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He is my son.
Wh...Wh...What?!
What did you say?
Wh...What... Si...Sister...
Bidam is the son borne out of my union with King Jinji,
Hyeongjong.
Between Mishil and me...
there is no relation whatsoever.
Is that so?
Yes.
Just as I told you,
the only reason I went to Daeya Fortress was...
No need.
If you say so, I will believe you.
~ Episode 50 ~
Bidam...
Why did he deceive me?
~ Daeya Fortress ~
The western gates, the eastern ones...
and the northern ones here.
I deployed forces equally between the three gates.
There are 2,500 seom of supplies left inside the fortress.
Even without any aid from the outside,
we will be self-sufficient for at least a year.
Also, should even only one of the governors who received our pleas...
decide to act, many others will follow him afterwards.
Yes, should that happen,
our influence in Daeya Fortress would grow exponentially.
I shall send another appeal to the governors.
Your Highness.
Are you heeding my words?
Ahh... yes.
Act as suggested.
Then, are you suggesting we instigate a civil war?
We are already facing it.
Is there any other way?
Still,
Daeya Fortress is nearly inexpugnable.
It has never been infiltrated before.
That is why we must overwhelm them with numbers,
and stage an all-out offensive, catching them by surprise.
And where would you find enough troops to "overwhelm" them?
Even if we unite Lord Jujin and Lord Jinhwa's troops,
numbers would only amount to ten thousand men at best.
You will pardon me, but may I suggest the border defense troops?
We cannot use them.
It is out of the question.
Why?
Is that not the only way to end this conflict before it even starts?
No... It is inadmissible.
We shall never remove those men from the border.
Losing our frontline at the border with Baekje...
would be much more dangerous than our current impasse.
However, Your Highness,
Mishil might use those troops herself.
No...
Mishil will not remove those men from the frontline, either.
Yes... We shall never remove those troops from the front.
Losing our balance that way would only spell this nation's downfall.
But, Your Highness.
It is the only way to conclude this conflict with a single strike.
Yes, Mother!
Deploying a single battalion from the border would end everything in our favor!
I said no!
Nobody shall make any such imprudent move.
You shall neither contact them nor deploy any troops away from there.
Is that clear?
Are you struggling?
Do you...
think we cannot escape from this internal conflict?
Does war daunt you?
Or are you concerned about its possible aftermath?
It would bring forth terrible consequences.
And plenty of efforts and resources would be required to...
bring us out of such crisis.
Would there be anything as lamentable...
as having to fight my own people on my native soil?
A purge is on the horizon,
so Daeya Fortress will see an arduous and protracted war.
Your Highness.
Go ahead and tell her.
It's your idea, why are you asking me?
What is the matter?
Yes... that...
We thought about this matter.
When the Qin attacked the Wei,
they made reservoirs explode,
completely inundating Daliang*.
*Old Wei capital, current Kaifeng, Henan Province
So we thought we could do the same with Hwang River.
How could you do that now?
It is not even the rainy season,
and the water level is nowhere near what we would need for a flood.
See? I told you it would not work.
Ahh... So there isn't enough water.
What a shame.
Most of the rivers in the Three Kingdoms...
flow from the east to the west.
And we are east of Daeya Fortress.
So this was the perfect place, perfect.
What a shame, ahh...
There isn't enough water, you heard.
My apologies.
Don't say that.
Whenever anything comes to mind, let me know.
A moment.
What did you say?
Uh?
That there isn't enough water?!
No...
Not that.
That we are on the east coast.
Your Highness.
There is a way to achieve our goals.
May you follow me.
Seems like my words created another brilliant stratagem.
"We are on the east coast."
The east...
*Old Nakdong River
With the exception of Hwangsan River*,
all rivers in the Three Kingdoms flow from east to west.
The same goes for all rivers and lakes in the area.
Are you suggesting we flood Daeya Fortress?
In this season?
No, the exact opposite.
Exactly here.
We will create a huge watercourse headed for Daeya Fortress.
They might have plenty of supplies,
but should they find themselves lacking water,
what would possibly happen?
But finding all the tributaries which connect with Daeya Fortress...
would be quite the task.
Yes.
We will fill those small tributaries with an immense amount of poison.
Then, all it would take to see Daeya Fortress exhaust all its water reserves...
is a mere fortnight.
