Original subtitles

Mobilize all civilians within the Left Cholla Navy jurisdiction.

Put it up straight and be quick!

Right here.

Soldiers and civilians will work together to build new battleships

and increase the size of the fleet.

Heave-ho? Heave-ho!

Take it all the way to the edge! A little more!

Move that lumber inside!

We will also build another Turtle Ship and strengthen the assault team.

Spare no efforts and get the job done right.

I want you to go to enemy camps across Chosun and observe and

report their movement in detail.

Yes, High Commander!

Travel by land to nearby Pusan, Kyung-sang and Cholla region,

and take the sea route on a merchant ship

posed as merchants to the capital city.

Make particularly close observation of the movements of Konishi Yukinaga

and Guroda Nagamasa in Pyong-yang, Kato Kiyomasa in Ham-heung, and

Kobayakawa Takakage in Geum-san,

as well as Dodo Takadora and Gouki Yoshitaka in Pusan.

Retreat!

Move into formation!

Insert the cannons!

Do I put on the armor again or do I not...

If I don on my armor and return to the battlefield, can I ever win again?

Still dwelling on the past?

I told them I wanted to be alone.

Even my servants don't respect me anymore.

No, your servants tried to stop me with their life.

But my authority as a Dainagon was useful.

It's a nice day outside. How about a walk?

Please leave.

That's enough retrospection. It's time to look ahead.

The air feels fresh. This is nice.

It is not a bad idea to come out once in a while and be along trees, grass

and petty creatures of nature, Wakizaka.

Some samurais believe the sword is everything.

But they are callow and inferior.

It is when you realize that you are but a petty creature that comes and goes

in the grand schemed nature. that is when you see the answer.

Do you think the Taiko has a chance in this war?

When the time comes, would you come under my wings?

What are you trying to say, Dainagon?

Both you and I are Taiko's servants.

Never mind. I didn't expect you to say yes.

The Taiko may have killed the men you care deeply about,

but you would never betray him.

But the Taiko cannot win this war.

Do you think he can win the hearts of the people of Chosun

like he earned your heart and loyalty?

And if this war drags on, more soldiers will need to be drafted,

and funding he war won't be an easy task either.

Soon the hearts of the people of Japan will leave the Taiko as well.

Will he ever be able to recover from all that damage?

This tree here is about a hundred years old.

It will still be called a tree another hundred years from now,

and my guess no one will argue about that.

But how about the Taiko?

How will he be remembered in history a hundred years from now?

Will he still be called a hero like he is now?

And what about you? How will you be remembered?

We're at war, Dainagon. I do not care how I am remembered in history.

All I care about is winning this war.

If you are truly loyal to Taiko, I suggest you talk him out of this war.

I have no intention of doing that, Dainagon.

Yi Soon-shin? Is he the one who needled your competitive nature?

He did not break against the forces of the Taiko himself.

Do you really think you can break him?

Jakbo, Sang-nam, what are you waiting for? Get moving!

I can't do this anymore.

Me neither.

We're exhausted!

What are you waiting for? We have lumber to move.

I think the boys have something to say to you, Director.

Director, please talk to the High Commander for us.

We've been working nonstop since the day we got back from the battle!

And on top of the compulsory labor,

we still have our mandatory military training!

Explain to us. Why are we building all these ships?

If we've won ten out of ten battles, we're pretty much invincible.

Why are we wasting our energy making the fleet larger?

All we need to do is to continue training.

We don't need anymore training either.

My boys can load the cannons in blindfolds now.

They are pros!

What is the High Commander thinking?

I approved up to ten galleys, but twenty?

With small boats and speed crafts combined,

he wants to build another hundred vessels.

How much do you think this is going to cost?

There's more to building new ships than just construction.

We will need cannons to outfit these ships.

Constable Kwon, who is going to pay for all that iron?

Come on in, fellows. Did you finish the training and reconnaissance?

Yes. If you're discussing the budget,

this shipbuilding project is not the only problem we have.

We're running out of gunpowder and potassium nitrate as well.

And you should see the mess at the shipyard!

The soldiers moaning and groaning and the people are exhausted as well.

We've been forcing the civilians to work since before the Hansan battle.

That means we've been working them for well over a month.

How is he going to handle all the complaints?

The Japanese have 400 ships in their fleet.

If we're going to contend with them, we must build new ships as well.

Our victory at Hansan Island has completely demoralized the enemy.

That's right! They haven't made a move since then.

They're scared stiff and hiding in Pusan. They have lost the will to fight.

I agree.

