Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 10 - Episode #1.10 - full transcript
You can't get her out the rear entrance?
Consort Hyobin's servants are preparing
food and drinks in the rear yard,
and His Majesty is coming
from the front entrance...
Then am I to die here?
Please help me, Your Highness.
If His Majesty sees me here,
I will be killed.
You should be killed if death
is what you deserve.
Your Highness...
Kill her and hide her body
behind the folding screen.
Or your future will
be threatened as well.
Princess, you are here as well.
Consort Hyobin was very kind
to send the refreshments,
and I wanted to contribute
by lending a hand.
Please go inside.
Food and drinks will be served shortly.
Why did Father have to
show up here tonight?
It's a sign from Heaven.
Please turn back right now, Your Highness.
If we do anything riskier,
I'll die of a heart attack.
I can't.
Your Highness!
I will not waste my breath
lecturing a tramp like you.
Set foot into the East Palace again,
and I promise you, you will die.
What is the trouble, Crown Princess?
I heard about the grand welcome
you gave your new mentor.
You shouldn't have.
I thought you'd be proud of me.
That's not proper attitude of a student.
I wanted him to know who I am
before he began teaching me.
What is this backtalk?
It's a son's duty to acknowledge his
misconduct and ask for punishment.
Don't you mean a prisoner, not a son?
Jae.
And everyone in
the East Palace staff including the new
mentor are prison guards working for you.
That's absurd.
If that's not true, stop
watching the East Palace.
I am twenty years old.
I am not a helpless child.
I can take care of myself without
you keeping tabs on me.
Then be respectful to your mentor.
That's a pupil's duty.
I must first teach him obedience.
A mentor is a future
royal subject as well.
Aren't you the one who told me that
the first thing royal subjects
must be taught is obedience?
Royal Library
We shouldn't be doing this.
If we get caught...
Be quiet and just open the door!
Why isn't it working?
I know this is the right one...
Here, give me that!
Is this what you need?
Deputy Director Byun,
what brings you here?
That's my question.
How many more laws must you violate?
First you take invaluable books
from the Royal Library, and
now you're in a eunuch's disguise
trying to break in.
I cannot overlook this.
I must report this to the King.
Your Highness!
I know I can't be pardoned
for my misconduct.
But there was one...
that I just had to check.
Today is the day I said I'd
have the reference completed,
and I didn't want to turn in poor work.
You did this to keep
a promise you made me?
Promises are not meant to be broken.
Right?
What brings you here to this
humble place, Your Highness?
I came to share my frustrations with you.
Your frustrations?
Is there trouble at the East Palace?
Did you add something
foul in their refreshments?
Goodness, no.
How could I do something so awful?
Then what trouble could there
possibly be at the East Palace?
I worried because I had felt resentment
between the King and the Crown Prince.
That's exactly why I'm frustrated.
There seems to be some trivial discord
between them over state affairs.
But surely you don't think that
the King and the Crown Prince
are petty enough to let that
come between them, do you?
- Your Highness...
- Do not...
force another get-together
that isn't planned in advance.
If you continue this
objectionable behavior,
the others will be encouraged to
dream this ridiculous dream as well.
I will overlook this just this
once if you so request.
Thank you.
Get a tight hold of the
Crown Prince's heart.
For peace in the Royal
house and this country.
I came to be decent.
I thought I should at least
say thanks to be decent...
How can I repay you for saving
the life of the woman I love?
You don't have to thank me.
I didn't do this for you,
I did this for me.
Why don't you stop this debauchery now?
I am the future queen of this state.
I don't want you putting
dents on my authority.
Authority...
Authority of the queen...
Princess,
you are too much like my mother.
I will take that as a compliment.
I see nothing but numbers.
These are the number
of Japanese ships
that invaded our land since
Goryeo dynasty.
And?
Let's see...
How can I make this easier to see?
If this indicates about ten ships...
In the early years of Goryeo dynasty,
invading fleet consisted of
no more than a dozen ships.
Then it gradually increases.
At one point they had
over five hundred ships.
They were mostly after our
grains and necessities of life,
but now they are after
military information as well.
Yes, they are.
Then one can speculate that a strong
leader has emerged in Japan who brought
the people together and transformed
petty pirates into an organized navy.
You're talking about the
Muromachi Shogunate.
It's a powerful shogunate that ended
Japan's sixty-year civil war and united
its people, and its current
leader is Ashikaga Yoshimochi.
He is not the King, but I'm told
he is a powerful man who can
install and depose kings.
You al ready know... all that?
Ministry of Rites is discussing
how we should deal with the shogunate.
