Original subtitles

[Episode 10]

Why are there three maps?

Your Excellency.

The map that was drawn on her

back doesn't represent one map.

It appears to be one map.

But the map is formed by merging three different maps.

Explain it. [Crown Prince Sado]

The first map shows the

the shortest route from Pyeongando province to Beijing.

Each route indicates, according to the width, the paths suitable

for wagons and horse-drawn carriages as well as for troops.

Then what does the second map represent?

The second map shows

the possible events that could occur at the three roads.

Such as bases favorable for battles,

ambush and surprise-attack, and also one for escape and hiding.

The last map shows the secret passages through

the weakest spots in seven Chinese castles and twelve gates.

The map shows how to reach their territory without any confrontation.

You mean... with this map,

10,000 soldiers can reach Beijing without spilling a drop of blood?

Yes, Your Excellency.

As long as these maps are correct,

not only 10,000, but passage is possible even for 100,000 soldiers.

Indeed you're worthy to be the disciple of Kang Sehwang.

Your skills have surpassed those of your master's.

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have understood the true meaning of this map.

I am humbled, Your Excellency.

What do you think about his interpretation?

What is your name?

My name is Kim Hongdo.

What's a sick boy like you doing here?

Did you go to the temple?

You'll catch a cold.

I'm afraid I'm really sick.

You just realized that now?

No, I'm just heartbroken.

It's pain.

Someone who has embraced their opponent's pain.

That is a true assassin.

It's my first.

I miss her so much and it's so painful.

Learn to deal with the pain.

Have a seat!

To become a real man, you must also learn

to bury your love within your heart. [Seo Yoodae]

And learn to endure pain.

You're still so young that you're green, so it aches and the pain is unbearable.

Treating me like a kid again...

The same concept applies for becoming a warrior too.

The man who swings his sword only

to slash, kill and win... He will never become a real warrior.

You must understand your opponent's pain

and use your sword only to save lives.

That's how you will become a true warrior.

Wow, you're really cool today, Boss!

You, have you ever felt passionate love in your heart?

No.

No fun!

I have been...

Never mind!

I still have such a passionate heart!

You and I both are such lonely souls.

Hurry and go to bed now!

Good night!

Jinjoo!

Yes!

Just a minute!

Come here!

Hello!

[Swordmaster Kim Kwangtaek (Most skilled swordsman in Joseon)]

Seeing you hanging around here night and day, [Heuksamo]

you're here to see Dongsoo, right?

Forget him!

That fool got sent to the beacon station as soon as he entered the palace.

Enter the palace?

Beacon station?

That's right!

By the way, who are those kids?

They don't have parents.

I just wanted them to eat and fill their bellies.

Are there any vacant rooms for tonight?

You're tender-hearted.

Jangmi!

Yes!

Are there any vacant rooms?

Come with me!

Hurry up before you get wet!

That girl, doesn't she remind you of Gaok?

Gaok?

You mean that Gaok?

How can you still be thinking about her?

20 years have passed already. Isn't it time you forgot about her?

20 years!

I didn't realize it's been so long...

How can you still not understand woman at your age?

She hasn't shown her face, so forget her.

Actually, I'm not in a position to give you advice though...

I'm saying this because I feel sorry for you.

So have a drink.

[House of Hong Daejoo]

Lord! Lord Hong!

Who is it?

I'm here to see Lord Hong! [In (Heuksa Chorong Master of Men)]

Lord Hong?

You crazy man!

Beat it!

Do you want me to make your arm like mine?

Master, master!

Look at you, one of the three leaders of the Black Assassins.

You look terrible. [Hong Daejoo]

Lord Hong, please take me in.

Where is Kim Kwangtaek's head?

What are you waiting for?

Kick him out of my house!

Lord!

Lord, if you can't behead the tiger right now, shouldn't you at least

hold onto its tail to give you peace of mind?

I'm still capable of doing that much!

Please take me in!

Wasn't our guest room vacant?

Excuse me?

Yes, master.

Dear, how can you bring a thug like him into our house?

Madame, you do not have to worry about him.

Even a stray dog can be of use to us at the right time.

Just don't let him go hungry.

Are you going to buy this?

I must cover your eyes.

No man who has set foot in our headquarters

has ever gotten out alive.

Then I might be the first and last man to do so.

I came here today just to hear Gaok play the zither.

Indeed, it's been a long time since all three of us have been together.

Don't you think?

I have good wine, so wait a bit.

I'll bring it here in a moment.

I met with His Highness.

I told him all I wanted was neither status nor wealth...

But just to be the husband of one woman.

Am I not a foolish man?

Please go back.

Gaok!

The Gaok you knew is dead.

I missed you.

Do you remember my promise?

Didn't I tell you I would take you with me away from here?

