Episode 22
Did Yang Manchun order you to have me killed?
No, I acted alone.
I hired the assassins
and I left the gates wide open for them to come in.
What? You... !
General Yang has nothing to do with this.
If you must vent your anger,
punish me instead.
General Yang Manchun is not the one.
Bastard! You're trying to patronize me!
I know what is in your heart.
No one loves this country like you do.
And no one can match your patriotism
except General Yang Manchun.
Why do you think of your lifelong friend as an enemy?
You must never doubt General Yang Manchun.
Distrust would portend the fall of Goguryeo.
What's more threatening than the Tang army
is internal division, Excellency!
Yang has overtly defied my order.
If this is not mutiny, what is?
There has to be an explanation.
You must investigate the truth.
The truth? Yes,
the culprit that tried to have me killed
is out there with the truth.
But until that truth is revealed,
both you and Yang Manchun
will not be above my suspicion.
Chulin: Li Jinzhong's daughter
Clear the road!
Make way for the Supreme Commander!
The Supreme Commander is coming through!
Can't sleep?
if all goes according to plan,
there will be an internal strife in Goguryeo.
And once Yeon Gaesomun is dead,
the country will crumble.
Finally there is hope for us.
Yingzhou...
Once Goguryeo falls,
Yingzhou territory will be ours as promised.
It can't be...
Chulin couldn't possibly be here...
But if it is Chulin,
that means the Tang goverment sent those assassins.
I don't know... I'm so confused...
No, it's not Joyoung...
If he wanted to kill me,
he wouldn't need the assassins.
I won't believe everything Bu Kiwon said.
But Yang Manchun is indeed against this conquest ofTang.
My one and only confidant Yang Manchun
is openly defying my order!
What now? What do I do?
- Here, have a drink. - I'm afraid I don't drink.
You are a boring man, Shin.
So, are you still planning to leave me
when you find your master?
I don't think you called me at this time
of the night for an idle chat.
I'm concerned about my father's condition.
How long do you think it will take for him to recover?
May I be frank?
Are you saying you haven't been frank all this time?
This is no time to be talking about
His Excellency's condition.
What do you mean
this is no time to be talking about his condition?
It is time to be planning for the aftermath.
Aftermath? Aftermath of what?
Aftermath of the Supreme Commander's death.
What are you talking about?
It is imminent.
Once His Excellency is gone.
Goguryeo will plunge into chaos.
Don't say that.
- My father is not dying. - You must face the reality.
It won't be long before you become the Supreme Commander.
You have to be prepared in order to stop the chaos.
My blood boils every time I see the two of you!
Dae Joyoung, you're not even worth mentioning,
and you, Gulsabiwu,
what are you staring at?
It seems you got lucky again,
but when your luck runs out,
I'll be there to cut of your necks.
Get them out of here!
Move it!
Sit down.
I've done a lot of thinking last night.
Do I destroy Yang Manchun
or give him Another chance for old time sake...
It's not in the best interest
of the state to kill Yang Manchun.
I vowed to give my life for Goguryeo,
and it would make no sense if I can't get over this.
But I have declared my will to go to war with Tang.
I've vowed to destroy Tang
to secure a safe future for our descendents.
But Yang Manchun has openly challenged my objective.
That is what I cannot accept!
Send me to Liaodong.
I will convey your thoughts to General Yang Manchun.
You will not break his will simply
by conveying my will.
I will do my very best to persuade him.
Give me your command, Excellency.
The fate of Liaodong and Yang Manchun,
to go further,
the fate of Goguryeo is at stake.
I won't disappoint you, Your Excellency.
Is it true that you're going to Ansi Fort?
You have an important work to do here.
This throwing knife was used by the intruders that night.
Find oput where it was made.
Do it quietly.
I don't want anyone to know about it.
I got it. Just be back safe.
Dae Joyoung went to Liaodong?
I saw him leave Pyongyang this morning with my own eyes.
How could that be?
I was certain he'd be killed,
but he went to Liaodong?
My guess is he is taking a message
to General Yang Manchun.
A message? What kind of message?
Perhaps the Supreme Commander is trying
to persuade General Yang to cooperate.
You mean Yeon Gaesomun is reaching out
instead of drawing his sword?
That's bad news for us!
The Tang spies?
They're under close watch.
Don't lose sight of them.
We might need them if anything goes wrong.
- Yes, sir. - I don't understand.
Why did Yeon Gaesomun suddenly change his mind all?
I'm certain it was him again.
Dae Joyoung...
He is getting in our way every time.
You look stronger and more imposing than ever.
We were worried about you
after hearing about what happened in Pyongyang.
I'm sorry to have caused you concern.
