Original subtitles

Subtitles by DramaFever

Episode 38

General! Please, sir!

Sir!

General!

Please give a chance to the rifle squad first.

We still have time to raid them.

- Step aside, Councilor Hong. - Sir!

- Don't just stand there! Take him away! - Yes, sir!

Don't move! Don't even take a step!

Please take back your order, sir.

What are you doing?

This is insubordination and treason!

Yes, but this will save the country.

So take back the order to advance right now!

Commander Kang... Kill him!

What are you doing?

It's fine for me to die in the hands of a traitor

so kill him and push forward!

I'm sorry, Joo Won.

In Woo!

Right... I should've done this sooner.

Forgive me, sir.

I will also go against your order.

If this is treason...

I will also commit the same crime.

General!

I'll take over your command authority for a little while.

Commander Kang...

do you understand what you are doing right now?

What are you doing?

Escort the General inside

and get the rifle squad ready for a raid!

Yes, sir!

In Woo!

Let's talk later.

This takes priority now.

When everything is over safely, then...

Yes... when everything is over safely.

Sir!

How is the situation there?

This is it. Here.

We'll lure them down the road built while Lee Gwal was away in Pyongan.

I'm sure they won't know about it.

Then what happens with the placement of our soldiers?

We are blocking every withdrawal route, and hiding ourselves.

We have one goal.

To enter the palace with a minimal attack.

Don't forget that.

Yes, sir.

I will also support you on the battleline.

This sound...

It's the sound of the insurgents' horn!

Sir, they've noticed our move!

What?

Ma'am!

Lady Jung... This is an emergency summons call!

Did... they find out?

All soldiers, advance to Muakjae!

Make the traitors see their own blood!

How could this...

Sir, then all we can do is fight an all-out battle!

We can't! That's what we need to avoid!

Sir!

Listen carefully.

Gather by the unit now, and prepare for an attack!

I'm going to change the plan.

It looks like the battle has started, sir.

Since the emergency call was made...

it means the insurgents have moved, too.

I really hope everyone is safe.

Commissioner!

They'll need support from the special armory.

Look into the insurgents' moves...

and find a way to supply gunpowder to our side.

Yes, sir.

I thought I'd never do this again.

So how did this happen?

Mom...

Please... don't let anyone get hurt, God.

Please... let them come home safely.

Remaining soldiers, move to Muakje!

Get out now and destroy them!

Ma'am!

Sir...

Keep in mind...

You need to shoot only in defense, and keep it to a minimum.

They are our enemy, but also our soldiers that we need to protect.

Yes, sir!

The insurgents went over the hill. They'll be here soon!

- Everyone, be prepared! - Yes, sir!

Load the rifle.

Rifle squad, load your rifles!

Shoot! Fire!

The rifle squad in front fell apart!

Sir! The damage on our side will be too big!

- We have to retreat now! - We can't do that!

We have to hold out longer!

If our move in Muakjae is already exposed

I'm sure they'll head this way.

the rifle squad should cover for us.

While the rifle squad lures them in, Commander Kang will seize the palace.

Since they probably don't know the government soldiers arrived.

You can't! The rifle squad alone is not enough!

But if we can hang on...

and if the rest of the troops can get the palace back

they will fall apart, In Woo! If you deliver that message!

Joo Won!

We'll do it, sir.

Don't step back.

We'll be prepared to die right here and fight!

Yes, sir!

Situation in the palace? Why aren't you reporting?

The scout's signal hasn't arrived yet.

Sir, we have to go now.

If we wait any longer, the rifle squad could be destroyed.

No... hang on.

Sir!

Why are Councilor Hong and the rifle squad fighting with their lives?

Isn't it to avoid an all-out battle with the insurgents?

So we have to wait until they have the minimum military power left.

It is our job to endure this pain.

How long has it been?

Eight? Ten?

Sire!

Do you think we can get the palace back?

Would I be able to go back?

Even someone like you gets anxious.

I can't help it. My life hangs in the balance too.

Do you think they can seize the capital today?

If they can't, we'll end up facing the army of Later Jin.

