Original subtitles

Episode 22

Did Yang Manchun order you to have me killed?

No, I acted alone.

I hired the assassins

and I left the gates wide open for them to come in.

What? You... !

General Yang has nothing to do with this.

If you must vent your anger,

punish me instead.

General Yang Manchun is not the one.

Bastard! You're trying to patronize me!

I know what is in your heart.

No one loves this country like you do.

And no one can match your patriotism

except General Yang Manchun.

Why do you think of your lifelong friend as an enemy?

You must never doubt General Yang Manchun.

Distrust would portend the fall of Goguryeo.

What's more threatening than the Tang army

is internal division, Excellency!

Yang has overtly defied my order.

If this is not mutiny, what is?

There has to be an explanation.

You must investigate the truth.

The truth? Yes,

the culprit that tried to have me killed

is out there with the truth.

But until that truth is revealed,

both you and Yang Manchun

will not be above my suspicion.

Chulin: Li Jinzhong's daughter

Clear the road!

Make way for the Supreme Commander!

The Supreme Commander is coming through!

Can't sleep?

if all goes according to plan,

there will be an internal strife in Goguryeo.

And once Yeon Gaesomun is dead,

the country will crumble.

Finally there is hope for us.

Yingzhou...

Once Goguryeo falls,

Yingzhou territory will be ours as promised.

It can't be...

Chulin couldn't possibly be here...

But if it is Chulin,

that means the Tang goverment sent those assassins.

I don't know... I'm so confused...

No, it's not Joyoung...

If he wanted to kill me,

he wouldn't need the assassins.

I won't believe everything Bu Kiwon said.

But Yang Manchun is indeed against this conquest ofTang.

My one and only confidant Yang Manchun

is openly defying my order!

What now? What do I do?

- Here, have a drink. - I'm afraid I don't drink.

You are a boring man, Shin.

So, are you still planning to leave me

when you find your master?

I don't think you called me at this time

of the night for an idle chat.

I'm concerned about my father's condition.

How long do you think it will take for him to recover?

May I be frank?

Are you saying you haven't been frank all this time?

This is no time to be talking about

His Excellency's condition.

What do you mean

this is no time to be talking about his condition?

It is time to be planning for the aftermath.

Aftermath? Aftermath of what?

Aftermath of the Supreme Commander's death.

What are you talking about?

It is imminent.

Once His Excellency is gone.

Goguryeo will plunge into chaos.

Don't say that.

- My father is not dying. - You must face the reality.

It won't be long before you become the Supreme Commander.

You have to be prepared in order to stop the chaos.

My blood boils every time I see the two of you!

Dae Joyoung, you're not even worth mentioning,

and you, Gulsabiwu,

what are you staring at?

It seems you got lucky again,

but when your luck runs out,

I'll be there to cut of your necks.

Get them out of here!

Move it!

Sit down.

I've done a lot of thinking last night.

Do I destroy Yang Manchun

or give him Another chance for old time sake...

It's not in the best interest

of the state to kill Yang Manchun.

I vowed to give my life for Goguryeo,

and it would make no sense if I can't get over this.

But I have declared my will to go to war with Tang.

I've vowed to destroy Tang

to secure a safe future for our descendents.

But Yang Manchun has openly challenged my objective.

That is what I cannot accept!

Send me to Liaodong.

I will convey your thoughts to General Yang Manchun.

You will not break his will simply

by conveying my will.

I will do my very best to persuade him.

Give me your command, Excellency.

The fate of Liaodong and Yang Manchun,

to go further,

the fate of Goguryeo is at stake.

I won't disappoint you, Your Excellency.

Is it true that you're going to Ansi Fort?

You have an important work to do here.

This throwing knife was used by the intruders that night.

Find oput where it was made.

Do it quietly.

I don't want anyone to know about it.

I got it. Just be back safe.

Dae Joyoung went to Liaodong?

I saw him leave Pyongyang this morning with my own eyes.

How could that be?

I was certain he'd be killed,

but he went to Liaodong?

My guess is he is taking a message

to General Yang Manchun.

A message? What kind of message?

Perhaps the Supreme Commander is trying

to persuade General Yang to cooperate.

You mean Yeon Gaesomun is reaching out

instead of drawing his sword?

That's bad news for us!

The Tang spies?

They're under close watch.

Don't lose sight of them.

We might need them if anything goes wrong.

- Yes, sir. - I don't understand.

Why did Yeon Gaesomun suddenly change his mind all?

I'm certain it was him again.

Dae Joyoung...

He is getting in our way every time.

You look stronger and more imposing than ever.

We were worried about you

after hearing about what happened in Pyongyang.

