Original subtitles

Episode 10

A treacherous criminal is waiting for your punishing blade.

Who is it?

We shall announce it when the time comes.

Until further instructions, you shall await on high alert.

Yes.

Do you have any idea who it might be?

It escapes me.

There were rumors someone tried to assassinate His Majesty.

Couldn't it be him?

Doesn't all this feel strange?

If we are to be deployed, the Wesaja would have known.

It's strange he didn't say a word.

He must have his reasons.

Eh… let's just stop with this, and have some rest.

You shouldn't worry too much.

Why would His Majesty try to distance himself?

It probably would be wise not to act too precipitously,

and just wait for His Majesty's call.

Until I ascertain His Majesty's conditions, I shan't feel at ease.

I shall head back to the palace, and seek audience again.

Then, I will follow you.

I bid you welcome.

I come to seek audience with His Majesty.

Announce my presence once again.

I was just about to send people out to summon Your Excellency.

His Majesty is looking for you.

You may wait here.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

Ohh… here you are.

How are you feeling?

Are you truly free from any impairment?

I am fine.

Ever since I heard you were attacked by assassins,

you don't know how solicitous I felt.

Seeing Your Majesty in such fine fettle,

it finally palliates the anguish which was engulfing me.

Who is responsible for this affront?

Is it Goguryeo's King Yuri?

It is not.

Then…

who shall we blame?

*Microstate in current Hamgyeong Province (DPRK); surrendered to King Daemushin on 26 AD

It was the commander-in-chief of our campaign in Guda*, Mobaek.

Are you positive it was Mobaek?

We interrogated the assassin, and educed a confession out of him.

Your Majesty.

I shall condemn the people responsible for this.

No.

*Besides the Royal Guard, Left/Right Guard made up the rest of the army

I shall send the Commander of the Left Guard* to deal with them,

so you shall remain in the capital to protect me.

Instead, your private guards shall join the expedition.

I shall obey your command, Sire.

I will immediately summon my subordinates.

His Excellency the Chief Retainer ordered us to treat you bounteously.

Should you need any further assistance, please alert me.

Are you just going to stare at it?

Fine, let's have some.

What's wrong?

I'll confer with the Wesaja for a moment.

I need to leave for a moment.

I cannot allow it.

We received the Chief Retainer's explicit orders not to let anyone out.

Summon all the guards, and order them to join the expedition.

Yes, Your Excellency.

How did it go?

The Wesaja's private guards have left the capital.

- Let's move to the training camp. - Yes.

Prepare for deployment!

Tell us, who is the traitor?

It's Tak Rok.

His private guards are already out of the capital,

and only a handful of men remain at this residence.

You shall head to his residence immediately, and execute everyone.

Did the Wesaja really attempt assassination?

Indeed he did.

I can't believe it.

It's impossible!

- Chief! - Yes.

When did the Black Shadows start showing dubiety for His Majesty's word?

If it's His Majesty's wish,

even slaying one's flesh and blood shall be a Black Shadow's command!

My apologies.

Will you defy His Majesty's orders?

Allow me audience with His Majesty.

I shall meet him first hand, and attest His Majesty's wish.

Until I verify the truth, we shan't move a finger.

Fine.

Follow me.

What is the matter?

There is something I need to verify, Your Majesty.

Did the Wesaja really attempt to take your life?

He did.

That's impossible!

Everyone in Buyeo knows His Excellency's staunch fealty for you.

This is a conspiracy.

Chief Retainer.

These are used by the Black Shadows.

The assassin confessed it was the Wesaja who handed him those needles,

and ordered him to slay me.

I couldn't believe it myself, so I doubted every step I took.

But there is a clear piece of evidence nobody will dispute.

We found the Wesaja's written orders on the assassin's body.

It was without the shadow of a doubt the Wesaja's handwriting.

Will you trust my words now?

Go, and slay Tak Rok.

I know Tak Rok thinks of you like his own flesh and blood.

But Tak Rok is guilty of treason.

Slay that treacherous subject, and prove your fealty for me!

Muhyul, what are we going to do?

What do you think?

All we can do is follow our orders.

Right, there's no need to complicate things.

We can just follow our orders.

The Wesaja and Lady Yeon saved our lives.

How can we just kill them?

Do you agree with him?

We can just follow orders.

Muhyul!

What's wrong with you?

Are you really going to kill the Wesaja?

If that is what King Daeso wishes, then there's nothing we can do.

If we don't obey those orders, someone else will,

and we shall be condemned for defying His Majesty's orders.

And Milady… Are you going to kill Lady Yeon as well?

