Original subtitles

This drama is based on the life of On Dal, a Goguryeo general from the Yeoljeon (Biographies) of Samguksagi. The characters, events, and specific chronology may be different from history.

Do you know what happens when you take a paralysis pill?

Your body turns into a rock, but your consciousness gets clearer.

That means...

You're going to see your son getting sliced into pieces alive with your own eyes.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by Moonrise River team @Viki

Episode 14

What on earth are you doing?

His Majesty told me to not stay close to the shrine in case I jinx it.

Move aside.

He told me not to let anyone in.

Aish... Move!

Your Highness!

Do you remember me?

More than ten years ago,

I am the priest who performed a ritual rite right here for you and Goguryeo.

I have been wandering around the world seeking vengeance for my wife and son who died on your orders.

The twisting pain in my gut every time I take a breath!

You have no idea how being alive can be just like hell.

So, to make you feel one-hundredth of what I've been through...

I raised your daughter as an assassin.

Although she failed during the memorial ritual,

I'll show you clearly today

what hell looks like when you lose your own child in front of your eyes!

Ga Jin.

You've changed beyond recognition.

You monster!

Have you forgotten already? I'm your boss.

- Shut up! - Hurry, escort His Majesty and the crown prince out!

Pyeongwon... Put that guy to death.

Ga Jin!

Everybody is safe now.

It's all over now.

Is His Majesty well?

The court physician gave him the antidote for paralysis just a moment ago.

Wh-wh-what about the crown prince?

Fortunately, he's safe.

Her Highness the Princess and the royal son-in-law just left to go to him.

How could such a disaster happen...

Please take my life instead.

He lived his whole life determined to get his revenge.

Putting together Cheonjubang,

even manipulating my memory and raising me as an assassin.

It was all to go after my father.

Even the crown prince.

I never thought he'd enter the palace pretending to be a fortune teller.

It's because he's good with evil tricks.

Relax.

Everyone is safe.

It's not over yet.

Wha't not over yet?

I'm sorry, but you'll have to go to Ghost Village by yourself, Dal.

Ga Jin.

I need to find the people behind Doo Joong Seo who endangered my father.

Okay. Let's do it together.

You've got a lot to do with Village Chief.

Helping Sunnobu settle in Pyongyang as soon as possible is helping me.

Please, Dal.

My wife has no time to rest

since there seems to be enemies everywhere.

If you look at a woman that way, you'll be easily misunderstood.

Feel free to misunderstand me.

I'll gladly be cursed at.

The sun is already rising.

Does affection decline as the sun rises?

I don't want to let you go.

I have something to tell you.

What is it?

Do not let last night's event stay with you.

If there's anything I can do to help in the future, give me the order.

I'll ask you when I need help as well.

Are you talking about work right now?

The memory of a one-night physical encounter will be forgotten when time passes.

Having a relationship helping each other is more important than one with personal emotions.

Just like we have been...

I can't do that anymore.

I don't know if that was the case until now,

but you are,

from now on,

the most personal woman in this world to me.

I have to go now.

Okay.

General!

What is it?

Gochuga rushed to the palace.

At this time? What for?

There was trouble at the royal palace.

Trouble?

His Majesty called for me and Hyeon Bi as soon as he woke up.

We'll be punished for bringing in a treacherous fortune-teller into the palace. What shall we do?

If he holds you responsible for a crime, you'll have to be punished.

You are cold-hearted!

If we get kicked out of the palace, what about our Geon Mu?

Geon Mu...

Right.

How could I make my son grow up without a mother?

So, please tell me how I can survive.

If the news gets out of the palace, it will leave a stain on the royal family!

Which is why I called you two in privately.

I don't know anything, Your Majesty.

I heard that the fortune teller had great psychic power, so all I requested was a pregnancy ritual.

I didn't know who he truly is.

He saved Your Majesty from near death from sudden vomiting and diarrhea,

so there was no reason to doubt him.

I was also completely fooled.

Don't make excuses! Crown Prince almost died!

Could you please excuse us?

Your Majesty...

Go ahead and sit.

You saved Goguryeo from Northern Zhou, and this time, you saved me and Crown Prince.

It was my honor.

Did my son-in-law not come with you?

He left to go work with the Sunnobu people.

