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Episode 8
What poison did they give him?
They didn't just feed it to him, they spread it on his body.
I heard it's snake poison.
The bleeding stopped, and blocked the poison from spreading.
- Bring me Jeoncho and Soksuja. - Yes.
Yeon.
Hold his legs.
Hold them firmly.
Do you recognize me?
There must be some poison left in your system.
Your Highness.
His Excellency is looking for you.
No matter how strong and determined they were,
nobody survived more than two consecutive experiments.
He's a tough specimen.
If he's from Goguryeo, he could be a spy.
The average life of people taken here is four months at best.
Knowing that, they would never let a spy infiltrate this place.
Father.
What happened to that slave?
He seems to have pulled through.
He survived even this?
So that lady is the Wesaja's daughter?
Yes, and she's also a princess enjoying His Majesty's good graces.
- Take him out! - Yes!
You survived because you stopped bleeding.
You're blessed with fortune.
But, come tomorrow, we shall test that poison on you again.
It means you shall perish.
Never.
I shall not die.
Is there a reason for that?
Because I still...
have something left to do.
And what is that?
Seeking revenge.
Against whom?
Speak!
King Yuri.
You are from Goguryeo.
And you are telling me you seek revenge against your king?
King Yuri...
slayed those who raised me, and my closest friends.
King Yuri...
is no longer my king.
Take him out.
How does it sound?
It doesn't look like he's lying.
Muhyul!
Are you all right?
How can you laugh about this?
I really thought you died out there.
I have something left to accomplish,
why should I die?
Are you really all right?
Yes.
I'm fine.
So that lady is the Wesaja's daughter?
Yes, and she's also a princess enjoying His Majesty's good graces.
I've heard you are from Goguryeo.
Is that right?
What is going on?
I'm from Goguryeo, too.
Let's escape.
If you help me out, we can escape from here.
Look!
Come look at this.
What is the matter?
He's having spasms once again. Please, help us!
Muhyul!
Wake up, Muhyul!
Muhyul!
Help us!
Muhyul! Please, help us.
Help us.
If we get past Mt. Cheontae, we will reach the Goguryeo border.
We will not go back to Goguryeo.
What are you saying?
If the Black Shadows go after us, it will be hard to escape. Let's hurry up and leave.
I'm grateful for your help,
but let's part ways here.
- Let's go. - Wait!
Actually, I infiltrated the camp to investigate the Black Shadows.
I am a Goguryeo spy.
If we go back to the capital together, and relay their situation,
His Majesty shall lavishly reward us.
So let's leave together!
What is wrong with you?
King Yuri is no longer my king.
Before I strangle you to death,
get out of my face.
I shan't let this affront to His Majesty go unpunished!
Stop!
Well done.
Couldn't this be our last meal before they kill us?
Didn't you hear them last time?
Before poisoning us, to make us gain weight...
Mu... Muhyul!
Eat.
Eat, if you wish to survive.
When you're done eating, wear these.
Hey... forget the food, but dressing us this way...
What are they planning?
Doesn't look like they want to kill us.
They suit you quite well.
From this moment on, you shall be trained to become Black Shadows.
The process to become one is no laughing matter.
Should you fail to endure our scathing training and education,
we shall take you away and test poison on you once again.
If you wish to survive,
become a Black Shadow.
Gungnae Fortress
Did you call me?
Seryu.
I know why you summoned me.
I shall follow your wish, Father.
My gratitude for understanding me.
Are you really marrying into the Gisan tribe?
*Ancient Asian unit of measure. From the end of Qin to late Tang, 1 li = 323m
If it's the Gisan, it's over a thousand li* from here.
And you know how barbarous and truculent they are, Your Highness.
Leave me alone.
Your Highness!
*For peace/alliances, heqin/hwachin (peace marriage) was often used in ancient Asian history
Is he really sending Princess Seryu to the Gisan in marriage*?
Yes.
