Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 14]
- Sire! - Sire!
- Sire! Sire!
Sire!
Ga Hee...
Sire!
I thought I'd never see you again.
Are you awake now?
Are you feeling alright?
What happened to Imhae?
He left just now.
He said he was going to His Majesty.
The capital city and the palace were seized by the Japanese that day.
On June 15, 1592, the Japanse soldiers seized all the way up to Pyongyang Castle.
The King had to move to Uiju through Yongbyon and Jungju.
The ones who turned around the dynamics of the war were
the navy led by Admiral Yi Sun Shin and volunteer soldiers from all over the country.
Then in January of 1593, soldiers of Ming and Joseon led by General Lee Yeo Song
finally reclaimed Pyongyang Castle.
Why did you stop fighting after taking back Pyongyang Castle?
The Japanese are scared that soldiers of Ming entered this country.
If we push all the way to the capital
we will have a grand victory!
Your words are frustrating, sire!
Is the sight of blood required to win a war?
[Lee Yeo Song General from Ming]
Please be more patient and wait.
Now the Japanese had a scary taste of the big country
they will withdraw from the capital on their own
and run away to the south soon.
I heard that Ming and Japan would partner and sign a treaty behind Joseon's back.
Is that true?
That's...
There will be no deal. That should never happen!
How could we possibly leave out Joseon and partner with Japan?
Then don't stop the fight and push forward!
The emperor of Ming is the only one who can move our soldiers!
Don't order around my soldiers!
If he works for such a famous general
he must have a lot of money.
Of course.
By the way... you're pretty good.
I'm sorry. You'll have a headache for a few hours.
Everything's messed up in Joseon...
but such beauties...
Courtesans of Joseon are the best!
Then you should stay for a while.
What are you so busy with that you have to leave tonight?
I serve General Konishi Yukinaga.
I have very important responsibilities.
It's a military secret!
You must be a messenger for Konishi Yukinaga.
Hurry up and take out what he has.
He doesn't have it.
He has it.
It's the supply route of the Japanese from Pyongan Province to Gyeonggi Province.
Yes. The ration and gunpowder of the Japanese are getting routed to the land.
Thanks to Admiral Yi Sun Shin, all the supply routes by the sea are cut off.
But... the supply route has come all the way down to Gyeonggi Province?
Isn't this the proof that the enemy is withdrawing?
Do you have any news from our spies in the capital?
Not yet.
It's an important intel. Good job.
I didn't do it alone. Then...
Ga Hee.
Yes, sire.
Be careful out there.
Same for you.
Go!
It's at least double the amount for both food and gunpowder from last time, sire!
We got enough out of the Japanese army today
now I can keep my head up high as the Crown Prince!
[Songchon, Pyongan Province Prince Gwanghae's headquarters]
With continuous battles every day, you must be very tired.
I will ease your weary minds tonight...
so enjoy yourselves!
Your Highness.
[Lee Jung Ahm - Leader of volunteer soldiers in Hwanghae Province]
Kuroda Nagamasa is eyeing on Yeonahn Castle.
We have to protect Yeonahn Castle!
That again?
What do you plan to do only with 500 volunteer soldiers?
The enemy has 5000 soldiers!
It'll be better to focus on a battle with a better chance.
Now, now...
Stop with that and just enjoy a little tonight.
If we hand over Yeonahn Castle
don't you know that Hwanghae Province will be squashed by the enemy?
Also, Yeonahn is the connecting bridge of the government in Uiju with His Majesty
and the three southern regions of Chungcheong, Jeolla and Gyeongsang.
But you want to just hand it over to them?
That's my command.
If you go against my command
you'll be dismissed.
Dismiss me.
I will take my soldiers and protect Yeonahn Castle.
Sire!
I'm sorry.
As you said, the battle at Yeonahn Castle is important.
I had to check what kind of a soldier you are.
Come in!
These are my best volunteer soldiers.
I will give you 500 soldiers led by them.
