Original subtitles

[Episode 9]

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!

Stop!

Sir, we've never seen them since training began two months ago.

How can you accept them at the end of the training?

They were hired by the special [Im Soowoong (Military Drillmaster)]

employment program for aristocrats.

I’m in the same situation.

However, I have received the same

training course as the other trainees.

Sir, this is obviously unfair. [Hong Sahae (Hong Daejoo's son)]

There is nothing wrong about the rules.

However, your argument is also valid.

I’ll talk with my colleagues about those three new trainees.

So I’ll inform you about our decision

when we announce where your internships will take place.

You are dismissed!

Is it this woman?

Yes, sir.

Nice to meet you, sir.

I heard you're an apprentice nun

[10 Precepts: Religious precepts observed by Buddhist novice monks and nuns]

who's received the 10 precepts...

I’m not yet 20 years old. [Bangnyeon: A female about 20 years of age]

Please speak to me informally.

Please come inside.

Then you’re the daughter of Yoo Sangdo?

Yes, sir.

Y-Y-Yoo Sangdo, Yoo Sangdo?

The man who served

King Hyojong? [Hyomo: King Hyojong]

Did that worthless Dongsoo know?

You didn’t even know. Then how could he know that?

That’s right.

Seeing that His Excellency sent you here,

you must have been in danger.

Are you alright?

I have always lived in danger.

I know how to take care of myself.

However, if I do, I may cause

His Excellency undue trouble.

That’s why I came to take shelter here. [Heuksamo]

Forgive me.

- You should take good care of her. - Yes, sir.

That’s a shame! Why does she want to be a nun?

She’s the perfect girl for my immature Dongsoo.

What a waste!

A beacon guard?

Sir, isn’t this treatment too unfair?

It's a stratagem.

[Goyuk Jichaek: Ploy devised to deceive the enemy to extent of bodily harm]

Moreover, those who complained

about you were Lord Hong’s son and nephew.

Nothing good will come of blowing up this incident further.

Why did you cause trouble as soon as you came to the palace?

But I don't think the warrior camp

taught the self-defense technique of the identification tag.

Where did you learn it?

The thing is... No one taught me...

I just learned it over someone’s shoulder.

Over someone’s shoulder?

I watched the swordmaster Kim Kwangtaek...

You learned just by watching him use that technique...

Ah...

I’m a genius who’s capable of learning anything just by observing...

You are dismissed.

Yes, sir.

Why did you look at him in that way?

You can only learn that self-defense technique

after you’ve mastered fist technique and walking stance.

And it took me more than a year to master that technique.

Excuse me?

You should already know that we will assign each

of you to your internship according to your final grade.

The top trainee will be His Excellency’s bodyguard.

The next best one will be the inner palace guard.

The next rank will be the outer palace guard.

The next rank will work for the weapon manufacturer.

The last trainees will be the beacon guard.

Step forward.

I know none of you want to be a beacon guard.

Those three men who haven’t received training will be beacon guards.

Is there any objection?

Does this even make sense?

How could they send us to the beacon station

on the first day of our palace life?

I guess I can take it easy for the first time in a while.

This is unfair!

A beacon station of all things!

- A beacon station? - Yes, sir.

They will be sent to the first beacon station

on the way from Pyeongando province via

Kaesong to Hwanghaedo province.

The first beacon station? [Crown Prince Sado]

Yes, he’s there.

His Excellency, Master Kim is back.

The swordmaster? Do you mean the swordmaster is back?

Yes, sir. He’s now with Heuksamo.

To save this baby’s life, I’ll offer one of my arms.

Then he must have already met with Jiseon.

Tell him to come see me when he recovers from his journey.

Lord Hong, didn’t I ask you

to trust me and wait patiently?

Have you already forgotten? [Ji (Heuksa Chorong Master of Earth)]

Did seeing a few wanted announcements in the street upset you?

I heard it was Hwang Jinki who stole the royal letter.

How could I just wait with my hands tied?

If Master Ji doesn’t like my method,

why doesn’t she just deliver Hwang Jinki dead immediately?

- What is that? - It's Hwang Jinki’s sword.

Are you sure this belongs to him?

Yes, it is his.

However, where is the royal letter?

Hwang Jinki was defeated by me and jumped into a fire.

Do you mean?

The royal letter and Hwang Jinki were both burned to ashes.

So the royal letter no longer exists.

Did you say it was burned to ashes?

What are you thinking?

Can I trust you?

I swear on my life.

