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Where is that letter that Khan sent?

Father. [Episode 40]

Father.

Your Majesty.

See this, Crown Prince.

What are these barbarians saying?

They want us to be under their rule?

They want me to call that bastard king?

Also... what is this?

They want the Joseon army to join theirs?

Sir, then that means...

Yes, that is correct.

It's a declaration to Joseon to cut off all ties with Ming dynasty.

But, Joseon cannot do that.

How can the royal family and officials agree to that?

That is why this should be considered another act of war, Princess.

Yes, this is a second declaration of war.

Soon, they will want to hear Joseon's response.

The Later Jin will be sending an envoy that will be arriving soon.

The Later Jin?

Father.

Soon, the ruler of the continent will be completely changed.

They will change the laws of the land.

They now proclaim themselves a dynasty.

That displays the Later Jin's confidence that they now rule the continent.

And now they demand Joseon become their subject...

instead of the existing brotherly ties.

Furthermore, they wish to rule Joseon for Joseon's sake?

No...

I will not go.

Why would I go running out to greet the Later Jin?

How dare they bring such an evil letter!

However, if you do not step up...

that is what they will take issue with first.

If the envoys turn back now, there will be no way to stop the war.

Your Majesty, please go greet him for now.

I will not go. Did you not hear me?

I said I will not greet the Later Jin's envoys!

Crown Prince.

Prince.

What has happened?

The King is unrelenting.

But, the Later Jin have already entered the city.

Crown Prince.

They say they will not move from the gate unless the King himself comes.

They say they will merely return.

Crown Prince.

Prepare the carriage. I will go there myself.

What?

But Prince, if Father were to find out...

I cannot let Father withstand this disgrace!

If I do not do something, their entire party will return.

If that happens, we will no longer be able to stop the catastrophe.

- Princess. - Father.

What is the situation?

The King refuses to go.

So, the Crown Prince has decided to go.

Someone needs to meet the Later Jin's envoys.

What about the King?

Has the King agreed to this?

No, I believe this is the Crown Prince's decision.

No, he cannot.

This could become a conflict between father and son.

You must stop the Crown Prince.

But... the Crown Prince must do something at this time.

Stopping this dispute is more urgent than anything.

[Yong Gol Dae]

This is still a diplomatic procession.

Shouldn't you get your men to be cautious?

Leave them be... Let them do as they please.

Sir?

They should know, exactly, who we are.

And why we are here.

It's not a bad idea to show them in this manner.

Why isn't the King of Joseon here yet?

He's not refusing to greet us, is he?

I'll look into it, General.

Oh, General!

I see a Joseon party over there.

Over there.

General, this is Joseon's Crown Prince.

Crown Prince?

Not the King, but the Crown Prince?

The King is ill in bed.

So, I ended up coming instead.

I don't think this is the place for us to talk.

Why don't I take you to the Mohwa Hall?

What did you say?

Who went to meet them? The Crown Prince?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Just now, the Crown Prince went in your place...

Is the Crown Princess inside?

Yes, Ma'am.

Crown Princess.

Maid Jo.

I heard the news.

The Crown Prince acted without the King's permission.

He went on his own to meet the Later Jin party.

Crown Princess, I was worried so I came here to see you.

What if the King were to misunderstand this situation?

What do you mean, misunderstand?

Misunderstand what?

You should know.

Isn't that why you're sitting here so anxiously like this?

But, do not worry.

The Crown Prince would not have had any ulterior motives.

I do believe that, and I will tell that to the King.

Are you... the king?

Father.

Answer me.

Is the king of this nation not me, but you?

Father, how could you ask me such a question?

Do you really think it possible... that I would have such motivations?

If that's not true... If that's not the case...

I said that they should be sent away. Who do you think you are?

Why would you greet Later Jin's envoys?

How dare you allow those evil ones...

into my land.

Father.

The reason I did that is...

The reality that Joseon is faced with is that we cannot force them out.

However...

I could not let you stand before them.

So...

Are you saying you sacrificed yourself for me?

For this bad father of yours...

For this incompetent King...

That is not the case, Father.

Please, accept my sincerity.