Also, we cut off the supply route to Kuroda Nagamasa a few days ago.
They should be very short of bullets.
It will be very helpful for our fight!
Sire!
I'm appointing you as a special envoy to Hwanghae.
You must protect Yeonahn Castle!
Your Highness.
I will make sure to protect Yeonahn Castle.
What? We lost at Haengju Fortress too?
Yes, sir.
We lost Pyongyang Castle last month because of Ming.
But for Gilju Castle and Haengju Fortress
volunteer soldiers of Joseon were a big cause!
What did I tell you?
Yi Sun Shin is not the only problem!
That Crown Prince is poking around everywhere in Joseon
and tempting everyone to volunteer to become a soldier!
That rookie who was playing with explosives changed the flow of the war?
Sir, I heard that we'll get an order to withdraw from the capital soon.
Will you just back down like this?
We only follow the command from our emperor.
Did you find all the treasures of the Joseon royal court?
Yes. I'm looking for Buddhist art in the temples near the capital now.
We don't have much time left.
You should hurry!
I will.
Your Highness!
They're back. Commander Lee Jung Ahm and his soldiers are back!
What?
Sire...
I was so happy to receive the news of victory!
I heard the battle was fierce to fight off five times as many soldiers for three days.
We were able to protect the castle, all thanks to you!
Volunteer soldiers and people of Yeonahn were a big support.
Also, Your Highness supported us in all aspects.
I haven't been so happy like this since the war started.
Eunuch Im.
It's been a while. Let's open up the storage.
Take out food and wine...
recognize them for their great accomplishment!
I'll follow your command, sire.
It's gotten a lot better from last time.
Yes.
My father is still in pain every night.
Please help him with pain. Please, Doctor!
'Doctor'?
Your medical skills are exceptional
so he must've thought you were a real doctor, my lady.
I should change my job now.
I'll bring the medicine that helps relieve pain and give it to the patient.
I believe the medicine we have is almost gone.
Did you bring some from your outing as a spy this time?
Yes.
No matter how much I think about it, I can't make a guess.
- What do you mean? - About you.
I thought you were a girl taking care of makeup powder
but you were a warrior like other men
and you're smart beyond imagination.
What were you doing before?
I'll bring the medicine.
How dare an eunuch block the path of a commander from the powerful country?
It's the food for the Joseon soldiers!
Your Crown Prince is responsible for providing food for Ming soldiers and feed for horses.
Get out of my way right now!
Otherwise I will cut your head off!
This bastard!
What are you doing?
Thanks to Ming, Joseon came back to life from a coma.
But if you can't provide us with food...
a very touchy situation will happen.
I already sent the food and horse feed I promised!
Such little amount is nowhere near enough!
We have whopping 50,000 soldiers!
I'll cut off his head
and teach your soldiers a good lesson!
Try moving that sword.
I'll watch whose head drops to the ground first.
Long live our Crown Prince!
The Crown Prince and his volunteer soldiers won again?
Yes, sire.
I hear everywhere the Crown Prince goes
people volunteer to become soldiers and fight to death.
Volunteer soldiers?
Even if those mobs of people gain a victory
I'm sure it's just slaying a few Japanese soldiers.
Without the help of Ming, we couldn't have changed the dynamics of the war.
Of course not.
Therefore we have to stop the Kanghwa Treaty regardless of what it takes.
We have to change Lee Yeo Song's mind and stop the Gwanghwa Treaty
and destroy the Japanese again!
Sire, I hear Lee Yeo Song enjoys art and music
so why don't we send someone he'd like and convince him?
- He enjoys art and music? - Yes, sire.
Call for Songkang right now.
Is there anything you can't do?
Lord Songkang is the best writer of the generation
and an expert in wine and women.
You won't find a better guide than Lord Songkang to learn about art and music of Joseon.
If you want to know anything, please ask me!
I'll make sure to do that!
Please have a glass.
