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[Daidu, Capital of Yuan - Modern Beijing]
[Episode 1]
I'm returning to Koryo. [King Wang Yu]
You're not attending the coronation? [Emperor Huizong]
Is there any reason I should?
A concubine being named empress?
Quite an honor for Koryo.
As King I bestow honors in Koryo.
If not for Her Grace you would already be dead.
She saved your worthless skin.
Convey my thanks.
Do you still love Sungnyang?
Are you still, still carrying that torch?
I love her, she's everything to me.
She's not for you, understand?
Do you?
King Wang Yu has left for Koryo.
Congratulations, Your Imperial Majesty.
Hail Emperor Huizong!
Hail Empress Ki!
Hail Emperor Huizong!
Hail Empress Ki!
Sungnyang? Is it The Jackal?
Nyang...
Your Highness.
[Crown Prince Wang Yu]
- Move out. - Move out!
[Koryo concubine tribute en route to the Yuan capital]
Mom... Mom... Mom...
Don't hit her, please, don't hit her...
Nyang!
Get up!
Enough.
That's enough.
Mom, you all right?
Yes, I'm fine.
Why are they tied up?
They'll run off otherwise.
But must you treat them like animals?
Release the wounded, General.
Are you giving me orders?
Your Highness...
What's the delay here?
Sir, this Koryo princeling wants us to release the girls.
It seems you have forgotten who's in charge here.
I'll let this pass, but no more interference.
My Blue Wolves aren't known for their patience.
Move out on the double.
Move out! Move out!
What will happen to them?
Their either sold into prostitution...
or slavery.
Animals.
So young.
Do your feet hurt?
I'm fine. Here, let me.
I'm sorry, sweetie. I couldn't protect you.
I'm so sorry.
You crying again?
Don't cry.
Open up.
Your Highness, please...
- Now. - Sir.
Run.
This is all I can do. Sorry.
That one too.
Run if you want.
Nyang.
Kill them all. Don't spare any of them.
Mom!
Mom, Mom...
Mom... Mom...
Mom!
Mom, Mom...
Hang on... Let me...
You have to live.
They'll kill you if they catch you.
Mom, don't leave me.
Mom...
This world is so cruel to women...
Your father gave this to me.
Nyang, your father is still alive.
The Ki... a matching ring...
Mom... Mom...!
Don't die... Mom!
Mom!
...Mom...
It's my fault.
I couldn't protect my own people.
Your Highness...
An incompetent father kills is own son.
An incompetent ruler kills his own people.
You have no right to the throne.
You're young and incompetent.
Do us a favor and die in Yuan.
Don't come back.
Ki? Is that a name? [Koryo's capital]
I'm not sure.
All you know is 'The Ki'?
Don't waste my time.
Wait. A Ki owns the soup shop.
Is it around here?
She ran off with the kid, not you.
It's not your fault.
If we ask the local officials, we should hear something.
Hello?
Is the owner here?
Who are you?
Is there a Master Ki here?
Why do you ask?
I'm looking for my dad.
You're a Ki?
Are you?
What are you...?
I'll get you a bowl.
I'm fine. I don't take charity.
Make way!
Is it dead?
Probably.
Take it away.
Sir.
Sire, he's alive.
Your orders?
Whew, stinky...
I'll do it.
He's up. Mighty shy for a boy.
Put this on.
Your house?
I'm homeless.
Parents?
Dead.
We'll have trouble over this concubine business when the prince gets back.
Don't let him come back.
Then I can be king of Koryo and Shenyang both.
His Imperial Majesty's court will expect compensation.
Need you ask?
Steps have already been taken.
Steps?
Just wait.
Vast tributes have already been sent to the Yuan court in my name.
I'll count on that.
Where are His Majesty's shoes?
They were here.
Here.
I wanted to keep them dry.
Who is this?
The horse boy, Sire.
Take me in.
So I can repay you.
Repay me?
What's your name?
Nyang...
Sungnyang.
Sungnyang?
How will you repay me then?
Sungnyang, what about the rest of us?
Only the best get me as a herald.
I better work harder then. Pssh.
What's he up to?
