Queen Seon Deok
Enjoy:)
Episode 34
What is all this?
We are in the midst of selecting bouts for the final Pungwolju competition.
I shall join that competition as well.
What?
Bidam?!
Bidam...
What is that supposed to mean?
How could Bidam...
He is now at the exhibition hall,
formally requesting the Wonsanghwa that he be allowed participation.
Can we be sure Bojong will become Pungwolju?
He indeed never lost that kind of duel before,
but is Bojong's dexterity really that remarkable?
Should he lose, then what?
All men of arms know defeat may lie behind the corner.
How could anyone be sure?
Ehh... Afraid of failure,
are we concocting our own way out?
Nunim!
Nunim!!
What is the matter?
I saw this on my way here...
That...
That Bidam fellow.
This fellow suddenly shows up at the exhibition hall,
stubbornly announcing his participation in the competition.
And how dare he even attempt to participate...
in a contest only Hwarang are allowed to enter?
As a pupil of the Gukseon, he certainly would have the right...
to participate in the contest, but...
He might have followed the Gukseon around,
but how do you know whether he is a true pupil or just a varlet?
*Pungnyu Hwangkwon: according to Samguk Yusa, a register listing Hwarang lineage
Someone whose name is not even in the Hwarang register*.
Only Hwarang can join this contest.
What gives you the right to clamor inclusion?
As the pupil of his master,
the Gukseon.
As that allows me to claim admittance into Hwarang ranks,
I believe it also gives me the right to participate in this contest.
Hence...
I request admittance into this competition,
so may you kindly accede.
However,
we already confirmed the thirty-two participants from every county...
who successfully passed the preliminaries.
You may have the right to participate, but is it not too late?
Yes. It is against standard procedure.
He is merely engaging in obloquy.
We all gained the right to participate in this contest...
by winning our respective preliminary rounds.
Not to mention...
that he alone claims to be the Gukseon's pupil.
Also, should he even be his pupil,
his behavior is still against our principles.
May you leave.
Out of my sight.
What are you trying to do?!
This is a clear affront against our legacy!
Draw your sword!
Meseems this Hwarang will be incapacitated for the time being,
so shall I enter the contest in his stead?
Say what?
How dare you engage in such riotous infamy?!
Have you not...
seen what happened?
He was the first to draw his sword.
What...
What is that supposed to mean?!
Yes... I...
I think you should go see for yourself.
- This fellow claimed to be your pupil... - Yes.
He suddenly showed up, and demanded admittance into the contest.
Pupil?!
Bidam?
Yes.
Saying he was your pupil, that it granted him the right to participate,
he just stubbornly...
So you truly are the Gukseon's pupil?
What is all this commotion?
Claiming he is Your Eminence's pupil,
that man is requesting admittance into this contest.
The Gukseon's pupil has all the right to enter the competition,
so if you confirm his claims, I shall decide on the best course of action.
Is that fellow...
truly a disciple of yours?
You knave...
You!
I...
will...
participate in this contest.
He indeed is my pupil.
In the thirty-second contestant Seonggo Rang's stead,
*Mumyeong (no name) Ji (genitive) Do (discipline, guild)
Bidam Rang of the nameless guild* will participate in this contest.
I am whelmed by your benevolence.
Herewith,
the thirty-two contestants' bouts have been selected.
The first duel shall take place here, at the hour of the horse (11am~1pm).
Ahh... right!
Nunim.
I came here to tell you this,
but meseems that Bidam forced me to digress.
This what?
I received word that Daenambo shall soon reach the capital.
- Brother. - Yes.
When does that "soon" refer to?
*Old Shilla Fortress in Mt. Gubong (Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province)
How long has it been since he allegedly reached Danghang Fortress*?
He is only departing for the capital now?
Ahh... I could not say it better!
Wait until I see that Daenambo. I will make him pay for all this!
That little...
Your Highness!
Your Highness.
The first duel begins at the hour of the horse.
What happened to that Bidam fellow?
The Gukseon came to the hall, and acknowledged him as his pupil.
He did?
Still, did they not confirm the thirty-two participants already?
Yes...
They did, but this Hwarang suddenly started quibbling with him,
and in just a blink of the eye, he sent the Hwarang crashing on the floor.
Hence...
He is taking that Hwarang's place.
The Gukseon, that cunning cur... What is he scheming?
If he is his pupil, did they not plan this together from the start?
The Gukseon is not that kind of specimen.
How can you be sure?
However, I shall look into it.
He always claimed he was a pupil of the Gukseon,
but it does indeed seem to be the case.
