Original subtitles

[Episode 20]

I’ll tear all of you to pieces.

I’ll twist your limbs

and behead all of you.

I won’t leave a single one of you alive!

It has been less than two hours since Lord Hong was sent to jail.

How has he already been released? [Queen Jeongsun]

[Kim Hangu (Queen Jeongsun's father)]

He was interrogated by the royal investigators.

Do you not understand my meaning?

If you just confess the truth, we’ll take care of the rest.

If you kill me,

it’ll bring harm to both you and the queen.

Words fall on deaf ears with him!

Twist his legs!

Stop!

Lord Kim, Lord Hong is innocent.

What do you mean?

It wasn’t him but I who produced fake ginseng [Josam: Imitation ginseng made from Bellflower]

and took advantage of the warship.

Then how can you explain the presence of

Lord Kim’s son on board

the wrecked warship?

His son is a government officer.

[Sayun: Fourth rank administrators of Hanseong and Pyeongyang districts]

He was just on his way back to

the capital after his evaluation.

He has nothing to do with this incident.

Who is it?

Your parents, wife and children total nine family members.

Are you willing to abandon all of their lives?

You insolent fool!

Do you have any idea who I am?

You’re...

This is the wish of Lord Hong.

You fool, how dare you utter a lie here?

This servant is only speaking the truth.

However, that is not enough to clear his accusation.

That’s right.

However, that’s not all.

A Japanese envoy was admitted to the palace floor

even before the end of the interrogation.

This is a letter from the governor of Tsushima Island.

[Doju: Daemado in Korean, Tsushima Island]

[King Yeongjo]

Some thugs from the Japanese quarter

illegally smuggled fake ginseng [Kenzo]

seeds onto Tsushima Island.

Furthermore, they produced fake ginseng and made an illegal profit from smuggling.

This is an offense against Joseon and a disgrace to our country.

My governor asked me to come here and

clear the misunderstanding between our two countries.

Please behead these criminals and close the case.

Before that, I need to check something.

Tell the head of police to come here.

Is it this man who gave you the order?

Th-that’s right!

I see.

Listen, Lord Hong will be released from the prison immediately.

And in return for clearing up this misunderstanding,

I’ll hold a banquet tomorrow.

So please enjoy yourself.

I’m very grateful, Your Highness.

Therefore, the feast will take

place at 7 o’clock tomorrow.

Indeed, we cannot underestimate Lord Hong’s mastermind.

Don’t you think, Prince Yi San?

You may leave now.

Yes, Grandmother.

Your Highness, what shall we do?

Since he has regained his crippled wings, we must offer him a hand again.

Lord Hong!

You acted as if you’d never see me again.

What brings you here today?

[Hong Bonghan (Yi San's maternal grandfather, Noron faction leader)]

This man... Are we strangers?

Father, what fearsome people they are!

To you, I am still your master.

Just back off.

What did you say?

Lord Hong has been released from prison?

Yes, sir.

The innocent head of police got sacrificed to save him.

In that case, he must have prepared the next step too.

Are you going to go to the palace tomorrow?

Although I really don’t want to see [Seo Yoodae]

Lord Hong’s face, I need to see His Highness.

You should accompany him to the palace and carefully observe their movements.

I’m sure they are up to something.

Yes, sir.

It’s rare to meet someone at your level in this small country of Joseon.

Someone said half of China used to belong to Joseon for the past five thousand years.

Jangnyang, you shouldn’t have killed Gaok.

Are you there, Yeo Woon?

Come with me.

I have spent half of my life in this place.

There is no better place for me to wash my wounds and take a rest.

Let me use this place for a while.

Are you okay with it?

I’ll confront Kwangtaek in seven days.

Did you say in seven days?

Thanks to you, everything turned out for the good.

On this occasion, I’ll nip the problem in the bud and take it to the end.

Did you say bud?

Do you mean you will harm Prince Yi San?

If you do this job for me, your name will go down in Joseon's new history.

I’m not interested in this country’s history.

Nor am I interested in the power it may bring.

What you just said sounds like your only interest lies in that woman.

Fine.

I should not entrust this important matter to an unwilling party.

So what do you think?

If I, as a Japanese ambassador, act recklessly and cause any trouble,

it could lead to a war between our two countries.

My name is Jeon Heungmun.

Jeon Heungmun?

Are you indeed the famous iron-man Jeon Heungmun from Hwanghaedo?

Yes, sir.

The bodyguards of the prince aren’t as skillful as I expected.

