Original subtitles

Brought to you by d-fansubs d r a m a f a n s u b s.

This is from ma-ga of sachuldo.

Open it.

What is it?

It's the head of our envoy to sachuldo.

What?

Ma-ga says that sachuldo will not send even a single soldier.

How dare they behead my envoy!

It's tantamount to pointing a sword straight at my neck!

Before attacking the han...

I'm going to have the heads of the sachuldo leaders!

Chief general!

Prepare the troops immediately!

Please calm down, your majesty!

If we have internal turmoil while facing the enemy, it will lead to buyeo's ruin!

Prime minister, did you just ask me to calm down?

If you were me, would you be calm?!

Your majesty, without sachuldo leaders' support, the war with Jin-beon and yim-doon is ill-advised.

How can we prevail with an army smaller than the han's?

Your majesty, please reconsider your order.

Shut up!

Isn't this exactly what you wished for?

Your majesty, I have nothing to do with the sachuldo leaders' decision.

Your majesty, the sachuldo leaders are simply saying that this war is reckless.

- Please rescind your order. - Please rescind your order.

Commander!

I heard the sachuldo leaders chopped the envoy's head off.

If sachuldo doesn't send reinforcements...

Doesn't that mean trouble for this war?

Emboldened by the sachuldo leaders' decision...

The court officers petitioned for the war order to be rescinded.

Of course that's what happened.

Dae-so.

I just heard the news from jong-go.

It looks like things will turn out according to your will.

There's no way war is possible now.

Of course not. How can there be a war without sachuldo's troops?

Even his majesty can't decide arbitrarily what he wants buyeo to do.

He's probably regretting listening to ju-mong about now.

This isn't right.

Something's going wrong.

Ju-mong.

What's going on?

Why would the sachuldo leaders do that, unless they're crazy?

What should we do now?

What do you think his majesty will do?

Does that mean the idea of striking Jin-beon and yim-doon is over?

Of course it is.

Like young-po said, this war's over.

Try convincing his majesty again.

I'm really curious as to what decision he'll make.

I need to talk to you, young-po.

You mean me?

What?

You're going to take the lead and slash the iron army?

You pathetic fool!

Don't you have any discernment at all?

Our mother, all the officers, and even the sachuldo leaders are opposing this war...

And yet you want to stand on the front lines and do what?

You let ju-mong trick you into this, didn't you? Nice going.

Watch what you're saying. How can you say I was tricked by ju-mong?

I told his majesty that I'm going to stand on the front lines because I have plans.

I'd like to know what that plan is. Tell me.

I wanted to beat...

Forget it.

Should I finish your sentence for you?

You wanted to beat me by making an achievement during the war, right?

I've been letting you off the hook until now...

But if you act foolishly again, I'll never forgive you.

Keep that in mind.

You can go now.

What's his majesty doing?

He went into his room and hasn't come out since the meeting was over.

He must've been shocked.

I expected opposition, but I didn't know it would be this bad.

What should we do with the sachuldo leaders, now that they've killed the envoy?

Ju-mong.

Yes, mother.

Your grandfather, who was the chief of the ha-baek tribe...

Was also once challenged by his subjects.

Your grandfather told me that in a power struggle...

You shouldn't judge between right or wrong before taking action.

He said the end result is the only standard for right and wrong.

That's what power is.

If you lose, nothing matters anymore.

You mean...

His majesty and the sachuldo leaders are having a power struggle right now.

This isn't a matter of going to war or not.

Whoever loses here will lose everything.

You need to do whatever you can to help his majesty carry his will through.

This is from the governor.

What is it? Something I need to know?

No.

The sachuldo leaders' beheading of the envoy is a huge symbol.

They're saying they'll no longer follow king geum-wa's orders.

It's a major crisis for buyeo's future.

Prince ju-mong and king geum-wa took a really risky step.

If they don't deal properly with the current situation...

Internal conflicts can lead to ruins even before the war with the han.

What do they need to do?

Well...

Without sachuldo's troops, the war will be difficult regardless.

Prince ju-mong and king geum-wa have no choice but to take a step backwards.

In that case, your idea to join this war as a supplier of goods is pointless.

Nevertheless, I'm curious as to how prince ju-mong will deal with the situation.

Is there no way I can help?

Miss, I know full well how you feel about prince ju-mong, but...

That's a dangerous thought.

In cold-hearted terms...

It'd be wise to take a commensurate step.

Were you looking for me?

Leave us.

Have a seat.

Ju-mong.

Yes, your majesty.

How do you think I should resolve this matter?

I have neither any experience nor wisdom.

I wouldn't know how.

I'll just go with whatever your majesty decides.

