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Episode 49

Sir, don't look back. At the fork, turn right and follow me.

- What? - I need to check something.

I need to confirm if they are following you, sir.

Look, what do you mean...

Sir, right now! Quickly!

He ran away! Chase him! We can't lose him!

What the hell is going on here?

What's the reason for doing this? And who are those men?

They have been following you for a few days.

- What? - Sir...

I can't figure out who they are, but assassins are definitely after you.

What? What did you just say?

In Woo's life is in danger?

I wasn't able to say anything until I was sure.

But it seems certain.

I thought they were aiming for Her Highness, but that isn't the case.

They've been looking for a chance for a long time...

And when we went alone today, they finally showed themselves.

But why? Who would do such a thing to In Woo...

Could it be... Kang Joo Seon?

Yes. So how could I not deliver this news to the Great Qing?

I swore my allegiance to His Majesty the Emperor.

So, what are their demands?

What is Kang Joo Seon trying to gain by using Qing?

It is...

It is... the resignation of His Majesty, who ascended to the throne recently.

What did you say?

Their deadline is 11:00 a.m.

If His Majesty doesn't resign by then...

they will cross the border and advance to the capital city.

Eight hours...

We don't even have a half a day left now.

Yes, my lord.

And we will be able to get back everything we lost when it comes.

No, not just what we lost.

More than that...

My dear...

We'll gain a lot more than that.

I already knew about Kang Joo Seon's plan.

His Majesty is advancing to the north?

That's because...

I told Kang Joo Seon that he'd be able to move Qing if he told them about it.

What? Did you just say that it was your idea?

If I was hit with something like this without any preparation some day...

I needed a solution in place.

But my lifeline was stolen by Kang Joo Seon.

Please keep an eye on In Woo. First, find out who they are...

Joo Won!

What about Her Highness? Where is she?

In Woo!

I think... I may have a way to find out where my father is, Joo Won.

What?

Yes, if my mother is the one who hired them...

there is our link.

Did you just say that you found a clue to trace Kang Joo Seon?

- Is it true? - Yes, that's right, sire.

Commander Kang will initiate his plan.

Sir.

You came.

- What happened to Commander Kang? - We lost him.

He seemed to have done that on purpose so that we wouldn't get involved.

What?

You came to Joseon a long time ago to look after Her Highness.

It must've been love for you as well.

For you to come so far... to stay by her side.

Have you ever... regretted it?

You could've had another choice, another path for your life.

I couldn't make another choice, or go another way...

That's why I must be here now.

Because I know even now that this has always been my role.

There was no other way...

This is fine as is... even now...

I don't care! I'll lose!

I'm only studying because I don't want to be defeated by you.

It's possible that I won't be able to get a government job.

What are you saying? Why wouldn't you?

By the way, I have a dream now.

I'm going to be the princess' husband.

- Princess' husband? - Yes! The Princess' husband!

But I have no regrets either...

In the end, this was my fate.

Kang In Woo!

Yes, come.

But you will never be able to cut off my breathing until I get what I want.

Get him!

- You're not trying to survive? - No.

I'm not doing this to keep myself alive.

Even if I die, I want to win until the last moment.

Sir.

Let's go.

I will use Qing to earn this land for myself.

I'll put Kang Joo Seon in your hands. For your own victory.

Do you remember what I said in the past?

The reason I like people like you, but I won't stand with you.

But, ma'am... there is a misunderstanding.

To be honest, I really like people like you.

So-called 'upright people.'

But the reason I don't take their side is...

It's because they lose. Almost always.

Yes, they can't win, just like the dethroned Gwanghae.

Because people are moved by greed. They won't take a loss over righteousness.

That's why...

you will never amass great power.

But... not anymore? You've changed your mind now?

A very rare thing in the world...

I may be able to see the victory of justice and virtue.

Yes, even for a brief moment...

you and your people may be able to create that moment.

Didn't I tell you?

Until I get what I want...

you won't be able to kill me.

Now tell me what I want to know.