So, have the intruders that broke into the estate been indentified?
That is what I'm here about.
Excellency suspects you, general,
of being behind the attempt on his life.
What do you mean?
He thinks we sent the assassins?
He couldn't possibly think that in his right mind!
Explain what's going on.
Joyoung?
You sent Dae Joyoung to Liaodong as your messenger?
He will never come back!
If he doesn't come back,
our enemy will become clear.
But Liaodong will find out everything
that's happening here.
Is that your concern?
Are you afraid I might lose against Yang Manchun?
No, Father...
Day and night I contemplate about
how we're going to destroy the arrogant and malicious Tang.
Do you think I'd be afraid of rebels in the countryside?
No, Father.
Joyoung has been sent,
so we will hear something soon.
I just hope I don't have to fight my own.
- Namseng, - Yes, Father.
how is the preparation for war progressing?
Generals On and Yi are in the process
of increasing our force of arms.
Time is of the essence.
I want you to personally oversee the preparation.
Yes, Father.
Yang Manchun...
Drink your tea.
- Joyoung, - Yes, general.
Is there something you're not telling me
about the Supreme Commander?
It's all right. Speak.
Go on. Tell him what you know.
The Supreme Commander is gavely ill.
Yang Manchun: Lord of Ansi Fort
An illness?
The Supreme Commander has suffering an illness?
Yes.
And I think it is causing him great anxiety and confusion.
Do not return to Pyongyang.
This dilemma won't be easily resolved.
The dilemma will become even harder to resolve
- if I stayed. - He is right.
He must go back, general.
Joyoung,
do you thnik I should abide by the Supreme Commander's will?
That is the only way to stop
Liaodong and Pyongyang from colliding.
But we cannot put the people in distress.
People are the very reason why we risked our lives
and fought off the foreign invaders.
Are we to go join a war that is sure to be futile?
But general...
Take this back to the Supreme Commander.
The Supreme Commander and I are dearest friends.
We've relied on each other
and devoted our lives to protecting the state.
If I cannot convince him,
how could I call myself a friend?
But he is suffering a physical illness.
Yeon Gaesomun's biggest woe is not
in his body but his heart.
He has no one to pen his heart to.
Loneliness is Yeon Gaesomun's greatest malady right now.
Joyoung,
Yes, general.
I must ask you for a favor.
A favor?
Nothing I can do for you would be a favor.
It seems end is near for my dear friend.
Take well care of him to his final moment.
To me he is a friend,
but to the country he is an exalted hero.
If his last days become inglorious,
it would be your failure as his servant.
Take care of him
so that he feels less alone and uncomfortable.
I will, sir.
Khitan Camp, Yingzhou
An imperial command?
You mean the Emperor personally ordered my capture?
Yes, general.
They put a reward of 1 00 silver pieces for your capture.
One hundred?
Not gold but measly one hundred pieces
of silver for my head?
Cheap bastards...
Does anyone know that you are here, general?
Yes, the Empress.
If Empress Zetian should change her mind about you...
That won't happen.
But I guess you never know women.
Scores of merchants come through Yingzhou.
You are not safe here.
So where am I supposed to go? Goguryeo?
I suppose not, but...
We'll just have to hang on a little longer.
Li Kaigu will send word soon.
Wouldn't it be great
if we got the message that Yeon Gaesomun is dead?
Shouldn't he be dead by now?
- His Majesty is bedridden again? - Yes, Your Highness.
This is awful.
He's been frequently ill lately.
What do the physicians say about his condition?
They are unsure of the exact cause.
What do you mean?
He is ill but they do not know the cause?
Your Highness,
General Li Jing and Su Dingfang seeks your audience.
See them in.
What brings the two generals to my chambers?
We've come to inquire about Xue Rengui's whereabouts.
Why would you come to me about that?
Your Highness,
this is not a matter to be concealed.
Concealed?
Am I hiding General Xue?
The inquiry will continue until he is captured.
You msut tell us where he is
if only to restore stability in the state.
General Li Jing,
are you making a threat?
- Your Highness! - I do not know where he is.
So don't involve me in this matter.
Then you must not intervene once
Xue Rengui is captured.
Your Highness just told us not
to involve you with Xue Rengui.
Whether he is killed or forgiven,
what we do with him in our business.
Do whatever you please.
but remember this.
The sun does not stay in one place.
Light and shade eventually switch places.
It is a letter written and signed by the Grand Martial General.
He wrote his sincere thoughts.
His sincerity is not my concern.
All I need to know is
whether he is with me or against me.
Please read the letter.
General Yang Manchun loves
this country with all of his heart.
Are you implying that I don't?