I don't understand why must go to these lengths to build new ships.

I didn't hear you come in. Why are you standing there looking so glum?

High Commander...

I'm sure the commanders are complaining about

the new shipbuilding project.

Is that why?

Yes, sir. They believe we've broken the enemy's spirits.

They've gained a certain amount of confidence as well.

The tide of the war has turned,

so they believe that the end of the war is near.

That is my desperate hope as well.

But do you think the Taiko of Japan Hideyoshi is an ordinary man?

When you wage a war, you prepare for the worst that can happen.

If Hideyoshi makes a surprise move we cannot anticipate,

our confidence will be our poison.

Things will become clearer once the intelligence reports arrive.

What are you looking at me that way?

I am not used to seeing you like this, Your Eminence.

Not used to seeing me like this?

Your Eminence, is the war over?

I cannot imagine that you'd have this kind of free time if it weren't.

Free time? Me?

His Eminence is in Yodogimi's bedchambers until this hour again?

Aye!

Very well.

I failed against Yi Soon-shin. This is a complete defeat, Jotai.

These little guys are very obedient to me.

It is because I am holding their food, of course.

How about your warriors in Chosun, Your Eminence?

I have stopped sending the weekly communication to Chosun.

Cutting off communication... I believe it is your final move in this war.

Am I wrong, Your Eminence?

You are indeed a strategist worthy of the Taiko of Great Japan.

Final move... The warriors in Chosun will find a way if they wish to live.

Like these little guys...

The weekly orders from Japan have stopped coming?

That's right.

And no reaction to your defeat?

It means the Taiko's fury has reached its peak.

It could also mean that he has not forsaken us yet.

We must find a way to turn this war around on our own, or...

That will be the end of our clans.

Our families being held in Taiko's care will not survive.

Japanese leaders positioned across the country met in the capital city?

It was a meeting that included the army generals.

But didn't you say no Japanese vessel

has crossed the Genka Inada since mid June.

That's right, sir.

That means they do not have any new orders from Japan.

But the leaders met on their own accord... What does that signify?

The Taiko of Japan began sending his envoys to Chosun

to spy on us since 1587.

Five years... He spent five long years preparing for this war.

If he spent those years building battleships, gathering war funds

and recruiting soldiers, this war will not continue.

But if he had focused on creating strong leaders, things will be different.

If he has a handful of rave and resourceful leaders who do not need

his direct command to continue the war,

and if they were at this meeting to renew their pledge,

the tide of the war can turn again.

If my hunch is right, we may have to prepare for an unavoidable battle.

And that battle will be unlike any battle we have fought before.

We must appease and encourage the soldiers and the people.

We must get through this hardship and prepare for what is to come.

It could be too late if we put this off until they make their move.

Why did you command Guroda to move his men out with Konishi flags?

To set a trap for the brainless Ming general in Uiju.

Konishi Yukinaga's men are moving out of Pyong-yang Fort?

Is this a fact?

Yes, sir.

It is said they are moving south to aid

the Japanese navy that suffered a devastating defeat at sea.

You!

Yes, General.

Issue an order! Tomorrow morning we attack!

Yes, sir!

I shall reap the fruit of someone else's labors.

I owe Yi Soon-shin a thank you note!

He is a general of Great Ming. Will he take the bait?

Yi Soon-shin has made a fool out of us five navy generals of Japan.

He will bite if he knows that.

Baron Yim...

Yes, General.

Did you say that Ham-kyung Province is a region where disapproval

for the King is highest?

Yes, sir. They're looked upon by the royal court with wary eyes under

suspicion of association with the barbarians.

Then perhaps it's time for me to cast a bait.

Prepare a festive feast for the people.

Tell them that I am paying for it and make it as grand and lavish as possible.

General...

I need to appease the people of Ham-kyung.

Then at least I won't have fools forming a citizen army.

Did you say you are going to strike Pyong-yang?

Yes. I gave you my word that I would destroy the Japanese

for you with the strength of my army alone.

We will strike tomorrow morning.

You're dealing with 20.000 troops.

The Ming army cannot fight them alone!

I told you not to fear.

More importantly, this is Chosun.

It is unthinkable for our warrior not to be at the battle to retake our country.

I will take my army of 3.000 and join you, General.

He must've received news of Konishi's retreat.

He couldn't be so confident otherwise.

We've confirmed the rapport twice, so it appears to be a fact.

But there is always a possibility of false report.

If this is a trap, both Ming and Chosun armies could be wiped out.

We are counting on you, Chief Commander.