If Xin, Yilou* and Hwangnyong weren't enough,
*Ethnic group from Eastern Manchuria (also known as Sushen, ancestors of the Jurchen)
now he's even trying to forge an alliance with the Gisan.
King Yuri's prowess is burgeoning beyond any limit.
If this keeps up, there's a possibility they might engage Buyeo.
In just a year with diplomacy alone, he reached even terms...
with Buyeo's military power.
We undervalued Yuri's deftness for sure.
We still have options on the table.
How about pushing for a marriage between Prince Yeojin and a lady from our Biryu clan?
In no time, Yeojin shall become Crown Prince, and...
the heir to Goguryeo's throne.
So in that case, things will be much easier to control for us.
Do you have any suitable candidate in mind?
There is one, if I may suggest.
I shall introduce you to her soon, Sangganim.
Dojin!
Yes!
Tell them the training they shall go through as Black Shadows.
Starting from the swordmanship you need on the job,
you shall show fluency in different tongues,
including Han, Xiongnu and Yilou, along with mastering their customs and culture.
And not to let your designed target fool you,
you shall be trained to identify whether they're lying or not.
And, to conclude, you shall learn to deceive even yourself,
if you really want to become a true Black Shadow.
Turn to your back!
They will from now on hold full responsibility for your training,
and partake in life and death with you.
There shall be no ranks among Black Shadows.
No matter what your age is, or when you joined the force.
Black Shadows are nothing but Black Shadows.
Understood?!
Yes!
Wake up!
This fool still thinks he can sleep the entire night.
Get up! Hey!
Starting today, we shall test whether you're made to...
become a Black Shadow or not.
Let's go!
How far do we have to run?
Don't waste your energies speaking, or it will only be harder.
I laud your efforts, for running three consecutive days.
But the real training starts now.
You shall be back to the training camp within the next two days.
Is that even possible?
Indeed it is!
Should anyone not make it, he shall be instantly expelled from the camp.
Muhyul, Maro. You'll become slaves once again, in that case.
I shall tell you now, but don't even dream of running away.
The partners who are following you would instantly exterminate you.
Everyone, let's begin!
Get up.
Let's move.
I can't go.
Get up, you bastard.
Kill me instead.
I said get up!
I really can't do it anymore!
Will you die with me right here, then?
Still no arrivals?
Nobody yet.
How can they come back from a three-day trip in just two?
Black Shadows training here possess those skills.
They have physical and mental skills the average person can't comprehend.
I can see someone!
Dojin, Muhyul, completed their tasks.
Well done.
Go have some rest.
- Close the gates. - Yes.
Wait!
Wait a moment!
I've been undergoing this kind of training for years,
but I've never seen a new recruit like you.
Do I need to go through this again?
Once every month.
You will get used to it right away.
Pay your respects!
From now on, I will teach you languages of the Han, Xiongnu and Yilou.
First, the countries using a similar language to us in Buyeo are...
*Microstates between North Korea and Gangwon Province
Goguryeo, Ye (Dongye)*, Okjeo*,
Jinhan, Byeonhan, Mahan (which later became Shilla, Gaya and Baekje)
and the Samhan* Confederacies.
Also, nobles in the Nangnang Commandery use Han language,
*Nangnang was one of the post-Gojoseon Hansagun, four commanderies set up by the Han
but their people speak our same language*.
Then, we already speak the language of a few countries.
Something to that extent.
Here, shall we begin?
For greetings in Han language, people use...
- "Ni Hao." - Ni Hao.
Tell me, Your Majesty.
For how much longer are you going to live without a crown prince?
Your Majesty.
Proclaiming a new crown prince shall bring us a steadfast future,
and improve the fortunes of our great Goguryeo.
But, why are you...
Let's go.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
I shall proclaim a crown prince when the time is right,
so don't ever mention it again.
What were you doing here?!
Shouldn't you at least try to convince His Majesty?
I have no intention to do that.
Yeojin!
Don't you realize what today is?
It is the anniversary of Haemyeong Hyungnim's death.