You don't have to give me an answer right now.

I'll wait for your answer for 10 days.

Here you are!

I asked her to leave with me.

So does she want to go?

I didn't receive an answer.

However, I really want to take her with me even by force.

Are you drunk already, man?

I wish I could get drunk like you to my heart's content.

I should get going.

Listen, Kwangtaek,

They say the longer they are lovers, the more alike two people become.

You also seem to be getting crazier.

Rotten girl, get up already!

What's all this fuss so early in the morning?

We're going to the beacon station.

Get ready.

What are you talking about?

Why are we going to the beacon station?

Oh my, what are all these?

Don't tell me you're planning to take all these to the beacon station.

What do you think?

All this?

What can we leave behind from here?

Wrap them up.

Please wake up!

I'm really busy today, so just pay one dollar and leave.

Alright... Okay, just 30 more minutes.

Didn't I say I'm really busy today?

One dollar!

Don't tell me you don't have it.

Of course, I have it!

I have my money here...

Sheesh... He's so clueless.

How could he wear the clothes I made for Samo?

That brat!

Oh, it's so hot.

That Dongsoo's clueless, did you just realize that now?

But Auntie, why does it have to be today?

It's so hot!

Why did you make so much food just for Dongsoo?

- It's so heavy. - Excuse me...

Who said it's for Dongsoo? It's for Chorip and Yeo Woon!

Excuse me!

I don't know how far you're going... But I'm a little bit busy...

Seriously!

You haven't worked enough to pay for a bowl of soup!

[Yeonghwakwan: Courtesan House]

Who is the high person [Guhyang]

who calls me to the palace?

You don't need to know. [Im Soowoong (Military drillmaster)]

And it's useless even if you knew.

Even so, what if I really must know?

My Lord, I won't move for people I do not know.

It's His Excellency.

I feel the presence of someone not ordinary.

Who is it?

We are surrounded by three walls here.

And it is the middle of the day.

Who else would be here but you, My Lord?

So what's your answer?

Please allow me some time to prepare myself.

What's the matter?

I don't know why, but His Excellency the Crown Prince is asking for me.

It looks like word of your medical skills

has reached the Crown Prince's ears.

I see. You may leave.

I'm about to die.

It's Dongsoo.

Dongsoo!

What's wrong with him?

Auntie, let's go over to him.

Hey, Baek Dongsoo!

Dongsoo!

The taste of meat is!

Aunt Jangmi is the finest chef in Joseon.

Joseon's number one!

It's delicious!

Dongsoo, were you really sick?

Yes, well, it's half true.

To me, you look like someone who just woke up from a long slumber.

But why is she here too?

I didn't know what Woon was doing,

then he lifted his knife as quick as a lightning.

On the vital point, which if stabbed wrong

a person will straight away get a good view of hell...

The human body has 16 vital points.

He sucked the venom right out from those 16 vital points!

That's not something just anyone can do.

Did he really do that?

Of course.

Thanks to him, Dongsoo is still alive.

Wow...

He's not only handsome, but also good at martial arts.

What isn't he good at?

Woon is really cool!

So he saved Dongsoo's life!

But why did she come with you guys?

She's our porter.

Excuse me!

Can I leave now?

Does this make sense?

I was going to get back home early.

Ah, Father will surely kill me!

I feel sorry for you too.

How did you get caught by those ruthless women?

Okay, Baek Dongsoo!

You still can't recognize me, right?

My name is Guhyang.

Have a seat!

I heard you learned medicine in China.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Then can you also remove a tattoo?

It depends on the type of tattoo.

Type?

Tattoos have different types?

Yes, there are tattoos made by scarring,

needle tattoos created by pricking

the skin with ink-coated needles.

And there are tattoos with colored threads

that are sewn onto the body. [Pattern Tattoo]

Color?

Yes.

In Joseon, mainly black ink is used in tattoos.

But in fact, we can use tree sap, oil, the powder of burned flower petals

and other colored materials to create various colors.

Are you capable of removing all those kinds of tattoo?

I'll need to take a look at the condition of the tattoo and report to you.

Your Excellency, her tattoo will not be difficult to remove.

How fortunate.

That's a relief.

However, for complete removal, at least three procedures are required.

And during the procedures, she'll be subject to unbearable pain.

Will you be alright?

Yes.

Can you perform the procedures immediately?

I need to prepare a few things before I begin.

Then I'll send men to escort you back to the palace tomorrow.

Auntie, thank you for the food!

Go inside!

Miso, the road is muddy. Watch out for the puddles.

Bye!

Hey, Hwang Jinjoo, it was nice to see you again.

Huh? Yeah!

So he knew!

What? Did you guys know each other?

No, it's not like we're close.

I just taught him how to deal with the world.

Baek Dongsoo!

