Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 12]
Busan Castle was already conquered by the Japanese three days ago?
Yes, sire.
Sire, I believe Dongrae Castle is also conquered by now.
The Joseon army is wiped out, sire!
Stop!
I am Gwanghae.
Is it really true that the Japanese have overtaken Busan?
Yes, the castle fell within four hours
and all of the 3000 soldiers and civilians died.
Followed by Dongrae Castle...
It fell only within four hours?
Just what were our soldiers doing?
We couldn't fight off the Japanese.
Some hundreds of ships arrived...
and tens of thousands of soldiers killed everyone they saw!
Why is everyone so quiet?
'Sire, please allow us! Please reconsider!'
You were talking nonstop in other times.
So how did you all become mute?
Why don't you answer me, Prime Minister?
You said it's no big deal to fight off the Japanese.
The Japanese that you thought nothing of
already invaded us with hundreds of thousands of soldiers!
- Sire, please take my life! - Sire, please take my life!
Your sin of jeopardizing the future of the country deserves death
but what's the use of killing you?
Before I punish you for your sin
it's more urgent to stop the Japanese who are pushing towards the north.
Come up with a plan.
A war? I hear it smells foul of blood
in Busan and Yangsan in Gyeongnam Province.
It's all because of the King!
Since the King who is not worthy of the title has the seat
that's why this war is happening!
Sire, His Majesty called for the Hansung (current Seoul) Mayor Shin Rip.
That's great.
Lord Shin Rip is a great commander
who defeated 10,000 Jurchen soldiers with the 500 special forces.
I need to meet with him now.
Aren't these iron pieces?
[Shin Rip Hansung (current Seoul) Mayor]
Yes, these are the bullets in the musket used by the Japanese.
The musket is a very dangerous weapon that can change the dynamics of the war.
I believe it's also the musket that caused the powerless fall on our part.
I heard you're going to Chungju to fight off the Japanese
so I wanted to tell you ahead about this musket.
For a prince of such a young age to worry about the country...
I'm very proud.
I've fought on battlegrounds for decades.
I have a special force that defeated 10,000 Jurchen soldiers.
I'll subdue the enemy within a few days.
With the high nose and cheek bones
he is certainly a great commander of courage and spirit.
But he has a very stubborn side.
Lord Shin.
Do you plan to use horsemen?
I heard Tangeumdae of Chungju is a swamp with rice fields.
How can you possibly have a cavalry battle there?
You've never experienced a battleground, so what do you know?
The reason I'm going out of line is
because the 8000 soldiers you lead are the last hope of Joseon.
A rookie prince shouldn't worry.
Please just wait comfortably for the news of victory.
I appoint you as the Military Delegate.
Go to Chungju and stop the Japanese
so that not even one of them can enter the city.
I will receive your royal command and defeat the Japanese right away.
Queen Majesty...
What happened to her face? Did you let her skip her meals?
I've been given enough to eat.
I just didn't eat anything.
So, have you thought about it?
Even if you ask me 10, 100 times, I only have one answer.
Please don't make me stay here anymore. Send me as a government slave.
A war broke out in the country.
Pardon?
A war?
The Japanese invaded us.
Pardon?
This place should be safer than outside of the palace.
I'll think more about your future.
What do you have in mind?
You don't look like someone who'd lock up people.
There must be a real reason you locked me up here.
I'd like to know what it is.
If I tell you, will you follow my wish quietly?
Yes, I'm not keeping you here just because of the royal command.
Once you make up your mind, I'll tell you eventually.
I don't believe in face reading.
If a person's fate is already determined in the face
what could be more cruel than that?
Also, no matter which great girl with a perfect face stays with His Majesty
I don't believe that it will change the country's fate.
However, when His Majesty first took in Sookyong Hong as a concubine...
I saw that His Majesty's illness calmed down.
So I was glad.
Yes, Queen Majesty.
With His Majesty's command, I brought in the daughter of the late Kim Doo Seo.
Is Lady Ga Hee in the palace now?
Does His Majesty really need her?
I'm asking if she can also comfort His Majesty's heart like Sookyong Hong.
Of course, Your Majesty.
If His Majesty keeps Lady Ga Hee close by his side
not only will His Majesty's illness improve
but also the country's fate will also brighten up.
Not only that, Gwiin Kim's power can also be kept in check.
So the royal court will find stability.
Watch what you say.
