Original subtitles

Episode 12

Is this saying that

Busan Castle fell to the Japanese army?

That is correct, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Dongrae (the Central part of Busan) has also already fallen.

The entire Joseon army has been annihilated, Your Majesty.

Halt!

I am Gwang Hae.

Is it true that Busan Castle has been captured by the Japanese invaders?

Yes.

In only four hours, the castle fell and three thousand men and the Royal Army died.

Dongrae fell next ...

I can't believe it ... in only four hours everything was overrun?

What the hell was our army doing?

They were no match for the overwhelming force of the Japanese army.

A countless multitude of ships arrived,

each loaded with scores of soldiers equipped to kill us.

How could you all be mute?

"Majesty, please give us permission."

"Please be understanding."

Unlike your usual selves, weren't you the ones who informed me?

How could it be that the cat got everyone's tongue?

Where is he, give me an answer Chief Councillor?

"The Japanese foe can't harm us." Weren't we easily going to take them on?

The Japanese invaders that you considered as mud came thick and fast!

An army of hundreds of thousands of soldiers had already invaded.

Your Majesty, please execute us.

Please execute us.

Sins which have endangered the very existence of the country surely deserve death.

Putting you to death won't solve the problem.

Before asking for atonement,

it is urgent that we halt the horrific advance of the Japanese invasion.

Prepare a countermeasure.

Did you just say we're at war?

The stinking smell of blood has completely engulfed Busan and Gyeongnam, and now Yangsan.

Everything now is the fault of that knave of a king!

It's because that inept king is sitting there that war has broken out!

Your Highness, the King has summoned the Mayor of Seoul Lord Sin Rip.

That's good.

Lord Sin Rip was the commander

who defeated the 10,000 Jurchen soldiers with 500 of the best soldiers.

I am going to meet with him now.

Isn't this a piece of iron?

(Sin Rip, Mayor of Seoul)

Yes. It's a bullet for the matchlock which are used by the Japanese soldiers.

The matchlock is so dangerous a weapon it will turn the tide of war.

I think because of this weapon, up to now, the Joseon Army is crumbling so easily.

I heard you are going down to Choongjoo to stop the Japanese invaders,

and I have come because I wanted you to know in advance about this rifle.

Because as a young prince, you have come out of worry for the country,

you are indeed praiseworthy.

My body has been in and out of battle for decades.

I have the elite cavalry which defeated the Jurchen army of 10,000.

Within a few days the enemy will be quelled.

I see a high nose and cheekbones.

It is obvious he is armed with wonderful courage and an intrepid spirit but

he is very obstinate.

Sir, are you considering the use of the cavalry?

I have heard that Tangeumdae in Choongjoo is a swamp full of rice paddies.

How will you be able to deploy the cavalry in such a place?

What does a young prince who has never once been on the battlefield know about anything?

At the risk of being rude, I have come

because the 8000 men you lead

are the last hope of Joseon.

A prince who is still wet behind the ears should not worry and

wait in comfort for the victory.

As the Appointed Special Military Commander for the Three Provinces,

go to Choongjoo , and stop the Japanese

until not even a single one can enter the capital.

I accept your command and I will defeat the Japanese invaders in a single stroke.

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Your Majesty.

How could this child's complexion be so pale? Is she skipping meals?

I am given enough to eat.

It is that I am not eating.

So, have you thought it over?

Whether you ask me ten times or one hundred times, I have only one answer.

I would rather be sent away as a slave than to stay here.

We are now at war.

What?

If a war has broken out ...

The Japanese have invaded.

Pardon?

It is safer here than to be outside.

I'll consider your future more deliberately.

What is your intention?

Her Majesty doesn't seem to a person who would imprison someone.

What is the real reason that you have confined me here?

I want to know.

If I tell you, will you quitely follow my wishes?

Yes, I am not keeping you here simply because of the royal command.

When your feelings are settled, I will tell you gradually.

I don't believe in face-reading.

If a person's life is already determined by his face,

what could be as cruel as that?

Also, I think even if a woman with a great face is with the king,

because of that I don't think there will be any change for the country.

However, when I first allowed Lady-in-waiting Hong to be a concubine to the King,

it seemed to soothe his tension.

I thought that was fortunate from the start.

Of course, Your Majesty.

I have brought the daughter of the Lord Kim Doo Seo, who was executed under the King's command, into the palace.

Is Ga Hee now in the palace?

Is that child really the one the King needs?

I'm asking if that child can calm the King like Lady Hong did.

Naturally, Your Majesty.

If you place Lady Ga Hee in the same place,

the king's anxiety, of course, will be calmed,

In addition, the country will become brighter because of that.

