Episode 32
Your Majesty, I don`t understend!
Supreme Commander`s position to a criminal that deserves death?
This is unheard of!
You must withdraw your command, Your Majesty!
Withdraw you command,Your Majesty!
You`ve heard my order!
-Don`t discuss this any further -No,You Majesty!
The order will crumble in the state!
Your Majesty, I would like to say a word.
Very well,Minister Yeon.
According to the law
the seat of supreme commander should bequeathed
to myself or my brother as male heirs of late Yeon Gaesomun.
That`s correct!
The law must be observed.
My elder brother Namseng has fled the country
after committing high treason.
and my younger brother Namsan is too sickly for the post.
therefore,
I`m the only one left with the birhtright to the post.
But Your Majesty I forfeit my right.
One cannot rise to power without the support of the people.
I have witnessed the people giving their lives
th protect the grand martial general.
There`s no one in the state better qualified.
for the job then Yang Manchun.
Your Majesty,I, Yeon Namgeon
Wholeheartedly suppport your decision.
Speak,Grand Martial General.
Do you accept the post?
The fate of Goguryeo will rest on your shoulders.
Do you accept this great responsibility?
I`m an old and incompetent man.
But if you grant me one wish.
I will accept the responsibility and lay down my life.
Speak.
I will give you everything I can.
Grant the title of deputy Supreme Commander
to high commisioner Nu Kiwon.
Factional strife and division has been
this country`s greates problem.
Unless this problem is solved,
it won`t matter who becomes the supreme commander.
Bu Kiwon`s patriotism and influence is plain to see.
If it serves the country,
I would not care if he`s made Supreme Commander
and I am made his deputy.
Your Majesty, place Bu Kiwon to important use.
This country will survive the current crisis.
only if the civil and military leaders
come together as one.
General!
A report from our informants in Pyongyang sir.
What does it say?
Has Yang Manchun been executed?
-Well,I... -Speak!
Yang Manchun... has been chosen to be...
the supreme commander of Goguryeo.
What!
What are you talking about?
The last report said Yang Manchun was waiting an execution!
And now he`s been chosen to be the supreme commander?
This is the report, sir.
I`ll take that.
Well this is ridiculous!
Is it true?
It`s unmistakable.
The new Supreme Commander of Goguryeo.
is Yang Manchun.
I don`t believe this!
This is like flowers bursting into bloom on an old dead tree!
I`ve never seen such a stubborn and tenacious country!
Where is Lord Yeon Namseng?
He stays in his tent all day long doing nothing.
Our plan was to attack Goguryeo
the moment Yang Manchun is executed.
But all of our plans have gone up in smoke!
You know more about Goguryeo better than any of us.
Tell us.
What do you foresee happening?
My father was a warrior of courage and ingenuity,
and general Yang Manchun
is a warrior of benevolence and virtue
His rise to Supreme Commander suggest forging harmony
between the civil and military forces of Goguryeo.
In my opinion,
Goguryeo will soon rise again with great force.
Rise again?Goguryeo?
General Yang Manchun is more than capable.
You will repeat your previous defeat
if you attack Goguryeo now.
I don`t think Lord yeon wants to help us.
So you are going to have to help us instead.
-I have no such ability. -From what i`ve seen.
You`re more than vapable of helping us.
Even if there was a way to help you,
I wouldn`t do anything without my master`s permission.
Let me give you reality check.
You`re being treated as guest
because you`ve agrees to help us.
If you have no use for us,
I could kill you right now
This is completely useless.
I do what my master wants.
You are asking for it!
This is no longer mine throw it away!
It`s an heiloom passed down from generation to generation.
I`m not worthy of it.
Throw it away.
Talk!
Will you help us or will you not?
Give me untill tonight to make up my mind.
There is no mistake. it`s the Bu clan heirloom dagger.
Could this be true? The baby survived!
What is it.
That dagger... May I take a look?
I can tell that it`s a valuable item at one glance.
Where did you get it?
This dagger is a symbol of my identity.
Symbol of your identity?
