Dae Wang Sejong (2008): Season 1, Episode 80 - Episode #1.80 - full transcript
A rain gauge?
Accurate rain measurement is
key in flood control;
my King hopes it will aid
the lives of Ming people.
Indeed your King is as insolent as rumored.
Great Ming attends to the
people of Great Ming!
Your Majesty!
Master Wang.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Ming will no longer
bestow calendars to Joseon!
What does this mean?
It means Great Ming is no longer
a sister state to Joseon.
What is the reason for this?
Let your King answer that question himself!
A Ming envoy has entered without
notice through Byuklando?
What is the reason for the surprise visit?
Nothing has been confirmed yet.
Minister of Rites Gim Jongsuh
has been dispatched to Gaesung.
The Emperor has become aware that
we have a ganui(armilla) in Joseon?
On top of that, Haishou is
already on his way to Joseon.
Byuklando Gaesunq, Gyeonggi Province
Instead of Uiju, he has chosen
Byuklando as port of entry.
Royal Court is quite taken
aback by your unannounced visit.
That's nothing compared
to how the Emperor feels.
They plan to stop it directly at the source
before anything can be done
to protect the ganui?
It appears that way.
And the court?
He sent an urgent message to
Joseon as soon as he found out.
Then I guess now the question
is who will get their first.
The messenger or Haishou.
An urgent message from Beijing?
It appears Huang Zan has fallen
from grace, and in the process,
the Emperor confirmed
that we acquired a ganui.
Then this surprise visit
from the Ming envoy is...
An inspection?
We want a direct inspection of
Gyeongbok Palace and its grounds.
But.
If you refuse, diplomatic relationship
between Ming and Joseon is over.
Can't we refuse the inspection?
A blunt noncompliance can lead to
severance of diplomatic relations.
That means we have to comply
with the inspection
but find a way to minimize the damage.
How long will it take from
Gaesung to the palace?
It could be as little as four hours.
Four hours...
Don't leave a stone unturned.
The palace is likely to be a
warehouse of information.
Confiscate everything.
Not just the ganui but their
new weapons as well!
The type foundry and the
Bureau of Astronomy?
Shutdown orders have been issued and
security measures have been taken.
Find a way to delay the envoy's arrival.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Has the Hall of Worthies been notified?
Of course, Your Majesty.
What are you doing?
We'll talk later.
What the heck are you doing
sending all the scholars home?
Is it true?
- Make yourself useful.
- No!
There is no time for this!
Do I have to fire you to
get you to think straight?
Do it!
My man!
Stop trying to hide the files and
think about how we can fight this!
Stop talking like a child and help me.
What's going to happen to the ganui?
That is for His Majesty to decide.
I asked you what's going
to happen to the ganui!
Disassemble the ganui immediately.
What is to become of it?
If they search the palace,
it's bound to be found.
Are we giving it up?
Your Majesty.
We must shut down
the Secret Weapons Bureau and hide
all the files as well just in case.
I won't let you do this!
This means we're giving up
the calendar science and all!
It's better than risking isolation
by turning Ming against us.
I don't agree with you!
Stop arguing and just do as
the Assistant Director says.
I will fight this alone if I have to!
I will reject the inspection
and protect the ganui!
Were with him!
Let's reject this inspection and fight this!
Thanks, fellows.
These guys are greenhorns, but you've
been eating palace food for years.
You should know better than this!
I'm trying to earn my keep.
Severance of diplomatic ties with Ming
means isolation. Don't you know that?
Ming may be a superior state,
but it does not own Joseon.
I commend you for your pride.
You can commend me
after I've protected the ganui and
finished developing our own calendar.
That's the least I can do
to deserve your praise.
There is no time to talk.
The Ming envoy is on his
way to the palace right now.
Imjin River Ferry Dock
I will arrange for a boat to take you across.
That won't be necessary.
This man can take us across right now.
The envoy has already crossed Imjin River?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'm going to need your help, my queen.
Aren't you going to ask
me what this is about?
I don't need any explanations
about what you do.
There's nothing you can say to us.
We are not giving up.
What are you going to do?
Are you going to stand there like a
patient father and allow this behavior?
General!
What does this mean?
Would you keep these men isolated?
Please keep them under guard
until this situation blows over
so they don't cause any further trouble.