Then... this data is useless...
You sound disappointed.
You weren't arrogant enough to believe
that your three days of research
could change the world, did you?
Go back to the Royal villa.
But...
I will not report this.
Just return the books to the library.
But I failed to produce
a useful reference material.
I should be penalized
for violating the policy.
A slap on the wrist is not enough
punishment for your arrogance.
The man that can impose
cruelest punishment to a scholar
is not the King nor a judge
but the scholar himself.
And I have a feeling
you're going to do just that.
Commencing on the
first day of October,
1413, the Hopae (identity tag) law
will take effect!
Issue identity tags to every male citizen
between the ages of 10 and 70,
and distinguish social status and
occupation by color of attire as well.
There will be heavy punishment
for violation of this new law
so as to tighten order and
discipline in the country.
Gang Chisul, you're a farmer
so you get an orange one.
Does the government
provide the colored coats?
Do you know what the population of
Joseon is? You have to get your own.
Then forget about this
colored attire thing.
Do you know how costly
it is to have a coat dyed?
- That's right!
- I agree!
Fifty lashes for disobedience!
You wish to be beaten half to death?
You!
You are the ones that deserve a whipping!
How can you call yourselves
public servants when you
couldn't care less about the people?
You're a former government
officer yourself.
Why are you interfering
with government work?
Does the Royal court call tormenting
the people work these days?
Arrest him.
Interfering with government business is
punishable by flagellation.
Let go of me!
It's a sign, a sign of doom!
It's the government that's
making a drunkard out of me!
Darn this dirty world!
The heck with you all!
Let go of me, fool.
I've got legs of my own!
That man Yun Hwe...
I really like him.
Shall I attempt to
approach him again, sir?
We're in no hurry.
He'll come to us on his own
if this country continues
to go in this direction.
What is it?
That identity tag...
I already told you that
it isn't right for you.
I'll get you a different one.
I can do it.
How much worse do you
want me to feel about myself?
Why is pride so important to
you when we love each other?
Am I... mistaken?
I think so.
All I have to do is to destroy
this piece of paper, right?
That will make Youngsil a freeman, right?
What are you talking about?
I can't have Youngsil
carrying around that tag.
A slave is supposed to carry a slave's tag.
What's the problem?
He's not a slave anymore.
Without this, he's a free man.
What's wrong with you?
What's that slave boy to you anyway?
Don't talk about him that way.
Don't call him a slave boy.
Daion!
I love him.
For the first time in my life,
I'm in love.
What did you say?
He's a smart one alright.
He seduced a nobleman's
daughter to become a freeman.
I wish that were true.
I wish he were using me.
Then at least there would be
things I could do for him.
But he doesn't want anything from me.
He always gives and gives, but he
won't accept anything from me.
Please let him live the
way a man should.
Not as a slave but as a freeman.
You're the only one who can do it, Father.
It's your daughter's
last and only request.
Is there anyway to change your mind?
No, not unless I'm dead.
Then I guess I have no choice.
Father...!
What's happening?
What's is this?
How could you do this, Father?
No, don't do this!
Father, please don't do this!
You can't do this to him!
How could I put a slaves tag on a boy
who's won my daughter's heart?
I have to give him a better label.
What is that?
What are you going to do?
Father, don't!
Let go of me!
Stop!
Father, no!
Stop!
Stop!
"Enemy"
Father...
Father, you can't do this...
You can't do this...
I'm sorry...
I'm so sorry...
We are getting volley
of protests everyday.
We deal with trivial protests everyday.
Just push it through.
They are not trivial
protests, Your Majesty.
There are poisonous
clauses in the identity tag law.
Did you say poisonous clauses?
Wearing different colors according to status
gives the people a sense of incongruity.
I see it as an excellent way
of controlling the people.
That in it self is a dangerous notion.
People are to be protected and cared
for, not to be watched and controlled.
Your lofty ideals are dandy,
but politics is reality.
If you can't control the people
can't control the state.
Your Majesty...
What is it?
Ming envoy has entered our border?
He has already passed Pyoungyang
and headed toward Gaesung,
so he should arrive in a matter of days.
They have never before dispatched
an envoy without advance notice.
This must be an extremely urgent matter.
An urgent matter?
Does Ministry of Rites
know anything about this?
There were no unusual reports
when our envoys returned last
month from New Year's
Day felicitation mission...
Then why is the Ming envoy rushing over?
To get a breath of fresh air.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
You should focus on your job instead
of trying to teach me how to do mine.
Send a greeting envoy to Gaesung at once.
