01x16 - Episode 16

[bunniefuu]

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?

Thank you for your concern.

It was Prince Fei

who asked me to find you.

Why did the King of Han

send you as an envoy to Qin?

Flooding occurred in Qin.

Qin's Prime Minister is recruiting
hydraulic engineers

to build a water channel.

Our king is worried
when he heard about it,

so he asked me to carefully check

how the bodies of water are distributed
in Qin

and think of a good plan.

That's why he sent me to Qin

to make a water channel

over 300 miles in length

to link the Jing and Luo Rivers.

Once the water channel is built,

it can irrigate
over 40 thousand hectares

of Guanzhong's farmlands,

and we can be in good terms with Qin.

I'm afraid that the King of Han

would like to use that as an excuse

to weaken and exhaust Qin.

Even if I'm not knowledgeable
in water channels,

I think

it will take a lot of time,

effort, resources and money

to build them.

If Qin builds a water channel,

they can't focus on doing battles.

Then Han will be safe.

No.

My king's intention is good.

After the water channel is built,

Guanzhong will become
a heavenly province.

It won't be afraid of drought and flood.

Even I can tell

the King of Han's intentions.

You think

no one in Qin

would be able to tell?

Since you can already tell,

I won't hide it from you anymore.

You and Prince Fei are good friends.

Please help me think of a way

for Qin's Prime Minister
not to be suspicious

and agree to build the water channel.

Even if it will exhaust

a lot

of Qin's manpower, resources, and money,

in the long-term,

this will benefit Qin

for thousands of years.

I'm afraid

this isn't Han Fei's idea.

You're extraordinarily smart indeed.

This isn't what Prince Fei wants to do.

It is my king's idea.

(The King of Han is really stupid.)

(After Qin builds the water channel,)

(it won't have any future troubles.)

(It would be able to eliminate
the six states more smoothly.)

I'm just a hydraulic engineer.

I don't know affairs of the state.

Building water channels
to benefit people

is my ambition.

If the water channel can
really be built,

10 thousand farmers in Guanzhong

will benefit from it.

I won't have any regrets in my life.

Many scholars write books passed on

to many generations saying

that water channels will benefit

thousands of people.

Exactly.

This difficult project

isn't something a small nation
can handle.

Currently,

only Qin has this capability.

A few years ago,

Qin's Bashu Prefecture Chief Li Bing

built dikes,

making Bashu a heavenly province,

and benefited Qin.

If this big water channel

that I've conceptualized can be built,

I'd dare to say

that its merit is comparable to
Li Bing's.

If this water channel will
really benefit thousands of citizens,

then I must help

in making this happen.

Do you have a plan?

Since I'm friends with Han Fei,

I'll give you an idea.

If you don't want Qin's Prime Minister
to be suspicious,

you must make concessions
for future gain.

Make concessions for future gain?

How?

If you tell them directly

about making a water channel for Qin,

since you're an envoy from Han,

they'll get suspicious.

But if Qin asks you
to make a water channel,

then it will be easy.

Splendid.

So

when you visit Qin's Prime Minister,

don't mention the water channel.

Follow my arrangement.

Thank you, Mr. Li.

You're a great talent indeed.

You've instantly come up with a plan.

What Prince Fei said is true.

It's a trick.

It's not what I studied in the academy.

-Cheers.
-Cheers.

You're done?

Mr. Li.

You...

Sir.

Your sword.

Go.

Go.

With your looks,

height,

stature,

you're not bad indeed.

And with this sword,

you look very manly
in the eyes of a girl indeed.

But you left your post
to seduce a woman.

If Prime Minister finds out,

how will he punish you?

How will he punish me?

I didn't study much.

Tell me then.

A light punishment will be

kicking you out
of Prime Minister Residence.

For a serious punishment...

He'll mark your face,

and send you on exile.

It shouldn't be that bad.

I saved the late king

and Prime Minister's life.

You even dare to mention the past

to threaten Prime Minister?

Listen.

Even if he marks your face
and sends you on exile,

that's still a light punishment.