Very well.
Take them!
You can't do this, sir!
Don't do this!
What is this commotion?
We must refuse this inspection
and fight Ming, Your Highness!
Why does Joseon always
have to submit to Ming?
Stop acting like children!
This is an emergency situation!
So what are you saying?
That we should give up everything?
We'll talk later.
Later when?
Later after they've smashed the
ganui into pieces and shattered
our dream of having our
own calendar science?
Why did you go to Ming and risk
your life to bring back astronomical
knowledge if you were going
to give up this easily?
Don't you feel angry?
I am angry!
I feel so angry and indignant
that I want to beat them up!
Then why?
Do you want to end up with nothing
trying to hold on to everything?
Foolish fellow!
Your Highness!
Let me ask you this one question.
What kind of King do you wish to be?
A subservient king who sacrifices
his dignity for material gain or
a valiant king who is willing to
give up his life for national pride?
There is no time.
Now is not the time to
indulge in such discussions.
That is the only response
I can give you right now.
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Let go of us!
Those are men who vowed unconditional
loyalty to me and my son not too long ago.
But today they stand against me.
Deputy Commander.
Yes, Your Highness.
Is politics supposed to be this difficult?
If enough time passes and if I
work hard to become a good King,
would I be able to acquire
a servant like you?
A most genuinely faithful servant
who knows you understands you
like a brother and like a friend...
Would I be able to acquire
a servant like you?
Would you like me to accompany you?
No, I know you have work to do.
Please help my father and find a way
to protect Joseon until I get back.
Let's go.
Changui Gate - Capital City's north gate
Open the gate!
I'm afraid not.
What?
It is the King's order to search
everyone entering the city!
Force an entry!
What is the meaning of this?
I spoke in their native tongue
and they still don't understand.
Would you tell them who we are
so we can avoid military action?
His Highness the Crown Prince!
What is the commotion?
I was admonishing an official
of an insolent feudal state who
obstructs the envoy's path.
Oh my, a great discourtesy was committed.
Then would you clear the path?
I'm afraid not.
Your Highness!
A rash of violent thefts has our city
turned upside down at the present.
That has nothing to do with us.
But it does.
We have reports that these
thieves are in Ming attire.
And you suspect us?
Of course not.
But I can't take any chances.
Allow us to inspect your entourage
for suspicious characters.
And if I say no?
Grace and dignity of Great
Ming will be questioned.
If I may ask, why do you work so hard?
Isn't it all for the safety and
welfare of Ming people?
If you are the noble man I think you
are, you must have compassion for
a prince of a smaller kingdom
who is trying to protect his people.
I believe that is the beautiful tradition
self-proclaimed "Great Ming"
has handed down to us Joseon.
I will allow the inspection.
But be prepared to pay
thoroughly for this.
Are we going to Prince Jinyang's villa?
No, go to Jingwansa.
Hurry.
Is it really necessary to
clear this office as well?
We don't know how thorough
the inspection is going to be.
But.
Writing system development is a secret
project domestically and internationally.
It has not been made public not
even in our own government.
Prime Minister is right.
If they find out about this project
in the process of the inspection,
they could make a bigger issue
out of this than the ganui.
The King's secret office
has to be in the palace.
If the King is not stupid, he will attempt
to clear that office for this inspection.
You really are a tenacious man.
How could you be thinking
about that at a time like this?
If this inspection gives me
a chance to find proof
and expose the King's secret
project to the world,
I would thank the Ming Emperor.
My man!
I'm not happy about
this inspection either.
But it s better than creating
a crude alphabet and watching
our civilization decline.
Preventing tragedy before it happens
that's my way of being loyal to my King.
Let's go.
Carriages leaving through Youngchu Gate?
They must be transporting
files from the Hall of Worthies,
Bureau of Astronomy and the
Secret Weapons Development.
It appears that way.
Is there anything else?
But of course there is.
Enter, Your Highness.
Proceed!
The Queen has left the palace
through Gunchun Gate?
What's even more suspicious is
that there were seven palanquins
when only five royal ladies left the palace.
The other two palanquins
may be carrying documents.
What do you think?
That means the King's secret office
is located near Gunchun Gate.
Where could it be?
