Original subtitles

Jeong Dojeon

Jeong Dojeon

We cannot

attack Yodong.

Lee Seonggye!

We cannot attack?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Why not?

First of all, a small country

should not attack a big country.

Geum drove Song south of Changjiang

when it was a small country.

It was also the nomads of Mongolia

who brought Geum to its downfall.

The jurchen and Mongols did that.

Why couldn't we even attack Yodong?

Keep going.

Second, summer is a busy time for farming.

We must not raise an army in that time.

Third, if a large army goes to Yodong,

Japanese pirates will attack us.

Fourth, the rainy season will begin soon.

The glue of the hows will melt and

there will be epidemics.

We will be annihilated even before we fight.

We must not raise an army.

If we raise an army during farming season,

the enemy won't expect it.

We can leave a minimum number of

soldiers to defend against Japanese pirates.

Heat and rain are all bad conditions

like the enemy.

We cannot attack.

Are you saying

we should allow Zhu Yuanzhang

to establish the Cheollyeong Commandery?

What drove out the Zidan from Goryeo

wasn't a war.

It was Seo Hui's negotiation.

Park Uijung has been sent to Ming,

but you should send another envoy.

There are many loyal servants who could

put their lives on the line for Goryeo.

That isn't even worth discussing.

Sending an envoy will only lower our morale.

War is the last resort.

Be quiet!

Leave right now!

I will not allow any more reckless comments

even if they are from you.

Chancellor.

Do as he says.

Any more arguments on this matter

will be dealt with as mutiny.

I am saying this out of concern for you and this country.

How is it mutiny?

I don't want such loyalty.

I am betting my life on this.

Your Majesty.

You must know mutiny at a time of war

is punished by death.

If you don't want to lose your head,

no, if you are truly a loyal servant,

be submissive.

Your Majesty, please reconsider.

Episode 25

Seonggye.

How did it go?

Tell me.

Seonggye.

Our country is going to be ruined.

Ruined?

Did you see that?

I scared him away.

He couldn't say a single word.

I wish my father could have seen this.

Why do you have a sword by your bed?

I can't sleep without it.

I keep seeing father in my dream.

Your Majesty.

He must be reprimanding me,

so I won't lose the land he recovered.

You had a nightmare because you are

exhausted from all this talk of war.

I will have them make a decoction.

It's alright.

I won't have any nightmares

once we conquer Yodong.

Shouldn't you appoint the leaders of the army?

Choi Yeong is going to be

the commander-in-chief.

The problem is the Left Army commander

and the Right Army commander.

You will probably be given

one of those positions.

Would they give him soldiers

when he was so against this battle?

They will.

His reputation is high even in Ming.

The fact that you're going to war

will pressure the soldiers in itself.

During king Gongmin's reign,

you have experience of attacking

Yodong which was part of Yuan territory.

Do you remember that?

We swept them all away from

Orosanseong to Yodongseong.

Why are you bringing that up?

Sambong, why are you so quiet?

What can I say?

You should lie in bed.

I will get a doctor to say you're sick.

You don't want me to go to war?

This battle can't be won with

the power Goryeo has right now.

Even if we take Yodong, the army will

lack rations and have to retreat.

Ming will gain power and

we will have to negotiate again.

The generals who attacked will be

sacrificed during the negotiations.

Just take to bed.

I can't do such a thing.

I don't want to.

If you can avoid war,

Ming will see you as pro-Ming

since you were against this war.

When all this is over,

you will be trusted by Zhu Yuanzhang

and have the most power in Goryeo.

You want me to be Zhu Yuanzhang's dog?

Zhu Yuanzhang doesn't trust Goryeo.

Make him a friend of your cause.

What?

You can retaliate against him

after we achieve the cause.

I said I don't want to hear that.

I said I wouldn't seek any cause.

You should be a hit more honest now.

What?

Don't hide the ambitions in your heart.

You are just as passionate about

the cause as I am.

Stop tempting me.

I would rather die in Yodong than become a traitor.

Make your choice.

Do you want Yodong to be your grave?

Or will you endure a little discomfort

and achieve the cause to save the people?

I'm a general of Goryeo.

