Qin Dynasty Epic (2020): Season 1, Episode 61 - Episode #1.61 - full transcript
=Qin Dynasty Epic=
=Episode 61=
King Daoxiang was tricked
by King of Qin,
(Lord Chunping of Zhao, Zhao Yi)
and he had a conflict
(Official of Wei, Wei Zhan)
with Wei, Yan and Han before.
(Han Fei)
(Grand Mentor of Yan, Ju Wu)
I'm asking you all
not to take it to heart.
Lord Chunping.
I came to Handan
to attend the memorial service
and for Han's survival as well.
I hope you all have the same thoughts
as me.
Thank you, Prince Fei.
King Daoxiang was a maverick.
He was insistent in doing so
which resulted in
the people of Zhao are regretting it.
(Prince of Chu, Jing Han)
(Prince of Qi, Tian Chong)
I hope everyone
won't follow Zhao's footsteps.
I think
that if the Guandong states
don't collaborate against Qin,
we'll bring disaster upon ourselves.
So I would like
to ask everyone
to work together against Qin.
Wei, Han and Zhao were originally one.
We share a common interest.
Wei is willing to collaborate
against Qin.
Chu has always
had strong soldiers and horses,
enough food reserves,
a full arsenal and millions of warriors.
Why should we be afraid of Qin?
How dare they eye Chu covetously?
Han.
The key to our safety is the absence
of conflict, not strength.
The key to our survival is the absence
of falsehood, not in numbers.
Zhao's military resources
aren't less than Chu's.
However,
Qin sowed discord between Zhao
and Han, Wei and Yan first.
Then they sent their army
directly to Handan.
After pulling tricks to attack Zhao,
they can also sow discord between Chu
and other states
then attack it.
When that happens,
can Chu defeat Qin
by itself?
My lord.
Please advise Chancellor of Chu.
Only when the six states unite
can we defeat Qin.
I'll surely do my best.
After you.
This way please.
Teng.
(Ning Teng)
Teng, stop.
(Chief Minister of Qin, Yao Gu)
Sir, you've pretended to be
an old friend of Prime Minister of Han
to lure me here. What is your purpose?
I'm an old friend of Prime Minister
of Han indeed.
This was given to me
by the Prime Minister of Han.
I'm sure you've seen it before.
Why do you want to see me?
I would like to send a letter
to the Prime Minister of Han.
Please give it to him.
Where's the letter?
There's no rush.
I must prepare some wine
to thank you.
Teng, after you.
After you.
Yan and Zhao have a deep feud.
I'm worried that my King
won't be willing to collaborate
with Zhao against Qin.
Grand Mentor, the difficulty
in reaching one's ambition
lies not in competing with others
but in competing with oneself.
The difficulty in attaining knowledge
lies not in knowing others
but knowing oneself.
Now, King of Yan is doubting Zhao
because of a lack of insight about Yan.
Yan people
are the descendants of Duke of Shao,
with the Ji ancestral name.
How can you disregard the safety
of all states
because of past feuds?
Thank you for your reminder, my lord.
Grand Mentor.
Please tell King of Yan
that Yan and Zhao's feud
can be forgotten.
You have a problem, Teng?
You're overthinking, sir.
Drink without any worries.
I definitely won't ask you
about the secret discussion
on the six states' collaboration.
Sir.
I came with the prince to Handan
to attend
the memorial service
of the late King of Zhao.
Teng.
Qi's Tian Chong,
Chu's Jing Han,
Yan's Ju Wu,
Zhao's Li Mu, Zhao Cong,
Wei's Wei Zhan,
and your Prince Fei
have been gathering
in Lord Chunping's Residence
all day long.
Aside from discussing the collaboration
against Qin,
what else can they be doing?
I know all about
the six states' plan to collaborate
against Qin.
Prince Fei.
If Zhao has
a talent like you,
why should we be afraid of Qin?
We're counting on you
for our collaboration plan.
Thank you, Lord Chunping.
I think
the key to our collaboration
lies not in Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao and Wei,
but in Qi.
(Prince of Zhao, Cong
General of Zhao, Li Mu)
Qi and Qin have been harmonious
for decades.
If it can work
with the five states against Qin,
our collaboration will be successful,
and Qin will become less powerful.
My lord, I support the collaboration.
However, Qi and Qin
have been trading with each other
for years.
From the Prime Minister to the citizens,
everyone in Qi profits a lot from it.
I'm a bit worried.
Chong.
If Yan can forget about past feuds
and collaborate with Zhao against Qin,
can't Qi forget
about trading profits?
Grand Mentor.
You're unaware.
Qi and Qin's interests
are entangled together.
It's really hard to separate.
In a vertical alliance, the weak states
collaborate against one strong state.
In a horizontal alliance, one strong
state attacks the weak states.
The technique of offense and defense
complement each other.
Qin is trading with Qi.
They're using profits to entice Qi.
That's a horizontal alliance.
Qin becomes strong while the six states
become weak.
Chong.
If you can convince the King of Qin
to go against Qin,
then the collaboration of the six states
will happen.
The success
of the six-state collaboration
is relying on you.
(Prince of Zhao, Cong)
(General of Zhao, Li Mu)
I'll do my best.
If the six states help each other,
why should we be afraid of Qin?
Everyone, cheers.
I'll give you the letter
for the Prime Minister of Han
on another day.
I have another favor to ask today.
Please tell me.
I've prepared some gifts
for the six states' envoys.
But I won't be able to see them.
Please give it to them on my behalf.
Sir, I don't think I can do that.
Teng.
The collaboration of envoys
from the six states
is a state affair.
These are my personal gifts as a friend.
There's no conflict.
If it's difficult for you,
when you give them the gift,
just don't say who it's from.
Cheers.
Ju Wu from Yan, Tian Chong from Qi,
Jing Han from Chu, Han Fei from Han,
and Wei Zhan from Wei
are all gathering in Handan.
(Lord Weiyang of Qin, Ying Xi
King of Qin, Zheng)
Censor of Qin, Wang Wan)
Your Majesty.
Qin should think of a way to deal
with the situation.
