Original subtitles

-= Episode 17 =-

Master, I'm leaving.

Alright, don't be late.

Yes.

Are you all right, Mother?

Mother, are you all right?

Don't worry about me. Hurry and escape.

I can't! Let's go together, Mother.

Hurry!

No, Mother... let's go together!

Save my daughter.

- Quickly escape, quickly. - No, Mother, let's go together!

Mother!

Save my daughter.

Mmm...

She is your daughter.

She is your daughter.

Now you are...

Do it.

If you step inside, I will slit your throat.

I will go back for you later.

This time, we will just let it go.

Save my daughter.

Hyeongnim! (respected older brother)

Hyeongnim, you're back!

Have you been well since our last meeting?

Yes, Hyeongnim, I'm fine.

It's been a long time.

Do you know how much I missed you?

Let go of me first.

Oh yes, yes.

Hyeongnim, you have become stronger too.

But, where is Dong Su?

Dong Su went to Hwang Jin Gi's hideout.

Hwang Jin Gi? That fellow isn't coming to see me... really...

He'll be arriving later.

Yes, yes. Come in quickly.

Miss...

Do not blame me.

What are you doing?

You won't do it?

Stop!

Un...

Take the sword away.

You fellow, you are still alive.

Someone once said...

a sword is wielded by the heart and not by the hand.

Then too, only an anxious mind can make a sword dance.

Your martial arts skills are great, but I think you are still young.

Sky Lord...

Hurry up and finish him off.

Your skills seem much improved.

You will hear more about me in the future.

Joseon's best swordsman...

Baek Dong Su.

Joseon's best swordsman?

What are you doing?

First of all, we were to take Sky Lord's life. Wasn't that the purpose for coming here?

What are you saying?

And also, I do not want to kill innocent people here.

Even you...

The Sky Lord left, Yeo Un also left.

Even the army of a thousand soldiers.

And I bring up the rear...

Are you ok? The wound is deep.

I'm fine.

Miss...

Are you all right?

Don't lose the big fish on account of some small shrimp.

If the situation is bad, wash your hands off and leave.

Miss.

There is poison.

Take this. It will be of some help.

Thank you.

But, where is Jin Ju?

I sent her to run a quick errand for me. Don't worry.

Miss, now that the hideout has been found,

we can no longer stay here.

We should leave quickly.

Captain! Captain, are you all right?

Something went down. Don't make a fuss about it.

All of you evacuate the hideout quickly.

Don't leave any traces, and nobody can be left behind alone. Understand?

Yes.

She is your daughter.

What did you just say?

She is your daughter.

Miss, why haven't you taken the medicine?

He will survive even if he was bitten by a viper.

You must first protect your body.

You, are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine.

Let's go...

Hong Dae Ju, that old fox.

Now, even you want to put a leash on me?

Hyeongnim, even you let a golden chance slip through your fingers.

What did you say was the name of that young man?

Are you referring to Baek Dong Su?

Baek Dong Su...

At such a young age, to have such ability...

It is tough to believe it.

This fellow here was also touted as a "once in a hundred year" genius.

Ah, what a shame!

That so-called fate... It would be good if you dump it.

-=Anheung Police Bureau=-

A military ship sank.

What, a military ship sank?

Yes, I heard the wreckage has already floated ashore.

Quickly send in the royal force personnel to investigate.

Help me.

Help me.

What exactly happened?

It seems like the ship got grounded on a reef.

Oh... it is Dong Su.

He just got back and has already caused trouble?

Oh... this woman!

Don't play with eating utensils.

Why do you take whatever you can get your hands on and use as toys?

If none of these is left, there won't be anything left in your mouth either.

How can you call this playing?

This is called martial arts. Martial arts.

Ah! Really..

Hyeongnim.

It is already late in the day and we have not even seen a shadow.

This won't do. I'll have to go and take a look myself.

Dong Su.

What has happened?

