Original subtitles

We want to put Jang Youngsil on trial at the Ming state tribunal.

He is the one who stole my Emperor's exclusive right to rule the Heavens.

We cannot give up the ganui(armilla)!

We must reject this inspection and protect the ganui!

Do you want to end up with nothing trying to hold on to everything?

Aren't you angry?

Why did you go to Ming and

risk your life to bring back the astronomical knowledge

if you were going to give up this easily?

We will end up losing more than we can afford if we don't give them

Jang Youngsil and put an end to this.

Jang Youngsil is just the start.

Joseon must be thoroughly punished!

What your King dreams of is creation of Joseon's own writing system.

Having their own writing system that's a dream a hundred times more

dangerous thin ability to read the stars.

Writing system development is a secret project domestically and internationally.

This office must be shut down and concealed completely.

The King's secret office has to be somewhere in the palace.

I must find it and seize evidence of what he is up to.

That's the only way to crush his pipedream.

Stupid fool.

How can you work at a time like this?

The Ming Chinese are out to take you away and hang you, boy!

Stop before I break your wrist!

Go to the King.

At least ask him what's going on.

No, tell him that he'll go to hell if he deserts you.

Stupid fool!

I will organize a round-table discussion at the Ministry of Rites.

That won't be necessary.

Three days...

You have three days.

Bring Jang Youngsil to us at the Hall of Great Peace in three days.

If you don't comply,

Joseon will not be able to avoid Ming's punitive military action.

Again.

Your Majesty...

I know you this isn't easy.

One day.

Your Majesty.

Give me one day to think.

We can't let the Chinese them take Deputy Commander Jang Youngsil!

Calm down and sit.

Don't tell us we're risking diplomatic isolation again.

We haven't established our own calendar system yet.

Forget about the calendar system.

If the Emperor knows about it...

Does the Assistant Director feel the same about this?

He and I have dedicated five years of our lives to astronomical research.

Is he giving it up?

Is that why he's not even here at an important time like this?

Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him around.

You're right. But he was here, this morning.

The type foundry...

Gunchun Gate is right nearby.

Will Assistant Director Jeong give up on calendar science?

He has no choice now that the Emperor has found out.

Are you serious?

Whether the Emperor knows or not doesn't change the fact that our

people need an accurate calendar system!

It's not too late. We have to fight.

We can't let them take Jang Youngsil!

There is a heated argument over Jang Youngsil at the Hall of Worthies?

That's normal. This is abnormal.

How quiet it is here at the Conference Hall - this is abnormal.

You're the last person I'd expect to say such a childish thing.

Childish?

Ming is contemplating punitive military action.

Do you want annihilation of Joseon?

How about all the new weapons Deputy Commander developed?

Those weapons saved countless lives!

Minister Gim can attest to that.

Say something! We've got to do something about this!

Haesan, my man, no one here is happy about turning Jang Youngsil over to Ming.

Then...

But we have to make a realistic decision.

If we don't give them Jang Youngsil,

we can't protect either the ganui or the now weapons.

Jang Youngsil...

Is it wise to let Ming have him?

Are you going to let them take Jang Youngsil?

Your Majesty.

Your job is writing systems research.

How can we work at a time like this?

It's research time from three to five.

Have you forgotten?

We want to hear your answer.

Bring me the list of geographical designations written in Idu.

No.

What is the meaning of this?

We do not wish to be a part of this project any longer.

That's absurd!

It's a waste of time anyway, isn't it?

If we can give up astronomical research just because Ming found out about it,

who knows when we will give up the writing systems research?

No, we should've already given it up.

The Chinese seem to know about the writing system project as well.

Astronomical research, writing systems development,

I never said I was giving up either of them.

Show us proof that that is indeed your will.

Protect Jang Youngsil from Ming's high-handed tyranny.

We will resume our research when we have such proof, Your Majesty.

We want to hear your thoughts, Your Highness.

