Episode 22
Your Majesty, this is Prince Neungyang, Yi Jong.
Do you remember?
Your younger brother Prince Jungwon's eldest son...
This is Prince Neungyang!
Who is on the ground?
Prince Neungyang!
Don't you know him, Lord Lee?
Prince Neungyang? Who is he?
Prince Neungyang...
The older brother of Prince Neungchang who died in a treason plot in 1615!
The eldest son of Prince Jungwon, who is a half brother of His Majesty!
Now I remember!
Did you just say that Prince Neungyang is pleading on the ground?
Yes, sire!
I am the eldest son of Prince Jungwon
as well as the older brother of Prince Neungchang who died
with a wrongful accusation of a treason plot back in 1615!
This is Prince Neungyang!
I, Prince Neungyang, have something to say to His Majesty today
so I came here with the determination of offering my head, sire!
If Ming and Later Jin started a war
is there any way to refuse to send troops from Joseon?
I'll go to the palace and check the situation.
Don't worry too much, ma'am. Nothing bad will happen.
Ming was a savior of Joseon during the war with Japan.
Joseon needs to pay back that kindness!
This is the way of a wise man and the teaching of Confucius and Mencius!
Why would you intend to abandon them in this way?
Why would you continue with your tyranny!
Look, what's going on here?
Have you silenced that Prince Neungyang yet?
But he is a royal...
All of the royal family can't be at the same level!
Just a prince who's cut off and can't even support anyone!
- Drag him away right now! - Yes, Minister!
Prince Neungyang...
Let go of me!
How dare you touch me!
I am of royal blood in this country!
What are you doing? Take him away now!
Let go of me! Let go!
Let go!
Sire, this is oppression!
I may be dragged away today...
but I will say my heart-felt words tomorrow and the day after...
Someday, rising tide will go away and low tide will come, sire!
Take him away now!
Let go!
Sire!
I said I'm of royal blood!
What are you doing to a royal?
Let go! Let go of me!
Sire!
Sire.
Yes, I remember.
Prince Neungyang...
The older brother of dead Prince Neungchang.
It is unjustified for Prince Neungchang!
Just like what you did to Prince Yeongchang
you accused my younger brother of treason!
This is tyranny and oppression!
Yes, with that demonstration back then
Prince Neungyang left an impression.
And he has turned up again?
Back in the city.
Sire. You came.
I came as soon as I heard the news.
But on my way here, I saw Prince Neungyang...
Did you see him?
He left the capital a long time ago, so what is his intention?
He's pushing against Your Majesty to send troops, in a time like this?
Uncle...
I can call you that, right?
Since you're my father's half-brother.
Yes, it's been a long time, Uncle Gwanghae!
Lord Lee, was the situation resolved?
With news of a war, things are already chaotic.
And now some loser is making a ruckus!
I agree!
What if the westerners use him as an excuse
to focus on sending troops to the war?
No, they wouldn't do that.
Yes, I finally remember... Prince Neungyang?
- He's such a loser! - He's a big loser!
It seems that Prince Neungyang still hasn't come to his senses yet.
He hasn't changed a bit.
When his younger brother Prince Neungchang died, he did the same.
There was a rumor that he did it to draw attention to himself back then.
I heard that he likes attention.
How bad was it that the ones who were plotting treason at the time
chose Prince Neungchang over the eldest son Prince Neungyang?
There is no class or royal status shown in his looks!
Now now, let's not waste time talking about nothing.
Let's discuss an urgent state matter.
Lord Kang, what was the pressing issue you wanted to talk to us about?
Yes, that's right. You said it was about sending troops.
Yes, I'd like to have the westerners reach consensus.
The westerners will be against sending troops?
That's right. Kang Joo Seon will influence them.
But are you be able to trust him, sire?
You don't do politics based on faith.
You do it with the other's weakness in your grab.
So first, Kang Joo Seon will block the westerners.
We need to focus on another matter.
