Gye Baek
Episode 11
I am the First Prince of Baekje, Euija!
Look here, Yiri. I've brought you a nice present.
Do you recognize him?
When Baekje attacks, I will give him to you.
I'm grateful.
Are you suggesting we continue the attack at the risk of sacrificing Prince Euija?
Go ahead and attack.
If Euija knew his capture would cause the surrender of Gajam Fortress, he would agree with me.
Since you're here, wouldn't Baekje be unable to attack the fortress?
Prince Euija ordered you to attack the fortress.
I have ordered Baekje to attack.
You must create this disturbance.
Open the gates!
We will meet again, Yiri.
And Euija? Have we found him yet?
Euija...
...is here.
Episode 11
Your Majesty!
I heard what you did during the battle. Are you hurt?
Yes, Father. I am fine.
I heard you fought valiantly as well. You killed two generals.
I regret that I was unable to bring you the head of the Governor, Al Chun.
This was your first battle. You have done well.
This victory belongs to you, Your Majesty.
Is that so?
I had heard that you were the one giving the commands.
Perhaps one can even say that you did more than the two princes.
In particular, you commanded a full frontal attack even when Euija was being held hostage.
That was truly outstanding.
Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty.
I had full confidence that Euija would be able to protect himself.
Thanks.
Gye Baek, you're the one who won this war for us.
Tell me if there is something you want as a reward.
I will speak to His Majesty when we return to Sabi.
He'll be glad to see you again.
I don't want a reward and I don't want to see His Majesty.
I'm not going back to Sabi.
What do you mean? You must return with us.
You can't continue living like this. You shouldn't fight again.
All you have to do now is to lead a normal life just like General Mu Jin wanted.
Do you think I've forgiven you?
Don't be mistaken.
I don't even know if your story is true. I should never have listened to you.
I blame you, Miss.
I understand how you feel.
- What can I do? - Nothing.
Nothing will change.
Where are you going?
You haven't changed one bit.
Forget about what the Prince did.
But you and I have unfinished business too.
I have no obligations to you.
You took me in your heart when you left, didn't you?
May I ask you something?
May I keep you in my heart when I leave?
If you took me in your heart when you left, shouldn't you return me?
Carry that around your neck. It'll help you come to your senses.
Did I say that's what I wanted back?
It's my heart that I want returned.
What do you want me to do?
Come back with us to Sabi.
What are you thinking about?
Nothing.
Are you thinking about what I said to Gye Baek earlier?
No, I'm glad you were able to change his mind.
I'll see you in Sabi.
Your Majesty, I congratulate you on your victory over Gajam Fortress!
Congratulations, Your Majesty!
Thank you. This is all due to your efforts, Lord Yeon.
Your Majesty, you are truly a magnificent woman.
You single-handedly commanded the army to victory!
Congratulations!
Are you being sincere?
Or are you merely happy because Euija did so well?
Your Majesty, you rescued me from death.
My future father-in-law has offered you a toast in gratitude.
Please accept it.
Your Majesty, the Yeon family is respected by both the nobles and commoners.
They will be your loyal subjects.
Am I right, Lord Yeon?
He's right. My daughter is alive because of you.
The Yeon family will never forget Your Majesty's generosity and kindness.
I will be watching you, Lord Yeon.
Yes, Your Majesty.
On a joyous day like this, how can one not dance?
Your Majesty, may you live a thousand years.
Have you been keeping a close watch on Yeon Moonjin?
Yes, Your Majesty.
As always, he spends a considerable amount of time with the Ungjin nobles.
And his private army?
A mere two hundred.
Nothing must escape your attention.
Yes, Your Majesty.
How do you feel about being back in Sabi?
Have you gone back to being mute, Yiri?
No, I should call you Gye Baek.
Why do you look so surprised?
That's what that young lady called you.
She was quite beautiful. You must be in love with her.
Be careful.
The flower may be beautiful, but it's poisonous.
Once you're addicted to its scent, you may never be able to escape.
Stop flapping your mouth!
I didn't know you were already addicted. My apologies.
Let's not fight on this happy day.
My name is Sung Choong.
