Original subtitles

Our military strength...

-= Episode 11 =- Our military strength...

-= Episode 11 =- You feel we can't even withstand a Wae attack, you think it's that weak?

You feel we can't even withstand a Wae attack, you think it's that weak?

If we just stop the defensive preparations like this... it will be difficult.

Public sentiment seems to have settled,

but the Treasury is depleted.

Left State Councillor.

Yes, Your Majesty?

Wae is an island nation,

they're skilled in naval warfare.

But, we don't have much experience in naval warfare.

We've no prospects of victory at naval warfare anyway,

we'll pour all our energy and funds into the army.

How about abolishing the navy?

Your Majesty! You can't do this!

Abolishing the navy is totally out of the question!

Up till now the Wae attacks we've seen,

have all been pillaging of the coastal villages.

Besides, the last Wae attack of 1587 too,

the Left and Right Jeolla Naval Districts both didn't counter it.

In the end, wasn't it General Sin Rip who led soldiers to the battle?

Although it's water under the bridge,

if the navy could have done their duty back then,

the Wae pirates should have been repelled before they reached the coast.

There wouldn't have been any need for General Sin Rip to lead soldiers there!

Then, you're saying the navy is now stronger than then?

It'll become stronger. We must make them stronger.

What with?

The Treasury's depleted to the point that fortification works can't even be continued.

Are we going to depend only on the Left Jeolla Naval Commander Lee Sun Sin?

Your Majesty.

If we can't defend the seas,

the Wae enemies can step foot onto our land without any obstacles!

We mustn't let them do that!

It isn't as if I don't even know that!

But, there won't be a Wae attack right away.

I thought of it because our country's subsistence is overly difficult.

Discuss it at the meeting of the Border Defense Council.

In fact, I too had considered abolishing the navy.

In any case, isn't it a fact that up till now we haven't been able to defend against them?

That's right.

In actuality, what the navy does,

as compared to defending against Wae pirates,

they transport grain that are paid as tax to the state more, don't they?

Therefore, all the more it shouldn't be abolished.

The safe transportation of the grain paid as tax from the 3 Southern Provinces to the capital,

what can be more important to the country's finances than this?

The target the Wae pirates expend the greatest effort on are the cargo ships.

The army... can it take the place of the navy in the transportation of these grains?

We're not doing away with the navy at this juncture,

we're incorporating them into the army.

Can't they continue to do what they used to?

Up till now, the navy doesn't act on its own,

it takes its orders from the army.

To transmit an order, it takes a long time. It might not be conveyed correctly.

The navy, if it's incorporated into the army,

the command will be unified.

The transmission of orders and mobilization of troops will be orderly.

Even if they're organized into one,

-= Hong Yeo Sun (Minister of War) =- Even if they're organized into one,

-= Hong Yeo Sun (Minister of War) =- The navy that's been incorporated into the army will still be used for shipping.

The navy that's been incorporated into the army will still be used for shipping.

Can't the army that's strong in combat, be used to repel the Wae army?

Absolutely not.

How can the army replace the navy?

However strong the army is in combat,

that's on land.

Sinking the enemies' ships before they reach shore,

isn't that the best measure?

But, the fighting methods the navy acquired over years of training,

how can the army know?

They might all become seasick.

My view too, is the same as that of the Left State Councillor's.

-= Lee Won Ik (Minister of Taxation) =- My view too, is the same as that of the Left State Councillor's.

-= Lee Won Ik (Minister of Taxation) =- Abolishing the navy is as good as giving Wae invaders freedom over the seas.

Abolishing the navy is as good as giving Wae invaders freedom over the seas.

It's no different from we ourselves eliminating a line of defense.

That's right.

Before the enemy gets to shore, repel them at sea.

For minimizing our army and villages' losses, it's the best method.

Just to recover the endless battered and damaged ships,

a huge amount of money was spent.

Right now, taking into consideration the reality of the Treasury's circumstances,

I think temporarily incorporating the navy into the army might be better.

And, if the Treasury's circumstances improve,

at that time, can't we just separate out the navy again?

And more importantly, under the circumstances of the Treasury having been depleted,

shouldn't we abide by the king's wish?

