Episode 26
Joyoung!
The captured assassins finnally confessed.
They're getting ready to arrest Bu Kiwon.
We must get back now.
We're going back to the city! Let's move!
Yes, sir!
Why do you hesitate when you know
who is behind the attempt on your life?
Bu Kiwon and Namgeon must be brought in at once.
Settle down!
I intend to use this opportunity to turn things around.
I don't understand, sir.
Turn things around?
They were trying to seize control of this state
when they tried to kill me.
If that isn't treason what is?
I will make all of the civil officials
including Namgeon submit to me.
All of the civil offisials of the royal court?
That's right!
Generals Ji Myongcheon and Gom Mujam,
proceed with your men to Dongchon
where th e civil officials reside.
Raid Gae Jin and Sun Keom's estates
and put them under arrest.
Yes, sir.
General On Samun and Yi Kiwu,
I want you to suppress Sa Bugu and the City Defense Guards.
Yes, sir.
I will handle Bu Kiwon myself.
I want the lords of the Five Puyo Clans
under my control by dawn.
As you wish, sir!
Bring Namgeon and Hogh Commissioner Bu Kiwon before me.
Yes, sir! Come!
Minister Yeon Namseng wants you outside, High Commissioner.
I suggest you comply before we have to drag you out.
Take him!
Move it!
Where are you hiding Namgeon?
I don't know what you're taking about.
No?
You coaxed him to have me killed and you don't know?
I just found out myself that he tried to have you killed.
Silence!
This is a crime that could've shaken
the very foundation of this country.
I will investigate this to the fullest
and punish everyone involved.
If you must insist,
punish me and get it over with.
I can't let the other officials suffer on account of me.
Slay me and
stop this tyranny against the Five Puyo Clans!
No, sir!
Let me go! No, sir!
No, sir! No, sir!
Bu Kiwon is not at fault alone!
All of us were deceived by Namgeon!
If you want blood, slay us all!
We can't let Bu Kiwon take the blame alone!
Forgive us!
Stop!
That's enough!
I was prepared to kill all of you
when I came here.
But I just remembered my father's last words.
Unity is what kept Goguryeo from crumbling
against foreign powers.
He said internal division is a sure path to ruin.
I have decided to grant you mercy
because the time calls for unity.
But know this.
You live not because of me
but because of my father,
Yeon Gaesomun, the man you abhorred.
Excellency!
Please forgive us, Your Excellency!
Forgive us, Your Excellency!
Master Gom, This is a ridiculous situation.
are vowing loyalty to Namseng.
But they are the ones
who just tried to have Namseng killed!
It looks Namseng has a different idea.
He wants to use this opportunity to make peace with them.
I don't trust them.
They have lowered themselves
even to His Excellency Yeon Gaesomun. Master Gom!
I thought we were going to kill them all.
What's going on?
Do you have any idea?
I'm going back in. But sir, wait...
Hey chum,
don't you think those old fogies are acting strange?
Keep the area tightly guarded.
Wait!
Hey, Gulsabiwu, you know what I think?
Hey!
Bastards...
Do I smell bad?
They hurt my feelings.
Thank you for your words of wisdom.
We, too, were greatly moved by your sagacity and insight.
How long has it been since the last time the civil and
military officials got together and shared out thoughts?
This old man is overwhelmed with joy!
It's all thanks to Minister Namseng
for redressing your grievances.
That's right.
The warriors are deeply moved by
Minister Namseng's magnanimity as well.
The civil officials musn't forget what he has done for you today.
I assure you we will not.
Hencheforth, the lords of the Five Puyo Clans
will be loyal to Minister Namseng.
This country will prosper and strengthen
only if we work together.
Give me your support.
I, Yeon Namseng, will destroy Tang China
and fulfill my father's dream.
High Commissioner,
Did everyone leave? Yes, sir.
Go to Namgeon at once and explain the situation.
Yes, sir.
The real fight starts now.
Yes. You'll see.
I will supress Namseng and
put Namgeon on the seat of the Supreme Commander.
Of course you will.
