Subtitles by DramaFever
Scholars, officials, and the Sadaebu...
all of us here should be healthy, strong roots of this country.
We are the hidden root of this land.
Hidden root?
The hidden root must be the same as the following.
It is that the people are the foundation.
People are the foundation.
People are...
Moo Hyool!
Your Highness.
[Episode 43]
[Liaodong Plain]
Warrior Moo Hyool...
received His Highness's order and lived each day as if it were a year.
Get up.
You have changed.
As you have changed.
Let us return to Gaegyeong.
Now it is Hanyang, not Gaegyeong.
Change of the capital is complete, I've heard.
Yes, let us go to Hanyang!
For you to come back alive...
you're a lucky guy.
You're the lucky one, sire.
Me?
Since I've come back alive
you have a good card in your hand again.
- Did everything go well in Nanjing? - Of course!
His Majesty the Emperor liked His Highness very much.
Many people also knew His Highness as the Crown Prince.
His Highness as the Crown Prince?
His Highness's appearance and speech were so exceptional
that people mistook him for the Crown Prince.
Your Majesty, about Moo Hyool...
Take him with you.
How...
There is no palace to protect here.
He is a crazy one.
I lost my interest in him completely. Take him with you.
My guard has no heart for me...
so how could I keep him?
I may be far away, but I will wish for your achievements.
I will also pray for your achievements as well.
Finally, the hidden root has been formed.
Yes, Brother. Now that our group of the Sadaebu has been formed
the foundation and the system of talents have been established.
Yes, that's right!
Whoever becomes king from now on
will not be able to change the system of this country so easily.
Now we have to accelerate the reform of the military system.
It was delayed as we moved the capital, but we cannot postpone it any longer.
However, didn't you see during the first military reform?
Opposition from the noble men with private soldiers was fierce.
They consider having their private soldiers taken away as their own deaths.
Yeon Hee, tell us about the information you received today.
Yes, sir. This came from a Hwasadan spy I planted in Nanjing.
Prince Jeongan is on his way back.
He has already arrived in Liaodong Castle
so he will cross the border soon.
The military reform will not be complete within a year or two anyway.
All of you have worked hard so far
but everyone in the hidden root should keep their mind anew.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
The hidden root must be the same as the following.
It is that the people are the foundation.
People are the foundation!
People are the foundation...
Boon Yi.
- Is this what you are looking for? - Where did you find this?
Someone in Banchon saw him hiding it.
What a relief.
But... is this why Moomyung showed up again?
- I wouldn't know. - They haven't given up yet.
Boon Yi's dream, the world Boon Yi believes in...
If you want to protect them... kill me now.
- Then, Mom also-- - Mother is just a member of Moomyung.
- Bang Won is coming back. - When?
There was news that he arrived in Liaodong.
He'll be back soon.
I will be glad to see him again...
but I am a little afraid.
He is to be feared.
But... he is coming back alive.
Thank you.
Why would you say so all of a sudden?
You have always trusted me and always pressured me. Without you...
we wouldn't have come this far.
Thank you.
That's why... I have a new dream now.
What is it?
I would like you to step away from this work
and find your own life, just like Boon Yi.
I would hate to sacrifice all of your life in this big plan.
I also keep looking over Bang Ji who only has eyes for you.
- So, did you catch him? - Yes.
He was... Moomyung.
Moomyung is back again.
Sir, both Yeon Hee and you are targets of Moomyung.
So please don't go anywhere without me now.
Yes, sir. Please make sure to have Bang Ji accompany you now.
Prince Jeongan is on his way back...
and Moomyung showed up again.
It already failed in Gaegyeong!
Yes, you will proceed again
with something that already failed in Gaegyeong?
Since it failed, we should do it again.
How does it make sense
that soldiers of a country have different systems, drums, horns, and flags?
But holding a large-scale military training in times like this...
Yes! It will cause anxiety among people for the concerns over a war.
It is not anxiety over a war. It is in preparation of a war!
