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Episode 22

Are you sure they were Training Command troops?

Yes.

They asked about General Song and his retinue, then left.

We will have to infiltrate the hideout and secure the Royal Successor.

If their guards discover the bodies once they change shift,

it will only intensify their surveillance.

Your Highness's mother began trading while she was held hostage by the Qing.

She traded the Qing's abundant reserves of gold and silver...

for cotton and otter skin, easily obtainable in Joseon,

*gwehwa - used as medicinal herbs

along with scholartree flowers*.

With that money, all the Joseon slaves taken prisoner by the Qing...

were freed by her.

*Qing capital from 1625 ("Simiyan Hoton" in Manchu language)

There was a market in Shenyang* selling Joseon prisoners as slaves...

Who are you?

Don't.

She is General Song's spouse.

Charge!

What? Staying put?!

Will staring around help someone who will soon croak?

I have no intention to slay you.

Free the way.

But I'm afraid I'll have to?!

How about it?

Should we all fight like a pack of rabid wolves,

or should you and I go at it ourselves?

So you want a fight between leaders?

Wouldn't it be fun?

If I win, you croak.

And should I win?

You still croak!

If you kill their leader, think my boys would start applauding you?

You're acting like a cat toying with mice.

If that is your wish, be my guest.

So do we let your mug roll, or slit your throat?

Slay me.

If that is your wish...

Not going to do... it!

Boys.

- Tie him up, and check our men below. - Yes!

Wangson.

What?

Daegil might have left with Song Taeha.

What?!

Why, again? And where?

Seeing Eonnyeon every day must have killed him inside.

Still, how could they tag along, in their situation?

I guess they'll take this to the end.

He can neither kill nor rescue him,

so maybe he'll find them a safe place to lodge in.

Ahh... Daegil Eonni is really something.

Is there only one woman in this world?

And she's someone else's consort anyway, why even bother...

Aigoo...

Ever tried to tell that to his face?

Uh?!

Why... Think I couldn't?

Just wait until he comes back. I ought to just...

tell him like it is once and for all.

Ajeosshi.

There's trouble outside.

What?

Did you kill our boys down the mountain?

We didn't do it.

Then, who did?

How did you find this place?

Why were you trying to take the child away?

Speak.

Will beating him to a pulp make him answer?

Why, want to take a beating for him?

If they were here for that child, this is no laughing matter.

So that's why I'm beating him up.

Let me talk to him.

Eonni.

Indeed! Indeed, indeed...

Who sent you?

Is that child the one from Jeju?

Does this involve the court?

Finish what you started.

Indeed! Indeed, indeed...

Are you all right?

Yes.

Were you hurt?

No...

I know from experience,

but if you get hit, it hurts like hell.

What happened to those people?

They're getting hit, like hell.

By the way...

I was the one who called Jjakgwi Orabeoni...

What?

I mean, I saw someone coming in, so I ran to him.

So you rescued me.

But, I'm worried.

Even this place doesn't seem to be safe.

There is something you must do for me.

I hope you're not asking me to enter the palace?!

Something like that.

You need to meet someone.

*residence of the crown prince

He's this man related to eunuchs from the East Palace*,

and you'll have to tell him something he will have to relay.

- If he exposes me... - That is not going to happen.

You know?

We never trust those higher-ups.

They think too much.

But, of all those thoughts,

nothing ever involves us.

Don't play the victim.

Listen to what he prattles...

Will meeting the crown prince solve all your troubles?

I plan to make it happen.

While you're there, why not meet the king himself?

I spent years in Qing territory with the current crown prince.

I did not serve him firsthand,

but he is a man of principles.

Not to mention compassionate.

Compassion is for the streets, think it would mean anything over there?

Even the palace is filled with human beings.

It's not.

If even only one of them could call himself a human being,

this world wouldn't have turned into such a wretched wasteland.

We will double our troops and strengthen surveillance within the capital.

Neither inspections nor additional troops will hinder them.

Their coming back to Hanyang can only mean they will no longer run away.

They clearly want to take this to the end,

so what stratagem could they use to rescue the Royal Successor?

Without orders from His Majesty, is it not impossible?

If only royal commands could save him, that is what they would try to obtain.

Then, will they seek audience with His Majesty?

