Original subtitles

In the 17th year of Jian'an Period (212A.D)

Liu Bei wrote letter to Liu Zhang saying Sun Quan was asking for help

He himself would take the army back to Jingzhou

Therefore, Liu Zhang was requested to lend one million Hu of grain

And thirty or forty thousand troops under Liu Bei's command

However, Liu Zhang could only agree to provide Liu Bei with

One tenth of the supplies and four thousand weak and old soldiers

Oh, Pang Tong, come here quickly

Now since things have been so What to do next?

I've three schemes ready in my mind

You may choose whichever please you

What's your first scheme?

The first and best is to select immediately a strong army

Get ready all the necessary supplies

Hurry to take Chendu by surprise without Liu Zhang's preparedness

Then West Shu can be obtained at one stroke

What's your second scheme?

Lord

The Fushui Pass is the strategic passage to Chengdu

And the only way through which we can return to Jingzhou

It's now guarded by the general of Yang Huai and Gao Pei

You can send someone to deliver a letter to them

Pretending you are returning to Jingzhou by passing here

They will come surely out come out to bid farewell

You can take this opportunity

And then capture Chengdu

What's your third scheme?

Third plan is to drop this decision go back to Jingzhou

And make find a chance later

Of your three schemes I find the first too hasty

The last too slow

I choose the second one which is neither haste nor too slow

I think it's workable

Fine, since you've made up your mind, please write a letter

I'll see to it that the army is well disposed

We can seize the opportunity to capture the Pass

Lord, Military Counselor

Zhang Song and his family were all beheaded

Ah? Did you find out why?

When Zhang Song learned you're going back to Jingzhou

He secretly wrote you a letter

Urging you capture Chengdu without delay

Saying he'll collaborate from within

He was so careless he lost the letter

And it was picked up by his brother Zhang Su

Who informed Liu Zhang against Zhang Su

Liu Zhang thus caused the destruction of whole family

Alas! Zhang Song was more sincere and loyal

And helped me take West Shu

But now he is dead without receiving any regard, grant or title from me

He and his family suffered such an atrocious disaster for my sake

Zhang Song was beheaded and Liu Zhang will take proper action

Reinforcements to every strategic point to enhance the guard

The generals in Shu have long borne hatred and resentment against lord

As he's led the army into Shu

Liu Zhang's general Zhang Ren is very wise and resourceful

It's unwise to use force right now in such a great haste

It's better to launch a regular invasion

Since Pang Tong is there I don't think there'll be trouble

But I'm afraid he's impatient for success

In that case, why not write to the lord and make it clear to him

But Pang Tong

Tomorrow is the festival of the seventh day of the seventh month

Shall we withdraw our sentry guards to comfort them

We can relax a bit to celebrate together with people in the city?

During festivals, we should ever heighten our vigilance

Since Liu Bei seized Fushui Pass he's been quick maneuvering troops

His military advisor Pang Tong is no man without wisdom or resource

They will certainly take us by surprise during the festival

Zhang Song's sacrificed himself for conquest of West Shu at early date

Now Fushui Pass has already been taken

You should immediately advance the army toward Luocheng

So as to prevent Liu Zhang having opportunity for reinforcements

Lord

Liu Zhang's sent four generals Zhang Ren, Liu Gui, Leng Bao

And Deng Xian to reinforce Luocheng with 50,000 soldiers

Now Leng Bao and Deng Xian have encamped

Sixty Li to the north of Luocheng

My Lord

To the north of Luocheng there's a passage

The road is narrow surrounded by high mountains

It's easy to defend but difficult to attack

If we fail to capture it first we're unable to approach Luocheng

Zhang Ren and others are by no means more brave than wise

But

We can make some astrological calculations

How could we do it?

I've made astrological calculations this is the last year of the cycle

The bowl of the Dipper is in the western quarter

And the planet Venus approaches Luocheng

The configuration is inimical to leaders and caution is necessary

Since I came to lord for shelter

Up till now I've had no opportunity to make any contributions

Advancing toward Sichuan this time I think it's time develop my ability

But Zhuge Liang wrote to the lord from afar

To prevent me winning gory of conducting a victorious campaign?