You are the center of our cause.

This is the last time

I'm going to be patient with you.

Remember that.

The commander-in-chief, Choi Yeong.

Commander of the Left Army, Jo Minsu.

Commander of the Right Army,

Lee Seonggye-

I trust your courage and loyalty.

I, Lee Seonggye, will fight with

everything in my power.

Lee Seonggye's opposition against battle

was not accepted.

Early lunar April, 1588.

An army was formed to attack Yodong.

With Choi Yeong in command and

Jo Minsu and Lee Seonggye supporting him,

all the famous generals were sent

including Lee jiran, Byeon Anryeol,

Bae Geukryeom, jeong ji and Park Wi.

Battle couldn't be avoided now.

It's like a pie in the sky.

That's how it turned out.

What do you mean?

Your hunting dog has to go to battle.

There's no guarantee that he will live.

We don't know when he will return either.

Make frequent reports to me on

what happens to him there.

I will.

Are you still seeking the cause?

Uncle won't give up over this.

Bangwon.

Did you know?

The cause is facing a difficulty.

What is the next measure?

I told you it's not your concern.

I am Lee Seonggye's son.

How am I just supposed to watch?

Because you're his son.

Be careful that selfish interests

don't get in the way of the cause.

What brings you here?

Father is heading to Seogyeong soon.

Aren't you going to see him?

They're having problems

gathering military rations.

Right. People just started

planting crops now.

We have to end this as soon as possible.

I'm worried about the soldiers' morale.

They have to fight against Ming.

Even the higher ranking soldiers are afraid.

That will change when Choi Yeong

and I take the lead.

You should go back in.

Be careful.

It will be a tougher battle than Hwangsan.

Thank you.

Seonggye.

Over there.

Sambong.

I'll apologize for what happened before.

I'm sorry.

I understand how you feel.

It's nothing to apologize for.

When I return from Yodong,

let's join forces can turn Goryeo

into a fine country.

I'm sorry, but I'm not a Goryeo man.

I've already been living as a citizen of

the new country for years now.

I hope you learn a lot in this battle.

You told me to be honest.

Yes, I thought of being the king.

I thought about it a lot.

I have the power.

You want me to make me a king.

I wouldn't be a man if I didn't want that.

But...

If you exclude that greed,

there is no other reason for me to be a king.

I don't have a fine lineage.

I didn't learn a lot like you.

I don't have ideals.

I thought about it.

The only thing I can do is fight.

What would happen to that country...

If I become a king?

I was never meant to be a king.

When it comes to royal politics,

there is only one thing a king needs, virtue.

You are well qualified.

I still won't be a king.

It's not a position you can or cannot choose.

It's a position given by Heaven.

Heaven?

You must sit on the throne.

You will have no choice.

There is only one reason.

It is Heaven's will.

Don't go against that.

You and Goryeo can't coexist.

Be careful.

Who's there?

Is... Is anyone outside?

Who's there?

Your Majesty.

Please calm down. It's just me.

What is it?

The queens are ready.

Hanyangseong isn't that big.

It will be a little uncomfortable,

but you won't have to stay there for long.

Please take care of yourself.

Be strong.

I will.

Aren't you going with us?

I am going to Seogyeong to encourage

our army in battle.

Chancellor.

Yes, Your Highness.

We will trust you.

I will fight for my life.

I will bring back news of a victory.

Please don't worry.

You should get going.

You will meet again soon.

Don't be too sad.

I will end this battle quickly.

Chancellor.

Yes, Your Majesty.

There's something I have to tell you.

What do you mean?

You don't want me to go to Yodong?

You are old.

You should remain in Seogyeong with me.

You can leave the battle to

Jo Minsu and Lee Seonggye.

I can't do that.

How am I to send generals to battle

and remain in the rem'?

Japanese pirates might attack the capital.

Someone has to stop them.

I will leave another general.

It has to be you.

You have to stay by my side.

If I don't go to battle now,

the soldiers will lose morale.

They're nervous as at is.

Please cancel that order.

I told you to leave!

I'm really nervous.

Your Majesty.

It wasn't enough to see father.

I saw an assassin in my dream.

What do you think that means?

