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 37]

15
00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:34,400
Lords,

16
00:01:35,533 --> 00:01:37,233
convey this to the armies on my behalf:

17
00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:39,633
Tell those soldiers

18
00:01:41,666 --> 00:01:42,666
that the Emperor today

19
00:01:43,833 --> 00:01:46,500
is just a commoner whose entire family is dead,

20
00:01:48,333 --> 00:01:50,133
a man without father or home.

21
00:01:51,633 --> 00:01:53,300
If anyone wishes to rebel or start a revolt,

22
00:01:55,100 --> 00:01:56,100
just come.

23
00:01:56,866 --> 00:01:59,733
I will be sitting right here in the Daning Palace waiting.

24
00:01:59,733 --> 00:02:01,960
What kind of emperor is he anyway?

25
00:02:02,066 --> 00:02:03,933
If not for us fighting men,

26
00:02:04,833 --> 00:02:06,900
where would the Guo family's empire be?

27
00:02:07,266 --> 00:02:09,266
Dismantling the Longjie and Hujie armies
[Longjie Hujie: refer to the core army]

28
00:02:09,266 --> 00:02:12,500
is just paving the way for that damned Palace Command.
[Longjie Hujie: refer to the core army]

29
00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:16,300
It must be that scoundrel Marshal Zhao
scheming behind the scenes.

30
00:02:16,566 --> 00:02:17,033
Pah!

31
00:02:17,433 --> 00:02:18,500
What a load of crap, "Marshal"!

32
00:02:19,233 --> 00:02:22,000
Relying on his Marshal father,
he struts around the camp.

33
00:02:22,433 --> 00:02:25,300
That Zhao Kuangyin was never any good, even back then.

34
00:02:25,733 --> 00:02:26,533
Chop him to pieces!

35
00:02:27,300 --> 00:02:29,566
Let that emperor see some blood too!

36
00:02:30,233 --> 00:02:32,500
[Zhao family's residence]

37
00:02:51,733 --> 00:02:52,433
Zhang Da!

38
00:02:54,000 --> 00:02:54,800
Liu San!

39
00:02:56,633 --> 00:02:57,533
You all,

40
00:02:59,300 --> 00:03:02,500
in the dead of night, left camp without orders.

41
00:03:03,500 --> 00:03:05,200
Have you drunk too much

42
00:03:07,933 --> 00:03:09,266
and lost your minds?

43
00:03:12,033 --> 00:03:12,766
Old Marshal,

44
00:03:13,900 --> 00:03:16,533
We've followed you through life and death for over a decade,

45
00:03:17,500 --> 00:03:19,033
risking our necks to fight for you.

46
00:03:19,700 --> 00:03:23,466
That's how you and your son achieved today's glory and prestige.

47
00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:26,633
Now, not only have you stopped speaking up,

48
00:03:27,333 --> 00:03:29,166
but even Zhao Kuangyin has become a Marshal.

49
00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:33,400
Yet you ruthlessly smash the rice bowls
of your sworn comrades.

50
00:03:34,233 --> 00:03:35,100
Right now, today,

51
00:03:36,233 --> 00:03:38,800
if you don't give us an explanation,

52
00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:42,000
we will absolutely not accept it.

53
00:03:42,500 --> 00:03:43,000
Right!

54
00:03:43,666 --> 00:03:44,800
We want to see Zhao Kuangyin!

55
00:03:45,533 --> 00:03:46,700
The times have changed.

56
00:03:48,433 --> 00:03:50,566
Acting the same way as before

57
00:03:51,533 --> 00:03:52,366
won't work anymore.

58
00:03:54,266 --> 00:03:55,366
All of you, now,

59
00:03:56,233 --> 00:03:58,300
return to your respective camps

60
00:03:58,300 --> 00:04:00,800
and each receive eighty military canings.

61
00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:02,400
I will then consider today

62
00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:04,066
as if nothing had happened.

63
00:04:04,466 --> 00:04:07,633
The court can also show you leniency.

64
00:04:08,166 --> 00:04:08,900
Nonsense!

65
00:04:09,133 --> 00:04:09,800
Kill him!

66
00:04:10,033 --> 00:04:12,333
Kill! Kill! Kill!

67
00:04:12,466 --> 00:04:14,466
Kill! Kill! Kill!

68
00:04:14,666 --> 00:04:16,100
Kill! Kill!

69
00:04:20,133 --> 00:04:21,533
So the Old Marshal means...

70
00:04:21,933 --> 00:04:22,966
today, justice...

71
00:04:23,433 --> 00:04:24,900
is absolutely impossible.

72
00:04:26,133 --> 00:04:26,700
Fine!

73
00:04:27,533 --> 00:04:28,066
Comrades!

74
00:04:28,433 --> 00:04:33,200
Ever since we left that camp gate,
we never intended to return alive.

75
00:04:34,300 --> 00:04:35,833
Since that's the case...

76
00:04:39,100 --> 00:04:40,700
today, I bid farewell to you all.

77
00:04:42,100 --> 00:04:43,266
Farewell.

78
00:04:43,433 --> 00:04:46,166
Kill! Kill! Kill!

79
00:05:47,366 --> 00:05:49,633
Your Majesty, there is a rebellion in the city.

80
00:05:53,066 --> 00:05:57,000
Has the detailed report on the
military garrison quotas of Southern Tang

81
00:05:58,433 --> 00:05:59,466
been sorted out?

82
00:06:21,833 --> 00:06:23,833
The Commander of the Palace Guard Command,

83
00:06:23,933 --> 00:06:26,033
Zhao Kuangyin, requests an audience.

84
00:06:39,366 --> 00:06:42,700
I report to Your Majesty,
regarding last night's military event in the city:

85
00:06:43,233 --> 00:06:46,100
the rebel officers totaled one hundred and seventy-one.

86
00:06:46,366 --> 00:06:47,700
Ninety-four were executed,

87
00:06:48,300 --> 00:06:49,333
the rest surrendered.

88
00:06:50,366 --> 00:06:53,533
They are now escorted outside the palace gates.

89
00:06:57,233 --> 00:06:58,233
Execute them all.

90
00:06:59,033 --> 00:06:59,533
Yes.

91
00:07:06,100 --> 00:07:06,900
Minister Fan.

92
00:07:10,033 --> 00:07:10,566
I am here.

93
00:07:11,066 --> 00:07:11,600
Draft an edict.

94
00:07:12,466 --> 00:07:16,266
Execute those soldiers who committed wanton slaughter,

95
00:07:16,266 --> 00:07:21,666
brought calamity upon the people, and rebelled.

96
00:07:23,300 --> 00:07:25,100
I obey the decree.

97
00:07:29,700 --> 00:07:31,533
In the year 955 AD,

98
00:07:32,233 --> 00:07:33,733
Guo Rong, Emperor of Later Zhou,

99
00:07:33,733 --> 00:07:36,100
the new army of the Palace Command as the main force,

100
00:07:36,100 --> 00:07:39,300
mobilized the entire Imperial Guard
to campaign against Southern Tang.

