Original subtitles

I am the garrison captain of Chosan Fort Yi Soon-shin.

I'm Matneongae.

You have fine horses and well-trained men.

Surely you can find better use for them than abducting

one helpless woman.

- What?! - How dare you!

Unless you are common bandits, abducting a civilian

is a moral crime.

Morals?

Morals on a battlefield?

We will not infiltrate a foreign land, but if what you want is war,

we are prepared to accommodate you may that be right here right now.

However, I'm certain we can find a better solution.

I believe we can improve our relationship.

Chosun has treated us with contempt and disdain calling us barbarians!

There were times when we cared for you like a sibling nation.

I'd like to find a way to be brothers again.

Return the hostage unharmed, and we will provide you with

various necessities. Since you're suffering from food shortage, we will

send farming equipment and dispatch skilled farmers to teach your people.

Furthermore, I will contact the North Base and pursue a possibility

of a hostage trade.

But all of these efforts will be made only when the hostage's

safety has been confirmed.

Olang!

Gob-dan...!

No!

Hang in there. It's all right.

We'll get you out of there.

Do we have an agreement?

This is not a matter for me to decide alone. I need some time.

I will wait for a wise response.

Enemy leader Yi Soon-shin has proposed peace?

He said he'd seek ways to tend to us like brothers?

Yes, sir.

Such arrogance! What makes them think they are superior to us?

Negotiation, peace, know of no such things!

The quicker we strike...

Sassonga, watch your tone!

How dare you raise your voice in our leader's presence!

Please forgive my subordinate's insolence.

But I don't disagree with him. Negotiation is out of the question.

Give us aid, and we will...

That is not a good idea, Matneongae.

Sir!

His boldness is a testament to his readiness to fight us.

You've already suffered a significant loss.

I'm sure you don't want to lose the entire clan.

Besides, we are in the process of uniting our scattered tribes.

It would be wiser to observe the developments as they unfold and

build our defense in the meantime. Be patient.

Consider yourself lucky.

Do we have a chance?

I've sent word to Kyung-heung Base, so Constable Yi will help us well.

I've will head out to the north base now and begins search for a Jurchen

prisoner, I will do all can to meet the conditions we proposed,

so keep the faith.

What is the urgent matter?

A civilian woman of Chosan Fort is being held hostage by the Jurchens.

I'd like to find a Jurchen hostage to be traded with this woman.

And I'd like to bring this up to the attention of the royal court

so we could deal with these violence from the source.

Captain Yi.

Yes, sir.

How long have you been in military service? At least a decade, right?

Constable Yi.

Yes, sir.

It must be very quiet in Kyung-heung.

Couldn't you handle this matter locally?

Forgive me, but the Jurchen prisoners are detained here, so...

And how could you think of bothering His Majesty the King over such a

trivial matter?

A trivial matter? A woman's life is at stake.

Captain, this is the border. It is a war zone where deadly

battles occur almost daily. Deaths are common here.

What are the soldiers giving their lives to protect, sir?

The country and the people, isn't that rights?

It is not a trivial matter, sir. An effort to save one life is no

different than an effort to save the country.

And if we fail to save that life what would happen to the soldier's morale?

The best strategy is one that brings victory without violence.

Please advise His Majesty that we must put our effort to establishing

peaceful relations with the Jurchen tribes.

This does not call for such action.

Why cause His Majesty unnecessary concern? Find another way.

Chief Commander...

Won't you at least find a prisoner we can trade?

Very well. We are not holding any prisoners here at the present, so

I will contact the other camps and see what I can do.

Thank you, sir.

You are dismissed.

I have one more request, sir.

Please issue an order restricting violence against Jurchen prisoners.

Such order would be redundant. That is the military law.

But that law is being repeatedly ignored.

They are holding a civilian hostage.

If we take their life lightly or treat them with cruelty,

they will be provoked.

Very well. I will take the necessary action.

Thank you, Chief Commander.

Sir, would you like me to call a meeting of the leaders?

No, just find out if any of them are holding any prisoners.

Don't bother with the other matters.

Captain Yi is overly cautious.

Never mind. Who doesn't know such a basic law? There will be no trouble.

Yes, sir.

One! Two! Pull yourself up!

Hustle Get up there!

Is that all you've got?

The man is incorrigible. Who would have thought that he'd drag us out

there today after what happened to his sister?

He trusts the captain.

Yeah, Captain said he'd bring her back safely.