The khan found me abandoned on a prairie
when I was an infant and raised me.
This dagger was in my possession when I was found.
I`m sure my parents left me there
because they had no other choice.
And left this dagger with me
so they could find me someday.
Have you considered my proposel?
Sir Shin,
i`d like to talk to you alone.
Leave us.
Oh, for heaven sakes!
speak.
I will help.
But i`m not doing this for Tang or for Goguryeo.
I`am doing this for you, commander Li Kaigu.
What do you mean?
This must be kept hidden from my current master.
There`s a merchant ship leaving for Gohuryeo
on the south shore of Yingzhou.
Get on tha ship disguised as merchants.
And when you reach Pyongyang,
Just follow the instructions I`m about to give you now.
(Anhak Palace,Pyongyang)
Liaodong has been left unattended for too long.
We were planing to go back soon
now that all is well here.
What`s your progress on Pyongyang side?
We`ve reclaimed our right of command
and everything is back to normal,sir.
How about the public sentiment?
There`s a sense of calm and
renewed vitslity smong the people as well.
I`m placingGeneral Go Sagae in command of Liaodong
While I`m here.
Yes, sir.
And Dae Jungsang will lead Ansi Fort.
Joyoung and Gulsabiwu will stay with me here in Pyongyang.
Yes,General.
Return safely.
and faithfully serve the country from where you are.
Yes,General!
We are merchants that trade with Tang.
We have some rare goods I`m sure you`d like to look at!
Get out of the way!
-Do you know who this is? -Wait.
Hold up your head.
-Guards seize these men! -Stop.
What brings you here?
Won`t you take a look at our goods first?
It`s letter to you from general Xue Rengui.
Tang China has completed all preparation for war.
It`s an armed force of one million including the army.
the navy and the supply corps.
Among other things,
You`ll find a proposal for peace in that letter.
Peace?
After going through all that trouble to prepare for war?
It doesn`t add up.
The decision is yours.
But the moment the proposal is refuse,
the great Tang army will march to Goguryeo starting
with the advance guards in Yingzhou.
What`s this?
Is it true that Yeon Namseng has vowed loyalty
to the Emperor of Tang?
Is this true?
The contents of that letter are true in its entirety.
Unbelievable!
I never dreamed that Namseng would stoop this low!
Something doesn`t add up.
Why would they propose peace when they are at an advantage?
A war impoverishes both the winner and the loser.
We won the last war against Tang,
but we`re still dealing with the aftermath.
Yes,you`re right.
A war is a dreadful burden to bear.
Each of their previous peace proposals
requested relations of a master and servent.
But this time it`s different.
What they want is a sibling relationship.
Sibling relationship?
Not a master amd servent relatioship
-but a sibling relationship? -Yes sir.
That alone is a great concession on their part.
Oh,Dear... So what`s your feeling on this?
We don`t have a chance in a war against Tang this time.
Pointless war only hurts the people...
But it`s not our decision to accept this proposal.
I will try to persuade General Yang Manchun.
Do you think you can?
He appointed me Deputy Supreme commander.
He said he wants harmony.
so this will be my chance to find out
If he really meant it.
I have decided to leave Pyongyang.
Leave?
I thought I would return to the mountain temple
I was staying before.
I can`t allow you to do that.
I will resign from this post
as soon as stability is restored in the state.
And when I do, you will have to take my place.
But this country needs you right where you are.
Everyone is born to do different things.
I am not a politician.
I`m the happiest galloping through the open field of Liaodong.
General...
Namgeon,
I witnessed great hope through this ordeal.
Unshakable strength of the public.
awesome command of the king,
and the loyalty of the officials that ultimately came together as one.
The quicker I hand over the seat of power,
the brighter our future will be.
so stay near and assist me.
General,High Commisioner Bu is here to see you.
Bu Kiwon?
You`re a busy man, Monister Yeon.
He awaits you inside.
Have a pleasant conversation.
I just learned that Yeon Namseng pledged loyalty.
to the Emperor of Tang.
This country is in a weakened state
due to continuing wars and food shortage.
