< Episode 24 >
Handang. Step back.
I let Buyoung go, just as I promised. How is she doing?
That's just who I am.
I keep my promise like a real man, even if it means losing money.
Dochi!
That's enough, Oi! You might kill him.
Stop it! You'll kill him!
Oi!
Since Prince Jumong has opted out we should end the competition.
You're right. There's no point now.
I agree.
Might as well end it all and make Prince Daeso Crown Prince.
- Let's petition the King. - Court Minister!
Not when His Majesty is in distress. This is not a good time.
But we can't drag this on forever.
We can't waste resources on a pointless competition.
We should petition the King and tell him to make the decision.
So now the ministers will petition the King...
and wait for him to invest Prince Daeso.
Good job.
Congratulations, Crown Prince.
You're right.
Congratulations, Crown Prince.
Congratulations, Daeso.
Stop it, please. I haven't been invested yet.
Whose idea was that? I'm a prince too!
You mean you want to compete with Prince Daeso?
Didn't you see? I kicked Yeomieul out.
I drove Jumong out too!
- You're right but... - What is it with you all?!
What do you take me for?
Very well.
Let's go on with it.
Daeso.
I mean...
What I meant was, the competition's still official...
No, you're right. Good luck.
I might be leaving you...
but I will always think of you.
Miss.
The world I've known has been turned upside-down.
I'm confused.
It's not something anyone can help me with.
I need some time to let it sink in.
Just knowing that you'll be there for me means a lot.
You said you'll think of me...
but I want to think you gave me your heart.
I'll cherish it forever.
I won't be able to work for a while so I came to ask you to let me leave.
Are you returning to the Palace?
No.
I want to leave Puyo and see the world.
I don't know why you decided to quit the competition...
but I'm glad to hear you want to see the world.
Is there anything I can do for you?
I'll be fine.
I just have a question.
You said you met Haemosu once.
I'd like to hear what you saw and thought of him.
I met Commander Haemosu...
as we were passing by the massacred Habaek tribe.
It was a wretched sight.
Even the children were killed. It was a brutal sight...
They were wiped out for hiding Haemosu.
Haemosu said he was a Josun migrant...
but I recognized him in an instant.
My Lord wanted to sell him to the Hyunto governor.
Kepil's right. It was a hard call.
Handing him over to the Han who were desperate to catch him...
would've guaranteed more than a year's profits.
Then why didn't you?
Didn't I tell you before?
He saved us from the bandits the day Sosuhno was born.
I couldn't sell him, not after he'd saved Sosuhno's life.
Haemosu was a hero to the Ancient Josun migrants.
If I'd sold him off, I would've gone down as a villain.
Just think it worked out for the best.
She's not a slave anymore and she won't have to deal with Dochi.
He's right.
You never know what'll happen. She might even come back.
Captain.
- Sit down. - OK.
Will you pour me one?
I'm sorry.
You had to quit the competition because of Buyoung and me...
- I should be apologizing. - No.
You did all you could.
I'm the one who let her down.
Come on, forget about her!
You're only torturing yourself. Buyoung wouldn't want that either.
Captain. What happens now?
Will you stay with the troop?
I'd like to go somewhere. If you're willing to follow me.
Your Highness. A letter from Prince Jumong.
Mother, I'm leaving Puyo.
Forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye.
I don't know where I'm heading but I'm leaving to clear my head.
Father willingly abandoned his safety and suffered for the sake of others.
I want to find out what he did and why he had to do it.
Take care of yourself until we meet again.
Hyupbo.
Yes, captain.
Wasn't your father in the Damul Army?
He was.
Do you know of any Damul Army veterans?
Why, all of a sudden?
Is it about your master?
That too, and I want to know more about the Damul Army.
I once met my father's comrade.
But I'm not sure if he's still alive.
I might have locked him up...
but didn't you want him dead because you loved Lady Yuhwa?
I want to find out what he did and why he had to do it.
Your Highness. His Majesty is here.
What brings you here so late?
How come you're still awake too?
Yuhwa.
Yes?