What's wrong with you?

Why did you change so much?

We shall be the ones going…

if Milady is to survive.

You just follow what I tell you.

That's the only way to save her.

I shall go.

Wesajanim!

Didn't you return to the training camp?

I need to speak with you.

Did anything happen at the training camp?

His Majesty and Chief Retainer, to condemn a traitor,

called Chief Yeon, Dojin, Muhyul, Maro and Maenggwang to the capital.

You must be mistaken.

I met His Majesty, but he didn't mention it even once.

If he's sending Black Shadows to punish a traitor,

why wouldn't I be notified?

The man His Majesty and the Chief Retainer believe to be the culprit…

is none other than Your Excellency!

Sending your private guards outside the capital was…

part of this carefully planned conspiracy.

You take care of Yeon.

Were you looking for me?

Oh… you're here.

You look distressed. Is anything wrong?

Oh… it's nothing.

Ahh… Yeon.

Yes?

You need to do something for me.

You can tell me.

*Strategical defense point in Liaodong near current Taizi River

Head to Baekam*, and meet the Lord of the Fortress.

Give him this for me.

It's a matter of utmost urgency, so leave now.

What is it about?

Just don't ask, and heed my words.

I will.

Are you out there?

Yes?

It will be an asperous trip, so take good care of Yeon.

Yes.

Leave now.

Then, I'll head for the training camp when I leave Baekam Fortress.

Fine.

Yeon!

Be careful.

Yes, Father.

We must find Lady Yeon.

Here you are.

I need a few last words with Dojin, so leave us alone.

Please, leave us.

Dojin.

Wesajanim.

I know very well what you're feeling.

But I have already lost His Majesty's graces,

so obey his orders.

I resent leaving this world without being able to exculpate you.

May you redeem the legacy of your family and guiltless father,

whose fealty for the throne and Buyeo only brought him bloody tears of demise.

I have one last favor to ask you.

Yeon…

I shall entrust Yeon to you.

She must survive this!

You must find her, and protect her at all costs.

I shall fulfill your wish.

At all costs… I shall protect Yeon.

You have my gratitude.

Here.

Go ahead and complete your mission.

It shall come from your hands only, if you wish to prove your fealty.

Do it!

Forgive me!

A most creditable effort!

Now, you shall enjoy His Majesty's complete trust.

What happened to Yeon?

Muhyul and Maro are looking for her.

Swiftly find her and slay that wench.

- How did it go? - I couldn't find her.

I looked everywhere, but she's nowhere to be found.

We need to find her first. Hurry up.

Spare me!

- Spare me!! - Where is Yeon?

She has already escaped.

*Time measured with "Earthly Branches" system, in groups of two hours

She left with the butler a half period* ago.

What happened?

She already escaped a half period ago.

If it's a half period, she shouldn't be far off.

- Get the troops and go after her. - Yes.

Wait a moment.

What is the matter?

This is not the way to Baekam Fortress, is it?

We needed to exit from the northern gates to reach Baekam Fortress.

We're not headed for Baekam Fortress.

We're headed south, where we'll pass the border.

We're leaving Buyeo?!

What is that supposed to mean?

His Excellency prepared this for you, Milady.

Yeon.

When you receive this, I would have perished already.

Unwisely, I couldn't sense the claws of conspiracy strangling me.

His Majesty is mistakenly thinking I harbored murderous intents.

Yeon.

At least you need to survive.

The moment you leave this land,

forget everything.

You shan't harbor any resentment towards Buyeo or His Majesty.

Don't let odium and grief begrime your soul.

Live a wonderful life.

For not protecting you… I beg your pardon.

Milady.

We need to leave now.

I can't leave like this.

I shall meet His Majesty, and reveal the truth.

You can't, Milady!

If you go, they will behead you!

*Main tributary of Sungari/Songhua River, Heilongjiang Province (Northeast China)

There's a boat waiting for us at the Nen River* port.

We need to leave before the troops arrive!

Milady, I beg you!

More troops are following you. You need to escape!

Bring me to Buyeo Fortress.

I need to meet His Majesty, and tell him the truth.

You can't. It's too late already.

You need to escape from here.

Listen to what Muhyul said.

His Excellency has already perished.

Wherever you go,

I shall find you.

Leave right now.

What happened?

Your Majesty. Dojin slayed Tak Rok.

Was it really Dojin who did it?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Regrettably, Yeon escaped.

I deployed troops on her pursuit, so we shall soon find her.

Bring them back.

Don't look for Yeon any longer.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It's there.

Let's go.

