Qin Dynasty Epic (2020): Season 1, Episode 36 - Episode #1.36 - full transcript
=Qin Dynasty Epic=
=Episode 36=
I'll expand this mansion in the future.
When the time comes, I'll need you
to hire the best builders.
(Chief Palace Attendant of Qin, Lao Ai)
I'll make this
(Chief Palace Attendant of Qin, Lao Ai)
the best mansion in Xianyang.
I assure you,
you can count on me.
Mr. Lao Ai, we have a visitor.
(Ying Yu)
Who is it?
He carries a sword, like a warrior.
He might be here to get a job.
Let him in.
Yes.
(Wei People, Po)
I heard that
you were recruiting retainers.
This is why I came here.
What is your talent?
Killing.
Leave.
What? Drawing your sword on us?
Guards, take him away.
Move.
Show him to his room.
Your Majesty.
The weapons are carved with
the names of forge supervisors,
the foreman and the blacksmiths.
If there is an issue with the weapon,
or if they don't meet the standards,
we can trace the person in charge
using the names carved on the weapons.
The seventh year.
(Prime Minister of Qin, Lv Buwei)
Forged by Prime Minister Lv Buwei.
Supervisor Gao, foreman Yi,
blacksmith Jing.
(King of Qin, Zheng)
(Guest Mister of Qin, Li Si)
(Chief Guard of Qin, Meng Tian)
The Prime Minister's name
is on this too.
Prime Minister.
If there is an issue with the weapons,
in the end
(Lord Weiyang of Qin, Ying Xi)
you'll be responsible anyway.
That is for sure.
The quality of the weapons
will decide the life and death
of Qin's army.
I cannot take this lightly.
As the Prime Minister,
this is my responsibility.
Prime Minister.
How many of these weapons
have your name on them?
Dagger-axe, spear, sword, and halberd.
Crossbow, stake-spear and axe.
Around four million of them.
As for bronze arrows,
we have over 80 million of them.
They are more than enough
to equip an army of a million strong.
Great.
Based on Qin's Law,
there are different sizes
for each weapon.
They come in
different lengths and widths.
The weapons are compatible
with each other.
It's easier to replace parts
and repair.
This is a huge reserve.
Well done, Prime Minister.
It's a shame...
To leave them here.
The Prime Minister saved
enough military strength
to bring peace to the world.
His feat must be remembered.
It seems like the land
will be unified soon enough.
We have plenty
of weapons in reserve.
But for a campaign
against the six states
and to ensure the undefeated streak
of our army,
these resources
are far from enough.
(Censor of Qin, Wang Wan)
It takes 30 years for a nation to muster
(Censor of Qin, Wang Wan)
its strength.
Recent inspections
have brought peace to my mind.
We'll depart from the city tomorrow
and inspect the canal
Zheng Guo is digging.
That's the tenth jar of wine.
He's eaten over ten catties of meat.
How can his stomach handle these?
Who knows?
Have a look around!
Why are you still here?
(Steward of Qin's Prime Minister's Residence)
Tie him up and send him
(Zheng Huo)
to the Ministry of Justice.
How dare you!
Who is your boss?
Mr. Lao is my boss.
Mr. Lao?
Lao Ai has your back?
Get up!
Let's go.
Stop lying on the ground!
Let's go!
Slowly, don't drop it.
(Queen Dowager of Qin, Zhao Ji)
Queen Dowager.
Peach blossoms bloom,
brilliant...
Peach blossoms bloom,
their color ever so brilliant.
What was that for?
Here, have a bite.
This peach here
is fresh and brilliant.
Any woman who eats this
will be just like this peach.
Graceful and beautiful.
Not bad.
You can recite poems now.
Prince Yu taught me that.
This poem...
It was written by a man
when he was marrying a beautiful wife.
All right.
So you got your title.
Zheng and the Prime Minister
will be away tomorrow.
When they're back,
I'll grant you the title
during the morning court.
Do you mean it?
Have I ever lied to you?
Why are the King and
the Prime Minister leaving?
To inspect the progress
on Zheng Guo's canal.
Come.
Welcome.
Drink heartily.
Mr. Lao is here.
Dismiss, all of you!
(Dong Qi, Xuan Si)
I have an announcement.
In a few days...
I will be made a duke for real!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Mr. Lao.
This is worth celebrating!
(Prince of Wei, Wei Hong)
Drink all you want and all you can!
Drink all you want and all you can!
Drink heartily.
(Wang Jie, Zhao Jie)
This is great news.
Mr. Lao.
Days ago, Zheng Huo
was rude to you.
I was just informed that this warrior
had a fight with Zheng Huo.
When the Prime Minister returns,
Zheng Huo will surely
complain to him about you.
Mr. Lao.
We must do something.
Yes, this is unacceptable!
Do you have a plan?
When I first came to Xianyang,
I tried to seek refuge
from the Prime Minister.