Did Jumong give up the competition because of Haemosu, by any chance?
Did he find out?
Why didn't you tell me?
Your Majesty...
If he found out...
it would've been unbearable.
And I rebuked him for quitting.
He was very shocked and confused.
I must see him.
I must tell him all about Haemosu myself.
Your Majesty.
Jumong's not in Puyo.
What do you mean?
He said he wanted to clear his head.
What will he think of me?
What if he asks why I couldn't do anything to save him?
I'm just as confused as he is.
Who was it? Who did this to you?
It was... Ow...
Prince Jumong's gang, Oi, Mari and Hyupbo.
What?
Let's go. Why, I ought to...
It's no use. They've gone.
Gone?
They left Puyo with Prince Jumong.
Jumong left Puyo?
Yes.
He left Puyo?
Where did he go?
I don't know.
I do wish we knew where he went but we shouldn't have to worry.
I bet he just couldn't get over falling into my trap and quitting.
Youngpo.
Yes?
Do you still thinkJumong quit because of Buyoung?
Why else would he?
Daeso. You sound like you're trying to belittle me.
I'm disappointed.
Isn't that so?
You want to continue the competition?
- Well, that's... - Here's a piece of advice.
Don't just think of your next move but of your second and third move too.
I can see right through you.
The competition has become pointless...
since Prince Jumong quit.
I agree with the Prime Minister.
Does he speak for you all?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I want to give it some more time.
The Crown Prince must be able to...
gain everyone's approval, including you and the people.
This is notjust a competition but a test of aptitude.
The competition continues and that's that.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Don't get too upset over it.
Not at all.
I don't want to become Crown Prince just because Jumong is out.
Like His Majesty said, I'll show everyone what I'm capable of.
Are you talking about iron weapons?
That will guarantee me the title. And it's what His Majesty wants.
Then you'll accept Yangjung's proposal?
You know the King won't accept Yangjung's daughter as Crown Princess.
It'll be hard.
Don't worry.
His Majesty will have to consent if he can't help it.
Leave that to me.
- Chunbo. - Yes, Your Highness.
Call the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Tax Minister.
I will.
Your Highness, you asked for us?
- Welcome. Please take a seat. - Thank you.
What's the occasion?
I've always wanted to commend you on your efforts.
I'm sorry it took me so long.
Thank you for the compliment.
- Here, have a drink. - Thank you.
- Tax Minister. - Thank you.
I've always considered you two the pillars of our nation.
Daeso might oversee diplomatic affairs but you still do all the work.
And you oversee taxes, the foundation of our nation.
Thank you for your compliment.
I should've asked for your help earlier.
Tax Minister.
Yes, Your Highness.
You never get credit for doing a good job...
yet you're punished for every small mistake.
I'm amazed at how well you manage.
(Jinyong, Tax Minister) Please, don't flatter me.
If I become Crown Prince I will honor your hard work...
and make sure you lack nothing.
Here.
It's a token of my appreciation for your hard work.
Open it.
(Foreign Affairs Minister) Your Highness...
It'll come in useful someday. Please accept it.
If you have something to say just say it.
Is it about Prince Jumong?
Yes.
I'm sure he told you why he forfeited the competition.
No. He didn't.
He can't explain just yet.
He'll tell me when the time comes.
You can't fool me by pretending you don't care.
I know you're just as curious as I am.
You're right, it's killing me.
But what else can I do? I have to wait until he tells me.
I can't stop thinking something big happened.
I want to share his pain but...
That's a new ring.
Don't be nosy.
News from our troop in Hyunto.
The Han Steel Officer will visit Hyunto.
He'll visit Hyunto, Imdoon, Jinbun and Nakrang as well.
What for?
He's a high-ranked official. There must be a reason for his visit.
To check on Puyo, of course.
The Han is still at war against the Southwest Yi.
You can't go to war in a day. You need time to prepare.
The Steel Officer will check on the iron chambers...
teach new techniques and supervise the weapon upgrade.
Even they need to make an effort to keep Puyo in check.
We should tell my father.
