Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 26]
Your Majesty... Your Majesty.
From their defeat
Ming army was annihilated
and our army led by General Kang has surrendered to Later Jin.
What did you just say? What do you mean Ming met a crushing defeat?
Almost half of their 100,000 soldiers were killed.
Later Jin even conquered a strategic point, Yo Dong.
- What? - That can't be true! No way.
How could Ming lose to some barbarians from the borders?
You must have heard wrong. This is impossible.
Ma'am...
What about Princess? And the other technicians?
I believe they are safe.
They've escaped and are on their way back.
But...
- Your Majesty... - What is it?
Councilor Hong...
Unfortunately...
Councilor Hong...
wasn't able to escape.
He was trying to help us escape...
and Councilor Hong...
couldn't escape himself...
We left him behind...
- Councilor Hong... - Councilor Hong...
Sir...
Sir. Councilor Hong!
Once people find out about the defeat, they'll be upset.
- Increase security here. - Yes, sir.
Did everyone hear the news? Ming was defeated.
You're here.
How is this even possible?
How could the great Ming army lose to bunch of barbarians?
Unfortunately, that's the truth.
They've lost half of their huge army and some of their territory.
If things keep going this way, could Ming collapse?
The great Ming?
Yes. That is what's going to happen.
Ming can't sustain their empire much longer.
Is that really how you see it?
Since that's what His Majesty believed as well
he put in great effort to refuse sending Joseon troops to the war.
Ming will soon fall, and Later Jin will conquer this continent.
So now the dilemma starts.
Will Ming fall first?
Or will His Majesty lose his throne first?
What? What do you mean 'lose his throne'?
What do you mean by that?
You're pretending to be oblivious. I'm surprised.
Did you really not know about rebellious subjects seeking restoration?
You've kept your distance from His Majesty since you were aware of these forces.
Lady Kim, I just...
Well.
I didn't expect anything else from you. So...
From now on
I'll tell you about things that will benefit or harm.
Benefits and losses?
If His Majesty can hold on to his throne until Ming falls
then he may be able to come out victorious.
Do you understand me? If Ming falls before he does
and if he can keep his throne until then
you'll be guaranteed a prestigious life.
The person who will succeed my throne is the crown prince.
Furthermore, in case something goes wrong
I'm thinking about abdicating the throne.
Sire, did you just say abdication of the throne?
Yes. Thus, I'm telling you that your role is crucial, especially now.
I'm telling you this in case you are debating
who to be loyal to.
Sire, please. That's not true at all.
How could I ever even think about such a thing?
Damn it. Is it going to be the king or Kang Joo Seon?
He's telling me to pick a side and risk my life on it.
- Lord. - I'm here to see Lord Kang. Is he here?
- He's in an urgent meeting. - That's why I need to see him.
Sir!
So how is Ming doing?
They've lost a lot of territories.
Later Jin will soon conquer all of them.
Sir, what we feared would happen is happening!
What if Later Jin gains control of this continent?
We may have to delay our plans to overthrow the king.
Lord. If we initiate our plans hastily...
No!
We won't have to.
We must proceed as we had planned.
Prince Neungyang.
There is no middle ground. Do I make myself clear?
This is the moment to force our plans through!
- Lord. This meeting isn't for you to... - No, no.
This is the opportune moment for me to take charge.
You all don't look very happy.
I think I know why.
Everything you all had claimed to be impossible
has now come to pass.
You said for our benefit, we need to send our troops to their war.
You said there's no way Ming would fall before Later Jin.
My apologies, Your Majesty.
What did all of you say?
You all laid our fate on Ming, and refused to face the reality.
What do you think the consequences will be?
Because of the choices you've made, what will our nation now have to face?
Sire, please calm down.
Have you now decided whose side you're on?
I've assisted you since you were the crown prince.
How could I possibly betray you?
I guess I have no other choice but to just trust your words for now.
Now that Ming army has lost to the army of Later Jin
Ming will keep requesting us to send more and more troops.
All the while Later Jin will keep pressuring us.
And due to this, all the political groups will realign themselves.
We need to prepare for the worst.
I'll stay by your side, and protect you with all of my life.
Sire.
Sire, Princess has arrived.
Princess and the technicians have safely returned
and are now arriving at the palace.
Really?
- Princess. - Your Majesty.
Sire. I, commissioner at the weaponry bureau
have returned with your technicians.
What about Councilor Hong?
Was he not able to make it back with you?
- Sire. - Sire.
I am sorry.
Putting Councilor Hong in charge of the skilled technician’s safety...
was my royal command.