But Zheng Huo looked down on me
because of my lowly background.
He chased me out of the residence.
I couldn't swallow it
so I stayed for days afterward.
Zheng Huo tried taking me
to the authority.
But Mr. Lao, you saved me.
Don't mention it.
Stay here as long as you want.
The Prime Minister will
never find you here.
Thank you for taking me in.
From now on,
whatever you wish
will be my command.
Don't worry, Mr. Lao.
This plan will work.
Lao's office?
Curse you, Lao Ai.
How dare you stand against
the Prime Minister.
I'll let you realize
the consequence of your mistake!
Sir.
A man outside sent you this.
Read it.
Yes.
To Mr. Zheng Huo.
I am from the Jing clan of Chu.
A month ago,
my son was framed
by the Governor for espionage
and sent to the prison in Xianyang.
My son was wronged.
Please help me save my son.
Once the work is done,
3000 taels of gold will be rewarded.
That's all?
That's all.
Bring it here.
Seal your lips and say nothing of this.
Dismiss.
Yes.
The Jing family?
(Canal Digging Site)
(Canal Engineer, Zheng Guo)
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, look.
Slightly elevated on the north-west,
slightly lower on the south-east.
The Jing River reaches the north
until the southern foot of the mountain.
Then it stretches to the east.
It then passes through counties
such as Jingyang and Pinyang.
It extends to other smaller streams,
from the south-east of Linjin
right into Luo River.
The canal is over 150 kilometers
in total.
The canal will help
the land of Guanzhong thrive.
It will be on par with Bashu.
Zheng Guo.
When will the canal be completed?
In a matter of three to four years.
Two years.
You'll have two years.
I want you to finish it by then.
When it's completed,
you will get promoted.
All the workers involved
will have a rank-two title
and bring honor to their families.
I'll do the best I can.
Mr. Lao.
Zheng Huo has released the prisoner
by pulling strings with the Governor.
This is good.
He took the bait.
Prince Yu.
That was a wise move indeed.
Mr. Lao Ai, please do not forget
your explanation to Queen Dowager.
Don't worry about it.
You captured
the Prime Minister's steward.
Do you think
he would forgive you for this?
Not only will he not punish me,
he will be thanking me.
He will thank you?
Why is that?
Zheng Huo
has secretly
done many things that violate the law.
Now he was bribed
to fake an order from the Prime Minister
and release a suspected spy.
Are you sure?
This scandal has
made a wave in Xianyang.
If we don't catch him now,
the Prime Minister will be
caught up in this
when he returns.
The Prime Minister is still siding
with me and Zheng.
I can't allow this servant
to tarnish his reputation.
(Qin)
Wonderful, this is wonderful!
Si, after what we've seen
I must say I was surprised.
I never thought the Prime Minister
had mustered
this huge amount of food and weapons
for the Qin army.
I know.
The Prime Minister's contribution
is undeniable.
If he is too obsessed with the credit
and becomes hesitant
when it comes to
Qin's greater good...
It will only get in the way
of Qin's progress.
Is Zheng Huo here?
Lao Ai.
What are you doing at our doorstep?
Queen Dowager's order.
Steward Zheng Huo of
the Prime Minister's Residence,
you took the bribe and released the spy.
You are now under arrest.
What?
Do you mean to cause an uprising?
Would you dare disobey
the Queen Dowager's order?
Who do you think you are?
How dare you set the Prime Minister up.
Fine, I'll go with you.
This has nothing to do with him.
You abused your power
and violated the law.
After all, I once served
the Prime Minister myself.
I can't do nothing
while you drag him into your scandal.
It's only been a few days,
you've got very skilled at your speech.
Take him away.
Come.
Now, we finally showed Zheng Huo
the true meaning of humiliation.
I doubt the Prime Minister
could save his neck now.
Let's drink.
Cheers.
Mr. Lao, the Prime Minister's men
are here.
They are soldiers with swords.
Po!
Finish your wine.
Brother Zheng Yi.
What has brought you here to my house?
The Prime Minister asked for you.
What are the odds?
I have work today.
(Zheng Yi)
How about another day?
I'll pay him a visit someday.
He wanted you there now.
(Zheng Yi)
How about this?
Allow me to get changed.
That is not necessary.
The Prime Minister is waiting.
This way.
May I know
why I was summoned here?
What do you think?
I was told he was called
to get lectured.
Why is he beat up so badly?
Which of your men did this?
How dare they did this!
Lao Ai.
Why did I lecture you?
It turned out
you framed my men.
It won't be long
until you do it to me, right?
Please stop threatening him.
Your steward accepted the bribe
and released the spy.
I have the evidence.
Lao Ai
once served you.
I have no right to defend him back then.
But since you sent him to my side,
that makes him my man.
If he did anything wrong,
I should be the one to punish him.
He...
