Original subtitles

[Episode 8]

Do you know him?

No...

Hey, Kwangtaek!

Are you in there?

You, how dare you come here?

Samo!

Hey, when you set foot in Hanyang, you should’ve sent me news first.

Why did you meet that immature Daewoong first?

So that talkative friend

is called Daewoong?

My apologies.

That friend, he's lost an arm.

I understand you.

But if I was your opponent, would you still do the same?

If necessary, anytime.

Even without one arm, you’re still the best swordsman in Joseon.

Since you’re still alive, it’s hard to say.

Thanks for saying that.

But do you know?

The place for your sword is the only one still empty.

Are you inside?

I only wanted to see your face today. So I’ll get going.

That sword... Clean it well and wait for me.

Seeing that you’ve also become more talkative...

Indeed, it seems we can’t stop the passage of time.

I’m leaving. See me out.

Kwangtaek, what’s wrong with you? [Heuksamo]

How can you let that man just leave like that?

He didn't come here for blood. Control your temper.

Is it because you’ve gotten old?

Or is it because you’re scared since you lost an arm?

How will you face Sagoeng again in hell when the day comes?

Enough!

Stop arguing and come inside.

Kwangtaek!

What is this feeling?

With one look from me, even a tiger surrenders.

That’s me, Baek Dongsoo!

Master Chun, I have something I would like to ask you.

Go ahead.

Chun?

Who killed my father?

Darn... What is he saying?

He was destined to die anyhow.

Although my hatred for him was enough to make me want to kill him...

However, he was still my father.

Please tell me.

You said it was someone I couldn’t even reach.

You said he was higher than a mountain and even higher than the sky...

If so, then could it be the Crown Prince?

That’s right!

Why... What reason would the Crown Prince have to kill my father?

A hunter kills his dog after it hunts down the rabbit.

The dog that's useless after hunting

will later be slaughtered for food.

I doubt the Crown Prince would have killed my father himself.

Then who plunged the sword into my father’s body?

Was it the swordmaster?

If that were true, what are you going to do?

Who is that? Why is he bowing?

He’s in the heavens. Do you dare challenge the heavens?

What is wrong?

What? The swordmaster Kim Kwangtaek is here?

Yes, he’s with the captain now.

Then the name Baek Dongsoo

has reached the ears of the swordmaster...

Why?

The swordmaster has made a long journey to see me.

Then I should go see him.

- Dongsoo! - Yeah.

Do you remember the herbalist we met a few days ago?

The herbalist?

That old man?

That old man is the swordmaster.

No way.

Really? Really?

Hey, Baek Dongsoo!

What brings you here?

Shall we have a drink?

Drink? Hey, that'd be great!

Aren’t you? From that time, right?

But that handsome fellow with a small face isn’t around.

Hey, the handsome fellow with a small face...

Who else would that be beside me?

Woon.

Yeo Woon? Are you interested in him?

Yeo Woon?

Hey, don't worry about him and let’s have a drink.

Okay!

Here you go... Drink up!

She can really drink, huh?

Isn't it Yeo Woon? What are you doing here?

Where is Dongsoo?

He should be in the tavern.

In the tavern?

Kwangtaek, please wait here. I’ll go find Dongsoo.

Are you Chosang's son?

Yes, sir.

But why do you have a murderous look in your eyes?

Is there something you want to say to me?

One and a half steps...

The distance from which I could easily behead him...

It would be more than enough.

Why don’t you say anything?

I must draw my sword now. Now!

Your thirst for blood is overflowing.

He's in the heavens. Do you dare challenge the heavens?

When we are grown up, do you want to marry me?

Who are you?

Hello, how are you? It has been a long time...

It has been a long time?

Who are you that it’s been a long time?

My name is Hwang Jinjoo!

Hwang Jinjoo? Jinjoo?

Ah, that's right!

Aren’t you the little girl who used to follow Dongsoo around like a puppy?

Yes!

You've grown into a beautiful lady.

But I didn’t follow him around like a puppy...

Yes, you did follow him around like a puppy...

Anyhow, it seems like you’ve already met up with them.

Yes.

I'll get going then...

Okay, you go on then.

- Goodbye. - Bye.

She's grown into a beautiful lady.

Look at this bunch of rotten brats! Getting drunk at such a young age!

Auntie, here he comes. Hurry and go!

Quickly!

- Rotten girl. - Hurry up!

Samo!

Hi, Jangmi.

Those brats are giving you a hard time...

It’s nothing...

By the way, Samo.

Yes, what is it?