Observe the enemy's situation
before making a move.
Let's wait for Chief Minister
to find out what's really going on
with the six states first
before we come up with a plan.
Your Majesty.
(Qin's Minister of Justice, Li Si)
The revised script has been completed.
Lord Weiyang, Censor.
Yes.
What do you think?
It's wonderful.
It's orderly and properly structured.
What's great is that
the transition from the old
to the new script is systematic.
No matter which state the scholar
is from,
he can read and write it.
It's just...
It's that the new script is great,
but I think it has a flaw.
Please tell us so we can correct it.
For the book itself,
if we can put in some effort
to let the scholars feel that it's
a breath of fresh air
when they see it,
then the new script
will be easier to use
everywhere in the world.
Your Majesty is so right.
Let's order scholars in Xianyang
who are good with calligraphy
to write it, and we'll choose
the best one.
Your Majesty.
Lord Weiyang.
All the scribes in Qin who are good
at calligraphy are already gathered
in the palace.
(Official of Qin, Hu Wujing)
There might be experts among the people,
but it will be hard to find them.
Do you still remember
the announcement on the gate
of Xianyang Prison?
Mr. Yao.
Mr. Yao.
Teng.
I've already done
what you've asked me to do.
Did the envoys from four states
say anything?
Prince Chong from Qi
didn't say anything?
Aside from expressing his gratitude,
he didn't say anything else.
Thank you, Teng.
Let's see each other
at the late King of Zhao's
memorial service then.
Take care, Gu.
My lord.
You're colluding with the envoy of Qin?
My lord, you've misunderstood.
I'm just helping the envoy of Qin
give his gifts to people.
Who did he give gifts to?
Princes from Qi, Chu and Wei
and also Grand Mentor Ju Wu from Yan.
Did they all accept it?
Yes, my lord.
You've fallen for the envoy
of Qin's trick.
He used you
to give gifts to envoys from four states
to check the attitude
of the four states
regarding the collaboration.
You're my assistant.
The envoys all think
that the gifts came from Han,
and they happily accepted them.
Yao Gu must think
that Qi, Chu, Wei and Yan are in favor
of the collaboration.
My lord.
I didn't think about these things.
You've ruined our plans.
Return to Xinzheng immediately.
My lord.
Yes.
Sir, have some water.
Teng.
Teng, stop.
You've already tricked me.
What else do you want?
Teng.
This is my letter
to the Prime Minister of Han.
You've agreed to give it to him for me.
That was before.
This is a letter of recommendation
for you to the Prime Minister.
Based on my recommendation,
Prime Minister of Han wouldn't refuse.
I really had no choice
but to use you.
Teng.
If you need anything in the future,
I'll surely help you.
I'll get going.
See you again.
King of Qi is willing
to join the six-state collaboration.
Actually,
I'm impressed.
Your Majesty.
I thought of a plan last night
that can perhaps break up
the six-state collaboration.
Tell me.
The script is already completed.
Your Majesty can order merchants
to use Qin's writing.
In terms of trading with Qin,
Qi profits the most from it.
In that case,
King of Qi will surely automatically...
Marvelous.
That plan
can mislead people.
The six states won't understand
what Qin is really trying to do.
Amidst the truth and falsehood,
the six states will surely be thrown
into confusion.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
You're an outstanding talent
in calligraphy.
Please provide comments
about the script for us.
Your Majesty.
The people of Qin are living in the land
that formerly belonged to Zhou.
You're using Zhou's system.
Zhou and Qin's Seal Script
are actually similar.
The Seal Script
derives its meaning based on the form.
Its body is straight and a bit rounded.
(Official of Qin, Cheng Miao)
There's no stroke
that falls downwards
on the left or right.
It's very elegant.
Your Majesty.
Please take a look.
(Cangjie as script to teach the descendants.
Inherit the legacy and pay attention to it.)
(It will be meaningful in the end...)
The Minister of Justice wrote this.
Chapter Cangjie.
It contains the strengths
of calligraphers for many generations.
It can be considered a model
for scripts.
You're too kind, sir.
What if
we call this new script
Qin Seal Script?
Your Majesty.
That's a great name.
(Crown Prince of Yan, Dan)
Zhou, Qin and the six states' old script
is called Seal Script.
Calling it Qin Seal Script
will convey a spirit of antiquity,
and also a new vibe.
It's the most appropriate name.
(Crown Prince of Yan, Dan)
Starting today,
Qin
will use the new Qin Seal Script.
Qin's scholars must study
the Qin Seal Script.
After three months,
anyone who can't read and write this
will be stripped of their titles.
Qin's merchants must
use Qin Seal Script
to establish trading contracts.
Those who trade with the six states
must abide by this law.
Yes.
Imperial edict.
Starting today,
Qin's merchants
should use the Qin Seal Script
to establish trading contracts.
Those who trade with the six states
must abide by this law.
Your Majesty.
When the six states' merchants heard
about using the Qin Seal Script,
they were all eager to learn it.
When you unify the states,
the Qin Seal Script will surely
be used everywhere.
Your hard works all these years
are finally not wasted.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Crown Prince of Yan's letter sender
has already left Xianyang.
Where is he going?
(Ying Jie)
Xinzheng.
All right.
Once news about Qin promoting
the Qin Seal Script
spreads everywhere,
it will surely become controversial
in the six states.
Do you think
King of Qi will give up
on trading profits with Qin
and resist using the Qin Seal Script
like the other states or not?
Your Majesty.
Crown Prince of Yan is sending a letter
to Xinzheng.
The recipient
will most likely be Prince Fei.
I'm worried
that he'll see through your plan
and make a move.
Prince Fei?
I've heard Chief Minister Yao Gu
mention this person before.
He attended Zhao Yan's memorial service,
and he was plotting the collaboration
with Zhao Yi.
Is he a talented man?
There are many talents
in the six states,
but talented and insightful people
are very rare.
The only one who can see the trend
of the states
and know what you're thinking
is Prince Fei.
If he was really that insightful,
he shouldn't be Qin's enemy.
Your Majesty, you're unaware.
