Original subtitles

In the 4th year of the Reign of King Jeongjo...

...Park Chi-won visited...

...Yun Kyung as an envoy.

He was looking around a huge library in the Forbidden City.

And he unexpectedly found a single book.

Park Dal-hyang's Life...?

The last name is Park, he's from Joseon.

Are you still here?

You should go now.

By any chance...

...do you know a General named, "Park Dal-hyang?"

Park Dal-hyang?

Yes.

He was an Army General during the reign of King Sukjong.

He was also close to Crown Prince Sohyun.

An Army General Park Dal-hyang...

The memoirs of Park Dal-hyang...

...was written about 100 years ago.

You're not sleeping yet?

Are you still reading that?

That's the book you borrowed today, right?

You know Crown Prince Sohyun,

the first-born of King Injo...

...and the older brother of King Hyojong...

What about him?

How would the Joseon Dynasty have turned out...

...if he had become the king?

Wouldn't a lot of things turned out different?

Maybe Joseon would have...

...caught up with the Qing Dynasty a 100 years ago.

If the man who's ahead of his time were a king.

Why all of a sudden do you speak of the Crown Prince Sohyun?

Is something in that book?

It's all myth.

They said there's no such person named "Park Dal-hyang."

It's only a novel.

A fictional novel.

We have a lot to do tomorrow.

So go to sleep now.

Maybe it could have been a fictional novel...

...because there was no record of him in the history.

But his instinct told him...

...this was not a fictional novel.

The person was in fact an Army General in that era.

But since the story was too shocking....

...he probably used a false name.

No one knows how the story of a Joseon General

ended up in Forbidden City, Qing.

But since it was so well written that all people in Joseon...

...would agree, so Chi-won decided to record this.

The story he'll tell from now on...

...is about a person...

...and his friends, we don't know the real names...

...but they definitely existed and had a legendary life.

Attack!

This man here is the,

22 year-old Park Dal-hyang.

Good bye everyone!

I'm off to Hanyang now!

His memoirs starts from here.

From the day he left his hometown...

...to take the military service exam in the capital.

Dal-hyang's father gave his son a letter...

...instead of money for the long journey.

Once you get to Hanyang...

...find the minister of the district.

If you meet him, everything will be taken care of.

You know better...

...what kind of relation I have with him.

Who am I?

You're the Economy and Finance Minister Choi's...

...uncle's brother-in-law's cousin.

Right, right.

We have such a special relationship.

He won't deny you.

If you show him this letter...

...he'll welcome you with his arms wide open.

So until you pass the exam...

...just stay in his house, okay?

Do you really think so?

Yeah!

Thank you, father.

Come on.

Dal-hyang.

Yes, mother.

Take this.

Money?

I don't need it.

Take it, please.

It's far, you might need some.

Don't worry.

If I go fast, I'll be there in a month.

And as father said, I can stay in the minister's house after.

So I don't need it.

How can you trust your father's words like that?

Who else do I trust then?

In here, he's the only person who has been to Hanyang.

Yeah, right.

What?

Nothing.

Take it.

You never know.

I'm really okay.

Is he still here?

I'm leaving!

Bye!

Mother, just wait for the good news.

See you soon.

Let's go!

I'm not sure if that horse can endure the journey to Hanyang...

It will even go to Ming.

You think that makes sense?!

Do you know how old that horse is?!

He is the same age as our son!

Horse living for 22 years?

It's a miracle that it's still alive!

Ming my foot!

Wow.

Great weather today.

Have you really been to Hanyang?

No, right?

Never, right?

He never passed the exam here.

How would he go to Hanyang?

He started his journey with...

...an old horse which could die anytime...

...and a letter for his far far relative.

He trusted his father's words...

...but the reality was far from it.

Let's go!

What's wrong? Hey!

Get up!

His horse fell down in the 4th day of their journey.

He delayed 10 days to treat the horse.

He stayed in Pyeongchang for 20 days...

...because the heavy rain had blocked the way.

Go back!