He is getting too full of himself.
He is recruiting retainers
in large numbers.
He has no respect
for me nor the royal family.
He is merely a Chief Palace Attendant
yet look at his arrogance.
What would he do next?
I don't care what he would do.
I'll be responsible.
No one can be responsible
for His Majesty's state.
Aren't you doing exactly that?
His Majesty will take over
sooner or later.
What I must pass to His Majesty
is a nation that is powerful and great.
I can't pass to him a troubled nation.
All the troubles
are connected to you in some way.
What do you mean?
All and all...
You were nice to me once,
and you treated His Majesty well.
You must treat Lao Ai well too.
You're the one who sent him here.
Of course you are responsible too.
I've said enough today.
I take my leave.
Lao Ai's punishment
can't be for nothing.
You refused to reward Lao Ai
the last time.
I will bring up this matter again
on the court.
I am sure you know what must be done.
I am sorry.
Sorry for involving you,
I deserve punishment.
You were greedy and you took the bribe.
I...
I am too ashamed to face anyone!
No amount of luxury and prosperity
can quench the thirst for power.
I underestimated the power of greed.
The Queen Dowager was being emotional.
Perhaps after some time
she will start ignoring Lao Ai.
Perhaps.
Lao Ai said Queen Dowager
would bring up the discussion
of his promotion.
Did you manage to earn his trust?
Earning his trust
wasn't so hard.
I was right about you.
I feel like you didn't ask me
to investigate
Lao Ai's reason to kill you,
but some other reason.
Be patient.
I've told you.
Carry on the investigation
and you will find out.
Five days from now
at the same time,
we meet here.
If I am otherwise engaged,
you will be informed.
How will you inform me?
Your decision
is getting more unpredictable.
Summon Lao Ai to the hall.
Summon Lao Ai to the hall.
I, Lao Ai, greet Your Majesty
and Queen Dowager.
Greetings to the Prime Minister.
I have a decree.
Censor, read it aloud.
As decreed by Queen Dowager of Qin,
Chief Palace Attendant Lao Ai
has shown his loyalty to Qin
by exposing a traitor.
He removed a threat from Qin
and his contribution is acknowledged.
He will now be granted the title
Duke of Changxin.
His residence will be relocated
to Shanyang.
Ying Xi.
(Lord Weiwen of Qin, Ying Sheng)
Him?
This is outrageous!
I, Lao Ai, thank Your Majesty
and Queen Dowager.
Chattering with rage?
Is there any objection?
Qin has always granted title based on
(Official of Qin, Kui Zhuang)
contributions in farming and battles.
Who is this Lao Ai?
What has he contributed?
Lao Ai...
His contribution
was clearly stated just now.
Do you need to hear it again?
Merits based on farming and battles...
Rules are made by people.
If it's unprecedented,
we'll start with something.
This is ridiculous!
How dare you!
Queen Dowager.
I must object even if
I must be disrespectful!
Prime Minister.
Kui Zhuang is the Minister of Justice.
But he disobeys my decree
in front of everyone.
He showed contempt on the court.
How should we punish him?
Queen Dowager.
Kui Zhuang has served two Kings
over the years.
He is loyal to Qin.
And we are in a court meeting.
We do need some other voices.
I hope you wouldn't be offended.
Is there any officer
who isn't loyal to Qin?
Loyalty?
That doesn't mean
he could yell at me.
Guards.
Kui Zhuang, the Minister of Justice,
has disrespected me in the court.
Demote him to the peasantry!
Queen Dowager! Show some mercy!
Queen Dowager!
Queen Dowager! No!
Queen Dowager! No!
Queen Dowager!
Queen Dowager!
You heard the Queen Dowager.
Kui Zhuang will be
demoted to peasantry.
Take him away.
Making so much noise
during the court session
is simply unacceptable.
Your Majesty!
Lao Ai.
Do you still want your reward
or not?
Your Majesty.
I've heard that 18 years ago,
Lao Ai was a carriage driver
who risked his life to send
the late King and the Prime Minister
to Xianyang all the way from Handan.
He was badly hurt during the journey.
I've heard this story from my father.
Godfather, was that story true?
The story was true.
It was 18 years ago
when your father and I
were ambushed
outside the city of Xianyang.
Lao Ai saved your father and me.
He was almost killed
while trying to save us.
Officers.
Lao Ai once saved my father
and the Prime Minister.
It was many years ago,
but was that not a great feat?
Should he be rewarded?
But...
I think...
Yes.
He said yes.
But why?
Duke of Changxin, does that satisfy you?
Lao Ai, show your gratitude.
I am grateful to Your Majesty!
Mr. Kui Zhuang.
Mr. Kui Zhuang.
Mr. Kui Zhuang.
I know you feel humiliated.
But it is not the time to be sulking
or leaving Xianyang.
I am not an official anymore.
