Original subtitles

[Episode 25]

So you came, Woon?

You never gave me any teaching, not even once.

You only gave me the orders of an assassin, which I had no choice but to carry out.

At any rate, isn't it the path you chose?

Yes.

It's the path I chose.

So from now on,

I’ll live my own way.

Whether heart or life, I want to have everything.

As the supreme master of the Black Assassins, I’ll take the former master's life.

Alright...

The time for that has come.

Do you want to come with me?

I won’t hide or hide anything anymore.

What is the difference between a warrior and an assassin?

If I can have everything I want by spilling blood, I’ll have to do it.

You have a good expression in your eyes.

Your eyes embrace the pain you have in your heart.

Those are the very eyes of an assassin

who decides the life and death of a person.

All I have left is life as an assassin.

This is it!

Do you hold the heavens in your hands?

Woon...

Don’t follow my destiny.

No, I won’t.

I’m no longer an assassin.

I’ll give up life as an assassin.

I’ll give up everything.

Dongsoo!

What are you doing?

Baby!

Go away!

Chunsoo, because of your sin of trying to kill me,

you won’t escape the grim reaper.

Don’t come any closer, please don’t...

Mister...

I'm sorry to you.

Go away!

Baby!

Don’t wet your pretty face with tears anymore.

It’ll be okay. It's okay.

Goodbye, Chunsoo.

Uncle Chunsoo...

Who is Baek Dongsoo, the best warrior in Korea?

Here I go...

Let me take this move back.

Come on!

You keep taking back your move!

You rascals, I asked you who Baek Dongsoo is!

You're bothering us with your loud voice!

Jinjoo, do something with them!

Let me take a move back!

Get lost! I’m busy too!

Do you want a match with a real sword?

So you’re Baek Dongsoo?

It’s $20.

$20?

Haven't you heard the rumors?

Do you see that box?

It’s $5 for fist to fist combat,

$10 for wooden sword fight,

and $20 for a match with real swords.

Bring it on!

Come back when you've gotten some better skills.

[Jeollanamdo Naju]

What is your name?

My name is Baek Dongsoo!

Baek Dongsoo?

This gentleman is the famous Baek Dongsoo!

[Heuksa Chorong]

Master Chun!

Welcome!

[White-Faced Scholar]

[Jang Taesan]

Express your respect!

I thought Master Chun of the Black Assassins was that devil.

It’s just a snot-nosed kid.

The former master lost to me.

He lost to you?

Are you ready to follow me now?

Are you really the disciple of the swordmaster?

It's true...

Let's see how good you are!

Two Hand sword!

6 feet 5 inches long and weighs 2 kilograms.

Isn’t that a little heavy to carry around?

This arrogant!

Do you want to continue?

Ma'am, could you bring me another bowl of soup and rice?

Of course!

Two Hand sword!

But aren’t you Yeongsuk?

[Yeongsuk: Baek Dongsoo's written name]

What brings you here?

I've been traveling all over the country to paint beautiful landscapes.

And I ran into you by absolute chance!

Dongsoo!

Hey, Yang Chorip!

I don’t believe you ran into me by chance.

In my opinion, something bad happened in the palace.

15 days ago, a notorious shaman's prophecy rocked the entire capital.

Is it a good omen?

Prince Yi San must die!

Otherwise, this country will come to ruin!

Even with a knife to your neck, you mustn’t change your words.

The rumor has been spreading so quickly.

Furthermore, an unsavory incident happened.

A voodoo doll was found in the yard of the prince’s residence.

Did the shaman do it?

Yes.

It’s true that she made it.

However, we haven’t found out who brought it into the palace.

The problem is the shaman

didn’t change her words even while she was being executed.

Prince Yi San must die, otherwise this country will come to ruin!

Prince Yi San must die, otherwise this country will come to ruin!

Prince Yi San must die, otherwise this country will come to ruin!

Anyhow, the incident was resolved, right?

It’s not that simple.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, isn’t it a red comet?

[Yi San (Future King Jeongjo)]

When things are chaotic because of [Kim Hangu (Queen Jeongsun's father]

that scandalous prophecy, why is that ominous comet falling toward the palace?

Sure enough, the next morning His Highness caught a cold

and is still lying in his sickbed.

So what do you want me to do?

I can't catch the comet.

While you were traveling the country, the stakes for a martial arts

competition became the new attraction of the marketplace.

