THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON HISTORICAL EVENTS
The Joseon Dynasty scholar Jeong Yeo-rip
asserted that all people are equal, and should have no master.
In a private community he formed called Great Unity,
noblemen and slaves shared food and drink and practiced martial arts together.
Eventually accused of treason,
he was besieged by government forces
and took his own life by putting a knife through his neck.
This was under the reign of King Seonjo.
Tie them all up!
Both a king and a slave...
They are equal.
They are "equal"?
Did your father write this?
Answer me.
How can he, with his tongue cut off?
Hush.
Your father said this as well.
"The world belongs to all,
and anyone may become king."
Second State Councilor!
Do you believe a king and a slave
are truly equal?
Your Majesty!
Do not repeat the words of that traitor on your royal lips!
He said even a butcher, courtesan or slave
could occupy the throne.
You sit there.
Of course, my royal robe.
- I'll give you this too. - Your Majesty!
I beg you, Your Majesty!
We beg you, Your Majesty!
How could this happen?
Judge, what are you waiting for?
Cut the heads off the disgusting traitors...
OK-NAM, SON OF REBEL LEADER JEONG YEO-RIP
Okay.
Let's go one more time!
- What a dummy. - That idiot.
Give me another chance.
Runaway slave! Make way.
Look at this fool. He dared to run away and got caught.
Look at that.
Just like someone else, he stepped out of line
and ended up like that.
You scoundrel!
- What's happening? - Look over there.
Such insolence!
This is Inspector-General Yi Deok-hyeong.
Show due respect!
- Let go! - Hey, keep still!
In such close proximity to His Majesty,
must you raise such a ruckus?
Please forgive me for my impudence, my lord.
I am Gwang-yi, a slave hunter.
To date, I have managed to capture
this many slaves.
This one here already ran away twice.
He is a rotten scoundrel.
RUNAWAY SLAVE
On top of that, this time he even stole from his master.
This is our master's sword.
YI JONG-RYEO BEST IN MILITARY ARTS
His mother was a slave
of the Deputy Minister of Defense.
12 YEARS AGO
JANGYEWON: SLAVE REGISTRY OFFICE
The One Parent Rule.
Are you familiar with this?
It says that if either parent is a slave,
their child is a slave too.
That is national law.
Case closed.
My wife and I were both commoners.
My wife was sold off as we could not pay our debt,
but my son was conceived before any of that happened.
A mother and her fetus are one, are they not?
When a mother becomes a slave, so does the child in her womb.
That is only right.
He was raised as a commoner. But now suddenly he is a slave?
Give me that.
You little...
My father made that for me!
That little brat.
Now I'll tell you about the family that will own you until you die,
so clean out your ears and listen.
I'm not curious.
You will be working for the family
of the esteemed Deputy Minister of Defense.
For generations since King Taejo's reign, the men in his family
have always passed the national military exam.
They are the most influential military family in Joseon.
Their mansion has more than 60 rooms
The family owns more than 100 noh-bi
"Noh" means male slave, "bi" means female slave
They all have different tasks
The letter bearer delivers mail
The broomboy sweeps the yard
Cooks prepare side dishes
While steamers make the rice
Laundresses wash clothes
While water bearers work the well
The stoker builds fires
Shovelers clean the outhouse
The woodcutter cuts firewood
The stablehand feeds the horses
Empty the chamber pots, mop the floor
Iron the clothes, sew the stitches
Dress the young master Give the madam a massage
Fan the master and wash his feet
So many slaves, so many jobs
Among all those tasks, know what yours is?
Whip him!
I'll be whipped in his stead?
Why?
Why do you ask the obvious?
As the young master's body servant, you get whipped in his stead.
He cannot be scarred for he will become a general.
It doesn't make sense.
Why not?
Why should I get whipped? I did nothing wrong.
Shut it, will you? You talk too much, you brat.
We are back, Master.
Bow to him, now!
How dare you?
You rascal.
Why, you little...
You brat!
What are you doing?
Get rid of this!
My son! Oh no...
Strong bones.
- What do we do? - Strong limbs.
And he has straight teeth.
Let's go.
Is it this boy?
How long will this one last?
That poor boy.
How can I go on like this?
How could this happen?
Son, it's my fault you were born a slave.
It's all my fault.
Are they so heartless?
How many times has it been?
Brother, I will cover him now.
Your name is Cheon-yeong?
What does your name mean?
I guess you do not know.
This "Cheon" means "to follow,"
and this "Yeong" means "shadow."
You follow me like a shadow.
What do you say?
You still have your baby teeth.
Your shadow?
Me?
What are you doing?
Father!
Go away! I said, go away!
You brat.
Father!
Quiet, you.
This way!
Isn't that Cheon-yeong?
How many years has it been?
Are you that fond of me?
I leave, and you drag me back
every single time.
Just be quiet, please.
