:04:23,933 --> 00:04:24,400
I,

46
00:04:25,033 --> 00:04:28,800
Shen Yin, Deputy Prefect of Taizhou,
pay my respects to the Regent.

47
00:04:32,900 --> 00:04:34,333
Sir, no need for such formality.

48
00:04:35,233 --> 00:04:35,766
I

49
00:04:37,533 --> 00:04:39,566
am still the same as yesterday.

50
00:04:40,433 --> 00:04:43,766
Regent, be careful with your words.
You are no longer who you were.

51
00:04:48,466 --> 00:04:49,000
Yes.

52
00:04:50,100 --> 00:04:52,400
Your good advice,
I will remember it.

53
00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:54,933
From today onward,

54
00:04:55,633 --> 00:04:56,966
I shall call you by your name.

55
00:04:58,133 --> 00:05:00,766
My courtesy name conflicts with that of yours, Regent.

56
00:05:01,900 --> 00:05:03,933
I request to change it to uphold propriety.

57
00:05:04,233 --> 00:05:04,866
No need.

58
00:05:05,433 --> 00:05:06,500
I will change mine first.

59
00:05:13,500 --> 00:05:16,300
[Hong means broad, determined, benevolent, accord with "Wen"]

60
00:05:16,300 --> 00:05:17,933
Wende.
[Chu means kind, honest, beautiful, accord with "De".]

61
00:05:17,933 --> 00:05:20,033
Exactly, Wende.
[You are kind, brave, and care for people, so you shall be named "Wende".]

62
00:05:20,033 --> 00:05:22,066
Lord Feng from the capital choose if for me.

63
00:05:32,300 --> 00:05:34,800
Great King, Minister Yuan requests an audience.

64
00:05:38,900 --> 00:05:39,533
Great King.

65
00:05:44,233 --> 00:05:47,633
The Military Affairs Office
has received urgent reports from Bianliang.

66
00:05:48,233 --> 00:05:48,933
What happened?

67
00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:53,666
The Emperor's health is in decline.

68
00:05:56,533 --> 00:05:59,566
[Main meaning: Han Emperor is unwell,
his son Chengyou still young. Various influences are fighting.]

69
00:05:59,566 --> 00:06:02,866
[The loyal ones such as Guo Wei is carrying out other missions.
This concerns Wuyue, please make your decision, King.]

70
00:06:02,866 --> 00:06:04,533
[Kaifeng Prefecture, Bianliang City]
The Emperor's health is in decline.

71
00:06:04,533 --> 00:06:07,833
For the security of the state,
we implore Your Majesty to issue a final decree

72
00:06:08,333 --> 00:06:10,160
[Liu Chengyou]
and establish the Crown Prince.

73
00:06:15,500 --> 00:06:18,166
[Liu Zhiyuan]
Your brother and sister-in-law...

74
00:06:18,166 --> 00:06:19,900
they did not treat me well.

75
00:06:22,133 --> 00:06:23,000
It was me,

76
00:06:24,300 --> 00:06:25,700
who insisted on marrying you.

77
00:06:27,466 --> 00:06:31,033
What does it have to do with my brother and sister-in-law?

78
00:06:34,166 --> 00:06:35,966
What I love most

79
00:06:38,700 --> 00:06:41,133
is listening to you speak.

80
00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:45,366
[Li Sanniang]

81
00:07:12,233 --> 00:07:14,900
Wait for me to join the army.

82
00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:20,500
Once I secure the funds and provisions for our home,

83
00:07:22,133 --> 00:07:23,333
I will return

84
00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:28,033
to marry you and bring you into my family.

85
00:07:41,066 --> 00:07:41,700
I

86
00:07:47,066 --> 00:07:48,500
will wait for you to come.

87
00:08:12,433 --> 00:08:12,966
He

88
00:08:14,833 --> 00:08:16,066
is gone.

89
00:08:19,733 --> 00:08:22,200
Father Emperor!

90
00:08:50,833 --> 00:08:51,366
Empress.

91
00:08:52,466 --> 00:08:53,800
Lord Feng, Minister Su.

92
00:08:54,933 --> 00:08:56,866
This is no time for sorrow.

93
00:08:58,500 --> 00:08:59,600
His Majesty has passed.

94
00:09:00,333 --> 00:09:03,433
The state cannot be a day without a ruler.

95
00:09:03,433 --> 00:09:07,666
[Yang Bin]The Prince of Zhou is benevolent and filial,
the eldest heir of the state.

96
00:09:07,666 --> 00:09:12,900
Please, Empress and the Chancellors, draft the final
decree and support the Prince of Zhou in succession.

97
00:09:19,866 --> 00:09:20,900
Ministers,

98
00:09:22,700 --> 00:09:24,766
you may decide this yourselves.

99
00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:28,900
Allow us

100
00:09:30,833 --> 00:09:32,500
to stay a little longer.

101
00:09:37,600 --> 00:09:40,000
In the first month of 948,

102
00:09:40,333 --> 00:09:42,600
Later Han's Emperor Gaozu, Liu Zhiyuan, died.

103
00:09:43,533 --> 00:09:46,866
The land, its smoke of war just settled,
suddenly lost its pillar.

104
00:09:48,233 --> 00:09:49,833
Gaozu's second son, Liu Chengyou,

105
00:09:49,866 --> 00:09:52,900
only eighteen years old,
hurriedly succeeded before the coffin.

106
00:09:52,900 --> 00:09:55,400
To show continuity and reassure the people,

107
00:09:55,700 --> 00:09:58,100
he continued using his father's reign title, Qianyou.

108
00:09:59,033 --> 00:10:01,233
However, a young ruler breeds suspicion.

109
00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:05,400
Thus, Later Han entered a turbulent era.

110
00:10:06,900 --> 00:10:10,633
The Prince of Zhou, Chengyou,
may ascend the throne before the coffin.

111
00:10:11,733 --> 00:10:14,733
All assist in governance for peace and achievement.

112
00:10:14,733 --> 00:10:17,366
Let the responsible officials carry this out.

113
00:10:17,366 --> 00:10:21,833
Long live the Emperor!

114
00:10:28,200 --> 00:10:30,533
Guo Wei pays respects to Lord Feng.

115
00:10:32,066 --> 00:10:32,966
Greetings, Ministers.

116
00:10:33,266 --> 00:10:35,666
Wei, no need for such formalities.