101
00:07:42,066 --> 00:07:43,700
Qian Hongchu, King of Wuyue,

102
00:07:44,100 --> 00:07:45,900
obeying the decree of Emperor Guo Rong,

103
00:07:45,900 --> 00:07:49,100
mobilized his troops and marched north
to Huzhou, Suzhou, and other areas,

104
00:07:49,100 --> 00:07:53,133
coordinating with the imperial army
to pin down Southern Tang's eastern front.

105
00:07:57,100 --> 00:08:00,000
In November, Emperor Guo Rong
personally led the expedition,

106
00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:02,433
initiating his third campaign against Southern Tang.

107
00:08:03,833 --> 00:08:06,566
The Zhou army advanced along the Huai River,
by both land and water.

108
00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:10,600
By early 956 AD,

109
00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:14,000
they had captured the prefectures of Chu, Yang, Tai, and Shu.

110
00:08:14,600 --> 00:08:18,000
However, during the siege of
the strategic Huainan stronghold of Shouzhou,

111
00:08:18,000 --> 00:08:21,333
the Southern Tang general Liu Renshan
put up a desperate resistance,

112
00:08:21,333 --> 00:08:23,000
and the Zhou army found themselves stalled.

113
00:08:24,533 --> 00:08:26,166
In April, the rainy season arrived.

114
00:08:26,800 --> 00:08:30,966
the Huai River water level rose sharply,
and Guo Rong was forced to withdraw temporarily.

115
00:08:32,133 --> 00:08:36,166
In February of 957 AD,
Guo Rong attacked Southern Tang again.

116
00:08:36,166 --> 00:08:41,833
During the Battle of Zijin Mountain, the Zhou army
intercepted and crushed the Southern Tang relief forces.

117
00:08:41,833 --> 00:08:44,366
General Zhao Kuangyin fought valiantly,

118
00:08:44,366 --> 00:08:47,933
leading his troops to rout the
Southern Tang Prince of Qi, Li Jingda.

119
00:08:47,933 --> 00:08:50,366
Shouzhou was thus isolated.

120
00:08:51,633 --> 00:08:52,266
In March,

121
00:08:53,233 --> 00:08:59,633
Liu Renshan fell gravely ill, and his subordinates
opened the city gates and surrendered.

122
00:09:17,300 --> 00:09:20,166
I, Zhou Tinggou, Supervisor of Shouzhou...

123
00:09:21,300 --> 00:09:24,433
I, Sun Yu, Deputy Commissioner of Huainan Land Office,

124
00:09:25,433 --> 00:09:27,866
welcome Your Majesty, Emperor of this victorious Dynasty.

125
00:09:28,133 --> 00:09:29,800
Long live Your Majesty!

126
00:09:30,233 --> 00:09:33,766
Long live Your Majesty!

127
00:09:36,333 --> 00:09:38,966
Marshal Liu is gravely ill and cannot get up.

128
00:09:39,266 --> 00:09:41,900
We beg your forgiveness.

129
00:09:41,900 --> 00:09:43,500
Was it your decision to surrender,

130
00:09:45,133 --> 00:09:46,666
or your Marshal's?

131
00:09:47,266 --> 00:09:47,966
Report,

132
00:09:48,933 --> 00:09:49,833
it was our Marshal's.

133
00:09:49,900 --> 00:09:50,900
Tell me the truth!

134
00:09:52,466 --> 00:09:53,600
I will spare your lives!

135
00:09:54,900 --> 00:09:55,566
Report,

136
00:09:55,866 --> 00:09:56,466
we

137
00:09:56,766 --> 00:09:58,100
have long wished to submit.

138
00:09:58,433 --> 00:10:00,400
But our Marshal insisted and refused,

139
00:10:00,666 --> 00:10:02,133
which caused the long delay.

140
00:10:02,633 --> 00:10:04,766
We beg Your Majesty to forgive our crime.

141
00:10:34,633 --> 00:10:36,433
Liu Renshan. Liu Renshan.

142
00:10:37,433 --> 00:10:38,466
Did you hear that?

143
00:10:40,233 --> 00:10:41,500
Your reputation of integrity,

144
00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:43,833
I will not take from you.

145
00:10:45,266 --> 00:10:46,266
Rest and recover.

146
00:10:47,766 --> 00:10:48,800
This world,

147
00:10:50,466 --> 00:10:51,833
is not yet at peace.

148
00:10:53,666 --> 00:10:54,533
Minister Li.

149
00:10:56,233 --> 00:10:56,833
Your Majesty.

150
00:10:57,533 --> 00:10:58,233
Draft an edict.

151
00:10:59,933 --> 00:11:03,966
Appoint the Southern Tang general Liu Renshan as
Military Governor of Tianping Army

152
00:11:04,766 --> 00:11:05,966
and Secretariat Director.

153
00:11:07,833 --> 00:11:08,733
Yes.

154
00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:10,900
Notify all troops:

155
00:11:12,100 --> 00:11:13,133
Camp outside the city.

156
00:11:13,666 --> 00:11:14,866
Do not enter without an edict.

157
00:11:15,866 --> 00:11:17,933
Anyone who injures, loots,

158
00:11:18,733 --> 00:11:19,733
or rapes

159
00:11:21,500 --> 00:11:22,530
shall be executed.

160
00:11:24,266 --> 00:11:24,900
Understood.

161
00:11:25,966 --> 00:11:27,466
[Jiangning Prefecture]

162
00:11:27,466 --> 00:11:29,300
In the Battle of Zijin Mountain,

163
00:11:29,300 --> 00:11:31,466
our nation's elite forces are lost.

164
00:11:31,933 --> 00:11:36,166
The Huainan territory is no longer ours.

165
00:11:37,666 --> 00:11:38,933
We cannot fight on.

166
00:11:39,633 --> 00:11:41,233
Send an envoy to sue for peace.

167
00:11:42,300 --> 00:11:43,033
[Li Jing]
Minister,

168
00:11:43,866 --> 00:11:44,933
[Li Jing]
surely it's not that dire?

169
00:11:45,433 --> 00:11:47,566
[Han Xizai]
Though the Zhou army holds Huainan,

170
00:11:48,100 --> 00:11:49,600
[Han Xizai]
they have no navy.

171
00:11:49,700 --> 00:11:51,100
Minister Han, you are mistaken.

172
00:11:52,533 --> 00:11:54,000
The Guo may lack a navy,

173
00:11:55,233 --> 00:11:57,700
but does the Qian have none either?

174
00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:02,733
With Zhou troops in Huainan,

175
00:12:03,500 --> 00:12:07,566
and Wuyue's navy blocking the river at Runzhou,

176
00:12:09,633 --> 00:12:12,433
we face a pincer attack from north and south.

177
00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:15,500
Consider this, Your Majesty.

178
00:12:16,500 --> 00:12:20,666
Our conflict with the Guo is merely
a dispute over legitimate succession.

179
00:12:20,666 --> 00:12:22,600
But with the Qian house of Wuyue,

180
00:12:23,366 --> 00:12:25,800
it is a true generational feud.