And... as for the Kanghwa Treaty...
I hear the Japanese wants to be allowed to retreat without any damage.
We can't let them leave alive.
Your troop even reclaimed Pyongyang Castle!
We should push through Hanyang (current Seoul)...
and destroy them for us.
Why is the wine so murky with no taste?
Sir...
You have no shame.
How can you ask for such a big favor over a few drinks of cheap wine?
Then what should I do for you?
The Crown Prince is near where our Ming troops are stationed...
but he doesn't even show proper manners and doesn't care about the horse feed!
After treating us this way
how could you expect us to just keep bleeding for Joseon?
That can't be.
Sir, our Crown Prince...
Give this message to the King.
If the King bows five times and bows to the ground three times
I'll consider the matter of the Kanghwa Treaty.
Sir...
Sir!
Are you satisfied now?
Yes, sir. You've done very well.
But asking His Majesty for five bows and three bows to the ground...
Wasn't it a bit too much?
I doubt that the King would go that far.
By the way...
it sounds like the Crown Prince has a stiff neck...
but he brought us food and horse feed every time.
I said something that I made up... so I don't feel right.
You must have a lot of expenses in a foreign land.
It's not much, but please make good use of it.
It does look like it's not much.
If my Prince Shinsung becomes the Crown Prince with the help of Ming and you
this won't be the end.
We'd even cut out a land in the north and give it to you!
I'll do my best, so don't worry.
You have to gather only the best.
We'll have to melt away General Lee Yeo Song.
Yes, my lord.
I'd like to learn from you!
Sir, my Shinsung has always been a fan of your spirit and magnanimity.
Is that right?
How could they have no shame as members of the royal family?
Lee Yeo Song asked for 'five bows and three to the ground'?
Yes, sire.
He's such an arrogant prick.
Don't take it to your heart.
But I have to do it...
to stop them from signing the Kanghwa Treaty?
Sire, he probably just said it to humiliate us.
I'll do... 'five bows and three to the ground.'
- Sire! - Sire!
As long as we can stop the Kanghwa Treaty...
there is nothing I can't do.
Sire!
I have to do this. I can do this.
I have to endure the humiliation and do this.
I have to become the king who stopped the Kanghwa Treaty
and the one who encouraged Ming's advance.
I have to become the king who leads the war to victory!
Sire!
Sire! Sire!
Sire! Sire! Sire!
Sire... why are you doing this?
We suceeded in reclaiming Pyongyang Castle with the help of Ming.
So I am more than grateful.
How could I possibly pay back your kindness?
I just said it while I was drinking
so I didn't know that Your Majesty would actually do this.
I believe you know the reason I did the 'five bows and three to the ground.'
You mean, the Kanghwa Treaty?
That's right.
Stop the Kanghwa Treaty that's in negotiation.
You are way off.
I guess Lord Songkang didn't relay my message?
Do you know what upsets our Ming soldiers the most?
It's the rude behavior of the Crown Prince!
Rude behavior of the Crown Prince?
What do you mean by that?
You knew all of this was caused by the Crown Prince.
So why didn't you report to me?
Why did you take the side of the Crown Prince in front of me?
Sire.
Lee Yeo Song reported lies to you.
What's that?
His Highness had his own royal guards join the Ming troop
and has executed military tactics together.
And he dispatched officials and showed proper manners to the Ming's generals.
Lee Yeo Song is quibbling over nothing!
So the Ming soldiers haven't been much of help in this war.
Is that what you're saying?
Pardon?
You're saying that the Crown Prince protected this country.
I called for Ming!
If that's what you think
what is it that I did as the King?
We deserve the punishment of death, sire!
Now I think about it, I had a solution nearby, but I looked for one from afar.
If the Crown Prince with all the trust from the people ascends to the throne
he will drive out the Japanese and start peace and prosperity again.
Half of the officials are already with the Crown Prince leading the temporary government.
With this chance, I will leave the throne to the Crown Prince and sit aside.