It's not your fault, sire.
Even without your royal command
you know as well as I do he would have protected us.
And I have faith in Councilor Hong.
He said he'll return.
He said he'll survive and return home at all costs.
I'll take his word for it, and wait for him.
Princess.
Put it over there. And take this over to that table.
Why aren't they here yet? We are so close to the palace...
I think I should go find them and bring them here.
That's a good idea. They may be injured. If they are, carry them on your back.
Ok Joo!
- Ok Joo! Ok Joo! - My goodness! They're here!
- They're here! - How have you been?
Everyone came back in one piece! Thank god.
Thank god!
I guess our prayers were answered!
No wonder!
All of the bullets and arrows kept missing us!
It must have been all because of you two!
- Am I right? - You are!
- You surely are! - Where is Councilor Hong?
Huh?
Eun Seol...
I'm sure he'll be back soon. Mother and I will pray until he does.
Of course! We all have faith.
Of course! That's what Princess believes too.
I almost forgot.
Have something to eat. You need strength to wait for Councilor Hong.
She's right. Let's eat.
- Excuse me... - Sir.
Give me some food too.
- I need strength to wait for him too. - Pardon?
- You want to eat with us? - Something smells good.
Did you make beef-bone soup?
I've missed my ethnic food...
What do you mean this will be our opportunity?
Sir.
Do you have any idea what's going on?
Of course I do. Ming was crushed by Later Jin.
And because of it, Joseon soldiers have been held captive by Later Jin.
And yet you're telling me this is the opportune moment?
- Ming was going to support us. - That's it.
Before Ming's power dwindles, we need to overthrow the king.
What if Ming falls before we even have a chance to overthrow Gwanghae?
I don't suppose that will happen.
But if it does, you and I are finished.
I ignore things that are disadvantageous for me.
I only look at things that will benefit me.
Only the things that I can take advantage of.
So what?
Let's ignore Ming's loss.
Instead, let's look at what will benefit us.
In other words, let's exaggerate what's disadvantageous for the king.
When you say advantageous for us, do you mean...
Joseon troops who betrayed Ming troops, and surrendered.
The skilled technicians who escaped and returned home by themselves.
With these, we can label the king as a betrayer.
Manipulate Ming, Lord.
I'll do what I'm best at.
You just need to do what you're best at.
- Let's go. - Yes, sir.
Prince Neungyang?
You've returned home safely.
I just saw Prince Neungyang.
I suppose you should know about it too.
There is going to be a rebellion soon.
So will Prince Neungyang rise to the throne?
If we succeed, he will.
I received the letters you sent.
You said there was something odd about Joseon army's movements?
Yes.
I think Supreme Commander Kang had plans to surrender from the very beginning.
What? Is that true?
I don't have any proof. But I certainly sensed it.
He had plans to surrender?
Since the very beginning?
Princess.
Mother, have you been well?
Of course not.
You disobeyed my wishes and left.
Ma'am, forgive her. She has safely returned.
Mother, I'm sorry
but if you would allow me, could I take off for today?
Please let her, ma'am. She must be so tired.
I heard Councilor Hong wasn't able to make it back with them.
And because of it, she's probably having a rough time.
What do you mean by that?
Are you saying she was in love with him?
I can't be certain
but from the looks of it, that's what I presume.
And especially because of her feelings towards him
I'm not sure if Princess will take part in this rebellion.
She has already forgiven His Majesty
and Councilor Hong is very loyal to his king.
But in order for this rebellion to be a success
Princess Jungmyung must participate.
Only when she sides with the prince will the Western faction stand by it.
Sir.
Sir... Please don't give up like this.
I have a favor to ask! Please!
Please get a physician for us! Someone is dying in here!
Even when the difficult times come, you must stand your ground.
Don't forget that you have a duty to serve this nation, Your Highness.
You're right.
I will serve my people.
You've saved my life for a reason, and I won't forget that.
So please return to me.
Your promise to return home and stand by my decision...
Please keep your promise.
I heard Councilor Hong didn't make it back.
That's the first thing you ask too.
As if you wanted him to not return.
Well. Isn't that what you wanted as well?
Don't make accusations.
I'm not cruel enough to wish death on my old friend.
But still, you're not going to give up on what you want.
It's a meaningless self-justification.
Just because you wish he was alive, it doesn't make you a better person.
Lady Kim.
His disappearance will play to your advantage, and my plan.
What?
I told you.
If you help me, I'll help you get Princess.
What I want is my king's safety, and what you want is Princess.
