Episode 18
Sit down.
I knew that you were daring,
but I never figured that you would come all the way over here.
Why are you here?
I heard that you lost your position because of doing business with me.
I apologize.
Silence!
I don't want to hear those words out of your mouth!
If I think about all the pain I suffered in the past because of you,
even cutting off your head will not appease me.
I came here on my own will,
so whether you kill me or keep me alive, all I am doing is waiting for your decision.
However, before that, I would like to do business with you.
Business?
Do you know where I am taking my group?
What would I do with that knowledge?
My group is going to Go San Guk.
Go San Guk is?
It is a very poor and far away country.
I heard that even if a merchant group goes there, the country has nothing to offer for trade.
Aren't you curious as to why my group is going to a country like that?
I heard that you have lost everything because of me.
Now, I will restore everything that you have lost.
Will you do business with me?
Brother.
Brother, why has So Seo-No come here?
To do business with Bae-Mang.
Business? I don't understand.
Exactly what kind of business does she want to do with a guy who wants to kill us?
I'm not sure myself.
After locking us up, do you really think he'll let us live?
Oh-Yi, you are right.
That bastard will probably take Brother and us?
Stop saying such nonsense!
If she came here on her own to do business,
I'm positive that there is a reason.
Dang it!
Just why did we have to put our lives in So Seo-No's hands?
Prince.
What are you doing here?
I have wonderful news to tell you, Prince.
Prince Ju-Mong, who is travelling, is about to be killed by bandits.
What are you talking about? Explain it to me.
In Haenin Guk, there is a man named Bae-Mang with whom I used to do business with.
At one point, he was an important person in Haenin Guk.
Life took some turns and now he is a bandit.
I've been told that one of my men, Han-Nai, definitely saw the Prince captured by Bae Mang.
So?
Han-Nai asked Bae Mang to kill Prince Ju-Mong,
so even now, it is likely that he's ?
Who else knows about this?
Your Highness, you are the first person I've told this to.
Do not reveal this to anyone else.
I understand.
You are dismissed.
Yes, Your Highness.
Mother, Brother!
What is the matter?
Ju-Mong is dead!
What are you talking about?
Ju-Mong is travelling with Yeon Ta-Bal's merchant group.
I know, I know.
I was told he got captured by bandits in Haenin Guk along the way and died.
Is that true?
Yes, Mother.
One of my subordinates checked to make sure it was true.
Dae-So.
What about the merchant group that was travelling with him?
Did they also get captured by the bandits?
I wasn't really able to find that out.
Do not speak of things without seeing them directly yourself.
Brother, please believe me at least in this case, I'm right!
Silence!
Think about how foolish all your actions have been up to now.
Please excuse me.
Mother, don't you think he's being unfair?
After how hard I've tried to get rid of that Ju-Mong?
but Brother won't recognize any of my efforts!
Why would he not know?
What Dae-So is trying to say is for you to think more carefully.
If what you are saying is true, until His Highness finds out, it must remain a secret.
Yes, Mother.
Your Highness, a girl named Bu-Young would like to meet with you.
Bu-Young?
She was the maiden in training at the temple,
who was kicked out of the palace because of Prince Ju-Mong.
Tell her to come in.
Sit down.
It's alright, go ahead and sit.
I should have come for you earlier, but I did not.
I'm sorry.
How are you doing?
My Lady.
Even if you don't reply, I can tell by just looking at you.
Since it is Ju-Mong's fault that your life has become harsh,
it may be too late, but I'll look after you from now on. Don't worry.
My Lady, I am doing well so please do not worry about me.
The reason I seek you out is because of Prince Ju-Mong.
Did something happen to Ju-Mong?
Your Highness.
What is wrong? Speak quickly!
The Prince, on his travel, has been captured by the bandits and his life is in danger.
You don't look so well.
Is something worrying you?
Naro.
Yes, Your Highness.
We will be going to Yeon Ta-Bal's place.
Get ready.
Yes, Your Highness.
My Lady, instead of just worrying like this, please go see Yeon Ta-Bal.
Is the Chief in?
Yes. Please go ahead.
What is the reason for this unexpected visit?
I heard that So Seo-No and the trade group is in danger.
Do you know this?
From whom did you hear such talk?
I heard it from an acquaintance returning from Haenin Guk.
