Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 35 - Episode #1.35 - full transcript
We will reach Gyeongsung within 15 days
and launch a massive northern conquest.
A hunting trip?
The King is on a trip to the hot springs
and the Crown Prince went hunting?
Do you think this is acceptable?
He said he needed rest because he's
physically and mentally exhausted!
Exhausted?
From what?
I can imagine he is exhausted.
Sitting there and listening to everyone
say no to everything isn't easy either.
You mean Crown Prince
is right and we are wrong?
That's not what I said.
I'm just saying he probably is exhausted.
Then he should rest and enjoy
hunting for the rest of his life.
What?
Hunting is physical and mental training.
Don't you know that?
Shouldn't we call the
King back from his trip?
That's probably not a good idea.
The ministers are outraged.
His Majesty the King is on this
trip because the Queen is ill.
This disturbing news about
the Crown Prince will only
exacerbate the Queen's condition.
How can we let that happen?
Bring the Crown Prince back.
That's the quickest way to
calm the court, Minister Hwang.
We're damned if we do
and damned if we don't.
There is no solution.
Where is the Crown Prince?
He's on a hunting trip...
To where?
We're moving out!
But we've been marching all night
and you haven't had any rest.
We've only got 15 days
to get to Gyeongsung.
Move out!
Why won't you answer my question?
Well, um...
Chulwon.
He is hunting in Chulwon.
Is that the truth?
If you don't believe me, you can
go and bring him back yourself.
If I were you, I would've sent
someone to Gyeongsung
instead of urging him to bring
the Crown Prince back.
What do you mean?
Don't you think this is a great
opportunity for Prince Choongnyeong
to make a comeback?
Prince Choongnyeong's loyalty
is under suspicion right now.
I know as well as you do that he
is incapable conceiving of treason.
But if you and I act on this, we would
be forcing him to commit treason.
The ministers have lost all
hope on the Crown Prince.
It's time for this country
to find an alternative.
Do not force Prince Choongnyeong into this!
I will not be idle if you attempt to turn
my son-in-law into a criminal of treason.
Why did you coldly reject the
Left State Councilor's offer?
Don't you want Prince
Choongnyeong to come back?
I'm sure that is not the reason.
Then...
Left State Councilor Park Eun
is best kept at a distance.
He is a hard man to figure out,
and his intentions are not pure
in wanting Prince Choongnyeong back.
Intentions are not pure?
He is not interested in
what's best for the state.
He just wants to stop the
Crown Prince's ascension.
Park Eun is directly
responsible for the death of
the Crown Princess closest supporters
regardless of the circumstances.
He will want to bring down
the Crown Prince if only to
protect himself from revenge.
It won't help us to be open with him.
Is this the right thing to do?
Do I bring my son-in-law back into
this field of vicious political battles?
The circumference is too wide.
It won't balance if I reduce it further.
You can easily solve that problem
if you keep the base wide.
The material is wrong, too.
How can you use cast iron?
Are you stupid?
Stop.
One might think you're developing
an advanced secret weapon.
What's there to fuss when
you're making a children's toy?
This is fine.
Please stay out of this, Your Highness.
This is crap.
Make it smaller!
Change the material at least.
There's a reason why I used cast iron.
This is for ten-year-old child
for heaven sakes.
Cast iron is ridiculous.
That's what I mean.
How is a child supposed to carry this?
This is not a carrying toy.
It's a rolling toy.
If I use compound metal,
it could get bent out of shape.
Adjust the compound ratio.
Sir.
Your Highness!
Get it!
Did you wish to see me?
I have a favor to ask.
Do you need someone to play this toy with?
Would you go see my son Hyang for
me when you get back to the capital?
He should be big enough
to play with this toy.
This is about the only thing I can
do for him from a distant place.
No.
Counselor Yun.
You can take it yourself.
It doesn't look like an easy toy
to play with.
You have to teach him how to use it.
It's not possible.
Why not?
I thought we were finished
with this conversation.
No, I haven't even begun.
