Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 12 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Man Chong and others confronted Yang Xiu in front of Liu Ping, presenting a small pebble found at the scene of Cao Pi’s assassination attempt. Man Chong mentioned a master fighter working for Yang Xiu who was skilled in throwing pebbles. Yang Xiu readily admitted it was Xu Fu, a warrior his father had rescued, who was secretly protecting Liu Ping at the ceremony due to concerns for the Emperor's safety.
He claimed Xu Fu saving Cao Pi was an unexpected coincidence. Yang Xiu also confirmed that Xu Fu was the one he had sent to kill five Xudu Guards to gain Dong Cheng's trust during the rebellion, as he was then operating as a spy. Fu Shou, having investigated Leng Shouguang's background, was surprised by his hidden depths despite serving her for two years. She confronted him, demanding to know his true identity and purpose.
Leng Shouguang, under threat from Fu Shou, revealed that his mentor was the renowned physician Hua Tuo, who taught him medical skills, including the Five Animal Play. He explained that five years prior, due to a senior disciple's transgression, Hua Tuo castrated his disciples, including Leng Shouguang, and expelled them. Leng Shouguang later served Eunuch Wang Bi and eventually gained Commander Yang's trust, leading to his entry into the palace to attend to Fu Shou.
When Fu Shou questioned why he chose to be a palace eunuch despite his worldly experience and skill, and whether he could be bribed, Leng Shouguang asserted that having seen the cycles of life and death, he sought no wealth or fame and would never betray her. Fu Shou, still skeptical, pressed him on his true intentions, doubting he merely sought sustenance.
As Man Chong and Xun Yu exited the main hall, Lady Bian, Cao Cao's wife, arrived to thank Liu Ping for saving her son, Cao Pi. However, she then proceeded to impeach Man Chong. Lady Bian was furious that Cao Pi nearly died while Man Chong was merely investigating a pebble. She questioned how the supposedly impenetrable Xudu Guards failed to stop Wang Yue and how the assassin so quickly located Cao Pi.
She even suggested Man Chong conspired with Zhang Xiu to allow the assassin to kill Cao Pi, recalling a previous incident where Cao Pi had criticized Man Chong for aligning with Zhang Xiu. Man Chong denied any malicious intent, admitting only negligence in duty. Cao Ren and Xun Yu spoke up, defending Man Chong against such severe accusations, believing he was only negligent, not treacherous. Despite their pleas, Lady Bian insisted on punishment.
Liu Ping ultimately suspended Man Chong from his duties as Magistrate of Xudu, stating he would inform Grand Minister Cao before proceeding with further punishment. Man Chong, accepting the decision, thanked Liu Ping and Lady Bian. After leaving, Man Chong told Xun Yu that Lady Bian's anger was temporary.
He believed the Cao family wanted him out to prevent him from further investigating the assassination attempt and confidently stated that Guo Jia would soon return, suggesting this would change the situation. Leng Shouguang recalled an incident five years prior when Fu Shou, then a princess, saved him from despair during a famine by giving him two biscuits after he was punished and castrated by his teacher.
Fu Shou, however, claimed to not remember, stating that her years of exile had blurred many past memories. Leng Shouguang insisted he remembered and likened Fu Shou's kindness then to Liu Ping's present benevolence. He further suggested that Liu Ping's spontaneous act of saving Cao Pi, even revealing his martial arts and medical skills, was a true reflection of his innate kindness, as he wouldn't have had time to calculate the pros and cons.
Leng Shouguang also subtly conveyed that Liu Ping cared deeply for Fu Shou. Fu Shou remarked on Liu Ping's recklessness and how Man Chong would likely not be easily convinced by their cover story. Fu Shou met with Yang Xiu and his father, Fu Wan.
Fu Shou discussed Liu Ping's recent actions, asserting that their cover story – that Liu Ping was learning martial arts and medical skills from Leng Shouguang for his health – would explain away the exposure of his abilities. Yang Xiu was skeptical, noting that Man Chong wouldn't be easily fooled and that Liu Ping had shown too many inconsistencies. He also brought up Liu Ping's prior attempt to flee.
