Qin Dynasty Epic (2020): Season 1, Episode 15 - Episode #1.15 - full transcript
=Qin Dynasty Epic=
=Episode 15=
Wonderful.
Marvelous.
However,
since you've mentioned
about writing books,
allow me to be frank.
Go ahead.
I think
it's better
if you don't write this book.
Why?
You've helped two kings
ascend to the throne,
gave amnesty,
promoted officials with merits,
eliminated East Zhou
and broke their alliance.
No one can compare
to your merits.
Now, you're the Regent Prime Minister.
Even the King of Qin must call you
godfather.
That's as high as one can go
as an official.
However,
please think carefully
about the words king and official.
You are a very powerful man,
but you're still just an official.
Even if the King of Qin is
just 15 years old,
he's the king of the nation.
I think
that as an official,
you can work for the king,
but you can't make decisions for him.
Now, you want to
make the governing policies
for Qin.
Did the King of Qin
allow this?
His Majesty is 15 years old.
It's a good age to learn
about governing policies.
I just need to write this book.
His Majesty will learn it well,
and he'd understand
the major points in governance.
For ordinary kings,
doing this isn't a problem.
But the point lies
in whether you really know
the current King of Qin.
Do you really know
his thoughts?
Since His Majesty came to Qin,
he grew up
right in front of me.
How can I not know
his thoughts?
I'm not sure
if I should say this or not.
Go ahead.
The wind is strong in high mountains.
The water is cold in deep waters.
You're in a high position now.
Beware of strong winds.
If you fall,
it won't just be a scratch.
That's an overstatement.
Ill winds
and undercurrents can't hurt me.
(In 221 B.C.,)
(Hangu Pass)
(Qin's Top Generals Meng Ao
and Biao Gong)
(led troops)
(to go east of Hangu Pass again,)
(starting a new round of attacks)
(on the six states.)
(Meng)
(Qin)
(Qin)
Generals and warriors!
Kill!
(Qin)
Greetings, Your Majesty, Queen Dowager,
Prime Minister.
Top General Meng Ao
led troops and recovered lost lands
outside the river,
and brought peace to Sanchuan, Taiyuan,
and Shangdang.
His significant achievements
should be rewarded.
His salary will be increased
according to his title.
Thank you, Your Majesty,
Queen Dowager, Prime Minister.
Biao Gong
led troops to recover Juanyi,
and defeated Wei's troops.
However, he chopped off
the heads of 30 thousand troops,
which is against the new law.
The law was already in place.
Biao Gong intentionally violated it.
He should be executed.
Because of his advanced age,
and he followed the late king's wishes
in contributing to Qin,
his title will be stripped,
and he'd return the commander's seal.
Prime Minister, I refuse to accept that.
Your Majesty, Queen Dowager,
Prime Minister's punishment is unjust.
All my life,
I went on hundreds of major
and minor battles for Qin.
Is this what I get?
Biao Gong.
We changed the law
of "Merit by Decapitation"
to increase our population,
accept homeless people from Shandong,
and enrich the people of Qin.
You intentionally violated the law.
As a general who disobeys the law,
shouldn't you be punished?
Godfather's words make sense,
of course.
But this is a serious matter,
and he didn't discuss it with me first.
Biao Gong is a Top General.
Then...
We'll do as Prime Minister said.
Meng Ao.
Fellow officials.
Aren't you going to defend me?
Your Majesty.
My heart belongs to Qin,
to you, Your Majesty.
I still want to go
to battle and eliminate
the six states for you.
Even if I die on the battlefield,
I will rest in peace.
Biao Gong!
Do you want His Majesty
to ignore the law?
Return the commander's seal at once.
Biao Gong.
Retire and go home.
Your Majesty.
I've battled for four Kings of Qin.
Now,
even if I can't work for Qin anymore,
I'll be at my hometown,
hoping that
Qin's army would go east earlier,
unify the six states soon,
and become king over them.
When that time comes,
I'll surely drink 5 kg of wine
in celebration for you.
I won't forget
all your contributions.
And Qin will never forget you all
the more.
Guanzi once stated,
"If statutes aren't carried out
accordingly,
there will be no rules
in the state affairs.
If the law doesn't
carry out the statutes,
decrees cannot be implemented."
By being a good role model,
others will follow it.
Qin is implementing a decree,
that's what the law states.
Your Majesty, did I do the right thing?
Godfather, you did.
If we don't enforce strict punishments
in implementing decrees,
decrees cannot be carried out.