Be quiet! I don't want to hear it.

In the past, that year 1907...

You do not know how they humiliated me.

If you remembered that... you would not be able to do this.

If you understood your King's heart... even a little bit.

Father.

How could I not know that?

As for the disgrace and shame brought on us by them, how could I forget it?

However, Father...

I, too, remember in 1907, how you were hurting.

Having lost this land and the innocent people.

I remember you, as well.

- What did you say? - That's right.

You did not show it.

As this nation's King, you suffered more than anyone.

Did you not, Father?

That is why I could not stand by and watch.

I could not bring war to this land again.

I could not let you...

suffer like that again.

And put you through that again.

Crown Prince...

However... that is merely my greed.

Please forgive me being unable to having a deeper motive.

I...

I will accept any punishment you see fit to give me, Father.

Prince.

You've been here all along, worried about me?

Do not worry too much.

Father trusts and relies on you more than anyone.

Yes... he did.

That is why my heart hurts more.

It will be I who...

goes against my father's wishes.

Yes, that is what the Crown Prince would have done.

To avert the crisis, he took on the shame that was meant for the King.

He is that kind of person.

I wonder if the fact that he has such virtue will bear fruit.

For a long time...

So often these virtues were prohibited within the royal family and government.

The issue with Later Jin is only just getting started, isn't it?

On top of that, if a conflict arises between the King and son...

That's why have to protect him.

Yes, that's what we'll have to do.

Sir.

Is the minister inside?

Yes, come in.

You wait out here.

Yes, Father.

This is the secret house that I heard so much about?

Goodness.

It's nice... it really is.

Nothing much will happen, right?

Those barbarians are always threatening, don't you agree?

I can't tell.

The party that came in this time was really large. It was not ordinary.

What?

Do you think another war will break out, at this rate?

What? No way!

You don't need to worry about that stuff.

That's true.

Don't worry about it. Nothing will happen.

Yes, don't worry about anything.

Eat this, and get some strength.

That's right. You barely managed to live and got here to Joseon.

The heavens would not be that cruel.

Here, it's hot. Be careful when you eat it.

Is this it? The Later Jin plan that you spoke of?

When Later Jin was expanding...

Mongol, their neighboring country, was not subjugated.

They just gave them a scare, but left them alone.

However, now that he's become emperor, things are different.

He has completely dominated Mongol.

So... are you saying Joseon will become that way too?

Sir, when a big wave is coming, there is nowhere to turn to.

You will have to go where it takes you.

If you do well, you can survive it.

Or, you can ride that wave.

But still...

How can you say we should accept these kinds of demands?

Even if we do accept it...

how would I say those words to the King with my own mouth?

My head will be cut off before the wave even gets here.

You don't need to be the one to say anything.

You need to use a representative.

A representative?

As it turns out, there happens to be one.

Someone who wants to walk down that thorny road.

A volunteer.

What?

So...

Those barbarians are not budging, and sitting there at Mohwa Hall?

They want me there on my knees?

That's what he's waiting for?

Forgive me, Your Highness.

If it was going to be this way, you should've sent him away immediately.

They are now scorning you, Your Majesty.

Why did the prince let them in to begin with?

Your Majesty, I wonder if the Crown Prince was just being naive.

Do you think Princess Jungmyung was manipulating him?

What?

I mentioned this before, did I not?

That's what I have been worried about.

They do not consider the affront to you.

They only care about stopping the war.

They chatter like parrots.

I can't help but think...

they are all just manipulating the prince.

Maid Jo, your words are too severe.

What?

Aren't you the one who is speaking out of turn?

Ma'am.

Your Majesty, Prime Minister is here to see you.

Let him enter.

Your Highness.

Sir.

I have brought him here.

- Lord. - Sir.

We meet again, Lord.

Oh right... I hear you are now the late King's son-in-law.

Thank you for coming.

Let's go inside.

Can you keep watch for us?

Yes, do not worry.

Princess.

I know it was difficult for you, so I thank you for coming here.

Not at all.

I also hope for peace between Joseon and Later Jin.

Please ask me what you're curious about.