Sire, what is this word of absurdity?
I won't hear it anymore.
As the King with many sins of abandoning the capital
and putting the whole country through a war
this is only reasonable.
Bring in the Crown Prince and prepare for the succession of the throne.
Sire!
One more thing.
Lord Songkang, you should head to Ming right now to give them the news here.
Sire!
Did you take a wrong route?
We're headed for a long journey...
so what's with the evil spirit?
Because of your twisted mind after getting kicked out
you must've gone blind.
Treating an alive man as a ghost?
If you plan to turn me upside down...
that's enough, so get out of my way!
Please be careful in your long journey.
This could turn out to be our last meeting.
Since we've spent half of our lives fighting each other this time
let's have a drink and play Go-game in our next lives.
That's not impossible.
But before that...
we'll have to pay for messing up the country like this.
Let's go.
Please rescind your abdication!
Your Majesty, please rescind the royal command of abdication!
Abdication is not possible, sire!
No, sire!
- Please reconsider! - Please reconsider!
Abdication is not possible, sire!
- No, sire! - It tastes great.
Did you go out hunting for me again?
It is only my duty, sire.
Face readers are truly commandable.
Even if I don't say in words
you read my mind and execute my wish.
Forgive me, sire.
I announced the succession of the throne.
So of course he has to know.
Kim Do Chi, give him the news and bring back the Crown Prince.
Yes, sire. I'll leave right away.
Did you say you were a face reader for the royal court of Joseon?
Yes, I am.
Then you must know the Crown Prince very well.
Of course I do.
What kind of a man is he?
He is bright and smart
but because of his royal capability, his father is not too happy about him.
Before we leave the capital
I need to take his head.
A souvenir from Joseon for the Emperor.
That will be better than Joseon porcelain.
You should help me with catching the Crown Prince.
Yes, sir.
We can't just retreat from Joseon quietly.
Even if we have to leave
we plan to take everything.
It will be heavy to carry everything...
so I will just cut off the noses of Joseon people and take them with me.
Before I leave here...
I'll dry up the seeds of Joseon people in the city.
Don't worry.
I'm going to take you with me.
Please don't leave me behind.
We'll need to leave as soon as the Ganghwa Treaty is complete.
Have everything ready before that.
This place will be infused with beautiful blood color.
Why? Is it bad news?
Where is His Highness now?
It's a letter from Song Wol in the capital.
Before leaving the capital
Kinoshita set up a plan to kill everyone in the city!
Sire, I hear he is beyond cruel who practices shooting with Joseon kids as his targets.
Japan and Ming are trying to negotiate on their own right now.
What are the conditions for the negotiation?
It's really frustrating that we can't find out.
Their own negotiation with Joseon left out!
I need to go to Hanyang (current Seoul).
What do you plan to do?
I can't just sit back and watch Kinoshita who killed our Joseon people!
I'll punish him with my own hands!
Let me go with you.
Yes, please.
I'll excuse myself now.
Sire, a messenger from Uiju arrived.
From Father?
You are...
What do you mean by that?
Father will abdicate the throne? Is that what he said?
Yes, he said he would leave the throne to Your Highness
and leave the whole government to you.
He already ordered the officials to prepare for it.
Why did Father bring up the word 'abdication'?
Please get ready and leave right away.
His Majesty is waiting for you.
Daedong Society has been helping the Crown Prince?
You must've played the role of the leader.
You abandoned Daedong Society first.
Do you think I don't know what's in your mind?
You plan to regain your class with the help of the Crown Prince
and climb to a government post again.
I only helped Daedong Society from falling apart after you abandoned it.
I have no ambition for the leader title.
A prophet said this a long time ago.
that Daedong Society will scatter like sands.
Since you said you'd support Prince Shinsung to become the Crown Prince
I should've known.
Ga Hee.
Do Chi.
Have you been staying by the Crown Prince the whole time?
I've been with the people, not with the Crown Prince.