I'm sorry to have caused you concern.

So, have the intruders that broke into the estate been indentified?

That is what I'm here about.

Excellency suspects you, general,

of being behind the attempt on his life.

What do you mean?

He thinks we sent the assassins?

He couldn't possibly think that in his right mind!

Explain what's going on.

Joyoung?

You sent Dae Joyoung to Liaodong as your messenger?

He will never come back!

If he doesn't come back,

our enemy will become clear.

But Liaodong will find out everything

that's happening here.

Is that your concern?

Are you afraid I might lose against Yang Manchun?

No, Father...

Day and night I contemplate about

how we're going to destroy the arrogant and malicious Tang.

Do you think I'd be afraid of rebels in the countryside?

No, Father.

Joyoung has been sent,

so we will hear something soon.

I just hope I don't have to fight my own.

- Namseng, - Yes, Father.

how is the preparation for war progressing?

Generals On and Yi are in the process

of increasing our force of arms.

Time is of the essence.

I want you to personally oversee the preparation.

Yes, Father.

Yang Manchun...

Drink your tea.

- Joyoung, - Yes, general.

Is there something you're not telling me

about the Supreme Commander?

It's all right. Speak.

Go on. Tell him what you know.

The Supreme Commander is gavely ill.

Yang Manchun: Lord of Ansi Fort

An illness?

The Supreme Commander has suffering an illness?

Yes.

And I think it is causing him great anxiety and confusion.

Do not return to Pyongyang.

This dilemma won't be easily resolved.

The dilemma will become even harder to resolve

- if I stayed. - He is right.

He must go back, general.

Joyoung,

do you thnik I should abide by the Supreme Commander's will?

That is the only way to stop

Liaodong and Pyongyang from colliding.

But we cannot put the people in distress.

People are the very reason why we risked our lives

and fought off the foreign invaders.

Are we to go join a war that is sure to be futile?

But general...

Take this back to the Supreme Commander.

The Supreme Commander and I are dearest friends.

We've relied on each other

and devoted our lives to protecting the state.

If I cannot convince him,

how could I call myself a friend?

But he is suffering a physical illness.

Yeon Gaesomun's biggest woe is not

in his body but his heart.

He has no one to pen his heart to.

Loneliness is Yeon Gaesomun's greatest malady right now.

Joyoung,

Yes, general.

I must ask you for a favor.

A favor?

Nothing I can do for you would be a favor.

It seems end is near for my dear friend.

Take well care of him to his final moment.

To me he is a friend,

but to the country he is an exalted hero.

If his last days become inglorious,

it would be your failure as his servant.

Take care of him

so that he feels less alone and uncomfortable.

I will, sir.

Khitan Camp, Yingzhou

An imperial command?

You mean the Emperor personally ordered my capture?

Yes, general.

They put a reward of 1 00 silver pieces for your capture.

One hundred?

Not gold but measly one hundred pieces

of silver for my head?

Cheap bastards...

Does anyone know that you are here, general?

Yes, the Empress.

If Empress Zetian should change her mind about you...

That won't happen.

But I guess you never know women.

Scores of merchants come through Yingzhou.

You are not safe here.

So where am I supposed to go? Goguryeo?

I suppose not, but...

We'll just have to hang on a little longer.

Li Kaigu will send word soon.

Wouldn't it be great

if we got the message that Yeon Gaesomun is dead?

Shouldn't he be dead by now?

- His Majesty is bedridden again? - Yes, Your Highness.

This is awful.

He's been frequently ill lately.

What do the physicians say about his condition?

They are unsure of the exact cause.

What do you mean?

He is ill but they do not know the cause?

Your Highness,

General Li Jing and Su Dingfang seeks your audience.

See them in.

What brings the two generals to my chambers?

We've come to inquire about Xue Rengui's whereabouts.

Why would you come to me about that?

Your Highness,

this is not a matter to be concealed.

Concealed?

Am I hiding General Xue?

The inquiry will continue until he is captured.

You msut tell us where he is

if only to restore stability in the state.

General Li Jing,

are you making a threat?

- Your Highness! - I do not know where he is.

So don't involve me in this matter.

Then you must not intervene once

Xue Rengui is captured.

Your Highness just told us not

to involve you with Xue Rengui.

Whether he is killed or forgiven,

what we do with him in our business.

Do whatever you please.

but remember this.

The sun does not stay in one place.

Light and shade eventually switch places.

It is a letter written and signed by the Grand Martial General.

He wrote his sincere thoughts.

His sincerity is not my concern.

All I need to know is

whether he is with me or against me.

Please read the letter.

General Yang Manchun loves

this country with all of his heart.

Are you implying that I don't?

