Episode 31
Release him! Release him!
What are you waiting for?
I gave you an order! Shot them! Now!
No!
Do not shoot!
You! Bu Kiwon!
Shoot them down now!
Stop!
The people must not be harmed!
Stop!
Stand down! Now!
What are you doing?
Can you disband these people?
Killing innocent civilians is an evil worse than treason!
Let me out of this carrier!
Open the prisoner's basket
and release the Grand Martial General!
I've come here with a purpose
of uniting the civil and military officials of this state!
But regrettably I have benn misunderstood!
But the public need not fear!
In the end the truth will prevail
and the ministers will see my loyalty!
We know what is happening, general.
If you enter the city right now, your life will ve in danger.
We cannot lose you, Grand Martial General.
-Wee will protect you. -That's right!
All of us will protect you together!
Hear me!
The royal retainers are not solely
responsible for our current turmoil!
When you the people do not trust the goverment to do its job.
you also contribute to ruination of the state!
You are proud people of Goguryeo!
Your jops right now are not to protect me.
but stand firm where you are
as individuals that make up this country!
For as long as you, the people, stand strong.
this country will not helplessly crumble!
Now, I must see the king!
Please clear the path into the city!
Please mount. The horse!
Long live General Yang Manchun! Long Live General Yang Manchun!
-Is this true? -Yes, Your Majesty.
Somehow the people found out
and stopped the prisoner`s basket.
There`s a huge group of people following the Grand Martial General!
to the palace right now with lantens in hand,
Incredible, this is truly incredible!
Everything ie out in the open now,
The ministers won`t be able to push for
-Grand Martial Genera`s execution. -No,you`re wrong.
These men don`t fear the public`s eye
They will undoubtebly place the Grand Martial General in confinement,
and seek a death penalty.
Then what do we do?
I will see the general into the palace myself.
-Your Majesty! -Attendant!
Yes,Your majesty,
I shall go to the tribunal prepare for travel.
Yes,Your Majesty.
-Father! -Joyoung, What happend?
I thought they had you locked up!
Master Gom got me out.
I`m relieved that you`re all right.
But I fear for general Yang
Don`t worry,
look at all these people,
They won`t let anything happend to him.
Bu Kiwon won`t be quick to hurt him with the public watching so intently.
Let`s go to Taehak for now,
The warriors of pyongyang await you.
Your Majesty,
I Grand Martial General Yang Manchun,
bid you humble greetings.
Welcome,Grand Martial General!
I`ve come to discuss state affairs.
I seek your audience in privacy.
Your Majesty,this is a criminal that has brought
to the tribune at the royal command!
Yes,your Majesty.
He must be imprisoned immediately to stand trial soon after
Deign to see,Your Majesty.
Deign to see! Deign to see!
It`s true that the Grand Martial General
is under suspicion of treason,
However,nothing has been proven
What are you talking about, Your Majesty!
Guards!
escort the grand martial general to the royal chambers!
Your Malesty,this is a criminal of high treason!
I beg you not to undermine the law of the land!
Don`t make accusations
until there are suporting facts!
It`s my soul right as the sovereign of this land
to make that judgment!
-But you Majesty! -What are you waiting for?
Escort the grand martial general!
I`m unfit to be the ruler of this land
Your Majesty!
I have never once displayed the strenght and authority of the King
since the departed supreme commander brought me to the throne.
Goguryeo has endured
only because you firmly held your seat of power.
No,
I`m helpless to protect a falsely accused loyal servant.
I blame myself for all this...
Your Majesty,
The people need pride in order for the country to be strong
We`re in a state of turmoil
because the royal retainers are out of control.
to rectify the situation,
you must have a clear picture of what must be done.
Tell me, Grand Martial General.
tell me what I must do.
How could I dare tell you what to do?
But if you ask how this country might be save,
I will dare speak my opinion.
Please tell me what I must do.
Share your insight with this man.
The Grand Martial General just left the royal chambers
and headed to the guest wing.