What really happened?

Sir...

Ga Ok...

Ga Ok... Ga Ok...

For having to meet you all scared like this, I am really sorry.

Don't say such things.

Being able to see you again... Isn't that itself so fortunate?

Don't move.

What happened?

The Heuksa Chorong and the army troops made a surprise attack on the hideout.

What?

So... Jin Ju?

What happened to Jin Ju?

Yesterday I sent her away to run a specific errand.

Aigoo, that is a relief.

Did all the folks in the hideout escape?

Yes.

I'm truly sorry, but...

can we stay here temporarily?

What are you apologizing for?

You just have a good rest, alright?

Hyeongnim, let's leave then. Please get up.

Yes.

Yes.

Miss, you just stay here and rest.

I will go and find Jin Ju.

There is no need for that.

If she lived, she will be with him.

If she is dead,

she would have already become food for wild beasts.

Captain, these days, have you been keeping good health?

Good health?

Did I just happen to hear him say 'good health'?

Hyeongnim, what exactly is going on?

This punk became all gentleman-like!

Oh, look at this now... I must be getting old.

Very well. Have you learned a lot?

Yes. I will sincerely keep on learning.

Hyeongnim, is all his talk true?

You better see for yourself.

Come...

Oh, it is because I had chopped a lot of meat just now.

My body is a little stiff.

Anyhow, your skills

have become like mine when I was young.

Seems like I haven't seen that before. What is it?

That, it is ginseng that Ji Seon is processing.

Miss Ji Seon?

What? You would like to see her?

Looks like you do want to see Ji Seon.

She went to the market and should be back soon.

There goes his mind all mushy, and it's gone...

Aigoo, aigoo, we should go and make soup with rice.

Well, there... Please come and recuperate a bit, over there.

I know. Then make some rice soup for me too.

Those are ginseng without sprouts.

Even if you take it,

it won't get you much money.

But if you try to take it away,

then I will have to shoot.

Can you do that?

Have you been doing well?

Sir...

These are all goods that came from Qing.

This is really something!

This is all thanks to you, Sir.

Destiny is something you can open up yourself. Did you not teach me that, Sir?

Dong Su, you're here.

Master, do you have to make a move?

I should meet His Majesty. You come with me.

Yes.

Ah, I wonder what...

Give me some of that.

Yes. Yes, yes.

It's for an unmarried young lady.

Pick me some.

What?

Ah...Yes, yes...

This... how about this?

Did you sleep well?

Move aside.

You can move freely now?

Can't you see, to know?

It would be good if you eat first.

I will be outside. Eat well.

Look here! What exactly are you doing now?

I don't need these things.

Please take it away right now.

It is still dangerous to go outside.

Wait a day more before you go.

It is that I have to go back to see my father.

If you don't move right now, I will just...

Can you head down the hill with that foot?

Why are you being nice to me?

I am grateful for your help,

but this won't work.

Is that what Jin Gi taught you?

Now you are badmouthing my father?

Take that back right now.

I can take everything else,

but anyone speaking ill of my father is the one thing I cannot stand.

He is the father?

Your mother told me,

to take care of you well.

Please don't say lies.

Mother would not say something like that to you, Ajussi. (Ajussi - old man)

If you wait here, your mother will come and find you.

Get well and wait.

Stop!

-= Yi San (Later King Jeongjo) =-

It has been a long time, Sword Saint.

Hey, Baek Dong Su!

Hey, you.

Hey, what just happened?

His Majesty Grandfather is waiting for you.

Is it possible for us to eat together?

Sword Saint, now that you have come,

I wish to serve you personally.

You shall give it to me.

How have you been all this while?

Getting along.

Where's Cho Rip?

He is no longer 'Cho Rip'...

Call him, Deputy Commissioner of Houskeeping, Hong Guk Yeong.

What do you mean?

