Original subtitles

-= A special daeha drama project on =- -= the 70th year of the restoration -= of independence =-- -= Jingbirok =-

Minister of Personnel, execute the Wae pirates and the traitor.

-= Episode 3 =- Minister of Personnel, execute the Wae pirates and the traitor.

Minister of Personnel, execute the Wae pirates and the traitor.

Quickly give the order! What are you doing?

Execute them.

They deserve death!

Spare me! B-b-besides me, there are more traitors and spies.

I'll tell you everything. Plea-please, spare me. Spare me, please spare me!

-= Ryu Seong Ryong =- -= (Minister of Personnel, Easterner) =- No tricks from you.

Execute him.

Bigyeokjincheonnoe. Bigyeokjincheonnoe. Bigyeokjincheonnoe!

-= Bigyeokjincheonnoe: =- -= A kind of time bomb =- Bigyeokjincheonnoe!

What did you just say?

Bigyeok... jincheonnoe.

How did you know about that?

I... I heard about it, in Japan.

It's said that Joseon's Weapons Bureau is making that kind of weapon.

From whom exactly, did you hear of the bigyeokjincheonnoe from?

First, you'll spare me. Please promise me that.

That's not something I can decide on,

but, if you contribute towards catching the spies, I will ask the king on your behalf.

Then, have His Majesty promise me.

Scoundrel! Do you think this is a negotiation?

Even if you get out of this prison the people won't let you off either.

Divulge everything you know. If you do that the court might protect you.

Really? Can you protect... me?

I will do that.

In Japan, I stayed together with a person from Joseon,

called O Man Ok, who was in the same situation as me.

He said, one day he would return as a spy to Joseon

and get from the Weapons Bureau the design for the bigyeokjincheonnoe.

It's the attendance list that's marked daily. Because it's secret information,

it's extremely detailed with nothing left out.

Even the attendance of casual laborers is all fully documented.

Have you, by any chance, discovered anything suspicious?

You know, don't you?

-= Lee Jang Son (artillery maker) =- You know, don't you?

-= Lee Jang Son (artillery maker) =- The people on this name list all have 5 years of experience and above.

We even know how many spoons they have at home.

This person here, why was he absent?

It's because he said his mother was critically ill, so he returned to his family home.

Where is his family home?

Search thoroughly.

Yes.

He said there are at least 10 spies in the entire country.

If Sa Hwa Dong had not been caught this time,

he would have been sent as a spy to gather intelligence on our capital.

Why would a looting pirate spy on our capital that's not even the border?

It's precisely that point that's suspicious.

Your vassal thinks the pirates must have something to do with their country.

In that case, bigyeokjincheonnoe's design has already reached their hands?

What that man called O Man Ok received from the spy in the Weapons Bureau

is precisely the design for the bigyeokjincheonnoe.

It should still be in the hands of the spy.

Then, quickly capture him before he escapes out to sea!

General Shin Rip is rushing here now to do that.

If I was a spy, I would first go to Busanpo, where there's a Wae Mission,

then escape out to sea with its help.

It's closer to Tsushima from there.

I'll immediately send an express messenger to the Gyeongsang Governor's Office to seal the coast.

I will rush there with the cavalry.

Hey, wait. Wait a moment.

Sir, time is precious. We must hurry.

-= Sin Rip =- -= (Military Commander of Pyeongan-do) =- Sir, time is precious. We must hurry.

I'm quite sure the spies would have guessed that we would seal the south coast, wouldn't they?

If they think like that, where else would they go?

If we seal the south coast, they'll surely escape from the west coast.

But, there isn't a Wae Mission there to help them, is there?

And sealing the south and west coasts at the same time is difficult.

Moreover, dispatching troops to chase them will divide our forces.

Sir, please decide on one place. It's critical that we pursue them now.

We'll take your suggestion and dispatch troops to the south coast.

-= Jemulpo (present day Incheon) =-

General, the army was sent to the south coast, so why have we come to Jemulpo?

It's the Minister's instructions.

General, please head to Jemulpo.