He means to train as a warrior to repay you.
Oh?
[Thirteen Years Later]
It's time for the salt delivery.
[Inju - Salt Storehouse]
Move it along now.
It's getting late.
There's so many.
A little louder, huh?
You know salt is contraband in this country.
Don't worry about us.
Just keep your mouth shut.
Move out.
Your Royal Majesty.
Sire.
You did well with the salt.
Well? Take it.
We delivered twice the salt.
So?
Please pay us double.
How dare you? Did you forget who reared you?
Our family has increased.
They risked their lives.
You little...
Pay the man.
Yes, Sire.
We're moving more salt next month.
Be ready.
At your service.
Sire, more salt?
Suppose we get caught?
The Koryo king is naming his heir.
If I'm to be named, the Yuan will expect even more tribute.
Even so...
I'm the favorite.
The King is ill and the Crown Prince is worthless.
My lord, not again.
I need to be able to take care of myself.
Don't expect any mercy.
Your High...
My lord!
You got a death wish?
What? He wanted a fight...
A doctor! Get a doctor!
Sir.
A doctor?
Get him inside! Move!
Easy, easy. Move it...
What a loser.
The Koryo Crown Prince belongs with this scum.
Your Highness, Your Highness.
Wake up, please. Just kill me...
That's it.
Inju.
I'm going to Inju.
Your Highness.
Are you all right? I thought you were done for.
How are the streetfighters there?
Goodness. This is no time to pick fights.
The King of Shenyang is vying for the Koryo crown.
That again?
I told you I don't care what Wang Ko does.
Your Highness.
Tell me. How's the fighting in Inju?
They have a lot of dealings with Yuan, so...
They're plenty tough.
Especially one they call The Jackal.
The Jackal?
He's their captain. A nasty piece of work.
They say he can shoot a bird at 300 yards.
If you can believe it.
Word is he's protecting the local merchants.
For the right price.
He takes sons of slaves.
'Cubs,' he calls 'em.
That's it. We're hunting cubs.
Whose turn is it?
Mine, Captain.
Where did they take your sister?
A courtesan house in Beijing.
There isn't enough yet..
We'll use next month's take to free her.
Thank you, sir.
Remember why we're doing this.
We fight until all the Yuan concubines have been returned.
We only have each other.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
Captain, come quick.
Who are you?
So you're The Jackal, huh?
Who let the outhouse dog in?
I'm Jombak, The Joker.
The Joker?
And?
And come down and pay your respects.
Go down there and grovel, huh?
I'm not a patient man.
Get down here before I grab my sword...
...or cubs are on the menu tonight.
Get out.
Huh?
The moment you grab your sword in my place,
you're dead.
That so?
Just you wait, little pup!
The next one goes in someone's head.
That was just your hand. Any more out of you...
and the next one goes in your face.
He was so fast, so accurate. I don't know what to say.
Interesting.
Ever seen an arrow like this?
A baby arrow.
Baby?
A short arrow shot through a pipe. They combine into a 'split arrow.'
It's quite lethal.
The Jackal, you said?
I'd like a match.
Set it up.
Prince!
What now?
Don't you think I'm good enough?
Allow me.
I've never lost an archery match.
I want to see this Jackal for myself.
Over there.
The one with the bow, that's The Jackal.
You're a little wisp of a thing, aren't you.
You're not much to look at yourself.
How dare you!
They say you're quite the archer.
Beat me and we'll leave quietly.
Lose and you serve me.
Well?
I don't have time for this.
Leave or die.
You!
Pups...!
If you don't want to see bloodshed...
you'll accept my terms.
You'll go when I win?
We're both men. Don't make me repeat myself.
Archery in itself is boring.
We'll knock one back after each shot.
Fair enough?
Drink then shoot?
A battle of wills.
You can't hold your liquor.
What? Wimping out?
Giving up without a fight?
I have a condition too.
These lids will be our targets.
Suit yourself.
And one of our men will hold it over his head.
Huh?
Who's my target?
- Me! - Me!
Me, Captain. With your permission.
Your turn.
Guess they don't trust you.
Me... I'll do it.
