Original subtitles

-=Episode 17=- .

-=Episode 17=- They say his insistence on royal flight ruined the country.

They say his insistence on royal flight ruined the country.

There's an appeal to dismiss Chief State Councillor Lee San Hae.

How can it be the responsibility of the Chief State Councillor alone that the country has been ruined?

If at the outset we didn't insist there wouldn't be a war,

we would have made preparations for it.

If preparations for war had been made,

this day where the vassals and I have to take royal flight wouldn't have come.

If all quarters are to charge Lee San Hae with the crime,

for Ryu Seong Ryong who backed Gim Seong Il's view too,

wouldn't it be fair to charge him for that crime?

Hence... Chief State Councillor Lee San Hae together with...

Left State Councillor Ryu Seong Ryong too will be dismissed from their positions.

Your Majesty,

your grace is boundless.

What?

Are you now mocking me?

Criminal Ryu Seong Ryong, caused the country to be in this state, I've committed a huge crime.

How can I be in the highest position?

But, Your Majesty has charged your vassal for my crime and dismissed me from office, I abide by it with joy.

So... I shouldn't at all be in my position too?

Your Majesty.

How can you utter such extreme words?

Right now he's saying that,

I caused the country to be in this state,

how could I brazenly be in this position, isn't he criticizing me for that?

Your Majesty, your vassal was merely ashamed of myself over that and felt guilty.

How would I dare think rudely of Your Majesty?

No, no.

That was not what you meant!

What should I do that would be fitting?

Abdicate in favor of the crown prince right now?

Would that do?

If that's so, I'll abdicate in favor of the crown prince right now!

Your Majesty! Please calm down!

Your Majesty, the fate of the country depends on you!

Strengthening your resolve and uniting the hearts of the people is not enough,

how could you utter such weak words!?

The former kings are looking directly at Your Majesty.

Step down immediately.

Your Majesty, Chief State Councillor Lee San Hae is this country's prime minister,

his crime is so great to the extent that no one else's can be compared.

He should be removed from office and sent into exile.

All the high officials also advocate that.

Please do that.

-=Gim Eung Nam (Minister of War)=-

Do it.

Does it feel futile?

I'm a criminal, isn't it a matter of course?

Just that, at a time to overcome the national crisis,

I'm unable to even have the chance to contribute a thing.

I feel bad.

If you're still alive,

won't there be chances?

Will there?

I'm more worried that under these circumstances,

there'll be another change in the political situation.

They should join forces without any selfish motives... to overcome this crisis.

Now... you'll take over as the Left State Councillor.

Your vassal Yun Du Su, until Your Majesty returns to the capital again, I'll give my all.

Thank you.

Your Majesty, Lee Deok Hyeong has come.

Quickly come in, why did it take so long?

So, did you meet that person called Konishi Yukinaga?

Rather than that Your Majesty... Hanyang... has been taken by the Wae enemy!

When was that!?

They arrived south of the Han River yesterday

and entered the city this morning.

Then, the Han River line of defense and the capital,

collapsed in less than a day!?

It didn't collapse.

Supreme Field Commander Gim Myeong Won and Deputy Supreme Field Commander Sin Gak,

and that Commander of the Defending Army, Lee Yang Won,

when the Wae enemy appeared south of the Han River,

they didn't even think of fighting... and just fled.

How can there be such pathetic fellows!?

Chief Royal Secretary.

Yes, Your Majesty?

From Hanyang to here, it's a day?

That's right.

No, no. If they ride horses,

it only takes 4-6 hours, doesn't it?

Your Majesty, please calm down.

What are you doing? Hurry, hurry up and prepare for royal flight.

What are you doing!? I told you to hurry up and prepare for royal flight!

-=Hanyang=-

Eat heartily.

Yes, General.

General,

Lord Ukita sent this.

Don't advance further.

Until I enter the city, wait there for me.

And, have those Joseon people who fled return to the capital.

Carry out people-centered politics.

They'll in future, be requisitioned as soldiers and forced laborers.

Good timing, we're not in any state to advance immediately anyway.

How much military rations are left?

Enough to eat for about half a month.

Then, give away about 3 days' worth of rations... to the Joseon people.

Have them return to the capital.

Yes, understood.

And, Master,

find a prisoner who can write.

