Gyebaek (계백)

Gye Baek

Enjoy:)

A descendant of a ruined Gaya state is not worthy to be a Chief Hwarang Officer.

Let's go!

Episode 8

I was never here!

- Get him! - Yes, sir!

Do you know how much I loved you? How could you commit adultery with Euija?

That man... There he goes again!

Halt. We need to check the palanquin.

You crazy bastard...

What is it?

Let's go.

My legs were shaking so much I almost got caught.

Enter.

Well done.

I'm tired of having to climb over walls and sneaking into rooms.

But it's unbearable having to be with women I have no interest in.

Are you certain that the Sataek Clan and the Yeon Clan are talking about marriage?

The Secretary's concubine confirmed that it was true.

Gyogi and Yeon Moonjin's daughter Taeyeon is supposed to get married.

This marriage cannot happen by any means.

The Yeon family is second in power only to the Sataek Clan.

If they are allowed to form an alliance by marriage, their power will be impossible to break.

You're right.

I've met Yeon Moonjin a few times when I was young.

How did he get so powerful in such a short time?

First, it is his moral influence.

That all sounds good.

His house is always full of visitors.

And yet he does not cast aside those who have differing opinions from him.

Rather, he welcomes those who have different opinions.

Welcome!

In addition, he places no importance on outward appearance.

Because of this, there is high praise for him.

I heard that when you enter the tavern, sixteen women come out to greet you!

His opinions are candid and full of humor.

But he is also the master of innuendo.

Secondly, his outstanding skill of diplomacy.

Yeon Moonjin has been the Minister of the Foreign Ministry for a long time.

He has close relations to ambassadors and officials from Tang.

It can be said that the Tang government is Yeon's strongest supporter.

Because he used to be Prime Minister, even the Sataek Clan are respectful to him.

Out of all the Ungjin nobles, only the Yeon Clan is still in power.

He has virtually no enemies because of his many virtues.

Unlike the past, His Majesty no longer courts confrontation with the Queen,

because he is focusing on territorial expansion.

There is no one that can protect you now.

You must make him an ally no matter what it takes.

Yeon Moonjin can be your shield and your sword.

But...

What can I do when there is already talk of marriage between Gyogi and Yeon's daughter?

You must marry her instead.

What do you mean?

You want me to forcefully take the woman the Queen's designated for her son as my wife?

I would never survive something like that.

This is nothing like sleeping with the Royal Secretary's concubine.

Yes. This requires a different strategy than the others.

Do you have a plan?

Have I ever led you on a wild goose chase?

Why are you looking at me like that?

You may have a plan, but I don't want to do it.

This is about marriage.

- The woman I want to marry is... - Your Highness.

Have you forgotten why you and I are still living?

Have you forgotten the sacrifice made by General Mu Jin and Gye Baek?

You must not lose focus! You must think your heart is made of ice!

Nothing is right until we accomplish our goal.

I heard news of Prince Gyogi's impending marriage.

You have good ears. There aren't many who know of this.

As someone who serves the Queen, I must never be ignorant.

What do you think of the marriage?

You already know the advantages, Your Majesty.

Are you saying there are disadvantages too?

It may not be evident right away, but there is an disadvantage.

Continue.

The Yeon Clan, like the Baek clan, is one of the Ungjin noble families.

In the future, when Prince Gyogi becomes King, the Yeon clan will wield great power as the Queen's relatives.

That means the Ungjin nobles will be reinstated in power.

This can cause antagonism with the Sabi nobles.

That is an astute observation.

I know that one of your biggest fears is dissension within Baekje.

But there is nothing to worry about.

Do you have a plan to prevent that from happening?

The Sataek Clan originally used to be an Ungjin noble family too.

But our family accepted the move to Sabi and transferred here.

The Baek clan feared losing their power. They started an insurrection and assassinated the King.

The insurrection was quickly suppressed.

I will use this as a basis to prevent any Ungjin noble from taking a place in government.

That is an excellent idea.

You know I value you, don't you?

You honor me, Your Majesty.

If I had my way, I would have you marry Gyogi.