Bureau of Astronomy and the
ganui are both near Youngchu Gate.
Then...
You're wasting your time chasing nothing.
The Queen has gone to the temples to
escape the commotion of the palace.
Perhaps you're right.
There is nothing near Gunchun Gate that
could serve as the King's secret office.
Then what about the palanquins?
How do you explain the
palanquins that no one got in?
The Queen would not go to a
Buddhist service empty-handed.
And if she's taking valuable
items from the Royal House,
it's not unusual to transport
them in palanquins.
You could be right.
Why don't you lend me a hand
now at the Hall of Worthiest?
I neglected to double check
in the midst of the commotion
that the junior scholars created earlier.
Make sure we left nothing
behind that could be picked on.
Very well.
Why are you backing away?
Don't you see what's going on?
I'm giving them one last chance.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
What do I mean?
Let us see how good the envoy is first.
It turned out the Crown Prince
went to Changui Gate to welcome you.
And I should say I received
a very warm welcoming.
Well then, were getting
off to a wonderful start.
I'm in no mood for small talks.
Just open the palace gate.
But you're an important guest.
Let us not forgo the diplomatic protocol.
Listen, Prime Minister.
What is that procession?
It appears to have come from the palace.
The Queen is taking the royal
ladies to a Buddhist service.
A Buddhist service...
Please don't mind them.
I guess that could mean two things.
Either the Queen is a simpleton
blind to state affairs, or...
Listen!
Those palanquins are carrying
out classified documents that
shouldn't be found in the palace.
Am I wrong?
You have quite an imagination.
It's vital as an intelligence agent.
Now I must confirm my
suspicion to complete my job.
Stop the procession.
That is not possible.
What is it?
Your Highness...
I would like to inspect your palanquin.
What?
This is unacceptable contempt
against the Royal Queen!
That is all the more
reason why I must do this.
We've come at the order of the
Emperor to inspect your palace.
It is only fitting that we inspect all
processions leaving the palace.
- But...
- Lower the palanquin.
Your Highness...
I have one question.
Is this a custom of Ming?
I'm asking you if this boorishness
is a tradition of Great Ming.
Only when we are dealing
with an insolent state.
An insolent state?
I certainly hope you won't
regret having said that.
Nothing?
Now it's time for the boorish
envoy of Great Ming to apologize
to the Queen of an insolent state.
Does that satisfy your
groundless suspicion?
I don't think it's over yet.
What's in those two palanquins
that no one came out of?
Forgive me for my lack of
courtesy, Your Highness.
I forgive you.
And let me give you an advice as well.
There are manners to be observed
when you visit someone else's home.
And much more so when
you visit another government.
Whether it is an official visit or an inspection,
you need to be more mindful of your actions.
Now may we proceed with
the diplomatic protocol?
What happened?
How did you get the secret
files out of the palanquins?
The files were in the palanquins.
Secret compartments
were built on the floor.
We diverted attention to the palanquins
with the statue of Buddha and the urn
and even placed mats underneath to make
it look like they are part of the palanquin.
It was Deputy Commander
Jang Youngsil's idea.
Does this mean the worst is over?
Deputy Commander Jang Youngsil
has gotten beyond sight of the palace
and is soon to pass Soui Gate.
Then I guess it's time to
comply with the inspection.
An observatory?
You people of Joseon
are certainly something.
A wooden ganui?
We finally completed a prototype.
Where are you hiding it?
Hiding it?
Jang Youngsil stole the technology
from Ming over ten years ago.
You expect me to believe you're
still working on a prototype?
I'm old and slow and unapprised
of the technology,
but this is an instrument
that reads the Heavens.
And if it is valued in Ming as
belonging to the Emperor alone,
I imagine the technology
is extremely complex.
What do you think?
It is a pity, but my King is
ready to give up the ganui.
You can destroy the
prototype if it pleases you.
I will ask you one last time.
Where did you hide the
astronomical instrument?
How can I make you believe us?
Would you like to have your
men search the palace?
I guess that means you've already
gotten it out of the palace.
Oh dear, I'm completely at a loss...
Who is the secret agent you
planted in my government?
You wish to see Huang Zan?
That's impossible.
We must see him.
I don't think I have to explain
why you can't see him.
We can't go back to Joseon like this.
