Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 16 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Yang Xiu questioned Guo Jia about his trust in Zhang Xiu's loyalty, especially when allowing his troops to fight Yuan Shao. Guo Jia confidently stated that Zhang Xiu would not switch sides, noting that "the Lord Cao of today is no longer the Lord Cao of the past." As Guo Jia examined some portraits in front of Yang Xiu, Yang Xiu anxiously inquired if there was any progress in the investigation into Yang Ping's death.
Guo Jia responded vaguely, promising accountability, then presented Yang Xiu with an official document for a post in Zhang Xiu's garrison. Guo Jia then hinted at Deng Zhan's kidnapping, suggesting he knew Deng Zhan was still alive. After Yang Xiu departed, Man Chong asked Guo Jia about the portraits. Guo Jia revealed that "None of these matched," though three bore some resemblance to Sima Yi's drawing.
He speculated that Yang Ping was not nearby, wondering if his initial presumptions were wrong, or if the portraits were fake despite his personal markings on the paper making counterfeiting impossible. He concluded the situation was becoming "more interesting" as he wondered where Yang Ping was hiding. Man Chong then reported that Zhao Yan was heading to Wenxian. Guo Jia confirmed that Zhao Yan had also noticed issues with the Sima family.
He instructed Man Chong to monitor Zhao Yan, hoping he would either uncover crucial information or, if he died in the Sima family's territory, provide a pretext to arrest Sima Yi's entire family. Man Chong expressed concern about moving against the Sima family, as Sima Fang was Cao Cao's benefactor. Guo Jia, however, was resolute, stating that Cao Cao prioritized important matters, especially with Yuan Shao's formidable forces and widespread connections among Xudu officials.
Yang Xiu confessed to Fu Shou and Liu Ping that he had secretly informed Yuan Shao's forces, leading them to kidnap Deng Zhan. They were perplexed why Guo Jia had not yet acted after viewing the portraits. Tang Ying speculated that Sima Yi might be involved. Liu Ping, realizing the possibility, affirmed his faith in Sima Yi's abilities, declaring that while Cao Cao had Guo Jia, he had Zhongda.
To resolve their unease, they decided Tang Ying would travel to Wenxian to investigate Sima Yi's actions. Tang Ying volunteered, confident in her ability to handle any complications, and Liu Ping accepted her offer. Meanwhile, Sima Yi, still recovering from injuries, presented himself to his father, Sima Fang, to apologize for his recent actions. Sima Fang questioned Sima Yi's involvement in Liu Ping's situation.
Sima Yi explained that Liu Ping's decision to impersonate the Emperor was his own, and Sima Yi's support was a strategic choice for himself and the Sima family, as he aspired to make a name for himself after years of study, rather than remaining obscure. Sima Fang, acknowledging his son's intelligence and determination, then inquired about Sima Yi's plan to evade Guo Jia's investigations, cautioning about the dire consequences if their deception was exposed.
Sima Yi confidently stated they would adapt to circumstances and use Liu Ping's status to their advantage. Seeing his son's resolve, Sima Fang ceased his objections and presented Sima Yi with a map of Yecheng, entrusting him with the forces he had cultivated over many years, hoping it would be the Han Empire's last chance. Sima Lang brought medicine to his injured brother, Sima Yi, and discussed Liu Ping's situation.
Sima Yi reiterated his resolve to support Liu Ping and pursue his own ambitions, to which Sima Lang responded with his own commitment to help. The brothers then strategized against Guo Jia, deciding against evacuating witnesses in Wenxian to avoid alerting Guo Jia. Instead, Sima Yi planned to wait for Guo Jia's next move while secretly deploying their family's troops to inspect all new arrivals in Wen County.
Sima Yi expressed excitement about facing Guo Jia, whom he acknowledged never made mistakes. Meanwhile, Tang Ying, armed with her sword, departed for Wenxian. Liu Ping visited the recovering Cao Pi, whose mother, Lady Bian, expressed profound gratitude for his intervention. Noticing Liu Ping's somber mood, Cao Jie offered to take him to a special spot. Concurrently, Zhao Yan arrived in Wenxian. He discovered from a local woman that a unique fabric was specially woven for the Sima family.
He then approached a shopkeeper, inquiring about Yang Ping, who was raised by the Sima family. The shopkeeper, after confirming Yang Ping's death, drew a portrait for Zhao Yan. Upon seeing it, Zhao Yan was shocked, exclaiming that Yang Ping resembled the Emperor. Immediately, Sima Lang appeared, having been notified by the shopkeeper, and took the unconscious Zhao Yan away, reassuring the shopkeeper the Sima family would manage the situation.
