Kingdom [03] For a Friend

Lasted for 25 minutes, the episode explore deeper into Ying Zheng struggles.

He Liao Diao

          A young boy appeared in front of Xin and Ying Zheng, offering a way out. Xin expressed his distrust towards the unknown child, claiming that the boy was suspicious and that they shouldn’t trust strangers. Hearing this, the boy introduced himself as He Liao Diao. He informed them of his knowledge regarding a secret tunnel, which is known only to him. When Ying Zheng question his motive behind the generous help, he claimed to have heard their conversation – thus knowing Ying Zheng’s identity and demanded money in exchange for helping Ying Zheng. Ying Zheng immediately accepted Diao’s help, sure of the boy’s trustworthiness.



          Inside the tunnel, Diao’s questioned Xin casual speech around Ying Zheng. They then learned that Diao was not a citizen of Qin, but instead, inherited the blood of an exiled tribe of Mountain People from the west hence his directness with Ying Zheng. Later on, Diao also pressed on Ying Zheng about his escape. Since Ying Zheng knew about his brother’s plan beforehand, Diao questioned why Ying Zheng, the King, did not quash the rebellion before it got worse.

           The frustrated young king then explained his powerless position as a child king, treated like a puppet by his own trustees. His grandfather, King Xiao Wen, and the previous king, his father King Zhuang Xiang both died after reigning for three years. The result of their early death crowned Ying Zheng as King of Qin at the age of 13. The ministers gained more power each day, particularly his chancellors, Lu Shi and Jie Shi. The two chancellors fought for power, dividing the palace into two opposing faction. Ying Zheng's brother, Cheng Jiao who aimed for the throne was then approached by Chancellor Jie Shi. They took advantage of Chancellor Lu Shi absence from the palace, and planned the rebellion.

           Ying Zheng most trusted minister, Chang Wenjun, went around the country, on an attempt at seeking the best escape pathway when he came across Piao. It was then that the escape plan finalized; by switching places between Ying Zheng and Piao, Ying Zheng would have more time to escape while his enemies were fooled to pursue Piao. The knowledge of Piao being left to die enraged Xin. Disregarding the fact that Ying Zheng is his king, Zheng rushed at beating Ying Zheng. Angry at Xin outburst, Ying Zheng defended himself, stating that he and Piao are both fighting a war in which victory is bleak. However, Piao failed, and that cost him his life.

Angry Ying Zheng

           Without looking at Xin, Ying Zheng then firmly - wanting to end future argument over Piao’s death, told Xin to choose between helping him win his war for a chance to earn a name of himself, or to return to his village as a slave and dwell on Piao’s death. After getting out of the tunnel, Xin declared his intention to join Ying Zheng, only to use him as a stepping stone for his ambition. Needing a shield to stay alive, Ying Zheng consented to Xin intention.

          Meanwhile, the pursuing army decided to call upon another assassin: Muta. Back in the palace, Counsellor Jie Shi issued for a search on Minister Chang Wenjun, claiming that with Chang Wenjun gone, the king would be easy to find. A general named Wang Qi then offered to find Chang Wenjun, with Chang Wenjun’s land as his prize.

Watched on 26^th Novemver 2015