Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 34 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Liu Ping summoned Guo Jia to discuss Yang Ping. Guo Jia, who had already mostly surmised the situation, wished Liu Ping hadn't called upon him directly, as he no longer desired a direct confrontation or entanglement in the matter. Liu Ping, however, asserted the necessity of a personal discussion to clarify that Yang Ping had been working under his direct orders to contact Yuan Shao.
He explained that he had chosen a son from the Yang family due to Yang Biao's familial ties with Yuan Shao and Yang Jun being Yang Biao's confidant and foster nephew. Now that Yuan Shao was defeated, Liu Ping questioned whether Cao Cao intended to punish him for conniving with Yuan Shao. When Guo Jia inquired about Yang Ping's current whereabouts, Liu Ping stated that Yang Ping had died protecting him in Guandu.
Guo Jia sighed, observing that the one truly seeking answers was Grand Minister Cao. Liu Ping assured him he would provide a satisfying answer. Upon receiving a secret letter from Liu Ping, Sima Yi's wife, Tang Ying, immediately expressed concern, believing it must be Cao Cao's doing. She found Cao Cao a hundred times more terrifying than Guo Jia and doubted their ability to handle him. Sima Yi tried to calm her, suggesting they appreciate the present moment.
He took her mountain climbing, playfully quoting Zhuang Zi to compare her to a fairy, despite his own exhaustion. Tang Ying offered to help him improve his martial arts and physical fitness, acknowledging they had a lifetime together. At the mountain peak, Sima Yi reflected on feeling true freedom, while Tang Ying affirmed their inner freedom, stating her choice to take responsibility and charge through any challenges. She reiterated her desire to be with him forever, living a carefree life.
Sima Yi agreed, but then grew solemn, saying that freedom sometimes came at a cost. He spoke of even a great roc breaking its wings and suggested this might be their last time overlooking the landscape from a mountain peak. Tang Ying responded simply, promising to carry him on her back if his wings ever broke. Cao Cao, meanwhile, discussed his military plans with Guo Jia.
He revealed his intention to personally lead an expedition against the Wuhuan tribe, who were sheltering Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang and instigating attacks. His subjects, however, worried about an isolated deep penetration into enemy territory, citing potential troubles from Liu Biao, Liu Bei, and the Han imperial family in Xudu. Guo Jia advised an immediate attack on Wuhuan, explaining that their reliance on natural borders meant they would be unprepared for a surprise attack.
He also stressed that the people of Hebei still held affection for the Yuan clan, and if Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang were not eliminated, they could gather forces and lead to the loss of Hebei. Regarding the rear threats, Guo Jia dismissed Liu Bei as recently defeated and submitted to Liu Biao, while Liu Biao was "at his last breath."
As for the Han Imperial Family, Guo Jia expressed confidence in Liu Ping, asserting that while there might be internal power struggles, the Emperor would not externally disrupt Cao Cao's plan to unify the Central Plains. Guo Jia further revealed his foresight, having already commissioned Dong Zhao to construct two canals, Pinglu and Quanzhou, for transporting food north during the expedition.
He had also worked to win over various Xianbei tribes, who, being at odds with Wuhuan, would not dare cause trouble. Pleased, Cao Cao compared Guo Jia to Zhang Liang, expressing confidence in conquering the world and resolving to prepare for the Wuhuan campaign. Guo Jia pledged to accompany him. Before leaving, Cao Cao brought up another lingering concern: the Sima family. Cao Cao then asked Guo Jia about Sima Yi's reply regarding Yang Ping.
Guo Jia confirmed that Sima Yi's answer mirrored the Emperor's: Yang Ping died in Guandu. Cao Cao expressed his unease, stating he couldn't embark on the Wuhuan expedition with the Sima family posing a potential threat. He acknowledged Sima Fang's past recommendation of him and his eight accomplished sons, but decided to spare only the youngest son to continue the family line.
Guo Jia pleaded for the Sima family, urging Cao Cao to reconsider, warning that the execution of an important official would cause turmoil. Cao Cao, however, remained resolute, citing an ancient saying about internal threats and emphasizing that despite Sima Fang's loyalty and the Sima family's capabilities, they had to be purged to prevent any disturbance to his crucial Wuhuan campaign.
Later, Guo Jia summoned Man Chong and ordered him to eliminate the Sima family in Wenxian, sparing only the youngest son, Sima Min. Man Chong readily agreed. Guo Jia then subtly suggested that Man Chong bring Yang Xiu along. When Man Chong questioned the purpose, suspecting a test of loyalty, Guo Jia clarified that he did not care for Yang Xiu's loyalty, but believed that Yang Xiu, being as intelligent as Sima Yi, might bring a "surprise" if present.
Man Chong, guessing Guo Jia did not truly wish to kill Sima Yi, received an ambiguous reply from Guo Jia: "That will depend if he wants to live or not." Meanwhile, Yang Xiu sought out Xu Fu, reminding him of his past desire to repay Yang Biao. Yang Xiu proposed they go to Wenxian together to annihilate the Sima family. Xu Fu found the idea reckless, but Yang Xiu explained he was merely "going with the current."
