Original subtitles

Rank of Jong 1.

Pansamsasa and First Minister of Sunwibu Episode 4

Choi Yeong!

After king Wu took the throne, there was restructuring of the officials.

Lee Inim, Choi Yeong, Im Gyeongmi and

Ji Yun ruled the Supreme council.

Gyeong Bokheung was highest in rank only in appearance.

Lee Inim had the actual power.

Sungkyunkwan Daesaseong, Jeong Mongju.

To keep Lee Inim in check,

queen dowager Myeongdeok appointed

Neo-Confucian elites in court.

Jeong Dojeon received a rank of Jong 4 and became the supervisor of rites.

He was in charge of the royal family's official rites.

The weather is very nice.

I'm in a good mood.

How about a drink?

I was just appointed a high position. You want to drink in the middle of the day?

I didn't say we should drink until we drop.

Let's just have one drink with lunch.

We need to go somewhere.

Let's have that drink some other time.

Congratulations.

Two close friends were promoted together.

You must be really happy.

Thank you, vice-chancellor.

You're not a low level official anymore. Your wish came true.

This isn't good enough.

My wish won't come true until I kill an old tiger.

We were just talking about hunting.

You have an important position now.

You should develop an elegant hobby like hunting.

An old tiger is very intelligent.

It won't be caught that easily.

The hunting dog is full of spite.

A barking dog can't bite.

Don't you know that?

Who knows what a crazy dog would do?

Enjoy your hunting.

You're so good at scaring us.

We only did the gentry a favor.

A country can't be ruled with money and force alone.

There have to be smart people, too.

Never mind what's going on in our government.

What do you plan on doing about external affairs?

External affairs?

We have a new king now. We should reconsider relations with Ming.

You must send envoys to Ming right away.

The national funeral is over.

We are only asking because you haven't sent envoys regarding the former king's death.

Goryeo and Ming have friendly relations,

but the Ming emperor still has his guard up.

If we don't let him know of such an important matter,

it could result in uncomfortable relations.

Her Highness knows this,

but the Supreme Council is putting it off.

Why would they do that?

When a king was assassinated, the ministers who couldn't prevent it

were the ones who were punished.

This is embarrassing to say,

but most of the Supreme Council ministers are afraid of reprimand by the Ming emperor.

It doesn't look like they will send envoys until they grasp an idea of Ming's intentions.

Even if the Ming emperor gives reprimand,

it won't be to all the ministers.

He will reprimand Lee Inim and his factions.

Why is that?

Ming is concerned that Goryeo will be close with Northern Yuan again.

The ministers in power were close with Yuan for a long time.

You need to find a way to end envoys soon.

It is a chance to restore trust between the two countries and

keep the vice-chancellor in check.

Isn't there a minister who could help us?

Stand up, Your Majesty.

Pansamsasa.

A king never looks up at a servant.

Please stand up.

Your Majesty.

Are you alright?

What are you doing?

Step away right now!

Sir, please consider his age.

Will the enemy give special consideration because he is a young king?

Please pick up your sword, Your Majesty.

Pansamsasa.

Suggest sending envoys to the Supreme Council.

You mean with word of

the former king's death?

The Ming emperor will be suspicious and angry if we postpone it any longer.

But, Your Highness...

I know you don't like politics that

that favor stronger countries.

But you are the only person who can suggest it to the Supreme Council.

Chase it!

When did you get them on our side?

You are really amazing.

Money can do a lot.

They must have been hungry since Choi Yeong looks at gold as if it's stone.

Chancellor!

What is it?

Choi Yeong wrote a request to the Supreme Council to send envoys to

Ming to announce the former king's death.

Jang Jaon of Royal Secretariat and

minister Min Baekheon are

being sent to Nanjing in Great Ming to

report the death of the former king.

You will fulfill your duties.

That piece is going to be taken.

You let your guard down.

Oh, dear.

You will face a crisis if the envoys

meet the Ming emperor.

Probably.

The envoys had to be stopped.

There was no justification for that.

Only low-level players act unreasonable relying on power.

Do you have a plan?

Let's see...

Uncle.

If you let your opponent's pace and strategy lead you, you will lose.

We'll have to retreat for now since we' re at a disadvantage.

And then?

Attack an unexpected spot.

Gaejucham, Manchuria (today's Fenghuang)

What are you doing?

If it's money that you want, take all the horses and gold.

Just spare me my life, please.

Do you think you can get away with

killing a Ming envoy?

The emperor will not forgive you or Goryeo.

What did you just say?

The Ming envoys who came to collect taxes

were killed by Kim Ui who was escorting them.

Why would he do that?

I don't know.

Where is Kim Ui?

He took some hostages and defected to Nagachu in Northern Yuan.

What?

Dear Buddha.