Your Highness, a trade group is bound to come across many dangers along the road.
There will also be times when you may encounter bandits and your lives may be in danger.
As merchants, we have to be willing to accept this much.
So Seo-No is stronger than you think.
Even if she has come across some difficulty, she will overcome it.
Please do not worry so much.
I think you put too much faith in So Seo-No.
How about sending someone to Haenin Guk and get a sense on the situation?
Her birth even took place on the road.
Even at the moment her mother went in labor, we were under attack by bandits.
So Seo-No was born in such conditions and have overcome threats to her life.
She will take care of everything carefully, so please do not worry.
You have not been by in a long while, so why don't you stay longer?
No, I have meetings tomorrow so please come to the palace and explain the situations going on in our neighboring countries.
I understand.
What brings you here?
I came to thank the man who has been watching over Ju-Mong.
My name is Yeon Ta-Bal.
Please forgive me for not coming to see you sooner.
Thank you for watching over Ju-Mong.
Have you heard any news from the merchant group heading towards Go San Guk?
Did you come by because you wondered if His Highness was safe?
Yes.
For the Prince who wants to learn about the world, this would be a great experience for him.
I am not so sure where he got his information, but Prince Dae-so, who was just here,
told me that my group is in danger.
But I am not worried.
The members of the group that that left with Prince Ju-Mong have faced and overcome many dangers.
They will protect the prince very well, so please do not worry so much.
I feel that you don't understand what danger your group is in.
I heard that Ju-Mong is currently captured by bandits and his life is in danger.
It seems that our group has met some danger.
Select some guards and go to Haenin Guk.
Is Miss in danger?
I don't know the details.
Depart quickly.
Yes sir.
Come out.
Brother.
Please forgive our rudeness.
Forgive us. Forgive us.
I can't believe how things turned out!
Exactly what cunning scheme did you use to get out of this situation safely?
It seems as though you are ready to follow in the Chief's footsteps and take over the group.
What's going on?
You are praising me and all?
There was a time when we followed the Chief and went to Gu Daek Won.
and while doing business, we almost lost our lives.
That's right, that's right!
Even now I get shivers thinking about that time.
At that time, I saw how the leader got Gu Daek Won's trade group to work with us.
Even though the fault was ours,
I saw how the Chief managed to get everyone to work together,
and they came to admire him.
You are not far from the Chief's skill.
In fact, you might be better than the Chief.
It is an empty praise, but I still feel good.
Wait, I still want to know how you did it.
Brother, I really felt that I was going to become a virgin ghost!
Hey, at least there is someone that likes you nearby.
Oh-Yi and I really was about to depart this world all alone.
Be serious!
Who's the person that likes Hyeop-Bo?
Oh no, Brother, they are just teasing me.
Please, drink some more.
But Brother, how did we get released so easily?
Yeah, I know.
Exactly why did Bae-Mang change his mind?
Besides that, I am more curious about something else.
What?
Brother, it is about Seo So-Neo coming to the camp herself.
The more you think about it, isn't it more amazing?
Facing death and meeting bandits to make a business deal seems to go beyond her duties as a merchant leader.
Exactly what are you trying to say?
What I am trying to say is
that it is impossible that So Seo-No doesn't have feelings for Your Highness.
Isn't that right?
Of course it is!
She didn't do what she did because she was the leader of the merchant group,
but for the person that she likes.
Don't say useless things.
Just drink.
Miss!
I give you my life for you to hold.
Put down your weapons!
They will accompany us to Go San Guk.
What is this?
This is so small!
This is ridiculous!
Good job.
Hey, hey, why is this so small?
That is the situation, so please don't say anything.
What do you mean situation? This is smaller than theirs!
You;re only a rookie here.
What?
You know that we are at war with the Hans.
It is the order of the King!
For the time being, just bear with it!
Those bastards at Han nation, we have to do something!
How can I survive on this?
I can't even get a decent drink out of this!
Our nation is in this state and you are talking about drinking?
Next!
Dang it!
Stop looking at it.
Looking at it won't make it bigger.
For someone who lives on this, there has to be more to live on.
Here. Take it.
What is this?
You said you have a wife to take care of.
Me, I live alone so I can get by in one way or another.
See here Chief?
I really hope that Prince Ju-Mong returns soon.
Chief?
Let go! Let go!
It's mine!