Please act with extreme prudence.

The fate of the country and the King is on your shoulders now.

They are the last bait that we will throw at the Chosun and Ming allied army.

I will let you handle them.

Yes, General.

If you are approached by Ming or Chosun troops,

all you have to do is to tell them that the Konishi Army has left the city.

Then you do not have to fear for your families detained in this facility.

But if you not do as you're told, you will never see your loved one again.

Is that clear to everyone?

At last, Chosun-Ming allied army of 6.000 led by Cho-Seung-hoon and Kim

Myung-won marched to Pyong-yang for the First Pyong-yang For Battle.

Report!

There are no signs of the enemy.

Inhabitants say that the Japanese troops have retreated.

They ran off? They must've been quite scared of my Ming army!

Perhaps we should send in the reconnoitering party first.

Remnants of the enemy could still be present.

Even if that is the case, they are no match for the Great Ming army.

Please reconsider, General. We must act with extreme prudence.

I am the Emperor's warrior! I give the orders!

All you have to do is obey!

Press forward!

Pyong-yang is just over these hills.

Sneaky bastards... They're all gone.

How could Chosun give away the country's capital to these cowards?

It's the enemy!

Do not retreat! Attack!

Retreat! Retreat!

The first attempt to reclaim Pyong-yang Fort,

which carried the desperate hopes and desires of the royal court

and the people, ended with crushing defeat.

The Ming army was nearly completely destroyed,

and only a handful of survivors including Cho Seung-hoon,

fled across Yalu River to Ming.

When Cho returned to Ming, he falsely reported that his defeat was

a result of Chosun's conspiracy with Japan.

Consequently, the royal court was forced to send Yoon Du-su to Ming

as an envoy and explain the truth.

It was truly a deplorable situation.

The Ming army may have been defeated,

but we cannot back down, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, we must attack and destroy the enemy on our own

if that is the only way.

Meanwhile, undeterred by Ming defeat, the officials of Chosun quickly

regrouped and prepared for the Second Pyong-yang Fort Battle.

On August 1, 1592, 2.000 Chosun troops led by Yi Won-ik,

Kim Eung-suh, Kim Auk-chu, and others

attacked Pyong-yang fort once again.

But the second attempt to take back Pyong-yang

would fail again after a close and intense battle.

What's more...

Prince Im-hae and Prince Soon-hwa would fall into the hands of

Japanese second vanguard division leader Kato Kiyomasa

while recruiting royal troops in Ham-kyung region

throwing the war further into darkness.

Father-in-law, isn't it the time that we march to Uiju

and take the head of the Chosun King?

That would not be wise, So.

Killing the king will make Ming very nervous.

And this time, they will pull together

all of their resources and march to Chosun.

Regrettably, we do not have the power to contend with

the large Ming army alone.

We will collaborate with Kato and make our final move against the King.

And he will have no choice but to surrender.

Chosun's attack against my great army of Japan

was not unlike a herd of lambs attacking a tiger.

Now I will march to Uiju with an army of 50.000

and destroy Chosun once and for all!

Your Majesty!

How long will we last here in Uiju against the Japanese army of 50.000?

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty!

Is Konoshi already here in Uiju? Is he demanding my head?

No, Your Majesty, but...

Japanese general Kato Kiyomasa is holding

Prince In-hae and Soon-hwa hostage.

What?

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

What are you waiting for? Summon the royal physician at once!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Surrender? It is unthinkable!

The Japanese are threatening the lives of the two princes!

That's...

I hate to say this, but we cannot give up the country to save two princes.

I agree.

Minister of Military...

First we must prepare His Majesty for the worst.

Then we will find a way out.

How is His Majesty?

He Is feeling better after the royal physician's visit.

Announce me.

May I suggest you see him tomorrow so he may rest if only for the night?

We are at war.

We do not know what will happen from this moment to the next.

Your Majesty, Minister Yu Sung-ryong seeks your audience.

Your Majesty...

My sons... They must resent me so much...

How can we save them from the hands of the enemy?

Is there a way?

I am certain you know that submission

is not going to save them.

Instruct Yi Soon-shin to attack Pusan.

That is the only way to shift the tide of this war once again.

Hear me, High Commander Yi Soon-shin!

The war situation has taken a turn for the worst,

and now my life and my sons' lives are at the mercy of the enemy.

Is it not the most deplorable circumstance?

You and you alone are the one I trust and rely on.

Bring the naval forces of Chosun together and

attack the enemy's base in Pusan!

Then the enemy will lose their retreat path and become apprehensive.