It's something His Majesty will take care of when the time comes,
so please, don't act in haste.
Where are they headed?
To the shrine, it seems.
The shrine?!
It's been a year since Prince Haemyeong died.
This tea tastes wonderful.
I didn't call you here to hear your views on my tea, did I?
It's been a year already, since this country had to endure...
the absence of a crown prince.
Isn't it time the Council does something about it?
We should.
There is no need to worry.
We shall confer with His Majesty, and offer him advice.
- I put my trust in you, Ubo. - Before that...
How are you going to deal with Prince Yeojin's marriage?
Marriage?!
Where there is a crown prince, shouldn't there be a princess as well?
We have a most suitable candidate here in our Biryu clan.
Care to meet her, Your Highness?
Who's there?!
Your Majesty, protect yourself.
Stop!
What are you waiting for? Slaughter them all!
Stop!
Who sent you?
His Majesty is asking who instigated you!
Prince Haemyeong sent us.
Aren't you Hye Ap?
His Highness Prince Haemyeong...
sent us here to avenge his invidious fate.
Do you really believe it was His Majesty who sent His Highness to King Daeso?
I saw His Highness taken to the enemy camp...
by Goguryeo troops with my own eyes.
How could you misconceive His Majesty's goodwill?
He tried to stop the prince until the very last moment!
What not being able to stop His Highness that night meant to him...
was heaven's retribution for his misdeeds.
His Highness perished, but His Majesty is still alive and well.
Are you telling me to believe the survivor's excuses?
People like you who served His Highness...
still don't realize that, to protect his father,
His Highness disobeyed his orders, and sacrificed his life for this country?!
If that is indeed the truth,
why did His Majesty attempt to kill us?
What are you talking about?
Why would His Majesty...
He sent the Lord of Jolbon, Baegeuk, to catch us,
and fiendishly slaughtered General Yeonbi, along with several followers of the Prince.
What is the reason he ordered that?
Your Majesty.
Were you looking for me?
Do you still remember, Ubo?
That Haemyeong had no military authority, when he attacked King Daeso.
Thence, only mercenaries from Myeongnim and some followers of his joined him.
Know what happened to those followers, Ubo?
Your Majesty.
I exscinded those people myself.
Have I ever issued such an order?
Your Majesty.
What is the reason His Highness met such an untoward demise,
and you had to endure such ignominy?
It's because His Highness's followers couldn't convince him to stop his course.
I thought that, since King Daeso's wrathful relish was still burning inside him,
sparing those people would foment the flames that would swamp Goguryeo once again.
After slaughtering the people he so vehemently cherished,
how can I face Haemyeong's soul again?
Your Majesty!
I acted in Goguryeo and Your Majesty's best interests.
May you acquiesce to your humble servant's constancy.
Weren't those decisions merely for the sake of your Biryu clan?
Your Majesty!
How could you utter such woebegone words?
Leave me alone.
- Your Majesty! - I said leave!
Maro!
Maro.
Are you all right?
You ruthful nimwit.
Handing a pig that sword would be a bigger challenge.
Aren't you going out of line?
Did you just say that to me?
I did, you bastard.
Give it a rest!
Your punishment shall last until tomorrow at dawn.
I am sorry.
Become stronger.
If you want to protect the people you cherish and love,
become even stronger.
Otherwise, all you shall find is demise or despair.
Head to the infirmary to check on your condition, and then join the training.
There's nothing wrong with your pulse.
No particular bruises.
Nothing seems wrong.
He's endured deadly poison, this is nothing for him.
How are they?
They shouldn't join the training today.
It would be very dangerous for them, until their condition has stabilized.
Why did you tell him that?
So you can have a little rest.
Actually, it was because I was hoping you'd keep me some company.
Ever since I came here to the camp, it's all been so tedious.
They're all gone. Let's go.
Come on.
I haven't felt like this in such a long time.
Right.
So how was your life in Goguryeo?
