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 35]

15
00:01:33,633 --> 00:01:34,133
Father.

16
00:01:35,033 --> 00:01:35,566
Father.

17
00:01:35,933 --> 00:01:37,766
The Great King is making an example.

18
00:01:38,900 --> 00:01:44,100
It's known to everyone that old eight companies’ discipline
has long been lax and cannot withstand a single blow.

19
00:01:44,333 --> 00:01:47,866
Two generations of rulers and the Seventh Prince
did not dare to expose this,

20
00:01:48,033 --> 00:01:51,433
for fear of demoralizing the troops and
triggering a revolt from within.

21
00:01:51,900 --> 00:01:52,733
Today the Great King,

22
00:01:53,566 --> 00:01:53,900
he,

23
00:01:54,233 --> 00:01:56,633
ordered Shen Yin to expose it openly in court.

24
00:01:56,933 --> 00:01:59,566
This is publicly sparing no dignity for you.

25
00:02:09,700 --> 00:02:11,300
Why are you hitting me?

26
00:02:14,333 --> 00:02:15,100
Little Tiger.

27
00:02:16,233 --> 00:02:17,400
Little Tiger.

28
00:02:18,700 --> 00:02:20,733
You just publicly harmed that old man's dignity.

29
00:02:20,866 --> 00:02:25,100
Aren’t you afraid of him forcing his way
into the palace overnight again?

30
00:02:25,100 --> 00:02:30,466
In charge of military affairs for many years, he knows
the problems in the army better than anyone.

31
00:02:32,233 --> 00:02:35,200
But he himself after all comes from the old eight companies.

32
00:02:35,800 --> 00:02:38,966
The officers and commanders inside
have intermarried for generations.

33
00:02:39,133 --> 00:02:44,166
They are descendants of his old comrades
or former subordinates.

34
00:02:44,666 --> 00:02:46,166
And many of their ancestors

35
00:02:46,466 --> 00:02:48,766
back in the army were his superior officers.

36
00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:52,033
For the sake of old bonds,
he finds it awkward to play the role of villain.

37
00:02:53,133 --> 00:02:54,600
Then I will play it for him.

38
00:02:55,033 --> 00:02:56,930
What else is that old man unwilling about?

39
00:02:57,500 --> 00:02:57,866
Here.

40
00:02:59,033 --> 00:03:01,500
Here we go, hug!

41
00:03:01,500 --> 00:03:02,100
Alright.

42
00:03:02,266 --> 00:03:03,566
Here we go.

43
00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:04,633
Hug.

44
00:03:05,733 --> 00:03:06,800
Don't cry, don't cry.

45
00:03:07,466 --> 00:03:08,566
There, there.

46
00:03:09,300 --> 00:03:10,533
We're riding the horse.

47
00:03:10,533 --> 00:03:14,466
The ways your elder brothers acted as the King,
I have seen them all.

48
00:03:14,466 --> 00:03:18,633
It was always the ministers below who play the role of villain,
and the King got to the good.

49
00:03:18,633 --> 00:03:20,033
How come now with you,

50
00:03:20,166 --> 00:03:23,100
the Great King instead plays
the villain role for the ministers below?

51
00:03:23,633 --> 00:03:25,766
I was just saying.

52
00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:26,900
That old man,

53
00:03:27,133 --> 00:03:29,533
his seniority is too high, so is his rank.

54
00:03:30,300 --> 00:03:31,733
It is only in front of him

55
00:03:32,166 --> 00:03:33,766
that I would be the villain for him.

56
00:03:34,333 --> 00:03:37,933
When it really comes to handling affairs,
how could it be my turn as the King to do that?

57
00:03:38,633 --> 00:03:39,133
Right?

58
00:03:40,700 --> 00:03:41,700
Not the villain.

59
00:03:42,100 --> 00:03:42,833
who is the villain?

60
00:03:42,833 --> 00:03:43,966
Not the villain.

61
00:03:44,433 --> 00:03:45,733
Not the villain.

62
00:03:47,333 --> 00:03:48,466
who is the villain?

63
00:03:50,100 --> 00:03:54,000
[Jiangning Prefecture]

64
00:03:54,033 --> 00:03:56,633
To pacify the war between Southern Tang and Wuyue,

65
00:03:57,100 --> 00:04:02,800
form an alliance, open trade, and ultimately
achieve unification of the realm and a peaceful age,

66
00:04:03,666 --> 00:04:07,833
Guo Wei sent the Chancellor,
Deputy Director of the Secretariat,

67
00:04:08,333 --> 00:04:11,666
and  Commissioner of the Three Fiscal Agencies,
Li Gu as Chief Envoy,

68
00:04:12,566 --> 00:04:15,166
Remonstrance Officer, Kaifeng Judicial Officer Wang Pu,

69
00:04:15,633 --> 00:04:18,166
and Chief Commander of the Imperial Guards, Zhao Kuangyin,

70
00:04:18,166 --> 00:04:20,400
as Deputy Envoys of the delegation,

71
00:04:20,866 --> 00:04:22,933
on a mission to Southern Tang and Wuyue.

72
00:04:23,433 --> 00:04:24,433
This mission

73
00:04:25,333 --> 00:04:29,033
also implied probing the actual strength of
Southern Tang and Wuyue,

74
00:04:30,166 --> 00:04:32,933
with the deeper intent of reducing their power later.

75
00:04:37,333 --> 00:04:39,866
Good, good, good.

76
00:04:42,300 --> 00:04:45,400
Soft willows bend and waver, branches never still.

77
00:04:46,166 --> 00:04:50,466
[Han Xizai, Southern Tang's Deputy Director of the Secretariat]
Clouds and rain upon the terrace are but dreams fulfilled.

78
00:04:50,466 --> 00:04:53,800
In distant years, when Penglai’s winds my path divide,

79
00:04:54,500 --> 00:04:59,133
your cup shall hold the memory of garments worn with pride.

80
00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:01,000
Good, excellent.

81
00:05:01,100 --> 00:05:02,600
It's wonderful.

82
00:05:03,133 --> 00:05:03,866
This poem,

83
00:05:04,100 --> 00:05:07,066
its rhythm is splendid, simple and seamless.

84
00:05:07,900 --> 00:05:11,066
Of the works you have done lately, this poem is the best.

85
00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:12,700
Good, good.

86
00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:14,500
Zhou envoys,

87
00:05:15,033 --> 00:05:17,133
do you have a fine piece to match?

88
00:05:24,466 --> 00:05:25,533
[Xu Xuan]Outrageous!

89
00:05:31,233 --> 00:05:35,466
Minister Li and Remonstrance Wang
are both important ministers of Bianliang.

90
00:05:36,433 --> 00:05:39,533
Why would they care about this trivial matter of poetry?

91
00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:41,933
You are making it difficult for people.

92
00:05:44,066 --> 00:05:47,400
Tonight I bow to the newborn moon,

93
00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:52,066
deep within the silent palace offices.

94
00:05:53,366 --> 00:05:56,200
The jeweled cord of stars is faintly scattered with light;

95
00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:00,366
the golden palm stands still, untouched by wind.

96
00:06:01,333 --> 00:06:03,866
As seasons turn, I know my body has grown old;

97
00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:08,366
in peaceful times, the year’s labors show their yield.

98
00:06:09,033 --> 00:06:11,333
Chanting, I watch the northern court sink into dusk,

99
00:06:12,066 --> 00:06:16,366
as the orchid wick drops a trace of fading red.

100
00:06:16,733 --> 00:06:18,133
Good!

101
00:06:18,600 --> 00:06:20,333
Thank your for such praises.

102
00:06:20,633 --> 00:06:21,933
You all, really...

