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Halt! I will kill you.
This man meets your standards.
He will give up his life for you anytime.
Why are you hiding that criminal?
Where is he?
Let's go. There are many people waiting for you.
The citizens arrested him and sent him to the Justice Minister.
Did you send for me?
You wanted to serve me, did you not?
Has that desire changed?
Of course not, your Majesty.
Good. I will give you your first mission.
There is a man you must kill for me.
I await your command. Who is this man?
Episode 15
A man named Gun Cheol who is imprisoned in the Justice Ministry?
That's right.
There must be no mistakes.
If you fail or captured, you must take your own life.
If you succeed, I will accept you as my personal guard.
I will do as you command.
Are you sure about this? Security will be tighter than ever.
I have to try.
Is there anything I can do to help?
You can help by not helping me.
You told me we couldn't acknowledge each other.
That means you've already done something wrong.
I know. But I can't help but be worried...
This is just the beginning.
There are steeper obstacles waiting for us.
But if you're this worried already, all that will do is make me worry more.
Have faith in me.
Alright.
When Seung kills Gun Cheol, all the soldiers will head there.
You and your men must go and retrieve the ledger during the chaos.
If Seung is unable to escape, do we rescue him?
Your mission is to retrieve the ledger.
His role is to be bait for the soldiers.
If he survives, good. But if he dies, no matter.
Yes, your Majesty.
- Nothing out of the ordinary? - Yes, Minister!
No one can enter without my permission.
- Be on your guard! - Yes, Minister!
Seung never entered the prison.
He appears to have lost confidence.
Perhaps we should kill Gun Cheol and retrieve the ledger too.
Was I a bad judge of character?
He didn't seem like a fearful man to me.
Your Majesty, your guard Seung wishes to speak to you.
Enter.
Why have you returned?
Gun Cheol isn't at the prison.
He isn't? What do you mean?
Are you sure you're not using that as an excuse?
Of course not.
Security at the prison was too lax.
It seemed to invite an assailant, rather than to keep in a criminal.
If I had entered the prison, I would have fallen into a trap.
Then where do you think he is?
I wouldn't know.
But if it were up to me, I would have kept him outside the city.
They will have to move him at some point. We will have to wait until then.
I thought you were just skilled with the sword, but it appears you have a sharp mind too.
- You may leave. - Yes, your Majesty.
So he is still refusing to reveal the names of his superiors?
How formidable are these people that he fears them so?
I have my suspicions, your Majesty.
What are they?
Three years, when he was exiled and dismissed for skimming off the government salaries,
it was the Royal Secretary who reinstated him.
But the Royal Secretary works closely with the Prime Minister.
Are you saying that the Prime Minister is involved in this?
This is what I suspect, but I have no evidence.
Without Gun Cheol's confession, we can't even begin an investigation.
Perhaps if you grant him amnesty...
Where are you holding him?
- In a cave outside the city. - With the ledger too?
No, there is a temple nearby. The ledger is hidden amongst some scrolls.
Bring him back. I will question him myself.
If he confesses, I will save his life.
Yes, you must get his confession.
What meaning is there to pull off a feather?
You must get the entire beast.
I will most certainly do so.
I will send the new guards to you. Make sure you bring him back safely.
Yes, your Majesty.
Who amongst them is Gun Cheol?
Assassin!
Seize the assassin!
Strike.
Archers!
Arrows!
Get him!
Well done.
But how did he pick out Gun Cheol out of the three men?
Could you?
I was planning on killing all three.
That is like you.
But if you had done so, you would not have been able to retrieve the ledger so easily.
In any case, he is a mysterious fellow.
- Leave me. - Yes, your Majesty.
Gun Cheol is dead, and you lost the ledger too?
Please forgive me.
We worked so hard to protect him. How did they know?
You and I were the only ones who knew where he was being kept.
Your Majesty, it wasn't me!
I stake more than my life on this. I stake my honor!
Does this mean we will never know the truth?
It is irrefutable that the Royal Secretary was involved in Gun Cheol's reinstatement to government.
If we begin investigating this, we will be able to find the root of everything!
Were you hurt at all?
No.
I was worried, but you have done well.
How did you know the second prisoner was Gun Cheol?
I was lucky.
I doubt it was luck.
No need for humility. Tell me the truth.
To be honest, I was a bit confused in the beginning.
But when I focused on the mission, I realized there was something different about the second man.
Something different?
It was the way he walked.
The first and last man's walk seemed at ease and normal.
But the second man seemed nervous and unbalanced.