No trespassing!

What's going on?

I'm in hurry so I have to go through here right now.

Last night, a tiger killed 4 people.

You can't go until we catch the tiger!

Excuse me.

I'm on my way to Hanyang to take the exam.

I will be late if I don't go through here.

Please let me pass.

You didn't hear me?

It's a tiger!

If it had eaten 4 people already...

...he'd be full, he won't be showing up.

I think your horse is smarter than you.

Are you still going?

He was delayed...

...another 5 days due to the detour around the mountains.

So he got there in 2 months after leaving home...

...1 day before the exam.

But...

Come out!

Is this the Economy and Finance Minister Choi Myeong-gil's house?

Yes.

I'm from Gangwon-do, Park Dal-hyang.

My father has a letter for him...

He went on a business trip to Chungcheong-do, so he's not here.

Then when would he be back...

In 10 days.

Come back then.

Wait!

Let me in first.

Actually I'm taking the exam tomorrow.

I'd like to stay here.

You're here to take the exam?

We don't have a room.

No room?

There are so many people to take the exam.

No room at all?

But the house is huge.

I said no.

You should've come earlier.

Around this time, everyone comes to take the exam.

So it's really hard to get a room in Hanyang now.

Then.

Where's an inn?

Is there any place to stay?

Where's an inn?

Is there any place to stay?

Ah, this way? Thanks.

Get off! Get off!

Get off!

No!

It's mine.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Get in line!

Or no room!

Hey!

Six.

Seven.

Here that's it!

No more.

How much?

10 nyang.

For one night?

Right, of course.

That's absurd!

I heard it's only 1 nyang for one night...

Come on.

Where are you from?

Good luck getting a room for 1 nyang during the exam season.

But still...

...it's not even double, but 10 times?

If you don't like it go. Go!

Didn't you see the line outside?

There's no room, people are sleeping with just a blanket on.

Just leave.

Go.

Can I get a discount?

This is all I have.

By the way,

can I have a bowl of rice?

I haven't ate all day.

It's 2 nyang.

Do you want it?

Here.

It wasn't just for me?

One room for only you?

With 10 nyang?

Give me 30 nyang...

...then I'll give a huge room just for you.

Father never told him this.

He knew then that...

...his father has never been to Hanyang.

This way.

But that wasn't all...

...that happened during that first night in Hanyang.

Oh Yeon-mook.

Who are you?

Is Oh Yeon-mook from Chungcheong-do here?

It's me.

You are...

...Oh Yeon-mook?

Yes,

what's going on?

- What? - What's going on?

What's going on?

What's the problem?

He's almost dead!

Get a doctor right away!

- Someone's dying over here! - Someone got hurt? Scared me.

Someone paid him to do this.

What are you talking about?

You didn't hear?

The nobles hire people to beat up...

...whomever has high chances of passing the exam.

To get their sons pass the exam.

I heard many other people got beaten up last night too

Stop it there!

What's going on?

I'm sorry, but can I borrow your horse?

- What? - I have to catch some people.

Look! They're running away!

Ask someone else,

we need to go now.

Please!

I'll explain later,

let me borrow first.

What are you doing?

Get off! Are you insane?

They're the people who beat up applicants...

...so they can't take the exam.

We need to catch them!

What did you just say?

Someone hired them to make people with talent fail.

We're already in disadvantage for not having money and support.

And we're beaten up too!

The guy who shared a room with me almost died!

It's not just one or two.

They ganged up and went around beating people up.

If we don't catch them now, they'll raise hell somewhere else.

You don't have to help, but let me just borrow a horse!

Where did they go?

Right there!

Run!

They're going too!

Who's next?

Kim Nam-soo from Namwon.

He's staying over Daemyung house.

Let's go.

Who are you?

Who paid you?

We're the police,

you better answer.

Run!

Please! Help!

I asked who paid you.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

How about you?

Are you worrying about me?

I can't?

How did it go?

We had 4, all down.

He took care of 2.

The local police people will be here soon.