In this state, when we don't have any solution.

Now now, you can be at ease. It's me.

Still, always think about others' eyes.

Be careful, and pay extra attention!

Yes, Father!

There hasn't been a smoke signal or a message yet

so maybe it's over for us?

Should we just... run and defect?

What? Defect?

- My lord, then we should... - No, not yet.

What if we go to Ming and our luck runs out, then what would we do?

If Later Jin takes Ming under its control...

We have to win, no matter what happens.

After that, we can start a relationship with Later Jin, and prepare for later.

Yes, if they'd win for me no matter what it takes...

I'll go back and clean up everything.

If I'm given another opportunity...

I'll be able to do a really good job.

Sir, we're through. They fell apart!

Sir! We can't hold out anymore.

We're almost out of gunpowder, too!

In Woo... Please!

I'll advance to the palace with the soldiers from the training center.

- Commander Kang! - The rifle squad is important!

I can't let all of them die.

Hang on! Please!

Sir!

General!

General, it's a signal! I see a signal from the scout!

Yes, chase them and kill them all!

We'll destroy everyone of the rifle squad!

All soldiers, prepare to advance!

Yes, sir!

We'll head to the palace.

Get the palace back and rescue the rifle squad on the frontline!

Yes, sir!

- What the heck is that? - It's the royal force!

The royal force is coming!

The royal force! They're coming! They're coming to raid us!

Seize the Main Hall! We'll head to the Main Hall!

What are you doing?

Take the Princess! We'll take her as our hostage and get out of here!

Yes, sir!

Let go!

How dare you! Let go of her!

Young Master!

The palace is already in the royal force's hands.

What?

So it'll be better for you to surrender.

Then I'll let you die comfortably at least.

- Take them away! - Yes, sir!

Ma'am, are you all right?

What happened to the others?

What about the rifle squad, and Councilor Hong?

We'll retreat.

Retreat, and lure the enemy!

Sir, there is no path to retreat anymore.

The insurgents are right in front of us!

You...

We're ready, sir.

We'll all die here!

Sir! Look over there!

From the palace, the smoke signal is coming up!

Sir!

Did they reclaim the palace?

The royal forces!

Sir!

Go! The rifle squad has nowhere else to go now!

General! Take a look over there!

From the palace...

A smoke signal is coming up from the palace!

What is it? What's going on?

- Sir! - Sir!

At the palace? Did we lose the palace?

Did the royal force come in?

How could they?

- Did they? - Really?

No! It can't be!

We can't be done like this!

Head to the palace! We'll head to the palace!

- General! - General!

How dare you...

What are you doing? Can't you hear my order?

To the palace... I said head to the palace!

How dare you! How dare you!

Sire! Sire!

Sire, it's our victory!

They reclaimed the palace and the capital!

What? Is it true?

Is it really true?

Yes, they received a message saying they've reclaimed the palace.

My lord!

Good. We're good now.

I got it. You may leave.

Yes, I'll rush and get ready to return to the palace, sir.

They reclaimed the palace?

But the real problems start now. From right this moment.

Ma'am! Not outside of the palace!

The insurgents could still be in the city!

It doesn't matter, Lady Jung.

I need to find out what happened to him.

- Ma'am! - Sir!

Sir, are you all right? Were you hurt anywhere?

What about you? Did anything happen to you?

How could you ask me that question as you always do?

In this shape... How could you ask me that?

Ma'am!

- Sir! - Jicheon!

- Is Councilor Hong safe? - Yes.

And luckily, more than half of the rifle squad made it out alive.

What happened to Lee Gwal, the head of the revolt?

We'll organize and head to the palace again!

We have no time to waste, so hurry up and gather the soldiers!

Sir, how can we gather the soldiers who are already disassembled?

- What? - We should surrender to Later Jin

and save ourselves...

Shut up! I don't need a way to survive!

Sir, what do you mean...

The king's head.

I won't stop until I have his head.

That's why I started this!

So reorganize the force.

When the day breaks...

- What are you doing? - I'm sorry...

but our goals differ from yours.

We don't need the king's head!

- Being alive is more important. - What?