I don't like bitter men with grudges, but if you need my help, come anytime.
I'll help you once.
- We'll never meet again. - Don't be so sure about that.
One can never tell.
It's not for you anyway.
It's because I feel bad towards our comrades who died at Gajam Fortress trying to help us.
The world is an unfair place.
Those who want to live die easily.
And those who want to die live on.
Miss, aren't you going to the banquet?
- I really want to taste banquet food! - Then go by yourself.
If you don't go, I won't know anyone there.
Then go to the banquet for the prisoners!
Do I know any of them...?
Oh... Gye Baek...?
I mean Sir Gye Baek...
I have to see Queen Sataek. Go and keep him company.
I said I wanted good food, not good company!
I'll make sure you get good food when we return to the Trade House.
Damn it!
But you know, Sir Gye Baek...
He used to be so skinny and ugly when he was a kid.
Don't you think he's gotten quite handsome?
You can say that he emits the aura of a lonely beast...?
How can someone change so much? Don't you agree?
Who goes there?
You must be a prisoner of war from Gajam Fortress. Go back to where you came from!
Eat slowly! You'll choke.
- Go ahead and eat, Father. - Alright.
Eat this!
It's good, isn't it?
It is.
Thank you for growing up so well.
You must not live like me.
You must never hold a sword or fight.
You must never hurt your family.
Live a simple life as a farmer.
If you make extra money, share what you have with others.
Thank you.
Thank you for pouring my wine.
What are you doing? I said go back!
Father, they're going to kill Mother and Big Brother!
Please help them!
You should listen to your son.
Too bad the end is a bit anti-climactic.
It was reckless of you to enter Gajam Fortress with Euija.
You almost lost your life.
I had no choice.
Governor Al Chun is Prince Euija's uncle. There was a risk he would try to negotiate with him.
Gajam Fortress is too important.
How could I throw away the chance of monitoring him?
You are bold.
So tell me, how was Euija?
One can say that he was reckless in his ambition to win His Majesty's favor by conquering Gajam Fortress.
But he was also cunning enough to realize that Al Chun would not be able to kill him easily.
Still, Al Chun had no love lost for him and his life was at risk anyway.
In any case, Euija did well during the battle.
To be honest, it had nothing to do with him. Rather, it was the prisoners of war within the fortress.
They are the ones who should be rewarded, not Prince Euija.
That I will do.
For their suffering, I shall bestow upon them grain and money.
The prisoners of war will be grateful to Your Majesty.
The issue is the competition between the two princes.
Based on this battle, Euija has outperformed Gyogi.
Does this mean that Euija will be the one pouring the first cup of wine during the Royal Ceremonies?
That is not possible.
Why do you say that?
It is not what you want. Neither is it what the ministers and nobles want.
Even I do not want that fool to have the honored position of pouring the first cup of wine.
But there must be a legitimate reason.
You know the reason.
You have piqued my interest.
The ministers will have little regard for Euija's contribution.
Instead, they will declare him careless for placing himself in jeopardy.
You are truly my Zhang Zifang! (Great strategist of Han Dynasty)
You flatter me, Your Majesty.
However, there is one more thing.
What is it?
You'll know when you see it.
Is it a secret even from me?
It's not because I don't trust you.
It won't be as entertaining if I tell you in advance.
Alright, Your Majesty. I'll wait and be entertained as you wish.
Have you given any thought to becoming my adopted sister?
I had no time to think about it because of Gajam Fortress.
Please give me a little more time.
I wish you would join our family quickly.
- What are you doing here? - I should be asking you that.
- Let's go somewhere... - Why? Why did you meet the Queen?
I'll tell you in detail later.
Tell me now. You said she was my enemy.
You also said she is Prince Euija's enemy. That what is she to you?
It is dangerous to speak here.
Tell me now. I don't care if I live or die.
If you don't trust me, then leave!
What do you mean Prince Euija was a liability?
I don't understand it either.
Prince Euija worked with the prisoners of war to create a disturbance within Gajam Fortress.
If it weren't for him, the conquest of Gajam Fortress would have taken much longer.
Or it would have failed completely.
Goodness, how blind you men are.
