Queen Seon Deok
Episode 60
What could it possibly say?
Read it.
I said read it!
Seoguk Hosejon*,
*Lord of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss (Buddha Amitabha)
Shinguk...
Hojejon*.
*Ruler of Shilla
Doesn't it mean "those whose name refers to the Lord of the Pure Land...
will rule Shilla"?
If it's the Lord of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss...
"Dam*" of dark clouds...
*But also Dam for Buddhism (from Sanskrit dhar, root of dharma)
Bidam...
will gain the throne?!
Wouldn't this "Lord of the Pure Land"...
~ Episode 60 ~
suggest Lord Bidam?
That's right.
*Buddha Amitabha's pure land in Mahayana Buddhism (Sukhavati in Sanskrit)
This "western land" refers to Buddhism's Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss*.
"Lord of the Pure Land"...
refers to Buddha.
In this pure land, they call the Buddha "dam (dhar)"...
*Abhidharma in Sanskrit, the "higher teachings" of Buddhism
So it's a contraction of Abidalma*,
Bidam.
In the end, "The Lord of the Pure Land, Bidam, Ruler of Shilla,"
that is what it refers to.
How could this...
So, according to this letter found aboard that boat,
the Sangdaedeung Bidam is the rightful successor for the throne.
The same happened during King Jinheung's reign,
but this Ashoka boat...
is a most auspicious and fortunate omen.
Ehh... With Her Majesty wearing the crown, does it make any sense?
But, from what I hear,
the last Tang delegation said that, just because she is a woman,
Shilla keeps getting invaded by foreign powers.
Ohhh! Careful what you say!
If they hear what you said, it'll be the end for you!
This is an affront against Her Majesty and the royal family,
and a vile malefaction affecting our country's public order.
We must find the culprit, and severely punish them for what they did.
Is that clear?
Yes!
Daedaegam Seolji,
inspect that boat along with the Commissioner of the Board of Mercantile Affairs,
while Godo Daedaegam will take his troops and inquire around Sapo,
ferreting out the varmints responsible for sending that boat here.
Yes.
We shall head for Gurahwa Prefecture immediately!
Yes!
Lord Chunchu led the troops to Gurahwa Prefecture firsthand.
Yes...
I gave him my consent.
Does it not concern the stability of the throne?
It shall never be forgiven.
Indeed.
And it would be even harder to accept for Lord Chunchu.
For, because of this, he and Bidam are now rival...
candidates for succession, without even wishing for it.
- Lord Bidam... - Bidam...
has nothing to do with this.
If Bidam was after the throne,
why would he orchestrate such a stratagem?
He would not gain anything from it.
On the contrary, it would put him in difficulty.
Hence, isn't that an even bigger problem?
Bidam is no longer able to control his followers.
Even the courtiers, they do not openly mention it, but...
"Abandon Bidam." Is that what they're thinking?
Your Majesty.
Right, wrong and the state of things, I am considering all options,
but all you suggest to me is to punish him.
How easy it is to just say such words.
Gaining people's trust might even be...
harder than gaining all creation.
However, what is even harder than earning people's trust...
is...
having to abandon them.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It was with that same spirit that you rescued me, and saved my life.
And that...
is what I will continue to do for my people.
I shall neither easily give up...
nor abandon anyone.
Not a thing, and not anyone.
You really are afraid of nothing!
How dare you do this without my consent?
Did I not tell you to trust me and follow my lead?
Did you earn any of that trust, Milord?
Your Excellency.
All we did that for was to ensure that your wishes would become one with ours.
Yes. Think of why all the people gathered here followed you.
Out of trust?
Or maybe fealty?
Or, don't tell me, "devotion"?
Yeomjong.
Should I answer that by slaying you?
Lord Bidam, we all followed you to gain our very survival.
However, we would have risked our lives, had this gone on.
You must take responsibility for us all until the very end!
Also, we have all the right to ask that from you.
Sangdaedeung!
You must support our cause!
Yes, not to mention that, after all this,
the people will follow you.
Lord Bidam.
Is this not a perfect opportunity to blame the war on Her Majesty?
All you need is to make a decision.
~ Gurahwa Prefecture (Ulsan) ~
- Free the way! - Free the way!
- Get them out of the way. - Yes.
We shall shut down all operations here. Now!
Yes!
I shall prohibit any access to this boat.
Shut down the area, and should anyone suspicious emerge,
immediately apprehend him.