Tell me. The ones who hired you...

Where are they now?

I heard Commander Kang is figuring out the location of Kang Joo Seon.

How is the situation going?

I heard he caught the ones who are connected to them.

It's not certain, but he has a clue now.

Her Highness went to meet with Commander Kang at a secret house.

We'll find out about the situation soon.

- And? In Woo went alone to lead them? - Yes.

He was so firm, we had no choice.

We followed him as much as we could...

But we lost him.

What?

Then... you don't know where he is?

My dear! My dear!

What about Commander Kang? Have you heard anything from In Woo yet?

No, not yet.

Then what are you doing standing here?

- By now, he should already... - Goodness, making a fuss...

Don't worry. I'm fine.

In Woo!

Sir!

Ma'am.

Are you all right? Did you get hurt? Injuries?

Kang In Woo! How could you go alone...

Stop it already!

My ears are ringing!

Isn't it good that I'm back safely?

In Woo...

How can you say that?

Sir... do you know how worried we were?

Both of us were.

I'm sorry I made you worry, ma'am.

And thank you.

- Sir. - Please go inside.

I need to report to you about what happened.

Then they really were hired by Kang Joo Seon's people?

Yes. Although it's sad, it's fortunate.

It allowed me to gather a clue about the location of my father and his soldiers.

A clue?

Why have I yet to hear about In Woo being taken care of?

The one who hired them was the lady I was forced to call mother.

I found out how they were communicating with her people.

We may be able to lure him out and find the location.

But the problem is time.

When the day breaks, Qing investigators will arrive

to demand His Majesty's resignation.

We still don't have a way to stop him.

But... not anymore?

You've changed your mind now?

A very rare thing in the world...

I may be able to see the victory of justice of virtue.

Yes, maybe even for a brief moment...

you and your people may be able to create it.

No... there may be a way.

A way for us to convince Dorgon of Qing.

Ma'am!

Your Majesty!

Convince Dorgon with this, and catch Kang Joo Seon again?

With this solution that the Princess told me?

Then...

I will track down my father's location from the shadows.

I'm sorry to leave it to you, knowing that it's a tough job.

How many times do I have to tell you?

I chose this.

And Joo Won...

Thank you.

For being my friend and family for a long time.

This... isn't like you.

To have power that no one can covet!

Do you understand?

That's why I can't let Gwanghae produce gunpowder.

And Joo Won, who is playing with fire next to him.

It will be better for you to keep your distance from him.

If you want to inherit my power.

Because you took after me more than any other children I have.

That's the reason I brought you.

Not at all!

I won't fall apart like that.

That's how it's been, and that will be the case in the future, too.

There is power that can never be broken in this world.

And I am that power.

He is...

Because he is my precious father.

So before he goes so far that I can't even reach him...

Before it falls out of my power to protect him.

Ma'am...

I have to make my father stop here.

That's what I have to do.

Sir!

What happened? Blood...

Don't make a fuss.

- It's nothing. - It's nothing?

Please let me see it. How deep is the injury...

Don't say anything.

- Sir! - Do you understand?

Until all of this is over...

don't say anything to anyone!

- Finish it up! - Yes!

Sir.

Did you finish moving the arms and gunpowder?

Yes, sir. We've finished arming the Special Armory.

Goodness... my mouth is drying up.

Investigators from Qing are coming at 11:00?

They'll come in and investigate if His Majesty planned to advance north!

And if it's true, they'll change our King at their own whim!

Crazy bastard! How can they crawl through the border

and threaten our king to step down?

And we're just watching it happen?

Still, there shouldn't be war.

We can't go through that hardship again.

That's why... that mouse-like old man Kang Joo Seon has to be caught soon.

I'm going nuts!

If it's found that he plotted this

it's possible that Qing's troops will go back.

Sire!

Would we... really be able to overcome this crisis with this?

Kim Ja Jeom? Can we really trust his words?

Sire!

What you mean is...

this is the only remaining way.

It will be 11:00 a.m. soon.

