Original subtitles

Give the order.

I, Choi Yeong, will lead an army

and attack Yodong.

Please give your approval.

You want to attack Yodong?

I will destroy the government building

of Ming in Yodong.

That will stop Ming from trying to

take our territory again.

We can't do that.

It is unjust of Ming to demand that

we hand over the land north of Cheollyeong,

but we will be in greater danger is

we try to settle this with force.

You want to just hand over the land?

I'm just saying military force isn't the best solution.

The emperor is acting like a thief.

What other way is there?

Sir.

Your Majesty.

We shouldn't rush to make a decision

in this situation.

The council should discuss...

Is there going to be any other way?

We will only be giving them time to

prepare for an attack.

Chancellor.

Your Majesty, make a decision.

I'm going to have to think about it.

Your Majesty!

That's it for now.

Your Majesty!

February, 1388.

A territorial dispute arose between

Goryeo and Ming.

The land north of Cheollyeong was

taken by Yuan at one time,

but king Gongmin recovered it.

Scholars have different opinions on

where that area is today.

Ming claimed dominium over the land

and Goryeo felt into confusion.

Episode 24

The Ming emperor can't claim

the land belongs to Ming just because

Yuan ruled over it for a while.

It's because Ming is taking us lightly

and looking down on us.

They are reaching.

We made so many efforts until now

to gain Ming's favor.

This is how it is between countries.

If you take away all the flowery words,

only one remains.

What is that?

Power.

Power?

We should attack Yodong.

We have to scare Zhu Yuanzhang,

so he can't make absurd demands.

It's excessive to attack Yodong.

Why not?

Do you think we can't conquer Yodong?

King Gongmin conquered Dongnyeongbu.

I'm sure we could take the fortress.

So, why do you say it's excessive?

Yuan was a setting sun,

but Ming is different.

It was only founded 20 years ago.

There are still rebellions and

they are fighting foreign enemies.

Even if we occupy Yodong,

they couldn't send reinforcements

from the Central Plain.

Maybe not right away,

but a huge army will come.

Listen to me.

We have to send an envoy and

settle this with talks.

I told you it's useless.

Sir.

You know my temper.

I'd like to cut off Zhu Yuanzhang's head.

But we have to endure as much as we can.

Sending an envoy is the right thing to do.

I will never accept his demand.

We might be seeking different solutions,

but everyone agrees on that.

Since we don't know what Ming will do,

I will send soldiers to Seobukmyeon.

We will make repairs of the fortress walls.

Do that.

Vice-chancellor, make sure that

people can be drafted when needed.

Yes, sir.

What are you going to do about Ming?

Let's send an envoy.

Then as I said before, I will go.

No. I'm sending Park Uijung.

Nobody knows Ming better

than Jeong Mongju.

You want to send someone else?

There are many people who can go.

That's it for today's meeting.

Sir.

Thank you.

That's a relief.

Choi Yeong saved your life.

Don't joke about it.

Why are you so upset?

He thinks he has to go to

convince the emperor.

I don't think Choi Yeong wants to

change the emperor's mind.

What do you mean?

I'm just saying.

Choi Yeong can be very stubborn.

It's strange he gave in so easily.

What could he do?

His Majesty was against it.

Please approve of attacking Yodong.

You sent an envoy. Why?

That was only to make Ming feel safe.

If we attack now, we can take Yodong.

How will you handle the consequences?

Please trust me.

I will make sure Ming never looks down

on Goryeo again.

Please stop.

You're making me nervous.

Your Majesty!

How can you call yourself

king Gongmin's son?

Chancellor.

The former king killed traitors and

drove Yuan out.

We are about to lose what he accomplished.

Why do you want to sit by and

Let that happen?

Just stop.

I'm going to keep coming.

Show the spirit of a king of Goryeo.

Don't worry too much.

Buddha will look over us.

Everything will turn out well.

What would father have done?

What?

I heard he was a hero when he was young.

What would he have done if he was alive?