Yes.
Not many people will be able to build such a boat.
Yes, I concur.
Inspect the boat, and find who built it.
Yes.
Are you inspecting the Sapo's waterways?
Yes.
Godo Daedaegam must have started already.
In this area, who would be able to build such a boat?
- Well... Have any idea? - I couldn't say.
- How about you? - Same goes for me.
- Come here. - Yes.
Know who might have built that boat?
I can't really say...
What?
Those varlets from the Board are prancing about asking questions?!
They cannot find him.
They must never!
Get rid of him.
Yes!
Now!
Yes!
What is with all this reverence?
From here on in, I will serve Your Highness as my ruler.
Bidam of the Nameless Guild...
salutes his ruler, Princess Deokman!
I will meet Her Majesty.
She said not to let anyone in.
Announce me.
The Chief is not here at the moment, so I could not dare.
I'm the Sangdaedeung!
Announce my presence at once!
I must meet with Her Majesty.
She told us not to let anyone enter.
Come another time.
When Her Majesty tells me to leave, I will.
So announce me first.
Bidam.
I know that you have no ulterior motives.
Your Majesty.
But how about your followers? What will you do about them?
They fear the aftermath of my departure.
In the end, it is a matter of succession.
But, to them, Chunchu is nothing but a political rival.
Just like the movement, they are not people who can join Chunchu's cause.
So you are the only answer for them.
If you fail to deal with them yourself...
Your Majesty.
What is the matter?
Your Majesty!
I will summon the physician.
I am fine.
What is wrong?
Are you hurting in any way?
I'm all right.
Seems like I took it too far.
Uljin?!
Yes, we are sure the boat departed from there.
I am sure it's right, then.
Seeing how the pine tree reacts to the sea breeze,
it must be coming from Uljin.
Really?
Also, there is a very talented shipmaker in Uljin.
Who is that?
He's called Yucheok.
We shall depart immediately.
Yes.
~ Uljin ~
You knaves!
It's the Board! Come out and face us!
They are all dead.
Lord Yeomjong.
How did it go?
Did you get rid of them all?
I dealt with all the others, but I lost Yucheok.
We are still trailing him.
Say what?!
You!
You must never lose sight of him.
Whatever it takes, you must kill Yucheok!
- Is that clear? - Yes!
Is there a man called Yucheok amongst them?
No.
Not amongst these bodies.
Surround the premises, and find him at all cost.
Is that clear?
Yes.
It's him!
Catch him!
Save me... Save me...
May you help me.
What is the matter?
They are trying to kill me. May you save my life!
I beg you...
That is Yucheok.
He is the one.
Apprehend him at once!
Yes.
Shoot! We cannot allow him to survive!
Protect him!
Now!
Lord Chunchu!
Escort him out.
Escort Lord Chunchu out of here!
Now!
Escort him!
What?
Chunchu?!
So?
Is Chunchu unscathed?
The arrow did not hit his vital organs,
so he is out of risk.
Your Majesty.
Are you all right?
I will go to Chunchu.
How could this...
Nefarious occurrences keep afflicting the royal family,
so what can we do?
I cannot let this slide.
I will immediately head for the palace, and find out what happened.
What?!
L...Lord Chunchu?!
How could you deal with it so heedlessly?!
You should have dealt with Yucheok earlier!
What is all this calvary?
Ehh Ehh... Really...
My apologies.
We could not help it.
What? Apologies?!
Will that solve our problems?
If this was going to be the end result, I should have just slain him.
Ahh... Is he out of his mind?
What are you prattling about?
Don't you agree?
With Lord Chunchu out of the picture,
wouldn't things suddenly become much easier to deal with?
Wh...What?!
You knave!
You knave.
How can you dare say that?
What? Slay him?!
You knave...
Power has gotten to your head!
You must be out of your mind, you knave!
What?
They attempted on Lord Chunchu's life?!
Who dared to do so?
I... I... I have no idea.
I really don't.
Chunchu!
How are you feeling?
The arrow avoided my vital parts,
and the wound is not that deep, either.
And that Yucheok?
He is dead.
Is he the one who built Ashoka's boat?
Yes.
Those who wished to silence him must be responsible for his death.
And who could it be?
The Uljin Harbor is one of the strongholds of Yeomjong's group.
And this Yucheok worked for him on more than one occasion.
I do not believe Bidam is behind this, either.
And that is because it would bring him no benefit.
