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[Secret of the Three Kingdoms]

[Episode 1]

Toward the end of the Eastern Han dynasty

the imperial sovereignty began to crumble

and territories were divided among the warlords.

Cao Cao coerced the emperor and controlled the feudal lords.

He made Xu Chang the de facto capital of Han.

After defeating Lü Bu

Cao Cao fought off Yuan Shao in the north and fended off Sun Ce in the south.

He became the most powerful feudal lord of the Central Plain.

However, Cao Cao was autocratic and domineering.

The conflict between the emperor of the Han dynasty and Cao Cao aggravated.

Inside and outside of the capital, there was an surging undercurrent.

A storm was about to hit...

[Fourth year of the Jian An Reign, Wen County]

My child!

Let go of me!

My child!

Let go of me!

Let go of me!

[Yang Ping, courtesy name Yi He]

How dare you act so wantonly on the territory of the the Sima family!

No one is to be spared!

[Sima Yi, courtesy name Zhong Da]

My child!

Thank you! Thank you, Young Master!

Thank you, Young Master!

Young Master!

Young Master, spare me!

Young Master!

Young Master, spare me!

Young Master!

Spare me!

It's just too cold out here.

I'm starving.

I didn't hurt anyone!

Yi He!

Zhong Da!

Go and earn an honest living.

If you break the law again, we surely won't spare you.

Young Master, thank you for sparing my life!

You're even so kind to marauders and thieves.

You saw him as well.

He's wounded.

Besides, he didn't harm anyone.

He didn't have to die, did he?

Asinine benevolence, just like Duke Xiang of Song.

Although we're punishing evildoers

we don't really have to kill them all, do we?

Listen up.

Since we're out on this mission, no effort must be made in vain.

Don't discredit your teacher.

Second Young Master, thank you for saving us!

If you hadn't arrived in time, we would have...

We would have...

- Get up. - Thank you!

Don't worry.

The Sima family will keep you safe.

Thank you, Second Young Master!

Thank you! Thank you!

Second Young Master!

Heaven and Earth are impartial. All creations are but hay offerings.

But you would even save a lamb.

Even King Hui of Liang has compassion.

He couldn't bear to see cows shiver.

If I bring this lamb home, it might get well.

Why shouldn't I save it?

Look at how the world is now.

Yet you're still so gentle.

You wish to be merciful like Duke Xiang of Song.

Answer me.

What became of Duke Xiang of Song?

I'm not like you.

You have great ambitions, but I don't.

I'm at most good enough to be a magistrate.

I'd be content to be a county magistrate and help the people.

Look at you.

You're so useless.

It's no wonder that your father left you with the Sima family

and never asked after you.

So?

I'm going to spend my entire life with the Sima family!

Look at those horses.

They don't seem to be from the Central Plain.

They are soldiers from Western Liang.

They must be the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo.

You wish to withdraw from the world

but the army of Western Liang is now on a rampage in the Central Plain.

Henei Commandery is the battlefront.

Yuan Shao, Zhang Xiu, Cao Cao, and Lü Bu.

Which of those feudal lords don't have their eyes on our turf?

You wish to stand aloof of it all

but I'm afraid just as a tree wishes to remain still, the wind won't cease.

From now on, I'll follow you.

You'll be defending our lands and resisting the invasion.

As for me, I'll pacify the people.

In troubled times, we should all the more remain resolute, but compassionate.

Now that we're in such troubled times

there are marauders and thieves everywhere.

Those marauders we just ran into could have been defeated soldiers.

Am I to vie for territories against those greedy feudal lords?

They aren't even up to my standard!

Since you wish neither to be a recluse nor a government official

I think there's only one position in this world that suits you.

Tell me about it.

Emperor.

Whose horse carriage is this?

- Lang. - Lang.

- You've returned. - What is it?

- Yi He. - What's so urgent?

We have a visitor.

Yi He's father, Uncle Yang, is here.

- My father is here? - Yes.

Don't run so fast!

It's slippery on snow!

Lang, Uncle Yang hasn't visited in three years.

He didn't even inform us in advance this time.

What could be so urgent?

We'll know soon.

Father told us to deliver a letter to the county magistrate now.

Deliver a letter?

Why me?

