Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 45 - Episode #1.45 - full transcript
Japanese pirates attacked Bean County?
I declared war and
ordered them to surrender,
and they launched a preemptive attack?
Assemble the warriors at once.
If the enemy we ordered to surrender
made a preemptive move, what's next?
No, call everyone The Supreme
Council, Six Ministries, everyone.
I have an important announcement.
Are we to launch an immediate
attack on Tsushima?
Perhaps Your Majesty should meet the
man who requested your audience first.
Aren't you Sir Pyoung Dojeon?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why did you request to see me?
We have a leak in the information.
How else could they have chosen Bean
County where the warships are being built?
There's only one place this
leak could be coming from,
and that's the Japanese village in Donglae.
We're going to do some
vigorous groundwork
at home before we launch this conquest.
I want the Japanese Village
completely evacuated
and every last Japanese arrested.
No, Your Eminence!
Commander Choi.
Spies must be found,
but we cannot evacuate
the entire township.
I agree, Your Eminence.
Majority of the Japanese Village
residents are Joseonese citizens.
They are working with the enemy.
Only the spies must be punished.
How will you stop vital information
from getting into enemy's hands while
you're looking for these spies?
I'm appalled by these
irresponsible outbursts!
We will be swift in
ferreting out the spies.
Please withdraw the order of evacuation.
I will not retract my order.
We cannot abide.
We cannot turn our sword on the
people we have sworn to protect.
Please withdraw your
command, Your Majesty.
Don't you know the
consequences of disobedience?
May we turn in our uniforms and
lay our necks on the guillotines?
I will not retract my order.
So do as you wish!
I, too, am against forced
evacuation of the Japanese Village.
So you're the one who put
those men up to defy me.
I am not a child.
I'd have to be a child with a selfish
purpose to put anyone up to anything.
Don't you have anything better to do
with your time instead of sitting here
trying to play word games with me?
No. King would jest about
the lives of his people, Father.
How many times must I tell you not
to interfere with military affairs?
Violence against the people
is not military affairs, Father.
I will kill off my in-laws and destroy
my closest aides if you so demand.
And if you tell me to slay my political
enemy with my own hands,
I will give that a thought as well.
But one thing... I can give up
all of my governing principles,
but I can not give up the
safety of my people.
Leave.
If there is a remote possibility
that they can benefit the enemy,
they are not our people to protect.
I will not take life lightly
not even life of an enemy.
Joseonus Tsushima's suzerain state.
We must show munificence.
War is reality.
It is a treacherous fight with
countless soldiers' lives at stake.
Then why don't you make an
attempt to learn from the enemy?
They have the intelligence-gathering
capability to scout our navy base in
advance and launch a preemptive attack,
but we haven't even made an attempt
to study their movements.
I firmly believe diplomatic
resolution is better than war,
but I will not oppose
if war is unavoidable.
But I do oppose launching of conquest
without any kind of reconnaissance.
This is because I am fully aware
that a war is not a game
but a treacherous fight
where lives are at stake.
Concession is advisable
this time, Your Majesty.
You're the last person I expected
to dance to the King's tune.
Choi Yundeok is worshipped by the soldiers,
Yi Chun and Choi Haesan are
each highest experts in modern
weaponry and explosives.
Conquest is impossible without them.
Military talent can be poison in those
who do not obey the Royal command.
The new King's orders are Royal
commands as well, Your Eminence.
The man sitting in the audience hall is
neither a prince nor an heir apparent.
He is the sovereign King of this state.
What are you trying to say?
That I should turn over the military
to the young King as well and
retire to the back room completely?
Do you really think he
can run this country?
I was merely trying to remind you.
I did not intend to upset you, Eminence.
Allow the King to handle the Japanese
Village and the intelligence gathering.
You must ease tension so you can
discern these warriors' true disposition.
Their disposition?
If they harbor any intent to undermine
your authority, you will need time
time to rally your own men
to keep them in check.
Choi Yundeok is undeniably the most
powerful man in the military right now.
You need time to quash them completely.
I'll put you in charge of that task.
You're the new Minister of Military.
If you're so well-informed about the
warriors and goings on of the military,
no one would be better
suited for the position.
More importantly,
I think you're the only one capable of
filling the military with good men
who will not dare defy me.
Is Jo Malseng's advancement to
Minister of Military a good thing?
Congratulations on your
advancement, Minister Jo.
Let us sit down.
