Original subtitles

[In 1762, Pyeongan-do]

Your Excellency,

this is the letter from the palace.

An envoy from China?

[Seo Yoodae]

How long have I been away from the palace?

Including the 10 days stayed in Pyeongan province,

it’s been over a month. [Dalpo: Period of time longer than one month]

Considering that China has sent an envoy,

I guess the news of my inspection of the provinces

[Kwanseo Yoorang: Crown Prince Sado's inspection of Pyeongan-do, Hamgyong-do]

has reached the Chinese emperor.

Your Excellency, these two provinces border the Chinese territory.

The longer you stay here, the more they’ll suspect your intention.

In court, you are giving the ruling faction pretext against you.

[Episode 6]

You've just returned from China.

I’m sorry that I have to trouble you again.

I have fully recovered from the trip.

Now that you’ve seen it for yourself,

how was it?

The geography is consistent with

the northern campaign plan.

Then although 100 years have passed, the book is still valid?

Yes, but now is not the right time.

There are elements in the book my father left I haven't yet deciphered.

What are those?

Your Excellency, it is too early to say.

I will tell you once I've thought about it some more.

Don’t worry. It won’t be long.

Okay, I trust you. So take your time and think it over.

Yes.

In a few days, you’ll join a merchant group returning from China.

I’ll arrange a bodyguard to escort you.

So please don’t worry about your safety.

Emotions such as fear, I’ve already abandoned long ago.

The only thing I fear for is your safety.

Even you are worried about me now.

I know the path Your Excellency is taking is treacherous.

No one has dared take this treacherous path.

My regret is not being able to take the path in your place.

I worry my stay here may endanger your position.

Your Excellency may put your mind at ease.

I’ve been demoted twice already,

not to mention being dismissed from my post.

Thank you for saying that.

Leaving you alone here makes me feel uneasy.

Wait for me at Cheongamsa Temple and I’ll contact you later.

Give me your answer then.

Let's go.

I have already found the answer.

Your Excellency, the only one who hasn’t found the answer is you.

The swordmaster who stayed

at the Shaolin temple has disappeared.

Is he coming back for good? [Chun (Heuksa Chorong Master of Sky)]

I will continue the search.

Having lost an arm, what would Kwangtaek [In (Heuksa Chorong Master of Men)]

have gained while staying in China?

I’m curious.

Of what of significance is that to you?

Am I the only one awaiting his return?

[Hwang Jinjoo]

Excuse me!

Do we know each other?

Forgive me...

[Hwang Jinki]

Please have a drink.

It has been a long time.

I didn't hear from you for years, so I was worried.

What about the girl?

She's had to live among bandits. She’s so wild.

Is she in the hideout now?

No, she was just here, however...

I am sorry.

Do we know each other?

She has become a pretty girl.

Thank you.

Young Lady!

Hey, it was supposed to be a Buddhist nun.

Why is she wearing the Hanbok?

It seems she’s an apprentice nun.

She’s not a real nun yet.

Anyhow, it’s so disappointing

our long-awaited first mission is something as easy as this.

We should at least meet an assassin group,

so I can unleash my real prowess!

It’s such a pity.

Dongsoo!

Huh?

If you run into an assassin group

with your skills now, you’ll go straight to your death.

What did you say? What’s wrong with my skills?

As a warrior... I'm the second best warrior in the world after Yeo Woon.

Joseon’s second best swordsman, Baek Dongsoo.

At least you know.

Joseon’s second best swordsman, whatever!

Then am I Joseon's third best swordsman?

They are private merchants returning from trading with China.

[Chaekmun Gaesi: Government sanctioned black market trade with China]

Three wagons and twenty guards?

Do you see that carriage in the tail of the procession?

Just by the looks of it, I can tell it’s the biggest catch!

It’s mine, so don’t touch it!

But little boss, shouldn’t we report to the chief first?

Wait!

Those brats!

Stop!

Let’s go!

Did you see that?

See what?

- See what? - I stopped this arrow from hitting you.

I’m a genius... A genius!

Woon, why don’t you just let me take care of this?

Guard the carriage!

Guard the carriage?

I was looking forward to something more challenging.

Is it only a group of bandits?

Don’t underestimate them.

Chorip, follow me!

What a disappointment.