What is this?

This is a manual on martial arts. [Muye Sinbo: Martial arts manual]

A manual on martial arts? [Crown Prince Sado ordered compiled in 1759]

Stick, shield... [Gonbong: stick, Dongpae: shield]

Spear... [Nangseon: Long bamboo spear with blades attached]

Long spear... [Dangpa: Long spear]

Short spear... [Kichang: Short spear]

How many techniques are there in this book?

There are 18 techniques.

18?

Then could you show some of them to me?

With only one arm,

it's difficult for me to give a demonstration.

If you can’t demonstrate the techniques you created,

that doesn’t make sense!

They also say monks can't shave their own heads.

You're too modest about your skills!

Isn't that Jinjoo?

How are you, sir?

I’m fine.

Who is she?

How should I explain?

Do you know a man by the name of Hwang Jinki?

Hwang Jinki?

You spent 20 years in China,

so you wouldn’t know him.

Anyhow, he’s a traitor whose fame's spread all over the country. She's his daughter.

He’s not a traitor.

She’s very pretty.

Excuse me?

Yes... Thank you.

She used to follow my Dongsoo around like a puppy since they were kids.

Are you here to see him?

No, I was just passing by. Then I’ll see you later, sir.

Yes, be on your way.

Yes, bye!

How could he call him a traitor?

If my father's a traitor, what does that make him?

This must be the residence of Lord Hong, the minister of war with

so much power he can kill a bird in the air without shooting an arrow.

This is white sandalwood perfume from the West.

Is it that great?

How can an aristocratic lady like you not know white sandalwood?

This perfume makes you so subtly fragrant that men can’t resist you.

Even the courtesan Hwangjinyi used to bathe in this perfume.

I’m not interested in this sort of frivolous object.

But may I just smell the fragrance once?

Once you smell this white sandalwood, you won’t help but want to buy it.

[Hwang Jinki]

Where have you been?

What is all this?

I did a good thing today. Why are you nagging?

Good thing?

From today, you’re prohibited from leaving the house.

Do you understand?

Was I ever allowed to go out?

Come with me.

Shouldn’t you tell me before you leave the house?

What is her name?

Jinjoo...

Hwang Jinjoo.

I guess it's somewhere over there, right?

No, in my opinion, it's a little bit farther down...

What if we stop by and see Samo on the way there?

Don’t you think he’ll nag us since we’re just assigned to a beacon station?

We must be there by noon at the latest. Let’s get going!

I'm so tired.

Who are you?

[Seo Yoodae]

So you should always prepare the dry logs every day.

Don’t forget the wolf dung in that wooden box,

which will be used to light the fire.

Did you say wolf dung?

Yes.

Do we have to change the logs for dry ones every day?

That’s the rules.

If it doesn’t rain, you don’t have to do that every day.

What if we can’t find wolf dung?

That’s a good question.

Wolf dung is the best for lighting the fire.

However, if you don’t have wolf dung,

you can also use horse dung or cow dung.

What if we can’t even find horse dung or cow dung?

You rascal... Do only animals produce dung?

Then you dry your own dung!

[Jang Miso]

That fox!

She spent the night in the boys’ quarters yesterday.

But she'll be uncomfortable

staying alone where the boys’ used to sleep. [Jangmi]

That’s why I’m asking you...

Okay.

I can’t give her a guest room, however, she can sleep with us in our room.

Why with us?

Be quiet!

Thank you.

Don’t mention it.

It will be much better for her to stay with me than to stay there.

Of course. It'll be better.

Sheesh... You’re like an angel.

Old man, I guess you must be in your 50s.

How long have you been here?

- Me? - Yes, sir.

20... 30 years.

Did you say 30 years?

This was my first internship assignment.

Since then, I haven’t left this place.

So you should prepare yourselves too.

Didn’t you take the second exam?

Second exam? [Boksi: Second exam taken by candidates who passed previous exam]

I did.

Then what happened?

It was of no use!

No matter how hard you try here,

you will never be able to catch up to

those who mingle with aristocrats in the capital.

If you are in the palace,

you can use your connections or bribe the judges.

It’s easy to pass the exam successfully.

However, if you're stranded here, there is nothing you can do.

And if you make a mistake lighting the signal fire,

you’ll be executed.

They will just put you to death.

- They will put me to death? - Of course.

You mean if we don’t light the signal fire in time,

they will put me to death?

Does that make sense?

You rascal...

If the signal fire had been lit in time,

would the Chinese have colonized in our country?