181
00:12:27,733 --> 00:12:29,133
Only while my Great Tang endures,

182
00:12:30,466 --> 00:12:36,033
does the Central Plains court continue to bestow favor
and protection upon the Qians of Wuyue.

183
00:12:37,333 --> 00:12:39,166
If the Great Tang falls,

184
00:12:41,366 --> 00:12:43,600
and that whelp Guo Rong turns his spears,

185
00:12:45,300 --> 00:12:49,600
do you think the Qian clan will still enjoy
their carefree life in the southeast?

186
00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:53,833
King Qian surely will understand the principle that
if we die, they'll be in danger.

187
00:12:54,466 --> 00:12:55,633
Wishful thinking!

188
00:12:56,766 --> 00:12:58,233
The family instructions,

189
00:12:58,233 --> 00:13:00,600
left by Qian Liu, what do they say?

190
00:13:03,633 --> 00:13:08,000
By the Emperor's decree, I, Xu,
bring greetings to the King of Wuyue.

191
00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:09,533
and inquire after the King's well-being.

192
00:13:10,233 --> 00:13:11,366
Mr. Xu, you are mistaken.

193
00:13:12,466 --> 00:13:14,633
All in Wuyue know

194
00:13:15,300 --> 00:13:17,866
our late King Wusu left this instruction:

195
00:13:18,733 --> 00:13:23,200
Serve the great Central Plains state well,
and honor only the Zhou calendar's legitimacy.

196
00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:28,066
A usurping dynasty with a false surname,
what imperial decree can it issue?

197
00:13:28,066 --> 00:13:30,733
My lord has a letter for King Qian.

198
00:13:31,866 --> 00:13:32,400
Hand it over.

199
00:13:34,366 --> 00:13:36,233
This is a state letter for King Qian.

200
00:13:37,466 --> 00:13:41,133
I, though lacking talent, dare not betray my lord's trust.

201
00:13:41,133 --> 00:13:44,900
I must present it to King Qian personally.

202
00:13:45,933 --> 00:13:48,233
Then you may have a long wait, Mr. Xu.

203
00:13:49,033 --> 00:13:49,933
Minister Wu,

204
00:13:50,366 --> 00:13:51,466
what do you mean?

205
00:13:53,066 --> 00:13:55,100
The Great King is not in the camp.

206
00:14:09,100 --> 00:14:13,333
The Virtuous Pacifier of the Nation,
Meritorious Minister of Governance, Loyalty, and Uprightness,

207
00:14:13,333 --> 00:14:17,033
Senior General of the Left and Right Imperial Guards,
Grand General of the Army,

208
00:14:17,500 --> 00:14:22,500
Grand Marshal of All Military Forces, Concurrently
Military Governor of Zhendong and Zhenhai Two Armies,

209
00:14:23,033 --> 00:14:25,700
with honor equal to Three Departments, Secretariat Director,

210
00:14:26,266 --> 00:14:31,666
concurrently Grand Governor of Hangzhou and Yuezhou,
Pillar of State, Marshal,

211
00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:35,366
King of Wuyue, Your subject, Qian Hongchu,

212
00:14:35,733 --> 00:14:37,200
pays respect to Your Majesty.

213
00:14:38,233 --> 00:14:41,833
Long live Your Majesty!

214
00:14:43,266 --> 00:14:44,600
King Qian, rise.

215
00:14:45,333 --> 00:14:46,466
Thank you, Your Majesty.

216
00:14:53,633 --> 00:14:54,466
A seat for King Qian.

217
00:14:55,833 --> 00:14:56,333
Yes.

218
00:14:57,466 --> 00:14:58,633
Thank you.

219
00:15:16,266 --> 00:15:17,400
It has been ten years

220
00:15:19,033 --> 00:15:20,733
since we parted in the capital.

221
00:15:20,733 --> 00:15:22,133
You have grown thinner, Your Majesty.

222
00:15:24,233 --> 00:15:25,433
Ten years ago,

223
00:15:26,433 --> 00:15:28,300
you were still a spirited youth.

224
00:15:29,866 --> 00:15:32,700
Now, holding firm in the southeast land,

225
00:15:32,700 --> 00:15:34,633
you somewhat resemble Sun Quan.

226
00:15:37,433 --> 00:15:39,166
I'm a mere monkey wearing a crown.

227
00:15:40,466 --> 00:15:41,800
I am an indolent man.

228
00:15:42,300 --> 00:15:45,466
Many things, to tell the truth, I am incapable of doing.

229
00:15:46,300 --> 00:15:48,533
But such is the fate of bearing the name Qian.

230
00:15:48,533 --> 00:15:51,566
The Southern Tang envoy seeks an audience to plead for peace.

231
00:15:52,633 --> 00:15:54,166
What is your opinion?

232
00:15:56,033 --> 00:15:56,666
Weapons

233
00:15:57,366 --> 00:15:58,900
are instruments of calamity.

234
00:16:01,333 --> 00:16:03,333
A sage uses them only as a last resort.

235
00:16:04,366 --> 00:16:09,866
The thirty-three prefectures of Southern Tang, the million
soldiers and people of Wuyue, are all your children.

236
00:16:11,433 --> 00:16:14,460
So you have now learned to speak the language of court as well.

237
00:16:19,333 --> 00:16:21,166
I speak only the truth.

238
00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:23,233
Good.

239
00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:27,233
Today, I will, out of respect for you, King Qian,

240
00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:29,900
grant him an audience.

241
00:16:30,533 --> 00:16:31,633
His Majesty decrees:

242
00:16:32,600 --> 00:16:33,266
Summon

243
00:16:33,700 --> 00:16:36,733
[Li Gu]
the Southern Tang envoy for an audience.

244
00:16:47,900 --> 00:16:50,766
[Li Congjia]

245
00:16:50,766 --> 00:16:54,366
The guilty subject of a lesser state
kowtows to the Emperor of the superior state.

246
00:17:01,200 --> 00:17:03,666
I have read the Spring and Autumn Annals,

247
00:17:03,666 --> 00:17:06,300
yet never have I heard of "superior" and "lesser" states.

248
00:17:06,866 --> 00:17:08,766
My life is forfeit.

249
00:17:10,266 --> 00:17:10,933
I

250
00:17:11,833 --> 00:17:13,033
on behalf of my lord,

251
00:17:13,033 --> 00:17:13,966
beg Your Majesty

252
00:17:14,466 --> 00:17:18,900
to quell your thunderous wrath, lay down arms and
cease war, and spare the people's livelihood.

253
00:17:19,866 --> 00:17:24,600
My lord wishes to offer the wealth of Jiangnan
to honor the calendar of the victorious dynasty,

254
00:17:25,100 --> 00:17:26,233
to pay annual tribute,

255
00:17:26,666 --> 00:17:28,566
to atone for our transgressions.

256
00:17:29,866 --> 00:17:31,700
I fear it may be somewhat late for that.

257
00:17:35,533 --> 00:17:38,600
Your servant has heard that
Emperor Tang Yao possessed virtue;

258
00:17:39,300 --> 00:17:41,133
his benevolence was like the heavens.

259
00:17:41,133 --> 00:17:45,700
He grieved for the people's suffering
and worried that all living beings were unfulfilled.