It's poison.

Did Tak Rok really die?

Yes.

Isn't this a strange occurrence, Your Majesty?

As the man in charge of the Black Shadows,

he was responsible for a meritorious feat like that of killing the Xin envoy.

You don't know the reason?

All the Buyeo spies took their own lives, so we couldn't ascertain the reasons.

The only man of authority next to King Daeso now is a fellow named Sagu.

He's shown an unwavering diplomatic stance concerning Goguryeo,

so Buyeo's foreign policy is very likely to change as a result.

Well said.

Daebo, reinforce border defense lines…

while examining the situation in Buyeo in detail.

It's not just our Biryu clan.

They're tracking all the chieftains' movements as well.

It's all the new Supervisor*'s doing.

*Jeongbo Chonggwan (Intelligence Supervisor)

Did you say that wench's name was Hye Ap?

Yes.

She used to be under Prince Haemyeong's command.

That Haemyeong is a nuisance even from the netherworld.

I shall take care of her.

She's won King Yuri's graces, from what I'm hearing.

Any strategy on the table?

What is the occasion, Your Excellency?

I came to buy one of your slaves.

I'm betting it is not slaves you're here for, but my tongue?

Despite the fact I alerted you to the Black Shadows' infiltration,

you still haven't taken a single measure to cope with this matter.

Thankfully, His Majesty is still safe.

But knowing such humongous truth and still concealing it,

is nothing different from treason, isn't it?

You should be grateful I don't engage in empty talebearing.

Imagine if I told His Majesty everything.

It would be most harrowing, for sure!

If you wish to keep these lips of mine sealed,

all you need is to grant me…

some of the market rights the Biryu clan is currently controlling.

Your Excellency!

Are you maggot badgering me?

Ba… badgering, you say? It's a transaction.

Right. We shall discuss such transaction once I get the wench I wish for.

And who may this wench be?

Hye Ap.

Hh… Hhh… Hye Ap, you said?

I have brought him.

Are you Balso?

Yes, my name is Chubalso.

I have heard about you from Gweyu.

You'll have to escort me out of the palace today.

Your Highness! Outside the palace?!

If Her Highness learns of this, you'll be in trouble.

It's suffocating in here. If you keep quiet, nobody will know.

Let's go.

Are you really planning to go out of the palace?

Didn't I tell you I want to see the market?

What if something happens while I'm escorting you?

Then, all the blame will be…

You needn't fret.

I can just take all the blame.

You promised.

Fine.

- What are these for? - They're used for cooking.

Your Highness. Didn't I tell you not to escape from my sight?

This is all so enticing and boisterous.

Should I really show you something enticing?

Do you know such a place?

How is it?

What is this place?

One which could fulfill a man's wildest dreams, if you have enough money.

Come in.

Choose one you like, Your Highness.

Why are you so timorous?

Should I choose one for you?

No. I'll do it.

This won't do it.

Where are you going?

Why? You couldn't find anyone to your liking?

I'll have to come another time.

Ah ha! Really.

How can you be afraid of some girls on the street?

Who said I was afraid?

I have no intention of rebuking you, but watch your language.

My apologies.

It's Prince Yeojin, all right.

Yes, and the man next to him is one of Hye Ap's followers, Chubalso.

Why is someone who will soon become Crown Prince wandering the streets?

Master. Shouldn't we alert the palace?

I mean, if something happens to him…

No, no, no. It's fine.

We could entrap Hye Ap, if we're lucky.

Where have you been?

Is that how a Goguryeo prince should be bedecked?!

- Mother! - You wench!

How could you let something so contemptible happen under your watch?

My apologies.

You have nothing to apologize for.

Mother, it's all my fault.

- Yeon Hwa is blameless. - Shut that gob of yours!

If this happens again, I shall make this wench pay for it!

- Jong Geum. - Yes.

Alert the Chief of Security to strengthen surveillance around the palace.

Yes.

I am sorry.

Don't be, Your Highness.

If you enjoyed yourself even for a brief moment, I have no complaints.

What is the matter?

We received a communication from Princess Seryu.

What is the matter, Your Majesty?

The leader of the Gisan has perished.

I forced her into a marriage she didn't wish for,

and sent her to that caliginous place.

Now she even loses her companion?

My miserly avarice only caused her more grief.

Your Majesty.

Head for Gisan territory, and extend my sympathy.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What's wrong with you?

What is wrong, you should be well aware of.

Your guess was right.

This fool was trying to leak information about us out of here.

Who is that information for?

Who instigated you?

Speak! Who is it?