Staying here is pointless to me.
Should I stay to watch that scoundrel
do as he pleases?
Qin still needs you, Mr. Kui Zhuang.
His Majesty still needs you.
His Majesty?
His Majesty will soon
take over the imperial court.
When the time comes,
you will surely be reinstated.
Please endure.
Wait for His Majesty's reign.
Since you've put it that way,
I shall trust you.
For Qin
and His Majesty,
I will stay in Xianyang
and wait for His Majesty
to summon me.
I
thank you on His Majesty's behalf.
Where are you from?
We're from Qi.
What about you?
I'm from Yan.
Are you heading to Xianyang?
Yes, I am heading to Xianyang
to congratulate Mr. Lao Ai
for becoming Duke of Changxin.
Me too.
Driver, hurry up!
(Daliang, Capital of Wei)
Your Majesty, get some rest
in the bedroom.
With Prince Wei Hong's plan,
I am sure Wei Zhan's daughter
can be married to Qin.
(King Jingmin of Wei, Zeng)
Qin's army of beasts
has been scouting our land for days.
If we manage to marry the girl
to King of Qin,
forming a marriage alliance,
we can put an end to the war...
And Zhao will stop
oppressing us as well.
(Lord Longyang of Wei)
Your Majesty.
Wei Hong told us in his secret letter.
Lao Ai will celebrate his promotion,
and Queen Dowager of Qin
will surely be there as well.
With Wei Yan's beauty,
the Queen Dowager will
be fond of her.
When the time comes,
we simply need Lao Ai
to put in some good words.
This plan will likely succeed.
No.
Send another letter to Wei Hong.
Remind him,
we must send tribute to
the Prime Minister too!
Having two options
is better than putting
all eggs in a basket.
Yes.
(Handan, Capital of Zhao)
Greetings, Your Majesty, my Queen.
Greetings, young prince.
(Zhao Qian, Youth
Queen of Zhao)
What is it?
Your Majesty.
(Prime Minister of Zhao, Guo Kai)
It's regarding Qin.
(King Daoxiang of Zhao, Yan)
Any news from Qin?
Your Majesty, do you still remember
that I mentioned
the attendant serving
Queen Dowager of Qin?
Lao Ai.
Yes.
What's the matter?
He is now a duke.
He is a duke now?
Yes.
Duke of Changxin.
Who would have thought?
Qin risked being the laughing stock
of the world
and granted an attendant
the title of duke.
Your Majesty.
Our attempt to thwart Ying Zheng
and that unscrupulous merchant Lv Buwei,
and bring chaos to Qin
requires this attendant.
My brother Guo Dan
is now in Xianyang.
He is approaching Lao Ai
to make him our ally.
Great.
Make sure to get him
on my side.
Yes.
(Duke of Changxin's Residence,
Xianyang, Qin)
Congratulations, Duke of Changxin.
Thank you.
Congratulations, Duke of Changxin.
Come in.
Come inside, drink heartily.
Please, come in.
(Secret Envoy of Zhao, Guo Dan)
And you are...
I am Guo Dan.
By the order of my brother,
I have come to
congratulate Duke of Changxin.
And your brother is...
The Prime Minister of Zhao,
Guo Kai.
Even my motherland has sent
a delegation to congratulate me.
Your title as Duke of Changxin
has brought Zhao great honor.
Of course we must come
to send our regards.
Good.
Come here, Xuan Si.
Come.
Take good care of this guest for me.
Afterward,
I'll hold a banquet specially for you.
Yes.
Please, come in.
Please come in.
Congratulations, Duke of Changxin.
Sir.
I couldn't sleep
when I was told of your advancement.
I have brought some petty gifts for you.
Sir, your petty gifts
are much generous than many.
I am flattered.
Come in and have a drink.
Sure.
Come in.
A celebration?
Yes.
Ever since Lao Ai was given the title,
half of the nobles
from the six states
who originally supported
the Prime Minister
have sent gifts
to congratulate Lao Ai.
Many officers are now
siding with Lao Ai.
Why not use this chance
to send him your blessing as well?
I plan to do so.
Greetings, Queen Dowager.
Greetings, Queen Dowager.
At ease, all of you.
Much obliged, Queen Dowager.
Move aside!
Move aside!
Move aside!
Move aside!
Move aside!
(Official of Wei, Wei Zhan)
Miss.
Miss, come here.
(Daughter of Wei's Envoy, Wei Yan)
Cheers.
Queen Dowager,
this is the envoy from Wei.
It's an honor to meet you,
Queen Dowager.
At ease, envoy.
I disturbed you.
I deserve punishment for this.
It's fine.
I am grateful, Queen Dowager.
This is my daughter Wei Yan.
Quick, greet Queen Dowager.
I am Wei Yan,
daughter of Wei's envoy.
It's an honor to meet you,
Queen Dowager.
