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Episode 24

So... from the same place

by my side, just like now... please protect me.

It's me, Father.

What is it about at this hour?

You came to me after all.

What do I have to do to have her?

Yes, what do I have to do to keep her by my side?

But, Young Master...

are you sure you won't regret coming to me today?

I will use your love

and give you want you want

as well as try to realize what I want.

You may be able to gain the princess...

but you may lose your shining eyes.

Someday...

you may discover yourself so destroyed that you can't even forgive.

But even when you knew that, you remained by His Majesty's side.

Even when you know that... you're trying to go back.

Isn't that the situation for the likes of us?

Knowing that we'll burn...

we have no choice but to go towards the fire.

So I have no choice.

Even if I lose everything in the world... and even myself...

there is only one thing I want.

Do you really mean it?

Yes. As you wish, I will become your son.

I will prove to you that your blood flows through my body.

Of course, if you help me.

All right, good.

Let me hear it.

Let's see what useful goods you're showing in your first trade with me.

But even when you knew that, you remained by His Majesty's side.

Even when you know that... you're trying to go back.

Bring her over, Mother. I need to see her.

- Who? You mean Yeo Jung? - Yes.

I think there will be a way to get her into the palace.

It looks like a severe storm will be coming soon, Mother.

Gae Shi...

Not everyone can have shiny, precious things...

but all humans want them.

Even me.

I believe a real war will start by sending troops.

Not just the lands of Ming and Later Jin, but even on this land.

The one who wants to own

the one who wants to survive...

and the one who wants to realize his goal.

All of them will be caught up in the storm.

Who will end up having it, Mother?

Who will disappear...

and who will gain victory, however short-lived it may be?

Everyone will only be forgotten in the end...

but while they are alive, no one will be able to suppress the desire.

This storm will come after all.

Sire, Her Highness has arrived.

Have you not changed your mind at all?

If you tell me to step back from here

you're telling me to leave the weaponry bureau.

Gunpowder needs to be produced continuously on the battlefield

so even one more technician is necessary now, sire.

Before I am a princess, I am a skilled technician.

I will definitely be needed.

You won't be understood, Princess.

Many will criticize you for the path you chose.

Even so... I will be where I need to be.

Please allow me, sire.

You couldn't stop her after all?

Forgive me, sire.

The bracelet you gave her was on her wrist.

I'm not asking you this as the king.

I am asking as her older brother, to you, as her beloved.

Sire...

Are you able to protect her, Councilor Hong?

I must hear your answer.

Yes I will, sire.

Definitely.

This is a pledge as a man who loves her, not as your retainer.

And if I may, I will help you with it.

Look...

You will need someone to guard Hwa Yi... I mean, Her Highness on site.

Please let me do the job.

- But you are... - Yes, I am half-Japanese.

But I am a half-Joseon man.

Will you really be all right?

Of course.

If the destiny of Joseon depends on this

then at least half of it matters to me.

Besides, the princess of this country...

is also like a younger sister to me somehow.

- Ma'am! - Ma'am! Are you really coming with us?

Yes, I am coming with you.

So please don't tell me I can't.

'Yes, of course you should.' 'You got my back.'

It would be nice if you could tell me that.

Ma'am!

We need every person we can get.

Do you really not need me?

I do need you...

You know more about sulfur than anyone else, after me...

- But still, how... - Then it's good.

And thank you for saying that you need me.

Ma'am...

Just give her what you prepared.

You went out early morning to buy it because you were worried about her.

Yes, please give it to her now.

Ma'am...

at least make sure to wear this.

I had a hard time getting this instead of armor.

You need to be safe!

Manager Lee...

Manager Lee... This is such a rare thing...

For someone who is so stingy.

I'm sure everyone feels the same way.

They are worried and thankful...

and they hope for you to be safe.

Yes, don't worry. I will make sure.

Not just me, everyone will be safe, sir.

If I'm not interrupting...

In Woo!

Young Master!

Yes, if I'm not interrupting

I'd like to see the rifle storage for a minute.

You'll be going to the war as an officer of the city guard's bureau?

Yes.

It's no big deal to create a post like this.

I thought, 'Should I have taken my father's side from the beginning?'

In Woo! You...

Yes.

I'm only doing this because of my personal interests.

There are no such things as big goals for me.

But do you know this?

Big goals aren't the only things that become strong weapons.

This personal interest... was pretty scary, too.

You've... changed a lot.

If it's because of me...

I'm sorry.

Punk...

That kind of an apology is tough.

I came here today to tell you that we're on different paths now.

Yes, Hong Joo Won, our fight... has also begun.

Although it hurts... the enemy is you, my only friend.

And I don't plan on losing.

I'll knock down your king... and take your woman.

I definitely will.