I will die if I tell you. So you kill me instead.

Are you all right?

Hey. Why did you do that?

Maenggwang.

Just hurry up and speak.

After His Excellency died, Dojin hasn't been himself.

If you keep this up, you'll really get killed.

What happened?

Even if, just as you guessed, Maenggwang knows something,

unless he talks first, we'll never find out who's behind him.

Seeing him so confident about this,

there must be someone really powerful behind him.

Whatever it takes, we need his confession.

How?

If he decides not to speak to the end, I'll slay him.

It's clear he was involved with the Wesaja's death.

If we find out who's behind him,

we will at least give His Excellency his legacy back.

Even if you find solid evidence, will His Majesty accept it?

Will he admit his own misjudgment?

The harder you dig into this conspiracy, the more dangerous it will be for you.

- Just stop. - I don't care.

Dojin!

I can't endure living like this anymore.

He was the only man who helped me,

when everyone was looking down on me because of my father.

He was like a father to me,

but I killed him with my own hands.

You needn't involve yourself anymore.

This is the Black Shadows' dormitory.

For the time being,

I shall be responsible for leading the training camp here.

You Black Shadows shall now be under my command.

Your Highness shall head to the Xin and observe the situation,

enlarging our base of operations.

It may take up to a year.

Did you just say Xin?

Yes.

Until your mission is complete, you shan't come back to Buyeo.

Here they are.

They shall join you on your mission to the Xin.

You will depart at sunrise.

Is it true you're going to the Xin?

Yes.

I don't understand why, all of a sudden.

The Chief Retainer is now responsible for the Black Shadows,

so he probably didn't want me around.

The Chief Retainer has been trying to hinder me for a long time.

What are you going to do?

If those are my orders, I shall go.

The Chief says it will take one year,

but he will never call me back to Buyeo.

Muhyul.

I wrote down all the weapons and tactics.

It will be of help.

Here.

This is the only thing my parents left with me.

Why, this…

Because Dojin, you…

are like a brother to me.

- We'll rest here for tonight. - Yes.

What's wrong, suddenly?

On his way to the Xin, Dojin killed the others and escaped.

Your Majesty.

His Excellency the Daebo brought Her Highness back on his way from Gisan.

Forgive my peccancy.

At least I should have shown you happiness on my face.

Forgive me.

No.

I am glad you came.

We worried our alliance might worsen because of their leader's sudden death,

but the new Gisan leader avowed fealty to Your Majesty.

As soon as they're settled, they will come to the capital first hand…

to seek audience.

All these meritorious deeds have been accomplished by Princess Seryu.

The tribe's utmost devotion to Her Highness even surprised me.

I would have embraced her even if she resented me,

but she's trying to bear all this weight on her shoulders alone.

Your Majesty.

Your Highness.

What are you doing here?

Yes… I…

Did you say… Gweyu was your name?

You remember my name, Your Highness?

You devotedly served my brother,

how could I forget you?

I have a favor to ask you.

Please, tell me.

Is Hye Ap inside the palace?

Yes.

Bring her to my residence discreetly.

Were you looking for me?

Have a seat.

Take a look.

It's a map showing the detailed itinerary to Buyeo's Black Shadows camp.

How did you…

Through our spies from Gisan.

Gisan spies have infiltrated the Black Shadows.

They're collecting intelligence in perfect disguise,

so it shall be of help to you.

Surveillance is very staunch at their training camp.

How are they sending you this intelligence?

*North Gyeongsang Province

Every three months, we meet those spies at the hillside of Mt. Geomma*.

In about a month, you shall meet them there.

Yes, we will go there ourselves.

What's wrong with him?

You know him?

Yes. He's new here. He was my partner at the last training.

But where is he going, at this hour of the night?

Hey… Muhyul.

Something must be wrong.

It's dangerous here, so let's leave.

What did you just say?

Spies have infiltrated even the Black Shadows' camp?

I am mortified.

Who is responsible for this?!

Goguryeo, Sire.

We found intelligence to be sent back to Goguryeo on the spy's body.

Goguryeo is definitely behind this.

Muhyul, Maro.

The Chief Retainer is looking for you.

I brought them, Your Majesty.

You have accomplished meritorious feats in the past.

Thence, I shall entrust a big endeavor on your shoulders.

Head for Goguryeo,

and slay King Yuri.

Enter.

These are treasured swords I shall consign to you.

Take those swords, and pierce Yuri's viperous heart.

If you fulfill your mission,

you shall become loyal subjects of Buyeo and gain nobility,

and enjoy riches and fame for generations to come!