Young Master.
After failing the exam year after year,
how on earth did you not only pass
but place first in the country?
What is he talking about?
Kill me.
The servants are watching.
You must not take his life.
Worthless degenerate. Lock him in the shed!
Just kill me!
Unless you want your whole family to die at my hands.
Your father,
your mother,
your wife,
and your spawn too.
I'll throw every one of them into a raging fire
and burn them alive.
Hold him down.
I can't let this go any longer.
Protect your head!
Hit up high, then left, jab, down to the right,
up to the left...
From now on, if I get hit once during the day,
I'll hit you twice at night.
Get into position.
Your teacher's moves are predictable.
If he starts here, he'll target your right side
and follow with a jab.
If he starts lower...
A jab. Then the shoulders.
So you know.
Try it, then.
Duck to dodge it.
The other foot.
- Like this? - Well done.
That's right.
Father told me to practice with you from tomorrow.
So I won't get whipped anymore?
Yes.
I think so.
That's it!
Go for it!
Will you do this at the exam too?
There's no anger in your sword.
You need not worry.
Once I meet my real enemy,
my sword will hold anger too.
Confectionary!
Buy some good-luck confectionary!
MILITARY EXAMINATION OFFICE
One to pass, two for an award!
- Kim Yi-nam. - Confectionary!
Yi Jong-ryeo.
- I'll go now. - Yi Jong-ryeo.
Go on.
How many times have you failed the exam?
I'm ashamed. You shame me!
When I die, how will I face my ancestors?
Hey.
Please allow me
to take the exam on Young Master's behalf.
Have you lost your mind?
Just promise to liberate me.
Then I will pass the exam with top marks
and bring you the royal flowers from the King.
I am Yi Jong-ryeo.
Kim Min-seok.
- Here. - Yi Jong-won.
Here.
His Majesty has bestowed a sword and this blue robe upon him.
The royal flowers suit you well.
Not even I placed first...
Cheon-yeong.
My goodness.
You truly are the rightful owner of that blue robe.
Wait here.
I'll get your slave papers from Father.
While you wait, enjoy a glass of soju.
I was told not to give him even a sip of water.
Anyone who disobeys the order will end up like him.
Get out!
Back to work!
Dad.
Can a bird float in the air without spreading its wings?
What is that thing? It looks like...
WAR
Young Master!
Hey, Kim.
- Is Mother still awake? - Yes.
You say the king will abandon the capital?
I, too, must leave now to escort His Majesty.
I sent a messenger to my uncle in Wonsan,
so leave quietly with Father as soon as he returns from work.
Take good care of our son.
My sword is missing.
I'll find it. Make haste and leave.
I will be sure to send it to you.
Give me the key.
Busan Fortress fell not long ago. But they have already reached Yongin?
Nonsense.
The renowned General Shin's army got wiped out.
Why else would we be getting ready to flee?
Damn. This is no ordinary war.
Oh, boy.
I know you have a thieving hand,
but how dare you touch a gift from the King?
No excuses. Hand it over!
What are you talking about?
Look at you playing dumb!
- Where is the sword? - I have no idea.
Tell me now!
Why are you asking him?
You, that sword...
Everyone take one. How long must we be treated like pigs?
What is happening here?
Put it down this instant!
Where are the slave papers?
Why are you home so late, my lord?
This means you and I
are now equal.
Young Master.
No! No...
Where is the young master?
Where is your husband?
Back off, you brute!
Your curse is working.
Come here, my lady.
It is dangerous there.
Come here!
How dare you touch me with those filthy hands?
Are you insane?
Come out, now!
Even the lanterns are failing us.
Everyone be careful.
Your Highness!
Punish us with death!
Is there no one who can help me?
- Your Highness! - Your Highness!
This is why she should have ridden a horse.
Are you all right, Your Highness?
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
What are they looking at?
What? What is the matter?
Has the Japanese army already reached the capital?
They can't have crossed the Han River yet.
What? Then who did that?
- That is the palace, is it not? - Well, yes...
I am asking who dared to set Gyeongbokgung on fire.
Your Majesty.
Shamefully, the people in the city...
The people? My people?
But why?
The King abandoned the palace and ran away!
The hell with it. Just turn it all upside down.
These damned slave papers!
You think you can change the world like this?
TRAITOR JEONG YEO-RIP
Look at it burn, burn it all down!
- How could this happen? - Father, no!
Hooray!
I thought all the military officers fled.
The capital, finally.
Forward!
- Forward! - Yes, sir!
All right, everyone. Gather around.
WEAPONS MANUFACTURING OFFICE
Come here.
I hear the Japanese invaders have crossed the river.
It won't be long now.
Even the King has fled,
so we must defend ourselves.
Any idea as to how to pull that off?
Look here!
I have brought a military officer.
He's really an officer?
With that sword and robe, he must be.