Their investigators will arrive in Mohwa Hall.

We have no choice but to release Kim Ja Jeom at the same time.

What?

So, you want to stand in front of them?

The reason Dorgon of Qing said yes to Kang Joo Seon's offer

was as thanks for the wealth Kang Joo Seon pushed to him.

But it's also Dorgon's greed.

And I'm sure you know very well about it.

By showing off the power to take down the king of Joseon

Dorgon will strengthen his status in the royal court of Qing

and try to stand against the Emperor.

In order to stop Dorgon who partnered with Kang Joo Seon...

just like Kang Joo Seon

we need to prove that he is also planning treason against his own country.

And General Oboi, a royal retainer, is coming with the investigators.

If he finds out about the ambition of Kang Joo Seon and Dorgon...

Dorgon's troops won't be able to proceed with this plunder!

Of course I know very well that Kim Ja Jeom can't be trusted.

But if he can take the lead and delay the investigators...

and succeed in setting a secret meeting between Oboi and Your Majesty...

Sire...

we may be able to stop this without clashing with Qing troops.

When are the investigators of Qing arriving in the city?

It's almost 11 o'clock now!

How dare you! Can't you hear me?

Are your lips stuck together?

The day I get out of here

I'll pierce your ears and tear apart your mouths!

What about Lord Kang?

The investigators from Qing have arrived?

Yes, sir. They'll arrive in Mowha Hall and find the King's fault soon.

My lord!

What the hell?

Sorry about that. Were you hurt?

It's fine. Go ahead.

Sorry about that!

Take care!

Sir.

Did you check?

I believe he's the one.

It's an officer with the last name Nam at the Police Bureau.

An officer at the Police Bureau?

That's everything that I know.

He gave us this task in return for releasing us.

So you will have to follow him to find out who hired him.

Sir!

I'm fine.

Let's go.

You haven't heard from Commander Kang yet?

No. By the way...

- I found this here... - What is it?

- This is... - It's Commander Kang's military uniform.

The one he wore last night!

Then... this blood...

Jicheon!

I received the message that the investigators have arrived in Mohwa Hall.

How is the situation inside?

Kim Ja Jeom is preparing right now.

Don't get any foolish ideas.

I'm not pathetic enough to think of such a thing.

You must think that I was able to enjoy power because of trickery and schemes

But that's not everything.

We've walked different paths, but I don't like being pathetic either.

[Mohwa Hall]

General Oboi! Joseon officials are arriving in Mohwa Hall now.

Are you the core officials of Joseon who will be investigated?

That's right.

I'm Kim Ja Jeom, Vice Premier.

Kim Ja Jeom...

Sire!

The investigation has just started at Mohwa Hall.

Sire!

Your Highness.

"Let's trust Kim Ja Jeom."

I'm the one who requested it, Lady Jung.

This... has to be the right choice.

Now... let me hear the answer now.

The Emperor of the Great Qing, and Dorgon

would like to know about what the King of Joseon is doing.

Go to Kang Joo Seon right now.

Tell him Kim Ja Jeom is here

and ask him what on earth is going on.

That's right. Since His Majesty ascended to the throne

he strengthened the Special Armory and made an effort to expand military power.

But it was to strengthen the defense against Japan

and prepare for their attack.

Your country shouldn't get involved in Joseon's military details!

Japan?

It was only to defend against Japan?

Also, the rumor of ousting our officials who are friendly to Qing

is not entirely truthful.

They were fired or punished for disloyalty against His Majesty.

Making an issue out of it is definitely an interference of internal affairs.

Of course our Emperor doesn't mean to interfere in the affairs of Joseon.

It's only that if Joseon is breaking the master and retainer relationship

and is standing against the Great Qing...

If you're telling the truth

what about the tomb of the previous king?

Based on what I know

I heard that the title of Ming was used for the epitaph, not that of Qing!

It's...

Look, Minister of Personnel!

Isn't that evidence that Joseon still respects Ming

and looks down on Qing and our Emperor?