It's so corrupt at the magistrate's.

I'm not going.

[Sima Lang, courtesy name Bo Da]

Father wants us to visit the magistrate often.

Understand?

But I haven't greeted Uncle Yang yet.

Father will host a banquet tonight.

You can greet him then.

Get going. Come on!

[Yang Jun, courtesy name Ji Cai]

Uncle Sima.

[Sima Fang, courtesy name Jian Gong]

Father.

Brother Sima, since my son is here, we'll take our leave now.

Father... we're leaving right now?

Ping.

Your father has been recruited by the Minister of Works, Cao Cao

as his administrative official.

He's heading to the capital now to take up his post.

He purposely took a detour here to fetch you.

It's been 12 years.

Brother Sima, thank you for looking after Ping.

The imperial court's carriage is already waiting outside.

We have to set out right away.

I'll have your belongings sent from Sima Manor to the capital.

We should get going.

Father!

Zhang Da hasn't returned.

Can we wait a while longer?

If the city gates close, we will be stuck here until tomorrow.

It will delay our journey.

If I leave without a word of farewell, Zhong Da will be very angry--

Listen.

We must leave now.

Obey your father.

Ping, you've been raised in my home for 12 years.

I regard you as my own son.

Should you encounter any problem in the capital, Xu Chang

go to the Zhang’s Maize Store on Copper Camel Street.

Just keep that in mind.

Ping, get into the carriage quickly.

Yang Ping!

If you leave now, I'll never let you into Sima Manor again!

[Young Yang Ping] I want to go home!

I want my father!

[Young Sima Yi] Your father left on a horse.

Can you catch up with him?

- Do you know where your house is? - Father!

There's a raging war and great turmoil.

Your father couldn't protect you, so he sent you here.

My father said that from now on, you're my younger brother.

While your father is away, your older brother will take his place.

My words are as good as your father's orders.

This is your home!

Do you understand?

Get back in here!

Brother Ping!

Brother Ping, you left your medical book behind.

Thank you.

Ping, you're studying medicine?

Zhong Da gave this to me.

I only study it from time to time.

Brother Ping we can't bear to let you leave.

I can't bear to leave you either.

Remember to let Zhong Da know that I've said goodbye.

There's a lamb in the courtyard.

It's wounded.

I was going to treat it, but there's no time to do so now.

Find a good vet for it on my behalf.

- Yes. - Yes.

We should get going now.

Father, why would Minister Cao recruit you so urgently?

Don't question it.

You'll know once you get to the capital.

Father, this doesn't seem quite right.

Master Yang, they might be bandits!

Father, what did you do that for?

Ping, we have important matters to handle.

Uncle, I've done what we agreed on.

Father?

Father... explain this to me.

Father...

Father...

Listen!

Get into the carriage quickly.

They will tell you everything.

No, you have to explain this to me.

Ping, I'm fine.

- Leave with them. - I won't leave!

He looks like him.

He really does.

Leave now...

- I'm all right. - I won't leave you.

Dear child, take a look at this.

Then you will understand.

Grand Commandant Yang Biao?

You're Grand Commandant Yang?

[Yang Biao, courtesy name Wen Xian]

Your father is a brave and loyal man.

Child, come with us.

I'll explain everything to you on the way.

I won't go with you.

My father is badly injured.

- Ping... - Father.

If you go with them, all that I leave behind is an arm.

If you refuse to go with them

I'll have to die right here.

I won't leave you.

Go.

Go!

Leave now!

Anyone there?

Get me my horse!

You really look just like him.

I really can't tell the difference...

What difference can't you tell?

Tell me quickly. What is this about?

All right, I'll tell you.

You might find it unpalatable

but every word I'm about to say is absolutely true.

You're not Yang Ping.

You're Liu Ping.

Your biological mother is Beautiful Lady Wang.

Your father isn't Yang Jun.

But the deceased Emperor Ling.

The reigning emperor is your older twin brother.

What did you say?

It was back in the fourth year of the Guang He Reign.

Emperor Ling's concubine, Beautiful Lady Wang, gave birth to a son.

Empress He had her own son, the crown prince, Liu Bian.

[Beautiful Lady Wang]

[Empress He] Empress He was viciously jealous.

She poisoned Lady Wang and wanted to kill the prince.