Hyeon Bi's crime was bringing in a psychic for her pregnancy ritual.

But she had no ill intent so I think we can be lenient with her.

But, it's different with you, Your Highness.

Are you saying I had ill intent?

He asked to see His Majesty and Crown Prince without anyone else.

But you weren't even a bit suspicious of what he said?

He said his readings would be distorted if outsiders were present!

"I didn't know," "I was fooled." Are you trying to get away by saying such things?

As the queen, you won't be able to avoid responsibility for this.

I understand.

If I have to pay for the crime of not knowing,

then the princess needs to pay for it as well.

Leave.

The crime of the daughter aiming her sword at her father!

Didn't you also almost break the moral laws of family relationships

under that man's order, Princess?

Who are you?

Loss of memory does not mean that the evil deeds committed by the princess during the memorial ritual will disappear.

If you're going to ask me to pay for my crime, please punish the princess as well.

It was an unavoidable event.

I also couldn't do anything myself.

I was fooled by that man, just like you were.

Then let's tell the courtiers and let them judge the gravity of the offense!

That's a great idea.

Stop talking.

It won't benefit the royal family at all

if the past memorial ritual or this incident are publicized.

Father.

Both Queen and Princess,

do not speak of the past incidents again.

How did you know?

Know what?

Who told you the story behind the memorial ritual?

The palace has ears attached to the walls.

As you live here, you'll gradually get used to it.

By the way, the royal son-in-law is ignorant of court etiquette.

Don't waste your energy on useless things and teach him that first.

Who are you guys?

Tell me.

They took out the guards and slipped out quietly.

How dare they break someone out of jail within the capital city?

Did you find out who they are?

Isn't it obvious?

Those assassin bandits did this to save their boss!

Hurry and arrest them.

Yes. We're releasing soldiers and patrolling inside and outside the city.

No need to try too hard to capture them alive.

As soon as you find them, cut their throats.

I will obey your orders!

Your Majesty, before that, what about the matter of bringing the fortune teller into the palace...

As of today, keep quiet about any incident related to that guy.

I will strictly punish anyone who says one word about it.

Oh! Dal ora—

Who is it?

It's nothing!

- Who is it? - I told you, there's no one!

My heart!

You scared me!

How are you?

You became light as a feather!

What are you doing here without notice?

Because I missed you!

I came because I missed you!

What a surprise!

It's been a long time.

I heard you came all the way to Pyungsabul and turned the army around.

There was no reason for us to interfere when you were already winning.

Your Highness and the royal son-in-law's great service was enough.

I'll catch the fugitives soon.

Excuse me.

Instructor Go.

I heard His Majesty is trusting you a lot.

It is my duty to my liege.

I heard you also taught the crown prince martial arts.

Thank you.

You praise me too much.

How are you so stubborn like a bull?

Ga Jin and I are going, and Chief and Ghost Village people are all moving out.

It doesn't make sense that you want to stay here by yourself!

I won't be alone, I'll be living with Wol!

This one is only staying because you're staying!

You'll be living in a huge tile-roofed house, not a hut anymore—

I don't want to hear it! I'm already feeling suffocated thinking about the crowded capital city.

Why would I be chasing wealthy living at this age...

Do you think Ga Jin and I feel comfortable with you staying here by yourself?

You want me to live feeling discomfort just so that you two can live with a light heart? Forget it!

Rather than indulging in sumptuous feasts and silk bedding,

I'm more comfortable with eating millet and sleeping in cotton bedding.

- Mom! - What?

General Orabeoni.

Do as she says.

I'll take care of her like she's my own mother.

Be careful!

Oh, my!

We're supposed to put this crate on the cart, right?

Mind your own business. You're the one heading to Pyeongyang Castle!

- Oh, be careful. - Yes.

What are you doing instead of loading your luggage?

We're leaving right at dawn.

I have a slight hip strain...

Oh, no. Is it hurting a lot?

I'm sure I'll feel better once I sleep one night on a heated floor.

You must be busy, so don't worry.

This is a disaster.

There's a lot of housekeeping work to do once we get to Pyeongyang Castle.

What are we going to do with you in this shape?

What do you mean housekeeping?

It's not just one or two people. It's all of the Sunnobu people.

Other than you, who would take care of the housekeeping?

Then are you saying I'm going with you?