The cicada's shell looks like a live cicada when cast off,

but the cicada that has cast it off is elsewhere.

The spies will be observing our army closely, so don't we have to trick them?

Do you intend to use the 'cicada sheds its shell' stratagem?

That's right. A hunter shouldn't think from a hunter's point of view.

Shouldn't he think from the point of view of a wild boar?

The spies have probably not gotten away yet.

You, take 5 soldiers and guard this place.

As for the rest, go on a search with me.

If they appear, you must capture them.

Yes, General!

Let's go!

Halt! Where are you going in the middle of the night?

Jemulpo. To find dried fish.

Why aren't you going at daybreak?

That... Jongno market wanted it urgently, so we came at night.

Really? Then we'll check those bags. Put them down!

After them!

What's that sound?

Stay low!

Put out the fire! Put out the torches!

Hold your breath, keep quiet.

And no one is to get up without my order!

Don't think the matchlock gun is always faster than the bow or sword.

It's all over. Lower your knife.

Confiscate the bags.

The design of the bigyeokjincheonnoe

and even the moat around the capital.

Then, there's no guarantee that they haven't gotten their hands on

all the military secrets of Joseon's eight provinces.

That's right. Quickly order the Governor's Offices of the eight provinces

to find the spies and

- increase the security of military camps. - Minister of Personnel!

Isn't that a matter of course?

How are you going to take responsibility for this critical situation?

-= Jeong Cheol =- -= (Left State Councillor, Westerner) =- Didn't it happen while you were the Minister of War?

How can spy activities be a matter of the past year or two?

The spy at the Weapons Bureau had already been there 5 years.

If we want to get to the bottom of this, we might have to investigate further back in time.

If that's the case, all ministers of war till now can't be absolved of that responsibility.

Chief State Councillor, this isn't something to be shirked off with a few words.

You too were in charge of state affairs as the Left State Councillor.

You can't shirk that responsibility.

Stop arguing.

Your Majesty, your vassal, Ryu Seong Ryong, has no intention of shirking my responsibility.

However, even if I'm no longer in this position, I'm taking this opportunity to request that Your Majesty

send envoys to Japan to understand their intentions.

Your Majesty, rather than sending envoys,

it might be of more benefit to send spies to Wae.

Spies can't be produced in a day or two.

And to bring back useful intelligence requires several years of hard work--

Did I not tell you to stop arguing?

All of you leave.

Even ordinary burglars who climb over others' house walls

know when to make an exit.

To think that people who are the State Councillor and Minister don't know when.

With such petty people like you in control,

can this country possibly be well-governed?

That... that...

Minister of Personnel, our sorry state is truly a tragic sight.

It's all caused by my oversight.

You're really thinking of resigning?

Hasn't the design of the bigyeokjincheonnoe been intercepted?

His Majesty has just pardoned you.

If you resign over this matter, he might really get mad.

There has clearly been a mistake but no one is taking responsibility.

What's the difference between this country and a useless one?

Then where else can those who come after us learn statecraft from?

Compared to the king getting mad, I'm more worried about that.

He said he won't spare me? I just knew it.

I filed an appeal but... I'm sorry about it.

I'm unable to help myself either and have to step down. I have no way to save you.

Fine, government officials are all like that.

I, who believed you... can only call myself a madman.

But remember one thing, why there are traitors like me.

The land tax that the wretched nobles won't even pay,

is passed on to poor and hungry commoners like us.

We're drafted for military service without getting a penny, spending a lifetime like this!

To make exquisite luxury goods for you, you strangle our necks.

For whom exactly does this country exist?

Rather than live in a country like this, I might as well be a subject of Wae or Ming.

Why would I even care?

I did... indeed commit a crime deserving of death,

but the ones who turned me into this are you...

the nobles and... the king.

Just go.

Your Majesty, it's raining. Please quickly go in.

Royal Noble Consort, it's raining heavily. Why are you getting drenched?

-= Royal Noble Consort Gim =- I was on my way to the rear garden when it started raining.

Continue like that and you will catch a cold.

Quickly come over here.