A spear, sword, or bow!
If you can wield these, step forward.
Is that all? I see so many men here.
Listen, people. Contribute to your country.
Commoners will be rewarded, and slaves freed.
Those are the precedents.
Slaves will be freed?
Do not hesitate because of your lowly status. Step forward.
Come on. Hurry.
Sir.
When it comes to stone throwing,
I'm the best north of the river.
My goodness. Has this fool lost his mind?
Do you want to die?
Look here.
Does a butchering knife count as a sword?
Mr. Butcher, come join them.
Who knew this lowly butcher would be addressed
as "mister" by a nobleman?
- I'm in too. - You fool!
All right. Come on out, all of you.
Let us try to find weapons in the arsenal.
- Yes, let us go! - Let us go!
I am famished and have no energy.
Bring the platter.
Ready the boat.
Stand straight.
- Post guards to keep watch. - Yes, sir.
Kill everyone!
How dare you!
- Let go! - Get out!
- You witch! - Fear the wrath of heaven!
What?
You scoundrel. You shall breathe your last
when the sword you are holding pierces your throat.
What did she say?
She said your sword
will pierce your throat.
I will pierce my own throat?
I'll remember that.
So...
Like this?
Is that all?
I have never seen this fish before.
- Forgive us! - Forgive us!
We combed through all the homes in the area,
but this fish was all we could find.
What happened?
I see the King!
- Over there! - There he is.
Who the hell are they?
How dare you!
You bled us dry,
yet you are the first to run?
You even stole the fish
we've been saving for the memorial rites?
Such insolence!
Do you have a death wish? How dare you block the royal path?
The King flees on his royal path
while his people walk a path straight to hell?
- Damn you! - Is only the king's life important?
We too must live!
Escort His Majesty to the boat!
Let go!
- Your Majesty! - Move!
How dare you!
Move away! We should go with you too!
Yi Jong-ryeo, what are you doing?
Move!
Why are you here?
I am so sorry to tell you this tragic news,
but the slaves set your house on fire
and they all ran away.
Slaves?
My slaves? But why?
What about my family?
Where is my family?
When I arrived,
the fire had already taken them.
Even...
Even my son?
You bastards!
One more thing.
I saw Cheon-yeong fleeing on a stolen horse,
clad in your blue robe.
You should be stoned to death!
Drag Cheon-yeong to me.
Kill every last one of them!
Are you all right, sir?
Where did that come from?
Target hit!
- Just one? - What is that clown?
You piece of...
How ridiculous.
- You bastard! - You rats!
Shields, forward!
It's a trap!
Get them!
No, not yet!
Hold formation!
Fire!
Second line, forward!
How reckless.
Have some rice balls.
Second line, forward!
Hurry up and load your muskets.
Attack when they reload!
Get ready.
Yes, sir.
Fire!
Change lines!
Ambush!
Aoki.
Break through the right side with the cavalrymen.
Yes, sir.
Royal Guard Commander, protect His Majesty!
There is the boat!
Damn you!
- Honda. - Sir!
Your Majesty!
There is no time for bowing.
Make haste. Set sail. Quick.
Kill them.
Launch the boat. Now!
Please let us go with...
Identify yourself!
Step back, all of you.
I am Genshin Kikkawa, Konishi Battalion's frontline commander.
State your rank and name.
This is Genshin Kikkawa, Konishi Battalion's frontline commander.
You are to state your rank and name.
My rank is a dog,
His rank is dog.
and my name...
And his name is...
Tell him it's Bastard.
It's bastard.
"Yi Jong-ryeo"?
You are quite skilled for a Joseon swordsman.
A skilled swordsman is a rarity in Joseon.
You are not so bad yourself.
He says you are quite skilled.
Losing strength already?
Are you tired already?
Just starving is all.
Give me some leftover rice balls.
He says he is hungry.
He wants some rice balls.
Are you all right, Your Majesty?
Once I disembark,
destroy the dock.
Your Majesty.
If we do so, the people will have no means to evacuate.
You must also sink this boat.
I am concerned the enemy might build rafts.
Set fire to the nearby houses
and burn them all down.
STRUGGLE
7 YEARS LATER
- Give it! - I want some too!
No, it's mine!
What is that? Is it food?
It's a corpse. A dead body!
Cut off a leg for us, please?
It is I, Gwang-yi.
I caught two this time.
What about Cheon-yeong?
I will keep looking.
SUNCHEON BASE CAMP OF THE RIGHTEOUS ARMY (VOLUNTEER MILITIA)
It was an honor to fight alongside you.
General Kim, I wish you good health and longevity.
- Get up, please. - Thank you, General.
Thanks to you, General, we can go home safely.
I owe it all to you, lads.
Hey, Beom-dong.
Why the long face?
I am not sure it's okay to let them go home like this.
Some remnants of the Japanese army still roam freely, disguised as locals.