So... You play rough, huh?
Drunk yet?
If you want to give up...
You're the one that's drunk. Go on.
Your turn.
Yeah!
It's all right! Shoot! Shoot!
No, no!
Not me. Him!
I'd rather kill you.
You give up? You admit defeat?
See that? I won. I'm the winner!
What's that warm spot?
Low-class scum! He barfed!
Barfed?
Drinks are on his lordship.
- Enjoy! Let's drink! - Yeah!
What are you looking at?
If you're up, have a drink.
Guess you're not destined to roll in the muck.
What am I destined for then?
Good family, lots of money, a player.
Well, I don't know about the family.
But I'm a player.
You play the geomungo?
Want to learn?
Nah. What good is it?
Chicks go nuts for this stuff.
I'll teach you the geomungo, you teach me the split arrow.
Fair enough?
Here. Take the pick. It's not as hard as it looks.
What's the idea?
What else? Hold still.
Soft hands for an archer.
Now a bit faster.
I'm leaving.
Leaving?
What about the split arrow?
Enjoy your harp and your 'chicks'.
They suit you better.
Did you forget the match?
You're my servant.
I say go, you go. Stay, you stay.
I own you.
Try your luck with a mutt.
I'm a jackal.
All right. Be my younger brother then.
I'll tell you something.
My best friend is none other than...
the Crown Prince.
So that's the same as you having a crown prince as your elder brother.
Still want to leave?
Crown Prince, Crown Putz, either way.
I'd rather eat horse dung than trade my own people as concubines.
You have a lot of bitterness towards the world.
Because it's rotten to the core.
Royal parasites that sell themselves like courtesans are the worst kind.
Any more out of you and it won't be a lid next time, it will be your head.
He's wasted out here.
What are you doing here?
What are you doing with them?
An archery match.
Who are they?
Did they ask about the salt?
Not even once.
Are they investigators?
His Majesty wouldn't like it.
Don't see them again.
Right.
Today is the day you meet the headband's owner?
Definitely. Any minute now.
This just came in for Your Highness.
Come to Inju wearing this to learn about King Wang Ko's Shenyang salt deals.
This was enclosed.
I'll go myself.
It's easier for me to fool Wang Ko than the Censorate.
It's dangerous.
Send this back by carrier pigeon.
So I will know him.
Just to be safe on both sides.
Yes, Your Highness.
Where is he? Why are you here?
He couldn't make it, but he sent the information.
The place and time?
His letter indicated...
Assassin!
We have to get out of here.
A traitor!
How else could the Censorate know about the salt?
It must be the salt vendor.
It can't possibly be one of us.
How many of your men know about us?
Three, Your Majesty.
Three? That makes six total.
None of your men know?
Only enough to make deliveries.
I leave the governor general to you.
Yes, Your Majesty.
That's all.
Yes, Sire.
You're sure the Prince knows nothing?
I shot his Censorate man before he could talk.
Are you certain you have a traitor among them?
The only one I can trust is Sungnyang.
Don't let the Prince out of your sight, understood?
Yes, Sire.
We have a spy.
Our man wouldn't have died otherwise.
It must be one of Jombak's men.
It's too dangerous. You should go back.
Wang Ko knows I'm sharpening my blade.
Retreating now would back me into a corner.
What will you do?
Shake things up.
Sir?
The King of Shenyang doesn't fear anything in Koryo.
But Yuan is another story.
First we'll buy up all the Inju salt.
Then when the Yuan traders come, they'll complain that there isn't enough.
At which time we will blame Wang Ko's contraband deals.
The Prince is using his head.
Now's not the time to praise him.
He has men watching the salt storehouse.
We can't move it.
If the Yuan learn we're dealing in contraband...
Relax.
I won't be the one caught for dealing in contraband.
The Prince will be.
My lord, if I may?
Enter.
You're the only one I trust.
Now listen closely.
And do exactly as I say.
Command me.
They will make the first move.
Wang Ko will try to send me false information.
I need only wait.
To see whom he sends.
My lord.
You have a guest.
A guest?
The Jackal.
What brings you here?
