Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 45 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Cao Jie, burdened by the revelation of Liu Ping's true identity, uneasily questioned her mother about the propriety of an uncle and sister-in-law falling in love. Her mother, misinterpreting her words and suspecting Cao Zhi, reacted with horror, deeming such a scandal unacceptable for the Chancellor's household. Cao Pi quickly intervened, clarifying the misunderstanding and downplaying Cao Jie's inquiry as youthful curiosity.
Later, he privately mused that Cao Jie's affection for the Emperor was a missed opportunity, as Liu Ping already had an empress. Concerned about Cao Jie's fragile state, Cao Pi urged Cao Zhi to discreetly take Guo Jia's pouch from her. He explained that Cao Jie, having harbored feelings for Liu Ping since Lulong, would now have false hope knowing that Liu Ping and Fu Shou were not truly married, potentially leading to reckless actions.
Although Cao Pi initially intended to destroy the pouch, he reconsidered when Cao Zhi suggested that Liu Ping himself should be informed to placate Cao Jie. Cao Pi agreed and instructed Cao Zhi to deliver the pouch to Liu Ping in a private setting. Meanwhile, Cao Jie returned to her room, only to discover that the pouch had vanished, completely unaware of her brothers' actions.
A servant soon called her away, informing her that her mother and Fourth Young Madam were ready to visit the Empress. At the palace, Fu Shou graciously gifted Cui Yan's niece two pieces of jewelry, noticing her plain attire as a newlywed. Afterward, Cao Jie asked to speak with Fu Shou alone, which Fu Shou permitted, acknowledging their shared past dangers.
Once alone, Cao Jie revealed her knowledge of Liu Ping's true identity and the nature of his relationship with Fu Shou, expressing that while she understood Liu Ping's love for Fu Shou, she was worried because the pouch had disappeared. When asked who else knew, Cao Jie named her fourth brother and Cao Pi. Alarmed by Cao Pi's involvement, Fu Shou immediately ordered her attendants to find Liu Ping.
Cao Zhi found Liu Ping and presented him with the pouch, seeking confirmation of its contents. Liu Ping admitted his true identity as the former Emperor's twin brother, explaining his difficult choice was born of kinship and duty to the Han Dynasty. Cao Zhi, expressing his unwavering loyalty, then warned Liu Ping of Cao Jie's emotional distress and her potential inability to keep the secret, urging Liu Ping to console her.
Liu Ping, thanking Cao Zhi for the warning and confident in Cao Jie's character, returned the pouch to Cao Zhi, trusting him with it. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Cao Cao, who stormed in, demanding the pouch from Cao Zhi. Despite Cao Zhi's desperate attempts to explain, Cao Cao violently slapped him, accusing Liu Ping of lying to him and corrupting his son.
Liu Ping calmly urged Cao Cao to read Guo Jia's letter within the pouch to understand the situation fully. Meanwhile, Cao Pi rushed to Sima Yi, informing him that Cao Cao knew Liu Ping's true identity and that Xudu Guards were on their way to arrest Sima Yi and his entire family, including his father and brothers in Wenxian. Cao Pi offered Sima Yi a chance to confess and save himself.
However, Sima Yi, unwavering in his loyalty, instead asked Cao Pi to warn his family to flee, promising to repay his kindness. Enraged by Sima Yi's defiance, Cao Pi questioned his unwavering allegiance to Liu Ping. Sima Yi defiantly declared he would not die, just moments before the Xudu Guards apprehended him. After reading the letter, Cao Cao sarcastically commended Liu Ping's "spectacular" deceit in usurping the throne and winning over his son and officials.
Liu Ping reiterated his legitimacy, explaining his twin lineage and ascension by the former Emperor's last decree. Cao Cao dismissed this, suggesting the Empress, as an accomplice, could have simply fabricated the decree. Liu Ping countered, implying Cao Cao misunderstood Guo Jia's letter and couldn't use a mere note as definitive proof. A guard then reported Sima Yi's arrest and the pursuit of his family.
