Original subtitles

I'm returning to Koryo.

You're not attending the coronation?

Is there any reason I should?

Isn't a tribute being named empress,

quite an honour for Koryo?

As king, I bestow honours in Koryo.

If not for Her Grace,

you would already be dead.

She saved your worthless skin.

Convey my thanks.

Do you still love Sung Nyang?

Are you still,

still carrying that torch?

I love her, she's everything to me.

She's not for you, understand?

Do you...

King Wang Yu has left for Koryo.

The wine as a congratulatory gift to Empress Ki.

Hail Empress Ki...

Sung Nyang?

Is it Sung Nyang?

Hail Empress Ki...

Sung Nyang.

Your Highness.

Move out!

Move.

Sung Nyang.

Mum...

Don't hit her, please, don't hit her.

Sung Nyang.

Get up!

Enough.

That's enough.

Mum, you all right?

Yes, I'm fine.

Why are they tied up?

They'll run off otherwise.

But must you treat them like animals?

Release the wounded and treat them.

Are you giving me orders?

Your Highness.

What's the delay here?

Sir, this Koryo crown prince wants us to release the girls.

It seems you have forgotten who's in charge here.

I'll let this pass, but no more interference.

My Blue Wolves aren't known for their patience.

Move out on the double.

Get ready. Move out!

Hurry.

What will happen to them?

Those who tried to run off either sold into prostitution or slavery.

-Animals. -Move, hurry.

So Young.

-Do your feet hurt? -I'm fine.

Mother. Here, let me.

I'm sorry, sweetie.

I couldn't protect you.

I'm so sorry.

You are crying again.

Don't cry.

Open up.

Your Highness, please...

Now.

Sire.

Run.

This is all I can do.

Sorry.

That one too.

Run if you want.

Sung Nyang...

Kill them all.

Kill all of those that escaped.

Mum...

Mum!

-I can't take it anymore. -Mom.

Hang on...

Let me...

You have to live.

They'll kill you if they catch you.

Mum, don't leave me.

Mum.

Letting you be born as a girl in this dangerous world

is really too cruel.

Your father gave this to me.

Sung Nyang.

Your father is still alive.

Go to Kaegyong and find someone with the family name 'Ki'.

He has a matching ring.

Mum...

Don't die. Mum!

Mum!

Mum!

It's my fault.

I couldn't protect my own people.

Your Highness.

An incompetent father kills is own son.

An incompetent ruler kills his own people.

You have no right to the throne.

Because you're incompetent and a fool.

If it's for the sake of Koryo,

go and take root in Yuan.

Understand?

Don't come back.

-Ki? What's his name? -I'm not sure.

How can you find him only knowing that his family name is 'Ki'?

Don't waste my time.

Wait. A Ki owns the soup shop.

A soup shop?

The one who couldn't let Nyang become a child of a concubine

and took her away was Ok Bun.

It's not your fault.

If we ask the local officials,

we should hear something.

Hello?

-Is the owner here? -Who are you?

Is there a Master Ki here?

Why do you ask?

I'm looking for my dad.

My family name is 'Ki'.

You're a Ki?

Child. You can't eat that.

I'll get you a bowl.

I'm fine. I don't take charity.

Make way!

Make way...

Make way, I said!

Dead?

Probably.

Take it away.

Sire.

Sire, he's alive. Your orders?

Stinky...

I'll do it.

You're up?

Mighty shy for a boy.

Put this on.

Your house?

I'm homeless.

Parents?

Dead.

When the crown prince gets to Yuan,

make him pay the price of letting the female tributes go.

Don't let him come back.

Then I can be king of Koryo and Shenyang both.

Then you, the king of Shenyang will have to please

our royal family and royal court.

Need you ask?

Steps have already been taken.

Steps?

Just wait.

Vast tributes will be sent in my name to the Yuan court.

I'll count on that.

Where are His Majesty's shoes?

They were here.

Here.

I wanted to keep them dry.

Who is this?

The boy who was kicked by the horse.

Take me in.

So I can repay you.

Repay me?

What's your name?

Nyang.

Sung Nyang.

Sung Nyang?

How will you repay me then?

Sung Nyang.

What about the rest of us?

Only the best get me as a herald.

I must work harder for this rascal then.

What's he up to?

He means to train as a warrior to repay you.

Is it?

It's time for the salt delivery.

Move it along now. It's getting late.