He passed away. This is your country.

You shouldn't make comparisons.

Is it my country?

So, why is Zhu Yuanzhang demanding

we hand over our land?

If it's my country...

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I peed.

Your Majesty.

You yelled at me and told me to

give an order like a king.

Your Majesty.

Do you know what I said?

I said spare me.

I peed in my pants.

Hurray for His Majesty!

Hurray for His Majesty!

Hurray! Hurray!

I heard what the eunuchs said.

They said the former king's son

would never be like that.

They said I wasn't his son.

Your Majesty, don't say that.

Why not?

It's the most popular rumor among

the people at the market.

What do you think?

I never doubted that you were

king Gongmin's son.

How can you be so sure?

I served him for 23 years.

Do you think I can't recognize his blood?

Is his blood really flowing in me?

Don't listen to rumors.

You have the former king's blood.

You are definitely his son.

Let's do it.

Attack Yodong.

Your Majesty, thank you.

Let's see how far we can go.

What bad luck.

I made some rice balls.

Eat it when you get hungry.

Ma'am.

You're not going to die.

Where are you going?

You have to be healthy.

I asked you were you're going.

He was ordered to work on repairs

at Hanyangsanseong.

Hanyangsanseong?

Why are you sending citizens to Hanyangsanseong?

It isn't enough just with the soldiers.

I'm saying you should make repairs

in Seobukmyeon, not Hanyang.

The people in the palace probably

want to take refuge there if there is a war.

Don't be absurd.

All I know is that the chancellor

gave the order.

Where is he?

He went hunting in Gyodong.

Hunting?

He must have time to hunt.

Sir.

Sambong.

Something's wrong.

An order was given to check

all the royal carriages.

All of them?

Yes.

Even the carriages for the prince

and all the queens.

This never happened before.

Repairs are being made at Hanyangsanseong, too.

They're making preparations to take refuge.

Sir.

Welcome.

How did you know I was here?

What is going on?

I'm doing a military inspection.

Why didn't I know about this?

I couldn't tell anyone yet.

Don't be too upset.

What can't you tell?

I'm going to attack Yodong.

Sir.

I didn't want Ming to find out

for as long as possible.

I'm sorry.

An apology isn't going to solve everything.

Why are you acting freely?

Stop it.

It's what I wanted.

Your Majesty.

It was my decision.

Don't blame the chancellor.

But, Your Majesty...

Stop. It's already been decided.

Please listen to me.

I said stop!

I'd like to see the soldiers.

Yes, Your Majesty.

They have strong spirits and great martial arts skills.

Each soldier could fight a thousand men.

They are the descendants of Goguryeo.

Yes, of course.

Is it true that His Majesty and the

chancellor are preparing to attack Yodong?

Yes.

Why didn't you tell us?

I just found out today.

You're the vice-chancellor.

You should know that much.

Panbusa.

Stop it.

We're not here to fight.

What will we do?

You can't attack Yodong.

I don't want to argue with you, so leave.

What are you thinking?

We're talking about Ming.

Do you just want to hand over the land?

We sent an envoy.

If Ming finds out we're preparing

for battle, the envoy will die and

there won't be any talks.

It's not a problem an envoy can solve.

I said move.

Do you want this country to fall?

Quiet!

Listen to us!

Your misjudgment is bringing about

the ruin of 500-year-old Goryeo.

You!

Lock him up in prison right now!

Yes, sir!

Doeun!

Lee Sungin was taken to Sungeumbu

for criticizing Choi Yeong to his face.

Lee Jwaseong was also locked up

for demonstrating at Choi Yeong's house.

He was beaten and he's unconscious.

He didn't commit a serious crime.

They beat him for opposing?

It's to set an example.

This way, people won't be able to

oppose the attack so easily.

Choi Yeong has his mind set on it.

Sir.

You have to gather an opposing opinion.

The country is facing a crisis.

I'm not sure what is right.

