- Where are you from? - I'm Kim Sung-hoon from Hanju.
Hanju...
Then would your father be Lord Kim Byung-hoon,
who once served as the vice-minister of the military?
That is right.
I learned military strategy from him in my youth.
He is the best strategist in Shilla.
- Yes, do you also study military strategy? - Yes, I do.
I hear that rumors abound among the nobles
that I bring shame to the imperial court
by befriending a slave.
If you do not prune away sickly branches,
even a mighty tree of a thousand years will fall.
I keep Jang Bogo near me to prune away sickly branches.
What are your thoughts?
You must keep him near you.
But
he is also the man
you must keep farthest from you.
What do you mean?
My lord,
the longest grave in the world is the Great Wall
built by Emperor Shi of the Qin Dynasty.
Emperor Shi built the Great Wall
to fortify his reign, and defend the empire from enemies.
But the wall killed hundreds of thousands of men,
and brought ruin to the Qin Dynasty.
The deepest grave in the world is the Grand Canal,
built by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty.
He built the canal connecting the north and south,
but the Grand Canal was
the cause of the fall of the Sui Dynasty.
But the Grand Canal is the reason the Tang Dynasty has flourished.
The canal enabled the riches of the south to flow into Chang'an,
and Tang was able to amass great wealth to become the center of the world.
But the Tang Dynasty is also on the path to destruction
because of the canal.
What do you mean?
Each Fanzhen has amassed great wealth from the canal,
and the imperial court has lost its power long ago.
Yi Sa-do was able to challenge the Tang government a few years ago
because he was able to amass great wealth.
You are right to look out for the safety of the people by sponsoring Jang Bogo,
but should a power exist that exceeds the imperial court in financial
and military power, the authority of the imperial court will diminish.
Jang Bogo's wealth and military power are already
enough to threaten the imperial court.
How have you come to be so knowledgeable about China?
I lived in China for years.
I understand what you are saying.
But
I need Jang Bogo to keep the corrupt nobles in check.
Jang Bogo is thousands of miles away,
but the sword aimed at you is only a few feet away.
I know I have many enemies.
How could I re-establish the authority of the imperial court?
Leave us.
How could I re-establish the authority of the imperial court?
Tell me.
KILL
You must kill King Myung,
the son of Chancellor Kim Choong-gong.
I understand the chancellor is seriously ill.
Should he pass away, your father, Lord Kim Kyun-jung,
will succeed as chancellor, eventually succeeding to the throne.
But Kim Myung will rebel.
The only way to prevent a bloody political struggle
is to get rid of Kim Myung ahead of time.
What is your name?
It is Yum Jang.
Tell me of your origins.
I was
raised by pirates.
Pirates?
Do you remember how Jang Bogo captured
a pirate leader a few years back?
I am the pirate, Yum Moon.
Yum Moon was condemned to a life of slavery.
If you really are Yum Moon, how could you be standing before me?
I was released by the Mujinju governor.
I don't know why he has released you,
but I could bring death upon you right now.
- Why did you reveal your identity to me? - Yum Moon died two years ago.
It is Yum Jang who stands before you now, not Yum Moon.
Signs of political struggle are rampant.
I wish to protect you, my lord.
I will give my life to serve you.
Please take me in.
My lady.
I thought
my eyes were deceiving me.
What happened?
I was released from slavery.
I thought I'd see you again,
but I did not expect it to happen so soon.
You once told me
you had forgotten your entire past.
I have also abandoned all my past ties.
Now that
I have abandoned everything I obsessed over in the past,
the world looks different.
I am Yum Jang, no longer the Yum Moon of the past.
I wish to live the rest of my life differently.
Did you find out?
It's been over three months since Lord Kim Choong-gong
has made an appearance at an official function.
What has Kim Myung been doing?
He frequented brothels in the past,
but he has stayed away from them lately.
He must be behaving more prudently because of his father's illness.
It is rumored that Kim Myung impregnated a nun
when he went to a temple to pray for his father's recovery.
We found out where Yi So-hang lives.
Who is he?
He is Kim Myung's tactician.
He's the first man we must get rid of.
Let's go.
Who are you?
I am Yum Jang,
no longer the Yum Moon of the past.
I wish to live
the rest of my life differently.
He didn't hide his past from me.
He said he has discarded the name Yum Moon,
and taken a new name, Yum Jang.
Yum Jang said he wished to serve me.
What are your thoughts?
