Episode 23 We just need to give them soldiers!
Then these innocent people can live!
As a royal blood of this country
I cannot lose even one innocent life.
If Your Majesty would refuse to send troops to the end
I will also...
cut my head off right here!
His Majesty has arrived!
Your Majesty!
Prince Neungyang!
Prince Neungyang... it's truly been a long time.
Yes, sire! It has been.
It's been very difficult to see you, hasn't it?
Even when my younger brother died unjustly.
What? 'Unjustly'?
Yes, you got me dragged out here...
so stop your show now.
Haven't you gained what you wanted now?
Goodness...
Sir, shouldn't we start packing up?
Joseon will have a war against Ming!
Don't make a fuss, and just wait!
His Majesty will say something!
That's what I mean!
Aren't we going to die while we wait for his words?
Is it true that Prince Neungyang is in the palace?
Minister Lee! I hear there will be war! What should we do?
I asked if Prince Neungyang was in the palace!
What on earth did he mean?
If we don't send troops, will Ming really attack Joseon?
Didn't you hear earlier?
His Majesty took the lead to stop that from happening!
- Really? - So a war will break out?
Let's hurry! Hurry!
- Ma'am. - Sir, what should we do?
People are really anxious.
- Have a seat. - No, sire.
I will speak standing up.
This must be your first time in the office.
Yes, since I was born and grew up in a private residence.
Changdeok Palace is truly great, sire.
Then would you like to look around?
What you've done today...
was to enter the palace, after all.
What do you mean by that, sire?
Where did you hear the news?
Didn't you hear me, Neungyang?
Those horrible words you blurted out...
Where did they come from?
So the king saw Prince Neungyang in private?
Yes, I guess he had no choice after facing the threat of the ax.
My lord.
Bring it out.
Since the dog barked at the door... it must be my turn now.
Prince Neungyang won't be able to do the job with the pennies he's gathered.
Show him the power of money.
Yes, sir.
Prince Neungyang! I'm asking you!
'Ming will attack Joseon'... Did you ask me how I found out about it?
Yes, since you asked, I'll answer.
I received an anonymous letter.
Sire, there are other people like me, who are filled with love for the country.
What?
But what are you doing right now?
All of the people are about to die because of your mismanagement.
So how come you're not correcting the situation?
That's why I put my life on the line
and stepped forward to save the people of this country.
Did you just say 'people of this country'?
No, you must've wanted to say 'my people' in your mind.
Sire...
Yes, that's also how you were before.
You knew very well that there was no injustice in Prince Neungchang's death.
But you demonstrated publicly on purpose.
Prince Neungyang... did you really think I didn't know the reason?
That selfish desire in your mind!
Forgive me sire, but 'selfish desire'?
Are you saying that I have a treacherous mind?
And you're still letting me off easy, sire?
Yes, that's right. Back then and even now!
I am letting you off easy.
Do you know why?
Because... you are nothing.
Even if you do that, no one will acknowledge you as king material.
What did you say, sire?
Father, what they said is right.
We need to take down the king and establish a new king!
Prince Neungyang...
I can do it. Trust me, Father.
You came!
Let's do this! I'll gladly accept your wish...
Prince Neungchang...
Your Highness Prince Neungchang!
Could he really become the king?
Do you understand?
Still, for your own greed that's beyond your capability
you put this country in chaos.
The 8,000 Yehe soldiers that Ming was going to bring in...
If you hadn't spread the news
Joseon could have tried to negotiate with them.
But you messed it up...
and pushed people to fear!
So... do you realize what you did?
Do you know what you did?
Sire!
How is the mood in the city?
How do people feel about this?
But, Prince Neungyang...
I will help you again despite that.
It's for the same reason. Because you are nothing.
Do you understand?
Did you say I'm nothing, Uncle?
Me?
I was here first! Give it to me first!
Please line up! Please!
- What are we supposed to do? - Can't you see people?
How can you ask only for yourself?
Everyone, please calm down!
There won't be an immediate war!
Who are you?
I came from the weaponry bureau.
