Original subtitles

Commander.

What is it?

I have something to give you.

What is it?

It's from Sambong.

Withdraw

Withdraw.

You are stuck because of heavy rains.

This is your chance.

Withdraw the troops right away!

This is a chance from Heaven.

Forget about that.

General!

Don't you know what it means

to withdraw without a royal order'?

It's treason!

You know the country will fall

if you cross over to Yodong like this.

Withdrawal is the only way to save

the soldiers and the people of Wihwado.

I will not withdraw without a royal order.

Leave before I kill you.

Go ahead.

I decided to give my life for the cause with Sambong.

I'd rather die than watch the cause

die like this.

General.

Please decide to withdraw!

Seonggye!

I can hear you yelling from outside.

SEonggye.'

General, what's going on?

What is this...

Withdraw?

That's out of the question.

That's out of the question. Episode 26

Episode 26

He would never do such a thing.

There is the slightest possibility.

No way. Leave.

If it happens, it will be done

covertly and promptly.

You have to be prepared.

You could become a hostage.

Sambong.

I'm begging you.

Please go to a safe place with Bangwon.

You should do that.

Taking caution wouldn't be so bad.

Where should I go?

The general's base,

Hwaryeong in Dongbukmyeon.

You should be safe there.

Make preparations quickly.

I'll have to think about it.

Leave for now.

Be careful the servants don't notice.

Shouldn't you go to Wihwado?

It is too important of a matter for father

to decide by himself.

He has to make important decisions himself.

That way, there won't be any regrets.

Uncle.

I only make the preparations.

The choice is up to your father.

Riverside of Wihwado

It's a good thing there wasn't a flood.

Even if we cross this river,

you know there are several more

before we reach Yodongseong, right?

Yes.

General Nam told me everything.

I wish you would retreat.

What's wrong with you?

I fought in many battles,

but this isn't right.

A solider sent to battle with a royal order

can't withdraw freely.

That's treason.

Let's just do it.

Stop it.

It's an epidemic.

Many of the soldiers have diarrhea

and are vomiting all day.

If you don't want them to die like dogs,

you should retreat.

To make matters worse, there's an epidemic.

I can't believe it.

General.

The Right Army commander would

like a meeting with you.

A meeting?

Why all of a sudden?

You should hear it from him.

Why aren't you saying anything?

Why did you call a meeting?

Commander.

The Right Army intends to withdraw.

Withdraw?

What are you talking about?

The soldiers can't endure anymore.

We have to retreat.

How can you say that?

Decide what the Left Army will do.

I hope the Left Army will withdraw with us.

Yum!

You wretch.

What a miserable soul.

Withdraw?

Please calm down.

Lower your weapons.

Do not listen to him.

Look here.

How dare you incite me to

participate in treason?

This isn't treason.

The only person who can give

the order to withdraw is His Majesty.

If we withdraw without a royal order,

it is treason!

I am going to get approval from His Majesty.

I'm not acting freely.

I'm going to ask for approval.

We should ask together.

We can't buy anything at the market.

They're probably stacking up goods

because there's going to be a battle.

Will we really be able to beat Ming?

There won't be a battle,

so don't worry too much.

There won't be a battle?

Our soldiers are in Wihwado.

You'll see.

There's going to be a great change in Goryeo soon.

Sambong.

Are you inside?

Hello, Poeun.

Sambong.

What is it?

The commanders in Wihwado requested

a withdrawal of the troops.

What?

Oh...

We are sorry, but we cannot attack Yodong

in this situation.

Please give an order to withdraw.

Park Uijung went to Ming regarding the

unjustness of the Cheollyeong Commandery.

Please wait for his return and...

Stop! I don't want to hear it.

They want to withdraw?

Are they in their right minds?

They cannot withdraw.

Give an order to advance.

Will they follow the order?

They've lost their fighting spirit.

If they refuse to advance and return,

it's going to turn into a situation that will be difficult to control.

If they were planning a rebellion,

they wouldn't be asking to withdraw.

They're merely hesitating

because the conditions are bad.

Please give the order to advance.

I am going to Seogyeong with master.

Will you go with us?

What are you going there for?

We want to ask His Majesty

to approve of the withdrawal.

That is the only way to prevent

the fall of our country.

Come with us.

I'm sorry, but I have other things to do.

Bangu and Banggwa are in Seogyeong.

Tell them to see what His Majesty

and Choi Yeong do.

If anything happens, you have to

take your mother out of the capital.

Understood.

Why do you look so worried?

He should have retreated right away.

It was foolish to try to receive approval.

That would lessen any political burdens.

Why aren't you happy about that?

He just increased burdens.

Because he tried to avoid withdrawing without a royal order,

now, he'll have to withdraw against a royal order.

It's treason without excuse.

Even if the withdrawal is approved,

what do you think will happen?

Choi Yeong who insisted on this attack

and one of the two commanders

will be punished for this.

Which side do you think

His Majesty will take?

Please approve of the withdrawal.

