Episode 11
Mother...
Of all different ways to meet...
why do we have to meet like this?
Mother...
You mustn't call me mother...
You are my mother.
Mother...
Thinking of me as your mother
will only make things more difficult and painful for you.
If you are not my mother,
I am not Dae Joyoung either.
I'm a lowly serf Gaedong...
If only just once...
I wanted to call out for you
If only just once...
Mother...
Baby... . My baby... !
Mother... . !
My baby... My son Joyoung... . !
Mother...
My baby, my baby...
My son Joyoung... My poor baby... !
My baby... My poor baby... !
Mother...
My baby...
Mother, hang in there a little while longer
- I'm all right. - Mother...
i asw my son at last so I couldn't wish for more...
Son...
My son... !
Mother... !
Joyoung... . !
You mean Yeon Gaesomun raised Dae Jungsang's son?
Yes, sir.
The Supreme Commander brought the boy up.
That's tantamount to treatson!
What is your plan?
Yeon Gaesomun has been bullying us,
Since the failed attempt on his life.
If we can prove that the boy is
Dae Jungsang's son Dae Joyoung,
we can bring Yeon Gaesomun down from his post.
Yes, of course!
At last we will have some relief!
- Sire, may I come in? - Enter.
Sire, the Supreme Commander is here.
The Supreme Commander?
Yeon Gaesomun is here?
Yes, sire.
I took him to the guest quarters.
A man of his position is here.
in the flash for a lowly servent boys?
This is admission that Gaedong is no ordinaru servant.
Exactly, sire.
What do I have to fear?
I will see him right away.
What brings you to my humble home, Your Exceilency?
Have a seat.
I'll get straight to the point.
Is it true that you're holding a servant of mine?
Yes, Your Excellency.
I captured him.
- ''Captured him''? - Yes, I captured him.
How are you related to the boy,
If I may ask?
How am I related?
You are here in the flesh for a lowly servant boy.
Wouldn't you think it's strange?
Tell us.
Why do you care so much about this boy Gaedong?
High Commissioner of South District Bu Kiwon has taken
Supreme Commander of Goguryeo Yeon Gaesomun's servant prisoner.
This is not simply about a servant.
You are audaciously challenging my authority!
I want to hear it from your mouth.
If you mean disrespect or contempt,
I will not overlook this!
A long time ago
a child was born in Ansi bearing imperial energy.
The child that should have been killed.
is still alive.
What does that have to do with this?
That child of imperial energy,
Dae Jungsan's son, is Gaedong.
Is he not?
You are out of your mind!
Gaedong isn't the only one I've captured.
I have his mother as well.
Her name is Dalgi, I believe.
Are you still going to deny it?
Go on.
Tell us why you kept Gaedong alive.
Perhaps you had treason on your mind.
What?
How dare you!
What did you say?
Gaedong is Dae Joyoung?
You make me laugh!
Who would believe your outrageous claim?
I just told you that I have his mother.
So?
Did she say that Gaedong is her son?
I see. You put her up to it!
You tried to frame Yang Manchun for treason once.
And now you're trying to frame me, Yeon Gaesomun!
You have the balls to try to have me killed?
I see it now.
And the whole world will see that
this is a cheap ploy to destroy me!
- Bu Kiwon, you bastard! - No, no!
You have this all wrong, Supreme Commander!
- You're part of this! - Wait, Your Excellency!
That boys is indeed Dae Joyoung,
but I see now that you didn't know about it either.
The crafty child was deceiving you
and living under your wings!
You must apologize at once!
How could you suspect teh Supreme Commander?
What are you waiting for? -Apologize!
Apologize at once!
Forgive me.
When I learned that Gaedong was Dae Joyoung, I...
I jumped to conclusions without thinking.
Forgive me, Execellency...
Please. I beg you.
Overlook this insolence.
- Quell your rage, Your Excellency. - Quell your rage, Your Excellency.
I will be the one to decide whether
Gaedong is or is not Dae Jungsang's son
Bring them before me.
Answer my question.
Is this your son?
My son drowned a long time ago.
Oh?
Now you speak, Gaedong.
What did this women tell you?
Did she say that she is your mother?
She said no such thing, sire.
Then this question is for you, Bu Kiwon.
On what grounds are you claiming
that these two are mother and son?
What are you waiting for? Answe his question?
I made a mistake blinded by ambition.
But I assure you there was no plot againt you.
You must believe me, Your Excellency.
I'm taking Gaedong back.
If you ever act with contempt again,
there will be no mercy!
Take the women as well, Excellency.
Deal with her as you see fit.
You captured her,
so deal with her as you please.