In just a fortnight,
Daeya Fortress will be sweltered by the flames of hell.
Your Highness.
If we do so, many lands in Daeya Fortress will become...
inhospitable for years.
Think of all the refugees this would create.
Will you once again deal with their vengeful grief with fear?
Your Highness.
May you reconsider.
Daeya Fortress is your land as well.
Your Highness!
Yes.
I myself have no intention...
of acting as Bidam suggested.
Have you seen the look on Bidam Rang's face?
I must have suggested to him some sort of stratagem?!
What stratagem?
He doesn't know either.
Despite all the stratagems he's responsible for,
he never has the slightest idea what they're all about.
Right!
You're the first to speak,
but know nothing about stratagems.
Then, was Bidam Rang the one you helped with your words?
The look on his face was saying "exactly that,"
to that extent.
What did I ever suggest to him?
Yes, I shall not follow Bidam's suggestion.
Yet, I will also follow it.
Exactly.
By now, our enemy will be aware of Bidam's stratagem.
You alert your foes on a military secret?!
Just blocking waterways and talebearing on our spreading poison...
will suffice to turn Daeya Fortress into a living hell in just a fortnight.
Your Highness.
You're having a parley with Mishil?
We found a way to force Mishil into a corner,
so why would you ever meet with the root of all our problems?
Forcing her into a corner was what we needed to have a parley with her.
She will not easily accept any proposal, so...
For proposal, you mean...
Convey this message to Mishil.
Why...
did you choose me for this task?
You must relay it firsthand.
Is that clear?
~ Daeya Fortress ~
Who is there?
I am an envoy.
Escort me to Her Highness!
- Open the gates! - Yes!
Did you volunteer to be sent here and slay me?
Her Highness the princess wishes for you to read this.
Princess?!
She wants a parley alone with me?!
Unless it is to acknowledge surrender,
I have no reason to meet her.
Why?
Does it daunt you?
Daunt me?!
Meeting Deokman?
Your Highness.
I would like a word with you.
What...
They're blocking all rivers and poisoning the tributaries?
Yes...
*Baekje on the west, Goguryeo up north
Daeya Fortress has never faced a foe coming from the east*.
Hence, we could never predict this weak spot.
Would this not be a strategic secret for them?
Yes...
Would they not try to spread panic?
Then, they must have sent this on purpose.
So all troops inside the fortress must be aware as well?!
Yes, by now talebearing will have spread all around the fortress.
Panic?!
Deokman has no intention to fight.
What?
You first force me into a corner, and then extend your hands?
Why don't you try?
Blocking rivers and poisoning those waters...
Think that will move me to fear Deokman?
If you truly don't fear her, it is by meeting her that you will prove it.
I will try to reconcile with her, and join forces.
What?
Your Highness.
What are you talking about?
Did they not stage an insurrection?
Our country has its own great endeavors to fulfill.
It is an alliance for the sake of such endeavors.
*Hezong, the union by Six Warring States to fend off the Qin
An alliance*?!
We will use this stratagem to force Mishil into a corner.
If you use this opportunity to fight her, we will triumph.
Yes, it is out of the question.
And it would be unfeasible.
If a conflict is what she wants, she will get one.
But purging Mishil's followers alone will take years.
And bringing the system back to normality...
might take entire decades.
But, Your Highness.
Would an alliance with Mishil be possible?
What?
An alliance?!
Her Highness already sent an envoy to notify Mishil.
What... What on earth is she thinking?
I...
am doing my best to help your vision and wishes come true.
And I will continue to do so.
But...
I am not sure about this.
Is it even feasible?
No...
Should we even do so?
What did you say was our most urgent need?
We have no experience in leading a country.
But Mishil's people do.
Yes... What we most urgently require now...
are people.
You are not thinking...
You wouldn't, Your Highness?!
You are not thinking...
Yes, I am.
You think Mishil is part of that?
Is there anyone like Mishil in Seorabeol?
*1 ri = 393m
We agreed to keep troops at least ten ri* away from here.
Yushin and Alcheon are standing by with a thousand troops.
An alliance?!
Yes.
I wish for this alliance to bring forth reconciliation.
And why?
Did you not exploit Daeya Fortress's weakest spot with your stratagems?
Wouldn't letting your rebel troops infiltrate the fort and kill me suffice?
Your talents are much too valuable to be wasted that way.