Let go! Let go!
The streets are filled with citizens searching for salt.
There are even reports of fighting among the citizens.
The salt will upturn everything.
If it doesn't and the citizens are not appeased soon, we plead the royal family to correct the situation.
If the situation gets worse,
the citizens misery and complaints will take a turn for the worse,
there will be citizens who will desert BuYeo.
Minister Gong Jong, what kind of nonsense is that?
Prime Minister, please head out to the streets yourself.
Then you will see how serious this situation is!
Sir, it is Oo-Tae.
Come in.
What happened?
Miss, Prince Ju-Mong, and everyone is safe.
I saw them leave Haenin Guk and headed for Go San Guk.
There was nothing else wrong?
No.
We are going to the palace. Get ready.
I understand.
Have you been well?
It has been a awhile.
Due to the situation with Han nation, your worries must be growing.
I apologize for not coming to see you sooner.
What is the reason for this visit?
For the sake of BuYeo and Your Majesty, I would like to be of help.
I would like to give you 2,000 sul worth of salt that my group has in its possession.
If you would do that, I would be thankful, but you are not the type to do business with no profit.
What is it that you want?
If you talk like that, it no longer becomes me helping you, but me doing business.
Even if it is business, it is alright.
Go ahead and speak.
Your Majesty, my wish is to establish a weapons factory at Gyeh Ru.
Please send me someone who is an expertise in this area to help set up the factory.
Alright.
In exchange for the salt for BuYeo, I will give you what you want.
I thank you for your generosity.
I didn't think that that King Geum-Wa would hand over the agreement with us so easily.
It means that he is that desperate.
Have you heard any news about Ju-Mong?
My Lady, please do not worry. His Highness is safe.
Is that true?
Yes.
I heard that he has left Haenin Guk
and is heading toward Go San Guk.
Thank you for your efforts.
In every area, there is a rising number of people who are stealing salt and even those who are becoming criminals.
The soldiers, because they have been receiving small amounts of salt as pay, are wavering in their loyalty.
At this rate, if the Han nation was ever to attack, it will be disastrous.
Anticipating war, there also people who have started to flee the country.
Yeo-Mi-Eul,
please tell us the way to appease the people.
Her Majesty has requested your presence.
I know that the temple is worrying over this matter also.
Did you find a way to appease the people?
I apologize.
It seems that even Yeo-Mi-Eul has not found a solution.
Everytime a difficult problem arose, Yeo-Mi-Eul has been able to tell us a solution,
but is unable to do so this time.
This is a big problem.
At a time like this, Yeo-Mi-Eul and His Majesty are at odds.
Ma Wuh Ri.
Yes, Your Majesty?
It seems as though the relationship between Yeo-Mi-Eul and His Majesty cannot be mended easily.
Both are so stubborn that they will not give in.
You can understand why I wish that you would be the High Priestess.
Your Highness?
BuYeo needs someone who is gentle like you.
I'm afraid Yeo-Mi-Eul is too brash.
I'm afraid that someone will overhear this.
Please stop.
No. Since it has already come out, I must finish what I was saying.
It is not just I who thinks this way.
Prince Dae-so does as well.
After Prince Dae-so becomes the heir to the throne and then king,
he will definitely have you as the new High Priestess.
I must meet with Lady Yoo-Hwa.
I know that you don't feel comfortable seeing me.
But, I asked to see you because I have something that I must tell you.
When I was 12, I came to the palace to start my training as a priestess.
Now that I think about it, I was a child who knew nothing.
Then one day, I met Prince Geum-Wa who had come to the palace.
We fell in love with each other.
But my fate was to be a priestess.
I was not allowed to love a man.
Even now, I gaze at His Majesty not with eyes of a priestess of BuYeo, but as someone who loves him.
Even His Majesty knows this.
But it seems as though he and I have crossed a river that we shouldn't have.
I know that you feel that same way that His Majesty feels right now towards me.
You can probably never forgive me for locking up Hae Mo-Su.
I have only done what I thought as for the best for the nation,
but that has caused unspeakable pain to you.
I can't even ask for your forgiveness.
I know it is rude to say this to you,
but the BuYeo that I have tried so hard to protect
has now become unstable.
It is hard to stop a king that can only see his own way.
His Majesty is like that now.
The only person who can make him see sense is you.