260
00:17:46,533 --> 00:17:50,533
Emperor Yu Shun upheld righteousness;
his forgiveness was like abundant water.

261
00:17:50,533 --> 00:17:53,966
He served his blind father and cared
for his brother Xiang, who wished him dead.

262
00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:58,366
Your Majesty's sage virtue is lofty, your magnanimity vast.

263
00:17:58,366 --> 00:18:01,100
You show benevolence and
righteousness to the world.

264
00:18:01,100 --> 00:18:02,533
Why be concerned with early or late?

265
00:18:03,533 --> 00:18:04,400
You are...

266
00:18:05,300 --> 00:18:06,200
Li Congjia?

267
00:18:07,400 --> 00:18:08,233
Yes.

268
00:18:09,433 --> 00:18:11,100
You have misread the classics.

269
00:18:13,733 --> 00:18:15,233
This is no private grievance.

270
00:18:16,300 --> 00:18:17,533
This is a public crime.

271
00:18:18,300 --> 00:18:20,433
The court holds no endless grudge over your usurpation,

272
00:18:21,533 --> 00:18:25,000
but your Li family bears the crime of
fracturing the land and dividing the state.

273
00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:28,833
This cannot be glossed over
by a few disingenuous pleasantries from you.

274
00:18:29,866 --> 00:18:33,266
Not to mention that I'm not sage rulers of the Three Dynasties.
[refers to rulers of Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties]

275
00:18:33,266 --> 00:18:35,100
Even if Yao and Shun themselves were here today,
[refers to rulers of Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties]

276
00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:39,200
your family would still face the
banishment of the Four Culprits.

277
00:18:42,133 --> 00:18:42,800
King Qian,

278
00:18:45,866 --> 00:18:46,800
what is your opinion?

279
00:18:51,933 --> 00:18:53,766
Abandon the imperial title,

280
00:18:53,766 --> 00:18:56,233
open trade routes, resume tribute payments.

281
00:18:59,033 --> 00:19:01,866
Then, for the lands of Jiangnan,

282
00:19:01,866 --> 00:19:05,400
Your Majesty might grant his family
grace and honor for a generation or two.

283
00:19:09,733 --> 00:19:10,800
Do you understand?

284
00:19:12,066 --> 00:19:14,166
This guilty minister understands.

285
00:19:15,433 --> 00:19:18,833
I will now take Your Majesty's edict and return to Jiangning.

286
00:19:19,733 --> 00:19:20,833
My lord is wise

287
00:19:21,266 --> 00:19:23,766
and will surely not disappoint
Your Majesty's expectations.

288
00:19:39,333 --> 00:19:40,200
Kuangyin.

289
00:19:45,866 --> 00:19:46,933
The night grows late.

290
00:19:47,533 --> 00:19:48,633
You should rest, Great King.

291
00:19:51,200 --> 00:19:51,866
Kuangyin,

292
00:19:52,533 --> 00:19:54,500
speak freely if you have something to say.

293
00:19:54,500 --> 00:19:56,833
I am here, listening attentively.

294
00:19:57,933 --> 00:20:02,500
My position is lowly and my words carry little weight.
I dare not overstep to criticize my superior.

295
00:20:03,033 --> 00:20:04,733
You blame me

296
00:20:05,266 --> 00:20:10,133
for not advising His Majesty today
to crush Southern Tang completely, to unify the realm?

297
00:20:12,033 --> 00:20:17,000
Do you know how many years the court prepared for this war?

298
00:20:18,300 --> 00:20:21,000
Do you know how many have died in this battle?

299
00:20:23,066 --> 00:20:23,766
You, Great King,

300
00:20:24,233 --> 00:20:25,666
are the ruler of the southeast,

301
00:20:26,333 --> 00:20:27,866
Grand Marshal of All Armies,

302
00:20:28,033 --> 00:20:28,900
a pillar of the state.

303
00:20:29,500 --> 00:20:32,166
A word from you can strengthen a nation,
a word can destroy one.

304
00:20:34,266 --> 00:20:37,400
If you wish to keep Southern Tang as a buffer for Wuyue,

305
00:20:38,066 --> 00:20:39,500
His Majesty could not refuse.

306
00:20:41,933 --> 00:20:43,500
It is only a pity.

307
00:20:44,333 --> 00:20:48,566
For years, Rong has toiled through wind and rain,
striving tirelessly, worrying day and night.

308
00:20:49,266 --> 00:20:52,733
He has poured out his heart's blood
to achieve today's resounding victory.

309
00:20:53,833 --> 00:20:54,566
Who could have thought,

310
00:20:55,733 --> 00:20:57,333
that with just a few words from you,

311
00:20:58,100 --> 00:21:02,566
Southern Tang would keep its thirty-three prefectures
and over a hundred thousand troops.

312
00:21:03,666 --> 00:21:08,000
You gave them the means to
carve out their own territory and rule independently.

313
00:21:09,733 --> 00:21:10,633
Do you think

314
00:21:11,900 --> 00:21:14,900
His Majesty does not understand this?

315
00:21:14,900 --> 00:21:15,833
This war,

316
00:21:16,433 --> 00:21:17,866
has lasted over a year, right?

317
00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:22,066
How much grain and fodder does the army still have?

318
00:21:22,066 --> 00:21:24,800
Among the troops in each camp, how many have fallen?

319
00:21:25,066 --> 00:21:26,466
How many are wounded or ill?

320
00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:28,333
Away from home for a year,

321
00:21:29,333 --> 00:21:32,300
how many long for their wives and children?

322
00:21:33,933 --> 00:21:35,566
You are a general.

323
00:21:35,833 --> 00:21:36,566
These things—

324
00:21:37,066 --> 00:21:38,066
surely you know them?

325
00:21:38,766 --> 00:21:40,366
The imperial army lacks provisions,

326
00:21:41,100 --> 00:21:42,233
but Wuyue has.

327
00:21:43,066 --> 00:21:44,766
The imperial army is weary from long war,

328
00:21:44,866 --> 00:21:45,900
but Wuyue has troops.

329
00:21:47,333 --> 00:21:51,033
Whether Southern Tang can be conquered,
whether the Li family will surrender,

330
00:21:51,033 --> 00:21:55,966
depends on what lies in the heart of Wuyue's ruler:

331
00:21:56,033 --> 00:21:59,766
the welfare of all under heaven, or
the selfish interest of a petty southeastern court.

332
00:22:03,700 --> 00:22:05,930
This has nothing to do with Hongchu!

333
00:22:10,066 --> 00:22:14,533
Lowering his title from Emperor to Ruler is already agreed upon.

334
00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:17,766
As for opening trade routes,

335
00:22:18,733 --> 00:22:20,933
we can establish trade markets in Shuzhou,

336
00:22:21,333 --> 00:22:24,633
Hezhou, and Yangzhou to facilitate commerce.

337
00:22:25,333 --> 00:22:29,266
Exchanging southern grain in the north
is not too difficult now.

338
00:22:30,066 --> 00:22:32,900
Only the matter of tribute payments.