It seems
you have already made your decision.
Jang Bogo is a man I need,
but Yum Jang is no ordinary man either.
In order to wipe out the corrupt nobles,
and resurrect the authority of the imperial court,
wouldn't I need a man like Yum Jang also?
I will make an informed decision after much consideration.
Do not worry.
I have been a security officer for years.
I know my vital points.
Shape up.
A security officer shouldn't be wearing any powder.
If no man will have you,
I will take you.
Don't look back.
The truth is...
I thought about you...
From the time I opened my eyes in the morning
to the time I went to bed...
And in my dreams...
I only thought of you.
How is Yon doing?
He's drowning himself in liquor day and night.
We might lose him as well at this rate.
I was going through Ha-jin's belongings...
There were only a few security officers' uniforms...
Her pitiful fate saddens me.
Just who did this?
A man died in broad daylight.
There's nothing we can do?
There were no witnesses.
There is no way we can find the attacker.
Ha-jin was found on the hillside,
when she should've been in the temple.
She must have
followed someone down from the temple.
You will find clues
if you question the monks at the temple.
All right.
Stop this.
You have a death wish too?
I wish I were dead.
Jerk...
I mean it.
Snap out of it, Yon!
He won't listen to me.
You talk to him.
Goong-bok...
Do you know what this is?
Ha-jin, who'd held only a sword in her hands all her life...
She was sewing something
every night, pricking her fingers...
It's a baby's robe...
She was so happy when
she finished this stupid little thing...
You know something?
Ha-jin was...
...carrying a baby.
She worked as a security officer when she was with a baby?
We were going to tell you after your wedding...
She insisted she would guard Lady Chae-ryung...
Goong-bok...
This is the room.
The Mujinju governor had sent him. He stayed here for a few months.
- Did you learn his name? - No.
Do you remember what he looked like?
The house is empty.
I saw it by accident...
There was a terrible burn mark in the center of his forehead.
Then the man at the temple was Yum Moon?
It's only a suspicion. I don't have any solid evidence.
And the house where the Mujinju governor kept
his secret force has been cleared out.
I couldn't locate the whereabouts of Yum Moon and his men.
We should send Yon to Yangzhou for a while.
Staying here will only remind him of Ha-jin.
All right.
Consul Jang.
We received a message that Kim Myung,
the son of the chancellor, will be visiting Chunghae.
Why is he coming?
He said he is coming here for an inspection, since Chunghae is
the center of commerce linking China and Japan.
But I'm sure that's not it. He must have smelled money.
Money has always attracted power.
He is the chancellor's son. He could be a king someday.
We would have sought him out, if he weren't coming to us already.
It's wonderful news.
But you wished to put Lord Kim Woo-jing on the throne.
Who can predict the future where politics is concerned?
It won't hurt to befriend a lot of people.
Kim Myung is going to Chunghae?
Why is he going to Chunghae?
He probably means to make Jang Bogo's acquaintance.
If Kim Myung and Jang Bogo join hands,
you will be cornered on all sides.
You must come up with a plan.
Shouldn't you go to Chunghae and receive him?
Chunghae is no longer under my jurisdiction.
I have no reason to go.
But Kim Myung is the chancellor's son.
You can't ignore him.
I do not wish to befriend him.
His father Kim Choong-gong killed my grandfather,
and exhumed his body from his grave to hang him again.
I can't become acquainted with the son of the man
who killed my grandfather twice.
If I ever face him,
it'll be the day I kill him with my own hands.
It's the security log.
- Yon. - Yes, sir.
Why don't you go to Yangzhou for a while?
- Get some rest there. - I'm fine.
Listen to me.
I'm sorry there is nothing I can do for you.
Time is the only thing that can heal you.
Go to Yangzhou, get some rest,
and send Ha-jin out of your heart.
Consul Jang.
What is it?
Kim Myung's ship is arriving in the harbor.
You must go and receive him.
- I won't go. - What do you mean?
He is coming here to see you.
Business will go on as usual at the Chunghae base.
You can receive Kim Myung.
I don't know what he's thinking.
How could he lead this place when he's so lacking in political savvy?
Chae-ryung, you should talk to him.
I shall trust and abide by his decision.
They say husband and wife are of one mind...
But what's wrong with them?
You and I could greet important guests. Let's go.
Why...
You must be exhausted from the long journey.
I am Jo Jang-gil.
Who is Jang Bogo?