What I want to tell you is that I'll follow whichever decision you make.

I can even eliminate the sachuldo leaders who have turned against you.

My mother told me that if you lose to the leaders now, you'll lose everything.

I can resolve this matter by dominating the leaders who have turned against me.

But that doesn't solve anything.

Sachuldo is the foundation of buyeo. My powers are useless without them.

I need to take my time and try to convince the leaders.

Your majesty, I know where you're coming from.

But if you miss this opportunity while trying to convince the leaders,

you'll be at a disadvantage even if you go to war.

You must make a decision soon.

Everyone in the streets has heard...

The story about how the sachuldo leaders killed the envoy.

I think they are spreading the gossip on purpose.

They're probably trying to pressure his majesty.

Hey there!

Hey there!

That's him! It's him!

What are you guys doing in the capital?

I'm glad you guys are safe.

But where are the others?

We've settled somewhere around jeoga in buyeo.

By the way...

This is prince ju-mong, the commander of the bodyguards in buyeo.

We're his majesty's royal bodyguards.

We were rude, not realizing who you were. Please forgive us.

Nothing to apologize for.

But what brings you to the capital?

We heard that buyeo is going to war with Jin-beon and yim-doon.

We're here to join the war.

I know we're weak, but please give us a chance to save the refugees.

Hey there.

Are you here to fight in the war, too?

But you're a little kid.

I'm not a little kid.

I can fight.

Please let me fight.

This boy... both his parents were killed by the han's iron army.

He followed us here to avenge his parent's death.

Commander!

What is it?

I think you should come see this.

Oh-yi!

Please let us talk to his majesty!

Get out of here!

What's going on?

They want to talk to his majesty.

Please let us talk to his majesty!

Sir?

Sir!

Hyeop-Bo!

Your majesty.

I think you should come outside to see this.

What is it?

The old da-mul army, who resided all over buyeo, has gathered...

And is asking for an audience with you.

The da-mul army?

Yes, your majesty.

Your majesty! Your majesty!

I am man-ho of the da-mul army, who used to aid commander hae mo-su

and your majesty in attacking hyeon-to.

We came running here as soon as we heard you were going to strike

Jin-beon and yim-doon to save the old joseon refugees.

We will stand on the front lines!

We will stand on the front lines!

Your majesty.

I'm an old joseon refugee who escaped hyeon-to and am now living in jeoga of buyeo.

Please let us participate in this war.

We will give our lives to save the oppressed joseon refugees from the han.

Your majesty, we were the da-mul army who weren't afraid to fight until death.

But the da-mul army's honor was lost

as soon as commander hae mo-su passed away.

The buyeo people have forgotten that the da-mul army ever existed.

Your majesty, please give us a chance to restore the da-mul army's honor.

- Please let us fight! - Please let us fight!

I can't bear to face you guys right now...

Because I feel guilty for all those years I've forgotten about you.

Forgive me for not keeping the honor of the da-mul army.

Your majesty!

It's not too late.

We will accompany you and restore our old glory!

- Your majesty! - Your majesty!

Are you there, song-ju?

Convene a meeting in the court immediately.

Tell the officers and priestess ma oo-ryeong to come.

Yes, your majesty.

The sachuldo leaders have stood against my will.

They killed my envoy, and refused to send reinforcements.

Therefore instead of asking for the sachuldo soldiers,

I'm going to this war with the central army alone.

Your majesty.

How can we win a war against the han without reinforcements from sachuldo?

That's an unreasonable decision.

- Please rescind your decision. - Please rescind your decision.

I'm not reckless enough to fight a war that I can't win.

I'm going to win for sure.

Just so you know, from this moment on...

I'm going to eliminate anyone who opposes my decision!

Priestess ma oo-ryeong.

Yes, your majesty.

What does the divination palace think about this?

I will trust in your majesty's decision and, offer a heavenly rite to pray for victory.

Good.

I will participate and pray in this heavenly rite myself.

What? Commencing a war without sachuldo's support?

He's gone mad! Totally mad!

So you're telling me that the officers could pose absolutely no objections?

They did object, but any further petitions could have meant their necks.

Dae-so, there's nothing else left to do now.

Someone who's gone mad can no longer rule.

It's you who has to take charge of buyeo now.

Your highness, but that means...

I'll have to meet uncle ma-ga right now.

If we're to go to war with only the central army,

we'll need sound strategy and tactics.

You two get together and speed up the war preparations.

Yes, your majesty.

- Ju-mong. - Yes, your majesty.

Put posters up recruiting volunteers,

and form a unit from the old da-mul army and the refugees who have settled here.

I'll do so.

