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[Episode 44]
By any chance, does your critical move have anything to do with this?
Yi Bang Won!
Why don't you take my critical move?
Teacher.
How can Zhu Yuanzhang make such an absurd claim?
Yes, sire. Lord Sambong had nothing to do with the document to Ming!
The order to transfer Lord Sambong is preposterous!
How could this...
This is of Ming with treacherous intention.
Were you able to find out about Prince Jeongan's presence in Ming?
Prince Jeongan met with King of Yan, Zhu Di, on his trip in Liaodong
and Zhu Di wrote a letter to the Emperor for him.
Prince Jeongan must be still connected to Moomyung, right?
He has no reason to go out of his way to cut it off.
The assimilation policy towards the Jurchen
has made Ming uncomfortable so far.
Moreover, you have the military power.
That's why they aimed at me?
This is presumed to be a collaboration among Prince Jeongan, Ming, and Moomyung.
That is why you should not go there.
Sire, you should never let Sambong go to Ming.
My Queen, don't be concerned about state affairs.
Focus only on your fast recovery.
Sire, please promise me...
that you would never let Sambong...
It will never happen. Don't worry.
Before I left for Ming
I asked you to "hold honey in the mouth and hide sword in the stomach."
This time, we should use "the sword in the stomach" that has been prepared.
Yes. I had Scholar Jo Mal Saeng whom you spoke of admitted to Sungkyunkwan.
What's with "the sword in the stomach"? And who is Jo Mal Saeng?
Is that really someone's name?
Sire, I will take out my sword at a more critical moment.
Yes, please take an active role in the government this time.
Then I will use my tongue this time.
May we see your sword that you have prepared this time?
Since Poeun, he has become the scholar with the most followers.
Bring him in.
You are...
I am Scholar Kwon Geun of the Office of Royal Decrees and State Records.
He was a follower of Lord Lee Saek! He was his student!
How could Lord Yangchon...
You must not have good feelings about me
because of the incident with Teacher Poeun.
Why do you wish to follow me?
I have no way of knowing the way things occur differently from the books.
Also, you are not someone worthy of my respect.
However, since the big goal is currently with you
I am here right now, biting down to endure the moment.
The big goal...
What is the big goal of mine?
First, I am against the ruling by the Prime Minister.
I believe strong royal power must be established
for the country to take the right course.
Second, if you can promise me the future...
please consider Teacher Poeun's resentment and praise his integrity.
I will do that, Lord Yangchon.
I will not send anyone to Ming.
I will not accept any more of Ming's requests!
However, sire...
That should not happen, sire.
Please send Sambong Jung Do Jeon.
What do you mean?
Lord Sambong had nothing to do with the document
so why do you ask to send him away?
Yes, he has nothing to do with it.
This matter doesn't come from the document to Ming.
It comes from small misunderstandings between the two countries.
"Misunderstandings"?
What misunderstandings?
It is Ming's insecurity and misunderstanding
over our repair of the northern border.
If it is not, why would Lord Sambong
who has military authority, be called upon?
And?
It is only Ming's small misunderstanding.
So if he goes there in person and provides a good explanation
it may become a good opportunity to recover from the situation.
He is right, sire.
If we don't send anyone...
it will only aggravate the relationship of the two countries.
Sire, it cannot happen! If Lord Sambong goes to Ming
there is a high possibility that he will be detained!
He is right!
It is impossible to give away someone with military authority as a hostage!
However, if we insist on not sending anyone...
people will also consider Lord Sambong
as someone who abandons the country's safety to protect only himself!
To give someone who cares for trivial matters the military power--
- What? He cares for trivial matters? - Everyone!
We are in the palace with His Majesty!
How can you speak of such a thing?
Then what is your opinion?
It is surely an unfair demand.
But it is also true that this important diplomatic matter should not be ignored.
What do you mean?
Do you not agree or disagree with anyone?
Your Highness.
What you said that night...
Is it still valid?
I said, I would like to be put to use by you.
Would you like to use me?
Yes.
But, wait.
It's someone else's turn today.
Your Majesty.
I will go to Ming.
If I don't take responsibility as the one who corrected the document
I will not be fulfilling my duty as a retainer.
But something may happen to you.
It is the responsibility of someone who works on the state affairs.
So I will accompany Lord Sambong and go to Ming.
I will do my best to serve Lord Sambong
so that he can explain the situation clearly.
Please allow me!
Lord Sambong keeps getting pushed to the corner.
At this point, it will be tough for him
not to go without losing his face and dignity.
What will you do, Sambong?
Scholar Kwon Geun volunteered to go to Ming.