His Majesty is looking for a solution now
so please put your faith in him and wait in a calm manner.
Put my faith in whom? The government?
Excuse me, but wasn't it the same during the Imjin War?
The king asked us to trust him back then, too!
He said there wouldn't be a war, so we shouldn't worry!
He's right! Then what happened?
The king and the government officials were the first to run away!
- Right, right! - Step aside now!
Please get in line!
Hwa Yi!
Everyone's shivering from fear, Ja Gyung.
At this rate. the city will grind to a halt.
- Gae Shi. - How is the situation going?
It's already pandemonium.
They say Ming will attack us right away.
So they're blaming His Majesty for not sending troops.
Sire.
Damn... what's going on?
I think it'll be hard for His Majesty to hold out.
Still, let's wait.
Sire, did you just say you'd meet with the people at Honghwa Gate?
Yes. I mean to let people know the exact truth.
That Ming cannot possibly attack Joseon.
And that we can fight off Yehe with our military power.
But sire, will they listen? They're already panicking.
That's right, sire.
In this situation, although it's unfortunate
shouldn't we make the decision to send troops?
No, I can't do that, Commissioner Hong.
That's because it won't be the end. It will be the beginning.
Ming won't be able to overcome Later Jin.
The new master of the continent will be Later Jin.
But if we jump into the war because we fear Ming
what would be next?
Wouldn't it be revenge from Later Jin?
Sire!
So it will be a meaningless fight.
I can never have my Joseon soldiers shed their blood in this war.
Sire...
Look, Lord Kang Joo Seon...
You're here, Minister Lee.
Was Prince Neungyang... your work?
Are you planning to groom him, by any chance?
Goodness, you're way ahead of yourself, Minister.
Prince Neungyang is not the material for it.
Don't worry. I'm only using a hunting dog to accomplish a task.
Now the matter of sending troops will be resolved smoothly.
So please don't worry.
But His Majesty is even considering meeting with the people.
- It's not that easy... - Minister Lee.
The king won't be able to hold out.
Is meeting with people in person really possible?
Sir! Sir!
Oh.
Why are you showing up now?
Why? What's going on?
First, please hurry home.
It's complete chaos over there!
- Sir! - Sir!
Who are all these people?
Did you spend more money?
- I didn't. - Sir.
We gathered here because we're deeply touched
by your lead to save this country and its people.
Yes, we will also follow your goal and help you!
Sir!
Do you mean it?
All of you came here with your trust in me?
Yes, sir!
I knew this would happen.
Even with this...
Even with this, I am nothing?
This Prince Neungyang!
Sir!
So, it will be about three, four days at most.
If the king listened to you sooner, how nice would that have been?
Let's wait and see...
how much Prince Neungyang can grow...
and if we can use him for something bigger.
Hurry, hurry!
Let's go now. It's none of my business anyway.
Young Master, it's a bit weird over there.
That's...
Young Master...
It's a torch rally.
There will be a riot!
What did you say? A torch rally?
Yes, sire.
Upset people around the city are demanding that we send the troops
with a torch rally!
Sire!
Will you all die like this?
Ming soldiers are crossing the border right now!
Many soldiers of Ming went past Uiju already!
Let's go now! Let's go!
Let's go out there and raise our torches!
Let's demand His Majesty sends troops!
That's the only way to survive!
Let's go! Let's go! Send troops! Let's go!
- Tighten security in the bureau! - Yes, sir!
- Everyone, keep your post! - Yes, sir!
Make sure people are not stirred up in the bureau.
Yes, sir.
Don't get anxious, and keep your post!
Move fast!
What's going on?
People in the city are rallying with torches!
Is it a riot?
Yes, ma'am. It could be dangerous, so please leave quickly.
Ma'am!
Please come with me. Let me take you to a safe place.
No, I'll stay here. I also work for the bureau.
Ma'am, that can't be!
- Hurry up and escort Her Highness! - Yes! Here...
Sir, please let me stay.
Hurry up and escort her!
Ma'am, please.
No, sire. It's dangerous!
No, I'm going to convince them myself.
- Hurry! Stop the rally now! - Yes, sir!
