Original subtitles

How could two women look so much alike?

Did you find it?

Yes, Madam.

Oh dear...

It's filthy because it fell when they were taking turns beating her up.

She needs fresh set of clothes when she gets up.

Stop sighing.

The Magistrate's wife took her, so she will be all right now.

Tae-won...

why don't we just leave this town?

I didn't commit any crime?

Why should we have to leave our farm and our home?

What are you doing just standing there?

Ub...

You're a Japanese, aren't you?

Ub!

Papa, you're a Japanese!

Onyun, have you ever been in love?

They say love is a sweet torment that never leaves your heart...

Do you agree?

What will he say when he sees this girl?

Is he inside?

Yes, Madam.

Wife, what brings you here?

Is there still much work to be done?

The wife of man named Sahwadong was beaten by the villagers.

Yes, I heard that you brought her home.

I think we should keep her here for a while.

They deserve love and compassion of their neighbors after what they've

been through. I don't know what this world is coming to...

Wife...!

It was right for you to keep it.

I don't mind you remembering of her once in a while.

If she didn't have at least that, what would she have?

But this is not the piece you were keeping.

Please don't leave! You'll get me in big trouble!

What are you doing outside?

I tried to stop her, but she insisted on leaving.

You can't go anywhere in your condition.

I don't want to cause you anymore trouble.

Trouble? You hurt my feelings.

Quickly, take her back inside.

You should've left me to die.

I don't deserve to live.

My baby is gone...

How could I let him be alone?

The poor thing must be so lonely and afraid...

Then think about how your mother might feel.

I'm sure she didn't go though all of her pain bringing you into this

world so you could take your own life.

Where did you find this?

Was it your mother's? Was it in your mother's possession?

Do you know my mother?

You're... you're really her daughter!

I didn't want to lose you.

I couldn't bear losing another person I care about like I lost

my mother and father.

Soon-shin!

I will protect them...

I will look upon everyone I come across as you and as the master,

and I will protect them...

It's been twenty years since I made that vow...

But I have failed to keep it...

I failed to protect your daughter just like I had failed to protect

you and Master Namgoong...

It is my failure and the failure of this government.

Condemn me as much as you'd like. You've earned the right.

When and how will we end the cruel oppression toward the people

and stop the violent sword that is aimed at our land?

And what can I do?

She was a beautiful woman.

Not only on the outside but she had a beautiful heart as well.

And most importantly she was tough and proud.

She really was a brave girl.

She kept her smile no matter how tough things got and no matter

how much pain she felt.

I wanted to take care of her like a sister, but I didn't get the chance.

Why did she have to leave like that?

But she must've known how regretful I felt to have sent you to me.

You look very much like her.

And I'm sure you take your mother's strength and courage after her as well.

Don't ever give up, and don't blame yourself.

None of this is your fault. Hang in there and be strong.

But if it gets too hard, lean on me.

Think of me as your mother and lean on me.

Would you do that for me?

Could I still be of service?

Then I want to start over.

I wasn't angry at you or at the town people.

I was angry with myself.

I was tortured ten, no, a hundred times harder by the Japanese than

by the Nok-do officials. They beat us, starved us, shoved us into a tiger's

cage and even hung us upside down on a cliff.

My man...

So I broke down. I couldn't bear it, so I broke down.

So I traded information about my country for my life.

Does that make me a Japanese?

My son says I am Japanese.

He resents me for coming back a Japanese.

I didn't want to be ridiculed by my own son.

I may not make him proud, but I didn't want him to be ashamed of me.

Could you accept a man like me? Could I really be of service?

Which warriors is the Minister of Military nominating to send to the

lower three provinces?

I don't know. Yi Kyung-lok or Won Kyun, perhaps?

Won Kyun? He is that arrogant man who insulted you!

That's not important.

What is important is that the is the Right Minister Yu Sung-ryong's friend.

That means he is an Easterner.

We must stop him from getting elected.