Currently, private soldiers are organized differently and use different terms.
If the military force cannot be unified as soldiers of one country
how could we possibly have a centralized system and enhance our national defense?
However, what makes our private army?
If His Majesty doesn't lead them
they are no longer his private soldiers.
Your Majesty, you know the advantage of
having private soldiers better than anyone!
That is why Goryeo fell apart!
The Japanese pirates were attacking from all sides
but there was no centralized system.
He is right. Therefore, we must push forward to reform the military system.
However!
Everyone, that's enough.
Bring them in!
Sambong, come closer.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Sambong's wish is the same as my wish.
Since we established a new country after cleaning up the old traits...
all of the retainers should consider Lord Sambong's orders as my own
and fully participate in the military training to enhance the military system.
Your grace is immeasurable, sire!
Thank you for your support on the military reform.
Because it has to be done.
But you should not think other thoughts.
"Other thoughts"?
[Jo Joon]
I have seen many rulers who had different ideas
once they had control of the military power.
Of course, you will never do such a thing.
First, we will have a ritual for the flag.
- Then... - Yes.
We will abolish different flags of different groups
and provide the new flag of the Joseon military force.
Yes, we will prepare them.
All military officers and generals should attend the ritual.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
Let us talk for a moment.
While the flag ritual is being held
be prepared to promptly arrest military personnel.
Pardon? What would you mean by that?
We will burn all of the old flags, so leave them here!
They have completed their preparations.
I see.
Minister Lee Moo, General Lee Soo Eon
and all the other generals did not attend the ritual.
How can they do this?
General Lee Ji Ran and the other princes did not attend either.
We will proceed with the flag ritual as planned.
Sir!
- Light them on fire. - Yes.
The old military system used in the previous dynasty, Goryeo
will burn away along with these flags!
From now on, we will accelerate our reform on the military system!
- Are your preparations complete? - Yes, sir.
- Then go ahead. - Yes, sir.
What on earth are you doing?
Under Your Highness's order
Officers Park Do Won, Lee Chan Sang, Jung Choon Soo
are to be arrested on the charge of breaking the strict military order!
It is the order of Lord Jung Do Jeon!
What?
How dare you?
Do you think you will be safe after doing this?
Your Highness also broke the military order.
- What? - What are you doing?
- Arrest them! - Yes, sir!
Let go of me! What are you doing?
Does this make any sense?
All of my men are locked up!
I said, shut your mouth and sit down!
Do you think I am at ease?
All of my men are also taken away.
Didn't Father go too far?
They are his private soldiers!
So how could he tell us to get rid of private soldiers?
He took the throne with private soldiers, that's why he made such a decision.
Can't you see?
This can't be a dream, can it?
I didn't know how many years it would take when we left.
We came back sooner than I thought.
[Sukjeongmun] (North Gate)
- Husband. - My wife, have you been well?
I am glad you are back.
Have you also been well, Father-in-law?
We have been doing fine.
We were worried about you since you traveled such a distance.
It's just...
Forgive me for relaying this news as soon as you arrived.
Did something happen?
Let us go first.
You really... came back safely.
His Majesty left the full military authority to me.
But, as the contributors for founding the country
you went against His Majesty's order and the military order!
Do you not know any shame?
General Jo!
Your Highness!
Your Highness, you have returned.
Congratulations on your safe return.
Thank you.
You are still very busy.
General Jo... what is this appearance of yours?
Does it hurt a lot?
My body is fine...
but my heart hurts.
Once His Majesty the Emperor heard His Highness's explanation
he said he was now cleared of past misunderstanding
and he would also lift the ban on envoys.
This is the document.
I am proud of you.
Prince Jeongan made a big contribution in diplomacy!
Yes.
You are too kind, sire.
It is a small result from the effort of all of us in the envoy group.
Your Highness, your modesty is too much.
That is right, sire.
Thanks to His Highness, a big diplomatic headache has been resolved.
Sister!
Moo Hyool!
My Moo Hyool!
My goodness, Moo Hyool!