Really?

Then...

Don't tell Prime Minister.

Mr. Li.

I'm begging you.

From now on, I'll do anything

you ask.

Is that true?

Of course.

All right.

I'll keep this a secret for you then.

Thank you.

Prime Minister of Qin,
on my king's behalf, I wish you

longevity and a successful career.

On our kings behalves,

we also wish Prime Minister of Qin

longevity and a successful career.

Thanks to you and your kings.

Thank you, Prime Minister.

On behalf of the imperial family,
I, Ying Sheng,

wish you

longevity and a successful career.

Prime Minister.

This young man and I

will also join the merriment.

As the officials
from the six states said...

We wish you...

Longevity and a successful career.

Wonderful.

We must enjoy drinking today.

-Let's enjoy.
-Let's enjoy.

Presenter.

Mr. Li, why are you here?

Sir.

Don't call me that.

Your talent

is way above mine.

If you are fine with it,

can we consider each other

as friends?

As you wish.

What an honor for me.

Since we're friends now,

then we can speak casually.

Let's call each other's name.

That's great.

You're in a rush
to go inside the residence.

Are you joining

the banquet
for the six states' envoys?

Right.

Do you also want to join us?

I'll tell Prime Minister.

I am not an official, I can't join you.

I'm just here to give a warning.

A warning?

What kind of warning is it?

You know

that I was classmates
with Han Fei before.

I've also gone to Han before.

So I know

Envoy from Han, Zheng Guo.

Don't let that person go back to Han.

Why?

Zheng Guo is a great hydraulic engineer.

His talent

is comparable to Li Bing's and his son's.

So the great hydraulic engineer

whom Prime Minister is looking for
lately

is envoy from Han?

Yes.

Han is weak.

This kind of talented individual

cannot showcase his talent there.

If Qin can use him,

it will surely benefit Qin.

You're always looking at
the big picture.

I'll report it to Prime Minister now.

He'd surely be glad.

All right.

There's no need to mention me.

Si.

A few days ago,

His Majesty asked about you.

Who?

His Majesty.

The King of Qin

asked about me?

Yes.

Then...

How did he ask about me,

and how did you answer?

Can you tell me the details?

Si.

His Majesty originally asked me

to check your background.

I told him

that I know you.

His Majesty then asked

what kind of person you are.

I told him

that you're an unparalleled talent,

I wish I'm as talented as you.

Thank you, Wan.

Si.

I'll go inside then.

Please go ahead.

The King of Zhao isn't feeling well?

My king is supposed to be in his prime,

but he's taking a long time

to recover from his illness this time.

He must find a good physician.

Do you want any recommendations?

Thank you for your concern.

Fortunately, we've already appointed
a Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Yi is clever and studious.

He's magnanimous,

and the citizens love him.

Some say

that if he assumes the throne,

Zhao might become even more prosperous.

When I was in Handan,

I've never met the Crown Prince
you're talking about.

Back then,
Crown Prince Yi was too young.

He never had the chance to see you.

However,

famous mentors have taught
Crown Prince Yi since he was little.

He's adept in both the pen
and the sword,

and he's clever and radiant.

Even he's still young,

he already looks like a great king.

You're complimenting

Zhao's Crown Prince

too much.

That's a good thing for Zhao.

I'm interested in meeting

the next King of Zhao, Zhao Yi.

Isn't that

easy for you, Prime Minister?

Just tell him to come to Qin.

Would he dare not to come?

Envoy from Wei, what are you saying?

Do you want Zhao's Crown Prince

to be held hostage here?

The envoy from Zhao feels uneasy.

The envoy from Zhao feels uneasy.

No.

Greetings, Prime Minister,

Officials from various states.

I, Wang Wan, am late.

He feels uneasy now.

He feels uneasy now.

Everyone.

On your way here,

did you see anything interesting

we can chat about?

Tell us.

Prime Minister.

I've heard

that the envoy from Han

is a great hydraulic engineer.

His talent

is comparable to Bashu's
Prefecture Chief Li Bing.