"We came for the sake of saving the Joseon people who're suffering from tyranny,

we won't harm them in any way."

"Don't hide and return immediately, live in peace."

Have him write such notices and let them know to return.

Yes, understood.

Konishi!

Kato, you're very late.

It was you, right?

What are you talking about?

Don't feign innocence!

The boats south of the river, you disposed of all of them!

When I sent a scout,

there were obviously 20 boats!

When the main army arrived... they had all vanished.

Such a dirty move, who else can it be but you!

Look here, Kato.

I learnt a saying after I came to Joseon,

it applies to this situation.

"In the eyes of a dog, it can only see poop".

What!?

General, please calm down!

Let go!

Konishi!

Let go, you!

Kato!

Why can't you think that the Joseon army got rid of them when they fled?

And, when you lose, quietly admit it.

Don't be embarrassing to no end in front of the subordinates.

Eat your food!

Konishi... just you wait and see, Konishi...

It's not over yet.

Koichi!

Prepare to pursue the Joseon king right away!

Yes!

You can't do that!

This is Commander-in-Chief, Lord Ukita's order.

You... aren't my match.

The foolish fellow...

This is a notice saying they're giving away rice!

Can we believe this?

I don't know, after drawing us out, will they kill us?

Go and we die, stay here we starve to die, isn't it the same?

Look here! Look here!

At that village over there, the Wae army is really giving away rice!

Really?

Alright, let's go!

Hurry! Go, go!

Come, come quickly.

Here.

Have lots.

What are you now saying?

-=Gim Su (Governor of Gyeongsang-do)=- What are you now saying?

-=Gim Su (Governor of Gyeongsang-do)=- The W-Wae army is front of our building?

The W-Wae army is front of our building?

Yes.

They say they're surrendering and are looking for the governor.

Surrender!? Does that make any sense?

I am the Governor of Gyeongsang-do, Gim Su.

Who are you?

I am... vanguard commander of the Japanese Army's 2nd Division led by Kato Kiyomasa, Sayaka.

The 3 000 members of our vanguard unit, have come to surrender to the Joseon army.

Please... accept us.

Your surrender, how are we to believe you?

The entire Japanese army is going north.

Why else would we alone return here again?

Please... believe us.

You're... trying to deceive us.

We'll... engage in a fight to the death here.

Get in if you dare.

Now, do you believe us?

I really don't understand.

What is your reason for surrendering?

Did you commit some capital offense at your camp?

Nothing of that sort.

We had... thought that when the long civil war ended, we could return to our hometowns,

but, we were mobilized again.

It's now not even on Japanese soil, we've been dragged off to die in a war in Joseon and even Ming.

We don't... want to be dragged into this brutal war... and die anymore.

This is really... Fine.

But, this isn't something I can decide on my own.

I'll inform the court, await the reply.

Thank you.

Kato Kiyomasa's 2nd Division, left vanguard, Sayaka,

considered the Imjin War as an illegal war of invasion by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Not long after landing in Joseon,

he surrendered with the 3 000 soldiers under him.

Thereafter, not only with the Joseon army,

with Gwak Jae U etc, together with the Righteous Army, he distinguished himself in battle.

Seonjo made him a senior 2nd rank Jeongheon Daebu

and bestowed on him the name 'Gim Chung Seon'.

Furthermore, Joseon through Sayaka, for the most threatening Japanese matchlock guns and bullets,

they were instructed in their manufacture and use by him.

The Wae enemies are giving away rice

to draw the people into returning to the capital.

They didn't inflict any harm on them.

Because of that, the people hiding in the mountains,

most of them have returned home.

What on earth are the Wae enemies thinking?

It's a typical occupation policy.

First of all, settle public sentiment,

-=Ryu Seong Ryong (Lord of Pungwon)=- First of all, settle public sentiment,

-=Ryu Seong Ryong (Lord of Pungwon)=- dampen the possibility of resistance or provocation beforehand

dampen the possibility of resistance or provocation beforehand

and after they appear, requisition them for forced laborers and soldiers.

Aigoo! The fools don't even know that!

Even if that's true, but...

the Wae enemy didn't immediately send part of their soldiers to pursue the royal carriage, it's strange.

That's because the enemy had also suffered a certain amount of damage.