Minister of War.

You're now saying... since the Treasury's already empty,

the territory of our Joseon can be sold to the enemy?

Do you now intend to sell the country?

Chief State Councillor.

Look here, Minister of War!

However much the country's subsistence is difficult,

as the Minister of War you should insist on defending our country's seas,

yet you study the king's expression then speak in accordance to what you see!

Thank you, Chief State Councillor.

For what? Am I siding with your view?

Left State Councillor... you seem to be under some illusion.

I, as this country's Chief State Councillor,

for the sake of our seas and the people who depend on it for a living,

naturally, I would object to the abolition of the navy.

I don't want to accept your thanks.

Seriously, he's as cold as ice.

Hurry up and go see His Majesty.

The navy cannot be abolished.

Your Majesty.

The sea isn't simply an ocean filled with seawater.

The sea is the people's livelihood.

It's as important as the army, it's the root of the country.

The people who depend on the sea fish for a living.

The people who live on land can't survive without the salt produced by the ocean.

Moreover, those salt farms are an important part of the Treasury.

If we abolish the navy,

the people's livelihood and the country's subsistence, who will protect them?

That's right.

The army ultimately can't play the part of the navy.

Please... reconsider it, Your Majesty.

What is the Ministry of War's stand?

What was your stand!? I asked you a question!

The Min-Ministry of War is of the same opinion as the Chief State Councillor.

Is that so?

The Office of the Inspector General and Office of Censors,

as well as the Office of Special Advisors, are all of the same view.

Everyone, you mean?

There isn't even one person who opposed it?

That's right.

I see.

Then, I'm the only one who spoke foolish words, didn't I?

Because the country's subsistence is in difficulty,

it's also possible to make that judgment in an instant.

Please don't reproach yourself too much, Your Majesty.

I asked you all to discuss it.

I never said to abolish the navy.

Since the ministers are of that opinion,

just take it that the matter was never raised.

Your Majesty. May your vassal Lee San Hae so much dare to offer you some words of advice?

Go ahead.

A word from Your Majesty,

can't be compared to a word from us vassals,

it carries more weight and authority.

Fortunately this matter

ended after discussion in court,

but if it had spread to society,

the navy's sense of loss and resistance,

and all the way to the despair of the people living along the coast,

they might be indescribably serious.

Please, in regard to matters of state,

discuss them with the ministers

and then after much deliberation voice your thoughts.

I understand. I didn't think that far.

In future I'll discuss them fully with the ministers.

You can go now.

Your Majesty's grace is boundless.

The reason I like the Chief State Councillor,

is precisely because of that.

He's not the personal vassal of one ruler.

He's the vassal of the country. What else is there to say?

Yes.

Your Majesty, were you looking for me?

Did you really, as what the Chief State Councillor had said, not have any objections either?

I...

I'll ask you one more time.

Was it really as the Chief State Councillor had said, there wasn't anyone who opposed it?

There was a view in support of abolishing the navy.

Moreover, your vassal too, had wanted to abide by Your Majesty's wish.

But?

The Chief State Councillor was furious.

He said abolishing the navy was no different from selling one's country and blew his top over it.

What? Selling one's country?

Then, aren't I the great man who nearly sold the country?

Your Majesty, that's not what I meant.

The ministers all take their cue from the Chief State Councillor.

Minister of War, whose vassal are you?

My vassal, or the Chief State Councillor's?

Your Majesty!

The high officials at court, whose vassals are they!?

Your Majesty, what's the matter?

Your Majesty?

Nothing's changed. Nothing has changed at all.

Who are you referring to?

Those ministers.

They've gone back to what they were in the past again,

teachers who reprimand and lecture me.

It's the same as in the past.

Your Majesty, please calm down.

Jeong Cheol and Yun Du Su, I should have let them off.

I was too hasty.

I shouldn't have struck them down.

But, they are people who have 'upset the dragon' (king),

they can't remain in the palace--

Your Majesty!

"Upset the dragon"?

Those words, don't I have to be a dragon in order to say that?

But dragon, what dragon am I?

I am a 'dragon', an 'earth dragon' (worm).