As long as it's not harmful to my nation, I will answer your question.

Sit. Let us sit and talk.

We'd like to know about Yong Gol Dae, who has come here as an emissary.

How is his character?

As expected, you're here about General Yong.

From what I hear, he is most forward when it comes to Later Jin's aggression.

Is that right?

If that is true, then there is no chance for a compromise with Joseon, is there?

Father, I'm sorry but...

Yes, you brought them in.

So, you can go and meet them in person.

Like you said, as King of this nation...

I cannot be disgraced by the barbarians.

This is not only because of my suspicions of you.

It's because I am, in fact, Joseon itself.

I know, Father.

Therefore...

I do not expect to be revered.

How can the nation be in comfort...

when the citizens are dying?

So you should go and meet the emissary Yong Gol Dae.

Is it just as the letter states or are there other compromises?

Then it is because of those reasons?

That's why the Crown Prince is going to the negotiations.

That meeting will only result in loss, not gain.

That is why he wants to put another's hand into that snake pit.

That's what the ministers want.

As well as the King.

How could they...

I'm concerned the Crown Prince will be in a difficult situation.

By putting himself at the frontline of our dealings with Later Jin.

Crown Princess, Crown Princess.

You have to be more careful at a time like this.

I'm doing this because I must be careful.

I have to avoid the many eyes that reside in the palace.

Crown Princess.

Let's go. I need to see the Princess.

I cannot just watch the Crown Prince put himself in a difficult situation.

[Mohwa Hall]

Look here, Later Jin official.

Isn't this going too far?

You're overly rude.

The nation's Crown Prince is here. Shouldn't you keep your manners?

I'm sorry, but he says it's Joseon who has no manners.

He's been waiting for Joseon's King.

But...

you did walk all the way here.

Let's hear what you have to say.

- Everyone, get out! - Yes, sir!

Goodness, what is this we're doing?

What is this we're doing with the barbarians?

The Crown Prince is getting it the worst.

Look at how they're treating the nation's Crown Prince.

I only heard about how savage they were.

I am truly offended by them.

Let's go.

Hold on a moment.

If you are okay with it...

Why don't you all join them while you wait?

What?

You want us to do what?

They would like to be hospitable.

What? Hospitable?

No, thank you. Let them know that we are fine.

I don't know about that. I think you had better go.

Refusing hospitable invitations like this is considered bad manners in Later Jin.

What? Manners?

These are special roots and herbs.

I heard that people in Later Jin also enjoy eating and drinking these foods.

You shouldn't have brought anything.

You call this a gift and bring such a thing.

Joseon's products are all ours anyways.

Do you know the word 'Hwa Moo Shib Il Hong'?

It appears in the book 'Yang Man Ri' by Nam Song.

It means that even the most beautiful flower doesn't last more than ten days.

Some time in the past, a rude envoy from the Ming dynasty came to Joseon.

I heard that he said something similar as you.

But, even though the Ming dynasty acted like that then...

Aren't they currently losing the battle?

So what, Prince?

Don't be so drunk on your power now that you do something you can't take back.

The glory that Later Jin is enjoying now...

Someday, it could disappear from history.

Double six!

No more or no less.

Just double six.

Be strong, sir. If you do well, we could win!

Okay.

Double six, double six.

It's six.

It's six!

It's a double six!

- It's six! - It's a double six!

Hey, you bastards. Don't mess around.

When it comes to using brains, we won't ever lose out to you!

Hey now, how is this using your brain? And what if they understand you?

Hey, I'm Kim Gyung Jin.

Who cares if they understand or not?

Roll the dice once more. If you get it again, they lose twice.

- Oh, that's true. - That's true.

Okay, double six... double six.

So, you're saying that you never know when Later Jin might disappear.

And I should be careful?

But, Your Highness...

It's Qing now.

Later Jin's constitution is now the Qing dynasty.

Khan is now the Emperor.

So, enough with those kinds of threats.

Why don't you just give me an answer to the letter now?

Joseon should now sever all ties with the Ming dynasty.

Joseon should pledge to be the subject of sovereign Qing.

General, that is...

Yes, it is unfair.

