Your Majesty, it is a victory report
from Supreme Commander Yi Soon-shin.
A victory report?
Yes, Your Majesty.
How dare he!
The south sea is far, so dare he try to deceive the King!?
Your Majesty!
I am already aware that this battle ended in defeat,
yet he attempts to deceive me!
Who among you still say that he is not criminal of impiety?
It cannot be, Your Majesty!
Yi Soon-shin's report does not deny that there were losses.
Then he should acknowledge his defeat and await his punishment.
How could he disguise this as a victory?
One cannot conclude defeat because lives were lost during the battle!
Are you suggesting that General Yu Jong's report is untruthful?
Every warrior goes to battle with hope of victory.
What does Yu Jong have to gain by claiming victory is defeat?
We must place blame on Yi Soon-shin for the defeat.
Silence! We will do no such thing!
Not only did Yi Soon-shin fight to the end, but he saved my life!
I will ignore that remark.
What?
I won't let the Emperor know
that you lost over 2.000 troops with your hasty decision and
that you had to be rescued by a common warrior of a subject state.
I don't want to see you dismissed from service again.
That's why Yi Soon-shin must take the blame for the death
of 2.000 Ming troops and destruction of 30 Ming ships.
This war is already over.
The Japanese just want safe passage back to Japan.
We don't have to fight. Just go through the motion and ride it out.
And when we return to Ming, we will be heroes of a triumphant war.
Home is not as close as you think, Admiral.
Look out for number one.
Pleasing the Emperor... that's what we should be worried about right now.
What could Yu Jong possibly have to gain
by falsifying defeat, Your Majesty?
On the other hand, Yi Soon-shin has everything to gain.
It is the Ming Navy that suffered the losses,
and this joint assault on Wekyo was Yi Soon-shin's idea.
How else could he escape responsibility?
Not long ago, you had ordered him to atone for his crimes of disobedience
by rendering worthy service.
I am appalled with this deceit.
I urge you to send an emissary and conduct a thorough investigation.
An emissary...
No, Your Majesty! That will jeopardize the progress of this war.
An investigation would only demoralize and confuse the
troops whose only goal right now is to fight and win.
We all want this war to quickly come to an end, but preserving
order in the government is important as well.
If a man goes unpunished after deceiving his King, the regime
will be in extreme confusion and disorder after the war.
Don't you agree?
Your Majesty...!
I am at fault for the losses that the Ming Navy suffered in Wekyo.
Supreme Commander!
That's not true, sir.
They were crushed because General Yu Jong backed out.
We are at fault for trusting the Ming allies to come through and
not keeping an eye on them.
Admiral...
At the very least, we should've had a team watching their movements.
Are we their babysitters?
If they want us to take orders from them, they must act like
leaders and fight when they are called upon to fight.
You mean we have to spy on them just to make sure they don't weasel out?
That's insane, sir.
What can we do? This is not their country!
Good grief...
Were lucky if weaseling out is all that they do.
What do you mean, sir?
I'm told Yu Jong sent a report to the royal court.
It's supposed to be a progress report, but who knows what he wrote in it?
Could he have blamed the Supreme Commander
for the Ming navy's losses?
Admiral...!
Supreme Commander, perhaps we should consider letting them go.
General...
It's not just the Ming allies that think it is pointless to continue
fighting now the Japanese announced an unconditional withdrawal.
Our commanders are cautiously voicing the same opinion.
I want this war to end as well, General.
But allowing the enemy to withdraw does not guarantee the end of war.
They have violated this land for seven years.
How many lives have they taken
and how many of our cities have they burned to ashes?
Have they been punished for their atrocious crimes?
Have this country and its people
been compensated in any way for their pain and suffering?
If that's too much to ask, have we at least disarmed the invaders?
Who can guarantee they will honor their word
and retreat peacefully when they still have weapons?
Who is to say they will not return to invade us again when
they still have battleships?
They spoke of peace and withdrawals before when they were weak
only to strike again after they had a chance to regroup.