The gueset wing?
You mean he`s staying in the palace?
Yes..
It`s great relief that he`s not imprisoned.
It`s too soon to relax.
The guest wing is in an isolated area of the palace.
It`s just as dagerous as the palace jail.
Is there no one in the palace that will protect him?
Sa Bugu`s Pyongyang Defense Guards,
are there only soldiers allowed in the palace.
Then what do we do?
We will go.
We are the warriors of Pyongyang.
we will go into the palace.
and protect the Grand Martial General.
But you`ve all lost your men.
-We will join them. -No, you can`t.
The two just escaped from the palace jail.
We will enter the palace in disguise.
What if you`re spotted?
take them with you.
You`ll need everyone you can get.
Don`t let anything happen to general Yang Manchun.
The fate of Goguryeo rest in his survival.
Don`t worry.
We will protect him with our lives.
I`m nervous about this.
What could His Majesty and Yang Manchun be talking about?
It can`t be anything significant.
He has entered the palace alone,
and won`t be easy to get out.
We mustn`t forget that we`re dealing with Yang Manchun.
God forbidid he should be acquinted and released...
Acquitted and released?
You mean he could be set free?
We must throw him in jail somehow and break the brunt of revenge.
But his majesty has issued an order.
Pyongyang defense guards control the palace
His Majesty will never know what`s going on.
If the attendants don`t talk.
You have a point.
Releasing Yang now would be like releasing an enrage tiger.
that could swallow this country whole!
He must be caged if only to stop the chaos
that`s sure to consume the state.
Get to work right away.
Yes, high commissioner.
If we fail to remove Yang after all this,
We could face fatal revenge.
The fate of the country is at stake.
We cannot let fear of death stop us from doing our jobs.
What brings you sirs here today?
What are you doing here with all these armend guards?
Armed guards of any other military agencies
are not allowed in the palace,
We haveduty to protect our superior officer.
We will guard the guest wing. Leave the palace now,
You`re but a martial general of inferior rank.
How dare you tell us what to do!
if you choose to defy me,
I will have no choice but to arrest all of you.
We will protect the grand martial general.
until the public inquiry.
so leave us or kill us all!
We will see how long you can keep this up.
Let`s go!
-But general... -I came prepared to die.
If survival was my interest, I wouldn`t be here.
But this is much too dangerous.
Danger lurks on every battlefield.
This is different.
we have no advantage from any angle.
We were in equal state of dispair
when Sui and Tang invated this country
But Goguryeo prevaild every time.
This is no different.
Unavoidable fight must be fought head on.
But your life...
There are more important issues at hand.
If we can`t get over this hurtle Goguryeo will be on the path to ruin,
But if we do manage to get through this,
we will seize an opportunity
for another thousand years of prosperity.
Did you say opportunity?
General?
Welcome,Scholar Shin.
You look troubled.Why?
Is there nothing we can do for general Yang?
There must be some way to stop this inquisition.
There`s no one more powerful then Yang Manchun in this state.
You seen the cheering public yourself.
Goguryeo could fall completely into his hands
If he decides to call upon them.
But that`s absolutely not what this country needs.
Once this inquiry is over, you will become the supreme commander.
What you need more than prudence right now
is bold decisiveness.
You must be aware of it!
That unfailing courage your father had to act without fear.
when action is called for
Have you heard anything about my brother Namseng?
He `s probably wandering the frontier aimlessly
Forget about Namseng.
You have enough state affairs to worry about.
We should never have come here to Tang China
What`s bothering you?
They`re planning another invasion on Goguryeo.
What if they use us?
You might have to lead their military campaing
if that`s what they want.
What are you saying?
Are you telling me to fight for Tang?
Lower your voice,sire.
We`re going to kill the hound once hunting is over anyway.
Why should we care what breed or color they are?
Sir Shin!
Whether it is the khitans of Yingzhou or Tang Chinese.
our plan was to drive them out
once we have reached our goal.
