Episode 8
I am a warrior of Ansi Dae Jungsang!
If you think you can take me, draw your sword!
Step aside!
I'm Sa Bugu the Pyongyang Defense Guards.
I never thought I'd get the chance to
meet the greatest warrior of Liaodong.
Now I must take your life!
Jungsang... !
He's still breathing, sir.
The woman and the child?
They got away on a raft.
The rising water is making the pursuit impossible.
My baby, my baby!
Finally you're awake.
Dalgi: Dae Joyoung's mother
My baby! My baby!
My baby!
You've been here for three days.
The whole time you were calling out for your child.
My husband found you caught on a fishnet.
It's amazing.
The suckling was clinging
to your back for his dear life.
How did you end up in the ocean anyway?
The ocean?
You mean this is the coast?
Don't tell me. Did you drift here from the river?
You were right!
She drifted here from the river!
I heard Pyongyang is turned upside down
searching for a missing woman.
She must be the one.
It's mind-boggling.
How did she drift here all the way from there?
Be quiet, woman!
This could be a life changing opportunity.
We searched the river for days.
The mother and the child could not have gotten away.
The water level will have to fall
before we can find the bodies.
How is Dae Jungsang?
He's lost a lot of blood
but I'm told he's going to survive.
Dae Jungsang: Dae Joyoung's father
Why have you kept me alive?
If you're trying to use me to intimidate General Yang,
kill me now.
I don't want to have to kill you.
You led us to huge victory
against the Tang Army in Liaodong.
I have not forgotten your meritorious services.
I want you to go to Goryeo Fort.
That is why I kept you alive.
That's your only option if you want to stay alive.
My family...
what happened to my wife and child?
- Are they dead? - Yes, they're dead.
I wouldn't let you live if they were alive.
What will it be?
Will you go to Goryeo Fort as you're told?
I must speak to you, Supreme Commander.
What the heck! How dare you!
- Get this man out of here! - Stop!
What is your business?
I want... at least a hundred chips of silver.
Madam, I brought in all the dried fish.
If a crime has been committed,
I will pay the price instead.
Please don't hurt my poor child.
I will do anything you ask.
Take my life instead.
If you want to save the baby,
do as I say.
Anything, I'll do anything.
From now on, I will raise the child.
So you must sever ties with your son.
If you ever attempt to see the child,
both you and your child will die.
My lord!
What do you think? Agreed?
Yes...
I will do as you ask.
But please let me stay
with my child one more night.
And so, Dae Jungsang was sent to
Goryeo Fort at the outlying frontier along
the Great Wall of China oblivious of his wife and son's fate.
Then many years would pass.
In Tang China, Empress Wu Zetian began to take
de facto control of the regime on behalf of her ailing husb
and Gaozong who succeeded Li Shimin.
Empress Wu Zetian...
More will be discussed in future episodes about this historical figure
who became the first and only female emperor of China.
About this time,
a shocking event took place that
would change the course of ancient history.
A kingdom of rich and vibrant culture Bekje
had crumbled against the unified forces of Shilla and Tang
in July of 660 under the reign of King Uija.
This event had huge political impact not only to Goguryeo
but to all of its neighboring kingdoms.
It was about this time...
Taehak Military Academy, Pyongyang
This man has never had formal military training in his life.
Is there no man in Taehak who can take him?
I will fight him.
Do you know what we're doing here?
You're selecting warriors
for the Homage Martial Arts Contest.
That's right. And you're a lowly serf!
I heard that man was also a serf like me.
That little... !
We are the same in that we both have not had any formal training.
- Give me a chance to... - Shut your trap!
You're way in over your head.
Go pack up my weapons.
- But sire! - How dare you!
Do you need a whipping to
be put back into your place?
Minister Yeon!
His Excellency the Supreme Commander is here.
My father is here?
I know little about the stars.
But if this child was sent to us by Heavens,
isn't that enough?
He was sent to us to fill our shoes
when you and I are dead and gone.
To protect our country Goguryeo!
Your Excellency,
what brings you here?
I stopped by on my way back from the palace.
Are the preparations for Homage Martial Arts Contest going well?
Yes, Father. Step up.
This is the man I told you about.
My name is Heuk Sudol, sir.
From spears to swords
no one can compete with him.
He has fire in his eyes.
Please come inside.
Yes.
The fall of Bekje is causing tension
both inside and outside the country.
That is the reason why I want this martial arts contest
to be the grandest display yet.
Of course, Your Excellency.
The hidden objective of this event
is to elevate military morale and renew public confidence.
That's why I'm putting my son Namseng
in charge of organizing the event.
I trust all of you will give him your full cooperation.
Of course, Your Excellency.
I am told Liaodong is also
preparing rigorously for the contest.
But Pyongyang won't be easily outdone this time.