Loyalty is the most
important virtue in soldiers.
I'm sure I don't have to remind you
who has the right of military command
where your orders come from.
Word has it he is re-staffing his office
with politically biased generals.
This is preparatory positioning.
Perhaps to kill off your Majesty's
warriors like he killed off Gang Sangin.
Congratulations on your advancement,
Minister of Military.
I am not certain if I'm fit for
the job in these critical times.
I'm sure you'll do an excellent job.
I think the best decision I made so far
as the new King is putting you at the
heart of my inner-circle politics.
His Eminence acknowledges
the importance of
intelligence gathering
largely thanks to you.
I was merely doing my job
as a servant of this state.
I ask you for your continued
support, Minister Jo.
It gives me no pleasure to have to
send you to such a dangerous place.
Secretary Yun.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I still haven't given up on finding
a peaceful resolution with Tsushima.
War should be the last option we
turn to only when all other options
have been exhausted.
I'm sure you know that better than I do.
I pray that you will bring back
important information that will
enable us to negotiate with the enemy.
I will do my very best, Your Majesty.
I cannot trust you.
Because I am not Joseonese?
I did not know that you
were not a Joseonese.
Your Majesty...
How dare you look upon this
government with such contempt?
Do you think we are careless enough
to give important government posts
and demand loyalty to a man
who is not Joseonese?
What is in doubt here is your
competence as a government agent
for failing to keep a classified
military information.
But...
I am deeply grateful for
your loyalty for turning in
your own son to protect the front.
Would you spare my son?
Izuhara, Tsushima Island
Stop!
Double-crosser must be executed.
Drop that sword.
It's his father that stopped our
attack on Bean County.
He tipped him off!
Then he would've fled!
Drop that sword, Kumaju.
We can't lose an important
agent like Mouko.
Are you all right?
Don't take it personally.
He's just angry.
I always thought my father was full of
hot air and I never took him seriously,
but I guess he was right about one thing.
That traitor has no home to go back to...
He was right.
You can get rid of the traitor label
anytime by proving your loyalty.
I will lay down my life for this conquest.
So please let me live as a Joseonese
when I return triumphant.
Your son would be safer if Joseon and
Tsushima found a peaceful settlement.
What I want with Tsushima's a peace.
And to find a way to achieve that,
there can be no more provocation.
Then what do you think is your
job as a servant of Joseon?
Japanese Village, Donglae,
Gyeongsang Province
The report?
Will this be enough?
Tsushima is quite upset by
the failure at Bean County.
Then I guess they're going
to be even more upset now.
Because they're not going
to get those reports either.
You're...!
Long time no see, Yamada.
I knew it had to be you working for
the new lord So Sadamori.
Tahira Dozen, you bastard!
Where is Shimichi?
I am not a traitor like you, Tahira!
Arrest them!
1419, First Year of King Sejong's reign
21 Japanese spies arrested at
Donglae, Gyeongsang Province
How did you know my
associates would be arrested?
I have an acquaintance working in
Donglae Government Office.
It cost me a pretty penny
to get that information.
So you came from Bean County?
Yes.
I owe you one.
You can thank me when we
are safely back in Tsushima.
I report that the spies have been captured.
It's the list of 21 spies that were captured.
Have them publicly executed immediately.
I'd like to wait for the intelligence
report from Tsushima.
There is a possibility they are holding
Joseonese or Ming Chinese prisoners.
We could use them in hostage exchange.
Rescuing Hanlin Scholar
Yehjin has to be made
one of your primary objective
in this conquest.
What makes you certain
he is being detained in Tsushima?
He is Ming's top explosives expert.
You mean they kidnapped
him because of this?
I believe it is Joseon's job
to investigate that.
I'm anxious to find out what kind of
intelligence-gathering capacity you have.
Seizure of Ming merchant
ship has been confirmed?
Izuhara, Tsushima Island
It's anchored at Ofunae, sir.
Then it's almost certain Hanlin Scholar
Yehjin is on the island as well.
And only place they could be keeping
him is here at Lord So's mansion.
What did you find at their military base?
Are they working on gunpowder arms?
Youngsil?
What kind of special talent
do you think he has?
I wonder what he likes to make.
Do you think his weapons are
more advance than ours?
If they are, in what way?
Such expression of yearning on your face...
You look like you're
aching to see your lover.
If you want to meet him so badly,
why don't you get yourself captured?
Who knows? They might stick
you in the same cell with Yehjin.
