Please do NOT hardsub and/or stream this episode using our English subtitles.
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Episode 33
When the princess disappeared from Jolbon,
she must have been parturient with your child, Sire.
On our last trip to Buyeo, we even saw her from afar.
He looks just like you.
So what you're telling me...
is that Lady Yeon is under Dojin's care,
and my son...
is growing up on Buyeo territory?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Forgive me, Sire.
Why didn't you tell me?
Despite knowing,
why did you keep it a secret?!
I couldn't let it concern you, Sire.
My son is growing up on enemy territory!
But...
I didn't know a thing...
- Lady Yeon and that child... - Even if you turned back time,
I would have made the same decision.
Your ties had been broken already.
It was because she knew it, that Lady Yeon did all that without a word to you.
I cannot dare ponder with certainty,
but Lady Yeon must be wishing for your happiness.
There is Her Majesty the Empress at your side,
and this country is behind you.
So she is hoping you will forget everything, and live in happiness!
Speak no more!!
Did Princess Yeon really bear His Majesty's child?
Yes.
So the reason Her Excellency went to Buyeo was to escort them here?
That's right.
Where is His Majesty?
He went outside the palace.
He probably didn't want the courtiers to see him upset.
He's not the kind of man who would run away from his duties,
so let us wait.
The fact Buyeo gained control of Namso Fortress is akin to a declaration of war.
If we don't swiftly find a solution, we might never be able to get away from this.
Daebo, you have served the former king for a long time,
and endured the worst of times with him.
Aid His Majesty to make the right decision again.
Your Majesty.
I know.
I am the ruler of this nation,
someone who must never show anguish or hesitation, and maintain stability.
But...
As if the hands of fate suddenly entangled this all,
a smothering shadow is beclouding me into loneliness and despair.
The crisis our country is facing is just as serious as your afflictions, Sire.
Should you lose your path, our country will crumble along.
The crown which befell you is like a cage masking...
your every emotion and personal feeling for the sake of us all.
Behind those bars of destiny, you shall face even more daunting adversity.
But you must overcome all this.
What happened?
He has just returned.
I must meet His Majesty.
Announce to His Majesty my presence.
What are you waiting for? Announce me!
My apologies, but it will be hard to meet him right now.
Seek audience once again.
I shall go meet him first hand.
My apologies.
I hope you'll understand I'm merely following orders.
I shall meet Chieftain Myeongjin, so alert him.
Yes.
I bid you welcome.
I suspect your dexterity, Your Excellency.
What are you referring to?
You don't even realize why I wanted to meet?
Yeon gave birth to His Majesty's child, and he's growing up in Buyeo.
His Majesty found out the truth.
The Ubo went to Buyeo to bring them back,
and you still weren't aware of that?
I'm mortified.
I shall give you one last chance.
If you wish to protect your position,
make sure Yeon and His Majesty's child don't make it here.
Whatever it takes, you must stop them!
I will.
Is anyone out there?
Summon the entire court and the chieftains.
Yes, Your Majesty.
His Majesty deigns you with his presence.
Buyeo gained control of Namso Fortress,
and declared war on Goguryeo.
Chieftains.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Namso Fortress was a stronghold of immense commercial and strategic importance,
so they needed armed reinforcements.
But what do you think was the reason it capitulated to Buyeo?
While Your Majesty was away expanding our territory,
Buyeo reorganized from within, and with the help of superior weaponry,
they struck us for our negligence.
That is right.
We have now lost Namso Fortress,
and our troops' morale is rapidly falling.
The confidence that we could vanquish Buyeo has suddenly...
turned into fear and apprehension.
It is my fault, for not tracking their movements before.
I shall recapture Namso Fortress, and wash away my recreancy.
Start by finding out how many enemy troops are stationed there,
and block all pathways to the neighboring fortresses.
We shall no longer be negligent in the face of such provocation.
What's more,
we must swiftly recapture Namso Fortress, and turn the tide.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Deploy our troops from the occupied territories to the border.
I will.
Namso Fortress
This Namso Fortress is Goguryeo's windpipe.
