Original subtitles

-= Episode 4 =- 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.

If you don't believe what I've said, ask the king yourself.

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.

What brings you here so late at night?

In any case, I was lonely, so it's good you've come.

I have something good I was going to tell you about tomorrow.

How about having a cup?

What's that?

The shoes that Your Majesty

personally conferred on your vassal back then at the interrogation grounds.

Surely you didn't come late at night just to return those shoes?

Your vassal, at risk of being seen as disloyal, would like to know Your Majesty's real intentions.

"Real intentions"?

Your Majesty, you made use of the Jeong Yeo Rip rebellion incident to

execute and exile to the border countless ministers and Confucian scholars.

Was it wholly... Your Majesty's strategy of 'killing someone with a borrowed sword',

for the sake of consolidating your position on the throne?

Right State Councillor...

That high treason case,

you were aware that Song Ik Pil's gang made false accusations in their petitions.

Did Your Majesty deliberately play a leading part in that tragedy?

Look here, Right State Councilor.

Please tell me the truth... Your Majesty.

Your Majesty who is now right before your vassal's eyes,

is Your Majesty the king that your vassal knew?

Your vassal would like to know.

You are now asking me if I was ruled by my lust for power,

and slaughtered my vassals?

Yes, Your Majesty.

A vassal who enters the palace for a private audience this late at night

dares to ask his master such an appalling, disrespectful question.

Do you know what that means?

It means death.

Do you not even fear death?

About a thousand people died.

If the high treason case was what Your Majesty intended, then

whether I die by Your Majesty's hands or end my own life,

what difference would it make?

Since you've put your life aside, I too have nothing to hide.

Listen, Right State Councillor.

I ascended to this throne out of necessity, but to this day

I bear in mind your teachings and make an effort to be a wise ruler.

I don't want to hear that a mistake had been made under my rule

because I'm not fit to be king as I'm from a collateral line.

If anything, I had to read the ministers' faces,

and watch the Confucian scholars' views. I felt like I was on a bed of thorns.

And, for countless days... I wanted to return to my life prior to entering the palace.

That end result is... I'm left with symptoms of a stuffy chest and insomnia.

I, who don't know when I'll be gone, have one wish...

Even though I can't...

go down in history as being as wise a ruler as Great King Sejong,

I don't want to be remembered as a tyrant like Yeonsangun.

I, who am like that,

how could I cruelly kill the vassals and Confucian scholars who are like teachers protecting the country

over just a few pointless petitions?

No... No... I killed them.

This stupid... incompetent...

totally unqualified person is sitting on this throne.

That's why Jeong Yeo Rip planned a rebellion.

Many people thought he was better than me.

I did kill them...

I'm sorry, Right State Councillor.

I did that... I killed many innocent scholars.

Do you feel satisfied now?

Your Majesty. Please kill your vassal who didn't trust you and was disloyal.

No, no. It's all due to my incompetence and lack of virtue.

It's for those reasons that you doubted me.

Your Majesty. Please kill your vassal.

Come closer.

Have some.

Thank you, Right State Councillor.

Who would dare risk his life to query me with those words?

Because I have a vassal like you, I can't but be more careful.

Your Majesty.

Today I have been reprimanded by a teacher.

Continue to do so in the future.

Your Majesty, your vassal, Ryu Seong Ryong, until my last breath,

will be by Your Majesty's side.

Have some.

Have you seen to your doubt over His Majesty?

Yes.

That high treason case was due to the meddling of the Left State Councillor and Song Ik Pil.

It turns out that the king wasn't involved.

Is that so? Why are you so sure?

Did you ask the king directly yourself?

Yes, I asked him directly last night.

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

-= Lee San Hae =- -= Chief State Councillor, Easterner =- Then I'll believe you.

Whether or not I believe that, what will it change?

It's said, "without trust, nothing can be achieved".

Isn't suspicion between ruler and vassal a huge taboo for a country?

The end result would be the people being harmed.

We'll do as you say.

We can't take this lightly.

I saw the king's sincerity and his tears.

So, if we don't doubt him,

will His Majesty give us the slightest bit of power?

Sir.