Find out why the Ming envoy
is coming out of the blue.
National Confucian Academy
Are you coming from the Royal villa?
Every time I see you,
I question our King's judgment.
You should be careful of what you say.
He has you babysitting Royal
Princes who studies for leisure.
You should be here at the
academy as a professor.
I question your judgment, not the Kings.
How are you going to handle
your staff later when you're
a minister of the Royal Court when
you're such a bad judge of character?
Modesty is discourtesy in excess.
We all know that you purposely put
wrong answers on government service
exams because government
service doesn't interests you.
My man.
I heard that you once studied
under Master Sambong.
There is a secret society
that studies his books.
Won't you share his teachings with us?
Master Sambong's books are banned.
Don't you know that?
There is no future for a government that
forces its scholars to think only one way.
Don't you agree?
I know another man who is just like you.
There is a meeting tonight.
I trust you'll be there.
Hall of Great Peace, Gaesung
The Emperor has ordered
conquest of Japan?
The Emperor has great
expectations for Joseon.
Great Ming's enemy is
Joseon's enemy as well.
He requests your unsparing support.
Tens of thousands of Ming
troops are already on the way?
We need a way to stop Joseon
from supporting the Ming army.
That will make it easier for
us to strike from the rear.
It will be even better if they
sternly oppose the campaign.
Envoy of Oirat
Is there a way?
The people's voice is
the strongest weapon.
The moment the Royal court
attempts to fund the conquest,
the people of Joseon will
rise up like burning flames.
Oirats: Nomadic tribes of Mongolian
origin also known as the Kalmyks.
Once controlled all of Mongolia after
the fall of Yuan. Destroyed by the Manchu.
War funds you requested.
I don't know how we will ever replay you.
Your loyalty is all we ask.
Remember the allegiance you gave to Yuan.
Aren't we after Joseon?
Why are we making an
alliance with the Mongolians?
They want their old territory
back just like we do.
We can help each other.
But they want our vow of loyalty.
Choongyul Choongsun, Choongsuk,
they put Choong (loyalty) before every
era name to use us like their slaves.
When you don't have the strength
to destroy the enemy yourself,
you get someone else
to do your work for you.
It's bad enough that we have to stoop
to Joseon, now we have to Stoop to Yuan?
Did you already forget how
your mother and father died?
How can you say this after witnessing
the horrific death of the Royal family?
- Uncle.
- First we must capsize Joseon.
And we will join hands with
the devil if that's what it takes!
Sire!
Sire!
Father!
Mother!
Father!
What if we can create a sea of tears?
Do you think a sea of tears can erase our
pain and ease the suffering of the people?
If that were possible,
I may not have started this long
and daunting fight from the beginning.
Sire...
We don't have the time or
the luxury to be sentimental.
Our pain is too deep for that.
And the state of this
country is too bleak...
This is the grandest
diplomatic reception yet.
Must the ex-King and the
Royal Princes attend as well?
We need to put forth great
effort to soften up the envoy.
Tour of Mt. Geumgang and you
want the Royal princes,
including the Crown Prince,
to accompany them?
I can't do this even if the
Emperor himself were here.
We need to win their hearts
first to confirm their true intent.
Only then we can figure
out our next move.
They want Royal Princes
to be a eunuch's retinue?
It's a part of the strategy.
You call tip toeing around Ming and
wiping a eunuch's butt a strategy?
Your Highness...
Have you encountered another problem?
It must be a very difficult
problem that books can't solve.
You must be a psychic.
You've been standing out
here for over two hours now.
I'm just a little confused...
I completely understand the
Crown Prince's frustrations,
but there doesn't seem to
be any other solution...
Of course there is a solution.
Look at him.
He looks quite disappointed.
Because this room is full of scruffy
men instead of pretty gisaeng girls?
This is a secret meeting where we study
and discuss Master Sambong's works.
There is no place better than
a gisaeng house to keep it under cover.
Say hello.
It's my brother Choongnyeong.
Forgive me for the delayed introduction.
My name is Jeong Inji.
You two will get along well.
No one knows the Four Books
better than this man.
My name is Choi Manli.
He's an expert on Confucian classics.
I am Gim Jongsuh, secretary
of the Office of Royal Seal.
If you ever need to steal the Royal Seal for
anything, he's the man to call.
Oh dear...
You'd make me a me
a criminal of high treason?
He's a great poet.
The only problem is his poems
turn me on, not the girls.
Oh, Your Highness...
Secret gathering of the academy scholars
in a gisaeng house in Gwangtonggyo?