The answer is no.

I'm saying the beacon station is that important.

Sheesh... Stop talking nonsense!

Okay, then don’t believe me.

You rascal...

There were more than 15 beacon guards like you who were executed only last year.

They simply put them to death.

The vista is just boundless... Yes, it is.

Oh, that stinks! The smell...

Go wash these!

Excuse me? Do you mean all these dirty clothes?

Then do you want me to keep some of them?

No, sir.

But old man, have you never washed your clothes once?

I washed these last year.

If you wash them, I can wear them all year.

Anyhow, I know a way to pass the final exam though.

But it’s useless for me!

I’m too old to get a new job.

Sir, are you serious? What is it?

Are you curious?

Then wash these!

[Heuksa Chorong]

What are you looking at? [In (Heuksa Chorong Master of Men)]

Do I look funny?

What do you think we should do with Daewoong?

Do whatever you want.

But you seem to have changed.

I feel a different energy from you.

Something happened, didn't it?

It must be because I met Kwangtaek lately.

Are you curious?

Then go and meet him in person.

Isn’t it obvious where he could be right now?

So what?

So what?

I must cut off his fingers, his arms and his head!

What would you get from killing him?

Or do you have a motive I'm not aware of?

I do not act on personal emotions. This is the first rule of the Black Assassins.

You should know this rule is the foundation of our organization.

How dare you?

Do you think the same?

I’ve always been honest with you, Gaok.

If you two are going to be like this, I'll act on my own accord.

What are you doing right now?

Do you really think you'll get them clean like that?

Hey, the water here is so pure, you can just dip it once

in the water for a second.

Hey, Woon!

I’m done!

We're finished!

Bring in the laundry!

What do you mean?

We just hung the wash on the clothesline!

It’s raining!

What is this?

You rascal, that's why I just told you to bring in the laundry!

Old man, you mean you knew it would rain?

You rascal... Am I a fortuneteller?

How could I know it would rain?

Baek Dongsoo, how long are you going to fool around?

Hey, we ran out of wolf dung.

Why don’t you go get some horse dung at least?

You guys do it. I’m busy.

There he goes again!

Ow, my back hurts!

He's not even worth horse dung!

You jerk...

It's clear his sickness has relapsed. Just leave him alone.

Did you boys collect enough wolf dung yet?

If you’re done, follow me.

Why?

You rascal!

Didn’t you tell me you want to pass the second exam successfully?

Boss, boss!

Boss!

What's the secret to passing the final exam successfully?

Is it because it’s too hot today?

I'm craving refreshing over-fermented kimchi...

Do you know there's a cave over the hill?

Yes, I do.

Deep in that cave, you'll find some three-year-old kimchi I stored there.

Hurry up and go get me one bunch of that kimchi!

But the weather's cloudy today, and my back's bothering me...

Then I guess you'll never pass the second exam.

Okay, okay!

Boss, no!

- I’ll go get it myself. - Boss, I’ll do it.

Okay, if you insist.

I’ll be right back!

Okay!

I’ll be right back! Boss, keep your promise!

Yes, of course!

Why does that old man keep kimchi so far away from the station?

That over-fermented kimchi!

We'll see then!

There you are!

Why did he put his kimchi so deep in the cave?

What is this?

It’s delicious though...

What is this? A snake?

Hey, don’t come closer!

Help!

What am I going to do with this old man?

Boss, boss!

Okay, you finally brought my kimchi! You did a good job!

You’re a man after all.

Boss!

What?

You knew, didn't you?

Know what?

The cave!

There were thousands of snakes swarming in the cave!

Don’t exaggerate, you rascal!

See? You knew!

Be quiet!

Boss!

Snakes? In the cave over the hill?

Hey, Chorip, I went to hell and back.

It’s a snakes’ den.

Since it’s so cool all year long, that cave's perfect for keeping kimchi in.

See? He knew!

I only survived that snake's nest because it was me, Baek Dongsoo.

You’re a big bluffer...

You didn't get a snake bite anywhere?

Does the heavens' Baek Dongsoo look as if he'd get bit by a snake?

Hey, try it. Eat.

At this rate, we won’t be able to maintain our optimal physique.

We used to eat meat every day! Now, we only eat weeds!

So my bones start clacking! My entire body feels stiff, boss!

You rascal, if you crave meat that badly, go and get it yourself!

I’ll go and get it then.

Just know there won't be any for you, boss.

This rude little jerk!