Namgeon is better man than Namseng
for this country's peace.
Don't try to get up.
The head monk said you won't be able to move around for a few days.
What an awful accident at a funeral of all places!
Rest here in comfort until you are well.
Wait, Captain Dae,
What can I do for you, Your Grace?
I've been feeling quite frightened about spending the night tonight
with all the violence this afternoon.
I was just praying to Buddha
to send me protector for the night...
... and here you are.
If you'd... just until sunrise...
Of course, Your Grace.
Kisil, taka care of this woman
until I complete my prayers.
Yes, Your Grace.
Who are you to be so kind to a compete stranger?
She is a princess of Goguryeo.
Princess of Goguryeo?
I am here offering a hundred day prayer.
Let us keep each other company like friends.
What did you find out?
The security is very tight.
I couldn't set foot into the city. Chulin,
did you look for Chulin?
Ilooked briefly, but...
Briefly?
Think about this for a second.
I'm sure she ran if she survived,
and what's the use of searching if she's dead?
Bastard!
That's it!
I'm sick of being knocked around by you!
All right, all right.
I'm putting my sword down, so put yours down too.
Do you want him dead, sir?
Not you too!
Put the sword down.
I can't believe you just did that!
I ought to beat the lights out of you!
Shut your trap!
If anything's happened to Lady Chulin,
I will kill you.
You darn Khitans!
Is Minister Namgeon inside?
Go on in.
Keep your eyes peeled. Yes, sir!
I need to go back into the city.
You've been told to stay put until there is an order.
I don't have time for this.
My colleague is missing.
Who do you think is responsible for this mess we're in?
It's all because you failed to do your job!
We barely figured out a way to survive
and you want to ruin that as wel?
Keep your head down and lie low.
You will be able to return to the city soon.
Do you understand?
Sa Bugu, sir! Enter.
What?
My brother placed the civil officials under arrest?
Yes. sir.
The whole city has been turned upside down.
How could he? How could he!
The civil officials were forced to pledge loyalty to him.
But they fear he would usurp the throne
if he is allowed!
How could he?
What has become of my brother?
Now you must come to the fore.
It is what the country demands!
I can forgive my brother for trying to take my life.
But if he tries to destroy the country
blinded by greed for power,
and if I am the only one who can stop him,
I will gladly come forward and fight.
Sir!
Deliver this message to the officials in Pyongyang.
From this moment forward,
I am the supreme commander of this state!
Yes, supreme commander!
Namgeon and Namseng drew their swords on each other?
Yes, sir.
That report from General Gom Mojam.
Those juneviles are out of their minds!
They will ruin this country!
Please calm down, sir. How can I be calm?
This is not just a sibling rivalry!
The division between the brothers
will devide this country!
It appears there's already been a wave of violence.
A wave of violence?
Namseng, moved his troops and forced the civil officials
of Pyongyang under his command.
What?
You mean he used the force of arms and placed the civil officials
under his command in a city where the King resides?
I'm afraid so, sir.
After all that his father said!
I'm impressed in a way.
Even His Excellency Yeon Gaesomun
could not touch the civil officials
but Namseng got them to pledge loyalty to him.
That's not what's happening.
Namseng is making big mistake!
A mistake, sir?
Sir,
what do you mean by that?
Did you wish to see us?
I need the two of you to go to Pyongyang.
On what matter, sir?
I'm disturbed about Namseng's actions.
He cannot stand by idly.
The situation in Pyongyang is under control now, sir.
Bu Kiwon is not a submissive character.
He may have kmeeled before Namseng now,
but he will use Namgeon to make trouble again
unless the two brothers reconcile.
Moreover, we are in a political crisis
And we have not be able to detect any distinct movement from Tang.
This means they are keeping a close eye on us.
This is no time for Yeon Gaesomun's sons
to be at each other's throats.
What would you like us to do, sir?
Go to Pyongyang
and deliver my message to Namseng.
If my warning does not change his attitude,
I'll go to Pyongyang myself.
We must stop their fight at any cost.
What? Xue Rengui?
General Xue is here? Yes, Khan.