I am told they study and discuss
malefactor Jeong Dojeon's works under
the subterfuge of a poetry club.
Seed of rebellion is sprouting in
the National Confucian Academy...
The King's biggest mistake is
giving up on conquest of Liaodong.
Perhaps he lacks virtue
to embrace able men.
Sambong Jeong Dojeon
was a dedicated servant.
He is the man who said we should take
land from the rich and give to the poor.
And he held a firm belief
that we must recapture
our old territory in Liaodong as well.
The King that slew his most faithful
servant is but a tyrant equal to Jie.
He was slain because he tried
to put a young offspring
of a concubine on the throne.
What's the matter?
Are you afraid I might hurt you as well?
I spoke too bluntly.
Please forgive me.
Don't worry about it.
We all criticize the King in his absence.
But if you want to criticize me behind
my back, you'd better be prepared to die.
Come to me with a bottle of
wine and confront me straight on.
Then I will kneel down
and seek your teachings.
You are a broadminded man,
Your Highness.
Your heart is as big as this country Joseon.
Is that all? I should to be as
big as China across Liaodong!
We must catch them at the scene
and seize the subversive literature!
That's the only way to
charge them with treason.
Sambong should've never been removed.
We should've kept him in the
court and had him come up
with ways to conquer Liaodong.
Where is Liaodong located anyway?
North of Yalu River.
What's the land like?
Does it have rough mountainous
terrain or is it mostly flatland?
Who occupies the territory
and what are they like?
What are their habits and disposition,
and what kind of weapons do they use?
We should know things like this to
figure out how to deal with them. Right?
Did I ask a silly question?
No. It's just that our research
did not reach that far...
You mean you don't know
anything about the enemy?
We can look into that later.
First we must solidify our goal.
Sun Tzu said you need ten times
the military power to attack the
enemy on its home ground.
I think he means that it's essential
to know your enemy first.
Perhaps Taejo withdrew the troops
from Weihua Island and the current King
gave up on the conquest of Liaodong
after considering all these.
He's just afraid of Ming.
I think that is prudent if Ming
is stronger than the barbarians.
A man should risk his life
for what he believes in.
To risk the lives of the people for a fight
with little of no chance of winning
is a dangerous notion.
Who Will be held responsible for
the countless lives that will be lost
on the battlefield?
What is the meaning of this?
Your Highness, what brings you here?
Who is the man that ordered
you to ruin my evening?
I feel like I gained
a brilliant tactician tonight.
I will bear your wise words in mind.
But next time...
come up with a more
helpful advice next time.
One who opposes for
opposition sake is no tactician.
To risk the lives of the people for a fight
with little of no chance of winning is
a dangerous notion.
Who will be held responsible for
the countless lives that will be lost
on the battlefield?
Remember, Your Highness...
When another prince begins
taking interest in politics,
he becomes a threat, a political enemy.
No matter what the envoy asks,
you must avoid giving him an answer
until you know the card they are holding.
Entertaining women of Joseon
are always very beautiful to watch.
I'm glad you're pleased.
Although your tradition of putting women
in Royal banquets is rather barbaric.
How often do you have banquets like this?
Rare delicacies and perfect wine...
You must hold galas like this quite often.
What's it to that fool how
often we hold banquets?
Your Highness...
The Emperor of Ming tolerates dry food
and uncomfortable bed
to conquer the northern barbarians,
but the King of
a subject state enjoys sumptuous feast...
Doesn't it embarrass you a little?
I was preoccupied with giving
you a welcome reception
that I neglected to think that far.
Then you can start thinking now.
The Emperor wants Japan conquered.
This not only benefits Ming, but it is
also in the best interest of Joseon.
Joseon will have to contribute
ten thousand war horses.
I'd contribute twenty
thousand horses if I could.
You have funds for elaborate galas,
but no funds to protect the state?
How can you be a king if you don't even
know the basics of running a state?
I've had enough of his audacity!
How can you be an Imperial
envoy when you don't even
know the code of behavior
between sovereign and subject?
I am not a subject of this barbaric state.
What?
Restrain yourself, Crown Prince.
No, sir.
Stop!
We're not getting one
single horse from us.
You don't care about
the safety of your country?
What do you take Joseon for?
Do you think we're so helpless
that cant even defend ourselves?
I see.
Then Joseon is a very strong state.
Ten thousand warhorses and
one hundred thousand soldiers!
What?
Defy us.
And Ming will consider Joseon enemy.
A war will be inevitable.
First we will cut off your head
and send it back to Ming.
How dare you!
Your Highness...!