I asked you what you
found at the military base.
Swords and arrows make up
most of their weaponry.
There are no traces of
cannons being developed.
That's a relief.
That's a huge relief for the King who
is anxiously waiting for us hack home.
What are you waiting for?
Come along.
Where are we going?
We're going to see where
the nearest port is from here
so we can find a way to
rescue your beloved scholar.
Hostage exchange...
I don't think it's a bad idea.
Unexpected things can always pop
up in a war and it will do no harm to
hold a few different cards to play
that is if he agrees to this war.
Is the King still trying
to fight me on this?
There is a disturbing movement
in the Hall of Worthies.
A disturbing movement?
According to our research, shortage
of food supply has been the primary
impetus behind Japanese pirate raids on
our soil dating back to Goryeo Dynasty.
So we might be able to negotiate if we offer
economic assistance.
You're late, Director Park.
Do you realize how dangerous
this is, Your Majesty?
Please sit down.
You're still talking about
negotiating peace with the enemy.
Is it bad to look for a peaceful resolution?
As the director of Hall of Worthies,
I cannot let you defy the abdicated King.
We're weighing our realistic loss gain
that this conquest will produce, sir.
That in itself is a ridiculous notion.
Provide economic aid to negotiate
peace? Do you think that's justified?
Absolutely.
If we conquer Tsushima,
they are Joseonese from day one.
We have to provide for them.
Then wouldn't it be smarter not
to waste money on war funds?
We calculated the budget for this
conquest including food supply
and weapons cost, factored in
the projected loss of farm goods
production due to loss of labor,
and came up with the figure
that could feed everyone on the entire
Island of Tsushima for three years.
More importantly, if we neglect to take
care of Tsushima after the conquest
they will eventually turn into pirates again.
Only this time they will not be
foreign pirates; they will be our own.
Are we wrong, Director?
I am inclined to agree with the scholars.
Minister Park, if you don't
disagree with me completely,
I'd like you to examine this
possibility more closely for me.
Pathetic...
1How dare he consort with those
children and try to break my will!
Resign from the Supreme Council at once!
How long have you been
serving the Royal Court?
How could you fall for those
those children's argument?
They are right about the cost of this
conquest and thereafter, Your Majesty.
How did they calculate this cost?
How did they calculate the amount
of food that we will have to provide?
If they're basing it on military
provisions, they're talking about
amount barely enough to sustain life.
No wonder they got three years.
What if Tsushima is not
satisfied and they want more?
Are we going to give them everything
they want and let them milk us dry?
And if they're still not satisfied, they
will turn into pirates again. What then?
Go back to the Hall of Worthies.
And put the scholars back to their places.
Don't take his words lightly
and resign from your post.
If you fail to suppress the Hall of Worthies,
His Eminence will use you to destroy them.
Indeed power is sweet, but you
don't want that on you. Do you?
I have no regrets about my past actions.
I made necessary political
choices, that is all.
Then let this be a warning.
If you ever attempt to hurt the
Royal House to protect yourself,
I will not be idle.
A resignation?
Isn't this what you want?
What makes you think
I want your resignation?
I'm prepared to give up everything.
Honesty will not offend me.
I know it isn't easy for Your
Majesty to keep my close.
You are right.
I'm a human being.
It's no easy having you.
It takes all of my energy to suppress
my feelings every time I see you.
Is that why you're waiting for
me to get bumped off next?
You'll get your comeuppance.
You killed my father-in-law
and my trusted men,
so stick around and get
what's coming to you.
Was that vengeful thought?
I can't think of any other reason
why you wouldn't accept
my resignation from the Hall of Worthies.
His Eminence cannot hurt you
even if the Hall of Worthies defies
and challenges him.
But he will need a scapegoat.
What is your opinion as the
director of the Hall of Worthies?
Do you think myself and the scholars
are reviewing diplomatic resolution
in order to defy and challenge my father?
What I think is unimportant.
Regardless of feasibility,
government policies are most often
used as tools to win political battles.
I'm not asking you for a lesson in politics.
I'm asking for your opinion.
Is the policy feasible?
Regretfully, it is not.
Looking at the numbers, at first I
thought it was feasible, but there
is one factor you did not account for
and that's the enemy's disposition.
As the director of Hall of Worthies,
I cannot support this policy.
Now will you accept my resignation?
I might have if you didn't oppose.
Stay with us and continue
to challenge our thoughts.