Let's wait a bit.

Bring them!

I think Yeoju Governor Kim Won-seung paid them.

His two sons are taking the exam this time.

They'll get arrested tomorrow.

Well.

But how did things get resolved so quickly?

Am I lucky to meet people from the authority?

Something like that.

What's something like that?

Are you here to take the exam too?

Yes.

Now you don't need to worry.

Treat your wound and,

good luck on your exam tomorrow.

I'm sure you will pass.

Well.

I feel pretty confident.

Hope you pass with top marks.

Let's go.

Wait!

It's been a short time, but we should at least exchange names.

I'm Park Dal-hyang from Gangwon-do.

What are your names?

The Three Musketeers.

What?

We're called, "The Three Musketeers."

Let's go.

Why are we the three musketeers?

I don't know.

What?

I just spat it out.

I have no idea why.

I like that!

I love that name.

This was their first encounter.

It was like a coincidence and a destiny at the same time.

Will you come back later?

A lot of people here, we better use the back door.

This way.

What's this?

What are you doing?

Get off!

Are you insane?

I wonder if it's his?

He's here already.

How have you been?

You!

He arrived here at dawn.

He went through a lot at the border avoiding the Late Jin's army.

I'd like to hear about war first since we have no time.

Please tell him about the war.

Later Jin has now took over the marines and cannons.

Mongol is down too.

He says, Later Jin took over our marines and cannons.

Ming has lost everything...

...except 8 castles outside their territory.

Ming Generals are all trying to run away...

...it's been awhile since the defense system got destroyed.

This is not reported properly...

...to the central government.

Even Ming soldiers think that Ming'll go down...

...sometime soon.

Wait!

- Stay here. - Where are you going?

I'm just going to look around...

Wait, look at this first.

What is it?

Park Dal-hyang dropped this.

It's just a letter.

Its the content of the letter, that's the problem. Read it.

Right?

What is this?

This is amazing!

What should we do?

Where is he staying again?

The three musketeers...

What does three musketeers even mean?

Three musketeers... musketeers... musket...

Does it mean they're good at shooting with muskets?

Anyway...

...Hanyang is biger than I thought...

All the talented people hangout together.

What are you looking for?

A letter.

Have you seen one?

Isn't that it?

This is from my father to the minister.

I'm looking for another one.

What is this now?

Isn't this some sort of a treason.

I thought you needed to see it.

You know I feel the same as you do .

I promise.

I won't get married to another guy.

If you don't come back, I will die as an old lady...

...or become a monk.

I look forward to the day you pass the exam and we meet again.

If you mention my father's name, "Kang Seok-ki" in Hanyang...

...they'll show you where our house is.

From Yoon-seo.

Don't we need to investigate him?

It seems like you're enjoying this.

No way.

This is too serious.

I can't be excited.

I'm very serious now.

So...

We investigate this guy?

We can't just let this go.

Right.

Right, we need to do it thoroughly.

But how do we find him?

He's probably on his way here now.

I called him here.

What?

If you want the letter, meet us at Seryeongkwan near Mapo Port.

From the Three Musketeers.

The Three Musketeers...

If this letter is that important he'll come...

then we need to do a in depth investigation.

It's a test.

Was it here?

Hello.

I told you.

Investigate thoroughly.

Please give my letter back.

I dropped it by accident.

You two talk, I'll step out.

You read the letter?

How can you read it without my permission...

Please sit.

No. I have to leave now.

Please sit first.

I said sit.

Well.

What is it?

Why are you making this a big deal?

It's fun.

I also want to know how it will turn out.

This shouldn't be about fun.

I shouldn't have shown it to you.

He's too tough.

I want to see his jealous side.

I really want to see.

I can't just give it back to you.

I need to listen to what you have to say.

About what?

As you have seen before, we're connected to the authorities.

Anyway...

...this letter sounds like a treason.

So we need to investigate.

Treason?

What are you talking about?

What does that letter have to do with a treason?

Are you engaged to this woman who wrote this letter?