Let us stop.
Let's stop right here.
Stop being so stubborn!
The Crown Prince is hopeless.
Didn't he prove that by sending his army
and turning this place upside down?
How many died as a result
of his reckless decision?
Why are you holding the Crown
Prince responsible for that?
You didn't play a part as well?
Your Highness...
You said yourself you didn't do anything.
You were guzzling wine and killing
time ignoring everything, you said.
Let's say for the sake of argument
that I did what you ask.
What would that change?
If I make one mistake,
if I fail to live up to your expectations,
you'll crawl back into your cave
and drown your sorrows in wine.
So I was right.
It's my cowardice that
made you change like this...
Now you know,
so stop wasting my time and go.
Wait.
What is it now?
I want to give this back to you.
I will no longer have a use for,
I mean, I'm unworthy of it.
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
I will pay for disappointing
you with a life of penance.
I'm sorry I could not make
it more comfortable.
Don't worry about it.
You can go now.
Good thing I didn't bring her...
I'm coming with you.
Take me with you.
Not this time.
Don't leave me here alone.
I'm afraid...
It doesn't feel bad... to know
that you're worried about me.
Not about you.
About me.
You don't know what I might do
to you if you leave me here alone.
So...
Do anything you want.
I know what you're going
through because of me.
So you and the child can criticize me,
curse me and do anything you want.
Would you wait for me?
It'll give me strength to know that
I have to come back to the city
where you're waiting for me.
But if...
If I don't make it back,
give this to the child.
I have a feeling that it's
a boy that takes after me.
Do you really think
Minister Hwang will go?
He will.
And the time he returns,
Crown Prince will be in Cyeongsung.
Then I guess it will be a waiting
game from that point on,
but it won't be as easy as it sounds.
Shouldn't we cover our backs just in case?
Don't even think about it.
We're on the same boat.
If we go down, we all go down together.
I'll be leaving for a short
trip out of the city tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
I guess you're going to Chulwon after all.
What bring you to my home at this late hour?
Aren't you curious to know what
the Crown Prince is really up to?
Gyeongsung?
Crown Prince led the troops
to the northern border?
You let him have control of a massive army?
One thing led to another...
You call that an explanation?
You're the chief of military
for heaven sakes!
How can you utter those words?
How could you deploy thousands of
troops without the King's authorization?
Are you a brainless moron?
Don't you know the Crown Prince?
He doesn't listen to us or
to you as a matter of fact!
I know we shouldn't have let this happen.
That's why we came to you before
the situation got any worse.
We have to find a way to get through this!
A way? To protect your own
necks or to protect the country?
If we do nothing, the Crown Prince's
life will be in danger as well.
So before the King finds out...
We're done talking.
This is not my concern.
You can't do this.
Who are we to turn to?
You made your own bed.
Now you must lie in it.
I don't care what happens
to you or the Crown Prince.
This is not my problem anymore.
I will not get myself involved!
Who are you?
I'm the Crown Prince's lover like I said.
You are not His Highness's lover.
When you get to be my age,
you know things naturally.
If you love someone,
you instinctively protect that person.
That irrational desire to protect
even when you know you will fail,
that's what we call love.
Why are you coming to me with this?
If the world finds out about his
unauthorized military action,
the Crown Prince's life may be jeopardized.
Who put you up to this?
Who is trying to destroy the Crown Prince?
Shouldn't you be more concerned with your
son-in-law Prince Choongnyeong's safety?
Gyeongsung is about to
become a bloody battlefield.
You must run to his rescue first.
The Crown Prince took
the troops to the north?
I fear he made this risky move
to cover up the secret plot for
northern conquest and
neutralize the investigation.
What if they resist?
What if Prime Minister Yu Jeonghyun and
his brother Choongnyeong defy him?
Does he intend to kill them off?
I am deeply regretful, Your Majesty...
I'm going back to the palace.
Prepare the entourage.
I am to blame for this.
If we hadn't left the palace, the Crown
Prince would not have gone this far.