103
00:06:22,066 --> 00:06:24,866
Her evening toilette complete, her pale skin gleams like snow.

104
00:06:25,733 --> 00:06:28,566
In the spring hall, the palace ladies file in, one by one.

105
00:06:29,466 --> 00:06:32,166
Pipes and flutes fade; clouds part over rippling water.

106
00:06:33,166 --> 00:06:36,233
Again the Dance of Rainbow Dress is pressed on,
its song filling the hall.

107
00:06:36,700 --> 00:06:39,566
Who, facing the breeze, scatters fragrance more lightly?

108
00:06:40,100 --> 00:06:43,100
Drunk, they clap the balustrades, emotion running deep.

109
00:06:43,666 --> 00:06:46,566
When it is time to leave, let no red candle burn too low—

110
00:06:47,000 --> 00:06:51,033
wait instead to tread beneath
the clear moon of the night ride home.

111
00:06:51,733 --> 00:06:54,933
We respectfully welcome Prince of Zheng.

112
00:06:58,500 --> 00:07:00,833
[Li Congjia (known as Li Yu later), Prince of Zheng]

113
00:07:00,833 --> 00:07:03,600
Gentlemen, no need for such courtesy.

114
00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:05,266
I am an uninvited guest,

115
00:07:05,266 --> 00:07:06,166
coming unbidden,

116
00:07:07,733 --> 00:07:09,400
disturbing your important affairs.

117
00:07:09,633 --> 00:07:10,866
We dare not think that.

118
00:07:11,100 --> 00:07:12,533
I dare not.

119
00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:20,733
I,

120
00:07:21,500 --> 00:07:25,366
in past years, once followed Academician Xu
to travel to Bianliang.

121
00:07:25,366 --> 00:07:29,600
The sights of the Central Plains, and the talent there,
left me in awe.

122
00:07:31,233 --> 00:07:32,300
Esteemed envoys from afar,

123
00:07:33,500 --> 00:07:37,433
I wonder if the people and scenery of
our Jiangnan are worthy of a look?

124
00:07:38,166 --> 00:07:39,233
Wealth and honor have peaked.

125
00:07:40,033 --> 00:07:43,500
Tonight's scene of prosperity and splendor,

126
00:07:44,466 --> 00:07:45,500
tomorrow,

127
00:07:46,500 --> 00:07:48,033
may become a desolate wilderness.

128
00:07:49,866 --> 00:07:51,266
How can you bear it?

129
00:07:52,166 --> 00:07:52,766
Prince,

130
00:07:54,233 --> 00:07:55,666
why say such things?

131
00:07:56,266 --> 00:07:59,400
I wish the people not to suffer.

132
00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:05,100
This is also the Emperor's wish.

133
00:08:10,133 --> 00:08:11,533
Must we debate legitimacy?

134
00:08:13,700 --> 00:08:15,033
In the past, in Bianliang,

135
00:08:15,900 --> 00:08:17,333
before the Khitan Emperor,

136
00:08:18,333 --> 00:08:21,533
you gentlemen also bowed and served as subjects.

137
00:08:30,300 --> 00:08:32,033
You are right

138
00:08:36,433 --> 00:08:37,766
Therefore, in Hengzhou,

139
00:08:39,266 --> 00:08:42,566
I, Li Gu, personally killed the Khitan officers
guarding the armory,

140
00:08:42,900 --> 00:08:47,166
rescued Lord Feng, returning the northern prefectures
to Han rule,

141
00:08:47,733 --> 00:08:49,133
washing away this shame.

142
00:08:49,500 --> 00:08:49,933
You... you!

143
00:08:50,433 --> 00:08:51,166
Prince!

144
00:08:58,133 --> 00:08:59,033
We northerners

145
00:08:59,533 --> 00:09:00,666
cannot hold liquor well.

146
00:09:01,433 --> 00:09:02,533
The hour is late.

147
00:09:02,833 --> 00:09:04,066
We beg to take our leave.

148
00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:07,366
We hope you grant permission.

149
00:09:08,066 --> 00:09:08,566
This...

150
00:09:09,633 --> 00:09:10,966
Gentlemen, wait a moment.

151
00:09:12,833 --> 00:09:15,033
Prince, I have already made arrangements.

152
00:09:18,033 --> 00:09:21,566
Just enjoy this evening fully.
The envoys may rest at the guesthouse.

153
00:09:22,033 --> 00:09:25,466
Jinling's prosperity rivals old Chang'an and Luoyang.

154
00:09:25,833 --> 00:09:28,933
If the envoys have time, please stay a few days,

155
00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:32,766
to fully experience our ruler's utmost sincerity.

156
00:09:33,233 --> 00:09:34,933
Yes, yes indeed!

157
00:09:37,733 --> 00:09:38,433
Farewell.

158
00:09:49,900 --> 00:09:50,600
Academician Xu,

159
00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:55,433
as to what happened in the Chongyuan Hall then,

160
00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:59,600
you should still often remind the Prince of them.

161
00:10:03,133 --> 00:10:05,833
Those long starved cannot bear to see others' waste.

162
00:10:06,866 --> 00:10:08,300
If you are not eating,

163
00:10:09,100 --> 00:10:11,233
I ask to take it back to eat.

164
00:10:14,100 --> 00:10:15,700
I beg your permission.

165
00:10:18,833 --> 00:10:20,000
That is only right.

166
00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:22,300
May I ask your surname?

167
00:10:24,433 --> 00:10:26,033
How can he act like this? So rude!

168
00:10:26,066 --> 00:10:27,633
A bunch of reckless men!

169
00:10:27,633 --> 00:10:28,366
Reckless!

170
00:10:32,033 --> 00:10:33,033
After all,

171
00:10:33,533 --> 00:10:37,833
it's the magnificent foundation left by Yang Xingmi.
[Yang Xingmi, founder of Southern Wu]

172
00:10:37,833 --> 00:10:39,000
After long peace,

173
00:10:39,100 --> 00:10:40,866
they all think they are

174
00:10:41,433 --> 00:10:42,733
living in elysium.

175
00:10:43,700 --> 00:10:44,833
How laughable.

176
00:10:46,266 --> 00:10:46,900
Jinling,

177
00:10:48,233 --> 00:10:49,433
has nothing worth seeing.

178
00:10:50,466 --> 00:10:51,300
Pack the luggage.

179
00:10:51,933 --> 00:10:53,433
Tomorrow morning,

180
00:10:53,433 --> 00:10:54,333
we set off south.

181
00:10:56,033 --> 00:10:56,700
Understood.

182
00:11:06,833 --> 00:11:09,333
[Runzhou, Southern Tang]

183
00:11:22,733 --> 00:11:23,133
Mei.

184
00:11:23,533 --> 00:11:23,866
Here.

185
00:11:24,266 --> 00:11:26,333
Put the wine and food we brought right here.

186
00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:27,466
Understood.

187
00:11:39,933 --> 00:11:40,933
What are you doing?

188
00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:45,366
My lord, did they disturb you?

189
00:11:48,733 --> 00:11:49,533
Disperse, disperse.

190
00:11:50,233 --> 00:11:51,266
Go, go, leave.

191
00:11:51,366 --> 00:11:51,800
Hurry!

192
00:11:52,266 --> 00:11:53,000
Go, be quick.

193
00:11:53,133 --> 00:11:54,233
My lord, any other orders?

194
00:11:54,533 --> 00:11:54,966
Quickly!

195
00:12:03,100 --> 00:12:07,033
In the court above, there's singing, dancing,
peace, carved beams and painted pillars.

196
00:12:09,200 --> 00:12:10,433
Among the common people,

197
00:12:11,466 --> 00:12:14,733
petty officials run rampant,
corpses of the starved litter the fields.