He looked possessed out there!
Yes! In the blink of an eye, he manhandled this fellow,
and will join the contest in his stead.
That was something.
In the morrow, at the competition,
I shall make your wishes come true.
What is that supposed to mean?
Yushin Rang...
will become the next Pungwolju.
Have you seen that?
I sure did.
So his being a pupil of the Gukseon was not a foolish gasconade?
It wasn't.
But... Is he not a boorish buffoon?
Who is?
Me?
Whom are you esteemed Hwarang contending with?
You insolent knave!
Are you fighting with me, or not?
Ahh!
I could just take a peek at that contest board.
Contest board...
Should you end up in duel against me,
careful about your buttocks.
That is all I go for.
Buttocks...
Buttocks!
That...
Buttocks is all I go for!
Buttocks!
Derangement invaded his mind for sure.
Yushin Rang.
You need not worry.
You practiced enough, even split a rock...
No... I mean, you even split a rock in two,
would any mortal contend with your might?!
Anyhow, that would be out of the question,
so never you worry.
Yes, based on what we heard from the other Hwarang,
it seems they all acknowledge you are not your old self.
Also, looking at the contest board, your first contender is Bakeui Rang.
You must go out there and triumph.
You must!
Yes... Since we are not too fond of him...
"Not too fond"?! We downright despise him!
Right...
So, you must triumph for us.
You must!
Yushin Rang, we're counting on you!
- Give it all you have, and... - You are being disgraceful.
Yah, is he not a little too tense?
Tell me about it.
Is it because this is his first time?
Looks like experience is indeed important in these competitions.
Let us help him release some of that tension.
Look at this, look!
They should be contending with blades and this is all...
Ahh... this is trouble!
Can this do it?!
Alcheon Rang, give your best!
Yes, that's right!
Our guilds are like family anyhow...
Wow... This competition is quite something!
- I never imagined. - Tell me about it.
Even two compeers in arms and people so close to each other...
do not even speak?!
Wow... this...
You are that Bidam's first contender.
I am.
I witnessed his skills in Iseo County.
His swordsmanship is as fast as it is dazzling.
Be careful.
I will do my best, and make sure you do not need to face him.
And should I fail to vanquish him, I shall at least make sure...
that he will not go on unscathed.
Who?
You talked of making sure someone doesn't go on unscathed.
Who's that?
What are you, a group of two?
Then, I could just face you both at once!
If I recall correctly,
you couldn't fight to save your life?!
You insolent...
How dare you barge in here and utter such drivel?
If you plan to join the competition, learn to control yourself!
How dare you show such contempt to a Hwarang?!
Aigoo...
At least when it comes to that tongue of yours,
you're worthy of becoming Pungwolju!
You knave!
Ohh Ohh... I lose.
I lost.
"How dare you?!"
Wow... that is quite loud.
How can someone so little have such roaring...
That knave...
That knave!
Do you know me?
Aigoo...
You should know me instead.
And you must have seen me earlier at the exhibition hall.
But, what is wrong with you?
*Protecting the nation
So you're from the Hoguk* guild?!
To my knowledge, my master once led the Hoguk guild,
and I even heard he created the guild's unique fighting style.
Well... I have not witnessed your swordsmanship before...
Ehh...
If you end up meeting me in duel,
two successors of the original Hoguk style will square against each other?!
But...
You never learned from the Gukseon, right?
How could you call yourself a successor, then?
If you end up losing,
how about you transfer command of the guild to myself?
Say what?
What are you knave trying to say?!
I trust you learned that you should appease your soul before a duel?!
You little...
Appease, appease your soul...
What are you trying to do?
What are you referring to?
Why do you keep pestering the Hwarang with that frivolous banter?
If you wish to join the competition, should you not behave with dignity?
With the utmost dignity, I am giving my very best.
What?
I am confident about my skills, but have no experience in duels,
and since those duels and real battles are different,
how could I be sure of the outcome?
So?
Every movement of the sword begins from inside your soul.
Swaying their minds will also sway their blades.
I am giving my very best...
to pester them with the utmost dignity.
And you don't believe what you're doing is abject cowardice?
One of the essences of the Hwarang code...
was to never differentiate between everyday life and battle, wasn't it?
They are just too weak to cope with that.
Why did you join that competition?
Did you not wish for Yushin Rang to become Pungwolju?
So?
It will go just as you wish.
I've heard your disciple joined the competition.
Yes.
That is what happened.
You talk as if all this was beyond your control.
It is your pupil after all,
so there is no way you would have no control over his behavior.
How could you let this happen?