It was obvious that he didn't know where he was headed.
Perhaps he was nervous that someone would kill him.
It was difficult, but I risked everything in that choice.
It appears I have a new personal guard that I like very much.
Is there something you want as a reward?
Yes, there is.
What is it?
Please allow me the honor of serving you until the very end.
Who's end are you referring to?
Obviously it is my end.
Your loyalty and intelligence pleases me more than your swordsmanship.
- Don't you agree? - You deserve this, your Majesty.
From today onwards, you will be my personal guard.
It is an honor, your Majesty!
You could have kept him alive. Did you really have to kill...?
What are you talking about? Because Gun Cheol died, you will live!
Besides, I have no idea who killed Gun Cheol.
Why are you keeping secrets between us...?
Royal Secretary...!
In any case, I'm glad this is over.
Nothing is over yet.
Your Majesty... Please forgive me for the trouble I've caused.
So you do realize you've caused trouble?
Even though Gun Cheol is dead,
the investigation will still be carried out because you reinstated him to his position.
They will find out about the silver you accepted from him.
Please don't worry about that. Even though I am tortured by the Justice Ministry,
I will never open my mouth.
How am I supposed to believe that?
You have caused everyone to become corrupt.
Because of you, the people have little faith in our government.
I am ashamed.
Perhaps I should resign from my position and go into exile for a couple of years.
Give me your command and I will obey.
Do you really think that will placate the people in any way?
Take your own life.
Your Majesty...!
The criminal who could have revealed the corruption of government officials was killed.
Even the ledger was stolen.
The person responsible for his death was obviously involved in the corruption.
He is probably here right now.
If you confess now, mercy will be shown.
But if your guilt is proven later, you will not be able to escape death.
Royal Secretary, it was you?
Your Majesty, it's not that.
I do not know who killed Gun Cheol.
But the person most responsible for the corruption is...
the Prime Minister!
Look here, Royal Secretary!
What is this nonsense?
Why are you denying it, Prime Minister?
Gun Cheol and his colleagues sent silver to your house, didn't they?
I'm certain it wasn't just the Outer Storehouse.
All the offices of the interior must have done the same thing!
Royal Secretary!
Are you out of your mind?
Do you have evidence?
Would a shrewd man like the Prime Minister leave evidence behind?
But I know what I heard. If you investigate this, I'm sure the truth will be revealed.
Your Majesty, this is outrageous! I have never received bribes before.
Is that so? If you are guilty, you will be punished.
Perhaps you should be investigated so that your innocence can be proven.
Your Majesty...!
Royal Secretary!
How could you do this to the Prime Minister?
Don't you realize he is the head of the nobles?
If you betray the Prime Minister, you betray us all!
You will pay for this!
Do you think I'm doing this because I want to?
You know very well how submissive I was to the Sataek family!
But they told me...
...to take my own life.
It's true that I had pity for Gun Cheol and helped him out in the past.
I even offered to resign and go into exile. Is this what I get for my years of service to them?
If you don't want to end up like me, then you need to wake up!
Please tell us the truth. Did you really receive silver from the officials?
Please don't be silent.
Have we misjudged you this whole time?
We heard you asked the Royal Secretary to take his own life.
Don't you trust me? I have never received bribes nor asked him the take his own life.
You've known me for so long. Do you still doubt Her Majesty and me?
Alright. I won't listen to anything anyone says about you.
I will trust you, Prime Minister.
Let us trust the Prime Minister and the Sataek family.
The Royal Secretary tried to take the Prime Minister down? How shocking!
The Queen and the Prime Minister must have pushed the Royal Secretary over the edge.
A dog never bites its owner without reason.
Won't the Queen and Prime Minister try to kill him?
I'm sure he's aware of that. He will have a plan.
Things are getting very interesting.
The nobles are going to be divided over this.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, are you all right?
What a humiliation this is to our family!
The Royal Secretary... I'm going to...! Seung!
- You summoned me, your Majesty? - I have work for you.
At your command.
Give the Royal Secretary a warning, just as the Queen ordered.
But she is wrong about something.
If the Royal Secretary is wounded, he will not succumb to fear as she wishes.
He will be furious and more eager to destroy the Sataek family.
I know.
You must not get hurt.
Not get hurt until the good day comes?
Who... who are you?
The Royal Secretary's chamber!
This is undoubtedly the work of the Sataek family.
I no longer trust them.
Me too.
I heard that an assassin tried to kill the Royal Secretary last night.
I heard the news too.