There is no guarantee that they will not strike again.
That is why this war will not be over
until the enemy is completely destroyed.
We cannot send an emissary!
That's His Majesty's decision.
When will you stop manipulating the King?
Ending this war is more important than anything!
And Yi Soon-shin is the only one who can make this happen!
That is also for His Majesty to decide.
Remember that if the country falls, so will you and your Western faction.
I will.
Announce me.
The Crown Prince is with him.
Father, I don't believe it is wise to send an emissary.
You, too, are my subject before you are my son.
Do not defy my order.
Father, does Yu Jong really have
nothing to gain by falsely claiming defeat?
In my humble opinion, he has a lot more to gain man Yi Soon-shin does.
He needs a reason go get out of the treacherous battlefield.
Why should he sweat to protect a foreign land
especially when the enemy has announced a withdrawal?
Didn't Yu Jong urge you to stop the hostilities and allow the Japanese
safe return emphasizing the great loss that the Ming navy suffered?
But Yi Soon-shin vows not to stop fighting until
the enemy invasion force is completely destroyed.
A man who seeks to fight despite danger, and a man who urges truce
for his own personal safety... who has more to gain?
The Ming Emperor sent us aid out of concern for our safety,
but he cannot feel the same way that you do.
Same is true for Yi Soon-shin and Yu Jong.
Also, if you heed Yu Jong's counsel and allow the enemy to withdraw on
ceasefire at this point, their terms, the hearts of the people
could turn against the royal house.
Postpone the dispatching of the emissary? That's absurd!
You should've insisted regardless of the Crown Prince's opposition.
His Majesty will regret this terribly if he hesitates!
The Japanese have announced a withdrawal.
This war will soon end by itself.
Then what is His Majesty's and the Westerners biggest burden now?
Yi Soon-shin, of course.
He has 20.000 faithful soldiers,
never lost a battle, and he is a hero among the people.
He is no longer a private man.
Even if he wants to live a quiet life, others will not let him.
Emissary must be dispatched.
That is the only way to prove Yi Soon-shin's impious ambitions.
First we need proof... proof that Soon-shin bears treacherous intent.
How do we get it?
I can take care of that.
His Majesty's spies are planted in the navy headquarters.
This is the naval station! Civilians can go over yonder!
But we want to get closer to Admiral Yi!
Over yonder is pretty close to the Admiral too.
If you want to be any closer, you'll have to join the navy!
The refugees are a significant burden as well.
It's not just the food supply.
I'm afraid the royal court will see their admiration
for you as a threat to them.
You worry too much.
I hope you're right.
Would you hurry up and read it? What does it say?
Um, let's see... There are...
Would you hurry up! You're killing me here?
Patience, my man, patience.
"There are two rulers in the kingdom: One is the king by the name of Yi
and the other is a retainer of equal name.
The former is a subject of public resentment,
and the latter is the people's hero."
I agree with every word!
Whoever wrote this read our minds!
I knew this would happen to the King when he abandoned the
people and fled the capital city!
Who is the retainer with the name Yi?
Don't you get it? It's Admiral Yi Soon-shin!
Arrest all of these men reading these blasphemous words?
Yes, sir!
Take that.
We did nothing wrong! We won't take this abuse again!
Don't you swing those clubs at us!
Go to the royal palace and beat up the King who doesn't give a
hoot about his people!
Yes! That's right!
Your Majesty we must head back to the palace now.
Your Majesty, the streets can be dangerous.
Why? Are you afraid the people will throw rocks at me?
No, they would not dare...
A hero... A hero of the name Yi...
Your Majesty...
Yes, he is the country's hero indeed...
I'm sure he means more to the people than the incompetent king
who deserted them, fled the country and
attempted to cast his lot with Ming...
Your Majesty...
Must the people be so brutally honest?
Attendant Yoon, if I...
I, too, have never forgotten my people. Not for a moment.
I love them like my children and I have cried for their pain.