What should I make of
your trip to the hot springs?
What do you mean?
Was this to protect Prince Choongnyeong
or to destroy the Crown Prince?
The latter.
If you wanted to protect both the Crown
Prince and Prince Choongnyeong,
you would have turned
your horse to the north.
Why should we protect the Crown Prince?
I can no longer accept the
Crown Prince as our next King.
Because he is a cold-blooded man who
does not care about his brother's safety?
Because he is a tyrant who
doesn't care about his people.
I have no intention to accept
or serve him as my king.
They just can't keep their mouths shut...
Who is it?
Who told you about this?
Leave.
You can sit there until your knees
wear off, but you can't stop me.
So don't waste your strength.
You are wrong.
You pay no heed to good
counsel of your ministers,
you protect those closest to you
no matter what wrongs they've done,
you arrogantly defy the King
ordering military action
with no regard for safety
and welfare of your people...
Stop.
You're wrong on everything.
That's why I can't,
I just can't forgive you
and acknowledge that
you are kingly material.
Then why did you come alone?
You should've brought
the guards to arrest me.
But still, despite all of this,
I can't give you up.
You're wrong, but I still can't give you up.
Won't you look at me and remember the
day that you came to me on your knees
vowing to be the true master of Joseon?
Help me to keep my hope alive.
Please leave.
As you can see, I've come too far.
There is no turning back now.
Your Highness...
I am going to the north to fight.
If I die there, at least I would be
remembered as a prince who died
struggling to protect Joseon's pride.
But...
Don't try to stop me!
Like you said, I am wrong to begin
with and I never listen to anyone.
Go back.
And do whatever you want and
whatever you believe is right.
You won't hear any grief from me.
It was nice, Minister Hwang.
I knew you came to stop me when you first
walked in, but it was really nice to see you.
I'll never forget your
devotion and trust for me.
What is the meaning of this?
I'm coming with you.
Let me come with you.
I told you to do what you believe is right.
And I told you I can't give you up.
Gyeongsung, Hamgildo
Where is the Prince going?
Nowhere in particular.
He hasn't been like this in a while.
I wonder what's eating him this time.
Do you know anything?
Father!
Father!
No!
Father...!
Tell my father to get up!
The Crown Prince is hopeless!
How many died as a result
of his reckless decision?
So I was right.
It's my cowardice that
made you change like this...
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
I will pay for disappointing
you with a life of penance.
Would you give this to Counselor Yun for me?
It's been broken in very nicely.
It has a good owner who
takes good care of it.
He's a man who knows how to polish
his brush better than his sword.
But he is impatient when it
comes to his own emotions.
Your Highness...
May I ask you to look after
Counselor Yun Hwe?
He is a man of deep insight.
Not only that, he is an exceptional
diplomat and a tactician more
brilliant than Suh Hui of Goryeo.
Let him see tomorrow with hope again.
Guide him and encourage him so
that his talent may not be wasted.
And later when enough time has passed,
please tell him it is not his
fault that I decided to stay.
Tell him that I just didn't
have the courage to leave.
Are you afraid?
I do know a thing or two
about the Royal court.
As Crown Prince's misrule continues,
more will look to you for hope.
Are you afraid those who put their hopes
on you might put a sword in your hands?
What I am afraid of is what will come next.
I'm not sure of myself.
I don't know if I can do better job.
Pointing out what's bad and what's
wrong might be an easier job.
But when it comes to making decisions...
Being that decision maker is
a completely different thing.
I'm not confident in that role.
That's why I'm running away.
Let us take you inside.
I'm sure Prince Choongnyeong
will be unharmed.
I trust the Crown Prince.
- Arrest him!
- Yes, sir!
Take it.
I cannot, Your Majesty.
It's an order.
Give me death, Your Majesty.
Just take the glass.
Do you recall?
You were always the one
that offered me drinks first.
Your Majesty...
When I raised a camp at Gwanghwamun
in protest of my father the late King
and trembled in secret now knowing
whether I would live or die,
you were the one who came to me
with a bottle of wine in your hand.