However, Your Majesty.
His followers are surpassing every limit.
And this is also where my patience ends.
Do you think that the arrow wasn't directed at you?
It did not seem so.
They must have been trying to silence Yucheok.
No.
They were trying to slay you.
Your Majesty.
Don't you worry.
If he doesn't exert himself, he will recover quickly.
Arrange a court meeting.
Right now, Your Majesty? You're not heading back to Ingang Palace?
Tell all courtiers to gather immediately at the council hall.
Yes.
Discreetly tell Bidam not to participate in this meeting.
And once the meeting is over, bring him to me in secret.
Her Majesty graces you all!
Your Majesty.
How could this befall the royal family?
Yes, Your Majesty.
But as divine providence was on our side,
Lord Chunchu was not seriously harmed in this accident, so...
Accident?!
Did you just call it an accident?
Do you call the attempt on the life of a high courtier and royal an "accident"?
Your Majesty...
I!
Shall find the culprit behind this at all cost,
gibbet his vile pate, and make an example out of him.
Lord Yongchun.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Investigate this affront,
and reveal the truth for everyone to see.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I shall give my all to fulfill your wishes.
What?
Her Majesty?
Yes.
She summoned the entire court.
And ordered a thorough investigation on the matter.
You shouldn't get up.
Rest a little longer.
Bidam...
Was Bidam at the council hall?
That...
The Sangdaedeung did not participate.
But, could Lord Bidam have orchestrated all this?
No matter if Bidam did it or not, that does not concern me.
Divine providence is pushing Her Majesty and Lord Bidam to do something.
What?
And what are you thinking of?
I must leave this place.
Arrange my departure.
Where are you headed?
I will meet Bidam.
I will help divine providence.
You truly risked a tragedy.
How could this happen?
Was it not something you concocted?
How could I possibly?
How would I dare do something so deplorable?
Shall we...
discuss like olden times?
When Her Majesty will leave the temple, you will abandon your post.
You pledged as such, didn't you?
Doesn't seem like it will work.
I don't know what...
you're trying to say, Lord Chunchu.
Because of your mother, mine had to perish, right?
And now, her son is attempting on my life.
Should I let it happen while we placidly sit?
I really don't know what you're trying to imply, Lord Chunchu.
I have a secret.
Should I reveal it to you?
My mind might be swift, but my body is not.
That is why I look sluggish and dull-witted in people's eyes.
But, you know?
Down to the little things,
I leave no stone unturned.
For instance, well... it is nothing much indeed,
but how did Daenambo suddenly disappear?
It was a most rewarding discussion, Your Excellency.
I shall now leave you alone.
You...
You're really a new man.
You used to tremble in fear at the mere sight of me.
Didn't you?
Right. You truly were a daunting presence.
But now, that's not the case.
Why?
For, back then, your actions were hard to fathom and predict.
Fear is an offspring of the unknown.
But, you know?
Now seeing through you is as easy as they come.
You're on a frenzy for not being able to control your followers,
and devotion has blinded you to the point of obscuring your path.
Do you truly believe Her Majesty has feelings for you?
You once were such a daunting specimen.
How did it go?
Was Lord Bidam really behind it?
Forgive me, Bidam.
I know this has nothing to do with you.
And I also know it is true devotion what you feel for Her Majesty.
However,
you and your followers are an impediment to our great endeavors.
You must vanish.
Lord Chunchu.
What is the matter?
It's nothing.
Let us go.
Bidam.
It is most regrettable for you,
but there is no place in the pages of history...
for a man driven by devotion.
Aigoo! This is trouble!
What did that Yeomjong do this time?!
What are we going to do now?
When they start investigating, they will find at least something!
Yeomjong... Because of what he did, we find ourselves in dire straits!
Now not only Her Majesty, but everyone else is suspecting us.
Here... Here... Let us calm down.
We must reflect on how to deal with this.
What are you doing here?
We must prepare our troops!
Say what?
You knave... Troops?!
Are you suggesting we stage an insurrection?
Didn't they say an investigation will start?
Once they start investigating...
You knave!
If they start investigating, you probably will be captured!
What does it have to do with us?
Is that so?
Do you really think Her Majesty has feelings for you?
Your Majesty. The Sangdaedeung seeks audience.
Isn't that the case?
You did all this on your own.
It has nothing to do with us.
That's right!
Why should you involve us?
Yes... I sure did.
Yes... Yes.