It is a sign someone is trying to harm me.

That is absurd.

It is exactly like it was then.

When father was assassinated,

you were in Tamna.

If you were in the capital then,

Hong Ryeon couldn't have imagined doing such a thing and

father wouldn't have died like that.

Your Majesty.

I'm afraid.

If you go to Yodong,

someone might have a traitorous mind.

I don't want to follow in my father's steps.

Leave Yodong to the other commanders

and protect me.

I don't think I will be able to go to battle with you.

Commander.

What are you talking about?

His Majesty seems to be worried that

all the great generals are going to Yodong.

I will catch up after he calms down a bit.

Go ahead and stay on schedule.

If you say so.

You can go.

Yes, sir.

The soldiers will be nervous.

I won't be long.

I was a bit excessive before.

Forgive me.

It's all in the past.

I'm sure you don't want to go to battle.

Thank you for accepting the position.

It's nothing to be thanked for.

I'm only abiding by a decision.

I thought about postponing it a bit,

but I didn't because I have you.

The fate of Goryeo depends on this battle.

I will trust you.

You and Goryeo can't coexist.

The soldiers will listen.

After this moment, Goryeo is no longer

a country that hows to the Ming emperor.

We are a country of emperors, too.

We will abandon the Ming's era name

and use an independent era name.

We will no longer be a feudal nation.

There won't be tributary payments.

There won't be any humiliation.

We are the sons of Goryeo who

inherited the fighting spirit of Goguryeo.

We will end a period of submission

and create a new history of victory!

Advance to Yodong where

the flag of Goryeo will hang!

Hurray for His Majesty!

Hurray!

Hurray for the Goryeo army!

Hurray!

Hurray!

Hurray!

Advance!

Lunar April 18, 1588.

The Goryeo army headed to Yodong.

There were 59,000 soldiers and

reinforcements of 12,000.

It was a huge army of over 50,000.

There were 22,000 horses.

It is no exaggeration to say

all of Goryeo's powers were gathered.

What did you say?

Why are you so surprised?

Choi Yeong didn't go to battle?

His Majesty wouldn't let him.

He is trying to convince His Majesty.

What's wrong?

Nothing. It's nothing.

Master.

I have a government position now.

Don't call me that.

Daesaseong.

Yes.

Gather the gentry officials.

His Majesty and Choi Yeong announced

that Goryeo would establish a new

era name and have an emperor.

The court and Supreme Council were

ordered to come up with measures.

This is an important matter for

the future of this country.

I wanted to hear your opinions.

That is a hit rash.

We can wait until we see

what happens in battle.

Even if we win this battle,

we have to be prudent.

There can't be two countries with emperors.

The minute Goryeo declares

its own era name and emperor,

battle won't end until one country falls.

Don't you have anything better to do?

The fate of this country will be decided

the minute the army crosses Amnokgang.

Why are you worried about what happens after that?

If you were that concerned,

you should have prevented this attack.

There wasn't a justification to stop it.

Isn't the fall of the country justification?

It wasn't a lack of justification.

You were afraid of Choi Yeong's rage.

Watch what you say.

How would you suggest we handle this?

There is only one way.

Prevent the army from crossing Amnokgang.

If you are truly worried about the future of this country,

you shouldn't be sitting around and just talking like this.

You should be going to Amnokgang

and stopping the army.

Soldiers already left with a royal order.

If we do that, it will be treason.

If it meant saving the country,

what would you do?

What?

If we can't stop the attack on Yodong,

I will agree to a new era name.

The country will fall any way.

At least the end should be grand.

Dongjeong!

You're being excessive.

Be careful what you say.

This is the worst situation.

It poured as soon as we left Seogyeong.

It's muddy everywhere.

The armor and shoes are wet and heavy.

The horses are exhausted.

We can't even travel 12 km a day.

What's wrong with this horse?

Get it up!

Hut two, hut two.

We're lacking rations as is, but they are rotting away.

Soldiers who drink bad water are falling out in dozens a day.

We are sleeping in the wind without tents.

More soldiers are going AWOL.

- Get them! - Yes, sir!

Those little...

It is the worst situation.

Is Heaven giving us a chance?