Why do you say he is being stubborn?
Isn't it really you who is being stubborn?
Are you trying to tell me that I should tell his Highness to submit to the demands of Han nation?
I can't do that.
I would have stopped him if he had done that.
It is His Majesty's goal to get rid of Han nation's authority and to free those oppressed by it.
It was also General Hae Mo-Su's dream.
If His Majesty is unable to do so, even through Ju-Mong,
I will help realize the goals and dreams of His Majesty and Hae Mo-Su's.
Your Highness, Lady Yoo-Hwa is here to see you.
Let her in.
Please, sit.
What is it, this late at night?
I know how worried you must be right now.
I can't be any strength to you, but I hope to be of some comfort by coming to see you.
I know BuYeo is going through great difficulties right now,
but if I was to agree talk to the Han nation,
it would not be a compromise but a submission.
I am ready to die with my people.
I will not submit to the Han nation.
I believe in Your Majesty.
Thank you, My Lady.
Excuse me.
I have something to ask.
I heard that there is a salt mountain here.
Do you know where it is?
Hey.
I have something to ask you.
I heard that there is a salt mountain near here.
Do you know where it is?
Excuse me!
Brother, each time they hear the words �salt mountain, they get scared and runs away.
Is there something going on here?
What kind of country is this?
There is not even a single decent village!
Are you sure this is a country?
I don't know if there is a salt mountain.
If there really was a salt mountain,
they wouldn't be living in this poverty.
We overcame our deaths to come here.
If this trip turns out to be worthless, who will shoulder the burden?
What did you find out?
I have been all over the place, but it is the first time I have seen an area so poor.
Miss, as you have seen,
there are so many starving people that they are becoming desperate to do anything.
I think it is best that we return.
Did you find out anything?
We tried, but no one seems to know about the salt mountain.
Brother, it seems that there is no salt mountain.
That cannot be right.
The man from Go San Guk, who came to BuYeo, stated that he had seen the salt mountain.
It didn't seem like that man would lie.
Then how is it possible that not one person in Go San Guk would know about the salt mountain?
It seems that we have to find it ourselves.
I know we need to find the salt, but this is just...
We've been searching and we can't find anything!
Yeah right there is a salt mountain.
Because the country is so small, it is as if we already searched the whole entire nation.
It seems as though you were lied to.
We need to talk.
Have you deceived me?
Deceive you?
I did no such thing!
You haven't? Then what is this?
I was being patient by trusting you people but I can't any longer!
Just where is that salt mountain of yours?
We've come all this way, just be a little more patient.
The salt mountain definitely exists.
Shit.
Just how do you plan on finding something that doesn't exist?
Just how are you going to find this non-existent salt mountain?
Dang it!
The salt mountain exists!
Everyone probably has already realized this,
but Go San Guk is a poor nation and the people living here were dispirited and hungry.
They kept on living this way, believing it was their fate to do so.
But, after the discovery of the salt mountain, the people started to regain their hope.
Everyone felt that the salt mountain would feed them forever.
When I was young, I even mined a salt rock in that salt mountain.
But everything changed after Cho-Yoo-Sung became the Gosan Sorceress.
She believed that the salt mountain was cursed and blocked all the entrances to the mountain.
Ever since then, no one has been able to set foot on the mountain
and the land turned back to being poor.
Is there any way you can go to the salt mountain with us?
Of course.
What do you want from us?
I want nothing.
I lived long enough.
Before I die, I want to give the hope that I once felt back to the people.
I just want to see the starving people to be able to eat their share once more.
It is that, that mountain up ahead.
Did you find out?
Yes.
All the entrances to the mountain are blocked off by soldiers.
How many soldiers are there?
Not that many.
We can definitely take them on.
If we are not planning to go to war, we cannot harm them.
We have to wait until it gets darker and then sneak into the mountain.
Sa-Yong is right.
Let's wait until it gets dark.
Alright.
Here.
It is this cave.
Oh-Yi.
Hold on.
Wait here.
I will go.
He's coming.
This, this is a salt rock.
It's salty! Salty! Brother!
Miss! It really is salt!
Sir! Sir!
Who is the one in charge?
It is I.
Lady, the one who wanted to come to Go San Guk was me.
I will go.
Stop.
The leader of this merchant group is me.
Where are you from?