Not His Majesty, but His Highness.

They spent eight years together under the Qing,

so he must be fomenting hopes about his possible involvement.

I will send some of our men to the East Palace.

At the same time, put our troops on high alert.

And should the crown prince ignore your summoning?

He will come.

If he comes, and it's a trap?

Should it get to that point,

then Joseon would have no other hope left.

No other hope?!

We'll head to Qing territory, then.

Going to such a faraway place...

would be all the better from the start.

If you go there, will you be able to settle down safely?

It is our last resort.

You know what last resorts are?

Something you never use as last resort.

Because when things go astray, there's never going to be a way out.

I don't even think about failure.

You must know what staking your life to rescue someone else means.

Isn't that the reason you're tagging along?

Look.

Want me to tell you something about slaves?

Once they can't take slavery anymore, they just run away.

Then they get caught, and are beaten to a pulp.

Know what happens to them after that?

Sickle or sword in hand, they go after anyone in sight,

taking it to the very end.

You were mistaken from the very beginning.

You never fight and then run away afterwards.

Only after running away isn't working, you end up fighting.

I have neither stopped nor given up on fighting.

So forget about last resorts.

At least until it's truly your last.

Think of how lucky you are, marrying someone like him.

Not all slaves are alike.

If it's someone like him, you really have nothing more to ask for.

Chobok, you must be ecstatic.

Getting such opportunity.

Ehh... Is a woman's life all that special?

If you're cherished and respected, that's all it takes.

I told you I'm not getting married!

Aigoo... Listen to that...

Can a mere slave choose whether to go or not?

Is it because he's a widower with kids?

Still, with that face of hers, what more could she ask for?!

Ajeosshi.

Ajeosshi.

What are you doing out here at this hour?

I had something to tell you.

Do it tomorrow!

What if Milord hears you?

Ajeosshi...

You know...

What is the matter?

Yes...

Since they would be spending the night here,

I came to ask whether they'd like to eat something.

Nightly morsels are nothing but slumberous hindrances,

so don't waste your time.

Yes, Naeuri.

I will leave.

Listen.

Yes, Naeuri.

When it comes to the contumelious rapscallions afflicting yangban at night,

the grass is always greener on your neighbor's abode, as they say.

What?!

Should your nightly vigilance be besmirched by nebulous resolve,

as harrowing and fatal as sweltering Hades would the consequences be,

so spare no travail in bulwarking your keeper!

What...

Direful are the fruits of languorous vigil!

Ohh Ohh! You still can't get it?!

What?!

Ahh... I don't, Naeuri.

Ehh... Ahh... You squirrelly minions!

I said be alert!

What did he say?

Is he speaking the same language?

The hell I know?

I see a perturbed look on your faces.

Steal a hook and you'll face death,

steal a whole country, and a crown shall bedeck your pate.

I was prepared for this.

But seeing as I still yearn despite abandoning it all,

meseems my shortcomings got the better of me.

Former Royal Secretariat Officer Lee Jaejun...

was exposed as the ringleader of this treacherous infamy.

As a result of our questioning,

we found they attempted to aid the Royal Successor...

That is enough.

Yes, Sire.

Our lamentable malfeasance caused Your Majesty direful quandaries.

Councilor, shut your gob as well.

Silence...

How wonderful.

From here on in,

never again shall the Royal Successor's name be mentioned.

Treason?!

A faction trying to help the Royal Successor to the throne was exposed.

The Councilor couldn't find the Royal Successor,

but he practically sealed his fate with this,

for His Highness will no longer have any possibility to survive on this land.

Isn't this troubling?

It's not.

It could benefit us, on the contrary.

Why did you not summon me, and encumbered yourself with this visit?

As quietude blesses those kingly walls,

I thought a promenade would be most befitting.

I was informed on the latest happenings at the State Tribunal.

It is of utmost relief to hear this treacherous complot was exposed.

Because it was not treachery directed at yours truly, but you instead.

Prince.

Yes, Sire.

Never again shall the court deliberate upon matters of legitimacy.

Yes.

Then, what will happen to Seokgyeon?

Did I not tell you?

Thenceforth,

I condemned the sole mention of his name itself as treason.

Do you feel pity for that child?

I do, Sire.

Your compassion is excessive.