Only when the king himself obeys
the decrees
can the decrees be obeyed by everyone.
Your Majesty is brilliant indeed.
(Through Lv Buwei's rectification,)
(the Qin army finally changed)
(their way of obtaining merits
by decapitation.)
(In succeeding battles,)
(no large-scale killing)
(of enemy's troops ever happened again.)
(It had a positive effect)
(on population growth)
(and developments in farming.)
Your Majesty.
You've been standing here
for a long time.
I really want to become this mountain,
laying down between the heaven and earth,
and inspiring awe in the nine nations.
Your Majesty.
What's good in being a mountain?
Is it better than being a king,
especially the King of Qin?
Who doesn't envy you?
Envy me?
Yes.
Qin is currently the strongest nation.
Naturally, Your Majesty
is the strongest king.
Who would dare to disobey your command?
Is that so?
Is it because of what happened
with Biao Gong?
Didn't Prime Minister
inform you beforehand?
Don't mention that again.
Prime Minister is setting
the nation's policy.
He's responsible
for supervising the nation.
Being dictatorial is acceptable.
I wonder if you've noticed
that in the imperial court today,
when you removed Top General
Biao Gong from position,
His Majesty was slightly unhappy
about it.
You're thinking too much.
His Majesty is young,
and he's a sentimental man.
Biao Gong kept imploring him.
It's unavoidable
for His Majesty to feel pity.
Your careful observation of His Majesty
isn't something I can compare with.
I still need your advice.
How is Prince Chengjiao doing lately?
Lately, Prince Chengjiao has been
studying very hard.
His sword technique improved as well.
In my opinion,
Prince Chengjiao
would surely become
a promising talent in Qin someday.
Good.
Good.
Please spend more effort
on teaching Prince Chengjiao.
The chaos the Chu faction caused
last time
serves as a warning for us.
We must be very careful.
I understand.
Don't worry.
After the flooding disaster,
I think building water channels
is a must.
First, homeless people from Shandong
keep coming to Qin.
We need more fertile lands
to distribute to our new citizens.
Second, if we keep engaging in battle,
the supplies...
The supplies.
Yes.
The supplies must be sufficient.
Yes.
If such flooding occurs again,
how should we deal with it?
We must repair the water channels first
to strengthen our nation.
Afterwards,
we can talk about eliminating states.
You're right.
But repairing water channels
can only be done by Bashu's
Prefecture Chief Li Bing.
Li Bing
and his son are keeping Bashu safe.
They have a huge responsibility.
And Li Bing is almost 60 years old.
He doesn't have enough stamina
and energy for it.
You mean...
We'll seek new talents.
(Han, Palace in Xinzheng)
We originally thought
that since three Kings of Qin have died
within four years,
(King Huanhui of Han, Ran)
then flooding kept occurring,
and a new,
young king assumed the throne,
their ambition in unifying the states
would lessen.
And Han
can have a few years of peace.
Who would have thought
that the new king
just assumed the throne,
(Han An, Han Fei)
and they're already battling with Wei.
Not only did they get Juanyi from Wei,
(Han's Chancellor, Zhang Ping)
they even killed 30 thousand
(Zheng Guo)
of their troops.
If this goes on,
I wonder when Qin
would come to our cities again,
invade our land, harm our citizens,
and destroy our nation.
What's the matter?
Are you all mute?
Usually, your voices in wine shops
are very loud and jubilant.
Now that we're facing
an impending disaster,
give me
some suggestions.
Please send envoys to the five states.
Only in collaborating with them
to attack Qin
can we turn the situation around.
Each state has a different agenda.
Nothing can be accomplished.
Han has long bowed its head to Qin.
How about we send more gifts to Qin
to show our sincerity in doing so
in order to prevent a battle?
After we bowed down to Qin,
it still wanted to eliminate our state.
And the five states once formed
an alliance to attack Qin.
Qin might not agree
even if we bow down to them again.
Father.
We can only strengthen ourselves
in order to defend ourselves from Qin.
A lot of time is required
in strengthening ourselves.
You've trained in Jixia for a long time.
Are there ways to strengthen ourselves
that doesn't require
a lot of time and effort?
Fight desperately
in the face of mortal danger.
In these turbulent times,
only in strengthening ourselves
can we make our nation mighty.
Promote farming, lower tax rates,
reduce imperial and official expenses,
so that our citizens can make a living.
If our citizens are rich,
our nation will be strong.
If our nation is strong,
our army will be strong.
Then we can collaborate
with the five nations
to battle with Qin.