Young Master In Woo.

- I'm glad that you look well. - Young Master... I...

If you are going to say, 'I'm sorry' please don't.

You probably don't know...

but hearing it after your rejection hurts quite a bit.

And more than anything...

I think it's too soon to say that.

I'll get going now.

I'll see you next time, ma'am.

Yes, Hong Joo Won. Our fight has also begun.

Although it hurts that the enemy is you, my only friend.

What? Who is going to war?

Did you just say that the princess is going?

I'm telling you since you'll find out anyway.

Her Majesty is having a tough time because of it.

So please just leave for the day, sir.

How was it, sir?

- This cheeky girl... - Pardon?

A girl should be like a girl and stay in her room.

She creates trouble with every step she takes.

And on Gwanghae's side, on top of that.

Who are you referring to...

Who else could it be?

It's that princess girl.

Seriously, sir! We're in front of Gyungwoon Palace!

- Even if you feel... - Why would I care about the location?

If I can't lead that girl and the queen dowager

my plan will become useless.

Justification... I will lose justification.

Just what is your plan?

Don't you know?

To become the king! What else could it be?

Sir!

Why are you doing this? What if someone hears you?

Did you find the one who sent the letter?

- No, not yet. - Not yet?

I don't even know who it is, so how could I?

- Right... Should I tell you how? - What?

You can do... like this!

- Do you understand? - Sir!

You're so frustrating!

Ask one of those who came to me on the day of the torch rally!

When someone feels pain, his mouth opens. Like this! Like this!

Sire...

Please don't think of the decision today as a defeat.

Don't think 'I couldn't protect my people' and be hurt either.

More than anyone else

I know that you tried to protect your people.

Please forgive us... for asking you...

to make the toughest, most painful decision, sire.

Sire...

Do you also think I've done everything?

Everything I could have done from my position.

Yes I do, sire.

I have watched everything you do, sire.

No... that's not the case.

I didn't go to the end with everything I have.

Sire! What do you mean by that?

- Bring in State Councilor Kang Hong Rip. - Pardon?

He'll be helpful to the troops being sent to war this time.

You told me to beat him up. So why can't you even look at him?

I told you to beat him up because it's necessary.

But I can't even kill a bug.

What?

He can't do it himself.

So horrible.

Please... I'll tell you. Please spare me!

So, who sent you to me?

Sire, General Kang Hong Rip is here.

Let him in.

What? Who?

Who was it?

It's Lord Kang Joo Seon.

I only acted after receiving money from him.

It's true!

Kang Joo Seon...

It's him?

Kang Hong Rip?

Just how did he become the supreme commander?

I'm asking you because I don't know!

He's not even a military officer. He has a small administrative position.

He can speak a little bit of the languages of Ming and Later Jin, that's it.

There is something else.

He's a type of stubborn that's rarely seen in other people.

So he doesn't belong to any factions.

Why is it him?

Since we partnered on the matter of sending troops

if you find out about something, you have to share with me.

I got it. I'll find out soon.

Everything's gone wrong, so what are you trying to do, Gwanghae?

With Kang Hong Rip in front, what will you do?

Sire, forgive me, but that means...

That's right. This is my royal command.

And this is my hand-written letter, just in case.

Do you understand?

You won't get hurt no matter what happens.

But sire... this cannot be accepted.

If this gets out, you will...

That's why I hope this doesn't happen.

It will be a critical wound for me in the end.

Sire!

But even then, if what I said comes true

you will have to follow my command as the king.

That's the reason I appointed you as Supreme Commander.

Kang Joo Seon...

That answers all of my questions.

He is equipped with the power and wealth of Ming.

Yes, he can... He can help me...

Sire, that can't be!

Please take back the secret letter given to General Kang Hong Rip!

It's not a matter for you to get involved in.

This is my decision as the king.

But if it really happens... you will be in danger, sire!

Sire, maybe even the throne...

That's why I'll bet everything and do my best to the end.

Sire!

To me...

It is my main purpose of being here.

I couldn't stop the sending of troops, but this!

This is the only way to stop the sacrifice of my military and a war in Joseon.

Since Ming will fall apart.

Absolutely.

Is it morning after all?

Ma'am...

It's so harsh.

How could... my princess do this?

How?

Mother... please forgive me for the path I chose.

You have to be safe.

Please come back alive and well.

I'll pray every day.

Oh my, sounding so mournful.

Someone might think we're heading out to die!

Eun Seol, I'll keep the princess and the elders safe.

I'll miss all of you so much!

Don't worry. All of us will come back safely.

Ma'am...

Here... Eat the rice balls and gather up strength!

I can't do anything for you on your way.

We stayed up all night and made them.

Your rice balls are the best of the special meals! Aren't they?