Grandma, please receive my bow.
My Moo Hyool...
Is this really my Moo Hyool? Is it my Moo Hyool?
I guess my sister didn't miss me.
I did miss you.
Moo Hyool, did you get to eat? Are you all right?
Are you hurting anywhere?
He is not just doing fine. He's gotten better!
His shoulders are strong, his legs are strong!
- Everything is fine with you? - Of course!
Who do you take me for? Everything is fine with me!
I am completely settled right here!
I am glad that you are doing well.
My goodness...
Moo Hyool.
Military system reform...
Yes. It may be done in the form of abolishing private soldiers.
If it happens... unimaginable things may follow.
That's why I hid arms and weapons in secret.
Where?
They are in Banchon.
Banchon...
Why in Banchon?
There is no place as safe as Banchon.
No soldiers can enter there.
Myo Sang wanted to open a pub.
So I set one up for her and made a basement storage in the next door.
Lord Jo Young Kyu is taking care of it in secret.
Banchon...
By the way, why do you always write so much?
- I hope I won't have to use it. - But?
But now that I live here...
this place seems to be very unstable.
Because of the fact that soldiers can't enter here
officials and scholars hold their secret meetings here.
Our people come to hear everything as they serve them.
So, if you tell them to forget what they heard
why do you write everything down?
I am preparing just in case I can be of any help.
The reason we were able to stop the dangerous work we were doing
and come to Banchon
was because of the information Seon Dol left behind.
Of course, I hope that I don't have to use this forever.
Let's go now. Everyone's gathered around?
Right, then! Moo Hyool said to King of Yan!
"I don't know anything about King of Yan!"
"I'm sure King of Yan can also be stabbed with a sword!"
When he said that, all of us turned pale and wondered, "What do we do now?"
Then His Highness said, "Now, interpret what Moo Hyool said!"
Lord Hojung and I turned pale and said to ourselves
"That shouldn't be interpreted!"
All of a sudden, King of Yan appeared...
Like this.
"I understood everything."
He understood our language!
If you ever show that useless courage, I won't let you slide!
But Moo Hyool seems to really have changed.
How?
See? See?
The way he speaks is different. His attitude changed, too!
Of course, he's maturing with age.
Of course there are exceptions.
No one listens to me.
You look happy. You also look more secure with yourself.
Do I?
Hey.
I really can't get used to this.
Bang Ji, we should get used to this quickly.
I don't think he is doing this to show off.
I will bring more food.
- Bring another bottle of rice wine, too. - Yes.
This is it. Please come in.
There is another storage if you enter through here.
This is the place.
How did you move all of them?
You can't bring in any arms in Banchon.
When Banchon was newly built after moving the capital
that's when I brought them in in secret.
I guess... there is no place as safe as Banchon.
Does Boon Yi know about this?
She doesn't.
If this gets out, it will be the end of Banchon.
And Boon Yi will also be in danger.
If we ever have to use this...
but things go wrong...
then it will be over for all of us, anyway.
I heard you are doing well.
It is a hard-earned opportunity.
I am really happy that you are back.
You're happy...
You must be thinking, "Something annoying will happen again."
That's not true, sire.
Enough.
Here.
Someone really famous in Nanjing made it, I heard.
Thank you.
Let me.
I heard Banchon is strictly neutral.
Yes.
Neutral...
In order to stick to it
you know you need power, right?
Without power...
you will be attacked from both sides.
And if anyone dies...
no one from either side will even bury the body.
You do know this, don't you?
I will keep that in mind.
I must've been wrong.
There is no way that she can be here.
Teacher is completely out after drinking.
He is snoring inside.
He always said he doesn't get drunk because of his internal strength.
What will happen to us now?
How would I know?
So, did you decide to bet all of you on Prince Jeongan?
You?
Why do you want to protect Prince Jeongan?
There is no "why."
Small fates piled on top of each other and became a path.
And I am following that path.
Someday...
would we also have to fight?
A warrior I met in Liaodong told me this...