Otherwise, Qin would eliminate Han
sooner or later.
You...
Do you want to infuriate me?
Why do I have a son like you?
Get out.
Your Majesty.
Qin's Prime Minister sent
an Edict of Talent Recruitment.
Give it to me.
Yes.
I got it.
I have a great plan.
Spectacular.
This plan would surely exhaust
and weaken Qin,
and give Han ten years of peace.
(Zhao, Handan, Wine Pavilion)
Will it work this time?
It might be like the last time.
He drank so much,
but he wouldn't budge.
Don't worry, My lord.
This time, I'm sure it will work.
My lord.
Mao Sui likes to drink wine.
If you invite him to drink fine wine
from Linzi,
will he not come?
My lord, don't worry.
Once he takes a drink,
we'll be half successful in this matter.
An intellectual.
What does an intellectual care about
the most?
Wine.
He cares most about his reputation.
Greetings, My lord.
Greetings, Officer Mao Sui.
-Come.
-Officer Guo.
Have a seat.
This way please.
My lord.
Will we only drink wine today,
or do you want me
to help you with something?
No.
We'll just drink wine today.
Just drink.
All right.
I'll also be frank.
I can't help with the matter
that you've mentioned before.
Can I still drink with you?
Sure.
Of course.
Come.
I won't bother you today.
Let's just drink.
Just drink.
Guo Kai,
why are you still standing there?
Get the fine wine.
Yes.
(Qin, Xianyang, Zhangtai Palace)
Prime Minister has arrived.
Your Majesty.
I've decided
to build water channels
and promote farming
to strengthen our nation.
Are you blaming me
for not informing you beforehand?
You must be considering
Qin's long-term development.
I'll listen to your arrangement.
I was with the late king
for over ten years.
For the mighty nation of Qin,
I don't dare to slack off.
Since the late king is gone,
I should have left as well,
and become
an unscrupulous merchant again,
or live in the mountains.
However, the late king entrusted me
with a serious matter,
and appointed me as Prime Minister.
I have no choice but to stay.
I feel at ease
in letting you
handle the nation's affairs.
However, I'm the King of Qin.
If I don't do anything all day long,
I'll feel ill at ease.
You care about the nation and citizens.
That's good.
But listen to me.
A wise king
relies on officials to do things,
and not do them himself.
He must know how to make use
of people's talents.
The officials will
work on the king's behalf.
The king will say what he wants,
and the officials will do it.
They don't interfere with each other,
or do each other's work.
Then the nation would become prosperous.
You assumed the throne at a young age.
You only need to worship the gods,
and pray that the late kings
would make Qin prosper.
I'm afraid I can't do
what you're asking me to.
What a shame.
What a shame
for your good reputation.
What exactly do you want?
If you can help me assume the throne,
no one will find out about this.
Otherwise...
Otherwise,
we'll announce your scandal
to all the nations.
Officer Mao Sui.
Back then, the King of Chu was
in awe of you,
so he sent reinforcements to Zhao.
But who would have thought
that in your old age,
you'd do
such a foolish thing.
If people find out about this,
Mr. Mao,
how can you face
the kings and officials
in all nations?
Mr. Mao.
Just help me.
I just asked Zheng to leave.
I know
that you're doing it
for Zheng's sake.
But Zheng is the king after all.
When you handle the state affairs,
you still need to inform him.
Otherwise,
he'll come to me again
to speak on his behalf.
Zheng is immature indeed.
He bothers his mother
for trivial matters.
Zheng assumed the throne
at a young age.
There are lots of things to handle
in Qin.
As the godfather,
I must handle things for him.
Of course.
You're Zheng's godfather.
Of course you must do that.
I'm a woman.
Will I send troops
and manage the officials?
I don't know anything
about those things.
However,
Zheng is a deep thinker.
When you're handling the state affairs,
discuss them with him.
Otherwise, if you two go into conflict,
I won't live in peace.
I swear on the imperial bloodline
that if I assume the throne someday,
I'll surely be grateful to you.
You can have any of the positions
and titles
in Zhao.
Right.
Mr. Mao.
Before, Lord Pingyuan suppressed you.
Now,
the King and Crown Prince
are good in martial arts and battles.
You're a well-known intellectual.
You can't showcase
how you'd ruin the enemy's plans
and stop them from converging.
If Prince Yan assumes the throne,
you can fully make use
of your talent in governing the nation.
When that time comes,
you can also be
an influential person
like Zhang Yi or Su Qin.