I said to quickly come over here.

It's your consort's fault, for not preparing an umbrella that I'm drenched.

It wasn't raining just now, so I didn't have them prepare an umbrella.

If I had one prepared, I wouldn't have to worry about catching a cold because of sudden rain.

"It would have been better if it didn't rain."

If Your Majesty is agonizing over that...

If preparations had been made, even though it's unexpected,

wouldn't you feel more at ease?

Please, forgive your impudent consort.

Thank you.

For whom exactly, does this country exist?

Rather than live in a country like this, I might as well be a subject of Wae or Ming.

Why would I even care?

The ones who turned me into this, are you... the nobles and... the king.

Did something happen to the Minister? He's drinking more than usual today.

Rainy days have always been more conducive for drinking.

Little chap, you seem to know about drinking.

Are you crazy? You just look old, and you're lying about your age--

Hey! Show me your identity tag.

You crazy? Why should I show you my identity tag that's like my undergarment?

Dong Dong, bring this over.

Yes.

Here you go.

What is this?

I was afraid you had drunk too much. I made some tea for you. Please have it.

It's mistletoe tea. It cures hangovers and protects the body.

Thank you for this precious tea.

Please come whenever you need some.

That's right. I don't know when I can come for drinks again.

Thank you for all this while.

Sir.

I mean, Sir. Are you moving to a provincial post?

I have no choice but to return to my hometown to rest for some time.

I've been in the capital for too long.

Then, do I also...

What's wrong? You don't like Andong?

N-no, no. I didn't mean that. It's... it's just... I still have to take the military service examination.

By the looks of this, you seem to already have a girl in mind.

Then, you stay behind.

No. Not at all. Sir!

Hey, I don't like it either. Me neither.

Darn it. Should I have called him "orabeoni"? (older form of 'oppa')

Should I pack our things?

Yes, my wife. I want to return to Andong to rest for a while.

Tell that to the children too.

-= Lady Jang =- -= (Ryu Seong Ryong's 2nd wife) =- That's a good idea. I've been worried You haven't been looking well lately.

It will all be done shortly.

Sir!

Sir, you have been ordered to enter the palace immediately.

Having deliberated on it... I've decided to send envoys to Wae.

Your Majesty, you've made a wise decision.

It's this country and the people's great good fortune, Your Majesty.

However, sending envoys doesn't mean we're formally establishing diplomatic ties.

It's to prepare against national chaos and stabilize the population.

It's to size up the situation to guard against that barbaric country's invasion.

Don't ever forget that.

You've undertaken a wise decision, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, your vassal, Ryu Seong Ryong, can now leave office with peace of mind.

In future, please be a wise ruler whose country prospers and whose people live well.

What's that you're saying?

Weren't you the strongest advocate for sending envoys to Wae, Minister of Personnel?

I've decided on it, yet you're leaving?

Your Majesty, your vassal should take responsibility for the spy incident.

That responsibility can be discussed again after the matter of sending envoys is completed.

Your Majesty.

Please chose someone able from among the court officials to send on the goodwill mission.

I disagree with what you've said.

Except for the Chief State Councillor and Minister of Personnel,

everyone opposes sending the mission.

How can I hand it to those other people?

Your Majesty.

-= Military training ground =- -= near Kyoto, Japan =-

Kato! Push forward! Push forward!

Push forward some more!

Kato!

Kato! Kato! Kato!

Kato!

Thank you, Your Highness!

If you had lost,

I was going to demote you to a lower level samurai and send you to the countryside.

If it ended too easily, I was afraid it would be boring for Your Highness.

I pretended to be losing.

Fine, you finally know to use your brain.

Distribute alcohol and meat to the soldiers!

Your Highness.

Odawara Castle's Hojo Ujinao

-= Konishi Yukinaga =- Odawara Castle's Hojo Ujinao

-= Konishi Yukinaga =- has risen in revolt.

Hojo, that rascal?

Just in time.

The soldiers who only have had training but not yet fought should be itching.

Good timing.

Bring the map of Odawara Castle.

