Original subtitles

Episode 20

Vice-chancellor. Episode 20

Vice-chancellor.

Is it true that you have tuberculosis?

I asked you a question!

Show him out.

Yes, sir.

Leave right now.

Please calm down.

Tell me.

Did you lie to me?

Yes.

What about it?

What?

You wouldn't have agreed to resign if

you knew I was ill.

Let me be clear.

You didn't resign because of a lie.

You resigned because you failed to manage state affairs properly.

Quiet!

Do you think your crime will be

covered up with such loquacity?

I only used deceit to achieve my goal.

When it comes to a victory,

it isn't a crime to use deceit as a strategy

whether it's in battle or in curt.

Why should I be criticized for that?

Aren't you ashamed to be

a top minister of this country?

Why are you being so pathetic?

You are a defeated general.

Quietly leave.

What?

A defeated general?

I will overlook this rudeness.

Quiet!

You!

Vice-chancellor!

What are you doing?

This isn't your concern.

He is the national father of Goryeo!

Please calm down.

You can't behave like this

to Gwangpyeonggun.

I will not forget this humiliation.

Are you alright?

I'm alright.

You did well.

Really well.

Choi Yeong appeared with excellent timing.

Are you upset?

How can I not be?

Hang in there a little while longer.

It will be over soon.

Will Choi Yeong be able to

fight Gwangpyeonggun?

He lost his power.

An old eagle is better than a young crow.

He is Choi Yeong.

There is going to be some noise in court

when Lee Inim's illness becomes known.

Choi Yeong will have a chance to

counterattack soon.

We haven't met in a while.

Stay for a drink.

People say I'm a fool who abandoned

my pride for an official position.

They will think it is strange if you

welcomed me in your home at this late hour.

Just consider it as a visit for a bribe.

Still, I should treat a guest well.

Bangwon, bring us some wine.

Yes, father.

You didn't solve the riddle yet?

I solved it.

The answer is the well-field system, right?

It wasn't an easy riddle to solve.

You're really amazing.

No, no.

Poeun told me the answer.

Is that so?

He said it wasn't practical for

our current reality.

Is that true?

It doesn't suit Goryeo,

but it will work in the new country

I am going to create.

You must become the king of that country.

I was hoping you wouldn't talk about the cause today.

Stop talking about that.

How have you been?

You didn't go to sleep yet?

Why did you drink with the Namyang governor?

He is a guest.

I should welcome him.

Why are you calling someone who came

to beg for a position a guest?

People speak ill of him.

You shouldn't be close with him.

Who knows?

He could transform

a monster serpent in a stream into a dragon.

What are you talking about?

I'm saying you shouldn't despise

a person just from his appearance.

We should go to sleep.

I'll have some water brought for your bedside.

It will work in the new country

I am going to create.

You must become the king of that country.

Choi Yeong must return to court.

He resigned on his own volition.

His resignation is not valid.

Why not?

Gwangpyeonggun made him resign

by giving a false reason.

He kept his illness hidden because

it would make public sentiments unstable

if it became known.

Don't distort it like that.

It goes against political morals.

The general must return.

Im Gyeonmi has already been

appointed as the yeongsamsasa.

We can't change official positions

as if we're exchanging goods.

We can give him a position that is open.

Listen.

We are eliminating positions as it is.

We can't create new positions right now.

This is absurd.

It's like talking to a wall.

Let's leave.

Ooh!

What do you think you're doing?

Are they looking down on the yeongsamsasa?

You should learn how to convince people

instead of just fighting all the time.

You are the leader of the court now!

Hey, Ha Ryun!

Just look at him.

I don't understand.

How did Choi Yeong find out?

Have someone watch Choi Yeong.

Someone could be helping him.

How about Lee Seonggye?

He didn't return to Dongbukmyeon yet?

He's staying for a while to build

a monument for his father, Lee Jachun.

He was a member of Choi Yeong's political party at one time.

Would it be alright to give him the task?

Let's do that to check his loyalty.

Im Gyeonmi said I should watch Choi Yeong?