Now they're trying to fill the military with the Easterners!

I don't like the way things are going lately.

His Majesty continues to show favoritism for the Easterners!

First he appointed Yi San-hae Prime Minister and now he made

Yu Sung-ryong Right Minister.

Two of the three high minister of the State Council are Easterners.

How could we call this a Westerner government?

His Majesty is an artful politician.

He used us to do his hunting...

to suppress the growing power of the Easterners.

Now that he has achieved his goal, he has no need for us.

He doesn't want an Easterner gov't, but a Westerner gov't doesn't

please him either.

What he wants is his own government.

Are you going to let this happen?

Not if can help it.

You're back.

Did you hear, sir? Your name is on the list of Warriors being

assigned to the lower three provinces.

Don't celebrate yet.

There is no chance your boss is going to the three provinces.

What do you mean there is no chance?

I feel bad for you.

Why couldn't you be a little nicer to the Minister of Military?

Toy are so inflexible.

What's the use of having a gran ambition?

You can't defeat the Japanese from your living room!

Your Majesty, I urge you to select former Constable of Chung-sung

Won Kyun as the Commander of Left Cholla Naval Station.

Won Kyun? Tell me about him.

As his merits in the six camps demonstrate, he is a brave warrior

who will sacrifice his life for his country.

Most importantly, he is a man of honor and integrity who cares

deeply about his subordinates.

I feel he is more than qualified to command the naval force of Cholla.

What is your opinion? Do you feel Won Kyun is the right man?

Your Majesty, Minister Chung Tak is an excellent judge of character.

I urge you to dispatch Won Kyun to Cholla without delay and protect

the southern coast against the Japanese.

Former Constable of Chong-sung Won Kyun, receive the imperial command!

Your dedication to he country and your deep loyalty and courage pleases

me greatly, as there are only a few in our history that compare.

For this reason I appoint you Commander of Left Cholla

Province Naval Station.

It is to entrust you with the safety of this country and its people, so

accept the appointment.

Your Majesty, I, Naval Commander of Cholla Won Kyun, will lay down my

life to protect your kingdom Chosun!

What were you thinking? Why didn't you oppose Won Kyun's appointment?

Why should I oppose the appointment of a competent warrior?

But he is an Easterner!

"If you wish to destroy, first let it thrive."

Minister Yoon!

What do we, the Westerners, want? We want to turn this county into a

strong nation, one that does not need to turn to diplomacy to keep

the Japanese at bay.

Yes, but...

If there's any one in this country who wants that more than we do

it is Won Kyun.

There is no way he will work with the Easterners that

send envoys to the barbarians to talk peace!

Sir...

Commander Won...

I was told that you were the one brought me forward.

Forgive me, sir, for my insolence the other day.

Insolence? How could I perceive a warrior's mettle as insolence?

That uncompromising spirit of yours is the very reason

why I recommended you.

Don't ever lose that spirit.

Thank you, sir.

Congratulations, Commander Won.

His name is Yi Unsae.

They had him working at a shipyard the entire three years we were in Japan.

His name is Kim Gettong.

In Japan, he was a footservant to a Japanese military general.

He probably traveled furthest inland among all of us.

Japan is full of skilled swordsmen.

They start to play with swords at the age of five, they're sent to battles

at the age of ten, and by twelve they already have kills under their belt.

How do they compare to our soldiers? Can we fight one to one?

I doubt it.

Two to one?

I doubt that too.

I imagine you would need ten of our soldiers to contend with one of them.

Ten to one? The Japanese soldiers are that strong at close combat?

Do all of you agree with that number?

Yes, sir...

Let us continue.

On top of that, their muskets are truly powerful.

And do you know how many ships they have? There're hundreds of them!

Hundreds?

Yes.

We have less than fifty war vessels in the entire south coast.

That's not all. These ships are extremely fast.

They have pointy bottoms that slice through the water.

We got to Pusan from Tsushima in a blink of an eye.

