(This drama is a work of fiction created based on historical facts.)
(Most of the details and depictions of the characters are fictional.)
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
They are here.
The foreign intruders are here.
They...
took His Majesty captive!
What did you say?
- How can this be? - No way.
- They are back? - What do we do?
Is it true?
What do we do?
Your Majesty.
What is going on?
What do we do?
Your Majesty.
(My Dearest)
(Episode 3)
What?
Goodness.
You are here.
We are at war.
Is it all right for us to be doing this?
The foreign intruders have His Majesty,
so they will not reach us just yet.
Today is a very special day.
Have some sweet soft persimmons and get good rest.
You could make love like a proper wedding day.
How can we do that at a time like this?
Young Master.
Why are you so good to me?
Because you deserve it.
The foreign intruders have invaded.
The country is ruined.
The government will be destroyed.
Close the doors.
Hide away, ladies.
Hold a weapon, gentlemen.
Hide away, ladies.
Father.
Please.
Please, Father.
Father.
What is wrong?
What startled you so much...
out there?
So the war broke out in the end.
What will you do?
What will I do? I should flee.
Lee Jang Hyun will flee?
Even I will die if someone wields a sword at me.
By the way, these foreign intruders.
Would they not leave after several days...
like they did ten years ago in the Year of Jeongmyo?
I do not know.
They held His Majesty hostage.
This is different from the situation from ten years ago.
He calls himself the emperor, not the intruder.
A war broke out. How can you smile?
Goodness, it is not as if...
the war will be put to an end if I cry.
Your singing is still the best.
The unparalleled singer, Ryang Eum.
A lark like you appears only once in 10,000 years.
(South Gate)
Did the foreign intruders really surround Namhan Fortress?
Furthermore,
if the intruders are here,
His Majesty should have left for Ganghwa Island.
Why is he at the fortress?
I just got the news from the office.
The enemies passed Pyongyang three days ago...
and arrived at Songdo two days ago.
His Majesty had no time to head to Ganghwa Island...
so he went to Namhan Fortress.
No matter how fast the foreign army was,
how can they break into Hanyang within three days?
Are they not rumors spread by fearmongers?
They are not.
The Yalu River should be frozen right now.
If the foreign cavalry...
headed straight for Hanyang instead of stopping at the fortresses,
it would be more than possible.
A direct attack?
(Direct attack: heading straight for the battle front)
But...
our soldiers are all over Joseon.
Why did they choose to charge deep into the country?
Because their goal is worth the risk.
The king of Joseon.
If the fortress is besieged along with His Majesty,
they would have achieved their goal.
Come and receive His Majesty's orders!
The royal decree is here!
Come and receive His Majesty's orders!
Hear His Majesty's decree!
(Decree: orders by the king for his subjects)
The Great Jin army has intruded our borders.
May the loyal subjects offer your stratagems,
and the brave scholars to join the army...
so as to repay the nation's grace.
As long as we remain courteous,
how can they bear to harm you?
However,
I am not a minister...
and Lord Neungbonggun is not Your Majesty's brother.
If they notice...
How will they recognize a Joseon royal and minister?
And how can you suggest that we comply and send His Majesty's brother?
Were you not held captive by the foreigners in the Year of Gyemi?
I heard that the barbarians took good care of you...
so as not to break your spirit.
We appreciate your help again.
Yes, sir.
Long time no see.
Yes, it has been a while.
Are you...
really the brother of the King of Joseon?
He asks if you are the brother of the King of Joseon.
And the minister?
He asks if you are a minister.
That is right.
Let me ask you once.
Do not lie to me.
Are they...
truly the King's brother and the minister?
Yes.
They are definitely the King's brother and the minister.
You should go back.
Go and tell your King.
That this time...
This time,
he asks for the crown prince as hostage.
You insolent fool!
How dare you mention His Highness?
Your Majesty, you must not comply.
You must not, Your Majesty!
- You must not, Your Majesty! - You must not, Your Majesty!
Who are you, young master?
If you truly insist,
will you...
kiss me on the lips today?
What is going on?
We should hurry.
His Majesty has been held captive.