Compassion can bring bliss to the populace,

but amongst royals, such noble intents oftentimes result in bloodshed.

Do you realize what I'm saying?

I shall carve your words on my mind.

Did you convey my words?

I really don't like any of this.

What are you referring to?

Meeting the crown prince.

Eat.

It's dried roe.

Why are you drinking on the eve of such an important endeavor?

We'll have nothing to do until tonight, anyway.

Not to mention that the sole thought of spending all day with you while sober...

just suffocates me.

Hearing that disheartened me.

Hearing what?

The idea of finding one good reason not to die.

Look at what he remembers...

While spending my lifetime on the battlefield,

I only had one thing in mind.

That, should the battle be too much to handle, I would just die.

That I would have given my everything, so there would be no regrets.

But now,

no matter how hard it is, I must survive,

so that path is much more arduous than accepting demise.

You know, no matter how noble your intents are,

people struggle by the same rules.

Once misery engulfs you, your life can only get worse.

So just take it as it comes.

Abandon all greed and let it go.

How nice it would be?

Having a spouse and children,

a land to farm...

That's all you need.

A life of simplicity is a wise man's greatest virtue.

Warm and simple...

Back in the day,

did you not wish to change the world yourself?

To make a world without yangban or commoners?

Did you not dream of making a world where...

you could spend your entire life in peace with the woman you love?

Before I experienced reality...

Back then, I did.

Love the world you live in,

and you'll find the courage to change it.

The water might flow,

but the tide never changes.

Nice, isn't it?

No matter how steady the tide,

it can never stop water from flowing.

Slave yangban.

You're quite the interesting fella...

Do you know my spouse?

I do.

Are you from the Training Command?

No.

Then, did you meet him in Qing territory?

I did.

And you know he's the Royal Successor, too?

I merely came to escort him.

Escort him where, then?

Think he would survive in Joseon?

If he can't survive this way,

we can just change things to grant him survival.

And that is what we are trying to accomplish.

If it's His Highness's sake what you're concerned about,

detaining me here will bring you no benefit.

And what benefit would I gain from releasing you?

I will escort you and His Highness.

You will have to wait until my spouse returns.

How about it? Fun, isn't it?

Listen to this.

Is this not it?!

It's really unique...

That sound coming from such a small instrument...

No matter how small, even spiders can dance over their web.

Right. And being small doesn't mean flies can't fly.

We really are on the same page!

How old is he?

Four.

Is it nice to have children?

Yes...

I wish I had five pretty sons like him...

Just sons?

If I have a daughter and she ends up like me, then what?

Don't even say that.

And don't think it, either.

It's the truth, anyway.

You want to ask me something, right?

What?

It's written on your face.

Seems like you can't tell lies.

What?

Yes... I really can't lie.

Except... a few ones in the past.

Tell me.

Is there anything women couldn't tell each other?

I...

I think Daegil Orabeoni left together with your spouse.

He said he would go out for a walk and come back,

but no matter how long I waited, he just wouldn't return.

I even asked General Choi, but he didn't say anything.

They left together, didn't they?

They left on the same day at the same time,

so there's a possibility.

Can they really tag along?

What if they end up killing each...

They wouldn't do that, would they?

I'm sure they won't.

I heard they had a misunderstanding,

and then dealt with it.

I see.

Don't worry too much.

They'll come back.

Right?!

They'll be back for sure, right?

Yes.

Then... Eonni.

Could you teach me how to write?

~ Daegil ~

Are those even the right characters?

Yep, right ones.

"Dae" of big and "Gil" of celebration.

I'll give it to Orabeoni when he's back.

What I'm saying is, why would you give this to him?

Wangson Orabeoni.

What?

What is it, again?

I really feel pity for you.

Say what?

You don't even know why I'm doing this, I bet?!

You only rush under their skirts, but you really don't know women, do you?

I know women better than the old fella up top wearing the crown...

- What women really want is... - Can't hear! Can't hear! Can't hear!

That is the true nature of emotional exchange.

Ohh! General Eonni, look at her! Her tongue's on fire!

But why isn't Giyoon showing up?

Has he ever gathered with us?

Unless there is money to be made, of course.

Ahh... He told us all to gather, but why is our leader not showing up?