Why are you so obsessed with power?

Right State Councillor, let me ask you. Are you pure-minded or ignorant?

Even a dog on the streets needs power if it wants to protect its offspring.

Even if a politician had the well-being of the people at heart,

if he didn't have the power to protect his convictions,

what would happen?

If that was the case,

he would be just like Master Jo Gwang Jo,

dying off before he was able to achieve his will.

A wise vassal must not only have the power to prevent his ruler's tyranny,

even more he requires the power to punish the corrupt officials who prey on the people.

Power doesn't just mean authority. A power greater than authority

is true love for the country and people.

I know, but ideals alone can't make a country prosper.

My teacher, Master To Jeong, once said this,

"People consider food to be a paramount necessity."

Can love alone feed and clothe the people?

Shouldn't we also have power that's as great as love to provide for the people?

The authority that I have in mind is precisely this.

Then, the authority you want is for the people.

Do the Westerners just want that authority for themselves?

I think that is so.

Sir, that's a very biased and selfish way of thinking.

Even so, we can't do anything about it.

That's how they think of us too.

Right State Councillor, let's stop here.

Even when we join forces, our power is still inadequate.

Come, come, come. Have some tea.

-= July, 1590, Kyoto, Japan =- -= (2 years before the Imjin war) =- In July, 1590.

-= July, 1590, Kyoto, Japan =- -= (2 years before the Imjin war) =- In July, 1590.

-= July, 1590, Kyoto, Japan =- -= (2 years before the Imjin war) =- 3 months after the goodwill mission left Joseon, they arrived in Japan's capital, Kyoto.

3 months after the goodwill mission left Joseon, they arrived in Japan's capital, Kyoto.

According to what Vice Envoy Gim Seong Il wrote in his journal,

on their way, nowhere was there any etiquette and formality

in the reception of the Joseon goodwill mission by Japan.

As to how they should respond to Japan's rude behavior,

Envoy Hwang Yun Gil and Vice Envoy Gim Seong Il had differences of opinion,

which led to the storm over Gim Seong Il entering Kyoto, wearing formal attire alone.

Subsequently, the situation of the Japanese court's impudence,

towards the Joseon goodwill mission continued without a break.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi is not the emperor.

What exactly do you mean by that?

Although he's not the emperor, he should be viewed as the ruler.

What nonsense is that?

-= Gim Seong Il (Vice Envoy) =- "Although he's not the emperor, he should be viewed as the ruler"?

"Although he's not the emperor, he should be viewed as the ruler"?

Toyotomi Hideyoshi is the Kampaku. (Kampaku - regent)

In Japan, the emperor has no power. Real power is held by the Kampaku.

-= Hwang Yun Gil (Envoy) =- Therefore, the Kampaku's order is the same as the emperor's order.

-= Hwang Yun Gil (Envoy) =- Therefore, the Kampaku's order is the same as the emperor's order.

Therefore, the Kampaku's order is the same as the emperor's order.

The emperor and Kampaku are one and the same.

Whichever way you put it, isn't he a vassal under the emperor?

Looks like you've been deceiving us all this while.

Not at all. It's not deception.

Joseon and Japan have not had any exchange for 100 years, hence this misunderstanding.

His Highness the Kampaku is not just any vassal. He's a vassal who even the emperor can't order around.

Sa Hwa Dong and the pirates' collapse too was dependent on His Highness' decision.

First of all, why don't you meet the Kampaku?

Our sovereign's message that's to be delivered to your emperor,

is to be handed to the Kampaku, who's not the sovereign?

Since he's said to be no different from the emperor,

how about meeting him first?

Envoy!

Otherwise, do we just return to our country?

If not that, we also can't meet a puppet emperor with no real power and deliver the message.

We will carry on as planned. Please make the preparations.

Yes, we'll do that.

What's to come later is even more worrying.

If they find out the Kampaku thinks they've come in submission, what are we going to do?

Whatever it is, we must find a way out. Lord Konishi too is looking for a way.

Don't be too worried, just behave as usual.

