Original subtitles

[Episode 16]

Yes, I will do it.

I will do it.

Your disciple will surpass you without fail

and complete the martial arts of Joseon.

Grind and hammer this metal into a sword.

Observe carefully.

Teacher, you don't possibly expect me to cut that bean in half with this scimitar, do you?

Yes, I do.

According to the law, the late Crown Prince's bodyguards will all be

discharged from their duties! [ Yi San (Future King Jeongjo)]

Excuse me?

Do you mean... Master Kim has already left?

Yes, he went very far away.

While we're discharged from our duties, even Master Kim is not here.

I'm really worried about the prince's safety.

I'm just as frustrated as you are.

But in any situation, we should do our job diligently.

Do you understand?

Everyone, line up!

From today, you'll be starting special training too!

Excuse me?

Me too! I want special training too!

Just get lost! Get lost!

Captain, what's the matter all of a sudden?

Be quiet!

At your current skills, you can't even go near the prince's shadow.

You'll need to train hard until you feel like you'll die.

Do you mean Prince Yi San?

You fools!

You'll need to quickly become a royal guard and protect the prince!

What?

I told you to get lost!

Dear, your painting of the orchid is full of strength.

Why don't you draw bamboo, which symbolizes firm loyalty?

Firm loyalty?

What a wonderful idea!

Right, this is the least you can do as loyal dogs of the late Crown Prince!

What a pity that I'll have to take your heads.

Lord Hong!

Attack!

Yeo Woon, you traitor!

Why is the weather so bad today?

Goodbye!

Forgive us, Your Excellency!

I am not ignorant of the fact that the girl with the northern

campaign plan on her body is starting up a business.

However, I wonder if you know this.

In Joseon, one word from my mouth can change the fate of any business.

Tonight, there may be something you'll have to take care of for me.

What will you do?

This father of yours must be your first and last victim.

Do you understand?

The one who embraces his opponent's pain is an assassin.

Why? Kill me, go ahead.

Kill me.

It's not that you won't, but it's that you can't.

Because you can never be an assassin.

At present, you're holding your sword with your heart.

To an assassin, such a thing as the heart is like death.

The moment you have heart is the moment an assassin dies.

I abandoned anything like heart long ago.

Are you going to cover my eyes?

What about you?

This is what I found after searching every corner of China.

Sheesh, and they demanded such a high price for them...

They were just like bandits.

Stealing is our expertise!

Anyhow, using my mesmerizing negotiation skills,

I bought these at the half price you mentioned.

Now, do your best.

Thank you.

No need to mention it.

If it's too heavy, let me carry it.

Here, let's go!

Was it really Woon?

Yes.

Indeed, running a business alone is difficult for a woman.

For now, it's a small operation so that only the local thugs will try to steal from you.

When it gets bigger, those bandits will swarm here like flies!

Why?

Not every thief is a bad person!

Did I hit a nerve, Jinjoo?

It was just a way of speaking!

He's not totally wrong.

What about hiring my men as guards for her business?

They're not formally trained in martial arts, but they're not useless either.

If you'd do that, it'd be great!

Wouldn't it?

Yes.

How about you run this business with me?

To run this alone, I'm still lacking a lot.

Jinjoo, from now on, stay by Lady Jiseon and help her with the business.

It's true, I was gradually getting tired of robbery too...

What?

What did you tell me to do?

This lambswool hat is all the rage in China.

Why don't you try this on?

Wow, it looks great on you!

You're so pretty!

This item came from China, so it'll be around 10 dollars.

10 dollars is not a high price at all.

Try it on! It's really nice!

If you wear this hat, you'll be fine when you go out in the spring and fall.

But you'd be cold in winter.

But if you wear this, it completely covers your ears.

It's made of lambswool.

Doesn't it look nice?

Is all this money...

From selling those wool hats?

Yes.

It's all thanks to Jinjoo.

You really hit the jackpot!

So what is your next plan?

I'm thinking about going into ginseng trading.

Ginseng trading?

Yes, Joseon's ginseng is of great quality.

That's why it sells at a high price even in China.

I've heard about it already.

Isn't the competition already fierce?

That doesn't mean there isn't a way.

Please go ahead and tell us.

Look, Japan and China have been recently in a diplomatic conflict.

So their trade has been stopped.

So our Joseon can act as a middle man.

Keep talking.

China's currency is in silver

and Japan produces high-quality silver to buy our ginseng.

So we'll export ginseng to China and import the lambswool hats.