The lives of the one holding a sword and the one holding a brush are different.
The one holding a sword should not try to look two steps ahead.
Only one step.
We only need to look one step ahead.
So that's what I am going to do.
I am going to look at only what's in front of me now.
But... you couldn't see two steps ahead anyway.
Really, I was going to be serious for once.
Hey!
Have I changed that much?
I missed you.
It's nice.
Ha Ryoon, come out and receive the rope!
Receive the rope?
Just what crime have I committed?
Your crime is that you disturbed our national spirit in Ming
and that you lowered His Majesty's status!
When did I ever disturb the national spirit?
Here you are again.
I had enough beating at the State Tribunal yesterday.
Do I have to get more beating?
Did you miss a beating yesterday?
We don't have any business with you, Lord Jo.
Then is it me?
Why?
I received His Majesty's order to arrest all of the envoy's group.
- Don't just stand there! Arrest him! - Yes, sir!
Let's go.
Your Highness!
Everyone in the envoy's group to Ming was taken to the State Tribunal.
Taken to the State Tribunal? Just why?
I don't know what it is about
but I rushed over here in case something happens to you as well.
Lord Sambong must've come up with something again!
What on earth happened? An arrest order all of a sudden?
Her Majesty had a meeting with Lord Lee Chan Soo
from the delegation to Ming.
And what is the matter with Lord Lee Chan Soo?
Why do we have to be interrogated?
You have to tell us the reason at least!
Is it true that His Highness called himself the Crown Prince in Ming?
I don't know anything... I really don't know.
Wait, that's...
Tell me the truth right now!
Continue!
It's not true! All of it is a misunderstanding!
Prince Jeongan dared to call himself the Crown Prince in Ming?
This is a crime of high treason!
Sire, you have to bring in Prince Jeongan and question him right now!
But he just came back with such a big accomplishment.
No matter how big his achievement is
a crime of high treason cannot be buried.
Ming delays sending a written command to you only to prove their power.
If Prince Uian ascends to the throne in the future
how would we know what they will pick on out of this incident?
Her concerns are reasonable.
If it is true that Prince Jeongan referred himself as the Crown Prince
it should not have occurred.
Yes, we will investigate thoroughly and reveal the truth.
Sir, you should absolutely not miss this chance.
I did not even go to Nanjing.
And I don't know what happened in Nanjing.
It's true.
We did not go to Nanjing!
We were kept in Liaodong!
In that case...
when Lord Ha Ryoon came back to Liaodong
did he tell you a similar story?
What are you doing? Use the iron!
Wait, wait! Wait...
Officials of Ming... mistook Prince Jeongan as the Crown Prince...
He did say it as a passing comment...
How can you...
Will you still deny it?
Continue!
Did you find the truth?
According to them, since Prince Jeongan is very knowledgeable in Confucianism
officials of Ming started calling him the Crown Prince first.
Although Prince Jeongan corrected them
they kept calling him the Crown Prince and welcomed him.
Even the Emperor of Ming had two meetings with him.
How would we know if he corrected them
or if he kept calling himself the Crown Prince?
I will be outside.
Sir, you should not miss this opportunity.
Because of Prince Jeongan's diplomatic success
the Sadaebu that want to serve Ming are wondering about their decision.
The more people talk about Prince Jeongan
the Crown Prince's status will become more unstable.
That's right.
Why have you lost your energy?
We have so much work to do...
but as soon as Prince Jeongan came back, we have to have political fights again.
It is tiring.
Why do you think of it only as a political fight?
If it is true that Prince Jeongan called himself the Crown Prince
we should punish him.
Also, if it's true...
a big obstacle in the military system reform will be removed.
My Queen, are you all right?
Sire, after I die...
Why would you say such a thing?
What will happen to our Crown Prince?
I am nervous about Prince Jeongan.
Sire, please protect our Crown Prince.
I am here, so why do you worry so much?
Think of the Crown Prince in the country when we are no longer around.
It is really a rabbit in front of wolves.