Do you really want to make Euija the first cupbearer so badly?
Is that what it sounds like?
There is no way around it.
It is clear to anyone that Prince Euija earned more merit than Prince Gyogi.
Now, look here, Justice Minister!
I know you are a fair man, but you must make the right judgment!
Please tell me if I have erred in my judgment.
When Euija was being held hostage by Silla,
do you think General Yoon Choong would have been able to order an attack?
You're right, Prime Minister.
If it weren't for the Queen's boldness,
Gajam Fortress would still belong to Silla.
One can say that Euija almost ruined this battle for us.
Yes, I think you're absolutely right.
Do you agree or disagree, Justice Minister?
The Queen came pretty close to bringing dishonor upon you.
She lost my daughter for her son's bride. I understand perfectly.
But now your son-in-law will be the royal cupbearer. I hope you are not too disappointed in him.
Royal Cupbearer?
You really think that's possible?
Do you fear the Queen and nobles will object to this?
- Yes, Your Majesty. - That is why I asked to see you.
They will surely try to bring down Euija's accomplishments so that Gyogi will be Royal Cupbearer.
You must help me speak to the nobles.
Why do you laugh?
You are a naive man, Your Majesty.
What do you mean by that?
Please think about it. I wanted to marry my daughter to Prince Gyogi.
But because of Euija, I have become undesirable in the eyes of the Queen.
If I try to persuade others to make Euija the Royal Cupbearer, how would that look?
What about the Ungjin nobles who put their faith in me?
You mean to support Gyogi, rather than your own son-in-law?
Rather than supporting anyone,
the only way for my family to survive is to stay back and observe.
How can you do this to me, Lord Yeon?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but you must consider my position.
I thought you were a man of good sense, Lord Yeon!
Do you think the Sataek family's power will last a thousand years?
You may think that I'm the loser in this war, but wait and see!
See who the final victor is!
Your Majesty, I wish for you to be the final victor.
So you mean to be loyal to Sataek now, but switch over later?
Are you mocking me?
Did I have bad judgment all this while?
How could you be this way when I thought you were a just man!
Your Majesty, do you really think that Prince Euija's appearance as a playboy and fool is true?
He must hide, endure and be in disguise so that he can survive and accomplish his goals.
It is the same for me.
How can I marry my daughter to him and then do something to cause his death?
Right now, I must live as Sataek's dog.
That is the only way you can be victorious.
Lord Yeon...
Are you looking for Gye Baek?
Do you know where he went?
Perhaps. I wonder if he fell into this wine bottle.
I'm sorry for saying this so late. Thank you.
It was your strategy that saved me.
That wasn't even a strategy.
It's nothing compared to the strategy you've used the past few decades.
What do you mean? What strategy?
To start with the simple things,
when you were a boy, you acted like a fool to avoid the Queen's attention.
And now you live as a profligate?
And lastly... Well, that one's a bit sad.
Halt.
Go on. What's so sad?
- You won't like hearing it. - I want to hear it anyway.
Then I will decide whether to kill you or let you live.
I survived Gajam Fortress, so I don't want to die now.
I suppose I must tell you.
Your latest and most heartbreaking strategy is...
... that you killed General Mu Jin with your own hands.
Who are you?
I told you I was Junior Official Sung Choong.
Who did you hear all of these things from?
It's obvious if you look at the history. Even a three year old could see it.
- You came up with all of this? - That's right.
- What do you think of Queen Sataek? - She is a great woman.
- What do you think of me? - I have never thought of you.
Tell me what you didn't think.
I never thought of you as crying out for revenge.
I never thought of you as hiding your true self.
I never thought you would become King.
And finally, I never thought you would come to know someone like me.
Sung Choong, will you come and serve me?
I may not have been in office long,
but if others find out I'm serving the Fool Prince, they will mock me.
But if I am made a senior official, I may think about it.
Now, your Highness, I will go back to the wine I have missed for over a year.
Good...
- That's good. - Say 'ah'.
- Alright. - Here it comes.
Wine certainly tastes the best in Sabi!
You said you would never come back here again. What happened?
Hey, Yeulbae...