This... I'm filled with trepidation. Namo Gwanse-eum Bodhisattva. (Avalokitesvara/Guanyin/Kannon)

-= Jeong Cheol =- -= (Left State Councillor, Westerner) =- In the end... you still can't escape death.

In the end... you still can't escape death.

I'll see the king again and plead for you. You must hang on.

Nonsense!

The one who instigated Jo Heon and the Confucian scholars to file petitions was I alone.

Gye Ham, you and Ho Won don't know a thing about it.

-= Ho Won: Seong Hon's courtesy name =- Gye Ham, you and Ho Won don't know a thing about it.

-= Ho Won: Seong Hon's courtesy name=- Un Jang.

Un Jang.

The matter has come to this. It can't be restored.

I'm just someone hunted by the slave catchers.

This is as far as I can go.

As such, I'll assume responsibility for everything.

It is political power gained at the cost of the lives of countless scholars.

We've got to show them we're right.

However, if we're driven out of power now,

we'll be reduced to murderers most foul.

Steel yourself, Gye Ham!

Un Jang.

I said I had two plans that night, do you remember?

Although I had hoped there wouldn't be a need for the second plan...

Gye Ham...

We'll have to raise tomorrow's king.

You mean to install a crown prince?

The current king is ultimately not a person who can work with us.

The only way now is to install a crown prince and change the sky.

Gye Ham.

Install a new king, and drive out the petty people in the court.

I hope we can carry out our moralist politics.

If that can be attained, I will die now without regrets.

Un Jang, I promise you that.

When Emperor Shun passed the throne to Emperor Yu,

he said, "The mind of humans is but dangerous",

"the mind of the way is but subtlety."

-= Yun Du Su =- .

-= Yun Du Su =- Your Majesty, are you listening?

What is your vassal giving a lecture on?

-= Seonjo =- That... well...

-= Lee San Hae =- He's now lecturing on how to govern the people.

As a king, if you want to govern a country well, you mustn't neglect your studies.

I'm sorry... It's all... because I'm lacking in virtue.

Great kings like Sejong and Sejo were close to their vassals.

Like family members, they were like father and son.

The son-vassals, to repay that favor, gave of their loyalty.

But Your Majesty, you aren't replying sincerely to your vassals.

How can you become a wise ruler?

Stop. Stop it! When did I say I wanted to be king?

All of you might as well be the king and directly govern the country yourselves!

Exactly who is the king? Who is the vassal?

Do you... really see me as the king?

Your Majesty, please trust us.

If you do that, you can become a wise ruler.

No. I'm unable to trust you.

You all use talk of a wise ruler to lock me up.

It's to protect your own power, and to carry out your politics.

I'm returning to my private home.

Your Majesty! You can't! You can't! You can't! You can't, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty. Did you have a nightmare?

-= Royal Noble Consort Gim =- Your Majesty. Did you have a nightmare?

You seem to have overworked yourself lately.

You should go to the temporary palace at Onyang for the time being and rest for a few days.

-= Onyang: Hot spring near Asan =- You should go to the temporary palace at Onyang for the time being and rest for a few days.

-= Onyang: Hot spring near Asan =- You must take care of your health.

You must take care of your health.

How can I not be in the palace?

In the time I'm away, the master might change.

Your Majesty, why did you say that?

It was great when I was at my private home.

-= Prince Haeseong: Seonjo's name =- -= prior to ascending the throne =- When I was called "Prince Haeseong", it was really great.

-= Prince Haeseong: Seonjo's name =- -= prior to ascending the throne =- When I was called "Prince Haeseong", it was really great.

Because of the high treason case he had those people killed.

How is he going to pay for that sin?

-= Left: Prince Gwanghae =- -= Right: Queen Ui In =- How is he going to pay for that sin?

For that incident, today this child had prayed earnestly.

You did that? How admirable!

And I prayed for another thing, from Buddha.

What is it?

For Your Majesty the Queen to get pregnant.

Pregnant? What absurdity is that?

It's not absurd. This child really, sincerely prayed for it.

The country is under pressure.

If Your Majesty were to produce a Prince Royal,

could there be a more joyous occasion?

Also, the country won't be in an uproar over the matter of a crown prince.