Yes.

I'm sure they're trying to test you,

so you have to do it.

This is getting pathetic.

Remember what uncle Sambong said.

It will be over soon.

I will pay him back.

How about meeting His Majesty and asking to return to court?

Do you think he would approve?

We will gather forces.

Nobody is showing it,

but most military men are in rage.

Except for Lee Seonggye.

We are going to refuse to attend

the council starting tomorrow.

It's a bit early to act as a group.

The time will come.

You'll miss the chance if you put it off.

We'll create the atmosphere.

Meet His Majesty and settle this.

Who's there?

Confess now.

Who ordered you to spy on him?

He looks familiar.

Aren't you Bangwon's aide?

Bangwon? Lee Seonggye's son?

Lee Seonggye, come out.

I said come out!

What brings you here at this hour?

Is this how you feel?

Why can't you answer me?

I thought of you as a son.

I asked you if this is how you feel.

I am sorry.

I know you are serving Gwangpyeonggun,

but this isn't right.

You should maintain some trust as

a general of Goryeo.

I said I am sorry.

I will not see you again.

Can I fully trust him now?

Choi Yeong didn't seem to know

he got caught on purpose.

Then Lee Inim wouldn't know either.

What will happen now?

The old tiger will be full of spite and

the old fox will put down his guard.

If the wind blows, it will rain now.

Your Majesty, did you order us

to fill up the royal repository?

That's right. Why are you so surprised?

Well, we couldn't fill it up even if

we tried everywhere in the country.

I didn't tell you to collect taxes.

I'm telling you to give up some of

your personal goods.

Do I have to spell it out for you?

Father did that even if I didn't ask.

Why are you so cold-hearted?

We might have more than others,

but we can't fill up the repository.

Are you saying you won't do it?

I am the king of this country.

Does it make sense that I can't hold banquets because there is no money?

I am sorry, Your Majesty.

But you should consider reducing royal events

in consideration of these difficult times.

Stop it.

How do you think you got all the goods

in your storage? Why are you being so petty?

I will discuss it with the other servants.

Give us a few more days.

Discuss it? You make it sound like

you're donating to charity.

You misunderstood me, Your Majesty.

I don't want to hear it. Leave!

Your Majesty.

I said leave!

I will talk to Im Gyeonmi

and Yeom Heungbang.

It isn't because they lack loyalty.

They just lack experience as ministers.

Don't be too angry with them.

How is your illness?

It's much better.

I feel I could get up tomorrow and

attend the council.

Father.

I'm alright.

Darn. I lost half my goods.

There's always someone who's better.

His Majesty turned out to be like that.

It was a lot of work to gather my wealth.

What can we do? Since we lost half,

we'll have to gather more.

Now that this happened...

I'll have to teach him a good lesson.

Him? Who?

Jo Ban for telling Choi Yeong

I took his land.

I'm going to have to get that land back.

It is the richest land in Baekju.

Baekju (Today's Baecheon-gun, Hwanghae-do)

That's a good spot.

Feed the horses well, but keep them away

from the farmers' fields.

Is that understood?

Yes.

Move!

Sir! Sir!

Sir!

Stop!

You look like servants.

What are you doing?

Servants? Do you want a beating

from a servant?

How arrogant.

Who is your master?

Samsajwasa and sangmanho,

Yeom Heungbang.

Now that you know, get lost.

You!

Leave before I call government officials.

You keep yelling at me.

You're an official of Goryeo.

Just look at you.

You should have just fed the horses.

Why did you interfere?

Did you get me out?

Yes. Half of my annual pay

went to Yeom Heungbang.

Thank you.

I'd like to talk to you.

Some other time.

Are you going to Lee Gwang?

Move.

I'm going to cut off his head.

Do you think you can get away with that?

I'll think about that after I die.

The world is crazy.

I don't care about my life.

Fool.

Move.

I don't want to fight with you.

Let go.

Is your life worth so little that you want to

exchange it for that good-for-nothing?

Yes, it's only worth that much.

I'm like that.