Yang Xiu then suggested that Fu Shou seemed to approve of Liu Ping too much and questioned if she had fallen for the "beauty trap" meant for Liu Ping, implying she should be more intimate with him to control him. Fu Shou angrily rebuked him for his insolence and vulgarity, stating that as Empress, she had her own methods to guide Liu Ping, who was a man of honor.
She warned Yang Xiu to remember his place as a subject and not overstep his bounds, calling him the biggest "loophole." Yang Xiu retorted that if their secret of Liu Ping being an impostor and the Empress sharing a bed with him leaked, Fu Shou would be in the most danger. He then left, muttering to himself that Fu Shou and Liu Ping were developing feelings for each other.
An assistant assigned by Guo Jia reported to Man Chong that Sun Yi was not killed by Wang Yue. A detailed examination of the wound revealed two stabs, with the fatal one being inflicted by someone not highly skilled in martial arts. Since only Sima Yi and Tang Ying were present, and Tang Ying's skill level would rule her out, they deduced Sima Yi was the killer.
Man Chong mused about the Sima family's complex role, noting Sima Yi's connections to Cao Cao through his father, his promotion by Xun Yu, and his ties to the Yang family (having fostered Yang Ping). He found it suspicious that Wang Yue's appearance conveniently eliminated Sun Yi, who threatened Tang Ying, and also harmed Cao Pi, causing trouble for him. Man Chong suspected an unseen mastermind behind these intricate events. Yang Biao questioned Yang Xiu about sending Xu Fu.
Yang Xiu confirmed he did, explaining he learned from Hebei that Wang Yue was heading south and anticipated an assassination attempt, making it an opportune moment. Yang Biao worried about such a risky plan and the return of Guo Jia. Yang Xiu, however, was confident, arguing that the chaos caused by Dong Cheng's rebellion and Cao Pi's injury had distracted the Ministry of Works, making it the safest time for the Han Dynasty. He believed his strategy was brilliant.
Despite Yang Biao's concern about Guo Jia, stating that figures like Xun Yu and Jia Xu considered Guo Jia infallible, Yang Xiu dismissed it. He asserted that with Yuan Shao's army possibly crossing the Yellow River and many defecting from Cao Cao, Guo Jia would not stay in Xudu long and would be limited in his influence.
Fu Shou confronted Liu Ping, upset that he exposed his martial arts skills to save Cao Pi and her, questioning his innate kindness and warning that such benevolence made him unsuitable for their cause. Liu Ping explained that saving them was an instinctive reaction, and after much reflection, he realized his true purpose in returning was to save everyone—Fu Shou, the people, and by extension, the Han Dynasty.
He clarified that while his "Royal Brother," the previous Emperor, was a "fighter emperor," he intended to be a "scholarly emperor," saving the Han Dynasty through his own benevolent methods without sacrificing innocent lives, even if it meant being seen as selfish. Fu Shou warned him that benevolence comes at a high price and can be a form of selfishness.
She then pointed out the impropriety of him sleeping on the floor, as Leng Shouguang already knew, suggesting it would raise suspicions with Cao Cao's people. Liu Ping agreed to sleep on the bed. Fu Shou also told him that once the situation stabilized, she would help him choose a consort, explicitly stating it could not be Cao Cao's daughter, as the Han Dynasty needed an heir.
Liu Ping dismissed any interest in Cao Jie, and as Fu Shou turned her back, he almost confessed his true feelings, "Frankly, the woman whom I like is. . ." but stopped short of saying her name. Man Chong visited Jia Xu, who jokingly asked if Man Chong was "fattening him up" for Guo Jia to "butcher" him.
Man Chong praised Jia Xu's intelligence, noting his ability to survive and thrive under various ruthless warlords like Dong Zhuo and Zhang Xiu. He acknowledged Jia Xu as someone even Guo Jia admired. Man Chong then asked Jia Xu about Liu Ping, recalling Jia Xu's first encounter with the then twelve-year-old prince who commanded Dong Zhuo with remarkable calm.