Prince Gwanghae, you really don't want to become the crown prince?

Please look at His Majesty.

This child wouldn't want that position even if offered all the gold and silver in the world.

If you don't want it,

why do you want me to produce a Prince Royal,

for that position?

How did it turn out like that?

Prince Gwanghae, thank you so much.

Although I'm sorry to say this about Her Majesty the Queen,

if she hasn't had a child for almost 20 years,

it would be difficult to have one now.

Then, we must install a crown prince from among the current princes,

but isn't this too early?

This is not early. The king entered the palace at 16,

and started his studies on becoming a wise man within, and a virtuous king without.

There were many difficulties back then.

If you think about the ages of the princes now, it's really too late.

Having listened to you, that sounds so.

Left State Councillor,

who do you think is suitable to be the crown prince from among the princes?

Well, Prince Imhae isn't the son of the queen, but he's the eldest son.

If we go by order, Prince Imhae is first in line.

Judging by character, Prince Gwanghae seems more suitable to me.

Prince Sinseong is smart. If taught well, he will be a wise ruler in time.

No. Not everyone can be taught to be a wise ruler.

Judging from his disposition and qualities, Prince Gwanghae should be king.

Prince Gwanghae, you say?

That's correct.

Last year, Hwanghae-do and Pyeongan-do had a smallpox epidemic, do you remember?

I remember.

That time, Prince Imhae and Prince Gwanghae came to visit as proxies for His Majesty.

I can't forget the Prince Gwanghae of that time.

-=The village of Pyeongan-do=-

Mother. Mother.

Mother! Mother!

Mother!

Remove the corpse and isolate the child.

Yes.

The smallpox is still raging. Your Highnesses, please return to the government office.

-= Yun Du Su =- -= Governor of Pyeongan-do =- The smallpox is still raging. Your Highnesses, please return to the government office.

-= Yun Du Su =- -= Governor of Pyeongan-do =- I'm afraid you'll contract smallpox.

I'm afraid you'll contract smallpox.

-= Prince Imhae =- Let's go back.

Let's go back.

Hyeong-nim, please go back first. I would like to take a look around, and then go back.

Suit yourself. Let's go.

Still no news from the doctors about the medicine?

No.

Send a messenger again to press them. Press them!

Yes.

Quickly take it. You have to take this medicine to survive.

Open your mouth!

Prince Gwanghae! Prince Gwanghae.

It's alright.

There will be big trouble. Please return to the government office now.

I am, al...

Prince Gwanghae! Prince Gwanghae! Prince Gwanghae!

Was it smallpox?

Yes.

The heavens helped him. If not, I would have been in big trouble.

You must have been very scared.

Although I was scared, he really moved me.

Does the king also know what happened?

He doesn't know about it.

When he woke up, he was afraid the king would be worried,

and repeatedly implored me not to ever tell him.

He anticipates far ahead.

As the saying goes, "strike while the iron is hot".

Shall we take this opportunity, and go see the king together?

It concerns the installation of a crown prince.

We have to see how the king feels about it first.

We also have to discuss it with Chief State Councillor Lee San Hae and Right State Councillor Ryu Seong Ryong,

though unlike us, they're always in agreement.

Come, drink up.

If they have eyes, they should know Prince Gwanghae is outstanding.

-= Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, Japan =-

-= Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, Japan =- Are you trying to deceive us?

Are you trying to deceive us?

We're not deceiving you.

If you're not, then he's deliberately avoiding us?

No, he isn't.

His Highness the Kampaku is currently away suppressing rebels.

Once he returns, we'll have you meet him. Please wait a while.

He invited guests and he's nowhere to be seen.

He invited guests and he's nowhere to be seen.

How can there be such a reason?

Vice Envoy,

calm down.

Calm down.

It doesn't seem to be a problem that can be resolved like this.

Envoy!

Let's first wait a while and see.

-= Odawara Castle, Japan =- -= Toyotomi Hideyoshi's encampment =-

Your Highness.

We've captured Yamanaka Castle!

The enemy commander's head!

Good job, Kato.

Now,

there's only the enemy stronghold left,

Odawara Castle.

Konishi.