You want to be the Crown Prince?
Yes.
Crown Prince Zhao Yi is in the way now.
Only by eliminating Zhao Yi
can you become Crown Prince.
I can't kill him.
If people find out,
I won't feel at ease
even if I become Crown Prince.
You don't need to kill him.
Just pass along a few words to Qin.
Qin?
Just let Qin know
that everyone in Zhao
loves Crown Prince Zhao Yi.
Once Zhao Yi becomes king,
Zhao will unite
and fight against Qin.
By then,
Qin will think of a way to deal
with Zhao Yi.
All the nations
have a tradition of exchanging hostages.
When the time comes,
Qin will request Zhao
to send Crown Prince Zhao Yi
to Xianyang,
and watch over him.
We'd also think of a way to remind him
that Qin won't easily let him go.
As for Handan,
we'll try to convince His Majesty
to appoint another Crown Prince.
Who do you think
they'll appoint?
Of course it's me.
Superb.
Amazing.
Marvelous.
You're very clever indeed.
Mr. Mao.
Please request His Majesty
to send you as an envoy to Qin.
I'll be going to Qin?
Present these to His Majesty
for his perusal first.
Yes.
And this policy advice
that Li Si wrote too.
Show His Majesty
a different kind of policy advice.
Yes.
If you want to be rich,
you must become a king's assistant.
Prime Minister
cannot change his nature as a merchant.
He just wants a sure way to be rich.
I think
he's not capable of
ruling the unified nation.
How can I stay here for long?
Li Si.
This is the Prime Minister Residence,
not Jixia Academy.
Don't speak this way.
Prime Minister handles
all the state affairs.
He's the most powerful man
in the nation.
Disaster will fall upon him.
His Majesty is young.
What disaster can fall upon
Prime Minister?
Besides,
Prime Minister's foundation in Qin
is so deep.
Young?
Listen, Mu Ge.
No matter who it is,
if you treat the current King of Qin
as a child
who doesn't know anything,
you have a death wish.
How so?
It's just my feeling.
Your feeling?
Yes.
A very strong feeling.
The King of Qin Ying Zheng is
the only one
who can unify and rule the nations.
He's the great leader
whom I want to assist.
I, Li Si,
must help him
in his rule.
Wang Wan.
Help me do something.
Your Majesty,
what would you like me to do?
Find information about someone.
Who?
Li Si.
Li Si?
I can tell you right now.
I know him.
You know Li Si?
I haven't known him for long.
He's the Prime Minister's follower.
What is he like?
Li Si was a minor official in Shangcai
in Chu.
He resigned from his position
many years ago,
and went to study in Qi's Jixia Academy.
He was one of the two best students
of Xunzi.
They say that he learned the technique
to assist kings with Xunzi.
He's a rare talent in assisting kings.
Really?
People often say
that Li Si is flawless
in speech and action.
He has unfathomably deep
and intricate thoughts.
With his knowledge, talent and courage
he is considered
to be an unparalleled talent
in governance.
I wish I'm as talented as him.
Bring Li Si to see me right away.
Your Majesty.
Li Si is Prime Minister's follower.
We must inform Prime Minister
about this.
If we directly ask Li Si to see you,
I'm afraid it's not a good idea.
Don't worry, Your Majesty.
Prime Minister is recruiting talents
for Qin
and for your sake.
When Prime Minister thinks
that it's the right moment,
he will surely
recommend Li Si to you.
Wang Wan.
Yes.
Are you Qin's official,
or Prime Minister's follower?
I'm Qin's official,
Your Majesty's official.
You may go.
Yes.
Sir, why are you spending so much money
in inviting me
to such an extravagant place?
You're Prince Fei's good friend.
Don't be shy.
Just call me Zheng Guo.
Is Han Fei doing well?
♪I remember the cold wind last night,
look at the world♪
♪It's boundless and vast♪
♪Each year is sad and very tumultuous♪
♪Military exercises at the plateaus,
horses drinking by the Yangtze River♪
♪Communicating the unification
of the country♪
♪Brandishing the safety of the world♪
♪The land was given to officials for
500 years, lives flourished and decayed♪
♪Ruined structures, sorrows, heroes'
tears, I must have great ambition♪
♪In the vast mountains and rivers,
the weather keeps changing♪
♪Bring peace to the world, build a
new universe, be like the sun and moon♪
♪Armed for battle,
the soldiers are unstoppable♪
♪A land consumed by war,
the beginning of the king's law♪
♪Follow the footsteps of
our ancestors and martyrs♪
♪A great nation's
iron-willed representative♪
=Episode 15=
Wonderful.
