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But we can't do that.

Then His Majesty's hold on the throne will be at risk.

Episode 25 But I can't let soldiers be slaughtered!

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

Sir! But if Joseon retreats

it means Joseon would betray Ming, and partner with barbarians!

And by the command of His Majesty!

Can't you understand?

This fact cannot be hidden, so it will put His Majesty in danger.

Ming would never let this go

so to those who are opposed to His Majesty

it can give them a reason to remove him for treason!

- Look! - Councilor Hong!

Sir, please, you can't order them to retreat in haste.

Then what am I supposed to do, Councilor Hong?

You should know, since you know His Majesty better than anyone else.

He wants to stop Joseon soldiers from dying without meaning!

Don't you think I knew what that command meant?

Do you think I don't know what will result from this?

Sir...

But His Majesty is prepared for it, Councilor Hong.

Regardless of the risks he has to face, he means to protect them!

That is His Majesty's big goal!

Sire...

Did you say... you could do anything?

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

anything at all?

That's right.

If I can...

I would even lick your feet right here.

Lord Kang...

Is there anything I couldn't do?

I will even become your dog!

How far do you think this rain will reach?

Princess and Councilor Hong...

and my soldiers who are thrown out there...

Do you think they can avoid this rain?

Sire!

They have to live on.

Even if I don't, they do.

Because that's where the future of Joseon is.

Do you understand?

Ming will definitely collapse someday

and Later Jin will rule the continent.

I'm not the one who can protect Joseon in this situation.

It's them.

- You have to leave now! - Please let go of me.

This is a command as a princeess.

Young Master, what more do you know?

- Ma'am... - Please tell me.

What more do you know about Ming's plan?

So there is no solution after all?

Sir!

I cannot lose the rifle unit and the technicians from the bureau!

That's the royal command I received.

Why do you assume that we'll lose?

Ma'am...

Can't we find a way to survive, a way to win?

I know that this is not a place for me to jump in.

- Please forgive me, sir. - Your Highness.

But we cannot retreat.

Please retract that order.

Did you say that His Majesty's order was to protect the soldiers?

Yes, we should all honor that command.

But, sir...

as retainers and people of His Majesty

shouldn't we also protect His Majesty?

That's the reason we are here.

Ma'am...

But when we know what this retreat means, we can't just leave like this.

If His Majesty meant to protect us, we should do the same.

If His Majesty tried to fulfill his duty as the king

shouldn't we also protect His Majesty?

I also believe she is correct, sir.

We haven't even looked for a solution yet.

A solution where we can honor His Majesty's order without retreating.

- Look! - Sir...

Please reconsider.

But to stand in front means death.

Would there be... any way to protect our soldiers?

Is there?

Hurry! Let's move sulfur first!

Niter can't be wet either! Let's move quickly!

My lord, what will you do about Prince Neungyang?

Even as a scarecrow, he needs to play the role of the king.

- But Prince Neungyang is... - You're right.

He is shallow and crude, so he is not to be raised to the throne.

But, my lady...

not all the seats are occupied by adequate people.

Not even the highest seat of this country.

But would the powerful come together around Prince Neungyang?

Restoration takes betting your life.

Only if we can get a grab on Gwanghae's weakness.

If we can get one critical reason to insert Prince Neungyang...

Yes, it's no big deal... Why would I not kneel even ten thousand times?

It will be worth it when I have everyone kneel before me someday.

The battleground is right around here.

What about the frontline troops of Later Jin we have to fight against?

Based on intel, it's the Blue Banner of the Eight Banners.

The Blue Banner... Isn't that the main force of Later Jin?

That's right.

Do you think our rifle unit can get through the Jungnam Unit?

The rifle is of course powerful...

but it takes time after shooting before it's reloaded.

If we can't hold out during that time...

we could be wiped out.

Of course it won't be easy.

But our gunpowder performs well.

And the range has increased from 100 steps to 200 steps

so if we get support from Ming, we have a chance.

