Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 41]
Now, we will begin the pledge ceremony of the friendship between Joseon and Qing.
Your Majesty.
Sire, what is this about?
Father!
'Pledge ceremony'?
No, there will be no such thing!
Pledge ceremony, you say?
Who could I possibly trust?
Father! What do you mean by that?
Why on earth would you...
So now... Go back to your Khan and tell him clearly!
Joseon will not sever its tie to Ming!
The King of Joseon will not submit to the barbarians!
Now, what can we do about it?
What if His Majesty holds anger towards the Crown Prince because of me?
No, that won't happen, ma'am.
So please calm down...
Ma'am! Your Highness!
Ma'am, it seems that there has been a problem at Mohwa Hall.
The mood in the palace is not normal.
What?
Oh my... I guess the two of you decided to meet out in the open now.
Sukwon!
I guess... it's better that way since you already got caught.
His Majesty knows about everything now
so there should be no need to be in hiding, right?
Sukwon...
What trouble did that tongue of yours stir up now?
What did you tell His Majesty about the Crown Prince?
Father!
Father, please tell me!
What is the reason you act this way?
Did I do something wrong?
Father!
Whatever it may be, it must be my fault.
So I will try to change it.
So please...
Please... retract your decision, Father!
'Your Majesty.'
Call me 'Your Majesty' from now on.
There is no reason for me to be called 'Father' by you!
Father!
Yes, it's your fault, Crown Prince!
You've deceived and mocked your father!
'Deceived,' Father?
What do you mean by that? I just...
Princess Jungmyung!
Did you think I didn't know about your secret contact with the Princess?
Did you think... I'd fall for that trickery again?
Father! It's...
Sure...
That's how you act as my son...
So who would serve me?
I can't even trust my own child's words...
So how can I possibly play the king in this seat?
Your Majesty...
You should leave.
Go to the Princess you trust so much!
I won't be fooled by the Princess who constantly undermines me!
I am the King of this country!
Now, everything will...
come to reality by means of my own will!
Father! Father! Please don't!
Please listen to my words!
Father! Father!
Father...
How could His Majesty do this?
Sir!
Friendship with the barbarians was nonsense to begin with!
Now we will have to go to war against them!
Yes, you're right.
To pledge a relationship of master and retainer, and call their Khan an emperor?
How is that any different than giving away our country?
He's right! We should go ask His Majesty!
- You're right! - We have to go!
Father, what should we do?
Is it, 'Fight to the end,' or 'Take a step back'?
For now... it's 'Take caution.'
'Take caution' means...
that we should wait and see for now?
Yes. We should see how things will turn out.
Oh, the outlook?
Yes...
It's a war! The barbarians will attack us soon!
- It's a war! - What's going on?
The barbarians are coming! Run away fast!
It's a war! It's a war!
The King is causing trouble after all.
It won't be bad for us anyway.
'It won't be bad for us,' Father?
We won't be able to stop the second war after all.
And His Highness... is in a more precarious position than any other time.
Sire, it was a good decision.
I'm sure you will be able to get it done.
Kim Ja Jeom is the commander at the northwestern border now.
He will also offer his life for Your Majesty.
Kim Ja Jeom...
He was pushed out because of the Crown Prince.
He came in between Your Majesty and Lord Kim.
Yes.
I listened to the Crown Prince
and sent Kim Ja Jeom to the northern border.
But now, you will find out who the loyal retainer is.
He established Your Majesty...
so it will be also Kim Ja Jeom who protects you, sire.
Crown Prince.
This... Now this...
What can we do about this?
Father... and me...
And this country!
Ma'am!
What will happen now?
Excuse me, General?
Be quiet. You'll scare all the fish away.
But, sir...
An urgent message came from the palace.
Leave it there.
I'll look at it later.
Then I will leave it here.
It took a bite!
What a strange man!
[Magistrate Office, Hwangju, Hwanghae Province]
- Does this make any sense? - Seriously...