Policies will slacken without
thorough review of opposing ideas.
Your objections will serve
as an important keystone
in forging new policies.
Minister Park, won't you keep my
side now not as my political enemy
but as a public servant who wants
to dedicate his life for Joseon?
Isn't that the real reason why
you became a public servant?
Your Highness,
His Majesty the King is here...
It's very late.
What are you doing here?
His Majesty is scheduled to retire
to the Lady's chambers tonight.
Why did you let me know about your
denial of Park Eun's resignation?
I didn't want you to find
out from someone else.
What am I expected to do now?
Understand the husband who treats
my father's killer with high regard?
My Queen...
You have many loyal retainers
other than Park Eun to serve you.
Does it bother you how
cold you were to him?
It's a bad habit to assume things.
These are from the Queen's
chambers, Your Majesty.
She is trying.
I wanted you to know that she is
trying very hard in her own way
to understand you.
I wish these strokes had more strength...
Then I think I would feel less badly...
Izuhara, Tsushima Island
That man...!
Do you recognize someone?
He's a monk that often comes
to us as emissary from Kuju.
Not only have they united
the neighboring islands...
So Sadamori.
You wish to establish alliance
with us to keep Joseon in check?
Would you accept my proposal, General?
I like the way you think!
They're attempting alliance with
powerful men of the Bakufu...
They're much too smart
to regarded as pirates...
Lord of Tsushima So Sadamori...
He is more than a pirate leader!
Tsushima...
Were not dealing with crude pirates!
Take this to the King at once.
The enemy is not crude pirates?
What did you say?
How could crude pirates even think
about an alliance with the mainland?
I still haven't given up on finding
a peaceful resolution with Tsushima.
War should be the last option
we turn to only when all other
options have been exhausted.
Which of Sadamori's men
might be open to reason?
If you're trying to bargain,
So Shun is the man.
An special investigator from the Japanese
Village wants us to send one of our men?
Why is there a special investigator
in Japanese Village?
Do we have an information leak as well?
You have nothing to fear now, my lord.
We have
a massive reinforcement behind us now.
It's time for us to declare war, my lord!
Donglae City Hall
Declaration of war?
Joseon is preparing a conquest,
so you could call it a defensive.
Our King wants peaceful resolution.
Turn Gyeongsang Province over to us with
the Japanese Village in Donglae intact.
And perhaps we will consider.
Tsushima cannot defeat Joseon.
Don't you know that?
We're ready to die fighting.
We could provide economic aid if you
want. I will discuss it with the King.
We are neither pirates nor beggars.
We will not kneel to Joseon anymore.
And if we need economic stability,
we will earn it through war.
You can't mask thievery with dignity.
This meeting is over.
What is the meaning of this?
Who is the pirate now?
Put the swords down.
Messengers cannot be harmed.
Is there no other option?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
What do you think the King will do?
I don't know...
He never gives up anything.
You mean he might continue to
insist on a non-violent approach?
He was just as firm on finding
a diplomatic resolution as
his father was on going to war.
King's can't easily give up what
they set out to do as we can.
What will happen if we
fail to make him give up?
There will be bloodshed at least
here at the Hall of Worthies.
Your Majesty...
Am I wrong?
Am I an idealist being
completely unrealistic
trying to find a peaceful
resolution to this?
Do you still wish to find
a peaceful resolution?
Can't I?
Tsushima has Kuju and
the mainland behind it.
That means this could be an all-
out-war between Joseon and Japan.
Are you afraid?
Yes, I am afraid.
How many young men will I have
to call to the treacherous front,
and how many innocent lives will be lost?
That is my fear.
Fear is not for the Kings.
You must find a way to protect as
many of your people as you can.
But I'm rather relieve
to see you in fear.
Because I believe you will use
that fear to find a way
to protect as many of those
innocent lives as possible.
Do you still wish to proceed with
this conquest even if it develop into
an all-out-war with Japan?
What do you wish to say, my King?
Do we have a chance?
Are you still looking for another
reason to oppose this conquest?
I want to find a way to win.
Command this conquest, Father.
I will work with you. We will find a way
to lead our troops to victory together.
Port Dumo, Han River
On this 18th day of May 1419, I hereby
order conquest of Tsushima Island!
Fate of Joseon rests on your shoulders,
so fight without retreat
and conquer the enemy,
and declare the greatness
of Joseon to the world!
Conquest of Tsushima...
On May 18, 1419...