"You've got me," you said, "I'll contend
with anyone that challenges you."
That was a long time ago.
It should be forgotten.
Would you go for me?
I want you to go.
Take the troops and bring
the Crown Prince back.
I'm afraid I can't, Your Majesty.
Sookbun.
I am not the naive young county
magistrate that vowed loyalty to
Prince Jeongan Yi Bangwon with
his tiny powerless army anymore.
I am Minister of Military Yi Sookbun,
a veteran politician who knows how
to wield his power with command
of the country's military in his hand.
Are you threatening me?
You are a setting sun and the
Crown Prince is a rising sun.
What would you do if I take the troops and
help the Crown Prince in his conquest?
What if I came back after that
and aimed my sword at you?
I am indeed capable with
the power I hold now.
I will leave if you banish me, and I will
surrender my head if that's what you wish.
But send Yi Jongmu to the north instead.
Yi Jongmu would not dare defy you.
Bastard!
We said we would enjoy fishing
and be eternal friends when you
abdicate the throne, but I guess
I can't keep that promise...
Forgive me, Your Majesty...
Tie me back up.
Sir!
I said tie me back up! Don't you
know how to handle a criminal?
Do I have to teach you a lesson?
Tie me up!
Sookbun, that bastard...
He didn't even touch his glass...
Gyeongsung, Hamgildo
They couldn't have been
deployed by the King.
He would have at least
waited until I returned.
Now it's a matter of time before
Gyeongsung is engulfed in flames.
You must take the Prime Minister
safely back to the capital.
Yes, sir.
How about you?
Where are you going?
I'm going back.
I can't desert Prince
Choongnyeong again. Then...
What is happening?
Why are thousands of
barbarians coming at us?
What reason do they have
to attack us this time?
It's not an attack.
It's a defensive move.
Crown Prince's central army of thousands
is marching to Gyeongsung right now!
What?
We will take you to safety, Your Highness.
Where would that be?
If such a place exists,
I would take you myself.
But there is no place safe
for you in this country.
We must stop the central army somehow.
Stop them?
That's absurd.
They are not the enemy.
Then are we to go to war
with the Jurchens like this?
We have no choice if that's the order.
First duty of soldiers is obedience.
Obedience?
Why are you defending
this ridiculous order?
The man is here put you
back in uniform. Is that it?
We can't lose a talented warrior
to accusation of treason!
You must make your decision
carefully, Commander.
The Crown Prince is the future King.
If you defy his order, he will charge
you with treason and kill you.
But...
I have no choice but to defy him.
Commander!
There is something more important
than obedience to soldiers.
And that's duty to protect the people.
It does not matter who it is.
Those who threaten the safety
of the people are our enemy.
I know you wouldn't leave even
if there was a safer place.
You're used to tolerating all kinds
of pain and emotional torture
like intimidation, injustice, being
misunderstood, and fear of death.
But can you tolerate this?
This is Yi Chun's uniform.
Prime Minister wanted
me to deliver it to you.
He said you are the one that
recognized Yi Chun's talent,
and you will know when
to restore him to his post.
But Yi Chun will never get the chance
to put his uniform back on again.
Because the master he serves
is the most dangerous character.
Choi Yundeok will willingly become
a rebel to protect the people.
I will go with you, Commander.
Let me help.
And Choi Haesan and Jang
Youngsil will soon be forced
to make weapons that won't kill
our enemy but our people.
Can you endure it?
Can you endure watching these men
fall when their dreams are shattered?
Can you watch your cherished
friends who bring hope to Joseon
and its good people as they crumble?
We've been waiting for you.
Would you read a book for us?
We want to hear more stories.
No.
This is no time for stories.
Stop pestering him.
No!
Why not?
Read for us.
Please?
- Counselor Yun.
- Yes, Your Highness.
Would you call the former
Deputy Chief Yi Chun for me?
Your Highness...
What do you think you're doing?
Turn the troops around now.
Clear the path!