Welcome back, it's been very tough on you.

I heard from my father-in-law.

Please remain firm in your beliefs.

What else need a criminal say?

Finish what you were saying.

The Wae enemy had also suffered considerable damage?

The 1st Division led by Konishi Yukinaga,

at the battle of Tangeumdae with General Sin Rip, although he won,

he lost almost half his fighting force.

Also, the 2nd Division led by Kato Kiyomasa too,

I'm not clear about it,

but when they entered Hanyang,

the number of soldiers had become considerably less.

Isn't it because they station soldiers at each district they passed through?

Since they didn't station hundreds or thousands,

there must be another reason.

I don't know what they're planning,

in any case, it's provided us with the time to reorganize our forces,

it's a fortunate thing.

But, His Majesty is taking royal flight again.

-=Gaeseong, government office=- .

-=Gaeseong, government office=- Let's prepare for royal flight.

But His Majesty has already told the people here he'll defend Gaeseong, he's made his intention known.

We have no choice,

-=Yun Du Su (Left State Councillor)=- We have no choice,

-=Yun Du Su (Left State Councillor)=- the enemy is too close.

The royal carriage has to shift to Pyeongyang.

What the Left State Councillor said is right, the enemy is too close.

The enemy is at the capital and hasn't yet to make a move?

I fear that with too hasty a royal flight... public sentiment will be disaffected again.

Fourth Minister-without-Portfolio's view too, it's not that I don't understand it,

the enemy not making a move, perhaps it's to have us relax and let our guard down.

I'm worried it's a trick for a surprise attack.

That's right.

Supposing we let our guard down according to the enemy's ruse

and if this place is besieged by them,

this country will be finished.

We have to go to Pyeongyang and keep the enemy at a distance.

Come, quickly prepare for the royal flight, hurry!

You can't do that!

Look here.

With your dismissal status, how can you come to a place where state affairs are discussed?

Although he doesn't have an official position,

he's still someone who received, for his distinguished service in the Jonggye Byeonmu,

a senior 1st rank and the title of 'Lord of Pungwon'.

He can take part, can't he?

Minister of War, how's our army?

Presently in Hwanghae-do and Pyeongan-do,

we've received reports that about 9 000 soldiers have been gathered.

Governor of Jeolla-do Lee Gwang is leading 40 000 here.

Don't we still have more?

What?

The soldiers defending the Han River and the capital,

4 500 of them retreated without even a fight.

Can't we use them?

No report has yet come from them.

We're not sure where they are.

They'll come soon.

If that's the case,

we have a total of around 55 000 soldiers.

Can't we give it a shot?

Never mind the fact we abandoned the capital without even the will to fight,

are we now even going to abandon Gaeseong?

In that case, can you blame the generals who fled when the Wae enemy appeared?

Look here, Lord of Pungwon, watch your words!

I too want to go right away and take up arms, throwing my entire body into battle.

However, it doesn't matter if we die fighting,

but we've to think of His Majesty.

His Majesty is the fate of this country.

If His Majesty is captured by the enemy,

this country is finished!

How can you know the outcome of a battle?

His Majesty has to keep a safe distance from the enemy at all times!

How long do you intend to flee?

Keep going and going until some day you go over into Ming?

Lord of Pungwon, what exactly do you mean by that?

You're now talking as if... the king will abandon this country!

What's the reason for installing a crown prince?

Isn't it for His Majesty to resist the enemy to the end

and if anything happens,

the crown prince takes over as the country's successor?

What? His Majesty is still around,

how can you say that?

There is a crown prince,

so His Majesty can die in battle fighting the enemy and it's alright!?

Left State Councillor, don't distort the meaning.

My ears can't have been clogged!

Why is everyone like this!?

The country is now in distress,

how can we fight among ourselves!?

I beg you! Please, calm down!

It's cowardly...

Really cowardly!

"Cowardly"?

Yes, that word, isn't he referring to His Majesty?

He was dismissed from office, looks like he now has a death wish.

Please inform His Majesty, have him bestow poison on Ryu Seong Ryong,

or banish him.

Nunim, what's the matter? (nunim - respected older sister)

You're really a dunce, such a dunce.

Wh-what?

When all the court ministers ignored the Wae enemy's warning,

only Ryu Seong Ryong tried making preparations for war.