I was looking forward to fighting grown men.

Aren’t you just a barely weaned kid?

Weaned? Kid? Hey, have you ever seen a kid this big?

And I've probably eaten at least 3,000 more bowls of rice than you.

And I've walked at least 1,000, no 10,000, more miles than you've walked!

Do you think eating more makes you

well-versed in matters of the world?

Only making use of your brain does that!

Do you have nothing to brag about besides your age?

And you’re so well-versed in matters of the world,

you've learned to steal before learning anything else?

You brat!

I’m sorry to say this... But I don’t have time to play with you.

This wench, really!

- What’s wrong, Chorip? - Something seems stuck.

Your Excellency, since the Chinese envoy arrived,

the palace meeting has already started.

How about waiting [Im Soowong: Military Drillmaster]

in the Gangryeongjeong Hall?

Your Highness, is it true the Crown Prince

led military exercises at the border?

The Emperor has expressed his displeasure at this matter!

There is a misunderstanding here.

It’s true the Crown Prince inspected the border area recently.

However, he did not personally direct any military exercises.

Then how do you have only 5,000 royal soldiers guarding the capital,

while along the borders of China,

you have dispatched 50,000 soldiers?

Is this an attempt at provocation?

Who do you think you are?

Did you want to see me humiliated by the Chinese envoy?

Very well.

What were you doing after [King Yeongjo]

you violated my order?

You don't want to report?

I’ll demote all the people you have met with

in the past month to low rank government officials!

So be aware of it!

Only I deserve to be punished. Please don’t punish innocent people.

Be quiet!

It’s you who started all this trouble, isn’t it?

Your Highness!

Be gone now!

As the nation’s future king, how can he be so insensible?

He plotted a revolt and now he’s provoking China.

Why does His Highness blindly indulge such a Crown Prince?

Although His Highness isn’t pleased.

He is his son after all. [Hong Daejoo: Chief of Police]

However, the matter has made relations between

His Highness and the Crown Prince more uneasy.

His Highness is greatly angered.

And members of the ruling faction will use the opportunity to pressure you.

Can’t you avoid behavior that will cause you [Queen Jeongsoon]

to fall out of their favor?

Hearing you say this, you remind me of how you were in the past.

You used to be on my side.

I mean before you became Queen.

Her Majesty may be unable to separate herself from the ruling faction.

But things will be different with her son.

There is nothing here!

What? Then there's nothing valuable here!

Go get them!

Hey!

Are you okay?

You’re so low!

Don’t bother with anything else. Let's have a fight to the finish, you and me.

Alright.

Old man, we’ll spare your life,

so just leave your bag and go.

[Swordmaster Kim Kwangtaek: Most skilled swordsman in Joseon]

If you want it, come and get it.

Kid, next time we fight to the finish!

Hey!

Excuse me! Excuse me... Old man!

You have quite an unusual hand technique.

I mean you’re no longer young.

Just because you have that technique, you shouldn't bust into a fight

or it could be the end of you.

This is the art of the identification tag. Do you want to learn?

What does this old man take me for?

If I need to show you with my skills...

Who... Who are you?

Isn't it obvious? I’m an herbalist.

Herbalist, whatever!

Listen, I don’t know who you are...

It’s a good sword.

But a sword that kills can never be a good sword.

You don’t have the eyes of someone who would harm a man.

What are you doing? Let’s go!

Hey, Baek Dongsoo!

Boys and girls are forbidden to sit together after age seven!

In broad daylight, what embarrassing behavior is this?

What a sight!

Look at his eyes! They're about to jump out all the way over here!

Rotten brat, it seems we’ll have to teach you a lesson.

Do me a favor. Can’t you all just leave quietly?

The carriage was empty.

Why don’t you just give me what she has in her arms?

So you're not going to let us go, is that it?

Well, well...

You’re saying you have skills, aren’t you?

It seems like you have no intention of letting us go quietly.

Please stay behind me.

Please leave.

That wench!

Life is precious for every person.

Hey!

You put down your bow first. Isn’t your life precious too?

Who told him?

The youngin... This brat!

Put that down!

Pull back!

Pull back!

Hey, stop there!

Where are you coming from?

I’m a local herbalist.

You don't look familiar.

Let's see your identification tag!