Shouldn't we tell the Foreign Affairs Minister too?
News of this importance will reach them without our help.
Miss!
What is it?
Prince Daeso's bodyguard is here.
Do you want me to send him back?
Prince Daeso has something to say. Come with me.
She's here.
Thank you.
You were looking for me?
Even the beautiful scenery doesn't impress me.
You're all I can see and think of.
Have you heard of Lu Buwei?
Yes, I have.
Of course you have. You're a merchant yourself.
Then you should know how he became a Prime Minister.
He saved Zichu...
and made him King of the Jin Empire.
Lu Buwei saw into the future...
and made an investment.
I'll ask you once more.
Who do you think will be Puyo's King? Jumong or me?
It'll be me.
NotJumong but me.
You need us more than we need you.
Think it over and decide...
what is best for you and for Jolbon.
You're all I can think of.
Jumong will be all you can think of.
But I'll wait until you make the right choice.
I'll wait until all you can think of is me.
Let's take a break and feed the horses.
Gosh, it's hot.
Don't drink from that well!
Why are you being so mean? You won't even let us drink?
- Stop it. - Don't you think she's being mean?
You'll know what I mean when you see the water.
Oi.
What's wrong?
It's bloody.
What happened to the water?
Did someone fall in?
- No. - Then what?
What's wrong with the well?
This well always sprung clear water, even during the droughts.
But it started springing bloody water all of a sudden.
It's because Yeomieul left Puyo.
This is a bad omen.
Captain, this is it.
Anyone home?
Sir!
Did he move?
Huh?
- Hyupbo. - Huh?
- Is that him? - Yeah.
Sir!
Do you remember me?
I'm Hyupbo. I met you when I was little.
Think carefully.
My father was in the Damul Army too.
- Hyupbo, son of Janggil? - That's me!
My, you have grown.
I have!
We came to ask you something.
What is it?
I want to hear about the Damul Army and Haemosu.
We're blood brothers. You can speak freely.
What are these?
Tags of my fallen Damul Army comrades.
This is your father's.
We fought 1 0:1 ... I mean, 1 00:1 against the Han.
Our spirits soared whenever Commander Haemosu led us.
We were the migrants' light and hope.
Words aren't enough to explain what we felt...
when we broke into the prisons and freed them.
Just as the Damul Army was the migrants' hope...
Commander Haemosu was ours.
If he were still alive he would've saved them all and founded a nation.
No. He already founded one in my heart long ago.
Any one man is a nation.
He said not all nations have to be built on land.
I must see the migrants for myself.
Wouldn't it be dangerous if they're still under the Han's rule?
The sorceresses are here.
What strange things?
AJuhga well is springing bloody water.
There's more.
The sacred rock in a village under Mt. Sumi...
has been making eerie weeping sounds.
The gods are punishing us for driving Yeomieul out.
Soryung! When will you stop all that?
Don't mention her anymore.
Stop it, everyone!
Puyo is filled with evil omens. This isn't a time to fight.
Haven't you felt anything?
I heard the three-legged crow cry.
This means something bad will happen.
Shouldn't you report this to the King?
I've never had an audience with him since I became Sorceress.
This means His Majesty is still hostile towards the Shrine.
That's exactly why you must see him.
You are Puyo's Sorceress.
But there's no good news.
What if he says I'm deluding the people?
Delude the people?
These are all evil omens.
You must tell His Majesty.
Your Majesty, Sorceress Mauryung is here.
- Tell her to come in. - Yes, Your Majesty.
What brings you here?
Your Majesty. I'm afraid to say...
outrageous things are happening all over Puyo.
Outrageous things?
AJuhga well is springing bloody water.
And a sacred rock under Mt. Sumi...
has been making weeping sounds.
Mauryung.
Yes?
If these prove to be rumors aimed to delude the people...
I will hold you responsible.
Would I dare lie to you?
Your Majesty, this is an evil omen.
Right before the Han attacked Gaema...
there were rumors that their wells sprung bloody water.
If this proves to be true, we must offer the gods a sacrifice.