The Gukseon's pupil clearly has the right to participate.
Let this happen?!
Yes, I trust it must be so.
But I still believe you will give the contests a fair assessment.
Of course I will.
From the first moment I saw you and for a long time after,
there is not a single day when my respect for you faltered.
I hope you will earn that respect of mine until the very end.
~ Piltan ~ ~ Yushin ~
~ Alcheon ~
~ Piltan ~ ~ Yushin ~
~ Alcheon ~
~ Bidam ~ vs ~ Bojong ~
How are things proceeding?
It is a fiercely close combat.
But, that Bidam has joined the contest.
Bidam, is that not one of Deokman's followers?
Yes.
As the Gukseon's pupil, he joined the competition.
Sire...
Sire.
What is the matter?
*Zhejiang, China (old Sui stronghold)
The envoy has returned from Hangzhou*...
So... Has Chunchu returned?
But...
What is wrong?
What is the matter?
Meseems Her Highness Lady Mishil outsmarted us,
and already escorted Lord Chunchu.
What?
Mishil did what?
How could Mishil have escorted Chunchu?
But, if he had already departed,
should he not have arrived already?
Even our envoy is back.
How could he not be back by now?
You are not...
You are not telling me Mishil has forcibly confined Chunchu?!
Keep a keen eye on Mishil's movements.
Also,
contact Danghang Fortress, and ask when Chunchu arrived there.
Yes, Sire.
*Old name of Namsan Peak in Gyeongju
He almost crossed Mount Geumoh*.
He will soon reach the capital.
Mount Geumoh?!
Then, that is right behind the corner,
so why did you return all by yourself?
Daenambo Rang told me to convey you their position.
The journey made him terribly queasy,
so after reaching Danghang Fortress,
His Highness said he would rest there a few days and get treated.
Ohh Ohh... Still...
We have long been waiting for his return already...
Even if he took his time and walked, he would already be here.
Actually, that...
Speak at once!
He actually... cannot ride a horse.
What?!
Wh...What?!
Say what?
He cannot ride?!
Ahh... And how could that be possible?
Does that make any sense?
How can a man be unable to ride horses?
In my case, I certainly have a reason for that.
I am blessed with many other talents, save for that of riding horses.
Then you should have escorted him with a carriage!
Ehh...
Stop the retinue!
Milord.
What is troubling you?
I feel queasy.
Let us briefly rest.
- Put down the carriage. - Yes.
~ Kim Chunchu ~ (to be King Muyeol)
Bring me a kerchief and some water.
Bring His Highness some water and a kerchief.
Yes.
Milord...
We must hasten.
We almost reached Seorabeol.
The carriage makes me queasy, I cannot go on.
Daenambo Rang.
Yes, Milord.
So there is a competition in Seorabeol?!
What?
Yes...
I see.
Aigoo... It sure is scorching hot.
Yushin Rang of the Dragon Flower Guild.
Alcheon Rang of the Celestial Angels Guild.
Bojong Rang of the Sun Moon Star Guild.
Bidam Rang of the Nameless Guild.
As the Pungwolju in charge, I hereby announce...
that the following four Hwarang will compete in the semifinal round.
The semifinal rounds shall take place at the hour of the ape (3~5pm).
How are you feeling?
It's you...
Your wound is serious.
Will you be able to compete in the next round?
It will be the same for all the others.
Should you become Pungwolju,
it will expedite our plans by at least three years.
You must win at all cost.
Of course you must.
You have a huge burden on your shoulders.
You are facing Yushin Rang in the semifinal round,
how do you feel?
I will merely do my best.
If you and Yushin Rang engage in a fierce contest,
then your next foe will be Bojong Rang.
Wouldn't that burden you even further?
You two did not discuss this in any way?
What are you trying to imply?!
That I should manipulate the outcome?
It is a competition.
Both Yushin and I have no intention of doing that.
How are you feeling?
Is everything all right?
I have no excuses.
Don't say that.
Bidam is a formidable foe.
You must swiftly overpower Bidam,
if you are to make the final duel easier to approach.
Yushin and Alcheon are on the same side,
so they may be scheming something together.
Bidam's greatest strengths are his keen reflexes and his jumping.
However, he hurt his ankle.
He will find it hard to jump with his right foot.
Bidam Rang...
Have some water.
Wow... Look at him, all peaceful and uncaring.
He already said he needed no one on his side,
but he sure seemed to be right.
Looks like he was injured by Imjong Rang, earlier.
Can he walk?
Ahh... Nunim.
I have been looking all over for you, but you were here!
Ahh... I've been all over the place...
