Episode 38
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Splendid Team @ Viki
General. I beg of you, general.
General! Marshall. Give the rifle squad a chance first.
There is still time to attack with an ambush.
Stand back, Princess's husband.
General!
What are you all doing? Drag him out!
Yes, sir!
Don't move! Not even one step!
Retract your order, General.
What are you doing? This is a royal command and you are committing treason!
Yes. But it will be something that saves this nation.
So take back the order to move forward immediately.
Commander Kang, kill this person!
What are you doing? I'm fine with dying by a traitor's hand, so kill him and move forward!
I'm sorry, Joo Won.
In Woo.
Yes... that I couldn't do this earlier.
I'm sorry, General. I will refuse your command.
If this is treason, then I will commit the same crime.
General. I will temporarily take your authority.
Commander Kang, do you know what you are doing right now?!
What are you doing? Escort the general inside. Rifle squad, hurry and get ready for the ambush.
-Yes. -Yes.
In Woo.
Let's talk later.
Right now, this is first. When everything ends safely, then.
Yes. When everything ends safely.
General.
How is the situation at the Donui Gate?
It's this. Here.
We have to lure them into the new road that was made when Lee Gwal was in Pyeongan-do.
I'm sure they won't have any word of it yet.
Then, what will happen to our soldier's direction?
We're blocking all the escape paths.
Our goal is only one. We need to enter the palace using the least amount of attacks possible.
We must never forget that.
Yes General. I will provide support on the front line.
This sound . . .
It's the horn of the army.
General, they have noticed our movements!
What?
Your Highness.
Court Lady Jeong, isn't that the battle horn?
By any chance . . . did they find out?
All army soldiers, go forward.
Destroy the remaining enemy with blood.
How did this-
General, if this happens, then there is no other choice but a full out war.
No! We need to avoid that.
General.
Listen well.
From now, get into formation in preparation for the attack.
We'll change our plan.
I think the war has started, My Lord.
If the battle horn has been blown, that means the rebel army has started to move too.
Please let everyone be safe.
My Lord . . .
I'm going to need the workers of the Hwagidogam.
Monitor the rebels and look for a way to quickly deliver gunpowder to our side as quickly as possible.
Yes, My Lord.
I thought I wouldn't do this type of thing anymore. I wonder how it came to this.
Mother.
Please . . . please God, makes sure that no one gets hurt.
Please . . . just let everyone return alive, Heaven.
Yes . . . just allow them to return safely.
Move the rest of the troops to Muakjae. Then quickly annihilate those bastards!
Your Highness!
Minister . . .
Keep in mind. We need to shoot just as needed, not more.
They are the enemy but they are also our soldiers that we need to protect.
Yes!
The rebels have just crossed the valley. They will come to this place soon.
Everyone get ready!
Yes!
Load your guns.
Rifle squad, load your guns.
Shoot! Shoot!
The volleys of gunfire are decreasing and are giving way.
The damage on our side is too grave.
We need to retreat now.
I can't do that.
Not yet . . . we need to endure a bit more!
If Muakjae falls, then they will surely come here.
The rifle squad should block them.
If the firing squad lures them,
Commander Kang and I will infiltrate the palace.
They will not know the Police department's army have arrived.
You can't. To do so with only the firing squad is impossible.
But if only we can endure,
if the remaining army can regain the palace, then they will fall.
If you can relay that news.
Joo Won.
I'll try, General.
Don't retreat.
All of us will fight against them risking our lives.
Yes!
How is the situation in the palace? How come there is no report?!
The signal still hasn't arrived from the scout.
General, we have to go now.
If we delay any longer, the firing squad could be completely annihilated.
-No . . . endure. -General!
Why is Counselor Hong and the firing squad risking their lives?
Isn't that to avoid a full on war with the rebels?
So, we have to wait until the smallest amount of soldiers are left.
Enduring this pain is our duty.
What time is it, Eunuch? Jinshi (7am-9am)? Sashi (9am-11am)?
Your Majesty.
Will I be able to regain the palace, Eunuch?
Will I be able to go back?
So it seems a person like you also gets frustrated.
There's no other way. Even my life is at risk.
Will we be able to regain control of the capital today?
If they can't, we will have to face the Later Jin's army.
Like this, without any plans or measures.
Ah . . . seriously.
Hey, hey, hey, relax. It's your father.
Goodness.
You punk, always think of the other's watchful eyes.
Be careful and even more careful.
Yes, Father.
Um... If there is still no signal fire and nothing stil has been reported, will that be the end for us?
Uhm, should we just put in a request to move to another country?