We need his help in our
research of Chinese phonetics.
Huang Zah has been
charged with high treason.
For turning over astronomical
technology to Joseon of all things.
We know.
Then.
This is the King's dream.
That's not something that should come
out of an intelligence agent's mouth.
I'm trying to tell you how
Important creating our own
writing system is to the King.
I will see what I can do.
Still refusing to expose your secret agent?
There is no secret agent.
I will give you this much credit.
Joseon's intelligence capacity and
quick response is quite impressive...
... although you did give me indisputable
cause to take Jang Youngsil to Ming
for stealing our astronomical technology.
What do you mean?
Put Jang Youngsil on trial in Ming?
Consider yourselves lucky that
we are not putting your King on trial!
Trust me on this and give me some time.
I will destroy the astronomical instrument
and break the King's excessive ambition.
No.
My deep loyalty to Great
Ming has been proven.
I don't doubt your loyalty.
Then...
Your loyalty toward
the Joseonese King, that is.
Give us another chance.
It's too late.
The phonetics books we brought are gone.
That's not all.
Don't tell me.
His Majesty's personal letter...
Books on phonetics and a letter to
Huang Zan written by the King himself.
The King wants academic exchange
with high scholars like Huang Zan.
That's not what Huang Zan said.
Send him in.
Let's get this over with.
Does the King aspire to
create a writing system.
That is absurd!
Don't try to deny it.
Dongchang has been watching close
lysince the day Joseon acquired
Menggu Ziyun from Mongolia 5years ago.
Three trips to Japan,
two trips to India, four trips to Mongolia
Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun
were sent on all of these trips.
And now me, Huang Zan.
Don't you think your
speculation is a bit farfetched?
The King asks in his letter
specific questions about vowels and
consonants of the Chinese language.
You can fool everyone
but you can't fool me.
What your King dreams of is creation
of Joseon's own writing system.
I thought you were a
scholar before a politician.
Right now I'm nothing more than a coward
who will do anything to stay alive.
What I just did will keep
me from being executed.
Is that why?
That's why you made up this lie
and drove Joseon into a corner?
I spoke the truth as a scholar.
Frankly, I am very curious to know
if your King will get over this hump
and succeed in developing
a new writing system.
That's another reason
why I want to stay alive.
Creating a new writing system
that was my cherished dream as well.
Chinese script holds a great
civilization, but it is very difficult.
That's why over 90% of
my people are illiterate.
Public wisdom is national power,
but you can't expect high intelligence
level in a country with
this kind of literacy rate.
But it's impossible for one man to
create a writing system overnight.
If it were possible, I would
have done it so first myself!
Mongols built Great Yuan Empire
and created their own writing.
The purpose was
to rule all that is under the sky.
Is it a fact that Joseon is trying
to create their own writing?
That is for us to confirm.
If it is a fact, they're dreaming the
same dream that the Mongols did.
And that is unacceptable for Great Ming.
Joseon will be thoroughly punished.
We will start with Jang Youngsil.
Did you say give Jang Youngsil up?
You have to be prepared
if there is no other option.
How can you say that?
This is quite upsetting for
me as well, Your Majesty.
I said I would give up the ganui.
But they believe we are hiding
the astronomical instrument.
Prime Minister.
And that is true.
We might end up losing too
much if we don't give them
what they want and put an end to this.
I know you can't give
me an answer right now.
But we don't have a lot
of choices, Your Majesty.
Do you aspire to crush Ming and
become a mightier empire?
Joseon has worked diligently
to maintain peace with Ming.
Then why are you trying to
create your own writing?
You shouldn't bring baseless
conjecture to the negotiation table.
That remains to be seen.
The Emperor is enraged by Joseon's
recent behavior.
It is a shame that the Emperor
does not share my views.
I hope he will soon realize that the Heaven
belongs neither to the Emperor nor
the King but to the people.
Is that a declaration of war?
I believe I already conveyed
my desire for peace.
Joseon is willing to give up astronomy.
The ganui, the observatory,
I will destroy them all before you.
It's too late, Your Majesty.
We want to put Jang Youngsil
on trial at the Ming state tribunal.
If Joseon refuses?
Our diplomatic relations will be severed
and there will be punitive military action.
I am giving you one last chance.
