Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 15 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Yang Xiu sought an audience with Liu Ping, warning him that Leng Shouguang, Guo Jia's junior brother, was a dangerous presence. Liu Ping, however, remained unmoved. Yang Xiu then suggested a decisive move to eliminate Guo Jia, intending to prevent him from interfering in Xudu affairs. Liu Ping vehemently disagreed, explaining that assassinating Guo Jia would not only likely fail but would also incur Cao Cao's wrath, making reconciliation impossible.
He saw Guo Jia as a valuable asset to the Han Dynasty, believing Guo Jia's motivations were not driven by personal gain. Yang Xiu countered, arguing that Guo Jia was too cunning to be deceived and too dangerous to be kept alive. Liu Ping remained steadfast, refusing to allow any harm to come to Guo Jia or even Deng Zhan, whom Guo Jia had sent to Wen County.
He feared that harming Deng Zhan would implicate the Sima family and expose Liu Ping's true identity. Frustrated, Yang Xiu expressed his belief that Liu Ping was resigned to his fate, but Liu Ping then assigned Yang Xiu a perilous task. Meanwhile, in Wen County, Sima Lang received a message via pigeon from Sima Yi. Soon after, Deng Zhan arrived at the Sima residence, requesting a portrait of Yang Ping to aid in the investigation of his death.
Following Sima Yi's instructions, Sima Lang provided a fabricated portrait. As Deng Zhan departed, he alluded to Sima Yi’s recent merit in saving the Emperor. A subordinate then reported that Deng Zhan had also obtained a portrait of Yang Ping from Mr. Li, a local familiar with the Sima family, causing Sima Lang to exclaim that this was a serious problem.
Back in Xudu, Guo Jia suggested to Liu Ping that the palace be renovated so the Emperor and Empress could return, noting that their current accommodations were unsuitable for royalty. Liu Ping agreed but requested a modest renovation, citing tight war-time finances. Guo Jia then subtly questioned Liu Ping about the palace fire, asking if only a junior eunuch had truly died and mentioning that the commandant's office had found some unusual remains during the cleanup.
Liu Ping remained composed, deflecting the probe by asking Guo Jia to teach him about politics and current affairs, a request Guo Jia accepted. After Guo Jia left, Fu Shou assured Liu Ping that her arrangements for the fire were flawless and believed Guo Jia was merely using reverse psychology to provoke them. Liu Ping, however, was puzzled as to why Guo Jia would employ such an easily discernible tactic.
Later, Guo Jia instructed Man Chong to continue spreading rumors about the palace remains, confident that it would lure someone into action. He also ordered Man Chong to prepare for Deng Zhan's return, suspecting that someone would attempt to prevent him from arriving safely. As Deng Zhan returned, Sima Lang intercepted him. During their confrontation, Deng Zhan was wounded by an arrow. Before being cornered, he managed to bury a bamboo tube containing a portrait in the ground.
Sima Lang pursued Deng Zhan, wondering why Deng Zhan was so concerned with the portrait of Yang Ping. Sima Yi then joined Sima Lang, and they searched for the bamboo tube. After finding it, Sima Lang realized Deng Zhan had already collected several portraits from other people, indicating that his deception had failed as Deng Zhan likely already knew Yang Ping's true appearance. Unexpectedly, Yuan Shao's forces appeared and rescued the wounded Deng Zhan, taking him away.
Meanwhile, Zhao Yan, prompted by the rumors of strange remains, trespassed into the palace ruins at night and was apprehended by Man Chong. During interrogation, Zhao Yan initially claimed he was merely out for a walk to check on renovation progress. Guo Jia arrived and, without resorting to torture, discerned that Zhao Yan's true motive was related to Imperial Consort Dong.
Guo Jia ordered Man Chong to release Zhao Yan, explaining that it was more problematic to offend a gentleman than a scoundrel. He further clarified to Man Chong that releasing Zhao Yan was a strategic move, as Zhao Yan would continue his investigation and, in doing so, lead them to further clues without Guo Jia having to expend his own effort.
Back in the palace, Fu Shou, unable to sleep, prayed for Liu Ping's safety against Guo Jia's machinations, especially with Deng Zhan's return imminent. Liu Ping attempted to comfort her, suggesting that if their identities were exposed, they could resist or simply leave. He asked if she would accompany him, a question that surprised Fu Shou, whose life's purpose revolved around fulfilling the late Emperor's will.
Separately, Sima Yi revealed to Sima Lang that Yang Ping was indeed Liu Ping and the reigning Emperor, causing Sima Lang great alarm. Sima Lang, his father Sima Fang, and Sima Yi discussed the revelation. Sima Lang expressed fear that if Guo Jia and Cao Cao uncovered the truth, their entire clan could face execution.
He proposed confessing everything to Guo Jia, believing that Cao Cao still needed a puppet emperor and would spare Liu Ping, thereby also protecting the Sima family. Sima Yi vehemently disagreed, stating that Cao Cao would show no mercy and that the Sima family had been inextricably drawn into this plot the moment Yang Ping was sent to them.
Sima Fang intervened, stopping the brothers' argument and declaring that he needed time to consider the grave implications, emphasizing the utmost importance of maintaining secrecy. Elsewhere, Zhao Yan sought out an elderly woman to examine a piece of silk fabric he had found. The woman identified the unique weaving style as characteristic of Wen County.
Connecting this discovery with Yang Ping's death and the palace fire, Zhao Yan deduced that Yang Jun's son must have been in the palace on the day of the fire. Later, Ren Hongchang playfully roused Guo Jia from bed for his lecture to the Emperor. Their affectionate moment was interrupted by Man Chong, who awkwardly entered and reported that Yuan Shao's troops had unexpectedly appeared in the capital's northwest, presumably in pursuit of Deng Zhan.
Outside the imperial chamber, Guo Jia encountered Xun Yu, who advised him to instruct Liu Ping on the principles of kingship. Upon entering, Guo Jia swept all the bamboo slips from Liu Ping's desk, declaring them irrelevant. Liu Ping then subtly inquired about Guo Jia's assessment of the Battle of Guandu. Guo Jia confidently asserted that Cao Cao possessed ten advantages, while Yuan Shao suffered ten disadvantages.
He proceeded to laud Cao Cao's leadership, contrasting his strengths with Yuan Shao's flaws. Liu Ping challenged Guo Jia’s points, and their debate grew intense. Man Chong interrupted again, reporting on Yuan Shao's incursion into Xudu and remarking on Deng Zhan's unfortunate capture. Man Chong then presented the retrieved portraits of Yang Ping to both Liu Ping and Guo Jia, explaining they were buried by Deng Zhan.
After Guo Jia and Man Chong departed, a terrified Fu Shou urged Liu Ping to escape immediately. Liu Ping steadfastly refused, asserting his role as Emperor. Fu Shou wept, telling him that once Guo Jia saw the portraits, she would be powerless to save him. Liu Ping calmly reassured her, asking for her trust in him and Sima Yi once more, and gently wiped her tears, affirming that they still had hope and would overcome this challenge together.