117
00:10:35,666 --> 00:10:38,033
[Guo Wei]
What exactly has happened?

118
00:10:38,033 --> 00:10:40,800
Li Shouzhen has rebelled.
In Hezhong Prefecture.

119
00:10:44,133 --> 00:10:47,766
It's good it finally happened. We've endured him for over a year.

120
00:10:49,900 --> 00:10:51,200
Now that he openly rebels,

121
00:10:52,066 --> 00:10:52,933
this festering sore

122
00:10:54,133 --> 00:10:55,033
should be cut out.

123
00:10:55,700 --> 00:10:59,733
To campaign against Hezhong, sending troops
from Hedong would be most expedient.

124
00:11:00,733 --> 00:11:04,466
It's nine hundred li; cavalry can arrive in just over ten days.

125
00:11:04,466 --> 00:11:07,900
Enfeoff Liu Chong as Prince of Beiping,
and add the title of Secretariat Director.

126
00:11:07,900 --> 00:11:09,633
He should be willing to send troops.

127
00:11:09,633 --> 00:11:10,700
But the Emperor is unwilling.

128
00:11:11,700 --> 00:11:13,000
[Su Yugui]
Liu Chong is the Imperial Uncle,

129
00:11:13,433 --> 00:11:15,366
[Su Yugui]
and the late Emperor once intended to make him heir.

130
00:11:16,766 --> 00:11:18,300
[Su Yugui]
His Majesty has just ascended,

131
00:11:18,666 --> 00:11:20,466
he is young, and this knot is hard to untie.

132
00:11:21,500 --> 00:11:22,633
That is only human nature.

133
00:11:23,466 --> 00:11:24,566
The troops from Hedong

134
00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:28,466
are still needed for border defense.

135
00:11:29,700 --> 00:11:30,333
The Khitans

136
00:11:31,133 --> 00:11:32,600
are a formidable state.

137
00:11:33,100 --> 00:11:35,133
Although currently embroiled in internal strife,

138
00:11:35,433 --> 00:11:39,933
a centipede dies but does not stiffen.

139
00:11:40,933 --> 00:11:44,033
As long as Liu Chong remains in Hedong,

140
00:11:45,866 --> 00:11:48,666
the northern troops cannot be lightly moved.

141
00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:52,600
If Liu Chong leaves Taiyuan,

142
00:11:53,266 --> 00:11:54,900
then those garrisoning Yunzhong,

143
00:11:55,733 --> 00:11:58,800
Yelü Talie and Yelü Dilu,

144
00:11:59,833 --> 00:12:03,666
will march south through Yanmen to probe our weakness.

145
00:12:04,633 --> 00:12:05,066
Wei,

146
00:12:06,300 --> 00:12:08,766
this time I'm afraid you must go yourself.

147
00:12:14,766 --> 00:12:16,566
When Mother was alive, she said,

148
00:12:16,833 --> 00:12:19,666
'Home is always comfortable,
but a single day outside can be hard.'

149
00:12:20,333 --> 00:12:23,233
Remember to mind the whether, add or remove clothes.

150
00:12:23,433 --> 00:12:24,866
Eat your meals on schedule.

151
00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:26,233
Your stomach is weak;

152
00:12:26,600 --> 00:12:29,533
when busy for a day or two,
you sometimes don't touch food or water.

153
00:12:30,033 --> 00:12:33,033
You must take care of yourself and not be too careless.

154
00:12:33,233 --> 00:12:34,833
[Guo Rong (originally named Chai Rong)]
This isn't my first time leading troops.

155
00:12:35,466 --> 00:12:36,533
[Guo Rong (originally named Chai Rong)]
Why so much nagging?

156
00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:43,033
Go on, come on now.

157
00:12:43,200 --> 00:12:43,900
Get down, get down.

158
00:12:47,366 --> 00:12:48,766
Zongyi, go play by yourself.

159
00:12:54,666 --> 00:12:57,600
Uncle became Emperor, with so many fine things offered to him,

160
00:12:58,100 --> 00:12:59,733
yet he died at just fifty-three.

161
00:13:00,233 --> 00:13:00,966
Why?

162
00:13:01,500 --> 00:13:05,366
Wasn't it from the early campaigns, when cold and damp
entered his body, injuring himself?

163
00:13:05,366 --> 00:13:07,300
So many old wounds and pains took root,

164
00:13:07,500 --> 00:13:08,733
that's why he couldn't hold on.

165
00:13:09,500 --> 00:13:10,533
Your words are wise,

166
00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:14,400
I will remember them.

167
00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:21,366
Come,

168
00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:24,100
rest assured,

169
00:13:26,033 --> 00:13:29,633
I will never let you at such a young age end up
alone in an empty room.

170
00:13:31,333 --> 00:13:32,366
If you die,

171
00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:34,633
I certainly won't remain a widow for you.

172
00:13:34,633 --> 00:13:38,300
In times like these, life and death are ordinary matters.

173
00:13:40,066 --> 00:13:41,766
You just need to know your own limits.

174
00:13:44,866 --> 00:13:45,533
Father.

175
00:13:46,266 --> 00:13:46,900
Zongyi.

176
00:13:46,900 --> 00:13:48,766
You seem not to know your limits.

177
00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:49,433
You...

178
00:13:50,366 --> 00:13:51,666
Mother, save me!

179
00:13:59,066 --> 00:14:01,466
In the year 948,

180
00:14:01,833 --> 00:14:04,066
the first year of Qianyou of Later Han,

181
00:14:04,833 --> 00:14:10,866
Guo Wei personally led a great army to suppress
the rebel Military Governor of Hezhong, Li Shouzhen.

182
00:14:14,133 --> 00:14:16,700
Li Shouzhen's rebellion had long been brewing.

183
00:14:17,333 --> 00:14:21,833
He was originally from the Shi family,
of equal rank with the late Emperor.

184
00:14:21,833 --> 00:14:24,600
When the Khitan moved south, Bianliang fell into chaos,

185
00:14:24,600 --> 00:14:27,266
and the late Emperor entered Daning Palace,

186
00:14:27,266 --> 00:14:29,166
he was actually resentful.

187
00:14:29,733 --> 00:14:33,300
But, cowed by the late Emperor's prestige,
he had to lie low and wait.

188
00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:38,466
Now the late Emperor has passed,
the new ruler's foundation is unstable,

189
00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:41,733
he thinks the court cannot attend to him,

190
00:14:42,733 --> 00:14:43,933
so he simply rebelled.