The Ming emperor will think that we colluded with Northern Yuan.

We must demand that Nagachu transfer Kim Ui to us.

Would he comply?

If he doesn't, we'll have to declare war.

Chancellor!

He has 100,000 soldiers under his command.

You want to just sit around and wait for the Ming army to attack us?

Please calm down.

We sent envoys to Ming a few days ago.

Let's see how Ming treats them first.

Our envoys are headed back to Gaegyeong.

What?

How were given a royal order.

How can they turn back at will?

Are they in their right minds?

They're returning because they are in their right minds.

They would only be killed.

The envoys who were headed to Ming are returning?

Is this true?

That's what I heard the Supreme Council members say.

This makes matters worse.

Make a sound in the east and attack in the west.

The Ming envoys were killed to have our envoys return.

It wasn't Kim Ui acting on impulse?

Are you saying it was planned?

It was ordered by someone who didn't want the envoys to go to Ming.

Lee Inim.

We can't find out who was behind it since Kim Ui defected to Northern Yuan.

That's not the problem right now.

What will Ming do?

Ming believed that Goryeo has been colluding with Northern Yuan.

They will think we are showing our true colors.

This will lead to battle.

Oh, dear. The Supreme Council won't have a clear solution.

All they'll talk about is...

There is something else Lee Inim was after.

Let's hold hands with Northern Yuan.

What? Northern Yuan?

It's spilt milk.

We need new milk.

We have to join forces with Northern Yuan to prevent Ming from raising an army.

That is a fine plan.

I think that's a good idea, too.

We should have the queen dowager send envoys right away.

That is out of the question.

Yuan persecuted Goryeo for the past century.

The former king barely freed us of that persecution.

Why would you want to hold hands with Yuan?

It's out of the question.

We passed a point of no return with Ming.

If you refuse to join forces with Northern Yuan,

how do you plan to keep Goryeo safe?

Goryeo became weak because people like you thought we had to

rely on a powerful nation.

We should protect our own lives.

We can't defeat Ming or Northern Yuan.

There isn't an enemy we can't defeat if we fight for our lives.

People don't even want to fight when they face an enemy they can't defeat.

That is an irresponsible instigation!

It's late.

Let's end for now.

You...

What brings you here?

You suggested friendly relations with Northern Yuan to the Supreme Council?

There seems to be no other way.

We could send envoys and claim that we had nothing to do with the incident.

They will only be killed.

It would only be a waste of time.

Why do you deny the probability of success?

I'm not denying it.

I just made a choice with a higher probability of success.

Northern Yuan is going to fall soon.

You don't care what happens to Goryeo then?

It is a country of Mongolians who ruled the world.

It won't fall that easily.

Why don't you investigate who ordered Kim Ui to kill the Ming envoys?

You are an intelligent person.

I'm sure you don't believe it was just a coincidence.

Are you suspecting me?

There are many suspicions.

I'm just curious.

If you plan to be in politics for a long time, listen carefully.

You don't suspect someone just because you're curious.

You suspect someone when you have the power to handle that person.

I'll remember that.

I don't have a very special relationship with Choi Yeong.

You conquered Tamna together.

You must have been slacking off when Choi Yeong was fighting in the lead.

Listen to you.

Choi Yeong doesn't like the gentry.

He is the only person who can stop Lee Inim's plans.

Just set up a meeting.

We'll convince him.

Gee...

Come on.

Oh, boy.

He isn't home?

Do you know where he went?

It is urgent that we speak with him.

How should I know where he went?

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

I thought I would serve you some medicinal tea.

This is a medicine scale they use in western regions.

I got it from a merchant in Byeongrando.

Why did you want to see me?

I wanted to discuss the matter with Northern Yuan.

I'm just an ordinary man.

I'm not interested in other countries.

I'm sure you'll be interested after you hear what I have to say.

Yuan looked like

it would fall when it was driven north of the Great Wall.

It restored its power and

it is counterattacking Ming.

It is losing to Ming at this time,

but if we join Northern Yuan,

it will be balanced a bit.

Do you want the battle between Ming and Northern Yuan to last long term?

I want it to last forever.

Ming in the south and Yuan in the north.

That is the only way for Goryeo

to become strong.

Why is that?

Look at the history.

We were strong when China was divided.

Gojoseon was like that and so was Goguryeo.

When Han unified China, Gojoseon fell and when Tang was established,

Goguryeo fell.

Are you saying China's division is an advantage for us?

If Ming conquers the world,

we will have to pay tribute forever.

We will just be an eternal weak nation.

If Northern Yuan survives,

we will be like a weight that balances

the two countries.

Then the former king's dream to make Goryeo

a grand empire won't just be a dream.

We need to stand with Northern Yuan now.

Did you hear?