Jeez, don't make me repeat myself.

Chief!

Hurry and pack up!

What are you doing instead of packing?

Chief.

I wonder if it's right for a guy like me to go to Pyeongyang Castle.

What do you mean?

You are Her Highness's adoptive father. Of course, you deserve to go.

I am just a fellow living in Ghost Village selling salt.

Do you think we're suited to live in Pyeongyang castle?

We were all just wanderers before we all became somebody, thanks to Dal. We should go pay off that debt.

Everything is loaded.

Great work.

After we go, there will be a lot of things to do to help Her Highness there.

Old man. We all are feeling uneasy as well!

Whether it's Ghost Village or Pyeongyang Castle,

wherever you put your heart into is your hometown! That's how we think.

I know, I know, I know all that! It's because I feel uneasy!

- Why are you only yelling at me? - Sorry!

You're going get upset at each other again!

- Aigo, then let's go! - Fine, fine.

- Are you going? - Fine! Let's go!

Let's all go!

Are you serious?

I'm not going.

I said I'm really not going!

Why are you guys fighting? We're already busy packing.

I'm trying to get her to come with me to Pyeongyang Castle, but she's being a brat!

How could I go when San's the only one buried in the field?

Fine, don't go. Do you think I'll be sad?

If you're going to tell me the same thing, just keep your mouth shut.

To be honest, I don't want to go to Pyeongyang Castle either.

There's nothing I can feel attached to and I'm feeling suffocated.

But I can't leave Ga Jin there by herself.

There are enemies all over the place.

Your boss got caught this time

while trying to assassinate the king.

The guy who was his right-hand man...

He died by my sword.

It's not your fault.

He was the type of person who would pour oil on himself

and walk into a fire if Boss told him to.

Ga Jin said the same thing.

With San already gone and you not being there,

Ga Jin has no one she can rely on.

She's got you.

I'm me and you're you! A husband is different from a friend.

You saw it, but you didn't see it, you heard it, but you don't remember it. That's the way to keep the palace in peace.

Who told you the story behind the memorial ritual?

The palace has ears attached to the walls.

You must not have caught them yet.

They either ran very far away, or they seem to be deep in hiding.

Or someone is hiding them.

Either way, we'll find them as soon as possible.

Of course.

Oh, did you hear?

General Yeon Cheong Gi of Jeolnobu is returning to Jega Association.

I heard the princess earnestly requested it.

It seems he got bored dealing with barbarians all his life.

He's someone who was close to the late queen. He's also the princess's relative on her mother's side.

What is it that you want to say?

Sunnobu and Jeolnobu...

Two vacant positions among the five tribes of the Jega Association are now filled.

It is obvious that they will follow the will of the princess, standing at the king's side.

They are just insignificant forces.

But the princess is in the center of them.

Are you lecturing your father on politics?

Not lecturing, but worrying.

Before they settle down and secure their positions,

we have to cut them off with one stroke of the sword.

I must have told you before. Have you already forgotten?

- A force without justification is a house of cards (will fall apart and fail).

Because you spared too much time, we've been driven to this point.

What a bold statement.

I still have to say it.

Please don't underestimate the princess!

General On Hyeop's son will also be a great source of trouble if we miss our timing.

Leave.

Please let me handle it. I will take the lead!

I told you to leave!

Yes, sir.

It's a medicine that boosts your energy, so take it with breakfast and dinner.

Your goal will be my wish.

Everything will go as we planned, so don't worry too much.

Do not get close to Go Geon.

Father, what are you saying out of the blue?

I have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Did you think I wouldn't know you've developed a special bond with General Go?

The princess and Gyerubu are in a heated confrontation.

If you stay with General Go during these times,

you could get hurt or our Sonobu could be in danger.

If those are the reasons, then I don't want to distance myself from him.

Mo Yong.

He's a man who showed me his true feelings.

And I accepted them with no other calculations.

I'll behave myself so that I don't cause any trouble for our family. So, please don't say anything else.

Father.

You are not allowed to go outside for the time being.

Chief!

Her Highness is here!

What? Her Highness?

You came?

Was it tiring coming all this way?

Not at all.

Son-in-law took care of me, so I came comfortably in a cart.

Thank you for your trouble.

What about Mother?

I lost to her stubbornness.