We hope you will give us a prudent response

because your response will determine our direction.

What do you mean?

You are the next King of Joseon.

If we must serve a prideless King, we'd rather forsake this country.

I do not wish to go up against Ming.

- That means Jang Youngsil is... - But...

I will save Jang Youngsil.

What we should be discussing right now is how to save Jang Youngsil

without turning Ming any further against us.

The King must fight when it is time to fight.

Will you be held accountable for the lost lives if we are defeated?

You want me to have pride?

I believe the King's pride is his people and how well they are taken care of.

And it is that pride that I intend to protect by protecting Jang Youngsil.

"The King's pride is safety and welfare of his people."

It's inspiring but very naive.

Then do you, my realist mentor, think we should turn Jang Youngsil over to Ming?

What is plan, Your Highness?

Your inspiring speech won't be so inspiring unless you have a viable

plan that will save Jang without turning Ming further against us.

If plans always had to come from the sovereign,

we wouldn't need the Hall of Worthies.

Very well.

If there was a way to save Jang without any further problems with Ming,

would you take that route regardless of the sacrifice that it might require?

Is there anything we can do?

We'd like to help, Your Highness.

I need leverage to negotiate.

Something I can give Ming instead of Jang Youngsil as a tradeoff.

What do you think that is?

Why would you ask us that question, sir?

Didn't you say you wanted to help?

Give it a thought.

The two of you could be holding Jang Youngsil's fate in your hands.

Big man Choi Manli has rolled up his sleeves to save Jang Youngsil!

Your political career really must be winding down, sir.

What happened to all of the spies you used to have?

I'm surprised to see you doing the snooping yourself.

Yes, I know.

What is your ulterior motive?

Ulterior motive?

Saving Jang Youngsil is not what's on your mind.

It is indeed in my interest as a Hall of Worthies

scholar to protect a talented mind, sir.

Hiding your true intent?

You're learning.

Then let's hear about your wonderful plan.

How do you intend to save Jang?

I'm not the one holding the key, sir.

And I'm afraid I can't tell you who is either.

I should keep my plans firmly to myself until I have the winning hand

since I'm being criticized anyway.

This type foundry was built above a secret passageway created by Eunuch Gim Saheng,

which was once used as an attack route for

rebel forces fighting against the Royal House of Goryeo.

But why build a type foundry here?

Is this it? Could this be the King's secret office?

Royal Attendant.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Call Gang Hui.

Did you wish to see me?

How well do you know the King?

Am I letting my imagination go too far?

"Language of Joseon"?

At last we have proof.

How does it feel to confirm the fact?

How did you get here?

The same way you got here.

Like I said, we've known each other a long time, Jeong Inji.

So has the King.

We've been with him for over thirty years.

And? What's your point?

But he kept a secret from us.

Because he knows that this is insane.

Why? Why didn't he discuss this with us?

Where are you getting at?

Could it be our fault?

Are you going to make excuses for him again?

Stop being so darn loyal and understanding!

I just need to be certain of this, Choi Manli.

Maybe our closed mindedness is what kept the King from bringing

this out into the open and discussing this with the Hall of Worthies.

Jeong Inji!

We are not political partners unless we talk and make decisions together.

He has to earn the right to share our wisdom!

From now on, I do not support the King.

I stand against him, Choi Manli.

Then you won't mind me using that evidence as leverage.

Leverage?

Leverage to make a deal with Ming to save Jang Youngsil.

Who are you? Let go of me!

What is the meaning of this?

It's His Majesty's order.

He will not comply willingly.

Use force if that is what it takes.

Get Jang Youngsil out and away from the city tonight and sent him to Japan.

Minister Jo!

No doubt it's Jang Youngsil riding in that coach.

The Royal Guards are supposed to help the King.

It's the King's order.

If I were you, I would've chosen to kill him instead.

You must know the danger the King and the country will face if we send you into hiding.

Will you do it yourself or should I have my men do it for you?