Hajong was conveying me news of Lord Chunchu, so I was waiting myself.
Did Chunchu reach the palace?
No... It's not that.
Seems like he crossed Mount Geumoh in the morn.
So he is close to the capital.
What?
If he crossed Mount Geumoh, that is right around the corner, how...
Ehh... That...
I ought to...
He cannot ride horses.
I cannot believe my ears...
I at least can boast dexterity in other fields,
but Chunchu does not show any particular skill.
Yes...
Milord?!
Riding a horse is nothing too cumbersome.
Anyone can do it.
Milord...
I shall show you how.
Riding horses is very enjoyable.
So...
What did you just say?
Yes, Milord.
Is riding horses really that enjoyable?
Yes.
Will you allow me to show you?
I did try to learn that in the past,
but it was no laughing matter for sure.
Will you show me how?
Yes, Milord!
All right. Let us give it a try.
That was well done.
Will you try holding the reins?
Th...This is way too daunting.
I will have to descend.
Milord!
May you try a little longer.
I said help me get down!
See? I end up riding a horse, and I suddenly am whelmed by fatigue.
I will have to enjoy some respite at a nearby tavern.
What?
But you only briefly...
Milord.
- We need to hasten back... - Find a tavern.
Your Highness.
Did you issue any orders to Bidam?
What are you talking about?
He joined the contest without any prior consultation.
If you were the one ordering him to do it...
I never issued such orders.
Your Highness.
The semifinal rounds shall soon begin.
We must hasten.
We shall hereby commence the first semifinal round.
Yushin Rang of the Dragon Flower Guild,
and Alcheon Rang of the Celestial Angels Guild.
You may come forward.
Pay your respects.
On your marks.
Begin!
Yushin Rang! Yushin Rang!
Alcheon Rang! Alcheon Rang!
Yushin Rang of the Dragon Flower Guild wins!
~ Yushin ~
He will now advance to the finals.
Yushin Rang! Yushin Rang!
Hurrah for Yushin Rang! Hurrah for Yushin Rang!
Careful... careful.
Careful... gently.
Do it gently.
Yushin Rang, that was really great!
Yes... Remarkable indeed.
With skills like yours, why have you not participated before?
I was touched I almost cried.
Have some water.
Even Alcheon Rang, he could not vanquish you, but...
Yushin Rang.
Are you all right?
The vanquished still walks about,
so how can the winner lie down?!
It was a fine contest.
Indeed. You have vanquished me,
so you must now become Pungwolju at all cost.
Is that clear?
Applause!
Applaud, applaud!
"You have vanquished me..."
"So you must now become Pungwolju at all cost!"
"Is that clear?"
Aigoo... Then, take it easy.
Tell me about it, uh? He first beats him to a pulp,
and then tells him to become Pungwolju?!
That is why they call it a duel.
Let's not even mention it.
So, what, you just embrace each other and go...
"Our friendship shall forever last!"
What the hell is that?
I think I can understand that.
What?
You, too? How can I put it...
That feeling only two men fighting for real can sense...
That brewing sensation...
- That! - Yeah, just that!
- The hell are you prattling about? - And what is "that"?!
Don't know what "that" is, but give me a break.
Why, does a duel make you all excited or something?
Does it?
- Shall we try, then? - Go ahead.
Take a good look.
Wow... This duel...
Forget about that.
Milord.
It is getting late. We must hasten.
Milord.
May you awaken.
Milord.
I shall enter.
Milo...
Daenambo Rang!
We cannot find him!
No signs of him in the outhouse, either.
How could this happen?
Find him at once. Find him!
Bidam's greatest strengths are his keen reflexes and his jumping.
However, he hurt his ankle.
He will find it hard to jump with his right foot.
Bojong Rang! Bojong Rang!
Think that would work?
I have fought over thirty contests in this place.
Even those dusty motes you threw at me...
are on my side.
Bojong Rang! Bojong Rang!
Saw that?!
I learned it all even without your help.
Why are you not teaching it to me?
Just because I said I would not,
are you trying to sneak in and watch our lessons furtively?
And you believe just taking a quick look at it,
you will be able to master those techniques?
I just wish to learn that.
- Just because I wanted... - Then...
Does that give you the right to steal our discipline?
You have no right to learn it!
Why do you keep refusing to acknowledge me as your pupil?
I want to learn everything you know.
I never taught him that...
Did he learn it all by just observing us?
Bidam Rang of the Nameless Guild wins.
He now advances to the finals.
The eventide shall soon be upon us.
Hence, the finals will take place in the early morn.