Joseon's first military
expedition had begun.
I declared war and
ordered them to surrender,
and they launched a preemptive attack?
Assemble the warriors at once.
If the enemy we ordered to surrender
made a preemptive move, what's next?
No, call everyone The Supreme
Council, Six Ministries, everyone.
I have an important announcement.
Are we to launch an immediate
attack on Tsushima?
Perhaps Your Majesty should meet the
man who requested your audience first.
Aren't you Sir Pyoung Dojeon?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Why did you request to see me?
We have a leak in the information.
How else could they have chosen Bean
County where the warships are being built?
There's only one place this
leak could be coming from,
and that's the Japanese village in Donglae.
We're going to do some
vigorous groundwork
at home before we launch this conquest.
I want the Japanese Village
completely evacuated
and every last Japanese arrested.
No, Your Eminence!
Commander Choi.
Spies must be found,
but we cannot evacuate
the entire township.
I agree, Your Eminence.
Majority of the Japanese Village
residents are Joseonese citizens.
They are working with the enemy.
Only the spies must be punished.
How will you stop vital information
from getting into enemy's hands while
you're looking for these spies?
I'm appalled by these
irresponsible outbursts!
We will be swift in
ferreting out the spies.
Please withdraw the order of evacuation.
I will not retract my order.
We cannot abide.
We cannot turn our sword on the
people we have sworn to protect.
Please withdraw your
command, Your Majesty.
Don't you know the
consequences of disobedience?
May we turn in our uniforms and
lay our necks on the guillotines?
I will not retract my order.
So do as you wish!
I, too, am against forced
evacuation of the Japanese Village.
So you're the one who put
those men up to defy me.
I am not a child.
I'd have to be a child with a selfish
purpose to put anyone up to anything.
Don't you have anything better to do
with your time instead of sitting here
trying to play word games with me?
No. King would jest about
the lives of his people, Father.
How many times must I tell you not
to interfere with military affairs?
Violence against the people
is not military affairs, Father.
I will kill off my in-laws and destroy
my closest aides if you so demand.
And if you tell me to slay my political
enemy with my own hands,
I will give that a thought as well.
But one thing... I can give up
all of my governing principles,
but I can not give up the
safety of my people.
Leave.
If there is a remote possibility
that they can benefit the enemy,
they are not our people to protect.
I will not take life lightly
not even life of an enemy.
Joseonus Tsushima's suzerain state.
We must show munificence.
War is reality.
It is a treacherous fight with
countless soldiers' lives at stake.
Then why don't you make an
attempt to learn from the enemy?
They have the intelligence-gathering
capability to scout our navy base in
advance and launch a preemptive attack,
but we haven't even made an attempt
to study their movements.
I firmly believe diplomatic
resolution is better than war,
but I will not oppose
if war is unavoidable.
But I do oppose launching of conquest
without any kind of reconnaissance.
This is because I am fully aware
that a war is not a game
but a treacherous fight
where lives are at stake.
Concession is advisable
this time, Your Majesty.
You're the last person I expected
to dance to the King's tune.
Choi Yundeok is worshipped by the soldiers,
Yi Chun and Choi Haesan are
each highest experts in modern
weaponry and explosives.
Conquest is impossible without them.
Military talent can be poison in those
who do not obey the Royal command.
The new King's orders are Royal
commands as well, Your Eminence.
The man sitting in the audience hall is
neither a prince nor an heir apparent.
He is the sovereign King of this state.
What are you trying to say?
That I should turn over the military
to the young King as well and
retire to the back room completely?
Do you really think he
can run this country?
I was merely trying to remind you.
I did not intend to upset you, Eminence.
Allow the King to handle the Japanese
Village and the intelligence gathering.
You must ease tension so you can
discern these warriors' true disposition.
Their disposition?
If they harbor any intent to undermine
your authority, you will need time
time to rally your own men
to keep them in check.
Choi Yundeok is undeniably the most
powerful man in the military right now.
You need time to quash them completely.
I'll put you in charge of that task.
You're the new Minister of Military.
If you're so well-informed about the
warriors and goings on of the military,
no one would be better
suited for the position.
More importantly,
I think you're the only one capable of
filling the military with good men
who will not dare defy me.
Is Jo Malseng's advancement to
Minister of Military a good thing?
Congratulations on your
advancement, Minister Jo.
Let us sit down.
Loyalty is the most
important virtue in soldiers.