If you don't turn back, I just might
take the future throne from you.
and launch a massive northern conquest.
A hunting trip?
The King is on a trip to the hot springs
and the Crown Prince went hunting?
Do you think this is acceptable?
He said he needed rest because he's
physically and mentally exhausted!
Exhausted?
From what?
I can imagine he is exhausted.
Sitting there and listening to everyone
say no to everything isn't easy either.
You mean Crown Prince
is right and we are wrong?
That's not what I said.
I'm just saying he probably is exhausted.
Then he should rest and enjoy
hunting for the rest of his life.
What?
Hunting is physical and mental training.
Don't you know that?
Shouldn't we call the
King back from his trip?
That's probably not a good idea.
The ministers are outraged.
His Majesty the King is on this
trip because the Queen is ill.
This disturbing news about
the Crown Prince will only
exacerbate the Queen's condition.
How can we let that happen?
Bring the Crown Prince back.
That's the quickest way to
calm the court, Minister Hwang.
We're damned if we do
and damned if we don't.
There is no solution.
Where is the Crown Prince?
He's on a hunting trip...
To where?
We're moving out!
But we've been marching all night
and you haven't had any rest.
We've only got 15 days
to get to Gyeongsung.
Move out!
Why won't you answer my question?
Well, um...
Chulwon.
He is hunting in Chulwon.
Is that the truth?
If you don't believe me, you can
go and bring him back yourself.
If I were you, I would've sent
someone to Gyeongsung
instead of urging him to bring
the Crown Prince back.
What do you mean?
Don't you think this is a great
opportunity for Prince Choongnyeong
to make a comeback?
Prince Choongnyeong's loyalty
is under suspicion right now.
I know as well as you do that he
is incapable conceiving of treason.
But if you and I act on this, we would
be forcing him to commit treason.
The ministers have lost all
hope on the Crown Prince.
It's time for this country
to find an alternative.
Do not force Prince Choongnyeong into this!
I will not be idle if you attempt to turn
my son-in-law into a criminal of treason.
Why did you coldly reject the
Left State Councilor's offer?
Don't you want Prince
Choongnyeong to come back?
I'm sure that is not the reason.
Then...
Left State Councilor Park Eun
is best kept at a distance.
He is a hard man to figure out,
and his intentions are not pure
in wanting Prince Choongnyeong back.
Intentions are not pure?
He is not interested in
what's best for the state.
He just wants to stop the
Crown Prince's ascension.
Park Eun is directly
responsible for the death of
the Crown Princess closest supporters
regardless of the circumstances.
He will want to bring down
the Crown Prince if only to
protect himself from revenge.
It won't help us to be open with him.
Is this the right thing to do?
Do I bring my son-in-law back into
this field of vicious political battles?
The circumference is too wide.
It won't balance if I reduce it further.
You can easily solve that problem
if you keep the base wide.
The material is wrong, too.
How can you use cast iron?
Are you stupid?
Stop.
One might think you're developing
an advanced secret weapon.
What's there to fuss when
you're making a children's toy?
This is fine.
Please stay out of this, Your Highness.
This is crap.
Make it smaller!
Change the material at least.
There's a reason why I used cast iron.
This is for ten-year-old child
for heaven sakes.
Cast iron is ridiculous.
That's what I mean.
How is a child supposed to carry this?
This is not a carrying toy.
It's a rolling toy.
If I use compound metal,
it could get bent out of shape.
Adjust the compound ratio.
Sir.
Your Highness!
Get it!
Did you wish to see me?
I have a favor to ask.
Do you need someone to play this toy with?
Would you go see my son Hyang for
me when you get back to the capital?
He should be big enough
to play with this toy.
This is about the only thing I can
do for him from a distant place.
No.
Counselor Yun.
You can take it yourself.
It doesn't look like an easy toy
to play with.
You have to teach him how to use it.
It's not possible.
Why not?
I thought we were finished
with this conversation.
No, I haven't even begun.
Let us stop.
Let's stop right here.