Wihwado, near Amnokgang

Darn.

We made it this far.

Yodong is across the river.

It will be battle when we cross the river.

The soldiers are exhausted from marching.

We should set up camp.

General Choi Yeong will have a fit.

We should just advance.

General Jo, we should set up camp and

send scouts to check out the enemy ground.

We're late as it is.

We should go when it stopped raining.

General!

General, we're in trouble.

What trouble?

The pontoon bridge to cross the river

was swept away in the rain.

What?

Darn.

We should set up camp here and

build another pontoon bridge.

We have no choice.

Let's do that.

Darn, it looks like it's going to rain again.

We'll have to set up camp quickly.

Yes.

General Choi Yeong said he would follow in a few days.

Why isn't there any word from him?

Your Majesty, the army is stuck at Wihwado.

I'm worried they will lose morale.

Let me go and encourage the soldiers.

I said no.

Your Majesty!

Don't think about leaving my side.

Your Majesty!

What is it?

Japanese pirates appeared

in jinpo and Chodo.

Oh...

Send the reserve forces in the capital.

Draft men from the Gyeonggi area.

Block Donggang and Seogang. Cut off all roads to the capital.

Yes, sir!

Your Majesty, it isn't a large number.

Don't worry too much.

It's not the Japanese pirates I'm afraid of.

I'm afraid you want to leave

when there is such chaos.

Your Majesty.

Don't go.

You can't go.

His Majesty sent gifts for

all your hard efforts.

He also ordered you to advance quickly.

We don't need wine glasses.

We need military rations.

We are doing our best to gather military rations,

so wait a little while.

How long are we supposed to sit here and wait?

How can an army run out of rations

before even arriving at the battleground?

You can get military rations in Yodong!

You want us to plunder rations?

We can't do that until we get to Yodong.

Bring us military rations to last until

the pontoon bridge is complete.

I said we're working on it.

Just be a little more patient.

Darn!

Gee...

Hurry "P!

If their armor gets wet,

they will be heavy and cold.

Right.

Who knows when it will rain again?

Dry the armor and check the weapons.

Yes.

Hurry "P!

Yes, sir!

Commander.

General.

General Jo Minsu is trying to cross

the river on a raft.

A raft?

How will all these soldiers

cross the river with a raft?

He's not trying to move the army.

He's going to plunder the village.

Plunder?

What a situation the Goryeo army is in.

Really.

We're not Japanese pirates.

Seonggye, look.

I'm mad as it is.

You dare to go AWOL?

AWOL is punishable by death.

They need to be punished.

Carry out the execution.

Yes, sir!

General Jo.

If you kill all these men,

the army will lose morale.

How about being generous and

making them do labor?

Did you say generous?

What if all the soldiers run away?

Who will you fight with?

We can guard them better and

find a way to raise morale.

If you continue like this,

the soldiers won't want to fight.

Look here.

Are you lecturing me or ordering me?

I'm not lecturing you or ordering you.

Move!

General Jo.

I said move.

This happened in the Left Army.

I'm the commander of the Left Army.

Carry out the execution.

Take the children and leave the capital?

I'm sorry, but you must.

Explain the situation.

I'll decide whether to go or not.

I'm not sure, but your life could be

in danger soon.

We could be in danger?

That's right.

Why?

Our army is camped at Wihwado.

I know.

If the army can't cross the river,

your entire family will be in danger.

Seonggye.

The raft flipped over.

All the soldiers were swept away.

I have a bad feeling.

A bad feeling?

Doesn't it feel like someone is trying to

stop us from reaching Yodong?

Stop talking nonsense.

All the soldiers think so.

They think Heaven is mad because

a small country is trying to fight a big country.

Don't say that!

How can Heaven side with Ming?

Seonggye.

You wretch.

Commander.

What is it?

I have something to give you.

What is it?

It's from Sambong.

Take a trip with Bangwon.

Return when you hear the army

crossed Amnokgang.

If that is the reason, there's no need.

My husband can cross the river.

What if he won't cross?

What do you mean?

He has to make a choice.

will be grab an opportunity from Heaven

or will be abandon it?

An opportunity from Heaven?

Retreat.