The vice-chancellor is going to suggest

friendly relations with Northern Yuan at the breakfast meeting.

I heard.

The world is moving backwards.

We have to put it back in place.

Let's hurry.

Hello.

Where are the ministers of

the Supreme Council?

Now that you mention it...

Their meeting must not be over yet.

They must be planning something since

we'll be opposed.

Still, they shouldn't be late for the meeting.

They're not at the Supreme Council.

They must be seeing His Majesty.

The Supreme Council agreed to

send envoys to Northern Yuan.

Please give your approval.

Where are you going?

To see His Majesty. Gather the gentry.

Stop.

What are you going to do?

I have to stop it.

Ministers are seeking the king's approval.

What justification could you possibly have to stop that?

So should we just let this happen?

Let go of me.

You can't go in there without cause.

It's a crime.

The former king drove Yuan out of Goryeo.

His body isn't even cold yet.

Is this truly the best way?

We can't always seek the best way

in politics.

If necessary, we have to choose the next best way to

prevent the fall of our nation.

Pansamsasa, why aren't you saying anything?

Pansamsasa.

I support

the decision of the council.

Give His Majesty the royal seal.

Your Majesty.

It is Jeong Dojeon, the supervisor or rites.

I am prepared to die when I say this.

Yuan was driven out a long time ago.

Choosing Northern Yuan over Ming is

putting the country in imminent peril.

The Supreme Council is claiming

friendly relations with Northern Yuan

to avoid battle with Ming,

but it is just an evil ploy to make the people

of Goryeo be subordinate to Mongolians.

You know what Northern Yuan is like.

Since king Chungryeol,

they changed the king of Goryeo freely,

they took our land and they destroyed

our customs and national spirit.

They violated many Goryeo women.

They committed unpardonable atrocities.

We can't join forces with them!

Your Majesty, put him in prison right now.

P... Prison?

I will take care of it.

Calm down!

Let's hear what he has to say.

Please send envoys to Ming and

claim Goryeo's innocence.

If you investigate the truth,

you can prevent a catastrophe.

What he says makes sense.

Have you forgotten how overbearing Ming has been to us?

The safety of the envoys can't be guaranteed.

There isn't a single minister who is

willing to go to Ming.

There isn't a single minister who

would be willing to go as an envoy?

Your Majesty, we can't seek friendly relations with Northern Yuan.

What are you doing? Arrest him right away!

Let go. Let go!

- Let go of me! Let go! - Let go.

Your Majesty!

Please don't seek friendly relations with Northern Yuan.

Please, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider,

Your Majesty!

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please don't seek friendly relations

with Northern Yuan.

Please, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please don't seek friendly relations

with Northern Yuan.

Please, Your Majesty!

I will send envoys to Ming.

Please reconsider.

It will just give Ming time to raise an army.

It is the right thing to do.

Do you want Goryeo to turn into a battleground?

Are you challenging a royal order?

I will find someone to send as an envoy.

That's it.

Your Majesty!

Hurray for His Majesty!

Lee Inim's efforts to achieve friendly

relations with Northern Yuan were wasted.

The Neo-Confucian elites didn't have much political power before,

but became a newly rising power.

Jeong Dojeon suddenly became the leader of the pro-Ming faction.

But...

Hwaryeong, Dongbukmyeon, Goryeo (today's Yeongheung, Hamgyeongnam-do)

See? I'm the best at shooting arrows.

Didn't you say you'd shoot his calf?

Gee...

Just go get the horse.

Okay.

Did you lose consciousness just because

you fell off a horse?

- Gaenam. - Yes.

Don't let him talk nonsense.

Beat him up before you ask. Okay?

Yes.

Wait. Don't let Seonggye find out.

Gag him before you beat him.

Sure!

What are you thinking about?

Isn't that deer skin?

Give it to Deokchul's wife.

You mean the man who died fighting foreign invaders last winter?

Are you worried about something?

I had that old dream again.

You must have fallen asleep while praying to Buddha again.

Buddha will scold you.

What was the dream?

A house collapsed.

I walked out carrying three rafters.

Not one, but three?

That must have been heavy.

What do you think it means?

It must mean you'll get married.

What?

A house collapses without rafters.

What do you think they mean? A wife.

You said three. You have a wife here.

You have a pretty wife in Gaegyeong.

There must be a third wife in your future.

Three rafters on a person's back

Looks like this.

"Wang' meaning king.

You were born with the destiny of a king,

but since it is a country of the Wang clan,

what an unfortunate destiny.

Seonggye!

Seonggye.

What is it?

I captured a patrolman of Northern

Yuan earlier.

Nagachu's army is coming.

Where?

They just left.

He's not sure if they're coming to Dongbukmyeon or to Seobukmyeon.

Gather the men.

Yes.

What's going on?

Let's go.