And it can also check the power of Her Highness Lady Kim.

It will raise the stability of the royal family.

Be careful how you speak.

I apologize.

Your Majesty, where is Lady Ga Hee now?

Lord Jeong, what is it?

This is what Sin Rip left for you when he was leaving to go to Choongjoo.

Prince Gwang Hae, I'm going to leave for Tangeumdae tomorrow.

I do know that Joseon's future depends on this battle.

I had an unwilled war of words with you that day,

but I'm happy beyond measure to know there's someone like you in the royal family.

The day that I return to the capital with the news of the victory that you're waiting for,

please give me a chance to share some wine with you.

Did you tell Sin Rip that Tangeumdae's geography is disadvantageous for a cavalry battle?

I did.

Lord Sin Rip knows it very well but,

our troops are poorly trained.

Rather than retreat he is determined to be a victor or to die.

The court truly believes that Sin Rip will defeat the Japanese invaders right away.

However, I do know it's not that easy.

They say it's 8,000 soldiers,

but they are untrained ragtag soldiers who just joined the army.

We must win this battle.

Otherwise, the capital will fall next.

If we lose the battle,

Joseon's future will literally be a lamp which is being extinguished.

We're at a critical moment for which the King's decision is very important.

Now it seems like you truly care about this country, Lord Jeong.

It's the natural duty of a nobleman.

Chief Eunuch.

Yes.

What will happen if Sin Rip loses the battle?

The enemy will attack here in a flash.

Your Majesty, there are many brave generals in Joseon.

They will certainly win this war.

If I die by the Japanese invader's sword like this,

it will be dangerous for the life and death of this nation.

Therefore, there's only one way.

A flight from the palace is the only way.

Your Majesty!

I think I need to install the crown prince.

Sin Seong.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You're 15 years old now.

Since I took the crown when I was 16,

you're old enough to take responsibility for the royal family and the country.

You should know that the whole country is in misery because of war.

Sin Seong, can you help me to overcome this crisis?

Certainly, I will help Your Majesty with all my strength.

Your Majesty, are you...

I will announce Sin Seong as the crown prince soon,

and hold a grand ceremony.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! I will do my best!

From now on you should pay particular attention to your conduct in everything

as the biological mother of the Crown Prince.

Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind.

Also...

we will leave this city if Sin Rip loses the battle in Choongjoo.

You should know that and get ready.

Your Majesty, what do you mean we will leave?

To where?

Are you saying that we're going to flee from the royal palace?

I will stand by your side.

Don't worry, Your Majesty.

This is top secret, so be careful not to reveal it to anyone.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Majesty.

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Your Highness!

Come out!

Not you!

Your Highness, I knew you wouldn't give up on me.

Are you Jang Soo Tae?

Yes, yes, Your Highness! I am Jang Soo Tae.

Can you please... take me out of here?

I heard that you have a pretty big business.

Do you perhaps run a business in Pyongyang as well?

Of course, I do!

I do have a very stable branch there!

Then if I take you to Pyongyang,

you and your business can be helpful.

Sure thing!

But... why do you ask me that?

It's nothing. I will make them release you soon.

Thank you so much!

I will pay for your kindness!

You will have to pay back right away.

- Did you say royal refuge? - Sh!

Lower your voice.

Haven't you learned anything even after you spent time in jail?

You're now becoming the uncle of the Crown Prince.

If you make the same mistake again, I will be the one punishing you.

I will be extra cautious with my behavior from now on.

Get ready to leave secretly.

You should pack thoroughly since we don't know when we can return.

Especially, restrain your tongue.

Yes, I will.

See here!

Your Highness.

I came to see Kim Ga Hee.

She is... not here now.

Then where is she?

Your Highness, please wait for a moment.

Your Highness.

Where in the world is Ga Hee?

I will personally go see her, so tell me where I can meet her.

She went to Mount Myohyang.

Mount Myohyang?

In case you come here...

she left this for you.

Your Highness, I'm leaving this city.

I'm heading to a place that is disconnected from the world,

deep in the mountains.

I was so happy to see you again.

While I'm living this life, someday

we might run into each other once.

I will pray for you to

achieve your goal for sure.

Ga Hee... how can you...

Your Highness, what happened?

Ga Hee went to Mount Myohyang.

♬ Even if it pains me to death ♬

Your Highness, you can't find her even if you go now.

Move.

Your Highness, we're at war!

You're going to leave the capital at a time like this?

♬ That one word, because I couldn't say it to you ♬

It's good that she went to deep in the mountain.

♬ That one step that I didn't take to get closer to you. ♬

You're right.