Is this your first time in Xianyang?
Yes, Queen Dowager.
♪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 the 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 36=
I'll expand this mansion in the future.
When the time comes, I'll need you
to hire the best builders.
(Chief Palace Attendant of Qin, Lao Ai)
I'll make this
(Chief Palace Attendant of Qin, Lao Ai)
the best mansion in Xianyang.
I assure you,
you can count on me.
Mr. Lao Ai, we have a visitor.
(Ying Yu)
Who is it?
He carries a sword, like a warrior.
He might be here to get a job.
Let him in.
Yes.
(Wei People, Po)
I heard that
you were recruiting retainers.
This is why I came here.
What is your talent?
Killing.
Leave.
What? Drawing your sword on us?
Guards, take him away.
Move.
Show him to his room.
Your Majesty.
The weapons are carved with
the names of forge supervisors,
the foreman and the blacksmiths.
If there is an issue with the weapon,
or if they don't meet the standards,
we can trace the person in charge
using the names carved on the weapons.
The seventh year.
(Prime Minister of Qin, Lv Buwei)
Forged by Prime Minister Lv Buwei.
Supervisor Gao, foreman Yi,
blacksmith Jing.
(King of Qin, Zheng)
(Guest Mister of Qin, Li Si)
(Chief Guard of Qin, Meng Tian)
The Prime Minister's name
is on this too.
Prime Minister.
If there is an issue with the weapons,
in the end
(Lord Weiyang of Qin, Ying Xi)
you'll be responsible anyway.
That is for sure.
The quality of the weapons
will decide the life and death
of Qin's army.
I cannot take this lightly.
As the Prime Minister,
this is my responsibility.
Prime Minister.
How many of these weapons
have your name on them?
Dagger-axe, spear, sword, and halberd.
Crossbow, stake-spear and axe.
Around four million of them.
As for bronze arrows,
we have over 80 million of them.
They are more than enough
to equip an army of a million strong.
Great.
Based on Qin's Law,
there are different sizes
for each weapon.
They come in
different lengths and widths.
The weapons are compatible
with each other.
It's easier to replace parts
and repair.
This is a huge reserve.
Well done, Prime Minister.
It's a shame...
To leave them here.
The Prime Minister saved
enough military strength
to bring peace to the world.
His feat must be remembered.
It seems like the land
will be unified soon enough.
We have plenty
of weapons in reserve.
But for a campaign
against the six states
and to ensure the undefeated streak
of our army,
these resources
are far from enough.
(Censor of Qin, Wang Wan)
It takes 30 years for a nation to muster
(Censor of Qin, Wang Wan)
its strength.
Recent inspections
have brought peace to my mind.
We'll depart from the city tomorrow
and inspect the canal
Zheng Guo is digging.
That's the tenth jar of wine.
He's eaten over ten catties of meat.
How can his stomach handle these?
Who knows?
Have a look around!
Why are you still here?
(Steward of Qin's Prime Minister's Residence)
Tie him up and send him
(Zheng Huo)
to the Ministry of Justice.
How dare you!
Who is your boss?
Mr. Lao is my boss.
Mr. Lao?
Lao Ai has your back?
Get up!
Let's go.
Stop lying on the ground!
Let's go!
Slowly, don't drop it.
(Queen Dowager of Qin, Zhao Ji)
Queen Dowager.
Peach blossoms bloom,
brilliant...
Peach blossoms bloom,
their color ever so brilliant.
What was that for?
Here, have a bite.
This peach here
is fresh and brilliant.
Any woman who eats this
will be just like this peach.
Graceful and beautiful.
Not bad.
You can recite poems now.
Prince Yu taught me that.
This poem...
It was written by a man
when he was marrying a beautiful wife.
All right.
So you got your title.
Zheng and the Prime Minister
will be away tomorrow.
When they're back,
I'll grant you the title
during the morning court.
Do you mean it?
Have I ever lied to you?
Why are the King and
the Prime Minister leaving?
To inspect the progress
on Zheng Guo's canal.
Come.
Welcome.
Drink heartily.
Mr. Lao is here.
Dismiss, all of you!
(Dong Qi, Xuan Si)
I have an announcement.
In a few days...
I will be made a duke for real!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Mr. Lao.
This is worth celebrating!
(Prince of Wei, Wei Hong)
Drink all you want and all you can!
Drink all you want and all you can!
Drink heartily.
(Wang Jie, Zhao Jie)
This is great news.
Mr. Lao.
Days ago, Zheng Huo
was rude to you.
I was just informed that this warrior
had a fight with Zheng Huo.
When the Prime Minister returns,
Zheng Huo will surely
complain to him about you.
Mr. Lao.
We must do something.
Yes, this is unacceptable!
Do you have a plan?
When I first came to Xianyang,
I tried to seek refuge
from the Prime Minister.
But Zheng Huo looked down on me
because of my lowly background.