Send troops! Send troops!
Let's follow the wish of Prince Neungyang
and show them our power!
Our lives depend on it!
Sire! Please send troops!
Please don't sacrifice the people for the war!
Please let the people live!
Please don't abandon the people, sire!
Sire!
Stop them!
Ma'am, please don't!
Let go! Let go of me!
Ma'am! Ma'am!
No... No!
Stop the crackdown right now!
Stop! It's the royal command! Look, stop...
Here!
Your Majesty, can you hear this?
Please spare us...
Please no more war, sire!
We want to live!
Sir! Sir! Please hurry up and leave!
Sir, please come out. It looks safe now.
- Are you sure? - Yes!
- Can I really go out now? - Yes!
Can you take responsibility?
Sirs, have you all been safe?
Don't even start.
I was worried that my house might be robbed
so I had servants stand guard and couldn't sleep at all!
What on earth is this?
He can just decide to send troops!
Only His Majesty's decision is causing trouble in this country!
That's what I mean!
I heard the emperor of Ming sent a final warning.
If troops from Joseon don't arrive by the end of next month
they'll ask us to take responsibility.
Then, what would that 'responsibility' be?
Sire.
Manager Lee. Manager Jang.
This is the wish of all of us at the bureau, ma'am.
We held out with the pride of protecting Joseon!
But in this situation where the country is about to collapse
how could we just sit back and watch?
Yes, so please relay our wish to His Majesty.
Yes, I'm different!
I will be a different type of king from you, sire!
Your Majesty!
Please protect the royal court
and become the king who leads an exemplary government, my King!
Your grace is immeasurable!
Your Majesty!
My Joseon will be different, Prime Minister.
Do you understand?
With this as the beginning
when we can protect our land solely with our own power
when we can overcome this situation where we're surrounded by Ming and Later Jin
Joseon will no longer be a small country on the far side.
Joseon will become the powerful country!
Did you say it would be different?
Your Joseon...
will be different?
Did you... say that you'd become a different king?
Did you just say that the princess went into the office to see His Majesty?
Yes.
I've come as a technician of the weaponry bureau, sire.
Princess.
Please send troops, sire.
Please don't let this country fall into chaos anymore.
Please don't carry this painful burden by yourself anymore, sire.
If this is the remaining way to protect Joseon, your people
the weaponry bureau of Joseon will be glad to participate in this war.
Everyone has agreed on it.
Sire...
Please don't consider the decision today as a defeat.
Please don't think
'I wasn't able to protect my people' and be in pain.
We know better than anyone else
that you did your best to protect these people.
We dare to ask you
although it may be the most painful and toughest moment for you.
So please forgive us.
Let's go.
- They're sending troops! - That's great!
It's a big ruckus with the news of sending troops everywhere!
- They're finally sending troops! - That's great! Great!
- They should've done it sooner! - That's right!
That's great! That's great!
Now now!
It's not me.
It's you who saved Joseon!
- Drink all you want! - All we want?
Thank you! Thank you!
Tell me if you are missing anything.
Prince Neungyang!
Lord Kim Ryoo...
They are the members of Ilshim Group!
Great! You did amazing work this time!
It's not a big deal.
I only corrected what was wrong.
But... it's only beginning now.
Yes, you're right.
Speaking of which...
I stopped by to sponsor you as you requested before.
- Sponsor me? - Yes.
- Hurry up and move those in! - Yes, sir!
Sir, why did you return them? We could even use a penny now!
Don't you know... that people feel differently when they go to the outhouse
and when they come out of it?
Don't you know my situation has changed now?
Pardon?
Now I've become a most-watched figure in the city.
I'm not the same one who used to lower my head to the likes of Kim Ryoo.
And... he only brings rice bags in a cart?
But sir, do you know how much those strong men outside eat away in a day?
- Even just for now... - I should look for him.
'Him'? Who?
- The one who sent me the letter. - Pardon?
I don't need to deal with all the minions.
He's the real one.
I'm sure he has my wings.
Welcome!
I'm looking for a book.