Don't ever ask me such philosophical questions again.
It wasn't that difficult of a question.
Yeulbae, do you know what the world's greatest mystery is?
What?
It's a person's heart.
The heart is a like a drunken monkey. One can never tell where it's going to go.
That's why men and women become monks.
So is the heart a mystery or not?
It is.
So stop asking me questions and give me food.
Alright.
We're back.
- What did you find? - There's a broker in the marketplace already.
Not only that, he murdered all the other brokers.
You mean someone's taken my place in my absence?
And he killed the others?
That little...! What a little greedy bastard.
- Who is he? - I heard he's from Baekje, but he came from Tang.
He studied overseas?
He went to Chang An when he was young, and started working for a gangster named Master Song.
He ruthlessly eliminated all of his comrades to become Master Song's right hand man.
What is his name?
No one knows, but they call him Get Rid of It.
Get rid of it? Get rid of what?
He gets rid of human lives like garbage, so that's what they call him.
Dokgae... that's scary.
What a scary nickname.
Don't be scared!
If we need nicknames, I'll be Kick Ass.
Let's drink.
It's been taken care of.
It's the head you wanted. Check it.
Yes, that's him.
Now I'm satisfied.
Then pay and go.
One of my men died getting this head.
You should pay for his life too.
That's your problem. Why should I pay for that?
I said pay up.
This isn't our first time doing business...
- Get rid of it. - Yes Sir.
You're confident, right?
We've lived by the sword all our lives. Don't worry.
I'm sick of wandering around. We need to settle down in our homeland!
Yes, no one remembers Mu Jin or Wi Je anymore.
We'll settle down again.
Are you the ones who wanted to see me?
Here you are. Are you the man they call Get Rid of It?
Lives are classified by Big, Medium and Small.
The cost is 30, 20 and 10 silver taels.
Of course it's a big.
- Give me his name. - You. I want your head.
- Who are you? - I'm the original Dokgae!
Make sure you win.
Don't you recognize me?
Who are you?
Have you completed your discussions regarding the Royal Cupbearer?
Yes, Your Majesty. Bring the Ministers' Consensus.
We have gathered the consensus of the ministers.
- This is your conclusion? - Yes, Your Majesty.
On the exterior, it may appear that Prince Euija earned merit by entering Gajam Fortress in disguise.
But the result was his capture and use as a hostage, affecting the morale of our soldiers.
If it hadn't been for the Queen, we would not have been able to attack the fortress.
Thus, it is clear that he was more of a liability than an asset to the war efforts.
Yes, we must not exaggerate Prince Euija's merits simply because we won the battle.
If so, he may continue acting in this reckless way and jeopardize the future of our kingdom.
I agree with them.
That is an accurate judgment based on Prince Euija's past history.
- Do you agree with them, Commander? - No, Your Majesty.
I was clear in relaying Prince Euija's noble effort to the ministers.
They are trying to undermine him.
Then let me ask you something, Commander.
When Prince Euija was being held hostage by the Governor,
if it weren't for the Queen's command,
would you have ordered the attack even though the prince's life was at risk?
Your Majesty, this is the truth.
That is why we think that Prince Gyogi's patience and caution contributed more to our victory.
Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is right.
My reckless entry into Gajam Fortress almost ruined our efforts.
Thus, one can say Gyogi contributed more to our victory.
Your Majesty, may we appoint Prince Gyogi as Royal Cupbearer?
Do as you wish.
You are gracious, Your Majesty.
Present the Cupbearer Robes to Prince Gyogi.
Scoundrel, that is Prince Euija! Prince Gyogi is behind you!
Please take it. It's heavy.
Has that fellow lost his mind?
How dare you! This is abominable!
Your Majesty, may I speak? (Junior Official Heung Su)
This is not a place for a mere official like you to speak!
Get out of here!
Damnation! Why is he so loud?
Go on.
Honorable Ministers!
I may be only a low-ranking official, but I have the responsibility of enrobing the Royal Cupbearer.
I have a conscience.
I cannot deliver the robes to someone else when the person most worthy is before me.
Most worthy? Alright, you may continue.
But do it at the risk of your life.