We must not make the people panic.
Whether this is true or not, word must not spread any further.
Your Majesty. The Han Steel Officer is on his way to Hyunto.
He's probably coming to upgrade the Han army's weapons.
They will threaten us again, and there might even be a war.
The evil omens Mauryung told us about are probably warnings from the gods.
I should go to Hyunto to see what's going on.
What will you tell the King?
I'll be gone a few days so I'll need an excuse.
Any ideas?
Tell him you need to amend the list of trade goods.
- Like I said, the limestone... - Mopalmo! Mopalmo...
- What is it? - His Majesty is here.
Any progress?
Although we succeeded in raising the fire's temperature...
we only made one steel sword. This doesn't mean we know the secret...
so I've been working on it without reporting to Your Majesty.
Did you look into the Steel Officer?
He's Nogeun, the Finance Minister.
He was a famous merchant...
until he was appointed as Steel Officer.
A merchant?
Yes.
He's so rich he refuses all bribes and only goes by the book.
Still, all merchants are open to a good deal.
If the Han can afford to send him to Hyunto during the war...
that means the war against the Southwest Yi is nearing its end.
Let's go to Hyunto.
You were looking for me?
- Uncle Bulgae. - Yes?
I heard Daeso went to Hyunto. Do you know why?
I heard he went to amend the list of trade goods.
He could've sent someone else.
I'm sure he went to do something else.
Well, I don't know...
Stop siding with Daeso all the time!
No one knows what the future holds.
I heard bad things are happening.
It's all because I lack virtue.
Your Majesty...
Still no news from Jumong?
No.
Whoa, whoa...
Captain.
Hyunto is just beyond that mountain.
Let's go.
- Mari. - Captain.
- Here. - Thanks.
Very refreshing.
Shoot us if you can!
We're dead meat wherever we go.
Sheath your swords.
They're not bandits.
Captain. Bandits or not, they're trying to kill us.
No.
They're afraid of us. Sheath your swords.
- Tie them up! - OK!
Are there more of you?
What do you mean?
Are you the only ones coming after us?
We're not after you.
You're worse than the Han's Iron Army!
You go after migrants escaping prison workhouses...
and report them in return for a reward!
Do you know how many died because of you?
I'll kill you and appease their poor souls!
We're descendants of the Damul Army.
Don't be ridiculous! I'm a veteran!
How dare you lie to us.
I'm not lying!
- Hyupbo. - Yes, captain.
Look at the tag round his neck.
How do you know this good man?
He was my father.
I spent 1 5 years at a prison workhouse in Hyunto.
I had a wife and a daughter but they didn't last 2 years there.
Only I made it.
Hundreds died at the workhouse...
and hundreds more died trying to escape.
Many more are being abused in prisons in Jinbun and Imdoon.
Do you have a place to go?
No country will take us in for fear of the Han.
Go to Puyo. King Kumwa will take you in.
Kumwa?
I heard he once led the Damul Army with Haemosu.
He abandoned us and the Damul Army!
We thought he'd take us in after Commander Haemosu died.
But decades passed and he never came for us.
None of the migrants trust Kumwa.
We'll help you escape the Han and cross the borders.
Forget it.
You can go.
- It'll be a rough journey. - We don't trust you either.
Leave before we change our mind!
Then... take our horses.
Let the injured ride them.
Captain. I wish we could help them.
(Hyunto Commandery)
What do you know?
Meeting the Steel Officer won't be easy.
Then we should meet Yangjung first.
We've never met him before. Would he agree to see us?
Since when did that stop us?
Wootae.
Yes, my Lord.
Send the silk and rubies to Yangjung and tell him they're gifts from me.
OK.
Governor, Prince Daeso is here.
Let him in.
Take a seat.
What brings you here so suddenly?
I'm here to close the deal.
So you accept my proposal?
I need that parching technique to become Crown Prince.
Only then will I marry your daughter.
Captain.
- It's the Iron Army. - The migrants are in danger.
Captain.
Captain.
We must save them.
Captain!
Get them!
Run!
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