Marvelous.
However,
since you've mentioned
about writing books,
allow me to be frank.
Go ahead.
I think
it's better
if you don't write this book.
Why?
You've helped two kings
ascend to the throne,
gave amnesty,
promoted officials with merits,
eliminated East Zhou
and broke their alliance.
No one can compare
to your merits.
Now, you're the Regent Prime Minister.
Even the King of Qin must call you
godfather.
That's as high as one can go
as an official.
However,
please think carefully
about the words king and official.
You are a very powerful man,
but you're still just an official.
Even if the King of Qin is
just 15 years old,
he's the king of the nation.
I think
that as an official,
you can work for the king,
but you can't make decisions for him.
Now, you want to
make the governing policies
for Qin.
Did the King of Qin
allow this?
His Majesty is 15 years old.
It's a good age to learn
about governing policies.
I just need to write this book.
His Majesty will learn it well,
and he'd understand
the major points in governance.
For ordinary kings,
doing this isn't a problem.
But the point lies
in whether you really know
the current King of Qin.
Do you really know
his thoughts?
Since His Majesty came to Qin,
he grew up
right in front of me.
How can I not know
his thoughts?
I'm not sure
if I should say this or not.
Go ahead.
The wind is strong in high mountains.
The water is cold in deep waters.
You're in a high position now.
Beware of strong winds.
If you fall,
it won't just be a scratch.
That's an overstatement.
Ill winds
and undercurrents can't hurt me.
(In 221 B.C.,)
(Hangu Pass)
(Qin's Top Generals Meng Ao
and Biao Gong)
(led troops)
(to go east of Hangu Pass again,)
(starting a new round of attacks)
(on the six states.)
(Meng)
(Qin)
(Qin)
Generals and warriors!
Kill!
(Qin)
Greetings, Your Majesty, Queen Dowager,
Prime Minister.
Top General Meng Ao
led troops and recovered lost lands
outside the river,
and brought peace to Sanchuan, Taiyuan,
and Shangdang.
His significant achievements
should be rewarded.
His salary will be increased
according to his title.
Thank you, Your Majesty,
Queen Dowager, Prime Minister.
Biao Gong
led troops to recover Juanyi,
and defeated Wei's troops.
However, he chopped off
the heads of 30 thousand troops,
which is against the new law.
The law was already in place.
Biao Gong intentionally violated it.
He should be executed.
Because of his advanced age,
and he followed the late king's wishes
in contributing to Qin,
his title will be stripped,
and he'd return the commander's seal.
Prime Minister, I refuse to accept that.
Your Majesty, Queen Dowager,
Prime Minister's punishment is unjust.
All my life,
I went on hundreds of major
and minor battles for Qin.
Is this what I get?
Biao Gong.
We changed the law
of "Merit by Decapitation"
to increase our population,
accept homeless people from Shandong,
and enrich the people of Qin.
You intentionally violated the law.
As a general who disobeys the law,
shouldn't you be punished?
Godfather's words make sense,
of course.
But this is a serious matter,
and he didn't discuss it with me first.
Biao Gong is a Top General.
Then...
We'll do as Prime Minister said.
Meng Ao.
Fellow officials.
Aren't you going to defend me?
Your Majesty.
My heart belongs to Qin,
to you, Your Majesty.
I still want to go
to battle and eliminate
the six states for you.
Even if I die on the battlefield,
I will rest in peace.
Biao Gong!
Do you want His Majesty
to ignore the law?
Return the commander's seal at once.
Biao Gong.
Retire and go home.
Your Majesty.
I've battled for four Kings of Qin.
Now,
even if I can't work for Qin anymore,
I'll be at my hometown,
hoping that
Qin's army would go east earlier,
unify the six states soon,
and become king over them.
When that time comes,
I'll surely drink 5 kg of wine
in celebration for you.
I won't forget
all your contributions.
And Qin will never forget you all
the more.
Guanzi once stated,
"If statutes aren't carried out
accordingly,
there will be no rules
in the state affairs.
If the law doesn't
carry out the statutes,
decrees cannot be implemented."
By being a good role model,
others will follow it.
Qin is implementing a decree,
that's what the law states.
Your Majesty, did I do the right thing?
Godfather, you did.
If we don't enforce strict punishments
in implementing decrees,
decrees cannot be carried out.
Only when the king himself obeys
the decrees
can the decrees be obeyed by everyone.