And then we'll export those wool hats to Japan in exchange for silver and gold.

In other words, we'll be in a triangular trade with Japan and China.

From now on, you are no longer bandits but merchants!

Do you understand?

Yes, sir!

You know that ginseng cannot get wet or be exposed to sunlight, right?

Let's be extra careful!

Yes!

Let's go!

Let's go!

Dad, I'll be back.

Bye, have a safe trip.

You're excited, aren't you?

Try and hit the target.

Cut it.

This is the final test you must overcome.

Do you mean I should cut the falling pine needles?

[3 years later]

I discharge Master Chun from his post.

Both of you will be entrusted with

the fate of the Black Assassins.

I missed you, Joseon.

All the miserable degradation and humiliation I suffered.

I'll avenge it all.

Let's go, brother.

It reeks of rot in here!

Chunsoo, you villain!

Hurry and come out!

Kneel down and bow your head to me!

What brings you here today?

Where's Chunsoo that you appear instead?

He left this place a long time ago.

Now that Chunsoo isn't here, you're playing the master of this place, I see.

Gaok, where is she?

Are you looking for me?

Gaok, Gaok...

How have you been?

I really missed you.

What do you think you're doing?

This is not my hand but a prosthetic hand...

This is an imperial command!

That gentleman will be the new Master of Sky

who will be leader over the Black Assassins from now on.

[Jangnyang]

Express your respect!

My respects, Master.

This smell... I missed it here.

Gaok, even you couldn't stop time.

Chunsoo left without any promise of return.

You really don't know his whereabouts?

Indeed, your charm is in you not talking.

You don't know either?

Looks like you're taking after Gaok.

You don't have any charm.

Right, did Chunsoo take my list with him?

It contains the well-known masters in all eight provinces of Joseon.

Kwangtaek is the last one.

Think about it.

Why do you think I made that list?

What I'm saying is, all those on that list are after Chunsoo's head!

Hey, buy me a bottle of wine with this money.

Come here!

Have you eaten?

Why don't you eat with me when this is all done?

Thanks for buying the wine for me earlier.

I'm sure it's him!

Let's go!

By killing you, I'll become a famous warrior!

So what are you trying to do?

These thugs...

They dare disturb a well-fed and drunk man in his sleep.

You should die!

Please have some.

Who are you?

Move aside!

I'm one who appreciates wine and delicious food!

Long time no see, Lord Hong.

Have you been well?

[Courtesan House]

Do you mean he's a Black Assassin?

Yes, my Lord.

[Kim Hangu (Queen Jeongsun's father)]

His words and actions are even coarser than that of slaves.

How could you do secret dealings with such a man?

My Lord, taking care of cleanup for a master [Dwitsusae: Put things in order after dealings]

or doing the dirty work for nobility is all the same for a slave.

He's disposable, so you need not worry.

Don't you agree?

Here, please drink some wine.

I passed!

I passed! Pass!

Leave him alone.

Since he now holds a brush instead of a sword, it may take some time.

[Hong Gukyeong]

I knew you guys would pass that exam in one try.

Anyhow, congratulations!

Have a drink!

You rascals!

Thank you!

Now let's eat!

But what about Chorip?

What happened to him?

Captain, the thing is...

May I join you?

Who are you?

My name is Kim Hongdo.

Kim Hongdo?

Yes, I passed the exam today and became an official painter.

Oh, really?

It's an honor for you to join our party!

Anyhow, have a seat. Have a drink too!

Yes.

Look, whether you're a painter or not, why are you joining our party?

I came to share the good news with everyone.

It's about your friend, Yang Chorip.

He passed the exam not only in literature but for military officers with flying colors.

Oh my, Chorip finally made it too!

That's good! That's good!

Sir, isn't his real name Hong Gukyeong?

How do you know that?

Excuse me?

Do you mean Chorip is the son of an aristocrat?

But why did you hide it from us all along?

Hey you fools, were there any sons of aristocrats at the warrior training camp?

I was afraid you would bully him.

That's why I gave him a fake name.

I will serve His Excellency Prince Yi San with all my loyalty.

Raise your heads.

[Yi San (Future King Jeongjo)]

Will you be my men?

Yes, Your Highness!

Hey!

Are you Hong Gukyeong?

Yes, Your Highness.

Is there a book you are looking for?

If you have the Sijeon, please show it to me.

[Sijeon: Text of Book of Odes from the Chinese Classics]

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you on your way back from the library? [Jangseogak: Palace library with archived books]

Yes, I was looking for a book worth reading.