Stop being so stubborn!
The Crown Prince is hopeless.
Didn't he prove that by sending his army
and turning this place upside down?
How many died as a result
of his reckless decision?
Why are you holding the Crown
Prince responsible for that?
You didn't play a part as well?
Your Highness...
You said yourself you didn't do anything.
You were guzzling wine and killing
time ignoring everything, you said.
Let's say for the sake of argument
that I did what you ask.
What would that change?
If I make one mistake,
if I fail to live up to your expectations,
you'll crawl back into your cave
and drown your sorrows in wine.
So I was right.
It's my cowardice that
made you change like this...
Now you know,
so stop wasting my time and go.
Wait.
What is it now?
I want to give this back to you.
I will no longer have a use for,
I mean, I'm unworthy of it.
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
I will pay for disappointing
you with a life of penance.
I'm sorry I could not make
it more comfortable.
Don't worry about it.
You can go now.
Good thing I didn't bring her...
I'm coming with you.
Take me with you.
Not this time.
Don't leave me here alone.
I'm afraid...
It doesn't feel bad... to know
that you're worried about me.
Not about you.
About me.
You don't know what I might do
to you if you leave me here alone.
So...
Do anything you want.
I know what you're going
through because of me.
So you and the child can criticize me,
curse me and do anything you want.
Would you wait for me?
It'll give me strength to know that
I have to come back to the city
where you're waiting for me.
But if...
If I don't make it back,
give this to the child.
I have a feeling that it's
a boy that takes after me.
Do you really think
Minister Hwang will go?
He will.
And the time he returns,
Crown Prince will be in Cyeongsung.
Then I guess it will be a waiting
game from that point on,
but it won't be as easy as it sounds.
Shouldn't we cover our backs just in case?
Don't even think about it.
We're on the same boat.
If we go down, we all go down together.
I'll be leaving for a short
trip out of the city tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
I guess you're going to Chulwon after all.
What bring you to my home at this late hour?
Aren't you curious to know what
the Crown Prince is really up to?
Gyeongsung?
Crown Prince led the troops
to the northern border?
You let him have control of a massive army?
One thing led to another...
You call that an explanation?
You're the chief of military
for heaven sakes!
How can you utter those words?
How could you deploy thousands of
troops without the King's authorization?
Are you a brainless moron?
Don't you know the Crown Prince?
He doesn't listen to us or
to you as a matter of fact!
I know we shouldn't have let this happen.
That's why we came to you before
the situation got any worse.
We have to find a way to get through this!
A way? To protect your own
necks or to protect the country?
If we do nothing, the Crown Prince's
life will be in danger as well.
So before the King finds out...
We're done talking.
This is not my concern.
You can't do this.
Who are we to turn to?
You made your own bed.
Now you must lie in it.
I don't care what happens
to you or the Crown Prince.
This is not my problem anymore.
I will not get myself involved!
Who are you?
I'm the Crown Prince's lover like I said.
You are not His Highness's lover.
When you get to be my age,
you know things naturally.
If you love someone,
you instinctively protect that person.
That irrational desire to protect
even when you know you will fail,
that's what we call love.
Why are you coming to me with this?
If the world finds out about his
unauthorized military action,
the Crown Prince's life may be jeopardized.
Who put you up to this?
Who is trying to destroy the Crown Prince?
Shouldn't you be more concerned with your
son-in-law Prince Choongnyeong's safety?
Gyeongsung is about to
become a bloody battlefield.
You must run to his rescue first.
The Crown Prince took
the troops to the north?
I fear he made this risky move
to cover up the secret plot for
northern conquest and
neutralize the investigation.
What if they resist?
What if Prime Minister Yu Jeonghyun and
his brother Choongnyeong defy him?
Does he intend to kill them off?
I am deeply regretful, Your Majesty...
I'm going back to the palace.
Prepare the entourage.
I am to blame for this.
If we hadn't left the palace, the Crown
Prince would not have gone this far.
What should I make of
your trip to the hot springs?
What do you mean?