This man will be strong enough to accomplish the mission.

Are you out there?

Stop!

That’s enough!

The air is crisp tonight.

That’s right, Kwangtaek.

Jinjoo, don’t feel guilty towards me.

Since your mother entrusted me to you, I’ve prepared for this moment.

Father!

It’s not Master Chunsoo but Swordmaster Kim.

Don’t you think it’s fortunate?

What are you talking about?

I told you. I have only one father, only you.

Silly girl, don’t you think being the daughter of the best swordsman in Joseon

sounds much better than to be the daughter of a thief?

Father!

He's been lonely his whole life.

Tell him the truth before it is too late.

Relationships between people never happen the way you want them to...

I’ll get going first.

Hwang Jinjoo!

When did you come?

Just now.

I see...

Jinjoo!

In front of me, you don’t need to act like you’re okay.

You’re forcing a smile because you don’t want us to worry about you.

At least to me, don’t do that.

If you feel sad or if you want to cry,

or if you just miss her, you can just be yourself.

At least you can picture your mom when you miss her.

As for me, I can't even do that.

Of course, you'll miss her and feel like crying.

So you don’t have to hold it in and keep it to yourself.

You don’t need to...

Everything will be okay. It's okay.

Captain, the palace seems quiet.

Your Highness, our Japanese envoy wants to demonstrate his swordsmanship to you.

Please give him your permission.

Japanese swordsman?

Fine. Who’ll compete with him?

Allow me to duel with him.

Go ahead.

What’s this? Why is that man here?

This is a royal banquet held by Your Highness.

Don’t make a fuss!

Do you understand?

How can the royal guard be so lacking in skills?

Your Highness, I heard the Crown Prince’s bodyguards

are the best in Joseon.

Your Highness, could it be no true warrior exists in Joseon?

This is not a good time for you to step up.

Where is the general of the royal guard, Seo Yoodae?

Did you call for me, Your Highness?

I’ll throw another banquet in two days.

So request the swordmaster to attend.

Yes, Your Highness.

Swordmaster?

The best swordsman in Joseon, Kim Kwangtaek...

Even with the loss of an arm 20 years ago, he is still the best.

You should be careful.

He’s the only person in Joseon capable of matching you.

There is one more person.

His name is Baek Dongsoo.

Baek Dongsoo?

Did you just say Baek Dongsoo?

Do you know him?

Of course.

He’s the disciple of the swordmaster.

Where can I find that Baek Dongsoo?

Sheesh, I'll never be good at sewing!

Let me try.

But Chorip... No, it's harder to see Sir Hong these days.

What?

You guys, should you be hanging out here instead of protecting Prince Yi San?

It’s not our shift.

I’m too ashamed to face the prince.

We deserve to be fired!

Hey, cheer up!

Aside from you, who else will be able to protect him?

Let’s have a drink!

What is going on?

Who is it?

I heard that you’re the disciple of the best swordsman in Joseon.

Th-that’s him!

Hey, watch how I handle him.

Jinjoo, why have you been trailing me all day long?

Did you already know?

Go and tell Dongsoo to come and see me.

I beg your pardon?

Yes.

It’s been a long time...

Have you been well?

Child, what you said to me that day...

I’ve kept it safe in here.

Thank you.

Whether you’re my daughter or not doesn't matter.

I would have saved you anyway.

Aren’t you Gaok’s daughter?

That’s enough for me.

I have a favor to ask you.

I hope you two won’t ever clash swords.

Okay...

Let me think about it.

We’ll meet again.

Lord Hong Daejoo and the Japanese ambassador...

They must be up to something.

We’ll need to look into this in detail.

I’ll help!

There’re a lot of rumors about him already in the marketplace.

They throw a party every night in the courtesan house.

All I have to do is find out what they’re plotting now, right?

No. It’s too dangerous.

No. This is something I can do well.

Fa... No, the swordmaster is asking for you.

Thank you.

Whoa, he’s a giant!

You came!

Draw your sword.

Do you mean to draw a real sword?

I assume your swordsmanship must have improved a lot.

I’m not as good as you think.

Would you like to give it a try?

You're excellent.

However, something is missing.

I don’t see any bloodthirst in you.

Master, I’ve learned to curb bloodthirst.

“The sword that saves lives” should be [Hwaringeom: Sword that saves lives]

your ultimate level of martial art.

However, without taking a single life, would you be able to save many lives?

That’s the question I haven't found the answer to in my lifetime.

Now, it’s time for you to find the answer to that question.