What is the meaning of this?

It's best that he die for Joseon.

You do know what Dongchang will do to you in Ming, don't you?

Is it necessary to take Jang Youngsil with us to Ming?

It would be easier to kill him right here...

What makes you think I intend to kill Jang Youngsil?

Sir.

Depending on his attitude, he could become an invaluable servant to Ming.

I can't let you do this!

Dongchang will attempt to put him to their service.

They will put him through treacherous torture and threaten him.

Human will becomes infinitely powerless when your life is being threatened.

Whether he lives or dies is for His Majesty to decide alone.

Now you are a problem to Joseon.

If we turn you over to Ming, we'd be turning over all of our national secrets.

Nothing could be more dangerous.

But we have no choice but to turn you over if you are alive.

What do you think?

If you choose wisely,

I'll do my best to put you on top of the King's merit subject list.

There is a way to save Jang Youngsil?

How?

There is something I must reconfirm before I continue.

You said you would be willing to accept any kind of sacrifice.

Is that still true?

Yes, of course.

Even if that includes making an enemy of your father the King?

Someone must've interfered.

Did you think I would thank you for this?

Find another way.

That's not necessary.

Deputy Commander Jang!

You don't need to listen to him.

Don't get cocky and do as I say.

I can't do that, Your Majesty.

You don't have nine lives, Deputy Commander Jang.

Unbeknownst to me, the price for my life has become too high.

I can't put you through this for me.

Who do you think I am?

I am the King!

I will not go down just for protecting your life!

Let me go to Ming.

That's enough. I don't need your loyalty anymore.

But this country needs me.

This uniform, I didn't put on this uniform just to serve you.

This country Joseon doesn't belong to you alone, Your Majesty.

It belongs to this man, who once was a lowly slave, as well.

That's why I'm refusing to do anything that will harm this country.

Youngsil...

You are my friend of thirty years!

At times you were more important to me than my brothers, wife or children.

Is that right?

Don't think so much and grant me this request.

I'm sorry.

I guess my country is more important to me than a friend.

These are the public policy details.

Wang Anshi's New Policies, especially

Qingmiaofa and Tax Equalization were excellent policies for economic stability.

Taxes are fixed according to soil

fertility ringed in five grades in the Land Squaring and Tax Eqalization Policy.

We might as well drink up since we're here.

Venerable Wang is very pleased about

the Hall of Worthies scholars' visit to the Hall of Great Peace.

We would've been rude not to comply after his kind offer for continued

academic exchange with Hanlin Academy.

Jang Youngsil is supposed to be turned over to them tomorrow.

I feel bad sitting here like we couldn't care less.

Could they have found the leverage they need to make a deal?

By the way,

academic exchange isn't the only thing

we Great Ming can share with the Hall of Worthies.

Certainly not.

What do you think it is?

What do they have that they think is going to save Jang Youngsil?

It could only be one thing.

No way.

Councilor Choi has definitely caught on.

That's why he approached us.

Does this mean writing system development is over?

Are we never going to be able to work with His Majesty again?

Is it true?

It seems Councilor Choi found something at the basement of the type foundry.

And they intend to turn it over to the Ming envoy?

They probably think it's going to save Jang Youngsil.

Is there no chance you might give it up?

I'm asking you if you might give up the writing system development.

Don't speak frivolously.

I'm asking you to weigh it against Deputy Commander Jang Youngsil.

He's an important person to you and to this country as well,

but he was my mentor and at times he was like a father to me.

If we can protect Jang Youngsil by giving up the writing system...

Do you want to take that route?

As you should... As any man with a heart should...

A deal?

We want to protect Jang Youngsil.

Jang is a man who has been ordered arrested by the Imperial command.

What do you have that you could trade him for?

It must be something quite important.

That depends on how you look at it.

Is it the King's writing system development?

Do you think Ming would trade him for that?

Perhaps they might consider if the King destroy the astronomical

instruments and puts his royal seal on an agreement vowing never

to pursue astronomy and writing system development again.