Five coins! I bet five coins she's not coming back.

I've been here a year and I haven't seen anyone come back alive after

being abducted like that.

Dupal, aren't you going to get in on the bet?

Come on. Place a bet!

Three coins.

What's wrong with you guys? The captain said he'd save her!

He hasn't been here long enough to know any better. But you just

wait and see. The captain will learn his lesson soon enough.

Everyone, place your bets!

Then I bet three coins that she is coming back!

Whatever you please.

Jinbok, how could you!

This is not what you think.

What are you doing? Betting on a woman's life?

You bastard! How could you?

Ilsu...!

Die!

Die, you bastard? Die?

You're worse than an animal!

What the heck is going on here?

Break it up!

No! I'm going to kill this bastard and kill myself!

Get up this instant!

Get back here, you bastard! I'm going to kill you!

Get back here!

Stop it!

No! I can't! Do you know what that bastard was doing?

He was making a bet! He was making a bet against Gob-dan's life?

How could he over a human life?!

Ilsu...

Let go of me. If you won't let me kill him, I'm going to kill myself!

Is this true?

Commander...

I asked you a question!

I'm sorry. I deserve to be punished...

Commander!

Put me down too.

I bet everything I have on Gob-dan coming back alive.

Continue. Continue making your bets.

Sir...

Gob-dan...!

Commander...

have a drink with me, sir.

Sir...

Can't you see that I'm busy?

I'm sure you can make time for a drink, sir.

You're pretty audacious.

You think the world is yours because the captain likes you, don't you?

You can say that.

I know a little bit about the pain frustration and helplessness you

feel watching your loved ones in danger of death.

Who knows why we had so many children when we were dirt poor.

Pestilence swept through the town where I lived before I came here.

My little ones were laid up burning up with fever,

but I was helpless.

There was nothing I could do for them except

watch them as they drifted in and out consciousness.

I lost three of my little ones to the disease.

How I wish I could have died for them!

But even death is not your own will...

Put everything out of your mind and have a drink.

Keep your faith and you'll get her back.

Come on. Hold up your cup.

Sir...

Sir! Commander!

What is it?

He's back. The captain is back!

Is that true?!

Yes! The Chief Commander will soon be sending us a Jurchen prisoner

that we can trade with Gob-dan!

Captain...

I've sent Nalbal to inform the Jurchen chief, so don't worry.

Thank you, sir! Thank you!

Was it because of Gob-dan?

Pardon me?

Is she the reason why you transferred from the light to the medium infantry?

Transfer back to the light infantry.

I'm not into training men with ulterior motives.

No! I've always wanted to be in the medium infantry!

I'm quick on my feet and made to be a swordsman!

It's an order, and I don't repeat my order twice.

You're better suited to be an archer. I've always known that.

But Commander...

I can't accept you in my unit, but I can accept you as my brother-in-law.

Commander...!

When Gob-dan comes back and you're done with your duty, you can marry her.

Can you love her for the rest of your life?

She's had a hard life.

We lost our mother and father to the barbarians when she was very young,

and she had to follow me around living in the frontier all of her life.

And now she's going through this awful ordeal...

Pour me one more cup.

The barbarians have been quiet lately.

We owe it all to your infamous name, sir.

Infamous? How dare you!

I'm told that the barbarians say, "Ungyu is going to come get you!"

when their children cry. And that scares the tears right out of them!

"Ungyu"? Can't they get my name right?

We girls are acquainted with your infamous name as well.

Sir, a messenger from the North Base, sir!

Barbarians infiltrated Chosan and took a civilian hostage?

And they are looking for a Jurchen prisoner to trade with the hostage?

Yes, sir. Chongsung is our last hope.

Neither Onsung nor Kyung-won have any prisoners to trade.

We don't keep any prisoners either.

Captain Yi is realty trying to negotiate peace with the barbarians?

Yes, sir.

Captain Yi should've been given a desk job. Negotiate peace?

That's absurd. If they attack, you retaliate! End of story!

This is frustrating... What is he thinking?

They are looking for a prisoner to swap with the hostage?

You're not considering this trade, are you?

Of course I am.

No! Not after all that they've done to us!

That wench's brother caused me unbearable humiliation.

I will not send her back alive.

Fool.

Chief...

What we have is just a woman, but what we will get back in

return for her is one of our warriors.

But...

We can get back ten times what we are giving up now

if we are strong enough.

Matneongae.