All you need is a good southeast wind, and coming to Karipo from Goto Island

is a piece of cake.

Hundreds of war vessels carrying elite soldiers that can each take ten of our

men heading to our shores all at he same time.

The day they land on our shores...

It'll be hell on earth.

The entire country will be engulfed in flames.

Minister Yu, I write to you after investigating the enemy.

The ocean before me is vast and unfathomable.

But to the enemy, it is only a half-day trip away, and Chosun is but an

easy target that will crumble in a single strike of their sword.

I don't want to permit their landing again.

I will not let one single Japanese soldier set foot on this soil.

I don't want to let them take another life.

I want to defeat the enemy on the ocean and send them back home.

Send me to the southern coast. Warriors do not belong in the interior.

The furthermost front is where I belong.

Let me fight with my men and protect this country Chosun.

Japan is only a half-day trip away by sea from Cholla...?

What do we have to do to conquer Japan and offer it to the King?

Kyun, I don't think it's wise to underestimate them.

General Park Wui had once captured Tsushima Island.

Perhaps he had the same ambition.

He probably conquered Tsushima to establish a bridgehead.

Sacrifice the small to acquire the great...

Do I have to make the sacrifice after all?

Thank you! Thank you!

- Did he pay you? - Yes.

What's Chun-su up to this time? He's never around when we need him!

He never does anything stupid. Let's just be patient.

I'm always doing all the work!

Pleased to meet you, Kimura San. My name is Yim Chun-su.

Pleasure is mine, Yim San. Have a seat.

I understand you need three hundred sacks of rice.

Can you get them right away?

It's not even harvest time. To find three hundred sacks...

Are you saying that you can't?

It won't be cheap if you want them right away.

Farmers don't keep that much rice in their back yards, so

there's only one place I can get them.

Don't worry about the cost. Just get them quickly.

I will try my best.

I will continue doing business with you if you come through for me.

I wouldn't even start if this was a one-time deal.

Are you reading that book Master Suk-bong asked you to get again?

You shouldn't keep a borrowed book for so long.

I didn't borrow a book, I borrowed an eye to see the world.

I suppose it's time to return it now that I've gained the eye.

What do you mean by that, Chun-su?

You'll find out in due time.

By the way, which town grain storage should we hit to get 300 sacks of rice?

I'm sure you covered your tracks thoroughly.

Of course.

Any word from Lord So Yoshitoshi?

Will there come a day when these grains are put to use?

General Konishi and Lord So's desires have not changed.

They do not want to use these grains as military provisions if possible.

But that may not be as easy as it sounds.

Any special message from Lord So?

As I've said before, you must act as though we are complete strangers

in the presence of that merchant Yim Chun-su.

Of course.

By the way, can he be trusted?

Don't worry. He is resourceful and he will never cause a problem.

He'll sell his own country to consummate the deal.

The Naval Commander of Cholla?

Congratulations!

I'm very anxious to get started. I have so much to do when I get there.

Of course. It's an area prone to attack of the Japanese pirates.

Yes, but that will soon be in the past.

The Japanese will not dare attack again when I'm done with them.

I intend to bring my men together and strike Tsushima Island.

These are the records of Naval Commander of Cholla Won Kyun.

I thought the Office of Censor-General should take a look at them.

His evaluation marks are awful.

There has to be a reason for his poor marks,

and I thought the Office of Censor- General might want to take a look

at them and correct the mistake if you deem necessary.

I have never lost a battle.

But this is a foolhardy attempt.

Best defense is offense.

Don't you know that when we fought together in Shijun Battle?

I don't think we can compare the Jurchen tribes with Japan.

Shijun Village was the enemy's main camp, but Tsushima Island is but a

tiny piece of the enemy's land.

I know more about Japan than you do.

It is one thing to fight off an enemy that violated us and another to march

into the enemy's territory.

At home you have only one enemy, but in the enemy's land you have three.

The enemy troops, unfamiliar territory, and the people.