They shall try whatever it takes to recapture it, so reinforce security.
Yes.
When will our main force arrive?
In five days.
Lieutenant.
What is the matter?
A Goguryeo slave seeks audience with Your Excellency.
He said he has important information to relay.
Escort him in.
Lieutenant!
Do you recognize me?
Are you out of your mind? How dare you?!
Stand back.
I never imagined you'd be alive.
I have a request to make, Your Excellency.
Go ahead and tell me.
There is only one thing I wish for,
and that is slaying Muhyul.
You claim you know Goguryeo well,
but you cannot compare with a native like me.
You may use me instead.
Use my tactics and the information I give you,
and allow me the chance to pay back this effrontery.
And I'm supposed to believe you?
I infilcted these scars upon myself to remind me every day...
of the affront and humiliation Muhyul put me through.
It was easier to endure the pain of all those wintry nights...
and the pungent smell of my burning flesh,
than the raging wrath I feel for what Muhyul has done to me.
If I only could behead Muhyul,
and pay him back for all this inglorious misfortune,
I am prepared to do anything you wish.
How did it go?
I found out Her Highness's itinerary.
I have a plan, so you can leave it to me.
I shall bring her to you at all costs.
Don't worry about me, and keep treating the patients.
Are you all right?
The Supervisor wishes to see you.
I have plenty of patients to attend to,
so go have something to drink.
It's all right. Take it.
Let's go.
Your Excellency. I escorted her.
Is His Majesty faring well?
Yes. He is in good health.
That is a relief.
I'm relieved to hear about him, even if only in this manner.
It's too dangerous for you here, so you may return.
We came here to escort you and His Highness back.
We already saw your son from afar.
The only reason I've been living this way...
was to protect Hodong.
It would be impossible to penetrate surveillance and cross the border,
so may you return back.
We knew security would be tight, and the risks all this could bring.
But we can't allow His Highness to grow up on foreign soil.
One day, King Daeso will learn the father of your child is His Majesty.
If you remain in Buyeo, you will only become a burden to His Majesty.
We hear there will be a ritual very soon.
There will be a lot of confusion in the capital because of the preparations,
so we can find a way to escape.
We shall find a way to leave Buyeo,
so all you need to do is take His Highness with you and leave in five days.
The Buyeo main force has reached the border.
We must recapture Namso Fortress before they join with Dojin.
I shall lead our troops.
They can't learn of any of our movements,
so use our men in Baekam Fortress to attack.
Yes.
Just as a precaution, lie in ambush at the border,
and stop the Buyeo troops' advance.
Yes!
We must alert His Majesty. Let's go!
Were you looking for me?
You will be excluded from this battle.
What is it I must do, Sire?
You'll have to head for Buyeo.
Yes, I will go.
Even if you go there, bringing them back will not be easy.
But I can't go there myself,
and neither can I give you many troops as support.
And, should anything happen to you, Chubalso or the Ubo,
I could be forced not to do anything to help you.
I know.
You can trust me.
I will bring back Lady Yeon and His Highness.
Maro.
Don't I always tell you?
I shan't perish so easily.
The only place I will die is by your side,
so don't worry about me, and focus on solving this crisis.
We shall find a way to escape from Buyeo,
so all you have to do is take His Highness and leave in five days.
Your Highness.
What is the matter?
His Majesty is looking for you and His Highness.
Come on in!
Hodong.
How have you been faring?
Isn't it formidable?
How could he grow so fast?
He's a span taller than the last time I saw him.
Hodong...
How do you feel about living with me in the palace?
Your mother is always out treating her patients,
so I have never enough time to play with you.
Seeing how tranquil he is, he must be enjoying this!
Your spouse conquered Goguryeo's Namso Fortress.
Were you aware?
Yes, I have heard.
My congratulations, Your Majesty.
Ever since you returned to Buyeo and gave birth to Hodong,
only propitious occurrences have blessed us.
My boy, you bring us fortune!
Namso Fortress is just the beginning.
It will be the springboard of a full offensive against Goguryeo.
Should we vanquish our foe,
I shall abdicate the throne to Dojin.