I'll make sure to bring her when I visit her later.

Why would you want to live with a stubborn and disagreeable old lady? Forget about it.

Now, what are y'all doing? Let's get to work!

Great work, Lord Sa.

Thank you.

Did you say a monopoly of salt?

It is now monopolized by tribes of Jega Association, but it was originally royal property.

We know that, of course. Go Won Pyo took it all away!

It's late, but we should bring it back to the royal family.

It's also what my late mother wished for.

It's something Ga Jin has planned since before, Chief.

No... Lord Sa, please help us.

There will be a lot of resistance.

What would they do?

His Majesty ordered it and Sunnobu agreed.

Soon, Jeolnobu will be on our side.

The first thing to do is to know exactly the size of the salt field or the yield.

Father and Ajussi, please take care of that.

Of course! My daughter is asking me to do it before it becomes a national issue!

Don't worry, Your Highness!

Don't worry, Your Highness!

I've been around everywhere, as I was a peddler when I was young!

- Quiet down. - You talk too much.

Thank you.

Someone from the palace is here.

They want everyone to come to the palace.

The palace?

Receive your official position according to the order of His Majesty!

General On Dal will hold rank 8.

- Also, I will appoint you as Captain of the Capital City Guard, so bring peace to the city! [Goguryeo had 14 ranks, rank 8 being the middle]

Yes, Your Majesty!

Be faithful to the will of General On Hyeop.

I'll do my best to death!

Next, Sunnobu soldiers come forward!

So, how tall was the enemy general?

Here.

He was as tall as me... Oh!

His ax was insane.

With one swing, a gust of wind blew by and wow!

You silly man! Not a son-in-law, but a big talker came into the palace!

I'm not talking big, Your Majesty!

Yes, pour me one.

How demeaning...

Take it back.

It's too greasy for my father to eat.

You're right.

Now, let's drink!

Oh, yes!

The feast seems to be getting longer.

It's the first time His Majesty is drinking with his son-in-law. Did you think it would end early? Right?

General On has low alcohol tolerance, so it'll be over soon.

There's nothing good about being drunk... Men.

- Take the prince to the bedroom. - Yes, Your Highness.

You're leaving to put him to sleep?

Head out when you're done with your refreshments.

Who does she think she is acting all high and mighty?

Who's the one who brought that wicked man to the shrine?

Please keep quiet about that incident.

Look at how His Majesty covered it up.

That's why you have to produce a prince.

Or write a love letter with all your heart.

What do you mean a love letter?

How pretty!

Don't sneak up on me like that!

Are you planning on sending it to His Majesty?

Rubbish!

Wow, it's so pretty!

Do you put these pretty flowers on the love letter?

Should I try writing one too?

I was going to write one, but I'm not a good writer.

You said she was writing a love letter?

Mhm. Why?

It's stuffy!

So stuffy.

Dal, drink this.

I feel alive now.

You may leave.

Come here, my honey.

You must be drunk.

Where are you going?

You sleep first. I've got something on my mind.

What is it?

Go to sleep.

By myself?

Acting like a baby... Hurry and sleep.

Ga Jin.

Mm?

Never mind.

I'm going to sleep.

What are you doing?

Lord Kim Cha Seung is infuriated.

Tie her up.

That makes no sense.

She disappeared with no trace, and you're saying you don't know anything?

We're searching in the medicinal herb store and outside, but have yet ...

She didn't say she was going somewhere?

I didn't hear anything.

Oh my...

My Lord.

Send a message to General Go.

- Right now! - Yes, sir.

What on earth is going on?

What do you mean she disappeared?

If this is a ruckus that you've caused because of your passion,

stop it now. I won't tell your father.

What the heck are you saying right now?

Are you saying you don't know either?

It's certain someone kidnapped her.

We have to find her first!

Kidnap... that ...

What did you do with the store owner?

Your minions are behind this, aren't they?

No way.

But when you've made enemies everywhere,

whom can you blame?

I spared your life to give you one last chance.

If you're involved with what happened to the shopkeeper, I'll rip you to pieces!

- Continue to keep him locked up. - Yes.

Last chance...

What are you saying?

What do you mean you're suspecting Gochuga and Her Highness the Queen?

I still have a vivid memory of running into them when I was young.

Both his expression when he threatened me

and afterward when he engaged in foul play.