W-what? Request to enter another country?
My Lord, then shouldn't we also-
No. Not yet.
If my luck ran out and I went to Ming, what would I do?
If the Later Jin completely overpower Ming?
So whatever it takes, we have to succeed today.
After that, we can form a tie with the Later Jin and prepare for the future.
Yes . . . if only they can win somehow.
I will go back and resolve everything.
If the chance is given to me again,
I will really be able to do well.
Minister, they broke through.
Even Namakol has fallen.
My Lord, no more. It's impossible to endure any more.
Now even our gunpowder is almost gone.
In Woo . . . please.
I will enter the palace with the soldiers from the training grounds.
General Kang.
The firing squad are also important soldiers!
I can't just let them all die.
Endure it, please!
General!
General! It's a sign. I see the sign from the scout.
Yes! Chase them until the end and kill them.
We will completely eliminate the rifle squad!
Prepare for attack!
Yes!
We will head to the palace.
Everyone get ready to regain the palace and save the rifle squad on the frontline!
Yes!
What is that?
It's the Police Department's army. They are coming here.
It's the Police Department's army. They're advancing on us!
The Police Department's army is attacking!
Seize the royal quarters. We are going to the royal quarters!
What are you doing?!
Drag the Princess out. We will use the Princess as hostage and get out of here.
Yes!
Let go!
You! Won't you drop that hand?!
Young Master.
The palace has already fallen into the hands of the police department.
What?
So it'll be good if you peacefully give yourself up.
Then I'll at least let you die peacefully.
What are you doing? Drag them out!
Yes!
Your Highness, are you okay?
What about the others? What happened to them?
What about the rifle squad and Counselor Hong?
We'll retreat.
Retreat and lure the enemy!
My Lord, there's no route left to retreat on.
The rebels are right behind us.
-You guys . . . -We are prepared, Lord.
We will all die here.
Counselor Hong, look over there.
From the palace . . .
the smoke signals are rising.
Lord.
Did they regain the palace?
The Police Department's army . . . the palace?
Counselor Hong.
Go! The rifle squad has nowhere to run anymore.
G-general! Look over there.
From the palace . . . smoke signals are coming up from the palace!
What is it? What is going on?
-General! -General!
The palace . . . by any chance, was the palace stolen from us?
What is it? Did the Police Department's army come?
-I think so! -Yes, I think that's what happened.
No . . . it can't be!
It can't end like this.
Go to the palace . . . go back to the palace!
-General! -General!
You guys . . . what are you doing?
Can you not hear my command?
Go attack the palace right now!
You . . . you!
Your Majesty, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, they succeeded.
The capital, the palace has been regained.
What? Is that true?
Is that really true, Eunuch?
Yes. A message just arrived reporting that the palace has been captured.
My Lord.
It's done. Now, it's done.
I understand, you may go out.
Yes, I will hurry to get ready to return to the palace, Sir.
Regained the palace?
But the problem starts now.
From right now.
Your Highness, you can't leave the palace.
There could still be rebels left in the capital!
It doesn't matter, Court Lady Jeong. I have to know what happened
to the lord.
Your Highness!
My Lord! My Lord, are you okay?
Are you hurt anywhere?
What about you? By any chance, have you-
How is it that you ask me that every time regardless of where we are?
In this state, how could you ask that of me?
Your Highness.
Lord.
Scholar.
Is Counselor Hong safe?
Yes. Thankfully, at least half of the rifle squad also survived.
What happened to Lee Gwal, My Lord? The mastermind of the rebellion?
We will gather the soldiers and attack again.
There is no time to lose so quickly gather the soldiers.
General, how will we gather the soldiers who have already scattered?
-What? -Instead, we should side with the Later Jin
and try to find a way to live-
Shut it. What I need isn't a way to live.
General! What are you-
The King's head. I will not stop if I do not have his head.
This was started because of that!
So everyone will again return to the battle field.
When the sun rises-
What are you doing?
I'm sorry but our goals are different from yours.
We don't need the King's head.
Living is more important.
What?
So instead, it seems you will have to give us your head.
We'll be able to live if we at least take that back with us!
Y-you! Are you in your right mind? I am your superior.
I-I . . . Look here, look here!
No . . . it can't be . . . no . . .NO!
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Splendid Team @ Viki
So now the King will return...
to this palace again,
as this royal quarter's owner.
Injeonjeon (Throne Hall)
Your Majesty.
-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!
The King has arrived, Your Highness.
With what right did he come back?
When was it when he abandoned everything and left?
How dare he call himself King after doing that?