Was this to protect Prince Choongnyeong
or to destroy the Crown Prince?
The latter.
If you wanted to protect both the Crown
Prince and Prince Choongnyeong,
you would have turned
your horse to the north.
Why should we protect the Crown Prince?
I can no longer accept the
Crown Prince as our next King.
Because he is a cold-blooded man who
does not care about his brother's safety?
Because he is a tyrant who
doesn't care about his people.
I have no intention to accept
or serve him as my king.
They just can't keep their mouths shut...
Who is it?
Who told you about this?
Leave.
You can sit there until your knees
wear off, but you can't stop me.
So don't waste your strength.
You are wrong.
You pay no heed to good
counsel of your ministers,
you protect those closest to you
no matter what wrongs they've done,
you arrogantly defy the King
ordering military action
with no regard for safety
and welfare of your people...
Stop.
You're wrong on everything.
That's why I can't,
I just can't forgive you
and acknowledge that
you are kingly material.
Then why did you come alone?
You should've brought
the guards to arrest me.
But still, despite all of this,
I can't give you up.
You're wrong, but I still can't give you up.
Won't you look at me and remember the
day that you came to me on your knees
vowing to be the true master of Joseon?
Help me to keep my hope alive.
Please leave.
As you can see, I've come too far.
There is no turning back now.
Your Highness...
I am going to the north to fight.
If I die there, at least I would be
remembered as a prince who died
struggling to protect Joseon's pride.
But...
Don't try to stop me!
Like you said, I am wrong to begin
with and I never listen to anyone.
Go back.
And do whatever you want and
whatever you believe is right.
You won't hear any grief from me.
It was nice, Minister Hwang.
I knew you came to stop me when you first
walked in, but it was really nice to see you.
I'll never forget your
devotion and trust for me.
What is the meaning of this?
I'm coming with you.
Let me come with you.
I told you to do what you believe is right.
And I told you I can't give you up.
Gyeongsung, Hamgildo
Where is the Prince going?
Nowhere in particular.
He hasn't been like this in a while.
I wonder what's eating him this time.
Do you know anything?
Father!
Father!
No!
Father...!
Tell my father to get up!
The Crown Prince is hopeless!
How many died as a result
of his reckless decision?
So I was right.
It's my cowardice that
made you change like this...
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
I will pay for disappointing
you with a life of penance.
Would you give this to Counselor Yun for me?
It's been broken in very nicely.
It has a good owner who
takes good care of it.
He's a man who knows how to polish
his brush better than his sword.
But he is impatient when it
comes to his own emotions.
Your Highness...
May I ask you to look after
Counselor Yun Hwe?
He is a man of deep insight.
Not only that, he is an exceptional
diplomat and a tactician more
brilliant than Suh Hui of Goryeo.
Let him see tomorrow with hope again.
Guide him and encourage him so
that his talent may not be wasted.
And later when enough time has passed,
please tell him it is not his
fault that I decided to stay.
Tell him that I just didn't
have the courage to leave.
Are you afraid?
I do know a thing or two
about the Royal court.
As Crown Prince's misrule continues,
more will look to you for hope.
Are you afraid those who put their hopes
on you might put a sword in your hands?
What I am afraid of is what will come next.
I'm not sure of myself.
I don't know if I can do better job.
Pointing out what's bad and what's
wrong might be an easier job.
But when it comes to making decisions...
Being that decision maker is
a completely different thing.
I'm not confident in that role.
That's why I'm running away.
Let us take you inside.
I'm sure Prince Choongnyeong
will be unharmed.
I trust the Crown Prince.
- Arrest him!
- Yes, sir!
Take it.
I cannot, Your Majesty.
It's an order.
Give me death, Your Majesty.
Just take the glass.
Do you recall?
You were always the one
that offered me drinks first.
Your Majesty...
When I raised a camp at Gwanghwamun
in protest of my father the late King
and trembled in secret now knowing
whether I would live or die,
you were the one who came to me
with a bottle of wine in your hand.