Before I came to Qin,
he and I
were students under Xunzi.
Among thousands of Jixia's students,
in terms of knowledge,
no one can compare with Prince Fei.
What about you?
I can't compare to Prince Fei.
I'm far from him.
I can provide you
with Prince Fei's writings.
If that's really the case,
I must take a look at it.
(Royal Palace, Xinzheng, Han)
-My lord.
-Prime Minister.
(Chancellor of Han, Zhang Rang)
Ning Teng.
Why aren't you greeting the prince?
My lord.
My lord.
Ning Teng was originally working
for you.
I think he's quick-witted and talented,
so I let him work for me.
Please forgive me.
A fine fowl perches only on a fine tree.
How can I stop that?
By the way, my lord,
why are you in such a hurry?
You may go.
Yes.
Prime Minister, this is urgent.
King of Qin is making a major move
to eliminate the six states.
Is Qin attacking a state again?
It's not Han, right?
There won't be any battles for now.
Good. That's good.
King of Qin gave imperials edicts
making the six states' merchants
use Qin Seal Script.
That's even more dangerous
than attacking a city.
Qin Seal Script?
Qin has always been savage.
Why are they making a move
on text?
If Qin Seal Script
is used everywhere,
scholars from the six states will surely
resist it.
Three Jins, Yan and Chu
won't accept the Qin Seal Script.
Only Qi is hard to predict.
Qin and Qi trade a lot.
It's hard for them to let go
of the profits they've been making.
I'm worried that King of Qi will be
mindful of personal gains and losses.
They won't resist
the Qin Seal Script,
and they'll go back to being harmonious
with Qin,
making the collaboration plan
go down the drain.
I wonder if you have a plan
to deal with this.
I've already written a letter
to Prince Chong of Qi
asking him to go to Xianyang immediately
to win over Qi's merchants by any means
and make them resist Qin Seal Script.
Three Jins should also send envoys there
to assist Prince Chong.
Don't worry, my lord.
I'll surely help you
with your intentions.
(Inn at Xianyang, Qin)
Why did you travel so far
to Qin, my lord?
King of Qin gave imperial edicts
to give Qi's merchants a hard time.
I came to seek justice
for Qi's merchants.
I'm confused
about what you said.
Is Qin's scale unbalanced
or are the people of Qin
lowering the prices too much?
You're feigning ignorance,
Chief Minister.
No.
King of Qin is enforcing the use
of Qin Seal Script,
forcing Qi's merchants to follow it.
That's insulting to Qi.
So that's what this is about.
My lord.
The use of Qin Seal Script
in trading contracts
will only benefit and not harm Qin
and the six states' merchants.
Why is it insulting?
Furthermore,
when Qi's merchants heard my King's
imperial edict,
they happily agreed.
Chief Minister.
At your age, I can't believe
that you remain so calm
when telling a lie.
I'm so far behind you.
If you don't believe me,
you can ask Qi's merchants yourself.
I'll go and ask them now.
Together with Han, Zhao
and Wei's envoys,
we came upon each of our King's orders
to seek justice for everyone.
Tell us all your grievances,
and I'll confront King of Qin
face-to-face about them.
What kind of grievance
do you want us to tell you?
This is King of Qin's imperial edict.
Here.
Show everyone.
He's ordering merchants
from the six states
to use the Qin Seal Script
for trading contracts
in Qin's territory.
Isn't that coercion?
Sir.
Huge profit is involved
in trading with a different state.
Disputes are common.
The six states' scripts are confusing.
Trade disputes are endless.
If we all use Qin Seal Script,
it will prevent a lot of problems.
We're willing to use it.
Yes, we're willing to use it.
Your Majesty.
Prince of Qi, Tian Chong,
gathered merchants from six states,
inciting them
to resist the Qin Seal Script,
and he was openly going against Qin.
Today, Tian Chong is seeking an audience
with you.
He wants to confront you
face-to-face, Your Majesty.
I think
we should throw Tian Chong out,
and prohibit the six states
from provoking us.
Chief Minister.
Tian Chong is an important
official of Qi.
(Lord Changping of Qin, Mi Qi)
We can't fall out with Qi.
Chief Minister.
His Majesty's original intention
on promoting
the Qin Seal Script
is to destroy
the six states' collaboration.
The more Tian Chong makes a fuss,
the more Qi is pushed to a corner.
It can only choose between us
and the other states.
So
whether what Tian Chong is doing
is resisting or assisting Qin
is still unknown.
But we still can't allow Tian Chong
to spread fallacies
and scorn Qin.
Lately, I've been reading a book
and it says
that if you want
to accomplish something,
you must destroy it first.
That strategy can be used
to frustrate Qi
and defeat the six states.
(Zhao Gao)
Let
(Qin's Gentlemen of the Palace, Meng Yi)
envoys from the four states in!
Greetings, King of Qin.
Envoys.
What is this about?
King of Qin, you're promoting
the Qin Seal Script.
It originally had nothing to do with Qi,
and the various states
weren't bothered about it either.
However,
you're ordering merchants
from all states
who trade with Qin
to use the Qin Seal Script.
That's overbearingly imposed
on everyone.
The various states can't follow it.
That's easy.
You can stop your merchants
from coming to Qin.
Can I kidnap
Guandong's merchants
to bring them to Xianyang?
What do you mean?
If merchants from six states want
to trade with Qin,
they must use the Qin Seal Script
to establish trading contracts.
That's non-negotiable.
That's coercion.
Qi
cannot follow it.
Lord Changping.
Yes.
Announce my imperial edict.
Starting today,
stop trading with Qi.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
Qin and Qi have been harmonious
for decades.
If we stop trading with them,
perhaps Qi will side
with the Guandong states.
Please consider it carefully.
Your Majesty.
Qi has already been enjoying
trade profits for a long time.
They feel entitled to it.
That's why they're disregarding Qin
and colluding
with the Guandong states secretly.
Your Majesty,
I think you want to destroy
Qin and Qi's trade relations
as a reminder for King of Qi,
so that he won't dream
of benefiting from Qin
while colluding
with the other states.
Your Majesty.
