Original subtitles

Which one of those men is Prince Choongnyeong?

There he is. Over there.

That is a royal prince?

Run, you idiots!

Seize fire!

Retreat!

Why aren't you going after them?

That's enough for the day.

Command your men to go after the enemy!

Who are you to tell me what to do?

I am Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Weaponry Yi Chun from the capital city.

Oh, so you're the cannon-maker that they told me they were sending.

I don't give a hoot about your business, so stay out of my business.

Your Highness!

You fools! How many times did I tell you not to cross this line?

This is the state border!

You're provoking them the moment you cross this line!

But we almost had them. How can we let them go?

What did you say? You bastard!

Stop!

Don't you know who this is?

I don't care.

The moment you enter Gyeongsung, my fist is the law and the remedy.

This fist hurts less than the barbarians' axe.

Right, Your Highness?

This little ribbon marks the state border?

Gyeongsung is our outpost for the conquest.

Those men will be the vanguards that will fight at the first line of battle.

I need you to go and build a strong encampment for us.

A strong encampment...

I guess I have a long road ahead.

Take no pity! Seize everything!

No! Please!

Get off of me, woman!

No, you're not taking him!

Who will till the soil if you take my cow?

Oh, there's something we can use instead.

Your stupid husband that crossed into the barbarian's land and put us all in danger.

I'll take him instead.

General!

Think of it as the price for your husband's life. It's a bargain.

General!

Is this how it has been for the past two years?

Hustle!

General!

Has Choi Yundeok been squeezing the life out of the people and

stuffing his own belly in return for shooing away a few barbarians?

You can judge for yourself.

Why have you been silent about this?

Proper reaction would have been to alert the central government

and have him removed from his post.

Why should I do that?

I would imagine it is your responsibility as a Royal Prince of Joseon.

Choongnyeong was once recognized by many as kingly material.

When you go to Gyeongsung, you will find him there.

Keep a close eye on him.

Making sure Choongnyeong stays out of the public spotlight,

that's may be the most important service can do for this country.

Sir, you're back.

Did you see the Prince?

What do you think? Is the shop suitable for work?

I think we can handle light weapons maintenance and gunpowder production.

How is he? We should visit him soon, too.

That's unnecessary.

Huh? Sir.

He doesn't deserve your time.

Ministers are worried for nothing.

Kingly material? He's not even princely material.

Keep an eye on him for what?

I heard you went out hunting.

Please retrain from dangerous activities.

You've been repeating those same words for two years.

Aren't you tired of it?

My words would change

if Your Highness's actions changed.

This is how people of Gyeongsung live to survive.

And...

I'm one of them now.

Now we must secure war funds for the conquest.

It seems that the most difficult and important task is remaining.

Securing funds to pay for a massive conquest is a whole new ball game

from training vanguards or sending an artillery force to the north.

There's a limit to keeping it a secret.

But His Highness has no decision power in military affairs...

We can take the roundabout way.

Right?

If there is a way to amass funds without mentioning the conquest,

would you go that route?

I am boldly abolishing the private land possession restriction policy.

Your Highness...

Your Highness speaks of allowing

possession of private land in all eight provinces of Joseon.

Do you realize?

I am not a child.

This is unfathomable unless it was

a thoughtless remark coming out of a child's mouth.

I beg your pardon?

Private possession of land must remain restricted to Gyeonggi Province.

The moment we release that restriction may be the moment this country crumbles.

Perhaps, if we allow men like you to possess that land.

I intend to allow only the most faithful of retainers

to posses provincial land and only if they agree to pay taxes at a higher rate.

This will be an effective way to fill the national treasury since loyal subjects

will not attempt to evade taxes.

But who can measure that loyalty and how?

I know that it won't be you, Vice Minister.

Because your loyalty does not appear to be very deep.

Work out the details and carry out the order immediately.

Abolish restrictions on private possession of land?

What is to happen now?

What do you think?

Rich and powerful lords will

fight to acquire the best land in the provinces.

That's not all.