I will not forgive anyone that patronizes
Joseon, not even the Emperor himself!
Consort Hyobin's servants are preparing
food and drinks in the rear yard,
and His Majesty is coming
from the front entrance...
Then am I to die here?
Please help me, Your Highness.
If His Majesty sees me here,
I will be killed.
You should be killed if death
is what you deserve.
Your Highness...
Kill her and hide her body
behind the folding screen.
Or your future will
be threatened as well.
Princess, you are here as well.
Consort Hyobin was very kind
to send the refreshments,
and I wanted to contribute
by lending a hand.
Please go inside.
Food and drinks will be served shortly.
Why did Father have to
show up here tonight?
It's a sign from Heaven.
Please turn back right now, Your Highness.
If we do anything riskier,
I'll die of a heart attack.
I can't.
Your Highness!
I will not waste my breath
lecturing a tramp like you.
Set foot into the East Palace again,
and I promise you, you will die.
What is the trouble, Crown Princess?
I heard about the grand welcome
you gave your new mentor.
You shouldn't have.
I thought you'd be proud of me.
That's not proper attitude of a student.
I wanted him to know who I am
before he began teaching me.
What is this backtalk?
It's a son's duty to acknowledge his
misconduct and ask for punishment.
Don't you mean a prisoner, not a son?
Jae.
And everyone in
the East Palace staff including the new
mentor are prison guards working for you.
That's absurd.
If that's not true, stop
watching the East Palace.
I am twenty years old.
I am not a helpless child.
I can take care of myself without
you keeping tabs on me.
Then be respectful to your mentor.
That's a pupil's duty.
I must first teach him obedience.
A mentor is a future
royal subject as well.
Aren't you the one who told me that
the first thing royal subjects
must be taught is obedience?
Royal Library
We shouldn't be doing this.
If we get caught...
Be quiet and just open the door!
Why isn't it working?
I know this is the right one...
Here, give me that!
Is this what you need?
Deputy Director Byun,
what brings you here?
That's my question.
How many more laws must you violate?
First you take invaluable books
from the Royal Library, and
now you're in a eunuch's disguise
trying to break in.
I cannot overlook this.
I must report this to the King.
Your Highness!
I know I can't be pardoned
for my misconduct.
But there was one...
that I just had to check.
Today is the day I said I'd
have the reference completed,
and I didn't want to turn in poor work.
You did this to keep
a promise you made me?
Promises are not meant to be broken.
Right?
What brings you here to this
humble place, Your Highness?
I came to share my frustrations with you.
Your frustrations?
Is there trouble at the East Palace?
Did you add something
foul in their refreshments?
Goodness, no.
How could I do something so awful?
Then what trouble could there
possibly be at the East Palace?
I worried because I had felt resentment
between the King and the Crown Prince.
That's exactly why I'm frustrated.
There seems to be some trivial discord
between them over state affairs.
But surely you don't think that
the King and the Crown Prince
are petty enough to let that
come between them, do you?
- Your Highness...
- Do not...
force another get-together
that isn't planned in advance.
If you continue this
objectionable behavior,
the others will be encouraged to
dream this ridiculous dream as well.
I will overlook this just this
once if you so request.
Thank you.
Get a tight hold of the
Crown Prince's heart.
For peace in the Royal
house and this country.
I came to be decent.
I thought I should at least
say thanks to be decent...
How can I repay you for saving
the life of the woman I love?
You don't have to thank me.
I didn't do this for you,
I did this for me.
Why don't you stop this debauchery now?
I am the future queen of this state.
I don't want you putting
dents on my authority.
Authority...
Authority of the queen...
Princess,
you are too much like my mother.
I will take that as a compliment.
I see nothing but numbers.
These are the number
of Japanese ships
that invaded our land since
Goryeo dynasty.
And?
Let's see...
How can I make this easier to see?
If this indicates about ten ships...
In the early years of Goryeo dynasty,
invading fleet consisted of
no more than a dozen ships.
Then it gradually increases.
At one point they had
over five hundred ships.
They were mostly after our
grains and necessities of life,
but now they are after
military information as well.
Yes, they are.
Then one can speculate that a strong
leader has emerged in Japan who brought
the people together and transformed
petty pirates into an organized navy.
You're talking about the
Muromachi Shogunate.
It's a powerful shogunate that ended
Japan's sixty-year civil war and united
its people, and its current
leader is Ashikaga Yoshimochi.
He is not the King, but I'm told
he is a powerful man who can
install and depose kings.
You al ready know... all that?
Ministry of Rites is discussing
how we should deal with the shogunate.
Then... this data is useless...