Yes.

The First Division will surround Odawara Castle.

The Second Division will seal off the road to the sea.

The enemy troops will then be isolated in the castle.

They can't last for a month.

What are you saying?

Finish them off swiftly!

We must make attacks at night and gain advantage.

If we do this, our losses due to the resistance of the enemy troops won't be small either.

If we want to reduce the loss to our army,

even if we have to spend some time--

Cowardly words!

There are still many envious forces out there, so we can't leave Kyoto empty for long!

Even if we suffer some losses, we have to put this down fast!

Kato!

You think I'll leave Kyoto empty without defenses?

I'm sorry, I--

Enough! At the end of the day, the soldiers of Odawara Castle are also my soldiers.

Like Konishi said,

using this method to make them surrender is better.

Konishi.

Yes?

How many soldiers do we need?

Around 50 000 should be enough.

Fine.

Inform all daimyos about the matter of Odawara Castle. (daimyo - Japanese feudal lord)

Have them form an army immediately.

Yes!

By the way, Konishi.

Yes?

Do you still

believe in Christianity?

No, I don't.

When Your Highness ordered me to abandon it,

from that moment on,

I cleanly forgot it.

Is that so?

It couldn't have been easy. It's a relief.

Continue to study Joseon, don't forget it.

Yes.

Go on out.

That fellow Konishi

is lying to me.

What?

Beliefs can't be abandoned that easily.

I would rather he said, "although it's hard, I'm working on it".

I would have believed him.

That rascal Konishi,

I know all about him harboring the Catholic priests.

The scoundrel, how dare he deceive Your Highness.

Kato.

This isn't the place for Konishi to die.

Then?

Konishi's family is the one that knows Joseon best.

He's still of use to me.

Until then, pretend that you don't know anything.

Yes, Your Highness.

You want to send me to Joseon...

to be the target for their arrows?

Master...

things won't go according to your wishes.

How can this happen? How can he send envoys?

-= Seong Hon (Westerner) =- Ryu Seong Ryong, who was supposed to resign,

-= Seong Hon (Westerner) =- Ryu Seong Ryong, who was supposed to resign,

-= Seong Hon (Westerner) =- that petty man has even taken charge of it!

that petty man has even taken charge of it!

This is really...

It's not possible to

figure out the king's thoughts.

Gye Ham, what exactly happened? (Jeong Cheol's courtesy name)

It was also the same for the Jeong Yeo Rip incident previously.

What on earth is the reason for favoring Ryu Seong Ryong that much?

I'm unable to make head or tail of it either.

Isn't it simple?

Welcome.

You just arrived?

-= Song Ik Pil (Westerner) =- The king,

-= Song Ik Pil (Westerner) =- The king,

-= Song Ik Pil (Westerner) =- in order to keep us in check,

is using Ryu Seong Ryong and Lee San Hae as his last bastion.

To "keep us in check", you say?

The king...

because he was previously controlled by the petty Easterners,

he won't be controlled by us, therefore,

he wants Ryu Seong Ryong and Lee San Hae to remain behind.

Do you understand now?

Then the political situation...

has to go according to the king's wishes?

If we let that continue,

can our moralist politics be carried out?

I have two plans.

First of all, Ryu Seong Ryong and Lee San Hae, must be eradicated.

Ryu Seong Ryong, who himself came to the interrogation grounds to admit his guilt,

was spared by His Majesty.

How do we move against that kind of person?

Even so, we have to go against him.

Ultimately, envoys can't be sent.

Ryu Seong Ryong can't be left to remain in court either.

Go on in.

And,

you can't call on me here in future.

Find me at the hut.

I am this country's Left State Councillor.

I don't need to bother about others.

And,

before long, you'll also have your status restored.

Thank you.

It's something I've already decided on.

Don't discuss it anymore.

Your Majesty. Your vassal will step down.

Minister, just stay.

Your Majesty!

Your vassal can understand that the preparations Your Majesty made are a form of precaution,

but sending envoys to Wae is something that will rock this country's foundation.