Ming is strong and we're weak,

so it's right that we don't fight.

But Ming is acting like a thief.

It doesn't seem right to just sit here

and wait for the envoy.

Sir.

I really don't know.

You put Lee Sungin and

Lee Jasong in prison?

Yes.

Good.

We shouldn't allow any opposition.

I feel relieved after seeing

the soldiers today.

Please trust me.

I wouldn't have started if it was

a fight we were going to lose.

Never mind everything else.

It felt good to yell at Lee Seonggye.

He's just worried about the country.

Don't let it bother you too much.

Actually, I was afraid.

The way he looked at me.

It made my heart shrink.

I tried to not let it show.

Your Majesty.

It's not just Lee Seonggye.

I'm afraid of everyone.

I didn't feel this way when

Gwangpyeonggun was here.

I will protect you.

Just trust me.

Chancellor.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'm going to have to entrust myself to you.

What do you mean?

You have a daughter who isn't married?

I have a daughter I had at an old age.

I'd like her to be my queen.

Your Majesty.

Become my father-in-law.

That is out of the question.

Why is it out of the question?

I am the chancellor of Goryeo.

Becoming a royal relative won't do

any good for this country and its future.

That's upsetting to hear.

I am going to die as your servant.

I could shave my hair and become a monk,

but I can't be your father-in-law.

I bet everything because I trust you.

I decided to fight Ming.

Even father didn't dream of that.

Can't you even honor one small wish that I have?

Your Majesty.

I'm asking you.

Do as I ask.

Your Majesty.

Why do you look worried?

Did something happen at the council?

Honey.

I'm sorry.

I'll tell you later.

Sir, Choi Yeong is here.

You must have been really upset.

The people in prison.

Can you release them now?

I'm sorry, but no.

Don't you know it's excessive?

I know.

But if they are released,

other people will oppose.

They will have to sacrifice for

a greater cause right now.

Sir.

Why do you want to go by yourself?

Isn't it better to go together

even if it's a little slower?

I might have if I was your age.

But I'm seventy-four.

This is my last chance.

Last chance?

My country suffered from invasions

and tribute payments.

It's a chance for Goryeo to rise.

It's a chance to get rid of defeatism.

I hope you understand.

I came to tell you something.

What is it?

I'm sure there will be criticism,

but I thought I should let you know first.

Why are you stalling?

It's alright. Just go ahead.

Actually...

This is embarrassing.

I think I will become His Majesty's

father-in-law.

I refused, but...

Congratulations.

Will you criticize me for being greedy?

No.

I sincerely congratulate you.

Thank you.

Let's drink.

Sungin is being exiled?

They can't exile him just because

he was against attacking Yodong.

Choi Yeong accused him of a crime.

What crime?

He accused him of being a member of

Lee Inim's party.

How can this be?

A more serious problem is...

Lee Jasong was tortured and he died.

I'm going to go to Choi Yeong.

Doeun Lee Sungin might be

related to Lee Inim by blood,

but he was exiled for trying to impeach him.

Why are you saying he is a member of Lee Inim's party?

That was the result of the interrogation.

You should leave.

You are His Majesty's father-in-law and

a leader of the court.

You should be fair and just.

I told you to leave.

Sir.

I know you're doing this to prevent

opposition regarding the attack on Yodong.

You're mistaken if you think

the gentry will remain silent.

Cancel his exile.

Are you claiming that we should

kneel to Ming?

Sir.

The submission you insisted on

made Zhu Yuanzhang more arrogant.

It is the reason why this happened.

You should reflect on that.

Don't put blame on others.

It was a result of Ming's greed.

Our policy of being submissive wasn't the problem.

This happened because of hostility

and distrust between the two countries.

Were you and your party ever loyal

to the policy of submission?

Quiet!

Why should a Goryeo person have to serve another country?

It is the principle of a weak country

surviving among strong countries.

No country is strong or weak forever.

Forget about submission.

I don't want to fight about that right now.

One thing is for sure.