Forgive me.
Queen Majesty, where is Lady Ga Hee now?
Lord Jung... what is this?
Shin Rip left me this to give to you as he was heading to Chungju.
Prince Gwanghae, I'm leaving for Tangeumdae tomorrow.
How could I not know that
the country's fate depends on this battle?
We had an unintended argument that day
but I was more than happy to learn about a prince like yourself.
On the day I come back to the city
with the victory news that you're waiting for
please give me a chance to enjoy a drink with Your Highness.
You said that Tangeumdae is not suitable for cavalry battles?
Yes.
Lord Shin Rip also knew about it very well...
but our soldiers' training has been very inadequate
so he means to fight to death, determined for either death or victory.
In the government, officials have no doubt that Shin Rip will defeat the Japanese.
But he is very well aware that it won't be easy.
Although it's 8000 soldiers
they are a mob of novices gathered from everywhere without proper training.
We must win this battle.
Otherwise, the city will collapse.
If we lose this fight...
the future of Joseon will be... a lamp light that's about to turn off.
His Majesty's decision is very important in times like this.
You seem to be truly worried about the country.
It's a natural duty of the noble class.
- Eunuch Song. - Yes, sire.
If Shin Rip is defeated, then what happens?
They will barge in here in no time.
Sire, there are many brave commanders in Joseon.
So we will definitely get through this war.
If I fall before the sword of the Japanese
the future of this country will also be in danger.
So there is... only one way.
Fleeing the palace is the only way.
Sire!
I should decide on the Crown Prince first.
- Shinsung. - Yes, Father.
You are 15 years old now.
Since I became the King at the age of sixteen
you're also old enough to take responsibility
for the royal court and the country.
I'm sure you also know that the whole country
is in distress because of the war.
Shinsung, can you help me and get through this crisis?
Of course. I will do my best to help you, Father.
Your Majesty, you mean...
I will announce Shinsung as the Crown Prince soon
and hold a grand ceremony for his installation.
- Sire! - Father!
I will do my best.
As the birth mother of the Crown Prince
you should be extra careful in your words and actions.
Yes, sire. I will keep that in mind.
Also... if Shin Rip is defeated in Chungju
I'm going to leave the city.
So you should get ready.
Sire, 'leave the city'?
Where would you go?
You mean, you'll be leaving the palace?
I will escort you, Father.
Please don't worry.
I'll proceed with this in secret
so you shouldn't tell anyone about this.
- Do you understand? - Yes, sire.
Lady Kim...
Come out.
Not you!
My lady, I believed that you wouldn't abandon your brother.
Are you Jang Soo Tae?
Yes, yes, my lady! I am Jang Soo Tae.
Please let me out of here...
I hear you're a big merchant...
Is your group also in Pyongyang?
Of course it is!
I have a very strong branch there.
So, if I go to Pyongyang with you
your merchant group can help us.
Of course!
By the way, why do you ask about that?
It's nothing. I'll let you out of here soon.
Thank you!
I'll make sure to pay for your kindness!
You'll have to pay for it right away.
Fleeing from the palace?
Lower your voice.
Even after the hardship in prison
you haven't learned anything?
You're now an uncle of the Crown Prince.
I won't forgive you for a mistake like last time.
I will be very careful about my words and actions from now on.
Get ready to leave in secret.
We don't know when we'll come back
so you have to be fully prepared.
Be extra careful with what you say.
Yes, yes.
- Look... - Your Highness.
I came to see Kim Ga Hee.
She's not here right now.
Where is she then?
Sire, please wait for a minute.
Your Highness...
Where on earth is Ga Hee?
I'll go find her myself, so tell me where I can meet her.
Ga Hee left to go to Mount Myohyang.
Mount Myohyang?
In case Your Highness came to see her...
she asked me to give this to you.
Sire, I'm going to leave the city now.
It's deep in the mountain where no news of the world is delivered.
I was very happy to see you again.
We'll be able to run into each other again while we are alive.
I will pray for the day you realize your dream.
Ga Hee, how can you...
Sire, what's wrong?
Ga Hee left to go to Mount Myohyang.
Sire, it's no use to follow her now.
Step aside.
Sire! We're at war now. You'd leave the city in a time like this?
Since she left to go deep in the mountain, it's for the better.
Yes... it should be much safer there.
I hope she's well.