Do you have 'Chinese Language Text' and 'Study of Jurchen'?
Do you mean textbooks for the languages of Ming and Jurchen?
Yes.
Here, join our Ilshim Group! Ilshim Group!
We are Ilshim Group! Have you heard of it?
Join our Ilshim Group!
It won't cost you anything! Just join Ilshim Group!
Princess!
I get to see you here!
I was on my way to Gyungwoon Palace to see you both anyway.
How come?
What do you mean? Something big happened recently.
Fortunately, I stepped up and stopped the king's misjudgment.
But to stop that from happening in the future
shouldn't I be communicating with the two of you?
'Communicating'?
Yes.
By the way, what are these books?
These are books on the languages of Ming and Jurchen.
But why would you...
I'm going to learn.
If I learn them, I may have a chance to use them.
You are different from other women, as I expected.
Should I learn from you and learn the languages too?
I'm not sure.
I think maybe you should learn the language of Joseon first.
Joseon?
Ma'am, what do you mean by that?
Goodness! See?
You don't even understand what I mean.
That's why you can't even tell
what situation was brought on by the words you spat out.
Ma'am...
So you don't need to come to Gyungwoon Palace.
Once you learn the language of Joseon properly
we'll have a conversation then.
Then...
What on earth should I do?
Princess, what did you just say?
I will go to war as a member of the bureau.
Are you in your right mind?
Why would you? For what?
Because I'm a sulfur technician at the bureau.
- Shut up! - Mother!
It wasn't enough that you stood at Gwanghae's side
but now you'll even go to the battlefield?
As a woman, not a man...
As a princess of this country, not a foolish subject!
I'm a subject of this country first.
Just like other people in the bureau.
Also, you said that I have things to do as a princess of this country.
Princess, that's...
Yes, what you meant was taking revenge for my younger brother
returning to the palace, and relieving your resentment.
But I won't do that anymore.
What I need to do... What I'd really like to do is not that.
That's what I realized.
What?
I'll go with them.
I will be with them when they do their work in their posts.
You... You must've really lost your mind.
You were dressed as a man and got fooled by Gwanghae...
And now, have you gone blind and deaf?
Ma'am!
Court Lady Jung...
What... can I do about her?
- What should I do? - Ma'am, please calm down.
Ma'am, please say that it was a mistake.
This is impossible!
Please take good care of Mother, Court Lady Jung.
I ask of you.
Ma'am!
Eat your lunch now!
- Gather up some strength! - Yes, yes.
Take it out quickly!
Now now! Let's eat first!
- We have to eat to gain energy! - Yes!
Right! Who knows? If we eat a lot
arrows and spears from Later Jin may steer past us!
- Let's go eat! - Let's go!
Why do you keep giving me more rice?
Here. Don't say anything. Just eat when I give it to you.
I feel bad that we're not coming with you.
What's to feel bad about? It's obvious!
How could a woman come?
You should eat more, too.
That means 'thank you' in Ming language.
We're going to a war in another country, so we should know a few words.
Are you studying Ming language?
You haven't even learned our language properly!
It's a matter of life and death.
Don't you know the story? During the Imjin War...
volunteer soldiers from all eight provinces of Joseon went to war.
- But? - But...
the general happened to be from Gyeongsang Province.
The Japanese started shooting their rifles...
and when the general saw this
he said, 'suguri! suguri!'
'Suguri'? What does that mean?
That's what I mean!
It means, 'face down! Everyone!' in Gyeongsang dialect.
How would the people from Jeolla Province and Choongcheong Province know that?
'What? What? What did he just say?'
That's how they died.
You idiot!
What a lie! How can that happen?
It's true!
It means 'face down' in Ming language.
It sounds really funny.
'Jienjin' means, 'go forward.'
And 'chuatui' means 'retreat.'
All of you should remember that.
Ma'am...
Really, I told you not to do that, but you keep doing it.
If you keep calling me 'ma'am' on the battlefield
I'll be in big trouble.
Pardon? What do you mean...
Ma'am...
What did you just say?
Who is coming along?
Did you just say 'Princess'?
