Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 25 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
When Cao Pi was in the Yecheng Guards jail, yelling to be released, Sima Yi, identifying himself as an Yecheng Guards Congshi, presented his token and gained permission for a private interrogation. He questioned Cao Pi about his visit to Xu You’s residence. Cao Pi, convinced that Sima Yi had betrayed him by joining Yuan Shao, refused to divulge any information, leading Sima Yi to release him in frustration.
Meanwhile, among the scholars, Liu Ping listened to their complaints about Shen Rong and Sima Yi. The scholars expressed indignation that Shen Rong had been oppressing them, even forcing their servants to move to the old city, a place unfit for habitation, and that Sima Yi had seemingly encouraged this behavior. Liu Ping explained that Yuan Shao had called them to Yecheng not for a study tour, but to hold them as hostages during the intense battle at Guandu.
He suggested that Shen Pei's actions of separating them from their servants were a deliberate move to isolate and control them, allowing him to dictate their fates. Liu Ping then subtly planted a seed of fear, implying that Yuan Shao intended to separate Jizhou residents from non-Jizhou residents to facilitate their extermination, causing widespread panic among the scholars.
This entire interaction was a pre-arranged strategy between Liu Ping and Sima Yi, designed to win the trust and allegiance of the Hebei scholars. After the scholars dispersed, Liu Ping met Sima Yi to report the success of their plan. Sima Yi instructed him to be prepared for Cao Pi's arrival, as he would surely come looking for him. Cao Pi, holding a handkerchief given to him by Zhen Fu, pondered the day's events.
He returned to the inn to find Liu Ping and Sima Yi awaiting him. Cao Pi withheld his true reason for seeking out Xu You, merely stating that he had gone out to investigate Yecheng and was arrested after he became curious about a manor with remarkably strict security, tighter than even the Yuan Manor. After Cao Pi departed, Sima Yi expressed his doubt, believing Cao Pi was lying and hadn't escaped Guo Jia's influence.
However, Liu Ping countered that Cao Pi might be an unexpected variable in Guo Jia's plans, perhaps still driven by the unresolved death of his older brother. Liu Ping argued that as long as Cao Pi did nothing to harm them, he should still be considered their comrade. Sima Yi then lightened the mood by suggesting they go out to experience Yecheng's "pleasures," remarking that he couldn't bear to see his younger brother sleeping on the floor.
Fu Shou, overhearing their conversation, seethed with silent anger, unable to openly protest as Sima Yi led Liu Ping away. Sima Yi, however, had no intention of seeking pleasures. Instead, he took Liu Ping to discreetly observe Xu You's residence from outside. Liu Ping immediately noticed the abnormally tight security, with approximately 300 guards both visible and covert.
Sima Yi explained that while Xu You was officially accused of corruption by Shen Pei and placed under house arrest by Yuan Shao, such extensive security seemed excessive for merely imprisoning a corrupt official. He recalled Cao Pi's earlier comment about the security being tighter than the Yuan Manor, reinforcing their suspicion that something important was hidden within. Sima Yi prompted Liu Ping to consider Xu You's background from the Xu Clan of Nanyang, known for evaluating talent.
They deduced that Xu You, having extensive knowledge of aristocratic families and officials, must be the one assessing those secretly defecting from Cao Cao to Yuan Shao. Therefore, the crucial list of Yuan Shao's secret contacts was likely in Xu You’s residence. Overcome with excitement, Liu Ping accidentally made a noise, forcing them to flee. As they walked through the streets, Sima Yi asked Liu Ping what he intended to do once they acquired the list.
Liu Ping declared his ambition to secretly control the situation and help Yuan Shao defeat Cao Cao. Sima Yi, however, dismissed Yuan Shao as arrogant and conceited, lacking real substance, and incapable of even governing Yecheng effectively. Liu Ping pointed out that Sima Yi's assessment mirrored Guo Jia's. Sima Yi warned him not to trust Guo Jia’s words, asserting their motives were different.
Liu Ping then clarified his true goal: to use the list and the scholars to build a force for the Han Dynasty, preventing the world from becoming a slaughterhouse for feudal lords. Sima Yi, reminiscing about Liu Ping's timid childhood, expressed hope that Liu Ping would stay by his side to achieve this great undertaking. He then shifted the conversation to Liu Ping's personal life, inquiring about his relationship with Fu Shou and offering advice for his "happiness."