By the way, where's your friend with the long hair?

Do you mean Yeo Woon?

I got you!

Are you back?

This is for you.

Where did you get this chicken?

Does that look like chicken meat to you?

That's a hawk. A messenger hawk.

This was attached to the hawk's leg.

[Sal: To kill]

"Kill."

What's wrong?

It’s fortunate.

It's neither “Luck” nor “Generosity”.

Don’t you think?

Who knows, we might have saved someone’s life.

That’s right!

You did a good thing!

You should keep this a secret from the old man.

But Dongsoo!

What?

You have serious dark circles. Are you sick?

Look at you. You can barely open your eyes.

Are you sleepy?

I’m a little dizzy... But I’m okay.

You don’t look okay.

Dongsoo, you!

From that cave?

What’s the matter with you? This is so embarrassing.

It was a tiger snake. A tiger snake can’t kill Baek Dongsoo.

And don’t say anything to the old man about this.

- Baek Dongsoo! - Hey, Dongsoo!

If we leave him like this, he'll drift between life and death.

You boys, close your eyes!

Wait a minute!

What are you doing? You’re not going to cut his arm, are you?

That's right.

Excuse me?

How can you cut off a warrior’s arm?

Isn't losing an arm better than dying?

Boss!

Didn’t I tell you? If we leave him like this, he will die!

Do you mean you could sacrifice your limbs for your friend?

I have to save this brat's life. So step aside!

Boss, give me your knife.

This is not a big room, but it will be big enough for three women.

Thank you.

Sheesh... It’s crowded.

Hello, Lady!

Hurry up see who it is!

Who is that so late?

You’re the only one by my side.

What is it?

You fool. Why are you so reckless?

Fool?

Is that what you say to a friend who's lost his arm?

Don’t you know who I am? I’m Daewoong.

I've been through thick and thin with you for a decade, old man.

Hey, Daewoong!

Just because I've passed the years with you, does that make me your friend?

Usually, a friend is engraved in your heart.

However, you have never been in my heart.

Nor have you ever been in mine.

Don’t forget this.

I won’t forgive you if you act recklessly one more time.

If you do such a thing just one more time, I won’t forgive you.

Swordmaster, how have you been?

Your Excellency!

Are you alright?

Two decades have passed.

This is the manual on martial arts.

Did you remember that?

Since I lost one of my arms,

I wasn’t able to finish the section on horseback skills. [Masang Muye:]

[Martial arts on horseback performed with sword, javelin, scimitar, double waist dagger]

It was a difficult task.

I’m afraid I won’t be able to pay you back in my lifetime.

Please don't consider it a debt.

I did it for the sake of Joseon's security.

You continue to teach me.

Master, if you don’t mind,

let me ask His Highness to find a humble position for you.

Please grant that opportunity to my student.

Soowoong’s arms and legs will be the foundation of our country’s defense.

I’m not sure His Highness will understand.

Your Excellency, I’m afraid there is a mouse in the palace.

Who are you? I can hear your breathing from here.

Aren’t you a lady in waiting? What brings you here?

His Highness is looking for Master Kim.

Shouldn’t you have come to greet your king as soon as you set foot it Joseon?

Why do you show your face now?

Forgive me.

I’m not blaming you.

So I hear you declined my son’s request.

Yes, Your Highness.

Why? Is it a higher position you want?

No, Your Highness.

A 6th rank government post is available.

How about it?

Your Highness...

Is that high position still too low for your?

Then what about

a 5th rank provincial post?

[Byeongma Jeoljesa: 5th rank provincial government official]

Your Highness,

it's not because the ranks or their compensations are too low.

I just want to spend the rest of my life with the woman I love.

You give me an answer which I have no choice but to accept.

Have a glass of wine.

Yes, Your Highness.

What did you say?

So Kim Kwangtaek met with the Crown Prince?

Yes, sir.

And now, he’s meeting with His Highness.

That swordmaster who is like a thorn in my side returned alive!

My angel!

Dongsoo, are you okay?

What are you all doing here?

My meat!

- My hawk meat! - He's hopeless.

What’s wrong with all of you?

This idiot!

Didn’t you know

tiger snakes have venom in their fangs? [Hwasa: Tiger snake]

When I was a boy, I read every book in the world imaginable.

But this is the first time I've heard tiger snakes are venomous.

Hey, you rascal, would books from the old Goryeo dynasty

contain all the knowledge in the world?

You’re so stupid!

What matters is that I’m still alive. Why argue?