You sound disappointed.
You weren't arrogant enough to believe
that your three days of research
could change the world, did you?
Go back to the Royal villa.
But...
I will not report this.
Just return the books to the library.
But I failed to produce
a useful reference material.
I should be penalized
for violating the policy.
A slap on the wrist is not enough
punishment for your arrogance.
The man that can impose
cruelest punishment to a scholar
is not the King nor a judge
but the scholar himself.
And I have a feeling
you're going to do just that.
Commencing on the
first day of October,
1413, the Hopae (identity tag) law
will take effect!
Issue identity tags to every male citizen
between the ages of 10 and 70,
and distinguish social status and
occupation by color of attire as well.
There will be heavy punishment
for violation of this new law
so as to tighten order and
discipline in the country.
Gang Chisul, you're a farmer
so you get an orange one.
Does the government
provide the colored coats?
Do you know what the population of
Joseon is? You have to get your own.
Then forget about this
colored attire thing.
Do you know how costly
it is to have a coat dyed?
- That's right!
- I agree!
Fifty lashes for disobedience!
You wish to be beaten half to death?
You!
You are the ones that deserve a whipping!
How can you call yourselves
public servants when you
couldn't care less about the people?
You're a former government
officer yourself.
Why are you interfering
with government work?
Does the Royal court call tormenting
the people work these days?
Arrest him.
Interfering with government business is
punishable by flagellation.
Let go of me!
It's a sign, a sign of doom!
It's the government that's
making a drunkard out of me!
Darn this dirty world!
The heck with you all!
Let go of me, fool.
I've got legs of my own!
That man Yun Hwe...
I really like him.
Shall I attempt to
approach him again, sir?
We're in no hurry.
He'll come to us on his own
if this country continues
to go in this direction.
What is it?
That identity tag...
I already told you that
it isn't right for you.
I'll get you a different one.
I can do it.
How much worse do you
want me to feel about myself?
Why is pride so important to
you when we love each other?
Am I... mistaken?
I think so.
All I have to do is to destroy
this piece of paper, right?
That will make Youngsil a freeman, right?
What are you talking about?
I can't have Youngsil
carrying around that tag.
A slave is supposed to carry a slave's tag.
What's the problem?
He's not a slave anymore.
Without this, he's a free man.
What's wrong with you?
What's that slave boy to you anyway?
Don't talk about him that way.
Don't call him a slave boy.
Daion!
I love him.
For the first time in my life,
I'm in love.
What did you say?
He's a smart one alright.
He seduced a nobleman's
daughter to become a freeman.
I wish that were true.
I wish he were using me.
Then at least there would be
things I could do for him.
But he doesn't want anything from me.
He always gives and gives, but he
won't accept anything from me.
Please let him live the
way a man should.
Not as a slave but as a freeman.
You're the only one who can do it, Father.
It's your daughter's
last and only request.
Is there anyway to change your mind?
No, not unless I'm dead.
Then I guess I have no choice.
Father...!
What's happening?
What's is this?
How could you do this, Father?
No, don't do this!
Father, please don't do this!
You can't do this to him!
How could I put a slaves tag on a boy
who's won my daughter's heart?
I have to give him a better label.
What is that?
What are you going to do?
Father, don't!
Let go of me!
Stop!
Father, no!
Stop!
Stop!
"Enemy"
Father...
Father, you can't do this...
You can't do this...
I'm sorry...
I'm so sorry...
We are getting volley
of protests everyday.
We deal with trivial protests everyday.
Just push it through.
They are not trivial
protests, Your Majesty.
There are poisonous
clauses in the identity tag law.
Did you say poisonous clauses?
Wearing different colors according to status
gives the people a sense of incongruity.
I see it as an excellent way
of controlling the people.
That in it self is a dangerous notion.
People are to be protected and cared
for, not to be watched and controlled.
Your lofty ideals are dandy,
but politics is reality.
If you can't control the people
can't control the state.
Your Majesty...
What is it?
Ming envoy has entered our border?
He has already passed Pyoungyang
and headed toward Gaesung,
so he should arrive in a matter of days.
They have never before dispatched
an envoy without advance notice.
This must be an extremely urgent matter.
An urgent matter?
Does Ministry of Rites
know anything about this?
There were no unusual reports
when our envoys returned last
month from New Year's
Day felicitation mission...
Then why is the Ming envoy rushing over?
To get a breath of fresh air.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
You should focus on your job instead
of trying to teach me how to do mine.
Send a greeting envoy to Gaesung at once.
Find out why the Ming envoy
is coming out of the blue.