Sima Yi practically dragged Liu Ping back to the inn, immediately questioning Fu Shou about her and Liu Ping's marital situation, noting that Liu Ping was still sleeping on the floor. Fu Shou, visibly annoyed, retorted that it was none of Sima Yi's business. Sima Yi pressed on, citing the importance of an heir for the imperial lineage.
He boldly suggested Liu Ping take a consort and even recommended Cao Jie, praising her as young, pretty, and seemingly fond of Liu Ping, suggesting it could also be a tactic to influence Cao Cao. Fu Shou, suppressing her anger, sarcastically agreed that if Liu Ping liked her, accepting Cao Jie, or even a virtuous Lady Sima, would be fine.
Seeing Fu Shou’s jealousy, Liu Ping quickly assured her that he had no intention of taking consorts and promptly escorted Sima Yi out. Outside, Liu Ping asked Sima Yi if he had a plan to enter Xu You's residence. Sima Yi confidently replied that someone would help him get in, but playfully added that it was Liu Ping's fault Tang Ying was still in prison.
Liu Ping, promising to grant a marriage decree for Sima Yi and Tang Ying once their mission was complete, was met with Sima Yi's teasing suggestion that he should first move his own blanket onto his bed. Unbeknownst to them, Cao Pi was secretly listening to their entire conversation.
Liu Ping returned to Fu Shou, explaining that Sima Yi's comments about consorts were merely jokes and that he held no such feelings for Cao Jie, whom he regarded as a little sister. Fu Shou, still upset, asked if he had ever fallen for any beautiful girls in the countryside when he and Sima Yi were younger. Liu Ping denied any such affections, which visibly pleased Fu Shou.
She leaned her head on his, asking if he had ever experienced such intimacy before. Liu Ping tenderly confessed that only with her had he experienced such closeness. Fu Shou, overwhelmed by her feelings, moved to kiss him, but Liu Ping gently pushed her away. Heartbroken, Fu Shou concluded that in his eyes, she would always remain his older brother's empress, and that a happy life for her was a delusion.
Liu Ping embraced her, clarifying that his hesitation stemmed from his concern for their uncertain future, not a lack of love. Fu Shou understood, admitting she had been too eager. Later, Sima Yi, accompanied by Shen Rong, attended Madam Yuan's birthday banquet. Shen Rong introduced Sima Yi as a distant relative of Lord Yuan, which delighted Madam Yuan, who promised to speak well of him to her husband. Sima Yi feigned an upset stomach to discreetly explore the Yuan mansion.
During his reconnaissance, he was confronted by Zhen Fu, who questioned his presence in a restricted area. Sima Yi, maintaining his composure, claimed he was there for Madam Yuan's birthday and had accidentally wandered off while seeking a bathroom. He then cleverly mentioned Cao Pi, implying he was helping his friend locate her, which piqued Zhen Fu's interest.
Zhen Fu, still smitten with Cao Pi, subtly suggested that if Cao Pi was sincere, he should find a way to meet her inside the mansion before she departed. After leaving the Yuan mansion, Shen Rong lamented Sima Yi's missed opportunity to impress Madam Yuan, cautioning him about offending Zhen Fu, as Yuan Xi doted on her exclusively. Sima Yi, however, spotted Ren Hongchang in Yecheng.
He, Liu Ping, and Fu Shou tracked her down to an inn where she was enchanting Yuan Xi with her zither playing. Ren Hongchang revealed that she had not come under Guo Jia's orders, but independently, seeking to infiltrate the Yuan residence to rescue someone and requested their assistance. Sima Yi astutely deduced she intended to rescue Lu Ji, Lu Bu's only daughter, and then revealed Ren Hongchang's true identity: Diaochan.
Both Liu Ping and Sima Yi expressed curiosity about her past with Lu Bu and her current association with Guo Jia. Diaochan explained that Cao Cao's flooding of Xiapi had caused Lu Bu's death and killed many innocent children, whom she later adopted. She swore to personally kill Cao Cao to avenge Lu Bu and the souls lost in Xiapi. Liu Ping, deeply moved by her heroic resolve, expressed his admiration and pledged their full support.