Your Majesty is brilliant indeed.
(Through Lv Buwei's rectification,)
(the Qin army finally changed)
(their way of obtaining merits
by decapitation.)
(In succeeding battles,)
(no large-scale killing)
(of enemy's troops ever happened again.)
(It had a positive effect)
(on population growth)
(and developments in farming.)
Your Majesty.
You've been standing here
for a long time.
I really want to become this mountain,
laying down between the heaven and earth,
and inspiring awe in the nine nations.
Your Majesty.
What's good in being a mountain?
Is it better than being a king,
especially the King of Qin?
Who doesn't envy you?
Envy me?
Yes.
Qin is currently the strongest nation.
Naturally, Your Majesty
is the strongest king.
Who would dare to disobey your command?
Is that so?
Is it because of what happened
with Biao Gong?
Didn't Prime Minister
inform you beforehand?
Don't mention that again.
Prime Minister is setting
the nation's policy.
He's responsible
for supervising the nation.
Being dictatorial is acceptable.
I wonder if you've noticed
that in the imperial court today,
when you removed Top General
Biao Gong from position,
His Majesty was slightly unhappy
about it.
You're thinking too much.
His Majesty is young,
and he's a sentimental man.
Biao Gong kept imploring him.
It's unavoidable
for His Majesty to feel pity.
Your careful observation of His Majesty
isn't something I can compare with.
I still need your advice.
How is Prince Chengjiao doing lately?
Lately, Prince Chengjiao has been
studying very hard.
His sword technique improved as well.
In my opinion,
Prince Chengjiao
would surely become
a promising talent in Qin someday.
Good.
Good.
Please spend more effort
on teaching Prince Chengjiao.
The chaos the Chu faction caused
last time
serves as a warning for us.
We must be very careful.
I understand.
Don't worry.
After the flooding disaster,
I think building water channels
is a must.
First, homeless people from Shandong
keep coming to Qin.
We need more fertile lands
to distribute to our new citizens.
Second, if we keep engaging in battle,
the supplies...
The supplies.
Yes.
The supplies must be sufficient.
Yes.
If such flooding occurs again,
how should we deal with it?
We must repair the water channels first
to strengthen our nation.
Afterwards,
we can talk about eliminating states.
You're right.
But repairing water channels
can only be done by Bashu's
Prefecture Chief Li Bing.
Li Bing
and his son are keeping Bashu safe.
They have a huge responsibility.
And Li Bing is almost 60 years old.
He doesn't have enough stamina
and energy for it.
You mean...
We'll seek new talents.
(Han, Palace in Xinzheng)
We originally thought
that since three Kings of Qin have died
within four years,
(King Huanhui of Han, Ran)
then flooding kept occurring,
and a new,
young king assumed the throne,
their ambition in unifying the states
would lessen.
And Han
can have a few years of peace.
Who would have thought
that the new king
just assumed the throne,
(Han An, Han Fei)
and they're already battling with Wei.
Not only did they get Juanyi from Wei,
(Han's Chancellor, Zhang Ping)
they even killed 30 thousand
(Zheng Guo)
of their troops.
If this goes on,
I wonder when Qin
would come to our cities again,
invade our land, harm our citizens,
and destroy our nation.
What's the matter?
Are you all mute?
Usually, your voices in wine shops
are very loud and jubilant.
Now that we're facing
an impending disaster,
give me
some suggestions.
Please send envoys to the five states.
Only in collaborating with them
to attack Qin
can we turn the situation around.
Each state has a different agenda.
Nothing can be accomplished.
Han has long bowed its head to Qin.
How about we send more gifts to Qin
to show our sincerity in doing so
in order to prevent a battle?
After we bowed down to Qin,
it still wanted to eliminate our state.
And the five states once formed
an alliance to attack Qin.
Qin might not agree
even if we bow down to them again.
Father.
We can only strengthen ourselves
in order to defend ourselves from Qin.
A lot of time is required
in strengthening ourselves.
You've trained in Jixia for a long time.
Are there ways to strengthen ourselves
that doesn't require
a lot of time and effort?
Fight desperately
in the face of mortal danger.
In these turbulent times,
only in strengthening ourselves
can we make our nation mighty.
Promote farming, lower tax rates,
reduce imperial and official expenses,
so that our citizens can make a living.
If our citizens are rich,
our nation will be strong.
If our nation is strong,
our army will be strong.
Then we can collaborate
with the five nations
to battle with Qin.
Otherwise, Qin would eliminate Han
sooner or later.