Peace with Ming,
or self-destruction.
Which will you choose?
Accurate rain measurement is
key in flood control;
my King hopes it will aid
the lives of Ming people.
Indeed your King is as insolent as rumored.
Great Ming attends to the
people of Great Ming!
Your Majesty!
Master Wang.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Ming will no longer
bestow calendars to Joseon!
What does this mean?
It means Great Ming is no longer
a sister state to Joseon.
What is the reason for this?
Let your King answer that question himself!
A Ming envoy has entered without
notice through Byuklando?
What is the reason for the surprise visit?
Nothing has been confirmed yet.
Minister of Rites Gim Jongsuh
has been dispatched to Gaesung.
The Emperor has become aware that
we have a ganui(armilla) in Joseon?
On top of that, Haishou is
already on his way to Joseon.
Byuklando Gaesunq, Gyeonggi Province
Instead of Uiju, he has chosen
Byuklando as port of entry.
Royal Court is quite taken
aback by your unannounced visit.
That's nothing compared
to how the Emperor feels.
They plan to stop it directly at the source
before anything can be done
to protect the ganui?
It appears that way.
And the court?
He sent an urgent message to
Joseon as soon as he found out.
Then I guess now the question
is who will get their first.
The messenger or Haishou.
An urgent message from Beijing?
It appears Huang Zan has fallen
from grace, and in the process,
the Emperor confirmed
that we acquired a ganui.
Then this surprise visit
from the Ming envoy is...
An inspection?
We want a direct inspection of
Gyeongbok Palace and its grounds.
But.
If you refuse, diplomatic relationship
between Ming and Joseon is over.
Can't we refuse the inspection?
A blunt noncompliance can lead to
severance of diplomatic relations.
That means we have to comply
with the inspection
but find a way to minimize the damage.
How long will it take from
Gaesung to the palace?
It could be as little as four hours.
Four hours...
Don't leave a stone unturned.
The palace is likely to be a
warehouse of information.
Confiscate everything.
Not just the ganui but their
new weapons as well!
The type foundry and the
Bureau of Astronomy?
Shutdown orders have been issued and
security measures have been taken.
Find a way to delay the envoy's arrival.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Has the Hall of Worthies been notified?
Of course, Your Majesty.
What are you doing?
We'll talk later.
What the heck are you doing
sending all the scholars home?
Is it true?
- Make yourself useful.
- No!
There is no time for this!
Do I have to fire you to
get you to think straight?
Do it!
My man!
Stop trying to hide the files and
think about how we can fight this!
Stop talking like a child and help me.
What's going to happen to the ganui?
That is for His Majesty to decide.
I asked you what's going
to happen to the ganui!
Disassemble the ganui immediately.
What is to become of it?
If they search the palace,
it's bound to be found.
Are we giving it up?
Your Majesty.
We must shut down
the Secret Weapons Bureau and hide
all the files as well just in case.
I won't let you do this!
This means we're giving up
the calendar science and all!
It's better than risking isolation
by turning Ming against us.
I don't agree with you!
Stop arguing and just do as
the Assistant Director says.
I will fight this alone if I have to!
I will reject the inspection
and protect the ganui!
Were with him!
Let's reject this inspection and fight this!
Thanks, fellows.
These guys are greenhorns, but you've
been eating palace food for years.
You should know better than this!
I'm trying to earn my keep.
Severance of diplomatic ties with Ming
means isolation. Don't you know that?
Ming may be a superior state,
but it does not own Joseon.
I commend you for your pride.
You can commend me
after I've protected the ganui and
finished developing our own calendar.
That's the least I can do
to deserve your praise.
There is no time to talk.
The Ming envoy is on his
way to the palace right now.
Imjin River Ferry Dock
I will arrange for a boat to take you across.
That won't be necessary.
This man can take us across right now.
The envoy has already crossed Imjin River?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'm going to need your help, my queen.
Aren't you going to ask
me what this is about?
I don't need any explanations
about what you do.
There's nothing you can say to us.
We are not giving up.
What are you going to do?
Are you going to stand there like a
patient father and allow this behavior?
General!
What does this mean?
Would you keep these men isolated?
Please keep them under guard
until this situation blows over
so they don't cause any further trouble.
Very well.
Take them!
You can't do this, sir!