I'm sure I don't have to remind you
who has the right of military command
where your orders come from.
Word has it he is re-staffing his office
with politically biased generals.
This is preparatory positioning.
Perhaps to kill off your Majesty's
warriors like he killed off Gang Sangin.
Congratulations on your advancement,
Minister of Military.
I am not certain if I'm fit for
the job in these critical times.
I'm sure you'll do an excellent job.
I think the best decision I made so far
as the new King is putting you at the
heart of my inner-circle politics.
His Eminence acknowledges
the importance of
intelligence gathering
largely thanks to you.
I was merely doing my job
as a servant of this state.
I ask you for your continued
support, Minister Jo.
It gives me no pleasure to have to
send you to such a dangerous place.
Secretary Yun.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I still haven't given up on finding
a peaceful resolution with Tsushima.
War should be the last option we
turn to only when all other options
have been exhausted.
I'm sure you know that better than I do.
I pray that you will bring back
important information that will
enable us to negotiate with the enemy.
I will do my very best, Your Majesty.
I cannot trust you.
Because I am not Joseonese?
I did not know that you
were not a Joseonese.
Your Majesty...
How dare you look upon this
government with such contempt?
Do you think we are careless enough
to give important government posts
and demand loyalty to a man
who is not Joseonese?
What is in doubt here is your
competence as a government agent
for failing to keep a classified
military information.
But...
I am deeply grateful for
your loyalty for turning in
your own son to protect the front.
Would you spare my son?
Izuhara, Tsushima Island
Stop!
Double-crosser must be executed.
Drop that sword.
It's his father that stopped our
attack on Bean County.
He tipped him off!
Then he would've fled!
Drop that sword, Kumaju.
We can't lose an important
agent like Mouko.
Are you all right?
Don't take it personally.
He's just angry.
I always thought my father was full of
hot air and I never took him seriously,
but I guess he was right about one thing.
That traitor has no home to go back to...
He was right.
You can get rid of the traitor label
anytime by proving your loyalty.
I will lay down my life for this conquest.
So please let me live as a Joseonese
when I return triumphant.
Your son would be safer if Joseon and
Tsushima found a peaceful settlement.
What I want with Tsushima's a peace.
And to find a way to achieve that,
there can be no more provocation.
Then what do you think is your
job as a servant of Joseon?
Japanese Village, Donglae,
Gyeongsang Province
The report?
Will this be enough?
Tsushima is quite upset by
the failure at Bean County.
Then I guess they're going
to be even more upset now.
Because they're not going
to get those reports either.
You're...!
Long time no see, Yamada.
I knew it had to be you working for
the new lord So Sadamori.
Tahira Dozen, you bastard!
Where is Shimichi?
I am not a traitor like you, Tahira!
Arrest them!
1419, First Year of King Sejong's reign
21 Japanese spies arrested at
Donglae, Gyeongsang Province
How did you know my
associates would be arrested?
I have an acquaintance working in
Donglae Government Office.
It cost me a pretty penny
to get that information.
So you came from Bean County?
Yes.
I owe you one.
You can thank me when we
are safely back in Tsushima.
I report that the spies have been captured.
It's the list of 21 spies that were captured.
Have them publicly executed immediately.
I'd like to wait for the intelligence
report from Tsushima.
There is a possibility they are holding
Joseonese or Ming Chinese prisoners.
We could use them in hostage exchange.
Rescuing Hanlin Scholar
Yehjin has to be made
one of your primary objective
in this conquest.
What makes you certain
he is being detained in Tsushima?
He is Ming's top explosives expert.
You mean they kidnapped
him because of this?
I believe it is Joseon's job
to investigate that.
I'm anxious to find out what kind of
intelligence-gathering capacity you have.
Seizure of Ming merchant
ship has been confirmed?
Izuhara, Tsushima Island
It's anchored at Ofunae, sir.
Then it's almost certain Hanlin Scholar
Yehjin is on the island as well.
And only place they could be keeping
him is here at Lord So's mansion.
What did you find at their military base?
Are they working on gunpowder arms?
Youngsil?
What kind of special talent
do you think he has?
I wonder what he likes to make.
Do you think his weapons are
more advance than ours?
If they are, in what way?
Such expression of yearning on your face...
You look like you're
aching to see your lover.
If you want to meet him so badly,
why don't you get yourself captured?
Who knows? They might stick
you in the same cell with Yehjin.
I asked you what you
found at the military base.