You...
Do you want to infuriate me?
Why do I have a son like you?
Get out.
Your Majesty.
Qin's Prime Minister sent
an Edict of Talent Recruitment.
Give it to me.
Yes.
I got it.
I have a great plan.
Spectacular.
This plan would surely exhaust
and weaken Qin,
and give Han ten years of peace.
(Zhao, Handan, Wine Pavilion)
Will it work this time?
It might be like the last time.
He drank so much,
but he wouldn't budge.
Don't worry, My lord.
This time, I'm sure it will work.
My lord.
Mao Sui likes to drink wine.
If you invite him to drink fine wine
from Linzi,
will he not come?
My lord, don't worry.
Once he takes a drink,
we'll be half successful in this matter.
An intellectual.
What does an intellectual care about
the most?
Wine.
He cares most about his reputation.
Greetings, My lord.
Greetings, Officer Mao Sui.
-Come.
-Officer Guo.
Have a seat.
This way please.
My lord.
Will we only drink wine today,
or do you want me
to help you with something?
No.
We'll just drink wine today.
Just drink.
All right.
I'll also be frank.
I can't help with the matter
that you've mentioned before.
Can I still drink with you?
Sure.
Of course.
Come.
I won't bother you today.
Let's just drink.
Just drink.
Guo Kai,
why are you still standing there?
Get the fine wine.
Yes.
(Qin, Xianyang, Zhangtai Palace)
Prime Minister has arrived.
Your Majesty.
I've decided
to build water channels
and promote farming
to strengthen our nation.
Are you blaming me
for not informing you beforehand?
You must be considering
Qin's long-term development.
I'll listen to your arrangement.
I was with the late king
for over ten years.
For the mighty nation of Qin,
I don't dare to slack off.
Since the late king is gone,
I should have left as well,
and become
an unscrupulous merchant again,
or live in the mountains.
However, the late king entrusted me
with a serious matter,
and appointed me as Prime Minister.
I have no choice but to stay.
I feel at ease
in letting you
handle the nation's affairs.
However, I'm the King of Qin.
If I don't do anything all day long,
I'll feel ill at ease.
You care about the nation and citizens.
That's good.
But listen to me.
A wise king
relies on officials to do things,
and not do them himself.
He must know how to make use
of people's talents.
The officials will
work on the king's behalf.
The king will say what he wants,
and the officials will do it.
They don't interfere with each other,
or do each other's work.
Then the nation would become prosperous.
You assumed the throne at a young age.
You only need to worship the gods,
and pray that the late kings
would make Qin prosper.
I'm afraid I can't do
what you're asking me to.
What a shame.
What a shame
for your good reputation.
What exactly do you want?
If you can help me assume the throne,
no one will find out about this.
Otherwise...
Otherwise,
we'll announce your scandal
to all the nations.
Officer Mao Sui.
Back then, the King of Chu was
in awe of you,
so he sent reinforcements to Zhao.
But who would have thought
that in your old age,
you'd do
such a foolish thing.
If people find out about this,
Mr. Mao,
how can you face
the kings and officials
in all nations?
Mr. Mao.
Just help me.
I just asked Zheng to leave.
I know
that you're doing it
for Zheng's sake.
But Zheng is the king after all.
When you handle the state affairs,
you still need to inform him.
Otherwise,
he'll come to me again
to speak on his behalf.
Zheng is immature indeed.
He bothers his mother
for trivial matters.
Zheng assumed the throne
at a young age.
There are lots of things to handle
in Qin.
As the godfather,
I must handle things for him.
Of course.
You're Zheng's godfather.
Of course you must do that.
I'm a woman.
Will I send troops
and manage the officials?
I don't know anything
about those things.
However,
Zheng is a deep thinker.
When you're handling the state affairs,
discuss them with him.
Otherwise, if you two go into conflict,
I won't live in peace.
I swear on the imperial bloodline
that if I assume the throne someday,
I'll surely be grateful to you.
You can have any of the positions
and titles
in Zhao.
Right.
Mr. Mao.
Before, Lord Pingyuan suppressed you.
Now,
the King and Crown Prince
are good in martial arts and battles.
You're a well-known intellectual.
You can't showcase
how you'd ruin the enemy's plans
and stop them from converging.
If Prince Yan assumes the throne,
you can fully make use
of your talent in governing the nation.
When that time comes,
you can also be
an influential person
like Zhang Yi or Su Qin.
You want to be the Crown Prince?
Yes.
Crown Prince Zhao Yi is in the way now.