The thing is... I made some clothes for you.

Clothes?

You didn't have to...

Aw...

She's really...

The night wind is chilly.

This boy is really him.

Kwangtaek!

Why didn’t I recognize you earlier?

This must be fate.

I am sure this is fate.

If an old man like you jumps into a fight recklessly,

you could lose your life.

I came here to challenge you!

I’d really love to spar with you now, but this is a sacred place for me.

So I’m going to leave this mountain quietly for today.

Understand?

Looking at you now, you’re exactly like your father.

Thank you!

For being alive.

Thank you.

Hey, Chorip, Chorip!

[Grave of Yang Chosang]

You fool, how could you leave like that?

Your son has grown up now.

He has your eyes too.

He were exactly like you when you were younger.

I won’t be able to visit again.

Rest in peace.

An assassin?

Did you let him slip?

Forgive me, Your Highness.

It seems too dangerous to continue to leave her alone at Cheongamsa temple.

What did you say?

That Crown Prince is meeting [Hong Daejoo]

with an apprentice Buddhist nun?

Yes.

[Samini: Female Buddhist apprentice nun who has received 10 precepts]

Is heaven on my side?

You go and thoroughly investigate that girl’s background.

Yes, it's nothing I can't take care of personally.

Have you met with Heuksamo?

Yes.

The boys have grown up to meet our expectations.

Then bring them into the palace.

Hey, come on, hurry up!

Sheesh...

I must be crazy to listen to you.

Hey, just once, okay?

Today is really the last time.

Didn’t I tell you?

Celestial fairy or not, if you continue this, Yama, the King of Hell will...

Don’t you see they’re harassing your future sister-in-law?

My sister-in-law?

Woon!

What?

Stay here and wait for me. I'll be right back.

Woon, please don’t try to help me, okay?

Okay.

Both of you, no matter what happens, don’t try to help me, okay?

I’m going.

Sheesh...

Why does it sound like he’s asking us to follow him and help him?

Let’s wait and see.

We must be crazy, crazy.

You wanted to hear my answer, did you?

If I had to choose between you

[Bukbeol Jigye: Military strategy to conquer the north left by King Hyojong]

and the northern campaign plan,

I’ll choose you.

However, I won’t choose you as a woman, I’m just...

That’s enough.

Your decision to choose me as a maiden... That's enough for me to be content.

What are you doing?

I was born with the fate of either being a Buddhist nun or being your woman.

Your Excellency, this is my answer.

Please stop it!

Even though I’m predestined to respect our ancestors’ agreement...

What exactly is this?

This map tattooed on my back is... The northern campaign plan.

10 years ago, my father tore out the map

from the book and tattooed the map on my back instead.

Since then, I’ve lived with a branded body that must not be destroyed or erased.

What a miserable fate! A caged bird that has lost its freedom, bound to me.

You and I were already walking the same path.

That jackal...

Do you wish to die?

You!

Just who are you to come in and out

of an apprentice nun’s room freely in the middle of the night?

Remove your blade. When I get mad, I’m really scared.

Do you really wish to die?

Back off.

You, I left quietly yesterday. But I won’t let you off that easy today!

The time is not right. Please leave quietly.

Really.

That’s what I should say! Hey, you, can’t you see?

My friends are...

They’ll be here anytime soon.

You rascal! Are you really a crazy fellow?

Intimidate him, but don't kill him.

Yes.

Wait!

There seems to be a misunderstanding between you two.

Please stop this.

If we make mutual concessions, nothing will happen.

Did you see?

He’s the best swordsman in Joseon. And I am...

Your skills are not ordinary. What do you do?

Enough!

Does this mean you can sacrifice your limbs for a friend?

No, it’s not like that.

Could it be the Crown Prince who did it?

That’s right.

By chance, did you come from the palace?

I asked you who you are.

Your Excellency!

Your Excellency?

You've got to be kidding!

What are you kneeling for?

He’s not the Crown Prince.

Don’t you think so?

Why would Your Excellency come to visit a Buddhist nun in the middle of the night?

Why are you on your knee then?

Because, maybe, I thought it might be possible, so...

That doesn’t mean I acknowledged you’re the Crown Prince.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge it either...

But why would Your Excellency visit a Buddhist nun in the middle of the night?

Does that even make sense?

In fact, that doesn’t make sense.

This fellow! He’s just messing with me.

Hey, get up! He said he’s not the Crown Prince.

I’m telling you he’s not!

His Excellency is known to appear and vanish into thin air.