We will certainly beat Pyongyang this time!
This event has produced extraordinary talents
each time it has been held.
The challenge itself is great
but I'm excited to see who will take first place this time.
The champion will be from Pyongyang as well.
I assure you, Father.
Your Excellency!
What are you doing here? Fetch the horse at once!
I would like to speak to His Excellency.
How dare you! Get out of here!
That's all right.
Speak.
I heard that any man born in Goguryeo can enter
the Homage Martial Arts Contest regardless of title of status.
Permit me to enter the contest.
What?
- Get this fool out of here! - Wait!
Yes,
it is true that any man born in Goguryeo
can enter the contest.
But an untrained man like you can lose his life.
Are you aware of this?
Yes, Your Excellency.
Then why do you want to enter
the contest at the risk of your life?
I heard that the champion is given
a chance for emancipation.
Emancipation?
You dare think that you can be the champion?
Give me your permission.
I may die but I will have no regrets.
You will only get yourself killed.
Get out of here!
- Sire! - You're a serf!
Don't even dream about becoming a free man!
Bastard!
How dare you accost my father the Supreme Commander
and block his path!
It this happens again,
you better be prepared to die.
You can take my life if you want.
But please let me enter the contest.
What?
- What did you say? - It's my only wish.
Grant me this one wish, my lord.
Silence!
It is said even a dead man deserves to have his wish granted.
What are you trying to say?
All he needs is a reccomendation
from a martial general to enter the contest.
How about if I give him my recommendation?
Recommend a step stool for mounting horses
to enter my contest?
Are you trying to ruin the event
that I am putting together?
That isn't my intent...
I'd consider if it were Grand Martial
General Yang Manchun's recommendation.
A martial general's recommencation won't even get him near the contest.
Don't mention it again.
What do you mean Gaedong ran away?
Where could he have gone?
We've searched the city,
but he's nowhere to be found.
We are missing a horse.
My guess is he has left the city.
He was talking about emancipation,
and I guess he decided to run away.
Put up his pictures in surrounding cities!
I want him captured and brought back immediately!
He has never been outside the city.
I'm sure he will be captured shortly.
Where did you catch him this time?
He was at the city gates trying to leave.
You little rascal!
Why do you keep running away?
Do I need to whip you until you bleed to make you stop?
What are you waiting for? Answer him!
The other kids keep mocking me
calling me parentless tramp!
So you are running away to find your parents?
Even animals have parents.
Why don't I?
I told you that your parents are dead!
If they're really dead, I'll find their graves!
You little punk!
I've been good to you because you're a child
and you've become a little punk!
Your name is Gaedong
and you are a servant in this house!
So act like a servant and just do your work!
How come do you have so much things to say?
Your parents are not in this world.
So get your foolish thoughts out of your head.
Do you understand?
You have to eat.
Come on, child.
Oh my... ! Your Excellency,
what brings you to this humble place?
Eat.
No parent in this world want their child to starve.
Whether your parents are dead or alive,
you shouldn't cause them concern.
Here, eat up.
Good.
I'd consider if it were Grand Martial
General Yang Manchun's recommendation.
A martial general's recommendation won't even get him near the contest.
Ansi Castle.
- General, - What's going on?
I must speak with you, General Yang.
- Get him out of here. - Yes, sir. Go.
What is this about?
This man has been insisting that he see you.
He is a lunatic judging by his appearance.
What are you waiting for?
Get this man out of here!
I've come from Pyongyang to see you, sir.
There is something I must speak to you about.
So, what do you wish to tell me so badly?
I was told that even the humblest man can enter
the Homage Martial Arts Contest with your recommendation.
So you came all the way here from Pyongyang
for my recommendation?
Entering the Homage Martial Arts Contest
is my lifelong dream.
I beg you. Please give me your recommendation.
How dare you!
Your audacity and arrogance is reprehensible!
How dare you walk in here
demanding a recommendation from the general?
I'll teach this punk a lesson.
Have you had formal martial arts training?
I've been at Taehak Martial Arts Academy since I was a child.
There I learned writing
and martial arts over the shoulder.
You know how to write?
Yes, general.
General, how can you believe that child?
If he is telling the truth, he is no ordinary young man.
But contestants of the Homage Martial Arts Contest are experts
who have trained for many years.
You can be crippled,
or worse yet killed fighting against them.
I've maintained the armory since I was a young boy.
I can tell you that I became stronger day by day
since that moment ten years ago
when I held a sword for the first time.
Became stronger day by day for ten years?
I could barely lift the sword at first,
but now I can contend with anyone.
I hold you in high regard for how far you've come
to accomplish your goal.
If you can fight and defeat the man I choose,
I will grant you your wish.
But if you fail to defeat him,
you will have to pay the price for trifling
with the Great Martial General of this country.
Yes, sir.
