Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 23 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Sima Yi and Shen Rong were strolling through the streets when Cui Yan, the Cavalry Commandant of Yecheng, approached them. Cui Yan, known for his upright character, subtly accused Sima Yi of showing prejudice against scholars from outside the Ji Division in his discussions with Shen Rong, implying Sima Yi was forming private factions. Unperturbed, Sima Yi shifted the conversation to the intense rivalries among Yuan Shao's strategists, asking Cui Yan where his loyalties lay.
Cui Yan proudly asserted his integrity, stating he would never engage in factionalism for personal gain. Sima Yi then challenged Cui Yan's purported righteousness, pointing out that if he was truly pure, he should serve the Han Emperor in Xudu rather than holding a position under Yuan Shao, leaving Cui Yan speechless. Shen Rong, delighted, praised Sima Yi for silencing Cui Yan and vowed to ask his father to secure an official post for Sima Yi.
Liu Ping, Fu Shou, and Cao Pi sought refuge in a desolate farmstead, a stark reminder of the prolonged conflict between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. While Liu Ping was concerned about pursuit, Fu Shou’s exhaustion necessitated a stop. Cao Pi offered to clean for Empress Fu Shou, but she pointedly refused his help, choosing to tidy up with Liu Ping instead. Fu Shou remained visibly displeased with Cao Pi, asking directly why Chunyu Qiong had captured him.
Cao Pi confessed that he was trying to uncover Deng Zhan’s mission in Wenxian, as Deng Zhan had connections with Guo Jia. He also admitted wanting to investigate Liu Ping's loyalties for his father, Cao Cao, and knelt to apologize for his actions. Fu Shou accepted his apology, acknowledging his honesty, and Liu Ping, amused by Cao Pi's mature demeanor, sent him off to find food as a form of light punishment.
While Cao Pi was away, Fu Shou voiced concerns to Liu Ping about Cao Pi's true intentions, but Liu Ping believed Cao Pi was a companion and wanted to keep court matters separate from personal relations. He also expressed curiosity about Cao Cao through his children, seeing it as a potential opportunity. Upon Cao Pi’s return with provisions, he observed Liu Ping and Fu Shou sharing a moment of quiet affection, which left him feeling somewhat isolated.
When asked about their next destination, Cao Pi proposed going to Yecheng to observe Yuan Shao's territory. Although Fu Shou initially hesitated, fearing it was a trap set by Cao Pi, Liu Ping persuaded her, noting that one must venture into danger to gain anything significant. Fu Shou agreed to accompany him, reiterating her commitment to follow his decisions. Later, Cao Pi awoke from a disturbing dream where Fu Shou tried to stab him with a dagger.
He heard sounds outside and roused Liu Ping and Fu Shou. They hid, anticipating pursuers, but it was just a young boy who entered, revealing that it was his home, now abandoned by his family due to the ongoing war. The boy had returned to retrieve his sword, explaining his intention to join the army and earn military merits.
He elaborated that heavy taxes and confiscated fields made farming unsustainable, making military service a more viable path, as it offered tax exemption for his family and the potential for status. Admiring his ambition, Cao Pi gave the boy his own dagger and instructed him to go to Guandu to join Grand Minister Cao’s army, promising he would be looked after. Cao Pi confidently declared Cao Cao "the victor of this war."
As they continued their journey, they encountered an old man searching for his son. Cao Pi informed him that his son had gone to join Grand Minister Cao's army. Far from being pleased, the old man was overcome with grief, fearing that his last son would meet the same fate as his two elder sons, who had been conscripted and never returned from the battlefield. He ran off desperately in the direction his son had taken.
Witnessing the old man's despair, Liu Ping reflected on the state of his empire and his profound desire to bring about change. Meanwhile, Shen Rong excitedly informed Sima Yi that his father had appointed Sima Yi as a Yecheng Guards Congshi, tasking him with investigating and arresting suspicious individuals within Yecheng. He promised Sima Yi quick promotion for good performance. This news perfectly aligned with Sima Yi’s plans.