If Tang launches another invasion with Yeon Namseng at the helm,
chances are we will be defeated.
Why don`t you skip the small talk
and say what`s you`re here to say?
I will assist you with genuine loyalty
once you rise to power.
But ask you for one thing in return. Stop this war from breaking out.
That`s not something I can do.
But of course you can.
You are the Supreme Commander of Goguryeo.
Are you suggesting we establish friendly relations with Tang?
I`m suggesting that we choose peace over war.
And how do we gain that peace? By lowering ourselves to tang?
There is no shame in lowering ourselves
if it`s for the people of this state.
If we want to protect the people,
we must fight to the end and win.
Thats is the only way to achieve peace.
That`s not true, general
No, you need to smaten up and see the truth!
There is no foreign power that can give us peace.
True peace can only be preserved through unity.
that`s your opinion,general.
Peace can be preserved through diplomecy.
The tang Chinese could not care less about Goguryeo`s peace.
What they want is our destruction!
Don`t you realize that their proposals that
are ploys to bring this country down?
I respect the rights and authority of the civil officials.
But I cannot agree with your approach
to protecting this state.
You may leave now.
I think we made a mistake listening to that Shin Hong.
Bu Kiwon will never convince Yang Manchun.
Be patient.
Listen.
I think we should get out of here before they try to kill us.
The proposal for peace is most likely to be rejected.
Oh?
Did you bring any other ideas?
Perhaps an idea to remove the obstacle
that impedes the process?
You must never mention killing Yang Manchun first.
If you do,
they can easily figure it out that
this peace proposal is subterfuge to remove Tang Manchun.
I`m merely a messenger delivering
General Xue Rengui`s message.
I was deeply discourage tonight.
I thought General Yang Manchun would be more open-minded...
-Sa Bugu, -Yes,High Commissioner.
We`re going to have to get rid of Yang Manchun.
Sir!
Don`t discuss this with anyone.
You and I will be bear sole responsibility for this.
Be sure to tell General Xue about the great efforts
I`m making for peace between our two countries.
And make sure that the promise to forge peace is kept.
Of course,sire.
Why? Why didn`t you block?
Dae Junsang...
I wanted you to be the one to send me off...
I`m sorry....
there are many brave men that will protect Goguryeo.
but I am the only one that can protect my parents.
Jigwang!
No, Jigwang!
Here, I`ll take the baby.
This way, Hurry!
Sir Shin.
something`s going on in this camp.
They`re preparing a huge war.
No, I think there`s something else we don`t know about.
Do you have any clue?
I`m afraid I don`t.
Even steamed buns taste bland!
It`s been weeks since Li kaigu took my hand-written letter,
Why haven`t we heard from him?
Do you know what I think, sir?
Go on, Hongpei. What do you think?
They must`ve realized that the letter is not authentic.
What do you mean the letter is not authentic?
You can`t read or write.
so I wrote that letter for you.
so it`s not your authentic hand-written letter.
You little twerp!
What`s not authentic about that letter?
You wrote down what I said word for word!
Yes, That`s right.
I wrote it down.
So how can you say it`s your letter?
What? Are you finished?
Get out. Get out and do your work!
Arrogant little twerp.....
But there`s nothing for me to do outside....
You`re making me mad so get out of my face!
General,please calm down.
What? Calm down?
-You little punk! -Sir, Shin, what brings you?
General,may I have a word with you?
Yes,I`d like to know what`s happening in Goguryeo.
Why haven`t we heard back from commander Li?
Take military action now.
Military action?
Invade Goguryeo now?
Advance only to the south of Liao River.
That should be more than enough.
But the king has yet to issue an order to attack.
Why should I listen to you?
It`s only to shake them up.
You will lose an excellent chance to destroy Goguryeo
if you don`t listen.
Um,general, We should alert the Emperor first.
Li Kaigu said I should trust you.
Very well, I will do as you say.
We shall march to the Liao River at once!
-But general! -Don`t worry.
General Li Jing vowed to back me up all the way.
Let`s go!