- We'll be stuffed! Soo Deok, take this. - Yes, sir.

Ok Joo!

What are you doing?

- I might not see her anymore. - Why wouldn't you?

- Please come back alive! - What are you doing?

- Please be safe! - Oh my. What do I do?

I just came here to grow my garden, but going to war?

I'm going to war?

Your Majesty!

I, Kang Hong Rip, and your troops would like to bid farewell.

Sire!

Come back alive, everyone!

Do you understand?

You must come back alive!

Yes!

Our weaponry bureau

and the rifle unit armed with gunpowder that will be produced on-site...

are my dreams.

To protect Joseon with the power of Joseon!

To gain the power of Joseon that no one else can even desire!

But although you've been working hard for that goal

I'm sending you to a faraway foreign land.

Forgive me!

I wasn't able to protect you to the end!

And... you must keep this in mind.

Don't shed your blood in a foreign land.

Your job is to come back alive.

Protect this land, Joseon!

This is how it got resolved after all.

Now we won't need to worry about our relationship with Ming.

But... what was His Majesty saying?

Telling the soldiers not to shed blood on their way to war?

Is he telling them to fight or not?

'Don't shed blood'...

Don't fight?

Remember, Supreme Commander, what you have to do. You must!

Sit down.

- You are Jo Yeo Jung? - Yes, ma'am.

How old are you?

I am 21 this year.

Raise your head.

Goodness, were you scared of me?

How is she?

She's pretty and well-mannered.

And she looks smart.

She won't compare to you, but she's wise and quick on her feet.

It's just... her eyes bother me a little.

Really? Then should I look for someone else?

No, we don't have time for that.

Bring her to the palace tomorrow. They'll be ready for her.

When you do something wrong, you have to pay for it.

Whether it's a human or an animal.

What could've happened if it was my face?

[Yeo Jung (Later Soyong Jo)]

By now, the troops must've arrived at the border.

Were there any other reports?

Other reports?

No, sire.

You should go home now.

Would that be all right?

Then...

please go to bed soon, sire. You should keep your health.

Was there any other report from In Woo?

No. It seems that there isn't anything suspicious yet.

I see. You may leave now.

Yes.

My lord, can you really trust In Woo?

What he wants is clear now.

If things go well, I'll get him the girl.

'If things go well'?

That means...

Restoration.

With just a small justification...

we should be able to take the king down now.

[Military Camp of Ming]

Supreme Commander of Joseon Kang Hong Rip is here to see Your Majesty!

You've come a long way.

I commend Joseon soldiers' spirit and dignity!

Thank you, sire!

Commander!

Now that we have soldiers from Joseon, we've pretty much won the war.

- Isn't that right? - Yes, sire.

That goes without saying.

I had no thoughts as I was walking here...

but I really feel like I came to a battlefield now.

You're right. It's so big!

By the way, where is our barrack?

It's... supposed to be here somewhere.

That kid...

How is it going? Is it manageable?

This is no big deal.

By the way, when is the battle starting?

- It's tomorrow? - That's what I heard.

I received the military order just now.

But our soldiers just arrived.

We had no time to rest! It's too much!

I raised the issue, but it didn't work.

Because of us, their full attack was delayed.

Then what about soldiers' placement?

Where will the Joseon soldiers be placed?

They'll tell us about it later.

What? The battle is tomorrow, but later? So when is 'later'?

That's all I received.

They told us to eat and rest today.

It starts tomorrow right away?

Yes, soldiers are still tired... I'm worried.

They're too much.

Once we hand over the gunpowder we brought

our rifle unit won't have enough.

I wonder if they will be able to handle it.

They wouldn't put us in a large-scale battle on the first day, would they?

Get some rest first.

I instructed them as per your order.

Officer!

This is the plan from Ming.

They told me to deliver it to you first.

This is...

Is this really the soldier placement for tomorrow?

Yes, that's what I was told.

What's all this?

All the delicious dishes from the mountain and the sea are gathered here!

I thought they'd throw us a few rice balls...

but the people from the continent have a different scale!

I thought we'd work on grinding the rocks as soon as we got here.

How long has it been since I smelled wine?

- Eat! Eat! - Let's eat! Let's eat!

Eat!

Eat! What's wrong with you? Eat!

I'm fine. You should eat.

You used to eat two bowls of plain rice.

- Are you not feeling well? - I just don't feel like it.

Besides, I had a bad dream last night...

We slept outside, so of course you would have a bad dream.

What's this nonsense I'm hearing?

It's not that...

There is something ominous about it!

Ominous? What is?

You feed the best food to a pig before you kill it.

- And? - What do you mean, 'and'?

I'm wondering if we're facing the same fate as that pig.

- What? - You're speaking nonsense!