There's so many.

A little louder, huh?

You know salt is contraband in this country.

Don't worry about us.

Just keep your mouth shut.

Move out.

Your Highness, we wish you a long life...

Your Highness.

You did well with the salt.

Well? Take it.

We delivered twice the salt.

-So? -Please pay us double.

How dare you? Did you forget who reared you?

Our family has increased.

Moreover, they risked their lives.

You little...

Pay the man.

Yes, Sire.

We're moving more salt next month.

Be ready.

At your service.

Sire, more salt?

Suppose we get caught?

The Koryo king is naming his heir.

If I'm to be named, the Yuan will expect even more tribute.

-Even so... -I'm the favourite.

The king is ill and the crown prince is worthless.

My lord, not again.

I have the confidence that I won't lose to others in a first fight.

Don't expect any mercy.

Impudent!

Your High...

My lord!

You got a death wish?

What? He wanted a fight...

A doctor! Get a doctor!

Yes.

-Sire. -Get him inside!

-Okay. -Move!

Easy. Move it.

Move!

That's true?

What a loser.

The Koryo Crown Prince belongs with this scum.

Your Highness...

Wake up, please.

Just kill me...

-That's it. -Gosh.

It's Inju.

I'm going to Inju.

-Your Highness. -Are you all right?

I was so scared that my heart nearly jumped out.

How are the street fighters there?

This is no time to pick fights.

The King of Shenyang is vying for the Koryo crown.

That again?

I told you I don't care what Wang Ko does.

Your Highness.

Tell me. How's the fighting in Inju?

They have a lot of dealings with Yuan.

They...

They're pretty tough.

One of the important areas in Inju

is being controlled by someone called Sung Nyang The Jackal.

Jackal?

He's their captain. A nasty piece of work.

-It's been hit... -They say he can shoot a bird at 300 yards.

If you can believe it.

He collects protection fees for protecting the local merchants.

As long as he can earn money, he won't reject any jobs.

It's said that whoever can beat Sung Nyang and his men,

the other thugs in Inju will behave themselves.

Okay. This time our prey will be those cubs.

Whose turn is it?

Mine, Captain.

Where did they take your sister?

A gisaeng house in Beijing.

There isn't enough money to get your sister back yet.

We'll use next month's take to free her.

Thank you, sir.

Remember why we're doing this.

Until we find all of our family members who have been taken to Yuan,

we only have each other.

-Understood? -Yes, sir...

Captain, come quick.

How luxurious.

Who are you?

So you're Jackal, huh?

Who let the outhouse dog in?

I'm Jombak, The Joker.

The Joker?

And?

Come down and pay your respects, now that you know who I am.

Go down there and grovel, huh?

I'm not a patient man.

Get down here before I grab my sword.

Or else, your men will having their dinner on the way to hell.

-Get out. -What?

The moment you grab your sword in my place,

you're dead.

That so?

Just you wait, little pup!

Don't move.

The next one goes in someone's head.

That was just your hand.

Any more out of you,

the next arrow goes in your face.

He was so fast, so accurate.

I don't know what to say.

Interesting.

Ever seen an arrow like this?

-A baby arrow. -Baby?

A short arrow shot through a pipe.

Although it's hard to control a short arrow, it's more powerful.

Jackal, you said?

I'd like a match. Set it up.

Prince!

What now? Don't you think I'm good enough?

Allow me.

I've never lost an archery match.

I want to see this Jackal for myself.

Move aside...

Over there.

The one with the bow, that's The Jackal.

You look better than I thought.

I didn't come so you can evaluate how I look.

How dare you!

They say you're quite the archer.

Beat me and we'll leave quietly.

Lose and you serve me.

-Well? -I don't have time for this.

Leave or die.

You fool!

Pups!

If you don't want to see bloodshed,

you'll accept my terms.

You'll go when I win?

We're both men.

Don't make me repeat myself.

It's no fun just shooting arrows.

We'll knock one back after each shot. Fair enough?

Drink then shoot?

It's a battle of wills.

You can't hold your liquor.

What? Are you taken back?

Don't tell me you're giving up without a fight?

I have a condition too.

These lids will be our targets.

Suit yourself.

And one of our men will hold it over his head.

-What? -Who's my target?

-Me! -Let me be...

Me, Captain. With your permission.

Your turn.

Guess they don't trust you.

Me...

I'll do it.