198
00:12:15,933 --> 00:12:18,033
It truly matches what Du Fu said:

199
00:12:20,100 --> 00:12:22,600
"Behind vermilion gates, wine and meat go to waste;

200
00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:24,833
Along the road lie the bones of the frozen dead."

201
00:12:24,833 --> 00:12:28,100
[the border of Wuyue and Southern Tang]

202
00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:29,700
Everyone line up.

203
00:12:30,033 --> 00:12:30,966
Don't jump the queue.

204
00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:33,233
Travelers, record only name,

205
00:12:34,466 --> 00:12:35,900
age, ancestral hometown.

206
00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:40,000
Carts, horses, and goods must pay tax. Ten percent tax.

207
00:12:40,700 --> 00:12:43,866
Those who have paid tax, go to the shed for your certificate.

208
00:12:43,866 --> 00:12:45,566
It bears Zhongwu Town's official seal.

209
00:12:45,766 --> 00:12:49,566
Take it to the Trading Office to offset tax
so you don't need to pay a second time.

210
00:12:52,633 --> 00:12:54,066
We are an imperial envoy,

211
00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:55,833
sent by decree to Wuyue.

212
00:13:05,900 --> 00:13:08,900
I Your guilty subject, Qian Hongjun,
pay respects to the Great King.

213
00:13:10,133 --> 00:13:11,500
Eldest Brother, please rise.

214
00:13:11,500 --> 00:13:12,166
Thank you.

215
00:13:12,700 --> 00:13:17,066
[Qian Hongjun]

216
00:13:23,833 --> 00:13:26,600
Does it look like a monkey wearing a crown?

217
00:13:26,600 --> 00:13:27,760
I dare not think so.

218
00:13:30,133 --> 00:13:33,666
Taizhen once recited to me a folk song from Western Court.

219
00:13:35,900 --> 00:13:38,933
"Fisherman Prince, now sits in the court.

220
00:13:39,433 --> 00:13:42,966
Shrimps, crabs, coins, come from the port."

221
00:13:43,933 --> 00:13:44,566
I

222
00:13:45,466 --> 00:13:47,833
have also heard the next line:

223
00:13:47,833 --> 00:13:49,900
"Ten percent tax, sky's so bright.

224
00:13:50,333 --> 00:13:52,566
Hall and camp are busy day and night."

225
00:13:53,500 --> 00:13:56,666
Those were all strategies set by Yin when he was in Taizhou.

226
00:13:56,666 --> 00:13:58,833
It cannot be counted as my merit.

227
00:13:58,833 --> 00:14:01,333
I dare not claim credit for heaven's work.

228
00:14:02,133 --> 00:14:03,266
Why be so modest?

229
00:14:04,000 --> 00:14:06,233
The way of being a King is broad and falt.

230
00:14:07,300 --> 00:14:09,266
Finding and employing talents,

231
00:14:09,266 --> 00:14:11,433
finding and implementing good strategies,

232
00:14:11,433 --> 00:14:13,766
are the grand and righteous way of a king.

233
00:14:14,633 --> 00:14:15,766
Your dignified manner,

234
00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:18,333
may not lie in robes and rituals,

235
00:14:19,266 --> 00:14:20,966
but in the hearts of the common people.

236
00:14:24,200 --> 00:14:25,066
This is a market?

237
00:14:25,766 --> 00:14:28,233
This is clearly a city.

238
00:14:28,533 --> 00:14:30,066
Delicate hand-cooked rice.

239
00:14:30,133 --> 00:14:31,700
Fine cloth, good patterned fabric.

240
00:14:31,700 --> 00:14:32,833
[Trading Office, Hangzhou]
How about it?

241
00:14:32,833 --> 00:14:34,166
[Trading Office, Hangzhou]
About three or four li wide.

242
00:14:34,766 --> 00:14:35,566
This length...

243
00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:38,933
We've walked for half an hour and still haven't walked through.

244
00:14:39,033 --> 00:14:40,333
"Fisherman Prince, now sits in the court.

245
00:14:41,233 --> 00:14:45,233
Shrimps, crabs, coins, come from the port.

246
00:14:45,700 --> 00:14:47,433
Ten percent tax,

247
00:14:47,866 --> 00:14:49,900
sky's so bright.

248
00:14:50,300 --> 00:14:54,333
Hall and camp are busy day and night."

249
00:14:55,366 --> 00:14:57,566
Southeast ruler...

250
00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:00,566
The land of Wuyue cannot be lightly plotted against.

251
00:15:00,700 --> 00:15:03,300
"Heaven's granary, fish and rice fill Qiantang."

252
00:15:03,300 --> 00:15:03,800
Let's go.

253
00:15:09,633 --> 00:15:15,000
In earlier years, with Eldest Brother,
from Master Pi, we studied the Rites of Zhou.

254
00:15:17,200 --> 00:15:20,233
"The security of rivers and mountains
lies in virtue, not in peril."

255
00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:26,933
But only when truly sitting on that seat did I understand:

256
00:15:29,266 --> 00:15:30,600
Virtue is indeed true.

257
00:15:31,633 --> 00:15:34,533
But if there is no defensible terrain, this virtue,

258
00:15:35,233 --> 00:15:36,433
may not endure long.

259
00:15:38,266 --> 00:15:39,500
Eldest Brother, your case,

260
00:15:41,266 --> 00:15:45,633
was because Sixth Brother was deceived
by villains, wronging you.

261
00:15:46,700 --> 00:15:51,266
I apologize to you on behalf of Sixth Brother.

262
00:15:51,866 --> 00:15:52,960
I dare not accept.

263
00:15:56,333 --> 00:15:58,600
Summoning you to the palace this time is to rely

264
00:15:58,600 --> 00:16:02,666
on your past prestige and experience
to reorganize the various Inner Palace armies.

265
00:16:03,733 --> 00:16:05,033
Within the royal clan now,

266
00:16:06,266 --> 00:16:10,166
if we speak of who understands military affairs best,
it is actually you, my King.

267
00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:18,166
I merely followed the southern campaign once,
managing provisions and supplies for Sixth Brother.

268
00:16:19,233 --> 00:16:23,400
I wish to restore you to the position of
Chief Commander of the Inner Guards

269
00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:29,200
to command all troops, internal and external, and oversee
the reorganization and downsizing of all Companies.

270
00:16:30,366 --> 00:16:31,100
I dare not refuse

271
00:16:32,700 --> 00:16:33,766
your commands.

272
00:16:34,933 --> 00:16:35,500
However,

273
00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:39,000
I would like to ask for a person.

274
00:16:41,066 --> 00:16:41,900
Wenqi, right?

275
00:16:45,033 --> 00:16:45,466
Granted.

276
00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:49,600
I will temporarily assign Wenqi to assist you.

277
00:16:50,266 --> 00:16:50,900
Thank you.

278
00:16:51,033 --> 00:16:54,833
However, you'll wait until he first finish his current tasks.

279
00:16:56,433 --> 00:16:58,930
The imperial envoy has arrived in Hangzhou.

280
00:17:00,900 --> 00:17:01,833
By my side,

281
00:17:02,733 --> 00:17:05,900
I cannot do without Wenqi, this Administrator for now.

282
00:17:08,433 --> 00:17:08,800
Understood.

283
00:17:10,500 --> 00:17:12,133
In the third year of Guangshun,

284
00:17:12,333 --> 00:17:13,733
the year cycle Guichou,

285
00:17:13,933 --> 00:17:18,300
October, the twenty-sixth, the Emperor proclaims:

286
00:17:18,300 --> 00:17:23,100
"I have inherited the Han's chaotic governance,
achieving unity amidst loss and separation,

287
00:17:23,100 --> 00:17:27,100
honoring the sacred way through royal transformation,
acting prudently and easing taxes.