Now that the war is over, let's not think about bloodshed
and figure out a way to get by.
Hurrah, how exciting
Just live and let live
Some get to return home.
Some stay behind to tidy up, shit!
Mr. Tactician!
I hope he brought good news.
You're back!
You see, I had a dream last night.
In my dream, the pond in the garden looked three times bigger.
It looked quite nice.
The brush.
I wish to build a larger pavilion here.
Son.
Would you like to name the pavilion?
Father.
I do not understand why we are in such a rush
to rebuild the palace.
The character for "palace"
combines the characters for "spine" and "roof".
This symbolizes that the palace is the country's spine.
Sovereign power is merely an idea.
You cannot attain true power through ideas alone.
Six hundred, you say?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Since we are rebuilding it anyway,
I say it should have at least 6,000 rooms.
Yes, indeed.
KING SEONJO'S TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
All of you worked hard to keep me safe during the war.
It delights me to see you all gathered here.
We are much obliged, Your Majesty.
- We are much obliged. - We are much obliged.
You may begin the feast.
Haven't feasted like this in ages.
The crows are chubby thanks to the corpses.
- It's cooked to perfection. - Thank you.
I'm about to pass out.
Well, can't be helped...
My goodness.
Once a nobleman, always a nobleman.
You think someone will pick out the meat and feed you?
Must you put me on the spot?
Happy now?
Eat up.
This tastes awful.
General.
How many Japanese invaders did we kill?
Did they not say commoners would get government titles
and slaves would be freed for their contributions?
Those bastards never keep their word.
What is their excuse this time?
"It cannot be done without the royal court's approval."
"We have no proof of your victories."
They have many excuses.
I plan to visit Hanyang
and request an audience with His Majesty.
I understand how you all feel,
but wait just a bit longer.
General.
Don't waste your time and energy going to see the King.
Let's just settle down here.
How about we build a village here
and all live together?
Wouldn't that be nice?
General, I heard you sold your mansion
and everything you had to fight for your country.
We will build an even bigger mansion.
Sure thing.
We have a roofer here.
- Where's the carpenter? - Here.
Here's a carpenter. We have everything we need.
Then how many rooms will this mansion of mine have?
Yours? Didn't you hear me?
We'll all live together.
It was your slave, you said?
The one who killed your family.
I treated him as an equal and took care of him,
but he kept running away,
so every time my family hired slave hunters.
He threatened to burn my family alive,
and he ended up doing just that.
That is horrible.
However,
I cannot say you are completely free from blame.
What was the reason you treated him as an equal?
Your story reminds me of Jeong Yeo-rip
and his "Great Unity" or whatever.
It has nothing to do with him. I was just...
I know.
I understand.
Even if you grow fond of some lowborn people,
you must learn to hide it.
Favoritism creates arrogance in the select few,
while benevolence breeds chaos in the many.
Such is the harsh fate of those who rule, is it not?
Drink up.
I, too, experienced such a tragic incident during the war.
So how could I not sympathize?
Many people experienced horrible things during the war,
but nothing can compare to what you went through.
We must restore the palace quickly
to ensure Your Majesty's safety. This is our priority now.
Your Majesty.
The seven-year war has wreaked havoc on our country.
The people are eating the flesh of dead bodies lying around.
Such starved, ill people
cannot handle the massive effort of constructing such a large palace.
On top of that, many of them
lost their noses to the Japanese army.
That was because of the bounty Hideyoshi Toyotomi offered.
But it sounds as though you blame me.
Besides,
construction is not done with one's nose.
Your Majesty.
First, establish an Agency of Meritorious Service
and make records of those who contributed to our victory.
Then raise the lowborn status of those who fought with all their might.
This will win back the hearts of your people.
Why do you shed tears?
The Agency of Meritorious Service? Yes, set it up.
I never said you couldn't.
However,
the restoration of Gyeongbokgung cannot be put off either,
so establish a separate agency for that.
Do you understand?
There you go.
Head!
Hey! You fool.
I knew you would pull that.
There are rules you must follow as a nobleman.
Why do you treat such a lowly man as your friend?
What?
So a man can befriend his dog,
but not his slave?
A dog is to be raised, whereas a slave is to be commanded.
Goodness.
Understood.
Then shall I go command my slave?
Let's hurry.
It's hot even at dawn.
Shut up and keep walking.
General!
General! Japanese soldiers are here!
Beom-dong! Hey, you too.
Come quickly!
I saw Japanese invaders in disguise.
Here and here.
If we attack from both sides, they will...
The King's palace...
Is it in that direction?
Is it not that way?
The direction of the Rat.
Damn, must we do this every time we head to battle?
The King should come and bow to us. Damn!
General!
I think it is here.
This is it.
It is here!
Ambush! Ambush!
Do not back down!
Fight!
Here is what I think. Let us not kill them.