We'll have to figure out the situation between Ming and Later Jin.
We'll have to check how the war is developing now.
Yes, so contact Later Jin as soon as you can.
Yes, sire. I'll execute your command.
Now... people will begin to live in fear.
I will never let them go through another war like the Imjin War.
You'll have to stop the agitation in the bureau.
Nothing has been determined yet
so everyone should focus on his duty.
Yes, sir.
In that case, we have no choice but to be dragged out
since we have to supply gunpowder to the shooting unit.
What do we do...
Everyone dies on a battlefield!
Then what about us?
Do we have to go too? We're just cooks.
Mom! You want to survive alone?
Everyone at the bureau could die!
Why are you not working?
- Manager... - Go back to work now!
You're just getting back now?
What? What, what?
What's going to happen?
Are the troops being sent?
Whether they go or not, why is it so important?
We just need to carry out our duties, whether here or at the battlefield.
Honestly, that's not really the case.
We're doing this to protect the land of Joseon.
We're not making gunpowder to help someone else's war!
Still, Ming helped us during the war with Japan.
'Helped us'? Bullshit!
Soldiers of Ming were worse than the ones from Japan!
Is there anyone who doesn't know that? Am I wrong?
You're right.
I was working at the weaponry bureau with the pride that I'm guarding Joseon.
So why... why do we have to go to someone else's land and die in war?
Why?
What are you doing? Light the fire! Get back to work!
Get back to work now!
Why are you taking it out on the sulfur team?
Go to the niter team!
- Councilor Hong. - We heard about the war with Ming.
Please share as much information as possible so that we can take action.
Yes, we will. Open it.
Based on what we figured out
most of Ming's soldiers are gathered here.
They mean to draw the border right here...
with the rifle unit from Joseon.
That's right. But let me repeat...
our Khan of Later Jin doesn't want a war with Joseon.
My lord, shouldn't you make the king send troops no matter what it takes?
That's the request from Ming.
Our family has grown for a long time with the protection of Ming.
We can't forget about that relationship!
That's why I am thinking.
A secret letter of the royal family of Ming's intention will arrive soon.
We have to keep Gwanghae in check until then...
But you already convinced the westerners to side with the king!
Just wait.
I still have a plan.
What? You have another plan?
Sending troops...
- Minister Lee! - Where is Lord Jung In Hong?
I haven't seen him at all recently.
Lord Jung In Hong?
After he went against His Majesty on dethronement of 'West Palace'
he is in Anseong right now.
- Anseong? - Yes!
But why do you ask?
What about the meeting?
It's at two o'clock tomorrow, as instructed.
We have to have an agreement tomorrow.
We have to have one government to stand against Ming.
Tell Court Lady Kim...
Sire, Court Lady Kim is no longer...
- Tell Chief of Staff to come in. Now. - Yes, sire.
Right, you're not around anymore.
What do you think? Will it become like new?
Of course!
Then sharpen the knife.
I've left it for a long time, so it's become very dull.
Yes, I'll do it right away.
You look very busy.
Is it because of the rumors of a war soon?
It surely is, since we don't know when and what will happen.
My goodness! Young Master In Woo!
Is my sword ready yet?
We're finishing it up inside.
By the way, how did you come here yourself?
- I stopped by on the way. Bring it. - Yes.
Please wait.
You're Kang In Woo.
Kang Joo Seon's eldest son...
Who are you?
I don't think I've met you before.
You reported Lord Kang Joo Seon before.
It was... very impressive.
What?
Who are you?
'Why did he do it'... I thought about it.
What occupied your heart enough to betray your father?
Was it... because of the princess?
I don't know who you are, but you've got the wrong person.
I'm not a scholar who goes easy on women.
So it'll be better for you to open your mouth while I'm still talking to you.
I am Kim Gae Shi. I was a court lady of the main hall.
Kim Gae Shi? You are?
For the woman you love...
you turned your back on your father.
Yes, that can happen.