The fact that the Crown Prince is here and not the King...

Isn't that the real reason?

But, as my commander...

I do like your spirit.

So, I will give you one word of advice.

If you want strength...

First...

You must acknowledge that you have no strength.

Acknowledging that means...

accepting all the scorn without turning it away.

And that very moment...

Do not forget it.

I heard that the Crown Prince is here.

He is in a meeting with General Yong Gol Dae.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Yong Gol Dae...

He told me painful things that I could not avoid hearing.

So...

I believe I have only two choices left.

I can face him head on with the small amount of strength that I have or...

I can take that scorn that is coming.

And never forget it.

Princess, I beg you. I need a favor.

Please, help us.

I know it's not proper of me to ask.

And I know I shouldn't be doing this.

Crown Princess.

But, Maid Jo had come to see me.

She said she'd help the Crown Prince.

And she indirectly inquired about your involvement.

How could I not know what she meant by that?

How could I not know what she will say to the King?

Ma'am.

The Crown Prince is standing on the edge of a blade.

Please convince him otherwise, that he must not do so.

He will listen to you, Princess.

I wonder if the fact that he has such virtue will bear fruit.

For a long time...

So often these virtues were prohibited within the royal family and government.

My father and brother's relationship must not go awry.

This nation's royal family suffered so many tragedies of this nature.

Ma'am.

Lady Jung, when it's daybreak, send a message to the east palace.

Tell them I need to speak to the Crown Prince.

Yes, Ma'am.

So the Crown Princess went out to the secret house?

She met Princess Jungmyung in private?

This late in the night?

Yes, Ma'am. I surely confirmed it.

Provoking that young wench made her reveal her tail, as expected.

It would've been better if she had come to my side.

Well, this isn't bad either.

Maid Jo is making a very interesting suggestion.

She does have exceptional smarts when it comes to these things.

Crown Prince. Crown Prince... huh?

It's a suggestion that brings us no harm.

When the nation is in disarray

shouldn't we prepare the next king we will be appointing?

As we always have.

What did you say?

What did you tell me to do?

A pledge ceremony, Your Majesty.

Messenger Yon Gol Dae wishes to confirm Joseon's pledge to Later Jin...

No... they wish to confirm Joseon's pledge towards the Qing dynasty.

Crown Prince.

When you say a pledge ceremony, isn't that what they wanted in the past?

Where one drinks the wild animal's blood with them as a ritual?

That is right, Prime Minister.

But back then, the King did not participate himself.

His officials went instead.

They said that this time around...

the king of Joseon must be present.

What? What in the world...

They also said, if it happens as so...

All Joseon prisoners in Qing dynasty will be sent home with no other conditions.

So...

Are you saying that I should present myself there?

That I should drink fresh blood with the barbarians like an animal?

Forgive me for saying this.

As of now, that seems to be the only way to stop the impending war.

If we can't stop the war, then Joseon...

will have to suffer through...

another war.

Your Majesty, that is unacceptable.

Giving up our lives will be better than

being disgraced by the barbarians that way.

Forgive me, but don't be so hasty in giving up lives, Minister of Protocol.

It's not just about your life.

The entire nation's people's lives are on the line.

So is it right for us keep our lives by becoming like the barbarians?

Drinking shed blood is barbaric only to us.

For them, as nomads, it's a ritual, a part of their culture.

If we can't drive Qing dynasty away

we will need to respect their traditions, as well.

Qing? Did you say Qing dynasty?

Why don't you say 'emperor' now?

Your Majesty, this is wrong.

Better to behead the emissary Yong Gol Dae to show that Joseon stands firm.

Your Majesty, then should we go to a war when our defeat is so apparent?

If we agree now, then we can get our prisoners back home.

If we don't...

only the sacrifices of innocent people will ensue.

You, Jicheon!

- What is this nonsense? - What should we do?

But, we must avoid war.

Burn everything from Later Jin!

Rather than bowing down to them, let's face the barbarians and fight!

Let's face them head on!

What? Face them head on? Are you saying we should all die?

We are finally about to make a living now.

You want to start another war?

You treacherous traitor!