Would the people believe me?
If I stop the hostilities and send the Japanese home safely,
the people will make enemy of me.
And if I have Yi Soon-shin crush the enemy and end the war completely,
the people will worship him even more.
Your Majesty...
Lead the way. I will return to the palace.
I shall send a letter to Yi Soon-shin.
Royal Attendant...
It is a Royal missive. Deliver it to Yi Soon-shin.
And deliver this one to Hwa Ne, and Oon.
If that arrogant man Yi Soon-shin shows a slightest hint of treachery,
have them take dare of him.
This guy is going to crush the enemy's skull!
This guy is going to go through the enemy's stomach!
This guy is going to poke Konishi's eye out!
This guy is going to get the pretty boy next to him the butt!
And this one is...
Huh? Oh dear...!
Don't stop.
I didn't realize you were here...
Excellent job, Pyung-san.
How are you doing with your studies, Woo-song?
Well, sir, I wrote a letter home myself the other day, sir.
What's the use when your family can't read?
Write me a letter as well. I'd like to see how much you've improved.
Carry on.
Admiral...
What is it?
A messenger is here from the palace, sir.
Supreme Naval Commander Yi Soon-shin,
do you bear sincere intent to destroy the enemy?
You are responsible for failing to collaborate with Ming allies.
The contents of your report and
the report of Ming Commander Yu Jong tell a different story.
Who am I to believe?
It is you I trust wholeheartedly and it is you I depend upon.
You must see through the hearts of the Ming allies
and allow no lapse in defeating the enemy.
Do you wish to believe him? No, can you believe him?
His Majesty had you removed from duty
then sent you to the front to fight as a common soldier.
Commander Kwon...
He was always testing you and watching you with wary eyes.
Could those words be sincere?
I know this is wrong, but I can't help wondering about his true intent.
The enemy is before us.
From the King to the people,
the entire country must be one in destroying the enemy.
I want to believe that His Majesty shares my belief.
Any word from So?
Well...
What is he doing when his father-in-law is in danger?
Could he be hiding in Tsushima?
He is your son-in-law, before he is the Lord of Tsushima.
I am certain he is trying to find a way to save you.
You're the only one who can save my father-in-law.
Why do you come to me? How about Shimazu in Sachun or Wakizaka?
General Shimazu refuses to move his troops
until my father-in-law makes contact.
Then wait until you hear from your father-in-law.
Yi Soon-shin has the perimeter sealed and communication boats cannot get
through, and the land routes are completely blocked by Kwon Yul.
Then pray to your god. He will open the path.
How could you be so irresponsible?
You're the vanguard leader of the first Japanese invasion force.
Have you forgotten?
General...
we can't turn this war around after giving up 15.000 soldiers.
Turn this war around?
Do you still believe we have a chance to turn this war around?
Listen carefully, So.
This war is over.
All that the Great Japanese Army can do now is to run from the Chosunese.
That's what's left for us after seven years of battle...
You can't do this to my father-in-law. You owe him.
He was the only one who defended you after the crushing defeat in
Ulsan when all the others blamed you. Remember?
Get it straight!
If it weren't for Konishi,
the Taiko couldn't have dreamed of this insane second invasion!
The Taiko is dead, so it's your father-in-law's turn.
Whether he drowns to death or becomes a Chosunese,
it is not my concern.
Sir, there is only one man that we can turn to now.
Yes... But what are the odds that he will help?
I never thought that you'd be conducting such rigorous training
when the others are preparing o pull their men out.
I expected you to be rushing to go back home as well.
I have one more battle to fight.
And there is a war trophy that I must take with me.
Is it Yi Soon-shin's head, General?
I beg you. Please save my father-in-law.
Of course, So.
General...
Thank you. Thank you, General.
Don't thank me. Thank Yi Soon-shin.
This is not for your father-in-law. This is to destroy Yi Soon-shin.
Talk.
I know that there are spy vessels disguised as fishing boats!