Our mighty ruler...
is fervently calling for those righteous ones.
Dear people of Joseon,
the time has come for you to step up to your duty.
Let us save His Majesty.
Show the whole world...
the power of your loyalty!
He has a nice voice.
He would have made a great singer.
Have you ever seen a noble pick up singing?
It is only for the lowly.
Then do you want to learn from me?
We are both lowly.
What?
Why do you keep crying, my lady?
Seeing you cry makes me tear up too.
It is nothing.
And what is wrong with that girl?
Why are you crying?
What is your business?
I just wanted to know why you are crying.
Show the whole world...
the power of your loyalty!
Seems like he is shouting at the top of his lungs to gather volunteers.
Of course.
Young Master Yeon Jun is not like some coward who only thinks of escaping.
My.
How did you know I was planning to evacuate?
Your ugly face tells me so.
No matter what happens to the country,
you only care for your own well-being.
I sure have great discernment.
Those with quick wit are worthy of becoming my people...
If you are burning with passion, come out!
If your heart is full of loyalty, step up!
I shall do it!
Is there anyone else?
- I will join too! - Me too!
- Yes!
- I am joining! - Me too!
Hey. You stay behind.
Why?
Let me join too!
How brave!
What about you?
I am...
I...
have no thoughts of joining the volunteer army.
Oh, goodness.
Look at his morals.
That is enough.
It is voluntary.
We are asking people to step forward out of loyalty.
It is not an obligation.
If you are not healthy enough to fight...
My body is perfectly healthy.
However, I have something to ask.
The King fled, abandoning his people.
Why...
should the people save him?
Why?
We are saving the root of our nation.
Fleeing at the first sense of danger.
Is that what the nation's root does?
- You good-for-nothing fool! - How dare he?
How could he say that?
What is wrong with him?
We need to do our best to...
I do not get it at all.
You do your best and save your King.
My goodness...
Even the snotty kid raised his hand to volunteer to fight.
I am so very impressed.
It is winter, so I am most worried about their clothes.
Shall we donate ten geun of cotton wool each...
to make padded clothes?
That is a great idea.
I will make padded clothes for Young Master Jun Jeol,
and on the ribbon tie, I will embroider my name.
On the inside of Young Master Dae Ho's,
I will sew a talisman wrapped in a cloth.
- To keep him alive? - No.
To make sure his gaze does not wander.
My gosh. There is a talisman for that?
I will also embroider my name on Young Master Yeon Jun's...
Will you really flee?
While everyone else fights?
Yes.
That is my favorite jacket. Fold it carefully.
My goodness.
If you were born a man, you should ride a horse into battle...
and wield a sword.
You, fool. Do you think battles are fun?
It is about punishing the wicked.
Do you think the foreigners intruded because they are wicked?
They invaded another nation and are stabbing people to death.
Is that what good people do?
- They are not good either. - Right.
Anyway,
if all men join the righteous army,
who will be left here?
Well,
the old, the kids, and the women.
This will not do.
Wait here.
Where are you going? Jang...
Goodbye.
- Be in touch. - I will.
It is freezing cold.
Bye.
- Be safe. - Okay.
My lady.
We meet again.
You have not fled yet?
I will soon.
Why not...
flee with me?
My goodness.
If we head south, far from the fortress...
I will not flee.
You can run as fast as you can.
They could die.
The righteous army.
You be careful so as not to break your nose...
falling backward as you flee.
Dignified Young Master Yeon Jun will defeat the intruders...
Have you seen the barbarians?
- Well... - No.
They have never reached this far south.
What do you know...
about them?
They drink warm blood and eat raw flesh of animals,
and men and women eat and sleep huddled together.
I heard they are uncivilized.
Are they not?
They do ingest the blood and flesh of animals.
But...
have you not heard they are warriors well-trained enough...
to eat and sleep on running horses?
They are clumsy farming folk,
and most cannot tell paper from writing.
However,
though they cannot read,
they can kill, and well.
Your oh-so-great Young Master Yeon Jun?
He who spent most of his days reading at a desk,
and whose heart breaks for his nation.
That Young Master Yeon Jun.