339
00:22:33,866 --> 00:22:36,133
To fund this war,

340
00:22:36,733 --> 00:22:39,200
the court has already emptied its coffers.

341
00:22:40,033 --> 00:22:41,700
To make up the tribute arrears now,

342
00:22:42,500 --> 00:22:47,000
the left treasury of the Ministry of Revenue
simply has nothing left to give.

343
00:22:48,033 --> 00:22:49,100
We must do our best.

344
00:22:49,566 --> 00:22:52,700
First, let us get through this year, then we'll see.

345
00:22:52,900 --> 00:22:53,833
Not just one year.

346
00:22:55,566 --> 00:22:59,300
In front of the Zhou ruler, Li Gu,
the Commissioner of the Three Departments, made it clear:

347
00:22:59,300 --> 00:23:05,233
It is the accumulated tribute arrears from the
first year of Guangshun until now, a total of six years,

348
00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:06,833
that the court

349
00:23:07,100 --> 00:23:09,033
must pay in full, at once.

350
00:23:09,100 --> 00:23:09,700
What?

351
00:23:09,733 --> 00:23:11,166
Six years? This is preposterous!

352
00:23:11,333 --> 00:23:11,966
How can?

353
00:23:12,266 --> 00:23:16,066
Six years... One million two hundred thousand in silver and silk.

354
00:23:16,066 --> 00:23:18,066
If give out so much at once,

355
00:23:18,500 --> 00:23:19,533
within ten years,

356
00:23:19,766 --> 00:23:20,633
our Great Tang,

357
00:23:21,466 --> 00:23:22,900
will never recover.

358
00:23:23,433 --> 00:23:26,866
I pondered carefully on the return journey.

359
00:23:27,500 --> 00:23:31,600
I fear we can only issue an edict
to the powerful clans and wealthy families,

360
00:23:32,700 --> 00:23:34,766
demanding contributions and donations.

361
00:23:34,766 --> 00:23:37,500
And suspend rewards for all troops for three years.

362
00:23:38,233 --> 00:23:40,800
Barely might we scrape it together.

363
00:23:41,100 --> 00:23:42,233
Have you lost your mind?!

364
00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:45,566
What do you think the court is?

365
00:23:46,900 --> 00:23:49,433
The court is but a dilapidated house.

366
00:23:49,933 --> 00:23:55,900
Instead, the powerful clans and wealthy families
are the pillars holding up that house.

367
00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:03,033
Then increase taxes.

368
00:24:03,060 --> 00:24:04,833
Your Majesty!

369
00:24:04,833 --> 00:24:05,366
What?

370
00:24:06,333 --> 00:24:07,066
My lords,

371
00:24:08,333 --> 00:24:09,966
do you have a better plan?

372
00:24:14,133 --> 00:24:17,533
I will exempt all prefectures and counties
in Henan from taxes for three years.

373
00:24:17,533 --> 00:24:20,666
Huainan is newly pacified,
so it too must be exempted for three years.

374
00:24:21,900 --> 00:24:23,800
Which means that for these three years,

375
00:24:24,633 --> 00:24:27,333
the court can only rely on tribute payments, commercial taxes,

376
00:24:27,466 --> 00:24:30,333
and the tax revenues from
Guanzhong and Hebei to sustain itself.

377
00:24:30,766 --> 00:24:32,200
It's not that I don't wish to fight on,

378
00:24:33,400 --> 00:24:35,133
we simply can't continue.

379
00:24:36,666 --> 00:24:38,333
If the war dragged on for another year,

380
00:24:39,300 --> 00:24:41,700
destroying states and capturing capitals might not be hard,

381
00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:44,466
but the heartland of the Central Plains...

382
00:24:45,233 --> 00:24:47,433
would spawn hundreds of thousands of refugees again.

383
00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:52,366
We must leave a path of survival for the common people.

384
00:24:59,533 --> 00:25:00,400
Only if people live,

385
00:25:01,133 --> 00:25:03,566
can they continue to farm and cultivate land.

386
00:25:04,033 --> 00:25:04,766
Only if people live,

387
00:25:05,700 --> 00:25:07,400
can they continue to pay taxes.

388
00:25:08,833 --> 00:25:09,566
Only if people live,

389
00:25:10,700 --> 00:25:13,466
can they bear children and nurture those future labors.

390
00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:17,500
I, as the Emperor, seek the unification of this land,

391
00:25:17,500 --> 00:25:19,533
but must also consider the people's livelihood.

392
00:25:20,566 --> 00:25:21,600
Only then can a court

393
00:25:22,466 --> 00:25:23,800
be called the legitimate dynasty.

394
00:25:26,900 --> 00:25:30,166
In the state of Wuyue, the tax farming system
has been employed in recent years,

395
00:25:30,733 --> 00:25:33,566
accumulating some reserves of money, grain, silver, and silk.

396
00:25:33,566 --> 00:25:35,833
This year's tribute can be doubled.

397
00:25:37,466 --> 00:25:38,100
I accept it.

398
00:25:45,633 --> 00:25:47,966
Though the common people may struggle,

399
00:25:49,033 --> 00:25:51,300
the powerful families and great clans

400
00:25:51,300 --> 00:25:52,566
will not starve to death.

401
00:25:52,866 --> 00:25:54,233
I know what you mean.

402
00:25:57,200 --> 00:25:59,533
The tax farming system may work in Wuyue,

403
00:26:00,400 --> 00:26:01,533
but in the Central Plains,

404
00:26:02,266 --> 00:26:03,566
it is unworkable.

405
00:26:04,233 --> 00:26:09,766
The prefectures of the Central Plains have warred for decades.
Zhu Wen, Li Cunxu, five dynasties rose and fell.

406
00:26:10,500 --> 00:26:11,933
You came, he came,

407
00:26:12,300 --> 00:26:13,366
the Khitans came too.

408
00:26:14,566 --> 00:26:17,066
No matter how powerful your aristocratic family was,

409
00:26:17,566 --> 00:26:19,866
after all these years their wealth has been drained dry.

410
00:26:20,533 --> 00:26:21,766
To have preserved their clan,

411
00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:24,633
is already heaven showing mercy.

412
00:26:26,566 --> 00:26:28,630
For nearly a hundred years now,

413
00:26:29,033 --> 00:26:31,933
the Central Plains has had no more great clans.

414
00:26:33,433 --> 00:26:36,600
After the army returns, I will survey
all farmland across the country,

415
00:26:36,600 --> 00:26:39,733
continue to weaken the military governors, reduce the troops,

416
00:26:40,533 --> 00:26:44,100
and allocate thirty percent of military land
as seed loans to grant to the common people,

417
00:26:44,633 --> 00:26:47,766
so they have surplus strength to reclaim wasteland,
to tend the land,

418
00:26:48,433 --> 00:26:53,500
to raise livestock, to plant mulberry trees,
to plant fruit trees, to grow vegetables.

419
00:26:54,633 --> 00:26:55,533
Within three years,

420
00:26:56,333 --> 00:26:59,866
we must let the common people gain a tangible, palpable,

421
00:27:00,133 --> 00:27:02,366
true peaceful and prosperous year.