Cao Jie led Liu Ping to a grassy area where she shared candies she had secretly bought and hidden, explaining her parents were very thrifty and forbade wasteful spending. She recounted how her father, Cao Cao, lived modestly, eating only a few dishes at home and restricting the use of silk, believing he should share hardships with his subordinates during wartime. Liu Ping was struck by this unexpected side of Cao Cao, which softened his perception of the minister.
He then shared fond memories of his own father, the late Emperor, who, despite his busy schedule, would always bring him his favorite foods, showing great affection. Liu Ping also admitted to being a "glutton" in his youth. He then asked Cao Jie to secretly bring him something specific on her next outing, which they agreed to keep confidential. Their joyful interaction was observed by Fu Shou.
Later, Fu Shou confronted Liu Ping, initially feigning concern over his interactions with Lady Bian and the risk of exposure to the Cao family. However, her true irritation stemmed from seeing Liu Ping's relaxed and happy smile with Cao Jie, a rare sight she mostly observed only when he was with Sima Yi. Reflecting on her own seriousness, she wondered if she should suggest he take a concubine.
Liu Ping clarified that he only regarded Cao Jie as a "little sister" and his easygoing manner was a deliberate part of their strategy to appear nonchalant to Guo Jia. He firmly rejected the idea of taking concubines simply to produce offspring, stating that he desired a wife who was "like-minded" and would "go forward in life, hand-in-hand" with him through all hardships. Yang Biao and Yang Jun arrived to meet Liu Ping.
Yang Jun, who had been recruited by the Ministry of Works, explained that due to his disability, he could no longer serve in the capital and wished to return home, but felt compelled to see Liu Ping before departing. Liu Ping expressed regret over Yang Jun's inability to hold office.
Greeting Yang Jun as "Father," Liu Ping was immediately told by Yang Biao that it was too dangerous for Yang Jun to remain in Xudu, as Guo Jia was actively dismantling Liu Ping's support network. Yang Biao urged Yang Jun to return home quickly before their true relationship was exposed. Yang Jun agreed, noting the impending "rainstorm" over the capital. Liu Ping, reluctant to part, worried about Yang Jun's journey alone.
Yang Jun assured him that Lord Sima in Henei would protect him, making it difficult for Guo Jia to target him. Fu Shou then questioned Yang Jun about Sima Fang's character, expressing concern that the Sima family might betray them due to Sima Fang's past recommendation of Cao Cao. Liu Ping reassured her that Sima Yi's loyalty to him, and Sima Fang's loyalty to his son, meant they would not turn against him.
Yang Jun then reminded Liu Ping that with loyal and talented allies like Yang Biao, Yang Xiu, and Sima Yi, Liu Ping had achieved his mission and must now take care of himself. Liu Ping, with a heavy heart, personally escorted Yang Jun out.
Yang Biao then confided in Fu Shou that Yang Jun's true mission upon returning was to identify officials in the imperial court who secretly aligned with Yuan Shao and were discontent with Cao Cao, providing valuable contacts for the Imperial family. Observing Liu Ping's dignified farewell, Yang Biao and Fu Shou acknowledged Liu Ping's growing diplomatic skill and his capacity to bear the heavy burden of the Han Dynasty.
After Yang Jun's departure, Liu Ping murmured that he now had no family left. Fu Shou comforted him, revealing that she, too, had sacrificed familial ties, instructed by her father to dedicate all her emotions to the Emperor and the Han Dynasty, viewing the nation as her family. Liu Ping countered that emotions provide strength and comfort, confessing that his return wasn't solely driven by duty, but also because he "was worried about you."
Meanwhile, a subordinate informed Sima Yi of a "suspicious person," a "woman in white," lingering outside their manor. Recognizing it was Tang Ying, Sima Yi eagerly tried to tidy himself before she entered. Tang Ying directly questioned Sima Yi on how he managed the portraits.
Sima Yi explained that under pressure, he destroyed the two portraits most resembling Liu Ping and used a unique "paper splitting" technique, which he was the only one in Wen County capable of, to divide his brother's drawing into three slices. He then blended these with the remaining portraits and blurred them with dew. He explained that this method also split any secret marks Guo Jia might have left, effectively fooling him. Tang Ying expressed her astonishment. As she prepared to leave, satisfied with his explanation, Sima Yi stopped her, eager to share another significant accomplishment: establishing the "Xiyuan Guards."