The time of peace and prosperity that hasn't been broken for 200 years...
is about to shatter in my reign.
If Shin Rip can't stop the Japanese in Chungju...
the city will also be demolished.
I had chances to stop this war...
I wonder why you covered my eyes and ears.
I committed a sin that deserves death, sire.
Please take my life.
I don't mean to blame you at this point.
I've seen animals who survive without a wing or a leg
but I haven't seen an animal that survives without a head.
Prime Minister...
in order to save Joseon...
we should avoid a shower first.
That only makes sense, sire.
Do you have any good plans?
However... it is...
If I fall down in their hands, it means that Joseon will disappear.
I believe we should plan for the future...
What do you think?
Do you mean... fleeing the palace, sire?
Did you say, fleeing the palace?
His Majesty is already leaning towards it.
How could we go against it?
The reason I gathered you here...
is to discuss what we should do from here.
Lord Lee, if this gets out...
the public opinion will get out of control.
Everyone here should be very careful with what they say.
People should never know about the King's escape.
- Did you just say 'fleeing the palace'? - Yes.
It was suspicious that Prime Minister wouldn't let anyone in.
So I eavesdropped from the next room.
He definitely said 'fleeing the palace.'
The so-called King thought of running away first.
How pathetic.
Leader.
Ga Hee left to go to Mount Myohyang.
She left without telling you because she didn't want you to worry.
She asked me to take care of you.
She left without saying when she'd be back?
Nothing at all.
He's fleeing the palace.
He shouldn't have become the King to begin with.
I've been waiting for this day.
He wasn't qualified to become King to begin with.
Sire, what's wrong?
How strange. Why is the palace so empty?
No one's guarding the palace.
General Shin Rip took 8000 soldiers when he went to Chungju.
So we don't have enough soldiers to stand guard at the palace.
This is where King Majesty and Queen Majesty are.
Even with the situation, how can the security be so lax?
I placed government slaves who never even held a sword on guard...
but they ran away after hearing the news of the war.
My lord, just what happened that you'd kick me out all the way to Pyongyang?
How do you think I feel for sending you away?
I will follow you soon...
so endure it even if you get lonely.
They are all silver blocks.
They're like my life, so make sure to keep them safe.
Did you just say, fleeing the palace?
Yes.
I hear all the high-ranking officials are busy preparing to run away in secret.
If General Shin Rip is defeated in Chungju
it looks like everyone is ready to leave the city.
Now I know... why Gwiin Kim showed interest in faraway Pyongyang.
They have no shame.
They're keeping it quiet from the people
but they mean to save only themselves.
Forgive me. I wasn't talking about Father.
Even for the King who decided to abandon the people
the ones below him complete their duty.
Therefore, there isn't much time when the King is alone.
The King enjoys the steam room every night.
It is the only time when the King is alone.
There are only court maids and no one else.
If I can pass through the palace entrance
where Chief of Security is standing guard
this steam room is defenseless.
That is the only chance I can kill the King.
If that's the case...
I need someone who will take me safely here
and have an audience with the King.
You should go to the King now.
It's your fate that you can't avoid.
That's where you should be.
You're the only one who can embrace the King's twisted heart.
Sir, it's also my fate that I took His Highness in my heart.
I won't be dragged away by any fate.
I will make the choice.
How unfortunate...
I was a step behind.
What do you mean?
I was worried about a war in the country.
I finally found a woman who would complement His Majesty's face.
But I was a step too late.
I heard about how you brought Lady Hong
to the palace to complement His Majesty's face.
But Lady Hong has already passed away.
There is a woman who has a better face than Sookyong Hong.
She's already in the palace...
but the war broke out
so I haven't found a chance to take her to His Majesty.
This is it.
The way to approach the King without garnering any suspicion.
That's not right, sir.
This is the time we have to take her to His Majesty.
In my opinion, this will be a chance of your lifetime.
The battle in Tangeumdae of Chungju... failed.
The Japanese will arrive in Hansung... in three days.
General Shin Rip was defeated in the battle and threw himself in the river?
Yes, sire.
Your Highness...
Young Shin...
Do you know how many people are in the city?
It's 120,000.
- Is it that many? - Yes.
There are 120,000 people in the city.
Those who are crushed by the Japanese...
Busan, Dongrae, Yangsan, Milyang, Gyeongju.
And Chungju...
Our people were there, too.
Now, what do we do about the 120,000 people in the city?