That is impossible. How can I, an inferior subject...

No.

I wish Gyogi was half as wise as you.

Will you do something for me?

Your wish is my command, Your Majesty.

What do you think of Euija?

As a husband, Your Majesty?

- And if I am? - Never.

I abhor philanderers like him.

I would rather bite my own tongue and die than be married to someone like him.

Please do not make me do this.

Alright. Instead...

I want you to get close to Euija and watch him for me.

Has he done something to make you suspicious?

Nothing can fool me.

One of his reasons for living will be to exact revenge against me.

Watch him and his actions carefully.

Report everything to me.

Now I see that move.

Shall I undo the move, Your Majesty?

General Yoon Choong told me that a game is also a battle and moves cannot be undone.

How like General Yoon Choong to say that. Yes, this is also a battle.

But this battle isn't for lives, but for black and white pebbles.

What reason do we have not to undo a move?

Are you this generous with everyone?

It doesn't cost me a penny.

All I have to do is lift a pebble with two fingers.

Why shouldn't I do it?

Is there something on my face, Your Majesty?

Will you undo one more move?

Are you referring to the marriage between Prince Gyogi and my daughter?

I am.

I understand perfectly what worries you.

But marriage isn't a game of baduk.

And this marriage involves more than just my family.

The Ungjin nobles hope that this marriage will reinstate their relationship to the royal throne.

Please forgive me.

If I receive another marriage offer in the future, I will step back from that one.

- Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is here. - Send him in.

- What brings you here, Prime Minister? - It is awkward to speak about this.

Awkward topics are usually interesting ones.

My interest is piqued. Tell us quickly, Prime Minister!

Go on.

Prince Euija was found to be having illicit relations with the Royal Secretary's concubine...

How like Prince Euija!

How could he get past the fearsome Royal Secretary!

Where is Euija?

Your Highness!

Move!

Your legs are so healthy!

Your Highness, please stop! I'm afraid someone will see you!

Fool! People will think it strange if I don't act like this.

Join our game!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Stop this instant!

Your Majesty.

You've made a spectacle of yourself.

The girls wanted to learn how to play football.

And I thought it would strengthen the legs of the palace maidens.

Did you meet the Secretary's concubine to teach her football too?

- What do you mean? - How dare you plead ignorance!

I heard that you committed adultery with the Secretary's concubine!

I committed adultery with the Secretary's concubine?

- What are you talking about? - Your Highness, our eyes met while you were running away!

How much hatred must you have against me to accuse me of such a thing?

And running away? Am I a thief?

Are you saying that you're innocent of this?

- I am innocent, Your Majesty. - There is nothing to be upset about.

You are infamous for indulging in lust with all the women at the taverns and gisaeng houses.

Indulging in lust?

The women liked it too! More so than me!

And don't refer to my love with the women in that way!

Are you saying that you were in love with all of them?

You're truly amazing!

In any case, since you plead innocence, the truth will come to light when we question his concubine.

- Where is the woman now? - I imprisoned her in the storehouse.

Who are you, ruffian?

Ruffian?

That's a bit upsetting.

But then again, when have I ever worn a skirt?

I asked who you were!

I'm not a ruffian.

I'm the person who came to get the goods from the storehouse!

Don't ever come back to Sabi City!

Will I never be able to see the Prince again?

You want to see him?

Yes...

The moment you see the Prince will be the moment you see this sword.

You've already gotten rid of the concubine. How talented you are.

I know nothing of this.

What is your reason for living?

I asked you why you live!

Do you want me to die?

In order to save you, your mother and Mu Jin both died.

So how you can live in this manner?

Do you even know that tomorrow is your mother's death anniversary?

I do.

How can you even lay eyes on your mother's ancestral tablet when you live your life in this manner?

Do not attend the memorial tomorrow.

I will obey your command.

But did I ever ask to be saved?

Mother had to kill herself because you were unable to protect us.

And it was you who sacrificed Mu Jin even when I told you I wouldn't do it.

You ask me why I live?

I live because you won't let me die.

Am I wrong? Then tell me I'm wrong.