How much food do you think Odawara Castle has left?

They should only have the grain harvested last year.

If they're frugal with it,

they should be able to last for 3 months.

We must wait for 3 months?

Your Highness, 3 months is too long.

We should attack the castle now!

Kato!

Odawara Castle's soldiers are also,

ultimately, His Highness' soldiers. Didn't you hear him?

Even if we need to take some time,

we should still embrace them.

If we do that,

the entire country's feudal lords will also

pay a higher respect

to Your Highness.

Foolish words!

When you trample them, you have to trample them into the ground.

That way, the other feudal lords won't dare to be rash and will submit!

Your Highness.

Please attack the castle right away. I will be the vanguard!

Kato.

Yes?

You are...

really very similar to Oda Nobunaga, whom I served.

What?

Lord Nobunaga,

if a bird that's supposed to cry doesn't,

his character was to kill it at once.

Although he was braver than anyone,

he was too impatient.

Konishi.

What do you think

I would do if the bird that's supposed to cry doesn't?

It's alright.

Just tell me.

Your Highness will,

if the bird doesn't cry,

until it cries, threaten and beat it,

and also comfort it.

It's a 'by fair means or foul' character.

Konishi!

I'm sorry.

No, no, no. It's fine.

You're exactly right.

Kato.

I am

going to take Odawara Castle, with the character that Konishi mentioned.

Three months.

It's just a little ways off. I'll take it as an excursion and wait leisurely.

If they run out of rations, we'll give them our provisions.

What crime have the soldiers committed?

But,

within 3 months, have Hojo and his followers disembowel themselves in front of me!

If they don't do that,

there won't be

anyone breathing in the castle.

The Joseon envoys have submitted themselves at court at Kyoto.

They're waiting to see you.

Joseon too, has finally submitted like this.

They certainly took a long time.

What should I do?

Tell them to wait.

Yes.

Tell So Yoshitoshi,

he mustn't let the Joseon envoys discover

that they've come in submission.

Have him stall for as much time as possible.

Yes.

-= Kyoto =-

Your Highness.

Congratulations on your victory!

Congratulations on your victory!

Reward Konishi and Kato with two cases of gold.

And also give the soldiers a reward and some alcohol.

I will rest for a few days.

All issues will be decided by the main retainers.

Only report the important ones to me.

Yes.

Has Toyotomi Hideyoshi returned?

Yes.

When did he return?

-= Heo Seong=- -= (Goodwill Mission, Scribe) =- When did he return?

-= Heo Seong=- -= (Goodwill Mission, Scribe) =- It seems it was some time ago.

-= Heo Seong=- -= (Goodwill Mission, Scribe) =- It seems it was some time ago.

But why did they inform us only now?

Tell Lord So to arrange a meeting at once.

Yes.

We have to go straight to the Kampaku.

It doesn't seem to be a matter that will be resolved by waiting for a reply.

Then, do you have a good idea?

Not long ago, I was introduced to someone.

He works right by the Kampaku's side, receiving envoys.

I heard if we get on good terms with them, it can be easily arranged.

You're doing anything.

Now you want to bribe them?

Not bribe, but make flexible use of people around him.

Haven't we been here too long?

It's really appalling!

We have to offer bribes to carry out our royal order!

I might as well

return to Joseon!

They said they're returning to Joseon.

Understood.

I'll ask His Highness to meet the envoys.

The Joseon mission meeting the Kampaku

is also troubling.

If they find out this isn't purely an establishment of friendly relations,

but a submission to us as a higher nation, what should I do?

Don't let them find out.

How do we do that?

We have to buy off

the interpreters.

Understood.

But, don't you feel the Kampaku is suspicious of you?

Untill now, I've been showing my enthusiasm in the war expeditions.

He won't suspect me that much.

But,

from now on,

we can't make one mistake.

It concerns your Tsushima.

For me,

if war breaks out,

I'll become the Kampaku's target (for Joseon's arrows).

It concerns our family, and the Christians.

I will bear that in mind.

King of Joseon, Lee Yeon,

sends a message to the Emperor of Japan.

You, whose reputation has spread far and wide,

united the more than 60 prefectures of Japan.