That's not all.

- Joseon... - That's right.

Since His Majesty's ascension to the throne

using the titles of Qing is forbidden in official documents.

You're right, General.

Of course, that's not all.

We've accepted refugees who escaped from Ming

and we're training shooters with the excuse of defending against Japan

and moving most of them to Uiju in the northern border area.

General, how could we claim that there is no seditious scheme?

The King of Joseon is preparing to fight against Qing some day.

Lord Kim, what on earth are you doing?

Stop it right now!

Lord Kim Ja Jeom!

I can't stay here like this. I should go to Mohwa Hall.

Ma'am! Your Highness!

Ma'am! It's Ja Gyung!

- Ma'am! - Ja Gyung...

But what would be more important now, General?

The King of Joseon was planning to advance to the north?

That's not it.

Someone is using that and plotting a bigger scheme.

What? Plotting something bigger?

Qing must have heard about this from a spy in Joseon.

Through a secretive letter.

How do you think I know about the exact details of the letter?

What are you talking about?

Because it was me, General.

The letter that was delivered to Dorgon through Kang Joo Seon...

It was me who gave that letter with the secrets of Joseon to Kang Joo Seon.

What did you say?

Lord Kim!

What? What did you say just now?

- Who showed up in Mohwa Hall? - Kim Ja Jeom.

The Vice Premier of Joseon who was supposedly ousted!

What?

You said he was definitely confined by the King of Joseon.

So why would he show up there?

Kim Ja Jeom...

Kim Ja Jeom?

Why would he?

Wait.

Could it be...

Could he really...

If that's the case, why did I do such a thing?

And why did Kang Joo Seon deliver it to Dorgon?

Whether it's Joseon or Qing...

there is only one authority with power.

General, isn't it because that's what all of us want?

Then what do you mean by that?

Are you saying that traitors coveted power in both Joseon and Qing?

That's right.

The reason I handed over those secrets to Kang Joo Seon was

that it would be enough to move Qing to attack Joseon.

Lord Kang Joo Seon sent them along with a secret letter.

And the reason that Dorgon of Qing replied to him was

that he also plans to expand his power through this, and become the emperor.

General, if you are a royal retainer just like the others here...

shouldn't you catch Dorgon just like these people are trying to catch Kang Joo Seon?

So what is Oboi planning to do?

He definitely seems to be confused by the words of Kim Ja Jeom.

He stopped the plan of returning to the border right away

and started a long process of thinking through this at Mohwa Hall.

Sire.

Whether it's Joseon or Qing...

there is only one who has authority with power.

General, why don't you have a secret meeting with the King of Joseon?

If it's true, both countries should cooperate, not stand against each other.

Arm the soldiers thoroughly, just in case.

- Pardon? - What are you doing? Hurry up!

What the hell is going on?

I'm sorry. I'm not sure...

The officer at the Police Bureau...

Find the officer you hired to take care of In Woo! Hurry up!

Pardon?

Bring Kang In Woo in front of me!

In Woo must know something!

Really? They requested to meet with His Majesty?

Yes. General Oboi sent a message to meet with His Majesty in secret.

I will head out now

so please escort His Majesty to the secret house in Chang-dong now.

I will. I will go now.

My dear!

Ma'am, did you hear about it?

General Oboi and His Majesty will have a secret meeting in Chang-dong soon.

Yes, I heard about it.

But I have to tell you something before that.

Here. Take a look at this.

It's Commander Kang's uniform.

This is In Woo's?

But why...

It seems that Commander Kang was severely injured last night.

And he hid it from us.

Injured, ma'am?

And he is still tracking down Kang Joo Seon?

Find Commander Kang as soon as possible!

You have to hurry, since his life may be in danger. Do you understand?

Yes!

Sir.

Did you forget?

You have to watch him now, not me.

Then please leave it to me.

If you hold out any longer, you'll be in danger.

- That's why I'm doing this. - Pardon?

What I'm doing now is to take my father to his grave...