Ming's ultimate goal is taming Joseon and the King to be submissive. Isn't it?

Will the King agree to such deal?

He won't have a choice.

Imagine if the King's writing system development project got out.

The nobles will become furious and rise up against him.

And if he doesn't relent, they could call to replace the King.

Choi Manli will jump at the chance to put that force behind him.

He's a man with good political instincts after all.

We need definitive proof that the King is working on creating a writing system.

Would you give up on Jang Youngsil if we give you that proof?

First we need to see the proof.

Are you inclined to comply with their request?

We will first see if this proof is enough to put pressure on the King.

It's time to show them the proof.

What is it?

Men are here from the Royal court to see you.

I didn't know you fellows were here.

We are here for an academic exchange.

It looks rather serious for an academic exchange.

What brings you here, sir?

Not for an academic exchange. That's certain.

What brings you?

At 9:30 a.m. tomorrow morning,

His Majesty will personally deliver Jang Youngsil to the Hall of Worthies.

What do you mean?

It's just what I said.

Well then...

Won't you reconsider?

We cannot forsake Jang Youngsil like this.

We cannot give up writing system development under any circumstances.

But...

That is my principle and it must be your principle as well.

Father...

If I should die before I can complete the project,

you must continue my work and see it through the end.

Is this more important than a man's life?

That's all the more reason why we need our own writing system

to prevent loss of another man's life because we are too weak to protect him.

Our script will be the vessel that holds the spirit of our people.

It will be the centripetal force that brings the souls of the nation together.

Only with this centripetal force we can become stronger, and

only when we are stronger we can protect ourselves from tragedies such as this.

But...

And I will be as cruel and heartless as I need to be in order to achieve that.

Are you going to see the King?

Yes.

Why?

I think you already know why.

Tell me the reason.

I intend to stop you from being taken to Ming.

No, tell me the real reason.

Deputy Commander Jang.

Is your position in the Hall of Worthies becoming insecure?

Or you just can't get the trust of your peers?

What is this?

I can't think of any other reason why you would play into the

charade about saving me.

As the Assistant Director of the Hall of Worthies...

So you value talent, and you want to protect these hands of mine?

- Something like that. - Not true.

You don't want to protect me.

You just want to use me to hide your false consciousness.

My false consciousness?

You're angry with the King, aren't you?

"Why is he giving us a headache trying to create a stupid script?"

"I refuse to use the same writing that the peasants use!"

I'm fighting the King's backroom politics.

I'm trying to stop his tyranny!

If he had laid it out in the open,

he would've never been able to get the work started.

You proved that today.

Assistant Director Jeong, what happened to you?

Scholar Jeong Inji who despised false consciousness

a broadminded erudite who was the first to show support for a giving

a government post to a lowly slave and didn't hesitate to call him "sir"

is that Jeong Inji no longer with us?

I won't let you hurt the King or destroy the King's dream to save me.

Remember, sir.

I can be a shield to protect the King but the King cannot be a shield to protect me.

Let me give you last presumptuous advice.

If you're still the King's man and a true servant of the Joseon,

this is the time to answer the King's call that you've been holding back

for the past five years.

7.300 days.

175.200 hours.

Wrong.

It's 222.776 hours 26, not 20 years.

I've been in your life since you were three, not since you were nine.

You were only three years old when I made you that hoop with these hands.

You were about this tall.

Youngsil, I... I...

Aren't you afraid?

You have to be stronger than ever.

Because the King needs you more than ever.

Youngsil, I...

I refuse to have a servant like you.

A man who knows nothing except selfless loyalty

I will not have such a foolish servant by my side.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

How could this happen?

Who serviced this carriage last night?

I did, of course.

What?

What were you after?

How else am I to expel my rage for being forsaken by my King?

How dare you!

Arrest Deputy Commander Jang Youngsil at once.

I will personally decide his fate.