I am So Seo-No, daughter of Yeon Ta-Bal, leader of Gyeh Ru.
Why did you come to Go San Guk?
I heard that there was a salt mountain here so I came to do business for the salt.
What audacity!
The salt mountain is a revered resource that provides for the people of this country.
Who are you to think that you can do business for something that important?
To me, it seems that right now, the salt mountain is not something revered that provides for the people,
but something harmful that is driving the people to misery!
Silence!
Ever since I was little, I followed the merchant group and saw poor lands.
But I have never seen a country as poor or with people so miserable as Go San Guk.
If you do business with me,
if I can take back Go San Guk's salt,
the people of this country can live well.
How can a priestess, chosen from the Heavens to protect the people, not see the pain of the people?
You are a clever girl.
Sit.
Did you say that your name was So Seo-No?
Yes.
The owner of the salt mountain is not me, nor the people of this country.
There was a time when Go San Guk was in despair because of attacks by bandits.
At the time, Go San Guk came through because of help from Habaek.
I could not forget the kindness so I swore to give the salt mountain to Habaek.
The owner of the salt mountain is someone from Habaek.
Haebak already fell to the Han nation.
I know that.
But somewhere, a descendent of Habaek must exist.
Until I can meet this person, I will protect the salt mountain.
My grandfather was the chief of the Habaek tribe.
The Habaek tribe earned their living by transporting other troops' goods.
Many merchants have associated with the Habaek tribe,
so he probably heard of Gosan's salt from them.
Which one of you is Prince Ju-Mong?
Come out.
Brother!
There's no need to worry.
This person is Prince Ju-Mong.
Ever since Han declared the trade embargo, the BuYeo people are suffering greatly
because the salt flow has been stopped.
Although we have managed to get by with the help of Yoen Ta-Bal, even that has come to its end.
It seems it is time to plan a new course of action.
I have been advised to follow the wishes of Han nation and send them our soldiers,
But this would be like recognizing the tyranny of Han nation.
Instead of sending away our soldiers, we will take them and head to Okjo.
We will attack Okjo and get the salt we need.
General.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will lead the troops myself.
Get ready to leave.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I will lead the war against Okjo.
Please leave it to me.
What about your promise to Yang-Jeong?
Why did you say you will lead the war?
Prime Minister.
Yes, Your Highness?
You should know well that one cannot change Father's mind.
If the war cannot be avoided and if I do well in this war,
won't this be a chance to gain Father's good grace?
I did make a promise to Yang-Jeong,
But I have to become the crown prince of BuYeo, not of Han nation.
It means that the most important thing is to get recognition from Father.
Sir.
What is it?
They say that BuYeo's King Geum-Wa is getting ready to attack Okjo.
What?
That foolish bastard!
Gongsun.
Yes, Sir.
Get the soldiers and get ready to go to Okjo.
I will protect Okjo.
But what about the soldiers that are needed to send to Sonam?
There was never a need for those soldiers.
The only reason why I requested BuYeo's soldiers was to test Geumwa.
Now, hurry up!
Sir!
Hurry! Hurry!
By tonight, we need to make 100 weaponry of each kind!
Chief, chief.
Chief, His Majesty is coming.
The day of departure is not far off.
Is everything alright with the weapons?
Yes, Your Majesty.
We have been preparing night and day.
The outcome of this war is in your hands.
Make sure you finish everything by the time we leave.
Yes, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Hyeon-To City's Yang Jeong has sent soldiers to Okjo!
This is the departure time that High Priestess Yeo-Mi-Eul sends.
The departure day is here.
This war with Okjo is to secure salt
It is no longer a possibility to avoid the Han nation.
We will get rid of the soldiers from Han nation.
Everyone, be prepared to face death!
Your Highness, Prince Ju-Mong requests an audience.
Let him enter.
What is it?
Who is the person with you?
I am So Seo-No, the daughter of Yeon Ta-Bal.
For what reason have you come here together?
Your Highness, please stop the departure to Okjo immediately.
We do not need to go into war with Okjo.
What are you talking about?
I, with So Seo-No and Yeon Ta-Bal's merchant group, have come back from Go San Guk.
In Go San Guk, there is a salt mountain that BuYeo can use.
Your Majesty, BuYeo no longer have to bow to Han nation because of salt.
We can now get as much salt as BuYeo wants.
! ^__^