But Lord Sambong is holding out without saying anything.
My goodness!
He should volunteer to go before anyone else.
But he didn't even show up to the meeting.
That's what I mean. Lord Sambong should take the lead and resolve the matter!
Lord Ha Ryoon was speaking with such excitement!
I have never seen Ha Ryoon speaking with such enthusiasm.
He is infamous for looking over his shoulder
and not speaking at all in the meeting.
You have to endure this.
You should never say that you will go to Ming.
Sir, in front of the palace...
In the spirit of the Confucius scholar
Lord Sambong should go to Ming and resolve this matter!
Please send Sambong to Ming!
Even Teacher Yangchon, who was not mentioned by Ming, volunteered himself.
So how could Lord Sambong not say a word?
Sire, please send Sambong!
- Sire, please send Sambong to Ming! - Sire, please send Sambong to Ming!
How could they do this?
Sir, it is not worth watching this.
Let us go!
Please allow me!
I will go to Ming!
- You may not. - Sire!
I said, you may not go!
However, sire!
You must be a human being after all.
What would you mean by that?
It must be difficult to endure.
The criticism that you are trying to save yourself...
It must be more humiliating than death as a Confucius scholar.
You must feel like you want to quit everything.
That is how I also felt.
After Poeun died, what did you tell me?
"You have to endure this. You have to get through this!"
I endured all of the people's criticism.
I hung Poeun's head up high and announced that he was a traitor!
You said, in order to take responsibility...
I had to endure all of them!
So you should also endure it.
You have to endure the criticism that you're a cowardly, petty person.
Anyone can choose to go to Ming.
But for a choice by someone at your status
you should not be giving in to criticisms like this!
It is obvious logic to try to increase our power after founding a new country.
In the end, it is a power struggle between
the new countries of Ming and Joseon.
Isn't that right?
- It is only fair. - That's why you have to endure it!
Are you not going to answer me?
Your Majesty, I am grateful.
I will honor Your Majesty's wish and endure this!
However...
this matter will not pass only because I endure it.
Mal Saeng!
Have you been well?
Have you been healthy as well, sire?
- Then I will see you at home. - Yes, sire.
Are you involved in this matter in any way?
That student?
Yes. I ordered him to do it.
Ming pointed at me for the one who wrote the document.
What capability do I have to direct actions from Ming?
Aren't you overestimating me?
Now that you have been cornered, you seem to imagine absurdity.
Then...
To see you deny it so...
You must know that this should not be done.
Am I wrong?
A powerful retainer who has a country
in his grasp and controls it as he pleases...
I did talk about him with the retainers of Ming.
Because of your personal greed for power--
What you do is politics and what I do is... personal greed?
What I did was diplomacy.
The one who invited tension with Ming... was you, Lord Sambong.
You said you were going to establish a new country to prevent war and famine.
But you held military training sessions all the time!
That provoked Ming!
The relationship we form with Ming now
will determine at least the next hundred years.
Diplomacy is about the sword and wealth.
There are times to take out the sword and there are times to take out wealth.
Diplomacy is about creating that flow.
You are acting to break that flow.
Isn't this a trick not to have private soldiers taken away after all?
Was the word "diplomacy" mentioned to cover up the personal greed?
Do you not have personal greed?
Everyone has his own personal greed.
And there is a big goal based on personal greed.
In the end, the winner's personal greed becomes the big goal.
Then...
I lost this time.
What? You lost?
I lost from your fatal move.
However, I have not made my critical move yet.
It bothers me that you are watching.
Even if it bothers you, it is my job to watch you, sire.
You were confident when you set fire to Doomoon-dong.
Even when you killed Lord Poeun. So... what bothers you now?
At the time, I didn't want to light the fire.
But you were confident without any shame or any hesitation.
That's what I liked about you, sire.
I got it. I will finish it quickly.
Scholars Kwon Geun, Jung Tak, and Noh In Do of the Office of Royal Decrees
will go to Nanjing.
What about Sambong?
There will be much resistance, so why...
Sire, if Lord Sambong who was summoned by Ming does not go
what explanation can be given?
You are right.
Your Majesty...
Chief of Personnel, Minister of Finance, Chair of the Assembly, Prime Minister
Commander of the Royal Guards...
I will step down from all government posts!
Since I unloaded all of the authorities I held
I believe there will be no more misunderstanding from Ming.
Please allow me!
Do as you wish.
They have already agreed to this.
He resigned?
Lord Sambong stepped down from all of his government posts?
He did. He even gave up the military power.
This is a little strange.
What on earth do Lord Sambong and His Majesty have in mind?
I still have not made my critical move yet.