This is the only way to force the ground troops back.

Fight with all your might and save your country and your King!

When can you attack Pusan?

His Majesty has ordered immediate action.

We haven't a moment to waste, High Commander.

We cannot attack Pusan at the present time, Minister of Military.

Do you not see the urgency of the situation?

We do now when the royal carriage will fall into the hands of the enemy!

Despite the urgency, there is a right and wrong time for a battle.

Are you defying the royal command?

I am trying to obey the royal command the right way.

But you show no regard for the safety of the King!

Minister of Military...

Attack Pusan immediately.

Or I will report to the royal court

and have you brought up on charges of treason!

Nothing can change my answer under the present conditions.

I cannot attack Pusan right now.

Are you prepared for the consequences to your decision?

Be aware that you may find yourself in an extremely regrettable situation.

I need you to persuade Yi Soon-shin.

High Commander Yi is a prudent and clever man.

If he says no, he has his reasons. You should think about that.

This is no time to compare options.

We don't have a moment to lose.

If Yi Soon-shin refuses to fight, give the right of command to the Yi Aukki.

They must attack Pusan no matter what!

More haste, less speed.

You are the Minister of Military.

I'm sure you know that the assessment of the commanding

officer on the field of battle is more accurate and valuable

than the assessment of the royal court.

Are you defending Yi Soon-shin, Father-in-law?

Because you're a commanding officer on the field of battle as well?

Forgive me, Father-in-law. I became a little emotional...

I forgot that I'm here in my capacity as the Minister of Military to discuss

military affairs with the High Commander of Cholla Province.

Forgive me.

You must be exhausted.

Stay in Uiju for a day.

Anxiety eats you up an chars four insides.

But there's nothing you can do...

Very well. I will see what I can do.

I will have a talk with the navy leaders.

Please sit down.

Just exactly what are you saying?

That you don't care what happens to the two princes or your King?

Don't be stubborn, High Commander Yi.

It's a royal command.

Do you think you can survive after defying the royal command?

I can only give you one answer. Now is not the time to strike Pusan.

High Commander Yi, then what about Uiju?

What about the safety of the royal court?

The government and citizen army of 20.000 has Uiju covered for now.

They must protect Uiju on their own.

And if they can't, they must find another way.

They would not have ordered you to hit Pusan if they felt

they could protect Uiju on their own.

Sir, I'm sure you know what it means to attack the enemy's headquarters.

To strike the enemy at their main camp requires

ten times the military power that they possess.

They have over 300 ships, but we have little over 50.

At the very least, we need equal strength to have a chance.

This is no time to think about the odds!

The fate of the country hangs on the balance.

The right thing to do is to advance into battle prepared to die!

And what if we lose our entire navy and they take command of the sea?

What if they deploy reinforcements from Japan like they are waiting to do?

Then we will lose complete control of this war.

Don't you see that?

Now is not the time.

I will not attack Pusan in the present conditions.

How did it go?

He will not budge.

Then I guess I have no choice.

How did it go, sir?

When do we strike Pusan?

Do you really think we can attack Pusan right now?

Don't start again, Captain Han! It's a royal command, a royal command!

Yes, it is a royal command,

but I don't think it is wise to attack the enemy's headquarters.

I let my men mix with the Left Cholla Navy,

and their stupidity is robbing off on my men.

Sir, it's not that...

Yi Soon-shin said exactly the same thing.

But I don't understand either of you.

If His Majesty falls, the regime will crumble.

What's the point of preserving a navy

when we don't have a country to protect?

To die in battle is the greatest honor for a warrior.

Pusan is where we will die. And we must consider that an honor.

So are we to fight a battle that we do not have a chance of winning?

No one said we don't have a chance. I was talking about principles.

There is a flow in which the outcome of war is decided.

The enemy is greatly demoralized by the last battle,

an they are hiding in Pusan paralyzed with fear.

Now is the perfect time to finish them off even if we suffer some loss.

I know that odds are against us. But it's a royal command.

Sir, if His Majesty should forsake you and the Left Cholla Navy...

What about just pretending to engage in battle?

We will take our fleet and drop anchor far off the harbor

and just sit out there and intimidate them.

Then His Majesty would...

A battle is fought to defend the country, not to obey an order.

I will not strike Pusan until winning conditions are established.

What? Yi Soon-shin refused to attack Pusan?

Is this true? He'd defied my order despite my sincere plea?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will not forgive him!

How dare he defy the King's command and display such contempt!

Arrest him in at once! He will be punished for treason!