Valuable?!
Grandiose achievements still await our country.
Hence, I am looking for talented people all over.
Yes, I do boast quite the remarkable retinue.
Who are you interested in?
Lord Seolwon?
Or Lord Misaeng?
Chilsuk...
Your Highness.
Yes.
The talent I wish to have by my side...
is none other than you,
Mishil.
Will you agree to serve my cause?
You have no chance of winning this conflict.
Then, should you not plan for your future?
And that future you mention would include joining your side?
If it sounds vexatious, we can think of it on these terms.
You will foster your successor.
If you cannot gain possession of this country,
how would helping the successor who will rule it sound?
Rule... Rule?!
So I will never rule this land, you're saying?
Unless you found your own dynasty,
there is no chance.
But your foundation attempts clearly failed.
Now, there is no way you will become our heavenly kingdom's ruler.
Ruler?!
Heavenly kingdom...
Jeongcheon County...
Dosal Fortress.
Handasa County.
Sokham Fortress.
Know where any of these places are?
Are they not our southernmost, northernmost and westernmost borders?
No...
They are not.
They are places drenched in my own blood.
The compeers I cherished,
the Hwarang...
and troops.
Therein still lie their remains,
not even granted an honorable burial.
That is Shilla!
The frontier land of this great nation King Jinheung and I conquered!
Heavenly kingdom... Ruler?!
And what would you know?
Just as my heart was filled with devotion for Sadaham,
I cherished this nation with all my heart.
So fervently I cherished it, I merely wanted to possess it.
Your Highness...
Alliance, you said?
A coalition?!
Deokman.
Could you share your devotion with anyone else?
Your Highness.
How did it go?
Your Highness.
I will talk to Mishil myself.
I request your consent.
I must talk with Her Highness.
What is the matter?
Did the negotiations break down?
Ask Deokman.
Do you still believe you can vanquish her?
The conclusion is already written.
Even if it shall herald my failure,
your triumph will be laden with fierce resistance on my part.
Why must it end this way?
Because there is no reason why it should not.
Then...
How about this?
I trust you know what this is?
In the end... It found its keeper.
This was in Her Highness's hands.
I stole it from her.
You stole it?!
Why?
If you revealed that, this all would be over already.
Stop pretending to be strong!
The longer this conflict protracts itself,
the more people will join my side.
So...
Why...
Why steal it?
Why?
What is the reason?
Because it is all too cruel.
Mother...
To you,
this entire life of yours...
was drenched in injustice.
You should have perished many moons past.
May you accept Her Highness's proposal.
If you don't,
I might reveal this to everyone.
Mishil refused my proposal.
From here on in, we will be on war footing.
Yushin Rang.
Devise plans for a siege offensive.
Yes, Your Highness.
Alcheon Rang. Block all the Hwang River's waterways.
Then, alert our foes on the matter.
Yes.
Yeomjong.
Contact any informer you have in Daeya Fortress,
and start spreading talebearing.
That the princess poisoned all waters.
Yes.
Wolya Rang.
Lead the battalion with Seolji and Jukbang,
observe Daeya Fortress day and night, and report back.
Yes.
An alliance?!
Al...Alliance?!
Yes, Her Highness refused it.
Ahh... Naturally!
She must be adamant to deceive and kill us all!
According to Her Highness, Princess Deokman seemed sincere.
Enough that she would not kill us.
What?
Never you worry.
A strong army is backing us.
Ahh... Yes!
Nobles in the vicinity have also pledged their troops!
Father.
General Mueun's battalion,
which was defending our stronghold in Chopalhye Prefecture,
has completely surrendered to Princess Deokman.
And it does not end there.
Ever since rumors that Her Highness poisoned waterways started spreading,
the number of deserters has been on the rise.
So even the water from this well was poisoned,
is that it?
Should we not run away before it's too late?
Right...
It's either facing death by poison, or being executed for desertion.
What are you discussing?
You cannot.
Who knows whether the poison is affecting it already or not?
Know how much poison it would take to poison all waterways headed here?
But, because of that, deserters are on the rise.
If it scares you so much, do the same.
Instead, don't ever let me catch you while deserting.
Only those willing to support and assist Her Highness to the end...
will remain here to protect her.
Pungwolju and Chief, you take the eastern gates.
Yes.