I think highly of his loyalty,
but do you think he can even touch the hair on a barbarian's head?
Oh, no.
Against the barbarian warriors who are expert killers.
Do you think he will survive?
Come on!
Fight!
Though they cannot read,
they can kill, and well.
Against the barbarian warriors who are expert killers.
Do you think he will survive?
My lady.
Why are you here?
Are the preparations going well?
Yes.
The weapons are rusty and we are stiff,
so we will leave after a few days of training.
But we are in need of armor and horses.
Do not join the army.
What?
The Qing warriors.
They are skilled killers.
One throw of their lance from horseback...
can skewer five or six men.
You chose to read and study instead of shooting arrows.
Too kindhearted to even kill a bird.
In battle, face-to-face with the barbarians, you will clearly...
I could die.
But His Majesty is locked up in Namhan Fortress.
All the people of Joseon can do...
is live as a coward...
or die with pride.
But...
We have to stop them.
The Qing army are fast and cruel,
- and bookish young scholars... - Are no match for them.
You know the young master could die...
and did not deter him?
Fighting is not done with just strength.
Young Master Yeon Jun is a passionately loyal strategist.
Are the barbarians not strategic...
and are they not loyal to their master?
Young Master Yeon Jun studied and trained...
his whole life to be a loyal subject.
How could he ignore his nation's plight?
A loyal subject? Yes, that is all great.
It is good to serve the people and King.
I do not care if the King lives or dies.
Gil Chae.
But...
when I think of the young masters getting shot through the heart...
and bones broken by spears...
Will you let him die?
Yes.
You are right.
Young Master Yeon Jun could die.
I might never see him again.
Yes. That is it.
You are doing the right thing.
What are they saying?
Yes.
The conversation must have gone well.
Eun Ae.
Gil Chae.
Yes. Did the talk go well?
Does it mean Young Master Yeon Jun will not go to the...
Young Master said...
we will wed before he departs for the battle.
What?
You will wed?
You were right.
Young Master might not return,
and I cannot let him go without tying a knot.
Thank you.
What do I do?
Stop crying.
Your eyes will get ugly if you cry too much.
They will not actually wed, will they?
If Young Master Yeon Jun decides to do it, he will do it.
No.
It is Lady Eun Ae who takes action once she sets her heart to do something.
I am ruined.
I am completely ruined.
So why did you bother encouraging Lady Eun Ae...
Shut it.
I wanted him not to go to war.
I did not want him to wed Eun Ae.
Why Eun Ae though?
Why did he choose Eun Ae over me?
You are being too...
Too what?
You know it better than anyone.
Men do not care for the fish they have already caught,
and they easily get tired of the woman chasing after them.
Right. You are right.
Right?
So stop obsessing over Young Master Yeon Jun...
Young Master Yeon Jun has never...
even considered the idea that I might become someone else's wife.
That is it.
If...
I were to become someone else's wife,
he would realize his feelings...
and finally confess...
that he only loves me.
Then I would pretend to resist and help him get up while saying,
"I also love you."
My lady!
What?
My lady.
Why did you want to see me?
Are you ready to leave for the militia?
Yes.
With this hand, I will chop the enemy's head and present it to you, Lady Gil Chae.
Oh, my goodness.
I do not wish to hear such a gruesome thing.
I am sorry.
But you fighting the enemy...
is truly reassuring, is it not?
Thank you.
No,
I should thank you.
But...
it is truly disheartening.
What? What is?
I believe the elders of our families have talked about us many years ago.
That we would make good spouses to each other.
That is simply what the elders desire.
There is no way you would care for someone as dumb as me.
I heard Young Master Yeon Jun plans to wed Eun Ae before leaving...
to show his love for her.
You are so insensitive.
My lady.
- Goodness. Thank you. - Thank you.
Thank you.
Goodness.
Eat a lot.
Eat a lot, boy.
Heavens!
Soon, this unworthy man is leaving soon...
to rescue His Majesty.
Before leaving,
I have just one wish.
Come on, Boy.
You should not worry about us.
Right.
What?
Lady Gil Chae.
Please marry me.
What?
My lady.
Young Master, how can you do that when so many people are present?