Stop it!

Fortunately, Empress Dowager Dong arrived in time to save him.

Who dares to hurt my grandson?

This is His Majesty's child!

The offspring of Han dynasty's imperial family!

[Empress Dowager Dong] You...

Aren't you afraid of retribution?

Retribution?

There's already retribution.

Mother, you should head out of the palace to look at the world.

You'll then see what true retribution is like!

The young prince who fortunately survived was Liu Xie.

Summon the imperial physician!

- He's also the reigning emperor. - Imperial physicians!

Where are the imperial physicians?

I've heard this story.

Indeed.

This is a true story that's been made known to everyone.

But what no one else knew was...

Beautiful Lady Wang didn't only give birth to one prince.

But two.

You mean...

I'm the other child?

I was Emperor Ling's Minister of the Guards.

Lady Wang entrusted one of the princes to be taken away

and fostered by me.

She hoped that one of the princes could then survive.

I summoned your foster father, Yang Jun, and had him claim you as his son.

He resigned from his post and took you back to his hometown.

Afterwards, he sent you to be raised by the Sima family where you could be safe.

This is your true parentage.

Brothers, search carefully!

Inform me once you notice anything!

- Yes! - Yes!

Sir.

May I ask what has happened here?

You... Who are you?

Mind your own business.

Get lost.

Get lost!

Can you tell us now?

Yes, sure.

There's this official, Yang Jun, who was recently recruited.

When he went past this area, he was robbed by bandits.

Both his son and coachman were killed.

His arm was also chopped off.

Look at all of the blood.

It's hard to say if he pulled through.

This matter...

He was just about to be promoted and become wealthy.

Why was he so unlucky?

Where is Yang Jun now?

Where are the corpses?

They are at a courier inn 10 miles from here.

Grand Commandant Yang...

is this the time to keep up such an act?

An act?

Yang Jun had his arm chopped off and everything we did was indeed an act.

However, this isn't an act just for you.

It's for everyone in the world!

Therefore, Father's arm was chopped off and that anonymous corpse was planted

so the crime scene could be staged to cover up my identity?

You seem to have figured it out.

But... why must this be done?

In order to take you to the palace.

We're taking you to the reigning emperor, your older brother.

Now, Cao Cao might seem to have pledged himself to the emperor

but in fact, he has coerced him into becoming his puppet!

Political and military affairs are now all in the hands of Cao Cao.

Veteran officials like me are being taken out one by one!

The emperor is basically dwelling in a tiger's den now.

It's our wish as veteran officials and even more so, His Majesty's

to restore Han dynasty to glory and recover discipline in our imperial court.

Dear child.

Han dynasty needs you.

His Majesty needs you.

Do you understand everything I just said?

I still don't understand what you're saying.

Once you enter the palace and meet your brother, you'll understand.

Uncle Yang, where's Yi He?

Ping and I ran into bandits.

Ping...

Where exactly is he now?

When we got there, Young Master Yang was already dead.

His corpse is now in the shed.

Young Master! Young Master!

So?

Is he the one you're looking for?

The doctor told me to recuperate in the capital.

Commandant of Xu is on his way here.

I'll take Ping to the capital with me first.

When I've recovered, I'll escort his coffin back to our hometown.

Your father is in his old age, so be sure to report this matter to him subtly.

Life and death are matters of fate that can't be compelled.

Uncle, my condolences.

Poor Ping.

He wasn't raised by my side.

I thought that we could finally be reunited this time.

Who knew...

Mister Yang is very frail.

It's best for him not to get too upset.

I'll leave Uncle Yang in your care.

Please rest assured that I'll do my very best.

Uncle Yang.

Recuperate well.

My condolences.

Lang, we should get going.

We take our leave.

We take our leave.

Zhong Da, you mustn't be too upset.

Lang, that isn't Yi He.

What did you say?

Yi He and I grew up together.

It isn't as if I've never seen his body.

They replaced him with some peasant.

How crude.

Are you sure of it?

Why would Uncle Yang lie to us?

I don't know either.

If Yi He could only get away by faking his own death

he must have been in serious trouble.

I have to go to his aid.

All right.

Lang, give me all of the money you have on you.

Where will you go looking for him?