If the king had even listened to his words,

we wouldn't be in this tragic a situation.

Then, what you mean is His Majesty made a mistake?

The court ministers without exception, I too was wrong.

His Majesty too was wrong.

What?

But more importantly...

the king too, admits that he's wrong in his heart.

Is that... true?

The king who is more intelligent than anyone,

how can he not know that?

Only... he's well aware that...

the instant he admits his mistake before the people and ministers,

his authority and dignity will plummet to the ground.

That's why Lee San Hae became a scapegoat.

That... that... it's like that?

Although it's a fact that Ryu Seong Ryong ties His Majesty down on each and every matter,

still, if Ryu Seong Ryong who looked ahead into the future and tried to make defensive preparations leaves,

His Majesty's situation will be really difficult and lonely.

His Majesty also knows... although Ryu Seong Ryong is like a thorn in his side,

for overcoming the current national crisis he's completely indispensable.

Someday, he'll definitely send him away,

but it's not now.

Ryu Seong Ryong opposes it?

That's right.

Attendant, have Ryu Seong Ryong come right away!

Yes, Your Majesty.

You summoned me, Your Majesty?

Let me ask you one question.

Do you really... think I'm a cowardly ruler?

Your Majesty.

Answer me.

Do you really think I am...

when there're soldiers and time to defend against the Wae enemy I disregard that,

a pathetic ruler who'll only flee?

If circumstances permit yet you take royal flight,

in the future, historians will all record you as such.

Look here, Lord of Pungwon! How can you say such absurd things!?

Lower your voice, Left State Councillor.

I too agree with the Lord of Pungwon.

If I too saw that kind of ruler,

I would condemn him as a pathetic ruler.

Your Majesty!

But this refers to... circumstances where we can defend against the Wae enemy yet we disregard it

and flee in fear.

Of course.

Likewise your vassal, believes we can defend against the Wae enemy under the current circumstances,

that's why I said those words.

Take a look.

That's a report that just arrived.

Lee Gwang, on hearing news that the capital had fallen,

he turned back his troops and fled, the content is on that.

Your Majesty, is that true!?

The Concurrent Mobile Inspector is this pathetic,

am I really,

a pathetic ruler who flees when circumstances permit a fight?

Your Majesty!

Outwardly, they pretend to care for the country,

but in reality, when a crisis occurs, regardless of what happens to the king,

they only look for a way to save themselves.

They say I abandoned the people.

Take a look at the people who set fire to the palace.

If they had thought that some day I would return again to fight the Wae enemy,

how could they have done that?

They... blackened my name for abandoning them

and took the opportunity to steal the royal family's effects and ran off, the thieves!

The people, the people, the people!

Those people became thieves

and abandoned me!

Left State Councillor, prepare for royal flight right away!

Lord of Pungwon.

Your Royal Highness.

I understand your heart.

But, please don't irritate His Majesty too much.

We have to face a big enemy, I'm worried we'll lose you.

Your Royal Highness.

I don't know about others,

Sir, you must stay.

You must stay by His Majesty's side.

Your Royal Highness.

Be sure to deliver it to Lee Gwang.

Yes.

On your way, there'll be enemies everywhere.

I'm sorry.

- You must come back alive. - Yes, Sir.

At that time, Joseon's hope was,

the 40 000 strong army led by the concurrent mobile inspector of Jeolla-do, Lee Gwang.

However, Lee Gwang who heard news that Hanyang had fallen turned back his army.

It was an urgent thing to make him head north again.

-=Nagoya=-

Have they occupied Joseon's capital by now?

They should have.

Who won?

Naturally, our Japanese army--

That's not what I meant.

Was it Konishi or Kato?

Yes...

All things considered, Konishi who's good with tricks should have won.

No, did Kato win by going for it with power?

It might have been a tie.

What do you mean by that?

One of the two might have entered Hanyang first,

but if... the Joseon king had escaped beforehand,

no one can be said to have won, can they?

What are you saying!?

A king either dies fighting or surrenders.

How can he run away?

How can that kind of person be called a king!?

That is... in our Japan.

Aren't Joseon's customs different from ours?

Is that so?

In any case,

it's a matter of time before we capture the Joseon king.

If we take Joseon's capital,

that is no different from having conquered the whole of Joseon.