I was Supreme Commander of Goguryeo then.
I will not fight for the enemy against my own country!
Excellency,
this is no time to be sentimental,
Sentimental?
We are powerless to do anything right now.
Why are we here sulfering this shame?
Isn`t it for the future?
Don`t lose something importan
trying to protect something small.
Our only goal is to get Goguryeo back
from Namgeon and the civil official.
The Emperor awaits you.
Hostile relations have continued for decades.
Between this country and your father.
There`s only one way
to break this baneful chain between us.
Your Majesty,
Yeon Gaesomun`s son has come to us on his own accord.
It`s time the chain of hostility should be broken.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I urge you to acquire pledge of loyalty from Yeon Namsrng,
grant him a govrnment post,
and have him lead the campaing against Goguryeo.
I ask you.
Will you become ny royal retainers.
and pledge loyalty to Tang?
His Majesty has asked you a question!
Lord Yeon,why are you silent?
I have come to see the Emperor of Tang
as the supreme commander of Goguryeo.
Your unexpected request for loyalty
has rendered me speechless.
Are you refusing to pledge loyalty?
There`s no title or post in the imperial court of Tang
that`s more exalted or more honorable
Than the title of Goguryeo`s Supreme Commander.
How dare you!
You are as insolent as you father!
This man must be jailed at once!
He insulted you and the imperial house of Tang!
He must not be forgiven, Your Majesty!
Wait,wait a minute.
Your Majesty,it`s my oversight.
I didn`t realize the man is delusional!
from the long and arduous trip.
I will ask you again.
Do you have no desire to vow loyalty.
and become my retainer?
Your Majesty,I ask you to give him some time.
assure you he will be transformed
into your royal servant.
Bestow your boundless mercy, Your Majesty.
as a former Supreme Commander of the enemy state.
it can`t be easy for you to vow loyalty to me.
But remember, my mercy has limits.
This is absurd!
What`s the matter with you
You could`ve gotten me killed as well
You never said I would have to vow loyalty to Tang!
Did you think that we would just hand
over our army to you for nothing?
Unbelievable!
What did you axpect?
Think carefully!
They say that a word can repay a debat of thousand coins.
You`re exchanging a powerful position with one vow.
Why would anyone refuse?
He has a lot on his mind right now.
He will see the emperor again.
once his thoughts are sorted out.
I will not see the Emperor again.
Excellency..
I cannot betray my country nomatter how destitute I am!
Then you will not leave this place alive.
-I came prepared. -What?
Excellency!
General!
I have a message,sir.
The Empress requests a meeting.
The Empress
I guesee she heard I`m back and couldn`t wait to see me.
Let`s go.
I`m sorry sir,But you`re not whom she wants to see.
No?
She wants to see Lord Namseng.
you must comply.
I have no reason to see the Empress.
You`ve already crossed the line once.
if you refuse the Empress now,
we won`t have a chance of getting out of here alive.
I`m told you boldly refuse to vow loyalty to the emperor.
I would`t expect anything less from the son of the man
Who once was Tang`s greatest nemesis.
Why did you call me?
I always get what I want.
And lucky for you, you have my current interest.
I would never betray Goguryeo for Tang.
Of course not.
Loyalty or love,
a man`s heart should never be fickle.
I have said all I need to say. so I shall leave.
Goguryeo will fall wheter you help us or not.
No,you`re wrong!
My brother and I may have caused political confusion,
but Goguryeo will not fall just because I am not there.
But if Yang Manchun isn`t there, it`s a different story
What do you mean?
Why would General Yang Manchun not be there?
He`s not doing well
He`s been imprisoned under the charges of high treason.
Thanks to your escape.
the last pillar of Goguryeo is about to crumble.
That can`t be!
General Yang Manchun?
If Goguryeo falls
You, Yeon Namseng, will be the hero that brought it down.
Without Yang Manchun
Goguryeo cannot survive.