If Dojin becomes King,
you will become Queen,
and Hodong will be the Crown Prince,
so security around you will be even tighter.
Is anyone out there?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Choose skilled fighters from the Royal Guard,
and deploy them to guard Dojin's residence.
It shall be done, Sire.
How long until we reach Namso Fortress?
Just half a day and we will be there.
Chamgunnim, it's an ambush!
Keep formations!
We must retreat!
Shut your mouth! Keep fighting and don't stand back!
This way, they will slay us all, Chamgunnim!
Retreat. Retreat!!
Retreat!
Everyone retreat!
Looks like they couldn't make it.
There is still time before dawn.
We'll have to head for Lady Yeon's residence.
Where are you going?
- Escort Her Highness back in. - Yes!
Your Highness!
We must leave this place.
Slay them!
Imprison these men,
and make sure nobody learns of this.
Should His Majesty find out,
everyone here will lose his life.
We will.
- Take them. - Yes!
It's all right.
It's all over now.
Orabeoni.
You shut your mouth.
What happened?
It's too late.
Then... Her Excellency and Chubalso?
They were taken to Dojin's residence.
I shall remain by your side.
Just send them Hodong.
I implore you...
At least Hodong...
Get up.
I said get up!
I beg you...
- Let Hodong... - Hodong...
will be raised by me!
Never even utter such nonsense in my presence.
Orabeoni!
Answer me!
Who is Hodong's father?
I said tell me who is his father!
Hodong is my son!
The son I raised with my own hands!
Your Majesty.
How did it go?
Are there no news coming from Namso Fortress?
The Chief Marshal is back.
Chief.
Your Majesty...
What is all this about?
Before we could even reach Namso Fortress...
What are you talking about?
The Buyeo troops attacked you outside the fortress?
Yes.
My misguided belief that they would remain inside...
brought us defeat.
I never imagined they would ambush us outside the fortress.
What is even more agonizing...
is the fact that the man leading those Buyeo troops...
was Baegeuk.
Baegeuk was right under my eyes, but I retreated.
I deserve nothing but death, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
How did it go?
My apologies.
When we arrived, they had already been captured by Dojin.
Then, Her Excellency and Chubalso?
Ahhh... that... too...
We can't be sure of their conditions.
Chief Maro was so adamant he couldn't leave them there...
that I had to return back alone.
Marvelous!
Truly marvelous.
It would only take a day for our cavalry to reach the capital from there.
We just stole their backyard!
Gaining control of Namso Fortress will give us an advantageous...
starting point for our full offensive against Goguryeo.
Lavishly reward all the troops who participated in this mission.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
I brought one of our most meritorious men in this battle.
Who is it? Bring him in right now.
You may enter.
And... you...
Your Majesty!
How dare you show yourself around here?!
How do you explain this?
How could this man be responsible for meritorious service to us?!
Baegeuk has lived as a slave in Namso Fortress for the last two years.
I gave him a chance,
and he defeated the Goguryeo troops who attempted to recapture the fortress.
Your Majesty!
I pledge my undivided fealty to you.
Have faith in me.
For the Lieutenant's sake, I shall give one last chance.
Betray me once again,
and I'll sparkle creation with your treacherous limbs!
I shall fight until the end of my days for you, Sire!
Drink.
What are you going to do now?
There will be our ritual very soon.
Once it's completed, we shall attack Gungnae Fortress.
We certainly can't engage in warfare during such sacred ceremony.
You take care of the ritual this time.
If Your Majesty allows me,
I will send an envoy to Goguryeo, and invite Muhyul.
Muhyul?!
But would he accept that invite?
Tradition dictates that Buyeo has always been responsible for security...
during the ceremony, and everyone is aware of that.
If Muhyul refuses to participate despite knowing that,
our neighbors will belittle him.
And, should he accept,
he shall regret the day he entered our soil.
All right.
Invite Muhyul right now!
It has been quite some time, Your Excellency.
And what are you fool doing...
You and I seem to be in the same situation.
Think I have forgotten your treacherous ways?