Something wrong with his eyes?
The capital city is in chaos with the rumor of a war!
How can he not look at the message every day?
We're about to get robbed by the barbarians.
I wonder if we can stay like this in the northwestern region!
Stop, stop!
The General is acting that way, so what could we possibly do?
Isn't he the one who has power in the capital?
Then why is he acting that way?
This is a really big one! Isn't it?
Yes it is, sir.
Yes... it was worthwhile to wait until I got a bite.
The essence of fishing is... patience.
Sir, the message from the palace...
It's fine. Leave it.
It doesn't matter if I read it or not.
Pardon? But...
You need to make a short trip to Hanyang.
How is Father doing?
He is still furious.
I don't think he will easily open his heart.
So why did you not let go of ties with the Princess?
Did you not know that this would happen some day?
Grand Prince.
I blame the Princess.
For her own greed and goals that cannot be realized
didn't she use you?
Nonsense, Grand Prince!
How can you say such a thing?
Sire...
Ho... Did you forget?
Since you and I were little, she tried to show us the path.
That's how we learned the real crisis of this country
and the people's lives that we wouldn't know from the palace.
But what changed because of it?
Did anything change at all?
Ho...
I understand your intention.
For a long time, no...
even at this moment, she is making an effort. I am aware of it.
But you won't be able to gain anything from it.
As has been the case to this point
only horrendous loss will come of it, sire.
Lord Grand Prince, should I have your servant get ready?
Will you be going home?
No. I need to stop somewhere before that.
So, Huang Taiji of Qing finished preparation.
That's right.
According to Ja Gyung, who is watching the northern region
an army of 120,000 soldiers are ready to go to war.
This is the situation, so what's the plan from the palace?
How would we fight against the 120,000 soldiers of Qing?
It's Ganghwa Island.
It seems that they'll focus on defense from there like last time.
Ganghwa?
That's right, sire.
All of the military that guards the palace and the city
will flee to this Ganghwa if it's necessary
and focus on the defense here.
You mean... like the last time, in 1627?
Yes. Ganghwa is a solid castle, known to be a natural fortress.
That's why the barbarians couldn't get through this fortress in 1627
and asked to sign a treaty first.
So, this time...
'Let's make Ganghwa our fortress and hang on'?
Ganghwa...
But this is such lazy thinking.
This is the second war!
How can we be sure that the Qing military didn't prepare for it?
That's not all.
While the government and the royal court fled to Ganghwa last time
the land and the people of this country were completely violated.
So how could they make Ganghwa their plan again?
So, Kaesong...
Why don't we ask him to move to Kaesong this time?
Did you say Kaesong?
Do you mean to suggest to go north, on the expected route of Qing's army?
Yes. If His Majesty's will to fight is firm
we could catch Qing's army off-guard like this.
If we can pull it off, it just might work.
Kaesong has an exceptional defensive fortress
and rough mountains.
The Qing's army wouldn't even guess that we'd head north.
Also, if we could do that...
We could raise the fighting spirit of the people
if the royal court and the government take the lead to show their will to fight!
I'll meet with Lord Kim Sang Heon and discuss it with him.
Other officials would plan to hide while they yell for others to die for them
but Lord Chungeum has different goals.
I appreciate it, sir.
Qing's attack is right in front of us, so we have no time to waste.
Yes, ma'am.
- Ma'am. - Sir. What brings you here?
- Right now... - It's about the Crown Prince.
I thought you should know as well.
Pardon? It's about the Crown Prince?
You'd give me a chance to serve tea for you...
Thank you, Grand Prince.
Not only that, you came to me first.
Grand Prince Bongrim? Why would he?
Sir!
I don't know the exact reason for it either.
But... if my father put his hand out to the Grand Prince...
In Woo!
Yes, wouldn't it be to push out the Crown Prince?