Don't say such things.

What are you going to do if someone hears?

Why are you getting agitated?

I was just asking if you knew anything.

I don't know nor have I heard anything.

Nanny!

How do I look? Today's my first day at work.

Fine.

What's going on?

It's nothing.

Another secret.

Aren't you thinking too much by yourself since you entered the palace?

When we were at Ghost Village, we knew everything about each other.

Dal.

Anyway, I wonder if Wol is holding up well with Mother's nagging?

Wol.

Yeah?

Why are you doing something uncalled for?

I can't see, but I still have my hands.

Oh my, just think how nice it is to be taken care of and eat!

If I wanted to be taken care of, then I would've followed my son to Pyeongyang Castle. I don't need you to serve me.

You're disappointed now that Orabeoni has left, right?

No matter how cozy the mother bird's nest is, when a bird's wings grow bigger, it flies to find another tree.

That's how life is.

And Wol, you also need to eat uncomfortably and not do things like this

I didn't take you in to work you as a maid.

Who said I'm here to serve you? If you ordered me around, I'd run away!

Oh, yeah? Where would you go?

Would you fly back to Baekje?

Wait... That's not what I meant...

It's nothing. Hurry and eat!

- Put something on my spoon for one last time. - Yeah.

- Okay, this is the last time! Eat! - Yes!

What is this?

Please get on.

It's a garrison horse for the captain.

I prepared her.

It's okay, no need for a horse.

It's better to walk to check the city thoroughly.

Take her away.

Troops, move!

Please let us in!

Do you not understand me?

Ajussi!

Good timing!

What's wrong, Father?

We lost our entrance pass.

We need to talk to the princess as soon as possible, but he's treating us like a beggar!

We went around the salt fields, so maybe we smell salty?

This is Her Highness the Princess's adoptive father, and these are Sunnobu men.

We cannot let those without a pass enter the city just by your words.

- What did you just say? - The chief gatekeeper is right.

You're doing a good job by sticking to the rules of the army.

I'll warn them, so let them enter the city.

Yes, sir!

That's the Dal we know!

- Our flag should be seen flapping 10 li out. (T/N: 10 li = 4km)

That's also a rule.

Yes, sir!

Go on in.

Wow, you're just flying around!

He's my son-in-law!

Dal is the best!

This is my son-in-law!

What a ludicrous statement!

How dare you ask us to give up the salt monopoly?

Doesn't the salt monopoly originally belong to the royal family?

It's not giving it up, it's returning it.

Chief Hae, how can you keep silent?

It's not worth discussing.

It's been a long time since His Majesty signed off on this.

Anyway, we're looking at the current status of the salt fields, so let's put it to a vote as soon as General Yeon Cheong Gi of Jeolnobu comes.

A vote? It's two against three, there's no need for a vote.

The Jega Association is a coalition of five tribes leading Goguryeo.

You got your seat back with difficulty, but you want to use it to do the dirty work for the princess?

I'll keep your advice in mind.

You! You little!

I'll get back the salt monopoly back no matter what.

Since Chief Sa stirred the pot, you guys should keep an eye on the movements of the Jega Association.

Do you think they'll back off easily?

We have to find a way.

Work is work, but don't be indifferent towards Dal.

What do you mean indifferent?

It's okay for us since we're living together in the quarters, but Dal is alone in the palace.

If you don't take care of him, he's an outcast.

What you're saying is nonsense.

Do I have to follow him around and take care of him like a kid?

Don't forget the reason why Dal held a sword and entered a battlefield and the reason why he came into the royal palace.

Dal.

I'm sorry.

About what?

I couldn't give you my attention because I was only thinking about what to do.

That's nothing to worry about between a married couple.

I'm okay.

This is the reason why I was busy.

What is this?

It looks like a letter.

It's a love letter that the queen sent to Go Won Pyo.

The queen sent this...

to Go Won Pyo?

It's additional evidence that shows that those two were in an illicit sexual relationship

I'll hurry and clean this up.

What did you say?

How did the princess get her hands on that?

I'm not sure about that...

I'm not telling you for your nor Her Highness the Queen's sake.

If that letter causes a sudden disturbance,

the two children, crown prince and prince, will be greatly hurt.

Understood.

Do you understand what you need to do then?