Don't do this!
What is this commotion?
We must refuse this inspection
and fight Ming, Your Highness!
Why does Joseon always
have to submit to Ming?
Stop acting like children!
This is an emergency situation!
So what are you saying?
That we should give up everything?
We'll talk later.
Later when?
Later after they've smashed the
ganui into pieces and shattered
our dream of having our
own calendar science?
Why did you go to Ming and risk
your life to bring back astronomical
knowledge if you were going
to give up this easily?
Don't you feel angry?
I am angry!
I feel so angry and indignant
that I want to beat them up!
Then why?
Do you want to end up with nothing
trying to hold on to everything?
Foolish fellow!
Your Highness!
Let me ask you this one question.
What kind of King do you wish to be?
A subservient king who sacrifices
his dignity for material gain or
a valiant king who is willing to
give up his life for national pride?
There is no time.
Now is not the time to
indulge in such discussions.
That is the only response
I can give you right now.
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Let go of us!
Those are men who vowed unconditional
loyalty to me and my son not too long ago.
But today they stand against me.
Deputy Commander.
Yes, Your Highness.
Is politics supposed to be this difficult?
If enough time passes and if I
work hard to become a good King,
would I be able to acquire
a servant like you?
A most genuinely faithful servant
who knows you understands you
like a brother and like a friend...
Would I be able to acquire
a servant like you?
Would you like me to accompany you?
No, I know you have work to do.
Please help my father and find a way
to protect Joseon until I get back.
Let's go.
Changui Gate - Capital City's north gate
Open the gate!
I'm afraid not.
What?
It is the King's order to search
everyone entering the city!
Force an entry!
What is the meaning of this?
I spoke in their native tongue
and they still don't understand.
Would you tell them who we are
so we can avoid military action?
His Highness the Crown Prince!
What is the commotion?
I was admonishing an official
of an insolent feudal state who
obstructs the envoy's path.
Oh my, a great discourtesy was committed.
Then would you clear the path?
I'm afraid not.
Your Highness!
A rash of violent thefts has our city
turned upside down at the present.
That has nothing to do with us.
But it does.
We have reports that these
thieves are in Ming attire.
And you suspect us?
Of course not.
But I can't take any chances.
Allow us to inspect your entourage
for suspicious characters.
And if I say no?
Grace and dignity of Great
Ming will be questioned.
If I may ask, why do you work so hard?
Isn't it all for the safety and
welfare of Ming people?
If you are the noble man I think you
are, you must have compassion for
a prince of a smaller kingdom
who is trying to protect his people.
I believe that is the beautiful tradition
self-proclaimed "Great Ming"
has handed down to us Joseon.
I will allow the inspection.
But be prepared to pay
thoroughly for this.
Are we going to Prince Jinyang's villa?
No, go to Jingwansa.
Hurry.
Is it really necessary to
clear this office as well?
We don't know how thorough
the inspection is going to be.
But.
Writing system development is a secret
project domestically and internationally.
It has not been made public not
even in our own government.
Prime Minister is right.
If they find out about this project
in the process of the inspection,
they could make a bigger issue
out of this than the ganui.
The King's secret office
has to be in the palace.
If the King is not stupid, he will attempt
to clear that office for this inspection.
You really are a tenacious man.
How could you be thinking
about that at a time like this?
If this inspection gives me
a chance to find proof
and expose the King's secret
project to the world,
I would thank the Ming Emperor.
My man!
I'm not happy about
this inspection either.
But it s better than creating
a crude alphabet and watching
our civilization decline.
Preventing tragedy before it happens
that's my way of being loyal to my King.
Let's go.
Carriages leaving through Youngchu Gate?
They must be transporting
files from the Hall of Worthies,
Bureau of Astronomy and the
Secret Weapons Development.
It appears that way.
Is there anything else?
But of course there is.
Enter, Your Highness.
Proceed!
The Queen has left the palace
through Gunchun Gate?
What's even more suspicious is
that there were seven palanquins
when only five royal ladies left the palace.
The other two palanquins
may be carrying documents.
What do you think?
That means the King's secret office
is located near Gunchun Gate.
Where could it be?
Bureau of Astronomy and the
ganui are both near Youngchu Gate.
Then...
You're wasting your time chasing nothing.