Now it's known that the Grand Prince and the Princess are connected
more so now than before.
But... Grand Prince Bongrim is about to hold his hand?
He is?
You're right.
It can't be impossible.
If I can trust you...
and also, if you can trust me.
Yes, I thought about it.
Your words that it's rare for the first son to reach the throne in this country.
So maybe...
in this chaotic time...
there may be something I could do, Lord Kang?
Of course. Of course, sir.
Regardless, you're the royal son of the proper bloodline of this country.
Of course you will be able to achieve bigger things.
Sire.
Sire, His Highness has been waiting a while to say the morning greetings.
Greetings?
Is this an appropriate time for such a thing?
The war the Crown Prince has been so worried about is right in front of us!
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
Sir.
Did you get anything from the secret talk between the Grand Prince and Father?
Will you really do that for the Grand Prince as he asked?
Why wouldn't I?
It's not even difficult for me.
But, my lord, with the royal family of Ming...
No. No, you don't need to worry.
I can manage everything.
Ma'am, the Grand Prince over there...
Grand Prince.
You surely have many hidden ties all over the place
for you to know to find me like this.
Please come in. You have questions for me, don't you?
May I ask the reason, Grand Prince?
The reason you met with Lord Kang Joo Seon.
By any chance... do you have another intention in your heart?
Grand Prince, I believe that's not the case...
No. It's correct, ma'am.
I do have intention in my heart that's different from yours.
But for me, this is for the Crown Prince.
Also, it's for this country as well.
Grand Prince.
I'm also aware...
that Lord Kang Joo Seon is dangerous.
But as dangerous as he is, he also has power.
For the Crown Prince to safely climb to the throne
for this country to avoid disaster...
isn't power what we need right now?
So... can you claim that you have that kind of power?
Send a message to the palace that I'll be going there shortly.
Yes, sir.
Power...
Do I have that kind of real power?
You're asking the scariest and most painful question!
The scariest question that made me lose confidence every time...
That exact question.
But I will also ask you a question in return.
The power that Kang Joo Seon has...
would it be used for His Highness or the people?
That's not what power is about.
To establish a king that people follow...
and to give strength to people so that they help the king to walk the right path.
Do you really not know that's the goal the Crown Prince and I shared?
Yes, I do know.
That's why I used to follow you, just like His Highness.
Grand Prince!
But what's the use of all of it after losing the Crown Prince?
We can't even stop the war with that power now
so some day in the future...
What's the use of such words?
I don't covet the throne.
But right at this moment
I want to protect my older brother and make his wish come true.
Lord Kang Joo Seon is the one who can realize it right now.
Did you just say, 'Kaesong,' not Ganghwa?
Yes. Would you be able to bring together the officials opinion for it?
If we can't stop the war
we should look for a way to win.
One in a million chance...
if we have any chance at all.
But if you want to convince His Majesty with that
I'm afraid you missed the right timing, Jicheon.
What? I missed the right timing, sir?
I was baffled about this too...
but His Majesty and Prime Minister are meeting with Kang Joo Seon right now.
Lord Kang Joo Seon?
It's only a token of my gratitude, sire.
I hope it is even a bit helpful to the the government in this crisis.
'Even a bit'?
You're too humble.
It will be a big support to the military expense that has a lot to make up for.
Prime Minister is right.
For you to give your personal asset...
I am very thankful.
Honestly, the decision was only possible after I met with Grand Prince Bongrim.
You met with Bongrim?
Yes. He has a big heart full of concerns for this country and Your Majesty.
Sire, I am thinking of making a plea to a connection in Qing.
If it's still not too late
wouldn't we be able to pursue a friendly relationship without a war?
Is it true, Teacher?
So he will send a secret envoy to Qing?
Lord Kang Joo Seon seems to take a lead on it since he has a connection in Qing.
If it's possible to negotiate
he'll try to make them withdraw their unreasonable requests.
Then... we'll be able to stop the war, Teacher!