Sire, what should we do?
What's going on?
The topic of fleeing the palace is being discussed at the palace right now.
Tell me about your plans on what we should do.
Sire... forgive me for saying this...
During the reign of King Gongmin during the Goryeo Dynasty
when the country was in danger from the attack of the Red Turban Army
there is a precedent of leaving the palace for a while.
Leave the palace?
Do you mean, fleeing the palace?
Yes, sire.
Would you consider moving the royal palace to Pyongyang Castle for a while?
Please ask for help from Ming in Pyongyang and protect the royal court.
Look, Prime Minister!
How could the King leave behind the capital and flee?
Sire, you have to keep yourself safe
in order to keep the royal court and the country safe.
Yes, sire. Please leave the palace.
And plan for the future, sire.
Is that really what you want?
Yes, please leave the palace!
If that's what you really want...
I won't be stubborn anymore.
I... will leave the palace.
Your grace is immeasurable, sire!
But before leaving the palace...
I should appoint the Crown Prince first.
Father, I have something urgent to report to you.
Can't you see that we're in discussion right now?
That's why I ran over here.
What?
Father, do you plan to leave the palace?
Please answer me.
As a member of this royal family and a citizen of this city, I need to know.
If the people's lives are worth more than those of dogs and hogs
I believe they need to know what they're about to face.
Yes, I just decided on leaving the palace, following the officials' wish.
When the country's future is in danger
that is the only best way.
I'll move the government to Pyongyang
and plan for the future from there.
Father! You cannot leave the palace!
I won't change my mind just because you tell me not to.
Moving the royal palace to Pyongyang means
that you will abandon all of the 120,000 people in the city!
Abandon them? I'm preparing for the future!
Your Highness, please be careful with your words.
It was also a difficult decision for His Majesty.
How could you cause this ruckus and confuse His Majesty?
People have looked up to you as Heaven.
Despite all kinds of persecutions and exploitations
these poor people accepted them as natural orders.
They've offered loyalty and obedience...
because they believed that you'd protect them.
So how could you abandon them
and leave just because the Japanese invaded us?
Since the battle in Chungju was lost
the Japanese will arrive in the city in three, four days.
They'll kill people like they're killing hogs and chickens.
The whole city will become a slaughterhouse splattered with blood.
So how could you speak of leaving the palace?
Please look straight into reality.
Not leaving the palace means that we'll all sit here and die together.
So, you're trying to run away, not even trying to protect the city?
The city... the people!
You had no thoughts of protecting them to begin with, did you?
Take out the prince.
Father!
Take him out right now!
Father, please don't! Please don't leave the palace, Father!
Father, no! Please don't leave the palace!
Father!
Father! There are 120,000 people! Please don't abandon them!
Please don't abandon 120,000 people, Father!
Father! Father!
Prince Gwanghae, every word you say is right.
Your father was like this to begin with.
So I'm going to kill your father with my own hands.
You didn't recognize the class system of Joseon.
And you dared to put the safety of His Majesty
in the same place as that of the people.
The class may be different
but there is no difference in lives.
The lives of the royal family, including Father, and the noble class
and the lives of the people are the same thing.
The ones who lead Joseon are not foolish people.
His Majesty and our noble class are leading Joseon.
The water in the upstream has to be full for it to float down...
The master has to live in order for the servants to look for the future.
Lord Lee, one of the reasons I'm against leaving the palace
is for the sake of Father.
People will never forgive a King who has abandoned them once.
A King who is not trusted by the people...
will end up being a scarecrow. Do you really not know this?
The people have looked up to you as Heaven.
Despite all kinds of persecutions and exploitations...
these poor people took them as natural orders.
They've offered loyalty and obedience...
because they believed that you'd protect them.
Scoundrel...
Sire, Professor Go from the Physiognomy Department is here.
Let him in.
What is it about?
Sire, I heard you're leaving the palace soon, so I came.
Sire, why don't you spend tonight with Lady Ga Hee?
Lady Ga Hee is in the palace now.
I forgot about her for a while.
I don't feel like it now.
Help her prepare so that she can come with me.
Sire, you should keep Lady Ga Hee closer in times like this.
Of course she should accompany you.
Before that, spend tonight with her.
I'll escort her to your place in secret.
I'll do that.
But you'll have to proceed in secret so that officials won't talk about it.
I'll keep that in mind, sire.