Can we ask the envoy from Han

to tell us

some interesting things

in building water channels?

Tell us.

Prime Minister of Qin.

Presenter.

You're too kind.

I, Zheng Guo,

am just a hydraulic engineer.

Han is weak and small.

Its manpower and finances are limited.

The projects we've done

aren't worth mentioning.

They're not worth mentioning.

You're too humble.

With Qin's

manpower and finances,

please show us

what kind of project you can do.

Show me

how talented you are.

It would be hard to use words.

Please provide a map for me.

A map.

Give him a map.

Yes.

-Enjoy.
-Enjoy.

Cheers.

(Qin, Zhao)

Prime Minister,

Officials,

Envoys.

I'll speak,

please don't laugh at me.

(Qin, Wei, Zhao, Han)

I would like

to link the Jing and Luo Rivers.

This is Zhong Mountain.

The water channel will start here,

leading the Jing River's water
toward the west

to Hukou,
where the channel head will be.

The topography here is higher

on the northwest
and lower on the southeast.

We'll divert the water to the east
along the foot of the mountain,

and link it to the Luo River.

Its length will be over 300 miles long.

Once the water channel is built,
it can irrigate

over 40 thousand hectares of farmlands.

Well...

Please tell us

why you chose this terrain.

Presenter, you're not aware.

Jing River's water has sand,
it'd fertilize to the soil.

Diverting its water for irrigation

can make this saline land

become a fertile one.

After the water channel is built,
you can harvest acres of land,

and dredge these two rivers.

There will be no more flooding

between these two rivers.

Marvelous.

Prime Minister.

What do you think

about building such a water channel?

I'm not an expert

in water channels.

This is just

a ridiculous idea of mine.

It's just for discussion

while eating and drinking.

Sirs, don't take it too seriously.

Don't take it too seriously.

Envoy from Han.

If we really build that,

how much will we spend?

It will require ten years,

and at least

200 thousand strong workers.

It's hard to calculate other manpower

and resources required.

It's such a big project.

Envoys from the six states have been
in Qin for days,

and they haven't come
to greet His Majesty.

Instead, they've been hanging around

at Prime Minister Residence.

Do the six states

respect His Majesty at all?

I think Prime Minister

will report to His Majesty soon.

What if he doesn't?

Meng Tian.

Yes.

Tell me in detail

what's amazing

about Zheng Guo's long channel.

Your Majesty,
please look at the map with me.

What do you think

about Zheng Guo's water channel plan?

It sounds good,

but the project is too big.

And we can't check its efficiency.

Prime Minister,
if we build the water channel,

not only will we need to recruit workers,

I'm afraid

we must mobilize some troops to help.

If we really use 200 thousand people

to build the water channel,

it will surely affect

Qin's military power in battles.

In that case,
His Majesty might not be willing.

If it will benefit Qin,

His Majesty would surely agree.

You're right, Prime Minister.

I think

that even if we must spend a lot on it,

once it's completed,

Guanzhong will have

thousands of acres of fertile land.

Not only will farmers

be able to harvest more food,

military food reserves will
also increase.

And it will attract

more citizens from the six states

to come to Qin.

I think

this is Han's trick.

They want to build the water channel
to weaken and exhaust Qin,

so that they can continue to survive.

What Gan Luo said makes some sense.

We must be vigilant against evil-doers.

Officer Yao.

If this is really Han's trick,

why aren't they doing anything

after their envoy has been here
for days?

In yesterday's banquet,

if I didn't ask,

I'm afraid
the envoy from Han wouldn't even speak.

Are people
from Han really that enigmatic?

But when Zheng Guo talked about
the water channel,

he didn't even think.

It seems like he already planned it out.

Gan Luo.

There are engineers

who like to ponder about these things.

Prime Minister.

What is your plan regarding this?

It's hard for me to decide as well.

Prime Minister.

Then...

What do you plan to do with Li Si?

I'll place him

in the most suitable position,
of course.

(Yide Pavilion)
When do you think your plan will work?

Don't be impatient.