Swords and arrows make up
most of their weaponry.
There are no traces of
cannons being developed.
That's a relief.
That's a huge relief for the King who
is anxiously waiting for us hack home.
What are you waiting for?
Come along.
Where are we going?
We're going to see where
the nearest port is from here
so we can find a way to
rescue your beloved scholar.
Hostage exchange...
I don't think it's a bad idea.
Unexpected things can always pop
up in a war and it will do no harm to
hold a few different cards to play
that is if he agrees to this war.
Is the King still trying
to fight me on this?
There is a disturbing movement
in the Hall of Worthies.
A disturbing movement?
According to our research, shortage
of food supply has been the primary
impetus behind Japanese pirate raids on
our soil dating back to Goryeo Dynasty.
So we might be able to negotiate if we offer
economic assistance.
You're late, Director Park.
Do you realize how dangerous
this is, Your Majesty?
Please sit down.
You're still talking about
negotiating peace with the enemy.
Is it bad to look for a peaceful resolution?
As the director of Hall of Worthies,
I cannot let you defy the abdicated King.
We're weighing our realistic loss gain
that this conquest will produce, sir.
That in itself is a ridiculous notion.
Provide economic aid to negotiate
peace? Do you think that's justified?
Absolutely.
If we conquer Tsushima,
they are Joseonese from day one.
We have to provide for them.
Then wouldn't it be smarter not
to waste money on war funds?
We calculated the budget for this
conquest including food supply
and weapons cost, factored in
the projected loss of farm goods
production due to loss of labor,
and came up with the figure
that could feed everyone on the entire
Island of Tsushima for three years.
More importantly, if we neglect to take
care of Tsushima after the conquest
they will eventually turn into pirates again.
Only this time they will not be
foreign pirates; they will be our own.
Are we wrong, Director?
I am inclined to agree with the scholars.
Minister Park, if you don't
disagree with me completely,
I'd like you to examine this
possibility more closely for me.
Pathetic...
1How dare he consort with those
children and try to break my will!
Resign from the Supreme Council at once!
How long have you been
serving the Royal Court?
How could you fall for those
those children's argument?
They are right about the cost of this
conquest and thereafter, Your Majesty.
How did they calculate this cost?
How did they calculate the amount
of food that we will have to provide?
If they're basing it on military
provisions, they're talking about
amount barely enough to sustain life.
No wonder they got three years.
What if Tsushima is not
satisfied and they want more?
Are we going to give them everything
they want and let them milk us dry?
And if they're still not satisfied, they
will turn into pirates again. What then?
Go back to the Hall of Worthies.
And put the scholars back to their places.
Don't take his words lightly
and resign from your post.
If you fail to suppress the Hall of Worthies,
His Eminence will use you to destroy them.
Indeed power is sweet, but you
don't want that on you. Do you?
I have no regrets about my past actions.
I made necessary political
choices, that is all.
Then let this be a warning.
If you ever attempt to hurt the
Royal House to protect yourself,
I will not be idle.
A resignation?
Isn't this what you want?
What makes you think
I want your resignation?
I'm prepared to give up everything.
Honesty will not offend me.
I know it isn't easy for Your
Majesty to keep my close.
You are right.
I'm a human being.
It's no easy having you.
It takes all of my energy to suppress
my feelings every time I see you.
Is that why you're waiting for
me to get bumped off next?
You'll get your comeuppance.
You killed my father-in-law
and my trusted men,
so stick around and get
what's coming to you.
Was that vengeful thought?
I can't think of any other reason
why you wouldn't accept
my resignation from the Hall of Worthies.
His Eminence cannot hurt you
even if the Hall of Worthies defies
and challenges him.
But he will need a scapegoat.
What is your opinion as the
director of the Hall of Worthies?
Do you think myself and the scholars
are reviewing diplomatic resolution
in order to defy and challenge my father?
What I think is unimportant.
Regardless of feasibility,
government policies are most often
used as tools to win political battles.
I'm not asking you for a lesson in politics.
I'm asking for your opinion.
Is the policy feasible?
Regretfully, it is not.
Looking at the numbers, at first I
thought it was feasible, but there
is one factor you did not account for
and that's the enemy's disposition.
As the director of Hall of Worthies,
I cannot support this policy.
Now will you accept my resignation?
I might have if you didn't oppose.
Stay with us and continue
to challenge our thoughts.
Policies will slacken without
thorough review of opposing ideas.