I was a decorator.
Decorator?! Where?
Can you draw a portrait for me?
I'm still... not good enough...
And I even gave you this chance to rest,
will you just refuse?
We need to reward you.
Draw it for her.
Did you say your name was Muhyul?
Yes. Milady.
It's a peculiar name.
Who gave it to you?
Was it your father, or mother?
I still...
haven't met any of them yet.
Those inane Xin scoundrels.
Buyeo Fortress
They dare refuse to meet my envoy?!
Summon the entire army!
I shall advance to Chang'an* right now,
*Ancient capital of many Chinese dynasties; changed to its current name Xi'an by the Ming
and bestow an early demise upon that Wang Mang, or whatever he's called.
Your Majesty!
Placate your fury.
If we deploy troops now, Goguryeo might...
Are you saying...
Yuri might even attack me?
Your Majesty.
We shall judge this matter with utmost prudence.
They've forged alliances with Hwangnyong, Yilou and Xiongnu,
and also sent Princess Seryu to the Gisan in a peace marriage.
If we engage the Xin in war right now,
King Yuri will summon all his troops and pass the border.
How could...
Buyeo become so miserable? How could it happen?!
Summon Tak Rok right now!
It's done!
What is going on?
It's the chance we were waiting for!
- Chance? - A most providential one!
Our chance to make back all the money I lost in Buyeo!
Ahh... here, here!
What is this all about?
Prince Yeojin is finally going to be proclaimed Crown Prince.
Then, envoys shall come from the entire area, right?!
His Majesty owes me a great debt of gratitude,
so there's no way he'd stop me from trading with them!
Do you finally understand what I'm saying?
But of course!
Then, go prepare for that trade.
Your Highness.
I have brought a light refreshment.
I have no appetite.
You haven't eaten anything all day.
If you keep this up, Her Highness will rebuke me.
Yeon Hwa.
Yes, Your Highness?
Do you realize how I am feeling now?
How could I possibly dare to, Your Highness?
I am scared.
Dread is engulfing me.
Do you know...
every crown prince this country proclaimed has died?
The brother I could never meet, Dojeol.
And...
even Haemyeong.
Every Goguryeo crown prince met his demise.
What I fear...
is not death, but the burden on my shoulders such title would bestow upon me.
I wish I wasn't born a prince, but rather a simple artisan spending his days at the workshop.
I wish I could just worry about craftworks with you there.
Your Highness.
What are you muttering about?
You impudent wench.
You do nothing but bewilder Yeojin.
- Mother! - You stay put!
Heed my words.
If you divulge what you hear inside these four walls,
you shall perish, thanks to that fallible tongue of yours.
Leave us!
What is wrong with you?
Do you wish to see your mother's demise?!
The moment I have been waiting so long for is finally here.
But, you refuse the title which belongs to you, and want to return to the workshop?!
Are those words a prince should utter?
All you need is to trust me.
If you lack anything, your mother shall take care of it for you.
Do you understand?
The losses I incurred while acting as your secret emissary are not to be overlooked.
But I was able to endure it all out of my utmost devotion for this country.
But now the time has come for Your Majesty to lessen my burden.
Aren't you already enjoying the Sangga's succor?
Wh...What are you talking about?
I know all too well you've been colluding with the chieftains,
and acting in accordance with their wishes.
Ahh... Your Majesty. I am a merchant. It can't be helped that...
I should follow where the trail of money leads me.
Exactly.
Still, I shall only deal with trustworthy merchants.
I abhor facile runagates such as you.
Then, Your Majesty.
Are you abandoning this humble servant of yours?
You make it sound as if it was a most vexatious dilemma.
Your Majesty.
They've arrived.
Let them in.
What's with your surprised look?
Did a wraith just pass by?
If you have nothing else to say, leave us.
Yes.
I asked your presence for something I need to confer with you.
Hye Ap.
Yes, Your Majesty.
From the day Haemyeong died,
I strengthened this country through foreign diplomacy alone,
and now our influence is tantamount to Buyeo's.