-=Yeong Jo=-

Prince Heir, as you are personally serving it,

this ginseng tea tastes different from usual. It is especially fragrant.

-=Queen Jeong Sun=- . this ginseng tea tastes different from usual. It is especially fragrant.

-=Queen Jeong Sun=- . Well then. Your desire to live a relaxed life...

Well then. Your desire to live a relaxed life...

Has it changed after you thought more?

The thinking has not changed, Your Majesty.

As this humble servant feels that he has let down Your Majesty,

could a truly talented person be recommended instead?

There is somebody you would recommend?

Since it's your recommendation, I shall be able to trust him for big responsibilities.

Good. Who is it?

He may still be inadequate, but he is this humble servant's disciple.

Disciple?

Yes.

A disciple who recently received this humble servant's teachings.

His Majesty Grandmother.

- My Lady. - Your Majesty Grandmother!

Your Majesty.

Call in the royal physician now!

Your Majesty Grandmother.

Let us go in.

Dong Su!

Who are you fellow?

You scoundrel!!

Please forgive this disrespect, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

he is that disciple.

You scoundrel!

Since you are Sword Saint's disciple, should you not know proper etiquette?

How can you be so disrespectful, I ask!

Your Majesty, the royal physician needs at least a quarter of an hour to arrive.

Furthermore, it can be seen that her breathing is getting faint.

If it continues like this, Her Majesty cannot survive till the royal physicians arrive.

What did you say?

How dare you fellow say such things?

What are all of you doing? Drag this fellow out immediately!

Your Majesty,

this humble servant's disciple...

is also scholar Baek Sa Goeng's child.

- Baek Sa Goeng? - Your Majesty,

would it be too late to punish this humble servant for this crime after the treatment?

Please allow the treatment of Her Majesty first.

When the blood stream got affected, it resulted in the fainting.

Had immediate measures not been taken,

I'm afraid it would have become dangerous.

You know medical procedures as well?

No, I do not. He learned it himself.

Although touching The Queen's royal body cannot be forgiven,

as you saved her life,

I will no longer investigate it.

I am humbled by the grace, Your Majesty.

Good. So, what caused it?

Th... This servant is fearful that

the cause has still not been found.

Your Majesty, what has happened here?

-=Gim Han Gu: Queen Jeong Sun's father=- . Your Majesty, what has happened here?

-=Gim Han Gu: Queen Jeong Sun's father=- . Please regain consciousness, Your Majesty.

She has only fainted temporarily.

Your Majesty!

I am told that Her Majesty drank ginseng tea and fainted.

Is it true, Your Majesty?

You have got it right.

It is surely poison.

Your Majesty!

Someone with a grudge against Her Majesty must have mixed poison in the ginseng tea.

Who brought in the ginseng tea?

It was I who brought it.

Your Highness Prince Heir.

Now, what did...

I did not personally make the tea,

but the one who gave Her Majesty the tea... was me, Yi San.

Your Majesty, please order an investigation immediately on the poisoned ginseng tea.

Please find out the truth.

It was not poison.

Who is this fellow?

He is Sword Saint's disciple.

On what basis can you say this?

Even if my neck breaks, for the sake of my father...

Your mother told me,

to take care of you well.

Ajussi.

Come on, get up now!

No, no.

Isn't he an evil man?

If he is dead, I shouldn't bother.

Oh... really...

What should I do?

Ajussi.

Wake up, please.

Ajussi.

What are you saying now? Her Majesty is unconscious?

She drank the ginseng tea brought by the Prince Heir, and fell unconscious.

So...

how is the Queen now?

She still hasn't regained consciousness.

Your Excellency, if Her Majesty is unconscious, then it is like getting some help from the heavens...

This is a good opportunity to remove the Prince Heir.

You idiot!

When Her Majesty is still unconscious, how can you say such thoughtless things?

Her Majesty's recovery is the first priority.

Removing the Prince Heir can come later.

I apologize, Your Excellency.