You still think too much.

Kyun...

Don't worry. I'm not going to attack right away.

I must build a strong nay first.

Your Majesty, I request that you dismiss Cholla Naval Commander

Won Kyun.

Dismiss him? He is yet to arrive at his new post and you seek his dismissal?

Commander Won Kyun's evaluation marks during his tenure as

the leader of Chong-sung were less than adequate, and to

advance him to the rank of Chief Naval Commander only five months

after his term is inappropriate.

Poor marks?

But in selecting a warrior, his merits carry more weight than his marks.

What is merit in your opinion? Number of men a warrior slays?

Your Majesty, Commander Won has render many meritorious services,

but he has erred just as much.

Captured enemy soldiers are required to be brought back alive to the

headquarters for possible hostage exchange, but Commander Won

violated his orders time and time again.

Civilians accused of a crime are to be punished according to the law through

a fair trial, but countless civilians were killed based on suspicions alone,

thus public outcry had been fierce.

What is the duty of a military leader?

Is it not to protect this country and its people?

How could he protect the people if he thinks lightly of their lives?

Prime Minister...

Small acts of loyalty can interfere with the great acts of loyalty.

Why would you oust a faithful warrior just to tighten discipline among the

retainers?

Many a little makes a mickle.

How could you expect great acts of loyalty without small acts of loyalty?

I tip my hats off to you on your brilliant maneuvering.

You are making me blush with your generous compliments.

How did you manage to do this?

Do what?

Minister Yu?

They don't even know their own enemy.

Their enemy is on the inside.

Who has the guts to act against his party to pursue his own belief?

You don't have to light the lamp. I'm fine.

Why are you still here at this late hour?

Your Majesty...

The Right Minister can't be working a night duty...

Are you having second thoughts about nudging the Censor-General and

having Won Kyun dismissed?

Your Majesty...

If the Censor-General was alone in this, he wouldn't have been reticent

when Won Kyun was first nominated.

Was it really you?

Answer me. Why did you push the Office of Censor-General?

I felt that Won Kyun was not the right man to protect the southern sea.

Not the right man?

No, Your Majesty.

Why not?

Won Kyun is a warrior who has never experienced defeat.

That may be a cause for praise, but that cannot be a cause for dismissal.

Overconfidence could lead to negligence.

If he should be negligent in acquiring knowledge about the enemy, how

could he guarantee a victory?

The price this country will have to pay to

allow one warrior to learn from his failure is much too great.

Don't let him be defeated by the enemy. Let him bear your prudence.

And he will endure the anguish and become an even better warrior.

How long has it been!

Magistrate Yi, what brings you here?

I've come to attend the reception.

But you're not a military officer. Who invited you?

Soon-shin, my man!

You made it!

Thanks for coming.

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I am Nok-do Garrison Captain Chung Oon.

Allow me to congratulate you, Commander.

I am well-appraised of your illustrious name.

I'm Regional Commander of Sado Kim Wan. I heard that

the barbarians in the north were scared spitless at the mere

mention of your name.

I'm Kwon Joon, Constable of Soon-chun.

I'm Commander of Bang-dap Yi Soon-shin.

I'm Commander of Nak-an Shin Ho. It's an honor to serve you, sir.

Thank you.

I, too, am very happy to be here with all of you to protect this country.

Sir...

Oh, he is an old friend of mine.

I am Magistrate of Jung-up Yi Soon-shin.

He is a town magistrate right now, but we are also comrades of war

that fought in the six camps together.

His military merits are quite distinguished as well.

Now, now, let us not spend all day with introductions.

Let us drink and celebrate!

What are you waiting for? I don't want to see this cup empty!

Oh Captain, you're so impatient!

What, you little wench?

Oh Captain, I'm pouring.

Imperial Command!

Commander of Left Cholla Naval Station Won Kyun, receive the

royal command!

By the order of His Majesty the King, you are hereby

discharged from service!