So that he’s rarely even seen in the palace.

That's right.

I’m known to appear and vanish into thin air.

Excuse me?

What are you doing?

If you know who he is, why do you not kneel?

Your Excellency, I’ve committed a capital offense!

What a fearless fellow you are.

Then you know it is a capital offense.

Please pardon me, Your Excellency!

Just this once, if you pardon me just once, my life belongs to you.

That is to say, it’s a sacrifice without conditions...

I swear to sacrifice myself for you and to be loyal to you.

I really mean it!

So please forgive me just once!

That’s enough. What’s your name?

Yes, my name is Baek Dongsoo.

Baek Dongsoo?

Did you say Baek Dongsoo?

Do you know me?

Aren’t you that fellow from back then?

Then you must be Yeo Woon and you’re Yang Chorip.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Thankfully, you’ve grown up strong and healthy.

All of you will become the future light of Joseon...

I’ll send the palanquin tomorrow. So prepare yourself.

You, stop drinking already.

You're lucky your head is still attached to your neck.

How could you curse His Excellency Crown Prince?

What’s this? What’s wrong with you now, Woon?

What?

In my opinion, you guys both have some problems.

And it’s pretty serious!

It's serious, I know...

Your energy is fierce.

May I pour you a glass?

Yes, have a seat.

Do you know you two are like my own sons?

You were friends with my father. I’ve heard of it.

We were like brothers who were willing to give up lives for each other.

Then why did you kill him?

Looking back, both of them are gone.

Why did you kill my father then?

I can kill him. I’m close enough to kill him.

Are you confident?

When you use the sword, you should be confident of your anger.

What do you mean by that?

Our tongue can lie, but our eyes can’t.

I have been with your father all day long today.

Although we didn’t speak, I could hear it with my heart.

He asked me to take care of you.

There’s a place I would like to go visit.

My daughter! What are you doing?

Dad!

You’re not supposed to barge into a grown up girl's room like that!

That’s right.

I’m just here to check if you went off somewhere secretly to steal again.

Ah, that’s right!

You saw me. You can disappear now.

Okay.

But what's this?

What?

That's the loot from Mohwaru when I went...

Mohwaru?

What is this?

What is this, Joo?

Jinjoo?

His Majesty the emperor’s letter?

Where is Lord Hong? Is somebody there?

What did you say?

Did I hear wrong or?

No, you heard right.

Are you saying someone stole the royal letter from you?

[Royal Letter: Written by king to warn or inform a designated person]

We don’t know who did it or his whereabouts.

This really isn’t a simple matter!

Would it be possible for me to hear the content of the letter?

What do you mean by

“Noron’s opposition to the Qing dynasty

and obedience to the Ming dynasty?” [Bancheong Bokmyeong: Opposition to]

How could he say something [Qing and obedience to Ming dynasty]

so disrespectful?

And moreover, what does he mean

by abdication of the throne? [Yangwi: Abdication of throne by the king]

Our king is still reigning over

us in perfectly good health!

His Majesty the emperor said, with the Noron’s rebellious ideology,

he cannot trust your royal court to handle matters concerning Joseon.

- He is furious. - What do you mean by that?

I, Hong Daejoo, will extend my neck as a guarantee.

That Noron’s loyalty will remain unchanged.

Of course, His Majesty the emperor does not consider

the Crown Prince to be the future king of Joseon.

The contents of His Majesty’s letter must never be revealed!

I’ll definitely find it, most definitely.

[Heuksa Chorong]

It was neither His Excellency nor the swordmaster.

Please tell me the truth.

[Ji (Heuksa Chorong Master of Earth)]

How can you be sure of it?

They’re not capable of killing my father.

Then am I capable of it?

That’s not what I meant...

What do you mean then?

Do you really want to know the truth?

Yes.

Even if you know, it won't change anything.

Even so, I want to know.

The person who killed your father was...

It was you, Woon.

You killed your father with your own hands.

I must be your first and last victim.

Do you understand?

A meaningless act.

Nothing has changed.

Knowing is different from not knowing.

No, you were just struggling because you wished

to break free from the life of an assassin.

That’s why you erased it from your memories.

Thus, you’ve been curbing your killer’s instinct.

Am I not even allowed to die when I want?

You can’t take your own life. That’s the life of an assassin.

Assassin and martial artist, I once asked you about the difference.

Do you remember?

I still don’t know the difference between them.

However, I know clearly what the life of an assassin is.

It’s pain.

Someone who has embraced his opponent’s pain. That is an assassin.

Get up.