What do you think of Zhuge Liang's idea?

Mine is just the opposite

Lord, important is to use military forces when tide is on our side

Opportunity slip, it will be very difficult to have again

Not that I don't understand the merits and demerits of it

But Zhuge Liang has always wonderful foresight

What he has said today makes me feel uncertain

My lord, Zhege Liang has indeed filled your mind with doubts

He is unwilling to let me have the merit of fulfilling a task alone

That's why he has written this

Zhuge Liang is definitely not kind of person jealous of other's talent

I'm afraid you're too suspicious

Zhuge Liang is far away in Jingzhou how could he know everything

About the military situation and topography here in Luocheng?

As to this, allow me to think it over And we can discuss it later

You're still not going to bed?

Is there any instruction as you come so late at night?

Do you know what festival tomorrow is?

Today is the sixth of the seventh month and tomorrow the double sevens

That is the festival of the seventh day of the seventh month

It's not particular in Central Plain

But in Sichuan it is extraordinary

According to customs of local people, on this day every year

Each household will celebrate it with wine, food and entertainment

It's the same in the army The soldiers have a day off

Both officers and soldiers are rewarded with bounties

Isn't it an opportunity to seized Luocheng?

But Zhang Ren is a man of tact He's cautious directing his army

What's to do if he's well prepared?

Lord

Zhang Song has drawn the map with miraculous foresight

It's impossible for Zhang Ren to defend effectively. Please look

North to the mountains is a big road leading to the east gate of Luocheng

And south of the mountains is a small path leading to the west gate

Though it was drawn on Zhang Song's map, no name was written

This shows it's out of the way

I've asked soldiers coming over most of them don't know about it

Zhang Ren doesn't know we have this map

And naturally he would think our men don't know this path

Isn't it Heaven has supported us to defeat the enemy by a surprise move

You mean that we'll make a feign attack on the big road

And take the enemy by surprise along the small path

To attack Luocheng along two routes

Exactly so! My lord

How could Zhuge Liang in Jingzhou know all about this?

Send for Fa Zheng immediately

Yes

If we are to act on this plan how much sure are we of success?

If this plan is realized, we can capture Luocheng in a single battle

Then our army could drive straight down to seize Chengdu

We can capture Liu Zhang and take West Shu at one stroke

Only then will we hold one of the three fragments

And you can contend with Cao Cao and Sun Quan for the rule of the country

Then there'll be the hope for the restoration of the Han's reign

Fine

Lord, Military Counselor

What roads can we take to advance our army to Luocheng?

There are two roads

North of the mountains is a high road leading to the east gate

Still there is small path leading to the west gate of Luocheng

Access is very difficult and even local people seldom take that path

According to your opinion which road is better?

We should adopt tactic of concerted attack by converging columns

In so doing, we're sure of success

Since both of you hold the same view we'll dispatch 20,000 men tomorrow

Military Counselor and I will take two routes to attack Luocheng

I'll keep 30,000 men behind

To command Mi Zhu and Jian Yong to defend the base camp

Will it be all right?

Yes

My lord, you'll lead half of the troops along the high road

While I go along the small path

No, small path is dangerous and out of way, and difficult to move along

Why should you take the risk?

I was trained as a mounted archer and am accustomed to by roads

Better take the high road

Well My lord

There will be resistance on the high road

And you're the best to deal with it

The small road is difficult, but we can attack the enemy unawares

By taking dangerous road, I mean to avoid difficulties to take easy ones

Why not allow me to do that?

To tell you the truth, though your brilliant scheme has convinced me

The letter of Zhuge Liang really worries me

What if... along the small path

My lord, since I came to you for shelter

I'm very grateful to you for your kindness I haven't repaid your grace

I'm prepared for any sacrifice and mean just what I say

It's possible that the byroad might not be dangerous

Even if it's dangerous what is there to be afraid of?