Martial arts competition for stakes?

Any man or woman can participate in

the competition as long as their martial arts skills stand out.

The betting price for one round is $1000.

Start!

The winner!

Here you are. $20.

Thank you.

Plus, we haven’t proven the rumor that Lord Hong Daejoo

is bankrolling the martial arts competition for stakes.

Dongsoo, I prepared a horse for you.

Look!

The past 100 years remain untouched in this place.

These swords represent the history of the Black Assassins.

Dismantle the Black Assassins?

Are you serious?

I’m not forcing you to follow my instruction.

I’m telling you this because it won’t be easy.

The Black Assassins have existed for the past 100 years.

Even if you dismantle the Black Assassins against the Chinese emperor’s will,

you never know how the merchants and aristocrats

who have deep roots in the organization will react.

I know.

If I don’t tear out this organization by the roots,

someone else will plant the seed and rebuild it one day.

That’s why I plan to uproot this organization.

Even if you risk your life, I’m not sure if it will be possible.

Will you help me?

Thanks to the food, I feel reinvigorated.

I put the needle in your vein.

You won’t be able to use your martial arts again.

However, in time, you won’t have any problems living a normal life.

Chunsoo is gone as well as the swordmaster.

Now, only Baek Dongsoo remains.

It’s as shiny as ever!

Your Highness, don’t mind that

scandalous prophecy that was told![Queen Jeongsun]

Prince Yi San must die, otherwise, the country will come to ruin?

I can’t even repeat it!

Are you alright, Your Highness?

Prince Yi San, His Highness is feeling unwell and wants to rest.

You should go back to your quarters.

Yes.

I’m sure His Highness is losing his confidence.

Lord Hong, everything should go according to plan.

In addition to the scandalous fortune told, a comet has fallen.

We should move along to the next phase.

Did you say 70 percent?

We’re already losing the shared profits by half.

If we give you 70 percent, are you telling us to starve to death?

Do you think your exclusive rights will last forever?

[Geumnanjeonkwon: During later Joseon merchants' privileges granted]

Without Lord Hong, you may lose [by country to regulate illegal markets]

your rights even tomorrow.

Don’t forget this!

I want exactly 70 percent, no less and no more.

Do you understand me?

Count me out!

Even if you back me up, I can’t continue like this.

I agree with him.

If anyone wants to refuse, do it right now.

Did you say Master Chun spoke up in person?

Yes, he seemed to be really determined.

It seems a little late though...

The boughs that bear the most fruit hang the lowest.

Call all the leaders of military divisions

to the courtesan house tomorrow.

Yes, Father.

My lord, why did you exclude the head of royal guard?

Don’t you know Seo Yoodae is in charge of the royal guard?

What’s going on?

The wound wasn't deep and was treated immediately.

And I told him to leave the capital.

If he cares about his life, he won’t set foot in the capital again.

What is that?

This is the list of aristocrats the marketplace merchants bribed.

There are over 200.

200?

There are many government officials including local and central high rankers.

You two, I need you to do something for me.

Please tell us what to do.

Do you know the martial arts competition for stakes?

Of course.

It’s Lord Hong Daejoo who finances that martial arts competition for stakes.

I suspect he’s plotting something.

Can you find out his real intentions?

Yes, sir.

Master, Baek Dongsoo passed through Cheongju along with

Hong Gukyeong and Kim Hongdo.

They’ll be back in the capital by tomorrow at the latest.

Don’t miss any of their activities.

Yes, sir.

Are you back, Baek Dongsoo?

I’ll become the best assassin in Joseon.

That’s my first goal.

Then you’ll be next.

Dongsoo!

Hi!

How do you keep running around the country like that?

Did you get hurt anywhere?

No.

You keep running away from home. It’s become a habit.

How have you been?

How can you expect me to be alright without you?

Come here, you brat!

Dongsoo, I missed you.

Captain, we’ll go to the palace and see His Excellency Prince Yi San.

Of course. Go to the palace immediately.

Why are you leaving so early?

No... I mean, Sir!

I saved some cookies for you.

Whatever!

Hurry up and go to the palace!

Yes.

I’ll keep them in a safe place for you... Sir.

I'll be going then!

You heard all the rumors, right?

Yes.

I’m concerned about His Excellency Prince Yi San.

How is the martial arts competition going?

The martial arts competition?

Jinjoo has been really into it lately.

I beg your pardon?

Is it true?