They're not familiar?!

I'd like to... ask you something.

Go ahead.

*not used literally, it can just mean "fella"

By chance, are you that yangban* known as Eopbok?

I indeed am Eopbok,

but I'm no yangban.

Nice to meet you!

*means puppy

I'm a slave from Mal-Gol, my name is Gangaji*.

Ganga...

- But... - Our leader sent us!

Told us we would find everyone here.

Then, did he also train you...

Yes.

We're in the same line of work.

I'm glad you came.

He said there were people like us all over, and I was eager to meet them.

I've heard a lot about you.

But... He's not come, I guess?!

Aigoo...

You've made quite the sum, Hyungnim.

Dongsaeng!

And I thought you looked familiar...

So is this the place you said you would buy?

Listen to you...

Where would I find the money to buy a house?!

Ahh... This?

Let me explain...

Ohh! Right!

I was thinking of getting a cannon as well.

How much longer are we going to waste time with rifles?

We need to go at them with something much bigger!

Ahh... Yes... A cannon.

Sure!

So I was saving up on your behalf.

Why? I told you.

It's money our compeers risked their lives to gather...

But you stole some by exchanging drafts,

not to mention while purchasing matchlocks.

Ahh... This...

It's a misunderstanding! What are you talking about?

I knew you'd resort to this the first moment I saw you.

Look, Dongsaeng!

Forget this, and let us split that money.

There's enough for the both of us!

Fine! All right!

Take it all!

Keep it all for yourself!

I'll keep this secret with the others, so go ahead.

So, can you really hit a date fifty paces away?

Not only fifty...

I probably could hit it a hundred paces away.

You're a remarkable sniper, all right.

Ehh... It will be fifty paces at best, anyway.

When it comes to shooting,

I could hit a sparrow's ass in mid-flight.

Haven't you heard about me?

Ggeutbong.

Ggeutbong?!

Never really heard it before?!

But I'm really close with our leader?

Let me see... Ggeutbong...

Think it's a first for me?!

Why doesn't he talk about me?

Here... Let's introduce each other.

I'm Gangaji.

G...angaji...

*means dog

Gaenom* Ajeosshi, is your son here?

Said he's called Gangaji.

Nice to meet you, I'm Gaenom.

Yes, pleasure is mine.

Let me introduce our boys.

Ggapggap.

Eoksu.

Over there, Jakeunnom.

Here, Gullongswe.

Nice to meet you.

Let me ask you something.

Here... Know where we could find a master sniper known as Eopbok?

Master...

But, you don't know anyone called Ggeutbong?

Not really?!

What are you doing? You have guests.

Is a fella named Eopbok here?

So how long have you known him?

Ahh... It's been quite a while.

If we count the yangban I killed in Gyeonggi Province alone,

both my hands and feet wouldn't be enough.

Isn't it about the same in our case as well?

Yes.

Then...

Are you also...

No.

We've always used swords.

So you, what, learned swordsmanship from him?

His keeper sure was a remarkable man.

Making all male varlets practice swordsmanship and riding,

and having all female slaves dance and sing.

So he ends up killing yangban with the same skills yangban taught him.

I'd never seen a slave being helped by yangban before.

Brethren!

Your Highness.

I would like to convey to you something.

What is it?

This man named Song who served you at your past residence...

told me I should relay this to you at all cost.

A man named Song?!

He visited my abode early in the morn.

He said the fir you once noticed while traveling incognito...

was moved to Gwangeui Gate.

He said he proceeded according to Your Highness's orders.

I can't recall.

I had plenty of escapades while incognito,

and by fir...

~ The birth name of Seokgyeon (Hwe) means fir ~

Fine, you may go.

Yes, Your Highness.

Is it General Song?

Let us move.

I didn't convey any particular time,

so we'll have to wait for him there.

Look at what I end up doing...

Meeting not only the king's grandson, but even his son now.

When you meet, you must pay your respects.

Respects, my ass.

Like I'd see him again.

But what's all this money?

Don't really know.

Not to mention all these rifles.

Did you all introduce yourselves?

Yes!

We might not all be here,

but seeing you gathered whelms me with resolve.

The reason I gathered you all here today...

is because tonight,

we shall infiltrate the Tribute Bureau.