I understand how it feels, Young Master.
The heart that feels like you can do everything for it.
What... are you saying?
So come and see me anytime.
I'll help you gain the woman you pine for.
Ma'am!
How is Mother doing?
After you remained in the city
she is still sick in bed with a shock.
I said you can't just come in here without a permit!
What's going on?
Aunt!
It's me, Aunt! Prince Neungyang Yi Jong!
I heard you were alive, and it's true!
I get to see you like this!
Pardon?
Prince Neungyang!
Open up.
Ma'am!
Court Lady Jung! Of course you recognize me.
Now I see both of you well and healthy.
Yes, Prince Neungyang, it's been a very long time.
Since I heard the news that you were alive...
I shed so many tears.
I felt as if I gained a new life.
Forgive me, but what brought you here?
Ma'am... 'what brought me here'?
Isn't it only natural that I'd visit you?
A man with a human mask should carry out duties as a human being.
It can't be like the king.
Look, Prince Neungyang...
- your words are a bit too harsh... - By the way...
How is it to live here?
It's so hot these days...
You must be thinking of Prince Yeongchang a lot.
He died in a sizzling room on a hot day.
At that tender age.
I often think about what happened that day.
So it must be worse for both of you.
Prince Neungyang!
I'm going to stop by often now.
Also, serve the meat I brought at every meal.
It's very expensive meat
- so you shouldn't sneak a bite. - Yes, sir. Of course we wouldn't.
Why wouldn't it happen? Everyone is the same.
I'm leaving.
Sir?
Yes, ma'am.
Do you have something to say?
Thank you for visiting us
but please don't bring up Prince Yeongchang in the future.
Pardon?
Why not?
What happened to him is still a scar to my mother and me.
It's not healed.
So how can you speak of it so easily?
- Is that why? - Forgive me for saying this
but be careful of visiting Gyungwoon Palace...
By the way, why is it not allowed?
Pardon?
That's how the grand prince died at the hands of the king.
Just because we don't talk about it, it doesn't change that fact.
Sir.
That's not how I meant it!
Please consider, ma'am.
I went through the same thing.
I lost my younger brother to the king
just like you... unjustly.
The king won't last too long.
So change your way of thinking soon.
What you are holding now is a rotten rope.
Yes, just wait and see.
It'll become unstable, starting with the issue of sending troops.
Let's discuss this again after the meeting.
But, sire, intel from Later Jin...
- What about officials? - They are gathering now.
It's almost two o'clock.
You should also attend.
First, we have to have consensus in the officials' opinions.
Naeam!
Sire.
Because of what happened before, you wouldn't even answer my invitations.
But you came!
Thank you.
It's a very important time with the country's safety at hand.
Of course I should participate too.
Now, through a meeting with officials
we'll decide on the matter of sending troops that Ming requested.
Minister of Defense.
Why would you be here, not in the meeting hall?
I have another urgent matter.
- Do what you need to do. - Yes.
For that reason, our westerners agreed on not sending troops.
Of course it's important for us, but the safety of Joseon is the priority.
He's right.
At this time when Later Jin's military power is strong
what would happen if we get attacked by them while we help Ming?
There should never be another war in this country.
Then I can consider that the officials came to a consensus.
I feel very secure since all of you came to an agreement.
Then I'll deliver the decision by Joseon to Ming right away.
- For this war, we will never... - Sire!
I, Jung In Hong, have something to say.
I believe that Joseon needs to participate in this war.
Joseon should send troops!
What... did you say, Naeam?
You think we should send troops?
That's right, sire.
And this is not only my opinion.
We gathered opinions of everyone in the greater northern faction.
What are you saying?
The greater northern faction?
Naeam!
Yes, Lee Yi Cheom has done very well.
It's a nice land in Ganghwa.
You'll like it more once you see it.
You didn't have to...
I share your thoughts about sending help, even without you doing this.
Do you really feel that way?
His Majesty's intent to stay neutral in this fight
is the same as standing against Ming.