So you'll have to give us your head instead.

At least we'll be able to keep our lives if we take yours!

How dare you! Are you out of your mind?

I'm your boss! I am...

Here! Here!

No! You can't! No! No!

Now, the king will return.

Back to this palace.

Back as the master of this Main Hall.

Your Majesty!

- Your Majesty... - Your Majesty...

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

- Your Majesty! Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

His Majesty has arrived, ma'am.

Did he have no shame to come back to the palace?

He abandoned the palace and left!

How can he not be ashamed, as the king?

Let's go, Mother.

It is still our duty to go out and greet him.

Sire.

I'm not sure if I really need to see the Queen Dowager.

You should. It's the custom, and a duty of yours.

Sire.

Did you have a safe trip back?

You've really gone through a lot.

Thank you.

You were here too, Princess.

I heard you two went through a lot of hardships.

Sire, and ma'am.

Goodness, he has such a thick face.

He went back to the palace as the king?

I know, right.

Without even a word of apology.

What were you expecting from the master?

'I'm sorry, it's my fault.'

Have you seen any boss saying that?

Well, why not?

Her Highness does.

Commissioner Hong does, and Councilor Hong does, too!

That's why people are divided into two types.

Those who accept and say, 'I'm sorry.'

And 'What did I do?'

Those who blame others.

Isn't that why the former is always at a disadvantage?

The ones who insist, win!

That's why I'm worried!

About what?

Those over there.

Those shameless ones who went to the palace!

I'm worried that they'll blame others, and raise their voices!

What? No way!

Who did wrong?

Who protected the palace when it was abandoned?

No, that's what I'm expecting.

I'm sure they will.

They won't look back at their own faults.

They will try to cover it up.

And to cover it up, they will have to insist that they were right.

Yes, ma'am.

Also, to make themselves right

they will have to come up with someone who did wrong.

And naturally, the process seems to have begun already.

Now now... that's not all!

Lee Hong Rip of the Training Center, who remained in the city

and Magistrate of Paju donated to Lee Gwal, the head of the insurgents?

We will have to punish them by death!

But sir, that's not for you to say!

What? Why not?

Who ran away when the insurgents raided us?

All of you here!

So who will punish whom at this point?

Look, Chungeum! Ran away?

We escorted His Majesty and left the city.

For the sake of the government of this country!

How does anything change when it's called 'leaving the city'?

Even a dog would laugh.

A dog, you say? Chungeum!

Please calm down!

Is this time to nitpick over who did wrong?

Before that we have to discuss how to re-establish order

and how to defend the border area!

Although we took control of the revolt and prevented Later Jin's attack this time

but it will definitely happen someday.

But the border defense has completely fallen apart

so it's urgent to figure out how we can gather them again and protect this land.

Defend the border? Of course it's important.

But if it happens, the political power

will be taken away by the prime minister's group that follows the princess.

It will look like we acknowledge that they were right.

But it won't be good for us.

The border is far away from here, and there will be a solution eventually.

But the government is very close.

Once political control is taken away, it's hard to get it back.

So we'll have to change the topic of discussion to something else.

So I gave it some thought...

What fell apart this time was the capital city, not the border.

If we had strong defense in the palace and the capital city

this misfortune wouldn't have happened.

As I expected, you're a big help.

I always feel that I learn a lot from you.

I still can't compare to you. I'm just happy if I can be of help.

The capital?

So we have to focus on defense of the capital?

That's right, sire.

Since the misfortune happened from a weak defense in the city and the palace

shouldn't we find a measure so that it will never happen again?

Please proceed, sire.

If you strengthen the military power in the city

public opinion will also be settled quickly.

That's right, sire.

I never wanted to follow you in my heart.

You never followed me?

As I expected...

does it mean that you don't acknowledge me as the king?

I thought it would be hard for you to handle the weight of the throne.

It's not the seat where power is enjoyed.

The throne is where the king has to lose the most.

I've seen it for a long time by its side, and known about it.

Is it Gwanghae again?

Are you comparing me to the dethroned one

and telling me that I'm an incapable king?

No.

Please don't make the same mistake.