I... I was the one behind it all.
Then, go!!
And confess everything to Her Majesty and Lord Chunchu...
"We were behind the secret covenant with the Tang envoy,"
"but have nothing to do with this."
"The Lord of the Pure Land will rule the Heavenly Kingdom."
"We did build that boat of Ashoka the Great,"
"but it wasn't with the intent of slaying Lord Chunchu."
"We rose in revolt and advocated for Her Majesty's dethronement,"
"but Yeomjong was responsible for shooting that arrow!"
Try to tell them that.
Someone so full of wisdom as Her Majesty is...
would certainly know that what happened to Lord Chunchu was an accident.
But she called it an attempt on his life and ordered an investigation,
finally making up her mind.
To purge us all.
Then, what do you suggest we do?
Before the investigation starts and they find any evidence,
we must strike first.
You're telling us to strike first?
Is an uprising what you're referring to?
Did we not consider that possibility as well?
What could be the problem?
An uprising?!
And Bidam...
What about Bidam?
For an uprising, we need just cause,
and aside from the son of King Jinji and my sister,
there is no other just cause at our disposal.
How are you going to convince Bidam?
You can leave that to me.
I know that you have no involvement in this.
Your Majesty.
However, you failed.
Failed to gain control over your followers.
Yes, Your Majesty.
There is nothing I can do now.
May you commence the investigation and reveal the truth,
punishing those involved without reserve.
If that happens, you will suffer consequences as well.
No matter in which form it comes, you will be held responsible for it.
Yes, it does not concern me.
That is what you must do.
Your Majesty.
I am fully prepared to accept the consequences.
But...
I am not.
Your Majesty...
There is nothing we shared.
Why are you doing this?
As if you were going to leave me...
I will put you in charge of supervising our naval fleet in Chuhwa County.
Depart immediately.
If you do, I will deal with things here in Seorabeol.
And after that, I will summon you back.
Your Majesty...
If you remain in Seorabeol,
you will get involved in some way.
While you're away, I will deal with all this.
I will put an end to it.
Public opinion might be affected momentarily,
but it will pass.
And then, I will call you.
Do you really think Her Majesty has feelings for you?
Do you trust me?
Your Majesty.
Do you need to mention it?
Of course I do.
Prepare to leave now.
The Board of Personnel will relay you my orders later.
Leave now.
There is no way.
No way.
Bidam.
Let us be apart for a brief while.
I shall deal with this at all cost.
Lord Yeomjong.
I brought him as you instructed me.
Is he trustworthy?
Yes.
It was someone we enrolled amongst Her Majesty's guards, just in case.
Bring him in.
Come in.
I shall take care of your clan for the rest of their days.
And I promise to foster your children as personnel of this country.
Is that clear?
I am prepared for it.
However, if he dies...
He is the best swordsman in the country.
There is no need to worry.
Still,
never act while he's fighting,
but only when he is not.
Yes.
I will put you in charge of supervising our naval fleet in Chuhwa County.
Leave right now.
Your Excellency.
Were you looking for me?
I must depart for Chuhwa County.
Arrange for it.
Yes.
If you do, I will deal with everything in Seorabeol.
Can I just entrust it all to you and leave, just as you said?
They are not only your problem, but mine as well.
Should I not at least repay some of the concern you showed for me?
Your humble servant Bidam will only leave after doing so.
You once were such a daunting specimen.
But now it is not the case.
Right... I endured it for long.
I shall slaughter you all.
You must leave the capital at once, and remain at the Sangju Commandery.
I will.
Bojong.
Did you contact the troops?
Yes, I contacted all the division commanders on the frontline.
Are we really staging an insurrection?
Eh?! Why are you hesitating now?
If only a single piece of evidence is found, we are all dead,
so will you sit here and await your fate?
Ahh... Fine.
All we have to do is gather at the mines by the morrow, right?
There are some suspicious movements.
You must leave Seorabeol at once.
Your Majesty.
They have no private guards, so it will not be arduous to apprehend them.
May you accede...
Yes.
With Godo Daedaegam leading them, privates like Goksaheun, Daepung and Yanggil...
are awaiting on standby with the troops.
However, council members are amongst them.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If we apprehend council members without evidence...
Thinking that if any evidence is found it will be the end for them,
think that they would just sit and await their fate?
Yes, this attempt on my life is not the only issue.
Their secret covenant with the Tang envoy,
their fabricating this Ashoka boat subterfuge,
and besmirching Her Majesty.