-= Jeong Cheol =- -= (Left State Councillor) =- but sending envoys to Wae is something that will rock this country's foundation.

-= Jeong Cheol =- -= (Left State Councillor) =- Your Majesty, did you not say this too?

Your Majesty, did you not say this too?

We should find other ways.

-= Seong Hon (Associate Administrator) =- -= (Office of Ministers-without-Portfolio) =- -= (Westerner) =- Minister of Personnel, Ryu Seong Ryong too.

-= Seong Hon (Associate Administrator) =- -= (Office of Ministers-without-Portfolio) =- -= (Westerner) =- He must take responsibility for the spy incident and be dismissed.

The country's secret has been leaked, but if no one takes responsibility for it,

how are we to work with all the officials who draw a salary in the future?

We should have him

receive the relevant punishment.

If we are to talk about responsibility, the current Minister of War's responsibility is greater.

How can all of you and I be absolved of that responsibility?

Your Majesty.

If Ryu Seong Ryong is to be held responsible, obviously the current Minister of War,

your vassal and including the Left State Councillor, Jeong Cheol,

all of us should be held responsible for it.

Chief State Councilor, your words are not without justification.

Left State Councillor, what do you think?

Of course.

Your vassal too, will take responsibility and step down.

What?

Your vassal...

will also step down.

Your vassals will also step down.

You want to be wolves on a mountain without a tiger...

In that case, what...

what exactly am I?

Your Majesty.

Please calm down.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Quickly summon the royal physician! Summon him!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty... Your Majesty...

-= Queen Ui In=-

He has already taken his medicine and is asleep, Your Majesty.

Fine. Stay here. If he wakes up, let me know.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Exactly whose vassals are Jeong Cheol and the Westerners?

Even a dog doesn't bite its master.

How dare they make His Majesty sick.

-= Prince Imhae =- How dare they make His Majesty sick.

-= Prince Imhae =- I will never forget this!

Prince Imhae!

Don't you know to lower your voice?

Your Majesty.

Your child really can't take it.

My blood is flowing backwards!

You...

Please calm down.

Does the court ever have a day of peace?

-= Prince Gwanghae =- Is it because of everyone's greed?

The vassals think only of themselves,

and His Majesty himself--

I'm sorry, this child...

has overstepped.

Let's go.

Will it be alright?

When we play janggi (Korean chess), we're to take out the opponent's chariots and cannons.

We also have to

be mentally prepared to lose our horses and elephants.

The opponent might also turn over the chess board.

If he throws all of us away,

things will again fall into the Easterners' hands.

He won't ever do that.

Chief State Councillor, continue like this, and the court will sooner or later be paralyzed.

Please persuade His Majesty to let me return to my hometown to rest.

If you leave this time, you might not be able to return to the capital again.

Haven't I already said? For the sake of the future, you have to bear with it.

Besides, this matter isn't one that I can resolve by stepping forward.

His Majesty is now fighting with the Westerners.

Looking at it, it feels wretched.

What will the people think of the court?

I feel the same way.

Even if we step down, do you think the situation will improve?

If we disappear as well, the Westerners will do as they please.

If that happens, this country--

Sir.

As the leader of the Easterners, didn't you do that too?

I also followed you blindly.

How can you say we're definitely right and they're wrong?

They also had a scholar like Yul Gok (Lee I).

Seo Ae. (Ryu Seong Ryong's pen name)

It's not like that.

Seo Ae, if you step down like this,

the issue of sending envoys that His Majesty agreed to with much difficulty will come to nothing.

Your Majesty.

Are you alright?

Do I look alright to you?

I'm sorry.

What exactly have you been doing?

Have you been monitoring Jeong Cheol?

That's why I've been waiting for Your Majesty to wake up.

On Your Majesty's secret order, I've been monitoring the Left State Councillor.

He has behind him a strategist.

A strategist?

Are you Song Ik Pil?

What did you say?

Did you make a mistake?