Okay...

so you really know how to play.

Hooray!

Drunk yet?

You can quit now.

What?

You're the one that's drunk.

Go on.

-Your turn. -Drink...

Drink...

It's all right. Shoot!

No...

Not me. Him!

I'd rather kill you.

You give up? You admit defeat?

See that? I won. I'm the winner!

What's that warm spot?

Low-class scum! He barfed!

What? Barfed?

Drinks are on his Lordship.

Enjoy!

Let's drink!

What are you looking at?

If you're up, have a drink.

Guess you're not destined to roll in the muck.

What am I destined for then?

Good family, lots of money, a player.

Well, I don't know about the family.

But I'm indeed a player.

You play the geomungo?

Want to learn?

No need. What's the use of learning it?

Chicks go nuts for this stuff.

I'll teach you the geomungo,

you teach me how to shoot a short arrow. Fair enough?

Here.

Take the pick.

It's not as hard as it looks.

What's the idea?

What else? Hold still.

Your hands are so soft for an archer.

Now a bit faster.

I'm leaving.

Leaving? What about the shooting skill?

Enjoy your harp and your 'chicks'.

They suit you better.

Did you forget the match?

You're my servant.

I say go, you go. Stay, you stay.

I own you.

Try your luck with a mutt.

I'm a jackal.

All right. Be my younger brother then.

I'll tell you something.

My best friend is none other than

the crown prince.

So that's the same as

you having a crown prince as your elder brother.

Still want to leave?

Tell that crown prince or whatever friend of yours.

Even those who live as horse dung cleaner

are better than he who sends his people off as tributes,

You have a lot of bitterness towards the world.

Because it's rotten to the core.

Royal parasites that sell themselves like courtesans

are the worst kind.

Any more out of you

and it won't be a lid next time, it will be your head.

He's wasted out here.

What are you doing here?

What did you tell them?

They pick fight with me. Who are they?

Did they ask about the salt?

Not even once.

Are they investigators?

His Majesty wouldn't like it.

Don't see them again.

Right.

Today is the day you meet the headband's owner?

Definitely. Any minute now.

This just came in for Your Highness.

Come to Inju wearing this to learn about

King Wang Ko's Shenyang salt deals.

This was enclosed.

I'll go myself.

Divert the king of Shenyang's line of sight.

I'm the most suitable to go compared to anyone else.

It's dangerous.

Send this back by carrier pigeon.

So that I'll know it's him.

Just to be safe, tell him that I'm censorate officer.

Yes, Your Highness.

Where is he? Why are you here?

He couldn't make it, but he sent the information.

The place and time?

His letter indicated...

Assassin!

We have to get out of here.

A traitor!

How else could the censorate officer

know about the smuggling of salt?

It must be the salt vendor.

It can't possibly be one of us.

How many of your men know about us?

Three, Your Majesty.

Three?

That makes six total.

None of your men know?

They don't know about anything else except about the deliveries.

I leave the governor general to you.

-Yes, Your Majesty. -That's all.

Yes, Sire.

You're sure the prince knows nothing?

I shot his censorate man before he could talk.

Are you certain you have a traitor among them?

The only one I can't trust is Sung Nyang.

Don't let the prince out of your sight, understood?

Yes, Sire.

We have a spy.

Our man wouldn't have died otherwise.

It must be one of Jombak's men.

It's too dangerous. You should go back.

Wang Ko knows I'm sharpening my blade now.

Retreating now would back me into a corner.

What will you do?

-Shake things up. -What?

The King of Shenyang doesn't fear anything in Koryo.

But he is at least afraid of Yuan.

Quickly give it to me.

-First... -Hurry...

we'll buy up all the Inju salt.

Then when the Yuan traders come,

they'll complain that there isn't enough.

At which time we will blame Wang Ko's contraband deals.

The prince is using his head.

Sire, now's not the time to praise him.

He has men watching the salt storehouse.

We can't move it.

If the Yuan learn we're dealing in contraband...

I won't be the one caught for dealing in contraband.

The Prince will be.

My lord, I'm Sung Nyang.

Enter.

You're the only one I trust.

Now listen closely.

And do exactly as I say.

Command me.

They will make the first move.

Wang Ko will try to send me false information.

I need only wait.

To see whom he sends.

My lord.

-You have a guest. -A guest?

The Jackal.

What brings you here?

Have you forgotten you asked to learn the split arrow?