All the rice stored at the Tribute Bureau is fruit of our sweat and blood.

However, aren't those yangban continuously oppressing us,

from the languorous idleness of their nobility?

We must slaughter them all!

They deserve to die!

*literally "Elder Duke," the legendary Jiang Ziya

Thus spoke Taigong*.

Never use your nobility to slight others' lack thereof,

and never point out one's shortcomings through your virtues.

These same words might have been read and studied by those yangban,

but not a single one practices them.

Let us kill them all!

Death to all yangban!

What shall burn tonight is not the Tribute Bureau's rice,

but the yangban's sinful misdeeds.

It is also a declaration of war against their ringleader, the king.

We never had a chance to make our voices heard.

Is there anyone here who ever had the opportunity to scream out his grievances?

So it is time we,

before it's too late,

scream once and for all.

The raging sounds of thunderbolt ravaged Namsan, I hear?!

When clear skies are ravaged by thunder,

it's a clear omen that your country is going astray.

Say what?!

You scared me...

Why are you getting all grumpy with me?

Did I say that?! It's just rumors...

But, the way I see it,

that didn't really sound like thunderbolts.

If it's not thunderbolts, then what could it possibly be?

The hell are you prattling, uh?!

Those weren't thunderbolts, but gunshots.

Don't you know?

The sound of yangban shot to death, croaking every night.

Here... Here! Thunderbolt or whatever, forget that.

What matters now is where Daegil and Song Taeha have gone.

Don't obsess over fruitless rumors, that's what.

And that's exactly what I was saying, uh?!

Would a dragon worry about catching minnows?

That's right.

Would a phoenix feed on petty millet?

Tell me about it. Would a tiger feast on mildew?!

Would the hungry tiger wait to see whether it's a mongrel or a monk?

I ought to...

Hey, little one.

You got word from that General Choi or whatever he's called, right?

Of course not!

What are you saying...

It sure... smells like you established contact in some way?!

Ahh... Why pester innocent people?

Chief Oh, you really...

Shall we go down to the bureau and see if you really are innocent?

Uh?!

What's wrong with you?

What would she possibly know?

Aigoo... She's too much of a dunce to know any better.

Dunce?!

Aigoo, look here! Your cup is empty, uh?!

You should have told me, why didn't you?

What are you waiting for?

Go get some ribs. And do you call these side dishes?

How dare you look down on our Chief...

Our hero for the ages!

Aigoo...

- Pour more! - Ahh... Yes!

Where could the general be?

Just a word, and I'd run to him...

Look, Dongsaeng.

I really didn't want to say this,

but after all that commotion Daegil caused,

I don't think we'll see General Choi come back.

No matter what...

I'm sure he'll come.

Just resign yourself.

When it comes to relationships, it's not really something...

you can control in any way or form.

At least you've met your perfect match...

Aigoo...

At times, he does feel like the man of my dreams.

Other times, just my worst nightmare.

You know? All this time,

all I ever wished for was to at least once live with someone I like.

Just like you...

Aigoo... She'd even strangle a moribund wench...

Are you there?

Yes, Your Highness.

I will have to leave the palace incognito.

Prepare my garments.

There are movements at the East Palace.

Will he leave incognito?

How did you know?

Do you know how long I've spent with Song Taeha?

I can certainly read through him.

Put the troops on standby,

and only your men will follow me.

Why don't we deploy the entire force?

Should the crown prince's guards spot us,

we would risk being accused of spying upon His Highness.

I shall enter alone and have a quick parley.

Yes.

So he eludes his own guards?!

And Chobok?

Didn't even tell her.

She doesn't need to keep watch for us,

and it would be too dangerous for her anyhow.

How considerate of you...

Hasn't he come yet?

He probably won't come with us.

He'll attack with the swordsmen.

Don't let this daunt you.

Throw the torch on top of the cellars,

and should anyone try to stop you, slay them.

Ehh...

We have a master sniper guarding our back...

Why would anything daunt us?

General Song.

Your Highness.

I shall pay my respects.

Greetings...

Who is this man?

You needn't be concerned about him.

I'm slave hunter Lee Daegil.

Slave hunter?!

Was there such a thing?

And why would I try to deceive you?

But, are you really the Crown Prince?

May you forgive him, Your Highness.