Let's go, Mother.
We should still go out and greet him. That's the right manner.
Your Majesty.
I don't know if I really have to see the Dowager Queen.
You should.
That is the law and that is also the respect you must give.
Your Majesty.
Did you come back safely, King?
You worked really hard during that time.
I'm thankful, Dowager Queen.
The Princess was here too.
I heard that both of you endured harsh times.
Your Majesty, Queen.
Goodness . . . he is shameless.
So he just walked into the palace like this just because he's the King.
Who says he isn't?
"i'm sorry", "I have no words", not even one word.
What are you expecting from the higher ups?
"I'm sorry", "I was wrong", have you ever seen a higher up do that before?
Why isn't there?
Our Highness does it.
The Head of the Investigation Bureau does it and so does Counselor Hong.
That's why people are divided into 2 categories.
People who accept that they were wrong like this, "I'm sorry".
and others who ignore their faults and blame others
like this, "What about me? What did I do?".
But doesn't the side who admit their faults always lose out? subtitles ripped and synced by riri13
The one who persists is the winner.
That's why I'm so worried.
About what?
Them.
Those shameless things that returned to the palace. Them!
They only get concerned if something interferes with their living in luxury. They accuse others when they are in the wrong.
What? No way.
Who was it that did wrong?
Who was it that protected the things they all threw away?
No. I am expecting it. I'm sure they will do that.
They will try to cover up their mistakes instead of reflecting on them.
And in order to cover up their mistakes, they will argue that they were right.
Yes, Your Highness.
And, in order for them to be right, they will make someone be wrong.
And it seems that that has already started.
Now, now, now, now, is that all?
The ones who remained in the capitol, the Chief of the training grounds, Lee Won Ik and
Paju magistrate Park Hyo Rip supported the rebel leaders.
That is unforgivable and you will have to pay for your crimes with death!
But My Lord, that's not something you should be saying.
What?!
Why?!
Who was it that ran away when the rebels moved in?
It was all of you right here!
So now, who's finding fault with whom?!
See here, Lyric Lord, are you saying ran away?
We escorted the King into another palace for his safety!
For the sake of the country's Joongmyo Shrine.
Running away as escorting the King to safety . . . what changes?
Even a passing dog would laugh at that.
Ah, t-that, d-dog?!
Lyric Lord!
Please calm down and control yourself.
Is this a time to be talking about who is right and who is wrong?
What's more important
is for us to figure out how to restore this nation's order and decide what to do with the protection of our borders.
Although we ended the rebellion and stopped the Later Jin from advancing any further,
that day will definitely come one day.
Our border army's troops have been completely scattered
and we need to figure out how we can gather them all and protect this nation.
That's the urgent matter!
Protecting our borders . . . of course that's important.
But if that is so, the initiative in politics
will be stolen by the officials who follow the Princess.
Because in the end, that will only end up with us admitting that they were right.
But won't that be complicated?
The border is far from this place and I'm sure there is another way
Conciliation is very close. If the initiative in politics is stolen
It's hard to regain once lost.
So we should propose a compromise with the other side.
So I thought about it.
Technically speaking, it's the capital that was invaded this time, not the border.
If the security in the capital and the palace were firm,
then this rebellion wouldn't have happened.
As expected, you are a huge help.
It's something I always feel, but I learn quite a lot from you.
Are you the only one?
I am only happy if I can be of such help.
Capital?
So does that mean we have to concentrate on fortifying the city?
That's right, Your Majesty.
Since there was an unfortunate event because the capital and the palace's security were weak,
we should set up plans so that things like that don't ever happen again.
Do that, Your Majesty.
If we reinforce military power in the capital, the people's heart will also be at ease sooner.
You're right, Your Majesty.
My heart has never once followed you.
Never followed me?
As expected, does that mean you do not acknowledge me as your King?
I saw you as someone who could not withstand the weight of the throne.
Because that is not a spot where you can use your power however you want,
because the throne is the place where the chosen ruler must lose many things.
That's because for a long time, I have seen them while staying next to them and know.
Is it Gwang Hae again?
Until the end, you compare me and that dethroned King.
Are you saying that I am an incompetent and useless King?
No.
I'm begging you to not make the same mistake.
Please, do not avoid the hard decision at this moment
and do not walk on the same path as the previous King.
Since there was an unfortunate event because the capitol and the palace's security were weak,
We need to set up plans so that things like that won't ever happen again.
You should do so, Your Majesty.
If you reinforce military power in the capital, the people's heart will also be at ease faster.
I came to meet General Kang. Where is he right now?