I don't know anything.
Talk! How do they communicate?
I don't know I said!
Talk or your men will die.
Don't you want to live?
If you help us, you and your men will live the good life.
Chan-dol...! Duk-su...!
Get up! Get up!
You did the right thing, Lieutenant...
I'm proud of you.
Don't tell them anything.
You can't tell them anything.
Chan-dol! Chan-dol!
Starting with Yi Soon-shin,
all of those Chosun navy bastards are so darn stubborn!
We must dispatch a messenger boat.
We have to make contact with So and the others and execute a
joint attack in order to secure safe passage back to Japan.
General...
there is someone that could help us.
Admiral, General Konishi sends two thousand heads.
Bastard! You had your guns pointed at us just the other day!
What kind of trick are you trying to pull?
What you should've brought is a coffin for your dead body!
If it is my head you want, I will oblige.
But allow me to deliver General Konishi's message before I die.
Don't waste your time, sir. Give me your order.
I will slice off his head!
So, what is the message?
Admiral!
Speak up! What does Konishi want?
Silence!
Deliver these words to Konishi.
For as long as I am here and Chosun Navy is here,
you will not go home alive!
All we want is a safe passage home. Let us through.
Your close subordinates along with
thousands of Chosun civilians are still in our care.
Their lives depend on your decision.
I know my men.
The soldiers of Chosun do not trade their dignity and their lives.
So you'd let your men die?
I will not negotiate!
Admiral!
Let us kill this bastard and go after Konishi, sir!
Commander Yi!
Admiral!
Go. I do not want to slay a messenger.
Admiral...
Supreme Commander...
Konishi seeks peace. This war is over.
He is trying to buy time to regroup.
Admiral, they will turn over 2.000 heads if we accept their capitulation.
I will give half of those to you.
Heads? Did you say heads?
Yes.
Will kill their own men and turn over their heads to us?
No, they will kill our people!
We have won the war.
Let us regard it as price to end all violence.
Watch your words! How could soldier sworn to protect the
land trade the lives of his people for his own safety?
I will not clear the path for the enemy!
Clear the path.
A am ordering you as the chief commander of Cho-Ming Allied Navy.
No.
Do not defy my command! My order is the Emperor's order!
I do not care if it is the god's command!
I will not clear the path for the enemy!
Why aren't you working?
You fellows should return to the armory.
How can we work right now, Lieutenant?
They're holding our brothers hostage. How could the Admiral be so cold?
He has his reasons. Stop whining!
Brother...
Get up! The sun doesn't wait for you boys.
Get up and finish your work before it gets dark!
What are you waiting for?
Let me go, sir.
I can get my men out.
Admiral, my men are alive.
Five hundred, Commander Yi.
You still have five hundred men you must command.
Admiral...
If the leader loses is focus, his men lose their objectivity.
Don't be a foolish leader. Don't act in haste.
Admiral...
How much more cruel must I become in order to end this war?
Is he a fool or he is a warrior of all warriors?
Yi Soon-shin is truly hard to figure out...
A warrior of all warriors?
That's absurd, sir!
He insulted you and ignored the Emperor's command!
Admiral...
Accept the heads and open the path for Konishi.
This is not our fight.
Japanese is our enemy,
but Chosunese aren't exactly our friends either.
Especially Yi Soon-shin. His arrogance makes my blood boil!
Why cause needless death?
We've done our part, so let us collect our reward now.
Isn't that why you didn't send back the heads?
Is that what you think?
That I accepted Konishi's deal for those heads?
Jin Lin is refusing to clear the path?
Then how are we going to communicate with our troops?
General...
Is there no other way?
General!
Bring back his head.
I don't care what you have to do.
Bring back Yi Soon-shin's head! Or I will take yours instead.
Who goes there?
Judging by the silence, it must be an unwelcome guest.
I will hold them back. Break away, sir.
They will not be held back.
Admiral...
These are not the same men. They are determined.
You can't contend with them alone.