Sir, he's right.

If they support the rifle unit...

No, Ming's troops won't support us.

Ma'am, what do you mean by that?

Ma'am!

What did you say, Young Master?

Joseon soldiers are only here to be used bait?

That's right, sire.

We'll wait in ambush in the back, and watch the situation.

- And? - It wouldn't happen...

but if Joseon's rifle unit get through the frontline troops of the Eight Banners

then we'll participate in the battle.

But if they fail...

We'll give them up as bait

and hit the back of the Eight Banners?

Unavoidable sacrifices come with war, don't they?

Ma'am, is what you just said true?

Ming's troop will use us?

If Joseon's rifle unit stands at the forefront

when Later Jin is most vigilant against them

they will have all the opposing military power focused on the rifle unit.

That's when Ming will attack the back of Later Jin's troop.

That was the purpose of asking for the rifle unit of Joseon from the beginning.

How can this be? How can they think up such atrocities?

But, ma'am, how did you...

It must be In Woo, ma'am.

Sir, what should we do? What about Her Highness?

Do you understand, ma'am?

You have to go!

Please, ma'am!

I'm telling you the situation to save you!

This is the situation, so you have to avoid it!

Yes, I will go, Young Master.

But I will go with everyone that I came with.

Ma'am!

Since we came together, we'll go back alive together.

I will never, at any moment, leave by myself!

- Ma'am... - So please help me.

Please help me so that everyone I came with can be safe.

Yes, that's what she said.

If I want to save her, I should help her save everyone.

But that's the way to stop me from moving at all.

I can't do anything...

Right?

So... let me hear you.

What can I do for you?

A way for all of us to survive... Is there any?

Yes, definitely, Kang In Woo.

There is a way to protect all of us here.

What are you saying?

Didn't you hear Ming's plan?

They'll use the rifle unit...

Yes, they're planning to sacrifice us.

Joseon's military, the future of Joseon

the one that His Majesty bet everything for!

We'll protect them with our own power.

What?

All the Joseon soldiers.

In this battle, not just the rifle unit

but also the soldiers with swords and with bows who came together

will stand on the frontlines.

What on earth are you saying?

Are you...

Yes, if Ming doesn't step up

all of the soldiers who came together will support the rifle unit.

When the rifle unit takes time to reload, all of the soldiers will protect them.

All of our soldiers will be at the forefront?

Hong Joo Won, how can you say such nonsense...

At least it'll be better than what they're saying.

We're not sacrificed in a meaningless strategy.

We mean to make it out alive together.

That's how we're going to win.

Really?

You think you can win this way?

Fine, I'm dumbfounded that you're having such a dream...

so you want me to convince Ming's side?

Since Joseon soldiers are assigned to Ming right now?

You want me to get them out?

Only you will be able to convince the emperor of Ming.

That's the power you inherited from your father.

Am I wrong?

You're right.

Like you said, that's the power I inherited from my father

and since that's what I learned growing up, I could try.

But what do I get in return?

There is only one thing I want.

That Her Highness is safe.

For her to return home alive.

What about what I want?

Do you think I want something different?

What?

Listen carefully, Kang In Woo.

What you want in return is also a favor I'll ask from you now.

Is it true, sir? There will be a way?

Yes, ma'am. That's right.

Let's go. I have to see the prince of Ming.

Sir.

Understood?

All of the Joseon soldiers

soldiers with swords, bows, and even foot soldiers

will stand at the frontline.

Our goal is to protect the rifle unit and the technicians of the bureau!

So we need to win in order to do that.

Hurry up! Watch the rifle.

Take one each.

One each.

Here, let's hurry!

How many more do we have?

- What about the gunpowder for the battle? - We're distributing it right now.

Our technicians are preparing for more.

Here, here... we have to hurry.

If we make another geun of gunpowder, one more of our soldiers will live.

- Here, I brought niter. - What about sulfur?

When is the sulfur coming?