Your Majesty... Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Lady Pak!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Lady Pak! Quickly call the royal physician! Hurry!

Your Majesty!

Attack!

Hey, Konishi!

Don't just hide, come out yourself.

How about coming out and fighting with me?

That fellow Konishi,

to attack the rear, he's split up a part of his soldiers.

Kato has fallen for it again.

Kato has a temper.

-= Maeda Toshiie =- Kato has a temper.

-= Maeda Toshiie =- He surely won't just lose like that.

He surely won't just lose like that.

Hey, Konishi.

Don't just play petty tricks.

Hurry up, come out and fight me!

Kato!

When you've lost, admit it and step down.

Kato! Kato! Kato!

Kato! Kato!

- Konishi! Konishi! Konishi! - Kato! Kato! Kato!

Konishi! Konishi! Konishi!

Konishi is no match for Kato.

Konishi. Don't do it intentionally just because you're in front of me.

Although Konishi doesn't actively attack,

he's not that easy an opponent, Your Highness.

Is that so?

Although Kato's bravery is great,

Konishi too, is adept at Nito Ryu. (Technique of fighting with two swords, one in each hand)

Fine. Then let's have a bet. (Technique of fighting with two swords, one in each hand)

I'll bet a gwan (3.75kg) of silver on Kato. (Technique of fighting with two swords, one in each hand)

I'll bet a gwan (3.75kg) of silver on Kato. .

Ukita and Ishida, bet on Konishi.

Matashiro, who will you bet on?

Yes, I--

Never mind. You bet on Konishi.

That way I'll win everything or lose everything.

Come! Begin!

Konishi! Are you going to keep avoiding him like a rat!?

Can you capture the Joseon king like that?

Konishi,

His Highness and everyone are watching.

Let's fight fair and square.

Fine.

That fellow Konishi has a thing or two.

Kato won! Kato has come off the winner!

All of you, hurry up and bring me my silver!

As expected, Kato won.

Konishi, can you be the vanguard when you're like this?

Kato, you've already lost in the hand-to-hand combat.

If this were a real sword, it wouldn't have broken.

Your neck would have long been gone.

Your Highness.

There's a report on the situation in Joseon.

Is that so?

Joseon even discussed abolishing their navy?

Because they're financially strapped,

fortification works stopped and even the soldiers were cut.

If the country faces more difficulty,

they'll get rid of the army completely.

This is too bad.

If they had abolished the navy,

we could have landed with ease.

What are you saying?

I think it's fortunate that the navy wasn't abolished.

What?

Wh-What do you mean?

Kato.

When you fight with the enemy,

are you more thrilled crushing the enemy and taking the castle

or just entering the castle without bloodshed?

I wasn't thinking right.

Even though, Joseon has a navy of no consequence,

they should at least offer some resistance.

If they don't even have that intention,

what's the need for us to enter carrying guns and swords?

According to the elders, soldiers have to see blood to get excited.

As compared to enemies who surrender,

trampling on the corpses of enemies,

is better for the soldiers' morale.

Ishida.

Yes, Your Highness.

From the total number of soldiers assembled,

how many soldiers should be left on the mainland?

From the total of 300 000 soldiers,

for the defense of Kyoto, at least 30 000 soldiers should remain.

30 000, you say?

Fine.

Then, what about Nagoya Castle?

100 000 soldiers should be left behind as reserves.

Depending on the situation, we can either have them go to war in Joseon,

or have them defend against rebellions on the mainland, that would be good too.

100 000.

From the total of 300 000 soldiers, 170 000 can go to war in Joseon.

Konishi.

Yes, Your Highness.

After our 170 000 strong army land in Joseon,

till Joseon's capital falls,

how long will it take?

It'll vary depending on the enemy's resistance,

but taking into consideration the number of big battles we've to fight,

I estimate that it'll take about 3 months.

3 months!?

We have a big army of 170 000 and a matchlock unit.

But you say it'll take about 3 months?

Konishi, you're not riding a horse but a turtle to battle!?

No matter how weak the enemy is,

aren't there always variables on the battlefield?

I left some room in my deliberation on the time.

We'll capture the capital faster than this.