You should go to the palace right away.
My Queen...
- Sire... - My Queen...
Gather your strength.
Doctor, do something!
Sire, please take my life.
Where is Prince Jeongan? Is Prince Jeongan here yet?
Sire...
Our Crown Prince...
Please protect him.
Prince Jeongan.
Come... closer.
Mother...
Mother.
If you were disappointed by me...
leave it all behind.
What is there for me to be disappointed of?
Please protect... my Crown Prince.
Please... this is my last wish.
Mother!
Please don't worry.
My Queen... My Queen!
Mother!
Mother... Mother...
Mother! Mother!
[Banchon]
Will people come when the royal funeral is over?
They should! The royal funeral is over tomorrow.
Moo Hyool! Moo Hyool!
Stop working for Prince Jeongan now!
You're saying that again? I will be back.
That kid!
I'm getting nervous.
Prince Jeongan and Lord Sambong seem to be getting worse.
I feel like we're getting closer though.
Stop with your bullshit!
Eun Ho, go home with Myung first.
Yes, Aunt. Let's go.
Why are you coming out from there?
Do you know whose storage room this is?
This is my grandmother's.
Yes, I see.
But why do you ask?
It's nothing.
Minister of the Left has a heavy responsibility.
While I am away, take good care of the state affairs.
Yes, sire.
Please don't worry. I wish for your comfort in body and mind on this trip.
Please stay healthy on this long journey.
I will.
What about Sambong's whereabouts?
Not yet, sire.
Where on earth is he and what is he doing?
Why are you so nervous these days?
I don't know why I am this way either.
What is Moomyung doing?
I told them to look for Sambong!
His Majesty has left the capital
and Lord Sambong is nowhere to be found!
You must know something.
No, I don't know where he is either.
It's been a while since he resigned!
Just where is Lord Sambong and what is he doing?
Why are you so worried about Sambong?
Sambong left after he resigned from all posts!
Does he have any land or private soldiers?
Even if he tries to reform the military system when he comes back, it won't work!
He couldn't do it even with eight posts.
Sambong will find a more powerful way.
What way? Would you have any way?
Still, whatever it is.
If I were him... Of course, in the beginning...
It can't be!
- Black spies? - Yes.
About ten girls presumed to be black spies
got on the ship to go to Ming from Byeokrando.
Also, about a dozen black spies were seen crossing Amnok River.
As for tracking Jung Do Jeon
we failed to track him because of Hwasadan and Lee Bang Ji's interference.
Sambong must be directing the black spies' actions.
It's been a while since Yeon Hee was last seen.
Moogook, we received a message from Shenyang.
What is it?
What method would Sambong use?
Never mind. It's nonsense.
Sambong is different from me.
I will make a move even with a 30 percent chance.
Yes, I know.
You stamped the seal on the Border Stabilization Plan...
But for Sambong, with his personality and his status...
he will make a move when he has at least a 70 percent chance.
Then what is it?
If I were him...
I would start a war to reform the military system.
But for Sambong...
I need to check on something.
By the way, Lady Chungju at Ok's house...
She is very quiet and keeps to herself.
But she seems to know Moo Hyool.
She does?
Ma'am, someone came to see you.
The red envelope... that your member stole from Sambong in Kanggye...
Why...
Did you see it?
Did you see what was written on it?
As someone who lives in Banchon
I cannot tell you about any political matters.
I am not asking about the content.
As a leader who needs to stay neutral
of course you wouldn't be able to tell me that.
Then...
I am asking if you saw the content or not.
You can at least tell me that much.
The envelope was sealed.
If I had ripped it open, it would've been obvious.
I did not open it.
Resealing an open envelope...
is not a hard thing to do.
- Thank you. - Pardon?
We are still the same.
I am still thankful...
and you still can't fool me.
You saw the content in the envelope.
Think whatever you want. I did not see it.
Bang Won is coming back.
I am a little afraid.
These will be very dangerous weapons for both of you.
Boon Yi read it.
She knew what the contents were when she called it a dangerous weapon.
But if it was about building friendship with the Jurchen
it couldn't have been a dangerous weapon.
In that envelope, there was a secret promise beyond it.
Was that really it?
But my question still remains.
Moo Hyool, get my horse ready.
Yes.
Where are you headed?
To the place where Father is.
- Did you find out? - Yes.
My "sword in the stomach" is by His Majesty's side.
Lee Sook Beon is sending me messages.
But why...
Hojung...
If Sambong is planning to attack Liaodong
in order to get rid of private soldiers...
Pardon?
Prince Jeongan met with the leader and asked about some red envelope.