Yes, sir.

What we need more is a cause to bring the tribes together.

And a solid strategy to beat the enemy.

Think about the Nitangae. They had four times the military power against

Chosun, but they suffered a devastating defeat. Why?

Bows and arrows. They succumbed to the power of Chosun archers.

Bows and arrows? That is what I need.

Find them!

Bows and arrows?

That's impossible! Where are we supposed to find them?

Throw in another one hundred sheets of sable, and we will consider it.

Chun-su, are you crazy?

Be quiet.

Don't you think you're asking too much?

Penalty for stealing weapons is death.

I don't think we're asking too much at all.

You're back!

You're absolutely insane! Don't you know them by now?

They'll chop off our necks if we try to swindle them?

Who says I'm going to swindle them?

Then what? Walk into a military base and rob an armory?

You're so stupid. Money can buy anything in this world.

There're plenty of men who'll deliver the goods to us if we just pay them.

But how can we sell them arrows that will kill our people?

Don't you think that's going out of line even for us?

We sell our people as slaves.

Selling arrows to shoot them ain't so different.

Boy, you're quick! How did you figure out what we're talking about?

Hong is right. We've been trading slaves putting up with names like

human trash. Who made us like this? If you're poor and powerless,

this country treats you like trash! What has this country done for us?

But still!

They're all going to die if the barbarians attack anyway.

What's the difference between being hacked to death and shot

to death by an arrow?

How could you think of bothering His Majesty the King over such a

trivial matter?

Captain, this is the border. It is a war zone where deadly

battles occur almost daily. Deaths are common here.

Lord Yu Sung-ryong, I regret that my letter, being so few and far between,

does not bear good tidings.

Is anyone outside?

Head to the capital city.

Deliver it to Lord Yu Sung-ryong as quickly as possible.

Yes, sir.

A decade has passed since I began to wander the borders as an officer

of the military.

Perhaps spent more time faced with enemy than with my own family.

It is said soldiers carry death on their backs,

and there have been days when I thought long time against the enemy,

long time on the battlefield, would make me numb to death.

Death of my subordinates, death of the people...

But who has the right to take a life lightly?

And who is to say one life more important than another?

I wish to fight to protect not to destroy.

I want to respect all human lives even the enemy's if that is possible.

I need your help. The sword is not the only means of stopping the enemy.

If we could communicate with them and stop their violence,

wouldn't that be a better way to stop the enemy?

Let no life be lost in vain.

Let the people know that every life is equally important in this country.

Deliver my message to Captain Yi. I will do whatever it is required

to bring this matter to His Majesty's attention.

Yes, sir.

I have gathered not only the high ministers of court but regional

official and also those on temporary leave in order to acquire broad

perspective about state affairs. Please share your wisdom.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Your Majesty, if I may be permitted to speak, the rampancy of Jurchen

barbarians is becoming more intense. Small and large battles are taking our

soldiers' lives, and innocent civilians are being killed and abducted to be

sold as slaves. Something must be done without further delay.

Do you suggest mobilization of greater military force?

Yes, among other things.

That's funny. Didn't you oppose the Master Yul-gok's proposal to mobilize

another ten thousand troops for the very same reason?

How could anyone oppose a proposal to mobilize an army if it is

to strengthen our borders? I had expressed suspicion and apprehension

because his proposal was vague without a feasible plan.

Then do you have a feasible plan?

Your Majesty, I urge you to put forth greater effort to establishing

friendly relations with the Jurchen tribes.

You must accept them and embrace them like brothers.

I agree.

Watch the enemy carefully and find a way to comfort them.

They are violent barbarians who have plundered our villages at their whim.

You want me to embrace them?

Your Majesty, the best way to suppress the enemy is by moving his heart

not by hostile action.

Your suggestion is absurd!

They have not shown a hint of remorse for the massacre of 1583!

How could we possibly embrace them?

The stronger we fight them, the more violent they will become!

And the innocent people will fall victim to their violence!

Don't you see?

They are but a disorderly mob of nomads?

They had once formed a country of their own!

That is why the Ming court divided the Jurchens into three clans

using them to suppress each other!

Your Majesty, the Jurchens may be weak when they are divided

but they will become uncontrollable in their forces unite.

We must put forth effort to establish a peaceful relation.

Deign to see, Your Majesty.

No, Your Majesty. It is a groundless fear.

And sibling relations can only be established when tributary goods

are offered with display of due respect.