They will try to swallow up all the communal farms nearby.

Perhaps you can the Royal mentor can speak to the Crown Prince.

Forces may arise that attempt to

build up their authority with their provincial land as their foundation.

Wasn't that one of the causes of Goryeo's fall?

Are you going to do nothing about this?

We have to step up and find a way to stop this.

There are things we can and cannot do.

Who do you think is controlling the Crown Prince from behind the curtains?

I'm sure you suspicions are similar to mine.

You went to great length to tried to get

the Royal in-laws away from the Crown Prince...

But I'm afraid it isn't working...

Things are getting very interesting.

The King is trying with all his might to centralize the power...

But the Crown Prince wants to give away huge chunks of this country to

his retainers and pursue decentralization.

I would say it's almost treasonous.

Wouldn't you?

Perhaps Your Majesty could speak to

the Crown Prince and forget that it ever came up.

Leave it alone!

This can't be His Highness's idea.

He is being manipulated

by men who are trying to exploit his power for their personal gain.

I've entrusted him with state affairs and I cannot intervene on every issue.

Let's see what happens.

Lord Ha Ryun would still be with us if the restrictions were abolished sooner.

It's a shame.

We can't relax just because land had held in possession secretly

has now become legitimately ours.

We must prove our loyalty to the Crown Prince even more firmly.

Whether it's contributing to war funds or paying taxes,

we have to follow his every order for now.

That will buy us time to build our strength in the regions

and give us the power to keep him in check if he behaves like his father

after rising to the throne.

What are you waiting for? Take it.

What is it?

It's a deed to a house, a house you'll be living in from now on.

And leave the palace?

You can't be serious.

Do you think I'd come here to banter in my busy schedule?

It's goes against royal traditions for an unmarried prince

to reside outside the palace.

I know of a prince that was not only forced to leave the palace

against traditions but was banished to a faraway border country.

What are you trying to say?

Are you saying you're going to kick him out if he doesn't leave?

I don't like to repeat my words.

Today might be a good day.

I'm being generous because you are my half brother, so take it and go.

You ordered Kyoungnyeong to leave the palace?

Is there a problem?

Rescind the order.

It's wrong to cast off an unmarried younger brother.

Are you angry?

I'm just following your examples.

I intend to renounce Kyoungnyeong and

make an example out of him to all other princes that might seek my seat of power.

Kyoungnyeong doesn't have that kind of strength.

Did Choongnyeong have the strength? Is that why you measured him against me?

It is nature of men to seek power if you give them room.

I will nip it in the bud before it grows.

Then at least I can avoid the tragedy of having to kill my own brother.

Let him have his way just this once.

I beg your pardon?

Let us send Kyoungnyeong out of the palace.

How can you be so cruel?

Don't you feel sorry for Kyoungnyeong?

How will I ever make up to him?

If only he had not been born of a lowly woman like me...

It's not your fault.

It's comeuppance for my sins past...

Take care of my mother.

Yes, Your Highness...

I'll visit often.

Please be healthy and well.

Don't you resent me?

You're being forced to suffer this agony because of me.

Why won't you blame me?

It's not a great agony, Mother.

Take her back inside.

I will check on Kyoungnyeong in the next few days.

Thank you for your concern.

I will pay you back for your kindness someday, Your Grace.

I thought you didn't like the King's ways.

But you are acting just like him.

From the way you suppress your retainers to the way you crush your political enemy...

I know.

I guess apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

I'll go over this one by one.

First, you cannot abolish the land possession restrictions.

That's already done and over with.

This is not your idea. Who is controlling you from...

I'm offended.

Do you think I'm a puppet being manipulated by someone else?

You must be wary of those

who are trying to exploit your power for their personal gain.

Don't speak ill of them. They vowed to give their lives to me.

And they do not have any ulterior motives.

All they want is to serve me.

How I wish that were true. But the world is not that kind.

If I thought that it was, would I have cast off my brother so coldly?

You're the Crown Prince. You can relax.

Why are you being so cruel?