(Pyongyang)
They ride like maniacs!
The Khitan army set up a military camp south of Liao River?
Khitans are advance guards for the Tang army.
They moved their advance guards,
so they will soon launch an all out war.
it`s happening at last.
You must be quickly inaugurated.
I would like to make a quick trip to Liaodong first.
To Liaodong?
I have temporarily place go Sagae in command of Liaodong,
but I must go back and finalize the reorganization.
Will Pyongyang be all right without you?
General Ji Myoncheon, On Samun and Yi kiwu
will protect the city.
Cast your fears aside, Your Majesty.
Once the right men are place in right positions,
both Liaodong and Pyongyang will be safe.
You have no idea how reassuring it is to have you near.
If we lead this war to victory.
Tang will not dare invade us again.
The Grand martial General must be here.
Yes, Your Grace.
I was told it was you that organized the people
and stopped the Grand Martial General`s indictment.
Forgive me.
I was told it was you that ordered master Gom
to release me from the palace jail.
I did little I could to help an important cause.
What you did was by no means little.
Thing could be quite different now
if it weren`t for your wisdom.
Your praise has me lost for words...
Come to think of it,
I`m much indebted to you.
That time at Geunglak Temple...
How is the young women?
Chulin,was it?
The Tang spy that escaped to Ansi Fort with you.
She went back to Yingzhou.
Yingzhou?
She`s a member of the Khitan tribe.
(Ansi Fort Prison)
These are the captured Khitan spies,Sir.
You`re a women.
I will ask.
Why is the Khitan army at the Liao River?
There`s not enough of you to invade Liaodong.
I want to know what you`re after
We don`t know the current situation of Yingzhou.
You don`t know?
You are a Khitan spy.
and you don`t know what your own people are doing?
I`m telling you the truth.
You`ll be wasting your time if you interrogate us.
Silence!
They won`t talk on their own accord.
-Starve them untill they`re ready. -Yes,sir!
Don`t you recognize me?
If you`re Joyoung`s friend you can`t be a spy.
I will speak to the general and have you released.
No,
He refused to see me last time.
He won`t be able to turn away if he finds me in here.
My lady.
Don`t worry about us.
I must see joyoung.
There`s something I must tell him.
and once I`ve said what I must....
He`s on his way back to Liaodong.
I don`t know your story,
but you will soon be able to see him.
-welcome, general. -Is everyone here?
Yes, sir Please come inside.
Crazy owl... Howling in broad daylight!
Hey, Heuk Sudol! Blasted basterd!
Hey, Heuk Sudol, wake up!
Are you dead?
Hey, Heuk Sudol, wake up!
Wake up, you blasted fool!
We will be leaving for Liaodong tomorrow.
-Gom Mojam will accompany me. -Yes sir.
These are troublous times.
Please take all necessary precautions, sir.
I will be fine. Just keep Pyongyang safe.
Don`t worry sir.
Oh,my head!
(Heuk Sudol)
-You! -Are you all right?
It was you,wasn`t it? You threw that huge rock.
How dare you come back here!
Don`t be so hard on me,
I was tricked by that basterd Namseng.
Shut your mouth!
Now if you`re all right, get out of here.
Wait,wait,I have nowhere to go.
I`ll do whatever you want me to do.
so please don`t kick me out.
General Yang was almost killed because of you!
Because you let Namseng escape!
I know. I know everything...
That`s why I almost threw myself into a river.
But my strenght will be wasted if I died now.
If i`m going to go,
I should go fighting the Tang Chinese.
look,Gulsabiwu, despite what I did,
General Yang is going to be the Supreme Commander.
So thiungs turned out better because of me.
-So please take me in.Please? -No!
It`s not up to us to forgive you.
Look,Kid...
No, I mean Dae Joyoung.
I wouldn`t be here if I had anu other choice.
if the general found out they would have you killed at once!
Get out of here!
Wait! Dae joyoung! Joyoung!
Hey, Gaedong!
They`ll kill you, if you`re caught on your way out.
Be safe.