Arrogant rampancy is met with punishment. That is foreign policy.

Minister Yoon!

If there is wealth to be given away, award them to your soldiers.

Encourage and comfort your soldiers, and the northern border will be secure.

I agree.

They are but a disorderly mob no matter how strong they are.

I do not feel this is a cause for great concern.

There is the commander!

How did it go, sir? Did we get a prisoner to trade?

Be patient. I'm sure there will be good news soon.

No word?

But the date that we promised the barbarians is fast approaching!

What did I tell you? The captain doesn't know how it is here.

I have yet to see one person come back alive after being taken like that.

I don't want to upset you, but it's the truth.

I agree with Jinbok. Don't take this the wrong way.

Gob-dan was good to all of us. We're just frustrated and concerned.

We have to do something, Commander. Or we will lose Gob-dan!

Just give us your command, and we will...

I know how you feel, but be patient. I'm sure the captain is just as anxious.

He's been going back and forth from here to the headquarters

and sending letters to the royal court.

So wait at least until the messenger comes back from the capital city.

How did it go in Seoul?

Are you certain that these are Lord Yu's words?

Yes, sir.

The royal court refuses to negotiate? Don't they understand that if we come

on strong they will come back at us even stronger?

I know this is a distant place but all are His Majesty's children.

How could he be so indifferent?

We heard everything.

Now do you understand? We tried it your way and now we will try ours.

We may die trying, but we are going to fight!

Don't be hasty!

We're going to do it. I'm not going to give up on my sister without trying!

That's right. So don't try to stop us!

It's an order. Don't act in haste and wait. I am going to the North Base.

Sir, we are fighting a war! You don't fight wars with words!

I told you to wait!

Anyone who defies my order will be punished by death! Is that clear?

What do you mean?

111 Do you want me to beg the enemy leader?

We only have a few days left.

But we've failed to secure anything that we've promised.

We did not promise anything. You did.

Sir,

without a prisoner to trade, this is our only hope.

Convince them you're doing all you can for peaceful relations with them.

Tell them that you will take this issue to the royal court,

and we will be able to stop the violence.

Please submit an appeal to the royal court.

We are great distance away from the palace, so His Majesty may not

be aware of our situation.

When will you stop being such an idealist?

His Majesty's will written on this scroll is my will as well.

Negotiation is unthinkable.

Sir!

I will do everything I can to find the prisoner to trade before the

promised date, but you'll just have to bear the sacrifice if

it doesn't work out. I'm sorry, but that is war.

Where are the barbarians?

What... do you mean?

I know you are in secret contact with them!

No, that's not true! You got the wrong man!

Search the room!

Yes, sir!

Move!

You still deny it?

Did you trade military information for this?

No! We were just cold!

So we traded some grains for some animal skin! That is all!

Sir...!

He not only conducted illicit dealings with the enemy, but he supplied them

with military provisions? Hang his head at the town gate to for display!

Yes, sir!

They couldn't have gone far. Go after them!

Yes, sir!

There were more than we had suspected. And judging from the detailed map of

Chongsung they had in possession, they are not here simply for grains.

How dare you attempt to capture Chongsung!

Did you think you could get away with this?

Behead these bastards and display their heads at the town gate?

That will teach the rest of them to stay away from Chongsung!

Take them away!

Yes, sir!

- Take them away! - Yes!

What? Is that true?

They killed all of the captured as well?

Yes, sir.

Chief.

I guess I picked the right one. I thought Won Kyun would take the bait.

At last we have a justifiable cause.

The enemy spoke of peace but they spoke a lie!

Only thing they want is our complete destruction!

Remember the countless warriors that died on the battlefield!

We must avenge them so they can rest in peace.

All tribes will unite and raise the flag of retaliation against Chosun!

We will show them our strength, and bring them to their knees!

Look! Over there!

Barbarians!

Let's go!

What could that be?

Let's go down.

What is it? What could it be?

Open it.

- But... - Just open it.

What is it?

It's Gob-dan!

Gob-dan! Gob-dan!

Who is this?

Who is this?

How could this have happened?

Commander, Gob-dan is back. Our Gob-dan is back.

But she won't say anything. She won't say anything!

Remember, we are not the one who broke peace.

It was you, the Chosun military.

There will be no negotiation of any kind hereafter.

Captain Yi, what is the meaning of this?

What do you think you're doing? Let go of him?

How could you! I will not forgive you for this!

What?!