[Jung Do Gwang (Jung Do Jeon's brother)] A red envelope?
Isn't it a secret pledge? How did Prince Jeongan...
That's right...
If he conquers Liaodong
it will be easy to abolish private soldiers.
If people don't follow the military order to go to war
it will be considered treason.
So they have no choice but to send private soldiers.
Moreover...
the government of Goryeo did not have the ability
to support the private soldiers.
That's why they had to return the soldiers
back to powerful noblemen after the war.
Yes!
But finance of this country is strong now.
They won't return the soldiers...
but absorb them into the central military.
But...
It does not make sense.
In order to abolish private soldiers
he will go conquer Liaodong?
Yes. That's why the question still remains.
Going to war against Ming doesn't even stand a 30 percent chance.
Of course not.
Sambong is not that reckless...
But what would be the secret promise with Moenpa?
That's why... that's why I am losing my mind!
I have to go see Father.
He must be in touch with Sambong.
Your Highness!
- What if it is a fake card? - A fake card?
In order to abolish private soldiers
what if Sambong is holding a fake card called "Liaodong Conquest"?
He can pretend to go conquer Liaodong, then he can stop.
And the secret promise with Moenpa is a trick to hide that fake card.
When the soldiers returned from Wihwa Island
we couldn't even cross Amnok River, with forces were united.
If this is Sambong's fatal move...
we will have to take it without any defense.
Here you are, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
How did you know about His Majesty's destination?
I came because I was worried.
How is Father doing?
His Majesty encourages people working on construction during the day
and he prays all night.
Father, this is Prince Jeongan!
His Majesty ordered us not to let anyone in.
Step aside!
Sir, we found where Jung Do Jeon is!
So, where is he?
It is close to here. He is in Gaegyeong.
- He is in Manwoldae. - What? Manwoldae?
Ddang Sae.
It's been a long time. You've gone through a lot.
You must have had a tough time with Lord Sambong.
What happened to your foot?
It's not a big deal.
It's fine.
I went everywhere...
What about Lord Sambong?
He will be here soon.
Do you like this work that much?
It's just...
we are doing it together.
That's what I like about it.
I completed the assignment you gave me and returned just now, sir.
It has been a while.
You have gone through a lot.
You and the black spies of Hwasadan have gone through a lot.
Now, from Amnok River, Dooman River, and even to Sanaegwan...
all of the preparation is perfect.
Yes, we have also identified all supply routes and march routes.
We also checked on the cooperation with the Jurchen again.
All fortresses, arms and weapons
military personnel, and the quality of supplies...
- All of them are in good condition. - I see.
It is the beginning now.
Step aside!
Father!
Where is Father?
It has been a long time, Sambong.
For me, Jung Do Jeon, to see Your Majesty again...
I cannot begin to explain how delighted I am.
I am also very glad to see you.
Yes, General Lee Ji Ran.
You humiliated me!
Tell me the truth. Where is Father?
I only follow His Majesty's order.
How dare you?
I cannot give you any answer.
He must have gone to see Sambong.
It must be. He must have gone to meet with Sambong in secret.
Moo Hyool, let's go.
Sambong must be with Father.
He will take out a fake card called "Liaodong Conquest"
and speak of abolishing private soldiers.
Your Highness!
I did not know either.
Choon Gil even fooled me and plotted this!
I don't doubt you.
Where did General Lee Ji Ran go?
Considering the circumstances, he must have accompanied him.
You should go back. I will contact you again.
Yes, sire.
Where would you like to go?
I don't know...
What should I do?
Your Highness, in front!
The elders would like to see you urgently.
You're Moomyung.
I wanted to see them anyway.
What is the matter?
I also have business to discuss.
Your Highness, it has been a long time.
That voice of yours...
So, did you find where Sambong is?
Yes. We found that Sambong is with His Majesty at Manwoldae.
As I expected... I will go see them, so let us talk again later.
I am in a rush...
There is something more important.
Something more important?
What would be more important?
All of you! Just what is the purpose of your organization?
Did you find out what Sambong is planning now?
Are you aware of it?
Sambong took out a fake card called "Liaodong Conquest" now
and plans to complete the abolishment of private soldiers.
My brothers and I are about to have our soldiers taken away
to become scarecrows!
Are you saying that it is more important than this?
Yes, this is more important.
What is it?
Sambong's fake card for the abolishment of private soldiers!
Yes, that fake card is not just an ordinary fake card.
It is no longer a fake card?
Yes that's right, sire.
Here, Transcriber.
You have to record everything clearly from here on.
We are at a very important moment in history.
What on earth are you talking about?
Are you suggesting that we really attack Liaodong?