- It's good. You can take this sulfur. - Yes.

Damn it! It has too many impurities, it won't work!

How will the gunpowder explode like this?

I have a ton to do right now!

You're driving me nuts!

Please let me.

I'll watch it.

Ma'am!

Follow me!

I'll take care of the gunpowder.

- You should go. - What? Where?

He looks like he has something to tell you. Councilor Hong.

Sir, what did you just say?

What do I have to do?

If the battle turns perilous

you have to leave here without hesitation.

- But that's... - It's not just you.

All of the technicians from the bureau have to return to Joseon alive.

That's part of the royal command.

Of course... we will win, ma'am. That's what's going to happen.

Sir...

But... if it doesn't happen that way...

then you will have to do your job.

As His Majesty did his part, you will too.

What do you mean, 'my job'?

We don't know what we'll face anymore, ma'am.

We'll do everything to win, to protect...

but His Majesty or I may not be able to.

Even if something horrible happens, you shouldn't be shaken.

You shouldn't forget that you have your duty to the country as the princess.

Sir...

Ma'am, please promise me that you will survive!

That you will remember the big goal His Majesty wanted to protect

and my wish to protect you.

Do you know how long it's been?

- Please go inside now... - Shut your mouth!

It's not time for that.

How would someone like you know how I feel?

Does it mean I can't be the one?

Like those people a long time ago

he can't choose me to be the king after all?

Sir.

Make me the king, Lord Kang.

I'll do anything.

Do you understand?

If I could do that, I'll do anything!

Fine, let's go.

Since we had a king like Gwanghae...

it's possible to have a king like Neungyang once.

Sir, where will you go at this hour?

I'll go until it works.

Until my knees wear out.

Sir?

You are...

We received an order to bring you.

Is it true?

Did he really?

'Cross the river on the same ship.'

Now we're on the same ship?

Yes... it's done now!

Now I... Prince Neungyang...

will become the owner of that palace!

Yes, Haneum.

I may be predicting what will come ahead of me.

It's not... too late yet.

Please! Don't enter a path of no return!

Sire!

No, I am going to win, Haneum.

No matter what price I have to pay

even if I have to become a bigger injustice.

Then, sire...

I don't think I can be at your side, sire.

Regardless of... what price I have to pay.

Yes, and maybe I've been prepared for it since the moment I lost you.

Sir.

Welcome.

I have something to tell you in private.

Lord Kang!

Do you mean a treason plot, by any chance?

Treason plot?

It's revolution.

A treason plot is started by those who want to steal power for their own greed.

And it refers to failed uprising.

But we are rising for Joseon.

And we will definitely win.

But sir, how could such a massive event...

The king has already lost all the support.

From Ming, and from this country.

How can such a man be called the king?

Then... who are you thinking to choose as the king?

Sir!

What... did you just say, Prince Neungyang?

Restoration?

That's right, ma'am.

I'll get rid of the king and relieve your resentment!

Your Majesty, don't you want to avenge the late Prince Yeongchang?

You lost everything... Even the princess was chased away...

You couldn't have forgotten the past, could you?

The one who did all those things is still our king!

Ma'am!

No, I haven't forgotten.

I've endured to this day so that I would have a chance to relieve my resentment.

Ma'am, please trust me!

I will become your child, your son...

and pay back everything with the same blood.

But, Haneum...

I won't be broken too easily.

Even if I had to become a bigger injustice to the end

even if I had to hold hands with the wrongful ones to the end...

As long as I am the king...

Joseon will be different.

Even if I don't get to accomplish my goal

I believe... it will be realized someday.

Haneum...

And?

You saw the secret letters that Kang Hong Rip wrote to His Majesty?

Yes. Just like you told me, important documents were placed there.

What was it about?

Call in the crown prince. Lee Yi Cheom, too.

Yes, sire.

'Act in caution based on the situation.'

It definitely meant that he'd decide based on the situation

following the royal command.

'Act in caution based on the situation'?