The capital. Xu Chang.

We've arrived.

[Prince of Hongnong Shrine]

Get out of the carriage.

What is this place?

Due to my identity, I can only see you off to this place.

Head inside.

Someone in there will escort you to the palace.

You've come all the way here. What do you still have to fear?

But... who could be in there?

I should say that... it's the only kin you have left.

Go on.

Xiu.

Do you think he can handle it?

Even if this pawn is too weak to call "checkmate"

we're the ones playing the pawn.

Get going.

The comet assails the Emperor Star?

December, fifth year of the Jian An Reign...

Earthshaking changes shall occur.

An evanescence of events.

All shall soon be in sight.

[Prince of Hongnong's memorial tablet]

Prince of Hongnong, Liu Bian?

He's the older brother of the emperor.

[Tang Ying] Yang Ping?

Young lady, may I ask...

Princess Consort of Hongnong, Tang Ying.

Princess Consort?

Why would you live here?

Because my husband lives here.

Greetings, Princess Consort.

Grand Commandant Yang must have told you on the way here.

Grand Commandant Yang did tell me a great many matters.

Come with me, then.

Grand Commandant Yang made it sound all too bizarre.

I find it too hard to believe.

Can you tell me the truth?

If you won't believe in what Grand Commandant Yang told you

you might not believe in what I have to say to you either.

It's best to see it for yourself.

Get changed.

Go and meet your older brother.

Whose carriage is this?

Get out to be verified.

Can't you even recognize Princess Consort of Hongnong's carriage?

The Minister of Works gave orders that from today onward

all officials entering the palace must be carefully inspected.

What is it?

Are you worried that I'm a fake princess consort?

I wouldn't dare think so!

Please forgive me for having offended you, Your Highness.

Let them through!

Hold on!

Sir.

Why didn't you inspect the carriage?

It's the princess consort...

[Man Chong, courtesy name Bo Ning]

Your Highness.

An official has been attacked by bandits outside of the capital.

There are orders from the Imperial Secretariat

that from tonight onward, martial law is enforced.

Security measures of the palace are particularly enhanced.

Your Highness, please excuse us.

Lord Man has a point.

All right.

Assist me in getting out of the carriage.

I wonder what urgent matter brings Your Highness to the palace

so late at night?

His Majesty hasn't been feeling too well lately.

Acting upon the orders of the empress

I'm here to deliver medication to His Majesty.

- Oh... - Lord Man.

Nothing is amiss.

I'm currently on duty.

Your Highness, please excuse me for not greeting you formally.

Please.

Who would dare hinder the duties of the Ministry of Works?

Lord Man, you've worked hard.

Let them through!

Head toward His Majesty's private quarters.

Yes.

[Zhang Yu]

Your veteran servant, Zhang Yu, greets Princess Consort.

What is Chief Eunuch Zhang doing here?

Is His Majesty feeling well?

Has he slept well?

The empress just gave His Majesty some medication.

He's doing quite well.

Just now the comet assailed the Emperor Star.

It's fortunate that His Majesty didn't see it.

Otherwise, His Majesty would worry about it

and not sleep well again.

Acting upon the empress's orders, I've picked some mint from the shrine

to help His Majesty sleep better.

Your Highness, this way, please.

Empress.

Princess Consort Tang seeks audience.

Come in.

This way, please, Your Highness.

How dare you?

What eunuch are you?

How could you have no manners at all?

Let Princess Consort Tang's young eunuch bring the medication in.

Empress!

We mustn't break the ancestral code.

Any eunuch who doesn't serve in the private quarters must not enter--

Zhang Yu.

You need not take the night shift today.

All of you are to leave now.

Yes.

Shouldn't you come in quickly?

Leave now.

I've brought him here.

Lift your head up.

[Fu Shou]

Greetings, Your Highness.

I'd like to meet His Majesty.

His Majesty has long been waiting for you.

Come inside.

You're identical.

Aren't you?

Could it be that...

His Majesty...

Could this be real?

His Majesty really is my twin brother?

The imperial blood runs through your veins.

What is there to doubt?

Greetings, my brother.

You've come too late.

Early this morning, His Majesty passed away.

The comet assailed the Emperor Star.

That was His Majesty's celestial phenomenon.

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