Forget about political parties and

don't show up again!

If you're going to kill someone, kill someone with more power.

Not him.

Kill the source of evil.

I'm going to kill Yeom Heungbang

after I kill him.

No, someone with more power.

You mean Lee Inim?

There is someone more powerful,

more vicious and more cruel.

Who am I supposed to kill?

This crazy world.

I mean damned Goryeo.

Sambong.

You have to do that much to

be worth being a real man.

That was the monster you spoke of?

You finally understand.

How did you pass the state exam?

I'm going to give the people

a proper country.

If you want to change the world with me,

come and see me.

Stop joking around.

You could die if people hear.

You mean it?

Think about it.

I won't force you.

Sambong.

How can you trust me?

You're a lot like someone I knew.

That's why I trust you.

Who?

The person you wanted to be like

when you were at Sungkyunkwan.

You kneeled to Lee Inim and begged

to become a member of his political party.

I must have been crazy?

Crazy?

I wanted to be like you at one time.

I'd like you to guard the palace

while you're in the capital.

The palace?

With me being sick, His Majesty

and the others are nervous.

Don't use your soldiers.

Use the ones in position now.

Will you do it?

I will.

This is why relatives are good.

They can be trusted.

I was worried since Gwangpyeonggun

became ill.

I'm relieved that Lee Seonggye will be

guarding the palace.

Your Highness.

The royal doctor visited Gwangpyeonggun with His Majesty.

His illness isn't getting better.

Tuberculosis isn't a light illness.

I'm worried it could be serious.

Your Majesty, you had a lot to drink.

Listen.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What do you think Im Gyeonmi and

Yeom Heungbang will do if

something happens to father?

What do you mean?

They are greedy and heartless.

They're submissive to father now,

but if father is gone,

they will act as if they own this world.

This won't do.

Prepare to go out.

Are you dressed warm?

Yes, general.

Your Majesty, are you going somewhere?

Why are you asking where I'm going?

You shouldn't ask such things.

I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

I'm not familiar with the ways of

the palace yet.

Everyone is suspicious.

He's the only person I can trust

other than father.

Your Majesty, what brings you to

my humble home?

I just stopped by.

You must be suffering.

Father was a bit mischievous.

I was incapable.

Who can I blame?

I'm just upset that I can't support you

in these difficult times.

I miss your nagging.

Father is really ill and I'm not happy

with Im Gyeonmi and Yeom Heungbang.

Life is no fun.

Your Majesty.

Will you go with me when I go hunting?

Hunting?

You know, hunting.

Chasing and killing.

Hunting.

Sharpen your sword since

I might be calling you soon.

His Majesty met Choi Yeong?

Yes.

Are you waiting for the right time?

What brings you here again?

I told you a huge secret.

You're keeping quiet.

I was curious.

Leave if you have nothing more to say.

I have one more thing to tell you.

Jo Ban's land was taken again and

he was beaten by Lee Gwang.

If you are looking for a justification to counterattack,

I thought this might help.

I'll get going then.

Stop.

Are you trying to become a member of my political party?

There is a dream I want to achieve.

It would be easier to achieve if

you were in power than Gwangpyeonggun.

You should go.

Bring me my horse.

I am going to ask His Majesty

for forgiveness.

Yes, sir!

Uncle.

Jo Ban killed Yeom Heungbang's servant,

Lee Gwang.

What was the reason?

Yeom Heungbang took his land again.

Uncle.

Call Yeom Heungbang and Im Gyeonmi.

Right now!

Yes.

He's going to have a fit.

It's just a simple murder.

It's not a matter for him to get angry.

Is that what you really think?

Sir.

Have a seat.

Jo Ban killed your servant?

Yes.

The royal guards arrested him.

He is being taken to prison.

He will be executed when he confesses,

so don't worry.

He can't be executed like that.

A former minister committed a murder.

Choi Yeong won't just sit by.

Your corruption will be revealed.

You will be impeached.

Even if you're not...

You will both lose authority.

That will be frustrating for me.

What can we do?

Make sure nobody can get involved.