I'm certain it's Xue Rengui,
but his appearance is...
What about his appearance?
I don't know what they did to him in Tang,
but he's a filthy vagrant if I have ever seen one.
A vagrant? Yes, Khan.
He asked for food.
So I took him to the guest tent.
Great warrior Xue Rengui looking like a vagrant?
Hey, hey, hey!
Stop eating and pour me a drink!
Yes, general. Kid... That's enough.
Ah, that's good!
By the way, Hongpei,
their steamed buns are delicious too, aren't they?
... Khan!
I, uh, didn't eat too well on the road coming here.
If you haven't eaten, perhaps you can join us, Khan.
Move out of the way, kid!
Khan, please sit down.
I'm too ashamed to hold my head up, Khan.
I'm sure you know already,
but I'm no longer a general. I'm no body.
To be honest,
it will hurt you more than help you to have me here.
I understand.
Thank you for the wonderful meal.
It's more than I deserve.
Let me just finish these steamed buns
and I'll be on my way.
Hongpei, let's eat.
You should never leave food on your plate.
Yes, general...
Why didn't you tell them?
You wouldn't have been sujected to this humiliation
if you had sold us out.
But instead you took the fall alone.
Why didn't you tell them
the Khitan tribe is responsible for the defeat?
Tang might be my ancestral land,
but Khitans are my family.
How could I betray my own family
no matter how desperate I am?
General...
My country has abandoned me,
but my family gives me warm food and wine.
What more could I ask for?
I don't want to cause you any harm.
Hongpei, let us go now. Don't!
Goguryeo is yet to be destroyed.
our dream of owning Yingzhou territory is still alove
and our pledge to serve you still stands.
Lead this Khitan tribe in a fight against Goguryeo.
We will be with you to the end, general!
Accept us, general!
I thought I was an unluckiest man alive,
but I guess I'm lucky after all to have such loyal friends.
By the way, have you heard anything from Li Kaigu?
You're going into Pyongyang Fort?
Lower your voice.
It's dangerous to go back there right now.
If Chulin is alive,
she has to be being detained inside the city.
Then I'll come with you.
I'll be safer alone.
Stay with here Jitou But sir,
Without Chulin, I don't exist.
If she is alive, I will bring her back,
and if she's dead...
Commander...
I will kill everyone who caused Chulin's death.
Dae Joyoung, Bu Kiwon,
all of them.
What?
Dae Jungsang is in Pyongyang?
He went dtright to the Supreme Commander's estate after arrival.
I'm sure General ang Manchun knows
about Yeon Gaesomun's death by now.
Then is he here to see Namseng?
Yang Manchun must've been informed
about the situation here in Pyongyang.
He will try to intervene one way or another.
Yes. .
it's not necessarily a bad thing for us.
What do you mean?
Namseng can't stand General Yang Manchun's interference.
This might worsen their relationship
but never improve it.
What could be more encouraging news for us?
Yes, you're right.
The further apart Liaodong and Pyongyang become,
more opportunities we will have.
The Grand Martial general is excessively concerned.
It's not excessive.
This could potentially tear the country apart.
That's why I took the initiative
and made peace with the civil officials.
But as long as discord continues between you and your brother,
the country will never have stability.
Go back and deliver my message to General Yang.
I will keep the country together by eliminating Namgeon.
Reconcile.
It is the Grand Martial General's strict order.
A strict order?
I'm trying to eliminate a disgrace to the clan,
and the Grand Martial General is giving me
orders in our family matter?
He said he would come to Pyongyang himself
if you do not reconcile.
And you won't be dealing with me when he does.
You will be face to face with General Yang.
Source indicate Tang is preparing
for yet another invasion.
And this country is still suffering from an ongoing drought.
It may look peaceful on the outside,
but we are in a silent crisis.
Pelase don't provoke the Grand Martial General.
He is quite irritable with worries of the state.
How is General Yang Manchun?
He is well
How about you, Joyoung? I'm well, father.
Good.
I heard about the situation.
Bu Kiwon is our biggest problem.