- You're dead! - Let us capture...
My, my...
What are you all waiting for?
Let's go!
The blue-robed god!
General!
Well, who do we have here?
I have been wondering who the blue-robed god could be.
You're the blue-robed god?
That scar suits you.
Want another? One on the other side would make you even prettier.
He says he could give you the same pretty scar on the other side.
Sure, why not?
You are still such a joker.
Have you eaten?
He is asking if you've eaten.
I never
eat breakfast!
Come on, you rat!
Bastards!
You bastards!
That little rat.
Damn it.
Yikes!
Chujo-ryu?
Thanks to me,
you will be able to see your nose without a mirror.
Cut it out!
General!
- You must get out of here now! - General!
Step back, and do not interfere.
This is a duel between us.
He wants a duel with you.
Cheon-yeong!
Why are you still fighting?
We've finished them all off already.
Why are you here?
This will be over quickly too.
It sounds like they beat our men up there.
The General said to capture them alive. You got that?
It doesn't sound like they'll kill us.
- Why, all of a sudden? - Why not?
He wants to take them to the King and use them to negotiate.
We need them alive
whether we want to get paid or freed.
How long will it take?
I'll be quick. Stay and watch if you want.
They will use us as bait to strike a deal with the King.
Hey. Just throw it.
Hey, don't!
What is this?
And you call yourself a warrior?
What is he saying?
It's not the way of a true warrior.
Idiot.
Goodness, seriously.
I was just about to pierce his throat with my sword.
Is this the Nose Snatcher?
It's the goblin helmet!
Did we just catch the Nose Snatcher?
"Nose Snatcher?"
The devil that cut the noses off living people?
Is this gold? We can easily build a village with this.
I guess it's true that the Japanese have hidden away treasure.
Let me see.
Oh, my.
I will take them to Hanyang.
Put them back in.
What? Seriously?
It is our duty to take these to the royal court.
The court will return them to their rightful owners.
Rightful, my ass.
Beom-dong, where are you going?
- Water! - Me first!
Are you the notorious Nose Snatcher?
Are you the Nose Snatcher?
How could you do this?
He wants water too.
You ignored me when I asked for rice seven years ago.
He said you didn't give him rice balls, remember?
On about rice again?
You were using the Chujo-ryu technique.
Who taught you?
- What is he saying? - Pardon?
The short sword technique.
My lord wonders who taught you the short sword technique.
Was it the battle in Namwon?
A guy wearing a hare-shaped helmet.
Someone who was wearing a hare-shaped helmet in Namwon.
Do you know him?
I noticed his unique swordsmanship and remembered it.
- Just... remembered? - Yes.
He learned it while fighting.
You see, I cut his stomach open with my sword,
and his intestines all gushed out.
He said he cut his stomach open, and his intestines gushed out.
I would like a rematch.
He wants a rematch.
The outcome will be no different.
He said the outcome will be the same.
Go ahead and kill me, then, like a true warrior!
He says he would rather get killed.
I have a use for you,
so stay alive.
He said he has a use for you.
What is it you are hiding
underneath that red cloth?
He asks what you are hiding in that hand of yours.
You got scarred while training, okay?
This will be
the symbol of placing first in Military Arts.
- Have a bite! - What an honor!
Immediately upon passing the exam,
you have joined the Royal Guard.
Please destroy Cheon-yeong's slave papers.
Both your grandfather and I
had to start working at the border regions.
Compared to that, you are so lucky.
Father.
The elders are waiting. Come along.
You gave your word!
Did that lowly brat teach you
to be this rude?
That slave brought home the royal flowers as promised.
How could a nobleman go back on his word?
You fool!
The moment he opens his mouth,
we become traitors to the King, don't you know?
Cheon-yeong
is ready to leave now.
Very well.
Gwang-yi must be ready by now too.
Damn it.
He is not here.
Gwang-yi, you sly rat.
I was ordered to catch him,
but Lord Yi said I need not bring him back this time.
You do that,
and I will slice this arm off.
I will not kill him.
Cheon... Cheon-yeong.
You said you'd bring my papers.
Where are they?
I am glad you are alive.
I am relieved you are alive.
Go far away.
Go to the northern border and defeat the barbarians,
or go to the southern sea and catch pirates.
I heard some slaves were freed after doing good for the country.
Do not, under any circumstances, get caught...
Am I...
still your friend?
Yes.
So?
Are you saying these are all appeals requesting that Kim Ja-ryeong
and his army be commended for their achievement?
I hear everyone in the country is praising him,
saying, "Admiral Sun-sin protects the sea, General Ja-ryeong protects the land."
Why is it that
Ja-ryeong is still alive when Sun-sin is dead?
I do not see a single report on the palace's restoration.
The Palace Construction Agency created a budget
to figure out how many workers we'd need,
but they have concluded we cannot afford it at the moment.
Oh, dear.