288
00:17:27,100 --> 00:17:31,200
With Wuyue situated to the right, pacifying the people,
all generations possessed virtue.

289
00:17:31,666 --> 00:17:34,066
Now you, Commander-in-Chief of the Armies,

290
00:17:34,566 --> 00:17:37,433
holding the military governorships of
Zhendong and Zhenhai, two armies,

291
00:17:37,866 --> 00:17:39,466
Grand Governor of Hangzhou and Yuezhou,

292
00:17:39,666 --> 00:17:42,400
Qian Hongchu of Kingdom of Wuyue, pillar of the empire:

293
00:17:43,133 --> 00:17:45,266
Over the sixty years of this kingdom and family,

294
00:17:45,266 --> 00:17:49,733
you've been serving the Central Plain's military discipline,
diligently fulfilling tribute duties.

295
00:17:49,733 --> 00:17:54,400
I hereby confer upon you the title of King of Wuyue,
Grand Marshal of All Armies,

296
00:17:54,833 --> 00:17:57,866
appoint you as Grand Commander
and Director of the Secretariat.

297
00:17:57,866 --> 00:17:59,500
Your fief shall be thirty thousand households,

298
00:17:59,500 --> 00:18:02,666
with an actual stipend from
one thousand eight hundred households.

299
00:18:02,666 --> 00:18:05,766
May fortune and prosperity be boundless,
bequeathed for a hundred generations.

300
00:18:05,766 --> 00:18:06,866
Revere this!

301
00:18:07,500 --> 00:18:09,766
Do not fail my command."

302
00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:13,866
I, Qian Hongchu, receive the edict and
give thanks for the imperial grace.

303
00:18:29,933 --> 00:18:31,433
We pay our respects to the Marshal.

304
00:18:32,666 --> 00:18:33,766
Minister Li, please rise.

305
00:18:34,333 --> 00:18:35,466
Gentlemen, please rise.

306
00:18:37,266 --> 00:18:41,400
I request Minister Li and all envoys to
return to the guesthouse for rest.

307
00:18:43,200 --> 00:18:44,633
We thank the Marshal.

308
00:18:51,766 --> 00:18:52,633
How was it?

309
00:18:55,233 --> 00:18:57,100
If judged by this guesthouse,

310
00:18:58,033 --> 00:18:59,930
I'm afraid it's far inferior to Jinling.

311
00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:02,300
Pu,

312
00:19:02,833 --> 00:19:04,433
you are being too critical.

313
00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:08,266
From a small detail, infer the whole.

314
00:19:09,833 --> 00:19:14,600
In the lands of Wuyue, the government offices
and guesthouses are frugal and simple.

315
00:19:15,466 --> 00:19:16,933
Yet the market streets,

316
00:19:17,866 --> 00:19:19,033
are bustling and noisy,

317
00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:26,200
almost reminiscent of old Chang'an and Luoyang.

318
00:19:26,766 --> 00:19:27,700
This alone

319
00:19:28,233 --> 00:19:29,900
makes it far superior to Southern Tang.

320
00:19:34,200 --> 00:19:37,000
Has it been decided who will be talking with you and me?

321
00:19:38,133 --> 00:19:43,400
Chancellor of Chancellor's Office, Yuan Dezhao,
and Administrator of Marshal's Office, Shen Wenqi.

322
00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:46,666
One handles internal affairs, the other tribute matters.

323
00:19:46,666 --> 00:19:48,966
The courtesies are meticulously complete.

324
00:19:50,033 --> 00:19:50,733
It's a pity.

325
00:19:51,833 --> 00:19:55,500
We should have taken the chance to gauge
the depth of this young King of Wuyue.

326
00:19:57,066 --> 00:19:57,666
It's fine.

327
00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:00,433
Before departure,

328
00:20:00,733 --> 00:20:02,333
Lord Feng gave instructions.

329
00:20:02,333 --> 00:20:05,933
Both the Prince of Jin and Zhao Kuangyin
have past connections with this King.

330
00:20:06,666 --> 00:20:07,900
Let he be the one to gauge him.

331
00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:14,266
Still, Wuyue's wine is most comforting to drink.

332
00:20:16,666 --> 00:20:17,600
To tell the truth,

333
00:20:18,200 --> 00:20:20,900
you are becoming more and more like a proper king.

334
00:20:21,700 --> 00:20:24,833
A thousand threads of business,
yet one must not rush.

335
00:20:25,766 --> 00:20:29,000
Major and minor affairs, can only
be sorted out slowly from the start.

336
00:20:30,066 --> 00:20:30,800
It's the same.

337
00:20:31,866 --> 00:20:32,666
With Rong,

338
00:20:32,700 --> 00:20:34,066
it's also a pile of trivial matters.

339
00:20:35,100 --> 00:20:36,533
His Majesty's health is poor.

340
00:20:37,066 --> 00:20:38,100
He no longer holds court.

341
00:20:38,633 --> 00:20:39,933
All matters, big and small,

342
00:20:40,233 --> 00:20:41,666
must be decided by Rong.

343
00:20:42,466 --> 00:20:44,300
He doesn't even get two hours of sleep a day.

344
00:20:46,633 --> 00:20:47,633
Rong always

345
00:20:48,233 --> 00:20:49,933
takes the world as his responsibility.

346
00:20:50,733 --> 00:20:52,366
It's not strange for him to do these things.

347
00:20:53,133 --> 00:20:53,700
But me?

348
00:20:54,300 --> 00:20:56,400
Mischievous since childhood, lazy and idle.

349
00:20:56,866 --> 00:20:59,100
Forced onto the stage, made this Great King.

350
00:20:59,666 --> 00:21:03,666
And my shoulders are thin and weak,
cannot support such a vast situation.

351
00:21:04,866 --> 00:21:05,933
Don't be modest.

352
00:21:07,300 --> 00:21:08,333
On this mission,

353
00:21:08,933 --> 00:21:11,000
we came from Yangzhou.

354
00:21:12,433 --> 00:21:14,633
We were wealthy and extravagant households.

355
00:21:15,466 --> 00:21:16,766
But ordinary families,

356
00:21:17,900 --> 00:21:21,700
had clothes barely covering them, houses without tiles,
home stores without surplus grain.

357
00:21:22,333 --> 00:21:23,333
In contrast,

358
00:21:23,900 --> 00:21:26,866
coming to Wuyue, disembarking at the Trading Office,

359
00:21:27,233 --> 00:21:29,333
I heard it's only been three or four years,

360
00:21:30,200 --> 00:21:33,133
you have expanded that Trading Office
to five or six times its size,

361
00:21:33,133 --> 00:21:35,500
and there are thousands engaged in grain trade and business.

362
00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:38,466
Based on this alone, you have done better
than your elder brother.

363
00:21:38,466 --> 00:21:41,233
That's also because Sixth Brother
laid the groundwork first.

364
00:21:41,233 --> 00:21:42,066
Yes, yes.

365
00:21:51,566 --> 00:21:52,800
Actually, it's not that good.

366
00:21:54,133 --> 00:21:57,166
The treasury's money and grain haven't increased much.

367
00:21:58,066 --> 00:22:02,900
Private money and silk transactions, commercial trade,
have indeed increased a lot.

368
00:22:06,066 --> 00:22:09,100
In the government treasury, there is no surplus
money or grain to supply.

369
00:22:10,300 --> 00:22:12,766
Minister Yuan, why speak falsely?

370
00:22:14,066 --> 00:22:15,366
On this journey all the way,

371
00:22:15,900 --> 00:22:19,100
what we have heard and seen, the wealth of Wuyue,

372
00:22:19,566 --> 00:22:21,033
is almost the highest in the realm.