♬ I can see you before my eyes... ♬

It will be a lot safer there.

♬ As my tears flow down ♬

I hope she will be well. ♬ I realize that I miss you even more ♬

♬ My love ♬

Joseon's peaceful reign that continued for 200 hundred years,

is about to stop under my rule.

If Sin Rip can't defeat the Japanese invaders in Choongjoo,

this capital city will be devastated as well.

I had so many opportunities to prevent a war but

why did you cover my eyes and ears?

Pardon me all to hell, Your Majesty.

Please kill me.

I'm not trying to hold you responsible now.

In the whole world,

I've seen animals without a leg or a wing but they still survived.

But I've never seen an animal without a head.

Chief Minister, we need to avoid the cloud burst

if we are to save this country, Joseon. Don't you think?

You're right, Your Majesty.

There isn't any better way is there?

However...

that is not...

If I fall at the hand of the invaders, that means

this country will be gone.

We need to think about the future...

what do you think?

The royal refuge....

is that what you mean Your Majesty?

Did you say " royal refuge"?

The King's leaning toward that idea.

How can we disobey the King?

So, I called you today

to discuss what we must do for the future.

Lord, if this fact leaks out and is known to the public,

the hearts of the people will be in chaos.

That's why...

the people gathered here must not speak about it at all.

The subject must never

know about the royal refuge.

Did you just say "Royal refuge"?

Yes.

I was suspicious that the Chief Minister didn't let anyone in,

so I heard the talk through the wall.

I clearly heard them say the royal refuge.

The so-called king thinks of running away first...

how pathetic.

Leader.

Ga Hee went to Mount Myohyang.

She left without telling you because

she knew you would be worried.

She asked me to take care of you.

Did she tell you when she will be back?

No, she didn't.

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Royal refuge...

He shouldn't have been a king in the first place.

I've waited for this day for a long time.

He was ineligible to be king from the start.

Your Highness, what's wrong?

This is so weird.

How come the palace seems so empty?

There's no guard to protect the palace.

General Sin Rip took 8,000 soldiers when he left to Choongjoo,

so we don't have enough soldiers to protect the palace.

This is where the King and the Queen reside.

Even though that is the case, isn't the security too lax?

I placed slaves that belong to the government, who never learned how to use the sword,

but they all ran away

when they heard we're at war.

Sir, why are you sending me all the way to Pyongyang?

Don't you know how I feel that I have to send you away?

I'll follow you soon, so endure loneliness.

It's full of silver buillion.

They are like my life, so protect them well.

Did you just say the royal refuge?

Yes. The high ranked officials are already

busy preparing to flee secretly.

In case General Sin Rip loses the battle in Choongjoo,

they are truly ready to leave the capital.

The reason Royal Consort Kim was interested in Pyongyang...

now I know.

They are shameless people.

They're keeping it as a secret to the subjects but want to survive alone

I'm sorry.

I wasn't talking about His Majesty.

Even though the king decided to abandon his subjects,

the subjects perform their duties.

Therefore, the king is almost always

surrounded by people.

The sudatorium [sweat bath] ... the King goes there every night.

It's the only time the King is alone.

There is no one else except a couple of maids.

If I can pass the entrance of the building which is protected by the royal guards,

inside, the sudatorium is defenseless.

That's the only chance to kill the King.

That means,

I need someone that can pass through the entrance with me

so I can meet the King.

It is time to go stand by the King now.

It is a destiny that you can't avoid.

That is where you are supposed to be.

You're the only one who can embrace the King's twisted mind.

Elder, having the Prince in my heart is

also my destiny.

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I won't be dragged by any kind of destiny.

I will choose my own path.

This is too bad.

I missed it by a second.

What are you talking about?

I've been worried about this country's misfortune.

I finally found a woman who will make the King's physiognomy complete,

but I was one step behind.

I heard that you brought the Royal Consort Hong (junior rank 3),

to supplement the King's physiognomy.

By the way, Royal Consort Hong passed away already.

There's a woman with a better physiognomy.

I already brought her to the palace, but the war broke out.

So I couldn't find a chance to take her to the King.

This is it! This is how I can approach

the King unsuspectedly.

You're wrong, Sir.

At times like this, you must escort her to the King.

In my humble opinion, you won't have an opportunity like this again.

The battle of the Tangeumdae in Choongjoo...

has been lost.

I heard the news that the Japanese invaders...

will arrive in Seoul in 3 days.

General Sin Rip lost the battle of Tangeumdae

and fell into the river to kill himself?

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness...

Yeong Sin...

Do you know how many people live in the capital?

It's 120 thousand people.