191
00:14:46,100 --> 00:14:47,033
What do you think, Lord?

192
00:14:47,766 --> 00:14:50,833
Li Shouzhen is arrogant and rash, and will certainly fail.

193
00:14:51,833 --> 00:14:52,633
But,

194
00:14:53,600 --> 00:14:57,500
we must guard against the Li family
of Southern Tang taking advantage.

195
00:14:57,500 --> 00:14:58,000
Yes.

196
00:14:59,533 --> 00:15:01,766
The court must suppress Li Shouzhen's revolt;

197
00:15:01,766 --> 00:15:04,533
for a year or two, it will have no time to care for them.

198
00:15:04,533 --> 00:15:08,600
The Li clan of Southern Tang may think
this a rare chance to raise arms again.

199
00:15:09,733 --> 00:15:13,433
We can order Lord Yang, as Chancellor,
to tour the northern prefectures and counties

200
00:15:13,933 --> 00:15:16,700
and command all garrisons, to prepare against Southern Tang.

201
00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:20,333
Do you think it proper, Lord?

202
00:15:20,766 --> 00:15:26,033
Yang Renquan's rank is sufficient,
but he has no experience with northern affairs.

203
00:15:27,033 --> 00:15:31,466
In recent years leading troops,
his focus has been on the Fuzhou front.

204
00:15:31,466 --> 00:15:36,133
Southern Tang is a big state,
with at least two hundred thousand armored troops.

205
00:15:36,133 --> 00:15:40,700
We need someone who has fought them, and knows their situation.

206
00:15:42,133 --> 00:15:42,800
Shen Chengli.

207
00:15:44,466 --> 00:15:46,166
He would be more suitable.

208
00:15:46,866 --> 00:15:48,200
Lord Hu, you are right.

209
00:15:49,666 --> 00:15:53,433
What Lord Yang is familiar with is the Fuzhou and Minyue area.

210
00:15:53,433 --> 00:15:56,333
The mountains and rivers, the troops and local conditions,

211
00:15:56,333 --> 00:15:58,960
all differ greatly from Southern Tang.

212
00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:08,200
Then let's trouble Lord Yang to toil once more,
as Military Governor of the Weiwu Army,

213
00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:11,566
overseeing military and civil affairs of Fuzhou
, and call Wu Cheng back.

214
00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:15,066
I, respectfully obey your command.

215
00:16:17,066 --> 00:16:21,633
During previous king's time, Wu Cheng thrice
received orders to inspect the northern borders.

216
00:16:22,500 --> 00:16:24,633
He knows Southern Tang's military geography well.

217
00:16:26,500 --> 00:16:31,000
He is also a former Chancellor,
and can keep those soldiers in line.

218
00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:33,000
What do you think, Lord Hu?

219
00:16:36,033 --> 00:16:36,933
You are right.

220
00:16:37,866 --> 00:16:40,100
I had indeed forgotten him.

221
00:16:40,266 --> 00:16:41,200
Then it is settled.

222
00:16:42,133 --> 00:16:46,266
Summon Wu Cheng back to capital,
appoint him Chancellor, grant him the ceremonial axe,

223
00:16:46,533 --> 00:16:50,600
supervise the Zhongwu and Xuande garrisons,
and the troops of Suzhou, Xuanzhou,

224
00:16:50,933 --> 00:16:55,300
Muzhou, Quzhou, and the Yijin Army,
to prepare against Southern Tang.

225
00:16:56,466 --> 00:16:58,233
We obey the command.

226
00:17:12,866 --> 00:17:13,930
What's your opinion?

227
00:17:15,666 --> 00:17:17,466
You handled it very well.

228
00:17:18,300 --> 00:17:20,533
Chancellor Yang was indeed not the right person.

229
00:17:21,033 --> 00:17:22,366
Lord Hu was correct in that.

230
00:17:23,233 --> 00:17:26,633
But his recommendation that Shen Chengli command the army,

231
00:17:26,633 --> 00:17:29,900
is to promote an old subordinate, also had personal motives.

232
00:17:29,900 --> 00:17:31,633
You recalled Minister Wu.

233
00:17:32,066 --> 00:17:35,266
He is a relative by marriage, and a long-serving Chancellor.

234
00:17:35,533 --> 00:17:39,000
His prestige in the army is high,
even surpassing Chancellor Yang.

235
00:17:40,766 --> 00:17:44,400
With him on the northern border,
even if Southern Tang has plans,

236
00:17:44,500 --> 00:17:45,966
they will certainly not succeed.

237
00:17:49,700 --> 00:17:52,766
Yang Renquan goes south as Military Governor of Weiwu Army.

238
00:17:53,566 --> 00:17:58,400
Thus, in the Chancellor's office,
a Counselor position has just become vacant.

239
00:17:59,766 --> 00:18:01,300
You have just become Regent.

240
00:18:01,733 --> 00:18:05,133
In governing and appointing at the center,
we should not open the door to favoritism.

241
00:18:06,133 --> 00:18:07,633
You understand me.

242
00:18:09,300 --> 00:18:15,033
You are really a national talent. You will enter the
Chancellor's Office in time, but no need to rush today.

243
00:18:16,100 --> 00:18:18,966
I intend to appoint you as the Academician
of the Tongru Academy,

244
00:18:19,333 --> 00:18:22,100
to serve by my side, drafting edicts and advising.

245
00:18:22,633 --> 00:18:24,833
Sir, please do not decline.

246
00:18:29,566 --> 00:18:30,700
How could I refuse?

247
00:18:38,100 --> 00:18:42,866
Though the Southern Tang matter is urgent,
it's not the real major issue.

248
00:18:44,900 --> 00:18:45,766
Tax farming.

249
00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:46,466
Exactly.

250
00:18:48,533 --> 00:18:51,666
The tax farming system in Taizhou has
been in place for over a year.

251
00:18:52,533 --> 00:18:54,500
The treasury is full, and the people are prosperous.

252
00:18:55,133 --> 00:18:57,466
The Taizhou treasury, in just the past year alone,

253
00:18:57,466 --> 00:19:01,400
accumulated eighty thousand strings of coins
and one hundred thousand bolts of silk.

254
00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:05,466
This doesn't even include the revenue from
the Ninghai Trading Office.