I have no idea which tune to dance to.

Your highness! You shouldn't go to a war we're guaranteed to lose.

You're wrong.

Why would his majesty and ju-mong enter a war they know they'll lose?

I'm sure he has a good reason for making that decision.

Your highness, have you ever gambled?

Gambled?

It's really simple. You either bet odd or even.

But sometimes, you just can't decide between odd or even.

Do you know what you should do then?

What?

You need to fold.

Oh, come on! You call that a solution?!

Your highness, almost everyone decides not to fold when they're betting.

They get stubborn and lose their money.

Han-dang is right.

You should do whatever you can to get out of this war.

Geum-wa said he'll go to war without reinforcements from sachuldo.

So I've heard.

I gave you permission to supply goods for the war, but not anymore.

Father!

I permitted you to supply the goods...

Because my calculations told me that there's a good chance of winning. But...

I'm not too sure anymore.

I only bet everything when I'm sure I'll win.

I can't send you into a war whose outcome I don't know.

But I'm confident that prince ju-mong will win.

Please allow me to go.

I don't want to talk about this anymore.

I agree with him.

Your majesty.

What's the matter?

Assassins have entered the palace! You need to get away.

Protect his majesty.

Your majesty, you need to get away.

Your majesty!

Check and see who they are.

Your majesty, are you okay?

You should go inside.

You wretch! You're supposed to be leading the royal bodyguards!

How in the world could you let assassins invade his majesty's bedroom?

Step back.

Check and see who they are.

They're the iron workshop blacksmiths.

Commander, they're nowhere to be seen.

I think they already escaped.

They couldn't have gone far.

We can catch up to them if we go after them.

If they escaped, they probably went to hyeon-to.

- Block the roadway to hyeon-to and catch them. - Yes.

Let's go to the royal court.

What did you say?

The assassins were the blacksmiths dae-so brought?

Yes.

That's nonsense! No way! That can't be true.

This is a conspiracy to kill dae-so! A conspiracy!

I don't know what's going on, but since his majesty saw them with his own eyes,

dae-so will be greatly punished.

The punishment isn't the issue here.

Prince dae-so may even lose his life.

What am I going to do?

What should I do?

If you lie to me, you won't be able to escape death.

Your majesty.

I can't believe this either.

How am I supposed to know that...

The blacksmiths who made steel swords for buyeo, could be assassins?

They're not old joseon refugees who ran away from the hyeon-to forge.

They are blacksmiths sent by Yang-jeong.

What was your reason for...

Holding me in contempt by lying to me about who they are?

I want an answer.

Your majesty, I only did it to make buyeo a powerful nation.

If I ever wanted to hold you in contempt, you can kill me...

Shut up!

They turned into assassins who tried to kill me!

How can you go on and on about making us a powerful nation?

I only wanted to unlock the secret to steel-forging techniques...

Because it was your life-long dream.

Once we can take han on after mastering the steel-forging techniques,

I was going to willingly accept my punishment for lying then.

You wretch!

Is begging Yang-jeong for techniques the best you can do to make steel weapons?

My idea of national prosperity...

Isn't in arming ourselves with unbreakable steel weaponry,

but in fighting our enemies with great pride!

Does everyone now see the true color of the han and Yang-jeong?!

We stand in your mercy, your majesty.

Han speaks of friendship by sending the governor's daughter as an envoy.

But on the inside, they scheme of taking my life and ruining buyeo!

Do you still think I shouldn't strike Jin-beon and yim-doon?

Commander of the bodyguards.

Yes, your majesty.

Cross-examine dae-so and uncover the relationship...

Between him and the hyeon-to blacksmiths, as well as with Yang-jeong.

Your majesty!

Lock prince dae-so up until the cross-examination is over.

My lord!

What's the matter?

King geum-wa was attacked by assassins.

Who were the assassins?

The blacksmiths prince dae-so brought from hyeon-to.

Just as I thought, they were spies sent by Yang-jeong.

Nothing can stop this war between buyeo and Jin-beon and yim-doon now.

Because of this, the people who opposed this war...

Will now turn antagonistic towards the han.

Geum-wa is saved from his dilemma because Yang-jeong did a foolish thing.

Doesn't this mean even sachuldo needs to send soldiers now?

I don't know about that. We'll see what happens.

If sachuldo sends the soldiers, will you let me be their supplier?

Make the arrangements for now.

Managing the merchant group is a job I can't do by myself.

I'll have to contact gyehru and call back gye-pil and oo-tae.

I'll send the word.

What do you think will happen to prince dae-so?

The issue is whether prince dae-so knew beforehand...