That many?

Yes. There are 120 thousand people in the capital.

In the places that were destroyed by the Japanese invaders,

Busan, Dongrae, Yangsan, Milyang, Gyeongju...

and Choongju...

There were people too.

Now, what should we do

for these 120 thousand people?

Your Highness, this is bad!

What happened?

They are discussing the royal refuge at the court now.

Bring your opinions forward for what's the best.

Your Majesty...

I'm very sorry to say this...

but the royal court took refuge for a short while,

when the Red Turban invaded Goryeo.

That's right.

Refuge? Are you talking about a royal refuge?

Yes, Your Majesty. Just temporarily...

how about riding the royal carriage

to Pyongyang?

You can ask Ming for reinforcements in Pyongyang

and save the royal family.

See here, Chief Minister!

How can a King abandon the capital city and flee?

Your Majesty, you must protect yourself

to save the royal family and the country.

I agree, Your Majesty. Please flee from the royal palace

for the future.

That's your true desire?

Yes, Your Majesty. Please flee from the royal palace.

If that's what you truly want,

I won't insist any further.

I will flee for refuge.

Your Majesty's grace knows no bound.

Before we flee from the palace,

I think we need to install the crown prince.

My Royal Father, I have to tell you something urgently.

Don't you know the meeting is not finished yet?

That's why I ran here.

What?

Your Majesty, are you trying to flee from the palace?

Please answer me. I need to know as a member of the royal family,

and as a subject of this country who lives in this city.

I think the subjects have the right to know what's going to happen to them,

as their life is worth more than a dog or a pig.

Yes, I just followed the Minister's opinions and decided to flee.

That's the best choice since the nation is in a precarious state.

We will move the court to Pyongyang and plan for the future there.

Your Majesty, I can't agree on the royal refuge.

We must do it whether you agree or not.

Heading the royal carriage toward Pyongyang means,

abandoning 120 thousand people in the city.

Abandoning? It's for the future.

Prince Gwang Hae, be careful in your speech.

This wasn't an easy decision for His Majesty.

Why are you making a fuss and distracting the King's mind?

They are the subjects who ived regarding you as the heaven.

They lived under all sort of persecution and exploitation as though it were natural.

They are the pitiable subjects of yours.

The reason they remain faithful and obedient,

is because they believed that Your Majesty will protect them.

However you're going to leave them here and flee when there's an invasion?

Since we lost the battle in Choongju, the enemy

will arrive here in 3 or 4 days

and they will kill the subjects as if they were chickens and hogs.

The whole city will turn into a slaughterhouse.

Yet how can you say that you will flee from the palace?

Please face the reality. Not choosing to flee means

remaining seated and dying like this.

So... not even trying to protect them

but fleeing?

Did you...

even have any intentions from the start to protect

the subjects in the city?

Drag the Prince out.

My Royal Father!

I said drag him out right now!

Your Majesty, you can't do that!

You shouldn't flee from the palace, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! You shouldn't flee from the palace, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! It's 120 thousand subjects! Please don't abandon them!

You can't cast away 120 thousand subjects! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Prince Gwang Hae, every single word of yours is right.

Your Father has always been like this.

So I will kill him with my own hands.

Your Highness, you don't understand the status system that is the basis of Joseon,

and you dare to equate the subjects' interests to the King's.

There may be differences in rank in society but there are none in life.

The lives of the royal family, including His Majesty, the high ranking officials, the noblemen and

the subjects are the same.

Those who lead our Joseon are not the ignorant people and

the King and nobility are the ones who lead Joseon.

The water from the upper part of the stream flows down, and as it flows, everyone lives at a higher level.

It can also promote the future of those who are inferior.

Sire, the reason I am opposed to the royal family retreating

is for the sake of My Royal Father.

The subjects would never forgive the king.

Ultimately, isn't a king who cannot receive the people's confidence

really an ignorant puppet?

They are the people who regarded you as the heaven.

They lived under all sort of persecution and exploitation as though it were natural.

They are your pitiable subjects.

The reason they remain faithful and obedient...

is because they believed that Your Majesty will protect them.

How dare he...

Your Majesty, Professor Go from the Royal Observatory is here.

Let him in.

What brings you here?

Your Majesty, I came to see you knowing that you're leaving soon.

How about spending the night with Lady Ga Hee?

Lady Ga Hee is in the palace now.

Ah... I forgot about her for a moment.

I don't feel like spending time with her now.

Help her prepare to pack so she can come along.

Your Majesty, you should keep her close by especially at a time like this

and of course, take her with you.

Before that, spend tonight with her.

I will secretly take her to where you are.