Then let’s start a busy day...

Are you looking down on me too?

Don’t underestimate me.

Don’t you know who I am?

I’m one of the three leaders of the Black Assassins.

Shouldn't you go and avenge me,

Kim Kwangtaek having humiliated me like this?

How can you sit back and not do anything?

Are you afraid of him, or do I look funny to you?

It's that you look down on me.

What’s wrong with you?

Who's this?

Isn't it Chunsoo? The great Chunsoo...

I should extend him every courtesy. Master Chunsoo is here.

I can’t keep my balance.

What shall I do? I must extend him every courtesy.

Even so, I’m perfectly fine!

Look at me!

Shall I perform a sword dance?

I can do it!

Come here! Go away!

So you really want to die.

No, I don’t want to die at all!

What am I doing? I’m sorry.

Forgive me.

I was so disappointed that I must have had too much to drink.

I must have been out of my mind.

What am doing in front of a real warrior like you?

Did you think I would say that?

Why did I say that again?

I made a mistake again... Please forgive me.

How could you kill me for getting drunk and making a mistake?

You weren't that scary, were you?

I've already come up with an idea to get rid of Kim Kwangtaek.

Aren’t you curious? So take your hand off your sword.

Daewoong, don’t hate me.

Chunsoo!

Remove his body!

Yes, sir.

I won’t die. Never.

Even without an arm, without a leg, I’ll live no matter what happens.

And then I’ll kill them all! I'll kill them all!

How is Jiseon doing?

I heard she’s staying in a tavern.

So did you find out a way to remove her tattoo?

I know of a courtesan who learned Chinese medicine.

She is highly skilled in removing tattoos.

Really?

Contact her in secrecy.

Yes, sir.

Does he think he can keep me from getting out?

What’s going on?

I told you to watch where you're going!

These peasants don’t want to understand anything without a beating!

How dare you beg in front of her?

You little!

Just consider yourself lucky you didn't get flogged today!

My lady, are you alright?

I’m alright.

Big sister! Please get up!

Can you get up? Are you okay?

That little jerk! Kissing up to aristocrats!

How could he beat a child like that?

Today, Kang Sehwang will come to see you.

Isn’t he an artist?

He will copy the map on your back and then free you from your burden.

It won’t be easy to remove the tattoo from human skin.

However, it’s not impossible either.

Your Excellency!

Didn't I tell you that I would protect you?

His corpse has disappeared.

His body has disappeared?

Yes, sir.

I’m afraid he’s still alive somewhere.

Don’t worry about him.

If he’s still alive, that’s also his fate.

Don’t you think?

Are you curious about Kim Kwangtaek? If so, go meet him.

Allow me to pay reverence to Your Excellency.

I called for Kang Sehwang. Why did you come instead of him?

[Kim Hongdo] Since he caught a cold,

he hasn’t been able to move easily.

So I came in his place.

You have skill in landscape and genre painting.

Let me ask you a question.

Can you keep a secret?

“Close your ears and eyes the moment you enter the palace.

And close your mouth the moment you leave of the palace.”

That’s the lesson my teacher gave me.

Can I trust you?

Yes, sir. Please give me your order.

Did you find out who that apprentice nun is?

It seems she has been in and out of the temple for the past 10 years.

No one knows who she really is though...

Did you say for the past 10 years?

Yes, sir.

Rumor has it she has been to China as well...

China?

Do you know how old she is?

She’s around 20 years old.

My Lord, why are you laughing?

You’re so stupid. Haven’t you figured it out yet?

Excuse me?

If the Crown Prince is meeting her in such secrecy,

she must be the daughter of Yoo Sogang who tried to run away 10 years ago.

Excuse me?

Did you say the daughter of Yoo Sogang?

That’s it!

Now, I can see the end of this wearisome battle.

Are you close to being finished?

Forgive.

No, it's alright.

Don’t rush so you won't make a mistake.

Why are there three maps?

Your Excellency!

The map that was drawn on her back doesn’t represent one map.

It appears to be one map.

But the map is formed by merging three different maps.

Can you remove the tattoo?

It won't be difficult to remove this tattoo.

Bring her to me at the risk of your life.

No one who has set foot inside our headquarters has made it out alive.

Then I’ll be the first and last man to make it out alive.

Start the beacon exercise test.

What good is it for you to have hands and feet?

Run to the next beacon station!

Isn’t it a shower?

It seems as if you hope they don't light the signal fire.

This is the last arrow.