422
00:27:08,666 --> 00:27:11,033
Just these four words, "peaceful and prosperous year",

423
00:27:11,033 --> 00:27:11,733
Rong,

424
00:27:12,633 --> 00:27:15,766
prove that you are truly the master of this realm.

425
00:27:22,033 --> 00:27:23,133
I know, Hongchu,

426
00:27:24,066 --> 00:27:25,466
you speak from the heart.

427
00:27:26,766 --> 00:27:27,966
But even so,

428
00:27:29,866 --> 00:27:30,466
I,

429
00:27:31,433 --> 00:27:32,466
am not yet worthy.

430
00:27:36,200 --> 00:27:36,900
I have heard

431
00:27:37,666 --> 00:27:39,466
that the late King Wusu of Wuyue

432
00:27:40,733 --> 00:27:42,533
once sent a letter to his queen:

433
00:27:47,033 --> 00:27:49,133
"The flowers blooming along the path,

434
00:27:49,133 --> 00:27:51,133
you may take time on your way back."

435
00:27:51,133 --> 00:27:52,166
That is indeed true.

436
00:27:53,666 --> 00:27:55,133
The scholars in our state all say,

437
00:27:55,533 --> 00:27:57,566
though my late grandfather read little,

438
00:27:58,066 --> 00:27:58,966
this sentence,

439
00:27:59,500 --> 00:28:01,000
was truly spoken with elegance,

440
00:28:01,900 --> 00:28:05,333
unlike me, this fisherman, crude and mercantile.

441
00:28:11,133 --> 00:28:13,200
I hope for the flames of war across the realm to cease.

442
00:28:13,900 --> 00:28:15,833
I hope for the people to live and work in peace.

443
00:28:18,033 --> 00:28:21,466
"The flowers are blooming along the path,
you may take time on your way back."

444
00:28:22,900 --> 00:28:23,700
Hongchu,

445
00:28:29,733 --> 00:28:31,366
I have so many things to do.

446
00:28:32,833 --> 00:28:33,966
To pacify the realm,

447
00:28:34,633 --> 00:28:35,966
to revitalize the land,

448
00:28:36,733 --> 00:28:37,766
to,

449
00:28:38,466 --> 00:28:39,300
achieve peace.

450
00:28:41,533 --> 00:28:42,433
Take care of yourself.

451
00:28:43,200 --> 00:28:44,866
When the flowers bloom on the path,

452
00:28:45,666 --> 00:28:46,533
I and Kuangyin,

453
00:28:47,933 --> 00:28:49,700
will await you outside Bianliang City.

454
00:28:54,333 --> 00:28:55,066
I,

455
00:28:56,266 --> 00:28:57,266
Qian Hongchu,

456
00:28:58,033 --> 00:28:59,730
obey your decree.

457
00:29:11,766 --> 00:29:13,566
In the year 958 AD,

458
00:29:13,633 --> 00:29:15,500
the fifth year of the Xiande era of Later Zhou,

459
00:29:16,466 --> 00:29:17,933
the King of Wuyue, Qian Hongchu,

460
00:29:18,100 --> 00:29:22,066
issued a decree to open ports and promote trade,
vigorously developing maritime commerce,

461
00:29:22,066 --> 00:29:26,200
trading native products from Wuyue such as
grain and silk to north by sea.

462
00:29:27,300 --> 00:29:31,000
For a time, ships were as numerous as threads
in a weave, merchants gathered like clouds.

463
00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:37,100
Coastal people all benefited, state revenues thus
greatly increased, and treasuries were filled.

464
00:29:38,266 --> 00:29:41,966
Last year's north-south maritime trade,
the value in grain, silk, and goods already exceeded

465
00:29:42,100 --> 00:29:47,100
the total value of the three trade routes
of Huanglong House to Heian-kyo, Goryeo, and Siam

466
00:29:47,200 --> 00:29:48,266
by more than double.

467
00:29:52,300 --> 00:29:53,200
And the Central Plains?

468
00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:56,233
Last year, the various prefectures had a great harvest.

469
00:29:56,233 --> 00:29:58,433
In the maritime trade at the Laizhou monopoly market,

470
00:29:58,433 --> 00:30:02,030
the total volume of southern grain transported north
fell short by nearly fifty percent.

471
00:30:08,500 --> 00:30:08,966
Great King,

472
00:30:09,666 --> 00:30:10,533
Lord Hu is gravely ill.

473
00:30:11,200 --> 00:30:11,833
I fear...

474
00:30:31,833 --> 00:30:32,366
Father.

475
00:30:34,233 --> 00:30:36,100
The Great King has come to see you.

476
00:30:42,533 --> 00:30:43,200
Great King.

477
00:30:45,133 --> 00:30:46,033
Great King.

478
00:30:47,566 --> 00:30:48,266
Great King.

479
00:30:49,666 --> 00:30:50,400
Lord.

480
00:30:50,766 --> 00:30:51,666
Great King...

481
00:30:54,066 --> 00:30:57,133
I can no longer eat meat.

482
00:31:16,933 --> 00:31:18,233
In those days,

483
00:31:19,466 --> 00:31:20,700
the Tang dynasty still stood.

484
00:31:22,200 --> 00:31:24,666
Huang Chao had not yet raised his rebellion.

485
00:31:27,433 --> 00:31:29,366
Having failed the imperial examination,

486
00:31:32,733 --> 00:31:35,600
I returned home crestfallen

487
00:31:36,433 --> 00:31:37,966
and said to my father,

488
00:31:41,400 --> 00:31:42,833
"Your son is useless.

489
00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:47,566
I could not earn an official rank."

490
00:31:49,666 --> 00:31:50,900
That day,

491
00:31:51,200 --> 00:31:53,400
my father steeled his heart,

492
00:31:55,133 --> 00:31:57,433
slaughtered a young goat,

493
00:31:58,566 --> 00:31:59,500
cooked it,

494
00:32:02,500 --> 00:32:04,900
and I ate it,

495
00:32:05,533 --> 00:32:07,000
mouthful by mouthful.

496
00:32:08,766 --> 00:32:09,633
Great King,

497
00:32:10,933 --> 00:32:11,666
I

498
00:32:13,466 --> 00:32:15,200
also read the classics.

499
00:32:17,133 --> 00:32:19,166
The Book of Songs, Documents, Rites, and Music,

500
00:32:20,133 --> 00:32:22,133
the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Book of Changes—

501
00:32:23,466 --> 00:32:27,100
I read them all when I was young.

502
00:32:30,200 --> 00:32:32,733
Back then, the old king was still alive.

503
00:32:35,266 --> 00:32:37,533
He once teased me,

504
00:32:38,733 --> 00:32:41,233
"You've read all these texts,

505
00:32:42,666 --> 00:32:47,100
yet you have too seek the rank on the battlefield.

506
00:32:48,233 --> 00:32:49,566
Isn't that a waste?"

507
00:32:53,300 --> 00:32:54,833
I said to the old king,

508
00:32:56,133 --> 00:32:57,266
"I'm alive,

509
00:32:58,866 --> 00:32:59,766
and I can eat meat—

510
00:33:00,700 --> 00:33:01,766
what waste is there in that?"