Have you forgotten you asked to learn the split arrow?
Did Wang Ko send The Jackal?
Fine, play your harp then.
You kidding?
'Great Mountain.' The front hand as firm as a mountain.
'Tiger's Tail.' Pull as easy as if it's a tiger's tail.
'Great Mountain, Tiger's Tail.'
Let's see.
Don't be disappointed.
It usually takes 3 years to master the baby arrow.
How do you make money in Inju?
If I knew that would I be wasting my time here?
I heard there's money in salt.
Sure. That's why the royals run it.
Ah, right, you said you know the Crown Prince.
He opening a salt shop?
He's not the spy.
Will you teach me till I master the split arrow?
First you have to earn his trust. Completely.
Well?
I'm not cheap.
That's not a problem.
We'll discuss it over drinks.
The lantern festival starts tonight.
What did you wish for?
What do you care?
A pretty little wifey?
Wife, pssh.
Why not?
Men like women, it's natural.
See anything you like?
Tell me and I'll...
I wished for money.
Money, money.
That's all you talk about.
It's the only thing you can trust.
You've had a rough life.
You all right?
I'll live.
Wait. I'll carry you.
No.
What are you...?
Let me down.
You saved my life.
Now hush.
Let go. Put me down.
Well?
Let go.
Even taking an arrow on purpose?
That worked out fine.
Hang on, we're here.
- Let go now. - My lord!
What happened?
- Let me down. - Stay still.
You've lost too much blood.
Allow me.
No. Move aside.
Hang on.
It wasn't deep, thank goodness.
I'll get some medicine.
Let's have a look.
No, don't.
Come on.
I said don't.
Come on.
It's my only pair.
You ripped it. Pay up.
What?
Why is the door locked?
Open up.
What now?
You said to pay up.
I got your new clothes here. Open up.
I don't need them.
You're awfully shy for a guy.
I swear.
Just go already.
Now he's mad.
You took him in completely.
The wound all right?
My life is yours.
Listen.
On the day, go to the storehouse.
Stay put and wait for the salt.
I'll tell you where to go.
It's not that I don't trust you.
But I want there to be no reason to suspect you.
What should I tell him?
You saved my life.
Quite a risk.
Now I owe you one.
Owe me? Forget it.
I'm being watched.
Why did he want you dead?
Who knows?
Are you investigating Wang Ko's illegal salt traffic?
If so, I can help.
How so?
I know one of the salt vendors.
It's him. Wang Ko's man.
In four days there's a deal going down in Haewol.
Be ready. Information like this isn't free.
I should have killed him.
Have I grown fond of him?
My men are waiting in ambush at Haewol.
If the Crown Prince shows he's as good as dead.
But he's still a royal.
If you kill him...
Killing a royal without cause is bad.
But this one is involved in treasonous salt trafficking.
Move out to Haewol.
Yes, sir.
My lord. My lord!
This isn't the way to Haewol.
Listen.
We're after salt traffickers.
We will not attack first.
Understood?
- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.
My lord.
The salt traffickers.
We don't attack until the deal goes down.
I want to stress that.
Yes, sir.
Move out.
An ambush. Fan out.
Who shot that?
Attack!
Take off the mask.
Did they say where it's going?
The Jackal knows. Nobody else.
How did you know Haewol was a ruse?
Someone shot this into my room.
It said Haewol was a ruse and The Jackal was making the delivery.
But why did you keep it from us?
We have a spy in our midst.
So the one that sent the headband sent the note?
The one who first contacted the Censorate. He's helping me.
Who is he?
I only wish I knew.
Who has the headband I sent?
After killing all those tramps who escaped, we don't have many left.
We need more.
A hundred, a thousand, as many as you need.
I appreciate it. Cheers.
He's Wang Ko's spy?
You think I won't kill you?
A simple test will show if he betrayed me or not.
The traffickers! Kill them all!
Stop the Prince from going to the palace.
Kill them if you must.
There's no doubt.
He was sent into exile to kill him.
Tonight. Tonight it ends.
His death on Koryo soil will be our excuse to wipe them out.
String him up again.
Get rid of him. Wang Ko's orders.