Variables on the battlefield...

Perhaps, it's to minimize your division's sacrifices.

Did you mean that?

I didn't mean that at all, Your Highness.

If you didn't mean that,

capture Joseon's capital within one and a half months.

If you can't swiftly occupy the capital,

Ming's relief forces will come in.

I'm not afraid of Ming.

There's a world's difference between fighting while in possession of the capital and without.

Aren't you well aware of it?

Yes. I'll bear it in mind, Your Highness.

If in case, you can't capture Joseon's capital in one and a half months,

you... will have to disembowel yourself.

Why aren't you replying?

You have no confidence?

I understand, Your Highness.

And by the way,

you can kill off all the Joseon people,

but don't kill the Joseon potters.

Capture and send them back alive.

I like... Joseon's pottery... very much.

Konishi.

Konishi... you'll be pressed for time.

Can you do it?

I have to try.

Even so, don't force it too much in case you injure yourself.

I'll be here to put in some good words with His Highness for you.

Don't worry too much.

As for His Highness... don't you well know he hopes I'll die in Joseon?

That's why, he's either having me die fighting,

or killing myself via disembowelment.

There's only one way for you... to survive.

Through your effort... end the war as soon as possible and return.

Then His Highness, as to you the retainer who earned the most merit,

what can he do with you?

His Highness, won't be satisfied with just Joseon.

After that, he'll attack Ming.

And, he'll send me there too.

Konishi.

The Kampaku might talk big,

but Ming is ultimately not a country that's easy to deal with.

For all we know, within suitable limits, he might negotiate.

So, please be careful not to get injured.

Did you call for me,

Kita no Mandokoro?

-= Kita no Mandokoro: Nene's official title =- Kita no Mandokoro?

-= Kita no Mandokoro: Nene's official title =- Welcome, Lord Maeda.

Welcome, Lord Maeda.

Please have some tea.

There're many retainers by His Highness' side,

but even so, the one His Highness and I trust the most,

is our old friend you, Lord Maeda.

Not at all.

Aren't there many young and loyal retainers by the both of your sides?

I'm really very worried.

Under these circumstances where there's no heir,

if His Highness the Kampaku now goes off to the war front,

will there be trouble in this country?

His Highness personally going to the war front in Joseon, are you worried about this?

Isn't he not young anymore?

On that, I'm of similar view.

I've already brought it up once,

but if you're really concerned,

I can speak to him again.

I have one more... request.

Please tell.

While His Highness is commanding the battle,

I'm worried about domestic affairs of state.

Therefore...

how about adopting Hidetsugu as a son,

-= Hidetsugu: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's nephew =- how about adopting Hidetsugu as a son,

-= Hidetsugu: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's nephew =- and having him take charge of domestic affairs?

I'm sorry,

but are you now perhaps... taking precaution against Yodo-dono giving birth to another heir,

who'll succeed to the position?

Will you help me?

For the period His Highness is directing the war, adopting a son,

and having him take charge of domestic affairs, although I too agree with it,

the issue of succeeding to the position,

is a matter only His Highness can decide.

I know, I understand.

As for what's left, I'll take care of everything.

Please just help me with adopting Hidetsugu and his taking charge of domestic affairs.

I'm relying on you, Lord Maeda.

Hidetsugu?

Yes, Your Highness.

I've to concentrate on the war of conquest,

that's not a bad idea.

Matashiro.

Yes?

Perhaps... Nene had requested that of you?

It's alright.

Just tell me.

That's right.

She's taking precaution against Yodo, isn't she?

I had thought Nene was a wise and kind person,

to think she came up with that scheme.

They're women anyway...

but, there's nothing I'm unable to understand.

Fine, Matashiro. I'll adopt Hidetsugu as my son.

I'll let him have my position from the outset.

Are you referring to your position of Kampaku?

Why? I can't?

Since I'm having him take charge of domestic affairs, shouldn't I give him real power?

Then, what about Your Highness?

I... can just be the Taiko, can't I?

-= Taiko: Retired Kampaku =- I... can just be the Taiko, can't I?

-= Taiko: Retired Kampaku =- .