Your objections will serve
as an important keystone
in forging new policies.
Minister Park, won't you keep my
side now not as my political enemy
but as a public servant who wants
to dedicate his life for Joseon?
Isn't that the real reason why
you became a public servant?
Your Highness,
His Majesty the King is here...
It's very late.
What are you doing here?
His Majesty is scheduled to retire
to the Lady's chambers tonight.
Why did you let me know about your
denial of Park Eun's resignation?
I didn't want you to find
out from someone else.
What am I expected to do now?
Understand the husband who treats
my father's killer with high regard?
My Queen...
You have many loyal retainers
other than Park Eun to serve you.
Does it bother you how
cold you were to him?
It's a bad habit to assume things.
These are from the Queen's
chambers, Your Majesty.
She is trying.
I wanted you to know that she is
trying very hard in her own way
to understand you.
I wish these strokes had more strength...
Then I think I would feel less badly...
Izuhara, Tsushima Island
That man...!
Do you recognize someone?
He's a monk that often comes
to us as emissary from Kuju.
Not only have they united
the neighboring islands...
So Sadamori.
You wish to establish alliance
with us to keep Joseon in check?
Would you accept my proposal, General?
I like the way you think!
They're attempting alliance with
powerful men of the Bakufu...
They're much too smart
to regarded as pirates...
Lord of Tsushima So Sadamori...
He is more than a pirate leader!
Tsushima...
Were not dealing with crude pirates!
Take this to the King at once.
The enemy is not crude pirates?
What did you say?
How could crude pirates even think
about an alliance with the mainland?
I still haven't given up on finding
a peaceful resolution with Tsushima.
War should be the last option
we turn to only when all other
options have been exhausted.
Which of Sadamori's men
might be open to reason?
If you're trying to bargain,
So Shun is the man.
An special investigator from the Japanese
Village wants us to send one of our men?
Why is there a special investigator
in Japanese Village?
Do we have an information leak as well?
You have nothing to fear now, my lord.
We have
a massive reinforcement behind us now.
It's time for us to declare war, my lord!
Donglae City Hall
Declaration of war?
Joseon is preparing a conquest,
so you could call it a defensive.
Our King wants peaceful resolution.
Turn Gyeongsang Province over to us with
the Japanese Village in Donglae intact.
And perhaps we will consider.
Tsushima cannot defeat Joseon.
Don't you know that?
We're ready to die fighting.
We could provide economic aid if you
want. I will discuss it with the King.
We are neither pirates nor beggars.
We will not kneel to Joseon anymore.
And if we need economic stability,
we will earn it through war.
You can't mask thievery with dignity.
This meeting is over.
What is the meaning of this?
Who is the pirate now?
Put the swords down.
Messengers cannot be harmed.
Is there no other option?
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
What do you think the King will do?
I don't know...
He never gives up anything.
You mean he might continue to
insist on a non-violent approach?
He was just as firm on finding
a diplomatic resolution as
his father was on going to war.
King's can't easily give up what
they set out to do as we can.
What will happen if we
fail to make him give up?
There will be bloodshed at least
here at the Hall of Worthies.
Your Majesty...
Am I wrong?
Am I an idealist being
completely unrealistic
trying to find a peaceful
resolution to this?
Do you still wish to find
a peaceful resolution?
Can't I?
Tsushima has Kuju and
the mainland behind it.
That means this could be an all-
out-war between Joseon and Japan.
Are you afraid?
Yes, I am afraid.
How many young men will I have
to call to the treacherous front,
and how many innocent lives will be lost?
That is my fear.
Fear is not for the Kings.
You must find a way to protect as
many of your people as you can.
But I'm rather relieve
to see you in fear.
Because I believe you will use
that fear to find a way
to protect as many of those
innocent lives as possible.
Do you still wish to proceed with
this conquest even if it develop into
an all-out-war with Japan?
What do you wish to say, my King?
Do we have a chance?
Are you still looking for another
reason to oppose this conquest?
I want to find a way to win.
Command this conquest, Father.
I will work with you. We will find a way
to lead our troops to victory together.
Port Dumo, Han River
On this 18th day of May 1419, I hereby
order conquest of Tsushima Island!
Fate of Joseon rests on your shoulders,
so fight without retreat
and conquer the enemy,
and declare the greatness
of Joseon to the world!
Conquest of Tsushima...
On May 18, 1419...
Joseon's first military
expedition had begun.