Untie him!
Thank you... .
Thank you, sire...
You have saved my son Joyoung...
I don't care what happens to me
As long as my son is alive.
Thank you...
Thank you, sire. .
I feel like I've been to hell and back.
All of us could have died!
This is all my fault.
I am certain that Gaedong is that woman's son.
Isn't that what you believe is well, sire?
He is unmistakably. Dae Jungsang's son.
Why didn't Yeon Gaesomun take the women with him?
He doesn't want her blood in his hands.
Why not?
That is why it's even more puzzling.
I can't figure out why Yeon Gaesomun keeping Gaedong alive.
Father, tell us the truth.
Is Gaedong indeed General Dae Jungsang's son?
In order to serve you properly,
we need to know teh detail.
Tell us, Your Excellency
What you suspect is true.
Gaedong is Dae Jungsang's son Dae Joyoung.
And that women?
She is indeed Gaedong's mother.
Bu Kiwon, that bastard, is right on the mark.
I will get rid of Gaedong at once.
- That's the only way to protect you. - No.
If I wew going to kill him,
I wouldn't have kept him alive in the first place.
I know you, father.
The only reason why you didn't kill him
is because he's just a lowly servant.
If you thought he knew his true identity,
you would have killed him.
I need your help.
We must find out what the mother and son talked about.
We must find out
If Gaedong knows who he is.
Your name is not Gaedong.
Joyoung... Your name is Dae Joyoung.
Dae Joyoung... ?
Dae Joyoung...
It was General Yang Manchun who gave you that name.
Dae Joyoung...
You can never divulge your identity to anyone.
In the distant future
When you have risen high in the world,
and you are strong enough
to live up your name,
only then you can reveal who you are.
Until then, you must never speak of it.
Do you understand?
Why do you look troubled?
I feel for the woman this afternoon.
Why? Her welfare is not your concern.
You must have heard something.
What did she tell you?
She said she committed a terrible offense.
and that she would not survive.
Is that everything?
If that is all that the women told you,
leave it at that.
If... if there is more,
youmust erase it completely out of your mind this very moment.
Don't take this lightly.
What did you find out?
Did Gaedong seem to know anything?
Why the big sigh?
General Yang Manchun tried very hard
to save that boy.
yes, I know.
I was there to witness every detail.
I don't know whether laugh or cry
The child has come back from the dead by a stroke of luck
and we have him under lock and key.
General Dae Jungsang was a brave and faithful warrior
This doesn't make me happy either.
Gaedong is more capable than.
any other sons of noblemen in Taehak.
We can't let such talent go to waste.
But what can we possibledo for him in this situation?
How about if we inform General Yang Manchun about this?
No.
Liaodong and Pyongyang will be
divided once again because of Gaedong.
Let us see what happens.
At least Gaedong has us to protect him.
Get her out!
What?
- Is this true? - Yes, Excellecy.
They took Dae Jungsang's wife to the execution around.
and put her in a cell.
That's not all.
A rumor is going around that
you are the reason why she is still alive.
I don't understand, sire.
Where did this rumor come from and
why Dae Jungsang's sife still alive?
I must see the women. Prepare leave at once.
- Leave us. - Yes, Your Excellency. Let's go.
Why did you return?
I told you never to seek your son!
Why did you break your word and come back?
I couldn't let my son live
as a lowly serf his entire life.
He had to know how high and noble he is
and what grand future lay ahead of him.
Who will tell him the truth if I don't?
You have broken your word.
You've come back when you should have stayed away,
so you will have to face death.
I will take everything to the grave.
i assure you no harm will come to you from me.
But I ask that you continue to
take care of my son as you have.
I am content having had a chance to see him.
Would you like to see your son?
If it is your dying wish,
I will call him for you.
You are a frightful man.
You test us to the very end.
But my son will prevail against you.
He must in order to be a greater man above you.
I guess this is where it ends for you.
Do not blame me for this.
What? He was at the jail house?
Yes, sire.
He spoke alone in privacy with the women.
Spoke alone in privacy?
We should evecute the woman without delay.
What could we gain from it?
She will not confess no matter what we do.
If we hesitate,
Yeon Gaesomun could take her and use her against us.
She's a criminal of high treason.
That can't possiblt happen.
Who could have known that we'd lose Gaedong?
He has turned the tables on us more than once
It's best to eliminate potential problems.
That women named Dalgi was taken to be executed.
Were you aware?
No, sire.
They will put her through unbearble torture
Then execute her.
You saved my father's life
at the Homage Martial Arts Contest.
I will never forget that.
If it weren't for you,
I would have been ruined as well.