And most of it was about spying on the military moves of Ming, not Later Jin?

If I'm not mistaken... Definitely, ma'am.

And His Majesty looks for the crown prince often

since he sent the troops.

Sire, what are you doing?

'Decide based on the situation'?

And why the crown prince?

Sire...

Sire, forgive me for saying this

but what would be the reason to call in His Highness and I at this hour?

What could it be?

It is to make you realize an important point.

Since you're the grandfather of the crown princess

you should pay attention to her safety.

Yes, sire.

But why all of a sudden...

Father... just what do you want to say?

I want you to prepare for danger.

Do you understand?

The war that will blow in the royal court and this country.

We pray...

that no one gets hurt, and no one goes missing...

Please let them come home safely.

Yes, there is nothing more we wish for.

Please take care of them so that none of our family members die.

I'm going nuts! I'm shivering!

So when the frontline falls apart, they'll push forward here!

Ma'am, we'll be able to win, right?

That will definitely happen, right?

- Manager Jang... - Yes...

In Woo, how can you...

I also came as an officer of the city guard's bureau.

Since our soldiers are in this battle, I should do my duty.

Sire, the Eight Banners are coming.

Sir!

Listen, soldiers!

Yes, in front of our eyes are soldiers of the elite troops from Later Jin!

Our duty is to go through them, and protect this battleline!

But we will not fight with the determination of death today.

We're fighting to make it out alive!

Listen!

All Joseon soldiers!

Survive!

In order to live, we'll cut down one more enemy and proceed forward.

We'll throw ourselves forward and save one more of our men!

Don't leave anyone out! Slay everyone!

Go!

Wait! All rifle shooters, stand at your post!

Get ready! Arm yourselves!

Not yet. It's not time yet.

Now... Right now!

Shoot!

Fire!

Reload! All rifle shooters, reload!

Protect the rifle shooters!

Can the Joseon troops go through them?

We don't know yet, sire.

Ming soldiers can't step in yet.

Here! Look!

We don't have enough cannonballs. Move the cannonballs to the battleline!

- Soo Deok, hurry. - Yes, sir.

- Be careful! - Yes.

Look, how is it going? What about our soldiers?

Hurry up!

Hurry! Hurry!

Sir, the enemy line is unstable.

It's time. We need to debilitate them with the rest of the gunfire!

Line up all the artillery!

Bring in all the remaining firepower!

Send the soldiers of Ming!

Sire, but we have to stay back...

What are you doing?

Will you let the Joseon troops take the accomplishment of this victory?

Ming soldiers, join in the battleground!

Listen, everyone!

Ming soldiers, join in the battle!

Those are Ming soldiers!

They're finally going to help our Joseon soldiers!

Did we do this?

Did we push out the Jurchen troops?

Ma'am, we made it!

All of us! We're all alive!

Manager Lee...

Retreat! Retreat everyone!

Sir!

Did we do it? Did we really make this happen?

What about the damage?

Later Jin's troops lost thousands of soldiers and hundreds of horses.

But we lost about 125 soldiers total

and lost only four cannons. That's everything, sir!

It's a great victory!

Our Joseon troops won the first battle against the Jurchen troops!

Although I'm the commissioner at the weaponry bureau

I didn't know the firepower of our military was this strong!

Please send this victory news to His Majesty now!

Of course I will. I have to!

What about Her Highness?

Don't worry. She's safe.

Everyone, you saw it, right? You heard about it?

The gunpowder we made destroyed those from Later Jin!

You're really...

You seemed to be hiding the whole time. Did you really see it?

Hiding? Not me!

Not me, but I'm sure that 'Minister Japchae' did.

'Japchae'?

Is it... about me, by any chance?

No, sir. No, sir. That's not possible!

Please take a rest. Please continue to rest.

Ma'am...

Send it to Hanyang (current Seoul). Don't delay it!

Yes, sir.

- Wait! - What's going on?

You really didn't get hurt anywhere, did you?