But...

Sword Saint has returned.

What?

He also brought a disciple with him.

His name seems to be Baek Dong Su.

On first glance, I felt it was a bit odd.

You should keep a close watch.

I understand.

You idiot!

Can't you stay away from causing trouble?

Your Excellency, wh... what are you saying?

You fool, half of the ginseng that comes to the palace, is josam.

-=Josam: Fake ginseng. Processed roots of Balloonflower, Autumn Statice etc=- . You fool, half of the ginseng that comes to the palace, is josam.

-=Josam: Fake ginseng. Processed roots of Balloonflower, Autumn Statice etc=- . Your Excellency, I was careless and forgot.

Your Excellency, I was careless and forgot.

I beg you to spare my life.

If this matter ever gets out,

I will cut your throat with my own hands. You understand?

Yes! Yes!

You should urgently go to the Royal Kitchen Office and destroy all remaining evidence.

You should urgently go to the Royal Kitchen Office and destroy all remaining evidence.

You should urgently go to the Royal Kitchen Office and destroy all remaining evidence.

You should go to the State Tribunal and find General Gim Sang Gun.

Yes... understood!

Sword Saint... Baek Dong Su...

When you have the path to heaven, you chose to walk straight to the doors of hell.

This is obviously a case of attempted desecration of Her Majesty the Queen.

Furthermore, it is also an affront to Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, this is not a request from a father of the Empress, but rather

it is for the royalty's sake.

Then, what do you think needs to be done?

Your Majesty, it should not be just catching the one who boiled the ginseng tea,

but also, anyone who is related to this matter

must undergo harsh interrogation.

Then, you mean you want to interrogate the Prince Heir?

Your Majesty, since it was the Prince Heir who personally delivered the tea...

Be silent!

You would really say that the Prince Heir put poison in the ginseng tea?

On finding the truth on the ginseng issue, how can position and status be considered?

There is no poison.

I personally confirmed it.

Is what I said incorrect?

It is not.

But Your Majesty, even if there was no poison,

this is not something that can be just put behind, like this.

All the food supplies that was administered by the Royal Kitchen Office,

and all the Royal Kitchen activities must be fully investigated, to find out the truth.

Please find out the truth.

Defense Minister!

Am I wrong that all the ginseng coming to the palace passes through your hands?

In case there is something wrong with the ginseng,

I will not easily let the matter drop.

Aren't you saying a bit too much, Your Excellency?

How could there be a problem with the ginseng that enters the palace?

Sure it should be so.

Without mistake, it should be so!

How did it go?

Fortunately, we were a step ahead.

Follow me.

Everybody leave!

Yes.

Why could they cover your mouth?

Was there a mistake in boiling the tea?

Though there has been some josam that was sent to us before,

the tea taken to His Majesty

was made only with top quality ginseng.

There, there. So you won't show some conviction?

Your Excellency, I was doing everything only as per your orders.

I know, I know, but...

if you just keep your lips sealed, there will be no issues.

Thank you!

Kill her.

One moment...

Did you get rid of the waste after boiling the tea?

You silly rotten thing.

You go and remove all traces. Understand?

Yes.

Can't do one damn thing right...

-=Heuksa Chorong=-

The minister of defense is looking for you.

Why is he looking for me? Tell him not to look for me.

That damn old man!

I don't even want to see his face. You go meet him.

This... You just need to have this.

I mean, I do have to do this after you tended to my foot.

"Kindness must be doubled and paid back"...

I heard that from my father till my ears hurt!

I should thank you.

Ajussi.

What is your relationship with my mother?

Ga Ok is the one in my heart.

All along, my heart has belonged only to Ga Ok.

Why are you smiling?

Because you are beautiful.

Because you are beautiful, my daughter.

Are you talking about josam?

That is right.

The josam that came to the palace,

seems to have become a stumbling block for me.