Isn't that what you want to say?

Your Highness...

I don't trust anyone anymore.

I will not trust anyone except those who swore absolute loyalty to me.

You know the reason for that.

I won't tolerate anyone judging me and going around saying that another

prince is better suited for the thrown than I am.

And most importantly, I will not be defeated against my father the King

who now publicly tests me under the pretext of delegation of duty.

At your service, Majesty.

Who is it?

Who is controlling the Crown Prince?

The Royal in-laws?

Lead the way. We're going to Jang-dong.

... Yes, Your Highness.

Did I make you wait long?

Hey.

What's wrong?

Isn't this what I always do?

You're different today.

What's this about?

What do you think this is about?

Go back to the palace.

How could you, Father?

What father in the world would be so cruel to his own daughter?

Don't you know the saying "The King is infallible"?

How will you govern the many consorts

he will later have if you can't control your jealousy?

What is the meaning of this?

Those who meet must part.

The picnic was beautiful, but there is a time when it must end.

End the picnic?

Be well, Your Highness.

Whatever you think this is, I will decide when to end it!

Anyone that turns his or her back on me will not be forgiven.

My mind is made up.

I hate it when women complain. What do you want?

You want to be treated properly as the Crown Prince's woman?

You're tired of being a hidden mistress?

I wouldn't be seeking to end this if I could only remain hidden.

I'm told you're running the state under the King's orders.

All eyes will be on you.

And you will be under ten times more scrutiny than you are now.

"He has taken a high lord's woman."

They'll say that you're an ignoble man that coveted a servants wench.

I don't want that infamy on you.

I don't make requests. I issue orders.

You're going to be here for me.

This isn't going to change for a while.

Don't expect to be treated as my woman for now.

I know it's not comfortable here, but stay.

I can't promise you when I will be back. I won't be able to keep it anyway.

And if people point fingers at you and call you unchaste,

just suck it up and I will do the same.

Won't you do that for me?

Good job!

Now it's your turn.

You hold it like so, and one, two, three!

That was close.

Let's try it one more time.

Here we go. One, two, three!

Good job!

Mother!

I said you don't have to come every night. You're so stubborn.

Oh, you like having me.

I'm just kidding.

I know my coming here doesn't help much.

No one will fill the empty space Prince Choongnyeong left behind...

No, it's very comforting to have you here.

Kids clamor for you when it starts to get dark,

and I'm grateful that you are trying to fill their father's place.

You're strange.

Both you and Prince Choongnyeong don't act like lords and ladies.

The other lords and ladies don't ever say things like thank you, it's okay,

or I'm sorry to their servants.

But the two of you say that all the time.

That's why I'm not worried about the Prince.

I'm sure he is doing fine spreading his kindness to people around him.

Kid...

Can we play again?

Shall we?

Step right up here.

Here we go.

One, two, three! Good job!

You're an excellent marksman!

Go in the morning with Chief Gang of the Royal Guards.

Why do you have to do this when its dark?

I won't be long.

I heard you were in town.

Are you doing all right?

Of course I'm doing all right.

Gidiup!

Where is he going?

Not anywhere in particular.

I imagine he's just trying to shake off his rage and any attachment left for the world.

Just cut off the rebel's head with this and get it over with.

And from now on, don't get bastards like me all hyped up with your smooth talk.

And don't pretend like you care so much about the people.

Kill or be killed. That's life.

One man's struggle isn't going to change that.

Did you live a girl behind at home?

You look like a man with an aching heart.

He's a strange man...

Who? Me?

Prince Choongnyeong.

I overstepped my bounds a while back and gave him a lecture.

You didn't just give him a lecture.

You were in his face.

And he is doing just what I told him to do.

No struggling, no trying to change the world...

Just subsisting, going with the flow...

Does that make you sad?

Do you think he shouldn't waste his life away like that?

I'm so silly...

No, you're not silly.

You're just feeling for Prince Choongnyeong because you two have a special connection.

You and Prince Choongnyeong,

you come from two completely different worlds and you act very different,

and yet I feel like you're so much alike.