He chased me out of the residence.
I couldn't swallow it
so I stayed for days afterward.
Zheng Huo tried taking me
to the authority.
But Mr. Lao, you saved me.
Don't mention it.
Stay here as long as you want.
The Prime Minister will
never find you here.
Thank you for taking me in.
From now on,
whatever you wish
will be my command.
Don't worry, Mr. Lao.
This plan will work.
Lao's office?
Curse you, Lao Ai.
How dare you stand against
the Prime Minister.
I'll let you realize
the consequence of your mistake!
Sir.
A man outside sent you this.
Read it.
Yes.
To Mr. Zheng Huo.
I am from the Jing clan of Chu.
A month ago,
my son was framed
by the Governor for espionage
and sent to the prison in Xianyang.
My son was wronged.
Please help me save my son.
Once the work is done,
3000 taels of gold will be rewarded.
That's all?
That's all.
Bring it here.
Seal your lips and say nothing of this.
Dismiss.
Yes.
The Jing family?
(Canal Digging Site)
(Canal Engineer, Zheng Guo)
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, look.
Slightly elevated on the north-west,
slightly lower on the south-east.
The Jing River reaches the north
until the southern foot of the mountain.
Then it stretches to the east.
It then passes through counties
such as Jingyang and Pinyang.
It extends to other smaller streams,
from the south-east of Linjin
right into Luo River.
The canal is over 150 kilometers
in total.
The canal will help
the land of Guanzhong thrive.
It will be on par with Bashu.
Zheng Guo.
When will the canal be completed?
In a matter of three to four years.
Two years.
You'll have two years.
I want you to finish it by then.
When it's completed,
you will get promoted.
All the workers involved
will have a rank-two title
and bring honor to their families.
I'll do the best I can.
Mr. Lao.
Zheng Huo has released the prisoner
by pulling strings with the Governor.
This is good.
He took the bait.
Prince Yu.
That was a wise move indeed.
Mr. Lao Ai, please do not forget
your explanation to Queen Dowager.
Don't worry about it.
You captured
the Prime Minister's steward.
Do you think
he would forgive you for this?
Not only will he not punish me,
he will be thanking me.
He will thank you?
Why is that?
Zheng Huo
has secretly
done many things that violate the law.
Now he was bribed
to fake an order from the Prime Minister
and release a suspected spy.
Are you sure?
This scandal has
made a wave in Xianyang.
If we don't catch him now,
the Prime Minister will be
caught up in this
when he returns.
The Prime Minister is still siding
with me and Zheng.
I can't allow this servant
to tarnish his reputation.
(Qin)
Wonderful, this is wonderful!
Si, after what we've seen
I must say I was surprised.
I never thought the Prime Minister
had mustered
this huge amount of food and weapons
for the Qin army.
I know.
The Prime Minister's contribution
is undeniable.
If he is too obsessed with the credit
and becomes hesitant
when it comes to
Qin's greater good...
It will only get in the way
of Qin's progress.
Is Zheng Huo here?
Lao Ai.
What are you doing at our doorstep?
Queen Dowager's order.
Steward Zheng Huo of
the Prime Minister's Residence,
you took the bribe and released the spy.
You are now under arrest.
What?
Do you mean to cause an uprising?
Would you dare disobey
the Queen Dowager's order?
Who do you think you are?
How dare you set the Prime Minister up.
Fine, I'll go with you.
This has nothing to do with him.
You abused your power
and violated the law.
After all, I once served
the Prime Minister myself.
I can't do nothing
while you drag him into your scandal.
It's only been a few days,
you've got very skilled at your speech.
Take him away.
Come.
Now, we finally showed Zheng Huo
the true meaning of humiliation.
I doubt the Prime Minister
could save his neck now.
Let's drink.
Cheers.
Mr. Lao, the Prime Minister's men
are here.
They are soldiers with swords.
Po!
Finish your wine.
Brother Zheng Yi.
What has brought you here to my house?
The Prime Minister asked for you.
What are the odds?
I have work today.
(Zheng Yi)
How about another day?
I'll pay him a visit someday.
He wanted you there now.
(Zheng Yi)
How about this?
Allow me to get changed.
That is not necessary.
The Prime Minister is waiting.
This way.
May I know
why I was summoned here?
What do you think?
I was told he was called
to get lectured.
Why is he beat up so badly?
Which of your men did this?
How dare they did this!
Lao Ai.
Why did I lecture you?
It turned out
you framed my men.
It won't be long
until you do it to me, right?
Please stop threatening him.
Your steward accepted the bribe
and released the spy.
I have the evidence.
Lao Ai
once served you.
I have no right to defend him back then.
But since you sent him to my side,
that makes him my man.
If he did anything wrong,
I should be the one to punish him.
He...
He is getting too full of himself.
He is recruiting retainers
in large numbers.