Auntie, I think she's crazy.

My knee hurts all of a sudden.

Your knee?

Old man, shall I apply some bean paste to your knees?

Little brat, you have no manners.

You rotten brat, that means it's going to rain soon!

Rain?

As for rain, it rained yesterday and the day before.

Isn't it monsoon season now?

But the skies are so clear today.

The direction of the wind

and the look of the mirage

at the far end of the clouds tell me...

It's going to be heavy rain.

In meteorological jargon, it's...

A typhoon.

That's right. A typhoon.

A typhoon?

You really must be going senile.

Hey, let's go. Don't worry about it.

If it rains, I'll light the signal fire on my 10 fingers.

On your 10 fingers?

That's right.

Your fingers will be on fire then. Then I'll make the bean paste.

Father!

Come in.

It's a matter regarding [Hong Sahae (Hong Daejoo's son)]

the treatment of the first exam qualifiers I mentioned at the fight.

There are three trainees who are exempt?

Yes.

And one of them made

a scar on your forehead, is that right?

Im Soowoong took care of this matter himself.

That means those rascals are definitely of the Crown Prince's special interest.

Wait, did you say they've been assigned to the beacon station?

Yes.

Could it be the first beacon station?

Yes, it is. [First Beacon Station:]

[Located between Pyeongando and Hwanghaedo connected to Hanyang]

I knew it!

I'm sure they were assigned

to the beacon station where Seo Yoodae works.

Our Crown Prince is playing petty tricks.

I heard a few trainees who came through

the special exemption program have entered here recently.

Baek Dongsoo?

Although he's not from a noble family, he's quite talented in martial arts.

Carry out the beacon test for the first station immediately.

Why aren't you answering me?

I'm telling you to start

the beacon test for the first beacon station immediately!

Baek Dongsoo, Baek Dongsoo?

How old did you say he was?

He is 20 years old.

20 years old, Baek Dongsoo!

Oh my, these useless folks!

Look!

Can't you see that?

Not only is the firewood wet, the wolf dung was swept away by the rain!

What if war were to break out now?

War? Whatever!

Okay then, forget war...

But what if the inspector drops in without advance notice?

Despite the captain warning us about the typhoon...

Dongsoo, didn't you say you would light the fire on your fingers?

Okay! I'll go get the firewood and wolf dung.

Stop nagging...

Hey, clean this up!

Why are you getting mad at me?

I won't live a long life at this rate.

[Hwang Jinki]

Bull's eye!

Your Excellency, you're an undeniably skilled marksman.

What brings you here, Minister?

I was passing by and heard the arrow fly.

Your Excellency, do you know Seo Yoodae has worked at

the first beacon station where three of our new trainees have been assigned?

Do I have to know such a trivial thing?

No, however,

I just wanted to tell you we're conducting a beacon test.

I'm sure you know well,

the fate of the beacon guards if the beacons are not lit in time.

So when will the beacon in the palace be lit?

Since the signal starts from Kaeseong, it will take only half a day.

It'll be just before the sunset.

Where am I supposed to find dry firewood the day after rain?

I'm in trouble.

They must have some!

Found it!

Ah, it's so hot!

What's that? A beacon light?

No!

We'll be executed for sure! No, they'll hang us!

No, they will put us to death by dismemberment!

They are all wet.

You rascals!

This is why I told you all to manage things right all the time!

Boss, what do we do now?

Humans aren't born just to use their brains.

Excuse me?

This time, use your arms and legs!

Run to the next beacon station!

All you have to do is to send a signal!

He's right.

We must go by ourselves.

Where?

The next beacon station is more than 12 kilometers away from here.

We're already late because of the shower.

Then we must go straight to the palace beacon station.

What did you say?

It's 32 kilometers away from here. Furthermore, it's a mountainous route!

Then should we sit here together and wait to die?

Of course not.

Since the signal fire was lit

30 minutes ago, all we have to do

is reach the capital before sunset.

I'm leaving now.

Hey, Dongsoo!

Chorip, you stay here.

Baek Dongsoo!

Dongsoo!

Woon, I'll go first!

If the signal fire isn't lit on time, you will be executed.

It's capital punishment!

Nothing is impossible in this world.

Your Excellency!

Wait a minute.

What will happen if they don't light a signal fire on time?

They will be executed without exception.

I'm sorry!

Is something the matter?

It's nothing.

I have to go...

Baek Dongsoo!

What's going on?

Did you steal this horse from the messenger?

Robbery is a misdemeanor

while not lighting a signal fire on time is a felony.

You're becoming more and more like me...

No, I'm better than you.

You're here!

Kwangtaek, this is the man I mentioned before...

Do you guys know each other?

I heard you had left for China.

How have you been?

Then you're the father of Jinjoo?

Yes, sir.