Please don't avoid the difficult decision of the moment

and don't walk the path as the previous king that you call, 'the dethroned one.'

Since the misfortune happened from weak defense of the city and the palace

shouldn't we find a measure so that it will never happen again?

Please proceed, sire.

If the military power is strengthened in the city

public opinion will also be settled quickly.

I'm here to see Commander Kang.

Where is he now?

Although the revolt is quelled, your insubordination cannot be forgiven.

I'm aware of it. I'm ready.

Insubordination in times of war is a crime with the punishment of death.

And you were even ready for that?

Right, and that's why you're safe.

Pardon?

I didn't report your incident.

And I'm not going to.

General.

Looking at what's happening in the country...

I shouldn't lose a military officer like you.

Someone who'd offer his life to protect the country!

Of course I knew that we should have protected the border guards.

But nothing changed, even after the revolt.

I wonder what's going to happen to this country now.

In Woo!

Still, General Jang Man has the spirit.

But there are too few of them.

And no power.

That's why I was going to stand with my father.

Things with Her Highness, jealousy towards you.

Those were just excuses.

I wanted to be someone with power.

No, you're not like that.

Didn't I tell you? I know who you are.

I didn't want to be defeated by you this way.

But I was trying to act like a soldier

and I guess I became a real soldier along the way.

Did you know?

The king chose to defend the city, not the border.

And only for political reasons.

I'm here to see His Majesty. Announce me.

But ma'am, this is...

What are you doing? Hurry!

Sire, why did you come up with such decision?

Why did you refuse the request of defending the border?

This is my office, Queen.

Also, you shouldn't get involved in state affairs.

Sire, forgive me for saying this, but I have to say something today.

Queen!

Don't you know what sacrifice

the Princess and many people who remained in the capital made

to quell the revolt and protect the border guards?

You also heard what happened.

So why are you holding Kim Ja Jeom's hand again?

Why did you refuse the request of defending the border, not the city?

Sire, please reconsider this decision...

Stop. That's enough, Queen.

- Do you think I want to do this? - Sire!

That's what I also want to do.

Gather the guards again, and strengthen the border.

I'm also wondering if that's the right thing to do in my heart!

Then, sire, you should do so!

- Why wouldn't you? - Then who'd be on my side?

Pardon?

If I abandon the officials who followed me and even Kim Ja Jeom...

who would support me as the king now?

Sire...

I was the king who abandoned the palace and ran away.

So, the ones who remained here... The Princess and everyone else!

They must be looking down on me in their minds.

At least Kim Ja Jeom and the Westerners

support me for their own benefit

but the others are different.

Didn't you see?

They don't even acknowledge as the king!

Sire!

Queen... I really want to do a good job now.

I don't ever want to go through this again!

I also want to be the king who takes care of his people!

But in order to do that

I need people who'd support me no matter what the reason may be!

Why can't you see that?

- But, sire... - No, that's enough.

I won't hear it anymore.

This is what's urgent for me.

First, establish the royal power.

After that, everything will settle naturally.

Of course I'll look into the border, too!

If I can get through this moment...

Right this moment...

How could this happen?

We didn't risk our lives to protect the border guards for this!

Still, it meant something.

Since we saved them, we have a chance to re-establish the troops that fell apart.

But if the king doesn't open his ears...

it could become a difficult path.

It was tough to put down the civil war...

but something worse could come our way.

I'll head back to the palace now.

I'll go see His Majesty.

Ma'am.

Ma'am, what do you plan to do?

I'm only going to say say my farewell.

Since we had a wedding, I should leave the palace.

I'm going to say my final greetings.

Your Highness.

Aren't you a councilor at the royal secretariat?

Please come with me. Royal Secretary would like to see you.

Please have a seat, ma'am.

I'm sure you have something to tell me before you see His Majesty.

I wonder if you enjoy wine?

Don't you know I had a tough childhood?

I'm sure I'm better at it than you are.

But I don't care to drink with you.

Then I'll drink alone.

Maybe it's from complicated politics these days

but I drink alone much more often now.

We'll become political enemies forever who can't even drink wine together.