Even though you may have suppressed the rebellion, your actions cannot be forgiven.
I know. I'm also prepared.
During a civil war, an officer's insubordination according to military laws is a crime punishable by death.
You also prepared for that as well?
Yes, that's why you are safe.
What?
I did not report what you did. I will continue to not report anything in the future as well.
General.
Looking at how the nation is running, I though we shouldn't lose a true subject like you.
A person who can immediately risk his life to save his nation.
Why do you think I didn't know it was right to protect our border army troops?
But, nothing has changed even after the rebellion ended.
I wonder how this nation will do in the future . . .
In Woo!
Even so the general really is someone with a heroic spirit.
But people like him are small in number . . . and lack power.
So that's why I also tried to stand on father's side.
Her Highness's affection, my jealousy towards you . . .
all of them are just excuses, I also just wanted to become someone with power.
No. You are not like that.
Didn't I tell you? I know you.
I didn't want to lose to you like this.
But then I was trying to imitate a military officer and before I knew it I too felt like a real officer.
Do you know?
What the King chose isn't the security of the border, but the military occupation of the capital.
All that just because of a political reason.
I'm here to see His Majesty. Announce my arrival.
But Your Highness, this is-
What are you doing? Quickly.
Your Majesty, why did you make a decision like that?
Why did you throw away the recommendation that we should protect our borders?
This is my office, Queen.
And, the nation's affairs are not something you should interfere in.
Your Majesty, I'm sorry to say,
but I will have to say what's on my mind today.
Queen.
The Princess and the many others that remained in the capitol...
Don't you know what sacrifices they had to make to suppress this rebellion and protect the border army soldiers?
Didn't you also hear?
But, how is it that you hold Kim Ja Jeom's hand again?
How can you throw away the recommendation that we should protect our borders and not our capital?
Your Majesty, please rethink this decision and-
Stop. Stop, Queen.
-Do you think I'm doing this because I want to?-Your Majesty.
I . . . I also want to do that.
I want to gather the scattered border army troops and occupy the border.
Inside my heart, I also think that that is the right thing to do.
Then Your Majesty, you can just do so.
-But why? -Then, will
anyone be on my side, Queen?
What?
If I throw away Kim Ja Jeom and the officials that follow me,
- who will follow me as their King? -Your Majesty.
I am a King who abandoned the palace and ran away.
No . . . the people that didn't follow me and remained here.
The Princess and everyone else . . .
they must be cursing me in their hearts.
At least Kim Ja Jeom and the other officials serve me in order for them to get wealthier but
they are different.
Didn't you see? They don't even acknowledge me as the King!
Your Majesty.
Queen, I also really want to do well from now on.
I don't want to experience this type of thing again
and I want to become a King that takes care of his people.
But if I wish to do that, then I need to get people on my side.
Whatever their reason is, I need people that will follow me devotedly.
Why don't you know that?
But Your Majesty-
No, stop now. I will not hear any more.
This is what's urgent to me right now, Queen.
First, I'm going to raise my power.
After that, everything will fall back into its place naturally.
I will definitely also protect our borders as well! Yes . . .
If I can just pass this moment safely . . . just this moment.
How can he do that? We didn't risk our lives to protect the border army soldiers to do this!
Still, it wasn't completely useless.
Since we saved their lives, there is still a chance of gathering the scattered troops.
But if the King does not open his ears until the end,
it may become a difficult path.
A civil war was barely avoided but an even bigger war may break out.
I will enter the palace now.
I have to go and meet the King.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, what are you planning to do?
No. I'm just going to relay my greetings.
I need to go outside the palace since I am now married.
I'm going to relay my last greetings to him.
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Princess.
Aren't you from the Royal Secretariat?
Please come with me for a moment. The Prime Minister wishes to see you.
Sit, Your Highness. You also have things to say to me before you meet the King.
How about it . . . do you drink?
Don't you know I spent my childhood quite recklessly?
If it's drinking, I think I'm better at holding my liquor than you.
But I don't want to drink together with you.
Then I will drink by myself. Maybe it's because my surroundings have been busy,
but the amount of alcohol I drink by myself has dramatically increased.
In the end, we will become enemies that can't even share one drink.
I think so.
Because you and the King will drive this nation into its destruction.
Your Highness, your words make me a bit upset.
Drive the nation into destruction? It's not as if anything is planned.
Yes, Your Highness. The reason I chose the capital over the border
was in order not to cede the initiative in politics to you.
But the nation won't fall to ruins because of this.
Prime Minister!
The Later Jin will attack Joseon?
They could. Your words are right.