511
00:33:06,400 --> 00:33:09,266
Now I can no longer eat meat.

512
00:33:11,000 --> 00:33:13,533
I am going to see the old king.

513
00:33:17,666 --> 00:33:20,033
My lord, please rest well and recover.

514
00:33:20,933 --> 00:33:22,033
The state and I,

515
00:33:23,200 --> 00:33:25,000
still cannot do without you.

516
00:33:27,233 --> 00:33:29,166
I am about to die.

517
00:33:32,233 --> 00:33:37,233
Do you only have such empty drivel to say to me?

518
00:33:42,833 --> 00:33:43,866
It seems

519
00:33:44,633 --> 00:33:46,366
my King, you have

520
00:33:48,566 --> 00:33:50,466
nothing to say to me.

521
00:33:55,400 --> 00:33:58,100
But I have a few words

522
00:33:59,700 --> 00:34:01,833
that I must say to you.

523
00:34:02,833 --> 00:34:03,866
Now,

524
00:34:05,266 --> 00:34:06,700
the state enjoys peace.

525
00:34:08,400 --> 00:34:11,533
In governance, there is Yuan Dezhao.

526
00:34:12,900 --> 00:34:14,200
I am not worried.

527
00:34:15,066 --> 00:34:18,266
You are also a wise ruler.

528
00:34:19,233 --> 00:34:22,733
The foundation laid by generations of past kings,

529
00:34:23,533 --> 00:34:25,433
with you to inherit it—

530
00:34:26,400 --> 00:34:29,333
that is Wuyue's good fortune.

531
00:34:30,333 --> 00:34:31,833
My lord...

532
00:34:32,266 --> 00:34:34,333
I have not finished speaking.

533
00:34:35,833 --> 00:34:38,433
What I am about to say next

534
00:34:40,266 --> 00:34:43,100
is of the utmost importance.

535
00:34:44,866 --> 00:34:48,366
You must keep it in mind.

536
00:34:49,500 --> 00:34:52,033
The current Emperor in the Central Plains,

537
00:34:53,000 --> 00:34:55,433
is a man of fierce ambition.

538
00:34:57,000 --> 00:34:59,233
Southern Tang and Western Shu

539
00:35:00,100 --> 00:35:04,633
in recent years have suffered greatly at his hands.

540
00:35:05,833 --> 00:35:07,666
You have a past with him.

541
00:35:08,466 --> 00:35:09,800
That is good.

542
00:35:10,800 --> 00:35:13,566
But personal ties are just personal ties;

543
00:35:14,566 --> 00:35:17,466
state affairs are state affairs.

544
00:35:19,333 --> 00:35:20,366
The Central Plains

545
00:35:22,333 --> 00:35:23,266
already has

546
00:35:24,833 --> 00:35:27,900
the aura of a unified realm.

547
00:35:29,533 --> 00:35:30,866
One day,

548
00:35:32,900 --> 00:35:35,766
his gaze will turn this way.

549
00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:39,166
He will see you,

550
00:35:40,633 --> 00:35:42,866
he will see Wuyue.

551
00:35:46,100 --> 00:35:49,000
You must devote your utmost effort

552
00:35:50,233 --> 00:35:51,300
to observing.

553
00:35:56,000 --> 00:35:58,633
Before the altars of state and land,

554
00:35:59,866 --> 00:36:04,033
brotherly affection counts for nothing.

555
00:36:05,233 --> 00:36:07,133
The foundation established

556
00:36:08,333 --> 00:36:10,500
by generations of our past kings

557
00:36:12,633 --> 00:36:16,066
was built through countless hardships.

558
00:36:16,933 --> 00:36:18,800
Only then did we achieve

559
00:36:19,433 --> 00:36:22,166
the strong and prosperous Wuyue of today.

560
00:36:22,866 --> 00:36:23,766
Your Majesty,

561
00:36:25,666 --> 00:36:28,133
you must never lightly abandon it.

562
00:36:31,333 --> 00:36:32,433
I know

563
00:36:33,700 --> 00:36:35,533
what you care about

564
00:36:36,133 --> 00:36:37,800
is not just Wuyue,

565
00:36:39,466 --> 00:36:41,500
not only the southeast land.

566
00:36:42,566 --> 00:36:44,666
But for over a hundred years,

567
00:36:46,033 --> 00:36:47,433
people everywhere

568
00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:54,333
have only been able to mind their own affairs.

569
00:36:57,000 --> 00:36:59,433
Their own survival and foundations

570
00:36:59,466 --> 00:37:01,166
are struggle enough to manage.

571
00:37:02,466 --> 00:37:05,266
How can they speak of anything else?

572
00:37:06,833 --> 00:37:10,266
The southeast enjoys a peaceful and prosperous age.

573
00:37:11,833 --> 00:37:12,733
My King

574
00:37:13,866 --> 00:37:18,333
you must never surrender it to others!

575
00:37:25,466 --> 00:37:26,866
My lord, be at ease.

576
00:37:28,300 --> 00:37:29,666
I understand everything.

577
00:37:34,633 --> 00:37:36,066
I would risk my life,

578
00:37:37,100 --> 00:37:39,933
to beg you, in my presence,

579
00:37:43,166 --> 00:37:46,833
to swear an oath to our late kings.

580
00:38:15,000 --> 00:38:16,033
Lord Hu says

581
00:38:19,800 --> 00:38:20,833
he wishes to rest awhile.

582
00:38:22,566 --> 00:38:23,633
Do not call for him again.

583
00:38:41,900 --> 00:38:44,133
Father!

584
00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:49,800
The powerful minister of an era, Hu Jinsi,

585
00:38:50,000 --> 00:38:51,566
died at the age of ninety-seven.

586
00:38:52,533 --> 00:38:54,266
In youth, he abandoned letters for arms,

587
00:38:54,566 --> 00:38:58,233
aiding Qian Liu in founding his enterprise,
and together they forged the Wuyue realm.

588
00:38:59,233 --> 00:39:01,700
Thereafter, he quelled the rebellion of Xu Wan,

589
00:39:01,700 --> 00:39:06,300
escorted Qian Yuanguan back to Hangzhou, and through
righteous counsel persuaded Laizhou to submit to Later Tang.

590
00:39:06,300 --> 00:39:10,566
His prestige overshadowed this land,
making him Wuyue's foremost meritorious minister.

591
00:39:10,566 --> 00:39:12,400
He served three generations and five kings,

592
00:39:12,900 --> 00:39:16,100
assisted in maintaining peace
and held a weighty court position.

593
00:39:16,900 --> 00:39:21,000
Yet he also monopolized power and acted despotically.

594
00:39:21,533 --> 00:39:25,033
Ultimately, whether he isa loyal or treacherous minister
is hard to judge,

595
00:39:25,466 --> 00:39:28,333
leaving a complex legacy in Wuyue's historical records.

596
00:39:40,033 --> 00:39:44,633
[Kaifeng Prefecture, Bianliang City]

597
00:39:44,633 --> 00:39:47,800
Now, Southern Tang is not yet pacified,
Western Shu not yet destroyed.