Sire...
What about Princess? Where is she now?
What? My goodness! What does it mean?
How can the princess go there?
This is more shocking than sending troops.
- Manager Lee. - Sir!
Please go in there and stop her! We're in big trouble!
Ma'am...
Look at your face...
You must've heard the news.
You can't, ma'am!
What on earth are you doing?
Why does everyone treat me like I've lost my mind?
- Now you're here to say the same thing? - Ma'am!
It's not a matter you need to get involved in! Please stop!
How come? Am I not a sulfur technician of the bureau?
Yes, you're being stubborn.
No, you're the one who is being stubborn, over nonsense.
Weren't you the one who got me into the bureau as a sulfur technician?
Although I'm a woman
you acknowledged my talent and oversaw how it was used.
I came back to the weaponry bureau as a sulfur technician.
- Ma'am! - So why do you tell me to remove myself?
Why am I the only one who has to change depending on the situation?
You, Manager Lee, and even Soo Deok who is younger than me...
Everyone's doing his job. So why am I the only one to remove myself from it?
Ma'am!
Not as a woman who can't do anything in this land.
Not as a princess who needs to be protected.
I'd like to do my own share as a human being.
If I have to run away from here because I'm a woman, because I'm a princess...
how am I different from those irresponsible government officials?
How would I be different from Prince Neungyang
who is inciting the innocent people and pushing this country to collapse?
Sire...
Princess, I cannot allow it either!
How am I supposed to send you to such a dangerous place? How?
Please, sire.
Please think of me as one of your people, not as your younger sister.
Jungmyung!
Yes, even then, many people will point fingers at me.
I know people will snicker at me for taking part.
But that's also what you've been doing.
When everyone said it couldn't be done...
in your position, by yourself.
I'd like to share that lonely burden now.
I'd like to also carry the pain that people of this country have to carry.
Sire, please give me a chance to do so.
But... were you able to forgive me?
What... I did to Yeongchang...
Those countless things I've done from the throne.
I'll try to understand.
Yes, the weight of the throne that you had to carry...
and the self you had to abandon for that...
I'm going to try to understand.
Could you please make a difficult decision so that I could do so?
Where is the princess going?
She'll go to war as a technician?
Yes, sir. I hear the bureau is in an uproar because of it.
My lord!
What on earth...
Young Master.
Are you sure?
Definitely from Lord Kang's room...
Sire, it cannot be done!
It should never be allowed!
Weren't you the one who got me into the bureau as a sulfur technician?
Although I'm a woman
you acknowledged my talent and oversaw how it was used.
I'd also like to do my share as a human being.
Hong Joo Won!
Is this how you protect the princess?
Dragging her along to a dangerous place...
Is that why you kept her by your side?
Let go. I have no time to do this with you.
- Hong Joo Won! - Yes!
I'm regretting it too!
For letting her in the bureau...
Yes, I'm also regretting that I wanted to keep her by my side for my own greed!
- Look. - Sir.
Where is Her Highness?
You came to me after all.
What do I have to do to have her?
What do I have to do to keep her by my side?
Councilor Hong.
Sir.
I'm begging you.
Please... reconsider the decision.
I cannot be with you.
I am not going to take you there.
Could you consider how I feel, just a little?
I don't ever want to lose you again.
Yes, it's fine to mock me for being this way.
It doesn't matter if you call me a coward.
But not you!
This is not why I wanted to walk the same path with you!
A long time ago, and even now...
I said I'd protect you.
I don't ever want to break that promise, ma'am.
No, sir.
You never broke that promise.
So please, sir...
from where you are, by my side just like now...
please protect me.
Subtitles by DramaFever
[Hwajung]
Our fight will also begin.
I'll knock down your king and take your woman.
Please forgive me for choosing this path.
Who is going to war? The princess?
If I can't move her and the queen dowager, my plan will be back to nothing.
Are you able to protect her? I must hear the answer.
A real war may be starting.
Everyone, come back alive! You must come back alive!
Make me a king, Lord Kang.
I'll do anything. Do you understand?
I'll do anything!