There is a way for both of us to get what we want.
But only if you can manipulate your father.
Manipulate my father?
I have an urgent message to deliver to His Majesty! Let me through.
What did you just say?
What do you mean there will be a celebration for Mother?
Your Highness.
Prince Neungyang personally wants to honor Queen Dowager's birthday.
Prince Neungyang? Why?
He first suggested it to Queen Dowager.
He wants to personally prepare the event.
Is this really what No Choo Khan wants?
Yes, sire.
He still doesn't perceive Joseon as our enemy.
Thus, he generously forgave Joseon for fighting against us in this war.
Did you just say 'forgave' Joseon?
Yes.
No Choo Khan will soon open a new empire and ascend to throne as an emperor.
Thus, Joseon should pay its respect to our new emperor.
What do you mean an emperor?
So he wants Joseon and Later Jin to have a sovereign-subject relationship?
Do you expect me to accept this rude offer of yours?
I'm sorry. But you have no other choice, sire.
Once Ming finds out about your betrayal, you'll be the one in trouble.
Despite this risk, you came to see me.
Which probably means you have something you want from us.
Your Highness.
I was planning on visiting you myself.
You didn't have to come here for me. I suppose we have a tacit understanding.
Since this may take a while
- please come into my house. - It's okay, sir.
Since this won't take long, I'll just stay here.
Sure.
Please stop your preparation for Mother's birthday celebration.
Now is not the time to celebrate.
What do you mean?
People of this nation are upset about our army's loss in the war
and the fate of Joseon is uncertain because of Ming and Later Jin.
How could you plan for a celebration in a time like this?
You are so stubborn.
That's exactly why we should have a celebration.
- Prince Neungyang! - You don't know politics.
You don't understand what the people of this nation want.
Especially during times like these, we need to maintain our calm.
That's how we can reassure our people.
By telling them nothing is going to happen.
That's not reassuring the people.
That's deceiving them.
Pardon?
I was at the battlefield myself.
I witnessed how helpless Ming army was, and how strong Later Jin has become.
Yet you want to hide this fact from the people and just calm them down?
For whom?
For the people?
Your Highness.
I keep getting a sense that you constantly misunderstand my genuine intentions.
I sure hope I'm misunderstanding you.
I'm telling you this with genuine intentions as well.
No one can know about this.
- Do not speak of it. - Yes, sire.
Sire!
- Where have you been? - What's wrong?
It's a letter from Ming.
But its contents...
What do they mean they'll supervise Joseon?
Ming must be out of their minds!
Watch your words!
Be careful!
He may have used aggressive language, but how else can we describe them?
If they supervise us
they'll politically interfere with Joseon on every matter!
Ming started supervising both Mongol and Vietnam
and they eventually became tributaries to Ming!
This means they want to force Joseon to be subject to them!
And the unfair thing is...
Ming is blaming its loss on Joseon.
They're saying they lost the war because Joseon participated in it.
But that's not what happened! I was there.
Our army fought very well!
Ming's army was running all over the place...
- That's not what's important right now. - Pardon?
Is it not?
The important thing is Ming has decided to blame us for it.
They're saying Joseon's surrender was analogous to a betrayal of Ming.
So is all of this true?
If you are asking me about the political decisions made by Ming
it is true, sire.
Ming believes Joseon conspired with Later Jin
and wants to send a supervisor.
I believe that is their claim.
How shameless.
So they're saying while their own army was running away
our army should have fought until complete annihilation?
I think they're suspicious
that we had planned on abandoning them from the very beginning.
- What did you just say? - I'm sure it's a misunderstanding.
Using all the connections I could
I've tried to convey to them that it's a misunderstanding.
Try harder to convey that message to them. Understand?
Put in your best effort.
You may have forgotten
but I have all the means to finish you.
I have a confession of your rebellion from Heo Gyoon in my hands.
No, no...
I hope you are not planning something behind my back again.
Such as a rebellion.
Your Highness...
How could I even dare to do such a thing?
That's right.
We both know what each other is up to.
It's time to end this battle for once and for all, Gwanghae.
Later Jin wants to be properly served as an empire
and Ming wants to supervise us.
What will happen to this nation?
Your Highness.
Forgive me for suggesting this, but you should summon Court Lady Kim.
More than anything
it's unfortunate that you don't have people you can trust by your side.
Even when our nation is in turmoil, retainers meet with Prince Neungyang...
What do you mean?
Sire, I believe Prince Neungyang is up to something.
He's having a celebration today for Queen Dowager's birthday.
What did you just say?