373
00:22:22,700 --> 00:22:23,533
Furthermore,

374
00:22:24,266 --> 00:22:26,366
the court is not asking for Wuyue's grain for free.

375
00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:28,200
This is not tribute,

376
00:22:28,700 --> 00:22:29,633
it is trade.

377
00:22:31,133 --> 00:22:34,133
Using all the court has, for whatever you need,

378
00:22:34,933 --> 00:22:36,000
all can be traded,

379
00:22:37,733 --> 00:22:39,333
including weapons and armor.

380
00:22:39,700 --> 00:22:41,766
We do not lack weapons and armor.

381
00:22:46,866 --> 00:22:47,566
Minister Li,

382
00:22:48,066 --> 00:22:48,766
Remonstrance Wang,

383
00:22:49,500 --> 00:22:51,700
what Minister Yuan said is all true.

384
00:22:52,733 --> 00:22:53,433
To be frank,

385
00:22:55,133 --> 00:22:57,766
the state is currently downsizing the military.

386
00:22:57,766 --> 00:22:58,866
Downsizing the military?

387
00:23:00,033 --> 00:23:00,733
Kuangyin,

388
00:23:02,333 --> 00:23:06,433
this time, His Majesty and Rong
sent Minister Li on a mission here.

389
00:23:07,400 --> 00:23:09,000
What exactly is the purpose?

390
00:23:09,633 --> 00:23:10,866
To take you back to the capital,

391
00:23:12,700 --> 00:23:14,433
to be your Great King in the capital.

392
00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:18,633
On the first and fifteenth of each month, at daybreak,

393
00:23:19,133 --> 00:23:22,266
stand with me outside the Mingde Gate
to brave the cold wind.

394
00:23:22,266 --> 00:23:23,500
Wouldn't that be wonderful?

395
00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:27,100
The prison of the Censorate,
I haven't had enough of it yet.

396
00:23:27,833 --> 00:23:29,033
In just those six months,

397
00:23:29,233 --> 00:23:30,900
I gained over ten jin.

398
00:23:31,700 --> 00:23:33,333
Bianliang's food are nourishing.

399
00:23:34,066 --> 00:23:34,933
You're daydreaming!

400
00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:40,600
Rong almost wishes one person could be split into five.

401
00:23:42,233 --> 00:23:43,900
I can't help him much.

402
00:23:44,766 --> 00:23:45,766
If you were there,

403
00:23:46,466 --> 00:23:47,900
you could certainly lend him a hand.

404
00:23:52,933 --> 00:23:54,766
Forget it, no more idle dreams.

405
00:23:57,033 --> 00:24:01,000
This mission is actually for
transporting southern grain north.

406
00:24:03,500 --> 00:24:04,833
And also to see,

407
00:24:05,633 --> 00:24:07,760
if Wuyue is something that can be taken, right

408
00:24:15,266 --> 00:24:16,666
Do you really think so?

409
00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:20,000
Rong now is no longer a soldier of the Hedong Army.

410
00:24:21,400 --> 00:24:24,400
He is the heir apparent who governs the world
and oversees state affairs.

411
00:24:25,433 --> 00:24:30,233
Even an ordinary ruler of mediocre talent
dreams of unifying the realm.

412
00:24:30,900 --> 00:24:34,300
Let alone someone like Rong,
with his great talent and bold vision,

413
00:24:34,466 --> 00:24:36,000
a hero who cares deeply for the world.

414
00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:39,933
This time you guessed wrong.

415
00:24:42,300 --> 00:24:44,166
What keeps him up at night

416
00:24:44,500 --> 00:24:46,600
isn't some so-called realm,

417
00:24:48,133 --> 00:24:49,466
but the people's livelihood.

418
00:24:51,433 --> 00:24:52,866
Laizhou maritime trade?

419
00:24:53,466 --> 00:24:56,800
It refers to opening a maritime trade route
from Mingzhou to Laizhou.

420
00:24:57,500 --> 00:25:01,066
When the Great King traveled to the capital
back then, he took this sea route.

421
00:25:01,700 --> 00:25:04,566
Unfortunately, the capital was then filled with dignitaries;

422
00:25:04,700 --> 00:25:06,600
military families and nobles were everywhere,

423
00:25:07,300 --> 00:25:08,300
monopolizing trade routes.

424
00:25:09,666 --> 00:25:12,566
Plus, there were numerous regional military governors.

425
00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:14,900
Goods could easily go from Mingzhou to Laizhou,

426
00:25:15,333 --> 00:25:16,833
but from Laizhou to the capital,

427
00:25:17,433 --> 00:25:22,100
they had to pass through countless checkpoints,
enduring layers of exploitation.

428
00:25:23,533 --> 00:25:25,800
Once both land and sea routes are unblocked,

429
00:25:26,433 --> 00:25:29,100
transporting southern grain north
would no longer be a fantasy.

430
00:25:31,033 --> 00:25:32,066
Within Wuyue,

431
00:25:32,300 --> 00:25:36,066
how much grain can be sent north
each year in spring and autumn?

432
00:25:36,700 --> 00:25:38,566
Minister Yuan did not lie.

433
00:25:39,300 --> 00:25:42,666
The state treasury holds no surplus grain.

434
00:25:43,133 --> 00:25:44,200
The surplus grain,

435
00:25:45,300 --> 00:25:46,366
is among the people.

436
00:25:47,433 --> 00:25:49,433
So, Wenqi, you mean that

437
00:25:50,100 --> 00:25:52,200
once the Laizhou maritime trade opens,

438
00:25:52,900 --> 00:25:58,866
merchants themselves will transport grain
from Mingzhou by sea to the capital?

439
00:26:00,866 --> 00:26:01,966
Impossible.

440
00:26:05,900 --> 00:26:07,133
As I said earlier,

441
00:26:07,866 --> 00:26:09,733
to make this trade route work,

442
00:26:11,300 --> 00:26:14,166
the court must first do one thing.

443
00:26:15,300 --> 00:26:15,766
Right.

444
00:26:17,100 --> 00:26:18,700
Tax exemption.

445
00:26:18,700 --> 00:26:25,366
If the court exempts all merchants on this route
from taxes, completely, on both sea and land,

446
00:26:25,900 --> 00:26:28,700
letting them pass prefectures and
counties unhindered,

447
00:26:28,700 --> 00:26:32,666
then grain from the southeast will
surge north like the Qiantang tide,

448
00:26:33,700 --> 00:26:34,933
in a mighty flow.

449
00:26:36,266 --> 00:26:37,066
By then,

450
00:26:37,933 --> 00:26:41,366
the Emperor and Rong will have no more famine worries.

451
00:26:42,866 --> 00:26:43,800
Do you know

452
00:26:44,300 --> 00:26:47,700
how much grain the capital needs each spring and autumn?

453
00:26:49,433 --> 00:26:52,066
Can sea transport handle that much?

454
00:26:52,566 --> 00:26:54,000
Then, Kuangyin, do you know

455
00:26:55,500 --> 00:26:57,833
how much grain just the Huanglong House,

456
00:26:58,633 --> 00:27:01,733
operating off Mingzhou's coast,
ships to Heian-kyo in Japan each year?

457
00:27:02,666 --> 00:27:03,566
That tiny place,

458
00:27:03,700 --> 00:27:04,700
how much can it eat?

459
00:27:07,133 --> 00:27:09,600
It worths the price of ten Central Plains' Emperors.

460
00:27:15,766 --> 00:27:18,433
Market taxes have an age-old origin.

461
00:27:18,733 --> 00:27:21,166
As a source of revenue, they cannot be hastily abolished.