Ga Hee, you will do something bigger in the future.
What do you mean?
So, be careful.
His Majesty said he'd abdicate the throne?
Yes, so I have to leave for Uiju right now.
I'll sit on a straw mat and ask for forgiveness if I have to.
His Majesty probably didn't mean it.
His Majesty is suffering from an illness.
It is very cruel to you
but you have to embrace that for him.
Yes, I will keep that in mind.
Mother, this place is too close to the enemy.
Please come with me to Uiju.
Crown Prince, do you know the reason I came here from Uiju although everyone was against it?
You are leading the temporary government
but it wouldn't be easy with only a few officials and soldiers.
Although I'm the Queen in name only
I have to hold out here to give you any support I can.
Mother!
Please don't worry about Mother's safety.
I'll stay with her and do my best to serve her.
Thank you.
You'll sneak into the capital like this?
Is this really enough people?
Everything is great about our Crown Prince
but sometimes Your Highness doesn't recognize the strength of our Daedong Society.
Song Wol and a few other members are already in the city.
We're checking out the place first, so please don't worry.
Don't you know the current situation?
You're soaked in wine everyday and now cause a ruckus of barging into someone's house?
And you still call yourself a prince of this country?
Father, please answer me.
About the letter you gave me on the day you left the city.
What?
'Gwanghae became the Crown Prince in such a hurry'
so the decision could change at anytime.
I believed in those words
and I've waited to this day. But...
Abdication?
This is different from what you promised me!
You have no shame at all!
What have you done for the country since the war broke out?
Is there anything more than being taken to the enemy as a hostage?
And you're demanding the title of the Crown Prince?
Father!
Your Majesty.
The Crown Prince has just arrived.
Father, have you been well?
It's been a long time since I saw you, Father.
Eunuch Song, bring in Chief of Staff.
Now the Crown Prince has arrived
I'll go through the procedure and abdicate my throne.
Father!
Imhae.
Gwanghae, you're about to ascend to the throne.
Although I owe you my life...
I can't accept this gladly.
Don't worry, Imhae.
There will be no such thing as my ascension to the throne.
At least for now.
I won't take the throne this way.
Please rescind the royal order of abdication!
I beg from the bottom of my heart!
Please rescind the royal order of abdication!
Father, please rescind the royal order of abdication!
I beg from the bottom of my heart!
Father, please rescind the royal order of abdication!
My lady, it's a good thing.
The Crown Prince is begging on a straw mat now.
It's all thanks to Lee Yeo Song.
My lady, your face is full of worries.
Is it because Father did the 'five bows and three to the ground'?
Mother!
I didn't plot this to make His Majesty that way.
I just meant to get Gwanghae...
but to think that His Majesty lowered his head to that useless scoundrel...
My lady, this is all for our Prince Shinsung.
Don't be too concerned.
Imhae, what are you doing?
Immediate death on you is not enough!
Have Ming involved in this to take the title of the Crown Prince?
And you call yourself a prince of Joseon?
Stop right now, Prince Imhae!
If you are so upset about it, report to His Majesty right away!
'The mother and son plotted everything!'
'The Crown Prince had nothing to do with it!' Go tell him!
Why? You can't do it?
Of course not.
Because you also earnestly wish that the Crown Prince would be taken down!
So you can't report it to His Majesty
and you're just taking it out on my innocent Shinsung!
Am I wrong?
Father, please rescind the royal order of abdication!
Father, please rescind...
Your Majesty, the Crown Prince rode a horse for a few days without a break to get here.
But as soon as he arrived, he's been outside...
I am deeply concerned that he may become ill.
So tell him to follow my order right away.
Sire!
Father...
please rescind the royal order of abdication!
Father, please rescind the royal order of abdication!
- Sire. - Teacher.
His Majesty is asking you to come in.
Given the future of the country in crisis
I made the decision after agonizing for a long time.
I am foolish, clumsy, inadequate...