Your Hughness, if what you say is true,
There`s no time to wait!
We must launch an attack at once and put an end to Goguryeo.
But of course
The entire Tang army will march to goguryeo
the moment Yang Manchun`s execution is cofirmed.
Now tell me.
Will you be a spectator as fate drains the life out of Goguryeo
or will you vow loyalty to Tang and be part of history?The choice is yours.
Excellency!
Release general Yang Manchun! Release general Yang Manchun!
Something must be done!
Protesters demanding Yang Manchun`s release
has mutiplied!
We have to suppress them before they get out of control.
But we could be adding fuel to the fire.
If you give them an inch,
they will take a mile.
You mist make a bold decision for the country!
Give them an order to break up the protest now!
Say something!
What has gotten into you lately?
Supremecy is within reach.
This is no to hem and haw.
His Majesty the king wishes to see you.
Namgeon`s behavior has changed in the past few days.
Did you notice as well?
It started the day Yang Manchun was brought in
The inquiry keeps getting postponed.
...and nothing is going the way we anticipated!
-Sa Bugu, -Yes,High Commissioner.
Get your men outside and break up the protest now
Kill a few if they resist.
They will run scared out of their wits at the sight of blood.
Yes High Commissioner!
We cannot rely on Namgeon to call shots anymore.
I will throw Yang Manchun in jail
once the protest is disbanded.
Yes!
And once Yang Manchun is removed,
You should take the Supreme Commander`s seat instead.
I think your better suited for the job than Namgeon.
Yes,I agree.
Why don`t we start that process right now?
Yes,
The road will be rough,
but how could I refuse it it`s for the people?
If it`s for the people of my country..
-If they resist,kill them -Yes,sir!
Disband! Return to your homes!
Put ther swords down! Don`t fight back!
Stop! Stop!
Are you out of your mind?
innocent civilians are getting killed!
Put that down!
Stop them from fighting back!
Go back to your homes!
Disband!
What was the screaming I heard from outside?
Answer me What happened?
High Commissioner Bu Kiwon is here.
Bu Kiwon?
Send him in!
You`re unbelievable.
I thought you fled out of the city.
but here you are inside the palace!
I wondered how you could remain so undaunted.
You have an unfailing henchman.
Why are you here?
Regrettably.
there was a situation that led to civilian casualties.
What`s worse,it looks like tragedy will not end here.
The protesters have begun to rally again
on their own to save your life.
Disarm your men outside and
walk into the palace jail on your own
if not,
all the civilians outside thegate will die.
I`m asking you to stop the tragedy.
Check outside.
Both of you have a seat
Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you.
I have been making calculated moves to set the stage for a plan.
It`s an elaborated plan that I hope will save this country.
But things are moving quicker than I had anticipated,
and I need your help.
-Give us your order. -We will give our lives.
-Sixe him. -Yes,high commissioner!
-Let`s go! -Yes, sir!
I want all of you to clear out of the palace.
Please sir, let us protect you!
I can`t let innocent civilians get killed because of me.
I can take care of myself, so clear out.
But sir,if we leave...
I know what I`m doing.
Sir,what is your plan?
Is there a way to break through this predicament?
Please tell us.
Otherwise, we cannot leave you here alone.
Forgive us,general.
Ecort the grand martial general to comfinement!
Shall we?
-General! -General!
I heard you`ve placed the grand martial general under lock and key.
Forgive me,Your Majesty...
What is your intent?
Do you intend to have him executed?
Either the lords of Pyongyand or
the warriors of Liaodong must yield.
That`s the only way to stop this country from tearing apart.
So are you saggesting we remove General Yang
to keep the country together?
The survivor is the winner in the battles of any kind/
And clearly the winner of this battle
are the civil officials.
No one knows who will be victorious just yet.
What do you mean,Your Majesty?
I don`t trust the civil official`s loyalty
They are men of too many words.
But I want to truest you Minister Yeon,
because you`re the son of our departed hero Yeon Gaesomun.