I am sending goodwill envoys

to establish friendly relations.

We seek warm relations.

King of Joseon, Lee Yeon, (in Japanese)

holding in high regard His Highness the Kampaku's great feat of uniting Japan, (in Japanese)

sends goodwill envoys to deliver my letter. (in Japanese)

Please regard Joseon as a brother country. (in Japanese)

Lead us with Your Highness' wisdom and courage. (in Japanese)

After much difficulty,

the Joseon envoys finally met Toyotomi Hideyoshi,

but their positions were opposite to each other's.

Joseon's aim was reconnaissance in the name of friendly ties,

but Japan thought that Joseon had come to surrender.

Konishi Yukinaga's bribery of the interpreters had a decisive effect on this confusion.

You're surrendering like this now. (in Japanese)

I will forgive you. (in Japanese)

But if (in Japanese)

you had not come this time, (in Japanese)

you would have paid a corresponding price for it! (in Japanese)

You've come a long way. You've had a tough time.

Our Japan too,

has always wanted friendly relations

with Joseon.

You have submitted to me, (in Japanese)

to Joseon, it's an honour. (in Japanese)

You may go. (in Japanese)

Enjoy yourselves. (in Japanese)

Have a good rest in Japan.

Please take care on your way back to Joseon.

Mother. (in Japanese)

Mother. (in Japanese)

Although he doesn't look like much this way,

his eyes are sharp in no average way.

I don't think so.

In my opinion, he's not at all dignified.

Tsurumatsu.

I say, Lord So.

Tell the Kampaku

not to let the pirates plunder Joseon's coasts again.

And also convey to him,

the warships that will be used

to suppress the pirates,

we would like to see them for ourselves.

What are you doing?

As for the pirates,

he said not to worry about them.

That's such a relief.

But the warships,

they're at a very distant harbor.

It's difficult to go there.

What?

We went through 3 months at sea to come here.

Just tell us the place.

We can go anywhere.

Well...

actually His Highness the Kampaku

is suspicious whether or not you're here for reconnaissance.

Your Highness. (in Japanese)

Shall your vassal have the Joseon envoys (in Japanese)

see our Japanese samurai's sword dance? (in Japanese)

May I? (in Japanese)

A sword dance would be good. Go ahead. (in Japanese)

But don't scare them too much. (in Japanese)

Yes! (in Japanese)

Look here!

Envoy.

What exactly are you doing?

Are you now mocking Joseon's envoys?

I'm sorry. (in Japanese)

I made a mistake. (in Japanese)

What's this? Michiki!

These people without fundamentals!

Have them hurry up and pack our bags.

Yes.

They're really people without any etiquette.

Vice Envoy, now is not the time to discuss etiquette.

Did you see Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his generals' eyes?

They've really made a proclamation now.

Those men clearly intend to invade Joseon.

Don't be deceived.

It's an excuse they use since they don't have many warships.

They're using strength to cow us. They're bluffing.

If they were really

thinking of invading us,

wouldn't it make sense

to hide that intention?

They merely

know how to do a sword dance.

They're devoid of fundamentals,

ignorant people.

You asked for me, Your Highness?

Ming's tea is also

delicious.

Yoshitoshi.

Write a letter of reply to the King of Joseon.

I'm going to attack Ming.

Tell Joseon they'll be the guide for our army.

Wh-What?

You don't understand?

I understand, Your Highness!

Then, what evidence do you have that I was working with Song Ik Pil?

The heavens know, the earth knows, doesn't the Left State Councillor know?

Don't decide solely based on suspicion!

The high treason case of 1589 started from suspicion.

As that high treason case's judge, Left State Councillor,

did you not slaughter the innocent scholars?

What?

It's to make up that we're having this gathering with difficulty. Why are you like this?

What's your real reason for wanting to see us?

The court is already controlled by Left State Councillor and your followers.

The Right State Councillor and I are only sitting in court for counterbalance.

Calling such people as us here,

what is the real reason?

This is really irritating.

Please! Understand my sincerity!

It's to clear up the bad blood from back then that I called everyone here.

For that high treason case,

I was the judge.