What I want is for Yang Manchun and me
to destroy Tang together.
And I sent you to Liaodong
to give Yang Manchun another chance.
But judging from your words,
this letter contains a negative response.
Excellency... !
You have failed to accomplish your mission.
And your demeanor tells me
that you support Yang Manchun.
From this moment forward,
I will regard you as my enemy as well.
I should have you killed,
but I'm sparing your life for old time sake.
- Leave at once! - Excellency!
Go back to Yang Manchun or wherever you want.
- But do not come back to me. - I can't do that.
I will serve you to the end.
Guards! Guards!
Get him out of here!
If you ever come near this estate,
I will have you killed!
Take him!
Excellency, allow me to serve you!
Get him out!
Excellency, allow me to serve you!
Excellency! Excellency!
Excellency! Allow me to serve you!
You've one lucky bastard to be getting out of here alive.
Sir, please don't force me out.
Sir!
- If he ever shows up again, kill him. - Yes, sir!
Sir... . !
Did you hear that?
Don't blame me if I have to kill you.
Let's go!
Excellency...
Yang Manchun is sure to have written
words of concern about me.
I'm sure he comforts me with his warm
and gentle words reminiscing about the past.
But I cannot read this letter.
The mind must get stronger as the body grows weaker.
After all, friendship is as short as a lifetime,
but history is eternal.
I must be willing to give up everything
for the conquest of Tang.
Everything!
What?
The Supreme Commander is trying to
have General Yang Manchun removed?
He is determined.
I feared it might come to this
when Liaodong reorganized their army.
My fear has become reality.
Pyongyang and Liaodong will be at war
if we don't do anything about this.
We have to stop this somehow.
Everyone is saying that
the Supreme Commander has gone mad.
Our heads will come off if we hastily get involved.
There is a way to stop him.
This was used by the assassins.
Judging by the shape
I'm certain it was made here in Pyongyang
If my hunch is right,
they are Tang spies.
- Tang spies? - Yes.
If we can capture them and priove their identity,
His Excellency won't be able to accuse Liaodong of treason.
That sounds like our best option for now.
We need soldiers to help us.
Could you give us your men?
Sure.
I'll have my subordinates assist you.
Thank you, Master Gom.
There is a meeting first thing in the morning
at the royal hall tomorrow.
And I'm nervous because
Supreme Commander is presiding over it.
Yang Manchun is one of the pillars
of this state that upholds Liaodong.
But if a pillar is rotting,
it must be replaced before it gives.
I've called this meeting to collect your opinion
and decide his punishment
King Bojang: 28th King of Goguryeo
Warriors, speak your opinion.
Speak candidly.
Is Yang Manchun a faithful retainer or a rebel leader?
A royal order was issued to prepare
for a campaign against Tang.
But he overtly defied the order.
This is a clear indication of treason.
Furthermore, an attempt was made on
the Supreme Commander's life shortly after.
This is certain to be a conspiracy plotted by Liaodong.
Now I would like the civil- officials to speak.
Yang Manchun is against conquest of Tang.
Who between Yang Manchun and Yeon Gaesomun is right?
Your Excellency's resolve stems
only from true patriotism.
But Yang Manchun is carrying out a ploy
to further the interest of Liaodong.
That's right, Excellency.
Do not be dissuaded.
All those who oppose the conquest are traitors.
Thank you for sharing your opinions.
Your Majesty,
I ask that you issue a royal summons
to have Yang Manchun brought in immediately.
I shall take care of the repercussions.
Send a royal messenger to Liaodong
without delay, Your Majesty.
Yang Manchun will soon be denounced a rebel leader.
Who knew that the arrow that
was headed straight for us would hit Liaodong?
Yeon Gaesomun is already dying,
so we just have to get rid of Yang Manchun
and the world will be ours.
But once Yeon Gaesomun is dead,
his son Namseng will succeed him.
It won't be that easy for Namseng
to become the next Supreme Commander.
Have you thought of a plan?
Eliminating Yang Manchun is our top priority right now.
Yeon Gaesomun may soon die,
but it will be difficult to establish friendly relations with Tang
if Yang Manchun stands in the way.
If we can get Yeon Gaesomun to destroy Yang Manchun,
we can save the country from the distress of war.
By the way, what happened to Dae Joyoung?
He hasn't been seen
since Yeon Gaesomun kicked him out.
Perhaps he went back to Liaodong.
Sit down.
- Did anyone see you coming here? - Yes, Your Highness.
No one will know since he is in disguise.
You should have intimate and most accurate knowledge.
Speak.
Is it true that General Yang
and the Liaodong warriors are plotting treason?