598
00:39:48,800 --> 00:39:51,033
If we rashly raise troops for a northern expedition,

599
00:39:51,033 --> 00:39:54,833
it would be no different from forfeiting the initiative
and being controlled by others.

600
00:39:54,833 --> 00:39:57,666
Once Southern Tang and Western Shu
seize the chance to plot against us,

601
00:39:57,666 --> 00:39:59,400
we would be attacked front and rear.

602
00:39:59,400 --> 00:40:01,700
Then, never mind the outcome of the northern expedition,

603
00:40:01,700 --> 00:40:06,566
even the recently stabilized lands of Huainan
and Guanzhong would be lost.

604
00:40:09,800 --> 00:40:11,266
Minister Fan speaks most rightly.

605
00:40:12,033 --> 00:40:14,700
If we wish to campaign north,
we must first secure the southeast.

606
00:40:15,466 --> 00:40:20,166
Though Southern Tang has renounced the imperial title,
its strength is undiminished.

607
00:40:20,166 --> 00:40:24,000
It offers submission but has not surrendered its land;
its ambition is clear.

608
00:40:24,000 --> 00:40:25,500
It could turn and bite at any moment.

609
00:40:25,933 --> 00:40:29,200
To contain Jinling and keep the Li clan from reckless moves,

610
00:40:29,200 --> 00:40:33,300
we must have the Qian clan of Wuyue take the first step
to surrender their land to the court,

611
00:40:33,700 --> 00:40:37,766
to take their taxes to fill our granaries,
their troops to replenish our armies.

612
00:40:38,466 --> 00:40:41,900
With over a hundred thousand soldiers
and millions in silver and silk in hand,

613
00:40:42,133 --> 00:40:44,000
[Zhang Yongde]
then whether for northern expedition or southern campaign,

614
00:40:44,500 --> 00:40:46,366
[Zhang Yongde]
we could proceed with ease and make careful arrangements.

615
00:40:52,100 --> 00:40:53,000
Zhao Kuangyin.

616
00:40:56,700 --> 00:40:57,333
I am here.

617
00:40:57,833 --> 00:40:58,700
What is your view?

618
00:41:00,400 --> 00:41:03,766
A northern expedition to You, Yan
and Wuyue surrendering its land

619
00:41:05,033 --> 00:41:05,966
are two separate matters.

620
00:41:06,900 --> 00:41:09,533
The northern expedition must
mobilize the nation's full strength.

621
00:41:09,533 --> 00:41:12,900
But regarding the southeast, we must still rely on the Qian clan.

622
00:41:13,633 --> 00:41:18,333
Since its founding, Wuyue has served the central dynasties
faithfully for fifty years to this day.

623
00:41:18,666 --> 00:41:21,866
Their loyalty to the court is no different
from that of your own ministers.

624
00:41:23,266 --> 00:41:26,266
If the grand army marches north and trouble stirs in the south,

625
00:41:26,933 --> 00:41:30,633
I believe the Qian clan will not stand idly by.

626
00:41:32,000 --> 00:41:34,333
The Qian clan are rulers of Wuyue.

627
00:41:35,000 --> 00:41:37,166
How can state affairs be decided by personal ties?

628
00:41:37,800 --> 00:41:40,433
The governance of a state should not
be based on personal affection.

629
00:41:40,433 --> 00:41:45,233
The interests of a state should certainly
not be built upon brotherly affection.

630
00:42:05,300 --> 00:42:06,966
The wind-cold has penetrated to the bone.

631
00:42:07,466 --> 00:42:08,966
I am but rotten wood now.

632
00:42:12,333 --> 00:42:13,466
Since falling ill,

633
00:42:14,533 --> 00:42:16,000
even your spirit has dissipated.

634
00:42:17,333 --> 00:42:22,066
Just now in the inner court, regarding northern expedition,
His Majesty is taking reckless risks.

635
00:42:22,933 --> 00:42:23,800
In the past,

636
00:42:24,033 --> 00:42:26,666
you would have been the first to stand
and state the pros and cons.

637
00:42:27,666 --> 00:42:28,566
Why today

638
00:42:29,166 --> 00:42:30,000
are you silent instead?

639
00:42:30,333 --> 00:42:31,833
You haven't uttered a single word.

640
00:42:33,333 --> 00:42:34,966
If you have some time, Zhi,

641
00:42:35,866 --> 00:42:36,600
perhaps

642
00:42:37,666 --> 00:42:39,100
you should visit the Hanlin Academy.

643
00:42:39,933 --> 00:42:40,566
Take a look,

644
00:42:47,333 --> 00:42:50,333
at the Emperor's medical records.

645
00:43:24,433 --> 00:43:27,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
stretch towering mountains. ♫

646
00:43:27,900 --> 00:43:30,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
run surging rivers. ♫

647
00:43:31,433 --> 00:43:34,400
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
cry warhorses. ♫

648
00:43:34,900 --> 00:43:39,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles
there are emotions unspoken. ♫

649
00:43:39,933 --> 00:43:42,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
flowers are blooming along the road. ♫

650
00:43:43,400 --> 00:43:46,366
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
gooses are returning to the north. ♫

651
00:43:46,933 --> 00:43:49,900
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we stand through storms. ♫

652
00:43:50,400 --> 00:43:54,500
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles,
we hope for a safe return. ♫

653
00:43:58,700 --> 00:44:01,366
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫

654
00:44:01,966 --> 00:44:04,866
♫ for a lifetime's sorrows and joys. ♫

655
00:44:05,500 --> 00:44:08,166
♫ Tens of thousands of miles is not enough, ♫

656
00:44:08,766 --> 00:44:11,666
♫ for the endless seas and rivers. ♫

657
00:44:12,466 --> 00:44:15,133
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

658
00:44:15,733 --> 00:44:18,633
♫ love will overcome all barriers. ♫

659
00:44:19,333 --> 00:44:20,633
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

660
00:44:21,300 --> 00:44:25,033
♫ we are together in life and death. ♫

661
00:44:25,966 --> 00:44:29,000
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫

662
00:44:32,700 --> 00:44:35,733
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles. ♫

663
00:44:39,633 --> 00:44:40,966
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

664
00:44:41,333 --> 00:44:42,766
♫ the moon shines in the boundless world. ♫

665
00:44:43,100 --> 00:44:46,333
♫ My heart has its hometown to return. ♫

666
00:44:46,533 --> 00:44:47,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

667
00:44:48,233 --> 00:44:49,666
♫ who is the one crossing the waves with me, ♫

668
00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:53,233
♫ with our hearts unrepentant,
through countless lifetimes. ♫

669
00:44:53,433 --> 00:44:54,866
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

670
00:44:55,133 --> 00:44:56,666
♫ oceans and lands witness that♫

671
00:44:56,900 --> 00:44:59,666
♫ the world will be safe and sound. ♫

672
00:45:00,066 --> 00:45:03,100
♫ Across tens of thousands of miles, ♫

673
00:45:11,266 --> 00:45:15,433
♫ my heart is unchanging. ♫