Lord Jujin, the northern gates.
Yes. Your Highness.
Bidam and Yeomjong, take your men and a thousand troops,
and gain control of Chopalhye Prefecture.
Yes.
Wolya and Seolji, take the refugee troops and infiltrate the southern walls.
Yes.
Daeya Fortress will be in disorder because of the rumors we spread.
Hence, should the first offensive fail,
it still must be a very strong and overwhelming showing.
We must disrupt our foes' will to fight.
If we get past there, we'll be out of Daeya Fortress.
If we remain here, we'll just die.
Let us leave! Uh?
Wait... Ehh...
I... am not coming.
They're using poison and blocking all the waterways.
It is all over.
Still...
This just doesn't feel right.
I'll go and protect Lady Mishil.
Hey...
I said you can't!
Won't I?
Then, I will at least protect my honor.
So long.
Go ahead and tell me.
What is troubling you?
How to... end this.
Your Highness!
Mother!
Mother!!
Mother...
General Yeo Gilchan of Sokham Fortress...
is leading his entire army here!
Yeo Gilchan!
He's coming here to help you!
~ Yeo Gilchan ~ (Lord of Sokham Fortress)
Those who know no shame nor gratitude...
are no different than beasts.
If we do not protect Her Highness,
how could we christen ourselves as proud men of this country?!
How could we call ourselves warriors?
Let us march, for Daeya Fortress!
Let us go, and protect Her Highness!
What?
General Yeo Gilchan is leading his entire battalion to Daeya Fortress!
And what about Sokham Fortress?
Is it not at the border with Baekje?
Your Highness.
Sokham Fortress has over twenty thousand elite troops.
Your Highness!
Find out the movements of any Baekje army in the vicinity of Sokham Fortress.
That is not our most urgent concern!
They will be here in two days!
That is the most pressing issue.
I knew Yeo Gilchan would do this.
Did not his clan benefit from your benevolence for generations?
It is done. It is all done!
Should Sokham Fortress's troops join the fray,
the tides of this war will surely turn.
But now there is a good possibility that Her Highness...
will summon additional frontier troops.
Ehhh... Before she can do that, we can just slaughter them all,
and regain control of the capital. Ehh...
Your Highness.
How do you plan to proceed?
The Baekje army stationed west of Sokham Fortress...
is made of Yoon Chung's elite troops.
Find out the Baekje army's movements to start with.
Yes.
What?
And... Why would that be so important now?
It is!
Is it true?
Did the Sokham Fortress army really deploy for the capital?
It is.
How will you proceed now?
We must either retreat or prepare for a full offensive.
Perhaps...
Jeongcheon County...
Dosal Fortress.
Handasa County.
Sokham Fortress.
Know where any of these places are?
They are places drenched in my own blood.
That is Shilla!
Yeo Gilchan's troops might be forced to withdraw.
What?
And... why?
Mother.
After Yeo Gilchan's troops left,
the Baekje army led by Yoon Chung attacked the frontier west of Pallyangchi.
What?
Ahh... And why should it concern you, when our lives are at stake?
Yes.
We must surround Daeya Fortress and tame our foes' offensive, after which...
Right this moment, send our fastest man or the fastest horse.
What?
Send him where?
Send an order to Yeo Gilchan.
To immediately withdraw and head back to Sokham Fortress to defend it.
What?
- And why... - Your Highness.
Mother, what are you saying?
Deokman's army is right behind the corner!
If we manage to stop them until Yeo Gilchan's arrival, we shall triumph.
Your Highness.
What are you thinking?
It is... time to stop.
Why would Yeo Gilchan withdraw?
The possibility is very low, and it might just be a delusion of mine,
but I feel like it could indeed happen.
Why?
Just as my heart was filled with devotion for Sadaham,
I cherished this nation with all my heart.
That is Shilla!
The frontier land of this great nation King Jinheung and I conquered!
But for a very brief moment,
I saw a ruler in Mishil's visage.
A true ruler.
Time... Time to stop what?
Mother!
Everything.
Mother...
Wh...Wh...What is that?
What?
What did she mean with that?
Time to stop what? Uh?
Are you telling me these are Her Highness's orders?
Withdraw, and focus on defending Sokham Fortress?!
Yes, and according to Her Highness,
this is her very last order.
Your Highness...
Your Highness.