I swear, with god as my witness,
General Yang plotted no treason.
The royal messenger has already been dispatched to Ansi Fort.
You must send another messenger in secrecy
and advise him of the situation.
General Yang would not disobey a royal summons
even if he knew what happened.
No,
he wouldn't since defying the royal command
would be construed as acknowledgement of guilt.
There is a quiet rumor that the Supreme Commander is ill.
Is it true?
It is true.
The Supreme Commander is hiding
his pain with incredible strength
because the country will plunge into chaos
if his illness is made known.
That is the kind of man he is.
At times I am awed by his immense patriotism.
But even nectar is poison in excess.
His excessive patriotism has caused this situation.
This is frustating...
I thought General Yang would be able to
dissuade the Supreme Commander,
but the two pillars of the state are about to collide...
Is there no one among the royal subjects
who can stop this?
Infinite regrets, Your Majesty!
Taehak
I finally found out
where this throwing knife was made.
His name is Xue Jitou.
He is well known among the locals
as the best blacksmith in the city.
He seems well acquainted with General Sa Bugu
of Pyongyang Defense Guards.
Sa Bugu?
I think he buys horseshoes and weapons from him.
Sa Bugu...
He is one of Bu Kiwon's men
but I didn't find anything suspicious.
What are we waiting for?
Let's raid them right now!
My lord,
Shin, what did you find out?
Is this the object?
Just like you said,
the assassins are hiding out
where this knife was made.
I will get them tonight!
But they have nothing to do with Liaodong.
My guess is they are spies from Tang.
Spies from Tang?
You could end up proving
General Yang Manchun's innocence.
I don't care who it is.
They threatened my father's life
and I am going to kill them!
Good work.
I'm impressed by how quickly you tracked them down.
Afternoon, sir.
Your order of one hundred horseshoes is ready for you, sir.
Don't talk, just listen.
Someone's been watching this place for the past few days...
Clear out of here tonight.
I'll be back for the horseshoes later.
Yes, sir. Good day, sir!
Xue Jitou
The place is empty.
They must have known that we were coming!
Get out of the way!
This is General Yeon Namseng!
Which division do you soldiers belong to?
Capture them! Now!
You!
It was you after all!
It was you and the Liaodong army
who tried to have my father killed!
- No! You got this all wrong! - Silence!
This is the assasssins' hideout!
- you cannot lie! - No, sir!
- We came to capture the assassins... - What are you waiting for?
- Arrest them! - Attack them!
Run!
After him!
Stay back or you're dead!
Move! Move away!
Gulsabiwu, you blasted bastard!
You're a dead man!
Harder!
Talk.
You work for Liaodong, right?
Again? I ought to just... !
I told you not to glare at me!
All right, all right. Just talk.
Just say that Liaodong was behind this,
I'll forgive you.
- What do you call the sky? - Huh? The sky, of course.
Then the earth?
The earth is earth. What else would I call it?
hey, what the heck!
The sky cannot become the earth.
That is my answer, you numskull!
What? Numskull?
All right. Let's see who wins.
What? Joyoung?
I'm positive.
Dae Joyoung is the one that set it up.
And it's obvious who he is working for.
The royal summons should be in Liaodong by now.
If Yang Manchun does not comply,
we have to be ready to go to war.
Yang Manchun!
Prepare to leave for Pyongyang immediately.
- You can't go, general! - It is His Majesty's command.
The Supreme Commander is plotting to hurt you!
- I cannot defy the royal command. - But sir!
If Pyongyang and Liaodong is divided,
Goguryeo will crumble.
I must be there in the flesh
to prove Liaodong's innocence.
I cannot let you go there alone,
general. I am coming with you.
I'm coming with you too, sir,
- So am I. - I'm coming as well.
Let us accompany you.
We will be with you to the death.
Let us be with you, sir.
- Grant us permission, general! - Grant us permission, general!
the man has profound knowledge in the art of healing.
You don't have to worry, Father.
Excellency! Excellency!
Disturbing news, Excellency!
How dare you just barge in here like this!
- Oh, forgive me... - That's all right.
What's the disturbing news?
The royal messenger has just returned from Ansi Fort
and he says that General Yang Manchun
is on the way to Pyongyang now.
But he's not alone.
All of the warriors of Liaodong are with him.
- The warriors of Liaodong? - Yes,
and their troops number in the thousands!
Thousands?
You mean the Liaodong army is marching to the city?
Yes, sir.
Thousands of armed soldiers!
Father!
This is not compliance to the royal summons.
This is a rebel army advancing to attack Pyongyang Fort!
Yang Manchun... Yang Manchun!
I will not let you go back alive!
Yang Manchun, bastard!