What I want is for Yang Manchun and me

to destroy Tang together.

And I sent you to Liaodong

to give Yang Manchun another chance.

But judging from your words,

this letter contains a negative response.

Excellency... !

You have failed to accomplish your mission.

And your demeanor tells me

that you support Yang Manchun.

From this moment forward,

I will regard you as my enemy as well.

I should have you killed,

but I'm sparing your life for old time sake.

- Leave at once! - Excellency!

Go back to Yang Manchun or wherever you want.

- But do not come back to me. - I can't do that.

I will serve you to the end.

Guards! Guards!

Get him out of here!

If you ever come near this estate,

I will have you killed!

Take him!

Excellency, allow me to serve you!

Get him out!

Excellency, allow me to serve you!

Excellency! Excellency!

Excellency! Allow me to serve you!

You've one lucky bastard to be getting out of here alive.

Sir, please don't force me out.

Sir!

- If he ever shows up again, kill him. - Yes, sir!

Sir... . !

Did you hear that?

Don't blame me if I have to kill you.

Let's go!

Excellency...

Yang Manchun is sure to have written

words of concern about me.

I'm sure he comforts me with his warm

and gentle words reminiscing about the past.

But I cannot read this letter.

The mind must get stronger as the body grows weaker.

After all, friendship is as short as a lifetime,

but history is eternal.

I must be willing to give up everything

for the conquest of Tang.

Everything!

What?

The Supreme Commander is trying to

have General Yang Manchun removed?

He is determined.

I feared it might come to this

when Liaodong reorganized their army.

My fear has become reality.

Pyongyang and Liaodong will be at war

if we don't do anything about this.

We have to stop this somehow.

Everyone is saying that

the Supreme Commander has gone mad.

Our heads will come off if we hastily get involved.

There is a way to stop him.

This was used by the assassins.

Judging by the shape

I'm certain it was made here in Pyongyang

If my hunch is right,

they are Tang spies.

- Tang spies? - Yes.

If we can capture them and priove their identity,

His Excellency won't be able to accuse Liaodong of treason.

That sounds like our best option for now.

We need soldiers to help us.

Could you give us your men?

Sure.

I'll have my subordinates assist you.

Thank you, Master Gom.

There is a meeting first thing in the morning

at the royal hall tomorrow.

And I'm nervous because

Supreme Commander is presiding over it.

Yang Manchun is one of the pillars

of this state that upholds Liaodong.

But if a pillar is rotting,

it must be replaced before it gives.

I've called this meeting to collect your opinion

and decide his punishment

King Bojang: 28th King of Goguryeo

Warriors, speak your opinion.

Speak candidly.

Is Yang Manchun a faithful retainer or a rebel leader?

A royal order was issued to prepare

for a campaign against Tang.

But he overtly defied the order.

This is a clear indication of treason.

Furthermore, an attempt was made on

the Supreme Commander's life shortly after.

This is certain to be a conspiracy plotted by Liaodong.

Now I would like the civil- officials to speak.

Yang Manchun is against conquest of Tang.

Who between Yang Manchun and Yeon Gaesomun is right?

Your Excellency's resolve stems

only from true patriotism.

But Yang Manchun is carrying out a ploy

to further the interest of Liaodong.

That's right, Excellency.

Do not be dissuaded.

All those who oppose the conquest are traitors.

Thank you for sharing your opinions.

Your Majesty,

I ask that you issue a royal summons

to have Yang Manchun brought in immediately.

I shall take care of the repercussions.

Send a royal messenger to Liaodong

without delay, Your Majesty.

Yang Manchun will soon be denounced a rebel leader.

Who knew that the arrow that

was headed straight for us would hit Liaodong?

Yeon Gaesomun is already dying,

so we just have to get rid of Yang Manchun

and the world will be ours.

But once Yeon Gaesomun is dead,

his son Namseng will succeed him.

It won't be that easy for Namseng

to become the next Supreme Commander.

Have you thought of a plan?

Eliminating Yang Manchun is our top priority right now.

Yeon Gaesomun may soon die,

but it will be difficult to establish friendly relations with Tang

if Yang Manchun stands in the way.

If we can get Yeon Gaesomun to destroy Yang Manchun,

we can save the country from the distress of war.

By the way, what happened to Dae Joyoung?

He hasn't been seen

since Yeon Gaesomun kicked him out.

Perhaps he went back to Liaodong.

Sit down.

- Did anyone see you coming here? - Yes, Your Highness.

No one will know since he is in disguise.

You should have intimate and most accurate knowledge.

Speak.

Is it true that General Yang

and the Liaodong warriors are plotting treason?