It is because my heart is proud...
and unashamed under the sun.
If someone asks what the best thing I have done in my life is,
I will say it is the courage I showed today.
Boy!
Why would you behave so disgracefully in the presence of so many people?
- Father! - Gosh.
This is my one and only wish.
I might die in the battlefield.
Will you ignore my wish?
- Goodness. - Oh, my goodness.
- Wait. - Wait.
My goodness.
That was beautiful.
- They look good together. - They do.
Please marry me.
What? Marry him?
You are marrying in a fit of anger?
What does that matter to you?
That naive Young Master Soon Yak may have proposed to you...
very loudly for no good reason.
Will Young Master Yeon Jun really change his mind because of that?
You see, Young Master Yeon Jun is...
a practical man.
He might have pretended to be shaken by you,
but he has no intention of marrying you.
Do you know why?
He cannot handle a woman like you whose reputation is not so great.
He is too fragile...
to handle someone like you.
What?
Young Master Yeon Jun is practical and fragile?
You are the one who packed up to flee to save yourself.
Young Master Yeon Jun is risking his life...
for his people and his King, and yet you belittle him.
Speak Young Master Yeon Jun's name...
with that wretched mouth of yours,
and I will turn that stone-like face of yours...
into dust.
Dust? That is a bit too harsh, is it not?
What? Young Master Yeon Jun is practical and fragile?
I have a bad reputation?
Well, your reputation is not exactly pristine.
Even so.
You are so strange, My lady.
When Young Master Jang Hyun speaks to you,
you react to every word he says.
When other young masters bother you,
you do not let them get near you.
When did I?
I have never done that.
Gosh.
Gil Chae.
Do you plan to wed Young Master Soon Yak?
I do not know.
Actually, I thought you had...
feelings for another one.
Me?
Who?
On the day of the 60th wedding anniversary party,
we were all shocked at the news of the war that just broke out.
We did.
Do you know who you first looked at as soon as you heard that?
What?
Well, I do not remember...
I thought that you had feelings for him.
Actually, I set this meeting up at Young Master Soon Yak's request.
He will be here soon.
Usually, the wedding date should be decided upon carefully.
However, that is not possible with so much unrest.
So I would like to ask, Gil Chae.
Do you intend...
to marry Young Master Soon Yak before he leaves for the army?
Well, since he is...
the groom my parents chose for me...
My lady.
In that case,
shall we have our weddings together?
What do you think?
I would love that.
My lady.
How cruel.
This is so cruel.
Wipe your tears.
Your skin will crumble if you dry it in the cold wind.
Are you that upset about Yeon Jun getting married?
We are about to lose the country and the King,
- but that is what makes you sad? - Yes.
For me, this is sadder than losing the country.
In fact, war and death do not scare or faze me!
Death does not scare or faze you, I see.
You are hopeless.
In that case, how about stopping them from getting married?
I am upset because I cannot stop them no matter what I try!
Do you need my help?
My lady.
What will you do for me if I help you?
As if you can.
Stop teasing me and leave.
Just go!
I heard that you have problems getting armor and weapons.
The weapons we procured ten years ago during the invasion...
are old and rusty.
Although they are being mended...
I can help.
I have armor and weapons that I bought months ago.
You stocked up on weapons?
Call it a merchant's intuition.
Since I trade with foreigners,
I knew that something big would happen soon.
To join the battlefield,
the people would have to buy their own weapons and armor.
I knew that this would be a great business.
You are a member of the gentry...
yet you are blinded by money.
How can you think of gaining wealth...
when the country is in trouble?
What a materialistic fool!
Enough.
We are the ones in debt.
We have not even paid you back for the rice you gave the school.
Is there also a condition this time?
Since you provided rice in return for your school admission,
you must also have a condition this time.
Now...
we are talking.
Before the voluntary troops leave,
I heard that many are rushing to get married.
What do you think of postponing the weddings?
If you were to die on the battlefield...
Are you done?
I thought you were going to war.
Are you not prepared to sacrifice your life?
For men,
remarrying after their wives die...
would cause no consequences to their children.