I cannot watch it.
Even if I had to go, I will take Prince Jeongan with me!
My Queen!
If nothing is done to Prince Jeongan even after his treacherous comment is known
what does it make of the Crown Prince's status?
Sire, please... reconsider this.
Prince Jeongan seems to be in trouble.
I heard about it on my way here.
I don't believe Sambong will overlook this.
More than anything, Queen Majesty's fury is through the sky.
They will not miss this chance to eliminate Prince Jeongan for good.
This was unexpected.
But Sambong will also face an unexpected event soon.
Does it... have anything to do with your trip to Nanjing?
Yes. I met with General Seol Hyun and asked him for his help.
General Seol Hyun...
Although it was a misunderstanding by the officials in Ming
such a horrible thing occurred
and it is spreading in town.
So this cannot be overlooked!
Then what should be done?
Send Ha Ryoon, who led the delegation, on exile.
And execute Interpreter Kwon Taek Soo who spread the story in Hanyang.
Also, it is only logical to make Prince Jeongan stay in the countryside.
However, sire, Prince Jeongan resolved a long-standing issue with Ming.
If Prince Jeongan is charged with a crime and punished for it
this can bring on the issue with Ming again!
How can you say such a thing?
Should we close our eyes and let it pass because we're afraid of angering Ming?
Both of you should take the lead of protecting the Crown Prince!
How can you say that we should leave Prince Jeongan alone?
My Queen, we are discussing state matters now!
If His Majesty and I are no longer around
have you ever thought of what will happen to the Crown Prince then?
Everything must've gone well in Nanjing.
Yes. She is already back in Hanyang.
What are you referring to?
It's not time to stay quiet right now!
- At any moment, Queen Majesty could-- - My dear.
You are right. I cannot stay quiet like this.
What on earth do you mean?
Prince Jeongan has entered the palace with Lord Jo Young Kyu...
and Lord Jo seems to have something that looked like a hidden weapon.
No, it can't be!
How could he bring in a hidden weapon?
Sire, there could be a court maid who was bought off by Prince Jeongan.
And? Where did they go?
[East Palace: Crown Prince's residence] Towards the East Palace...
What?
Your Highness the Crown Prince!
Your Highness!
Please punish me!
Such a horrible thing occurred because I lacked intelligence and virtue.
So how could it not be a heavy sin?
Officials of Ming misunderstood and called me so.
But I was foolish to think that it might help in diplomacy
so it was also true that I hesitated for a moment to correct them.
Sire, please allow me a strict punishment!
My brother, why would you do this?
Please don't do this!
No, sire.
Please punish me...
and please forgive those whose only sin was to accompany me.
Sire, I will offer my loyalty to Your Highness until the day I die!
Father!
Please forgive Prince Jeongan.
It is not his fault.
Please release Prince Jeongan's people.
Brother, please get up now.
Please!
Please get up now.
Please get up!
Your Highness!
Did you lower yourself to the Crown Prince
and pledge your loyalty to him?
Yes.
I'd like to repent my wrongdoings so far
and live a quiet life following the wishes of Father and you.
In a game of Go, after you throw in a piece and surrender to the enemy
do you plan to make a sudden move next?
Then it's not a game anymore.
I have no idea what you mean...
Do you mean to go all the way, after all?
Didn't I already tell you?
I will be loyal to the Crown Prince from now on.
Bang Won!
You would call me by that name...
I am moved to tears.
Do you want to ascend to the throne?
Why?
Do you dream of a country that is
different from what I am planning to create?
About the country, ideology, system...
do you have different ideas from mine?
The fifth of the Five Rules...
"Royal relatives should not participate in politics."
You were in despair and in fury over it.
But if you become king, what will you do?
Will you let the royal relatives loose so that they
get involved in politics and use their power?
Officials are selected only through the national civil exam...
and the officials advise the king's wrongdoings and keep each other in check.
If you become king, will you not maintain this system?
Or, different from what I am planning to do
will you not abolish the private soldiers
give up the centralized system
and allow private soldiers for princes and important officials like Goryeo?