255
00:19:05,466 --> 00:19:11,933
More importantly, in the five counties, the population
increased by thirteen thousand five hundred,

256
00:19:11,933 --> 00:19:14,400
of which nearly seven thousand are adult males.

257
00:19:15,066 --> 00:19:18,233
That is equivalent to an entire extra county within Wuyue.

258
00:19:21,333 --> 00:19:23,000
This is all your achievement.

259
00:19:25,100 --> 00:19:27,033
This is not my achievement.

260
00:19:27,033 --> 00:19:28,666
It is the achievement of tax farming.

261
00:19:31,433 --> 00:19:32,500
My mind is made up.

262
00:19:33,733 --> 00:19:37,100
Within the state, in one army,
thirteen prefectures, eighty-six counties,

263
00:19:37,100 --> 00:19:42,433
we will completely abolish the harsh policies
like collection before assessment

264
00:19:44,833 --> 00:19:46,033
and implement

265
00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:50,066
the tax farming system.

266
00:19:50,566 --> 00:19:53,066
For we see taxation's abuses have long persisted.

267
00:19:53,066 --> 00:19:55,833
The complexity of its names and its demands are extreme.

268
00:19:55,833 --> 00:19:59,900
Now the Great King, caring for people's livelihood,
promotes the tax farming system,

269
00:19:59,900 --> 00:20:02,166
establishing new policies, lenient toward the people.

270
00:20:02,700 --> 00:20:07,333
All taxes within the territory are concentrated and
undertaken by a single head, later distributed equally.

271
00:20:07,700 --> 00:20:10,330
[Han's Army Camp]
This has no connection with government clerks,

272
00:20:10,330 --> 00:20:12,100
[Han's Army Camp]
so corruption can be avoided.

273
00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:15,333
The amount is fixed, so people's burden will be relived.

274
00:20:19,300 --> 00:20:20,733
Shuiqiu Zhaoquan is dead?

275
00:20:22,466 --> 00:20:25,066
Head severed from body, entire family executed.

276
00:20:26,700 --> 00:20:27,566
What a pity.

277
00:20:28,266 --> 00:20:29,433
What about Hu Jinsi?

278
00:20:29,433 --> 00:20:32,300
Appointed Chancellor, in charge of state affairs.

279
00:20:34,766 --> 00:20:36,633
Hongchu swallowed this pain.

280
00:20:37,833 --> 00:20:40,066
Truly enduring humiliation for the sake of the state.

281
00:20:41,633 --> 00:20:43,266
Surviving in chaotic times is hard.

282
00:20:45,433 --> 00:20:47,666
Wanting to accomplish something is even harder.

283
00:20:48,833 --> 00:20:53,500
That young Hongchu who once roamed freely
in Bianliang, settling scores with gusto,

284
00:20:57,200 --> 00:20:58,633
has finally grown up.

285
00:21:19,033 --> 00:21:23,966
Hezhong Prefecture, the strategic key to Qin and Jin,
a corner of the realm.

286
00:21:24,933 --> 00:21:28,866
Li Shouzhen has usurped this city,
plotting rebellion and revolt.

287
00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:31,400
The realm is shocked and terrified.

288
00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:33,333
He should be exterminated at once,

289
00:21:33,333 --> 00:21:35,200
[Li Ye]
the enemy defeated quickly,

290
00:21:35,200 --> 00:21:37,333
[Li Ye]
to achieve complete success.

291
00:21:46,100 --> 00:21:47,133
Before departure,

292
00:21:47,766 --> 00:21:50,366
His Majesty ordered me to convey to the Chief

293
00:21:51,100 --> 00:21:54,433
that if the Chief can defeat the enemy within thirty days,

294
00:21:55,100 --> 00:21:59,866
His Majesty has prepared for the Chief
the ceremonial trappings of two military governors,

295
00:21:59,866 --> 00:22:02,533
and also the title and emolument of a Duke.

296
00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:06,500
Chief?

297
00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:08,633
Attendants!

298
00:22:10,533 --> 00:22:10,966
Here!

299
00:22:11,733 --> 00:22:13,000
Beat the drums,

300
00:22:13,300 --> 00:22:14,500
gather the generals!

301
00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:27,833
[Wang Yin,
Commander of Imperial Guards Infantry]

302
00:22:32,766 --> 00:22:33,633
Chief! Chief!

303
00:22:35,233 --> 00:22:36,433
The Palatine Officer

304
00:22:37,066 --> 00:22:38,933
has brought the Emperor's edict,

305
00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:43,633
commanding us to fight swiftly and
defeat the enemy by a deadline.

306
00:22:43,933 --> 00:22:45,166
What do you all have to say?

307
00:22:46,833 --> 00:22:47,633
Speak freely.

308
00:22:50,300 --> 00:22:53,133
The imperial army has been stalled
at the city for over ten months.

309
00:22:53,133 --> 00:22:54,566
All day we just build encampments.

310
00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:56,766
We built thirty-seven encampments,

311
00:22:56,766 --> 00:22:59,733
and the enemy in the city destroyed
thirty-seven encampments.

312
00:22:59,733 --> 00:23:03,333
If this continues, army morale will break,
which is bad for the campaign.

313
00:23:04,033 --> 00:23:06,033
I volunteer to lead an assault on the city.

314
00:23:06,333 --> 00:23:08,733
If I'm not the first on the walls,
I'll accept military punishment.

315
00:23:18,833 --> 00:23:20,266
I have a message.

316
00:23:21,500 --> 00:23:24,433
Please convey it to the Emperor for me.

317
00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:27,633
Please instruct, Chief.

318
00:23:28,933 --> 00:23:30,000
Since ancient times,

319
00:23:30,900 --> 00:23:33,733
a state cannot be governed from outside,

320
00:23:34,900 --> 00:23:37,700
and an army cannot be commanded from the court.

321
00:23:39,400 --> 00:23:41,566
Since His Majesty entrusted me with sole command,

322
00:23:42,533 --> 00:23:43,766
then military decisions

323
00:23:44,733 --> 00:23:47,633
are not for me to request approval for.

324
00:23:48,733 --> 00:23:50,700
Before the army achieves victory,

325
00:23:51,133 --> 00:23:53,900
if another edict arrives, it must be a false edict.

326
00:23:55,466 --> 00:23:59,466
Anyone falsely claiming to be an imperial envoy,

327
00:23:59,466 --> 00:24:02,166
I will behead him.