Look at that perfect posture.
Nice!
That ugly haircut...
Is it a Japanese style?
Those greedy idiots.
People who fought off the enemy
are eating corpses to stay alive,
yet the noblemen who buttered up the enemy
are chomping on beef ribs...
Both are the same meat, should I think?
I will tell His Majesty all about
that traitorous Cheongju mayor and have him dismissed.
Dismissed, you say?
Even piercing his neck now wouldn't quell my temper.
Isn't it so, Cheon... What?
Hey, what are you doing?
We have a long way to go.
Stop fighting.
Let's get some sleep.
We should all...
go our separate ways.
Do you call this a country?
I can't stand you singing about "His Majesty" all the time.
And that idiot who only cares about upping his status disgusts me.
It is not like we planned to stick together forever.
We must return to our rightful places.
Rightful places, my foot.
Fine, go and get your slave status cancelled.
And a government title.
I hope you live a good life.
It is true that the court once lost its way,
but the seven-year war is now over.
With the brilliant Crown Prince,
don't you think the royal court will regain its dignity?
Let us trust that the government will punish the corrupt officials.
Goodness, this is so frustrating.
I am so angry right now.
This is...
This is why
believing that you noblemen and us lowlives
could get along harmoniously
was nothing but a vain dream.
Even so, General...
I have met only one truly noble nobleman in my life,
and that was you.
Please be well.
We even caught the Nose Snatcher!
This time, the court cannot ignore our achievement.
What we wanted is right before us!
What is with you, all of a sudden?
- Beom-dong! - Let's go.
Let's go. Everyone get up.
Cheon-yeong, take good care of General Kim.
An internal conflict has erupted.
Mr. Tactician.
My, look at that ugly head.
A true Japanese head.
How about it?
You saw it, huh?
Quietly drop off a sack of rice in front of each home.
Everyone will be so surprised in the morning.
- Have some food first. - Yes, sir.
Oh, my. It looks delicious.
I brought some more.
- I haven't had rice in so long. - Same here.
Do you not know who I am?
I am the county mayor of Cheongju,
appointed by His Majesty. You lowly good-for-nothings.
You beasts do not even know basic Confucian virtues!
Virtues, you say?
All I know
is the virtues of my flail.
SODEOKMUN GATE, HANYANG
General Kim Ja-ryeong is here!
General Kim is here?
- Nice job, everyone - Thank you.
- Die! - Damn, that hurts!
The corrupt officials are even worse than the Japanese invaders.
The construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace is claiming many lives.
I will be sure to let His Majesty know,
so please bear with it for just a bit longer.
- Hooray! - Hooray!
I must say, it almost looks like a king's parade.
Do you not agree?
Only Ming emperors hear such enthusiastic cheers.
What do you think of those people's cheers?
The ignorant masses enjoy
absurd military tales and outlandish hero stories.
That's just how it is.
You need not be concerned.
What is it?
A letter from the district inspector.
It is urgent.
The Cheongju mayor was killed a few days ago.
Word has it that it was done by Kim Ja-ryeong's followers.
Did something happen?
- Hooray! - Hooray!
Fall back!
What is with all this fuss?
Step back.
His Majesty wishes a private audience with you, General Kim.
I would hate to reek of sweat before His Majesty.
Oh, right.
His Majesty will ask about your name.
What did you say your name meant?
A lowly slave's name has no meaning.
"Cheon" as in "sky" and "Yeong" as in "shining."
Those are the characters I would have chosen if I were your father.
I will see you in a bit.
We have prepared meat and wine.
You must be famished after the long journey. Follow me.
- Let's go have some meat! - Yes!
Come on. Let's go!
It is not like Ja-ryeong killed the Cheongju mayor himself.
They followed and fought alongside him for seven years.
That cannot be.
Ja-ryeong is also a Confucian scholar.
I know he is not such an ignorant scoundrel.
Shall I call him here
and question him myself?
On the command of the King!
Tie up Kim Ja-ryeong for plotting treason!
They promised us drinks and meat...
- What is going on? - What?
They are all guilty of treason.
Do not spare any of them.
Treason?
I used the blunt edge of my sword for I could not slay the King's guards.
Now, go and relay my words!
Tell His Majesty that his loyal subject, Ja-ryeong,
requests an audience with him in his chamber.
What are you waiting for? Get him!
Get him!
Why are you silent?
My body burns with smokeless flame,
but I do not know how to put it out.
You are on fire?
Did you eat chili peppers?
Did your virtue as a monarch
burn to ashes with your palace?
Did you hear that?
Even this traitor says
the palace must rise from the ashes
to restore my virtue as monarch.
What a true Confucian scholar he is.
Beom-dong.
You never learned to read,
but you read this world better than me.
My gosh...
How can this be?
Hello, Young Master. Have you been well?
I, Cheon-yeong, am here to greet you.