But a big country like Ming wouldn't fall apart so easily.
So, if we had to choose one between Ming and Later Jin...
of course it has to be Ming.
Any plans?
Would there be any?
I'll try to move Naeam.
That old hag wants in his heart to send troops
so if I gathered the greater northern faction for him
he'd actually be happy.
That's right, sire!
Joseon needs to participate in this war!
Even though Ming is not like the old days
it is a clear fact that it is a strong country, sire.
If we become an enemy of Ming, we can't guarantee Joseon's safety.
So do you want to splatter the blood of Joseon soldiers in this war?
Sire, this is not for honor or loyalty.
It's for practical interests! We have to do this.
That's right, sire!
Ming, not Later Jin, will be the one that protects Joseon in the future.
So we shouldn't be hesitant about sending troops now.
Please reconsider, sire!
What on earth is going on?
The westerners are siding with His Majesty
but the greater northern faction is against him?
What are you asking me for?
So you can't agree on this resolution?
Is that really the opinion of Naeam and others of the greater northern faction?
Right, it's not like I sold off the country.
And the king won't take care of me in the end.
Isn't that right?
Sire...
I finally convinced the westerners...
but I didn't know the northerners would stand against me.
Sire, the situation is becoming more difficult.
As I reported, Later Jin's moves are also suspicious.
They definitely seemed to withhold some important information that day.
Wait.
Did you just mention Yehe tribe?
Pardon?
Yehe has a friendly relationship with Ming that is against Later Jin.
Why did its 8,000 soldiers move near the border of Joseon?
We haven't identified the reason.
But it doesn't make sense.
Yehe has been hostile with Later Jin for a long time.
It's impossible that they haven't kept tabs on their moves.
Later Jin wouldn't be any different.
It is a war after all, where everyone fools each other.
Just like we're using them...
they're doing the same.
So we need accurate intel.
Ming, Later Jin and even Yehe...
Exactly how they are moving... We have to find out about it.
It's good now.
We only have to wait for a secret letter from Ming's royal family.
Once I know Ming's action
it will also be easier for me to control Gwanghae.
The letter should arrive by tomorrow, sir.
There should be no mistake.
Everyone's fate depends on it.
We have to destroy Gwanghae somehow
and have to send troops.
Yes, the war is none of my business.
But what if she is put into danger because of this?
I... decided to stand by His Majesty, Young Master.
So, if you didn't give me this as a friend
I cannot accept it.
Ma'am...
I shouldn't have accepted it right away.
I didn't think this through.
It seems that there is no room in my hand to place what you gave me.
No, it's lingering feelings.
She said no, she said it's not me.
So come and see me anytime.
I will help you gain the woman you pine for.
Why are you like this, Kang In Woo?
How long will you act like a loser?
Hey, sit down.
Does it get resolved just because you're pacing?
Councilor Hong!
How did it go? What about the intel His Majesty commanded?
No, it'll be difficult right away.
We also lost contact with spies planted in Ming and Later Jin.
Then there is no way to take action?
Any way to avoid sending troops from Joseon?
You know, that spy thing.
Isn't it faster to go through Japan for something like that?
There are many merchants who are sensitive about the continent's situation.
You're right, but it's impossible to go through Japan right now.
It takes three months on the sea...
Then you don't need to go there.
You can meet with the Japanese man who is in Joseon.
What? The Japanese man in Joseon?
What are you saying, Ja Gyung?
Idachi. You know him, right? He traded sulfur in Edo.
Based on what I know, he is in Joseon now.
Councilor Hong is going to Jemulpo to meet with him?
Yes, sire. He'll leave right away and be back by tomorrow evening.
I heard it when I snuck on a Japanese merchant ship on the way here.
I heard Idachi would go to Ming and stop by Jemulpo around this time.
Thank you. It was a big help.
Sir!
Ma'am!
I'll go with you.
I know what Idachi looks like.
It will be better than looking for him by yourself.