328
00:24:06,300 --> 00:24:07,700
I am ashamed.

329
00:24:08,833 --> 00:24:12,900
Only today have I truly understood
what is called the bearing of a great commander.

330
00:24:13,733 --> 00:24:15,566
The Chief shoulders great responsibility.

331
00:24:15,866 --> 00:24:16,966
If it were not so,

332
00:24:17,333 --> 00:24:19,833
how could you bear the heavy trust of the Emperor?

333
00:24:20,866 --> 00:24:25,366
I will now return to the capital day and night
to report back to His Majesty.

334
00:24:26,066 --> 00:24:27,100
I wonder, Sir,

335
00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:30,066
how you will report to the Emperor.

336
00:24:35,666 --> 00:24:39,633
When the city will fall lies
entirely within the Chief's strategy.

337
00:24:40,533 --> 00:24:44,400
The Chief is like our Great Han's Li Jing.
[Li Jing: a great commander of Early Tang]

338
00:24:46,433 --> 00:24:47,266
Other than this,

339
00:24:48,400 --> 00:24:50,533
I have nothing more to say.

340
00:24:58,300 --> 00:24:59,500
All of you in the army

341
00:25:00,700 --> 00:25:03,166
must carefully obey the Chief's orders.

342
00:25:04,033 --> 00:25:06,166
If anyone disobeys and fights recklessly,

343
00:25:07,433 --> 00:25:08,933
even if the Chief does not punish them,

344
00:25:09,433 --> 00:25:14,033
the Emperor will also behead you to pacify the armies.

345
00:25:29,233 --> 00:25:29,700
My lord.

346
00:25:30,433 --> 00:25:31,066
Give me a hand.

347
00:25:46,100 --> 00:25:47,700
We'll return to the capital.

348
00:25:55,433 --> 00:25:56,266
Guo Wei!

349
00:25:57,866 --> 00:26:00,466
Do you think I cannot kill you?

350
00:26:00,466 --> 00:26:01,033
Is that it?

351
00:26:01,466 --> 00:26:03,066
Are you to cut off the communication?

352
00:26:03,066 --> 00:26:03,666
Ministers.

353
00:26:05,633 --> 00:26:08,100
What is the meaning of this, you two Ministers?

354
00:26:09,133 --> 00:26:13,433
Issuing orders directly to the front,
bypassing the Privy Council and Secretariat,

355
00:26:13,433 --> 00:26:17,933
claiming warriors' credit in victory,
and shifting blame to commanders in defeat—

356
00:26:17,933 --> 00:26:21,400
Is such confused actions suitable for a ruler, Your Majesty?

357
00:26:28,000 --> 00:26:29,400
Minister Yang exaggerates.

358
00:26:30,666 --> 00:26:33,400
I was merely anxious about the military front.

359
00:26:34,566 --> 00:26:37,133
I had no intention to doubt Mr. Guo.

360
00:26:37,900 --> 00:26:38,400
Chengyou,

361
00:26:39,400 --> 00:26:42,500
[Shi Hongzhao]
do not think that becoming Emperor allows you to do anything.

362
00:26:42,500 --> 00:26:48,366
Even your father's imperial authority was earned
through spear and sword.

363
00:26:48,766 --> 00:26:49,766
It did not fall from the sky!

364
00:26:59,500 --> 00:27:02,400
I thank both ministers for your instruction.

365
00:27:03,933 --> 00:27:05,066
I admit my mistake.

366
00:27:44,866 --> 00:27:46,266
[Zhao Hongyin]
Father.

367
00:27:46,266 --> 00:27:50,333
Why do the Chief let the enemy dismantle
our fortifications without moving our troops?

368
00:27:51,566 --> 00:27:53,666
Learn this lesson.

369
00:28:18,533 --> 00:28:21,566
When the village chief comes for conscripts,

370
00:28:21,900 --> 00:28:24,333
gather them all in the hall.

371
00:28:24,700 --> 00:28:27,833
Prepare plenty of food and drink.

372
00:28:28,100 --> 00:28:30,566
Make sure they drink their fill.

373
00:28:30,833 --> 00:28:33,433
If they need carts, give them carts.

374
00:28:33,700 --> 00:28:36,133
If they need horses, give them horses.

375
00:28:36,500 --> 00:28:39,400
If they need money, give them money.

376
00:28:39,700 --> 00:28:41,700
Do not refuse official requisitions either.

377
00:28:42,100 --> 00:28:42,766
Comrades,

378
00:28:42,866 --> 00:28:43,866
drink up!

379
00:28:43,900 --> 00:28:44,833
Don't just hold them.

380
00:28:44,833 --> 00:28:46,266
Come on, come on!

381
00:28:46,333 --> 00:28:46,766
Have more!

382
00:28:46,766 --> 00:28:47,200
Good!

383
00:28:47,266 --> 00:28:47,700
Come on!

384
00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:48,733
Come on, cheers!

385
00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:52,733
What are you daydreaming about?

386
00:28:52,733 --> 00:28:53,800
If you can't drink more,

387
00:28:54,266 --> 00:28:56,500
go put on your armor and stand guard.

388
00:28:57,133 --> 00:28:58,366
I just don't understand.

389
00:28:58,933 --> 00:28:59,966
What kind of battle is this?

390
00:29:01,066 --> 00:29:02,366
We won a small victory,

391
00:29:03,766 --> 00:29:05,966
but our fortifications were torn down by them.

392
00:29:06,566 --> 00:29:10,900
This large stretch of fortifications took
at least half a month to build.

393
00:29:13,233 --> 00:29:15,933
I really don't know what the Chief is planning.

394
00:29:17,133 --> 00:29:18,933
Without those fortifications,

395
00:29:19,700 --> 00:29:23,066
where would we get today's hundreds of severed heads?

396
00:29:23,333 --> 00:29:24,600
In such a big battle,

397
00:29:25,200 --> 00:29:26,866
what do a few hundred heads matter?

398
00:29:27,866 --> 00:29:31,233
There are still tens of thousands of troops in that city.

399
00:29:31,233 --> 00:29:34,166
Killing them a few hundred at a time, when will it end?

400
00:29:34,533 --> 00:29:35,933
How generous you are!

401
00:29:37,633 --> 00:29:39,466
Merit for hundreds of heads,

402
00:29:40,333 --> 00:29:41,433
in your mouth,

403
00:29:43,133 --> 00:29:44,833
becomes nothing at all.