But Grand Prince Bongrim took the lead on it?
Why? Why would he step up in such a matter?
Crown Princess.
Your words are too harsh.
What's wrong with him stepping up?
But sire, if Grand Prince is trying to keep you in check...
That's enough, Crown Princess!
If you go any further, I will not forgive you.
If anyone can step in and stop the war, that's enough.
'Keep me in check'?
Grand Prince wouldn't do that.
No... even if that's the case...
as long as we can stop the war...
My lord.
I knew that the Crown Prince would act that way.
Yes, that's how he is.
For the past ten years I have taught him
I have known him to always be consistent.
But Kang Joo Seon...
I cannot understand his actions.
Even if it's to gain Grand Prince Bongrim
wouldn't there be another reason for him to step in at this moment?
That's what bothers me, too.
Without any interest in profit or goal
Kang Joo Seon wouldn't step in.
You mean that the war might not happen?
That's what I'm saying!
If the negotiation is successful.
That scoundrel is actually doing something good!
When Ming is doing well, stick himself to Ming!
Since the war with Qing
he stuck himself to the barbarians and fed himself well!
Goodness, I meant to bring a knife, not the rice paddle.
If it was a knife, it would've been big trouble.
My memory fades in and out with my age.
Anyway, I was a bit surprised.
It would've been nice for me to know about such a thing.
That's why I'm telling you.
Of course you should know, ma'am.
But is there really a way?
You said before that Ming definitely wants a war...
Even so, I'll have a way to live, so I should be at ease...
Why don't we talk about it later, ma'am?
People don't know about what's coming ahead right in front of them.
But it's a matter of the country!
No matter what happens...
our situation won't change at all.
So please be at ease.
What is that wench saying?
So is there going to be a war or not?
I'm not sure with those words alone...
Ma'am, this is Nam.
Let her in.
Ma'am, please take a look at this letter.
Why are you making such a fuss?
Lord Kim Ja Jeom sent this letter from Hwangju Castle.
What?
His servant was told to deliver this to you in secret.
- Soldier Na! - Over there, sir!
What is that? What's wrong with it?
It's a signal flame, sir!
'Adapt to each moment.'
Ma'am, what does it mean?
'Adapt to each moment'...
Look out for the benefit, and leave yourself to the moment?
What on earth is this...
Did you say that a signal flame was lit from Uiju?
Yes, General! And it's three flames together at the same time...
Take a careful look again.
Since it's broad daylight, it may just look that way from the smoke.
Pardon? What did you say?
Sir, we've looked at the signal flames until our eyes threatened to pop out.
It was really three flames. And it means the enemy...
How dare you!
Are you trying to educate me right now?
Then it means the enemy started the attack from the land route
and we should send a messenger right away.
That's why we need to be more careful.
We shouldn't send a wrong message when the capital city is in chaos!
General!
So... wait until it gets dark tonight.
Do you understand?
Everything will become clear then.
Sir.
- Is he inside? - Yes. Please go inside.
I really don't know if we can do this.
'We'?
What did we do, Prime Minister?
Look, Lord Kang Joo Seon...
The envoy to Qing?
My goodness...
Is that why you're acting this way?
Yes, did you also hear about it, Crown Prince?
That there may be a way to solve this situation?
See?
I, your father, can also do this.
Even if you don't step in...
Even if the Princess doesn't pull a trick in the background...
I can protect this country, and my people
as the King of this country!
In Woo!
Mother.
What are you doing there?
Nothing.
I heard that Prime Minister came by, so I thought Father might look for me.
I don't think so. Go to your room and rest.
I believe they have something to talk about.
Mother, please wait.
It's probably something related to the secret envoy sent to Qing.
Shouldn't I be prepared as well?
Really? Did he also give you a heads up about it?
Of course. Wouldn't it be obvious?
Look, sir!
If that's not three flames, then what could it be?