That the blacksmiths had intentions of killing king geum-wa.

However power-hungry prince dae-so may be,

isn't it unlikely that he'll try to kill his own father?

Still, it'd be hard for him to escape all responsibility.

With what has happened, the palace's power structure will be turned upside down.

Prince ju-mong's standing is likely to improve.

If the prince's dream is to be realized, that won't be enough.

He'll need an even greater power.

Wait and see.

I'll make sure he gets it.

Drink it.

I'm okay now.

I don't think I need to take medicines anymore.

Stop being ridiculous. Drink it.

You almost died before you even got married.

Just meet a nice girl and get married.

Forget it.

Do you know how old you are?

Are you sure you don't have any other thought on your mind?

What thoughts?

Well, do you by any chance think of miss so seo-no as...

Father!

Then what?

You're a man, aren't you?

How come you don't want to get married?

Serving the chief and the miss is enough for me.

I don't want to concern myself with any other business.

Oh, dear!

Are you there, gye-pil?

Yes. Come in.

I have news from buyeo.

You and oo-tae should go to buyeo immediately.

This is a letter from lord yeon ta-bal in buyeo.

So-ryeong.

Yes?

Your dream was correct.

Did something serious happen to buyeo?

King geum-wa was attacked by assassins.

But it wasn't an evil omen.

Yes, you're right about that too.

King geum-wa and prince ju-mong became more powerful because of this.

If you have any message to send, you can give it to gye-pil.

That's fine.

Why... What are you doing?

After hanging around the forge this long,

I've come to know a thing or two about how things work here.

But I have no idea what you're up to these days.

I'm in the process of making something that will shock you.

So, why don't you tell me what that shocking thing is?

I can't tell you.

You can't tell me?

Are you saying you don't trust me?

Do you know who I'm toiling here in gyehru for?

Once I perfect this technique,

I can make a sword much stronger than the steel swords of han.

But this is a secret so huge I can't tell it even to gyehru.

Secret?

I need to find out the relationship...

Between you and the people who tried to murder his majesty.

Relationship? What relationship?

I only brought them as blacksmiths.

When there was a salt trade conflict with Yang-jeong...

And when the han steel officer was in hyeon-to,

why did you meet Yang-jeong?

I already told you, I was there to adjust trade items with han.

From what I know,

there were talks of marriage between you and Yang-jeong's daughter,

- and that it was part of the agreement. - You wretch!

How dare you try to slander me with false rumors from the streets?!

Are you saying it's not true?

Would you make a deal with a marriage you know his majesty will be against?

I'm confident that there was an agreement between you and Yang-jeong.

You must have proof, then.

Show me your proof.

Preserve your dignity as the eldest son of his majesty.

Admit your errors and seek his majesty's forgiveness.

Keep a close watch on him, so that no one can approach him.

Yes, sir!

I came here to see dae-so.

You can't see him.

Get out of my face.

Please go back.

How dare you...

It's his majesty's orders.

Please go back.

You wretch!

I can't let you go in.

You wretch. Just wait and see.

The day will come when you and your mother...

Will bow down at my feet and beg me to save you.

Your majesty, the queen is here.

Tell her to go back.

I really need to talk to you, your majesty.

What do you think you're doing?

- Leave at once! - I can't do that.

Dae-so has nothing to do with what happened!

We'll find out after the cross-examination.

Your majesty!

Why are you so cruel to dae-so and me?

I can live with all those years you've been distant towards me.

But dae-so is your offspring!

Dae-so had always been bitter against your indifference,

and yet longed for your attention.

Why else would he bring blacksmiths from hyeon-to,

and tell you that they're refugees?

That's the only thing he's guilty of.

Why would a son try to kill his father?

He has no reason to be locked up like that.

Please release him.

Go back.

If you don't release him, then I'll get dae-so out myself.

What?!

Don't you think I already know dae-so wasn't behind this?

Then why are you so cruel to dae-so?

Because of you and the sachuldo leaders!

You think I don't know that you and the sachuldo leaders are

challenging my authority by stirring up the divination palace?

It wasn't me who did that to dae-so! It was you!

Now leave!

Your highness...

Even in death, I won't forget the humiliation I received today.

I can't believe those blacksmiths were spies from han.

Congratulations, your highness.

Congratulations? At a time like this?

What han-dang meant was...

Now that prince ju-mong has given up on the competition,

and prince dae-so is in trouble, you're the one who'll be the crown prince.

I know that too, you jerk!

But if I think about dae-so's situation, and how distressed my mother is right now,

I can't be happy about being the crown prince!

How come no one understands the depth of my thoughts?

Either way, he's my only brother.

He might even die.