404
00:29:46,566 --> 00:29:49,233
Do you know those hundreds of heads

405
00:29:50,300 --> 00:29:54,966
mean food, clothing, and pay for the officers and men below?

406
00:29:55,500 --> 00:29:57,900
They are their future promotions and rewards.

407
00:29:57,900 --> 00:29:59,733
Without these merits as bait,

408
00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:04,566
what will sustain the morale of tens of thousands of troops?

409
00:30:05,733 --> 00:30:06,600
I see.

410
00:30:15,233 --> 00:30:16,266
[Li Chongjin, Military Inspector of the Central Army]
Minister,

411
00:30:16,266 --> 00:30:19,760
the Central Army Commander reports that
officers from the city have come to surrender.

412
00:30:24,566 --> 00:30:25,066
I got it.

413
00:30:57,066 --> 00:30:57,533
It's burning.

414
00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:04,733
This fire...

415
00:31:06,766 --> 00:31:08,033
was set by Li Shouzhen himself?

416
00:31:08,466 --> 00:31:08,866
Yes.

417
00:31:09,733 --> 00:31:11,266
With the city about to fall,

418
00:31:11,266 --> 00:31:15,566
he knew the court would not spare him,
so he set the fire and burned himself.

419
00:31:16,466 --> 00:31:19,700
Before his self-immolation,
standing on the roof ridge, he shouted:

420
00:31:21,033 --> 00:31:24,266
"I was not defeated in battle,
but by the hearts of the people."

421
00:31:26,666 --> 00:31:28,100
Now I finally understand.

422
00:31:29,333 --> 00:31:31,166
If the rebels stay in the city,

423
00:31:31,566 --> 00:31:34,600
they can only watch as our camps
creep closer to the walls.

424
00:31:35,333 --> 00:31:39,533
If they come out to attack our camps,
they lose hundreds of soldiers each time.

425
00:31:40,333 --> 00:31:41,266
Do this repeatedly,

426
00:31:42,433 --> 00:31:43,566
our morale soars,

427
00:31:44,333 --> 00:31:45,933
theirs plummets.

428
00:31:48,866 --> 00:31:52,300
The troops who can come out to raid our camps

429
00:31:53,200 --> 00:31:56,433
must be the elite warriors from each of their units.

430
00:31:56,833 --> 00:31:58,666
Warriors like that,

431
00:31:59,200 --> 00:32:01,100
three thousand at most, right?

432
00:32:02,666 --> 00:32:04,300
When they're all dead,

433
00:32:05,066 --> 00:32:09,500
can Li Shouzhen still control
the tens of thousands in the city?

434
00:32:10,433 --> 00:32:13,266
So the soldiers mutinied, and surrendered.

435
00:32:13,500 --> 00:32:16,233
Li Shouzhen couldn't stop it, so he burned himself to death.

436
00:32:17,233 --> 00:32:18,566
Inferior strategy

437
00:32:19,133 --> 00:32:21,266
teaches how to kill.

438
00:32:22,033 --> 00:32:27,166
But the most superior strategy teaches how to let men live.

439
00:32:31,666 --> 00:32:32,200
Father.

440
00:32:33,200 --> 00:32:34,733
The Chief accomplished a great feat.

441
00:32:35,000 --> 00:32:37,066
He should enter the cabinet as Chancellor, right?

442
00:32:38,200 --> 00:32:41,166
Then Rong should also be granted a command.

443
00:32:47,300 --> 00:32:50,333
[Main meaning: Guo Wei report that
the city falls and Li burned himself to death.]

444
00:32:50,333 --> 00:32:52,633
Mr. Guo is truly capable.

445
00:32:53,700 --> 00:32:55,433
He even kept me in the dark.

446
00:32:59,033 --> 00:33:01,800
Uncle, summon the Hanlin Academician.

447
00:33:02,466 --> 00:33:06,030
Chief of the Privy Council Yang Bin is appointed as Minister of Works

448
00:33:06,030 --> 00:33:09,033
and Commissioner of the Southern Bureau of Military Affairs.

449
00:33:09,033 --> 00:33:16,400
Guo Wei is additionally appointed Military Governor of
two circuits, and made Chief of the Privy Council.

450
00:33:16,400 --> 00:33:18,566
I believe this is inappropriate.

451
00:33:32,066 --> 00:33:34,900
Mr. Yang always treats me like a child.

452
00:33:35,866 --> 00:33:40,033
Of the edicts I send to the Privy Council,
nine out of ten are rejected by him.

453
00:33:40,433 --> 00:33:42,933
Mr. Guo is not as overbearing as he is.

454
00:33:43,100 --> 00:33:45,100
He has also achieved illustrious military merit.

455
00:33:45,233 --> 00:33:47,000
That is enough to dominate the court.

456
00:33:47,433 --> 00:33:51,566
If he becomes Chief of the Privy Council,
Mr. Yang presumably will have nothing to say.

457
00:33:52,233 --> 00:33:55,866
It is precisely because Guo Wei has achieved
such great merit this time

458
00:33:55,866 --> 00:33:58,966
and gained prestige and authority in the army,

459
00:33:59,533 --> 00:34:01,766
that he absolutely must not become Chief of the Privy Council.

460
00:34:02,433 --> 00:34:03,133
Otherwise,

461
00:34:04,200 --> 00:34:09,300
I fear he may become even more overbearing
than Yang Bin and harder to control.

462
00:34:10,866 --> 00:34:11,866
Such great merit

463
00:34:13,166 --> 00:34:14,366
cannot go unrewarded, can it?

464
00:34:18,400 --> 00:34:18,933
Your Majesty,

465
00:34:19,933 --> 00:34:22,200
Hebei borders the Khitans.

466
00:34:22,666 --> 00:34:24,533
Border affairs are increasingly tense.

467
00:34:24,533 --> 00:34:28,100
We urgently need someone reliable to hold the line there.

468
00:34:28,100 --> 00:34:33,100
I suggest we appoint Guo Wei as an Honorary Chief Minister,
still serving as Deputy Chief of the Privy Council,

469
00:34:33,233 --> 00:34:35,666
and station him at Yexia to oversee all defenses.

470
00:34:37,033 --> 00:34:38,866
With such a man leading troops outside,

471
00:34:39,566 --> 00:34:40,800
at court,

472
00:34:41,533 --> 00:34:50,933
Yang Bin and Shi Hongzhao would not dare to
remain as overbearing and domineering as before.