There is no way.

The letter never disappeared between the time...

Are you...

smiling right now?

Maybe the princess is playing tricks.

What?

It's a trick to set us up with fake love letters.

Just like how her mother was set up.

When Queen Yeon leaves for the royal tour, hide this in her quarters.

What is this?

It's a talisman that will make you the rightful queen.

Even so, if she has one of the letters...

We don't have time to do this.

We have to find the source of the trouble.

Ja Gyeong.

Just now...

What did you call me?

Jin Ja Gyeong.

I am calling the name of my long-time lover.

And I already know

Geon Mu isn't of my blood.

You...

already knew?

A woman who believes that heaven is the earth,

as long as your son can ascend the throne...

Because I love your greed,

I willingly played along.

Ple...

Please forgive me.

Forgive?

I loved you because you are just like me,

so is there a need for forgiveness?

If there is a letter, it'll be over once we find it and get rid of it.

Don't be scared.

Are you overwhelmed to step into the land of Silla again?

You never thought you'd come back like this, did you?

My lord!

Even when I lost those tributed girls because of your fault, I didn't punish you!

But you falsely reported the war between Goguryeo and Northern Zhou!

Have you forgotten who you are and what your duty is?

No, sir.

- If you give me one more chance— - Shut up!

I saved your life, so I will take it away with my own hands.

Sir!

What is it?

Seorabol, the Capital of Silla

King Jinheung (24th monarch of Silla)

I, Kim Cha Seung, am here on Your Majesty's order!

Stand.

Raise your chin.

Are you Hae Mo Yong?

Yes, that's me, Your Majesty.

There's no need to be concerned about King Uiduk of Baekje because of his indolent nature.

The plains of Goguryeo were also busy taking care of their own business.

But...

Do you know what is getting in the way of my cause to unify the three kingdoms?

How dare I venture a guess at the answer?

It's Pyeongwon's daughter, Pyeonggang.

Whose son is the the guy she got married to?

He's the son of On Hyeop, the former head of the Sunnobu of Goguryeo.

He was at the borders defending against Silla...

Right.

She took in a tiger cub and raised him as a general.

She helped her pathetic father and stopped Northern Zhou.

I don't feel comfortable about what else she'll do.

Then...

Go back to Goguryeo for the great cause of the Three Kingdoms.

Go back

and kill Pyeonggang.

It's so nice to all be together like this.

Oh, Princess!

You're here!

I thought you had summoned me on urgent business.

We called you to get some fresh air instead of being cooped up in Magnolia Hall.

Her Highness said we should all get together.

The whole family is together after a long time.

Just relax and sit.

Isn't the crown prince's teaching amazing?

You flatter me immensely.

I hope you will continue to teach your younger brother, Geon Mu in the future too.

Yes.

Nui! (Sister)

Do you want to see my book?

Me too, show me too!

What else did you learn?

I checked all the ferryboats and all the big medicinal herbs shops in each castle,

but no one's seen or heard from her.

Did she rise to the sky or fall through the cracks of the ground...

Chief Hae.

I'll go further out tomorrow and look for her.

Chief!

The store owner is here!

Really?

Store owner!

Mo Yong!

General...

What happened?

Mo Yong!

Mo Yong!

Oh my...

You found it?

I told you there's nothing to be scared about.

God and heaven helped us!

Heaven has done nothing.

It's because you called the princess away.

No.

You and I did it together.

This is...

not my handwriting.

What kind of love letters are you two exchanging?

It looks like that's a letter I wrote.

What are you up to right now, Princess?

What kind of secret meeting are you two having at this late hour?

Secret meeting? Be careful with your words!

You must be misunderstanding, Your Highness.

Stop right there, Go Won Pyo!

♫ I become love to you ♫

♫ You become tomorrow to me ♫

River Where the Moon Rises

Are you going to keep deceiving me?

Will your act to look like a loyal subject end now?

Father, I'll crush all those forces that go against your will and gnaw Goguryeo, one by one.

You will have to give it back to me.

Don't push yourself. Do one thing at a time. Only as much as you can handle.

That's why you should take some breaks.

Don't say such a thing at leisure!

The report says that Yang Chaek of Hangju Castle raised a rebellion.

I'll go! Her Highness the Princess will be at peace if I go.

Trust me.

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