He argued that with Cao Cao investigating Yang Ping's whereabouts, the Sima family was the primary target. If they didn't act first, Cao Cao would inevitably target Yang Biao. Yang Xiu's plan was to use Cao Cao's actions to eliminate Sima Yi, thereby cutting off the trail of the Sima family's knowledge of the Emperor's identity as Yang Ping, thus protecting Yang Biao.
Xu Fu expressed doubt that Supreme Commander Yang would agree, but Yang Xiu dismissed his father as "old and too pedantic," urging Xu Fu, as a smart person, to understand that saving Yang Biao required severing the Sima family's connection. He reiterated that Xu Fu's benefactor was Yang Biao, not the Sima family. Back in Xudu, Liu Ping asked Cui Yan to stay after court.
Cui Yan informed Liu Ping that Grand Minister Cao had ordered Man Chong to lead troops to Wenxian, with local magistrates providing reinforcements. Liu Ping immediately grasped that Cao Cao intended to strike the Sima family and was surprised by the swift and direct military action. Empress Fu Shou entered, confirming Cao Cao's known ruthlessness and explaining that this was a tactic to force a confession about aiding the Emperor by threatening the Sima family's lives.
Liu Ping, determined to save Sima Yi, declared he would risk everything, even if it meant falling into Cao Cao's trap and exposing himself. Fu Shou then presented him with a list of officials who had sided with Yuan Shao, suggesting he contact them, even without hard evidence, as a better alternative to doing nothing. Cui Yan volunteered to make the personal appearance to rally these officials on Liu Ping's behalf.
Lu Yu assembled a group of scholars, who initially joked about his secrecy. Liu Ping then revealed himself, and the scholars greeted him with reverence. Liu Ping expressed how much he missed them since leaving Ye City and the days they spent together, lamenting the constraints of his identity in Xudu. When a scholar expressed gratitude for being saved by him, Liu Ping clarified that while he was involved, the person who truly devised the plan was Sima Yi.
The scholars were surprised, recalling Sima Yi as an "enemy" who had offended them. Liu Ping explained that he had sent Sima Yi to work under Shen Pei for inspections, which allowed Sima Yi to gather intelligence and secure their escape. He stated that he and Sima Yi were like brothers, and apologized on Sima Yi's behalf for any past offenses.
The scholars accepted his apology but then questioned why Sima Yi, if he was Liu Ping's loyal man, was not in Xudu and was now in danger. Separately, Cui Yan gathered ministers, ostensibly for an "evaluation." He instead prompted them about Xu You, whose letters had been burned and who was dead. Cui Yan then subtly implied that Cao Cao, with his suspicious nature, must have read those letters, reminding the ministers of Cao Cao's intolerance for any nearby trouble.
He then revealed that "someone" had saved them by convincing Cao Cao to cease the investigation, allowing them their current peace. When ministers guessed Cui Yan, he demurred, saying his own safety was uncertain. He then led them to conclude that only the Emperor possessed the power to "suppress Lord Cao" and save them.
At the Sima manor, Sima Yi's eldest brother confronted him, deeming Tang Ying's presence a liability that could expose everything and lead to charges of deceiving the Emperor. He argued that since Cao Cao was targeting Sima Yi, bringing such trouble to the family was Sima Yi's fault. He urged Sima Yi to send Tang Ying away, hoping Cao Cao might show leniency to Sima Fang due to their past relationship.
Sima Fang echoed this sentiment, insisting Tang Ying hide as the current disaster was a Sima family affair. Sima Yi questioned if his father truly doubted his ability to devise a perfect plan. Sima Fang, in a poignant moment, admitted he had been wrong to dismiss Cao Cao as merely qualified to be a county commandant and expressed a desire to witness "the methods of this old friend again" after twenty years.
Later, Sima Yi shared a meal with Tang Ying, reassuring her that their wedding would not be delayed by "ordinary affairs." He then gently suggested she hide in their house outside the city, specifically mentioning Man Chong's imminent arrival and the risk of her identity being exposed, which would, in his words, send her back into "that coffin." Tang Ying, however, refused to leave, reminding him of her promise to Sima Fang to share any burden.
Sima Yi, admitting he had anticipated her refusal, made her promise one thing: no matter what happened outside, she was to remain in her room and wait for him to "change the situation." Soon after, Man Chong and his troops surrounded the Sima Manor, allowing no one to escape.
When a Sima family member questioned his aggressive approach, Man Chong disdainfully threw a severed head at them, asserting it was for all the "good" deeds the Sima family had done over the years. Sima Yi stepped forward, stating that Cao Cao's true target was him, not his father or brothers, and asked Man Chong to spare his family. Man Chong dismissed Sima Yi's assumption and ordered his arrest.
Just then, Yang Biao emerged, furiously condemning Yang Xiu as a "rebellious son" for assisting the Grand Minister of Works in bullying high officials and arresting Sima family members, challenging them to arrest him first. Man Chong, apologizing for any offense to Yang Biao, stated he was merely following orders. He then explicitly commanded his men to kill everyone except Sima Fang and his youngest son, Sima Min.