Ansi Castle Millitary Training Facility
Judging by his stance,
perhaps he does know a thing or two about martial arts.
If it's true that he learned to write on his own,
His martial arts skills cannot be bad either.
But his opponent is the best warrior of Liaodong Gulsabiwu.
He is no match for anyone without formal training.
That's right.
This is a waste of time.
That is why I chose Gulsabiwu.
It this is an unattainable dream, it's best the he give up.
Start the match.
Start the match!
How come...
You must stop the fight.
He could die out there.
Sparks are still alive in his eyes.
No, they're getting even brighter.
Stop!
You fool!
You don't deserve to enter the martial arts contest!
Now leave!
But I fought my opponent and won.
How can you say I don't deserve it?
If this had been a bladed sword match,
you would be dead.
But it was a wooden sword match.
If it weren't for you,
this man would be dead.
Every contest has rules.
You violated those rules.
To me this was a real fight, not a contest.
And in a real fight there are no rules.
You do whatever it takes to stay alive.
Even wars have rules to follow.
I'm fighting a fight more desperate than war right now.
Why are you so desperate?
What is making you so desperate?
I... am a serf.
- Did you run away? - No,
I will return to my master once I have your recommendation.
The winner of the contest is granted emancipation.
Is your desperation for elevation of social status?
Go back to your master.
You cannot win with your skills.
The Homage Martial Arts Contest is held every four years.
I couldn't dream of it four years ago
because I was too young.
If I lose this opportunity,
I have to wait another four years.
Leave, I said!
You want to trade your life for change of status?
A foolish child you are!
I am not risking my life because I don't want to be a serf.
I wish to be a warrior.
That is what I am so desperate for.
I was told General Ulji Mundok
who defeated the great Sui Army was also from humble origin.
Who is to say that I can't be like him?
General!
General,
Tang envoys have arrived in Pyongyang Fort.
- Tang envoys? - Yes, sir.
They were sent by the Emperor ofTang.
Summon the warriors. We will hold a meeting.
Yes, general.
I will deal with you later.
According to our informants,
the envoys will propose friendly relations.
Friendly relations?
Why would they after reducing Bekje to rubbles?
That's why I think it's strange.
There has to be another motive.
Every time we had a visit from a Chinese envoy,
a war ensued.
Back when Sui attacked and also with Li Shimin.
You're right, sir.
Hasten the preparations.
We're going to push up our schedule.
Is that really necessary?
Things haven't been the same in the court
since Bu Kiwon acquired power.
But the Supreme Commander is still strong.
He's getting old, too, like the rest of us.
All is not like it used to be...
It was true.
The fall of Bekje was creating great changes
in Goguryeo's political arena.
The War Hawks, Yeon Gaesomun and the warriors of Liaodong,
who held a firm stance against Tang China were becoming weaker
while the passive Dovish,
the lords of the five Puyo clans, were gaining strength.
At the heart of the Dovish was Bu Kiwon.
The man who acquired strength under tutelage of Yeon Gaemosun
had become Yeon's biggest adversary.
It was the divisions of the two factions
that Tang China was after.
My humble greetings, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, my name is Xue Rengui.
It is an eternal honor to my clan
to meet the king of Goguryeo.
You have traveled a long way.
Is your Emperor in good health?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I am at a loss for words that you would personally inquire
about the health of my Emperor.
He is the most cordial envoy
we have had yet, Your Majesty.
Cordial?
Is that why they destroyed our brother country Bekje?
The Emperor of Tang is shameless to have sent an you here!
If I should be direct,
my Emperor wishes to make marital ties
with the royal house of Goguryeo.
- Marital ties? - Yes, Your Majesty.
A union of marriage between your Princess and our Prince.
What could be a more solid promise of peace?
There is no reason to refuse, Your Majesty.
Marital union would create an even more solid friendship
than the friendship Tang has with Shilla.
I will not hear this rubbish!
You want to offer our Princess as tribute to Tang?
You are out of line!
Do not snub the good will of the Imperial house ofTang!
If you want to make marital ties,
send your Princess here to marry our Prince.
Would you be willing?
What's the matter?
You think I can't see through your cheap ploy?
What are you doing, Your Excellency,
is tantamount to a declaration of war.
Rejection to a proposal of marriage is rejection
to a proposal of peace.
How is that different from declaration of war?
They will invade us anyway
even if we don't declare a war.
But they are proposing peace right now.
I don't trust them!
Will you assume responsibility for the consequences?
If the Tang-Shilla alliance should attack us,
and we are reduced to ruin like Bekje,
would you bear the responsibility?
What have you civil officials ever done
when the country was in danger?
The responsibility has always been mine.
I, Yeon Gaesomun, have been protecting this country!
The Tang envoys is watching.
Your Majesty, perhaps we should take time
to discuss this.