Come this way.
- Welcome! - Prince Neungyang...
Thank you for coming. Thank you so much!
Come and greet them.
They came for Queen Dowager's birthday celebration.
- Come in. - Yes, sir.
You're here! Thank you for coming.
- I've heard a lot about you. - Thank you for inviting us.
Please come in. Follow me.
What an interesting man.
Some may even think it's his own birthday.
I'm not sure if we should be here.
- A lot has happened lately... - What can we do?
We need to build our justification piece by piece.
Such as Prince Neungyang and we valued this Gyeongun Palace...
It seems like that Prince Neungyang is pretty intelligent.
He knows extremely well what works and what doesn't.
I guess you could call that his political skill.
Here you are.
- You're here too? - Lord.
- Who is he? - He's my in-law.
I'm Kim Ja Jeom. You must be Lord Kim Yoo.
Supervision? Is that really what Ming wants to do?
Yes, ma'am. That's what I just heard.
Ma'am, I feel so cheated and angry.
We are the ones who risked our lives for their war!
He's right! How could they blame us for their loss?
This is nonsense!
This is the cruel reality.
We can only sit back and be tyrannized.
To prevent this from happening, we built the Weaponry Bureau.
The rifle unit His Majesty has treasured
and Councilor Hong are all gone because of them!
What is going on? Is there a celebration being held in there?
Thank you all for coming for Queen Dowager's birthday.
Since Her Highness is waiting, let's offer our felicitation first.
Prince Neungyang! What are you doing right now?
Your Highness.
What do you mean?
- I clearly said I'm planning for... - I thought I was being clear as well.
I told you to cancel this event.
Princess.
Your Highness.
- Mother. - How rude of you.
- For us, he was... - No.
He didn't do this for us. He did it for himself.
Mother. You are aware of this as well.
Princess.
But Prince Neungyang. You've made a mistake.
I will never be your puppet.
Your Highness, you're crossing the line.
You are the one crossing the line! And everyone here at the event!
What happened a few weeks ago?
And what happened today?
I'm sure you all know about what's going on inside and outside of this palace.
And yet you are not at the court, but here at Gyeongun Palace!
Even the skilled technicians are upset by what's going on in this country.
They're in pain because they're upset but can't do anything about it!
What are the people who have the power to change things doing here?
At this party Prince Neungyang threw to achieve his personal agenda
what are you all doing?
This is so valuable!
Sir! Sir, please calm down.
At this rate, you're going to destroy everything in the house!
You want me to calm down?
How could I possibly calm down?
- Do you know how humiliated I was? - Lord...
Princess?
That young girl!
How dare she humiliate me?
In front of all the officials?
So...
Wouldn't this interfere with your plans?
- What? - That's what you said.
You said to gain the righteous justification
you need the support from Queen Dowager and Princess Jungmyung.
But if Princess keeps on blatantly belittling you...
You're right. I can't leave her like that.
I can't let her blatantly belittle me.
So, what are you planning on doing?
If I can't have her on my side, she can't be on Gwanghae's side either.
I can't let that girl interfere with my plans now.
Mother, what did you talk to Prince Neungyang about?
Princess.
By chance, is he planning a rebellion?
Mother, you can't!
You can't support a man like him!
Rebellion? Nonsense.
But even if he is planning one, why shouldn't I support him?
Mother.
Once someone throws Gwanghae off his throne, we can head back to the palace.
We can take revenge for Yeongchang, and return to where we belong.
Because of our personal agenda
you would have Neungyang as this nation's king?
I don't care who it is.
I'm sure anyone will be better than Gwanghae.
Mother.
Jungmyung. Please reconsider this.
Gwanghae's problems lie deep.
It won't be long until he is thrown off the throne.
Lord.
You shouldn't overlook what happened at Gyeongun Palace today.
I agree.
It was her way of publicly announcing she is against Prince Neungyang
and will side with His Majesty.
Honestly
the dethroned king Yeonsan and our current king are different.
Yeonsan was a dictator.
With Gwanghae, it's hard to find righteous justification to dethrone him.
We could use the murder of Yeongchang and confinement of his mother against him.
But the victim of his actions, Princess Jungmyung
is on His Majesty's side.
Lord.
Should we not participate in this rebellion?
Even with Lord Kang Joo Seon
we can't dethrone the king without a righteous justification.
My goodness...
I heard about what happened today. So you met with Prince Neungyang?
Sire.
Are you aware of the fact that he's planning something behind your back?
Yes, I am.
I knew what his intentions were when he first returned to Dosung.