National Confucian Academy
Are you coming from the Royal villa?
Every time I see you,
I question our King's judgment.
You should be careful of what you say.
He has you babysitting Royal
Princes who studies for leisure.
You should be here at the
academy as a professor.
I question your judgment, not the Kings.
How are you going to handle
your staff later when you're
a minister of the Royal Court when
you're such a bad judge of character?
Modesty is discourtesy in excess.
We all know that you purposely put
wrong answers on government service
exams because government
service doesn't interests you.
My man.
I heard that you once studied
under Master Sambong.
There is a secret society
that studies his books.
Won't you share his teachings with us?
Master Sambong's books are banned.
Don't you know that?
There is no future for a government that
forces its scholars to think only one way.
Don't you agree?
I know another man who is just like you.
There is a meeting tonight.
I trust you'll be there.
Hall of Great Peace, Gaesung
The Emperor has ordered
conquest of Japan?
The Emperor has great
expectations for Joseon.
Great Ming's enemy is
Joseon's enemy as well.
He requests your unsparing support.
Tens of thousands of Ming
troops are already on the way?
We need a way to stop Joseon
from supporting the Ming army.
That will make it easier for
us to strike from the rear.
It will be even better if they
sternly oppose the campaign.
Envoy of Oirat
Is there a way?
The people's voice is
the strongest weapon.
The moment the Royal court
attempts to fund the conquest,
the people of Joseon will
rise up like burning flames.
Oirats: Nomadic tribes of Mongolian
origin also known as the Kalmyks.
Once controlled all of Mongolia after
the fall of Yuan. Destroyed by the Manchu.
War funds you requested.
I don't know how we will ever replay you.
Your loyalty is all we ask.
Remember the allegiance you gave to Yuan.
Aren't we after Joseon?
Why are we making an
alliance with the Mongolians?
They want their old territory
back just like we do.
We can help each other.
But they want our vow of loyalty.
Choongyul Choongsun, Choongsuk,
they put Choong (loyalty) before every
era name to use us like their slaves.
When you don't have the strength
to destroy the enemy yourself,
you get someone else
to do your work for you.
It's bad enough that we have to stoop
to Joseon, now we have to Stoop to Yuan?
Did you already forget how
your mother and father died?
How can you say this after witnessing
the horrific death of the Royal family?
- Uncle.
- First we must capsize Joseon.
And we will join hands with
the devil if that's what it takes!
Sire!
Sire!
Father!
Mother!
Father!
What if we can create a sea of tears?
Do you think a sea of tears can erase our
pain and ease the suffering of the people?
If that were possible,
I may not have started this long
and daunting fight from the beginning.
Sire...
We don't have the time or
the luxury to be sentimental.
Our pain is too deep for that.
And the state of this
country is too bleak...
This is the grandest
diplomatic reception yet.
Must the ex-King and the
Royal Princes attend as well?
We need to put forth great
effort to soften up the envoy.
Tour of Mt. Geumgang and you
want the Royal princes,
including the Crown Prince,
to accompany them?
I can't do this even if the
Emperor himself were here.
We need to win their hearts
first to confirm their true intent.
Only then we can figure
out our next move.
They want Royal Princes
to be a eunuch's retinue?
It's a part of the strategy.
You call tip toeing around Ming and
wiping a eunuch's butt a strategy?
Your Highness...
Have you encountered another problem?
It must be a very difficult
problem that books can't solve.
You must be a psychic.
You've been standing out
here for over two hours now.
I'm just a little confused...
I completely understand the
Crown Prince's frustrations,
but there doesn't seem to
be any other solution...
Of course there is a solution.
Look at him.
He looks quite disappointed.
Because this room is full of scruffy
men instead of pretty gisaeng girls?
This is a secret meeting where we study
and discuss Master Sambong's works.
There is no place better than
a gisaeng house to keep it under cover.
Say hello.
It's my brother Choongnyeong.
Forgive me for the delayed introduction.
My name is Jeong Inji.
You two will get along well.
No one knows the Four Books
better than this man.
My name is Choi Manli.
He's an expert on Confucian classics.
I am Gim Jongsuh, secretary
of the Office of Royal Seal.
If you ever need to steal the Royal Seal for
anything, he's the man to call.
Oh dear...
You'd make me a me
a criminal of high treason?
He's a great poet.
The only problem is his poems
turn me on, not the girls.
Oh, Your Highness...
Secret gathering of the academy scholars
in a gisaeng house in Gwangtonggyo?
I am told they study and discuss
malefactor Jeong Dojeon's works under
the subterfuge of a poetry club.