I will do that then, but make sure to do it covertly

so the Ministers won't gossip about that.

I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.

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Lady Kim, this is Professor Go.

I will come to escort you tonight at 7 pm.

At the moment the King announces the Crown Prince,

- everyone will enter the palace! - Yes, Sir!

Are you... ready?

When I lost my family in the year of the yellow ox three years ago,

I've only lived for today.

Tonight, disguise yourself as a royal guard and enter the center gate.

I must cut off

the King's last breath.

You can't disclose this plan to anyone else.

Everytime I lost my way,

I came here and asked the way.

Your Highness, don't run!

Prince, you will get hurt. Run slowly.

Your Highness!

What are you doing there?

How dare you sit on the King's seat?

I was chasing the kite and accidently...

My Royal Father, I made a mistake. Please forgive me.

Was sitting there the only thing you have done wrong?

Weren't you born by killing your own mother?

What are you thinking about so deeply?

A long time ago...

you made me a kite. I was thinking about that.

I wasn't really good at making kites,

so the string often broke.

Now you can make your own,

so I'm not worried.

Your Highness,

the King ordered to prepare for the departure to the refuge.

Tomorrow, he will invest the Crown Prince,

and leave the palace right away.

You should leave as well.

Go to your private residence and pack.

Teacher, is this the end?

There is no end of the world.

This is not the end.

Yes, I do think so.

Teacher.

I think I need to see My Royal Father.

Haven't you received the order?

I will leave this city tomorrow and so will you.

Hurry and pack up your things.

My Royal Father, I...

won't be presumptuous again. I won't try to cross your will about the royal refuge.

I could care less

if you act presumptously.

True. How would I dare to bend your will?

Yet, there's one thing

that I'm worried so much as your son

and a Prince of this country.

One day, when we can defeat the Japanese invaders

you will again return to Hanyang...

this capital city which has turned

into hell.

At that time, the subjects won't have

the same loyalty as before.

Maybe they might turn into a menace,

and be even more dangerous than the invaders.

You said you won't be presumptuous again, so

are you threatening me now?

How can I do that to you, My Royal Father?

However, I have an idea to solve

the matter.

And what would that be?

Your Majesty has to flee from the palace inevitably

to protect the royal family and to ask Ming for reinforcements,

but you will leave your most beloved son,

the Crown Price of Joseon,

here with the subjects.

What did you say?

I already decided to install Sin Seong as the Crown Prince,

and you want to corner your younger brother into a deadly place.

Is that what you're saying?

I can't push my brother who is still a boy into a corner.

The crown prince that you will invest before the refuge,

will be me, Gwang Hae.

What?

You...

You're really insane!

Are you saying that yourself?

I'm not insane.

Please let me be the Crown Prince of Joseon,

and protect the capital.

I want to protect the royal palace

until the end.

Welcome, My Royal Father.

What were you doing?

I was packing my things.

I only packed a few books but the luggage is pretty big already.

Sin Seong.

Yes, Your Majesty.

If I, the King, leave the royal palace

the subjects might revolt and pull a knife on me.

If that happens, what are you going to do?

How dare they point a knife at the inviolable King?

I'm sure that there are mean and rebellious people since we're at war.

We should punish them as a warning so we can control the subjects with fear.

Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will punish them.

It's a very good idea but

if we do that, then it will make my way back to Hanyang

very tough...

Your Majesty has to flee from the palace inevitably

to protect the royal family and to ask Ming for reinforcements,

but you will leave your most beloved son, the Crown Prince of Joseon,

here with the subjects.

I'm not insane.

Please let me be the Crown Prince of Joseon, and protect the capital.

It's time to see the King.

Please come out.

Orabeoni ... (Brother)

Ga Hee?

Why ... are you here?

Didn't you leave to go to Mount Myohyang?

There's a woman with a better physiognomy than Royal Consort Hong.

Then you are...

the one that Professor Go was looking for.

You are the woman...

who can complement the King's physiognomy?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Is that why you tried to go to Mount Myohyang?

How about you?

Why are you here?

Let's get out of here first.

Go straight to the secret room.

Both home and Jinjugak will be dangerous.

What about you?

I have to go somewhere quickly.

Go ahead.

Hurry!

The plan went wrong.

Hey!

Come here for a moment!

The revolt failed. Let's plan it again.

What I can give you is,

less then 50 soldiers.

Can you really protect the palace?

It's not that I can protect the palace,

but I have to protect it.

You might die here.

I'm already ready for that.

I don't have a sword for you,

but I will give you the position of crown prince.

My Royal Father!

You are the Crown Prince of this country,

Joseon from this moment.

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