473
00:34:53,566 --> 00:34:54,033
Father,

474
00:34:54,866 --> 00:34:57,533
His Majesty sent guards to stop us outside Luoyang's walls.

475
00:34:57,533 --> 00:34:59,333
They wouldn't even let us enter the city.

476
00:34:59,333 --> 00:35:03,900
And he orders you to detour to Ye, reorganize the army,
and prepare provisions for the border.

477
00:35:04,700 --> 00:35:05,700
What does this mean?

478
00:35:07,566 --> 00:35:10,500
Go back to the capital in plain clothes.

479
00:35:10,500 --> 00:35:11,766
Deliver a letter for me

480
00:35:13,266 --> 00:35:14,033
to Minister Yang.

481
00:35:18,633 --> 00:35:19,266
Gentlemen.

482
00:35:20,733 --> 00:35:21,200
We...

483
00:35:21,233 --> 00:35:21,733
Your Majesty.

484
00:35:23,333 --> 00:35:25,400
This old minister ventures to ask:

485
00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:30,100
who proposed barring the pacification hero
outside the capital gates?

486
00:35:32,333 --> 00:35:33,066
Minister Yang,

487
00:35:34,266 --> 00:35:36,566
it is not that We do not wish Lord Guo to return to court.

488
00:35:37,633 --> 00:35:39,866
The border is truly under alert.

489
00:35:40,566 --> 00:35:43,533
Hebei indeed requires a reliable overseer.

490
00:35:44,700 --> 00:35:48,066
We had no choice but to trouble Mr. Guo for this task.

491
00:35:49,066 --> 00:35:50,333
This is truly strange.

492
00:35:51,433 --> 00:35:53,266
The Secretariat heard nothing.

493
00:35:53,266 --> 00:35:55,133
The Privy Council said nothing.

494
00:35:55,133 --> 00:35:58,466
Your Majesty, deep in the palace,
was the first to receive this news.

495
00:35:58,466 --> 00:35:59,866
Who reported it to you?

496
00:36:01,033 --> 00:36:01,633
It was...

497
00:36:06,400 --> 00:36:08,500
The agents of the Palace Military Directory?

498
00:36:11,466 --> 00:36:12,300
Your Majesty.

499
00:36:13,533 --> 00:36:14,133
Speak.

500
00:36:27,933 --> 00:36:29,366
I report to Minister Yang,

501
00:36:31,633 --> 00:36:36,533
it was indeed the agents of the Palace Military Directory
who discovered this matter

502
00:36:36,533 --> 00:36:39,233
and thus reported it to His Majesty,

503
00:36:40,466 --> 00:36:42,000
so precautions could be taken.

504
00:36:45,866 --> 00:36:48,700
The Palace Military Directory is most capable.

505
00:36:48,700 --> 00:36:55,566
Spying on ministers throughout the capital is not enough; you
even stretched your hands to the border cities of Hebei.

506
00:36:57,533 --> 00:37:00,066
But I wonder, where did this information come from?

507
00:37:00,066 --> 00:37:02,533
Which prefecture, which army, which county?

508
00:37:04,266 --> 00:37:07,966
The northern state intends to invade,
border commanders are completely unaware,

509
00:37:08,300 --> 00:37:09,733
and send not a word to the court.

510
00:37:10,300 --> 00:37:13,433
Instead, the Emperor's palatine officers must worry.

511
00:37:13,433 --> 00:37:16,600
How can such incompetent men
govern the people or guard the territory?

512
00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:22,900
Palatine Officer, do not shield these people.

513
00:37:23,833 --> 00:37:24,533
Tell us.

514
00:37:25,866 --> 00:37:27,333
If the information is true,

515
00:37:28,433 --> 00:37:31,833
I will immediately petition the Emperor
to behead these useless men.

516
00:37:32,900 --> 00:37:34,000
But conversely,

517
00:37:35,133 --> 00:37:36,633
if the information is false,

518
00:37:38,266 --> 00:37:42,833
it is not the negligence of the commanders,
but the Palatine Officer deceiving the Emperor.

519
00:37:51,033 --> 00:37:51,900
In that case,

520
00:37:54,133 --> 00:37:57,566
I request Your Majesty to execute Li Ye to rectify the court.

521
00:38:13,100 --> 00:38:15,100
Yang Bin does not want to kill me.

522
00:38:15,533 --> 00:38:16,233
He wants to

523
00:38:16,333 --> 00:38:19,533
strip the Palace Military Directory
of its investigative power.

524
00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:24,466
He is the Chief of the Privy Council, connected to
generals outside, holding pivotal authority inside.

525
00:38:24,466 --> 00:38:29,066
If he also controls the Palace Military Directory,
he can cut off the palace from the outside,

526
00:38:29,900 --> 00:38:34,766
and completely turn you, the Emperor in the palace
into a deaf and blind man.

527
00:38:40,633 --> 00:38:41,566
Your Majesty,

528
00:38:45,133 --> 00:38:48,466
the powerful minister is forcing his way into the palace.

529
00:38:48,466 --> 00:38:51,533
If Your Majesty cannot act decisively now,

530
00:38:52,733 --> 00:38:53,500
I fear

531
00:38:56,133 --> 00:39:04,433
that by tomorrow, an incident like
the Xingjiao Gate Coup might occur.

532
00:39:05,900 --> 00:39:09,633
The previous Emperor and our ancestors

533
00:39:11,233 --> 00:39:12,766
will receive no sacrifices.

534
00:39:19,933 --> 00:39:20,633
Your Majesty.

535
00:39:21,166 --> 00:39:21,900
How is your father?

536
00:39:25,266 --> 00:39:27,433
Thank you for your care, Uncle.

537
00:39:27,433 --> 00:39:29,000
Father is in good health.

538
00:39:29,566 --> 00:39:33,133
He can still eat two large bowls of mutton soup
and two flatbreads per meal.

539
00:39:35,166 --> 00:39:36,666
To eat heartily is a blessing.

540
00:39:42,400 --> 00:39:44,660
What has your father sent you with?

541
00:39:51,700 --> 00:39:54,333
This is a letter from my father to you, Uncle.

542
00:40:02,733 --> 00:40:04,066
Wei is an old fox.

543
00:40:04,933 --> 00:40:08,100
Moreover, having handled confidential matters for years,

544
00:40:08,100 --> 00:40:10,433
he is extremely careful with words on paper.