"You've got me," you said, "I'll contend
with anyone that challenges you."
That was a long time ago.
It should be forgotten.
Would you go for me?
I want you to go.
Take the troops and bring
the Crown Prince back.
I'm afraid I can't, Your Majesty.
Sookbun.
I am not the naive young county
magistrate that vowed loyalty to
Prince Jeongan Yi Bangwon with
his tiny powerless army anymore.
I am Minister of Military Yi Sookbun,
a veteran politician who knows how
to wield his power with command
of the country's military in his hand.
Are you threatening me?
You are a setting sun and the
Crown Prince is a rising sun.
What would you do if I take the troops and
help the Crown Prince in his conquest?
What if I came back after that
and aimed my sword at you?
I am indeed capable with
the power I hold now.
I will leave if you banish me, and I will
surrender my head if that's what you wish.
But send Yi Jongmu to the north instead.
Yi Jongmu would not dare defy you.
Bastard!
We said we would enjoy fishing
and be eternal friends when you
abdicate the throne, but I guess
I can't keep that promise...
Forgive me, Your Majesty...
Tie me back up.
Sir!
I said tie me back up! Don't you
know how to handle a criminal?
Do I have to teach you a lesson?
Tie me up!
Sookbun, that bastard...
He didn't even touch his glass...
Gyeongsung, Hamgildo
They couldn't have been
deployed by the King.
He would have at least
waited until I returned.
Now it's a matter of time before
Gyeongsung is engulfed in flames.
You must take the Prime Minister
safely back to the capital.
Yes, sir.
How about you?
Where are you going?
I'm going back.
I can't desert Prince
Choongnyeong again. Then...
What is happening?
Why are thousands of
barbarians coming at us?
What reason do they have
to attack us this time?
It's not an attack.
It's a defensive move.
Crown Prince's central army of thousands
is marching to Gyeongsung right now!
What?
We will take you to safety, Your Highness.
Where would that be?
If such a place exists,
I would take you myself.
But there is no place safe
for you in this country.
We must stop the central army somehow.
Stop them?
That's absurd.
They are not the enemy.
Then are we to go to war
with the Jurchens like this?
We have no choice if that's the order.
First duty of soldiers is obedience.
Obedience?
Why are you defending
this ridiculous order?
The man is here put you
back in uniform. Is that it?
We can't lose a talented warrior
to accusation of treason!
You must make your decision
carefully, Commander.
The Crown Prince is the future King.
If you defy his order, he will charge
you with treason and kill you.
But...
I have no choice but to defy him.
Commander!
There is something more important
than obedience to soldiers.
And that's duty to protect the people.
It does not matter who it is.
Those who threaten the safety
of the people are our enemy.
I know you wouldn't leave even
if there was a safer place.
You're used to tolerating all kinds
of pain and emotional torture
like intimidation, injustice, being
misunderstood, and fear of death.
But can you tolerate this?
This is Yi Chun's uniform.
Prime Minister wanted
me to deliver it to you.
He said you are the one that
recognized Yi Chun's talent,
and you will know when
to restore him to his post.
But Yi Chun will never get the chance
to put his uniform back on again.
Because the master he serves
is the most dangerous character.
Choi Yundeok will willingly become
a rebel to protect the people.
I will go with you, Commander.
Let me help.
And Choi Haesan and Jang
Youngsil will soon be forced
to make weapons that won't kill
our enemy but our people.
Can you endure it?
Can you endure watching these men
fall when their dreams are shattered?
Can you watch your cherished
friends who bring hope to Joseon
and its good people as they crumble?
We've been waiting for you.
Would you read a book for us?
We want to hear more stories.
No.
This is no time for stories.
Stop pestering him.
No!
Why not?
Read for us.
Please?
- Counselor Yun.
- Yes, Your Highness.
Would you call the former
Deputy Chief Yi Chun for me?
Your Highness...
What do you think you're doing?
Turn the troops around now.
Clear the path!
If you don't turn back, I just might
take the future throne from you.