After Tian Chong returns to Linzi,
he'll surely advise King of Qi
to go against Qin.
Lord Changping.
Yes.
Go to Tian Chong.
He must be surrounded
by Qi's merchants now,
he'd be in an extremely
difficult situation.
Tell him
that I want to send an envoy
for a discussion with King of Qi
regarding the script used for trading.
Yes.
Minister of Justice.
Go to Linzi.
Stop Qi
from colluding with the Guandong states.
Yes.
At Jixia Academy,
you'll be facing
erudite scholars from everywhere.
The danger there
(Official of Qin, Mao Jiao)
won't be less than the battlefield.
If we let Qi
use our Qin Seal Script,
(Superintendent of Law of Qin, Chunyu Yue)
the Guandong states will surely
fall out with it,
then the collaboration of the six states
will collapse by itself.
If you win against Jixia's students,
you will be able to resolve
a huge problem for Qin.
Your Majesty.
We're not scared of Jixia's students.
We're only worried that someone
will go to Linzi to assist Qi.
Minister of Justice.
Are you worried about Prince Fei?
Exactly.
(Crown Prince of Yan, you're brilliant.)
(King of Qin sent Li Si
as an envoy to Qi.)
(On the surface, he's going there
to talk to Qi about the Qin Seal Script.)
(In actuality, he wants
to force King of Qi)
(to have a horizontal alliance
with Qin.)
(First.)
(We must make Jixia's scholars
resist the Qin Seal Script.)
(Second.)
(We must evoke King of Qi's sense
of shame)
(to make him join the collaboration
and resist Qin.)
(I'll go to Linzi at once)
(and have a debate with Li Si
in front of King of Qi.)
My lord.
Prime Minister.
His Majesty is summoning you.
I want to go to Linzi.
Why is His Majesty summoning me?
King of Qin sent Chief Minister Yao Gu
to meet with His Majesty.
He's confronting Han about Zheng Guo's
ulterior motive
in going to Qin.
His Majesty would like you
to deal with him.
That matter about Zheng Guo
has been over for over a year.
King of Qin is finding fault
for no reason.
His Majesty doesn't need to mind him.
My lord.
Yao Gu is very aggressive.
If Han doesn't turn the mastermind
over to him,
Qin will attack us.
Prime Minister.
I must go to Linzi
because of urgent matters.
My lord.
Let's resolve His Majesty's
trouble first.
To the palace.
(Linzi, Capital of Qi)
(Head of Jixia Academy)
In coming to Linzi,
I'm supposed to go to Jixia Academy
to visit you first.
How can I dare to let you welcome me?
As Xunzi's student
from Jixia Academy,
you came to Linzi on behalf of Qin
to force the Qin Seal Script on us,
intending to harass us
with your smooth words.
What a shame.
Under King of Qin's orders,
for the sake of all the states,
I openly and sincerely came here
for a debate.
As the head of Jixia Academy,
you must abide by Jixia's
learning style.
Have an open mind, take in new ideas
and get rid of old ones.
King of Qin gave orders
to force the Qin Seal Script
upon Qi's merchants.
That's a fact.
Qi's merchants are willing to use
the Qin Seal Script.
How is my King forcing it upon them?
Mao Jiao.
You're from Qi,
yet you're reproaching Qi.
A wise man fears minor matters will
turn major. A fool fears the obvious.
I'm worried
that Qi can't distinguish
between right and wrong
and become confused.
The state will be in danger then.
You're exaggerating things
just to scare us.
The truth will become clear
after the discussion.
The way will be clear after a debate.
Whether it's an exaggeration or not,
the scholars will determine it
for themselves
after the debate in Jixia.
After five days, the Jixia Academy
will await your arrival.
Who is right and who is wrong?
We'll welcome your arrival
after five days.
Prince Fei is going to Qi.
Things will surely change in Linzi.
If we can find out
what Prince Fei's plan is,
we can help the Minister of Justice.
(Ying Jie)
Your Majesty.
Linzi is thousands of miles away
from Xianyang.
Ji Dan keeps sending letters
to Xinzheng.
He must know
what Prince Fei's plan is.
Will Crown Prince of Yan be willing
to tell us?
(Inn at Linzi, Qi)
Si.
His Majesty entrusted
this huge responsibility
on the three of us.
If we mess things up,
what will we tell His Majesty?
Right.
Jixia Academy has
over one thousand scholars.
With just the three of us,
we're hopelessly outnumbered.
We don't stand a chance.
Sirs.
Please help me hang the bamboo slips.
The Qin Seal Script's beauty
is greater than the six states' script.
The Qin Seal Script itself
is our countermeasure.
Sir, may I ask what kind
of script is this?
I've never seen it before.
Seal Script.
It has the same origin as Zhou's
Seal Script,
but it's a bit different.
It's a script of its own.
Nice script.
Sir.
You're a well-learned scholar indeed.
You hit the nail on the head.
You're too kind, sir.
Please accept this.
This script is original.
It has a spirit of antiquity
with novel ideas.
Its structure is well-considered
and extraordinary.
Who wrote this?
Sir.
Two people from Chu outside the academy.
They would like to learn from you.
Treat them well.
After I deal with Qin's envoys,
I'll talk to them.
Yes.
Sir.
Sir, the envoy from Qin has arrived.
Let them in.
Sir, only one envoy from Qin is here.
One?
One indeed.
How arrogant.
Li Si came to the debate alone.
He's obviously looking down
on Jixia's students.
Today, we'll surely let him waste
his efforts.
Right.
Let's bring him down a notch.
Right.
Sir.
Everyone.
Envoy of Qin, please take a seat.
You were a minor official from Chu,
then you studied in Jixia.
You praise yourself for knowing
the techniques of being a good king.
But King of Chu isn't capable enough,
and the six states are weak.
That was why you went west to Qin
to become an official there.
You didn't expect that you'd have no one
to rely on.
You could only become a retainer
in the Qin's Prime Minister's Residence.
I don't know what trick you pulled
to get into the palace of Qin
and made the young King of Qin
trust you so much.
And you're enjoying the glory
that you have now as a result.