Even a dog is rewarded
with a bowl of food after catching a thief.
Yet the King, who promised to reward us,
has framed and killed us.
Just like your father.
A dog that bites its master must be put to death.
I thought you, of all people, would be different!
How could you?
How dare you say that?
I was a fool for befriending a lowly slave.
For that, I resent myself.
I never asked you to be my friend.
I should have...
just raised a dog instead.
Of course,
you and your wife are like two peas in a pod.
Damn you, Cheon-yeong!
- Hurry up! - Over there!
Since you branded me a traitor,
that is what I will become.
Hurry up!
Follow him! Over there!
The traitors' heads are gone!
REVOLT
I have executed Ja-ryeong, following your loyal advice.
But appeals are pouring in,
demanding that I right the wrong
by holding you accountable.
I also hear riots have been taking place all over the country.
What should I do?
How exquisite.
I am surprised this is still in Joseon.
The Nose Snatcher and his men were headed back to Suncheon.
They were planning to retrieve the hidden treasure chests
to offer them to you, Your Majesty.
"Chests"?
If there is that much treasure...
We can sell it to Ming's antique merchants and...
...raise the funds needed to rebuild Gyeongbokgung.
Where?
Where are these treasure chests?
Where are they hidden?
I am Yi Jong-ryeo of Royal Investigation Bureau.
Yi Jong-ryeo?
What is it that you want?
The blue-robed god.
Why not have the Japanese soldiers who voluntarily surrendered
join the government army and search for the treasure in secret?
The ministers will flail me with their merciless tongues.
If we tell them we are doing it to quell the riots...
No, actually...
If they quell the riots as well,
it will be catching two birds with one stone.
I will use this opportunity to wipe out
what is left of Kim Ja-ryeong's followers.
The surrendered Japanese general
will lead the unit of defected soldiers,
and his new name shall be Kim Choong-myeon.
Your Majesty.
If anything, that Japanese general should be beheaded at once.
But to have him kill our own people?
Please reconsider!
- Please reconsider, Your Majesty. - Please reconsider, Your Majesty.
They set my palace ablaze
and dared to hurl stones at their King.
You call them my people?
You call them humans?
In the past, I set up a separate military unit
made up solely of surrendered Japanese soldiers.
At first, people were shocked,
but I had my reasons.
Choong-myeon is now my loyal subject.
So do not bring up his past.
Furthermore,
I appoint Yi Jong-ryeo of the Investigation Bureau
as Chief of Punitive Forces.
He will lead the newly formed unit to take down the traitors
and demonstrate the severity of the law.
I, Jong-ryeo,
humbly accept Your Majesty's command to lay the foundation
for rebuilding our country.
Brother!
What happened?
I thought you'd have a government post by now.
What happened? You are a mess.
My goodness.
Hey!
What did I say?
What did I tell you?
I told you not to go there, did I not?
What did I tell you?
- Let go! - Stop. That is enough.
- I told you not to go! - Stop.
Look what you did!
- Stop. - You did all that to live a better life.
I told you not to go.
Look what you did!
Look what you have done!
What will you do with that?
Hey, Cheon-yeong.
Let's have a proper duel today.
- Stop. - Just talk it out.
Goodness! Seriously.
What is that?
What are you doing?
Are you planning to bow to the King?
I cannot!
I cannot go on this way any longer.
RAT
You can survive a war,
but not a revolt.
Whether we die fighting the Japanese
or defying the King,
it's all the same.
There are about 30 of us.
We simply cannot pull off a revolt.
We can find more people to join us.
Just put up a poster,
and they will swarm here like a family of sardines.
How will we feed and clothe them?
Sir, you told me
that the Japanese have hidden treasure.
Hold on.
When we caught the Nose Snatcher,
remember the empty wagons those Japanese rats had?
I wonder why they dragged such heavy wagons into the woods.
To carry the hidden treasure?
Come to think of it, all the old trees were marked.
That's right.
Yes, that's it.
Let us go back there.
The key to a revolt is speed.
Let us hurry.
Here, I think this was the spot.
Yes, it is here.
- Let's see. - My goodness!
We found it.
We found the treasure!
We need at least two more wagons.
Where will we find wagons?
Let's use the horses to carry the rest.
Shall we do that?
I believe it's none of your business.
- What are you doing? - Sir!
- Stay still! - What's the matter with you?
- You think we're Japanese invaders? - What are you doing?
- Stay still! - Hey, stay out of it.
If you wish to risk your life to revolt, stand over there.
But if you wish to share this treasure and live in prosperity,
stand behind me.
Damn it.
What is left after risking our lives for seven years?
At this time, risking our lives is hard.
But living our lives is easy.
That's not true!
If you truly wish to live,
the only way is to fight and win.
If we stop here,
they'll chase us for the rest of our lives and kill us in the end.
I don't want to hear your drivel.