He then intentionally plied Shen Rong with a potent wine, ensuring he became thoroughly drunk and passed out. While Shen Rong babbled innocently in his stupor, Sima Yi, despite a fleeting look of pity, discreetly took the Yecheng token from him, prioritizing Tang Ying's rescue. With the Yecheng token, Sima Yi easily gained entry into the Yecheng prison, bribing the guards for food and wine.
He found Tang Ying, playfully teasing her about her predicament and his ability to rescue her. He offered her ginger soup and pastries. He then attempted to unlock her shackles, only to discover they were specialized and could not be opened with standard keys. Undeterred, Sima Yi reassured Tang Ying that he could now visit her freely.
Tang Ying, though touched by his efforts, expressed despair, reminding him of her past as Princess Consort Hongnong, a rebel against Cao Cao, and a Xiyuan Guard who had betrayed her master. She felt she had no place in either Cao Cao's or Yuan Shao's domains and was seen as a spy by the imperial court, questioning where she could go if freed.
Sima Yi, heartbroken by her resignation, embraced her tightly, declaring that she would come to Wen County to be his wife and promising to stay by her side and protect her for a lifetime. He then reluctantly departed, mindful that Shen Rong might soon awaken, but assured Tang Ying he would return to visit her.
In a carriage, Jia Xu relentlessly teased Guo Jia, likening him to a "homeless dog" for having lost track of key figures including Dong Cheng, Cao Pi, and the Emperor. Guo Jia retorted that Jia Xu was only accompanying him because of his interest in the Emperor. He then confessed that he had intentionally allowed the Emperor to leave Xudu, believing that after experiencing the harsh realities of the outside world, the Emperor would appreciate the stability of home.
Jia Xu acknowledged Guo Jia’s vast intelligence network, implying that the Emperor was always under his watchful eye. Jia Xu then expressed his deep admiration for the Emperor's remarkable resilience and leadership during past crises, such as the chaos caused by Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, and Guo Si. He eagerly anticipated what kind of world the Emperor would create.
As Jia Xu drifted to sleep, Guo Jia quietly echoed his sentiment, stating his own desire to witness the "earth-shattering deeds" that the Emperor, whom Jia Xu praised so highly, would accomplish. Upon reaching Yecheng, Liu Ping, Fu Shou, and Cao Pi were shocked by the widespread destitution and starving populace, a stark contrast to the city's reputation for prosperity under Yuan Shao.
A local explained that Yuan Shao had segregated Yecheng into a prosperous "new city" for the elite and a chaotic "old city" for the poor, where houses were distributed haphazardly, leading to misgovernance. Liu Ping, recalling Guo Jia's earlier criticism of Yuan Shao's superficial benevolence, was deeply disturbed. They then encountered a group of scholars confidently discussing the Battle of Guandu, predicting the imminent collapse of the Han Dynasty and the rise of Yuan Shao.
Liu Ping, unable to stand idly by, boldly interrupted, accusing them of having a "limited outlook." He recounted the Emperor's resilience and wisdom from the year of Zhongping onwards, highlighting how the 13-year-old Emperor had mitigated a great famine in Xingping, stabilized prices, and bravely led the court out of Chang'an amidst turmoil, thus preventing the Han Dynasty's complete collapse.
He passionately argued that despite its current fragility, the Han Dynasty still held the potential for revival, with scholars in Xudu capable of restoring its glory. His powerful words deeply impressed the scholars. Nearby, Sima Yi and Fu Shou observed Liu Ping's eloquent speech with proud smiles. Liu Ping's compelling argument not only captivated the scholars but also drew the attention of Cui Yan.
Seizing the moment, Fu Shou discreetly approached Lu Yu, her father's student, revealing her true identity as the Empress and instructing him to secretly protect Liu Ping, who was actually the Emperor. Meanwhile, Shen Rong, feeling upstaged by Liu Ping's popularity, marched over with his men to confront him, deriding Liu Ping as a "measly young man" whose insights were worthless. Liu Ping calmly challenged Shen Rong's understanding of respected scholars like Fu Wan and Kong Rong, leading to a heated exchange.