Envoy of Qin.
Are you happy with my introduction?
♪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 61=
King Daoxiang was tricked
by King of Qin,
(Lord Chunping of Zhao, Zhao Yi)
and he had a conflict
(Official of Wei, Wei Zhan)
with Wei, Yan and Han before.
(Han Fei)
(Grand Mentor of Yan, Ju Wu)
I'm asking you all
not to take it to heart.
Lord Chunping.
I came to Handan
to attend the memorial service
and for Han's survival as well.
I hope you all have the same thoughts
as me.
Thank you, Prince Fei.
King Daoxiang was a maverick.
He was insistent in doing so
which resulted in
the people of Zhao are regretting it.
(Prince of Chu, Jing Han)
(Prince of Qi, Tian Chong)
I hope everyone
won't follow Zhao's footsteps.
I think
that if the Guandong states
don't collaborate against Qin,
we'll bring disaster upon ourselves.
So I would like
to ask everyone
to work together against Qin.
Wei, Han and Zhao were originally one.
We share a common interest.
Wei is willing to collaborate
against Qin.
Chu has always
had strong soldiers and horses,
enough food reserves,
a full arsenal and millions of warriors.
Why should we be afraid of Qin?
How dare they eye Chu covetously?
Han.
The key to our safety is the absence
of conflict, not strength.
The key to our survival is the absence
of falsehood, not in numbers.
Zhao's military resources
aren't less than Chu's.
However,
Qin sowed discord between Zhao
and Han, Wei and Yan first.
Then they sent their army
directly to Handan.
After pulling tricks to attack Zhao,
they can also sow discord between Chu
and other states
then attack it.
When that happens,
can Chu defeat Qin
by itself?
My lord.
Please advise Chancellor of Chu.
Only when the six states unite
can we defeat Qin.
I'll surely do my best.
After you.
This way please.
Teng.
(Ning Teng)
Teng, stop.
(Chief Minister of Qin, Yao Gu)
Sir, you've pretended to be
an old friend of Prime Minister of Han
to lure me here. What is your purpose?
I'm an old friend of Prime Minister
of Han indeed.
This was given to me
by the Prime Minister of Han.
I'm sure you've seen it before.
Why do you want to see me?
I would like to send a letter
to the Prime Minister of Han.
Please give it to him.
Where's the letter?
There's no rush.
I must prepare some wine
to thank you.
Teng, after you.
After you.
Yan and Zhao have a deep feud.
I'm worried that my King
won't be willing to collaborate
with Zhao against Qin.
Grand Mentor, the difficulty
in reaching one's ambition
lies not in competing with others
but in competing with oneself.
The difficulty in attaining knowledge
lies not in knowing others
but knowing oneself.
Now, King of Yan is doubting Zhao
because of a lack of insight about Yan.
Yan people
are the descendants of Duke of Shao,
with the Ji ancestral name.
How can you disregard the safety
of all states
because of past feuds?
Thank you for your reminder, my lord.
Grand Mentor.
Please tell King of Yan
that Yan and Zhao's feud
can be forgotten.
You have a problem, Teng?
You're overthinking, sir.
Drink without any worries.
I definitely won't ask you
about the secret discussion
on the six states' collaboration.
Sir.
I came with the prince to Handan
to attend
the memorial service
of the late King of Zhao.
Teng.
Qi's Tian Chong,
Chu's Jing Han,
Yan's Ju Wu,
Zhao's Li Mu, Zhao Cong,
Wei's Wei Zhan,
and your Prince Fei
have been gathering
in Lord Chunping's Residence
all day long.
Aside from discussing the collaboration
against Qin,
what else can they be doing?
I know all about
the six states' plan to collaborate
against Qin.
Prince Fei.
If Zhao has
a talent like you,
why should we be afraid of Qin?
We're counting on you
for our collaboration plan.
Thank you, Lord Chunping.
I think
the key to our collaboration
lies not in Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao and Wei,
but in Qi.
(Prince of Zhao, Cong
General of Zhao, Li Mu)
Qi and Qin have been harmonious
for decades.
If it can work
with the five states against Qin,
our collaboration will be successful,
and Qin will become less powerful.
My lord, I support the collaboration.
However, Qi and Qin
have been trading with each other
for years.
From the Prime Minister to the citizens,
everyone in Qi profits a lot from it.
I'm a bit worried.
Chong.
If Yan can forget about past feuds
and collaborate with Zhao against Qin,
can't Qi forget
about trading profits?
Grand Mentor.
You're unaware.
Qi and Qin's interests
are entangled together.
It's really hard to separate.
In a vertical alliance, the weak states
collaborate against one strong state.
In a horizontal alliance, one strong
state attacks the weak states.
The technique of offense and defense
complement each other.
Qin is trading with Qi.
They're using profits to entice Qi.
That's a horizontal alliance.
Qin becomes strong while the six states
become weak.
Chong.
If you can convince the King of Qin
to go against Qin,
then the collaboration of the six states
will happen.
The success
of the six-state collaboration
is relying on you.
(Prince of Zhao, Cong)
(General of Zhao, Li Mu)
I'll do my best.
If the six states help each other,
why should we be afraid of Qin?
Everyone, cheers.
I'll give you the letter
for the Prime Minister of Han
on another day.
I have another favor to ask today.
Please tell me.
I've prepared some gifts
for the six states' envoys.
But I won't be able to see them.
Please give it to them on my behalf.
Sir, I don't think I can do that.
Teng.
The collaboration of envoys
from the six states
is a state affair.
These are my personal gifts as a friend.
There's no conflict.
If it's difficult for you,
when you give them the gift,
just don't say who it's from.
Cheers.
Ju Wu from Yan, Tian Chong from Qi,
Jing Han from Chu, Han Fei from Han,
and Wei Zhan from Wei
are all gathering in Handan.
(Lord Weiyang of Qin, Ying Xi
King of Qin, Zheng)
Censor of Qin, Wang Wan)
Your Majesty.
Qin should think of a way to deal
with the situation.
Observe the enemy's situation
before making a move.