I said, show me your identification tag now!

Kim Kwangtaek.

That too!

Hey, let’s leave.

Just hold on a minute...

The captain is clearly nagging him...

Are you going to the market?

Go on your way!

Kim Kwangtaek? His name sounds familiar.

Hey, Dongsoo!

Let’s go!

Thank you.

It was nothing.

Why do you have such sadness in your eyes?

I’m sorry.

Don't be.

It’s nice here.

[Heuksa Chorong]

We have a message.

[In (Heuksa Chorong Master of Men)

Why are you following me like a rat?

Just some immature kids.

What? Kids?

This is driving me crazy!

Old man!

We may look young, but we're 20!

Alright. What do you want from me?

Well, I came looking to fight you!

And you?

Excuse me? No... I'm just a spectator.

Alright. Are you ready?

Wait! Wait!

You’re impulsive. You’re still a kid.

The sword is not controlled by the hand.

The sword is moved as the heart wishes.

Only an earnest heart can move the sword.

My head, my head! It really hurts!

You are very impressive!

Hey, what are you doing?

You’re so beyond hopeless that I pity you!

What? An assassin group?

Hey, even the old man herbalist can defeat you.

What assassin? Whatever!

You jerk!

The heavens' Baek Dongsoo's reduced to a little puppy in one night.

Hey, Woon, Woon! I'm sending it... Okay?

Woon, are you okay?

Listen, here you are!

I’m fine.

Oh... Please don’t refuse and just eat a little.

It's just like chicken.

Is he really that stupid?

What did you say?

Hey! Have you ever seen a Buddhist nun eating meat?

Ah, this feels nice and cool!

I must have exercised too hard lately... My body feels so warm.

You're totally out of your mind. Here.

That guy’s a little immature. Please understand.

Yes.

There are only two things that I, Baek Dongsoo, fear.

Being hungry... Oh, and being warm.

It’s so warm. Isn’t it warm?

Stop right there!

Here you are! I got you.

It was so hard to catch you!

Catch me if you can. I want to play the game.

Please let me live!

Should I let you live or not?

Hurry up!

Gold is so delicious! No matter how I eat it, I don’t need salt!

It’s a lucky day for you!

My Lord, what good is it to scare the Chinese envoy?

And you tell me not to kill him, but scare him a little disguised as a bandit.

That’s the hardest thing for me, to stop at scaring him.

It’s easy to kill someone.

Do you want to know?

Hey!

Where is he going?

Use this...

No, I'm fine...

Venerable Lady, if you don’t treat this wound, it will get worse.

Look, take this and...

Like this...

He didn’t even brush his teeth today!

But I’m fine.

All done.

How many times have I told you not to move without my permission?

Really...

Why are you making such a fuss when I've done this before?

And it's not like I’m doing this only for me.

What did you do right to talk back at me?

I might have gotten my hands dirty stealing...

But I don’t dirty this mouth.

Our job is to take a little surplus from the fat, rich men

and help the starving people. Didn't you say that, Father?

How can you tell whether they're rich or not?

Besides, how are going to take responsibility for the life of our comrades?

You’re getting old.

What did you say?

You don’t think to do anything but stay in the hideout and worry.

Were you like that when you were young too?

You've been everywhere in this country, isn’t that true?

Then goodnight, chief!

Chief? Hey, Jinjoo!

We didn’t become righteous bandits to fill our own bellies!

We have to make a living too!

Even so...

Half and half should do it.

We should at least fill our bellies when we work so hard.

Sure enough, the one person who thinks about us is the chief.

This is our share.

- Even so... - And don't complain.

But...

Didn’t we always split half and half?

Let's fight. It's been too long.

1378 to 0! What are you doing?

Woon, would you mind pulling out these needles?

Needles are used to help blood circulate and heal illness.

They are not weapons for harming people.

Are you alright?

Yes. I see you’re an expert in acupuncture as well.

I knew you weren't the average person at first glance...

Yes, that’s what I’m saying...

Now, go back to your mom.

I envy you. Because you have a mother.

And you’re so well-versed in matters of the world,

you’ve learned to steal before learning anything else?

What is this?

My daughter, what are you doing out here?

Can’t you see? I’m warming myself by the fire.

Jinjoo, why don’t you quit doing this now?