Although it's been several years,

-= Lee Hang Bok =- -= (Ministry of Rites, Westerner) =- Although it's been several years,

-= Lee Hang Bok =- -= (Ministry of Rites, Westerner) =- he's someone who visited you frequently. How could I have made a mistake?

he's someone who visited you frequently. How could I have made a mistake?

It was clearly Master Gu Bong.

-= Gu Bong: Song Ik Pil's pen name =- It was clearly Master Gu Bong.

Understood. You can go.

S-Sir...

What exactly is going on?

-= Lee San Hae =- -= (Chief State Councillor, Easterner) =- .

-= Lee San Hae =- -= (Chief State Councillor, Easterner) =- You're sure it's Song Ik Pil?

You're sure it's Song Ik Pil?

Yes, Father-in-law.

What is the charge?

-= Lee Deok Hyeong =- -= (Second Counselor, Easterner) =- During the Jeong Yeo Rip rebellion incident, in order to widen the high treason case,

-= Lee Deok Hyeong =- -= (Second Counselor, Easterner) =- he instigated the Jo Heon and the Confucian scholars to file petitions.

he instigated the Jo Heon and the Confucian scholars to file petitions.

Small wonder...

Indeed, Jeong Cheol isn't someone who could come up with that meticulous a move.

Song Ik Pil was behind him.

But, who found out?

Was there any petition?

There was no petition.

A royal order was directly sent from the palace.

Not even a petition...

Then,

does that mean it was a secret order from the king?

Chief State Councillor.

You rushed over after hearing the news?

The person who widened the high treason case and had countless innocent scholars killed,

was it really Song Ik Pil?

That seems to be the case.

Jeong Cheol merely carried things out according to his plan.

How could he do that?

A thousand innocent lives. How could it be because of one person's machination?

Possibly, His Majesty knows it was a machination,

and gave Jeong Cheol a sword.

Isn't there a stratagem called 'killing someone with a borrowed sword'?

I am more and more afraid of the king.

You called for me, Your Majesty?

-= Jeong Cheol =- -= (Left State Councillor, Westerner) =- You called for me, Your Majesty?

You called for me, Your Majesty?

I heard that the Left State Councillor is best friends with Song Ik Pil?

Yes.

But...

after he was demoted to a slave,

I haven't seen him since.

Is that so?

I heard that he went to your house a few days ago.

Did I hear wrongly?

Left State Councillor.

Yes, Your Majesty?

There are only the two of us here now.

There aren't any eunuchs either.

Isn't it a good place to exchange secrets?

Left State Councillor and Song Ik Pil are not connected, for example.

Your Majesty.

Please kill your vassal.

You've already said you're not connected.

Why should I kill you?

And, you are this country's crossbeam.

If I pull out the crossbeam, won't the roof collapse?

Your Majesty.

This favor...

I won't ever forget what you've done for me.

But,

if I have a crossbeam but there aren't pillars,

won't the roof still collapse?

How about it?

The crossbeam stays, the pillars stay as well,

and the ceiling is well supported.

Are you referring to Ryu Seong Ryong and Lee San Hae?

I will honor Your Majesty's wish.

And there's only one reason for the crossbeam and the pillars to exist.

It's for the sake of supporting the roof.

Can you do that?

I will honor Your Majesty's wish.

Also,

should I send envoys to Wae?

What should I do?

We'll go along with Your Majesty's wish.

Get up.

Left State Councillor is truly a loyal vassal.

I won't punish Song Ik Pil severely.

Left State Councillor, don't meet him, lest others misunderstand.

Your Majesty's grace...

is boundless...

The Royal Academy's assistant master, Gim Seong Il, should be suitable as an envoy.

Gim Seong Il has scholarship and ingenuity, he will handle it well.

Gim Seong Il studied under Master Toe Gye. (pen name of Lee Hwang, a prominent Confucian scholar)

He's Minister of Personnel's classmate, isn't he?

On such an important matter, how can you have a selfish motive?

I don't have a selfish motive. Please don't misunderstand me.

If it's not a misunderstanding,

The Office of Ministers-without-Portfolio's Assistant Director, Hwang Yun Gil, how about him?