Why...

...why do I have to answer that?

She's the daughter of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Kang Seok-ki.

If it's that, Yoon-seo...

...then just having this letter can be a treason.

So what are you talking about?

Why is that...

You answer first.

Then I'll answer too.

Have you met her again since then?

Well.

No.

Never?

I just got to know her 5 years ago...

...when she came to my hometown for about 2 months.

She gave me that letter when she left.

Anyway, I just got here in Hanyang for the first time.

So I haven't seen her for 5 years.

Then why do you care about this letter?

Why do I have to answer that?

If you don't answer you'll be transported to the authority.

Answer me.

After I take the exam...

...I was going to go see her.

So you were going to propose to her after you pass the exam?

Yes, so what?

What does that have to do with a treason?

Oh, wow.

Minister Kang Seok-ki's daughter, Yoon-seo is already married.

Didn't you know that?

What?

She's already married.

A few years ago.

Then...

You still don't get it?

Why this letter is a treason?

You understand me now?

No...

That Yoon-seo is married to the Crown Prince.

She's the Crown Princess.

Now you get it?

Why having this letter could be a treason?

Come to my appointment ceremony after I pass the exam, okay?

Families are allowed to the appointment ceremony.

So if I pass the exam, you'll be able to see the palace.

So?

When can I go to the palace?

After 3 years?

Or 5 years at max?

5 years will do.

You really didn't know, huh?

How can one not know who their Crown Princess is?

My hometown...

...is too far...

It took me...

...2 months to get here.

No one in my town...

...knows about it.

Then why am I...

...I've practiced so hard...

Are you... crying now?

Why is it so quite?

What has happened?

What did he say?

Order some drinks.

Drinks?

It's a bit uncomfortable.

I should be torturing him but...

...I think I'm going to buy him a drink to console him.

Your Highness.

It's way past your bedtime.

Why don't you get ready for bed?

Already?

I'll get it ready.

Your Highness.

What's going on?

The Crown Prince is here.

At this time?

Did he say he'd be stopping by?

No, he didn't say anything.

Where is it?

Crown Prince.

What's going on in this late hour?

You haven't gone to bed yet?

No, I was reading something...

Have you been out somewhere?

I went out for a bit.

At this late hour?

If you go out of the palace that often, rumors will spread.

- If the king finds this out... - Do you know Park Dal-hyang?

What?

What did you say?

Park Dal-hyang from Gangwon-do.

Since you remember it...

...I guess he wasn't lying.

Your Highness....

How do you know...

He came to Hanyang now...

...after practicing everyday for the last 5 years.

He came to marry you after passing the exam.

He's very skilled, he could even win the first place.

But the problem is he just found out you're married already.

So now he doesn't care about the exam...

...and about to ruin his life.

So I'm worried that I could lose a talented General-to-be.

I'm just telling you how frustrated he is for that.

Your Highness.

I don't know what you heard from him.

But please don't misunderstand.

I don't remember clearly...

...oh right, 5 or 6 years ago...

...my mother got sick on the way to my grand parents' house.

So we just stayed there for awhile.

He was practicing so hard for our country.

So I just spoke highly of him I shared a few words as something customary.

Yes, it was something customary.

My mother told me to do so as well.

And I guess...

...he was too young to understand...

...how the world works...

You know your excuse makes no sense?

The letter shows that you were more into him.

What?

The letter you gave to him.

You can't charm an innocent guy like this...

...and deny now.

He bet his life on this.

Are you...

...doubting about...me?

Not you.

I'm just telling you...

...about his true feelings for you.

This is the real innocent love that...

...we can't expect from guys in Hanyang.

I'll get going now that I handed you the letter.

Good night.

By the way...

...what happened to the bold girl in the letter?

Did you change your personality as you enter the palace?

I guess you were too scared of me.

You know my heart is the same as yours.

I promise.

I won't marry anyone other than you.

If you don't come back for me,

I'd die as an old maid...

...or shave my head and become a monk.

I look forward to the day you pass the exam and we meet again.