If I am to maintain this position, I need someone to discreetly act on my behalf.
You shall be entrusted with that responsiblity.
Will you accept?
You will be entrusted a mission, starting today.
Dojin shall lead proceedings.
Here, your objectives.
You shall depart immediately.
What are the objectives?
Our mission is to slay the Lord of Yonggol Fortress.
This is an area of utmost strategical importance, adjoining Goguryeo and Buyeo.
We shall slay the Lord governing Yonggol, and gain control of the fortress.
Let's go.
It's empty!
Drop your weapons.
Reveal your identities, and I shall spare your life.
You're Black Shadows from Buyeo, aren't you?
Here.
What is this?
Poison.
The last resort for a Black Shadow experiencing failure...
is taking his own life.
Muhyul!
Did you have a good sleep?
*Mafeisan, first ever anesthetic invented by Hua Tuo,
mixing cannabis and the hallucinogenic plant datura
I never imagined mabisan* would be so effective.
Muhyul.
Congratulations, you've just passed your final test.
Here, follow me.
In ten days,
a ceremony to celebrate the new crown prince will be held in Goguryeo.
You shall infiltrate Goguryeo,
and slay the Xin envoy.
What are you talking about?
I shall join their efforts in Goguryeo.
Yeon!
Give me your consent.
That is out of the question!
This is a very insidious mission even for those with proper training.
Forget it.
You never told me about it, but I understand what kind of situation you are in.
His Majesty is losing faith in you,
while the Chief Retainer keeps showing impudence to you.
No matter how grave my situation is,
I shall never lose you over that!
I assure you nothing will happen.
I've even learned a few skills, looking at their training.
If we are to succeed in this mission, my help will be needed.
You have trusted every decision I've made so far.
Don't worry, and let me go.
When you reach the capital, our spies shall meet you.
How can we make sure of their identities?
There is nothing to verify.
They will find you by themselves.
Ban Ya!
It must have been a very arduous trip.
It's been a long time.
Follow me.
The Xin delegation?
Goguryeo's Daebo, Guchu, went to the border to escort them in.
They should reach the capital by tomorrow.
How about what I asked you?
It's ready. Follow me.
If you waste time, it will only put Yeon in danger.
When you've completed your objectives, pull back immediately.
Yes.
Be careful.
Don't worry.
Your Highness.
Announce my arrival to His Majesty.
Nunim.
Nice to see you, Yeojin.
Welcome, Your Highness.
Yes.
Seryu.
Come closer.
Because of the epidemic in Gisan,
I thought you wouldn't be able to attend.
I brought the delegates here first hand.
Is that so?
How are things? Are you doing fine?
Don't worry about me.
You'll be entrusted with a heavy burden. My congratulations.
May you lend strength to our crown prince here.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
We just got word the Xin delegation has reached the capital.
Fine.
May I introduce to you the younger brother of His Majesty Wang Mang,
His Excellency the Supreme Censor Wang Jiwen.
I shall commend you for taking this wearisome trip.
Your bonhomous hospitality humbles me beyond words, Your Majesty.
And here is His Highness Prince Yeojin.
Your Highness.
Where are you going?
Stop following me.
Your Highness.
I need some respite, so leave me alone.
Your Highness!
What is the matter?
*Microstate south of Goguryeo; annexed by Generals Oi and Mari in 33 AD
The delegation from Yangmaek* has just arrived.
His Majesty is ordering you to face the delegation in person.
Don't avoid the matter. I am sure you will do well.
It's Prince Yeojin.
Don't be afraid, and becalm yourself.
My name is Mucheon. I come from Yangmaek.
I shall salute you for taking such a strenuous trip.
Show them their lodgings, and treat them with utmost cordiality.
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
Please do NOT hardsub and/or stream this episode using our English subtitles.
Main Translator & Timer: MisterX
Timing QC: julier
Editor/QC: thunderbolt
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
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