Ishida.

Yes.

When the report on the taking of Joseon's capital comes,

you'll go to Joseon right away.

Go and implement the occupation policies we've prepared

and immediately make preparations to attack Ming.

Why don't you answer?

Your Highness.

The soldiers will be too exhausted.

After we conquer Joseon, don't we need a year anyway,

to requisition troops in Joseon and gather military rations?

So, let the soldiers rest.

Ishida!

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you trying to ruin my great dream!?

Your Highness.

Your vassal was only thinking of the troops' morale.

Stupid fellow.

My dream is not Joseon land, how many times do I have to say it!?

However much a tiger's teeth have fallen out,

how would I not know that Ming is a great power?

However, now is the best opportunity to attack Ming.

The emperor doesn't care about affairs of state,

there's a rebel army of tens of thousands,

Liaodong... is beyond Ming's influence.

But, what did you say?

Rest for a year?

Ishida.

You who grew up by my side from childhood,

although I hold you dear...

if you upset my grand plans with those foolish words...

your body... north, south, east, west... they wouldn't be able to find it anywhere.

Your Highness...

your vassal wasn't thinking properly.

Please forgive me.

Today, is His Highness coming to my bedchamber for sure?

Yes.

Kita no Mandokoro.

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

Sit.

I heard His Highness is coming to your bedchamber.

Yes.

Do you intend to ruin His Highness' great cause?

What?

Right now, externally, he's personally conquering the continent,

internally, through Kampaku Hidetsugu, he's administering domestic affairs,

at this important time...

if by a stroke of luck you give birth to a baby boy,

this country, over the problem of the successor,

wouldn't it sink into huge turmoil?

I don't quite know those things.

I just... only want to serve His Highness with devotion.

His Highness the Taiko... his body isn't just his, Yodo.

Take this twice a day.

You're not accepting it?

You can't do that.

Listen carefully, Nene.

My wish is,

on the vast continent that I've conquered,

to ride horses together with my son, galloping to our hearts' content.

It's not with my nephew Hidetsugu, but with my son.

My son!

Your Highness!

Do you understand, Nene?

Joseon? You're saying Wae is now invading Joseon?

Yes.

I heard it's already been a month.

Your Majesty.

Are you really going to install Consort Wang's son... as the crown prince?

Why are you like that again?

Don't all the ministers... want to install Consort Wang's son as the crown prince?

Don't you well know how I think?

I... don't like Changluo.

The only crown prince I have in mind...

is the son I had with you, Consort Jeong, Changxun.

But, the ministers...

Don't worry.

If the ministers continue to insist,

I'll just not install any crown prince.

I'll just confer a princely title

and continue to defer it.

Your Majesty.

Alright, alright.

Your Majesty. Minister of Defense, Shi Xing, has come.

That damn Shi Xing.

I'm extremely tired.

Come back later!

Did you hear that?

Please go back.

Your Majesty, Wae has invaded Joseon!

We've to swiftly take measures!

Your Majesty! Your Ma--

My ears are not deaf.

Stop shouting.

What? What did you say about Joseon?

The Wae army had a month ago... invaded Joseon.

In any case, I knew it.

You knew?

Didn't I say at the beginning?

From the time or other when Joseon sent envoys to Wae,

I had said the two of them were conspiring to attack our Ming.

Hasn't Joseon explained that?

It wasn't an explanation, it was an excuse to deceive us.

Your Majesty.

Joseon is not that dishonorable a country.

Shi Xing.

Did you receive a bribe from Joseon?

Why, when Joseon is mentioned, do you always,

speak that much in defense of them?

That's not my intention.

Immediately send the army and wipe out the two.

Your Majesty.

Where would we now have the troops to send to Joseon?

We've yet to suppress the rebellion started by Bo Bai,

we don't have enough troops to send.

What?

We still haven't been able to kill Bo Bai?

I thought he's already dead.

We've continued to attack the fortress,

but their troops' supply, their military rations are definitely inadequate.

Is that so?

Your Majesty.

So for the matter of Joseon,

first of all, Military Commissioner Lin Shilu, send him to Joseon,

it would be good for him to take a good, precise look at the situation.

There's nothing else we can do. Do that then.

Your Majesty's grace is boundless.