Now, I understand.

Please forgive me.

You may lower your head, but do not lose your focus.

That is a good look in your eyes.

This look reflecting the pain in your heart.

This is the look of a real assassin who controls the life and death of others.

Don’t show this look to anyone else until you die.

This bunch of stupid fools! You still haven't found a single clue?

The thing is... There is a clue, but...

What is it?

One of my subordinates saw Hwang Jinki.

Hwang Jinki?

Yes, Lord.

Are you referring to Hwang Jinki, the traitor?

I wanted to see Master Chun.

This is not a matter that requires the attention of Master Chun.

Even so, Hwang Jinki is a notorious bandit.

The rumors of his swordsmanship are widespread.

How would Master Ji?

Have you forgotten I’m one of the three leaders of the Black Assassins?

Fine.

I’ll pay you $10,000 for the royal letter.

For Hwang Jinki’s head, I’ll pay $20,000 more.

Then trust me and please refrain from any rash actions.

This is a message from Lord Hong Daejoo.

Master Ji has personally gone to catch Hwang Jinki who will appear at Mohwaru.

Hwang Jinki...

Hwang Jinki?

Stop there.

Did you bring it with you?

Yes, it’s here.

This is a very dangerous item. Get rid of it.

Miss, the contents of the letter relate to the Crown Prince’s safety...

This will bring harm to you and your daughter.

- I’ll follow your instruction. - Keep this in mind.

From now on, you’re no longer a living person...

What is her name?

Jinjoo, Hwang Jinjoo.

Did you leave something behind?

No.

Who are you to sit in front of someone else’s

door so early in the morning?

Aren’t you that herbalist?

I mean the swordmaster...

You rascal! He’s your godfather.

- Greet him quickly! - Okay.

I’m honored to meet you for the first time...

Haven’t we already met before?

Excuse me?

For the third time.

Don’t just nod your head. You should bow!

Kwangtaek, they’ve gotten such thick skulls, my words are a dog's barking to their ears.

You should take care of them.

Really...

It's not because I have a thick skull. It’s because my martial arts skills are...

See? Did you see it?

This is the famous blade holding technique. Only the most highly skilled can do it!

This can only be done by someone born with great reflexes!

You grew up to be quite confident.

Seeing you've grown up so well,

I can face your father later in the afterlife.

The horse stance has its weak point in staying grounded.

So you should keep your balance in the center of your body.

How is he, Kwangtaek? He’s still far from perfect, right?

He’s excellent.

Excuse me?

Are you serious?

Hurry up and get going!

I’ll be back.

Goodbye and take care.

Woon, take care of yourself!

Are they going off to die?

They’re just going to the palace. It's in front of our noses. Don’t cry.

They’re still so young. I wonder how long they'll last in the palace...

I'd be wrong not to worry!

But his clothes!

Clothes? The thing is... Jangmi.

Kwangtaek, why don’t you go along and visit His Excellency?

I’m not in a hurry.

When His Excellency gets my message, he’ll give me his orders.

Anyhow, you two look good together.

Excuse me?

What are you talking about?

By the way, His Excellency wants us to look after that apprentice nun.

I don’t know where she can stay.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Now, this Baek Dongsoo is finally entering the palace.

We’re finally moving up!

That’s what I’m saying.

Hey, smile a bit!

How are you?

Don’t we have to salute them?

Life in the palace [Im Soowoong (Military Drillmaster)]

is different from the outside...

- So behave properly. - Yes, sir.

I’ll prepare your paperwork for entering the palace.

So wait for me on the training field.

Yes, sir.

I feel so weird in this uniform.

So do I.

But the uniform looks good on you, Woon!

Me too.

Sheesh... Not on you.

What is that sound?

Who are they?

They’re practicing the skill we learned when we were sucking our thumbs.

They’re not that bad.

And I had such high expectations. Do I have to train with snot-nosed kids?

Hey, you!

Repeat what you said.

What did you say just now? [Hong Sahae (Hong Daejoo's son)]

Uh, snot-nosed kids?

What?

He said snot-nosed kids!

You!

Do you want to die?

In my opinion, you just got yourself in trouble again.

You too.

What are they talking about?

Do you want these snot-nosed kids to teach you a lesson?

[Hong Myeongjoo (Hong Daejoo's nephew)]

See? You’re snot-nosed kids.

You're dead men today.

Close the gate!

Do you want a real match with us? Chorip!

Hey Woon, it’s too much trouble to go against them one by one.

So why don’t we finish them with one blow?

Attack!