The Queen has gone to the temples to
escape the commotion of the palace.
Perhaps you're right.
There is nothing near Gunchun Gate that
could serve as the King's secret office.
Then what about the palanquins?
How do you explain the
palanquins that no one got in?
The Queen would not go to a
Buddhist service empty-handed.
And if she's taking valuable
items from the Royal House,
it's not unusual to transport
them in palanquins.
You could be right.
Why don't you lend me a hand
now at the Hall of Worthiest?
I neglected to double check
in the midst of the commotion
that the junior scholars created earlier.
Make sure we left nothing
behind that could be picked on.
Very well.
Why are you backing away?
Don't you see what's going on?
I'm giving them one last chance.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
What do I mean?
Let us see how good the envoy is first.
It turned out the Crown Prince
went to Changui Gate to welcome you.
And I should say I received
a very warm welcoming.
Well then, were getting
off to a wonderful start.
I'm in no mood for small talks.
Just open the palace gate.
But you're an important guest.
Let us not forgo the diplomatic protocol.
Listen, Prime Minister.
What is that procession?
It appears to have come from the palace.
The Queen is taking the royal
ladies to a Buddhist service.
A Buddhist service...
Please don't mind them.
I guess that could mean two things.
Either the Queen is a simpleton
blind to state affairs, or...
Listen!
Those palanquins are carrying
out classified documents that
shouldn't be found in the palace.
Am I wrong?
You have quite an imagination.
It's vital as an intelligence agent.
Now I must confirm my
suspicion to complete my job.
Stop the procession.
That is not possible.
What is it?
Your Highness...
I would like to inspect your palanquin.
What?
This is unacceptable contempt
against the Royal Queen!
That is all the more
reason why I must do this.
We've come at the order of the
Emperor to inspect your palace.
It is only fitting that we inspect all
processions leaving the palace.
- But...
- Lower the palanquin.
Your Highness...
I have one question.
Is this a custom of Ming?
I'm asking you if this boorishness
is a tradition of Great Ming.
Only when we are dealing
with an insolent state.
An insolent state?
I certainly hope you won't
regret having said that.
Nothing?
Now it's time for the boorish
envoy of Great Ming to apologize
to the Queen of an insolent state.
Does that satisfy your
groundless suspicion?
I don't think it's over yet.
What's in those two palanquins
that no one came out of?
Forgive me for my lack of
courtesy, Your Highness.
I forgive you.
And let me give you an advice as well.
There are manners to be observed
when you visit someone else's home.
And much more so when
you visit another government.
Whether it is an official visit or an inspection,
you need to be more mindful of your actions.
Now may we proceed with
the diplomatic protocol?
What happened?
How did you get the secret
files out of the palanquins?
The files were in the palanquins.
Secret compartments
were built on the floor.
We diverted attention to the palanquins
with the statue of Buddha and the urn
and even placed mats underneath to make
it look like they are part of the palanquin.
It was Deputy Commander
Jang Youngsil's idea.
Does this mean the worst is over?
Deputy Commander Jang Youngsil
has gotten beyond sight of the palace
and is soon to pass Soui Gate.
Then I guess it's time to
comply with the inspection.
An observatory?
You people of Joseon
are certainly something.
A wooden ganui?
We finally completed a prototype.
Where are you hiding it?
Hiding it?
Jang Youngsil stole the technology
from Ming over ten years ago.
You expect me to believe you're
still working on a prototype?
I'm old and slow and unapprised
of the technology,
but this is an instrument
that reads the Heavens.
And if it is valued in Ming as
belonging to the Emperor alone,
I imagine the technology
is extremely complex.
What do you think?
It is a pity, but my King is
ready to give up the ganui.
You can destroy the
prototype if it pleases you.
I will ask you one last time.
Where did you hide the
astronomical instrument?
How can I make you believe us?
Would you like to have your
men search the palace?
I guess that means you've already
gotten it out of the palace.
Oh dear, I'm completely at a loss...
Who is the secret agent you
planted in my government?
You wish to see Huang Zan?
That's impossible.
We must see him.
I don't think I have to explain
why you can't see him.
We can't go back to Joseon like this.
We need his help in our
research of Chinese phonetics.
Huang Zah has been
charged with high treason.