I guess so.

You and the king will push this country to collapse.

Ma'am, I'm disappointed by your words.

'Push this country to collapse'?

We didn't plan for it.

Yes, ma'am.

The reason we chose defense of the capital instead of the border

was so that we won't give away our political control to you.

But it doesn't push the country to collapse.

Royal Secretary!

Later Jin will eventually attack Joseon?

It's possible.

What you said is right. It can happen.

But even then...

do you think we'll be able to stop it from happening even with the border defense?

Joseon, this small country...

Whether it's Ming or Later Jin...

Joseon can't get away from the continent's influence.

If there is fate for a person, there is fate for a country, too.

So, since that's the fate of this country

you can hand over the country to Later Jin?

To Ming when Ming is around, and to Later Jin when it gets big?

That's right.

And it's fine as long as we make it out alive.

What?

You should get smart.

Don't fight against Later Jin like you do against the king.

To Ming when Ming is in power, to Later Jin when Later Jin is in power.

Just follow the natural logic and give away what you need to.

That fits you perfectly.

Yes, thanks to you, I'm confirming another logic in the world.

Ma'am.

'Give away what you need to'? Give away what?

Yes, I'm sure you mean the people's lives of this country.

It must be the mountains of this country, and treasures of this country.

And by giving them away

politicians like yourselves will be able to survive!

As it always has been.

I'm realizing again...

that power for people doesn't exist.

All the politicians are like you, or become like you.

Royal Secretary, that's why I'm not going to beg His Majesty or politicians.

If there is no power for people in the world

people can have that power themselves.

What did you say?

'People can have that power themselves'?

What are you talking about?

What?

The Princess?

Yes, sire. She's asking to see you now.

Your farewell?

You didn't have to.

You didn't have to come over, Aunt.

No, sire.

As a royal family member, I'm about to leave the palace now.

So of course I should say goodbye.

And for the last time...

I have to tell you something.

Sir!

- Is everyone here? - Yes.

You lost the final chance you had today, sire.

Right, once the current Kahn Nurhaci dies

his successor Huangtaiji will definitely attack Joseon.

So now we have to prepare for that.

Yes, a war will definitely come to this country.

You gave up on the chance to prevent it from happening today, sire.

No, that's not true.

There will be no war. And even if it happens

I'm going to stop it myself now.

Yes, I know...

what you think of me.

You must think of me as an incapable, cowardly king.

But the reason I did that...

was because I cared for the country and the people!

To establish the royal power that's fallen apart first!

Yes, that's exactly what you did!

'The country and the people' are only a facade.

You are only trying to protect the throne!

Princess!

But the innocent people will end up paying the price for it.

But, sire... please remember this.

You are not the owner of this country.

The owner of this country is...

the people of this country.

Also, those who know that they are the owners.

Yes, I'm going to stand against Father again.

In secret, if possible.

Sir!

So the choice is yours.

Will you follow me?

They will never give away this country to you, sire.

Let's go. We have bigger responsibility at the special armory now.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Now the owners of this country will protect their country and their lives.

His Majesty told you not to bring me in for a while?

Yes, what should I do?

Don't worry about it. It won't take long.

I'm sure the king needs someone to blame now.

He wants to think that he had no choice but to hold my hand.

Are you saying that he'll look for you again?

Yes, that path will be rough for a long time.

No.

No!

I will never become such a king!

Your determination will collapse without a fight.

- Princess. - Ma'am.

The ones who know the power is not theirs...

The ones who know the owner of this country is the people, not the king...

Someday we will establish such a king, and protect him.

Subtitles by DramaFever

[Hwajung]

We'll be political enemies forever, who can't even drink wine together.

If fate exists for a person, it exists for a country, too.

To Ming when Ming is in power, and to Later Jin when it's in power.

As the logic goes, you can just give away what you need to.

'Give away what you need to'?

Give away what?

I'm sure it's the people's lives of this country!

And by give them away, politicians like yourselves will be able to survive.

As it always has been.

I'm not going to beg to the king or you anymore.

If there is no power for people

people can have that power themselves.