This matter has to be settled peacefully

with diplomatic means.

The Confucian scholars and gentry

will stop this attack no matter what.

Quiet!

Chancellor.

What is it?

You need to go to the conference hall.

We are concerned with the attack

that is being planned.

Why?

Ming drove Yuan out and suppressed

adjacent countries.

How can we attack such a powerful country first?

You want to just hand over our land?

An envoy is going to Ming.

We should wait and see what happens.

Why are you talking like the gentry?

Chancellor.

How can you call yourselves military men of Goryeo?

We could lose all of Goryeo,

not just the land north of Cheollyeong.

What will you do then?

Don't be in such a rush.

Respect the opinion of your party members.

It looks like the attack won't take place.

It's because the military men opposed.

Choi Yeong wavered because

his own men were against it.

Is an envoy going to solve this?

I'm worried about that, too.

The Ming emperor is very greedy.

Even if he gives up the land,

he will expect more in tribute payments.

Why are you worried?

You should be happy.

What do you mean?

Goryeo has to be in distress

for your cause to be achieved.

Don't worry.

I won't tell anyone.

Sir.

What is it?

Envoys from Ming are here.

They are?

You came a long way.

I am Wang Deming, centurion of Yodong.

I am here to let you know that

Cheollyeong Commandery is being established.

Cheollyeong Commandery?

Commandery is a military

organization of Ming.

With the governor as the leader,

there are five chiliarchies under it.

One commandery has about 500-600 soldiers.

They're establishing that on

the land north of Cheollyeong?

They already set up seventy posts

on the road to Cheollyeong.

It's already been established.

The Ming emperor wasn't just

trying to intimidate us.

He's holding up a sword to us.

We can forget about talks.

This is going to be difficult.

The land north of Cheollyeong is Goryeo territory.

Why is the emperor establishing

Cheollyeong Commandery there?

It is land that was ruled by Yuan.

Ming drove out Yuan,

so the land belongs to Ming.

Yuan stole that land from us.

Since we settled in the East,

it has been our territory.

That is only your claim.

Look here, that land is our land!

It is our land!

The establishment of Cheollyeong

Commandery is an invasion of our territory.

Nobody will be against

attacking Yodong now.

Oh, dear.

We have no choice.

Vice-chancellor, what will we do?

There is no other way now.

Village near Amnokgang

Kill them all!

How dare they?

The soldiers defending Seobukmyeon

fought against Ming soldiers

who were putting up notices.

They killed twenty-one soldiers

including the enemy leader.

They fought well.

You can go now.

Yes, sir.

There's nothing we can do.

We passed a point of no return.

We have no choice now.

We should attack Yodong.

Where is the vice-chancellor?

Get up!

Hurry up.

What are you doing? Hurry!

Hurry!

That's not how you use a pickax.

Watch.

Did you see?

You're amazing.

They'll get busier now that

the weather is warmer.

My husband didn't attend council?

You didn't know?

No.

You don't know where he is?

He didn't say anything to me.

I think he is thinking.

What do you mean?

About attacking Yodong.

That matter has already been decided.

He can't take action without belief.

I'm sure he's thinking about it.

We have a war footing and

draft orders have been given.

I will raise an army and go to Yodong.

How big will it be?

At least 50,000 and 100,000 at most.

50,000 to 100,000?

I will use all of my experience in

choosing the soldiers.

Don't worry about anything.

His Majesty, the vice-chancellor is here.

Lee Seonggye?

Have him come in.

Show him in.

I'm glad you're here.

I was worried because you didn't

come to the council meeting.

I'm sorry.

I was about to call you.

Yodong has to be conquered soon.

Support the chancellor well.

Is that understood?

Why don't you answer me?

Vice-chancellor.

I dare to say this.

We cannot attack Yodong.

Please reconsider.

What did you just say?

I said we cannot attack Yodong.

Are you in your right mind?

We cannot...

Attack Yodong.

Lee Seonggye!