Let's go.

Let's hurry.

Let's go.

I'll be back.

I'll just say one thing.

Don't die.

Yes, sir!

To repay His Majesty for appointing me to

the important position of the royal library,

I will be a lasting tamgwanori.

You had a lot to drink. Sit down.

I don't mean it in the traditional sense of corrupt official.

It means search, diligence, realize and rule.

I will be a person who diligently researches to discover the truth.

Don't you have any sense of humor?

You are a senior who will lead the gentry.

Don't make rash comments.

What makes me a leader?

Poeun is better at academics.

Sambong has more courage.

Poeun and Sambong should be the leaders.

Don't say such a thing.

That makes sense.

Mongju isn't lacking to be a leader.

Dojeon.

Yes.

I was stingy with compliments because I didn't want you to become arrogant.

You fought well.

Master...

You did well.

I was worried you and master became a bit distanced.

I was as happy as if he complimented me.

It was a bit awkward.

Master's compliment and everyone's praise.

I never thought I would hear such things.

They saw your true side.

Like I did long ago.

You're an amazing person.

Where did that come from?

You were praised all your life,

but you didn't waver at all.

This much is making me dizzy.

Are you afraid it will make you arrogant?

You won't be.

I guarantee that.

You are Jeong Dojeon.

Hurry.

Something must be wrong.

Northern Yuan took care of Goryeo

since it was a country of royal sons-in-law.

Your former king, Wangjeon, betrayed us

and joined hands with Ming established by Zhu Yuanzhang.

It is truly a tragedy.

Wangjeon is dead, so we will

overlook this matter.

However, Wangjeon has a son whose

birth right isn't clear.

We are sending Wang Go's grandson,

Toghtua Bukha as the king of Goryeo, so kneel and welcome him.

If you refuse to accept him, our army will retaliate.

How dare they?

They want to change our king?

We were going to seek friendly relations with such atrocious people?

We need to stabilize the border areas.

I will appoint Im Gyeongmin as the deputy commander of Seogyeong and

Ji Yun as the Commander of Seobukmyeon

to prepare for an attack by Northern Yuan.

Do so.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Killing the Ming envoys and now this.

Kim Ui should be rewarded well.

You have a great servant.

Will this really result in friendly relations

with Northern Yuan?

Don't you trust me?

It's not that.

It just seems like we're tightening a noose around our necks.

If a battle breaks out,

we will become enemies with Northern Yuan.

Whether we become enemies or neighbors

will be up to you again.

What do you mean?

Send word to Kim Ui.

Tell him we need another letter from Northern Yuan.

Another one?

This will be the last one.

I won't forget your contribution.

What should be written this time?

Isn't it strange?

Northern Yuan is busy fighting against Ming.

Why does it want to start a battle against us?

I'm sure it was a ruse by Lee Inim.

He wouldn't...

Ming has to make a move.

If it attacks Yodong,

the Northern Yuan army will withdraw.

We need to request Ming's help.

Is there anyone who could go as an envoy?

A minister has to go,

but nobody on the Supreme Council would.

A secret envoy?

I can't go as an official envoy with my rank.

Send me as a secret envoy.

I won't be able to see the emperor,

but I should be able to relay the urgency of this situation to Ming's Ministry of War.

Please give your approval.

Jeong Dojeon as a secret envoy?

There isn't any movement by Northern Yuan yet?

No, sir.

Border of Seobukmyeon, Goryeo (today's Pyeongan-do area)

General! General!

General!

What is it?

People claiming to be envoys of

Northern Yuan sent this.

What is it?

What is this?

It's a letter from Northern Yuan.

How can this be?

What does it say?

If we agree to friendly relations now,

they will recognize His Majesty's throne

and withdraw their army. Look.

Your Highness, this offer must be accepted.

What are you hesitating for?

If you refuse, there will be battle.

Vice-chancellor.

Can we trust this?

Of course. Northern Yuan envoys are requesting to enter Goryeo at

the border of Seobukmyeon.

They are coming to guarantee this.

Your Highness.

Bring them to Gaegyeong.

You made a truly wise decision.

Who should greet them?

Leave that to me.

I have someone in mind.

Do as you wish.

You have to visit rural areas for two months?

Yes.

You are in charge of the king's rites.

Isn't that a long time to leave your post?

Take good care of everything while I'm gone.

Sir! Sir!

What is it?

Well... Over there.

What a humble house.

What brings you here?

I came to give you a royal order.

Why did you bring it in person?

That's how urgent it is.

Do you plan to accept it standing?

This is an order for Jeong Dojeon, supervisor of rites.

You are being ordered to go to

Seobukmyeon to greet the envoys from Northern Yuan and escort them to Gaegyeong.

What are you up to?

Stay on your knees.

What are you up to?