This morning,

someone left Prime Minister Residence
on a horse,

and went to Bashu.

Why do you think he went there?

To ask Li Bing's opinion?

If your water channel plan

is really beneficial to Qin,

will Li Bing oppose it?

I want to build the water channel
to benefit people.

That's not a lie.

Then wait for Li Bing's reply.

(Yide Pavilion)
Just wait?

Of course.

Go back to the inn,

pack your things, bring your servants,

and act like you're returning to Han.

(Yide Pavilion)

Prime Minister,
the envoy from Zhao is here.

Greetings, Prime Minister.

Come.

Please have a seat.

Thank you, Prime Minister.

How did you sleep last night?

I had a good rest.

I wonder why you asked me

to come here today, Prime Minister.

Here.

-No.
-Warm your hands.

I don't dare to.

Come on.

Thank you, Prime Minister.

I am worried

about the King of Zhao's health.

You're such a good person.

Is the imperial court in Zhao

also worried

about the King of Zhao's health?

Yes.

Everyone in the nation

is worried about my king's condition.

Don't rush, load them carefully.

Put the books inside.

Envoy from Han!

Stop.

Sir.

Why are you leaving?

My work is done.

I've sent the gifts already.

I should report back to my king.

Sir, why leave so soon?

Stay a few days longer.

Sir, you're so hospitable,

but I...

Sir.

Xianyang

has a lot of fun places.

What if I tour you around?

Sir, I...

Sir.

Listen to me.

It's hard for you to come to Qin.

Stay a few more days for fun, all right?

Come on, sir.

Sir.

Listen.

Xianyang

has a lot of fun places to go indeed.

Come, sir.

I...

I'll tell you about them.

The six states

brought so many gifts.

Are they for me?

If I have gifts, so do you, of course.

I don't know anything

about building water channels.

If you think it's beneficial,

arrange people to do it.

Yes.

However, lately,

have you noticed

that Zheng's mood

doesn't seem to be too good?

What's wrong with Zheng?

You may all go.

Yes.

These days,

Zheng has been studying very hard.

He was also carefree
in our interactions.

I don't think there's anything wrong.

It's all because of you.

I told you before.

Even if Zheng is young,

he's still the king.

Regarding state affairs,

you must discuss them with him.

Otherwise,

he'll lock himself up in the Study Room

without eating or drinking again.

I feel bad when he does that.

I've long known

that when a man becomes king,

he'll become unhappy.

That was how the late king was.

Zheng is the same.

Even you.

After you became Prime Minister,

you look more worried.

I know what Zheng is thinking.

He wants to work.

It's just that he's still young.

Let's wait till he's older

and wiser.

Then he will feel better.

Besides,

as a king,

how can he be without worries?

Even if I'm a woman,

officially,

I'm still Qin's regent.

It's not that easy

for anyone

to bully me and my son.

I won't let anyone

bully you and Zheng

one bit.

I like that.

But you must do as you say.

In my position

as Qin's Prime Minister,

all state affairs

must go through me.

You can be worry-free.

In order for Qin to become stronger,

we must train talented officials.

Lately,

a scholar from Chu has arrived.

His name is Li Si.

His talent is well-known.

I'm taking him

into consideration.

How can he be as talented as you?

Am I not the one who's most aware

of how talented you are?

Mother.

Zheng.

Greetings, Mother.

Greetings, godfather.

Why are you here?

I especially came to visit you.

I just found out
that godfather is here too.

Your godfather and I

are talking about you.

What is it about?

Your godfather said

that a talented scholar
from Chu has arrived

named Li...

Li Si.

Li Si.

Godfather is planning

to let him assist you.

You sent me

Li Si's political advice.

I've already read it.

What do you think?

What do you think, godfather?

Li Si's political advice

is good.

However,
unifying the states in ten years

is a bit rushed.

I'm still observing him.

Of course,

His Majesty will be the one to decide

whether he'll be useful to him or not.

Thank you, godfather.

Thank you, Mother.

Dong'er,
pour some creeping wood sorrel soup.

Yes.