-=Gaeseong, government office=- .

-=Gaeseong, government office=- Your Majesty, we're ready to leave.

The Royal Noble Consort, Prince Sinseong and Prince Jeongwon, have they all been sent off?

Yes, Lee Hang Bok is attending on them. Please don't worry.

But Your Majesty, for Lee San Hae, we'll just directly banish him here.

Left State Councillor, although Lee San Hae's crime is huge,

he suggested royal flight first only out of loyalty to me.

He'll go to Pyeongyang with us and we'll send him away there.

Towards a prime minister, isn't this the etiquette?

I will do so.

Escort the royal carriage!

Look here, what are you still doing here?

What?

Everyone has left.

I'm sorry. I didn't get ready, I forgot about it.

Hurry up and pack your bags.

Sir!

Don't do this, please go first.

After I'm packed, I'll follow suit.

You... everyone has left,

there's this much baggage, how are you going to pack them by yourself?

Cut the small talk, hurry up and pack the bags.

Sir... your servant is sorry.

Give that bag to me and go in front.

Look here, Artillery Maker.

This baggage I'm carrying can't be carried by someone else.

This is not a burden, it's a treasure that'll rescue the country.

How can I treat it as a burden?

Right now, the baggages you and I are carrying

are the most precious treasures in the world.

Although times might be adverse,

I'm happier than anyone.

Sir.

-=Geumgyo Post Station: Today's Geumcheon County, Hwanghae-do=-

Your Majesty.

Your vassal brewed the cinnamon I brought.

Thank you.

Don't you resent me?

How could a criminal harbor such thoughts?

All things in this world have their uses.

That use will end one day,

it's the law of nature.

For your vassal, it's the same too.

Your Majesty.

I have one last request.

Go ahead.

In short, please don't abandon Ryu Seong Ryong.

The reason why this country became this forlorn,

is because we were caught up in justifications.

For the sake of having the people lead lives of abundance,

to enhance the country's wealth and military strength,

as compared to justifications, we should choose actual benefits.

Your vassal had supported royal flight, also because I had considered actual benefit over justification.

Right now most of the ministers are still obsessed with justifications,

but only Ryu Seong Ryong adopts a balance between justifications and actual benefits.

For overcoming the present difficulties,

he's an indispensable person.

Please...

this request of an old vassal who'll be leaving Your Majesty's side,

please don't take it lightly.

-=Left Jeolla-do Naval Headquarters, government office=-

We don't even have enough troops to defend our naval base,

to support the Gyeongsang naval base as well, it can't be done.

That's right.

We could be attacked while our base is empty.

On the matter of defending against the Wae enemy, how can we make a distinction between bases?

If we break the brunt of the enemy's attack,

we're putting them out as much.

The defense of our base too, it'll naturally be realized.

Correct, I think so too.

-=Song Hui Rip=- Correct, I think so too.

Strengthen the country's defense then attack the enemy.

This is the basics of military strategy.

Forget military strategy!

For now, everything's being trampled upon,

-=Jeong Un (Lesser Garrison Commander of Nokdo)=- For now, everything's being trampled upon,

-=Jeong Un (Lesser Garrison Commander of Nokdo)=- if we just take care of our base, what's the use!?

if we just take care of our base, what's the use!?

However, please think of our troop strength.

General, the views are divided.

You'll have to personally go and decide.

Listen carefully.

-=Lee Sun Sin (Left Jeolla Naval Commander)=- Listen carefully.

-=Lee Sun Sin (Left Jeolla Naval Commander)=- From now on, the area we're defending...

From now on, the area we're defending...

is Joseon's ocean... just that.

All ships, prepare to go to war.

-=Next Episode Preview=-

We can't just sit around like this.

We should go to war.

Joseon still has a general who can fight against us?

Sin Gak lost the will to fight the Wae enemy and is in hiding.

It's a royal order to execute you!

From what I see, Sin Gak is a person of loyalty.

Gyeonggi-do, which includes Hanyang, I'll take charge of it.

I'll go to Pyeongan-do.

Hamgyeong-do.

They're obviously hatching another plot.

I'll bury my bones here.

Your Majesty has made a brave decision.

I'll definitely defeat the Wae enemy and return to the capital with all of you.

You can't give the people false hope.