I'm the eldest son of the Supreme Commander
and the second minister of this state.
I can grant you any wish you have.
Don't be shy and tell me what you want.
Say nothing. Nothing!
He's testing you!
Go on.
What would you like me to do for you?
I do not want anything, sire.
Nothing?
The Supreme Commander is theman
who took me in and raised me... .
How could I expect a reward for saving him?
Then shall I tell you about your background?
Would you like to know who your parents are
and how you were born?
I was abandoned at birth.
What's the use of knowing my background?
Go back to work.
He will have to die once he learns who he is.
His Excellency will bedispleased if he hears about this.
He does not want the boy dead.
All right, all right, so stop!
If Gaesong is telling the truth,
there is no reason to kill him.
But if he knows Dalgi is his mother and does not blink at her death,
he is truly a dangerous child.
And we cannot let him live!
Where are you going wearing a mask in the middle of night?
You don't have to hide it from me.
I know all about you.
Are you trying to save the women?
You can't.
You will be killed the moment you set foot in that place.
- Even if I'm killed... - You are pathetic!
Is this what you've become?
Master!
Do you know what kind of sacrifices were made to save you?
General Yang Manchun and the warriors
of Liaodong risked their lives for you.
Because of you General Dae Jungsang
was banished to Goryeo Fort!
If you regard your life with such disdain
you don't deserve to die!
Go.
Save that woman, run away or do whatever you wish!
But know this one thing.
Stupidity is a sin to oneself.
All those people would not have taken such risk to save you
had they known you'd turn out to be a fool.
How did it go? Did you find Gaedong?
He's not in Taehak.
This means he's gone to the execution!
Oh dear...
- I'm going over there. - What are you going to do?
It's already too late.
but we can't just let him die!
We could get killed defending him.
Let us just hope that he didn't go to the execution.
Whether he lives or dies is beyond our control.
An execution?
Are you certain it is Dae Jungsang's wife?
That is what I heard
Does this mean they survived?
I'm curious, Your Majesty.
What is imperial energy,
and who is Dae Joyoung?
And why is that woman getting executed?
Your Majesty--
It was before you were born.
There was an event that turned the counts unside down.
I never dreamed that they would still be alive...
It's not too late.
If you speak the truth, you can walk out of here.
Gaedong is your son, isn't he?
He's Dae Jungsang's son, isnn't he?
Jungsang... ! Jungsang... !
I missed you... .
I missed you so much...
Mother...
I will never forget this... .
I will never forget those
who are responsible for you death.
Mother... . ! Mother... . !
- Kill her! - Yes, sire.
Mother... !
Mother... . !
Sire, allow me.
I didn't get to fight Gulsabiwu because of you,
But I will fight you instead.
How dare you block my attack!
When did he learn to fight so well?
What are you waiting for?
Finish him off! Now!
Mother... !
what is you intent with Gaedong?
Must I repeat myself?
He has learned his identity,
so he has to die.
Your Excellency!
He has to be eliminated.
I spared his life and took care of him for nothing!
- His destiny is death. - But Excellency!
Listen to me carefully.
Gaedong was born a criminal of high treason.
You must forget everything
about him including his death.
- Is that understood? - Your Excellency... !
There is nothing I can do to save you now.
I brought this on myself.
I know I am being presumptuous,
but I have a favor to ask of you.
Tend to my mother's remain for me.
She has been left outside the fort.
Bury her on a sunny hillside.
Though I may die,
I will remember your kindness. .
Fine.
I will do as you ask, so be at peace.
Thank you.
Thank you, master...
Why are you in here? I thought you were leaving.
I thought I'd look in on him before I leave.
Take him outside!
- Are you going to kill him so soon? - Take him out now!
- Get him out! - Yes, sir!
Hustle!
Do you resent me?
Sure. I'm about to kill you.
How could you not resent me?
I have not resentment for you, sir.
You are the one who raised me.
- ''Raised you''? Me? - Yes.
All these years,
you gave me food and shelter,
looked after me and raised me.
You are my domestic servant.
Of course I gave you food and shelter.
That is not all that you gave me.
You gave me your interest and attention.
Since I was very young,
you were always checking whether I was in bed
or if anyone was harassing me,
Whether I am sick, sad, troubled, or hungry,
your were always there wanting to know how I am.
I was raised on your interest and attention.
How dare you try to manipulate me with this talk!
You're a criminal of high treason that deserves to die.
Of course I'm going to keep my eyes on you!
Why did you keep a criminal of high treason alive all this time?
What did you say?
What do I have to fear when I am about to die?