545
00:40:11,700 --> 00:40:15,100
What he truly wants to say would never be written down.

546
00:40:17,733 --> 00:40:18,200
Sit.

547
00:40:24,466 --> 00:40:24,900
Speak.

548
00:40:26,066 --> 00:40:27,166
What worries him?

549
00:40:29,666 --> 00:40:30,566
Father says:

550
00:40:31,700 --> 00:40:33,500
With a new ruler comes a new court.

551
00:40:33,500 --> 00:40:37,000
With the previous Emperor's passing
the new sovereign on the throne,

552
00:40:38,166 --> 00:40:41,500
ministers from the previous reign will eventually retire.

553
00:40:43,333 --> 00:40:45,000
Now, during this transition,

554
00:40:46,033 --> 00:40:47,333
the situation is murky.

555
00:40:48,800 --> 00:40:53,333
It would be better to take advantage of
the remaining merit and goodwill,

556
00:40:53,333 --> 00:40:55,730
and voluntarily request an outer commandery.

557
00:40:59,166 --> 00:41:00,766
A step back opens a broader vista.

558
00:41:02,333 --> 00:41:03,233
As for court affairs,

559
00:41:04,266 --> 00:41:06,630
let the younger generation handle them.

560
00:41:07,633 --> 00:41:12,400
If the state faces trouble in the future,
we would still have the power to set things right.

561
00:41:13,800 --> 00:41:15,333
We are all old men now.

562
00:41:16,466 --> 00:41:18,333
How could we cling to power?

563
00:41:19,800 --> 00:41:21,500
The world has been chaotic for so long.

564
00:41:22,433 --> 00:41:24,466
We've finally had a few peaceful days.

565
00:41:25,033 --> 00:41:28,166
Who would want some rats and foxes to ruin this?

566
00:41:29,333 --> 00:41:30,333
We can step back.

567
00:41:32,300 --> 00:41:34,466
Although the current Emperor is young,

568
00:41:34,833 --> 00:41:36,533
his heart is not bad.

569
00:41:37,400 --> 00:41:40,366
With us old ones watching him, gaining experience over years,

570
00:41:41,266 --> 00:41:43,166
he may well shoulder responsibilities.

571
00:41:44,866 --> 00:41:48,566
The real troublemakers are petty men like Li Ye.

572
00:41:49,733 --> 00:41:53,100
But unfortunately, he is the Empress Dowager's brother.

573
00:41:53,100 --> 00:41:55,433
We cannot just drag him out and behead him.

574
00:41:58,300 --> 00:41:59,633
What did Zhuge Liang say?

575
00:42:00,733 --> 00:42:03,900
"Be close to virtuous ministers, and keep away from petty men."

576
00:42:05,433 --> 00:42:08,500
When the current Emperor understands this principle,

577
00:42:08,500 --> 00:42:10,833
it will be time for us old men to step back.

578
00:42:16,100 --> 00:42:18,966
"Be close to virtuous ministers, and keep away from petty men."

579
00:42:19,933 --> 00:42:20,400
Yes.

580
00:42:21,733 --> 00:42:22,933
Minister Yang said that.

581
00:42:23,866 --> 00:42:27,333
These are words from Zhuge Liang's memorial.

582
00:42:27,333 --> 00:42:29,400
He did not finish the quote.

583
00:42:29,400 --> 00:42:33,866
"Being close to virtuous ministers and keeping away
from petty men is why the Former Han prospered.

584
00:42:34,400 --> 00:42:39,166
Being close to petty men and keeping away
from virtuous ministers is why the Latter Han declined."

585
00:42:44,000 --> 00:42:45,100
Our dynasty, the Great Han—

586
00:42:46,533 --> 00:42:48,830
Is it the Former Han or the Latter Han?

587
00:42:50,566 --> 00:42:53,333
The capital will soon be in great turmoil. You can't rest.

588
00:42:53,533 --> 00:42:56,366
Return to the capital at once.
Bring your family to settle in Yecheng.

589
00:42:56,666 --> 00:42:57,133
Yes.

590
00:43:24,433 --> 00:43:27,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
stretch towering mountains. ♫

591
00:43:27,900 --> 00:43:30,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
run surging rivers. ♫

592
00:43:31,433 --> 00:43:34,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
cry warhorses. ♫

593
00:43:34,900 --> 00:43:39,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
there are emotions unspoken. ♫

594
00:43:39,933 --> 00:43:42,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
flowers are blooming along the road. ♫

595
00:43:43,400 --> 00:43:46,366
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
gooses are returning to the north. ♫

596
00:43:46,933 --> 00:43:49,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we stand through storms. ♫

597
00:43:50,400 --> 00:43:54,500
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we hope for a safe return. ♫

598
00:43:58,700 --> 00:44:01,366
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫

599
00:44:01,966 --> 00:44:04,866
♫ for a lifetime's sorrows and joys. ♫

600
00:44:05,500 --> 00:44:08,166
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫

601
00:44:08,766 --> 00:44:11,666
♫ for the endless seas and rivers. ♫

602
00:44:12,466 --> 00:44:15,133
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

603
00:44:15,733 --> 00:44:18,633
♫ love will overcome all barriers. ♫

604
00:44:19,333 --> 00:44:20,633
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

605
00:44:21,300 --> 00:44:25,033
♫ we are together in life and death. ♫

606
00:44:25,966 --> 00:44:29,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫

607
00:44:32,700 --> 00:44:35,733
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫

608
00:44:39,633 --> 00:44:40,966
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

609
00:44:41,333 --> 00:44:42,766
♫ the moon shines in the boundless world. ♫

610
00:44:43,100 --> 00:44:46,333
♫ My heart has its hometown to return. ♫

611
00:44:46,533 --> 00:44:47,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

612
00:44:48,233 --> 00:44:49,666
♫ who is the one crossing the waves with me, ♫

613
00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:53,233
♫ with our hearts unrepentant,
through countless lifetimes. ♫

614
00:44:53,433 --> 00:44:54,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

615
00:44:55,133 --> 00:44:56,666
♫ oceans and lands witness that♫

616
00:44:56,900 --> 00:44:59,666
♫ the world will be safe and sound. ♫

617
00:45:00,066 --> 00:45:03,100
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

618
00:45:11,266 --> 00:45:15,433
♫ my heart is unchanging. ♫