Let's wait for Chief Minister
to find out what's really going on
with the six states first
before we come up with a plan.
Your Majesty.
(Qin's Minister of Justice, Li Si)
The revised script has been completed.
Lord Weiyang, Censor.
Yes.
What do you think?
It's wonderful.
It's orderly and properly structured.
What's great is that
the transition from the old
to the new script is systematic.
No matter which state the scholar
is from,
he can read and write it.
It's just...
It's that the new script is great,
but I think it has a flaw.
Please tell us so we can correct it.
For the book itself,
if we can put in some effort
to let the scholars feel that it's
a breath of fresh air
when they see it,
then the new script
will be easier to use
everywhere in the world.
Your Majesty is so right.
Let's order scholars in Xianyang
who are good with calligraphy
to write it, and we'll choose
the best one.
Your Majesty.
Lord Weiyang.
All the scribes in Qin who are good
at calligraphy are already gathered
in the palace.
(Official of Qin, Hu Wujing)
There might be experts among the people,
but it will be hard to find them.
Do you still remember
the announcement on the gate
of Xianyang Prison?
Mr. Yao.
Mr. Yao.
Teng.
I've already done
what you've asked me to do.
Did the envoys from four states
say anything?
Prince Chong from Qi
didn't say anything?
Aside from expressing his gratitude,
he didn't say anything else.
Thank you, Teng.
Let's see each other
at the late King of Zhao's
memorial service then.
Take care, Gu.
My lord.
You're colluding with the envoy of Qin?
My lord, you've misunderstood.
I'm just helping the envoy of Qin
give his gifts to people.
Who did he give gifts to?
Princes from Qi, Chu and Wei
and also Grand Mentor Ju Wu from Yan.
Did they all accept it?
Yes, my lord.
You've fallen for the envoy
of Qin's trick.
He used you
to give gifts to envoys from four states
to check the attitude
of the four states
regarding the collaboration.
You're my assistant.
The envoys all think
that the gifts came from Han,
and they happily accepted them.
Yao Gu must think
that Qi, Chu, Wei and Yan are in favor
of the collaboration.
My lord.
I didn't think about these things.
You've ruined our plans.
Return to Xinzheng immediately.
My lord.
Yes.
Sir, have some water.
Teng.
Teng, stop.
You've already tricked me.
What else do you want?
Teng.
This is my letter
to the Prime Minister of Han.
You've agreed to give it to him for me.
That was before.
This is a letter of recommendation
for you to the Prime Minister.
Based on my recommendation,
Prime Minister of Han wouldn't refuse.
I really had no choice
but to use you.
Teng.
If you need anything in the future,
I'll surely help you.
I'll get going.
See you again.
King of Qi is willing
to join the six-state collaboration.
Actually,
I'm impressed.
Your Majesty.
I thought of a plan last night
that can perhaps break up
the six-state collaboration.
Tell me.
The script is already completed.
Your Majesty can order merchants
to use Qin's writing.
In terms of trading with Qin,
Qi profits the most from it.
In that case,
King of Qi will surely automatically...
Marvelous.
That plan
can mislead people.
The six states won't understand
what Qin is really trying to do.
Amidst the truth and falsehood,
the six states will surely be thrown
into confusion.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
You're an outstanding talent
in calligraphy.
Please provide comments
about the script for us.
Your Majesty.
The people of Qin are living in the land
that formerly belonged to Zhou.
You're using Zhou's system.
Zhou and Qin's Seal Script
are actually similar.
The Seal Script
derives its meaning based on the form.
Its body is straight and a bit rounded.
(Official of Qin, Cheng Miao)
There's no stroke
that falls downwards
on the left or right.
It's very elegant.
Your Majesty.
Please take a look.
(Cangjie as script to teach the descendants.
Inherit the legacy and pay attention to it.)
(It will be meaningful in the end...)
The Minister of Justice wrote this.
Chapter Cangjie.
It contains the strengths
of calligraphers for many generations.
It can be considered a model
for scripts.
You're too kind, sir.
What if
we call this new script
Qin Seal Script?
Your Majesty.
That's a great name.
(Crown Prince of Yan, Dan)
Zhou, Qin and the six states' old script
is called Seal Script.
Calling it Qin Seal Script
will convey a spirit of antiquity,
and also a new vibe.
It's the most appropriate name.
(Crown Prince of Yan, Dan)
Starting today,
Qin
will use the new Qin Seal Script.
Qin's scholars must study
the Qin Seal Script.
After three months,
anyone who can't read and write this
will be stripped of their titles.
Qin's merchants must
use Qin Seal Script
to establish trading contracts.
Those who trade with the six states
must abide by this law.
Yes.
Imperial edict.
Starting today,
Qin's merchants
should use the Qin Seal Script
to establish trading contracts.
Those who trade with the six states
must abide by this law.
Your Majesty.
When the six states' merchants heard
about using the Qin Seal Script,
they were all eager to learn it.
When you unify the states,
the Qin Seal Script will surely
be used everywhere.
Your hard works all these years
are finally not wasted.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Crown Prince of Yan's letter sender
has already left Xianyang.
Where is he going?
(Ying Jie)
Xinzheng.
All right.
Once news about Qin promoting
the Qin Seal Script
spreads everywhere,
it will surely become controversial
in the six states.
Do you think
King of Qi will give up
on trading profits with Qin
and resist using the Qin Seal Script
like the other states or not?
Your Majesty.
Crown Prince of Yan is sending a letter
to Xinzheng.
The recipient
will most likely be Prince Fei.
I'm worried
that he'll see through your plan
and make a move.
Prince Fei?
I've heard Chief Minister Yao Gu
mention this person before.
He attended Zhao Yan's memorial service,
and he was plotting the collaboration
with Zhao Yi.
Is he a talented man?
There are many talents
in the six states,
but talented and insightful people
are very rare.
The only one who can see the trend
of the states
and know what you're thinking
is Prince Fei.
If he was really that insightful,
he shouldn't be Qin's enemy.
Your Majesty, you're unaware.
Before I came to Qin,
he and I
were students under Xunzi.