We were in the back.

Other than getting bruises here and there while carrying the explosives and bombs

- I'm doing fine. - What? Bruises?

Where?

Ma'am! Why did you wait until this...

I'm fine!

You're making a fuss!

This is nothing in a war!

But still...

Ma'am, let me...

Councilor!

- Ja Gyung! - What's going on?

- Get ready. Right now! - Yes, sir!

Sir!

We're pushing forward to Hetu Ala now?

What does it mean?

We just finished our first battle.

So how...

It seems that Ming soldiers are fired up from today's victory.

Generals from each troop who want to claim credit for victory

requested a full attack, one after another.

But isn't this too reckless?

To push forward to the capital of Later Jin without any preparation?

Sir...

Still, nothing will happen, right?

We have our own soldiers, and even soldiers from Ming.

So the capital of Later Jin can't be a big deal.

So, what about our soldiers?

The rifle unit under Supreme Commander left with Ming soldiers.

Only a few soldiers are remaining

and planning to escort injured soldiers and people from the weaponry bureau.

Wait. Did you just say, 'the weaponry bureau'?

Yes, sir.

No, it's a useless thought.

Nothing will happen.

- What is it? - They're lying in ambush!

It's a trap, sir!

Sir!

Sir, the united troops pushing forward are surrounded by Later Jin's soldiers.

The soldiers fell into a trap!

What?

Ming soldiers taking the northern route are already wiped out.

And soldiers on the western and the southern paths are running away!

Then what about Joseon soldiers? What about our soldiers?

That's all I've heard, they're probably in the same situation.

Sir, you have to close the camp and retreat quickly!

Sir!

Hurry up, everyone!

#

Throw out the heavy ones! Hurry!

You have to go now, ma'am. Hurry up!

No, I won't leave alone.

Then... what about you?

Ma'am, did you forget your promise to me?

You said you wouldn't be shaken up at any time.

You said you'd definitley live on, and do what you need to do.

So you have to go! Right away!

What about Her Highness?

Listen carefully, Kang In Woo.

What you want in return is...

is also a favor I'll ask from you now.

If the battle situation turns against us...

If we can't guarantee her safety anymore...

then please take care of her.

Take her and everyone from the weaponry bureau safely back to Joseon.

What do you mean?

Me? Then what about you?

I will follow you and the bureau people soon.

Until everyone gets to a safe place...

I will stay here and buy some time.

- Sir! - Ma'am...

As the councilor of the bureau

it is my duty to protect the lives of you and those in the bureau.

That is the royal command I received.

No, I don't want to!

I won't do that!

- Ma'am! - Please...

Come with us, sir.

I won't go alone.

Sir, if we are not together, not alone...

I will definitely return, ma'am.

The promise that I will be with you...

The pledge that I will walk the same path with you...

I will definitely keep them.

Sir...

Please take care of them.

The remaining soldiers will buy some time

so you have to cross the border as soon as possible.

Come back alive, Hong Joo Won.

I don't want this to be the last time we see each other.

Do you understand?

I don't like to defeat you like this.

Sir! Sir!

- We have to leave now, ma'am. - Sir...

- Ma'am! - Let go of me!

- We have to go now, ma'am! - Sir!

- Ma'am! - Please... Sir!

Please... be safe, ma'am.

Everyone, get ready!

Until everyone from the weaponry bureau leaves safely...

all of us... will die here.

Please make it out alive.

Sir!

Sir!

And please...

don't be in pain because of me.

Sir!

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[Hwajung]

Sir! Councilor Hong!

We can't even find whether Joo Won's dead or alive.

If Joo Won is not around, wouldn't you look at me then?

Wouldn't I be able to grab this chance?

The thought occurs to me.

Emperor?

It's a request of a master-retainer relationship, not friendship.

Do you think I'd accept this rude request?

If it's not going to be mine

it can't be Gwanghae's either!

I can't let the girl block my path, can I?

It's about time that we end this fight.