Are you saying it's okay to hand over our nation?

All of you want to live as the barbarians' dogs?

That's right! I want to live even if it means I become a dog.

Who cares whether we're under Ming or the barbarians?

- What's the difference? - What!

What are you all doing? Put out the fire now!

We can't have another war!

Burn it all!

So, what is the King going to do?

Is he going to accept it?

I don't think he has decided.

He locked the Main Hall doors, and is deliberating.

Will the Crown Prince be able to carry the burden of this difficult situation?

That's what worries me.

If this causes the Crown Prince to fall out of the King's favor...

Your Highness, Grand Prince.

What is it?

Grand Prince, there's a guest in the house.

A guest?

Grand Prince, you've arrived.

Lord Kang Joo Seon.

I'm here to give greetings.

I was passing by, and thought I could get some tea.

That's why I've come by.

You must've been worried because of me.

Over the past few days, you've become more gaunt.

Crown Prince.

What do you think about stepping aside from this situation?

Ma'am, what do you mean?

You're worried about me.

My relationship with...

the King.

It must be a painful truth.

You and the King are father and son.

And at the same time, you can become enemies at anytime.

The closest bloodline to you

possibly becoming the most cruel political enemy.

That is royal family, and you know this well.

I'm sorry, but what did you just say?

If you get down to it, in our nation's royal family

the times the crown prince succeeds to the throne safely...

are extremely few in number.

Isn't that true?

Lord, why are you saying such a thing?

No... there is no reason.

I'm just saying that is the reality.

The more chaotic the times are, the more often such cases occurred.

Where the heir changed to the one who is not the eldest.

A case where the second eldest inherits the throne.

No, Ma'am.

That will not happen.

As my father, and as this nation's King, I trust him.

Ma'am, that is also my duty.

Your Highness.

The King that I know and the King I learned from...

He may be impatient, but he's tender.

And I'm sure there's a part of him that cares for his people.

He will know my sincerity.

I know he will make the right decision as King.

Ma'am, if I as a son, do not trust and serve the King...

how can I tell others to do so?

A war is coming.

Later Jin's army is storming in.

Your Majesty, you have to escape.

The palace will be overtaken!

Where to?

Where to again?

Mother. Mother...

Open your eyes.

Mother... Mother...

A pledge ceremony, Your Majesty.

Messenger Yon Gol Dae wishes to confirm Joseon's pledge to Later Jin...

No... they wish to confirm Joseon's pledge to the Qing dynasty.

Your Majesty.

I wonder if the Crown Prince was just being naive.

Do you think Princess Jungmyung was manipulating him?

Head Servant, are you there?

Bring the Crown Prince, at once.

Let me ask you one thing...

As your father, and as the King of this nation.

Do you still think that I should agree to do the pledge ceremony?

Tell me.

I want to hear your honest thoughts.

If you're asking for my honest opinion...

Yes, I do.

Father, I think that at least for now, you need to accept...

the painful reality.

It is wretched.

But, Joseon doesn't have the strength to fight them head-on yet.

It is tragic.

But, Joseon is still just a small country.

Please forgive me and my unfilial ways for saying

that you need to agree to such humiliation.

But, if this can save the lives of our people...

Father... I also trust...

that you will willingly...

take that path.

Trust?

You trust me?

Father.

If you endure and never forget today's humiliation

there will be a day when Joseon will become a great nation.

And for sure, you will be able to make that happen.

All right.

My duties as a king also include keeping my people safe.

Honor and prestige. What good are they if we lose our country?

Father.

But one thing.

One more thing.

Are there other elements that made you think this way?

By chance...

Did you meet with the Princess in secret, and did she put you up to this?

You must know well that I have ill will towards the Princess.

So I must hear you say 'no' clearly.

Crown Prince.

No, that is not the case, Father.

You misread the situation.

My words regarding this matter only come from my loyalty towards you.

What you asked will never happen, Father.

So, Joseon's King has accepted the deal?

He is coming to the pledge ceremony?

Yes, that's right General.

Also, to the Emperor, who is battling the final war with the Ming Dynasty...

He said he would provide the support of Joseon soldiers.