Jia Xu observed that Liu Ping had changed drastically since the Battle of Guandu, suggesting the Emperor's recent actions, including the "squandering" of Dong Cheng's forces, might be linked to Yuan Shao. Man Chong suspected Liu Ping was secretly colluding with Yuan Shao and asked Jia Xu to test Liu Ping, believing the Emperor's true intentions would be revealed in a direct confrontation with Jia Xu.
Jia Xu, intrigued by the "wind and waves" of Xudu's current political climate, seemed to accept the challenge. Jia Xu then met with Liu Ping, who showed unconcealed disdain, not even permitting him to rise immediately. Jia Xu complained about his old bones and the hard floor. Before Jia Xu could fully state his purpose, an attendant announced Guo Jia's return to Xudu.
Liu Ping, feigning ignorance of Jia Xu's reason for visiting, promptly dismissed him, stating he needed to speak with Guo Jia about the war situation at Guandu. Jia Xu, having been preempted, took his leave. Man Chong went to the city gates to respectfully welcome Guo Jia, who arrived in a carriage accompanied by a beautiful woman named Ren Hongchang. Guo Jia invited Man Chong to ride along in the carriage.
On the way, Man Chong reported on recent events in Xudu, including his suspension by Lady Bian, which Guo Jia casually dismissed as an easy matter he would handle. Man Chong voiced his suspicion of Yang Xiu, describing him as smart and crafty. Guo Jia agreed that Yang Xiu could be temporarily useful but also speculated whether the entire rebellion was an elaborate setup by the Emperor and Yang Xiu to insert a spy into their ranks.
He dismissed Man Chong's intention to thoroughly investigate Yang Xiu, stating he already had a "good place" prepared for him. During their conversation, Ren Hongchang interjected, expressing concern about Guo Jia's health and drinking, to which Guo Jia responded with playful flirtation, telling her he picked her up hoping to die in her embrace, making Man Chong visibly uncomfortable. Liu Ping discussed Guo Jia's return with Fu Shou.
Fu Shou, having seen Guo Jia before, described him as a formidable and terrifying opponent, highlighting the countless enemies who had fallen by his strategies. Liu Ping acknowledged Guo Jia's reputation, noting his divine intelligence and role in helping Cao Cao defeat Lu Bu. However, he found it peculiar that Cao Cao, facing a critical battle with Yuan Shao, would send his most trusted strategist back to Xudu.
Liu Ping surmised Guo Jia's return was due to Dong Cheng's rebellion and believed he wouldn't stay long, suggesting they remain cautious and wait for him to depart. Fu Shou then revealed what she believed was Liu Ping's most fatal weakness: Sima Yi.
Man Chong reported to Guo Jia about Sima Yi's sudden appearance in Xudu, noting that Sima Yi, the second son of the Sima family from Wenxian, was suspicious, especially given his family's connection to Yang Jun's deceased son. Man Chong recounted testing Sima Yi about the identification of Yang Ping's corpse, finding it unusual that Sima Yi was so eager to confirm his brother's death. Guo Jia found Sima Yi's involvement "very interesting."
Guo Jia, accompanied by Ren Hongchang, arrived at the Grand Minister's Residence. Man Chong, still suspended, waited outside. Guo Jia told Man Chong to wait, promising to reinstate him that very day. Ren Hongchang then provocatively remarked on the plainness of Cao Cao's residence, questioning if the Grand Minister was already living like an emperor. Guo Jia playfully told her to stop provoking him, as Cao Cao lacked a sense of humor, before they entered.
Upon hearing of Guo Jia's return, the still-recovering Cao Pi immediately sent for him, eager to discuss important matters. His sister, Cao Jie, expressed her disapproval of Guo Jia, noting his reputation for frivolity and constantly bringing different women to their home, fearing he would negatively influence their father. She preferred an upright gentleman like Xun Yu.
Cao Pi explained that Guo Jia's unconventional methods, like winning by surprise tactics, were precisely what was needed for the current chaotic situation in Xudu, distinguishing his approach from Xun Yu's. He believed Guo Jia was the only one who could solve the complex problems plaguing Xudu. Meanwhile, in his bedchamber, Liu Ping waited for Guo Jia. Leng Shouguang informed him that upon entering the Grand Minister's manor, Guo Jia had first gone to visit Lady Bian.