He is manipulation everyone from behind the curtains.
Has there been any word from Lord Namgeon?
We are searching for him,
but he's yet to be located.
I worry that General Yang's fears may be realized...
General, Bu Kiwon is here to see Minister Namseng!
What business could he possibly have?
This is excatly what we feared.
What you feared?
We feared General Yang Manchun would attempt to capture control
of the state once His Excellency Yeon Gaesomun passed on.
Though not yet official,
you are the Supreme Commander of Goguryeo now.
Why is he telling you what to do?
He is refusing to acknowleege your authority.
On top of that, he wants to come to Pyongyang himself.
You must stop him from entering the city
if nothing else.
With His Excellency gone,
you could lose everything.
And Yang Manchun will rise
to the Supreme Commander of Goguryeo.
This is what Liaodong is after,
I'm trying to figure out a way to stop him.
I have an idea. Do tell us.
You can go to Liaodong first
before Yang Manchun somes to Pyongyang.
Me going to Liaodong first?
Have an inspection tour os Liaodong
in your capacity as Supreme Commander.
Not only will you be able to break Liaodong's spirit
but also show the public your commanding presence
as the Supreme Commander.
You will achieve what you want
and your actions will be justified.
I must oppose.
Now is not the time for Lord Namseng
to leave Pyongyang unattended.
I understand what you're trying to achieve,
but you must first strengthen your foundation here in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang military is under his command,
and now he has the loyalty of the civil officials as well.
Lord Namseng's foundation is strong enough.
No, it is but a castle buit on sand.
A castle built on sand?
Does that mean you don't trust our loyalty?
Is this true, sir? No, I don't trust your loyalty.
An enemy will not turn into a trustworthy ally overnight.
Silence!
Settle down!
But sir... That's enough.
Thank you for the idea.
I wil consider it carefully and decide my next move.
You're most welcome, sir.
Serve your master well.
He will soon be the Supreme Commander of this state.
Come to think of it we are on the same side now.
Both you and I serve Minister Namseng.
Right, fellow?
I do not trust you High Commissioner.
If you create mischief that
exceeds your bounds and harms this state,
you can be certain that I will step forward and stop you.
I like your spirit.
All men should be as bold.
Don't take my warning lightly.
Brother,
I wondered where my kid brother had disappeared to.
I wondered about you as well.
It's been five long years.
But why Namseng?
You knew I would give rein
to my ambition with Namgeon.
Things don't always workout the way you planned.
How ironic.
The younger brother serves the older brother Namseng,
and the older brother serves the younger brother Namgeon.
Whoever prevails,
one of us will make the Supreme Commander of this state.
It will be an everlasting honor and glory for our clan.
You haven't changed at all.
Hong, Yes, brother.
Won't you yield just this once?
This isn't like you.
I fear you more than I fear anyone else in the world.
I, too, find it most difficult to figure out your moves.
I guess I'm in for a real contest.
with my adoring little brother...
Don't let your guard down, brother.
I'm going to fight hard.
Then let the fight begin.
A frontline inspection?
Are you sure he said inspection?
He's not coming to visit General Yang,
but he is coming for an inspection? Yes, General.
He wants to tour the entire Liaodong region.
Unbelieveable!
His arrogance will pierce the sky!
He was already acting like
the Supreme Commander in Pyongyang.
I was so repulsed that I could hardly look at him.
An inspection means he is putting
Liaodong army under his command.
Of course it is.
He will undermine General Yang's authority
and show off his strength.
We can't let him do this.
We should teach him a lesson when he comes to Lisodong.
Namseng is the Supreme Commander.
General!
With Yeon Gaesomun gone,
He is the Supreme Commander.
But his attitude couldn't be more direspectful.
What's more he had orderes his men
to shoot you down with an arrow.
It still makes my blood boil when I think about that.
Enough
Division is my foremost concern.
Do you wish to be the ones to create it?
What did you learn about Namgeon?
I was told he went into hiding.
Treat Namseng with proper respect and decorum
when he arrives for inspection.
Let us just be glad
if Namseng safely assumes his father's authority.