Something like that could happen.
But even if they did,
do you think we can block them just because we protect our borders?
Joseon? This small Joseon?
Whether that opponent is the Later Jin or Ming, Joseon cannot escape that country's influence.
If a human has something called fate, a nation has something called their future.
So, because that is this nation's future,
are you saying it's okay to give Joseon up to the Later Jin?
When Ming gets stronger, then go to Ming. When Later Jin gets bigger, then go to them. Is that what you are saying?
Yes.
You just have to survive among all that.
What?
I'm telling you to act accordingly.
Don't try to stand up to Later Jin as you have been doing to the King.
When Ming is stronger, then Ming. When the Later Jin is stronger, then the Later Jin.
All you have to do is give what you need to give in moderation depending on how the world runs.
Those words are just like you.
Yes.
Because of that I will once again confirm another of the world's rules.
Your Highness.
Give in moderation? Give what?
Yes, of course that will be the lives of the people of this nation.
That is definitely this country's mountains and streams, plants and grass, again things which are national treasures.
And by giving that to them, traitors of this nation like you will be able to survive.
Like you always have.
So, I realized once again.
There is no such thing in the world as power for the people.
All the traitors of this nation are like you or they will become like you.
So Prime Minister, now I
am planning to not beg the King and people like you.
If there is no such thing as power for the people in this world,
then the people can just have the power for themselves.
What?
The people having the power themselves? What are you talking about right now?
What? The Princess is?
Yes, Your Majesty. She is now waiting to meet you.
To pay your respects? You shouldn't have done it; I don't deserve this. You need not visit me, Aunt.
No, Your Majesty.
As a member of the royal family, I am now going to go outside of the palace.
Isn't it my obligation to say farewell to you?
And I also have to tell you something for the last time.
My Lord.
Has everyone gathered?
Yes.
Your Majesty, today you have lost your last chance.
Yes . . .
When the Khan of Qing, Nurhaci dies,
his successor Hong Taiji will definitely attack Joseon.
So now we have to prepare for that time.
Yes,
this nation will definitely go through harsh times.
Today, you willingly gave up the chance to block everything.
No. That isn't so.
There will be no rebellion and even if there is, I will block it from now on.
Yes, I know
what you think of me.
You probably think of me as an incompetent and cowardly ruler.
But the reason I did that was for this nation and its people.
In order to first set up my power which has fallen-
Yes, that's exactly what you did!
The people and this nation are only excuses.
You are only trying to keep the throne.
Princess.
But now the innocent people will pay that price.
But Your Majesty, please remember this.
You are not the owner of this nation.
This nation's owner are the people of this nation.
And the people who know who their owners are.
Yes, I will stand behind father's back again.
As soon as possible.
My Lord.
So now the decision is up to you. Will you follow me?
In the end, they will not give this nation to you.
Let's go. Now the Hwagidogam's rules have become even more strict.
Yes, My Lord.
Yes.
Now the owners themselves will protect their own lives and their own nation.
The King said to not let me in for awhile?
Yes. What should we do, My Lord?
Don't worry about it. It won't last long.
Right now, the King also needs someone to resent.
He will want to think that he had no other choice than to join hands with me.
So, are you saying in the end, he will come look for you?
Yes,
and that path will be painful for a long time.
No . . .
I will never become that type of ruler!
Your resolution will crumble away without a choice.
Princess.
Queen.
A person who knows that power is not his,
a person who knows that this nation's ruler is not him but the people,
one day, we will definitely set up a King like that and protect him.
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Splendid Team @ Viki
♬ Even still ♬
In the end, it seems we will become enemies who can't even share a drink withone another. ♬ I can hardly believe it ♬
If a human has something called fate, then a nation has something called their future. ♫ No I think I can't believe it ♫
If Ming is stronger, then Ming. If Later Jin is stronger, then Later Jin. ♫ You have always been by my side ♫
All you have to do is give what you need to give in moderation depending on how the world is running. ♫ The time which I loved you is like breathing ♫
Give in moderation? Give what? ♫ Like something without a beginning. If I was dreaming, ♫
Yes, of course that will be lives of the people of this nation. ♫ if I wake up from my dream, will I forget? ♫
And by giving that up, traitors of this natioin like you will be able to survive. ♫ Can this really happen to me? ♫
As you always have. ♫ As if an unfamiliar person brushed by you ♫
From now on, I will not beg to the King or to people like you. ♫ Somehow you didn't let me pass ♫
If there is no such thing as power for the people in this world,
then the people can just have the power for themselves. ♫ How can I do that? ♫