I swear, with god as my witness,

General Yang plotted no treason.

The royal messenger has already been dispatched to Ansi Fort.

You must send another messenger in secrecy

and advise him of the situation.

General Yang would not disobey a royal summons

even if he knew what happened.

No,

he wouldn't since defying the royal command

would be construed as acknowledgement of guilt.

There is a quiet rumor that the Supreme Commander is ill.

Is it true?

It is true.

The Supreme Commander is hiding

his pain with incredible strength

because the country will plunge into chaos

if his illness is made known.

That is the kind of man he is.

At times I am awed by his immense patriotism.

But even nectar is poison in excess.

His excessive patriotism has caused this situation.

This is frustating...

I thought General Yang would be able to

dissuade the Supreme Commander,

but the two pillars of the state are about to collide...

Is there no one among the royal subjects

who can stop this?

Infinite regrets, Your Majesty!

Taehak

I finally found out

where this throwing knife was made.

His name is Xue Jitou.

He is well known among the locals

as the best blacksmith in the city.

He seems well acquainted with General Sa Bugu

of Pyongyang Defense Guards.

Sa Bugu?

I think he buys horseshoes and weapons from him.

Sa Bugu...

He is one of Bu Kiwon's men

but I didn't find anything suspicious.

What are we waiting for?

Let's raid them right now!

My lord,

Shin, what did you find out?

Is this the object?

Just like you said,

the assassins are hiding out

where this knife was made.

I will get them tonight!

But they have nothing to do with Liaodong.

My guess is they are spies from Tang.

Spies from Tang?

You could end up proving

General Yang Manchun's innocence.

I don't care who it is.

They threatened my father's life

and I am going to kill them!

Good work.

I'm impressed by how quickly you tracked them down.

Afternoon, sir.

Your order of one hundred horseshoes is ready for you, sir.

Don't talk, just listen.

Someone's been watching this place for the past few days...

Clear out of here tonight.

I'll be back for the horseshoes later.

Yes, sir. Good day, sir!

Xue Jitou

The place is empty.

They must have known that we were coming!

Get out of the way!

This is General Yeon Namseng!

Which division do you soldiers belong to?

Capture them! Now!

You!

It was you after all!

It was you and the Liaodong army

who tried to have my father killed!

- No! You got this all wrong! - Silence!

This is the assasssins' hideout!

- you cannot lie! - No, sir!

- We came to capture the assassins... - What are you waiting for?

- Arrest them! - Attack them!

Run!

After him!

Stay back or you're dead!

Move! Move away!

Gulsabiwu, you blasted bastard!

You're a dead man!

Harder!

Talk.

You work for Liaodong, right?

Again? I ought to just... !

I told you not to glare at me!

All right, all right. Just talk.

Just say that Liaodong was behind this,

I'll forgive you.

- What do you call the sky? - Huh? The sky, of course.

Then the earth?

The earth is earth. What else would I call it?

hey, what the heck!

The sky cannot become the earth.

That is my answer, you numskull!

What? Numskull?

All right. Let's see who wins.

What? Joyoung?

I'm positive.

Dae Joyoung is the one that set it up.

And it's obvious who he is working for.

The royal summons should be in Liaodong by now.

If Yang Manchun does not comply,

we have to be ready to go to war.

Yang Manchun!

Prepare to leave for Pyongyang immediately.

- You can't go, general! - It is His Majesty's command.

The Supreme Commander is plotting to hurt you!

- I cannot defy the royal command. - But sir!

If Pyongyang and Liaodong is divided,

Goguryeo will crumble.

I must be there in the flesh

to prove Liaodong's innocence.

I cannot let you go there alone,

general. I am coming with you.

I'm coming with you too, sir,

- So am I. - I'm coming as well.

Let us accompany you.

We will be with you to the death.

Let us be with you, sir.

- Grant us permission, general! - Grant us permission, general!

the man has profound knowledge in the art of healing.

You don't have to worry, Father.

Excellency! Excellency!

Disturbing news, Excellency!

How dare you just barge in here like this!

- Oh, forgive me... - That's all right.

What's the disturbing news?

The royal messenger has just returned from Ansi Fort

and he says that General Yang Manchun

is on the way to Pyongyang now.

But he's not alone.

All of the warriors of Liaodong are with him.

- The warriors of Liaodong? - Yes,

and their troops number in the thousands!

Thousands?

You mean the Liaodong army is marching to the city?

Yes, sir.

Thousands of armed soldiers!

Father!

This is not compliance to the royal summons.

This is a rebel army advancing to attack Pyongyang Fort!

Yang Manchun... Yang Manchun!

I will not let you go back alive!

Yang Manchun, bastard!