Generals leading a large army have

never requested a withdrawal before.

They wouldn't be requesting unless

it was absolutely necessary.

It's obvious they will be defeated.

What will happen to this country

if an army of 50,000 suffers a huge defeat?

I will discuss it with the commander

and make a decision, so leave.

Please consider our advice.

We are preparing to use a new era name.

He will be the emperor.

Show him the proper respect.

Face the reality.

Leave before you are punished.

We cannot do that.

Please listen to our advice.

Please approve of the withdrawal.

He told you to leave!

Do not be influenced by hardliners.

Where are the guards?

Drag them out of here right away!

Yes, sir!

Commander!

What are you doing?

Let go of me!

Please approve of the withdrawal.

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

What should we do?

Your Majesty, do not waver.

Any country facing battle has difficulties.

Of course.

I pulled my sword, I should cut something.

I will go to Wihwado.

I will reprimand the commanders and

encourage them to advance.

No.

You could be in danger

if they are planning treason.

You have to send someone else.

I'm disappointed with your request.

I understand you are in a difficult situation,

but if you give up on this cause,

how am I to face king Gongmin?

My wish is for you to advance and

achieve the cause.

I was hoping he would approve.

What does this make us?

What did general Choi Yeong say?

The commander agrees.

Darn.

These are gifts from His Majesty.

Take care of yourselves.

We'll have to advance now.

The soldiers had hope of returning home.

The moment the order to advance is given,

they will lose morale and

more soldiers will go AWOL.

What should we do then?

Let's make another request.

What?

It's the only way to prevent

becoming a traitor.

We can't do that.

It could appear as insubordination.

Let's wait until it stops raining.

We can offer a ritual to Heaven and

enhance the morale of our soldiers.

That won't do any good.

If you are not willing,

the Right Army will make another request.

Why are you so stubborn?

Do you think general Choi Yeong

will give in to your request?

The safety of our country and

tens of thousands of lives depend on this.

We have to try.

They won't change the royal order.

It can change. It must change.

Help me just one more time.

There must be a hole in the sky.

You're suffering a lot.

I was coming to say goodbye.

General Nam.

Yes, sir.

- Detain him right away. - Oh...

- Take him! - Yes, sir!

What is the problem?

Why are you doing this?

Let go of me!

What are you doing?

You can't detain His Majesty's messenger.

Are you really planning on treason?

I will take full responsibility.

Let me make this clear.

If he doesn't approve this time,

the Left Army will advance to Yodong.

What are you talking about?

Jiran.

Yes.

Send someone to Seogyeong to make

another request for withdrawal.

Understood.

Master.

I'm alright. Don't make a commotion.

How can they lock up ministers who are giving advice?

Choi Yeong seems to have lost his mind.

He's desperate.

He's putting his life on the line.

What happened to the request?

Kim Wan left a few days ago with

an order of refusal.

Is this how it is going to be?

Let's go to Gaegyeong.

We left the Supreme Council for too long.

The two commanders are begging you.

There is an epidemic and

the river is too deep at this time.

The only way to solve this problem is

for you to approve of the withdrawal.

Quiet!

Are they threatening me?

If I order them to advance,

they should just advance!

Your Majesty, Wihwado is in

a deadly situation right now.

Deadly situation?

Don't exaggerate over a small problem.

I am not exaggerating at all.

Please believe me.

I can't believe you.

I will ask Kim Wan.

He must have returned with you.

Where is he?

His Majesty asked where Kim Wan is.

The Right Army commander said

he would have him stay at the camp

until the order to withdraw is given.

What?

Are you saying he was detained?

He said he has no intention of threatening His Majesty.

He said it was just an act to show

how desperate the situation is.

How dare he?

Banggwa, tell Bangwon right away.

I will do that.

He has his back to the wall.

Why is he taking the difficult route?

If he is willing to detain His Majesty's messenger,

wouldn't it be better to just retreat?

He is refusing his destiny.

Destiny?

The cause.

He wants to deny that the cause is

the will of Heaven.

The situation has become urgent.

Your mother has to take refuge.

Understood.

Master.

Did you find her?

She's not here.

Oh...

You don't know where she is?

You don't deserve to eat!

Where on earth did she go?

Didn't you say we were going to Dongbukmyeon?

Why are we going to Pocheon?

I changed my mind.

Is it because you're uncomfortable

with the wife in Hwaryeong?

It can't be comfortable.

She wouldn't be comfortable either.

It would be wise to avoid that.

Let's go.

What should I do now?

Give the order to advance again.

Will they advance?

You have to warn them.

Tell them they will be punished for treason

if they don't cross the river.

It will be over if they turn around

and take possession of Gaegyeong.

I can stop them.

It is an army of 50,000.

We can defend the capital with one tenth of the enemy's number.

With the soldiers in the capital and

the 8,000 soldiers who went to fight

the Japanese pirates,

there is no need for fear.

Can I believe that?

Believe it.

Lee Seonggye is making a request

because he doesn't want to be accused of treason.