-= Taiko: Retired Kampaku =- That boy Hidetsugu,

thanks to Nene, he's rising to a high position.

Yodo! Yodo!

It's not that.

You're really too much.

How long has it been since Tsurumatsu left?

I've to concentrate on the war anyway,

I've to have someone take charge of domestic affairs, don't I?

But having an unrelated person take charge makes me uneasy.

Isn't Hidetsugu my nephew?

Even so the position of Kampaku...

Yodo. Don't worry.

As long as, you can bear another heir,

at that time, the position of Kampaku, can be changed to someone else anytime.

Do you mean it?

But of course.

The one to succeed me, can only be the one with my blood.

Now, will this do?

Your Highness...

-= December, 1591 =- -= 4 months before the Imjin War =-

-= Toyotomi Hidetsugu =-

In December, 1591, Toyotomi Hidetsugu became Toyotomi Hideyoshi's adopted son

and was installed as the Kampaku.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi then took the position of Taiko.

However, Toyotomi Hideyoshi only put Hidetsugu in charge of administrative affairs

and held on to military power.

He was able to concentrate even more on the war.

However, 2 years after power became dual,

when Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Yodo had Toyotomi Hideyori,

it caused a huge problem.

Your Majesty, there's something urgent to inform you!

How many pieces of silver are there?

Yes, Your Majesty.

In total, 20 000.

Your Majesty!

He's really noisy.

Minister of Defense.

I've many things to do,

come later.

How many did you say?

Shi Xing, you! Do you want to die?

Your Majesty!

There's a revolt.

Revolt?

At Ningxia, the Mongolian Bo Bai started it.

-= Ningxia: Ming's northwestern region =- At Ningxia, the Mongolian Bo Bai started it.

-= Ningxia: Ming's northwestern region =- Without exception, Ningxia,

and many other regions, he's occupied all of them.

It's said the farmers who follow him are in the tens of thousands.

And so?

If there's a revolt,

can't you just send soldiers to suppress it?

Your-Your Majesty.

Who to send as the general,

which region's troops to send,

and also, how much military rations to send,

the decision has to be made by Your Majesty.

If I've to even do all those things,

what on earth is the Minister of Defense for?

You decide on the details.

Just report to me after they've been suppressed.

And also,

bear in mind that my assets mustn't be used for the suppression.

How many pieces of silver did you say?

Fire! Fire!

What's this sound?

Fire! Fire!

Is there a fire in the palace?

Your vassal will go find out.

Someone! Is there anyone here?

Someone! Is there anyone here!?

Your Majesty.

What's wrong?

Did you have a nightmare again?

The palace... the palace was on fire.

A very big fire.

And, there wasn't even a person around me.

Not even one.

Your Majesty.

Your consort will always be by Your Majesty's side.

Please don't worry.

And, from olden times it's been said a dream of fire is an auspicious dream.

Just like the heat of the fire,

the things Your Majesty wants to achieve will surely be successful.

Please put your mind at ease.

But...

I don't know why my heart is pounding so much.

The borders... will there be some trouble there?

What trouble?

Aren't General Sin Rip and General Lee Il making a round of the 8 provinces,

thoroughly inspecting the preparedness for war?

Your Majesty.

Please, be stout of heart.

-= Government office, Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do =-

Sir.

I've told them we'll pay them wages, I got them from the next village with difficulty.

Fine.

Quickly have them change into uniforms.

Yes, Sir.

Everyone follow me.

Everything is ready.

Is that so?

Let's have a look.

The soldiers too, match that of the military personnel record.

I'm very satisfied.

The government office's military preparedness is of the highest grade.

You call this training!?

Damn it.

You even wanted to lie about the soldiers in the military personnel record.

Do you want to die?

General!

Although it's a fact I have committed a capital crime,

this kind of thing doesn't just happen in our village.

The civilians who fled because of military service and compulsory labor,

there're dozens of them in one night.

Among the villages,

we're already better than the rest.

In any case,

as an official you didn't fulfill your responsibilities

and tried to deceive me with lies. It's a big crime.

Don't show him any personal consideration. Flog him hard!

- Yes! - Yes!