462
00:27:21,733 --> 00:27:24,166
But the regulations should be lenient and simple.

463
00:27:24,533 --> 00:27:27,066
For the state, food sufficiency comes first.

464
00:27:27,700 --> 00:27:31,666
Henceforth, for all merchants in prefectures
selling and transporting to the capital

465
00:27:31,733 --> 00:27:34,900
rice, millet, wheat, etc.,
the Ministry of Revenue shall issue permits.

466
00:27:35,500 --> 00:27:40,133
All Trading Offices in prefectures and counties
shall fully exempt them from taxes.

467
00:27:40,133 --> 00:27:43,933
These six regulations shall take effect from
January, Guangshun's fourth year.

468
00:27:45,300 --> 00:27:47,166
Please memorialize for approval.

469
00:27:47,933 --> 00:27:48,700
Affix the seal!

470
00:28:14,833 --> 00:28:16,633
I have already drafted a memorial.

471
00:28:16,933 --> 00:28:20,433
Upon returning to the capital,
I will certainly present it to the Emperor.

472
00:28:20,766 --> 00:28:22,300
From Laizhou to Bianliang,

473
00:28:22,733 --> 00:28:26,366
all merchants holding Wuyue's Ministry of Revenue permits,

474
00:28:26,866 --> 00:28:29,900
their taxes and levies shall all be exempted.

475
00:28:30,400 --> 00:28:34,933
If any officials of prefectures or counties
obstruct or impede, or extort excessively,

476
00:28:35,300 --> 00:28:39,700
the court will not hesitate to impose
the severest punishment, to execute them.

477
00:28:46,133 --> 00:28:49,900
This truly resolves one of Rong's major concerns.

478
00:28:52,300 --> 00:28:54,333
But that other major concern,

479
00:28:54,666 --> 00:28:57,466
did Rong really not mention it at all?

480
00:29:05,233 --> 00:29:08,500
If you were truly asked to surrender the territory,

481
00:29:08,500 --> 00:29:09,300
would you agree?

482
00:29:15,266 --> 00:29:16,266
I have thought about it.

483
00:29:19,566 --> 00:29:23,766
But after becoming the King,
I understood that surrendering territory

484
00:29:24,766 --> 00:29:25,833
is not that simple.

485
00:29:27,566 --> 00:29:29,666
Because between us, there is still Southern Tang.

486
00:29:30,933 --> 00:29:32,466
Setting other matters aside,

487
00:29:33,733 --> 00:29:34,333
one point is:

488
00:29:35,866 --> 00:29:37,533
This is not my own possession;

489
00:29:38,500 --> 00:29:39,833
I alone cannot decide.

490
00:29:42,266 --> 00:29:43,000
The Qian family

491
00:29:44,733 --> 00:29:46,433
are not the sole rulers of Wuyue,

492
00:29:48,133 --> 00:29:50,566
but merely its co-rulers.

493
00:29:57,300 --> 00:29:57,766
Great King.

494
00:30:00,433 --> 00:30:03,133
Report, an urgent dispatch from the capital has arrived.

495
00:30:17,200 --> 00:30:18,000
What happened?

496
00:30:20,300 --> 00:30:21,533
The Emperor's health is failing;

497
00:30:22,100 --> 00:30:23,233
I fear he is about to pass away.

498
00:30:35,533 --> 00:30:37,466
The security of mountains and rivers,

499
00:30:39,866 --> 00:30:40,866
lies in virtue,

500
00:30:42,333 --> 00:30:44,133
not in strategic passes.

501
00:30:46,866 --> 00:30:49,133
The state and the altars of soil and grain

502
00:30:51,733 --> 00:30:54,233
are not long spears and great swords,

503
00:30:56,766 --> 00:30:59,866
nor are they soldiers, horses, money, or grain.

504
00:31:03,433 --> 00:31:05,700
They are the government that provides relief

505
00:31:07,533 --> 00:31:09,966
in years of flood and drought,

506
00:31:11,533 --> 00:31:14,133
the overnight rice

507
00:31:16,233 --> 00:31:18,700
in a moderately well-off household,

508
00:31:22,333 --> 00:31:27,133
the belief that diligence can lead to wealth,

509
00:31:29,266 --> 00:31:35,800
and that goodness can prevail throughout the land

510
00:31:38,033 --> 00:31:44,100
in an era of peace and prosperity.

511
00:32:24,733 --> 00:32:25,366
Father.

512
00:32:27,233 --> 00:32:28,433
Rest well.

513
00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:35,433
In the next life,

514
00:32:38,200 --> 00:32:40,100
may you enjoy a peaceful era.

515
00:32:44,866 --> 00:32:47,400
Prince of Jin, Rong, endowed by Heaven with profound wisdom,

516
00:32:47,400 --> 00:32:50,666
granted divine and exceptional talents,
has long been among the lords.

517
00:32:50,666 --> 00:32:53,700
His governance is pure and stern;
the sacred vessel is bestowed upon him.

518
00:32:53,700 --> 00:32:58,233
As the eldest, he may ascend the throne before the coffin.

519
00:32:58,766 --> 00:33:03,866
Feng Dao, Secretariat Director and Duke of Qi,
shall serve as Commissioner of the Imperial Mausoleum,

520
00:33:04,333 --> 00:33:05,766
and additionally as Grand Tutor.

521
00:33:06,333 --> 00:33:08,066
Mausoleum affairs must adhere to frugality.

522
00:33:08,066 --> 00:33:12,666
All laborers and craftsmen needed for construction
must be hired fairly, regardless of distance,

523
00:33:12,900 --> 00:33:14,466
and must not be conscripted from the people.

524
00:33:14,866 --> 00:33:16,700
Stone pillars were needed for the mausoleum,

525
00:33:16,833 --> 00:33:17,666
but to save labor,

526
00:33:17,900 --> 00:33:19,233
they are replaced with bricks.

527
00:33:19,566 --> 00:33:22,066
A tile coffin and paper clothes were used for burial.

528
00:33:22,400 --> 00:33:25,266
Summon thirty households from
nearby taxpayers as tomb guardians.

529
00:33:25,700 --> 00:33:27,966
Before interment,

530
00:33:28,133 --> 00:33:31,500
open the tile coffin and inspect the interior
to ensure no harm comes to others.

531
00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:35,233
It is further hoped that generals and ministers
will cooperate, united inside the court and out,

532
00:33:35,700 --> 00:33:38,600
to jointly assist the ruler and glorify the great mandate.

533
00:33:38,866 --> 00:33:40,800
Let the responsible authorities implement this.

534
00:33:42,200 --> 00:33:43,333
A tile coffin,

535
00:33:44,400 --> 00:33:45,433
paper clothes.

536
00:33:47,400 --> 00:33:51,666
For a founding Emperor of a dynasty
to have such a frugal funeral

537
00:33:53,466 --> 00:33:55,333
is truly rare in history.

538
00:33:56,533 --> 00:33:58,533
The court has no money.

539
00:34:07,133 --> 00:34:09,366
In the first month of 954 AD,

540
00:34:10,066 --> 00:34:13,000
Guo Rong succeeded to the throne,
historically known as Emperor Shizong.

541
00:34:13,733 --> 00:34:16,066
Upon hearing this, Liu Chong, Emperor Shizu of Northern Han,

542
00:34:16,066 --> 00:34:19,033
concluded that with a new Emperor, Zhou was incapable of war.

543
00:34:19,666 --> 00:34:22,100
He then sent envoys to ally with the Khitan,

544
00:34:22,266 --> 00:34:23,900
proclaiming himself 'Nephew Emperor',

545
00:34:24,500 --> 00:34:27,966
and borrowed the Khitan army to jointly attack Later Zhou.