Ohh ohhh... Listen to you.
Did you come to Buyeo to show such disgraceful behavior?
You might have prolonged your life by helping out Buyeo,
but groveling under Dojin's command. How miserable of you.
Miserable...
Sure, miserable indeed.
But...
if I only can slay Muhyul, then I will endure everything!
I finally have the opportunity to quench my angst,
what could possibly stop me?
Just wait and see.
See what happens to everyone who besmirched my legacy.
Your Majesty.
King Daeso has sent you an official message.
Did Buyeo really invite His Majesty to the ritual?
Yes.
And what did His Majesty say about it?
Is he intent on going to Buyeo himself?
He summoned all the courtiers and chieftains.
You can't go, Sire!
No matter if they always guarantee the delegations' safety,
you never know what they might be scheming.
What's more, I hear Baegeuk is in Buyeo.
What if they join forces with him to strike you?!
But, it has been a longtime tradition to send our delegation to the ritual.
Should we refuse their invite, it will only begrime our country's reputation.
Then, we can just send a delegation.
Your Majesty. Send me instead.
I shall lead the delegation there.
I will lead the delegation first hand,
and accept their invite.
But... Your Majesty!
You can't do that!
He's right, Your Majesty.
Should anyone harm you,
what is going to happen to this country?
Your Majesty, may you retract your decision.
Your Majesty.
You can't go.
This is a ploy by King Daeso to harm you.
Is it because of Lady Yeon and the prince?
I know very well how much you cherish them.
But, just like they are special to you,
you mean everything to me and our country.
You must not lose yourself in such imprudent decisions.
Your Majesty.
If I could bring Princess Yeon and the prince to Goguryeo,
I would do anything.
But... risking your life going to Buyeo to rescue them,
that is inadmissible.
I brought him, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, this is nothing but a foolish decision.
Dojin is merely trying to entice you, Sire.
I know.
You know, and still plan to accept his invite?
If things are to go my way, I must go.
What is it you are planning?
I shall rescue Lady Yeon, my son, Chubalso and the Ubo.
Do you really have a plan?
King Daeso and Dojin will not be able to harm me in the capital,
so I will go there myself, and rescue them.
We can't guarantee your safety. It is much too dangerous.
I shall soon launch a full offensive against Buyeo,
and make my dream of creating a grandiose empire come true.
But I shan't leave people I cherish in Buyeo while I wage a war.
I shall rescue them whatever it takes,
so follow my wishes.
I received your orders and came back.
Dojin is carefully looking after Princess Yeon, so she won't be able to return.
Everything is going according to your plans,
is there anything bothering you?
Things are heading in unexpected directions.
What are you referring to?
His Majesty is stubbornly planning to accept Buyeo's invite.
He is going there himself?
That's right.
Murder is forbidden during the ritual, as Buyeo law dictates,
but how can we trust Buyeo?
We can't certainly predict what King Daeso and Dojin are planning,
but with all those eyes on them, they would never harm His Majesty.
But...
there could be other conspiracies against him.
Conspiracies?
Baegeuk is now in Buyeo Fortress.
King Daeso accepted Baegeuk under his command?
Yes.
Your Excellency.
Seeing you in such miserable conditions...
bites away some of the angst engulfing me.
Are you trying to betray your country and ruler again?
Betray?
I never acknowledged Muhyul as my ruler,
so how could you call it a betrayal?
You still don't understand why His Majesty spared your life?!
Shut your mouth!
The bumptious insolence of sparing me...
will end up causing his demise.
Muhyul is leading a delegation headed to the ritual.
He chose the path to his demise of his own volition,
so how could I lose such an opportunity?
Just wait and see.
I shall pierce that haughty heart of his into oblivion!
Your Majesty.
Buyeo Palace
Muhyul has arrived.
Muhyul came first hand?
Yes, Your Majesty.
As if he was belittling us, he came himself.
He surely is not here just because of the ritual,
so never take your eyes off of him.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I laud you for taking such an arduous journey.
Have you enjoyed good health?
It must not have been the easiest of decisions,
but I'm grateful to see you take part in this ritual.