Let me take you there.

Buy tickets!

You need a ticket to see the match!

You need a ticket to get in!

It’s $1!

Buy one before they sell out!

Who's fighting today?

Yun Nosik, the Beggar Boss against Hwang Duryong from Namsangol!

Buy tickets!

The winner!

This match is fought with real swords!

You can bet from $10!

Competitors, enter!.

Start!

The winner!

You were great!

Thank you.

Huh? Father!

What brings you here, Sir?

Sir?

What are you doing here?

Let’s get out of here!

This little!

Come here!

You want to know where the competitors live.

What are you talking about?

Don't be like that. I already know everything.

I know Lord Hong Daejoo bribed the elites.

This rascal!

Stop talking nonsense.

This gold bar's getting more and more expensive.

Its value never drops, but just goes up.

The thing is...

Father, let go of me!

Tell me what all this is.

Sheesh, as you know,

our company is short of money.

The merchants in the marketplace keep squeezing us so we'll end up starving.

Do you want me to sit back and do nothing?

Father, look at this!

This is $100.

Still...

This little...

How can you treat an all grown up lady like that?

Baek Dongsoo!

Hi, Yeongsuk!

Hi!

I didn’t do this just to make myself rich.

Young miss, tell them the truth.

She’s right.

Not only our company,

but also other companies from other cities are all about to close business

because of the marketplace merchants.

So did you find out anything?

I saw that Lord Hong Daejoo’s son

frequents the martial arts competition with my own eyes.

Really?

Those rascals...

The rumors are true!

Anyhow, you’re over the hill past marriageable age now.

How much longer are you going to act like a tomboy?

Learn from Miss Yoo!

You remind me of Kwangtaek.

You have well summarized the assets and weak points of various weapons.

Yes, this is not martial arts for sport,

but must be regarded as military martial arts.

I just followed the order of His Excellency Prince Yi San.

Listen!

Who are you?

Your skills are impressive!

I came to ask you a small favor.

How about it?

If you cut off Baek Dongsoo’s arms or legs,

I’ll pay you double.

If you cut off his head, I’ll pay you ten times this.

Fine!

And one more thing...

You should consider this to be your side job.

So keep this a secret from Lord Hong Daejoo.

I see.

Young miss! Over there!

Are the cords ready?

Yes, sir.

[Yuso: Braided cord adornment made of dyed thread]

Let’s go!

What do you mean not yet?

To prepare that much steel...

[Yeoncheol: Liquid steel used to make swords]

Please give me three more days and

I can promise you it will be done!

Are you taking Lord Hong Daejoo's order lightly right now?

It's my mistake!

Forgive me, Sir!

What did you say? Red thread cords and liquid steel?

Yes.

The value of those products increased by double.

However, they are sold out.

Liquid steel and red thread cords?

I’m sure they’re going to make swords.

Considering the size of their orders,

it's not just one or two swords.

If it were for the government supply,

they wouldn’t have purchased it that way.

I’m afraid it’s for Lord Hong’s private army.

What is that rotten scumbag plotting again?

Let’s find out the truth.

If you dig around the martial arts competition, we’ll get to the truth.

Yes, sir.

Lord Hong, why didn’t you invite General Seo Yoodae?

[Arms Bureau General / Defense Bureau General]

[Military Camp General / Military Affairs Bureau General]

With His Highness' person in poor condition,

would it be proper for him to leave his post?

Did you tell him?

I asked him to accept [Seo Yoodae]

your request for a royal audience.

However, he hasn’t said anything yet.

Thank you for your efforts.

Yes, Your Highness.

So did you bring Baek Dongsoo with you?

Yes, sir.

I told him what's happened so far,

so I’m sure he’s already started his investigation.

Dark clouds have gathered.

Those blacks clouds will bring a typhoon.

Please, everyone, have a drink!

What’s wrong with everyone?

Does my wine taste strange?

I prepared this wine especially for you.

Everyone, please drink!

Lord Hong, it tastes bitter in the beginning,

however, it turns sweet towards the end.

Isn’t this the wine only gods drink?

It tastes excellent!

Really?

What are you waiting for?

Fill your glasses!

Lord Hong, they said plain water tasted excellent!

What a spectacle it was!

My queen!

Yes, Your Highness.

Please call Prince Yi San.

My body can't even handle a cold.

I’m not strong enough to reign any longer.

Grandfather, please don’t be weak.