For turning over astronomical
technology to Joseon of all things.
We know.
Then.
This is the King's dream.
That's not something that should come
out of an intelligence agent's mouth.
I'm trying to tell you how
Important creating our own
writing system is to the King.
I will see what I can do.
Still refusing to expose your secret agent?
There is no secret agent.
I will give you this much credit.
Joseon's intelligence capacity and
quick response is quite impressive...
... although you did give me indisputable
cause to take Jang Youngsil to Ming
for stealing our astronomical technology.
What do you mean?
Put Jang Youngsil on trial in Ming?
Consider yourselves lucky that
we are not putting your King on trial!
Trust me on this and give me some time.
I will destroy the astronomical instrument
and break the King's excessive ambition.
No.
My deep loyalty to Great
Ming has been proven.
I don't doubt your loyalty.
Then...
Your loyalty toward
the Joseonese King, that is.
Give us another chance.
It's too late.
The phonetics books we brought are gone.
That's not all.
Don't tell me.
His Majesty's personal letter...
Books on phonetics and a letter to
Huang Zan written by the King himself.
The King wants academic exchange
with high scholars like Huang Zan.
That's not what Huang Zan said.
Send him in.
Let's get this over with.
Does the King aspire to
create a writing system.
That is absurd!
Don't try to deny it.
Dongchang has been watching close
lysince the day Joseon acquired
Menggu Ziyun from Mongolia 5years ago.
Three trips to Japan,
two trips to India, four trips to Mongolia
Shin Sukju and Sung Sammun
were sent on all of these trips.
And now me, Huang Zan.
Don't you think your
speculation is a bit farfetched?
The King asks in his letter
specific questions about vowels and
consonants of the Chinese language.
You can fool everyone
but you can't fool me.
What your King dreams of is creation
of Joseon's own writing system.
I thought you were a
scholar before a politician.
Right now I'm nothing more than a coward
who will do anything to stay alive.
What I just did will keep
me from being executed.
Is that why?
That's why you made up this lie
and drove Joseon into a corner?
I spoke the truth as a scholar.
Frankly, I am very curious to know
if your King will get over this hump
and succeed in developing
a new writing system.
That's another reason
why I want to stay alive.
Creating a new writing system
that was my cherished dream as well.
Chinese script holds a great
civilization, but it is very difficult.
That's why over 90% of
my people are illiterate.
Public wisdom is national power,
but you can't expect high intelligence
level in a country with
this kind of literacy rate.
But it's impossible for one man to
create a writing system overnight.
If it were possible, I would
have done it so first myself!
Mongols built Great Yuan Empire
and created their own writing.
The purpose was
to rule all that is under the sky.
Is it a fact that Joseon is trying
to create their own writing?
That is for us to confirm.
If it is a fact, they're dreaming the
same dream that the Mongols did.
And that is unacceptable for Great Ming.
Joseon will be thoroughly punished.
We will start with Jang Youngsil.
Did you say give Jang Youngsil up?
You have to be prepared
if there is no other option.
How can you say that?
This is quite upsetting for
me as well, Your Majesty.
I said I would give up the ganui.
But they believe we are hiding
the astronomical instrument.
Prime Minister.
And that is true.
We might end up losing too
much if we don't give them
what they want and put an end to this.
I know you can't give
me an answer right now.
But we don't have a lot
of choices, Your Majesty.
Do you aspire to crush Ming and
become a mightier empire?
Joseon has worked diligently
to maintain peace with Ming.
Then why are you trying to
create your own writing?
You shouldn't bring baseless
conjecture to the negotiation table.
That remains to be seen.
The Emperor is enraged by Joseon's
recent behavior.
It is a shame that the Emperor
does not share my views.
I hope he will soon realize that the Heaven
belongs neither to the Emperor nor
the King but to the people.
Is that a declaration of war?
I believe I already conveyed
my desire for peace.
Joseon is willing to give up astronomy.
The ganui, the observatory,
I will destroy them all before you.
It's too late, Your Majesty.
We want to put Jang Youngsil
on trial at the Ming state tribunal.
If Joseon refuses?
Our diplomatic relations will be severed
and there will be punitive military action.
I am giving you one last chance.
Peace with Ming,
or self-destruction.
Which will you choose?