Yes, Master.

Aside from Kim Kwangtaek,

you’re the first person who's resisted my attack over 15 minutes.

It seems you’ll surpass me soon.

What’s the matter?

You have already surpassed me!

I’m not interested in anything anymore including this organization.

Do whatever you want.

Do you know?

Even with the world in my hands, there was always something missing.

With Gaok gone, I now understand the reason.

If you still have that lady in your heart, take her.

She will be more valuable to you than the entire world.

Don’t forget this.

Destroy that lady named Yoo’s business.

I beg your pardon?

He has to pay the price for what he did against my will.

Let's see how Master In reacts when I have him by the scruff of his neck.

My Lord, that drawing is...

That’s right. It’s a Chinese phoenix.

Chinese phoenix?

Do you mean the legendary bird that eats dragons?

If I can’t be a dragon, I’ll become a Chinese phoenix.

Don’t you agree with me?

You look so pretty.

All dressed up like this, Jinjoo is so pretty!

You should've done this sooner!

You’re so pretty!

But will you be okay?

There you go again, Father...

Don’t worry.

Hey, you, Hwang Jinjoo!

Yes...

My eyes didn't lie.

You’re beautiful!

You were out here!

Did you wait long?

No, sir.

However, what brings you here?

A Japanese ambassador stood the whole palace on its head with his lousy swordsmanship.

So you came from Kaeseong?

Everyone knows Jinwol in Kaeseong.

Really?

Search thoroughly!

Yes, sir!

What are you doing?

I received a royal order to confiscate all your goods.

Confiscate?

Stop talking nonsense!

Hey, don’t touch that!

Sir, what are you doing?

Why are you doing this?

Someone reported your company is involved in

the imported fake ginseng that was sent to the palace.

What did you say?

Confiscate everything!

Stop it!

You wench!

Aren’t you that Yoo, the owner of this business?

Take her away!

Young miss, young miss!

Stop it!

This isn't the first time I’ve seen the police use violence.

But I won’t stand by and watch today.

So do you violate the royal order?

Do you want to die?

Royal order?

You fools, do you think I’m that stupid?

Royal order, whatever!

I know that pig Lord Hong Daejoo is behind this!

In fact, you look just like him.

Take her away!

Yes, sir!

Jiseon, Jiseon!

Young miss!

What shall we do?

What happened?

Those thugs destroyed our goods and dragged Jiseon away!

Those rotten...

Please calm down!

Are you going to let them take her away like that?

This is not the right time!

What are we going to do about Jiseon?

Lord Hong Daejoo had Miss Yoo’s business destroyed.

The police seem to have

canceled her business license and confiscated all her goods.

I’m afraid she won’t be able to rebuild it.

And they took her to the police station

and now they seem to be torturing her.

What did you just say?

Don’t you know the more you care for her,

the harder things will become for her?

That’s none of your concern, so don’t get involved.

You wench, tell the truth!

I... Didn’t do anything wrong.

You stubborn girl!

Listen! Twist her legs more!

You’ve come?

What do you benefit by provoking me?

You seem to be very angry.

Release Miss Yoo.

Unfortunately, doing so is beyond my power.

What do you think?

My offer still holds.

You seem to think you have several spare lives.

Don’t you think a man should risk his life to gain what he wants?

I decline your offer.

Then I won’t be able to give you what you want either.

You will regret it.

Considering how mad you are, there’s no doubt she's your weakness.

Are you out there?

This is the night before the revolt.

About the royal prince of this country Joseon...

Watch your mouth!

Today is a good day!

Please drink to your hearts’ content!

Rebellion? Tomorrow?

Yes.

The competition is tomorrow.

What shall we do?

Dongsoo, oh my...

What shall we do?

Did something happen?

Dongsoo, they took Jiseon...

Young miss, wait just a bit longer!

I’m coming.

What brings you here?

No, if I run away now, that means I admit my guilt.

Do you think they really care about your innocence?

The reason why Lord Hong did this to you is because of me.

What do you mean?

I...

You have to go...

Otherwise, your life will be in danger.

- However... - I know...

I am sure Dongsoo will try to protect you.

Then he will have to fight with someone.

Then someone will get hurt.

Do you really want that?

Was it you, Woon?

Did you take Jiseon with you?

Baek Dongsoo!

Ah, it’s you, Jinjoo!

Dongsoo, let me look for her.

And you should just go to the palace.

Okay, please do so.

Did you call for me?

Tell me about Muyeongye, our secret network.