I'm going to lose my appetite! Are you saying that we are pigs?

I agree! Why are you making me nervous?

Anyway, something bothers me.

Something's odd!

The niter and sulfur are not in good condition.

We can't guarantee firepower if we make gunpowder with this.

I agree. The sulfur is very damaged.

Ma'am.

Young Master.

I have something to tell you.

Leave us for a moment.

Excuse me, who are you to...

- Take him away. - Yes.

It's fine.

Stay outside for a moment.

Ma'am!

Sir!

Sit down.

I'll announce each unit's duty and placement for tomorrow.

What is it about? Just...

I'm going to assign you guards right now.

Please leave this place with them right away.

Pardon?

You have to, ma'am. Right now.

What are you saying? Why do I have to?

Could you please, just this once, follow my direction?

There may not be another chance if we don't do it now.

You have to leave now.

No. If you don't tell me the reason, I can't follow it.

Young Master, what is it that you know?

What did you just say?

Sir!

You didn't understand even when I spoke in Joseon language.

I'm puzzled.

Did you not understand?

The rifle unit from Joseon will spearhead the battle with Later Jin tomorrow.

Send in our own?

The Joseon soldiers will be in the front?

Sir, that's too harsh!

Too harsh? Look, General Kang!

Are you disobeying your superior's order on the battlefield?

Ming's strategy was planned out before we set out for this battle!

What?

What... do you mean...

Joseon will spearhead the battle?

Ma'am...

But, why? Why are we leading in their war?

Why do you think? That's why they needed Joseon soldiers from the beginning.

They're planning to use Joseon's rifle unit as their shield.

- What's going on? - I'm sorry. My hands slipped...

- Sire, are you all right? - You don't need to worry about me.

- What about the letter? - I delivered it to everyone.

We can head out now.

It's important! Don't you know who I am?

I'm Prince Neungyang!

He is...

I need to meet with Lord Kang and tell him something!

Lord Kang! Lord Kang Joo Seon!

I'm Prince Neungyang! I have something to tell you!

Send a message that I'll run a little late.

Yes, sir.

I am surprised, Prince Neungyang.

I didn't know that you'd come visit me.

Is that right?

By the way, what is it about? I have an urgent matter.

Could it be... more urgent than me?

I wasn't going to do this either...

I have pride to keep up as one of royal blood.

But I've been waiting to receive a message from you...

and I got impatient.

So I came with my own feet after all.

I am not that patient.

A message? From me?

Of course. You used me like a dog...

so there had to be something.

If I did well, stroke my head.

If not, kick me in the side!

But the master who holds the leash has no response.

So I got anxious.

Sir.

I'm not sure what you are talking about.

Yes, then I'll tell you.

Sir!

Make me the king, Lord Kang.

I'll do anything. Do you understand?

If I could... I'll do anything!

Spearheading? We're at the front? Why?

- How come? - Why do you think?

They're telling us to go first and die!

They're telling us to become their shield!

These bastards...

Goodness, we're all dead now.

The administrators like us won't participate in the battle, will we?

Manager Lee!

Ma'am, did you hear the news?

Where is Councilor Hong?

General Kang! We cannot accept this!

If it happens, our Joseon soldiers will be wiped out!

Sir, we need to discuss it with them one more time.

We can't give them our Joseon soldiers to be sacrificed!

Right, we can't give them our Joseon soldiers to be sacrificed.

Order all the soldiers to retreat in secret immediately!

Sir!

- What did you just say? - Didn't you hear me?

Joseon soldiers will retreat from this camp!

General Kang, what do you mean, 'retreat'?

Just what does it mean?

How could you order such a thing?

General Kang!

This is... His Majesty's royal command.

Do you understand?

This is the royal command!

Sire.

This is...

That's right.

'Determine your action based on the situation.'

You're given the responsibility

of protecting Joseon soldiers as Supreme Commander.

Therefore, act based on the situation.

If they are trying to sacrifice our Joseon soldiers

if our soldiers are at risk of being wiped out...

make them retreat, Supreme Commander.

Did you say, 'the royal command'?

What you said just now?

Yes. No matter what price we have to pay

His Majesty said that we can't lose the rifle unit

and the technicians of the weaponry bureau.

Because they're the last hope to protect Joseon from danger someday.

But we can't do that, sir!

If it happens, if Joseon soldiers retreat, what about His Majesty?

Do you really not know what kind of political risk it is to His Majesty?

I know. But His Majesty was prepared for everything

and made this decision!

What?

'I can do anything.' Is that what you said, sir?

As long as you can climb to the throne...

anything at all?

But we can't do that.

If it happens, His Majesty's power may be at risk.

But we can't let the soldiers be wiped out!

This is the royal command, and I also believe His Majesty is right!

Sir!

Sire!

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