Two months before the war broke out,

the court sent Sin Rip and Lee Il to check the soldiers' preparedness.

Jingbirok had recorded that period like this.

"Generals Sin Rip and Lee Il,

were sent to the 8 provinces on a tour of inspection on military preparedness.

All they checked were bows and arrows, and spears.

Everyone also followed the rules only for forms' sake.

Furthermore, the magistrates were afraid of Sin Rip.

The expenses for entertaining him were the same as for the visit of a minister."

Your Majesty is in such a fine state, it's really the great good fortune of the country.

Thank you.

The weather's also fair, my mood became much better.

Therefore,

I wanted to play baduk with you for a long time so I called for you.

Play baduk?

In court, aren't the Chief State Councillor and Left State Councillor the best hands at it?

Teach me quick.

Yes, alright.

If you look at a person's way of playing baduk,

you can tell the person's nature.

Judging solely from your arrangement of stones at the start of the game,

Chief State Councillor your style attaches great importance to power.

What about the Left State Councillor?

Left State Councillor is a gentle person who protects his home.

How about Song Gang?

You're talking about Jeong Cheol? Isn't it obvious?

He likes to fight all-out in a dogfight.

Whether his move will be blocked or not,

he just madly attacks.

I seem to lack white stones.

If I abandon this area

and save the lower left, I'll lose, won't I?

That's right. This area is too big.

If you give it up, you'll lose.

Is that so?

Then, I'll just give it up.

Your Majesty... why did you give up the area when you still have stones left?

I didn't like this baduk game right from the arrangement of stones at the start.

I gave too much away to you.

Therefore,

I'm abandoning this game.

I'll recall these dead stones...

and start over.

Chief State Councillor, what do you think?

Your Majesty...

Although he was rude, Jeong Cheol's game was fun.

Yun Du Su's game was very interesting.

Why did you give up a game you're about to win?

Your Majesty.

Please forgive your vassal's disloyalty and rudeness.

Chief State Councillor.

Don't trust a game of power.

Once the baduk board is turned over, it's over.

I'll bear it in mind, Your Majesty.

Fine.

Your Majesty, a report has been submitted from the Jeolla Governor's Office.

Bring it over.

Sir, you...

are you now not treating this place as a drinking house but a tea house?

When I feel better, I'll buy a lot.

Don't worry.

Let's have a look.

What tea is it today?

Isn't this arrowroot?

Yes, it's arrowroot.

After the cold winter ground melts,

many people look for it.

For easing anxiety, it's helpful.

Thank you.

Spring always comes.

Sir!

Your servant's back!

You've had it tough.

So, was the Gyeong Merchants' Organization's rice safely delivered to the Left Naval District?

Yes. And there's more.

Oh... it's fantastic!

What are you talking about?

That turtle--

I'm talking about the turtle ship.

It has been completed?

Yes, almost all completed.

Sir!

Sir, long time no see!

Quickly enter the palace, His Majesty is looking for you.

You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?

A report has come from the Jeolla Governor's Office.

The contents is about Lee Sun Sin building the turtle ship.

I had clearly said,

the building of the turtle ship is to be discontinued.

What is this all about?

The country's Treasury is depleted, we had even discussed abolishing the navy,

what funds did Lee Sun Sin use to do that?

And,

if it's something that was carried out without reporting to me...

does it mean he pocketed the grains that were paid to the state as tax?

Minister, you really,

don't know about this fact?

Your Majesty.

Tell me. Aren't you the one who knows Lee Sun Sin better than anyone?

Left State Councillor, you really,

know nothing about Lee Sun Sin building the turtle ship!?

All of this...

your vassal told him to do it.

-= A special daeha drama project for the =- -= 70th year of restoration of independence =-- -= Jingbirok =-

Even if the turtle ship's to be built, shouldn't it be by my order!?

Fine, we can depart right away tomorrow.

Worrying too much is not a good thing.

Right now, at our Tsushima is a big army of 300 000 that's been prepared for invading Joseon.

Are you now saying it's war?

He must have a reason for saying there'll be war.

Prime Minister!

We're going to subjugate them, order them to prepare the troops!

My proud brothers,

everything conquered over there will all become yours!