I'm certain this has nothing to do with you.
This is all because of my lack of virtue.
I will step down.
The investigation has not yet started. Perhaps you are overreacting.
If I am to be investigated, then isn't it better if I am investigated after I step down?
If that is how you feel, then I suppose I can't stop you.
I regret that I have caused worry for you and for our government.
- Your Highness... - Did you hear?
Jeok Deok has resigned as Prime Minister!
- Are you certain? - Yes.
It seems that the assassination attempt on the Royal Secretary was the reason.
His Majesty may summon you. The position of Prime Minister must be filled immediately.
If that happens, he will ask you to take over the investigation.
You must be prepared.
Father, I am scared and confused.
I don't want you to be involved in this turmoil.
What are you saying? This is our opportunity!
Please think about it carefully...
All right, I will think about it carefully. Don't worry.
I heard you approved the Prime Minister's resignation.
I just agreed to do what he wanted.
The Justice Ministry will commence their investigation soon.
I'm sure he'll be able to resume his role once his innocence is proven.
I'm sure that will be so.
However, the investigation must be concluded in all accuracy and fairness.
If the person to be interrogated is the Prime Minister, that will be difficult for the Justice Minister alone.
That is why I plan to reinstate Yeon Moonjin as Prime Minister.
He will be responsible for the investigation.
He is a man of moral influence and fairness.
Everyone will accept the investigation's findings.
Don't you agree, my Queen?
My goal is to pull out the roots of the government's corruption.
If it is found that the Prime Minister is guilty,
he must be prepared to give up his life.
Your Majesty!
Mother...
Your Majesty...
How is the Queen's health?
Please forgive me, your Majesty. But I am unable to discern the diagnosis.
I can only say right now that it appears to have been caused by severe stress.
Mother...
How did this happen?
Please wake up!
Mother...
I heard that she is not in critical condition, but isn't it a great matter that she has collapsed?
Of course it is. It is a great matter for the royal family.
But an even greater matter for the Sataek family.
But what of it? It is my wish that you take the post of Prime Minister.
I am now a rusty old blade that hasn't been used in many years.
I don't know if I can be of any help.
You must investigate this case properly and reveal Sataek Jeok Deok's corruption.
Perhaps... But this is a grave matter indeed.
I'm not sure if I should be responsible for this.
This is prime opportunity to tear out the heart of the Sataek family's power.
This is excellent. Both of Sataek's wings have been clipped.
We must reveal their corruption and greed and put an end to their influence.
We will do this.
But I also plan on doing something in addition to that.
You want to bring down not only the Prime Minister, but also the Queen?
That's right.
We have His Majesty's support.
Besides, opportunities like this never come twice.
I know this is a good opportunity. But perhaps we are being overeager...?
Your Highness, I have dreamt of this day for a very long time.
I can finally tell the Ungjin nobles who have supported me that it is finally our time again!
From the moment I decided to accept a sleeping dragon as my son-in-law,
I was prepared for this day.
We will bring down the Sataek family and its decayed corruption,
and begin a new era for the capital.
Now it is time to make your decision.
Lord Yeon Moonjin wants to ruin the Sataek family,
as well as the Queen.
In addition, he is going to persuade His Majesty to move the capital to Iksan,
and remove all the noble families who are supporters of the Sataek family.
What are all your thoughts?
That wily old fox has finally revealed his true colors!
It does seem like the perfect opportunity.
I approve of this. This is a Heaven-sent opportunity.
The nobles are divided and the Queen has collapsed.
An opportunity like this will never come again!
To be honest, this makes me nervous.
Why?
All I can say now is that that is how I feel.
How you feel? In other words, it's a sixth sense or intuition.
That kind of reason makes perfect sense to me.
This may sound funny to you.
But I have relied on my feelings to survive to this day.
Perhaps you have harbored revenge for too long.
If you wait too long,
you may never be able to draw your sword when the time comes.
What do you think?
You need to make a decision so that the Prince will make his.
It is not an easy decision to make.
If we go ahead with this, that means you will have to reveal yourself to the Queen.
I'm prepared for that.
But I'm filled with fear that I will not be able to protect you.
I no longer stand here merely because of revenge.
Now I want to protect those I love.
And in the future...
I stand here because I wait for that good day.
I can't make a decision until I know that I can protect you.
Please give me a little more time.
What a pair of lovers.
I don't care about a better world.
I just want a gorgeous woman to drop down from the sky!
Don't you see your own face in the water? And your mouth is a cesspool.