Make it a conspiracy for treason.

Uncle.

That's forcing it too much.

That's why you should do it!

It will scare people more.

No matter how nice a minister is,

he has to be crazy when he wants to

show his power. Understand?

Yes, sir. We'll get to work right now.

I'm not done.

Choi Yeong has to be behind it.

He ordered it because he had

a grudge over losing his power.

Treason?

Former miljiksasa Jo Ban plotted treason.

Yeom Heungbang arrested him.

He is being taken to prison.

Jo Ban? The envoy to Ming?

Yes. He was going to assassinate you

using the New Year visit as an excuse.

Yeom Heungbang had his servant spy on him.

He was discovered by Jo Ban and killed.

Why did Jo Ban do such a thing?

He is being interrogated.

We will soon find out who was behind

this conspiracy.

Master! Master!

What's all the commotion about?

There has been treason.

Treason?

What's going on?

Hojeong.

Is it true that Jo Ban plotted treason?

You're on the council. You must know.

Tell us.

I have nothing to say.

It has to be a plot.

It's a scheme to cover up

Yeom Heungbang's corruption and

create fear among the people.

Choi Yeong is in danger.

What?

I have to see your father.

Let's go.

It happened because the court is

in confusion since Choi Yeong resigned.

I'm sure he is the target.

Isn't it going overboard to tie

Choi Yeong to Jo Ban?

General.

Before Jo Ban killed Lee Gwang,

I went to Choi Yeong and told him to meet Jo Ban.

If he did and Jo Ban did this after they met,

Choi Yeong will be accused of treason.

General!

What are you doing?

I have to see Choi Yeong.

Be prudent.

All our efforts could go to waste.

Never mind all that.

What's most important right now is to

save Choi Yeong.

You have to be calm to do that.

We still have time.

Bangwon.

Yes, father.

Send someone to Hamju.

Whoa.

We can go by ourselves from here.

You should return to Hamju.

Seonggye won't be happy with that.

There are many bandits here.

I'll go a little further with you.

If I had my way,

I would go to Ming with you.

Maybe next time.

But you have to be prepared for anything

if you want to go to Ming.

The worst that could happen is I'd die.

General!

General!

What brings you here?

This is from the province governor.

A letter?

I haven't seen him in a while.

He must miss me.

What is it?

It's nothing.

He wants me to run an errand.

I have to go.

Have a nice trip.

I said it was treason.

Nobody on the council caused a problem

not even His Majesty.

They're not claiming that Choi Yeong

be put back on the council anymore.

Jo Ban seems to have changed

his mind a bit after being tortured.

He should give up Choi Yeong soon.

I can't believe everything is

going so smoothly.

Sir.

What is it?

I received word from the palace.

Choi Yeong entered the palace.

What?

Sir.

There is no future for the country if Yeom Heungbang and Im Gyeonmi

aren't eliminated.

I will establish a basis for a cause by killing Lee Gwang.

Please let His Majesty know.

Jo Ban wrote this?

Yes. After killing Lee Gwang,

he was going to beg for your forgiveness

and reveal Yeom Heungbang's crimes.

He never plotted treason.

I thought it was strange.

How dare they deceive me?

I will eliminate them.

Give me the order to arrest them.

Well...

I know you're brave,

but they have a lot of power.

Can you beat them?

I'll take them by surprise.

There is a good chance.

That's not good enough.

If you fail, it will affect me.

You were the one who told me

to sharpen my sword.

The time is here. Why are you hesitating?

I wasn't in my right mind then.

This won't do.

Your Majesty, please trust me.

I can eliminate them.

I am going to burn this.

You should go.

Your Majesty.

What are you doing?

How dare you barge in here? Leave.

Your Majesty.

I am munhachanseongsa

and Dongbukmyeon province governor,

Lee Seonggye.

From this moment on, I will protect you

and this country with Choi Yeong.

What?

General Lee.

I will gather my private soldiers and

eliminate Lee Inim, Im Gyeonmi and

Yeom Heungbang.

Please give me your approval.