But if widowed women were to remarry,
(Remarry: when women have a second marriage)
their children's past would be shamed upon...
and they cannot rise up the ranks.
Therefore,
a widowed man may continue living his life...
but a widowed woman's life...
will stop with the death of her husband.
Please spare a thought for the futures of Neunggun-ri ladies.
They were raised with love and care.
Do you plan to...
drive their futures off the edge of a cliff?
Lady Gil Chae.
I am leaving soon.
Before that,
I decided on something...
as I cherish you so much.
What have you decided on?
I will not marry you.
What?
A widowed man may continue living his life...
but a widowed woman's life...
will stop with the death of her husband.
As such, all of us Neunggun-ri men...
have decided not to get married before we leave.
By all, you mean...
Therefore, I will...
My lady.
Lady Gil Chae!
But Young Master, I...
I misjudged Lee Jang Hyun.
It seems like he is a very thoughtful man.
But...
Instead,
I will keep you in my heart.
It is all right.
At least they are not getting married.
That is good enough.
Call for Young Master Soon Yak.
Again? What for?
My lady.
Jong Jong is looking.
Oh, right.
In Neunggun-ri, you are the best archer...
and you are great with the sword, right?
Are you not the bravest one in our village?
Well, I...
Eun Ae...
is very concerned that Young Master Yeon Jun could get hurt.
I would like you to,
for Eun Ae's sake,
stay close to Young Master Yeon Jun.
If you were to shield him with your broad shoulders...
My lady.
My friend Eun Ae would be pleased,
and so would I.
Then...
Then what?
When you return, the two of us...
The two of us?
- Without Jong Jong. - Without Jong Jong?
I will do that.
You have my word.
Goodbye.
- My lady. - Bye.
Is he leaving or what?
Jong Jong.
He will not marry, right?
Are you following me around?
Do you have anything for me?
Say, a token of gratitude?
What nonsense is that?
Do you still think...
I am a shallow, cowardly, ugly rock?
Do you think...
asking repeatedly will turn a rock into gold?
If I were to do something to protect the people,
would I seem less ugly?
To Young Master Soon Yak,
you promised something in return for protecting Young Master Yeon Jun.
Something about being without Jong Jong.
You eavesdropped?
Here is a suggestion.
If I assist in protecting the people,
and if I am lucky enough to come back alive,
then...
allow me to kiss your precious lips.
Well done.
That is what to do.
After we leave,
if you come across a barbarian,
chase him away by doing what you just did.
Goodbye.
On this day,
I take to the stand to take a vow with the people.
I swear...
to defeat the intruders who trespass on our land!
May Joseon stand forever!
May our land thrive forever!
Did I eat too many ginseng candies this morning?
Why is my heart racing?
Yours too?
Mine too.
Men.
He asked last night if I would look upon him with favor...
if he were to protect the people.
He decided to join the fight to impress me.
As if I care for him.
What a fool.
Will you join the army?
No.
I am about to flee.
- He is fleeing with that armor? - Look at him.
- Of course. - I knew it.
Oh, this armor?
I am wearing it for fear of...
meeting the Qing army on the road.
I will return.
Stay safe and be brave.
- Please do not worry about me. - Be safe.
I wish I could come with you.
My gosh. Not one person will bid us farewell.
Who would shed a tear for someone who chooses to run?
I will return.
- Stay safe. - I will.
They say a gift from a woman...
will keep you alive.
We are fleeing, not fighting.
That is just as scary.
Oh, dear.
I am out of things to give.
Let me see.
Who could you ask?
Soon Yak!
Soon Yak.
Just a moment.
Do not forget...
our promise.
Do not worry. I will guard Yeon Jun...
I am talking about you.
Do not get hurt, okay?
Me, you mean?
Do not worry.
I will not lose a single hair.
Soon Yak.
Father.
- Hi. - Gil Chae.
Do you not have something for Young Master Jang Hyun?
What?
Oh, I see.
I have nothing to give a rock on the run.
I have something for you.
Take it.
What a common trick.
Do you give a dagger to every woman you meet?
Forget it.
Keep it.
And do me a favor.
Over there.
If you see smoke from the top of that mountain,
promise to flee.