Weren't you the one who set up the ironbound rule...
prohibiting violence during the ritual?
I came here trusting those laws you set.
Right.
I shall acknowledge your presence with special treatment.
My gratitude.
I always blamed myself for not sending a delegation to your crowning.
But I prepared a special present for you, so you just wait.
- Are you all right? - Yes, Chamgunnim.
Where is His Highness?
At Dojin's residence, but security is very tight.
Let us take a look.
- Anything to report? - No.
- Never lose your focus. - Understood.
Your Majesty.
It is time we join the celebratory junket.
Many delegations already are waiting. Let's go.
Welcome.
This junket is to celebrate your crowning, as my special gift to you.
Take a seat.
How is it?
Is it to your satisfaction?
Let us celebrate this propitious day.
The King of Goguryeo, Muhyul, accepted my invite to the ritual,
and participate in a meeting which shall pave the way for improved ties between our countries.
Here... let us raise our goblets...
and wish long life and prosperity to the King of Goguryeo!
And... there is something I must announce to everyone.
Lieutenant Commander Dojin...
shall hereby be proclaimed as our Crown Prince.
How... how did it go?
There are troops even outside the residence.
Ahhh... see? What did I tell you?
It was no use going.
We will never be able to infiltrate that place.
There must be a weak spot.
A weak sp...
We're in enemy territory,
and should something go wrong, we'll be doomed.
What Mahwang says is right.
It would be wiser to wait for His Majesty's instructions first.
But... what is it that His Majesty is planning?
In this situation, how are we ever going to rescue those people?
I can't figure that out, either.
Does he even have a plan?
Were you looking for me?
Give this to the Chief Marshal. He'll be outside the fortress.
Yes.
There will be guards surveilling us everywhere, so be prudent.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Is His Majesty unscathed?
He is.
It's from His Majesty.
What's wrong?
What could he have written...
Lieutenant.
The Goguryeo king wishes to meet you.
Escort him in.
Yes.
I have escorted him.
Congratulations for your crowning.
I never imagined I would be congratulated by Your Majesty.
I know how skilled you are better than anyone,
so I am daunted by your crowning.
I'm even starting to think our fate was decided from the beginning.
The times we spent together are nothing but a cumbersome burden to us.
I shall not forgive anyone hampering Buyeo's path,
and I am ready to sacrifice my life for this nation.
So... it would be wise to completely forget our past together, Your Majesty.
Why did you ask to meet me?
I have a proposal.
I know some of my men have been captured.
If you release them, I shall release all the Buyeo war prisoners in Goguryeo.
I can't do that.
*Buyeo's four administrative regions outside the capital
We have one of your high-ranking officers, and even the chieftain of the Sachuldo*,
so it would be of benefit to you to accept.
Even if you slay them, it does not concern me.
And, should they be still alive, I will be the one to rescue them.
Why?
Why aren't you telling me what you truly want to say?
The reason why you went through such a hazardous journey.
The only reason why you came to Buyeo.
Isn't that Yeon and Hodong?
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
Main Translator and Timer: MisterX
Timing QC: julier
Editor/QC: thunderbolt
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
Please do NOT hardsub and/or stream this episode using our English subtitles.
King Daeso agreed to negotiate with you.
All he wants is a just cause to start a war.
If you give up all the land you conquered north of the Taizi River...
and Taesan Fortress, I shall withdraw my troops from Namso Fortress.
I refuse your offer.
We shall invade Goguryeo immediately, so make all preparations!
What are you going to do about the Ubo and Chubalso?
You needn't worry, as I have a plan.
Looks like they took their own lives so as not to burden their king!
During the night, the Ubo and Chubalso took their own lives.
Buyeo and Goguryeo can no longer avoid confrontation,
and everyone is aware of that.
- Forgive me for making you do this. - I will do it.
Just the fact I can do something for my country brings me joy.
What is the matter?
Her Highness's servant is waiting for your consent...
to escort the Princess and Prince Hodong.
Find her right now!
Even if it takes all the troops in the capital to do it,
you must find her!
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