He has no respect
for me nor the royal family.
He is merely a Chief Palace Attendant
yet look at his arrogance.
What would he do next?
I don't care what he would do.
I'll be responsible.
No one can be responsible
for His Majesty's state.
Aren't you doing exactly that?
His Majesty will take over
sooner or later.
What I must pass to His Majesty
is a nation that is powerful and great.
I can't pass to him a troubled nation.
All the troubles
are connected to you in some way.
What do you mean?
All and all...
You were nice to me once,
and you treated His Majesty well.
You must treat Lao Ai well too.
You're the one who sent him here.
Of course you are responsible too.
I've said enough today.
I take my leave.
Lao Ai's punishment
can't be for nothing.
You refused to reward Lao Ai
the last time.
I will bring up this matter again
on the court.
I am sure you know what must be done.
I am sorry.
Sorry for involving you,
I deserve punishment.
You were greedy and you took the bribe.
I...
I am too ashamed to face anyone!
No amount of luxury and prosperity
can quench the thirst for power.
I underestimated the power of greed.
The Queen Dowager was being emotional.
Perhaps after some time
she will start ignoring Lao Ai.
Perhaps.
Lao Ai said Queen Dowager
would bring up the discussion
of his promotion.
Did you manage to earn his trust?
Earning his trust
wasn't so hard.
I was right about you.
I feel like you didn't ask me
to investigate
Lao Ai's reason to kill you,
but some other reason.
Be patient.
I've told you.
Carry on the investigation
and you will find out.
Five days from now
at the same time,
we meet here.
If I am otherwise engaged,
you will be informed.
How will you inform me?
Your decision
is getting more unpredictable.
Summon Lao Ai to the hall.
Summon Lao Ai to the hall.
I, Lao Ai, greet Your Majesty
and Queen Dowager.
Greetings to the Prime Minister.
I have a decree.
Censor, read it aloud.
As decreed by Queen Dowager of Qin,
Chief Palace Attendant Lao Ai
has shown his loyalty to Qin
by exposing a traitor.
He removed a threat from Qin
and his contribution is acknowledged.
He will now be granted the title
Duke of Changxin.
His residence will be relocated
to Shanyang.
Ying Xi.
(Lord Weiwen of Qin, Ying Sheng)
Him?
This is outrageous!
I, Lao Ai, thank Your Majesty
and Queen Dowager.
Chattering with rage?
Is there any objection?
Qin has always granted title based on
(Official of Qin, Kui Zhuang)
contributions in farming and battles.
Who is this Lao Ai?
What has he contributed?
Lao Ai...
His contribution
was clearly stated just now.
Do you need to hear it again?
Merits based on farming and battles...
Rules are made by people.
If it's unprecedented,
we'll start with something.
This is ridiculous!
How dare you!
Queen Dowager.
I must object even if
I must be disrespectful!
Prime Minister.
Kui Zhuang is the Minister of Justice.
But he disobeys my decree
in front of everyone.
He showed contempt on the court.
How should we punish him?
Queen Dowager.
Kui Zhuang has served two Kings
over the years.
He is loyal to Qin.
And we are in a court meeting.
We do need some other voices.
I hope you wouldn't be offended.
Is there any officer
who isn't loyal to Qin?
Loyalty?
That doesn't mean
he could yell at me.
Guards.
Kui Zhuang, the Minister of Justice,
has disrespected me in the court.
Demote him to the peasantry!
Queen Dowager! Show some mercy!
Queen Dowager!
Queen Dowager! No!
Queen Dowager! No!
Queen Dowager!
Queen Dowager!
You heard the Queen Dowager.
Kui Zhuang will be
demoted to peasantry.
Take him away.
Making so much noise
during the court session
is simply unacceptable.
Your Majesty!
Lao Ai.
Do you still want your reward
or not?
Your Majesty.
I've heard that 18 years ago,
Lao Ai was a carriage driver
who risked his life to send
the late King and the Prime Minister
to Xianyang all the way from Handan.
He was badly hurt during the journey.
I've heard this story from my father.
Godfather, was that story true?
The story was true.
It was 18 years ago
when your father and I
were ambushed
outside the city of Xianyang.
Lao Ai saved your father and me.
He was almost killed
while trying to save us.
Officers.
Lao Ai once saved my father
and the Prime Minister.
It was many years ago,
but was that not a great feat?
Should he be rewarded?
But...
I think...
Yes.
He said yes.
But why?
Duke of Changxin, does that satisfy you?
Lao Ai, show your gratitude.
I am grateful to Your Majesty!
Mr. Kui Zhuang.
Mr. Kui Zhuang.
Mr. Kui Zhuang.
I know you feel humiliated.
But it is not the time to be sulking
or leaving Xianyang.
I am not an official anymore.
Staying here is pointless to me.
Should I stay to watch that scoundrel
do as he pleases?