546
00:34:34,733 --> 00:34:38,966
Northern Han's total military strength
does not exceed forty thousand.

547
00:34:39,733 --> 00:34:42,566
Of these, the field army is less than thirty thousand.

548
00:34:43,533 --> 00:34:47,900
Those considered elite are only the troops
under Zhang Yuanhui and Li Cungui.

549
00:34:48,300 --> 00:34:50,100
The rest are not a major concern.

550
00:34:50,733 --> 00:34:51,566
Not Hedong.

551
00:34:53,166 --> 00:34:54,100
It's Hebei.

552
00:34:58,733 --> 00:35:00,866
Your Majesty, I suspect

553
00:35:01,700 --> 00:35:05,800
that Yelü Dilu sending troops to Hedong,
ostensibly to aid the Liu family,

554
00:35:06,300 --> 00:35:08,700
is actually a feint to draw our army westward.

555
00:35:09,500 --> 00:35:10,100
Then,

556
00:35:11,033 --> 00:35:13,233
with our main force concentrated in Hedong,

557
00:35:13,233 --> 00:35:15,400
the prefectures in Hebei will be left defenseless.

558
00:35:16,866 --> 00:35:18,000
Yelü Talie

559
00:35:19,300 --> 00:35:22,900
can then march from Youzhou,
and reach Chanzhou in little over a month.

560
00:35:23,300 --> 00:35:24,300
Once Chanzhou falls,

561
00:35:24,733 --> 00:35:26,566
the great river's natural barrier is gone.

562
00:35:27,266 --> 00:35:27,966
The capital

563
00:35:28,866 --> 00:35:31,700
may face again the peril of seven years ago.

564
00:35:32,900 --> 00:35:34,166
Deploy the main force in Hebei.

565
00:35:35,633 --> 00:35:36,900
Use a flanking force in Hedong.

566
00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:41,966
Your Majesty, please let me lead the generals north

567
00:35:42,100 --> 00:35:45,066
to Shenyuan Valley and Gaoping Pass to block Northern Han.

568
00:35:47,666 --> 00:35:48,900
How many troops do you need?

569
00:35:51,500 --> 00:35:53,730
We must keep several thousand to guard the capital.

570
00:35:54,300 --> 00:35:55,333
Twenty thousand.

571
00:35:55,333 --> 00:35:57,800
Twenty thousand is the maximum.

572
00:35:57,800 --> 00:36:01,700
They're all seasoned veterans who've been
in the Imperial Guard for over a decade.

573
00:36:02,633 --> 00:36:03,733
Can you control them?

574
00:36:05,733 --> 00:36:08,000
With the commander's tally, I will do my best.

575
00:36:11,333 --> 00:36:12,566
Twenty thousand troops

576
00:36:13,900 --> 00:36:17,133
to face Northern Han's entire army,

577
00:36:17,933 --> 00:36:20,333
plus who knows how many Khitan reinforcements.

578
00:36:21,266 --> 00:36:23,966
If these soldiers turn cowardly on the battlefield

579
00:36:24,166 --> 00:36:26,766
and refuse to fight, can you control them?

580
00:36:32,166 --> 00:36:35,400
Prepare twenty thousand Imperial Guards
to accompany me to Hedong.

581
00:36:36,066 --> 00:36:36,966
Your Majesty!

582
00:36:41,700 --> 00:36:43,566
I will personally meet this Liu Chong.

583
00:36:45,266 --> 00:36:46,100
Your Majesty,

584
00:36:46,633 --> 00:36:47,900
regarding Hedong,

585
00:36:48,866 --> 00:36:50,966
Northern Han is a petty northern state.

586
00:36:51,633 --> 00:36:55,100
Its land spans no more than ten prefectures,
with only thirty thousand households.

587
00:36:56,066 --> 00:37:01,166
You could send a great general with troops to attack them;
that would suffice.

588
00:37:01,533 --> 00:37:05,200
Why must Your Majesty personally lead the expedition?

589
00:37:07,433 --> 00:37:08,000
Lord,

590
00:37:09,400 --> 00:37:13,100
the old traitor Liu raising troops now clearly mocks my youth,

591
00:37:13,100 --> 00:37:17,933
thinking that after my father's passing,
the new Emperor knows nothing of arms, and dares not respond.

592
00:37:19,066 --> 00:37:20,100
Even if I could bear this,

593
00:37:21,400 --> 00:37:24,033
I fear the late Emperor beneath the earth
could not bear it either.

594
00:37:24,433 --> 00:37:27,266
If you abandon the people's welfare and governance

595
00:37:27,700 --> 00:37:30,000
and insist on personally taking risks,

596
00:37:31,133 --> 00:37:36,733
I fear it would betray the heavy responsibility
entrusted by the late Emperor.

597
00:37:39,733 --> 00:37:40,233
Lord,

598
00:37:42,800 --> 00:37:44,466
I do not underestimate the enemy.

599
00:37:44,466 --> 00:37:47,766
I simply will not hide within Bianliang's walls
and be laughed at by the old traitor Liu.

600
00:37:49,666 --> 00:37:51,200
To protect Great Zhou's foundation,

601
00:37:52,033 --> 00:37:53,900
I must prove to everyone,

602
00:37:54,500 --> 00:37:55,733
that I not only have the right,

603
00:37:56,533 --> 00:37:57,666
but also the capability.

604
00:37:58,833 --> 00:38:02,200
Only then can those hidden undercurrents of disloyalty

605
00:38:02,833 --> 00:38:04,300
vanish without a trace,

606
00:38:04,866 --> 00:38:07,300
and the state and people suffer less from war's devastation.

607
00:38:07,466 --> 00:38:09,466
Your Majesty's heart is in the right place.

608
00:38:10,266 --> 00:38:15,533
But you have little battle experience,
unlike the previous Emperor.

609
00:38:16,666 --> 00:38:20,600
War is perilous; it allows no room for error.

610
00:38:21,900 --> 00:38:24,366
You yourself may be willing to take this risk,

611
00:38:24,566 --> 00:38:25,633
but the court

612
00:38:26,633 --> 00:38:27,966
cannot bear this risk.

613
00:38:29,400 --> 00:38:30,533
I am old and dim-witted,

614
00:38:31,500 --> 00:38:35,100
entrusted by the late Emperor with your care.

615
00:38:35,700 --> 00:38:37,333
If I stand by and watch you

616
00:38:37,500 --> 00:38:40,333
walk into danger without remonstrance,

617
00:38:43,066 --> 00:38:43,733
in the future,

618
00:38:44,700 --> 00:38:46,500
I would be ashamed

619
00:38:47,433 --> 00:38:50,700
to meet the late Emperor in the netherworld.

620
00:39:00,133 --> 00:39:02,066
Strengthen the Runzhou front's defenses.

621
00:39:05,300 --> 00:39:07,133
Transfer three Companies from Hangzhou.

622
00:39:08,700 --> 00:39:09,800
Along the way,

623
00:39:10,133 --> 00:39:16,166
the military governor offices of Xifu, Xiuzhou,
and Zhongwu will supply provisions and forage.

624
00:39:19,533 --> 00:39:23,266
The line from Huzhou, Yijin Army to Quzhou
must also be on alert.

625
00:39:23,666 --> 00:39:26,333
Cancel all leave. Ensure full troops, full quotas, full pay.

626
00:39:28,466 --> 00:39:31,466
For the two-front border preparation, establish two

627
00:39:31,566 --> 00:39:34,400
independent transport commissioner offices
in Xiuzhou and Wuzhou,

628
00:39:34,400 --> 00:39:37,633
to manage provisions, armor and weapons, and other logistics.