They will be held responsible for all this.
Yes.
Hence, I accede to their imprisonment.
What are you trying to say?
We must leave immediately?!
Yes. My men just received this intelligence report,
noting that the Board's movements are suspicious.
The Board?!
What is this... Right now?!
They will apprehend us right now?
We cannot be certain,
but it would be wise to find refuge.
All we need is to head for the mines.
I will contact Lords Hojae, Seonyeol and Wangyun.
Where is Bidam?
Yes... That...
Without Bidam, none of this will work!
We will have no just cause whatsoever!
You wanted to orchestrate an insurrection without knowing where he is?
Don't you worry.
I will do whatever it takes to find him.
Daedaegam and privates, take your men and apprehend your appointed criminals.
You must operate with utmost celerity and discretion.
Is that clear?
Yes, Your Excellency.
- Let us move! - Yes!
Let's go.
- Let's go. - Yes.
And Bidam?
Why did you not order his imprisonment?
Don't you know all too well how he has nothing to do with this?
However, none of these occurrences would have happened...
in Bidam's absence.
So?
If we don't take this opportunity to deal with him,
in the near future, he will pose a serious threat to the throne.
Do you fear Bidam?
Do you?
Bidam will now lose all his followers.
What possible threat could he pose?
What are you so afraid of, forcing me to punish an innocent man?
Do not importune him without my consent.
Your Excellency.
No particular movements.
Then, it's time.
Let us all infiltrate and apprehend him.
Yes.
Let us go in.
Lord Jujin, accept your orders!
- Search the premises! - Yes.
Your Excellency.
There is nobody inside.
Say what?
- There is nobody inside. - What?
Nobody?
Nobody.
We must report immediately.
So they're really going for it?
That's it.
Say what?
They were empty?
Yes, Your Excellency.
We found nobody.
It was the same for Lord Misaeng's abode.
It looks like they frantically escaped.
Your Excellency!
Your Excellency, this is trouble.
You found nobody, either?
Then, you as well?
Seems like they all escaped.
Tell all troops left in the capital to move to the palace.
Now!
Yes.
Ahh... Because of Yeomjong, look at us...
We did escape from the capital,
but should we not plan our next move?
Yes. By now, the Board will have found out.
Where on earth is that Yeomjong?
Did he not say he would escort Lord Bidam here?
If Lord Bidam doesn't join us, there is nothing we can do!
That's right.
What just cause could we possibly use?
Is Lord Bidam really on our same boat?
He probably will be.
Yeomjong will succeed.
What makes you feel so sure, Uncle?
The fact that, if he does not,
we are all history.
Your Majesty.
We received a report noting that Lord Sueulbu's troops at the front...
deserted their ranks.
Lord Hojae's troops near Iseo County deserted as well.
What happened to all the other nobles' troops?
We could not verify yet,
but it is likely that...
Your Majesty.
Is this not an insurrection?
You must...
Must we...
once again see Seorabeol drenched in treacherous blood?
Bidam...
Hey... Over there.
Ahh... Bidam,
where have you been?
I have been looking all over...
There is no time.
Just come get some.
What are you waiting for?
Slay him!
I should have slaughtered you earlier...
I see you have not lost your dexterity.
You are a master.
No doubt.
Right...
Now I recall.
I was curious that day as well.
Whether that pate of yours can still laugh...
after I behead you.
Her Majesty said not to let anyone enter.
You...
You were...
Who ordered this?
Speak.
I said tell me, who ordered this?
Tell me.
Now!
I know you have no ulterior motives.
Answer me.
Who was it?
I am not prepared to accept it.
Say it.
Say it, you bastard!
"Murder the enemy of our nation..."
Murder the enemy of our nation!
Long live Her Majesty!
He is...
part of the Royal Palace Guard.
Then... Her Majesty...
Do you trust me?
~ On The Next Episode Of ~ QUEEN ~*~ SEONDEOK
I accede to their imprisonment.
Chief Marshal Yushin shall follow your command and apprehend them.
Chief.
Before I gained the throne, I had one doubt.
How can a despot be born.
Say what?
Bidam as our nation's ruler?!
The entire market is talking about the Ashoka the Great story.
How is Her Majesty feeling?
Well, it is nothing of note.
Divine... providence?
Seems like there will be tumult.
Bidam!
Discreetly summon Bidam.
Your Majesty!
Call the physician.