I don’t want to...

This is not a job for a grown-up girl like you.

It’s dangerous work!

This again? Didn't we already discuss this?

Hey, I’m worried about you.

I’m afraid something bad might happen to my only daughter!

Sheesh, you’re such a coward!

I must take after my mother, not you!

That’s right!

I met a lady yesterday.

I don't know why, but I had the strangest feeling.

That’s probably because she looks like me.

It's me, your daughter, Hwang Jinjoo!

I was born a bandit. Blood is thicker than water!

I’ll just live like you, the righteous outlaw!

But I heard China has sent an envoy.

That envoy is staying at Mohwaru. Wouldn't there be lots of treasure?

Don't even think about it!

Make one mistake, and your life is fair game!

I can always dream, can't I?

She’s like an angel.

I wonder if she’s the daughter of the King of Heaven?

She looks like an angel to you, right?

She looks like the queen of the underworld to me.

What?

Don't talk about my future wife like that...

Your future wife?

Woon, did you hear that? Isn’t he out of his mind?

Hasn't he always been like that?

Let's go! We’re late.

If you don’t want to see hell, let's go!

Come on! Hurry up!

I’m coming.

But... What happened?

Aren’t these Lily of the valley petals?

Why did you put a poisonous plant on your wound?

It may be a poisonous plant, but unless you inhale it, you’ll be fine.

This is Solomon’s seal. Then this is...

What are you doing? Keep walking!

I’m ruined!

You gang of rotten brats!

What have I told you about the basics of an escort group?

You boys must have an excess of energy.

So stay still like that all day.

That’s not it!

We had no choice because there were too many bandits.

Dongsoo, are the sacks too light?

The thing is... I was wrong.

Woon, I trusted you at least.

How are you becoming more like these doggone fools?

I’m sorry.

A bunch of hopeless rascals!

I knew it would turn out like this.

You should’ve just done what you were told to do.

How could you lose your soul to a vixen like that?

Do you want to die?

Ah... I better get going back to my aunt.

That little...

Hey, shall we drink later?

You're totally out of your mind.

Auntie! Auntie!

Dongsoo has gotten into trouble again as soon as he left here.

Stop wasting time and mind your own work!

By the way, what is Samo doing now?

It’s a stone's throw from here.

Why don’t you go and check it out yourself?

This wench...

A Chinese envoy performing his inspection was attacked by a bandit.

In consequence, the displeasure emanating from them is unspeakable.

I have my own source of information.

He wasn’t performing his inspection, but consorting with hostesses, wasn’t he?

Your Excellency, how could the envoy leave

Mohwaru and head to the city to visit the hostesses?

Their accommodation is too confined and also located outside West Gate.

Therefore, the security of the envoys there has been of concern.

Minister, what exactly are you trying to say?

Your Excellency, how about taking this opportunity

to build a new guest quarters for the Chinese envoy?

Your Excellency, it’s about China.

What benefit could we get from neglecting the needs of such a powerful country?

Did you say “swordmaster”?

Swordmaster, I have missed you so.

I'm spent!

You're looking well!

You must have finished your meditation successfully!

I’ve been looking forward to the end of your meditation.

Don’t you know yet?

That’s right. You couldn't have known about it.

Our favorite person, the swordmaster is back.

He has already set foot in the capital. I intend to welcome him personally.

Sending off and welcoming seems to have become your hobby.

What did you say?

You've been cooped up in your room without food these past few days.

Have you cooked and eaten all social etiquette?

What’s with the expression in your eyes?

You scare me. I'm so scared!

Anyhow, I’ll chew up and swallow his thumb.

You should season it with salt for me.

He’s getting worse.

It's none of my concern.

I know.

I’m also none of your concern.

The nauseating smell of blood is smothering me.

From the beginning, isn’t this the path we both chose?

However, I have changed my mind.

I don’t wish to stain my hands with blood anymore.

Neither will I wait for you again.

Who was the one who changed the expression in your eyes?

How about it?

Want to try your skills here?

Go.

Chun, you wretch!

No one besides me is allowed to touch Jeongeun.

That’s all.

This is the end of our destiny.

Is this the only way?

Pour it on me.

Do you really intend not to return?

My heart too... It stopped beating from long ago.