I ask you not to say any more

Let me have the byroad and you take the high road

No

It would be better for you to take the high road

My lord, please go to bed earlier

Give the orders and set out at dawn

Luocheng is the gate of Chengdu

Once it's lost, there will be no end of trouble for the future

Instead of withdrawing our soldiers reinforcement is necessary

Never should our vigilance be slackened

You're perfectly correct

Ask General Liu to leak 10,000 men

To reinforce our defense on high road to the east of Luocheng

Wu Lan and Lei Tong will be within Luocheng for collaboration

Even if Liu Bei dares to come there is nothing to fear

The byroad to the west of Luocheng must also be guarded

General Zhang is too cautious, I'm afraid

That byroad

Both the ends are hidden in rambles

Say nothing of Liu Bei and Pang Tong

Even few of the local people know it

We must heighten our vigilance to avoid any chance for the enemy

General Liu will guard the high road with reinforcements

Wu Lan and Lei Tong guard the east and west gates respectively

I myself will lead 3,000 archers to guard the byroad

Yes

Military Counselor, I've thought it over and over again

You'd better take the high road and let me take the small path

My lord, you have already issued orders that can't be withdrawn

Please get on the horse Let's meet at Luocheng

Military Counselor, please

Well, take care of yourself all the way

You can be rest assured Please mount the horse

After you

Don't be too ceremonious

Please get on the horse immediately

All right, I'll follow your idea

My lord, let's join our force at Luocheng

Why do you ride this wretched horse?

I've ridden it for a long time and it has never behaved thus before

Come

This white horse has been with me for many years

Ride my horse which is well trained and will never fail you

Give me yours

No, no, it can not be done, my lord

Small road is very zigzag, what if the horse does the same thing again?

It's intolerable

I'm used to fighting on horseback Please don't turn down my offer

My lord

My lord

I'm deeply affected by your kindness it's regret I could never repay you

General

Please mount the horse

They are coming

General Zhang, they're coming

General Zhang, Let's charge them before they discover

This is the van don't disturb them let them pass

Yes, wait

Liu Bei must be in the rear wait till he comes

I've seen the horse Liu Bei rides It's a tall white horse

Pass these words to the officers and soldiers

The rider on the tall white horse is Liu Bei

Shoot the rider on the white horse

Yes

Pass the words Shoot the rider on the white horse

Shoot the rider on the white horse

It's very dangerous here

Military Counselor

It seems there are some characters on the rock

Go and have a look! Yes

Military Counselor

It's the Slope of Fallen Phoenix

It's the Slope of Fallen Phoenix

Phoenix Fledging is my Taoist name the place's name is Fallen Phoenix

An evil omen for me there is really no luck for me here

Military Counselor

Retreat from the valley immediately

Shoot arrows

Take shelter to shield the arrows, be quick

Aim at the rider on the white horse, shoot!

Take shelter to shield the arrows, be quick

Military Counselor save the Military Counselor

Be quick! Take the troops out of this valley immediately

Military Counselor

This map is of vital importance And it must be handed to the lord

We're ready to die together with you and not to survive battle

I'm not afraid of death

What I do regret is I didn't follow Zhuge Liang's sincere advice

And my greed of merit has resulted in my doom

I am ashamed of the kindness my lord has given me

Tell my lord to forget me

White horse

My lord's white horse

I can no longer accompany my lord with you

To play an outstanding role under the heaven

What a fine white horse!

The Slope of the Fallen Phoenix

Military Counselor

Pang Tong, you died for my sake

I've ruined you

It's me who have ruined you

It's me

My lord

Pang Tong died before he could succeed in the expedition

Liu Bei's army suffered a severe setback and his men low-spirited

They had to remain on the defensive and withdraw to Fushui Pass

At the same time, they sent Guan Ping back to Jingzhou

Invite Zhuge Liang to lead an army to Sichuan

To work out a major plan to take over Sichuan

Pang Tong died in Sichuan before he could succeed the expedition

My lord lost an arm, he's now hemmed in Fushui Pass and can't move

What a shame that I can't go immediately to his help

Zhang Ren has killed Military Counselor Pang

Besieged our brother at Fushui Pass

Wait to meet this fellow

Brother Guan and Zhao Yun, let's all go

And rout them out completely

But my brother, if the Military Counselor, you and I all go

Who is going to guard Jingzhou, the strategic place?