Seed of rebellion is sprouting in
the National Confucian Academy...
The King's biggest mistake is
giving up on conquest of Liaodong.
Perhaps he lacks virtue
to embrace able men.
Sambong Jeong Dojeon
was a dedicated servant.
He is the man who said we should take
land from the rich and give to the poor.
And he held a firm belief
that we must recapture
our old territory in Liaodong as well.
The King that slew his most faithful
servant is but a tyrant equal to Jie.
He was slain because he tried
to put a young offspring
of a concubine on the throne.
What's the matter?
Are you afraid I might hurt you as well?
I spoke too bluntly.
Please forgive me.
Don't worry about it.
We all criticize the King in his absence.
But if you want to criticize me behind
my back, you'd better be prepared to die.
Come to me with a bottle of
wine and confront me straight on.
Then I will kneel down
and seek your teachings.
You are a broadminded man,
Your Highness.
Your heart is as big as this country Joseon.
Is that all? I should to be as
big as China across Liaodong!
We must catch them at the scene
and seize the subversive literature!
That's the only way to
charge them with treason.
Sambong should've never been removed.
We should've kept him in the
court and had him come up
with ways to conquer Liaodong.
Where is Liaodong located anyway?
North of Yalu River.
What's the land like?
Does it have rough mountainous
terrain or is it mostly flatland?
Who occupies the territory
and what are they like?
What are their habits and disposition,
and what kind of weapons do they use?
We should know things like this to
figure out how to deal with them. Right?
Did I ask a silly question?
No. It's just that our research
did not reach that far...
You mean you don't know
anything about the enemy?
We can look into that later.
First we must solidify our goal.
Sun Tzu said you need ten times
the military power to attack the
enemy on its home ground.
I think he means that it's essential
to know your enemy first.
Perhaps Taejo withdrew the troops
from Weihua Island and the current King
gave up on the conquest of Liaodong
after considering all these.
He's just afraid of Ming.
I think that is prudent if Ming
is stronger than the barbarians.
A man should risk his life
for what he believes in.
To risk the lives of the people for a fight
with little of no chance of winning
is a dangerous notion.
Who Will be held responsible for
the countless lives that will be lost
on the battlefield?
What is the meaning of this?
Your Highness, what brings you here?
Who is the man that ordered
you to ruin my evening?
I feel like I gained
a brilliant tactician tonight.
I will bear your wise words in mind.
But next time...
come up with a more
helpful advice next time.
One who opposes for
opposition sake is no tactician.
To risk the lives of the people for a fight
with little of no chance of winning is
a dangerous notion.
Who will be held responsible for
the countless lives that will be lost
on the battlefield?
Remember, Your Highness...
When another prince begins
taking interest in politics,
he becomes a threat, a political enemy.
No matter what the envoy asks,
you must avoid giving him an answer
until you know the card they are holding.
Entertaining women of Joseon
are always very beautiful to watch.
I'm glad you're pleased.
Although your tradition of putting women
in Royal banquets is rather barbaric.
How often do you have banquets like this?
Rare delicacies and perfect wine...
You must hold galas like this quite often.
What's it to that fool how
often we hold banquets?
Your Highness...
The Emperor of Ming tolerates dry food
and uncomfortable bed
to conquer the northern barbarians,
but the King of
a subject state enjoys sumptuous feast...
Doesn't it embarrass you a little?
I was preoccupied with giving
you a welcome reception
that I neglected to think that far.
Then you can start thinking now.
The Emperor wants Japan conquered.
This not only benefits Ming, but it is
also in the best interest of Joseon.
Joseon will have to contribute
ten thousand war horses.
I'd contribute twenty
thousand horses if I could.
You have funds for elaborate galas,
but no funds to protect the state?
How can you be a king if you don't even
know the basics of running a state?
I've had enough of his audacity!
How can you be an Imperial
envoy when you don't even
know the code of behavior
between sovereign and subject?
I am not a subject of this barbaric state.
What?
Restrain yourself, Crown Prince.
No, sir.
Stop!
We're not getting one
single horse from us.
You don't care about
the safety of your country?
What do you take Joseon for?
Do you think we're so helpless
that cant even defend ourselves?
I see.
Then Joseon is a very strong state.
Ten thousand warhorses and
one hundred thousand soldiers!
What?
Defy us.
And Ming will consider Joseon enemy.
A war will be inevitable.
First we will cut off your head
and send it back to Ming.
How dare you!
Your Highness...!
I will not forgive anyone that patronizes
Joseon, not even the Emperor himself!