Do you think I was happy?

Lee Bal and Choe Yeong Gyeong were people whom I had discussed matters of state with.

Although we had fought, there were good times.

I'm also human.

When I watched them die, how could I have remained unaffected?

But,

for a vassal carrying out a royal order,

can personal feelings be involved?

What you mean now is that you were like that because of the royal order?

Because of conspiracy countless people died,

I too felt pained, that's what I meant.

Calm down.

It's been a year since the case ended.

How long is this going to continue?

Whatever it is, don't the three of you have to lead the court?

There is no 'Easterner' or 'Westerner'.

I truly hope

the three of you can come together.

Too much blood was shed.

I know.

Then, what should I do?

From Master Choe Yeong Gyeong onwards, start by rehabilitating the late scholars.

Fine.

I will advocate this to His Majesty.

Furthermore,

don't be carried away by faction.

The talented should be appointed.

I will work on it.

Well then,

be frank with us.

What do you want us to do?

A year from now,

His Majesty's age

will be greater.

And Her Majesty the Queen

for the past 20 years has yet to produce a Prince Royal.

You mean...

install a crown prince?

Your Majesty!

I came out for a while.

I heard you were having a gathering and came.

High officials

can't come to this kind of place.

You could be easily misunderstood as taking bribes.

We're sorry, Your Majesty.

However,

I will treat you today, so drink at ease.

Your Majesty.

It's not just a treat.

I too want something in return.

The three state councilors and

the Governor of Pyeongan-do who is now Inspector General,

lead this country well in future. I ask this of you.

Your Majesty's grace is boundless.

Come, accept a drink.

Yes.

Can I tell you the exact price of the wine I bought?

Please give your order, Your Majesty.

In the future,

if I hear...

of Easterners and Westerners, fighting over power,

or conspiring against each other to gain that power,

all of you seated here...

will have to pay with death.

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

Do you still believe in the king?

He has changed so much.

Sometimes I wish His Majesty could be self-righteous.

Lee San Hae and Ryu Seong Ryong, what should I do with them?

Your Highness was gracious with Joseon, they'll look up to Your Highness.

Exactly what sovereign's message (to a foreign state) is written like this?

There's a rumor that there will be a war. Many people are seeking refuge in the north.

It seems a good opportunity for us.

It won't do if we don't install a Crown Prince now.

Who does His Majesty have in mind?

Your Majesty.

The East Nine Tombs situated in Guli, Gyeonggi Province.

The East Nine Tombs situated in Guli, Gyeonggi Province.

After Taejo, Lee Seong Gye's tomb,

if you walk towards the East, there is Seonjo's tomb,

Mongneung.

Joseon's 14th king who ascended the throne at 16 years old, Seonjo.

-= Seonjo (1552-1608) =- -= Joseon's 14th king =- -= (reign: 1567-1608) =- Joseon's 14th king who ascended the throne at 16 years old, Seonjo.

-= Seonjo (1552-1608) =- -= Joseon's 14th king =- -= (reign: 1567-1608) =- .

Born as the 3rd son of Great Prince of the Court Deokheung,

the son born to Jungjong (11th king) and Royal Noble Consort Chang of the An Clan,

he was Joseon's earliest king of the collateral line.

Because of his background, Seonjo, who was insecure his entire life over dethronement and rebellion,

in the midst of the continuing factional strife and national crisis,

held on to his throne.

Furthermore, naturally kind and hardworking,

-= King Seonjo, Mongneung, epitaph =- Furthermore, naturally kind and hardworking,

-= King Seonjo, Mongneung, epitaph =- he enjoyed studying,

-= King Seonjo, Mongneung, epitaph =- and was widely said to be good at painting and writing poems.

and was widely said to be good at painting and writing poems.

-= 5-character quatrain =- -= King Seonjo's handwriting =- and was widely said to be good at painting and writing poems.

-= 5-character quatrain =- -= King Seonjo's handwriting =- .

He went through countless crisis and yet persisted on the throne for 40 years,

Seonjo.

How about going up to Mongneung and experiencing how Seonjo felt?

How about going up to Mongneung and experiencing how Seonjo felt?