You wouldn't allow any of them.
If you become king
based on your personality...
you will try to have the right to appoint officials
and try to manage them on your own.
For the same reason that I have
"We have no choice since it is the beginning of a new country."
That may be the only difference.
Am I wrong?
You are right about all of them, Teacher.
It is not that you have a different idea about a country.
Your personal profit, greed, your individual dream!
That is all you have!
Is it wrong to have a personal dream?
This is for the public good, so how can I say yes?
If it is the same, I could be the one to do it!
Does Bang Seok have to do it?
It has already gone too far off.
Yes.
It has already gone off the path, crooked, and cut off.
So I will not question the path anymore...
and absolutely walk towards my dream!
Did you ask if I wish for a new country?
Did you ask if I had a different belief?
No, I don't have one.
- Why do I have to have them? - Bang Won!
The strongest man to me... was you.
My dream was...
that I would take care of... the beautiful country you created.
Therefore, I will make sure to have it.
You are just like Bi Dam.
You are exceptionally smart
and you have the spirit to influence the people of world
and a sharp insight to see the world...
But you cannot help the wrongful ambition and ruin the bigger purpose.
Bi Dam was caught in personal affection.
And you cannot help yourself from your greed for power.
Now, it cannot be helped anymore.
There is one more difference!
Between Bi Dam and me.
Bi Dam was a loser.
Yes, no one knows about the future.
But, Bi Dam also probably didn't know
until the day before he was slain by Kim Yoo Shin
and fell in front of Deok Man and died.
That he was a loser.
Yes, the game of Go is not over yet!
I haven't even begun my critical move yet.
This cannot be allowed!
It is obvious that what Prince Jeongan did was fake.
Do you still believe him?
Prince Jeongan's tears... still give me chills.
- My Queen-- - Sire...
You cannot leave Prince Jeongan as he is now!
My Queen!
Is anyone outside?
Easy, easy...
Moo Hyool!
Instructor Hong! My Moo Hyool!
Are you all right? Did they let you go?
Everyone is released...
Moo Hyool, are you all right?
Go inside and lie down. I will bring a doctor!
Grandma, this is not a big deal.
That's not true! It may feel like nothing now
but you will be really hurting if it adds up.
Go inside and lie down! I'll bring a doctor.
Gap Boon, help my Moo Hyool to the room!
Sister, I am hurting so much I can't even talk.
Sis, let me go with you!
Let me go...
Sister!
- By the way, Gap Boon... - Yes?
By any chance, in Banchon...
Eun Ho!
Myung!
Were you hiding here again?
If you go in anywhere...
How could something like this be in Banchon?
Miss.
Warrior, please pretend that you didn't see me.
I heard about the previous king.
I don't even consider any revenge.
You did not kill me even in that cave.
So please, look the other way this time as well.
Yes, I will.
By the way...
you have changed a lot.
He crossed the border yesterday morning.
It is faster than I thought.
Now that Joseon sends envoys on every holiday
and sends letters to celebrate the occasion
it seems to show its due respect.
But the words are superficial and they are humiliating to me.
Therefore...
I will not send back the envoy that you sent me.
Also, the writer and the editor of the letter...
and Jung Do Jeon, who was in charge of them...
Continue reading the letter!
Hurry up and read it!
All of them...
should be sent...
to Ming.
I have not even begun my critical move.
By any chance, does your critical move have anything to do with this?
Yi Bang Won!
Why don't you take my critical move?
Teacher.
Subtitles by DramaFever
[Six Flying Dragons]
Please send Sambong Jung Do Jeon!
Your Majesty, please send Sambong to Ming!
It will be very difficult for Sambong to endure this.
I, Jung Do Jeon, will step down from all government posts.
Please protect the Crown Prince. This is my last request.
- What about Sambong's whereabouts? - Not yet.
Just where is he and what is he doing?
All of the preparation is perfect. It is the beginning now.
I have not made my critical move yet either.