Then why are you letting him be?
Right now...
It's because I have no other choice for now.
The future of Joseon is flickering like a lamp light.
At times like these
I can't have the Western faction turn against me.
Without them
I can't endure the pressure from Ming and Later Jin.
Sire.
That's what politics are like.
As the king, I sometimes must sacrifice the innocent.
And sometimes, knowing that some are attempting to dethrone me
I must pretend to be oblivious.
I must survive in the mist of all this, and achieve my goal.
As of now
we both have swords pointed at each other's neck.
We both know what each other's intentions are.
Ultimately...
I wonder who will be cut first.
That's right.
I can't guarantee anything for now.
Princess.
She's a princess? That girl is?
Did you enjoy your party?
I did see something interesting.
And I also got this flower.
Let's see. Would you like this?
Please put it away. I don't like anything that is fake.
I guess Princess is on the king's side.
Is that a determining factor?
Even if she is a princess, she's just a normal girl.
No, she is not.
That normal girl holds a very important secret.
A secret?
Nam Sa Go's prophecy.
It's just a rumor
but anyone with ears knows that prophecy is referring to Princess.
It will be very useful in winning the hearts of the people over.
So she's that important?
What's wrong? Does it alarm you?
No need to worry.
You'll ultimately become the lady of the palace.
So please make a decision now.
Who do I need to seduce?
Is it His Majesty?
Or Prince Neungyang?
Do you think you can win his heart over?
There hasn't been a single man I couldn't seduce.
You'd better hurry.
What if that sneaky Kim Gae Shi finds out about my identity?
You're right. I must make a decision now.
Whose heart should it be.
Not Kang Joo Seon.
Nor the old and weak Western faction.
The person who's going to determine the king of this nation
is the person who raised you. Me.
So there is no news about Councilor Hong.
My apologies, Your Highness.
There is no need for you to apologize.
I'm sure you're the one in the most pain.
I have faith in Councilor Hong.
He'll return home no matter what.
In retrospect, there are a lot of things I'm regretful of.
In the past, I reproached him for supporting his king
and severed my ties as his father.
But when Joo Won returns, I want to show him a different side of me.
I want to show him that I can be a good father.
I'm aware that there are some things going on in the palace.
Is there any way I could be helpful to you and His Majesty?
Lord.
Your Highness.
So we don't even know if Joo Won is alive or not.
That's right.
You must be worried for him.
I'm sorry I couldn't give you good news.
Worried?
Honestly, I'm not sure.
Maybe like someone said, I'm justifying it to myself.
Isn't this the least I need to do as a human being?
Isn't it?
Yes, Your Highness.
To tell you the truth, my heart is pounding in my chest.
Joo Won is my old friend...
and I do genuinely hope for his return.
But deep inside my heart...
I wish he wouldn't return.
Young Master.
That's right. It's because of you.
With Joo Won absent
maybe you'll finally look at me.
If so, then maybe I could use this as my opportunity.
These are the thoughts that are running through my head.
An opportunity? What are you talking about?
- I... - I heard you sent a letter to Lady Kim.
- I heard you wanted to meet with her. - Young Master.
How do you know about this?
If you asked to meet with Lady Kim, I presume it's because of His Majesty.
You must wish to protect the king.
And Lady Kim will tell you exactly how to do that.
And the choice... will be yours.
I had no idea you would visit me first.
I also had no idea I would need your assistance.
But if you and I share a common purpose, then I believe we can work together.
You would side with anyone to achieve your goal.
Even if they are your enemy...
You have great potential.
Now I understand a little better why Nam Sa Go's prophecy
was referring to you.
But I don't want to talk about this with you.
Just because we're working together
it doesn't mean I plan on becoming friends with you.
Before I came here, I met with Master In Woo.
What did he mean?
He said there's a way to protect His Majesty, and I'm capable of it.
Father. I have something to tell you.
He's right, Your Highness.
During these difficult times, there is something only you can do.
What is it?
Lady Kim.
Lord Kang Joo Seon's eldest son, Kang In Woo.
Marry him.
What did you just say?
Lady Kim?
Princess... Your Highness...
Sir.
Councilor Hong, can you hear me?
Sir!
Sire.
What do you mean by 'marry him'? Lady Kim!
That's what you need to do. If you marry him
His Majesty can survive these difficult times.
I will accept your offer.
- Sire. - But I have one condition.
Joseon captives in Later Jin.
Hand them over.
Do you understand? If you hand all of them over
Joseon will form an alliance with Later Jin
and I'll respect your Khan as an emperor.
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