Not as a bait to abolish private soldiers
but do you really mean to attack Liaodong?
- That's right, sire. - Sambong!
After what we went through in Wihwa Island--
The situation is different from back then.
The season is different and the food that has been saved is different.
After the military training
quality and quantity of the soldiers will be different.
That's not the only difference.
Ming's influence has expanded on to Liaodong
which is different from back then.
But you want to attack Liaodong?
One more very important situation has changed.
What has changed?
Yeon Hee, report to him with the information you have.
Two new facts have come in recently.
First, Kim Yak Han, Noh In Do, and Jung Chong
who were sent as envoys to Ming, were executed.
- What did you say? - What?
Zhu Yuanzhang, that bastard...
How could he do such a thing?
Second...
You may continue.
Yes, sire.
The second one was...
received this afternoon in an urgent matter
after we mobilized the best contacts.
It is from Nanjing...
Nanjing?
What on earth happened?
Zhu Yuanzhang doesn't have much time to live.
Zhu Yuanzhang will die soon?
Yes. If Zhu Yuanzhang dies now...
what will happened to the state affairs of the mainland?
How serious is he?
Heaven determines each life, so we cannot come to a conclusion.
But even if he stays alive for a very long time, a half year?
As short as one month.
He may have already passed away.
Brother, if this is true...
Sire, Zhu Yuanzhang's heir is his grandson, Zhu Yunwen.
He is 21 years old, so he is an adult...
but Zhu Yuanzhang's sons are
forming strong power as kings of different regions.
Do you mean there will be a civil war?
That's right, sire.
The Continent will not be able to avoid the ravages of an enormous war now.
I have been reforming the military system
repairing fortress walls, and saving food for the military in the last few years
but I only considered the possibility of a Liaodong conquest
as less than 30 percent.
I am sure you did.
We thought Zhu Yuanzhang would get rid of all problems
that may become a threat to his grandson's succession.
But... Zhu Yuanzhang is dying?
Yes, sire. The situation has changed.
Then the King of Yan, Zhu Di, who is defending Liaodong...
What would the King of Yan do?
Once Zhu Yuanzhang dies, Zhu Yunwen will succeed the throne
and will try to lead Zhu Di right away.
But would Zhu Di quietly take it?
If Zhu Di takes his army to Nanjing to take the throne, Jung Do Jeon...
He probably has a plan to march north to Liaodong!
[Nanjing: Capital of Ming]
If that happens, abolishment of private soldiers will not be a problem.
Private soldiers will naturally disappear
and all of the princes will be assigned to each troop
and end up participating in the war.
Then you will be in a situation where no one knows about your existence.
But even in this country, spies from Ming must be active.
So how could he send his soldiers to Nanjing
if he is aware of our preparation to go to war?
If it does not happen...
I will give up everything in regards to Liaodong.
But, sire, based on Hwasadan's interpretation of the information
there is over 70 percent chance that Zhu Di will head to Nanjing.
Seventy percent...
We believe it is over 70 percent.
No.
Eighty percent.
No...
It must be over 90 percent.
Zhu Di... will surely make a move.
He will definitely move...
Pardon me.
I don't know much...
but I have spent time with Zhu Di.
He was like a blade when it came to
distinguishing light from heavy, small from big.
Between the Continent and Liaodong...
his choice must be clear.
That is it.
Zhu Di will abandon Liaodong...
and he will definitely head to Nanjing with his 200,000 soldiers!
Sire, this is a god-given opportunity for us
who have lived on this land for a long time
that will not come for another thousand years.
More than ever before, there is a high possibility of success!
Even if it is successful, the problem is what comes next.
Zhu Di will seize the Continent after all, and if it happens...
would he be able to tolerate
that foreign people are occupying a strategic key place like Liaodong?
Once the civil war between Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Di starts
it cannot be completed swiftly given its geography and military force.
We will seize Liaodong.
Then we can stabilize Liaodong after we sign a peace treaty with Zhu Di.
Zhu Di will finish it quickly and will not sign a peace treaty with us!
Sire, in time for Zhu Di's march towards Nanjing
we need to be prepared so that we can head north concurrently!
This country will have Liaodong!
Even if we get Liaodong
the national treasury will be squandered in order to protect that land.
For the price of it, this country... may fall apart.
Your Highness...
you have to prevent this war!
Your Majesty, please allow this war
and cut off the thousand year old history of the master-retainer relationship.
Please create a new world
new history that does not oppress its own people internally
and does not submit to the powerful externally.
You must prevent this war
and save this land, Your Highness!
This was it...
The truth behind my anxiety and jitters.
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