Oh, and one more thing,
like I told you before, owl`s don`t holw in broad daylight.
You blasted basterd!
Why did you throw a rock at me if you`re not going to throw me out?
Oh,My head..
Have a safe trip,sir.
-Are they gone? -Yes,they just left the city.
And tomorrow night thry will enter Ogol Fort.
-Ogol Fort? -Yes, High Commissinoer.
It`s midway to Liaodong.
They are certain to stay the night in Ogol Fort.
Is it your plan to kill yang Manchun in Ogol fort?
i will enter his bedroom once I know that he`s asleep.
And without any hesitation...
There is no room for error.
Both you and I will die if you fail.
Yes,I know sir.
I will pierce Yang Manchun`s heart and save this country!.
Go now.
And bring Yang Manchun`s head.
Yes sir!
The weather is getting colder everyday....
Where am I going to sleep tonight?
Namseng that blasted basterd...
Then tonight at Ogol Fort,
-Yang Manchun is going to... -Shhht!
the assassins have already left the city.
When does the next merchant ship set sail for Yingzhou?
-Tomorrow afternoon. -Good.
I will write a detail report.
Have it delivered to Yingzhou.
Sure.I`m scheduled to rendezvous.
with one of our informents tonight.
Darn owl....
Wait, That`s a human sound.
Could it be Gulsabiwu?
What took you so long to respond?
Deliver this letter when you get to Yingzhou.
Yang Manchun will be assassinated tomorrow night in Ogol Fort.
What?Assassinated?
Wait a minute. You look familiar.
Which division do you belong to?
Take a good close look. you blasted basterd.
"Blasted basterd"?
-You`re that numbskull! -What? Numbskull?
Talk!
What`s happening to General Yang Manchun?
Talk or I`ll kill you!
I can`t talk with you choking me.
-You numbskull! -Fine,Now, talk.
Is it true that General Yang is going to be assassinated?
My leg! My leg!
Let go, you bastard!
You numbskull!
Stop! Stop right there!
Bastard! He `s still on my tail!
That sneaky rat!
No, there`s no time for this!
I have to go after them even if I have to steal a hourse.
What do you mean?
Xue Rengui has moved his troops to the Liao River?
That`s the report from Yingzhou.
there`s no mistake,Your majesty.
Yang Manchun has been appointed Supreme Commander of Goguryeo.
Invading goguryeo now would be unmise.
Your Majesty.
Xue Rengui must be punished for defying your command
and undermining military discipline.
your Majesty, if Xue Rengui is uncapable,
punish me instead.
What do you mean Superior commander?
I granted him the authority
to take military action as he sees fit.
But why?
Because I trust his competence.
Your Majesty,
I urge you to trust the supreme commander`s judgment.
and watch the developments.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Xue Rengui would not have taken action without a reason.
He certainly is an unpredictable character.
I`m talking about Xue rengui.
The Liao River...
It seems like yesterday that
I crossed the Liaoze with the late Emperor,
but tweenty years have passed in a blink of an eye.
I crossed the Liao River a few times after that.
with each failed invasion my confidence dwindled,
and Goguryeo became an unconquerable mountain.
A soaring fearsome mountain!
You will leve that mountain to the ground this time.
Yes!
When I cross that river this time.
I will eather return a corpse
or destroy goguryeo and make new history!
Once Goguryeo is destroyed
and Yingzhou comes into Khitan possession,
the history of the north will change forever
and your name will be eteched in both Tang and Khitan history.
Sir Shin,
Do you think Yang Manchun has reached Ogol fort by now?
if all goes well.
Ogol Fort will become Yang Manchun`s grave.
Ogol Fort...
Ogol fort will be Yang manchun`s grave!
Yang Manchun...
Yes! Everything will change once he`s dead..
And i, Xue rengui, will make new history!
Once Yang Manchun is dead!
-Welcome supreme commander! -supreme commander.
My man, I am still the grand martial general.
Please come inside.
I most leave tomorrow morning before dawn.
I trust you`ll make the necessary preparations.
General,
Is there something you wish to tell me?