He will obey if you give the order.

Why do you trust him so much?

Your Majesty.

He is the descendant of Bu Wonbae.

He pretended to be Gwangpyeonggun's

party member to eliminate him.

He can't be trusted.

I know he has a virtuous spirit,

but there is no way to check his loyalty.

Are you saying Lee Seonggye

could have a traitorous mind?

It would be dangerous to give him

too much power.

Don't trust Lee Seonggye.

You can't and must not trust him.

It's the man from Gaegyeong.

Hello.

You dug up a big one.

Is that used as bait, too?

I never saw maggots used as bait.

They're not ordinary maggots.

They ate the meat of a dead dog.

Really?

That's neat.

You're using such fine bait.

Why can't you catch any fish?

I didn't come to catch fish.

I came to catch time.

Time?

Yes.

The army is pressuring His Majesty

to give an order to withdraw?

Yes.

It was absurd to try to attack Yodong.

Trusting Lee Seonggye will be

the cause of Choi Yeong's fall.

It looks like there will be a great change.

Probably.

There has to be if there's to be room for me.

This is why difficult times are good.

Have a seat.

Take His Majesty's order and

return to Wihwado.

Did he approve of the withdrawal?

The only way for the army to survive

is to head to Yodong.

Commander.

Go and make His Majesty and

my intentions clear.

If the army returns,

there will be a heavy punishment.

Is that understood?

I will tell them.

Give a message

to Lee Seonggye.

What is it?

He said you would be punished by military

law if you don't cross over this month.

Intimidating him was no good.

As I said before, the Left Army will advance to Yodong.

The Right Army should follow.

How can His Majesty do this?

We begged him.

How can he do this?

Forget about treason.

Let's withdraw.

You should do that, general.

I don't want to hear it. Leave me.

General!

I have to think about this.

Leave me.

Good job.

You should go, too.

I'm not sure if I should tell you this.

General Choi Yeong has a message.

What is it?

He just said to say this.

I, Choi Yeong, trust you.

Understood. Leave me.

Yes, sir.

If he decides to withdraw,

Choi Yeong will detain his family.

You must find your mother and take her

to Dongbukmyeon. Understood?

Did you want to see me?

You can go now.

I'm glad you came.

Have a seat.

What is it?

Don't be so stiff.

Does the daesaseong need a reason to

call the Seonggyunsaye?

If you called me for a social visit,

I'll just get going.

Are you looking down on me

because I begged for a government position?

Can't I?

I was told I had a temper at one time.

I guess I was nothing compared to you.

Then...

Stay.

I have a request.

Did you mean it when you said

you would commit treason if it meant

saving the country?

Yes, I did.

I'm sure you know the second request

to withdraw was not approved.

If Lee Seonggye decides to withdraw

despite that, will you support him?

What do you want to say?

If you do, gather public opinion.

Public opinion?

Gather a general opinion by the gentry.

Justify the withdrawal to lessen

the political burdens of Lee Seonggye.

Why are you asking such a thing?

Because I also don't believe that

treason is an absolute evil.

Was this how you really were?

Darn. It's pouring again.

Will the Left Army attack Yodong

without the Right Army?

Could we win?

It's no use with the Left Army alone.

You should be prudent.

I've been thinking about it for days.

A person should have the right ties.

Which side do you think is stronger?

Choi Yeong or Lee Seonggye?

Let's go to Yodong.

You can't do that.

Think about it.

It's practically suicide.

I don't want to be a traitor.

Commander.

I'm begging with my life.

Please withdraw.

That is the only way to save the country.

General Bae.

Please withdraw!

Please withdraw.

What's wrong with all of you?

We are generals of Goryeo.

That's why we have to save Goryeo.

Commander.

As of now, the Left Army will

follow your lead.

General Jo.

Please give the order to withdraw.

Attacking Yodong is the way to the fall of this country.

Withdrawal is the way to save it.

Please give the order to withdraw.

Give the order to withdraw.

Give the order to withdraw!

Give the order to withdraw!

Give the order to withdraw!

Don't go against the will of Heaven.

You and Goryeo can't coexist.

I'm only going to say one thing.

We will return to Gaegyeong.

March!

Lunar May 22, 1588.

After the two requests to withdraw were rejected, Lee Seonggye turns

the army around and heads to Gaegyeong.

It was the withdrawal from Wihwado.

This was the starting point of

the establishment of the joseon Dynasty.

Because of this incident,

Goryeo entered a period of turmoil.

Why isn't there any word from Wihwado?

We will bear from them soon.

Please don't worry.

I'm too nervous.

We have to send someone else.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

We're in trouble.

Trouble?

The army withdrew and is headed south.

What? Is this true?

Yes, commander.

Your Majesty!

How can they withdraw?

We will return to the capital with His Majesty.

Gather all the soldiers of the capital and the Gyeonggi area.

Call all the soldiers fighting

the Japanese pirates, too.

Yes, sir!

Hurry!

Yes, sir!

Lee Seonggye, I will not forgive you.