When you speak of josam, you mean that

the merchandise that Heuksa Chorong brought for you from the East Coast

was for sending to the palace?

This was always part of your plan, Your Excellency?

If it is so,

you think Heuksa Chorong can wash your hands of this turn of events?

This is not such a simple matter.

I am talking about Her Majesty falling unconscious from drinking Josam tea.

Still.. there is nothing I can do about it.

You said what?

If this is the reason why you called me over,

then I will take my leave.

Sword Saint has returned.

And so has that fellow Baek Dong Su.

Is he not a close childhood friend of yours?

Baek Dong Su. That is the boy I am referring to.

Whether they are aristocrats or merchants,

women or children,

if they are connected to the Josam issue, just kill them all for me.

So, why was that old bastard looking for me?

The Josam that Heuksa Chorong is connected with

has turned into a problem.

Josam?

The Queen fainted and turned unconscious.

So it was some Josam that caused it.

Because of that...

He is asking you to kill off all those connected to the josam?

From now on, stop using head shakes to answer me,

and use your mouth instead.

Though Hong Dae Ju has been betraying me all along,

this is not yet a good time for revenge.

Bring me a list of the merchants' names.

Yes.

This is the list of merchants dealing with josam.

In total how many are there?

There are 7 traders, of which 5 are 'approved traders'.

-=Approved Traders: Those approved by the Government to deal with Qing and Japan.=- . There are 7 traders, of which 5 are 'approved traders'.

-=Approved Traders: Those approved by the Government to deal with Qing and Japan.=- . . .

These fellows... You handle them.

Send the body back carefully.

Yes.

Go back.

You are silly.

Life is precious to each and everyone.

On the merchant list, was there one named Yu Ji Seon?

When you say Yu Ji Seon,

You mean the lady who leads that approved trader group?

You mean she is listed?

Yes.

Although not a major buyer,

she did recently purchase josam.

Then what about me?

Is it that girl?

Yes.

Fate!

This can really be considered fate!

Let's go.

Robber!

What are you here for?

For what?

I am here to take your life.

Then, let those two go.

Lately, I really have been kind-hearted.

Both of you, go.

I am all right.

You can both leave now.

L.... Look here!

You are not giving way.

I'm really touched.

Normally I wouldn't even count to 3 at a time like this.

- Who are you? - You hate living this much?

Who are you?!

You...

You fellow, I am glad you came today.

Though I don't know what is going on,

this fellow fully deserves to die,

so please just kill him.

Please save me.

No matter what, I will make sure I repay you.

If you can't do it, then I will.

What are you doing? Hurry up and get him!

If you don't value your life, you are welcome to come at me!

Hyeongnim!

Dong Su!

You fellow...

Hyeongnim, you might want to just kill him.

Though you have been gasping for breath, you just don't change.

Ga Ok.

Let him go.

Anyway, he won't be able to even hold a knife again.

Why am I like this?

Why is my body like this?

I've inserted a needle into an acupuncture meridian.

Where is the needle?

It is already in your body. You won't be able to see it with the naked eye.

You cannot take it out of your body either.

Because of that, you won't be able to pick up a blade ever again.

You fellow...

This me... How can I...?

That you did not lose your life.. You should take that as a blessing.

Though your abilities to fight are all gone, after a while,

you will not have problems in still living a normal life.

Cannot grip a knife?

I cannot grip knife?

No, no, no, no, Nooooo....

No, I can do it. No.

Can't you see I picked it up? No...

I mean, how did you know that there was no poison in the ginseng tea?

His Highness Prince Heir cannot poison me, can he?

That is true. But you also don't know if there was poison or not.

You think you are superhuman?

Hyeongnim, this fellow is already doing some big stuff.

This brat.

Not just simple big stuff like this.

You can say that he is quite adept at both the pen and the sword.

Is there anybody inside?

How have you been, Sir Hong Guk Yeong?

Dong Su!

It's fine.

You fool.