Godfather, have a seat.

Which state matter

would you like to discuss with me?

Your Majesty, you've stayed in Handan
for so long.

Do you know
the King of Zhao's sons well?

Why are you asking me about that?

The King of Zhao is
in serious condition.

He might not live for long.

Their Crown Prince candidate

becomes a problem.

Isn't Zhao's Crown Prince Zhao Yi?

What kind of person is he?

On the surface, he's adept
in both the pen and the sword,

and very gentlemanly.

However, in times of danger,

he'd also resort
to unscrupulous tactics.

What about Zhao Yan?

Zhao Yan is Zhao Yi's younger brother.

He's naturally suspicious,

cunning and ruthless.

My maternal grandfather

and Mr. Shen Yue

died in his hands.

Someday,

I will surely avenge them.

In that case,

Zhao Yi is better than Zhao Yan.

I guess so.

Among the two of them,

who would you prefer

as Zhao's next king?

If Zhao Yi becomes the King of Zhao,

the citizens will surely support him.

Even if his capabilities are limited,

he only needs to continue
using Generals Lian Po

and Li Mu,

and Zhao will be safe
for the time being.

If Zhao Yan becomes the King of Zhao,

due to his vile nature,

he'd surely value Guo Kai
and crafty officials,

bringing chaos

and disorder

to Zhao's imperial court.

I'm a bit confused about the motive

of envoy from Zhao.

It seems like

he wants Qin to ask Zhao Yi

to be held hostage in Xianyang.

With what he's doing, I...

I really don't get it.

What's hard to get about that?

Zhao Yan must have bought him off

to pull this trick to harm Zhao Yi.

Right.

Then let's go according to his plan,

and make Zhao Yan the King of Zhao.

Zhao Yan is a bad person.

How can we help him?

If he was the one
who sent envoy from Zhao,

we can't let him achieve his objective.

Prime Minister,

do you want to help His Majesty's enemy?

Dong'er.

Don't be rude to Prime Minister.

I bid my leave.

Your Majesty, don't be angry.

That evil man Zhao Yan won't
become king.

He doesn't deserve it.

Dong'er, tell godfather

to help Zhao Yan become King of Zhao.

Since Li Bing also thinks

that Zheng Guo's plan

is greatly beneficial to Qin,

I agree

to let Zheng Guo stay in Qin,

and help us build the water channel.

What about the rest of you?

Do you agree?

We agree.

Good.

Let Zheng Guo

head the building of water channel.

Neishi and all counties

should fully support it.

Wang Wan.

Yes.

Convince Zheng Guo,

and send an announcement to every area.

Yes.

There's one more thing.

Mr. Yao Gu,

please go with envoy from Zhao Mao Sui
to Handan,

and request King of Zhao
to send Crown Prince Yi

as hostage in Xianyang.

You must accomplish this.

Yes.

(Han's capital, Xinzheng)

My trick is superb and unmatched.

Zheng, King of Qin, and Lv Buwei

both fell for it.

In building a water channel,

they need to spend over ten years

to complete it.

Since Qin is busy with building
the water channel,

their troops cannot go on battles.

Then Han

can be worry-free.

Your Majesty,
your plan is clever indeed.

The Qin army in our border

has already left a few days ago.

Splendid.

Marvelous.

Father.

Even if the Qin army left,

Han still needs to strengthen itself

in order to defend itself.

Strengthen itself?

What's not good about the nation

that I'm ruling now?

It hasn't been destroyed by Qin,
has it?

Why do we need to strengthen ourselves?

Stop thinking

about making me do the things

that you have learned.

Can the things you've learned

be better than my plans?

(Qin, Ganquan Palace)

What do you think of this place?

Prime Minister.

This place is as nice as paradise.

You may all go.

Yes.

Prime Minister.

Please have some.

I'm the only one

in this palace all day.

I must find someone
to relieve your boredom.

♪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 w*r,
the beginning of the king's law♪

♪Follow the footsteps of
our ancestors and martyrs♪

♪A great nation's
iron-willed representative♪