But it's dangerous at night.
Dangerous?
Did you forget?
I was the one who had a smuggling deal with you in Japan.
Ma'am, that's...
You didn't know I was a princess then, but it's different now?
No, I am the same person back then and now.
Ma'am, you shouldn't take part in dangerous matters.
Promise me.
Yes, I'll keep that promise.
What's this? Do I have to take part, too?
Hey, did you think you'd hang out here by yourself?
Hurry up and get ready!
Do I have to go this far?
Excuse me.
Lord Kim Ryoo?
Prince Neungyang?
What a coincidence! I was also about to pass by!
By the way, is this your house?
Well, yes, it is.
I'm busy, so...
Lord Kim, running into you like this is also a big joy...
Please give me a cup of tea.
I also have an important matter to discuss.
No no... I have to go.
But over there...
Wow, this house is splendid!
Excuse me, sir!
What kind of...
Nice.
It sticks to my mouth.
So... the matter you wanted to discuss...
I have to go to the palace.
You're rushing me.
Fine, then I'll get right to the point.
Why don't you sponsor me for a big event?
Do what?
Sponsor?
Actually, I set up an organization when I came back to the city.
An organization?
You know... the situation in the country is precarious.
So, it's called Ilshim Group... It means one heart.
Let's gather people who think alike and contribute to the government.
Let's start off with the issue of sending troops the way we want.
What?
The westerners are against sending troops?
The country is going great!
Great...
Sir!
Oh, realtor, you're here.
Yes, sir.
Yes, you came.
So, did you gather the people I asked for?
Yes, I went out to Gwangtong Bridge, and the market, and gathered a few...
So how many did you gather?
A hundred?
Two hundred?
Is this everyone?
Still, I had to give them money and beg them to come.
I have no choice.
'A long march starts with one step.'
Although the beginning is weak
the end will be splendid!
- Isn't that right? - Yes, that's right, sir!
Isn't that right?
Now, bring out all the liquor and meat you have!
They'll offer loyalty to me...
so I should feed them well, right?
What are you doing? Go over there and have a seat!
- Now now, let's go in! - Let's go in!
- Let's go! - Hurry!
Let's eat and die today!
What?
He said I'd pay for the entire meal?
Yes.
He said he'd take care of it later, so he told me to take it from you.
That man, really...
Here!
He's still a royal blood who pleads on the ground in front of the palace...
So he will pay back.
Everyone!
Accept this wine from a royal blood!
Here here here...
Do you have wine there?
You should drink! Here here...
This is the way to Jemulpo Port.
- He must be in disguise. - Probably.
He can't walk around in Japanese clothes.
It will be harder to find him if he's in disguise.
Let's go separately and search the inns by the port.
What about the letter from the royal family of Ming?
I just sent someone to the meeting point.
You will be able to receive it soon.
Ming brought in the Yehe tribe in the war with Later Jin...
but they're placed on the border between Joseon and Later Jin.
Sire...
Why did Ming leave them on the outskirts, not on the battlefield?
How come?
What? They just left from here?
But were they really Japanese people?
I'm not sure, but I heard Japanese words once in a while, so maybe.... ...
Where? Where did they say they were going?
Ma'am!
Sir, it seems that Idachi's group is somewhere around here.
They left from this inn about 15 minutes ago.
Then, wouldn't they have gone to the port?
No, the inn owner said they were taking the land path.
If we can't find them here, it's the end!
What's our next destination?
Councilor Hong!
How did it go?
Idachi left this area about 15 minutes ago.
Let's go.
Excuse me!
I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else.
Damn it...
Is it some special day? Why are there so many people?
I think it's over. I looked everywhere but without luck.
No, we have to find him!
Idachi, please get out. Show yourself!
You want to trade with me?
Idachi...
Idachi.
You... definitely from Edo?
To meet you here again... And you as well, Councilor Hong.
Actually, we don't have time to explain all the details.
We came to find out something from you.