You're quite right, West Shu is still in the hands of others

If we lose Jingzhou

The grand foundation my lord built up will be ruined in a single day

But the lord didn't make it clear in his letter

Who should stay here to guard Jingzhou

I know what's in his mind though he didn't mention it clearly

When Guan Ping delivered the letter

I think you know meaning behind it

Do you mean to say

He wants Guan Yu to undertake the defense

I know that you'll do all your best to guard the districts

For the sake of pledge taken in Peach Garden, the task is no light

I understand very well the importance

All the future rests with you, general

Since it's of vital importance how could I decline it?

Fine!

This matter has a great bearing on our future cause

I hope you must be very careful and never take it lightly

You can be rest assured, when a man of honor accepts such a task

He's only released by death

Now if Cao Cao attacks what is to be done?

Resist him with all my strength

But if Cao Cao and Sun Quan join hands to attack you

What can you do then?

I'll fight both with half my force against them each

In that case, Jingzhou would be in danger

I'll give my advice in a few words and if you remember, city is safe

What are these few words? May I have your instruction?

To the north, fight Cao Cao to the south, ally with Sun Quan

I'll certainly keep your words in my mind

Ma Liang, you and Mi Fang Liao Hua and Zhou Cang

Will assist Guan Yu in the defense of Jingzhou

Yes

Yes Zhang Fei

You command 10,000 crack troops to take main road to Sichuan

Seize Bajun first

I'll take an army into Sichuan by water

You and I shall join forces at Fushui Pass

Whoever gets there first will be awarded the first merit

Go immediately to make preparations We'll set forth tomorrow

Yes

Brother Guan

Take care of yourself

Brother Zhang

You too

Zhao Yun Yes

Go to get the ships and weapons ready!

Go with me tomorrow, we'll advance our army to Sichuan by water

Yes

Guan Yu

Anything else to be done?

You are entrusted with a great task I wish you all the best

Take care of yourself and never let our lord down

I can assure you Military Counselor

Since the seal is placed in my hand

I'll fight at the cost of my own life! Jingzhou will never be lost!

Oh, why should you talk about death?

So long as you can ally with Sun Quan in the east

And resist Cao Cao in the north Jingzhou will certainly be guarded

Don't think lightly of men of Sichuan, there are many mighty men

On the march in the first place you must win the hearts of people

To capture cities is less important

You shall bear this in your mind

You must restrain your men from plunder and incense

All the surrendered soldiers shall be treated kindly

I've remembered

You're short-tempered

And should not only respect the honorable and belittle common people

You should always restrain your bad temper

Don't over-drink and beat the soldiers

Believe me, I'll correct them all

Good

Wish you a plain sailing bring the wine

No, not at this moment after I make a first degree merit

It won't be late

That'll be fine

Come earlier to Fushui Pass and I'll offer to a toast

You're unfair

Why don't you say you'll come to Fushui Pass to meet me

It seems that you are going to

Win the first merit for entering Sichuan

No enemy troops stop me on river and we can go straight to West Shu

But it's difficult to move in mountain path

Besides, the passes are heavily guarded

Aren't you in an unfavorable situation?

I'll bet will certainly bet even if I lose

I'm pretty sure you'll lose it You had better drop the betting

No. No. I'll bet all the same

Surely you'll have courage to bet?

I'll see whether you'll have the courage to bet

Alright then

Let's clap our hands as a sign of pledge

Let's wait and see who will come to Fushui Pass first

Excellent

I'll compete with you and see who turns out to be the winner

I'll be on the move first

I'll wait to you to come to join me at Fushui Pass

Set out

Zhang Fei really surpasses others in valor and displays sense of heroism

He's indeed a brave general

It's a pity he's short-tempered And very often act rashly

Rashly he may act, he is not the kind of person without wisdom

You may not necessarily win this time

Really? If that is the case that will be all I could wish for