Since you are so diligent in reading,

you’ll inevitably become a wise king after your grandfather.

I will take it as a compliment.

The Book of Odes...

I heard you suffered from a cold.

Do you feel better now?

I am.

I recovered soon after I took the ginseng tea you sent me, Grandfather.

Very well. [King Yeongjo}]

Knowledge is important, however, your health is even more important.

Always remember this.

Yes, Your Highness.

Prince, what book are you reading these days? [Queen Jeongsun]

I’m reading the Book of Odes.

Then are the rumors true that you’re reading the Chinese Classics?

Yes, it’s true.

Chinese Classics?

Isn’t it the text that I forbade you to read?

Bring me the book from Prince Yi san’s chambers.

Yes, Your Highness.

I’m proud of you.

The reason I forbade this book is because

of this annotation.

[Yoapyeon: Annotation in the Chinese Classics on filial piety]

You’re not yet 20 years old.

However, you were able to understand my heart.

You surely have everything you need to be a good king.

I am humbled, Grandfather.

Did you say your name was Hong Gukyeong?

Your wisdom has saved me from trouble.

Eat this.

We are here.

Cut it.

You should hold the sword with your heart.

Only an earnest heart can move the sword.

Take them away!

Yes, let’s go!

You've delivered every time.

That's 100 dollars!

Then I’ll see you again later! [Jang Taesan]

Let me have a drink with you!

Who are you?

I asked you who you are.

It’s a little hard to tell you who I am in words.

Alright, come at me.

Jang Taesan, have a drink with me!

Welcome back, my boys...

But if you guys are here, who’s protecting the prince?

Your Highness.

Do you mean... Master Kim?

I do know where he is, but why are you looking for him?

His Highness is asking for him.

Really? Then I’ll send him a message.

Please do so.

Yes.

Introduce yourself to him.

This is His Excellency Prince Yi San.

Then I’ll wait to hear from you.

Hurry up and escort His Excellency.

Samo!

That’s right.

Who is he?

Seeing the boys are escorting him...

Is he... His Excellency?

Please watch your mouth!

What are you so happy about?

Wow, what a good looking man Prince Yi San is!

That’s just wrong!

Like you’d know.

What are all these?

These are the ginseng seeds.

Ginseng?

Yes.

I won’t be able to choose

good ginseng without studying ginseng’s varieties, perfume and taste...

Uncle Samo!

Yes!

Please help me with this!

I need to taste and smell them all before I classify them.

Wouldn’t it be faster to plow a ginseng field instead?

Do you think I don’t know that?

Considering the climate, Joseon is not ideal for the cultivation of ginseng.

Also, we need to have a local government permit to cultivate the ginseng.

Is that a simple matter?

What is this?

This is dried ginseng.

Because of its red color, I have named it red ginseng.

Red ginseng?

May I taste it?

It tastes pretty good...

Oh, it’s so bitter.

Where did you learn all this?

I only reproduced the ginseng described in the Goryeo history book.

[Goryeo Dokyeong: Written by Song dynasty ambassador after visiting Goryeo in 1123]

The longer it matures, the fragrance and taste become more pungent.

You mean the more it matures, the better it is for our health.

Yes.

The times of steaming and drying are as important.

Fortunately, Jinjoo is very skillful.

I didn’t know how skillful you were.

There's nothing I’m not good at!

But the longer I chew it, the better it tastes.

Please stop eating that!

If left alone, you’ll to eat it all!

You’re wrong about that.

This means I’m at the same level as Hwang Jinki.

However, that’s not true.

Do you know Hwang Jinki?

There is no bounty hunter

who doesn’t know Hwang Jinki, the greatest outlaw in the world.

That’s right.

It's a good thing, because I've been curious.

A reward of $10,000 is being offered for his head.

Why haven’t you hunted him down yet?

There’s no way I wouldn’t try.

Since then, I took him off my list.

Then how is his swordsmanship?

I think he’s as good as you. I briefly competed with him.

His sword was heavy.

His movement might have become slower than before.

However, his power has doubled.

Jinki... I have no other choice.

Hwang Jinki?

Yes, sir.

Chunsoo is going after Hwang Jinki.

I see.

If you have a problem with my taking Chunsoo’s neck, speak now.

Of course, you don’t.

I’ll kill him according to imperial orders.

And according to our tradition,

the old master should give up his neck for the new one.

Oh, that's right. Your father did so too.