So I should be there with him.

Sir.

Wait.

He's moving.

- Look. - What's going on?

Why did you want to meet at such a risky time?

What happened to Kang In Woo? Why haven't you sent a message in a long time?

It has been a long time.

But... "Kang In Woo"?

How can you say my name that way?

- Young Master. - That's right.

You should guide me to my father and my mother.

It's been a long time since I said my greetings to them.

Of course you'd know...

that you're not my match.

So don't waste your energy, and tell me.

I don't have much time.

Hurry up and deliver this to Dorgon.

Things could take a wrong turn.

Yes, sir.

Look!

Lord Kang, how can you do this? How can you come to look for me here?

Of course. It's not time for me to get involved like this.

What?

But knowing that a blade is about to be pointed between my eyes

I can't just sit back and watch it happen.

At this point, do I have to come all the way here?

Lord Kang Joo Seon!

Now, why don't you tell me?

Where is General Oboi?

Did he leave to meet with the King?

Are you really saying that this went wrong?

[King Hyojong's Secret House]

Sire.

- What about General Oboi? Did he arrive? - Yes, he is waiting inside.

Sire, please go inside.

In Woo, are you all right?

Please... Please.

Sir!

Where do you think it is?

If Father took his soldiers with him...

Sir, please!

Right, he would never back down easily.

If he found out that it failed...

he is capable of anything...

Your Majesty!

It must be His Majesty!

Pardon?

Yes... that's what my father would do.

The last solution left now...

is to finish it up with his own hands!

Has Ja Gyung sent any message yet?

Hasn't he found where Commander Kang is?

Ma'am, I will go out and check. Right now...

Your Highness.

So, he went to the secret house in Chang-dong first?

He sent you here, and went alone?

Yes. He confirmed they had a tail

and left to warn them about the danger.

Ma'am, we need to send soldiers over there now.

Sir...

You mean, it's true that Kang Joo Seon betrayed you in Joseon.

That's right.

Just as Dorgon is planning to do.

So you need to make a decision now.

Whether you'll cross the border for Dorgon who is planning treason...

or go back to your troops and protect your Emperor.

Who are you?

This sound...

Sire, we're in trouble. We are under attack!

What? An attack?

Attack them! Kill everyone here!

Sire, please hide yourself now.

Jicheon, we need to escort him now to the secret room.

- But Lord Hong... - What are you doing?

Please, for His Majesty and General Oboi, Jicheon!

Sire, we have to go now!

Don't back down! We must cut off the King's head!

Lord Kang!

Yes, Joo Won.

We are finally facing each other now.

I should have eliminated you a long time ago.

You and the Princess!

Drop the sword!

You'll never accomplish what you want!

Shut up!

Before I take the King's head...

I'm going to cut off your head first.

What are you doing? Cut off his head and open the path!

No, ma'am! It's dangerous, so please stay back.

Move aside. His Majesty, my husband, and Commander Kang are over there.

Ja Gyung! They're in danger!

Lord Kang! Lord Kang!

Sir, more soldiers are coming!

We're running out of options.

What?

My rifle.

Where is my rifle?

But, sir, we should run!

What are you doing? Bring my rifle right now!

No...

No, Father!

In Woo.

Run, Hong Joo Won!

Hong Joo Won, run.

Ma'am.

In Woo...

You can't. In Woo!

In Woo, no!

In Woo, open your eyes.

Kang In Woo!

Open your eyes! In Woo!

Sir...

Sir!

In Woo!

Open your eyes, In Woo!

Joo Won...

In Woo.

Sir! Commander Kang!

Sir.

Father...

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[Hwajung]

Doctor! Bring a doctor!

Open your eyes, In Woo!

In Woo!

He won't be able to avoid the law.

Take him to the State Tribunal.

This is who you are, Kang Joo Seon.

The life you chased made you spill blood on your own child.

- I see, it was you. - Let's go together.

There is only one way left for us.

I don't think it's going well.

Answer me... what happened to In Woo?