We have to hurry up and send a messenger, sir!
It means that the barbarians crossed the border!
Yes, the Qing army will cross the Joseon border.
Via a friendly relationship...
They crossed the river a long time ago.
Lord Kang!
Then what is the reason for me to do this?
With this, I showed my love for the country
and gained Grand Prince Bongrim.
At the same time, with the excuse of establishing a friendly relationship
I earned some time for Qing to cross the Joseon border.
That's why I'm asking if we went too far with this.
Why?
The result is the same anyway.
And I have nothing to lose.
The tide has turned already, Lord Kim.
You also know that.
Isn't that why you crossed to this side?
We won't send a messenger. Wait.
Sir, what did you say?
We'll watch the situation for another day and make a move when it becomes certain.
Keep that in mind.
What kind of a bastard is he?
- What are you doing? - Let go of me!
Is he really an official of this country?
Isn't he a spy for the barbarians?
'Adapt to each moment.'
Yes, Yeo Jung... The tide has turned already.
You have to wait until it's your time again.
Ma'am!
What on earth is this about?
The Qing army may have already crossed the border?
Move in secret.
Issue the highest warning at the Special Armory.
Yes I got it, sir.
Sir, is it true that the Qing army crossed the border?
But a secret envoy was sent to establish a friendly relationship.
There were definitely flames to signal the enemy's pillage.
I received the report last night, and confirmed it myself.
But if that's the case, why didn't a messenger arrive in the city?
If the flames that signal danger were sent up...
Kim Ja Jeom is the one in charge of guarding the northwestern region.
He is no different from my father.
Even then, how could he possibly...
Like In Woo said, if what Lord Kang did was only a trick to fool our eyes
they must have arrived in Anju by now.
Besides, if Kim Ja Jeom is just watching this
they will head south at a scary speed.
I will go see the King.
Ma'am!
Someone has to tell him!
Aunt! What's with this sophistry?
Please issue a warning to the military now, sire!
They should go to Kaesong now, and fight against them!
- What did you say? - Sire...
Please! There is no time to waste.
The Qing army must've stepped on Joseon land already!
A secret envoy delegation has already left this morning to negotiate.
They should be going through Anju by now.
If we go a little more, we'll find a rest stop.
Why don't we stop and take a break there?
No. Since we don't have time, we'll go to Uiju without a break.
What's that sound?
What is that?
Sir!
Turn around! It's the Qing army!
Turn around and deliver this news to the capital now!
Yes, sir!
Your Majesty!
You'll have to make sure that all the servants stay quiet.
Yes, sir.
- There should be no mistake. - Yes, sir.
Lord Kang!
Grand Prince.
What's going on?
The Qing army crossed the Joseon border?
It seems that our response was a step too late.
If we acted a bit more quickly, we might have had a chance.
They crossed Anju?
Already?
Then, by now...
they must've crossed Pyongyang and arrived in Singye.
We lost a chance to go to Kaesong and fight them!
It's already spilled water. What can we do about it?
Sire, please flee to Ganghwa and look for a solution from there.
Please consider it, sire!
'Flee'? How could we, again!
How could the King of the country leave behind the capital city three times?
Sire, that can't be!
Please don't flee the city this time!
If that happens, we will not ever bring back the scattered public opinion!
Sir, what about His Majesty's safety then?
How could you say such a thing?
You're worried about your own safety, not His Majesty's!
His Majesty has to go so that you can hide in Ganghwa!
What's that?
Deputy Minister! What do you take me for?
Enough!
Stop right now!
Even with the country in this situation, you dare to bicker in front of me?
Even at this moment
not the King or the country...
why is it only about your own safety?
Who... would I blame?
But this time... I will be different.
I will hold out until the end...
I will not hide in Ganghwa.
First, send the Crown Princess, the Grandson
and the royal family to Ganghwa...
And all of the remaining officials
will follow me to Namhan Fortress!
Sire!