Please be strong.

That’s not true.

Your Highness!

Prince Yi San, at your age, you could do

even more than rule as regent.

[Proxy Regent: Crown Prince oversees affairs of state]

[when the king is ill or aged and incapacitated]

Grandfather, what are you talking about?

Your Highness!

I’ll give my royal order soon.

So prepare yourself.

Grandfather!

Regency?

Your Highness, that can't happen.

Lord Hong, you'll have to push your plan forward.

What did you find out?

Yes, sir.

Most of the competitors’ skills are just average.

As for the experienced ones,

the government seems to have bribed them.

They are hiring experienced warriors.

That means they don’t want to rely on only the Black Assassins anymore.

Master, everything is ready.

Come with me.

What are you going to do with this fake royal seal?

Are you curious?

[Kim Kwiju]

[Jeong Hugyeom]

[Hong Inhan]

Do you mean you left those

fake royal seals in front of each ruling party member’s house?

Do you know what it means?

Last night, Lord Hong Daejoo

invited the heads of the country’s armed forces to drink.

Their glasses were filled with plain water.

Plain water?

Yes, sir.

Interestingly, those who drank that water

complimented the taste of the fake wine instead of getting angry.

He just wanted them to swear their loyalty to him.

Yes, sir.

As for the fake royal seal,

he just wants to test their loyalty to him.

The loyal retainers will stay by His Highness

while the disloyal subjects will gather around Lord Hong.

Considering their discretion, they aim at higher than Prince Yi San.

I’m afraid those who received the royal seal won’t be able to sleep tonight.

This is a down payment.

If you win, you’ll get double. If you lose, you get nothing.

I don’t need money.

Keep this.

If you break anything, you'll have to see the doctor!

He won!

Baek Dongsoo?

I’m sure it’s him.

The sequence is going as planned.

Execute so nothing fails!

Yes, Father.

Are you inside?

Then was this fake royal seal sent to us by you?

Are you testing our loyalty now?

Lord Hong Daejoo, just what are you plotting now?

This is Her Highness the queen’s will.

Her Highness?

The king has brought up Prince Yi San as proxy regent.

So before we draw our sword, we need to know who our friends and enemies are.

As for those who didn’t come here,

I have already taken the appropriate measures.

What is this about?

We have information from Lord Hong that you plotted treason against the king.

What are you talking about?

Lord, isn’t this a royal seal?

Considering that he gathered all the heads of the armed forces,

he must be planning to overthrow the king.

So you came?

Come out now.

Long time no see!

Just get to the point.

How can you be so mean to me?

Aren’t we in the same boat here?

I haven't forgotten the agreement I made with you.

Please have a drink!

My guess is treason.

If not, you wouldn’t be kowtowing like this.

That’s right.

That’s why I need your help.

What do you want me to do?

Don’t be hasty!

First, there is a guest we need to receive.

Regency?

Are you serious?

Yes, the royal order hasn’t been delivered yet.

However, I’m sure His Highness has already made up his mind.

I’m afraid there will soon be a terrible commotion in the palace.

I’m not worried about the commotion.

I’m afraid the ruling party members are planning something more serious.

What will they be able to do against the royal order?

They didn’t hesitate to kill the late Crown Prince.

No matter what they’re planning, it won’t be surprising.

So are you going back to the competition tomorrow?

Yeah.

Really?

Hasn’t it been a while since we had a party like this?

You came a long way, so please quench your thirst first.

Lord Hong, what brings him back to Joseon?

Wouldn't I be here for the same reason as you?

Why are you being like this?

This is a happy occasion!

I know a place you’ll like.

So please make some time for me tomorrow.

Jinjoo, do you really need to go?

Be quiet!

Just follow me!

Today, the best of the best warriors in Joseon have gathered!

Go bet your money!

He’s not an average opponent.

Be careful.

Don’t worry!

Oh ho, you laugh?

Just know you'll have your funeral today.

Isn’t he the swordmaster's disciple?

Do you think you can beat those powerful politicians with your martial arts?

Then what can you do against them?

Prince Yi San will avenge his father's death and become king.

This is a conspiracy.

Did you find out anything?

I found out the secret of the comet.

Hwang Duryong against Jang Taesan?

Contrary to what he looks like, he must be really good.

She’s the daughter of Master Chun.

Why don’t you become my wingman?

What do I gain from being your wingman?

I’ll give you everything you want.