Is that true?

The King agreed to a pledge ceremony?

Yes, he has decided to avoid war.

The Crown Prince's sincerity has gotten through to him.

What time is the pledge ceremony?

It is at 3:00 p.m. at the Mohwa Hall.

Okay.

It is a disgrace I'll have to go through.

Rather than doing it in this palace... It will be better doing it there.

Someday, Your Highness... We will repay them for the shame.

Yes.

Crown Prince will be on my side, and he will help me.

I was able to make this decision because of his sincerity.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, have you been manipulated by their plans?

By the Crown Prince who follows the Princess more than he follows you.

Have you been fooled by him?

Maid Jo, what are you saying?

Your Highness...

It is just as I told you.

Our minister wishes to know the state of Joseon's gunpowder and military.

We will just take a look.

Sir, this is a military facility.

Let them in.

- Minister. - Minister!

Do you produce sulfur here?

We do refine sulfur here.

I heard that producing sulfur was one of Joseon's top skills.

Is that really true?

By the looks of you, you look like a Joseon person.

How did you turn into a barbarian guide?

Sir, he can hear you.

I'm saying it so that he can hear me.

I'm calling the guide a guide.

Joseon people never know their place. That sure hasn't changed at all.

What... what did you say?

What is this? Hey, let go!

I'm letting you know your place.

This is how you must act in front of me.

Husband!

Husband, what's going on?

It's nothing. It's nothing you need to worry about.

Hey, what are you doing! Hurry up and take her inside!

Wait!

You...

What do you think you're doing, you punk! Get your hand off her!

Yes, yes, yes. I knew I recognized you.

Aren't you a Joseon prisoner?

You wench... what are you doing here?

You're supposed to be in Qing dynasty as a prisoner.

Why are you here!

Your Highness... Your Highness.

Where is the Crown Princess? Crown Princess!

Your Majesty.

Did you leave the palace and meet with the Princess?

What?

Answer me.

Did you follow the Crown Prince's orders?

Then go to meet in secret with the Princess to avoid detection?

Your Majesty.

How long has it been?

How long have you been fooling me?

You and the Crown Prince...

You have joined the Princess and fooled me.

General, about the escaped prisoner...

It's nothing, Crown Prince.

I will not ask you about that incident.

You won't ask me about it?

You are startled, but not too surprised.

So, you did know about it.

About why one of our prisoners was on Joseon land.

As long as the pledge ceremony goes well

the repatriation of prisoners without any other conditions has been promised.

I will look the other way on this, Crown Prince.

If Joseon shows us trust...

Qing will also have to show trust too, isn't that right?

Thank you, General.

Thank you so much.

They discovered a runaway Joseon prisoner at the Weaponry Bureau?

Yes, Your Highness. I don't know what happened.

You don't know?

Do you really not know what happened?

Excuse me?

It was the Princess... yes.

She always did get in my way.

There's no way she'd stay quiet.

Your Highness, do not worry too much.

Yong Gol Dae said he would not make an issue out of it.

No...

I have a problem.

Excuse me?

How dare they fool me, the King.

They make plans behind my back? I will punish all of them.

Trust? You trust me?

Father.

If you endure and never forget today's humiliation...

there will be a day when Joseon will become a great nation.

And for sure, you will be able to...

make it happen.

Are there other reasons that made you think this way?

By chance...

Did you meet with the Princess in secret and she put you up to this?

Your Majesty, please forgive me.

However, there was no bad intention.

The Crown Prince had no idea of what I did.

He didn't know? He didn't know, you say?

You're saying the Crown Prince did not know what the Crown Princess was doing?

Your Highness.

Okay, if that is so...

Why did you meet the Princess?

If it was not by the Crown Prince's orders...

Why did you leave the palace to meet the Princess?

Princess.

What about the Crown Princess?

It's all my fault.

Crown Princess.

What am I to do now?

Because of me...

What if the Crown Prince is in danger of the King?

Now, the Qing dynasty and Joseon will have the pledge ceremony.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, what do you think you are doing!

Father!

Pledge?

No, that will not happen.

Pledge, you say?

Who can I trust?

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