Find out about something... from me?
That's right.
Wait, this is...
Sir, what's wrong?
Is there a problem with the letter?
How can this be...
Is this the decision from the royal family of Ming?
I see.
You want to hear what I know about the situation in the north.
Idachi, Joseon is also a good trade partner for you.
You already had some fun thanks to us.
You're still brazen.
- Idachi! - Please!
The fate of Joseon depends on this.
Fine.
I have nothing to lose by telling you what I know.
- Idachi... - But...
even if you know, it won't be useful, Councilor Hong.
What?
Joseon can't get away from this war.
Whatever you do, you'll be taken anyway.
What do you mean by that?
There is no way to get out of it?
Why?
Goodness, you shouldn't have had so much to drink...
Hurry up and go up!
I'm dying!
By the way, is this really your house, sir?
Yes, this is my house!
What's with this?
He's living in a place like this?
Come here!
Bring me water right away!
How dare you!
You...
A royal blood with lots of money? You're no better than a beggar!
Give me my money!
The money I paid for the meal! Right now!
You bastard, did you lose your mind?
What are you doing? You could die like this.
Yes, I lost my mind!
Why don't you try to kill me? Why don't you?
How dare you!
You don't think I can?
Even now, the guards who protect me have lights on their eyes...
I'm sorry! I'm sorry, sir!
- Please spare me! Spare me! - Shut your mouth!
How did it go?
I delivered it to Prince Neungyang as instructed.
Then I'll just need to wait for the dog to bark.
And from the dog with the loudest voice.
Hurry up and gather more people.
Pardon?
Can't you hear me?
Gangsters, beggars in the market... Hurry up and bring everyone!
Sire.
So, how did it go, Councilor Hong?
Sire...
What's going on?
What is it?
All right, but is this everyone?
What is this about?
Sir.
Now, let's go!
Let's go! What other time could we do this?
Let's go!
No... we shouldn't just go like this.
We have to do this properly to have it imprinted in people's heads.
What did you just say?
What is Ming trying to do?
Attacking Joseon... that was their plan, sire.
That's why they placed Yehe soldiers at our border.
If Joseon refuses to send troops, Ming will attack us with those soldiers!
What?
Did you say that they will attack Joseon?
Prince Neungyang...
That's also probably why Later Jin hid the information.
If we found out about Ming's plan
they couldn't stop us from sending troops.
How can this be...
So if we don't send troops, we'll have to go to war with Ming!
No, they won't be able to do that.
Ming will never be able to do that.
Sire...
It's more than enough to fight Later Jin with Ming's military power.
It means Ming will never be able to have an all-out war with Joseon.
Sire, then what do you plan to do?
The total number of Yehe soldiers is 8,000.
We have a chance to fight them off.
Ming will never be able to support them.
So hide this information for now and try contacting the Yehe.
If it doesn't work out...
the worst-case scenario is we fight them off!
Sire!
Sire, there is big trouble!
What is it?
Prince Neungyang, that crazy man appeared in front of the palace again.
But this time... he is...
Your Majesty!
I, Prince Neungyang, came here today with the determination to offer my head!
Yes, if you don't withdraw your decision...
I will cut off my head with an axe, and offer my plea.
A plea with an axe...
It means...
Yes, a plea with an axe.
They mean to take their own lives if their request is not heard!
Sire...
Sire, do you really want to start a tragedy like the Imjin War?
Because of your tyrannical decision, will you let these innocent people die?
I know that Ming will attack Joseon if we don't send troops.
Ming will attack Joseon?
Do we have to run away again?
Will you be at war with Ming while you try to avoid Later Jin?
How does he know that?
The only thing we need to do is send troops.
Then these innocent people can live!
As a royal blood of this country
I cannot lose even one life of these innocent people.
If you refuse to send troops...
I will also...
cut my head off on this spot!
His Majesty has arrived!
Sire!
Prince Neungyang!
Subtitles by DramaFever