My lady, this is Professor Go.
I'll come for you at eight tonight.
The moment Father announces the Crown Prince
- all of us will enter the palace! - Yes!
Are you... ready?
Since I lost my family three years ago...
I've only dreamed about this day.
It's tonight.
Disguise as the Chief of Security and come through the front gate.
Please let me cut off the last breath of the King.
You shouldn't tell this to anyone.
Every time I was lost, I came here and asked for a way.
Sire, please don't run!
Your Highness... you'll get hurt!
Please run slowly! Sire!
What are you doing over there?
Did you just dare to sit on my throne?
I was chasing a kite...
Father, it's my fault. Please forgive me.
Sitting on the throne is not your only fault.
You killed your mother to come out to this world.
What are you thinking about?
A long time ago...
I thought about the kite that you made for me.
This old hag wasn't good enough...
so the kite string kept getting cut off.
You should be able to make it yourself now...
so I'm not worried.
Sire...
His Majesty told me to get ready to leave the palace.
After installing the Crown Prince tomorrow
he will leave the palace right away.
Your Highness should go as well.
Please go home and get ready.
Teacher, is this how it ends?
How could there be an ending in life?
It's not over yet...
Yes, that's what I also think.
Teacher...
I should go see Father now.
Didn't you hear my command?
I'm leaving the city tomorrow.
That goes the same for you.
Hurry home and pack.
Father, I will never act recklessly again
to change your mind from leaving the palace.
You weren't going to convince me even with your reckless behavior.
Yes, how would I dare to change your mind?
But just one thing...
as your son and this country's prince...
there is something that worries me deeply.
When the day we can fight off the Japanese comes
you will return to Hansung again.
Back to this hellish city where people have been squashed by the Japanese.
The people won't show loyalty to you like before.
The people could turn into a mob
and become more threatening than the Japanese.
You said you wouldn't try to change my mind...
but now you're threatening me all-out?
How could I dare to do that to you, Father?
I just have a great idea that will solve this issue.
What is it?
You have no choice but to leave the palace to protect the country
and ask for help from Ming.
But leave your most favored son, meaning the Crown Prince of Joseon
here in the city with the people.
What?
I already made up my mind to establish Prince Shinsung as the Crown Prince.
And you will push your brother to stay in a dangerous place?
How can you pull that trick?
I cannot push my younger brother to such a dangerous place.
The Crown Prince you will appoint ahead of leaving the palace...
will be myself, Gwanghae.
What?
You... You've lost your mind!
You asked for the Crown Prince title yourself?
I didn't lose my mind.
Please allow me to become the Crown Prince and protect the city!
I want to protect the palace until the end!
Father, welcome.
What were you doing?
I was packing to leave the palace.
I only packed a few books... but I already have a lot of luggage.
- Shinsung. - Yes, Father.
If I leave the city as the King
people might rise against me and point their swords at me.
If they do that, what would you do?
How could anyone possibly point a sword at His Majesty?
Since we're at war, I'm sure there are people who speak of rebellious thoughts.
I should punish them severely as an example and govern people with fear.
Please don't worry. I'll do that, Father.
That's a commendable thought...
but my way back to the city will be very rough.
You have no choice but to leave the palace to protect the country
and ask for help from Ming.
But leave your most favored son, meaning the Crown Prince
here with your people.
I didn't lose my mind.
Please allow me to become the Crown Prince and protect the city!
It's time to go to His Majesty. Please come out.
- Do Chi... - Ga Hee.
How can you be here?
Didn't you go to Mount Myohyang?
There is a woman who has a better face than Sookyong Hong.
Were you... the woman with a face that Professor Go found...
the one who complements His Majesty's face?
Why didn't you tell me sooner?
Is this why you were going to Mount Myohyang?
Why did you... come here?
Let's get out of here first.
Go straight to the secret room from here.
Both your home and Jinjoogak will be dangerous.
What about you?
I have to go somewhere urgently.
Go ahead.
Hurry!
The plan fell through.
Look, let me see you.
Our plan failed this time.
Let's plan for the future.
What I can give you is not even 50 soldiers.
Can you really protect this palace?
Not because I can protect it...
It's because that I have to protect it.
You could die in this place.
I'm ready for it.
I don't have a sword to give you.
But I will give you the title of the Crown Prince.
Father!
You're the Crown Prince of Joseon from this very moment.
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