Well then, I'll risk it.
The most important factor in conquering Gajam Fortress
was minimizing the lives lost amongst our troops and putting forth an aggressive strategy.
Prince Euija entered the fortress in disguise and collaborated with the prisoners within to cause a disturbance.
He was the one who opened the gates to the fortress!
If he had not been able to do this,
even if the attack had been successful,
many of our men would have lost their lives.
It was because of Prince Euija that the enemy had to retreat without putting up a proper fight!
Yes, but he may not have been able to fight because he had been imprisoned as a hostage.
Being captured is always a possibility when one entered the enemy's territory in disguise.
That would have been difficult for a mere soldier, but Prince Euija did it even though he's royalty!
Because a royal prince risked his own life, the prisoners banded together in patriotism.
Furthermore... And this is the most brilliant part!
Prince Euija was prepared to die by the Governor's hand!
If Prince Euija had died, do you think the soldiers' morale would have dropped?
Not at all!
That is underestimating our own men!
If His Highness had died, our men would have been whipped into a frenzy!
They would have attacked the fortress with even more ferocity!
He disregarded his own position and life to enter the enemy territory.
He drew out the patriotism of the prisoners of war and increased the morale of our soldiers!
Who can hide his immense contribution to our victory?
So how could I not give the Cupbearer's Robes to Prince Euija?
How articulate you are!
This is why I didn't want to work in government.
That... that....!
Your Majesty, the Noble Assembly has already determined who the Royal Cupbearer will be.
How shameful.
That junior official was absolutely right.
I agree that the Royal Cupbearer should be...
... Prince Euija.
- Your Majesty! - Mother!
If we don't reward those who earned it, then who will fight for our kingdom?
How could you do this to me?
You're my mother!
You acted like Euija is your real son, and I'm your stepson!
Do you really think you contributed more to the victory than Euija?
- I don't think I did worse than him. - You have no conscience.
Mother!
That is not enough.
The only way is for you to do better than him. You cannot take away what he has accomplished.
Why are you doing this to me? Do you not want me to become Crown Prince?
I am doing this to make you Crown Prince, and to help you ascend to the throne.
However, you are far from being worthy.
You must leave me and your grandfather's side and become stronger by yourself.
You must become wiser.
This is too much... How can you be so cold-hearted?
What are you thinking?
Being Royal Cupbearer is the Crown Prince's responsibility. Will you let Euija take it?
The Royal Cupbearer is just that. It is not Crown Prince.
Everyone merely thinks it's the same thing.
That is what I want.
Do you intend to watch Lord Yeon and the other ministers' actions?
That's right.
Some of them will try to go to Euija's side.
And Euija will become confident and come against us.
That is when he will misstep and his supporters will come tumbling down.
That is what I am aiming for.
- That is an excellent plan. - Furthermore...
Who was that junior official?
I made some inquiries. His name is Heung Su.
He is one of Lord Yeon's followers. But he has a prickly personality and is disliked by many.
But because of Lord Yeon's favor, he was given a position in government.
Heung Su...
Yeon Moonjin is a good judge of character.
- Summon him for me. - He has already resigned and left the Palace.
Then find him.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Gyogi...
What is it?
I feel really bad.
Feel bad? But you deserved the honor.
Not at all. I was just lucky I didn't die.
That crazy fool gave the robes to me.
- Go ahead and give it to him. - What? Yes, your Highness.
What is this?
Think about it. The Royal Ceremony is our most sacred of rites.
If a profligate like me was the Royal Cupbearer, the entire kingdom would laugh.
And besides, you are more worthy than me. Here, take it.
Am I a beggar?
What are you talking about? I'm being sincere!
You're the one who deserves to be Royal Cupbearer!
Scoundrel! How dare you!
Your Majesty, I don't want to be Royal Cupbearer.
He threw away the responsibility of Royal Cupbearer so easily.
Doesn't this ruin your strategy?
Is he a fool or has he already seen through your strategy?
I cannot read him at all.
This has gone on for too long for me to think that it is calculated.
From the time he was a child to Gajam Fortress,
he always manages to slip through my fingers when I think I finally have him.