Only by eliminating Zhao Yi
can you become Crown Prince.
I can't kill him.
If people find out,
I won't feel at ease
even if I become Crown Prince.
You don't need to kill him.
Just pass along a few words to Qin.
Qin?
Just let Qin know
that everyone in Zhao
loves Crown Prince Zhao Yi.
Once Zhao Yi becomes king,
Zhao will unite
and fight against Qin.
By then,
Qin will think of a way to deal
with Zhao Yi.
All the nations
have a tradition of exchanging hostages.
When the time comes,
Qin will request Zhao
to send Crown Prince Zhao Yi
to Xianyang,
and watch over him.
We'd also think of a way to remind him
that Qin won't easily let him go.
As for Handan,
we'll try to convince His Majesty
to appoint another Crown Prince.
Who do you think
they'll appoint?
Of course it's me.
Superb.
Amazing.
Marvelous.
You're very clever indeed.
Mr. Mao.
Please request His Majesty
to send you as an envoy to Qin.
I'll be going to Qin?
Present these to His Majesty
for his perusal first.
Yes.
And this policy advice
that Li Si wrote too.
Show His Majesty
a different kind of policy advice.
Yes.
If you want to be rich,
you must become a king's assistant.
Prime Minister
cannot change his nature as a merchant.
He just wants a sure way to be rich.
I think
he's not capable of
ruling the unified nation.
How can I stay here for long?
Li Si.
This is the Prime Minister Residence,
not Jixia Academy.
Don't speak this way.
Prime Minister handles
all the state affairs.
He's the most powerful man
in the nation.
Disaster will fall upon him.
His Majesty is young.
What disaster can fall upon
Prime Minister?
Besides,
Prime Minister's foundation in Qin
is so deep.
Young?
Listen, Mu Ge.
No matter who it is,
if you treat the current King of Qin
as a child
who doesn't know anything,
you have a death wish.
How so?
It's just my feeling.
Your feeling?
Yes.
A very strong feeling.
The King of Qin Ying Zheng is
the only one
who can unify and rule the nations.
He's the great leader
whom I want to assist.
I, Li Si,
must help him
in his rule.
Wang Wan.
Help me do something.
Your Majesty,
what would you like me to do?
Find information about someone.
Who?
Li Si.
Li Si?
I can tell you right now.
I know him.
You know Li Si?
I haven't known him for long.
He's the Prime Minister's follower.
What is he like?
Li Si was a minor official in Shangcai
in Chu.
He resigned from his position
many years ago,
and went to study in Qi's Jixia Academy.
He was one of the two best students
of Xunzi.
They say that he learned the technique
to assist kings with Xunzi.
He's a rare talent in assisting kings.
Really?
People often say
that Li Si is flawless
in speech and action.
He has unfathomably deep
and intricate thoughts.
With his knowledge, talent and courage
he is considered
to be an unparalleled talent
in governance.
I wish I'm as talented as him.
Bring Li Si to see me right away.
Your Majesty.
Li Si is Prime Minister's follower.
We must inform Prime Minister
about this.
If we directly ask Li Si to see you,
I'm afraid it's not a good idea.
Don't worry, Your Majesty.
Prime Minister is recruiting talents
for Qin
and for your sake.
When Prime Minister thinks
that it's the right moment,
he will surely
recommend Li Si to you.
Wang Wan.
Yes.
Are you Qin's official,
or Prime Minister's follower?
I'm Qin's official,
Your Majesty's official.
You may go.
Yes.
Sir, why are you spending so much money
in inviting me
to such an extravagant place?
You're Prince Fei's good friend.
Don't be shy.
Just call me Zheng Guo.
Is Han Fei doing well?
♪I remember the cold wind last night,
look at the world♪
♪It's boundless and vast♪
♪Each year is sad and very tumultuous♪
♪Military exercises at the plateaus,
horses drinking by the Yangtze River♪
♪Communicating the unification
of the country♪
♪Brandishing the safety of the world♪
♪The land was given to officials for
500 years, lives flourished and decayed♪
♪Ruined structures, sorrows, heroes'
tears, I must have great ambition♪
♪In the vast mountains and rivers,
the weather keeps changing♪
♪Bring peace to the world, build a
new universe, be like the sun and moon♪
♪Armed for battle,
the soldiers are unstoppable♪
♪A land consumed by war,
the beginning of the king's law♪
♪Follow the footsteps of
our ancestors and martyrs♪
♪A great nation's
iron-willed representative♪