Consul Jang couldn't come, due to his busy schedule.
What are you saying? He didn't come?
How dare he insult the lord this way?
It's all right.
This has piqued my curiosity about him even more.
It is an honor. I am Jang Bogo.
For a lowly slave to have amassed such wealth...
I am very impressed.
Would you like to go over the sea routes
linking China and Japan?
We will have time for that later.
I was very curious about you, since you were given
military power and a title that was unheard of.
So
I have been studying about you.
And you have proved to be a very interesting subject.
I know how you came to be.
I have a favor to ask of you.
I witnessed a gladiator fight on my trip to China a few years ago.
It was very interesting.
I heard you were once a gladiator yourself,
and that many men under your command were gladiators.
I am a pretty skilled swordsman myself.
I'd like to engage your men in a match. Arrange it for me.
Do you know it is a fight to the death?
Of course.
Do you also know that many warrior slaves were
men taken from Shilla as slaves?
Yes, I do.
Yet you say you want to have a gladiator match?
There are no nobles or slaves in Chunghae.
And there is no man who would give his life for the pleasure of a nobleman.
I'm sorry, but I can't arrange a match for you.
Silence! How dare you!
Just as I have heard... you have a backbone.
What is wrong with him?
What will he gain from getting on Kim Myung's bad side?
Is he in his right mind to ask for a gladiator match?
I could barely keep my anger under control.
How could you accomplish a grand cause
when you're so ignorant of political tactics?
A man who enjoys alcohol and women is the easiest to handle.
You only have to swallow your pride once and indulge him.
How could you fathom our fury
when you have never set foot inside an arena?
If you so wish to make his acquaintance,
you do it.
Why...
Master, he is here.
Do you have a way to supply beautiful women?
Why do you ask?
Did you know
that the son of the chancellor is visiting Chunghae?
Yes, I have heard.
He is a notorious womanizer.
We need a few beautiful women.
It will benefit you as well if you help me out.
I will look into it.
Dozens of merchants from China and Japan come here daily.
We are in dire need of interpreters.
You must do your best to train capable interpreters.
Yes.
Be careful.
- Good evening, Consul. - You are working hard.
- Where are they from? - They are from Shandong.
Master is throwing a banquet in honor of Kim Myung.
Shouldn't you attend?
I'm worried
that harm will come to you if you slight him.
May I offer you a drink?
Did you say your name was Jo Jang-gil?
Yes.
You seem to be a manly man.
What are you doing working for
someone as conservative as Jang Bogo?
Why don't you come work for me?
I doubt I could serve you properly with my incompetence.
But I will never forget the kindness you showed me.
- Please have another drink. - I've had enough.
They are here to serve in your bedchamber tonight.
Who takes your fancy?
We brought her.
I will take her.
But...
She is our interpreter.
Take her to my room.
Stop right there.
What are you doing?
Consul Jang.
- What is it? - There is big trouble.
I will say it again.
Will you serve me tonight?
She is our interpreter.
She can't serve you in your bedchamber.
How dare you defy him? Get out of here at once!
Let's go to my room now.
What are you doing?
- What do you think you are doing? - Consul Jang!
You wretch.
You dare insult me, slave?
My lord.
Did you say you wanted a gladiator match?
I will arrange it.
I will be
your opponent.
- Is that acceptable to you? - Fine.
I will slit your throat.
I didn't expect things to come to this.
I'm sorry.
If we're to make Chunghae Base a place of equality for all,
we must be indifferent to the politics of the imperial city.
I wish you'd understand my intentions.
All right.
I hear that Jang Bogo is an excellent swordsman.
Will you be all right?
Did you forget I was once the leader of an elite youth corps?
I won't be bested by anyone in fencing.
Leave...
...Chunghae at once.
I have served the chancellor for years.
He should come see me.
How could he pay Jang Bogo a visit?
Kim Myung will come to Mujinju.
Why did he go to Chunghae anyway?
Since Jang Bogo is sponsoring Kim Woo-jing,
the chancellor sent Kim Myung to assess his powers.
Madam Jami will throw a grand banquet
in honor of Kim Myung when he comes to Mujinju.
You didn't go to Chunghae,
but you must attend the banquet this time.
I won't go.
You must go.
He is the enemy of my family.
I do not wish to face him.
You must go
if you wish to avenge your grandfather.
If you do not attend,
Kim Myung will detect your intentions.
You must keep your enemies closer, and plan for the future.