Did Wang Ko send The Jackal?

Fine, play your harp then.

How could I not want to?

Firm like the Great Mountain.

The hand holding the bow needs to be as firm as a mountain.

Pulling a tiger's tail.

Pull the string just like the strength needed to pull a tiger's tail.

Firm like the Great Mountain.

Pulling a tiger's tail.

Let me take a look at your hand.

Don't be disappointed.

It usually takes 3 years to master the baby arrow.

How do you make money in Inju?

If I knew that, would I be wasting my time here?

I heard there's money in salt.

Sure. That's why the royals run it.

Right, you said you know the crown prince.

Can the right to sell salt be obtained?

He's not the spy.

Will you teach me till I master the split arrow?

First you have to earn his trust.

Completely.

Your answer?

I'm not cheap.

That's not a problem.

We'll discuss it over drinks.

The lantern festival starts tonight. It's very lively.

What did you wish for?

What do you care?

A pretty sexy wife?

Sexy?

Why not?

Men like women, it's natural.

Tell me. See someone you like?

Tell me and I'll help you.

-I wished for money. -Money, again.

That's all you talk about.

It's the only thing you can trust.

Your life is really pitiful.

You all right?

I won't die from something like this.

Wait. I'll carry you.

No.

What are you doing?

-Let me down. -You saved my life.

Now hush.

Let go. Put me down.

Put me down.

Now.

Put me down.

Even taking an arrow on purpose?

That worked out fine.

Hang on, we're here.

You can put me down now.

My lord!

-What happened? -Put me down now.

Just stay still. You've lost too much blood.

-I'll take him inside. -No. Move aside.

Hang on.

It wasn't deep, thank goodness.

I'll get some medicine.

Let's have a look.

-No, don't. -Come on.

I said don't. What are you doing?

Let me have a look.

It's my only pair.

You ripped it.

Pay up.

What?

Why is the door locked?

Open up.

What now?

You said to pay up.

I got your new clothes here. Open up.

I don't need them. Just go.

You're awfully shy for a guy.

What the...

Just go already.

You didn't have to scold me.

You took him in completely.

The wound all right?

My life is yours.

Listen.

On the day, go to the storehouse and get ready.

I'll tell you where to go.

It's not that I don't trust you.

But I want there to be no reason to suspect you.

What should I tell him?

That day, you could have lost your life trying to protect me.

How can you be so reckless?

Now I owe you one. I'll definitely pay you back.

Owe me? Forget it.

I'm being watched.

Why did he want you dead?

Who knows?

Are you investigating Wang Ko's illegal salt traffic?

If so, I can help.

How so?

I know one of the salt vendors.

It's him. Wang Ko's man.

In four days, there's a deal going down in Haewol.

Prepare some money for me. Information like this isn't free.

I should have killed him.

Have I grown fond of him?

My men are waiting in ambush at Haewol.

If the crown prince shows, he's as good as dead.

But he is still the crown prince.

If you kill him...

Killing a royal without cause is bad.

But this one is involved in treasonous salt trafficking.

Move out to Haewol.

Sire...

This isn't the way to Haewol.

Listen.

We'll meet the salt traffickers on the way.

We will not attack first.

-Understood? -Yes...

-My lord. -The salt traffickers.

We don't attack until the deal goes down.

I want to stress that.

Yes, sire.

Move out.

An ambush.

Fan out.

Who shot that?

Attack!

Take off the mask.

Did they say where it's going?

Jackal knows. Nobody else.

How did you know Haewol was a ruse?

Someone shot this into my room.

It said Haewol was a ruse

and Jackal was making the delivery.

But why did you keep it from us?

We have a spy in our midst.

So the one that sent the headband sent the note?

The one who first contacted the censorate.

He's helping me.

Who is he?

I only wish I knew.

Who has the headband I sent?

After killing all those tramps who escaped,

we don't have many left.

We need more.

A hundred, a thousand, as many as you need.

I appreciate it.

Cheers.

He's Wang Ko's spy.

You think I won't kill you?

A simple test will show if he betrayed me or not.

The traffickers! Kill them all!

Stop the prince from going to the palace.

Kill them if you must.

There's no doubt. He was sent into exile to kill him.

Tonight. Tonight it ends.

His death on Koryo soil will be our excuse to wipe them out.

String him up again.

Get rid of him. Wang Ko's orders.