Right here and now!
I wish to fight with Yushin Rang.
Yushin Rang of the Dragon Flower Guild!
Come forward.
Do you agree to Bidam Rang's proposal to fight now?
If it is fine with Bidam, I have nothing against it.
Then...
One period from now, at the hour of the dog (7~9pm),
the finals shall commence.
Bojong has lost the duel.
He... To whom did he lose?
That Bidam vanquished him.
Was he not undefeated in this kind of contest?
He vanquishes Bojong?!
He is a remarkable specimen.
Yes.
Should Bidam win the finals,
he will join Bojong and Yushin with one win,
and the Pungwolju will be decided via popular vote.
Then... Bojong would be the most likely winner.
Yushin must win to become Pungwolju...
and give support to Deokman.
Ehh... He lost.
He lost?!
Bojong, that wretched fool lost.
I knew it would happen.
So he was vanquished by that Bidam?
Bidam...
Yes.
He was all haughty about never having lost a duel before,
ehh... I knew it would end this way.
Then, the finals...
will be fought by Bidam and Yushin?!
Your Highness.
How are we supposed to act now?
But, Mother.
Are they not both on Princess Deokman's side?
Ohh Ohh... How could this...
I will have to head there.
What?
It's not like going there would change anything.
Mother...
I am mortified.
Well done.
Mother...
You did well.
You fought well.
My son.
Ehh... What's that? Why aren't they fighting?
One gak (15 minutes) has already passed.
Are they trying to deal with it by simple gazes?
You dolts, can't you see they're already fighting?
Fight what? They're standing still.
They're studying each other!
It might seem as if they are not moving,
but they are in fact reading each other's strengths and tactics!
Then, one strike, one strike! And the fight will be over.
It just seems to me like...
Quiet.
It just seems to me that they are too fatigued,
and are just trying to rest a little.
- I'm with Godo! - Me too! Me too.
Aigoo... you miserable fools.
Do you have any idea what martial arts are?
Martial arts!
Quiet... Martial arts...
They'll soon start. One strike.
- They're still standing... - Ahh... You little...
Should you...
be scheming what I fear,
I will not forgive it.
What you truly fear...
is the chance Yushin will lose, is it not?
I shall accept his loss,
but not what you're trying to scheme.
If that is truly what you're planning,
do not even think about it.
Yushin would never accept it.
Bidam.
Don't.
Fight for real.
I am.
If you don't start fighting for real, you are dead!
What are you trying to do?
Think of the big picture.
Compared to what you and Her Highness will achieve,
this contest means nothing!
Do not belittle this competition!
Get up, you knave...
You two!
You knaves...
Can you manipulate the outcome of this sacred competition,
and still call yourselves Hwarang?
There is a possibility the Gukseon used Bidam to defeat Bojong,
and allow Yushin to become Pungwolju.
Would the Gukseon possibly besmirch the legacy of this competition?
I hope it is not the case myself,
but the situation can only foment suspicions.
If he did indeed do so,
I shall not forgive him.
If the Gukseon was truly behind this,
it makes things even easier for us.
Yes, Your Highness.
What are you implying, Wonsanghwa?
Did you just say "manipulating the outcome"?
I, Wonsanghwa Chilsuk!
Spent my every day holding a sword.
Should this inglorious spectacle be fruit of my imagination,
I shall pierce my eyes right here, and atone for my insolence!
Gukseon!
Speak at once!
Can you call this a fair and legitimate duel?
If!
The leading light of our Hwarang, the Gukseon, says so,
then, for the Hwarang...
it will be the end.
What is he talking about? The end for the Hwarang?!
So, who is the winner?
Keep quiet, you fool.
How did he join the contest?
I said shut that gob, you little...
And who... are you?
Me?
Kim Chunchu.
~ On the Next Episode Of ~ QUEEN ~*~ SEONDEOK
If he manages to stop him ten times, he will acknowledge it?!
It is not conceivable he could do that.
Yushin Rang can create problems for her.
So, in the end, Bojong will become Pungwolju.
It was all a stratagem by Mishil.
- There is something strange about this. - Tell me about it.
People might even think they are mother and son or something.
What Yushin Rang said is right.
He could easily abandon me.
I know that. I know.
What is so important about a mere competition?
Meseems there is nothing for you to do here.
- Leave at once. - Are you going to excommunicate me?
- I already expected you would. - I see the path is still long for you.
- Mishil did what? - Did you not come to escort me?
She was not confining Chunchu?
What is that supposed to mean?
You will pay for this affront with your life.
What did you do with Lord Chunchu?