How can I be jolly at a time like this?!

Seeing how thoughtful you are,

I can see what a sage king you'll be in the future.

Please have some more wine.

Prince ju-mong the commander of the bodyguards,

stopped them from assassinating geum-wa.

Ju-mong!

What's the matter?

Prince dae-so has been arrested.

Damn, I've only given him a justification for a war while trying to nip it in the bud.

Dong-sun!

Yes?

Geum-wa will strike Jin-beon and yim-doon.

Go to Jin-beon and yim-doon, and tell them to prepare for war.

Yes, governor.

Wang so-mun.

Yes, governor.

Gather up reinforcements to send to Jin-beon and yim-doon.

Yes, governor.

What brings you here?

A war with buyeo can't be avoided?

It looks that way.

But don't worry. Buyeo doesn't hold a chance against us.

I heard that prince dae-so has been arrested.

Is that because of his engagement with me?

No, that's not why.

Dae-so tried to stop this war.

That's why geum-wa was discontent with him.

Sul-LAN.

Yes, father.

Dae-so is a clever man.

He can handle this.

Don't worry.

Mu-duek.

Yes, your highness.

I need to go to the queen's chamber.

Lead the way.

Your highness...

If you go now, you'll only upset the queen.

Just lead the way.

Your highness, please calm down.

Prince dae-so will be released when his accusations prove to be untrue.

It's not that easy.

I don't think his majesty will change his mind.

What should I do?

Your highness, lady yoo-hwa is here.

They're taking turns to irritate me, aren't they? Tell her to get out of here!

Lady, what's the meaning of this rudeness?

I have something to tell you.

If you want to save dae-so, tell everyone to leave.

Leave us.

How in the world can you save dae-so?

Plotting to murder his majesty...

Is a crime punishable by death, even for a prince.

Although he's just being locked up right now, his majesty can kill prince dae-so if he wants.

What?

As long as I live, that will never happen!

Even his majesty won't be able to lay on finger on him!

Please calm down.

You can't solve anything by yelling.

Knowing his majesty's temperament, he might sacrifice prince dae-so...

In order to oppress your highness and the sachuldo leaders.

So?

I'll have prince dae-so released.

But I need you to promise me one thing first.

Make the sachuldo leaders cooperate in striking Jin-beon and yim-doon.

If you can promise me that, prince dae-so will be able to see you.

Will you do that?

How's prince dae-so doing?

He says he has nothing to do with the attempted murder.

I know he's being truthful.

I'm only investigating because his majesty ordered me to.

Right, dae-so's life is dependent on his majesty's decision.

Ju-mong.

Yes?

Tell his majesty that prince dae-so is innocent,

and convince dae-so to join the advance guard in the war with han in return.

Prince dae-so will then owe his life to you,

and move the queen to release the sachuldo soldiers.

Do you think the queen will do that?

She will.

I do not believe that you incited the blacksmiths.

Are you trying to appease me now?

I'd rather have you tell his majesty that I tried to kill him,

and petition to have me killed!

You're not in this situation only because of what you've done.

Don't you know the queen and the sachuldo leaders are plotting...

To overpower his majesty?

His majesty will probably try to use this opportunity...

To establish an indestructible authority.

If that happens, not just you but the queen will be in danger.

I'm going to give you a chance.

I'll report to his majesty that you have nothing to do with this murder plot.

In return, unselfishly help his majesty during this war.

Isn't this war for the sake of buyeo anyways?

Are you done with the cross-examination?

Your majesty.

Although dae-so used the han blacksmiths to produce steel swords,

he only did it to make buyeo more powerful.

He has nothing to do with the murder plot.

Are you sure?

Yes, your majesty.

I'd like to make a petition to your majesty.

Dae-so wants to join the advance guard

in striking Jin-beon and yim-doon even if it means serving as a common soldier.

Please Grant him your royal permission.

Did dae-so really say that?

He's outside right now.

You can ask him yourself.

Tell dae-so to come inside.

Your majesty, I've committed an unforgivable sin.

But if you will give me a chance to wash away my sins,

I will join the advance guard to strike Jin-beon and yim-doon.

Very well.

I will give you that chance.

Your favors are immeasurable, your majesty.

Listen!

For commanding officer of the advance guard in this war,

I appoint commander of the bodyguards ju-mong!

I want dae-so and young-po to assist ju-mong in leading this war to victory.

Main subtitles provided by mbc america additional subtitles, edits, & timings by: PC

further edits chinacho

qc julier

encoder kandi

thanks to all of the d-fansubs team!

Thanks you for watching with us! ^_^.

Please do not upload any of our subs on any website without our prior approval.