The envoy may retire to the guest palace
and await my answer.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Please do not misinterpret our noble intent.
What?
Who is responsible if the country crumbles?
Bu Kiwon that recreant is trying to intimidate us!
How did it come to this?
What will the envoy say when he returns
after the spectacle he has witnessed?
This is not just about our pride.
If this marital tie is established,
the control of the regime will fall into Bu Kiwon's hands.
A pet fox climbed over a hill
and now it's acting like a tiger.
Bu Kiwon was nothing but my lackey!
Father! This is Namsaeng.
This is no time to be sitting here.
What is wrong, Minister Yeon?
Bu Kiwon and the civil officials are at the Royal Hall.
They are discussing the affairs of the state with His Majesty.
- What? - What do you mean? Minister Yeon?
Who dare discuss the state affairs
without the Supreme Commander?
They're going to make a decision
about the marriage proposal.
They purposely left us out.
They have gone too far this time.
You cannot everlook this, Your Excellency!
Why do you hesitate
when Tang is offering a hand of marital ties?
The Supreme Commander opposes the marriage.
Our ally Bekje has crumbled,
and Shilla is waiting for a chance to destroy us.
If our relationship with Tang crumbles,
who will protect this country
when the Supreme Commander was gone?
Only you can protect this country
and preserve the Royal house.
You must make a decision, Your Majesty.
My daughters are either already married,
in poor health or too young.
So I don't have any princess who can get married.
There is someone we have in mind.
How do you feel about Lady Sukyoung?
Sukyoung?
Wit, beauty, character,
Lady Sukyoung is a perfect candidate.
Sukyoung is not a princess. She's my niece.
The purpose is the union of the two Imperial houses.
We shall come up with an acceptable reason.
Simply give them your consent.
Very well. Now leave me.
Where are you men coming from?
We were in a meeting with His Majesty.
May I know why?
His Majesty will soon issue an order.
An order?
You mean you discussed state affairs without me?
Come with me.
I have not walked this footpath in a while.
I think the last time
I walked this path was with you.
That was already seven years ago.
Yes, that's right.
You remember.
But this footpath holds a different special memory for me.
King Yeongnyu fled through this path
after I stabbed him in the Royal Hall.
He bleed right here where you're standing.
I followed him to his bed chambers
and finished him off.
Over one hundred officials died with King Yeongnyu,
Understand? Over one hundred.
What are you trying to say?
They tried to sell the country off to Tang China.
They threw away their pride and dignity
and wanted to live as a subject state.
That's why I killed them.
I killed everyone that hurt this country,
everyone, including the King!
Send the Tang envoy back at once.
There will be no amity with the Chinese
not in my life time.
Remember.
Stength isn't the only thing I lost with old age.
I lost my patience as well.
Lady Sukyoung...
What brings you here, Minister Yeon?
Have you heard the news, my lady?
- The news? - I suppose you don't keep up.
with the Imperial house ofTang.
It's possible you might be married
into the Imperial house ofTang.
Don't worry.
As long as I am here,
No one will lay a hand on you.
I appreciate the concern but it isn't necessary.
They call it marriage,
but it's more like being a hostage.
If that is what the country asks of me,
I would gladly be a hostage.
Now if you'll excuse me...
Sire! Sire!
I must have a word with you.
Did you find Gaedong?
We didn't find him.
He came back on his own.
He came back on his own?
You are a bondservant and you ran away from your master.
You've committed a crime punishable by death!
I did not run away.
I returned with qualification to
enter the Homage Martial Arts Contest.
Qualification to enter the martial arts contest?
Whatever do you mean?
I was told that I could enter the contest
if I had the Grand Martial General's recommendation.
The Grand Martial General?
So you are telling us that
you got the Grand Martial General's recommendation?
Yes, sire.
The Grand Martial General?
General Yang Manchun, Your Excellency.
What?
Impossible!
Why would General Yang give you his recommendation?
You mean you met Yang Manchun?
That's impossible, Father.
Did you meet Yang Manchun?
General Yang wrote it himself.
It is a recommendation and an approval of my participation
in the Homage Martial Arts Contest.
Bring it to me.
It is indeed Yang Manchun's handwriting.
How in heaven's name did you acquire this?
I fough a match with the best warrior of Liaodong.
You are a serf!
Had General Yang known your status,
he would never have written this!
I told the general about my status.
You mean he wrote this to give
you a chance at emancipation?
No.
He wrote the recommendation
to give me a chance to become a warrior?
A warrior?
A chance to become a warrior?
Yes, Your Excellency.
He encouraged me to become a warrior.
There is nothing you can't do
with Yang Manchun's recommendation in Goguryeo.
But that's only if I do not oppose.
This is nothing but a worthless piece of paper
while I am alive.
Your Excellency...
Your Excellency!