As chaos erupted and blood flowed outside the mansion, Tang Ying, unable to remain inside, emerged and challenged the soldiers. Sima Yi urged her not to interfere, while Man Chong warned the Princess Consort not to meddle in state affairs and to leave. When Tang Ying refused to retreat, Man Chong declared he would not be blamed for being disrespectful and ordered his men to attack.
Liu Ping, now clad in imperial court attire, rushed to Guo Jia's residence, dismissing the servant who attempted to announce him. Upon greeting Guo Jia, Liu Ping presented a document, identifying it as representing "the anger of hundreds of scholars, and the attitude of hundreds of aristocratic families." He imperiously ordered Guo Jia to immediately cease the persecution of the Sima family, threatening to "risk everything to fight with Lord Cao" if he refused.
Liu Ping declared he was no longer the easily manipulated emperor of the past and warned that Cao Cao, on the eve of his northern expedition, surely wouldn't want to provoke so many aristocratic families. Guo Jia questioned how Liu Ping could guarantee the aristocratic families' loyalty during the northern expedition. Liu Ping offered to accompany Cao Cao on the expedition as a personal guarantee.
Guo Jia acknowledged this was "enough, very enough," but then added, "too bad, this guarantee came a bit too late." When Liu Ping pressed for an explanation, Guo Jia suggested they both go to see Cao Cao immediately, implying they might still save "one or two." However, Liu Ping, asserting his imperial authority, refused to go to Cao Cao and instead commanded Guo Jia to summon Cao Cao to the palace to see him.
In the midst of the skirmish at the Sima Manor, Xu Fu, following Yang Biao's implied wishes, took Man Chong hostage. Man Chong, unfazed, reiterated that the Office of the Grand Minister of Works did not negotiate for hostages and warned that continued resistance would waste Cao Cao's leniency in sparing Sima Fang's youngest son. Sima Yi, however, declared he would not kill Man Chong, but needed "just one day" to secure a decree sparing the Sima family.
He vowed to kill himself if such a decree did not arrive within that timeframe. Man Chong, skeptical that the Emperor could "go against the heavens" in a single day, eventually conceded, granting Sima Yi one day and ordering his troops to withdraw. Meanwhile, Cao Cao was astonished by the Emperor's summons to court.
He grumbled about not having attended court for three years, preferring to receive major news through eunuchs, and now being forced to attend for a "measly Sima family." Guo Jia explained that they had indeed pushed the Emperor too hard, emphasizing Liu Ping's strong sense of comradeship developed through life-threatening experiences with Sima Yi, making his desire to save him understandable. Cao Cao mused on the word "comradeship," noting its absence in relation to emperors in the past.
He also observed Liu Ping's newfound interest in books he previously ignored, concluding that "His Majesty is indeed a completely different person from before." Cao Pi then arrived, pleading with his father not to kill the Sima family. Cao Cao questioned if his son was now conspiring with rebels. Cao Pi denied it, passionately arguing that Sima Yi was a rare political genius whose death would disappoint scholars worldwide and not benefit Cao Cao.
He cited historical examples of great leaders benefiting from talented advisors. Cao Cao retorted, stating, "Only talents that are willing to be used by me are worthy of my mercy. Or else, it will only become a weapon of my enemy." Cao Pi persisted, reminding his father that Sima Yi had once saved his life and appealing to Cao Cao's benevolence. Cao Cao challenged Cao Pi's understanding of Sima Yi's true motivations.
As Cao Pi continued to plead, Guo Jia discreetly slipped him a note containing a warning: "Be cautious. Do not be scared." Back at the palace, Fu Shou helped Liu Ping prepare for court. She reminisced about teaching him how to handle high officials when he first arrived in Xudu, noting he no longer needed her guidance. Liu Ping admitted Cao Cao was "an exemption."
Fu Shou pointed out that Cao Cao had avoided court for three years to avoid bowing to the Emperor and wondered how "the past emperor" would face him. Liu Ping expressed that it was good they were unfamiliar, as he intended to show Cao Cao "a different me." As Fu Shou questioned whether Cao Cao would truly come, an eunuch announced his arrival.
Liu Ping ordered him in, and as Cao Cao entered, soldiers asked him to remove his sword, which he did without incident. Cao Cao's first words to Liu Ping were, "Your Majesty, you have improved." Liu Ping then dismissed everyone, stating he had summoned Cao Cao to make a "deal." He demanded that if Grand Minister Cao wished to pacify the Central Plains, he must immediately release the Sima family.
Cao Cao acknowledged that the hundreds of aristocratic families from You, Bing, and Qing administrative divisions represented a formidable force. He noted that Liu Ping had chosen to expose these forces now to threaten him, rather than secretly accumulate them to seize Xudu during the northern expedition. Cao Cao then directly asked, "Is a measly Sima Family really that important to you?" Liu Ping firmly responded that it was, stating he could not bear to watch Cao Cao indiscriminately kill innocent people, and neither could the scholars of Central Plains.