Your daughter slept here the day before yesterday.

However, she was gone when I woke up.

Did she come home safely?

Did Jinjoo do that?

Oh, yes.

I guess she went to the beacon station to see Dongsoo.

I'm sorry.

She's so shameless.

They looked good together.

But why were you, who always arrives on time sharp, so late today?

He's not a thief. So lower your bow.

Who are you?

What are you waiting for instead of chasing him?

Beacon test?

Yes, I guess it must be.

What do you want?

We're the trainees who work at the beacon station as interns.

Show me your identification tag.

Identification tag? [Busin: Sign of beacon guard]

We were in such a hurry, we forgot to take it with us.

Please do us a favor!

No, even with an identification tag, it might not be possible.

Your Excellency!

Don't you trust them?

Your Excellency, are you taking the fresh air?

What brings you here?

I came to see the signal fire since it is almost sunset.

It looks as if it will rain soon.

However, I can't see the signal fire yet.

Isn't it ugly?

No.

I was born into a noble household.

However, this tattoo made me no different from a branded slave.

I wasn't able to hide myself or run away from my destiny.

It was like a fetter that can't be seen.

Why are you saying such a thing?

Because too many people,

those who I've never even seen, are looking for me because of a rumor.

What is this?

It's incense, which will help reduce your pain.

A horse costs at least 100 dollars.

I'll give you this horse.

Please lend me your bow in return.

In the case any trainees from beacon posts come,

you shall not open the gate for them.

Remember, I didn't open the gate for you.

Baek Dongsoo!

Woon!

Your Excellency, a signal fire has been lit!

There is only one yet!

It seems as if you hope they don't light the signal fire.

Your Excellency, it's not like that.

It's raining.

Isn't it a shower?

Show yourself!

Let the world know you are my people indeed!

This is the last arrow.

Woon!

Fly!

Go and burn it up!

They've made it!

The signal fire has been lit!

Dongsoo made it!

What a great job he did!

Bring her to me to the risk of your life.

If you can't bring her to me alive, kill her and bring me even her skin.

Understood?

It's all done.

I'm the descendant of a traitor.

If someone knows you removed my branding, you'll be executed.

Treason differs with the circumstance.

Don't worry.

Go to China, stay there for a few years and come back.

May I ask you why you help me?

Don't you feel wronged?

That's the only reason.

Why are you here all by yourself?

She forgot to bring an important herb. So she will come back soon.

Are you uncomfortable in any way?

Since I have to be in the room all day long, I feel bored.

Could I go out to get some fresh air?

You may do so.

But don't step out of the East Palace.

Yes, Your Excellency.

So you mean you ran all the way to the capital gate

and shot the flaming arrows? [Hwajeon: Flaming arrow]

Forgive us.

However, Commander.

It's not that we didn't prepare the dry firewood.

You did a good job.

Regardless of the reason, a soldier must complete his orders.

Not only did you not complete your orders, but lost your horse to them.

You could be fired on the spot.

Commander, please have mercy.

I'll let it slide this time. So don't say anything about this.

Yes, thank you!

You may leave.

Yes!

Wow, the palace looks grand even at night.

I won't step out of the East Palace.

It's gigantic.

It's done.

The preparations are complete.

Go and send the message.

We'll have a meeting

at 11:30 tonight. [Chasi: From 11:30 to 12:30 at night]

Excuse me?

Did you say a meeting?

I dare say the Crown Prince's life is in my hands.

Send the message to the Noron ruling faction members.

Tell them we'll have a meeting tonight.

[Kim Hangu (Father of Queen Jeongsun)]

It's a message.

[Hong Bonghan (Crown Prince Sado's father-in-law, Noron faction leader)]

[Queen Jeongsun]

In conclusion,

to behead my son-in-law, you want me to be the leader.

Is that what you mean?

My son-in-law is not like one to me, so it won't be difficult.

You have organized this meeting.

However, why aren't you saying anything?

There was a royal letter from

the Chinese emperor himself.

Its content was for the Crown Prince to succeed the throne.

Don't say such nonsense.

Lord Kim, what do you mean by nonsense?

It is the imperial order.

Then what's going on?

His Highness didn't say anything about it.

His Majesty the emperor's letter no longer exists.

I've gotten rid of it.

However, since the Chinese emperor

has already given his order, it doesn't matter whether it exists or not.

Don't you understand?

We're running out of time.

Before China finds out

the letter has disappeared, we must get rid of the Crown Prince.

If by the slightest chance, the Crown Prince

succeeds the throne, who among us would survive?

Don't forget this is also directly related to the safety of Joseon.

Lord!

Your Highness!

The time has come.

We cannot defy destiny.

However, remember this.

Mistakes will not be tolerated.

We will, without fail, take the Crown Prince's life.