Stand over there if you want me to smash your head in.
Hey, what are you doing?
Damn it. I don't care if I die tomorrow.
I want to enjoy that treasure just once.
And you fools dare to say
that you fought under the leadership of General Kim Ja-ryeong?
What are you waiting for? Load them onto the wagons.
Let's go.
- Beom-dong! - Let's go.
Why drag him away against his will?
Face forward.
Do you want to go back?
You will be facing death.
Yes.
Go back, before they get eaten by wild beasts.
Goodbye.
I want to live
Hurrah, how exciting
I want to live in a big mansion
Hurrah, how exciting
I want to eat
Hurrah, how exciting
I want to eat a royal meal
Hurrah, how exciting
What is it?
Where is your leader Cheon-yeong?
The Nose Snatcher? How could he...
Cut the heads off those rebels!
Hey, kiddo. What brings you here?
What happened here? What is all this?
Hey, Mr. Tactician.
You should have just...
died at my hands.
"I will hang heads and wait."
"Yi Jong-ryeo."
Move them over here.
Tie them tightly.
The boat will arrive at low tide.
Until then, the unit will stand guard,
and the palace guards will seek the remaining rebels.
Yes, sir.
Those bastards.
I'll kill them all.
Wait.
I think something is up.
- Aim! - Aim!
What is going on?
Oh, dear.
We, too, are a military unit that receives His Majesty's commands.
Do you intend to commit treason too?
"We belong to the King's army too. Are you a traitor..."
You are our enemy we should forever seek revenge on.
You will never leave here alive.
He never planned to let us leave.
We will chew your flesh,
skin you, and sleep in your leather.
Fire!
You left the maintenance of the guns to us, you idiots.
Just what I thought they'd do.
If the barrel is blocked, the firearm will explode.
Does it not remind you of the mess Joseon is in now?
Men!
What on earth is happening?
How ludicrous.
The fog is thickening.
I'm not sure we can set sail on time.
We are in no rush.
- Yes, sir. - My Lord.
Interesting.
You two are different yet similar.
Similar yet different.
You and the blue-robed god.
What is it?
What's your relationship with the blue-robed god?
You are different yet similar,
similar but different.
The anger in your sword is different from his.
Why does he
have your sword?
Did he steal it?
Did the blue-robed god steal your sword?
I gave it to him.
He says he gave it to him.
I will not kill you.
When we exchange prisoners, you'll be worth a hundred of my soldiers.
By keeping you alive, we can save a hundred of our soldiers,
so my lord will not kill you.
You're both of the same kind.
I will treat you equally.
It is the blue-robed god!
Don't.
I have a use for him,
so be nice and keep him alive.
He has a use for him,
so my lord wants you to keep him alive.
I will kill you both.
Bring me my foot... shit!
Are you all right?
You little!
Got you!
You lowly bitch!
Don't be such a weakling.
Some died with their heads cut off.
What about those burned to death?
I will rip you to shreds
and throw them all into a raging fire.
My father!
My mother!
My son!
And my wife. You will now suffer what you did to them.
Is that what you believed all along?
Or is that what you want to believe?
I tried to save them,
but your wife jumped into the flames,
with your son in her arms.
You bastard!
There is no way.
Why would she do that?
Why?
She called me a brute.
I am bored and can wait no longer.
Die!
Cheon-yeong.
Am I still...
your friend?
I am sorry.
Jong-ryeo.
It is just like I saw in my dreams.
Minister of Finance.
Yes, Your Majesty.
When will we cut down the pine trees in Mt. Namsan?
The thing is,
the trees hold a lot of moisture in summer, so...
It is I, Eunuch Kim.
You may enter.
It is said that a cargo vessel arrived at Hangangjin Port,
and it has the flag of the Royal Guard.
Is Jong-ryeo still nowhere to be found?
They searched every nook and cranny, but there was no one.
Are you saying the ship sailed here on its own?
All the troops have disappeared... I can't believe it.
Go ahead and open them.
What is taking so long?
Over here! This lock is broken.
Good!
Keep on chopping!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Open it.
What's this salt?
- This one is open too! - This one too.
- We opened ours too. - We got it open.
We got it open!
Start digging.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You may turn it over.
Your Majesty.
CHAOS
Attention!
To punish those who leech off the people,
we must all join forces!
- That's right! - That's right!
Just like this fearsome brute!
Yes!
Here, you can eat him.
The word "brute"
originates from the word "the masses."
Since the masses are all beasts,
it is only right that they fear us!
- Yes! - Yes!
Forming a community is the best way to join forces.
Since the Great Unity failed, we should find a new name.
How about Pan-Unity after Beom-dong?
"A world where everyone is united."
Pan-Unity.
That sounds great.
That means I'm the boss?
Do we really need a boss?
Let's go!
Let's go have fun.
Subtitle translation by: Liya Choi