He does not even have His Majesty's support or Mu Jin's help.
He seems to be doing everything on his own.
But I get the feeling that there someone is helping him without our knowledge.
I used to think he was lucky whenever he fell through our grasp.
But now I think his actions are because he knows our plans.
Hyo So, are you there?
Did you summon me, Your Majesty?
Bring Chundanhyang to me.
You mean the priestess?
She will be in seclusion. Find her and bring her to me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Chundanhyang?
Didn't His Majesty send her into exile for deluding the people?
Do you intend to call her back?
If she agrees to do my will, I will consider it.
- Madam Young Myo, it's been a while. - Yes, it has been.
I greet you, Priestess.
I must leave the mountains soon.
Has the child grown up well?
Yes, she has become wise beyond her years.
You were right about her.
Indeed? I must see her soon.
But there is something that troubles me.
What is it?
I am not sure if she has made the right choice in choosing Prince Euija.
Are you worried that Euija will ruin everything because of his petty revenge?
That's right. He may bring bloodshed when he ascends to the throne.
He will not do that.
Because there is someone else who will put a stop to the bloodshed.
Someone else? Who is that person?
He is already with her.
He will open Euija's eyes and open his heart.
And he is the child's true mate.
You mean she isn't meant for Euija?
She will... be with all the heroes.
She wants you to come inside.
That smell of a lonely beast...!
I like it! I really like it!
These are my parents.
But I don't remember their faces.
My father died before I was a year old.
And my mother died when I turned ten.
Do you remember what I said that day?
So this man is General Mu Jin?
Do you know my father?
I do. Of course I do.
There is no one in Baekje more loyal than he.
A long time ago,
someone that I knew considered him a loyal subject too.
I remember.
That someone was my father.
Let me go! What have I done?
Let me go!
My dear!
Now will you believe me?
There are others who are patriots like your father.
There are others who are alone in this world like you.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
That is why I became close to Queen Sataek.
So that I can kill her in close range.
- Must I explain further? - But that is too dangerous.
If you're found out, your life will be...
You said you cared nothing for your life.
I feel the same way.
As long as I can take revenge for my father's death and my wronged family,
nothing can affect me.
I have lived thus far with revenge to fuel me.
There is someplace you must go with me.
Swordmaster!
Swordmaster? I haven't been called that in ages.
Have you come to order more censers? How many?
Uncle.
Uncle? I've never met you before. Who are you?
- You don't recognize me? - No.
You must be here to collect my tavern bill. I told you I'd pay you back!
Go! Get out of here!
- I'm Gye Baek. - Whatever, I said I'll pay you in...
What did you just say?
I'm Gye Baek. The Gye Baek that used to pour wine for you and my father.
That's impossible. Gye Baek is dead.
That's what I heard!
I thought I was going to die too.
You... you're really...?
You're really that rascal Gye Baek?
I... I heard you were dead!
You rascal...! You were alive!
You're alive! You're alive, you rascal!
That day, your father told me to return this sword to the fire.
But I couldn't do it.
It wasn't because I put my soul into making it.
But if I melted this sword, I would have nothing to remember him by.
How must I live now, Father?
Sit with me for a while.
Gye Baek, stay here and live with me for a while.
Miss Eun Go said you can live in the Trade House.
But you'll be more comfortable here.
It's your decision to make.
Have you heard about my brother?
You would think there would be rumors,
but I haven't heard a single thing.
What are your plans for the future?
I don't know.
Then take revenge.
Now the sword belongs to you.
If you need anything, I'll help you.
If you ask for swords, I'll make them and if you ask for arrows, I'll make them too.
Swordmaster, what are you talking about?
Gye Baek has just returned from the dead. How can you tell him to take revenge?
I should ask you the same thing?
A man needs to exact revenge for his parents!
Why did you bring him back here? You tell me.
Are you not going to take revenge for your father's death?
Revenge is not for Gye Baek to take.
Your Highness.
- You rascal! - It's fine.
Never hold a sword again.
Neither Eun Go nor I want you to use a sword again.
- Your Highness! - It is the last thing your father wanted.
It was your father's fervent last wish.
Revenge is my responsibility.