Cao Cao, with a cynical smile, invited Liu Ping to the Xudu Guards Office to hear Sima Yi's testimony. At the Xudu Guards Office, Cao Cao and Liu Ping watched Man Chong interrogate Sima Yi. Sima Yi steadfastly maintained that Yang Ping had died years ago in a bandit attack, challenging Man Chong's attempts to discredit his earlier testimony. Man Chong, frustrated by Sima Yi's obstinacy, requested permission to use torture.
Liu Ping attempted to intervene, citing the immunity of high officials from torture and the lack of evidence, accusing Cao Cao of disrespecting the Emperor. Cao Cao, unmoved, ordered the torture to proceed. As Sima Yi endured the pain, Liu Ping, unable to bear his friend's suffering, was on the verge of confessing.
However, Sima Yi, with a powerful shout, interrupted him, accusing Cao Cao of orchestrating the scene to manipulate Liu Ping into a confession that could be used as leverage, thus implying Cao Cao's own rebellious intentions. Enraged, Cao Cao ordered more torture, but Liu Ping, sickened, commanded his carriage to return to the palace.
As Liu Ping departed, Cao Cao instructed Man Chong to continue the torture, hinting at a "major performance" in three days, when Sima Yi's father would arrive. Leaving the Xudu Guards Office, a distraught Liu Ping encountered Cao Pi, who assured him that he would take care of Sima Yi. Back at the palace, Liu Ping recounted Sima Yi's torture to Fu Shou, confirming the pursuit of the Sima family.
Overwhelmed, he contemplated an uprising, but Fu Shou, recognizing his emotional turmoil, gently dissuaded him, reminding him that Sima Yi's endurance was buying them precious time. Regaining his resolve, Liu Ping vowed to save Sima Yi within three days. Exhausted, he then wistfully expressed his desire to escape to a serene place with Fu Shou, to live as a simple farming couple, a dream Fu Shou confirmed they had long cherished.
Confined to his room, Cao Zhi recited a poignant poem, expressing his longing for a virtuous ruler. Cao Cao entered, demanding an explanation for his actions. Cao Zhi passionately argued that direct conflict with the Han Dynasty would destabilize Xudu and hinder Cao Cao's greater ambitions, urging his father to reconcile with the Emperor for the benefit of the people. Cao Cao furiously dismissed this as "absurd," refusing to reconcile with a "fake emperor" and questioning Cao Zhi's loyalty.
Cao Zhi countered by praising Liu Ping's "divine-like morality," which had brought hope to a chaotic world, and suggested Guo Jia's pouch was meant to preserve this "light of hope." He reminded his father that his lifetime of battles was for the citizens, not merely personal gain. Cao Cao silenced him, later lamenting his profound disappointment, revealing that he had once considered Cao Zhi his most promising son and intended him as his heir.
Consumed by guilt, Cao Jie attempted to intercede with her father, blaming herself for Cao Zhi's predicament. Cao Pi restrained her, explaining that her pleas were futile as their father was enraged by Cao Zhi's perceived betrayal for supporting Liu Ping. Cao Jie then realized Cao Pi had orchestrated Cao Zhi stealing the pouch, leading her to feel immense guilt, proclaiming they were all "sinners."
Cao Pi advised her to remain silent, warning that further defiance would only intensify Cao Cao's anger against Liu Ping. He emphasized that Liu Ping was legitimate, backed by the Former Emperor's decree and his own growing influence, framing the conflict as a power struggle where her inaction was paramount. During a meeting with his advisors, Cao Cao revealed the Emperor's true identity.
While Man Chong's uncle suggested direct confrontation, Man Chong urged caution, citing the lack of hard evidence and the risk of public backlash. Another advisor then suggested arresting and torturing those close to Liu Ping. Cao Cao ordered Man Chong to ensure the capture of Sima Fang and his sons, intending to eliminate the Sima family entirely.
He also instructed his officials to consolidate forces, strengthen city defenses, and seal the palace, stressing the importance of maintaining respectful conduct toward the Emperor to prevent unrest until irrefutable evidence was secured. Later, in a private conversation, Cao Cao praised Cao Pi, calling him "the son that is most similar to me," and implicitly outlined his long-term plans for him. An emotional Cao Pi vowed not to disappoint him. Cao Cao acknowledged Cao Pi's high regard for Sima Yi but sternly cautioned him to "prioritize the general situation" at this critical juncture.