Why did you send Yeo Gilchan back?
Should we lose the frontier by my hands,
I would lose everything to Deokman.
Hence... What?
Hence, it is...
time for me to stop.
Your Highness...
There is no reason to give it so much weight.
Recall that song from our days as fellow Hwarang?
"While you still can fight, fighting is all you need to do."
"And when you no longer can, protecting it you must."
"When you can no longer protect it,
retreat is all it takes."
"And when retreat is not an option,
surrender is your next best decision."
"Should even surrender prove impossible,"
Should even surrender prove impossible...
On that day, demise shall be your best compeer.
Your Highness...
Today is that day.
I leave the rest to you,
Lord Seolwon.
I cannot do that.
We will do it together, Your Highness.
These will be my very last actions, orders, promises and words.
Follow them.
Save all those who followed me,
and lead them in the future.
Why?
Why are you looking back and worrying about them now?
Why did you let this weaken you?
It did not.
Many chapters filled my strategy,
and this is merely the final one.
Lord Seolwon,
accept my apologies.
What?
Withdraw?!
Yeo Gilchan is retreating?
They were heading back to Sokham Fortress.
It must be to stop Yoon Chung's Baekje army.
What is going on?
Why would they retreat with Daeya Fortress behind the corner?
Couldn't there be another subterfuge behind this?
No, there will be none.
Mishil, perhaps...
Perhaps...
Convey to all nobles in the vicinity who pledged their support to turn back.
Also, tell Chilsuk in Chopalhye Prefecture to withdraw immediately.
Yes.
Also...
I leave all following arrangements to you.
There!
What is that?
~ Chopalhye Prefecture ~
Are these truly Her Highness's orders?
Yes, I received them firsthand.
Withdraw?!
What could have happened?
Her Highness is putting an end to this.
An end?!
Your Highness.
If Yeo Gilchan is truly retreating,
should we not revert to our original plans?
Yes, we have no time to squander.
Your Highness.
In Daeya Fortress...
Right now at Daeya Fortress...
I kneel before you without conditions.
We all disarmed ourselves.
Where is Her Highness?
She is waiting for you.
So this was it?
If it was this, then why?
Why?
Do not scream.
*15 minutes
I only have about one gak* left.
So...
Should I call you "Mother" at least once?
Or are you going to apologize...
Apologize for abandoning me?
Or at least...
deep down your soul, admitting that you cherished me?
There is no such thing for me.
And you need not call me Mother.
I need not apologize for anything.
And... cherish you?!
What do you think love is?
Love means...
stealing without reserve or regret.
That is what love is.
If you truly love Deokman, that is what you must do.
Devotion... Just cause...
and this Shilla of ours.
None of them can be shared with anyone else.
Not with Yushin, nor with Chunchu,
nor anyone else.
Is that clear?
I will take care of whom I cherish on my own.
I was just concerned about it.
I tried to gain the throne by gaining people's hearts.
However, you...
You are trying to gain this country to gain people's hearts.
And when that is your goal, danger is inevitable.
Princess Deokman might be a person, but she also represents Shilla.
Because I will make sure she does.
With that feeble and fragile devotion only people can foment,
what a most innocent dream you are aspiring for.
Is Deokman still far?
She is here.
Await here.
Your Highness.
Mishil.
Were it not for you, I...
might have not made anything out of myself.
I salute Mishil...
and her legacy.
Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad
This is a FREE fansub. NOT for SALE! Get it for FREE @ withs2.com
Main Translator and Timer: MisterX
Timing QC: wichitawx
Editor/QC: thunderbolt
Coordinators: mily2, ay_link
~ On The Next Episode Of ~ QUEEN ~*~ SEONDEOK
People can lack dexterity. People can...
But my people cannot.
- For breathing your last breath... - For even if I gained everything else,
not becoming Queen would have made it meaningless.
Forgive me, my child.
You are no longer of any use to me.
Just a slight frown, and you will look stronger.
There are no males of sacred bone.
It was... because of you.
Run away.
I killed them all.
You did so much more than I ever did!
I need the heavens to be on my side.
Seen this way, only two options are left.
My embrace?!
Or overwhelmed by unyielding spirit... To that extent?
Why could I have not been born of sacred bone?
"Should even surrender prove impossible,"
on that day, demise shall be your best compeer.
Now is Mishil's time...
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