Qin still needs you, Mr. Kui Zhuang.
His Majesty still needs you.
His Majesty?
His Majesty will soon
take over the imperial court.
When the time comes,
you will surely be reinstated.
Please endure.
Wait for His Majesty's reign.
Since you've put it that way,
I shall trust you.
For Qin
and His Majesty,
I will stay in Xianyang
and wait for His Majesty
to summon me.
I
thank you on His Majesty's behalf.
Where are you from?
We're from Qi.
What about you?
I'm from Yan.
Are you heading to Xianyang?
Yes, I am heading to Xianyang
to congratulate Mr. Lao Ai
for becoming Duke of Changxin.
Me too.
Driver, hurry up!
(Daliang, Capital of Wei)
Your Majesty, get some rest
in the bedroom.
With Prince Wei Hong's plan,
I am sure Wei Zhan's daughter
can be married to Qin.
(King Jingmin of Wei, Zeng)
Qin's army of beasts
has been scouting our land for days.
If we manage to marry the girl
to King of Qin,
forming a marriage alliance,
we can put an end to the war...
And Zhao will stop
oppressing us as well.
(Lord Longyang of Wei)
Your Majesty.
Wei Hong told us in his secret letter.
Lao Ai will celebrate his promotion,
and Queen Dowager of Qin
will surely be there as well.
With Wei Yan's beauty,
the Queen Dowager will
be fond of her.
When the time comes,
we simply need Lao Ai
to put in some good words.
This plan will likely succeed.
No.
Send another letter to Wei Hong.
Remind him,
we must send tribute to
the Prime Minister too!
Having two options
is better than putting
all eggs in a basket.
Yes.
(Handan, Capital of Zhao)
Greetings, Your Majesty, my Queen.
Greetings, young prince.
(Zhao Qian, Youth
Queen of Zhao)
What is it?
Your Majesty.
(Prime Minister of Zhao, Guo Kai)
It's regarding Qin.
(King Daoxiang of Zhao, Yan)
Any news from Qin?
Your Majesty, do you still remember
that I mentioned
the attendant serving
Queen Dowager of Qin?
Lao Ai.
Yes.
What's the matter?
He is now a duke.
He is a duke now?
Yes.
Duke of Changxin.
Who would have thought?
Qin risked being the laughing stock
of the world
and granted an attendant
the title of duke.
Your Majesty.
Our attempt to thwart Ying Zheng
and that unscrupulous merchant Lv Buwei,
and bring chaos to Qin
requires this attendant.
My brother Guo Dan
is now in Xianyang.
He is approaching Lao Ai
to make him our ally.
Great.
Make sure to get him
on my side.
Yes.
(Duke of Changxin's Residence,
Xianyang, Qin)
Congratulations, Duke of Changxin.
Thank you.
Congratulations, Duke of Changxin.
Come in.
Come inside, drink heartily.
Please, come in.
(Secret Envoy of Zhao, Guo Dan)
And you are...
I am Guo Dan.
By the order of my brother,
I have come to
congratulate Duke of Changxin.
And your brother is...
The Prime Minister of Zhao,
Guo Kai.
Even my motherland has sent
a delegation to congratulate me.
Your title as Duke of Changxin
has brought Zhao great honor.
Of course we must come
to send our regards.
Good.
Come here, Xuan Si.
Come.
Take good care of this guest for me.
Afterward,
I'll hold a banquet specially for you.
Yes.
Please, come in.
Please come in.
Congratulations, Duke of Changxin.
Sir.
I couldn't sleep
when I was told of your advancement.
I have brought some petty gifts for you.
Sir, your petty gifts
are much generous than many.
I am flattered.
Come in and have a drink.
Sure.
Come in.
A celebration?
Yes.
Ever since Lao Ai was given the title,
half of the nobles
from the six states
who originally supported
the Prime Minister
have sent gifts
to congratulate Lao Ai.
Many officers are now
siding with Lao Ai.
Why not use this chance
to send him your blessing as well?
I plan to do so.
Greetings, Queen Dowager.
Greetings, Queen Dowager.
At ease, all of you.
Much obliged, Queen Dowager.
Move aside!
Move aside!
Move aside!
Move aside!
Move aside!
(Official of Wei, Wei Zhan)
Miss.
Miss, come here.
(Daughter of Wei's Envoy, Wei Yan)
Cheers.
Queen Dowager,
this is the envoy from Wei.
It's an honor to meet you,
Queen Dowager.
At ease, envoy.
I disturbed you.
I deserve punishment for this.
It's fine.
I am grateful, Queen Dowager.
This is my daughter Wei Yan.
Quick, greet Queen Dowager.
I am Wei Yan,
daughter of Wei's envoy.
It's an honor to meet you,
Queen Dowager.
Is this your first time in Xianyang?
Yes, Queen Dowager.
♪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 the 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♪