They are all outside. Don't you want to go out and see?

No, I'd rather not.

When I don't know how Jin Ju is doing,

how can my mind feel any comfort?

Our captain is getting younger and younger.

Thank you!

It seems there is something good going on.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

This! What is all this?

I got them from the fruits storage room.

The fruits storage room?

Yes.

The ginseng tea that His Highness took was the same as always before.

Also, His Highness had monitored it as well.

Where did you put the remaining ginseng?

Look here...

Ji Seon, you take a look.

Open the door. Open the door!

Young master, young master.

Young master. Are you okay, young master?

What, your military ship with josam sank?

Yes. I am ashamed to face you, father.

You haven't heard?

Her Majesty fainted because of a batch of josam we sent.

What?

Although I have asked to destroy all the remaining Josam,

this matter cannot leak out.

If a Royal investigation finds out that I illegally used military ships,

and furthermore, that there was Josam inside,

I will lose my head. No, not just me...

Just cutting my head off will not end it.

The immediate three families, the next three close families,

and our whole community will be severely punished.

We must certainly stop this.

As the texture is watery and the scent has faded, it is difficult to give a definite answer.

But this here should be Nasam.

Nasam? What is nasam?

Ginseng produced in the Gyeongju province

that His Highness the Prince Heir likes.

Really? Then this must be expensive. Is it so?

Yes. Now the Palace Purchasing Contractor is doing all the trade,

-=Palace Purchasing Contractor: Government's leased contractor handling supplies to the palace=- . Yes. Now the Palace Purchasing Contractor is doing all the trade,

-=Palace Purchasing Contractor: Government's leased contractor handling supplies to the palace=- . but earlier it was expensive in the market, and even twenty yang for each was common.

but earlier it was expensive in the market, and even twenty yang for each was common.

But you mean that is not nasam?

Correct. This is josam.

Josam? What is this josam thing?

It is precisely fake ginseng.

How can ginseng be turned into a fake thing?

Josam is made by using something similar to ginseng and pasting a layer of skin.

They are pasted to broken ginseng parts using Agyo.

-=Agyo: A sticky substance made by boiling some things like animal hide=- . They are pasted to broken ginseng parts using Agyo.

-=Agyo: A sticky substance made by boiling some things like animal hide=- . . But something is still unusual here.

But something is still unusual here.

Though josam is fake ginseng, it does not have any poison.

What the devil! So we cannot figure it out?

But the ginseng tea given to Her Majesty grandmother, was taken in there by me.

The Noron people who always try to go against me

will use this as a chance to have me take the blame.

Yes. If we are unable to find the truth,

the blame for this big issue

will be forced upon His Highness the Prince Heir.

Your Highness,

This servant is willing to find out the truth.

Will you... be able to do it?

Please allow me to do it, Your Highness.

He is talented. You have to fully make use of him.

Then I intend to induct you in the military as a Porter Soldier.

-=Porter Soldier: Unranked low-end soldier who handles wagons:=- . Then I intend to induct you in the military as a Porter Soldier.

I now bequeath you the Sa In sword. Use it wisely to preserve our country.

-=Sa In (4 In's): Signifies being an In (tiger) for every Year, Month, Day and Period=- . I now bequeath you the Sa In sword. Use it wisely to preserve our country.

-=Sa In (4 In's): Signifies being an In (tiger) for every Year, Month, Day and Period=- . . .

They must certainly be stopped.

This servant, Baek Dong Su, accepts the edict.

-= Next Week's Preview =-

How many people have you killed with this sword?

You want to say the stench of blood on me is disgusting?

I only pity my mother.

This is smuggled josam?

This seems to be all of it. What should we do?

This can't be all of it.

I will help you investigate this matter.

Can you guarantee that you will not kill that woman?

You must comply with our agreement.

Ginseng should be inside, but it disappeared.

Ginseng?

We must eliminate future trouble. Kill them all.