That woman will scramble back up to the sky once she sees you.
- Are you finished? - No.
If you want to get married,
then do a good job and ask Lord Yeon for a higher position.
Then women will ignore your face and mouth and latch on to you.
You want me to throw away my pride just to get married?
Never!
Sung Choong.
If the Sataek family disappears and the capital is moved to Iksan, does all of this end?
When the tiger dies, the wolf will become king.
What difference will there be if the family in power changes from Sataek to Yeon?
You agree, don't you?
If we're going to go ahead with this, we will need to be prepared.
We need to obtain an oath from the families that will stand against the Sataek family.
The next obstacle is His Majesty.
When things go bad, he may turn his back on us at any time.
We need to be prepared for that.
That Yeon Moonjin... I'm sure that wily old fox has a secret pact with His Majesty.
He wouldn't do this unless he had some sort of guarantee.
And even if we succeed, there will be another obstacle.
I need to think about this.
- I need to see Her Majesty. - She is unwell.
That is why I am here.
- You rascal... - I do not have orders to let you enter.
I know the man.
Let him in.
I do not know when Mother will regain consciousness.
From this moment on, you will obey my command.
From this moment on, I am your master.
There is only one master.
A sunflower gazes upon the sun.
It never turns its head away simply because the sun is hidden by a cloud.
You found Wi Je's headquarters? Are you sure?
They revealed themselves
because the Queen hasn't been able to give her command directly.
This is the perfect opportunity.
If we eliminate Wi Je now, even if the Queen regains consciousness,
it will affect their power significantly.
I'll do it.
Are you sure?
My mother died at their hands.
They're the Queen's hunting dogs.
I'll destroy them all.
You need a poison that can slay hundreds at once?
Yes, Uncle.
I have heard of the Wi Je. They operate as assassins under the Sataek family's command.
It is a good opportunity to eliminate them.
You must help her find a way.
A poison to slay hundreds at once...?
It will be difficult, but then again, who am I?
The poison expert, Im Ja!
There are many ways, but the surest method is...
...to burn mercury sulphide.
Mercury sulphide is typically used to write talismans,
but when it touches fire, it produces poison.
This is coal.
It looks like charcoal, but when it burns, it produces a poisonous gas.
And this is oil from Persia.
It is extremely flammable.
It is much more flammable than ordinary oil.
What do you think? Is this enough?
It is more than enough. Thank you, Uncle!
What a useful man you are.
I think this quite often, but you are certainly worth every penny!
If I see the world one more time, I should be even more useful.
What of it? How would you like to support me just one more time?
You want to run away and enjoy yourself again?
No need to be so direct.
You need the help of the prisoners of war in order to eliminate Wi Je?
We can't coerce anyone because it will risk their lives.
But if we succeed, we will save the lives they would have taken.
I'll do it. And I'll bring everyone I know.
Don't be so hasty. This is risky for everyone.
This aims to kill the Sataek family's hunting dogs! I'll do it!
Our comrades died because of the Sataek family.
And it was them that killed my mother and brother!
The villagers will want to join in too.
They've lost their homes and their families.
All that was because of greedy and corrupt men, of which the Sataek family is head.
Their family was founded on blood. There will be many who want revenge.
There are many people who are bitter against the Sataek family.
But standing water always rots.
That family has caused Baekje to rot because of their corruption and greed for power.
If we can eliminate Wi Je and remove one of the limbs of the Sataek family,
then it is worth putting lives in danger.
Then I'll put my faith in you. Help us find people who will fight with us.
We've gathered all the villagers.
We will set out at 6am.
Be careful.
You said you will set the plan in motion if I agree to join you.
If I return after having eliminated Wi Je, then I have made my decision.
Set everything in motion.
Gye Baek...
I know exactly what you mean by feeling.
During my battles, I kept myself alive by trusting in my feelings and my senses.
My feelings tell me to trust myself.
There might be a trap waiting for us.
But if we worry about it too much, we will lose the opportunity.
A leader that cannot make a decision turns everything into nothing.
Once you make your decision, you must disregard everything else.
Put down your worries and move forward.
That is what I'm going to do. So you must do the same.
You can't do it? Your reputation does you no justice.
Are you part of the royal family?
That is none of your business.
Wait wait...!
You need to negotiate with me. This man is in charge of fighting.
- Talk to me. - Move!
Goodness! Hey, look at this fellow!
Do you really think you can push people around just because you're royalty?
Look at you! So arrogant!
If you're running someone's errand, then you should do so quietly.