Among thousands of Jixia's students,
in terms of knowledge,
no one can compare with Prince Fei.
What about you?
I can't compare to Prince Fei.
I'm far from him.
I can provide you
with Prince Fei's writings.
If that's really the case,
I must take a look at it.
(Royal Palace, Xinzheng, Han)
-My lord.
-Prime Minister.
(Chancellor of Han, Zhang Rang)
Ning Teng.
Why aren't you greeting the prince?
My lord.
My lord.
Ning Teng was originally working
for you.
I think he's quick-witted and talented,
so I let him work for me.
Please forgive me.
A fine fowl perches only on a fine tree.
How can I stop that?
By the way, my lord,
why are you in such a hurry?
You may go.
Yes.
Prime Minister, this is urgent.
King of Qin is making a major move
to eliminate the six states.
Is Qin attacking a state again?
It's not Han, right?
There won't be any battles for now.
Good. That's good.
King of Qin gave imperials edicts
making the six states' merchants
use Qin Seal Script.
That's even more dangerous
than attacking a city.
Qin Seal Script?
Qin has always been savage.
Why are they making a move
on text?
If Qin Seal Script
is used everywhere,
scholars from the six states will surely
resist it.
Three Jins, Yan and Chu
won't accept the Qin Seal Script.
Only Qi is hard to predict.
Qin and Qi trade a lot.
It's hard for them to let go
of the profits they've been making.
I'm worried that King of Qi will be
mindful of personal gains and losses.
They won't resist
the Qin Seal Script,
and they'll go back to being harmonious
with Qin,
making the collaboration plan
go down the drain.
I wonder if you have a plan
to deal with this.
I've already written a letter
to Prince Chong of Qi
asking him to go to Xianyang immediately
to win over Qi's merchants by any means
and make them resist Qin Seal Script.
Three Jins should also send envoys there
to assist Prince Chong.
Don't worry, my lord.
I'll surely help you
with your intentions.
(Inn at Xianyang, Qin)
Why did you travel so far
to Qin, my lord?
King of Qin gave imperial edicts
to give Qi's merchants a hard time.
I came to seek justice
for Qi's merchants.
I'm confused
about what you said.
Is Qin's scale unbalanced
or are the people of Qin
lowering the prices too much?
You're feigning ignorance,
Chief Minister.
No.
King of Qin is enforcing the use
of Qin Seal Script,
forcing Qi's merchants to follow it.
That's insulting to Qi.
So that's what this is about.
My lord.
The use of Qin Seal Script
in trading contracts
will only benefit and not harm Qin
and the six states' merchants.
Why is it insulting?
Furthermore,
when Qi's merchants heard my King's
imperial edict,
they happily agreed.
Chief Minister.
At your age, I can't believe
that you remain so calm
when telling a lie.
I'm so far behind you.
If you don't believe me,
you can ask Qi's merchants yourself.
I'll go and ask them now.
Together with Han, Zhao
and Wei's envoys,
we came upon each of our King's orders
to seek justice for everyone.
Tell us all your grievances,
and I'll confront King of Qin
face-to-face about them.
What kind of grievance
do you want us to tell you?
This is King of Qin's imperial edict.
Here.
Show everyone.
He's ordering merchants
from the six states
to use the Qin Seal Script
for trading contracts
in Qin's territory.
Isn't that coercion?
Sir.
Huge profit is involved
in trading with a different state.
Disputes are common.
The six states' scripts are confusing.
Trade disputes are endless.
If we all use Qin Seal Script,
it will prevent a lot of problems.
We're willing to use it.
Yes, we're willing to use it.
Your Majesty.
Prince of Qi, Tian Chong,
gathered merchants from six states,
inciting them
to resist the Qin Seal Script,
and he was openly going against Qin.
Today, Tian Chong is seeking an audience
with you.
He wants to confront you
face-to-face, Your Majesty.
I think
we should throw Tian Chong out,
and prohibit the six states
from provoking us.
Chief Minister.
Tian Chong is an important
official of Qi.
(Lord Changping of Qin, Mi Qi)
We can't fall out with Qi.
Chief Minister.
His Majesty's original intention
on promoting
the Qin Seal Script
is to destroy
the six states' collaboration.
The more Tian Chong makes a fuss,
the more Qi is pushed to a corner.
It can only choose between us
and the other states.
So
whether what Tian Chong is doing
is resisting or assisting Qin
is still unknown.
But we still can't allow Tian Chong
to spread fallacies
and scorn Qin.
Lately, I've been reading a book
and it says
that if you want
to accomplish something,
you must destroy it first.
That strategy can be used
to frustrate Qi
and defeat the six states.
(Zhao Gao)
Let
(Qin's Gentlemen of the Palace, Meng Yi)
envoys from the four states in!
Greetings, King of Qin.
Envoys.
What is this about?
King of Qin, you're promoting
the Qin Seal Script.
It originally had nothing to do with Qi,
and the various states
weren't bothered about it either.
However,
you're ordering merchants
from all states
who trade with Qin
to use the Qin Seal Script.
That's overbearingly imposed
on everyone.
The various states can't follow it.
That's easy.
You can stop your merchants
from coming to Qin.
Can I kidnap
Guandong's merchants
to bring them to Xianyang?
What do you mean?
If merchants from six states want
to trade with Qin,
they must use the Qin Seal Script
to establish trading contracts.
That's non-negotiable.
That's coercion.
Qi
cannot follow it.
Lord Changping.
Yes.
Announce my imperial edict.
Starting today,
stop trading with Qi.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
Qin and Qi have been harmonious
for decades.
If we stop trading with them,
perhaps Qi will side
with the Guandong states.
Please consider it carefully.
Your Majesty.
Qi has already been enjoying
trade profits for a long time.
They feel entitled to it.
That's why they're disregarding Qin
and colluding
with the Guandong states secretly.
Your Majesty,
I think you want to destroy
Qin and Qi's trade relations
as a reminder for King of Qi,
so that he won't dream
of benefiting from Qin
while colluding
with the other states.
Your Majesty.
After Tian Chong returns to Linzi,
he'll surely advise King of Qi
to go against Qin.
