Secret of Three Kingdoms Episode 6 Recap
> Secret of Three Kingdoms Recap
Magistrate Man Chong reported to Cao Pi, admitting his failure to secure the Xudu Guards Office, which had led to Zhang Yu's death and disturbed the Second Young Master. Cao Pi acknowledged the dangers in the capital and revealed that the assassin had even left an arrow in front of his manor.
Later, during the examination of the bodies of the guards, Cao Pi concluded that the assassin was a highly skilled woman, noting that the wounds indicated the assailant was shorter than the Xudu Guards. Meanwhile, Princess Consort Tang Ying was recovering from an arrow wound in Sima Yi’s room. The arrow had been poisoned, and she requested Sima Yi to cut out the infected flesh and apply medicine.
Sima Yi, ever the pragmatist, teased her about the Han Imperial Family being so impoverished that a princess consort had to act as an assassin to restore its glory. Sima Yi accused Tang Ying of treating a patriot like Zhang Yu with cold indifference, but she dismissed him, stating he wouldn't understand their aspirations.
Sima Yi asserted he would not be silenced like Zhang Yu and revealed that he had successfully rescued Yang Jun, using the complex network of powers in Xudu to achieve his goal without bloodshed. He then threatened Tang Ying, demanding to take Liu Ping away, claiming Liu Ping did not belong with her faction. Tang Ying flatly refused.
Sima Yi continued to provoke her, pointing out that Cao Cao would be highly interested in a Princess Consort with such exceptional martial arts skills. Tang Ying fiercely warned him that she would kill him if he revealed her secret. Cao Pi, intrigued by the highly skilled female assassin, expressed a desire to exchange moves with her. Man Chong reiterated that allowing such an encounter would be a grave oversight on his part.
Cao Pi voiced his concerns about the unrest in the capital—the palace fire, Zhang Yu's assassination, Han Dynasty activities, and external rebellions—suspecting a coordinated attack while Xudu's military was deployed elsewhere. Man Chong reassured Cao Pi that General Cao Ren would pacify Runan in ten days, and they only needed to hold out until then. Outside, Wang Fu, a skilled swordsman working under Dong Cheng, met with Tang Ying.
He expressed concern for her poisoned wound, but Tang Ying quickly dismissed him, telling him to return and not come back until their "grand matter" was concluded. Wang Fu, who was deeply fond of Tang Ying, insisted his "grand matter" was to protect her, but she rejected his offer.
After Wang Fu left, Sima Yi, noting the swordsman’s devotion to Tang Ying, deduced that Wang Fu was her martial arts instructor, having rescued her after Prince Hongnong's death and brought her back to Xudu. Sima Yi then sharply pointed out that the Han Imperial Family would never accept a relationship between a wandering swordsman and a princess consort, especially as the Han Dynasty sought to regain power. Tang Ying, deeply affected, told him to be quiet.
Sima Yi, however, continued to prod, suggesting she shouldn't miss the opportunity for love. Yang Xiu arrived, and after a brief exchange with Sima Yi regarding potential Han Dynasty and Yuan Shao alliances (which Sima Yi dismissed as unlikely due to Yang Xiu's prominent position under Director Xun's scrutiny), Tang Ying informed Yang Xiu that she had completed the task concerning Zhang Yu, who had been about to take poison when she acted.
Yang Xiu, observing Tang Ying's change, made a veiled attempt to examine her injury, but Sima Yi swiftly rebuked his inappropriate behavior, drawing his sword to stop him. Tang Ying angrily told Yang Xiu that she was merely following the Empress's orders and he should not see her again after the task was done.
Yang Xiu, in turn, disparaged Tang Ying, reminding her that she was just a tool and could only rely on him to succeed after her previous failure led to her sect's demise. Sima Yi then challenged Yang Xiu's character, asking if a man of his noble background would abuse an injured woman. Sima Yi reaffirmed that he had saved Yang Jun and demanded to know Liu Ping's whereabouts.
Yang Xiu refused to disclose the information directly but, acknowledging Sima Yi's intelligence, suggested he look for clues by investigating Dong Cheng, whose faction the Han Dynasty planned to use to occupy Xudu. Sima Yi, suspecting a trap, warned Yang Xiu that he would ensure a tragic end for anyone who dared harm Liu Ping. Later, Yang Xiu met with Liu Ping and Fu Shou.
He reported that their concerns were resolved: Zhang Yu was dead, and Yang Jun had escaped the Xudu Guards Office during a visit from Imperial College students, subsequently securing freedom of movement under Man Chong's agreement. Liu Ping thanked Yang Xiu, but Yang Xiu warned him that his kindness was actually harming those he cared for, carefully omitting Sima Yi's crucial role in saving Yang Jun.
Fu Shou, sensing the approaching "grand plan," cautioned Yang Xiu to be careful with his words and actions. Liu Ping then inquired about the secret note he had given Yang Xiu, who claimed he had handled it according to the Empress's wishes. After Yang Xiu departed, Fu Shou confirmed to Liu Ping that the late Emperor had indeed left two belt wills—one for Liu Ping and one for Dong Cheng—and their entire plan hinged on Dong Cheng's actions.