Do you mean our spy network operating

inside and outside of the palace? [Sejak: Spy]

I heard they only obey orders from Master Chun.

Yes, sir.

Since the death of the late Crown Prince,

their activities have been suspended by the order of Master Chun.

What is the number of our secret agents in the palace?

We have overall at least 30 agents.

30?

Does Lord Hong know about this secret network?

The existence of the spy network is kept secret even inside the Black Assassins.

By my authority as the master of the Black Assassins,

I will activate the secret network from today.

[Heuk: Black]

Have a seat.

You saved your queen’s life

and even solved the incident with the fake ginseng.

I’m grateful to you.

Your grace is great, Your Highness.

Do you know that today’s competition

is not a competition of individual martial artists?

This one is between Japan and Joseon.

And it will be an excellent chance to save face from the previous humiliation.

However, Your Highness, regardless of my wishes,

the title of the best swordsman in Joseon has been given to me.

And you named me swordmaster.

I have no reason to lose.

But if I step in to match

a mere Japanese swordsman, that may be a humiliation in itself.

So I have a request.

For today’s competition, please entrust the task to my disciple.

Your disciple?

I know you’re troubled by what happened to Jiseon.

But you have to focus on just one thing right now.

Don’t worry.

You’re already the best swordsman in Joseon.

I’ll go and see His Excellency.

What?

There'll be a revolt today?

What do you mean?

I’m not sure...

But I think they’re targeting His Excellency today.

Anyhow, I have to look into this a little further.

Inform the Master about this.

We will.

Did you say Horn Bow?

[Gakgung: Bow adorned with bull or sheep's horns]

Yes, it's the gift to be sent

to the governor of Daemado Island.

What is he doing here?

If you happen to fail this mission, you’ll have to pay with your life.

Do you understand?

Who is it?

How is it you're always at my heels?

If you act recklessly, you’ll run out of even your ten lives.

That’s only your opinion.

Indeed, I knew someone who always did reckless things like you.

It was your father, Baek Sagoeng.

Your father died before you were born.

So of course, you don’t know how he died.

If you want to preserve your life, live quietly and don’t stand out.

Dongsoo!

I only heard my father died under the false accusation of treason.

However, no one has ever told me what happened to him in detail.

Master, please tell me!

That day, His Excellency the Crown Prince

destroyed the humiliating monument of Chinese victory

and broke the country's alliance with China.

Because of the ruling party,

His Highness had to choose between your father and His Excellency’s life.

So your father took the guilt of treason on himself

to save the Crown Prince’s life and was executed.

And your mother, in order to save you, prolonged her labor.

And she died after giving birth to you.

That day I swore.

I must save you no matter what.

Don’t forget.

The Minister of Defense, Hong Daejoo, is the very one.

He destroyed three generations of the Baek family.

He is your family’s enemy, Dongsoo.

What’s going on?

Didn't you tell me the Horn Bow

would be ready by 5 o'clock? [Sinsi: From 3 to 5 in the afternoon]

Forgive me, sir.

We found out late that the high-quality buffalo horn

was damaged. [Sougak: Water buffalo horn]

Then when will it be finished?

We’re at this moment rushing to get another buffalo horn.

However, I am afraid it will be finished

after 7 o’clock. Yusi: From 5 to 7 in the evening]

I’ll receive the Horn Bow and join you.

Please go ahead and attend the banquet, Master Kim.

Yes, Your Highness.

Captain!

What are you doing here instead of working in the palace?

That’s because...

Without Dongsoo, we would have been in real trouble.

Let’s alert the royal guard!

Wait a minute!

It's not here.

What?

[Palace of the Crown Prince]

You rascal, what took you so long?

You want me to leave them alone for now.

What do you mean?

You should pretend not to know anything until it's all over.

Do you mean you want me to leave them alone?

Hong Gukyeong is right.

The challenger, step forward!

Isn’t he?

Baek Dongsoo...

It wasn’t the swordmaster, but you?

Your Highness, he’s only a mere foot soldier.

How can such a lowly man perform such a task?

He may be a lowly soldier, but he’s Master Kim’s disciple.

This is a conspiracy against Your Excellency.

To find out their move, you should pretend to be ignorant of this.

Prince Yi San, you came?

Why are you so late?

It took more time than expected to finish the Horn Bow.

It’s a faultless bow.

Listen, this is a gift of exchange for your governor.

Receive it!

Your Highness, allow me to test

this bow before the competition. [Seupsa: Archery practice]

Go ahead!