Why should we flee when the young masters fight for us?
Also, do you think it is an easy feat for a whole village to flee?
Some are heavily pregnant...
Then flee on your own.
I care not for the others.
You promised.
What did she give you?
She said she had nothing to give me.
But I thank you.
You treated this wanderer so well.
You did our village a great favor.
And also,
we might become quite close.
What do you mean?
You like Gil Chae.
No.
Not at all.
Gil Chae and I grew up together.
I know Gil Chae well.
I might know her better than she knows herself.
I know who Gil Chae has feelings for.
Do you know how I came to know that?
Ladies...
No, every person does it.
It is like a child looking for his mother.
Whenever you face danger,
you look for the person you can rely on.
On the day of the 60th wedding anniversary party, when the news of war broke out,
I found myself looking at Young Master Yeon Jun.
And I saw who Gil Chae was looking.
Be safe.
Make sure you return.
Gil Chae and I both will wait for you.
- Be safe. - Take care.
We will wait for you.
- Be safe. - Make sure you return.
Be safe.
Take care.
You must return.
Please come back.
Even the armor looks so good on Young Master Yeon Jun.
It is the armor Jang Hyun gave him.
- What? - His condition was most absurd though.
What condition?
He told Young Master Yeon Jun not to wed Eun Ae before leaving.
You are saying...
they did not wed all because of Young Master Jang Hyun?
That is it.
He does not want others to get married...
because he does not believe in marriage.
Stop them from getting married.
Do you need my help?
Do you know who you first looked at as soon as you heard that?
Did I...
look at that stone?
What are you thinking about?
On the day of Grandpa Song Chu's 60th wedding anniversary party,
did you see who Lady Gil Chae looked...
as soon as she heard the news of the war?
They...
took His Majesty captive!
She looked at Young Master Yeon Jun.
I knew it.
Look.
You are from Neunggun-ri.
Yes. We received His Majesty's decree.
Our departure got delayed for several days because of the armor.
- We apologize. - It is all right.
I have been trying to understand the state of things.
Look.
His Majesty is over there.
We are very close by,
but His Majesty has no clue that we have stationed here.
We will let him know now.
Yes, sir.
Your Majesty, I am an officer from the Propaganda Office.
Come in.
Your Majesty,
they have fired flaming arrows.
The royal forces have arrived.
(Geunwangbyeong: The army loyal to the king and the royal family)
His Majesty is waiting at Namhan Fortress,
vomiting blood and waiting for us to rescue him.
The name of the man who dies for His Majesty...
will be recorded in history and remembered for generations.
So do not fear.
Do not be afraid.
If we die today, we will be saving His Majesty,
Joseon, and the government.
As soon as the day breaks tomorrow,
we will hit the Qing that have besieged Namhan Fortress...
and take His Majesty to Ganghwa Island.
With your hands,
with your swords, will you rescue His Majesty?
Ambush!
It is an ambush!
Make sure you stay behind me.
Hey!
When I saw you drawing the sword,
I thought you were finally going to go take down the enemies.
Yet you are just peeling persimmons.
You are back.
What happened?
It is just as you predicted.
Goodness.
The royal forces of General Jung Se Gyu...
ran into the foreign intruders on the way to Namhan Fortress,
and they were brutally defeated.
Did they not say the young masters of Neunggun-ri...
were going to General Jung too?
Anyway, the ones up there should fight and make a decision.
They would not come all the way down here.
I heard some of the intruders from Great Jin...
are Mongolian soldiers.
Mongolian soldiers are different.
Different? How so?
Han people and Manchu people follow Kahn's strict order.
The Mongolians have another reason for joining this war.
What is that?
Wealth and women.
Young Master.
(My Dearest)
I hear the horses. They are coming.
I will bring them.
Go up the mountain and raise the smoke signal.
Do not take the boat.
Another way...
We have to go another way.
The Mongol army has come to loot the Joseon people.
We just need to get past that mountain.
Take your kids and run! Hurry!
Where are you now?
I am scared and tired.
On this day,
nothing happened to us.
I have to catch these punks.
(Subtitles are provided by KOCOWA.)