It may pain you, but it’s true.

Why don’t we get along in our pursuit of Chunsoo's head?

I won’t stop you from going, but don’t you think it’s impossible?

It’s not like you don’t know his skill.

Since I was expelled from the Black Assassins, I promised myself one thing.

Do you know what it is?

To never enter a fight I’m sure to lose.

Watch closely and see how poignantly he dies.

Hwang Jinki?

I heard that outlaw was dead.

He’s not dead yet.

Master Ji distinctly said she killed him...

That’s the problem.

His only connection is through Gaok, also known as Master Ji.

So you need the government army to get Hwang Jinki's head, right?

A reward of $10,000 is being offered for his capture.

And let alone the reward money,

if you arrest an outlaw like him, your popularity will rise like a star.

But how do you know where that elusive Hwang Jinki is?

You may not be aware of my abilities, however, I’m very perceptive.

I discreetly slipped the information to Gaok.

She’ll probably go see Hwang Jinki on her own.

Mom!

Send a message to the police station.

Yes, my Lord.

Perceptive?

Chunsoo, get your neck washed and wait for me.

I don’t want to dirty my sword anymore.

What?

Did you say Master In will be coming after me?

How does he know where my hideout is?

Master Chun will also come looking for you here soon.

Why would he come looking for me?

Master Chun is getting rid of all the master hands in Joseon.

You’re one of them.

And Master In who has a grudge against

Master Chun will be here with the soldiers as well.

You don’t have time to waste.

Hurry and escape with Jinjoo.

Young miss, do you know how many people depend on me?

How can I run away by myself?

You must take care of Jinjoo first!

If you can’t, I’ll take her with me.

Jinki!

Are you in there?

Jinki, hey you!

Don’t come out.

I’ll send Jinjoo in here.

I asked if you're in there!

Master, how are you?

I’m fine.

Father!

You should go inside.

You’ve traveled a long way.

I have.

If possible, I was thinking about sparing your life.

But since everyone mentioned your name, I had no other choice.

I’m sorry.

That’s okay.

I’m okay as long as you’re worthy of your fame.

Draw your sword.

Step aside.

What are you doing here?

Stop it.

I am afraid I can’t.

Jangnyang has come from China.

Jangnyang?

He is an officer of the emperor’s imperial guard.

Imperial guard?

So Daewoong and he are looking for me.

Then I should thank them because now I don’t have to move a step.

They’ll be here anytime soon.

I don’t care about you, however...

Gaok, please stop it.

Since I’m here, I have no intention to stop.

Back off!

Father!

Joo, even if something bad happens to me, don’t ever think about getting revenge.

Do you understand?

Father!

Teacher, I’ll be back.

Okay, don’t be late.

Yes.

Are you nervous at the thought of meeting with Chunsoo?

No, sir.

When we catch Hwang Jinki, you should be the one to kill him.

Your swordsmanship has improved dramatically.

Shoot!

They want to be arrow targets.

Keep shooting!

Father!

Jinjoo!

Mom, Mom!

Jinjoo, are you okay?

Mom, Mom!

Mom?

What is she screeching about? It's like a frog's croaking.

Mom!

Did you call her Mom?

I’m asking you if you called this woman Mom.

Is he that Master Chun?

Yes, sir.

Doesn’t he look like a devil?

Get her inside!

Mom!

You have become a real assassin.

It’s all thanks to you.

I’m proud of you.

But why have you become so rotten?

Aren’t you rotten as well?

You tried to kill your colleague.

I’m sorry.

It’s hard to die even once.

But it looks like you’ll have to die twice.

I’ll come back alive no matter how many times you kill me.

I still have lots of parts left to be cut off.

I didn’t come alone since I was determined to kill you this time.

1,000 government soldiers and... This gentleman...

Draw your sword.

An imperial guard?

Let me see how good your sword is.

Step aside.

You step up.

What are you waiting for?

Hurry up!

You have become a real devil.

All that matters is to be faithful to one's destiny.

That's enough.

Mom, are you alright?

Are you alright?

Are you alright?

Don’t worry about me.

Just run away!

No, come with me, Mom!

Hurry!

No, Mom. Come with me!

Gaok, can you stand up?

Save my daughter, please.

Hurry up and go!

No, Mom!

I’ll save your mother, so get far away from here!

Mom!

Gaok, stand up.

If you die, how can I live?

Let’s go!

Save my daughter.

She’s your daughter.

What did you just say?

She’s your daughter.

What?