No, sir.
You must withdraw the order immediately!
It's already been decided.
It is too soon to leave Pyongyang unattended.
The civil official cannot be trusted.
That's why the warriors are staying behind
and I am going alone
General Ji Yes, sir.
I'm trusting you to protect the city
with generals On and Yi while I'm away.
I won't let you down, sir.
Sir, are you certain that you do not need us to escort you?
Don't worry. General
Gom will accompany me.
And Captain Dae, you will stay behind us as well.
Captain Dae is one man that we do need for this tour, sir.
You will do as I say.
This is a very important and meaningful trip.
We will leave as soon as we are prepared.
so get to work right away. Yes, sir!
Gaedong,
I need you to make a run to Geunglak Temple.
Lady Sukyoung is there.
I want you to bring her back here.
You have a very pretty face.
Would you like to try? No, thank you.
It's not for girls like me.
I don't know what the world
is like being raised in the palace.
I envy you for having lived
in the vast meadows and mountains.
If I am born again,
I want be born as a man.
Do you have specific man in mind
that you wish to be like?
Well...
There is a man named Dae Joyoung.
He is a low ranking military officer,
but he saved this country.
And he saved my life several times.
If I could be reborn a man,
I want to be just like Dae Joyoung.
If you like him so much,
why don't you get close to him?
Get close to him?
Eyes are the mirrors of the heart.
I can tell that you are in love with him.
No, I can't be! Me... ?
I shouldn't have said anything.
Forget I mentioned him.
Your grace, would you come outside?
Captain Dae Joyoung is here.
Captain Dae Joyoung?
Yes, Your Grace. And he's alone.
Captain Dae,
Have you fared well, Your Grace?
I heard from your servant that
there is an injured woman staying here.
It doesn't require your concern.
What brings you here, Captain Dae?
Is there something you wish to tell me?
Minister Namseng wishes to see you.
He will soon be leaving for an inspection tour of Liaodong.
He'd like to see you befora he leaves
and asks that bring you back.
I am in a middle of a hundred-day prayer.
Tell him go have a safe trip.
And even if I weren't busy,
it is not Namseng place to summon me.
Please do not be upset.
I am just following an order...
You disappoint me as well.
I thought you were an exceptional man
and here you are running petty errands.
Your Grace...
I don't know much about the world,
but I do know what suits a man.
You don't belong under Minister Namseng.
You have more important work to do for this country.
Do you understand?Go back and tell Minister Namseng
that I will not forget his insolence.
And I don't ever want to see you again
if it is for something like this!
It is a wise decision to leave Dae Joyoung behind.
I was afraid he might decide to stay in Liaodong
if I took him with me.
You will need him
until you have secured complete control of the state.
Yes, I know.
Dae Joyoung, sir. Come in.
Where is Lady Sukyoung?
He refused to come on account that
she has not completed her
Oh?
Perhaps I should've gone there myself.
Don't take it personally about having to stay ebhind
I need someone to take care of the family while I am gone.
Don't worry sir.
What are you talking about?
Li Kaigu has dissapeared?
Well, I didn't see him for a few days,
so I thought he went fishing, but...
Where could he have gone?
I don't know, sir.
He had me fooled, too.
Where is Li Kaigu?
He went to Pyongyang Fort.
What? Pyongyang Fort?
He went to Pyongyang at a time like this?
If he is captured, everything will be ruined!
I can't believe this!
Sir!
I've come to take you back, Minister Namgeon!
What about my brother Namseng?
He should be en route to Liaodong by now.
It is time you entered Pyongyang.
The civil officials and thousands of private guards await you!
Seize control of Pyongyang Fort now, Supreme Commander!
Very well. Let us go.
I would like to be on my way now.
You shouldn't be moving around yet.
I'm well enough to walk.
You can hardly stand.
How will you descend the mountain?
Go back to the room and lie down.
I'm all right. You don't have to worry.
Thank you for everything.
I knew it was you, Chulin.
Chulin...
Chulin!
Chulin! Chulin!
Wake up, Chulin!