You're a eunuch, aren't you?
Do you want to die?
Look at this rascal's rudeness!
So you think you have power?
Fine, how senior are you? I doubt you're a minister.
Maybe you're a first officer!
Gyogi...
Gyogi...? Have you heard of him before?
I've never heard of him before.
Maybe he meant 'gogi' (meat).
Perhaps. Gyogi is actually the second prince's name.
Wait... So that means you're...?
You're not Prince Gyogi, are you?
He is...! Hey, make way for His Highness...!
Let's make another deal.
Do you know anything about Wi Je?
If you tell us about them, we'll take any punishment you give us.
Why do you want to know?
I have a debt to repay.
A debt...?
You place little value on your life.
The debt is worth wagering my life.
Please give me some information!
What kind of information do you want?
I want to destroy them all.
Tell me where their headquarters is.
You're certainly bold fellows.
The Wi Je avoids no danger, but only follows conviction.
Her Majesty alone is our conviction.
My body does not belong to me alone.
Fine. Do it if you dare.
If you get rid of them all, I will take you under my wing.
See? I have said nothing that was false.
As it is written here...
Including the Outer Storehouses, and City Prefecture,
the Foreign Office and Hospitality Office,
there were 22 government offices that sent bribes to you for favors.
These are confessions written by the heads of each of those offices.
All these men were terrified of the Prime Minister. It was difficult getting these confessions.
Most of the people refused to write confessions, but I managed to get these 22.
Justice Minister, these confessions are evidence enough!
How will you explain this?
How many times must I repeat myself?
This is a set-up!
I have never even met those men before!
As you can see, all those men claim to have sent money to Sataek Jeok Deok.
This is enough to warrant execution.
How could the Royal Secretary turn his back like this on the Sataek family?
It is indeed unexpected.
I shall make my judgment public tomorrow and punish Sataek Jeok Dek!
Please forgive me, your Majesty, but I humbly ask you not to forget General Mu Jin's death.
First, you must have both Sataek Jeok Deok and the Queen imprisoned.
Once your safety is assured, then you can make your judgment public.
If not, they might persuade the nobles to use military strength against you again.
What is your advice then?
The Queen has yet to regain consciousness, so that is settled.
And I have ordered Sataek Jeok Deok to be under house arrest.
Your Majesty, even if the Sataek family tries to use military strength against you,
if we are in control of the palace and the city,
their fight will be useless.
If we are to maintain control of the palace and the city, we must control the Royal Army and Royal Guard.
Right now, my son is meeting with the Chiefs of the Royal Army and Royal Guard.
So tomorrow at sunrise,
you must move to Ungjin with the excuse that you are renovating the palace.
When you leave the palace, we will carry out the plan.
There are many nobles at Ungjin who still support me.
Even if we do not accomplish our goal, they will ensure your safety.
The past two kings lost their lives at their corrupt hands.
And we Ungjin nobles have lived in grief.
But now, the tables will be turned.
Your Majesty, in my eyes, you are a great King.
You are a true King of Baekje.
Hey, I told you I don't do this! This is not what we agreed upon!
Take off these shackles! Hey, that hurts!
What is it?
We're being attacked. Our men are collapsing because of a strange smoke.
We must hurry. Do not hesitate until we leave this place!
Yes Chief!
Stop pushing me! You like it when I push you?
- What's this? - I think there was a fight.
No one's standing guard. Maybe someone went in before us.
That's too bad! We must have been too late.
Let's go back. They must all be dead by now.
And can I give you some advice? You should stop thinking about revenge now.
It's really bad for your mental health. Look at me.
I used to hold a grudge against Wi Je too.
But once I stopped thinking about revenge, look at my complexion.
It's really nice and firm. And white hair? Do you see any?
I used to have a lot of white hair.
But once I stopped thinking about revenge, they fell out and black hair grew.
That's why people should live happy. Let's head back!
We're going home. Turn back!
Say one more word, and you'll die here.
Hurry!
Let's hurry!
- Am I bleeding? - A little.
Who are they?
We have yet to identify them. But I don't think they're soldiers.
What is going on here?
What's this?
Mother!
Now listen carefully. Those men in black? They're Wi Je.
So you kill only those in black. Got it? Now go.
Draw your sword. You too. Now go!
Hey Yiri, I think we missed the Chief.
I haven't seen him.
I don't know who you are, but thank you for your help.
Piss off. This was supposed to be our fight.
Who the hell are you?
You have a way with words.
And if I do?
Then I become the same way.
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