I have no confidence or qualification to handle state affairs.
How could I replace Your Majesty?
You don't need to be so humble.
Everyone is praising that the Crown Prince rebuilt the country
that was falling apart and calmed the people's hearts.
If you are just embarrassed to take the throne right away
there is no need.
I finished all the preparation before you arrived.
So you won't have a hard time sitting on the throne and leading the government right away.
Father, only a few months ago
you ordered me the second government, a temporary one.
Yes, I did.
For the last few months
I crossed the enemy camp and fought them off with the temporary government.
But the enemy is truly strong...
that the lives and blood I couldn't save were increasing by the day.
It's because of my weak and incapable power. But, Father...
I gave my all to fight and fought to death!
What could I do to ease your anger, Father?
Whatever it is... I will follow your wish.
Will you really follow my wish?
Yes, I will.
Then go to General Lee Yeo Song from Ming right now
and apologize to him.
Pardon me?
You were right by where the Ming troops were stationed
but you didn't complete your duty to Ming.
- Father, that's... - Because of your mistakes...
do you know what kind of humiliation I had to go through?
I had to bow five times and bow to the ground three times!
Since I did it, there is no reason you can't.
Father, they sent their soldiers but didn't actively fight off the enemy.
That's because it's not Ming's war.
Lee Yeo Song accused me of faults... only as an excuse!
You're so haughty and rude
that's why Ming refused to recognize you as the Crown Prince!
The reason I endured the humiliation was
to stop them from signing the Kanghwa Treaty.
I've already gone through the humiliation as the King.
So who are you to hold out and refuse to do it?
Father!
Become a king instead of me and do whatever you want!
Get out of here right now.
Aren't you Lady Ga Hee?
When you tried to offer me to His Majesty for the future of this country
I thought your loyalty was truly commandable.
But I must've been wrong.
I hear you're a spy for the Japanese military.
I only did it to survive.
I have a sick wife who can't move, so we couldn't leave the city.
Crown Prince tried to get everyone to flee the city.
But there are more than a few who couldn't leave the city for various reasons.
And many came back from the mountain because they couldn't find anything to eat.
Even then, you can't be forgiven for what you did.
I came here to hear about the Kanghwa Treaty.
Since you're with them so closely, didn't you hear something?
You're a step too late.
The Kanghwa Treaty was already complete in secret.
I don't know who helped you all the way here
but you should hurry.
The Japanese will start a massacre of the people remaining in the city soon.
Father, please rescind the royal order of abdication!
I beg you from the bottom of my heart!
Please rescind the royal order of abdication!
Sire, we have a big problem.
We got news from the capital just now...
What is it about?
I need to speak to Father in private, so leave us alone.
Your Majesty, what should I do?
- Leave us for a minute. - Yes, sire.
Father, Ming and Japan already signed the Kanghwa Treaty in secret.
What?
Lee Yeo Song lied to you, Father.
Lee Yeo Song knew about it but didn't tell you.
They even have a clause to kill all the Joseon people who try to take revenge on them.
The Japanese troops are thinking of sneaking out of Joseon safely.
They... fooled us?
Yes, Father.
Wiping out the Japanese soldiers is a matter for Joseon that happens in Joseon.
So we don't need to abide by the treaty that left us out.
Ming didn't complete their duty to us
so why do we have to follow their words?
What are you trying to say?
Before the Japanese leaves the capital
they will kill everyone in the city.
I will rescue those people
and destroy the Japanese who tarnished the land of the capital!
What?
Kinoshita plans to get rid of all the soldiers.
You'll have to help me this time.
We should finish what we started.
I need you to do one more thing.
I had to face it someday. I hoped it wasn't this way.
Hold it.
- Crown Prince, take a careful look. - Shinsung! Shinsung!
Sire, please make Joseon a strong country.
A country that doesn't need to be afraid of neighboring countries.
I promise that I'll never let a war like this happen again.
I am the Crown Prince of Joseon!