Your Majesty...
Your father was a man of deeds not words.
He said loyalty not carried out
was useless like rusted arrows.
You may leave now.
I must wrap up my toughts.
No, please don`t die!
What are you waiting for? Keep moving.
Yes,Sir.
Let`s get this done.
you must succeed.
The fate of Goguryeo is riding on it,
Fire! Fire!
What`s all the comotion?
There was a small fire.
Check the grounds again thoroughly.
-and keep everyone on alert. -Yes,sir
It`s late. You should rest.
See you tomorrow then.
You!
I don`t want to hurt you,mylord.
I just need a moment of your time.
I have no time for you,you bastard!
I have a message frome General Yang Manchun.
Then put this sword down.
Go on. Whate`s his message?
First I must know if you could be trusted
I don`t want general Yang to die an untimely death.
Then you should never have started this in the first place!
I`m merely doing what the changing times
and this country demand of me.
Does this country demand you to satiafy your own selfish interests?
the fate of Goguryeo is riding on my shoulders!
That`s what the country demands of me.
Now deliver the grand martial general`s message.
I`m afraid I don`t trust you.
I will not let you just walk out of here after this!
I don`t intend to just leave either.
If you`re indeed the man who is meant to lead this country,
you will not ignore the bodies lying outside the palace.
I will tell you one thing gerneral Yang said.
Ask yourself this question and think carefully about it.
What does this country truly ask of you,
and what must you do if you really care about the people?
Think about it very carefully and with a humble mind.
Continue.
What else did the grand martial general say?
Father...
I heard about everything from Gulsabiwu.
How did it go?
Were you able to convince Namgeon?
I did my best but I don`t know.
When you were very young,
General Yang risked his life to save our family.
But we are powerless to help him right now...
If the general should be killed,
I would be to blame.
Because I would have failed.
to carry out his order to the fullest...
You have tried your best,
so all we can do now is wait
for the heavens to answer us.
Father...
Yang Manchun is going to be executed?
Yes,Khan!
Also the Tang army of hundreds of thousands
will soon be coming to join us here in Yingzhou.
What? The Tang army?
What happend to general Xue Rengui and Yeon Namseng?
I`m told they are on the way here now.
That would mean that Yeon Namseng has vowed loyalty to Tang!
I`m sure he had no choice.
Anyway,Goguryeo will be torn to bits
once Yang Manchun is dead!
Soon there will be a huge war.
What is our preparation status?
Our Khitan military camp has already
been place on state of alert.
We are ready for immediate attack upon your command
It won`t be long.
Once Goguryeo is destroyed.
Yingzhou will become ours to keep!
Did you ask around Ansi fort?
I asked a few merchants that deal with Liaodong.
I`m afraid they might have been captured.
Captured?
Are you saying Chulin is being held prisoner?
All I heard is that two Khitan spies are being held captive in Ansi Fort,
but it`s obvious who they are.
You can`t leave the camp to save them with the war ahead.
You should`ve sent me instead.
Mogae that idiot!
Has there been any word about Pyongyang?
Talk to me!
Anything about the captured Messengers?
What happend to Captain Dae Joyoung?
Guard! Say something!
Guard!
My Lady,
This is no time to be worried about that man.
You`re in greater danger than he is!
I high commissioner Bu Kiwon.
inform you, your Majesty
Criminal of high treason Yang Manchun
not only defied the royal command
but he also aided Namseng in a treasonous plot.
The lords of the five Pyo clans
and the civil officials of the court
collectively seek penalty of death for his crimes.
We seek penalty of death Your Majesty.
Penalty of death!Penalty of death!
rRight now Goguryeo is in a state national of emergency
That could easily put us on path to destruction!
Therefore,
I have contemplated long and hard what I must do.
to save the country and the people.
-Hear me, my royal subjects -yes,Your Majesty
I hereby order Yang Manchun.
to the seat of Goguryeo Supreme Commander!