Lord Changping.
Yes.
Go to Tian Chong.
He must be surrounded
by Qi's merchants now,
he'd be in an extremely
difficult situation.
Tell him
that I want to send an envoy
for a discussion with King of Qi
regarding the script used for trading.
Yes.
Minister of Justice.
Go to Linzi.
Stop Qi
from colluding with the Guandong states.
Yes.
At Jixia Academy,
you'll be facing
erudite scholars from everywhere.
The danger there
(Official of Qin, Mao Jiao)
won't be less than the battlefield.
If we let Qi
use our Qin Seal Script,
(Superintendent of Law of Qin, Chunyu Yue)
the Guandong states will surely
fall out with it,
then the collaboration of the six states
will collapse by itself.
If you win against Jixia's students,
you will be able to resolve
a huge problem for Qin.
Your Majesty.
We're not scared of Jixia's students.
We're only worried that someone
will go to Linzi to assist Qi.
Minister of Justice.
Are you worried about Prince Fei?
Exactly.
(Crown Prince of Yan, you're brilliant.)
(King of Qin sent Li Si
as an envoy to Qi.)
(On the surface, he's going there
to talk to Qi about the Qin Seal Script.)
(In actuality, he wants
to force King of Qi)
(to have a horizontal alliance
with Qin.)
(First.)
(We must make Jixia's scholars
resist the Qin Seal Script.)
(Second.)
(We must evoke King of Qi's sense
of shame)
(to make him join the collaboration
and resist Qin.)
(I'll go to Linzi at once)
(and have a debate with Li Si
in front of King of Qi.)
My lord.
Prime Minister.
His Majesty is summoning you.
I want to go to Linzi.
Why is His Majesty summoning me?
King of Qin sent Chief Minister Yao Gu
to meet with His Majesty.
He's confronting Han about Zheng Guo's
ulterior motive
in going to Qin.
His Majesty would like you
to deal with him.
That matter about Zheng Guo
has been over for over a year.
King of Qin is finding fault
for no reason.
His Majesty doesn't need to mind him.
My lord.
Yao Gu is very aggressive.
If Han doesn't turn the mastermind
over to him,
Qin will attack us.
Prime Minister.
I must go to Linzi
because of urgent matters.
My lord.
Let's resolve His Majesty's
trouble first.
To the palace.
(Linzi, Capital of Qi)
(Head of Jixia Academy)
In coming to Linzi,
I'm supposed to go to Jixia Academy
to visit you first.
How can I dare to let you welcome me?
As Xunzi's student
from Jixia Academy,
you came to Linzi on behalf of Qin
to force the Qin Seal Script on us,
intending to harass us
with your smooth words.
What a shame.
Under King of Qin's orders,
for the sake of all the states,
I openly and sincerely came here
for a debate.
As the head of Jixia Academy,
you must abide by Jixia's
learning style.
Have an open mind, take in new ideas
and get rid of old ones.
King of Qin gave orders
to force the Qin Seal Script
upon Qi's merchants.
That's a fact.
Qi's merchants are willing to use
the Qin Seal Script.
How is my King forcing it upon them?
Mao Jiao.
You're from Qi,
yet you're reproaching Qi.
A wise man fears minor matters will
turn major. A fool fears the obvious.
I'm worried
that Qi can't distinguish
between right and wrong
and become confused.
The state will be in danger then.
You're exaggerating things
just to scare us.
The truth will become clear
after the discussion.
The way will be clear after a debate.
Whether it's an exaggeration or not,
the scholars will determine it
for themselves
after the debate in Jixia.
After five days, the Jixia Academy
will await your arrival.
Who is right and who is wrong?
We'll welcome your arrival
after five days.
Prince Fei is going to Qi.
Things will surely change in Linzi.
If we can find out
what Prince Fei's plan is,
we can help the Minister of Justice.
(Ying Jie)
Your Majesty.
Linzi is thousands of miles away
from Xianyang.
Ji Dan keeps sending letters
to Xinzheng.
He must know
what Prince Fei's plan is.
Will Crown Prince of Yan be willing
to tell us?
(Inn at Linzi, Qi)
Si.
His Majesty entrusted
this huge responsibility
on the three of us.
If we mess things up,
what will we tell His Majesty?
Right.
Jixia Academy has
over one thousand scholars.
With just the three of us,
we're hopelessly outnumbered.
We don't stand a chance.
Sirs.
Please help me hang the bamboo slips.
The Qin Seal Script's beauty
is greater than the six states' script.
The Qin Seal Script itself
is our countermeasure.
Sir, may I ask what kind
of script is this?
I've never seen it before.
Seal Script.
It has the same origin as Zhou's
Seal Script,
but it's a bit different.
It's a script of its own.
Nice script.
Sir.
You're a well-learned scholar indeed.
You hit the nail on the head.
You're too kind, sir.
Please accept this.
This script is original.
It has a spirit of antiquity
with novel ideas.
Its structure is well-considered
and extraordinary.
Who wrote this?
Sir.
Two people from Chu outside the academy.
They would like to learn from you.
Treat them well.
After I deal with Qin's envoys,
I'll talk to them.
Yes.
Sir.
Sir, the envoy from Qin has arrived.
Let them in.
Sir, only one envoy from Qin is here.
One?
One indeed.
How arrogant.
Li Si came to the debate alone.
He's obviously looking down
on Jixia's students.
Today, we'll surely let him waste
his efforts.
Right.
Let's bring him down a notch.
Right.
Sir.
Everyone.
Envoy of Qin, please take a seat.
You were a minor official from Chu,
then you studied in Jixia.
You praise yourself for knowing
the techniques of being a good king.
But King of Chu isn't capable enough,
and the six states are weak.
That was why you went west to Qin
to become an official there.
You didn't expect that you'd have no one
to rely on.
You could only become a retainer
in the Qin's Prime Minister's Residence.
I don't know what trick you pulled
to get into the palace of Qin
and made the young King of Qin
trust you so much.
And you're enjoying the glory
that you have now as a result.
Envoy of Qin.
Are you happy with my introduction?
♪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♪