Is it true?
Did His Majesty really make that decision?
Yes. So this time, we might not be torn apart so easily by Qin.
There is still hope.
So, ma'am...
You have work to do with a belief in that hope.
- Mother! Father! - Mother! Father!
Man Yong! Man Young!
Mother, I heard a war broke out.
I am really scared.
No, Man Yong. Nothing will happen.
Do you understand?
I'm sure of it.
No, sire!
I won't go to Ganghwa alone!
Crown Princess...
we have a son.
Just in case, you have to...
protect him, the future of this country.
- Dear. - Father!
You have to go, ma'am.
You have to go
and protect the Crown Prince and the first royal son.
That's the request from the Crown Prince for you.
My dear!
And please forgive me for not being with you and these children.
But I'll make it out alive.
I will survive and make sure to come back to you and the children.
Man Yong, come this way.
Take care of your mother and your brothers.
Can you do it?
Yes, Father.
Good. Thank you.
Thank you...
and I'm proud of you.
Your Majesty!
Why didn't you leave for Ganghwa?
When you are here, where would I go?
I am your son...
and also your retainer.
Crown Prince.
I... I...
I wanted to do well, Crown Prince.
- I only... - No...
Please don't say anymore.
You can do it, sire.
Crown Prince.
The enemy couldn't have crossed Kaesong yet.
The soldiers of Joseon will fight them.
So they won't be able to march to the capital so easily.
Do you really think so?
Yes! So we should still have time to act on it.
The Crown Princess and the royal son who left to Ganghwa will also be safe.
Yes, of course we will.
Sire! In order to make that happen, I will stay by your side until the end!
Until my life comes to an end for Your Majesty and for this country!
In Woo!
How did it go? What about the enemy?
How far south did they come?
What's going on, In Woo?
What's going on?
Hurry up! We have no time!
Be careful!
Hurry up!
Sir, you shouldn't do this. This is...
Step aside. You won't?
I could leave you behind, too!
What? Sir!
Hold on. This is a restricted area.
Not just anyone can come here.
Hey, don't you know who I am?
I am Kim Gyung Jing, appointed to be the Commander of Ganghwa Island!
Pardon?
Forget it. Where is the boat?
Where is the boat for the Crown Princess and the first royal son
to take them to Ganghwa?
Ma'am...
I understand how much it hurts.
It's hard to take a step.
Your Highness.
But you have to go, ma'am.
It is also our job to endure this pain.
How can you say that?
Who would give that order?
The Commander of Ganghwa...
What?
Ja Gyung!
Ma'am...
What's wrong? Did something happen?
The boat has already left, ma'am.
What?
In the boat that was supposed to take the Crown Princess and the royal son
Commander of Ganghwa Kim Gyung Jing put his family members in there and left.
No! It can't be!
The Crown Princess and the royal son...
Grand Prince.
Joo Won!
How... could this happen?
The Qing's army has already passed Kaesong and arrived in Paju?
Grand Prince, what did you just say?
Where did their army arrive?
Grand Prince, answer me!
The Qing army has already passed Kaesong?
How?
Just how?
They are running here with the aim of Ganghwa and Hanyang.
They noticed our plan to defend from Ganghwa.
That's why they didn't have stop anywhere else on the way to Gwangha.
No...
Then what about her?
What will happen to Her Highness and the royal son who went towards Ganghwa?
Yes, that's right.
They will be here within half an hour!
Subtitles by DramaFever
[Hwajung]
How is the battle going?
Isolated?
His Majesty and his people won't be able to escape from Namhan Fortress?
We can't step outside the palace right now.
Their army is already...
No! Sire!
Crown Prince!
If the Qing's army knew everything about Joseon
how could they possibly have known that?
I'm here to see His Majesty.
To deliver a letter from the Emperor of Ming.
What will happen to this country now?
What about His Majesty and the Crown Prince locked in Namhan Fortress?