Did you hear that too?

Yoon-seo is...

...living in there...

...right over there.

She won't come out of the palace.

So I won't be able...

...to see her anymore.

Pass the exam and rank in first place to prove your innocence.

What?

I said pass the exam and rank in first place to prove your innocence.

Don't think about going back.

We're not done suspecting you for the treason,

we're just postponing the judgment.

If you give up...

...your exams for this and go back home...

...we'll assume you still have feelings for the Crown Princess.

That's absurd!

It's not like that. How dare I...

If you don't...

...then take the exam. And show your fealty to the country.

Until then, we'll be watching you closely.

And...

...this letter is an important piece of evidence.

So until you prove your innocence...

...we'll keep this.

I wish I can pass the exam and rank in first place.

But it's not up to me.

I thought you said you were confident.

Being confident doesn't mean I can rank in first place.

I need luck and...

If you continue to put excuses we'll have to report this...

...to the Crown Prince.

You guys know it too, right?

He's not a very generous person.

Oh, of course not.

He can't know about this.

You'll be in danger.

And the Crown Princess won't be safe either.

Her whole family could get killed.

The Crown Prince is extremly violent and jealous by nature.

Violent?

He's not quite violent...

He's not only violent...

...but a sly man who leeches on innocent people.

I'm so sad just to think about our Crown Princess.

How unlucky of her to marry such a guy...

Anyway...

Remember, you must pass the exam in first place...

...for the good of everyone.

First place?

If I win rank in first place...

...she's safe.

Do you think that makes sense?

Isn't it strange?

Fine.

Let's trust them.

They're the only ones...

...who helped me here.

Dal-hyang came...

...to pass the exam to marry Yoon-seo...

...but now he decided to take...

...the exam to protect her happiness.

And it has to be first place.

Next day...

...he took Boksi with 250 other applicants.

Only 28 people can pass.

Right in the middle!

Archery 1st place.

Fail!

Fail!

Pass!

Spear 2nd place.

- Fail! - Pass!

Iron archery 1st place.

Pass!

Archery on horse 1st place.

Right in the middle!

Right in the middle!

Gun 2nd place.

We'll announce the 28 who passed.

Han Jung-moo.

Kim Bak-soo.

Min Jung-ho.

Choi Myung-jin.

Park Dal-hyang.

Dal-hyang got all the votes...

...and was selected as one of 28 out of 250.

And he is...

...now taking...

...the final exam, Junsi.

The king is here!

What was the hardest test in the junsi?

Usually many people fail in the archery on horse.

Then...

...let's do that one.

The test for Junsi is...

...the archery on horse.

Fail!

Next!

Park Dal-hyang from Gangwon!

From what part?

From Gosung.

He's ranked high in the previous exam.

Is that so?

Why are you so late?

It's the Crown Prince.

- Where? - Is that him?

Who's the Crown Prince?

What do you mean who?

It's obviously the young man in the dragon robe.

Oh, well...

Don't you see the royal guards for the Crown Prince?

Park Dal-hyang!

Start now!

Go now.

What are you doing?

The Three Musketeers.

We're called the Three Musketeers.

As you have seen before, we're connect to the authority.

This letter sounds like a treason.

So we need to investigate.

I said pass the exam and rank in first place to prove your innocence.

Don't think about going back.

Protect the king!

- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Protect the king!

The day Dal-hyang and the Three Musketeers met for the 3rd time.

This was even recorded in the history book.

But...

...it was just a small start...

...comparing to what will happen in the future with them.

Even if he didn't do it intentionally...

...we can't just let this go.

Now I'll speak informally since we're friends now.

The letter to Park Dal-hyang...

You guys are not happy together?

Kim Ja-jeom is in Hanyang.

Before the king approve this losing war...

You betrayers.

I think they have another plan with his people.

How are you going to insult me this time?

- Again with these barbarians... - Attack!

I know you loved the woman who was chosen before me!

I just saw her, Mi-ryung.

Mi-ryung.