Summon the entire force.

Once His Highness leaves, we will proceed.

Yes.

Is this because of Seokgyeon?

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you petitioning for his absolution?

I trust you shall accord me your understanding, Your Highness.

His Highness lost everyone, and is strenuously surviving all on his own.

I might not have made personal acquaintance with you,

but I've heard a lot about you.

I believe you will answer with honesty.

Yes, Your Highness.

What is moving you to do all this?

Because of a covenant I made with the late Crown Prince.

I pledged I would protect the Royal Successor to the very end.

A sole covenant?!

Are you not trying to help Seokgyeon ascend to the throne?

I am.

So someone attempting to push me aside and give Seokgyeon the throne...

asks for my support?!

Are you knave out of your mind?

I could never lie to obtain what I wish for!

Don't you know?

That I would most benefit from Seokgyeon's disappearance.

I came to you exactly because I knew you wouldn't so easily try to benefit.

Is that truly what you wish for?

His Highness has lost both his parents and brethren.

His grandfather wishes for his demise,

and his uncle is ignoring this all.

Is seeing him meet his inevitable demise what you truly wish for?

How could a royal abandon himself in mundane compassion?

Was not the palace populated by human beings as well?

And what should I say about you?

Trying to use a child to push his uncle aside,

and then asking that same man to rescue his nephew.

Is that what you call human compassion?

But you did not ask me what I will do after.

Whether I will continue to do the same,

and if I will think the same.

What are you thinking now?

That I'll fulfill my pledge to protect His Highness.

That I will survive to the very end, and change the world with him.

Are you fomenting treacherous intents?

I am not.

I am trying to prove it does not take a crown to change the world.

That even the trivial aspirations of a nameless minion...

can grace the pages of history.

Those are indeed treacherous intents.

Whatever the case,

and be that as it may,

I have no power to rescue Seokgyeon.

Your Highness...

I earnestly beseech you.

I cannot even venture to promise you I will issue a memorial to His Majesty.

Your Highness!

Why don't you...

all leave Joseon instead?

For I have neither the power to save...

nor the courage to slay you.

How shall we proceed?

We cannot wield a sword before His Highness.

Our troops?

They should be on their way.

Don't seek audience with me again.

For mentioning Seokgyeon's name in Joseon...

amounts to treason.

Hey... Slave yangban...

What now?

If it's indeed a trap...

Now!

Here... Listen.

When you're out there in all that frenzy,

miss and our compeers will die.

If you are not confident you can hit them, just shoot the sky.

The gunshots alone will startle them.

You don't need to worry about me.

I am worried.

Heard him?! If you can't hit them, just aim up high.

Troops will all converge here.

Let's get out of here.

To Cheonggyecheon?

That's a roundabout path.

Let's take Sungyobong.

Withdraw! Move out!

Why aren't our troops here?

Doesn't that come from the Tribute Bureau?

They're moving onto Gwanghye Gate.

If they attacked the Tribute Bureau, the whole force must have been deployed.

Will you be able to justify our absence?

We're heading for the Tribute Bureau!

Yes!

It's time... Let's move.

He must be questioned.

Should anyone be captured alive, you must get rid of him.

If he has to perish after being questioned and forced to reveal his compeers,

sending him away yourself would only help ease his suffering.

You must do it, Hyungnim.

Promise you will.

That way?!

Nothing.

Brought to you by WITH S2 Written In The Heavens Subbing Squad

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Main Translator and Timer: MisterX

Timing QC: wichitawx

Editor/QC: thunderbolt

Coordinators: mily2, ay_link

~ On The Next Episode Of ~ SLAVE ~@~ HUNTERS

A quick look and you seem like a pitiful minion,

why are you prancing around all stiff? Uh?!

Forgive us.

- We're hitting the Slave Tribunal? - It must be done now.

Then our children can do it for us, why always worry so much?

- Will you go to Qing territory? - We will join the Qing delegation.

And if you ask them to let you tag along, will they accept?

- Where did Chobok go? - She got married.

How could you send her away in marriage?

You can't treat us like animals!

Eopbok!

You take this way.

I will run here, and take care of the archers.

So you want me to play bait?

Let the tiger trail me and then send out the hounds?!

I want you to be that tiger.

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