I'm going to reveal all that's in my heart.
You... are the father I never had.
What? Father?
I got through all these years on that belief.
You were my father in my heart.
Silence!
If it weren't for you,
I would not be here.
Without you, I would never have made it this far
through the unbearable loneliness and fear.
I have acknowledged the father.
that raised me at last.
I have unburdened all of the pain and sorrow
that I had kept buried deep in my heart.
Now I can die without regret...
You will soon be joining your mother.
Go ahead and let out
you repressed grief and unshed tears.
That will make parting from this life a little easier.
What? Repeat!
Our informants report that
teh Tang Chinese have organized a huge expeditionary force.
They have undergone a major overhaul of their military
and secured munitions suppor from Shilla!
It's a matterof time before
they launch an invasion, Your Excellency!
They still haven't learned their lesson
after the last treacherous defeat.
Bastards...
Those Tang barbarians!
Chang'an
Superior Commander of Expeditionary Force,
General Li Jing;
Chief Offensive Commander in Pyongyang,
General Su Dingfang;
Chief Offensive Commander in Woju,
General Pang Xiaotai.
In addition, Ren Yaxiang, Xie Biheli, Xiao Siye
and Cheng Mingzhen have each been assigned
as offensive commanders in Paijiang, Liaodong, fuyu and Loufang.
I had announced.
I would personally lead his expedition.
Why do I hear no mention of the Emperor?
I persuaded the organizers against your involvement, Your Majesty.
- You, Empress? - Yes, Your Majesty.
I have contemplated long and hard,
but it is a great risk for the country
to be without its Emperor.
I've been waiting for this day.
since my father's death.
The country has barely overcome the after math of the last defeat
and rebuilt its foundation.
You must remain on the throne and protect the country.
- But Empress, - Your Majesty
the Empress speaks the truth.
I beg you to trust your warriors on this expedition.
- Deign to see, Your Majesty. - Deign to see, Your Majesty.
Um... Yes. .
Yes, it is indeed Chang'an Palace where His Majesty should remain,
but did I miss it?
I didn't hear my name, Xue Rengui, being mentioned.
What position have I been assigned to?
I'm afraid you're going to have to sit out on this expedition.
''Sit out''?
Just where am I supposed to ''sit out''?
You were sent to Goguryeo as an envoy
but failed to accomplish your mission!
Failed?
Your Majesty, did I mention the chaos and confusion
the royal court of Goguryeo was in while I was there as an envoy?
The two divided factions are
fighting each other right now!
You assured us Yeon Gaesomun would be eliminated
but he is alive!
This is your punishment!
How can I redeem myself unless
you put me on the battlefield?
Right, General Li?
You wish to fight a war without Xue Rengui?
General Su, General Pang,
say something!
- General Xue, - Yes, Your Highness.
I agree with the chancellor.
Your Highness, are you forsaking me?
It is only fair that success and failures
are rewarded and punished.
Abide by the chancellors orders, General Xue!
Yes...
Your Highness had said you would give me your support.
Why won't you back me up?
I wish I could but I can't.
This beyond my power.
Nothing is beyond your power in this country.
Zhangsun Wuji interferes with everything I do.
Don't you know that?
He may be the chancellor
but he is your royal subject.
How could he dare defy you?
Zhangsun Wuji is among the ranks of men who took part in the founding of Tang.
He was Emperor Taizong's closest friend
and the Empress Dowager's brother.
Even the Emperor tries not to offend him
How could I?
Darn...
But you wait and see.
He's testing my patience as well.
That old man will kneel before me
and beg for his life someday.
General,
the troops are leaving for the base
in Yingzhou tomorrow.
From the Superior Commander to commanders
and vice commanders of each region,
everyoen is leaving.
- We are leaving as well. - But General,
we have neither an assignment nor an army to lead.
You are my army.
And why do I need an assignment when I am a general?
But we were ordered not to leave. .
Don't forget the humiliation we suffered in Goguryeo.
One unjustified order is not going
to stand in my way!
Let's go.
Ansi Castle
General, I came as soon as I heard.
Tang is prepared for war.
Is there any word from Pyongyang?
Supreme Commander has been notified,
but we have not heard back.
General,
is there something else that worries you?
You look deeply troubled.
Send another message to the Supreme Commander.
Something isn't right.
Something is happening in Pyongyang...
Father--
Nothing good can come from keeping Gaedong alive,
Give me an order to kill him off tonight.
Father!
- Get me my sword! - Father...
I will kill the boy my self!
Father!
Get him up!
- Leave us. Now! - Yes, Your Excellency.
Are you prepare to die?
You bastard!