She urged Liu Ping to shed his past identity and embrace the necessary ruthlessness, emphasizing that Xudu was on the brink of a major storm. Man Chong sought an audience with Liu Ping to report Zhang Yu’s assassination. Liu Ping, outwardly calm but seething, publicly chastised Man Chong for the incompetence of the Xudu Guards, allowing two assassins to infiltrate the heavily guarded office, kill an important subject, and escape unscathed.
Liu Ping expressed profound sorrow for Zhang Yu, who had served him for eighteen years, and tragically asked if he would be next. Fu Shou observed with quiet approval. Man Chong, admitting his negligence, proposed that Liu Ping relocate to the safest place in Xudu: the Grand Minister's Residence, Cao Cao’s home. Man Chong later discussed the situation with Cao Ren, who was preparing to leave Xudu.
Man Chong recounted Liu Ping's angry outburst but dismissed it as mere venting, knowing Liu Ping could not truly harm him. Cao Ren, however, remained wary of Liu Ping, whom he considered an ingrate, especially during the ten days when Xudu would be vulnerable. Cao Ren advised Man Chong to be cautious and to assert authority when necessary. Man Chong then informed Cao Ren that Cao Pi had suggested moving the Emperor into the Grand Minister's Residence.
Cao Ren immediately suspected Cao Pi's true motive was to personally monitor the Emperor and gain merit, worrying about potential infighting among his nephews. Man Chong confirmed Xudu was in grave danger and ordered all city gates closed and defenses heightened for the next ten days. Liu Ping and Fu Shou discussed the impending move.
Liu Ping worried that being confined would impede Dong Cheng's plan, but Fu Shou assured him they had no choice, as it was a decision by the Grand Minister's Residence. She explained that their inaction was a form of assistance, as Yang Xiu would ensure Liu Ping's safety, and he would be fetched to issue a decree once the plan succeeded. They both felt the approaching storm, anticipating Xudu would soon become a battlefield.
Liu Ping mused about Sima Yi's whereabouts, hoping he was not in Xudu, and expressed a desire for freedom once General Dong succeeded. Fu Shou looked at his innocent smile, silently bearing the weight of their perilous undertaking. Meanwhile, Sima Yi, having learned from a subordinate that the Emperor was moving into the Grand Minister's Residence that day, perceived it as a strategy to place Liu Ping under house arrest. He predicted chaos in Xudu within five days.
Sima Yi instructed his man, Shop Owner Zhang, to prepare twenty identical carriages with identical drivers, planning a daring rescue. Despite his subordinate's concerns about exposing the Sima family's long-standing activities in Xudu, Sima Yi remained resolute, emphasizing that rescuing "this person" was worth any risk. Amidst falling snowflakes, Cao Jie, dressed in pink, gracefully danced. Cao Pi and his mother, Lady Bian, watched.
Lady Bian then told Cao Jie that the garden would no longer be accessible to her as the Emperor was moving in. After her mother left, Cao Jie, feeling sympathy for the young Emperor, who was only eighteen, questioned Cao Pi about him, remarking on his misfortunes despite being saved by their father. Cao Pi found it hard to understand women's pity but noted the Emperor would not desire it.
Later, Yang Xiu informed Dong Cheng that Liu Ping had moved into the Grand Minister's Residence. Dong Cheng worried about Liu Ping becoming a hostage during their uprising. Yang Xiu dismissed his concerns, assuring him that with Cao Cao absent, the residence was only guarded by women and children, and Dong Cheng’s expert fighters, combined with the Chamber Guards and eunuchs, would be more than enough to rescue the Emperor.
Yang Xiu promised to personally escort Liu Ping back to the Imperial Palace to issue a decree against the rebels, emphasizing the critical role of Wang Fu in gathering his men for the initial plan's success. Dong Cheng acknowledged the immense stakes, calling it the "survival of the Han Dynasty," and accepted Yang Xiu's assistance. Lady Bian, leading the entire Cao household, welcomed Liu Ping and Fu Shou.
Liu Ping humbly apologized for the palace disaster, thanking them for their hospitality. Lady Bian, in turn, expressed honor at their presence. Cao Jie, observing from behind, whispered to Cao Pi that the Emperor looked quite handsome. Lady Bian then outlined the living arrangements, converting her husband's study and bedroom for Liu Ping and assigning a separate western room for Fu Shou, leading to their separation.
Liu Ping, finding the arrangement unsettling but having no choice, accepted it, complimenting Lady Bian's thorough preparations. Cao Pi then led Liu Ping to his study. Looking at the bamboo slips, Liu Ping’s thoughts drifted to his childhood. He recalled Sima Yi, his older brother, encouraging him to pursue the "way of the king"—a path of benevolence and moral integrity—to truly save people, rather than just learning medicine.
Sima Yi had playfully remarked that the "way of the king" was typically meant to deceive commoners, unless one was an emperor. Now, Liu Ping reflected on the irony of becoming the Emperor, a role Sima Yi had said was required for such a path.