Come on, get a move on. My pretties.
Chun-tae, personally, I really like them.
Chief, how powerful is the son of the chancellor?
You fool. You still haven't learned the ways of the world?
The chancellor is
the most powerful man, second only to the king.
If the king dies without an heir, he could become king.
- Chun-tae. - Yes?
Do you have any idea how long I've waited for a day like this?
A businessman must stay close to power to make it big.
Money and power are inseparable.
You just wait and see.
I will make an impression on Lord Kim Myung.
What's that look on your face?
You should pay off your gambling debt first.
Those thugs were just here to see you.
What?
Come on, just give me another month.
You can't come find me at work.
I'll be finished if the captain should find out.
And when I'm finished, you will never see your money.
There is a simple solution to that.
We only have to kill you.
What's good for me is good for you.
Give me more time. I will pay you back in a month.
The boss is here.
Fine,
I will give you a month.
If you don't keep your promise,
I will kill you.
Wretches.
Boss!
They were my men.
They will pledge their loyalty to you now.
Just give them your order.
What's going on?
What's a slave doing roaming the streets in broad daylight?
Welcome. This way.
This way, my lord.
Welcome.
I am Kim Yang, the governor of Mujinju.
Kim Yang?
He has arrived.
All right.
I have heard much about you from my father.
I have heard you are a grand dame who rules the world,
but I did not expect such a beauty.
You are too kind.
I will not forget your gift for a very long time.
I have never seen a more beautiful dance in my life.
I must repay your generosity. Is there anything you want?
I only wish to aid you in realizing your grand cause.
Please allow me to serve you.
Do you think I have a grand cause?
Yes.
I am just a playboy who has no other interest.
It seems you are the one with a grand cause, not I.
Lord Kim Choong-gong, your father,
is His Majesty's brother.
Heaven has allowed you the throne.
You can't yield it to Kim Woo-jing.
I heard you have suffered great insult from Jang Bogo.
I also have a poor relationship with Jang Bogo.
I will get rid of Jang Bogo and Kim Woo-jing,
so that you can realize your grand cause.
Bring them in.
They will be serving in your bedchamber tonight.
He has gone to bed.
- Captain. - Yes, madam.
In your opinion, does Kim Myung have the makings of a king?
Tell me.
Kim Myung has a violent temper and lacks trust.
He has many shortcomings compared to Kim Woo-jing.
I will have more to gain,
if I put a man on the throne who is not fit to be king.
Welcome.
Where are you from?
Young master!
It's been a long time.
Please come inside.
You need passage to China?
I hear that Chunghae receives many ships to China.
Why would you go to China?
Shilla is too small for me. I plan to live in China.
Does Lady Jung-hwa know of this?
She doesn't.
But how will you survive there alone?
I'm sure I can find a way to make a living.
I'm grateful you were there for Jung-hwa,
when I couldn't do anything for her.
I will never forget it.
Why do you need passage to Yangzhou?
I'm not going. Master Chang-gyum will be going.
He is in Chunghae now?
Yes, he wants to leave Shilla.
I heard you are leaving for China.
Please stay here.
I need your help.
You pity me?
Young master.
Do you know why I disliked you so much?
I hated you for having more talents than I did.
I didn't like your attitude.
I once vowed to kill you.
I put the past behind me.
I know you were struggling to revive your family's name,
when I was struggling to survive in the face of death.
I know how painful that must have been.
Just as your father has sacrificed himself for the people of Chunghae,
use your skills to help them now.
I'm sorry to tell you this,
but there seems to be no ship in all of Shilla that will take you to China.
If you must go, you will have to swim there.
Please don't be stubborn, and just stay with us.
My lady.
Consul Jang has sent you a letter.
My brother will be working with Consul Jang.
That's wonderful news.
He has taken a load off your shoulders.
My lord.
You must enter the palace right away.
What is it?
The chancellor has passed away.
The meeting of nobles has convened.
I have shown him the ropes in the world of trading.
You have served as governor of Mujinju once,
but I am your senior when it comes to business.
You must learn from me, starting at the bottom.
I will be counting on you.
That ship must be from the imperial city.
What is going on?
What is it?
The regent has summoned Consul Jang to the imperial city.
Why would the regent summon him to the imperial city?
Lord Kim Myung has replaced Lord Kim Woo-jing as regent.
It is the new regent's command.
Take Consul Jang to the imperial city!
Stand back!
What are you doing? Take him away!