Hwang Yun Gil also has scholarship and experience. Does he not qualify?

Look here, Left State Councillor.

Hwang Yun Gil is also your--

Chief State Councillor!

On the issue of the sending of envoys, we've already made a concession.

Now shouldn't you concede this time?

His Majesty has put the Minister of Personnel fully in charge of this matter!

Concede?

Is an important matter of state as simple as playing baduk?

If it's an important matter of state, the more it should be coordinated and fair!

Come, come. Stop it.

I understand.

We'll send a goodwill mission with Hwang Yun Gil as envoy and Gim Seong Il as vice envoy.

Minister of Personnel!

I had also considered Hwang Yun Gil. He will handle it well.

Your vassal, Hwang Yun Gil, accepts Your Majesty's decree.

-= Hwang Yun Gil =- -= (Joseon Goodwill Mission, Envoy) =- Your vassal, Hwang Yun Gil, accepts Your Majesty's decree.

Your vassal, Gim Seong Il, accepts Your Majesty's decree.

-= Gim Seong Il =- -= (Joseon Goodwill Mission, Vice Envoy) =- Your vassal, Gim Seong Il, accepts Your Majesty's decree.

Please bear in mind,

ultimately, this is for reconnaissance.

Furthermore,

you mustn't behave or speak in a way detrimental to the dignity and spirit of Joseon.

We will bear these in mind, Your Majesty.

6th of March, 1590.

After many turns and twists,

Envoy, Westerner, Hwang Yun Gil,

and Vice Envoy, Easterner, Gim Seong Il, formed a goodwill mission, and departed for Japan.

It was a mission sent out by Joseon after a lapse of 150 years.

And,

Ryu Seong Ryong became the Right State Councillor.

The person who widened the high treason case and had countless innocent scholars killed,

it was really Song Ik Pil?

Possibly, His Majesty knows this is a machination,

and gave Jeong Cheol a sword.

Isn't there a stratagem called 'killing someone with a borrowed sword'?

I am more and more afraid of the king.

Is it Gye Ham?

-= Gye Ham: Jeong Cheol's courtesy name =- Is it Gye Ham?

-= Song Ik Pil (Westerner) =-

-= Ryu Seong Ryong =- -= (Right State Councillor, Easterner) =- It's not Gye Ham, I'm sorry.

It's not Gye Ham, I'm sorry.

It's been a long time, I Hyeon.

-= I Hyeon: -= Ryu Seong Ryong's courtesy name =- It's been a long time, I Hyeon.

If you are really

a scholar who accepts Yul Gok... answer me truthfully.

The high treason case that took place during the Jeong Yeo Rip incident,

you want to know whether it's my work?

That can be answered even if I'm not a scholar.

I, more than anyone else, know well the king's weakness and desire for power.

So...

I just gave that desire a gentle push.

After that,

the king became so enraged.

I actually

didn't expect it to go so smoothly.

At that time, the king

seemed to be waiting for me to push him.

Just like an executioner, he swung the sword.

Who are you blaming this atrocious crime on?

I Hyeon, do you know what your problem is that makes you most stupid?

You...

only see what you want to.

Want me to say it again?

I merely put in the king's heart kindling wood called 'petitions'.

Even though he knew everything, he still burnt everything in a blaze of fire.

That's precisely the king who you serve.

-= A special daeha drama project =- -= on the 70th year of the restoration =- -= of independence =- -= Jingbirok =-

-= A special daeha drama project =- -= on the 70th year of the restoration =- -= of independence =- -= Jingbirok =-

I'm asking, was this a tragedy initiated by Your Majesty?

You're asking such an appalling, bold question. Do you know what it signifies?

It signifies death.

The reigning king, in the end, can't be a great man who can work together with us.

Enthrone a new king.

Who do you feel, among the princes, can become the crown prince?

The Joseon envoys request an audience.

Joseon has eventually raised the white flag. It was delayed for a really long time.

Did you see Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his generals' eyes?

They plan to invade Joseon.

No, they can't.

Don't be deceived.

He's an untrustworthy, cruel man.