629
00:39:39,033 --> 00:39:40,100
To prepare for the border

630
00:39:41,166 --> 00:39:43,400
is not really to prepare for Suzhou or Runzhou,

631
00:39:44,333 --> 00:39:45,766
nor for Muzhou or Huzhou.

632
00:39:46,533 --> 00:39:47,333
We must prepare for

633
00:39:48,133 --> 00:39:49,400
Hedong and Hebei.

634
00:39:51,333 --> 00:39:53,433
You are not the Emperor; you must not overstep.

635
00:39:54,000 --> 00:39:54,833
Northern affairs

636
00:39:55,866 --> 00:39:58,133
are not for our Wuyue Qian clan to consider.

637
00:39:59,066 --> 00:39:59,666
Lord,

638
00:40:01,533 --> 00:40:04,800
Wuyue is but a corner of this world.

639
00:40:05,333 --> 00:40:06,566
If the sky itself collapses,

640
00:40:06,933 --> 00:40:09,366
when the nest is overturned, can any egg remain intact?

641
00:40:10,233 --> 00:40:12,233
The sky collapsed long ago.

642
00:40:12,233 --> 00:40:12,866
Great King,

643
00:40:13,733 --> 00:40:18,633
I have lived over ninety years, watching the Central Plains
in chaos for over ninety years.

644
00:40:20,300 --> 00:40:21,833
The old king and previous kings

645
00:40:22,233 --> 00:40:24,333
were heroic and martial, exhausting their hearts,

646
00:40:25,100 --> 00:40:27,633
yet only kept the peace of
thirteen southeastern prefectures.

647
00:40:28,566 --> 00:40:31,366
Central Plains affairs Wuyue cannot manage,

648
00:40:32,266 --> 00:40:33,333
nor should it manage.

649
00:40:34,233 --> 00:40:37,900
Our divine and martial former kings,
properly served the great Central Plains powers,

650
00:40:38,333 --> 00:40:39,933
and pacified the southeastern people.

651
00:40:40,633 --> 00:40:45,066
Through countless hardships, Wuyue has its
current era of peace and prosperity.

652
00:40:47,133 --> 00:40:48,766
The Great King speaks truly!

653
00:40:55,233 --> 00:40:56,100
Lord Hu,

654
00:40:56,900 --> 00:40:57,433
Lord Wu,

655
00:40:58,566 --> 00:41:03,133
if this time the Khitan unites with the Liu family of
Northern Han and the Li family of Southern Tang,

656
00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:06,266
attacking the Central Plains from north and south,

657
00:41:06,266 --> 00:41:07,533
and if the current Emperor

658
00:41:08,133 --> 00:41:11,333
suffers a crushing defeat like the Jin ruler,
his army collapsing,

659
00:41:12,333 --> 00:41:16,866
then the Central Plains prefectures will become
the Khitan's pastures and hunting grounds.

660
00:41:19,900 --> 00:41:20,666
Then who,

661
00:41:21,933 --> 00:41:23,266
will be next?

662
00:41:26,500 --> 00:41:28,633
I know my own limits.

663
00:41:29,866 --> 00:41:30,700
Wuyue

664
00:41:31,466 --> 00:41:32,200
is a small state

665
00:41:33,166 --> 00:41:33,866
with few people.

666
00:41:34,933 --> 00:41:37,466
I will not cause trouble for the court and the Emperor.

667
00:41:39,433 --> 00:41:44,533
But if the Southern Tang  harbor such intentions to
cause trouble for the court and the Emperor,

668
00:41:45,300 --> 00:41:45,900
then I

669
00:41:47,100 --> 00:41:48,400
absolutely will not tolerate it.

670
00:41:50,466 --> 00:41:51,266
Yes! Yes!

671
00:41:52,666 --> 00:41:53,200
Yes.

672
00:41:54,833 --> 00:41:59,100
If Southern Tang colludes with Northern Han,
or even joins forces,

673
00:41:59,100 --> 00:42:03,600
and their army advances north from
Shouzhou while you are away, campaigning personally,

674
00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:07,733
the imperial army could be attacked front and rear,
unable to coordinate.

675
00:42:08,700 --> 00:42:11,966
The capital's situation would be perilous.

676
00:42:13,000 --> 00:42:16,366
But if we leave troops behind to guard the southern border,

677
00:42:16,700 --> 00:42:17,833
urgently,

678
00:42:19,166 --> 00:42:22,866
our northern expedition force would be insufficient.

679
00:42:22,866 --> 00:42:24,200
No need to leave border troops.

680
00:42:28,466 --> 00:42:31,266
Is the sea route from Laizhou to Hangzhou open now?

681
00:42:31,266 --> 00:42:32,266
It is open.

682
00:42:33,000 --> 00:42:36,500
Merchants from north and south
can transport goods in under a month.

683
00:42:36,500 --> 00:42:38,633
It is extremely convenient.

684
00:42:38,633 --> 00:42:40,066
Send a state letter to Hangzhou.

685
00:42:42,800 --> 00:42:46,333
Request the Grand Marshal to lead troops north,
secure the Yangtze region,

686
00:42:47,266 --> 00:42:49,200
and keep watch on Southern Tang's forces.

687
00:42:49,800 --> 00:42:50,633
Just one sentence:

688
00:42:51,700 --> 00:42:52,766
With Hongchu there,

689
00:42:53,733 --> 00:42:56,000
he will never allow a single southern soldier

690
00:42:56,833 --> 00:42:58,300
to cross north of the Huai River.

691
00:43:24,433 --> 00:43:27,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
stretch towering mountains. ♫

692
00:43:27,900 --> 00:43:30,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
run surging rivers. ♫

693
00:43:31,433 --> 00:43:34,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
cry warhorses. ♫

694
00:43:34,900 --> 00:43:39,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
there are emotions unspoken. ♫

695
00:43:39,933 --> 00:43:42,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
flowers are blooming along the road. ♫

696
00:43:43,400 --> 00:43:46,366
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
gooses are returning to the north. ♫

697
00:43:46,933 --> 00:43:49,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we stand through storms. ♫

698
00:43:50,400 --> 00:43:54,500
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we hope for a safe return. ♫

699
00:43:58,700 --> 00:44:01,366
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫

700
00:44:01,966 --> 00:44:04,866
♫ for a lifetime's sorrows and joys. ♫

701
00:44:05,500 --> 00:44:08,166
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫

702
00:44:08,766 --> 00:44:11,666
♫ for the endless seas and rivers. ♫

703
00:44:12,466 --> 00:44:15,133
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

704
00:44:15,733 --> 00:44:18,633
♫ love will overcome all barriers. ♫

705
00:44:19,333 --> 00:44:20,633
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

706
00:44:21,300 --> 00:44:25,033
♫ we are together in life and death. ♫

707
00:44:25,966 --> 00:44:29,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫

708
00:44:32,700 --> 00:44:35,733
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫

709
00:44:39,633 --> 00:44:40,966
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

710
00:44:41,333 --> 00:44:42,766
♫ the moon shines in the boundless world. ♫

711
00:44:43,100 --> 00:44:46,333
♫ My heart has its hometown to return. ♫

712
00:44:46,533 --> 00:44:47,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

713
00:44:48,233 --> 00:44:49,666
♫ who is the one crossing the waves with me, ♫

714
00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:53,233
♫ with our hearts unrepentant,
through countless lifetimes. ♫

715
00:44:53,433 --> 00:44:54,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

716
00:44:55,133 --> 00:44:56,666
♫ oceans and lands witness that♫

717
00:44:56,900 --> 00:44:59,666
♫ the world will be safe and sound. ♫

718
00:45:00,066 --> 00:45:03,100
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

719
00:45:11,266 --> 00:45:15,433
♫ my heart is unchanging. ♫