Tell your boys not to be so ridged.

Your boys crossed the border first!

I know.

That's why I brought you all those gifts.

I don't need your gifts. Take it back!

Reopen the Exchange in Gyeongsung instead.

Did I stop the Exchange?

You stopped it by turning your backs on Joseon and siding with Ming.

You want me to get the Ming emperor?

Should I tell him that you're mistreating us because we're paying Ming tributes?

Wait a little.

I'll talk to the court again, so be patient.

Where did you go at this late hour?

I don't have to tell you what I do in my own time.

I know you're secretly communicating with the barbarians!

What proof do you have?

How do you know if I wasn't there to sabotage them?

You've been taking from the people to pay them off and fill your own belly!

Are you upset because I didn't share with you?

What?

Stop wasting my time and take all of your goons back to the capital city.

You're the one going back to the capital city.

What are you waiting for? Take him!

What is the meaning of this?

Why are you trying to take our general?

You should be glad that a corrupt official is being arrested.

Who is the corrupt official?

How can you defend him after all of his plundering?

Plundering? What do you think he took from us?

I need your testimony.

The people are perjuring themselves.

Submit a report to the King with my joint signature.

Why should I do this?

Must I explain to a Royal Prince why a general

who conspired with the enemy should be arrested?

We cannot leave the country's border to a man like Choi Yundeok.

It is a matter of national defense.

You must report this. It is in your best interest as well.

Acknowledgement of this deed could

open up a chance for you to return to the capital city.

Return to the capital city?

Please leave. I know nothing about this.

Your Highness.

Chief Gang, my guest is leaving.

May I ask you to escort him out?

Yes, Your Highness.

You must persuade the Prince.

I don't think I will.

Because your duty is to protect the Prince?

This is why people still say you're the King's footservant

when you've risen to such a high position.

I beg your pardon?

You're a soldier, yet you have no concern for the safety of our borders.

When I said no to your request,

it was my judgment as a soldier.

Gyeongsung Province needs Choi Yundeok.

You'll learn why soon enough.

Slackers have no place here!

What the heck?

Bastards! They call this a barricade?

The rope is rotting!

Those no-good bastards...

Your Highness!

What brings you all the way here, Your Highness?

I...

I was going to pay you a visit when I got done here.

Thank you.

I owe you big, Your Highness.

Thank me for what?

For not getting you dismissed from your post?

Huh?

Well, I guess you can say that, too.

Why do you do this?

You do all this work and no one appreciates you.

You're always misunderstood, and problems are endless.

Are you content with this life?

The people appreciate me.

Misunderstandings will clear up eventually,

and problems just have to be resolved.

Well then...

You!

Did you see this barricade?

Just look at this. It's pathetic!

I am making a request for additional cannons.

To stop the enemy's aggression and establish an offensive strategy

acquisition of weapons is our first priority.

Gyeongsung wants more cannons.

I guess you were right when you said budget is our biggest problem.

Uncle...!

It's a token of our loyalty. Please do not refuse.

It's Granny!

Granny!

Yeoju?

The vanished nursemaid is living in Yeoju?

Who were those trying to kill me and my son?

As you suspected...

The Min clan?

The details are in this report.

Keep your mouth sealed. Don't talk about this to anyone.

At last the Queen will cry blood tears...

Tell me in greater detail.

I couldn't hear everything.

Just something about a nursemaid and Yeoju...

Why does Consort Hyobin finding the nursemaid put you in danger?

What brings you, Your Grace?

There is no time for details. Send your men to Yeoju at once!

Your Highness, I should know what this is about...

Just send your men!

What is the meaning of this?

I think that's my question.

First you try to hurt a prince and now you try to hurt an innocent citizen.

The King has ordered us to bring the woman safely to the palace.

He also gave us permission to kill if anyone tries to interfere.

Is it true that the Min clan paid you to kill Kyoungnyeong?

No, Your Majesty...

The person that gave me the order was...

It was...

the Queen.